Category Archives: SIU

Roland Burris: Trailblazer, philanthropist, Saluki

Roland Burris
Former U.S. Sen. Roland Burris

By Jeff Wilson

Roland Burris has held many titles, but none may be more apt than this: Trailblazer.

His own path began in Centralia and led him to Southern Illinois University, Germany, Howard University School of Law, Illinois state government, and eventually the U.S. Senate, but that only scratches the surface.

Beyond his expansive roles, his influence has impacted countless lives, and he has been equally impacted by those he has met along the way. It’s these relationships that inspired him to donate $100,000 to establish the Burris Financial Emergency Fund at Southern.

Dr. Lane, Sen. Burris, Matt Kupec
Former U.S. Sen. Roland Burris (middle) joined Chancellor Austin Lane, SIU Foundation CEO Matt Kupec and hundreds of SIU alumni and friends during the Saluki Takeover Tour Chicago in the fall of 2024.

“The Lord has taken care of me. Why shouldn’t I try to make sure that I’m paving a way for others?” he said. “Set your goals. Dare to dream.”

Inspired by Paul

While a student at SIU, Burris had a roommate named Paul. His story became the inspiration for Burris’ emergency fund.

“Paul was a freshman from Du Quoin and worked at the post office in the military barracks that were in the student union. He had trouble getting lunch and dinner. He would drink water and lay down,” Burris said. “He didn’t receive any mail from home. We started helping him when we realized he wasn’t getting enough food. He was rail thin.

“One evening, Paul didn’t show up. He was gone. He had packed up and dropped out of school because he couldn’t get money from home to continue. That stuck with me. I knew if I ever got into a position to help … I don’t want to see any more Pauls.”

The emergency fund isn’t a scholarship. Funds from the endowment are dispersed through the Office of Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to students who need financial help to stay enrolled at SIU.

“A few years ago, I was being honored on campus and a student approached me and gave me a hug. He said that he had received some of that money that bridged the gap. I just cried like a baby,” Burris said. “That’s what the fund was set up for. He was able to pay his bill and go on with his career. It hit me right in the gut.”

SIU & Carbondale

Burris came to SIU from Centralia in 1955 with four others, Bill Norwood, Leonard Taylor, Vernon Rush, and Charles Steptoe, with a plan to play football.

“We caught the train down to Carbondale, met with the coach (Albert Kawal), and then planned to get lunch,” he said. “There were limited places in Carbondale that would serve Blacks. We thought ‘Let’s go back to Centralia.’ Coach said he would feed us on campus, so we stayed.”

Carbondale was largely segregated in the late-1950s. Working with President Delyte Morris and others, that was something Burris set out to change.

“This was when race was really prevalent in that part of the state and across the country,” Burris said. “In terms of the university, there were no Blacks on the faculty, but I had no problems with instructors or deans. Blacks could not stay in the dorms until 1955 when Dr. Morris integrated the newly constructed Woody Hall.”

With a group of white and Black friends, Burris set out to document the issues in Carbondale with the hopes of integrating the city. As a junior, he was president of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, which was planning its 25th anniversary celebration.

“Blacks couldn’t sleep in hotels and motels in Carbondale. We wanted to invite our older brothers, but they had no place to stay,” Burris said. “We decided to document segregation all across the city.”

Burris and a group of Black students would try and fail to book a room, get seated at restaurants, or try on clothes in stores. They would then send in a group of white students to do the same and record their success in doing so.

“We then met with Dr. Morris and the university’s lawyer, John Rendleman, and they could not believe it. They called a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce,” he said. “You could see the blood drain from the faces of these white men as they heard the stories. It was quite an experience. Dr. Morris made it clear that this could not be tolerated, and they took it under advisement.”

It wasn’t until after Burris had left Carbondale that he received word of integration across the city.

“Willie Brown, a football player, sent me a letter saying that every entity in Carbondale was open to serve Blacks, students and otherwise,” Burris said. “That effort of documenting it and presenting it had worked. It was a growing experience for me. We learned how we could negotiate our futures.”

