SIU Today - August 27, 2026
Sharp Museum exhibition will highlight photographs by alumnus Ray Howk
The photographic work of an SIU Carbondale alumnus who turned activities on city streets into his own playground will be highlighted in an exhibition starting next month at Sharp Museum.
SIU Alumni Association to honor 2026 distinguished alumni Sept. 11
The SIU Alumni Association will honor six SIU Carbondale alumni at ceremonies on Friday, Sept. 11, during the association’s 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards at 3:30 p.m. in Morris Library’s John C. Guyon Auditorium.
Four SIU Carbondale faculty named Provost Faculty Fellows
Four SIU Carbondale faculty — Chao Lu, Katherine Martin, Mathew Gluck and Sabrina Starnaman — have been appointed as Provost Faculty Fellows for 2026-2027.
R1 Minute: The future of food
Lahiru Jayakody, associate professor in the School of Biological Sciences and Fermentation Science Institute, talks about genetically manipulating highly metabolic yeast to consume plastic waste and convert it into consumable protein. The final product is a "microbite" cookie, offering a groundbreaking and completely edible solution to our global pollution problem. It’s another R1 Minute. Watch the video.
Du Quoin State Fair kicks off with Twilight Parade
SIU Carbondale will definitely bring the maroon to the Du Quoin State Fair this year, beginning with the Twilight Parade on Friday, Aug. 28. The parade starts at 6 p.m. inside the fairgrounds and features Chancellor Austin Lane, SIU System President Daniel Mahony, the 175-member Marching Salukis, Saluki Spirit teams, Student Programming Council and WSIU. The 10-day fair also includes the SIU Day/Coal Heritage Day on Sept. 5 and Saluki Central — the roundhouse in front of the main grandstand.
1869 Grille officially opens in the Student Center
Nationally renowned Chef Aaron May along with university officials including Chancellor Austin Lane and SIU System President Daniel Mahony were on hand Aug. 25 to celebrate the culinary grand opening of the 1869 Grille in the Student Center.
Simon Institute open house Friday to feature U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin
The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute is holding an open house on Friday, Aug. 28, featuring an appearance by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois. The event, which is free and open to the public, is from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the institute.
Women’s soccer hosts two matches
The Saluki women’s soccer team hosts two matches this week at the Lew Hartzog Track and Field Complex – facing Alabama A&M at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, and Lindenwood University at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3. Be sure to check team schedules at siusalukis.com.
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