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Brothers create scholarship to honor father, support international students

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Chowdry Rafiq and Lila Khan
Chowdry Rafiq and Lila Khan met at as international students SIU.

By Jeff Wilson

For years, brothers Samir and Sahir Khan’s only connection to SIU was the stories their parents shared about Carbondale and the university where they met.

“Our family started at SIU,” said Dr. Samir Khan, a Director with the Government of Canada and an adjunct professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Ottawa. “It was always a bit of a mythical place.”

When their father, Chowdhry Rafiq Khan, passed away in February 2023, they decided to honor his legacy with a $50,000 donation to establish the C. Rafiq Khan Scholarship, which will benefit an international student in SIU’s School of Analytics, Finance, and Economics.

As a teenager emigrating from India, Rafiq Khan had been accepted into the University of Alabama and SIU. He settled on attending Alabama and was ready to board a train in Chicago that was headed to Tuscaloosa until a railway employee intervened and explained that Carbondale would be more hospitable.

“At that time, SIU was a progressive island,” said Sahir Khan, executive vice president of the University of Ottawa Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy. “Our dad came to SIU during an age when America was opening up to the world. SIU was a university and campus ahead of its environment.”

It didn’t take long for Rafiq Khan to establish himself on campus. He became a leader of many student organizations and was active in student government.

“There was always a fondness for the people in and around Carbondale,” Sahir Khan said. “He remembered them as fundamentally good people. Both he and our mother have nothing but good things to say and fond memories to share, to this day.”

A couple of years after coming to SIU, Rafiq Khan was approached about meeting a fellow Indian student who was going to be arriving by bus. That student was Lila, who became his wife soon after.

“They were from two very different parts of India and didn’t even speak the same language. English was really their shared language,” Samir Khan said. “They made lifelong friendships at SIU. Their friends’ kids are now our friends.”

‘A force for good’

Samir and Sahir Khan hope to inspire others with the story of their family and by honoring their parents by helping students like them.

“Our dad loved universities. He believed that they are a force for good,” Sahir Khan said. “We want this scholarship to attract other foreign students and show that this school can represent you. SIU is opening its doors and hearts to students from around the globe, recapturing the sense of leadership that existed when our parents went there.”

That’s why a scholarship made the most sense. SIU’s impact on the entire Khan family was too great to be ignored.

“We wanted to do something that would leave a strong legacy,” Samir Khan said. “It’s all about education. It was very logical for us to give back to SIU. We’re grateful for the education and experience our parents received in Carbondale. It’s perfectly poetic.”

To make a gift, visit siuf.org.

Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

Cheng looks toward CAM’s bright future

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By Jeff Wilson

When Dean Hong Cheng looks at the College of Arts and Media (CAM), he sees opportunities and great potential.

“We are going to make our college a premier destination for prospective students,” he said. “We want to be a leader, both nationally and internationally, in the field of arts and media.”

To make these aspirations a reality, Cheng outlined how the college must embrace technology, value teaching, research, and creative activity, engage itself in communities, and remain mission driven.

“In CAM, we have a unique blend of artists, designers, performers, scholars, and writers,” he said. “We must grow our visibility, integrate holistically, and provide a meaningful contribution.”

Always the forward thinker, Cheng noted the impact that artificial intelligence will have not only on the world, but his college specifically.

“AI is not just for STEM programs,” he said. “It will impact everyone, and we in CAM are no exception. While more work is done by machines, creativity is much harder to replace.”

We are in the beginning of a Feeling Economy, one in which the most valuable skills are things such as empathy, communication, establishing and maintaining relationships, and spreading influence. With six unique schools – Architecture, Art and Design, Journalism and Advertising, Media Arts, Music, and Theater and Dance – Cheng said the college will be at the center of this revolution.

“All six of the schools within CAM are distinctive,” Cheng said. “We have a glorious past and an even brighter future. What we do is going to be more important than ever before.”

Cheng knows what it will take to ensure CAM is a leader in all its fields. A much-anticipated, state-funded upgrade to the Communications Building, one of the college’s major facilities, is just one step.

