University News

Case Endowment Supports Writers-In-Residence Program

April 10, 2001

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A $450,000 gift to the Western Illinois University Foundation from the late Fred E. Case in honor of his wife Lola Austin Case will be used to bring visiting writers to the campus of WIU.

Prior to the Cases’ gift, national writers were only able to visit WIU for two- or three-day residencies. According to College of Arts and Sciences Dean Phyllis Farley Rippey, the endowed fund for extended residencies for visiting writers will offer greater opportunities for more interaction between students and established writers. The gift will also enable WIU to enhance the environment in which budding writers can flourish, she added.

"The Fred Ewing Case and Lola Austin Case Visiting Writers-in-Residence Professorship is an extraordinary gift to the department of English and journalism and its programs," Rippey said. "The gift is an endorsement of an already wonderful program and will bring an infusion of stellar writing talent into the department on a regular basis."

The late Lola Austin Case earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Western in 1942. Her professional career included teaching assignments in Neponset, Montrose, CO, Indiana University, Los Angeles Metropolitan College, the University of California and San Fernando Valley State University. Fred Case was a professor emeritus of the graduate school of management at the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Case was one of America’s leading real estate experts and the author of over 18 books, 31 monographs, 106 articles in professional journals and over 80 other reports and reviews. His insights on national and regional real estate markets benefited financial institutions; local, state and federal governments; universities and real estate companies.

"Western Illinois University had a positive, lasting impact on the life of Lola Austin Case and this endowment is a wonderful testament to two outstanding and dedicated higher education professionals," said Larry Mortier, vice president for advancement and public services at WIU. "We are grateful to Dr. Case for creating this unique endowment and the opportunities it presents for our students."

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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