![\"Anne](\"http:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Anne-Hill-with-J-e1423506438635.jpg\")
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This lively lady has invited the Free Range Chix, a local trio, to sing at her 99th birthday party next month. She\u2019s 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\u2019s first cash prize for student composers, named for her uncle, Carl Deis, a musician in his own right.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy grandfather emigrated here \u2013 he played trombone in the New York Symphony \u2013 because America needed music and musicians. This is still the case \u2013 we need to build audiences too,\u201d she says. \u201cI 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\u2018s great to retire in a university town.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019s Chamber Music Society and Carl Deis Composer Prize in addition to student scholarships.<\/p>\n
She envisions this option as a way to continue her major support of music and the arts in addition to receiving some additional income.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Hill, who now lives in a Carbondale retirement village, says she gathered home improvement concepts from \u201cThis Old House,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor me, commitment to something goes beyond just being a member,\u201d she says. \u201cThis Old House gave me so many ideas. I\u2019m always intrigued by the process of making things work.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her residence features art she has collected over the years, and she is making plans to donate her art to the University Museum.<\/p>\n
Greg Petrowich, executive director of WSIU Public Broadcasting, says: \u201cAnne 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hill\u2019s family has been deeply rooted in music for generations.<\/p>\n
\u201cMusic was a big part of my upbringing. I love the arts \u2013 especially music,\u201d she says. \u201cThe arts \u2013 whether it\u2019s music, theater or libraries \u2013 are essential in the development of young people.\u201d
\nHill enjoys her retirement home residence and doesn\u2019t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t drive anymore due to macular degeneration. People who drive are still in the real world,\u201d she says. \u201cMy 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not here to just fold up.\u201d<\/p>\n
If you are interested in learning more about a charitable gift annuity, please call Director of Development Pat Moline at 618\/453-4947 or visit our website at: www.siufgiving.org.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
This lively lady has invited the Free Range Chix, a local trio, to sing at her 99th birthday party next month. She\u2019s 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\u2019s first cash prize for student composers, named for … Continue reading Deeply Rooted Devotion To The Arts<\/span>