Archives

March 2019

SIU Carbondale Day of Giving totals exceed $909,000

The totals are nearly in, and Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s March 6 Day of Giving raised more than $909,000 for scholarships, programs and other SIU priorities. [MORE]

Join the party as SIU begins its 150th anniversary celebration March 6

It’s a 150th birthday bash and you’re invited. Southern Illinois University Carbondale was founded in 1869 and on March 6, as the third annual Day of Giving is underway, a yearlong celebration highlighting the university’s accomplishments and future will begin. [MORE]

Saluki Food Pantry - a worthy project for the SIU Day of Giving

“Initially, the chancellor funded the pantry, but for the current fiscal year, we are operating off of the SIU Foundation funding,” Epplin said. “The pantry runs on a very simple budget.” [MORE]

Shaping the future through philanthropy

Nancy Mundschenk and her husband, Paul, established the Teachers Shape the Future matching fund for the SIU Day of Giving on Wednesday, March 6. They’ll be matching donations up to a total of $5,000 to benefit the Office of Teacher Education within the College of Education and Human Services. [MORE]

Campus police raising funds for K9 unit

DPS seeks to acquire a K9 trained in explosives detection,” said Chief Benjamin Newman. “The K9 will be utilized during major events on campus. In the past, we’ve requested assistance from other agencies to provide this service.”[MORE]

Grad assistant to paddle the Mississippi to support veterans at Touch of Nature

“It’s called Paddle for Patriots,” said Nejmanowski, an SIU alumnus, Touch of Nature graduate assistant and Veteran Adventures coordinator. “I’m going to be raising awareness and money for the Veteran Adventures program.”[MORE]

SIU kicks off its yearlong 150th anniversary celebration with the Day of Giving on March 6

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is launching a yearlong celebration of its 150th anniversary. The fun begins March 6 with the 2019 Day of Giving, an event rallying the university’s supporters from near and far.[MORE]

January 2019

Kyleigh Decker awarded the Virginia Gordon Scholarship

"The Virginia Gordon Scholarship isn't just an award to me," said Decker. "It's an opportunity to open new doors and to become the person I've dreamed of being!"[MORE]

Saluki Hall of Famer Susie Rashid establishes endowed scholarship for Swimming & Diving

Saluki Hall of Fame swimmer Susie Rashid, a College of Business alumnus (1987) and University of Chicago MBA graduate (1998), has established the Saluki Spirit Swimming Scholarship, the Saluki Athletic Scholarship Fund announced on Wednesday. Rashid was a member of the Saluki women's swimming team from 1983-1987 and was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2002. [MORE]

Ag Students Express Their Appreciation, Excitement

For two current students, the impact of Georgy’s gift is already being felt. Not only has it brought new livestock to the farms, it’s strengthened their Saluki spirits. [MORE]

Beef, Swine Center donation goes beyond animals

The $50,000 gift, made by Paul Georgy ’73, will bring a new lot of pigs and cattle to the farm. The short-term effect will be the immediate improvement of the quality of the livestock, but the long-term benefits are expected to go much further. [MORE]

A place to create: Day of Giving ensures Morris Library stays ahead of the curve

During the 2018 SIU Day of Giving, Morris Library raised $7,455 from 36 gifts. That money was used to reach one of the library’s top fundraising goals – installing an Adobe Creative Cloud workstation. [MORE]

December 2018

Ameren Corporation Frankie Muse Freeman Trailblazer Scholarship

The scholarship specifications stipulate that the award be given to a full-time third-year law student in good academic standing, with specific preference given to a student who identifies as a female from an under-represented community with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and social justice. [MORE]

Scholarships bridge the gap: MEDPREP students receive, prepare to give back

In 1972, the SIU School of Medicine established the Medical/Dental Education Preparatory Program, better known as MEDPREP. The program provides assistance to educationally and/or economically disadvantaged students, and it has helped more than 1,000 students matriculate into medical or dental school. [MORE]

Transforming students into leaders

The SIU College of Engineering is one of very few STEM colleges (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) in the nation that offers a technical leadership program. The SIU Leadership Development Program provides a direct bridge from leadership training to a career as a technical leader. [MORE]

Celebrate SIU During the Annual Day of Giving

On Wednesday, March 6, 2019, SIU will unite for a celebration of history and philanthropy. Events will mark SIU’s 150th anniversary and promote the third annual Day of Giving. [MORE]

