Category Archives: SIU

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.

Honoring Tammera Holmes by inspiring the next generation

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

SIU names Gower Translational Research Center in honor of $2.5 million gift

By Jeff Wilson

CARBONDALE – The impact made by Dr. Bob and Beth Gower has been felt by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students and faculty for years. Now, the Gower name will be forever imprinted into the university’s future at the Gower Translational Research Center.

The Gowers have been generous donors to Southern for many years. Most recently, they dedicated $2.5 million to advance the mission and support the research activities taking place across campus.

Bob and Beth Gower
Bob and Beth Gower have donated $2.5 million in support of Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s research activities.

In honor of this transformational gift, the SIU Board of Trustees voted Thursday, Dec. 5, that the McLafferty Annex be named the Gower Translational Research Center.

“The Gower family story is an incredible one, and it all began at Southern, so it is appropriate that we honor their legacy with this naming,” Chancellor Austin Lane said. “We are so thankful for everything they have done for this university.”

Bob Gower, a West Frankfort native, graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry in 1958 and 1960, respectively. He met his wife, Beth, while both were studying at SIU. She graduated in 1961. Dr. Gower earned his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. He is the founder and executive chairman of Ensysce Biosciences, a biotech company that develops tamper-proof and abuse-resistant prescription drugs.

Before their latest gift, the Gowers established the Bob G. & Mary Beth Gower Scholarship Endowment in SIU’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, which has benefited more than 50 students. They also established the Beth & Bob Gower Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Agricultural, Life and Physical Sciences.

Dr. Gower is a two-time recipient of the SIUC Alumni Achievement Award from the College of Science (1988, 2008). He is a Distinguished Alumnus of the college and was inducted into the Chemistry & Biochemistry Hall of Fame in 1997. He served as a member of the steering committee for the university’s Opportunity Through Excellence campaign and as a member of the Chemistry & Biochemistry Advisory Committee. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the university in 2018. The Gowers, who reside in Houston, have three adult daughters and several grandchildren.

Their $2.5 million gift is yet another major step in the SIU Foundation’s Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign. With a goal of raising $500 million by July 2028, the campaign currently sits at more than $361 million. It is the fifth largest such campaign in the history of public universities in Illinois.

“We could not have this kind of success without the support of alumni like Bob and Beth Gower,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “This is a spectacular moment in the history of our great university, and this momentum is going to carry us into an even brighter future.”

Gower Translational Research Center
Formerly McLafferty Annex, the Gower Translational Research Center is located at 1785 University Press Drive.

The Gower Translational Research Center, located at 1785 University Press Drive, is a hub of high-level research. In October 2024, SIU dedicated a $7.2 million BioLaunch lab in the center. The 10,000-square-foot space is dedicated to life sciences research and more.

Funded in part by a $2.7 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Wet Lab Program, BioLaunch is the newest addition to the Illinois Food, Entrepreneurship, Research, and Manufacturing (iFERM) Hub, a state-of-the-art research and training suite for faculty use, students, start-up companies and private firms in the region. iFERM capitalizes on the university’s research and innovation into food, fermentation and biotechnology. In 2021, the SIU Foundation provided a $1.1 million grant to advance the progress on the Fermentation Science Institute, which is inside the center.

“BioLaunch and other components of the iFERM Hub will help us solve challenges in food, agriculture, energy and health through research, innovation and education,” Dr. Costas Tsatsoulis, vice chancellor of research at SIU, said during the BioLaunch ribbon cutting. “And it will provide infrastructure for the development of Illinois agriculture value-added products to promote and support successful entrepreneurial activities.”

The center is also home to the Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, and an ultra-fast laser facility, further enhancing its role as a center for diverse research initiatives.

SIU Foundation connects students with engineering industry leader, Horner & Shifrin

Two SIU alumni and engineering industry leaders from Horner & Shifrin met with more than 40 students from the College of Engineering, Computing, Technology and Mathematics on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

The event, which was hosted by the SIU Foundation Corporate Engagement unit and COECTM, brought Brian Ziegler ’95 and Lucas Roney ’19 to campus. Ziegler is the associate vice president and regional manager for Horner & Shifrin, and Roney is a civil engineer for the firm. The duo shared valuable insights into their careers and the impact of their SIU education.

