Nearly 500 fill the SIU Student Center for major fundraiser
By Jeff Wilson
CARBONDALE – The third annual Saluki Ball packed the Southern Illinois University Student Center ballrooms with a sold-out crowd, as SIU’s premier fundraiser returned home after two successful years in Chicago.
Nearly 500 alumni, friends, students, and supporters joined Chancellor Austin Lane, President Dan Mahony, the SIU Foundation, and others on Saturday, April 26, for the black-tie optional event. Marc Silverman, ESPN radio host and 1993 SIU graduate, served as emcee.
Proceeds from the ball support the university’s Bridge the Gap Scholarship Fund, which helps students cover outstanding bursar bills.
“When something comes up during their journey, they need to know that we have their back,” Chancellor Lane said. “We need your support as we continue to build a fund that helps students stay on track to graduate on time.”
For the third consecutive year, Dr. Glenn and Jo Poshard served as presenting sponsors.
“I guarantee you there’s someone right now hoping and praying that somebody will give them a scholarship — that there’s some way for them to go forward,” Jo Poshard said. “The need is huge. If you’re thinking about giving, don’t hold back. You could change a student’s life.”
Since its launch, the Saluki Ball has generated significant momentum for the Bridge the Gap Fund, providing critical assistance to students facing unexpected financial hardships. To date, dozens of students have received tens of thousands of dollars, helping them resolve bursar balances and stay enrolled.
“The research shows that if a student has to take a break because of financial issues, they’re less likely to graduate,” Dr. Poshard said. “When we support students with scholarships, we not only help them graduate and get jobs but also become engaged citizens.”
Guests enjoyed a full program, award ceremony, catered meal from Mary’s, and a live performance by dance music legends Exposé.
“Over the past few days, we spent time with business leaders, alumni leaders, and many others. We attended the 50th Boat Regatta and now cap it off with the Saluki Ball,” President Mahony said. “It’s a reminder of how special this place is and how fortunate we are to be part of the Saluki family.”
Student Impact
Students who received Bridge the Gap funds in previous years shared how the support affected their SIU experience.
“Finding out about the Bridge the Gap fund was life-changing for me,” said Iyanu Alabi. “When that money came through, I was smiling ear to ear.”
Jessica Hardges, a nontraditional student and mother, said the support made an immediate difference.
“When we found the Bridge the Gap funds, I was relieved,” she said. “It lifted a big weight off me.”
DJ Lovejoy, an SIU senior, said the help he received reminded him of the strength of the Saluki community.
“It takes a lot to come to school and get your degree,” he said. “When I found out about the Bridge the Gap funds, I felt blessed.”
Funds raised by the SIU Foundation are distributed by the Office of Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion based on individual student needs.
“The funds raised tonight will have an incredible, direct impact on students who need your support to stay enrolled,” said Diane Compardo, president of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors.
Honoring Achievement
During the first two Saluki Balls, five individuals were honored with the Saluki Lifetime Achievement Awards — Dr. Pam Pfeffer, Dr. Phil Pfeffer, Greg Cook, Scott Moller, and Toni Williams. All five were in attendance during the 2025 Saluki Ball.
This year, the honorees were Dr. John Jackson and Dr. James Rosser.
Dr. Jackson and his wife, Nancy, have been part of SIU and the Carbondale community for over 50 years. He has served in multiple leadership roles, including professor, associate dean and acting dean of the Graduate School, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, provost, and interim chancellor. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.
He is widely recognized for his thoughtful leadership and deep institutional knowledge, as well as his passion for promoting civic engagement and public service. Since 2002, he has served as a visiting professor at the Paul Simon Institute, where he directs the Demuzio Internship Program and contributes regularly to research, public commentary, and media analysis.
The Jacksons have dedicated their lives to education and community service. Together, they established the John S. and Nancy Jackson Scholarship Endowment to support political science students in the College of Liberal Arts. In 2002, the couple was named Carbondale Citizens of the Year, and in 2023, the lobby of the Paul Simon Institute was named in their honor.
