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The competition was put together by WIU Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations Amy Spelman and Northern Illinois University Foundation Executive Director of Operations and Alumni Relations Reggie Bustinza.
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More Than $20,000 Raised for WIU Scholarships through Goodest Boy Competition

September 6, 2024

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MACOMB, IL - - Leatherneck Nation came out in full force to support Western Illinois University's live mascot Col. Rock "Ray" IV in the inaugural "Goodest Boy in Illinois" competition. The competition, a brain child of WIU Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations Amy Spelman and Northern Illinois University Foundation Executive Director of Operations and Alumni Relations Reggie Bustinza, aimed to raise funds for scholarship support at both institutions and engage both schools' alumni bases in advance of the Aug. 31 WIU vs. NIU football game.

After the fierce two-week fundraising challenge, the WIU Foundation reported an impressive $20,431 raised for student scholarships. This grassroots effort engaged 577 individual donors, a 365% higher turnout in number of donors compared to the competition. Impressively, Leatherneck fans provided financial support from every corner of the country. The generosity extended beyond the United States borders, with gifts coming in from Canada and Australia.

"We are thrilled with the support Ray and our students received from WIU alumni and friends," Vice President for Advancement, Alumni Relations and Athletics Clare Thompson said. "I am particularly excited about the number of first-time donors who turned out for this competition."

According to donor data, 8% of WIU's participants made their first-ever gift to the WIU Foundation during the competition. 73% of donors identified as WIU alumni and 19% of donors reported they are current WIU faculty or staff.

The reach and enthusiasm for this fundraising competition were extended thanks to several matching gift challenges. Additional funds were unlocked throughout the week as the U.S. map was covered and as the total donor count increased.

"In total, nearly $50,000 was raised between the two institutions and the real winners are our students," Thompson said. "Congratulations to Ray and Mission III on a great competition and my thanks to everyone who supported this initiative and participated in this incredibly fun week."

While this specific fundraiser has concluded, it's not too late to support WIU students through scholarship funding. Those interested can make donations at wiu.edu/give.

Posted By: Drew Donahoo (AM-Donahoo@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing