Nearly 300 alumni, students and friends gathered Tuesday, March 31, at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center in Makanda to launch the 3rd Annual Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois, kicking off a monthlong effort to celebrate SIU pride and strengthen recruitment across the region.

The tour will visit approximately 50 high schools across all 17 Southern Illinois counties, reinforcing SIU’s commitment to meeting students where they are.

Chancellor Austin A. Lane said the Southern Illinois tour serves as the capstone of the university’s broader Saluki Takeover efforts nationwide.

“There’s no place like home being right here in Southern Illinois,” Lane said.

The event marked the first of five regional stops scheduled throughout April, with additional receptions planned at Lake of Egypt in Marion on April 7, Mount Vernon on April 16, Carterville on April 21 and Red Bud on April 23.

Lane emphasized SIU’s focus on recruiting students locally and strengthening relationships with high schools and community colleges. He said the university has worked to address past concerns about outreach through consistent school visits and increased regional presence.

Dr. Joshua Stafford, superintendent of Vienna High School, said those efforts are making a difference.

“We now see students from our own communities choosing not just the university in their backyard, but an R1 university,” Stafford said.

Lane also highlighted SIU’s national standing as a Research 1 and Opportunity University.

“There are 4,000-plus universities across the country. Only 21 of them are Research 1 and an Opportunity University,” he said. “For our students in this area to have that opportunity in their own backyard, that is special.”

He encouraged attendees to share information about the Saluki Commitment, which covers tuition and mandatory fees for eligible Illinois students, including first-time freshmen and transfer students from families with annual incomes below approximately $120,000.

Brian Croft, director of Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, highlighted the center’s long-standing impact on SIU students and the region, along with recent improvements made possible through university support, student fees and donor investment. He also emphasized partnerships with academic programs, youth camps and community organizations that expand the center’s reach beyond recreation.

“I think that’s what makes SIU special,” Croft said. “It’s what we’re learning in the classroom, but we’re learning outside the classroom, too.”

The event also showcased student creativity through the SIU Metalsmith Society, where students displayed and sold handcrafted items, demonstrated their craft and unveiled a wind chime to be auctioned at a later date. The group also announced plans to design and forge a commemorative sculpture for Touch of Nature, recognizing more than 50 years of metalsmithing at SIU.

After the program, attendees explored the grounds through tours, s’mores, food, drinks and hands-on activities, turning the evening into both a celebration and a showcase of the student experience.

For the SIU Foundation, the takeover tours provide an opportunity to connect with donors as the record-breaking Imagine SIU 2030 campaign continues. The campaign aims to raise $500 million by June 2028 and has already surpassed $464 million.

The Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois continues through April 23 with stops designed to bring together alumni, donors, prospective students and community members across the region.

Remaining stops include:

• Lake of Egypt (Marion): Tuesday, April 7, 6 to 8 p.m., Pyramid Acres Marina, 12057 Marina Road
• Mount Vernon: Thursday, April 16, 6 to 8 p.m., DoubleTree by Hilton, 222 Potomac Blvd.
• Carterville: Tuesday, April 21, 6 to 8 p.m., The Historic 131 Building, 131 S. Division St.
• Red Bud: Thursday, April 23, 6 to 8 p.m., 1860 Public House, 102 S. Main St.

Learn more at siuf.org/southern-illinois.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale brought the Saluki Takeover Tour to Central Illinois this week, drawing nearly 250 attendees in Springfield and more than 100 in Peoria while engaging students, alumni, educators and industry partners across the region.

The multi-day effort combined Chancellor’s Receptions with high school visits, legislative engagement, corporate partnerships and immersive student experiences, reinforcing SIU’s commitment to recruitment, connection and statewide impact.

“This is what the takeover is about,” Chancellor Austin A. Lane said. “The receptions are very nice, but a lot of the work takes place before the reception and after the reception.”

Springfield reception draws nearly 250

Nearly 250 alumni, students, legislators, government leaders and friends gathered March 24 at the LRS Hangar at the Springfield Airport Complex for the Saluki Takeover Tour Chancellor’s Reception.

The event marked SIU’s return to Springfield for the first time since October 2023 and capped a full day of outreach in the state capital.

