About the Association
A Long and Proud History of Serving Southern's Alumni and Friends
In the beginning...
The SIU Alumni Association is the largest and oldest organization at SIU, but has enjoyed its greatest period of growth in the last 20 years. The Association was established in 1896 by a group of students who wanted to continue their involvement with their alma mater after graduation. The Association’s first recorded meeting was held on June 10, 1896 at Southern Illinois Normal University, the original name of our alma mater. Fifty years later, on July 23, 1954, the organization was incorporated and its legal name became: “The Association of Alumni, Former Students, and Friends of Southern Illinois University, Incorporated.” At this meeting, it was agreed the working name would be “SIU Alumni Association.”
The Association is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of elected Association members and representatives from the institution's colleges. The Board also consists of ex-officio directors: a designated member of the Board of Trustees, the President of the SIU system, the Chancellor of SIUC, the President of the Board of Directors of the SIU Foundation, and three student directors, the President of the Student Alumni Council, a student designated by the President of the Undergraduate Student Government and a student designated by the President of the Graduate and Professional Student Council. Honorary Directors and past presidents of the Association may also serve on the Board.
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|
Then |
Now |
|
Dues |
$0.25 (1897) |
$40 (2008) |
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Members |
8000 (1991) |
18,000 (2008) |
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Off-Campus Events
|
9 (1983) |
59 (2007) |
Today…
There are more than 220,000 graduates in every state of the United States and 126 countries around the world. As a membership dues-driven organization, the Association strives to serve students of the past, present and future. Dues are used to assist the University and support the Association’s communication and programming efforts. Membership is open to students, alumni and friends of the University.
The Association had a long tradition of providing support to the Marching Salukis, Morris Library, Public Policy Institute, Saluki Athletics and spearheaded the campaign to light Pulliam Tower. The flag poles and flags on the Carbondale campus are purchased for the University by the Association. In addition, we support each of the nine academic units by sharing a portion of our dues with them.
Communication with our alumni is crucial to the organization's mission, and there are several vehicles in place to stay connected to our vast audience. Southern Alumni magazine provides three issues per year to Association members, and a fourth, December issue sent to all alumni of record. Saluki Pride, an informational newsletter, is sent twice each year to all members of the Association. This website, news releases, event mailers and emails are all utilized as communication tools.
As you browse our website, you will learn the many diverse programs that the Association offers to alumni, students, and friends of SIU. The Association proudly sponsors the Student Alumni Council, an organization which links students with alumni and friends of SIUC. Our nationally-recognized Extern Program, in which Saluki alumni sponsor students in career internships over spring break. It is a great training ground for students and an avenue to full-time employment upon graduation. The Association also provides scholarships, supports University activities, recognizes Distinguished Alumni, and more. These endeavors are designed to support the SIU Alumni Association’s mission of "revealing to the world the excellence of Southern Illinois University."
View the SIU Alumni Association’s latest television advertisement!