(Above) Richard Jones, SIU director of track & field and cross country, speaks with Bryson Scholars (from left) Trinity Young, Rihanna Delaney and Shannon Peel, all of Chicago, during a July 1 event. (Below) Terron Ries, a Bryson Scholar from Chicago, chats with Cherie Watson, outreach and instruction librarian at Morris Library. (Photos by Amihere Benson)
July 15, 2025
SIU’s Bryson Future Scholars Program provides head start toward college success
CARBONDALE, Ill. — A group of 50 newly admitted Southern Illinois University Carbondale students are getting a jumpstart toward college success this month as they participate in the Dr. Seymour Bryson Future Scholars Program, earning 7 credit hours and immersing themselves in college life before classes begin in August.
The 2025 program includes 25 students from the Hope Chicago program along with students from all over Illinois and surrounding states. Since the scholars moved in June 29, they’ve been enjoying a real college experience as they reside in Neely Hall, get acquainted with the campus and community, learn about resources and so much more, all while completing half a semester’s class courseload. The program wraps up with an awards banquet on July 25.
“The Bryson Scholars program is more than just a summer program,” said Kristopher Marshall, director of Saluki Success Initiative, which coordinates the program. “This special initiative meets students where they are, preparing them not only for college success but for leadership, learning and lifelong success.”
The theme for the summer experience is “D.O.I.T.” Marshall said, with the acronym representing the ideals of discipline, ownership, initiative and transformation.
Collaborative, comprehensive and proven success
The program has a proven record of success, officials said. “There is consistent evidence that Bryson Scholars outperform their peers,” Marshall said.
The students in the 2024 program achieved a 100% completion and success rate and had an average GPA of 3.54. The outcomes are the result of intentional planning by SIU and the hard work of the program organizers and participants, he said.
Marshall and Hope Chicago Coordinator Brittany Swims are collaborating this year to ensure the students fully experience the benefits of the SIU program while participating in meaningful experiences in and out of the classroom. One of the joint projects was the “Who’s Who of SIU/Southern Illinois Past, Present” event on July 1. It featured insights and stories given by some of the region’s movers and shakers as well as a dinner for Bryson Scholars, community leaders and members, and SIU faculty, staff and alumni.
The scholars complete three university core curriculum courses during their 4-week campus visit: communication studies, English and Saluki Success/University 101. They have visits from campus and community partners, receive time management instruction and participate in workshops. There’s also mandatory study table time, featuring tutoring and academic coaching. In addition, the participants join in team-building and cultural enrichment activities.
Marshall said that getting the incoming students acclimated to all of the campus resources and units, including financial aid, sustainability, Saluki Cares, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and the writing center, provides them with solid footing. The Bryson Scholars also take part in informative, insightful, educational trips to St. Louis and Memphis. Visiting St. Louis on July 12, participants explored the St. Louis Science Center and attended a Cardinals baseball game.
Many of the program counselors are graduates of the Bryson Scholars Program themselves.
Making a difference for decades
The Future Scholars program was established in 1991 by the late Seymour Bryson, a triple alumnus of SIU who retired in 2008 as associate chancellor for diversity and Rehabilitation Institute professor. After a brief hiatus, the program was re-established in 2021 through Chancellor Austin Lane, with the SIU Foundation providing funding.
This is the fifth year for the revamped program, which serves students who are chosen to attend SIU through a selective admissions process and receive assistance to help transition from high school to college.
Sponsors include Exploratory Student Advisement, the SIU Foundation and Hope Chicago.
Media Advisory
Reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to take advantage of a variety of opportunities for engaging photos, stories and videos while the Seymour Bryson Scholars are on campus through July 25.
Media are welcome to cover:
- Any of the after-dinner study table times set for 6:15-7:45 p.m. Sunday through Thursday each week on the 7th floor of Morris Library in Rooms 722, 724 and the Tutoring Center.
- Breakfast from 8-8:50 a.m. or lunch from 11-11:50 a.m. Monday through Friday at the Student Center. Students will be interacting and available for interviews.
- The Awards Banquet and Presentation at 6:30 p.m. July 25 in the Old Main Room at the Student Center during which family and supporters are invited to join participants.
For more information about the program, to confirm exact times and locations for specific events and coverage opportunities, or to arrange a visit during a classroom session or other activity, contact Kristopher Marshall, director of Saluki Success Initiative, at 618-453-4351, 618-203-4321 or sheed@siu.edu. All times, dates and locations are subject to change, depending on weather and other factors.