“We must elevate our facility,” he said. “We must be able to upgrade our technology now, and once this building renovation is completed, we will need to fill those rooms with state-of-the-art equipment and space for interdisciplinary collaboration.”

He is also dedicated to expanding professional development for faculty.

“To recruit and retain the best students, we must be able to recruit and retain world-class faculty,” Cheng said. “Doing that means funding travel and conference attendance. To increase enrollment, we must ensure we have the best people.”

While he may be new to campus, Cheng is grateful for CAM’s illustrious history and dedicated alumni base.

“I’m so impressed by the achievements our schools and programs have made over the years,” he said. “There are so many opportunities for our alumni to make a difference. We have naming opportunities all around us – from single rooms to the entire building to the college and its six schools. With the support of anyone who is passionate about arts and media, we can make great things happen.”

To learn more about CAM, contact Lisa Knight, Director of Development, at 618-453-4719. To make a gift online, visit cam.siu.edu/give.

Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

Saluki Ball bridges the gap for students

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There’s a new premier fundraiser on the SIU calendar – the Saluki Ball.

Hosted by Chancellor Austin Lane and Mrs. Loren Lane, the inaugural Saluki Ball brought 615 SIU alumni and friends together in an effort to raise funds that bridge the financial gap for students.

“Our focus tonight is on our students, especially those who need your help the most,” said Chancellor Lane during the ball, which was held Saturday, April 22, at the Marriott Marquis Chicago. “Increasing our enrollment to 15,000 students by 2030 – as established by our strategic plan – requires not only efforts in recruitment but also retention. We must ensure the students that we bring to Carbondale or who enroll in online courses are able to stay enrolled and finish with their degree.”

The Saluki Ball was sponsored by the Honorable Glenn and Mrs. Jo Poshard and ULLICO, Inc., and Laborers’ Local 773. Each donated $100,000 in support of the fundraiser. The event was emceed by SIU alumnus and ESPN radio host Marc Silverman.

Many of SIU’s most resolute supporters bought tickets and sponsored tables in support of SIU students. The money raised will help enhance funding for students who require assistance with their bursar bills to stay enrolled.

Drs. Philip and Pamela Pfeffer were honored with the Saluki Lifetime Achievement Award. Pam Pfeffer began serving on the SIU Foundation Board in 1995 and has served two terms as board president. A Metropolis native, she earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from SIU Carbondale in 1967. She is also a mentor with the Women’s Leadership Council.

Phil Pfeffer is a two-degree SIU Carbondale graduate, earning a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and chemistry in 1965 and a master’s degree in economics in 1966. He received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in 1997, the SIU Distinguished Alumni Award in 1998, and Alumni Achievement Award in 1992.

The Pfeffers are life members of the SIU Alumni Association, the Paul and Virginia Society, and both have served on boards for the Alumni Association, SIU Foundation, and College of Liberal Arts. They have also been awarded the university’s Distinguished Service Award.

Two students, Luis Barrera and BriYanna Robinson, were recognized with Saluki Success Awards.

“Pam and Phil Pfeffer, BriYanna Robinson, and Luis Barrera are great examples of what a Saluki can and should be,” Silverman said.

The night was capped by a performance by R&B legend Brian McKnight and dancing.

Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

McPheeters: Saluki Ball recognizes SIU’s excellence

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Lynn McPheeters

By Jeff Wilson

Few SIU alumni have created a legacy as impactful as F. Lynn McPheeters.

His first major philanthropic act at SIU came in 2006 when he and his late wife, Susan, donated $585,000 to create the Susan F. and F. Lynn McPheeters College of Business Leadership Endowed Chair. In 2017, he donated $1 million to endow the McPheeters Family Scholarship, and in 2022, he announced a $1 million estate gift to supplement that fund and establish the F. Lynn McPheeters Chair of Finance Endowment Fund in the College of Business and Analytics.

Now, he is one of the major sponsors of the inaugural Saluki Ball. With a $25,000 donation, McPheeters is a Saluki Platinum sponsor.

The Saluki Ball, to be held Saturday, April 22, at the Marriott Marquis Chicago, will help students bridge the financial gap as they strive to reach their ultimate goals. The presenting sponsors of the ball are the Honorable Glenn and Jo Poshard and ULLICO, Inc., and Laborers’ Local 773.

