CARBONDALE, Ill. — Dozens gathered Wednesday morning, Oct. 1, at the Alumni Association Courtyard Tent outside Woody Hall to celebrate the official launch of Salukis Build Here, a new partnership designed to encourage SIU alumni to start, relocate or expand businesses in Carbondale and Southern Illinois. The partners also invited other Southern Illinois communities to join the effort and collaborate in supporting alumni entrepreneurs across the region.

The initiative is a joint effort of the SIU Foundation, SIU Alumni Association, Southern Illinois Now (SI Now), the City of Carbondale, Carbondale Main Street and the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce.

“Salukis Build Here celebrates alumni-owned businesses already thriving in Carbondale and throughout Southern Illinois while extending an enthusiastic invitation for other Salukis to join us,” said Deb Barnett, executive director of SI Now, who opened the program. “You have a university, a community and an entire region here to welcome and support you.”

SIU Chancellor Austin A. Lane followed, reflecting on the momentum surrounding both the university and the city. He emphasized how alumni and community partnerships fuel growth for the region and help extend SIU’s reputation far beyond Carbondale.

“Can you feel the energy in Carbondale? I can,” Lane said. “There are so many incredible things happening in this city, throughout Southern Illinois, and at Southern Illinois University. Partnerships like Salukis Build Here show how our alumni, community members and local leaders are working together to strengthen both the university and the region. The more we share these stories, the more we will continue to attract alumni and inspire them to invest, return and build here.”

Molly Hudgins, executive director of the SIU Alumni Association, spoke on behalf of the Alumni Association and SIU Foundation.

“This initiative is about economic growth, but it’s also about legacy,” Hudgins said. “It’s about celebrating the many alumni who have already invested in this region, and it’s about showing future generations the power of Saluki pride and tradition. By choosing to live, work and build in Southern Illinois, alumni not only succeed themselves but strengthen the entire region.”

Scott Moller, SIU alumnus, Alumni Association board president, and new co-owner of Hangar 9, spoke about the link between a vibrant Carbondale and a strong university.

“A vibrant downtown Carbondale creates a more robust student life experience — and a stronger student experience makes SIU more attractive to future students,” he said. “When we reopened Hangar 9, the city was the first to ask, ‘How can we help?’ That kind of partnership made a real difference and showed us that Carbondale isn’t just open for business, it is committed to helping businesses succeed. That support gives alumni like me confidence to invest here and strengthens the bond between the university and the community.”

Mayor Carolin Harvey highlighted the city’s role in supporting entrepreneurship, noting that nearly 150 alumni-owned businesses currently operate in Carbondale.

“These enterprises showcase the hard work and creativity of SIU graduates,” Harvey said. “Together, they not only fuel our local economy but also embody the spirit of SIU and the lasting connections alumni maintain with Carbondale. From restaurants and retail shops to service providers and entertainment venues, alumni-owned businesses add to the vibrancy of our city and help make Carbondale a welcoming place for students, families and visitors alike. Salukis Build Here ensures that we recognize their impact while encouraging even more alumni to join them in building a future here.”

William Lo, executive director of the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of collaboration.

“We encourage fellow Salukis to get off the sidelines and grow their businesses alongside their peers,” Lo said. “Carbondale has a strong, welcoming community that supports small businesses, and what better place to open or expand your business than right here in the heart of Saluki Country.”

Matt Collinsworth, executive director of Carbondale Main Street, closed the remarks by inviting the community to the upcoming celebration at Hangar 9.

“Carbondale has always been a welcoming place, and many of our downtown shops, restaurants and venues are alumni-owned,” he said. “On Oct. 23, we’ll showcase and celebrate those existing businesses with an open-house event featuring Saluki-owned businesses, food and beverage vendors, and opportunities to connect with entrepreneurs and community leaders.”

The proclamation was then signed by all partners, marking the formal launch of Salukis Build Here.

The Oct. 23 Hangar 9 celebration will serve as a prelude to SIU’s Homecoming weekend, which includes a Halloween street festival on the Strip Oct. 24 and the annual Saluki football game and tailgate on Oct. 25.

By Ava Steffens

Dr. Glenn Poshard, former SIU system president, Illinois senator, U.S. congressman, and longtime humanitarian, presented a poetry reading that raised funds and collected food donations to support the Saluki Food Pantry. The program featured poetry, written by both him and other authors, detailing his life and various adversities that continue to inspire him and his wife, Jo Poshard, to continue to passionately advocate for people in the Southern Illinois region.

While the presentation, titled “Life’s Beginnings and Endings” was free, dozens of attendees made donations in the form of non-perishable food products, checks, and cash to support the Saluki Food Pantry at SIU upon entry.

