Southern Illinois University Carbondale will celebrate the fifth annual Saluki Women’s Weekend Sept. 10-12, bringing together alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members for three days of networking, professional development, philanthropy and mentorship.
Hosted by the SIU Foundation Women’s Leadership Council and presented by Moneta and SIU Credit Union, the annual event highlights the achievements of women across the Saluki community while creating opportunities for connection, leadership development and lifelong engagement.
The 2026 event coincides with the United Nations’ International Year of the Woman Farmer, a global initiative that recognizes the vital yet often underrepresented role women play in agriculture and food systems worldwide.
“It’s going to be bigger and better than before,” said Gloria Tison, co-chair of the Women’s Leadership Council.
The weekend begins Sept. 10 with the Women’s Leadership Council Welcome Reception at Hangar 9 in downtown Carbondale. The reception will feature a “Cowgirl Chic” theme celebrating the strength, resilience and trailblazing spirit of women in agriculture and beyond. Organizers selected the theme in recognition of the International Year of the Woman Farmer and the contributions of women in agriculture, one of Southern Illinois’ most important industries.
The evening will feature line dancing instruction from Kyle Erickson, better known as Cowboy Kyle, founder of Urban Cowboy Line Dancing in Nashville, Tennessee. A Carbondale native whose parents are SIU alumni, Erickson will return home to help kick off the weekend with an evening of dancing, networking and celebration.
The signature Women’s Empowerment Conference will take place Sept. 11 at the Tedrick Welcome Center. The conference will feature educational sessions, networking opportunities and conversations designed to inspire and empower women in all stages of their personal and professional journeys.
A highlight of the conference will be the Philanthropy and Woman of the Year Awards Luncheon, which recognizes women whose leadership, service and generosity have made a lasting impact on the university and beyond. The annual Woman of the Year Award remains one of the weekend’s signature honors.
Tison said attendees can also look forward to a luncheon catered by Mary’s Restaurant featuring ingredients sourced from local farmers.
“It’s a great weekend for networking, learning and celebration, so mark your calendars for Sept. 10-12,” she said.
The conference will conclude with a networking reception and special celebration recognizing the fifth anniversary of Saluki Women’s Weekend. Attendees will celebrate the event’s growth over the past five years and the relationships, mentorship opportunities and philanthropic impact it has fostered across the Saluki community.
Activities will continue Sept. 12 with a Women’s Leadership Council board meeting for invited members and a mentorship brunch connecting students, alumni and professionals through meaningful conversations and mentoring opportunities.
Since its launch in 2022, Saluki Women’s Weekend has grown into one of the university’s signature engagement events, attracting women from a wide range of industries, backgrounds and experiences. The event celebrates achievement while creating opportunities for participants to learn, network and inspire one another.
“The vibe at the event is so empowering,” Tison said. “It’s great to see women growing in their careers and having the opportunity to network with people who have done amazing things. There’s an air of wonder, happiness and support. It’s also a great opportunity for alumni who haven’t had the chance to return to campus.”
Through the leadership of the Women’s Leadership Council, Saluki Women’s Weekend continues to strengthen connections among alumni, students and friends of the university while advancing a culture of mentorship, philanthropy and empowerment.
Registration information and additional details are available at siuf.org/saluki-women.
About the Women’s Leadership Council
The Women’s Leadership Council, established in 2020, is a network of alumnae, parents and friends committed to creating a culture of women-driven philanthropy at SIU. Through mentorship, leadership and philanthropy, council members invest their time, expertise and resources to support scholarships, women-focused initiatives and opportunities that empower future generations of Salukis.
The council also sponsors a mentor program that connects students with successful women leaders. The program fosters professional growth, leadership development, networking and career exploration while strengthening lifelong connections to the university.
About the Tedrick Welcome Center
The Tedrick Welcome Center is the new home of the SIU Foundation and Southern Illinois University’s front porch to campus. The 44,000-square-foot facility was made possible by a leadership gift from Roger and Sally Tedrick. Funded entirely through the SIU Foundation through a combination of Foundation reserves, fundraising and borrowing, the center serves as a hub for campus visits, alumni and donor engagement, special events and community gatherings. No taxpayer dollars, tuition revenue, student fees or state funds were used in its construction.
