All posts by Britni Bateman

Events & Engagement, Higher Education, Saluki Takeover Tours

Texas Saluki Takeover Tour travels to Dallas, Houston

Leave a comment
Chancellor Austin Lane in Dallas
Chancellor Austin Lane speaks to the crowd Tuesday, Nov. 19, at The Henry in Dallas.

They say everything is bigger in Texas. In many ways, that was true for the Saluki Takeover Tours in Dallas and Houston.

Traveling to the two cities from Monday, Nov. 18, through Thursday, Nov. 21, Chancellor Austin Lane and other campus leaders visited nearly 20 high schools, multiple community colleges, hosted two chancellor’s receptions, two corporate engagement events, and 25 donor visits. There were also two events hosted by donors. Each Saluki Takeover Tour is hosted by the SIU Foundation, in its role as an accelerator for Southern.

Houston School Visits
SIU officials visited multiple schools in the Houston and Dallas areas.

“We come here, and we connect. We have been trying to strategically get to Dallas and Houston since I started,” Lane said to a group of more than 125 alumni and friends Tuesday, Nov. 19, at The Henry in Dallas.

More than 110 people gathered at the House of Blues in Houston on Wednesday, Nov. 20.

“We have been doing these takeover tours for three years, and we kept saying we have to get out to Texas,” Lane said. “We can’t recruit and increase enrollment without your energy. Students will come to Southern Illinois if you help us recruit them there.”

At each stop, Chancellor Lane and others touted the importance of spreading the word about SIU and sharing the good news coming from the Carbondale campus. This includes details about recent enrollment increases, the upcoming transition to an R1 research institution, and the ongoing Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which is the fifth largest in the history of Illinois public universities.

“We have a half-billion campaign going on. That’s big time,” Lane said. “We started these takeover tours three years ago … to establish relationships and re-engage. Our Foundation is the reason we’re doing the things we’re doing.”

The Imagine SIU 2030 campaign has raised more than $375 million, and it continues until 2028.

Houston crowd
Chancellor Austin Lane speaks to the crowd in Houston.

Over the past three-plus years, Saluki Takeover Tours have visited Chicago, St. Louis, Springfield, Southern Illinois, Memphis, Nashville, Florida, and Hollywood. More stops are planned in new locations, including Phoenix and others to be announced.

“We get together with alumni, and (university representatives) visit many high schools to grow the pipeline from Dallas to Carbondale,” Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation said. “We leave Carbondale with our flag. We come to Dallas, and we put the flag in the ground, and tell everyone in Dallas that this is Saluki territory!”

The corporate partnerships events included visits to ExxonMobil and AT&T.

Lone Star College visit
Sherrica Hunt, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development & Alumni Relations, visits with students at Lone Star College.

Schools visited included:

  • South Oakcliff High School
  • South Grand Prairie High School
  • DeSoto High School
  • Gilliam Collegiate Academy
  • Fossil Ridge High School
  • Barack Obama Leadership Academy
  • H Grady Spruce High School
  • Justin F. Kimball High School
  • Grand Priaire High School
  • Lassiter Early College High School
  • Wilmer T. Hutchins
  • Alief Taylor High School
  • Belair High School
  • Cincho Ranch High School
  • Clear Lake High School
  • Davis High School
  • Dallas College – Mountain View
  • Lone Star College

Students

Events & Engagement, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

SIU Foundation connects students with engineering industry leader, Horner & Shifrin

Leave a comment

Two SIU alumni and engineering industry leaders from Horner & Shifrin met with more than 40 students from the College of Engineering, Computing, Technology and Mathematics on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

The event, which was hosted by the SIU Foundation Corporate Engagement unit and COECTM, brought Brian Ziegler ’95 and Lucas Roney ’19 to campus. Ziegler is the associate vice president and regional manager for Horner & Shifrin, and Roney is a civil engineer for the firm. The duo shared valuable insights into their careers and the impact of their SIU education.

Ziegler and Roney reminisced with Dr. Prabir Kolay, director of the School of Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering, as they toured classrooms and labs.

This was a unique opportunity for students to network with industry professionals and discuss career paths and learn about the diverse services offered by Horner & Shifrin.

