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Donors

Shahid and Ann Carlson Khan

Shahid Khan completed a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering at the University of Illinois in 1971. He began working for Flex-N-Gate Corporation in 1970 while he was an engineering student in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. He left the company in 1978 to start a new venture, designing and building bumpers with an innovative design—a lightweight, continuous piece of metal with no seams to corrode or rust. This entrepreneurial venture, which began as a one-person, one-press operation, created a product that is today considered to be the industry design standard for seamless bumpers.

Mr. Khan purchased Flex-N-Gate in 1980, and under his leadership, it has grown immensely as a global auto parts manufacturer. Today, Flex-N-Gate is one of the 200 largest private companies in the United States. With nearly 50 plants and 9,500 workers around the world, its clients include BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, and GM.

Mr. Khan is a current member of the University of Illinois Foundation Board of Directors. In 2006, he received the College of Engineering Alumni Award for Distinguished Service, "for outstanding contributions to the automotive industry and to the University of Illinois." In April 2011, Mr. Khan was one of six distinguished Illinoisans honored as a Lincoln Laureate, the state’s highest award for achievement.

Ann Carlson Khan also graduated from the University of Illinois, earning a bachelor's degree in economics in 1980. After a career in marketing for Kraft Foods, she has been an active campus and community volunteer and serves as president of the Khan Foundation.

Karen and Jim McKechnie

Karen and Jim McKechnie have long known the benefits of physical activity in their own lives. They have been avid skiers and swimmers for many years, and have pursued interests in horseback riding and ballroom dancing as well. Mrs. McKechnie graduated with a degree in physical education from the College of Applied Health Sciences in 1970. That same year, Mr. McKechnie completed his bachelor’s degree in chemistry in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

He went on to become an orthopedic surgeon and now practices in Urbana-Champaign. "I often work with people who have had problems and disabilities related to aging," Mr. McKechnie said. When the opportunity arose to support the Center on Health, Aging, and Disability, it seemed like the perfect fit. "You go to school and get a good education, and you make a life for yourself," Mrs. McKechnie said. “People have helped you along the way, and you just want to give back in gratitude for what you’ve accomplished.”

Their gift has funded the James K. and Karen S. McKechnie Laboratory, part of the facilities of the Center on Health, Aging, and Disability that are housed in the Khan Annex.

Linda Ayers Whitney

Linda Ayers Whitney is a 1964 graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, receiving a bachelor's degree in political science from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Raymon Whitney completed a bachelor's degree in economics in 1963 and a law degree in 1966 at the University of Illinois.

As a student with a disability, Linda Ayers Whitney received services from the Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services and says her heart has always been with Tim Nugent, former director of the Division. "I received so much support as a student at the University of Illinois," she said. "My gift is one way to give something back." Her gift has established the Linda Ayers Whitney Reception Area in the Center on Health, Aging, and Disability. "I love the University of Illinois," she said. "It gave me everything; I even met my husband there."

Michael Vitoux

After completing his University of Illinois bachelor’s degree in history in 1968, Michael Vitoux enrolled in the master's degree program in sociology, completing his degree in 1972.

Mr. Vitoux was a member of the varsity fencing team, coached by Maxwell Garret, who led his teams to 16 Big Ten and two NCAA championships. Mr. Vitoux established the Maxwell R. Garret Scholarship. "Through the process, I got to know the work of the College of Applied Health Sciences. I was really impressed with what they were doing, as it directly touches people's lives," he said. As a sociologist, he said, he knows how important community is to health, and is especially interested in public health issues. Through his gift, Mr. Vitoux has established the Michael Vitoux and the Vitoux Family Reception Area for the Master of Public Health offices in the Khan Annex.