Dear Donors, Alumni and Friends of SIU School of Medicine,
As I reflect on another year of progress and partnership, I extend my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support. Your generosity is vital to the advancement of our missions of medical education, high-quality patient care and life-changing research. Thanks to you, SIU School of Medicine continues to thrive, to adapt to the advances in medicine and education, and to seize the new opportunities that arise.
Our school was founded more than 50 years ago to address a physician shortage in Illinois. Even though we have trained more than 6,300 physicians in our medical school and residency programs, the physician shortage persists in our state and nation. This shortage presents opportunities for innovation and systemic improvement. Widening gaps in fields such as general surgery, primary care and psychiatry call us to action.
We will advocate for reforms in health care funding and workforce planning, and embrace technologies like telemedicine, digital health and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve education, access and quality of care. We will continue to educate providers who will meet the demographic and specialty needs of the region. We are a vital factor in the quest to ensure that all Illinoisans receive the care they deserve.
We will also prepare our future physicians to meet the needs of an aging population. The principles of geriatric care are integrated into our curriculum, and our residency programs emphasize elder care, positioning us to address this need head-on.
Medical education is the north star at SIU, and it shines brightly. We are recognized across the world for excellence in medical education, and we have honed coursework to prepare our learners to lead in the rapidly evolving health care landscape. We pledge that our graduates will use the best of the new technologies in the context of caring, compassionate relationships with their patients.
We look forward to continued growth, in students, faculty members and programs. Our facilities will support the pillars of education, patient care and research. And we remain committed to serve our communities, strengthened by your invaluable support.
Thank you for your commitment to our mission. Together, we are building a future of excellence, resilience and promise.
With deep appreciation,
Jerry Kruse, MD, MSPH
Dean and Provost
HONOR ROLL OF DONORS
With grateful appreciation for their generosity, we acknowledge the following individual, corporate and foundation donors for their contribution of $1,000 or more to Southern Illinois University School of Medicine between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024.
Additionally, this list recognizes 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.
List coming soon
Dr. Andrzej Bartke
“I always try to make graduate students understand how important they are to us, and how important they are as human beings." - Dr. Andrzej Bartke
Dr. Andrzej Barke's significant research discoveries at SIU School of Medicine have continued to provide a better understanding of longevity. However, his research isn't the only significant contribution that has helped move SIU Medicine forward for nearly four decades.
Day of Giving 2024
SIU Day of Giving is an annual 24-hour day of generosity aimed at bringing our communities together to raise awareness and support of SIU School of Medicine’s vision of better health for all. Day of Giving harnesses the power of digital communication and word-of-mouth advocacy from our champions to encourage donors to power a cause close to their hearts.
Day of Giving 2024
favoriteFor the 6th consecutive year, SIU School of Medicine had the greatest number of individual gifts during Day of Giving.
Day of Giving champions
Under the leadership of James Waymack, MD, ’10, the Department of Emergency Medicine came out on top for Day of Giving contributions. Dr. Waymack rallied the team, and emergency medicine raised a generous $9,000 for their department. The funds will support the department’s general operations including specific support for the residents such as journal club, resident readiness and surgical skills labs.
Recently, Dr. Waymack was named chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at SIU School of Medicine. He earned his medical degree and completed residency training in emergency medicine at SIU and has served with distinction in roles as assistant professor and associate professor of Emergency Medicine since 2013. Within the department, he has served as residency program director, chief of the division of education and interim chair.
EVENTS BY THE NUMBERS
$430K
More than $430,000 raised for Cancer Research at Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU Medicine
$555K
More than $555,000 raised for SIU Medicine's patients, researchers, students, health care teams and community outreach
$65K
More than $65,000 raised for Cancer Research
at Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU Medicine
$52K
More than $52,000 raised for SIU Medicine pediatric patients facing life-altering diseases such as cancer, heart disease and blood disorders
$21K
More than $21,000 raised for Cancer Research at Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU Medicine
Alumni Reunion
The Office of Alumni Relations held the first all-alumni reunion on June 22 in Springfield. The day began with a pancake and mimosa breakfast, where alumni passed the microphone and shared stories. The morning also featured a student panel and a walking tour of the school of medicine. Throughout Saturday afternoon and evening, alumni from all classes gathered for games, food, a dance floor, 360 degree video booth, local vendors and more. The highlight of the event was the “Decades District,” a fun stroll down memory lane.
