McCormick Foundation CEO to Speak at SIU

Tim Knight, CEO and President of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, will speak at Southern Illinois University Carbondale on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. CT in Ballroom B of the SIU Student Center as part of the Morton-Kenney Lecture Series, co-sponsored by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.

Knight will discuss the McCormick Foundation’s mission to foster communities of educated, informed, and engaged citizens, as well as his own leadership journey in philanthropy, journalism, and business. He will share insights on how strategic philanthropy can strengthen civic institutions, support local communities, and advance democracy.

Before joining the McCormick Foundation in 2019, Knight held top leadership positions in media companies including the Chicago Sun-Times, Newsday Media Group, and Tribune Publishing. His experience spans corporate management, journalism, and nonprofit leadership, giving him a unique perspective on the intersection of media, philanthropy, and civic life.

A reception will precede the event from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Knight’s lecture will begin at 6:00 p.m. in Ballroom B.