Southern Illinois University | Thursday, June 5, 2025
June 05, 2025
by Caleb Hale
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The SIU Alumni Association is marking 618 Day with a series of events and a fundraising campaign aimed at expanding scholarship support for local students attending Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
June 18, 618 Day, is a regional celebration of pride in Southern Illinois, named after the area code that unites the region. The day was launched by a coalition of local tourism and economic development organizations to spotlight what makes the 618 area special.
This year, the SIU Alumni Association is using the celebration to build a $25,000 endowment for the Williamson County Scholarship. The association manages endowed funds already established in Jackson and Union counties to provide long-term support for local students pursuing an education at SIU. Although Williamson County is the focus for 618 Day in 2025, alumni are encouraged to support any of the organization’s regional or legacy scholarships.
“618 Day is a time to celebrate what makes Southern Illinois special — the people, the communities and the pride we all share in this place we call home,” said Molly Hudgins, executive director of the SIU Alumni Association. “It’s also a powerful reminder that we have a responsibility to invest in the next generation.”
The effort is part of the association’s broader mission to boost scholarship funds for students across Illinois, including the greater St. Louis region.
Community Events
The SIU Alumni Association, in partnership with Black Diamond Harley-Davidson, Anderson’s Furniture, and First Southern Bank, is hosting two public events this month in Marion to bring together Saluki alumni, families and local residents.
Salukis in Thrillville — Tuesday, June 17, Mtn Dew Park
Join fellow Salukis and fans as the Thrillbillies take on the Alton River Dragons. Enjoy a special meet-and-greet with SIU student-athletes, including members of the 2025 Saluki football team and Head Coach Nick Hill. Tickets are just $10 and include all-you-can-eat food. Don’t miss this exciting night of hometown baseball, Saluki pride and family fun at Mtn Dew Park.
Bonus: SIU Carbondale has generously provided 300 free entry vouchers at these locations (limit two per person, while supplies last):
618 Day Celebration — Wednesday, June 18, 618 Taphouse
Enjoy music, great food and the chance to connect with fellow Salukis. Admission is free, but registration is encouraged at siualumni.com. The association will provide appetizers (while supplies last), along with giveaways and prizes. Also, $1 from every sale of 618 Lager that night goes to support the Williamson County Chapter Scholarship Fund.
Raffles and local business givebacks
Anderson’s Furniture Raffle and “Dawg Deals”
Black Diamond prizes
The Black Diamond Family of Businesses has contributed three one-of-a-kind Southern Illinois experiences as auction prizes to benefit the Williamson County Scholarship Fund:
618 Tap House prize
618 Tap House will raffle a prize package for a getaway to Lake of Egypt, including:
Raffle tickets for these packages, as well as Saluki gear, are available to purchase online and at all 618 Day events via the SIU Alumni Association.
Give the gift of education
In honor of 618 Day, the SIU Alumni Association has launched a dedicated giving page where supporters can donate to any local or legacy scholarship benefiting SIU students from Southern Illinois.
Learn more and make a gift at give.siu.edu/siu-618-day.
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