Ziegler and Roney reminisced with Dr. Prabir Kolay, director of the School of Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering, as they toured classrooms and labs.

This was a unique opportunity for students to network with industry professionals and discuss career paths and learn about the diverse services offered by Horner & Shifrin.

“I want to give special thanks to Horner & Shifrin for visiting SIU and fostering student engagement. We look forward to future collaborations,” said Shane Bennett, senior director of corporate and foundation relations.

Connect with our team

Are you interested in connecting with SIU students, showcasing your company and career opportunities, and fostering a strong partnership with SIU?

Contact the SIU Foundation Corporate Engagement team by emailing Sherrica Hunt at sherricah@foundation.siu.edu or Shane Bennett at shaneb@foundation.siu.edu.

Paul Simon Public Policy Institute lobby named after John and Nancy Jackson

By Jeff Wilson

CARBONDALE – John and Nancy Jackson’s names are synonymous with education and service around Southern Illinois University and the city of Carbondale. On Thursday, Nov. 7, they were honored with the naming of the John and Nancy Jackson Lobby at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.

“SIU and Carbondale have been good to me and my family for over five decades,” John Jackson said. “This is especially gratifying because it connects us in a very tangible way to Paul and Jeanne Simon. I’m proud to be associated with those two. He and Jeanne were two of the very finest people and public servants I have ever known.”

John Jackson speaks
Dr. John Jackson speaks Thursday, Nov. 7, during the naming lobby naming ceremony at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.

John and Nancy Jackson have shown unwavering dedication to the university and the Carbondale community for more than 50 years. In 2002, the couple was named Carbondale Citizens of the Year.

“This is a big occasion and long overdue,” said Chancellor Austin Lane. “When John and Nancy’s names came up, it was clear this is something we had to make happen.”

Dr. John Jackson first came to Southern in 1969 as a lecturer. He has served the university in many capacities, including interim chancellor, vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and associate dean and acting dean of the graduate school. He also served as visiting professor at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute and edited “Southern Illinois at 150 Years: Growth, Accomplishments, and Challenges,” which details the history of the region and university.

“The institute clearly wouldn’t have happened without Paul Simon … but there is, in my opinion, unquestionably one key person that was involved on the front and the backend and the middle and to this day, and that’s John Jackson,” said Brad Cole, CEO of the Illinois Municipal League and former Carbondale mayor.

Nancy Jackson earned her master’s degree in elementary education from Southern in 1982. She taught for many years in the Carbondale Public School system, focusing largely on reading. She spearheaded the “Book in Every Home” program on the SIU Carbondale campus, which collects books to provide to local children. Through the program, tens of thousands of books have been donated.

John Jackson speaks to crowd
A large crowd gathered Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute as Dr. John and Nancy Jackson were honored.

“As I was thinking about Dr. Jackson and Nancy and why we are doing this today, one word came to mind and it’s ‘service,’” said SIU System President Dan Mahony. “When we name something after someone, we hope to inspire others.”

The Jacksons and others have combined to contribute more than $50,000 to endow the John S. and Nancy Jackson Scholarship Endowment Fund, which provides scholarships to political science students in the College of Liberal Arts. To donate to that fund in honor of the Jacksons, visit siuf.org/give and search for “John S. and Nancy Jackson Scholarship” in the designation menu.

“John and Nancy, thank you for what you have done in the past and what you continue to do,” said Phil Gilbert, chair of the SIU Board of Trustees. “This university is a better place because of your contribution here.”

John and Nancy Jackson
Dr. John and Nancy Jackson were honored Thursday, Nov. 7, with the naming of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute lobby.

Gazdeck pledges $100,000, a gift 52 years in the making

Elaine Gazdeck
Elaine Gazdeck stopped by the Paul & Virginia fountain outside of Davies Gym during her trip to campus.

By Jeff Wilson

CARBONDALE – After visiting the Southern Illinois University Carbondale campus for the first time in 52 years, Elaine Gazdeck was inspired to make a transformative impact on women’s sports.

The 1972 graduate pledged a $100,000 planned gift to establish the Elaine Gazdeck Women’s Sports Empowerment Scholarship Endowment Fund, which will benefit women’s basketball and women’s golf.

