October 11, 2018

Media Advisory

Statement from SIU Trustee Joel Sambursky on the passing of Chancellor Carlo Montemagno: 

My family and I are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Chancellor Montemagno. Our hearts go out to Carlos’ wife Pam and their wonderful family. 

During his brief tenure, Dr. Montemagno should be credited with addressing the financial challenges facing SIU Carbondale, while at the same time leading efforts to re-envision the campus and position it for a successful future. 

I’ve told SIU President Dorsey that as a trustee I’m committed to helping him ensure a smooth transition of leadership for the Carbondale campus so the next chancellor can continue the good work that Dr. Montemagno began. 

On a personal level, Dr. Montemagno always made a point to inquire about the health of my son Teddy. Despite his own illness, Carlo still cared for others. Dr. Montemagno should be rightfully praised as a visionary, genius, engineer, and leading expert in nanotechnology, but I also got to know him as a good man who cared deeply for SIU. He is someone that I am thankful to have gotten to know this past year, and I am better for having the opportunity to do so. 

The loss of Dr. Montemagno’s leadership will be felt in the SIU community, but the work he courageously began will continue and be a part of his brief but great legacy of leadership at SIU.    

 

Joel W. Sambursky