CELEBRATE 618 DAY - SUPPORT LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS
The SIU Alumni Association is marking “618 Day” with a fundraising campaign aimed at expanding scholarship support for local students attending Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
June 18, “618 Day,” is a regional celebration of pride in Southern Illinois, named after the area code that unites the region. The day was launched by a coalition of local tourism and economic development organizations to spotlight what makes the 618 area special.
This year, the SIU Alumni Association is using the celebration to build a $25,000 endowment for the Williamson County Scholarship. The Association manages endowed funds already established in Jackson and Union counties to provide long-term support for local students pursuing an education at SIU. Although Williamson County is the focus for “618 Day” in 2025, alumni are encouraged to support any of the organizations' regional or legacy scholarships.
“618 Day is a time to celebrate what makes Southern Illinois special — the people, the communities, and the pride we all share in this place we call home,” said Molly Hudgins, executive director of the SIU Alumni Association. “It’s also a powerful reminder that we have a responsibility to invest in the next generation.”
The effort is part of the Association’s broader mission to boost scholarship funds for students across Illinois, including the greater St. Louis region.