“I want young women who choose to go to SIU to have the means to do that,” she said. “It’s helping somebody have an opportunity to see what their potential is academically and athletically.”

Elaine Gazdeck
Elaine Gazdeck poses in front of Bowyer Hall.

Gazdeck is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma, commonly called Tri Sigma, and she has periodically gathered with her sorority sisters.

“We have always said ‘Let’s go back,’ but for one reason or another, it didn’t happen,” she said. “Then we met in October in Quincy, and I was able to come down for a visit.”

Kat Martin, director of development for Saluki Athletics, set up a full schedule for Gazdeck during her short trip to Carbondale.

“She had a great itinerary. We had lunch, went to basketball practice and met with coaches and team members. I had a great talk with (Women’s Basketball) Coach Kelly Bond-White,” she said. “I had dinner with (Women’s Golf) Coach Rory Weinfurther, went to a softball game, volleyball match, and the football game. I had breakfast with (Athletic Director) Tim Leonard and Kat. It was clear that Tim really cares about women’s sports.”

Kat Martin and Elaine Gazdeck
Kat Martin, director of development for Saluki Athletics, and Elaine Gazdeck visit the King Tut memorial outside of Saluki Stadium.

Gazdeck played sports in high school and started golfing at an early age with her father.

“When I was young, my father got me golf lessons. He was off work on Wednesdays and had no one to golf with, so he asked me ‘Wanna golf?’ So, I went with him on Wednesdays,” she said.

Coming full circle

Growing up in a suburb outside of Cleveland, Ohio, Gazdeck wanted to attend college out of state, but her parents didn’t want her to stray far. She wanted to major in botany and narrowed her focus to three universities – Miami of Ohio, Oregon State, and SIU.

“Oregon was too far, so the summer before my senior year of high school, my father rented a camper and we camped at Crab Orchard Lake,” she said. “We got to see campus, and my parents liked it. Tuition was a little less expensive than at Miami of Ohio, so we decided to give it a try. I received a scholarship for the first year, which helped.”

After studying botany for three years, she changed her major to recreation and graduated from what is now the College of Health and Human Sciences. She moved to Chicago and took a job with a pharmaceutical company, working to help its veterinary division understand and meet new drug regulations. After about 10 years, she switched to human pharmaceutical development. She worked in Kansas City, San Francisco, and then took a “gap year” and traveled across the U.S. and Canada. She settled in Colorado in 1988, continuing a career in pharmaceutical development helping start-up companies navigate the regulatory pathway in drug development.

“I had a great career. I worked during the time that pharmaceutical development embraced new technologies to help people. It was good times,” she said.

Outside of work, she has lived an active lifestyle, continuing to golf, travel, ski and kayak. She also became involved with sled dog racing, working with a team in the 2008 Iditarod.

“In sports, you learn how to work as a team. A lot of life skills come from it,” she said. “I want to give young women opportunities to develop these valuable skills.”

Elaine Gazdeck
Elaine Gazdeck visited SIU’s campus for the first time in over 50 years in October 2024.

During her visit to Southern, Gazdeck also made a trip to the spot where her Saluki journey started.

“I drove out to Crab Orchard. I wanted to see where it all began. I sat by the lake. It was pretty nostalgic,” she said. “I had such a good experience at SIU and made lifelong friends. With this being a planned gift, I won’t be here to see it manifest, but that’s OK. I just want women to succeed.”

To learn more about planned giving, visit siufgiving.org.

John and Nancy Jackson to be honored with lobby naming

Nancy and John Jackson
Nancy and John Jackson

CARBONDALE – John and Nancy Jackson’s names are synonymous with education and service around Southern Illinois University and the city of Carbondale. Those names will soon be honored at the John and Nancy Jackson Lobby at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.

At 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, at the institute, located at 1231 Lincoln Drive on Southern’s campus, the public is invited to join the naming celebration. After a few remarks, a reception will follow with light refreshments.

John and Nancy Jackson have shown unwavering dedication to the university and the Carbondale community for more than 50 years. In 2002, the couple was named Carbondale Citizens of the Year.

“We are so proud to honor John and Nancy Jackson in this space that meant so much to them at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute,” said Chancellor Austin Lane. “It’s vitally important that we take time to recognize the contributions of time, talent and treasure that both John and Nancy have shared with the university and the Carbondale community.”

