For the first time in its 148-year history, Northeastern Illinois University will be renaming its College of Education after Daniel L. Goodwin, chairman and CEO of The Inland Group Real Estate, in recognition of his philanthropic contributions and leadership.
Goodwin, an alumnus of Northeastern Illinois University, donated a $1 million grant and up to $1.5 million for additional matching challenge over the next three years.
According to the university, the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education will be dedicated during a ceremony and fundraising kickoff event in January 2016.
“This is a transformative moment in the University’s history,” Northeastern Illinois University President Sharon Hahs said. “The University is growing to meet the demand for diverse, civic-minded citizens and thought leaders. Mr. Goodwin’s generous commitment will expand our capacity to meet this need.”
Goodwin, a former Chicago public school science teacher, was the first president of the Northeastern student government. He was also the first alumnus to be awarded an honorary doctorate by Northeastern, and the first and only alumnus to serve on the Board of Governors of Illinois State Colleges and Universities. Additionally, Goodwin was also the first chairman of the Northeastern Board of Trustees. He served as chairman for 10 years from 1996 to 2006. He is now also the first person to have a Northeastern college named in his honor.
Goodwin made an initial $1 million grant to the NEIU Foundation in December of 2014. The remainder of the gift comes in the form of the Goodwin Gift Challenge, which launches on January 1, 2016.
In order to inspire other alumni and friends to continue the forward momentum of philanthropic support, Goodwin has issued this challenge: For the next three years, he will encourage others to contribute to the NEIU Foundation by matching gifts up to a total of $500,000 annually. The challenge will culminate in 2018 with the sesquicentennial celebration of the founding of the University. Donors must indicate that they are participating in the Goodwin Gift Challenge in order for their gifts to be counted toward the challenge.
“I am greatly honored that Northeastern Illinois University will name its College of Education after me,” Goodwin said. “This challenge is an opportunity to honor my core values in partnership with a university that has been an important part of my own life and a symbol of hope, success and excellence for families in Chicago and beyond.”
