(From left) SIU Carbondale Chancellor Austin Lane; Linda Baker, a professor with the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute; Ed Curtis, president and CEO of Memorial Health in Springfield, and SIU System President Dan Mahony enjoy Saluki Takeover Tour: Springfield. (Photo provided)
October 25, 2023
Salukis take over Springfield Oct. 24-25
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Southern Illinois University Carbondale leaders are raising the university’s visibility and nurturing relationships with alumni, state officials, local schools and others during this week’s Saluki Takeover Tour: Springfield.
On Tuesday, Oct. 24, Illinois State Rep. Will Davis, ’89, announced the Salukis in Springfield on the House Floor in the Illinois State Capitol and read excerpts of the House resolution to honor SIU Carbondale. Rep. Patrick Windhorst, ’00, School of Law, also welcomed SIU leaders. A House resolution on Wednesday honored the SIU School of Law in celebration of its 50th anniversary this year.
Also on Tuesday, Lane was interviewed by WTAX News Radio and NPR Illinois in Springfield. Lane and university leaders explored Stellar Aviation. Sheryl Tucker, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs; Robert Morgan, dean of the College for Health and Human Sciences, and Linda Baker, a professor with the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, engaged with the Illinois Department of Human Services - Funeral and Burial Benefits. Additionally, SIU System First Lady Laura Mahony hosted the leadership from the Conference of Women in Legislators at the SIU System president's home, discussing strategies to increase membership and fund scholarships for women resuming their education. The day concluded with a dinner alongside SIU School of Medicine members.
The schedule for Wednesday included visits to the following schools:
- Springfield Lamphier High School
- Springfield East High School
- Springfield High School
- Lincoln Land Community College
- Sacred Heart Griffin (Cavalry)
In the evening, alumni and SIU leaders enjoyed the Chancellor’s Reception, which included an opportunity to view the Jerome M. Mileur Presidential Campaign Memorabilia Collection, and the WSIU Friends Breakfast was held for the next morning.