EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - SIUE supporters Paul '83 and Kay '88 Guse have generously donated $25,000 in support of the Cougars Champions Fund. The SIUE alums and basketball season ticket holders are also encouraging others to join them in supporting SIUE Athletics, pledging an additional $25,000 to match every gift to the Cougars Champions Fund between Nov. 17 and Giving Tuesday on Dec. 2. To join Paul and Kay and double your impact on SIUE Athletics, click here.
The Cougars Champions Fund was launched in 2025-26 as the primary philanthropic fund in support of the continued growth, sustainability, and competitive excellence of Division I athletics at SIUE. The fund allows investment into the athletics department's top priorities, including student-athlete experience, scholarship, staffing, marketing and promotions, and facility enhancements.
"Paul and Kay are tremendous ambassadors and advocates for SIUE Athletics that have become incredible teammates in our vision," said Andrew Gavin, Vice Chancellor / Director of Athletics. "We're so grateful for their generosity, their friendship, and their interest in inspiring others to support the Cougars."
The Guses were especially thrilled that the Cougars Champions Fund helped to support the department's graduate assistant program at SIUE and the students that utilize their talent to promote student-athletes and create visibility for SIUE Athletics.
"There is an energy running throughout Cougars Athletics right now, and that energy is captured and shared through the efforts of some talented communicators behind cameras and keyboards," the Guses said. "We are thrilled to play a small role in supporting those efforts and keeping that energy growing."
The Cougars Champions Fund has experienced significant growth since its launch. In 2025-26, the Cougars Champions Fund includes 64 donors that have provided SIUE Athletics with more than $250,000 in annual support.
Paul and Kay are members of the Cougars Champions Fund at the highest giving level, the Legacy Club. To learn more about the Cougars Champions Fund, visit SIUECougars.com/CCF. Please note, if you would like to become a member of the Cougars Champions Fund with a gift of $1,500 or more, please click here! Gifts given to the Cougars Champions Fund via the Giving Tuesday Giving Hub DO NOT qualify for membership in the Cougars Champions Fund.
