2025 Planning Committee
Co-founded by Carbondale community members Marian Morris and Kathy Jones in 2017
Marian Morris, Co-Director
Marian, a child of God, is a native of Ghana, West Africa. A Canadian national and Carbondale “transplant,” she is an SIUC alumna (Class of ’02, ’04, ’06) who ran the 400-meters on a track scholarship under coaches Don DeNoon and Connie Price-Smith, among others, during her five-year tenure on the Saluki Women’s Track team. A member of the University Honors Program, she earned Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Communication Disorders and Sciences and a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics from SIUC, instructing in that department's TESOL program for a time following that. Marian was the winner of the 1998 SIUC Alpha Phi Alpha Miss Eboness Pageant and the Midwest States’ Regional Miss Black and Gold Pageant, as well as the Miss Congeniality award at the ensuing National Miss Black and Gold Pageant in Dallas, Texas. A Saluki Scholar who served a term as President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Board, she represented SIUC at the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Conference in 2001 and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Minority Student Leadership Program in 2003. Marian was a group fitness instructor at the SIU Student Recreation Center during her studies at SIU and competed successfully in the Mr. & Ms. SIU Bodybuilding Championships and other amateur natural bodybuilding and figure competitions upon the conclusion of her Saluki running career. She loves to sing and enjoys lending her voice in service of the various faith-based groups of which she has been a member over the years, including the Newman Catholic Student Center and The Belletones, a small a cappella doo-wop group that entertains area children and nursing home residents. An aesthetic sports, fitness, and performing arts enthusiast, she is a National Academy of Sports Medicine-certified personal trainer currently employed as a speech-language pathologist. Marian is a firm believer in using our gifts and passions to bless others, and she is thrilled for the opportunity the CFFR affords her to do just that!
Kathy Jones, Co-Director
Kathy retired as Senior Associate Athletic Director in December 2017 after 18 years of service in Saluki Athletics. She supervised all of the Olympic sports at one time or another and was the department’s point person for monitoring student-athlete well-being. She oversaw compliance and the student services areas, including academic advising, athletic training, and strength and conditioning. Jones headed up departmental efforts on diversity, gender equity issues, and departmental strategic planning. She was heavily involved on the SIU campus and nationally during her tenure, serving on numerous committees, including the Administrative/Professional (A/P) Staff Council from 2011 to 2015, chairing the Council for three years. Kathy has a long history of involvement on campus in student-centered issues. She received the SIU Women’s Professional Advancement Mentorship Award in 2015. Kathy served on the Steering Committee that planned the inaugural SIU campus service project called
The Big Event that launched in 2017. She was part of a team of SIU staff members from Wellness, Health Education and Saluki Athletics that wrote and received a three- year NCAA CHOICES grant for an alcohol harm reduction program for SIU students beginning in fall 2015. Kathy also served on the Chancellor/Mayoral Sexual Assault Task Force (later renamed Sexual Assault Response Team) from 2002 to 2015.
Nationally, Kathy represented the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) for six years on the NCAA Division I Leadership Council and the NCAA Management Council. She served as an adjunct SIU faculty member, teaching courses in the Department of Kinesiology and the School of Law. She is a Saluki alum, graduating with a Master's in Higher Education – College Student Personnel from SIU in 1977 and from William Mitchell College of Law in 1984.
Since retiring, Kathy has continued to be involved in the Community Fun & Fitness Relays and the SIU Network Empowering Women (formerly the Women’s Task Force), participating in the planning of the annual SIU Conference on Women.
Sara Kaiser grew up in suburban Chicago and first moved to Carbondale in 2003 to attend SIU with her two sisters. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition – Dietetics in 2007 then lived briefly in Chicago and Maryland before moving back to call Carbondale home in 2009. She earned her Master of Science in Nutrition in 2011 from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science then completed a dietetic internship through Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau in 2013. She became a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist and gained years of experience supporting individuals of a broad range of age and health before growing into her current role as Clinical Operations Manager for Population Health at Southern Illinois Healthcare.
Sara is most proud of cheering on her two amazing kids, Amelia and Ansel, and her niece and nephew, Elden and Anika. She feels grateful to have access to the beauty of Southern Illinois and the opportunity to explore her active hobbies when able, including running, hiking, aerial silks, rock climbing, and yoga. Sara and her family loved participating in the CFFR last year, and she is excited to join the planning committee and help support their mission to bring the community together for fun, fitness, and giving back to great organizations.
Clinette “Clair” Hayes, great-granddaughter of Eurma C. Hayes, is a native of Carbondale, Illinois. She is currently the Deputy City Clerk for the City of Carbondale and has been a city employee for roughly 18 years. Clair received her Bachelor of Science degree in Workforce Education & Development specializing in Administrative Services and Master of Science degree in Kinesiology focusing on Sport Administration, both from SIUC. Clair is a proud alumna and avid sports fan. She can be spotted in the crowds at almost all Saluki basketball and football home games. She is also very active at Bethel A.M.E. Church, her home church, where she serves as the Church Treasurer and a member of the Steward Board. Her other hobbies include singing, traveling, fitness, and anything basketball-related. Clair is very excited to serve on the CFFR Committee as it benefits a program that is important in her community and hopes this event will be a positive impact on all communities in Carbondale.
Kathy Hollister was employed for 33 years at SIU. She was Assistant Director of Recreational Sports and Services. She was responsible for Special Populations, which included People with Disabilities, Wheelchair Sports, Youth and Families, and International Students. For 10 years, Kathy served on the Illinois State Board for Special Olympics. She was also a Carbondale Park District Commissioner, 6 years. She is the official scorekeeper for the SIU Women's Basketball Team and Clerk of Course with SIU Track and Field. Kathy graduated from Central Michigan University in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Education in 1986 from SIU. An avid fitness buff herself, she enjoys working track meets and looks forward to offering her expertise.
Brittany Lalicker recently started a new position in the City of Carbondale working as a Parks and Recreation Aide for the newly developed Parks and Recreation Department. She is also continuing her education in Urban Forestry at SIUC. She loves staying active and exploring the outdoors. She has been a resident of Carbondale for 15 years and believes Southern Illinois is home to some of the most beautiful outdoor recreation in our country. She is pleased to be a part of this group as well as help the community come together in the name of unity and health.
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