Alumni, students, faculty and community members gathered Friday, Feb. 6, at the SIU Student Center for the inaugural Voices of Impact: Celebrating SIU Black Alumni Changemakers, hosted by the SIU Foundation as part of Black History Month. The sold-out luncheon drew 200 attendees in a vibrant celebration honoring seven distinguished Black alumni and their lasting impact on Southern Illinois University.

The event launched a new annual tradition while reinforcing the university’s long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence.

Dr. Paul Frazier, vice chancellor for anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion, told attendees the program reflects the legacy of those who paved the way.

“We have the opportunity to stand on the shoulders of giants,” Frazier said.

Chancellor Austin Lane welcomed alumni home and emphasized the significance of their impact on the institution’s growth and national reputation.

“You think we don’t know about you, but we do. We name drop. We say, ‘They went to SIU.’ You have done an amazing job representing this university,” Lane said.

SIU System President Daniel Mahony reaffirmed the university’s mission of access and opportunity and its responsibility to prepare students for lifelong success.

“It is our responsibility to give all students an opportunity to be as successful as they possibly can while they are here with us and after they leave,” Mahony said.

The 2026 Voices of Impact honorees were Dr. Harold Bardo (’62, ’72), Dr. Linda Flowers (’79, ’87, ’06), Michael “Stinger” Glenn (’77), Dr. Joan Higginbotham (’87), Dr. Ella Lacey (’64, ’72, ’79), Dr. Terrence Roberts (’77), and Dr. Melvin Terrell (’78).

Dr. Harold Bardo, one of the first students in SIU history to receive a full athletic scholarship and later a longtime educator and administrator who dedicated more than four decades to the University, reflected on his student experience and lifelong connection to campus.

“This university was unbelievable to me,” Bardo said. “It was the best time of my life.”

Dr. Linda Flowers, a three-degree SIU graduate, retired educator and longtime civic leader serving her sixth term as president of the Carbondale NAACP, credited SIU with shaping both her professional path and personal growth.

“Everything I needed to know about how to live, how to grow, how to become the person I was meant to be, I learned here at SIU,” Flowers said.

Michael “Stinger” Glenn, a former NBA player, author and founder of the nation’s first basketball camp for deaf athletes whose jersey was retired later that evening, spoke about the connection and belonging he experienced at SIU.

“They wrapped around us with Saluki love,” Glenn said. “It was wonderful being a Saluki.”

Dr. Joan Higginbotham, a retired NASA astronaut and electrical engineer who became the third African American woman to travel to space and now leads an aerospace consulting firm, was unable to attend in person but shared a video message with attendees.

“To be recognized by an institution that helped shape my path and career is incredibly meaningful,” Higginbotham said.

Dr. Ella Lacey, a longtime SIU faculty member and community health leader who helped modernize emergency medical transport systems in Southern Illinois and later served internationally through the Peace Corps and global health initiatives, reflected on the University’s evolution during her decades-long relationship with SIU.

“I have moved through SIU from a climate of toleration to one of appreciation — and that is a treasure,” Lacey said.

Dr. Terrence Roberts, a member of the Little Rock Nine, psychologist and author whose career has focused on equity, education and social responsibility, encouraged attendees to embrace individuality and lifelong learning.

“Every single person in this universe is unique,” Roberts said. “If what you already know hasn’t changed you, then by all means, change what you know.”

Dr. Melvin Terrell, a nationally recognized scholar-practitioner in student affairs and longtime vice president for student affairs who founded the Dr. Melvin C. Terrell Educational Foundation, emphasized mentorship and collective advancement.

“Our success is not measured solely by what we accomplish, but by how we lift others as we climb,” Terrell said. “None of us journeys alone.”

SIU Foundation CEO Matt Kupec closed the program by reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to continuing the event annually and celebrating Black alumni excellence.

“This is good and great,” Kupec said. “On your shoulders we stand.”

Voices of Impact brought together multiple generations of Salukis to celebrate shared history, collective pride and the power of purpose-driven impact. The SIU Foundation plans to continue the event as an annual signature program.