Category Archives: Higher Education

Crowdfunding, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

SIU launches $2M Able Flight campaign following successful May 6 giving day

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Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Able Flight officially launched the Campaign for Able Flight at SIU on May 6 with a successful giving day celebrating the organization’s 20th anniversary of transforming lives through aviation. 

The one-day campaign raised $95,050 from 70 donors, helping launch a broader $2 million effort to establish the Charles H. Stites Able Flight at SIU Endowment Fund. The endowment will create permanent support for scholarships, adaptive flight training and program operations as SIU becomes the permanent home of Able Flight. 

Founded in 2006, Able Flight is the only nonprofit of its kind in the United States, providing individuals with physical disabilities the opportunity to become licensed pilots. The program has helped more than 100 participants earn pilot certification, with additional students currently in training. 

SIU and Able Flight have worked over the past two years to transition the program to SIU Aviation. With that move, SIU strengthens its leadership in accessibility, innovation and flight education while expanding opportunities for students and participants alike. 

The endowment campaign has already secured more than $295,000 toward its $2 million goal. Leaders say reaching that goal will fully support Able Flight at SIU well into the future. 

“The success of the Able Flight 20th Anniversary fundraising campaign is evidence once again of how strongly our supporters believe in this mission and how willing they are to help build the Able Flight at SIU endowment fund,” said Charles H. Stites, Able Flight executive director. “For two decades, aviation has empowered people to challenge themselves in extraordinary ways, and this campaign helps ensure that mission continues far into the future.” 

Stites said the campaign builds on significant initial funding already committed by Able Flight, with additional contributions expected later this year. 

“We are off to a great start,” Stites said. “But as strong a beginning as we have had, the work is far from done, and I look forward to the SIU Foundation building upon and fulfilling this effort.” 

Participants in the program complete intensive training in specially adapted aircraft, building skills that translate beyond aviation. 

Brandi Fields, a trauma nurse from Kansas City, Missouri, trained with Able Flight after a spinal injury shifted the trajectory of her career but not her determination to pursue new opportunities. 

“There are a lot of transferable skills,” Fields said. “You’re assessing the weather and making sure everything is correct with your airplane. In nursing, assessing is one of the biggest parts of what we do. You always have to think on your feet.” 

Ronny Ahmed of Tallahassee, Florida, was paralyzed from the waist down following a 2014 shooting at Florida State University. He said Able Flight represents a level of independence he had not experienced since his injury. 

“I think it’s a sense of freedom,” Ahmed said. “There are so many restrictions when you’re in a wheelchair. This is a truly unique experience.” 

The training program, hosted by SIU Aviation, typically lasts up to eight weeks and culminates in check rides required for certification. Students train in adaptive light sport aircraft designed to meet a range of physical needs. 

In addition to preparing participants for aviation careers, the program introduces many students to SIU’s broader academic opportunities, creating pathways to enrollment and long-term success. 

Gifts to the campaign can be pledged over five years, with opportunities to support scholarships, aircraft and named endowment levels. 

To learn more about Able Flight, visit ableflight.org. 

Donor Stories, Events & Engagement, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

SIU celebrates historic grand opening of Tedrick Welcome Center, welcoming more than 1,000 guests

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Southern Illinois University Carbondale and the SIU Foundation drew a crowd of more than 1,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members Friday, May 1, to celebrate the grand opening of the Tedrick Welcome Center, marking a major milestone and a new front porch to the university at its main entrance.

The 44,000-square-foot facility will serve as the new home of the SIU Foundation and a central hub for campus visits, events and engagement. Hundreds more visitors attended a public open house Saturday, May 2, touring the building and exploring its interactive features.

“This is the building we want students to walk into first,” said Chancellor Austin A. Lane. “This is where they begin to understand what it means to be a Saluki. They will see the greatness happening at SIU and quickly realize how special this place is.”

Lane emphasized the distinct role the Tedrick Welcome Center will play in the campus experience, complementing other key facilities.

“This is where we welcome students,” he said. “Once we wow them here, we serve them across the street at the Student Services Building, and we engage them in the Student Center. Each space has a purpose, and this building is what will attract and capture future Salukis.”

The dedication ceremony, held inside the building’s flex space, featured remarks from university and foundation leadership.

