May 2021
TH E F O R E V E R S I U CA M PA IGN
NEWSLETTER
RENEWED SPIRIT BEHIND FOREVER SIU CAMPAIGN
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hrough more than four years and one global pandemic, the Forever SIU fundraising campaign has persisted, raising more than $122 million. “The dedication of SIU’s supporters is astonishing,” said Matt Kupec, CEO of the SIU Foundation. “The last year has been difficult for many people, but the Foundation hasn’t sat on the sideline. We’ve furthered our mission, and as things get back to normal, we’re ready to move quickly.” The campaign was launched in 2017 with a goal of raising $75 million in three years. Because of the donor generosity, the Foundation sped past that goal seven months early, which prompted the decision to set a new goal of $90 million. “At the end of 2019, we had already surpassed that new goal, and we knew it was important to keep this momentum,” Kupec said. “That’s when we set our sights on $200 million by June 2024.” As the country recovers from many of the hardships brought on by COVID-19, the Foundation is redoubling its efforts to meet and exceed the $200 million goal. Despite the hardships, SIU alumni and donors raised nearly $3 million in 24 hours on the Day of Giving in March. “The Day of Giving is a prime example of what we can accomplish. Our efforts never slowed down – in many ways they’ve increased – but it’s understandable for a fundraising campaign to face challenges during a
pandemic,” Kupec said. “This is our opportunity to finish strong.” Within Forever SIU, donors can choose from a great number of areas to support SIU. They can choose to support scholarships, research, facilities, programs, and faculty. By going to www.foreversiu.org, donors can pick one or many areas to fund. A recent highlight of the Forever SIU campaign, Saluki Athletics announced its $25 million goal for the Salukis Forever campaign. COVID-19 hit athletic programs especially hard, and there is great need for donor support as part of an overall plan to provide sustainability and success for Saluki Athletics. “Whether a donor chooses a college, a sport, a scholarship, or a fund, every dollar makes an impact,” Kupec said. “We have just over three years to raise about $78 million. Our great supporters are going to carry us to the end.” The campaign will feature a new logo, new promotional materials, and much more. Visit www.foreversiu.org for more Matt Kupec, CEO of the information or to make a gift. SIU Foundation.
The Forever SIU Campaign Newsletter
May 2021
SALUKI ATHLETICS LAUNCHES FOUR-YEAR GIVING CAMPAIGN FOREVER SIU CAMPAIGN LEADERSHIP LIST Matt Kupec CEO of the SIU Foundation
Dan Korte
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four-year, $25 million fundraising campaign will provide necessary funding to support the future of Southern Illinois University Athletics. Salukis Forever was launched in February by Saluki Athletics and the SIU Foundation. The entities are working together to raise private funds to support the mission of the SIU Athletic Department. The new effort will be part of the ongoing Forever SIU campaign, which the SIU Foundation launched in 2017 and extended in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic took a great financial toll on Saluki Athletics, and it kept Saluki fans from being able to fully engage with their favorite teams. This campaign gives donors and alumni a chance to reconnect with the programs and student-athletes. “During difficult times, Salukis have always come together,” said Director of Athletics Liz Jarnigan. “This past year, you haven’t been able to support your teams the way you like, but this is your chance to rally around the Salukis.” Donors will have the opportunity to support Saluki Athletics in general or a particular program. SIU has 17
individual programs, which bring hundreds of studentathletes to the university. “Our student-athletes are some of the best students on campus,” Jarnigan said. “Our teams have produced more than 100 Academic All-Americans and have GPAs that rank among the best in the country.” The on-the-field success is just as impressive. The Salukis have won eight national championships, dozens of conference titles and featured 60 Olympians. From Walt Frazier hoisting the 1967 NIT Championship trophy to hammer throwers DeAnna Price and Gwen Berry representing the U.S. in the 2016 Olympic Games, SIU’s history is rich with tradition and success. “The Saluki spirit is the tie that binds generations of fans and alumni together,” Jarnigan said. “This is the opportunity to make a tremendous impact.” Beyond giving directly to the Saluki Athletics or a particular sport, donors will be able to support the Saluki Athletic Scholarship Fund, the AD Excellence Fund, the Women’s Initiative Fund, and the Salukis Well-Being Fund. To make a gift, visit foreversiu.org/athletics.
Co-Chair of the Forever SIU Campaign
Ray Griffith Co-Chair of the Forever SIU Campaign
Pam Pfeffer Co-Chair of the Forever SIU Campaign
About the Forever SIU Campaign Goal: $200,000,000 Raised to Date: $122,521,862 Time Left: 3.5 years Campaign Timeline: 7.5 years Launched January 1, 2017 End Date: June 30, 2024 Theme: Comprehensive, University-wide Last Campaign: $106,300,194 2
The Forever SIU Campaign Newsletter
SPOTLIGHT ON DEAN LIU
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his is a season of renewed hope and new beginnings, especially for the SIU College of Engineering. After a diligent search, Dean Xiaoqing “Frank” Liu was appointed as the new dean for the SIU College of Engineering in June 2020. Liu was the professor and department head of the Computer Science and Computer Engineering Department at the University of Arkansas and held the college’s Rodger S. Kline Leadership Chair. Meera Komarraju, SIU’s provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, said Liu brings several strengths to the position. “Dr. Liu brings teaching, research, and administrative expertise spanning two universities that would benefit our students, staff, and faculty,” she said. “He has a strong track record in promoting student enrollment, engagement and success as well as faculty development and research productivity.” Extensive Experience Liu also served as chair of the University of Arkansas’ Computer Activities Council, playing a leadership role in the governance of information technologies. Before joining Arkansas in 2015, Liu served as interim department chair and associate department chair in the computer science department at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. Liu is an established scholar in service computing, software engineering, cyber argumentation, cyber manufacturing and applied artificial intelligence. He has participated in 29 sponsored research projects with $8.8 million in funding as principal or coprincipal investigator or faculty participant. He has published 156 referred journal and conference papers and book chapters. Liu received his Ph.D. in computer science from the Texas A&M University in 1995. Excited for the Opportunity Liu said he is excited for the opportunity to serve as dean. “The college is in a time of significant transformation. I appreciate the confidence given by the chancellor and provost and the trust given by the faculty, staff and students in my ability for leading this transformation,” he said. “I look forward to working with campus leadership, faculty, staff and students in the college and related disciplines to move this college to its next level of excellence.”
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May 2021
The SIU College of Engineering holds fast to a unique tradition of access and opportunity, inclusive excellence, and top-tier research. The faculty encourage creativity within a climate of outstanding student success-focused teaching. The college’s five departments offer a wide range of courses and promotes opportunities for students to participate in activities outside the classroom including research, design competitions, service-oriented projects and leadership development activities. Growth Opportunity and Reorganization Dean Liu‘s plan is to build a larger and higherranked college that is recognized for student success, excellent academic programs, strong research and a diverse and inclusive learning and working environment. The college has significant growth opportunities. The demand for engineering talents is strong. The student-faculty ratio in the college is low, which indicates that we have significant capacity for growth. The college is building strong academic programs with excellent faculty to educate and train our students to meet the demand. It will strengthen and develop clusters of excellence of teaching and research with national and international reputation. The college is being transformed to achieve growth through both expansion and organic growth and is being expanded with additional programs, such as computer science and mathematics. The College of Engineering will become College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics due to the recent expansion in the campus reorganization. Enrollment Turnaround Enrollment management has been Dean Liu’s top priority since he joined SIU. The college developed an enrollment turnaround plan under his leadership and has been implementing this plan and is making excellent progress on enrollment growth for fall 2021. Still in the middle of the recruitment cycle, the number of complete applications grew 43% and number of admitted students grew 44.9% for fall 2021 compared to 2020. The number of complete applications is the highest since 2018 and the number of admitted students is the highest since 2017. To achieve this, the college revamped its recruitment process to improve its effectiveness, built an effective recruitment team, launched a digital marketing campaign, and reached out to high schools and community colleges. The college hosted many webinars, engaged prospective and admitted students through phone calls, emails, and webinars, hosted open houses, academic showcases, virtual tours, and campus visits. If you would like to learn more about the SIU College of Engineering, visit siuf.org/engineering.
