Paul Simon Public Policy Institute

Ideas Weren't Enough: The Strategies Behind Paul Simon’s Run for President, 1987-88

Download our latest Simon Review! ( #67)

➡️ https://ow.ly/LR0250Qc1mz

In case you missed it!

Institute Director John Shaw led an engaging conversation between Congressman Darin LaHood and his father, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.

They delved into their inspiring careers and discussed the pressing issues of our great state, even sharing some friendly disagreements!

An Illinois Political Family - Ray and Darin LaHood On Monday, October 30th, a special program celebrating the Institute's first 25 years was held.Institute Director John Shaw moderated a conversation between ...

Today, we remember and celebrate the legacy of Senator Paul Simon.

November 29th would have been Paul’s 95th birthday.

We value the impact Paul has brought to the world and work to continue his legacy.

In celebration, think about making a tax-deductible contribution today.

➡️ http://ow.ly/qSfZ50Ohl7u

Eliot Cohen, a national security expert at the Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies and an authority on William Shakespeare, will participate in the Institute's “Understanding Our New World” series to discuss his new book, “The Hollow Crown: Shakespeare on How Leaders Rise, Rule and Fall," via Zoom.

Join us on Monday, December 11th!

Register now. ➡️ https://ow.ly/yWX250Q82aU

A Conversation of Understanding on Tuesday, Nov. 28, will examine confronting and counteracting policies and legislation hindering anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion (ADEI) efforts.

SIU community members are invited to join the live virtual discussion at noon.

Learn more! ➡️ https://ow.ly/GfPr50QbKnQ

Meet Jacob Hall! He is working at the Institute as a student worker.

Jacob is an student studying accounting.

“I chose to work at the Insitute because of the wonderful staff and the amazing opportunity that the position offered.”

Institute Director John Shaw was featured on “Kennedy,” which premiered November 18th on The History Channel!

“John F. Kennedy is one of the most compelling figures in American political history."

Watch now! https://ow.ly/5N4450QaqQG

Season 2 EP12 | Political, Economic, and Social Turmoil Cascading Across Europe

Liz Alderman discusses Europe's political, economic, and social turmoil.

Listen now! ➡️ https://ow.ly/izIX50Pu9HX

Institute Ambassador and SIU Provost’s Scholar Audrey Gulley is planning a career in advocacy!

Check out her recent feature in ThisIsSIU.

➡️ https://ow.ly/9G8450Q9UJo

Drew Gilpin Faust, former president of Harvard University and leading scholar of the American Civil War, will participate in the Institute's “Understanding Our New World” series to discuss her new memoir, “Necessary Trouble: Growing up at Midcentury,” via Zoom.

Join us on Tuesday, December 5th!

Register now. ➡️ https://ow.ly/pFfx50Q81sO

alum Bryen Johnson (far right) visited campus last week to speak to the Institute's Ambassadors!

Bryen is the Springfield-based State Affiliate Political Organizer for the Illinois Federation of Teachers - A union of 101,000 dedicated education and public service professionals from cities and towns of every size across Illinois.

We are excited to allow students to speak to those who were once in their shoes.

Dr. Linda Baker of the Institute was a judge at this week's So. IL 2023 Business Plan Competition!

The regional competition by the SIU Small Business Development Center. The contest will conclude with an award ceremony on Nov. 30th.

This competition is a great program that helps kick-start small businesses in the So. IL region! 🙌

Two Salukis Living Their Dreams -

Ahmad Hicks (right), former 2014 Paul Simon Public Policy Institute intern, caught up with former SIU teammate MyCole Pruitt (left), current Atlanta Falcons tight end, ahead of the NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons last week on Sunday Night Football.

Ahmad is an alumnus of the SIU School of Journalism and Advertising and is a sports anchor with Fox 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul. MyCole is an SIUC College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics alumnus.

SIU Alumni Association Saluki Football

The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute mourns the passing--and especially celebrates the life--of Reverend Arthur Simon. Among many other things, Art was the brother of our founder, Paul Simon.

Art was a deeply admirable man who was a hugely positive figure and force in American life.

A former pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in the Lower East Side of New York City, Art was the president emeritus and founder of Bread for the World. He is the author of numerous books, including How Much is Enough? Hungering for God in an Affluent Culture, Rediscovering the Lord’s Prayer, and most recently, The Rising of Bread for the World. He was the former director of the Washington office of Christian Children’s Fund.

Art was respected and revered by his older brother, Paul. They worked together on many projects and co-authored a book, The Politics of World Hunger: Grass Roots Politics and World Poverty.

