Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

Tedrick gift expands research, creative opportunities for undergrads

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SIU students

by Tim Crosby

CARBONDALE, Ill. – A gift from Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumni Roger and Sally Tedrick will expand opportunities for SIU students to get involved with research and creative activities as part of a world-class undergraduate experience, according to SIU Chancellor Carlo Montemagno.

Currently, about 25 students receive funding for research and creative projects each year through a program called “REACH,” which stands for “Research-enriched Academic Challenge.” Past projects have ranged from biomedical research on the endocrine system to finding lost grave sites and researching and preserving artifacts to designing formal wear for people who use wheelchairs.

The Tedrick Undergraduate Research Fellowship will increase the number of students who can participate to about 40 each year. The donation from the Tedricks provides $50,000 a year in grant money for five years.

Montemagno said the awards give students the opportunity to gain real-world experience in their field of interest.

“Providing our undergraduate students with strong research and creative opportunities has set SIU apart, and this donation only strengthens that commitment,” said Montemagno. “Such opportunities prepare our students for the challenges they will face after graduation, either in graduate school or in their chosen fields of employment.”

REACH awards support the projects of qualified, full-time undergraduate students who compete for funding. Awards are granted based on the evaluation of the applications by a panel composed of experts from a range of academic backgrounds.

Selected students can receive up to $2,000 for their project and an assistantship that will pay for the student to work up to 10 hours per week on it. Teams can receive an additional $500 per additional team member. To be eligible, a student must be a sophomore or higher and carry a GPA of at least 2.8.

The Tedrick donation also creates a new “Best in Category” award. This special recognition is based on the quality of the students’ applications and the promise of their proposed research or creative activity. One student in each of the following disciplines will be recognized: art and design, humanities, communication/media, science and engineering.

To apply, students should submit an application by March 30. The first awards including the new funding will be made in mid-April.

Roger Tedrick is a 1970 SIU graduate and Sally Tedrick graduated in 1973. Both are longtime SIU supporters and life members of the SIU Alumni Association.

Roger Tedrick is owner, president and CEO of Tedrick Insurance Agency in Mount Vernon. He has served on the SIU Foundation Board and as its president, also serving as chair of the Saluki Futures Campaign for athletic facilities.  He was a member of the SIU Board of Trustees from 2004 to 2011, presiding over the board as chair for six years.  His university service also includes service on the SIU Alumni Association Board of Directors.

 

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Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Scholarship Recipient, SIU

SIU Day of Giving 2018: Give the Gift of Experience – Rebecca Harris

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SIU Day of Giving 2018: Give the Gift of Experience – Rebecca Harris

Rebecca Harris is a junior from Metamora, Illinois, studying pre-veterinary medicine.

Why did you choose SIU?
The biggest reason I chose SIU was because of the outstanding research opportunities and hands-on experience within the College of Agricultural Sciences. In my first semester of attending SIU, I was already volunteering to help with research on deer palatability studies and have since helped with nutrition research in cattle. I was also volunteering at the University Farms in my first semester. I now have a job with the beef and swine centers where there is always something for me to learn and further enrich my education outside of the classroom. SIU is well-rounded, in my opinion, from varying aspects: affordable costs (because of the numerous generous scholarships awarded), quality programs, and staff that actually care about their students.

What would you tell a prospective student about SIU?
Get involved! Your education is truly what you make of it and the opportunities are endless. There are so many clubs around campus to choose from that you are sure to find something you enjoy. In the process, you may find yourself making new friendships that will last a lifetime.

What inspired you to choose your area of study?
Since a young age, I have always known that pursuing a career in veterinary medicine was something I have wanted to do. I am extremely passionate about animals and love being able to help them.

What is your most memorable experience at SIU?
In my introduction to animal science lab, I got extra credit for sticking my arm into a cannulated cow without a glove on. This was pretty early on in my studies at SIU and not something I thought I would be doing for a class. The animal science classes have been really awesome and rewarding.

Have you received any scholarships as a student?
Yes. SIU Dean’s Scholarship D4, Harold and Nora Kuehn Animal Science Scholarship, and the Walter Wills Animal Science Scholarship.

What does the scholarship mean to you and how has it enabled you to pursue your goals?
The scholarships I have received have enabled me to pursue my dreams ultimately with minimal debt. I am so thankful to have been blessed with the scholarships I have gotten.

