March 25, 2026
Saluki Takeover Tour to blanket Southern Illinois
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The 2026 Southern Illinois Saluki Takeover Tour kicks off next week as Southern Illinois University Carbondale hosts five receptions across the region from March 31 through April 23.
The third annual tour of Southern Illinois begins at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center on March 31. The tour includes visits by Chancellor Austin A. Lane, university leadership and admissions representatives to high schools and community colleges to all 17 Southern Illinois counties in the region.
“Saluki spirit is everywhere, but its heart is right here in Southern Illinois,” SIU Carbondale Chancellor Austin A. Lane said. “Our Takeover Tours are meaningful opportunities to connect with high schools, community colleges, alumni, and the communities we proudly serve. The energy and enthusiasm we experience at each stop reflect the strength of the Saluki network. These events allow us to engage directly and celebrate what it truly means to be a Saluki.”
Media Advisory
Reporters, photographers, and news crews are invited to cover any or all of the Southern Illinois Saluki Takeover Tour Chancellor’s Receptions, where SIU Carbondale Chancellor Austin A. Lane will be available for interviews. For assistance with interviews with the chancellor, text or call Jeff Harmon, SIU’s chief communications and marketing officer, at 573-352-0035.
Each of the receptions is free, and includes complimentary hor d’oeuvres and two drink tickets per registered attendee. Receptions are 6 to 8 p.m., except the March 31 event at Touch of Nature, which is 5 to 7 p.m.
The SIU Foundation hosts the events.
The schedule, with reception and registration information, is:
- Tuesday, March 31 — 5-7 p.m. Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, 206 Touch of Nature Road, Makanda, Illinois. Chancellor Lane’s remarks at 5:30 p.m. with tours and activities beginning at 6 p.m. To register: org/southern-illinois/makanda.php
- Tuesday, April 7 — 6-8 p.m. Pyramid Acres Marina, Lake of Egypt, 12057 Marina Road, Marion, Illinois. To register: org/southern-illinois/marion.php
- Thursday, April 16 — 6-8 p.m. Double Tree by Hilton Mount Vernon, 222 Potomac Blvd., Mount Vernon, Illinois. To register: org/southern-illinois/mtvernon.php
- Tuesday, April 21 — 6-8 p.m. The Historic 131 Building (formerly Montgomery’s Place), 131 S. Division St., Carterville, Illinois. To register: org/southern-illinois/carterville.php
- Thursday, April 23 — 6-8 p.m. 1860 Public House, 102 S. Main St., Red Bud, Illinois. To register: org/southern-illinois/redbud.php
Successful Saluki Takeover Tour visits
The 2025-26 Saluki Takeover Tour has made stops in Indianapolis, Washington, D.C., Chicago, and St. Louis; Texas stops in Dallas, Austin, and Houston, and Florida stops in St. Petersburg, Tampa, Naples. Earlier this week the tour made stops in Springfield and Peoria in central Illinois.
For more information, call 618-453-4900 or email siuf@foundation.siu.edu.