By Jeff Wilson
The Hayes family has been a fixture around Saluki Athletics since Jim Hayes first came to Southern in 1961 on a football scholarship.
“My dad played linebacker at SIU. He had a great nickname, ‘The Axe,’” his son, Jamie Hayes, said. “From there, it was just always following the Salukis. He had a lot of great loves. He loved his family, the business, his employees, customers, and he loved SIU.”
After graduating from SIU with a degree in education in 1962, Jim Hayes moved to Macomb, where he taught, coached football and married his wife, Bette, in 1966. After taking up car sales as a part-time job, he found a knack for the profession and moved his family to Harrisburg in 1976, founding the Jim Hayes, Inc., car dealership.
Raising his family and growing his business in Southern Illinois, Jim Hayes made a point to support SIU through Saluki Athletics. Jim Hayes passed away in 2018, leaving an incredible legacy at Southern. The dealership is now owned and operated by Jamie Hayes.
“I grew up going with my dad to basketball games. SIU has a history of great coaches and great teams,” he said. “The time spent with my dad was always good. I have great memories of these programs.”
Jamie Hayes has continued and expanded that support throughout his life, including a recent $25,000 pledge to the athletic department and a significant contribution to the Pride of Little Egypt, the Name, Image, and Likeness collective for Saluki Athletics.
“This is just a way of adding to my dad’s legacy,” he said. “I wouldn’t be in a position to do that if it weren’t for him. I think he would be proud. I’m trying to take it to the next level for him. He’s up there cheering on the Dawgs.”
These gifts make him the newest member of the 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.
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
“The success of SIU can do nothing but help the region,” he said. “Now, more than ever, it’s time to step it up a little bit more. You’re going to need more community involvement. You have to bleed maroon no matter what.”
To learn more about the Big Dawg Leadership Society, contact Todd Reeser at toddr@foundation.siu.edu or Kat Martin at katm@foundation.siu.edu.