Carbondale Reporter

Craig Englert, a longtime supporter of Southern Illinois University’s women’s basketball program, has pledged a $3 million planned gift to support the team. Englert, who has attended Saluki games since the mid-1980s and traveled with the team for over a decade, is recognized as one of the program’s most dedicated fans.

Englert’s connection to SIU began early in his life after his father, DuWayne Englert, joined the university as a zoology professor. “Dad went to everything,” Craig Englert said. “He convinced me to go to my first women's basketball game over in Davies Gym, and I got hooked.”

This commitment follows another recent major gift: a $4.5 million estate pledge that will provide scholarships for female student-athletes at SIU. Both contributions highlight ongoing efforts within the Saluki community to promote women’s athletics.

“Our alumni are showing how vital all sports are to the success of Saluki Athletics,” said Tim Leonard, SIU director of athletics. “These gifts tell a powerful story about the value of our programs.”

Englert graduated from SIU in 1985 with degrees in mathematics and computer science. He recalled working full time during his studies but expressed appreciation for his time at the university: “I was working full time at Walmart, so I missed out on some of the student experience,” he said. “But I have no regrets. I enjoyed my time at SIU very much.”

After graduation, Englert accepted a job with the Department of Defense in Washington, D.C., before eventually returning to Illinois in 1990 through connections made during graduate school.

The new gift is part of Salukis Unleashed, an initiative aimed at raising $100 million for Saluki Athletics by expanding scholarships and improving facilities for athletes and fans alike. The campaign is a component of Imagine SIU 2030, which has raised more than $425 million toward its $500 million goal.

“This gift reflects the incredible strength of the Saluki spirit,” said Saluki Women's Basketball head coach Kelly Bond-White. “Our program is deeply grateful not only for Craig's generous financial support, but for his unwavering passion for women's basketball. Watching him and his brother, Kyle, cheer in the arena, standing behind our young women, is nothing short of inspiring.”

Englert explained his motivation simply: “I just want to make a difference,” he said. “I like helping people and making people smile. It's my way of thanking the women's basketball team for the years of enjoyment. I'm glad to help.”

For information on supporting Saluki Athletics or making similar contributions, individuals can visit give.siu.edu/athletics or contact Kat Martin at katm@foundation.siu.edu.