2019 SIU Distinguished Alumni Award — Humanitarian Impact
Seymour Bryson — B.S. ’59, Sociology; M.S. ’61, Ph.D. ’72 Education
Dr. Bryson is a long-time employee and supporter of SIU and community. He has received many awards including: SIU BOT Diversity Excellence Award Winner (2017), Lindell Sturgis Award for Professional Achievement (2009–2010), Senator Emil Jones’ Mentoring Award (2007), Access Award presented by Introspect (2005), Illinois Committee on Black Concerns in Higher Education Distinguished Service Award (2004), African Student Council Friend of Africa Award (1998), Illinois College Attendance Association Trail Blazer Award (1997), United Asian American Council Appreciation Award (1994), Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Appreciation Award (1993), Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame (1992), Blacks Interested in Business Excellence Award (1992), Black Affairs Council Roby Given Award (1992), SIU School of Social Work Alumni Achievement Award (1991), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Faculty Achievement (1991), Black Graduate Students Faculty Achievement (1991), Quincy Senior High School Athletic Hall of Fame (1989), Illinois Committee on Black Concerns in Higher Education Distinguished Service Award (1985), SIU Intercollegiate Athletic Hall of Fame (1979), and Who’s Who Among Black Americans (1977–2008).
He has served on a variety of campus and community committees and organizations including Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory Committee, Council of Dean’s Representative to SIUC Honors Program, chairperson of the President’s Task Force on Status of Black Students Faculty and Staff, Outstanding Scholar Award Selection Committee, chairperson of the Southern Illinois University Intercollegiate Athletic Hall of Fame Committee, Graduate Deans’ Fellowship Committee, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics, College of Human Resources Affirmative Action Committee, Faculty Status and Welfare Committee, Vice President of Student Affairs Advisory Committee, SIU Judicial Review Board, Faculty Senate, Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory Committee, and the President’s Academic Excellence Committee.
He has been instrumental in promoting educational summer and year-round programs to enhance the academic opportunities for underrepresented and low-income students to encourage them to pursue and utilize their full potentials for career enhancement. He spearheaded many programs including Upward Bound, Career Prep, Future Scholars, Head Start and the Center for Academic Success. Dr. Bryson provided academic support through tutoring and mentoring services for students.
Most Memorable Experience at SIU…
“My top three favorite memories would have to be: the birth of my daughter Robin while obtaining my master’s degree, obtaining my Ph.D., and achieving placement on the All-Century team.”
All SIU Alumni, students, faculty and staff, as well as the general public, are invited to attend the 2019 SIU Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony at 4 p.m. Friday, April 26 in the Student Center Auditorium.
There will be a reception following in the International Lounge. If you are planning to attend and did not RSVP by April 18, please give us a call between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mon-Fri at: 618–453–2408.
