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Dorie Valillo, general manager of Tri States Public Radio; Gil Belles, Distinguished Friend of the College of Fine Arts and Communication Award recipient, and Paul Kreider, Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication.

October 15, 2009

Gil Belles Named COFAC Distinguished Friend

MACOMB, IL - - A. Gilbert Belles, professor emeritus of Western Illinois University, received the 2009 Distinguished Friend of the College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC) Award.

The award was presented to Belles (pronounced Bell-us) Sept. 18 prior to the Al Sears' headliner concert with Karrin Allyson in the COFAC Recital Hall. Belles gave the lead gift, which inspired the renovation, and now bears the name, the Performing Arts Society Green Room in Honor of Gil Belles.

"Gil's generosity and enthusiasm for the college made this award an easy choice," said Dean Paul Kreider. "He was a hard working member of the Performing Arts Society (PAS) for six years, but his dedication to the PAS extends beyond his board duties to substantial financial support of the organization as well.

"His generosity also extends to the college's Tri States Public Radio. He is a regular supporter and often pledges a matching gift during the membership drive. Friends like Gil make the work of the college possible, which is dedicated to outreach, whether in the form of broadcasting information or arts opportunities for children." Kreider added.

In 2007 Belles established Western's first donor advised fund through the WIU Foundation with an irrevocable gift of $100,000 from American Funds and a pledge of $100,000. When fully endowed, the Belles Fund will support three areas he chose: the Performing Arts Society, Tri States Public Radio and the department of recreation, park and tourism administration, where he taught from 1985 until his retirement in 1996.

Copy By: Bonnie Barker, University Relations
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