Dear donors, alumni and friends of SIU School of Medicine,
Thank you for your continued generosity and commitment to SIU School of Medicine. Your support makes a meaningful difference in medical education, patient care and research across our region. Because of you, our students learn in an environment shaped by innovation and compassion, our patients receive high-quality care close to home and our communities benefit from programs designed to meet real needs.
Earlier this year, I announced that I will conclude my service as Dean and Provost on August 31, 2026. Until then, my focus remains on advancing the mission we share and ensuring a strong foundation for the future. It has been a privilege to serve this institution for more than four decades, and I continue to be inspired by the dedication of those who teach, learn and heal here — and by you, who make so much possible through your generosity.
Together, we are investing in people, strengthening communities and preparing the next generation of health care leaders for Illinois and beyond. Thank you for your partnership and for believing in the work of SIU School of Medicine.
With deep appreciation,
Jerry Kruse, MD, MSPH
Dean and Provost, SIU School of Medicine
CEO, SIU Medicine
“Your support fuels education, innovation and compassion in health care. Thank you for helping us build a healthier future for the people we serve.”
Impact by the numbers
With the support of our alumni, donors and friends, SIU School of Medicine continued to advance education, research and patient care in central and southern Illinois. Here is a look at the year’s impact.
$4,569,252
TOTAL RAISED
$47,590,084
ENDOWMENTS
1,472
INDIVIDUAL DONORS
Amount of donations: $2,446,996
Average gift amount: $1,662
391
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE FACULTY & STAFF
Amount of donations: $464,924
Average gift amount: $1,189
402
CORPORATE DONORS
Amount of donations: $647,615
Average gift amount: $1,610
55
INSTITUTIONS/ORGANIZATIONS
Amount of donations: $192,634
Average gift amount: $3,502
5
PRIVATE FOUNDATION DONORS
Amount of donations: $63,325
Average gift amount: $12,665
2
ESTATE & TRUST DONORS
Amount of donations: $750,222
Average gift amount: $375,111
235
MD ALUMNI DONORS
Amount of donations: $456,359
Average gift amount: $1,941
140
RESIDENT ALUMNI DONORS
Amount of donations: $273,996
Average gift amount: $1,957
10
FELLOWSHIP ALUMNI DONORS
Amount of donations: $4,613
Average gift amount: $461
7
PA ALUMNI DONORS
Amount of donations: $1,400
Average gift amount: $200
4
MEDPREP ALUMNI DONORS
Amount of donations: $1,580
Average gift amount: $395
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, 2024 and June 30, 2025.
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!
2025 Donors of the Year Dr. J. Roland Folse and Linda Chronister Folse
SIU School of Medicine’s Distinguished Donors of the Year are a remarkable couple whose unwavering generosity and passion have left a lasting imprint on both the school and the region.
Dr. Roland Folse joined the SIU School of Medicine in 1971 to establish the Department of Surgery. From the very beginning, he helped lay the foundation for what SIU would ultimately become. Alongside his late wife, Hazen, Dr. Folse played a key role not only in the school’s growth, but in supporting our broader community.
Day of Giving 2026
Next year’s Day of Giving is on the horizon, and our SIU Medicine community is already building momentum for 2026. We look forward to another year of generosity that supports our learners, patients, and programs.
A Year in Review: FY 2025 Events
The totals shown below reflect our results from the 2025 Day of Giving. Thanks to the remarkable support from donors across the state and country, last year’s event strengthened scholarships, expanded educational opportunities, advanced patient care initiatives, and supported the mission of SIU Medicine.
2025 Impact at a Glance
$501K
More than $501,000 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
$532K
More than $532,000 raised for SIU Medicine's patients, researchers, students, health care teams and community outreach
$22K
More than $22,000 raised for Cancer Research at Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU Medicine
$71K
More than $71,000 raised for Cancer Research
at Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU Medicine
$185k
More than $185,000 raised for research, treatment and community programs at the Smith Alzheimer’s Center at SIU Medicine.
