Thursday, January 30, 2014

UIS hosting Kid’s Night Out event

The University of Illinois Springfield Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is hosting the Make-A-Wish Kid’s Night Out Feb. 14 at The Recreation and Athletic Center from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

The event is open to children ages 5-13. The cost is $20 per child and $15 for each additional sibling. Activities will include instruction by UIS student-athletes in basketball, baseball, softball, tennis, soccer, volleyball, golf and cheerleading as well as arts and crafts and a movie. Snacks and beverages are provided. All proceeds go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

To register, contact SAAC president Ashley Stariha at saac@uis.edu.

The story was published in The State Journal-Register on January 30, 2014.

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UIS softball team picked fifth in GLVC East

The University of Illinois Springfield softball team was voted to place fifth in the Great Lakes Valley Conference East Division in the coaches’ preseason poll.

Indianapolis received 14 first-place votes and was voted to win the eight-team division. Lewis and Bellarmine were voted second and third and received one first-place vote apiece. Southern Indiana was selected fourth and followed by UIS, Saint Joseph’s, McKendree and Wisconsin-Parkside.

Missouri-St. Louis was voted to win the West Division with 15 first-place votes.

The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on January 30, 2014.

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Wednesday, January 29, 2014

UIS to keep Prairie Stars nickname

University of Illinois Springfield athletic teams will be keeping the same nickname they have had since 1977.

In a letter emailed to campus Tuesday, Chancellor Susan Koch said the name Prairie Stars is part of the school’s heritage and “is more than an athletics team name.”

“It is also an important part of campus identity at this relatively young university,” Koch wrote. “It is a name that was chosen in part because it provides a sense of place and it resonates deeply with many of our 33,000-plus alumni regardless of whether they graduated with Sangamon State University or the University of Illinois on their diploma.”

Dana Goodrum, a UIS alum in Springfield, was one of the organizers of a petition drive to retain the Prairie Stars nickname. She's very happy the chancellor “heard us and embraced our passion.”

But she said alumni have to focus on the next step — showing current students where that passion comes from.

“Clearly, the message to us was that they didn’t get it,” she said. “So we’ve got to be focused on bridging that gap with current students and athletes. We want to support them wherever we can, to support that legacy.”

The process to examine alternatives to the Prairie Stars nickname began in 2012, when the Student Government Association conducted an on-campus survey that indicated 75 percent of respondents wanted a change.

The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on January 29, 2014.

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UIS sticks with "Prairie Stars"

After spending months on data and discussions and nearly $20,000 on a consultant the University of Illinois Springfield is keeping things the same.

UIS will remain the Prairie Stars, despite many students not even knowing what the school nickname means.

"You'll ask people what a Prairie Star is they'll be like, 'Our name?' [...] They have no idea," UIS student Evan Barber said.

For some "Prairie Stars" is a nickname about placement. UIS is on a prairie and some would say its students are stars. But officially a prairie star is a flower. And that, some students say, is the problem.

"All these other teams have, you know, animals. Something fearsome. Something, you know, to be scared of," Barber said.

So UIS hired a consultant, formed a task force and held three public forums. Based on a survey compiled at those public forums "Prairie Stars" did not win. But the alternatives were not so popular either.

"Let's just not be the Mammoths. I don't want to be the Mammoths," UIS student Asia Jackson said.

Meanwhile, UIS alumni turned in more than 500 signatures supporting the name they love. The Prairie Stars.

"There's a lot of memories, there's a lot of heritage, there's just a lot of pride that comes with that name," UIS Alum Dana Goodrum said.

Chancellor Susan Koch says the Prairie Stars name is name you can identify with even if you went to UIS back when it was Sangamon State University.

"It transcends that institutional name. Whether you attended here in 1977 or you're attending school here now you're still a Prairie Star," Koch said.

The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on January 28, 2014.

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Former Springfield High soccer star transfers to UIS

Former Springfield High School soccer standout Will Teichman has transferred to the University of Illinois Springfield.

The 6-foot-2 freshman defender/midfielder played in 12 games and started one for Eastern Illinois University last fall. He attempted five shots for the 1-14-2 Panthers.

Teichman was the 2012 State Journal-Register Central State Eight Conference Boys Soccer Player of the Year. He was named that year to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America all-Midwest team and the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association all-state team.

The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on January 29, 2014.

