John and Karyn Forbes Honor Legendary Softball Coach With Scholarship Gift
10/17/2025 | 2:15:00 | General, Softball
CARBONDALE, Ill. — John and Karyn Forbes are fulfilling their Saluki destiny.
"I was a Saluki before I was a Saluki," John Forbes said. "Growing up in Carterville, we had season tickets for football and basketball. SIU was just part of our lives. In the summers, we'd bring skateboards and ride the sidewalks between Faner and Wham."
Karyn Forbes' connection to SIU goes back even further — with a unique twist.
"My grandmother, back in the 1960s, decided she wanted to go to school. She was a housewife, raised four kids, and was married to a coal miner. They had no money," Karyn said. "She needed a scholarship, and none were available. Before she walked out, she was offered an unfilled football scholarship and was able to attend SIU — even though she didn't play football."
Now, the Forbeses have endowed a scholarship in support of Saluki Softball, honoring longtime head coach Kay Brechtelsbauer. A member of the SIU Hall of Fame, Dr. Brechtelsbauer led the softball program from 1968 to 1999, compiling a record of 633-438-2.
The couple, who live in Makanda, first met Brechtelsbauer as a neighbor — not as a coach.
"Literally, the first person I met in that neighborhood was Kay," Karyn said.
John, a member of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors, said they felt compelled to make a difference.
"As alumni, I think it's our obligation to see a need and help out. Every dollar makes a difference," he said. "They're in such a competitive landscape right now. We wanted to show how much we appreciate the team and honor Coach Kay."
Both John and Karyn graduated from SIU in 1990. Their gift qualifies them for the Big Dawg Leadership Society, which recognizes donors who make leadership-level contributions to Saluki Athletics.
Their support contributes to the Salukis Unleashed initiative, which aims to raise $100 million for Saluki Athletics. The campaign will expand scholarship opportunities and improve facilities, creating a premier experience for student-athletes, coaches and fans.
Salukis Unleashed is a key component of the university's Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has raised more than $422 million toward its $500 million goal.
To make a gift, visit give.siu.edu/athletics. For information about similar gifts, contact Kat Martin at katm@foundation.siu.edu.
"I was a Saluki before I was a Saluki," John Forbes said. "Growing up in Carterville, we had season tickets for football and basketball. SIU was just part of our lives. In the summers, we'd bring skateboards and ride the sidewalks between Faner and Wham."
Karyn Forbes' connection to SIU goes back even further — with a unique twist.
"My grandmother, back in the 1960s, decided she wanted to go to school. She was a housewife, raised four kids, and was married to a coal miner. They had no money," Karyn said. "She needed a scholarship, and none were available. Before she walked out, she was offered an unfilled football scholarship and was able to attend SIU — even though she didn't play football."
Now, the Forbeses have endowed a scholarship in support of Saluki Softball, honoring longtime head coach Kay Brechtelsbauer. A member of the SIU Hall of Fame, Dr. Brechtelsbauer led the softball program from 1968 to 1999, compiling a record of 633-438-2.
The couple, who live in Makanda, first met Brechtelsbauer as a neighbor — not as a coach.
"Literally, the first person I met in that neighborhood was Kay," Karyn said.
John, a member of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors, said they felt compelled to make a difference.
"As alumni, I think it's our obligation to see a need and help out. Every dollar makes a difference," he said. "They're in such a competitive landscape right now. We wanted to show how much we appreciate the team and honor Coach Kay."
Both John and Karyn graduated from SIU in 1990. Their gift qualifies them for the Big Dawg Leadership Society, which recognizes donors who make leadership-level contributions to Saluki Athletics.
Their support contributes to the Salukis Unleashed initiative, which aims to raise $100 million for Saluki Athletics. The campaign will expand scholarship opportunities and improve facilities, creating a premier experience for student-athletes, coaches and fans.
Salukis Unleashed is a key component of the university's Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has raised more than $422 million toward its $500 million goal.
To make a gift, visit give.siu.edu/athletics. For information about similar gifts, contact Kat Martin at katm@foundation.siu.edu.
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