“I want to give special thanks to Horner & Shifrin for visiting SIU and fostering student engagement. We look forward to future collaborations,” said Shane Bennett, senior director of corporate and foundation relations.

Connect with our team

Are you interested in connecting with SIU students, showcasing your company and career opportunities, and fostering a strong partnership with SIU?

Contact the SIU Foundation Corporate Engagement team by emailing Sherrica Hunt at sherricah@foundation.siu.edu or Shane Bennett at shaneb@foundation.siu.edu.

Events & Engagement, Higher Education, SIU

Paul Simon Public Policy Institute lobby named after John and Nancy Jackson

Leave a comment

By Jeff Wilson

CARBONDALE – John and Nancy Jackson’s names are synonymous with education and service around Southern Illinois University and the city of Carbondale. On Thursday, Nov. 7, they were honored with the naming of the John and Nancy Jackson Lobby at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.

“SIU and Carbondale have been good to me and my family for over five decades,” John Jackson said. “This is especially gratifying because it connects us in a very tangible way to Paul and Jeanne Simon. I’m proud to be associated with those two. He and Jeanne were two of the very finest people and public servants I have ever known.”

John Jackson speaks
Dr. John Jackson speaks Thursday, Nov. 7, during the naming lobby naming ceremony at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.

John and Nancy Jackson have shown unwavering dedication to the university and the Carbondale community for more than 50 years. In 2002, the couple was named Carbondale Citizens of the Year.

“This is a big occasion and long overdue,” said Chancellor Austin Lane. “When John and Nancy’s names came up, it was clear this is something we had to make happen.”

Dr. John Jackson first came to Southern in 1969 as a lecturer. He has served the university in many capacities, including interim chancellor, vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and associate dean and acting dean of the graduate school. He also served as visiting professor at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute and edited “Southern Illinois at 150 Years: Growth, Accomplishments, and Challenges,” which details the history of the region and university.

“The institute clearly wouldn’t have happened without Paul Simon … but there is, in my opinion, unquestionably one key person that was involved on the front and the backend and the middle and to this day, and that’s John Jackson,” said Brad Cole, CEO of the Illinois Municipal League and former Carbondale mayor.

Nancy Jackson earned her master’s degree in elementary education from Southern in 1982. She taught for many years in the Carbondale Public School system, focusing largely on reading. She spearheaded the “Book in Every Home” program on the SIU Carbondale campus, which collects books to provide to local children. Through the program, tens of thousands of books have been donated.

John Jackson speaks to crowd
A large crowd gathered Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute as Dr. John and Nancy Jackson were honored.

“As I was thinking about Dr. Jackson and Nancy and why we are doing this today, one word came to mind and it’s ‘service,’” said SIU System President Dan Mahony. “When we name something after someone, we hope to inspire others.”

The Jacksons and others have combined to contribute more than $50,000 to endow the John S. and Nancy Jackson Scholarship Endowment Fund, which provides scholarships to political science students in the College of Liberal Arts. To donate to that fund in honor of the Jacksons, visit siuf.org/give and search for “John S. and Nancy Jackson Scholarship” in the designation menu.

“John and Nancy, thank you for what you have done in the past and what you continue to do,” said Phil Gilbert, chair of the SIU Board of Trustees. “This university is a better place because of your contribution here.”

John and Nancy Jackson
Dr. John and Nancy Jackson were honored Thursday, Nov. 7, with the naming of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute lobby.
Donor Stories, Saluki Athletics

Jamie Hayes emphasizes father’s legacy, joins Big Dawg Leadership Society

Leave a comment

By Jeff Wilson

The Hayes family has been a fixture around Saluki Athletics since Jim Hayes first came to Southern in 1961 on a football scholarship.

“My dad played linebacker at SIU. He had a great nickname, ‘The Axe,’” his son, Jamie Hayes, said. “From there, it was just always following the Salukis. He had a lot of great loves. He loved his family, the business, his employees, customers, and he loved SIU.”

Jamie Hayes
Jamie Hayes is the owner of Jim Hayes, Inc., in Harrisburg. The car dealership was started by his father, Jim, in 1976.

