The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same
When SIUE first opened its doors as an established, main campus in 1965, movie tickets were only $1 and a gallon of gas cost just $0.31. While times have certainly changed over the last 50 years, the need for donor support remains.
A university which began as one classroom building, a library and a few vending machines, the still-youthful SIUE now boasts eight classroom buildings, five on-campus housing facilities, two buildings of various student support services, a university center, a recreational center and Division I athletic facilities. In just half a century, SIUE has become an educational leader for the St. Louis region.
Among the first students to enroll at SIUE’s new campus was Ric Stevenson. He received a bachelor’s in political science in 1970, a master’s in counselor education in 1974 and a specialist degree in counselor education in 1977. Ric is a pioneer of the Edwardsville campus' roots, as he and five friends camped overnight outside of the registrar’s office in 1965 to ensure that they were the first students enrolled at the “new SIUE.”
“My friends and I wanted to come to SIUE because it was a brand new campus, and we were thrilled to start a new culture and new traditions on which others could build,” he shared. “The University quickly became our home.”
Fast forward more than 50 years. SIUE broke its previous enrollment record and welcomed a student body of 14,265 in 2015. It is evident that students continue to carry the same passion for tradition and education as Ric and his friends harnessed so many years ago.
These characteristics radiate from St. Louis native Michelle Krichevsky, a freshman studying pre-pharmacy. Similar to Ric, Michelle was the first student to register for classes at SIUE in 2015. “When I came to the open house at SIUE, a School of Pharmacy staff member told me, ‘If you invest in us, we will invest in you,’” she said. “I felt much more secure going to a school that genuinely cared about my education.
“SIUE has such a sense of community, and everyone is so welcoming and supportive of one another. It just makes you happy and proud to be a Cougar.”
Though a generational gap is present, Ric and Michelle share a common belief: external support is critical to student success in higher education. “I believe private donations would be able to enhance the technology and buildings, which would provide the most updated and ‘best-of-the-best’ education to students,” Michelle said.
“I support SIUE because it has always been my family,” Ric said. “I grew and developed here as a student and have been able to come back and enjoy many events as an alum, so I would like to continue that support.”
Through alumni and donor gifts, SIUE supports the University’s legacy of education and excellence by providing donor-driven student scholarships, attracting and retaining renowned faculty members, engaging students in industry-leading research opportunities, and providing global perspective through study abroad opportunities.
The SIUE annual giving program is the most direct way alumni, friends and family can support every aspect of campus life, from student scholarships and classroom success to Cougar athletic victories. Gifts of all sizes truly change the lives of SIUE students, professors, and researchers. They have a direct effect on the life and people of SIUE – this week, this month, this year.
“SIUE would not be where it is today without the generosity of its alumni and friends,” said Julie Babington, director of the SIUE Office of Annual Giving. “As state appropriations continue to decline, we need your support now more than ever! No gift is too small. Make your gift today!”
Visit siue.edu/give for more information.