A launching pad

Burris made his mark as an outstanding student. During his junior year, he took a German class, and his professor approached him about an exchange program that SIU had with the University of Hamburg in Germany.

“It was a competition between 200 students, and they selected two, and I was one of them. It was the first time a Black student had been chosen,” Burris said. “So, I spent a year there working on my master’s degree, if you can imagine that.”

While there, Burris began studying international law and decided to pursue his law degree. Although he never finished his master’s, he earned his juris doctor from Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C., in 1963.

“When my wife, Berlean, and I left Howard and headed back to Chicago, I said the only way I would return to D.C. was as vice president or a U.S. senator. Well, on January 16, 2009, I was sworn in as a U.S. senator,” he said.

When Barack Obama was elected president in 2008, it opened a U.S. Senate seat from Illinois. Burris was chosen by then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich to fill that spot.

“I was the first Black person in America to be appointed to a Senate seat,” Burris said. “I wasn’t a politician. I was a public servant – for my people and all people.”

Between law school and the Senate, Burris was the first Black person elected to statewide office in Illinois, winning the comptroller race in 1978. He was later elected as Illinois attorney general in 1990.

“At 15 years old, I set two goals – become a lawyer and a statewide elected official – and I did both. Everything I prayed to the Lord for, I have achieved it,” Burris said. “SIU was a major player in my career. I am a fan of Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. It did so much for me and the people I know. I believe it gave me the greatest college experience anyone could have.”

Burnside honors sister, helps MEDPREP students with scholarship

 

By Jeff Wilson

Dr. Randolph Burnside’s decision to give to MEDPREP at Southern Illinois University was driven by love – love for education, love for the program, and mostly love for his sister.

LaKeisha Teneka Brantley passed away suddenly in 2023 from a blood clot that traveled to her heart. She was only 42 years old.

“It hit me hard. She was a special person, the nicest person you would ever want to meet. She was such a joy, gentle spirit and a sweet person,” Burnside, the director of MEDPREP, said. “She lived in rural Mississippi, probably 30 to 40 minutes from the hospital and didn’t have great health care.”

That was the inspiration for he and his wife, Rhetta, to establish the LaKeisha Burnside Brantley Scholarship to support MEDPREP students who are interested in rural medicine.

MEDPREP, the Medical/Dental Education Preparatory Program, is a nationally renowned post-baccalaureate academic enhancement program through the SIU School of Medicine. The program provides assistance to educationally and/or economically disadvantaged students to prepare them for health professions. It is located on the SIU Carbondale campus.

“SIU School of Medicine is really a rural medical school,” Burnside said. “We wanted to create a scholarship that gives back to students who come to SIU and are truly interested and invested in improving rural health care.”

Providing access to education is paramount for Burnside as he sees the impact it has every day.

“Education has played a key role in my career and allowed me to help other people achieve their dreams” he said. “It has given me a much better lifestyle than a lot of people that I grew up with. It has allowed me to give back and continue to help other people who find themselves in a situation where education can be a great value to them. I can help mentor and guide them through the process so they can have the success they seek.”

As is the case with many donors, Burnside started giving at a smaller level. Once he saw the fruits of his generosity, he knew he wanted to leave his mark at Southern.

“I started by giving $50 a year and then it went to $100 and then $200,” he said. “I decided to consolidate all of my giving. SIU is where I wanted to give. SIU is where I wanted to have my impact and have my legacy live after me. It’s not the amount that you give, it’s the fact that you give at all that matters. It shows the love and the care and the respect that you have for the very program that you used as a vehicle to your success.”

To make a gift to MEDPREP or another program, vist siuf.org/give.

Record-breaking Saluki Takeover Tour builds connections in Florida

Saluki Takeover Tour Florida
The Saluki Takeover Tour Florida took place for an entire week during February 2025.

The Saluki Takeover Tour Florida has grown each of its three years, creating more excitement with each event.

Hosted by the SIU Foundation, the takeover tour brings SIU administrators to local high schools and community colleges to foster partnerships and recruit future Salukis. It also brings together alumni and friends to celebrate Southern’s success and enjoy the Saluki spirit together.

