Benefactor gives $2.5 million for new regional art museum at SIC
Southeastern Illinois College announced today a $2.5 million donation to fund a new building on the Harrisburg campus, which will include an endowment for operational support.
The Ella Elizabeth Hise Museum of Regional Art is being funded by the largest single-donor gift the college has ever received. It will be devoted to the study and collection of regional art.
Retired Air Force Colonel William C. Hise and the estate of his late twin brother Air Force Brigadier General James C. Hise, who passed away in February of 2016, made the donation. This museum will be named in honor of their sister, Ella Elizabeth Hise, a longtime teacher and art supervisor for Harrisburg public schools.
"This type of philanthropy for education is beyond measure and expectations," SIC President Jonah Rice said. "Mr. Hise has made a contribution not only to our college, but to the entire region we serve."
Board Chairman Pat York said this is a gift that aligns with SIC's mission to be the cultural hub of the area.
"We are proud to be Mr. Hise's stewards of this facility which will be for the public's benefit," York said.
"Dr. Rice has been working with Col. Hise for over a year on this project, and we are all so happy to see this wonderful addition to campus come to fruition," Trustee Jim Ellis said.
Hise began the discussion with Rice in a brief email last summer that grew into significant dialogue and a visit to Washington to meet with Hise and eventually solidify the project.
"This has been a wonderfully rich process, and I feel very connected to it," Rice said. "It's so exciting to see this happen for SIC, our region and especially for Mr. Hise, who has shown great sprit and vision in this dream."
The Ella Elizabeth Hise Museum of Regional Art will have on-site teaching facilities rarely found at state-supported two-year institutions.
"I am most appreciative to the board, and particularly to Dr. Rice, for accepting the donation from me and my late twin brother and for agreeing that it would be named in honor of our sister who served so many years as a teacher and art supervisor in the Harrisburg public schools," Hise said.
This donation is being made at a time when state-funded school construction in Illinois is very limited.
"Not only will it contribute greatly to the cultural heritage of our area, it will further strengthen the unique and distinct educational opportunities offered at Southeastern," said David Port, chairman of the SIC Foundation.
"This is generosity at its finest. Mr. Hise has a heart for this area, for the fine arts, and for his family," Rice added.
The Ella Elizabeth Hise Museum of Regional Art will be on the east side of campus near the south entrance off College Road.
Construction will begin later this year.
Further details about art acquisition and a timetable for completion will be forthcoming.