University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Janet Gooch and vice chancellor for student affairs Jamarco Clark put their heads together to create the UIS Chancellor’s Thinkers Series. Clark said this initiative “grew out of conversations between the chancellor and me about creating opportunities for people to engage constructively, even when perspectives differ. Too often, society struggles to embrace differing viewpoints. Through this series, we aim to encourage understanding by listening to others’ experiences and insights.”
The series is designed to foster diverse perspectives and spark intentional, thought-provoking conversations within the community. Each event features local or even nationally recognized guests. Clark said, “The series serves as a platform for students, faculty and the broader community to deepen civic knowledge and participate in timely, impactful discussions.”
A December Thinkers Series event with a leadership theme featured Mylas Copeland, general manager and managing partner for Green Family Stores, whose motto is: “We’re all in this togther.” Copeland shared the meaning behind that motto and how it applies not only to providing customers with vehicles but also many aspects of community involvement and engagement. “I want to see people thrive,” he said during the discussion.
Gooch asked Copeland to share a poignant service experience, and Copeland recalled that a group motorcycle ride 20-plus years ago turned into a nonprofit that he started. “Every single year we hand out scholarships to dependents of law-enforcement military families. We also provide assistance directly to the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund,” Copeland said. “So, the organization that I founded, the Peacekeepers, is the largest civilian contributor of any single year to that organization.”
Copeland said the inspiration for charitable giving began at home. “I was raised by parents who consistently emphasized the importance of helping others, no matter our own circumstances. As I grew older and became more involved in the community, I realized that I could have a real impact – not only financially, but through service, mentorship and presence. The true reward has always been knowing that I’ve made a difference in someone’s life, even in small ways.”
“I actively support organizations that directly improve the well-being of local families and individuals,” Copeland said, “particularly in the areas of public safety, health, education and community resilience.”
The vast majority of Copeland’s charitable involvement is centered in Springfield and central Illinois communities. “I deliberately choose to invest my time and resources locally because this is where I live, work and raise my family. I serve on several boards, each of which plays a role in strengthening our region – organizations such as the United Way of Central Illinois, the Smith Alzheimer’s Center, CAST (Community Action Support Team), and, of course, my own foundation, the Peacekeepers, Inc. All of these groups share a focus on improving the lives of local residents through collaboration, support and meaningful community impact.”
Copeland supports these groups not just financially but also through volunteer leadership, strategic involvement, community outreach and by encouraging employee engagement.
“In my experience,” he said, “both time and talent can be just as impactful as monetary support.”
Copeland said one of the greatest challenges in philanthropic work is navigating the understanding that there are only so many resources to go around. “I never want to burden people, even though I know that collective giving is essential to a strong community. The greatest reward, without question, is seeing others benefit. Whether it’s a family receiving support during a difficult time or a young person gaining an opportunity they never imagined, those moments reaffirm why this work matters.”
Some of Copeland’s most memorable experiences have come from holiday giving campaigns at Green Toyota Volkswagen Audi. Over the years, the business has asked the community to nominate families in need during the Christmas season.
Being able to show up at their homes with gifts – ranging from basic essentials to clothes, small electronics or toys – and witnessing the smiles, tears and relief on their faces has been profoundly moving. Those moments stay with me,” he said.
While many of Copeland’s contributions have gone into larger organizations that distribute resources broadly, he has seen how someone’s life was changed because they had an opportunity they otherwise might not have received.
“For example, throughout my career I’ve hired and mentored individuals when others may not have given them a chance – some with difficult pasts, some with little experience, but all with the willingness to learn and grow. A number of those individuals are now running large dealerships across the country. They still reach out with a text or call to say ‘thank you,’ and knowing that a moment of trust and guidance helped redirect the course of their lives is one of the most meaningful outcomes of my work.”
For Copeland, philanthropy is not just about giving. “It’s about community partnership. It’s about showing up, investing in people and believing that together we can build something better. I consider it both a responsibility and a privilege to give back to the place that has given so much to me and my family.”
Janet Seitz is a local communications professional, writer and artist. To share your story, contact her at janetseitz1@gmail.com.
This article appears in January SBJ 2026.