Saluki Ball bridges financial gap for SIU students

CARBONDALE – The Saluki Ball is set to become the premier fundraiser on the SIU calendar. The inaugural event will be Saturday, April 22, at the Marriott Marquis Chicago.

Hosted by Chancellor Austin Lane and Mrs. Loren Lane, the Saluki Ball will feature world-class entertainment. This black-tie event will be the first such gala in recent SIU history.

Alumni and friends have the option of sponsoring a 10-person table or purchasing individual tickets. The funds raised through the Saluki Ball will fund scholarships that play a pivotal role in student success.

“Join us as we ignite the Saluki spirit for a new tradition,” Chancellor Lane said. “Through this event, we will bridge the gap, enhancing scholarship opportunities for our students as they imagine a bright future.”

Sponsorships are available at multiple levels, and they are tax-deductible. Each sponsorship level includes certain benefits, recognition, and marketing opportunities.

With a block of hotel rooms dedicated to Salukis, there will be maroon at every turn. Bringing together SIU’s most enthusiastic supporters, the event will foster existing connections and forge new ones.

“Get ready for an evening of elegance and celebration as we showcase Saluki pride like never before,” Loren Lane said. “Experience the beginning of an exciting new era for SIU Carbondale as we commemorate our accomplishments and look forward to the future.” To learn more about the Saluki Ball, sponsor a table, or purchase tickets, visit www.salukiball.siu.edu.

Forever SIU

The university is continuing the success of the Forever SIU fundraising campaign, which has a goal of $500 million by 2028. The campaign, started by the SIU Foundation in 2017, has led to new, exciting philanthropic milestones.

In FY22, the SIU Foundation raised more money and handed out more scholarships than ever before. Nearly 13 percent of all SIU students received an SIU Foundation scholarship, totaling more than $3.4 million in scholarship funds awarded.

“This is about supporting our students and faculty and strengthening the university,” said Chancellor Lane after announcing the campaign’s extension last March. “Our alumni and donors understand the importance of this mission, and their generosity is what has set us on this path to half a billion dollars.”

The Saluki Ball will encapsulate that philanthropic spirit.

“SIU hasn’t hosted an event of this magnitude in a long time, so we are excited to make this one special,” said Matt Kupec, SIU Foundation CEO. “It’s going to be a wonderful, historic evening.”

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