How has SIU inspired you?
SIU has inspired me to try things outside of my comfort zone. Last year when applying for summer internships, one of my biology lab teaching assistants recommended that I apply for jobs in wildlife conservation and so I did. This past summer, I worked for Idaho Fish and Game on a research project to gain wolf population estimates and now am extremely interested in wildlife and ranch veterinary medicine. This aspect of my career field is something I never really considered before attending SIU.

Why should someone consider donating to SIU?
Donors are what make many of the scholarships students receive possible and thus make obtaining an education easier! They also are what enable many of our opportunities (like funded research) to be possible.

What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about SIU?
For being in Illinois, you really do not feel like you are in Illinois. There are so many things to do outdoors from cliff jumping at Lake Kincaid, horseback riding at any of the local stables, or even just hiking and camping in the nearby national forests like Shawnee National Forest. Southern Illinois isn’t just a flat piece of land with corn and beans; there are rolling hills with forests and so much to explore. It is quite a nice change of scenery and the area in general has a small-town feel, which I prefer.

If you had $1,000 to donate to SIU, what would you like to see that money benefit?
If I had $1,000 to donate to SIU, I would like to the money go towards the beef and swine centers at the farms. There are many useful things the funds could go towards including updating facilities and equipment. The farms in my opinion are such a valuable learning aspect of SIU’s College of Agricultural Sciences that are underappreciated and sometimes even taken for granted.

 

You can support SIU students during SIU Day of Giving on Wednesday, March 7, 2018: https://siuday.siu.edu/

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Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

SIU Day of Giving 2018: Give the Gift of Experience – Elijah Mercado

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Elijah Mercado, SIU diver

Elijah Mercado is a junior from Hobart, Indiana, studying biological sciences.

Why did you choose SIU?
I chose SIU because it was a college that I fell in love with from the moment I stepped on campus. I felt like this college was made for me. The atmosphere and the people here just reminded me of home. I was sure that I would be able to get an outstanding education as well as a diving career.

What would you tell a prospective student about SIU?
SIU is a great place to get an education as well as have an amazing college experience. The amount of help offered will keep you on top of your grades, the activities and events that SIU hosts can really bring in the whole community. Salukis love to tag along others, nobody gets left behind when it comes to being with the Dawgs.

What inspired you to choose your area of study?
I chose to be in a medical program in high school. I did an internship at St. Mary’s Hospital and had the opportunity to shadow a doctor and nurses. I plan on going into pediatrics.

What is your most memorable experience at SIU?
My most memorable experience at SIU is attending a volleyball game with the swim/dive team. It was our Saluki Strip game, so we all wore our swimsuits and Speedos to distract the other team. It was a hilarious and unforgettable moment.

How has SIU inspired you?
When I read in the Daily Egyptian about an NFL player who attended SIU (Bart Scott) finishing his education, that really gave me inspiration. It gave me a reminder that if he could finish his college education after leaving to play in the NFL, then I could finish my education as well with no problem.

Why should someone consider donating to SIU?
SIU is a school that gives the best of their ability to opportunities that are given to them. Everyone who contributes and helps out will be greatly acknowledged and will always have a warm welcome here. We do our best to help others, we encourage others to pass the kindness on, and we try to make not just our school or the city better, but the world as a whole.

What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about SIU?
I brag about how welcoming our school is for everything. We all care about each other even when we do not know everybody. If you are a Saluki, you are family. If you are not a Saluki, we will show you why being a Saluki is one of the best feelings in the world.

If you had $1,000 to donate to SIU, what would you like to see that money benefit?
If I had $1,000 to donate to SIU, I would like to see that money benefit a program to help those in need. If we had something that can help kids as well as parents who are struggling with school supplies or food, it would be awesome to have an event for them. It would be awesome to have a “Back to School” rally, or a “Toys for Tots” event. Giving to families and kids who could use a bit of help and encouragement in life.

 

You can support SIU students during SIU Day of Giving on Wednesday, March 7, 2018: https://siuday.siu.edu/

Engage with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Scholarship Recipient, SIU

SIU Day of Giving 2018: Give the Gift of Experience – Alejandro Narvaez-Colon

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2018 SIU Day of Giving: Give the gift of experience - Alejandro Narvaez-Colon

 

Alejandro Narvaez-Colon is a junior from San Juan, Puerto Rico, studying computer science.

Why did you choose SIU?
With a deep passion for conducting research, I chose SIU because it is a top-tier research institution. I knew SIU would allow me to perform all the academic activities I wanted to take part in during my college career.

