SIU Today | SIU News

SIU Today - April 01, 2024

NASA scientist to discuss eclipse history, discoveries

A series of public talks on campus about the upcoming total solar eclipse concludes Friday, April 5, with NASA planetary research scientist Lou Mayo, a planetary scientist and professor of astronomy at Marymount University. He will present “Eclipses, Occultations, and Transits” at 3 p.m. in Morris Library’s John C. Guyon Auditorium.

Where employees and students can park on Eclipse Day 

On April 8, most employees and students can park where they normally do or where their parking permit allows, with the exception of designated lots near Saluki Stadium, Banterra Center, the Communications Building and Lesar Law Building. Parts of Lincoln Drive and Douglas Drive will be restricted, starting at 6 a.m. Employees will be allowed access to work areas and lots, and they should allow more time for their commutes.  

SIU welcomes men’s basketball coach Scott Nagy 

The 15th head coach in the history of Saluki men’s basketball was introduced to the public Friday afternoon in the Charles Helleny Pavilion as Saluki fans, administrators and supporters gathered to welcome Scott Nagy to SIU Carbondale.

Paul Simon Institute talk to focus on American democracy, human rights and Ukraine

Evelyn Farkas, executive director of the McCain Institute, will join the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at 2 p.m. today (April 1) for a virtual conversation about the urgent need to bolster American democracy, advance human rights and support Ukraine as it responds to Russia’s invasion.

Registration now open for Camp Little Giant

Camp Little Giant, one of America’s first camps specifically for people with disabilities, is open for registration now at the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center for summer 2024. 

Paul Simon Institute seeks Illinois college students to revitalize democracy  

The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is accepting project proposals from Illinois college and university students for the Paul Simon Democracy Prize. 

Five SIU students win scholarships at Celebrate Women Awards 

Five students received scholarships March 28 at the annual Celebrate Women Awards. This year’s theme was “No Limits: Women in Aviation," with two scholarships presented in honor of Lorelei Ruiz, a longtime aviation faculty member and Summer Wings Aviation Camp director, who recently retired.

SIU to host lecture highlighting R. Buckminster Fuller’s work on Sunday 

A free, public presentation on the work and legacy of noted futurist, architect and designer R. Buckminster Fuller by one of his former students is set for 3 p.m. Sunday, April 7, in the Quigley Hall Auditorium. Noted architect Thomas T.K. Zung will present “The Dymaxion World of R. Buckminster Fuller.”

SIU Aviation receives two planes for partnership with Able Flight 

The School of Aviation received two planes last week for aviation instructors to train people with physical disabilities to become licensed pilots, thanks to its partnership with Able Flight, an aviation nonprofit. 

SIU String Orchestra performs Thursday 

The SIU String Orchestra will perform the works of composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Felix Mendelssohn, Edward Elgar and Edvard Grieg at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 4, in Shryock Auditorium. The orchestra features about 30 students and includes Michael Barta, professor in the School of Music as concertmaster. 

Conversation on child care for student parents is available

The March 26 Conversation of Understanding virtual discussion on child care for student parents and why child care should be recognized as a fundamental human right, particularly within higher education and society, is available for viewing.

Reminder: SIU System Faculty Collaboration Award nominations open 

Applications for the SIU System 2024 Faculty Collaboration Award are being accepted. The award recognizes faculty for impactful collaborative endeavors across campuses in the areas of teaching, scholarship and creative activities, service and/or antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion. Apply online by May 10.

No SIU Today on April 8

There will be no SIU Today on Monday, April 8, as the university community gathers to celebrate the total solar eclipse. The submission deadline for Thursday’s edition is still Tuesday.