CARBONDALE — The chancellor of SIU Carbondale has passed away.
SIU Interim President Kevin Dorsey released a statement this morning saying Dr. Carlo Montemagno died early this morning. He became chancellor in August of last year.
The university will share information about honoring him in consultation with his family.
Dorsey has asked the SIU Board of Trustees to convene a special meeting as soon as possible to appoint an interim chancellor. Until then, Dorsey says he will work directly with SIU Carbondale’s leadership team to ensure that the university continues to move forward.
The city of Carbondale has released the following statement:
The City of Carbondale is saddened to learn of the passing of Southern Illinois University Chancellor Carlo Montemagno.
Over the last year, the City has worked closely with Chancellor Montemagno to build and strengthen relationships, increase Saluki spirit efforts throughout the community and assist his plan to increase enrollment on campus.
“Carlo was a good man with a bold, innovative vision for Southern Illinois University Carbondale and the region. I considered him to be a good friend. We will miss him,” said Carbondale Mayor John “Mike” Henry.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Montemagno family, friends and SIU campus during this difficult time.
“Carbondale prides itself on providing its visitors, students, businesses and residents with a unique mix of edge and ease. It’s a cultural town, yet free of pretense, embracing the great outdoors as readily as urban sophistication. Here, we are open to new ideas, experiences and cultures, so you are encouraged to both express yourself and be yourself, in all ways. That’s Carbondale…All Ways Open… for family, fun, business, new ideas and a bright tomorrow.”
Senator Paul Schimpf (R-Waterloo) released the following statement in response to the recent passing of Southern Illinois University Carbondale Chancellor Carlo Montemagno:
“I was surprised and deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Carlo Montemagno’s passing this morning. During his short tenure as Chancellor of SIUC, Dr. Montemagno demonstrated visionary leadership and dedication to the well-being of all of Southern Illinois. Carlo will be missed terribly, but we will honor him by continuing his work to revitalize the university we love.”
SIU Athletic Director Jerry Kill released the following statement in regards to Montemagno’s death:
“This is one of the saddest days of my life. We lost a great chancellor, a tough chancellor, a man with a vision, but most importantly, a good man. I think the world of him and his family. Carlo is the reason I came back to Southern Illinois. He’s a person I learned a lot from in a short time. We worked very well together. He never quit on trying to make this university better. The day of his passing, he was still working. I was fortunate to be able to say goodbye. I would hope we take his vision and plan for our university, and execute it and make him proud. We owe him that. I love the man and what he stood for. He positively impacted so many lives. How many chancellors go into the softball dugout and wish the softball team good luck? He will long be remembered for his passion for SIU and his ability to move our University forward during a difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Pamela, his two children and five grandchildren.”