Foundation Awards
Outstanding Philanthropist
Since its inception in 1953, the Eastern Illinois University Foundation has been dependent upon the generosity of its members and volunteers to fulfill its mission of supporting the university. And, since 1993, the foundation has formally presented the Outstanding Philanthropist Award. In 1997, this award was renamed the Burnham and Nancy Neal Philanthropy Award in appreciation of the Neals' leadership, support, and dedication to Eastern and the foundation.
The award is given to individuals and organizations who have demonstrated a sincere dedication and commitment to the financial, academic, and cultural well-being of EIU. The critical support and sustaining financial commitments provided by these distinguished philanthropists are essential to the future of the university and the students it serves.
2024 Recipients
Tim and Vickie Burke
Tim and Vickie Burke
Tim and Vickie Burke’s story began at Eastern Illinois University in the fall of 1969, when they met during Vickie’s freshman orientation at Lincoln, Stevenson, and Powell-Norton Halls (formerly Douglas Hall). Their years at Eastern extended through 1975, with each earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees, laying the foundation for a lifelong partnership rooted in service and leadership.
Following graduation, Tim remained on campus as a Residence Hall Counselor, while Vickie began her career in education as a fourth-grade teacher in Neoga. In 1975, they moved to Evanston, Illinois, where Tim launched his career with Arthur Andersen and the couple began raising their family. Over the years, their three daughters have made Evanston their own, establishing careers and families that now include five grandsons—and even three “grand dogs.”
Vickie became deeply involved in the Evanston nonprofit community. She held long-standing leadership roles at the McGaw YMCA, where she developed programs, taught, and later served a decade on the Board of Directors, including two years as Chair. She also served as President of the Woman’s Club of Evanston (WCE), co-chairing its first capital campaign. The WCE, now 135 years old, continues its mission of community service and philanthropy, with Vickie’s leadership and contributions reflecting that focus. She has also supported many other Evanston nonprofit organizations through board and committee service and fundraising efforts. Tim, meanwhile, built his career in finance, spending 22 years at Arthur Andersen before becoming partner and Chief Financial Officer at William Blair, a Chicago-based investment bank, where he worked until his retirement in 2017. He has also served on the boards of Health Care Service Corporation (Blue Cross Blue Shield) and the Mather Organization, where he remains a board member.
Their ties to Eastern Illinois University remained strong. When Louis Hencken was appointed President of EIU in 2001, Tim and Vickie renewed their connection to their alma mater in meaningful ways. Tim contributed as a member of the Accounting Advisory Board, the EIU Foundation Board, and ultimately the EIU Board of Trustees. Vickie played a key role on the steering committee for the Expect Greatness campaign, a comprehensive EIU fundraising effort designed to strengthen academic programs, scholarships, and campus initiatives. Together, they honored the influence of President Hencken and the residence hall community by endowing the Louis V. Hencken Housing Services Scholarship Fund.
Their commitment to students extends beyond campus. Through their support of the Evanston Scholars program at Evanston Township High School, they have helped local students pursue an education at Eastern. Their involvement also connected them with Dr. Michael Gillespie’s research on food insecurity, leading to their continued support of the EIU Campus Food Pantry.
For their long-standing support of both their community and their alma mater, and for their ongoing efforts to strengthen opportunities for EIU students, Tim and Vickie Burke are recognized with the Eastern Illinois University Philanthropy Award.