“This is a great day for Southern Illinois University,” said Dr. Dan Mahony, president of the SIU System. “We could have built a building just for the SIU Foundation, but we chose to think bigger. This welcome center is a difference maker for the entire university, and it would not be possible without the vision of the SIU Foundation Board and the support of the Board of Trustees.”

Serving as emcee, Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation, highlighted the building’s features and its role in shaping first impressions.

“This is 44,000 square feet dedicated to telling the Saluki story,” Kupec said. “With 11 interactive displays, personalized welcome experiences and spaces designed to engage visitors, this is a place where students can immediately see themselves at SIU. It is, without question, the best welcome center in the state of Illinois.”

Kupec also emphasized the project’s funding model.

“Not one dollar of state appropriations or student fees was used to build this facility,” he said. “This was made possible by our donors, the SIU Foundation and a commitment to invest in the future of this university.”

A highlight of the program included remarks from lead donors Roger and Sally Tedrick, whose $6 million gift helped launch the project.

“The decision to make this gift was simple. It was the right thing to do,” Roger Tedrick said. “This university gave our families the opportunity to succeed. We believe in what is happening at SIU, and we wanted to do something that would help attract future students and support this institution for generations to come.”

Tedrick reflected on both his and Sally’s deep-rooted connections to the university and the role it played in shaping their families’ futures.

“My parents moved our family to Carbondale so we could have access to an education they could not otherwise afford,” he said. “This campus was our backyard. It shaped who we are, and giving back is a way to honor that legacy.”

He said Sally’s family shared a similar story. Her parents moved to Carbondale in the 1950s, and her father worked as a contractor who helped build student housing near campus. Her mother earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from SIU, and all five daughters in the family attended the university.

“This institution gave both of our families a start,” Tedrick said. “When you have that kind of impact on your life, giving back is something you feel called to do.”

Judge Phil Gilbert, chair of the SIU Board of Trustees, spoke to the Tedricks’ deep ties to the university and their lasting impact.

“This gift was never about recognition,” Gilbert said. “It was about the past, present and future of this university. This building now stands as the front porch of SIU, welcoming students, alumni and visitors and representing everything this institution has become.”

Dan Korte, president of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors, reflected on the project’s origins and its long-term impact.

“This changes everything,” Korte said. “What will happen in this building in the years ahead will inspire future students and donors. It gives us a place to showcase the Saluki spirit and the life-changing impact of this university.”

Korte said the project grew from a need to relocate the SIU Foundation and evolved into a broader vision for campus.

“We didn’t just want to build office space,” he said. “We wanted to create a front porch for this university, a place that welcomes people and tells our story. This building represents transformation and shows what is possible when people come together around a shared vision.”

Greg Cook, emeritus board member of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors, said the idea for the project had been years in the making.

“We knew the Foundation needed a new home, but we also knew this had to be something more,” Cook said. “This location and this concept give the university a prominent, welcoming front porch that benefits everyone who comes to campus.”

Following the program, the Marching Salukis performed as the crowd gathered for the ceremonial ribbon-cutting. Surrounded by university leaders and dignitaries, Roger and Sally Tedrick cut the ribbon, officially opening the facility. The SIU Foundation also presented the Tedricks with a 3D model of the building in recognition of their leadership and generosity.

The Tedrick Welcome Center stands on the former site of McAndrew Stadium and was completed in approximately 20 months, ahead of schedule and under budget. The facility anchors campus tours, orientations, alumni engagement and major events while housing SIU Foundation operations.

“This is a building you would expect to see in a major city,” Kupec said. “And it is right here in Carbondale, serving as a bold statement about the future of Southern Illinois University.”

SIU is one of only 21 universities nationwide to hold dual Carnegie Classification designations as a Research 1 institution and an Opportunity University, placing it among an elite group recognized for both high research activity and student access.

The Tedrick Welcome Center also reflects the momentum behind the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign. To date, the campaign has raised more than $467 million toward its $500 million goal, supporting scholarships, facilities and initiatives that enhance the student experience.

For more information about the Tedrick Welcome Center, visit siuf.org/twc.

Donor Stories, Events & Engagement, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

England Student Center Lounge dedicated at SIU, honoring student vision and donor generosity

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Bob and Pat England cut the ribbon for the England Student Center Lounge.

More than 100 students, faculty and staff packed the fourth floor of the Southern Illinois University Student Center to celebrate the dedication of the England Student Center Lounge, a student-driven project made possible by a $250,000 gift from alumni Bob and Pat England. 

