CARBONDALE – Southern Illinois University Carbondale is calling all current and former Marching Salukis and the group’s supporters to come together and honor the legacy of Mike Hanes.
The SIU Foundation will host a dedication ceremony for the Mike Hanes Marching Salukis Band Tower from 4 to 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11, at Sam Rinella Field on East Campus. There will be light refreshments and a special performance by the SIU Marching Salukis.
The Mike Hanes Marching Salukis Band Tower is located on Sam Rinella Field on SIU’s East Campus.
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.
“Mike Hanes is one of the most revered Salukis, and his impact on our beloved Marching Salukis is unequaled,” said Kupec. “The band tower honors Mike’s legacy by supporting the future of the Marching Salukis, which meant so much to him.”
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.
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.
Hanes became a promising percussionist in his hometown, Salem, Illinois, where his father was the high school band director. He graduated from Milliken University where he majored in radio/television. He enrolled at SIU as a graduate student in music education.
During a stint in the U.S. Army, Hanes conducted the Army band during stops in Fort Collins, Colorado, and Wurzburg, Germany. In Fort Collins, he volunteered to work with high school music departments, giving private lesson to young musicians. After the Army, he returned to Carbondale and completed his master’s degree.
Beyond his influential work with the Marching Salukis, he also led the SIU Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and served as conductor for both the university’s Summer Playhouse and Opera Theater.
“Before the West Coast” created by Saluki Hall of Famer Oyd Craddock
By Jeff Wilson
Some stories demand to be told, and sometimes they just need the right storyteller. Such was the case for Oyd Craddock and his film, “Before the West Coast: A Sports Civil Rights Story.”
Oyd Craddock
A free screening of the film will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 8, in Morris Library’s Guyon Auditorium. The event will last from 4 to 6 p.m., during which the 1-hour, 6-minute film will be shown followed by a Q&A session with Craddock and reception, including refreshments. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the film and hear the story behind the documentary.
The event is sponsored by the SIU Foundation in collaboration with the College of Arts and Media, Department of Athletics, and Vice Chancellor for Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Craddock, a 1980 alumnus of SIU’s College of Business and Analytics, Saluki Hall of Fame football player, and member of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors, attended New Orleans’ St. Augustine High School in the 1970s. The school’s football team famously integrated the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) in 1967.
“This film is really a part of my life story,” Craddock said. “It tells the story of the trials and triumphs of the all-Black, boys’ Catholic high school that integrated the all-white athletic league in Louisiana. It was a breakthrough event to have integrated competition in sports in high schools back then.”
The film also highlights the leadership of the school’s iconic coach, Otis Washington, and follows the team’s journey throughout the 1970s. Craddock enrolled in St. Augustine in 1972 and was co-captain of the school’s 1975 undefeated state championship team.
“Otis Washington was an innovator, transformative leader, and incredible head coach,” Craddock said. “He was ahead of his time. He went on to be the first Black coach hired by LSU (Louisiana State University).”
Making a movie was not originally on Craddock’s mind when he attended the 2012 LHSAA Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Coach Washington.
“I got to the point where I felt like I was called to tell this story,” Craddock said. “It could not die with us. I felt it would inspire the current generation. It evolved from a photo library with some video clips to doing interviews with players from that era to actually telling the full story.”
More than a football story, “Before the West Coast” showcases the leadership, integrity, and perseverance that was required during such a historic time.
“You can excel in the face of adversity,” Craddock said. “At that time, racism was very prevalent in the Deep South, but leadership matters, integrity matters. The students’ journey help transform the city of New Orleans from the era of segregation. The deck was not stacked equally, but we had to find a way to overcome, and we did.”
After a 31-year career with IBM, the now-retired Craddock credits much of his success to his experience at SIU.
“It wasn’t as much about the athletic accomplishments at SIU as much as the total experience,” he said. “The rigor of business school and demands of football helped prepare me for the real world. SIU propelled me to my career. I forever love SIU, the experience, and the help and guidance I received.”
For more information about “Before the West Coast: A Sports Civil Rights Story” and to watch the trailer, visit beforethewestcoast.com. To register for the free screening and reception, visit siuf.org/craddock. Registration is preferred but not required.
