Category Archives: Crowdfunding

Students Gain Real-World Experience through the Saluki Student Investment Fund

By Ava Steffens 

The Saluki Student Investment Fund (SSIF) at SIU Carbondale offers hands-on experience in investment research and management. The student-led organization is modeled after real-world investment management firms, enhancing students’ academic and professional experience. The program provides access to the necessary resources while fostering relationship building among peers, alumni, and industry professionals. 

The SSIF began as a small student-run portfolio in 2000, starting at $25,000. 25 years later, students have grown the program and now handle $4.3 million in assets. They primarily focus on making investment decisions for their main client, the SIU Foundation. Members also manage funds for the College of Business and Analytics portfolio. 

Noe Estrada headshot
Noe Estrada

“There are few college funds that reach the size of ours,” said Noe Estrada, a junior and the team leader of the SSIF’s consumer discretionary and staples sector. “It’s a lot of work, and it’s a testament to the resilient nature of this team.”  

Estrada explained the RSO’s strategy for calculating and analyzing the amount of funds generated from trading stocks. The process begins with looking at a company’s competitive advantage, and what drives its overall growth. From there, the fund calculates and analyzes sectors driving the company’s performance, using that data to determine strategic outcomes. 

Through the SSIF, Estrada had access to a $30,000 Bloomberg Terminal yearly subscription. He was also able to use the knowledge he gained from the organization to build his own three-statement financial model. 

“The Saluki Student Investment Fund changed my life. I’m going to enter a competitive job market with a significant skillset. What is being done in here sets the foundation to our future success.”  

Jimmy Lin headshot
Jimmy Lin

Jimmy Lin, a sophomore finance major who serves as an analyst for the healthcare sector, emphasizes the importance of the impact that the SSIF has on professional development.

“Since the SSIF is the primary asset manager of the SIU Foundation, trading stocks using real money may seem intimidating at first. But once you are trained, it becomes second nature,” he said. “Those capabilities and abilities that we learned during our time in the organization will carry over into the corporate world.”

Although he agrees that the idea of students managing millions of dollars may seem daunting, Lin assures that the money contributed to the fund is in “good hands.”

“It makes us think a lot harder about the decisions we make. We must remain diligent, meaning we spend money with caution. It helps us strategize through the process and take it seriously.”

Kate DeGrazia headshot
Kate DeGrazia

Kate DeGrazia, a senior and the team leader for the real estate sector, explained that the SSIF operates in a way that parallels the S&P 400 index. “Depending on how it’s divided up, the SSIF sectors are structured the same. We pick the strongest stocks so we can beat out the index,” she said.  

Community building and networking are also crucial aspects of the SSIF. “Meeting alumni is one of my favorite parts of the fund. It’s nice to see what my peers who are a couple years older than me accomplish,” said DeGrazia. “It’s like having big brothers and big sisters; knowing that alumni care and will extend their hard-earned money back to us has really shaped my experience.” 

The program is not only open to business majors, according to DeGrazia. “We’ve had premed, automotive, and engineering students too, and that uniqueness helps us out. There are so many different minds collaborating on each task, and we can all share our own perspectives.” 

Sarah Farris headshot
Sarah Farris

Sarah Farris, a senior who is the team leader for the health care sector, originally joined the RSO to learn more about investing in her own future. The fund also dives deeper into subject matter learned in her marketing classes.  

“While it was scary handling real-world money at first, it provided a good experience and helped us gain confidence. It’s an honor that they trust students to be able to manage that amount of money.” 

Farris says that leading the organization was a crucial part of her college experience. She said the knowledge gained through the fund is comparable to working a job for all 4 years. The SSIF has led to a variety of post-graduate opportunities for her and her classmates. 

“Knowing that we have money in our back pockets to use for different experiences helps ease our minds,” said Farris. 

Presley Ornelas headshot
Presley Ornelas

Presley Ornelas, a sophomore and an analyst for the real estate sector, first learned about SSIF when visiting his friends at SIU, who were involved with the organization. He attributed the SSIF to helping him grow a network of supportive peers and mentors. “Whether it’s visiting financial firms, competitions, or helping the community, it’s a great experience.” 

This year, Ornelas and 16 other SSIF students went to NYC to visit Dow Jones and Bloomberg. They received invaluable insight from established professionals while growing their network. Through experiences like this field trip, he learned more about professional and strategic development. 

“Thanks to the SSIF, I’ll already be prepared to take the CFA exam, and I’ll have my Bloomberg marketing certification,” says Ornelas.  

