Category Archives: Donor Stories

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kupec also emphasized the project’s funding model.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU, Uncategorized

From Saluki Sweethearts to Successful Entrepreneurs

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Bob and Pat England give back to the place where their story began

Bob and Pat England portrait

By Britni Bateman

More than 50 years after meeting at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Bob and Pat England are giving back to the place where their story began.

Through a $250,000 gift, the couple has established the England Student Center Lounge, a gathering space for students on the fourth floor of the SIU Student Center. Their gift will support maintenance and ongoing enhancements, ensuring the space serves generations of Salukis.

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

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

A ribbon-cutting ceremony dedicating the England Student Center Lounge will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026, in the SIU Student Center. Remarks are scheduled for 11:15 a.m.

A Saluki education that opened doors

Bob England arrived at SIU from Decatur, Illinois, on a football scholarship in the late 1960s. Like many first-generation college students, the transition to college life wasn’t easy at first.

He struggled academically before realizing that success at SIU required a new level of commitment.

“I figured out pretty quickly that I needed to focus,” Bob said. “Once I did, everything changed.”

Bob found his place in the university’s industrial technology program, which provided hands-on training in fields ranging from engineering and mathematics to foundry work and construction methods.

“It gave me exposure to a little bit of everything,” he said. “I understood enough about a lot of subjects that I could talk with anyone about what they were doing.”

That versatility became a defining strength throughout his career.

After graduating in 1969, Bob began working in the steel industry before eventually becoming an entrepreneur.

Pat and Bob England are standing together at the front of a church on their wedding day, wearing formal wedding attire, with floral arrangements, candles, and a cross visible in the background.A phone call that changed everything

While Bob’s academic path shaped his career, a simple phone call shaped his life.

In 1969, Bob called a friend living in Steagall Hall on campus, hoping to find a date for a party that weekend. As fate would have it, Pat, who is originally from Carmi, Illinois, happened to be walking down the hallway when the friend answered the phone and handed her the receiver.

The conversation led to their first meeting, which included a drive through Carbondale during a rainstorm in Bob’s red 1967 Mustang and a stop for coffee.

The connection was immediate.

“Before long we were inseparable,” Pat said.

The couple married just months later and have now been together for 57 years.

N-Line Traffic Maintenance logo - Black sign with reflective red-and-white diagonal stripes forming a large letter “N,” the words “N-Line” and “Traffic Maintenance,” and a stylized roadway graphic along the bottom.Building a family business

After starting their careers, Bob and Pat eventually moved to Texas, where they built a business with their two sons.

What began as a small operation grew into N-Line Traffic Maintenance, a company specializing in roadway striping and traffic safety.

The company expanded rapidly and eventually employed more than 500 people across Texas before the family sold the business after 24 years.

Throughout its growth, the Englands focused on work that mattered.

“Paint on a road might not seem like much,” Pat said. “But those lines keep people in their lanes and keep them safe.”

The company created jobs and helped protect workers and drivers on highways and construction sites.

“It was about providing opportunities for people,” Bob said.

Memories that never faded

Although the Englands eventually settled in Jupiter, Florida, and rarely returned to campus, their memories of SIU never faded.

They remember walking through Thompson Woods between classes and spending time in the student center with friends.

One memory still makes them smile.

Students would gather in the student center lounge to watch the television show Dark Shadows, a daily ritual that brought people together.

“You don’t have to follow every game or come back every year to know how important a place was in your life,” Bob said. “We never forgot what SIU meant to us.”

Creating a place for connection

Curved modular lounge seating in the modern England Student Center Lounge, featuring gray upholstered sections with a red accent band and patterned fabric backs, arranged around three small round ottomans on a carpeted floor, with additional seating and tables visible in the background near large windows.

Their connection to campus resurfaced when they learned about an effort led by the Undergraduate Student Government to establish a dedicated student lounge in the SIU Student Center.

The idea began with Penny Bordewick, who campaigned for the creation of a student gathering space while serving as USG president. She believed students needed a welcoming place to study, collaborate and connect outside the classroom.

The initiative continued under Lydia Phelps, the next USG president, who carried forward the promise and helped move the project toward reality.

For Pat England, the vision behind the project felt especially meaningful. During her career in student life at Texas A&M University, she worked closely with students and saw firsthand how campus spaces and supportive leadership can help students pursue their ideas and ambitions. That experience deepened her appreciation for student-led initiatives like the effort at SIU.

When the Englands learned about the project, the idea resonated immediately.

The space itself reflects that student-driven vision. Located on the fourth floor of the Student Center, the lounge is transforming a once underutilized area, formerly home to student radio station WIDB, into a vibrant, multifunctional hub designed by students for students.

Plans for the space include flexible seating areas for conversation and collaboration, a large television for watch parties, recreational games and a jukebox, along with a feature wall honoring WIDB’s legacy. Bar-style seating overlooking Thompson Woods will provide a scenic place for students to gather, while upgraded sound and technology will support events and daily use.