“Springfield, we’re back,” Lane said.

Guests connected with Lane, SIU System President Daniel Mahony and university leadership while exploring the venue’s vintage car and motorcycle collection.

Earlier in the day, SIU leaders participated in Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day and SIU Day at the Capitol, meeting with lawmakers, state officials and partners to highlight the university’s impact on workforce development, research and economic growth. The day also included visits to Springfield Southeast High School and Lincoln Land Community College, where representatives connected with prospective students.

During the reception, Lane recognized SIU students who represented the university throughout the day, along with faculty, staff and supporters advancing the institution’s mission.

Several state and agency leaders also addressed the audience, including Illinois State Sen. Terri Bryant; Illinois State Rep. and Assistant Majority Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth; Jerry Costello II, director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture; and Natalie Phelps Finnie, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Each emphasized SIU’s impact across Illinois and the importance of continued investment in higher education.

Mahony outlined priorities for the legislative session, including increased appropriations and a more equitable higher education funding model.

“Increased funding allows us to keep students in Illinois, lower costs and continue investing in employees and facilities,” Mahony said.

Lane encouraged attendees to share SIU’s momentum, noting the university’s designation as both a Research 1 university and an Opportunity University.

“When you’re walking among your colleagues in this state, just know you graduated from a high-powered Research 1 institution that is doing some great things,” he said.

The Springfield stop also included visits to Springfield Southeast High School and Lincoln Land Community College, continuing SIU’s hands-on approach to student recruitment.

The Springfield reception followed Saluki Women Connect and Inspire, held the night before and hosted by SIU alumna and Springfield Alderwoman Lakeisha Purchase at 5th Street GEM. The event highlighted the Women’s Leadership Council and its support for scholarships and leadership opportunities.

Peoria reception draws more than 100

The Saluki Takeover Tour continued March 25 in Peoria, where more than 100 alumni, students and friends gathered at the Peoria Riverfront Museum for the tour’s first stop in the city.

The Chancellor’s Reception gave attendees access to the museum’s lobby and galleries while connecting them with SIU leadership, current students and fellow Salukis.

“That’s what sets us apart,” Lane said. “Our high-touch approach to recruitment is a big reason we’re seeing this level of momentum.”

Earlier in the day, SIU leaders met with partners at Illinois Central College and Heartland Community College and continued outreach with prospective students across the region.

Lane highlighted Saluki Step Ahead, SIU’s transfer partnership program with Illinois community colleges.

“If you start at Illinois Central for the first two years,” Lane said. “You do your last two years with us, but they’re fully online.”

SIU leaders also recognized incoming student Calin Braman, who will attend SIU in the fall. Sarah Jiter, director of undergraduate admissions, presented Braman with an SIU hat, mirroring how coaches celebrate commitments from student-athletes.

“Congratulations. You made a great choice,” Lane said.

Salukis on the Run connects students with industry

While the receptions anchored the visit, much of the tour focused on immersive student experiences through the SIU Alumni Association’s Salukis on the Run program.

The Central Illinois tour brought students, including SIU Agbassadors, face-to-face with industry leaders, alumni and employers across multiple cities.

The experience began in Springfield with SIU Day at the Capitol, a Capitol tour and a panel discussion at the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Students also visited BRANDT Global Headquarters, gaining insight into global agribusiness operations and career pathways.

The tour continued March 25 with a visit to Central Illinois Ag in Atlanta, where students toured the fifth-generation Case IH dealership and learned how the company rebuilt after a devastating 2013 fire.

In Bloomington, students participated in a roundtable discussion at Compeer Financial, hosted by Karen Schieler ’01, manager of corporate giving. The session focused on careers in agriculture and rural industries.

Dr. Dan Elkins ’93 joined the discussion, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Agbassadors program founded by his father, Dr. Donald Elkins, a longtime SIU professor of plant and soil sciences.

Students also visited additional industry visits on March 26, including Caterpillar in East Peoria and Precision Planting in Morton.

From legislative engagement to corporate tours, the experience provided students with direct exposure to career pathways while strengthening relationships between SIU and industry partners.

