More than 450 Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumni, donors and supporters gathered Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the historic Palmer House for the 6th Annual Saluki Takeover Tour Chicago, celebrating a $1 million gift, the premiere of a new university commercial and the university’s growing momentum.
The Chancellor’s Reception brought the Saluki community together to celebrate SIU’s achievements in enrollment, research and philanthropy while recognizing the alumni and supporters helping drive its success.
One of the evening’s biggest announcements came when SIU alumnus Shon Yates and his wife, Alexis, committed $1 million to establish the Shon and Alexis Yates Center for Access and Advancement in Engineering.
The gift will expand access to academic resources, mentorship, professional development and hands-on learning opportunities for engineering students.
A 1993 electrical engineering graduate, Shon Yates understands firsthand the academic and financial challenges students face.
“I know how difficult engineering school can be, academically and financially,” Yates said. “I was able to navigate those challenges successfully. This gift is about helping more students do the same.”
Celebrating SIU’s momentum
During the reception, SIU Chancellor Austin A. Lane thanked alumni, donors, university leaders and community partners for their continued commitment to the university.
Lane highlighted SIU’s enrollment growth, with more than 12,000 students attending the university this fall, and emphasized the importance of Chicago-area recruitment.
“The number of students coming to SIU from the Chicago area has increased, and that’s because of the people in this room who remain committed to their alma mater and have given us the support we need to grow,” Lane said.
Lane also recognized the efforts of university recruiters and development officers, emphasizing the importance of working together to create opportunities for prospective students and strengthen SIU’s connections throughout the region.
Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton joined the celebration, praising SIU’s leadership, enrollment growth and community partnerships.
“We’re watching the way that you are recruiting students,” Stratton said. “We’re watching how you are engaging … how you are creating important partnerships with the community stakeholders. And that’s how it’s done.”
Stratton also reflected on the transformative power of education, sharing how her grandparents’ educational experiences helped shape her own journey.
Her husband, Bryan Echols, an SIU alumnus, has supported efforts to strengthen the university’s relationships with Chicago-area schools.
State Rep. William “Will” Davis, a member of the Illinois House of Representatives and SIU alumnus, also addressed attendees, reflecting on how his time at SIU shaped his life and career.
“It was the only school I applied to, and I never visited until I got to campus for the first time,” Davis said. “It was the best decision of my life. I know without a shadow of a doubt I wouldn’t be here today, who I am today, without my experiences at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.”
Lane also highlighted SIU’s distinction as both a Research 1 institution and an Opportunity University, reflecting its commitment to research excellence and educational access.
New university commercial premieres in Chicago
Attendees were the first to see SIU’s new university commercial, showcasing its academic excellence, student experiences and Saluki spirit.
SIU alumnus Greg Steinbrecher, a 1990 radio and television graduate and creative director of Jordan, Ross & Rose Advertising Inc., helped create the commercial, drawing inspiration from his experiences in the university’s marching band and his lasting connection to SIU.
“When I sat down to work on this incredible opportunity, I didn’t need to search for a story to tell,” Steinbrecher said. “I drew upon the ones that I’ve lived and witnessed.”
Lane announced that the commercial and shorter versions will air during televised sporting events, including ESPN broadcasts, introducing SIU to audiences nationwide.
Strengthening SIU’s Chicago connections
The Chancellor’s Reception highlighted a multiday Saluki Takeover Tour that brought SIU leadership, faculty, staff and alumni together for student recruitment, corporate engagement, donor visits and alumni events throughout the Chicago area.
University representatives visited several Chicago-area high schools, including Michele Clark, Ogden International, Noble Johnson College Prep, Homewood-Flossmoor, Rich Township, Lane Tech, Morgan Park, Whitney Young, Al Raby and Kenwood Academy. SIU leadership also met with Chicago Public Schools, the Noble Schools charter network, the College of DuPage and Harper College to strengthen educational partnerships and expand opportunities for prospective students.
Through the SIU Alumni Association’s Salukis on the Run initiative, College of Business and Analytics students visited KPMG, Deloitte, Artisan Partners and Chicago Community Loan Fund to connect with alumni working in their fields and explore career opportunities. The initiative also included an accounting and finance student breakfast with alumni.
Additional events included an aviation alumni reception hosted by the SIU School of Aviation at Priester Aviation and a gathering hosted by the Hispanic-Latino Alumni Group.
As part of the Saluki Takeover Tour, SIU Foundation development officers also met with Chicago-area donors and supporters to strengthen relationships and explore philanthropic opportunities benefiting students and academic programs.
About the Saluki Takeover Tour
The 2026-27 Saluki Takeover Tour kicked off Sept. 2 in Atlanta, followed by its first visit to Champaign. Hosted by the SIU Foundation, the tour began in 2021 and has expanded to communities across the country, including Chicago, Springfield, Indianapolis, Memphis, Nashville, Florida, Texas, St. Louis, Southern Illinois, Hollywood and Washington, D.C.
The tour strengthens alumni engagement, supports student recruitment and builds momentum for the SIU Foundation’s Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which surpassed its $500 million goal 20 months ahead of schedule. The fifth-largest fundraising campaign in Illinois higher education history continues through June 30, 2028.
In fiscal year 2026, the SIU Foundation awarded $6.9 million in scholarships to more than 2,200 students, representing nearly 19% of the student body.
Through stops nationwide, the tour connects SIU leaders with alumni, prospective students, donors and community partners to celebrate the university’s progress and expand opportunities for future Salukis.
Upcoming 2026-27 Saluki Takeover Tour stops:
- 16-20, 2026: Dallas and Houston
- 10-12, 2027: St. Petersburg and Naples, Florida
- March 23-24, 2027: Central Illinois
- March 30, 2027: Detroit
- April 1-16, 2027: Southern Illinois
- June 1-4, 2027: Los Angeles
- Denver: Date tentative
- Louis: Date to be announced