CARBONDALE, Ill. – Southern Illinois University Carbondale will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Day of Giving on Wednesday, Sept. 17.
This 24-hour online fundraiser engages alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students in a day of philanthropy and Saluki pride. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $17 million. Gifts can be made at siuday.siu.edu.
“The dollars raised during the Day of Giving not only help SIU students reach their goals, but they also represent the power of the community that makes this university special,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “Salukis from around the globe come together, make gifts of all sizes, and witness their collective impact. It’s always one of the most exciting days of the year.”
SIU is one of only 21 institutions nationwide included on the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s lists for both Research 1 and Opportunity Colleges and Universities.
“Many institutions can say they conduct top-level research, and many schools can say they offer affordability and a great return on investment,” said Chancellor Austin A. Lane. “These designations from Carnegie show very few – less than 1 percent, in fact – can say both. At Southern, we can.”
The Day of Giving offers every Saluki a chance to support the university’s growing momentum. Gifts of any size can be amplified through challenges and matching donations. Many companies offer matching gift programs, which can double or even triple the impact of a donor’s contribution. Visit the website to see if your employer participates.
One standout success story is the Balancing Education, Experience, and Reality (B.E.E.R.) Scholarship. Established in 2019 after a conversation in the “Carbondale in the 80s and 90s” Facebook group, the scholarship has received hundreds of donations annually from alumni who celebrate their Saluki experience. The group has funded multiple B.E.E.R. Scholarships since its creation.
Other projects that have benefited from Day of Giving support include Campus Lake, Saluki Alumni Plaza, the Green Fund, Saluki Athletics, and every college and unit on campus.
All gifts count toward the SIU’s Foundation’s Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign. With a goal of raising $500 million by 2028, the campaign is the fifth largest in the history of Illinois higher education. To date, the campaign has surpassed $400 million.
During the current fiscal year, the SIU Foundation has provided a record-breaking number of scholarships. More than 17 percent of all SIU students received a scholarship from the SIU Foundation, amounting to nearly $5.5 million in financial support.
To learn more about the campaign and the SIU Foundation, visit siuf.org.
Mark your calendars for the 4th Annual Saluki Women’s Weekend, taking place October 2-4, 2025! This empowering three-day event celebrates the strength, leadership, and innovation of Saluki women through networking, panels, breakout sessions, and special recognitions.
The weekend kicks off on Thursday, October 2, with the Women in Engineering Industry Reception (5-7 p.m., location TBA). On Friday, October 3, join us at the SIU Student Center Ballroom for the Saluki Women Empowerment Conference & Vendor Fair (7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.), followed by the Saluki Women Networking Social at Becker Pavilion (4:30-7 p.m.) featuring the Saluki Sisterhood Walk.
On Saturday, October 4, don’t miss the Women in Leadership Mentorship Breakfast (9-11 a.m., Student Center Ballroom) and the Saluki Women’s Tailgate Experience at Saluki Row (12-2 p.m.).
“Women are amazing, women are innovative, and women are passionate,” said Sherrica Hunt, assistant vice chancellor for development and alumni relations, anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion and corporate partnerships, at the SIU Foundation.
The vision of the WLC Mentor Program is to facilitate the connection of students with successful women mentors to align classroom learning with real-life experiences, develop leadership skills, network, and explore career paths after college. The goals of the WLC Mentor Program are as follows:
Facilitate professional growth, development, and confidence of mentees
Provide an avenue for women to develop and demonstrate leadership abilities
Provide networking opportunities to enhance teamwork, professional insight, coaching, development and realization of the value of women’s contributions to SIU Carbondale and future organizations
Create lifelong donors focused on contributing to the sustainability to SIU Carbondale
“It has been so neat seeing some of the students and recent graduates connect with the more seasoned alumni,” said Melissa Hahn, SIU Women’s Leadership Council board member.
