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SIU Today - October 16, 2025

Embrace the Saluki spirit with concerts, football, more at SIU’s Spooktacular Homecoming

Homecoming 2025 promises to be memorable for all with a giant pep rally, a fun block party, a concert featuring Mariah the Scientist, the Carbondale Halloween Homecoming Music Street Festival and numerous other activities, including of course, a parade, tailgating and football. “Saluki Spooktacular” is Monday through Saturday, Oct. 20-25.

SIU’s 2025 Lincoln Laureate seeks to help people by helping animals

Zoology senior Marsden Fisher’s blend of intellect, initiative and service earned recognition as a 2025 Student Lincoln Laureate  — the Lincoln Academy of Illinois’ highest honor for undergraduate leadership, civic engagement and overall excellence. She will be honored on Saturday, Oct. 18, in Springfield.

United Airlines-SIU Aviation Career Day helps students become part of the Saluki family

The 25th United Airlines-SIU Aviation Career Day will bring nearly 130 Chicago-area secondary school students to visit the SIU School of Aviation on Saturday, Oct. 18.

Reminder: Flu immunizations available on campus today and Wednesday 

All active and retired SIU Carbondale employees, their dependents and surviving spouses enrolled in a state-sponsored health plan can receive free flu immunizations during walkup clinics from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, Oct. 16, and Wednesday, Oct. 22, in the Student Center’s Renaissance Room. 

SIU Simmons Law School increases first-time bar exam passage rates

With an evidence-based, individualized and comprehensive approach, SIU Simmons Law School is enjoying significant increases in first-time passage rates for recent graduates sitting for bar exams.

Applications for Thrasher, REACH funds to open Dec. 1

Faculty should remind undergraduate students of two scholarship programs coming up for renewal in December. The Susan C. Thrasher Undergraduate Research Fund and the Research-Enriched Academic Challenge (REACH) programs both offer financial support and research opportunities.

Sign up now to join the 2025 Saluki Spooktacular Homecoming parade

Entries are now being accepted for SIU Carbondale’s 2025 Homecoming parade, which will make its way through the city streets and onto campus, beginning at 10 a.m. Oct. 25. Bands, floats and other groups are welcome to join the parade and compete for prizes. Enter by 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22.

Area high school band students to perform with SIU Marching Salukis

Area high school instrumental marching band students will join the Marching Salukis on Saturday, Oct. 18, and perform at halftime and in the stands during the football game against North Dakota.

Busy week for Saluki sports 

There will be numerous chances to wear maroon to see Saluki sports this week as the football team hosts North Dakota in a battle of nationally ranked contenders at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Saluki Stadium. The women’s soccer team returns to the Lew Hartzog Track and Field Complex to host Valparaiso on senior night at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, and Indiana State at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23. The Saluki men’s basketball team hosts Austin Peay on Friday, Oct. 17, in a free, public exhibition game at 6 p.m. at Banterra Center, and the Saluki baseball team hosts Eastern Illinois at 2 p.m. Friday at Itchy Jones Stadium. Be sure to check team schedules at siusalukis.com.