The annual Homecoming Parade is one of the most valued traditions of the occasion. SIU’s Homecoming parade features different Illinois groups of all different ages. Various marching bands apart from the Marching Salukis and organizations throughout southern Illinois marched through Carbondale in celebration ahead of the game.
A critical, individual participant was long-time Saluki sports announcer Mike Reis. Reis was a SIU student from 1974 to 1978 who graduated in radio and television and got the job shortly after. He was in the position until 2023 and participated in the parade this year for the very first time as the 2024 Grand Marshal.
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“It feels tremendous.…It means a little bit more in the high moments, it hurts a little bit more in the low moments. I couldn’t think of a better place for me to be than here,” said Reis.
Greek houses also participate in the parade by creating floats. A key group this year was the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and the Sigma Alpha sorority, who made a Saluki Ranch float for the event and later on won first place for large floats.
“We decided to add a bunch of Western themes and incorporate them onto our float. You can see a horse and a Saluki riding the horse with a covered wagon,” said AGR member Braden Baldauf.
A second critical individual participant was Mayor Carolin Harvey of Carbondale. “We try to connect the city and SIU, since we are both, we thrive on each other. So, participating in the SIU Homecoming Parade is just something that I think should be done. We are part of the city. SIU is a part of the city. We’re part of SIU and SIU as part of us,” said Mayor Harvey.
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A lot of groups are affiliated with SIU. The SIU Center For Autism Spectrum Disorder is one of those key groups. This franchise was started last year to raise awareness about autism and help people in need. Director Denise Croft said, “The reason why we joined the parade and started last year is to get our name out there to the community.”
Homecoming has always been a series of events not only for current students to gather and have fun, but also where alumni are invited back and recognized.
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