By Ava Steffens
As a scholarship recipient, Lydia Phelps takes deep pride in representing Southern Illinois University and the region she calls home.
Originally from Marion, Illinois, Phelps began studying Agribusiness Economics at SIU three years ago. She is also pursuing a pre-law minor. Now a senior, because of enrolling with extra credit, Phelps says she has “thoroughly loved her program.”
After graduation, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career in agricultural economic law, a path that she is deeply passionate about.
“I’m currently looking at multiple law schools, but SIU is definitely at the top of the list,” Phelps said.
When deciding which college to attend, Phelps recalls being on the fence about attending SIU. She credits her high school guidance counselor for inspiring her to begin her Saluki journey.
“SIU was the only school that made that transition from high school to college very personal,” she said. “They worked with me on my specific needs and made me feel like I was part of their family.”
The proximity of SIU to her hometown also allows Phelps to be close to her family and remain involved in her younger sister’s life. Her family inspired her to pursue a career in agriculture, as they own a vineyard. They also work with local wineries such as Clad and Cordon Vineyard, about 10 miles south of Marion in Creal Springs.
While staying connected to her family and inspired by their work in the local agriculture industry, coming to SIU gave Phelps the space to form new connections and find a tight-knit group of friends in her major and through other organizations.
“Being a College of Ag student means you have a family,” she said. “We go to class together, live in Steagall Hall together, are in Greek life together, participate in the same organizations, and we all go out every Wednesday night for line dancing and dinner.”
Phelps describes her experience as Undergraduate Student Government president as “phenomenal.”
“The outreach, advocacy, and connections with administration and alumni have truly set me up for success beyond SIU and will make it that much easier to continue serving
SIU as an alumna,” she said. “It’s been so special to be a voice for students and be able to experience parts of campus that I otherwise wouldn’t get to see.”
Although Phelps has received multiple scholarships because of her campus involvement, college is a costly investment. Concerned about taking out a large loan, she said she felt relieved when she received her scholarships.
“When you’re applying to college and looking at the large price tag associated with it, a lot of worry and anxiety come with that,” she said. “I have nothing but gratitude knowing that a collective group of people were willing to contribute to my scholarship fund and helped pay my way.”
Phelps credits the scholarship with making her college experience more enriching by removing financial stress and motivating her to get more involved on campus. She said they elevated her professional path, helped her form lifelong friendships, and allowed her to make a lasting impact on the SIU community.
Phelps is a recipient of the Southern 150 Scholars Excellence Award, given to SIU students whose hometowns are located south of Interstate 64. Recipients must have a grade-point average of at least 3.5.
As one of 21 universities nationwide recognized by the Carnegie Classification for both Research 1 and Opportunity University status, SIU is dedicated to expanding access to higher education for students from all backgrounds. When you make a gift, you help students like Phelps pursue their dreams, overcome barriers, and make a difference on campus. Make a gift today at siuf.org/give.
Since arriving at SIU, Montano has embraced every opportunity to grow academically and personally. She has found community through Zeta Theta Omega, a dynamic co-ed panhellenic organization for students passionate about zoology, and she participates in Hispanic and Latin-centered RSOs. Through these groups, she’s developed strong friendships and a sense of belonging on campus.
“At first, I didn’t believe that I received it,” she said. “Then I realized it was real, and I was so excited. I remember calling my mom, especially since I was struggling with finding a job at the time.”
Dr. Marc Morris, dean of the College of Business and Analytics, said the center will strengthen the college’s position as a national leader. SIU holds dual AACSB accreditation in both business and accounting, a distinction earned by fewer than 2% of business schools worldwide. AACSB accreditation is recognized as the highest standard of achievement for business education, placing SIU among the top programs globally. SIU’s online business and administration program also ranks within the top 25% in the U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Online Programs.
Bill and Shirley’s story began in high school, where they met. After Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy, the couple married and began their life together. They were first stationed in Meridian, Mississippi, where they purchased a mobile home and later moved it to Albany, Georgia, when Bill was assigned to sea duty.
The couple remains connected to SIU through alumni activities and Saluki athletics. During the scholarship dinner on Nov. 7, they met their first scholarship recipient, Ricardo Salgado, a junior at SIU studying civil engineering.
The evening began on a high note, following an exciting and fun homecoming tailgate and a classic Saluki win at the football game. More than 100 alumni, students, and friends gathered at Old Main for a night filled with laughter, stories, and commemoration. One of my favorite parts was Human Bingo, which got everyone talking and sharing memories from enjoying Quatro’s Pizza to remembering their first big stock pitch.
During dinner, we watched a touching video message from Omar and Carol Winter, whose generous $25,000 gift founded the SSIF back in 2000. Their son, Doug Winter, accepted an award on their behalf, and you could feel how proud the entire room was of what their vision had become: a student-managed fund now worth more than $4 million that has helped hundreds of students build professional careers in finance and beyond.
The Steve Wells Production Studio is a hub for content creation for Saluki Athletics, spearheaded by 
“Salukis build here, and they do,” said Steven Mitchell, Carbondale’s economic development director. “We count roughly 150 Saluki-owned businesses in Carbondale, and our office is a one-stop shop to connect you with resources, incentives and people who can help your business thrive.”
“If you decide to do business here, you’re going to get a lot of support from a truly collaborative community,” he said. “When we announced that we were buying Hangar 9, the city and the university reached out right away to help us succeed. That partnership and enthusiasm are what make this community so special.”
“Carbondale’s business community is built on relationships,” Lo said. “When alumni, entrepreneurs, and local leaders work together, great things happen. Salukis Build Here is about strengthening those connections so that more alumni see Southern Illinois not only as where they came from, but as the place where their businesses can thrive.”
“In the last 18 months alone, more than 20 businesses have opened or expanded along Main Street,” he said. “Carbondale’s energy is contagious, and the growth we’re seeing is proof that this community is on the move.”
“Carbondale is welcoming and affordable, with a community that believes in small business,” she said. “This is a town where people show up for each other. More businesses help each other thrive, and there’s still plenty of room for new ideas, creativity and growth.”
Allison Hasler, founder of Southern Illinois Vacation Rentals, shared how her business has grown from a few rental cabins into a hospitality company managing more than 40 short-term rental properties throughout the region. 
Lynn Andersen Lindberg, executive director of SIU’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development, outlined how the university supports entrepreneurs through the Illinois Small Business Development Center and related programs. 
Attendees sampled offerings from New Kahala, Tres Hombres, Rip’s Brick Oven Pizzeria, St. Nicholas Brewing Company and Quatro’s Deep Pan Pizza while networking with community leaders and learning about upcoming opportunities through Salukis Build Here.
By Britni Bateman
That “something special” became reality when the Winters provided the $25,000 seed gift to launch the SSIF. What began as a class project is now one of the nation’s premier student investment programs, giving hundreds of Salukis the skills and confidence to compete on Wall Street and beyond.