About the Association
Our Story
Since 1896, the SIU Alumni Association has been bringing Salukis together, and more than a century later, that spirit is still alive. What began as a small group of graduates seeking to stay connected to their alma mater has grown into a vibrant, global community shaped by a shared experience of Saluki pride, inspired by the education alumni received as students of Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Today, the Association connects nearly 280,000 alumni across every U.S. state and in over 100 countries, as well as friends and family of the university. No matter where life takes Salukis, the Association is there creating ways to celebrate SIU. Through close partnerships with campus leaders and departments, like Saluki Athletics and the Chancellor’s Office, the Association helps bring to life events and initiatives that support the university’s mission and strengthen bonds between current and former students.
At the heart of this work is SIU Homecoming, the Association’s largest welcome-back celebration of the year, designed to reconnect alumni with campus, classmates, and the community that shaped them. In partnership with the City of Carbondale, the Association also hosts a downtown street and music festival during Homecoming, transforming the heart of the city into a lively gathering place filled with live music and local vendors.
With an eye toward innovation, the Association also created Saluki Market, an online marketplace that spotlights products and brands created by SIU alumni, students, and friends. Saluki Market invites the global SIU family to “Shop SIU First,” support Saluki-owned businesses, and recognize the entrepreneurship rooted in the SIU experience.
The Association further supports engagement through the Student Alumni Council, scholarships and textbook assistance, as well as reunions and affinity gatherings that bring Salukis together across generations.
At its core, the SIU Alumni Association exists to reveal the excellence of Southern Illinois University to the world and continues to embrace new ideas, new voices, and new ways to engage Salukis year after year.
A Long Proud History
In 1896, the Association was established by a group of students whose purpose was to continue the involvement with their alma mater and fellow graduates. Their first meeting was held on June 10, 1896. In 1897, annual membership dues cost a mere 25 cents.
Fifty years later, the organization was officially formed as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and now rests under the university’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations along with its sister organization, the SIU Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the SIU Alumni Association?
Who can participate in alumni events and activities?
What kinds of events does the Alumni Association host?
How can I find events or groups near me?
Does the Association offer ways to support student–alumni connections?
Is there a magazine or publication for alumni?
Does the Association support alumni entrepreneurship?
Can I volunteer or play a role in alumni activities?
How do I stay informed about opportunities and news?
Organizational Governance
The Southern Illinois University Alumni Association (hereafter referred to as “Association”) and the Southern Illinois University Foundation (hereafter referred to as “Foundation”) are jointly committed to maintaining the trust and confidence of our alumni, members, donors, and friends.
An important benefit of your affiliation with the Association and/or the Foundation is the opportunity to receive communications, offers, products, and services. For this reason, we want you to understand how we obtain information and protect your privacy.
If you are an alumnus of Southern Illinois University Carbondale (hereafter referred to as “University”), information is obtained from your University student record. Nonpublic personal information about alumni, members, donors, and friends is obtained from personal interactions, communications, surveys, transcript requests, and activities with the University and its affiliates.
The Association and/or the Foundation restrict information access to only those who perform authorized activities. The Association and the Foundation have implemented physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure this information, prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy, and ensure its appropriate use.
You may withdraw from any of our services by notifying the Association at siualumni@alumni.siu.edu or by calling (618) 453-2408.
Alumni Association Strategic Plan
A Gateway for All Alumni
The Association has created a strategic vision for the future. In it, the organization affirms a mission to become a principal gateway for alumni engagement, using five guiding pillars for success.