The University of Illinois Springfield men’s basketball team shot 54.5 percent from the field and put five players in double figures Wednesday in a 98-68 rout of Governors State at The Recreation and Athletic Center.
The Prairie Stars shot 61.7 percent (21-for-34) in the first half and staked out a 51-31 lead at halftime. Zach Steinberg led UIS (5-6) with a team-high 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting. He also pulled down 12 rebounds.
JJ Cravatta added 15 points, hitting all six of his shots, including going 3-for-3 from 3-point range. Richard Freeman, Bahari Amaya and Paxton Harmon added 10 points apiece for the Prairie Stars. UIS outrebounded Governors State 50-32.
Jamall Millison finished with nine points and became UIS’ all-time Division II leading scorer with 875 points.
The win was reported by The State Journal-Register on December 31, 2015.
Read the article online.
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
UIS women finish 2015 with victory
Meredith Marti had 22 points and Shelbi Patterson scored 17 as the University of Illinois Springfield defeated non-conference opponent Oakland City 71-61 Saturday to finish 2015 on a high note.
UIS (5-5) fell behind 12-0 at The Recreation and Athletic Center but regained its footing and put together a 29-point second quarter, including a 16-0 run that launched the Stars into the lead for good.
Caroline Kelty had a double-double for UIS, finishing with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
UIS’ next game is Jan. 7 at Great Lakes Valley Conference opponent Quincy.
The win was reported by The State Journal-Register on December 20, 2015.
Read the article online.
UIS (5-5) fell behind 12-0 at The Recreation and Athletic Center but regained its footing and put together a 29-point second quarter, including a 16-0 run that launched the Stars into the lead for good.
Caroline Kelty had a double-double for UIS, finishing with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
UIS’ next game is Jan. 7 at Great Lakes Valley Conference opponent Quincy.
The win was reported by The State Journal-Register on December 20, 2015.
Read the article online.
Thursday, December 17, 2015
UIS students gathering clothes for Syrian refugees
Students at the University of Illinois Springfield are pitching in to help refugees fleeing the war in Syria.
The Muslim Student Organization, the International Student Association and other campus groups have organized a clothing drive to help Syrian people who have been displaced by the ongoing hostilities.
Asad Sohail, a graduate student who is president of the Muslim Student Organization, said he's been amazed at the school's response to the clothing drive. They've already filled 20 to 25 large garbage bags with donated clothes, he said.
"(The refugees) are stuck in the middle," Sohail said. "People think they are migrating because they are cowards. They really don't understand what the situation is."
The clothing drive was Sohail's idea. It got started after he talked to Maricela Arce, a graduate student who is president of the International Student Association.
Arce, who's also the Resident Housing Association's sustainability director, said that at the end of the spring semester, they have a program that collects items students no longer want when they move out of the residence halls. Those items are distributed to charities.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on December 17, 2015.
Read the story online.
The Muslim Student Organization, the International Student Association and other campus groups have organized a clothing drive to help Syrian people who have been displaced by the ongoing hostilities.
Asad Sohail, a graduate student who is president of the Muslim Student Organization, said he's been amazed at the school's response to the clothing drive. They've already filled 20 to 25 large garbage bags with donated clothes, he said.
"(The refugees) are stuck in the middle," Sohail said. "People think they are migrating because they are cowards. They really don't understand what the situation is."
The clothing drive was Sohail's idea. It got started after he talked to Maricela Arce, a graduate student who is president of the International Student Association.
Arce, who's also the Resident Housing Association's sustainability director, said that at the end of the spring semester, they have a program that collects items students no longer want when they move out of the residence halls. Those items are distributed to charities.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on December 17, 2015.
Read the story online.
Men's Cross Country: Senators' Moore signs with UIS
Springfield High School senior Jack Moore is among three cross country runners who have signed with the University of Illinois Springfield for the 2016 season.
Moore placed 64th at the Peoria Invitational and won the junior varsity race at the Springfield Invite in the fall.
Washington’s Alex Phelps and Jerseyville’s Nick Reynolds will also run for UIS. Phelps placed 22nd at the Class 1A Peoria Regional and was a sectional qualifier. Reynolds finished fourth at the Carlinville Early Bird Meet and was fifth at the Mississippi Valley Conference Meet.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on December 17, 2015.