May 2021
The Forever SIU Campaign Newsletter
CRADDOCK FACILITATES RECRUITING TRIP TO HOMETOWN HIGH SCHOOL FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER JOINS CHANCELLOR LANE AT ST. AUGUSTINE
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alk to anyone around campus at SIU, and one and I was able to get started there with the assistance topic is on everyone’s mind – enrollment. of the SIU Placement Office. They helped me with my Chancellor Austin Lane has spearheaded résumé and interviews, and the director sent a letter a fervent recruitment plan, which aims to raise of recommendation to IBM and other companies,” enrollment as early as this fall. So, when the he said. “From start to finish, I had a wonderful chancellor approached Oyd Craddock about a visit to experience at SIU.” his high school, Craddock was excited to help. Two of the longest-tenured faculty members at “St. Augustine is an African-American, all boys St. Augustine are also Salukis. Tyrone Payne, ’81, and Catholic high school in New Orleans,” said Craddock, Darren Dixon, ’85, spoke to the students during the an SIU alumnus, Saluki Hall of Famer, and SIU visit. Foundation board member. “Both St. Augustine and “SIU previously had a special connection with SIU played a major role in my life.” St. Augustine. Many student-athletes from my era On March 19, Chancellor Lane, Craddock, and attended SIU,” Craddock said. “This trip was an Todd Bryson, SIU’s interim associate chancellor for opportunity to reignite a relationship.” diversity, made the trip to New Orleans and spoke to St. Augustine commemorated its 70th anniversary St. Augustine High School students. this spring, and it’s been quite the celebration. “Chancellor Lane affirmed my emphasis on the In February, two of the school’s alumni faced off value of an out-of-state experience and how it helps in the Super Bowl. In March, its basketball team won you grow as a person,” Craddock said. “It was clear the state championship, and its marching band was he really connected with them. There was a buzz featured on “60 Minutes.” among the students, and there have already been at Four St. Augustine graduates were nominated for least six applicants.” Grammys, including PJ Morton, who won for Best From philanthropy to campus involvement Gospel Album. Jon Batiste, a St. Augustine alumnus, to recruitment and retention, every alumni and won an Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Original university supporter can make a major difference. Score. “I wanted to have a hand in growing enrollment “Plus, the Saluki football team beat Southeastern and raising awareness of SIU,” Craddock said. “It was Louisiana University,” Craddock said. “SIU left a a very special trip for me.” strong impression on the students at St. Augustine.” Craddock attended St. Augustine in the 1970s and, along with four other members of his senior class, was recruited to play football at SIU. “We had just won a state championship and were able to visit SIU,” he said. “It’s such a beautiful campus, and there was a great social environment. We had a lot of fun and had some great football teams. I only wish we had been able to win a conference title.” Craddock led a stout Salukis defense in the late-70s. He was inducted into the Saluki Hall of Fame in 2004. He earned his Chancellor Austin Lane (from left), Oyd Craddock, Tyrone Payne, Darren Dixon, and bachelor’s degree in management Todd Bryson are pictured during the chancellor’s visit to St. Augustine High School in from the College of Business. New Orleans. Payne and Dixon are both SIU alumni and teachers at the school. “I worked for IBM for 31 years,
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The Forever SIU Campaign Newsletter
May 2021
MATT SOLVERSON: A LIFETIME SALUKI
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sk anyone what they remember about their college years and chances are you’ll hear about unforgettable moments, lifelong friendships, and stories about memorable classes and professors. For Matt Solverson, SIU has played a prominent role throughout his entire life. “I have always been deeply connected to SIU as my late father was an SIU professor teaching agribusiness economics for 32 years,” he said. “My mother earned her master’s degree in special education from SIU, and I met my wife, Christy, as we both earned degrees while at SIU. I attended Carbondale schools, so I was always on campus with my family.” Solverson is a 1986 graduate of the College of Engineering and a member of the college’s Industrial Advisory Board. He is the Director of Research and Development Programs at General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, where he has been employed for over 30 years. Solverson can point to several areas where SIU played a significant role in his upbringing. His family has held season tickets for SIU athletic events for many years. “I remember being on campus as a young boy with my father, and he would take me to his office. We would go to the basketball and football games, and that is where my love of SIU Athletics began. I would say our blood definitely runs maroon” he said. After serving on the SIU Foundation board for several years, Solverson will begin his tenure as president of the board on July 1, 2021. “We have watched the SIU Foundation step up instead of sit down when the pandemic hit last year. Together, we have furthered our mission, and we
stand eager to move forward together as we continue into this fiscal year,” he said. “I am so honored and excited to lead the board as president. The future looks promising for SIU, and I can’t wait to see where the next few months lead us.” His wife, Judge Christy Solverson, a two-degree alumna of SIU, serves as Presiding Circuit Judge for Jackson County in the First Judicial Circuit. The Solversons have one adult daughter and reside in Carbondale.
