Category Archives: Events & Engagement

Donor Stories, Events & Engagement, Higher Education, Saluki Takeover Tours, SIU

SIU Foundation shatters records for fundraising, scholarships

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By Jeff Wilson

The SIU Foundation shattered its records for fundraising and scholarships awarded during Fiscal Year 2024.

Supporters of Southern Illinois University Carbondale donated nearly $47 million in FY24, a whopping 51 percent increase over FY23. The SIU Foundation awarded an incredible $5,406,133 in scholarships. More than 1,840 students benefitted from these scholarships, meaning that 16 percent of all SIU students received a Foundation scholarship this fiscal year.

“These outstanding numbers are a testament to the strength of the Saluki spirit that stretches around the globe,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “Our alumni and donors are making a tremendous impact on students, faculty, and the community.”

The SIU Foundation has increased the amount of scholarship dollars awarded to students each of the last five years. The FY24 total represents 127 percent growth over the amount awarded in FY19.

“I am extremely grateful. Alumni and donors have changed my life,” said SIU senior and scholarship recipient Chloe Dennison. “I have always been afraid of student loans, and these scholarships have allowed me to dedicate myself to being the best student and the best nurse I can be.”

The Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign is progressing well with $341,740,750 in commitments toward its $500 million goal. It is the fifth largest campaign in Illinois public university history.

The most recent fiscal year was highlighted by three major gift announcements:

  • John and Jayne Simmons announced a $10 million gift to the law school, which was then named Simmons Law School
  • Roger and Sally Tedrick announced a $6 million gift toward a new welcome center to be built on campus and named the Tedrick Welcome Center
  • James Franklin Sharp made a $1 million gift to the former University Museum, which was named Sharp Museum in his honor

The SIU Foundation also hosted multiple events, engaging alumni and friends across the country.

In its third year, the Saluki Takeover Tour made stops in Chicago, Springfield, Nashville, Florida, St. Louis, Southern Illinois, and Hollywood. The initiative takes SIU on the road and connects alumni with university leaders. This year, more than 1,500 alumni gathered for 14 Chancellor’s Receptions.

Overall, the number of stops on the Saluki Takeover Tour doubled over the previous. The Saluki Takeover Tour of Southern Illinois included visits to Illinois’ southernmost 17 counties, more than 20 school visits, and six Chancellor’s Receptions. It was capped by a Southern Illinois Celebration on May 4 at Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort, which was attended by more than 400 people.

The Saluki Takeover Tours have brought together thousands of alumni and friends, forged partnerships with high schools and community colleges, engaged dozens of donors, and raised $1.2 million. Fiscal Year 2025 will feature more takeover tour stops than ever before. Watch highlights from previous takeover tours at siuf.org/takeovers.

During the eighth annual SIU Day of Giving, the Foundation raised more than $3.1 million from 2,669 donors. SIU Credit Union kicked off the Day of Giving by donating $35,000 in total, designating $20,000 to New Student Programs and $15,000 to Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center.

Leading the way with 670 donors was the Balancing Education, Experience, and Reality (B.E.E.R.) Scholarships, driven by the Carbondale in the ’80s and ’90s Facebook group. Nearly $45,000 was raised for the endowed scholarship fund. The College of Business and Analytics raised almost $765,000, the most of any college, school, or unit.

“In its role as an accelerator, the SIU Foundation has led the way on multiple initiatives, increasing engagement with alumni and philanthropic support that is making a major difference,” Kupec said.

To learn more about the SIU Foundation, visit siuf.org.

Events & Engagement, Saluki Takeover Tours

Salukis engage with alumni, partners in St. Louis

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By Jeff Wilson

ST. LOUIS – The Saluki Takeover Tour returned to St. Louis along with the SIU Men’s Basketball team for the week of the Arch Madness MVC Tournament.

The keystone event was the Chancellor’s Reception, hosted Wednesday, March 6, in the Lindbergh Room of the Hilton at the Ballpark. 150 alumni and friends gathered to celebrate their Saluki spirit.

“It’s great to see all the Salukis here,” Chancellor Austin Lane said. “We do the Saluki Takeover Tours in several cities throughout the year, and we always look forward to coming back to St. Louis.”

Earlier in the day, Chancellor Lane and a group of university leaders visited Eureka High School and Collinsville High School on recruiting trips. On Thursday and Friday, the members of the group planned to make their way to STEAM Academy, Duchesne College Prep, and Lutheran St. Charles.

