Past Saluki Stories
Tell Us Your Story... View fellow Salukis' stories.
Watch the television advertisement that launched this campaign!
I am fortunate to be a part of what is arguably the most successful Saluki Athletic program in history: SIU Men's Gymnastics. In 33 seasons under Head Coach Bill Meade, the Saluki Gymnasts won four NCAA Division I Team National Titles and were NCAA National Runner-Up for another 5 seasons. Alumni of the Saluki Men's Gymnastics Team include 4 USA Olympians, 9 Saluki Hall of Fame Members, and 15 NCAA Individual Event National Champions. I'm proud to be one of the program's 55 NCAA All Americans. I still call Southern Illinois "home". My fiancée Melissa and I live in Carterville with my 18 year old daughter Abby. Professionally, I am an account executive for a local design and marketing firm, 1187 Creative. My favorite place on campus is called "Morava Point." Named for Gary Morava, a Saluki Hall of Fame member who's competitive career at SIU was tragically cut short, "Morava Point" is a peninsula on Campus Lake that is home to 3 Monuments to Saluki Gymnastics greats. Thanks for listening or reading!
In this photo, I'm 5th from the left. It was taken during ceremony in honor of the Gymnastics program at halftime of a 2006 Saluki Men's Basketball game.
HERB VOSSBS '85, Journalism
Many individuals have been an integral part of my life at SIU, but the most impacting moment started with Mary Rogers from the Evaluation and Development Center (EDC) . She was a Manger at EDC and came to purchase items for the The Living Center from the retail store I worked in during college. We starting talking about my interests in college and the fact that I was considering Rehabilitation Counseling as my graduate degree major. At that point she told me how involved she was in the Program at the Evaluation and Development Center and its affiliation with the Rehabilitation Counseling Program. She encouraged me to apply for a Graduate Assistantship. Not long after that I was accepted into the Rehabilitation Counseling Program and I was given the Graduate Assistantship that allowed me to complete my Masters Program. Today I use the degree and education that I gained in my program in my position as a Vocational Consultant for Metlife Disability Insurance. I will always be thankful that Mary Rogers was so kind to tell me about the program and encouraged me to go for it because 10 years later I still love what i do.
Kristal Abu-ThredehBA '96, Psychology
MS '98, Rehabilitation Couseling
Drs. John Grenfell and Bruce Swinburne were very helpful to my career. Dr. Swinburne guided me through the dissertation and was very instrumental in helping me accomplish the goal of a Ph.D. Dr. Grenfell, what can I say, helped me make progress toward being a genuine human being which helped in many aspects of my personal and professional life including counseling and teaching. His counseling techniques were very instrumental in helping me see that I had something to offer others in the counseling area. His guidance and steady hand served me well.
JAMES HENDRICKSBA' 72, Psychology
MS '73, Rehabilitation Couseling
PHD '79, Education
It was the late 80's and I was taking Intro to Psychology in one of the large lecture halls in Lawson. The course was taught by a TA whose last name I believe was Landrum. He was very nervous the first few weeks but then found his comfort zone and proved to be one of the most entertaining TAs to ever teach an undergrad course. Normally a big hall in Lawson will be packed for the first week of a class but then empty out a bit, not to be filled again until an exam. However, Landrum maintained a steady audience through the whole course. He was just that good. The class held before the final exam was a review session, a packed house as usual, and he told us, "I've never taught a class before in my life but I've been told that I have the best attendance of any TA in the department. Did I do all right?" The applause were deafening and he even got a standing ovation.
CHRISTOPHER BLICKENSDERFERAAS '89, Architectural Technology
'BS '89, Advanced Technical Studies
In 1986, as Chairman of Mid-America Peace Project I helped launch a student ballot campaign to have the SIUC campus declared a nuclear-free zone.
BRIAN BLANKBS '86, Management
SIU was the only college choice for me! Having spent time with my best friend at his grandparents' house in nearby Elkville, I grew to love the area. We would drive to the campus and think about how awesome it would be to be a student at SIU. SIU had a fantastic reputation in its Radio/TV department, and being on the radio was the only thing I wanted to do. I worked at WIDB, getting some great experience and learning a lot about the music I played. Fast forward to today, and I've been on the radio as an announcer for nearly 16 years. I loved my time at SIU, and made some great friends there. Carbondale is a wonderful place to live, a true melting pot. I always tell people that I'm a proud Saluki!
ADAM HAWKINSBA '92, Radio and Television
Everywhere I go I meet fellow graduates of SIU. I mean everywhere. Someone either graduated from SIU or has a friend or family member who is a graduate. It makes the world seem a little smaller every time.
DAVID BEASLEYBS '01, Health Education
My most profound lasting memory, my experience with the Vietnam Veterans, especially those in wheelchairs. Their spirit, their varying personalities, their wheelchair basketball games! It was my first experience with anyone physically disabled. Then I learned that our campus was second in the nation in accessibility. I was proud!