MAKE ANOTHER CAMPUS LAKE MEMORY Every Saluki remembers Campus Lake. You walked around it, floated on it, swam in it, and gathered near it. You created fond memories of it. Now you get the chance to have a permanent spot at Campus Lake. Name one of the many benches around the lake after yourself, a loved one, friend, beloved faculty member, or alumnus. It’s the ideal way to mark your love for SIU or the memories you made on campus. Currently, approximately 80,000 outdoor enthusiasts annually use the walking path. Take advantage of this limited opportunity by contacting Matt McCoy, director of constituent relations, at 618-453-6096 or matthewm@foundation.siu.edu.
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May 2021
The Forever SIU Campaign Newsletter
CHANCELLOR’S SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM NURTURES SPECIAL CONNECTIONS
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he Chancellor’s Scholarship Program offers a special opportunity to select SIU undergraduates. The full scholarship, valued at over $102,000, covers in-state tuition, mandatory fees, and room and board charges for four years. Beyond the monetary benefit, the scholarship has great value to students and the university. “The Chancellor’s Scholarship Program allows students to pursue their passion,” said Dr. LaShonda Stewart, director of the program. “They work with esteemed professors, have the chance to study abroad, and complete 20 hours of community service. They are constantly engaged.” The program creates a community of support and engagement. The graduation rate for recipients of the scholarship is nearly 100 percent, and most stay connected to the university and one another for years. “We’re truly teaching the leaders of tomorrow,” Stewart said. “They make the best ambassadors for the university, both as students and later as alumni.” Even the process of selecting recipients creates a buzz around SIU among prospective students. “In the past, we’ve hosted about 260 students and their parents for our CSP events,” said Amber Rivers, program coordinator for academic scholarships. “This year, the chancellor went to some local schools and personally informed students about their scholarship. That really built great excitement.” Currently, the Chancellor’s Scholarship Program works as a tuition voucher program, which means the university simply allows those students to come to SIU and live on campus for free. Now, the university is offering alumni the opportunity to support and potentially expand the program through donations. “This is an incredible opportunity,” said SIU Foundation CEO Matt Kupec. “By financially backing the Chancellor’s Scholarship Program, our alumni can put their stamp on one of the university’s most prestigious programs.” The plan, which is in its early stages, wouldn’t change much about the program, but it would give the university a financial boost and add to the impact of these scholarships. Grace Vargas, 2019 graduate “You can be who you needed when you were
younger. If you’re blessed enough to help, do whatever you can. It’s not just an education. It’s not about getting the degree and leaving.” Britt Peyton, 2021 graduate “The Chancellor’s Scholarship helped me make many important connections. The more scholarships the better, and coming from alumni, it would mean that much more.” Luis Prado, 2019 graduate “Students can explore their passion outside and inside the classroom. You’re part of a community of excellence. There are resources that allow you to flourish.” Mason Higgins, 2018 graduate “I was able to learn about who I am. The program offers so much mentorship, and you’re being constantly challenged. SIU decided to invest in me, and it paid dividends.” Elijah Henson, 2021 graduate “It gave me the opportunity to explore. My scholarship made college what it was for me.”
Scan this QR code with your smartphone camera to read about each student pictured above.
