Alumni, students, faculty and community members gathered Friday, Feb. 6, at the SIU Student Center for the inaugural Voices of Impact: Celebrating SIU Black Alumni Changemakers, hosted by the SIU Foundation as part of Black History Month. The sold-out luncheon drew 200 attendees in a vibrant celebration honoring seven distinguished Black alumni and their lasting impact on Southern Illinois University.

The event launched a new annual tradition while reinforcing the university’s long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence.

Dr. Paul Frazier, vice chancellor for anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion, told attendees the program reflects the legacy of those who paved the way.

“We have the opportunity to stand on the shoulders of giants,” Frazier said.

Chancellor Austin Lane welcomed alumni home and emphasized the significance of their impact on the institution’s growth and national reputation.

“You think we don’t know about you, but we do. We name drop. We say, ‘They went to SIU.’ You have done an amazing job representing this university,” Lane said.

SIU System President Daniel Mahony reaffirmed the university’s mission of access and opportunity and its responsibility to prepare students for lifelong success.

“It is our responsibility to give all students an opportunity to be as successful as they possibly can while they are here with us and after they leave,” Mahony said.

The 2026 Voices of Impact honorees were Dr. Harold Bardo (’62, ’72), Dr. Linda Flowers (’79, ’87, ’06), Michael “Stinger” Glenn (’77), Dr. Joan Higginbotham (’87), Dr. Ella Lacey (’64, ’72, ’79), Dr. Terrence Roberts (’77), and Dr. Melvin Terrell (’78).

Dr. Harold Bardo, one of the first students in SIU history to receive a full athletic scholarship and later a longtime educator and administrator who dedicated more than four decades to the University, reflected on his student experience and lifelong connection to campus.

“This university was unbelievable to me,” Bardo said. “It was the best time of my life.”

Dr. Linda Flowers, a three-degree SIU graduate, retired educator and longtime civic leader serving her sixth term as president of the Carbondale NAACP, credited SIU with shaping both her professional path and personal growth.

“Everything I needed to know about how to live, how to grow, how to become the person I was meant to be, I learned here at SIU,” Flowers said.

Michael “Stinger” Glenn, a former NBA player, author and founder of the nation’s first basketball camp for deaf athletes whose jersey was retired later that evening, spoke about the connection and belonging he experienced at SIU.

“They wrapped around us with Saluki love,” Glenn said. “It was wonderful being a Saluki.”

Dr. Joan Higginbotham, a retired NASA astronaut and electrical engineer who became the third African American woman to travel to space and now leads an aerospace consulting firm, was unable to attend in person but shared a video message with attendees.

“To be recognized by an institution that helped shape my path and career is incredibly meaningful,” Higginbotham said.

Dr. Ella Lacey, a longtime SIU faculty member and community health leader who helped modernize emergency medical transport systems in Southern Illinois and later served internationally through the Peace Corps and global health initiatives, reflected on the University’s evolution during her decades-long relationship with SIU.

“I have moved through SIU from a climate of toleration to one of appreciation — and that is a treasure,” Lacey said.

Dr. Terrence Roberts, a member of the Little Rock Nine, psychologist and author whose career has focused on equity, education and social responsibility, encouraged attendees to embrace individuality and lifelong learning.

“Every single person in this universe is unique,” Roberts said. “If what you already know hasn’t changed you, then by all means, change what you know.”

Dr. Melvin Terrell, a nationally recognized scholar-practitioner in student affairs and longtime vice president for student affairs who founded the Dr. Melvin C. Terrell Educational Foundation, emphasized mentorship and collective advancement.

“Our success is not measured solely by what we accomplish, but by how we lift others as we climb,” Terrell said. “None of us journeys alone.”

SIU Foundation CEO Matt Kupec closed the program by reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to continuing the event annually and celebrating Black alumni excellence.

“This is good and great,” Kupec said. “On your shoulders we stand.”

Voices of Impact brought together multiple generations of Salukis to celebrate shared history, collective pride and the power of purpose-driven impact. The SIU Foundation plans to continue the event as an annual signature program.

By Aziz Alhashil, edited by Noah Rigoni
Both are SIU students studying finance

As a current member of the Saluki Student Investment Fund (SSIF), I had the privilege of attending something truly special, the program’s 25th-anniversary celebration on Oct. 25 at the SIU Student Center. It was more than just an event; it felt like a moment where past and present came together to celebrate the same purpose that started the SSIF a quarter century ago: providing students with real-world experience and lifelong mentorship in finance.

