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Annual Highlights SIU School of Medicine | Foundation

Dear Friends,

I am humbled and thankful as I reflect on this past year and see the accomplishment and activities of the SIU School of Medicine community highlighted in this book. The names of those listed in this report, our generous alumni and friends, have helped us make health care effective, efficient, equitable and enjoyable in the communities we serve.

While this document serves as a record of our accomplishments this past year, we have excelled far beyond the work summarized on these pages. SIU Medicine’s future is bright.

For your contributions toward these and all of our success, I sincerely thank you.

Jerry Kruse, MD, MSPH

Dean & Provost | SIU School of Medicine

CEO | SIU Medicine

AUGUST 2021 Twenty-five new students from 12 different states joined the Medical/Dental Education Preparatory Program (MEDPREP). The program, celebrating its 50th anniversary, serves socioeconomically disadvantaged students who tend to carry heavier educational debt loads. Often, that struggle means students have to work while enrolled, potentially affecting their academic success. The cost of education has risen dramatically, and MEDPREP’s student population has been particularly impacted. ► To learn more about MEDPREP at SIU Medicine, visit siumed.edu/medprep.

This year’s donors provided more than $45,000 in scholarship funding.

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

With grateful appreciation for their generosity, we acknowledge the following individual, corporate and foundation donors for their contributions of $500 or more to Southern Illinois University School of Medicine between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022.

Additionally, we’d like to recognize those who have given consistently over the years. The numbers in parentheses indicate consecutive years of giving; (1) indicates the second year of giving. These gifts have supported the fulfillment of our academic, research, clinical and community service missions.

Thank you!

DONOR OF THE YEAR

Evelyn Brandt Thomas

Nestled next to the Simmons Cancer Institute in Springfield is a landscaped corner that exudes calm and natural beauty. The Thomas Garden of Hope is an inviting oasis of colorful flowers, native prairie plants, ferns and ornamental trees beside a rocky stream bed. The garden honors Gordon Reich Thomas, the spouse of Evelyn Brandt Thomas. Gordon died of lung cancer in March 2003.

Evelyn was instrumental in creating the garden adjacent to the first-floor chemotherapy suites. It’s modeled after Rocky Branch, the Thomas family farm near Mt. Sterling in Brown County, Ill. Each June the pastoral setting in Springfield’s medical district is the site of a remembrance fundraiser for loved ones lost to cancer and an uplifting salute to survivors. The proceeds support cancer research at SIU School of Medicine. Hundreds of butterflies are released at the ceremony’s conclusion. That was Evelyn’s idea, too.

Mrs. Brandt Thomas is a country girl at heart, but she is one who thinks globally and acts locally. And she also gives generously. This is fortunate for patients visiting the cancer institute, and for the residents of central and southern Illinois. She is the SIU Foundation’s Donor of the Year.

Evelyn Brandt was born on the family farm in Salisbury Township in the summer of 1923. As a youngster she attended a one-room school with seven students, eventually graduating from Springfield High School in 1940. Seeking to better herself, she earned an accounting degree at Illinois Business College in Springfield.

In 1953 she and her brother, Glen “GB” Brandt, co-founded Brandt Fertilizer — now known simply as BRANDT — to supplement the family’s farm income. She served as the office manager and treasurer, while GB focused on sales and manufacturing. Today, the Springfield-based company operates 24 ag-retail locations in Illinois and serves farmers around the globe by developing and distributing plant nutrition and protection products for commercial agriculture and turf and landscaping businesses.

Mrs. Brandt Thomas has directed the business’s philanthropy in conjunction with its expansion, actively supporting ag organizations (4H and the FFA), teaching the young members about the science of improving crop yields. She has contributed to projects at the University of Illinois campuses of Springfield and Urbana and encouraged women to pursue careers in business through an Evelyn Brandt Thomas Scholarship at UIS. She has also given generously to central Illinois nonprofits too numerous to mention. Most recently, she was named the 2022 State Journal-Register First Citizen Award for her selfless giving of time and resources.

In 2012, the company established The BRANDT Foundation to support agricultural education, food or farming charities, and organizations focused on health and human service.

This past year, she gave generously to create the Evelyn Brandt Thomas Cholangiocarcinoma Research Endowed Fund at SIU School of Medicine to study bile duct cancer. Evelyn’s family has been affected by this rare but aggressive type of cancer and she considers it “doing her part” to help fund research.

