Your donation makes a difference. Thank you for your support!

LER is consistently recognized as one of the top employment relations programs in the world. We strive to enhance our students’ education and support the leading research generated by our faculty. Your generosity enables us to excel.

Your generosity helps us to fund student scholarships, enhance the student experience, upgrade technology and support faculty. No matter the need, your dedication makes a powerful impact on the School. There has never been a more critical time for the School of Labor and Employment Relations to ask you, our alumni and friends, for your partnership and support.

We invite you to continue your support of the program. Gifts may be submitted online (below) or by contacting Cory Hatfield. Our top fundraising priorities are listed below. To locate other funds available at School, please visit the UI Foundation’s Giving Portal.

Thank you for considering a gift to the School of Labor and Employment Relations. Gifts of every size are appreciated and will make a difference in the lives of current and future students.

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As alumni, you may have benefited from family scholarships, corporate scholarships or fellowships when you were students. Many graduates simply want to ensure that the LER experience remains affordable and accessible to future candidates.

We understand that the motivation for giving is varied and personal. We will work with you to ensure that your giving priorities are recognized and matched to meet the most pressing needs of the School. Learn more about the various opportunities for giving below:

LER Annual Fund 

The LER Annual Fund is the School’s unrestricted fund that supports a variety of initiatives. With your support, LER will continue to distinguish ourselves as a premier labor and employment relations program. Gifts to LER Annual Fund bolster student scholarships, allow LER to recruit top students to the program, and bring countless speakers to share their real-world experiences with current students.

LER Student Emergency Fund

This fund provides financial support to current LER students who are in need of emergency financial support to assist with costs arising due to crises situations or unforeseen circumstances. It was established during the COVID-19 Pandemic by LER staff, faculty and alumni, and has evolved to serve a variety of current needs.

Scholarship Support

Scholarship support is welcome at all levels of giving – annual cash gifts, multi-year pledges, or major gifts. Last year, the School awarded 46 student scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to a full tuition coverage with stipend. Our scholarships range from LER’s general scholarship funds, personal/family endowments and corporate scholarships, driven by our corporate partners.

LER Scholars

The LER Scholars scholarship endowment is a “Dean Awarded” scholarship for students based on merit. Alumni gifts keep supporting the endowment, increasing the award each year.

Spirit of LER

The Spirit of LER scholarship endowment is another general scholarship that is awarded to LER students who act as program ambassadors, involvement with social groups and activities, and is a resource for other students. This endowment continues to grow.

If you have any questions or would like more information about any of our fundraising initiatives, please email Cory Hatfield or call (217)300-2056.

To learn more about corporate giving, see employer partnership opportunities.