The SIU Foundation will launch its first Week of Philanthropy Sept. 21-25, a five-day celebration of the generosity that creates opportunities across Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

“The Week of Philanthropy gives us an opportunity to celebrate the impact of generosity across SIU and, just as importantly, to thank the people who make that impact possible,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation.

Each day will highlight a different aspect of philanthropy through events at the Tedrick Welcome Center, culminating in a campuswide celebration Friday. At the center of the week is the 11th SIU Day of Giving on Wednesday, Sept. 23, a 24-hour online giving event that will invite Salukis around the world to “Paint the Map Maroon.”

“Day of Giving gives every Saluki the opportunity to make an impact on something that matters to them. Whether you are supporting a scholarship, an academic program, athletics or another area you love, every gift helps us paint the map maroon and demonstrates the reach of the Saluki family,” said Kathryn Sime, assistant vice chancellor for major and planned giving.

The five-day celebration includes:

• Monday, Sept. 21 — The week begins by equipping Day of Giving advocates with resources to help them successfully promote the campaign and thanking them for their efforts. Campus partners can visit the Tedrick Welcome Center from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. to pick up Day of Giving materials, record video messages and learn more about ways to engage their networks. Faculty, staff and campus partners can also record messages from 3 to 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 22 — A Student Scholarship Festival will highlight the impact of philanthropy on students and celebrate the opportunities made possible through donor-funded scholarships. Held exclusively for SIU Foundation scholarship recipients, the festival will recognize students’ achievements and connect their success to the generosity of donors who invest in their education and future.
• Wednesday, Sept. 23 — The celebration shifts online Wednesday for the 11th SIU Day of Giving. Throughout the 24-hour digital giving experience, donors can support the areas of SIU they are most passionate about, participate in scheduled challenges and matching opportunities, and follow giving activity from Salukis around the world. This year, the SIU Foundation is encouraging donors in all 50 states and across the globe to participate and help paint the map maroon. Gifts can be made online at siuday.siu.edu.
• Thursday, Sept. 24 — The SIU Foundation will recognize faculty and staff who support the university through payroll deduction. Donors can visit the Tedrick Welcome Center to receive a certificate of appreciation and a gift and learn more about the impact of their giving.
• Friday, Sept. 25 — The week concludes with a campuswide celebration at the Tedrick Welcome Center. Students, faculty and staff can stop by from 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. for refreshments, giveaways and activities. Chancellor Austin A. Lane is scheduled to join the celebration from 2 to 4 p.m.

Through scholarships, faculty support, facilities, research, student experiences and academic programs, donor support continues to expand opportunities throughout SIU. Learn more about the impact of philanthropy at siuf.org.