Across the years, Evelyn has repeatedly expressed her gratitude for the SIU physicians who have provided care for her and her family members, and for the efforts of SIU’s research teams, striving for improved treatments and better outcomes.

Now it is our turn once again to offer thanks to this remarkable woman for her legacy of giving.

When the Thomas Garden of Hope was completed, Mrs. Brandt Thomas said, “I hope it will brighten someone’s day spending time here.”

She has seen to this on a much grander scale. While its flora changes with the seasons, its creator’s benevolence and kindness toward the residents of our region just keeps blooming.

AUGUST 2021 Donations to the Student Resource Fund help our medical students with efforts that other funding sources can’t provide. ► To learn more about the Student Resource Fund, visit siumed.edu/student-resource-fund.html.

Support to the Student Resource Fund totaled nearly $30,000

The Harbinger Society

The Harbinger Society was established in 1984 to honor the philanthropic efforts of special friends and alumni who provide significant contributions of private resources to enable SIU School of Medicine to remain a leader in medical education, patient care and research.

Donors may qualify as members by meeting one of the following criteria:

  • Making a cumulative or one-time gift of $25,000 ($50,000 for a business or organization) in cash, securities, equipment, materials, supplies or other gifts-in-kind.
  • Pledging $25,000 payable over a 5-year period, not less than $5,000 annually.
  • Bequeathing a whole-life insurance policy valued at $50,000 or more.
  • Donating a trust (instrument) valued at $50,000 or more.

THE HARBINGER OF GOOD WILL

The Harbinger of Good Will, a sculpture created by noted sculptor Kenneth G. Ryden of Greenville, Illinois, was commissioned in 1981 by the SIU Foundation as part of the commemoration of the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine’s 10th anniversary. The artist has said, “I created the work to represent the many aspects of medicine, the researchers and practitioners as well as the humans being served. The wings are suggestive of medical practice, offering dignity, hope and good will, and the figure itself symbolizes the spiritual essence of humanity.” Members of the Harbinger Society honor and reflect these high ideals.

OCTOBER 2021 October is a big month for Simmons Cancer Institute (SCI) at SIU Medicine. The community comes together to support cancer research and patient support at SCI through third-party fundraising events and the annual Denim & Diamonds Gala at SIU Medicine, which was held outdoors this year. ► To view the 2021 Denim and Diamonds photo gallery, visit zenfolio.page.link/spPHe.

Denim & Diamonds raised nearly $300,000.

Defender. Supporter. Giver. Partner. Fighter. Winner. Hero.

SIU MEDICINE STANDS FOR BEING A HEALTH CARE CHAMPION FOR THE REGION.

Because of SIU Medicine’s academic-based clinical excellence and regional presence, we’re able to advocate for care in ways no other system can.

In an internal promotional campaign in 2022, we began celebrating colleagues who exemplify the attributes of a champion and advocate for our patients and communities.

Meet some of our health care champions: Marcella Bland, Melissa Roberts, Jody Lack, Patrice Jones, Evans Mutua, Amber Salefski, Jessica Derhake, Mary Aiello, Chris McDowell

Q&A with

Dr. Vidhya Prakash

In March of 2022, Vidhya Prakash, MD, assumed her role as chief medical officer and associate dean of clinical affairs and population health. Here she shares some personal and professional insights as 2022 comes to a close.

Q: What are some of the opportunities in clinical medicine and/or population health that excite you?

I am excited about the numerous collaborations across our practice. Our Business Intelligence collaborative strives to capture and analyze data around social determinants of health to inform solutions at scale. The SIU cleft and craniofacial clinic, SIU Medicine clinic at the Salvation Army, the heart and vascular center and the pelvic wellness clinic are more examples of exciting and impactful collaborations. It is clear that we work well in teams to achieve our vision of better health for all.

Q: What are the most surprising or humbling things that COVID has taught us?

I have been humbled and inspired by our SIU Medicine community. In the face of adversity, we banded together as one cohesive unit and worked tirelessly to continue to take care of our patients and each other. You will not find a more committed, hardworking and caring group.

Q: Is multitasking an art or a science? Any tips?

Multitasking is definitely an art. No magic equation or algorithms! My favorite pandemic multitasking moment occurred one evening when I had a laptop in one hand, a spatula in the other to make dinner and asked my sons (loudly) to bring in groceries as I nervously made sure I was on mute.

