SIU Today | SIU News

SIU Today - September 18, 2025

SIU Day of Giving raises $5.7M from 1,073 donors

Saluki pride was on full display during the 10th SIU Day of Giving on Sept. 17, as $5,714,315 from 1,073 donors supported scholarships, research, programs and initiatives across SIU Carbondale. Since 2017, the SIU Day of Giving has raised more than $23.6 million.

SIU Simmons Law School sees 25% increase in first-year students this fall 

Even with a 25% increase in first-year students at the SIU Simmons Law School from a year ago, Dean Hannah Brenner Johnson and her staff already are on the recruiting trail for students who want to be a part of the Class of 2029. 

Sharp Museum’s new exhibitions highlight diversity in photographs, ceramics

A ceramics exhibition from 49 former artists-in-residence with the New Harmony Clay Project and a series of photographs highlighting Southern Illinois residents by SIU Carbondale alumnus Paul Elledge are among the Sharp Museum’s four new exhibitions this fall. Lenny Dowhie, New Harmony Clay Project director and an internationally known ceramics sculptor, will give an artist talk on Friday, Sept. 19.

SIU Concert Choir and Wind Ensemble to present ‘Classics’ on Oct. 1

From tunes born during the American Revolution to an arrangement of songwriting genius Bob Dylan’s music, SIU Carbondale’s Concert Choir and Wind Ensemble will present “Classics” at Shryock Auditorium in a free performance on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Legislative staff tour SIU System campuses 

Last week, state legislative staff from across Illinois received guided tours of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, the SIU School of Medicine and SIU Edwardsville. 

SIU’s Simon Institute hosts scholar to discuss using history to craft policy strategy 

Francis J. Gavin, a professor at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies and director of the Henry Kissinger Center for Global Affairs, will join the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute for a virtual conversation on Wednesday, Sept. 24. 

Saluki sports are busy this week 

The SIU men’s and women’s cross country teams host the Oscar Moore Invitational at 6:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, with the start line behind the Lew Hartzog Track and Field Complex. The Saluki women’s soccer team hosts two matches at the Lew Hartzog Complex against Belmont at 6 p.m. Friday and Evansville at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25. The Saluki football team travels to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to face regional rival Southeast Missouri State in the “War for the Wheel” at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. And the Saluki softball team continues its fall season by hosting Jefferson College in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, at Charlotte West Stadium. Be sure to check team schedules at siusalukis.com.

Get free tickets now for SIU’s Mountainfilm on Tour 

The popular Mountainfilm on Tour is returning to Carbondale Sept. 26, courtesy of SIU Carbondale’s Recreational Sports and Services. The 7 p.m. showing at the Varsity Theater, 418 S. Illinois Ave., is free and open to everyone, but tickets are required.

Bring your business idea to life in SIU/Regions Bank 2025 contest 

If you’re an entrepreneur with a great idea to launch or grow a business in Southern Illinois, check out the Southern Illinois 2025 Business Plan Competition Powered by Regions, where more than $20,000 in cash and in-kind services is up for grabs. Applications are due Sept. 29.

SIU’s Export Controls newsletter is available   

The monthly SIU Export Controls newsletter for September 2025 is available. The newsletter provides a resource for current export control issues and events that could affect SIU and its faculty. This edition includes guidance on the use of drones.