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Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

SIU Foundation connects students with engineering industry leader, Horner & Shifrin

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Two SIU alumni and engineering industry leaders from Horner & Shifrin met with more than 40 students from the College of Engineering, Computing, Technology and Mathematics on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

The event, which was hosted by the SIU Foundation Corporate Engagement unit and COECTM, brought Brian Ziegler ’95 and Lucas Roney ’19 to campus. Ziegler is the associate vice president and regional manager for Horner & Shifrin, and Roney is a civil engineer for the firm. The duo shared valuable insights into their careers and the impact of their SIU education.

Ziegler and Roney reminisced with Dr. Prabir Kolay, director of the School of Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering, as they toured classrooms and labs.

This was a unique opportunity for students to network with industry professionals and discuss career paths and learn about the diverse services offered by Horner & Shifrin.

“I want to give special thanks to Horner & Shifrin for visiting SIU and fostering student engagement. We look forward to future collaborations,” said Shane Bennett, senior director of corporate and foundation relations.

Connect with our team

Are you interested in connecting with SIU students, showcasing your company and career opportunities, and fostering a strong partnership with SIU?

Contact the SIU Foundation Corporate Engagement team by emailing Sherrica Hunt at sherricah@foundation.siu.edu or Shane Bennett at shaneb@foundation.siu.edu.

Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Scholarship Recipient, SIU

Iota Phi Theta fraternity pledges $50K for scholarship fund

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By Jeff Wilson

Since being established in 1963 at Morgan State College, the Iota Phi Theta fraternity has been focused on building a tradition. That mission continues at SIU with the Iota Five-Star Scholarship Fund.

With a $50,000 pledge, the fraternity awarded its scholarship to Francesca Stewart, a junior from Chicago majoring in social work. After she completes her degree at SIU, she hopes to work as a case manager and field worker for the Department of Children and Family Services. She also plans to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in social work and eventually open a facility for children and teenagers to have a safe space and express themselves in creative ways.

Members of the fraternity made donations toward that pledge during the group’s 50th anniversary celebration on Friday, Sept. 13, at the Banterra Center.

“I want to thank the Iota Phi Theta fraternity in their commitment to SIU students in helping them achieve their career dreams and aspirations,” said Brian Flath, director of development for student affairs. “The SIU Foundation, along with the Multicultural Resource Center, looks forward to working with your group in the years to come to ensure your fund grows and thrives.”

The program will offer scholarships to brothers and unaffiliated men and women enrolled at SIU who demonstrate a desire to learn, engage in their communities, and could benefit from additional financial support. Applications will be made available on a continual basis. All guidelines and requirements are stated on each application.

To make a gift, visit siuf.org/iota.

Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

Southern breaks ground on historic Tedrick Welcome Center

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By Jeff Wilson

CARBONDALE – When visionary leadership intersects with inspiring generosity, incredible things are possible. Rarely has that been more apparent than during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Tedrick Welcome Center at Southern Illinois University.

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression,” said Chancellor Austin Lane during the ceremony on Friday, Oct. 11. “This building is going to blow students away and help us seal the deal.”

The building, which is the first major on-campus construction project in 12 years, will be located at the main university entrance off U.S. Highway 51 and act as a new front porch for Southern. Thirteen years ago, it was the site of McAndrew Stadium and has since been a parking lot.

Named for Roger and Sally Tedrick, whose $6 million leadership gift was instrumental in the funding of the building, the state-of-the-art welcome center will be the first stop for prospective students. Open houses, campus tours, orientations, and other events will begin at the welcome center. Construction of the Tedrick Welcome Center is 100 percent funded through the SIU Foundation. It will require no taxpayer dollars and no tuition or student fee monies. The SIU Foundation is funding the building through a combination of reserves, fundraising and borrowing. No state funds are being used to build the Tedrick Welcome Center.

“From the ashes of McAndrew Stadium will rise the Tedrick Welcome Center,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “We want to pay special thanks to Roger and Sally Tedrick for their incredible lead gift.”

Roger Tedrick, a 1970 graduate of SIU’s College of Liberal Arts, is a member of the SIU Board of Trustees and emeritus member of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors. He is the owner and CEO of Tedrick Group Risk Management Solutions, based in Mount Vernon. Raised in Carbondale, he attended University High School on SIU’s campus. Sally Tedrick is a 1973 graduate of the SIU School of Education.