This summer, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is becoming a launchpad for discovery. The STEAM for ALL Day Camp is welcoming local students in grades 6–8 for a hands-on, curiosity-driven experience in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). Thanks to a grant from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), this camp is completely free for participants.
The STEAM For All summer camp is designed to increase awareness, access, and excitement about STEAM among underserved students in our region. With two, week-long sessions in June (June 9–13 and June 23–27), we’re preparing to host up to 60 students.
While the ISBE grant covers registration, it doesn’t cover meals. And with about 90 percent of campers coming from public schools where most students qualify for free or reduced lunches, it is vital to ensure that no child goes hungry while they learn, build, and dream.
The camp, which is hosted by the College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics, is raising $4,500 to provide lunch and snacks for all campers across both weeks. With your support, it can ensure every camper is nourished and ready to explore.
Every donation—no matter the size—directly supports a child’s experience at camp. Your gift helps provide meals and snacks while campers:
Build robots
Explore digital art
Conduct hands-on science experiments
Discover new passions and potential careers
If you’re looking to make an even bigger impact, consider becoming a sponsor:
Tech Titan ($1,500+): Feeds 20+ campers for a week and includes top-tier recognition on promotional materials and the camp website, plus logo placement at camp events.
Visionary ($750+): Feeds 10+ campers for a week and includes sponsor recognition on camp materials and the website.
Creator ($75+): Feeds one camper for a week and includes acknowledgment in sponsor appreciation messages.
Your support makes a real difference. Together, we can ensure that students from diverse backgrounds have access to inspiring STEAM opportunities that can shape their futures.
CARBONDALE – Thanks to a lead gift from the late Tilden “Tim” Parks, a 1976 SIU graduate, Campus Lake will soon have a new addition.
Final preparations are underway to install a new state-of-the-art fountain to the center of the lake. This much needed and long overdue fountain will help circulate the water of the lake, helping to prevent the growth of harmful algal blooms and improve all forms of life, such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. The university eradicated cyanobacteria from the lake with a massive cleanup effort in 2016, but left unchecked, they’ll start to take over again.
The gift from Parks helped spark the conversation about adding a fountain, but funding is still needed to secure and install the first of hopefully a few different fountains on the lake. The foundation is seeking an additional $30,000 to make this project a reality and to honor the legacy of Mr. Parks and his family.
The community will be invited to a dedication ceremony for the fountain this fall. Details are still being finalized for this event.
“I want to challenge everyone to give back to others and to what is important to them,” said the late Ralph E. Becker, who donated $1 million to renovate the lake’s boathouse in 2017. “It is extremely important to challenge others to do bigger and better than what I am able to accomplish. That is the only way progress will be made.”
Natural beauty often ranks highly in the promotional material of Southern Illinois University Carbondale . One of the campus’s most heavily photographed spots is the scenic landscape of Campus Lake. Campus Lake is a 43-acre spring-fed lake set amongst woodlands. The lake area is popular for students walking across campus to get to class, and is also the site of many campus-wide events like the Great Cardboard Boat Regatta, the Doc Spackman Memorial Triathlon, Moonlight Canoeing, and fundraising and awareness walks.
Purchased in 1956 from the Thompson family that gave its name to Thompson Point and Thompson Woods, Campus Lake was originally known as Thompson Lake. It was only after its purchase that it would be re-christened, when a new Thompson Lake was created just north of Carbondale to serve as a local reservoir.
Campus Lake Trail is a 2-mile paved trail around campus lake. Along the trail, there is a nature boardwalk and multiple workout areas. This trail is often used for everyday recreation by walkers, runners, and joggers. On average the trail sees about 1,500 users a week. The trail hosts multiple organized walks and runs throughout the year.
Your support of the Campus Lake fountain project will allow the university to preserve and maintain this for generations to come.
Drs. Dan Elkins and Amelia Noël-Elkins are uniquely aware of the obstacles facing college students.
