Category Archives: Donor Stories

Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Philanthropic Women, SIU

Jeri Brooks: From Saluki to strategy powerhouse

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Jeri Brooks headshotFor Jeri Brooks, Southern Illinois University was destiny. A Carbondale native, Brooks grew up immersed in the Saluki spirit—not just as a local but as part of a multi-generational legacy rooted in love, resilience, and community pride.

Her father, Thurman Lee Brooks, Sr., earned a basketball scholarship to SIU, and her mother, Betty Brooks McCollum, pursued her master’s degree there. Eventually, both Jeri and her brother followed in their parents’ footsteps, solidifying SIU as a cornerstone of their family history. When her father passed away, SIU extended a powerful gesture of support: eight semesters of complimentary tuition for both children.

“That gesture meant everything,” Brooks said. “SIU became more than just a university—it became part of our story.”

While at SIU, Brooks earned a Bachelor of Science in communications with a specialization in public relations. Her time on campus laid the foundation for a career defined by ethics, strategic vision, and the pursuit of economic empowerment.

One of her most transformative experiences was joining Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in 1993.

“Meeting those 11 women who became lifelong friends changed everything,” she said. “And I was fortunate to share that journey with ‘The Originals,’ my closest friends from Carbondale.”

Brooks credits the Rev. Dr. Norman Greer as a formative influence during her time at SIU.

“He didn’t just teach theory—he brought real-world experience into the classroom,” she said. “That blend of knowledge gave me the confidence to step into any space with purpose.”

With over two decades of experience, she helps companies, political leaders, and communities build strategies that expand influence and create lasting economic mobility—because for her, freedom is not free without economic empowerment.

Known for her strategic thinking and high-impact execution, Brooks has been repeatedly recognized as a top-tier lobbyist, appearing on Capitol Insider’s Texas Lobby Power Rankings in 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025. She was also named a 2021 Top Lobbyist by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics.

Brooks is passionate about creating lasting change—not just through policy but through economic freedom. Her motto, “excellence is my minimum,” defines her professional ethos and personal mission.

Brooks is often recognized for breaking barriers—but she’s quick to challenge the celebration of being ‘the first.’

“We should not still be celebrating the first woman, the first Black woman, the first anything,” she said. “It’s time we elevate our expectations. Excellence should be the norm.”

Still, she acknowledges one meaningful moment: being the first Black woman honored in the Carbondale Community High School Hall of Achievement.

“But real progress is ensuring I’m far from the last,” she added.

Despite her success, Brooks never forgets where she came from. Her commitment to SIU runs deep. She has endowed a scholarship to support diversity initiatives under the university’s ADEI framework, and she continues to advocate for the university’s growth and future.

“SIU gave me more than an education—it broadened my world,” she said. “If my contribution can help restore its full potential, then giving back isn’t just meaningful—it’s necessary.”

Brooks encourages young women aspiring to enter the political and public affairs world to be strategic and assertive. Her advice is rooted in experience and unwavering determination:

  • Master the Game: Understand policy and power.
  • Own Your Power: Know your value.
  • Build Economic Freedom: It’s the key to true influence.
  • Create Community: Success is built with others.
  • Stay in the Fight: Resilience is non-negotiable.

Reflecting on Women’s History Month, Brooks honors the legacy of her grandmother and mother—the original entrepreneurs in her life. Her grandmother ran the family’s home-based auto repair business and raised six daughters with unshakable fortitude. Her mother turned their family’s pound cake recipe into a business and continues to thrive as a Mary Kay consultant.

“They didn’t wait for opportunity—they created it. That spirit of hustle and ownership laid the foundation for everything I am,” she said.

As for her legacy, Brooks hopes to inspire the next generation of women to embrace their power, lead with excellence, and build pathways to economic and social transformation.

Her advice to her college-aged self? “Take more risks. Trust your instincts. Be fearless—God has your back.”

Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

Legence Bank invests in student success at SIU

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Legence Bank Check Presentation at Southern Illinois University Carbondale
SIU Chancellor Austin Lane; Kevin Beckemeyer, president and CEO of Legence Bank; Tricia Overturf, vice president of marketing and communications at Legence Bank; and Wendell Williams, SIU vice chancellor for enrollment management. The group gathered for a check presentation celebrating Legence Bank’s $137,500 investment in the Legence Bank Saluki Commitment Scholarship.

CARBONDALE – With a commitment of $137,500 to Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Legence Bank is helping bring a Saluki education within reach of local students.

The Legence Bank Saluki Commitment Scholarship will provide tuition funds for 11 students each year as part of the Aim High/Saluki Commitment program, which covers tuition for eligible in-state students. The students will be chosen from the 11 Southern Illinois communities served by Legence Bank.

“This partnership with Legence Bank is going to go a long way to keeping students right here in our own backyard. That is extremely important to us,” said Chancellor Austin Lane during a check presentation Tuesday, March 25, in the Student Services Building at SIU.

Kevin Beckemeyer, president and CEO of Legence Bank, noted the bank’s enthusiasm for partnering with SIU.

“At Legence Bank, we believe in the strength of our community and the importance of investing in the future. Our motto – Legence Loves Local – demonstrates our commitment to supporting local scholarships, and this reflects our dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders in Southern Illinois,” said Beckemeyer, a 1983 graduate of SIU’s College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences. “Together, we can foster growth, inspire change, and create a brighter future for all.”

SIU and Legence Bank leaders gathered to celebrate the launch of the Legence Bank Saluki Commitment Scholarship, supporting students from 11 Southern Illinois communities.

“This initiative is not just about funding; it’s about investing in our community’s future,” Beckemeyer added. “By providing full-ride scholarships to students in the market areas we serve, we are empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators. We believe that education should be attainable for all, and this partnership exemplifies our dedication to making that a reality.”

The donation comes as part of the SIU Foundation’s ongoing Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has a goal of raising $500 million by June 2028. It is the fifth largest such campaign in the history of Illinois higher education. More than $390 million has been raised thus far, and corporate partners such as Legence Bank have made an enormous impact.

“The partnership between Southern Illinois University and Legence Bank represents a significant step forward in our commitment to educational accessibility,” said Tricia Overturf, vice president of marketing and communications at Legence Bank. “By collaborating on this initiative, we aim to bridge the gap between existing grants and scholarships, ensuring that students from Southern Illinois have the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams without the burden of financial stress.”

To learn more about the campaign or make a gift, visit siuf.org.

Committed to Salukis

The Saluki Commitment guarantees that tuition and mandatory fees are fully covered for four (transfer students) or eight (freshman students) consecutive semesters at no cost to students or families.

Recipients must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a first-time incoming freshman enrolling full-time on-campus in the fall 2021 semester or later.
  • Have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.75 or higher.
  • Have an annual family income less than $103,040 with assets less than $50,000 based on your FAFSA.
  • Be an Illinois resident who attended an Illinois high school.
  • Be a dependent student under age 24.
  • Be eligible for federal financial aid.

“I want to thank our partners from Legence Bank. You are making a difference in students’ lives,” said Wendell Williams, vice chancellor for enrollment management. “Your generous contribution is going to close the gap for students and bring them to a place they may have never imagined they could get to.”

SIU recently joined the ranks of the Ivy League, being named a Research 1 (R1) university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Southern is one of only three public universities in Illinois with that designation, and it is the only one within 100 miles of Carbondale.

“There is no reason in the world for a student from any county in Southern Illinois to attend any other university than the one in their backyard,” Lane said. “You’re not going to find another school that’s close to you that’s an R1 higher research institution.”

About Legence Bank

With more than 115 years of service, Legence Bank is a trusted community bank committed to excellence, honesty, integrity, and personalized customer care. Through its “Legence Loves Local” initiative, the bank continues to support local individuals, families, businesses, and now students—providing not just financial services, but a deep investment in the long-term success of the communities it serves.