“There hasn’t been much done on this campus that (Roger Tedrick) hasn’t been a part of,” said J. Phil Gilbert, chair of the SIU Board of Trustees.

The building, scheduled to be completed in May of 2026, will include a visitor center capable of hosting conferences, lectures, seminars and catered events for up to 300 people, and the philanthropy center, which will be the new home of the SIU Foundation. It will also serve as a hub for donor visits, alumni activities and campus and community events.

As the SIU Foundation continues the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign – which has raised more than $360 million toward its $500 million goal – its offices will move into the southern wing of the building. 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.

“The Foundation has been incredible supporters of so many projects,” said SIU System President Dan Mahony. “It has done so much for the university – things that we could not have done otherwise. This building will be a big part of our success going forward.”

The vision for the building dates back over a decade when it first became clear that the SIU Foundation would need to vacate its current location in Colyer Hall.

“We talked about a building 12 years ago,” said SIU Foundation Board of Directors President Diane Compardo. “Now it feels like fate that it took this long. This is the perfect location.”

Leading the charge for the welcome center has been the Foundation’s emeritus board members, led by Greg Cook.

“The emeritus board represents decades of university experience,” Cook said. “I can’t imagine a better group to take on this task. The whole team thought it should be the front door of the university.”

To learn more about the Tedrick Welcome Center and track construction progress, visit siuf.org/twc.

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

SIU Credit Union continues support of Saluki Women’s Weekend

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By Jeff Wilson

The third annual Saluki Women’s Weekend is Thursday, Sept. 19, through Saturday, Sept. 21.

Hosted by the SIU Foundation Women’s Leadership Council, the three-day affair will feature multiple events and many of SIU’s most inspiring female leaders. The council is a network of alumnae, parents, and friends committed to creating a culture of women-driven philanthropy at SIU and mentoring future generations of Salukis.

SIU Credit Union is a proud sponsor of the Women in Empowerment Conference Sponsor for the third annual Saluki Women’s Weekend on Friday, Sept. 20, at Morris Library.

“This is our third year being a sponsor of the Saluki Women’s Weekend. We love giving back to our community,” said Kim Babington, vice president of community outreach at SIU Credit Union. “This is a year of empowerment. It is a great function for all women to attend. There will be great speakers and great leaders from our area.”

The Women in Empowerment Conference will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20. Check-in will be followed by breakfast and opening remarks. From there, topics will include artificial intelligence, health and wellness, career planning, philanthropy, and more. There will also be an expert panel discussion and Q&A session.

The Soar with Success: Saluki Women’s Reception will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at the Glenn Poshard Transportation Center at Southern Illinois Airport in Murphysboro. Check-in begins at 5 p.m., and the keynote speaker will be Erin Jackson, an SIU alumna and American Airlines pilot. There will also be the opportunity for aviation tours and exclusive networking opportunities.

The weekend will conclude with the Saluki Women Tailgating Experience before SIU plays SEMO on Saturday, Sept. 21, at Saluki Stadium. The tailgate will begin at 4 p.m. on Saluki Row, and the game begins at 6 p.m.

“The Saluki Women’s Weekend is a time for SIU alumnae and women business owners and community members to come together and showcase their incredible talents,” said Sherrica Hunt, the SIU Foundation’s assistant vice chancellor for diversity, equity, and inclusion. “The energy that these women bring to this event, our campus, and our society is inspiring. We want to share that with as many people as possible.”

For more details and a full list of speakers, visit siuf.org/salukiwomen.

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

Compardo, Moneta continue support of Saluki Women’s Weekend

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By Jeff Wilson

Diane Compardo, SIU Foundation Board of Directors president and a proud 1992 alumna, is the Women in Empowerment Conference Sponsor for the third annual Saluki Women’s Weekend through her firm, Moneta, on Friday, Sept. 20, at Morris Library during the third annual Saluki Women’s Weekend.

She is also a member of the College of Business and Analytics Hall of Fame and the SIU Women’s Leadership Council. The council connects Saluki alumnae to current female students and offers guidance and mentorship as they study and prepare for life beyond college.

The Saluki Women’s Weekend begins on Thursday, Sept. 19, with the Saluki Women’s Reception from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Glenn Poshard Transportation Education Center at SI Airport. It continues from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, with the conference at Morris Library, and concludes with the Women’s Tailgating Experience from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saluki Row at Saluki Stadium before the SIU Football team takes on SEMO.

