Generosity as an art form
2025 Donors of the Year: Dr. J. Roland Folse and Linda Chronister Folse
SIU School of Medicine’s Distinguished Donors of the Year are a remarkable couple whose unwavering generosity and passion have left a lasting imprint on the school and the region.
Dr. Roland Folse joined the SIU School of Medicine in 1971 to establish the Department of Surgery. From the very beginning, he helped lay the foundation for what SIU would ultimately become. Alongside his late wife, Hazen, Dr. Folse played a key role not only in the school’s growth, but in supporting our broader community.
Hazen, who bravely faced her own battle with cancer, was a founding member of the Denim & Diamonds committee.
For nearly 40 years, Dr. Folse has given generously to the School of Medicine to support cancer care, advance education and research, and enhance other key areas that have shaped the practice of medicine. His legacy of dedication continues to inspire.
Linda Chronister Folse, together with her late husband, Grady, co-founded Chronister Oil Company in 1967. Through their success, the couple became strong supporters of SIU.
For more than 25 years, they gave back. Much of their support focused on cancer research and treatment, a cause close to their hearts as Grady courageously battled the disease. Today, Linda owns and operates Qik n EZ Convenience Stores, which has proudly served as a Presenting Sponsor of Denim & Diamonds for the past three years.
In 2021, Roland and Linda were married. 
Together, they’ve become a powerful force, leading the art section of the Denim & Diamonds auction and contributing their creativity and financial resources to its continued success.
Both Roland and Linda are gifted artists. Roland works in bonsai, woodworking, pastels and ceramics. Linda is an avid photographer and collector of fine art and pottery. She shares her husband’s love of pastel painting, creating pottery and growing bonsai. They donate many of their works to Denim & Diamonds and other local causes.
Their commitment has raised altruism to an art form. The pair quietly give to community charities and multiple areas of the school of medicine, to ensure a brighter future for health care, for education and for patients in central and southern Illinois.
“We believe in the excellent quality of education at SIU and in the work of the cancer institute. They are doing research that can be life-changing. Our funding supports four internships each year and provides care for those who need it most,” Roland said.
For all their efforts, it’s the couple who feel enriched.
“Giving is my secret to happiness,” Linda said. “We hope that our community of friends, neighbors and colleagues near and far will join us. You’ll be so glad you did!”
