All posts by Britni Bateman

Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

Legence Bank invests in student success at SIU

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Legence Bank Check Presentation at Southern Illinois University Carbondale
SIU Chancellor Austin Lane; Kevin Beckemeyer, president and CEO of Legence Bank; Tricia Overturf, vice president of marketing and communications at Legence Bank; and Wendell Williams, SIU vice chancellor for enrollment management. The group gathered for a check presentation celebrating Legence Bank’s $137,500 investment in the Legence Bank Saluki Commitment Scholarship.

CARBONDALE – With a commitment of $137,500 to Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Legence Bank is helping bring a Saluki education within reach of local students.

The Legence Bank Saluki Commitment Scholarship will provide tuition funds for 11 students each year as part of the Aim High/Saluki Commitment program, which covers tuition for eligible in-state students. The students will be chosen from the 11 Southern Illinois communities served by Legence Bank.

“This partnership with Legence Bank is going to go a long way to keeping students right here in our own backyard. That is extremely important to us,” said Chancellor Austin Lane during a check presentation Tuesday, March 25, in the Student Services Building at SIU.

Kevin Beckemeyer, president and CEO of Legence Bank, noted the bank’s enthusiasm for partnering with SIU.

“At Legence Bank, we believe in the strength of our community and the importance of investing in the future. Our motto – Legence Loves Local – demonstrates our commitment to supporting local scholarships, and this reflects our dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders in Southern Illinois,” said Beckemeyer, a 1983 graduate of SIU’s College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences. “Together, we can foster growth, inspire change, and create a brighter future for all.”

SIU and Legence Bank leaders gathered to celebrate the launch of the Legence Bank Saluki Commitment Scholarship, supporting students from 11 Southern Illinois communities.

“This initiative is not just about funding; it’s about investing in our community’s future,” Beckemeyer added. “By providing full-ride scholarships to students in the market areas we serve, we are empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators. We believe that education should be attainable for all, and this partnership exemplifies our dedication to making that a reality.”

The donation comes as part of the SIU Foundation’s ongoing Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has a goal of raising $500 million by June 2028. It is the fifth largest such campaign in the history of Illinois higher education. More than $390 million has been raised thus far, and corporate partners such as Legence Bank have made an enormous impact.

“The partnership between Southern Illinois University and Legence Bank represents a significant step forward in our commitment to educational accessibility,” said Tricia Overturf, vice president of marketing and communications at Legence Bank. “By collaborating on this initiative, we aim to bridge the gap between existing grants and scholarships, ensuring that students from Southern Illinois have the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams without the burden of financial stress.”

To learn more about the campaign or make a gift, visit siuf.org.

Committed to Salukis

The Saluki Commitment guarantees that tuition and mandatory fees are fully covered for four (transfer students) or eight (freshman students) consecutive semesters at no cost to students or families.

Recipients must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a first-time incoming freshman enrolling full-time on-campus in the fall 2021 semester or later.
  • Have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.75 or higher.
  • Have an annual family income less than $103,040 with assets less than $50,000 based on your FAFSA.
  • Be an Illinois resident who attended an Illinois high school.
  • Be a dependent student under age 24.
  • Be eligible for federal financial aid.

“I want to thank our partners from Legence Bank. You are making a difference in students’ lives,” said Wendell Williams, vice chancellor for enrollment management. “Your generous contribution is going to close the gap for students and bring them to a place they may have never imagined they could get to.”

SIU recently joined the ranks of the Ivy League, being named a Research 1 (R1) university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Southern is one of only three public universities in Illinois with that designation, and it is the only one within 100 miles of Carbondale.

“There is no reason in the world for a student from any county in Southern Illinois to attend any other university than the one in their backyard,” Lane said. “You’re not going to find another school that’s close to you that’s an R1 higher research institution.”

About Legence Bank

With more than 115 years of service, Legence Bank is a trusted community bank committed to excellence, honesty, integrity, and personalized customer care. Through its “Legence Loves Local” initiative, the bank continues to support local individuals, families, businesses, and now students—providing not just financial services, but a deep investment in the long-term success of the communities it serves.