“This event celebrates SIU’s reputation for providing a first-class education and will raise money for scholarships,” said McPheeters, 1964 graduate of the College of Business. “It pains me that so many people are coming out of school with mounds of debt. In recognition of this situation, the SIU Foundation has significantly increased its efforts to provide scholarship assistance, as so many other universities have done.”

Hosted by Chancellor Austin Lane and Mrs. Loren Lane, the ball is black-tie optional and will feature a performance by R&B legend Brian McKnight. It will be hosted by ESPN radio host and SIU alumnus Marc Silverman.

“Personally, I am very impressed with Chancellor Lane, what he’s doing, and his plan for the future,” McPheeters said.

McPheeters transferred to SIU from Canton College, now Spoon River College, a community college in his hometown of Canton, Illinois, and finished his accounting degree at SIU.

Soon after, he started at Caterpillar, Inc., and began a steady rise through the company. In 1973, he moved to Switzerland to serve in a financial management position with Caterpillar overseas. He also worked in Tokyo for Caterpillar Mitsubishi and in Hong Kong at Caterpillar Far East Limited. He retired in 2005 as chief financial officer for Caterpillar and vice president of the Corporate Services Division.

“SIU led me to an incredible career with Caterpillar that took our family around the world and gave us tremendous opportunities,” McPheeters said. “I was very fortunate to have a supportive family throughout my 40 years with the company.”

In the decades since his graduation, McPheeters has served SIU in multiple ways. He joined the SIU Foundation Board in 2002 and served as chair of the audit committee and board president. He was one of the first members of the College of Business and Analytics external advisory board and inducted into the college’s Hall of Fame in 1988. Among other honors, he earned the College of Business Alumni Achievement Award in 2004. In 2016, he received one of the university’s highest honors, the Distinguished Service Award.

He never anticipated the success that his SIU education would help provide.

“When I graduated, I was just happy to have an education and a job,” McPheeters said. “I have always believed that everything happens for a reason. I was very fortunate that SIU was there.”

For more information about the Saluki Ball, visit salukiball.siu.edu.

Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

Legence Bank donates $5K to the Saluki Food Pantry

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Pictured left to right: Kent Epplin, Student Center director, Tena Bennett, assistant vice chancellor for auxiliary enterprise and student affairs, Shane Bennett, senior director of corporate foundation relations, John Dorris, Legence Bank Carbondale branch manager, Kevin Beckemeyer, Legence Bank president and CEO, Tricia Overturf, Legence Bank vice president of marketing and communications, Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development & alumni relations and SIU Foundation CEO

By Jeff Wilson

The SIU Day of Giving offers individuals and businesses the opportunity to support the university in many ways. This year, Legence Bank donated $5,000 to the Saluki Food Pantry.

“This gift from Legence Bank makes an enormous impact – $5,000 provides food and items, such as toiletries, that allow our students to thrive on a daily basis,” said Tena Bennett, assistant vice chancellor for auxiliary enterprise and student affairs. “As a result, our students can come here and focus on the most important things – their education, growth, and wellbeing – instead of worrying about where their next meal will come from.”

Legence Bank’s gift was set up as a match, so that they could inspire others to give to the food pantry. This provided thousands more dollars to the food pantry on the Day of Giving, which was March 28. In total, nearly $8,000 was raised.

“This food pantry covers so many people that deal with food insecurity,” said Tricia Overturf, vice president of marketing and communications for Legence Bank. “We’re excited to be a part of this and give back to the community.”

The gift represents Legence Bank’s continued support of local institutions.

Tricia Overturf, Legence Bank vice president of marketing and communications, John Dorris, Legence Bank Carbondale branch manager, Kevin Beckemeyer, Legence Bank president and CEO

“Legence Bank is always glad to help Saluki Nation and all the communities we serve,” said Kevin Beckemeyer, president and CEO of Legence Bank.

With support from Legence Bank and other donors, the food pantry will be able to keep its shelves stocked for students in need and their families.

“I’m so happy about the effort to help with food insecurity. It’s so important in today’s world,” said John Dorris, Legence Bank Carbondale branch manager.

