Donors and scholarship recipients connected during the 11th Annual SIU Scholarship Dinner on Friday, Nov. 1.
This year’s event brought together a record-breaking 119 donors and donor representatives and 86 scholarship recipients, representing 91 unique scholarships—each a testament to the profound impact of philanthropy at Southern.
The evening was highlighted by inspiring stories, laughter, and meaningful connections between SIU’s generous donors and the remarkable students whose lives they’ve transformed.
Donors witnessed firsthand how their support impacts students, many of whom have overcome great challenges to pursue higher education.
“Now that we’ve met all of our recipients from the scholarship, it just warms my heart. Actually, my heart’s bursting just for the fact that we can help in some small way,” said Ron Jurinek, who has established the Jacob Jurinek Scholarship in memory of his son
Where others see a challenge, Dr. Janet Tinoco sees an opportunity.
That’s been true throughout her life and career, which spans from Belleville to Southern Illinois University Carbondale to the defense industry to outer space. It’s what led her to donate $25,000 to endow the Jesse Salvador Tinoco Scholarship for Women in Engineering, named for her father. The scholarship benefits students in the College of Engineering, Computing, Technology and Mathematics, with preference being given to females of Mexican descent.
“Some of it has to do with how I was raised,” she said. “My father was raised by Mexican immigrants. His parents pushed education as a way to improve one’s lot in life.”
Tinoco transferred to SIU from Belleville Area College (now Southwestern Illinois College) and graduated in 1982 with a degree in engineering.
Janet Tinoco donated $25,000 to establish the Jesse Salvador Tinoco Scholarship for Women in Engineering.
“I come from a hard-working, wonderful family, but we were not wealthy,” she said. “I was the youngest of four girls, all of whom have some element of engineering, science and technology in their careers. My parents worked hard to give us a good education and help us through college.”
After her father passed away nearly a decade ago, Tinoco began to reflect on his impact on her life.
“Looking back, I realized what an influence he was in my education. Without him recognizing my personal need to spread my wings and support me, I would not have been able to come to SIU,” she said. “While my mother wanted us to be self-sufficient, I think my father wanted more for us.”
As an SIU student, Tinoco worked her way through college. She wants the scholarship to ease some of the financial burdens faced by today’s students.
“I hope this scholarship shows students that someone cares about them and their success,” she said. “Working my way through college was hard. I was a good student, but not a straight-A student. There were very limited scholarship opportunities for me, at least that I was aware of.”
Tinoco also hopes her gift may inspire others to give back any way they can.
“All alums that have a passion for SIUC can help the institution. In addition to financial support, we can help spread the word on the good works and educational opportunities at SIUC by simply following, liking and sharing SIUC posts on social media platforms. Or post relevant news about yourself and tag SIUC,” she said. “It doesn’t take much time yet can have a significant positive impact for the university by increasing its visibility.”
After graduating, Tinoco took an engineering job with a defense company in Orlando working on laser-targeting systems for F-16s for the Air Force. She then transferred to Washington, D.C., to work with the Federal Aviation Administration on air traffic control modernization, and then back to Orlando to continue her work in defense.
“My career path was not a straight line. I took lots of turns,” she said.
She later earned her Ph.D. and began teaching at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. During her time at the university, she co-wrote the book: “Runways to Space: An Introduction to the Spaceport Industry.”
“I have always had a passion for space,” Tinoco said. “I enjoy working with emerging economies and indigenous communities to find growth and economic opportunities within the space realm. Currently, I am working to identify opportunities in this field for Native Americans. There are many opportunities in space. You do not have to be an engineer, scientist or astronaut. Anyone can have a role in the space sector.”
Tinoco hopes her scholarship will provide others with the satisfying career she has experienced.
“It really has been an interesting, wonderful career that keeps giving back to me the more I put into it,” she said. “I want everyone to realize they have potential, and they are valued for who they are.”
Since being established in 1963 at Morgan State College, the Iota Phi Theta fraternity has been focused on building a tradition. That mission continues at SIU with the Iota Five-Star Scholarship Fund.
With a $50,000 pledge, the fraternity awarded its scholarship to Francesca Stewart, a junior from Chicago majoring in social work. After she completes her degree at SIU, she hopes to work as a case manager and field worker for the Department of Children and Family Services. She also plans to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in social work and eventually open a facility for children and teenagers to have a safe space and express themselves in creative ways.
Members of the fraternity made donations toward that pledge during the group’s 50th anniversary celebration on Friday, Sept. 13, at the Banterra Center.
