“Before the West Coast” created by Saluki Hall of Famer Oyd Craddock

By Jeff Wilson

Some stories demand to be told, and sometimes they just need the right storyteller. Such was the case for Oyd Craddock and his film, “Before the West Cost: A Sports Civil Rights Story.”

A free screening of the film will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 8, in Morris Library’s Guyon Auditorium. The event will last from 4 to 6 p.m., during which the 1-hour, 6-minute film will be shown followed by a Q&A session with Craddock and reception, including refreshments. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the film and hear the story behind the documentary.

The event is sponsored by the SIU Foundation in collaboration with the College of Arts and Media, Department of Athletics, and Vice Chancellor for Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Craddock, a 1980 alumnus of SIU’s College of Business and Analytics, Saluki Hall of Fame football player, and member of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors, attended New Orleans’ St. Augustine High School in the 1970s. The school’s football team famously integrated the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) in 1967.

“This film is really a part of my life story,” Craddock said. “It tells the story of the trials and triumphs of the all-Black, boys’ Catholic high school that integrated the all-white athletic league in Louisiana. It was a breakthrough event to have integrated competition in sports in high schools back then.”

The film also highlights the leadership of the school’s iconic coach, Otis Washington, and follows the team’s journey throughout the 1970s. Craddock enrolled in St. Augustine in 1972 and was co-captain of the school’s 1975 undefeated state championship team.

“Otis Washington was an innovator, transformative leader, and incredible head coach,” Craddock said. “He was ahead of his time. He went on to be the first Black coach hired by LSU (Louisiana State University).”

Making a movie was not originally on Craddock’s mind when he attended the 2012 LHSAA Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Coach Washington.

“I got to the point where I felt like I was called to tell this story,” Craddock said. “It could not die with us. I felt it would inspire the current generation. It evolved from a photo library with some video clips to doing interviews with players from that era to actually telling the full story.”

More than a football story, “Before the West Coast” showcases the leadership, integrity, and perseverance that was required during such a historic time.

“You can excel in the face of adversity,” Craddock said. “At that time, racism was very prevalent in the Deep South, but leadership matters, integrity matters. The students’ journey help transform the city of New Orleans from the era of segregation. The deck was not stacked equally, but we had to find a way to overcome, and we did.”

After a 31-year career with IBM, the now-retired Craddock credits much of his success to his experience at SIU.

“It wasn’t as much about the athletic accomplishments at SIU as much as the total experience,” he said. “The rigor of business school and demands of football helped prepare me for the real world. SIU propelled me to my career. I forever love SIU, the experience, and the help and guidance I received.”

For more information about “Before the West Coast: A Sports Civil Rights Story” and to watch the trailer, visit beforethewestcoast.com. To register for the free screening and reception, visit siuf.org/craddock. Registration is preferred but not required.

University leaders connect with alumni, donors, partners, schools

By Jeff Wilson

The fourth annual Saluki Takeover Tour in Chicago engaged university leaders with alumni and donors while also facilitating partnerships with community colleges, high schools and corporate partners.

Hosted by the SIU Foundation, the takeover tour has become a staple of the SIU calendar. Stretching well beyond Chicago, this year there will be stops in Memphis, Houston, Dallas, Nashville, Florida, St. Louis, Phoenix, California, and across Southern Illinois. For a full schedule of Saluki Takeover Tours, visit siuf.org/takeovers.

Salukis came in record numbers – more than 275 of them! – to celebrate their alma mater during the Chancellor’s Reception on Wednesday, Sept. 25, at the Residence Inn Chicago Magnificent Mile, managed by SIU alumnus Tommie Van ’86.

“We take our university, and we get a lot of us to come up here, and we plant the flag in the ground and tell everybody in the Windy City that this is Saluki territory,” said Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation Matt Kupec.

From Tuesday, Sept. 23, through Thursday, Sept. 26, dozens of representatives from Southern Illinois University Carbondale spread out across Chicago and surrounding areas, building partnerships and spreading the Saluki spirit.

