September 6, 2023, 9:50 AM SIUE Master’s of Social Work graduates. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is pleased to announce the renaming of its esteemed University Honors Program to the John Martinson Honors Program in recognition of a generous $4 million gift from SIUE 1975 Master of Business Administration alumnus John Martinson. This transformative gift will expand and enhance the Honors experience at SIUE for students for years to come.
“The renaming of the Honors Program and the generous gift from Mr. Martinson exemplifies his innovative spirit and commitment to excellence in undergraduate education. This forward-thinking gift allows SIUE to grow an outstanding program into one that can be a national exemplar,” said SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD. “This transformative investment will empower future scholars to make critical contributions in current and future career fields positioning them as leaders in the global marketplace.”
A venture capitalist and software industry leader for 40 years, Martinson holds a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a master’s degree in astronautics from Purdue University. While in the Air Force, he enrolled in SIUE’s weekend off-campus MBA program at his military base, earning his degree two years later in 1975. The business analysis skills he learned at SIUE helped him evaluate and advise entrepreneurs, leading him to be the successful venture capitalist he is today.
“Honors colleges attract bright and motivated students,” said Martinson. “They will become leaders on campus, in their community and in their career. They inspire my philanthropy by their creativity, energy and potential to improve the world.”