After graduating from SIU with a degree in education in 1962, Jim Hayes moved to Macomb, where he taught, coached football and married his wife, Bette, in 1966. After taking up car sales as a part-time job, he found a knack for the profession and moved his family to Harrisburg in 1976, founding the Jim Hayes, Inc., car dealership.

Raising his family and growing his business in Southern Illinois, Jim Hayes made a point to support SIU through Saluki Athletics. Jim Hayes passed away in 2018, leaving an incredible legacy at Southern. The dealership is now owned and operated by Jamie Hayes.

Jim Hayes
Jim Hayes played linebacker for the Saluki Football team in the 1960s, earning the nickname “The Axe.”

“I grew up going with my dad to basketball games. SIU has a history of great coaches and great teams,” he said. “The time spent with my dad was always good. I have great memories of these programs.”

Jamie Hayes has continued and expanded that support throughout his life, including a recent $25,000 pledge to the athletic department and a significant contribution to the Pride of Little Egypt, the Name, Image, and Likeness collective for Saluki Athletics.

“This is just a way of adding to my dad’s legacy,” he said. “I wouldn’t be in a position to do that if it weren’t for him. I think he would be proud. I’m trying to take it to the next level for him. He’s up there cheering on the Dawgs.”

These gifts make him the newest member of the Big Dawg Leadership Society. The society honors the most resolute supporters among Saluki Nation and offers them unique access and opportunities to enhance the fan experience.

The Big Dawg Leadership Society includes three levels:

  • Legendary: $75,000 pledge over five years to Saluki Athletics and $2,500 for three years to the Pride of Little Egypt
  • Hall of Fame: $50,000 pledge over five years to Saluki Athletics and $2,500 for three years to the Pride of Little Egypt
  • Champion: $25,000 pledge over five years to Saluki Athletics and $1,000, one-year commitment to the Pride of Little Egypt

“The success of SIU can do nothing but help the region,” he said. “Now, more than ever, it’s time to step it up a little bit more. You’re going to need more community involvement. You have to bleed maroon no matter what.”

To learn more about the Big Dawg Leadership Society, contact Todd Reeser at toddr@foundation.siu.edu or Kat Martin at katm@foundation.siu.edu.

Donor Stories, Saluki Athletics, SIU

Gazdeck pledges $100,000, a gift 52 years in the making

Leave a comment
Elaine Gazdeck
Elaine Gazdeck stopped by the Paul & Virginia fountain outside of Davies Gym during her trip to campus.

By Jeff Wilson

CARBONDALE – After visiting the Southern Illinois University Carbondale campus for the first time in 52 years, Elaine Gazdeck was inspired to make a transformative impact on women’s sports.

The 1972 graduate pledged a $100,000 planned gift to establish the Elaine Gazdeck Women’s Sports Empowerment Scholarship Endowment Fund, which will benefit women’s basketball and women’s golf.

“I want young women who choose to go to SIU to have the means to do that,” she said. “It’s helping somebody have an opportunity to see what their potential is academically and athletically.”

Elaine Gazdeck
Elaine Gazdeck poses in front of Bowyer Hall.

Gazdeck is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma, commonly called Tri Sigma, and she has periodically gathered with her sorority sisters.

“We have always said ‘Let’s go back,’ but for one reason or another, it didn’t happen,” she said. “Then we met in October in Quincy, and I was able to come down for a visit.”

Kat Martin, director of development for Saluki Athletics, set up a full schedule for Gazdeck during her short trip to Carbondale.

“She had a great itinerary. We had lunch, went to basketball practice and met with coaches and team members. I had a great talk with (Women’s Basketball) Coach Kelly Bond-White,” she said. “I had dinner with (Women’s Golf) Coach Rory Weinfurther, went to a softball game, volleyball match, and the football game. I had breakfast with (Athletic Director) Tim Leonard and Kat. It was clear that Tim really cares about women’s sports.”

Kat Martin and Elaine Gazdeck
Kat Martin, director of development for Saluki Athletics, and Elaine Gazdeck visit the King Tut memorial outside of Saluki Stadium.