Dual Donations: Medicine and generosity in the Wilson Family

Though the Jacksonville-based couple and their son chose different medical specialties and different areas to give, all agree that they’d like to help support the mission of the medical school and keep quality physicians in Illinois. [MORE]

November 2018

The right chemistry

Bob Gower’s personal narrative over the past seven decades offers a touching portrait of the American dream. SIU played a part in his story of accomplishment, generosity and determination. [MORE]

Saluki Food Pantry going above and beyond

Since opening in August 2016, the Saluki Food Pantry has served more than 2,400 SIU students and their families. That kind of community service requires support and a lot of hard work. [MORE]

College of Engineering receives donation from the George Bates Foundation

The College of Engineering received two checks for $10,000 each from a longtime supporter of the university. [MORE]

Saluki Athletics dedicates Charles Helleny Pavilion

Monday, November 12 marked the inaugural celebration of the Charles Helleny Tip-Off Classic as the Salukis took on Buffalo at SIU Arena. In honor of the event, a special pre-game ceremony took place to rename the East Lobby of the arena as the "Charles Helleny Pavilion." In September, Helleny donated the fourth-largest gift in Saluki Athletics history. [MORE]

SIU Day of Giving’s Rest of the Story

For the 2018 SIU Day of Giving, Nancy and Paul Mundschenk had one simple goal: Ensure all students graduating from SIU’s Teacher Education Program had a proper pinning ceremony. [MORE]

A gift with a plan

The gift, made by Paul Georgy ’73, will bring a new lot of pigs and cattle to the farm. The short-term effect will be the immediate improvement of the quality of the livestock, but the long-term benefits are expected to go much further. [MORE]

October 2018

Clara Kridle Memorial Scholarship established at SIU’s College of Business

Southern Illinois University Carbondale served as the launch pad for Clara Kridle’s successful accounting career, so when her colleagues created a memorial scholarship in her honor, they and her family chose to help propel future Salukis toward successful careers in the world of business by establishing the Clara J. Kridle Memorial Scholarship Endowment. [MORE]

James (Jim) Rosser, a three-degree alumnus of SIU, establishes the Dr. James H. Rosser Men’s Basketball endowed scholarship

The Saluki Athletic Scholarship Fund announced on Wednesday that James (Jim) Rosser, a three-degree alumnus of SIU (B.A. 1962, M.A. 1963, Ph.D. 1969) and the SIU Athletics Campaign Chair for the Forever SIU campaign, has established the Dr. James H. Rosser Men’s Basketball endowed scholarship. Rosser was a member of the Saluki Men’s Basketball team from 1960-62. [MORE]

Support for SIU School of Medicine

Philanthropic support continues to drive the school’s mission forward. This financial assistance is imperative to expansion of student scholarships, development of new, exciting programs, the recruitment of top-notch faculty and the ability to keep pace with ever-evolving technology. [MORE]

September 2018

Charles Helleny donates fourth-largest gift in Saluki Athletics history

The Saluki Athletic Scholarship Fund (SASF) is excited to announce the fourth-largest gift in Saluki Athletics history, which was given by Charles Helleny (Class of '57). Helleny is a proud Saluki season-ticket holder and donor, and a top contributor to the program for more than 60 years. [MORE]

August 2018

Donation to help upgrade SIUC Mortuary Science program lab, provide assistantships

A donation by Mid-America Transplant Foundation will mean renovations and additional equipment for Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Mortuary Science and Funeral Service embalming lab and continued undergraduate research assistantships for the program. [MORE]

Challenging Alumni to Make a Difference

If you talk to Dr. Kevin Dorsey for more than a few minutes, you’ll recognize that his life passion is reflected within the mission of SIU School of Medicine, which he led for 14 years. That mission is “to assist the people of central and southern Illinois in meeting their health care needs through education, patient care, research and service to the community.” [MORE]

July 2018

Donations to SIU Carbondale increase by 11 percent

Donors contributed more than $22.2 million last year to support SIU students and programs, an 11 percent increase over the previous year, according to SIU Chancellor Carlo Montemagno. [MORE]

June 2018

Impact of scholarships featured at annual luncheon

In February, a group of donors and students gathered for the 2018 SIU Academic Scholarship Lunch. Dozens of scholarship recipients were given the chance to meet and thank the very people who made their scholarships possible. [MORE]

The ripple effect

Becker summed up the celebration. “This is absolutely terrific. I never expected the university to go to this extreme,” he said. “Everything I ever accomplished started right here at SIU Carbondale. Seeing this, and all of the people who came out, I believe this is the best day of my life.” [MORE]

