[MUSIC] >> Coming up on the impact report.

>> Hey guys, welcome to DC.

>> The MCU Foundation goes to Washington, DC here.

From the alumni igniting Saluki spirit in the nation's capital this month in the lab.

>> We're going behind the scenes with the Marching Salukis to find out what it takes to put on an amazing show.

Stay tuned.

Literally.

[MUSIC] >> We're less than two weeks away from a Saluki Spooktacular Homecoming.

Learn about big plans to shut down the strip, but first two legendary Saluki alumni returned to campus.

Charlotte Thompson makes history at the College of Arts and Media, while Emmy winning actor and director Bob Odenkirk speaks with students and the Carbondale community.

The Impact Report starts right now.

[MUSIC] Hello and welcome to the Impact Report, brought to you from WSIU Studios at Southern Illinois University.

I'm your host, Anna Twomey.

We're excited to share stories of impact and innovation happening right here on campus with you.

We begin this month's show with historic news out of the College of Arts and Media.

More than a hundred people gathered to celebrate a major gift from alumna Charlotte Thompson Suhler.

The School of Journalism and Advertising has been named in her honor.

This marks the first time in SIU history that a school has been named for a woman.

SIU Foundation Chief Marketing Officer Britni Bateman is at the Communications Building, with more on the lasting impact this will have on the college.

>> Behind me is the official signage of the Charlotte Thompson School of Journalism and Advertising.

Charlotte had a trailblazing advertising career.

>> One.

Two.

Three.

Yeah, yeah.

>> SIU leaders, students and faculty at the College of Arts and Media gathered to celebrate her success during a dedication ceremony inside the Communications Building.

>> This is a person who has had an impact since a young age on everything she has done, and that continues to be what drives her.

So thank you, Charlotte, for having all of the impact you've had on SIU and many, many other places as well.

>> What I love about this is that the history you're in, the history books, your legacy will live on forever.

>> Charlotte attended SIU from 1961 to 1965, and was among the first women to graduate from SIU advertising program.

Her career took her all over the country and even worked for major publications in New York City.

At just 16 years old, Charlotte was managing ad accounts for her hometown newspaper, the Mount Vernon Daily Register.

>> I'm proud to be from SIU, Southern Illinois and happy to be here.

Thank you very much.

>> Charlotte's legacy will inspire generations of Salukis, and her gift will help support hands on learning for years to come.

Reporting from Charlotte Thompson Suhler School of Journalism and Advertising.

I'm Britni Bateman for Charlotte.

>> This gift is not just about supporting the College of Arts and Media.

It's also about encouraging women to aim high.

We had the chance to sit down with Charlotte and learn more about what inspired her to give back.

>> The idea that more women should be given opportunities, given opportunities in advertising absolutely was in the back of my head.

I feel very.

Lucky that that I'm able to be here and do this.

When I found out that I was the first woman to have a school named after her, I. Good.

Good.

I mean, that was that was my my first reaction.

And then I went, oh my gosh, I just want women to be able to realize their own ambitions, their own dreams, and to move along with those and to and to know that there are people who are backing them.

Aim high, you know.

Set your sights high.

Don't let someone tell you you can't.

Um, who knows, maybe you can.

>> That is such wonderful advice.

Learn more about Charlotte's trailblazing career in journalism and advertising by looking for this story on Siuf.org.

Actor, writer, comedian and Siue alumnus Bob Odenkirk returns to campus alongside his brother and fellow comedy writer Bill Odenkirk.

The Odenkirk spoke about their careers in the entertainment industry in front of hundreds of students and community members at the Varsity Center.

The main focus of their visit was speaking to students.

They made several classroom visits during their time on campus, answering questions about life and show business.

>> My favorite thing about coming to these to this.

This is my second time coming to SIU is is the teaching part.

I just did an acting class and Bill and I spoke to students in numerous configurations, and it's just the best.

I mean, and it does have that reward that being a parent has, you know, you're older and you're trying to share something that will hopefully help the younger people see their way forward or understand things a little better than they did before you started talking.

How about you, Bill?

>> Well, I enjoyed it because they listened, listen.

Unlike my kids.

Um.