“I want to thank the Iota Phi Theta fraternity in their commitment to SIU students in helping them achieve their career dreams and aspirations,” said Brian Flath, director of development for student affairs. “The SIU Foundation, along with the Multicultural Resource Center, looks forward to working with your group in the years to come to ensure your fund grows and thrives.”
The program will offer scholarships to brothers and unaffiliated men and women enrolled at SIU who demonstrate a desire to learn, engage in their communities, and could benefit from additional financial support. Applications will be made available on a continual basis. All guidelines and requirements are stated on each application.
CARBONDALE – On the Friday of Southern Illinois University’s Homecoming weekend, the sun shone brightly on the Mike Hanes Marching Salukis Band Tower and the large crowd gathered to honor Hanes’ memory.
Hanes came to SIU in 1965 and served as director of bands until his retirement in 2005. He remained involved with the Marching Salukis until he passed away in 2022.
“The Marching Salukis have always been and will always be one great big family,” said Hanes’ daughter, Lisa Breithaupt, during the ceremony on Friday, Oct. 11. “Dad would truly be humbled. He’s smiling down on all of us.”
The Mike Hanes Marching Salukis Band Tower is located on Sam Rinella Field on East Campus.
The new band tower is located on Sam Rinella Field in front of the towers on East Campus.
“The Marching Salukis are ambassadors for this university,” said Chancellor Austin Lane. “We wanted them to be at the center of our vibrant student life here at Southern.”
Construction of the tower was partially funded by a generous gift from SIU alumni, Drs. Phil and Pam Pfeffer. The Pfeffers met while attending SIU in the 1960s. Pam was the head majorette, and Phil was field announcer.
“This is a great tribute to Mike Hanes’ impact on our alumni,” said SIU System President Dan Mahony. “The SIU Foundation pushes projects forward. So thank you to them, and thank you to Pam and Phil.”
To cover the remaining costs of the band tower construction, the SIU Foundation is asking others to make a similar investment. Donations can be made by searching for the “Mike Hanes Memorial Naming Fund” at siuf.org/give.
“This project has been an incredible collaboration between the Foundation, the Music Department, and many others,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “There’s nothing better than the sound of a marching band, and no one plays it better than the Marching Salukis.”
The band, which has students from nearly every college and school on campus, had previously practiced in parking lot No. 56, which had a band tower that was deemed unsafe for anyone to climb. Director of Athletic Bands George Brozak is thankful to have a new, sturdy structure that honors his mentor, Mike Hanes.
“His spirit is here. He was a great man, and I miss him every day,” Brozak said.
Director of the School of Music Dick Kelley echoed that sentiment.
“We want this to not just be the Mike Hanes band tower, we want it to be the Mike Hanes Facility,” Kelley said. “It’s where we will share stories and memories. It brings permanence.”
Lisa Breithaupt-Hanes speaks to the crowd during the dedication ceremony on Friday, Oct. 11. Sitting in front of her is her fathers Marching Salukis hat.
CARBONDALE – When visionary leadership intersects with inspiring generosity, incredible things are possible. Rarely has that been more apparent than during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Tedrick Welcome Center at Southern Illinois University.
“You never get a second chance to make a first impression,” said Chancellor Austin Lane during the ceremony on Friday, Oct. 11. “This building is going to blow students away and help us seal the deal.”
The building, which is the first major on-campus construction project in 12 years, will be located at the main university entrance off U.S. Highway 51 and act as a new front porch for Southern. Thirteen years ago, it was the site of McAndrew Stadium and has since been a parking lot.
Named for Roger and Sally Tedrick, whose $6 million leadership gift was instrumental in the funding of the building, the state-of-the-art welcome center will be the first stop for prospective students. Open houses, campus tours, orientations, and other events will begin at the welcome center. Construction of the Tedrick Welcome Center is 100 percent funded through the SIU Foundation. It will require no taxpayer dollars and no tuition or student fee monies. The SIU Foundation is funding the building through a combination of reserves, fundraising and borrowing. No state funds are being used to build the Tedrick Welcome Center.
“From the ashes of McAndrew Stadium will rise the Tedrick Welcome Center,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “We want to pay special thanks to Roger and Sally Tedrick for their incredible lead gift.”
Roger Tedrick, a 1970 graduate of SIU’s College of Liberal Arts, is a member of the SIU Board of Trustees and emeritus member of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors. He is the owner and CEO of Tedrick Group Risk Management Solutions, based in Mount Vernon. Raised in Carbondale, he attended University High School on SIU’s campus. Sally Tedrick is a 1973 graduate of the SIU School of Education.
“There hasn’t been much done on this campus that (Roger Tedrick) hasn’t been a part of,” said J. Phil Gilbert, chair of the SIU Board of Trustees.
