Helene Ruth Foellinger

Helene Ruth Foellinger graduated in 1932 with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. As a student, she was heavily involved in several organizations including Pi Beta Phi, Mortar Board, Phi Beta Kappa, Pi Mu Epsilon, and Torch. She served on the student council for four years and as the women’s editor of The Daily Illini for four years. In 1935, Foellinger began serving as a director of the News Publishing Company, and upon the death of her father she became president of the News Publishing Company and publisher of the Fort Wayne Indiana News-Sentinel. Her career in publishing lasted for 45 years. Foellinger won several awards in her lifetime for her contributions to the publishing world and philanthropic efforts and eventually donated $3 million back to her alma mater to fund the restoration of the auditorium, now named in her honor.