PHYLLIS MORTONBS '73, Administration of Justice
When I graduated from SIU in 1977 I always had the goal in mind of retiring at age 45. My father and I formed an ad/PR firm called Media Consultants and we built it into a successful enough business that I reached my goal on my 45th birthday in the year 2000. I have since unleashed my pent up desire to travel the world and have begun travel writing and managing tour groups. I am a regular visitor to the Carbondale campus and an avid Saluki Athletics fan which I trace back to my days as a Sports Information Assistant in the mid 1970's. I wouldn't trade my time at SIU for anything and the education I received there in helping me achieve my lifetime goals. Still bleeding Saluki Maroon after all these years!
MARK BRADLEY
BS '77, Radio & Television
I graduated in 1985 at that time in my life I was married and working full time as an Engineer for IBM. Since gradation I would say that I have done more with this degree than just about anyone who graduated before me. For the majority of my adult life I have maintained several careers simultaneously. I have bee: full time musician, air traffic controller, entrepreneur, bodyguard, full time realtor, full time engineer/scientist and manager for IBM (17 yrs) and then similar positions with approximately 10 different fortune 500 companies. I have taught Algebra and Trig in Charlotte NC, I designed and installed quality systems in a new Pirelli fiber optics plant tin Columbia SC. I taught SPC and quality principles to manager’s engineers and manufacturing personnel in Vermont, Alabama, North Carolina, and Virginia. I have been responsible for the manufacturing of flight controllers for the space shuttle (in Michigan) I have transferred and established manufacturing operations all around the world including, Korea, China, Canada and now Mexico. I've managed departments of 30-60, programs with monthly budget responsibility in the millions. And (more recently) I currently over-see the entire plant operations for multiple contract manufacturing factories in Mexico and Ohio. Just so you don't get the impression that I'm now I'm resting on my pasty accomplishments, I just enrolled in MBA program in Raleigh NC (at 54 years old). Talk about your 'Army of ONE' I've already packed more practical experience and manufacturing expertise into a career than just about anyone I know of. And it all started at SIU.
ZACHARY STEELEBS '84, Industrial Technologies
Loved Carbondale and SIU. Earned my degree and worked for many years as a chemist. Now I'm selling real estate.
LORRIE KOHN
BS '91, Chemistry
Both my wife (Deanna Becker, 'BS '63) and I attended SIU because of the geographic availability and because we could work on-campus in student jobs. We both met life-long friends in other students, staff, and faculty with whom we still maintain personal and professional contact. Even though I have completed course work from nationally and internationally know scientists at highly regarded universities and science facilities, never have I experienced the quality of instruction as that which I experienced in my academic career at SIU. Heading the list of great teachers is Robert H. Mohlenbrock, Plant Biology, whose skills and methodology I tried to emulate throughout my teaching career. My experiences and education in Carbondale opened the door for my 40 year career as a science educator, the last 35 years here in Illinois where, in addition to teaching and administrative duties, I served on advisory committees of the Illinois Community College Board and the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
JERRY HINKLEY
BS '64, Plant Biology
MA '65, Plant Biology
It was winter 2002 when we (me and my wife) arrived in Carbondale from the state of Orissa, India. It was really really cold for us!! Thanks to Saluki Express! We rode it - comfortably all warm inside. We depended on the Saluki Express during our stays in the Southern Hills and the Evergreen Terrace - even after we bought our first car - our studentship car (I still own this 14 year old car!). The drivers were so nice - we shared stories of our culture (that of eastern India) with them. We remember the driver - we called the gentle-man- with crisp pressed half-shirt. He was the most punctual driver. He smiled always at us. We liked it. Far from home, we found home in Carbondale - the small - big town. We miss the town. We will try to visit our alma mater at least once a year if we can.
ABANI SAMAL
PhD '07, Science
Started in 1987, lived in Boomer Hall Freshman year. Moved to Thompson Point in my second year (Brown Hall). For the next two years, I lived off campus on Hayes St. I graduated in 1991, and am currently living in Sacramento Ca. I work for AT&T.
DAVID EVENBS '91, Management
I had 3 incredible years going through the Zoology program at SIUC. I was a Zoology Club Officer, where I made lifelong stories and friends. I still keep in touch with several professors I took classes from. With the help of those professors and the education I received in their classes, I have been able to work with over 100 different species of animals and am now living my dream career as a full time Animal Care Specialist at a world famous animal-themed park in Orlando, Florida.
AMBER THEISING
BA '04, Zoology
One of the best things to happen to me while at SIU was getting hired to work for the Athletic Department my second day on campus. For the next 4 years I was able to work with great people like Jason King and Andy Petitt but also was able to see some exciting events like Nick Hill's Touchdown pass to beat UT-Martin in the Playoffs, Josh Warren banking in a three point shot to beat Missouri State, and of course last year's great sweet 16 team with Tatum and Young.
