October 29, 2008

Two events planned to honor Seymour Bryson

by Christi Mathis

Seymour Bryson

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Seymour L. Bryson, recently retired associate chancellor for diversity, will be the guest of honor at two events next week in appreciation of his many years of service and devotion to Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

A public reception is set for 2-5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, at the International Lounge West in the Student Center. Everyone is welcome to attend in recognition of Bryson’s numerous contributions to the University.

There’ll also be a reception, dinner and program in Bryson’s honor on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Student Center. The evening kicks off with a reception in Corker Lounge at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and program in Ballroom D at 6:30 p.m. It’s back to the Corker Lounge for after-dinner cordials at 8:15 p.m.

The cost of the dinner is $50 per person (not tax-deductible). To attend, make reservations by contacting Constituent Relations and Special Events at 618/453-8106 with payment no later than Monday, Nov. 3. Participants may also purchase tables for eight at a cost of $500 per table, of which $100 may be tax-deductible. Contributions in support of the Seymour L. and Marjorie A. Bryson Endowed Award Fund are welcome.

Event organizers are creating a memory book, too. You may send letters and photographs for the book to: Constituent Relations and Special Events, Kesnar Hall-Room 207, Mail Code 6525, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 1225 Douglas Drive, Carbondale, Ill., 62901. They must arrive no later than Thursday, Nov. 6.

Bryson, a Quincy native, came to SIUC in 1955 on a basketball scholarship. He earned his bachelor’s in social work in 1959, his master’s in rehabilitation counseling in 1961 and his doctorate in educational psychology in 1972 at SIUC. He’s been assistant professor, associate professor and professor within the Rehabilitation Institute, acting coordinator and coordinator of the Development Skills Program and associate dean, acting dean and dean of the now-disbanded College of Human Resources. Bryson was also acting affirmative action officer for the campus, special assistant to the president for affirmative action and director of the Center for Basic Skills (now the Center for Academic Success). His tenure included time as executive assistant to the chancellor and the president as well. He became the University’s associate chancellor for diversity in May 1999 and held the post until his retirement Sept. 1.