EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville raised a record-breaking $3,221,709 during its fifth annual One Day, One SIUE celebration on Thursday, April 23, bringing together alumni, students and community supporters for an evening of philanthropy, pride and impact.
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Held outside the University’s new Health Sciences Complex, this year’s theme, “Soaring to New Heights,” reflected both the spirit of the event and the growing momentum behind philanthropic support for SIUE students and programs. Contributions will benefit scholarships, academic programs and strategic initiatives across campus.
“What you see here today is not possible without your support, and I look forward to the celebration of what we have accomplished as a University community,” said SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD. “Every great University has a great community.”
While gusty winds prevented fully inflated hot air balloon experiences led by alumni Kendall Spicer, PharmD ’21, and Hannah Spicer, PharmD ’23, attendees enjoyed basket photo opportunities and propane blasts. SIUE Army ROTC cadets and Illinois Army National Guard members served as flight crew and operated an inflatable obstacle course for children.
Donors, alumni and partners were recognized on stage with check presentations supporting nursing, engineering, construction management, pharmacy education and regional scholarships.
Notable contributions included:
- A $280,000 gift from Therese Poirier, PharmD, establishing the University’s first endowed professorship in the School of Pharmacy, with Radhika Devraj, PhD, named the inaugural recipient
- A combined $600,000 investment from the Southern Illinois Builders Association and Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program supporting construction management scholarships and recruitment
- A $165,000 gift from J.F. Electric supporting engineering scholarships and retention initiatives
- A $153,000 gift from the Estate of Ralph Korte, The Korte Company and Donna Korte supporting construction management education
- A $100,000 gift from the Merle Inman Estate benefiting students from Calhoun County
The event also recognized Lisa Spencer, ’93, ’01, President of Anderson Hospital, as the 2026 Distinguished Community Leader. Spencer was honored for her leadership in healthcare and her commitment to strengthening partnerships that prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.
“At Anderson Hospital, we are proud to have a strong and growing partnership with the SIUE School of Nursing,” said Spencer. “Every day we see firsthand the impact of SIUE graduates in our hospitals, clinics and communities. These students arrive prepared, compassionate and ready to serve, and that speaks to the strength of the SIUE nursing program and the outstanding clinical experiences they receive.”
Senior Director of Annual Giving Julie Babington highlighted the continued growth of the event, including the addition of VIP Tent Receptions representing academic units, Athletics and the John Martinson Honors College.
We were thrilled to have 914 registered participants, with overall attendance closer to 1,500,” said Babington. “Out of the 914 registered, 449 were general admission, while our VIP tents brought a collective 465 participants—an incredible level of engagement across campus.”
Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and CEO of the SIUE Foundation Connie Collins, CFRE, emphasized the impact of sustained giving.
“Just before the campus-wide celebration, we honored a special group of supporters who have contributed to SIUE for more than 30 years,” said Collins. “We’re seeing that same spirit grow through One Day, One SIUE—donors coming together to expand their impact and achieve our philanthropic goals to develop professionals, scholars and leaders prepared to shape a changing world.”
Throughout the evening, attendees enjoyed live music from the Charles Glenn Band, student engagement opportunities and tours of the 172,495-square-foot Health Sciences Complex, which provides hands-on, interdisciplinary training for nursing and pharmacy students preparing to meet critical regional workforce needs.
For more information or to make a gift, visit siue.edu/oneday.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville provides students with a high-quality education that powerfully transforms the lives of all individuals who seek something greater. A premier metropolitan university, SIUE is creating social and economic mobility for individuals while also powering the workforce of the future. Built on the foundation of a broad-based liberal education, and enhanced by hands-on research and real-world experiences, the academic preparation SIUE students receive equips them to thrive in the global marketplace and make our communities better places to live. Home to a diverse student body, SIUE is situated on 2,660 acres of beautiful woodland atop the bluffs overlooking the natural beauty of the Mississippi River’s rich bottomland and only a short drive from downtown St. Louis.
