By Anna Twomey
Dozens of Saluki supporters packed Studio B at WSIU Television for a live taping of “The Impact Report” season finale, closing out a successful first season of the show. The SIU Foundation is the only public university foundation in the United States to produce a 30-minute television show showcasing the university it serves.
“There are so many incredible things happening on this campus,” said Dan Korte, president of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors. “From the students who step foot on this campus to the Foundation’s record fundraising this past fiscal year this past fiscal year to new construction on campus, “The Impact Report” brings all those stories home to the 270,000 Saluki alumni across the country.”
The June 3 live audience taping of “The Impact Report” at WSIU marked a major milestone—the station’s first live audience show in more than a decade. About 15 team members across multiple departments collaborated to deliver an interactive, engaging show for the studio audience and viewers nationwide. The SIU Foundation introduced a new interview format, welcoming distinguished guests on set to help recap a full year of coverage. During the first season of “The Impact Report,” the SIU Foundation produced 12 episodes, featuring more than 140 unique Saluki stories. Tens of thousands of Salukis view content from “The Impact Report” on air and on social media every month.
“The momentum at Southern Illinois University grows more powerful every year,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “Our university has achieved distinguished Research 1 and Opportunity College and University status, and those accomplishments have helped the SIU Foundation raise $54 million over the last fiscal year. “The Impact Report” is an effective way to show our alumni and donors how their generosity is shaping the future of SIU.”
Kupec and Anna Twomey, executive producer of “The Impact Report,” co-hosted the season finale, which recapped some of the biggest stories from the show’s first year, including the grand opening of the Tedrick Welcome Center, the expanded Saluki Takeover Tour, the opening of the England Student Center Lounge made possible by a gift from alumni Bob and Pat England, a $2.5 million gift establishing the Gower Translational Research Center and more.
“Entertaining a live audience was a huge opportunity for the SIU Foundation team to celebrate this show,” said Twomey. “This is a great time to be a Saluki. Enrollment is on the rise. Our fundraising efforts are breaking records. At the SIU Foundation, it’s our duty to tell the incredible stories behind that success.”
You can watch episode 12 at siuf.org/impact-report.
“The Impact Report” will launch Season 2 this August, with a continued focus on highlighting Saluki success stories that showcase innovation and philanthropy at Southern Illinois University. In fiscal year 2026, the Foundation raised $54 million, the most successful fundraising year in its history. That support helped award $6.9 million in scholarships to more than 2,200 students, the largest amount distributed in a single year.