“There is so much work that is happening,” said Chancellor Austin Lane. “We need more out of Chicago. That has been our theme as we have met with our community college presidents and high school principals.”

Throughout the week development officers and leaders from the SIU Foundation met with dozens of donors acro

ss the city in support of the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has raised more than $360 million toward its $500 million goal.

“This year we set a record for fundraising. It is about 2.7 times more than we raised in 2019,” said SIU System President Dan Mahony. “That money goes to support students, support programs, support scholarships, support all the incredible work faculty is doing.”

Over the four-day takeover tour, visits were made to the following community colleges:

• McHenry Community College
• Oakton College
• Joliet Junior College
• Harper College
• College of DuPage
• Prairie State College
• Moraine Valley Community College

“We had a wonderful, long day visiting those community college partners, because those are our future Salukis,” said Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Sheryl Tucker. “That’s part of where our enrollment growth is going to be.”

There were also visits to the following high schools:

• Englewood High School
• Morgan Park High School
• Noble Johnson College Prep
• Benito Juarez High School
• Farragut High School
• Al Raby School
• Chicago Agricultural High School

Many of the high schools are Hope Chicago schools. Hope Chicago scholarships remove financial barriers for students and families within the Chicago Public Schools system. Hope scholars also receive wraparound support like advising and mentoring to help them achieve their desired degree or certification.

“We have been here strengthening our partnership with Hope Chicago and other entities,” said Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jeff Burgin. “I know you know this, but I love saying it: If it’s been done and done well, a Saluki probably did it.”

Representatives from the College of Health and Human Sciences visited Navistar Inc. and AAR Corp. Over the years, Navistar has made incredible investment in the School of Automotive with gifts-in-kind totaling more than $1.1 million. AAR provides aviation services to commercial and government partners worldwide.

CHHS Dean Robert Morgan and School of Automotive Director Andrew Croxell also hosted an Automotive Happy Hour on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at Church Street Brewery in Itasca.

SIU Research Park Executive Director Lynn Lindberg and others met with representatives from the U.S. Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the 1871 Business Development Service.

The Saluki Takeover Tour in Chicago ended Thursday, Sept. 26, with the SIU Alumni Association’s Wrigleyville Takeover at the Saluki-owned Almost Home Tavern and Grill. Dozens of Salukis came together to celebrate their SIU connections.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

“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.”

Members earn unique access, opportunities to enhance fan experience

The Big Dawg Leadership Society is the next step in what SIU Athletic Director Tim Leonard calls “Saluki World Domination.”

The newly formed society recognizes Saluki Athletics’ most resolute supporters and provides them with unique access and opportunities that enhance the fan experience. By making annual gifts to support Saluki Athletics and commitments to the Pride of Little Egypt (the athletic department’s name, image and likeness program) fans can make a transformative impact on student-athletes, coaches, and the university.

The Big Dawg Leadership Society includes three levels:

• Legendary: $75,000 pledge over five years to Saluki Athletics and $2,500 for three years to the Pride of Little Egypt
• Hall of Fame: $50,000 pledge over five years to Saluki Athletics and $2,500 for three years to the Pride of Little Egypt
• Champion: $25,000 pledge over five years to Saluki Athletics and $1,000, one-year commitment to the Pride of Little Egypt

Each level includes benefits, which range from exclusive events, deepened connections with student-athletes and coaches, Saluki gear, and more. To learn more, contact Todd Reeser at toddr@foundation.siu.edu or Kat Martin at katm@foundation.siu.edu.

“A new day is dawning, and this is your chance to officially become a Big Dawg,” Leonard said. “To build and maintain championship-caliber programs takes an investment from all Salukis. We have made commitments to our student-athletes and coaches, and now we need our fans join us on this mission.”

