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SIU Today - April 24, 2025

SIU Carbondale named an Opportunity University by Carnegie Classification  

SIU Carbondale is one of only 16% of institutions, or 479 nationwide, that have earned the new Carnegie Classification designation of Opportunity Colleges and Universities – Higher Access, Higher Earnings.  

Community of Care webpage provides resources 

SIU Carbondale has established the Community of Care webpage to provide on-campus and external resources for faculty, staff and students as they navigate uncertainty. Recent updates include the March 28 email to international students, an April 7 email to employees who hold visas or green cards, and messages from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU).

SIU awards more than $154K to 17 unique sustainability projects 

SIU Carbondale’s Earth Day celebration included awarding more than $154,000 in Green Fund grants to 17 diverse and unique projects.

Burnside, Vargas earn SIU System ADEI recognition 

Randy Burnside, director of the SIU School of Medicine’s Medical/Dental Education Preparatory Program (MEDPREP), and Yahaira “Yaya” Vargas, a community employment specialist for the education and development program at the Education and Development Center, each received the SIU System’s 2025 Dr. Wesley G. Robinson-McNeese ADEI Lifetime Achievement Award during the April 17 SIU Board of Trustees meeting.

SIU Carbondale named a friendly university to military students, vets, families

SIU Carbondale along with two SIU Online and Extended Campus locations in Florida and California earned “2025-2026 Military Friendly® School” by VIQTORY, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business.

Construction approved for Wildlife Habitat Education Center at Touch of Nature

With funding from an anonymous $3 million donation, the SIU Board of Trustees has approved the design and construction of the Wildlife Habitat Education Center at the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center. This significant project will enhance the university’s commitment to outdoor education and community outreach.

Father Brown: Pope Francis’ legacy is advocating for the marginalized, forgotten

Pope Francis will be remembered as a cleric who emphasized dignity and who advocated for marginalized people throughout the world, says Father Joseph A. Brown, a professor and coordinator of the Africana Studies Program and director of the School of Africana & Multicultural Studies.

Takeover Tour Southern Illinois is successful

The Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois had a record-breaking run this month in winding its way to 50 high schools across 17 counties before concluding April 22 at Faye in Murphysboro.

Departments can get SIU branded notebooks, folders 

Departments can buy SIU Carbondale branded folders and notebooks.  

Help create ‘SIU A to Z’

The SIU Alumni Association is creating a colorful children’s book that introduces young readers to SIU Carbondale’s spirit and tradition — A to Z style. The book, created in partnership with publisher Campus A to Z, will celebrate our campus, history and Saluki pride while supporting scholarships and early literacy. The association is gathering ideas for SIU themes for each letter of the alphabet. Have a great “S” for Saluki? Send your ideas to siualumni@alumni.siu.edu by May 15 for consideration.

Aviation technologies students do well in aircraft maintenance contest 

Seven students in SIU Carbondale’s aviation technologies program fared well in the 2025 Aerospace Maintenance Council competition in Atlanta. The Detail Dawgs, a registered student organization, placed in the top 10 in six different events in the 46-team scholastic division.

Salukis hit diamonds this weekend 

Both the Saluki women’s softball team and men’s baseball team are home this weekend. The softball team closes out the regular season home schedule with three games against Murray State — noon and 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26, and noon Sunday, April 27, at Charlotte West Stadium. The Saluki baseball team hosts Illinois State for three games at Itchy Jones Stadium — 6 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday, before hosting Lindenwood at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 29. Be sure to check team schedules at siusalukis.com.