By Britni Bateman
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The SIU Foundation is building on a record-setting year by welcoming three new assistant directors of development to its fundraising team.
In fiscal year 2025, the Foundation raised $39 million — the second-best fundraising total in its history. That support helped award $5.6 million in scholarships to more than 2,000 students, the largest amount in a single year.
“We already have a tremendous team of fundraisers and expanding it allows us to do even more as an accelerator for the university,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “The Foundation’s Board of Directors has invested in our people, and that commitment is helping us grow capacity, expand opportunities, and increase impact for SIU students.”
Beginning Sept. 1, three new staff members joined the team:
Krystal Hudson is serving as assistant director of development for the College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics. Originally from Chicago, Hudson has lived in Carbondale for nearly 20 years and brings extensive experience in higher education, enrollment management, and student engagement.
“I am honored to join the SIU Foundation in support of the College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics,” Hudson said. “I look forward to collaborating with alumni and donors to create opportunities that will advance student success and strengthen the college’s future impact.”
Hannah Lunon has been named assistant director of development for the College of Liberal Arts and Library Affairs. A Southern Illinois native, Lunon previously worked in SIU Undergraduate Admissions as the field representative for the region. She holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from SIU and lives in Carterville with her husband and their two dogs.
“I’m excited to be starting my journey with the SIU Foundation,” Lunon said. “I look forward to working with alumni and supporters to strengthen support for the College of Liberal Arts and Library Affairs and create new opportunities for our students.”
Carly Holtkamp is the new assistant director of development for the SIU Simmons Law School. She most recently served as director of external relations for Simmons Law School, where she oversaw alumni engagement, strategic communications, and community relations. With 15 years of higher education leadership, Holtkamp has developed strong partnerships and raised the law school’s profile across the region. She is pursuing a doctorate in educational administration at SIU and lives in Makanda with her husband and two children.
“I’m excited to join the SIU Foundation as assistant director of development for the SIU Simmons Law School,” Holtkamp said. “In this role, I look forward to building upon the relationships I developed as the law school’s director of external relations and continuing to make a positive impact on our students, faculty, and staff.”
These hires reflect the Foundation’s ongoing effort to build a strong, collaborative team that can connect alumni and friends with opportunities to make a lasting difference at SIU.
“Our team keeps getting stronger,” said Kathryn Sime, assistant vice chancellor for major and planned giving. “Everyone brings unique experience and perspective, but what unites us is a shared commitment to helping students succeed. That’s what drives our work every day.”
To learn more about the SIU Foundation, visit siuf.org.