Additional spaces will support a wide range of student needs, including study and small-group collaboration rooms with whiteboards and charging stations, a conference room for Registered Student Organization meetings, a podcast room inspired by WIDB’s history, and a kitchenette for convenience. The lounge will also include a dedicated lactation room, reinforcing the university’s commitment to supporting all students.

Together, these elements create a space that will be used daily by hundreds of students, from commuters to those living on campus, for studying, meetings and connecting between classes.

“We want students to have a place where they can meet, share ideas and relax,” Pat said. “College isn’t only about classes. It’s also about the relationships you build along the way.”

A legacy of opportunity

Looking back, the Englands say their story would not have unfolded the same way without SIU.

The university gave Bob the education that launched his career and gave both of them the place where their life together began.

“If this space helps students come together and make a difference, then we’re happy to be part of that,” Bob said.

And perhaps, they say with a smile, the England Student Center Lounge will even help spark a few new Saluki love stories.

Supporting connection and opportunity for future Salukis

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is one of only 21 universities nationwide to hold both Carnegie Research 1 (R1) and Opportunity University designations, reflecting its strength in high-level research and its commitment to expanding access and outcomes for students from all backgrounds.

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

Their gift also supports the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has approximately 2½ years remaining. To date, the campaign has raised more than $464 million toward its $500 million goal, making it the fifth-largest fundraising effort in Illinois higher education.

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

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

Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

Dr. Mark and Susan Ashley: Building Centre for Neuro Skills and Giving Back to SIU

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Dr. Mark Ashley and Susan Ashley stand together outside the historic Fox Theater beneath a marquee reading “Centre for Neuro Skills Celebrates 40 Yrs of Excellence,” marking the organization’s milestone anniversary.
Dr. Mark Ashley and Susan Ashley stand together outside the historic Fox Theater beneath a marquee reading “Centre for Neuro Skills Celebrates 40 Yrs of Excellence,” marking the organization’s milestone anniversary.

By Britni Bateman

Dr. Mark and Susan Ashley came to Southern Illinois University as graduate students with a shared interest in speech pathology and left with an education that shaped both their careers and their commitment to giving back.

That commitment now extends far beyond Carbondale. The Ashleys are the founders of Centre for Neuro Skills, a nationally recognized provider of post-acute brain injury rehabilitation. Through their business success and philanthropy, they continue to strengthen SIU by supporting faculty excellence, student opportunity, and innovation in the field that launched their careers.

“We were happy with our experience at SIU,” Susan Ashley said. “I feel like I got a great education.”

From graduate students to innovators

Mark and Susan Ashley in the late 1980s.
Mark and Susan Ashley in the late 1980s.

The Ashleys met as children, dated in high school, and married after their first year of college. Both pursued undergraduate studies at the State University of New York at Geneseo before entering graduate programs to prepare for careers in speech pathology.

A visit to Carbondale proved pivotal.

Faculty members in SIU’s Communication Disorders and Sciences program welcomed them, introduced them to hands-on research, and demonstrated how interdisciplinary learning could expand their impact. Dr. Mark Ashley said the environment encouraged curiosity beyond a single discipline and supported collaboration across departments.

“That kind of thinking stays with you,” he said.

Graduate school was demanding. The Ashleys carried heavy course loads and worked multiple jobs to finish their master’s degrees in four semesters.

“We didn’t have a lot of money,” Dr. Mark Ashley said. “If we weren’t in school, we were working.”

Those years built both professional discipline and a lasting appreciation for the mentors who invested time and resources in them.

A business rooted in purpose

Dr. Mark Ashley’s professional path was shaped by personal experience. His brother suffered a severe brain injury while serving in the Navy, exposing him early to the long-term needs of individuals and families affected by neurologic injury.

While studying at SIU, Dr. Mark Ashley helped faculty members launch an experimental brain injury program in Carbondale. The work challenged prevailing assumptions in the field, particularly the belief that recovery plateaued after six months.

“The textbooks said that six months was it,” he said. “We’ve disproven that a multitude of times.”

After graduating in 1978, the Ashleys moved to California, where an unexpected career shift led Dr. Mark Ashley into private practice. Within a few years, he and his colleagues opened the first Centre for Neuro Skills facility in Bakersfield.

They started with a small building, modest staff, and personal loans. What they had, Dr. Mark Ashley said, was conviction.

“I didn’t believe we would fail,” he said. “I didn’t even think about failing.”

Dr. Mark Ashley and Susan Ashley cut a ribbon during the 2012 grand opening of the Centre for Neuro Skills San Francisco location, surrounded by employees and supporters gathered for the celebration.
Dr. Mark Ashley and Susan Ashley cut a ribbon during the 2012 grand opening of the Centre for Neuro Skills San Francisco location, surrounded by employees and supporters gathered for the celebration.

Today, Centre for Neuro Skills operates post-acute brain injury rehabilitation programs in seven locations across California and Texas, including Bakersfield, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin. The organization employs about 1,000 people and serves hundreds of patients each year through highly structured treatment models that integrate therapy into daily living.

