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Southern Illinois University Carbondale will host five stops across the region during the 3rd Annual Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois from March 31 through April 23, bringing Chancellor Austin A. Lane, university leadership and admissions representatives to all 17 Southern Illinois counties.<\/p>\n
The tour includes visits to high schools and community colleges across the region, along with a series of Chancellor\u2019s Receptions designed to connect alumni, students, donors and friends while highlighting the university\u2019s continued momentum.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis tour is about showing up for Southern Illinois,\u201d Lane said. \u201cWe\u2019re visiting schools, meeting future Salukis and connecting with the alumni and supporters who make this university so strong.\u201d<\/p>\n
There is no cost to attend any of the events. Each reception runs from 6 to 8 p.m., except for the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center event, which will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Receptions include complimentary hors d\u2019oeuvres and two drink tickets per registered attendee. The SIU Foundation hosts the events.<\/p>\n
The tour opens Tuesday, March 31, at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, with the event hosted at Little Grassy Lodge. Guests can explore recent improvements to Shawnee Lodge, Morris Lodge and Little Grassy Lodge. The evening includes guided tours, outdoor demonstrations and hands-on activities such as climbing, archery and the giant swing. Casual outdoor fare and a full bar will be provided. The tour schedule includes:<\/p>\n
Tuesday, March 31, 5-7 p.m. \u2014 Makanda<\/strong> Tuesday, April 7, 6-8 p.m. \u2014 Lake of Egypt (Marion)<\/strong> Thursday, April 16, 6-8 p.m. \u2014 Mount Vernon<\/strong> Tuesday, April 21, 6-8 p.m. \u2014 Carterville<\/strong> Thursday, April 23, 6-8 p.m. \u2014 Red Bud<\/strong> The Saluki Takeover Tour serves as a key outreach effort for the university, strengthening relationships with communities across Southern Illinois while supporting recruitment and engagement.<\/p>\n SIU is one of just 21 institutions nationwide to hold dual designations from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as both a Research 1 university and an Opportunity University. The distinction recognizes SIU\u2019s high level of research activity alongside its strong commitment to access and upward mobility.<\/p>\n The 2025-26 Saluki Takeover Tour has also visited Indianapolis, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Dallas, Austin, Houston, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Naples, St. Louis and central Illinois. Last year\u2019s Southern Illinois stops included Makanda, Marion, Benton, Chester, Anna and Murphysboro.<\/p>\n \u201cWe bring the campus, and we plant the flag in the ground, and we say, \u2018This is Saluki Country!\u2019\u201d said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation.<\/p>\n For the SIU Foundation, the Saluki Takeover Tour provides an opportunity to connect with donors as it advances the record-breaking Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign. With a goal of $500 million by June 2028, it is the fifth-largest campaign in Illinois higher education history. More than $464 million has already been raised.<\/p>\n For more information or to register, visit siuf.org\/southern-illinois<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Southern Illinois University Carbondale will host five stops across the region during the 3rd Annual Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois from March 31 through April 23, bringing Chancellor Austin A. Lane, university leadership and admissions representatives to all 17 Southern Illinois counties. The tour includes visits to high schools and community colleges across the region, … Continue reading SIU Saluki Takeover Tour returns to connect communities across region<\/span>
\nTouch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, 206 Touch of Nature Rd.<\/p>\n
\nPyramid Acres Marina, 12057 Marina Rd.<\/p>\n
\nDoubleTree by Hilton, 222 Potomac Blvd.<\/p>\n
\nThe Historic 131 Building, 131 S. Division St.<\/p>\n
\n1860 Public House, 102 S. Main St.<\/p>\n