Dr. John Jackson first came to Southern in 1969 as a lecturer. He has served the university in many capacities, including interim chancellor, vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and associate dean and acting dean of the graduate school. He also served as visiting professor at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute and edited “Southern Illinois at 150 Years: Growth, Accomplishments, and Challenges,” which details the history of the region and university.

Nancy Jackson earned her master’s degree in elementary education from Southern in 1982. She taught for many years in the Carbondale Public School system, focusing largely on reading. She spearheaded the “Book in Every Home” program on the SIU Carbondale campus, which collects books to provide to local children. Through the program, tens of thousands of books have been donated.

The Jacksons and others have combined to contribute more than $50,000 to endow the John S. and Nancy Jackson Scholarship Endowment Fund, which provides scholarships to political science students in the College of Liberal Arts. To donate to that fund in honor of the Jacksons, visit siuf.org/give and search for “John S. and Nancy Jackson Scholarship” in the designation menu.

Iota Phi Theta fraternity pledges $50K for scholarship fund

By Jeff Wilson

Since being established in 1963 at Morgan State College, the Iota Phi Theta fraternity has been focused on building a tradition. That mission continues at SIU with the Iota Five-Star Scholarship Fund.

With a $50,000 pledge, the fraternity awarded its scholarship to Francesca Stewart, a junior from Chicago majoring in social work. After she completes her degree at SIU, she hopes to work as a case manager and field worker for the Department of Children and Family Services. She also plans to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in social work and eventually open a facility for children and teenagers to have a safe space and express themselves in creative ways.

Members of the fraternity made donations toward that pledge during the group’s 50th anniversary celebration on Friday, Sept. 13, at the Banterra Center.

“I want to thank the Iota Phi Theta fraternity in their commitment to SIU students in helping them achieve their career dreams and aspirations,” said Brian Flath, director of development for student affairs. “The SIU Foundation, along with the Multicultural Resource Center, looks forward to working with your group in the years to come to ensure your fund grows and thrives.”

The program will offer scholarships to brothers and unaffiliated men and women enrolled at SIU who demonstrate a desire to learn, engage in their communities, and could benefit from additional financial support. Applications will be made available on a continual basis. All guidelines and requirements are stated on each application.

To make a gift, visit siuf.org/iota.

SIU, School of Music dedicate Mike Hanes Marching Salukis Band Tower

By Jeff Wilson

CARBONDALE – On the Friday of Southern Illinois University’s Homecoming weekend, the sun shone brightly on the Mike Hanes Marching Salukis Band Tower and the large crowd gathered to honor Hanes’ memory.

Hanes came to SIU in 1965 and served as director of bands until his retirement in 2005. He remained involved with the Marching Salukis until he passed away in 2022.

“The Marching Salukis have always been and will always be one great big family,” said Hanes’ daughter, Lisa Breithaupt, during the ceremony on Friday, Oct. 11. “Dad would truly be humbled. He’s smiling down on all of us.”

Mike Hanes Marching Salukis Band Tower
The Mike Hanes Marching Salukis Band Tower is located on Sam Rinella Field on East Campus.

The new band tower is located on Sam Rinella Field in front of the towers on East Campus.

“The Marching Salukis are ambassadors for this university,” said Chancellor Austin Lane. “We wanted them to be at the center of our vibrant student life here at Southern.”

Construction of the tower was partially funded by a generous gift from SIU alumni, Drs. Phil and Pam Pfeffer. The Pfeffers met while attending SIU in the 1960s. Pam was the head majorette, and Phil was field announcer.

“This is a great tribute to Mike Hanes’ impact on our alumni,” said SIU System President Dan Mahony. “The SIU Foundation pushes projects forward. So thank you to them, and thank you to Pam and Phil.”

To cover the remaining costs of the band tower construction, the SIU Foundation is asking others to make a similar investment. Donations can be made by searching for the “Mike Hanes Memorial Naming Fund” at siuf.org/give.

“This project has been an incredible collaboration between the Foundation, the Music Department, and many others,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “There’s nothing better than the sound of a marching band, and no one plays it better than the Marching Salukis.”

