{"id":4879,"date":"2025-11-17T02:07:05","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T02:07:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/?p=4879"},"modified":"2026-01-22T04:18:13","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T04:18:13","slug":"saluki-takeover-tour-texas-showcases-momentum-connection-and-generosity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/?p=4879","title":{"rendered":"Saluki Takeover Tour Texas Showcases Momentum, Connection and Generosity"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/NxsITko69S0?si=A5i56l5h_ozp93bg\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">By Britni Bateman<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Southern Illinois University Carbondale wrapped up the 2nd Annual Saluki Takeover Tour Texas with three days of connection,\u00a0celebration\u00a0and opportunity. Hosted by the SIU Foundation, the tour deepened engagement across one of SIU\u2019s fastest-growing recruitment regions. Texas produced 565 applications this year, an 89 percent increase from last year, underscoring the impact of intentional outreach and the Saluki spirit thriving across Dallas,\u00a0Austin\u00a0and Houston from Nov. 11\u201313, 2025.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dallas | Tuesday, Nov. 11<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The 2nd Annual Saluki Takeover Tour Texas opened in Dallas with a night that set the tone for the entire week. More than 100 alumni, donors and friends packed The Thirsty Lion for the Chancellor\u2019s Reception, filling the room with maroon and stories that stretched from Carbondale to Texas.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Chancellor Austin A. Lane\u00a0welcomed the crowd with gratitude and energy, reminding attendees why Texas\u00a0remains\u00a0central to SIU\u2019s future.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cSalukis are everywhere,\u201d he said. \u201cThe more we stay connected and share the great things happening at your alma mater, the stronger our university becomes.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">He highlighted SIU\u2019s growing momentum across enrollment,\u00a0access\u00a0and visibility, and encouraged alumni to continue serving as ambassadors for the institution. Lane also drew from his own 30 years in Texas, connecting personally with the room.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Earlier that day, Chancellor Lane, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Wendell Williams, and SIU\u00a0representatives\u00a0visited EJ Smith Construction LLC, co-founded by SIU\u00a0alumnus\u00a0and SIU Foundation Board Member Eugene Walker Jr. and NFL legend Emmitt J. Smith III.\u00a0Walker\u00a0spoke with the group about his SIU journey and the values that shaped his career.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The visit made the next stop especially meaningful. At DeSoto High School,\u00a0the chancellor and Walker stood together to congratulate newly admitted Salukis and celebrate students receiving scholarship awards. For many in the room, it was a full-circle moment that reflected the impact of SIU alumni leadership.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The team also visited Little Elm High School and Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy, meeting with students interested in learning more about SIU\u2019s academic programs and the university\u2019s competitive\u00a0no\u00a0out-of-state\u00a0tuition opportunities.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWhen Salukis\u00a0come\u00a0together,\u00a0great things\u00a0happen. Keep spreading the word. Help us bring more students to SIU. Your pride and your stories are the reason we continue to grow,\u201d\u00a0Lane said.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Austin | Wednesday, Nov. 12<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The second stop brought Salukis to Austin, where\u00a0nearly 100\u00a0alumni and friends gathered at The Oasis for an evening of connection overlooking Lake Travis. Chancellor Lane passed the microphone around the room, giving everyone the chance to introduce themselves and share their SIU stories\u00a0\u2014\u00a0reminding guests that the Saluki experience is lifelong.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Earlier that day, the SIU team visited\u00a0Austin Community College, exploring opportunities to expand the\u00a0Saluki Step Ahead\u00a0program, which allows students to complete their first two years at partner community colleges before finishing SIU degrees online. Lane announced that a formal partnership with Austin Community College will soon follow, joining existing collaborations with Dallas College and Lone Star College.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cOur goal is to bring opportunity to students where they are,\u201d Lane said. \u201cBy removing barriers and creating partnerships, we\u2019re helping more students access an SIU education.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Houston | Thursday, Nov. 13<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The tour concluded in Houston with a signature evening at The Four Seasons, where\u00a0nearly 100\u00a0alumni and supporters gathered for the Chancellor\u2019s Reception. The room filled with Saluki pride as Chancellor Austin A. Lane welcomed guests, shared SIU\u2019s growing momentum and emphasized why Texas\u00a0remains\u00a0central to the university\u2019s future.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A highlight of the evening came when Dr. Marc Morris, dean of the College of Business and Analytics, announced a $2.1 million gift from Harvey (\u201980) and Collie Michaels, including a matching contribution from the Deloitte Foundation, to\u00a0establish\u00a0the Harvey N. Michaels Center for Academic Success and Engagement. Affectionately called \u201cThe Harv,\u201d\u00a0the center will serve as a hub for academic support, career\u00a0preparation\u00a0and student wellness.