Susan Ashley said the work remains deeply meaningful.

“Seeing what someone couldn’t do at the beginning and what they can do later never gets old,” she said.

Investing back in SIU

The Ashleys’ success has translated into significant philanthropic impact at Southern, particularly through their support of faculty and research in Communication Disorders and Sciences.

They established the Dr. Mark and Susan Ashley Endowed Professorship of Audiology and the Dr. Mark and Susan Ashley Endowed Professorship of Speech Pathology, along with the Mark and Susan Ashley Professorship in Communication Disorders and Sciences Endowment Fund.

The professorship supports tenured or tenure-track faculty in the Communication Disorders and Sciences Program within the College of Health and Human Sciences.

Income from the endowment has been used to strengthen faculty recruitment and retention while advancing research, clinical training, and student support through graduate assistantships, professional travel, equipment upgrades, and other academic needs. Appointments are for five-year terms and may be renewed.

Since its establishment, the Mark and Susan Ashley Endowed Professorship has played a transformative role in the program. Endowment support has enabled major upgrades to the Communication Disorders and Sciences Lab and Student Resource Hub, funded research assistantships, and supported faculty participation in regional, national, and international conferences. Faculty research supported by the endowment spans areas such as augmentative and alternative communication in autism, simulation-based training for speech-language pathologists, and interprofessional collaboration in health sciences.

Dr. Valerie Boyer, a recipient of the Ashley Endowed Professorship, said the support has had a direct and lasting impact on both faculty and students.

“This endowment has allowed us to pursue research and professional development opportunities that simply would not have been possible otherwise,” Boyer said. “It strengthens our ability to train future clinicians while contributing meaningful scholarship to the field.”

Dr. Maria Claudia Franca, also an endowed professor, said the investment has elevated the program’s national and international engagement.

“The Ashley Endowed Professorship has expanded our capacity to collaborate, present, and publish at the highest levels,” Franca said. “It has enhanced our teaching, advanced our research, and enriched the student experience in tangible ways.”

Dr. Mark Ashley said supporting faculty was a deliberate choice rooted in his own graduate school experience.

“Professors constantly face resource limitations,” he said. “When they want to take on a project, it can be frustrating and limiting for students. We wanted to help relieve some of that pressure.”

The Ashleys also support students through scholarships, remembering firsthand the strain of balancing coursework with multiple jobs.

“We made it,” Dr. Mark Ashley said. “But we had friends who didn’t have the same opportunities. If we can help a little, we should.”

A legacy of impact

Dr. Mark Ashley earned a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Geneseo in secondary education and speech pathology and audiology, followed by a master’s degree in speech pathology from SIU. He has received honorary degrees from both institutions. Susan Ashley also earned a master’s degree from SIU.

Their connection to SIU and Centre for Neuro Skills continues into the next generation. Their son, Dr. Matthew Ashley, and daughter-in-law, Dr. Jessica Ashley, both SIU Carbondale graduates who met as students, now serve in leadership roles at Centre for Neuro Skills. Dr. Matthew Ashley is the organization’s chief medical officer, and Dr. Jessica Ashley is a neuroscientist. Another son, Benjamin Ashley, serves as associate vice president of marketing and communications.

The Ashleys view their family’s involvement and their philanthropic support of SIU as part of the same commitment to advancing brain injury rehabilitation and investing in people.

“This is about continuing the work,” Dr. Mark Ashley said. “Helping people, supporting those who teach, and making sure the next generation has the resources to push the field forward.”

From graduate students in Carbondale to leaders in brain injury rehabilitation, the Ashleys’ story reflects the lasting impact of an SIU education and the power of giving back to the institution that helped make it possible.

An institution defined by access and excellence

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is one of only 21 universities nationwide to hold both Carnegie Research 1 (R1) and Opportunity University designations, reflecting its strength in high-level research and its commitment to expanding access and outcomes for students from all backgrounds. As SIU continues to advance as a national research institution focused on student success, the Ashleys’ investment helps ensure the university remains a place where education, access, and impact move forward together.

Donor Stories, Events & Engagement, Higher Education, Philanthropic Women, SIU

Dr. Charlotte West helped shape women’s athletics at SIU and beyond

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Dr. Charlotte West headshot

By Britni Bateman

Dr. Charlotte West built a career on one unwavering belief: women deserve the same opportunity to compete, learn and lead as anyone else.

Surrounded by memories from a 42-year career at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, West reflected on the steady, determined work that helped transform women’s athletics at SIU from a modest program into a nationally recognized department with a $1 million budget supporting 11 varsity sports.

“It was an evolution,” West said. “What it is, is one step at a time.”

A reluctant arrival that became a calling

West came to Carbondale to interview for a position in women’s physical education after completing graduate study at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. At the time, women’s athletics operated within the physical education department, and SIU sought a faculty member who could teach multiple sports and activities.

