Deborah Pitts is the newest Cougar Champions Fund featured donor. Hear from Deborah:

Tell us a little about yourself and why you support SIUE Athletics

I have been a lifelong basketball fan. At 73 years old, I still follow the game closely. I came to SIUE in 1971 and attended games when the team played at Edwardsville High School, before the university had its own gym. I love basketball, I love SIUE, and I love supporting both. As an alumna, SIUE has been very good to me, and supporting SIUE Athletics is one way I can give back. Having the opportunity to watch quality basketball right here in my hometown is something I truly enjoy. I encourage anyone in Edwardsville and the surrounding Metro East community to get involved with SIUE Athletics and support the Cougar Champions Fund. 

How does it feel knowing your support directly impacts student athletes? 

It is a great feeling to give back. I came to SIUE from Chicago and earned my bachelor's degree, master's degree, and educational leadership credentials here. SIUE played an important role in my life, so I feel a responsibility to help the next generation. There were people who helped me along the way, and now it is my turn to do the same. Supporting student athletes allows me to give back in a meaningful way. 

How do gifts through the Cougar Champions Fund impact student athletes? 

The impact is significant. One thing that stood out to me is the nutrition area available to student athletes. Not every student comes from the same financial background, and having access to those resources shows SIUE's commitment to supporting students beyond the classroom and competition. I appreciate that SIUE goes above and beyond to make sure student athletes have what they need to succeed. 

What excites you most about the future of SIUE? 

The growth. I have been around SIUE for more than 50 years and have watched the university evolve tremendously. What excites me most is seeing stronger connections between the university and the Edwardsville community. For years, it felt like SIUE and Edwardsville existed separately. Today, I am seeing real efforts to bring people together. The outreach, communication, and personal connections are stronger than ever, and that is something I have wanted to see for a long time. 

What is an SIUE Athletics moment you will never forget? 

Watching the men's basketball team make its championship run. Seeing the program grow from its early days to becoming a Division I program competing at that level was incredibly special. For a time, it felt like the entire community was united behind SIUE Basketball. That sense of pride and connection is something I will always remember. 

Who is your favorite all time SIUE athlete? 

A lot of people would say Ray'Sean Taylor, and he is certainly one of my favorites. But I also really enjoyed watching Arnie (Sakenis). I met him during his freshman year and followed his development throughout his career. One of the best parts of being a season ticket holder is watching student athletes grow, not just as players, but as young men and women. Seeing that development over time is incredibly rewarding. 

What would you say to someone considering supporting the Cougar Champions Fund? 

I would encourage them to get involved. SIUE is right here in our community, and supporting student athletes is a meaningful way to give back. What I appreciate most is that every contribution matters, and the staff works with donors at every level. Whether it is a large gift or a smaller recurring contribution, there is an opportunity for everyone to make an impact. For me, it is all about helping students. If we can help young people succeed, that is worth supporting. 

How does giving through the Cougar Champions Fund align with your personal values? 

I know I am helping a student. Student athletes come to SIUE from all over the country and even the world. If I can contribute in a way that helps them grow and succeed, then I know I am making a positive difference. I have always believed that if I can help someone along the way, then my life has purpose. Supporting SIUE Athletics allows me to do exactly that. 

One word to describe SIUE? 

Extravagant. Because SIUE has continued to build on its foundation and become something truly special, a place where people can come together, enjoy great athletics, build relationships, and create a strong sense of community. The opportunities are right here in our backyard. So I always come back to the same question. 

Why not support SIUE? 

Join Deb 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