FAQ

What is the Foundation’s mission?

To preserve and continue the history and legacy of MacMurray College. Its Board of Directors established four primary purposes of the Foundation:

  • Provide scholarships for students to attend universities and colleges as well as grants to organizations to support the legacy of MacMurray College’s programs and history;
  • Engage MacMurray College alumni in ways to foster their continuing commitment to the College’s legacy and the Foundation’s purposes;
  • Provide support for Jacksonville-based museums or similar organizations that allow public access to exhibits and displays of MacMurray College memorabilia, artifacts and archives designed to explain the College’s history and legacy; and
  • Engage in activities and fundraising to preserve the history and legacy of MacMurray College.

How will the Foundation use donations? Is there a formal accounting system and tax-reporting?

The majority of funds go to our Mission of providing scholarships, keeping up the MacMurray Collection and supporting the historical museum display. We also are continuing Alumni activities and expanding our communications with alumni. The Foundation utilizes the services of an outside accountant to ensure funds are used appropriately and as directed. The accountant and our legal representative also prepare and file all necessary tax-documents and annual forms required by the Internal Revenue Service and State of Illinois.

When will Foundation scholarships be available? How does one apply?

A committee of the Foundation is focused on scholarships, determining the types and amounts of scholarships, reviewing applications and recommending awardees to the Board of Directors. Scholarship applications generally are open by January 1 each year for the following school year. More details and the Application Form can be found on the Scholarship section of this website.

What’s the Foundation’s relationship to the former MacMurray College? Did it receive MacMurray College funds?

MacMurray Foundation & Alumni Association is a separate organization — not a successor organization to the college. The Foundation is its own legal non-profit entity in the State of Illinois and to the Internal Revenue Service.

MacMurray College did not provide any funds for the Foundation. Alumni Association-raised funds controlled by the Alumni Board were transferred to the Foundation by the College to partially support its formation. Some of those funds include the restricted Betsy Swigart Fund, for use by the Foundation’s Alumni Engagement Committee.

What happened to MacMurray College records and mementos?

The Foundation has received the historical records of the college, also known as the College Archives and MacMurray Collection. These include vintage photographs, scrapbooks, notes/papers from past presidents and professors, campus building blueprints, student organization information, college meeting minutes, and various other artifacts and mementos. Much are viewable on a rotating, semi-permanent display in the “Mac Hall” of the Jacksonville Area Museum. Documents can be made available for in-person viewing for research by appointment.

Where and how may I see the MacMurray Collection and Archives?

The Mac Hall of the Jacksonville Area Museum is currently open Wednesday and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. on Sundays. Private tours on any other day, or to see historical items not currently on display are available. Please inquire at [email protected].

The Foundation is hoping to raise funds to digitize as much of the collection as possible to make them even more available.

Does the Foundation have any full- or part-time staff? Where is it located? What’s the best way to get in touch?

The Foundation currently has one part-time paid staff that is shared with the Jacksonville Heritage Cultural Center to help with the Mission. There is no physical office with the majority of functions volunteer run, so donations go directly to activities supporting its mission and goals. Interested parties can contact:

MacMurray Foundation & Alumni Association
PO Box 47
Jacksonville, IL 62651
[email protected]

Email inquiries go to the Board chair.

How will the Foundation keep alumni involved and informed?

The Foundation’s Alumni Engagement Committee plans to host annual alumni gatherings and class reunions. Additionally, the Foundation will continue to present awards to distinguished individuals. Monthly e-mail blasts will contain news, updates, and key alumni life events such as births, weddings, and deaths. We also use some organized social media to share information.

Can I get my transcripts, employee or student records from the Foundation?

No. The Foundation has no employment or academic records or direct access to student transcripts or diplomas from MacMurray College. However, individuals may request copies of their transcripts as follows:

The Foundation can facilitate the production of copies of diplomas by making a request to the firm that printed the diplomas. There is a fee associated with any request. Please contact the Foundation at [email protected] if interested.

Can there be a foundation without a college?

Yes. Many school foundations operate as independent entities, with no formal or legal relationship to the college or institution. It is also not without precedent that alumni organizations and foundations endure beyond the life span of the original education institution.

Does the Foundation welcome MacMurray students who didn’t graduate before the college closed?

Yes. Anyone who attended MacMurray College is considered an alum, with graduation not a prerequisite for being considered an alum.

What is the Foundation’s relationship to the City of Jacksonville?

The Foundation has a formal agreement with the City of Jacksonville to maintain a Mac Hall in the City’s Heritage Cultural Center’s Jacksonville Area Museum. The MacMurray Collection and Archives are displayed and held at the Museum building.

Did the Foundation purchase any buildings on the MacMurray campus when it was auctioned?

No. The Foundation’s primary interest is to preserve “MacFam,” the network of MacMurray’s people.