Jessie Edwards, a 20-year-old aspiring social worker, was looking for a project to fulfill a college class requirement.
Edwards, who is known for her unusually big heart, decided to take on a project in line with her reputation.
She discovered that there are 26 grade schools in Macon County, and many of their pupils do not have gloves.
So why not make sure all the children have their fingers covered this winter?
"I have a big passion for children in the first place," said Edwards, a junior at University of Illinois-Springfield. "My dream is to help children in the community."
Edwards looked over the charity landscape and discovered a gaping hole.
"There’s a coat drive, a food drive, but I never heard of a glove drive," said Edwards, during an interview at Dennis School, where she kicked off her marathon giveaway in early December on one of the first really cold days of the season.
With financial support from the Macon County Sheriff’s Office’s community outreach program, Edwards purchased 1,000 pairs of gloves from Dollar General. She bought 26 Christmas-themed bags, and placed about 40 pairs in each bag.
The story was published by the Decatur Herald & Review on December 28, 2013.
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Saturday, December 28, 2013
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Former Sangamon State instructor is famed writer Mailer's authorized biographer
J. Michael Lennon said he had two reactions when he was tabbed to write the authorized biography of Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Norman Mailer.
“One, was, OK, this is going to be a (huge) job,” said Lennon, 71, who spent two decades at Sangamon State University (now University of Illinois Springfield) as an administrator and instructor. “The other, of course, was that I was terrifically excited.
“But I knew if I was going to get it done, it had to be a total commitment.”
Lennon spent a monk-like four years writing “Norman Mailer: A Double Life” (Simon & Schuster), which came out in October to mostly positive reviews. That was after he did three years of research and interviewing friends, editors and family members of Mailer, who died in 2007.
Despite its imprimatur, the tome, which runs 900-plus pages, isn’t a hagiography of one of the most colorful literary figures of the 20th century. Lennon said that if he had Mailer’s approval, Mailer also had his back, giving him unfettered access to letters and other personal papers and in his interviews.
The story was published by The State Journal-Register on December 26, 2013.
Read the article online
“One, was, OK, this is going to be a (huge) job,” said Lennon, 71, who spent two decades at Sangamon State University (now University of Illinois Springfield) as an administrator and instructor. “The other, of course, was that I was terrifically excited.
“But I knew if I was going to get it done, it had to be a total commitment.”
Lennon spent a monk-like four years writing “Norman Mailer: A Double Life” (Simon & Schuster), which came out in October to mostly positive reviews. That was after he did three years of research and interviewing friends, editors and family members of Mailer, who died in 2007.
Despite its imprimatur, the tome, which runs 900-plus pages, isn’t a hagiography of one of the most colorful literary figures of the 20th century. Lennon said that if he had Mailer’s approval, Mailer also had his back, giving him unfettered access to letters and other personal papers and in his interviews.
The story was published by The State Journal-Register on December 26, 2013.
Read the article online
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
UIS reminding students guns not allowed on campus
People in Illinois can start applying for a concealed carry permit on January 5, but the University of Illinois Springfield is reminding students guns are still not allowed on campus.
In just two weeks, legal gun owners in Illinois can carry weapons with a permit, but the Firearm Concealed Carry Act doesn't change the status quo for college campuses. UIS campus police want to make sure students and visitors know the rules.
When students return from winter break, they'll see signs posted all over campus.
"When they come in the doors, they will actually see a sign that says you cannot bring a loaded weapon into the buildings," said UIS police officer Cindy Law.
Illinois' new concealed carry law kicks in next month, but that does not include college campuses. UIS students tell us they're relieved they won't be seeing weapons at school.
"There's been a lot more of guns getting into schools recently. Like some of the elementary schools. So I think it's good to help get that awareness out," said UIS junior Kelsey Hill.
The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on December 24, 2013.
Watch the story online
In just two weeks, legal gun owners in Illinois can carry weapons with a permit, but the Firearm Concealed Carry Act doesn't change the status quo for college campuses. UIS campus police want to make sure students and visitors know the rules.
When students return from winter break, they'll see signs posted all over campus.
"When they come in the doors, they will actually see a sign that says you cannot bring a loaded weapon into the buildings," said UIS police officer Cindy Law.
Illinois' new concealed carry law kicks in next month, but that does not include college campuses. UIS students tell us they're relieved they won't be seeing weapons at school.
"There's been a lot more of guns getting into schools recently. Like some of the elementary schools. So I think it's good to help get that awareness out," said UIS junior Kelsey Hill.
The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on December 24, 2013.
Watch the story online
Friday, December 20, 2013
UIS signs four softball players for 2015
Coach Mat Mundell and the University of Illinois Springfield softball program signed four players to national letters of intent on Thursday.
Tess Hupe (St. Charles), Jordyn Larsen (Channahon), Rachel Goff (Edwardsville) and Brittany Miller (Washington) will join the Prairie Stars’ roster for the 2015 season.
“The number one thing about this recruiting class is the players all have championship backgrounds. They have all played for some of the best travel programs in the state,” Mundell said.
The story was featured in The State Journal-Register on December 20, 2013.
Read the article online
Tess Hupe (St. Charles), Jordyn Larsen (Channahon), Rachel Goff (Edwardsville) and Brittany Miller (Washington) will join the Prairie Stars’ roster for the 2015 season.
“The number one thing about this recruiting class is the players all have championship backgrounds. They have all played for some of the best travel programs in the state,” Mundell said.
The story was featured in The State Journal-Register on December 20, 2013.
Read the article online
Thursday, December 19, 2013
UIS announces Outstanding Master's Thesis/Project Award winner
The Research Board at University of Illinois Springfield announced the winner of its Outstanding Master's Thesis/Project Award.
Christopher L. Young, environmental studies, won for “Response of the Franklin's Ground Squirrel to Recreational Trail Development in Springfield, Illinois.” In addition, Nathan T. Grider, biology, received the Special Merit Award for “Growth, Condition, and Diet of Alligator Gar (Atractosteus Spatula) Released in Merwin Preserve.”
Other nominees were Adam Bell, educational leadership; Juanita Blanco, political science; Kristen Chenoweth, English; Ryan D. Nelson, history; and Blake Wood, communication.
The story was featured in The State Journal-Register on December 19, 2013.
Read the story online
Christopher L. Young, environmental studies, won for “Response of the Franklin's Ground Squirrel to Recreational Trail Development in Springfield, Illinois.” In addition, Nathan T. Grider, biology, received the Special Merit Award for “Growth, Condition, and Diet of Alligator Gar (Atractosteus Spatula) Released in Merwin Preserve.”
Other nominees were Adam Bell, educational leadership; Juanita Blanco, political science; Kristen Chenoweth, English; Ryan D. Nelson, history; and Blake Wood, communication.
The story was featured in The State Journal-Register on December 19, 2013.
Read the story online
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
3D printing making museum artifacts more accessible
Mike Miller’s first exposure to 3D printing occurred in 2005 while serving as a resident artist at EIGERlab in Rockford, where he had access to a commercial 3D printer that jets multiple modeling materials simultaneously. Similar equipment costs in the $500,000 range.
He was behind the recent purchase of a $2,800 MakerBot Replicator 2X for the University of Illinois at Springfield’s Department of Art, Music and Theatre, where he serves as chairman.
The story was published on December 18, 2013 in The State Journal-Register.
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He was behind the recent purchase of a $2,800 MakerBot Replicator 2X for the University of Illinois at Springfield’s Department of Art, Music and Theatre, where he serves as chairman.
The story was published on December 18, 2013 in The State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Prairie Stars' Kelly earns conference honor
Elizabeth Kelly has become the first player from the University of Illinois Springfield to be named Great Lakes Valley Conference Women’s Basketball Player of the Week.
In the Prairie Stars’ two games last week, Kelly registered back-to-back double-doubles against Robert Morris-Springfield and Taylor, averaging 13 points and 13 rebounds per game.
She began the week with 14 points, 16 rebounds and three assists in the Prairie Stars’ 89-60 win over Robert Morris on Nov. 10. Four days later, she shot 5-for-9 from the field for 12 points, pulled down 10 rebounds and made two steals in a 75-72 overtime victory against Taylor.
In the two games, she converted 12-for-17 (70.6 percent) from the field and 2-for-4 (.500) from the free throw line with 26 rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
The story was featured in The State Journal-Register on December 17, 2013.
Read the story online
In the Prairie Stars’ two games last week, Kelly registered back-to-back double-doubles against Robert Morris-Springfield and Taylor, averaging 13 points and 13 rebounds per game.
She began the week with 14 points, 16 rebounds and three assists in the Prairie Stars’ 89-60 win over Robert Morris on Nov. 10. Four days later, she shot 5-for-9 from the field for 12 points, pulled down 10 rebounds and made two steals in a 75-72 overtime victory against Taylor.
In the two games, she converted 12-for-17 (70.6 percent) from the field and 2-for-4 (.500) from the free throw line with 26 rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
The story was featured in The State Journal-Register on December 17, 2013.
Read the story online
Monday, December 16, 2013
UIS alumni: Don't change Prairie Stars nickname
University of Illinois Springfield alumna Dana Goodrum wore with pride a blue “Prairie Stars” T-shirt Saturday during back-to-back basketball games at The Recreation and Athletic Center.
She’s one of the 510 UIS alumni who have signed an online petition opposing changing the schools’s athletic teams’ nickname, which dates back to 1977. Goodrum encouraged current students and alumni on Saturday to don “Prairie Star Pride” stickers and wave signs supporting the long-standing nickname.
“Our presence today alone, I think we’ve delivered a big enough message to the chancellor and to the community,” she said. The process of exploring alternatives to the Prairie Stars nickname began last year, when the Student Government Association conducted an on-campus survey that indicated 75 percent of respondents wanted a change.
Goodrum and another alumni representative, Shelly Runyard, handed a printout of the petition to UIS Chancellor Susan Koch and Student Government Association president Aaron Mulvey before Saturday’s games. Goodrum said Koch and Mulvey were “very attentive” and listened to their concerns.
The task force formed to analyze the potential name change is expected to submit a report to the chancellor within a month. Koch is expected to make a decision early next year.
The story was published on December 15, 2013 in The State Journal-Register.
Read the article on line
She’s one of the 510 UIS alumni who have signed an online petition opposing changing the schools’s athletic teams’ nickname, which dates back to 1977. Goodrum encouraged current students and alumni on Saturday to don “Prairie Star Pride” stickers and wave signs supporting the long-standing nickname.
“Our presence today alone, I think we’ve delivered a big enough message to the chancellor and to the community,” she said. The process of exploring alternatives to the Prairie Stars nickname began last year, when the Student Government Association conducted an on-campus survey that indicated 75 percent of respondents wanted a change.
Goodrum and another alumni representative, Shelly Runyard, handed a printout of the petition to UIS Chancellor Susan Koch and Student Government Association president Aaron Mulvey before Saturday’s games. Goodrum said Koch and Mulvey were “very attentive” and listened to their concerns.
The task force formed to analyze the potential name change is expected to submit a report to the chancellor within a month. Koch is expected to make a decision early next year.
The story was published on December 15, 2013 in The State Journal-Register.
Read the article on line
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Accessibility upgrades coming at UIS
Work is expected to begin early next semester on upgrading accessibility at the University of Illinois Springfield campus.
Gov. Pat Quinn’s office on Thursday announced a capital investment of more than $542,000 to upgrade accessibility at UIS.
The project was approved several months ago as part of Quinn’s $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! Program, but the contract for the work was only recently awarded.
“This work will upgrade accessibility on campus so all students, staff and visitors can have equal access to the university’s services and programs,” Quinn said in a press release. “The project will also employ a number of construction workers, which will help the local economy.”
The contract was awarded to Johnco Construction of Mackinaw, the lowest of seven bidders at $542,6000. It includes Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades including restroom renovation, new signs, assistive listening systems, additional handicapped parking and wheelchair accessibility accommodations, campus telephones and accessible drinking fountains.
The work also will include new fume hoods and emergency shower controls in science labs.
The story was published on December 13, 2013 in The State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
Gov. Pat Quinn’s office on Thursday announced a capital investment of more than $542,000 to upgrade accessibility at UIS.
The project was approved several months ago as part of Quinn’s $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! Program, but the contract for the work was only recently awarded.
“This work will upgrade accessibility on campus so all students, staff and visitors can have equal access to the university’s services and programs,” Quinn said in a press release. “The project will also employ a number of construction workers, which will help the local economy.”
The contract was awarded to Johnco Construction of Mackinaw, the lowest of seven bidders at $542,6000. It includes Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades including restroom renovation, new signs, assistive listening systems, additional handicapped parking and wheelchair accessibility accommodations, campus telephones and accessible drinking fountains.
The work also will include new fume hoods and emergency shower controls in science labs.
The story was published on December 13, 2013 in The State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
Auction to benefit UIS art gallery
Artist ANN E. COULTER of Peoria has an art piece in the silent auction benefit at the University of Illinois Springfield that at least met its minimum bid (as of Monday).
Coulter’s “AWAY # 4” pastel drawing on vintage postcard had a minimum bid of $50. The piece’s pastel drawing offers deep blues in a landscape setting on a vintage postcard that has writings such as “c/o The Brickyard at New Bedford” and a 1-cent Benjamin Franklin postage stamp.
Broadly described as a landscape artist on Facebook, Coulter’s pastel drawings are from photographs she takes of “weedy little patches of nothing and nowhere” in central Illinois.
Coulter’s artwork is among dozens of original works of art donated for the UIS VISUAL ARTS GALLERY 2013 SILENT AUCTION BENEFIT.
Final bidding and a closing reception will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 at the gallery, Room 201 of the Health and Sciences Building at UIS. The UIS Music Camerata will perform from 5 to 7 p.m. during the closing reception.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on December 12, 2013.
Read the article online
Coulter’s “AWAY # 4” pastel drawing on vintage postcard had a minimum bid of $50. The piece’s pastel drawing offers deep blues in a landscape setting on a vintage postcard that has writings such as “c/o The Brickyard at New Bedford” and a 1-cent Benjamin Franklin postage stamp.
Broadly described as a landscape artist on Facebook, Coulter’s pastel drawings are from photographs she takes of “weedy little patches of nothing and nowhere” in central Illinois.
Coulter’s artwork is among dozens of original works of art donated for the UIS VISUAL ARTS GALLERY 2013 SILENT AUCTION BENEFIT.
Final bidding and a closing reception will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 at the gallery, Room 201 of the Health and Sciences Building at UIS. The UIS Music Camerata will perform from 5 to 7 p.m. during the closing reception.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on December 12, 2013.
Read the article online
Quick start keys UIS women's basketall win
The University of Illinois Springfield opened the game on a 29-6 run and never looked back in an 89-60 victory Tuesday night over Robert Morris Springfield at the Recreation and Athletic Center.
The Prairie Stars shot a season-high 52 percent from the field, and the 89 points are the most they have scored this season.
UIS senior Elizabeth Kelly recorded her third double-double in as many games, scoring 14 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. Senior Megan Bergerud scored a team-high 20 points on 9-for-15 shooting. Bergerud has scored at least 20 points in three of the last four games.
Senior guard Alyssa Palmer chipped in with 13 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals. Juniors Cassie Wolfe and Gwen Zehner each added 10 points.
They win was featured by The State Journal-Register on December 12, 2013.
Read the article online
The Prairie Stars shot a season-high 52 percent from the field, and the 89 points are the most they have scored this season.
UIS senior Elizabeth Kelly recorded her third double-double in as many games, scoring 14 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. Senior Megan Bergerud scored a team-high 20 points on 9-for-15 shooting. Bergerud has scored at least 20 points in three of the last four games.