The renovated space, formerly home to the WIDB radio station, now serves as a modern, multipurpose lounge designed to meet student needs, particularly for commuters seeking a place to gather, collaborate and recharge between classes. 

“This is much more than just opening a room,” said Lydia Phelps, president of the Undergraduate Student Government. “It is the realization of an idea that started with students simply asking for a place to belong.” 

The project originated with Undergraduate Student Government leaders, who envisioned a “third space” on campus, neither a classroom nor a residence hall, where students could build community. Through surveys, forums and ongoing input, the concept evolved into a lounge featuring collaboration areas, a podcast and music recording space, conference rooms, workout equipment, a kitchenette and areas for rest and reflection. 

Phelps credited former USG President Penny Bordewick with launching the initiative. 

“Penny saw potential in an empty fourth-floor space and imagined something far greater,” Phelps said. “Her leadership laid the foundation for everything we are celebrating today.” 

Bordewick said the idea began during a walkthrough of the underutilized space in 2024. 

“It was kind of a mess,” she said. “But the vision for what it could become was so clear. We knew this could be a place built by students, for students.” 

The project gained momentum through continued advocacy by student leaders and collaboration with Student Affairs, the Student Center and the SIU Foundation. 

Brian Flath, director of development for student affairs with the SIU Foundation, said the project aligned closely with student needs. 

“We love a great vision, and we love serving students’ needs,” Flath said. “To take a dream that students had and see it come to fruition is really magic.” 

Flath said the Englands committed to the project shortly after learning about the proposal, allowing the renovation to move forward. 

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Jeffery Burgin emphasized the importance of student leadership. 

“When the students said they wanted it, you have to give them what they need,” Burgin said. “This space is a testament to what happens when student voices are heard and supported.” 

He also noted the collaborative nature of the project, including contributions from interior design students who helped shape the space. 

Bob and Pat England said their gift was inspired by their own experiences at SIU and their belief in supporting future students. 

“SIU has changed our lives, and for that we are deeply grateful,” Bob England said. “This gift is a way for us to say thank you.” 

Pat England said they hope the lounge becomes a hub for creativity and connection. 

“Students are our future,” she said. “We hope this will be a place where ideas come together and grow into something meaningful.” 

The Englands encouraged students to take full advantage of their time at SIU. 

“Be curious, work hard, support each other and take risks,” Bob England said. “Someday you will look back and recognize how these years have shaped you.” 

“Today, we’re not just cutting a ribbon,” Phelps said. “We’re opening a space that reflects the heart of SIU: collaboration, opportunity, creativity and community.” 

For the Englands, the gift honors the university that shaped their lives and the connections they formed on campus. 

“We’re incredibly grateful for what Bob received through his education at SIU,” Pat England said. “And what I got from SIU was Bob.” 

Their gift also supports the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has approximately 2 1/2 years remaining. To date, the campaign has raised more than $464 million toward its $500 million goal, making it the fifth-largest fundraising effort in Illinois higher education. 

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is one of only 21 universities nationwide to hold both Carnegie Research 1 and Opportunity University designations, reflecting its strength in high-level research and its commitment to expanding access and outcomes for students from all backgrounds. 

As SIU advances as a national research institution focused on student success, investments like the Englands’ help strengthen the campus environment where students live, learn and grow. 

In the most recent fiscal year, the SIU Foundation awarded more than $5.6 million in scholarships to 2,111 students, representing 17% of the student body. 

For the Englands, the impact of their gift comes down to something simple: helping ensure future students find the same sense of opportunity, belonging and possibility that defined their own time at SIU. 

Events & Engagement, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Saluki Takeover Tours, SIU

Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois connects communities, recruits students across region

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Southern Illinois University Carbondale leaders spent April on the road visiting high schools, meeting with community members and hosting alumni events across all 17 counties during the annual Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois. 

The monthlong initiative combined student recruitment, alumni engagement and community outreach, reinforcing SIU’s commitment to the region. 

“This is a labor of love for us,” Chancellor Austin A. Lane said. “We are committed to Southern Illinois, and we’re going to continue showing up for these communities and for our students.” 

The tour included visits to approximately 55 high schools, where Lane and members of the SIU admissions team met with students, counselors and educators. The team also surprised admitted students with “Put a Lid on It” moments, recognizing their decision to attend SIU. 

