SIU Today | SIU News

SIU Today - March 31, 2022

SIU celebrating Earth Month in April

The university will celebrate Earth Month in April with a variety of special events, culminating in the annual Sustainability Awards Ceremony on Earth Day, April 22. From clothing swaps, seed and plant giveaways to an Eco Art conference, a community cleanup and more, a diverse array of activities will showcase what is happening on campus and in the surrounding community and give people the opportunity to learn more and get involved.

Saluki Pride: Nilanjana Bardhan helps students apply classroom experiences to their everyday lives

Considered a preeminent scholar in global public relations practice and intercultural communication, Nilanjana Bardhan, a professor in the communication studies program, is co-author of an upcoming book that focuses on leadership in building inclusive diversity in public relations. In 2019, she received the university’s Women of Distinction Award, which recognizes employees for their sustained commitment to women and/or issues of diversity through demonstrated leadership, vision and action. Nominating a colleague is easy; simply fill out this form.

Virtual Little Grassy Literary Festival 2022 features readings, discussions

The Little Grassy Literary Festival returns next week in a virtual format but still featuring a variety of renowned literary authors. This year’s event, April 4-8, will feature 11 authors and poets who will read their work during nightly readings. The festival will also feature three panel discussions, a Zoom performance and an open mic session.

Complete the diversity climate survey 

Faculty, staff, students and administrators are encouraged to participate in the campuswide diversity climate survey, which will be online until April 14. On March 14, you received an email invitation to participate in the online survey directly from Campus Climate Surveys, LCC. Survey responses will be kept confidential and used in aggregate to identify strengths and opportunities related to diversity, equity and inclusion. If you have any questions, please contact Sheila.Caldwell@siu.edu.

Ken Stoner is the new director of SIU’s Illinois Small Business Development Center

Ken Stoner, a former educator and business owner, is the new director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center. Stoner has worked as a small business specialist at the SBDC since June 2013 and since then has assisted more than 500 new and existing business owners from throughout the region.

Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra to perform Mozart and Brahms on Sunday

Ensembles of the Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra will perform pieces by Kummer, Mozart, and Brahms at Shryock Auditorium on Sunday, April 3. The free, public performance, featuring faculty members, area professionals, undergraduates, and graduate students, is at 2 p.m. No registration is required.

Student Distinguished Service Award nominations underway

Nominations for the 2022 SIU Student Distinguished Service Award are being accepted through noon Friday, April 1. The award, presented by the SIU System Student Advisory Board, will recognize students from throughout the SIU system, including one undergraduate student and one graduate student from SIU Carbondale. More information is available here, or email the selection committee chair, Dianah McGreehan, at dianah.mcgreehan@siu.edu.