SIU Paul Simon Public Policy Institute

10/15/2026

As National Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, we celebrate the history, culture and contributions of Hispanic Americans and reflect on the role our founder, U.S. Sen. Paul Simon, played in expanding this national observance.

Did you know? What began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week became a month-long celebration in 1988, following legislation introduced by Sen. Simon. The bill was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan, establishing the annual observance from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

At the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, we carry forward Simon’s commitment to civic engagement and opportunity through programs like our Latino Heritage Internship, which provides students with opportunities to learn, grow and contribute to their communities.

Pictured is Tatiana Castillo, our 2026 Latino Heritage and Social Work intern, alongside Interim Institute Director Dr. Linda Baker.

As we mark the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize the many contributions Hispanic Americans make to our nation and reaffirm the importance of celebrating their history, culture and achievements throughout the year.

10/15/2026

We’re glad to see our 2026 and 2027 social work interns (and recent Paul Simon Democracy Prize awardees), Tatiana Castillo and Miguel Alvarez, representing SIU and the Institute in conversations with local students about the role that young people play within our democracy!

Thanks, Carbondale Community High School District 165 for fostering this important dialogue!

10/13/2026

Over the weekend, Interim Institute Director Dr. Linda Baker caught a performance of Come from Away at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center in Kirkwood, Mo. as she prepares for our upcoming conversation with former Gander, Newfoundland, Mayor Claude Elliott on Thursday, October 22!

Dr. Baker called the play excellent and encourages everyone to see it for themselves. Then, join us at the Tedrick Welcome Center for a special conversation with Mayor Elliott about the remarkable story behind Come from Away and the events that inspired it.

Our event is free and registration is not required, but we encourage you to register to help us ensure there's a boxed lunch for everyone!

🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/PSPPIComefromAway

We hope to see you there!

10/09/2026

The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute was proud to be represented by Interim Director Dr. Linda R. Baker at the first day of the fifth annual Illinois Higher Education Equity Symposium, hosted by the Southern Illinois University System.

Bringing together higher education leaders, educators, employers and students, the symposium explored how colleges and universities can expand opportunity, strengthen pathways from education to careers, and prepare the next generation for a changing world. Discussions also examined the role of artificial intelligence, innovation and education in shaping our future.

Dr. Baker joined SIU System leaders, including Dr. Sheila Caldwell, Dr. Paul Frazier and featured speaker Dr. Kamau Bobb for a day of thoughtful conversation and collaboration centered on advancing equity and opportunity in higher education.

10/08/2026

Before the Metro East Youth Leadership Weekend became an annual tradition, there was the very first gathering in 2003. These photos capture former U.S. Sen. Paul Simon meeting with young students from the Metro East during that inaugural weekend, a program that then-Institute staffer and current Interim Director Dr. Linda Baker worked with Simon to organize.

More than two decades later, the Institute is proud to continue that tradition of bringing young people together to learn about leadership, public service and civic engagement.

This year’s Metro East Youth Leadership Weekend is coming up Oct. 17–18, bringing another group of young leaders to SIU Carbondale for a weekend of learning, conversation and connection.

10/07/2026

Two weeks to register for this great event.

Interim director Dr. Linda Baker will be moderating a discussion on data centers.

There is still time to register for the FREE SIU Technology and Innovation Expo coming up on Oct. 21 on the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus. The event showcases extraordinary innovators and the research capacity across the SIU System featuring a broad cross-disciplinary approach to research in the high-tech space. The expo gives industry partners and potential investors the opportunity to learn about the inventions and products of its top researchers.

Thank you to our team (Office of Technology Management and Industry Relations) and all of our sponsors that are helping put this great event together including Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, SIU Medicine, SIU Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, Amazon Web Services, Husch Blackwell OSF HealthCare and Dell.

Read more and register at the link posted in the comments.

09/29/2026

From SIU student to Democratic nominee for Illinois State Representative in the 8th District, Shantel Franklin’s journey is one of resilience, service and perseverance.

On September 16, Franklin returned to SIU to share her story with students, faculty and community members, reflecting on how her experiences as a student—including student government, the McNair Scholars Program and an internship in the Illinois Senate President’s Office—helped shape her path into public service.

Franklin also offered students a message about the power of mentorship, community involvement and showing up for the people you hope to serve: your circumstances do not have to define your future.

🎥 Watch the full lecture - https://youtu.be/j4sBjFafV_4

09/28/2026

09/25/2026

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 the Institute’s work. Thank you for helping us keep the legacy of Paul Simon alive and well.

09/23/2026

🎓 Today is SIU Day of Giving!

Our students are at the heart of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, and your support helps us provide meaningful opportunities for the next generation of public service leaders.

As Dr. Baker shares in the video, every gift makes a difference, whether it’s $5, $500 or $5,000. Gifts to the Institute help support student programs, internships, fellowships and other opportunities that connect SIU students with public policy and public service.

If the Simon Institute has been part of your SIU experience, as an intern, student worker, participant, alum or friend, consider giving back today.

No gift is too small. Every gift helps.

🎁 Give today: https://tinyurl.com/PSPPIday