CARBONDALE, Ill. – A $4.5 million gift from an anonymous donor will leave a lasting impact on generations of Salukis.
The donation, part of the donor’s estate plan, will benefit two key areas:
- $4 million to support scholarships for female student-athletes
- $500,000 to support improvements to the Saluki Softball stadium
“This gift uplifts our entire university by showing the incredible power of the Saluki spirit,” said Tim Leonard, Southern Illinois University’s director of athletics. “This historic donation provides inspiring support for women’s athletics at SIU and helps ensure our women’s programs continue to thrive.”
SIU has nearly 400 student-athletes across 15 men’s and women’s sports, each facing unique financial challenges that come with competing at the Division I level.
Scholarships allow coaches to recruit top talent and enable student-athletes to focus on training and academics.
“There are few things more valuable to an athletics department than financial support for our athletes,” Leonard said. “They must be locked in to compete and succeed in the classroom. Scholarships are an invaluable tool in our mission.”
In addition to scholarships, the gift will enhance one of SIU’s most successful programs – Saluki Softball – by funding major improvements to Charlotte West Stadium.
Under head coach Jen Sewell, the team has posted a 115-51 record over the past three seasons. Building on a legacy that includes 11 Missouri Valley Conference championships, 15 NCAA Tournament appearances, and 26 Academic All-Americans, the $500,000 gift sends a powerful message.
“This generous donation is more than just a facilities gift – it’s an investment in our female student-athletes, our program, and the future of college softball,” Sewell said. “It will help provide a first-class facility that reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion of our staff and players” Sewell said. “Four and a half million dollars is a powerful statement about the importance of women’s athletics. It’s not just an investment in facilities – it’s a vote of confidence in our female athletes, their potential, and the future of women’s sports. We are incredibly thankful for this support, which will open doors for generations to come, both in our facility and through scholarships.”
This gift comes as part of the Saluki Unleashed campaign, which aims to enhance revenue within Saluki Athletics by $100 million. Through this initiative, the athletics department plans to expand scholarship opportunities and enhance facilities, creating a premier experience for student-athletes, coaches, and fans. It is part of the university’s Imagine SIU 2030 campaign, which has raised more than $400 million toward its $500 million goal.