University leaders connect with alumni, donors, partners, schools
By Jeff Wilson
The fourth annual Saluki Takeover Tour in Chicago engaged university leaders with alumni and donors while also facilitating partnerships with community colleges, high schools and corporate partners.
Dr. Dan Mahony, SIU System president, speaks Wednesday, Sept. 25, during the Chancellor’s Reception.
Hosted by the SIU Foundation, the takeover tour has become a staple of the SIU calendar. Stretching well beyond Chicago, this year there will be stops in Memphis, Houston, Dallas, Nashville, Florida, St. Louis, Phoenix, California, and across Southern Illinois. For a full schedule of Saluki Takeover Tours, visit siuf.org/takeovers.
Salukis came in record numbers – more than 275 of them! – to celebrate their alma mater during the Chancellor’s Reception on Wednesday, Sept. 25, at the Residence Inn Chicago Magnificent Mile, managed by SIU alumnus Tommie Van ’86.
Chancellor Austin Lane hosted a dinner for educational and university leaders on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
“We take our university, and we get a lot of us to come up here, and we plant the flag in the ground and tell everybody in the Windy City that this is Saluki territory,” said Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation Matt Kupec.
From Tuesday, Sept. 23, through Thursday, Sept. 26, dozens of representatives from Southern Illinois University Carbondale spread out across Chicago and surrounding areas, building partnerships and spreading the Saluki spirit.
“There is so much work that is happening,” said Chancellor Austin Lane. “We need more out of Chicago. That has been our theme as we have met with our community college presidents and high school principals.”
Dr. Robert Morgan, dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences, Sherrica Hunt, assistant vice chancellor for anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion, and Steph Taylor, senior director of development, visited AAR.
Throughout the week development officers and leaders from the SIU Foundation met with dozens of donors acro
ss the city in support of the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has raised more than $360 million toward its $500 million goal.
“This year we set a record for fundraising. It is about 2.7 times more than we raised in 2019,” said SIU System President Dan Mahony. “That money goes to support students, support programs, support scholarships, support all the incredible work faculty is doing.”
Over the four-day takeover tour, visits were made to the following community colleges:
McHenry Community College
Oakton College
Joliet Junior College
Harper College
College of DuPage
Prairie State College
Moraine Valley Community College
“We had a wonderful, long day visiting those community college partners, because those are our future Salukis,” said Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Sheryl Tucker. “That’s part of where our enrollment growth is going to be.”
There were also visits to the following high schools:
Englewood High School
Morgan Park High School
Noble Johnson College Prep
Benito Juarez High School
Farragut High School
Al Raby School
Chicago Agricultural High School
Chancellor Austin Lane and university leaders visited Navistar Inc., on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
Many of the high schools are Hope Chicago schools. Hope Chicago scholarships remove financial barriers for students and families within the Chicago Public Schools system. Hope scholars also receive wraparound support like advising and mentoring to help them achieve their desired degree or certification.
“We have been here strengthening our partnership with Hope Chicago and other entities,” said Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jeff Burgin. “I know you know this, but I love saying it: If it’s been done and done well, a Saluki probably did it.”
Representatives from the College of Health and Human Sciences visited Navistar Inc. and AAR Corp. Over the years, Navistar has made incredible investment in the School of Automotive with gifts-in-kind totaling more than $1.1 million. AAR provides aviation services to commercial and government partners worldwide.
CHHS Dean Robert Morgan and School of Automotive Director Andrew Croxell also hosted an Automotive Happy Hour on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at Church Street Brewery in Itasca.
SIU Research Park Executive Director Lynn Lindberg and others met with representatives from the U.S. Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the 1871 Business Development Service.
The Saluki Takeover Tour in Chicago ended Thursday, Sept. 26, with the SIU Alumni Association’s Wrigleyville Takeover at the Saluki-owned Almost Home Tavern and Grill. Dozens of Salukis came together to celebrate their SIU connections.
The Chancellor’s Reception had record-breaking attendance of more than 275 Salukis on Wednesday, Sept. 25, at the Residence Inn Chicago Magnificent Mile.
The third annual Saluki Women’s Weekend brought together over 200 women, including students, alumnae, and professionals, to connect, share, and support one another.
The event, which was September 19 through September 21, was hosted by the SIU Foundation’s Women’s Leadership Council, a network of alumnae, parents, and friends who are committed to creating a culture of women-driven philanthropy at SIU and mentoring future generations of Salukis.
