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School unveils the Sen. John G. Gilbert Administrative Suite<\/strong><\/p>\n By Jeff Wilson<\/strong><\/p>\n CARBONDALE, Ill. – Southern Illinois University\u2019s Simmons Law School announced a generous $250,000 gift from Judge Phil Gilbert, a monumental contribution that will establish the Sen. John G. Gilbert Impact Fund in honor of Judge Gilbert\u2019s father. This transformative donation promises to significantly enhance the educational experiences and opportunities available to SIU\u2019s law students.<\/p>\n In honor of this remarkable gift, SIU Simmons Law School unveiled the newly named Sen. John G. Gilbert Administrative Suite on Thursday, April 17.<\/p>\n \u201cThis name is more than just a sign on a wall, it reflects our vision, our mission, and the values that guide us every day,\u201d said Angela Upchurch, acting dean of the SIU Simmons Law School. \u201cSIU and the law school are thriving today because of pioneers like Senator Gilbert.\u201d<\/p>\n Senator Gilbert\u2019s dedication to education and his legacy of public service are exemplified through this contribution. The Sen. John G. Gilbert Impact Fund will directly support initiatives that enrich the student experience, provide scholarships, and facilitate groundbreaking research in the field of law.<\/p>\n \u201cWith distinction and honor, Judge Phil Gilbert has carried forward his father\u2019s commitment to justice and public service,\u201d said John Simmons, SIU Board of Trustees member and founder of the Simmons Hanly Conroy law firm. \u201cFollowing in his father\u2019s footsteps, Judge Gilbert has built an exemplary career. His thoughtful jurisprudence, unwavering integrity, and dedication to the rule of law have earned him the respect of the legal community and the citizens he serves.\u201d<\/p>\n A father\u2019s legacy<\/strong><\/p>\n John G. Gilbert, a native of Carbondale, graduated from SIU in 1933 and later attended the University of Illinois School of Law before starting his private practice.<\/p>\n He served as Jackson County state\u2019s attorney and was a state senator. He played a key role in the development of SIU Edwardsville and the SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, working alongside SIU President Delyte Morris. He was also integral to the establishment of the law school at SIU Carbondale.<\/p>\n \u201cSeeing the impact this law school has had on Southern Illinois, my father would be very proud,\u201d said Judge Gilbert. \u201cMy father was labeled as the \u2018education senator,\u2019 and that was not just because of what he did at SIU. He was a strong supporter of education at all levels.\u201d<\/p>\n When Gilbert passed away in 1989, then-U.S. Sen. Paul Simon acknowledged Gilbert’s significant contributions to education, stating that “SIU wouldn\u2019t be what it is today without John Gilbert\u2019s efforts.”<\/p>\n Although SIU System President Dan Mahony never had the chance to meet Sen. John G. Gilbert, he recognizes the impact he made on his son, Phil, and the SIU community.<\/p>\n \u201cJudge Gilbert really is Mr. SIU,\u201d Dr. Mahony said. \u201cHe cares about this place, he is passionate about this place, he puts this place first. While I never met Sen. Gilbert, I feel like I have because I know a lot of what Phil does was impacted by his father.\u201d<\/p>\n Continuing the mission<\/strong><\/p>\n A lifelong resident of Carbondale, Judge Gilbert joined the SIU Board of Trustees in 2015 and was reappointed in 2021. He served on the Illinois State Board of Elections, acting as chair and vice chair. He also served on the Election Reform Commission and the National Council on Governmental Ethics Laws.<\/p>\n \u201cToday we celebrate a legacy that spans generations and has left an indelible mark on Southern Illinois,\u201d said Ed Hightower, vice chair of the SIU Board of Trustees. \u201cWe\u2019re not just honoring one Gilbert, we\u2019re celebrating two \u2013 two men who dedicated themselves to making a difference, two men whose commitment to SIU has helped shape its past, present, and future.\u201d<\/p>\n Gilbert was a partner at Gilbert, Kimmel, Huffman & Prosser, Ltd. He was then appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court as a circuit judge in the First Judicial Circuit, serving as a state court judge until his federal appointment. He later became a United States district judge for the Southern District of Illinois and served as chief judge. During his federal tenure, he completed a six-year term on the Judicial Conference Committee on Criminal Law.<\/p>\n In March 2014, Gilbert assumed Senior Status but continues to contribute significantly as a senior judge. Gilbert received the Silver Gavel Award from the criminal defense bars of the Southern District of Illinois and the Eastern District of Missouri, the SIU School of Law Founders\u2019 Medal, and Loyola School of Law\u2019s Distinguished Jurist Award.<\/p>\n \u201cJudge Gilbert, thanks to you and thanks to your family,\u201d said Chancellor Austin Lane. \u201cThis is an incredible gift, and your legacy will live on.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" School unveils the Sen. John G. Gilbert Administrative Suite By Jeff Wilson CARBONDALE, Ill. – Southern Illinois University\u2019s Simmons Law School announced a generous $250,000 gift from Judge Phil Gilbert, a monumental contribution that will establish the Sen. John G. Gilbert Impact Fund in honor of Judge Gilbert\u2019s father. This transformative donation promises to significantly … Continue reading Gilbert honors father with $250K gift to SIU Simmons Law School<\/span>