{"id":5093,"date":"2026-04-08T19:49:38","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T19:49:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/?p=5093"},"modified":"2026-04-08T19:50:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T19:50:57","slug":"saluki-takeover-tour-draws-nearly-150-to-lake-of-egypt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/?p=5093","title":{"rendered":"Saluki Takeover Tour draws nearly 150 to Lake of Egypt"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Chancellor<\/p>\n

Nearly\u00a0150\u00a0alumni, 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Chancellor\u2019s 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Earlier in the day, Chancellor Lane and the admissions team visited Herrin High School, Marion High\u00a0School\u00a0and Johnston City High School,\u00a0continuing the tour\u2019s focus on reaching students in all 17 Southern Illinois counties.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Chancellor
Chancellor Austin A. Lane, incoming student Yazzman Thomas and Sarah Jiter, director of undergraduate admissions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That connection carried into the evening event, where admitted student\u00a0Yazzman\u00a0Thomas of Herrin High School attended the reception and shared her excitement about becoming a Saluki.\u00a0She plans to major in arts and media.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m proud to be\u00a0a Saluki,\u201d Thomas said. \u201cSIU is my dream school. It has everything that I want.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Chancellor<\/p>\n

Lane emphasized the strength of SIU\u2019s 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\u2019s ability to deliver top-tier research opportunities while expanding access and support for students.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe have incredible students right here in Southern Illinois who are choosing SIU, and that matters,\u201d he said. \u201cThis is a special place.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Calla
Calla Cheatwood<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Current SIU student Calla Cheatwood, a Chancellor\u2019s Scholar from Carbondale, also spoke about her experience during her first year on campus.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was nervous staying in Carbondale would feel like high school,\u201d Cheatwood said. \u201cBut after my first month, I knew I made the right decision.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0been\u00a0a great experience, and\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0really glad\u00a0I stayed.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Guests enjoyed food from Wiffle Boys Pizza of Goreville along with drinks and waterfront views\u00a0while reconnecting with fellow Salukis.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The SIU Foundation hosted the event at Pyramid Acres Marina, owned by Chris and Ginger Blue, whose daughter will attend SIU this fall.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou all really made us feel even more comfortable with that decision,\u201d\u00a0they said after the event.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For the SIU Foundation, the takeover tours\u00a0provide\u00a0an 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois continues through April 23 with stops designed to bring together alumni, donors, prospective\u00a0students\u00a0and community members across the region. The tour launched with a strong turnout March 31 at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, where\u00a0nearly 300\u00a0gathered to kick off this year\u2019s events.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Remaining stops include:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n