SIU Homecoming celebrates 150 years of Saluki pride

It's time for Homecoming 2019, Saluki style, at SIU Carbondale.

As the university marks its 150th anniversary, the theme of this year's Oct. 14 to 19 fête is "One Team, Saluki Dream: Celebrating 150 Years Strong."

Campus is already taking on a new look. A door decorating contest is underway and there's a challenge on, in hopes that students, faculty and staff can get 150 doors throughout campus decked out for the occasion.

In addition, anyone can purchase a commemorative Homecoming ID, which serves as a fun keepsake and gives access to a wide variety of discounts on campus and in the Carbondale area on Homecoming weekend. You can purchase the ID, which comes with a 150th lanyard and clear plastic case so it can be worn around your neck, for $20. Five dollars of the cost goes to help future Salukis through the B.E.E.R. Scholarship.

A good old-fashioned pep rally is on tap for 11 a.m. Oct. 18 on Faner Plaza.

Football coach Nick Hill and Athletic Director Liz Jarnigan, along with representatives of the Alumni Association and the SIU Foundation, will be contributing to the merriment.

All of the activities lead up to the big day: Saturday, Oct. 19. The Homecoming parade through downtown Carbondale kicks off at 10 a.m. with John Jackson, visiting professor at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, political science professor emeritus and editor of "Southern Illinois University at 150 Years: Growth, Accomplishments and Challenges," as the grand marshal.

Other special guests in the parade include the Southern Illinois Spirit Squad, the 2019 Saluki Hall of Fame inductees and DeAnna Price, an SIU alumna, Olympic medalist and recently the first American woman to win gold in the hammer throw at the World Championships.

Tailgating follows on Saluki Row prior to the 2 p.m. football game when the Salukis host Youngstown State. The Homecoming court will be recognized at halftime.

The fun continues after the game with the grand opening of the new Alumni Center on C-Wing of Woody Hall from 6 to 8 p.m.

The SIU Alumni Association is hosting numerous special activities throughout the week, including several different reunions and the groundbreaking for Saluki Alumni Plaza.

More information about all of the Alumni Association Homecoming activities is available online. The complete schedule of events is at homecoming.siu.edu.