SIU Day Of Giving

Founded in 1997 by Paul Simon, a former two-term U.S. Senator from Illinois and one-time candidate for the Democratic Party nomination for President of the United States, the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute works directly with elected officials and others to implement change in public policy. The Institute acts on significant and controversial issues impacting the region, the state, the nation, and the world.  In keeping with Paul Simon’s belief that this institute should be a “do tank” , it is committed to developing and working to implement approaches that could bring concrete, positive results in tackling some of the most difficult challenges in the public policy arena. Paul Simon established this as a nonpartisan institute to maintain this fundamental difference from virtually all other organizations of its kind.

Thank you for investing in the institute and in helping us ensure that we continue to be a leader in the public policy arena.  We are grateful for your generosity.  Below is a list of our funding priorities.

Paul Simon Public Policy Institute Endowment: This fund supports all activities of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.

David Yepsen Director's Award Endowment: This fund provides an annual scholarship that will be given to a SIU student who is in good standing for recognition of her/his assistance with institute programs, or contributions to the institute's activities.  This could include student workers, members of an institute-affiliated registered student organization, any institute internship, fellowship, externship and also a student contributing to an institute project/program. 

Alexander Lane Internship Endowment: This fund supports a paid internship opportunity for a minority SIU student to work for a member of the Illinois General Assembly in Springfield, Ill. during the spring legislative session.

Barbara Brown Memorial Scholarship Endowment:  This fund annually awards a scholarship to an SIU student who is in good standing. The student should articulate or demonstrate an interest in using her/his education in furtherance of public service. Preference will be given to a student with a high school diploma from an accredited school in a Southern Illinois county.  Preference also to be given to a female student demonstrating financial need.  

Latino Legislative Heritage Internship Fund: This fund provides funding for a paid student internship for a minority SIU student of Latino heritage to work for a member of the Illinois General Assembly in Springfield Ill. during the legislative session.