Three generations collaborate on theater design text
Three generations of SIU theater alumni have teamed up to co-author the newly released third edition of The Scenographic Model, published by SIU Press. The late Darwin Reid Payne (BA & MFA ’56) created the original text, long regarded as a foundational resource in scenic design education. Ronald A. Naversen (PhD ’89) and Brad M. Carlson (MFA ’07) have expanded Payne’s work, updating the book with contemporary methods in scenic, production, and digital model design. Richly illustrated, the new edition explores emerging technologies such as 3D printing and virtual modeling while honoring hand-crafted traditions. Naversen, Professor Emeritus at SIU, and Carlson, now a faculty member at Truman State University, continue Payne’s legacy of mentorship and innovation in the field.
Michael Sonceck '83 completes 500-mile bike journey
Michael Soncek ’83 embarked on a nine-day, eight-night cycling trip from Lockport, Illinois, to Carbondale this October, traveling more than 500 miles on his vintage 1980 Maruishi bicycle.
A lifelong bicyclist and motorcyclist, Soncek has logged more than 200,000 miles on two wheels and has taken multiple long-distance ride-and-camp treks since retiring in 2019.
During his visit, he stopped by the Guida-Moller Family Alumni Center to greet staff at the SIU Alumni Association. Soncek’s wife, Tami—also a 1983 SIU graduate—is a Carbondale native.
Walter Lindsley '89 visits Air Force ROTC cadets
Retired Air Force Brigadier General Walter J. Lindsley ’89 visited campus this fall to speak with AFROTC cadets. Lindsley shared his model for decision-making and motivation, emphasizing discipline and determination.
His career has spanned leadership roles in the Air Force, Lockheed Martin, and other organizations. Lindsley earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and technology, crediting SIU with preparing him for his military career.
"Today I am blessed to drive down to SIU and talk to some future leaders," said Lindsley. "The degree was exactly perfect for what I needed and what I was going to do in the Air Force."
Derek Shelton '92 named manager of the Minnesota Twins
Derek Shelton '92 is the new manager of the Minnesota Twins.
Hired in late October, Shelton returns to the organization where he served as bench coach under Rocco Baldelli before managing the Pittsburgh Pirates for over five seasons. The Twins brought him back for his experience in player development and his familiarity with the organization
Shelton replaces Baldelli, who was let go earlier this year.
Shelton became the first SIU alum to serve as head coach of a professional sports team when he became manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball franchise in 2020. Before managing at Pittsburgh, his coaching career also included stops with the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Tampa Bay Rays, and Toronto Blue Jays.
At SIU, Shelton was the catcher on SIU’s last NCAA Tournament team in 1990. The Carbondale native played in 177 games for the Salukis, hit .268, and was considered a premier defensive catcher.
Lin Yi '95 leads pharmaceutical import/export business
After discovering SIU while searching for graduate programs in China, Lin Yi ’95 connected with a chemistry professor who encouraged him to apply.
Yi went on to join that professor’s research group—an experience he credits with preparing him for a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry.
Today, he owns and operates his own pharmaceutical import and export business, Abinopharm.
Mike Chervinko '98, nurse and regional history author/photographer
Mike Chervinko ’98 earned his degree in biological sciences at SIU and has served as a registered nurse in surgical services at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale.
An avid photographer and archaeology enthusiast, he has authored two books: "Prehistoric and Natural Wonders of Southern Illinois" and "The Black Book: The Bombing Diary of a WWII Airman."
Chervinko is also vice president of the board for the Fuller Dome Home Museum.
His daughter, Vio, is currently an SIU Linguistics major.
Rob Dosier '21 joins the Indiana Fever coaching staff
Rob Dosier ’21 has joined the coaching staff of the Indiana Fever. A former staff member with both the Washington Wizards and the Indiana Pacers, Dosier continues to advance his career in professional basketball coaching.
Dosier will be a player development coach, who will be responsible for strengthening and developing talent. Dosier's hiring was lauded by Indiana Fever standouts Caitlin Clark and Lexie Hull.
A Carbondale native, Dosier was a graduate assistant with the Saluki Men's Basketball program. In addition to his playing experience, Dosier has player development experience at both the prep and professional levels. Dosier's player development background paid immediate dividends at SIU. Freshman Marcus Domask was named the league's Freshman and Newcomer of the Year, along with second-team All-Conference. He was named a Freshman All-American and was one of only four freshmen in the nation to average 13.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game.
A graduate of Marion High School, Dosier had an outstanding playing career. In his high school career, he guided his team to its first regional championship in 27 years. Dosier also played at SEMO and Quincy, which won a school-record 25 games in his sophomore year, which included a trip to the round of 32 in the NCAA Division II Tournament.
Dosier was the head coach for the 15U and 16U Illinois Bears in 2016 and 2017, respectively. He also served as assistant coach for the Bears 17U team. He also completed two summers working alongside NBA skills coach Drew Hanlen in Los Angeles, working with NBA players including Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, Joel Embiid, Bradley Beal, Meyers Leonard, and more.
Michael Rendon '10, athletic training coordinator for the Toronto Blue Jays
Michael Rendon is entering his ninth season in the Toronto Blue Jays organization and his fifth as Athletic Training Coordinator.
He spent the 2020 season as Assistant Athletic Training Coordinator, after serving as a Minor League Athletic Trainer in Dunedin (2019), Vancouver (2018) and the GCL (2017).
A native of Du Quoin, IL, he graduated from Southern Illinois University in 2010 with Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training.
Michael’s previous experience includes athletic training intern with the Springfield Cardinals (2009-2010) and Minor League Athletic Trainer with the Houston Astros organization (2011-2016).
Michael currently resides in Trinity, Florida, with his wife Brittany, his sons, Adrian, Gideon, and Elijah.
Dillon Elliott '13, veteran and media producer
Dillon Elliot ’13 was a Sergeant and Airborne Combat Engineer in the United States Army.
While in service, he was deployed 3 times.
Since discharging from the Army, he received his BA from Southern Illinois University, earning Magna Cum Laude for academic excellence.
While at SIU, he worked as an Associate Producer at WSIL-TV3.
Now, Dillon lives in central Illinois and operates Fly Square Media, creating commercial video content for local and regional clients.
Candice Akintola '14, educator and full-spectrum doula
Early Childhood Education alumna Candice Akintola ’14 taught kindergarten in Carbondale and the Chicagoland area after graduating from SIU.
During her time on campus, she was a resident assistant in Allen and Schneider halls.
Now a Certified Full-Spectrum Doula, she supports families throughout pregnancy and postpartum in Southern Illinois.
She is also married to a fellow Saluki.
Creed Sahida '22, realtor and world traveler
After graduating with degrees in Bio-Anthropology and Environmental Science from SIU, Cree Sahidah ’22 made Southern Illinois her home.
Now a realtor with REMAX Realty Central, she draws on experiences such as studying abroad in Madagascar and interning in Quebec.
She hopes to someday merge her passions for anthropology, art, history, and real estate.