SIU Carbondale alumnus Dan Sanchez and several of his guests make connections through the SIU Alumni Association’s “Dinner with 12 Salukis.”
March 05, 2025
SIU Alumni Association’s ‘Dinner with 12 Salukis’ strengthens alumni, student bonds
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The SIU Alumni Association continues to foster meaningful relationships between students and alumni through its popular “Dinner with 12 Salukis” program, now in its fourth year.
This unique initiative brings together groups of up to 12 students, with alumni serving as dinner hosts for an evening of networking, mentorship and camaraderie in an informal setting. Fourteen hosts and approximately 150 students participated in this year’s dinners on Friday, Feb. 28, and Saturday, March 1.
Hosted by alumni at local restaurants or in their homes, these gatherings provide students with an invaluable opportunity to gain insights from experienced professionals while expanding their networks. The program also allows alumni to give back to their alma mater by sharing career advice and personal experiences with current students.
“The ‘Dinner with 12 Salukis’ program is a fantastic way for students to connect with alumni who have walked the same path and are eager to help them navigate their future careers,” said Molly Hudgins ’97, executive director of the SIU Alumni Association. “These conversations often spark mentorships, job opportunities and lasting friendships, reinforcing the strong Saluki bond that extends beyond graduation.”
Dan Sanchez ’87, founder and president of the Sanchez Advisory Group in Lake Zurich, Illinois, and a member of the association’s national board of directors, hosted a group of students at Giant City Lodge.
While he was able to impart more than 36 years of experience in finance, sales and marketing, Sanchez said he was immensely impressed with his dinner company.
“I felt truly honored to spend time with such an impressive group of Saluki students,” he said. “Their thoughtful questions, eagerness to listen and learn, and the way they connected with each other was inspiring to witness.
“It’s clear they are taking their education seriously and are committed to building bright futures. Having the chance to share my experience and hear their stories was an absolute privilege. The future is in good hands with Salukis like these leading the way.”
Emily White, a senior in economics and finance in the SIU College of Business and Analytics, was part of Sanchez’s group. She said it’s always great to see alumni willing to give their time to help students.
“’Dinner with 12 Salukis’ provided me with a unique opportunity to network with peers and an accomplished alum, who shared valuable lessons and insights from his decades of experience,” White said. “I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of Saluki Nation, where alumni invest in current students. Go Dawgs!”
Since its inception, “Dinner with 12 Salukis” has successfully brought together hundreds of students and dozens of alumni from diverse backgrounds and industries, enriching the SIU experience both personally and professionally. The association continues to encourage alumni to participate as hosts and students to take advantage of this meaningful networking experience.
Both prospective hosts and students can learn more about the program by visiting siualumni.com/students.