SIU Today | SIU News

SIU Today - October 27, 2025

‘Ajax in Iraq’ to address trauma and cost of war at SIU’s McLeod Theater  

A play with parallel narratives about people living through trauma and the toll exacted by war is set for Nov. 6-9 at McLeod Theater. The School of Theater and Dance will showcase “Ajax in Iraq,” playwright Ellen McLaughlin’s mashup of Ajax, an ancient Greek military hero, and A.J., a female American soldier serving in the Iraq War.

R1 Minute highlights SIU research 

University Communications and Marketing has launched R1 Minute. Each 60-second video features people and projects that show why SIU Carbondale is a Research 1 institution. In the debut edition, doctoral student Ellen Audia and her mentor, Associate Professor of Zoology Guillaume Bastille-Rousseau, discuss their research on bobcats. Watch the video. 

Prospective students invited to SIU’s Open House on Nov. 7 

SIU Carbondale invites high school students, prospective transfer students and their families to the next Open House from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 7.

Former U.S. Sen. Carol Moseley Braun visits Carbondale 

More than 100 people attended an Oct. 22 fireside discussion featuring former U.S. Senator from Illinois Carol Moseley Braun and hosted by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute. 

Conversation of Understanding feature ADEI Lifetime Achievement winners 

A Conversation of Understanding kickoff for the 2025-2026 academic year on Wednesday, Oct. 29, will feature a live, virtual discussion with recent SIU System Dr. Wesley G. Robinson-McNeese ADEI Lifetime Achievement Award recipients. 

School of Music’s ‘Halloween Pops’ to entertain all ages 

The sounds in the late October night won’t be frightening as the School of Music presents its annual “Halloween Pops” concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, in Shryock Auditorium. 

SIU University Honors, Craft Shop host pumpkin carving for Dome Glow 

Sharpen your creative skills as the University Honors Program and the SIU Craft Shop host a free pumpkin carving session on Wednesday, Oct. 29. The finished projects will then be part of the third annual Jon Davey Memorial Dome Glow on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 31-Nov. 1.  

Visit the Student Center for Halloween fun 

The campus community is invited to celebrate Halloween with a variety of special activities and promotions at the Student Center on Friday, Oct. 31. 

SIU Women’s Club welcomes new members 

The SIU Women’s Club is holding a fall membership drive. The social organization, which has nearly 190 members, provides an opportunity for anyone with personal or family ties to SIU Carbondale to gather for networking, philanthropy and fun through social, educational and cultural events.

SIU President Mahony: “How Medical Schools Are Shaping the Future of Healthcare” 

SIU System President Dan Mahony’s “Office Hours” latest podcast is “How Medical Schools Are Shaping the Future of Healthcare.” Mahony recently talked with SIU School of Medicine’s Dr. Chris McDowell, executive associate dean and professor of emergency medicine, and Dr. Jayna Patel, family medicine physician in Taylorville, on the vital role of medical schools developing the healthcare workforce and improving healthcare access across our communities. 

Illinois Ethics Matters newsletter is available

The latest Illinois Ethics Matters newsletter for October 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.

SIU’s Export Controls newsletter is available  

The monthly SIU Export Controls newsletter for October 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 international travel registry requirement.