“Very few of us ever got to where we are today without having some encouragement,” said Dr. Sheryl Tucker, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “It’s important that we pass that on.”
Featuring dozens of panelists and speakers, the Saluki Women’s Weekend put a spotlight on how women can achieve and support one another while reaching their goals.
“There are so many things we should take away from this,” said Diane Compardo, president of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors and Saluki Woman of the Year award winner. “I’m going to encourage you to find that one thing that has been so meaningful for you and take it into your life.”
Three other women also received special recognition during the event:
Sherrica Hunt, Saluki Woman Trailblazer
Kirsten Barton, Saluki Woman Emerging Leader
Amber Koteras, Rising Star – Student Leadership Award
The Women’s Leadership Council also announced the first two recipients of the EmpowerHER Community Grant, which provided $500 awards to local, women-owned businesses. The first recipients were Chastity Mays of Hathor Doula Service and Lynne Weeks of Reading by the Weeks.
The weekend was sponsored by the SIU Credit Union and Moneta, Legence Bank, Southern Illinois Healthcare, Dawn Korte, Ph.D., Rendleman Orchards, and Oasis Skin & Wellness Center, Inc., Melissa Hahn, Elizabeth Kepuraitis, Gloria Tison, Cristina Pisoni – State Farm Agent, and Regions Bank, St. Nicholas Brewing Company MDH, WSIU Public Radio and WSIU Public Television.
Supporters of Southern Illinois University Carbondale donated nearly $1.2 million during the 9th annual SIU Day of Giving on Wednesday, Sept. 18.
More than 1,500 donors made a gift online at siuday.siu.edu during the 24-hour event, hosted by the SIU Foundation. Every gift helps SIU students and faculty and supports the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has raised $360 million toward its $500 million goal.
“This was the second SIU Day of Giving in 2024. After a successful event in February, we decided to move to the fall semester. There is a buzz on campus during the fall, and we wanted to make the Day of Giving part of that,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “Between the two days, SIU alumni and friends have made tremendous contributions to our university, donating more than $4.3 million over the two Days of Giving.”
The SIU Day of Giving has raised more than $17 million in support of student scholarships, research and other campus initiatives since its inception in 2017. Every gift made during the SIU Day of Giving is directed at the donor’s discretion to a particular area of their choosing.
Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations, speaks with Chancellor Austin Lane during the SIU Day of Giving livestream on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at WSIU.
“Donors are always able to restrict their gifts as they choose,” Kupec said. “The SIU Day of Giving is a great reminder of the power of our alumni base. These funds are used only for the college, department or initiative they want to support.”
The College of Health and Human Sciences had the largest dollar amount raised, totaling $496,795. Others topping that list were:
College of Engineering, Computing, Technology and Mathematics, $153,190
School of Education, $116,780
College of Liberal Arts, $112,150
Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, $55,750
College of Agricultural, Life and Physical Sciences, $48,435
The Balancing Education, Experience, and Reality Scholarship Endowment Fund brought in the most individual gifts with 533. Others topping that list were:
WSIU Public Broadcasting, 252
College of Arts and Media, 93
College of Health and Human Sciences, 77
College of Agricultural, Life and Physical Sciences, 64
Saluki Athletics, 58
To see a full breakdown of gifts and the donor wall from the most recent Day of Giving, visit siuday.siu.edu.
The SIU Foundation hosted a livestream broadcast from the WSIU-TV studio on campus. Chancellor Austin Lane, every dean, and other campus leaders sat down to discuss their areas.
“Saluki Nation is truly alive and well,” Chancellor Lane said during the livestream. “With the excitement that is happening at the university, the plans that we have in place to grow even more and the things we’re doing within the [Imagine SIU 2030] strategic plan are going to help us mobilize even more Salukis across the country and the world.”
The SIU Day of Giving had a bit of a soft launch on the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 17, with the Night of B.E.E.R. livestream event from the Fermentation Science Institute (FSI). The event celebrated and raised money for the Balancing, Education, Experience, and Reality Scholarship and the scholarship for Fermentation Science students. Every gift made during the event was counted in the Day of Giving totals.