“Our long-term vision for this initiative is to create a sustainable model that continuously supports students in Southern Illinois,” Overturf said. “We are excited about the potential impact this partnership can have on our local economy and the personal growth of our students. By fostering an environment where education is accessible, we are cultivating a thriving community.”

To learn more about Legence Bank, visit legencebank.com.

Crowdfunding, Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Philanthropic Women, SIU

Tison champions women’s empowerment through leadership and legacy

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For Gloria Tison, general counsel for Legence Bank and a member of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors, Women’s History Month is more than a celebration—it’s a call to action.

Tison, who also serves as co-chair of the SIU Foundation Women’s Leadership Council (WLC), has built a career marked by resilience, advocacy, and a deep commitment to uplifting women. Her early experiences in the legal field underscore how far gender equality has come—and how far it still must go.

“When I started as an attorney, women in my office weren’t allowed to wear pants,” she said. “The first job I was offered came with an unusual request—they wanted to speak to my husband to verify the hours were acceptable. I turned it down. That was my first direct experience with gender discrimination, but it was far from my last.”

Tison recalls being routinely referred to as “the woman attorney” or “the blonde one”—a label she shared with another female colleague.

“No one would call and ask for ‘the brunette male attorney,’” she said.

Despite the challenges, Tison credits trailblazing women before her for helping to carve the path she followed.

“It takes confidence, perseverance, and determination,” she said. “Without those who paved the way, we would not have the opportunities we have today.”

At SIU, Tison channels her passion into the Women’s Leadership Council, a network of women who champion one another through mentorship, scholarships, and community support. The WLC funds student scholarships, microgrants for faculty, and community grants for women-led businesses.

“These grants do more than provide financial support—they send a powerful message: We believe in you,” Tison said. “That belief can be life changing.”

Tison sees the council’s work as a modern-day answer to the “boys’ clubs” that have historically excluded women from professional growth.

“WLC recognizes the power of women supporting women,” she said. “Through mentorship and networking, we create a space where women are empowered to lead.”

As SIU continues its mission to shape the next generation of leaders, Tison remains focused on creating a future where gender is no barrier to opportunity.

“Women’s History Month reminds us of the unique strengths women bring to the world and inspires us to keep pushing forward,” she said. “When we invest in our students, we invest in our future. Now, it’s up to us. Mentor, support, and uplift the women around you. Together, we can ensure the next generation has even greater opportunities than we did.”

For more information about the Women’s Leadership Council, visit siuf.org/wlc.

Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Philanthropic Women, SIU

SIU Alumna Ashley B. Gibson Establishes Scholarship to Support Women in Accountancy

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CARBONDALE — When Ashley B. Gibson, a 2009 graduate of Southern Illinois University’s College of Business and Analytics, first stepped onto campus, she had no idea how the experience would shape her career and inspire her to give back.

A seasoned leader with over 15 years of consulting experience, author, and public speaker, now she is making a lasting impact on the next generation of women in accounting through the Ashley B. Gibson Accounting Excellence Scholarship Fund.

Gibson, 37, grew up in Carterville and chose SIU for its strong academic reputation and proximity to home. At the time, her father was working overseas in Iraq, and staying close to her mother was a priority. While earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accountancy, Gibson found mentorship in Dr. Marcus Odom and was deeply involved in student organizations. Her leadership in the Accounting Society and the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) opened doors to scholarships and national recognition, ultimately paving the way for her service on IMA’s Global Board of Directors.

“I remember when I received IMA’s highest scholarship. I was standing in Rehn Hall when I got the call,” Gibson said. “After I hung up, I slid down the wall, crying tears of joy and relief. It was the first external scholarship I had received, and it validated that people believed in me.”

During her time at SIU, Gibson was recognized as the Outstanding Senior in Accounting, Outstanding Senior in the College of Business, and one of the Top 25 Most Distinguished Seniors—an achievement she likens to winning the Triple Crown in terms of involvement at SIU.