The Saluki Food Pantry is located on the Lower Level of the Student Center, and it serves all SIU students. The food pantry carries non-perishable food items and toiletries. Every item is free, and students can receive enough food to feed every family member in their household for up to three days.

Even with the generosity of Legence Bank and Day of Giving donors, the need for donations never ceases. Beyond monetary donations, anyone can drop off donations of canned goods, instant potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and other non-perishable food items and toiletries. To learn more, email foodpantry@siu.edu.

Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

ULLICO, Laborers’ Local 773 sponsoring Saluki Ball

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Members of Laborers’ Local 773, seen here while working at Touch of Nature Environmental Center, have completed many projects on campus, donating their time and efforts.

By Jeff Wilson

The relationship between SIU and union labor goes back a long way.

Now, that relationship is getting even stronger as ULLICO, Inc., and Laborers’ Local 773 stepped up to become one of the presenting sponsors of the inaugural Saluki Ball.

“SIU is the crown jewel of Southern Illinois. It’s the economic engine of this region, and we are committed to SIU,” said Ed Smith, president and CEO of ULLICO. “SIU has one of the most diverse, unionized workforces in America.”

While dedicating $100,000 to become a presenting sponsor of the ball is a major investment, Laborers’ Local 773 has handed out scholarships to its members’ children since 1986.

“We have given out more than $336,000 in scholarships, and that number is about to go up,” said Jerry Womick, International Representative and Business Manager for Laborers’ Local 773. “We give students $500 extra if they choose to attend SIU.”

Many of those scholarship recipients are first-generation students. The union and its members understand the value of financial assistance. The union averages about 70 employees on campus at any moment.

“Union members feed their families through SIU,” Smith said. “They put their blood, sweat, and tears into the university. They do the dirty work.”

The union has been involved with most of SIU’s biggest projects, and much of the work is done with donated time and supplies. Union laborers have done many of the site improvements at Touch of Nature Environmental Center, installed the walking path around Campus Lake, and put in flower planters around the REC Center. ULLICO and Laborers’ Local 773 have also supported WSIU broadcasting and Saluki Athletics for many years.

“Our fingerprints are all over SIU,” Smith said. “We are joined at the hip, and we’re there through thick and thin.”

The Saluki Ball

Hosted by Chancellor Austin Lane and Mrs. Loren Lane, the inaugural Saluki Ball, to be held Saturday, April 22, at the Marriott Marquis Chicago, will help students bridge the financial gap as they strive to reach their ultimate goals.

“You have to have a vision, a positive attitude,” Smith said. “You also have to go where the students are. Chancellor Lane has done a great job of recruiting locally, but this is a competitive business. SIU has to recruit against the schools in and around Chicago.”

The ball is black-tie optional and will feature a performance by R&B legend Brian McKnight. It will be hosted by ESPN radio host and SIU alumnus Marc Silverman and NBC Chicago reporter Regina Waldroup. There will be special awards for outstanding alumni and students. The other presenting sponsors of the ball are Dr. Glenn and Jo Poshard. The event is nearly sold out.

“Southern Illinois rises and falls with the university,” Smith said. “Too many times we think we’re the underdog, but SIU is staging a comeback.”

To learn more about the Saluki Ball or get your tickets, visit salukiball.siu.edu.

Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Philanthropic Women, SIU

Odenkirk experiences SIU all over again

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Actor, SIU alumnus works with students, receives degrees

SIU alumnus Bob Odenkirk (middle) stands with SIU Chancellor Austin Lane (from left), Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Media Segun Ojewuyi, Dean of the College of Arts and Media Hong Cheng, and SIU System President Dan Mahony, during his degree ceremony Monday, April 3, at the Banterra Center.

By Jeff Wilson

It was a banner day for Bob Odenkirk and SIU.

For the first time since the early 1980s, one of the university’s most well-known alumni was back on campus. It kicked off with the City of Carbondale declaring Monday, April 3, as Bob Odenkirk Day and awarding him the key to the city.

“The idea of being celebrated like this is a little mind-blowing,” Odenkirk said. “I had a great time at SIU, and a big part of it was this town.”