She was not convinced Southern Illinois would become home.

On the drive out of town after her interview, she assumed she would never return.

“I said goodbye, Carbondale, I won’t see you again,” West said.

Then Dorothy Davies, a leader in SIU’s women’s athletics program and the namesake of Davies Gymnasium, called to offer her the position. West left her dorm room so she would not have to answer the phone, but Davies tracked her down.

“I said, OK, I’d come,” West said. “And what a wonderful decision because I had 42 years there.”

Dr. Charlotte West sits on wooden gym bleachers holding a basketball, smiling at the camera. She wears a white shirt and dark vest with an SIU logo. A volleyball, baseball bat and glove rest beside her, symbolizing the multiple sports she coached and supported during her career in women’s athletics.

Building something from the ground up

West entered the profession at a time when women had limited access to organized competition. She had played sports growing up in St. Petersburg, Florida, but when she enrolled at Florida State University, women did not compete at the intercollegiate level.

“What a shock when I went to Florida State University that women couldn’t compete,” she said. “There was nothing.”

At SIU, West taught physical education and coached softball, basketball, volleyball and golf. She started the volleyball program and later handed it to JoAnne Thorpe, who led the team to a national championship appearance. West coached basketball during a period when women’s athletics began to expand rapidly.

In those early years, women’s teams competed in “sports days,” large, one-day events that required careful coordination and creativity. There were few trained officials, so West helped teach athletes to serve as scorekeepers, timers and referees.

“We started training them to be officials, scorekeepers and timers,” she said. “That taught them respect.”

Opportunities were limited, but appreciation ran deep. When SIU received an invitation to compete in one of the first national women’s basketball championships, the program could afford only two cars for the trip to Pennsylvania. To make the trip possible, coaches had already reduced the roster and planned to cut additional players simply to fit everyone into the vehicles.

“The team asked if they could talk to us seriously,” West said. “They said they would ride four in the back seat if we wouldn’t cut anybody anymore.”

West agreed. They packed the cars, squeezed four players into each back seat and made the long drive east.

“We drove all the way to Pennsylvania and not one complaint the whole trip,” she said. “They were so thrilled to be able to go.”

Under her leadership as both coach and administrator, SIU women’s athletics grew into a nationally respected program. What began with limited funding and part-time coaching assignments developed into a structured department with 11 varsity sports and a $1 million budget.

Today, the programs she helped establish continue to thrive. Volleyball, women’s basketball and softball have combined for 15 conference championships and 20 NCAA tournament appearances, strengthening the powerhouse tradition West helped build and sustaining the competitive standard she set decades ago.

A national voice for equity

West’s influence extended beyond campus through her leadership with the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women, formed in 1971. She served as commissioner of national championships and later as president, helping guide the organization during a pivotal era that coincided with the passage of Title IX in 1972.

“If I have given one lecture on Title IX, I have easily given 100,” West said.

She emphasized that Title IX reaches far beyond athletics.

“People think of it as just athletics, but it’s all of education,” she said.

Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity that receives federal funding. That includes athletics, but also admissions, academic programs, housing, financial aid, hiring practices and protections against sexual harassment and assault. The law requires institutions to provide equitable opportunities and resources based on their student population.

West said the law does not advantage one group over another. Instead, it protects fairness for all students.

“It requires schools to give women an equal opportunity in all of education,” West said. “And where men have not had opportunity, it protects them too.”

West met with federal officials, testified before congressional committees and worked alongside national advocates to protect and enforce the law. She later served on NCAA councils after the organization assumed control of women’s championships, where she championed student welfare, academic standards and institutional accountability.

The work was not without resistance. West said she faced criticism and threats for speaking out.

“But I believed in what we were doing,” she said.

Changing lives through scholarships

For West, the most meaningful outcomes were personal. She saw firsthand how athletic scholarships opened doors for women who might not otherwise attend college.

“We had some athletes that never could have gotten to college if we hadn’t offered them a scholarship,” she said.

She remembers visiting recruits in challenging circumstances and understanding how transformative an opportunity at SIU could be.

“The opportunity for these females that would not have had an opportunity, I think is most important,” West said.

That belief continues to guide her philanthropy. West regularly gives back to support Saluki athletic scholarships, ensuring future student-athletes receive the same access she fought to secure.

“As soon as I was able, I certainly wanted to give to SIU and help the program in any way I could,” she said.

The stadium that tells a story

In 1998, SIU honored West’s legacy by naming the softball stadium after her. The tribute reflects decades of leadership, mentorship and national influence.

“I was so happy that they named the softball stadium after me,” West said. “It meant a lot.”

The naming was supported by donors, colleagues and former student-athletes whose lives she influenced. A commemorative plaque inside the stadium features her image and lists individuals who contributed to the project, creating a permanent record of shared investment in women’s athletics.

When West returns to campus, she makes a point to pause there.

“I still like to enter the stadium and look at the scroll there,” she said, “that said all the people that had donated.”