The building, scheduled to be completed in May of 2026, will include a visitor center capable of hosting conferences, lectures, seminars and catered events for up to 300 people, and the philanthropy center, which will be the new home of the SIU Foundation. It will also serve as a hub for donor visits, alumni activities and campus and community events.
As the SIU Foundation continues the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign – which has raised more than $360 million toward its $500 million goal – its offices will move into the southern wing of the building. In its most recent fiscal year, the SIU Foundation provided $5.4 million in scholarships to 1,842 students, impacting more than 16 percent of all SIU students.
“The Foundation has been incredible supporters of so many projects,” said SIU System President Dan Mahony. “It has done so much for the university – things that we could not have done otherwise. This building will be a big part of our success going forward.”
The vision for the building dates back over a decade when it first became clear that the SIU Foundation would need to vacate its current location in Colyer Hall.
“We talked about a building 12 years ago,” said SIU Foundation Board of Directors President Diane Compardo. “Now it feels like fate that it took this long. This is the perfect location.”
Leading the charge for the welcome center has been the Foundation’s emeritus board members, led by Greg Cook.
“The emeritus board represents decades of university experience,” Cook said. “I can’t imagine a better group to take on this task. The whole team thought it should be the front door of the university.”
To learn more about the Tedrick Welcome Center and track construction progress, visit siuf.org/twc.
Greg Cook, (from left) SIU System President Dan Mahony, SIU Board of Trustees President J. Phil Gilbert, SIU Foundation Board President Diane Compardo, Sally Tedrick, Roger Tedrick, SIU Chancellor Austin Lane, SIU Foundation CEO Matt Kupec, and Impact Strategies President Mark Hinrichs lift the first ceremonial shovel at the groundbreaking of the Tedrick Welcome Center on Friday, Oct. 11, at SIU in Carbondale.
The third annual Saluki Women’s Weekend brought together over 200 women, including students, alumnae, and professionals, to connect, share, and support one another.
The event, which was September 19 through September 21, was hosted by the SIU Foundation’s Women’s Leadership Council, a network of alumnae, parents, and friends who are committed to creating a culture of women-driven philanthropy at SIU and mentoring future generations of Salukis.
“Very few of us ever got to where we are today without having some encouragement,” said Dr. Sheryl Tucker, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “It’s important that we pass that on.”
Featuring dozens of panelists and speakers, the Saluki Women’s Weekend put a spotlight on how women can achieve and support one another while reaching their goals.
“There are so many things we should take away from this,” said Diane Compardo, president of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors and Saluki Woman of the Year award winner. “I’m going to encourage you to find that one thing that has been so meaningful for you and take it into your life.”
Three other women also received special recognition during the event:
Sherrica Hunt, Saluki Woman Trailblazer
Kirsten Barton, Saluki Woman Emerging Leader
Amber Koteras, Rising Star – Student Leadership Award
The Women’s Leadership Council also announced the first two recipients of the EmpowerHER Community Grant, which provided $500 awards to local, women-owned businesses. The first recipients were Chastity Mays of Hathor Doula Service and Lynne Weeks of Reading by the Weeks.
The weekend was sponsored by the SIU Credit Union and Moneta, Legence Bank, Southern Illinois Healthcare, Dawn Korte, Ph.D., Rendleman Orchards, and Oasis Skin & Wellness Center, Inc., Melissa Hahn, Elizabeth Kepuraitis, Gloria Tison, Cristina Pisoni – State Farm Agent, and Regions Bank, St. Nicholas Brewing Company MDH, WSIU Public Radio and WSIU Public Television.
Supporters of Southern Illinois University Carbondale donated nearly $1.2 million during the 9th annual SIU Day of Giving on Wednesday, Sept. 18.
More than 1,500 donors made a gift online at siuday.siu.edu during the 24-hour event, hosted by the SIU Foundation. Every gift helps SIU students and faculty and supports the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has raised $360 million toward its $500 million goal.
“This was the second SIU Day of Giving in 2024. After a successful event in February, we decided to move to the fall semester. There is a buzz on campus during the fall, and we wanted to make the Day of Giving part of that,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “Between the two days, SIU alumni and friends have made tremendous contributions to our university, donating more than $4.3 million over the two Days of Giving.”
The SIU Day of Giving has raised more than $17 million in support of student scholarships, research and other campus initiatives since its inception in 2017. Every gift made during the SIU Day of Giving is directed at the donor’s discretion to a particular area of their choosing.
Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations, speaks with Chancellor Austin Lane during the SIU Day of Giving livestream on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at WSIU.