In addition to school visits, the SIU Foundation hosted five Chancellor’s Receptions across Southern Illinois, bringing together alumni, students and community members for evenings of connection and university updates. 

The tour kicked off March 31 at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center in Makanda, where nearly 300 attendees gathered at Freeberg Hall to launch the initiative. 

The second stop took place April 7 at Pyramid Acres Marina at Lake of Egypt, where nearly 150 attendees gathered for a waterfront reception. 

The tour continued April 16 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Mount Vernon, hosted by SIU alumni Mike and Hope Carbonaro, where more than 50 guests attended the Chancellor’s Reception. 

On April 21, the tour stopped in Carterville at 62 Social House, owned by SIU alumnus Doug Deaton, welcoming nearly 250 attendees for the venue’s first official event. 

The final Southern Illinois stop was April 23 at 1860 Public House in Red Bud, where nearly 70 alumni, students and community members gathered to close out the regional tour. 

At each reception, Lane highlighted SIU’s national momentum, including its designation as a Research 1 university and Opportunity University. Southern is one of only 21 institutions nationwide to hold both designations from the Carnegie Classification. 

SIU Foundation CEO Matt Kupec emphasized the impact of donor support. 

“One in five students receives a scholarship because of the generosity of our donors,” Kupec said. “That support changes lives every day.” 

Throughout the tour, SIU leaders also met with community partners, local officials and education leaders to strengthen relationships and expand opportunities for collaboration. 

Lane said the tour reflects a long-term strategy to keep students in Southern Illinois and build stronger connections between the university and the region. 

“We heard concerns years ago about students leaving this area for college,” Lane said. “We made a commitment to change that, and this tour is part of that work.” 

University officials said the Saluki Takeover Tour continues to grow each year, with increasing attendance, stronger partnerships and expanded recruitment efforts. 

“This is about building something lasting,” Lane said. “We’re investing in our students, our communities and the future of Southern Illinois.” 

The Southern Illinois tour is part of a broader Saluki Takeover Tour initiative that includes stops across the country, connecting alumni and recruiting students while supporting the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign. To date, the campaign has raised more than $467 million toward its $500 million goal. The tour began in 2021 and has expanded its reach each year, with past stops in Chicago, Springfield, Texas, Florida, St. Louis, Southern Illinois, Hollywood, Indianapolis and Washington, D.C. 

In the most recent fiscal year, the SIU Foundation awarded more than $5.6 million in scholarships to more than 2,100 students. 

Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Scholarship Recipient, SIU

How scholarships helped T’Andrea Jones find her voice at SIU

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By Ava Steffens

Scholarship recipient T’Andrea Jones, a senior from Ford Heights, Illinois, is majoring in communication studies with a minor in Africana studies at Southern Illinois University. As a first-generation college student, Jones and her family were both enthusiastic about her starting her Saluki journey.

“At first I thought about choosing a historically Black college or university, but I saw a lot of people who were my skin color thriving at SIU,” she said. “I didn’t know about all of the resources SIU had for people like me.”

When she first arrived at SIU, Jones planned to pursue criminology but later changed her major. She credits her academic advisor with guiding her toward communication studies and says program instructors and faculty members motivated her.

“It involved talking and interacting with your classmates, and I instantly fell in love with it,” she said. “There are classes like persuasion, broadcasting, interpersonal communication and small group communication, and they’re all so much fun.”

Among all the courses, content creation stood out as Jones’ favorite. The class allowed her to explore media communication through digital formats such as podcasts and social media. She credits professors Dustin Greenwalt, Jonathan Gray and Benjamin Bricker for their guidance and encouragement.

While enrolled in communications courses, Jones faced both personal and financial challenges. As a first‑generation college student, she described having a “lack of a blueprint” when navigating life away from her family. With support from campus resources like Counseling and Psychological Services and encouragement from her professors, she applied for scholarships that allowed her to remain enrolled. Receiving those scholarships marked a turning point, improving both her mindset and overall college experience.

“When I got it, I was super ecstatic. It was when I first started to really feel at home at SIU, especially with my major,” she said. “It makes me feel so appreciative, like I was wanted at SIU. I will be forever and graciously honored.”

T'Andrea and her family are pictured holding Saluki-theme songs for Family Weekend Family of the Year.

