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Students engage with Great Books under the guidance of exceptional instructors and become part of a passionate learning community. Through their studies, many form lasting connections with peers and faculty, becoming devoted advocates and supporters of the program.

Among these committed supporters are the members of the Basic Program Fund Development Committee, led by alumnus Kevin Russell. With the input from instructors, administrators, and fellow students, this dedicated group has crafted a roadmap to ensure the program’s long-term financial health and academic excellence – the “Securing the Future Fundraising Initiative.” The resulting goal is to raise $5.25 million in endowment funds over four years. 

Gifts to the Basic Program endowment provide a perpetual source of support for the Basic Program, securing its future for generations to come.

Goals of Securing the Future

Income generated from Securing the Future fundraising initiative will strengthen the Basic Program in several critical areas. Specifically, it will:

  1. Fully endow four instructor positions, including health benefits, and provide funding for instructors’ professional and course development activities. 
  2. Expand access to the Basic Program by increasing the number of scholarships provided to learners who otherwise might not be able to participate in our vibrant community. 
  3. Increase in-person classes and experiences by curating educational opportunities beyond the classroom that connect students and instructors.
$4.5 M Current $5.25 M Goal

The Basic Program, which has historically relied on tuition and annual fund support to meet its expenses, operates at a deficit. Through Securing the Future—and particularly by endowing four instructional positions—we will dramatically reduce the deficit, positioning the program for long-term financial stability and success.

For more details, download our comprehensive report on securing the future of the Basic Program: 

Download Report

To learn more about how you can Secure the Future of the Basic Program, contact the Advancement Team at givetograham@uchicago.edu. 

An Invitation to Make a Difference

We invite you to consider a gift as part of your financial and philanthropic planning. This is not just about contributing funds; it’s about making a bold statement of your commitment to education and the values that the Basic Program represents. 

  • Explore Your Options

    Giving can take many forms, including gifts of cash, gifts of securities, IRA qualified chartable distributions, corporate matching, bequests, charitable remainder trusts, and gift annuities. Each option offers unique benefits and allows you to choose the approach that best aligns with your goals. 

  • Be Ambitious

    Your involvement in the Society for Liberal Education is more than an act of charity; it’s an ambitious step towards securing the future of an educational cornerstone. Embrace this opportunity to make a profound and lasting impact. 

If you’d like to learn more about Securing the Future or have questions about how to give, contact the Advancement Team at givetograham@uchicago.edu.

Our wonderful instructors are the backbone of the Basic Program. They are gifted and generous teachers who are committed to our student community of lifelong learners. They share with us their time, knowledge, and love of learning. Along with other students and supporters of the Basic Program, I am working toward ensuring that they will have security as our teachers. If we, as lifelong learners, value what the Basic Program offers us, then we must support our instructors—we owe them our support.

Brae Korin AM‘77, CER‘21 (Basic Program)

I cannot exaggerate the importance of the contribution that the Basic Program has made to the quality and extent of my education. It has been a great privilege to participate in this program, and a pleasure to donate to help make the program accessible to those who would not otherwise be able to take advantage of this opportunity.

Ted Redelmeier CER’24 (Basic Program) 

There are so many of us who want to further the cause and open these dynamic learning opportunities for others. With a scholarship, we help ensure a broad range of perspectives are present in future Basic Program classes.

Alexandra Inzer CER’22 (Basic Program)

Giving Society

The Society for Liberal Education 

Gifts of $5,000 or more in support of the Securing the Future fundraising initiative will be welcomed into The Society for Liberal Education as foundational members. Members of this esteemed group will receive an annual report, as well as invitations to exclusive gatherings with instructors and special guests celebrating the program’s ongoing achievements.

The Champions Member

Gifts of $25,000 or more will be honored as part of the Champions Member and will receive special recognition, including: 

  • Representation on an Honor Roll Plaque
    Commemorating your generous support, to be displayed in a prominent location at the Graham School. 
  • Exclusive Access
    Invitations to intimate gatherings and events with program leaders, faculty, and other major supporters.

The George Anastaplo Society

George Anastaplo, AB’48. JD’51, PhD’64, embodied the passion and dedication of Basic Program instructors. Known by many as the “heart and soul” of the program, he taught for nearly six decades-from 1957 to 2013. His unwavering commitment to free thought earned him many admirers, as well as recognition as the inaugural recipient of the Graham School’s Excellence in Teaching Award and Distinguished Service Award.

In recognition of George and his commitment to the Basic Program, we are proud to introduce The George Anastaplo Society, a special recognition within the Society for Liberal Education for those who wish to leave an enduring mark on the Basic Program. 

Gifts of $100,000 or more will be honored as part of The George Anastaplo Society. Donors at this level will receive special recognition, including:

  • Personalized Stewardship: Personalized annual reports on individual funds. 
  • Legacy Feature: Inclusion in a dedicated section of our annual report and on the Basic Program’s website, celebrating your vital contribution and commitment to sustaining the program’s excellence. 

To learn more about making a gift or The Society for Liberal Education, please contact the Advancement Team at givetograham@uchicago.edu. Together, we can secure the future of the Basic Program and uphold its cherished tradition of intellectual exploration. 

Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a lasting difference.

Basic Program Fund
Development Committee

The Securing the Future initiative was developed by the Basic Program Fund Development Committee, a distinguished committee of Graham School students who believe in the power of liberal education and who seek to sustain and grow the Basic Program for future generations of learners.

