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)
The evening began on a high note, following an exciting and fun homecoming tailgate and a classic Saluki win at the football game. More than 100 alumni, students, and friends gathered at Old Main for a night filled with laughter, stories, and commemoration. One of my favorite parts was Human Bingo, which got everyone talking and sharing memories from enjoying Quatro’s Pizza to remembering their first big stock pitch.
During dinner, we watched a touching video message from Omar and Carol Winter, whose generous $25,000 gift founded the SSIF back in 2000. Their son, Doug Winter, accepted an award on their behalf, and you could feel how proud the entire room was of what their vision had become: a student-managed fund now worth more than $4 million that has helped hundreds of students build professional careers in finance and beyond.
“Salukis build here, and they do,” said Steven Mitchell, Carbondale’s economic development director. “We count roughly 150 Saluki-owned businesses in Carbondale, and our office is a one-stop shop to connect you with resources, incentives and people who can help your business thrive.”
“If you decide to do business here, you’re going to get a lot of support from a truly collaborative community,” he said. “When we announced that we were buying Hangar 9, the city and the university reached out right away to help us succeed. That partnership and enthusiasm are what make this community so special.”
“Carbondale’s business community is built on relationships,” Lo said. “When alumni, entrepreneurs, and local leaders work together, great things happen. Salukis Build Here is about strengthening those connections so that more alumni see Southern Illinois not only as where they came from, but as the place where their businesses can thrive.”
“In the last 18 months alone, more than 20 businesses have opened or expanded along Main Street,” he said. “Carbondale’s energy is contagious, and the growth we’re seeing is proof that this community is on the move.”
“Carbondale is welcoming and affordable, with a community that believes in small business,” she said. “This is a town where people show up for each other. More businesses help each other thrive, and there’s still plenty of room for new ideas, creativity and growth.”
Allison Hasler, founder of Southern Illinois Vacation Rentals, shared how her business has grown from a few rental cabins into a hospitality company managing more than 40 short-term rental properties throughout the region. 
Lynn Andersen Lindberg, executive director of SIU’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development, outlined how the university supports entrepreneurs through the Illinois Small Business Development Center and related programs. 
Attendees sampled offerings from New Kahala, Tres Hombres, Rip’s Brick Oven Pizzeria, St. Nicholas Brewing Company and Quatro’s Deep Pan Pizza while networking with community leaders and learning about upcoming opportunities through Salukis Build Here.
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.
