{"id":5243,"date":"2026-09-21T01:19:29","date_gmt":"2026-09-21T01:19:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/?p=5243"},"modified":"2026-09-08T21:31:20","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T21:31:20","slug":"nick-and-amanda-martin-give-back-to-help-future-salukis-build-their-own-stories","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/?p=5243","title":{"rendered":"Nick and Amanda Martin give back to help future Salukis build their own stories"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Family
Family photo of Nick and Amanda Martin with their daughter, Miracle.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nick and Amanda Martin\u2019s Saluki story began at Southern Illinois University, where they found\u00a0opportunity, belonging, lifelong friendships and each other. Now, they are giving back to help future students build their own SIU stories.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Both SIU alumni, Nick in 2006 and Amanda in 2007 and 2008, the Martins credit the College of Agricultural, Life and Physical Sciences, student organizations and the campus community with shaping their lives, careers and relationship. Nick also serves on the SIU Foundation Board of Directors.<\/p>\n

Through the Martin First-Generation Agriculture Student Scholarship Endowment Fund and a gift to the College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences Dean\u2019s Fund, Nick and Amanda are helping future Salukis find the same support, belonging and opportunity they experienced at SIU.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In recognition of the Martins\u2019 generosity, the College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences will name an office\u00a0suite\u00a0the Nicholas and Amanda Martin Student Services Center. The Martins also commissioned a sculpture installed outside the Agriculture Building in honor of Salukis who found a spouse or partner at SIU.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAmanda and I owe so much of our life and\u00a0successes\u00a0to the time we spent at SIU, in the college and as active members of Sigma Alpha and Alpha Gamma Rho,\u201d Nick said. \u201cWe are honored to be able to give back to SIU and help others begin their journey as fellow lifelong Salukis.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For Amanda, their philanthropy also reflects the opportunities she received as the first in her family to attend college.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs a first-generation college student, SIU changed the trajectory of my life. It gave me an education, a sense of belonging and the confidence to lead,\u201d Amanda said. \u201cNick and I give back because we want future Salukis to know that someone believes in their potential and is willing to invest in the possibilities ahead of them.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Celebrating philanthropy<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The SIU Foundation is celebrating the Martins\u2019 generosity as part of its inaugural\u00a0Week of Philanthropy, Sept. 21-25, a five-day celebration highlighting the impact of giving across SIU.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The week features a different celebration of philanthropy each day:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n