September 21, 2005

Saluki Family Weekend kicks off on Friday

by Tom Woolf

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale's annual Saluki Family Weekend offers students and their families plenty of opportunities for fun, great food and camaraderie.

Among the highlights of the always-popular weekend, which kicks off on Friday, Sept. 23, is the Saluki Variety Show. Set for Saturday evening at 7:30 at Shryock Auditorium, this program will offer an uproarious look at collegiate life through the eyes of students and faculty from music, theater and dance.

For detailed information, call the University Programming Office at 618/453-2721 or visit the Saluki Family Weekend Web site at www.siucstudentcenter.org/sfw.

Supporting traditions that foster a lifelong attachment to SIUC is among the goals of Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment, the blueprint for the development of the University by the time it celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2019.

Here's a look at the schedule:

Friday, Sept. 23:

• Student Recreation Center, 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m. – Family members of students can use the facilities for free. Visit the information desk on the upper floor for details. Current SIUC students with a valid student ID must accompany parents.

• Bowling and billiards, Student Center 9 a.m.-12:30 a.m. – Students and families pay half-price for bowling with a valid student ID.

• Family Weekend Craft Sale, Student Center, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. – Regional vendors offer handmade candles, ceramics and other crafts.

• Boat docks on campus lake, noon-6 p.m. – Free boat rentals; students with a valid ID must accompany parents.

• Noche de Gala Salsa Night, Student Center, 8-11 p.m. – A hot evening of music and dancing featuring the Original Salsa Orchestra. Free admission.

Saturday, Sept. 24:

• Student Recreation Center, 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m. – Family members of students can use the facilities for free. Visit the information desk on the upper floor for details. Current SIUC students with a valid student ID must accompany parents.

• Registration tent and welcome activities, east of the Student Center, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. – Families can register to win door prizes. Free refreshments.

• Saluki Family Association Breakfast, Student Center Ballroom B, 9 a.m. – Association members and those interested in the association are welcome to enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet and welcome program hosted by the Saluki Family Association. Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $8.50 for children 10 and under. Tickets purchased the day of the event are $11.50 for adults and $9.50 for children.

• Bowling and billiards, Student Center, 10 a.m.-12:30 a.m. – Students and families pay half-price for bowling with a valid student ID.

• Campus tours, registration tent, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. – Enjoy 45-minute guided tours of the campus; 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.

• Family Weekend Craft Sale, Student Center, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Parents' Choice Art Show, Student Center, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. – Students and families vote for the winner among works submitted by undergraduates. Vote in Art Alley; announcement of winners is set for 6 p.m. in Art Alley.

• Family Fun Festival, Student Center International Lounge, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. – The Saluki Family Association and the Student Programming Council sponsor this fifth annual festival. Families can get their picture taken with Saluki mascots "Brown Dawg" and "Gray Dawg," win giveaways and prizes, send their students a "Good Luck on Finals" note, enjoy free refreshments and a Carbondale business showcase, and much more.

• Raku Pottery Firing, Student Center south patio, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. – Glaze a ceramic vessel, then watch it get fired Raku-style. Cost is $3 each.

• Boat docks on campus lake, noon-6 p.m. – Free boat rentals.

• Annual Inter-Greek Council Greek Sing, Shryock Auditorium steps, 1-2:30 p.m.

• Saluki Dinner Buffet, Student Center Ballroom D, 5-7 p.m. – Families can enjoy a great meal in a great place at the right time. Advance tickets are $11 for adults and $9 for children 10 and under. Tickets purchased the day of the event are $12 for adults and $10 for children.

• Saluki Variety Show, Shryock Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. – A humorous look at college life through the eyes of faculty and students from music, theater and dance. Audience members get to vote on the best act, helping to pick a "Saluki Idol." Tickets are $9 general public and $5 for seniors 60 and older, children 15 and younger, and students of any age.

• Grant Edmonds Comedy Game Show, Student Center 8-10 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 25:

• Autumn Harvest Brunch Buffet, Student Center Ballroom D, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. – Saluki Family Weekend's newest tradition. Advance tickets are $11.50 for adults and $7 for children 10 and under. Tickets purchased the day of the event are $12.50 for adults and $8 for children.

Purchase tickets for the breakfast, buffet, variety show and brunch are available at the Student Center Central Ticket Office on the second floor or by calling 618/453-3478.