SIU Today | SIU News

SIU Today - April 21, 2025

Gilbert honors father with $250K gift to SIU Simmons Law School

A gift from SIU Board of Trustees chair Judge J. Phil Gilbert in honor of his father will establish the Sen. John G. Gilbert Impact Fund, which will significantly enhance the educational experiences and opportunities for SIU’s law students.

SIU pioneers mental health response program for emergency calls 

Thanks to a new grant-funded program, responders with specialized skills in mental health are available to assist when needed in emergency calls at SIU Carbondale, de-escalating situations, improving outcomes and helping students stay in school.

SIU fashion students hard at work to showcase creativity

Students in the Fashion Studies program are putting the finishing touches on their work ahead of the Student Showcase and Fashion Show on Thursday, April 24, in the Student Center.

Resource for active threat 

Students, faculty and staff who would like to know what to do in case of an active shooter may visit the Emergency Preparedness website. The Active Threat webpage explains “Run. Hide. Fight.” messaging and has a video with helpful information (be aware that the initial sequence may be disturbing). 

Three SIU Carbondale students receive 2025 SIU System Distinguished Student Service Awards 

Three SIU Carbondale students received 2025 SIU System Distinguished Student Service Awards at the SIU Board of Trustees meeting on April 17. 

Remembering Salukis we have lost

SIU Carbondale honored 10 faculty, staff and students who passed away during the 2024-2025 academic year at Saluki Remembrance Day on April 16.

Federal judge, former SIU law professor to present Simonds lecture

Ryan T. Holte, a judge on the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and a former faculty member at the SIU Simmons Law School, will reflect on his career and time at SIU Carbondale when he presents the Gene & Katy Simonds Lectureship in Democracy on Tuesday, April 22, in the Hiram H. Lesar Building’s auditorium.

SIU Arbor Day tree planting is Wednesday

In celebration of Arbor Day and Earth Month, SIU Carbondale will host a tree planting event on Wednesday, April 23, rain or shine. Everyone is welcome to participate.

Information Technology invites campus community feedback on IT services 

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) is inviting the campus community to participate in a brief customer satisfaction survey regarding IT services and support. The survey is expected to take about 15 minutes. 

Paul Simon Institute hosts Kettering Foundation CEO to discuss future of democracy

Sharon Davies, president and CEO of the Charles F. Kettering Foundation, will join SIU Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute for a special virtual conversation at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 24.

Panel discussion on the importance of local news is Thursday

A free, public panel discussion with media experts on the importance of local news coverage — particularly in rural areas — and how nonprofit newsrooms and universities are working together to fill the gaps, is set for 6 p.m. Thursday, April 24, at the Varsity Center, 418 S. Illinois Ave. There are also two days of workshops, Friday and Saturday, April 25-26.

SIU talk focuses on how the sun affects members of the military

Justin McDaniel, associate professor of public health in the School of Human Sciences, and SIU doctoral student Claire Hughes will give a talk titled “Understanding Sun Exposure Risks in Military Personnel: A Public Health Perspective,” at 3 p.m. Friday, April 25, in Morris Library's Guyon Auditorium.

Takeover Tour, Saluki Ball on tap this week

Members of the Saluki family have two great events this week to enjoy everything about SIU and support current and future Salukis. Registration is open for the final Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois event from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, at Faye, 1616 Walnut St., Murphysboro. Tickets are also available for the third annual Saluki Ball on Saturday, April 26, in the Student Center.

Reminder: Conversation of Understanding on Tuesday features graduating students 

“From SIU to the World: Insights from the Class of 2025,” a free, virtual Conversation of Understanding featuring four graduating students, is from noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, on the SIU System YouTube Channel.  

Course on optimal online learning practices is Thursday 

“Optimal Practices for Online Learning,” the next monthly online Teams session offered by SIU Online and Extended Campus to assist SIU Carbondale online faculty and instructors, is from 10-11 a.m. Thursday, April 24.