February 03, 2014

Mike Glenn returns for presentation Friday

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill.  -- Former Southern Illinois University Carbondale and NBA standout Mike Glenn will return to campus this week for a presentation and book signing. 

The College of Business’ Office of Minority Affairs and Blacks Interested in Business are hosting the event at 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 7, at the John C. Guyon Auditorium in Morris Library.  Glenn’s appearance, held in conjunction with Black History Month, is free and open to the public. 

Glenn, who is also a sports analyst and author, earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a minor in computer science while at SIU.  A member of the Saluki Hall of Fame and the men’s basketball All-Century team, Glenn spent 10 years in the NBA before retiring in 1987. 

Glenn played four seasons for the Salukis, ranks third in points scored and was a first-team all-Missouri Valley Conference and Academic All-American in 1976-77.   Glenn, along with other All-Century team members, will be honored at a dinner Friday night and recognized during the Salukis’ home game against Missouri State on Saturday. 

Glenn served as an analyst for the Atlanta Hawks, ESPN, CNN and various other networks and programs after his retirement. 

Glenn incorporated his experiences into his writing and public speaking career.  He is the author of “Lessons in Success from the NBA’s Top Players,” and other books, including his latest, “My Next Shot Goes In:  Ten Sacred Characteristics of NBA Players that Lead to Success.”  

“Spirit of Love:  The Mike Glenn Story” is a biographical film about Glenn’s “All-Star Basketball Camp for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing,” which will celebrate its 35th anniversary in June. Up to 120 athletes ages 14 to 18 from across the country attend the camp each summer at minimal charge.  The movie won the “Best Inspirational Film Award” at the Texas Film Festival.  

Currently a basketball analyst for Fox Sports South, Glenn also appears on ‘Hawks Live,’ the pre-game, halftime and post-game Atlanta Hawks show.  He is active in youth programs and speaks about violence prevention and drug awareness.  

“We strive to inspire, motivate, uplift and encourage our students and community by presenting Mike Glenn, in celebration of Black History Month.  Mike loves SIU and is looking forwarding to connecting with our Saluki family,” said Michael Haywood, director of the College of Business Office of Minority Affairs.