Senior guard Alyssa Palmer chipped in with 13 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals. Juniors Cassie Wolfe and Gwen Zehner each added 10 points.
They win was featured by The State Journal-Register on December 12, 2013.
Read the article online
Goff will continue playing at U of I Springfield
The decision to attend the University of Illinois Springfield to play softball has been the culmination of a lot of years and efforts on the field for Metro-East Lutheran’s Rachel Goff and it’s one she’s happy to have made.
Goff, who has also played select softball in the St. Louis Fusion organization since she was 12, thought UIS was the perfect fit for her future.
“It was definitely closer to home and I really liked the coaches,” Goff said. “It was really a beautiful campus. They’re definitely building their program and I look forward to helping them in the future.”
The Prairie Stars play Division II in the Great Lakes Valley Conference and finished 21-28 last season and 15-19 in the GLVC.
The story was published in the Edwardsville Intelligencer on December 12, 2013.
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Goff, who has also played select softball in the St. Louis Fusion organization since she was 12, thought UIS was the perfect fit for her future.
“It was definitely closer to home and I really liked the coaches,” Goff said. “It was really a beautiful campus. They’re definitely building their program and I look forward to helping them in the future.”
The Prairie Stars play Division II in the Great Lakes Valley Conference and finished 21-28 last season and 15-19 in the GLVC.
The story was published in the Edwardsville Intelligencer on December 12, 2013.
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Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Springfield Day Saturday at UIS
The University of Illinois Springfield will host City of Springfield Day at its men’s and women’s basketball games Saturday.
The women’s team plays Taylor University at 1 p.m. The men’s team plays Trevecca Nazarene at 3 p.m. UIS will honor the 2013 State Journal-Register First Citizen Wally Henderson and previous award winners at halftime of the men’s contest.
Anyone who brings an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots will receive a half-price ticket.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on December 11, 2013.
Read the story online
The women’s team plays Taylor University at 1 p.m. The men’s team plays Trevecca Nazarene at 3 p.m. UIS will honor the 2013 State Journal-Register First Citizen Wally Henderson and previous award winners at halftime of the men’s contest.
Anyone who brings an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots will receive a half-price ticket.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on December 11, 2013.
Read the story online
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Prairie Stars supporters lobbying to retain UIS nickname
University of Illinois Springfield alumni opposing any change to the Prairie Stars athletic teams’ nickname will be pressing their case at this Saturday’s basketball games at UIS.
“We thought about setting up a table and taking the petition with us,” said Dana Goodrum, a UIS graduate and one of the organizers of a petition drive to encourage the school to retain the nickname it has had since 1977. “But we decided we’d just be there and talk with people during the games.”
She said alumni will be at both the men’s and women’s basketball games at The Recreation and Athletic Center wearing Prairie Stars shirts and providing Prairie Stars stickers to those who don’t have a logo shirt. They also are encouraging people to bring posters showing support for the current nickname.
“Our biggest hope is to see an overwhelming response to show the administration that current students may not understand the history of the university,” Goodrum said. “There are 37 years’ worth of alums who do.”
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on December 10, 2013.
Read the story online
“We thought about setting up a table and taking the petition with us,” said Dana Goodrum, a UIS graduate and one of the organizers of a petition drive to encourage the school to retain the nickname it has had since 1977. “But we decided we’d just be there and talk with people during the games.”
She said alumni will be at both the men’s and women’s basketball games at The Recreation and Athletic Center wearing Prairie Stars shirts and providing Prairie Stars stickers to those who don’t have a logo shirt. They also are encouraging people to bring posters showing support for the current nickname.
“Our biggest hope is to see an overwhelming response to show the administration that current students may not understand the history of the university,” Goodrum said. “There are 37 years’ worth of alums who do.”
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on December 10, 2013.
Read the story online
UI explores other pension options
The University of Illinois is looking into a supplemental retirement plan. Last week, after pension reform passed at the Capitol, UI President Bob Easter, sent a letter to staff stating leaders are exploring different options because the one on the table just isn't going to work.
The University of Illinois is known for its strong academics and research. That's why students and staff from all over the world choose to come here. But, that reputation could be in jeopardy.
"I don't know what to say to people to bring them here. 'Stay for the high taxes. Stay for a pension that might or might not happen.' I don't know how to sell the university anymore," said Jorge Villegas.
Villegas teaches at UIS. He's one of many who worry changes to pensions will drive away top-notch professors, creating a ripple effect throughout the university.
"They bring the best research, the bring the research dollars. You see students choosing based on who's doing the research at the university. Without them, really, the University of Illinois wouldn't be as strong as it is right now."
Villegas was featured on WCIA-TV on December 9, 2013.
Watch the story online
The University of Illinois is known for its strong academics and research. That's why students and staff from all over the world choose to come here. But, that reputation could be in jeopardy.
"I don't know what to say to people to bring them here. 'Stay for the high taxes. Stay for a pension that might or might not happen.' I don't know how to sell the university anymore," said Jorge Villegas.
Villegas teaches at UIS. He's one of many who worry changes to pensions will drive away top-notch professors, creating a ripple effect throughout the university.
"They bring the best research, the bring the research dollars. You see students choosing based on who's doing the research at the university. Without them, really, the University of Illinois wouldn't be as strong as it is right now."
Villegas was featured on WCIA-TV on December 9, 2013.
Watch the story online
UIS' diamond in the rough
The University of Illinois Springfield is determined to have its new on-campus baseball field ready for the upcoming season.
That explains why first-year coach Chris Ramirez, recruiting coordinator Jordan Banfield and pitching coach Jason LaRocque spent one of the coldest days so far this winter preparing the bullpen area. Despite 24-degree temperatures that felt like 14 degrees and a strong wind, the trio was hard at work with rakes Thursday afternoon.
UIS begins practice Jan. 21, opens the season March 1 and plays its first home doubleheader March 15 against Missouri S&T.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on December 8, 2013.
Read the story online
That explains why first-year coach Chris Ramirez, recruiting coordinator Jordan Banfield and pitching coach Jason LaRocque spent one of the coldest days so far this winter preparing the bullpen area. Despite 24-degree temperatures that felt like 14 degrees and a strong wind, the trio was hard at work with rakes Thursday afternoon.
UIS begins practice Jan. 21, opens the season March 1 and plays its first home doubleheader March 15 against Missouri S&T.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on December 8, 2013.
Read the story online
Monday, December 9, 2013
Koch: Scholarship contributions invest in students' futures
The following is a part of a guest column written by UIS Chancellor Susan J. Koch. It was published in the December 8, 2013 edition of The State Journal-Register.
"December is a time of year when acts of generosity are perhaps more visible than usual; but, as chancellor of the Springfield campus of the University of Illinois, I see the very tangible impact of generosity every day all year round. The generosity I’m talking about is that of the friends, alumni and supporters of our university who invest in talented students by providing them with scholarships to attend college.
According to a recent “Who Pays” analysis, only about one-third of undergraduate students who attend UIS are able to pay for college using their own family resources. For the other two-thirds, the greatest obstacle to attaining a college degree is financial. It is a scholarship provided by a generous donor that makes all the difference."
Read the full column on the SJ-R website
"December is a time of year when acts of generosity are perhaps more visible than usual; but, as chancellor of the Springfield campus of the University of Illinois, I see the very tangible impact of generosity every day all year round. The generosity I’m talking about is that of the friends, alumni and supporters of our university who invest in talented students by providing them with scholarships to attend college.
According to a recent “Who Pays” analysis, only about one-third of undergraduate students who attend UIS are able to pay for college using their own family resources. For the other two-thirds, the greatest obstacle to attaining a college degree is financial. It is a scholarship provided by a generous donor that makes all the difference."
Read the full column on the SJ-R website
UIS men's basketball team uses balance to beat Robert Morris
The University of Illinois Springfield men’s basketball team is receiving contributions from many sources, while Robert Morris University presently lacks the depth needed in games.
UIS got a balanced effort in a 93-79 non-conference win against RMU Saturday at The Recreation and Athletic Center. The Prairie Stars (3-4) have won the last four games against RMU (5-6).
Five UIS players scored in double figures. On the opposite end of the spectrum, guard Denzell Walker scored more than a third of RMU’s points. The only senior on the Eagles’ roster led all scorers with 32 points. UIS sophomore guard Jamall Millison scored a career-high 24 points, including five 3-pointers. Junior guard Jacob Williams added 22 points and eight rebounds.
“We got a lot of guys who can score the ball in different ways,” UIS coach Ben Wierzba said. “We had 22 assists on 33 field goals. That’s good. We’re sharing the ball, making the extra pass and getting good shots. That showed in the first half. In the second half, we let up a little bit.”
The win was reported by The State Journal-Register on December 8, 2013.
Read the story online
UIS got a balanced effort in a 93-79 non-conference win against RMU Saturday at The Recreation and Athletic Center. The Prairie Stars (3-4) have won the last four games against RMU (5-6).
Five UIS players scored in double figures. On the opposite end of the spectrum, guard Denzell Walker scored more than a third of RMU’s points. The only senior on the Eagles’ roster led all scorers with 32 points. UIS sophomore guard Jamall Millison scored a career-high 24 points, including five 3-pointers. Junior guard Jacob Williams added 22 points and eight rebounds.
“We got a lot of guys who can score the ball in different ways,” UIS coach Ben Wierzba said. “We had 22 assists on 33 field goals. That’s good. We’re sharing the ball, making the extra pass and getting good shots. That showed in the first half. In the second half, we let up a little bit.”
The win was reported by The State Journal-Register on December 8, 2013.
Read the story online
Iowa senior headed to UIS to play golf
Southeast Polk senior Jordan Neyens has signed to play golf at the University of Illinois at Springfield next year.
Neyens averaged 47.6 strokes per nine holes last season for the Rams.
She selected the University of Illinois at Springfield following a recent campus visit.
“I really enjoyed the campus and like how the class sizes are smaller. Plus, I really connected with the team. The weather is warmer, too. I don’t like snow,” Neyens said.
The story was featured in the Des Moines Register on December 6, 2013.
Read the story online
Neyens averaged 47.6 strokes per nine holes last season for the Rams.
She selected the University of Illinois at Springfield following a recent campus visit.
“I really enjoyed the campus and like how the class sizes are smaller. Plus, I really connected with the team. The weather is warmer, too. I don’t like snow,” Neyens said.
The story was featured in the Des Moines Register on December 6, 2013.
Read the story online
Thursday, December 5, 2013
State of the arts: Allison Lacher
Allison Lacher was an accomplished installation artist when she moved to Springfield from Utah a few years ago to accompany her husband who had been hired as a professor in the business department at UIS. A frustrating period of dormancy followed, but Lacher has since rallied to become an essential conduit for the local fine art scene.
Her position as manager of the Visual Arts Gallery at UIS, where she is also an instructor, has provided a link to the local arts establishment and gives her a legitimacy that has been useful in forging connections between Springfield and the wider world of art.
In addition to presenting visiting artists at the university gallery, she has been able to facilitate connections between the local grassroots Pharmacy collective and similar groups in other towns. This year she, along with UIS Visual Arts Gallery Director Jeff Robinson, volunteered time to help found and curate the DEMO Project, a sui generis, artist-run gallery located on the campus of the Springfield Art Association. The DEMO Project continually presents work by eminent, contemporary artists from Chicago, New York City and elsewhere.
Lacher was featured by the Illinois Times on December 5, 2013.
Read the article online
Her position as manager of the Visual Arts Gallery at UIS, where she is also an instructor, has provided a link to the local arts establishment and gives her a legitimacy that has been useful in forging connections between Springfield and the wider world of art.
In addition to presenting visiting artists at the university gallery, she has been able to facilitate connections between the local grassroots Pharmacy collective and similar groups in other towns. This year she, along with UIS Visual Arts Gallery Director Jeff Robinson, volunteered time to help found and curate the DEMO Project, a sui generis, artist-run gallery located on the campus of the Springfield Art Association. The DEMO Project continually presents work by eminent, contemporary artists from Chicago, New York City and elsewhere.
Lacher was featured by the Illinois Times on December 5, 2013.
Read the article online
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Bergerud tops 1,000 career points
Lyndi Tedder’s layup with five seconds left on the clock lifted Oakland City to a 73-71 win against the University of Illinois Springfield in a non-conference game at The Recreation and Athletic Center.
Senior Megan Bergerud missed a 3-pointer for UIS (1-4) with one second remaining. She finished with a game-high 24 points to become the first UIS player to surpass the 1,000-point scoring mark in NCAA Division II. She has 1,007 career points.
The Prairie Stars’ Elizabeth Kelly added 12 points and 17 rebounds, 12 on the offensive end.
The game was featured by The State Journal-Register on December 4, 2013.
Read the story online
Senior Megan Bergerud missed a 3-pointer for UIS (1-4) with one second remaining. She finished with a game-high 24 points to become the first UIS player to surpass the 1,000-point scoring mark in NCAA Division II. She has 1,007 career points.
The Prairie Stars’ Elizabeth Kelly added 12 points and 17 rebounds, 12 on the offensive end.
The game was featured by The State Journal-Register on December 4, 2013.
Read the story online
UIS baseball adds three recruits
Gabe Acevedo, Todd Phelps and Trevor Smith have signed letters of intent to play baseball in 2015 at the University of Illinois Springfield.
Acevedo is a third baseman at Oakton Community College in Iowa. Phelps is an outfielder at Jackson College in Michigan. Smith is a pitcher and outfielder for Fort Zumwalt East High School in suburban St. Louis.
Fourteen recruits have signed with the Prairie Stars during the early signing period.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on December 4, 2013.
Read the article online
Acevedo is a third baseman at Oakton Community College in Iowa. Phelps is an outfielder at Jackson College in Michigan. Smith is a pitcher and outfielder for Fort Zumwalt East High School in suburban St. Louis.
Fourteen recruits have signed with the Prairie Stars during the early signing period.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on December 4, 2013.
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UI, other universities oppose pension proposal
University of Illinois President Robert Easter and other leaders of the state's public universities have come out in opposition to the pension reform plan expected to be called for a vote on Tuesday.
In letters sent to House Speaker Mike Madigan, Senate President John Cullerton and other legislative leaders, Easter and the presidents of Southern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Illinois State University and other state universities expressed "profound disappointment" in the legislation.
Easter and his staff spent much of Monday reading the 325-page bill posted that morning. As expected, it calls for a number of changes: the cost-of-living increases for retiree payments would be based on years of service and the consumer price index; it proposes a cap (currently $109,971) on how much salary can be used to calculate pension benefits; and it pushes back the retirement age for some workers, among other changes.
"It's pretty straightforward," Easter said about his opposition to the legislation. "The COLA adjustment and other provisions just make it, we think, a very significant impairment to higher education in Illinois and in particular, our ability to recruit and retain the kind of faculty and staff we need to be the kind of university the state wants us to be," Easter told The News-Gazette.
The story was published in the Champaign News-Gazette on December 3, 2013.
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In letters sent to House Speaker Mike Madigan, Senate President John Cullerton and other legislative leaders, Easter and the presidents of Southern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Illinois State University and other state universities expressed "profound disappointment" in the legislation.
Easter and his staff spent much of Monday reading the 325-page bill posted that morning. As expected, it calls for a number of changes: the cost-of-living increases for retiree payments would be based on years of service and the consumer price index; it proposes a cap (currently $109,971) on how much salary can be used to calculate pension benefits; and it pushes back the retirement age for some workers, among other changes.
