FROM THE CHANCELLOR
Congratulations and thank you to all who helped us host events associated with yesterday’s eclipse. On eclipse day alone, we welcomed more than 14,000 guests to campus. The eclipse put SIU on an international stage – in front of those who joined us on campus as well as the millions who connected with us through the NASA livestream and national and international media outlets.
Our partners, sponsors and visitors repeatedly told us how grateful they were for our collaboration, assistance and the southern hospitality for which SIU is known.
It would be impossible to name all of those who made this possible after three years of planning. Those who deserve our applause include the eclipse committee co-chairs Bob Baer and Scott Ishman; Vanessa Sneed of University Events and Protocol; the many committee members who worked tirelessly to plan everything from the stadium program to parking to events to health and safety measures; the people who worked behind the scenes on every detail from technology to housing; our faculty, staff, student and community volunteers; and those of you who kept offices open to assist students and guests on eclipse day.
I couldn’t be prouder of the university or more grateful to each of you. It’s an honor to be part of this great Saluki community. Thank you.
Carlo Montemagno, Chancellor