April 29, 2026
Media advisory: Tedrick Welcome Center grand opening
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale and the SIU Foundation will celebrate the opening of the Tedrick Welcome Center (1264 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale) from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 1.
The 44,000-square-foot facility at the university’s main entrance off U.S. 51, will serve as the home of the SIU Foundation and include a 14,000-square-foot welcome center designed as a central hub for campus engagement, including tours, events and alumni and donor activities.
The project is funded entirely through the SIU Foundation through a combination of reserves, fundraising and borrowing, including a $6 million leadership gift from alumni Roger and Sally Tedrick. No taxpayer dollars, tuition revenue, student fees or state funds were used.
A public open house will follow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2.
Interviews will be available with Chancellor Austin A. Lane, SIU Foundation leadership, and donors Roger and Sally Tedrick.
Reporters, photographers and news crews are invited to this event.
For more information, contact Britni Bateman, SIU Foundation assistant vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and chief marketing officer at britnib@foundation.siu.edu