The takeover tour included two Chancellor’s Reception, seven high school visits, 25 donor visit and will hit seven cities in all. Each reception featured record-breaking attendance with well over 100 guests in Tampa and Naples.

During the many stops, Chancellor Austin Lane highlighted the Imagine SIU 2030 strategic plan and recent increases in enrollment.

“There are some exciting things that are going on,” he said. “We have some increases in enrollment over the last couple of years. It would be even better if we can get more students out of the state of Florida. That’s why we’re here.”

St. Petersburg

Events for this year’s Florida takeover began Tuesday, Feb. 11, with a night aboard La Dolce Vita, a yacht owned by SIU alumnus James Jannetides ’89. His journey from SIU student to founder & CEO of University Loft Co. is a true Saluki success story.

James Jannetides
Saluki James Jannetides ’89 hosted SIU administrators and alumni on his yacht, La Dolce Vita, during the Saluki Takeover Tour Florida.

While at SIU in 1984, he built his first loft bed—an innovative design that maximized dorm space. That idea launched University Loft Company, now a leading provider of durable, high-quality furniture for student housing, military, and multi-family residences. With headquarters in Greenfield, Indiana, an upholstery plant in Morristown, Tennessee, and a global supply chain, Jannetides has built a company known for its craftsmanship and commitment to sustainability.

Dr. Lane, Phil Pfeffer, Dr. Morris
Chancellor Austin Lane (from left), Dr. Phil Pfeffer ’65 ’66, and Dr. Marc Morris, dean of the College of Business and Analytics, enjoy some sunshine.

Chancellor Lane, Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations and SIU Foundation CEO Matt Kupec, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Wendell Williams, Director of Athletics Tim Leonard, College of Business and Analytics Dean Marc Morris, and many others gathered with the Jannetides family, Saluki Lifetime Achievement recipient Phil Pfeffer ’65 ’66, and many other alumni for an evening on the water in St. Petersburg.

Tampa

More than 100 alumni gathered Wednesday, Feb. 12, at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa for the second night of the Saluki Takeover Tour. The gorgeous weather set a perfect backdrop for an evening of comradrie among the SIU faithful.

Florida Takeover Tamps
The Saluki Takeover Tour in Tampa attracted dozens of Salukis to George M. Steinbrenner Field.

When addressing the crowd, Kupec lauded the fundraising efforts of the SIU Foundation.

“We have a $500 million campaign going on. That’s a half billion dollars,” he said. “We’ve raised $388 million to date! It’s the fifth largest such campaign in the history of Illinois!”

Many Salukis stuck around after the Chancellor’s Reception for a Saluki Basketball watch party on the stadium scoreboard as the Dawgs took on Bradley, ultimately falling, 78-64.

The Villages

The Villages
The SIU Alumni Association hosted a golf scramble and social hour at The Villages.

The SIU Alumni Association hosted a golf scramble and happy hour event on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at Palmer Legends Championship Golf Course in The Villages.

Dozens of alumni showed up to play a round and enjoy some food and drinks with fellow Salukis.

Naples

The second Chancellor’s Reception during the Saluki Takeover Tour Florida took place the evening of Thursday, Feb. 13, at Windstar on Naples Bay. With 113 guests, it was the most well attended Naples event in Saluki Takeover Tour history.

Alumnus Ollie Dorn ’67 graciously hosted the event at this beautiful venue—the only private club in Naples offering golf along the bay, a marina, and a private beach. It was the perfect setting to reconnect, celebrate, and share the Saluki spirit.

“Things in Carbondale are really going great right now,” SIU System President Dan Mahony said. “Over the last several years, we have seen a lot of things improve. Our enrollment is improving. Our fundraising is setting records. We are giving out a record number of scholarships to students.”

As each guest took a moment to speak about their Saluki experience, Chancellor Lane was inspired by the impact SIU has had on so many.

“What incredible stories! That’s why we pass the mic around. We learn a lot from all the stories and the history,” Lane said. “When we come back next year, tell everyone how much fun you had.”

