Bridging the Gap Between Potential and Possibility
For the five children of the late William “Bill” Bartholomay, former owner of the Atlanta Braves, Illinois Tech trustee, and lifelong champion of opportunity, philanthropy is about more than helping people—it is about solving a problem.
As they considered how to direct the resources of the family foundation following their father’s passing in 2020, the siblings kept returning to one question: How do we solve a problem rather than help a problem?
In exploring organizations and causes that aligned with the foundation’s purpose, Illinois Tech quickly emerged as a natural fit. Although none of the Bartholomay siblings came from tech backgrounds, they found themselves instantly connected to the university’s mission of expanding opportunity through education and innovation.
“President Echambadi and the entire university community made what initially felt like an inaccessible connection to Illinois Tech a very real, tangible one,” says Sally Downey and Bill Bartholomay, children of Bartholomay. “We quickly understood the importance that our gift could make at the university.”
Through several conversations, the family gained a deeper understanding of the realities and challenges facing students at Illinois Tech—particularly the growing financial gap affecting many middle-class families. They were especially moved by the stories of students who were working hard and doing everything right yet still faced the possibility of delaying their education because of finances.
Many of these students do not qualify for substantial financial aid and also lack the resources needed to comfortably manage the full cost of a college education. For 25 to 30 Illinois Tech students each year, this financial gap results in a leave of absence when unexpected hardship strikes, such as job loss, a medical emergency, or a family disruption.
“We felt so strongly about supporting the students who fell into this group and needed help to stay in school and finish what they started. We want to help bridge that gap for as many students as possible,” Downey says.
That commitment led to a $2 million gift from the Bill Bartholomay Family Foundation to establish the Bridging the Gap Endowment, designed to help students overcome the financial obstacles that can derail their educational journeys. Often, the difference between a student continuing their education or abandoning their dreams comes down to a few thousand dollars—or less. This fund will provide critical relief to many students facing these circumstances.
“The Bartholomay family’s generosity reflects a profound belief in the transformative power of education,” says Illinois Tech President Raj Echambadi. “Their investment addresses a very real challenge facing talented students today and ensures that financial circumstances do not stand in the way of their success.”
Guided by their father's belief in creating opportunity for others, the family chose to invest in students whose ambitions and abilities deserve every chance to succeed.
“We believe in these students, and the world needs their talent. They owe it to themselves to stay in school and then go forth and conquer,” Bartholomay adds.
The family's focus on addressing a systemic challenge rather than providing short-term relief exemplifies how philanthropy can transform lives.
“What makes this especially meaningful is the thoughtful way the Bartholomay family approached their gift,” says Sean Campbell, vice president for advancement. “By removing financial barriers for students in such a pivotal moment, the Bartholomay family is paving a pathway for students to reach their full potential.”
The family hopes recipients will take full advantage of the opportunities available through an Illinois Tech education and go on to make meaningful contributions in their professions and communities. Equally important, they hope those students will someday create opportunities for others, extending the impact of the gift far beyond the individuals it initially supports.
By establishing this endowment, the Bartholomay family is honoring their father’s legacy in a way that reflects both his values and their own. Their commitment to solving a problem rather than simply easing it will help open doors for generations of Illinois Tech students—ensuring that talent and ambition have the opportunity to thrive. —Brianne Meyer
This gift advances Power the Difference: Our Campaign for Illinois Tech, the university’s comprehensive fundraising campaign. With more than $500 million raised toward its historic $1 billion goal, the campaign is expanding access, opportunity, and innovation for current and future Illinois Tech students.