By Britni Bateman 

Southern Illinois University Carbondale wrapped up the 2nd Annual Saluki Takeover Tour Texas with three days of connection, celebration and opportunity. Hosted by the SIU Foundation, the tour deepened engagement across one of SIU’s fastest-growing recruitment regions. Texas produced 565 applications this year, an 89 percent increase from last year, underscoring the impact of intentional outreach and the Saluki spirit thriving across Dallas, Austin and Houston from Nov. 11–13, 2025. 

Dallas | Tuesday, Nov. 11 

The 2nd Annual Saluki Takeover Tour Texas opened in Dallas with a night that set the tone for the entire week. More than 100 alumni, donors and friends packed The Thirsty Lion for the Chancellor’s Reception, filling the room with maroon and stories that stretched from Carbondale to Texas. 

Chancellor Austin A. Lane welcomed the crowd with gratitude and energy, reminding attendees why Texas remains central to SIU’s future.  

“Salukis are everywhere,” he said. “The more we stay connected and share the great things happening at your alma mater, the stronger our university becomes.” 

He highlighted SIU’s growing momentum across enrollment, access and visibility, and encouraged alumni to continue serving as ambassadors for the institution. Lane also drew from his own 30 years in Texas, connecting personally with the room.  

Earlier that day, Chancellor Lane, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Wendell Williams, and SIU representatives visited EJ Smith Construction LLC, co-founded by SIU alumnus and SIU Foundation Board Member Eugene Walker Jr. and NFL legend Emmitt J. Smith III. Walker spoke with the group about his SIU journey and the values that shaped his career. 

The visit made the next stop especially meaningful. At DeSoto High School, the chancellor and Walker stood together to congratulate newly admitted Salukis and celebrate students receiving scholarship awards. For many in the room, it was a full-circle moment that reflected the impact of SIU alumni leadership. 

The team also visited Little Elm High School and Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy, meeting with students interested in learning more about SIU’s academic programs and the university’s competitive no out-of-state tuition opportunities. 

“When Salukis come together, great things happen. Keep spreading the word. Help us bring more students to SIU. Your pride and your stories are the reason we continue to grow,” Lane said. 

Austin | Wednesday, Nov. 12 

The second stop brought Salukis to Austin, where nearly 100 alumni and friends gathered at The Oasis for an evening of connection overlooking Lake Travis. Chancellor Lane passed the microphone around the room, giving everyone the chance to introduce themselves and share their SIU stories — reminding guests that the Saluki experience is lifelong. 

Earlier that day, the SIU team visited Austin Community College, exploring opportunities to expand the Saluki Step Ahead program, which allows students to complete their first two years at partner community colleges before finishing SIU degrees online. Lane announced that a formal partnership with Austin Community College will soon follow, joining existing collaborations with Dallas College and Lone Star College. 

“Our goal is to bring opportunity to students where they are,” Lane said. “By removing barriers and creating partnerships, we’re helping more students access an SIU education.” 

Houston | Thursday, Nov. 13 

The tour concluded in Houston with a signature evening at The Four Seasons, where nearly 100 alumni and supporters gathered for the Chancellor’s Reception. The room filled with Saluki pride as Chancellor Austin A. Lane welcomed guests, shared SIU’s growing momentum and emphasized why Texas remains central to the university’s future. 

A highlight of the evening came when Dr. Marc Morris, dean of the College of Business and Analytics, announced a $2.1 million gift from Harvey (’80) and Collie Michaels, including a matching contribution from the Deloitte Foundation, to establish the Harvey N. Michaels Center for Academic Success and Engagement. Affectionately called “The Harv,” the center will serve as a hub for academic support, career preparation and student wellness. 

“I am humbled to give back,” Michaels said. “I want parents and students to see the change underway at SIU and know this is a place that supports students and helps them get jobs.” 

The announcement underscored a period of significant achievement for the College of Business and Analytics, which holds AACSB accreditation, placing it among the top 5 percent of business schools worldwide, and recently earned a national ranking within the top 25 percent in the U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Online Programs. 

