Honoring a remarkable leader and celebrating her legacy

The University of Illinois community is deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved UIAA President, Jennifer Dillavou. Jen was a shining example of leadership, dedication, and passion for the University of Illinois and its alumni. In her memory, we have established the Jennifer Dillavou Memorial Fund to continue her legacy and support the University she held dear.

Jen joined the UIAA as its president in 2017, but her connections to this university – and to this entire community – began long before. She grew up in Champaign and earned her undergraduate degree from the College of Education in 1982. And she began a career in higher education at the University of Illinois Foundation. While Jen’s career led her on a journey that included leadership roles at Indiana University, Georgia State, Carnegie Mellon and Ohio University, anyone who knew Jen will tell you it was only a matter of time until her heart was going to bring her home to Illinois.

As the first woman to serve as the permanent president of the UIAA, Jen was breaking new ground from the moment she returned. Jen was a tireless advocate for our university’s missions. No single individual took a greater joy in watching the new class of graduates who joined the global alumni family each May than her.

In honor of Jen’s unwavering commitment to our university and her love for the students and alumni, the Jennifer Dillavou Memorial Fund has been established. Your contribution will help to carry on Jen’s vision for a strong alumni community and her dedication to supporting the next generation of University of Illinois graduates. Flowers in memory of Jen can be sent to the Alice Campbell Alumni Center.

All gifts to the University of Illinois Alumni Association are tax-deductible as allowed by law.