SIU celebrating Black Alumni Changemakers on Feb. 6
The Southern Illinois University Foundation will host Voices of Impact: Celebrating SIU Black Alumni Changemakers from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. this Friday, Feb. 6, in Ballroom B of the SIU Student Center, located at 1255 Lincoln Drive.
Held in recognition of Black History Month, the inaugural luncheon will launch a new annual tradition while reinforcing SIU’s long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence. The event will honor alumni whose leadership, service and scholarship have shaped lives, expanded opportunities and strengthened the Saluki community.
Organizers say the luncheon will bring together alumni, students, faculty and community members to celebrate Black excellence, Saluki success and the lasting impact of purpose-driven leadership across generations.
Registration is $25 per person. Seating is limited, and early registration is encouraged. RSVPs are requested by Feb. 2, and registration is available online at siuf.org/events.
2026 Voices of Impact Honorees
- Dr. Harold Bardo (’62, ’72) — A trailblazing student-athlete and educator who devoted more than 46 years to SIU in academic and leadership roles, concluding his career as director of the Medical/Dental Education Preparatory Program in the SIU School of Medicine.
- Dr. Linda Flowers (’79, ’87, ’06) — A three-degree SIU graduate, retired educator and civic leader serving her sixth term as president of the Carbondale NAACP, with leadership roles across education, public service and community organizations.
- Michael Glenn (’77) — A former NBA player, award-winning author and humanitarian who founded the nation’s first basketball camp for deaf athletes and has received national recognition for service and advocacy.
- Dr. Joan Higginbotham (’87) — A retired NASA astronaut and electrical engineer who became the third African American woman to travel to space and now leads an aerospace consulting firm while serving on national and international boards.
- Dr. Ella Lacey (’64, ’72, ’79) — A longtime SIU faculty member and community health leader whose work modernized emergency medical transport in Southern Illinois and extended globally through Peace Corps and public health service.
- Dr. Terrence Roberts (’77) — A member of the Little Rock Nine, psychologist and author whose career has focused on equity, social responsibility and education through teaching, consulting and public scholarship.
- Dr. Melvin Terrell (’78) — A nationally recognized scholar-practitioner in student affairs, longtime vice president for student affairs and founder of the Dr. Melvin C. Terrell Educational Foundation.
For more information or to register, visit siuf.org/events.