Spearheaded by SIU Alumni Association Board President Scott Moller and Executive Director Molly Hudgins, the Night of B.E.E.R. focused on the impact donors have on students and the research happening at the FSI. Moller and fellow alumnus Dan Giedeman each made $2,500 commitments to match every like, comment, and share during the livestream.
“We’re celebrating successes, and we’re supporting the Fermentation Science Institute and the B.E.E.R. Scholarship,” Hudgins, who hosted the livestream, said. “Both programs are key to Saluki success. They are part of the fabric of being a Saluki.”
Guests on the livestream included Kupec, Moller, Giedeman, SIU alumnus Scott Shelton, Dr. Matt McCarroll, director of the Fermentation Science Institute, FSI students, and B.E.E.R. Scholarship recipient Emily White.
The third annual Saluki Women’s Weekend is Thursday, Sept. 19, through Saturday, Sept. 21.
Hosted by the SIU Foundation Women’s Leadership Council, the three-day affair will feature multiple events and many of SIU’s most inspiring female leaders. The council is a network of alumnae, parents, and friends committed to creating a culture of women-driven philanthropy at SIU and mentoring future generations of Salukis.
SIU Credit Union is a proud sponsor of the Women in Empowerment Conference Sponsor for the third annual Saluki Women’s Weekend on Friday, Sept. 20, at Morris Library.
“This is our third year being a sponsor of the Saluki Women’s Weekend. We love giving back to our community,” said Kim Babington, vice president of community outreach at SIU Credit Union. “This is a year of empowerment. It is a great function for all women to attend. There will be great speakers and great leaders from our area.”
The Women in Empowerment Conference will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20. Check-in will be followed by breakfast and opening remarks. From there, topics will include artificial intelligence, health and wellness, career planning, philanthropy, and more. There will also be an expert panel discussion and Q&A session.
The Soar with Success: Saluki Women’s Reception will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at the Glenn Poshard Transportation Center at Southern Illinois Airport in Murphysboro. Check-in begins at 5 p.m., and the keynote speaker will be Erin Jackson, an SIU alumna and American Airlines pilot. There will also be the opportunity for aviation tours and exclusive networking opportunities.
The weekend will conclude with the Saluki Women Tailgating Experience before SIU plays SEMO on Saturday, Sept. 21, at Saluki Stadium. The tailgate will begin at 4 p.m. on Saluki Row, and the game begins at 6 p.m.
“The Saluki Women’s Weekend is a time for SIU alumnae and women business owners and community members to come together and showcase their incredible talents,” said Sherrica Hunt, the SIU Foundation’s assistant vice chancellor for diversity, equity, and inclusion. “The energy that these women bring to this event, our campus, and our society is inspiring. We want to share that with as many people as possible.”
Diane Compardo, SIU Foundation Board of Directors president and a proud 1992 alumna, is the Women in Empowerment Conference Sponsor for the third annual Saluki Women’s Weekend through her firm, Moneta, on Friday, Sept. 20, at Morris Library during the third annual Saluki Women’s Weekend.
She is also a member of the College of Business and Analytics Hall of Fame and the SIU Women’s Leadership Council. The council connects Saluki alumnae to current female students and offers guidance and mentorship as they study and prepare for life beyond college.
The Saluki Women’s Weekend begins on Thursday, Sept. 19, with the Saluki Women’s Reception from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Glenn Poshard Transportation Education Center at SI Airport. It continues from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, with the conference at Morris Library, and concludes with the Women’s Tailgating Experience from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saluki Row at Saluki Stadium before the SIU Football team takes on SEMO.
“SIU gave me an amazing opportunity – and I want to pay it forward to the women there today, ensuring they understand the many opportunities available to them,” Compardo said.
In recent years, Moneta has put an increased focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Moneta’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council supports the company’s mission to “empower people to navigate life’s path and protect what they cherish.” The council aims to achieve this by continually striving for an equitable, inclusive culture that encourages valuing, respecting, and celebrating the differences of Moneta’s employees, clients, and all whom it encounters.
“I’m thrilled to invite you to the third annual Saluki Women’s Weekend,” Compardo said. “It is such an empowering event for women. Please come and enjoy the event and connect with all the amazing women who are already planning to attend.”
For more information about the Saluki Women’s Weekend, visit siuf.org/salukiwomen.
Growing up surrounded by animals on a family farm in Lincoln, Illinois, Cierra Crowell brings unique passion to her studies at Southern Illinois University.