For West, the stadium is not about personal recognition. It stands as a reminder of a community that chose to invest in women’s athletics and in the generations of student-athletes who would follow.

A legacy still unfolding

West remains proud of the progress she helped shape. She continues to emphasize the educational purpose of athletics and the importance of gratitude.

“One thing I hope I always taught was to appreciate the opportunity,” she said.

Through her work as coach, administrator, national advocate and donor, West helped reshape the landscape of women’s collegiate athletics at SIU and beyond. The scoreboard may not capture her full impact, but the scholarships awarded, the programs sustained and the stadium that bears her name tell a lasting story of leadership and persistence.

Learn how you can support Saluki Athletics by visiting give.siu.edu/athletics.

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

Deaconess Illinois, SIU formalize partnership to support healthcare workforce and student wellbeing

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SIU Chancellor Austin A. Lane, seated left, and William Davis, Deaconess Illinois Region President, sign partnership agreements at a table draped with an SIU College of Health and Human Sciences tablecloth Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, at Deaconess Illinois Medical Center in Marion. Leaders and team members from Deaconess Illinois and the college stand behind them in front of a Deaconess Illinois backdrop.
SIU Chancellor Austin A. Lane, seated left, and William Davis, Deaconess Illinois Region President, sign partnership agreements Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, at Deaconess Illinois Medical Center in Marion. The agreements establish the Deaconess Illinois Scholars Program, the Deaconess Illinois Serenity Room and the Deaconess Illinois Wellness Suite in collaboration with SIU’s College of Health and Human Sciences. Leaders and team members from Deaconess Illinois and the college stand behind them.

MARION, Ill. — Leaders from Deaconess Illinois Medical Center and Southern Illinois University Carbondale gathered Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, at Deaconess Illinois in Marion to sign a series of agreements establishing the Deaconess Illinois Scholars Program, the Deaconess Illinois Serenity Room and the Deaconess Illinois Wellness Suite.

The partnership expands support for students in SIU’s College of Health and Human Sciences and strengthens the regional healthcare workforce pipeline.

Chancellor Austin A. Lane said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to student success and regional impact.

“Partnerships are a major pillar of our Imagine 2030 strategic plan,” Lane said. “This collaboration represents exactly what public higher education should look like. When healthcare leaders and universities work together, we create real pathways for students to succeed and for communities to thrive. Deaconess Illinois is investing not only in scholarships and spaces, but in the future of healthcare access across southern Illinois.”

The Deaconess Illinois Scholars Program will provide tuition support for students pursuing degrees in nursing, radiological sciences and accelerated master’s of social work. The program prioritizes students from southern Illinois who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership potential and a commitment to serving their communities.

Through a competitive application process, selected scholars will receive mentorship from Deaconess Illinois clinicians and access to shadowing, clinical placements and professional development opportunities. As graduation approaches, scholars will receive priority consideration for employment within the Deaconess Illinois system.

“Our partnership with Southern Illinois University Carbondale reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the future of healthcare in our region,” said William Davis, Deaconess Illinois Region President. “By investing in scholarships for students pursuing critical healthcare fields, we are helping build a sustainable workforce while creating opportunities for local talent to learn, grow and serve close to home.”

Dr. Robert Morgan, dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences, said the initiative strengthens both academic preparation and workforce readiness.

“Our students are preparing for professions that demand both technical excellence and emotional resilience,” Morgan said. “Through the Deaconess Illinois Scholars Program and the new wellness spaces, we are supporting them academically, clinically and personally. This partnership strengthens our ability to prepare compassionate, highly skilled professionals who will serve communities across southern Illinois.”

Katie Warren, Regional Director of Imaging, Peri-Operative Services and Central Scheduling for Deaconess Illinois, said the scholarship investment supports critical healthcare access.

“Imaging is a critical access service that plays a vital role in early diagnosis, timely treatment and quality patient outcomes,” Warren said. “Supporting students through this scholarship partnership helps ensure we have skilled professionals ready to meet the growing needs of our communities, especially in rural and underserved areas.”

In addition to scholarship support, the agreements include the creation of the Deaconess Illinois Serenity Room in Mae Smith Hall and the Deaconess Illinois Wellness Suite in the new Community Care and Education Center. The spaces will serve students in the College of Health and Human Sciences by providing a dedicated environment for stress management, mindfulness and restorative wellbeing.

The serenity room will feature specialized stress-management equipment, calming design elements and programming intended to help students balance the demands of rigorous academic and clinical preparation. All CHHS students residing in Mae Smith Hall will have access to the space.

The wellness suite in the Community Care and Education Center will be a space for our CHHS faculty and students to provide free community resources to our rural and underserved populations such as nutrition education, chronic disease prevention, preventative health screenings, and referral support.

Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation, said the collaboration demonstrates the power of regional partnerships.

“This collaboration demonstrates how philanthropy and partnership can align workforce needs with student opportunity,” Kupec said. “Deaconess Illinois is making a strategic investment in talent development, ensuring students have the support, mentorship and professional connections they need to launch meaningful careers right here in our region.”

