CARBONDALE, Ill. – Through the generosity of SIU alumnus Steve Wells, the media team within Saluki Athletics now has a modern space to enhance its storytelling and spread Saluki spirit near and far.
“I’m just thrilled. For a young guy like Luke Martin to build on what exists here … is far and away above whatever other Valley school does,” Wells, a 1974 graduate of the College of Arts and Media.
The renovation of this space was fully funded by a lead gift from Steve Wells, a 1974 graduate of the College of Arts and Media and avid Saluki fan. Through his generosity, Saluki Athletics updated the studio space and acquired much-needed media equipment, including cameras, a soundboard, monitors, microphones, and more.
“This is our portal to the world,” said Tim Leonard, director of athletics. “We need this, and Steve made it happen for us.”
The Steve Wells Production Studio is a hub for content creation for Saluki Athletics, spearheaded by Luke Martin. It is the recording location for “Inside Saluki Athletics” and coach and student-athlete interviews, and it is the go-to spot for media day and recruiting visit photos. Previously, the room was known as the “GA Bullpen” and had gone largely unused for a significant period.
“I wish you could all be here on a daily basis to see our student-athletes walk in here and see their eyes glow,” Martin said. “Southern Illinois is terrific. People give their love to you, but it’s through a process. You have to earn that trust, and how you earn that trust and appreciation is through hard work; it’s not just given to you.”
Mark Hart, a proud alumnus of Southern Illinois University, has made significant contributions to his alma mater through his unwavering support. Hart, who graduated in 1989 with a degree in Vocational Education Studies, has a deep-rooted connection to SIU that has only grown stronger over the years.
His dedication to SIU is evident in his philanthropic efforts. With a $75,000 gift, Hart established the Mark S. Hart Scholarship Endowment Fund, which supports students in the School of Education and was created in honor of his mentor, Dr. Bernard DeWolf, who played a crucial role in his journey as a Saluki.
“Dr. DeWolf was like a father figure to me. He encouraged me to stay in the program when I wanted to give up,” Hart said.
Originally from Tampa, Florida, Hart attended classes at Scott Air Force Base near Saint Louis on weekends during his time serving in the military. Despite never being a traditional on-campus student, Hart has always felt a strong bond with SIU.
“I only visited the campus once to go to the bookstore,” Hart recalled. “But I have family members nearby, and that connection has always been there.”
The Vocational Education Studies program was accessible to distance learners through SIU’s satellite campuses when Hart was enrolled in the late 1980s. This allowed non-traditional students to complete coursework on a schedule best suited to their career needs. Many students formerly enrolled through the program served in the military or worked in vocational fields.
Along with his financial contributions, Hart has been actively involved in various SIU events and initiatives. He attended the Black Alumni Group reunion and the Saluki Takeover Tour Florida, stating he was impressed by the passion and knowledge shared by the university representatives.
“The enthusiasm and tidbits of knowledge about what SIU was doing were impressive,” Hart said. “We might be in a small town, but we’re big time.”
Hart’s commitment to education extends beyond SIU. He has worked as a career specialist, helping students prepare for vocational positions, and has been involved in his local workforce board in Florida. His passion for education and helping others is a testament to the values instilled in him by his mother. Hart recalls that she would “cobble together” cash in envelopes for causes she believed in.
“She was always a charitable person, and I just want to follow in her footsteps,” he said while describing her impact on his life. “She was an educator and a humanitarian.”
Looking to the future, Hart hopes to continue supporting SIU and making a positive impact on students’ lives.
“I want to help students who have aspirations but not financial backing or opportunities,” Hart said. “Everyone should be able to do something to make this world a better place.”
Mark Hart’s legacy at SIU is one of generosity, dedication, and a deep connection to his alma mater. His contributions have made a lasting impact on the university and its students, ensuring that future generations of Salukis have the opportunities they need to succeed.
Many students share Hart’s passion, despite never stepping onto SIU’s campus. The university continues to be a beacon of education, leadership, and technological advancement for Salukis all over the country. To learn more about how your contributions can make a difference, visit siuf.org.