Uh.

But no, I'm just echoing what Bob says.

They're really.

The students are really sharp, attentive, had great questions, and you can tell they're passionate about finding something for themselves in whether it's entertainment or something else.

But they, they, uh, they were really great to work with.

>> For more coverage on Bob and Bill's visit, look for this story on Siuf.org Salukis.

>> Are you out there?

All right.

>> The SIU Foundation rallied Salukis in Washington, DC as part of a nationwide takeover tour.

More than 150 SIU supporters gathered at Le Meridien Hotel in downtown D.C.

to celebrate Saluki pride Chancellor Austin Lane spoke about new developments at the university, including our recent designation as both a research one and an opportunity university.

The Chancellor encouraged alumni in the area to connect with each other.

>> What brought me out to tonight's event is just being able to connect with so many other alums.

Professional alums that are doing great things in the community.

>> As you can see, there are a lot of people here.

And so it's a vibrant area with a lot of important connections.

>> The in stories tonight were incredible.

I was so taken with everybody's story.

And I got to tell you, I didn't really realize how many SIU alumni were out here in Washington, D.C.

and I think that's what was most exciting about it, was to meet and see all of these new faces and names and make connections.

>> In addition to the Takeover Tour event, SIU became the 46th university to have its crest displayed at the University Club in downtown Washington, D.C.

The University Club is a historic private club in D.C.

that was established back in 1904.

Alumnus Raymond Hankins hosted dozens of fellow Salukis for a crest unveiling.

We spoke with him about why he stays connected to SIU.

>> I believe that I wouldn't be in the position I'm in now if it wasn't for the university.

Having an undergraduate degree has catapulted me to a lot of opportunities.

Sometimes they always say, don't look in your past, always look forward, but think about where you were and how you got to where you're at now.

>> This visit to Washington, D.C.

is the second stop on the Saluki Takeover tour so far as this show goes to air.

Our team is hosting Salukis in Chicago.

Our next stop after that will be Texas in November, including events in Austin, Houston and Dallas.

For more information, head over to Siuf.org.

>> Takeovers and.

>> Salukis are all smiles thanks to generous support from alumni like you.

More than a thousand people gave to their favorite colleges and programs.

On this year's 10th day of giving, the SIU Credit Union made the first donation of the day of $35,000 to support new student programs and the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center.

In total, the SIU Foundation raised $5.7 million for SIU in just 24 hours.

This will support student scholarships, new programming, and so much more.

>> Salukis, you've done it again.

Thank you so much for your contributions to the university.

All going towards a good cause.

We're good stewards of fundraiser dollars and taxpayer contributions.

This excels university.

It lets us and allows us to do the things that we love to do, and that's to support our students.

So thank you so much and go dawgs.

>> Every gift matters on the day of giving.

You can learn more about this campaign by heading over to SIU.

[MUSIC] Dozens of Saluki women gathered at SIU for the fourth annual Saluki Women's Weekend.

This two day event on campus was a celebration of empowerment, mentorship, and community.

Saluki Women's Weekend was organized by the Women's Leadership Council and featured networking opportunities and panel discussions with trailblazing alumni.

>> To be Saluki woman to me means being prepared for anything.

I think that it is such a great community here.

It was the exact community and the exact type of school that I wanted to attend.

>> I think of Salukis and Saluki women, I think bold and determined.

And you get that feeling and that powerful feeling being in the room surrounded by such wonderful people.

Everyone has a unique story.

>> Beyond the Saluki Women's Weekend, the Women's Leadership Council is working on so many amazing initiatives, including a mentorship program for students.

The mentor program connects students with accomplished alumni who offer guidance, encouragement, and career insight.

Learn more at siuf.org.

Former SIU System President and three time Saluki alumnus Doctor Glenn Poshard is reading poetry for a good cause.

Salukis gathered at the student center, where Doctor Poshard presented a free poetry reading called Beginnings and Endings.

Those who attended were encouraged to make a donation or bring a non-perishable food item to help stock the shelves at the Saluki Food Pantry.

The pantry helps hundreds of students every year overcome food insecurity.

We asked Doctor Poshard about what inspires him to give back to students.

