Saluki Takeover Tour Springfield | SIU Foundation | SIU

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 6-8 p.m. - Chancellor’s Reception

LRS Hangar at Springfield Airport Complex
820 S. Airport Road, Springfield, IL 62707

Look out, Springfield! The Salukis are taking over. Chancellor Austin A. Lane invites you to join fellow SIU alumni, friends, and university leaders for the Saluki Takeover Tour Springfield. This is our second visit since 2023, and we’re excited to gather Salukis in the state capital for an evening of connection, conversation, and celebration of all that’s shaping SIU’s future.

Hosted at the LRS Hangar at the Springfield Airport Complex (820 S. Airport Road, Springfield, IL 62707), this reception offers a one-of-a-kind setting for Saluki fellowship. During the event, guests will also have the opportunity to view the Levi Vintage Car & Motorcycle Collection, featuring hundreds of cars and motorcycles from a private collection on display.

Parking Information

Parking is available in the following locations:

• Lot 1: Lincoln Land Community College Lot
• Lot 2: Air Combat Museum
• Lot 3: Illinois Extension Office

Once those lots are full, parking will be allowed in Overflow 1 and then Overflow 2, as long as there has been no rain.

Monday, March 23, 2026 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. - Saluki Women Connect & Inspire

5th Street Gem
221 South 5th Street, Springfield, IL 62701

The Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) invites you to join us for a Connect and Inspire Networking Event on Monday, March 23, as part of the Saluki Takeover Tour Springfield. Hosted by SIU alumna and Springfield Alderwoman Lakeisha Purchase ’11 at her venue, 5th Street Gem, this evening is all about community, connection and purpose.

With a fun twist, campus leaders will step into the spotlight as Celebrity Hosts, calling out drink orders, while licensed bartenders craft and serve your favorites. Throughout the evening, guests can contribute tips to support the WLC Activity Fund, which provides student scholarships and faculty and staff micro-grants.

There is no cost to attend. Simply come ready to connect, celebrate and invest in a meaningful cause. Complimentary appetizers will be served, and a cash bar will be available.

Celebrity Hosts include:
Dr. Austin Lane, SIU Chancellor
Dr. Daniel Mahony, SIU System President
Matt Kupec, SIU Foundation CEO
Dr. Paul Frazier, Vice Chancellor for Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Wendell Williams, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 7:30-10:30 a.m. - WSIU Public Broadcasting Breakfast Gathering

Harvest Market
3001 S Veterans Pkwy, Springfield, IL 62704

Start your day with Saluki pride during the Saluki Takeover Tour Springfield. Join us for a casual breakfast gathering at Harvest Market on Tuesday, March 24, from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Enjoy pastries, fresh fruit, cheese, coffee, tea and fresh orange juice while connecting with fellow Salukis and hearing updates from Southern Illinois University. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot.

For more information, email [email protected] or call 618-453-4900.