Saluki sports are shaping young people of character. Our athletes work hard to achieve success on and off the field; they deserve a well-supported program that prepares them not only for the next match or game but also for their future. Alumni of Southern Illinois University Carbondale and its athletic programs are applying their training in leadership roles all over the world. Young athletes throughout the region look to Saluki Athletics for inspiration and to its athletes as role models.

Without an aggressive commitment of funds and resources, however, winning programs that produce successful citizens cannot be created. As part of the Opportunity Through Excellence Campaign for Southern, an unprecedented $100 million effort through the SIU Foundation, we have identified $38 million in priorities that are necessary to perpetuate and improve Saluki athletics programs.

Saluki Athletic Scholarship Fund
$l million

The Saluki Athletic Scholarship Fund supports many of the student-athletes whose efforts continue to make us competitive in Missouri Valley Conference and Gateway Football Conference competition. Its significant positive impact on the financial demands of intercollegiate programs allows much-needed investment in scholarships and program development.

Endowed Scholarships
$2 million

Recruiting talented student-athletes has never been more competitive. It takes exceptional academic and athletic opportunities and resources to attract top prospects. These students are an asset to the campus community and role models for emerging athletes across the region. Our goals to expand and originate endowed scholarships will support our efforts to continually raise the caliber of our athletics student body.

Currently, there are l8 endowed scholarships. Our goal is to create 20 new named endowed scholarships, which can be established based on the interests of prospective donors.

Commitment to Facilities
$35 million

Saluki Athletics must invest in its facilities to remain competitive while also continuing to build successful programs. Most of our major venues are over 30 years old and need major renovation and expansion. The administration recognizes that Saluki Athletics programs are important for the University as well as the region.

Winning efforts start with a vision of success. Our long-range vision aims high, but we enthusiastically share the University’s goal of Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment.

National caliber programs need national caliber facilities. Our vision for the future of our athletic facilities includes:

• A New Football Stadium
• Arena Renovation
• Baseball Stadium Renovation
• A New Track & Field Complex
• A New Tennis Complex Including Indoor Courts
• An Indoor Practice Facility

Unprecedented support for Saluki Athletics will offer the resources that will enable us to recruit and train the most promising young scholar-athletes.