Florida Takeover Tour Naples
Chancellor Austin Lane addresses the record-breaking crowd during the Saluki Takeover Tour Florida in Naples.

Robinson emphasizes value of Black alumni support, leadership

By Jeff Wilson

Darius Robinson has made giving back a priority throughout his life, crediting his father for showing him the value of getting involved.

“My father, Johnnie Robinson, was a big giver in terms of leadership, discipline, and being a role model. He was my baseball coach in East St. Louis,” Robinson said. “There were a lot of kids on the team who did not have a father figure, so I learned to share my dad with the rest of the team. What is remarkable about my dad is that he did not get paid for that, and he gave many hours to bridge the gap for so many young people.”

Taking the lessons learned from his father, Robinson has stayed involved with Southern Illinois University and is now a member of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors.

Darius Robinson and his wife, Norlander
Darius Robinson and his wife, Norlander, were honored during the 2022 Saluki Takeover Tour in Chicago.

“When I saw how Chancellor (Austin) Lane, his staff, and the SIU Foundation were 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.

Before joining the board, he established the Darius Robinson Scholarship, which provides financial support to students from his alma mater, East St. Louis High School.

“I have always wanted to help people have opportunities so that they can help themselves, better themselves and better their community,” he said. “You’re giving that student the opportunity to be the next Black inventor or to be the next leader. Many times, you need a role model that looks like you. Everybody brings something differently to the table.”

Robinson received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from SIU’s College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics in industrial technology and manufacturing systems, respectively. He works as an operations manager for Menzies Aviation. His role is to manage the jet fuel and hydrant system that is used to fuel the aircrafts at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.

“SIU prepared me well for my career. Most of my professors were industrial engineers and they did a great job of teaching me how to analyze a situation and how to troubleshoot and achieve my objectives,” he said.

To make a gift, visit siuf.org.

Williams driven to give by family, community

SIU’s vice chancellor for enrollment management witnesses impact firsthand

By Jeff Wilson

Growing up in rural Arkansas, Wendell and Gloria Williams have never forgotten their roots.

“We come from families that had zero,” said Wendell Williams, vice chancellor for enrollment management at Southern Illinois University. “One thing we always asked for was the ability to give. Every place we have gone, we have made a commitment to endow a scholarship.”

The Wendell and Gloria Williams Family Scholarship lends support to Black SIU students as they pursue their education goals.

Williams Family
Wendell Williams is pictured with his wife, Gloria, and daughters, Britni and Cortni.

“When we receive a letter back from a student, you have no idea how much that means,” he said. “We don’t know if that person will eventually be the cure for cancer or if that person is going to solve some of these racial issues we’re facing or be the president of the United States. Our gift is invisible, but the results, one day, are going to always be visible.”

Despite humble beginnings, Williams was rich in community and family life. He was the first in his family to graduate from college.

“My parents constantly gave to the community. We had a piece of land in front of our house, and they sowed vegetables. Anyone who wanted could come pick from that garden,” he said. “Our community church was so proud of anyone attending college. If you came home on the weekend, the church – which also didn’t have any money – would take up a collection and invest in you. We were representing them and doing something that they were not able to do.”

After graduating from Arkansas State University, Williams was planning to take courses at Southern in a doctoral program, but he was offered a job to become a vice president at a community college instead. He started working at SIU in 2021.

“SIU is a wonderful place,” he said. “It’s so great when we tell our incoming students about our hundreds of thousands of living alumni, and they can see them giving back. It shows that they were able to do well after coming to SIU, and they never forget those connections and want to give back.”

As vice chancellor, Williams works with students every day and see the impact of donor scholarships.

“For the average student, there’s a gap of about $3,500, and that doesn’t count living expenses or books. That gap is what really needs to be covered, and SIU Foundation scholarships do a great job of that,” he said.

Williams urges people interested in giving to think small and not be intimidated by large dollar amounts.