When Omar and Carol Winter made a $25,000 gift to Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s College of Business and Analytics 25 years ago, they hoped to spark a hands-on learning opportunity for students. Today, their vision has grown into the Saluki Student Investment Fund (SSIF), a nationally recognized, student-managed portfolio worth more than $4 million.
The fund, established in 2000, allows SIU students to manage investments on behalf of the SIU Foundation, gaining experience in equity analysis, portfolio management and teamwork. For the Winters, both proud alumni, the idea was born from Omar’s time as an adjunct professor after a distinguished career in aerospace.
“I was surprised to learn that not one student in my first business class had ever read The Wall Street Journal,” Omar recalled. “So we started from the basics, simulating stock trades and teaching the fundamentals of investing. Their enthusiasm gave me the idea that, with real money, this could be something special.”
As an adjunct professor in the late 1990s, Omar became known for mentoring students and preparing them for the professional world. “Once a week, I’d invite a student and their guest to dinner,” he said. “They wore jackets, learned business etiquette and met guest speakers from around the world. It was a different kind of classroom — one that prepared them for life.”
That “something special” became reality when the Winters provided the $25,000 seed gift to launch the SSIF. What began as a class project is now one of the nation’s premier student investment programs, giving hundreds of Salukis the skills and confidence to compete on Wall Street and beyond.
Over the years, the Winters have watched with pride as the program’s student managers navigated major market shifts — from the 2008 recession to the COVID-19 pandemic — with discipline and professionalism.
“Their success has been remarkable,” Omar said. “They managed their way through crises that challenged even seasoned investors and still achieved long-term, outstanding returns.”
The original Winter fund has grown to more than $340,000, and the SSIF overall manages more than $4 million for the SIU Foundation — an accomplishment that continues to impress both alumni and employers.
One of the fund’s first students, Tim Marlo, went on to earn his master’s and doctorate at SIU and now serves as faculty advisor for the SSIF.
“What Omar and Carol started has changed lives,” Marlo said. “It’s given our students a real-world edge and opened doors for countless careers. Their legacy is alive every day in the trading room.”
Omar said seeing Marlo return to lead the program has been one of his greatest joys. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see it come full circle,” he said.
For Omar, who graduated the first year SIU’s College of Business earned university-level accreditation, and Carol, an education major from Belleville, SIU is where their personal and professional journeys began.
The couple’s own story started on campus. Carol initially declined a friend’s invitation to go on a blind date with Omar — and so did every other girl in her residence hall.
“When my friend came back down the hall asking again, I just said, ‘Okay,’” Carol said, laughing. The date was on a Thursday, and the next day she saw Omar walking through the Student Center. “He asked if I’d buy him a Coke,” she said. “I did — and he decided not to transfer anywhere else.”
The two recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary.
As a student, Carol helped establish the Gamma Kappa chapter of Sigma Kappa and served as its first president.
“Our group of women became so close in Woody Hall that we all joined together,” she said. “That sisterhood is still alive today.”
Omar went on to a distinguished career in the aerospace industry, serving in leadership roles at Eastern Airlines and later at Sundstrand Aerospace, where he worked with clients around the globe. Their sons, Jeff and Doug, have both followed in his footsteps — Jeff recently retired after 40 years with Lockheed Martin, and Doug serves as chief commercial officer for Aircastle, a global aircraft leasing company based in Connecticut.
“SIU gave us both so much,” Carol said. “To see this program continue to thrive, and to know that it’s helping so many young people succeed, is deeply rewarding.”
Now in his 90s, Omar still looks to the future. He hopes the SSIF model will one day reach high school students across Illinois, inspiring a new generation to learn about finance and investing.
“The SSIF will long be a learning success — not just financially, but in teamwork, discipline and confidence,” he said. “It’s been a wonderful ride, and we’re proud to know it continues to grow.”
As the SSIF celebrates its 25th anniversary, the Winters’ legacy stands as a testament to the power of one idea — and one couple’s belief in the potential of Salukis.
“It was a unique way to give back,” Omar said. “And it’s made a lasting difference for more than 500 students — and counting.”
