SIU Today | SIU News

SIU Today - August 14, 2025

SIU welcomes students for 2025-26 school year with numerous events

Salukis will get a big welcome as the fall semester kicks off at SIU Carbondale. A myriad of special activities will help new and returning students get acquainted with campus, each other and the community.

New $1.6M SouthernTECH High-Tech Food Incubator will foster growth of businesses 

Funded by a nearly $1.6 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the region’s entrepreneurs will soon have a new, state-of-the art food business incubator at SIU Carbondale designed to help them expand and flourish – the only one of its kind within 200 miles.

SIU to showcase programs, offerings at Du Quoin State Fair

The full force of Saluki maroon will be everywhere starting next week as SIU Carbondale showcases its programs and services to the region and beyond at the 2025 Du Quoin State Fair, which runs Aug. 22 through Labor Day, Sept. 1. SIU's offerings this year include the Aug. 22 Twilight Parade, the SIU Day/Coal Heritage Day on Aug. 30 and a new feature throughout the 10-day fair — Saluki Central — the roundhouse in front of the main grandstand.

SIU plant genomics and genetics specialist named 2025 Researcher to Know

Khalid Meksem, a distinguished professor of genome biotechnology and genetics at SIU Carbondale, is one of 12 scientists named a 2025 Researcher to Know by the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition.

New sculpture symbolizes success at Poshard Transportation Education Center

Gear Up!, a new 25-foot tall, fabricated aluminum sculpture, serves as a daily reminder of what SIU Carbondale aviation and automotive students can achieve. Located near the southeast entrance to the Glenn Poshard Transportation Education Center, the 5,000-pound artwork was created by alumnus and renowned sculptor John Adduci.

2025-2026 Saluki Takeover Tour dates set 

Alumni and friends of SIU Carbondale can set their calendars for another energizing round of Saluki Takeover Tours for 2025-2026.

Exciting week for SIU sports  

An anonymous donor’s $4.5 million estate gift to support female student athletes and the SIU softball program, the pending retirement of Saluki basketball Hall of Famer Mike Glenn’s jersey and personnel changes were part of SIU Athletics over the last week. 

Carbondale Chamber of Commerce hosts ‘Saluki Pride’ luncheon Tuesday 

The Carbondale Chamber of Commerce will highlight Saluki athletics when it holds its August member luncheon in Banterra Center’s Helleny Pavillion from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19. The “Saluki Pride” luncheon is also open to non-chamber members.

Businesses, students and alumni welcome at Fall Job and Internship Fair

SIU Carbondale’s Fall 2025 Job and Internship Fair is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 16 in the Student Center ballrooms. The university’s Career Development Center is hosting the fair, which will feature more than 115 businesses. SIU departments are also encouraged to register for free.

Saluki women’s soccer, volleyball set for this week 

The Saluki women’s soccer team opens the 2025 season at 6 p.m. today (Aug. 14) against Eastern Illinois University at the Lew Hartzog Track and Field Complex, then hosts Southeast Missouri State University at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21. The Saluki women’s volleyball team holds the Maroon and White scrimmage at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at Davies Gym. Be sure to check team schedules at siusalukis.com.  

View this month’s ‘Saluki Watch Dawg’ 

The Department of Public Safety’s August 2025 issue of the “Saluki Watch Dawg” is available. In this month’s edition, you can view the fall 2025 semester move-in schedule, the department’s efforts to gain accreditation from the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, parking decal requirements, bicycle registration, bicycle lock information and Saluki Patrol. 

Reminder: SIU Today to resume twice-a-week schedule Monday  

When fall 2025 classes start Monday, Aug. 18, SIU Today will resume its usual twice-a-week schedule of Mondays and Thursdays, except for holidays, closures and breaks. Please remember the submission deadline is two business days before desired publication, if all the necessary information is provided. That means a noon Thursday deadline for Monday publication and a noon Tuesday deadline for Thursday publication.