Gazdeck played sports in high school and started golfing at an early age with her father.

“When I was young, my father got me golf lessons. He was off work on Wednesdays and had no one to golf with, so he asked me ‘Wanna golf?’ So, I went with him on Wednesdays,” she said.

Coming full circle

Growing up in a suburb outside of Cleveland, Ohio, Gazdeck wanted to attend college out of state, but her parents didn’t want her to stray far. She wanted to major in botany and narrowed her focus to three universities – Miami of Ohio, Oregon State, and SIU.

“Oregon was too far, so the summer before my senior year of high school, my father rented a camper and we camped at Crab Orchard Lake,” she said. “We got to see campus, and my parents liked it. Tuition was a little less expensive than at Miami of Ohio, so we decided to give it a try. I received a scholarship for the first year, which helped.”

After studying botany for three years, she changed her major to recreation and graduated from what is now the College of Health and Human Sciences. She moved to Chicago and took a job with a pharmaceutical company, working to help its veterinary division understand and meet new drug regulations. After about 10 years, she switched to human pharmaceutical development. She worked in Kansas City, San Francisco, and then took a “gap year” and traveled across the U.S. and Canada. She settled in Colorado in 1988, continuing a career in pharmaceutical development helping start-up companies navigate the regulatory pathway in drug development.

“I had a great career. I worked during the time that pharmaceutical development embraced new technologies to help people. It was good times,” she said.

Outside of work, she has lived an active lifestyle, continuing to golf, travel, ski and kayak. She also became involved with sled dog racing, working with a team in the 2008 Iditarod.

“In sports, you learn how to work as a team. A lot of life skills come from it,” she said. “I want to give young women opportunities to develop these valuable skills.”

Elaine Gazdeck
Elaine Gazdeck visited SIU’s campus for the first time in over 50 years in October 2024.

During her visit to Southern, Gazdeck also made a trip to the spot where her Saluki journey started.

“I drove out to Crab Orchard. I wanted to see where it all began. I sat by the lake. It was pretty nostalgic,” she said. “I had such a good experience at SIU and made lifelong friends. With this being a planned gift, I won’t be here to see it manifest, but that’s OK. I just want women to succeed.”

To learn more about planned giving, visit siufgiving.org.

Donor Stories, Events & Engagement, Higher Education

Record-breaking attendance highlights impact at SIU Foundation Scholarship Dinner

Leave a comment

Donors and scholarship recipients connected during the 11th Annual SIU Scholarship Dinner on Friday, Nov. 1.

This year’s event brought together a record-breaking 119 donors and donor representatives and 86 scholarship recipients, representing 91 unique scholarships—each a testament to the profound impact of philanthropy at Southern.

The evening was highlighted by inspiring stories, laughter, and meaningful connections between SIU’s generous donors and the remarkable students whose lives they’ve transformed.

Donors witnessed firsthand how their support impacts students, many of whom have overcome great challenges to pursue higher education.

“Now that we’ve met all of our recipients from the scholarship, it just warms my heart. Actually, my heart’s bursting just for the fact that we can help in some small way,” said Ron Jurinek, who has established the Jacob Jurinek Scholarship in memory of his son

Events & Engagement, Higher Education, SIU

John and Nancy Jackson to be honored with lobby naming

Leave a comment
Nancy and John Jackson
Nancy and John Jackson

CARBONDALE – John and Nancy Jackson’s names are synonymous with education and service around Southern Illinois University and the city of Carbondale. Those names will soon be honored at the John and Nancy Jackson Lobby at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.

At 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, at the institute, located at 1231 Lincoln Drive on Southern’s campus, the public is invited to join the naming celebration. After a few remarks, a reception will follow with light refreshments.

John and Nancy Jackson have shown unwavering dedication to the university and the Carbondale community for more than 50 years. In 2002, the couple was named Carbondale Citizens of the Year.

“We are so proud to honor John and Nancy Jackson in this space that meant so much to them at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute,” said Chancellor Austin Lane. “It’s vitally important that we take time to recognize the contributions of time, talent and treasure that both John and Nancy have shared with the university and the Carbondale community.”

