Every Saluki Story Matters
My name is Laura (Jakstas) Soucy ’87, and I have the honor of serving as the next president of the SIU Alumni Association National Board of Directors.
I am employed as a Director of Home Health for Accellacare Limited, an affiliate of ICON plc. I live in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, with my husband, Matt ’89. SIU is truly a family tradition—my sisters, Karen Jakstas ’91 and Erica Jakstas ’93, are also proud Salukis.
Every Saluki has a story, and mine began in the spring of 1982. I joined a friend on a campus visit as they registered for fall classes, and as we walked through Thompson Point, along Campus Lake, into Thompson Woods, and through the Student Center, I felt something unmistakable: this is where I belong. By the time I returned home, my mind was made up. SIU was the only university I applied to.
More than forty years later, much has changed, but that feeling has not. Each time I return to campus, I am reminded that SIU is still home. Since 2011, I have had the privilege of serving on the Association board, and I am deeply honored to now serve as its president for the next two years. I follow in the footsteps of remarkable leaders who have strengthened and energized our alumni community.
Today, the Association serves as a vital connection point for nearly 280,000 living alumni, linking Salukis everywhere back to the university we all cherish. It is an exciting time for SIU. As both an R1 Research University and an Opportunity University, SIU continues to make meaningful contributions in Carbondale and far beyond.
In the years ahead, we will continue meeting Salukis where they are—whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned Dawg, we want you to feel connected to SIU and inspired by the incredible work of our current students.
A key focus of mine will be expanding the Student Leadership Endowment Fund, which supports the “Salukis on the Run” program. This initiative takes students from various colleges on the road for networking and immersive experiences in the professional environments they aspire to join after graduation. The Association piloted this program for the first time this past year, accompanying students as they traveled to Indianapolis, Chicago, St. Louis, and across Central Illinois, visiting organizations such as WGN, the Indianapolis Colts, and Caterpillar. We look forward to offering even more of these transformative opportunities in the future.
We invite you to stay engaged with your Association. Attend events in your area, connect with us on social media, support Saluki entrepreneurs through the Saluki Marketplace, and explore our website for upcoming programs and travel opportunities.
And of course, we hope to see you in person. Join us in Champaign on September 19 as our Salukis take on the Fighting Illini, and return to campus for Homecoming on October 16–17. Don’t miss the excitement on the Strip, which will once again come alive with music, celebration, and Saluki pride.
Most of all, we would love to hear your story—because every Saluki story matters.
With Saluki Pride,
Laura Soucy '87 President, National Board of Directors SIU Alumni Association
Five Join the Association's Board of Directors
Five new alumni, with diverse backgrounds and experiences, have joined the SIU Alumni Association’s National Board of Directors, the governing body that oversees the largest and oldest organization at Southern Illinois University, representing more than 270,000 graduates.
The new members of the roughly 20-person board were selected from approximately 50 applicants, who answered a national call for nominations to the body earlier in 2026. A selection of candidates was interviewed, and finalists were presented to the board during its spring meeting in May. Each new member will begin a two-year term, effective July 1.
Robert W. Best '94
Robert W. Best, CFP, is a Senior Vice President with Morgan Stanley and a partner in the Kelley/Best Group of Morgan Stanley in Indianapolis, Indiana. Rob has been recognized as one of the Best-in-State Wealth Management Advisors by Forbes Magazine for Indiana and advises on over $600mm in client assets, including non-profit organizations. Rob is a 1994 graduate of SIU and earned an Army Commission through the University's Saluki ROTC Battalion. He spent several years on active duty before pursuing his civilian career in financial services. Rob remains engaged with SIU through Alumni Association membership, the Sigma Phi Epsilon, Illinois Kappa Chapter Fraternity alumni group, and participation in events, including Homecoming and regional Saluki gatherings. Rob and his wife, Missie,'95, reside in Zionsville, Indiana.
Andrew J. Krause '92
Andrew James Krause is the President of PRSA Chicago and a Chicago-based communications and public relations professional with an entrepreneurial background in marketing, promotions, and stakeholder engagement. A former student leader in SIU’s Public Relations Student Society of America chapter, Krause remains actively involved with the university through alumni events, student speaking engagements, and mentorship of Saluki interns and early-career professionals.
Jennifer Polk '03
Jennifer Polk is a business and marketing executive who serves as a Managing Vice President in Gartner’s Marketing and Communication Practice, where she leads analysts delivering strategic insights to Chief Marketing Officers. A former Chief Marketing and Digital Experience Officer at Feeding America, Jennifer brings more than two decades of leadership experience spanning marketing, digital strategy, and organizational transformation. She is a proud alumna of Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s College of Business and Analytics and has remained connected to SIU through mentorship and service. Jennifer is also a wife, proud mother of three, and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She lives in Aurora, Illinois.
Sean J. Smith '00
Sean J. Smith’s connection to Southern Illinois University Carbondale began in 1996 when he arrived on campus as a 16-year-old freshman from Abilene, Texas. As the son of a military parent, he spent much of his youth moving between states before finding a sense of belonging at SIU. While earning his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in 2000, Sean became a campus leader, serving in Undergraduate Student Government and as president of both the Black Affairs Council and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Today, Sean serves as Assistant Principal at Thornridge High School in Dolton, Illinois. His career has included leadership roles with Chicago Public Schools and as principal of Vivian E. Summers Preparatory School. He holds three graduate degrees and is pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership. A dedicated alumnus, Sean founded the Chicagoland “Dinner with Salukis” series, strengthening alumni connections and supporting Saluki-owned businesses.
Jonathan A. Tallman '98
Jonathan August Tallman is the Superintendent of Red Bud Community Unit School District 132, a role he has held for 14 years, leading district operations, finance, personnel, and strategic planning. A proud SIU alumnus and former Saluki football player, Tallman has remained engaged with the university through service on the SIU Alumni Association’s College Council, representing the School of Education.