Gifts in Action - Dorothy DiIorio

MEET DOROTHY DiIORIO

She may have graduated from the University of Illinois nearly 50 years ago, but Dorothy DiIorio is making a big impact on our students of today.

DiIorio has a long and meaningful history with the University. A 1949 graduate from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS), she enjoyed a 34-year career with the University of Illinois Alumni Association, serving as director of the Chicago campus’ office for 27 years. Even post-retirement, she remained a key member of the LAS Alumni Board.

WHY SHE GIVES

“I wanted to do something special for the Library, which serves all students regardless of college or major,” says the devoted advocate of the University’s Illinois History and Lincoln Collections Library.

HOW SHE GIVES

DiIorio has made a generous gift enabling the Library to buy The Historical Chicago Defender, a digital facsimile of one of the most influential American newspapers of the 20th century.

The Defender is a premier source concerning African-American history and the struggle against racial injustice. It is an indispensable resource for the study of U.S. social history from the years leading up to World War I through the height of the Civil Rights Movement.

The loyal alumna also offers ongoing support of the Library’s collections. In 2003, she donated Recollections of James Carmichael, a facsimile of a 175-page journal penned by her grandfather, James Carmichael (1849-1934).

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“The Historical Chicago Defender revolutionizes access to this key resource,” explains Mary Stuart, head of the History, Philosophy, and Newspaper Library. “Nothing makes me happier than to see students get excited about using primary sources. The Defender has become the point of entry into historical research for countless students.

“In a few short months, this gift has already had a major impact on many lives.”