Design teams head to nationals, seek support

Both teams, made up of dozens of engineering students, earned spots in the national championships. The Steel Bridge team has already competed, finishing 36th overall, at the University of Illinois. The Concrete Canoe team will be traveling to San Diego State University for its competition June 23-25. [MORE]

Scholarship, atmosphere enhance student’s Saluki experience

A business student from Chicago, Nyah received the University Excellence Scholarship. It is available to academically high-achieving high school students who have demonstrated leadership skills. [MORE]

Campaign Update: A Goal Within Reach

SIU Carbondale launched the Forever SIU at the beginning of January 2017 with a goal of $75 million. Thanks to the generosity of many donors during the past year and a half, 80 percent of the goal has already been achieved, according to campaign co-chair Dan Korte, a 1985 SIU alumnus. [MORE]

May 2018

New Student Programs benefits from SIU Credit Union corporate gift

In March, SIU Credit Union kicked off the 2018 SIU Day of Giving with a $20,000 donation to New Student Programs. [MORE]

April 2018

SIU Unveils Impressive New Boathouse

Alumnus Ralph Becker contributed $1 million to renovate the popular boathouse, a focal point of Campus Lake for more than six decades. [MORE]

Estate gift will help others rise

Dan and Toccoa McClary worked to ensure that their daughter, Susan McClary, had every opportunity to succeed. She didn’t let them down. [MORE]

Donor honors family with endowment

When Jason Kane’s parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2017, he decided it was the perfect time to honor their legacy. With a $25,000 endowment, he created the Scott and Lynn Kane Family Scholarship. It benefits students in the College of Mass Communication and Media Arts. [MORE]

March 2018

Scholarship allows student to pursue his passion

Then came the news he had received the Martha Lence Wynn Scholarship, which is worth $8,000 a year. This scholarship is specifically for graduates of Anna Jonesboro High School. The funds ensured Jerolds was able to begin his Saluki journey. [MORE]

SIU injects friendly competition into the second SIU Day of Giving

After the success of last year’s inaugural SIU Day of Giving, there was added buzz around this year’s event. Beyond the excitement of raising much-needed funds and increasing awareness of the university’s philanthropic mission, there were two traveling trophies on the line. One would be awarded to the college/unit that raised the most money, and the other would go to the one that received the most individual donations. [MORE]

Donor inspired by professor, lifelong friend

“She was a teacher in the truest sense of the word, like Socrates. She taught by example. I tried to pass on a little bit of what I got from her. Besides being smart, she was a great person.” — Tom Catania, ’67, speaking of SIU faculty member Madeleine Smith [MORE]

SIU raises over $475,000 on Day of Giving

“The 24-hour campaign model provides a mechanism for people to connect with their giving,” Montemagno said. “It provides a framework so that everybody says, ‘My $50 gift or $20 gift is going to make a difference, because we’re all giving together as a community.’” [MORE]

2018 SIU Academic Scholarship Lunch

“What truly matters in our communities and at this university are, first, the people we make of ourselves and, second, the people we assist in the making of themselves. The nice thing about SIU, and there are many, is that it is a wonderful place to do both.” [MORE]

February 2018

Technology upgrades, film festival support sorely needed

“It’s a student-led experience,” Pitts said. “Not only is it an application of what they’ve been doing in class, they take on curatorial duties and are largely involved with scheduling and marketing.” [MORE]

Veterans benefit from Touch of Nature program

Brady spearheaded the creation of the Veteran Adventures program. Offering outdoor activities to post-9/11 veterans, the program has become a huge success. [MORE]

Tedrick gift expands research, creative opportunities for undergrads

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. [MORE]

January 2018

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

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

Alumnus hopes gift leads to experience, inspiration

“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.” [MORE]

Making the Video: SIU Day of Giving

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. [MORE]

Beggs work to better SIU, COEHS

“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. [MORE]

Interested in making a gift? Here’s how

Are you interested in giving to SIU but unsure about how to get started? No problem. The SIU Foundation is proud to offer a number of ways to make donations of all sizes. For the university to continue to fulfill its mission of excellence in teaching, research and service, it relies on private support from individuals and organizations sharing its commitment to students. [MORE]

December 2017

SIUC alumnus Tilden “Tim” Parks donates $1.3 million for student scholarships

Today, this SIU fan is adding to his long-time support by donating an additional $1.3 million to Southern Illinois University Carbondale to provide scholarships for future Salukis. [MORE]