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.

Dr. Tim Marlo, SSIF faculty advisor and one of the original student managers, spoke about how the fund has grown while staying true to its founding mission of mentorship and experiential learning. He presented awards to the program’s faculty advisors, recognizing the people who have kept that mission alive over the years.

A highlight of the night was the alumni and student panel, where graduates shared how SSIF shaped their confidence, teamwork, and career paths. Hearing how their experiences in the fund prepared them for leadership roles and how it provided the framework for their professional development was inspiring for all of us current members and provided guidance for our future development.

As we look ahead to the next 25 years, it’s clear that SSIF’s legacy is more than just financial performance. It’s an unwavering commitment to opportunity, collaboration, and belief in students that began with Omar and Carol Winter and continues to define the Saluki spirit today.

To support the next generation of Saluki investors, please visit give.siu.edu/ssif.

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Nearly 150 alumni, community leaders and business owners packed Hangar 9 on Thursday, Oct. 23, for the Salukis Build Here Launch Party, a celebration of alumni entrepreneurship, collaboration and the growing momentum across Southern Illinois. 

The event marked the public debut of Salukis Build Here, a partnership among Southern Illinois Now (SI Now), the SIU Foundation, the SIU Alumni Association, the City of Carbondale, Carbondale Main Street and the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce. The initiative celebrates Saluki-owned, operated and SIU-connected businesses and invites more alumni to start, relocate or expand in the region. 

“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.” 

Mitchell explained that in just three years, the city’s business improvement program has invested $750,000 into new and expanding businesses, generating more than $2 million in private development downtown.  

“If you aren’t already doing business here, my question is: why not?” he said. “Carbondale is growing fast, and we’re building the infrastructure to match that growth.” 

Scott Moller, SIU alumnus and co-owner of Hangar 9, said collaboration is the key to Carbondale’s success.  

“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.” 

William Lo, executive director of the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce, spoke about the collaboration that drives the city’s economic growth.

“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.”

Lo then introduced Abby Ancell, SIU alumna and managing partner of St. Nicholas Brewing Company, who highlighted the region’s accessibility and culture of connection.  

“Southern Illinois has something special: access,” she said. “You can walk right up to the people who can help, whether it’s someone from the Chamber, City Hall or another business owner, and they will take the time to guide you. That kind of personal connection doesn’t happen everywhere. Here, when one business grows, everyone grows.” 

Matt Collinsworth, executive director of Carbondale Main Street, spotlighted the city’s momentum.  

“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.” 

Collinsworth introduced Laura Harbaugh, owner of Harbaugh’s Café, a long-standing favorite among students and locals. Harbaugh shared why she chose to build her restaurant in Carbondale and why she continues to believe in its future.  

“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.” 

From a regional viewpoint, Deb Barnett, executive director of SI Now, emphasized that the Salukis Build Here initiative reaches far beyond Carbondale.  

“We’re seeing Saluki leadership at every level, from hospitality and agritourism to advanced manufacturing,” she said. “Southern Illinois is open for business and built for success. Salukis Build Here is about highlighting that success and inviting others to be part of it.” 

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.  

“Southern Illinois has always had the beauty, the charm and the community pride,” Hasler said. “But I saw an opportunity for people to experience it more deeply by creating spaces that reflect who we are and where we live. Many of the properties we manage are owned by families, professionals and fellow Salukis who believe in this area’s future. Together, we’re not just building cabins; we’re building real momentum for Southern Illinois.” 

Hasler continued, “Southern Illinois isn’t a stepping stone. It’s fertile ground where you can grow anything if you lead with passion. Every time I onboard a new property, I’m hiring local cleaners, working with local contractors, and sending guests to local restaurants, wineries and boutiques. That’s how we build stronger communities and keep our economy moving forward.” 

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.  

“Our advising is free, confidential and delivered by people who have owned or managed businesses themselves,” she said. “Whether you need help with marketing, a prototype or government contracting, we have the expertise and resources to support you at every stage of your business journey.” 

Moller closed the program by emphasizing the shared mission behind the partnership. 

“Tonight showed what’s possible when Salukis and Southern Illinois rally around local business,” he said. “When alumni, the city and the university come together, there’s no limit to what we can build. Let’s keep growing — together.” 

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. 

Learn more and get connected at salukisbuildhere.com.