MT. VERNON – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Foundation welcomed Damon Harbison, 2004 Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduate, president of SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia and SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, to its board of directors along with four others.

“I am honored to serve on the board. As active alumni my wife, Michelle (‘03 BSW and ‘04 MSW), and I have been highly engaged in several SIUE committees and events over the last few years,” states Harbison. “We look forward to continuing that path and contributing in multiple ways to the Foundation. I am joining a stellar board that is populated with high performers that want the best for SIUE.”

The SIUE Foundation works to support, create, and enhance educational and other opportunities throughout SIUE, and continues to set a new University standard for alumni engagement, community partnership, and giving. The Foundation recently announced great success in raising over $11.1 million, the most ever raised by private philanthropy in the University’s history.

“Our new board members and leadership will help us continue to strive to be a premier foundation serving the entire SIUE community,” said Seth Walker, vice chancellor for University Advancement and CEO of the SIUE Foundation. “Under the leadership of Chancellor Minor, the entire university sees that philanthropy can greatly support our dynamic programs, world class faculty, and provide more resources to students,” added Walker. “We appreciate the alumni and donors who have made major commitments this year and look forward to working with even more donors next year to fulfill their philanthropic intentions.”

Learn more about the SIUE Foundation at siue.edu/give/.