Southern Illinois University’s Achieve Program celebrated the naming of the Giesen Family Achieve Student Hub on Aug. 13, honoring a family whose experience with the program inspired a commitment to helping future Salukis succeed.

Dave and Lauri Giesen established an endowed scholarship to support students in Achieve, a comprehensive academic support program for SIU students with learning differences. Their children, Tracy and Alex, participated in Achieve and graduated from SIU.

Dave Giesen joined Achieve students, families, staff and university representatives for the celebration, which included a ribbon-cutting and the unveiling of the newly named student hub.

The Giesens’ support grew from their children’s experiences with the program.

“When we evaluated universities for our children, Achieve turned out to be the perfect fit for both of them,” Giesen said. “They both earned their degrees from SIU and were immensely proud of what they accomplished and the role the program played in their success.”

The Giesens first learned about Achieve while exploring colleges that could provide their daughter with academic support. After visiting SIU and meeting with Achieve staff, Tracy chose SIU over two other universities. Her experience later influenced Alex to follow her to Carbondale.

Giesen said SIU also offered his children the flexibility of a comprehensive university, allowing them to explore different academic paths while receiving individualized support through Achieve.

Part of SIU’s Office for Access and Accommodations, Achieve has supported students with learning differences for nearly 50 years, making it one of the country’s most established programs of its kind.

The comprehensive, fee-for-service program provides managerial, organizational, structural, tutorial and social support for neurodiverse students, including those with learning disabilities, attention disorders, autism spectrum disorders and other learning differences or academic challenges.

Achieve supplements accommodations available through the Office for Access and Accommodations with individualized services designed to help students navigate college and stay on track toward graduation. More than 95% of Achieve students remain in good academic standing each semester, and one-third earn a place on the dean’s list. Students in the program typically remain on track to graduate within four to five years.

“Achieve is the best program in the country for what it does that nobody has ever heard of,” Giesen said. “It gives people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend college the support to develop their skills and ultimately contribute to society.”

Roger Pugh, director of the Achieve Program, said the family has maintained its connection to Achieve since Tracy and Alex completed the program.

“We’ve known the Giesen family for a long time,” Pugh said. “Tracy and Alex both came through the program and have gone on to build successful lives. We’ve stayed in touch with them over the years, and it has been a blessing to see what they’ve accomplished.”

The Giesens began supporting Achieve years before establishing the endowed scholarship. When a student needed financial assistance to participate in the program, they joined other Achieve families in helping cover the cost. That experience inspired their continued giving.

Giesen credits his parents with instilling the philosophy that guides his family’s philanthropy.

“The lesson they taught us when we were young was to pay it forward,” he said. “We’ve been fortunate throughout our lives, and they taught us to make sure others could benefit from that good fortune.”

The endowed scholarship will help students and families manage the costs of participating in Achieve. The program awarded the scholarship to its first two recipients during the naming celebration.

“Every year, we have students and families considering our program and wondering how they’re going to manage all the costs associated with college,” Pugh said. “This scholarship will help make that decision easier for them.”

Pugh said generosity from former students and Achieve families has helped the program support students for years.

“Dave, Lauri, Alex and Tracy, your gift is going to help students for many years to come,” Pugh said.

The celebration coincided with Achieve’s orientation for new and returning students and their families. Students met staff members, explored the program’s space and connected with the case managers who will support them throughout the academic year.

The Giesen Family Achieve Student Hub will serve as a central gathering place for students and a lasting reminder of the family’s commitment to the program.

Giesen encouraged scholarship recipients to carry that spirit of generosity forward.

“Work hard and do the best you can,” he said. “If you have the ability in the years to come, look back at your experience here and help the people following behind you.”

The Giesen family’s gift adds to the momentum of the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has reached $485 million in commitments toward its $500 million goal. With two years remaining, the campaign has achieved 97% of its goal and remains one of the largest fundraising efforts in Illinois public university history.

Scholarship support remains a key part of that philanthropic impact. During the most recent fiscal year, the SIU Foundation awarded a record $6.9 million in scholarships to more than 2,200 students, benefiting nearly 19% of the student body.

By Britni Bateman

The Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School celebrated the generosity behind its first five decades and honored the pioneering students who helped build its foundation during the unveiling of the new Wall of Philanthropy on Friday, Aug. 14.

