Panther Club Annual Fund

Every student-athlete who chooses Eastern Illinois University arrives with a dream. For some, that dream is winning championships. For others, it is earning a degree, becoming the first in their family to graduate, preparing for a successful career, or discovering the confidence and leadership that college athletics makes possible. Whatever their journey, every Panther deserves the opportunity to pursue their potential both in competition and in the classroom.

That belief is the foundation of the Panther Club.  The 2026-27 Annual Fund Campaign: FOREVER BLUE, FOREVER EIU is an invitation for alumni, parents, fans, and friends to invest in the lives of more than 430 Eastern Illinois student-athletes and the experiences that will shape them for years to come.

Donor support helps fund:
* scholarships
* academic services
* nutrition
* sports medicine
* leadership development
* championship opportunities, and
* countless everyday needs that allow Panthers to thrive while proudly representing Eastern Illinois University.

The results of your generosity can be seen throughout EIU Athletics (see the Panther Club Annual Report - link below). During the past year, Panther teams celebrated conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances while student-athletes continued to excel academically and serve their communities. Nearly 200 Panthers earned Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner's Honor Roll recognition, 93 achieved perfect 4.0 grade point averages, the athletic department team average GPA was 3.35, and thousands of community service hours reflected the department's commitment to making a difference far beyond the playing field.



Panther Club Annual Fund Report  (click to review)

As the landscape of collegiate athletics continues to evolve, the role of the Panther Club has never been more important. Annual Fund support provides opportunities that extend well beyond game day, helping Eastern Illinois recruit, develop, and support outstanding young men and women while preparing them for meaningful lives after graduation.

Every gift regardless of size is an investment in a student's future. Every scholarship awarded, every academic achievement celebrated, every championship pursued, and every life changed begins with someone who believes in the promise of a Panther.

FOREVER BLUE, FOREVER EIU is a commitment to the student-athletes who proudly wear Panther Blue today, to the generations of leaders who will follow, and to the alumni and supporters whose generosity continues to make those opportunities possible.

Join the Panther Club, or renew your commitment today, and become part of a tradition that continues to change lives. Because every student-athlete is worth the investment.

If you have any questions on how you can support EIU student-athletes, contact Amber May, Associate Director of Development at ammay@eiu.edu.

FOREVER BLUE.  FOREVER EIU.
Thank you!