By Jeff Wilson
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Southern Illinois University Carbondale will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Day of Giving on Wednesday, Sept. 17.
This 24-hour online fundraiser engages alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students in a day of philanthropy and Saluki pride. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $17 million. Gifts can be made at siuday.siu.edu.
“The dollars raised during the Day of Giving not only help SIU students reach their goals, but they also represent the power of the community that makes this university special,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “Salukis from around the globe come together, make gifts of all sizes, and witness their collective impact. It’s always one of the most exciting days of the year.”
SIU is one of only 21 institutions nationwide included on the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s lists for both Research 1 and Opportunity Colleges and Universities.
“Many institutions can say they conduct top-level research, and many schools can say they offer affordability and a great return on investment,” said Chancellor Austin A. Lane. “These designations from Carnegie show very few – less than 1 percent, in fact – can say both. At Southern, we can.”
The Day of Giving offers every Saluki a chance to support the university’s growing momentum. Gifts of any size can be amplified through challenges and matching donations. Many companies offer matching gift programs, which can double or even triple the impact of a donor’s contribution. Visit the website to see if your employer participates.
One standout success story is the Balancing Education, Experience, and Reality (B.E.E.R.) Scholarship. Established in 2019 after a conversation in the “Carbondale in the 80s and 90s” Facebook group, the scholarship has received hundreds of donations annually from alumni who celebrate their Saluki experience. The group has funded multiple B.E.E.R. Scholarships since its creation.
Other projects that have benefited from Day of Giving support include Campus Lake, Saluki Alumni Plaza, the Green Fund, Saluki Athletics, and every college and unit on campus.
All gifts count toward the SIU’s Foundation’s Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign. With a goal of raising $500 million by 2028, the campaign is the fifth largest in the history of Illinois higher education. To date, the campaign has surpassed $400 million.
During the current fiscal year, the SIU Foundation has provided a record-breaking number of scholarships. More than 17 percent of all SIU students received a scholarship from the SIU Foundation, amounting to nearly $5.5 million in financial support.
To learn more about the campaign and the SIU Foundation, visit siuf.org.