Beyond building connections with alumni and potential job recruiters, members shadow industry professionals in their day-to-day experiences. This offers a chance to learn from these mentors.  

“No matter how an alum decides to give back to the SSIF, knowing we have their support is priceless,” he said.  

Costs relating to operational expenses, student support, advisor stipends, and subscriptions are preserved primarily through external support. Those who wish to support the SSIF can get involved by meeting critical funding needs that maintain the organization’s impact. To learn more about how to make a difference in the lives of future investment leaders or to make a gift, visit give.siu.edu/ssif. 

For more information about the Saluki Student Investment Fund, visit business.siu.edu/rso/ssif. 

SIU Day of Giving Marks 10th Anniversary This September

SIU Day of Giving
By Jeff Wilson

CARBONDALE, Ill. – Southern Illinois University Carbondale will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Day of Giving on Wednesday, Sept. 17.

This 24-hour online fundraiser engages alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students in a day of philanthropy and Saluki pride. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $17 million. Gifts can be made at siuday.siu.edu.

“The dollars raised during the Day of Giving not only help SIU students reach their goals, but they also represent the power of the community that makes this university special,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “Salukis from around the globe come together, make gifts of all sizes, and witness their collective impact. It’s always one of the most exciting days of the year.”

SIU is one of only 21 institutions nationwide included on the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s lists for both Research 1 and Opportunity Colleges and Universities.

“Many institutions can say they conduct top-level research, and many schools can say they offer affordability and a great return on investment,” said Chancellor Austin A. Lane. “These designations from Carnegie show very few – less than 1 percent, in fact – can say both. At Southern, we can.”

The Day of Giving offers every Saluki a chance to support the university’s growing momentum. Gifts of any size can be amplified through challenges and matching donations. Many companies offer matching gift programs, which can double or even triple the impact of a donor’s contribution. Visit the website to see if your employer participates.

One standout Day of Giving success story is the Balancing Education, Experience, and Reality (B.E.E.R.) Scholarship. Established in 2019 after a conversation in the “Carbondale in the 80s and 90s” Facebook group, the scholarship has received hundreds of donations annually from alumni who celebrate their Saluki experience. The group has funded multiple B.E.E.R. Scholarships since its creation.

Other projects that have benefited from Day of Giving support include Campus Lake, Saluki Alumni Plaza, the Green Fund, Saluki Athletics, and every college and unit on campus.

All gifts count toward the SIU’s Foundation’s Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign. With a goal of raising $500 million by 2028, the campaign is the fifth largest in the history of Illinois higher education. To date, the campaign has surpassed $400 million.

During the current fiscal year, the SIU Foundation has provided a record-breaking number of scholarships. More than 2,000 SIU students, representing over 17 percent of the student doby, received a scholarship from the SIU Foundation, amounting to nearly $5.6 million in financial support.

To learn more about the campaign and the SIU Foundation, visit siuf.org.

Help fuel the future: Support STEAM For All summer camp

STEAM For All

This summer, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is becoming a launchpad for discovery. The STEAM for ALL Day Camp is welcoming local students in grades 6–8 for a hands-on, curiosity-driven experience in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). Thanks to a grant from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), this camp is completely free for participants.

The STEAM For All summer camp is designed to increase awareness, access, and excitement about STEAM among underserved students in our region. With two, week-long sessions in June (June 9–13 and June 23–27), we’re preparing to host up to 60 students.

While the ISBE grant covers registration, it doesn’t cover meals. And with about 90 percent of campers coming from public schools where most students qualify for free or reduced lunches, it is vital to ensure that no child goes hungry while they learn, build, and dream.

MAKE A GIFT TODAY

The Goal

The camp, which is hosted by the College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics, is raising $4,500 to provide lunch and snacks for all campers across both weeks. With your support, it can ensure every camper is nourished and ready to explore.

Every donation—no matter the size—directly supports a child’s experience at camp. Your gift helps provide meals and snacks while campers:

  • Build robots
  • Explore digital art
  • Conduct hands-on science experiments
  • Discover new passions and potential careers

If you’re looking to make an even bigger impact, consider becoming a sponsor:

  • Tech Titan ($1,500+): Feeds 20+ campers for a week and includes top-tier recognition on promotional materials and the camp website, plus logo placement at camp events.
  • Visionary ($750+): Feeds 10+ campers for a week and includes sponsor recognition on camp materials and the website.
  • Creator ($75+): Feeds one camper for a week and includes acknowledgment in sponsor appreciation messages.

