Support Philosophy
The Philosophy Department has several funds with the SIUE Foundation which provide additional resources that enable the department to fulfill its mission and values. These funds are used to support our students through awards and scholarships, host visiting speakers, and organize other department events that foster philosophical discussion and community. As our state funding becomes increasingly limited, we rely on these funds to keep the life of the department vibrant, and to support our students financially.
To make a donation, either download the donor form or give online.
About Endowments and Spendable Accounts
Some of these funds are endowed. Some carry only a spendable account. Funds held in a spendable account earn no interest but can be readily used. Funds held in an endowment are invested. Earnings gained from the investments are distributed to a spendable account once per year. If you are giving to a fund that has an endowment, you should consider whether you wish to donate to the endowment or to the spendable account. Funds donated to a spendable account may be used immediately; funds donated to an endowment contribute to the long-term sustainability of the fund.
Philosophy Development Fund (3525)
The Philosophy Development Fund is a non-endowed fund that may be used for a variety of expenses that contribute to the mission and values of the department. The fund supports visiting speakers with diverse perspectives and philosophical approaches, student events that engage our undergraduates in philosophical activities, and other departmental events that foster community and inclusiveness. Among the most important of these events is the annual Undergraduate Philosophy Conference, which is now in its 9th year, and has garnered a national reputation. This development fund not only supports the basic expenses of the conference, but it also enables us to provide accommodations for students with disabilities or other needs. The Philosophy Development Fund is a spendable account only; any donations may be used immediately. If you wish to make a donation, please use account number 3525.
Marti Endowment (8230)
Endowed in 1977, this fund has supported the Annual Fritz Marti Lecture for 37 years. Each year the department invites a renowned speaker who delivers a public lecture and who also meets with faculty and students to discuss his or her work. This is an endowed fund. At its current level, the endowment does not support the entire cost of the Fritz Marti lecture series, but funds from other sources have allowed the department to invite a renowned speaker almost every year since 1976. If you wish to make a donation for the Fritz Marti Lecture, please use account number 8230 and specify whether you wish to donate to the endowment or the spendable account.
For more information on Fritz Marti and the lecture series
Dr. Carol A. Keene Scholarship in Philosophy (8157)
In 2014, Dr. Carol A. Keene, Professor Emerita of Philosophy, established this endowed scholarship to provide substantial financial support for exemplary Philosophy majors in their junior and senior years. If you wish to make a donation, please use account number 8157 and specify whether you wish to donate to the endowment or the spendable account.
John Mareing Philosophy Scholarship Endowment (8159)
In 2014, John Mareing, alumnus (1970) of the Philosophy Department, established this scholarship to provide substantial financial support to Philosophy majors and minors, and to foster philosophical discussion and mentorship. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of an essay competition that addresses the relevance and role of philosophy. If you wish to make a donation, please use account number 8159. At this time, this fund is non-endowed.
Robert A. Gray Memorial Award Endowment (8033)
This award was established in 1989 to honor the memory of Robert Gray, a Master’s student in Philosophy who was tragically killed in an automobile accident the previous year. It recognizes exemplary performance in the program, including leadership, in commemoration of the outstanding qualities of Robert Gray. This is an endowed fund. Given the increases in tuition since its inception, the endowment currently generates enough funds for a modest contribution toward educational expenses. The Philosophy Department is currently engaged in building the endowment to the point that it can sustain a monetary award more in keeping with the prestige of the award. If you wish to make a donation, please use account number 8033 and specify whether you wish to donate to the endowment or to the spendable account.
Past Robert Gray Awardees [pdf]
Ben Ober Endowment (8058)
This award was established in 1970 by Benjamin T. Ober. Ben Ober was a bank president and prominent citizen of Centralia, IL. He and his wife Gladys were heavily involved in supporting the arts and education in southern Illinois. The Ober award is given each year to a student nominated by a Philosophy faculty member for outstanding academic performance in a class. It is not restricted to Philosophy majors and minors. This is an endowed fund and provides modest financial assistance to students. If you wish to make a donation, please use account number 8058 and specify whether you wish to donate to the endowment or to the spendable account.
