News

SIUE Athletics hosted the 2025 Red & Black Benefit presented by Simmons Hanly Conroy at the Hilton at the Ballpark in St. Louis Saturday, March 29. The Red & Black Benefit is SIUE Athletics' largest annual fundraiser, and this year's successful celebration generated meaningful dollars in support of the 270+ Division I Cougar student-athletes. 

The night featured some exciting and meaningful moments, including a VIP pre-party which had music performed by Spencer McDole Music, special in event entertainment provided by mentalist Sean Bott, and a VIP post party celebration with music performed by Mike Sonderegger made possible by the Opel Bash Group.   

"The room at Ballpark Hilton was filled with celebration, appreciation, and optimism about the future of SIUE Athletics," said Andrew Gavin, Director of Athletics. "We are so grateful to the incredible alumni, donors, and sponsors that joined us and generously gifted us with their time, their resources, and their excitement about the Cougars!"   

Proceeds from the event benefit the Cougars Champions Fund, which was created this year to engage and grow our donor base, enhance our financial strength, and support our student-athletes in and out of competition. Gavin spoke about three main initiatives that the CCF will support – Competitive Excellence, Student-Athlete Success, and an Ambitious Future. 

Gavin introduced these themes with his remarks before the crowd enjoyed a video highlighting these initiatives.

If you were unable to join us for the Red & Black but have interest in supporting the Cougars Champions Fund and our student-athletes, please visit Cougars Champions Fund - Make an Impact Now or contact Director of Athletics Andrew Gavin at siuead@siue.edu.   

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS, STEERING COMMITTEE AND OUR GUESTS 

Without the support of many, this event would not have been possible! 

THANK YOU...to the 300 guests who attended this year's event, generously donating their time, resources and excitement to SIUE Athletics. 

THANK YOU...to our 2025 steering committee who dedicated their time, energy, and collaboration to help elevate our event: 

• Nichole Alexander
• Jeff Bash 
• Julie Fleck 
• Ashley Gavin 
• Jennifer Hertel 
• Jonathan Lee 
• Bryce Lickfield 
• Eileen Martindale 
• Jack McDole 
• Chad Opel 
• Tara Riggs 

THANK YOU...to the numerous sponsors who invested in this event: 

• Title Sponsor: Simmons Hanly Conroy 
• Premier Sponsors: J.F. Electric, BJC HealthCare/Alton Memorial, Ameren Illinois, Nevco 
• VIP Sponsors: World Wide Technology, Tindall Construction, Front Office Wealth Strategies, Opel Bash Group, REMAX Alliance/Megan Claussen, Gori Law, First-Mid Bank & Trust, Prairie Farms, Fireside Financial/RBM, Raising Cane's 
• Supporting Sponsors: Simplified Spaces by Nichole, Tara Riggs & Julie Fleck Re/Max, Edwardsville Bank, Holmes Insurance Agency, Matt & Sarah Cundiff, New American Funding, Paul & Kay Guse 

THANK YOU...to the companies and individuals who donated in support of the events silent and live auctions. Over 90 auction items were sold this year!

THANK YOU...to the SIUE Athletics staff and the Ballpark Hilton for their dedication and hard work to plan and execute this event! Thank you especially to Assistant AD/Administration and Special Events Laura Smith-Keck for her leadership and hard work to make the night a success.  

THANK YOU... to Raising Paddles and our auctioneer Erin for all they did to partner with us!