Your support makes a real difference. Together, we can ensure that students from diverse backgrounds have access to inspiring STEAM opportunities that can shape their futures.

MAKE A GIFT TODAY

Keep Campus Lake beautiful: Make a gift today

MAKE A GIFT OF ANY SIZE TO SUPPORT THIS PROJECT

CARBONDALE – Thanks to a lead gift from the late Tilden “Tim” Parks, a 1976 SIU graduate, Campus Lake will soon have a new addition.

Final preparations are underway to install a new state-of-the-art fountain to the center of the lake. This much needed and long overdue fountain will help circulate the water of the lake, helping to prevent the growth of harmful algal blooms and improve all forms of life, such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. The university eradicated cyanobacteria from the lake with a massive cleanup effort in 2016, but left unchecked, they’ll start to take over again.

The gift from Parks helped spark the conversation about adding a fountain, but funding is still needed to secure and install the first of hopefully a few different fountains on the lake. The foundation is seeking an additional $30,000 to make this project a reality and to honor the legacy of Mr. Parks and his family.

MAKE A GIFT OF ANY SIZE TO SUPPORT THIS PROJECT

The community will be invited to a dedication ceremony for the fountain this fall. Details are still being finalized for this event.

“I want to challenge everyone to give back to others and to what is important to them,” said the late Ralph E. Becker, who donated $1 million to renovate the lake’s boathouse in 2017. “It is extremely important to challenge others to do bigger and better than what I am able to accomplish. That is the only way progress will be made.”

Natural beauty often ranks highly in the promotional material of Southern Illinois University Carbondale . One of the campus’s most heavily photographed spots is the scenic landscape of Campus Lake. Campus Lake is a 43-acre spring-fed lake set amongst woodlands. The lake area is popular for students walking across campus to get to class, and is also the site of many campus-wide events like the Great Cardboard Boat Regatta, the Doc Spackman Memorial Triathlon, Moonlight Canoeing, and fundraising and awareness walks.

Purchased in 1956 from the Thompson family that gave its name to Thompson Point and Thompson Woods, Campus Lake was originally known as Thompson Lake. It was only after its purchase that it would be re-christened, when a new Thompson Lake was created just north of Carbondale to serve as a local reservoir.

Campus Lake Trail is a 2-mile paved trail around campus lake. Along the trail, there is a nature boardwalk and multiple workout areas. This trail is often used for everyday recreation by walkers, runners, and joggers. On average the trail sees about 1,500 users a week. The trail hosts multiple organized walks and runs throughout the year.

Your support of the Campus Lake fountain project will allow the university to preserve and maintain this for generations to come.

MAKE A GIFT OF ANY SIZE TO SUPPORT THIS PROJECT

Tison champions women’s empowerment through leadership and legacy

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.

SIU Press: Your gifts support scholarly, creative, local authors

Giving levels include recognition online, in print

By Jeff Wilson

Southern Illinois University Press is the nonprofit book-publishing unit of Southern Illinois University. Unlike a commercial publisher, which focuses on publishing for popular audiences, we have a mission to publish works of serious scholarly, intellectual, or creative merit. Our books are vetted by peer reviewers and must receive approval from an editorial board before publication.

SIU Press published its first book in 1956 and has issued nearly 3,000 books since then, with about 1,400 books currently in print. Over the years, the Press has made substantial contributions to a wide range of subject areas and has become especially well-known for its publications in Civil War studies, Lincoln studies, theatre, poetry, and rhetoric & composition. In addition, SIU Press publishes books that celebrate and document the history and culture of Southern Illinois, the state, and the Midwest.

Supporting local authors

The first book featured in this series is “Southern Illinois Fishing: A Comprehensive Guide for Anglers” by Colby Simms.

Southern Illinois’s many waterways teem with an incredible variety of fish species, and as an award-winning fisherman and journalist, Simms knows exactly where and how to catch them all.

“I always thought about writing a book about fishing in Southern Illinois,” he said. “It was something if thought would be important to the region and to teach people about the oppotunities here and how to maximize them.”

CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THIS BOOK

Colby Simms BookWithin these pages, he shares the secrets he’s gleaned from years of hard-won experience. He conferred with fellow fishing pros as well as biologists, outdoor sports media figures, and other experts to bring you the most current, site-specific information possible. From fishing fundamentals to the most advanced, cutting-edge techniques, Simms presents a battle plan for attacking the waters, big and small, of the lower Prairie State, which will benefit all anglers—from beginners to seasoned tournament competitors.

