Events & Engagement, Saluki Takeover Tours, SIU

St. Louis shows up in record numbers for Saluki Takeover Tour

March 7, 2025 Jeff Wilson Leave a comment

By Jeff Wilson

ST. LOUIS – Hundreds of SIU’s alumni and friends came together during another incredible Saluki Takeover Tour St. Louis during the week of the Arch Madness MVC Tournament.

Chancellor Austin Lane and many other representatives from campus visited six high schools and one college. The SIU Foundation hosted two corporate and networking events, 12 donor visits, and the Chancellor’s Reception on Wednesday, March 5, at the Budweiser 703 Club inside Busch Stadium.

“We have been all over the place promoting what it means to be a Saluki and recruiting students to come here,” Lane said to the record-breaking crowd of 275.

Wendell Williams, Frederick Polkinghorne, Austin Lane — Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management (from left), McKinley High School Assistant Principal Frederick Polkinghorne, a class of 2009 SIU graduate, and Chancellor Austin Lane met during the Saluki Takeover Tour St. Louis.

McCleur High School met with SIU Admissions officials during the Saluki Takeover Tour St. Louis.

Lane highlighted the university Research 1 designation and its continued commitment to affordability and student success, including:

Out-of-State Tuition Eliminated – All U.S. undergraduates now pay in-state tuition.
Saluki Step Ahead – A seamless transfer pathway for community college students.
Saluki Legacy Discount – Tuition savings for children and grandchildren of alumni.
Saluki Commitment – Covers tuition and fees for eligible in-state students.
Scholarships – Multiple options to help fund education.

McKinley Classic Leadership High School students met with campus leaders.

Southern is one of only three public Illinois universities to be recognized by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as an R1 institution.

“Our alumni should be walking tall. There are only 187 Research 1 institutions out of 4,000-plus universities. That is a big deal,” Lane said.

For the SIU Foundation, the takeover tours are an opportunity to connect with donors as it progresses through the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign. With 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 already been raised, and the Saluki Takeover Tour helps spread the excitement.

The Saluki Men’s Basketball team and coaching staff stopped by the Chancellor’s Reception to thank the fans for their support during the MVC Tournament and throughout the season.

“When we started to put this thing together, hardly anybody – from the staff to the players – knew each other. We built this thing from the ground up, and this is just the start,” said Saluki Men’s Basketball Coach Scott Nagy. “We have such a great fanbase. Thank you all for coming out.”

Other events

The SIU Foundation Women’s Leadership Council hosted “Connect & Inspire,” an event celebrating Saluki women.

Dozens of women gathered on Tuesday, March 4, for the event, which kicked off the takeover tour by celebrating Women’s History Month.

Hosted by SIU Foundation Board President Diane Compardo ’91 and Dr. Dawn Korte ’91, a founding member of the Women’s Leadership Council, the event at the Saint Louis Club featured Dr. Korte, who has had an impressive career in human resources, sharing powerful negotiation strategies for women in the workforce. Sherrica Hunt, assistant vice chancellor for development & alumni relations, anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion, highlighted the growing impact of the Women’s Leadership Council.

On the morning of Wednesday March 5, SIU leaders and St. Louis-area corporations came together at the Greater St. Louis Inc. Andrew C. Taylor Center for Civic Collaboration to explore opportunities at the Saluki Corporate Engagement Takeover event.

Corporate Networking — The SIU Foundation hosted a corporate networking event on Wednesday, March 5.

With 22,000+ SIU alumni in the St. Louis area, this event highlighted the many ways corporations can connect with SIU to recruit top talent and invest in innovation.

This collaboration strengthens SIU’s role in workforce development, research, and economic growth, ensuring a strong future for both our students and corporate partners.

Interested in partnering with SIU? Contact Sherrica Hunt at sherricah@foundation.siu.edu or Shane Bennett at shaneb@foundation.siu.edu.

