• If you believe the week begins Sunday, then you can proudly proclaim that the NFL Draft begins THIS WEEK. It’s exciting to think about bringing in new players who can help the Chicago Bears now and in the future. This thing can go in so many different directions. And while I’m certain we can say this about
every NFL Draft, it’s especially true this year.
• Think about the Bears’ different needs. They can pick a receiver, lineman, or cornerback at 20 and I wouldn’t bat an eye. It would be easy to green-light a pick at a position of need. The team could also mortgage other draft capital to move up to take a quarterback. Who the Bears take would be a point of contention for some, but it’s hard to argue against making the climb to fortify that position. The only thing easier would be building an argument for trading back and adding draft picks. Seriously … there are many different options that would be easy to approve from where we stand as of right now.
SIU to present honorary degrees, distinguished service awards during commencement ceremonies
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SIU to present honorary degrees, distinguished service awards during commencement ceremonies
CARBONDALE, Ill. Southern Illinois University Carbondale will celebrate the achievements of eight individuals with honorary degrees and distinguished service awards during commencement ceremonies May 7-9 at Saluki Stadium.
Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, will receive an honorary Doctor of Community Health degree during ceremonies honoring College of Applied Sciences and Arts graduates at
noon May 8.
The eight individuals, including Ezike, received SIU Board of Trustees approval. Spring 2021 ceremonies will be in person, following protocols of the Restore Illinois Plan. Social distancing and masks will be required for all participants, guests, and staff. Ceremonies over the three-day celebration will be for spring 2021 graduates along
SIU Salukis
Saluki Athletics and the SIU Foundation Friday launched a four-year, 25 million dollar fundraising campaign to raise money to support the future of the department at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
The goal is to raise private funds to support the mission of the SIU Athletic Department through June 30, 2024.
In a video released on social media to promote the campaign, Director of Athletics Liz Jarnigan said the COVID-19 pandemic has hit her department hard. The character of our student-athletes, coaches and staff is what makes me most proud. And even though were in the midst of great financial challenges brought on by COVID-19, it s because of their dedication that I know great things lie ahead. To get there, we need a boost from our fellow Salukis. In this year alone, we calculate more than two million in lost revenues due to the pandemic.
SIU Salukis
To help offset a projected $2 million loss in revenue during the pandemic, the SIU-Carbondale athletics department is launching the Saluki Athletics COVID-19 Relief Fund to help the athletics department navigate the financial ramifications of the public health crisis.
In a recorded video message, Director of Athletics Liz Jarnigan said the added protocols to keep student-athletes, coaches and staff safe have brought with them significant costs. For example, as part of our conference and NCAA mandates, we ve had to purchase COVID-19 tests and analyzers for several of our teams to perform required testing while on the road. This is in addition to the regular COVID testing we ve been doing and will continue to be doing to ensure to the best of our ability that our student-athletes and coaching staffs are not participating while infected with the virus.