Earlier in the day, the SIU Admissions team, alumni and donors carried the Saluki spirit into Houston schools, meeting with students and presenting scholarships to newly admitted Salukis. 

At Alief Taylor High School, Dr. Bob and Beth Gower joined SIU leaders to help present scholarships. Dr. Gower shared his Saluki story and reflected on the opportunities that prepared him for a distinguished career. Their generosity continues to shape SIU through the Gower Translational Research Center and the Gower Fellowship in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Sciences. 

The team also visited YES Prep Brays Oaks, building on growing partnerships with YES Prep schools across Houston. 

The final school visit of the day took place at YES Prep North Central, where SIU alumnus and donor Harvey N. Michaels helped award scholarships made possible through the Michaels Scholarship. The impact is already evident. Last year, SIU received only two applications from YES Prep schools. This year, SIU received 150, a reflection of expanded access and rising interest in SIU’s College of Business and Analytics. Michaels, a member of the YES Prep Advisory Council, spoke with students about opportunity, preparation and why he believes in investing in future Salukis. 

Chancellor Lane closed the evening with gratitude and a vision for continued progress. 

“We are in Texas by design,” he said. “Gifts like Harvey’s accelerate our momentum and expand opportunities for students. This is what it means to be a Saluki — lifting others, staying connected and shaping the future together.” 

About the Tour
The Saluki Takeover Tour is part of SIU’s ongoing efforts to strengthen alumni engagement and build support for Imagine SIU 2030, the university’s comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, the campaign has raised more than $425 million toward its $500 million goal, making it the fifth-largest fundraising effort in Illinois higher education. In the most recent fiscal year, the SIU Foundation awarded more than $5.6 million in scholarships to 2,111 students, representing 17 percent of the student body. 

The tour continues with stops across the country, bringing SIU’s mission, momentum and Saluki spirit directly to alumni and communities nationwide. 

Upcoming Saluki Takeover Tour stops:
Feb. 10–13 – Florida (Tampa, St. Petersburg, Naples)
Mar. 4–6 – St. Louis
Mar. 23–27 – Central Illinois (Bloomington and Peoria, Springfield)
Mar. 31–Apr. 21 – Southern Illinois (Makanda, Nashville, Goreville, Herrin, Red Bud, Carmi)
May 13–15 – Atlanta
Jun. 8–12 – California (San Francisco, Los Angeles) 

By Britni Bateman

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Saluki pride was on full display during the 10th SIU Day of Giving on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, as $5,714,315 from 1,073 donors supported scholarships, research, programs, and initiatives across Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

The 24-hour online fundraiser, hosted by the SIU Foundation, celebrated SIU’s theme of “We R1 of 21” — recognizing the university’s distinction as one of only 21 institutions nationwide, out of nearly 4,000, designated by the Carnegie Classification as both a Research 1 (R1) university and an Opportunity College and University (OCU).

“This year’s Day of Giving has been nothing short of historic,” said Chancellor Austin A. Lane. “The dual designation of Research 1 and Opportunity University captures exactly who we are — a place of groundbreaking discovery and expanded access. The generosity of our alumni and friends ensures we can continue to open doors for students while advancing research that changes lives.”

Since 2017, the SIU Day of Giving has raised more than $23.6 million, contributing to the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has surpassed $423 million toward its $500 million goal.

“This event continues to show the strength of Saluki Nation,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “What stands out is not just the dollar amount, but the commitment of our alumni, friends, and community partners to help students succeed. That collective spirit is what makes SIU one of a kind.”

Major Highlights

Community Impact: SIU Credit Union kicked off the day with a generous $35,000 gift, including $20,000 to support New Student Programs and $15,000 to benefit Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center. Their gift set the tone for a day of transformational giving.

Student Life: Proud Saluki alumni Chuck and Tracy Hamilton announced the creation of the Charles and Tracy Hamilton Hangout in the College of Health and Human Sciences’ Living Learning Community at Mae Smith. The space will provide students with opportunities to relax, connect, and build friendships.

