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SIU Today - August 29, 2024

SIU researcher wins $624,500 NSF-CAREER grant to develop microbes to mitigate plastic waste

Lahiru Jayakody, associate professor in the School of Biological Sciences, is looking at engineering a novel microorganism with the ability to break down various types of plastics into their basic building blocks, or monomers. The process would offer a way to handle waste plastics polluting the environment, while also providing the monomer precursors for other valuable chemicals.

Saluki Food Pantry seeks donations to help students 

The 2023-2024 academic year was a record-breaker for the Saluki Food Pantry, so a food drive is underway to ensure the pantry can continue to provide assistance to students in times of need, thus assuring they can focus on meeting their educational goals.

Help SIU save energy during the extreme heat, holiday weekend

In an effort to help the university improve sustainability, eliminate wasteful use of energy on campus and reduce costs during this heat wave and upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend, the university is asking employees and students to help conserve energy. 

SIU’s Family Weekend 2024 to feature ‘Phineas and Ferb’ creator, football and more

Celebrity guest Dan Povenmire, a grudge football match, tailgating, a craft sale, rock climbing, moonlight canoeing and s’mores, a Greek Sing, an outdoor movie and numerous other special activities are in store for Saluki Family Weekend, set for Sept. 19-21.

Volunteers needed to help with SIU Day on Sept. 18

Faculty and staff can welcome hundreds of high school students to campus next month and help them discover what makes SIU Carbondale the place to be for college. The event typically attracts more than 500 students from the region. You can sign up online to help at SIU Day. Volunteers should sign up by Sept. 11.

SIU Sustainability office relocates, launches survey

The SIU Sustainability Office and Hub have moved to a new, enhanced location at the Student Center, near the International Lounge at the south end of the second floor. There is also an online survey to seek input on the products and services the office should provide to best serve SIU. All students, faculty and staff are invited to participate to help shape future efforts.

SIU staff encouraged to attend a virtual wellness session Sept. 23 

The SIU System will offer a wellness session for staff only on Sept. 23. The session on “Change Management in Practice” is from noon to 1 p.m. See the flyer for the link to the meetings and the credentials. 

Free violence response training 

The Department of Public Safety offers free training upon request at Trueblood Hall for students, faculty and staff on what to do in case of an active shooter. For more information, including how to register, visit the Emergency Preparedness website. 

Paul Simon Institute hosts Illinois House GOP leader McCombie Sept. 9

Illinois State Rep. Tony McCombie, the Illinois House Republican leader, will visit the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute on Sept. 9 to discuss the party’s policy agenda and review the issues she believes will influence the November general elections in Illinois. The program begins at 6 p.m. in Student Center Ballroom B. The institute will host a reception in the Student Center’s John W. Corker Lounge at 5 p.m.

Saluki cross country teams open up Friday 

The Saluki men’s and women’s cross country teams will compete at 6:15 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, at the Redhawks Invitational in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The women’s soccer team hosts North Alabama at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, at the Lew Hartzog Track and Field Complex. Be sure to check team schedules at siusalukis.com.   

Women in Action Awards postponed; additional nominations welcome

The deadline for online nominations for SIU Carbondale's third annual Women in Action is Saturday, Sept. 7.

No SIU Today on Monday 

There will be no SIU Today on Monday, Sept. 2, due to the Labor Day holiday. SIU Today will resume on Thursday, Sept. 5. Submission deadlines will remain the same: two business days before the desired publication date. The deadline for the Sept. 5 edition will be Tuesday, Sept. 3.

Reminder: SIU Day at the Du Quoin State Fair is Saturday

SIU Day/Coal Heritage Day at the Du Quoin State Fair is Saturday, Aug. 31. The fairgrounds are open from noon to midnight, with SIU activities from noon to 3 p.m. Parking is free for all SIU students, faculty and staff with valid ID.