"It's pretty straightforward," Easter said about his opposition to the legislation. "The COLA adjustment and other provisions just make it, we think, a very significant impairment to higher education in Illinois and in particular, our ability to recruit and retain the kind of faculty and staff we need to be the kind of university the state wants us to be," Easter told The News-Gazette.
The story was published in the Champaign News-Gazette on December 3, 2013.
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Monday, December 2, 2013
International students get a taste of Thanksgiving
University of Illinois Springfield employees Bud and Cathy Price had a not-quite-traditional Thanksgiving Wednesday, to be followed by another, more recognizable version today.
The Prices, both in their 60s, figure their traveling days are over, so they occasionally have the world over to their house for dinner. Wednesday was one of those times.
Six UIS graduate students from India came to the Prices’ home Wednesday as part of a program that links international students with American host families to experience traditional American holidays and customs. About 30 students and 10 host families — UIS employees, students and their families, and community members — are taking part this Thanksgiving in the program coordinated by UIS International Student Services.
“We saw Thanksgiving only in movies and TV series,” said Patil Ameya, one of the students. “We want to get to know about it.”
Srujana Mulpuri said she had been in the United States for a month previously, but not at Thanksgiving. She wants to experience the tradition of a holiday for which she said there is no equivalent in India.
“And I’m just expecting to meet everyone,” she said.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on November 28, 2013.
Read the story online
The Prices, both in their 60s, figure their traveling days are over, so they occasionally have the world over to their house for dinner. Wednesday was one of those times.
Six UIS graduate students from India came to the Prices’ home Wednesday as part of a program that links international students with American host families to experience traditional American holidays and customs. About 30 students and 10 host families — UIS employees, students and their families, and community members — are taking part this Thanksgiving in the program coordinated by UIS International Student Services.
“We saw Thanksgiving only in movies and TV series,” said Patil Ameya, one of the students. “We want to get to know about it.”
Srujana Mulpuri said she had been in the United States for a month previously, but not at Thanksgiving. She wants to experience the tradition of a holiday for which she said there is no equivalent in India.
“And I’m just expecting to meet everyone,” she said.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on November 28, 2013.
Read the story online
UIS international students have first Thanksgiving
Several local students are experiencing Thanksgiving for the very first time.
The Office of International Student Services at the University of Illinois Springfield teams up exchange students with host families. The goal is to make sure everyone can feel the joy of the holiday even if they are thousands of miles away from home
This year 28 international students were able to sit down with eight host families for turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and all the other trimmings.
"Since we have Thanksgiving here every single year I had to ask my grandma. I said, 'Hey, how do you think about... Do you feel about... You know having strangers come to the house?' And see said, 'Oh no, that will be fun!'" UIS Student Abby Lawley said.
The "strangers" Lawley is referring to are Meenal Lanke and Mukta Misal. The girls came to America to study computer science at UIS. Their home is just outside of Mumbai on the other side of the world.
The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on November 28, 2013.
Read the story online
The Office of International Student Services at the University of Illinois Springfield teams up exchange students with host families. The goal is to make sure everyone can feel the joy of the holiday even if they are thousands of miles away from home
This year 28 international students were able to sit down with eight host families for turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and all the other trimmings.
"Since we have Thanksgiving here every single year I had to ask my grandma. I said, 'Hey, how do you think about... Do you feel about... You know having strangers come to the house?' And see said, 'Oh no, that will be fun!'" UIS Student Abby Lawley said.
The "strangers" Lawley is referring to are Meenal Lanke and Mukta Misal. The girls came to America to study computer science at UIS. Their home is just outside of Mumbai on the other side of the world.
The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on November 28, 2013.
Read the story online
Monday, November 25, 2013
UIS examining its on-campus tobacco policy
Whether to change the school athletic teams’ nickname isn’t the only burning issue on the University of Illinois Springfield campus.
An email went out Nov. 11 to UIS students, faculty and staff asking them to participate in an online survey on the campus smoking policy, which currently bans smoking indoors in compliance with state law and allows smoking otherwise only in designated areas.
Surveys also are being taken at some on-campus events, and three public forums are scheduled to get more feedback on the issue.
A bill proposed in the legislature last spring would have banned smoking on all state university campuses. The bill didn’t get far, but UIS Chancellor Susan Koch decided the university should begin looking at the issue.
The University of Illinois Chicago’s campus went tobacco-free July 1, and the Urbana-Champaign campus is scheduled to go smoke-free Jan. 1, said UIS spokesman Derek Schnapp.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on November 23, 2013.
Read the story online
An email went out Nov. 11 to UIS students, faculty and staff asking them to participate in an online survey on the campus smoking policy, which currently bans smoking indoors in compliance with state law and allows smoking otherwise only in designated areas.
Surveys also are being taken at some on-campus events, and three public forums are scheduled to get more feedback on the issue.
A bill proposed in the legislature last spring would have banned smoking on all state university campuses. The bill didn’t get far, but UIS Chancellor Susan Koch decided the university should begin looking at the issue.
The University of Illinois Chicago’s campus went tobacco-free July 1, and the Urbana-Champaign campus is scheduled to go smoke-free Jan. 1, said UIS spokesman Derek Schnapp.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on November 23, 2013.
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Balanced UIS earns second straight men's basketball victory
Everyone got in on the action for the University of Illinois Springfield in its 88-73 victory against Missouri Western in a non-conference men’s basketball game Saturday.
Of the nine players who took the court for UIS, six scored in double figures. But another eye-catching statistic stood out and impressed UIS coach Ben Wierzba.
“We had 22 assists on 32 field goals,” he said. “That’s what we’ve got to do to be successful.”
For the first time since February 2012, UIS (2-2) has back-to-back wins. It defeated Cedarville 72-63 last Saturday.
UIS’ Regan Bruenger led all scorers with 18. Jacob Williams contributed 14 points and 12 rebounds. Dylan Sparkman, who was on the bench for a large portion of the first half with two fouls, added 16 points.
“That’s really good,” Wierzba said. “We shot 50 percent (from the field). We shot 53 (percent) from 3.”
The win was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 24, 2013.
Read the article online
Of the nine players who took the court for UIS, six scored in double figures. But another eye-catching statistic stood out and impressed UIS coach Ben Wierzba.
“We had 22 assists on 32 field goals,” he said. “That’s what we’ve got to do to be successful.”
For the first time since February 2012, UIS (2-2) has back-to-back wins. It defeated Cedarville 72-63 last Saturday.
UIS’ Regan Bruenger led all scorers with 18. Jacob Williams contributed 14 points and 12 rebounds. Dylan Sparkman, who was on the bench for a large portion of the first half with two fouls, added 16 points.
“That’s really good,” Wierzba said. “We shot 50 percent (from the field). We shot 53 (percent) from 3.”
The win was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 24, 2013.
Read the article online
Thursday, November 21, 2013
UIS athletic director Kim Pate keeps her eye on the ball
Three years ago, the athletic department at the University of Illinois Springfield faced criticism from several angles.
But those scandals faded after the new athletic director, Kim Pate, took the helm of the athletic department in June 2011. Pate and her team have improved participation, strengthened ties with the community, and set high expectations for themselves and their athletes. While Pate is quick to share the credit for the department’s improvement, her leadership seems to have been the catalyst for change, and she seems to have alleviated the concerns of even the department’s most vocal critic.
As Springfield’s largest institution of higher learning, UIS produces numerous graduates each year who stay in Springfield after college to live and work. Countless UIS graduates work in state government, health care, insurance and other industries that are vital to the capital city, so the success of UIS is tied to that of Springfield. A strong university athletic program is always a boon to the growth and prosperity of its host city, and Pate says college athletics is as much about learning life skills as it is about playing a sport.
“It’s an incredible opportunity for us to provide a comprehensive learning experience for students, where they get the classroom piece, but they get to learn beyond that,” she said. “They’re learning discipline and balance. We want them to go and do things beyond college and be leaders in the community.”
Pate was featured by the Illinois Times on November 21, 2013.
Read the article online
But those scandals faded after the new athletic director, Kim Pate, took the helm of the athletic department in June 2011. Pate and her team have improved participation, strengthened ties with the community, and set high expectations for themselves and their athletes. While Pate is quick to share the credit for the department’s improvement, her leadership seems to have been the catalyst for change, and she seems to have alleviated the concerns of even the department’s most vocal critic.
As Springfield’s largest institution of higher learning, UIS produces numerous graduates each year who stay in Springfield after college to live and work. Countless UIS graduates work in state government, health care, insurance and other industries that are vital to the capital city, so the success of UIS is tied to that of Springfield. A strong university athletic program is always a boon to the growth and prosperity of its host city, and Pate says college athletics is as much about learning life skills as it is about playing a sport.
“It’s an incredible opportunity for us to provide a comprehensive learning experience for students, where they get the classroom piece, but they get to learn beyond that,” she said. “They’re learning discipline and balance. We want them to go and do things beyond college and be leaders in the community.”
Pate was featured by the Illinois Times on November 21, 2013.
Read the article online
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
SJ-R Editorial: Back to the drawing board with UIS mascot options
Coming up with a good school mascot is a difficult assignment, as evidenced by the options presented this week to students, alumni and staff of the University of Illinois Springfield.
The school’s athletics sports teams currently are known as the Prairie Stars, a nickname that dates back to 1977 when UIS was Sangamon State University.
Students have asked for a new, modern mascot, although alumni have indicated they are OK with continuing the Prairie Stars tradition. UIS hired Louisville, Ky., consultant Studio Simon to come up with some possibilities.
The company proposed four: Mammoths, Sabers, Stampede and Springers. The suggested mascots are – to put it as delicately as possible – strange. It’s almost as if the consultants took a stroll through the Illinois State Museum to mine ideas.
The editorial was published on November 20, 2013 in The State Journal-Register.
Read the editorial online
The school’s athletics sports teams currently are known as the Prairie Stars, a nickname that dates back to 1977 when UIS was Sangamon State University.
Students have asked for a new, modern mascot, although alumni have indicated they are OK with continuing the Prairie Stars tradition. UIS hired Louisville, Ky., consultant Studio Simon to come up with some possibilities.
The company proposed four: Mammoths, Sabers, Stampede and Springers. The suggested mascots are – to put it as delicately as possible – strange. It’s almost as if the consultants took a stroll through the Illinois State Museum to mine ideas.
The editorial was published on November 20, 2013 in The State Journal-Register.
Read the editorial online
UIS baseball coach works on recruiting, new field
It is an understatement to say the past 18 weeks have been busy for University of Illinois Springfield baseball coach Chris Ramirez.
Since he was hired in the middle of July, he has managed many tasks, including helping design a place for the Prairie Stars to play on campus.
“It’s been an extremely productive fall,” Ramirez said. “We’ve taken on a lot, but I feel like we’re getting a lot accomplished.”
Ramirez announced his first recruiting class for the 2015 season last week. Two weeks ago, the Stars wrapped their 45-day fall season. Ramirez and his staff have organized a youth camp Thanksgiving week plus an indoor winter league. They’re planning a banquet to introduce the team in February. They’ve started a baseball booster club under the athletic department’s STARS Club.
Then there’s the monumental task of changing the Stars’ practice diamond to a home field.
After playing its first three seasons away from UIS, the school will soon have its own baseball field located on campus across from The Recreation and Athletic Center. In the past, the Stars played the majority of their home contests at Chatham Community Park with occasional games at Chamberlain Park and Lanphier Park.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 20, 2013.
Read the story online
Since he was hired in the middle of July, he has managed many tasks, including helping design a place for the Prairie Stars to play on campus.
“It’s been an extremely productive fall,” Ramirez said. “We’ve taken on a lot, but I feel like we’re getting a lot accomplished.”
Ramirez announced his first recruiting class for the 2015 season last week. Two weeks ago, the Stars wrapped their 45-day fall season. Ramirez and his staff have organized a youth camp Thanksgiving week plus an indoor winter league. They’re planning a banquet to introduce the team in February. They’ve started a baseball booster club under the athletic department’s STARS Club.
Then there’s the monumental task of changing the Stars’ practice diamond to a home field.
After playing its first three seasons away from UIS, the school will soon have its own baseball field located on campus across from The Recreation and Athletic Center. In the past, the Stars played the majority of their home contests at Chatham Community Park with occasional games at Chamberlain Park and Lanphier Park.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 20, 2013.
Read the story online
UIS volleyball team signs setter
Champaign Centennial High School setter Lexi Hall has signed a letter of intent to play volleyball for the University of Illinois Springfield next season.
She recorded 1,789 assists, 459 digs and 155 aces and helped Centennial to a 134-15 record over four years. Centennial advanced to a Class 3A supersectional this season and placed third at state in 2012. She also played for the Prime Time Volleyball Club team that won two consecutive Windy City Power League Titles and placed 11th at the national tournament.
Hall is the first recruit to sign with the Prairie Stars for the 2014 season.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on November 20, 2013.
Read the story online
She recorded 1,789 assists, 459 digs and 155 aces and helped Centennial to a 134-15 record over four years. Centennial advanced to a Class 3A supersectional this season and placed third at state in 2012. She also played for the Prime Time Volleyball Club team that won two consecutive Windy City Power League Titles and placed 11th at the national tournament.
Hall is the first recruit to sign with the Prairie Stars for the 2014 season.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on November 20, 2013.
Read the story online
Monday, November 18, 2013
UIS to hold meetings about possibly changing 'Prairie Stars' nickname
University of Illinois Springfield officials will hold three public forums on campus next week to gather feedback about possibly changing the school's longtime nickname and mascot, the Prairie Stars.
The forums are scheduled for noon and 5:30 p.m. Monday in the Lincoln Residence Hall Great Room and 9 p.m. Tuesday in The Recreation and Athletic Center.
UIS' Student Government Association will present six nicknames in the running to be the school's nickname and mascot. A news release issued by UIS Friday said two of the names are the existing "Prairie Stars" and the shortened "Stars." The other four choices won't be revealed until next week's meetings.
The six names were suggested by a consultant paid for by the UIS chancellor's office, said Aaron Mulvey, the SGA president and a senior communications/political science major.
The process to possibly move away from the Prairie Stars name began in earnest last year, when the SGA conducted a survey on campus that indicated 75 percent of respondents wanted a change, Mulvey said.
A task force consisting of students, faculty and others from UIS was then created to analyze the issue. Following next week's meetings, which will provide an opportunity for people to vote for their favorite name, the task force will submit a report to UIS Chancellor Susan Koch, who will make the final decision on the name.
In addition to voting at a meeting, people also can submit their feedback about the names by emailing uissga@uis.edu.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on November 16, 2013.
Read the story online
The forums are scheduled for noon and 5:30 p.m. Monday in the Lincoln Residence Hall Great Room and 9 p.m. Tuesday in The Recreation and Athletic Center.
UIS' Student Government Association will present six nicknames in the running to be the school's nickname and mascot. A news release issued by UIS Friday said two of the names are the existing "Prairie Stars" and the shortened "Stars." The other four choices won't be revealed until next week's meetings.
The six names were suggested by a consultant paid for by the UIS chancellor's office, said Aaron Mulvey, the SGA president and a senior communications/political science major.
The process to possibly move away from the Prairie Stars name began in earnest last year, when the SGA conducted a survey on campus that indicated 75 percent of respondents wanted a change, Mulvey said.
A task force consisting of students, faculty and others from UIS was then created to analyze the issue. Following next week's meetings, which will provide an opportunity for people to vote for their favorite name, the task force will submit a report to UIS Chancellor Susan Koch, who will make the final decision on the name.