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How America changed The Beatles

The legacy of The Beatles' trip to America was, first and foremost, that they had succeeded where other British pop stars had failed. There were some minor hits from British bands (like "Telestar" by the Tornados), but other major U.K. stars like Cliff Richard and Helen Shapiro failed to gain any real traction in the United States, despite having had "Ed Sullivan" appearances of their own.

"The reputation that was out there in Great Britain was that you can't make it in America. They just want to listen to a different kind of music," says Michael Cheney, a professor of communications and economics at the University of Illinois Springfield, who also teaches a course on the Beatles. "Where the Beatles were different is that music of the Beatles sound came from listening to American records, a lot of the rhythm-and-blues records that came out, Chess Records. They were even into girl groups and Motown."

Cheney was featured in a U.S. News & World Report article on January 24, 2014.

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Monday, January 27, 2014

UIS accepting nominations for new athletic hall of fame

Nominations are being accepted for the inaugural class of the University of Illinois Springfield’s Department of Athletics Hall of Fame.

Names of former student-athletes, former coaches, teams and “friends” of UIS/Sangamon State University athletics will be accepted until March 1 via http://uisprairiestars.com/HOFForm or by email to amurp5@uis.edu.

Student-athletes and coaches must have a period of at least five years since last competing with UIS/SSU athletics. Students must have attended UIS/SSU for at least one year and preferably graduated.

Induction of the inaugural class is tentatively scheduled for Homecoming Weekend in the fall.

The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on January 27, 2014.

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Snowden snaps UIS men’s four-game losing streak

Not much has come easily for the University of Illinois Springfield men’s basketball team this season, and Saturday was no different.

The Prairie Stars had to work for their 76-75 victory over Saint Joseph’s in a Great Lakes Valley Conference game at The Recreation and Athletic Center.

UIS senior guard Brandon Snowden was the hero on the offensive end. His offensive rebound and layup cut the Pumas’ lead to 75-74 with 1 minute 43 seconds left. Snowden then came through at the free throw line with :57 remaining. His first free throw rolled around the rim several times before dropping and tying the game at 75. His next foul shot swished through the basket for a 76-75 edge.

It appeared as if UIS had widened its lead in the closing seconds, but Dylan Sparkman’s offensive putback with seconds remaining was waved off due to a shot-clock violation and the Stars gave the ball to Saint Joseph’s with 7.5 seconds left.

Up one point with time running out, UIS (6-11, 2-7) turned to its defense to snap a four-game losing streak.

The win was featured by The State Journal-Register on January 26, 2014.

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Thursday, January 23, 2014

UIS to bestow honorary doctorate to Brandt Thomas

A local business leader and philanthropist will be awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Illinois Springfield this spring, the first such honor bestowed by the university since 2006.

Evelyn Brandt Thomas, co-owner of BRANDT, a multi-million dollar international agricultural company based in Springfield, will receive the degree at UIS’ May 17 commencement. The degree was approved today by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees at its meeting in Chicago.

Brandt Thomas, 90, serves as secretary-treasurer of the business and goes to work nearly every day. She is an active philanthropist and has made significant contributions to 4-H and many other central Illinois non-profits as well as to U of I campuses in Springfield and Urbana.

UIS Chancellor Susan Koch said Brandt Thomas has been an inspiration to both men and women in business for decades.

“In addition to her success and leadership in business, her widespread philanthropy and sustained community service have contributed to the quality of life for all who live and work in the Springfield area,” Koch said.

The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on January 24, 2014.

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U of I trustees approve 1.7 percent tuition increase

University of Illinois Trustees voted Thursday to raise tuition by 1.7 percent. They also increased fees and housing costs. Vice President for Academic Affairs Christophe Pierre says the increases stick to a university plan to keep increases in line with inflation.

The annual tuition for in-state students will be $12,036 in Urbana-Champaign, $10,584 in Chicago and $9,405 in Springfield. Increases would only affect students starting this fall. That's because state law locks tuition for four years for public university students.

Annual housing costs would increase to $10,180 in Urbana-Champaign, $10,518 in Chicago and $10,650 in Springfield.

The story was featured by the Associated Press on January 23, 2014.

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Tuesday, January 21, 2014

UIS students honor MLK with Day of Service

Dozens of students from the University of Illinois Springfield took part in a day of service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day today.

The students took on various projects, including heading to a west side church to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. There, the students dismantled pallets and helped build furniture and playground items made from recycled and reclaimed materials.

Habitat will sell those items at its Springfield store to raise money to build Habitat homes.

"I think there should be way more people out here giving back than just the few that are here today," UIS freshman Duane Willingham said. "It helps you as a person, and it benefits other people at the same time."