As part of a regional poetry series, Poshard’s event in the Student Center Ballrooms supported SIU students and families facing food insecurity and hunger.

Poshard, who grew up in a two-room house without electricity in rural southeastern Illinois, has first-hand experience with food insecurity, as detailed in his original poem “Hunger.” He said relying on the generosity of others to have basic needs met often comes with a stigma.

“I was probably eight years old when my father came home from the township to get surplus food,” Poshard said. “I knew how hard it was for him, not being able to find work because he had one arm, and the shame and judgment he felt. I know what hunger does to people, especially children.”

As an adult, Poshard served in the Korean War, working with orphaned children and deepening his commitment to helping others. After returning to the U.S., he earned three degrees at SIU Carbondale and later became SIU system president.

“The university experience is not an easy one,” he said. “I want people to understand that a little help could go a long way, especially in taking pressure off students in sustaining themselves.”

He emphasized that although his father had little to give, he always found ways to do what he could to help others. Inspired by his father’s generosity, Poshard dedicated his life to helping others. He and Jo Poshard now lead the Poshard Foundation for Abused Children at John A. Logan College in Carterville.

“Jo and I wondered how we could help. I know for me, poems were always there for me, so I put the presentation together and traveled throughout southern Illinois to raise money for food pantries,” he said. “The pantry here serves the students so well.”

About one-third of college students experience food insecurity. Since 2016, the Saluki Food Pantry has provided thousands of students and families with up to three days of food per household at no cost, helping them focus their energy on their education and their futures.

In addition to accepting donations through the Poshard poetry reading, the Saluki Food Pantry welcomes gifts made online or to be dropped off in the Student Center administrative office, located on the second floor, from weekdays between 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“If you want to feel good about life, be a giver,” said Poshard. “My father gave me that gift.”

By Britni Bateman 

The inaugural Saluki Takeover Tour Washington, D.C., drew a combined 175 alumni and friends across two high-energy events on Sept. 23, signaling strong momentum for Southern Illinois University’s outreach in the nation’s capital. 

The evening began with a university crest unveiling at The University Club of Washington, DC. 

“For the alums that are here, thank you. Thank you for welcoming us. We appreciate it,” Chancellor Austin A. Lane said. “These connections remind us how small the world really is and how powerful the Saluki network can be.” 

SIU System President Dan Mahony emphasized the university’s trajectory.  

“Today, we have a strong, stable group of leaders, and that has allowed us to move forward as a system and an institution,” he said. 

The unveiling was hosted by Raymond Hankins, a 2004 graduate of SIU’s School of Education and chief security officer at the National Labor Relations Board. 

“I’m truly honored that you could join us tonight to celebrate the unveiling of the SIU Crest at this historic University Club of Washington, D.C.,” Hankins said. “Your presence makes this occasion even more meaningful, and I am deeply grateful for your support.” 

Hankins reflected on his own path as a military student.  

“My SIU journey is a story shared by many military members who pursued their education through base programs,” he said. “Just like on-campus students, we built communities, studied together and supported one another. That experience played a significant role in my success and remains a source of pride today.” 

Due to high attendance, the evening continued at a larger venue for the Chancellor’s Reception at Le Méridien Washington, D.C., The Madison Hotel. Guests enjoyed light appetizers and drinks while connecting with fellow Salukis and meeting university leaders. 

At the reception, Lane highlighted the tour’s purpose.  

“We want access to our alumni, to where you work, and to the internships and jobs you can offer today’s Salukis,” he said. “Your engagement opens doors for our students and strengthens SIU in D.C.” 

He added, “Everything we do is focused on students. You can’t work at SIU if you’re not committed to serving students.” 

Lane passed the microphone around the room, inviting alumni to introduce themselves and share their career paths. 

“When I first came to D.C., it was an SIU alum who opened the door for me. Now I want to do the same for the next generation of Salukis,” said Jacqueline Muhammad, a 2012 graduate in agricultural systems. 

“Wherever I’ve gone in my career, I’ve found Salukis,” said Stephen Holt, a 2007 graduate in finance and financial advisor. “That community has been a constant and tonight proves just how strong it is here in Washington.” 

Lane, Mahony and members of the chancellor’s cabinet and SIU Foundation team also shared campus updates, spotlighted SIU’s Carnegie Research 1 (R1) and Opportunity University designations, and invited alumni to partner in the university’s Imagine 2030 strategic plan priorities: student success and engagement, academic innovation and research, diversity and inclusion, branding and marketing, and sustainability. 

The Washington, D.C., events marked the second stop of the 2025–26 Saluki Takeover Tour, following a successful kickoff in Indianapolis earlier this month. Hosted by the SIU Foundation, the tour began in 2021 and has expanded its reach every year, with past visits to Chicago, Springfield, Nashville, Florida, St. Louis, Southern Illinois and Hollywood. 