In addition, Jones and her family were the Saluki Family of the Year finalists. The award recognizes families of SIU students based on commitment to the university or family legacy.

“That’s a top-tier experience, because I love being a Saluki,” she said. “My mom was so happy, especially when she got all the SIU gear. I wear my maroon and white all the time.”

After graduation, Jones plans to become a peer mentor and encourage young people from her community to pursue college. She hopes to inspire others to consider careers in communication‑related fields.

“You can do so much with it, including going into public relations,” she said.

Before her senior year, Jones said she was a few thousand dollars behind on her bursar bill, which prevented her from moving into on-campus housing. She said alumni support inspires her, especially as someone who comes from a small neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago.

“It just motivated me to go even harder and encourage freshmen to pursue the field,” she said.

Jones is the recipient of the Saluki Belonging Scholarship, the Robert Carr Speech Communication Scholarship and the College of Liberal Arts Undergraduate Scholarship. Since her mother pays for schooling on her own, she said she is especially thankful for the support.

“It took a big load off my mom’s shoulders, since she was trying to figure out a way to pay, and it looked like I would have to take a semester off,” she said.

Jones is optimistic about her future. She has received job offers in her field from companies including Warner Bros. and Tyler Perry Studios. She plans to pursue a master’s degree and eventually a doctorate while giving back to SIU.

“SIU was the perfect place for anybody who’s a first-generation student,” she said. “The resources that were available to help me are what got me here, and for that I will always be grateful.”

The College of Liberal Arts Undergraduate Scholarship is funded by a pool of multiple donors. Initiatives like this contribute to SIU’s distinction as one of only 21 universities nationwide classified as both a Research 1 institution and an Opportunity University,reflecting its commitment to discovery, access and student opportunity.

For those inspired by T’Andrea Jones’ story, supporting scholarships through the SIU Foundation is a meaningful way to invest in future Salukis. Your contribution opens pathways and helps create life‑changing opportunities. To give, visit siuf.org/give.

Events & Engagement, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Saluki Takeover Tours, SIU

Saluki Takeover Tour brings nearly 70 to Red Bud for final Southern Illinois stop

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Chancellor Lane speaks to the crowd in Red Bud.

Nearly 70 alumni, students and community members gathered Thursday, April 23, at 1860 Public House for a Chancellor’s Reception, hosted by the SIU Foundation, as part of the Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois.

“Good evening, Salukis,” Chancellor Austin A. Lane said as he opened the event, reflecting on the final stretch of the tour across the region.

Lane described the initiative as a long-term commitment to Southern Illinois and its students.

“This is a labor of love for us,” he said. “There’s so many people in this room who have worked hours to make sure that we maroon carpet this region and keep our students at home.”

The Red Bud stop followed weeks of travel across all 17 counties, where SIU leadership and admissions staff visited high schools and connected directly with prospective students.

Lane said the effort began nearly six years ago in response to concerns that students were leaving the region for college.

“We made the commitment because we heard we weren’t doing a good job recruiting in our own backyard,” he said. “We had students going across state lines instead of staying home and taking advantage of a research university in their own backyard.”

Local education leaders echoed the impact of that approach. Red Bud CUSD #132 Superintendent Jonathan Tallman said SIU’s presence in local schools has made a lasting impression.

“I’ve never seen any group like this come and recruit kids on campus,” Tallman said. “The fact that it is SIU makes me incredibly proud.”

He said seeing university leadership connect directly with students stands out.

“When Chancellor Lane was in our gym speaking to our students, I sat there and thought, I can’t believe this is happening,” Tallman said.

A highlight of the evening came when Lane recognized SIU ROTC student Adrienne Vallett, an animal science major who will commission as a second lieutenant in the National Guard on May 8. Because she will miss a university awards ceremony, Lane and Dr. Kristina Boone, dean of the College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences, presented her with her military honor cords and cum laude medallion.

“I’m an animal science major here at SIU. I joined the National Guard, and then I decided I wanted to be an officer to help make decisions,” Vallett said.

Vallett expressed gratitude for the opportunity and support she has received throughout her journey.

“I’m very grateful that I was able to do this this evening,” she said. “I also thank my mom and my parents in general for being here and always helping me study. It’s been wonderful.”