Athletics Excellence: Craig Englert, a devoted supporter of Saluki Women’s Basketball, committed a $3 million planned gift to the program. His contribution, part of the Salukis Unleashed campaign, underscores the growing momentum behind Saluki Athletics and builds on recent historic gifts supporting women’s teams.

Celebrating Together

The second annual Night of B.E.E.R. (Balancing Education, Experience and Reality) kicked off the celebration on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at Hangar 9. Hosted by SIU Alumni Association Board President Scott Moller, the event raised support for the B.E.E.R. Scholarship.

The scholarship itself is a Saluki success story. What began in 2019 as a lighthearted idea in the Carbondale in the ’80s and ’90s Facebook group quickly transformed into a powerful giving tradition. Alumnus Dan Giedeman first suggested pooling donations for the Day of Giving, and fellow member Jim Raffensperger coined the memorable name. That first year, the group raised $65,000 to endow a scholarship.

Since then, alumni have rallied every Day of Giving, raising more than $23,000 this year from 295 donors, awarding 36 scholarships, and building a community that thrives on Saluki spirit. This year alone, the group supported a “six-pack” of SIU students with scholarships.

Throughout the Day of Giving, the SIU Foundation released a series of videos on social media showcasing stories of impact from across campus. These digital spotlights highlighted donors, students, and programs, allowing Salukis everywhere to join in the celebration.

To see a full breakdown of gifts, explore the donor wall, and watch highlight videos, visit siuday.siu.edu.

By Britni Bateman

CARBONDALE, Ill. — SIU Credit Union jumpstarted Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s 10th SIU Day of Giving on Wednesday, Sept. 17, with a $35,000 gift to support student success and hands-on learning.

The credit union’s donation designated $20,000 for New Student Programs and $15,000 for the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center. The 24-hour fundraising event, hosted by the SIU Foundation, raised more than $5.7 million overall and contributes to the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has surpassed $423 million toward its $500 million goal.

“For us, knowing that we’re helping the kids locally come here to get a good education, I think that’s big,” said Mike Lantrip, SIU Credit Union president and CEO and a 1991 graduate of SIU’s College of Business and Analytics. “We serve all of Southern Illinois, and the university attracts students from across the region.”

Chancellor Austin A. Lane praised the gift’s impact, saying it set the tone for the Day of Giving.

“Partnerships are everything,” Lane said. “This really kicks off the Day of Giving. I know our students support Touch of Nature, and everybody is so grateful for the funds and contribution. It really goes a long way.”

Jennifer Phillips, director of New Student Programs, said the funding will provide incoming freshmen with meaningful opportunities to connect with each other and the university.

“The impact that the credit union’s generous donation has had on our students and our ability to offer activities is absolutely more than we could ever thank them for,” she said.

Brian Croft, director of Touch of Nature, noted the community partnership.

“Our relationship with SIU Credit Union is such a special and amazing example of what community and campus look like,” he said. “This money particularly goes to Dawg Days, our summer camp experience for incoming freshmen. They are truly a partner, and they believe in what we do.”

The SIU Day of Giving, launched in 2017, has raised more than $23.6 million to support scholarships, research, and programs across SIU.

By Jeff Wilson, siusalukis.com

CARBONDALE, Ill. — A $4.5 million gift from an anonymous donor will leave a lasting impact on generations of Salukis.

The donation, part of the donor’s estate plan, will benefit two key areas:

• $4 million to support scholarships for female student-athletes
• $500,000 to support improvements to the Saluki Softball stadium

“This gift uplifts our entire university by showing the incredible power of the Saluki spirit,” said Tim Leonard, Southern Illinois University’s director of athletics. “This historic donation provides inspiring support for women’s athletics at SIU and helps ensure our women’s programs continue to thrive.”

SIU has nearly 400 student-athletes across 15 men’s and women’s sports, each facing unique financial challenges that come with competing at the Division I level.

Scholarships allow coaches to recruit top talent and enable student-athletes to focus on training and academics.