“Our long-term vision for this initiative is to create a sustainable model that continuously supports students in Southern Illinois,” Overturf said. “We are excited about the potential impact this partnership can have on our local economy and the personal growth of our students. By fostering an environment where education is accessible, we are cultivating a thriving community.”

To learn more about Legence Bank, visit legencebank.com.

Crowdfunding, Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Philanthropic Women, SIU

Tison champions women’s empowerment through leadership and legacy

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For Gloria Tison, general counsel for Legence Bank and a member of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors, Women’s History Month is more than a celebration—it’s a call to action.

Tison, who also serves as co-chair of the SIU Foundation Women’s Leadership Council (WLC), has built a career marked by resilience, advocacy, and a deep commitment to uplifting women. Her early experiences in the legal field underscore how far gender equality has come—and how far it still must go.

“When I started as an attorney, women in my office weren’t allowed to wear pants,” she said. “The first job I was offered came with an unusual request—they wanted to speak to my husband to verify the hours were acceptable. I turned it down. That was my first direct experience with gender discrimination, but it was far from my last.”

Tison recalls being routinely referred to as “the woman attorney” or “the blonde one”—a label she shared with another female colleague.

“No one would call and ask for ‘the brunette male attorney,’” she said.

Despite the challenges, Tison credits trailblazing women before her for helping to carve the path she followed.

“It takes confidence, perseverance, and determination,” she said. “Without those who paved the way, we would not have the opportunities we have today.”

At SIU, Tison channels her passion into the Women’s Leadership Council, a network of women who champion one another through mentorship, scholarships, and community support. The WLC funds student scholarships, microgrants for faculty, and community grants for women-led businesses.

“These grants do more than provide financial support—they send a powerful message: We believe in you,” Tison said. “That belief can be life changing.”

Tison sees the council’s work as a modern-day answer to the “boys’ clubs” that have historically excluded women from professional growth.

“WLC recognizes the power of women supporting women,” she said. “Through mentorship and networking, we create a space where women are empowered to lead.”

As SIU continues its mission to shape the next generation of leaders, Tison remains focused on creating a future where gender is no barrier to opportunity.

“Women’s History Month reminds us of the unique strengths women bring to the world and inspires us to keep pushing forward,” she said. “When we invest in our students, we invest in our future. Now, it’s up to us. Mentor, support, and uplift the women around you. Together, we can ensure the next generation has even greater opportunities than we did.”

For more information about the Women’s Leadership Council, visit siuf.org/wlc.

Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Philanthropic Women, SIU

SIU Alumna Ashley B. Gibson Establishes Scholarship to Support Women in Accountancy

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CARBONDALE — When Ashley B. Gibson, a 2009 graduate of Southern Illinois University’s College of Business and Analytics, first stepped onto campus, she had no idea how the experience would shape her career and inspire her to give back.

A seasoned leader with over 15 years of consulting experience, author, and public speaker, now she is making a lasting impact on the next generation of women in accounting through the Ashley B. Gibson Accounting Excellence Scholarship Fund.

Gibson, 37, grew up in Carterville and chose SIU for its strong academic reputation and proximity to home. At the time, her father was working overseas in Iraq, and staying close to her mother was a priority. While earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accountancy, Gibson found mentorship in Dr. Marcus Odom and was deeply involved in student organizations. Her leadership in the Accounting Society and the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) opened doors to scholarships and national recognition, ultimately paving the way for her service on IMA’s Global Board of Directors.

“I remember when I received IMA’s highest scholarship. I was standing in Rehn Hall when I got the call,” Gibson said. “After I hung up, I slid down the wall, crying tears of joy and relief. It was the first external scholarship I had received, and it validated that people believed in me.”

