Mattson to lead Alumni Affairs at SIU School of Medicine

Cassie Mattson has been named director of the Office of Alumni Affairs at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. 

Alumni Affairs and the Alumni Society provide events and outreach for former and current SIU students. The groups encourage connections with their alma mater and with each other to foster lasting relationships and advance the school’s mission. 

Mattson is a certified meeting professional with extensive experience in event development and management for associations and corporations. During her career, she developed an enthusiasm for growth- and engagement-focused programs, specifically in alumni relations. Mattson previously worked as manager of events and the Future Leaders Alliance at the Illinois Bankers Association. She succeeds Julie Robbs, who retired from SIU in December. 

“Cassie will be a champion for our graduate physicians and for the world-class education our medical students receive,” said Jerry Kruse, MD, MSPH, dean and provost of SIU School of Medicine. 

A native of New Berlin, Mattson plans to build on existing programs while exploring new avenues for networking, growth, wellness and advocacy within the Alumni Society. 

“I’m excited for the future,” she said. “There’s a great framework already in place, but I see potential for more collaborations connecting everyone: students, residents and alumni.” 

Outside of work, Mattson is an avid hiker and backpacker. In 2020, she co-founded an outdoor adventure group that hosts monthly group activities include biking, kayaking, hiking, camping, skiing and more.

Established in 1970, SIU School of Medicine is based in Springfield and Carbondale and focused on the health care needs of downstate Illinois. It educates physicians to practice in Illinois communities and has graduated nearly 3,100 physicians since the first class in 1975.