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SIU Today - May 23, 2024

SIFest’s 20th season features D-Day concert, opera, ballet and more

The nationally recognized Southern Illinois Music Festival (SIFest) runs from Saturday, May 25, to June 9, providing the region an opportunity to enjoy the finest professional singers and instrumentalists from the U.S. and Europe, along with a mix of select SIU Carbondale faculty and students.

Flying Salukis finish second in nation; recent SIU grad earns top pilot honors

Paced by top pilot and recent graduate Dayne Snodgrass, the Flying Salukis finished second at the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) championships May 18. The finish marks the 15th straight year that the nine-time national champions have finished in the top five nationally and 12th time in 13 years SIU has been in the top three overall.

SIU lab works with ‘tiny psychologists’ to learn how babies and children get social skills

A research team of students and faculty led by Youjung Choi, assistant professor of psychology in the School of Psychological and Behavioral Sciences, is working with newborns and young children to explore how they acquire social skills.

SIU engineering student among 10 ‘New Faces’ in her field in the U.S.

Morgan Klover, a senior in civil engineering from Decatur, has been named to the 2024 New Faces of Civil Engineering-College by the American Society of Civil Engineering. The ASCE names just 10 students nationwide to its annual list, which honors outstanding engineers of tomorrow and comes with a scholarship of up to $1,000.

Saluki Pride: Kelly Bender earns faculty teaching Excellence Award

During her 18 years at SIU Carbondale, Kelly S. Bender, an associate professor in the microbiology program in the School of Biological Sciences, has focused on student success. Her work earned Bender the 2024 Excellence Award for tenured and tenure-track faculty.

New leadership in Faculty Senate

Yueh-Ting Lee, a professor in the School of Psychological and Behavioral Sciences, has been chosen for his third term as president of the Faculty Senate.

Saluki baseball continues play in MVC tournament

The Saluki baseball team scored five runs in the top of the 11th inning Wednesday night and held on to knock off  top-seed and No. 20 nationally ranked Indiana State, 10-9, in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament. The Salukis, now 33-25, face either Illinois State or Belmont at 7:30 p.m. today (May 23) in the double-elimination tournament at the University of Evansville. Be sure to check team schedules at siusalukis.com.

SIU Aviation’s Lorelei and José Ruiz have legacy of students soaring to new heights

Student success has always been the focus for the School of Aviation’s Lorelei and José Ruiz. Each worked more than 30 years for the nationally recognized program, and they account for hundreds of aviation professionals in varying careers within the industry.

Reminder: Benefit Choice open enrollment deadline is May 31

The deadline for the State Employees Group Insurance Program Benefit Choice open enrollment for all eligible employees is May 31. Employees are encouraged to review the Benefits Choice Booklet for details on all changes, benefit enhancements and premium costs.

Reminder: Decals-By-Mail program available through June 7  

The Department of Public Safety Parking Division’s Decals-By-Mail program for eligible faculty and staff for the fiscal year 2025 is available through June 7. This is for those choosing payroll deduction. The salary ranges for decal categories have not been increased. 

Reminder: Flexible schedule summer program starts Sunday 

The university is offering an employee flexible schedule program again this summer. The program will begin Sunday, May 26, and continue through July 27, 2024.