August 03, 2026
SIU Alumni Association awards more than $66K in student scholarships
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The SIU Alumni Association is awarding $66,443 to 53 new and continuing students at Southern Illinois University Carbondale for the 2026-27 academic year — support that is a testament to the generosity and pride of Saluki alumni across the world.
Funded by SIU Carbondale alumni groups and donors, the scholarships include financial support from 18 regional and legacy scholarships and 26 textbook awards, which help offset the rental fee for course materials from the SIU Bookstore.
“More than ever, our alumni know the challenges students face today in earning a degree,” Molly Hudgins, association executive director said. “Like all Salukis, our current students are resourceful, but thanks to our alums, they don’t have to face these challenges alone. Salukis help Salukis, and that statement is made true each year as alumni show up to offer their support.”
Over the last couple of years, the Association has experienced several significant advancements in its scholarship fundraising efforts. Earlier this year, the St. Louis Scholarship Fund hit a $25,000 endowment goal, securing future awards for prospective students from the greater Metro East region, and the Chicagoland Scholarship Fund reached its $25,000 endowment goal in 2025. The association continues to build scholarship endowments in Williamson County, Illinois, the Springfield, Illinois area, and in the Washington, D.C.-Baltimore area.
“We’re committed to making sure students across the state and nation can become part of the Saluki family,” Hudgins said. “Large or small, alumni gifts can help create some of the biggest impacts on students who want to live and learn here.”
Learn more information about association scholarships and how to donate by visiting www.siualumni.com and clicking the “Support Your Association” button at the top of the page.
Below is a list of this year’s regional and legacy scholarship recipients. Textbook awards recipients are not listed.
ILLINOIS
- Alma: Matthew Chance, Rebecca and Jerry Kill Alumni Scholarship, $1,000.
- Benton: Seager Sanchez, Keith and Carol Sanders Alumni Scholarship, $5,000.
- Carbondale: Kane Crain, Jackson County Family YMCA Scholarship, $2,300.
- Carbondale: Kristyn Kalert, Elizabeth Lewis Memorial Scholarship, $2,600.
- Carlyle: Lauren Liening, (graduated in Baltimore Maryland), Washington, D.C. Chapter Scholarship, $500.
- De Soto: Katy Grasher-Jones, Elizabeth Lewis Memorial Scholarship, $2,600.
- Du Quoin: Hallie Provart, Perry County Chapter Scholarship, $250.
- Elkville: Jaycie Will, Alongi Legacy Scholarship Fund, $1,000.
- Hamel: Elijah Huniak, St. Louis Chapter Scholarship, $1,000.
- Harrisburg: Sidney Neal, Saline County Chapter Scholarship, $325.73
- Herrin Gigi George, Legacy Scholarship, $2,500.
- Jonesboro: Amelia Lingle, Union County Chapter Scholarship, $750.
- Litchfield: Abby White, Prairie Capitol Chapter Scholarship, $1,000.
- Madison: Kalyn Belford, Support Black Undergraduate Education Endowed Scholarship Fund, $1,500.
- Macedonia: Evan Dial, Keith and Carol Sanders Alumni Scholarship, $5,000.
- Marion: Madelyn Montgomery, Williamson County Chapter Scholarship, $500.
- Murphysboro: Mariana Nelson, Jackson County Chapter Scholarship, $3,000.
- New Douglas: Gavin Donahue, Roscoe Pulliam Memorial Scholarship, $2,000
- Olney: Audrey Lambird, Rebecca and Jerry Kill Alumni Scholarship, $1,000.
- Palos Hills: Gillian McEllen, Chicagoland Chapter Scholarship, $1,000.
- Park Forest: Damien Koonce, Foothold Scholarship, $850.
- Tamaroa: Maddy Doerflein, Alongi Legacy Scholarship, $1,000.
- Williamsville: Roscoe Pulliam Memorial Scholarship, $2,000.
INDIANA
- Evansville: Roxanne Stephens, Legacy Scholarship, $2,500.
IOWA
- Ames: Emily Samet, Legacy Scholarship, $2,500.
TEXAS
- Austin: Yosidany Luna, Scholarship Retention Award, $1,000.
- Converse: Anaya Gayfield, Roscoe Pulliam Memorial Scholarship, $2,000.