The wall recognizes donors who have advanced legal education at SIU and pays special tribute to members of the law school’s charter class, who began their legal education in 1973. Members of the class helped spearhead funding for the project and participated in the unveiling.

The law school unveiled the wall after its induction ceremony for the incoming Class of 2029, connecting the students who helped establish the school with the newest generation beginning their legal education.

Dean Hannah Brenner Johnson said the timing provided an opportunity to celebrate both the law school’s history and its future.

“Every tile on the wall tells a story, whether it represents a gift from an individual, a couple, a family or an entity,” Brenner Johnson said. “It supports a belief in the power of legal education and the importance of supporting the future of the legal profession.”

The Wall of Philanthropy combines permanent donor recognition with an interactive digital display where students, alumni and visitors can learn about the people and philanthropy behind Simmons Law School. The display features donor stories and key moments from the school’s history.

A historical timeline traces major SIU Law events, including the school’s creation, charter class milestones and more than five decades of growth. The timeline draws from Celebrating the First Fifty Years of Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School by Frank G. Houdek, professor emeritus, published by SIU Press in 2023.

As a public law school, Simmons Law School strives to provide an excellent and affordable legal education. Philanthropy expands opportunities for students and faculty and helps advance that mission.

Donors fund scholarships, help attract faculty with specialized expertise, provide opportunities for students to attend national conferences, support faculty research and strengthen the legal clinic. Through the clinic, students gain practical experience while helping meet legal needs throughout the region.

“Our law school was created to serve the public good, to address unmet legal needs in Southern Illinois and our region by training lawyers,” Brenner Johnson said.

Since its charter class graduated in 1976, Simmons Law School has grown to more than 4,600 graduates. Alumni include more than 200 local, state and federal judges, and graduates practice law in all 50 states and 10 countries.

Charter class helped build foundation for law school

Charter class member Gayl Pyatt, a retired attorney, public servant and longtime SIU supporter, reflected on the law school’s beginnings before joining fellow classmates to unveil the wall.

SIU hired Hiram Lesar in 1972 as founding dean to lead the development of the new law school. The following year, Pyatt joined 79 other students in its charter class. Fifteen of the 80 students were women.

The charter class began its legal education in September 1973 in temporary quarters known as the “Blue Barracks.” After their first semester, students moved to two small group housing buildings across the street from the site of the current law school.

“We never had the joy of having a class in a building like this,” Pyatt said as she reflected on the facilities available to today’s students.

The charter class also had no upperclassmen to turn to for advice about professors, classes or exams. Instead, the students relied on one another as they navigated the new program.

“We were all on our own,” Pyatt said. “What did that mean? It meant we worked together. We were a team getting through this first year.”

Lesar came to SIU after serving 12 years as dean of the Washington University School of Law. At SIU, he recruited faculty, developed the curriculum, secured classroom space and led efforts to build the law school’s permanent home.

Pyatt recalled a classmate asking Lesar why he should choose the new SIU law school when other institutions offered him scholarships.

Lesar’s answer captured the significance of the opportunity: “There is only one first class.”

That first class continued helping shape the school throughout its three years together. In May 1976, the law school published the inaugural issue of the Southern Illinois University Law Journal, with Pyatt, then Gayl Alexander, serving as editor-in-chief. Later that month, members of the charter class received their law degrees at the school’s first commencement ceremony.

More than 50 years after arriving at SIU, members of the charter class remain engaged with the institution they helped build.

Philanthropy carries legacy forward

Kate Hanson, senior director of development for the Simmons Law School, began working closely with members of the charter class as the law school celebrated its 50th anniversary. She said getting to know them gave her a greater understanding of their role in the school’s history.

“They joined a brand-new law school and helped build the foundation upon which the school stands today,” Hanson said. “We want to make them proud and ensure their legacy is remembered.”

When Hanson approached Pyatt about creating a donor wall, Pyatt suggested honoring her classmates through the project. The charter class then helped bring that vision to life.

“The members of the charter class are among the law school’s most philanthropic and generous supporters, but their impact cannot be measured solely by the gifts they have made,” Hanson said. “They remain involved. They care deeply about this institution, its students and its future.”

