Pictured (left to right): SIU Interim Chancellor Brad Colwell, Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Lori Stettler, Student Center Director Tena Bennett, Saluki Food Pantry Coordinator Sara Sauerhage, SIU Credit Union CEO Mike Lantrip, SIU Sustainability Coordinator Geory Kurtzhals, Director of Development Paul Melzer and SIU Credit Union VP of Business Development Kim Babington.
Giving is in the DNA of those at the SIU Credit Union, and local charities have regularly been the beneficiaries of their benevolence. With the credit union’s recent $10,000 donation, the Saluki Food Pantry can be added to the long list of worthwhile causes. The gift serves as a prelude to SIU Day of Giving, which is Wednesday, March 1. On that day, the university is encouraging others to follow the credit union’s philanthropic lead and help make an immediate difference in the lives of current and future Salukis.
Robert Heusner is a graduate pre-medicine student from Thompsonville, Illinois. He is specializing in physiology.
Why did you choose SIU? SIU offered research that I wished to be a part of. Their cancer research is probably the best in the Midwest. The researchers are amazing at what they do and the training they offered me was beyond what I could have expected from another university.
What inspired you to choose your area of study? I was a part of an internship through SIH, and was in the middle of my OB rotation. I walked into this area with absolutely no expectation of what lied ahead of me. I was asked if I wished to observe a cesarean section and I jumped at the opportunity. From the moment I walked into the OR, I felt as if there was something bigger surrounding me. I watched the graceful movements of the obstetrician and the many other hands assisting her. It was within these twenty minutes that I realized that there was no other place on Earth I would rather be. I felt, like for once, I belonged.
What achievement in your life are you most proud of? I am a first-generation college student and the only person from my high school getting a professional degree.
Why should someone consider donating to SIU? Because students are the future of our society. This generation and the next will be the most educated generations to have ever lived. Their potential should be the reason someone should invest in their future.
Have you received any scholarships as a student? Yes.
What does the scholarship mean to you and how has it enabled you to pursue your goals? It was everything to me. Though I wish it could have been more so I wouldn’t have to work 40 hours a week to support myself, my donor gave me an opportunity that I couldn’t be more grateful for.
How has SIU inspired you? It has inspired me to never give up. My professors treat me with respect and actively acknowledge my potential. This makes all of the difference.
Do you have a message you would like shared with a potential donor? Give all that you can. You aren’t simply ensuring that a student gets an education that could better only their life, you are making an investment in the future of our county and global society.
If you had $1,000 to donate to the SIU, what would you like to see that money benefit? Perhaps discounting food for students, research or for a student’s yearly expenses.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about SIU? The exposure I get. I am involved in witnessing life changing research in action. I am also actively involved with labs that a majority of other potential medical students do not get to see until their second year of medical school.
Why did you choose SIU? SIU provided an excellent opportunity to work on exciting research projects while taking classes and teaching labs.
What inspired you to choose your area of study? Geology allows me to do exciting field work all over the world and scientific research in the lab. I get to solve puzzles of Earth’s dynamic geologic history and find the challenge very rewarding.
What achievement in your life are you most proud of? I am most proud of earning my Master of Science degree in geology from SIU and my bachelor’s degree back home in Houston.
Why should someone consider donating to SIU College of Science? Donations help to continuously improve the quality of education at SIU. Modern equipment in specialized science labs keep students up to date with the advancing field and prepare them for the work force.
Have you received any scholarships as a student? Yes, several as an undergrad and grad student.
What does the scholarship mean to you and how has it enabled you to pursue your goals? Scholarships I have received help me with tuition, student fees, field work, research and presenting at conferences. All of these develop my skills as a scientist and qualify me for a career as a geologist.
How has SIU College of Science inspired you? I enjoy the variety of students I meet in 100-level geology courses. These students are usually non-science majors so it is nice to see them getting excited about the Earth.
Do you have a message you would like shared with a potential donor? Donations will help many students over years to come. Investments in education lead to high quality students that are prepared for careers upon graduation.
If you had $1,000 to donate to SIU College of Science, what would you like to see that money benefit? I would put a $1,000 scholarship towards a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship for STEM majors. Senior research projects can lead to an undergraduate thesis and give the student an advantage when applying for graduate school or broadening their skills.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about SIU? I tell people about the forest on campus and the nice running trail around Campus Lake.
Why did you choose SIU? I chose SIU because of the television department and all that it had to offer its students. I also was accepted to my number one choice media based school, but after touring SIU and hearing all the great things the college of Mass Communication and Media Arts provides, it was a no-brainer.
What inspired you to choose your area of study? I’ve worked in live television since I was in 7th grade. I worked for my church, New Life Covenant Southeast, where we broadcast four services live and it’s streamed to audiences all over the world. Working with this team really opened my eyes and allowed me to see that this is something I would like to make a career out of.