>> College is not easy.

You know, the university experience is not an easy experience.

So you're studying all the time, you're working a lot in your jobs and so on.

And, you know, I want them to understand that a little bit of donation here can go a long way in taking some pressure off the students in trying to sustain themselves.

>> Doctor Poshard hopes this event inspires others to support the Saluki Food Pantry year round since 2016.

The pantry has helped more than 7000 students.

What an amazing cause.

The SIU Foundation is partnering with local organizations and government leaders to launch an exciting new campaign called Salukis Build Here.

The community gathered for a formal signing ceremony outside Woody Hall on campus.

Salukis build here is a collective effort to encourage SIU alumni to launch, relocate or expand their businesses in the Southern Illinois region.

The SIU Foundation is partnering with the SIU Alumni Association, Southern Illinois, now the City of Carbondale, Carbondale, Main Street, and Carbondale Chamber of Commerce.

The goal is to build on the momentum of local business owners, while encouraging others nationwide to consider Southern Illinois as a prime business location.

>> As a proud alum, I know firsthand that when Salukis come together, we don't just imagine the future, We build it.

And there are hundreds of Saluki owned businesses right here in southern Illinois.

In fact, the count that we have is over a thousand right here in our 17 county region.

>> There will be a bigger community celebration for Salukis build here on October 23rd at hangar nine in Carbondale.

This will be a huge opportunity to network and learn about support for entrepreneurs in Southern Illinois.

Learn more by looking for this story on Siuf.org.

The SIU Alumni Association has announced Colonel Nikki J. Lindhorst as the Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award recipient, Colonel Lindhorst is a decorated officer of the US Air Force and US Space Force, and a 1995 SIU graduate.

She was honored at a celebratory dinner hosted by the SIU Alumni Association earlier this month.

At that event, several other Saluki graduates were honored, including members of the little Rock nine.

Learn more about these accomplished Saluki alumni by heading over to the Alumni Association's website.

SIU alumni.

Com.

Coming up.

Ever wondered what it takes to become a marching Saluki?

Our team goes behind the scenes to find out.

Stay tuned.

>> Southern Illinois University has a rich history and much more renowned for cutting edge research, ranking among the top 4% in the country.

Salukis achieve pride and glory competing at the highest level.

World famous alumni across the globe united in our mission with unstoppable momentum, igniting a bright future.

This is a university ascending.

We are southern.

>> Welcome back and thanks for watching.

The impact report.

From running drills on the practice field to computer programming their entire routine.

You might be surprised by all that goes into being part of the Marching Salukis.

It's not easy, but boy, they put on a great show.

Siu Foundation Chief Operating Officer Jeff Gleim got a taste of what it takes by suiting up for an afternoon practice session.

>> So I'm here at Grinell Field, where the Marching Salukis practice and get ready for their performance for the season.

With me is Doctor Richard Kelly, the director of the SIU School of Music.

So, Doctor Kelly, what can we expect to see here today?

Well, today I think we're going to teach you a little bit about conducting the Marching Salukis, and we're going to put some drums on you and see if you can march.

Oh, boy.

How do you guys typically prepare for your performances?

>> So usually before the season begins, we have mapped out what show we're going to do through for each football game.

We have predetermined what we're going to do that day, if we're going to do drill, if we're going to work on music, or if we're going to combine both of those efforts.

>> I'm going to turn to you because this is one thing.

I'm fascinated by everything, but I'm really fascinated by the marching routine.

If that's the correct terminology, how do you guys do that?

>> There's a lot that goes into it, but we actually write that ourselves using drill writing software, and then we use a software package.

It's a software, and then we teach it to them using software as well.

And then we upload the actual animation of the drill.

So they have that with their cell phones on YouTube that they can actually see and kind of chart it, put it with their music, and it all comes together from there.

>> Okay.

So now we've learned a little bit about the technical aspect of the Marching Salukis.

Now I'm going to learn how to march okay.

So I'm assuming there's a correct way and a wrong way.

>> It's all about the posture.

You want to stand.

You want to stand straight.

You want to stand straight up with your heels together and your toes apart.

And for the first step, you want to push off your right foot and put your heel on the ground with your toe way high up.

