By Britni Bateman
The inaugural Saluki Takeover Tour Washington, D.C., drew a combined 175 alumni and friends across two high-energy events on Sept. 23, signaling strong momentum for Southern Illinois University’s outreach in the nation’s capital.
The evening began with a university crest unveiling at The University Club of Washington, DC.
“For the alums that are here, thank you. Thank you for welcoming us. We appreciate it,” Chancellor Austin A. Lane said. “These connections remind us how small the world really is and how powerful the Saluki network can be.”
SIU System President Dan Mahony emphasized the university’s trajectory.
“Today, we have a strong, stable group of leaders, and that has allowed us to move forward as a system and an institution,” he said.
The unveiling was hosted by Raymond Hankins, a 2004 graduate of SIU’s School of Education and chief security officer at the National Labor Relations Board.
“I’m truly honored that you could join us tonight to celebrate the unveiling of the SIU Crest at this historic University Club of Washington, D.C.,” Hankins said. “Your presence makes this occasion even more meaningful, and I am deeply grateful for your support.”
Hankins reflected on his own path as a military student.
“My SIU journey is a story shared by many military members who pursued their education through base programs,” he said. “Just like on-campus students, we built communities, studied together and supported one another. That experience played a significant role in my success and remains a source of pride today.”
Due to high attendance, the evening continued at a larger venue for the Chancellor’s Reception at Le Méridien Washington, D.C., The Madison Hotel. Guests enjoyed light appetizers and drinks while connecting with fellow Salukis and meeting university leaders.
At the reception, Lane highlighted the tour’s purpose.
“We want access to our alumni, to where you work, and to the internships and jobs you can offer today’s Salukis,” he said. “Your engagement opens doors for our students and strengthens SIU in D.C.”
He added, “Everything we do is focused on students. You can’t work at SIU if you’re not committed to serving students.”
Lane passed the microphone around the room, inviting alumni to introduce themselves and share their career paths.
“When I first came to D.C., it was an SIU alum who opened the door for me. Now I want to do the same for the next generation of Salukis,” said Jacqueline Muhammad, a 2012 graduate in agricultural systems.
“Wherever I’ve gone in my career, I’ve found Salukis,” said Stephen Holt, a 2007 graduate in finance and financial advisor. “That community has been a constant and tonight proves just how strong it is here in Washington.”
Lane, Mahony and members of the chancellor’s cabinet and SIU Foundation team also shared campus updates, spotlighted SIU’s Carnegie Research 1 (R1) and Opportunity University designations, and invited alumni to partner in the university’s Imagine 2030 strategic plan priorities: student success and engagement, academic innovation and research, diversity and inclusion, branding and marketing, and sustainability.
The Washington, D.C., events marked the second stop of the 2025–26 Saluki Takeover Tour, following a successful kickoff in Indianapolis earlier this month. Hosted by the SIU Foundation, the tour began in 2021 and has expanded its reach every year, with past visits to Chicago, Springfield, Nashville, Florida, St. Louis, Southern Illinois and Hollywood.
The 2025–26 tour schedule continues with:
- Oct. 8–10 — Chicago
- Nov. 11–14 — Texas (Dallas, Austin, Houston)
- Nov. 24–25 — Memphis
- Feb. 10–13 — Florida (Tampa, St. Petersburg, Naples)
- Mar. 4–6 — St. Louis
- Mar. 23–27 — Central Illinois (Bloomington/Peoria, Springfield)
- Mar. 31–Apr. 21 — Southern Illinois (Makanda, Nashville, Goreville, Herrin, Red Bud, Carmi)
- May 13–15 — Atlanta
- June 8–12 — California (San Francisco, Los Angeles)