Category Archives: Donor Stories

University breaks ground on SIU Credit Union Event Center

Photo Caption: Brian Croft, director of Touch of Nature (from left); William Lo, executive director, Carbondale Chamber of Commerce; Darin Fager, president, Fager-McGee Construction; Chancellor Austin Lane; Sara Bond, director of development, SIU Foundation; state Sen. Dale Fowler; Kim Babington, vice president of community outreach, SIU Credit Union; Nicole Gray, program assistant for hospitality service, Touch of Nature; Mike Lantrip, president, SIU Credit Union; Chris Sievers, chairman, SIU Credit Union Board of Directors; and Tom Brummer, associated director of facilities and operations, Touch of Nature break ground on the SIU Credit Union Event Center on Wednesday, Sept. 27, at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center.
Photo Caption: Brian Croft, director of Touch of Nature (from left); William Lo, executive director, Carbondale Chamber of Commerce; Darin Fager, president, Fager-McGee Construction; Chancellor Austin Lane; Sara Bond, director of development, SIU Foundation; state Sen. Dale Fowler; Kim Babington, vice president of community outreach, SIU Credit Union; Nicole Gray, program assistant for hospitality service, Touch of Nature; Mike Lantrip, president, SIU Credit Union; Chris Sievers, chairman, SIU Credit Union Board of Directors; and Tom Brummer, associated director of facilities and operations, Touch of Nature break ground on the SIU Credit Union Event Center on Wednesday, Sept. 27, at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center.
Facility funded by $500K donation

MAKANDA – With shovels in the ground, progress is officially under way on the SIU Credit Union Event Center at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center. The project is being funded by a $500,000 donation from the credit union.

Chancellor Austin Lane was joined by state Sen. Dale Fowler and representatives from SIU Credit Union, Touch of Nature, Fager-McGee Construction, the SIU Foundation, and the university for a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, Sept. 27, near the entrance of Touch of Nature.

“SIU students get their start right here at Touch of Nature,” Chancellor Lane said. “We are fully behind this project, and we want to thank the SIU Credit Union for all they do.”

At the beginning of each fall semester, Touch of Nature hosts Dawg Days for incoming students, providing them with an opportunity to have fun, make friends, and learn more about SIU.

In August 2021, the SIU Credit Union presented a $500,000 check to fund the construction project. The hope is to have the event center completed in the spring of 2024.

“Touch of Nature is a pride and joy of SIU,” Chancellor Lane said at the time. “This partnership with SIU Credit Union is magnificent. This gift will provide the credit union with great visibility among our students and the community.”

SIU Credit Union has a long history of supporting the university, including major donations during the annual SIU Day of Giving. In recent years, the credit union has supported SIU’s New Student Programs, Saluki Food Pantry, and Morris Library, along with Touch of Nature.

“We knew that we needed to do something for SIU and the region,” said Mike Lantrip, CEO of SIU Credit Union. “We think it’s going to be something that helps put Southern Illinois on the map even more.”

Touch of Nature is a full-service outdoor education center that serves SIU, the region, and the nation. It provides opportunities for team building, environmental education, zip lining, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, overnight camps, and more. Nationally recognized for its therapeutic recreation camp, Camp Little Giant, Touch of Nature has provided camps and programs for people with disabilities since 1952. Touch of Nature is an ACA-accredited facility, a National Environmental Education Landmark, and soon to be home to an IMBA-designed Mountain Bike Park.

“This is an incredible partnership with SIU Credit Union,” said Brian Croft, director of Touch Nature. “We expect this to be a spot for community members to come and enjoy the outdoors. It’s amazing to see what facilities like this can do for SIU.”

Croft also introduced state Sen. Fowler and praised his continued support for Touch of Nature and the university. Fowler said he appreciates the impact the event center will have on tourism in the region.

“This facility will be an amazing complement to Touch of Nature,” Fowler said.

For more information about Touch of Nature, visit ton.siu.edu.

Professor James Franklin Sharp donates $1 million, honored with museum naming

Professor James Franklin Sharp headshotWith a $1 million gift, Professor James Franklin Sharp has chiseled his name into SIU’s legacy. Now, the university will honor his generosity by renaming the University Museum as Sharp Museum.

