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.