“SIU gave me an amazing opportunity – and I want to pay it forward to the women there today, ensuring they understand the many opportunities available to them,” Compardo said.

In recent years, Moneta has put an increased focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Moneta’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council supports the company’s mission to “empower people to navigate life’s path and protect what they cherish.” The council aims to achieve this by continually striving for an equitable, inclusive culture that encourages valuing, respecting, and celebrating the differences of Moneta’s employees, clients, and all whom it encounters.

“I’m thrilled to invite you to the third annual Saluki Women’s Weekend,” Compardo said. “It is such an empowering event for women. Please come and enjoy the event and connect with all the amazing women who are already planning to attend.”

For more information about the Saluki Women’s Weekend, visit siuf.org/salukiwomen.

Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Scholarship Recipient, SIU

Donors fuel canine research, graduate student research

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By Jeff Wilson

Growing up surrounded by animals on a family farm in Lincoln, Illinois, Cierra Crowell brings unique passion to her studies at Southern Illinois University.

Cierra Crowell

“I came to SIU in 2018 to study animal science with a specialization in equine science. Later, I decided to get my master’s degree in equine science, and after going out in the world to get a job, I decided I still had a lot of questions and returned to SIU to get my Ph.D. in canine science.”

During her first semester, Crowell had a class with Dr. Erin Perry, an award-winning scientist and author who is also a canine search specialist for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“Dr. Perry took me underneath her wing,” Crowell said. “She helped me find my passion. We always had animals growing up. I was happiest in the barn and hauling on the road.”

Crowell has been the recipient of multiple scholarships, which have aided her during her education journey and allowed her to focus on research at the highest level.

“Scholarships take the financial stress off. I do not have to work as much or focus on paying for school,” she said.

Crowell has collaborated with Royal Canin and the Search Dog Foundation. She focuses on how dietary factors impact dogs in particular situations.

Cierra Crowell
Cierra Crowell and her dogs

“Our canine research program focuses primarily on working canine and companion canines, including fitness capabilities, odor detection, gastrointestinal health, and nutritional and dermatological aspects,” she said.

Not only have donors impact Crowell through scholarships, funds from alumni and friends of the university impact her research directly.

“By utilizing donor funds, we are able to do more research and put SIU out there,” she said. “We are up there with some of the top institutions when it comes to canine research. Donations to the Canine Research Center fuel the passion, research, and opportunities for the leaders of tomorrow in the field.”

In the future, Crowell plans to continue her research and drive the next generation of students forward as they improve the lives and health outcomes of canines.

“It’s my goal to be able to teach the next generation, keep doing research, and eventually have graduate students of my own,” she said.

To learn more about the Canine Research Center, visit canineresearch.siu.edu. To make a gift, visit siuf.org.

Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

Jocelyn Popit Joins SIU Foundation as Senior Director of Development

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The SIU Foundation is excited to welcome Jocelyn Popit to its fundraising team as the senior director of development for the College of Liberal Arts.

She joins a team that has raised more than $340 million toward the $500 million goal of the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign. It is the fifth-largest campaign in the history of Illinois higher education. The SIU Foundation is coming off a record-breaking fiscal year having raised $46.8 million in FY24.</>

Popit spent the previous decade in health care philanthropy, most recently directing the foundation at Southern Illinois Healthcare. Before that, she taught high school English. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from the University of Notre Dame.

She and her husband live in Carterville with their two children. She is also a member of the school board at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Regional Catholic School in Herrin.

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

A Modest Life, A Monumental Legacy: The Quiet Generosity of Marilea Koch

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Marilea Koch

Kathryn Sime, assistant vice chancellor for major & planned giving, reflects on her first solo donor meeting with SIU alumna and generous benefactor, Marilea Koch.

I met Marilea Koch (SIU, BS, 1952) in the fall of 2018. I was a new development officer for the SIU Foundation, primarily focused on working with alumni from the School of Education. Marilea was my first solo donor meeting, and I was so nervous walking up to the front door of her modest duplex in Salem, Illinois. She was a retired high school English and speech teacher, struggling with macular degeneration. While there was nothing in her home that would have hinted that Marilea could make a major gift to support Southern Illinois University, her 23 years of giving were an indicator of her deep love for SIU. At the end of our visit, I took a breath and bravely asked if she had ever considered leaving a planned gift to benefit SIU. She responded with a smile and said “I wondered if you would ask about that.”

