The Southern Illinois University Foundation’s The Impact Report has earned a 2026 Best of District V Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), recognizing the program’s innovative approach to showcasing the impact of philanthropy at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
The program received the award in the Communications Initiatives category, recognizing its success in connecting alumni, donors and community members with stories of student success, faculty innovation and the transformative power of giving.
Produced through a collaboration between the SIU Foundation and WSIU, The Impact Report is a television and digital storytelling initiative that highlights how philanthropic support creates opportunities across the university.
“We have incredible stories to tell at SIU, and The Impact Report gives us an opportunity to share the difference philanthropy makes in the lives of our students, faculty and communities,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of our SIU Foundation and WSIU teams, who continue to find new ways to connect our alumni and donors with the university they love.”
Launched in 2025 during the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, The Impact Report grew from a strategic effort to provide donors and alumni with greater insight into how their contributions make a difference.
Research and donor feedback revealed a desire for more stories demonstrating the outcomes of philanthropic support. The SIU Foundation responded by developing a professionally produced television program that brings those stories directly to audiences through WSIU-TV, YouTube, social media and other institutional channels.
Each episode features scholarship recipients, endowed faculty, donor legacies and university initiatives, giving viewers a firsthand look at the people and programs benefiting from philanthropy.
“Through our partnership with WSIU, we’ve been able to reach new audiences, share stories that resonate with our supporters and demonstrate the incredible work happening across SIU,” said Britni Bateman, assistant vice chancellor for development and alumni communications and chief marketing officer of the SIU Foundation. “I’m proud of what our teams have accomplished together and excited to continue building on that success.”
Expanding the reach of SIU’s stories
Through WSIU-TV’s broadcast distribution, The Impact Report has the potential to reach up to 5.5 million viewers. The program also generates an average of 45,000 social media views per episode each month, significantly expanding the Foundation’s digital reach.
WSIL-TV 3 has also begun airing episodes of The Impact Report, expanding the program’s reach and bringing SIU’s stories to new audiences throughout the region.
The program has also generated donor inquiries and inspired philanthropic gifts, demonstrating how storytelling can strengthen relationships with supporters and encourage investment in the university’s future.
“Every episode gives us the opportunity to meet people whose stories deserve to be told and show viewers the impact happening across SIU,” said Anna Twomey, executive producer and host of The Impact Report. “From the students pursuing their dreams to the donors helping make those opportunities possible, it’s rewarding to bring these stories to the screen. This award reflects the dedication and creativity of everyone involved in producing the show.”
Recognizing collaborative excellence
The CASE Best of District V Awards recognize outstanding work in advancement, including communications, alumni relations, fundraising and engagement. The awards highlight creative and effective initiatives that strengthen connections between educational institutions and their communities.
The recognition celebrates the collaborative efforts of the SIU Foundation and WSIU teams responsible for developing, producing and distributing the first season of The Impact Report.
The award comes as the program continues to build on the success of its first season, expanding opportunities to share stories of philanthropic impact with audiences throughout the region and beyond.
Building on award-winning success
The CASE recognition adds to a growing list of awards for The Impact Report and its first season.
Earlier in 2026, “A Moment with Grey Dawg” earned a Silver ADDY at the American Advertising Federation of Southern Illinois American Advertising Awards.
WSIU Public Broadcasting also received a 2026 Downstate Silver Dome Award from the Illinois Broadcasters Association in the Best Continuing Coverage category for The Impact Report’s coverage of the Tedrick Welcome Center featured throughout Season 1. The award recognized the team’s storytelling surrounding the facility’s development, construction and grand opening.
The Silver Dome Awards also named Bateman a finalist for Best TV Reporter and cinematographer Prescott Doll a finalist for Best Videographer.
Together, these honors recognize the creative collaboration between the SIU Foundation and WSIU and their continued commitment to sharing the stories of SIU.
To learn more about the CASE award, visit the 2026 Best of District V winners gallery.
Watch episodes of The Impact Report at siuf.org/impact-report.