In last month’s newsletter, we shared that a major IMSA announcement was on the horizon, one that would mark an important moment for the future of the Academy and the student residential experience. That moment has finally arrived!
IMSA has officially launched the public phase of Where Curiosity Lives: A Campaign to Reinvent Residence Life.
As part of the broader IMSA Vision 2033 framework, this campaign represents one of the most important philanthropic priorities of the IMSA Fund. At its heart is a necessary goal, to create the next generation of residential life at IMSA.
A 2023 facilities assessment confirmed that IMSA’s seven residence halls must be replaced by 2033. The decision to replace these buildings is not a choice. It is necessary for IMSA to maintain its identity as a residential academy.
This presents a unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine residence life. To build up our community, to foster curiosity, connection, and care, and to meet the evolving needs of our students in creative new ways. A philanthropic campaign is essential to achieve this vision.
While the State of Illinois has made a transformational commitment to support the “beds and baths” infrastructure needed for new residential halls, philanthropy will play a critical role in ensuring that IMSA is caring for the whole student, meeting all of their needs beyond just academics and livable spaces.
Over the past two years, IMSA has shaped a residential life vision built around three essential themes: Care, Connection, and Curiosity. These themes reflect what residence life at IMSA should make possible: a place where students are known and supported, where friendships and belonging can flourish, and where curiosity continues beyond the classroom into the everyday life of the Academy.
To help bring this vision to life, IMSA set an initial philanthropic goal of $15 million to fund a community-building student center that will help reinvent residential life. Thanks to generous grassroots and private support, the IMSA Fund has already raised approximately $8.6 million toward this $15 million goal.
That early momentum helped demonstrate the commitment of the IMSA community to this vital project. It also helped position the Academy for a historic achievement: this year, the State of Illinois has allocated $110 million toward the beds and baths infrastructure needed for IMSA’s future residence halls. In addition to a previous $15 million allocation, the State of Illinois has contributed a total of $125 million to secure the future of residential life at IMSA.
This is a tremendous accomplishment for the Academy and a powerful affirmation of IMSA’s importance to the future of education, innovation, and talent development in Illinois.
Now, with the public launch of Where Curiosity Lives, IMSA is inviting the entire community to help complete this philanthropic vision.
Gifts to this campaign will support the community spaces, gathering areas, student-centered environments, and programmatic opportunities that turn buildings into places of belonging, discovery, and growth. These are the spaces that will help students connect with one another, learn how to live in community, and experience IMSA not only as a school, but as a home.
Learn more about Where Curiosity Lives: A Campaign to Reinvent Residence Life here.
Make a gift directly in support of this effort, or to become a fundraiser yourself today!
IMSA’s future residence halls will be built through a powerful partnership between the State of Illinois and the IMSA community. With public support now secured for the essential infrastructure, this is our opportunity to fully fund the community-building spaces that will define the student experience for generations to come.
Together, we can help ensure that the next era of residence life at IMSA is built around Care, Connection, and Curiosity, and that every student has a place to belong, grow, and thrive.