SIU Foundation Launches Fundraising

Fundraising professional Matt Kupec serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Southern Illinois University (SIU) Foundation, a role in which he leads and manages the foundation’s fundraising program. Under Matt Kupec’s leadership, SIU Foundation partnered with Saluki Athletics in launching Salukis Forever, a fundraising drive that will benefit the SIU Athletic Department.

The drive launched on February 26, 2021, and will support the athletics programs for sustainability and success into the future. The fundraising drive, called Salukis Forever, aims to raise $25 million over four years.

Salukis Forever is part of the Forever SIU campaign, which started in 2017. It gives alumni and donors the opportunity to support the programs of either Saluki Athletics in general or one or more of the 17 different sports programs in particular. Additionally, donors who give to Saluki Athletics will be able to support the Saluki Athletics Scholarship Fund, the Salukis Well-Being Fund, the Women’s Initiative Fund, and the AD Excellence Fund.

SIU athletics have a long and storied history. In addition to holding eight national titles and dozens of conference titles, SIU athletics programs have produced over 100 Academic All-Americans and 60 Olympians over the years.