At 3:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, the university will host a ceremony in front of the museum to unveil the name and honor Professor Sharp, who will be in attendance along with friends and family. Chancellor Austin Lane will give remarks at 4 p.m.

“Professor Sharp’s incredible giving spirit inspires us all,” said John Pollitz, dean of Library Affairs, which oversees the museum. “This gift will make a profound impact on both educational and cultural opportunities for our students, faculty, and the region.”

Professor Sharp attended SIU from 1954 to 1956, but the university didn’t offer a four-year degree in engineering at that time. Still, he said he always felt a strong connection to the university.

While an SIU student, he played seven intramural sports, including football, corkball, basketball, volleyball, softball, badminton, and horseshoes. He was a member of the Theta Xi fraternity.

“I lived in Doyle Dorm with three roommates, whom I have stayed in touch with over all these years,” Professor Sharp said. “Corkball was my favorite sport, and the Theta Xi Variety Show was a big deal in those days. At the time, I could have never imagined I’d even have $1 million, period.”

He transferred to the University of Illinois from SIU and completed his undergraduate degree in industrial engineering. He later earned a master’s and Ph.D. from Purdue University.

“I guess I would say I enjoyed my time at SIU more than the other colleges I attended,” Professor Sharp said. “At SIU, the classes were small and taught by senior professors. I enjoyed watching SIU football and basketball games. They were always very crowded.”

Professor Sharp taught at three universities: Rutgers University, New York University Stern Graduate School of Business, and Pace University Lubin Graduate School of Business. He also held management positions at AT&T and founded Sharp Seminars in New York, which became a leading provider of training for Wall Street investment analysts and investment portfolio managers.

He has also written 36 books and had many articles published. He has achieved the following professional designations: CFA, CIPM, CMA, CFM, and Mensa.

A Chester High School graduate, Professor Sharp has made supporting education a lifelong endeavor. He has made multiple donations to Chester schools, adding up to more than $600,000.

“After making gifts to other institutions, I realized the kind of impact I was able to make. During one of my trips back to SIU, I visited the museum and thought it could use some funding,” Professor Sharp said. “So, I thought why not go big and make it $1 million.”

SIU Credit Union sponsoring Saluki Women’s Weekend

Kim Babington stands in front of SIU Credit Union logo on an interior wall.

SIU Credit Union is a presenting sponsor of the second annual Saluki Women’s Weekend from Oct.  4-7 in the SIU Student Center.

“This conference will bring women together,” said Kim Babington, the credit union’s vice president of community outreach. “It is so nice to finally have a conference that focuses on the needs of a woman.”

The SIU Credit Union has a long history of supporting the university, including major donations during the annual SIU Day of Giving. In recent years, the credit union has supported SIU’s New Student Programs, Saluki Food Pantry, and Morris Library, along with Touch of Nature.

“SIU Credit Union is all about giving back to its community,” Babington said.

This year’s Saluki Women’s Weekend will be jampacked with events.

On Oct. 4, the SIU School of Law will host speaker Jill Wine-Banks as part of its Hiram H. Lesar Lecture Series. Wine-Bank served as a prosecutor in the Watergate scandal and was the first woman to be the General Counsel of the Army and the first woman to be the American Bar Association executive director.

On Oct. 6, there will be a Networking Breakfast from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m.; Saluki Sisterhood Empowering Today, Inspiring Tomorrow from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; Empowerment Conference Session I from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. (3 sessions); Women in Philanthropy Luncheon from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Empowerment Conference Session II from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (3 sessions); Women’s Vendor Fair open from 1 to 3 p.m.; and Saluki Women’s Awards Reception from 3 to 4 p.m. These events will be hosted at the SIU Student Center.

On Oct. 7, there will be a Mentorship Brunch at 9:30 a.m., and the Women’s Leadership Council Board Meeting from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

All public events are free. Some events will be invitation-only, and others may yet be added to the schedule. Visit siuf.org/salukiwomen for more information or contact Sherrica Hunt, assistant vice chancellor for diversity, equity, and inclusion, at sherricah@foundation.siu.edu.

Compardo, Moneta leading the way in support of Saluki women

Headshot of Diane CompardoDiane Compardo, president of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors, plans to emphasize the value of consistent support during this year’s Saluki Women’s Weekend.