Students also took part in projects with other agencies, including working with the Red Cross to talk about fire safety with east side residents. Others prepared meals for 30 clients at the Sojourn Shelter, and helped sort medical supplies at the Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach.

The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on January 20, 2014.

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UIS professor honored for class that credits military experience

Since the end of December, Kevin Beeson has received at least one phone call or email daily asking the same type of question.

University of Illinois Springfield’s spring semester starts Tuesday, and students are eager to learn how to sign up for Beeson’s Credit for Prior Learning Military Studies course.

“Usually the week before, and of, classes, it goes crazy,” said Beeson, 50, visiting clinical professor in UIS’ Internship and Prior Learning Program. He added that the week of classes, there would probably be students “out the door.”

The course was first offered last summer with 14 students.

Since an article was published in The State Journal-Register last spring, students and other universities have expressed interest in Beeson’s innovative course.

And due to its online nature, the attention has extended well beyond Springfield.

On Tuesday, Beeson was awarded the U.S. Department of Defense and Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award in recognition of his efforts. It was presented to Beeson by one of his students and the person who nominated him, Army Master Sgt. Anthony O’Neal, a UIS senior majoring in liberal and integrative studies.

The class was featured by The State Journal-Register on January 18, 2014.

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Friday, January 17, 2014

Palmer reaches 1,000 career points in UIS women's basketball victory

It was Alyssa Palmer’s night, which translated into a 60-56 win Thursday for the University of Illinois Springfield women’s basketball team over Wisconsin-Parkside, UIS’ first Great Lakes Valley Conference victory of the season.

Palmer’s driving layup gave UIS a 58-56 lead with 22.6 seconds remaining at The Recreation and Athletic Center.

“I saw an open lane and I took it,” Palmer said.

Next, she put the game out of reach with two free throws with :08.1 left. Her final foul shot gave her 1,000 points for her career. She is only the second UIS player in program history to reach the mark, joining Megan Bergerud.

Palmer led all scorers with 19 points and added six assists. Her teammate, Elizabeth Kelly, came up with the contest’s biggest assist with time running out. Palmer missed two free throws with 48.7 seconds to go in the second half. Kelly grabbed the rebound on the second miss, then dished it to Palmer, who scored the go-ahead basket. Kelly collected 13 points and 10 rebounds.

The win was featured by The State Journal-Register on January 17, 2014.

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Tuesday, January 14, 2014

U of I plans 1.7 percent tuition increase

The University of Illinois intends to raise tuition for incoming freshmen at its three campuses by 1.7 percent for the next school year.

The university announced the proposed increase Monday as a board of trustees audit and finance committee reviewed it. The full board of trustees will vote on the increase at its meeting Jan. 23 in Chicago.

The 1.7 percent increase is the same as last year’s hike and matches the smallest tuition increase in two decades.

The proposal would raise the cost of a year of tuition for in-state students to $12,036 in Urbana-Champaign, $10,584 in Chicago and $9,405 in Springfield. The increase would only affect students starting in fall 2014 because state law locks tuition rates for public university students for four years.

Annual housing costs would increase 2 percent to $10,180 in Urbana-Champaign and by 2.5 percent to $10,518 in Chicago, under the proposal. Springfield rates would increase 2.9 percent to $10,650.

UIS spokesman Derek Schnapp said the slightly larger increase in housing costs for the Springfield campus essentially is because UIS housing is newer than at the other two campuses.

The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on January 14, 2014.

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Filing for student financial aid early could mean more money

The race is on for students and their parents looking to secure college financial aid. Tax season is upon us, and that means it's time for college students to start thinking about filing the free application for student aid.

In order to qualify for Illinois’ Monetary Aid Program, or MAP grants, students must submit a FAFSA by March 1st. If college students don't meet that deadline they could be missing out on around $4,700 in aid that does not have to be repaid.

"If they file after April 1st then they may have limited chances to get funds that are campus based aid or institute funds because we award on a first come first serve basis. So the later they file the less their chances of getting free money," said Jerry Joseph, UIS director of financial assitance.

The story was featured by WICS-TV 20 on January 13, 2014.

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Monday, January 13, 2014

Career fair coming in February

First impressions are extremely important when it comes to landing a new job. Career fairs can present good opportunities to add personality to your resume submission.

A prime chance for community members and college students to get a feel for what’s available locally comes Feb. 20 at the Springfield Collegiate Career Fair. The event is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Recreation and Athletic Center at the University of Illinois Springfield.

