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You don\u2019t need me to tell you how challenging the past year has been. We\u2019re all acutely aware of the hardships caused by the global pandemic.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s rewind the clock one year. The 2020 SIU Day of Giving took place just before COVID-19 took hold of our country. Through the support of our generous donors, we raised more than $1.6 million \u2013 a truly incredible number.<\/p>\n
Weeks later, our everyday lives were jolted into unfamiliar territory. Since then, we\u2019ve adapted and adjusted our lifestyles to combat this terrible virus. Beyond those affected directly by it, COVID-19 has impacted the lives of every American in other ways, and Salukis are no different.<\/p>\n
Students have struggled to stay in school, pay their bills, and make ends meet. The university has invested millions in personal protective equipment, increased cleaning and sanitizing efforts, and upgraded technology to support remote operations. Saluki Athletics has lost enormous revenue while seeing costs rise.<\/p>\n
Now, nearly a full year later, we\u2019re still battling the ramifications of the pandemic, but relief seems to be in sight. As vaccinations are rolled out and life begins to gain a semblance of normalcy, we are looking ahead.<\/p>\n
Coincidentally, it\u2019s brought us back to the SIU Day of Giving, and it\u2019s time for us to move forward together.<\/p>\n
On March 3, I\u2019m asking all Salukis to visit siuday.siu.edu and donate. It doesn\u2019t matter if it\u2019s $5, $50 or $500. Each year, thousands of Salukis join the cause and make the Day of Giving special, and every dollar makes a difference.<\/p>\n
Gifts can be made to a general scholarship fund or the unit of your choosing. Support your college or school, an initiative that\u2019s close to your heart, a program or group you are connected with, a fund you find important, or any other of the many options at siuday.siu.edu. Gifts can also be made via the payroll deduction form.<\/a><\/p>\n If you can\u2019t give on March 3, you can still support the Day of Giving by using #SIUDay on social media and following the Day of Giving livestream on the SIU Alumni Association\u2019s Facebook page at facebook.com\/siualumni.<\/p>\n As we reach this milestone and reflect on the year behind us, there\u2019s no doubt better days await. The SIU Day of Giving is one of those days, and I can\u2019t wait to feel the excitement it brings.<\/p>\n I\u2019m proud to be a Saluki, and I know you are too. Together we can show it. Together is how we move forward.<\/p>\n With Saluki Pride,<\/p>\n Chancellor Austin A. Lane<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" You don\u2019t need me to tell you how challenging the past year has been. We\u2019re all acutely aware of the hardships caused by the global pandemic. Let\u2019s rewind the clock one year. The 2020 SIU Day of Giving took place just before COVID-19 took hold of our country. Through the support of our generous donors, … Continue reading Chancellor Lane: A Day to Move Forward Together<\/span>