In addition to voting at a meeting, people also can submit their feedback about the names by emailing uissga@uis.edu.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on November 16, 2013.
Read the story online
UIS lectures look at Lincoln, Gettysburg
In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address, two lectures devoted to the address comprise the Lincoln Legacy Lecture Series from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the University of Illinois Springfield.
Martin P. Johnson, assistant professor of history at Miami University of Ohio-Hamilton will speak on “Lincoln’s Journey to Gettysburg.”
Joseph Fornieri, professor of political science at Rochester Institute of Technology, will present a lecture entitled “Abraham Lincoln’s Faith in the Gettysburg Address.”
Michael Burlingame, Naomi B. Lynn Distinguished Chair in Lincoln Studies at UIS, will make opening remarks and moderate.
Johnson is the author of the forthcoming book “Writing the Gettysburg Address (University of Kansas Press, 2013), and Fornieri has written several books on Lincoln including the forthcoming “Lincoln, Philosopher Statesman” (Southern Illinois University Press, 2014).
The lectures in Brookens Auditorium are free and open to the public, and no reservations are required. Overflow seating is in Public Affairs Center Room C/D.
The lecture is sponsored by the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership in cooperation with Burlingame and has several co-sponsors.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 16, 2013.
Read the story online
Martin P. Johnson, assistant professor of history at Miami University of Ohio-Hamilton will speak on “Lincoln’s Journey to Gettysburg.”
Joseph Fornieri, professor of political science at Rochester Institute of Technology, will present a lecture entitled “Abraham Lincoln’s Faith in the Gettysburg Address.”
Michael Burlingame, Naomi B. Lynn Distinguished Chair in Lincoln Studies at UIS, will make opening remarks and moderate.
Johnson is the author of the forthcoming book “Writing the Gettysburg Address (University of Kansas Press, 2013), and Fornieri has written several books on Lincoln including the forthcoming “Lincoln, Philosopher Statesman” (Southern Illinois University Press, 2014).
The lectures in Brookens Auditorium are free and open to the public, and no reservations are required. Overflow seating is in Public Affairs Center Room C/D.
The lecture is sponsored by the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership in cooperation with Burlingame and has several co-sponsors.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 16, 2013.
Read the story online
UIS men's baskball finishes off Cedarville
The University of Illinois Springfield never trailed in its 72-63 men’s basketball win over Cedarville on Saturday, but it wasn’t quite the comfortable finish the Prairie Stars would have liked in the home opener at The Recreation and Athletic Center.
“We stepped up and found a way to finish,” UIS coach Ben Wierzba said.
Junior Dylan Sparkman’s layup with 9 minutes 26 seconds left in the second half gave UIS a 15-point lead. That shot ended up being the last field goal for the Stars (1-2).
“We started relaxing a little bit,” Wierzba said. “We’ve got to keep being aggressive and attacking. We can’t relax. That means we have to screen a little bit harder and cut a little bit tighter, and attack. We’ve got to finish.”
The win was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 17, 2013.
Read the story online
“We stepped up and found a way to finish,” UIS coach Ben Wierzba said.
Junior Dylan Sparkman’s layup with 9 minutes 26 seconds left in the second half gave UIS a 15-point lead. That shot ended up being the last field goal for the Stars (1-2).
“We started relaxing a little bit,” Wierzba said. “We’ve got to keep being aggressive and attacking. We can’t relax. That means we have to screen a little bit harder and cut a little bit tighter, and attack. We’ve got to finish.”
The win was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 17, 2013.
Read the story online
UIS volleyball finishes with victory
The University of Illinois Springfield closed out its season with a 27-29, 26-24, 25-21,27-25 victory over Wisconsin-Parkside in a Great Lakes Valley Conference match Saturday at The Recreation and Athletic Center.
JoAnna Hoffman amassed 37 assists, 11 kills, 11 digs and three aces for the Prairie Stars, who finish with an 8-20 overall record and a 4-14 conference mark. Sara Baker also had 11 kills for UIS. Teammate Kellee Mahaffay added 10 kills.
The four-set match against Wisconsin-Parkside (18-13, 8-10) was a tug of war. There were 26 ties and 13 lead changes.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 17, 2013.
Read the story online
JoAnna Hoffman amassed 37 assists, 11 kills, 11 digs and three aces for the Prairie Stars, who finish with an 8-20 overall record and a 4-14 conference mark. Sara Baker also had 11 kills for UIS. Teammate Kellee Mahaffay added 10 kills.
The four-set match against Wisconsin-Parkside (18-13, 8-10) was a tug of war. There were 26 ties and 13 lead changes.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 17, 2013.
Read the story online
Friday, November 15, 2013
UIS professor speaks about online dating at Notre Dame
In the 21st century, technology revolutionized nearly every aspect of learning and educating, but it also changed the face of a much more personal aspect of our lives: dating.
Dr. Elizbeth Ribarsky, assistant professor of communications at the University of Illinois Springfield hosted a talk on “Dating in the Digital Age,” at Norte Dame University on Thursday.
The lecture functioned as a how-to guide introducing audience members to online dating and warned about common mistakes they can make in setting up a profile and interacting with individuals online.
Ribarsky said her goal in the lecture was to remove the stigma from online dating.
“The stigma is that only creepy people go online,” Ribarsky said. “Or that they’re desperate. Or that they may not be anybody of who they say they actually are. Even though we see a huge influx in the number of individuals engaging in online dating and the number of individuals getting married from online relationships, there is still a level of stigmatization.”
Online dating is very functional because it allows an individual to cast a wide net and sort through people who they may or may not be interested much more quickly than face-to-face interaction, Ribarsky said.
The story was published in the Notre Dame Observer on November 15, 2013.
Read the story online
Dr. Elizbeth Ribarsky, assistant professor of communications at the University of Illinois Springfield hosted a talk on “Dating in the Digital Age,” at Norte Dame University on Thursday.
The lecture functioned as a how-to guide introducing audience members to online dating and warned about common mistakes they can make in setting up a profile and interacting with individuals online.
Ribarsky said her goal in the lecture was to remove the stigma from online dating.
“The stigma is that only creepy people go online,” Ribarsky said. “Or that they’re desperate. Or that they may not be anybody of who they say they actually are. Even though we see a huge influx in the number of individuals engaging in online dating and the number of individuals getting married from online relationships, there is still a level of stigmatization.”
Online dating is very functional because it allows an individual to cast a wide net and sort through people who they may or may not be interested much more quickly than face-to-face interaction, Ribarsky said.
The story was published in the Notre Dame Observer on November 15, 2013.
Read the story online
UIS’ long wait for women's basketball opener ends tonight
The University of Illinois Springfield women’s basketball team stepped on the court 31 days ago for its first practice.
The Prairie Stars finally play their first game today. UIS opens at 6 p.m. against host Missouri Western (2-0).
“It will be exciting to get on the floor and it’s going to be a long road trip with back-to-back games,” UIS coach Chad Oletzke said. “It will be a good experience for our team to get on the road and get some games under our belt.”
The Stars travel Saturday to Bolivar, Mo., to play Southwest Baptist (0-1) at 5:30 in another non-conference game. The Bearcats opened Tuesday with a 77-76 loss to Great Lakes Valley Conference member Drury.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 15, 2013.
Read the story online
The Prairie Stars finally play their first game today. UIS opens at 6 p.m. against host Missouri Western (2-0).
“It will be exciting to get on the floor and it’s going to be a long road trip with back-to-back games,” UIS coach Chad Oletzke said. “It will be a good experience for our team to get on the road and get some games under our belt.”
The Stars travel Saturday to Bolivar, Mo., to play Southwest Baptist (0-1) at 5:30 in another non-conference game. The Bearcats opened Tuesday with a 77-76 loss to Great Lakes Valley Conference member Drury.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 15, 2013.
Read the story online
Monday, November 11, 2013
Volunteers put together 100,000 meals for malnourished children
It was not a typical Saturday for Long Duong.
He found himself in an assembly line at University of Illinois Springfield, scooping dried vegetables, rice, soy, and powdered nutrients into plastic bags.
“This is the best way to spend a Saturday. With friends, it’s even more fun,” Duong said as he carefully leveled two more scoopfuls of vegetables and nutrients before pouring the contents into a bag.
The 23-year-old college student was among 500 volunteers who gathered at the UIS Recreation and Athletic Center on Friday and Saturday to pack 100,000 meals for hungry children across the world.
The MobilePack event was hosted by Feed My Starving Children, a Minnesota-based Christian organization that relies solely on volunteers to assemble nutritionally complete meals designed to curb malnutrition and prevent starvation.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 10, 2013.
Read the story online
He found himself in an assembly line at University of Illinois Springfield, scooping dried vegetables, rice, soy, and powdered nutrients into plastic bags.
“This is the best way to spend a Saturday. With friends, it’s even more fun,” Duong said as he carefully leveled two more scoopfuls of vegetables and nutrients before pouring the contents into a bag.
The 23-year-old college student was among 500 volunteers who gathered at the UIS Recreation and Athletic Center on Friday and Saturday to pack 100,000 meals for hungry children across the world.
The MobilePack event was hosted by Feed My Starving Children, a Minnesota-based Christian organization that relies solely on volunteers to assemble nutritionally complete meals designed to curb malnutrition and prevent starvation.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 10, 2013.
Read the story online
Volleyball: Baker, Beaton pace UIS win
Senior Sara Baker and freshman Ashley Beaton had 14 kills apiece on Sunday to lead the University of Illinois Springfield past William Jewell 25-21, 25-22, 21-25, 25-19 in a Great Lakes Valley Conference match.
It broke a 10-match conference losing streak for the Prairie Stars, who are 7-19 overall and 3-16 in the GLVC. William Jewell fell to 4-24 and 2-13.
Baker also had a career-high 19 digs, while Beaton had 14. UIS junior JoAnna Hoffman had 41 assists and 15 digs, while freshman Kayla Katarzynski had a career-best 37 digs.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 11, 2013.
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It broke a 10-match conference losing streak for the Prairie Stars, who are 7-19 overall and 3-16 in the GLVC. William Jewell fell to 4-24 and 2-13.
Baker also had a career-high 19 digs, while Beaton had 14. UIS junior JoAnna Hoffman had 41 assists and 15 digs, while freshman Kayla Katarzynski had a career-best 37 digs.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 11, 2013.
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Friday, November 8, 2013
'Clybourne Park' offers new twist on matters of race
UIS Theater’s fall production, “Clybourne Park”, explores how racial and social attitudes have changed — and not changed — over the course of the past 50 years.
Written by Bruce Norris, “Clybourne Park” expands and continues the story told by playwright Lorraine Hansberry in “A Raisin in the Sun,” her 1959 drama about an African-American family buying a home in an all-white Chicago neighborhood.
The play opens Friday at the Studio Theatre at the Public Affairs Center at the University of Illinois Springfield (see accompanying information for ticket details). Director and theater professor Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson, said “Clybourne Park” is classified as a comedy but has “pendulum swings between serious and funny moments.” Following its premiere in 2010, it won the Pulitzer Prize for drama in 2011 and the Tony Award for best new play in 2012.
"It causes us to reexamine what we consider acceptable behavior with regard to race, sexual orientation and gender issues and other issues,” he added. “It shines a light on the things that unite and divide people."
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday and Nov. 14-16, 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Studio Theatre, lower level of the Public Affairs Center, University of Illinois Springfield Tickets: $14 adults, $12 ages 65 or older with a picture ID, $10 university faculty and staff, $8 students with a valid college ID, $6 ages 17 and under, available at 206-6160, www.sangamonauditorium.org.
The performance was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 8, 2013.
Read the story online
Written by Bruce Norris, “Clybourne Park” expands and continues the story told by playwright Lorraine Hansberry in “A Raisin in the Sun,” her 1959 drama about an African-American family buying a home in an all-white Chicago neighborhood.
The play opens Friday at the Studio Theatre at the Public Affairs Center at the University of Illinois Springfield (see accompanying information for ticket details). Director and theater professor Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson, said “Clybourne Park” is classified as a comedy but has “pendulum swings between serious and funny moments.” Following its premiere in 2010, it won the Pulitzer Prize for drama in 2011 and the Tony Award for best new play in 2012.
"It causes us to reexamine what we consider acceptable behavior with regard to race, sexual orientation and gender issues and other issues,” he added. “It shines a light on the things that unite and divide people."
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday and Nov. 14-16, 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Studio Theatre, lower level of the Public Affairs Center, University of Illinois Springfield Tickets: $14 adults, $12 ages 65 or older with a picture ID, $10 university faculty and staff, $8 students with a valid college ID, $6 ages 17 and under, available at 206-6160, www.sangamonauditorium.org.
The performance was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 8, 2013.
Read the story online
UIS men's basketball team confident going into opener
Coach Ben Wierzba was pleased with the preseason progress of the University of Illinois Springfield men’s basketball team.
Now, the Prairie Stars will show him and everyone else what they can do when games matter. UIS tips off the season against Northwood (Mich.) Saturday afternoon.
UIS warmed up for the opener against NCAA Division I University of Evansville in an exhibition last Saturday. Evansville won 82-74.
“I was happy with how our guys competed,” Wierzba said. “That was the biggest thing for us. We competed for 40 minutes and gave ourselves a chance. It was our first time going out there, and Evansville had already played a game.”
The Stars could have led at halftime, but were within 38-35 of Evansville.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 8, 2013.
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Now, the Prairie Stars will show him and everyone else what they can do when games matter. UIS tips off the season against Northwood (Mich.) Saturday afternoon.
UIS warmed up for the opener against NCAA Division I University of Evansville in an exhibition last Saturday. Evansville won 82-74.
“I was happy with how our guys competed,” Wierzba said. “That was the biggest thing for us. We competed for 40 minutes and gave ourselves a chance. It was our first time going out there, and Evansville had already played a game.”
The Stars could have led at halftime, but were within 38-35 of Evansville.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 8, 2013.
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Thursday, November 7, 2013
Nine UIS basketball games to air on radio
Sports Radio 1450 will broadcast nine University of Illinois Springfield basketball games this season.
The schedule will feature seven men’s games and two women’s contests broadcasted by John Levin and Tim Schweizer. The games will air on the radio, UISPrairieStars.com and SportsRadio1450.com.
The first broadcast is a men’s game Nov. 16 against Cedarville at 7 p.m. The other men’s broadcasts are Dec. 14 against Trevecca Nazarene, Jan. 5 against Missouri-St. Louis, Jan. 18 against Lewis, Jan. 25 against Saint Joseph’s, Feb. 8 against Drury and Feb. 27 against McKendree.
The women’s games will air Nov. 23 against Hillsdale and Feb. 27 against McKendree. Every home game will be webcasted at UISPrairieStars.com this season.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 7, 2013.
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The schedule will feature seven men’s games and two women’s contests broadcasted by John Levin and Tim Schweizer. The games will air on the radio, UISPrairieStars.com and SportsRadio1450.com.
The first broadcast is a men’s game Nov. 16 against Cedarville at 7 p.m. The other men’s broadcasts are Dec. 14 against Trevecca Nazarene, Jan. 5 against Missouri-St. Louis, Jan. 18 against Lewis, Jan. 25 against Saint Joseph’s, Feb. 8 against Drury and Feb. 27 against McKendree.
The women’s games will air Nov. 23 against Hillsdale and Feb. 27 against McKendree. Every home game will be webcasted at UISPrairieStars.com this season.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 7, 2013.
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Wednesday, November 6, 2013
UIS students tie yellow ribbons for Veterans
Veterans Day is next Monday, and ahead of the holiday, students from UIS are already honoring our brave servicemen and women. Sunday, they tied 400 yellow ribbons around campus.
