IWU Parent and Family Council
Here at IWU, parents make a difference. The Illinois Wesleyan University Parent and Family Council is one of many examples of the positive impact parents have in the IWU community.
The IWU Parent and Family Council is a volunteer group that more deeply connects parents and family members with IWU leadership to collectively enhance the student experience.
Council members serve as Illinois Wesleyan partners, advocates, and investors. The time, expertise, and philanthropic support of council members directly benefits current and future generations of Titans and furthers IWU’s vision to better serve every student every day.
Essential Responsibilities
As a member of the IWU Parent and Family Council, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Represent student and family interests in open dialogue with IWU administrators, staff, and faculty.
- Gain an insider’s perspective of the University through interactions with IWU leaders during Parent and Family Council meetings (two meetings per academic year held in-person and virtually).
- Contribute each year to demonstrate your commitment to excellence at Illinois Wesleyan (suggested annual gift of $1,000, all gifts welcome).
- Promote IWU within your circles of influence and support outreach efforts among other Illinois Wesleyan families.
- Receive exclusive invitations to special events and volunteer opportunities in your community or on campus.
- Be recognized as a council member on the IWU website and other print and digital publications.
Committee Opportunities
For those looking to further deepen their involvement with the University, council members can choose to serve on one of three Parent and Family Council subcommittees:
Members of the Career Committee will partner with our Hart Career Center to help current IWU students with career preparation and guidance.
Members of this committee may volunteer to:
- Participate on a career panel
- Host mock interviews
- Offer mentorship, job shadow, or networking opportunities with your employer
- Provide additional internship and employment opportunities for current students and young alumni.
Members of the Connect Committee will partner with our Office of Admissions to help welcome new and incoming families to IWU and connect existing IWU families.
Members of this committee may volunteer to:
- Make calls and send handwritten notes to prospective students and their families
- Conduct check-in with first year parents
- Invite new, incoming, and current families to participate in local and campus events
Members of the Contribute Committee will partner with the Office of Advancement to serve as philanthropic leaders among our parent community and help increase parent giving in both participation numbers and dollars raised.
Members of this committee may volunteer to:
- Solicit parent gifts during IWU fundraising appeals by making phone calls, sending emails, and posting on social media
- Educate current IWU students and parents on the importance of philanthropy
- Send thank you messages to parent and family donors
Contact Us
To get involved with the IWU Parent and Family Council, please contact The Office of Advancement at Illinois Wesleyan University. We look forward to working with you!
Val Hawkins - Assistant Vice President for Advancement - Operations and Engagement
Department - Advancement Office