Mission of the Panther Club
The Panther Club is a people oriented organization which aids the intercollegiate athletics program at Eastern Illinois University. This group of individuals has a genuine interest in the welfare of EIU student-athletes’ academic and athletic success.
The Panther Club is community involvement for some people; for others, it is a business involvement; and still for others it is simply an interest in funding a comprehensive athletic program which benefits not only the student-athletes at Eastern Illinois University, but also brings recognition and a feeling of pride to the entire region of east central Illinois. It all starts with people who are interested in helping young people succeed.
Through your generous support, student-athletes at EIU are given an opportunity to excel in each arena of their lives. Everyone associated with Eastern Illinois University realizes that a successful program is not possible without Panther Club support.
Panther Club Structure
The Panther Club has been the fundraising arm of Eastern Illinois University Athletics since 1981. Membership includes three levels of involvement: former student-athlete membership (The EI Club), annual giving (The LAIR Fund), and major gifts (The Legacy Fund).
The EI Club
The EI Club is the foundation of Panther Club membership. It is composed of former student-athletes and current and former coaches and administrators. All qualified individuals are encouraged to support the tradition they helped build by donating a minimum of $50. The EI Club provides financial support annually for sport reunions, senior gifts, and the Hall of Fame Banquet. In the spirit of camaraderie the EI Club is dedicated to upholding the long tradition of athletic and academic excellence at Eastern Illinois University. The EI Club serves its membership by enhancing relationships and keeping former student-athletes connected with their alma mater.
The LAIR Fund
"LAIR" represents the four core principles of EIU Athletics: Leadership, Achievement, Integrity, and Responsibility.
The LAIR Fund, the lifeblood of Eastern Illinois Athletics, provides annual funding for scholarships, academic support services, and leadership programs that provide Eastern Illinois University’s more than 430 student-athletes with the resources they need to become well rounded individuals, compete at the NCAA Division I level, and engage in a lifelong pursuit of learning.
Investing in the future of Panther student-athletes through annual contributions to the LAIR Fund represent your commitment to Eastern Illinois Athletics as alumni, fans, and generous supporters. The financial gifts you provide ultimately transform young adults into future leaders, provide resources for student-athletes to achieve their potential in the classroom, allow student-athletes to develop integrity through personal and professional challenges, and provide student-athletes with opportunities to become responsible representatives of Eastern Illinois University.
Your generous donations to the LAIR Fund make a lasting impact on the lives of all of our student-athletes. Eastern Illinois University's Department of Athletics is proud to highlight some of the many success stories in a promotional campaign,
Result of the LAIR Fund.
The Legacy Fund
Major gifts are the fuel that drives EIU Athletics. The Legacy Fund exists to coordinate and administer major gifts over $10,000 to the athletics department. These gifts are graciously accepted and provide funding for several aspects of men’s and women’s programs from endowing student-athlete scholarships to helping fund much needed facility improvements.
Give to a great cause. All donations to the Panther Club LAIR Fund are tax deductible and support Eastern Illinois University’s 460 student-athletes. Renew your annual membership or join Team 2010 today by following this link or by calling 217-581-2310. Change Lives. Give Generously. Join Team 2010!