During her time at SIU, Gibson was recognized as the Outstanding Senior in Accounting, Outstanding Senior in the College of Business, and one of the Top 25 Most Distinguished Seniors—an achievement she likens to winning the Triple Crown in terms of involvement at SIU.

“It was recognition that I’ll forever remember and reminded me of what all I accomplished during my time at SIU,” she said. “Those honors were not just a celebration of my hard work—they also highlighted the importance of having a strong support system and access to opportunities.”

Despite her professional success and accounting acumen, Gibson has dealt with challenges that many women face in the workplace, especially in leadership.

“When women, especially leaders in their field, are asked to perform remedial tasks such as getting coffee or taking notes, it’s because those asking don’t understand the implications it has,” she said. “While there are seats for women at the table, it’s sometimes a silent one, and I want to help change that.”

Her decision to establish the Ashley B. Gibson Accounting Excellence Scholarship Fund is rooted in a commitment to empowering women from Southern Illinois. With an initial pledge of $10,000, she aims to provide financial support and mentorship opportunities for aspiring female accountants.

“I always knew I wanted to create a scholarship for the School of Accountancy. I just wasn’t sure how or if I had enough to start one,” Gibson said. “Then I realized, why wait? Life is too short. I want to meet the recipients, follow their careers, and see the impact firsthand.”

For Gibson, giving back isn’t just about financial support—it’s about fostering a culture where women feel valued and encouraged to lead. She hopes her scholarship will inspire others to invest in SIU’s future and support the next generation of female accountants.

“The earlier I invest in future professionals, the greater the impact,” she said. “We need to break the stigma that philanthropy is something you do later in life. If you want to give back, start now.”

Gibson encourages other young alumni to consider how they can contribute, no matter their stage in life or career.

“If not now, when?” she said. “The SIU Foundation makes it easy to start the conversation. Just ask.”

Through her scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy, Gibson is determined to create lasting opportunities for women in accountancy. As she continues to rise in her own career, she remains committed to lifting others along the way.

“I hope this scholarship ignites a fire in other women to succeed,” she said. “This is my own version of the Butterfly Effect—one action leading to another, shaping the future for the women who follow.”

Donor Stories, Higher Education, SIU

Smith donates $500K, funding textbook program for SIU students

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Ron Smith
Ron Smith

By Jeff Wilson

Growing up in the small Randolph County town of Walsh, SIU was the only reasonable college option for Ron Smith.

“It was where you could get the most bang for your buck,” he said. “SIU was so good to me and changed my life and made it better than it would have been.”

Since graduating in 1964 with a degree in marketing and a master’s in business administration in 1966, Smith has stayed engaged with his alma mater, including donating more than $250,000 over the last 20 years. Now, he’s taken his support a step further, making a leadership gift of $500,000 to establish a fund that will help students cover the cost of textbooks.

Endowed chairs help attract and retain high-level faculty members by making the position more attractive and keeping salaries competitive with other institutions.

“I’m doing this to help the students of SIU,” Smith said. “I want to make the university stronger and provide better opportunities and better training for the students.”

Smith has long been a donor to Southern, especially the College of Business and Analytics and Saluki Athletics. Despite living in California, he has maintained season tickets to Saluki Football games and supported the Blackout Cancer fundraiser. He also recently made a $10,000 gift to Saluki Softball.

Smith has fond memories of his time at SIU, noting that he attended the university during the Delyte Morris era and the time of College of Business Dean Henry J. Rhen, for which the COBA building is named. Smith was also classmates with another of SIU’s most prolific benefactors, F. Lynn McPheeters.

“Dr. Morris was wonderful to listen to, and I was lucky to be there during his era,” Smith said. “The university had lots of programs that were geared toward students with limited financial resources. I was fortunate enough to make good enough grades that my professors thought I was a good candidate for graduate school.”

After graduation, he joined the Peace Corps and spent 30 months in Colombia. He worked with farmers and fishermen, teaching them how to make the most of their assets. He credits his education from SIU with giving him the expertise to share with those people and give them a vested interest in the business side of their industry.