Many other events dotted the schedule between Tuesday and Friday:

  • The College of Liberal Arts hosted an alumni social event at The Armory STL on Tuesday.
  • The SIU Foundation hosted a Corporate Partners Brunch at the Hilton at the Ballpark on Thursday.
  • There was also a Planned Giving Social Hour at the hotel on Thursday, hosted by the foundation.
  • Members of the Paul & Virginia Society gathered on Friday morning at The London Tea Room.
  • The SIU School of Medicine hosted an alumni dinner at Kreis’ Steakhouse.
  • The SIU Alumni Association hosted a pre-game event Thursday evening at PBR St. Louis in Ballpark Village.

Six corporate partners took part in the brunch on Thursday morning, including the St. Louis Cardinals, Boeing, First Mid Bank & Trust, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Horner & Shifrin, and StraightUp Solar. The discussion, led by Sherrica Hunt, assistant vice chancellor for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and Shane Bennett, senior director of development for corporate and foundation relations, focused on how companies can benefit from engaging with SIU and its students.

The Salukis fell Thursday night in the first round of the MVC Tournament, 84-82, in a double-overtime thriller against the University ofIllinois Chicago. The Dawgs finish the season 19-13.

The Saluki Takeover Tours, which began in 2021, include student recruitment visits to local high schools and colleges, as well as alumni events, and meetings with valuable partners around the country. To see highlight videos from previous Saluki Takeover Tours, click here.

Crowdfunding, Events & Engagement, SIU

Day of Giving: More than 2,600 Salukis donate over $3.1M

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By Jeff Wilson

The 8th annual SIU Day of Giving was Wednesday, Feb. 28, and once again, Saluki spirit was on display for 24 straight hours.

The SIU Foundation raised more than $3.15 million, and more than 2,600 donors participated. In total, there has been about $17 million donated during the Days of Giving. Every gift pushes the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign one step closer to its goal of raising $500 million by 2028.

“We put those dollars to work,” said Chancellor Austin Lane during the Day of Giving livestream from WSIU-TV studio. “Once we receive the support that’s coming from those who give during the Day of Giving that were able to put that in hands of our students.”

Leading the way with 670 donors was the Balancing Education, Experience, and Reality (B.E.E.R.) Scholarships, driven by the Carbondale in the ’80s and ’90s Facebook group. Nearly $45,000 was raised for the endowed scholarship fund.

Other areas that topped the donor total list included:

  • WSIU Public Broadcasting: 502
  • School of Medicine: 279
  • College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics: 240
  • College of Health and Human Sciences: 142
  • Saluki Athletics: 127
  • College of Arts and Media: 120

The College of Business and Analytics raised $764,835, the most of any college, school, or unit.

Other areas that received the highest dollar amounts included:

  • School of Medicine: $555,765
  • School of Law: $526,456
  • College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences: $195,917
  • College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics: $188,893
  • College of Liberal Arts: $157,143
  • Touch of Nature: $93,510

Some donations were still being counted, including donations made through fundraisers at St. Nicholas Brewing Co. MDH at Southern Illinois Airport and Freddy’s in Carbondale. Both restaurants donated percentages of some of Wednesday’s sales to the College of Health and Human Sciences.

SIU Credit Union kicked off the Day of Giving by donating $35,000 in total, designating $20,000 to New Student Programs and $15,000 to Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center.

The Day of Giving livestream aired from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and can be viewed in its entirety on the SIU Foundation YouTube channel. It featured segments from every college and school and many other units. Hosted by Vice Chancellor of Development and Alumni Relations Matt Kupec, there were interviews with campus leaders, including Chancellor Lane.

To see the full totals, visit siuday.siu.edu.

Events & Engagement, Saluki Takeover Tours

Saluki Takeover Tour heads to Florida

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By Jeff Wilson

The Saluki Takeover Tour returned to Florida for the second straight year.

On Monday, Feb. 19, the SIU Alumni Association hosted an event at the Savannah Center in The Villages, followed by a Tampa Alumni Chapter gathering on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at Coppertail Brewing Company.

Like last year, the first Chancellor’s Reception was hosted in Naples. Seventy-five Salukis came together at Windstar on Naples Bay.

“We need you to help us spread the message about how great SIU is,” Chancellor Austin Lane said. “The more we come and engage with you, the more we hear about the great things you’ve done in your careers, we want to make sure we’re telling our students and campus community about that.”

Many guests stayed after the reception to watch as the Saluki Men’s Basketball team took on Murray State on ESPN+. The Dawgs won the game, 72-68.

Thursday in Miami

Chancellor Lane, Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Wendell Williams, and others met with representatives from Miami Dad College on the afternoon of Wednesday, Feb. 22.

That evening’s Chancellor Reception was hosted at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. Alumni and friends gathered to share stories and camaraderie.