Marilea explained that she had already included SIU in her estate plans in hopes of establishing a scholarship in memory of her parents. I worked with her on the language for the scholarship, and ultimately, we established the Edward and Elizabeth Ann Paddison Scholarship Endowment Fund. She declined to share an estimated amount for the scholarship, but did confirm that it would likely meet the minimum of $25,000 required for an endowment. I returned multiple times and kept in touch with Marilea. She never wanted any publicity for her gift commitment and continued to support her beloved SIU every year.

Marilea lived simply her entire life up until her death at 93 this past January. When her estate trustee, also an SIU alumnus, called me to confirm details of her estate gift, he shared that Marilea’s gift was indeed sufficient to meet the minimum endowment level, and in fact, would likely exceed $600,000 to provide scholarships for SIU students from Southern Illinois. In addition, Marilea’s quiet philanthropy included generous gifts to her church and local public library. Her incredible gift will support SIU students for generations. I am grateful to have known Marilea and thrilled by her generosity.

Learn how you can make a lasting legacy at SIU: siufgiving.org

Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Philanthropic Women, SIU

SIU Women’s Leadership Council, Legence Bank partner to empower women

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Female business owners can apply for EmpowerHER Community Grant

By Jeff Wilson

The SIU Foundation Women’s Leadership Council and Legence Bank are thrilled to announce the launch of the EmpowerHER Community Grant. This collaborative initiative will empower rising female entrepreneurs in Southern Illinois by providing financial resources and a unique platform for showcasing their businesses.

The EmpowerHER Community Grant will award two, $500 grants to local, women-owned businesses. Recipients will also highlight their products or services at the Saluki Women’s Weekend Women Empowerment Conference on Friday, Sept. 20.

Click here to apply.

“The EmpowerHER Community Grant is a testament to the commitment of the SIU Foundation Women’s Leadership Council and Legence Bank to fostering economic growth and empowering women in the region,” said Sherrica Hunt, assistant vice chancellor for diversity, equity, and inclusion at the SIU Foundation. “By providing financial support and visibility, this grant aims to create a lasting impact on the success of female entrepreneurs in Southern Illinois.”

The SIU Foundation Women’s Leadership Council is a network of alumnae, parents, and friends who are dedicated to empowering women through philanthropy, leadership development, and advocacy.

The third annual Saluki Women’s Weekend will be Thursday, Sept. 19, through Saturday, Sept. 21. This year’s theme is “Saluki Sisterhood: Empowering Today, Inspiring Tomorrow.” To learn more about the events and apply for the EmpowerHER Community Grant, visit siuf.org/salukiwomen.

Applications for the grant open Monday, Aug. 12. The deadline to complete applications is Friday, Aug. 30. The top five candidates will be invited to the Women in Philanthropy Luncheon, and the grants will be awarded Friday, Sept. 20, at the Women in Philanthropy Luncheon.

Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

SIU Celebrates Community and Legacy at the 95th Annual Bud Billiken Day Parade in Chicago

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Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU) proudly participated in the 95th Annual Bud Billiken Day Parade on August 10th, the largest African American parade in the United States.

Chicago boasts SIU’s largest alumni network, making the parade an ideal opportunity to showcase Saluki spirit and connect with the community. SIU’s participation included distributing school supplies, celebrating the city’s rich heritage, and engaging with prospective students at the education fair attended by thousands, furthering the Saluki legacy in Chicago.

“We’re thrilled to have been part of such a vibrant celebration of community and culture,” said Sherrica Hunt, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development at the SIU Foundation. “The Bud Billiken Parade provided a wonderful platform to connect with our alumni, give back to the community, and introduce the next generation of Salukis to our university.”

The celebration kicked off at alum James Sanders’ Sanders BBQ, where alumni volunteers gathered to pick up their t-shirts and network.

Thank you to our sponsors:

  • Sugarland Mortuary
  • McDonald’s Black Operators
  • Theodore King
  • The Staples Family
  • Kahnti
  • 3 Stars Catering and Events
  • Saluki Spirit
  • James Sanders BBQ and Supply

This event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of:

  • SIU’s Office of Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • SIU’s Office of Communications and Marketing
  • SIU’s Alumni Association
  • SIU’s Black Alumni Group

Special thanks to the following departments for their generous donations:

  • SIU’s College of Health and Human Sciences
  • SIU’s Extended Campus