A 1991 alumna, she is 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.

Compardo, a CPA and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ is the founding partner of Compardo, Wienstroer, Conrad & Janes at Moneta, which is a presenting sponsor of the second annual Saluki Women’s Weekend from Oct.  4-7 in the SIU Student Center. Compardo will speak during the Women in Philanthropy Luncheon, which begins at 11:45 a.m. Friday, Oct. 6.

“The SIU Foundation’s goal is to help drive the university forward, and the Saluki Women’s Weekend is a terrific example of how it does just that,” Compardo said. “I’m excited to meet new people and learn from their experiences at this inspiring event.”

In recent years, Moneta has put an increased focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Moneta’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council was founded to support 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.

“The goals of SIU’s Women’s Leadership Council and the Saluki Women’s Weekend align with what Moneta is doing internally,” Compardo said. “It takes organizations being intentional about values and empowerment to cultivate an inclusive and positive culture.”

As president of the SIU Foundation, Compardo is focused on sharing the philanthropic message with current alumni and future generations of Salukis.

“I’m passionate about philanthropic goals and giving back is an essential part of my life,” Compardo said. “Part of our job is to ensure the university continues to thrive. One way we do that is by emphasizing the importance of paying it forward after you graduate.”

For more information about the Saluki Women’s Weekend, visit siuf.org/salukiwomen.

Donors get inside look at automotive, aviation programs

About 20 individuals are standing in an automotive lab and listening to the tour guide at the Glenn Poshard Transportation Education Center.

By Jeff Wilson

Members of the Paul & Virginia Society gathered Wednesday, May 24, for a tour of the Glenn Poshard Transportation Education Center.

The Paul & Virginia Society, which is named for the Paul & Virginia statue that stands in front of the Stone Center, recognizes individuals who have included the SIU Foundation in their will or have made a planned gift to the institution.

Dr. Glenn Poshard greets about 20 guests with a brief history of how the TEC came to be. Dr. Poshard greeted about 20 guests with a brief history of how the TEC came to be.

“So many people were involved in bringing this building to fruition,” he said. “It’s the grandest building we have on campus today, and our students receive marvelous training here.”

The first part of the tour was led by Andrew Croxell, interim director of the School of Automotive Technology. He led the group through multiple working labs filled with vehicles, including cars, trucks, and semis.

“Many of the cars our students work on are donated,” Croxell said. “This gives them the hands-on experience that is unmatched. We have a 90 percent job placement rate in our program.”

After viewing the automotive technology facilities, the tour continued through the School of Aviation section of the TEC, led by students Luca Giaveri and Brycen Pedrick.

“Let’s start over here at the trophy case,” Pedrick said. “We think this is really impressive. It displays trophies won within the program, particularly those brought home by the Flying Salukis.”

The Flying Salukis have won the National Intercollegiate Flying Association championship nine times. This year, they brought home third place.

The members of the Paul & Virginia Society were able to view the flight simulators and aircraft that students have the opportunity to work with as part of the program.

The tour ended with a trip to St. Nicholas Brewing Co. MDH, which is located at the Southern Illinois Airport, adjacent to the TEC.

Considering a planned gift?

Planned gifts can be specified for a college, department, or program. There are multiple ways to give, including bequests, gifts of retirement assets, and charitable gift annuities. Some planned gifts can help the donor secure a tax advantage.

A planned gift commitment to benefit SIU is an impactful way to leave a legacy and support the students and communities the university serves.

To learn more, contact Kathryn Sime, senior director of gift planning, at kathryns@foundation.siu.edu or 618-453-4268.

 

See the full photo gallery.

Michaels lifts university through giving

Headshot of Harvey MichaelsBy Jeff Wilson

When visiting SIU as a perspective student, Harvey Michaels knew that it was the perfect place for him to attend. Nowadays, he has decided it’s the perfect place to leave a legacy.

“Southern Illinois was the best place for me,” he said. “The size of the classroom is conducive to being a part of the class and not feeling lost in the crowd. It’s why I was interested in naming a classroom.”

With a $25,000 gift to the College of Business and Analytics Technology Improvement Fund, Michaels did just that. His generosity will be honored with his name on a classroom in Rehn Hall.