What would you tell a prospective student about SIU?
It is a very resourceful institution, and they should take advantage of all the opportunities they can manage to get.

What inspired you to choose your area of study?
When I was 13 years old, my father — a businessman providing services to gas stations around Puerto Rico — took me to his office to work together on the design of a point of sales software that would satisfy the general needs of gas station managers. As I observed him develop the software, I became fascinated by the magic of programming, where simple words serve as the building blocks to endless computer functionalities. Amazed by what I learned by my father’s side, I decided to learn how to code. Two years later, my dad’s software was fully developed, and I had taught myself how to program in Java. I promised my dad I would create a smartphone application that would accompany his software. With this commitment to programming, I chose computer science as my career path and am now in the process of becoming the software engineer I want to be. 

What is your most memorable experience at SIU?
For three months, my Chinese professor took an hour every single Monday, Wednesday and Friday in order to catch me up with what every other student had learned the previous semester. This helped me enormously, and if it weren’t for his kindness and dedication to my learning and understanding, I would not be where I am today. 

Have you received any scholarships as a student?
I have received the Dean’s Scholarship, Dr. Albert Somit’s Scholarship and the Minority Scholarship.

What does the scholarship mean to you and how has it enabled you to pursue your goals?
It has been an amazing help to be able to have that financial weight taken off my shoulders. Because of these scholarships, I have been able to spend less time working and more time studying, researching and contributing my time to SIU.

How has SIU inspired you?
The professional development opportunities I have had at SIU have inspired me to go after the things I want without fear of rejection, because if you work hard, you will get what you are after. Guaranteed.

Why should someone consider donating to SIU?
Donating to SIU would allow more students like me, who want to make the best out of their college education, to strive and not worry about financial limitations. I know too many people who are either drowning in debt from their student loans or that have had to drop out of SIU because they cannot afford their education.

What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about SIU?
The Saluki Student Investment Fund is the most amazing organization of which I have ever been a part. It is so nice to be managing an actual portfolio just like you would at an actual job.

 

You can support SIU students during SIU Day of Giving on Wednesday, March 7, 2018: https://siuday.siu.edu/

Engage with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

Coach Jerry Kill to return to SIU as ambassador, fundraiser

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Kill returns to SIU – Chancellor Carlo Montemagno listens as former Saluki football coach Jerry Kill discusses his return to Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Kill will work as a special assistant to the chancellor’s office on behalf of the university and assist the athletics program in fundraising efforts (Photo by Steve Buhman)

CARBONDALE, Ill. – Legendary coach Jerry Kill, who led the Salukis to five consecutive NCAA playoff appearances, will return to Southern Illinois University Carbondale as an ambassador for the university. He will also assist with fundraising for the athletics program.

Chancellor Carlo Montemagno said that Kill’s appointment as special assistant to the chancellor will begin in mid-March.

“Jerry comes home to SIU with a commitment to moving us forward,” Montemagno said. “He remains highly regarded among SIU fans, alumni and the community for playing perhaps the most significant role in the transformation of the university’s football program.”

Kill was head football coach at SIU from 2001 to 2007, leading the Salukis to five straight appearances in the Football Championship Subdivision and winning three straight Gateway Football Conference Championships. While at SIU he also received the prestigious Eddie Robinson National Coach of the Year Award in 2004 and the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award in 2007.

He left SIU to serve as head coach at Northern Illinois University from 2008 to 2010, delivering three bowl eligible teams.

Kill went on to become head coach at the University of Minnesota from 2011 to 2015. While there, he was named 2014 Big Ten Coach of the Year, sent three teams to bowl games and produced six NFL draft picks. He served as associate athletic director at Kansas State University in 2016 and offensive coordinator at Rutgers University in 2017, retiring from coaching in December due to health issues.

Kill has dealt with epilepsy for much of his coaching career, serving as an advocate for others with epilepsy and earning wide-spread respect and national attention. He chronicles his experiences as a coach in a 2016 book, “Chasing Dreams: Living My Life One Yard at a Time.”

 “SIU is a special place, and I’ve always valued the warmth and support of the Southern Illinois community,” said Kill, who has returned to campus many times in recent years. “I’m excited to contribute to the university’s future in any way possible. This is a wonderful opportunity to help tell SIU’s great story.”

SIU Athletics Director Tommy Bell said he looks forward to Kill’s return.

“Coach Kill has a national profile and tremendous passion for this institution,” Bell said. “He will be a valuable asset as we move forward on our plan to restore the glory of Saluki Athletics.”

Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

$75 Million ‘Forever SIU’ campaign reaches 75 percent of goal in first year

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Forever SIU campaign goal is $75 million and we have currently raised $56 million. (75 percent)

CARBONDALE, Ill. — A three-year, $75 million fundraising campaign to support students at Southern Illinois University Carbondale raised more than $56 million in its first year.

“Forever SIU: The Campaign for Students” launched Jan. 1, 2017. As of Dec. 31, approximately 5,000 donors contributed $56,317,674, or 75 percent of the $75 million goal, according to Jim Salmo, chief executive officer of the SIU Foundation.

The campaign’s progress is a sign of confidence in the university, said SIU Chancellor Carlo Montemagno.

“As we meet with our alumni close to home and across the country, I hear stories that reflect great pride in SIU,” Montemagno said. “As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2019, I’m grateful to the many graduates and friends who are investing in our future.”

More than half of the total raised is for student scholarships and fellowships, with the balance supporting academic programs, facilities and technology.

“Every gift, large and small, benefits our students,” Montemagno said.

Salmo said many donors work with foundation staff members to identify options for making gifts. Some make outright donations, some pledge gifts to be made over several years, and some defer commitments to be made through an estate or other means.

“Many donors are surprised to learn that they have a lot of flexibility in making a gift that supports something near and dear to them at SIU,” Salmo said. “And some are blending their gifts so that they have both immediate and long-term impact. However they choose to give, we are grateful for the positive difference they are making for SIU and its students.”

“The success of ‘Forever SIU’ is only the beginning,” Montemagno added. “There is so much ahead that we can accomplish in partnership with our alumni and friends.”

To learn more about the campaign, visit foreversiu.org.

 

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Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Scholarship Recipient, SIU

Meet SIU Scholarship Recipient – Brooklyn Bowers

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Brooklyn Bowers - Bertrand Scholar

Brooklyn Bowers is a senior from McLeansboro, Illinois, studying biological sciences and pre-medicine.

Why did you choose SIU?
SIU was close to my hometown and I received the Dean Scholarship when I applied. I am very family oriented and wanted to stay as close to home as possible for the time being.

What inspired you to choose your area of study?
In grade school, I was always attracted to science. In high school, I got the chance to job shadow an ER doctor and I was hooked ever since.

What are your hobbies, interests, and/or activity groups that you are currently involved in?
I am currently involved in cheerleading and gymnastics at Ultimate Gymnastics. I am also trying to collect food, water and clothing with a group for the people effected by hurricane Harvey and hurricane Irma.

What was your reaction when you learned that you received the Bertrand scholarship?
I was shocked when I got the e-mail. I was certain that they had me mixed up with another individual!

What does receiving the Bertrand scholarship mean to you? What difference did it make in your life?
The Bertrand scholarship lifted a financial burden off my shoulders. I work approximately 45 hours per week to make ends meet and go to school full time. Receiving this scholarship will allow me to work less and focus on my education.

How has the donor’s generosity impacted your view on your education and goals for the future?
Their generosity makes me believe that my goals for the future are actually reachable.

How will the Bertrand scholarship help you make a difference in society?
The Bertrand scholarship will potentially save lives one day. I have full intentions of becoming an emergency room physician and am currently applying to medical school, which is also very expensive. When I first started at SIU three years ago, I was not sure if I would ever be able to make my dreams of becoming a doctor happen because I had no financial support.

Why should donors consider establishing a scholarship fund for students?
Scholarships truly make a difference and you could be supporting the person who finds a cure for cancer or becomes the next president. This provides opportunities for people who may not receive a degree due to financial burden. Life happens and while you’re in college it’s nice to know that you have support in achieving your dreams. If it wasn’t for my supportive family and receiving scholarships there is no way that I could have pursued this career path. If a student is willing to put the effort into earning an honest degree they should get the opportunity.

How would you like to support SIU students in the future?
In the future, I plan to establish my own scholarship fund to support SIU students.

 

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Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

Alumnus hopes gift leads to experience, inspiration

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Kim Fornero (top) with Harvey (bottom left) and Trish Welch (bottom right).
Kim Fornero (top) with Harvey (bottom
left) and Trish Welch (bottom right).

By Jeff Wilson

Kim Fornero knows the importance of experience.