Tips: Make a list with high priority items at the top; take care of low-hanging fruit/short projects as soon as possible as they add up before you know it; use short bursts of time during the day to knock out quick tasks (I take care of clinical tasks or catch up on emails if I have 15-30 minutes between meetings), and set timelines for bigger projects.

Q: What are you currently reading and/or listening to? Are you enjoying it?

“The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg and “The Desperate Hours: One Hospital’s Fight to Save a City on the Pandemic’s Front Lines” by Marie Brenner. I am enjoying both. “The Power of Habit” is a fascinating and eye-opening read on how habits work at the individual, organizational, and societal levels. “The Desperate Hours” describes the New York Presbyterian hospital system’s early pandemic response and experience, with a focus on the stories of the front line nurses, physicians and leaders—thrilling, heart-wrenching and powerful.

Q: What’s your next big project?

I am going to move my beloved parents from Cibolo, Texas to Springfield, Illinois and convince them the winters are not so bad!

Q: What do you do to unwind?

I love watching movies with my husband, Eric, and our children, Eric (Little Eric) and Ethan. Thrillers and historical action dramas are among our favorites.

Q: What advice can you offer with the approach of the new year?

Don’t apologize for staying true to your values and prioritizing what means the most to you. When it comes to interactions with others, listen, process, and then listen some more.

Q: You, like many of our other faculty and staff, have generously given not only your time and talent back to the school, but your treasure as well. Why do you give back?

I give back simply because it brings me joy and fulfillment.

Alumni return to lead Student Affairs

It’s a point of pride when a school’s alumni return to serve as faculty. Two alumni from the class of 2003 have joined the faculty as part of SIU School of Medicine’s Office of Student Affairs.

Amanda Mulch, MD, will lead first-year medical students in Carbondale as the assistant dean of student affairs. A native of Quincy, Mulch is an obstetrician-gynecologist and has been a partner at Southern Illinois OB-GYN Associates in Carbondale since 2007.

“Dr. Mulch has already shown her dedication to the professional development of students. She will now assist many more students in the first phase of their medical education,” said Jerry Kruse, MD, MSPH. “She is an exemplary physician, teacher and role model who is devoted to humanistic care.”

Dr. Mulch brings experience as an alumna, practicing physician and award-winning mentor to students in the first-year curriculum.

“I love that our students get to learn how to be lifelong problem solvers from the very first day of their education,” Mulch said. “By working in small, close-knit groups on real patient cases as well as receiving direct mentoring through simulated patient interactions, they receive a world-class medical education in an amazingly short time.”

In Springfield, practicing physician and award-winning educator Haneme Idrizi, MD, has been appointed associate dean of student affairs and admissions. A native of Chicago, Idrizi has served in various roles at SIU School of Medicine since 2018. Idrizi is a pediatric hospitalist in the Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine and is the Year 4 curriculum director, chair of the Year 4 Curriculum Advisory Committee and director of the Pediatric Personalized Educational Plan. She also serves as the faculty advisor for the Latino Medical Student Association.

Dr. Idrizi succeeds Erik Constance, MD, who served as associate dean for 27 years.

“It is an honor and privilege to assume this role from my mentor, Dr. Constance,” Idrizi said. “I will serve as a strong advocate for our learners and build upon our efforts to graduate diverse and compassionate physicians through a medical education that values the importance of wellness.”

The two 2003 alumnae are working closely with Jennifer Rose, MD, executive director of the Lincoln Scholars Program, to assure that SIU’s medical students continue to receive an exceptional education.

MARCH 2022 It was a day of celebration and another one for the books. Southern Illinois University set a $4.3 million goal for the 7th Annual #SIUDay of Giving. The fund with most dollars raised at the School of Medicine is the Nurse Family Partnership at $150,000, followed closely by almost $95,000 given to scholarships to help our medical, physician assistant and MEDPREP students. Almost 400 gifts were made to 92 different funds.

The School of Medicine exceeded its goal and raised more than $685,000.

ENT, Neurology welcome new chairs

Dana Crosby, MD, MPH, was named chair of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. She is also the director of rhinology and endoscopic skull base surgery, director of otolaryngic allergy and is also the otolaryngology residency program director.

