Mannie Jackson Gift to Provide Academic Support
Fighting Illini legend Mannie Jackson and his wife of 30 years, Cathy, along with their daughters
Cassie and Candace, have made a gift of $2 million to create the Mannie L. Jackson Illinois Academic
Enrichment and Leadership Program in the College of Applied Health Sciences on the Urbana-Champaign campus.
"With the help and support of the Mannie L. Jackson Illinois Academic Enrichment and Leadership Program,
I know I can achieve my vision and other goals that I set for myself in the future. Thank you, Mr. Jackson,
for believing in the vision and goals of this program."
--Jennerette Smith, freshman, Recreation,
Sport, and Tourism
The program provides first-generation students and those from under-represented groups with mentorship, academic skill development, career leadership training, and one-on-one support. It is designed to be individualized, comprehensive and academically integrated within the students' programs of study to help ensure completion of their degrees and the acquisition of skills for lifelong success.
Freshmen will enroll in a specially designed course to prepare them for their remaining academic experience at Illinois. Student Outreach Specialists (Academic Coaches) will provide expertise in critical skills such as resume writing, time management, business etiquette, and campus and community networking. As students progress, they will have access to leadership and professional development workshops provided at no charge. A key component of this new program is its commitment to building a model program for students throughout the University of Illinois campus.
Mannie Jackson is a 1960 graduate of the University of Illinois, has served on the board of directors of six Fortune 500 companies, and is currently chairman of Boxcar Financial Holdings of Las Vegas. A former player for the Harlem Globetrotters, he has been the owner and chairman of the team since 1993. With standout Govoner Vaughn, Jackson was one of the first two African-Americans to earn a varsity letter for the Illini basketball team and the first African-American team captain. A plaque in the Assembly Hall honoring their achievements was dedicated before the University of Illinois basketball game on February 2, 2008, along with the public announcement of the Mannie L. Jackson Illinois Academic Enrichment and Leadership Program.
"It is a privilege to name this program in honor of Mannie Jackson, who serves as a wonderful role model of what this program is designed to accomplish," said Tanya Gallagher, dean of the College of Applied Health Sciences. "It is our goal for the Mannie L. Jackson Illinois Academic Enrichment and Leadership Program to serve not only as a campus resource but also as a state and national model for ensuring that all students who have the interest and ability to earn a college degree can do so."