The 1984 SIU graduate turned actor, comedian, filmmaker, and author returned to his alma mater for two main purposes – to receive the bachelor’s degree in radio-television that he earned as a student and an honorary doctorate and to interact with students and faculty within the College of Arts and Media.

Nearly 2,000 people came to SIU’s Banterra Center for Odenkirk’s degree ceremony and Q&A session.

“We want everyone that’s here as a student to realize that you can start here and go anywhere,” Chancellor Austin Lane said during the ceremony. “Bob is living proof of that. Hopefully, he gives you the courage and motivation to follow your dreams.”

After receiving his degrees, Odenkirk – Dr. Bob Odenkirk – sat down with WSIU’s Larry Hunter for a discussion, first addressing the crowd.

“Thank you for coming here tonight,” Odenkirk said. “You guys made me feel comfortable, and I’m happy to see you here tonight. It means a lot.”

Odenkirk covered many topics during the hour-long session, including his experiences at SIU, work as a comedy writer, TV and movie roles, and much more. Of particular interest to the crowd, was his most famous role of Saul Goodman on AMC’s “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul.” He praised the shows’ writers and producers, particularly Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould.

“The variety within that part – he was a scoundrel; he was earnest and showed love and caring for people; he was tortured; he was sure of himself at times,” Odenkirk said. “There were scenes that would be pure comedy and then five pages later, heart-wrenching drama. I can’t think that there’s been a role that went to as many places as that one.”

Sharing experiences

Odenkirk met with two classes during his visit. The first was in the Northlight Room of the Communications Building, and the second was in the Christian H. Moe Theater.

“You can’t guarantee excellence,” he told the nearly 100 students and faculty in the Northlight Room. “You can just do your best all of the time.”

Throughout the day, he spoke fondly of his time at SIU, particularly his experience at the student radio station WIDB. He imparted wisdom, shared stories and advice, and answered numerous questions.

“SIU offered me the freedom to make stuff and do stuff,” he said. “If you don’t believe you can do it, you won’t try. You have to take a risk.”

During his session in Moe Theater, he worked with multiple pairs of students as they performed various scenes. He offered the students cues and notes on everything from how to conceptualize the scene as a whole to how to deliver particular words.

“It means a lot to me that someone who’s time is so valuable made an effort to work with us in our creative space,” said Uriel Achilleus, one of the students who worked with Odenkirk in Moe Theater. “Mr. Odenkirk made it clear that he was working through his own creative process with us; he showed us what goes through his mind when analyzing a scene and portraying a character. It feels like a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get to work with someone as successful and experienced as he is.”

Fond memories

Squeezed between his speaking appearances, Odenkirk met with countless students, faculty, and staff, signing autographs and posing for photos.

He remarked on the beauty of campus and how it compared to his memories.

“It’s way more impressive than I had in my head,” he said. “It was such a sweet place to me. It’s a beautiful campus, ridiculously beautiful. It still has that great vibe. It feels like a place you can find yourself.”

He also made it a priority to stop by the former location of the WIDB radio station, which is now recognized by a plaque behind the towers on East Campus.

As he toured campus, Odenkirk took time to greet two groups of prospective students taking campus tours.

“I thrived here, and I always think of it fondly,” he said.

From Carbondale to Hollywood

After leaving SIU, Odenkirk moved to Chicago, where he performed comedy and took classes at the Players Workshop. He was later hired to write for “Saturday Night Live,” where he helped create beloved sketches such as “Da Bears” and “Matt Foley, Motivational Speaker.”

After many other writing credits and parts in film and TV, Odenkirk co-created the HBO sketch comedy show “Mr. Show with Bob and David,” alongside comedian David Cross. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Odenkirk could be found in a number of movies and television shows.

In 2009, he joined the cast of “Breaking Bad,” which catapulted him into the limelight. His character, lawyer Saul Goodman, quickly became a fan favorite. The character was also the focus of the “Breaking Bad” spinoff “Better Call Saul.”

Both shows were critically acclaimed, earning Odenkirk numerous awards and honors, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Odenkirk also recently starred in the hit movie, “Nobody,” and his newest show “Lucky Hank” premiered on AMC on March 19. “Lucky Hank” is based on the novel “Straight Man” by former SIU English professor Richard Russo.

