Category Archives: Philanthropic Women

Donor Stories, Philanthropic Women

Daley makes $25K gift to support interior design students

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By Jeff Wilson

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

Jill Daley
Jill Daley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Higher Education, Philanthropic Women, SIU

Honoring Tammera Holmes by inspiring the next generation

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Make a gift here in memory of a visionary Saluki aviator

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tammera Holmes School of Aviation DEI Faculty Endowment

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

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

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

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

Tammera Holmes

Higher Education, Philanthropic Women

SIU Foundation’s Women’s Leadership Council offers microgrant for Saluki women

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There is still time to apply for the SIU Foundation Women’s Leadership Council 2024-25 WLC Microgrant, a funding opportunity available exclusively to SIU women faculty, staff, and students.

The deadline to apply is Monday, Dec. 9. Award finalists will be notified by Feb. 6. Interviews will be Feb. 24, and grants will be awarded on May 1. Fill out the application here: siuf.org/wlc/grant.php.

Since 2020, the WLC has united alumnae, parents, and friends dedicated to empowering women and advancing women-driven philanthropy at SIU. Council members contribute their time, energy, resources, and expertise serving on university boards and championing SIU in their home regions. Embodying a legacy of leadership, WLC collectively funds women’s initiatives and scholarships on campus.

This is an opportunity to put your vision into action with the support of a council committed to women’s empowerment.

Here are some important notes to consider when applying:

  • There is no guarantee that your application will move forward to the interview round.
  • You are encouraged to submit a focused and strategic application.
  • WLC is not a flow-through for other non-profit organizations. The goal is to impact student learning and experience, not fundraise for other philanthropies.
  • Prioritization is given to new projects to provide seed money. Funding is not prioritized for continuing initiatives unless there is a significant new component or a compelling reason to consider sustaining funding after the first year.
  • Please read the Grant Awards Application Instructions carefully as there are other parameters to consider when requesting funding.
  • Funding is typically not granted for giveaways, prizes, or food.
  • Funding is not allowed to be used as salaries or stipends.

 

Donor Stories, Events & Engagement, Higher Education, Philanthropic Women

Saluki Women’s Weekend welcomes more than 200 to campus

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The third annual Saluki Women’s Weekend brought together over 200 women, including students, alumnae, and professionals, to connect, share, and support one another.

The event, which was September 19 through September 21, was hosted by the SIU Foundation’s Women’s Leadership Council, a network of alumnae, parents, and friends who are committed to creating a culture of women-driven philanthropy at SIU and mentoring future generations of Salukis.

“Very few of us ever got to where we are today without having some encouragement,” said Dr. Sheryl Tucker, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “It’s important that we pass that on.”

Featuring dozens of panelists and speakers, the Saluki Women’s Weekend put a spotlight on how women can achieve and support one another while reaching their goals.

“There are so many things we should take away from this,” said Diane Compardo, president of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors and Saluki Woman of the Year award winner. “I’m going to encourage you to find that one thing that has been so meaningful for you and take it into your life.”

Three other women also received special recognition during the event:

  • Sherrica Hunt, Saluki Woman Trailblazer
  • Kirsten Barton, Saluki Woman Emerging Leader
  • Amber Koteras, Rising Star – Student Leadership Award

The Women’s Leadership Council also announced the first two recipients of the EmpowerHER Community Grant, which provided $500 awards to local, women-owned businesses. The first recipients were Chastity Mays of Hathor Doula Service and Lynne Weeks of Reading by the Weeks.

The weekend was sponsored by the SIU Credit Union and Moneta, Legence Bank, Southern Illinois Healthcare, Dawn Korte, Ph.D., Rendleman Orchards, and Oasis Skin & Wellness Center, Inc., Melissa Hahn, Elizabeth Kepuraitis, Gloria Tison, Cristina Pisoni – State Farm Agent, and Regions Bank, St. Nicholas Brewing Company MDH, WSIU Public Radio and WSIU Public Television.

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.

Events & Engagement, Philanthropic Women

Saluki Women’s Weekend empowers, inspires

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Mark your calendar for Sept. 19-21 at SIU

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 four-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 who are committed to creating a culture of women-driven philanthropy at SIU and mentoring future generations of Salukis.

The theme for the weekend is “Saluki Sisterhood: Empowering Today, Inspiring Tomorrow.” To register for this free event, visit siuf.org/salukiwomen.

“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.”

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 SI 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 Women in Empowerment Conference will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, at Morris Library. Check-in begins at 8 a.m., 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 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.

There will also be four awards handed out – Woman of the Year, Trailblazer, Emerging Leader, and Rising Star.

The weekend is sponsored by SIU Credit Union, Moneta Group, Legence Bank, SIH, Oasis Skin & Wellness Center, Rendleman Orchards, Dawn Korte, Ph.D., State Farm agent Cristina Pisoni, and WSIU.

For more details and a full list of speakers, visit siuf.org/salukiwomen. All public events are free. Some events will be invitation-only. For more information or contact Sherrica Hunt, assistant vice chancellor for diversity, equity, and inclusion, at sherricah@foundation.siu.edu.

 

 

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.

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

Scholarship dinner honors donors, encourages philanthropy

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By Jeff Wilson

On Friday, Nov. 3, the SIU Foundation hosted the 10th annual SIU Scholarship Dinner in the Student Center Ballroom. The event, which celebrates the impact of scholarships, was attended by more than 100 donors and 73 scholarship recipients.

“We have so many more scholarships available, and so many more students accepting those scholarships, that we’re going to need a bigger room next year. This is our biggest crowd ever,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation.

During the 10 years of the event, the Foundation has awarded 12,748 scholarships, totaling more than $28 million. In the most recent fiscal year, the Foundation awarded a record number of scholarships (1,645) and total scholarship dollars ($4,931,584).

“Right now, one out of every seven students on our great campus receives a scholarship through the Foundation because of one of you and your generosity,” Kupec said.

SIU System President Dan Mahony emphasized the value scholarships present to the students and the university.

“For students, scholarship support can make the difference and enable them to finish or help them decide whether to come to SIU in the first place,” he said. “It’s critical to our university’s future and our ability to increase enrollment. It has a generational impact. It impacts the student, affects their families, and the generation after that.”

Dr. Amanda Martin ’07 ’08 provided the keynote address, and shared the story of how a fateful high school trip to SIU changed her life.

“We came to an event at SIU for FFA, and my name was randomly drawn to receive a scholarship,” she said. “I knew at that point I was meant to be a Saluki.”

Majoring in agribusiness economics, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s from SIU’s College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences. She also met her husband, Nick, in class.

“I absolutely loved the passion of the people that I had around who were focused on feeding a growing world and helping other people. I knew that one day, because of the experience I had at SIU, I wanted to give back to the place that helped me gain so much both personally and professionally,” Martin said.

LaMya Roach, a junior from Metropolis studying information technology in the College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics, gave the student perspective. A McNair Scholar, she has received the Sabrina Dawn Atkinson Scholarship and Mike Lawrence Scholarship. She was recently selected for the 2024 Alexander Lane Internship through the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.

“As a first-generation college student, I knew that paying for college was going to be a huge hurdle. I was able to receive some amount of financial aid, but I knew that wasn’t going to cover all the costs. However, I wasn’t going to let that deter me,” she said. “When I saw the email that I had received a scholarship, I was so elated, and the stress I had been holding went away. I am so thankful for my donor because he is allowing me to continue my education, and he will never know how much that means to me.”

For more information about the SIU Foundation or to make a gift, visit siuf.org.