Ceremony Scheduled for Wednesday, August 6, at Becker Pavilion
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale will celebrate the dedication of the Campus Lake Fountain with a community ceremony from 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6, at Becker Pavilion. The brief program will include remarks from Chancellor Austin A. Lane and recognition of those who helped make the project possible.
Guests will enjoy punch and cookies as the university counts down and turns on the fountain for the first time.
The fountain is a tribute to the late Tilden “Tim” Parks (1953–2022), a proud 1976 SIU graduate and devoted Saluki whose generosity and spirit left a lasting mark on campus. Parks was the lead donor for the Campus Lake Fountain Project, contributing more than $75,000—over 70 percent of the project’s funding—during the inaugural SIU Day of Giving in 2017. His love for SIU was evident at athletic events, alumni gatherings, and in the countless students he supported through scholarships.
“Tim Parks was the kind of alum every university dreams of—passionate, generous, and fiercely proud,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “This fountain stands as a beautiful reminder of his legacy and commitment to future generations of Salukis.”
In addition to Parks’ lead gift, the university also received a significant contribution from the AlZaben family, whose members—Emad (’80), Abeer (’86), Ammar (’86), and Alaa (’83–’84)—joined the Fountain Club with a combined gift between $50,000 and $74,999.
A Fountain of Power and Purpose
The new fountain sits just off Becker Pavilion, shooting water an impressive 60 feet into the air with the help of a powerful 25-horsepower motor. Beyond its visual impact, the fountain reflects SIU’s commitment to sustainability. Thanks to a student-led initiative, a floating solar array—also known as a floatovoltaic system—helps power the fountain while reducing harmful algal blooms in Campus Lake. The installation supports SIU’s sustainability goals and serves as a hands-on research platform for students.
During the dedication, the university will recognize the efforts of SIU Facilities and Energy Management, the SIU Sustainability Department, the Green Fund, and student leader Noah Farris for advancing this innovative, collaborative project.
“This is more than a fountain,” said Kupec. “It’s a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and the Saluki spirit that brings us together.”
All are welcome to attend the dedication and join in celebrating the lasting impact of Tim Parks and the bright future of Campus Lake.
This celebration follows SIU’s Demolition Day at 4 p.m. the same afternoon, during which the university will officially begin clearing six long-vacant residence halls along former Greek Row. The demolition marks a major step toward the proposed Saluki Village student housing development. Guests are encouraged to attend both events and witness this exciting day of transformation and renewal on campus.
To learn more or make a gift, visit siuf.org.