By Jeff Wilson
MAKANDA, Ill. — Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center will soon unveil a new gathering spot for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts: the SIU Credit Union Trailhead.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 3:30 to 5 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at the trailhead. SIU Chancellor Austin Lane, SIU Foundation CEO Matt Kupec, Touch of Nature Director Brian Croft, and representatives from SIU Credit Union will attend the event. The trailhead pavilion was made possible by a $500,000 donation from the credit union.
“Touch of Nature is the premier outdoor education center in America,” Lane said. “This area will provide our students and the community with an inviting gathering space that connects more people with the beauty of our region and our campus.”
SIU Credit Union has a long history of supporting the university, including major contributions to Touch of Nature, New Student Programs, Saluki Athletics and more.
“We wanted to do something for SIU and the region,” said Mike Lantrip, CEO of SIU Credit Union. “We think it’s going to help put Southern Illinois on the map even more.”
For many, Touch of Nature serves as their first introduction to SIU through school programs, camps and community events. In addition to its educational offerings, the center helps the university build relationships with future Salukis.
More than 50,000 visitors came through Touch of Nature this year. The upcoming Wildlife Habitat Education Center will further expand outdoor experiences for the region.
“Nature has tremendous value and power. At Touch of Nature, we pride ourselves on embracing those qualities and sharing our passion with students and the community,” Croft said. “This trailhead is now a centerpiece of that experience, and we are thrilled to have such terrific partners in SIU Credit Union.”
The trailhead opens during a period of significant growth at SIU. It is one of several ongoing and planned construction projects, including the Tedrick Welcome Center, the demolition of buildings on old Greek Row, and proposed upgrades to student housing. A groundbreaking ceremony for the Wildlife Habitat Education Center is scheduled for August.
SIU was recently designated both a Research 1 institution and an Opportunity University, making it one of only 21 universities nationwide—and the only one serving a rural area—to hold both honors.
These developments coincide with the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has raised nearly $409 million toward its $500 million goal. It is the fifth-largest campaign in Illinois higher education history. In the most recent fiscal year, a record 2,111 SIU students received SIU Foundation scholarships totaling over $5.6 million. Seventeen percent of all SIU students received a scholarship from the Foundation.
“The SIU Foundation is dedicated to its mission as an accelerator, and we are seeing that in action,” Kupec said. “Our goal is to help this university thrive by supporting students, faculty and staff, and laying the groundwork for major projects that enhance our beautiful campus. With the support of our donors and corporate partners, we will continue turning big dreams into reality.”
To learn more or make a gift, visit siuf.org.