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By Britni Bateman<\/p>\n
CARBONDALE, Ill. \u2014 Emmy-winning actor, comedian and 1984 Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduate Bob Odenkirk returned to campus with his brother, award-winning writer Bill Odenkirk, to share insights from their celebrated careers in entertainment.<\/p>\n
The visit, which centered on the SIU College of Arts and Media (CAM), took place Sept. 10\u201312 and engaged students, faculty and community members throughout their stay. On the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 10, the brothers met with faculty from the School of Media Arts and the School of Theater and Dance during a private event at Hangar 9 in Carbondale. Over the following days, they led classroom workshops before concluding their visit with a public conversation at The Varsity Center on Friday, Sept. 12. The event, moderated by H.D. Motyl, associate professor in SIU\u2019s School of Media Arts, featured the brothers reflecting on their creative journeys and offering advice to the next generation of Saluki storytellers.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy favorite thing about coming to SIU is the teaching part,\u201d Bob said. \u201cIt does have that reward that being a parent has \u2014 you\u2019re trying to share something that will hopefully help younger people see their way forward or understand things a little better.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bill echoed the impact. \u201cThe students were really sharp, attentive, had great questions and you can tell they\u2019re passionate about finding something for themselves,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Bob Odenkirk is best known for his iconic role as Saul Goodman in AMC\u2019s Breaking Bad<\/em> and its spinoff Better Call Saul<\/em>. He also starred in the action films Nobody<\/em> and Nobody 2<\/em> and earlier made his mark as a writer for Saturday Night Live<\/em> and Mr. Show with Bob and David<\/em>.<\/p>\n Bill Odenkirk earned multiple Emmy Awards as a writer for fan favorites such as The Simpsons<\/em> and Futurama<\/em>.<\/p>\n Their visit reflected the mission of the College of Arts and Media, established in 2021 to promote scholarly rigor, innovative experimentation and creative production. CAM offers opportunities in architecture, art and design, journalism and advertising, media arts, music, and theater and dance through its six schools, each with a long history. Its blend of liberal arts and conservatory programs inspires new generations of artists, designers, performers, producers, scholars and writers to develop vision, knowledge and professional mastery.<\/p>\n Nationally and internationally recognized, the college brings together a diverse faculty of acclaimed scholars and award-winning professionals who mentor students to achieve academic excellence, address global challenges and find rewarding careers. With a commitment to belonging, student success and hands-on professional preparation, CAM equips Salukis to thrive in the 21st century.<\/p>\n \u201cBob Odenkirk\u2019s return\u2014supported by his highly accomplished brother, Bill\u2014represented the powerful influence of Salukis, who not only shape the arts and media but also inspire the next generation at their alma mater,\u201d said Dr. Hong Cheng, dean of the College of Arts and Media. \u00a0\u201cOver their three-day visit, they shared exceptional creativity and instilled in our students the values that will be essential to their success. \u00a0We are deeply grateful for their talent, generosity and the time they devoted to our students and faculty.\u201d<\/p>\n The Odenkirks\u2019 visit also reflects SIU Carbondale\u2019s momentum as one of only 21 universities, out of more than 4,000 nationwide, recognized by the Carnegie Classification as both a Research 1 (R1) institution and an Opportunity College and University (OCU). At SIU, creativity and access come together to change lives and shape the future.<\/p>\n Learn more about the College of Arts and Media at cam.siu.edu<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Britni Bateman CARBONDALE, Ill. \u2014 Emmy-winning actor, comedian and 1984 Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduate Bob Odenkirk returned to campus with his brother, award-winning writer Bill Odenkirk, to share insights from their celebrated careers in entertainment. The visit, which centered on the SIU College of Arts and Media (CAM), took place Sept. 10\u201312 and … Continue reading Bob and Bill Odenkirk inspire SIU students in the College of Arts and Media<\/span>