Recently, many programs and athletes have enjoyed historic success:

• Swimmer Celia Pulido and track and field alumni DeAnna Price and Raven Saunders participated in the Summer Olympics in Paris
• Softball won 44 games and reached the NCAA Regional Finals
• Football hosted and won the first home playoff game in Saluki Stadium history
• Men’s golf made the NCAA Regionals for the third time in five years
• Men’s basketball saw its highest average home attendance in a decade
• Saluki student-athletes maintained an overall GPA of 3.23, highlighted by Saluki Softball earning the highest GPA of any NCAA softball team in the nation

Last fall, Leonard announced Imagine: Salukis Unleashed, a $100 million fundraising campaign scheduled to continue for a decade. That vision includes game-changing projects, ranging from basketball and football practice facilities, an updated baseball clubhouse, improvements to Lingle Hall, equipment upgrades, a new soccer stadium, and more.

“We want you to dream big with us,” Leonard said. “We love seeing our fans at every game, but the Big Dawg Leadership Society goes beyond season tickets. We are asking for enhanced annual commitments that drive us forward in exciting ways. It is time for Saluki Athletics to dominate like never before.”

To make a gift online, visit give.siu.edu/athletics. Checks can be mailed to: Southern Illinois University Foundation, Colyer Hall – Mail Code 6805, 1235 Douglas Drive, Carbondale, Illinois, 62901. To make a gift to the Pride of Little Egypt, visit prideoflittleegypt.com.

By Jeff Wilson

Beyond tuition, Southern Illinois University Carbondale students face the same financial challenges as everyone else – paying bills, buying food, finding childcare, and more.

That reality and the desire to help is what prompted Chad Pendleton, a 1997 SIU graduate, to step up and make a $25,000 pledge to establish the Pendleton Family Bridging the Gap Fund.

“It was clear that this is a way to make a meaningful impact,” Pendleton said. “A host of financial challenges come up for students – rent, food, everyday factors that might lead them to withdraw. It stood out to me as an area that I could support. It serves a critical need, especially for minority students.”

Through the office of Dr. Paul Frazier, vice chancellor for anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion, students can apply for emergency funds that help them stay enrolled at SIU, enhancing the university’s retention efforts and helping students reach their academic goals.

A Unique Journey

Pendleton doesn’t have the traditional Saluki story, but he shares the Saluki spirit that makes SIU special.

After deciding that the University of Memphis wasn’t the right fit for him, the Tennessee native took a job at a local hospital and discovered a passion for health care. He came across a flyer for SIU’s off-campus location at a local naval base and learned that it offered an accelerated degree program in health care management. He knew immediately that it was the perfect opportunity.

“I found it to be a very rewarding experience,” Pendleton said. “It was phenomenal to get my bachelor’s degree and bolster my career. After graduation, my career progressed quickly, and that was a direct result of my education.”

When his father became seriously ill, Pendleton embraced the chance to focus on what mattered most – family. With his sons transitioning through high school and college, Pendleton saw this as a time to be fully present for his family during pivotal moments in their lives. He also pursued his Ph.D., all while continuing to work with health care leaders by founding Pendleton Advisory Group.

“It gave me the flexibility to be there for my family when they needed me the most,” he said. “Pendleton Advisory Group has been more successful than I ever imagined, and it has allowed me to maintain that balance.”

The experience of supporting his family during this difficult time reinforced Pendleton’s belief in the importance of having both a personal and financial support network. His decision to contribute to SIU through the Pendleton Family Bridging the Gap Fund was born from this understanding.

Reconnecting with SIU

This October, the Saluki Takeover Tour is coming to Memphis for the first time. Pendleton will be attending the Chancellor’s Reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, at King Jerry Lawler’s Hall of Fame Bar & Grill.

“There are more alumni in this area than I realized,” Pendleton said. “It will be great to develop a network of individuals. We are all still representing the Salukis, and I am looking forward to reconnecting.”

Pendleton, who also serves on the advisory committee for the SIU College of Health and Human Sciences, looks forward to meeting with alumni who may feel less connected to the college and the university.

“I credit much of my success to SIU,” he said. “I want to show others how they can re-establish their connection and how they can get involved. SIU gave me so much, and this is an opportunity to give back in a meaningful way.”

To learn more about making a gift, visit siuf.org. To register for the Saluki Takeover Tour Memphis, visit siuf.org/memphis.