Dan, a 1993 SIU graduate, is the associate vice president for academic fiscal management at Illinois State University, and Amelia is the associate provost at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Together, they established the Elkins Student Support Scholarship within SIU’s College of Health and Human Sciences. The fund provides financial support to current students, particularly to those seeking an internship to advance their career experience.
Drs. Dan Elkins and Amelia Noël-Elkins attend the 2025 Saluki Ball.
“One of the big motivations for this was to help students who aren’t as fortunate, who do not have support in place,” Dan said.
While many scholarships are directed toward incoming students, both Dan and Amelia thought it was important to aid students who are already on their higher education journey.
“Sometimes we don’t openly acknowledge the fact that it’s almost harder to retain a student than it is to recruit them,” Amelia said. “The scholarship had to focus on helping students who might be facing a few hiccups along the way, might have a few roadblocks to be able to get over that hump and complete their degree.”
Many students, especially in the College of Health and Human Sciences, take on internships to gain valuable work experience and advance their education. Some of these internships last months and are unpaid.
“It was very intentional to make sure that the fund could be used for internships also to make sure students could advance their network and could be able to have professional opportunities and growth. We all know that sometimes internships lead to that first job.”
Dan’s father, Dr. Donald Elkins, worked at SIU as a professor of plant and soil sciences in the College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences. He established the college’s well-known Agbassadors program, and each year a faculty member is awarded the Donald M. Elkins Excellence Award. Donald Elkins passed away in 2013.
Dan was born and raised in Carbondale and earned a bachelor’s degree in recreation from the College of Health and Human Sciences in 1993. He then earned a master’s and doctoral degree from Indiana University.
“My dad was someone who knew what he wanted to do his whole life,” Dan said. “I, on the other hand, did not have a clear idea of what I wanted to do. I changed my major four times. It took me a long time to finish. My experience was a struggle of sorts, trying to find that direction. At SIU, I had tremendous support … so many people helped me. Many students do not have the support or resources that I did. We hope this gift affords students the opportunity to stay in school as they find their path.”
Amelia and Dan met while at Indiana University, and both have gone on to successful careers in higher education.
“I’m a Saluki by marriage,” Amelia said. “As we’ve become more engaged with the SIU community, I have been able to see the legacy that Dan and his dad have had at SIU.”
To learn more about making a similar impact, visit siuf.org.
Nearly 500 fill the SIU Student Center for major fundraiser
By Jeff Wilson
CARBONDALE – The third annual Saluki Ball packed the Southern Illinois University Student Center ballrooms with a sold-out crowd, as SIU’s premier fundraiser returned home after two successful years in Chicago.
Nearly 500 alumni, friends, students, and supporters joined Chancellor Austin Lane, President Dan Mahony, the SIU Foundation, and others on Saturday, April 26, for the black-tie optional event. Marc Silverman, ESPN radio host and 1993 SIU graduate, served as emcee.
Proceeds from the ball support the university’s Bridge the Gap Scholarship Fund, which helps students cover outstanding bursar bills.
“When something comes up during their journey, they need to know that we have their back,” Chancellor Lane said. “We need your support as we continue to build a fund that helps students stay on track to graduate on time.”
For the third consecutive year, Dr. Glenn and Jo Poshard served as presenting sponsors.
“I guarantee you there’s someone right now hoping and praying that somebody will give them a scholarship — that there’s some way for them to go forward,” Jo Poshard said. “The need is huge. If you’re thinking about giving, don’t hold back. You could change a student’s life.”
Since its launch, the Saluki Ball has generated significant momentum for the Bridge the Gap Fund, providing critical assistance to students facing unexpected financial hardships. To date, dozens of students have received tens of thousands of dollars, helping them resolve bursar balances and stay enrolled.
“The research shows that if a student has to take a break because of financial issues, they’re less likely to graduate,” Dr. Poshard said. “When we support students with scholarships, we not only help them graduate and get jobs but also become engaged citizens.”
