BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Illinois Wesleyan University announced its largest fund-raising effort ever, and the largest gift in its history, at the kick-off of its $125-million capital campaign.

A $25 million gift made by alumni and Honorary Campaign Chairs Charles B. "Chuck" Ames and Joyce "Jay" Eichhorn Ames was announced by their son, current Illinois Wesleyan Trustee Richard Ames, as alumni and friends gathered to celebrate the public announcement of Transforming Lives: The Campaign for Illinois Wesleyan University on May 13 in Bloomington and May 14 in Chicago. The Ames gift is the largest gift in the history of the University.

"We are extremely fortunate to have alumni like Chuck and Jay Ames, who believe it's important to give something back," said University President Richard F. Wilson. "The Ames gift, along with many others received thus far, is a testament to the impact the University has had on the lives of our alumni and friends and this community."

The campaign is the most ambitious in the history of the Illinois Wesleyan, with a goal of raising $125 million over the five-year campaign period. Nearly 80 percent of the campaign goal will go to support student scholarships, need-based financial aid and faculty and program endowments. In addition, several new building projects will be funded.

According to Wilson, more than $73 million has already been pledged to the Campaign, with the Ames gift as the cornerstone. Nearly half of their $25 million contribution will go toward endowed professorships.

"It's been a pleasure to watch the University grow over the years, and to be part of that," noted Chuck Ames, who said the new gift is an investment in the quality of Illinois Wesleyan. "I think having quality faculty attracts quality students, and vice versa." Both Ames are graduates of Illinois Wesleyan — Jay in 1949 and Chuck in 1950 — and have a tradition of giving to the University. Their previous gifts made possible the construction of The Ames Library and provided endowed scholarships for art students at Illinois Wesleyan's Joyce Eichhorn Ames School of Art.

Campaign co-chairs, Jean Baird '80 and Steve Wannemacher '73, and University officials announced a number of major gifts to the campaign. The Bloomington kick-off event took place in the Memorial Center on campus, which will benefit from a $1 million gift from Roger and Stephany Joslin of Bloomington. Their gift, also announced at the kick-off, will be used to construct the Joslin Atrium, an addition to the Memorial Center that will provide expanded meeting, reception and banquet space at the University's main meeting, conferencing and dining facility.

More information can be found on the Transforming Lives campaign Web site.