Personal Giving Stories

ALUMNUS HONORS WIFE AND ENDOWS HIS LEGACY

When Scott Fisher received his second degree from the U of I in 1976 (M.S. Computer Science, B.S. ’72), inflation was rampant and job prospects were dim. However, he and most of his fellow graduates had interviews with the major computer and electronics corporations. “I asked one recruiter why they came to the cornfields of Champaign,” Scott recalls, “and she said, ‘Our relationship with Illinois is critical and we get great employees from here.’ ”

To acknowledge the critical role Illinois has played in his life, a seven-figure estate gift will establish the Scott H. and Bonita J. Fisher Endowment, which honors his late wife Bonnie, who passed away in 2013. The Fisher fund will endow professorships in both Computer Science and Mathematics, as well as provide support for the University’s main library and the Grainger Engineering Library.

“I can remember my professors challenging and inspiring us to be our best. They were truly exceptional,” Scott recalls. “Computer Science and Math at Illinois are world-renowned programs and our Library is an unparalleled resource, so Bonnie and I felt strongly about supporting those areas.”

Now his gift will help ensure the same level of inspiration and teaching excellence for future generations. By using language in his trust provided by the U of I Foundation—coordinated with a U of I fund agreement laying out the uses of his gift—he can rest assured that his legacy of determination, excellence and achievement is secure.

Scott now lives in Minneapolis and works for Ecolab. “I manage a great group of people who develop applications for research and development and for our business. To this day, my U of I experience helps me provide an exciting and productive environment,” he concludes. 

The U of I Foundation gift planning staff is pleased to answer your questions and offer assistance at any time. Please contact the Foundation to learn more.