Southern Illinois University Carbondale brought the Saluki Takeover Tour to Central Illinois this week, drawing nearly 250 attendees in Springfield and more than 100 in Peoria while engaging students, alumni, educators and industry partners across the region.
The multi-day effort combined Chancellor’s Receptions with high school visits, legislative engagement, corporate partnerships and immersive student experiences, reinforcing SIU’s commitment to recruitment, connection and statewide impact.
“This is what the takeover is about,” Chancellor Austin A. Lane said. “The receptions are very nice, but a lot of the work takes place before the reception and after the reception.”
Springfield reception draws nearly 250
Nearly 250 alumni, students, legislators, government leaders and friends gathered March 24 at the LRS Hangar at the Springfield Airport Complex for the Saluki Takeover Tour Chancellor’s Reception.
The event marked SIU’s return to Springfield for the first time since October 2023 and capped a full day of outreach in the state capital.
“Springfield, we’re back,” Lane said.
Guests connected with Lane, SIU System President Daniel Mahony and university leadership while exploring the venue’s vintage car and motorcycle collection.
Earlier in the day, SIU leaders participated in Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day and SIU Day at the Capitol, meeting with lawmakers, state officials and partners to highlight the university’s impact on workforce development, research and economic growth. The day also included visits to Springfield Southeast High School and Lincoln Land Community College, where representatives connected with prospective students.
During the reception, Lane recognized SIU students who represented the university throughout the day, along with faculty, staff and supporters advancing the institution’s mission.
Several state and agency leaders also addressed the audience, including Illinois State Sen. Terri Bryant; Illinois State Rep. and Assistant Majority Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth; Jerry Costello II, director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture; and Natalie Phelps Finnie, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Each emphasized SIU’s impact across Illinois and the importance of continued investment in higher education.
Mahony outlined priorities for the legislative session, including increased appropriations and a more equitable higher education funding model.
“Increased funding allows us to keep students in Illinois, lower costs and continue investing in employees and facilities,” Mahony said.
Lane encouraged attendees to share SIU’s momentum, noting the university’s designation as both a Research 1 university and an Opportunity University.
“When you’re walking among your colleagues in this state, just know you graduated from a high-powered Research 1 institution that is doing some great things,” he said.
The Springfield stop also included visits to Springfield Southeast High School and Lincoln Land Community College, continuing SIU’s hands-on approach to student recruitment.
The Springfield reception followed Saluki Women Connect and Inspire, held the night before and hosted by SIU alumna and Springfield Alderwoman Lakeisha Purchase at 5th Street GEM. The event highlighted the Women’s Leadership Council and its support for scholarships and leadership opportunities.
Peoria reception draws more than 100
The Saluki Takeover Tour continued March 25 in Peoria, where more than 100 alumni, students and friends gathered at the Peoria Riverfront Museum for the tour’s first stop in the city.
The Chancellor’s Reception gave attendees access to the museum’s lobby and galleries while connecting them with SIU leadership, current students and fellow Salukis.
“That’s what sets us apart,” Lane said. “Our high-touch approach to recruitment is a big reason we’re seeing this level of momentum.”
Earlier in the day, SIU leaders met with partners at Illinois Central College and Heartland Community College and continued outreach with prospective students across the region.
Lane highlighted Saluki Step Ahead, SIU’s transfer partnership program with Illinois community colleges.
“If you start at Illinois Central for the first two years,” Lane said. “You do your last two years with us, but they’re fully online.”
SIU leaders also recognized incoming student Calin Braman, who will attend SIU in the fall. Sarah Jiter, director of undergraduate admissions, presented Braman with an SIU hat, mirroring how coaches celebrate commitments from student-athletes.
“Congratulations. You made a great choice,” Lane said.
Salukis on the Run connects students with industry
While the receptions anchored the visit, much of the tour focused on immersive student experiences through the SIU Alumni Association’s Salukis on the Run program.
The Central Illinois tour brought students, including SIU Agbassadors, face-to-face with industry leaders, alumni and employers across multiple cities.
The experience began in Springfield with SIU Day at the Capitol, a Capitol tour and a panel discussion at the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Students also visited BRANDT Global Headquarters, gaining insight into global agribusiness operations and career pathways.
The tour continued March 25 with a visit to Central Illinois Ag in Atlanta, where students toured the fifth-generation Case IH dealership and learned how the company rebuilt after a devastating 2013 fire.
In Bloomington, students participated in a roundtable discussion at Compeer Financial, hosted by Karen Schieler ’01, manager of corporate giving. The session focused on careers in agriculture and rural industries.
Dr. Dan Elkins ’93 joined the discussion, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Agbassadors program founded by his father, Dr. Donald Elkins, a longtime SIU professor of plant and soil sciences.
Students also visited additional industry visits on March 26, including Caterpillar in East Peoria and Precision Planting in Morton.
From legislative engagement to corporate tours, the experience provided students with direct exposure to career pathways while strengthening relationships between SIU and industry partners.
Additional recruitment and partnership visits
SIU leaders and admissions staff conducted targeted recruitment visits across Central Illinois. Stops included Centennial High School and Champaign Central High School in Champaign, Springfield High School, Urbana High School and Parkland College.
These visits are a key component of the Saluki Takeover Tour’s high-touch recruitment strategy, allowing university leadership to connect directly with prospective students, counselors and educators.
Tour continues across Southern Illinois
The Saluki Takeover Tour continues across Southern Illinois with upcoming Chancellor’s Receptions:
- March 31 — Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, Makanda
- April 7 — Pyramid Acres Marina, Lake of Egypt (Marion)
- April 16 — DoubleTree by Hilton, Mount Vernon
- April 21 — The Historic 131 Building, Carterville
- April 23 — 1860 Public House, Red Bud
The tour serves as a key outreach effort, strengthening relationships across the region while supporting student recruitment and alumni engagement.
SIU is one of 21 institutions nationwide, out of 4,000, to hold dual Carnegie classifications as both a Research 1 university and an Opportunity University.
“We bring the campus to communities across the region and proudly say, ‘This is Saluki Country,’” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation.
The tour also supports the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has raised more than $464 million toward its $500 million goal.
For more information or to register, visit siuf.org/events.