Cultivating a philanthropic mindset — from IC to Dubai
Brad Regul ’11 and Heidi Bruce-Regul ’12 are two young alumni who are already making a big difference in the world.
As students at Illinois College, Brad and Heidi each embraced opportunities for leadership in many areas including student activities, athletics and academics. For the past few years, Brad and Heidi have lived in Dubai — a big move from the small Midwestern towns they grew up in. They are passionate about using the lessons they’ve learned during their journey to connect people and give back.
Their philanthropic approach to life can be traced back to the influences of Congressman Paul Findley ’43 and Dr. Khalaf Al Habtoor H’10 — two influential leaders they were introduced to at Illinois College. After graduation, Brad continued to build on his connections through IC and eventually began working for the Al Habtoor group in Dubai. Since that time, the couple’s work has aligned closely with what Congressman Findley and Dr. Al Habtoor have achieved and advocated for throughout their lives.
Brad and Heidi, who are charter members of the Illinois College Society, agree that IC influenced the way they look at the world and prepared them to live lives of leadership and service.
One of the big reasons they have maintained their ties to the College is to pay it forward as mentors and part of a supportive alumni network for students who share their passions for making a difference.
“Our gifts to the IC Fund and other specific programs give opportunities to students who are ready to make an impact in the world just like us,” said Heidi. The Reguls were recently back on the campus of Illinois College to share their experiences with students who dream of following in their footsteps. They shared photos of their experiences in Dubai and discussed plans to raise funds for their new Jordan-based nonprofit, Building Bridges, while in Illinois.
“You don’t have to have it all figured out,” Brad advised students during the presentation in Schewe Library. “Just get started with what you have; with what you know. Here at Illinois College, you’re taught to live life in leadership and service. You have what it takes when you graduate from here to do anything.”