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SIU Credit Union donates $45K for SIU Day of Giving

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Pictured left to right: Jennifer Phillips, Mike Lantrip, Chancellor Austin A. Lane, Sara Bond, Kim Babington, Tom Brummer, Brian Croft, Matt Kupec, John Pollitz, Mark Dynis, and Kevin Clark.

As has become tradition, the SIU Credit Union kicked off the SIU Day of Giving with a donation to multiple areas of campus.

This year, the SIU Credit Union donated $45,000, which included $20,000 to SIU’s New Student Programs, $15,000 to Touch of Nature Environmental Center, and $10,000 to Morris Library.

“We want this partnership with SIU,” said Kim Babington, SIU Credit Union Vice President of Community Outreach. “It helps not only the credit union grow, but it helps SIU grow. That helps us here in our economy in Carbondale.”

Members of the credit union team gathered Thursday, March 23, at Anthony Hall to present Chancellor Austin Lane and other SIU representatives with the check before the Day of Giving officially started.

“Our students need to bridge the financial gaps, and this is one way for them to be able to do that,” said Chancellor Lane.

For the credit union, making such a donation reflects its mission.

“I’ve been here my whole life, so being able to give back to the university that helped me get to where I am is a great feeling,” said Mike Lantrip, SIU Credit Union President and CEO and a 1991 graduate of SIU’s College of Business and Analytics.

Pictured left to right: Jennifer Phillips, Chancellor Austin A. Lane, Mike Lantrip, Kim Babington, Tena Bennett, Jennifer Jones-Hall and Mark Dynis.

New Student Programs facilitates the integration of students into campus and the community. These funds will enhance its ability to engage with students.

“All of the funds that we receive go back to the students to really enrich their experience while they’re on campus,” said Jennifer Phillips, director of New Student Programs.

Pictured left to right: Sara Bond, Chancellor Austin A. Lane, Mike Lantrip, Tom Brummer, Kim Babington, Tena Bennett, Brian Croft and Mark Dynis.

Touch of Nature Environmental Center is a premier outdoor activity facility in the Midwest. The funds will largely go toward the Dawg Days summer camp.

“The money that SIU Credit Union is giving us is really going to help us grow and expand,” said Brian Croft, director at Touch of Nature. “Dawg Days is, in essence, a four-day, three-night summer camp for incoming freshmen.”

Pictured left to right: Sara Bond, Chancellor Austin A. Lane, Mike Lantrip, Mark Dynis, Kim Babington, Kevin Clark and John Pollitz.

Dean of Library Affairs John Pollitz said the library’s portion of the funds are earmarked for furthering their vision for the future.

“We are going to be using this donation to establish the Digital Scholars Commons on the first floor of the library,” he said.

The credit union’s generosity was just the spark at the beginning of a record-breaking SIU Day of Giving. The SIU Foundation raised $4,037,918 through 3,702 individual gifts during the seventh annual 24-hour fundraiser. For more details, visit siuday.siu.edu.

Crowdfunding, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

SIU Day of Giving: More than 3,700 donors give over $4M

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SIU Chancellor Austin Lane (left) speaks with SIU Foundation CEO Matt Kupec on Tuesday, March 28, during the SIU Day of Giving live broadcast in the WSIU TV studio on campus at SIU Carbondale.

The 2023 SIU Day of Giving reached new heights raising $4,037,918 in 24 hours.

The funds will enhance scholarship opportunities, supporting faculty, purchasing equipment, and much more. There were 3,702 individual donations made from donors in 45 states. The total raised and amount of donations are both new SIU Day of Giving records.

“The Day of Giving continues to be a marquee event on campus,” said Matt Kupec, CEO of the SIU Foundation. “Each year, the excitement builds, and Saluki Nation shows what it can accomplish when everyone comes together.”

Areas of campus with the highest dollar total raised were:

  • College of Business and Analytics, more than $819,000
  • School of Medicine, more than $652,000
  • College of Liberal Arts, more than $488,000
  • College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics, more than $156,000
  • Touch of Nature, more than $123,000

Hundreds of alumni, largely connected to the Carbondale in the ’80s and ’90s Facebook group, donated to the Balancing Education, Experience, and Reality (B.E.E.R.) Scholarship. That group raised more than $50,000 – enough to endow two more B.E.E.R. Scholarship – and lead the way with 837 total gifts.