“As 1 of only 8 female ENT chairs out of 125 in the country, Dr. Crosby is a rising star in the field of otolaryngology,” said Jerry Kruse, MD, MSPH. “She has ably led the department as both interim co-chair and acting chair over the past few years. She’s an outstanding physician, teacher and scholar who invests herself in innovative and collaborative endeavors. Her positive, energetic nature engages others to understand and fulfill their potential.”

Dr. Crosby says she wants ENT to grow in a measured and intentional way, “to ensure we maintain the culture of excellence in patient care and education that we’ve developed.”

Jayant Acharya, MD, DM, was named the chair of the Department of Neurology and co-executive director of the Neuroscience Institute.

“We are fortunate to have Dr. Acharya adding his wealth of experience to our institutional leadership,” said Dean Kruse. “He has been very creative in his previous positions, and we welcome his ideas and expertise to expand our medical and surgical evaluations and treatments.”

“It is an honor and privilege to guide the neurology and neuroscience teams at SIU,” said Acharya. “I plan to harness the intelligence, creativity and commitment of our faculty, staff and trainees using a collaborative, relationship-centered leadership approach to help SIU Medicine meet its vision of improving health for everyone in our community and beyond.”

$1,250 raised for the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) at SIU School of Medicine though a school-wide casual day.

Harbinger Society event honors loyal friends

It was a dark and stormy May evening on Lake Springfield, but that didn’t stop SIU School of Medicine’s Harbinger Society members and 4th-year medical students from enjoying the annual Harbinger Society event at the Island Bay Yacht Club.

The Harbinger Society counts in its ranks more than 500 households, at least 750 individuals and approximately 250 corporations, foundations, estates and trusts. In total, these loyal and generous friends have given nearly $100 million in its nearly 38-year existence, which has helped to make SIU School of Medicine the innovative and internationally renown medical school it is today.

Harbinger members donated $5,400 for School of Medicine’s Scholarship Endowment; Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Fund and the Dean’s Excellence Fund.

“Our Harbinger members set the pace for the Foundation,” Executive Director Hal Smith shared with the attendees. “We are incredibly proud to be a part of SIU School of Medicine community and its tremendous efforts. The university and the medical school faculty and staff have supported national, state and local governments and most of all, our patients, during the pandemic. Every gift to the Foundation has helped us continue this work.”

Dr. Jerry Kruse reiterated Smith’s message and shared highlights of the current work that has made the school a leader among international medical schools. He also shared some of the desires and needs for the school’s future, including:

  • increasing wellness programs for students, faculty and staff
  • building a new medical education building and conference center
  • increasing scholarship funding for all our learners
  • increasing funding to advance our groundbreaking research
  • adding named department chairs and professorships to retain and recruit faculty
  • adding named lectureships to increase opportunities for our learners

Dr. Vidhya Prakash, newly named chief medical officer and associate dean of clinical affairs and population health, spoke about her new role and her pride in the work SIU School of Medicine is doing to train the next generation of medical providers. She also expressed her appreciation for SIU’s work toward equity, diversity and inclusion and the donors’ gifts to help those efforts. (To learn more about Dr. Prakash, click here.)

In honor of the annual event, Harbinger members donated to medical student scholarships, the Dean’s Fund for Excellence and the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Fund. Medical students were able to meet with some of the generous donors who have supported scholarships and other educational opportunities.

“Each year the event offers the opportunity for members to give back to an area of priority. This year, we wanted Harbinger members to have the chance to celebrate our diverse campus populations with a gift to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” - Hal Smith, Executive Director of Development at SIU School of Medicine
JUNE 2022 SIU encourages our young friends at Enos School to keep their minds active through the summer. Each year, School of Medicine volunteers help with a book giveaway at our partner school.

$3,771 raised for Enos students and teachers.

Grassroots effort establishes

Research Scholars Program

SIU School of Medicine recently launched the Research Scholars Program, a 4-year, elective program that will facilitate recognition for medical students who make a dedicated effort to complete research over their four years and allow them to graduate as an SIU School of Medicine Research Scholar, with said designation appearing in both their residency application (via ERAS) and the MSPE (Dean’s letter). Additionally, students will be recognized with a certificate at graduation.​

A group of SIU medical students associated with the Research Interest Group led the grassroots efforts to develop the new program. During the last two years, they collaborated with faculty both here and at outside institutions to find a model that works best for the curriculum. The students involved in its creation include Matt Mannion, Nic Revelt, Taylor Badger, Sam Mounce, Emma Johns, Bridget McClain and Hannah Roberts.