The SIU Alumni Association hosted pregame events at PBR St. Louis inside Ballpark Village before each basketball game, and the Young Alumni Group hosted an all-ages event at McGurk’s Irish Pub on the evening of Friday, March 7.

On the court, the Salukis won their first-round matchup against Indiana State in thrilling fashion with a last-second 86-85 victory. The Dawgs ultimately ended their season with a 70-53 loss to No. 1-ranked Drake in the quarterfinals of the MVC Tournament.

Donor Stories, Philanthropic Women, SIU

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

March 6, 2025 Jeff Wilson Leave a comment

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.

Born and 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.

Events & Engagement, Saluki Takeover Tours, SIU

Saluki Takeover Tour to enhance connections in Southern Illinois

March 6, 2025 Jeff Wilson Leave a comment

By Jeff Wilson

The Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois returns for a second trip through the state’s southernmost 17 counties.

After an incredible inaugural year in 2024, excitement is building for this year’s events. Chancellor Austin Lane and other campus leaders will meet with students and educational partners throughout the region, and there will be six Chancellor’s Receptions:

Thursday, April 3 – Apple Creek Country Club, 503 Stone Creek Drive, Makanda – REGISTER HERE
Tuesday, April 8 – Mt. Dew Park Stadium Club, 1000 Miners Drive, Marion – REGISTER HERE
Thursday, April 10 – Café Bloom, 1104 Public Square, Benton – REGISTER HERE
Tuesday, April 15 – St. Nicholas Landmark Brewery, 111 Ferry Street, Chester – REGISTER HERE
Thursday, April 17 – Pizza Villa, 169 E. Vienna Street, Anna – REGISTER HERE
Tuesday, April 22 – Faye, 1616 Walnut Street, Murphysboro – REGISTER HERE

There is no cost to attend any of these events. Each reception runs from 6 to 8 p.m. and includes complimentary hors d’oeuvres and two drink tickets per registered attendee. These events are hosted by the SIU Foundation.

“Southern Illinois is a very large area, and we have been all over,” Lane said during last year’s takeover tour. “It has been amazing to see all the students and administrators from Chester to Mount Vernon, from Pope County to Cairo.”

Chancellor Austin Lane speaks Saturday, May 4, at Walker's Bluff Casino Resort. — Chancellor Austin Lane speaks Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort.

While visiting more than 20 high schools and community colleges during the Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois last year, Lane and admissions staff promoted programs such as the Saluki Commitment, which 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 all of 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.

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.”

The Saluki Takeover Tour has also visited Chicago, St. Louis, Springfield, Hollywood, Tampa, Miami, Naples, West Palm Beach, St. Petersburg, The Villages, Houston, Dallas, Memphis, and Nashville. Last year’s events in Southern Illinois took place in Mount Vernon, Harrisburg, Carterville, Metropolis, Alto Pass, and Du Quoin. The objective is clear: Take the SIU campus on the road and engage with prospective students, fellow educators, alumni, and donors. Each stop on the takeover tour is packed with visits to schools, campus, and events that connect SIU’s leaders with corporate leaders and friends of the university.

“We bring the campus, and we plant the flag in the ground, and we say, ‘This is Saluki Country!’” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation.

For the SIU Foundation, the takeover tours are an opportunity to connect with donors as it progresses through the record-breaking Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign. With 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 already been raised, and the Saluki Takeover Tour helps spread the excitement.

Suggested attire for these events is business casual, but Saluki gear is always appropriate, too. For more information, visit siuf.org/southern-illinois.

Events & Engagement, SIU

Saluki Ball: Supporting current SIU students

March 3, 2025 Jeff Wilson Leave a comment

Event is Saturday, April 26, in the Student Center Ballrooms

By Jeff Wilson

CARBONDALE – The Saluki Ball, a major fundraiser for current SIU students, is coming to Carbondale this year. After two incredible years in Chicago, the SIU Foundation is excited to bring this year’s event home.

