By Britni Bateman

CARBONDALE, Ill. — William and Shirley Saegesser have created a legacy of opportunity at Southern Illinois University Carbondale through a $100,000 endowed scholarship and a $500,000 planned gift that will support future generations of Salukis pursuing degrees in the College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics.

The couple, who live in Jeffersonville, Indiana, say the gift reflects their gratitude for the role SIU played in shaping their lives and their desire to give others the same chance to succeed.

For William, known as Bill, that opportunity came after serving in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era. With help from the GI Bill, he enrolled at SIU and earned his bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology in 1973. He credits the university’s hands-on approach and supportive professors for giving him the skills and confidence to build a successful career in Civil Engineering and Land Surveying.

“SIU wrapped its arms around me when I arrived,” he said. “It gave me not just an education, but a sense of belonging and purpose. Shirley and I want students to feel that same support, especially those who may not have family members who went to college before them.”

The William and Shirley Saegesser Engineering Excellence Scholarship will prioritize first-generation students pursuing degrees in engineering fields. The couple hopes the fund will ease financial burdens and serve as a reminder that others believe in their potential.

“This scholarship is meant to be a tangible pat on the back,” Bill said. “Sometimes a student just needs that extra encouragement to keep going.”

A partnership built on hard work and shared purpose

Bill and Shirley’s story began in high school, where they met. After Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy, the couple married and began their life together. They were first stationed in Meridian, Mississippi, where they purchased a mobile home and later moved it to Albany, Georgia, when Bill was assigned to sea duty.

After his discharge from the Navy, they brought the same mobile home to Carbondale in the fall of 1970 so Bill could attend SIU. Shirley found work in the business office at The Southern Illinoisan newspaper to help support the household while Bill attended classes full-time. When Bill graduated, they sold the mobile home — a symbol of how far they had come and the foundation they had built together.

From the classroom to the company boardroom

After graduation, Bill began working for engineering firms, where he applied the practical skills he learned at SIU. Bill, Shirley and their son Casey later established Saegesser Engineering, a Civil Engineering and Land Surveying company that served communities throughout Indiana for more than two decades.

“We built a business from the ground up, and it all started with what I learned at SIU,” he said. “My professors didn’t just teach us equations; they taught us how to think critically, how to communicate, and how to manage real-world projects. That’s what prepared me to lead a company and serve clients with confidence.”

Saegesser Engineering focused on municipal and private development projects, offering design, surveying, and construction management services. Over the years, Bill enjoyed mentoring young engineers and surveyors, encouraging them to continue their education and pursue professional licensure.

“That’s part of why this scholarship means so much,” he said. “I’ve seen firsthand what happens when someone invests in a young person’s potential. It changes everything.”

Giving back, looking forward

In addition to the endowed scholarship, the Saegessers have committed $500,000 through a planned gift to expand the fund in the future. They also intend to make annual contributions through qualified charitable distributions from their retirement accounts.

“We’ve been blessed,” Shirley said. “It feels right to do something lasting, something that helps students like we once were.”

The couple remains connected to SIU through alumni activities and Saluki athletics. During the scholarship dinner on Nov. 7, they met their first scholarship recipient, Ricardo Salgado, a junior at SIU studying civil engineering.

“This is about opening doors and building momentum for students from Southern Illinois and beyond,” Bill said. “SIU changed our lives. Now it’s our turn to help SIU change someone else’s.”

SIU: Research, opportunity, and impact

SIU holds a rare distinction as one of only 21 universities nationwide — out of nearly 4,000 — recognized by the Carnegie Classification for both Research 1 status, the highest level of research activity, and as an Opportunity College and University, which honors institutions that expand access and foster social mobility. This dual recognition reflects SIU’s commitment to advancing knowledge while opening doors for students from all backgrounds.

The Saegessers’ gift to the College of Engineering, Computing, Technology and Mathematics embodies that mission, empowering first-generation students to pursue hands-on learning and careers that drive innovation, sustainability, and economic development.

This contribution also supports Imagine SIU 2030, the university’s comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, the campaign has raised more than $435 million toward its $500 million goal, making it the fifth-largest fundraising effort in Illinois higher education. In the most recent fiscal year, the SIU Foundation awarded more than $5.6 million in scholarships to 2,111 students, representing 17 percent of the student body.

Gifts like the Saegessers’ ensure that SIU continues to grow as a place where research, opportunity, and access come together to change lives for generations to come.

