SIU’s Family Weekend 2024 to feature ‘Phineas and Ferb’ creator, football and more

August 27, 2024

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. - Celebrity guest Dan Povenmire, a grudge football match, tailgating, a craft sale, rock climbing, moonlight canoeing and s'mores, a Greek Sing, an outdoor movie and numerous other special activities are in store at Southern Illinois University Carbondale's Saluki Family Weekend, set for Sept. 19-21.

"SIU is thrilled to welcome our Saluki families back to campus for Family Weekend 2024," said Sean Cooney, assistant director of the Office of Student Engagement. "We encourage family and friends of our current Salukis to spend a long weekend in Carbondale taking part in all of the events we have planned, starting Thursday night. The excitement includes Saturday's 'War for the Wheel' rivalry game against SEMO and many other activities for all ages."

Laughs courtesy of 'Phineas and Ferb'

Here's your chance to hear, and perhaps even meet, a celebrity as Dan Povenmire, co-creator and executive producer of Disney's Emmy Award-winning animated comedy series "Phineas and Ferb," speaks at the Student Center Ballrooms at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and there will be a meet and greet afterward with Povenmire for a limited number of audience members selected at random.

Nominated for 10 Emmys, Povenmire won twice for outstanding writing in animation, most recently in 2021 for the Disney+ original "Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe," in which he voiced the role of the evil Dr. Heinz Doofenschmirtz. He and co-creator Jeff "Swampy" Marsh also co-created and served as co-executive producer for Disney's "Milo Murphy's Law," an animated series about the 13-year-old great-great-great-great-grandson of the Murphy's Law namesake.

In addition, while working on two new seasons of "Phineas and Ferb," Povenmire is serving as creator and executive producer of the Disney Channel original animated superhero comedy series "Hamster and Gretel." During his quarter-century career, he has worked in numerous acclaimed animated series, including "SpongeBob SquarePants," "The Simpsons," "Family Guy" and others.

For more information, call 618-536-3393.

Enter Family of the Year contest now

New Student Programs is again sponsoring the Family of the Year Contest as the university will choose one "legacy" Saluki family - that's a family in which at least one parent or legal guardian is an SIU graduate - and one "non-legacy" Family of the Year to honor.

Online submissions are being accepted now, and the deadline to enter is Sept. 6. The Families of the Year will be recognized during the halftime show of the football game, be honored with family photos and receive an exclusive prize package featuring a one-night complimentary stay at the Drury Inn and Suites of Marion (which can be used during Family Weekend or another date) and great Saluki swag.

Gridiron glory

Of course, fall means football, and the Saluki football team will be taking on the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks in the "War for the Wheel" game on Sept. 22. The Saluki Family Association is providing a complimentary family weekend tailgate from 3 to 5 p.m. There's complimentary family tailgating for families and students from 3-5 p.m. courtesy of the Saluki Family Association and the kickoff is at 6 p.m. in Saluki Stadium.

Game tickets are available now online,and there's even an early-bird discount for the first 400 ticket purchasers.

Back to Nature

Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center is also offering special programming for Family Weekend. On Friday, Sept. 20, from 1 to 4 p.m., you can participate in the Family Weekend Rock Climb at Devil's Standtable, enjoying the breathtaking beauty of Giant City State Park as you scale rock cliffs under the guidance of experienced instructors. The climb is open to anyone age 5 or older, and all skill levels are welcome. Sign up online as long as spots are open.

Those looking for a more relaxing adventure can take part in the moonlight paddle and hot dog roast that evening at the Touch of Nature Camp 2 Beach from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Join family and friends for a campfire-style hot dog and s'mores dinner and then enjoy paddling on the lake. Newcomers and experienced paddlers are welcome, and no registration is required. Both the climb and the Moonlight Paddle and Hot Dog Roast are free and open to all.

Here are a few more highlights of the nonstop weekend of fun, listed by day:

Friday, Sept. 20

• Families have the option to check in, ask questions and obtain VIP passes and giveaways from the Saluki Family Association, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Student Center, east entrance.
• Bowling and Billiards, 4-9 p.m., Student Center, free games with Family Weekend VIP pass.
• Craft Sale, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Student Center, first floor art gallery, featuring arts and crafts vendors from throughout Southern Illinois.
• Free Outdoor Family Movie, dusk (about 7:30-7:45 p.m.), Itchy Jones Stadium (baseball stadium), open to the public. Free popcorn, candy, refreshments while they last.

Saturday, Sept. 21

• Rocky Ledges 5K/10K Trail Run/Walk at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, 10 a.m., for all ages.
• Craft Sale, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Student Center, first floor art gallery, featuring arts and crafts vendors from throughout Southern Illinois.
• Greek Sing, 11 a.m., Shryock Lawn, a campus tradition dating back more than 80 years, featuring fraternity and sorority members signing and dancing as they compete for the title of 2024 Greek Sing winner. Everyone is welcome.

Sunday, Sept. 22

All three days the families may enjoy complimentary use of the Student Recreation Center from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For more information

Find the complete schedule of events, additional information and registration links on the Saluki Family Weekend website. For information, email [email protected] or call 618-453-1000.

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