“SIU and Carbondale and Southern Illinois have been a really great place for us,” he said. “Here it is 55 years later, and I’m glad I came, and I’m glad we stayed.”
Dr. James M. Rosser is a distinguished three-degree alumnus of SIU and a lifelong advocate for education, equity, and opportunity. A native of East St. Louis, he came to SIU on a basketball scholarship and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in microbiology, followed by a Ph.D. in health education administration. During his time at SIU, he also served as a resident assistant, faculty member, and founding director of the university’s Black American Studies program.
Dr. Rosser served as president of California State University, Los Angeles, from 1979 to 2013, making him the longest-serving president in the Cal State system. His career includes leadership roles at the state and national levels in higher education, science, and public policy, and he is widely recognized for his work advancing diversity and student achievement. A dedicated philanthropist, Dr. Rosser has established multiple scholarships at SIU, including a $1 million endowed scholarship for men’s basketball student-athletes pursuing STEM degrees—the largest of its kind in Saluki Athletics history.
He has received numerous honors for his work, including SIU’s Distinguished Alumni Award, an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, and national recognition for his leadership in higher education.
“I just would hope that people would remember why I did what I did. I did it because the university had done so much for me,” he said. “That all came about through being this poor kid from a segregated high school in East St. Louis, Illinois, who ran into some extraordinary people, who were not African Americans, who treated me with respect and helped create opportunities for me, and I never forgot that.”
Each year, two students are recognized with the Saluki Success Award. This year’s recipients were Gabe Kosco and Detrina McCoy.
Kosco is a senior from Marion, Illinois, in the College of Business and Analytics, preparing for a career with Amazon after graduation. A proud Saluki with deep family ties to SIU, Gabriel has been a leader on campus through the Student Alumni Council, the Association for Supply Chain Management, and as a student worker at the SIU Foundation.
“Through the SIU Foundation, I’ve been lucky enough to personally thank the donors who help make so much possible at SIU. And through the Student Alumni Council with the Alumni Association, I’ve been able to connect with our community through service and volunteer work — something that’s meant a lot to me,” he said.
McCoy, a senior from Chicago studying mortuary science, is driven by compassion and service. She’s made the Dean’s List, led the TRIO Achievers program, and volunteered with local nonprofits and schools. After completing an internship at Calahan Funeral Home, she’s pursuing her dream of opening her own funeral home to support families in need.
“I’m also incredibly grateful to my mentors and peers—your support, encouragement, and sometimes even your tough love has helped shape me into the person I am today. This award is not just a reflection of my efforts, but a tribute to all of you who have walked alongside me throughout this journey,” she said.
Previous Saluki Success Award winners are Emily Bakri, Luis Barrera, Dylan Chambers, and BriYanna Robinson.
Rolling Out the Maroon Carpet
The Student Center ballrooms provided a luxurious setting, welcoming Illinois State Rep. Paul Jacobs, SIU Board of Trustees Chair Phil Gilbert, Carbondale Community High School Superintendent Daniel Booth, and many local business owners, educators, and dignitaries.
The evening kicked off with a cocktail hour, sponsored by Moneta, in the International Lounge. A maroon carpet led guests from photo booths to a live broadcast hosted by Swinford Media Group. Guests were also interviewed by the SIU Alumni Association and SIU Foundation for social media features.
The program opened with a surprise performance by the Saluki Pep Band and nationally recognized trumpet ensemble, the Saluki Shakers, along with Grey Dawg. After remarks from Lane, Mahony, Compardo, and the awardees, Steve Falat and Silverman led the paddle raise for the Bridge the Gap Fund.
“There’s an energy and excitement that’s palpable,” Silverman said. “I hope you can feel it.”
The night concluded with an outstanding performance by Exposé and music from DJ Mystify.
Drs. Pam and Phil Pfeffer were the Decorations Sponsor for the event, and Southern Illinois Healthcare and SIU Credit Union were Saluki Silver sponsors.