SIU Credit Union kicked off the 11th SIU Day of Giving with a $35,000 commitment supporting programs that welcome new students to Southern Illinois University and connect them with transformational outdoor experiences.

SIU Credit Union presented the gift Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the Tedrick Welcome Center as part of the SIU Foundation’s inaugural Week of Philanthropy. The commitment includes $20,000 for New Student Programs and $15,000 for Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center.

The gift continues a longstanding partnership between SIU Credit Union and the university, with support reaching students from their first experiences on campus through programs that help them build connections and become part of the Saluki community.

“We’re honored to kick this off,” said Mark Dynis, vice president of marketing at SIU Credit Union. “It’s great to see all the enthusiasm and excitement that comes from all these groups.”

Chancellor Austin A. Lane thanked SIU Credit Union for its continued investment in the university and Southern Illinois. He highlighted the importance of partnerships as SIU builds on recent momentum in enrollment, retention and its designation as both a Research 1 institution and an Opportunity University.

“Thank you for partnering with us. We know you could partner with anybody, and we appreciate you staying right here at home,” Lane said.

Supporting the Saluki experience from the start

The $20,000 designated for New Student Programs will support efforts that introduce students and their families to SIU and help new Salukis build connections from the moment they arrive.

Charles Walker, associate director of New Student Programs, said SIU Credit Union consistently engages with students and families throughout the new student experience, including orientation and Light Up the Lake.

“Your commitment to our new students is something to be applauded,” Walker said. “You all show up. You’re engaging with the parents, you’re engaging with the students from the moment they walk through the door.”

SIU Credit Union’s additional $15,000 commitment to Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center will support the outdoor education center as it continues to expand opportunities for students and the broader community.

Brian Croft, director of Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, said strong partnerships have helped transform the facility and provide resources to advance its mission.

“What I love about the SIU Credit Union is you get it. You understand what a partnership is,” Croft said. “It’s not just about putting your name on something. It’s about making it better.”

Croft also thanked SIU Credit Union for trusting the Touch of Nature team to use its support where it can make the greatest impact.

“Thank you for the support, but also thank you for trusting us with the resources that you give to hopefully do the most amount of good with it,” he said.

Week of Philanthropy

The check presentation marks the start of the 11th SIU Day of Giving, the centerpiece of the SIU Foundation’s first Week of Philanthropy, Sept. 21-25.

During the 24-hour online giving experience Wednesday, Sept. 23, Salukis in all 50 states and around the world are encouraged to “Paint the Map Maroon.” Donors can support the colleges, schools, programs, scholarships and initiatives they are most passionate about at siuday.siu.edu.

The five-day celebration includes:

• Monday, Sept. 21 — The week began by equipping Day of Giving advocates with resources to help them successfully promote the campaign and thanking them for their efforts. Campus partners visited the Tedrick Welcome Center to pick up Day of Giving materials, record video messages and learn more about ways to engage their networks. Faculty, staff and campus partners also had the opportunity to record messages later in the day.
• Tuesday, Sept. 22 — A Student Scholarship Festival highlighted the impact of philanthropy on students and celebrated the opportunities made possible through donor-funded scholarships. Held exclusively for SIU Foundation scholarship recipients, the festival recognized students’ achievements and connected their success to the generosity of donors who invest in their education and future.
• Wednesday, Sept. 23 — The Week of Philanthropy continues with the 11th SIU Day of Giving, a 24-hour digital giving experience. Throughout the day, donors can support the areas of SIU they are most passionate about, participate in scheduled challenges and matching opportunities, and follow giving activity from Salukis around the world. The SIU Foundation is encouraging donors in all 50 states and across the globe to participate and help paint the map maroon. Gifts can be made online at siuday.siu.edu.
• Thursday, Sept. 24 — The SIU Foundation will recognize faculty and staff who support the university through payroll deduction. Donors can visit the Tedrick Welcome Center to receive a certificate of appreciation and a gift and learn more about the impact of their giving.
• Friday, Sept. 25 — The week concludes with a campuswide celebration at the Tedrick Welcome Center. Students, faculty and staff can stop by from 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. for refreshments, giveaways and activities. Chancellor Austin A. Lane is scheduled to join the celebration from 2 to 4 p.m.

Through scholarships, faculty support, facilities, research, student experiences and academic programs, donor generosity continues to expand opportunities throughout SIU. Learn more about the impact of philanthropy at siuf.org.