Additional recruitment and partnership visits

SIU leaders and admissions staff conducted targeted recruitment visits across Central Illinois. Stops included Centennial High School and Champaign Central High School in Champaign, Springfield High School, Urbana High School and Parkland College.

These visits are a key component of the Saluki Takeover Tour’s high-touch recruitment strategy, allowing university leadership to connect directly with prospective students, counselors and educators.

Tour continues across Southern Illinois

The Saluki Takeover Tour continues across Southern Illinois with upcoming Chancellor’s Receptions:

• March 31 — Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, Makanda
• April 7 — Pyramid Acres Marina, Lake of Egypt (Marion)
• April 16 — DoubleTree by Hilton, Mount Vernon
• April 21 — The Historic 131 Building, Carterville
• April 23 — 1860 Public House, Red Bud

The tour serves as a key outreach effort, strengthening relationships across the region while supporting student recruitment and alumni engagement.

SIU is one of 21 institutions nationwide, out of 4,000, to hold dual Carnegie classifications as both a Research 1 university and an Opportunity University.

“We bring the campus to communities across the region and proudly say, ‘This is Saluki Country,’” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation.

The tour also supports the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has raised more than $464 million toward its $500 million goal.

For more information or to register, visit siuf.org/events.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale will host five stops across the region during the 3rd Annual Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois from March 31 through April 23, bringing Chancellor Austin A. Lane, university leadership and admissions representatives to all 17 Southern Illinois counties.

The tour includes visits to high schools and community colleges across the region, along with a series of Chancellor’s Receptions designed to connect alumni, students, donors and friends while highlighting the university’s continued momentum.

“This tour is about showing up for Southern Illinois,” Lane said. “We’re visiting schools, meeting future Salukis and connecting with the alumni and supporters who make this university so strong.”

There is no cost to attend any of the events. Each reception runs from 6 to 8 p.m., except for the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center event, which will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Receptions include complimentary hors d’oeuvres and two drink tickets per registered attendee. The SIU Foundation hosts the events.

The tour opens Tuesday, March 31, at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, with the event hosted at Little Grassy Lodge. Guests can explore recent improvements to Shawnee Lodge, Morris Lodge and Little Grassy Lodge. The evening includes guided tours, outdoor demonstrations and hands-on activities such as climbing, archery and the giant swing. Casual outdoor fare and a full bar will be provided. The tour schedule includes:

Tuesday, March 31, 5-7 p.m. — Makanda
Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, 206 Touch of Nature Rd.

Tuesday, April 7, 6-8 p.m. — Lake of Egypt (Marion)
Pyramid Acres Marina, 12057 Marina Rd.

Thursday, April 16, 6-8 p.m. — Mount Vernon
DoubleTree by Hilton, 222 Potomac Blvd.

Tuesday, April 21, 6-8 p.m. — Carterville
The Historic 131 Building, 131 S. Division St.

Thursday, April 23, 6-8 p.m. — Red Bud
1860 Public House, 102 S. Main St.

The Saluki Takeover Tour serves as a key outreach effort for the university, strengthening relationships with communities across Southern Illinois while supporting recruitment and engagement.

SIU is one of just 21 institutions nationwide to hold dual designations from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as both a Research 1 university and an Opportunity University. The distinction recognizes SIU’s high level of research activity alongside its strong commitment to access and upward mobility.

The 2025-26 Saluki Takeover Tour has also visited Indianapolis, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Dallas, Austin, Houston, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Naples, St. Louis and central Illinois. Last year’s Southern Illinois stops included Makanda, Marion, Benton, Chester, Anna and Murphysboro.

“We bring the campus, and we plant the flag in the ground, and we say, ‘This is Saluki Country!’” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation.

For the SIU Foundation, the Saluki Takeover Tour provides an opportunity to connect with donors as it advances the record-breaking Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign. With a goal of $500 million by June 2028, it is the fifth-largest campaign in Illinois higher education history. More than $464 million has already been raised.

For more information or to register, visit siuf.org/southern-illinois.

By Britni Bateman

ST. LOUIS — A record-breaking crowd of nearly 400 alumni, students and friends gathered Wednesday, March 4, at Sports & Social St. Louis for the Chancellor’s Reception during the 5th Annual Saluki Takeover Tour St. Louis, the largest attendance in the event’s history.