“There are few things more valuable to an athletics department than financial support for our athletes,” Leonard said. “They must be locked in to compete and succeed in the classroom. Scholarships are an invaluable tool in our mission.”

In addition to scholarships, the gift will enhance one of SIU’s most successful programs — Saluki Softball — by funding major improvements to Charlotte West Stadium.

Under head coach Jen Sewell, the team has posted a 115–51 record over the past three seasons. Building on a legacy that includes 11 Missouri Valley Conference championships, 15 NCAA Tournament appearances, and 26 Academic All-Americans, the $500,000 gift sends a powerful message.

“This generous donation is more than just a facilities gift — it’s an investment in our female student-athletes, our program, and the future of college softball,” Sewell said. “It will help provide a first-class facility that reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion of our staff and players.”

“Four and a half million dollars is a powerful statement about the importance of women’s athletics. It’s not just an investment in facilities — it’s a vote of confidence in our female athletes, their potential, and the future of women’s sports. We are incredibly thankful for this support, which will open doors for generations to come, both in our facility and through scholarships.”

This gift comes as part of the Saluki Unleashed campaign, which aims to enhance revenue within Saluki Athletics by $100 million. Through this initiative, the athletics department plans to expand scholarship opportunities and enhance facilities, creating a premier experience for student-athletes, coaches, and fans. It is part of the university’s Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has raised more than $400 million toward its $500 million goal.

To make a gift, visit https://give.siu.edu/athletics. For information about estate gifts, contact Kat Martin at katm@foundation.siu.edu.

By Jeff Wilson

Marilea Koch’s life was a testament to the value she placed on education and family. Through her estate planning, those deeply rooted convictions were more than confirmed, they were celebrated.

When Koch passed away in January of 2024, the gift that she left to the SIU Foundation materialized, in the form of hundreds of thousands of dollars to establish the Edward and Elizabeth Ann Paddison Endowment Fund. Named for her parents, her gift funds scholarships for students who live in Illinois counties south of Interstate 70.

Koch made her cousin, Carolyn Stubblefield, and her husband, Richard, trustees of her estate. They shared their fond memories of Marilea.

“Marilea valued education and wanted others to have access to books,” Richard Stubblefield said. “To that end, she endowed a scholarship to SIUC because she wanted students to be able to afford a college education. She also left a sizeable amount of monies to her community’s public library, and she made her church a beneficiary of her trust.”

Born and raised in Southern Illinois, Koch graduated from the Goode Barren Township High School in Sesser. She then attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale, graduating in 1952 with a degree from the College of Liberal Arts. During her time at SIU, she lived in Anthony Hall (which now houses the chancellor’s office) and developed lasting camaraderie among the young women who lived there.

“Marilea spoke fondly about her experience at SIU,” Richard Stubblefield said. “She was pleased that she could compete at the college level after her experience of attending a very small high school in Southern Illinois. She also spoke about the fact that she would not have been able to afford and attend college had it not been for the teacher education scholarship that she earned by being valedictorian of her graduating class.”

After college, she began her career as an English and speech teacher, holding positions in towns throughout Illinois, including Polo, Lincoln and Hinsdale.

“She was a teacher’s teacher,” Richard Stubblefield said. “She enjoyed the students that she taught and challenged those students to be writers.”

Family focus

Her parents, Edward “Ned” and Elizabeth Ann Paddison immigrated to the U.S. from England as children. Her mother was a homemaker, and her father was a coal miner until he became water superintendent in Sesser. The couple eventually moved to Chicago for better job opportunities.

“Marilea understood the sacrifice her parents made by leaving their home, family and friends to seek employment and a better life in order to support her higher education goals,” Carolyn Stubblefield said. “The scholarship she endowed honors her parents’ commitment to her education and seeks to enable young men and women with an opportunity to attend college at SIUC.”

In her final years, Koch composed two family histories, one for each side of her family.