The band, which has students from nearly every college and school on campus, had previously practiced in parking lot No. 56, which had a band tower that was deemed unsafe for anyone to climb. Director of Athletic Bands George Brozak is thankful to have a new, sturdy structure that honors his mentor, Mike Hanes.

Hanes Tower

“His spirit is here. He was a great man, and I miss him every day,” Brozak said.

Director of the School of Music Dick Kelley echoed that sentiment.

“We want this to not just be the Mike Hanes band tower, we want it to be the Mike Hanes Facility,” Kelley said. “It’s where we will share stories and memories. It brings permanence.”

Lisa Breithaupt-Hanes speaks to the crowd during the dedication ceremony on Friday, Oct. 11. Sitting in front of her is her fathers Marching Salukis hat.
Lisa Breithaupt-Hanes speaks to the crowd during the dedication ceremony on Friday, Oct. 11. Sitting in front of her is her fathers Marching Salukis hat.

 

 

 

Southern breaks ground on historic Tedrick Welcome Center

By Jeff Wilson

CARBONDALE – When visionary leadership intersects with inspiring generosity, incredible things are possible. Rarely has that been more apparent than during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Tedrick Welcome Center at Southern Illinois University.

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression,” said Chancellor Austin Lane during the ceremony on Friday, Oct. 11. “This building is going to blow students away and help us seal the deal.”

The building, which is the first major on-campus construction project in 12 years, will be located at the main university entrance off U.S. Highway 51 and act as a new front porch for Southern. Thirteen years ago, it was the site of McAndrew Stadium and has since been a parking lot.

Named for Roger and Sally Tedrick, whose $6 million leadership gift was instrumental in the funding of the building, the state-of-the-art welcome center will be the first stop for prospective students. Open houses, campus tours, orientations, and other events will begin at the welcome center. 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. The SIU Foundation is funding the building through a combination of reserves, fundraising and borrowing. No state funds are being used to build the Tedrick Welcome Center.

“From the ashes of McAndrew Stadium will rise the Tedrick Welcome Center,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “We want to pay special thanks to Roger and Sally Tedrick for their incredible lead gift.”

Roger Tedrick, a 1970 graduate of SIU’s College of Liberal Arts, is a member of the SIU Board of Trustees and emeritus member of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors. He is the owner and CEO of Tedrick Group Risk Management Solutions, based in Mount Vernon. Raised in Carbondale, he attended University High School on SIU’s campus. Sally Tedrick is a 1973 graduate of the SIU School of Education.

“There hasn’t been much done on this campus that (Roger Tedrick) hasn’t been a part of,” said J. Phil Gilbert, chair of the SIU Board of Trustees.

The building, scheduled to be completed in May of 2026, will include a visitor center capable of hosting conferences, lectures, seminars and catered events for up to 300 people, and the philanthropy center, which will be the new home of the SIU Foundation. It will also serve as a hub for donor visits, alumni activities and campus and community events.

As the SIU Foundation continues the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign – which has raised more than $360 million toward its $500 million goal – its offices will move into the southern wing of the building. 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.

“The Foundation has been incredible supporters of so many projects,” said SIU System President Dan Mahony. “It has done so much for the university – things that we could not have done otherwise. This building will be a big part of our success going forward.”

The vision for the building dates back over a decade when it first became clear that the SIU Foundation would need to vacate its current location in Colyer Hall.

“We talked about a building 12 years ago,” said SIU Foundation Board of Directors President Diane Compardo. “Now it feels like fate that it took this long. This is the perfect location.”

Leading the charge for the welcome center has been the Foundation’s emeritus board members, led by Greg Cook.

“The emeritus board represents decades of university experience,” Cook said. “I can’t imagine a better group to take on this task. The whole team thought it should be the front door of the university.”

To learn more about the Tedrick Welcome Center and track construction progress, visit siuf.org/twc.

Tedrick Welcome Center Groundbreaking
Greg Cook, (from left) SIU System President Dan Mahony, SIU Board of Trustees President J. Phil Gilbert, SIU Foundation Board President Diane Compardo, Sally Tedrick, Roger Tedrick, SIU Chancellor Austin Lane, SIU Foundation CEO Matt Kupec, and Impact Strategies President Mark Hinrichs lift the first ceremonial shovel at the groundbreaking of the Tedrick Welcome Center on Friday, Oct. 11, at SIU in Carbondale.