The Wall of Philanthropy honors that legacy alongside generations of donors whose generosity continues to move Simmons Law School forward.

“My hope is that every student, alum, faculty member and visitor who sees this wall will be inspired by the charter class and by the generosity of those who have supported the law school’s journey,” Hanson said.

To support the SIU Simmons Law School and help provide opportunities for future generations of students, visit siuf.org/law.

SIU Credit Union is continuing its support of Saluki women as a Premier Sponsor of the 5th Annual Saluki Women’s Weekend, set for Sept. 10-12 at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

The credit union has supported the event since its launch in 2022, helping create opportunities for women to connect through leadership, mentorship and philanthropy.

For Melissa Kinnard, community outreach specialist at SIU Credit Union and an SIU alumna, the partnership reflects the credit union’s longstanding commitment to supporting the university and Southern Illinois.

“Our philosophy is people helping people,” Kinnard said. “And with this event, we have women helping women, to support, encourage, mentor and inspire one another.”

Hosted by the SIU Foundation Women’s Leadership Council and presented by Moneta and SIU Credit Union, Saluki Women’s Weekend brings together alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members for three days of networking, professional development, philanthropy and mentorship.

“It’s been an honor and a privilege to have been a part of this since the very beginning,” Kinnard said. “We are proud to get a chance to help celebrate and acknowledge the incredible accomplishments of these amazing women, as well as help shine a spotlight on the importance of mentorship and philanthropy.”

The partnership also reflects the people behind SIU Credit Union. Kinnard said much of its staff and most of its leadership team are women, and many employees, including Kinnard, are SIU alumni.

“Once a Saluki, always a Saluki,” she said.

Supporting financial education and mentorship

As a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution, SIU Credit Union emphasizes financial education and community engagement. Kinnard said helping people build financial literacy and work toward financial wellness is a key part of its mission.

That work is particularly important for women, she said. While women have made significant financial strides, disparities remain in areas such as retirement savings and access to funding for small businesses.

“We have a ways to go when it comes to making sure that every little girl grows up knowing financial literacy terms, but also how to manage her money and how to do personal finance,” Kinnard said.

SIU Credit Union provides financial education through online resources and outreach in schools, classrooms and community organizations. The credit union also sponsors financial literacy resources for area schools.

Kinnard sees a similar opportunity for growth through mentorship, another central focus of Saluki Women’s Weekend. She has experienced its impact through SIU students who have interned in the credit union’s marketing department.

“It has been amazing to get to teach as well as learn from them and also to see what incredible businesswomen they are becoming,” she said.

Celebrating five years

The 5th Annual Saluki Women’s Weekend begins Sept. 10 with the Women’s Leadership Council Welcome Reception at Hangar 9 in downtown Carbondale. The evening will feature line dancing instruction from Kyle Erickson, better known as Cowboy Kyle, founder of Urban Cowboy Line Dancing in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Women’s Empowerment Conference follows Sept. 11 at the Tedrick Welcome Center with educational sessions, networking opportunities and the Philanthropy and Woman of the Year Awards Luncheon. This year’s programming also recognizes the United Nations’ International Year of the Woman Farmer.

Activities conclude Sept. 12 with a Women’s Leadership Council board meeting for invited members and a mentorship brunch connecting students, alumni and professionals.

For SIU Credit Union, the fifth anniversary provides another opportunity to invest in the university and the women who make an impact across the Saluki community.

“We really love and support this incredible event,” Kinnard said. “To get a chance to sponsor it every year and to now celebrate the fifth anniversary, what an incredible accomplishment.”

Registration for the 5th Annual Saluki Women’s Weekend is free. Learn more and register at siuf.org/saluki-women.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale and the SIU Foundation drew a crowd of more than 1,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members Friday, May 1, to celebrate the grand opening of the Tedrick Welcome Center, marking a major milestone and a new front porch to the university at its main entrance.

The 44,000-square-foot facility will serve as the new home of the SIU Foundation and a central hub for campus visits, events and engagement. Hundreds more visitors attended a public open house Saturday, May 2, touring the building and exploring its interactive features.