The 2025–26 tour schedule continues with: 

• Oct. 8–10 — Chicago 
• Nov. 11–14 — Texas (Dallas, Austin, Houston) 
• Nov. 24–25 — Memphis 
• Feb. 10–13 — Florida (Tampa, St. Petersburg, Naples) 
• Mar. 4–6 — St. Louis 
• Mar. 23–27 — Central Illinois (Bloomington/Peoria, Springfield) 
• Mar. 31–Apr. 21 — Southern Illinois (Makanda, Nashville, Goreville, Herrin, Red Bud, Carmi) 
• May 13–15 — Atlanta 
• June 8–12 — California (San Francisco, Los Angeles) 

CARBONDALE, Ill. — The SIU Foundation, SIU Alumni Association, Southern Illinois Now (SI Now), the City of Carbondale, Carbondale Main Street and the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce are partnering to launch Salukis Build Here, a new initiative encouraging alumni to start, relocate or expand their businesses in Southern Illinois.

The partnership will be formalized with a signing ceremony at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the Alumni Association Courtyard Tent outside Woody Hall.

“Salukis Build Here celebrates the success of alumni-owned businesses already thriving in Carbondale and across Southern Illinois,” said Matt Kupec, SIU Foundation CEO. “We’re inviting more Salukis to come back—or start here—to grow their ventures with the support of the university and local partners. Together, we’re building businesses, strengthening Carbondale and growing the region.”

The initiative builds on the momentum of alumni entrepreneurs who have established successful businesses locally and seeks to encourage others nationwide to consider Southern Illinois as a prime location.

“Every Saluki carries memories of their time at SIU, and those memories include more than just life on campus,” said Molly Hudgins, SIU Alumni Association executive director. “When alumni choose to return, invest and make their lives in this region, they not only reignite those memories, but they create opportunities for the next generation. Southern Illinois and SIU are stronger together, and this partnership reflects a commitment that will fuel continued growth and opportunity.”

“By building on alumni-owned businesses, we’re not just celebrating success — we’re creating an invitation for other Salukis to choose Southern Illinois when starting, relocating or expanding a business,” said Deb Barnett, SI Now executive director. “When Salukis succeed, Southern Illinois succeeds. This is the perfect time to invest, build and belong in Carbondale and throughout Southern Illinois.”

Southern Illinois offers a business-friendly environment with flexible zoning, incentives for new and expanding businesses, and state and local support. Carbondale resources include:

• Enterprise Zone: Tax incentives and regulatory support for businesses locating in the zone.
• Downtown Façade Improvement Program: Low-interest loans to improve commercial properties.
• Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Program: Tools to support redevelopment and investment.

“Carbondale is proud to partner with SIU and our local organizations on Salukis Build Here,” said Stan Reno, Carbondale City Manager. “We’re committed to providing the resources, incentives and supportive environment that help alumni-owned businesses thrive. When alumni choose Carbondale, they invest not only in their own future but also in the future of our City.”

Statewide programs also provide benefits, such as:

• Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE): Annual corporate tax credits for job creation and capital investment.
• Reimagining Energy and Vehicles (REV Illinois): Incentives for electric vehicle and renewable energy manufacturers.
• Manufacturing Illinois Chips for Real Opportunity (MICRO): Support for semiconductor manufacturers.
• Other incentives include the High Impact Business Program, Prime Sites Grants, Angel Investment Tax Credits, Blue Collar Jobs Act Tax Credits and Film Production Tax Credits.

“Downtown Carbondale is full of opportunity, and alumni entrepreneurs are a big part of that story,” said Matt Collinsworth, Carbondale Main Street executive director. “Through this partnership, we hope to welcome even more Salukis who want to grow their businesses here while adding to the energy, culture and community spirit of our Main Street district.”

The initiative will culminate in a community celebration at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at Hangar 9. The open-house event will feature alumni-owned businesses, food and beverage vendors, testimonials from Saluki entrepreneurs and networking opportunities with alumni, local business owners and community leaders.

“Our chamber exists to strengthen and support local businesses, and this initiative aligns perfectly with that mission,” said William Lo, Carbondale Chamber of Commerce executive director. “By connecting alumni with the resources they need, Salukis Build Here will create jobs, boost our economy and highlight Southern Illinois as a place where business and community succeed together.”

The timing leads into SIU’s Homecoming weekend. On Friday, Oct. 24, Carbondale will shut down the Strip for a Halloween street festival featuring food trucks, vendor booths, games and live music. On Saturday, Oct. 25, the SIU Alumni Association and the Carbondale in the ’80s and ’90s BEER Group will host the largest Homecoming tailgate on Salukis Row ahead of SIU’s football matchup against the University of Northern Iowa.