The University of Illinois has named a former University of Chicago executive as president of its fundraising operation.
The school said Wednesday that Thomas J. Farrell will take over as president of the University of Illinois Foundation on Jan. 1. He will replace Sidney Micek (MEE'-sek), who will retire. Micek became president in 2000.
The 50-year-old Farrell is the former vice president for alumni relations and development at Chicago. Officials say fundraising increased sharply in his two years in that roll.
Foundation board Chairman Jane P. Donaldson said Farrell has a good understanding of how important money raised from private sources is to the University of Illinois
Farrell says the university is well positioned to address some of the biggest challenges facing the country.