(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) G. Patrick Williams, CEO of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Foundation, announced today that the Foundation raised $23.2 million for scholarships, research, student awards, athletics, and funds to support academic units between Fiscal Year 2001 and the present. That’s $2.28 million more than was raised in the Foundation’s first 23 years (1977-2000).
In its first 23 years of existence, the Foundation raised $20,909,531. According to figures released recently, the Foundation raised $23,189,486 since FY01—an increase of $2,279,955.
Williams also said that the Foundation recorded its fifth consecutive record year of fundraising, with a little more than $6 million raised in FY06 as compared with more than $4.6 million raised the previous fiscal year. “The generosity of the University community as well as a like-minded community of supporters in the region are in large part the reason for our success,” Williams pointed out.
“Our donors are a dedicated and heartfelt community of philanthropists who support this great University.”
At the time he arrived in February 2000, Williams brought some 22 years of experience in development to the SIUE Foundation. “I began working in the non-profit world right out of college, and I have been fortunate that my career has flourished during a time of great strides in the development field,” he said.
Development has become very specialized in the past 20 years and Williams has used that to advantage in restructuring the SIUE Foundation. “We have introduced seasoned professionals, who are experts in various areas in development and in marketing and communications, and who are working together as a team. These team members are sincere and have a strong desire to create partnerships and relationships with current and potential donors.
“The SIUE Foundation is a service component in support of the University,” Williams said. “In the restructuring, I sought members of my team who understand that service modality.”
Since FY01 the SIUE Foundation has made great strides in increasing to record levels its endowment value, total assets, annual contributions and overall annual income. The SIUE endowment has grown from $3,958,329 in FY96 to more than $11 million at the end of FY06.
Williams also praised the Foundation board of directors. “We have a dedicated group of volunteers comprised of corporate, community, and industry leaders and experts,” Williams pointed out. “They have the needed experience to guide the Foundation as they discuss issues, set policy and review investments as well as work with SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift.
“I remember the first time I addressed the Foundation board,” Williams said. “I told them that my staff would be guided by a philosophy of service, and that such a philosophy would be marked by civility and respect for the individual person we work for and with. I said that our service and professional conduct would adhere to the highest moral, ethical and professional standards. I also told the board that we would achieve success on behalf of our students, faculty, staff and donors we serve.
“I believe so far we’ve succeeded in those goals.”