Dr. John Jackson first came to Southern in 1969 as a lecturer. He has served the university in many capacities, including interim chancellor, vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and associate dean and acting dean of the graduate school. He also served as visiting professor at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute and edited “Southern Illinois at 150 Years: Growth, Accomplishments, and Challenges,” which details the history of the region and university.

Nancy Jackson earned her master’s degree in elementary education from Southern in 1982. She taught for many years in the Carbondale Public School system, focusing largely on reading. She spearheaded the “Book in Every Home” program on the SIU Carbondale campus, which collects books to provide to local children. Through the program, tens of thousands of books have been donated.

The Jacksons and others have combined to contribute more than $50,000 to endow the John S. and Nancy Jackson Scholarship Endowment Fund, which provides scholarships to political science students in the College of Liberal Arts. To donate to that fund in honor of the Jacksons, visit siuf.org/give and search for “John S. and Nancy Jackson Scholarship” in the designation menu.

Events & Engagement, Higher Education, Saluki Takeover Tours

Saluki Takeover Tour makes inaugural trip to Memphis

Leave a comment

By Jeff Wilson

MEMPHIS – The Saluki Takeover Tour is expanding its reach to new areas of the country this year, and the first new stop was this week in Memphis.

Chancellor Austin Lane, staff from the SIU Foundation, SIU Admissions, SIU Alumni Association, and other university leaders met with donors, school administrators, and alumni in and around the city on Wednesday, Oct. 23, and Thursday, Oct. 24.

More than 80 alumni and friends of the university attended the Chancellor’s Reception at King Jerry Lawler’s Hall of Fame Bar & Grille on Beale Street on Thursday evening.

“These events matter,” Lane said. “We need you to put the Saluki flags in your front yards. The students are here. We have a lot of alumni that work here.”

Lane gave updates on topics ranging from enrollment to fundraising.

Saluki Takeover Tour Memphis
More than 80 alumni gathered at King Jerry Lawler’s Hall of Fame Bar & Grille on Beale Street in Memphis on Thursday, Oct. 24.

This fall, SIU Carbondale reported the highest enrollment jump in 33 years. Overall enrollment for fall 2024 grew 3.8 percent to 11,790, or 431 more students than last year. This is the highest overall boost in the number of students since 1991 and the highest percentage increase since 1987.

“(Our enrollment) is up because we show up,” Lane said. “We will not grow to 15,000 students, which is our goal by 2030, unless we get students out of Memphis.”

The SIU Foundation is in the midst of the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has raised more than $360 million toward its $500 million goal. It’s the fifth largest such campaign in the history of Illinois higher education.

“Sixteen percent of SIU students received Foundation scholarships, and that’s because of the generosity of you and so many others,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation.

Saluki Takeover Tour Memphis
Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation, SIU alumnus Terry Counce, and Chancellor Austin Lane pose outside of King Jerry Lawler’s Hall of Fame Bar & Grille Beale Street in Memphis.

On Wednesday evening, the SIU Alumni Association hosted a group of alumni at Meddlesome Brewing in Cordova, Tennessee. SIU Admissions representatives visited multiple high schools, furthering relationships and building pipelines for students who are considering college. Representatives from the SIU Foundation met with multiple donors throughout the region.

“These takeovers are designed strategically to recruit areas where we have alumni and that we have high schools and populations of students that we know we can get,” Lane said.

The next Saluki Takeover Tour will be November 19 and 20 in Dallas and Houston, respectively. Hundreds of alumni and friends have already registered for these events. Register for the Houston event here. Register for the Dallas event here. 

To see highlights from past Saluki Takeover Tours, click here.

Donor Stories, Higher Education

Tinoco honors father, heritage with $25K gift

Leave a comment

 

By Jeff Wilson

Where others see a challenge, Dr. Janet Tinoco sees an opportunity.

That’s been true throughout her life and career, which spans from Belleville to Southern Illinois University Carbondale to the defense industry to outer space. It’s what led her to donate $25,000 to endow the Jesse Salvador Tinoco Scholarship for Women in Engineering, named for her father. The scholarship benefits students in the College of Engineering, Computing, Technology and Mathematics, with preference being given to females of Mexican descent.

