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SIU Today - October 09, 2025

SIU researcher aims to make 3D-printed metal parts more

With a new $200,000 National Science Foundation Engineering Research Initiation grant, Sangjin Jung, an assistant professor in the School of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Materials Engineering, is tackling reliability problems with 3D-printed metal parts.

Earth Science Week events focus on energy, earthquakes

This year’s observance of Earth Science Week at SIU Carbondale will focus on meeting energy needs in a sustainable way on campus, in the region and beyond, along with increasing awareness of rocks and minerals and earthquakes. “Energy Resources for Our Future” is Oct. 12-18.

Reminder: Campus master plan surveys due Friday

As part of the process to craft a new SIU Carbondale Facilities Master Plan, faculty, staff and students are invited to complete a brief online survey on how university facilities can better support their experience. The survey is open through Friday, Oct. 10, and all responses will be reviewed in aggregate. Take the survey now.

Reminder: Honorary degree/service award nominations deadline is Wednesday  

SIU Carbondale is accepting nominations for honorary degrees and distinguished service awards that will be presented at May 2026 commencement ceremonies. The nomination deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 15. Nominations are also open to the SIU School of Medicine in Springfield. 

Head back to class with COLA on Oct. 24 

The College of Liberal Arts will present “Back to Class With COLA,” addressing a variety of topics, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 24 at Faner Hall in the Door 6 lobby. The mini classes presented by COLA faculty are open to everyone, with individual tickets at $50 apiece. The registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 17. All proceeds from the event go toward undergraduate student scholarships in COLA.

Virtual discussion on literary freedom is Oct. 21 

Author Adam Szetela will discuss how efforts to diversify children’s and young adults’ literature, while well-intentioned, has also created unexpected challenges for literary freedom during a virtual discussion on Oct. 21.The free, public presentation, “That Book Is Dangerous! Literary Freedom in the Age of Social Media,” is from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The lecture and Q&A will be available via Zoom.  

SIU community can pick up, donate items at new Sustainability Office Free Store 

The Free Store is now open at the Student Center, giving students, faculty and staff the opportunity to claim items they can use at no cost and donate items they no longer need to become someone else’s treasure. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Thursday and Friday.

Saluki Women’s Weekend 2025 celebrates leadership, innovation and empowerment  

More than 275 attendees gathered Oct. 3-4 for the fourth annual Saluki Women’s Weekend, a free conference hosted by the SIU Foundation Women’s Leadership Council. Each year, attendance has grown as the event continues to unite SIU Carbondale alumni, students, faculty, staff and community leaders to connect, learn and celebrate the power of women in leadership.

Saluki women’s volleyball at home this weekend 

The Saluki women’s volleyball team hosts a pair of matches this weekend at Davies Gym. The University of Illinois Chicago comes to SIU at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, followed by Valparaiso at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11. Be sure to check team schedules at siusalukis.com.  

New Arts Jazztet to perform Sunday 

Members of the New Arts Jazztet, a Southern Illinois jazz group comprising SIU faculty and guests, will perform at Jazz Vespers, an evening prayer service, at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 1501 W. Chautauqua St., Carbondale. NAJ was formed in 1984 by several School of Music faculty and has been in residence since that time. The performance will celebrate the music of Ron Eschete, Pat Metheny, Bob Mintzer, Sonny Stitt, Frank Zappa and Joe Zawinul. The service will also be livestreamed on the Jazz Vespers at Epiphany Facebook page.