SIU Today | SIU News

SIU Today - October 22, 2026

2026 Lincoln Academy student laureate bridges community service, politics

Kaitlynne Franklin has a dual goal for herself — excel academically and maintain a lifelong commitment to community service. The SIU Carbondale political science major is the university’s 2026 Lincoln Academy of Illinois student laureate. She will receive the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award on Saturday, Oct. 24, in ceremonies at the Old State Capitol State Historic Site in Springfield.

SIU Foundation reaches $500M fundraising goal 20 months early, sets sights on even greater impact

The SIU Foundation has reached the $500 million goal of its Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign 20 months ahead of schedule, marking the largest fundraising achievement in university history and the fifth-largest campaign in Illinois higher education history.

Saluki Takeover Tour hits Chicago next week

SIU staff will be in Chicago next week on the third stop of the 2026-2027 Saluki Takeover Tour. These tours emphasize SIU’s recruiting commitment for students throughout Illinois. Staff will visit area high schools and colleges in the region Tuesday through Thursday, Oct. 27-29, to meet with administrators and students.

SIU Simmons Law School, Illinois Supreme Court partner in creating Housing Justice Clinic

The Housing Justice Clinic initiative, a new collaboration between the SIU Simmons Law School and the Illinois Supreme Court, will expand access to legal representation for people facing housing-related issues while giving law students valuable hands-on experience.

Haunted Hollow returns to SIU’s Touch of Nature on Sunday

Haunted Hollow, the always-popular fall family fun fest at the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, returns Sunday, Oct. 25, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sharp Museum’s ‘Spooks or Spoofs’ exhibition reception is Friday

Just in time for Halloween, Sharp Museum is hosting a reception to celebrate hidden or unknown animals and creatures that might also be a bit spooky. A Halloween Bash reception for “Spooks or Spoofs,” the museum’s national-juried cryptid-theme exhibition, is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23. Costumes are encouraged for the free, public event.

Celebrate the holiday season with the Lights Fantastic Parade

The Lights Fantastic Parade is one of the region’s brightest holiday traditions — and it takes to Carbondale’s Illinois Avenue on Saturday, Dec. 5. The registration deadline is Nov. 20.

Reminder on prohibited political activities 

The SIU Ethics Office reminds all SIU Carbondale employees and appointees about the importance of individuals complying with the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, especially on the topic of political activity.

SIU Press to host “Writing Theatre” author panel

As part of its 70th anniversary, SIU Press is hosting a virtual “Writing Theatre” author panel at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29. The fourth in a series of author panels, the event features three authors who have written comprehensive books on various aspects of theater.

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. The application deadline is Jan. 26.

View this month’s The Saluki Watch Dawg  

The Department of Public Safety’s October 2026 issue of The Saluki Watch Dawg is available. In this month’s edition, you can review the department’s 2025 annual Security and Fire Safety Report along with electric scooter safety guidelines. Previous issues of The Saluki Watch Dawg  are also available.

Busy week ahead for Saluki Sports

The Saluki football team hosts Northern Iowa at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Saluki Stadium. The women’s soccer team hosts Drake at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Lew Hartzog Track and Field Complex. The Saluki women’s volleyball team has a pair of matches this week at Davies Gym — 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, against Illinois State, and 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, against Murray State. The Saluki women’s basketball team hosts its exhibition opener at 6 p.m. today, Oct. 22, against Kentucky Wesleyan at Banterra Center. The Saluki men’s basketball team hosts Tennessee Tech in its second exhibition at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25 at Banterra Center. The Saluki softball team closes out its fall 2026 schedule with a doubleheader against Lake Land College at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at Charlotte West Stadium. The Saluki baseball team hosts Southwestern Illinois College at 3 p.m. Friday at Itchy Jones Stadium.