Dedication ceremony taking place Oct. 11
By Jeff Wilson
CARBONDALE – Southern Illinois University Carbondale is calling all current and former Marching Salukis and the group’s supporters to come together and honor the legacy of Mike Hanes.
The SIU Foundation will host a dedication ceremony for the Mike Hanes Marching Salukis Band Tower from 4 to 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11, at Sam Rinella Field on East Campus. There will be light refreshments and a special performance by the SIU Marching Salukis.
Hanes came to SIU in 1965 and served as director of bands until his retirement in 2005. He remained involved with the Marching Salukis until he passed away in 2022.
“Mike Hanes is one of the most revered Salukis, and his impact on our beloved Marching Salukis is unequaled,” said Kupec. “The band tower honors Mike’s legacy by supporting the future of the Marching Salukis, which meant so much to him.”
Construction of the tower was partially funded by a generous gift from SIU alumni, Drs. Phil and Pam Pfeffer. The Pfeffers met while attending SIU in the 1960s. Pam was the head majorette, and Phil was field announcer.
To cover the remaining costs of the band tower construction, the SIU Foundation is asking others to make a similar investment. Donations can be made by searching for the “Mike Hanes Memorial Naming Fund” at siuf.org/give.
Hanes became a promising percussionist in his hometown, Salem, Illinois, where his father was the high school band director. He graduated from Milliken University where he majored in radio/television. He enrolled at SIU as a graduate student in music education.
During a stint in the U.S. Army, Hanes conducted the Army band during stops in Fort Collins, Colorado, and Wurzburg, Germany. In Fort Collins, he volunteered to work with high school music departments, giving private lesson to young musicians. After the Army, he returned to Carbondale and completed his master’s degree.
Beyond his influential work with the Marching Salukis, he also led the SIU Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and served as conductor for both the university’s Summer Playhouse and Opera Theater.