February 25, 2026
SIU Simon Institute’s spring events focus on public service, politics, philanthropy
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The spring program of speakers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute will focus on themes of public service, politics and philanthropy.
“Our spring schedule reflects the institute's commitment to bring interesting and diverse voices to Carbondale,” said John Shaw, institute director. “Our guests are focused on different approaches to public service and the honorable practice of politics. We are also eager to host a compelling event in Chicago with the president of a major foundation that will highlight the importance of philanthropy to Illinois and the nation.”
The spring schedule includes:
- March 26, 6 p.m., SIU Student Center, Ballroom B. Theresa Claiborne, the first Black woman pilot to serve in the United States Air Force. A reception begins at 5 p.m. at the Student Center’s John W. Corker Lounge. The lecture is sponsored by the William and Molly Norwood Lecture Series Endowment.
- March 31, 6 p.m., The Varsity Center, 418 S. Illinois Ave. Melissa Connelly, CEO of OneGoal, a national postsecondary access and success organization, will participate in a fireside conversation with Shaw about her work A reception is set for 5 p.m. in The Varsity Center lobby.
- April 3, 6 p.m., SIU Student Center, Ballroom B. Robert Pape, a professor of political science at the University of Chicago, will deliver the spring Morton-Kenney Lecture. A reception starts at 5 p.m. in Corker Lounge.
- April 16, 12:30 p.m., Institute lobby, 1231 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale. Russell Coleman, attorney general of Kentucky, will visit for a “Pizza & Politics discussion” focusing on his career in politics and role as attorney general.
- April 30, 6 p.m., Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago. Timothy Knight, president of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, will join Shaw for a fireside conversation about philanthropy. A reception begins at 5 p.m. in the French Room.
In addition, Illinois State Rep. Ryan Spain, R-Peoria, will also visit the institute this spring at a date yet unannounced.
Visit paulsimoninstitute.org/events to register for any of the institute’s events. The institute will also continue to host monthly Zoom events as part of its “Understanding Our New World” discussion series.
More information, including a list of the institute’s upcoming events and past speakers and events, is available online.