Gifts in Action - Charles and Kathleen Hoogland

MEET THE HOOGLANDS

Although Charles and Kathleen Hoogland aren’t alumni of the University of Illinois at Springfield, they’re among its strongest and most generous supporters.

The Hooglands, successful owners of Springfield-based Family Video, the country’s largest privately owned video retail chain, have a history of generous giving to UIS, including their support of the Sangamon Auditorium.

WHY THEY GIVE

Charles Hoogland is eager to support the growth of both UIS and the town of Springfield. He says, “Anything that helps the school grow will help the city grow, and anything that helps the city grow will help the school grow.”

HOW THEY GIVE

The Hoogland Family Foundation recently made a significant and well-timed gift supporting the construction of UIS’ impressive new recreation and fitness center.

The 57,513 square foot, state-of-the-art recreation facility will include a 3,000-seat gymnasium, several game courts, a running track and fitness rooms.

The new center is expected to help increase UIS’ already growing student population and will be the first permanent building constructed on the campus with the primary focus on student life.

“I just thought it would be great to have a good facility for the students to relax and exercise,” said Hoogland, who decided to make the gift after touring the campus and hearing about student support for the project. “I think it’s a good thing to have on any campus.”

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“Private support is critical to development of the facility,” said Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, L. Christopher Miller. And while important donations have already been received, “additional support is needed to not only allow us to fully meet the original building concepts, but also to lessen the student fee burden on completion of the facility.”