SIUE Alumni Association: Benefits, Events, and News
All graduates of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) automatically become members of the SIUE Alumni Association, granting them access to a variety of benefits, events, and networking opportunities. The Alumni Association strives to connect alumni with each other and with SIUE, fostering a sense of community and lifelong learning.
Alumni Benefits
The SIUE Alumni Association offers a range of benefits designed to support alumni in their personal and professional lives:
- SIUE Credit Union: Alumni are eligible for a 0.5% discount on their first car loan after graduation (on approved loans only, if combined with other discounts, limits apply, see Credit Union for details). Other discounts may be available.
- Renewal by Andersen of St. Louis: Alumni can receive 25% off from Renewal by Andersen of St. Louis.
- Drury Inn & Suites, St.: Alumni may be eligible for discounts at Drury Inn & Suites in St. Louis.
- Campus Parking: Free parking is available in designated spots in the Birger Hall parking lot.
- Career Development Center: Access to the Cougar Jobline database is available at a reduced rate for alumni.
- SIUE Alumni Learning Consortium: Alumni have exclusive, free access to a range of online learning tools, webinars, and virtual programs featuring best-selling authors and experts on a variety of topics.
- SIUE flair: Add some SIUE flair to your computer or next Zoom meeting.
Alumni Events and Activities
The SIUE Alumni Association hosts and promotes a variety of events and activities throughout the year:
Alumni Events Calendar: An online event calendar lists events sponsored by the SIUE Alumni Association and SIUE Foundation, as well as other SIUE-related opportunities.
Homecoming & Family Weekend: An annual event that brings together students, alumni, families, and the community for a weekend of celebration, including COUGARFEST, Cougars Unleashed Homecoming Run & Pancake Breakfast, and other activities. The goal of Homecoming and Family Weekend is to provide students with a unique opportunity to understand their place within SIUE’s rich history and ongoing legacy. As they participate in traditions with their own families, attend events alongside alumni from different decades and hear stories of how the University has evolved, they gain a deeper appreciation for those who came before them and a stronger sense of responsibility for those who will follow.
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One Day One SIUE: An annual fundraising festival.
Always a Cougar celebration: A biannual celebration honoring graduating students.
Annual Jazz Alumni Concert: A dynamic showcase of jazz artistry, featuring guest performances from nationally recognized musicians who got their start at SIUE.
The Alumni Association welcomes suggestions on events, activities, and opportunities to bring alumni together, whether it’s on campus or in the community.
Alumni Groups and Networks
SIUE boasts a diverse array of alumni groups and networks, uniting individuals based on common interests, backgrounds, experiences, and geographic ties. By joining an affinity group, alumni can step into a community where belonging thrives.
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Art Therapy Alumni Network: Established in 2024, this network unites students and alumni to share their experiences and strengths, amplify a collective voice to advance the field of art therapy, ensure accountability within its governing bodies, celebrate achievements, promote the SIUE Art Therapy program, and create opportunities for meaningful work for all members.
Biological Sciences Alumni Network: Formed in 2023, this group is open to all Biological Sciences alumni and friends, with the goal of engaging graduates to increase support and network.
Black Alumni Alliance (BAA): Originally developed in 2008 and revitalized in 2022, the BAA exists to celebrate the presence, purpose, and achievements of Black students, alumni, and friends. It also assists in the recruitment and retention of African American students at SIUE. Programming, events, and engagement opportunities are held throughout the year to foster relationships and reconnect. The BAA also has a Black Alumni Scholarship Fund.
Chicago Chapter: Founded in 2017, the Chicago Chapter is the largest contingent of SIUE alumni outside of the St. Louis area, with approximately 4,000 alumni residing in the Chicago area. The chapter aims to connect and engage with as many SIUE alums in the Chicagoland area as possible.
Music Department Alumni Network: Established in 2022, this network is open to all graduates and supporters of the SIUE Department of Music, working to bring recognition, fundraising, and networking opportunities to SIUE Music Alumni.
Read also: Applying for the SIUE Meridian Scholarship
SIU School of Dental Medicine Alumni Association: This association assists the School in the support and advancement of its mission for the mutual benefit of the School, the University, and its alumni.
SIUE School of Pharmacy Alumni Network: This network connects alumni to the School, fellow alumni, and the pharmacy community, delivering high-quality networking and social events, continuing education, residencies, and professional connections with the region.