Read the story online.
Moore placed 64th at the Peoria Invitational and won the junior varsity race at the Springfield Invite in the fall.
Washington’s Alex Phelps and Jerseyville’s Nick Reynolds will also run for UIS. Phelps placed 22nd at the Class 1A Peoria Regional and was a sectional qualifier. Reynolds finished fourth at the Carlinville Early Bird Meet and was fifth at the Mississippi Valley Conference Meet.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on December 17, 2015.
Read the story online.
Women's Cross Country: UIS adds four runners
Litchfield High School senior Alexandria Quarton and Chatham Glenwood High School graduate Rachel Crowley have signed with the University of Illinois Springfield women’s cross country program.
Quarton placed 66th at the Class 1A state cross country meet in November. She won Litchfield Invitational, placed fourth at the Shelbyville Regional and was 28th at the Decatur St. Teresa Sectional.
Crowley will join the team in the spring semester. She placed 80th for the Titans at the Class 2A state meet as a senior.
Decatur St. Teresa’s Kelsey Cleary and East Alton-Wood River’s Haley Kerpan also signed with UIS.
Cleary finished 22nd at the Class 2A Decatur MacArthur Sectional and was 153rd at state.
Kerpan was the individual champion at the Class 1A New Athens Regional and won the Madison County Meet. She placed 71st at state. Last track season, she was the conference champion in the 400 and 1,600 and ran a leg on the winning 4x100 relay.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on December 17, 2015.
Read the story online.
Quarton placed 66th at the Class 1A state cross country meet in November. She won Litchfield Invitational, placed fourth at the Shelbyville Regional and was 28th at the Decatur St. Teresa Sectional.
Crowley will join the team in the spring semester. She placed 80th for the Titans at the Class 2A state meet as a senior.
Decatur St. Teresa’s Kelsey Cleary and East Alton-Wood River’s Haley Kerpan also signed with UIS.
Cleary finished 22nd at the Class 2A Decatur MacArthur Sectional and was 153rd at state.
Kerpan was the individual champion at the Class 1A New Athens Regional and won the Madison County Meet. She placed 71st at state. Last track season, she was the conference champion in the 400 and 1,600 and ran a leg on the winning 4x100 relay.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on December 17, 2015.
Read the story online.
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Scaled-back student housing complex breaks ground in downtown Springfield
A four-story, 72-unit housing complex geared toward graduate students broke ground in downtown Springfield Monday, but its size has been scaled back from the original proposal earlier this year.
Iowa-based Bluffstone LLC first proposed a five-story building for the southwest corner of Fourth and Madison streets and requested $700,000 in tax increment financing funds from the city. But aldermen rejected the TIF payment in June.
The project, coined the Villas Downtown Springfield, is now planned without TIF dollars as a four-story building on the same site, with 6,000 square feet of commercial and retail space.
The apartments are targeted for University of Illinois Springfield students who are working downtown.
While UIS has supported the downtown housing project, it won’t be university-owned housing. The Villas Downtown Springfield will own the property.
UIS can have up to 300 graduate students in a given school year working at the Capitol or with other state governmental agencies, said Clarice Ford, UIS interim vice chancellor for student affairs.
“Apartment housing is pretty limited in Springfield, especially for our graduate students,” Ford said. “They may have families. They come in all different varieties.”
For UIS to recommend that students live at the Villas, it would need to go through the process of becoming a certified student housing apartment, which could begin when the project is still in the building phase, Ford said.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on December 16, 2015.
Read the article online.
Iowa-based Bluffstone LLC first proposed a five-story building for the southwest corner of Fourth and Madison streets and requested $700,000 in tax increment financing funds from the city. But aldermen rejected the TIF payment in June.
The project, coined the Villas Downtown Springfield, is now planned without TIF dollars as a four-story building on the same site, with 6,000 square feet of commercial and retail space.
The apartments are targeted for University of Illinois Springfield students who are working downtown.
While UIS has supported the downtown housing project, it won’t be university-owned housing. The Villas Downtown Springfield will own the property.
UIS can have up to 300 graduate students in a given school year working at the Capitol or with other state governmental agencies, said Clarice Ford, UIS interim vice chancellor for student affairs.
“Apartment housing is pretty limited in Springfield, especially for our graduate students,” Ford said. “They may have families. They come in all different varieties.”
