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A student works on training a dog.

Marsden Fisher, SIU Carbondale’s 2025 Student Lincoln Laureate and an aspiring veterinarian, rewards her dog, Echo, a German shepherd mix, to train her on proprioception, or the body’s ability to sense its own position and movements in space. This technique teaches the dog to engage the hind legs separately, which improves core strength and balance. Erin Perry¸ an SIU animal science professor and Fisher’s mentor, looks on. (Photos by Russell Bailey)

SIU’s 2025 Lincoln Laureate seeks to help people by helping animals

If you try to keep pace with Marsden Fisher, bring good boots and an even better planner. In the past year alone, the Southern Illinois University Carbondale senior has co-captained an Army ROTC Ranger Challenge team, revived a sustainability organization that now stewards a campus butterfly garden, and maintained a 4.0 GPA in a demanding zoology major with a pre-veterinary specialization. Add to that her contributions to SIU’s canine sciences research program.

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One of many floats in the SIU Homecoming parade.

Winners all around at SIU’s 2025 Homecoming

Huge crowds turned out for Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s “Saluki Spooktacular” Homecoming 2025 drawn by nostalgia, lovely weather, a fun Halloween vibe and great activities galore, including a big block party, a Mariah the Scientist concert, a huge Carbondale Halloween Homecoming Music Street Festival and much more.

Students attending a First Generation Celebration.

Join SIU for its 2025 First Generation College Celebration

A special celebration Nov. 5-13 will recognize a significant segment of the Southern Illinois University Carbondale student population – first generation Salukis. About two of every five SIU students are first generation, meaning they are the first in their immediate family to earn a bachelor’s degree, and they will be honored with a variety of special activities.

Brian Croft, surrounded by boxes.

Sustainability, Touch of Nature unification at SIU enhances commitment and mission

Bringing Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s sustainability efforts under the umbrella of Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center perfectly meshes with the school’s mission of education and outreach, officials said. As the integration moves forward, officials are seeking campus and public input on what the future of sustainability at SIU should look like.

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