You're going to roll your heel down until your foot on the ground.

Then you're going to take your back foot, and you're going to swing it through while keeping the leg straight.

>> So am I ready for an instrument?

>> I think you're ready to try one.

Um.

Oh, that one looks interesting.

Yeah.

>> Try it out.

Right.

Oh my gosh.

Oh, are you kidding me?

So not only do I have to carry this.

Keep my posture.

Think about my feet.

I've got two things in my hand, and I got to do the routine.

Yeah.

>> Yeah.

Five.

Six.

Eight and one.

[MUSIC] >> Four.

Five.

Six.

[MUSIC] [MUSIC] >> Got it.

>> You're a natural born percussionist.

>> So I'm here with Riley, who's the drum major for the marching Salukis.

And Riley, how did you get selected to be in this position?

>> You have to be a marching Saluki for one season.

And then after that, it's just kind of an interview and an audition process.

So they interview you professionally, and then you audition based on how you're conducting looks.

>> One question that I've always wanted to ask, and I think you're going to show me a little bit later, is the hand movements.

What what that means.

So I think all right.

>> So here's what we're going to do.

Start up here up down up down up down over and over okay.

Yeah.

And you can count them off however you want.

>> 123.

Go.

[MUSIC] >> I think that was a great first shot.

I think I'll take it from here.>> It's all.

>> Yours.

Okay.

Horns up one more time.

DUT dut dut dut dut dut.

[MUSIC] >> So, Doctor Kelly, thank you for arranging all this.

It's been an education for me and I'm sure for our audience.

But we really appreciate this and we'll look forward to seeing you guys out on the field.

So back to you in the studio.

[MUSIC]>> This was such a.

>> Fun and eye opening segment to be part of.

Can you imagine doing all of that marching in the heat?

The marching Salukis are so amazing, and one of the cool things about this organization is that any Saluki, no matter what major, can join.

We're looking forward to seeing the Marching Salukis at games this fall.

Coming up, the biggest party of the fall season is almost here.

Salukis are shutting down the strip for homecoming, and boy does that bring back memories.

SIU Foundation CEO Matt Kupec is on set with the SIU Alumni Association and the City of Carbondale with all the details.

Stay with us.

>> The Saluki Takeover Tour is back.

Bigger, bolder and Coast to coast.

Join us to connect, celebrate and show the world what it means to be a Saluki for life.

[MUSIC] See you there and go, dawgs!

[MUSIC] >> Welcome back and thanks for watching the Impact Report.

I'm Matt Kupec, CEO of the SIU Foundation.

Homecoming is right around the corner, just a couple of weeks away, and this year is going to be a big one.

Salukis are shutting down the strip for the second year in a row, and this time Halloween is part of the celebration.

Joining me now is Molly Hudgens with the SIU Alumni Association and Deanna Harlan with the City of Carbonyl.

Both are responsible for organizing the event.

Molly, let's start with you.

Tell us about homecoming.

>> Homecoming is a big tradition at SIU, and we're excited.

We're going to start with the tradition of homecoming.

So Saturday we kick off parade, 10 a.m., parade down Illinois Avenue, and then, of course, we kick off for football at 2:00 11 a.m.

we we start tailgate, um, and tailgate.

The alumni association is partnered with our 80s and 90s group again for a big party before the football game.

So we want everybody on Saturday come out for traditional homecoming cheer on the dawgs.

But let's get to Friday night.

We started a tradition last year and it is going to be a tradition.

It won't end.

We shut down the strip on the Friday night of homecoming.

We had great live music with the Jungle Dogs playing, and it's going to get bigger and better this year.

So Halloween intersects homecoming.

We've created a festival atmosphere, two stages for bands, Band's live music, and we had 5500 people out on that strip last year.

We're looking for 10,000 this year.

We're shutting down.

Illinois Avenue starts at 3 p.m.

um, from Elm to Cherry, we will be shut down.

People are welcome to come.

Food trucks, vendors.

We have our rso's that are out.

So our students are going to be out as part of it.

They can they have their booths out for the festival.

We will then go to live music.

