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SIU Today - July 03, 2025

SIU scientists examine how pesticides may impair Chinook salmon

Michael Lydy, professor of zoology, and Kara Huff Hartz, senior scientist at the Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, are cooperating with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the University of California-Davis in looking at how pesticides may impact Chinook salmon’s ability to avoid predators while migrating to the ocean.

Partial lane closures on U.S. 51 to start next week

Motorists should anticipate lane closures on U.S. 51, starting next week as the university replaces graphics on its north pedestrian bridge over the highway. Weather permitting, northbound lanes will be closed, starting at 7 a.m. Monday, July 7, through Thursday, July 10, with southbound lanes closed July 14-17. Traffic control will be onsite around 6:30 a.m. on July 7 with lane closure signage set up by 7 a.m.

Reminder: Fireworks display near Banterra Center is Friday  

SIU and the City of Carbondale will host the annual Independence Day fireworks display on campus at 9:15 p.m. Friday, July 4, near the Banterra Center. Learn more about the show and parking details. Food treats will be available from vendors. In the event of rain on July 4, the fireworks display will be Saturday, July 5, also at 9:15 p.m. 

Student Health Services hosts blood drive July 29 

Student Health Services is hosting a community blood drive with the American Red Cross from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 29, in the Student Health Center, Room 111.

Help SIU save energy, improve sustainability

As the university prepares for the July 4 holiday, now is a good time to take simple steps to save energy, which will help the university improve sustainability, one of the five pillars of the Imagine 2030 strategic plan.

Office Hours with SIU System President Dan Mahony 

SIU System President Dan Mahony’s “Office Hours” podcast episode “Exploring the Future of AI in Higher Ed and Beyond” looks at how artificial intelligence is showing up on SIU’s campuses, along with the opportunities and challenges. Xiaoqing “Frank” Liu, dean of SIU Carbondale’s College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics; Mario Hayek, dean of SIU Edwardsville’s School of Business, and Pinckney Benedict, a professor in the SIU School of Medicine and former creative writing faculty member at SIU Carbondale, join the discussion. 

Saluki Coaches Unleashed Tour begins July 15 

Throughout the summer, Saluki Athletics will visit Southern Illinois, providing fans with updates and Saluki spirit from coaches and leadership. The first stop is from 5-7 p.m. July 15 at 22 & Vine inside Walker’s Bluff Casino in Carterville. Upcoming stops include Marion, Du Quoin and Murphysboro with more planned in August. 

Alumnus invests in art education at SIU

Accomplished artist and educator Thomas Brewer, a 1973 SIU Carbondale graduate in art education and ceramics, has established a scholarship to support School of Art and Design students pursuing teaching careers in visual arts.

Reminder: Leadership training workshops  

Seats are available for free leadership training workshops offered in July and October by the Staff Advisory Committee for the SIU System. The workshops are Tuesday through Thursday, July 8-10, and Oct. 7-9. 

Illinois Ethics Matters newsletter is available

The latest Illinois Ethics Matters newsletter for June 2025 is available. The Office of Executive Inspector General publishes the newsletter to allow state employees to stay informed of current issues relating to ethics. The SIU System Ethics Office website is siusystem.edu/ethics.