What achievement in your life are you most proud of? I can’t say there’s one achievement that I’m most proud. Over the course of my career, I have done so much to be proud of. I have directed shows with award-winning gospel recording artists. Just before classes began this school year, on August 18th I was hired at WSIL-TV 3 as their weekend morning show Newscast Director and a couple months later I won an award for Best TV-Weathercast in the state of Illinois. These are some of the accomplishments that I will always remember as my career continues to grow.
Why should someone consider donating to the College of Mass Communication and Media Arts? Anyone who has benefited from this college in anyway should consider donating. Mass Communications and Media Arts not only provides a classroom where students can learn and put their hands on some equipment that’s used in the business world, but it also provides the opportunity for students to put those skills they’ve learned to the test. This college gives students the ability to work in professional environments they would more or less encounter when they’re out in the real world.
I can say from my personal experience, the College of Mass Communication and Media Arts gave me a ton of knowledge and hands-on experience that enabled me to get a director’s position for WSIL-TV 3, an ABC affiliate station. This is only because students are given the chance to put on live student run newscasts each week with updated cameras and control room technology. Given the equipment that we use, the faculty and staff that assist students hold our level of work to those of professional newscasts and that only makes students strive to do their best.
Do you have a message you would like shared with a potential donor? It’s a fact that the College of Mass Communication and Media Arts produces outstanding results when it comes to students acquiring jobs right out of graduation or even while they’re still in school, like myself.
I stay in touch with many graduates from this college who are now working full time in their professions. One thing I’ve noticed in all of them and even in myself, was the advantages taken while they were students. This is because all of these opportunities were in the palms of our hands and that’s all thanks to generous donations by so many alumni.
If you had $1,000 to donate to the College of Mass Communication and Media Arts, what would you like to see that money benefit? Instructors and faculty do an amazing job bringing in people from around the country to show and tell students what we need to do to dominate in our fields. Last year, an award winning news videoagrapher, Lester Rose of CBS News, came in and held a two-day seminar showing us everything that has made him one of the best in the business. I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it.
I say this because I would like to see that money benefit more events like this one. Bring in more people who can do what Mr. Rose did for us. I think those who attended this event improved their storytelling in news, in their shooting, as well as their editing of these stories. Learning from people who have been in the business for a long time is a great teaching tool and is something I think should be used a lot more throughout the year.
Why did you choose SIU? The first time I visited SIU, I knew when I walked onto campus that it was where I wanted to be. It just felt like home. I didn’t even visit any other universities after that.
What inspired you to choose your area of study? I’ve always been curious about how things work and since I’m good at math I decided engineering. I chose to do computer and electrical because my dad was always working on electronic things and I found it really interesting.
What achievement in your life are you most proud of? I’m currently vice president of the engineering honor society, Tau Beta Pi.
Why should someone consider donating to the College of Engineering? People should consider donating to SIU College of Engineering because I have been more than just a student during my time here. I’ve gotten to know many professors and staff throughout my four years here. I feel like if I need help with something I have many people I could turn to.
Do you have a message you would like shared with a potential donor? If you are on the fence about donating, come to the college and take a look around. SIU has a lot to offer students, especially at the College of Engineering. There are so many places money could be put to good use such as our computer labs, the RSOs and their workshops, and the labs for our classes as well. Our design RSOs are making major progress and becoming serious competitors against other schools.
If you had $1,000 to donate to the College of Engineering, what would you like to see that money benefit? I would like it to go to the RSOs. I’ve been a part of different RSOs within my four years here. We always make it by on the budget we have but some extra funding would help the RSOs to prosper tremendously. If it is a competing RSO it could mean bringing home some more trophies as well!
James Molitor is a senior from Grayslake, Illinois. He is specializing in exercise science.
Why did you choose SIU? Both of my parents are SIU alumni and because of this, I was introduced to SIU at a very young age. When I was younger, my parents would bring me down to SIU for football and basketball games. I can remember the atmosphere of those games to this day and as a kid I was hooked on the Salukis. When it came time for me to start looking at colleges, I visited many universities but none of them provided me with that feeling of being “at home” like SIU did.
What inspired you to choose your area of study? I chose the area of kinesiology because I wanted a career after college where I could help people improve their health and overall quality of life. I also have always had a very strong interest in science.
What achievement in your life are you most proud of? The achievement in my life that I’m most proud of right now is graduating from SIU.
Why should someone consider donating to the College of Education and Human Services? Students who are a part of the College of Education and Human Services are dedicated to obtaining a degree which will later help them to give back to their communities.
