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By Jeff Wilson<\/strong><\/p>\n The SIU Foundation received a record-breaking number of gifts in FY23, leading to the organization\u2019s second-best fundraising year.<\/p>\n Through 38,621 gifts, the Foundation raised over $31.2 million. It also awarded a record number of scholarships (1,645) and total scholarship dollars ($4,931,584) to students. Over 14 percent of all SIU students received an SIU Foundation scholarship in FY23.<\/p>\n In the last two years, the SIU Foundation has raised nearly $64 million, which is, by far, the most the organization has raised over a two-year period. Since the beginning of the Forever SIU campaign, the Foundation has raised more than $287 million on its way to its $500 million goal by June of 2028.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have received incredible support from our donors,\u201d said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and SIU Foundation CEO. \u201cThere has a been a wave of momentum leading us to these heights, and that momentum is continuing today.\u201d<\/p>\n Championed by Chancellor Austin Lane and his leadership team, the Forever SIU campaign continues to align with the pillars of the Imagine 2030 strategic plan \u2013 student engagement and success, diversity, equity, and inclusion, branding and partnerships, research and innovation, and sustainability.<\/p>\n \u201cAs we continue to move forward with the campaign, we are going to see even greater synergy with the bold strategic plan set forth by Chancellor Lane,\u201d Kupec said. \u201cWith continued support from our alumni and friends, we know the best days are still ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n The SIU Foundation\u2019s outreach efforts connect with alumni and donors in Southern Illinois and across the country. The SIU Day of Giving, which began in 2017, received support from more people than ever before. This year\u2019s Day of Giving brought in more than $4 million from 3,702 gifts.<\/p>\n The Foundation hosted Saluki Takeover Tours in Chicago, St. Louis, Nashville, Tennessee, and the Florida Gulf Coast. During these events, alumni meet with university leaders, gather with friends, and rekindle connections. This year, Southern Illinois and Springfield will be added to the takeover tour schedule.<\/p>\n In April, the Foundation hosted the inaugural Saluki Ball at the Marriott Marquis in Chicago. The event was attended by 618 people and raised more than $600,000 in funds that bridge the gap for students who need a little extra assistance to complete their education at SIU.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom the Day of Giving to the Takeover Tours to the Saluki Ball, we have seen the greatest groundswell of alumni support in the history of this university,\u201d Kupec said. \u201cHonestly, it\u2019s been inspiring, and we\u2019re excited to see what\u2019s next.\u201d<\/p>\n To learn more or make a gift, visit siuf.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Jeff Wilson The SIU Foundation received a record-breaking number of gifts in FY23, leading to the organization\u2019s second-best fundraising year. Through 38,621 gifts, the Foundation raised over $31.2 million. It also awarded a record number of scholarships (1,645) and total scholarship dollars ($4,931,584) to students. Over 14 percent of all SIU students received an … Continue reading SIU Foundation brings in record number of gifts, awards record number of scholarships<\/span>