Smith, a first-generation student whose niece now attends SIU as a fourth-generation student, said his continued support of the university shows the impact alumni can have even when they’re not able to get to campus as often as they may like.

“Is there a way you can help build up the university?” Smith said. “Even if you’re in California, like me, you can help folks in Southern Illinois.”

For more information about supporting the university, visit siuf.org.

Donor Stories, Philanthropic Women, SIU

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Dr. Dawn Korte, Ph.D. ’91

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Dawn Korte
Dr. Dawn Korte

For Dr. Dawn Korte, Southern Illinois University Carbondale was more than a steppingstone—it was the foundation for a career defined by leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to others. A proud graduate of SIU’s College of Health and Human Sciences with a major in paralegal studies, Korte has dedicated her career to fostering professional growth, advocating for women in leadership, and giving back to the institution that shaped her journey.

Raised in Carterville, Illinois, she initially enrolled at SIU to study piano performance, securing a scholarship that made her college education possible. However, a deep-rooted interest in the law led her to switch majors to paralegal studies—a decision that ultimately shaped her mindset.

“I had been interested in the law, so I changed my major and focused on law school after graduation,” she said. “That switch taught me to always keep an open mind, work hard, and accept ambiguity as a part of life.”

Korte credits her parents as her earliest role models, instilling in her the values of perseverance and dedication. At SIU, professors such as Dr. Steven Barwick and Dr. Albert Melone, along with lecturers Kenneth Hughes and Pamela Lacey, played instrumental roles in her academic development. One defining moment took place even before she was officially a Saluki—her scholarship audition in Shryock Auditorium.

“I was terrified, played way too fast, and made some mistakes,” she said. “When I finished, I thought I had blown my audition. But Professor Barwick stood up and said, ‘Welcome to SIUC—we will figure out the rest!’ That moment solidified SIU as my home.”

Leadership, Challenges, and Breaking Barriers

Throughout her career, Korte has been a strong advocate for people-focused leadership, emphasizing that the most valuable asset of any organization is its people.

“If people gave me their time and trusted me to lead them, I was going to create a place in which they could thrive,” she said. “I built relationships rooted in honesty and mutual respect, creating a strong foundation to weather professional storms.”

As a woman in the workplace, Korte faced challenges in establishing herself in executive leadership roles. She navigated these obstacles with a combination of preparation, networking, and relentless effort.

“I remained crystal clear on my goals, asked for honest feedback, and used it as fuel to improve,” she said. “I worked relentlessly to produce meaningful results that benefited both the organization and myself.”

Among her proudest achievements, Korte became the first in her family to earn a Ph.D. after completing her MBA, demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning and excellence.

The Power of Mentorship and Giving Back

Korte is passionate about mentoring young women and supporting SIU programs that foster female leadership. As a founding member of the Women’s Leadership Council, she recognizes the power of mentorship in shaping future generations.

“Women need to support other women because we understand the demands of life and work,” she said. “Every woman has a story that can inspire another if she shares it. The Women’s Leadership Council provides a space for those stories to thrive and motivate others.”

She believes philanthropy at SIU—through scholarships and mentorship—has a measurable impact.

“We track metrics to see our impact, but the true success is in the continuation of mentor-mentee relationships long after graduation,” she said. “The heartfelt thank-yous, the stories of students helping each other through challenges—these are the untold metrics that prove what we’re doing is working.”

As SIU continues to nurture future leaders, Korte hopes the work of the Women’s Leadership Council and other initiatives will instill confidence in young women.

“I hope we give them a light that shines in their soul through dark moments,” she said. “That light is the confidence that they can, and will, prevail.”

Women’s History Month holds special significance for Korte, serving as a time to honor those who paved the way. She draws inspiration from her mother, a dedicated nurse and community leader whose legacy of service continues to guide her.