Alumni highlights
Based on their generous gifts in FY24, the following people have moved to a different level of the Harbinger Society. The * denotes those we welcome as our newest Harbinger members.
Thank you for your generosity!
DIPLOMAT
$500,000-$999,999
Kathryn Bohn & Thomas Nielsen
DISTINGUISHED FELLOW
$100,000-$499,999
Estate of Barbara Jean Poole*
Estate of Linda L. Lorenz*
Dale & Karen Hales
Lois & Jerry Kruse
Frank & Linda Vala
DEAN’S INNER CIRCLE
$50,000-$99,999
Chronister Oil dba Qik n EZ
Bill & Sandra Glassman
Renee & Michael Mueller
Dwight & Mary O'Keefe
Sergio Pecori
CORNERSTONE MEMBERS
$25,000-$49,999
Sally Brackney*
Michael Chambliss*
Julie Davis & Thomas Frost*
Jason Greer*
PJ & Grace Nanavati*
Mary & John Pohlmann*
James & Michele Rohan*
Laura Shea & Gary Lamsargis*
Terry & Marcia Supan*
Nancy Severa Zimmers*
Click here to become a member
Harbinger Dinner celebrates 40 years
The Harbinger Society Recognition Dinner is the medical school’s foundational philanthropy event. Its 40th anniversary celebration brought a capacity crowd to the Illini Country Club on May 16, 2024. Faculty, staff, alumni, students, community patrons and dignitaries came to learn about the latest achievements of SIU Medicine, honor some of its finest and get a glimpse into the future of medical education.
Guest speaker Dr. John Mellinger set the tone with an inspirational message focused on the importance of stewardship. Mellinger is SIU professor emeritus of surgery and medical education and vice president of the American Board of Surgery. “A good steward or financial manager aims for results that are enduring and timeless,” he said. “They’re not measured primarily by the material, but by the impact on the lives
of others.”
The audience was then introduced to Dr. Richard Selinfreund, head of the pathology group in the Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology. “Dr. S” leads a team of colleagues and students who have created Randy Rhodes, the school’s first AI-enhanced standardized patient. Second-year students Allison Mool and Jacob Schmid demonstrated the virtual training program, posing questions from the audience to Randy.
Learners bring intrinsic values with them to medical school and leave with greater knowledge, confidence and technical skills. They also often leave with debt. Fourth-year student Hunter Jones joined Associate Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Haneme Idrizi to speak about the critical importance of student scholarships.
Associate Dean Emeritus Dr. Erik Constance presented the SIU School of Medicine Spirit Award to Emma Johns, a fourth-year student who excelled during her time in Springfield and is now an internal medicine resident at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
The evening concluded with a salute to the year’s distinguished donor, Dr. Andrzej Bartke. He is professor emeritus of physiology and internal medicine at SIU and a world-renowned research scientist in the field of aging and longevity. Dean Jerry Kruse pointed out Dr. Bartke joined SIU’s faculty in 1984, so it was his 40th anniversary as well. Most remarkably, Bartke has been both an active scientist and financial contributor to the institution during that entire timespan.
Meet Randy Rhodes
Artificial intelligence is transforming the future of medical education at SIU School of Medicine. Known as “Dr. S” to his students, Richard Selinfreund, PhD, has taken SIU’s tradition of educational innovation and launched it into the digital age with the creation of Randy Rhodes, the school’s first AI-enhanced standardized patient.
Selinfreund’s vision goes beyond replicating traditional learning tools. His goal is to push the boundaries of AI in medical education, ensuring that the next generation of physicians is prepared for the evolving landscape of health care. He and his wife, Jacqueline, provided the seed funding that made it possible.
Read more
Distinguished Alumni
Remembering Sergio Rabinovich, MD
Dr. Rabinovich, a native of Lima, Peru, joined SIU in 1973, shortly after the school was created. He became chairman and residency director of the Department of Medicine in 1974. Dr. Rabinovich retired in 1996, but he contributed to the school through various committees and consulting activities in addition to his generous financial contributions.
