Carbondale Reporter

Amber Hanson, a longtime supporter of Southern Illinois University (SIU) athletics, continues her commitment to the Salukis through both financial contributions and personal involvement. Despite having traveled to all seven continents, Hanson says attending SIU basketball and football games remains her favorite activity.

"I've had a penguin run across my feet in Antarctica," Hanson said during an interview at Common Grounds Coffee House in Carbondale. "But there's something about being at a game and knowing you helped one of those players."

Hanson's donations have earned her membership in the Big Dawg Leadership Society, which recognizes donors who give $25,000 or more over five years to Saluki Athletics.

"I'm a diehard fan. I want both basketball and football to be successful. I've never bought into the idea of 'it's how you play the game'—I want to win with a capital W," she said.

Hanson graduated from SIU with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and attributes her professional achievements to the education she received at the university.

"I believe those to whom much is given should help students who may need a financial boost," she said. "My husband was the son of a coal miner, and my parents were teachers, so we both came from humble beginnings. Now, I feel my family and I should repay our SIU debt, and we've contributed for many years."

Both Amber and her late husband Homer are familiar faces within Saluki circles. She worked as a nurse at Carbondale Community High School for three decades while he served as a pediatrician at Carbondale Clinic.

"At one point, we knew just about every young person in Carbondale," she said. "Some great Terriers went on to play for SIU, which is always special."

The Hansons played an early role in starting tailgating traditions for Saluki Football by organizing gatherings regardless of weather conditions.

"We brought our own tables and set everything up," she said. "If it rained, we moved under the bleachers at McAndrew Stadium. If the weather was too bad, we hosted at our house."

They rarely missed basketball or football games even as they traveled extensively.

"We were season ticket holders for 50 years, and I still am," she said. "I've always loved sports. It was our social life."

The Dr. Homer and Amber Hanson Men's Basketball/Football Endowment Scholarship now provides annual support to multiple student-athletes on both teams. Hanson maintains contact with scholarship recipients when possible and has included provisions in her estate plan that will expand support for future athletes.

Her ongoing contributions align with Salukis Unleashed—a fundraising initiative aiming to raise $100 million for scholarships and facility improvements within Saluki Athletics—part of Imagine SIU 2030’s broader campaign goal of $500 million; so far more than $422 million has been raised toward that target (https://imagine.siu.edu/).

For those interested in making similar gifts or learning more about athletic giving opportunities at SIU, information is available online or by contacting Kat Martin at katm@foundation.siu.edu.