It's the second year they've done so. The event is to raise awareness on campus about our veterans, especially students who've served or are currently serving our country.
"There are people back home thinking about them, sending them care packages, and so on," event planner Samia Ahmad said. "Just letting them know there is support back here at home as well."
Students also collected supplies for a toiletry drive for those serving overseas.
UIS will be holding a Veterans Day flag-raising ceremony November 11 at 9 a.m. in front of the Public Affairs Center.
The story was featured by WICS-TV on November 3, 2013.
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It's the second year they've done so. The event is to raise awareness on campus about our veterans, especially students who've served or are currently serving our country.
"There are people back home thinking about them, sending them care packages, and so on," event planner Samia Ahmad said. "Just letting them know there is support back here at home as well."
Students also collected supplies for a toiletry drive for those serving overseas.
UIS will be holding a Veterans Day flag-raising ceremony November 11 at 9 a.m. in front of the Public Affairs Center.
The story was featured by WICS-TV on November 3, 2013.
Watch the story online
UIS students to help with Feed My Starving Children MobilePack
A Feed My Starving Children MobilePack for the Hungry event will be held Friday, Nov. 8 and Saturday, Nov. 9 at University of Illinois Springfield TRAC, 2171 University Drive.
Residents can volunteer to produce nutritious meals to send to third world mission organizations and support education, healthcare and business development. Volunteer shifts are available from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday and from 9 to 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
For more information, contact Phil at 415-5678 or philw18@msn.com. To sign up to volunteer, visit http://fmsc.org/mobilepack/events.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 4, 2013.
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Residents can volunteer to produce nutritious meals to send to third world mission organizations and support education, healthcare and business development. Volunteer shifts are available from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday and from 9 to 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
For more information, contact Phil at 415-5678 or philw18@msn.com. To sign up to volunteer, visit http://fmsc.org/mobilepack/events.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 4, 2013.
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Monday, November 4, 2013
UIS students collect more than 11,000 pounds of food
More than 200 University of Illinois Springfield students helped to collect 11,147 pounds of food for the Central Illinois Foodbank on Halloween night.
A total of 18 teams of students went door-to-door in several Springfield neighborhoods trick-or-treating for canned goods.
“Last year, we collected 6,800 pounds of food,” said Mark Dochterman, director of the UIS Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center. “Despite rainy weather and thanks to the generosity of the Springfield community, this year our dedicated students were able to collect almost twice that amount.”
Earlier in October, the teams canvassed neighborhoods and distributed door hangers that explained the project.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 1, 2013.
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A total of 18 teams of students went door-to-door in several Springfield neighborhoods trick-or-treating for canned goods.
“Last year, we collected 6,800 pounds of food,” said Mark Dochterman, director of the UIS Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center. “Despite rainy weather and thanks to the generosity of the Springfield community, this year our dedicated students were able to collect almost twice that amount.”
Earlier in October, the teams canvassed neighborhoods and distributed door hangers that explained the project.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 1, 2013.
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Economic Outlook Breakfast scheduled for Nov. 12
The annual “Economic Outlook Breakfast” of The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 12 at the Public Affairs Center of University of Illinois Springfield.
A buffet breakfast begins at 7:15 a.m. The program is 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., including release of the Sangamon County economic outlook survey.
Registration and additional information are available at www.gscc.org.
The event was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 1, 2013.
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A buffet breakfast begins at 7:15 a.m. The program is 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., including release of the Sangamon County economic outlook survey.
Registration and additional information are available at www.gscc.org.
The event was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 1, 2013.
Read the article online
Thursday, October 31, 2013
UIS women's basketball hopes depth sparks success
Senior guards Megan Bergerud and Alyssa Palmer have a clear vision of what the upcoming University of Illinois Springfield women’s basketball season should look like.
“We want a winning season,” Palmer said.
Added Bergerud, “And make the conference tournament. It would be the first in school history. It would be cool to be a part of that.”
The Prairie Stars finished the 2012-13 season with a 6-20 overall record and a 3-15 mark in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. They placed eighth and last in the GLVC West Division.
UIS kicks off the new year with an exhibition at NCAA Division I Bradley at 7 p.m. Friday. Then it’s another two weeks of practice before the season opener Nov. 15 against host Missouri Western.
The team was featured by The State Journal-Register on October 31, 2013.
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“We want a winning season,” Palmer said.
Added Bergerud, “And make the conference tournament. It would be the first in school history. It would be cool to be a part of that.”
The Prairie Stars finished the 2012-13 season with a 6-20 overall record and a 3-15 mark in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. They placed eighth and last in the GLVC West Division.
UIS kicks off the new year with an exhibition at NCAA Division I Bradley at 7 p.m. Friday. Then it’s another two weeks of practice before the season opener Nov. 15 against host Missouri Western.
The team was featured by The State Journal-Register on October 31, 2013.
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Wednesday, October 30, 2013
UIS Peoria Center to offer graduate level courses
Community leaders' efforts to establish a four-year public university in Downtown Peoria are beginning to bear fruit. At least the seeds are beginning to sprout.
The University of Illinois at Springfield expects to launch graduate classes in health-care administration this summer at the school's Peoria Center, based at Illinois Central College's Perley Building in the Downtown.
UIS is also exploring offering undergraduate classes in computer science and an MBA program for teachers at the Downtown campus. Last week, UIS Peoria Center expanded its offices to take up the entire second floor of the Perley Building and added more classroom space on the third floor.
"We're expanding our programs and expanding our space," said Joyce Shotick, the new director of UIS Peoria Center.
UIS currently offers an accelerated MBA program at the Peoria Center along with graduate certificate programs in human resource management, information technology project management, entrepreneurship, business intelligence and business process management.
Informational sessions on the MBA program will be at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 14 and Nov. 19 at the Perley Building, 115 SW Adams.
Shotick said UIS Peoria Center could begin offering undergraduate classes in computer science by the summer of 2014. "We're trying to see what kind of demand there is," she said.
The story was featured by the Peoria Journal Star on October 30, 2013.
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The University of Illinois at Springfield expects to launch graduate classes in health-care administration this summer at the school's Peoria Center, based at Illinois Central College's Perley Building in the Downtown.
UIS is also exploring offering undergraduate classes in computer science and an MBA program for teachers at the Downtown campus. Last week, UIS Peoria Center expanded its offices to take up the entire second floor of the Perley Building and added more classroom space on the third floor.
"We're expanding our programs and expanding our space," said Joyce Shotick, the new director of UIS Peoria Center.
UIS currently offers an accelerated MBA program at the Peoria Center along with graduate certificate programs in human resource management, information technology project management, entrepreneurship, business intelligence and business process management.
Informational sessions on the MBA program will be at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 14 and Nov. 19 at the Perley Building, 115 SW Adams.
Shotick said UIS Peoria Center could begin offering undergraduate classes in computer science by the summer of 2014. "We're trying to see what kind of demand there is," she said.
The story was featured by the Peoria Journal Star on October 30, 2013.
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UIS men's basketball team tries to bounce back from 8-19 season
The University of Illinois Springfield men’s basketball team should have the luxury of interchangeable parts this season, and it could be a key to the Prairie Stars’ success.
“There’s a lot of different pieces,” UIS coach Ben Wierzba said of his roster. “They’re doing everything we’ve asked. They’ve come in early getting extra workouts. They’re coming in shooting extra and doing extra conditioning before and after practice. So it has been a good chemistry. It’s not just one guy coming in, but three or four guys coming in together.”
Last season was a roller-coaster ride for the Stars.
UIS failed to win back-to-back games on its way to an 8-19 overall record and a 6-12 Great Lakes Valley Conference mark. The highlight was a 73-71 upset of No. 10 Southern Indiana in January.
“I’d like to see us win a lot more,” UIS senior guard Brandon Snowden said. “We can win this year, be a contender in our side of the conference and get into the conference tournament."
The team was featured by The State Journal-Register on October 30, 2013.
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“There’s a lot of different pieces,” UIS coach Ben Wierzba said of his roster. “They’re doing everything we’ve asked. They’ve come in early getting extra workouts. They’re coming in shooting extra and doing extra conditioning before and after practice. So it has been a good chemistry. It’s not just one guy coming in, but three or four guys coming in together.”
Last season was a roller-coaster ride for the Stars.
UIS failed to win back-to-back games on its way to an 8-19 overall record and a 6-12 Great Lakes Valley Conference mark. The highlight was a 73-71 upset of No. 10 Southern Indiana in January.
“I’d like to see us win a lot more,” UIS senior guard Brandon Snowden said. “We can win this year, be a contender in our side of the conference and get into the conference tournament."
The team was featured by The State Journal-Register on October 30, 2013.
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Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Blue Madness basketball Nov. 7 at UIS
The University of Illinois Springfield will kick off basketball season with Blue Madness on Nov. 7 at The Recreation and Athletic Center at 9:30 p.m.
The event is free and includes introductions of the men’s and women’s teams, intra-squad scrimmages, a 3-point contest and interactive games with spectators.
Doors open at 9 p.m. The first 400 fans receive a free t-shirt. Prizes are also available.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on October 29, 2013.
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The event is free and includes introductions of the men’s and women’s teams, intra-squad scrimmages, a 3-point contest and interactive games with spectators.
Doors open at 9 p.m. The first 400 fans receive a free t-shirt. Prizes are also available.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on October 29, 2013.
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Efforts still under way to reschedule Willie Nelson
Sangamon Auditorium is still working to reschedule last month’s postponed Willie Nelson Concert.
Jen Tibbs, marketing director for Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, said a date for the concert has not been set.
“We’re still working on it. We’re optimistic it’s going to happen,” Tibbs said.
Nelson was scheduled to play at Sangamon Auditorium Sept. 27, but the show was postponed after doctors told Nelson he should rest his shoulder for week. Shows in Indiana and Michigan were also cancelled.
Nelson has since returned to the stage.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on October 29, 2013.
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Jen Tibbs, marketing director for Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, said a date for the concert has not been set.
“We’re still working on it. We’re optimistic it’s going to happen,” Tibbs said.
Nelson was scheduled to play at Sangamon Auditorium Sept. 27, but the show was postponed after doctors told Nelson he should rest his shoulder for week. Shows in Indiana and Michigan were also cancelled.
Nelson has since returned to the stage.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on October 29, 2013.
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Friday, October 25, 2013
UIS men's basketball team picked 6th in GLVC East
The University of Illinois Springfield men’s basketball team was voted in a preseason coaches poll to finish sixth out of eight teams in the East Division of the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
The Prairie Stars had an 8-19 overall record, posted a 6-12 conference mark and finished sixth in the East Division last season.
Bellarmine, an NCAA Division II Elite Eight qualifier, was voted to win the division with nine first-place votes. Nos. 2-4, Southern Indiana, Indianapolis and Lewis, also received first-place votes. Wisconsin-Parkside was voted fifth followed by UIS, Saint Joseph’s and McKendree.
Defending national champion Drury is at the top of the West Division poll with 10 first-place votes. Maryville was voted second in the West and received six first-place votes. Next were Missouri-St. Louis, Quincy, Truman State, William Jewell, Missouri S&T and Rockhurst.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on October 25, 2013.
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The Prairie Stars had an 8-19 overall record, posted a 6-12 conference mark and finished sixth in the East Division last season.
Bellarmine, an NCAA Division II Elite Eight qualifier, was voted to win the division with nine first-place votes. Nos. 2-4, Southern Indiana, Indianapolis and Lewis, also received first-place votes. Wisconsin-Parkside was voted fifth followed by UIS, Saint Joseph’s and McKendree.
Defending national champion Drury is at the top of the West Division poll with 10 first-place votes. Maryville was voted second in the West and received six first-place votes. Next were Missouri-St. Louis, Quincy, Truman State, William Jewell, Missouri S&T and Rockhurst.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on October 25, 2013.
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Thursday, October 24, 2013
Goecks, Wherley lead UIS to men's golf title
University of Illinois Springfield freshman Nathan Goecks shot the low round for the UIS Island Getaway and tied teammate Jacob Wherley for first place Tuesday.
Goecks fired a 73 after an 81 Monday at the River Course. Goecks and teammate Jacob Wherley tied for first place at 154. Wherley shot back-to-back 77s.
The Prairie Stars won the team title. UIS posted a 621 and finished six strokes ahead of runner-up Jackson State.
UIS senior Zach Szuminski tied for seventh at 158 after rounds of 77 and 81. Freshman teammate Talon Supak shot an 82 and 87 to tie for 11th with a 160. UIS sophomore Nick Tannahill also tied for 11th with an 81 and 79 for 160.
The win was featured by The State Journal-Register on October 23, 2013.
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Goecks fired a 73 after an 81 Monday at the River Course. Goecks and teammate Jacob Wherley tied for first place at 154. Wherley shot back-to-back 77s.
The Prairie Stars won the team title. UIS posted a 621 and finished six strokes ahead of runner-up Jackson State.
UIS senior Zach Szuminski tied for seventh at 158 after rounds of 77 and 81. Freshman teammate Talon Supak shot an 82 and 87 to tie for 11th with a 160. UIS sophomore Nick Tannahill also tied for 11th with an 81 and 79 for 160.
The win was featured by The State Journal-Register on October 23, 2013.
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Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Carl Sandburg College signs partnership with UIS
Carl Sandburg College students pursuing a career in accounting and business administration now have an opportunity to transfer seamlessly to the University of Illinois Springfield-Peoria Center after graduating with an associate degree.
The partnership was made official Monday as CSC president Lori Sundberg and UIS Dean of the College of Business and Management Ronald McNeil signed the agreement simultaneously.
Under the agreement, students who graduate CSC with an associate degree are eligible to utilize the partnership and complete their bachelor’s degree in accounting or business administration in just two more years.
“Education is essential today,” McNeil said. “It’s the only way any student, or anybody, can survive, and what you do is great ... because you have support mechanisms that are great for students.”
The story was reported by the Galesburg Register-Mail on October 22, 2013.
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The partnership was made official Monday as CSC president Lori Sundberg and UIS Dean of the College of Business and Management Ronald McNeil signed the agreement simultaneously.
Under the agreement, students who graduate CSC with an associate degree are eligible to utilize the partnership and complete their bachelor’s degree in accounting or business administration in just two more years.
“Education is essential today,” McNeil said. “It’s the only way any student, or anybody, can survive, and what you do is great ... because you have support mechanisms that are great for students.”
The story was reported by the Galesburg Register-Mail on October 22, 2013.
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UIS golfer Cox leads in Puerto Rico
University of Illinois Springfield freshman Marc Cox is atop the leaderboard after shooting a 2-over-par 74 Monday, and the second-place Prairie Stars are four strokes back after the first round of the UIS Island Getaway tournament at River Course.
Cox is two strokes ahead of teammate Kent Gregory, who shot a 76 and is in a three-way tie for second. Jake Wherley, Zachary Szuminski and Trevor Flota each shot 5-over 77s as UIS finished with a team score of 312. Jackson State leads the tournament with a 308 heading into today’s final round.
The team was featured by The State Journal-Register on October 22, 2013.
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Cox is two strokes ahead of teammate Kent Gregory, who shot a 76 and is in a three-way tie for second. Jake Wherley, Zachary Szuminski and Trevor Flota each shot 5-over 77s as UIS finished with a team score of 312. Jackson State leads the tournament with a 308 heading into today’s final round.
The team was featured by The State Journal-Register on October 22, 2013.