Business alumnus Lynn McPheeters donates to help future business Salukis succeed

Growing up on a farm near Canton, F. Lynn McPheeters never imagined he would become the chief financial officer and vice president of Caterpillar Inc. Now, he’s donating $1 million to Southern Illinois University Carbondale, his alma mater, to help future Salukis succeed. [MORE]

Artist’s gift to benefit graduate students

Artist Jimmy Wright, who earned a master of fine arts degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1971, is providing a $1 million gift to fully fund fellowships for graduate students in art at SIU. [MORE]

Gift Honors Lives Of Discovery, Education

Haree Deutchman dedicated her life to the excitement of discovery. Her mother, Muriel, is helping others who share her daughter’s passion by establishing the Muriel and Bernard Deutchman Endowed Scholarship Fund in memory of Dr. Haree Lynn Deutchman. The fund provides scholarships to support graduate students in philosophy. [MORE]

Leaving a powerful legacy

A $1.5 million estate gift from William Hill, a 1942 SIU graduate, will establish two scholarships each year to junior or senior zoology majors with grade point averages of at least 3.0 in all zoology courses. [MORE]

Boat Dock And Pavilion Expected To Be Ready By Spring

Ralph E. Becker, the man responsible for the $1 million donation that’s funding the work, is also monitoring the construction via a private camera feed to his North Carolina home. Mr. Becker, one of the pioneers of the university’s radio-television program, is an SIU Carbondale graduate class of 1955 and an Alumni Achievement Award recipient. [MORE]

Ibendahl Gift Allows Students to Experience a Day in the Life of a Veterinarian

The funds Atkinson received from the Ibendahl award went directly to purchase supplies for the inaugural Saluki Enrichment Pre-Veterinary Program camp, which aims to show high school students what a day is like in the life of a veterinarian. [MORE]

Big hearts with big dreams

The Ibendhals maintained a strong affinity for SIU, and in the early 1970s they gave a substantial real estate gift to the university. In their last years they arranged to give an estate gift of $300,000, ensuring that their legacy could be carried out far beyond their lifetimes. [MORE]

November 2017

Scholarship leads to important mission

“I was always taught from an early age that money was important, but always scarce,” Uzoewulu said. “With this scholarship, my mother now has one less thing to worry about and can relax a little." [MORE]

Library improvements would benefit recruitment, retention

The library is much more than just books – although there are more than three million of those. Students are looking for high-end technology, spaces to gather and study and opportunities to enrich their experience. [MORE]

Automotive technology meeting growing demand

Innovation thrives when students are engaged, and students are most engaged when they’re immersed in their passion to learn. [MORE]

Theater injects life, art into community

“It helps bring artistic life and increases the quality of life in the community.” [MORE]

Grace Handlos grateful for dean scholarship

Handlos is a dean scholarship recipient. She says she will never forget opening the envelope from SIU informing her of the scholarship award. [MORE]

Jeanne Hurley Simon Memorial Library Endowment scholarship expands horizon

Dave Whitfield, a graduate student from Cairo, Illinois, and a Morris Library student employee, was awarded the Jeanne Hurley scholarship in May 2017. Whitfield said the scholarship has him leaning toward pursuing a master’s degree in library science after he receives his doctorate in communication studies. [MORE]

October 2017

The Opportunities are Boundless at SIU College of Agricultural Sciences

“SIU’s College of Agricultural Sciences has one of the strongest programs in the entire state of Illinois. When I visited last year, I was impressed by the number of opportunities and just how friendly the faculty were to me.” [MORE]

Childress Scholarship grows benefiting business students

Their final wish was to offer a helping hand to even more young people, so they added a $2 million gift to SIU’s James B. and Rosemary S. Childress Scholarship endowment. SIU Foundation officials estimate the fund will now generate about $80,000 annually that can be awarded to SIU business students. [MORE]

Scholarship shows university values hard work

“It was nice to know the university valued someone who had put in the work,” he said. “I can’t show my appreciation enough. Donors make so many things possible for so many students.” [MORE]

Scholarships nurture healthy appetite for success

“Donations change people’s lives,” Eigsti said. “It’s so nice to have people out there who make education more accessible. Any amount can help.” [MORE]

Cybersecurity program booming

A point of pride for the program is the Security Dawgs cyberdefense team, a student organization that gives students hands-on experience through participation in cyberdefense and cybersecurity competitions. The team consistently earns first- or second-place honors in the state’s annual college cyberdefense competitions. [MORE]