For UIS to recommend that students live at the Villas, it would need to go through the process of becoming a certified student housing apartment, which could begin when the project is still in the building phase, Ford said.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on December 16, 2015.
Read the article online.
Employers sought for UIS career expo
University of Illinois Springfield is seeking businesses and other organizations for the 2016 Career Connections Expo.
The expo is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 16 at The Recreation and Athletic Center.
UIS, Lincoln Land Community College and ITT Technical Institute co-sponsor the expo, which allows alumni and graduates of the schools to meet with prospective employers from the area.
Employer booth assignments are first-come, first served and early registration is encouraged at uis.edu/career. The registration deadline is 5 p.m. Feb. 5. Additional information is available from the UIS Career Development Center, 206-6508 or employerrelations@uis.edu.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on December 16, 2015.
Read the article online.
The expo is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 16 at The Recreation and Athletic Center.
UIS, Lincoln Land Community College and ITT Technical Institute co-sponsor the expo, which allows alumni and graduates of the schools to meet with prospective employers from the area.
Employer booth assignments are first-come, first served and early registration is encouraged at uis.edu/career. The registration deadline is 5 p.m. Feb. 5. Additional information is available from the UIS Career Development Center, 206-6508 or employerrelations@uis.edu.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on December 16, 2015.
Read the article online.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
No money, mo' problems
Thousands of college students in Illinois are starting to feel the effects of the budget impasse that has left many state government agencies with limited funding. Included in that group is the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, which distributes MAP grants to help college students.
At the University of Illinois Springfield, the administration applied the MAP grants to students’ accounts and has made a commitment to also apply funds for the spring semester, said Carolyn Schloemann, acting director of the Office of Financial Assistance at UIS.
“Our students, at this time, are not feeling any adverse consequences to the fact that the budget hasn’t been passed,” she said.
So far, UIS has done what they do with the MAP grants every year. Money is applied to eligible students’ financial aid accounts at the beginning of the semester. Then, in October, the school begins billing the state for what they paid out for the fall semester; billing would continue until the deadline in December. Finally, in late December or early January, the state would begin reimbursing the school.
Except this year, they aren’t expecting any money from the state.
“That’s the different piece now,” Schloemann said.
UIS is seeing the budget impasse affect them in other ways, said UIS spokesman Derek Schnapp. UIS has limited spending, and hiring for vacant positions has temporarily stopped. Additionally, a new public safety building has been put on hold.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register's Voice Section on December 15, 2015.
Read the article online.
At the University of Illinois Springfield, the administration applied the MAP grants to students’ accounts and has made a commitment to also apply funds for the spring semester, said Carolyn Schloemann, acting director of the Office of Financial Assistance at UIS.
“Our students, at this time, are not feeling any adverse consequences to the fact that the budget hasn’t been passed,” she said.
So far, UIS has done what they do with the MAP grants every year. Money is applied to eligible students’ financial aid accounts at the beginning of the semester. Then, in October, the school begins billing the state for what they paid out for the fall semester; billing would continue until the deadline in December. Finally, in late December or early January, the state would begin reimbursing the school.
Except this year, they aren’t expecting any money from the state.
“That’s the different piece now,” Schloemann said.
UIS is seeing the budget impasse affect them in other ways, said UIS spokesman Derek Schnapp. UIS has limited spending, and hiring for vacant positions has temporarily stopped. Additionally, a new public safety building has been put on hold.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register's Voice Section on December 15, 2015.
Read the article online.
Monday, December 14, 2015
UIS routs Cumberland in men's basketball
Davi Austin went 10-for-13 from the field, scored 22 points and handed out five assists to lead the University of Illinois Springfield past Cumberland 83-63 Friday night in a non-conference men's basketball game.
Jamall Millison added 21 points for the Prairie Stars, who shot 55.4 percent from the field and hit nine of 16 3-pointers.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on December 12, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Jamall Millison added 21 points for the Prairie Stars, who shot 55.4 percent from the field and hit nine of 16 3-pointers.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on December 12, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
State considering switch from ACT to SAT testing
The college entrance exam for students in Illinois could soon change. After more than a decade of offering the ACT, the State Board of Education is now considering the SAT.
The University of Illinois Springfield accepts both SAT and ACT scores.
