CARBONDALE, Ill. (Heartland News) – Southern Illinois University of Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute will hold an open house this Friday, August 28.

According to the university, the free, public event will feature an appearance by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin.

It will take place at the institute, located at 1231 Lincoln Drive in Carbondale, from noon to 1:30 p.m.

The university said the event will bring together institute staff, friends and supporters for an opportunity to connect and celebrate the institute’s work.

As part of the celebration, Sen. Durbin will bring the Water Advocate Award he received for his work promoting safe drinking water and sanitation in the developing world. The award will be housed at SIU.

According to the university, the award reflects Durbin’s continued work with Patti Simon to advance the legacy of institute founder and former U.S. Sen. Paul Simon, who championed global water issues.

Durbin’s legislation, the Paul Simon Water for the World Act, was passed in 2014, and improved access to clean water and sanitation around the world.