“It was recognition that I’ll forever remember and reminded me of what all I accomplished during my time at SIU,” she said. “Those honors were not just a celebration of my hard work—they also highlighted the importance of having a strong support system and access to opportunities.”

Despite her professional success and accounting acumen, Gibson has dealt with challenges that many women face in the workplace, especially in leadership.

“When women, especially leaders in their field, are asked to perform remedial tasks such as getting coffee or taking notes, it’s because those asking don’t understand the implications it has,” she said. “While there are seats for women at the table, it’s sometimes a silent one, and I want to help change that.”

Her decision to establish the Ashley B. Gibson Accounting Excellence Scholarship Fund is rooted in a commitment to empowering women from Southern Illinois. With an initial pledge of $10,000, she aims to provide financial support and mentorship opportunities for aspiring female accountants.

“I always knew I wanted to create a scholarship for the School of Accountancy. I just wasn’t sure how or if I had enough to start one,” Gibson said. “Then I realized, why wait? Life is too short. I want to meet the recipients, follow their careers, and see the impact firsthand.”

For Gibson, giving back isn’t just about financial support—it’s about fostering a culture where women feel valued and encouraged to lead. She hopes her scholarship will inspire others to invest in SIU’s future and support the next generation of female accountants.

“The earlier I invest in future professionals, the greater the impact,” she said. “We need to break the stigma that philanthropy is something you do later in life. If you want to give back, start now.”

Gibson encourages other young alumni to consider how they can contribute, no matter their stage in life or career.

“If not now, when?” she said. “The SIU Foundation makes it easy to start the conversation. Just ask.”

Through her scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy, Gibson is determined to create lasting opportunities for women in accountancy. As she continues to rise in her own career, she remains committed to lifting others along the way.

“I hope this scholarship ignites a fire in other women to succeed,” she said. “This is my own version of the Butterfly Effect—one action leading to another, shaping the future for the women who follow.”

Donor Stories, Higher Education, SIU

Smith donates $500K, funding textbook program for SIU students

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Ron Smith
Ron Smith

By Jeff Wilson

Growing up in the small Randolph County town of Walsh, SIU was the only reasonable college option for Ron Smith.

“It was where you could get the most bang for your buck,” he said. “SIU was so good to me and changed my life and made it better than it would have been.”

Since graduating in 1964 with a degree in marketing and a master’s in business administration in 1966, Smith has stayed engaged with his alma mater, including donating more than $250,000 over the last 20 years. Now, he’s taken his support a step further, making a leadership gift of $500,000 to establish a fund that will help students cover the cost of textbooks.

Endowed chairs help attract and retain high-level faculty members by making the position more attractive and keeping salaries competitive with other institutions.

“I’m doing this to help the students of SIU,” Smith said. “I want to make the university stronger and provide better opportunities and better training for the students.”

Smith has long been a donor to Southern, especially the College of Business and Analytics and Saluki Athletics. Despite living in California, he has maintained season tickets to Saluki Football games and supported the Blackout Cancer fundraiser. He also recently made a $10,000 gift to Saluki Softball.

Smith has fond memories of his time at SIU, noting that he attended the university during the Delyte Morris era and the time of College of Business Dean Henry J. Rhen, for which the COBA building is named. Smith was also classmates with another of SIU’s most prolific benefactors, F. Lynn McPheeters.

“Dr. Morris was wonderful to listen to, and I was lucky to be there during his era,” Smith said. “The university had lots of programs that were geared toward students with limited financial resources. I was fortunate enough to make good enough grades that my professors thought I was a good candidate for graduate school.”

After graduation, he joined the Peace Corps and spent 30 months in Colombia. He worked with farmers and fishermen, teaching them how to make the most of their assets. He credits his education from SIU with giving him the expertise to share with those people and give them a vested interest in the business side of their industry.

Smith, a first-generation student whose niece now attends SIU as a fourth-generation student, said his continued support of the university shows the impact alumni can have even when they’re not able to get to campus as often as they may like.

“Is there a way you can help build up the university?” Smith said. “Even if you’re in California, like me, you can help folks in Southern Illinois.”