“We started by sitting down and saying, ‘What can we sacrifice without making it hurt on us?’ We settled on $100 a month, so we just started there,” Williams said. “It was stuff we didn’t miss, such as dessert after a meal or one less soda, one less drink. Don’t try to start big. Start and be consistent, and then you see the results of that, and it motivates you to do a little bit more. I wish we could give out more scholarships than we do. Think of the impact that would have. Imagine that.”

To make a gift, visit siuf.org.

SIU Press: Your gifts support scholarly, creative, local authors

Giving levels include recognition online, in print

By Jeff Wilson

Southern Illinois University Press is the nonprofit book-publishing unit of Southern Illinois University. Unlike a commercial publisher, which focuses on publishing for popular audiences, we have a mission to publish works of serious scholarly, intellectual, or creative merit. Our books are vetted by peer reviewers and must receive approval from an editorial board before publication.

SIU Press published its first book in 1956 and has issued nearly 3,000 books since then, with about 1,400 books currently in print. Over the years, the Press has made substantial contributions to a wide range of subject areas and has become especially well-known for its publications in Civil War studies, Lincoln studies, theatre, poetry, and rhetoric & composition. In addition, SIU Press publishes books that celebrate and document the history and culture of Southern Illinois, the state, and the Midwest.

Supporting local authors

The first book featured in this series is “Southern Illinois Fishing: A Comprehensive Guide for Anglers” by Colby Simms.

Southern Illinois’s many waterways teem with an incredible variety of fish species, and as an award-winning fisherman and journalist, Simms knows exactly where and how to catch them all.

“I always thought about writing a book about fishing in Southern Illinois,” he said. “It was something if thought would be important to the region and to teach people about the oppotunities here and how to maximize them.”

CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THIS BOOK

Colby Simms BookWithin these pages, he shares the secrets he’s gleaned from years of hard-won experience. He conferred with fellow fishing pros as well as biologists, outdoor sports media figures, and other experts to bring you the most current, site-specific information possible. From fishing fundamentals to the most advanced, cutting-edge techniques, Simms presents a battle plan for attacking the waters, big and small, of the lower Prairie State, which will benefit all anglers—from beginners to seasoned tournament competitors.

“A university press like SIU makes you feel more comfortable and gives you a lot more opportunities than you have out in the rest of the publishing world,” Simss said. “It’s a great place for new book authors to get started.”

Nestled between the information and instructions, you’ll find stories from Simms and other professional anglers, state fisheries staff, recreational fishers, and more. You’ll find encouragement and motivation to put away life’s modern distractions and get back to nature. Southern Illinois Fishing brims with enthusiasm, humor, and heart, and is sure to educate and inspire readers to lose themselves in the ancient tradition and modern sport of fishing.

Gift Acknowledgement

We will gladly acknowledge your generous donation in the following ways:

  • Gifts of $100 or more will be acknowledged on the book’s webpage on the SIU Press website.
  • Gifts of $500 or more will also be acknowledged in print on the book’s copyright or acknowledgement page. The first printing of this book is already in the warehouse, so this acknowledgement will appear in the next and all subsequent printings.
  • Gifts of $1000 or more will also be acknowledged as a sponsor in social media postings and other promotions.
  • Gifts of $5000 or more will be acknowledged at a special book promotion event and reading and the donor will be invited as a special guest of honor. We will work with the donor to schedule the event at a time convenient to them.

Your support of this title will ensure that this book reaches the widest possible audience and inspires future generations to enjoy the beautiful waterways of Southern Illinois.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A GIFT TO SUPPORT THE SIU PRESS

SIU Press Books

Book sales cover some of the production costs for each title published, but donations make it possible to keep prices affordable for scholars, students, and the general public. Donations also ensure that the books feature quality production elements such as color photos when needed and beautiful interior and cover designs, and they help us to effectively promote each title. Your donation to a specific title will be used to produce, promote, distribute, or reprint the book as necessary.

If you would rather make a gift to support new publications in an entire subject area or series, please contact Amy Etcheson (aetcheson@siu.edu; 618-453-6623) to discuss options.