“Donors are always able to restrict their gifts as they choose,” Kupec said. “The SIU Day of Giving is a great reminder of the power of our alumni base. These funds are used only for the college, department or initiative they want to support.”
The College of Health and Human Sciences had the largest dollar amount raised, totaling $496,795. Others topping that list were:
College of Engineering, Computing, Technology and Mathematics, $153,190
School of Education, $116,780
College of Liberal Arts, $112,150
Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, $55,750
College of Agricultural, Life and Physical Sciences, $48,435
The Balancing Education, Experience, and Reality Scholarship Endowment Fund brought in the most individual gifts with 533. Others topping that list were:
WSIU Public Broadcasting, 252
College of Arts and Media, 93
College of Health and Human Sciences, 77
College of Agricultural, Life and Physical Sciences, 64
Saluki Athletics, 58
To see a full breakdown of gifts and the donor wall from the most recent Day of Giving, visit siuday.siu.edu.
The SIU Foundation hosted a livestream broadcast from the WSIU-TV studio on campus. Chancellor Austin Lane, every dean, and other campus leaders sat down to discuss their areas.
“Saluki Nation is truly alive and well,” Chancellor Lane said during the livestream. “With the excitement that is happening at the university, the plans that we have in place to grow even more and the things we’re doing within the [Imagine SIU 2030] strategic plan are going to help us mobilize even more Salukis across the country and the world.”
The SIU Day of Giving had a bit of a soft launch on the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 17, with the Night of B.E.E.R. livestream event from the Fermentation Science Institute (FSI). The event celebrated and raised money for the Balancing, Education, Experience, and Reality Scholarship and the scholarship for Fermentation Science students. Every gift made during the event was counted in the Day of Giving totals.
Spearheaded by SIU Alumni Association Board President Scott Moller and Executive Director Molly Hudgins, the Night of B.E.E.R. focused on the impact donors have on students and the research happening at the FSI. Moller and fellow alumnus Dan Giedeman each made $2,500 commitments to match every like, comment, and share during the livestream.
“We’re celebrating successes, and we’re supporting the Fermentation Science Institute and the B.E.E.R. Scholarship,” Hudgins, who hosted the livestream, said. “Both programs are key to Saluki success. They are part of the fabric of being a Saluki.”
Guests on the livestream included Kupec, Moller, Giedeman, SIU alumnus Scott Shelton, Dr. Matt McCarroll, director of the Fermentation Science Institute, FSI students, and B.E.E.R. Scholarship recipient Emily White.
Longtime Saluki pledges $30K, joins leadership society
By Jeff Wilson
For more than 50 years, Mike Norrington has been a Saluki Athletics season ticket holder. Now, he is one of the first members of the newly minted Big Dawg Leadership Society.
Mike Norrington is the first member of the newly established Big Dawg Leadership Society.
The society honors the most resolute supporters among Saluki Nation and offers them unique access and opportunities to enhance the fan experience. Members of the Big Dawg Leadership Society are recognized at various giving levels. Norrington recently made a $30,000 pledge to Saluki Athletics.
A fixture at most Saluki Basketball and Football games, he believes there is no better bang for his buck.
“It’s the best entertainment in the southern part of the state. You can’t beat it,” Norrington said. “There’s no chant that brings about more internal stimulation than ‘S-I-U, S-I-U!’”
He also understands the value donors bring to the athletics department.
“I give, but it’s a pittance of the whole budget. You can’t run a football team without some big bucks. There are lots of players, lots of travel. That stuff isn’t cheap,” he said. “SIU is a place of higher education. It can’t put all its money in athletics.”
For Norrington, joining the Big Dawg Leadership Society was the obvious choice.
Mike Norrington shakes hands with Saluki Football coach Nick Hill.
“If someone asks what’s happening that day, and I can say there’s an SIU game, that definitely elevates the day,” he said. “Your long-range commitment isn’t that bad. There are a lot of things in life that cost a lot more. The Big Dawg Leadership Society is just Saluki Athletics saying thank you for guaranteeing it for five years.”
To learn more about the society, email Todd Reeser at toddr@foundation.siu.edu or Kat Martin at katm@foundation.siu.edu.
Sharing Saluki stories
Norrington’s Saluki story began in 1965 when he came to SIU as a freshman from Decatur. After working a couple student jobs, he was hired onto the Saluki Patrol, becoming a full-time officer in 1970, working on the SIU police force until 1980.
“SIU police were the main people responsible for dignitaries that came to campus. I stood right beside President Jimmy Carter with the Secret Service in 1976. I was assigned as the driver to pick up Elvis Presley that same year.
