Southern Illinois University Carbondale will host five stops across the region during the 3rd Annual Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois from March 31 through April 23, bringing Chancellor Austin A. Lane, university leadership and admissions representatives to all 17 Southern Illinois counties.
The tour includes visits to high schools and community colleges across the region, along with a series of Chancellor’s Receptions designed to connect alumni, students, donors and friends while highlighting the university’s continued momentum.
“This tour is about showing up for Southern Illinois,” Lane said. “We’re visiting schools, meeting future Salukis and connecting with the alumni and supporters who make this university so strong.”
There is no cost to attend any of the events. Each reception runs from 6 to 8 p.m., except for the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center event, which will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Receptions include complimentary hors d’oeuvres and two drink tickets per registered attendee. The SIU Foundation hosts the events.
The tour opens Tuesday, March 31, at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, with the event hosted at Little Grassy Lodge. Guests can explore recent improvements to Shawnee Lodge, Morris Lodge and Little Grassy Lodge. The evening includes guided tours, outdoor demonstrations and hands-on activities such as climbing, archery and the giant swing. Casual outdoor fare and a full bar will be provided. The tour schedule includes:
Tuesday, March 31, 5-7 p.m. — Makanda
Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, 206 Touch of Nature Rd.
Tuesday, April 7, 6-8 p.m. — Lake of Egypt (Marion)
Pyramid Acres Marina, 12057 Marina Rd.
Thursday, April 16, 6-8 p.m. — Mount Vernon
DoubleTree by Hilton, 222 Potomac Blvd.
Tuesday, April 21, 6-8 p.m. — Carterville
The Historic 131 Building, 131 S. Division St.
Thursday, April 23, 6-8 p.m. — Red Bud
1860 Public House, 102 S. Main St.
The Saluki Takeover Tour serves as a key outreach effort for the university, strengthening relationships with communities across Southern Illinois while supporting recruitment and engagement.
SIU is one of just 21 institutions nationwide to hold dual designations from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as both a Research 1 university and an Opportunity University. The distinction recognizes SIU’s high level of research activity alongside its strong commitment to access and upward mobility.
The 2025-26 Saluki Takeover Tour has also visited Indianapolis, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Dallas, Austin, Houston, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Naples, St. Louis and central Illinois. Last year’s Southern Illinois stops included Makanda, Marion, Benton, Chester, Anna and Murphysboro.
“We bring the campus, and we plant the flag in the ground, and we say, ‘This is Saluki Country!’” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation.
For the SIU Foundation, the Saluki Takeover Tour provides an opportunity to connect with donors as it advances the record-breaking Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign. With a goal of $500 million by June 2028, it is the fifth-largest campaign in Illinois higher education history. More than $464 million has already been raised.
For more information or to register, visit siuf.org/southern-illinois.