Raised by his Ukrainian immigrant grandparents in Chicago, Michaels was a first-generation college student. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accountancy in 1980 and his MBA in 1981, both from SIU.

“That’s why I continue to support the school,” he said. “It’s in a unique position to attract and support first-generation college students.”

It’s not the first time he’s made an impact on his alma mater. In 2008, he donated $25,000 to establish the Harvey N. Michaels Scholarship Endowment Fund, which is awarded to College of Business and Analytics students. Each year, he adds to the fund, and those gifts are matched by his employer, Deloitte.

“Deloitte continues to match my scholarship,” Michaels said. “My goal is to provide other people with the opportunity I had. Everybody has choices to make, and for me, it was an easy decision to give the maximum that could be matched by Deloitte. We have a lot of SIU alumni in great places, and I encourage them to see what’s available.”

During his graduate years at SIU, Michaels worked for AC Nielsen, but he saw his future in consulting. During his senior year, he had applied to the Big Eight professional services firms (now Big Four) in Dallas, Texas, he accepted an offer in management consulting with Touche Ross, which later merged with Deloitte.

“I spent my entire working career – 38 years – with them,” he said. “I was lucky enough to make partner, holding many leadership positions and working with major companies around the world. I had an incredible career at a great firm.”

Michaels is passionate about spreading the word about SIU, the College of Business and Analytics, and the School of Accountancy. He has been on the college’s board of advisors for many years, and in 2018, he was inducted into the COBA Hall of Fame.

“I want to scream how great this school is. Getting a degree from SIU prepares you incredibly well,” he said. “The School of Accountancy brings in the best recruiters for the best positions. The best companies come to SIU to get the best-qualified people.”

He is also supportive of the vision set forth by Chancellor Austin Lane and COBA’s interim dean, Marc Morris.

“They have come up with creative solutions,” he said. “Through the technology fund, Dean Morris plans to increase distance learning opportunities for students.”

The idea of having such a legacy never crossed Michaels’ mind during his days as a student.

“I was basically living on macaroni and cheese in those days,” he said. “It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish, and I have been lucky enough to be able to give back. This is part of an ongoing legacy. It’s a great way to pay it forward.”

To learn more about matching gifts, visit siuf.org/matching.

Donor pays it forward with the Don and Edith Braden scholarship

Anna Miller, the recipient of the Braden scholarship.

Last year, Wayne Braden established a scholarship and made a generous planned gift commitment to honor his parents, Don and Edith Braden, who were from rural southeastern Illinois. The scholarship is awarded to a student who graduated from Thompsonville High School or Hamilton County High School in Illinois.

This year, Anna Miller from McLeansboro was the recipient of the Braden scholarship. She and Wayne recently had a telephone conversation about the scholarship. It was then that Braden learned about the connection between Miller’s great grandmother and Braden’s grandmother.

“My grandmother, Ellen Lager, was very good friends with Anna Miller’s great grandmother, Susie McFarland. My grandmother was a widow and she and her children lived on a farm three miles from Thompsonville, Illinois,” said Braden. “Whenever Susie McFarland had to go into town, she would pick my grandmother up in her car to go shopping with her. They were very close to one another during those hard years. Learning that Anna Miller’s family and mine were connected made this scholarship award even more touching for me and my family,” said Braden.

Upon graduation from high school, Miller found herself in a similar situation as Wayne Braden’s father.

“Like my father, she did not have the funds to go to college. It is extremely rewarding to lend a hand to a young person like her to help her achieve her dreams. Her great grandmother showed great kindness to my grandmother and this scholarship is helping to pay it forward for me,” said Braden.

Miller is appreciative of the financial help she received from Braden.

“I am very thankful for the Braden scholarship because it has helped stabilize my finances over the course of the semester. By creating scholarships, donors make a tremendous impact on the lives of students like me. Scholarships and financial aid have allowed me to attend college without any student loans. Therefore, I will have a fresh start when I graduate,” said Miller.

Wayne said he has donated to charitable organizations much of his adult life and has been involved with the Salvation Army for several years.

“Charitable gifts are wonderful, and everyone should give back,” he said. “This scholarship in honor of my parents means so much more than just giving to an organization. Realizing I was helping a young woman accomplish a very important goal feels deeply satisfying.”