Hosted by the SIU Foundation, the reception brought together Salukis from across the St. Louis region for an evening of connection, university updates and celebration of Southern Illinois University Carbondale during Arch Madness.

Chancellor Austin Lane welcomed the crowd and highlighted the broader purpose of the Saluki Takeover Tour, which combines alumni engagement with student recruitment and community partnerships.

“It’s about the game, but it’s a lot more than just the game,” Lane said. “We’re interacting with principals, superintendents, counselors and prospective Salukis while we’re here, making sure we continue bringing new students into the Saluki family.”

The evening also highlighted the critical role philanthropy plays in expanding opportunities for SIU students. Leaders from the SIU Foundation shared updates about donor impact and ongoing efforts to grow scholarship support and student success initiatives.

“The foundation exists to help students like the ones we introduced earlier tonight,” said Dan Korte, president of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors. “We are raising more scholarships and more resources to change the trajectory of students’ lives, and we couldn’t do it without all of you.”

During the reception, Marc Morris, dean of the College of Business and Analytics, announced a new philanthropic commitment supporting the Harvey N. Michaels Center for Academic Success and Engagement in Rehn Hall.

Alumni Richard and Nancy Klassen are making a gift to name the Richard & Nancy Klassen Mentorship Lounge, a welcoming space where students can meet with mentors, advisers and alumni for guidance and career conversations.

Richard Klassen, a longtime member of the College of Business and Analytics Dean’s External Advisory Board and former member of the college’s Marketing Advisory Board, has mentored SIU business students for many years. He and Nancy, a 1957 SIU alumna, attended the reception to celebrate the announcement.

The mentorship lounge will feature comfortable seating and semi-private spaces designed to encourage face-to-face conversations between students and mentors.

Admissions efforts were also highlighted during the event. Josi Rawls, associate director for transfer relations in SIU Admissions, shared updates about recruitment initiatives taking place throughout the week and introduced two committed students who attended the reception as part of the tour’s outreach.

Earlier in the day, the SIU Alumni Association hosted “Salukis on the Run,” a corporate visit at Bayer’s North American headquarters in Chesterfield. SIU students toured the facility and participated in a panel discussion with Bayer professionals, gaining insights into career pathways and industry opportunities.

On Tuesday, March 3, the Women’s Leadership Council launched the St. Louis tour with Saluki Women Connect and Inspire, an event hosted by SIU Foundation Board member Diane Compardo at Moneta in Clayton.

The gathering celebrated Women’s History Month and featured nationally recognized stylist and confidence coach Laura Sawyier, founder and CEO of LKS Styling and Consulting. In her presentation, “The Power of Style: Designing the Way You Show Up,” Sawyier shared insights from her research on the psychology of style and how personal presentation can strengthen confidence, credibility and leadership.

Additional Saluki Takeover Tour activities included visits to area high schools, meetings with education partners and recruitment events designed to connect prospective students with SIU.

On Thursday, March 5, Chancellor Austin Lane joined Lewis and Clark Community College President Ken Trzaska to sign a new Saluki Step Ahead transfer agreement between the two institutions. The agreement strengthens pathways for Lewis and Clark students to transfer seamlessly to Southern and complete their bachelor’s degrees.

The partnership expands access to Saluki Step Ahead, a program that allows students to apply to SIU during their first year at a participating community college, secure a designated degree track and complete their bachelor’s degree through select online programs.

University leaders say the program helps remove barriers for transfer students who may not be able to relocate to Southern Illinois while still providing access to SIU’s research-level academic programs.

Through Saluki Step Ahead, students can secure a clear transfer pathway, benefit from lower costs and transition directly from community college to SIU as they work toward completing their bachelor’s degrees.

Saluki spirit continued throughout the day as alumni and fans gathered for a basketball pregame event hosted by the SIU Alumni Association at PBR St. Louis inside Ballpark Village. The gathering, held on the lower level of Ballpark Village, gave Salukis an opportunity to connect and build excitement ahead of the Missouri Valley Conference tournament game.

Later that afternoon, SIU faced Drake in the opening round of Arch Madness. The Salukis battled throughout the game but ultimately fell to Drake 67-63, ending their season.

