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SIU Today - April 27, 2026

SIU researchers use new bacteria to create sustainable bio-products

Lahiru Jayakody, an associate professor in the School of Biological Sciences, leading a team of undergraduate and graduate students, is exploring whether a microbe engineered to eat synthetic and natural waste products can yield high-value chemicals to create bio-products like sustainable jet fuel and pharmaceuticals.

SIU awards $79,000 in Green Fund grants

Eleven sustainability projects received more than $79,000 in Green Fund grants during SIU Carbondale’s Earth Day celebration last week.

Saluki Pride: Cay Gerlock receives SIU’s Civil Service Staff Excellence Award

Cay Gerlock is associated with millions of dollars worth of equipment and inventory in the School of Automotive, but the true value for the 2026 university-level Staff (Civil Service) Excellence Award recipient is helping students and the community wherever needed.

England Student Center Lounge opening is Thursday

Dedicated students, the generosity of SIU alumni Bob and Pat England, along with campus support, resulted in the new England Student Center Lounge, located on the fourth floor of the Student Center. A dedication and open house is at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 30.

Learn how to get hired in the age of AI on April 30

“How to Get Hired in the Age of AI,” a free, public special presentation from the College of Business and Analytics and its School of Analytics, Finance and Economics, is at 5 p.m. on April 30 in Morris Library’s John C. Guyon Auditorium.

Red Cross blood drive is Thursday in Morris Library 

Morris Library is hosting a community blood drive with the American Red Cross from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 30, in the library’s first-floor rotunda. To schedule an appointment, visit the Red Cross website. Enter SIUCMorrisLibrary in the “ZIP or sponsor code” section. Walk-in donors are also welcome. Donors will receive a $15 gift card.

SIU String Orchestra to perform tonight

The School of Music will present the SIU String Orchestra in a free, public concert at 7 p.m. today (April 27) in Shryock Auditorium.

Employee Appreciation Day is May 14

SIU Carbondale is hosting Employee Appreciation Day from 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, and all faculty and staff are invited to attend. The fun, informal, free event will be at the Becker Pavilion/Campus Lake area and the Tedrick Welcome Center, with shuttles running between locations throughout the afternoon.

Encourage spring semester graduates to complete survey

The Career Development Center asks faculty and staff to remind students of a survey for undergraduate and graduate students who are planning to graduate in May.

McCormick Foundation CEO to discuss philanthropy hurdles with SIU’s Paul Simon Institute

Tim Knight, president and CEO of the Robert McCormick Foundation, will discuss the challenges facing philanthropy at a special event in Chicago hosted by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute on Thursday, April 30.

SIU Today begins summer schedule May 14

After the spring semester ends on Saturday, May 9, SIU Today will begin its summer schedule and come out once a week, each Thursday except for holidays, beginning May 14. Submission deadlines will remain the same. May 5 is the deadline for the May 7 edition.