May 02, 2011

Students can enjoy Saluki Finals Finish on May 9

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The end is in sight and Southern Illinois University Carbondale students will again be wrapping up the semester in true Saluki style at the Saluki Finals Finish.

The popular event is set for 6-11 p.m. on Monday, May 9, at the Student Recreation Center. Students are welcome to spend any part or all of their evening enjoying the facilities, free refreshments and fun. It’s a chance to study, unwind, work out, and refresh the body and mind in preparation for final exams.

Anita Hutton, assistant to the dean in the College of Liberal Arts, has helped with every Saluki Finals Finish but one and finds it enjoyable for several reasons.

“It brings students, faculty and staff together in a very relaxed atmosphere. It provides students with some much-needed stress-release time. And I think it demonstrates the openness, friendliness and caring of the institution,” Hutton said.

During the fall 2010 Saluki Finals Finish, students consumed 1,800 slices of pizza along with untold amounts of bananas, apples, carrots, celery and Gatorade, according to Gary Tisdale, assistant director of publicity and marketing for Recreational Sports and Services. He said once again the food will be flowing freely on May 9 with pizza, veggies, fruit and drinks available for all SIUC students.

SIUC faculty and staff volunteers will be dispensing the food and beverages along with smiles and moral support.

“I have worked several years with the Saluki Finals Finish. It is always a fun experience. The time flies by because usually it is non-stop, handing out food and drinks. The students are excited because it’s the end of the semester and there is a high-energy feeling in the air. I’ve always enjoyed interacting with the students at this event,” said Debbie Latoza, administrative assistant at the College of Applied Sciences and Arts.

Throughout the evening, students can also de-stress by using the Recreation Center facilities. Some faculty will also provide study sessions during Saluki Finals Finish.

Supporting the spring 2011 Saluki Finals Finish are the Graduate School, Library Affairs, School of Law, School of Medicine and the colleges of Agricultural Sciences, Education and Human Services, Science, Applied Sciences and Arts, Business, Mass Communication and Media Arts, Engineering and Liberal Arts as well as Recreational Sports and Services.