Alumni Reunions
What a year this has been! We piloted our new “choose your own destination” reunion concept with the hope that it would offer a fresh, more desirable way for alumni to reconnect with classmates and celebrate milestone years, those special five-year marks since graduation. As we wrapped up our final batch of reunions at the end of September, we couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. Across the country, SIU School of Medicine alumni class gatherings came to life in destinations such as Charleston, New York City, Chicago, Seattle, St. Louis, and Springfield - each offering a unique backdrop for reconnecting and celebrating their milestone year.
It’s clear that the bonds formed during medical school remain strong and deeply meaningful. The joy, laughter, hugs, and even a few happy tears, shared during each reunion reminded us why these gatherings matter so much. We loved seeing the photos uploaded to the photo app and hearing the feedback throughout the season. That’s what it’s all about!
Many of the alums who participated this year shared that this was their first time returning for a reunion since graduation. Some shared they were not planning to attend any future reunions, but couldn’t be happier they changed their mind and attended this year. Hearing those reflections meant the world to us and truly reinforced the value of this new reunion experience. The numbers tell the story as well. Over the past three years, our milestone reunions held in Springfield averaged just 12.45% in alumni attendance for milestone reunion classes. This year, with nine out of the ten classes participating in our new destination format, that number jumped to an impressive 21.67%, a 9.22% increase in just one year!
Looking Ahead to 2026 Alumni Reunions
Attention classes of
1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016, 2021
We’re already building on this year’s success as planning for the 2026 milestone reunions continues! Most classes have already selected their reunion dates and locations, and if you are part of one of the above classes, you should have received your save-the-date email and/or postcard by now. Full registration details will be shared after the first of the year. If your milestone reunion is still a few years out, it’s never too early to start thinking about where your class should gather and how you might get involved on your class committee. We look forward to celebrating with you!
50 Years of educating physicians
When our inaugural class graduated in 1975, they set the standard for excellence, compassion, and commitment, values that have defined our alumni community for decades. This year, we were honored to welcome them back for their 50-year reunion, a milestone that underscores just how far we’ve come. Thanks to the foundation they built, our alumni network now includes 3,386 physicians making a difference across the globe.
Read the full story
A Gift of Gratitude
A first-generation physician from a rural community in southern Illinois, Dr. Jennifer Cook says she has often reflected throughout her career on the opportunities her medical degree created and on the patients and colleagues who shaped her path. That sense of gratitude inspired her to give back.
Read more
White Coat to Grad Gown Campaign
Calendar year 2025 giving totaled $26,050! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our alumni, we fully funded white coats for the Class of 2029 and graduation gowns for the Class of 2026! You showed our students that from day one, the SIU School of Medicine alumni community is invested in their success…thank you! Your $150 gift provides a white coat for an incoming student + a graduation gown for a graduating student.
Send a note to a student
Can’t give financially right now? You can still make a lasting impact! Submit a White Coat Note or Commencement Note which is simply a message of encouragement and support to be shared with a student at the beginning and end of their medical school journey.
Based on their generous gifts in FY25, 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!
DISTINGUISHED FELLOW
$100,000-$499,999
Thomas L. and Brenda K. Baumann
J. Kevin Dorsey, M.D., Ph.D. and Linda F. Dorsey
Claire Manning
Paul D. Moore (deceased) *
Gopika and Nagendra Myneni
Krishnamurthy A. Rao and Vijayalakshmi N. Ayyagari
DEAN’S INNER CIRCLE
$50,000-$99,999
Janet R. and Thomas M. Albers
Milton B. Armstrong and Lewann Harper-Armstrong
Erik J. Constance
John M. and Jennifer S. Flack
Mary-Ann Hudson
Michael W. & Nadine C. Neumeister
Sergio and Rosemary Pecori
Erin E. Stock
Theodore R. and Judith A. Sunder
CORNERSTONE MEMBERS
$25,000-$49,999
Ramanath and Purvi Bhandari *
Julie Davis and Thomas Frost *
Brandon P. Edwards and Amanda D. Mulch *
John and Shawn Faloon *
Heeyoung Han *
Michael Higgins *
Brian and Dianne King *
Chris and Lisa McDowell *
Joan and Michael McGrath *
Mastan Reddy Paidela *
Scott J. and Alicia M. Pate *
Richard B. Rosher *
Hal and Meg Smith *
Mehul Trivedi *
Randy R. Twyford *
Matthew C. and Laura M. Winkleman *
Harbinger Society Recognition Dinner
The Harbinger Society Recognition Dinner took place on May 15, 2025, at the Illini Country Club. The event recognized philanthropic leaders and celebrated the impact of giving on medical education and patient care at SIU School of Medicine.
