Future Saluki Game Day Celebration taking place Saturday

This Saturday will be the second annual "Future Saluki Game Day Celebration" at Southern Illinois University. The event is coordinated by Chester's own Michelle Rust, who is senior admissions coordinator for Undergraduate Admissions at SIU-Carbondale.

Local high school students interested in learning about the university are encouraged to attend the event, which is being held in conjunction with Family Weekend at SIU.

"Families are also welcome to attend so that everyone involved with a potential enrollment or transfer to SIU can experience what campus life at Southern Illinois University is really like," Rust said.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about Southern's academic programs, financial aid opportunities, admissions procedures, university housing availability, as well as other university-related items and concerns.

Check-in for the event is at the east lobby of the SIU Arena from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., after which there will be a welcome event in the arena gym. Participants can then take tours of campus and visit university housing facilities.

Student housing information will be available and prospective students can obtain details about financial aid and other interesting facets of campus life. Students interested in applying to the university can submit applications that day.

From 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. students can visit the Department Academic Fair at the Saluki Tailgate area down by the SIU football practice field.

There, students can learn about the university's nine academic colleges as well as the numerous majors, minors and specializations offered at SIU.

There will be free food, entertainment and tailgate fun at the tailgate area near the department fair and food stadium beginning at 3:45 p.m. and ending prior to the Salukis' game against Northern Iowa at 6 p.m. Former Chester Yellow Jacket and two-time Black Diamond Conference MVP Jordan Berner is currently a redshirt freshman defensive end for the Salukis wearing No. 92.

Berner recorded his first two tackles of his college career in SIU's loss to Memphis last week.

"We invite all prospective students and their family members who are interested in getting a feel for what it is truly like to be a Saluki to join us for this fun-filled football weekend," Rust said.

To obtain the complete Future Saluki Game Day Celebration schedule and additional information, visit http://admissions.siu.edu/visit/special-events/game-day.php.

Each student attending the event can request up to four free tickets to the football game. By attending the program and other Game Day events, students will receive a wristband for all of the tailgate events and game.

For more information, contact Michelle Rust at 618-453-2184 or via email at mrust@siu.edu.