Despite the loss, the week’s events highlighted the strong presence of the Saluki community in St. Louis, with alumni, students and university leaders coming together to celebrate SIU and strengthen connections across the region.

About the Tour

The Saluki Takeover Tour is part of SIU’s ongoing efforts to strengthen alumni engagement and build support for the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has approximately 2½ years remaining. To date, the campaign has raised more than $462 million toward its $500 million goal, making it the fifth-largest fundraising effort in Illinois higher education.

In the most recent fiscal year, the SIU Foundation awarded more than $5.6 million in scholarships to 2,111 students, representing 17% of the student body.

The tour continues with stops across the country, bringing SIU’s mission, momentum and Saluki spirit directly to alumni and communities nationwide.

Upcoming Saluki Takeover Tour stops: 
Mar. 23–27 – Central Illinois (Peoria and Springfield) 
Mar. 31–Apr. 21 – Southern Illinois

By Britni Bateman 

The 4th Annual Saluki Takeover Tour Florida energized alumni and friends across the state Feb. 10-12 as Southern Illinois University Carbondale leaders stopped in St. Petersburg, Tampa and Naples to reconnect with Salukis and recruit future students.

The Florida tour opened in St. Petersburg with an evening aboard La Dolce Vita, where dozens of alumni and friends gathered to launch the three-city tour. SIU alumnus James Jannetides, class of 1989, hosted the kickoff and shared the origin story of his business. 

“I started my company in my dorm room,” Jannetides told the group, recalling how a simple idea to redesign campus furniture grew into University Loft Co., now ULOFT. 

Chancellor Austin A. Lane used the receptions to highlight SIU’s momentum and encourage alumni to carry the message home. 

“Carnegie has classified our institution as a top-tier Research 1 university,” Lane told attendees. “We are also designated as an Opportunity University.” 

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is one of only 21 universities nationwide, out of more than 4,000 institutions, to hold both the Research 1 and Opportunity University designations from the Carnegie Classification. 

In Tampa, nearly 100 alumni and friends filled Jackson’s Bistro for a Chancellor’s Reception that felt like a reunion, with introductions and campus stories flowing across the room. Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and SIU Foundation CEO, pointed to the university’s energy and pace of progress. 

“One out of five students right now receives a scholarship because of the generosity of our donors like you,” said Kupec. 

The tour also included a full slate of recruitment stops across the region. Chancellor Lane and members of the SIU admissions team visited Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School for a college fair, then traveled to Howard W. Blake High School, Durant High School and Armwood High School in the Tampa area. On the Naples leg, they visited North Fort Myers High School, Fort Myers High School and Port Charlotte High School. 

At several stops, Lane and the admissions team surprised newly admitted students by presenting scholarship awards in person. At Durant High School in Plant City, Florida, they recognized Michaela Hall with the Saluki Silver Scholarship, valued at $2,500 per year. Hall plans to major in mortuary science at SIU. 

During the presentation, Dr. Robert Morgan, dean of the SIU College of Health and Human Sciences, called Hall to personally congratulate her and offer an additional $3,000 scholarship per year to support her education. 

Lane described the strategy as personal and hands-on, built on relationships with students and the educators who guide them. 

The Naples reception at Windstar on Naples Bay served as the tour’s finale. SIU alumnus Ollie Dorn, class of 1967, and Candi Dorn hosted the event. 

“This is special because this is the last leg of the Saluki Florida Takeover tour tonight in Naples,” Lane told the crowd.  

Organizers again leaned into storytelling, inviting alumni to share their names, graduation years and where they live today. Lane said the Naples stop consistently delivers meaningful connections. 

“When we come here, we get some really good stories and connections,” he said. 

The Naples reception also included a recruiting moment, as Lane introduced Gianni Torres, a newly admitted Florida student and softball catcher who has committed to SIU. She told the audience she toured campus in January and knew quickly where she wanted to be. 

“I just absolutely fell in love with the school,” Torres said. “It just felt like home.” 

Her mother, Leslie Torres, said the attention and care SIU showed during the recruiting process stood out. 

“Everybody has been absolutely wonderful, from the coaches to the staff,” she said. “Knowing that you guys do this for the communities, that is amazing because I’ve never heard that before.” 