For more information about supporting the university, visit siuf.org.

Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Philanthropic Women, SIU

SIU Foundation Women’s History Month Spotlight: Jennifer Franklin

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As part of Women’s History Month, the SIU Foundation is proud to spotlight alumna Jennifer Franklin, a dedicated advocate for education and a champion for transfer students. From her beginnings in East St. Louis to her current home in Chicago, Franklin’s journey reflects the transformative power of higher education and the impact of giving back.

She transferred to Southern Illinois University Carbondale after two years at a community college, seamlessly transitioning to university life.

“Everyone was so welcoming, and I knew that SIU was the right place for me,” Franklin said.

At SIU, she initially pursued a degree in information systems technologies, envisioning a future in database management. However, a single class altered the course of her career.

“The African American Experience in a Pluralistic Society class changed my life,” she said. By the end of the semester, she added a minor in Black American Studies (now Africana Studies) and set her sights on law school.

“I literally would not be a lawyer had I not taken that class,” she said.

Her passion for advocacy and justice was ignited at SIU, setting the foundation for a successful legal career.

A Global Perspective

One of Franklin’s most cherished memories at SIU was her study abroad experience in Ghana during the summer of 2004. Having just completed her bachelor’s degree, she took the opportunity to finalize her minor before beginning law school that fall.

A particularly memorable moment occurred while she was in Accra, Ghana, watching Barack Obama’s speech at the Democratic National Convention on television.

“I knew at the time that he would definitely be the next senator for Illinois, but I had no idea that I was watching the future first Black President of the United States while I was on the African continent. Even after all these years, it is still surreal when I think about it.”

Giving Back to SIU

For Franklin, giving back to SIU is more than a gesture—it’s a responsibility.

“SIU gave so much to me as a student. I am still benefiting from lessons I learned as a young woman on that campus,” she said. “Being an SIU alum is part of my identity, so giving back feels like a natural part of my existence.”

Her commitment to supporting students led her to establish the Franklin Perseverance Fund, which provides scholarships to transfer students in financial need, with a special focus on African American women.

Franklin believes strongly in the power of women investing in SIU’s future.

“The doors that we walk through today were opened by the women before us, and it is our duty to keep them open for future generations,” she said. “The biggest door is access to education. The impact of women being able to attain a college degree cannot be understated.”

She encourages women who have benefited from higher education to pay it forward, ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities to succeed.

Reflecting on her college years, Franklin shares one piece of advice she would give to her younger self: Do not let your fears hold you back. Feel your fears, but do not live in them. Courage is not the absence of fear; it is acting in spite of it.

With a career shaped by resilience, purpose, and generosity, Franklin exemplifies the spirit of SIU alumni making a difference. Her story serves as an inspiration to current and future Salukis, proving that lifting others while you climb is the true mark of success.

Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Saluki Athletics, SIU

Hayes donates $1M to Saluki Athletics

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Jim Hayes Stadium Club to be named in honor of historic gift

Jamie Hayes stands in front of the Jim Hayes, Inc. car dealership in Harrisburg, Illinois.
Jamie Hayes, owner of Jim Hayes, Inc., and his wife, Netta, are donating $1 million to Saluki Athletics.

By Jeff Wilson

With a $1 million gift, Jamie and Netta Hayes further strengthen their family’s ties to Saluki Athletics.

The Hayes family has been a fixture around SIU since Jamie’s father, Jim, first came to Southern in 1961 on a football scholarship.

In honor of this historic gift, SIU Director of Athletics Tim Leonard has announced the naming of the Jim Hayes Stadium Club inside Saluki Stadium. Some of the funds from this gift will be used to revitalize the space.

“For Jamie and Netta to step up in this way says a ton about them and where we are headed,” Leonard said. “They see the vision. They see the passion. They know how valuable Saluki Athletics is to SIU and all of Southern Illinois. This is massively important for us, and I want to thank them on behalf of Saluki Nation.”

One of the premier locations on campus, the Jim Hayes Stadium Club will continue to be utilized by members of the entire campus community for important events and major announcements.