Members of the Saluki Student Investment Fund visited The Wall Street Journal/Dow Jones and Bloomberg during their April 2025 trip to New York City. For many of the 17 students, it was their first time in New York — an unforgettable opportunity made possible through the support of Omar and Carol Winter.
SSIF 25th Anniversary Celebration
The Saluki Student Investment Fund will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a dinner on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at Old Main in the SIU Student Center. Happy hour begins at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m., with a celebration program to follow. Generous sponsors include Banterra Bank, Ed and Monica Hamilton, Howard and Karri Spiegel, and Argus and Lanie Tong. Individual tickets and sponsorships are available now at siuf.org/ssif25.
Support the Next Generation of Saluki Investors
As the Saluki Student Investment Fund celebrates 25 years of success, the need for continued support is greater than ever. Gifts to the SSIF help fund essential resources such as Bloomberg terminals, student travel to national investment conferences and scholarships that make participation accessible to all students. Every contribution, no matter the size, directly impacts students by providing real-world experience, professional mentorship and the tools to compete in today’s global finance industry.
To make a gift and help strengthen this nationally recognized program, visit give.siu.edu/ssif.
CARBONDALE — The School of Chemical and Biomolecular Sciences at Southern Illinois University Carbondale honored three graduate students Friday, Sept. 19, during the annual Gower Research Award Symposium at the newly dedicated Gower Translational Research Center.
The Gower fellowship provides full stipend support for summer and a monetary award to each student. This year’s Gower Fellows, Samsul Arafin, Peshala Jayamaha Hitihamillage and Zahid Siraj, presented their findings at the symposium in the presence of Bob and Beth and their daughter Allison. The symposium also includes a poster presentation highlighting the research activity in the school,
The fellowship program, sponsored by Dr. Bob Gower for 19 years, will mark its 20th anniversary in 2026. Since its inception in 2006, the program has supported 54 Ph.D. candidates, averaging three recipients per year. A plaque in the Neckers atrium displays the names of all fellows.
Eligible applicants are Ph.D. students who have been admitted to candidacy. A faculty committee reviews applications each March, and fellows are announced in time to begin their summer research. In addition to the symposium, the event includes a poster session where graduate, undergraduate and postdoctoral students informally share their work.
“The Gower Fellowship has a direct and lasting impact on the careers and lives of its recipients. Equally, the unwavering support Bob and Beth Gower have extended to the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Sciences and to SIU is immeasurable,” said Dr. Qingfeng Ge, director and professor of the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Sciences.
The Gower Symposium highlights the impact of donor support on SIU’s research mission. In 2023, Bob and Beth Gower committed $2.5 million to name the Gower Translational Research Center, further cementing their legacy.
“The Gower family’s generosity has empowered nearly two decades of student research in chemistry and continues to strengthen SIU’s reputation as a center for discovery,” Chancellor Austin Lane said.
A West Frankfort native and two-degree SIU graduate, Dr. Gower built a distinguished career in the chemical and energy industries, serving as CEO and chairman of Lyondell Petrochemical Company and co-founding Carbon Nanotechnologies, Inc. He is now executive chairman of Ensysce Biosciences, Inc. He and his wife, Beth, have supported SIU for decades through scholarships, endowed professorships and capital projects.
SIU holds a rare distinction as one of only 21 universities nationwide — out of nearly 4,000 — recognized by the Carnegie Classification for both Research 1 status, the highest level of research activity, and as an Opportunity College and University, which honors institutions that expand access and foster social mobility. The Gowers’ commitment to student research embodies that mission, advancing discovery while ensuring SIU remains a place where students from all backgrounds can succeed.
This contribution also supports Imagine SIU 2030, the SIU Foundation’s comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, the campaign has raised more than $425 million toward its $500 million goal, making it the fifth-largest fundraising effort in Illinois higher education. In the most recent fiscal year, the SIU Foundation awarded more than $5.6 million in scholarships to 2,111 students, representing 17 percent of the student body.
