A coal miner’s daughter from DuQuoin who always wanted to be a teacher, Doris Rottschalk picked Southern because it was “close enough for comfort but far enough for independence,” she says. “It was silly to look at other schools when there was an excellent college right in my own back yard.” Little did she realize that attending Southern would shape her life so profoundly or that she would stay actively connected with the university for nearly 40 years—first as a student, then as an active alumna, Alumni Association president, and member of the SIU Foundation Board.

As a student, Doris was impressed by the quality of her education. “I had a real sense of belonging,” she remembers. “I had dedicated and talented teachers, and a hands-on academic experience that prepared me well for my career.”

Doris enjoyed dorm life at Thompson Point, sports, and other campus activities. She also met her husband at Southern. “To this day, we both ‘bleed maroon’ and attend athletic events as well as concerts and lectures.”

In addition, Doris, who will soon retire after a long career as a high school teacher, has been responsible for sending hundreds of students to Southern. “I want my students to feel the magic the way I did.”