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SIU Today - October 26, 2026

From lawnmower to combine: SIU students learn to harvest crops

Like farmers across the state, SIU Carbondale’s University Farms is in the midst of harvesting its fall crops, including soybeans and corn. The annual ritual is not only necessary to maintain the farmland but is also helping teach generations of college students, including sophomore Hannah Humphreys, valuable lessons for their future careers.

SIU’s Marching Salukis find their voice

SIU’s Marching Salukis are changing what their band looks like. This fall, a singer joined them on the field for the first time in the band’s known history, and three drum majors are leading out front for the second year in a row.

Reminder: Flu immunizations available on campus on Wednesday

The Illinois Department of Central Management Services will provide free flu immunizations for all active and retired SIU Carbondale employees, their dependents and spouses enrolled in a state-sponsored health plan. The Jackson County Health Department will administer the immunizations at two walk-up flu shot clinics, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28 and Thursday, Nov. 5, in the Student Center’s Renaissance Room. 

SIU Student Speakers Forum on Tuesday examines leadership, loyalty

Five SIU Carbondale undergraduate students will examine key factors in evaluating how we determine leaders during a SIU Student Speakers Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 27, in Morris Library’s John C. Guyon Auditorium. This semester’s topic is “Rethinking Leadership and Loyalty: Evaluating Those We Follow.” The free, public forum is from 7 to 8 p.m.

Reminder: Roundtable talk on Wednesday to examine support for first-year students

Faculty, staff and graduate assistants are invited to attend the second in a series of first-year experience roundtable discussions on Wednesday, Oct. 28. The discussion is in the Faculty and Staff Lounge in the Student Center Old Main Room from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

SIU Simmons Law Lesar Lecture to examine the fight for justice in the courts

Journalist and attorney Reynolds Holding examines how Congress and the U.S. Supreme Court have imposed limits on the authority of federal judges over the past 70 years during the 2026 Hiram H. Lesar Distinguished Lecture at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at SIU's Simmons Law School.

Women’s Leadership Council grant applications available

Applications are open for the SIU Foundation Women’s Leadership Council’s 2027-2028 Student, Faculty and Staff Micro-Grant Award. Grant awards range from $500 to $1,500 and may support new academic or professional development initiatives, as well as creative or community-based programs that inspire engagement and leadership among Salukis. The application deadline is Friday, Nov. 20.

Go rock climbing in Giant City in November

Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center invites Salukis to spend a day exploring the sandstone bluffs of Giant City State Park for free on Sunday, Nov. 15. The registration deadline is Nov. 12 and space is limited.

Boehler Family First Saluki Center at SIU will pave the way to support first-generation students

SIU Carbondale alumnus Jeff Boehler and his wife, Barbara, have committed $150,000 to support first-generation college students — helping them access the resources and guidance needed to earn their degrees. In recognition of their generosity, SIU will officially name the Boehler Family First Saluki Center during a ceremony Friday, Nov. 6, ahead of National First-Generation College Celebration Day on Nov. 8.

SIU Waterski Club competes at nationals for second time in club history

The SIU Carbondale Water Ski Club competed in the 2026 National Collegiate Water Ski Association (NCWSA) tournament in Rio Linda, California on Oct. 15-17. This marked the club's second time competing at the national level, with the team finishing 11th overall.