The past four months have had no shortage of news at SIUC and in Carbondale.

We’ve assembled a rundown of some of the biggest items that grabbed headlines in spring 2007.

No blood spilled during contract talks

Despite several weeks of not talking to each in official meetings, the university and tenure-track faculty secured a new contract in record time. More money and a stronger voice for professors are promised in the deal.

SIUC needs the professors to be on its side. Internal squabbles and communication breakdowns have plagued the university for too long. It’ll take a team effort to give SIUC some new glory days.

Saluki Way still strapped for cash

Nearly two years after the announcement of a major revamping to the campus’s east side, the funds have not rolled in for Saluki Way, which includes a new football stadium and revamped arena in its first phase.

The plan is grand and would bring a new sparkle to SIUC, but the donors apparently are not yet sold on the idea.

SIUC launches new Web site

A much-needed revamp came to the university Web site. Some were impressed while others preferred the older, dated version.

The times are changing and SIUC needs to keep up. Changing the site was a positive step and continued updates will make sure the university’s online presence is felt.

Cole wins another four years

One of the state’s closest watched mayoral race between heavyweights Brad Cole and Sheila Simon ended up with the incumbent Cole securing another term.

Carbondale has been in good shape the past four years, but much needs to be done. Cole has his flaws, but has the opportunity to continue building a positive legacy and guide Carbondale to prosperity.

Male and female athletes dominate

Whether it was making strides on the national scale or reigning supreme in the Missouri Valley Conference, SIU athletes made impressive moves this semester in all sports.

The undoubted landmark of the year was the men’s basketball team’s stellar run in the NCAA Tournament. The boys in maroon put SIU on the national map and brought much attention to the school in rural Illinois.

And don’t forget about track and field star Brittany Riley, who broke a world record in the hammer throw.

Tack on women’s basketball, volleyball, swimming and diving, golf, baseball, softball and tennis, and it’s clear that SIU athletes should not be taken lightly.

Lowery’s paycheck to balloon

Amid opposition and support, one of SIU’s most successful coaches is set to get a pay raise.

Lowery has done well since taking the reins of the men’s basketball program. Now the pressure is on for him and his Salukis to continue to bring success to the university.

Let’s hope the extra cash isn’t wasted.

Finalists bid for chancellor job

Four candidates are vying for the job as SIUC’s next full-time chancellor. They make up a diverse crop of finalists with extensive backgrounds in higher education.

Whoever wins the position will inherit a university that has its fair share of troubles. The future of SIUC hinges on a solid leader.

Bag of sand raises alarms

Clad in a green suit, a student with a heavy bag of sand caused a mild uproar in April. He caused tension when he set down the bag – which was full of sand for a class project – near a trashcan in a classroom and walked away. Authorities saw the bag as a “suspicious package” and blocked off Lawson Hall.

The incident gave authorities a priceless test in emergency reaction. Campus and local police were thrust into a real-world scenario that let them put into practice the university’s response protocols.

Undoubtedly, there were kinks in the operation, but hopefully authorities took the opportunity to examine their response to see what worked and what needs work.

Dunn to tell SIUC bye-bye

He came to the university as the provost in 2002 and stepped up in November to take over the chancellorship on an interim basis after the demotion of Walter Wendler. Now, John Dunn is gearing up to assume the presidency of Western Michigan University.

Besides one less constant customer at the Student Center Taco Bell, SIUC will also potentially have a couple administrative vacancies once Dunn heads out. There’s been no decision on who will replace Dunn in the provost’s chair. He also plans to vacation and head northward before the new chancellor takes office.

While Dunn’s future is set, the future lineup of this university’s administration remains in question.

Angelou visit stirs mixed emotions

Renowned poet, actress and civil rights advocate Maya Angelou excited the SIUC community with a free lecture in the Student Center. Word about Angelou’s stop in Carbondale spread early in the semester and many prepared for a possibly once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of the American icon.

She gave an impassioned, enlightening and often humorous talk, and those who had the pleasure of grabbing a coveted seat in the ballrooms were impressed. But several people missed out on Angelou’s speech because of limited seating capacity. The Student Center just isn’t big enough to cater to thousands for a single lecture.

Angelou, who spoke before thousands at President Clinton’s inauguration in 1993, does not do arena settings. Because of this, seats were scarce.

Many people thought organizers struck out in bringing in a person who does not allow the masses to see her. Some even called Angelou egotistical.

No matter the case, Angelou’s visit to SIUC was an exciting time. The Student Programming Council, Paul Simon Public Policy Institute and anyone else involved in brining her to Carbondale deserves kudos.

Pats on the back are also due for students, whose fee money played a big part in footing a likely hefty bill.