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The Forever SIU Campaign Newsletter
May 2021
ONG ESTABLISHES SCHOLARSHIPS, BRINGS ACADEMIC COMPETITIONS TO SIU
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enry Ong has lived and worked all around the world, but he hasn’t forgotten the role SIU played in his life. “I had an enjoyable experience at SIU and the wonderful outdoor experiences in Southern Illinois,” he said. “That was some of the best times of my life.” After receiving his bachelor’s degree and MBA from the College of Business, Ong spent many successful years working for Whirlpool. Then, in the mid-90s, he made a career change and began to focus on education. “I wanted to create resources that would align with 21st Century learning concepts,” he said. “I have always been good at mathematical games. I started working with an educational supply company. I learned about the educational system.” From there, he decided to develop his own mathematical competitions and founded the Singapore International Mastery Contests Center (SIMCC). “We started in 2006, and it has grown quickly into one of the largest academic competitions in the world,” he said. “We’re now in 38 countries.” Working with SIU’s Center for International Education, Ong has established two endowed scholarships for international students, and the SIMCC recently entered a partnership with SIU. The university will host future competitions. “Beyond simply competing, we created a pathway for students to win awards through competition,” he said. “There are more than 200,000 students who take part in these competitions worldwide.” A long journey Like all young men from Singapore, Ong was required to serve in the country’s military. After that, he spent a year teaching and applied to SIU. He was accepted and came to Carbondale in January of 1982. It was then that he applied for and received a scholarship for international students. “That helped me finish my degree,” he said. “SIU was very generous to me.” He had a job offer from Whirlpool when he graduated but had to wait on his visa to be approved. For six months, he worked as an intern in the university controller’s office. Once he started working for Whirlpool, he rose through the ranks quickly.
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Ong transferred from his U.S. position to a position in Hong Kong and later become managing director for Whirlpool in Malaysia and Singapore. He ended his career with the corporation as Asian Audit Director and took a job developing new appliances with a mentor of his in San Francisco. “Not long after that, I decided Asia was much more attractive, so I moved back to Singapore to distribute products in Asia,” he said. A few years later, he transitioned to the world of producing educational resources. Since founding the SIMCC, he’s seen the power of the academic competitions and is excited about bringing them and scholarships to SIU. “We’re looking forward to this partnership,” he said. “I hope these students can also enjoy the same fantastic experience I had at SIU.”
S O U T H E R N I L L I N O I S U N I V E R S I T Y F O U N D AT I O N C O LY E R H A L L — M A I L C O D E 6805 1235 DOUGLAS DRIVE CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS 62901
MEET SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT VERNECELYN ALLEN
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aving a clear vision of what we want to accomplish early in life is rare. Vernecelyn Allen is a remarkable exception. Allen graduated this year with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management and an Associate of Applied Sciences in Aviation Flight. “Thanks to my mother, I was exposed to different career opportunities through summer camps. I received great experiences during those times that taught me about areas like technology and theater, but the one that intrigued me the most is aviation,” said Allen. In high school, the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) invited Allen to attend a camp in Delaware where she received flight hours, learned about aviation, flew air simulators, and visited control towers. “OBAP really nurtured my love for flying. Aviation is not largely populated by black pilots, so they really served as mentors for me and encouraged me in aviation,” she said. In her senior year of high school, Allen attended an SIU college fair. She learned about their aviation management and flight program. Allen later visited SIU during an open house and was impressed by its
aviation program and the many scholarships that were available. Allen applied to eight other universities in addition to SIU; however, it was being awarded the Chancellor’s Scholarship that helped her choose SIU. “Aviation flight fees can run up to $25,000 above the cost of a regular tuition in a single year, and the SIU aviation department offered opportunities to students to apply for aid. Receiving the Chancellor’s Scholarship and other aviation scholarships really helped along with the African-American Achievement Scholarship,” she said. Allen says she is thankful that the scholarships have allowed her to minimize her educational financial burden. “I would definitely be more stressed out if I had to face a larger loan balance after I graduate. Funding makes such a difference in our lives. It could mean the difference between living out or giving up a dream. I am so grateful to the people and organizations who have found it important to create scholarships so that students can empower themselves to continue to pursue education,” she said. Upon graduation, Allen hopes to become a flight instructor at SIU. Her ultimate goal is return to her hometown of Memphis and fly for Federal Express. She would also like to be an officer in the Air National Guard. “Someday, I want to focus on giving back to groups underrepresented in the industry. I think scholarships would empower more to attain the education they desire, and to reach beyond the stars.”