“I came to SIU in 2018 to study animal science with a specialization in equine science. Later, I decided to get my master’s degree in equine science, and after going out in the world to get a job, I decided I still had a lot of questions and returned to SIU to get my Ph.D. in canine science.”
During her first semester, Crowell had a class with Dr. Erin Perry, an award-winning scientist and author who is also a canine search specialist for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“Dr. Perry took me underneath her wing,” Crowell said. “She helped me find my passion. We always had animals growing up. I was happiest in the barn and hauling on the road.”
Crowell has been the recipient of multiple scholarships, which have aided her during her education journey and allowed her to focus on research at the highest level.
“Scholarships take the financial stress off. I do not have to work as much or focus on paying for school,” she said.
Crowell has collaborated with Royal Canin and the Search Dog Foundation. She focuses on how dietary factors impact dogs in particular situations.
Cierra Crowell and her dogs
“Our canine research program focuses primarily on working canine and companion canines, including fitness capabilities, odor detection, gastrointestinal health, and nutritional and dermatological aspects,” she said.
Not only have donors impact Crowell through scholarships, funds from alumni and friends of the university impact her research directly.
“By utilizing donor funds, we are able to do more research and put SIU out there,” she said. “We are up there with some of the top institutions when it comes to canine research. Donations to the Canine Research Center fuel the passion, research, and opportunities for the leaders of tomorrow in the field.”
In the future, Crowell plans to continue her research and drive the next generation of students forward as they improve the lives and health outcomes of canines.
“It’s my goal to be able to teach the next generation, keep doing research, and eventually have graduate students of my own,” she said.
To learn more about the Canine Research Center, visit canineresearch.siu.edu. To make a gift, visit siuf.org.
The SIU Foundation is excited to welcome Jocelyn Popit to its fundraising team as the senior director of development for the College of Liberal Arts.
She joins a team that has raised more than $340 million toward the $500 million goal of the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign. It is the fifth-largest campaign in the history of Illinois higher education. The SIU Foundation is coming off a record-breaking fiscal year having raised $46.8 million in FY24.</>
Popit spent the previous decade in health care philanthropy, most recently directing the foundation at Southern Illinois Healthcare. Before that, she taught high school English. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from the University of Notre Dame.
She and her husband live in Carterville with their two children. She is also a member of the school board at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Regional Catholic School in Herrin.
Kathryn Sime, assistant vice chancellor for major & planned giving, reflects on her first solo donor meeting with SIU alumna and generous benefactor, Marilea Koch.
I met Marilea Koch (SIU, BS, 1952) in the fall of 2018. I was a new development officer for the SIU Foundation, primarily focused on working with alumni from the School of Education. Marilea was my first solo donor meeting, and I was so nervous walking up to the front door of her modest duplex in Salem, Illinois. She was a retired high school English and speech teacher, struggling with macular degeneration. While there was nothing in her home that would have hinted that Marilea could make a major gift to support Southern Illinois University, her 23 years of giving were an indicator of her deep love for SIU. At the end of our visit, I took a breath and bravely asked if she had ever considered leaving a planned gift to benefit SIU. She responded with a smile and said “I wondered if you would ask about that.”
Marilea explained that she had already included SIU in her estate plans in hopes of establishing a scholarship in memory of her parents. I worked with her on the language for the scholarship, and ultimately, we established the Edward and Elizabeth Ann Paddison Scholarship Endowment Fund. She declined to share an estimated amount for the scholarship, but did confirm that it would likely meet the minimum of $25,000 required for an endowment. I returned multiple times and kept in touch with Marilea. She never wanted any publicity for her gift commitment and continued to support her beloved SIU every year.
Marilea lived simply her entire life up until her death at 93 this past January. When her estate trustee, also an SIU alumnus, called me to confirm details of her estate gift, he shared that Marilea’s gift was indeed sufficient to meet the minimum endowment level, and in fact, would likely exceed $600,000 to provide scholarships for SIU students from Southern Illinois. In addition, Marilea’s quiet philanthropy included generous gifts to her church and local public library. Her incredible gift will support SIU students for generations. I am grateful to have known Marilea and thrilled by her generosity.
Learn how you can make a lasting legacy at SIU: siufgiving.org