To support the College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics, visit siuf.org/engineering.

To learn more about planned giving, visit siufgiving.org.

By Ava Steffens

Mark Hart, a proud alumnus of Southern Illinois University, has made significant contributions to his alma mater through his unwavering support. Hart, who graduated in 1989 with a degree in Vocational Education Studies, has a deep-rooted connection to SIU that has only grown stronger over the years.

His dedication to SIU is evident in his philanthropic efforts. With a $75,000 gift, Hart established the Mark S. Hart Scholarship Endowment Fund, which supports students in the School of Education and was created in honor of his mentor, Dr. Bernard DeWulf, who played a crucial role in his journey as a Saluki.

“Dr. DeWolf was like a father figure to me. He encouraged me to stay in the program when I wanted to give up,” Hart said.

Originally from Tampa, Florida, Hart attended classes at Scott Air Force Base near Saint Louis on weekends during his time serving in the military. Despite never being a traditional on-campus student, Hart has always felt a strong bond with SIU.

“I only visited the campus once to go to the bookstore,” Hart recalled. “But I have family members nearby, and that connection has always been there.”

The Vocational Education Studies program was accessible to distance learners through SIU’s satellite campuses when Hart was enrolled in the late 1980s. This allowed non-traditional students to complete coursework on a schedule best suited to their career needs. Many students formerly enrolled through the program served in the military or worked in vocational fields.

Along with his financial contributions, Hart has been actively involved in various SIU events and initiatives. He attended the Black Alumni Group reunion and the Saluki Takeover Tour Florida, stating he was impressed by the passion and knowledge shared by the university representatives.

“The enthusiasm and tidbits of knowledge about what SIU was doing were impressive,” Hart said. “We might be in a small town, but we’re big time.”

Hart’s commitment to education extends beyond SIU. He has worked as a career specialist, helping students prepare for vocational positions, and has been involved in his local workforce board in Florida. His passion for education and helping others is a testament to the values instilled in him by his mother. Hart recalls that she would “cobble together” cash in envelopes for causes she believed in.

“She was always a charitable person, and I just want to follow in her footsteps,” he said while describing her impact on his life. “She was an educator and a humanitarian.”

Looking to the future, Hart hopes to continue supporting SIU and making a positive impact on students’ lives.

“I want to help students who have aspirations but not financial backing or opportunities,” Hart said. “Everyone should be able to do something to make this world a better place.”

Mark Hart’s legacy at SIU is one of generosity, dedication, and a deep connection to his alma mater. His contributions have made a lasting impact on the university and its students, ensuring that future generations of Salukis have the opportunities they need to succeed.

Many students share Hart’s passion, despite never stepping onto SIU’s campus. The university continues to be a beacon of education, leadership, and technological advancement for Salukis all over the country. To learn more about how your contributions can make a difference, visit siuf.org.

By Britni Bateman

When Omar and Carol Winter made a $25,000 gift to Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s College of Business and Analytics 25 years ago, they hoped to spark a hands-on learning opportunity for students. Today, their vision has grown into the Saluki Student Investment Fund (SSIF), a nationally recognized, student-managed portfolio worth more than $4 million.

The fund, established in 2000, allows SIU students to manage investments on behalf of the SIU Foundation, gaining experience in equity analysis, portfolio management and teamwork. For the Winters, both proud alumni, the idea was born from Omar’s time as an adjunct professor after a distinguished career in aerospace.

“I was surprised to learn that not one student in my first business class had ever read The Wall Street Journal,” Omar recalled. “So we started from the basics, simulating stock trades and teaching the fundamentals of investing. Their enthusiasm gave me the idea that, with real money, this could be something special.”

As an adjunct professor in the late 1990s, Omar became known for mentoring students and preparing them for the professional world. “Once a week, I’d invite a student and their guest to dinner,” he said. “They wore jackets, learned business etiquette and met guest speakers from around the world. It was a different kind of classroom — one that prepared them for life.”

That “something special” became reality when the Winters provided the $25,000 seed gift to launch the SSIF. What began as a class project is now one of the nation’s premier student investment programs, giving hundreds of Salukis the skills and confidence to compete on Wall Street and beyond.

Over the years, the Winters have watched with pride as the program’s student managers navigated major market shifts — from the 2008 recession to the COVID-19 pandemic — with discipline and professionalism.

“Their success has been remarkable,” Omar said. “They managed their way through crises that challenged even seasoned investors and still achieved long-term, outstanding returns.”