“This is the building we want students to walk into first,” said Chancellor Austin A. Lane. “This is where they begin to understand what it means to be a Saluki. They will see the greatness happening at SIU and quickly realize how special this place is.”

Lane emphasized the distinct role the Tedrick Welcome Center will play in the campus experience, complementing other key facilities.

“This is where we welcome students,” he said. “Once we wow them here, we serve them across the street at the Student Services Building, and we engage them in the Student Center. Each space has a purpose, and this building is what will attract and capture future Salukis.”

The dedication ceremony, held inside the building’s flex space, featured remarks from university and foundation leadership.

“This is a great day for Southern Illinois University,” said Dr. Dan Mahony, president of the SIU System. “We could have built a building just for the SIU Foundation, but we chose to think bigger. This welcome center is a difference maker for the entire university, and it would not be possible without the vision of the SIU Foundation Board and the support of the Board of Trustees.”

Serving as emcee, Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation, highlighted the building’s features and its role in shaping first impressions.

“This is 44,000 square feet dedicated to telling the Saluki story,” Kupec said. “With 11 interactive displays, personalized welcome experiences and spaces designed to engage visitors, this is a place where students can immediately see themselves at SIU. It is, without question, the best welcome center in the state of Illinois.”

Kupec also emphasized the project’s funding model.

“Not one dollar of state appropriations or student fees was used to build this facility,” he said. “This was made possible by our donors, the SIU Foundation and a commitment to invest in the future of this university.”

A highlight of the program included remarks from lead donors Roger and Sally Tedrick, whose $6 million gift helped launch the project.

“The decision to make this gift was simple. It was the right thing to do,” Roger Tedrick said. “This university gave our families the opportunity to succeed. We believe in what is happening at SIU, and we wanted to do something that would help attract future students and support this institution for generations to come.”

Tedrick reflected on both his and Sally’s deep-rooted connections to the university and the role it played in shaping their families’ futures.

“My parents moved our family to Carbondale so we could have access to an education they could not otherwise afford,” he said. “This campus was our backyard. It shaped who we are, and giving back is a way to honor that legacy.”

He said Sally’s family shared a similar story. Her parents moved to Carbondale in the 1950s, and her father worked as a contractor who helped build student housing near campus. Her mother earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from SIU, and all five daughters in the family attended the university.

“This institution gave both of our families a start,” Tedrick said. “When you have that kind of impact on your life, giving back is something you feel called to do.”

Judge Phil Gilbert, chair of the SIU Board of Trustees, spoke to the Tedricks’ deep ties to the university and their lasting impact.

“This gift was never about recognition,” Gilbert said. “It was about the past, present and future of this university. This building now stands as the front porch of SIU, welcoming students, alumni and visitors and representing everything this institution has become.”

Dan Korte, president of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors, reflected on the project’s origins and its long-term impact.

“This changes everything,” Korte said. “What will happen in this building in the years ahead will inspire future students and donors. It gives us a place to showcase the Saluki spirit and the life-changing impact of this university.”

Korte said the project grew from a need to relocate the SIU Foundation and evolved into a broader vision for campus.

“We didn’t just want to build office space,” he said. “We wanted to create a front porch for this university, a place that welcomes people and tells our story. This building represents transformation and shows what is possible when people come together around a shared vision.”

Greg Cook, emeritus board member of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors, said the idea for the project had been years in the making.

“We knew the Foundation needed a new home, but we also knew this had to be something more,” Cook said. “This location and this concept give the university a prominent, welcoming front porch that benefits everyone who comes to campus.”

Following the program, the Marching Salukis performed as the crowd gathered for the ceremonial ribbon-cutting. Surrounded by university leaders and dignitaries, Roger and Sally Tedrick cut the ribbon, officially opening the facility. The SIU Foundation also presented the Tedricks with a 3D model of the building in recognition of their leadership and generosity.

The Tedrick Welcome Center stands on the former site of McAndrew Stadium and was completed in approximately 20 months, ahead of schedule and under budget. The facility anchors campus tours, orientations, alumni engagement and major events while housing SIU Foundation operations.

“This is a building you would expect to see in a major city,” Kupec said. “And it is right here in Carbondale, serving as a bold statement about the future of Southern Illinois University.”