The recognition drew strong applause from the crowd and underscored SIU’s commitment to student success and leadership development.

Throughout the evening, alumni introduced themselves and shared their connections to the university, highlighting generations of Salukis and the deep ties between SIU and the region.

Lane closed by reinforcing the role alumni and community members play in sustaining that momentum.

“We don’t care if there are two students in a graduating class or 200,” he said. “Every future Saluki matters.”

The Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois included visits to 55 high schools across all 17 counties, reinforcing the university’s commitment to meeting students where they are and ensuring they understand the opportunities available close to home.

For the SIU Foundation, the takeover tours provide an opportunity to connect with donors as the record-breaking Imagine SIU 2030 campaign continues. The campaign aims to raise $500 million by June 2028 and has already surpassed $464 million.

The Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois continues through April, bringing together alumni, donors, prospective students and community members across the region. The tour launched March 31 at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, where nearly 300 attended. Nearly 150 attended the Chancellor’s Reception at Pyramid Acres Marina at Lake of Egypt, more than 50 attended the Mount Vernon stop at DoubleTree by Hilton Mt. Vernon, and nearly 250 attended the Carterville stop at 62 Social House.

The tour continues next week with more school visits throughout the 17 counties.

Events & Engagement, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Scholarship Recipient, SIU

Saluki Takeover Tour draws nearly 250 to Carterville Chancellor’s Reception

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Chancellor Lane addresses the crowd at 62 Social House.

Nearly 250 alumni, students and community members gathered Tuesday, April 21, at 62 Social House in Carterville for a Chancellor’s Reception, hosted by the SIU Foundation, as part of the Annual Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois.

“We made a commitment five and a half years ago that students in Southern Illinois wouldn’t have to go anywhere else,” Chancellor Austin A. Lane said. “They can stay right here in their own backyard and get a first-class education.”

Lane said that commitment continues to drive the tour, which includes visits to 55 high schools across all 17 counties in the region.

“We’re up 27% in students from this region choosing to stay home,” he said. “It’s because we’re showing up. When we show up, it makes a difference.”

The event marked the first official gathering at 62 Social House, located in The Historic 131 Building owned by Jennifer Spence. 62 Social House is owned by SIU alumnus and local restaurateur Doug Deaton ’09. The space includes Velvet Moon Coffee Shop, owned by his wife, Chandler Deaton.

Jennifer Spence speaks to the crowd.
Jennifer Spence

“I can’t tell you how gratifying it is to have all of you here,” Spence said. “This building represents a lot of hard work, and it means a lot to open it to the Saluki community.”

Deaton said the evening reflected both community pride and growing momentum.

Doug Deaton speaks to the crowd.
Doug Deaton

“There’s a lot of excitement about Carterville and a lot of excitement around SIU,” Deaton said. “We’re proud to be part of something that brings people together.”

Lane also introduced Carterville High School senior Marlee Rosenbery, a Chancellor’s Scholar who plans to major in education at SIU this fall, drawing one of the evening’s strongest responses from the crowd.

Chancellor Lane introduces incoming freshman Marlee Rosenbery.
Marlee Rosenbery (center)

“Our Chancellor’s Scholar is right here from Carterville,” Lane said. “She’s going to do great things.”

Avery Chapman (center)

He later introduced Avery Chapman, an incoming SIU freshman who plans to major in nursing, as another example of a local student choosing Southern.

SIU men’s basketball head coach Scott Nagy also addressed attendees, sharing optimism about the program’s direction.

“We expect to win the league this next year,” Nagy said. “The culture is there, our staff is there, and we’re building something special.”

Lane closed by reinforcing the role alumni and community members play in the university’s growth.

“When you’re out in your communities wearing maroon, you become the chancellor,” he said. “You’re the one telling the story of SIU.”

For the SIU Foundation, the takeover tours provide an opportunity to connect with donors as the record-breaking Imagine SIU 2030 campaign continues. The campaign aims to raise $500 million by June 2028 and has already surpassed $464 million.

The Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois continues through April, bringing together alumni, donors, prospective students and community members across the region. The tour launched March 31 at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, where nearly 300 attended. Nearly 150 attended the Chancellor’s Reception at Pyramid Acres Marina at Lake of Egypt, and more than 50 attended the Mount Vernon stop at DoubleTree by Hilton Mt. Vernon.