“For my dad’s name to be further etched into Saluki history this way is incredible,” Jamie Hayes said. “We wanted to make a statement about how we feel about SIU and what the Salukis mean to us and this community. We wouldn’t be able to do this if it weren’t for him. I think he would be proud.”

Jim Hayes headshot
Jim Hayes first came to SIU in 1961 on a football scholarship.

The Hayes Legacy

After graduating from SIU with a degree in education in 1962, Jim Hayes moved to Macomb, where he taught, coached football and married his wife, Bette, in 1966. After taking up car sales as a part-time job, he found a knack for the profession and moved his family to Harrisburg in 1976, founding the Jim Hayes, Inc., car dealership.

“My dad played linebacker at SIU. He had a great nickname, ‘The Axe,’” Jamie Hayes said. “From there, it was just always following the Salukis. He had a lot of great loves. He loved his family, the business, his employees, customers, and he loved SIU.”

Raising his family and growing his business in Southern Illinois, Jim Hayes made a point to support SIU through Saluki Athletics. Jim Hayes passed away in 2018, leaving an incredible legacy at Southern. The dealership is now owned and operated by Jamie Hayes.

“I grew up going with my dad to basketball games. SIU has a history of great coaches and great teams,” he said. “The time spent with my dad was always good. I have great memories of these programs.”

Jamie Hayes graduated from SIU in 1994 with a degree in speech communication from the College of Liberal Arts. He has long supported Saluki Athletics, including partnerships and charitable giving through his business, and been a fixture at SIU events for decades.

He recently joined the Big Dawg Leadership Society, which recognizes donors who give annually to Saluki Athletics.

“The success of SIU can do nothing but help the region,” he said. “Now, more than ever, it’s time to step it up a little bit more. You’re going to need more community involvement. You have to bleed maroon no matter what.”

Donor Stories, Philanthropic Women

Daley makes $25K gift to support interior design students

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By Jeff Wilson

What began with an interest in a design education has come full circle for SIU alumna Jill Daley. With a $25,000 gift, she established the Jill Daley Design Scholarship in the School of Architecture.

Jill Daley
Jill Daley

A Crystal Lake native, Daley started her education at Harper College in Palatine and started researching design schools.

“SIU came up as one of the top 10 design schools in the country, and it had in-state tuition,” she said. “Truthfully, I’m not sure if I didn’t have the SIU option what I would have done, because I pretty much put myself through school.”

Daley graduated from SIU in 1979 with a degree in interior design. She credits her education for much of her initial success.

“I moved to Florida and had to take a licensure exam, which I passed on my first attempt, which is very unusual. I have known people who have had to take it 10 times,” she said. “We had a lot of bonding in our department. We had a lot of excellent teachers. I will always be thankful to SIU for providing me with the foundation of a great design education.”

During her career she has started two interior design firms, Office Dimensions and All Interiors, and written a book, “Design Secrets,” and she is working on a follow-up.

“There’s a lot that goes into this. People think interior design is just making places pretty … but it is a lot more complicated,” she said. “I wanted to educate people a little bit on all the different factors interior designers take into consideration. We want to live a healthy, long life. There are a lot of things we can do, even with our interiors, that can help that.”

While working in Florida, she helped start a scholarship for members of the local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.

“I saw how impactful it was on the lives of these kids,” Daley said. “Perhaps if it wasn’t for scholarship funds, they wouldn’t have been able to get a higher education.”

Once she reconnected with Southern, she decided making a similar impact at her alma mater made sense.

“I decided this was something I’d like to do because I’d like to enrich and enhance the experience of someone interested in interior design,” Daley said. “It’s good to leave a legacy, and I believe in the design field and SIU, so I wanted to get involved and see what I could do to help.

“(These students) are going to get some additional help to pursue their passion and their love, which is the most important ingredient to having a successful career. Every bit of support, I’m sure, would be appreciated by them and put to good use.”

To learn more about making a gift, visit siuf.org.