“A university press like SIU makes you feel more comfortable and gives you a lot more opportunities than you have out in the rest of the publishing world,” Simss said. “It’s a great place for new book authors to get started.”

Nestled between the information and instructions, you’ll find stories from Simms and other professional anglers, state fisheries staff, recreational fishers, and more. You’ll find encouragement and motivation to put away life’s modern distractions and get back to nature. Southern Illinois Fishing brims with enthusiasm, humor, and heart, and is sure to educate and inspire readers to lose themselves in the ancient tradition and modern sport of fishing.

Gift Acknowledgement

We will gladly acknowledge your generous donation in the following ways:

  • Gifts of $100 or more will be acknowledged on the book’s webpage on the SIU Press website.
  • Gifts of $500 or more will also be acknowledged in print on the book’s copyright or acknowledgement page. The first printing of this book is already in the warehouse, so this acknowledgement will appear in the next and all subsequent printings.
  • Gifts of $1000 or more will also be acknowledged as a sponsor in social media postings and other promotions.
  • Gifts of $5000 or more will be acknowledged at a special book promotion event and reading and the donor will be invited as a special guest of honor. We will work with the donor to schedule the event at a time convenient to them.

Your support of this title will ensure that this book reaches the widest possible audience and inspires future generations to enjoy the beautiful waterways of Southern Illinois.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A GIFT TO SUPPORT THE SIU PRESS

SIU Press Books

Book sales cover some of the production costs for each title published, but donations make it possible to keep prices affordable for scholars, students, and the general public. Donations also ensure that the books feature quality production elements such as color photos when needed and beautiful interior and cover designs, and they help us to effectively promote each title. Your donation to a specific title will be used to produce, promote, distribute, or reprint the book as necessary.

If you would rather make a gift to support new publications in an entire subject area or series, please contact Amy Etcheson (aetcheson@siu.edu; 618-453-6623) to discuss options.

“For nearly 70 years, SIU Press has supported SIU’s research mission by making a strong contribution to academic scholarship, providing educational opportunities for students, and disseminating information about our region. Your support will help us continue that tradition,” Etcheson said.

SIU Day of Giving raises nearly $1.2 million; more than $17 million donated over event’s history

By Jeff Wilson

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.

Day of Giving
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.”

To watch the livestream, visit the SIU Foundation’s YouTube page.

Night of B.E.E.R.

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.

To watch the full event, visit the SIU Alumni Association’s YouTube page.

Day of Giving: More than 2,600 Salukis donate over $3.1M

By Jeff Wilson

The 8th annual SIU Day of Giving was Wednesday, Feb. 28, and once again, Saluki spirit was on display for 24 straight hours.

The SIU Foundation raised more than $3.15 million, and more than 2,600 donors participated. In total, there has been about $17 million donated during the Days of Giving. Every gift pushes the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign one step closer to its goal of raising $500 million by 2028.

“We put those dollars to work,” said Chancellor Austin Lane during the Day of Giving livestream from WSIU-TV studio. “Once we receive the support that’s coming from those who give during the Day of Giving that were able to put that in hands of our students.”

Leading the way with 670 donors was the Balancing Education, Experience, and Reality (B.E.E.R.) Scholarships, driven by the Carbondale in the ’80s and ’90s Facebook group. Nearly $45,000 was raised for the endowed scholarship fund.

Other areas that topped the donor total list included:

  • WSIU Public Broadcasting: 502
  • School of Medicine: 279
  • College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics: 240
  • College of Health and Human Sciences: 142
  • Saluki Athletics: 127
  • College of Arts and Media: 120

The College of Business and Analytics raised $764,835, the most of any college, school, or unit.

Other areas that received the highest dollar amounts included:

  • School of Medicine: $555,765
  • School of Law: $526,456
  • College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences: $195,917
  • College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics: $188,893
  • College of Liberal Arts: $157,143
  • Touch of Nature: $93,510

Some donations were still being counted, including donations made through fundraisers at St. Nicholas Brewing Co. MDH at Southern Illinois Airport and Freddy’s in Carbondale. Both restaurants donated percentages of some of Wednesday’s sales to the College of Health and Human Sciences.

SIU Credit Union kicked off the Day of Giving by donating $35,000 in total, designating $20,000 to New Student Programs and $15,000 to Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center.