The new Research Scholars Program acknowledges the collaborations of the researchers and students and builds on the research already being done and creates a venue to increase accessibility to research experiences for additional learners.

$10,448 raised for research scholars

Research scholar trains at NIH

Third-year medical student Taylor Badger embarked upon a unique learning opportunity that adds a year of intensive research experience to her medical school curriculum at SIU School of Medicine. This spring she was awarded a position in the National Institutes of Health’s Medical Research Scholars Program (MRSP) class of 2022-23. She moved from her home in Springfield to the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD, to begin a year-long mentored research experience.

The prestigious training is awarded to 50 candidates, selected from among the top U.S. medical schools, who receive robust mentored training and conduct research in areas that match their personal interests and career goals. Badger will use the time to expand her biomedical science knowledge and gain skills in becoming a clinician-scientist in the field of obstetrics and gynecology.

Each scholar works with an advisor who provides guidance on creating a career development plan and on selecting an NIH research mentor. Mentors are full-time NIH investigators with basic, clinical or translational research programs. Badger is working with Dr. Veronica Gomez-Lobo, director of pediatric and adolescent gynecology at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, on a project to preserve fertility in young girls undergoing chemotherapy.

Badger is enthusiastic about a return to one of her passions. “I have always loved my experiences in research, going back to 2017 when I was a Simmons Cancer Institute summer intern,” she said. “Finding enough time to pursue it as a medical student was a challenge, so I was intrigued when Dr. [Rik] Constance emailed our class about MRSP.”

“This gives me dedicated research time at a great institution, as well as career development opportunities. There are many great courses and classes that I can take this year on top of my research to help develop skills for my career.” -Taylor Badger

During the academic year, the scholars are participating in journal clubs, a seminar series with invited speakers that includes both distinguished senior investigators and early-mid career clinician-scientists, and clinical teaching rounds. They can also present their research to the NIH community and at national professional conferences.

Badger’s days are full. In addition to working on her main research project, she is assisting on other studies, taking a scientific writing course and learning about the publication process. She is also gaining a healthy perspective on work-life balance.

“There’s so much to do in the DC area: beautiful areas to hike and explore and an incredibly diverse food scene. It’s been a blast to meet other medical students in the program and discover all that Washington has to offer. I’m also looking forward to hosting a few friends and family members who plan to visit throughout the fall,” she said. “I can already tell the year is going to go by way too fast.”

JUNE 2022 The Midwest Charity Horse Show (MCHS) was back at the newly renovated Coliseum at the Illinois State Fair. The MCHS Association has donated nearly $280,000 since 1987.

More than $10,000 raised for SIU Medicine Pediatrics and Camp COCO.

Endowment provides research education support

SIU School of Medicine has a rich history of excellence in research and many alumni and friends who support these efforts. In the spring of 2022, the Department of Pharmacology presented its annual awards to honor past researchers and salute those who have excelled in SIU research labs and classes during the most recent school year.

Danny Holtz and Shipra Somani

DR. SATU SOMANI AWARD

Dr. Satu Somani was one of the three original faculty members of the SIU School of Medicine Department of Pharmacology and a dedicated scientist and educator. He loved teaching, often asking for more time to teach additional material he felt was important to the student’s medical education. Dr. Somani passed in 2002, and a fund was established in his honor to provide an annual monetary award to an outstanding student of medical pharmacology.

“We are fortunate that generous donors had the foresight to establish this endowment in memory and honor of Dr. Somani. These funds will be used in perpetuity to benefit our researchers and learners,” said Hal Smith, Executive Director of Development at SIU School of Medicine.

The ten students who achieved the top scores on the Year 2 Pharmacology Exam compete for the award by writing a report that critically evaluates a prescription drug advertisement. Danny Holtz is the 2022 award recipient for his critical insight of “Meet Ron: On It,” which markets a drug for type 2 diabetes.

Establishing an endowment can provide tax benefits for the donor while also ensuring long-term sustainability for programs at the school. If you are interested in establishing an endowed award, scholarship, department chair or other effort, please contact the Development Office at SIU School of Medicine.

More than $19,876,000 raised for instruction, research & clinical trials.

