Category Archives: Illinois Higher Education

Burnside honors sister, helps MEDPREP students with scholarship

 

By Jeff Wilson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Robinson emphasizes value of Black alumni support, leadership

By Jeff Wilson

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

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

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

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

“When I saw how Chancellor (Austin) Lane, his staff, and the SIU Foundation were bringing alumni together and breaking fundraising records, I realized that the Foundation board was the entity with which I wanted to align myself,” Robinson said.

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

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

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

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

To make a gift, visit siuf.org.

Hayes donates $1M to Saluki Athletics

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

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

By Jeff Wilson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Hayes Legacy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

SIU Credit Union continues support of Saluki Women’s Weekend

By Jeff Wilson

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.”

For more details and a full list of speakers, visit siuf.org/salukiwomen.

Compardo, Moneta continue support of Saluki Women’s Weekend

By Jeff Wilson

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.

Donors fuel canine research, graduate student research

By Jeff Wilson

Growing up surrounded by animals on a family farm in Lincoln, Illinois, Cierra Crowell brings unique passion to her studies at Southern Illinois University.

Cierra Crowell

“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
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.

Jocelyn Popit Joins SIU Foundation as Senior Director of Development

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.