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cI am humbled to give back,\u201d Michaels said. \u201cI want parents and students to see the change underway at SIU and know this is a place that supports students and helps them get jobs.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The announcement underscored a period of significant achievement for the College of Business and Analytics, which holds AACSB accreditation, placing it among the top 5 percent of business schools worldwide, and recently earned a national ranking within the top 25 percent in the U.S. News &amp; World Report\u00a02025 Best Online Programs.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Earlier in the day, the SIU Admissions team,\u00a0alumni\u00a0and donors carried the Saluki spirit into Houston schools, meeting with students and presenting scholarships to newly admitted Salukis.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">At Alief Taylor High School, Dr. Bob and Beth Gower\u00a0joined SIU leaders to help present scholarships. Dr. Gower shared his Saluki story and reflected on the opportunities that prepared him for a distinguished career. Their generosity continues to shape SIU through the Gower Translational Research Center and the Gower Fellowship in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Sciences.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The team also visited YES Prep Brays Oaks, building on growing partnerships with YES Prep schools across Houston.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The final school visit of the day took place at YES Prep North Central, where SIU\u00a0alumnus\u00a0and donor Harvey N. Michaels helped award scholarships made possible through the Michaels Scholarship. The impact is already\u00a0evident. Last year, SIU received only two applications from YES Prep schools. This year, SIU received 150, a reflection of expanded access and rising interest in SIU\u2019s College of Business and Analytics. Michaels, a member of the YES Prep Advisory Council, spoke with students about opportunity, preparation and why he believes in investing in future Salukis.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Chancellor Lane closed the evening with gratitude and a vision for continued progress.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWe are in Texas by design,\u201d he said. \u201cGifts like Harvey\u2019s accelerate our momentum and expand opportunities for students. This is what it means to be a Saluki \u2014 lifting others, staying connected and shaping the future together.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">About the Tour<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Saluki Takeover Tour is part of SIU\u2019s ongoing efforts to strengthen alumni engagement and build support for Imagine SIU 2030, the university\u2019s comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, the campaign has raised more than $425 million toward its $500 million goal, making it the fifth-largest fundraising effort in\u00a0Illinois\u00a0higher education. In the most recent fiscal year, the SIU Foundation awarded more than $5.6 million in scholarships to 2,111 students,\u00a0representing\u00a017 percent\u00a0of the student body.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The tour continues with stops across the country, bringing SIU\u2019s mission,\u00a0momentum\u00a0and Saluki spirit directly to alumni and communities nationwide.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Upcoming Saluki Takeover Tour stops:<\/span><br \/>\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">Feb. 10\u201313 \u2013 Florida (Tampa, St. Petersburg, Naples)<\/span><br \/>\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mar. 4\u20136 \u2013 St. Louis<\/span><br \/>\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mar. 23\u201327 \u2013 Central Illinois (Bloomington and Peoria, Springfield)<\/span><br \/>\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mar. 31\u2013Apr. 21 \u2013 Southern Illinois (Makanda, Nashville, Goreville, Herrin, Red Bud, Carmi)<\/span><br \/>\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">May 13\u201315 \u2013 Atlanta<\/span><br \/>\n<span data-contrast=\"auto\">Jun. 8\u201312 \u2013 California (San Francisco, Los Angeles)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Britni Bateman\u00a0 Southern Illinois University Carbondale wrapped up the 2nd Annual Saluki Takeover Tour Texas with three days of connection,\u00a0celebration\u00a0and opportunity. Hosted by the SIU Foundation, the tour deepened engagement across one of SIU\u2019s fastest-growing recruitment regions. Texas produced 565 applications this year, an 89 percent increase from last year, underscoring the impact of &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/?p=4879\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Saluki Takeover Tour Texas Showcases Momentum, Connection and Generosity<\/span> <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4879","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4879","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4879"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4879\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4980,"href":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4879\/revisions\/4980"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4879"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4879"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4879"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}