The Day of Giving livestream aired from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and can be viewed in its entirety on the SIU Foundation YouTube channel. It featured segments from every college and school and many other units. Hosted by Vice Chancellor of Development and Alumni Relations Matt Kupec, there were interviews with campus leaders, including Chancellor Lane.

To see the full totals, visit siuday.siu.edu.

SIU Credit Union donates $35K to Touch of Nature, New Student Programs

Gift kicks off 8th annual SIU Day of Giving

SIU Credit Union has long been a resolute supporter of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and once again it was on display to jumpstart the SIU Day of Giving.

The credit union donated $35,000 in total, designating $20,000 to New Student Programs and $15,000 to Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center. This gift, and all Day of Giving donations, benefit the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign.

“I look forward to this every year,” said Chancellor Austin Lane. “We can’t thank SIU Credit Union enough for this partnership.”

These gifts will help the university welcome new students by funding programming and offer experiences that build Saluki spirit and help them form lifelong bonds with each other and the university. One such event is Dawg Days, hosted each fall at Touch of Nature.

“Touch of Nature wouldn’t be what it is today without the SIU Credit Union,” said Brian Croft, director of Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center. “Thank you for everything you do for SIU students.”

In the fall, there was a groundbreaking ceremony for the SIU Credit Union Event Center at Touch of Nature. That project stems from a $500,000 donation the credit union previously made.

“Being an alumnus, it’s important for me to give back to the university that got me where I am,” said Mike Lantrip, SIU Credit Union president and CEO and a 1991 graduate of SIU’s College of Business and Analytics. “Touch of Nature has a special place in my heart.”

Kim Babington, SIU Credit Union’s vice president of community outreach, complimented the staff of Touch of Nature and Student Affairs, which operates New Student Programs.

“It makes such a difference to see the passion that they have for their programs,” she said.

Beyond the experiences, the funds play a major role in bringing students to campus and keeping them here.

“I want to emphasize what the credit union’s support and commitment means to us,” said Jennifer Phillips, director of New Student Programs. “It’s important to recruitment and retention, and we couldn’t do it without you.”

Each year, the SIU Day of Giving brings thousands of Salukis and SIU supporters together for a 24-hour, online event, which has raised nearly $14 million over its first seven years. Gifts can be made all day Wednesday, Feb. 28, at siuday.siu.edu, and every day at siuf.org.

The SIU Foundation celebrates Black History Month by encouraging donations to support Anti-racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Black History Month February 2024 - Ancestral Healing

This Black History Month, SIU embraces Ancestral Healing, honoring the past while actively building a more just and equitable future. Join the SIU Foundation in fueling this mission by supporting our Anti-racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) initiatives. Your gift will make a real difference, empowering students and fostering a welcoming space where everyone can thrive.

“Together, we can build a university fueled by belonging, where every student has the resources and support to flourish and change the world with your support, says Sherrica Hunt, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations for ADEI.

Invest in the legacy of ADEI at SIU by supporting one of these impactful funds:

  1. African American Achievement Scholarship
  2. Black Resource Center
  3. Black Students in Business Development
  4. Burris Financial Emergency Endowment Fund
  5. Darius Robinson Scholarship Endowment
  6. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Development Fund
  7. Dr. Cynthia Howard Sims Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Endowment Fund
  8. Dr. Donald and Mrs. Frances Davenport Scholarship Endowment
  9. George Floyd Equity and Justice Scholarship
  10. McDaniel Oats Memorial Scholarship
  11. Michael L. Haywood Scholarship Endowment Fund
  12. Mitchel and Carol Livingston Scholarship Endowment Fund
  13. Pendleton Family Bridging the Gap Fund
  14. Seymour and Marjorie Bryson Academic Achievement Scholarship Endowment Fund
  15. School of Education African American Award Endowment Fund

Here’s how you can give:

  • Visit the SIU Foundation website.
  • Insert the fund name(s) in the Designation field. You can support multiple funds!
  • Spread the word: Share this blog post and tell your friends and family about the impact they can make.

*The site accepts all major credit cards, PayPal, and Venmo. If you are SIU faculty or staff, you can also give via payroll deduction.

Let’s celebrate Black History Month by building a brighter future for all. Donate today and make a meaningful difference in the lives of SIU students.

*If you would like to learn more information on establishing a fund at SIU, contact Sherrica Hunt, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations for ADEI, by email at sherricah@foundation.siu.edu