“For nearly 70 years, SIU Press has supported SIU’s research mission by making a strong contribution to academic scholarship, providing educational opportunities for students, and disseminating information about our region. Your support will help us continue that tradition,” Etcheson said.

Nissan donates nine electric vehicles to SIU School of Automotive

Gift facilitated by alumnus Lee Raines

By Jeff Wilson

Incredible corporate partnerships play a vital role in the success of Southern Illinois University students, particularly in the School of Automotive.

“You have a program that students don’t just graduate from, they actually come back and give to the program,” Chancellor Austin Lane said. “Our alumni are out across the country. It really helps when those alumni stay connected because our students can connect and network and get jobs.”

This fall, the school received a donation of nine electric vehicles from Nissan, a gift facilitated by SIU alumnus and Nissan executive Lee Raines.

“Nissan is one of the early adopters for electric vehicles, and our partnership with them has been very strong for decades,” said Andrew Croxell, director of the School of Automotive. “They’ve been extremely generous to us.”

The donation consists of nine new Nissan Leafs for students to work on in the Glenn Poshard Transportation Education Center.

“From a pure training standpoint, to have nine examples of anything is really valuable to us,” Croxell said. “Lee Raines at Nissan has been a huge supporter for a number of years. He was instrumental in sourcing these donation vehicles as well as several other components and vehicles over the years.”

Raines, a 1986 alumnus of the school, is the senior manager of aftersales operations for Nissan North America, Inc.

“One of the exciting things that happens from time to time … is the opportunity to provide vehicles to the school so the technicians can learn the latest technology,” he said. “It will allow the technicians to learn about electric motors, transducers, final drive units, along with batteries and battery management systems.”

Beyond his work through Nissan, Raines and his wife, Renee, have established the Lee and Renee Raines Automotive Scholarship.

“Giving back to the university … helps those who really want to succeed,” he said.

To learn more about how you can support SIU programs and students, visit siuf.org.

Hayes donates $1M to Saluki Athletics

Jim Hayes Stadium Club to be named in honor of historic gift

Jamie Hayes stands in front of the Jim Hayes, Inc. car dealership in Harrisburg, Illinois.
Jamie Hayes, owner of Jim Hayes, Inc., and his wife, Netta, are donating $1 million to Saluki Athletics.

By Jeff Wilson

With a $1 million gift, Jamie and Netta Hayes further strengthen their family’s ties to Saluki Athletics.

The Hayes family has been a fixture around SIU since Jamie’s father, Jim, first came to Southern in 1961 on a football scholarship.

In honor of this historic gift, SIU Director of Athletics Tim Leonard has announced the naming of the Jim Hayes Stadium Club inside Saluki Stadium. Some of the funds from this gift will be used to revitalize the space.

“For Jamie and Netta to step up in this way says a ton about them and where we are headed,” Leonard said. “They see the vision. They see the passion. They know how valuable Saluki Athletics is to SIU and all of Southern Illinois. This is massively important for us, and I want to thank them on behalf of Saluki Nation.”

One of the premier locations on campus, the Jim Hayes Stadium Club will continue to be utilized by members of the entire campus community for important events and major announcements.

“For my dad’s name to be further etched into Saluki history this way is incredible,” Jamie Hayes said. “We wanted to make a statement about how we feel about SIU and what the Salukis mean to us and this community. We wouldn’t be able to do this if it weren’t for him. I think he would be proud.”

Jim Hayes headshot
Jim Hayes first came to SIU in 1961 on a football scholarship.

The Hayes Legacy

After graduating from SIU with a degree in education in 1962, Jim Hayes moved to Macomb, where he taught, coached football and married his wife, Bette, in 1966. After taking up car sales as a part-time job, he found a knack for the profession and moved his family to Harrisburg in 1976, founding the Jim Hayes, Inc., car dealership.

“My dad played linebacker at SIU. He had a great nickname, ‘The Axe,’” Jamie Hayes said. “From there, it was just always following the Salukis. He had a lot of great loves. He loved his family, the business, his employees, customers, and he loved SIU.”

