A gift of $1 million has been made to the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Foundation, in honor of Eastern Illinois University Hall of Fame Member Ivan “Ike” Kennard and his wife Joan. Thanks to this donation by Marlys and Carl Fallen, their daughter and son-in-law, the Kennards will be recognized in the newly-expanded Regional Cancer Center once construction is complete, as well as in a soon-to-be-announced, major addition to the hospital.
“This gift from Marlys and Carl is an amazing, impactful donation that will honor two very special people, while helping Sarah Bush Lincoln expand to meet the growing demand for healthcare services in this region,” said Amy Card, SBL Health Foundation Director. “If you’re from Coles County, and especially if you attended EIU, you either knew – or knew of – Ike and Jo Kennard! And now, their legacy continues to live on in another special way – a way that will help expand healthcare to residents in area communities – thanks to this wonderful donation by their daughter and son-in-law, two very special people. We are so extremely grateful for their generosity!”
Ike and Joan were married in 1943. He attended Eastern Illinois University and was a World War II Navy pilot for three years while she graduated from Eastern Illinois State Teacher’s College. After his release from the service, he operated the old Ko-Op restaurant for Walt Warmoth. In 1948, he purchased the Little Campus from Warmoth which later came to be known as “IKE’S”, a staple of the Charleston and EIU communities. He went on to develop the University Village shopping center.
Ike was well known for employing hundreds of EIU students, including Panther athletes. Together with his wife, they were steadfast supporters of the EIU Panther Athletic Program
“On behalf of our entire organization and our boards of directors, we could not be more grateful for this donation from Marlys and Carl,” said Kim Uphoff, President & CEO of Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System. “The impact that this gift makes on our community, our patients and our organization is tremendous, as we continue to expand both our footprint and the services that we offer in this region. We cannot thank Marlys and Carl enough for this remarkable donation that truly will touch the lives of our patients now and far into the future.”