Together, the Deaconess Illinois Scholars Program and the new wellness spaces create a pathway from tuition support and mentorship to clinical experience and career opportunity, reinforcing a shared goal: where local talent becomes local care.

The Deaconess Illinois investment advances the goals of SIU’s Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has a goal of $500 million. To date, the SIU Foundation has raised more than $460 million, making Imagine SIU 2030 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 university’s student body.

The initiative also reinforces SIU’s standing as one of just 21 institutions nationwide designated as both a Research 1 university and an Opportunity University under the Carnegie Classification. By combining high-level research activity with a commitment to access and upward mobility, SIU continues to demonstrate that excellence and opportunity can go hand in hand.

Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

Raymond Hankins turns a lifetime of service into opportunity for future Salukis

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Raymond and Lisa Hankins stand together smiling indoors, dressed in formal attire, in front of a tall autumn floral arrangement with red and orange leaves.

By Britni Bateman

For Raymond Hankins, giving back to Southern Illinois University Carbondale is not about recognition. It is about creating opportunity and carrying forward a lifetime commitment to service.

A 2004 graduate of SIU’s Workforce Education and Development program, Hankins has included SIU in his estate plans to support students pursuing higher education, particularly veterans and those from marginalized and disadvantaged communities. His gift reflects values shaped by decades of service, strong family influence and a belief that education can change the trajectory of a life.

“An opportunity is all a young person with a strong desire requires,” Hankins said. “With my contribution, I hope to help enable the next generation.”

Hankins’ connection to Southern Illinois University Carbondale began far from the main campus. Originally from Elizabeth, New Jersey, he joined the U.S. Air Force just after his 18th birthday and served for 21 years. While stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, he completed his undergraduate degree through SIU’s military base program.

Though he has never visited the Carbondale campus, Hankins said the experience left a lasting impression.

“It was such a memorable experience earning my undergraduate degree that I want others to have that same opportunity,” he said.

During his Air Force career, Hankins worked in air base defense, a field focused on protecting people and critical resources. Those in the profession are often known as Peacekeepers, a title he says continues to define his life’s work beyond military service.

Education played a pivotal role in that journey. One of Hankins’ most meaningful academic moments came during his capstone project, when he developed promotion exams for enlisted Air Force members seeking advancement from E-5 to E-7.

“Putting that experience in writing and having it represent everything I learned at SIU was powerful,” Hankins said. “When Dr. Reynolds rated my submission as exceptional, it confirmed the value of that education.”

Hankins describes himself as a lifelong learner and credits education with expanding both his professional opportunities and his ability to contribute to society. That belief now guides his philanthropy.

“Each one teach one is something I believe in,” he said. “It takes a village to raise a child. By leaving part of my estate to SIU, I can help ensure students have support when they need it most.”

His decision to give was also influenced by those closest to him. His wife, Lisa McCurdy, a trust and estates attorney, encouraged intentional giving that reflects personal values. His Air Force family instilled principles of integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do. His mother, Mary Hankins, along with his sister Angie and brother Anthony, modeled generosity through their own commitment to helping the next generation.

As a Black alumnus, Hankins sees his support as both personal and purposeful.

“When you look at how small the percentage of Black students has remained over time, it should light a fire,” he said. “It only takes one of us to make a difference, but when we multiply our efforts, we become powerful.”

Hankins hopes his legacy will ease financial burdens for students navigating tuition, books, housing and everyday necessities, allowing them to focus on their education and their dreams.

To fellow alumni considering giving back, his message is simple.

“Why not?” Hankins said. “Many of us can point to a moment when our SIU education opened a door. To pass that on to a student is huge. Be that diamond for someone else.”

Despite the distance, Hankins said his pride in SIU is immeasurable.

“Knowing every day that I am a Saluki is one of my life’s treasures,” he said.

Learn how you can make an impact at siuf.org/give.

Donor Stories, Events & Engagement

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity at SIU supports students’ futures through scholarship fund

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Photo of Edward Lance and Frankie Stewart
Edward Lance and Francesca Stewart

By Ava Steffens

The Iota Phi Theta Fraternity at Southern Illinois University is investing in students’ futures through the Iota 5-Star Scholarship, a fund created to support students facing financial barriers as they pursue their degrees.

The scholarship, established through the fraternity’s 50-For-50 Campaign, recently awarded its first recipient, SIU junior Francesca “Frankie” Stewart. The campaign marks 50 years of the fraternity’s impact with a goal of raising $50,000 to support students in their academic journeys.

“The purpose is to support students, usually those from underrepresented communities, in some of the financial gaps they may have,” said Edward “Ed” Lance, a 1987 SIU graduate, corporate attorney and longtime fraternity member. “The goal is to find students who are excelling but who also have that need.”