“She made an indelible mark on the lives of her patients and those around her,” Korte said. “I work to have her spirit, values, and wisdom live on through me.”

Reflecting on her career, Korte hopes to leave a legacy of commitment rather than mere contributions.

“My dad always used to say that the difference between making a commitment and a contribution is like bacon and eggs—the chicken makes the contribution, but the pig makes a commitment,” she said. “That’s what I’ve tried to do in my personal and professional life—make a commitment to something bigger than myself.”

For Korte, giving back to SIU is a way to invest in the future and ensure that young Salukis—especially women—have the support and resources they need to succeed.

“SIUC helped chart a course for my life, and I will be forever grateful,” she said.

To learn more about the Women’s Leadership Council and how you can get involved, visit siuf.org/wlc.

Donor Stories, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

McGlothin sets example through military service, giving

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By Jeff Wilson

During his distinguished military career, Rick McGlothin has made service a prominent component of his life. That dedication is also reflected in his support of Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

McGlothin ’93, division chief at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, paused his early military career to achieve his bachelor’s degree in vocational education studies from SIU’s School of Education. He then earned a master’s from Webster University. He and his wife, Dionne, live in Virginia and have two children.

“I achieved the rank of major in the Air Force, and since then I’ve become a GS15, which is the highest non-senior executive grade for government civilians,” he said. “A lot of this goes back to that foundation, everything that was established, by my time at SIU.”

Since graduating, McGlothin has made regular financial contributions to Southern, particularly the African American Award Endowment Fund.

“I want to give minority groups an opportunity to go to college,” he said. “While I was at SIU, I saw a lot of minority students that had challenges there. If I can give a little bit that can help a student pull themselves out of situations they have come up in and better them, I feel that is something that can help the country as a whole.”

Inspired by his parents, who didn’t have the same opportunities that he did, McGlothin appreciates the emphasis they put on education.

“They instilled in us the importance of education,” he said. “They’re from a generation when things for African Americans weren’t always the best. Even in today’s society, there are still challenges that have to be overcome, but they really had challenges. My mother would always say pray and do the best you can. Even to this day, I sit back and hope they are proud of me because I tried to do the best I could.”

McGlothin hopes that the students will be similarly inspired by his story.

“If you don’t see something, you can’t imagine being something,” he said. “I try to be an example for young people, so they can say ‘If he did it, I could potentially do it.’ That’s one of the reasons I’m motivated to contribute to SIU.”

To make a gift and support SIU students, visit siuf.org.

Donor Stories, Philanthropic Women, SIU

Sims endows inclusive scholarship for SIU students

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By Jeff Wilson

Dr. Cynthia Sims has been on many sides of the college student experience, and one thing has remained a constant – the clear need for scholarship access for all students.

“When I was a college student, I really didn’t qualify for many scholarships,” she said. “I was a committed student. It made me feel a little less than. I didn’t feel that I fit in. I didn’t feel that I was valued as a student.”

Sims was born in raised in Chicago. She left home for the first time to attend the University Louisville. She earned master’s degrees from DePaul University and the University of Chicago. She received her Doctor of Education from Northern Illinois University.

“The first time I received a scholarship was when I went to graduate school at DePaul,” she said. “I jumped up and down. I was so excited. I felt like I belonged to the university immediately. They wanted me there. I felt valued.”

Her Saluki story begins when she was offered an assistant professor position at SIU. She recently retired from the College of DuPage where she served as associate vice president.

“I worked at SIU for 14 years, and I loved it,” she said. “I am still in contact with many of my students. They invite me to their weddings and baby showers.”

Dr. Sims was committed to student recruitment and retention. She started two mentoring programs for high school students in Southern Illinois. One was the SIUC Mentorship Academy, which included a “Take Your Mentee to Class Week,” allowing high school students to shadow SIU students for the day to learn about college life. Another program was the “Enhancing Minority College and Career Preparation Service-Learning Mentoring Program,” which included college tours to Historically Black Colleges and Universities with SIU student mentors.

