SIUE Athletics has announced the formation of the Cougars Impact Network, an integrated and aligned revenue generation and engagement approach focused on fostering continued growth and impact in conjunction with SIUE's donors and stakeholders. 

"Over the past three years, our community-first and in-house approach to revenue generation and community engagement has fostered significant growth in relationships, engagement and resources," said Andrew Gavin, Vice Chancellor / Director of Athletics. "While we are proud of our progress, enhancement is both possible and critical to navigate the modern era of college athletics. The Cougars Impact Network aligns our strategies and our stakeholders under one vision focused on generating the resources to propel the Metro East's Division I."    

The Cougars Impact Network officially aligns three primary areas of support and engagement:  

1. Impact Fans: Our fans are at the core of our momentum. We have experienced growth in engagement and participation of the community through interest and attendance at sporting events. Impact Fans include season ticket holders, gameday attendance, group experiences, merchandise, and more ways that any fan can impact SIUE Athletics.  
2. Impact Donors: Our donors generously connect their passion for SIUE Athletics and their philanthropic giving with our fundraising initiatives and priorities. Impact Donors include those that are or will support the Cougars Champions Fund, sport-specific donations, and special fundraising events such as the Cougars Champions Classic and the Red & Black Benefit. 
3. Impact Partners: Impact Partners include corporate sponsors and community organizations building mutually-beneficial partnerships with SIUE Athletics. Relationships built with Impact Partners will generate significant revenue to support Division I athletics in the Metro East while providing business partners and community organizations with meaningful engagement and return on investment. Interested in becoming an official partner? 

Each of the three areas of the Cougars Impact Network have experienced significant progress in the past three years. Since 2022-23, the overall numbers and revenues in these areas have increased by more than 100 percent. Specific areas of growth and momentum include: 

• Impact Fans:
  • Total season ticket holder seats have increased from 192 to 501 (161%)
  • Total attendance has nearly doubled to 47,618 during 2025-26
• Impact Donors: 
  • Philanthropic giving to the Cougars Champions Fund has increased by 4,737%
• Impact Sponsors:
  • The number of corporate partners has grown by 500% 
  • Total revenue has more than doubled 

"This is about building something bigger than any one program or initiative," commented Jake Sutter, Associate Director of Athletics for Revenue Generation. "The Cougars Impact Network gives our fans, donors, and partners a clear and powerful way to invest in the future of SIUE Athletics and the success of our student-athletes." 

If you would like to connect about how you can engage with the Cougars Impact Network, please contact Associate AD/Revenue Generation Jake Sutter at jaksutt@siue.edu.  You can also connect with Assistant Director of Athletics for Championship Resources Jaren Alnutt (jalnutt@siue.edu) and Assistant Director of Revenue Generation Logan Green (logreen@siue.edu) for all Cougars Impact Network inquiries.