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Monday, October 21, 2013
1,550 run in inaugural Springfield Marathon races
The marathon course had runners exiting the north side of the University of Illinois Springfield campus and heading out of the city limits into parts of Rochester and Cotton Hill townships before eventually finishing back on campus.
Jacksonville native Mark Saunders, who now lives in Fort Collins, Colo., finished first overall in the 26.2 mile race with a time of 2:51:12. Another central Illinois native, Kathy Hoving, 37, who now lives in Indonesia, finished in first place in the women’s division with a time of 3:14:25.
It was nearly 13 years ago, when Hoving was 24, that she finished her very first marathon in Chicago with a time of 3:36. But on Sunday, she was happy to achieve a new personal best.
“I was very pleasantly surprised,” Hoving said, adding that she was proud to have participated in a marathon so close to her hometown of Tremont.
The marathon was featured by The State Journal-Register on October 21, 2013.
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Jacksonville native Mark Saunders, who now lives in Fort Collins, Colo., finished first overall in the 26.2 mile race with a time of 2:51:12. Another central Illinois native, Kathy Hoving, 37, who now lives in Indonesia, finished in first place in the women’s division with a time of 3:14:25.
It was nearly 13 years ago, when Hoving was 24, that she finished her very first marathon in Chicago with a time of 3:36. But on Sunday, she was happy to achieve a new personal best.
“I was very pleasantly surprised,” Hoving said, adding that she was proud to have participated in a marathon so close to her hometown of Tremont.
The marathon was featured by The State Journal-Register on October 21, 2013.
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Men's soccer: Stars win behind del Moral
Senior Nicolas Alonso del Moral scored twice in the second half to push the University of Illinois Springfield past Maryville 3-1 in a Great Lakes Valley Conference match on Sunday.
Junior Nikita Fadeev opened the scoring with a goal in the 18th minute for a 1-0 lead, with del Moral getting the assist.
The 1-12 Saints’ Kevin Ptacek scored to tie the score 1-1 late in the first half. But del Moral scored on a long shot to regain the lead for UIS about 4 minutes into the second half.
In the 88th minute, del Moral added an insurance goal as the Prairie Stars improved to 6-9 overall and 5-7 in the GLVC. UIS goalkeeper Jack Turanchik made four saves and got his fifth win.
The win was featured by The State Journal-Register on October 20, 2013.
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Junior Nikita Fadeev opened the scoring with a goal in the 18th minute for a 1-0 lead, with del Moral getting the assist.
The 1-12 Saints’ Kevin Ptacek scored to tie the score 1-1 late in the first half. But del Moral scored on a long shot to regain the lead for UIS about 4 minutes into the second half.
In the 88th minute, del Moral added an insurance goal as the Prairie Stars improved to 6-9 overall and 5-7 in the GLVC. UIS goalkeeper Jack Turanchik made four saves and got his fifth win.
The win was featured by The State Journal-Register on October 20, 2013.
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Thursday, October 17, 2013
UIS women's soccer ends 11-game losing streak
Junior Kim Tokarski scored twice in the second half against North Central College and helped the University of Illinois Springfield to a 3-2 win that snapped a string of 11 straight losses.
North Central (2-9-1) took a 1-0 lead midway through the first half of the non-conference match at Kiwanis Stadium. UIS junior Ashley Surface tied the match at 1-all 17 minutes before halftime. Tokarski put the Prairie Stars ahead less than five minutes into the second half. She then stretched the lead to 3-1. Tokarski and Surface attempted six shots apiece.
Goalkeeper Robin Damron logged four saves for UIS (2-11).
The win was featured by The State Journal-Register on October 17, 2013.
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North Central (2-9-1) took a 1-0 lead midway through the first half of the non-conference match at Kiwanis Stadium. UIS junior Ashley Surface tied the match at 1-all 17 minutes before halftime. Tokarski put the Prairie Stars ahead less than five minutes into the second half. She then stretched the lead to 3-1. Tokarski and Surface attempted six shots apiece.
Goalkeeper Robin Damron logged four saves for UIS (2-11).
The win was featured by The State Journal-Register on October 17, 2013.
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Wednesday, October 16, 2013
How to tell if an online program is accredited
Back when Lauren Marrett wanted to be an art major, she didn't care much about whether her school was accredited or by whom.
It was the quality of her art portfolio that mattered, she thought, not the reputation of her college.
She enrolled in a for-profit online college lacking regional accreditation. But six months into her schooling, she started to get nervous about how employers would view her school.
"I started to think, 'Art is a competitive field and I need a backup plan,'" says the 23-year-old, who eventually transferred to the University of Illinois Springfield, a college with solid academic credentials. "I wanted to go online and have it be a legitimate school."
With a little bit of Google research, Marrett got to the bottom of a problem that plagues many online students: how to determine whether a school has recognized accreditation – verification by an outside, legitimate authority that a college or university provides an education that meets certain standards.
Marrett was featured by U.S. News & World Report on October, 16, 2013.
Read the article online
It was the quality of her art portfolio that mattered, she thought, not the reputation of her college.
She enrolled in a for-profit online college lacking regional accreditation. But six months into her schooling, she started to get nervous about how employers would view her school.
"I started to think, 'Art is a competitive field and I need a backup plan,'" says the 23-year-old, who eventually transferred to the University of Illinois Springfield, a college with solid academic credentials. "I wanted to go online and have it be a legitimate school."
With a little bit of Google research, Marrett got to the bottom of a problem that plagues many online students: how to determine whether a school has recognized accreditation – verification by an outside, legitimate authority that a college or university provides an education that meets certain standards.
Marrett was featured by U.S. News & World Report on October, 16, 2013.
Read the article online
Monday, October 14, 2013
Susan Koch: Theatre, an important university experience at UIS
The following is a portion of a guest column written by UIS Chancellor Susan J. Koch. It was published in the October 13, 2013 edition of The State Journal-Register.
"The university experience comes with a great many important decisions: what major to choose, what courses to take, what activities to pursue, how to manage the financial burden of school, to name a few.
Like most, I made those choices, too. But perhaps the best decision I made as an undergraduate had nothing whatever to do with my major. I decided to try out for a play and became, at least for a few months, Bella Manningham, whose diabolical husband was trying to drive her insane in the classic Victorian thriller, “Angel Street.”
The performance won me the best actress award for that year; but being involved with theatre proved far more valuable than the little plastic trophy that still sits on my bookshelf.
I was reminded of that valuable experience and how lucky I had been to attend a university with a strong theatre program when I had a conversation recently with University of Illinois Springfield Theatre professors Eric and Missy Thibodeaux-Thompson. They, along with their colleague, Dathan Powell, are building an intellectually vibrant and engaging theatre program at the University of Illinois’ Springfield campus."
Read the full column online
"The university experience comes with a great many important decisions: what major to choose, what courses to take, what activities to pursue, how to manage the financial burden of school, to name a few.
Like most, I made those choices, too. But perhaps the best decision I made as an undergraduate had nothing whatever to do with my major. I decided to try out for a play and became, at least for a few months, Bella Manningham, whose diabolical husband was trying to drive her insane in the classic Victorian thriller, “Angel Street.”
The performance won me the best actress award for that year; but being involved with theatre proved far more valuable than the little plastic trophy that still sits on my bookshelf.
I was reminded of that valuable experience and how lucky I had been to attend a university with a strong theatre program when I had a conversation recently with University of Illinois Springfield Theatre professors Eric and Missy Thibodeaux-Thompson. They, along with their colleague, Dathan Powell, are building an intellectually vibrant and engaging theatre program at the University of Illinois’ Springfield campus."
Read the full column online
New partnership for Black Hawk College
A local college is teaming up with the University of Illinois Springfield to make transfers easier.
The new partnership with Black Hawk College in Moline will allow students to move all of their credits to the school seamlessly. And even though it's only for select majors, school officials say it will save students time and money.
But they also say students must do one thing before taking advantage of the program.
"The best thing that any student can do is check with out advisors and schedule and appointment," said Dr. Bettie Truitt of Black Hawk College. "The advisors here will make sure they're enrolled in the particular curriculum that's appropriate for them and get them on the right educational pathway from day one."
Another partnership perk, students will also be invited to participate in UIS campus life and activities while still at Black Hawk.
The partnership was reported by WHBF-TV on October 11, 2013.
Read the story online
The new partnership with Black Hawk College in Moline will allow students to move all of their credits to the school seamlessly. And even though it's only for select majors, school officials say it will save students time and money.
But they also say students must do one thing before taking advantage of the program.
"The best thing that any student can do is check with out advisors and schedule and appointment," said Dr. Bettie Truitt of Black Hawk College. "The advisors here will make sure they're enrolled in the particular curriculum that's appropriate for them and get them on the right educational pathway from day one."
Another partnership perk, students will also be invited to participate in UIS campus life and activities while still at Black Hawk.
The partnership was reported by WHBF-TV on October 11, 2013.
Read the story online
Thursday, October 10, 2013
PBS' Mr. Steve to perform at UIS
Children’s artist Steve Roslonek of SteveSongs will perform at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday at the University of Illinois Springfield’s Sangamon Auditorium Studio Theatre in Springfield.
Roslonek, considered a rising star on the national children’s music scene, creates music featuring smart lyrics, catchy melodies and messages that appeal to both children and adults. He has five full-length CDs, a DVD and two volumes of children’s music from his role as Mr. Steve on the PBS Kids morning block, which features a schedule of cartoon favorites geared toward children.
As part of Friday’s pre-show activities, the PNC Grow Up Great Mobile Learning Adventure will be on site for children ages 2 to 5 to explore interactive learning kiosks, have their photo taken at the “When I Grow Up” station and receive take-home activity books.
The story was featured by the Jacksonville Journal Courier on October 10, 2013.
Read the article online
Roslonek, considered a rising star on the national children’s music scene, creates music featuring smart lyrics, catchy melodies and messages that appeal to both children and adults. He has five full-length CDs, a DVD and two volumes of children’s music from his role as Mr. Steve on the PBS Kids morning block, which features a schedule of cartoon favorites geared toward children.
As part of Friday’s pre-show activities, the PNC Grow Up Great Mobile Learning Adventure will be on site for children ages 2 to 5 to explore interactive learning kiosks, have their photo taken at the “When I Grow Up” station and receive take-home activity books.
The story was featured by the Jacksonville Journal Courier on October 10, 2013.
Read the article online
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Ramirez, UIS capture golf titles
Becca Ramirez took medalist honors Sunday and led the University of Illinois Springfield to the title of the Dan Salisbury Memorial Collegiate Invitational at The Rail Golf Course.
UIS finished 30 strokes ahead of the next closest team, Ashford, which finished with a 36-hole team score of 675.
Ramirez, a Springfield High School graduate, shot a final-round 75 to finish at 12-over-par 156. Freshman Jocelyn Matsen of Rochester was one stroke behind Ramirez with a 157. Graduate student Casara Marsaglia of Thayer rounded out the top five finishers, placing fourth with a 79-86—165 total.
UIS senior Caitlin Osborn tied for 11th with 85-85—170, including 18 pars. Freshman Jessica Lieber tied for 13th with a total of 85-86—171.
The tournament was featured by The State Journal-Register on October 8, 2013.
Read the article online
UIS finished 30 strokes ahead of the next closest team, Ashford, which finished with a 36-hole team score of 675.
Ramirez, a Springfield High School graduate, shot a final-round 75 to finish at 12-over-par 156. Freshman Jocelyn Matsen of Rochester was one stroke behind Ramirez with a 157. Graduate student Casara Marsaglia of Thayer rounded out the top five finishers, placing fourth with a 79-86—165 total.
UIS senior Caitlin Osborn tied for 11th with 85-85—170, including 18 pars. Freshman Jessica Lieber tied for 13th with a total of 85-86—171.
The tournament was featured by The State Journal-Register on October 8, 2013.
Read the article online
Wally Henderson named 2013 SJ-R First Citizen
Wally Henderson, a longtime architect, preservationist and community activist who helped raise Springfield’s profile nationally, was given the 2013 State Journal-Register First Citizen Award during a breakfast ceremony Friday at the Old State Capitol.
Formerly a principal partner at Ferry & Henderson Architects and now retired, Henderson designed the renovation of the Old State Capitol in the 1960s, when the landmark was restored to its appearance during Lincoln’s era.
Henderson’s projects also included the Willard Ice Building, the Public Affairs Building at the University of Illinois Springfield and the SJ-R building.
Henderson has taken part in many local organizations, including Downtown Springfield Inc., the Sangamon County Historical Society and the Springfield Area Arts Council. He was an early supporter of higher education in Springfield and was involved with the UIS Foundation.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on October 4, 2013.
Read the article online
Formerly a principal partner at Ferry & Henderson Architects and now retired, Henderson designed the renovation of the Old State Capitol in the 1960s, when the landmark was restored to its appearance during Lincoln’s era.
Henderson’s projects also included the Willard Ice Building, the Public Affairs Building at the University of Illinois Springfield and the SJ-R building.
Henderson has taken part in many local organizations, including Downtown Springfield Inc., the Sangamon County Historical Society and the Springfield Area Arts Council. He was an early supporter of higher education in Springfield and was involved with the UIS Foundation.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on October 4, 2013.
Read the article online
Three second-half goals lift UIS men's soccer team
University of Illinois Springfield junior Nikita Fadeev broke open a scoreless game with a second-half goal, then senior teammate Mark Czarny scored about two minutes later and the Prairie Stars beat Saint Joseph’s 3-1 Friday in a Great Lakes Valley Conference match.
Fadeev scored six minutes after halftime. A goal by sophomore Bryan Lucas goal put the Stars up 3-0. UIS is 5-5 overall, 4-3 in the GLVC. The Pumas fell to 2-6-1, 1-6.
The team was featured by The State Journal-Register on October 6, 2013.
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Fadeev scored six minutes after halftime. A goal by sophomore Bryan Lucas goal put the Stars up 3-0. UIS is 5-5 overall, 4-3 in the GLVC. The Pumas fell to 2-6-1, 1-6.
The team was featured by The State Journal-Register on October 6, 2013.
Read the article online
Monday, September 30, 2013
Record number of employers participate at UIS job fair
Central Illinois employers are ready to hire if they can find candidates with the right technical skills and whose social skills extend beyond social media.
“They’re here. They’re ready to go if they find the right person,” said Tammy Craig, director of UIS Career Development Center. “The economy is slowly growing. Employers are still being conservative, but they are hiring.”
A record number of 107 employers set up booths at the “Foot in the Door” job fair Thursday on the UIS campus. Of those, 79 indicated they had full-time positions ready to fill and several asked for special accommodations to conduct on-the-spot job interviews for promising candidates that stopped at their booths.
The story was reported in The State Journal-Register on September 29, 2013.
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“They’re here. They’re ready to go if they find the right person,” said Tammy Craig, director of UIS Career Development Center. “The economy is slowly growing. Employers are still being conservative, but they are hiring.”
A record number of 107 employers set up booths at the “Foot in the Door” job fair Thursday on the UIS campus. Of those, 79 indicated they had full-time positions ready to fill and several asked for special accommodations to conduct on-the-spot job interviews for promising candidates that stopped at their booths.
The story was reported in The State Journal-Register on September 29, 2013.
Read the article online
UIS volleyball wins at Quincy
Sara Baker had 12 kills and Kellee Mahaffay added 10 on Sunday to help lead the University of Illinois Springfield to a 25-23, 25-21, 25-19 Great Lakes Valley Conference victory over Quincy University.
The Prairie Stars improved to 4-7 overall and 2-2 in the GLVC, while the Hawks slipped to 5-7 and 1-3.