The remaining stop is:

Red Bud: Thursday, April 23, 6 to 8 p.m., 1860 Public House, 102 S. Main St.

Learn more at siuf.org/southern-illinois.

Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

SIU Foundation expands fundraising team with two new hires

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During a record-setting year, the SIU Foundation is expanding its fundraising team.

“This is about building momentum and making sure we have the right people in place to deepen relationships and create more opportunities for our students,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “With so many great things happening at SIU, every addition to this team strengthens our ability to connect generosity with impact.”

Two new staff members joined the team during the spring 2026 semester:

Matt Collinsworth headshotMatt Collinsworth joined the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute as associate director in February 2025. He is a 1993 graduate of Georgetown College and earned a Master of Fine Arts from Ohio State University in 1996. Before coming to SIU, Collinsworth served as executive director of Carbondale Main Street for two years. He previously led three museums: the Kentucky Folk Art Center at Morehead State University, the National Music Museum at the University of South Dakota and the National Quilt Museum in Paducah. He also served as senior director of cultural outreach at Morehead State, interim director of the Lexington Art League and executive director of the Morehead Downtown Association.

Cole Steward joined Saluki Athletics as assistant director of development on April 1, 2026, where he works to enhance the donor experience through relationship-building and long-term support of Saluki Athletics. A native of Salem, Illinois, Steward is a Southern Illinois University graduate and former Saluki Football student-athlete who played under head coach Nick Hill from 2017 to 2021. Before returning to SIU, he spent four years at Western Kentucky University as athletic advising coordinator, supporting student-athletes through academic planning, eligibility oversight, and leadership and character development. He earned a bachelor’s degree in sport administration and a Master of Education in kinesiology with an emphasis in sport studies from SIU.

These hires reflect the Foundation’s ongoing effort to build a strong, collaborative team that connects alumni and friends with opportunities to make a lasting difference at SIU.

In fiscal year 2025, the Foundation raised $39 million, the second-highest total in its history. That support helped award $5.6 million in scholarships to more than 2,000 students, the largest amount distributed in a single year.

Events & Engagement, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Saluki Takeover Tours, SIU

Saluki Takeover Tour draws more than 50 to Mt. Vernon Chancellor’s Reception

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SIU Chancellor Austin A. Lane speaks to the crowd at the Chancellor's Reception in Mt. Vernon.

More than 50 alumni and community members gathered Thursday, April 16, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Mt. Vernon for a Chancellor’s Reception as part of the 3rd Annual Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois. 

The event brought Saluki Nation together for an evening of connection, conversation and university updates, as Chancellor Austin A. Lane and SIU leadership highlighted the continued momentum at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. 

Lane emphasized the university’s commitment to connecting with communities across the region and strengthening its presence in Southern Illinois. 

“We have been all over Southern Illinois. Our commitment five, almost six years ago, was to maroon carpet the region,” he said. 

That effort is rooted in ensuring students understand they have access to a high-quality education close to home. 

“We thought we’d better make sure our students know they can stay right here at home at a first-class Research 1 and Opportunity University in their own backyard,” Lane said. 

He also highlighted SIU’s broader mission to expand access and create opportunity for students across the region. 

“We give students an opportunity, no matter where they come from, and we help them change their lives and go on to do great things,” he said. 

This special stop was made possible through the generosity of SIU alumnus and former Saluki football student-athlete Mike Carbonaro ’89 and his wife, Hope ’89, who provided the venue in support of the Saluki community. Mike Carbonaro is president of the DoubleTree by Hilton Mt. Vernon and its on-site restaurant, Double Overtime Grill, while Hope Carbonaro serves as chief program officer for Caritas Family Solutions. 

“As an alum, I really enjoyed my time at Southern Illinois, and it means a lot to be able to bring Salukis together here in Mt. Vernon,” Mike Carbonaro said. 

“We had an amazing experience there,” Hope Carbonaro added. “It’s where Mike and I met, and it’s special to be part of something that continues to bring people together.” 

Throughout the evening, alumni and community members shared personal stories of how SIU shaped their lives, careers and families, underscoring the university’s deep ties to Southern Illinois. Many reflected on the relationships, opportunities and sense of belonging that continue long after graduation. 

For the SIU Foundation, the takeover tours provide an opportunity to connect with donors as the record-breaking Imagine SIU 2030 campaign continues. The campaign aims to raise $500 million by June 2028 and has already surpassed $464 million. 

The Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois continues through April 23 with stops designed to bring together alumni, donors, prospective students and community members across the region. The tour launched with a strong turnout March 31 at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, where nearly 300 gathered to kick off this year’s events. Nearly 150 attended the Chancellor’s Reception at Pyramid Acres Marina at Lake of Egypt. 

Remaining stops include: 

  • Carterville: Tuesday, April 21, 6 to 8 p.m., The Historic 131 Building, 131 S. Division St. 
  • Red Bud: Thursday, April 23, 6 to 8 p.m., 1860 Public House, 102 S. Main St. 

Learn more at siuf.org/southern-illinois. 

Events & Engagement, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Saluki Takeover Tours, SIU

Nearly 300 attend kickoff of 3rd Annual Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois at Touch of Nature

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Chancellor Austin A. Lane speaks to a crowd of alumni, students and community members while Brian Croft stands beside him during the kickoff of the Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, with a “Go Salukis” banner displayed above the stage.

Nearly 300 alumni, students and friends gathered Tuesday, March 31, at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center in Makanda to launch the 3rd Annual Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois, kicking off a monthlong effort to celebrate SIU pride and strengthen recruitment across the region.

The tour will visit approximately 50 high schools across all 17 Southern Illinois counties, reinforcing SIU’s commitment to meeting students where they are.

Chancellor Austin A. Lane said the Southern Illinois tour serves as the capstone of the university’s broader Saluki Takeover efforts nationwide.

“There’s no place like home being right here in Southern Illinois,” Lane said.

The event marked the first of five regional stops scheduled throughout April, with additional receptions planned at Lake of Egypt in Marion on April 7, Mount Vernon on April 16, Carterville on April 21 and Red Bud on April 23.

Lane emphasized SIU’s focus on recruiting students locally and strengthening relationships with high schools and community colleges. He said the university has worked to address past concerns about outreach through consistent school visits and increased regional presence.

Dr. Joshua Stafford, superintendent of Vienna High School, said those efforts are making a difference.

“We now see students from our own communities choosing not just the university in their backyard, but an R1 university,” Stafford said.

Lane also highlighted SIU’s national standing as a Research 1 and Opportunity University.

“There are 4,000-plus universities across the country. Only 21 of them are Research 1 and an Opportunity University,” he said. “For our students in this area to have that opportunity in their own backyard, that is special.”

He encouraged attendees to share information about the Saluki Commitment, which covers tuition and mandatory fees for eligible Illinois students, including first-time freshmen and transfer students from families with annual incomes below approximately $120,000.

Brian Croft, director of Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, highlighted the center’s long-standing impact on SIU students and the region, along with recent improvements made possible through university support, student fees and donor investment. He also emphasized partnerships with academic programs, youth camps and community organizations that expand the center’s reach beyond recreation.

“I think that’s what makes SIU special,” Croft said. “It’s what we’re learning in the classroom, but we’re learning outside the classroom, too.”

The event also showcased student creativity through the SIU Metalsmith Society, where students displayed and sold handcrafted items, demonstrated their craft and unveiled a wind chime to be auctioned at a later date. The group also announced plans to design and forge a commemorative sculpture for Touch of Nature, recognizing more than 50 years of metalsmithing at SIU.

After the program, attendees explored the grounds through tours, s’mores, food, drinks and hands-on activities, turning the evening into both a celebration and a showcase of the student experience.

For the SIU Foundation, the takeover tours provide an opportunity to connect with donors as the record-breaking Imagine SIU 2030 campaign continues. The campaign aims to raise $500 million by June 2028 and has already surpassed $464 million.

The Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois continues through April 23 with stops designed to bring together alumni, donors, prospective students and community members across the region.

Remaining stops include:

  • Lake of Egypt (Marion): Tuesday, April 7, 6 to 8 p.m., Pyramid Acres Marina, 12057 Marina Road
  • Mount Vernon: Thursday, April 16, 6 to 8 p.m., DoubleTree by Hilton, 222 Potomac Blvd.
  • Carterville: Tuesday, April 21, 6 to 8 p.m., The Historic 131 Building, 131 S. Division St.
  • Red Bud: Thursday, April 23, 6 to 8 p.m., 1860 Public House, 102 S. Main St.

Learn more at siuf.org/southern-illinois.