“With her parents being from England, any time one stopped by the Paddison home, the kettle was boiling for tea,” Richard Stubblefield said. “Marilea’s extended family consisted of aunts, uncles, and cousins on both sides of the family, and she would always make time to squeeze in a visit with them or drop them a note, even in her retirement years.”

Even though she was born during the Great Depression, her parents made traveling a priority, which is something Koch continued into adulthood. She traveled extensively across the U.S. and Europe.

“Marilea easily made friends wherever she taught and wherever she traveled,” Carolyn Stubblefield said. “She kept in touch with those far-flung friends with her annual Christmas letter, which was both newsy and amusing. As her younger cousin, I always looked forward to her personal notes at Christmas because she managed to interject humor into retelling stories about challenging situations, whether they dealt with car trouble or with a classroom experience.”

To learn more about estate planning, visit siufgiving.org.

By Jeff Wilson

Beyond tuition, Southern Illinois University Carbondale students face the same financial challenges as everyone else – paying bills, buying food, finding childcare, and more.

That reality and the desire to help is what prompted Chad Pendleton, a 1997 SIU graduate, to step up and make a $25,000 pledge to establish the Pendleton Family Bridging the Gap Fund.

“It was clear that this is a way to make a meaningful impact,” Pendleton said. “A host of financial challenges come up for students – rent, food, everyday factors that might lead them to withdraw. It stood out to me as an area that I could support. It serves a critical need, especially for minority students.”

Through the office of Dr. Paul Frazier, vice chancellor for anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion, students can apply for emergency funds that help them stay enrolled at SIU, enhancing the university’s retention efforts and helping students reach their academic goals.

A Unique Journey

Pendleton doesn’t have the traditional Saluki story, but he shares the Saluki spirit that makes SIU special.

After deciding that the University of Memphis wasn’t the right fit for him, the Tennessee native took a job at a local hospital and discovered a passion for health care. He came across a flyer for SIU’s off-campus location at a local naval base and learned that it offered an accelerated degree program in health care management. He knew immediately that it was the perfect opportunity.

“I found it to be a very rewarding experience,” Pendleton said. “It was phenomenal to get my bachelor’s degree and bolster my career. After graduation, my career progressed quickly, and that was a direct result of my education.”

When his father became seriously ill, Pendleton embraced the chance to focus on what mattered most – family. With his sons transitioning through high school and college, Pendleton saw this as a time to be fully present for his family during pivotal moments in their lives. He also pursued his Ph.D., all while continuing to work with health care leaders by founding Pendleton Advisory Group.

“It gave me the flexibility to be there for my family when they needed me the most,” he said. “Pendleton Advisory Group has been more successful than I ever imagined, and it has allowed me to maintain that balance.”

The experience of supporting his family during this difficult time reinforced Pendleton’s belief in the importance of having both a personal and financial support network. His decision to contribute to SIU through the Pendleton Family Bridging the Gap Fund was born from this understanding.

Reconnecting with SIU

This October, the Saluki Takeover Tour is coming to Memphis for the first time. Pendleton will be attending the Chancellor’s Reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, at King Jerry Lawler’s Hall of Fame Bar & Grill.

“There are more alumni in this area than I realized,” Pendleton said. “It will be great to develop a network of individuals. We are all still representing the Salukis, and I am looking forward to reconnecting.”

Pendleton, who also serves on the advisory committee for the SIU College of Health and Human Sciences, looks forward to meeting with alumni who may feel less connected to the college and the university.

“I credit much of my success to SIU,” he said. “I want to show others how they can re-establish their connection and how they can get involved. SIU gave me so much, and this is an opportunity to give back in a meaningful way.”

To learn more about making a gift, visit siuf.org. To register for the Saluki Takeover Tour Memphis, visit siuf.org/memphis.

The SIU Foundation recently announced the addition of four members to its Board of Directors.

Led by President Diane Compardo, the SIU Foundation Board of Directors has set a course that led to a historic Fiscal Year 2024 in which the Foundation raised $46.8 million amid the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign. The campaign, which ends in 2028, has raised $343 million toward its $500 million goal.

