Doug and Diane Villhard are longtime members of the GlenEd community, dedicated to supporting educational, entrepreneurial, athletic, and faith-filled endeavors throughout the region. Together, they are co-founders of Father McGivney Catholic High School in Glen Carbon and have built deep roots through both their professional work and their commitment to community impact.
Diane is an accomplished publisher and marketing consultant. Doug is a successful entrepreneur and investor, having retired as a founder of SportsHuddle (now MaxPreps) and Second Street (now owned by Upland Software), and currently serves as Academic Director and Entrepreneurship Professor at Washington University in St. Louis.
As proud supporters of the Cougars Champions Fund (CCF), the Villhards have connected with SIUE through a shared passion for developing future leaders and providing opportunities for student-athletes to succeed. Their involvement reflects a deep belief in giving back and investing in the next generation, while strengthening their connection to the SIUE community.
Hear from Doug & Diane:
Q: What inspired you to support the Cougars Champions Fund?
It all started when Mike and Karen Menendez invited us to a basketball game. The game-day energy was absolutely infectious. We walked out of the arena that night knowing we didn't just want to be fans, we wanted to invest in this program.
Q: Was there a specific moment or experience that motivated your giving?
Oh, absolutely. Getting access to the Cougar Pavilion before games is a game-changer. Hearing an assistant coach break down the pre-game strategy gives you that ultimate inside look. It makes you feel like you're part of the scouting report.
Q: What does it mean to you to know your support directly impacts SIUE student-athletes?
It means everything. These student-athletes give 110 percent on the court and on the field, yet they always find time to high-five the kids and chat with the fans. Knowing our support helps give them the elite resources they earn every single day is incredibly rewarding.
Q: In your opinion, how does the Cougars Champions Fund make a difference?
It is the ultimate fuel for our program. It gives our teams the resources they need to go out and dominate while building a massive, connected community around the university. Plus, let's be honest, living in a booming university town is just plain fun.
Q: What excites you most about the future of SIUE Athletics?
The sheer momentum. The crowds are getting louder, the wins are stacking up, and the atmosphere is electric. The whispers of one day potentially moving up a conference down the road? Thrilling. We love packing the stands and dragging our friends and family along for the ride.
Q: What is one SIUE moment you will never forget?
Watching freshman Iwo Baganc throw down three consecutive fast break dunks. The roof absolutely blew off the First Community Arena. Pure madness, especially in (our beloved) Section 104 – the heartblood of the stadium!
Q: Who is your all-time favorite Cougar athlete, coach, or administrator?
Daniel Gierer. You have to love a homegrown story. Watching a local kid from Father McGivney Catholic High School walk on to the baseball team, earn the starting center field spot, and just tear it up has been spectacular. That is what Cougar grit is all about.
Q: What would you say to someone considering supporting the Cougar Champions Fund?
Do it. The perks are fantastic, but the real prize is the people. You become part of a tight-knit family of fans, coaches, and staff who love this university town.
Q: One word to describe SIUE Athletics?
Community.
Join Doug & Diane and many others in helping shape the future of SIUE Athletics by making a gift to the Cougars Champions Fund today. No matter the amount, your support creates an immediate and lasting impact on our student-athletes and programs.
Do you have any questions or want to learn more? Contact Jaren Alnutt for more info! jalnutt@siue.edu