Gift supports School of Music students’ travel to competitions, conferences and performances
By Britni Bateman
CARBONDALE, Ill. — What began with a passion for music on a Southern Illinois farm has come full circle for alumnus Dr. Russell C. Riepe. With a $25,000 gift, he established the Dr. Russell C. Riepe School of Music Student Travel Endowment Fund at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, giving students opportunities to perform and present their work beyond campus.
“SIU provided the foundation for a poor farm boy. I never forgot that,” Riepe said. “I told myself that if I was ever able, I would do something in return. Helping students travel is the best way I can give back.”
Riepe, who earned a bachelor’s degree in music from SIU before completing a doctorate at the Eastman School of Music, designed the fund with a clear purpose: remove the financial barriers that often keep talented students from performing and presenting beyond campus. The endowment prioritizes travel support and requires recipients to maintain a 3.5 GPA.
“Getting on a stage in front of an unfamiliar audience makes you stronger,” he said. “The repetition of success is the key. Travel gives students those chances to step up, learn and grow.”
From a cattle farm to concert halls
Riepe grew up on a cattle farm near Vienna, Illinois. His father tuned pianos when the cattle market dipped, and that side job brought a six-foot grand piano into the family home.
“I was rough and tumble on the farm,” Riepe said. “I started late at the piano, so I practiced 11 hours a day on weekends just to catch up.”
At SIU, Riepe studied with Robert Mueller and Steven Barwick, performing frequently in Shryock Auditorium, including as a high school senior. He won a statewide student competition in Chicago and shared the stage with the SIU Orchestra for Carnival of the Animals. During his senior year, he earned a prestigious Woodrow Wilson Fellowship, which strengthened his applications to top graduate programs, before ultimately pursuing advanced study at Eastman, where he won the Howard Hanson Prize for his composition Symphonic Fantasy.
A career of teaching, composing and raising standards
Riepe launched his academic career at what is now Texas State University, teaching theory, composition and performance. He rose quickly to full professor and later served as Professor and Coordinator of Music Composition Programs, Founder and Director of the Texas Mysterium for Modern Music, and Director of Graduate Music Studies.
“I liked the students and they liked me, but I was tough,” he said. “I had high standards and didn’t believe in grade inflation. I wanted their success.”
Many of his students went on to perform with renowned artists or lead music programs nationwide. Among them, James Polk, one of Riepe’s graduate students, toured the world as pianist and Hammond B3 organist for Ray Charles. Others became university professors, directors of jazz programs, and even a university president.
Music without borders
Riepe’s own career spanned the globe. He studied under the legendary pedagogue Nadia Boulanger in France and later performed or presented his compositions in more than a dozen countries, including Scotland, Poland, Japan, China, Russia, Brazil, and Switzerland. His works were performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Greenwich Village, CalArts, UC Santa Cruz and countless universities across the United States.
He was a frequent guest lecturer, consultant and composer abroad, premiering Lacrimosa for Clarinet and Piano in London with longtime collaborator David Pino, contributing to the development of the Hong Kong Electronic/Computer Music Centre, and helping expand the electronic music program at the Moscow State Conservatory, where he performed in Rachmaninoff Hall.
“Project work, getting on your feet and performing, that’s what develops musicians,” he said. “Travel opens ears and minds. It also recruits the next generation.”
Pride in SIU’s rising profile
Riepe also takes pride in SIU’s elite standing in the Carnegie Classification, which recognizes the university for very high research activity and for expanding access and social mobility.
“SIU is a rural university with a serious mission,” he said. “The R1 designation signals a culture of purpose. My professors at SIU were excellent — every bit as good as the teachers I had at Eastman. They pushed you, and they did it the right way.”
A farmer’s roots, a musician’s promise
Although music carried Riepe around the world, his attachment to Southern Illinois never faded. He maintains his family farm near Vienna and credits the land — and SIU — for shaping his character.
“I love every blade of grass on this place,” he said. “SIU gave me the seriousness of purpose I needed. Now I want students to have the experiences that launched me.”
The Dr. Russell C. Riepe School of Music Student Travel Endowment Fund will support School of Music students as they compete, perform and present research beyond campus, building the skills and confidence that come only from taking the stage.
