August 25, 2025
Enter SIU’s 2025 Family of the Year contest now; deadline is Sept. 15
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Entries are now being accepted for the 2025 Southern Illinois University Carbondale Family of the Year contest.
SIU will actually honor two special families during Saluki Family Weekend, set for Oct. 3-5. Recognition will go to a “legacy” Saluki Family of the Year – that’s a family in which at least one parent or legal guardian is an SIU Carbondale graduate – and one “non-legacy” Family of the Year.
Enter now
The entry period opens today (Aug. 25), and all entries are due by 4:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15. The winners will be selected that week and notified.
Interested families can complete the form on the Family Weekend website.
New Student Programs will honor the selected families with exclusive prize packages that include a one-night stay at Drury Inn and Suites in Marion, Illinois, to be used during Family Weekend or on another date, along with Saluki swag, tickets to the SIU vs. Southeast Missouri State University football game on Oct. 4, and special recognition and photos at the game half-time.
Full weekend of action
The Family of the Year contest is part of a weekend packed with activities for Salukis and their families.
The Saluki Family Association is joining with other campus units to sponsor a tailgate before the game featuring food, giveaways, a photo booth, a DJ and assorted games and activities, including a climbing wall.
A big family weekend craft sale, a Greek Sing and a variety of other activities will be happening throughout the weekend. Details are still being finalized so keep an eye on orientation.siu.edu/family/weekend for the complete schedule and details about the Family of the Year contest and Family Weekend.