We were delighted to see so many members of our Southern Illinois community come together Thursday at the Tedrick Welcome Center for a special edition of the John and Muriel Hayward Lecture Series featuring former Gander, Newfoundland, Mayor Claude Elliott!

Dr. Linda Baker, interim director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, moderated a panel on data centers at the 2026 SIU Technology & Innovation Expo at SIU Edwardsville, exploring the policy, energy and economic impacts of data center growth in Illinois.

For our recent ElectHer training, 2026-27 Celia M. Howard Fellow Journey Short worked alongside 2025-26 Fellow VanKe’via Garner to help bring the event to life. Are you a senior at SIU looking to continue your education? Apply here: bit.ly/47tBAaq

🗳️ Still wondering what ElectHer was all about? Hear it straight from the people who know best! We caught up with participants and speakers at our ElectHer event to hear what the experience was all about. 🎥 Press play to hear more!

As #HispanicHeritageMonth ends, we remember founder Sen. Paul Simon’s role in extending the observance from a week to a month in 1988. We also celebrate our 2026 Latino Heritage and Social Work intern Tatiana Castillo, pictured with Interim Director Dr. Linda Baker.

Over the weekend, Interim Institute Director Dr. Linda Baker caught a performance of Come from Away at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center as she prepares for our upcoming conversation with former Gander Mayor Claude Elliott on Oct. 22. Register here: bit.ly/PSPPIComefromAway

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute during SIU’s Day of Giving! We’re grateful for every gift and for everyone who believes in the importance of our work. Thank you for helping us keep the legacy of Paul Simon alive and well.

🎓 It’s SIU Day of Giving! If the Institute has been part of your SIU journey, as an intern, student worker, alum or friend, consider giving back today. Every gift supports our student programs. $5, $500 or $5,000 — no gift is too small. 🎁 Give today: lnkd.in/gctHDtDy

The Institute, along with SIU’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development, was proud to be one of two locations to host a livestream of today’s CTBA FY 2026 Fiscal Symposium, “From Washington to Springfield: How Policy Decisions Shape Illinois.”

SIU Day of Giving is coming up Wednesday, Sept. 23, and this year’s goal is a big one: bring Salukis together from all 50 states and countries around the globe for 24 hours of giving. Make your gift early or join us Sept. 23 at siuday.siu.edu

SIU Women in Public Policy and Civic Engagement are holding a “Pie a Member” fundraiser TODAY! They will be outside Faner Hall until 1 p.m. Stop by, have some fun, and support this awesome student organization!

A conversation worth watching. Former U.S. Rep. @RepKinzinger joined the Institute for a wide-ranging discussion on democracy, public service and the future of American leadership. 🎥 Watch the full video: youtu.be/vxn3T8KhJ2U

Thank you to everyone who joined us last night for a terrific conversation with Adam Kinzinger! The turnout was fantastic, and the room was full of energy throughout a thoughtful discussion. We’re grateful to everyone who came out and helped make it such a memorable evening!

Dr. Linda Baker was proud to represent the Institute at Saluki Women’s Weekend, and she had the opportunity to catch up with so many familiar faces. Thank you to everyone who made this weekend such a memorable celebration!

Shantel Franklin returns to SIU on Sept. 16 to share her journey from SIU student to public servant and discuss leadership, public service and her experiences on the campaign trail. 📅 Sept. 16 📍Tedrick Welcome Center Register: bit.ly/46O169T

🍂 The Simon Institute’s Fall 2026 lineup is here! 📅 Sept. 15 — @RepKinzinger 📅 Sept. 16 — Shantel Franklin 📅 Oct. 19 — ElectHer campaign training 📅 Fall — SIU Policy Challenge 📅 Oct. 22 — former Gander Mayor Claude Elliott More info: bit.ly/4yauhj4

Thank you to everyone who joined us for today’s Open House! A highlight was @SenatorDurbin bringing the Water Award he received for his work advancing clean water and sanitation worldwide. The award will now be housed @SIUC as part of Paul Simon’s legacy.

Join us for an open house featuring a special appearance by @SenatorDurbin THIS FRIDAY (Aug. 28) from 12–1:30 p.m. @SIUC's Forestry Building. Free and open to the public. Registration appreciated but not required. To register: bit.ly/3SYKkl7