More than 100 students, faculty and staff packed the fourth floor of the Southern Illinois University Student Center to celebrate the dedication of the England Student Center Lounge, a student-driven project made possible by a $250,000 gift from alumni Bob and Pat England. 

The renovated space, formerly home to the WIDB radio station, now serves as a modern, multipurpose lounge designed to meet student needs, particularly for commuters seeking a place to gather, collaborate and recharge between classes. 

“This is much more than just opening a room,” said Lydia Phelps, president of the Undergraduate Student Government. “It is the realization of an idea that started with students simply asking for a place to belong.” 

The project originated with Undergraduate Student Government leaders, who envisioned a “third space” on campus, neither a classroom nor a residence hall, where students could build community. Through surveys, forums and ongoing input, the concept evolved into a lounge featuring collaboration areas, a podcast and music recording space, conference rooms, workout equipment, a kitchenette and areas for rest and reflection. 

Phelps credited former USG President Penny Bordewick with launching the initiative. 

“Penny saw potential in an empty fourth-floor space and imagined something far greater,” Phelps said. “Her leadership laid the foundation for everything we are celebrating today.” 

Bordewick said the idea began during a walkthrough of the underutilized space in 2024. 

“It was kind of a mess,” she said. “But the vision for what it could become was so clear. We knew this could be a place built by students, for students.” 

The project gained momentum through continued advocacy by student leaders and collaboration with Student Affairs, the Student Center and the SIU Foundation. 

Brian Flath, director of development for student affairs with the SIU Foundation, said the project aligned closely with student needs. 

“We love a great vision, and we love serving students’ needs,” Flath said. “To take a dream that students had and see it come to fruition is really magic.” 

Flath said the Englands committed to the project shortly after learning about the proposal, allowing the renovation to move forward. 

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Jeffery Burgin emphasized the importance of student leadership. 

“When the students said they wanted it, you have to give them what they need,” Burgin said. “This space is a testament to what happens when student voices are heard and supported.” 

He also noted the collaborative nature of the project, including contributions from interior design students who helped shape the space. 

Bob and Pat England said their gift was inspired by their own experiences at SIU and their belief in supporting future students. 

“SIU has changed our lives, and for that we are deeply grateful,” Bob England said. “This gift is a way for us to say thank you.” 

Pat England said they hope the lounge becomes a hub for creativity and connection. 

“Students are our future,” she said. “We hope this will be a place where ideas come together and grow into something meaningful.” 

The Englands encouraged students to take full advantage of their time at SIU. 

“Be curious, work hard, support each other and take risks,” Bob England said. “Someday you will look back and recognize how these years have shaped you.” 

“Today, we’re not just cutting a ribbon,” Phelps said. “We’re opening a space that reflects the heart of SIU: collaboration, opportunity, creativity and community.” 

For the Englands, the gift honors the university that shaped their lives and the connections they formed on campus. 

“We’re incredibly grateful for what Bob received through his education at SIU,” Pat England said. “And what I got from SIU was Bob.” 

Their gift also supports the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has approximately 2 1/2 years remaining. To date, the campaign has raised more than $464 million toward its $500 million goal, making it the fifth-largest fundraising effort in Illinois higher education. 

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is one of only 21 universities nationwide to hold both Carnegie Research 1 and Opportunity University designations, reflecting its strength in high-level research and its commitment to expanding access and outcomes for students from all backgrounds. 

As SIU advances as a national research institution focused on student success, investments like the Englands’ help strengthen the campus environment where students live, learn and grow. 

In the most recent fiscal year, the SIU Foundation awarded more than $5.6 million in scholarships to 2,111 students, representing 17% of the student body. 

For the Englands, the impact of their gift comes down to something simple: helping ensure future students find the same sense of opportunity, belonging and possibility that defined their own time at SIU.