Coming to Southern was one of the best choices I ever made and wouldn’t have changed it for anything
JAMIE HANNAH
BS '06, Secondary Education - History
Many of my fondest memories and most enduring friendships were born at SIUC.
MARTIN O'CONNORAAS '82, Automotive Technology
BS '85, Advanced Technical Studies
A native of Southern Illinois, I was a commuter student to SIU-C. After receiving my degree in Mathematics/Computer Science, I went to work McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis and became one of the authors of the Tomahawk Cruise Missile on-board flight software. After a short stint on the Space Station Freedom program in Houston, I accepted a position with the Johns Hopkins University/Applied Physics Laboratory in Maryland where I continued as a Systems Engineer for the Navy Tomahawk program as well as working on a variety of other programs including the FAA Safe Flight 21 program, DARPA Unmanned Air Vehicle programs and the Navy Unmanned Combat Aerial System.
PAMELA JADWICKBA '79, Mathematics
“The music ensembles in which I performed served as the core of my musical life. Playing in the Faculty Brass Quintet under the tutelage of Philip Olsson afforded me hours of intimate contact with a brilliant musician. Writing for the Marching Salukis under the inspirational leadership of Don Canedy shaped my musical personality. The growth I achieved as a result of arranging and conducting productions of Revue in Blue served as an invaluable primer for theatrical work I was to take on later in my career. Playing the piano for Tommy Lawson, an established Carbondale band leader had a profound influence on me. My first film score was shown to every member of the freshman class as a part of their library orientation. Where else but at SIU could I have had such opportunities?"
GLEN DAUMBME’62, Music
MM’64, Music
"I will always be grateful for Southern’s vision of open doors and quality programs available to nontraditional students like me who, otherwise, would not have had the challenge and opportunity."
JOSEPH RAY HANCOCK BA ’62, English
MA ’68, Education
Ph.D. ’83, Education
“In addition to the American students, it was always nice to meet international students from different parts of the world at SIU. The borderless friendship among the diversities and learning and sharing of various cultures became the modern management concepts and practices in the globalization era today of the borderless trade and industries, the knowledge-based society and interdependency of individuals and interlinked economy. These valuable lessons are my most memorable experiences at Southern Illinois University.”
THIRACHAI ONGMAHUTMONGKOL DuPont Corporation
BS’ 72, Industrial Technologies
“Since childhood I had been interested in public service and politics. I got my first taste of politics at SIU. I represented the University in a number of student conferences and other forums. If I am delivering a speech at the UN General Assembly as Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, or speaking in summits and other international conferences as Vice President of Afghanistan, I think of my days at SIU and the meetings we used to have. I also remember all my Professors who were kind and taught me a great deal."
H.E. HEDAYAT AMIN-ARSALABA’68, Economics
MA’69, Economics
"I remember the journalism fundamentals I learned and applied as a Daily Egyptian reporter. One of my favorite professors, Manion Rice, was sometimes saddled with supervisory duty at the school newspaper and was a tough editor. He had a red ink pad and a large rubber stamp with the letters "F.E." for "Fact Error" embossed on it. To this day, the memory of my stories coming back bleeding from "F.E." stamps remains a powerful reminder to check and double-check the facts."
JIM BITTERMAN
BS ’69, Journalism
"My memories revolve around the influence various University professors and leaders had in my career. Paul Schilpp, a great philosophy professor, introduced me to the works of great philosophers and tireless moral dilemmas of man. I recall Dr. John Jackson's infectious enthusiasm for American politics and he taught me so much about American journalism. Dr. Richard Dale prodded me to attend graduate school. I made some lifetime friendships during some hectic and rewarding years."
CHRIS BURYBA '75, Political Science
"Obviously playing in the 1971 CWS was a highlight. Making the CWS all tournament team led to my being selected to play for the USA baseball team in the Pan American Games in Columbia that year. The opportunity to represent the USA in what was considered the Olympics for baseball back then, and ultimately receiving a silver medal is a great memory. But my greatest memories are from friendships and relationships developed with teammates, coaches, trainers and instructors at SIU. More importantly, several of these relationships continue to grow."
LARRY A. CALUFETTI BS ’76, Physical Education
"I formed a bond with a number of people at Southern and they remain a part of my extended family. My coaches and teachers, just like my parents, taught me life's lessons. They helped me blossom into the person I am today. I lived on the sixth floor of Neely Hall with a few of my teammates. To this day, one of my suite mates is one of my dearest friends. I loved spending time at Giant City, Crab Orchard Lake, and Campus Lake. Mary Lou's was the place to go. I wouldn't trade my experience at SIU for all of the tea in China."
CONNIE PRICE-SMITHBS ’85, Recreation