JUNE 2022 The 14th annual Butterfly Release at Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU honored the living and celebrated the memory of loved ones.

$20,300 raised for cancer research.

Lightening the load of our learners

Carbondale and Springfield are mid-sized cities with modest costs of living, 20-25% below the national average. They are attractive locations to start a career or family.

If that career involves medical school, SIU School of Medicine’s tuition and fees are among the lowest in the U.S., just shy of $41,000 annually.

Still, the Association of American Medical Colleges reported that the median medical school debt among the Class of 2021 was $200,000, not including undergraduate debt.

Fortunately for SIU learners, scholarship opportunities abound. Each year, more than fifty are awarded.

We asked some recent recipients how it helped their mental, physical and fiscal health at a crucial time.

Emilie Lohman Irwin

Emilie Lohman Irwin, MD, is an emergency medicine resident at SIU Medicine. While at SIU, Lohman Irwin married and had two children, which put her on a tight budget. She credits employees at the financial aid office who worked closely with her to help manage both the costs of medical school and childcare.

She received the Burkhart Medical Scholarship in her fourth year of medical school.

“I was a nontraditional student. Scholarships were essential in making medical school possible,” she said. “I was so grateful for all the staff assistance. I’d also like to thank the Burkhart family again and let them know how incredibly beneficial scholarships like this are for many students,” said Dr. Irwin.

Sam Mounce is a fourth-year learner who received the Kathryn Terry Scholarship. He too felt honored and grateful to receive it.

“The true impact will come when I begin repaying my student loans. The interest that would have accrued on the amount this scholarship saved me from borrowing would have easily cost me several thousand dollars down the road,” he said.

“I hope to someday be able to help medical students the same way this scholarship has helped me.”

This year, 55 scholarships were awarded from 61 scholarship accounts for a total of nearly $200,000. And, the Foundation is hopeful alumni will have the same passion for giving back as Mounce. Thirty-nine of the 61 scholarship accounts used this year were established by SIU alumni.

They are easy to initiate. An endowed scholarship requires a $25,000 starter and the interest is awarded annually or biennially to the students.

Kate Renner, MD, Class of 2016, started a scholarship in memory of her grandmother who was “a steadfast advocate for her education.” The scholarship is nearly endowed and will provide financial support in perpetuity. Dr. Renner, a new attending OB-GYN in private practice, is thankful for the network of SIU School of Medicine alumni. “I am honored to help support more female physicians who I hope to someday work with in my community.”

“I instinctively knew establishing an endowment was the perfect way for me to honor my grandmother’s memory and to support women from my community who wanted to study medicine,” Dr. Renner said. “My husband and I have made a priority to continue to give back because we are so grateful for my education.”

Please consider how a generous gift from you or your estate can make a great impact for young physicians who are just beginning their professional lives. Contact the SIU School of Medicine Foundation Office at 217.545.2955 to learn more.

$199,000 in scholarships awarded.

On Par for Pediatrics expands mission to help more children

Thanks to our generous supporters, On Par for Pediatrics raised more than $20,000 this year with an expanded mission of supporting all children facing life-altering diseases. Formerly the Camp COCO Charity Golf Outing, this event continues to support the mission of Camp COCO.

SIU Medicine’s pediatrics department has been an integral part of helping to care for the health of children in Springfield and surrounding communities. The funds raised at this year’s golf outing will support young patients and their families, easing their financial burdens by providing overnight lodging, food or transportation for families whose child is receiving extended treatment.

If you’d like to help our pediatrics team and their patients, you can show your support with an online donation at forwardfunder.siumed.edu/pediatrics.

► View the On Par for Pediatrics photo gallery at zenfolio.page.link/jiCdd.

Hascup honored as endowed chair

One of the highest achievements in academic medicine was awarded to Erin R. Hascup, PhD, as she was named the Kenneth Stark Endowed Chair in Alzheimer’s Research at SIU School of Medicine.

Hascup, who is the director of the Dale and Deborah Smith Alzheimer’s Center for Research and Treatment, focuses her research on neurodegeneration and, in particular, Alzheimer’s disease. She is a recipient of several external grants, including two from the National Institute of Aging, totaling more than $7 million.

Hascup conveyed her gratitude for the honor at a ceremony in August.

