Imagine SIU 2030 Fundraising Campaign: Transformational support for SIU
The Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign has set a historic goal – $500 million by 2028 – and SIU’s donors have answered the call. More than $350 million has been raised through Fiscal Year 2024.
“This is the fifth largest such campaign in the history of higher education in Illinois,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and student relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “Our alumni and friends have put their Saluki spirit on display and invested in the mission of our university. We are inspired every day by their generosity.”
During the campaign, the Foundation has broken several fundraising records and increased scholarship support for students. Every donation makes a difference, and that has been made evident by the various avenues in which gifts have been made. From gifts of cash to estate planning to gifts-in-kind and beyond, there are numerous ways to support the campaign.
The numbers speak for themselves, each representing a new record:
More than $350 million has been raised through FY24.
Total scholarship dollars awarded in FY24.
A record number of scholarships awarded.
More than 16 percent of all SIU students received an SIU Foundation scholarship in FY24.
The Donor Perspective
Several alumni and friends of the university have made substantial contributions toward the campaign.
Kevin and Denise Morefield established a scholarship fund through a bequest and began funding it early.
“Planned giving is a worry-free and easy way to give back. The endowment will keep giving in perpetuity with funds that, by definition, we didn’t need,” Kevin Morefield said. “After making the decision to contribute, I found myself thinking often about the lives the scholarship would affect. That led us to start early and partially fund the scholarship so we could see some of the impact in our lifetime.”
Brothers Samir and Sahir Khan honored their father by endowing the C. Rafiq Khan Scholarship.
“Our dad loved universities. He believed that they are a force for good,” Sahir Khan said. “We want this scholarship to attract other foreign students and show that this school can represent you. SIU is opening its doors and hearts to students from around the globe, recapturing the sense of leadership that existed when our parents went there.”
Nick and Amanda Martin gave back by funding two scholarships in the College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences.
“No one in my family had gone to college, and it just wasn’t on my radar,” Amanda Martin said. “So, when I received that scholarship offer, it made me feel like someone believed in me. I felt for the first time that I could be successful, and it was enough to make me commit. We would love to grow our scholarship and help more students in the future.”
The Student Perspective
During FY24, more than 16 percent of all SIU students received an SIU Foundation scholarship with more than $5.4 million going to 1,842 students. Those numbers have been steadily rising each year.
Every gift, whether directed toward scholarships, facilities, emergency funds, or otherwise, impacts SIU students. The significance of this generosity does not go unnoticed by Salukis.
Kylee Vaughn, a recipient of multiple scholarships and member of the SIU Women’s Golf team, has been greatly impacted by donor funds.
“It’s really important to give back,” she said. “You are helping someone who is in the same position you were in as a student. Donors make such a big difference.”
Jashaun Murray received financial support from the Office of Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, which allowed him to stay enrolled at SIU.
“You changed my life by helping me stay in school and get a degree and get where you are and achieve the things you did,” he said. “I will never forget it. I want to do that for someone.”
Major Impact
The Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign has been driven by gifts of all sizes, including major gifts from multiple donors of more than $1 million.
SIU Board of Trustees members John Simmons and Roger Tedrick have made leadership gifts of $10 million and $6 million, respectively. Many others have made transformative gifts to various areas.
“Major gifts like those made by John Simmons and Roger Tedrick and many others set an incredible example,” Kupec said. “Not everyone can make such a gift, but we have seen the cumulative power of philanthropy on this campus.”
The campaign is also greatly impacted by the university’s tremendous corporate partners, including Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners, SIU Credit Union, Banterra Bank, United Airlines, many automotive leaders, and countless others across campus.
Students not only benefit from their financial contributions but also from the hands-on experience provided by these valuable partners, internships, and long-term work opportunities.
“All of this support nurtures a philanthropic environment that highlights the Saluki spirit,” Kupec said. “The campaign continues for four more years, and we believe some of the best is yet to come.”
To learn more or make a gift, visit siuf.org.