Baker, a senior from Galesburg, had seven kills in the second set. UIS freshman Ashley Beaton had five of her seven total kills in the second set. UIS junior setter JoAnna Hoffman had 33 assists along with seven digs.
The win was featured by The State Journal-Register on September 30, 2013.
Read the article online
The Prairie Stars improved to 4-7 overall and 2-2 in the GLVC, while the Hawks slipped to 5-7 and 1-3.
Baker, a senior from Galesburg, had seven kills in the second set. UIS freshman Ashley Beaton had five of her seven total kills in the second set. UIS junior setter JoAnna Hoffman had 33 assists along with seven digs.
The win was featured by The State Journal-Register on September 30, 2013.
Read the article online
Czarny's goal lifts UIS men's soccer team
Senior Mark Czarny scored for the third time this season, netted the winning goal 20 minutes before halftime in the University of Illinois Springfield’s 1-0 victory over William Jewell College in a Great Lakes Valley Conference game.
The victory snapped a three-game losing streak for the Stars (4-4 overall, 3-2 in the GLVC). UIS outshot the Cardinals 11-6.
UIS freshman EJ Kirn made two saves to earn the shutout. William Jewell fell to 3-5, 1-4.
The win was featured by The State Journal-Register on September 28, 2013.
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The victory snapped a three-game losing streak for the Stars (4-4 overall, 3-2 in the GLVC). UIS outshot the Cardinals 11-6.
UIS freshman EJ Kirn made two saves to earn the shutout. William Jewell fell to 3-5, 1-4.
The win was featured by The State Journal-Register on September 28, 2013.
Read the article online
Friday, September 27, 2013
UIS students get "Foot in the Door" at Career Fair
UIS held its Foot in the Door Career Fair on Thursday, Sept. 26. The event was geared toward connecting students, alumni, and community members with employers to discuss career opportunities.
UIS Career Development Center representatives said the fair was a great opportunity for students and employers to meet, especially given the current economy.
"It's a really good way for recruiters to come out and meet students all at once, and vice versa," director Tammy Craig said. "Students can really make the most effective use of their time when they come, because we have over 107 employers here now."
Some of those employers included ADM, County Market, Hope Institute, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on Sept. 26, 2013.
Watch the story online
UIS Career Development Center representatives said the fair was a great opportunity for students and employers to meet, especially given the current economy.
"It's a really good way for recruiters to come out and meet students all at once, and vice versa," director Tammy Craig said. "Students can really make the most effective use of their time when they come, because we have over 107 employers here now."
Some of those employers included ADM, County Market, Hope Institute, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on Sept. 26, 2013.
Watch the story online
Willie Nelson concert at Sangamon Auditorium postponed
Country music legend Willie Nelson’s concert Friday at Sangamon Auditorium has been postponed.
A news release from the auditorium cites "extreme fatigue/illness" Nelson felt after participating in the 2013 Farm Aid concert that raises money for America's farmers. Nelson canceled concerts this week in Indiana and Michigan, according to the Indianapolis Star and Lansing State Journal.
The Associated Press reported that Nelson is under a doctor's order to rest one of his shoulders for a week.
A statement from Sangamon Auditorium says the Springfield concert will be rescheduled, even though Nelson's website says it has been canceled. However, a date was not announced.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on Sept. 25, 2013.
Read the story online
A news release from the auditorium cites "extreme fatigue/illness" Nelson felt after participating in the 2013 Farm Aid concert that raises money for America's farmers. Nelson canceled concerts this week in Indiana and Michigan, according to the Indianapolis Star and Lansing State Journal.
The Associated Press reported that Nelson is under a doctor's order to rest one of his shoulders for a week.
A statement from Sangamon Auditorium says the Springfield concert will be rescheduled, even though Nelson's website says it has been canceled. However, a date was not announced.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on Sept. 25, 2013.
Read the story online
1988 SSU soccer team to hold reunion
A reunion of the 1988 Sangamon State University national championship team will take place over homecoming weekend next month at the University of Illinois Springfield.
The team will be recognized Oct. 6 during halftime of a 2:30 p.m. game against Indianapolis at Kiwanis Stadium. The 1988 Prairie Stars defeated Alderson-Broaddus of West Virginia for the second of three NAIA national titles for the program.
The UIS Homecoming BBQ is Oct. 4 at the South Quad near the University Hall building from 4:45 to 7:15 p.m. The cost for non-students is $10 and includes admission to the women’s and men’s soccer games against Saint Joseph’s. The women’s match starts at 5 p.m. The men’s contest begins at 7:30 p.m.
The reunion was featured by The State Journal-Register on Sept. 26, 2013.
Read the article online
The team will be recognized Oct. 6 during halftime of a 2:30 p.m. game against Indianapolis at Kiwanis Stadium. The 1988 Prairie Stars defeated Alderson-Broaddus of West Virginia for the second of three NAIA national titles for the program.
The UIS Homecoming BBQ is Oct. 4 at the South Quad near the University Hall building from 4:45 to 7:15 p.m. The cost for non-students is $10 and includes admission to the women’s and men’s soccer games against Saint Joseph’s. The women’s match starts at 5 p.m. The men’s contest begins at 7:30 p.m.
The reunion was featured by The State Journal-Register on Sept. 26, 2013.
Read the article online
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
David Stoesz: Illinois should prepare to reinvest in human services
University of Illinois Springfield Social Work Professor David Stoesz's guest column was published in The State Journal-Register on September 23, 2013.
The following is a portion of the column:
"Once the legislative smoke clears from the state pension conflagration, Illinois lawmakers could begin to negotiate the transition from indiscriminate funding of social programs to investments in human services.
Economic austerity, imposed by a lingering recession and global competition, dictates that states opt for savvy investments in public services. Several alternatives show how human services can be transformed to meet requirements of the 21st century."
Read the full column online
The following is a portion of the column:
"Once the legislative smoke clears from the state pension conflagration, Illinois lawmakers could begin to negotiate the transition from indiscriminate funding of social programs to investments in human services.
Economic austerity, imposed by a lingering recession and global competition, dictates that states opt for savvy investments in public services. Several alternatives show how human services can be transformed to meet requirements of the 21st century."
Read the full column online
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Iwe helps spur strong start for UIS soccer
Chukwuka Iwe has stayed true to the sport he loves.
The University of Illinois Springfield men’s soccer player was born in the soccer-loving country of Nigeria and didn’t abandon the game when he moved to the United States as a teenager.
“Chuks” as his friends call him was convinced by a coach to give track a try in high school, but it was only an experiment.
The junior midfielder wasn’t swayed by coaches or peers. His devotion to soccer has worked to his favor and that of the UIS men’s soccer team.
Iwe scored game-winning goals for the 3-1 Prairie Stars in back-to-back Great Lakes Valley Conference matches against Southern Indiana and Bellarmine last weekend.
The Stars were voted in the preseason coaches poll to finish last in the GLVC. They are currently in a three-way tie for first in the conference with a 2-0 league record.
Iwe was featured by The State Journal-Register on September 19, 2013.
Read the story online
The University of Illinois Springfield men’s soccer player was born in the soccer-loving country of Nigeria and didn’t abandon the game when he moved to the United States as a teenager.
“Chuks” as his friends call him was convinced by a coach to give track a try in high school, but it was only an experiment.
The junior midfielder wasn’t swayed by coaches or peers. His devotion to soccer has worked to his favor and that of the UIS men’s soccer team.
Iwe scored game-winning goals for the 3-1 Prairie Stars in back-to-back Great Lakes Valley Conference matches against Southern Indiana and Bellarmine last weekend.
The Stars were voted in the preseason coaches poll to finish last in the GLVC. They are currently in a three-way tie for first in the conference with a 2-0 league record.
Iwe was featured by The State Journal-Register on September 19, 2013.
Read the story online
UIS holding soccer clinics, fundraiser
The University of Illinois Springfield men’s soccer program is hosting former player and Belize national soccer coach Ian Mork, who will participate in free youth clinics and a coaching symposium, and holding a Balls 4 Belize fundraiser over homecoming weekend.
The Prairie Stars are accepting donations of soccer balls, cleats, jerseys, shorts and socks. Mork will distribute the items to youth in the Central American country of Belize in December.
Donations are being accepted at two locations, including the entrance gate of Kiwanis Stadium Oct. 4 at the UIS men’s and women’s soccer games against Saint Joseph’s. The other drop-off location is the Springfield Area Soccer Association clubhouse, 4600 11th St., any time soccer training is in session or weekdays from 6 to 8 p.m.
UIS is also accepting monetary donations to pay for shipping all donated gear and equipment to Belize. Information is available at www.balls4belize.com.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on September 19, 2013.
Read the story online
The Prairie Stars are accepting donations of soccer balls, cleats, jerseys, shorts and socks. Mork will distribute the items to youth in the Central American country of Belize in December.
Donations are being accepted at two locations, including the entrance gate of Kiwanis Stadium Oct. 4 at the UIS men’s and women’s soccer games against Saint Joseph’s. The other drop-off location is the Springfield Area Soccer Association clubhouse, 4600 11th St., any time soccer training is in session or weekdays from 6 to 8 p.m.
UIS is also accepting monetary donations to pay for shipping all donated gear and equipment to Belize. Information is available at www.balls4belize.com.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on September 19, 2013.
Read the story online
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
UIS kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month
UIS is kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month. The university will have numerous events to celebrate throughout the month. A mariachi band from Peoria played on the campus grounds Monday.
The Organization of Latin-American Students and the UIS Diversity Center worked together to plan the celebration.
While it is a month of fun, the ongoing immigration reform debate remains a hot issue for the organization.
"We do a lot of things around campus to educate the community, and by signing pledges and getting people aware that we want immigration reform now," English major Jaime Cruz said.
The story was featured by WICS-TV 20 on September 16, 2013.
Read the story online
Full list of UIS Hispanic Heritage Month events
The Organization of Latin-American Students and the UIS Diversity Center worked together to plan the celebration.
While it is a month of fun, the ongoing immigration reform debate remains a hot issue for the organization.
"We do a lot of things around campus to educate the community, and by signing pledges and getting people aware that we want immigration reform now," English major Jaime Cruz said.
The story was featured by WICS-TV 20 on September 16, 2013.
Read the story online
Full list of UIS Hispanic Heritage Month events
Friday, September 13, 2013
Freshman numbers up at many Illinois universities
Many of Illinois' public universities are bucking a national trend of generally declining enrollment, welcoming larger freshmen classes to their campuses this fall.
Other universities with increases included the University of Illinois' flagship campus in Urbana-Champaign, the University of Illinois Springfield, Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.
The University of Illinois-Springfield's 19.8 percent increase in freshman enrollment — to 339 students — is probably a direct result of the school's Chicago-area marketing push and increases in scholarship money, according to Tim Barnett, the school's vice chancellor of student affairs.
Direct mail, email, billboards and radio spots are all being used to persuade students who might otherwise look outside of Illinois to come to the state capital, he said.
The Associated Press story was published on September 12, 2013.
Read the article online
Other universities with increases included the University of Illinois' flagship campus in Urbana-Champaign, the University of Illinois Springfield, Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.
The University of Illinois-Springfield's 19.8 percent increase in freshman enrollment — to 339 students — is probably a direct result of the school's Chicago-area marketing push and increases in scholarship money, according to Tim Barnett, the school's vice chancellor of student affairs.
Direct mail, email, billboards and radio spots are all being used to persuade students who might otherwise look outside of Illinois to come to the state capital, he said.
The Associated Press story was published on September 12, 2013.
Read the article online
Study says homework is a waste of time
Can homework be a waste of time? A recent study published by the Economics of Education Review says yes.
Surveys show the amount of time children spend on homework has risen over the past 30 years however when it comes down to after -school assignments a new study suggests less is more.
"When I hear things about homework that are negative, it always has to do with the number of hours of homework that is given per night but the thing is that it takes kids different amounts of time to do different kinds of homework," said UIS Professor Cindy Wilson.
Wilson, who has been teaching for more than three decades and says homework should be purposeful.
"When you think about the homework that kids get, you have to think about the purpose of homework our classrooms are full of students who have different learning styles, different strengths, different interests, different motivations, and if you can use a variety of homework you're going to get more students you are going to impact more students," said Wilson.
Wilson was featured by WICS-TV 20 on September 13, 2013.
Watch the story online
Surveys show the amount of time children spend on homework has risen over the past 30 years however when it comes down to after -school assignments a new study suggests less is more.
"When I hear things about homework that are negative, it always has to do with the number of hours of homework that is given per night but the thing is that it takes kids different amounts of time to do different kinds of homework," said UIS Professor Cindy Wilson.
Wilson, who has been teaching for more than three decades and says homework should be purposeful.
"When you think about the homework that kids get, you have to think about the purpose of homework our classrooms are full of students who have different learning styles, different strengths, different interests, different motivations, and if you can use a variety of homework you're going to get more students you are going to impact more students," said Wilson.
Wilson was featured by WICS-TV 20 on September 13, 2013.
Watch the story online
State's supreme court gets second woman chief justice
With more than 30 years of experience in the judicial system, Justice Rita B. Garman will accept a new role as chief justice for the Illinois Supreme Court.
She's broken down barriers that no man or woman has ever been able to in Illinois. She is the first person to serve on all levels in the state's court system.
"This really opens up the legal profession. I would hope in the eyes of these young students and allows them to dream big," Gwen Jordan said.
Attorney Gwen Jordan teaches at the University of Illinois Springfield. She says she can relate to Justice Garman. She dealt with similar struggles while climbing her ladder to success.
"Unfortunately it still exists for women of color it's worse. So this does matter to have women in the top level positions, to change those maybe more settle biases," Jordan said.
Jordan was featured by WICS-TV 20 on September 12, 2013.
Watch the story online
She's broken down barriers that no man or woman has ever been able to in Illinois. She is the first person to serve on all levels in the state's court system.
"This really opens up the legal profession. I would hope in the eyes of these young students and allows them to dream big," Gwen Jordan said.
Attorney Gwen Jordan teaches at the University of Illinois Springfield. She says she can relate to Justice Garman. She dealt with similar struggles while climbing her ladder to success.
"Unfortunately it still exists for women of color it's worse. So this does matter to have women in the top level positions, to change those maybe more settle biases," Jordan said.
Jordan was featured by WICS-TV 20 on September 12, 2013.
Watch the story online
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
UIS enrollment tops 5,000 for fourth year in row
Fall enrollment at the University of Illinois Springfield matched its second-highest total and topped 5,000 students for a fourth consecutive year.
The increase from 5,048 students in fall 2012 to 5,137 students this year — a 1.8 percent increase — comes as many other state universities see declining enrollment.
The University of Illinois will release enrollment figures for its Urbana-Champaign campus today.
“Growth is a high priority for the UIS campus, and we are very encouraged that more and more students are choosing the Springfield campus of the University of Illinois because of the high-quality educational experience they receive,” said UIS Chancellor Susan Koch.
The story was published in The State Journal-Register on Sept. 11, 2013.
Read the article online
The increase from 5,048 students in fall 2012 to 5,137 students this year — a 1.8 percent increase — comes as many other state universities see declining enrollment.
The University of Illinois will release enrollment figures for its Urbana-Champaign campus today.
“Growth is a high priority for the UIS campus, and we are very encouraged that more and more students are choosing the Springfield campus of the University of Illinois because of the high-quality educational experience they receive,” said UIS Chancellor Susan Koch.
The story was published in The State Journal-Register on Sept. 11, 2013.
Read the article online
All-stater Weems is UIS' prized men's basketball recruit
University of Illinois Springfield men’s basketball coach Ben Wierzba had the chance last week to begin working on campus with his team, including prized freshman Mark Weems Jr.