“I hope this fund helps students show the world what SIU can do,” Riepe said. “Give them the ticket, and they’ll take it from there.”
Where Research and Opportunity Take the Stage
SIU holds a rare distinction as one of only 21 universities nationwide — out of nearly 4,000 — recognized by the Carnegie Classification for both Research 1 status, the highest level of research activity, and as an Opportunity College and University, which honors institutions that expand access and foster social mobility. This dual recognition reflects SIU’s commitment to advancing knowledge while opening doors for students from all backgrounds.
Riepe’s gift to the School of Music embodies that mission, enriching hands-on learning and inspiring future musicians to create, innovate and share their art with the world.
This contribution also supports the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign. To date, the campaign has raised more than $422 million toward its $500 million goal, making it the fifth-largest fundraising effort in Illinois higher education. In the most recent fiscal year, the SIU Foundation awarded more than $5.6 million in scholarships to 2,111 students, representing 17 percent of the student body.
Gifts like Riepe’s ensure that SIU continues to grow as a place where research, opportunity and access come together to change lives for generations to come.
Hearing Tim Griffith speak about his time at Southern Illinois University, it quickly becomes clear that he has a connection that transcends human interaction. It was at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center that he found something deeper.
His love for nature and his passion for conservation have been the driving force behind his enduring support for the university and its initiatives.
“The importance of Touch of Nature is that it’s here. It’s not some foreign place. This is home,” Griffith said.
Recently, he established a $150,000 planned gift to support Touch of Nature through the Griffith Family Endowment Fund for Camp Excellence. This generous contribution will enhance camp operations, inclusivity, and accessibility, ensuring that future generations can experience the beauty and wonder of nature.
“I have been a supporter of SIU ever since the day I graduated, really. Touch of Nature is a very special place to me. This is my cathedral,” he said.
After graduating from Southern in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in plant and soil sciences from the College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences, Griffith spent 37 years in the agricultural seed industry, working as the director of agronomic services for Agri Gold Hybrids. After retiring, he pursued his lifelong dream of becoming a wildlife biologist, dedicating himself to wildlife conservation and soil and water conservation efforts.
“I grew up in the flatlands of central Illinois and spent every waking minute outdoors if I could,” he said. “I got to come down to SIU for a visit and went out, and I immediately knew this is where I’m going. Forget all the other schools. I could be in the woods every day on campus.”
Touch of Nature provides an outdoor learning environment that impacts both SIU students and the Southern Illinois community. With support from alumni like Griffith, more opportunities will become available.
“This is his place, and you see him light up when he comes back,” said Brian Croft, executive director of Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center. “He found his passion here at SIU and Touch of Nature. It makes me realize that what we’re doing is important.”
To learn more about Touch of Nature, visit ton.siu.edu. To learn more about planned giving, visit siufgiving.org.
CARBONDALE, Ill. — SIU Credit Union will sponsor the Women in Philanthropy Luncheon during the fourth annual Saluki Women’s Weekend on Friday, Oct. 3, in the SIU Student Center Ballrooms.
For SIU Credit Union, the sponsorship reflects both its mission and its people. The organization partners with SIU in many areas across campus and the region, and its guiding principle of “People Helping People” aligns directly with the purpose of Saluki Women’s Weekend.
“SIU Credit Union is a proud partner with SIU in many areas across campus and the region,” said Melissa Kinnard, community outreach specialist at SIU Credit Union. “One of our foundational principles is giving back to our community and ‘People Helping People,’ and this conference fits that criteria perfectly.”
Kinnard said empowering women has always been a priority for SIU Credit Union, where the majority of staff and many of the organization’s leadership roles are held by women — a significant number of whom are SIU graduates.
“When women are empowered, organizations and entire communities become stronger, more resilient and more compassionate,” Kinnard said. “That’s something we see every day in our own organization. By investing in events like this, we’re not only celebrating women’s leadership; we’re living out our values of giving back, building community and making a positive impact.”
She added that Saluki Women’s Weekend provides more than recognition. Its schedule of panels, breakout sessions and networking opportunities is designed to inspire students preparing to launch their careers while also motivating peers in the region to pursue new opportunities and professional growth.