Other groups with the largest individual gift totals were:

  • WSIU Public Broadcasting, 765
  • Saluki Athletics, 299
  • School of Medicine, 260
  • College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics, 250

“These incredible numbers tell the story,” Kupec said. “Our alumni and friends see the value of this university. Their support drives us forward and inspires the next generation of Salukis.”

Going live

For the third consecutive year, the SIU Day of Giving featured a live broadcast from the WSIU studio. Streamed on multiple platforms and hosted by Kupec, the broadcast featured Chancellor Austin Lane, the dean of every college and school, multiple members of the faculty and staff, and students.

“It’s turned out to be a day of excellence,” Chancellor Lane said during his live segment. “To showcase all of the departments, and for people to be able to see exactly where their dollars are going, it’s a great day.”

The live broadcast began out of necessity in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, and because of the tremendous success of the event, the SIU Foundation has continued the tradition. It ended near 2:30 p.m. with an address from Chancellor Lane at Morris Library.

Seven years of success

Beginning in 2017, the SIU Day of Giving has become a tremendous day of alumni and donor activities. Growing each year in both amount raised and participation rates, campus was aflutter with activity this year.

Morris Library hosted a “Dunk the Dean” event, which allowed donors to make a small gift on their phones and attempt to dunk Dean of Library Affairs John Pollitz and others into a dunk tank. The School of Law hosted a food truck and celebrated its 50th anniversary. Numerous other groups set up tables and encouraged giving throughout the day.

For a full recap of the SIU Day of Giving totals, visit siuday.siu.edu.

Crowdfunding, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

SIU Day of Giving supports students, faculty

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Donors can utilize Venmo to make a gift

CARBONDALE – The 7th annual SIU Day of Giving is Tuesday, March 28, and this year’s focus is on engagement.

After raising nearly $10 million in its first six years, the SIU Foundation is asking more people than ever to go to siuday.siu.edu and make a donation – small or large.

“The SIU Day of Giving is about Saluki spirit. It’s about engaging with the university and being a part of something bigger,” said Matt Kupec, SIU Foundation CEO. “When thousands of Salukis focus their energy on a singular goal, it’s an incredible sight to behold.”

Each year, the SIU community comes together for a 24-hour online Day of Giving. Supporters are encouraged to visit siuday.siu.edu on Tuesday, March 28, and make a gift of any size. Donations can be directed to any college, unit, program, or initiative.

Last year, more than $3.5 million was raised through more than 2,400 individual donations. Donors can choose to be honored on the Donor Wall, give in honor of another, or give anonymously. All gifts are made securely and are tax-deductible.

This year, gifts can also be made through Venmo by searching for “@SIU-Foundation” under the Charities tab and typing “Day of Giving” in the message. Donors should also add the area of campus they want to support.

At 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, university leaders and students will gather at the Morris Library rotunda for a Day of Giving announcement from Chancellor Austin Lane.

Going live from WSIU

For the third consecutive year, the SIU Day of Giving will feature a live broadcast from the WSIU-TV studio. Follow along at siuday.siu.edu or the SIU Alumni Association’s Facebook page, facebook.com/siualumni. Post a comment during the broadcast, and watch it pop on the screen in real-time.

The broadcast will feature Chancellor Lane, every college’s dean, members of the faculty and staff, students, and it will be hosted by Kupec.

“The live broadcast adds a unique element to the Day of Giving,” Kupec said. “We were the first college to go live back in 2020, and it’s been so fun and so well received that we wanted to keep doing it.”

Getting involved

Other than making a gift and watching the broadcast, there are other ways for alumni and donors to support the Day of Giving.

Simply by using #SIUDay on social media and sharing posts from the SIU Foundation and other units on campus is a great way to show support. It’s not too late to become an SIU Day of Giving ambassador by signing up at siuday.siu.edu. Ambassadors get special Day of Giving updates and are encouraged to share their own Day of Giving messages with others.

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