Corporate partnerships, alumni connections drive student success at SIU
Corporate partnerships and alumni involvement continue to propel Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s mission of access, innovation and student success. Three major investments from Nissan, Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners and Legence Bank highlight how industry leaders and SIU alumni are strengthening the educational experience for students across campus.
“Incredible corporate partnerships play a vital role in the success of our students,” said SIU Chancellor Austin Lane. “Our alumni are out across the country, and when they stay connected, it helps our students network, gain hands-on experience, and launch successful careers.”
SNP provides $8 million in advanced agricultural equipment
In 2025, Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners provided $8 million in equipment to support programs in the College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences, Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center and Saluki Athletics.
The equipment includes advanced sprayers, planters, tractors, combines and other precision agriculture tools that give SIU students access to the newest technology in the field. The partnership has transformed the learning environment for agriculture students.
“Through an innovative lease agreement, SIU students train on 37 pieces of advanced John Deere equipment,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and SIU Foundation CEO. “It provides hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students to lead in one of the most technologically advanced industries in the world.”
To highlight the impact of the collaboration, SIU released a three-part docuseries featuring the science, nature and people behind the partnership.
- Part 1 (Science) focuses on the scientific advancements gained through the use of new equipment.
- Part 2 (Nature) highlights the collaboration across two thousand acres of university farmland.
- Part 3 (People) tells the story of the people of SNP and the family roots that built the company.
Nissan powers automotive innovation
This fall, SIU’s School of Automotive received a donation of nine new Nissan Leafs, a gift made possible through the leadership of SIU alumnus and Nissan executive Lee Raines, a 1986 graduate.
“Nissan is one of the early adopters of electric vehicles, and our partnership with them has been very strong for decades,” said Andrew Croxell, director of the School of Automotive. “From a pure training standpoint, having nine examples of any model is incredibly valuable. It allows our students to learn from real-world technology that is shaping the industry.”
Raines, senior manager of aftersales operations for Nissan North America, Inc., said the donation will provide critical opportunities for students to gain experience with the latest advancements in automotive technology.
“It allows the technicians to learn about electric motors, transducers, final drive units, along with batteries and battery management systems,” Raines said.
Beyond his work through Nissan, Raines and his wife, Renee, have established the Lee and Renee Raines Automotive Scholarship, further supporting the next generation of Saluki technicians.
“Giving back to the university helps those who really want to succeed,” he said.
Legence Bank invests in local students
Also this year, Legence Bank strengthened its partnership with SIU through a $137,500 investment in the Legence Bank Saluki Commitment Scholarship, which will provide tuition support for 11 students each year from the Southern Illinois communities the bank serves.
“This partnership with Legence Bank is going to go a long way to keeping students right here in our own backyard,” Chancellor Lane said during a check presentation on March 25. “That is extremely important to us.”
Kevin Beckemeyer, president and CEO of Legence Bank and a 1983 SIU graduate, said the initiative aligns with the bank’s community-focused mission.
“At Legence Bank, we believe in the strength of our community and the importance of investing in the future,” Beckemeyer said. “Our motto — Legence Loves Local — demonstrates our commitment to supporting local scholarships. Together, we can foster growth, inspire change, and create a brighter future for all.”
Tricia Overturf, vice president of marketing and communications at Legence Bank, said the partnership underscores the bank’s dedication to educational access.
“By collaborating on this initiative, we aim to bridge the gap between existing grants and scholarships, ensuring that students from Southern Illinois have the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams without financial stress,” she said.