Alumni in action
3,312
2,358
1,280
777
2,355
Alumni Society Board of Governors
The Alumni Society Board of Governors is composed of 20 alumni members and represents the interests of all alumni in matters relating to the School of Medicine. The board serves as the official vehicle for alumni to maintain personal and professional relationships with the school. The board’s specific responsibilities are to serve as ambassadors, support wellness and advocacy activities, direct the Distinguished Alumni program and the Student Resource Fund, provide guidance to the development office in matters relating to SIU School of Medicine alumni fundraising, and to partner with the school in promoting the welfare of the school on a state and national level.
SAVE THE DATE
Alonzo Homer Kenniebrew Presentation & Forum
February 13-14, 2025
We honor a groundbreaking central Illinois physician with a special evening lecture, presentations and a community forum to raise health equity awareness.
SIU Day of Giving
February 26, 2025
Be a champion for SIU School of Medicine! Join us by giving a gift on this day at forwardfunder.siumed.edu. Your support will help SIU School of Medicine in innumerable ways.
Match Day
March 21, 2025
It’s the big reveal for our fourth-years' residency destinations. Watch online or in person at the Memorial Learning Center.
Women’s Power Lunch Against Cancer
April 11, 2025
You’re invited to an engaging lunch hour, which includes an empowering speaker, lunch and networking opportunities. Funds raised support cancer research at Simmons Cancer Institute.
Harbinger Society 40th Anniversary Dinner
May 15, 2025
We look forward to an evening of reflection, celebration and visionary thinking for the future with our Harbinger Society members. Our "Donor of the Year" will be announced.
Commencement
May 17, 2025
Join us at the UIS Performing Arts Center as we celebrate the Class of 2025, our newest physicians, scientists and masters graduates with hoodings and hoopla.
On Par for Pediatrics Golf Outing
June 2, 2025
Come tee off to your best round of golf, bid on auction items, and enjoy drinks and dinner all while supporting children in the battle against life-altering diseases such as cancer, congenital heart disease and diabetes.
Illuminate the Night for Smith Alzheimer's Center
June 14, 2025
Join us for the inaugural Illuminate the Night event to benefit The Smith Alzheimer's Center. Featuring an auction, live entertainment, and more, this special evening will highlight and help fund our vital work.
Annual Butterfly Release at Simmons Cancer Institute
June 21, 2025
Watch the butterflies take flight at the Thomas Garden of Hope. Butterflies can be sponsored in honor or remembrance of a loved one.
White Coat Ceremony
August 2025
SIU alumni, staff, family and friends welcome the Class of 2029 first-year medical students to Carbondale with a white coat presentation as they begin their journey to become doctors.
Denim & Diamonds
October 11, 2025
Join us in celebrating the 25th anniversary of Denim & Diamonds. You’re invited to dress to impress in your finest denim or diamonds. Money raised at the dinner via live and silent auctions supports cancer care and research at Simmons Cancer Institute.
Giving Tuesday
December 2, 2025
Choose SIU School of Medicine for your annual Giving Tuesday gift. Think local during this national giving day by visiting forwardfunder.siumed.edu and donating to a fund close to your heart.
End of Year Giving
December 31, 2025
Planning an end of year gift? Please consider donating to SIU School of Medicine – there are over 500 funds to choose from.
Atrium gathering space gets upgrade
The newly renovated atrium in the medical school's 825 N. Rutledge building offers a welcoming area for students, faculty and staff to meet and interact. Made possible by a generous gift from SIU School of Medicine alumni Kathy Bohn, MD, '83, and Tom Nielsen, MD, '81, it now serves as a hub for exchanging ideas and reinforces community. This area also features Beth's Rx Café, an on-campus dining service named in honor of their daughter, Beth Nielsen, MD, resident '19, fellow '22. Beth's Rx Café provides convenient and delicious meal and beverage options for all students and staff.
View more photos
Medical education building on the horizon
A new building dedicated to innovative learning and collaboration will transform SIU Medicine’s campus. The space will feature standardized patient exam rooms, conference rooms, collaboration hubs and multi-use classrooms—all designed to enhance hands-on learning and teamwork.
The facility will provide space for education and curriculum delivery to facilitate problem-based learning, health science graduate programs and space to provide adequate student collaboration for medical students and graduate students. It will encourage collaboration, informal communication and a strong sense of connection between students and faculty—building a culture of teamwork and shared purpose across our educational programs.
Naming opportunities are available starting at $25,000
Contact Patsy Wappel for more information at foundation@siumed.edu or 217-545-2955.