As the largest and oldest organization at Southern Illinois University, the SIU Alumni Association has been proudly serving SIU alumni and friends since 1896. Established by a group of students committed to continuing their involvement with their alma mater and fellow graduates, the Association held its first meeting on June 10, 1896. Fifty years later, the organization was officially formed as an independent 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. Since then the Association has continued to grow and serve as a connection between more than 235,000 SIU alumni as well as family, and friends and Southern Illinois University.


Today, the Association has grown much larger than that group of students had anticipated in 1896. Providing communication, networking, and social events for its members, SIU Career Services access, educational benefits, and student and alumni recognition programs are also primary focal points of the Association. Membership dues assist in meeting the needs of past, present, and future students. In 1897 annual membership dues cost a mere 25 cents.


The Association also plays a major role in key University functions, providing support to the Marching Salukis, Morris Library, Public Policy Institute, and Saluki Athletics. The Association also led the campaign to light Pulliam Tower, and purchased the flags that now fly over the Carbondale campus.


By browsing this website you will discover many of the great programs and services that the Association offers, as well as benefits of membership. The Association also sponsors the Student Alumni Council, a student run organization linking students with alumni and friends of SIU. 


Not only does the organization offer a nationally-recognized extern program, but delivered more than $72,000 in scholarships in the 2011-2012 academic year. These services and programs allow the Association to continue its mission of “revealing to the world the excellence of Southern Illinois University.”