Save the Date

Presented by The Honorable Glenn and Mrs. Jo Poshard, ULLICO, Inc. and Laborers’ Local 773, the inaugural Saluki Ball will raise funds that bridge the financial gap for current and future Salukis.

Marriott Marquis Chicago
Saturday, April 22, 2023

The Saluki Ball is an event worthy of the majesty of the saluki. It’s an opportunity for SIU’s most dedicated alumni and friends to come together, celebrate the past, and help pave the way for a bright future.

Hosted by Chancellor Austin Lane and Mrs. Loren Lane, the inaugural Saluki Ball will feature world-class entertainment as we toast to the Saluki spirit that binds us all. This event will be the first such gala in recent SIU history. The Saluki Ball is black tie optional.

This year’s Saluki Ball will be Saturday, April 22, at the Marriott Marquis Chicago.

The funds raised through the Saluki Ball will be used to bridge the gap for current and future Salukis. With your support and engagement, this event will become one of the most impactful days on the university calendar.

There is momentum around SIU, its students, faculty, and alumni. You can feel it by spending time on campus or a Salukis game, but the Saluki Ball is how our most prominent alumni and friends can showcase that momentum. 

Sponsorships are available at multiple levels, and they are tax-deductible. Each sponsorship level includes certain benefits, recognition, and marketing opportunities.

With a block of hotel rooms dedicated to Salukis, there will be maroon at every turn. Bringing together SIU’s most enthusiastic supporters, the event will foster existing connections and forge new ones.


Sponsor a Table or Purchase a Ticket Here

A block of hotel rooms is available for April 21-23 at Marriott Marquis Chicago for $269 plus tax per night. The rates will be available until March 31, 2023. To book a room, please contact Darla Peterman at darlape@foundation.siu.edu or call 618/453-4900.

A block of hotel rooms is available for April 20-23 at Residence Inn Chicago Downtown/Loop for $216 plus tax per night. The rates will be available until March 23, 2023. Book your room online.

Rooms are limited, so book as soon as you secure your Saluki Ball sponsorship or ticket.


Book Your Room Online at the Residence Inn

Featuring R&B legend Brian McKnight

Chancellor Austin Lane and Mrs. Loren Lane are excited to announce the entertainer for the Saluki Ball will be R&B legend Brian McKnight. 

McKnight has released 19 albums to date over the past 25 years, selling over 30 million albums worldwide. With 16 Grammy Award nominations and numerous chart-topping songs, McKnight has an established musical legacy. 

In 1992, McKnight released his self-titled first album, which landed on the Billboard 200 chart. His video for “Anytime” was nominated for Best Male Video at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards. McKnight has been the recipient of Soul Train Awards, American Music Awards, and Billboard Songwriter of The Year. His most notable album, Back At One, sold over three million copies.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Becoming a Saluki Ball sponsor shows a level of commitment to SIU that will resonate well beyond our campus. By attaching your name or your company’s name to this inaugural event, you ensure that it is synonymous with the university’s achievements and those of our students and faculty.

Each sponsorship package is loaded with name recognition and valuable marketing opportunities. Making a transformative investment elevates both the stature of the event and the impact that it will have on our students. As we increase scholarships, we bridge the gap for students from Southern Illinois and far beyond.

To succeed in our mission, we rely on the support of our most passionate alumni and friends. The Saluki Ball will quickly become the cornerstone event for raising scholarship funds and celebrating the Saluki spirit.

$100,000 PRESENTING SPONSOR

  • Exclusive reserved seating for 20 guests (of two tables) in premium locations at the Saluki Ball
  • VIP reception for 20 guests
  • Company logo/individual(s) name placement/recognition in all printed and online materials
  • Inside front cover advertisement in the Saluki Ball program booklet
  • Presence on SIU’s national digital billboards
  • Advertising spots on WSIU
  • Full-page feature article and ad in the Alumni Magazine
  • Full-page feature article in the Forever SIU Campaign Newsletter
  • Feature in monthly digital Alumni Newsletter and SIU Foundation blog
  • Articles featured and targeted on the university’s social media platforms
  • Printed and digital signage at Saluki Ball
  • Promotion at all home Saluki Basketball games
  • Exclusive acknowledgment during dinner program, including company/profile
  • Featured on mobile digital billboard at the Saluki Ball
  • Valet parking for all table guests
  • ($97,000 may be considered tax-deductible)

$50,000 FOUNDATION SPONSOR

  • Priority reserved seating for 10 guests in premium location at the Saluki Ball
  • VIP reception for 10 guests
  • Company logo/individual(s) name placement/recognition in all printed and online materials
  • Inside back cover advertisement in the Saluki Ball program booklet
  • Presence on SIU’s national digital billboards
  • Advertising spots on WSIU
  • Half-page ad in Alumni Magazine
  • Feature in monthly digital Alumni Newsletter and SIU Foundation blog
  • Article featured in the university’s social media platforms
  • Printed and digital signage at Saluki Ball
  • Exclusive acknowledgment during dinner program
  • Valet parking for all table guests
  • ($48,350 may be considered tax-deductible)

$25,000 SALUKI PLATINUM

  • Priority reserved seating for 10 guests at the Saluki Ball
  • VIP reception for 10 guests
  • Company logo/individual(s) name placement/recognition in all printed and online materials
  • Advertising spots on WSIU
  • Feature in monthly digital Alumni Newsletter and SIU Foundation blog
  • Article featured on the university’s social media platforms
  • Full-page advertisement in the Saluki Ball program booklet
  • Printed and digital signage at Saluki Ball
  • Exclusive acknowledgment during dinner program
  • Valet parking for all table guests
  • ($23,350 may be considered tax-deductible)

$10,000 SALUKI GOLD

  • Reserved seating for 10 guests at the Saluki Ball
  • Recognition in all printed and online materials
  • Half-page advertisement in the Saluki Ball program booklet
  • Digital signage at Saluki Ball
  • ($8,850 may be considered tax-deductible)

$5,000 SALUKI SILVER

  • Reserved seating for 10 guests at the Saluki Ball
  • Recognition in all printed and online materials
  • Half-page advertisement in the Saluki Ball program booklet
  • ($3,850 may be considered tax-deductible)

$3,000 SALUKI MAROON

  • Reserved seating for 10 guests of the Saluki Ball
  • Recognition in all printed and online materials
  • Quarter-page advertisement in the Saluki Ball program booklet
  • ($1,850 may be considered tax-deductible)

$300 SALUKI SINGLE

  •  Single ticket to the Saluki Ball ($185 PER TICKET may be considered tax-deductible)