Do you have a message you would like shared with a potential donor? Donating to the College of Education and Human Services will help to provide us with the best education and opportunity possible so that we can better serve the community in the future. I would also thank them for taking the time to consider donating.
If you had $1,000 to donate to the College of Education and Human Services, what would you like to see that money benefit? I would like to see that money benefit the Strong Survivors program. It is an amazing program that truly benefits cancer patients, cancer survivors and their dedicated caregivers.
My masters’ degree adviser Dr. Grace Mims did her PhD program at SIU and she recommended me to apply for this program.
I got accepted from few other universities but I saw the education department of SIU comes to the 76th ranking in the whole USA.
I got an assistantship from my department and later from another department too, which helped me to further my schooling.
SIU environment made me feel more comfortable because of the diverse student population on campus.
What inspired you to choose your area of study? I did my undergraduate in accounting and felt like I am not a person who is going to sit in a chair and calculate the numbers for my whole life. I chose a major that I would like to do in my daily life, which was helping students in need. So I picked counseling focusing on student affairs for my master’s degree. Before completing my master’s degree, I had worked at the university for 2 years, which motivated me to focus on higher education as my career. I choose Educational Administration and Higher Education for my PhD program so I can work in the higher education settings for at least 7-8 years after graduation and work for United Nations afterwards.
What achievement in your life are you most proud of? When I was kid, I did not have all these facilities that I have right now. My parents worked hard every day to bring me to this position. My biggest achievement would be that I can look into my parents’ eyes and tell them I did not let their hard work go to waste. I have also learned how to be a leader, follower and public speaker.
Why should someone consider donating to SIU? Looking towards my own experience, if I did not have a scholarship I would not be able to pursue my career. Scholarships help students to focus on their studies. When students are in financial need, they have pressure all the time regarding finances. Especially, for those students who wants to purse their degree and want to bring change in society but they don’t have enough financial assistance to pursue their education, I would recommend people to consider those students and donate to SIU. Those donations will not go to waste. It is your investment for a better society.
Have you received any scholarships as a student? Yes, I have received a scholarship as a student and that scholarship helped me to to focus on my education.
What does the scholarship mean to you and how has it enabled you to pursue your goals? Without the scholarship, I would not have been able to complete my undergraduate, graduate and PhD (current). For a student like me, who wants to complete my education and do something for better society, scholarships help a lot. I am able to fulfill my dreams and my life goals, which is bettering society with my education.
How has SIU inspired you? SIU is full of diverse students, faculty and staff, which makes my experience more comfortable. Every day I learn something new, which helps me to develop myself. I have worked in different departments at SIU: higher education department as a research assistant, Evaluation and Developmental Center as a research assistant and the Student Center as a building manager. I have learned to be leader on campus by getting involved in various organizations, too.
Do you have a message you would like shared with a potential donor? Your one effort will change someone’s life. This change will help to bring a better society for us. There are many students who are in need of financial help. Even though they have potential to do something great, their financial situation prevents them from pursuing their goals.
If you had $1,000 to donate to the SIU, what would you like to see that money benefit? I would give to students with financial need who want to complete their education and do something positive for society.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about SIU? Best college that I have ever attend because of diversity on campus. All faculty and staff are friendly and helpful which will make your time at SIU more comfortable.
Whether you can give $1 or $1,000, every amount matters on March 1, 2017. Help us open the door to opportunity for students. Support SIU Day of Giving at: siuday.siu.edu
Maria Napolez is a SIU law student from Los Angeles, California. She will be graduating in May 2017.
Why did you choose SIU? My dad attended SIU for medical school and has always said it altered the course of his life. SIU exposed him to a world of information that helped him discover his passion. I wanted the same experience and I have definitely gotten it! I’m excited, yet sad to be graduating in May, but I know the immense impact I’ll make with my SIU School of Law education!
What inspired you to choose your area of study? Law has always been a passion of mine. It is a profession that will allow me to help others, while simultaneously allowing me to continuously grow and learn as a person.
What achievement in your life are you most proud of? I’m most proud of my decision to pack up my life in LA, leave my fashion career, and attend law school at SIU! It has changed my life for the better! I’m more excited than ever to get back to LA with the knowledge I have gained at SIU School of Law.
Why should someone consider donating to SIU School of Law? Wow, where do I start? SIU School of Law is one of this country’s hidden gems! The warm and welcoming environment makes the difficulties of law school easier to deal with. Having visited several law schools prior to attending SIU, I never encountered such an environment where the faculty and classmates feels like family! I feel as though the faculty really goes through your law school journey with you. The support, encouragement, and random conversations in between classes with the deans, professors, and other law school faculty make my days enjoyable. I catch myself smiling for no reason sometimes, because I know I made the right choice to attend SIU School of Law. I can’t wait to donate!
