CARBONDALE, Ill. — Dozens gathered Wednesday morning, Oct. 1, at the Alumni Association Courtyard Tent outside Woody Hall to celebrate the official launch of Salukis Build Here, a new partnership designed to encourage SIU alumni to start, relocate or expand businesses in Carbondale and Southern Illinois. The partners also invited other Southern Illinois communities to join the effort and collaborate in supporting alumni entrepreneurs across the region.
The initiative is a joint effort of the SIU Foundation, SIU Alumni Association, Southern Illinois Now (SI Now), the City of Carbondale, Carbondale Main Street and the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce.
“Salukis Build Here celebrates alumni-owned businesses already thriving in Carbondale and throughout Southern Illinois while extending an enthusiastic invitation for other Salukis to join us,” said Deb Barnett, executive director of SI Now, who opened the program. “You have a university, a community and an entire region here to welcome and support you.”
SIU Chancellor Austin A. Lane followed, reflecting on the momentum surrounding both the university and the city. He emphasized how alumni and community partnerships fuel growth for the region and help extend SIU’s reputation far beyond Carbondale.
“Can you feel the energy in Carbondale? I can,” Lane said. “There are so many incredible things happening in this city, throughout Southern Illinois, and at Southern Illinois University. Partnerships like Salukis Build Here show how our alumni, community members and local leaders are working together to strengthen both the university and the region. The more we share these stories, the more we will continue to attract alumni and inspire them to invest, return and build here.”
Molly Hudgins, executive director of the SIU Alumni Association, spoke on behalf of the Alumni Association and SIU Foundation.
“This initiative is about economic growth, but it’s also about legacy,” Hudgins said. “It’s about celebrating the many alumni who have already invested in this region, and it’s about showing future generations the power of Saluki pride and tradition. By choosing to live, work and build in Southern Illinois, alumni not only succeed themselves but strengthen the entire region.”
Scott Moller, SIU alumnus, Alumni Association board president, and new co-owner of Hangar 9, spoke about the link between a vibrant Carbondale and a strong university.
“A vibrant downtown Carbondale creates a more robust student life experience — and a stronger student experience makes SIU more attractive to future students,” he said. “When we reopened Hangar 9, the city was the first to ask, ‘How can we help?’ That kind of partnership made a real difference and showed us that Carbondale isn’t just open for business, it is committed to helping businesses succeed. That support gives alumni like me confidence to invest here and strengthens the bond between the university and the community.”
Mayor Carolin Harvey highlighted the city’s role in supporting entrepreneurship, noting that nearly 150 alumni-owned businesses currently operate in Carbondale.
“These enterprises showcase the hard work and creativity of SIU graduates,” Harvey said. “Together, they not only fuel our local economy but also embody the spirit of SIU and the lasting connections alumni maintain with Carbondale. From restaurants and retail shops to service providers and entertainment venues, alumni-owned businesses add to the vibrancy of our city and help make Carbondale a welcoming place for students, families and visitors alike. Salukis Build Here ensures that we recognize their impact while encouraging even more alumni to join them in building a future here.”
William Lo, executive director of the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of collaboration.
“We encourage fellow Salukis to get off the sidelines and grow their businesses alongside their peers,” Lo said. “Carbondale has a strong, welcoming community that supports small businesses, and what better place to open or expand your business than right here in the heart of Saluki Country.”
Matt Collinsworth, executive director of Carbondale Main Street, closed the remarks by inviting the community to the upcoming celebration at Hangar 9.
“Carbondale has always been a welcoming place, and many of our downtown shops, restaurants and venues are alumni-owned,” he said. “On Oct. 23, we’ll showcase and celebrate those existing businesses with an open-house event featuring Saluki-owned businesses, food and beverage vendors, and opportunities to connect with entrepreneurs and community leaders.”
The proclamation was then signed by all partners, marking the formal launch of Salukis Build Here.
The Oct. 23 Hangar 9 celebration will serve as a prelude to SIU’s Homecoming weekend, which includes a Halloween street festival on the Strip Oct. 24 and the annual Saluki football game and tailgate on Oct. 25.