November 30, 2007
CD of Saluki highlights will fund scholarships
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The SIU Alumni Association announces the release of a must-have CD for all those who bleed maroon.
"Good Night from Carbondale" is a CD audio book chronicling some of the best moments from the past 30 years of Southern Illinois University Carbondale football and basketball as announced by the inimitable Mike Reis, the "Voice of the Salukis."
The CD, also featuring narration from former WCIL radio personality John Riley, retails for just $12 plus shipping. Order the CD online through the SIU Alumni Association's Web site at www.siualumni.com. The CD is also available at the association's campus offices in Colyer Hall on Douglas Drive and in the SIUC Student Center. The CDs will be available by late December, making this highlight package a unique New Year's gift for Saluki fans. The association is accepting pre-orders now.
A portion of the proceeds will fund the new "Mike Reis Scholarship" fund, to be awarded to select members of the SIUC Dawg Pound, the vocal Saluki student fan base, beginning with the 2008-2009 academic year.
"Good Night from Carbondale" is the first volume of classic Saluki moments to be released. Successful sales may lead to future volumes of highlights. SIU Alumni Association life member Tim Miles, a 2002 graduate and the project's executive producer, said selecting the audio for volume one was a challenge.
"Obviously there are too many great moments from which to choose, and we only have a finite amount of time on a compact disc," he said. "It's been tough – but fun – debating which Saluki moments to include."
The project is special to Reis as well. Reis, an SIU Alumni Association life member, was inducted into the SIU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005, and he is the winner of the SIU Alumni Association's 2007 Alumni Achievement For Service award.
"It's a nice way to give back," he said. "I hope people will enjoy reliving these moments while supporting a worthwhile cause – funding scholarships at the University."
The SIU Alumni Association helps more than 220,000 graduates around the world stay connected to their alma mater. The organization provides scholarships, support for University activities, recognition of distinguished alumni, and many other endeavors to support its mission of "revealing to the world the excellence of Southern Illinois University."