Mentorship, philanthropy and connection are central to SIU Credit Union’s support. Kinnard said volunteering time and sharing experiences with students can often be just as valuable as writing a check.
“It costs nothing to volunteer, and philanthropy is rewarding on many levels,” she said. “Mentoring and networking can open doors to students who need to know it’s okay to take a chance and put yourself out there. Establishing those connections with fellow Salukis will make each generation better, which helps SIU and our communities thrive.”
As the event continues to grow, SIU Credit Union sees it as an opportunity to strengthen the already wide reach of Saluki Nation and expand its network of empowered leaders.
The 2025 Saluki Women’s Weekend will take place Friday and Saturday, Oct. 3–4. The Women in Empowerment Conference is Friday in the SIU Student Center Ballrooms. On Saturday, the Women’s Leadership Council Mentorship Brunch will be in the Student Center, followed by the Saluki Women Tailgate Experience on Saluki Row. Registration is free. To register and view the full schedule, visit siuf.org/salukiwomen.
Diane Compardo, immediate past president of the SIU Foundation Board and a 1992 alumna, will sponsor the Women in Philanthropy Luncheon during the fourth annual Saluki Women’s Weekend through her firm, Moneta. Saluki Women’s Weekend will take place Friday, Oct. 3, in the Student Center Ballrooms.
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.
Giving back to the SIU community is a key theme of Saluki Women’s Weekend and the Women in Empowerment Conference. Compardo highlights the event as a powerful celebration of SIU’s camaraderie and a way to encourage emerging female leaders.
“The luncheon is a great platform for women who are making a difference and who are passing it on and inspiring new generations,” said Compardo. “The most energizing part of the luncheon for me is when we recognize the young women that are out there and already starting to create a path for themselves.”
Compardo values giving back to her alma mater, emphasizing her deep connection with the Saluki community. She recalls that her time at SIU changed the trajectory of her career.
“Through my own experiences, I’ve seen how powerful it can be to pay it forward to the next generation,” she said. The luncheon connects attendees with SIU alumnae, fostering personal and professional growth. It offers role models a chance to lead by example. Mentorship and networking are key aspects of the presentation, highlighting opportunities for today’s leaders to empower emerging professionals.
“It is such a great community to come together with, united by our shared bond with SIU. The conversations and friendships that form through this event are truly wonderful.” she said.
Compardo emphasizes that the conference focuses on building lasting relationships and fostering encouragement, not just recognition. She believes in leading by example and inspiring others to pay their success forward.
“I’ve always been a big believer in giving back because it creates a cycle of opportunity where today’s leaders empower the next generation of change-makers,” Compardo said. “Philanthropy can be for anyone, no matter the size of the gift, and it is gratifying to witness the effect your impact makes.”
Her professional work reflects those values as well. Moneta is one of the nation’s leading independent wealth management and financial planning firms, recognized for its legacy of innovation, service and client loyalty. Leading the largest women-founded team at Moneta, Diane has been intentional in championing women while fostering a culture of equal representation and opportunity for all, redefining what leadership looks like in a historically male-dominated industry.
The 2025 Saluki Women’s Weekend will take place Friday and Saturday, Oct. 3–4. The Women in Empowerment Conference is on Friday in the SIU Student Center Ballrooms. On Saturday, the Women’s Leadership Council Mentorship Brunch will be in the SIU Student Center, followed by the Saluki Women Tailgate Experience on Saluki Row. For a full schedule, visit siuf.org/salukiwomen.
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Calling Craig Englert a diehard fan of Saluki Women’s Basketball might be an understatement.
A familiar face at nearly every women’s basketball game, Englert recently committed to a $3 million planned gift to support the team at Southern Illinois University.
Englert attended his first game in the mid-1980s, witnessing the Salukis win their first Gateway Conference championship and watching stars like Petra Jackson dominate the court. From 1989 to 2003, he traveled with the team every fall, attending games from San Juan to Nebraska.
His passion for Saluki Athletics was sparked by his father, DuWayne Englert, who served as a zoology professor at SIU from 1963 to 1999.
