By Britni Bateman
CARBONDALE, Ill. — SIU Credit Union will sponsor the Women in Philanthropy Luncheon during the fourth annual Saluki Women’s Weekend on Friday, Oct. 3, in the SIU Student Center Ballrooms.
For SIU Credit Union, the sponsorship reflects both its mission and its people. The organization partners with SIU in many areas across campus and the region, and its guiding principle of “People Helping People” aligns directly with the purpose of Saluki Women’s Weekend.
“SIU Credit Union is a proud partner with SIU in many areas across campus and the region,” said Melissa Kinnard, community outreach specialist at SIU Credit Union. “One of our foundational principles is giving back to our community and ‘People Helping People,’ and this conference fits that criteria perfectly.”
Kinnard said empowering women has always been a priority for SIU Credit Union, where the majority of staff and many of the organization’s leadership roles are held by women — a significant number of whom are SIU graduates.
“When women are empowered, organizations and entire communities become stronger, more resilient and more compassionate,” Kinnard said. “That’s something we see every day in our own organization. By investing in events like this, we’re not only celebrating women’s leadership; we’re living out our values of giving back, building community and making a positive impact.”
She added that Saluki Women’s Weekend provides more than recognition. Its schedule of panels, breakout sessions and networking opportunities is designed to inspire students preparing to launch their careers while also motivating peers in the region to pursue new opportunities and professional growth.
Mentorship, philanthropy and connection are central to SIU Credit Union’s support. Kinnard said volunteering time and sharing experiences with students can often be just as valuable as writing a check.
“It costs nothing to volunteer, and philanthropy is rewarding on many levels,” she said. “Mentoring and networking can open doors to students who need to know it’s okay to take a chance and put yourself out there. Establishing those connections with fellow Salukis will make each generation better, which helps SIU and our communities thrive.”
As the event continues to grow, SIU Credit Union sees it as an opportunity to strengthen the already wide reach of Saluki Nation and expand its network of empowered leaders.
The 2025 Saluki Women’s Weekend will take place Friday and Saturday, Oct. 3–4. The Women in Empowerment Conference is Friday in the SIU Student Center Ballrooms. On Saturday, the Women’s Leadership Council Mentorship Brunch will be in the Student Center, followed by the Saluki Women Tailgate Experience on Saluki Row. Registration is free. To register and view the full schedule, visit siuf.org/salukiwomen.