Higher Education, SIU

Chambers joins SIU Foundation fundraising team

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Dylan Chambers
Dylan Chambers

Dylan Chambers joined the SIU Foundation as the assistant director of annual giving in December 2024.

In this role, Chambers will help develop and implement fundraising strategies to grow donor participation and contributions. He will assist in building relationships with donors through gift acknowledgments and stewardship events. He is also heavily involved in tracking naming opportunities on campus, highlighting significant giving opportunities at SIU.

Before stepping into his current role, Chambers interned with the SIU Foundation, contributing to development initiatives and refining donor engagement tools. As a student at Southern, he raised over $100,000 for the SIU Dawg Pound, the official student section for Saluki Athletics, which he also led. He served as vice president of student affairs for the Undergraduate Student Government, advocating for students and enhancing campus life.

In 2021, Chambers was elected to the Metropolis City Council, becoming the youngest alderman in the city’s history. During his term, he served on the Parks and Recreation Committee and the Small Business & Industrial Park Committee, working to improve community resources and support local economic development.

Chambers earned a Bachelor of Science in sports administration with a minor in coaching from SIU in May 2024. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, especially his nephew, Kendrick, and cheering on Saluki Athletics.

Higher Education, Philanthropic Women, SIU

Honoring Tammera Holmes by inspiring the next generation

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Make a gift here in memory of a visionary Saluki aviator

Tammera Holmes, a visionary leader and passionate advocate for female leadership and aviation, passed away on Dec. 1, 2024, leaving an enduring legacy.

Graduating from SIU’s Aviation Management program in 2000, she broke barriers and inspired countless young people to pursue their dreams in the aviation industry. She was the founder and CEO of Aerostar Avion Institute, an afterschool academic program established in 2008 to create awareness of aviation and aeronautical career opportunities among women, minorities and at-risk students.

“I grew up in a very impoverished household, a crime-ridden community just outside of the west side of Chicago. Survival just became a way of life. There were times when there wasn’t enough food to eat, and my safe haven was school,” Holmes said in a 2022 interview with the SIU Alumni Association.

Her mother knew she had to keep Tammera busy to keep her focused.

“She was looking for things for me to do. One Saturday morning she sent me out to go on a Young Eagles flight with the Chicago Tuskegee Airmen’s chapter,” Holmes said. “We were flying over Lake Michigan on the most beautiful day, and I knew that day that aviation had not just changed my life, but probably saved my life. I went on to pursue a degree in aviation at Southern Illinois University.”

After starting her career as an airport planner and consultant, she quickly realized there was no clear pathway for a woman to become a leader within her company

“I have dedicated my career to aviation and aerospace education and created access and opportunity for young people who look like me and come from where I come from … to really show them there is a path to the top for them,” Holmes said.

Beyond aviation, she sought to bridge the gap for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

“Being able to inspire young women to be not just a part of the future of this country, but a future of the leadership that’s going to lead American into the next generation of innovation, especially in STEM,” Holmes said. “I want to encourage young women to raise their hand and really step up and take charge of their future to volunteer for more opportunities to lead and to command the stage.

“My advice to women around the world is to show up authentically as yourself. So many times, I was told I was too loud. I was too aggressive. I was too demanding. But those are the exact same characteristics that men have when they show up to work, and they are rewarded for it. So don’t shrink back. Don’t just have a seat at the table, have ownership of the table. One of the things I love about aviation is that airplanes are not designed to go in reverse. The thrust is always moving you forward. As long as everything is in balance and you have the right power and the mechanisms to implement power, just keep pressing forward.”

Tammera Holmes School of Aviation DEI Faculty Endowment

To honor Tammera’s memory and continue her mission, the SIU Foundation has established the Tammera Holmes School of Aviation DEI Faculty Endowment.

This fund will support faculty diversity initiatives within the School of Aviation to help ensure that the educational environment reflects the diversity of the workforce and student body. The goal is to raise $100,000 to establish this faculty fellowship to create a legacy at SIU that reflects Tammera’s accomplishments in the industry.