“Dad went to everything,” Craig Englert said. “He convinced me to go to my first women’s basketball game over in Davies Gym, and I got hooked.”
This historic gift follows a recent $4.5 million estate commitment supporting scholarships for female student-athletes. Together, these contributions underscore the Saluki community’s dedication to advancing women’s athletics.
“Our alumni are showing how vital all sports are to the success of Saluki Athletics,” said Tim Leonard, SIU director of athletics. “A gift like this from someone like Craig Englert tells a powerful story about the value of our programs.”
Saluki From the Start
Born in Lafayette, Indiana, Englert moved to Southern Illinois as an infant when his father accepted a faculty position at SIU. He later attended the university, graduating in 1985 with bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and computer science. He was a student when the Saluki Football team won the 1983 national championship.
“I was working full time at Walmart, so I missed out on some of the student experience,” he said. “But I have no regrets. I enjoyed my time at SIU very much.”
After graduation, Englert struggled to find a job until he received an unexpected call in late 1987 with an opportunity to work for the Department of Defense.
“It was around Thanksgiving when I got a call offering me a job—without ever having done an interview,” he said. “It was in Washington, D.C. I only knew one person in that area when I moved.”
While in D.C., Englert pursued a master’s degree. One of his classmates worked for the same agency that supported a group at Scott Air Force Base in O’Fallon, Illinois.
She knew I wanted to move to that area. When they had a position open, she recommended me.” he said. “I moved back in September of 1990.”
Salukis Unleashed
Englert’s gift is part of the Salukis Unleashed initiative, which aims to generate $100 million in revenue for Saluki Athletics. The campaign will expand scholarship opportunities and enhance facilities, creating a premier experience for student-athletes, coaches, and fans.
“This gift reflects the incredible strength of the Saluki spirit,” said Saluki Women’s Basketball head coach Kelly Bond-White. “Our program is deeply grateful not only for Craig’s generous financial support, but for his unwavering passion for women’s basketball. Watching him and his brother, Kyle, cheer in the arena, standing behind our young women, is nothing short of inspiring.”
Salukis Unleashed is a key component of the university’s Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has raised more than $425 million toward its $500 million goal.
“I just want to make a difference,” Englert said. “I like helping people and making people smile. It’s my way of thanking the women’s basketball team for the years of enjoyment. I’m glad to help.”
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale made history Tuesday, Sept. 9, as more than 100 people gathered to dedicate the Charlotte Thompson Suhler School of Journalism and Advertising in the College of Arts and Media. The ceremony, held in the hallway of the journalism and advertising wing near the advisement office, honored Suhler’s generous gift to the school and marked the first time in SIU’s history that a school has been named for a woman.
“This doesn’t happen every day. In fact, this is an extraordinarily rare thing,” SIU System President Dan Mahony said. “Charlotte Thompson Suhler’s story is one of pioneering spirit, media leadership and steadfast philanthropy — a legacy that now inspires future generations of Salukis.”
SIU Chancellor Austin A. Lane said the naming ensures Suhler’s story will continue to inspire.
“Charlotte, your legacy will live on in these halls,” Lane said. “Years from now, students will walk through this space, see your name and be reminded of what is possible when Salukis dream big, work hard and give back.”
From Mount Vernon to New York media
Raised in Mount Vernon, Illinois, Suhler grew up working at the Mount Vernon Register-News, where her father and grandfather managed the paper. By age 16, she was managing advertising accounts and helping in the editorial department.
“I’m proud to be from SIU and Southern Illinois — and happy to be here today,” Suhler told the crowd.
At SIU, Suhler became one of the first women to major in advertising. She served as president of Tri Sigma sorority, helped organize the university’s first student protest and was in a headline-writing class the day students practiced fitting headlines on President John F. Kennedy’s assassination.
During her senior year, she met John Suhler, a Kansas University student, at a professional conference in St. Louis. They later married and built distinguished careers in New York media, working alongside icons such as Clay Felker, Milton Glaser, Gloria Steinem, Jimmy Breslin and Tom Wolfe.
