Story originally featured on SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Calling Craig Englert a diehard fan of Saluki Women’s Basketball might be an understatement.
A familiar face at nearly every women’s basketball game, Englert recently committed to a $3 million planned gift to support the team at Southern Illinois University.
Englert attended his first game in the mid-1980s, witnessing the Salukis win their first Gateway Conference championship and watching stars like Petra Jackson dominate the court. From 1989 to 2003, he traveled with the team every fall, attending games from San Juan to Nebraska.
His passion for Saluki Athletics was sparked by his father, DuWayne Englert, who served as a zoology professor at SIU from 1963 to 1999.
“Dad went to everything,” Craig Englert said. “He convinced me to go to my first women’s basketball game over in Davies Gym, and I got hooked.”
This historic gift follows a recent $4.5 million estate commitment supporting scholarships for female student-athletes. Together, these contributions underscore the Saluki community’s dedication to advancing women’s athletics.
“Our alumni are showing how vital all sports are to the success of Saluki Athletics,” said Tim Leonard, SIU director of athletics. “A gift like this from someone like Craig Englert tells a powerful story about the value of our programs.”
Saluki From the Start
Born in Lafayette, Indiana, Englert moved to Southern Illinois as an infant when his father accepted a faculty position at SIU. He later attended the university, graduating in 1985 with bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and computer science. He was a student when the Saluki Football team won the 1983 national championship.
“I was working full time at Walmart, so I missed out on some of the student experience,” he said. “But I have no regrets. I enjoyed my time at SIU very much.”
After graduation, Englert struggled to find a job until he received an unexpected call in late 1987 with an opportunity to work for the Department of Defense.
“It was around Thanksgiving when I got a call offering me a job-without ever having done an interview,” he said. “It was in Washington, D.C. I only knew one person in that area when I moved.”
While in D.C., Englert pursued a master’s degree. One of his classmates worked for the same agency that supported a group at Scott Air Force Base in O’Fallon, Illinois.
She knew I wanted to move to that area. When they had a position open, she recommended me.” he said. “I moved back in September of 1990.”
Salukis Unleashed
Englert’s gift is part of the Salukis Unleashed initiative, which aims to generate $100 million in revenue for Saluki Athletics. The campaign will expand scholarship opportunities and enhance facilities, creating a premier experience for student-athletes, coaches, and fans.
“This gift reflects the incredible strength of the Saluki spirit,” said Saluki Women’s Basketball head coach Kelly Bond-White. “Our program is deeply grateful not only for Craig’s generous financial support, but for his unwavering passion for women’s basketball. Watching him and his brother, Kyle, cheer in the arena, standing behind our young women, is nothing short of inspiring.”
Salukis Unleashed is a key component of the university’s Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has raised more than $425 million toward its $500 million goal.
“I just want to make a difference,” Englert said. “I like helping people and making people smile. It’s my way of thanking the women’s basketball team for the years of enjoyment. I’m glad to help.”
To make a similar gift, visit give.siu.edu/athletics or contact Kat Martin at katm@foundation.siu.edu.