The original Winter fund has grown to more than $340,000, and the SSIF overall manages more than $4 million for the SIU Foundation — an accomplishment that continues to impress both alumni and employers.

One of the fund’s first students, Tim Marlo, went on to earn his master’s and doctorate at SIU and now serves as faculty advisor for the SSIF.

“What Omar and Carol started has changed lives,” Marlo said. “It’s given our students a real-world edge and opened doors for countless careers. Their legacy is alive every day in the trading room.”

Omar said seeing Marlo return to lead the program has been one of his greatest joys. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see it come full circle,” he said.

For Omar, who graduated the first year SIU’s College of Business earned university-level accreditation, and Carol, an education major from Belleville, SIU is where their personal and professional journeys began.

The couple’s own story started on campus. Carol initially declined a friend’s invitation to go on a blind date with Omar — and so did every other girl in her residence hall.

“When my friend came back down the hall asking again, I just said, ‘Okay,’” Carol said, laughing. The date was on a Thursday, and the next day she saw Omar walking through the Student Center. “He asked if I’d buy him a Coke,” she said. “I did — and he decided not to transfer anywhere else.”

The two recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary.

As a student, Carol helped establish the Gamma Kappa chapter of Sigma Kappa and served as its first president.

“Our group of women became so close in Woody Hall that we all joined together,” she said. “That sisterhood is still alive today.”

Omar went on to a distinguished career in the aerospace industry, serving in leadership roles at Eastern Airlines and later at Sundstrand Aerospace, where he worked with clients around the globe. Their sons, Jeff and Doug, have both followed in his footsteps — Jeff recently retired after 40 years with Lockheed Martin, and Doug serves as chief commercial officer for Aircastle, a global aircraft leasing company based in Connecticut.

“SIU gave us both so much,” Carol said. “To see this program continue to thrive, and to know that it’s helping so many young people succeed, is deeply rewarding.”

Now in his 90s, Omar still looks to the future. He hopes the SSIF model will one day reach high school students across Illinois, inspiring a new generation to learn about finance and investing.

“The SSIF will long be a learning success — not just financially, but in teamwork, discipline and confidence,” he said. “It’s been a wonderful ride, and we’re proud to know it continues to grow.”

As the SSIF celebrates its 25th anniversary, the Winters’ legacy stands as a testament to the power of one idea — and one couple’s belief in the potential of Salukis.

“It was a unique way to give back,” Omar said. “And it’s made a lasting difference for more than 500 students — and counting.”

SSIF 25th Anniversary Celebration

The Saluki Student Investment Fund will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a dinner on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at Old Main in the SIU Student Center. Happy hour begins at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m., with a celebration program to follow. Generous sponsors include Banterra Bank, Ed and Monica Hamilton, Howard and Karri Spiegel, and Argus and Lanie Tong. Individual tickets and sponsorships are available now at siuf.org/ssif25.

Support the Next Generation of Saluki Investors

As the Saluki Student Investment Fund celebrates 25 years of success, the need for continued support is greater than ever. Gifts to the SSIF help fund essential resources such as Bloomberg terminals, student travel to national investment conferences and scholarships that make participation accessible to all students. Every contribution, no matter the size, directly impacts students by providing real-world experience, professional mentorship and the tools to compete in today’s global finance industry.

To make a gift and help strengthen this nationally recognized program, visit give.siu.edu/ssif.

By Britni Bateman

CARBONDALE — The School of Chemical and Biomolecular Sciences at Southern Illinois University Carbondale honored three graduate students Friday, Sept. 19, during the annual Gower Research Award Symposium at the newly dedicated Gower Translational Research Center.

The Gower fellowship provides full stipend support for summer and a monetary award to each student. This year’s Gower Fellows, Samsul Arafin, Peshala Jayamaha Hitihamillage and Zahid Siraj, presented their findings at the symposium in the presence of Bob and Beth and their daughter Allison. The symposium also includes a poster presentation highlighting the research activity in the school,

The fellowship program, sponsored by Dr. Bob Gower for 19 years, will mark its 20th anniversary in 2026. Since its inception in 2006, the program has supported 54 Ph.D. candidates, averaging three recipients per year. A plaque in the Neckers atrium displays the names of all fellows.

Eligible applicants are Ph.D. students who have been admitted to candidacy. A faculty committee reviews applications each March, and fellows are announced in time to begin their summer research. In addition to the symposium, the event includes a poster session where graduate, undergraduate and postdoctoral students informally share their work.