Career fair organizer Elaine Thomas, employer development and informatics liaison at UIS, said the annual event always draws dozens of businesses looking to hire.

The fair caters to a variety of job seekers. Recruiters at the event will be looking for both students and non-students for part-time, full-time and volunteer/internship work.

“We are really just wanting anybody who is looking for a job, internship or potential volunteer opportunities,” Thomas said. “Even if it’s someone looking for a new opportunity who’s been recently laid off. The underemployed is, of course, always a concern for us.”

The fair was featured by The State Journal-Register on January 12, 2014.

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UIS tops 100 points in first conference men’s basketball win

The University of Illinois Springfield never trailed Saturday en route to a 106-99 win over Quincy University and the Prairie Stars earned their first Great Lakes Valley Conference victory of the season.

UIS held an 84-65 lead with six minutes 53 seconds left in the second half. A 14-2 run by Quincy followed as Scottie Bruxvoort opened the stretch with a pair of foul shots at the 6:37 mark. Evan McGaughey capped the spurt with a 3-pointer that got the Hawks within 86-79 with 3 ½ minutes left. UIS sealed the win with 11-for-14 shooting at the free throw line in the final 40 seconds.

The win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Stars (5-7 overall, 1-3 in the GLVC).

The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on January 12, 2014.

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Background of poverty serves Sulamoyo well

From an early age, Dalitso Sulamoyo knew he wanted a college education.

But that seemed unlikely for someone living in one of the poorest countries in the world.

Sulamoyo — who today is chief executive officer of the Springfield-based Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies — was born and raised in Malawi, a New Hampshire-sized country in Africa with a population of 12 million.

Sulamoyo eventually found a family that paid for him to complete his bachelor’s degree at Illinois College in Jacksonville and a master’s degree at the University of Illinois Springfield. He later received another master’s degree, and graduated with a PhD from Benedictine University’s Organization Development program in 2011.

Sulamoyo was featured by The State Journal-Register on January 12, 2014.

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Thursday, January 9, 2014

UIS men still seeking first GLVC victory

For the University of Illinois Springfield men’s basketball team, right now is about getting over the hump.

The Prairie Stars are 4-6 overall, have an 0-2 Great Lakes Valley Conference record and are in need of a win. They play Truman State (8-3, 1-2) in a league game at 7:30 tonight at Pershing Arena in Kirksville, Mo.

UIS came close to winning a conference game Sunday, but suffered a 69-67 setback to Missouri-St. Louis for its second consecutive loss.

“I think our defense and intensity for the most part was pretty good,” UIS coach Ben Wierzba said. “We have to build off of that and continue to get better.

“It was mental mistakes. We turned the ball over 15 times. We gave up 17 offensive rebounds. We’ve got to make better decisions and block out better.”

The team was featured in The State Journal-Register on January 9, 2014.

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Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Illinois colleges adopt concealed-carry policies

The new Illinois concealed-carry law won’t have much effect on Illinois college campuses, including those in Springfield.

Even concealed-carry permit holders won’t be allowed to carry firearms on college and university campuses.

“The rules remain largely unchanged,” said Don Mitchell, police chief at the University of Illinois Springfield. “It won’t allow someone with a permit to legally carry a gun outside of their vehicle on university property.”

Mitchell said if a permit-holder has a gun in his or her vehicle, the gun must be stored inside the vehicle in a concealed case and can’t be on public view.

The change to campus policy is that the law will allow those with concealed-carry permits to store firearms in vehicles on campus. But they’re not allowed to remove a firearm from their vehicle while on university property.

The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on January 5, 2014.

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Friday, January 3, 2014

UIS starts conference play in new division

There are big changes for the University of Illinois Springfield men’s basketball team in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

UIS has switched from the traditionally weaker West Division to the seemingly more competitive East Division. The Stars’ move is due to the addition of Truman State and departure of Kentucky Wesleyan in the conference. The change puts UIS in a division with four nationally ranked and undefeated teams, No. 2 Bellarmine, No. 8 Southern Indiana, No. 16 Indianapolis and No. 22 Lewis — all teams that belonged to the East Division last season.

UIS (4-4, 0-0) kicks off conference play with a pair of home games at 7:30 p.m. Friday against Maryville (6-3, 0-1) and at 3 p.m. Sunday against Missouri-St. Louis (7-2, 1-0).

The story was published in The State Journal-Register on January 3, 2014.

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