Guests enjoyed a full program, award ceremony, catered meal from Mary’s, and a live performance by dance music legends Exposé.
“Over the past few days, we spent time with business leaders, alumni leaders, and many others. We attended the 50th Boat Regatta and now cap it off with the Saluki Ball,” President Mahony said. “It’s a reminder of how special this place is and how fortunate we are to be part of the Saluki family.”
Student Impact
Students who received Bridge the Gap funds in previous years shared how the support affected their SIU experience.
“Finding out about the Bridge the Gap fund was life-changing for me,” said Iyanu Alabi. “When that money came through, I was smiling ear to ear.”
Jessica Hardges, a nontraditional student and mother, said the support made an immediate difference.
“When we found the Bridge the Gap funds, I was relieved,” she said. “It lifted a big weight off me.”
DJ Lovejoy, an SIU senior, said the help he received reminded him of the strength of the Saluki community.
“It takes a lot to come to school and get your degree,” he said. “When I found out about the Bridge the Gap funds, I felt blessed.”
Funds raised by the SIU Foundation are distributed by the Office of Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion based on individual student needs.
“The funds raised tonight will have an incredible, direct impact on students who need your support to stay enrolled,” said Diane Compardo, president of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors.
Honoring Achievement
During the first two Saluki Balls, five individuals were honored with the Saluki Lifetime Achievement Awards — Dr. Pam Pfeffer, Dr. Phil Pfeffer, Greg Cook, Scott Moller, and Toni Williams. All five were in attendance during the 2025 Saluki Ball.
This year, the honorees were Dr. John Jackson and Dr. James Rosser.
Dr. Jackson and his wife, Nancy, have been part of SIU and the Carbondale community for over 50 years. He has served in multiple leadership roles, including professor, associate dean and acting dean of the Graduate School, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, provost, and interim chancellor. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.
He is widely recognized for his thoughtful leadership and deep institutional knowledge, as well as his passion for promoting civic engagement and public service. Since 2002, he has served as a visiting professor at the Paul Simon Institute, where he directs the Demuzio Internship Program and contributes regularly to research, public commentary, and media analysis.
The Jacksons have dedicated their lives to education and community service. Together, they established the John S. and Nancy Jackson Scholarship Endowment to support political science students in the College of Liberal Arts. In 2002, the couple was named Carbondale Citizens of the Year, and in 2023, the lobby of the Paul Simon Institute was named in their honor.
“SIU and Carbondale and Southern Illinois have been a really great place for us,” he said. “Here it is 55 years later, and I’m glad I came, and I’m glad we stayed.”
Dr. James M. Rosser is a distinguished three-degree alumnus of SIU and a lifelong advocate for education, equity, and opportunity. A native of East St. Louis, he came to SIU on a basketball scholarship and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in microbiology, followed by a Ph.D. in health education administration. During his time at SIU, he also served as a resident assistant, faculty member, and founding director of the university’s Black American Studies program.
Dr. Rosser served as president of California State University, Los Angeles, from 1979 to 2013, making him the longest-serving president in the Cal State system. His career includes leadership roles at the state and national levels in higher education, science, and public policy, and he is widely recognized for his work advancing diversity and student achievement. A dedicated philanthropist, Dr. Rosser has established multiple scholarships at SIU, including a $1 million endowed scholarship for men’s basketball student-athletes pursuing STEM degrees—the largest of its kind in Saluki Athletics history.
He has received numerous honors for his work, including SIU’s Distinguished Alumni Award, an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, and national recognition for his leadership in higher education.
“I just would hope that people would remember why I did what I did. I did it because the university had done so much for me,” he said. “That all came about through being this poor kid from a segregated high school in East St. Louis, Illinois, who ran into some extraordinary people, who were not African Americans, who treated me with respect and helped create opportunities for me, and I never forgot that.”