Lance’s commitment to the scholarship is shaped by his own Saluki journey, which began unexpectedly in fall 1981. As part of a group of Chicago public high school football players invited to take an ACT exam at SIU, Lance earned one of the highest scores among his teammates. Program coordinators invited him to enroll that same semester.

With only two days between the exam and the start of the semester, Lance arrived in Carbondale with a small duffel bag. The last-minute change left him spending his first night at the Carbondale train station.

“I like to tell that story, that I was unhoused that first night here,” he said. “But my cousin, who went to SIU, called a friend of his, and she let me sleep on her couch. That same Monday, I was enrolled.”

Once enrolled, Lance moved into Neely Hall with his cousin, easing his sudden transition. Through ROTC participation and scholarship support, he was able to afford his education.

During his second year at SIU, Lance pledged Iota Phi Theta, then a newly established organization on campus. He credits the fraternity as a defining part of his experience, noting that members were encouraged to engage in campus life and leadership while expanding the chapter’s presence through grants and outreach.

Lance went on to serve in leadership roles with the Inter-Fraternity Council and the Black Affairs Council. He later represented students on the Undergraduate Student Government as a student senator and president pro tempore of the senate, becoming the first Black male student trustee on the SIU Board of Trustees during his final year.

“I have friendships and fraternal bonds that go back 43 years,” he said. “I do my best to uphold the reputation and integrity of all the brothers before me in Carbondale, even all these years later.”

Decades after Lance’s time at SIU, that dedication continues through the Iota 5-Star Scholarship. In addition to providing financial support, the program emphasizes financial literacy and preparation for life after college. A long-term goal includes providing scholarship funds that can be deposited into a savings account while recipients are still enrolled.

Part of Lance’s motivation comes from personal experience. During his time at SIU, a $400 bursar gap forced him to pause his education for a semester.

“Oftentimes, if you sit out for a semester and go home, you don’t come back,” he said.

Encouraged by roommates, including a fraternity brother, Lance stayed in Carbondale, worked to save money and returned to complete his degree.

“Gratitude inspires me to give back,” he said. “I live by a code that you must give more than you receive to live a full life.”

The scholarship’s impact was on full display during the second annual fundraiser, held on New Year’s Eve in downtown Chicago at the Residence Inn by Marriott. More than 150 people attended the event, which featured dinner and a live performance, with all proceeds supporting the Iota 5-Star Scholarship.

This year’s recipient, Stewart, is an SIU junior from Chicago majoring in social work.

“Frankie represents the passion and soul of the mission,” Lance said. “When she spoke at the 50-For-50 Banquet, she captivated the audience. Like many of us from the south and west sides, she came to Carbondale for a purpose.”

Stewart said she initially hesitated to pursue a four-year degree due to finances and family beliefs. She began her education at Malcolm X College before realizing her goals aligned more closely with attending a university.

“I’m the third person in my entire family attending college, and I did it on my own,” Stewart said. “It was difficult, but I persevered.”

Now vice president of the Dynasty Dance Company, Stewart balances campus involvement with a strong academic focus. She plans to work as a case manager and field worker for the Department of Children and Family Services while pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in social work.

“Someone was there to help me, so I want to be that person who helps someone else,” she said.

Stewart said she did not directly apply for the Iota 5-Star Scholarship but was selected after professors and mentors recommended her. When she received the award notification while at her student job, she was ecstatic.

“It’s motivating when you know someone believes in you,” she said. “A lot of people don’t get this opportunity.”

The scholarship allows Stewart to limit student loan borrowing and focus on her future.

“It is not about what you go through. It is about how you get through it and how you recover,” she said.

Through fraternity leadership, donor support and lived experience, Iota Phi Theta continues to open doors for students like Stewart and strengthen access and opportunity at SIU.

To support the Iota 5-Star Scholarship, visit siuf.org/iota.

Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

$2.25 million estate gift will strengthen journalism and advertising programs and student experiences

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Roy Franke headshot
Roy Franke

CARBONDALE, Ill. — A $2.25 million estate gift from alumnus Roy D. Franke will support every corner of Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Charlotte Thompson Suhler School of Journalism and Advertising, sustaining hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for careers in journalism, advertising and media.

The gift ranks among the largest private contributions in the school’s history. Franke, who earned his bachelor’s degree from SIU in 1966, designated the gift through his estate to support the school within the College of Arts and Media.

“This amazing and wonderful gift will help support our entire school,” said Jan Thompson, director of the Charlotte Thompson Suhler School of Journalism and Advertising. “The faculty will benefit from this gift, but also our students. The gift will help sustain our professional labs, including The Daily Egyptian, AdLab, River Region, Saluki Sports View, The Gateway Journal, the Saluki Local Reporting Lab and weekend photojournalism workshops.”

