Photo by Yenitza Melgoza.
March 26, 2026
Explore the world of cryptocurrency for free at April 2 SIU event
CARBONDALE, Ill. — If you’re curious about the world of cryptocurrency and blockchain, you won’t want to miss “What is Crypto?,” a free event at Southern Illinois University on Thursday, April 2.
The SIU Blockchain and Economics Club cryptocurrency summit is happening from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Old Main Room on the second floor of the Student Center. Faculty, students and crypto professionals will share information, technical and legal details, economic insights and personal experiences as well as how to get involved in trading crypto. A short question and answer session will follow each speaker’s presentation.
“This is a great opportunity to learn about the interesting and increasingly prominent topic of cryptocurrency,” said Alyssa Eynon, a junior finance and economics major from Columbia, Illinois, who serves as the club’s president.
Everyone is welcome to attend. All participants can enjoy a complementary meal from Bandana’s Bar-B-Q and, if they download the CoinFlip app at the event using the provided QR code and create a wallet for the first time, they will receive $10 in Bitcoin.
Diverse presenters will offer insights
There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is required by the morning of the event. Sign up online.
Guest speakers include:
- Henry Hexmoor, computer science professor, “Crypto and Computers.”
- Thomas Reichert, assistant law professor at the SIU Simmons Law School, “Crypto and the Law.”
- Daniel Polotsky, founder and chairman of CoinFlip.
- Crystal Kendzior, CoinFlip sales representative, “CoinFlip’s Crypto ATMs and App.”
There will also be a panel discussion featuring personal experiences with crypto including:
- Scott Gilbert, associate dean of the College of Business and Analytics and economics program coordinator, associate professor and undergraduate studies director, “Crypto and the Economy.”
- Alexander Brandenburger, a strength and conditioning coach at Saint Anthony High School in Effingham, Illinois, who will speak from the perspective of an average person about his experiences in trading crypto.
- Other SIU faculty, staff and students.