Each year, two students are recognized with the Saluki Success Award. This year’s recipients were Gabe Kosco and Detrina McCoy.
Kosco is a senior from Marion, Illinois, in the College of Business and Analytics, preparing for a career with Amazon after graduation. A proud Saluki with deep family ties to SIU, Gabriel has been a leader on campus through the Student Alumni Council, the Association for Supply Chain Management, and as a student worker at the SIU Foundation.
“Through the SIU Foundation, I’ve been lucky enough to personally thank the donors who help make so much possible at SIU. And through the Student Alumni Council with the Alumni Association, I’ve been able to connect with our community through service and volunteer work — something that’s meant a lot to me,” he said.
McCoy, a senior from Chicago studying mortuary science, is driven by compassion and service. She’s made the Dean’s List, led the TRIO Achievers program, and volunteered with local nonprofits and schools. After completing an internship at Calahan Funeral Home, she’s pursuing her dream of opening her own funeral home to support families in need.
“I’m also incredibly grateful to my mentors and peers—your support, encouragement, and sometimes even your tough love has helped shape me into the person I am today. This award is not just a reflection of my efforts, but a tribute to all of you who have walked alongside me throughout this journey,” she said.
Previous Saluki Success Award winners are Emily Bakri, Luis Barrera, Dylan Chambers, and BriYanna Robinson.
Rolling Out the Maroon Carpet
The Student Center ballrooms provided a luxurious setting, welcoming Illinois State Rep. Paul Jacobs, SIU Board of Trustees Chair Phil Gilbert, Carbondale Community High School Superintendent Daniel Booth, and many local business owners, educators, and dignitaries.
The evening kicked off with a cocktail hour, sponsored by Moneta, in the International Lounge. A maroon carpet led guests from photo booths to a live broadcast hosted by Swinford Media Group. Guests were also interviewed by the SIU Alumni Association and SIU Foundation for social media features.
The program opened with a surprise performance by the Saluki Pep Band and nationally recognized trumpet ensemble, the Saluki Shakers, along with Grey Dawg. After remarks from Lane, Mahony, Compardo, and the awardees, Steve Falat and Silverman led the paddle raise for the Bridge the Gap Fund.
“There’s an energy and excitement that’s palpable,” Silverman said. “I hope you can feel it.”
The night concluded with an outstanding performance by Exposé and music from DJ Mystify.
Drs. Pam and Phil Pfeffer were the Decorations Sponsor for the event, and Southern Illinois Healthcare and SIU Credit Union were Saluki Silver sponsors.
Oyd Craddock knows firsthand how one opportunity can lead to a lifetime of success. That’s what he’s hoping to accomplish through his support of Southern Illinois University students.
He and his wife, Annette, recently donated $25,000 COBA Dean’s Club Endowment Fund. In honor of his generosity, the College of Business and Analytics named the Oyd Craddock Dean’s Conference Room inside Rehn Hall.
“It brings me tremendous joy to announce a remarkable gift from a tremendous supporter, Oyd Craddock,” said Dr. Marc Morris, dean of the College of Business and Analytics. “This conference room is much more than a space for meetings. It’s a place where innovative ideas will flourish. Every conversation held here, every decision made, and every new initiative developed will carry forward the legacy of generosity.”
Craddock ’80 led a stout Salukis defense in the late-70s. He was inducted into the Saluki Hall of Fame in 2004. He earned his bachelor’s degree in management from the College of Business. He is a Saluki Hall of Fame football player and member of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors.
“I’m a first-generation college graduate. I didn’t have role models in my home or community of folks who had gone on to graduate from college,” he said. “I was a kid in the 1960s. The opportunities for us in the Deep South, they just weren’t there. I was part of the generation that was going to break through.”
He credits his grandfather for pushing him toward education.
“The original inspiration for giving back comes from my upbringing,” he said. “My grandfather was a champion for us focusing on getting a great education. When I got my degree, my grandparents came to Carbondale to attend my graduation.”