Lane closed the evening by tying the tour’s alumni energy to the university’s broader goals, including student success, research growth and long-term momentum. 

“We have a lot of work to do,” he said. “But we’re committed to doing that.” 

About the Tour
The Saluki Takeover Tour is part of SIU’s ongoing efforts to strengthen alumni engagement and build support for the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has approximately 2½ years remaining. To date, the campaign has raised more than $460 million toward its $500 million goal, making it the fifth-largest fundraising effort in Illinois higher education. In the most recent fiscal year, the SIU Foundation awarded more than $5.6 million in scholarships to 2,111 students, representing 17% of the student body.

The tour continues with stops across the country, bringing SIU’s mission, momentum and Saluki spirit directly to alumni and communities nationwide.  

Upcoming Saluki Takeover Tour stops:
Mar. 4–6 – St. Louis
Mar. 23–27 – Central Illinois (Peoria and Springfield)
Mar. 31–Apr. 21 – Southern Illinois (Makanda, Nashville, Goreville, Herrin, Red Bud, Carmi) 

Wood Dale, Illinois — Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with AAR CORP., a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, to establish a partnership that connects students with industry experts and real-world learning experiences.

The agreement was announced during the 5th Annual Saluki Takeover Tour Chicago, hosted by the SIU Foundation. The event brings alumni, students and corporate partners together to celebrate Saluki pride and expand professional connections across the Chicagoland area.

“This collaboration with AAR connects our world-class programs in aviation and supply chain management with a global leader that shares our vision for innovation and student success,” said Matt Kupec, CEO of the SIU Foundation and vice chancellor for development and alumni relations. “Together, we are creating powerful opportunities for our students to learn, lead and excel in a rapidly changing industry.”

The partnership combines SIU’s academic excellence with AAR’s industry expertise to bridge classroom learning with practical experience. Students will gain access to internships and co-ops, guest lectures and workshops led by AAR professionals, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities across AAR’s global network.

“This partnership with AAR is a transformative opportunity for SIU’s Supply Chain Management program,” said Dr. Marc Morris, dean of the College of Business and Analytics at SIU. “By connecting SIU students with a global aviation leader, we’re enriching our curriculum with real-world insights and creating a vital bridge between education and industry.”

“This partnership between SIU’s School of Aviation and AAR gives our students hands-on training with a global industry leader while preparing a skilled workforce ready to meet the challenges of a changing aviation industry,” said Dr. Robert Morgan, dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences at SIU.

“SIU equipped me with expertise that allowed me to build a long, productive career in aviation,” said Sal Marino, AAR’s senior vice president of parts supply and SIU alumnus. “I appreciate the opportunity to support this collaboration between AAR and SIU that is designed to create development experiences and a career pathway for the next generation.”

“AAR offers a diverse range of careers in aviation. I am proud to help SIU students connect with leaders and opportunities across AAR’s worldwide network,” said Jim Berberet, AAR’s senior vice president of component services and SIU alumnus.

For more information about SIU’s programs in aviation and supply chain management, visit siu.edu.

About Southern Illinois University (SIU)

Founded in 1869, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is the flagship campus of the SIU System. SIU is one of only 21 universities nationwide — out of nearly 4,000 — recognized by the Carnegie Classification as both a Research 1 university, the highest level of research activity, and an Opportunity University, which honors institutions that expand access and foster social mobility. A welcoming, student-centered research institution, SIU is nationally recognized for its commitment to belonging, hands-on learning and community engagement.

About AAR

AAR is a global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company with operations in more than 20 countries. Headquartered in the Chicago area, AAR supports commercial and government customers through four operating segments: Parts Supply, Repair & Engineering, Integrated Solutions, and Expeditionary Services. Learn more at aarcorp.com.

INDIANAPOLIS – The Saluki Takeover Tour kicked off its 2025–26 season with an inaugural stop in Indianapolis Sept. 4–6, bringing Saluki spirit to the heart of Indiana. More than 300 alumni and friends gathered across the weekend for the Chancellor’s Reception, alumni events, and a spirited tailgate before the SIU vs. Purdue football game.