Julie Conway

CER’21 (Basic Program), Two-time Graham School Oxford Program Participant

Don Phillips

AM’86, CER’17 (Basic Program), Managing Director, Morningstar

Kevin Russell

CER’16 (Basic Program), Retired Partner, Latham & Watkins

Jim Sulzer

CER’09 (Basic Program), Retired Partner, Sulzer, Shopiro & Patel Ltd.

The Society for Liberal Education Foundational Gift Members

We thank and recognize our generous supporters of the foundational gift phase of Securing the Future of the Basic Program endowment fundraising initiative.

  • Katherine Abbott, MBA’77, CER’22 (Basic Program) and Jerry Szatan, MBA’84 
  • Barbara Andrews AM’98, CER’91 (Basic Program) 
  • Anonymous 
  • Gail Bumgarner CER’23 (Basic Program) 
  • Brian Burrows CER’10 (Basic Program) 
  • Debra Cantrell, CER’10 (Basic Program) and Keith Cantrell 
  • Elizabeth Chandler, AM’72 and James Kenneth Chandler, AM’72, PhD’78 
  • David Collins 
  • David Conder CER’12 (Basic Program) 
  • Julie Conway, CER’21 (Basic Program) 
  • Michelle Cooper and Edwin Riley Cooper, SM’97 
  • Sylvia Fergus, CER’03 (Basic Program) 
  • Martin J. Friedman, CER’20 (Basic Program) and Peggy L. Casey-Friedman 
  • Patricia Larkin Gerber, CER’12 (Basic Program) 
  • Susan CER’20 (Basic Program) and John Gibbons 
  • George Hardin CER’05 (Basic Program) 
  • Bill Higgins CER’25 (Basic Program) 
  • Jeffrey Jaworski CER’24 (Basic Program) 
  • Mary Keefe, CER’23 (Basic Program) and Bob Prado Scales, MLA’12, AM’18 
  • Brae Korin, AM’77, CER’21 (Basic Program) and Norman S. Ryan 
  • Mary Lou Lager, CER’25 (Basic Program) 
  • Roberta Lee, CER’22 (Basic Program) 
  • Jennifer Lind, MLA’22 and Sean Ryan 
  • Jessie CER’00 (Basic Program) and Douglas MacDonald 
  • George CER’17 (Basic Program) and Roberta Mann 
  • Ernst D. Melchior, CER’97 (Basic Program), MLA’09 
  • Don Phillips, AM’86, CER’17 (Basic Program) and Anne Phillips 
  • Brian Renaud 
  • Gerald CER’91 (Basic Program), MLA’96 and Roberta Ritter  
  • Catherine Rudolph CER’01 (Basic Program) 
  • Kevin A. Russell, CER’16 (Basic Program) 
  • Ellen Ryske CER’07 (Basic Program) 
  • Hope R. Sheffield, CER’08 (Basic Program) and Jeffrey T. Sheffield, AB’76 
  • Louanne Smolin CER’24 (Basic Program) and David Eaton 
  • James Sulzer, CER’09 (Basic Program) 
  • Ross Sweeny CER’83 (Basic Program) and Helen Epstein 
  • Virginia C. Tobiason, CER’02 (Basic Program) 
  • Judy and Rick Wallace 
  • Barbara Weisenburger, CER’20 (Basic Program) 
  • James White, CER’04 (Basic Program) and Carol Brady 
  • Lisa Wiggin, CER’12 (Basic Program) and Paul Wiggin
  • David Yamada CER’24 (Basic Program), in memory of Jeffery Yamada
  • Evonne Yonover, MLA’16 and John Yonover 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an endowment?

An endowment is a financial asset, in the form of a donation, where the principal amount is invested and the returns generated from the investment are used to support various activities or operations.

The annual income from the Basic Program Endowment specifically supports critical activities of the Basic Program including: the formation of instructorships which offers career stability and health benefits; funding for instructors’ professional and course development activities; expansion of access to the program through scholarships; and support for in-person activities both in the classroom and beyond.

What is the difference between an annual fund and an endowment?

The Annual Fund provides immediate, flexible support for the Graham School’s current needs and is typically spent within the fiscal year. To learn more about activities supported by annual fund support, visit the Annual Fund page.

The Endowment provides long-term financial stability through invested funds, with investment earnings used to support activities within a fiscal year while preserving the principal.

Both funding mechanisms are important for the financial health and sustainability of the Graham School. Donors can choose to contribute to one or both based on their giving preferences and goals.

Why is an endowment important?

Endowments play a crucial role in providing financial security, enhancing programmatic offerings, supporting talent, and ensuring long-term viability of the areas they support. More specifically:

  • They offer a way for donors to leave a lasting legacy and make a long-term impact.
  • They offer financial stability and sustainability to the areas being funded even during economic downturns, periods of challenge, or period of reduced funding from other sources.
  • They support core activities that are essential in ensuring the academic integrity of programming and instructors.
  • They attract and retain talented instructors which in turn enhances the program’s reputation and ability to deliver high-quality programming and services.
  • They enhance student and community support by making education more accessible and affordable through scholarships and supporting student engagement activities.
How do I give to the endowment?

If you are interested in giving in support of the Basic Program Endowment, please contact the Advancement Team at givetograham@uchicago.edu.

We will partner with you to understand your intentions and to support in documenting any specific preferences you have for your donation, whether it may be contributing to a general endowment fund or creating a named endowment with a more specific purpose (such as funding an instructorship or scholarship). We would be delighted to have a conversation and answer any questions you may have.

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Katia Mitova’s Enduring Legacy in the Basic Program

Graham School students, led by Kevin Russell, recognize the extraordinary contributions of Basic Program instructor Katia Mitova by establishing an endowed instructorship in her honor.

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