We there will be beer tents out, um, food for all, a little bit of beer for all, and just an overall good time.

I'm going to flip it to Deena now.

We have some great bands and the city has been instrumental along with hangar nine in getting those bands.

So let me, let me give it to Deena to talk a little bit about our live music.

>> We're so excited.

We're welcoming back the urge.

Saint Louis punk and ska band one of Carbondale's favorites.

Iconic.

Coming to the strip on the main stage.

Going to give us an incredible show.

We also have Keller Williams presents the dead Petty Keller grass, which is going to be some Tom Petty Grateful Dead covers with a little bit of a bluegrass psychedelic fusion on the smaller stage.

We also have Hot Like Mars from Chicago, a soul and funk band coming to groove the night away.

And then, of course, some of Carbondale's favorites, the modern day Saints is coming back, playing with Tawl Paul and some other special guests.

>> Incredible and a lot going on downtown Carbondale.

Couple new structures up.

>> Absolutely.

We're right down the road from the Southern Illinois Multi-Modal station, our new Amtrak.

It's coined the jewel of the Southern Line by Amtrak officials.

And then right across the street from the new Amtrak station, the Sims building is going to be the Downtown Entertainment and Events Plaza, our new permanent downtown venue.

It is a beautiful, beautiful structure, both mirroring one another by the same architect, Thad Heckman.

Growth is happening in Carbondale.

This is the time to be here.

We welcome all Salukis, all future, all past, all present Salukis to come to the heart of Carbondale and have a great time.

>> Awesome.

Incredible.

Molly, homecoming and Halloween together.

How the alumni feeling about it.

>> Two incredible traditions I have to tell you to to welcome back our alumni for a tradition that has spanned generations.

That's Halloween in Carbondale.

It took a little bit of break, but alumni are really excited to bring it back, to come back to Carbondale and see this incredible festival happen again.

And then homecoming has always been a fabulous time in Carbondale as well.

So this is one of those things where the alumni association gets to intersect generations, um, from coast to coast.

We have alumni coming back for it.

We want to welcome everybody back to Carbondale.

This is a huge opportunity for Alumni Association to stay connected and to reconnect our alums with SIU and Carbondale to great Saluki traditions.

Molly go.

>> Dawgs!

Molly doing a great job.

Another example of great town gown relationships.

Folks, this will be one of the great activities and events in the state of Illinois.

Get ready!

It's going to be a weekend like we've never experienced before.

Thanks for joining us today and we'll be back right after this break.

>> Imagine going from the classroom to the big stage.

>> This territory, this place.

Our home isn't just for learning, but for understanding the very power of what imagination actually means.

>> A place where you can go from player to coach, from the ground to the sky.

>> So close your eyes.

Envision the roar that is a spirit of thousands of Salukis.

Capture this moment and go forward together.

[MUSIC] >> Welcome back and thanks for watching the Impact Report.

Up next, a fun fact from the SIU history books, courtesy of our friends over at Morris Library Special Collections.

We're going back to homecoming festivities in October of 1967, Salukis of all ages packed the streets of Carbondale for the annual homecoming parade.

Carbondale native Hazel Scott was chosen as SIU's first African American homecoming queen.

The football game later that day was an exciting one.

SIU beat nationally ranked Tulsa 16 to 13 on a late field goal by Ralph Galloway.

What a time to be a Saluki!

We're looking forward to all of the homecoming fun coming to Carbondale in just over a week.

And now our beloved Saluki mascot.

Here's a moment with Gray Dawg.

>> Hey, what's Gray Dawg doing?

[MUSIC] >> I think he's picking out his season ticket spot.

>> All right.

>> Don't let Gray Dawg get all the best seats.

Make sure you get those basketball season tickets.

We'll wrap up the show with this gorgeous morning sunrise shot of the pyramid outside Saluki Stadium.

Football season is well underway, and it's Saluki tradition for the players to touch this pyramid before a home game for good luck.

Thank you for watching the Impact Report.

You can find all of these stories and more at siuf.org.

We'll air a new report once a month, and if you miss an episode, you can find it on the SIU Foundation's YouTube channel.

Take care and we'll see you next time.

Go, dawgs!

[MUSIC]