This endowment will give the School of Aviation the opportunity to contribute to curriculum design, research priorities and mentorship strategies that foster an inclusive environment for our students, faculty and staff. The faculty fellow would be able to utilize funds to enhance DEI efforts in the School of Aviation or the aviation industry. The Tammera Holmes School of Aviation DEI Faculty Fellow would be available to a faculty member on a five-year term limit.

Join us in honoring Tammera’s legacy and shaping the future of aviation. Make a gift at siuf.org/tammera.

Tammera Holmes

Donor Stories, Higher Education, SIU

SIU names Gower Translational Research Center in honor of $2.5 million gift

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By Jeff Wilson

CARBONDALE – The impact made by Dr. Bob and Beth Gower has been felt by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students and faculty for years. Now, the Gower name will be forever imprinted into the university’s future at the Gower Translational Research Center.

The Gowers have been generous donors to Southern for many years. Most recently, they dedicated $2.5 million to advance the mission and support the research activities taking place across campus.

Bob and Beth Gower
Bob and Beth Gower have donated $2.5 million in support of Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s research activities.

In honor of this transformational gift, the SIU Board of Trustees voted Thursday, Dec. 5, that the McLafferty Annex be named the Gower Translational Research Center.

“The Gower family story is an incredible one, and it all began at Southern, so it is appropriate that we honor their legacy with this naming,” Chancellor Austin Lane said. “We are so thankful for everything they have done for this university.”

Bob Gower, a West Frankfort native, graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry in 1958 and 1960, respectively. He met his wife, Beth, while both were studying at SIU. She graduated in 1961. Dr. Gower earned his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. He is the founder and executive chairman of Ensysce Biosciences, a biotech company that develops tamper-proof and abuse-resistant prescription drugs.

Before their latest gift, the Gowers established the Bob G. & Mary Beth Gower Scholarship Endowment in SIU’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, which has benefited more than 50 students. They also established the Beth & Bob Gower Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Agricultural, Life and Physical Sciences.

Dr. Gower is a two-time recipient of the SIUC Alumni Achievement Award from the College of Science (1988, 2008). He is a Distinguished Alumnus of the college and was inducted into the Chemistry & Biochemistry Hall of Fame in 1997. He served as a member of the steering committee for the university’s Opportunity Through Excellence campaign and as a member of the Chemistry & Biochemistry Advisory Committee. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the university in 2018. The Gowers, who reside in Houston, have three adult daughters and several grandchildren.

Their $2.5 million gift is yet another major step in the SIU Foundation’s Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign. With a goal of raising $500 million by July 2028, the campaign currently sits at more than $361 million. It is the fifth largest such campaign in the history of public universities in Illinois.

“We could not have this kind of success without the support of alumni like Bob and Beth Gower,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “This is a spectacular moment in the history of our great university, and this momentum is going to carry us into an even brighter future.”

Gower Translational Research Center
Formerly McLafferty Annex, the Gower Translational Research Center is located at 1785 University Press Drive.

The Gower Translational Research Center, located at 1785 University Press Drive, is a hub of high-level research. In October 2024, SIU dedicated a $7.2 million BioLaunch lab in the center. The 10,000-square-foot space is dedicated to life sciences research and more.

Funded in part by a $2.7 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Wet Lab Program, BioLaunch is the newest addition to the Illinois Food, Entrepreneurship, Research, and Manufacturing (iFERM) Hub, a state-of-the-art research and training suite for faculty use, students, start-up companies and private firms in the region. iFERM capitalizes on the university’s research and innovation into food, fermentation and biotechnology. In 2021, the SIU Foundation provided a $1.1 million grant to advance the progress on the Fermentation Science Institute, which is inside the center.

“BioLaunch and other components of the iFERM Hub will help us solve challenges in food, agriculture, energy and health through research, innovation and education,” Dr. Costas Tsatsoulis, vice chancellor of research at SIU, said during the BioLaunch ribbon cutting. “And it will provide infrastructure for the development of Illinois agriculture value-added products to promote and support successful entrepreneurial activities.”

The center is also home to the Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, and an ultra-fast laser facility, further enhancing its role as a center for diverse research initiatives.