Weems, a 6-foot-2 guard, was an Associated Press and Illinois Basketball Coaches Association first-team all-state choice for Class 2A state runner-up South Holland Seton Academy.
“He’s a winner and comes from a successful program,” Wierzba said. “His junior year, they got fourth in state. Last season, they got second in state.”
Weems averaged 17.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.2 steals last season. He was ejected from the Class 2A state title game against Harrisburg in the first half after touching an official while disputing a technical foul called on him.
“He can score,” Wierzba said. “He has played with good players around him. A kid he played with last year (Alex Foster) is at Texas Tech. He’s a winner and has been a leader for his teams.”
Weems was featured by The State Journal-Register on Sept. 11, 2013.
Read the article online
Weems, a 6-foot-2 guard, was an Associated Press and Illinois Basketball Coaches Association first-team all-state choice for Class 2A state runner-up South Holland Seton Academy.
“He’s a winner and comes from a successful program,” Wierzba said. “His junior year, they got fourth in state. Last season, they got second in state.”
Weems averaged 17.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.2 steals last season. He was ejected from the Class 2A state title game against Harrisburg in the first half after touching an official while disputing a technical foul called on him.
“He can score,” Wierzba said. “He has played with good players around him. A kid he played with last year (Alex Foster) is at Texas Tech. He’s a winner and has been a leader for his teams.”
Weems was featured by The State Journal-Register on Sept. 11, 2013.
Read the article online
UIS Athletics hosting social event
The University of Illinois Springfield athletic department will host its first STARS Club “SPI” Tour event from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12 at Brickhouse Grill and Pub, 3136 W. Iles Ave.
UIS coaches and staff will meet with attendees. The event will feature free appetizers and a cash bar. There will also be an opportunity to join the STARS Club, UIS’ booster club.
Other tour stops include Oct. 3 at Quaker Steak and Lube, Nov. 14 at Floyd’s Thirst Parlor, Jan. 30, 2014, at Brickhouse Grill and Pub downtown, and March 13 at Cousin Eddie’s Sports Bar. The final event will take place in May or June on the UIS campus.
The story was featured in The State Journal-Register on Sept. 11, 2013.
Read the article online
UIS coaches and staff will meet with attendees. The event will feature free appetizers and a cash bar. There will also be an opportunity to join the STARS Club, UIS’ booster club.
Other tour stops include Oct. 3 at Quaker Steak and Lube, Nov. 14 at Floyd’s Thirst Parlor, Jan. 30, 2014, at Brickhouse Grill and Pub downtown, and March 13 at Cousin Eddie’s Sports Bar. The final event will take place in May or June on the UIS campus.
The story was featured in The State Journal-Register on Sept. 11, 2013.
Read the article online
Monday, September 9, 2013
Koch: Community involvement encouraged in One Book, One UIS
The following is part of a guest editorial written by UIS Chancellor Susan Koch. It was published in the September 8, 2013 edition of The State Journal-Register.
"I’m especially pleased this year that our early fall schedule on the Springfield campus includes something new — a community reading project. Since the late 1990s, the concept of a community read, originated by the Washington Center for the Book, has proliferated across the country and around the world — bringing people together from a wide spectrum of backgrounds through the reading and discussion of a common book.
The One Book, One UIS initiative is the brainchild of Jane Treadwell, UIS librarian and dean of Library Instructional Services. When Jane and I first discussed the idea a year ago, she reminded me of the promise in our vision statement—to enrich individual lives and to make a difference in the world.
“Books have been banned and burned,” she said, “because they have power; the power of ideas.”
The chancellor was an easy sell, and Jane immediately launched the project, forming a planning group and soliciting suggestions from members of Friends of the Brookens Library and others on campus and in the community of Springfield and beyond."
Read the full column online
"I’m especially pleased this year that our early fall schedule on the Springfield campus includes something new — a community reading project. Since the late 1990s, the concept of a community read, originated by the Washington Center for the Book, has proliferated across the country and around the world — bringing people together from a wide spectrum of backgrounds through the reading and discussion of a common book.
The One Book, One UIS initiative is the brainchild of Jane Treadwell, UIS librarian and dean of Library Instructional Services. When Jane and I first discussed the idea a year ago, she reminded me of the promise in our vision statement—to enrich individual lives and to make a difference in the world.
“Books have been banned and burned,” she said, “because they have power; the power of ideas.”
The chancellor was an easy sell, and Jane immediately launched the project, forming a planning group and soliciting suggestions from members of Friends of the Brookens Library and others on campus and in the community of Springfield and beyond."
Read the full column online
Friday, September 6, 2013
UIS women's soccer heads in new direction
Just hours after the first practice of the season, the University of Illinois Springfield women’s soccer players got down to business in a manner that is surprising.
The team’s first community service project of the year coincided with the very first day of practice. After a morning session, the Prairie Stars sorted medical supplies destined for developing countries at a local mission less than three weeks ago.
“A lot of teams on Day One are all about soccer,” UIS coach Molly Grisham said. “This adds to our soccer. It was two hours of team bonding and helping our community. My feeling was either we can sit around the dorms complaining that our legs are sore or we can be together, complain together and help people who have a far greater need than our sore legs.”
Spending time getting to know each other has been imperative for the Stars.
They have a new coach in Grisham, a 1992 Chatham Glenwood High School graduate who oversaw the program at NCAA Division II Wayne State College in Nebraska the past four years. Grisham, who went 20-45-9 at Wayne State, replaces Pete Kowall, who left the Prairie Stars to become an assistant coach for Indiana State.
The team was featured by The State Journal-Register on September 6, 2013.
Read the article online
The team’s first community service project of the year coincided with the very first day of practice. After a morning session, the Prairie Stars sorted medical supplies destined for developing countries at a local mission less than three weeks ago.
“A lot of teams on Day One are all about soccer,” UIS coach Molly Grisham said. “This adds to our soccer. It was two hours of team bonding and helping our community. My feeling was either we can sit around the dorms complaining that our legs are sore or we can be together, complain together and help people who have a far greater need than our sore legs.”
Spending time getting to know each other has been imperative for the Stars.
They have a new coach in Grisham, a 1992 Chatham Glenwood High School graduate who oversaw the program at NCAA Division II Wayne State College in Nebraska the past four years. Grisham, who went 20-45-9 at Wayne State, replaces Pete Kowall, who left the Prairie Stars to become an assistant coach for Indiana State.
The team was featured by The State Journal-Register on September 6, 2013.
Read the article online
UIS Speaker Series kicks off next week
The first of 13 speakers scheduled this fall in the University of Illinois Springfield’s Speaker Series will look at immigration from both historical and contemporary perspectives.
The series, officially the Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speaker Series, will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Brookens Auditorium with “Immigration and Illegality in the American Imagination” featuring Judy Tzu-Chun Wu, associate professor of history and women’s, gender and sexuality studies at The Ohio State University.
Kimberly Craig, assistant to the associate vice chancellor of undergraduate education at UIS, said the ECCE is a set of courses tied to the university’s heritage, mission, vision and values. All undergraduates are required to take at least 13 hours in ECCE, and one hour of that requirement can be fulfilled through the Speaker Series.
For a list of other upcoming ECCE Speakers Series events and more information, visit http://illinois.edu/goto/speakerseries. All events are free and open to the public.
The story was published in The State Journal-Register on September 6, 2013.
Read the story online
The series, officially the Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speaker Series, will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Brookens Auditorium with “Immigration and Illegality in the American Imagination” featuring Judy Tzu-Chun Wu, associate professor of history and women’s, gender and sexuality studies at The Ohio State University.
Kimberly Craig, assistant to the associate vice chancellor of undergraduate education at UIS, said the ECCE is a set of courses tied to the university’s heritage, mission, vision and values. All undergraduates are required to take at least 13 hours in ECCE, and one hour of that requirement can be fulfilled through the Speaker Series.
For a list of other upcoming ECCE Speakers Series events and more information, visit http://illinois.edu/goto/speakerseries. All events are free and open to the public.
The story was published in The State Journal-Register on September 6, 2013.
Read the story online
Blues legend B.B. King performing in November
The thrill returns to Springfield on Nov. 17 when blues music legend B.B. King performs.
King, whose long list of hits going back to the 1950s includes “Paying the Cost to Be the Boss,” “I Like to Live the Love” and “The Thrill is Gone,” performs at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at Sangamon Auditorium, on the University of Illinois Springfield campus. Backpack Jones opens for King.
The concert is just two days after classic rock band Foreigner performs at the auditorium. Nearly 60 years ago, King had his first hit singles on the Billboard R&B chart with “Ten Long Years” and “Every Day I Have the Blues.”
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on September 6, 2013.
Read the story online
King, whose long list of hits going back to the 1950s includes “Paying the Cost to Be the Boss,” “I Like to Live the Love” and “The Thrill is Gone,” performs at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at Sangamon Auditorium, on the University of Illinois Springfield campus. Backpack Jones opens for King.
The concert is just two days after classic rock band Foreigner performs at the auditorium. Nearly 60 years ago, King had his first hit singles on the Billboard R&B chart with “Ten Long Years” and “Every Day I Have the Blues.”
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on September 6, 2013.
Read the story online
Thursday, September 5, 2013
UIS partners with Family Service Center to offer counseling
After a hiatus of nearly a decade, Family Service Center is again offering community counseling services with a boost from the University of Illinois Springfield.
“By leveraging the resources we have here and in the community, we hope to respond to the unmet mental health needs,” said Erin Predmore, executive director of Family Service Center.
The program will use master’s degree-level interns from the UIS Department of Human Development Counseling working under the supervision of a licensed counselor with more than 15 years’ experience.
“They said, ‘Let’s just find the resources to do it ourselves,’ and contacted our program,” said Ann McCaughan, associate professor of human development counseling and clinical experience coordinator for the UIS program. “It sounded like an awesome opportunity for our students, working with real-world situations and people who need our services.”
“It’s neat when students can provide services to people who otherwise wouldn’t get mental health care,” McCaughan said.
The story was published in The State Journal-Register on September 5, 2013.
Read the article online
“By leveraging the resources we have here and in the community, we hope to respond to the unmet mental health needs,” said Erin Predmore, executive director of Family Service Center.
The program will use master’s degree-level interns from the UIS Department of Human Development Counseling working under the supervision of a licensed counselor with more than 15 years’ experience.
“They said, ‘Let’s just find the resources to do it ourselves,’ and contacted our program,” said Ann McCaughan, associate professor of human development counseling and clinical experience coordinator for the UIS program. “It sounded like an awesome opportunity for our students, working with real-world situations and people who need our services.”
“It’s neat when students can provide services to people who otherwise wouldn’t get mental health care,” McCaughan said.
The story was published in The State Journal-Register on September 5, 2013.
Read the article online
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
UIS hopes newcomers can help spark turnaround
Noelle Rooke has settled in as coach of the University of Illinois Springfield volleyball team, yet “new” has become a repeating theme.
As well as a point of pride.
“This is a whole new team,” said Rooke, in her second season. “We have a whole new face about us, literally. It’s so exciting.”
With six returning players and nine newcomers, including seven freshmen, the Prairie Stars have a different look.
Although new to each other, it didn’t stop the players from conquering a victory on the opening day of practice by figuring out one particular drill quicker than expected.
“It’s a mental drill that’s very controlled and there has to be a lot of communication,” Rooke said. “Obviously a new team that doesn’t know each other, you’d think it would be hard for them to get it. Last year’s team didn’t get it. This year’s team got it right away.”
The team was featured by The State Journal-Register on September 3, 2013.
Read the article online
“This is a whole new team,” said Rooke, in her second season. “We have a whole new face about us, literally. It’s so exciting.”
With six returning players and nine newcomers, including seven freshmen, the Prairie Stars have a different look.
Although new to each other, it didn’t stop the players from conquering a victory on the opening day of practice by figuring out one particular drill quicker than expected.
“It’s a mental drill that’s very controlled and there has to be a lot of communication,” Rooke said. “Obviously a new team that doesn’t know each other, you’d think it would be hard for them to get it. Last year’s team didn’t get it. This year’s team got it right away.”
The team was featured by The State Journal-Register on September 3, 2013.
Read the article online
UIS 'community read' hopes to inspire
The University of Illinois Springfield is trying to get everybody on the same page — at least for its first community reading project this fall.
“We’ve been involved with community reads with Lincoln Library and other public libraries but have never organized one ourselves,” said Jane Treadwell, UIS librarian and dean of library instructional services.
The university’s One Book, One UIS initiative will use “Behind the Beautiful Forevers” by Katherine Boo, an account of the lives of the residents of a slum in Mumbai, India, as its centerpiece.
The campus community is being encouraged to read the book and participate in the initiative, which kicks off Friday with the screening of a film and concludes Oct. 8 with the second of two panel discussions.
Boo will speak Oct. 7 at Brookens Auditorium.
“Behind the Beautiful Forevers” won the National Book Award for nonfiction in 2012, was short-listed for the Pulitzer Prize and appeared on several best book lists.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on September 1, 2013.
Read the article online
“We’ve been involved with community reads with Lincoln Library and other public libraries but have never organized one ourselves,” said Jane Treadwell, UIS librarian and dean of library instructional services.
The university’s One Book, One UIS initiative will use “Behind the Beautiful Forevers” by Katherine Boo, an account of the lives of the residents of a slum in Mumbai, India, as its centerpiece.
The campus community is being encouraged to read the book and participate in the initiative, which kicks off Friday with the screening of a film and concludes Oct. 8 with the second of two panel discussions.
Boo will speak Oct. 7 at Brookens Auditorium.
“Behind the Beautiful Forevers” won the National Book Award for nonfiction in 2012, was short-listed for the Pulitzer Prize and appeared on several best book lists.
The story was featured by The State Journal-Register on September 1, 2013.
Read the article online
Schoenburg: Mooney's winding road to academic stardom
During his 14 years in Springfield, I have come to know University of Illinois Springfield political scientist Chris Mooney as a smart guy who can give strong, plainspoken and sometimes funny comments on happenings in politics in government.
But he’s got quite a background I didn’t know about.
I knew he was founding editor of a national journal called State Politics and Policy Quarterly. He’s past director of the Institute for Legislative Studies at UIS, and in 2010 became the first person to become The Honorable W. Russell Arrington Professor of State Politics at UIS and the U of I’s Institute of Government and Public Affairs.
I had a hint that his high school days weren’t idyllic, and I asked him about that after his recent appointment, which took effect in mid-August, to head the institute — IGPA — that he’s been with since 2004 and has most of its 18 faculty members at Champaign and Chicago.
“We lived in a lot of places when I was a kid,” said Mooney, 55.
Read Bernard Schoenburg's full SJ-R column online
The story was published on September 1, 2013 by The State Journal-Register.
But he’s got quite a background I didn’t know about.
I knew he was founding editor of a national journal called State Politics and Policy Quarterly. He’s past director of the Institute for Legislative Studies at UIS, and in 2010 became the first person to become The Honorable W. Russell Arrington Professor of State Politics at UIS and the U of I’s Institute of Government and Public Affairs.
I had a hint that his high school days weren’t idyllic, and I asked him about that after his recent appointment, which took effect in mid-August, to head the institute — IGPA — that he’s been with since 2004 and has most of its 18 faculty members at Champaign and Chicago.
“We lived in a lot of places when I was a kid,” said Mooney, 55.
Read Bernard Schoenburg's full SJ-R column online
The story was published on September 1, 2013 by The State Journal-Register.
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