SIUE Prepares to Soar to New Heights for Fifth Annual One Day, One SIUE Celebration

SIUE Prepares to Soar to New Heights for Fifth Annual One Day, One SIUE Celebration

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will host its fifth annual One Day, One SIUE celebration at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, bringing together alumni, partners and the campus community for a day of giving and an evening celebration that will glow.

In 2025, the SIUE community raised $2,880,842.81. The amount included seven new scholarship endowments, one new program endowment and more than 1,070 first-time donors. Gifts came from 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the United Kingdom, and students raised more than $8,000 through a calling blitz in the SIUE Foundation Engagement Center.

"The success of One Day, One SIUE is rooted in campus-wide planning and collaboration," said Julie Babington, senior director of annual giving. "Every detail is thoughtfully designed to create meaningful connections and an unforgettable experience that inspires generosity."

This year's event builds upon that success with expanded engagement opportunities. A Bonus Dollar Challenge for student organizations will return with a new category highlighting SIUE Athletics programs, joining existing categories for fraternity and sorority life and registered student organizations.

Beginning at 5:30 p.m., there will be eight VIP Unit Tent Receptions hosted by individual academic units, the John Martinson Honors Program and Athletics. These gatherings offer opportunities for alumni, donors and friends to connect with fellow alumni, current students, faculty and staff.

Weather permitting at 6 p.m., the celebration will take flight with the inflation of three hot air balloons on site from pilot Kendall Spicer, PharmD, '21, and Hannah Spicer, PharmD, '23. Guests will have opportunities to take photos and enjoy live music from the Charles Glenn Group Band, featuring Charles Glenn, the legendary voice of the St. Louis Blues' national anthem for 19 years.

The evening, hosted by emcee and Voice of the Cougars Joe Pott, will also feature food, beverages and remarks from Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, School of Pharmacy Dean Mark Luer, PharmD, FCCP, and Distinguished Community Leader Lisa Spencer, RN, FACHE, BSN '93, MSN '01, president of Anderson Hospital.

"One Day, One SIUE really brings out the best in our community-alumni, community partners and campus supporters coming together in support of the students and programs we care so deeply about," said Connie Collins, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and CEO of the SIUE Foundation. "Our theme for the fifth annual Giving Day, 'Soaring to New Heights,' reflects the shared pride and connection that truly lifts SIUE."

Explore the giving hub for ONE DAY, ONE SIUE and join SIUE in reaching new heights.

Graphics: One Day, One SIUE graphic featuring aerial view of SIUE campus; One Day, One SIUE with a scene from 2025.