Wayne Braden currently lives in Portland, Oregon, and his sister, Judy Braden Armstrong who also helped establish the scholarship, resides in Maryville, Michigan.

McPheeters: Saluki Ball recognizes SIU’s excellence

Lynn McPheeters

By Jeff Wilson

Few SIU alumni have created a legacy as impactful as F. Lynn McPheeters.

His first major philanthropic act at SIU came in 2006 when he and his late wife, Susan, donated $585,000 to create the Susan F. and F. Lynn McPheeters College of Business Leadership Endowed Chair. In 2017, he donated $1 million to endow the McPheeters Family Scholarship, and in 2022, he announced a $1 million estate gift to supplement that fund and establish the F. Lynn McPheeters Chair of Finance Endowment Fund in the College of Business and Analytics.

Now, he is one of the major sponsors of the inaugural Saluki Ball. With a $25,000 donation, McPheeters is a Saluki Platinum sponsor.

The Saluki Ball, to be held Saturday, April 22, at the Marriott Marquis Chicago, will help students bridge the financial gap as they strive to reach their ultimate goals. The presenting sponsors of the ball are the Honorable Glenn and Jo Poshard and ULLICO, Inc., and Laborers’ Local 773.

“This event celebrates SIU’s reputation for providing a first-class education and will raise money for scholarships,” said McPheeters, 1964 graduate of the College of Business. “It pains me that so many people are coming out of school with mounds of debt. In recognition of this situation, the SIU Foundation has significantly increased its efforts to provide scholarship assistance, as so many other universities have done.”

Hosted by Chancellor Austin Lane and Mrs. Loren Lane, the ball is black-tie optional and will feature a performance by R&B legend Brian McKnight. It will be hosted by ESPN radio host and SIU alumnus Marc Silverman.

“Personally, I am very impressed with Chancellor Lane, what he’s doing, and his plan for the future,” McPheeters said.

McPheeters transferred to SIU from Canton College, now Spoon River College, a community college in his hometown of Canton, Illinois, and finished his accounting degree at SIU.

Soon after, he started at Caterpillar, Inc., and began a steady rise through the company. In 1973, he moved to Switzerland to serve in a financial management position with Caterpillar overseas. He also worked in Tokyo for Caterpillar Mitsubishi and in Hong Kong at Caterpillar Far East Limited. He retired in 2005 as chief financial officer for Caterpillar and vice president of the Corporate Services Division.

“SIU led me to an incredible career with Caterpillar that took our family around the world and gave us tremendous opportunities,” McPheeters said. “I was very fortunate to have a supportive family throughout my 40 years with the company.”

In the decades since his graduation, McPheeters has served SIU in multiple ways. He joined the SIU Foundation Board in 2002 and served as chair of the audit committee and board president. He was one of the first members of the College of Business and Analytics external advisory board and inducted into the college’s Hall of Fame in 1988. Among other honors, he earned the College of Business Alumni Achievement Award in 2004. In 2016, he received one of the university’s highest honors, the Distinguished Service Award.

He never anticipated the success that his SIU education would help provide.

“When I graduated, I was just happy to have an education and a job,” McPheeters said. “I have always believed that everything happens for a reason. I was very fortunate that SIU was there.”

For more information about the Saluki Ball, visit salukiball.siu.edu.

Legence Bank donates $5K to the Saluki Food Pantry

Pictured left to right: Kent Epplin, Student Center director, Tena Bennett, assistant vice chancellor for auxiliary enterprise and student affairs, Shane Bennett, senior director of corporate foundation relations, John Dorris, Legence Bank Carbondale branch manager, Kevin Beckemeyer, Legence Bank president and CEO, Tricia Overturf, Legence Bank vice president of marketing and communications, Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development & alumni relations and SIU Foundation CEO

By Jeff Wilson

The SIU Day of Giving offers individuals and businesses the opportunity to support the university in many ways. This year, Legence Bank donated $5,000 to the Saluki Food Pantry.

“This gift from Legence Bank makes an enormous impact – $5,000 provides food and items, such as toiletries, that allow our students to thrive on a daily basis,” said Tena Bennett, assistant vice chancellor for auxiliary enterprise and student affairs. “As a result, our students can come here and focus on the most important things – their education, growth, and wellbeing – instead of worrying about where their next meal will come from.”

