Southern Illinois University Carbondale is undergoing a transformation. Across campus, new construction and revitalization efforts — from state-of-the-art facilities to sustainable installations — are emerging, signaling a forward-looking commitment to students and the community.
A New Welcome Awaits
Once the site of McAndrew Stadium, a parking lot now gives way to SIU’s most ambitious project in more than a decade: the Tedrick Welcome Center. Groundbreaking took place in October 2024, and the dynamic entrance building — fully funded through the SIU Foundation and a $6 million leadership gift from Roger and Sally Tedrick — will serve as the university’s “front porch.” Scheduled for completion in May 2026, it will feature orientation spaces, conference areas, and the Philanthropy Center, becoming a central hub for alumni, campus visitors, and community events — without relying on taxpayer, tuition, or student-fee dollars.
Crews began demolition on buildings of the former Greek Row over the summer, clearing space for the possibility of future development in student housing on campus.
Making Space for the Proposed Saluki Village
In summer 2025, the campus said farewell to part of its historic Greek Row to make way for a proposed new student housing development, Saluki Village. Six long-vacant residence halls — Colyer, Kaplan, Thalman, Fulkerson, Kesnar and Wakeland — were demolished.
Originally dedicated as Small Group Housing in 1959, the area became known as Greek Row in the 1980s and housed many fraternities and sororities until the halls closed in 2012 following updated fire-safety regulations.
The SIU Foundation, acting as an “accelerator,” provided bridge funding for environmental studies, demolition, and preliminary planning. Pending approval by the SIU Board of Trustees this September, construction could begin immediately, with a projected opening in August 2027.
“The role of the SIU Foundation is that of an accelerator, and we are proud to help move this vision forward,” said Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation. “Once approved and completed, it will lead to an even more vibrant, student-focused campus."
The proposed Saluki Village would include 898 new beds, a community building, and four to five houses for special interest housing, including fraternities and sororities.
The Tilden "Tim" Parks Campus Lake Fountain lights up maroon for student residents of Thompson Point.
Honoring Legacy with Innovation
Just beyond Becker Pavilion, a new icon springs to life: the Tilden “Tim” Parks Campus Lake Fountain.
Dedicated in August, the fountain soars 60 feet high and is powered in part by a clever floatovoltaic solar array that cools and aerates the lake, helping reduce algae growth. The tribute honors the late alumnus Tim Parks, a 1976 graduate, and reflects SIU’s dedication to sustainability, collaboration, and community pride.
Parks contributed more than $75,000 during the inaugural SIU Day of Giving in 2017, providing over 70 percent of the funding needed to launch the fountain project. The university named the fountain in his honor to recognize his transformational gift. Additional support from the AlZaben family helped complete the project.
The fountain features a 25-horsepower motor and includes a floatovoltaic system, a floating solar array that helps power the fountain while reducing harmful algal blooms by cooling and aerating the water. The project received funding and support from the SIU Green Fund, the Sustainability Department, and student initiatives.
Expanding Outdoor Education
SIU is moving forward with plans to expand its environmental outreach through the new Wildlife Habitat Education Center at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center. Approved by the SIU Board of Trustees on April 17, 2025, the project is funded by a $3 million gift from Chuck Trover, a 1967 graduate who credits his rural Illinois childhood with sparking a lifelong passion for nature and wildlife.
The center will serve as a hub for conservation programming, a visitor check-in point and an indoor activity space for year-round events. Trover has dedicated the facility to two of his early mentors — Bob Alexander, his best friend’s father, and his uncle, Jim Trover — who helped shape his love of the outdoors.
Touch of Nature also marked another milestone in 2025 with the opening of the SIU Credit Union Trailhead, a new pavilion funded by a $500,000 gift from SIU Credit Union. The project creates a welcoming gathering spot for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, reflecting both the university’s commitment to community access and the credit union’s long-standing support for SIU initiatives.
Together, these developments represent a strategic extension of the university’s environmental mission and hands-on education opportunities.
Chuck Trover (left) is pictured with Chancellor Austin Lane (right).
A Campus Redesigned — and Reinvented
These projects collectively reflect more than just architectural progress — they signify SIU’s strategic, philanthropy-driven transformation under the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign. With over $422 million raised toward a $500 million goal, the campaign is fueling scholarships, research and capital projects across campus. In the latest fiscal year alone, the SIU Foundation awarded more than $5.6 million in scholarships to over 2,100 students — equating to support for 17% of all students.
From the stately new welcome center that frames the university’s entrance, to reimagined student housing, to sustainable landmarks and environmental education hubs — SIU Carbondale is evolving with purpose.