The following individuals joined the board on July 1, 2024:

• John Forbes, CPA, founder and president, Forbes Financial Group
• David Hartley, CPA, CISA, partner-in-charge, advisory, Anders CPAs + Advisors
• Darius Robinson, operations manager, Menzies Aviation
• Toni Williams, owner, Children’s Center for Creative Learning, and owner-operator, McDonald’s

“We are thrilled for these talented individuals to join us as we work together in moving our mission forward,” said SIU Foundation Board of Directors President Diane Compardo. “Their unique perspectives and dedication will be so important in shaping our future and making a meaningful difference.”

Forbes is a native of Southern Illinois, grew up in Carterville and graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. After graduation, he served as a staff accountant in the Middle Market Practice Group at KPMG Peat Marwick in St. Louis. During that time, he also obtained the designation of certified public accountant. Before founding Forbes Financial Group in 2005, he was an investment representative with Edward Jones in Carbondale for nearly 10 years. Forbes holds an Accredited Behavioral Finance Professional designation as well as an Accredited Asset Management Specialist designation from the College for Financial Planning. He and his wife, Karen, have supported SIU through donations to multiple areas, including Saluki Athletics, WSIU, and The Together We Can Do More Scholarship Fund. They live in Makanda and have three daughters and three grandkids.

“Giving back to SIU changes lives. It makes generational impact,” Forbes said. “It’s certainly a valuable place to invest time and money into. It’s amazing when people that are passionate about something get together and collaborate, and I’m excited to be a part of that.”

Hartley graduated from SIU in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in finance. A Carbondale native, he is a business and technology executive with over 30 years of continuous innovation and leadership. He was recognized by the Missouri Society of CPAs with its “Impact Award: Outstanding Innovator” in November 2018 and elected to serve as a Member of the MOCPA Board of Directors for 2020-2023. He was formerly vice president and CIO at Arch Coal (now Arch Resources), one of the world’s largest, safest and most environmentally responsible coal producers. He and his wife, Barbara, have been regular supporters of the Accounting Circle Fund in SIU’s College of Business and Analytics. They live in St. Louis and have two adult children.

“I am very excited to be a member of the SIU Foundation board and contribute back to what I consider a great institution and a great cause,” Hartley said. “I’m very humbled by this opportunity. SIU has been a huge part of my life.”

Robinson received his bachelor’s degree in industrial technology in 1995 and a master’s degree in manufacturing systems in 1998, both from SIU. He has made significant contributions to SIU students and his community, including establishing an endowed scholarship for graduates from East St. Louis Senior High School. He is also involved in various volunteer activities, such as supporting schools in Ghana and Mexico through the Sister Cities Committee of Hanover Park. In his role at Menzies Aviation, he manages the jet fuel and hydrant system that fuels the aircraft at O’Hare International Airport. His dedication to giving back and helping others is inspired by his father, who was a strong role model in his life. He and his wife, Norlander, live in Hanover Park.

“When I saw how Chancellor Lane, his staff, and the SIU Foundation bringing alumni together and breaking fundraising records, I realized that the Foundation board was the entity with which I wanted to align myself,” Robinson said.

Williams received her bachelor’s degree from SIU in 1991, majoring in elementary education. She later earned master’s degrees from Chicago State and University of Illinois Chicago. She is also a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. After a 10-year career in the Chicago Public Schools system, she opened the Children’s Center for Creative Learning, which provides a nurturing and creative learning environment for children ages 6 months to 6 years. She is also an owner-operator of multiple McDonald’s franchises.

“Our legacy and our history are strong, and it’s going to be strong for many years to come,” Williams said. “I want to thank Salukis everywhere from all they do across the globe.”

CARBONDALE – With the fall semester comes new beginnings, and this year, it marks the start of the first major campus construction project in nearly 12 years as progress begins on the Tedrick Welcome Center.

With the raising of a fence around the construction site, Parking Lot No. 11 will be closed. Once the building is completed in May of 2026, parking will once again be available.