Legence Bank’s gift was set up as a match, so that they could inspire others to give to the food pantry. This provided thousands more dollars to the food pantry on the Day of Giving, which was March 28. In total, nearly $8,000 was raised.

“This food pantry covers so many people that deal with food insecurity,” said Tricia Overturf, vice president of marketing and communications for Legence Bank. “We’re excited to be a part of this and give back to the community.”

The gift represents Legence Bank’s continued support of local institutions.

Tricia Overturf, Legence Bank vice president of marketing and communications, John Dorris, Legence Bank Carbondale branch manager, Kevin Beckemeyer, Legence Bank president and CEO

“Legence Bank is always glad to help Saluki Nation and all the communities we serve,” said Kevin Beckemeyer, president and CEO of Legence Bank.

With support from Legence Bank and other donors, the food pantry will be able to keep its shelves stocked for students in need and their families.

“I’m so happy about the effort to help with food insecurity. It’s so important in today’s world,” said John Dorris, Legence Bank Carbondale branch manager.

The Saluki Food Pantry is located on the Lower Level of the Student Center, and it serves all SIU students. The food pantry carries non-perishable food items and toiletries. Every item is free, and students can receive enough food to feed every family member in their household for up to three days.

Even with the generosity of Legence Bank and Day of Giving donors, the need for donations never ceases. Beyond monetary donations, anyone can drop off donations of canned goods, instant potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and other non-perishable food items and toiletries. To learn more, email foodpantry@siu.edu.

ULLICO, Laborers’ Local 773 sponsoring Saluki Ball

Members of Laborers’ Local 773, seen here while working at Touch of Nature Environmental Center, have completed many projects on campus, donating their time and efforts.

By Jeff Wilson

The relationship between SIU and union labor goes back a long way.

Now, that relationship is getting even stronger as ULLICO, Inc., and Laborers’ Local 773 stepped up to become one of the presenting sponsors of the inaugural Saluki Ball.

“SIU is the crown jewel of Southern Illinois. It’s the economic engine of this region, and we are committed to SIU,” said Ed Smith, president and CEO of ULLICO. “SIU has one of the most diverse, unionized workforces in America.”

While dedicating $100,000 to become a presenting sponsor of the ball is a major investment, Laborers’ Local 773 has handed out scholarships to its members’ children since 1986.

“We have given out more than $336,000 in scholarships, and that number is about to go up,” said Jerry Womick, International Representative and Business Manager for Laborers’ Local 773. “We give students $500 extra if they choose to attend SIU.”

Many of those scholarship recipients are first-generation students. The union and its members understand the value of financial assistance. The union averages about 70 employees on campus at any moment.

“Union members feed their families through SIU,” Smith said. “They put their blood, sweat, and tears into the university. They do the dirty work.”

The union has been involved with most of SIU’s biggest projects, and much of the work is done with donated time and supplies. Union laborers have done many of the site improvements at Touch of Nature Environmental Center, installed the walking path around Campus Lake, and put in flower planters around the REC Center. ULLICO and Laborers’ Local 773 have also supported WSIU broadcasting and Saluki Athletics for many years.

“Our fingerprints are all over SIU,” Smith said. “We are joined at the hip, and we’re there through thick and thin.”

The Saluki Ball

Hosted by Chancellor Austin Lane and Mrs. Loren Lane, the inaugural Saluki Ball, to be held Saturday, April 22, at the Marriott Marquis Chicago, will help students bridge the financial gap as they strive to reach their ultimate goals.

“You have to have a vision, a positive attitude,” Smith said. “You also have to go where the students are. Chancellor Lane has done a great job of recruiting locally, but this is a competitive business. SIU has to recruit against the schools in and around Chicago.”

The ball is black-tie optional and will feature a performance by R&B legend Brian McKnight. It will be hosted by ESPN radio host and SIU alumnus Marc Silverman and NBC Chicago reporter Regina Waldroup. There will be special awards for outstanding alumni and students. The other presenting sponsors of the ball are Dr. Glenn and Jo Poshard. The event is nearly sold out.

“Southern Illinois rises and falls with the university,” Smith said. “Too many times we think we’re the underdog, but SIU is staging a comeback.”

To learn more about the Saluki Ball or get your tickets, visit salukiball.siu.edu.