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SIU Today - August 24, 2026

SIU Carbondale accepting honorary degree/service award nominations

Nominations are open for SIU Carbondale honorary degrees and distinguished service awards to be presented at May 2027 commencement ceremonies. The SIU School of Medicine in Springfield is also eligible. The deadline is Oct. 14.

Spin Doctors headline SIU’s biggest Homecoming celebration

One of Southern Illinois' most anticipated traditions is back. The City of Carbondale, SIU Carbondale and friends are going for a three-peat on Friday, Oct. 16, when they once again shut down Illinois Avenue for the third annual SIU Homecoming Music Street Festival.

Reminder: 1869 Grille grand opening is Tuesday 

SIU faculty, staff, students and the community are invited to the culinary grand opening and ribbon cutting for the 1869 Grille at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 25, in the Student Center. Nationally renowned Chef Aaron May, along with university officials including Chancellor Austin Lane, will be on hand for the celebration. The event also includes a 12-2 p.m. meet-and-greet and autograph session with May and moderated discussion with the chef that’s open to the public at 2 p.m. in the Student Center’s Old Main Room.

Learn about emergency preparedness

As the fall semester gets underway, now is a good time to learn about emergency preparedness on campus. Visit the emergency preparedness website, emergency.siu.edu.

SIU Athletics launches historic $1 million women’s athletics campaign 

SIU Athletics on Aug. 21 announced the launch of a $1 million Women’s Athletics Campaign — a philanthropic initiative designed to strengthen the future of Saluki women’s sports through strategic investments in four championship programs while honoring one of the university’s most passionate advocates for women’s athletics, the late Vicky King.

Register now for SIU’s 5K/10K Trail Run/Walk on Sept. 12

Registration is open for the 11th Rocky Ledges 5K/10K Trail Run/Walk through the picturesque forests and inviting trails of SIU Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center on Saturday, Sept. 12.

Giesen family names Achieve Student Hub, establishes scholarship for SIU students

SIU Carbondale’s Achieve Program recently celebrated the naming of the Giesen Family Achieve Student Hub, honoring a family whose experience with the program inspired a commitment to helping future Salukis succeed. Dave and Lauri Giesen established an endowed scholarship for students in Achieve, a comprehensive academic support program for SIU students with learning differences.

SIU alumna Marsden Fisher earns Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship 

Marsden Fisher took full advantage of opportunities available to her during her four years at SIU Carbondale. The May 2026 zoology graduate and 2025 Student Lincoln Laureate recently earned a Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship, one of 40 students nationwide to earn a fellowship from the nation's older and most select collegiate honor society.

Reminder: Saluki Women’s Weekend registration is open

Registration is underway for the fifth annual Saluki Women’s Weekend Sept. 10-12. Hosted by the SIU Foundation Women's Leadership Council, the weekend brings together alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members for three days of networking, professional development, philanthropy and mentorship. The SIU Credit Union and Moneta, a St. Louis-based financial advisory firm, are premier sponsors of Saluki Women’s Weekend. Alumna Diane Compardo is a two-degree SIU graduate and Moneta partner.