Donations up at U of I

CHAMPAIGN -- Despite the apparent chaos in the financial markets, authorities say donations are up at the University of Illinois.

Walter Knorr, the university's chief financial officer and treasurer of the University of Illinois Foundation says almost $214 million was given to the University and the foundation for the fiscal year ending June 30.

Total private giving rose 12 percent from 2007 and giving among alumni and friends of the university increased by more than 15 percent, or nearly $13 million from 2007.

The university is in the midst of its largest fundraising campaign ever. The campaign, called Brilliant Futures, was launched in the summer of 2007 and has a target of $2.25 billion.