“The Gower Fellowship has a direct and lasting impact on the careers and lives of its recipients. Equally, the unwavering support Bob and Beth Gower have extended to the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Sciences and to SIU is immeasurable,” said Dr. Qingfeng Ge, director and professor of the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Sciences.

The Gower Symposium highlights the impact of donor support on SIU’s research mission. In 2023, Bob and Beth Gower committed $2.5 million to name the Gower Translational Research Center, further cementing their legacy.

“The Gower family’s generosity has empowered nearly two decades of student research in chemistry and continues to strengthen SIU’s reputation as a center for discovery,” Chancellor Austin Lane said.

A West Frankfort native and two-degree SIU graduate, Dr. Gower built a distinguished career in the chemical and energy industries, serving as CEO and chairman of Lyondell Petrochemical Company and co-founding Carbon Nanotechnologies, Inc. He is now executive chairman of Ensysce Biosciences, Inc. He and his wife, Beth, have supported SIU for decades through scholarships, endowed professorships and capital projects.

SIU holds a rare distinction as one of only 21 universities nationwide — out of nearly 4,000 — recognized by the Carnegie Classification for both Research 1 status, the highest level of research activity, and as an Opportunity College and University, which honors institutions that expand access and foster social mobility. The Gowers’ commitment to student research embodies that mission, advancing discovery while ensuring SIU remains a place where students from all backgrounds can succeed.

This contribution also supports Imagine SIU 2030, the SIU Foundation’s comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, the campaign has raised more than $425 million toward its $500 million goal, making it the fifth-largest fundraising effort in Illinois higher education. In the most recent fiscal year, the SIU Foundation awarded more than $5.6 million in scholarships to 2,111 students, representing 17 percent of the student body.

Gift supports School of Music students’ travel to competitions, conferences and performances

By Britni Bateman

CARBONDALE, Ill. — What began with a passion for music on a Southern Illinois farm has come full circle for alumnus Dr. Russell C. Riepe. With a $25,000 gift, he established the Dr. Russell C. Riepe School of Music Student Travel Endowment Fund at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, giving students opportunities to perform and present their work beyond campus.

“SIU provided the foundation for a poor farm boy. I never forgot that,” Riepe said. “I told myself that if I was ever able, I would do something in return. Helping students travel is the best way I can give back.”

Riepe, who earned a bachelor’s degree in music from SIU before completing a doctorate at the Eastman School of Music, designed the fund with a clear purpose: remove the financial barriers that often keep talented students from performing and presenting beyond campus. The endowment prioritizes travel support and requires recipients to maintain a 3.5 GPA.

“Getting on a stage in front of an unfamiliar audience makes you stronger,” he said. “The repetition of success is the key. Travel gives students those chances to step up, learn and grow.”

From a cattle farm to concert halls

Riepe grew up on a cattle farm near Vienna, Illinois. His father tuned pianos when the cattle market dipped, and that side job brought a six-foot grand piano into the family home.

“I was rough and tumble on the farm,” Riepe said. “I started late at the piano, so I practiced 11 hours a day on weekends just to catch up.”

At SIU, Riepe studied with Robert Mueller and Steven Barwick, performing frequently in Shryock Auditorium, including as a high school senior. He won a statewide student competition in Chicago and shared the stage with the SIU Orchestra for Carnival of the Animals. During his senior year, he earned a prestigious Woodrow Wilson Fellowship, which strengthened his applications to top graduate programs, before ultimately pursuing advanced study at Eastman, where he won the Howard Hanson Prize for his composition Symphonic Fantasy.

A career of teaching, composing and raising standards

Riepe launched his academic career at what is now Texas State University, teaching theory, composition and performance. He rose quickly to full professor and later served as Professor and Coordinator of Music Composition Programs, Founder and Director of the Texas Mysterium for Modern Music, and Director of Graduate Music Studies.

“I liked the students and they liked me, but I was tough,” he said. “I had high standards and didn’t believe in grade inflation. I wanted their success.”

Many of his students went on to perform with renowned artists or lead music programs nationwide. Among them, James Polk, one of Riepe’s graduate students, toured the world as pianist and Hammond B3 organist for Ray Charles. Others became university professors, directors of jazz programs, and even a university president.

Music without borders

Riepe’s own career spanned the globe. He studied under the legendary pedagogue Nadia Boulanger in France and later performed or presented his compositions in more than a dozen countries, including Scotland, Poland, Japan, China, Russia, Brazil, and Switzerland. His works were performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Greenwich Village, CalArts, UC Santa Cruz and countless universities across the United States.