One of the animating convictions in Art’s life was that we all should help those in need and ease the suffering in the world. He believed we should act—now!

“It’s better to build a fence at the top of a cliff than to have an ambulance at the bottom,” he once said.

Art Simon made the world a better place.

SIU expert: JFK remains ‘one of the most compelling figures’ in history 60 years after death Six decades after an assassination that altered the course of American history, former President John F. Kennedy has an “enduring appeal,” says John Shaw, a JFK expert and director of Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.

Scholarship Highlight: Mike Lawrence Scholarship 💰

Who is it for? 🐾

- student
- Be an active participant in the Institute’s programs/events
- Demonstrate leadership qualities as an Institute student worker/ambassador

Learn more! ➡️ https://paulsimoninstitute.siu.edu/student-opportunities/mike-lawrence-scholarship.php

This year's Thanks "Giving Back" Campus Food Drive is set for 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 28, and all donations will go to the Saluki Food Pantry, which has served thousands of SIU students and their families since opening its doors in August 2016.

Learn more!

Thanks “Giving Back” Food Drive Nov. 28 will benefit SIU students The Thanks “Giving Back” Campus Food Drive offers a great opportunity to assist Southern Illinois University Carbondale students who need a little help now and then. The food drive is set for 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 28, and all donations will go to the Saluki Food Pantry, which has served thous...

alumna Dr. Seyi Amosu received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology in 2015. 🐾🎓

She was the Institute's 2018-19 Celia M. Howard Fellow.

Where is she now? Seyi is a Private Practice Psychologist. 💼

How did your fellowship influence you in your career and life? ✨

“The Celia Howard Fellowship was typically awarded to law or political science students. When I applied, I made a case to the board that a significant part of psychology is the commitment to advocacy and understanding the impact of public policy on mental health. My time at the Institute underscored the ways that policy impacts our lives. My fellowship also reinforced that my role as a psychologist must include a commitment to advocacy in order to be effective within the therapy room and within my communities.”

Ready for the 2024 Solar Eclipse? 🌑☀️🐾

We helped kick off the upcoming 2024 Solar Eclipse with a preview presentation at the Capitol!

Vanessa Sneed, Dr. Linda Baker, Abby Clemons, Andrea Creek, Jim Stivers, Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, Rep. Paul Jacob and his wife are pictured.

Check out part 2 of WSIU Public Radio's interview with former SIU professor and author Richard Russo!

A conversation with Pulitzer Prize winning novelist Richard Russo -- part 2 Richard Russo talks about his novels and works that have been turned into films and television shows.

In case you missed it!

Watch our discussion about the future of Illinois with Senate President Don Harmon and Speaker of the House Chris Welsh.

Watch now! ⏯️

The Future of Illinois - A Special 25th Institute Anniversary Program On Friday, September 29th, a special program celebrating the Institute's first 25 years and looking to the future occurred at the Union League Club of Chicag...

A conversation with Pulitzer Prize winning novelist Richard Russo -- part 2 Richard Russo talks about his novels and works that have been turned into films and television shows.

Author and former SIU professor Richard Russo received tremendous support during his visit to SIU!

He spoke to SIU faculty and MFA students, received a campus tour, and spoke at our evening program, highlighting his new book "Somebody's Fool."

He concluded the evening with a memorable book signing!

Season 2 EP 11 | "Into The Bright Sunshine: Young Hubert Humphrey & the Fight for Civil Rights"

Samuel Freedman, an award-winning author, columnist, and professor, discusses his book, “Into the Bright Sunshine: Young Hubert Humphrey and the Fight for Civil Rights."

Listen now! ➡️ https://ow.ly/izIX50Pu9HX

We had the pleasure of hosting our Youth Leadership Weekend! 🌟

On November 4-5th, high school students from the Metro East Illinois area visited the SIU campus to experience a transformative weekend of leadership, growth, and empowerment.

They explored the Glen Poshard Transportation Center and met Mayor Jaylen Smith, one of the youngest mayors elected in the U.S., who delivered an inspiring keynote.

The weekend featured leadership and team-building sessions, SIU student interactions, and a concluding keynote by Dr. Randy Burnside.

Thanks to all who contributed to this remarkable opportunity for tomorrow's leaders! 🌟

Friday marked the SIU Foundation's 10th Annual Scholarship Dinner, a significant event that unites generous donors and deserving students.

That evening, Carol Greenlee of the Institute hosted Mike Lawrence and his student beneficiaries, LaMya Roach and Darian Chess!