Guests were welcomed by Patsy Wappel, Director of Development. Dean and Provost Dr. Jerry Kruse provided an update on SIU School of Medicine.
The program featured a Forward for You spotlight on AI in medical education, presented by Dr. Traves Crabtree, Professor of Surgery and Chair of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery.
Class of 2025 medical students joined Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs Dr. Haneme Idrizi to highlight the importance of medical student scholarships.
Associate Dean Emeritus Dr. Erik Constance presented the SIU School of Medicine Spirit Award.
The evening concluded with the recognition of distinguished donors Dr. J. Roland Folse and Linda Chronister Folse.
Music was provided by the Craig Russo Trio.
Distinguished Alumni
June McKoy, MD, MPH, JD, MBA, ’89
2025 SIU School of Medicine Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award
Dr. Ruchika Goel honored with endowed chair in hematologic disorders
On an August evening at SIU School of Medicine, faculty, colleagues, students and friends gathered for a momentous occasion: the investiture of Dr. Ruchika Goel as the inaugural recipient of the O.H. Wesly Endowed Chair of Excellence in Hematologic Disorders. The event honored both Dr. Goel’s remarkable career as a physician-scientist and the enduring legacy of Dr. Osvaldo H. Wesly, whose generosity made the endowment possible.
Alumni in action
3,386
2,126
852
671
1,455
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 DATES
Alonzo Homer Kenniebrew Presentation & Forum
February 12-13, 2026
Join us as 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 25, 2026
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 20, 2026
It’s the big reveal for our fourth-years' residency destinations. Watch online or in person at the Memorial Learning Center.
Illuminate the Night for Smith Alzheimer's Center
April 17, 2026
Stand proud as a champion for SIU School of Medicine. Ignite innovation, empower tomorrow’s physicians and transform lives. Make an impact on February 25 by donating at forwardfunder.siumed.edu.
Women’s Power Lunch Against Cancer
May 1, 2026
Join us for an inspiring lunch hour featuring an empowering keynote speaker, lunch and networking opportunities. Funds raised support cancer research at Simmons Cancer Institute.
Harbinger Society Dinner
May 14, 2026
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 16, 2026
Join us at the BOS Center as we celebrate the Class of 2026, our newest physicians, scientists and masters graduates with hoodings and hoopla. The 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients will also be recognized.
On Par for Pediatrics Golf Outing
June 1, 2026
Tee off for a great cause! Enjoy a day on the course and enjoy drinks and dinner all while supporting children in the battle against life-altering diseases such as cancer, congenital heart disease and diabetes.
Butterfly Release at Simmons Cancer Institute
June 2026
Join us in the serene Thomas Garden of Hope. Butterflies can be sponsored in honor or remembrance of a loved one.
White Coat Ceremony
August 14, 2026
SIU alumni, staff, family and friends welcome the Class of 2030 first-year medical students to Carbondale with a white coat presentation as they begin their journey to become doctors.
Denim & Diamonds
October 10, 2026
You’re invited to Springfield’s premier event—Denim & Diamonds! 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 1, 2026
“Your gift. Your community. 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, 2026
Planning an end-of-year gift? Please consider donating to SIU School of Medicine-there are over 500 funds to choose from.