Experiences he had at SIU led him directly to a fulfilling career.
“I worked for IBM for 31 years, and I was able to get started there with the assistance of the SIU Placement Office. They helped me with my résumé and interviews, and the director sent a letter of recommendation to IBM and other companies,” he said. “From start to finish, I had a wonderful experience at SIU.”
He attended New Orleans’ St. Augustine High School in the 1970s. His high school’s football team famously integrated the Louisiana High School Athletic Association in 1967. Craddock later decided to produce a film about the journey of the team’s coaches and players during that time, titled “Before the West Coast: A Sports Civil Rights Story.”
“This film is really a part of my life story,” Craddock said. “It tells the story of the trials and triumphs of the all-Black, boys’ Catholic high school that integrated the all-white athletic league in Louisiana. It was a breakthrough event to have integrated competition in sports in high schools back then.”
All of this has led Craddock to see the impact that Black alumni can have by giving back to Southern.
“It has tremendous meaning for Black students who are there today and who we hope will experience SIU in the future,” he said. “One of the things I’m very excited about is that I lived to see the day … our chancellor is a Black man … the dean of the business school that I attended is a Black man … and I’m here being a part of that.”
Chancellor Austin Lane addresses packed crowd of 200 on Thursday, April 3, at Apple Creek Golf Club during the Saluki Takeover Tour of Southern Illinois.
By Jeff Wilson
The Saluki Takeover Tour had a record-breaking run through Southern Illinois this April.
Beginning on Thursday, April 3, with a packed house at Apple Creek Golf Club in Makanda and continued through late-April, the takeover tour will make its way to 50 high schools across all 17 Southern Illinois counties.
Amy Mills, owner of Faye, speaks during the Saluki Takeover Tour event in Murphysboro.
More than 200 people joined Chancellor Austin Lane, the SIU Foundation, and university leaders at the kickoff event at Apple Creek. Guests enjoyed complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks while engaging with their alma mater in an intimate setting.
More than 115 Salukis came together for the second reception at TJ’s Diamond Club in Mtn Dew Park in Marion on Tuesday, April 8. On Thursday, April 10, the takeover tour stopped at Café Bloom in Benton, hosting a crowd of about 50. The fourth Chancellor’s Reception hosted 60 Salukis at St. Nicholas Landmark in Chester. Then, on Thursday, April 17, SIU hosted more than 80 guests at Pizza Villa in Anna. The takeover tour wrapped up Tuesday, April 22, with nearly 100 people coming to Faye in Murphysboro.
The Saluki Takeover Tour made its way to Chester with a stop at St. Nicholas Landmark.
“We are going to be all over this region. We are recruiting like we are coaches giving offers to students, telling them there is nowhere else you need to go other than Southern Illinois University Carbondale,” Lane said.
Chancellor Austin Lane addresses the crowd on Thursday, April 3, at Apple Creek Golf Club during the Saluki Takeover Tour of Southern Illinois.
The Office of Innovation and Economic Development also hosted Business Resource Meetups before every Chancellor’s Reception.
Lane and admissions staff promoted programs such as the Saluki Commitment, which 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.
Chancellor Austin Lane introduces Shad Zimbro (middle) and Rodney Cabaness during the Saluki Takeover Tour stop in Marion in TJ’s Diamond Club at Mtn Dew Park.
Recipients must meet all of 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.
SIU also 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.
“As we go out and recruit, you will be surprised how many students are interested in research. Students that are thinking about their future, when they’re thinking about what school to select, we go right to the top,” Lane said. “We have incredible faculty. I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank our faculty for getting us there.”
The Saluki Takeover Tour stopped at Café Bloom in Benton. The event was attended by 50 people, including Benton Mayor Lee Messersmith (left) and Carbondale Mayor Carolin Harvey.