“I applaud Kenneth Stark and his vision of building and supporting the important Alzheimer’s research done right here in central and southern Illinois,” Hascup said. “These gifts are crucial in helping identify early biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets, which will ultimately help us diagnose and treat those with Alzheimer’s earlier in the disease progression and improve patient outcomes.”

An endowed chair represents one of the highest achievements in academic medicine, both for the person for whom the chair is named and also for the person who holds the chair. The endowment is funded with a $1.8 million gift from the estate of Kenneth A. Stark, a Pike County native who had a long career as a farmland appraiser for the Federal Land Bank in St. Louis. Interest from the endowment has been used to support a doctoral student and several studies related to Alzheimer’s disease.

“This endowment honors Dr. Hascup’s vision and dedication to investigating ways to prevent, slow and cure Alzheimer’s and related disorders,” Jerry Kruse, MD, MSPH said. “It is exciting to see forward-thinking philanthropy from Kenneth Stark translate into inspired research from Dr. Hascup and the team at the Smith Alzheimer’s Center.”

The Smith Alzheimer’s Center has been one of three state-designated Illinois Alzheimer’s Disease Assistance Centers since 1986, integrating clinical health, analytical neuroscience and community engagement to serve those with Alzheimer’s and related disorders, as well as their caregivers.

$245,257 raised for Alzheimer’s research & treatment.

$116,850 given to SIU Medicine’s Division of Urology in honor of Dr. Schwartz

Dr. Jerry Kruse, Frank Vala, Linda Vala, Dr. Bradley Schwartz, Brandi Schwartz and Ed Curtis

Frank and Linda Vala and Memorial Health established a $2 million endowed chair in the Department of Surgery. Bradley Schwartz, DO, is the inaugural holder of the Frank and Linda Vala Endowed Chair of Urology.

► Donate to your class scholarship at forwardfunder.siumed.edu/classscholarships. ► View the 2022 Alumni Reunion photo gallery at zenfolio.page.link/bnN1Q.

5,860 solicitable PA, MD, MEDPREP, resident alumni

*Dollars shown as gifts received are only counted in one category with MD alumni counted as primary category. Soft credit is not reflected.

SIU extends Forever SIU fundraising campaign

Chancellor announces $500 million goal

SIU kicked off its Saluki Takeover Tour in St. Louis at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark on Wednesday, March 2, 2021, as part of SIU Day of Giving. At the event, Chancellor Austin Lane announced the expansion of the Forever SIU fundraising campaign with a new goal of $500 million by 2028. The School of Medicine has the challenge of raising $40 million toward the overall goal.

This will reshape the way we imagine the future of SIU,” Chancellor Lane said. “[The campaign] is about supporting our students and strengthening the university. 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.”

Forever SIU

The Forever SIU campaign was launched in 2017 with an original goal of raising $75 million in three years; the School of Medicine’s goal was $7 million. The Foundation sped past that milestone seven months early, which prompted the decision to set a new goal of $90 million for the university and a goal of $24 million for the School of Medicine.

“At the end of 2019, we had already surpassed that new goal,” Matt Kupec, CEO of the SIU Foundation, said. “That’s when we set our sights on $200 million, and we’re well ahead of schedule. It’s clear that we need to keep this momentum.” So in 2022, the goal grew to $500 million with $40 million to be raised by the School of Medicine.

The money raised through the campaign has funded scholarships, campus improvements, supported faculty and enhanced alumni engagement.

“The SIU Foundation acts as an accelerator for the university,” Kupec said. “It’s a role we embrace every day, and we’re excited to continue the Forever SIU campaign.”

February 16-18

Alonzo Homer Kenniebrew Presentation and Forum

Wednesday, March 1

SIU Day of Giving

Friday, March 17

Match Day

Saturday, April 22

Saluki Ball, Chicago

Friday, April 28

Women’s Power Lunch Against Cancer

Monday, June 5

On Par for Pediatrics Golf Outing

June TBD

Annual Butterfly Release at Simmons Cancer Institute

Monday, August 7

Annual Welcome Lunch for Second-Year Medical Students

Friday, August 11

White Coat Ceremony in Carbondale

Saturday, October 14

Denim & Diamonds

Tuesday, November 28

Giving Tuesday

Sunday, December 31

All gifts must be postmarked to be included in 2023 taxes

Join us for one or more of our incredible events in 2023 and make a life changing gift to support our vision - better health for all! -Hal Smith, Executive Director of Development