The 1990 alumnus earned his bachelor’s degree from the College of Agricultural Sciences and went into the hotel and tourism industry, specializing in food service. He recently made a sizeable estate gift to benefit the College of Ag and Saluki Athletics.

After working all over the country, Fornero settled in at Monmouth College in upstate Illinois. He has worked there for 19 years and is the executive chef for the university’s food service.

“Honestly, I don’t think I’d be where I am now if it wasn’t for SIU,” he said. “It’s an experience that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I’m proud to be a Dawg.”

While on campus, Fornero met Trish Welch, an advisor and instructor.

“She really helped the students form their direction,” he said. “She took the students under her wing and really mentored them. She wanted them to do the best that they could.

“Trish and (her husband) Harvey are both wonderful people,” he added. “They are both very caring about, not only the university, but the community as a whole. They are some of the most generous people I know. It’s wonderful to see people like that, and it’s kind of what inspired me to give back.”

After Fornero graduated, Trish Welch asked him to join the Curriculum Advisory Committee for the College of Agricultural Sciences. Fornero became a founding member of the committee, which disbanded a few years ago.

“Our goal was to formulate a direction for students to go so they get that real-life experience,” he said.

The need for experience is one of the factors that Fornero noted when setting up his gift.

“I’m hoping it gives students the opportunity to learn and get that important experience,” he said. “For them to get a good job, they have to work in the real world, and it’s not always financially viable for them to make ends meet during college.”

His decision to become a benefactor for SIU Athletics was based on his school spirit.

“I’m a Saluki to the core. Athletes need to have support also,” he said. “It’s a little tougher for them sometimes, because they’re expected to hold a higher standard.”

Fornero wants his gift to inspire others to do the same.

“I’m just hoping that other people will look at that and say, ‘It’s time to give back to something that helped me.’”

Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, SIU

Making the Video: SIU Day of Giving

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Get ready to give the gift of experience on Wednesday, March 7, 2018. Bookmark this link to make your gift: siuday.siu.edu.

By Chancellor Carlo Montemagno

When I came to SIU, I didn’t expect to get my big break into show business. But here I am, starring in my very own video to help promote SIU’s Day of Giving, March 7. I don’t know that I am ready for Hollywood quite yet, but it may be time to start working on my IMDB page.

While I wait for a call from Spielberg, I should take the time to thank everyone who helped me in my production career. I continue to be amazed by the talent and dedication I see every day in the students, faculty and staff here at SIU.

Without further ado, here’s an inside look at the amazing team that helped me make my video debut:

Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Philanthropic Women, SIU

Beggs work to better SIU, COEHS

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Don and Shirley Beggs

By Rebecca Renshaw

The Forever SIU fundraising campaign is in full swing. The SIU Foundation is more than half way to reaching its goal of raising $75 million by December 2019. In fact, more than $51 million (or 68 percent) has already come in.

“We’ve raised a lot in a short time, given the fact this campaign is a three-year effort,” said Jim Salmo, SIU Foundation chief executive officer. “We are getting a better response than we originally projected.”

The campaign’s success is due to its benefactors and volunteers. Don and Shirley Beggs check both those boxes and are working on behalf of the College of Education and Human Services.

“Dean (Matthew) Keefer approached us at the MVC Tournament in St. Louis last spring and asked if we would act as the college’s campaign volunteers,” Shirley Beggs said. “Of course, we were thrilled to be of service to a college where our roots run so deep.”

Don Beggs was the dean of the College of Education and Human Services, a post he held until becoming chancellor in 1996. After his tenure in Carbondale, he retired from SIU and became the 12th president of Wichita State University in January 1999. He retired from WSU in 2012.

“The College of Education will always have a soft spot in our hearts because it was instrumental in our careers and family heritage,” Shirley Beggs said. “Don’s grandmother went to SIU Normal in 1890, Don’s mom graduated in 1926 with a teaching degree. Don and I both got our undergraduate and graduate degrees from the college, and both of our children graduated with degrees from the College of Education and Human Services. To say we are committed to SIU, and especially the college, would be an understatement.”

Having careers at SIU that span more than 30 years, the Beggs have formed relationships with thousands of alumni. With Dean Keefer’s assistance, the Beggs are reaching out to those alumni for their support in furthering the Forever SIU campaign.

“We know how much SIU means to us, and we want it to thrive, and we want our students to be successful,” Shirley Beggs said. “So we hope we can bring our knowledge and the relationships we have established to help the Forever SIU campaign in every way possible.”

For more information about the campaign, visit www.foreversiu.org.

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