She established the Dr. Cynthia Howard Sims Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship at Southern and wanted to ensure that it benefits students who may not otherwise feel supported.

“I decided to start a scholarship without a grade-point average attached or extracurricular requirements,” she said. “I feel that’s important because it’s inclusive. When they complete the essay application for my scholarship, students should be focusing on ways to express themselves and use other strengths to complement their academic strengths.”

For years, Sims has seen her mother give back to her community any way she can, and that serves as a major inspiration for her philanthropic outlook.

“My mother is big on giving back. She not only donates her time, but she’s always giving money to organizations and causes,” Sims said. “She probably doesn’t know that I have watched that for years. I like to do that, too, but I wanted to expand it with this scholarship. I wanted to impact more students with this scholarship. My mother modeled that for me, and I appreciate that.”

Encouraging other alumni – particularly Black alumni – to follow in her footsteps, Sims notes the impact that scholarships play on retention and graduation rates.

“I benefited so much from my education, and I want others to benefit as well. Too many stop because of lack of funding,” she said. “As a person of color, I have a responsibility to support other students of color. Call someone at the SIU Foundation. Ask someone at your college or within a specific program what they need. You just need to take the first step.”

To make a gift to the Dr. Cynthia Howard Sims Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Endowment Fund, visit siuf.org. To speak with someone at the SIU Foundation about endowing a scholarship, call 618-453-4900.

Donor Stories, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

Tucker promotes African American giving through Dunbar Leadership Society

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By Jeff Wilson

Kennard Tucker has long been dedicated to the development of the Dunbar Leadership Society – a collective voice for philanthropy aimed at inspiring giving and support within the SIU Black community.

“It’s important for Black alums to give back to SIU because the institution, for many of us, it changed the trajectory of our lives,” he said. “I was raised by a single mom. She scraped and saved every nickel to send me and my siblings to college. That opportunity was life changing. I don’t know where I would be today without it.”

A native of East St. Louis, Tucker graduated from Southern in 1991. Two of his siblings are Salukis, as is his son, and multiple cousins.

“SIU has been the family institution of higher learning. I made that venture down to the campus back in the fall of 1986,” he said. “I remember it like it was yesterday. It was the most rewarding experience and one I was grateful to have had.”

More recently, Tucker has made it his mission at SIU to establish and further the goals of the Dunbar Leadership Society (DLS).

“We really want to create an environment of African American philanthropic giving by creating a network of alums around the region, around the country that are like minded and want to give back to SIU,” he said.

The History
Founded on October 6, 1925, by SIU student Carl Lee and named after poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, the Dunbar Society promoted Black students’ literary, athletic, and social growth on campus. During challenging times of racism, segregation, and limited resources, the society emphasized racial equality and supported students’ aspirations.

The Dunbar Society has a rich history at SIU. Despite adversity, Black students created this society to foster a positive social climate. SIU’s commitment to educating Black students dates back to Dr. Alexander Lane, the first Black male graduate, in 1881. Records show two Black female students preceded him, but their identities remain unknown.

Since the 1960s, SIU has ranked among Illinois’s top state-funded universities for African American enrollment. The Dunbar Society’s advocacy led to the formation of organizations like the Black Affairs Council, which continues its essential work on campus today.

“It was an organization created by the university to provide social and educational support for African Americans, so we felt that entity and spirit fit very well with what we were trying to replicate,” Tucker said. “We added the “leadership” part to emphasize giving at leadership level of $1,000 or more.”

While not everyone can donate $1,000 or more all at once, Tucker pointed out that’s it’s possible to make a large impact through regular giving.

“You can always write a check for the full amount, or you can do a monthly pledge,” he said. “We can always come up with ways to make it more palatable.”

To learn more about the Dunbar Leadership Society, contact Sherrica Hunt at sherricah@foundation.siu.edu. To make a gift, visit siuf.org.

