August 12, 2026
Entries open for SIU’s 2026 Family of the Year; deadline is Aug. 28
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Entries are open for the 2026 Southern Illinois University Carbondale Family of the Year contest.
SIU will honor two special families during Saluki Family Weekend, set for Sept. 11-13. 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. 12), and all entries are due by 12:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28. Finalists will be selected the following week and winners will be announced by Sept. 4.
Interested families can complete the form on the Family Weekend website or here.
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; Saluki swag, tickets to the SIU vs. Southeast Missouri State University football game on Sept. 12, 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.
New Student Programs is joining with other campus units to sponsor a tailgate before the game featuring food, giveaways, a photo booth, and assorted games and activities.
A big family weekend craft sale, family game show, family brunch, and a variety of other activities will happen throughout the weekend. Details are still being finalized so keep an eye on orientation.siu.edu/family/ for the complete schedule and details about the Family of the Year contest and Saluki Family Weekend.