LaMya shared an inspiring account of how the scholarship has profoundly impacted her life, and she was also the event's student speaker.

Youth Leadership Weekend is back. 🙌

As we look upon previously attended groups, we’re excited to welcome some bright metro-east youth to campus this weekend! 🐾

They will participate in leadership sessions, attend an SIU football game, and connect with SIU students.

Stay tuned for a recap of the weekend!

The Saluki Takeover Tour 2023 made Springfield shine! 🎉

It was an unforgettable evening at the Chancellor's Reception on September 25th.

We focused on the future of SIU's recruitment efforts in Springfield and dived into the rich history off Jerome M. Mileur's Presidential Campaign Memorabilia Collection.

Most importantly, we had the chance to connect with Chancellor Lane, mingle with SIU representatives, and reunite with our fellow Saluki alums.

What a night to remember, celebrating our Saluki spirit! 🐾

Don’t miss out on welcoming novelist Richard Russo back to SIU!

Richard Russo, one of America’s leading novelists and screenwriters, will discuss his teaching and literary career and his new book, “Somebody’s Fool,” on Tuesday, November 7th.

Russo was a professor at SIU in the 1980s and was teaching in the English department when his first novel, “Mohawk,” was published in 1986. He won the Pulitzer Prize in 2002 for “Empire Falls.”

Register now! ➡️ https://ow.ly/MvQh50PYEpu

An evening of legacy and leadership at SIU!

Last night, we celebrated 25 incredible years of the Institute at SIU!

Institute Director John Shaw led an engaging conversation between Congressman Darin LaHood and his father, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, both passionate public servants from Illinois.

They delved into their inspiring careers and discussed the pressing issues of our great state, even sharing some friendly disagreements! 🗣️🤝

Here's to many more years of impactful discussions and community growth! 🌟

Season 2 EP10 | Foreign Affairs, Diplomacy, and Journalism

Daniel Kurtz-Phelan discusses the global impact of Foreign Affairs, his career in diplomacy and journalism, and his book, “China Mission.”

Listen now! ➡️ https://ow.ly/izIX50Pu9HX

SIU Carbondale to launch accelerated online graduate programs supported by Academic Partnerships By working together, SIU and Academic Partnerships will expand access to SIU’s high-quality, high return on investment programs for working adults seeking more flexible online options.

It was great to participate in the Saluki Takeover Tour Springfield.

Thank you to Susannah Munson with the Sharp Museum for bringing items from the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute’s Jerome M. Mileur Presidential Campaign Memorabilia Collection to Springfield and thanks to Institute staffer, Jaclyn Durcholz, for assisting her during the event.

Scholarship Highlight: Jeanne Hurley Simon Memorial Scholarship 💰

Who is it for? 🐾
- student with good academic standing
- Actively involved with Institute events

Learn more! ➡️ https://ow.ly/hIbW50PSI33

In case you missed it!

Watch our conversation with award-winning author and professor Samuel Freedman.

He discussed his book “Into the Bright Sunshine: Young Hubert Humphrey and the Fight for Civil Rights.”

Samuel Freedman | Understanding Our New World On October 19, 2023, Samuel Freedman, an award-winning author, columnist, and professor discusses his book, “Into the Bright Sunshine: Young Hubert Humphrey ...

Mexican Consulate visits Carbondale The Consulate on Wheels at Carbondale will offer its services for Mexicans in southern Illinois and surrounding areas.

Rev. Wheeler Parker, the last living eyewitness to Emmett Till’s 1955 kidnapping, recounted the fateful events that led to his cousin’s death at a Southern Illinois University equity symposium on Thursday.

Last living witness to Emmett Till's kidnapping tells his story at SIU equity symposium The Rev. Wheeler Parker of Summit, Illinois, traveled with Till and other family members to Mississippi in 1955 when he was kidnapped and later murdered. After all these years, Parker said Till’s story still needs to be told.

On behalf of the Institute, Dr. Linda Baker attended the Illinois Higher Education Equity Symposium on Oct. 13th!

The Institute was one of the co-sponsors of the SIU System Conference.

In the first photo, SIU System Board of Trustee Vice Chair Ed Hightower, Dr. Linda Baker, Reverend Wheeler Parker Jr. (last living relative of Emmitt Till), SIU System Vice President of Anti-racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Dr. Shelia Caldwell, and State Rep. Carol Ammons are pictured from left to right.

The Illinois Legislature's fall veto session starts today -- what's that? Lawmakers have been away from Springfield since May but they’re coming back for two weeks. What do they do? Why is their schedule like this?