Greg Dobbins (MA, ’73, mathematics) fondly recalls his time studying at the University of Illinois. His memories have led him to support the future of mathematics and other disciplines on campus.

Dobbins has pledged $1 million to the Altgeld and Illini Hall Project. His gift is intended to help restore the Altgeld library lobby and former glass dome, a stunning feature which was removed in the early 1940s for safety reasons.

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Dobbins attended the University of Notre Dame to earn an undergraduate degree in mathematics. While he was there, the math department head recommended that he apply to the University of Illinois for graduate studies. Dobbins was accepted at Illinois in 1971 and received a teaching assistantship.

“I fell in love with the Illinois campus almost immediately,” Dobbins recalled. “I had a room in Sherman Hall, which was just a short walk to my office in Illini Hall.  I attended classes in Altgeld Hall, just across Wright Street.  I also took many meals in the Illini Union.”

Originally published 2024-10-22 | Read full story here.