A Deeply Rooted Devotion To The Arts

This lively lady has invited the Free Range Chix, a local trio, to sing at her 99th birthday party next month. She's a regular supporter of music and the arts, having helped to establish the Southern Illinois Chamber Music Society, and funding the SIU School of Music's first cash prize for student composers, named for her uncle, Carl Deis, a musician in his own right.

After Anne Hill retired from SIU in 1981, she continued her active membership in several local community organizations. Hill, a 1986 SIU English alumna, wrote and circulated newsletters for three separate organization over 12 years. She served on the WSIU Friends Board and was a contributor in converting WSIU-TV to a digital broadcast, and provided funding for essential purchases for Morris Library and Carbondale Public Library.

"My grandfather emigrated here – he played trombone in the New York Symphony - because America needed music and musicians. This is still the case – we need to build audiences too," she says. "I continue to enrich my own life in this community because I have made wonderful friends through the programs we have been able to serve in and support. It's great to retire in a university town."

Hill is making sure these programs enjoy longstanding support. When she sold her house recently, Hill put the majority of the proceeds in a charitable gift annuity through the SIU Foundation. Her gift will provide funds for WSIU Public Broadcasting, McLeod Theater Playhouse, SIU's Chamber Music Society and Carl Deis Composer Prize in addition to student scholarships.

She envisions this option as a way to continue her major support of music and the arts in addition to receiving some additional income.

Her charitable gift annuity contract with the SIU Foundation provides Hill with a charitable income tax deduction as well as an income stream for life.

Hill, who now lives in a Carbondale retirement village, says she gathered home improvement concepts from "This Old House," a popular program on WSIU-TV. She is also a loyal listener to classical music on WSIU radio and is mentioned on air as one of the Leadership Circle.

"For me, commitment to something goes beyond just being a member," she says. "This Old House gave me so many ideas. I'm always intrigued by the process of making things work."

Her residence features art she has collected over the years, and she is making plans to donate her art to the University Museum.

Greg Petrowich, executive director of WSIU Public Broadcasting, says: "Anne Hill has supported the University in an extraordinary fashion. She truly understands the importance of public broadcasting and cultural events and activities in our region."

Hill's family has been deeply rooted in music for generations.

"Music was a big part of my upbringing. I love the arts – especially music," she says. "The arts – whether it's music, theater or libraries – are essential in the development of young people."

Hill enjoys her retirement home residence and doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon.

"I can't drive anymore due to macular degeneration. People who drive are still in the real world," she says. "My real world is interacting with people of all ages and interests in diverse organizations in which I have been a member. I want to encourage everyone in the village to be active, too. I have plans to keep myself busy.

"We're not here to just fold up."

If you are interested in learning more about supporting SIU through retirement plans or other gift planning options, please call Director of Gift Planning Pamela Rathe at 618/453-4907 or visit our website at: www.siufgiving.org.