“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,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “The Foundation prides itself on maintaining a strong partnership with the university, and the welcome center is its gift to this spectacular campus.”

Funded 100 percent through the SIU Foundation­, including $6 million from Roger and Sally Tedrick, this state-of-the-art facility will be the first stop for prospective Salukis, with space for open houses, the origination of campus tours, orientations, and other events.

Members of the campus community, including colleges, admissions, student organizations, and other departments will utilize the space for conferences, seminars, meetings, and much more. The Tedrick Welcome Center will also serve as a hub for alumni activities and campus and community events.

As the SIU Foundation continues the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign – which has raised more than $340 million toward its $500 million goal – its offices will move into the southern wing of the new building and be known as the Philanthropy Center. 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.

“Aligning with the Imagine SIU 2030 strategic plan, the Tedrick Welcome Center is going to help the university increase enrollment, engage with alumni and friends, and provide a laboratory for SIU to solidify its role as a philanthropic leader,” Chancellor Austin Lane said.

Currently, the SIU Foundation is housed in Colyer Hall, the last active building in the area which is the former home of Greek Row. The university has informed the SIU Foundation that it must vacate that location as the dilapidated building is scheduled to be razed.

In recent years, the power of philanthropy has been on display around campus. Fundraising efforts and major gifts solicited by the Foundation have led to new construction and major improvements in multiple areas, including:

• The revitalization of the Ralph E. Becker Pavilion at the boathouse
• The building of the SIU Credit Union Pavilion at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center
• A new, improved sign at the entrance of Touch of Nature
• The Marching Salukis practice field and tower on East Campus
• Improvements to the Fermentation Science Institute at McLafferty Annex
• A planned fountain to be added to Campus Lake
• Numerous other yet-to-be-announced projects across campus

“The philanthropic support of our alumni and donors is transforming campus in an incredible way,” Kupec said. “There are many opportunities for enhancements and new construction. SIU is a university on the move. Beyond the construction of the Tedrick Welcome Center, the Foundation will continue to have strategic impact on many improvements across campus.”

Questions about parking options

During the first two weeks of classes, Lot 13, east of the Student Center, will temporarily be free. It is a paid lot the rest of the year but free after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends. We also will make Lot 10, a blue decal space east of the Student Services Building, available to commuting students.

Lot 3 (across Highway 51, accessible from East Grand Avenue and Washington Street) is a good option and next to the walking bridge. The city of Carbondale also maintains paid parking near that lot.

Other red decal parking options include the following lots:

• 48 (near the tennis courts).
• 89A and 52 (north and southwest of Banterra Center).
• 39 Red (split lot, south of Life Science III).
• 4 Red (split lot, south of the Communications Building), 40 and 44 (southwest and north of the Communications Building).
• 6A (north of Morris Library).
• 7 Red (split lot, north of Pulliam Hall).
• 77 (Forest Street, south of Whitney Street) on the main campus.

Although employees with blue or gold decals may park in red decal lots, they are encouraged to park in blue decal lots to make space for commuting students. Blue decal lots near Lot 11 include:

• 10 (east of the Student Services Building).
• 2 (near Anthony Hall).
• 13A (southeast of the Student Center).
• 47 (west of Neckers).
• 89 (north of Banterra Center).
• 37 (south of the Engineering Building).

A 2023 study by Walker Consultants found that we have ample parking on campus, with an estimated 7,000+ vacant parking spaces during peak hours on a typical busy day; only 43 percent of red decal spaces were occupied. We understand that available spots may not be as close to a building entrance as someone would like, but many are within a 10-minute walk. After 4 p.m., you may park just about anywhere on campus, with the exception of visitors-only spaces, 24-hour reserved spaces and handicap spaces.

By Jeff Wilson

CARBONDALE – The SIU Day of Giving is moving to the fall. The annual fundraising event will be Wednesday, Sept. 18.

The first eight SIU Days of Giving were during the spring semester, but the excitement around campus during the fall semester made the move the logical choice. Each year, the SIU community comes together for a 24-hour, online Day of Giving. Supporters visit siuday.siu.edu and make a gift to any college, unit, program, or initiative. Click here today to make your gift early.