“Some of it has to do with how I was raised,” she said. “My father was raised by Mexican immigrants. His parents pushed education as a way to improve one’s lot in life.”

Tinoco transferred to SIU from Belleville Area College (now Southwestern Illinois College) and graduated in 1982 with a degree in engineering.

Janet Tinoco
Janet Tinoco donated $25,000 to establish the Jesse Salvador Tinoco Scholarship for Women in Engineering.

“I come from a hard-working, wonderful family, but we were not wealthy,” she said. “I was the youngest of four girls, all of whom have some element of engineering, science and technology in their careers. My parents worked hard to give us a good education and help us through college.”

After her father passed away nearly a decade ago, Tinoco began to reflect on his impact on her life.

“Looking back, I realized what an influence he was in my education. Without him recognizing my personal need to spread my wings and support me, I would not have been able to come to SIU,” she said. “While my mother wanted us to be self-sufficient, I think my father wanted more for us.”

As an SIU student, Tinoco worked her way through college. She wants the scholarship to ease some of the financial burdens faced by today’s students.

“I hope this scholarship shows students that someone cares about them and their success,” she said. “Working my way through college was hard. I was a good student, but not a straight-A student. There were very limited scholarship opportunities for me, at least that I was aware of.”

Tinoco also hopes her gift may inspire others to give back any way they can.

“All alums that have a passion for SIUC can help the institution. In addition to financial support, we can help spread the word on the good works and educational opportunities at SIUC by simply following, liking and sharing SIUC posts on social media platforms. Or post relevant news about yourself and tag SIUC,” she said. “It doesn’t take much time yet can have a significant positive impact for the university by increasing its visibility.”

After graduating, Tinoco took an engineering job with a defense company in Orlando working on laser-targeting systems for F-16s for the Air Force. She then transferred to Washington, D.C., to work with the Federal Aviation Administration on air traffic control modernization, and then back to Orlando to continue her work in defense.

“My career path was not a straight line. I took lots of turns,” she said.

She later earned her Ph.D. and began teaching at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. During her time at the university, she co-wrote the book: “Runways to Space: An Introduction to the Spaceport Industry.”

Runways To Space

“I have always had a passion for space,” Tinoco said. “I enjoy working with emerging economies and indigenous communities to find growth and economic opportunities within the space realm. Currently, I am working to identify opportunities in this field for Native Americans. There are many opportunities in space. You do not have to be an engineer, scientist or astronaut. Anyone can have a role in the space sector.”

Tinoco hopes her scholarship will provide others with the satisfying career she has experienced.

“It really has been an interesting, wonderful career that keeps giving back to me the more I put into it,” she said. “I want everyone to realize they have potential, and they are valued for who they are.”

Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Scholarship Recipient, SIU

Iota Phi Theta fraternity pledges $50K for scholarship fund

Leave a comment

By Jeff Wilson

Since being established in 1963 at Morgan State College, the Iota Phi Theta fraternity has been focused on building a tradition. That mission continues at SIU with the Iota Five-Star Scholarship Fund.

With a $50,000 pledge, the fraternity awarded its scholarship to Francesca Stewart, a junior from Chicago majoring in social work. After she completes her degree at SIU, she hopes to work as a case manager and field worker for the Department of Children and Family Services. She also plans to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in social work and eventually open a facility for children and teenagers to have a safe space and express themselves in creative ways.

Members of the fraternity made donations toward that pledge during the group’s 50th anniversary celebration on Friday, Sept. 13, at the Banterra Center.

“I want to thank the Iota Phi Theta fraternity in their commitment to SIU students in helping them achieve their career dreams and aspirations,” said Brian Flath, director of development for student affairs. “The SIU Foundation, along with the Multicultural Resource Center, looks forward to working with your group in the years to come to ensure your fund grows and thrives.”

The program will offer scholarships to brothers and unaffiliated men and women enrolled at SIU who demonstrate a desire to learn, engage in their communities, and could benefit from additional financial support. Applications will be made available on a continual basis. All guidelines and requirements are stated on each application.

To make a gift, visit siuf.org/iota.