Raising his family and growing his business in Southern Illinois, Jim Hayes made a point to support SIU through Saluki Athletics. Jim Hayes passed away in 2018, leaving an incredible legacy at Southern. The dealership is now owned and operated by Jamie Hayes.

“I grew up going with my dad to basketball games. SIU has a history of great coaches and great teams,” he said. “The time spent with my dad was always good. I have great memories of these programs.”

Jamie Hayes graduated from SIU in 1994 with a degree in speech communication from the College of Liberal Arts. He has long supported Saluki Athletics, including partnerships and charitable giving through his business, and been a fixture at SIU events for decades.

He recently joined the Big Dawg Leadership Society, which recognizes donors who give annually to Saluki Athletics.

“The success of SIU can do nothing but help the region,” he said. “Now, more than ever, it’s time to step it up a little bit more. You’re going to need more community involvement. You have to bleed maroon no matter what.”

Saluki Ball comes to Carbondale on Saturday, April 26

Saluki Ball
SIU Foundation Board of Directors President Diane Compardo and her husband, Ron Wienstroer, raise their paddle to make a donation during the 2024 Saluki Ball.

Evening of philanthropy, elegance supports SIU students

By Jeff Wilson

CARBONDALE – After two successful years in Chicago, the Saluki Ball is coming home to Carbondale.

Loren Lane and Chancellor Austin Lane
The third annual Saluki Ball, hosted by Chancellor Austin Lane and Mrs. Loren Lane, will be Saturday, April 26, at the SIU Student Center Ballrooms.

Hosted by Chancellor Austin Lane and Mrs. Loren Lane, the third annual Saluki Ball will be Saturday, April 26, at the SIU Student Center Ballroom. This black-tie optional event raises funds that bridge the financial gap for students who need assistance staying enrolled at SIU. Each of the past two years, hundreds of Salukis and SIU supporters have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through the ball.

“Our focus is on our students, especially those who need your help the most,” said Chancellor Lane. “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 multi-platinum recording artists Exposé at 8:30 p.m., and the evening will wrap up with a DJ and dancing at 9:30 p.m.

The Saluki Ball features numerous sponsorship opportunities, ranging from $50,000 to $5,000. Each sponsorship includes varying levels of benefits and recognition before and during the event. Tables of 10 are $2,000, and individual tickets are $200.

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

“People who didn’t even know me believe in me and took the time to invest in my future,” said SIU student Francesca Stewart. “It prevented me from having to go back home.”

The funds that bridge the gap between semester are core to the university’s mission of accessibility. Keeping students enrolled is integral to continuing the momentum at SIU.

“Receiving bridge-the-gap funds was major for me because I was on that line of whether I was going to finish my semester,” said student George Douglas IV. “That call saying I was getting alumni support, it changed everything. It changed my future.”

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

Expose
Multi-platinum recording artists Exposé will be the featured performer during the Saluki Ball on Saturday, April 26, at the SIU Student Center Ballroom.

 

 

Chambers joins SIU Foundation fundraising team

Dylan Chambers
Dylan Chambers

Dylan Chambers joined the SIU Foundation as the assistant director of annual giving in December 2024.

In this role, Chambers will help develop and implement fundraising strategies to grow donor participation and contributions. He will assist in building relationships with donors through gift acknowledgments and stewardship events. He is also heavily involved in tracking naming opportunities on campus, highlighting significant giving opportunities at SIU.

Before stepping into his current role, Chambers interned with the SIU Foundation, contributing to development initiatives and refining donor engagement tools. As a student at Southern, he raised over $100,000 for the SIU Dawg Pound, the official student section for Saluki Athletics, which he also led. He served as vice president of student affairs for the Undergraduate Student Government, advocating for students and enhancing campus life.

In 2021, Chambers was elected to the Metropolis City Council, becoming the youngest alderman in the city’s history. During his term, he served on the Parks and Recreation Committee and the Small Business & Industrial Park Committee, working to improve community resources and support local economic development.

Chambers earned a Bachelor of Science in sports administration with a minor in coaching from SIU in May 2024. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, especially his nephew, Kendrick, and cheering on Saluki Athletics.