Springfield Area Chapter: Established in 2021, this chapter provides opportunities to reconnect with fellow alumni, attend events in the Springfield, Illinois area, and stay updated on all things SIUE.
Young Professional Network - St. Louis: Founded in 2021, this network creates a space for recent graduates to connect, share University pride, and grow both socially and professionally.
Alumni in the News
SIUE alumni are making a difference in their communities and professions. Recent news highlights include:
Four SIUE Alumni Named to St. Louis Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” The St. Louis Business Journal has recognized four SIUE alumni among its “Top 40 Under 40” for 2025.
Cole Milam, CFP, MBA: An SIUE alumnus who has built an impressive career defined by determination, discipline, and a drive to help others succeed.
Craig Ohlau: A Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumnus and former student-athlete, who has gone on to make a lasting impact in the Edwardsville community as an educator, award-winning author, and as a highly decorated coach for the Edwardsville High School Baseball team.
Matt Graifer: An SIUE alumnus who serves as Cast Director and Chief Pota for the Savannah Bananas.
Hoyd: An SIUE alumnus and Police Sgt. who serves as the resource officer at the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School, accepted the station’s March award and $500 on a live segment that aired on Tuesday.
SIUE News and Events
SIUE Continues Partnership with 40 Days of Nonviolence Initiative in East St. Louis: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is collaborating with the 40 Days of Nonviolence initiative in East St. Louis for the second consecutive year.
SIUE Joins Gov. Pritzker to Celebrate Route 66 Centennial: Members of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville faculty joined Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker to celebrate the centennial of Route 66.
SIUE to Host Lincoln Laureates Convocation: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will host the 62nd Annual Lincoln Laureates Convocation and Investiture, where Governor JB Pritzker will confer the state’s highest civilian honor for professional achievement and public service to five distinguished Illinois residents.
SIUE Honors the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: SIUE students, faculty, staff and guests gathered for the 43rd Annual Dr. Keynote speaker Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz challenged attendees to move beyond reflection and use their voices to create change.
SIUE WE CARE Clinic and East St. Louis Alumni Chapter Host Health and Wellness Fair: Metro East residents received valuable information, participated in health screenings, enjoyed free haircuts, beauty services, clothing, lunch, and major door prizes during the Spring Forward Health and Wellness Fair, co-hosted by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing’s (SON) WE CARE Clinic in East St. The WE CARE Clinic partnered with the East St. Louis (IL) Alumni Chapter.
SIUE’s Sgt. Hoyd is Credited for Work at SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School: For being a positive influence and giving students a good view of law enforcement officials, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Police Sgt.
SIUE’s WE CARE Clinic in East St. Louis: On Jan. 13, Illinois State Rep. Kevin Schmidt, of the 114th district visited Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s WE CARE Clinic on the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus (WHYHEC) in East St. Louis to explore its holistic healthcare services, including its community outreach and training models focused on underserved populations in Madison and St.
SIU System Bestows McNeese ADEI Lifetime Achievement Award to SIUC’s Dr. Marc Morris and SIUE’s Dr. Marc E. Morris, PhD, JD, and Howard Rambsy II, PhD: Each received the prestigious Dr. Wesley G. Robinson-McNeese ADEI Lifetime Achievement Award during the SIU Board of Trustees meeting Feb.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville raised a glass to its newest graduates: On Thursday, Dec. 11, ahead of this weekend’s commencement ceremonies.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s School of Engineering unveiled its newly created Wall of Fame: On Wednesday evening, honoring Hall of Fame alumni whose achievements have shaped industries, strengthened communities and advanced the engineering profession.
Tremolos flared brilliantly at the Annual Jazz Alumni Concert performance: In Dunham Hall Theater, Feb. 4. Garrett Schmidt, conductor of the Concert Jazz Band and Jason Swagler, director of Jazz Studies co-host.
Preview SIUE Events Return: It’s time for prospective students and their guests to experience life as a Cougar this spring at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Two Preview SIUE events, slated for Saturday, Feb.
Philanthropic Support
Philanthropic support from alumni and friends plays a vital role in the success of SIUE and its students. Recent examples include:
- David and Kay Werner Endowed Scholarship: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Chancellor Emeritus and Former First Lady, philanthropists David and Kay Werner, have donated $100,000 to establish an endowed scholarship in SIUE's School of Education Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB).
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