2018 Archives

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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]

Research grants support podcasting, AI, robots and more on SIU campus

A new podcasting lab, innovative uses of 3D printing, robots and artificial intelligence, and more are all coming to Southern Illinois University Carbondale thanks to the ingenuity of its faculty and support from the SIU Foundation. [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]