The school anchors its curriculum in a network of professional, student-run labs that provide hands-on experience across journalism, advertising and media. Students produce real-world work through the Saluki AdLab, a student-operated advertising agency serving local, regional and national clients; The Daily Egyptian, a nationally recognized student newspaper and digital newsroom founded in 1916; Saluki Sports View, an award-winning student-produced television program; and River Region Evening Edition, a live WSIU-TV newscast in which students perform every role of a professional newsroom. Through the Saluki Local Reporting Lab, students report alongside faculty and professional journalists on underserved communities across downstate Illinois. Students and faculty also contribute to the Gateway Journalism Review, one of only two journalism review publications in the nation, and participate in immersive weekend photojournalism workshops and Pulitzer Center–supported reporting projects across the United States and around the world.

“All these labs prepare our students for the real professional world of journalism and advertising,” Thompson said. “These labs are what make the Charlotte Thompson Suhler School of Journalism and Advertising unique from other programs.”

“We are deeply moved by this extraordinary act of generosity and profoundly grateful for the trust Mr. Roy Franke placed in CAM’s Charlotte Thompson Suhler School of Journalism and Advertising,” said Hong Cheng, dean of the College of Arts and Media. “This gift establishes a powerful and lasting legacy — one that strengthens the Suhler School’s academic mission and expands its opportunities for future generations. I have no doubt he will always be remembered as an integral part of the school’s story.”

Franke died Oct. 27, 2024, at age 80, in Mount Vernon, Illinois. Born in Centralia, Illinois, he remained closely connected to the region throughout his life. After graduating from Centralia High School in 1962, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from SIU Carbondale and later completed a Master of Arts degree from the University of Missouri in 1968.

He worked for 13 years as a distributor for Carpenter Body Works in Mitchell, Indiana, and remained active in his community. Franke was a member of the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association for 42 years and competed in the World Horseshoe Pitchers Tournament for 19 years. He also remained involved in church life throughout his adulthood.

Franke is survived by four cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Paula Leipold Franke, and his parents.

The gift also advances SIU’s mission as a national leader in both research and student access. 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.

Philanthropic support plays a critical role in sustaining that commitment. 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 university’s student body.

Franke’s estate gift also contributes to the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has a goal of $500 million. To date, the SIU Foundation has raised more than $460 million, making Imagine SIU 2030 the fifth-largest fundraising effort in Illinois higher education.

Learn how you can support the College of Arts and Media at siuf.org/cam.

Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Saluki Takeover Tours, SIU

SIU Announces $2.1 Million Gift from Harvey and Collie Michaels to Launch Student Success Center in College of Business and Analytics

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Harvey and Collie Michaels

HOUSTON — Southern Illinois University Carbondale announced a $2.1 million gift from alumnus Harvey N. Michaels and his wife, Collie, to establish the Harvey N. Michaels Center for Academic Success and Engagement in the College of Business and Analytics. The announcement was made on the evening of Nov. 13 during the Chancellor’s Reception in Houston, the final stop of the 2nd Annual Saluki Takeover Tour Texas.

The gift, which includes a matching contribution from the Deloitte Foundation, will create a centralized hub dedicated to academic support, career preparation and wellness resources for SIU business students. Known informally as “The Harv,” the center will be located on the first floor of Rehn Hall.

Michaels, a first-generation college student raised by his Ukrainian immigrant grandparents in Chicago, earned both his bachelor’s degree in accountancy in 1980 and his MBA in 1981 from SIU. During graduate school, he worked for AC Nielsen and set his sights on a future in consulting. After applying to the Big Eight professional services firms (now the Big Four) in Dallas, he accepted an offer in management consulting with Touche Ross, which later merged with Deloitte. Michaels went on to spend 38 years with the firm, becoming a partner, holding multiple leadership roles and working with major companies around the world.

“I am humbled to give back,” Michaels said. “I want parents and students to walk in, see modern technology, feel the change underway at SIU and know this is a place that supports students and helps them get jobs.”

Dr. Marc Morris, dean of the College of Business and Analytics, said the center will strengthen the college’s position as a national leader. SIU holds dual AACSB accreditation in both business and accounting, a distinction earned by fewer than 2% of business schools worldwide. AACSB accreditation is recognized as the highest standard of achievement for business education, placing SIU among the top programs globally. SIU’s online business and administration program also ranks within the top 25% in the U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Online Programs.

“This center will give our students the training, support and development they need to thrive academically and professionally,” Morris said. “It will remove economic and educational barriers and prepare students to become the leaders our world needs.”

Chancellor Austin A. Lane said the gift reflects the momentum driving SIU forward. The university is one of only 21 institutions in the nation to hold both Research 1 and Opportunity University designations from the Carnegie Classification.

Right to left: Dr. Marc Morris, Collie Michaels, Harvey Michaels and Dr. Austin Lane

“Gifts like Harvey’s accelerate our momentum, strengthen our business programs and expand opportunities for students. This is Saluki pride in action,” Lane said.

The Michaels gift contributes to Imagine SIU 2030, the university’s comprehensive fundraising campaign with a goal of $500 million. To date, the SIU Foundation has raised more than $435 million, 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 SIU’s student body.

For more information about supporting the College of Business and Analytics, visit siuf.org/business.