SIU is one of only 21 universities nationwide to hold dual Carnegie Classification designations as a Research 1 institution and an Opportunity University, placing it among an elite group recognized for both high research activity and student access.

The Tedrick Welcome Center also reflects the momentum behind the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign. To date, the campaign has raised more than $467 million toward its $500 million goal, supporting scholarships, facilities and initiatives that enhance the student experience.

For more information about the Tedrick Welcome Center, visit siuf.org/twc.

More than 100 students, faculty and staff packed the fourth floor of the Southern Illinois University Student Center to celebrate the dedication of the England Student Center Lounge, a student-driven project made possible by a $250,000 gift from alumni Bob and Pat England. 

The renovated space, formerly home to the WIDB radio station, now serves as a modern, multipurpose lounge designed to meet student needs, particularly for commuters seeking a place to gather, collaborate and recharge between classes. 

“This is much more than just opening a room,” said Lydia Phelps, president of the Undergraduate Student Government. “It is the realization of an idea that started with students simply asking for a place to belong.” 

The project originated with Undergraduate Student Government leaders, who envisioned a “third space” on campus, neither a classroom nor a residence hall, where students could build community. Through surveys, forums and ongoing input, the concept evolved into a lounge featuring collaboration areas, a podcast and music recording space, conference rooms, workout equipment, a kitchenette and areas for rest and reflection. 

Phelps credited former USG President Penny Bordewick with launching the initiative. 

“Penny saw potential in an empty fourth-floor space and imagined something far greater,” Phelps said. “Her leadership laid the foundation for everything we are celebrating today.” 

Bordewick said the idea began during a walkthrough of the underutilized space in 2024. 

“It was kind of a mess,” she said. “But the vision for what it could become was so clear. We knew this could be a place built by students, for students.” 

The project gained momentum through continued advocacy by student leaders and collaboration with Student Affairs, the Student Center and the SIU Foundation. 

Brian Flath, director of development for student affairs with the SIU Foundation, said the project aligned closely with student needs. 

“We love a great vision, and we love serving students’ needs,” Flath said. “To take a dream that students had and see it come to fruition is really magic.” 

Flath said the Englands committed to the project shortly after learning about the proposal, allowing the renovation to move forward. 

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Jeffery Burgin emphasized the importance of student leadership. 

“When the students said they wanted it, you have to give them what they need,” Burgin said. “This space is a testament to what happens when student voices are heard and supported.” 

He also noted the collaborative nature of the project, including contributions from interior design students who helped shape the space. 

Bob and Pat England said their gift was inspired by their own experiences at SIU and their belief in supporting future students. 

“SIU has changed our lives, and for that we are deeply grateful,” Bob England said. “This gift is a way for us to say thank you.” 

Pat England said they hope the lounge becomes a hub for creativity and connection. 

“Students are our future,” she said. “We hope this will be a place where ideas come together and grow into something meaningful.” 

The Englands encouraged students to take full advantage of their time at SIU. 

“Be curious, work hard, support each other and take risks,” Bob England said. “Someday you will look back and recognize how these years have shaped you.” 

“Today, we’re not just cutting a ribbon,” Phelps said. “We’re opening a space that reflects the heart of SIU: collaboration, opportunity, creativity and community.” 

For the Englands, the gift honors the university that shaped their lives and the connections they formed on campus. 

“We’re incredibly grateful for what Bob received through his education at SIU,” Pat England said. “And what I got from SIU was Bob.” 

Their gift also supports the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has approximately 2 1/2 years remaining. To date, the campaign has raised more than $464 million toward its $500 million goal, making it the fifth-largest fundraising effort in Illinois higher education. 

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is one of only 21 universities nationwide to hold both Carnegie Research 1 and Opportunity University designations, reflecting its strength in high-level research and its commitment to expanding access and outcomes for students from all backgrounds. 

As SIU advances as a national research institution focused on student success, investments like the Englands’ help strengthen the campus environment where students live, learn and grow. 

In the most recent fiscal year, the SIU Foundation awarded more than $5.6 million in scholarships to 2,111 students, representing 17% of the student body. 

For the Englands, the impact of their gift comes down to something simple: helping ensure future students find the same sense of opportunity, belonging and possibility that defined their own time at SIU.