Nearly 150 alumni, students and friends gathered Tuesday, April 7, at Pyramid Acres Marina for the Lake of Egypt stop of the 3rd Annual Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois.
The Chancellor’s Reception brought together the SIU community for an evening of connection, conversation and Saluki pride as Chancellor Austin A. Lane and university leadership shared updates on the momentum at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Earlier in the day, Chancellor Lane and the admissions team visited Herrin High School, Marion High School and Johnston City High School, continuing the tour’s focus on reaching students in all 17 Southern Illinois counties.
That connection carried into the evening event, where admitted student Yazzman Thomas of Herrin High School attended the reception and shared her excitement about becoming a Saluki. She plans to major in arts and media.
“I’m proud to be a Saluki,” Thomas said. “SIU is my dream school. It has everything that I want.”
Lane emphasized the strength of SIU’s student body and the importance of students choosing to stay close to home for a high-quality education. SIU is part of an extraordinary group, as one of only 21 institutions in the country included on the Carnegie Classification lists for both Research 1 and Opportunity Colleges and Universities, highlighting Southern’s ability to deliver top-tier research opportunities while expanding access and support for students.
“We have incredible students right here in Southern Illinois who are choosing SIU, and that matters,” he said. “This is a special place.”
Current SIU student Calla Cheatwood, a Chancellor’s Scholar from Carbondale, also spoke about her experience during her first year on campus.
“I was nervous staying in Carbondale would feel like high school,” Cheatwood said. “But after my first month, I knew I made the right decision. It’s been a great experience, and I’m really glad I stayed.”
Guests enjoyed food from Wiffle Boys Pizza of Goreville along with drinks and waterfront views while reconnecting with fellow Salukis.
The SIU Foundation hosted the event at Pyramid Acres Marina, owned by Chris and Ginger Blue, whose daughter will attend SIU this fall.
“You all really made us feel even more comfortable with that decision,” they said after the event.
For the SIU Foundation, the takeover tours provide an opportunity to connect with donors as the record-breaking Imagine SIU 2030 campaign continues. The campaign aims to raise $500 million by June 2028 and has already surpassed $464 million.
The Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois continues through April 23 with stops designed to bring together alumni, donors, prospective students and community members across the region. The tour launched with a strong turnout March 31 at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, where nearly 300 gathered to kick off this year’s events.
Remaining stops include:
- Mount Vernon: Thursday, April 16, 6 to 8 p.m., DoubleTree by Hilton, 222 Potomac Blvd.
- Carterville: Tuesday, April 21, 6 to 8 p.m., The Historic 131 Building, 131 S. Division St.
- Red Bud: Thursday, April 23, 6 to 8 p.m., 1860 Public House, 102 S. Main St.
Learn more at siuf.org/southern-illinois.