Loren Lane and Chancellor Austin Lane — The third annual Saluki Ball, hosted by Chancellor Austin Lane and Mrs. Loren Lane, will be Saturday, April 26, at the SIU Student Center Ballrooms.

Hosted by Chancellor Austin Lane and Mrs. Loren Lane, the third annual Saluki Ball will be Saturday, April 26, at the SIU Student Center Ballrooms.

This black-tie optional event raises funds that bridge the financial gap for students who need assistance staying enrolled at SIU. When a student needs help with their bursar bill, these funds help keep them in school and on track for graduation. This support is invaluable in Southern’s mission to increase enrollment, enhance retention efforts, and support its students from start to finish.

Each of the past two years, hundreds of Salukis and SIU supporters have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through the ball.

“Our focus is on our students, especially those who need your help the most,” said Chancellor Lane. “We must ensure the students that we bring to Carbondale or who enroll in online courses are able to stay enrolled and finish with their degree.”

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The support

Students who have received funds that help them stay in school have shared the impact it has made on them.

“People who didn’t even know me believe in me and took the time to invest in my future,” said SIU student Francesca Stewart. “It prevented me from having to go back home.”

The funds that bridge the gap between semesters are core to the university’s mission of accessibility. Keeping students enrolled is integral to continuing the momentum at SIU.

“Receiving bridge-the-gap funds was major for me because I was on that line of whether I was going to finish my semester,” said student George Douglas IV. “That call saying I was getting alumni support, it changed everything. It changed my future.”

Southern has long prided itself on being accessible to students of diverse backgrounds, providing opportunities to those who may not otherwise be able to achieve their educational dreams.

“I came to SIU because it was one of the only schools able to help me through the Exploratory Student Program. Once I got here, I wanted to stay because of the people I met,” said Jashaun Murray, who studied social work at SIU. “You’re helping someone. You’re changing a life. You changed my life.”

The event

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and program at 6:30 p.m. There will be a live musical performance from multi-platinum recording artists Exposé at 8:30 p.m., and the evening will wrap up with a DJ and dancing at 9:30 p.m.

Expose — Multi-platinum recording artists Exposé will be the featured performer during the Saluki Ball on Saturday, April 26, at the SIU Student Center Ballroom.

The Saluki Ball features numerous sponsorship opportunities, ranging from $50,000 to $5,000. Each sponsorship includes varying levels of benefits and recognition before and during the event. Tables of 8 are $1,600, and individual tickets are $200.

The inaugural ball in 2023 was sponsored by the Honorable Glenn and Mrs. Jo Poshard and ULLICO, Inc., and Laborers’ Local 773.

“We both love the university. It gave us both opportunities we would have never had otherwise,” Dr. Glenn Poshard said. “The purpose of the ball – supporting low-income students – is consistent with what we believe in.”

Ed Smith, president and CEO of ULLICO, passed away in 2024. He voiced his support of the Saluki Ball before the 2023 event.

“SIU is the crown jewel of Southern Illinois. It’s the economic engine of this region, and we are committed to SIU,” Smith said at the time.

In both 2023 and 2024, College of Business and Analytics alumnus F. Lynn McPheeters has been a major sponsor of the ball.

“This event celebrates SIU’s reputation for providing a first-class education and will raise money for scholarships,” said McPheeters. “It pains me that so many people are coming out of school with mounds of debt. In recognition of this situation, the SIU Foundation has significantly increased its efforts to provide scholarship assistance, as so many other universities have done.”

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Honoring Salukis

Each year, the Saluki Ball honors alumni, friends of the university, and students who have gone above and beyond.

In total, there have been five Saluki Lifetime Achievement Awards handed out. In 2023, the recipients were Drs. Phil and Pam Pfeffer. In 2024, the recipients were Greg Cook, Scott Moller, and Tonnette “Toni” Williams.

The student award winners have been Luis Barrera, BriYanna Robinson, Emily Bakri, and Dylan Chambers.