“SIU is a special place in the fall. Students have returned, and campus is alive with activity,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “We want the SIU Day of Giving to be part of the palpable excitement that already exists during the fall semester. We’re confident our alumni, faculty, staff, and students will embrace the date change.”

Since its inception in 2017, donors have given about $17 million during the SIU Day of Giving, including $3.1 million from more than 2,600 donors this February. The Day of Giving is part of the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has set a $500 million goal by July 2028. It is the fifth largest such campaign in Illinois history.

To increase the impact of their gifts, donors can check if their employer matches charitable donations at siuf.org/matching. Gifts can be made any time between now and Wednesday, Sept. 18, at siuday.siu.edu and count toward the Day of Giving.

“Every Day of Giving we emphasize the impact of every gift, no matter the size, and that will be especially true on Wednesday, Sept. 18,” Kupec said. “The funds raised during the Day of Giving provide students and faculty with vital financial support. No matter the date, Saluki spirit will shine.”

As in previous years, there will be an SIU Day of Giving livestream broadcast on the SIU Alumni Association’s Facebook page. Hosted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the WSIU-TV studio, the broadcast will feature interviews with Chancellor Austin Lane, campus leaders, students, faculty, and others.

Viewers will learn about the exciting things happening each day at SIU and how they can best support their favorite area of campus. Comments on the livestream will be featured on the screen.

Other than making a gift and watching the broadcast, there are other ways for alumni and donors to support the Day of Giving.

Simply by using #SIUDay on social media and sharing posts from the SIU Foundation and other units on campus is a great way to show support. Supporters can also sign up to become and SIU Day of Giving Advocate at siuday.siu.edu. Advocates get special Day of Giving updates and can share their own Day of Giving messages with others.

CARBONDALE – The Southern Illinois University Athletics Department is announcing the launch of its Name, Image and Likeness collective, Pride of Little Egypt.

The collective will support student-athletes in all 17 of SIU’s athletic programs. Alumni and friends can choose a monthly membership or a one-time contribution at www.prideoflittleegypt.com.

“We are thrilled about the direction of Saluki Athletics, and Pride of Little Egypt collective is a major piece of that bright future,” said Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Tim Leonard. “This is how we recruit and retain the best players and bring championships to Carbondale.”

Working with Student Athlete NIL (SANIL), Pride of Little Egypt will allow SIU’s student-athletes to leverage their name, image and likeness. Pride of Little Egypt will work in unison with various SIU supporters to create marketing plans that maximize student-athlete earnings while ensuring that the university’s best interests remain protected throughout.

“This is an opportunity for Saluki Nation to enhance our student-athletes’ experience. It’s one of the top factors in today’s college basketball environment,” said Saluki Men’s Basketball coach Scott Nagy.

Pride of Little Egypt is independent from Southern Illinois University, and the university does not receive any financial benefit from the collective. NCAA rules allow alumni, fans and other donors to compensate student-athletes through the collective, but such compensation:

• may not be considered “pay for play,”
• must be in exchange for services provided by the student-athlete, and
• may not be a recruiting inducement for a student-athlete to enroll or continue to attend SIU.

“Our staff and student-athletes are thrilled about the possibilities provided by Pride of Little Egypt,” said Saluki Softball coach Jen Sewell. “Our recruits and current athletes are excited to advance their personal brand and connect with the SIU community.”

Saluki Athletics has recently experienced a run of high-level success, including the men’s golf team winning the Missouri Valley Conference championship; softball earning the MVC regular-season title; and two Saluki Football players signing NFL contracts.

Little Egypt, a nickname attributed to Southern Illinois about 200 years ago, was the inspiration for SIU’s choice of the saluki, the royal dog of Egypt, as its mascot in 1951.

Student-athletes are available to do social media posts, attend events, sign autographs or participate in a variety of other marketing activities. Potential partners should contact SANIL at billyray@studentathletenil.com.