Former Saluki mascots are returning to campus as grand marshals as SIU Carbondale celebrates Homecoming 2026 with “Decades of the Dawg: 75 Years of Saluki Pride.” (SIU Carbondale photo)
October 12, 2026
A pack of former SIU Saluki mascots to serve as 2026 Homecoming grand marshals
CARBONDALE, Ill. —There will be plenty of Dawgs running loose during the Homecoming 2026 Parade through downtown Carbondale beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17. Southern Illinois University Carbondale honors 13 former Saluki mascots who donned the costume between the early 1990s and 2018. They’ll be serving as grand marshals.
“We wanted to recognize the students who have played such an important role in creating the traditions and school spirit we know today,” said Alisa Diaz, a graduate assistant in SIU’s Office of Student Engagement. “Student involvement has always been a huge part of what makes SIU special, and our former Saluki mascots and Homecoming court are a reflection of that. These are students and alums who have dedicated their time to making a difference on campus, and we want to celebrate not only their involvement, but also the legacy of Saluki Pride they continue to carry forward.”
Making “Decades of the Dawg: 75 Years of Saluki Pride” Homecoming even more special are the returning alumnae who helped cheer Saluki teams, energize fans and delight children through the years — our mascots. The 13 former Saluki mascots will be aboard a tram for the parade and will join in on other festivities throughout the day.
They are, with their hometowns:
- Wendy S. Carrell, Paducah, Kentucky.
- David Charles, Rockford, Illinois.
- Peter Fox, Carbondale, Illinois.
- Chris Heck, Buffalo, Illinois.
- John Helmers, Manhattan, Kansas.
- Gabriel D. Herbst, Marion, Illinois.
- Lauren C. Kania, St. Louis, Missouri.
- Susan Lorenz, Effingham, Illinois.
- John Medley, Belleville, Illinois.
- Nicholas Steinberger, Carbondale, Illinois.
- Stephen Tonellato, Pleasant Plains, Illinois.
- Ryan M. Tozer, Springfield, Illinois.
- Scott D. Wattelet, Troy, Missouri.
Homecoming court voting underway
Make way for Saluki Royalty! This year’s Homecoming court includes 10 SIU students. Online student voting for Homecoming Royalty begins today (Oct. 12) through Thursday, Oct. 15. The two students who receive the highest number of votes win top honors as Homecoming Royalty. The coronation takes place during halftime of the homecoming game against Illinois State, which begins at 3 p.m. Saturday.
The 2026 royalty candidates will appear in the Homecoming parade. Here they are, listed with hometowns:
- Megan Baker, a junior majoring in forestry with a concentration in hydrology from Neoga, Illinois.
- Sydney Carter, a senior in the accelerated Bachelor of Science Nursing program already with a degree in biomedical science from Elgin, Illinois.
- Joshua Gardner, a senior majoring in automotive technology from
- Carly Gist, a senior in the University Honors Program studying journalism with a concentration in news editorial from Evansville, Indiana.
- Kylan Green, a junior with a dual major in information technology and cybersecurity from O’Fallon, Illinois.
- Darnell (DJ) Jenkins, a senior with a dual major in information technology and cybersecurity from
- Caroline Kendall, a senior majoring in art education from Greenwood, Indiana.
- Claire Rose, a junior majoring in physiology from Du Quoin, Illinois.
- Madyson Swope, a senior psychology major from Carbondale, Illinois.
- Eric Wisely, a senior majoring in agricultural systems and education from Oakdale, Illinois.
Learn more
SIU’s Saluki Homecoming 2026 celebration also features a giant pep rally, Homecoming Music Street Festival, numerous activities, a parade, tailgating, Saluki football and much more, with activities appealing to all ages and interests. Find the complete schedule of events and additional information on the SIU Homecoming website.
Megan Baker
Sydney Carter
Joshua Gardner
Carly Gist
Kylan Green
Darnell Jenkins
Caroline Kendall
Claire Rose
Madyson Swope
Eric Wisely