Issue link: http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/856195
32 MAJOR GIFTS Wills Student-Athlete Academic Endowment, please click HERE. UIC Chancellor Michael Amiridis and Director of Athletics Jim Schmidt recognized Joseph and Angela Holtzman at the men's basketball game versus Eastern Illinois for their significant planned gift that will benefit both UIC and UIC Athletics. Joe (BS, Accounting, '68) is a Navy Pier alum and both he and Anji (BA, History, '76) graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago Circle. Joe and Anji have been prominent at alumni activities for decades and are enthusiastic Flames fans and loyal season ticket holders for UIC basketball. A generous gift from longtime Flames supporter and alum Bill Merchantz provided critical enhancements and resources to benefit the competitive and academic success of the UIC men's basketball program, including facility improvements for the team's locker room, film study, and laundry areas, as well as additional tutors and academic computers. Merchantz (BS, Business Administration, '79) was the first scholarship athlete (men's basketball) at the University of Illinois Circle Campus and is a member of the UIC Athletics Hall of Fame. A loyal season ticket holder for men's basketball, Merchantz also currently serves as Chair of the UIC Athletics Development Board. Former UIC Faculty Athletics Representative Dr. Sylvia Furner made a significant gift to honor the career of Senior Associate Athletic Director Denny Wills and to provide academic support for the Flames student- athletes. Funds from the gift were used to purchase an electronic message board for the Port Academic Center and to establish the Denny Wills Student-Athlete Academic Endowment. During nearly two decades as FAR, Dr. Furner was a tireless advocate for UIC student-athletes, both throughout the university, the conference, and the NCAA. Furner loyally attends most men's and women's basketball games and is an enthusiastic fan of all of the UIC sport programs. Wills, who retired this year after 30 years of service to UIC Athletics, held positions ranging from assistant basketball coach to leading the department's academic assistance and compliance programs. Funds generated by the endowment in Wills' honor will provide annual support related to the academic development of student-athletes at the University of Illinois at Chicago. To make a donation to the Denny