By Britni Bateman

Supporters of Southern Illinois University Carbondale donated $39 million in Fiscal Year 2025, marking the second-highest fundraising total in SIU Foundation history. This incredible support advances scholarships, research, and capital projects across campus.

The Foundation awarded a record-breaking $5.6 million in scholarships to more than 2,000 students, representing over 17 percent of the student body.

“Our donors are the heart of everything we do,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “Their support provides real momentum, opening doors for students, investing in groundbreaking research and ensuring SIU continues to thrive for generations to come.”

The Foundation has increased scholarship support for five consecutive years. The FY25 total reflects a nearly 135 percent increase compared to FY19.

“I am extremely thankful,” said SIU junior and scholarship recipient Ema Dutcher. “Thanks to my scholarship, I was able to study abroad in Costa Rica. That experience shaped me both academically and personally. I will never forget it.”

Campaign Progress

The Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign continues to gain momentum with more than $400 million in commitments toward its historic $500 million goal. It is the fifth-largest fundraising campaign in Illinois public university history.

Major Gifts and Milestones 

The most recent fiscal year featured several high-impact gifts and building dedications:

• Dr. Bob and Beth Gower made a $2.5 million gift to support research, and the McLafferty Annex was renamed the Gower Translational Research Center during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

• A $250,000 gift from Judge Phil Gilbert established the Sen. John G. Gilbert Impact Fund in honor of his father. The Sen. John G. Gilbert Administrative Suite at Simmons Law School was unveiled on April 17.

• Oyd and Annette Craddock made a $25,000 gift to the College of Business and Analytics Dean’s Club Endowment Fund. In their honor, the Oyd Craddock Dean’s Conference Room was dedicated in Rehn Hall.

• SIU also marked the Simmons Law School ribbon cutting on August 16 and broke ground on the Tedrick Welcome Center on October 11.

 Saluki Takeover Tour Expands 

In its fourth year, the Saluki Takeover Tour reached new heights with stops in Chicago, Memphis, Texas, Florida, St. Louis, and Southern Illinois. More than 1,500 alumni gathered for 14 Chancellor’s Receptions.

The Southern Illinois leg of the tour spanned 17 counties and included nearly 50 school visits and six Chancellor’s Receptions:

• The kickoff at Apple Creek Golf Club drew 200 guests.

• TJ’s Diamond Club at Mtn Dew Park in Marion welcomed 115 Salukis.

• Café Bloom in Benton hosted 50 guests.

• St. Nicholas Landmark in Chester saw 60 alumni attend.

• Pizza Villa in Anna welcomed more than 80 guests.

• The tour concluded at Faye in Murphysboro with nearly 100 attendees.

These events brought together alumni and community leaders and strengthened SIU’s partnerships across the region.

Celebrating Community and Leadership 

• The 3rd Annual Saluki Women’s Weekend Conference, held Friday, Sept. 20, 2025, welcomed more than 200 women for a day of connection, inspiration, and leadership development.

• Nearly 500 guests attended the 3rd Annual Saluki Ball on Saturday, April 26, 2025, celebrating Saluki pride and raising valuable funds to support student scholarships.

SIU Day of Giving Raises $1.2 Million 

The 9th SIU Day of Giving on Sept. 18 raised nearly $1.2 million from more than 1,500 donors in just 24 hours. Hosted by the SIU Foundation, the event allows supporters to give directly to the college, program, or initiative of their choice.

“This was our second Day of Giving in 2024, and moving it to the fall brought incredible energy,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “Between the two events, donors contributed more than $4.3 million to support our students and the Imagine SIU 2030 campaign.”

Since its launch in 2017, the SIU Day of Giving has raised more than $17 million for scholarships, research, and campus priorities. The College of Health and Human Sciences led in dollars raised, while the B.E.E.R. Scholarship Endowment Fund received the most individual gifts.

A kickoff event, the Night of B.E.E.R., streamed live from the Fermentation Science Institute, added to the excitement and featured donor matches, student stories, and special guests.

A Nationally Distinctive Institution 

This year, SIU Carbondale was named one of only 21 universities nationwide to earn dual recognition from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as both a Research 1 (R1) and an Opportunity College and University (OCU).

“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.”

These designations reflect SIU’s commitment to excellence and access. The university serves a diverse student body, with nearly 40 percent receiving Pell Grants and two in five identifying as first-generation college students.

“Salukis have always known SIU Carbondale is exceptional,” Lane said. “These national recognitions affirm our commitment to both excellence and opportunity.”

Showcasing the Saluki Spirit 

In June, the SIU Foundation launched the inaugural episode of The Impact Report, a new television series highlighting extraordinary stories of innovation, opportunity, and transformation at SIU and throughout the region. Airing on WSIU, the 10-episode series will spotlight groundbreaking research, student success, and the power of philanthropy. From personal triumphs to community impact, The Impact Report brings Saluki pride to the screen in a whole new way.

Looking Ahead 

With continued momentum in the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign and strong engagement from alumni and donors across the country, the SIU Foundation is poised for another successful year.

To learn more or make a gift, visit siuf.org.