SIUC is an important asset to the Carbondale community and the Southern Illinois region, and members of Saluki Pride work diligently to give back to the institution in the form of volunteering, spreading Saluki spirit, and raising scholarships for SIUC students. The committee participates in activities such as SIUC open houses, Saluki Athletics, and International Student Events. This committee is also responsible for the "dawg paws" seen on streets and in driveways around town. This committee meets on the first Thursday of the month at the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce office at noon.

The Saluki Pride Committee bleeds maroon! There are many ways to show your Saluki Pride while supporting the Chamber of Commerce and the University. The committee is always looking for new members to add to this fine roster of participants.

Saluki Pride Committee 2012

Dawn McClerren, Prime Lending, Chair

George Sheffer, Murdale True Value

Brad Weiss, The Furniture King

Carla Coppi, SIUC International Students & Scholars

Darren Berger, Regions Bank

Janet Jensen, Withers Broadcasting

Laura Taylor, SIUC Alumni Association

Scott Thorne, Castle Perilous Games

Tamarah Cook, SIU

Rod Sievers, SIU

Jason Battelle, The Reserve at Saluki Pointe

Danielle Armstrong, The Reserver at Saluki Pointe

Logan Johnson, 710 Bookstore

Tiffany Dallas, SIU

Tiffany Schmidt, The City of Carbondale

Steve Sowers, Saluki Athletics

Steve Falat, River Radio

The following opportunities are available where you can support the Saluki Pride Committee:

"Saluki Stay Scholarship"                                                                                                                                                                                          The Carbondale Chamber of Commerce and the Saluki Pride Committee are working on creating a retention scholarship for SIU students in their Junior and/or Senior year that are "at risk" for leaving campus. We have titled it the "Saluki Stay Scholarship." It is necessary for the future of Carbondale and SIU to get creative with ways on retaining students and assisting to create an upward curve with enrollment. Plus, we would be assisting with changing students’ lives for the better. We are looking to create packages to help students with a 2.8 GPA that are returning students, and are employed by a member business of the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce. For more information call 618-549-2146 or click here to apply!

“Welcome to Saluki Country”! Posters
Spread your Saluki spirit by displaying one of our complementary posters inside your establishment. Contact the Chamber of Commerce to get yours at 618-549-2146.

Official Saluki Bags Game
Great for barbecues, tailgates, or as a permanent fixture in the backyard, these sturdy game sets fold neatly into a carrying case, so they can easily be stored and are ready to grab and go for your next outdoor function. They include the official Saluki logo, so no matter where you go, everyone knows you’re a Saluki fan. Sets are $99 and can be purchased through the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale Logo Rugs
These rugs are made for maximum durability and won’t fade or lose their design, even after multiple cleanings. They feature the Southern Illinois clock tower logo.

Window Cling Decals
Another great way to let the world know you’re a Saluki fan is to display one of our Saluki Pride logo decals on your car window or any other glass surface. Decals are $2.50 and easily removable.

Dawg Paws!
Just say the word, and your dedicated Saluki Paw Painting Crew will come to your home or business and paint, larger than life (approximately 6 ft. in diameter), Saluki Paws on your driveway or parking lot. $100/2 paws.

SIUC Open House
Several times throughout the year, SIUC hosts open house events for prospective students and their families. Saluki Pride gathers coupons, maps, community guides and other promotional items from businesses all over Carbondale. These items are used to prepare hundreds of goody bags to distribute at open house events. These bags are welcome gestures for perspective students, letting them know that Saluki spirit extends well beyond the campus in our community.

Saluki Family Tailgate
Each year, one Saluki home football game (a link to Saluki athletics) weekend is designated as Family Weekend. Students are encouraged to invite their family members to Carbondale to attend various events on campus in addition to the football game on Saturday. Saluki Pride plays a part in this by hosting a tailgate party at which complementary food and beverages are available for students and their families. There is also live entertainment, giveaways, and inflatable rides for young children. To find out more about family weekend, visit the Saluki Family Association website.

International Student Picnic
SIUC is home to a large population of international students. To assist students in the transition to Carbondale life, the Saluki Pride Committee hosts an International Student Picnic every summer to tour the city and give students a warm welcome to Saluki Country. If you are interested in volunteering or contributing to this event, please contact the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce.

Dawg Jog 5K

Starting in 2011, the Saluki Pride Committee launched the event the Saluki Pride Dawg Jog 5k race. The race, taking place in early May, is held on SIU's campus. The race begins in front of SIU Arena and ends on the 50 yard line on Saluki Stadium's field. Runners have the opportunity to see themselves on the big-screen as they cross the finish line! Proceeds from this event go towards furthering the Saluki Pride committee's mission of strengthening the relationship between SIUC and the Carbondale business community.