October 10, 2008

If you bleed maroon, I ♥ SIU is for you

by Andrea Hahn

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Who do you love?

Don’t be bashful, you can say it! Do you love Southern Illinois University Carbondale? Do you bleed maroon? Are you a Saluki at heart? A member of the Dawg Pound? An alumnus? A student? A wanna-be student?

As of today (Oct. 10), there is a new Web site just for you -- I ♥ SIU, located at www.iheartsiu.com.

University Communications has been working on this idea since the department unveiled the redesigned SIUC Web site last year, according to Director Michael P. Ruiz.

“We knew that we needed a place to post information and tools for the die-hard fans of SIUC, the people who bleed maroon and want to tell the whole world about it,” he said. “Our hope is that over time, we can use this site to keep our supporters -- whom we affectionately call ‘The Pack’ -- excited, motivated and interested by providing them the tools and information they need.“

The new Web site invites you, the die-hard Saluki fan, into the SIUC community in an unprecedented way.

Here’s what awaits you upon log-in:

Sneak-peeks and early notification of new promotions and advertisements;

Locations of advertisements (where we are on television, the Internet, billboards, radio and theaters);

A Southern social network where members can share photos or link to movies; and

Points of pride to share with friends, family, even with foes;

This site will also list volunteer opportunities for those who want to share their Saluki enthusiasm for SIUC.

This new Web site is also the place to go to vote on the new SIUC lettermark and taglines.

A registration and information table will be in the SIU Alumni Association big tent on Saturday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Stop by, see the new taglines and lettermarks, pick up your I ♥ SIU window decals and enlist in the army of volunteers.