One person can make a difference.

In 1975, a retired elementary school teacher from Peru proved it.

Helen Taylor's lifelong belief that higher education can have a profound impact on an individual's life led her to make the $100,000 bequest that created the Illinois Valley Community College Foundation.

Taylor's generosity inspired other philanthropists such as Rhea Mae and J. Murray Crowder, Watson Bartlett and Nora & Mennow P. Smith, each of whom contributed over $100,000.

Their philanthropy has enabled hundreds of students to attend IVCC and recognition of their generosity is ongoing. Their legacies will live on because they cared enough to make a difference.

The Foundation recognizes the many generous donors who have made it the strong institution it is today for student scholarships as well as college support.

$500,000 and above
Louis J. Ponti

$250,000 and above
Edward & Elizabeth DeZwarte
Nora & Mennow P. Smith

$100,000 and above
Watson P. Bartlett
J. Murray Crowder
Helen Taylor
Marie R. Wagner

$50,000 and above
Lester A. Klinefelter
William Strong

$25,000 and above
Loretta Byerly
Norbert J. Dudek
Richard & Carol Janko
Peter Pacetti
Lucille M. & Ethel A. Rottner
Joseph Segaert
William & Dian Taylor
Marie Washkowiak

$20,000 and above
Illinois Society of Professional Engineers
Jasiek Family
W. Thomas & Lorena Robinson
Honorable Howard C. Ryan
Spetzler Family
Malcolm Whipple

$10,000 and above
Hazel Marie & W. Durley Boyle
Kathy Dobovsky
Scott Duguid & Scott Muhich
Bob Fisher Jr. Family
Dr. Jean & Steve Goodnow
Debbie Hansen-Cleary Family
Herbolsheimer Family
IVCC Criminal Justice Association
Joyce Lechner
Michael Mallick
Frances Rabenstein
Frederick Rabenstein
Ted Sawicki Family
Robert Strong
Chuck Taliani Family & friends
Tri-City Recreational Association
R. Earl & Florence Trobaugh
Dr. Alfred Wisgoski

$5,000 and above
American Legion Post #426
Blood, Sweat and Gears Car Club
Ola Louis Blouke
Ralph & Barbara Bowermaster
Cingular Wireless
Louis & Minnie Faletti
Illinois Valley Women's Club
Giacomo R. Leone
Joseph & Helen Marchesi
Marseilles Masonic Lodge #417
Korter Moran
Tom & Mary Motl
Richard Publow Family & friends
Illinois Power
C. Stephen Rhoades Family & friends
Dr. Lori Scroggs
Barbara St. Arnold
John Strell, Jr.
Judy Wilcox

$2,000 and above
John N. Barron
Larry & Barb Bianchi
Senator Gary Dahl
Gerald Giordano
Elma Hiltabrand
Illinois Valley Community Hospital Auxiliary
Dr. Henry Jacobs
Lance Korter
Samuel B. McCartney
Harry Pappas
George Robinson
Henry & Hazel Roda
Suzanne Su
Star Uniform
Marilyn Wagner
Harry L. Wilmot Family

$1,000 and above
Donna Jo Adrian Family
Frank & Marion Costello
John W. Graham
Sophia E. Holt
Hoover Mfg. Company
Illini State Bank
Illinois Valley Network User's Association
IVCC Fitness Center
Edward Ivlow
LaSalle Rotary Club
L-P Kiwanis Club
Mr. & Mrs. Joe Marchiori
Dr. E. Glenn Marshall Family
Peru Rotary Club
Joe & Rhonda Zeman

$500 and above
Patrick Brester
1st Farm Credit Services
David & Tara Hoover
Illinois Valley Junior Women's Club
LaSalle News Tribune
Marseilles Bank
Peru Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #137
Jim Ricci
Rosie Ricci
Anthony & Leslie Ruda
Richard Sarles
John Scott
Neal & Julie Sherbeyn
Sunrise Rotary of Ottawa
Utica Garden Club
Frank L. Vela Family
Zonta Club of Streator