Ron Rigoni, an honor graduate in the DHS Class of 1952, has announced a bequest of $233,875 that will fund scholarships for deserving DHS students who will matriculate at the University of Illinois. The benefit, which will accrue after his death, has been arranged through a deferred gift arrangement with the University of Illinois Foundation.

A member of two DHS basketball teams that went to the state tournament, including the state championship runner-up team of 1950, Mr. Rigoni held all DHS basketball scoring records at the time of his graduation. He was named to two All-State Basketball teams: the 1951 third team and first-team unanimous pick in 1952. A multi-sport athlete, Mr. Rigoni was also a football letter winner, a member of the 1952 track team that placed 9th in the State, and shot put record holder.

Mr. Rigoni, retired and living in Florida, worked for Dow Corning, Sunbeam, and Alcan Aluminum in his career in consumer product sales and marketing. He enjoys following sports and the stock market.

When asked why he is making this donation, Mr. Rigoni stated, "It is probably clear that I place the acquiring of education as a high priority on the value scale. Although there are many worthy causes in the realm of charitable giving, supporting educational opportunities for young people might very well be difficult to top. I've chosen the University of Illinois and Danville High School as my major charitable beneficiaries. It is given as an expression of gratitude for the fine educational platform they provided for me. I'm confident that a worthy DHS student who probably shares my views, but might be a little short on financing, will appreciate the opportunities offered by an outstanding university." Mr. Rigoni also attributes the staff of Danville High School for providing "an educational level significantly above average." He specifically singled out several teachers who were "memorable in terms of competence and what I learned from their efforts…Miss Mary Miller (grammar), Miss Frances Watkins (history), Miss Glenna Wilkins (mathematics), and Miss Helen Conover (Latin). I was closest to Art Mathisen, with whom I stayed in contact over the years. He was not only an outstanding coach, but a good man as well as a master of storytelling. It was always a pleasure stopping by Orchard Street when possible and hearing his wonderful stories." When asked if he had any advice to the young aspiring athletes at Danville High School today, Ron Rigoni responded, "Let me say to the young DHS athlete that he savor his passion for the sport, but not to neglect a more important priority; namely, his academic responsibilities. In the long term, the latter will score the points."

Associate Superintendent and past DHS principal Mark Denman acknowledges this special donation. "Mr. Rigoni's extremely generous gift will benefit many DHS graduates in the years ahead. His name, well associated with the high school for over the past years for his accomplishments as a student and an athlete, will be remembered even longer for his significant investment in future DHS students. Danville High School is truly fortunate to have Ron Rigoni as an alumnus and a friend."