The Saluki Takeover Tour Florida has grown each of its three years, creating more excitement with each event.
Hosted by the SIU Foundation, the takeover tour brings SIU administrators to local high schools and community colleges to foster partnerships and recruit future Salukis. It also brings together alumni and friends to celebrate Southern’s success and enjoy the Saluki spirit together.
The takeover tour included two Chancellor’s Reception, seven high school visits, 25 donor visit and will hit seven cities in all. Each reception featured record-breaking attendance with well over 100 guests in Tampa and Naples.
During the many stops, Chancellor Austin Lane highlighted the Imagine SIU 2030 strategic plan and recent increases in enrollment.
“There are some exciting things that are going on,” he said. “We have some increases in enrollment over the last couple of years. It would be even better if we can get more students out of the state of Florida. That’s why we’re here.”
St. Petersburg
Events for this year’s Florida takeover began Tuesday, Feb. 11, with a night aboard La Dolce Vita, a yacht owned by SIU alumnus James Jannetides ’89. His journey from SIU student to founder & CEO of University Loft Co. is a true Saluki success story.
While at SIU in 1984, he built his first loft bed—an innovative design that maximized dorm space. That idea launched University Loft Company, now a leading provider of durable, high-quality furniture for student housing, military, and multi-family residences. With headquarters in Greenfield, Indiana, an upholstery plant in Morristown, Tennessee, and a global supply chain, Jannetides has built a company known for its craftsmanship and commitment to sustainability.
Chancellor Lane, Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations and SIU Foundation CEO Matt Kupec, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Wendell Williams, Director of Athletics Tim Leonard, College of Business and Analytics Dean Marc Morris, and many others gathered with the Jannetides family, Saluki Lifetime Achievement recipient Phil Pfeffer ’65 ’66, and many other alumni for an evening on the water in St. Petersburg.
Tampa
More than 100 alumni gathered Wednesday, Feb. 12, at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa for the second night of the Saluki Takeover Tour. The gorgeous weather set a perfect backdrop for an evening of comradrie among the SIU faithful.
When addressing the crowd, Kupec lauded the fundraising efforts of the SIU Foundation.
“We have a $500 million campaign going on. That’s a half billion dollars,” he said. “We’ve raised $388 million to date! It’s the fifth largest such campaign in the history of Illinois!”
Many Salukis stuck around after the Chancellor’s Reception for a Saluki Basketball watch party on the stadium scoreboard as the Dawgs took on Bradley, ultimately falling, 78-64.
The Villages
The SIU Alumni Association hosted a golf scramble and happy hour event on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at Palmer Legends Championship Golf Course in The Villages.
Dozens of alumni showed up to play a round and enjoy some food and drinks with fellow Salukis.
Naples
The second Chancellor’s Reception during the Saluki Takeover Tour Florida took place the evening of Thursday, Feb. 13, at Windstar on Naples Bay. With 113 guests, it was the most well attended Naples event in Saluki Takeover Tour history.
Alumnus Ollie Dorn ’67 graciously hosted the event at this beautiful venue—the only private club in Naples offering golf along the bay, a marina, and a private beach. It was the perfect setting to reconnect, celebrate, and share the Saluki spirit.
“Things in Carbondale are really going great right now,” SIU System President Dan Mahony said. “Over the last several years, we have seen a lot of things improve. Our enrollment is improving. Our fundraising is setting records. We are giving out a record number of scholarships to students.”
As each guest took a moment to speak about their Saluki experience, Chancellor Lane was inspired by the impact SIU has had on so many.
“What incredible stories! That’s why we pass the mic around. We learn a lot from all the stories and the history,” Lane said. “When we come back next year, tell everyone how much fun you had.”
