By Britni Bateman
Southern Illinois University Carbondale wrapped up the 2nd Annual Saluki Takeover Tour Texas with three days of connection, celebration and opportunity. Hosted by the SIU Foundation, the tour deepened engagement across one of SIU’s fastest-growing recruitment regions. Texas produced 565 applications this year, an 89 percent increase from last year, underscoring the impact of intentional outreach and the Saluki spirit thriving across Dallas, Austin and Houston from Nov. 11–13, 2025.
Dallas | Tuesday, Nov. 11
The 2nd Annual Saluki Takeover Tour Texas opened in Dallas with a night that set the tone for the entire week. More than 100 alumni, donors and friends packed The Thirsty Lion for the Chancellor’s Reception, filling the room with maroon and stories that stretched from Carbondale to Texas.
Chancellor Austin A. Lane welcomed the crowd with gratitude and energy, reminding attendees why Texas remains central to SIU’s future.
“Salukis are everywhere,” he said. “The more we stay connected and share the great things happening at your alma mater, the stronger our university becomes.”
He highlighted SIU’s growing momentum across enrollment, access and visibility, and encouraged alumni to continue serving as ambassadors for the institution. Lane also drew from his own 30 years in Texas, connecting personally with the room.
Earlier that day, Chancellor Lane, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Wendell Williams, and SIU representatives visited EJ Smith Construction LLC, co-founded by SIU alumnus and SIU Foundation Board Member Eugene Walker Jr. and NFL legend Emmitt J. Smith III. Walker spoke with the group about his SIU journey and the values that shaped his career.
The visit made the next stop especially meaningful. At DeSoto High School, the chancellor and Walker stood together to congratulate newly admitted Salukis and celebrate students receiving scholarship awards. For many in the room, it was a full-circle moment that reflected the impact of SIU alumni leadership.
The team also visited Little Elm High School and Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy, meeting with students interested in learning more about SIU’s academic programs and the university’s competitive no out-of-state tuition opportunities.
“When Salukis come together, great things happen. Keep spreading the word. Help us bring more students to SIU. Your pride and your stories are the reason we continue to grow,” Lane said.
Austin | Wednesday, Nov. 12
The second stop brought Salukis to Austin, where nearly 100 alumni and friends gathered at The Oasis for an evening of connection overlooking Lake Travis. Chancellor Lane passed the microphone around the room, giving everyone the chance to introduce themselves and share their SIU stories — reminding guests that the Saluki experience is lifelong.
Earlier that day, the SIU team visited Austin Community College, exploring opportunities to expand the Saluki Step Ahead program, which allows students to complete their first two years at partner community colleges before finishing SIU degrees online. Lane announced that a formal partnership with Austin Community College will soon follow, joining existing collaborations with Dallas College and Lone Star College.
“Our goal is to bring opportunity to students where they are,” Lane said. “By removing barriers and creating partnerships, we’re helping more students access an SIU education.”
Houston | Thursday, Nov. 13
The tour concluded in Houston with a signature evening at The Four Seasons, where nearly 100 alumni and supporters gathered for the Chancellor’s Reception. The room filled with Saluki pride as Chancellor Austin A. Lane welcomed guests, shared SIU’s growing momentum and emphasized why Texas remains central to the university’s future.
A highlight of the evening came when Dr. Marc Morris, dean of the College of Business and Analytics, announced a $2.1 million gift from Harvey (’80) and Collie Michaels, including a matching contribution from the Deloitte Foundation, to establish the Harvey N. Michaels Center for Academic Success and Engagement. Affectionately called “The Harv,” the center will serve as a hub for academic support, career preparation and student wellness.
“I am humbled to give back,” Michaels said. “I want parents and students to see the change underway at SIU and know this is a place that supports students and helps them get jobs.”
The announcement underscored a period of significant achievement for the College of Business and Analytics, which holds AACSB accreditation, placing it among the top 5 percent of business schools worldwide, and recently earned a national ranking within the top 25 percent in the U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Online Programs.
Earlier in the day, the SIU Admissions team, alumni and donors carried the Saluki spirit into Houston schools, meeting with students and presenting scholarships to newly admitted Salukis.
At Alief Taylor High School, Dr. Bob and Beth Gower joined SIU leaders to help present scholarships. Dr. Gower shared his Saluki story and reflected on the opportunities that prepared him for a distinguished career. Their generosity continues to shape SIU through the Gower Translational Research Center and the Gower Fellowship in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Sciences.
The team also visited YES Prep Brays Oaks, building on growing partnerships with YES Prep schools across Houston.
The final school visit of the day took place at YES Prep North Central, where SIU alumnus and donor Harvey N. Michaels helped award scholarships made possible through the Michaels Scholarship. The impact is already evident. Last year, SIU received only two applications from YES Prep schools. This year, SIU received 150, a reflection of expanded access and rising interest in SIU’s College of Business and Analytics. Michaels, a member of the YES Prep Advisory Council, spoke with students about opportunity, preparation and why he believes in investing in future Salukis.
Chancellor Lane closed the evening with gratitude and a vision for continued progress.
“We are in Texas by design,” he said. “Gifts like Harvey’s accelerate our momentum and expand opportunities for students. This is what it means to be a Saluki — lifting others, staying connected and shaping the future together.”
About the Tour
The Saluki Takeover Tour is part of SIU’s ongoing efforts to strengthen alumni engagement and build support for Imagine SIU 2030, the university’s comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, the campaign has raised more than $425 million toward its $500 million goal, making it the fifth-largest fundraising effort in Illinois higher education. In the most recent fiscal year, the SIU Foundation awarded more than $5.6 million in scholarships to 2,111 students, representing 17 percent of the student body.
The tour continues with stops across the country, bringing SIU’s mission, momentum and Saluki spirit directly to alumni and communities nationwide.
Upcoming Saluki Takeover Tour stops:
Feb. 10–13 – Florida (Tampa, St. Petersburg, Naples)
Mar. 4–6 – St. Louis
Mar. 23–27 – Central Illinois (Bloomington and Peoria, Springfield)
Mar. 31–Apr. 21 – Southern Illinois (Makanda, Nashville, Goreville, Herrin, Red Bud, Carmi)
May 13–15 – Atlanta
Jun. 8–12 – California (San Francisco, Los Angeles)