For the SIU Foundation, the takeover tours are an opportunity to connect with donors as it progresses through the record-breaking Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign. With 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 already been raised, and the Saluki Takeover Tour helps spread the excitement.
“We have 270,000 alumni. There are only 50 universities with more. I think you all agree that there’s something in the sauce about being a Saluki,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation.
CARBONDALE, Ill. – The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees has approved the design and construction of the Wildlife Habitat Education Center at the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center. This significant project will enhance the university’s commitment to outdoor education and community outreach.
The Wildlife Habitat Education Center will serve as a vital support area for Touch of Nature, providing a visitor check-in point for scheduled programs and offering information to visitors. The center will feature a modern meeting room and an indoor space for activities, ensuring that programs can continue regardless of weather conditions. This new venue will allow the center to host private events and gatherings, providing a versatile space for individuals and groups to rent for celebrations, retreats, and other special occasions.
“The Wildlife Habitat Education Center is a testament to our commitment to environmental education and community engagement,” said Brian Croft, Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center director. ““This facility will provide invaluable resources for our visitors and support our mission to enhance the lives of all people through outdoor experiences.”
A Growing Campus
The project is funded by a generous $3 million anonymous donation, which will cover all construction expenses. The SIU Foundation will manage the construction in close coordination with the university. Upon completion, the building and all accompanying accoutrements will be conveyed to the university, following the recommendation of the Director of Facilities and Energy Management at SIUC.
A formal agreement between the university and the SIU Foundation will be signed to permit the construction of the facility on university-owned property. The project is anticipated to be bid this spring, with the Board of Trustees being informed of the award of contracts at the July 2025 meeting.
This will become the second major construction project underway on the Carbondale campus, including the erection of the Tedrick Welcome Center on the former McAndrew Stadium site. Much like the welcome center, no state fund, tuition, or student fee money will be used in the construction of the Wildlife Habitat Education Center.
“The SIU Foundation is proud to facilitate this spectacular project at one of the crown jewels of the SIU campus – Touch of Nature,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “Working with our campus partners, we look forward to being part of another exciting construction project at Southern.”
The funds raised for the wildlife center and welcome center are both part of the ongoing Imagine SIU 2030 campaign, which has raised nearly $400 million toward its $500 million goal. It is the fifth largest campaign in the history of Illinois higher education. During the campaign, the SIU Foundation has increased the amount of scholarship support available to students. In its most recent fiscal year, the SIU Foundation provided $5.4 million in scholarships to 1,842 students, impacting more than 16 percent of all SIU students. Those numbers continue to rise.
Research Meets Experience
The approval of this project underscores the university’s dedication to enhancing its facilities and providing state-of-the-art resources for environmental education. The new Wildlife Habitat Education Center, along with the recently added mountain bike trail system, demonstrates a significant investment in the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center. This investment is expected to attract additional donors and support the center’s mission of fostering environmental stewardship and education.
For many, Touch of Nature is their first introduction to the university through school programs, camps, and community offerings. Beyond the incredible educational opportunities presented by Touch of Nature, this also helps the university develop relationships with future Salukis.
“SIU is dedicated to providing high-quality education, fostering research and innovation, and serving the community through various outreach programs,” said Chancellor Austin Lane. “The Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center is a key component of SIU’s commitment to environmental education and sustainability.”
Over 50,000 visitors came through Touch of Nature this year, and the Wildlife Habitat Education Center will help continue to grow the available outdoors experiences for the people of Southern Illinois.
The Wildlife Habitat Education Center reinforces SIU’s prestigious Research 1 (R1) designation. This state-of-the-art facility will contribute to SIU’s ongoing efforts to advance research and strengthen its status as a top-tier research institution. This will not only benefit students and faculty but also position SIU as a premier destination for outdoor education and research.
School unveils the Sen. John G. Gilbert Administrative Suite
By Jeff Wilson
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Southern Illinois University’s Simmons Law School announced a generous $250,000 gift from Judge Phil Gilbert, a monumental contribution that will establish the Sen. John G. Gilbert Impact Fund in honor of Judge Gilbert’s father. This transformative donation promises to significantly enhance the educational experiences and opportunities available to SIU’s law students.
