CARBONDALE, Ill. (WSIL) — Black history isn’t just something remembered it’s something lived, led, and passed down. That spirit of legacy and leadership will take center stage at Southern Illinois University as the SIU Foundation hosts “Voices of Impact: Celebrating Black Alumni Changemakers”. That is a special luncheon honoring Saluki alumni whose influence continues to echo far beyond campus.

The event will be held Friday, February 6, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Ballroom B of the SIU Student Center. Open to the public, the luncheon recognizes alumni whose scholarship, service, and leadership have helped shape communities, open doors, and uplift future generations of Salukis.

This year’s honorees represent decades of excellence. The list of alumni include:

Dr. Harold Bardo ’62, ’72

Dr. Linda Flowers ’79, ’87, ’06

Michael Glenn ’77

Dr. Joan Higginbotham ’87

Dr. Ella Lacey ’64, ’72, ’79

Dr. Terrence Roberts ’77

Dr. Melvin Terrell ’78

Organizers say the luncheon is more than a celebration, it’s a living lesson in Black excellence, resilience, and the power of education as a tool for liberation. These honorees stand as proof that when Salukis rise, they don’t climb alone, they lift others with them.

“Voices of Impact” highlights how Black alumni have transformed classrooms into catalysts, degrees into doors, and history into forward motion. Their stories remind students and fellow alumni alike that the Saluki legacy is strongest when rooted in purpose and community.

Tickets are $25 per person, and seating is limited. A ticket is required to attend, and guests are encouraged to RSVP by February 2 to secure a seat at the table. 

For more information, you can visit the event page on Facebook.