NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State Athletics announced on Thursday the concourse inside CEFCU Arena as the Julie and Bob Dobski Concourse in recognition of financial support to Illinois State University. The naming comes in conjunction with a significant investment into Redbird women's athletics programs, which was approved at the February 20, 2026, Illinois State Board of Trustees meeting.
"Julie and Bob Dobksi have been pillars of this community for many years, and loyal supporters of Redbirds athletics for a very long time," ISU Director of Athletics Dr. Jeri Beggs said. "They have given back so much to our University, our Athletics Department and the entire Bloomington-Normal community in countless ways. Their passion and dedication to make this community better is inspiring to us all, and we could not be more appreciative of their efforts to support our Redbird student-athletes. Redbird Athletics continues to take steps forward and we will continue to shape its future with supporters like Julie and Bob."
The Dobskis are committed to providing resources for Illinois State Athletics to continue its tradition of embracing Title IX legislation. Support from this commitment will directly support Illinois State women's teams and enhance the lives of women student-athletes at the discretion of the Athletic Director. Signage will be created at all four entrances of CEFCU Arena and their naming will be in perpetuity.
"Our success has always been tied to the strength of this community, and we believe business leadership comes with a responsibility to give back," Julie and Bob Dobski said. "We are grateful for the opportunity to invest in the university that helps shape our community's future. Supporting Illinois State University is one way we demonstrate our commitment to leadership, philanthropy, and gratitude for the place we call home."
Julie and Bob Dobski have been advocates of Illinois State University for several decades since their arrival in the area as owners of several McDonald's restaurants. Bob served on both the ISU Foundation Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees and Julie serves as a member of the College of Business Advisory Council and was awarded an honorary doctorate from Illinois State. They have supported student success in the College of Business and the College of Education and have named spaces for them in the Bone Student Center and the State Farm Hall of Business. The couple also currently owns and operates Rob Dob's Restaurant & Bar in Bloomington, which periodically hosts the Illinois State women's and men's basketball coaches show live from the restaurant, and Little Jewels Learning Centers in the Twin Cities.
"I would like to sincerely thank Julie and Bob Dobski for their unwavering support of Illinois State Athletics," Illinois State women's basketball head coach Kristen Gillespie said. "They are true pillars of our community, and their generosity continues to make a lasting impact. I am deeply grateful for their investment in women's athletics here at ISU."
Julie and Bob Dobski's dedication to philanthropy has had a major impact on the University, the entire Bloomington-Normal community and Redbird Athletics.Â
"Our program is so incredibly grateful for the continued support of Julie and Bob Dobski," Redbird volleyball head coach Allie Matters said. "They value the experience of our student-athletes, coaches, and fans. They are true Redbirds through and through and I couldn't imagine the Bloomington-Normal community without them."
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