July 14, 2021

Media advisory: Seymour Bryson Scholars on campus

A group of 28 newly admitted Saluki students is visiting the Southern Illinois University Carbondale campus this month for the immersive Dr. Seymour Bryson Future Scholars Program, which will give them a jumpstart on their college careers. The students are living on campus July 6-30, and during that time, they are taking three college courses for credit, complete with mentoring and tutoring assistance. They are also exploring the area and learning about all of the services and programs available both on campus and off and getting acquainted with other students, faculty and staff.

The Future Scholars program was established in 1991 by the late Bryson, a triple alumnus of SIU who retired in 2008 as associate chancellor for diversity and Rehabilitation Institute professor. The goal is to give students who didn’t get the best grades in high school but have potential for college work a taste of university life and provide them with extra tools to help them succeed at SIU. The program was relaunched this year by Chancellor Austin Lane, courtesy of funding from the SIU Foundation.

In the coming weeks, reporters, photographers and news crews will find many opportunities for engaging photos, stories and videos.

Media are welcome:

  • Any weekday afternoon noon-1:50 p.m. in Parkinson Laboratory, Room 108, as the students will be participating in a comprehensive studies class where they will give speeches and more.
  • Monday through Friday 3-3:50 p.m. or 4-4:50 p.m. in Parkinson Laboratory, Room 124, as the students take part in the University 101 class, which includes a variety of hands-on activities.
  • Monday through Thursday evenings from 5 to 6:30 p.m., the students will be working together at the study table in the Tutoring Center located in Room 710 at Morris Library.
  • 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, July 17– the Salukis will be partaking in team-building activities at the Student Recreation Center.
  • Sunday, July 26 – the students will be discovering where their fall classes meet in a unique way, through a scavenger hunt. The time is to be determined.
  • Thursday, July 29 – wrapping up the month, the participants will be attending the popular Sunset Concert at 7 p.m. outside Shryock Auditorium.

All times/dates/locations are subject to change, depending on weather and other factors. For more information about the Dr. Seymour Bryson Future Scholars Program or exact times and locations for specific events, contact Jeff McGoy, director of Exploratory Student Advisement, at 618-453-6807 or 618-453-2422.