Friday in West Palm Beach

The takeover tour in Florida wrapped up Friday with a Chancellor’s Luncheon at Norton Art Museum. This event was sold out.

Afterward, there was a visit to Oxbridge Academy to explore potential partnerships.

More to come

There will also be a Saluki Takeover Tour of Southern Illinois in April and May. Information on those events will be available soon.

To see highlight videos from previous Saluki Takeover Tours, click here.

 

 

Events & Engagement, Saluki Takeover Tours

Saluki Takeover Tour visits Nashville

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More events coming soon in Florida, St. Louis, and Southern Illinois

By Jeff Wilson

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Saluki Takeover Tour made its second annual stop in Nashville, Tennessee, this week.

Between Monday, Feb. 12, and Wednesday, Feb. 14, representatives from SIU visited high schools and hosted events with alumni and friends.

SIU Carbondale Chancellor Austin A. Lane and Nashville State Community College President Shanna L. Jackson signed the agreement that includes the Saluki Step Ahead program during an event on the college’s White Bridge campus in Nashville – the first such pact in Tennessee.

“SIU Carbondale is providing Nashville State Community College graduates a seamless path to a bachelor’s degree, saving them time and money,” Chancellor Lane said. “And if students can’t come to us in Carbondale, Illinois, we are bringing the experience and resources of a doctoral research university to them through Saluki Step Ahead.”

Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Wendell Williams and others visited Independence High School, LEAD Southeast High School, Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High School, Brentwood Academy, and Hume Fogg Academic High School. These recruitment trips build bridges between potential future Salukis and the university.

“Strategically, we knew Nashville was an area we had to take over,” Chancellor Lane said. “Salukis are here. There are some exciting things happening. We’re hitting some really high points.”

This year’s Chancellor’s Reception was hosted by SIU alumni Drs. Phil and Pam Pfeffer. The Pfeffers, two of SIU’s most distinguished alumni, welcomed dozens of SIU alumni, staff, and friends into their home the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 13.

“Pam and Phil, thank you for hosting us and for your commitment and dedication and many years of service to SIU,” said Judge Phil J. Gilbert, chair of the SIU Board of Trustees. “It’s people like you that put us on the map.”

On Thursday, Feb. 14, the SIU Alumni Association hosted an event at Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint. Dozens of alumni enjoy food, drinks, and Saluki spirit before the Saluki Men’s Basketball team took on Belmont. The Salukis fell to the Bruins, 82-68.

The next stop on the Saluki Takeover Tour is a three-location run through Florida, including events in Naples, Miami, and West Palm Beach. Those events are Wednesday, Feb. 21, through Friday, Feb. 23. For more information, click here.

After that, Salukis will take over St. Louis during the Arch Madness MVC Men’s Basketball Tournament. The Chancellor’s Reception will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, in the Lindbergh Room at the Ballpark Village Hilton. For more information, click here.

There will also be a Saluki Takeover Tour of Southern Illinois in April and May. Information on those events will be available soon.

To see highlight videos from previous Saluki Takeover Tours, click here.

Chancellor Austin A. Lane thanks Drs. Pam and Phil Pfeffer for hosting the Chancellor’s Reception during the second annual Saluki Takeover Tour in Nashville, Tenn., on Tuesday, Feb. 13.
Events & Engagement

Saluki Ball: Elegant fundraiser bridges the gap

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After a successful launch in 2023, the Saluki Ball will return bigger and better.

This year’s Saluki Ball will be Saturday, April 20, at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk hotel. This black-tie optional event is dedicated to raising funds that bridge the financial gap for students who need assistance staying enrolled at SIU. The inaugural Saluki Ball brought together 615 SIU alumni and friends, who donated more than $650,000 to that cause.

“Our focus is on our students, especially those who need your help the most,” said Chancellor Lane during the 2023 Saluki Ball. “We must ensure the students that we bring to Carbondale or who enroll in online courses are able to stay enrolled and finish with their degree.”

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and program at 6:30 p.m. There will be a live musical performance from the legendary R&B group En Vogue at 8:30 p.m., and the evening will be capped by a DJ and dancing at 9:30 p.m.

The Saluki Ball features numerous sponsorship opportunities, ranging from $50,000 to $10,000. Each sponsorship includes varying levels of perks and recognition before and during the event. Tables of 10 are $3,000, and individual tickets are $300.

Students who have received funds that help them stay in school have shared the impact it has made on them.

“You’re helping someone, and you’re changing their life,” said Jashaun Murray, an SIU student majoring in social work. “You helped me stay in school so I can get a degree to get to where you are and maybe achieve the things you did.”

To learn more, become a sponsor or purchase tickets, visit salukiball.siu.edu