September 2017

How encouragement changed the life of an SIU Carbondale alumnus

Gougis credits the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute with giving him the keys to opening doors of opportunity for his career. [MORE]

Public Policy Institute attracts, develops the best and brightest

Lauren Connor’s experience at SIU was enhanced by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute. [MORE]

School of Law broadens horizons

“Attending law school has changed my life and broadened my horizons. As I learn about legal issues, I have a greater understanding of how to help people who are having problems in life." [MORE]

SIU graduate thankful for unique opportunities

If Shaka Mitchell, a 2011 SIU Carbondale graduate, could sum up his experience with the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute in one word, it would be “exposure.” [MORE]

Law clinics add value for students, community

Nathan Davis is doing more than earning a degree from the SIU School of Law, he’s gaining valuable, real-world experience. [MORE]

August 2017

Student Spotlight: Kinesiology Student Sean Gloss

The research, coupled with the program’s community outreach, is what ignited Gloss’ passion for the program. [MORE]

Mortuary Science planning the next step

Through the Forever SIU fundraising campaign, those in charge of the program hope to take it to the next level and add more value by building an on-site crematorium. [MORE]

Student Spotlight: Meet College of Agricultural Sciences Major Paxton Morse

"The professors and staff all know my name, they are friendly, and just make me feel like family. There is really no other college and university I’d rather be attending.” [MORE]

Family Helping Family

Monetary donations to support these areas of the farm or donating actual items is the best way to ensure University Farms continues its success. [MORE]

Kinesiology offers unique perspective

“The kinesiology department helped me view sports from a different perspective. This program has opened up an entire new world.” [MORE]

Exploration at Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences

Some hidden gems across campus go unnoticed because of their geographic locations. [MORE]

June 2017

SIU alumnus makes $25,000 gift

J. Mark Wehrle spent much of his life teaching and helping others. By endowing a scholarship in sociology at SIU, he further fortifies his legacy. [MORE]

April 2017

Provost’s $25K gift spurred by pride, passion

As a nationally renowned researcher and current SIU provost, Susan Ford understands the powerful impact that giving back has on the future. [MORE]

March 2017

World travelers give back to their roots

Nine hundred dollars. That was all she needed to remain in school. But Darlene Albert Knott just didn’t have it. [MORE]

Dean Achenbach shares rock-solid support for Campus Lake

Laurie Achenbach has dedicated her professional life to science and SIU. On March 1, she strengthened that commitment by donating $10,000 on SIU’s inaugural Day of Giving. [MORE]

February 2017

SIU Credit Union makes first corporate gift for SIU Day of Giving

Giving is in the DNA of those at the SIU Credit Union, and local charities have regularly been the beneficiaries of their benevolence. [MORE]

January 2017

Tilden Parks – superfan!

In fact, Parks just might own the record for the longest streak in sports ever – by a fan, at least. [MORE]

Turning dreams into a reality

It often is said that while most of us dream about great things, engineers just go and do them. [MORE]

December 2016

Hard work pays off for Dave Baer

Whether he was cutting other people’s grass or shining shoes, Baer closely followed his mother’s advice as she instilled a work ethic in him that few others could emulate. [MORE]

The art of giving

The transformational power of art led the couple to establish the Dr. Roy E. Abrahamson Art Education Endowed Scholarship to help students afford an education – so the students, in turn, can contribute to the artistic transformation of others. [MORE]

Becker gift will fund renovation, expansion of Campus Lake facilities

Ralph E. Becker wants to make sure that Southern Illinois University Carbondale continues to go “onward and upward.” [MORE]

Planting seeds of philanthropy

If you have the good fortune of visiting the home of Juh Wah Chen and Han Lin Chen in rural Carbondale, the phrase “bloom where you are planted” might spring to mind. [MORE]

November 2016

Live long and prosper

Dennis decided that not only would he go to Hollywood, but that he would become a success as well. [MORE]

October 2016

SIU Class of '65 gives back: Restoring the Paul and Virginia Statue

In 2015, Class of 1965 representatives Michael Hanes, Phillip Pfeffer and Patti Elmore proposed restoring the statues as a class gift to the university. [MORE]

Jeanne Hurley Simon Scholarship: Paying it forward

SIU Carbondale takes pride and honor being associated with its own power couple: Paul and Jeanne Simon. [MORE]

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