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The Achieve Program has provided enhancements to the services provided to its students through the generosity of many friends and donors. Previous donors have directly contributed to projects as varied as upgrading and replacing computer technology to hosting entertainment events for students. To maintain and expand the mission of Achieve, we have identified many new initiatives that require substantial donor support. Individuals interested in contributing to the Achieve Program should contact either the Coordinator of the Achieve Program, Sally DeDecker, at (618) 453-6131, or by email at lukidawg@siu.edu, or Roger Pugh, Achieve Program Public Relations Liaison, at (618) 453-2369, or by email at achieve@siu.edu.
Although our general operating budget is defined each year by the fees we charge, we do everything in our power not to raise our fees significantly from year to year. In order to stay on pace with the rising costs of providing the services necessary for Achieve members, while researching new methods, technologies, and ideas which will benefit members, YOUR help is necessary. Now is an exciting time to become involved in several ground-breaking initiatives which will benefit current and future students.
Although
new initiatives are exciting, every donation, no matter how large or
small, makes a difference for students in the program. Your
giving helps us continue a tradition of providing excellent services
for students. Every contributor is recognized through the
Southern Illinois University Foundation, unless you prefer to remain
anonymous.
We first
met Eric Schmisseur in 1982. He became part of the Achieve
Program, and entered the University as a student in Pre-Dentistry.
After the Spring semester of 1984, on his summer break, his life was
cut short by a tragic accident. To honor Eric, to keep his
memory, and to help other students like Eric, Eric's parents
established the Schmisseur Memorial Fund. Over the course of
time, this fund has helped so many students realize their dreams.
The students who have benefitted from the Schmisseur Memorial Fund
respect and honor with gratitude what it represents.
The Dr. Cordoni Memorial Fund was established in 2004 in response to the generous outpouring of support from so many people which marked her passing. The Memorial Fund exists to help further Dr. Cordoni's vision of making higher education possible for students with learning disabilities. It is an unrestricted fund, which allows the Coordinator of Achieve the flexibility to use funds to help individual students, to make capital improvements, or to provide scholarships for deserving students.
Over the years, Achieve's ongoing capital campaign has helped us upgrade computer technology, audiobooks technology, furniture, and other elements of the physical environment in which our students find themselves for many, many hours. As we improve our facilities, we improve the atmosphere in which students work and live. Every dollar spent helps insure a more productive experience for our current and future students.
Achieve has been around for 30 years. Many former Achieve Program families and members are reaching or are enjoying retirement, and are at a place in their lives in which planning for opportunities to make lasting and valuable contributions to their world is a necessary consideration. If Achieve made a difference for your son or daughter, or if Achieve made the difference for YOU, please consider a gift which will help others for years to come.
Besides specific funds to which you can designate your gift, naming opportunities exist to create a legacy of your involvement and commitment to the mission of the Achieve Program. We have a variety of ways to set up annual or one-time opportunities for giving. Every year, new advancements, new research, and new ways to provide services create opportunities for individuals or your corporation or business to become invested in and perpetuate the mission and ideals of the Achieve Program. If you are planning your estate, the SIU Foundation and Achieve will help you create the best way to designate, protect, and utilize the assets you give to the Program.
Over the last 30 years, Achieve, in partnership with the families and members of the program, has provided literally thousands of students with a chance to succeed at this level of education. Help open a door for a student today. Be the one who helps make a difference for the next student who can benefit from our experience. Thank you.