Officials from SIU Carbondale says that donors contributed over $25.2-million last year, in order to support the university’s students and programs. That $25.2-million was a 25-percent increase over the previous year at SIU Carbondale. These gifts support scholarships for students, equipment for laboratories, library resources, position for outstanding faculty and staff, and much more, according to SIU Chancellor Carlo Montemango. Jim Salmo, who is one of the members of the SIU Foundation, says that more than $15-million in total has come in this year from cash and other gifts, which give an immediate impact to the university. Salmo also says that the balance includes pledges for the future. For example, many donors make a commitment to include SIU during their estate plans. SIU is in the middle of their 3-year, $75-million fundraising initiative, called “Forever SIU: The Campaign for Students.” There has been over $60-million raised during this campaign.