by Christi Mathis
CARBONDALE, Ill. — “Salukis in Paradise: A celebration of Southern Illinois as our home away from home!” is the theme of Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s 2023 Homecoming celebration, set for Oct. 16-21.
It’s a time for Salukis past and present to come together and commemorate the many things that make SIU special.
“SIU Homecoming is one of the most special times of the year on campus and in the community,” said Sean Cooney, assistant director of student engagement and programming. “From our pep rally to the block party to the Saturday parade and football game, there will be many opportunities to celebrate SIU and what it means to be a Saluki for our current students and for our alumni. We are so excited to welcome back generations of Salukis to celebrate what makes Carbondale our home away from home, or in other words, our Saluki paradise!”
Displays of pride far and wide
Community members will show their Saluki pride as well, joining in the window decorating contest by either painting windows themselves or having students paint for them and clean up. Contact the Student Programming Council at 618-453-5714 or homecoming@siu.edu for details. Student organizations will have a banner competition on Oct. 4, vying to win a pizza party. Across campus, faculty and staff join in the homecoming spirit by participating in the annual door decorating contest. Campus departments or units must sign up by 4:30 p.m. Oct. 11.
The Student Programming Council is sponsoring a weeklong fest of Saluki pride that begins with the official kickoff celebration and pep rally at Faner Plaza on Oct. 16. It features the fall involvement fair showcasing campus student organizations from 5-7 p.m. then the pep rally begins at 5:30 p.m. with the formal homecoming proclamation issued at 5:45 p.m. The evening includes the introduction of the homecoming court, a T-shirt giveaway, free food and assorted fun. The campus and community are welcome. Students will vote online for the court from noon Tuesday through noon Friday.
NLE Choppa concert at SIU
The revelry moves to Shryock Auditorium on Tuesday, Oct. 17, for the homecoming concert featuring rapper NLE Choppa at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend, and the doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, Oct. 3, for SIU students (with valid ID) who can purchase two per person. Tickets will go on sale to the general public Oct. 9; availability may be limited depending upon how many remain. Pricing is $60 for pit level, $40 for floor level and $20 for balcony, and all tickets can be purchased in person at the Banterra Center box office.
Born Bryson Potts in Memphis, Choppa was fielding record offers from major record labels by the age of 16. His 2019 single “Shotta Flow” gained worldwide online and Billboard Hot 100 fame. He’s followed up with other successful projects and appears in the movie “Black Heat,” set for release in 2024.
Luau, block party and more
You won’t want to miss the Saluki Luau Lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, in the Roman Room at the Student Center. Everyone is invited to this event featuring limbo contests, karaoke and assorted fun and games. Students can even grab free food. Throughout homecoming week, the Office of Student Engagement will be joining with the Saluki Food Pantry and the registered student organizations to sponsor a food drive to support the food pantry to benefit SIU students. Donations of nonperishable food items will be collected at the Luau lunch and can also be dropped off throughout the week at RSO organization offices.
The Saluki Block Party has quickly become a most popular addition to the homecoming lineup. It’s set for 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, on Lincoln Drive in front of Pulliam Hall. Students and community members come together to enjoy this free event with games, a DJ, caricature artists, Mr. Twist balloon artist, a photo booth, inflatables and games, and fun for all. Food trucks will be on site, too. To ensure the public safety and enjoyment of all, a few rules will be in place, including no pets, solicitation, smoking, glass bottles, underage drinking or multiple-serve containers.
The SIU Alumni Association is hosting a variety of events as well to engage alumni with their alma mater, and you can find out more by visiting its website.
The Saluki Volleyball team takes on Valparaiso University at 6 p.m. Oct. 20 in Davies Gym, and at 7 p.m. a longtime tradition kicks off at Shryock Auditorium. The Beta Eta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. will present the 2023 Homecoming Step Show, featuring various campus Greek organizations performing step routines. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Game day brings parade, tailgating and football
The festive annual homecoming parade, featuring bands, floats, marchers and much more, will begin at E. Mill St. at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, and travel down Illinois Avenue onto campus. Parade entries will be accepted until Oct. 5 at homecoming.siu.edu.
Rey Dempsey, who coached the 1983 Saluki football team to the NCAA Division 1-AA National Championship title, will be the grand marshal, and the team has been invited to join him in the festivities. Following the parade, tailgating fun will abound on Saluki Row from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Then, the action moves to the stadium as the Salukis take on South Dakota State in gridiron action at 2 p.m. Get tickets in advance online or buy them at the gate. The homecoming royalty will be crowned at halftime, and parade winners will be announced.
There’s more volleyball at 5 p.m. in Davies Gym as the Salukis take on the University of Illinois Chicago, and also at 5 p.m., the Miss Eboness Pageant takes place at Shryock Auditorium; tickets are required for the pageant.
Find the complete schedule of events and additional information at homecoming.siu.edu.