“I picked him up at the airport when he got off his Lisa Marie jet and drove the car straight into the SIU Arena. We went with him on stage, and when it was over, we got back in the car and went right back to the airport. It was the coolest thing I have ever done.”
He also interacted with an SIU legend, President Delyte Morris. After starting his Saluki Patrol job, Norrington remembers meeting President Morris while walking through campus.
“My name tag just said ‘Norrington, but (Morris) said ‘Mike, you’re one of our new officers. We appreciate having you on board’ and shook my hand,” Norrington said. “He knew everyone and had respect for them all.”
In 1980, Norrington became the chief of police in Clinton, Illinois, working there for 13 years. He then returned to Carbondale as the director of law enforcement for the southern third of the state. He retired in 2018 after 25 years in that role.
During his decades around SIU and Saluki Athletics, Norrington has seen it all. He has seen the impact winning sports programs have on the university.
“When SIU went to the Sweet 16 a couple of times, that’s no joke. People I know around the country were talking about it,” he said. “If you’re into advertising, that’s the way to do it. The Salukis are something people recognize.”
The third annual Saluki Women’s Weekend is Thursday, Sept. 19, through Saturday, Sept. 21.
Hosted by the SIU Foundation Women’s Leadership Council, the three-day affair will feature multiple events and many of SIU’s most inspiring female leaders. The council is a network of alumnae, parents, and friends committed to creating a culture of women-driven philanthropy at SIU and mentoring future generations of Salukis.
SIU Credit Union is a proud sponsor of the Women in Empowerment Conference Sponsor for the third annual Saluki Women’s Weekend on Friday, Sept. 20, at Morris Library.
“This is our third year being a sponsor of the Saluki Women’s Weekend. We love giving back to our community,” said Kim Babington, vice president of community outreach at SIU Credit Union. “This is a year of empowerment. It is a great function for all women to attend. There will be great speakers and great leaders from our area.”
The Women in Empowerment Conference will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20. Check-in will be followed by breakfast and opening remarks. From there, topics will include artificial intelligence, health and wellness, career planning, philanthropy, and more. There will also be an expert panel discussion and Q&A session.
The Soar with Success: Saluki Women’s Reception will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at the Glenn Poshard Transportation Center at Southern Illinois Airport in Murphysboro. Check-in begins at 5 p.m., and the keynote speaker will be Erin Jackson, an SIU alumna and American Airlines pilot. There will also be the opportunity for aviation tours and exclusive networking opportunities.
The weekend will conclude with the Saluki Women Tailgating Experience before SIU plays SEMO on Saturday, Sept. 21, at Saluki Stadium. The tailgate will begin at 4 p.m. on Saluki Row, and the game begins at 6 p.m.
“The Saluki Women’s Weekend is a time for SIU alumnae and women business owners and community members to come together and showcase their incredible talents,” said Sherrica Hunt, the SIU Foundation’s assistant vice chancellor for diversity, equity, and inclusion. “The energy that these women bring to this event, our campus, and our society is inspiring. We want to share that with as many people as possible.”
Diane Compardo, SIU Foundation Board of Directors president and a proud 1992 alumna, is the Women in Empowerment Conference Sponsor for the third annual Saluki Women’s Weekend through her firm, Moneta, on Friday, Sept. 20, at Morris Library during the third annual Saluki Women’s Weekend.
She is also a member of the College of Business and Analytics Hall of Fame and the SIU Women’s Leadership Council. The council connects Saluki alumnae to current female students and offers guidance and mentorship as they study and prepare for life beyond college.
The Saluki Women’s Weekend begins on Thursday, Sept. 19, with the Saluki Women’s Reception from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Glenn Poshard Transportation Education Center at SI Airport. It continues from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, with the conference at Morris Library, and concludes with the Women’s Tailgating Experience from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saluki Row at Saluki Stadium before the SIU Football team takes on SEMO.
“SIU gave me an amazing opportunity – and I want to pay it forward to the women there today, ensuring they understand the many opportunities available to them,” Compardo said.
In recent years, Moneta has put an increased focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Moneta’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council supports the company’s mission to “empower people to navigate life’s path and protect what they cherish.” The council aims to achieve this by continually striving for an equitable, inclusive culture that encourages valuing, respecting, and celebrating the differences of Moneta’s employees, clients, and all whom it encounters.
“I’m thrilled to invite you to the third annual Saluki Women’s Weekend,” Compardo said. “It is such an empowering event for women. Please come and enjoy the event and connect with all the amazing women who are already planning to attend.”
For more information about the Saluki Women’s Weekend, visit siuf.org/salukiwomen.