Do you have a message you would like shared with a potential donor? Giving back, no matter how small the donation amount, is so helpful! The law school is such a small, close-knit environment. Every dime is felt, acknowledged, and appreciated.
If you had $1,000 to donate to the School of Law, what would you like to see that money benefit? I would give $3,000! First, $1,000 would go toward some sort of ‘appreciation’ event for the faulty to show them how much they mean to us. Another $1,000 would go toward funding a program to reach out to more minority students and fostering relationships that will encourage them to trust SIU School of Law with shaping their legal studies and legal career. And of course, $1,000 would go toward free coffee every day, for everyone!
Taylor Williams is a senior from Carterville, Illinois. She is studying civil engineering.
Why did you choose SIU? I chose SIU because it is close to home, had an accredited engineering program, and offered scholarship opportunities to me as an incoming freshman.
What inspired you to choose your area of study? I really like math.
What achievement in your life are you most proud of? I am most proud of the person that I have become. There is no one specific achievement that I am most proud of because everything that I have accomplished and have not accomplished have made me into the person that I am today.
Why should someone consider donating to SIU? Attending college is expensive. State schools do not receive the same support from federal and state government as it has in the past. In order to remain affordable, SIU has had to invest institutional resources into assisting students. Donors who give money to SIU can help with that institutional investment by providing scholarships to us-the students.
Have you received any scholarships as a student? Yes
What does the scholarship mean to you and how has it enabled you to pursue your goals? The scholarship I received as an incoming student helped me decide to enroll at SIU. The scholarships that I have received as an engineering student motivate me to continue to excel in the classroom and get involved in campus.
How has SIU inspired you? SIU has inspired me to become more involved and to live college life to the fullest. I came here to receive an education but have received so much more than that through making friends in the dorms and joining a sorority.
Do you have a message you would like shared with a potential donor? Every donation counts and is appreciated. Students today need scholarship opportunities to help with the cost of college. Four years of college will cost more than $100,000. Even families who don’t have financial need experience difficulties coming up with the money to pay for college. Scholarship opportunities should exist for students who work hard, earn good grades, and get involved.
If you had $1,000 to donate to the SIU, what would you like to see that money benefit? College of Engineering scholarship opportunities.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about SIU? When I tell my friends about SIU, I brag mostly about my experience here. My teachers have always been willing to help me with things that I don’t understand. I get to do experiments to further my understanding of material taught in class. The staff is always working with me when I need help finding experience outside of school such as internships and externships.
Whether you can give $1 or $1,000, every amount matters on March 1, 2017. Help us open the door to opportunity for students. Support SIU Day of Giving at: siuday.siu.edu
Jared Nicholas is a junior with senior credits from McLean, Illinois. He is a double major specializing in accounting and German.
Why did you choose SIU? I had never heard of SIU until my junior year of high school. My German teacher suggested it because of a German scholarship SIU offers. I visited the campus and really enjoyed its proximity to nature and semi-isolation from the rest of town. What really impressed me, though, was the attention and enthusiasm Marcus Odom, the Director of Accountancy at the time, and Jill Gebke, the Assistant Dean of the College of Business, showed for me as a potential student. They were the first people to prove to me why SIU prides itself in being a close community that cares about its students.
What inspired you to choose your area of study? Ultimately, I would like to become a corporate lawyer. I chose accounting to gain a broader business background before law school. I started German in high school and decided to continue with it. Learning German has not just taught me a language, but it’s broadened my world view as well as made me think more critically about language. In college, it provided me the opportunity to spend a wonderful semester abroad in Switzerland. I’d like to use German by working for an international German company, such as Haribo, Aldi, Siemens, or BMW.
What achievement in your life are you most proud of? Freshman year, my roommate, Alex Attebury, and I organized a trip with other business freshmen to Walt Disney World to participate in one of their youth education programs about leadership strategies. It was a long process, especially with fundraising, but it was a fun project and it was a great end to our first year of college.
Why should someone consider donating to the College of Liberal Arts? The College of Liberal Arts at SIU has some of the most dedicated and caring professors I have met, which leads to more dedicated and thoughtful graduates. Employers appreciate the skills the liberal arts teach, such as critical thinking, appreciation for other points of view, and the ability to discuss and debate ideas. The liberal arts provide a broader education, not just for liberal arts majors, but for other students, too.
Do you have a message you would like shared with a potential donor? I would like to tell that potential donor that their money could go to supporting important departments that are unfortunately often overlooked and underappreciated.
If you had $1,000 to donate to the College of Liberal Arts, what would you like to see that money benefit? I would like to see it go towards faculty professional development, including more intensive training for teaching assistants and new teachers, or any other way to maintain or even improve the college’s teaching quality.