He was a frequent guest lecturer, consultant and composer abroad, premiering Lacrimosa for Clarinet and Piano in London with longtime collaborator David Pino, contributing to the development of the Hong Kong Electronic/Computer Music Centre, and helping expand the electronic music program at the Moscow State Conservatory, where he performed in Rachmaninoff Hall.

“Project work, getting on your feet and performing, that’s what develops musicians,” he said. “Travel opens ears and minds. It also recruits the next generation.”

Pride in SIU’s rising profile

Riepe also takes pride in SIU’s elite standing in the Carnegie Classification, which recognizes the university for very high research activity and for expanding access and social mobility.

“SIU is a rural university with a serious mission,” he said. “The R1 designation signals a culture of purpose. My professors at SIU were excellent — every bit as good as the teachers I had at Eastman. They pushed you, and they did it the right way.”

A farmer’s roots, a musician’s promise

Although music carried Riepe around the world, his attachment to Southern Illinois never faded. He maintains his family farm near Vienna and credits the land — and SIU — for shaping his character.

“I love every blade of grass on this place,” he said. “SIU gave me the seriousness of purpose I needed. Now I want students to have the experiences that launched me.”

The Dr. Russell C. Riepe School of Music Student Travel Endowment Fund will support School of Music students as they compete, perform and present research beyond campus, building the skills and confidence that come only from taking the stage.

“I hope this fund helps students show the world what SIU can do,” Riepe said. “Give them the ticket, and they’ll take it from there.”

Where Research and Opportunity Take the Stage

SIU holds a rare distinction as one of only 21 universities nationwide — out of nearly 4,000 — recognized by the Carnegie Classification for both Research 1 status, the highest level of research activity, and as an Opportunity College and University, which honors institutions that expand access and foster social mobility. This dual recognition reflects SIU’s commitment to advancing knowledge while opening doors for students from all backgrounds.

Riepe’s gift to the School of Music embodies that mission, enriching hands-on learning and inspiring future musicians to create, innovate and share their art with the world.

This contribution also supports the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign. To date, the campaign has raised more than $422 million toward its $500 million goal, making it the fifth-largest fundraising effort in Illinois higher education. In the most recent fiscal year, the SIU Foundation awarded more than $5.6 million in scholarships to 2,111 students, representing 17 percent of the student body.

Gifts like Riepe’s ensure that SIU continues to grow as a place where research, opportunity and access come together to change lives for generations to come.

To support the SIU School of Music, learn more at: https://music.siu.edu/alumni/give.php

By Jeff Wilson

Hearing Tim Griffith speak about his time at Southern Illinois University, it quickly becomes clear that he has a connection that transcends human interaction. It was at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center that he found something deeper.

His love for nature and his passion for conservation have been the driving force behind his enduring support for the university and its initiatives.

“The importance of Touch of Nature is that it’s here. It’s not some foreign place. This is home,” Griffith said.

Recently, he established a $150,000 planned gift to support Touch of Nature through the Griffith Family Endowment Fund for Camp Excellence. This generous contribution will enhance camp operations, inclusivity, and accessibility, ensuring that future generations can experience the beauty and wonder of nature.

“I have been a supporter of SIU ever since the day I graduated, really. Touch of Nature is a very special place to me. This is my cathedral,” he said.

After graduating from Southern in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in plant and soil sciences from the College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences, Griffith spent 37 years in the agricultural seed industry, working as the director of agronomic services for Agri Gold Hybrids. After retiring, he pursued his lifelong dream of becoming a wildlife biologist, dedicating himself to wildlife conservation and soil and water conservation efforts.

“I grew up in the flatlands of central Illinois and spent every waking minute outdoors if I could,” he said. “I got to come down to SIU for a visit and went out, and I immediately knew this is where I’m going. Forget all the other schools. I could be in the woods every day on campus.”

Touch of Nature provides an outdoor learning environment that impacts both SIU students and the Southern Illinois community. With support from alumni like Griffith, more opportunities will become available.

“This is his place, and you see him light up when he comes back,” said Brian Croft, executive director of Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center. “He found his passion here at SIU and Touch of Nature. It makes me realize that what we’re doing is important.”

To learn more about Touch of Nature, visit ton.siu.edu. To learn more about planned giving, visit siufgiving.org.