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Chancellor’s Reception Draws 110 Alumni and Friends

More than 110 alumni and friends gathered Sept. 4 at Guggman Haus Brewing Co. for the Chancellor’s Reception, where they reconnected, networked and celebrated all things SIU.

“This was the kickoff for the Saluki Takeover Tours, and we were proud to put our flag in the ground here in Indianapolis,” said Dr. Austin A. Lane, chancellor of Southern Illinois University Carbondale. “This city is full of talented students, strong partners and proud alumni, and SIU is ready to be top of mind here.”

“The energy at the Chancellor’s Reception was incredible,” said Matt Kupec, CEO of the SIU Foundation and vice chancellor for development and alumni relations. “You could feel the pride and commitment in the room. This tour is about connecting donors, alumni and future Salukis, and Indianapolis was the perfect place to start.”

Throughout the reception, alumni spanning decades and colleges shared their majors and class years, building connections across generations and offering insights into careers, community involvement and opportunities to support SIU.

Kupec added that alumni philanthropy remains central to the tour’s impact. “This is a university on the rise,” he said, noting progress toward the Imagine SIU 2030 half-billion-dollar fundraising campaign goal. “When we take SIU on the road, we connect donors, partners and future Salukis — and that support provides the margin of excellence for our students.”

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Students Experience Professional Sports Behind the Scenes

A highlight of the stop was SIU sports administration students receiving exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Indiana Pacers and Fever, and the Indianapolis Colts headquarters. Students also toured Victory Field with the Indianapolis Indians and the NCAA Hall of Champions, gaining firsthand insights into careers in professional sports, community leadership and nonprofit management.

These visits were part of Salukis on the Run, an SIU Alumni Association initiative designed to connect current students and proud alumni through impactful networking and engagement events across cities. Thank you to the alumni who made this experience possible.

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Strengthening Recruitment and Partnerships

University leaders connected with Ivy Tech and Indianapolis Public Schools to build stronger recruitment pipelines. Chancellor Lane and the admissions team also visited Ben Davis High School, where Lane planted the Saluki flag. The group met Dennis Goins, director of BDTV at Ben Davis and a former Saluki basketball player, who proudly held a framed photo from his playing days at SIU.

The event also emphasized SIU’s “Say Yes” initiative, which invites high school leaders to connect the university directly with prospective students who have a 2.75 GPA or higher. Enrollment leaders reminded guests that SIU does not charge out-of-state tuition, making it an attractive option for Indiana families.

Marketing efforts extended the reach of the tour with digital billboards across Indianapolis and Lafayette, highlighting SIU’s Research 1 status and national recognition as one of only 21 universities nationwide designated as both a top research and opportunity institution.

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Alumni Gatherings and Purdue Game

The tour then moved to West Lafayette for two spirited Alumni Association events: a gathering at The Bryant on Sept. 5 and a tailgate on Rankin Field ahead of the Sept. 6 football game against Purdue.

The alumni weekend events were proudly sponsored by SIU alumnus Robert Best, ’94, with the Kelley/Best Group at Morgan Stanley.

More than 200 alumni and friends came together for the tailgate, filling Rankin Field with Saluki spirit before kickoff.

The Salukis opened the game strong, jumping out to a 14-7 lead in the first quarter before falling 34-17. The team showed grit, highlighted by quarterback DJ Williams’ two touchdowns, wide receiver Fabian McCray’s 72 receiving yards, and a career-best 53-yard field goal from senior kicker Paul Geelen. Defensively, Andrew Behm led with 16 tackles, and Vinny Pierre Jr. grabbed his second career interception.

While the final score wasn’t in SIU’s favor, the game brought Salukis together in Boilermaker country, capping off an unforgettable inaugural Indianapolis stop filled with alumni pride, student experiences and community connections.

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Next Stops on the Tour

Spearheaded by the SIU Foundation, the Saluki Takeover Tour began in 2021 and has expanded its reach every year. Previous stops have included Chicago, Springfield, Nashville, Florida, St. Louis, Southern Illinois and Hollywood.

The 2025–26 tour schedule continues with:

• Sept. 23–25 – Washington, D.C.
• 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
• Jun. 8–12 – California (San Francisco, Los Angeles)