“This big, tall, good-looking guy walked up to me in St. Louis and said, ‘Hey, I hear it’s your birthday. It’s my birthday too. How would you like to celebrate?’” Suhler recalled. “I thought it was either the best line or the worst line — but it was true. We’ve been celebrating together ever since.”
In 2009, the couple co-founded the Suhler Family Investment Office to make equity investments in select small and early-stage media companies. Mr. Suhler also founded Veronis Suhler, an investment banking firm specializing in communication properties.
A legacy of leadership
Throughout her career, Suhler broke barriers for women in media and philanthropy. She helped connect Steinem with publisher Betty Harris, a pivotal meeting that helped launch Ms. Magazine. She later co-founded the Fairfield County Community Foundation and the Fund for Women and Girls, now the largest of its kind on the East Coast.
“I had the advantage of being the advocate and spokeswoman for women,” Suhler said. “I carried on communication in the best way I could — speaking up for women in ways they sometimes could not.”
Her ties to SIU remained strong. She served on the SIU Foundation Board, participated in the Dean’s National Industry Council and created a scholarship to support women in their junior and senior years.
“This is history for our school, our college and our entire university,” said Dr. Hong Cheng, dean of the College of Arts and Media. “The first school at SIU named after a woman honors a pioneering alumna and elevates a program already known for excellence.”
“Charlotte Thompson Suhler is the perfect role model for our students and Salukis everywhere,” said Jan Thompson, director of the Charlotte Thompson Suhler School of Journalism and Advertising. “She achieved remarkable success working alongside some of the most celebrated journalists of her time, and her charitable work reflects a selfless dedication to improving American life — all from a girl who grew up in Mount Vernon, Illinois.”
Former scholarship recipient Anne Fairfield, a 1999 graduate, credited Suhler’s support with giving her crucial opportunities.
“After receiving the Charlotte Thompson Suhler and Dorothy Morris Scholarships, I was able to achieve a personal goal by working for the Daily Egyptian in my final semester,” Fairfield wrote. “Aside from the financial support, there’s an intangible value to the example set by women supporting women.”
Strengthening SIU’s mission
Suhler’s gift will advance the school’s mission, which emphasizes lab-based learning where students gain professional experience in newsrooms, advertising campaigns and media projects from their first year.
“Charlotte Thompson Suhler’s remarkable generosity and pioneering spirit embody the very best of SIU,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “Her gift not only honors her legacy as one of our trailblazing alumni but also ensures that future generations of Salukis will have the resources and inspiration to pursue their own bold paths in journalism and advertising.”
SIU is one of only 21 universities nationwide — out of nearly 4,000 — recognized by the Carnegie Classification as both a Research 1 institution and an Opportunity University. Suhler’s gift reflects that dual mission, strengthening opportunities for students to learn, create and lead in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
The dedication also supports Imagine SIU 2030, the university’s comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, more than $422 million has been raised toward the $500 million goal.
The Steve Wells Production Studio is a hub for content creation for Saluki Athletics, spearheaded by Luke Martin. It is the recording location for “Inside Saluki Athletics” and coach and student-athlete interviews, and it is the go-to spot for media day and recruiting visit photos. Previously, the room was known as the “GA Bullpen” and had gone largely unused for a significant period.
By Britni Bateman
That “something special” became reality when the Winters provided the $25,000 seed gift to launch the SSIF. What began as a class project is now one of the nation’s premier student investment programs, giving hundreds of Salukis the skills and confidence to compete on Wall Street and beyond.
“The Gower Fellowship has a direct and lasting impact on the careers and lives of its recipients. Equally, the unwavering support Bob and Beth Gower have extended to the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Sciences and to SIU is immeasurable,” said Dr. Qingfeng Ge, director and professor of the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Sciences.
By Ava Steffens
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale made history Tuesday, Sept. 9, as more than 100 people gathered to dedicate the Charlotte Thompson Suhler School of Journalism and Advertising in the College of Arts and Media. The ceremony, held in the hallway of the journalism and advertising wing near the advisement office, honored Suhler’s generous gift to the school and marked the first time in SIU’s history that a school has been named for a woman.