Donor Stories, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

Livingston shares inspiring story, mission-focused philanthropy

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By Jeff Wilson

From Dr. Mitchel Livingston’s humble beginnings came great success and philanthropy with a clear cause: Lift others.

The path for a Black boy born in Decatur in 1944 was one filled with obstacles, but Livingston found a way to hurdle each one.

“Though we were poor monetarily, the richness of our experience coming up as children was fantastic. I didn’t know what poverty was until I was much older. It was a loving caring family, and a loving caring community,” he said. “Though we understood the issues of race and racism and the like, it didn’t have the pain that we have experienced since the late-60s.

“Community is the most important asset that you have. The ability to reach out to people who do look like you or don’t look like you,” he said.

Despite the low expectations set by some at the time, his competitive spirit and work ethic shone through enough and afforded him an opportunity to attend SIU.

“I can recall … visiting with my advisor who told me I was not college material. I would go vocational, and I would work with my hands,” Livingston said. “It was the kind of advice many young, Black boys got back then and many today. It was like a dagger, because I was a dreamer.”

After graduating high school, he attended a track meet where his younger brother broke his school record in the high jump.

“I had these mixed feelings of joy for him, then someone asked me ‘What’s it like being an old man at age 18?’ I took off my shoes and ran over and jumped over that bar right behind him. My brother owned that record for only a few moments.”

The night of his athletic display, his former basketball coach, Joe Russell, came to Livingston’s family home and asked his father if the story about the high jump was true. When his father confirmed it, the coach said he was traveling to Carbondale soon and would mention the accomplishment to the track and field coach, Lew Hartzog.

“That was what opened the door for me in higher education and launched me as the first member of my family to ever go to college,” Livingston said. “The connection with my community and my coach and his connection to SIU earned me a tryout. I went to Carbondale and had a great jump, and I was offered a four-year scholarship on the spot. I had a chance to compete, both academically and athletically.

“SIU had high expectations of me. I didn’t want to fail my family as the first one to go off to college. Every course I took, I read the book before I went into the classroom. I stopped counting myself out. I grew physically and competed and beat some of the best athletes in the world.”

After SIU

Now, Livingston is an emeritus professor and vice president at the University of Cincinnati, but SIU will forever have a special spot in his heart.

“I am so proud that I am a member of a community that helped launch me to academics, to service and community,” he said. “And none could have done it better than SIU, and for that I am eternally grateful. This is family for life.”

In 2021, he and his wife, Carol, made a $50,000 gift to establish the Mitchel and Carol Livingston Scholarship. This fund supports undergraduate students in the School of Education’s Teacher Education Program who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and demonstrated financial need, with a preference for African American students.

“We have seen the light turn off in the eyes of young people way too early because of lack of opportunity, not lack of ability, not where you come from, just being passed over in so many different ways,” Livingston said. “My wife and I have learned there are ways to turn those lights on, and once you light up a person’s life in that way, they can make it. And we want to be one of those lamp lights for as many children like us as possible.”

Both Mitchel and Carol Livingston graduated from SIU’s School of Education, in 1969 and 1971 respectively.

“We are very much committed to the Teacher Education Program in the School of Education,” he said. “We are educators. That’s who we are. That’s what we do, and we want to make sure that our resources are focused in that way. I could not have done it without the investment SIU made in me.”

The Livingstons hope their gifts will inspire others to support students in similar ways.

“The advice that I would give to students or alumni about giving is that it must become a way of life. You did not get here by yourself,” he said. “Others were in our lives that help us get to where we are, develop a lifestyle of giving, not just giving presents or gifts or doing nice things, but a lifetime of expectation that it is your duty and your obligation to give back as it was given to you.”

The Livingstons hope their gifts will inspire others to support students in similar ways. Recently, Dr. Livingston received the Great Living Cincinnatian Award. He believes if students can make it, they can excel.

“Thank you, SIU, you are the gift that keeps on giving,” he said.

To make a gift, visit siuf.org.