In honor of this remarkable gift, SIU Simmons Law School unveiled the newly named Sen. John G. Gilbert Administrative Suite on Thursday, April 17.
“This name is more than just a sign on a wall, it reflects our vision, our mission, and the values that guide us every day,” said Angela Upchurch, acting dean of the SIU Simmons Law School. “SIU and the law school are thriving today because of pioneers like Senator Gilbert.”
Gilbert’s dedication to education and his legacy of public service are exemplified through this contribution. The Sen. John G. Gilbert Impact Fund will directly support initiatives that enrich the student experience, provide scholarships, and facilitate groundbreaking research in the field of law.
“With distinction and honor, Judge Phil Gilbert has carried forward his father’s commitment to justice and public service,” said John Simmons, SIU Board of Trustees member and founder of the Simmons Hanly Conroy law firm. “Following in his father’s footsteps, Judge Gilbert has built an exemplary career. His thoughtful jurisprudence, unwavering integrity, and dedication to the rule of law have earned him the respect of the legal community and the citizens he serves.”
A father’s legacy
John G. Gilbert, a native of Carbondale, graduated from SIU in 1933 and later attended the University of Illinois School of Law before starting his private practice.
He served as Jackson County state’s attorney and was a state senator. He played a key role in the development of SIU Edwardsville and the SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, working alongside SIU President Delyte Morris. He was also integral to the establishment of the law school at SIU Carbondale.
“Seeing the impact this law school has had on Southern Illinois, my father would be very proud,” said Judge Gilbert. “My father was labeled as the ‘education senator,’ and that was not just because of what he did at SIU. He was a strong supporter of education at all levels.”
When Gilbert passed away in 1989, then-U.S. Sen. Paul Simon acknowledged Gilbert’s significant contributions to education, stating that “SIU wouldn’t be what it is today without John Gilbert’s efforts.”
Although SIU System President Dan Mahony never had the chance to meet Sen. John G. Gilbert, he recognizes the impact he made on his son, Phil, and the SIU community.
“Judge Gilbert really is Mr. SIU,” Dr. Mahony said. “He cares about this place, he is passionate about this place, he puts this place first. While I never met Sen. Gilbert, I feel like I have because I know a lot of what Phil does was impacted by his father.”
Continuing the mission
A lifelong resident of Carbondale, Judge Gilbert joined the SIU Board of Trustees in 2015 and was reappointed in 2021. He served on the Illinois State Board of Elections, acting as chair and vice chair. He also served on the Election Reform Commission and the National Council on Governmental Ethics Laws.
“Today we celebrate a legacy that spans generations and has left an indelible mark on Southern Illinois,” said Ed Hightower, vice chair of the SIU Board of Trustees. “We’re not just honoring one Gilbert, we’re celebrating two – two men who dedicated themselves to making a difference, two men whose commitment to SIU has helped shape its past, present, and future.”
Gilbert was a partner at Gilbert, Kimmel, Huffman & Prosser, Ltd. He was then appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court as a circuit judge in the First Judicial Circuit, serving as a state court judge until his federal appointment. He later became a United States district judge for the Southern District of Illinois and served as chief judge. During his federal tenure, he completed a six-year term on the Judicial Conference Committee on Criminal Law.
In March 2014, Gilbert assumed Senior Status but continues to contribute significantly as a senior judge. Gilbert received the Silver Gavel Award from the criminal defense bars of the Southern District of Illinois and the Eastern District of Missouri, the SIU School of Law Founders’ Medal, and Loyola School of Law’s Distinguished Jurist Award.
“Judge Gilbert, thanks to you and thanks to your family,” said Chancellor Austin Lane. “This is an incredible gift, and your legacy will live on.”