The university says Illinois switching to the SAT shouldn't affect future students, but could affect the school's employees.
"I think the people that work with the scores will have to get used to the new SAT scoring. For a while I think they will rely on what that means in a ACT kind of language as opposed to looking straight at the SAT score," said Assistant Director of Admissions at UIS, Kathryn Kleeman.
Currently, if a student applies to UIS with an SAT score, it is converted to an ACT score.
The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on December 9, 2015.
Watch the story online.
The University of Illinois Springfield accepts both SAT and ACT scores.
The university says Illinois switching to the SAT shouldn't affect future students, but could affect the school's employees.
"I think the people that work with the scores will have to get used to the new SAT scoring. For a while I think they will rely on what that means in a ACT kind of language as opposed to looking straight at the SAT score," said Assistant Director of Admissions at UIS, Kathryn Kleeman.
Currently, if a student applies to UIS with an SAT score, it is converted to an ACT score.
The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on December 9, 2015.
Watch the story online.
Spartans softball standout signs with UIS
Allison Rose knew she wanted to go to the University of Illinois Springfield after visiting.
“I really liked the campus,” she said. “It was a small campus with a homey feel.”
The St. Joseph-Ogden senior will not only attend UIS next fall, but she will also play softball for the Prairie Stars, recently signing with the Division II school.
Rose, an outfielder for the Spartans, missed most of her junior season last year with a knee injury. She returned in time to hit safely in six of her 10 at-bats during the Spartans’ run to a fourth-place finish in Class 2A last June.
As a sophomore, Rose hit .530 with four home runs and 38 RBI to go along with 33 stolen bases.
Rose was featured by Champaign News-Gazette on December 10, 2015.
Read the full article online.
“I really liked the campus,” she said. “It was a small campus with a homey feel.”
The St. Joseph-Ogden senior will not only attend UIS next fall, but she will also play softball for the Prairie Stars, recently signing with the Division II school.
Rose, an outfielder for the Spartans, missed most of her junior season last year with a knee injury. She returned in time to hit safely in six of her 10 at-bats during the Spartans’ run to a fourth-place finish in Class 2A last June.
As a sophomore, Rose hit .530 with four home runs and 38 RBI to go along with 33 stolen bases.
Rose was featured by Champaign News-Gazette on December 10, 2015.
Read the full article online.
Friday, December 4, 2015
First-year UIS women's track team opens indoor season Saturday
University of Illinois Springfield women’s track coach Mike De Witt has high expectations for the upcoming indoor season.
“I think we’ll have more success on the track than we did in cross country,” said De Witt, who also coaches cross country.
The Prairie Stars’ first women’s track team will participate in six indoor meets beginning with Saturday’s Titan First Chance Meet at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington.
UIS doesn’t have a full track and field team; instead the Stars are focusing on middle-distance events such as the 800-meter run and mile. They’ll also compete in the 400, 4x400 relay and 4,000-meter distance medley relay.
UIS kicked off its running program during its inaugural cross country season in the fall. The team had more short-sprint runners than long-distance ones. “They’re going to be training for the 400 and 800 rather than the 200 and 400,” De Witt said.
The Great Lakes Valley Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships are Feb. 27-28 in Kenosha, Wis.
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on December 3, 2015.
Read the entire story here.
“I think we’ll have more success on the track than we did in cross country,” said De Witt, who also coaches cross country.
The Prairie Stars’ first women’s track team will participate in six indoor meets beginning with Saturday’s Titan First Chance Meet at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington.
UIS doesn’t have a full track and field team; instead the Stars are focusing on middle-distance events such as the 800-meter run and mile. They’ll also compete in the 400, 4x400 relay and 4,000-meter distance medley relay.
UIS kicked off its running program during its inaugural cross country season in the fall. The team had more short-sprint runners than long-distance ones. “They’re going to be training for the 400 and 800 rather than the 200 and 400,” De Witt said.
The Great Lakes Valley Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships are Feb. 27-28 in Kenosha, Wis.
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on December 3, 2015.
Read the entire story here.
Monday, November 30, 2015
New indoor facility run by former UIS pitcher targets softball players
Springfield has a new indoor facility for softball and baseball players to work on improving their games.
Buck Fastpitch Academy, 1200 N. Bradfordton Road, held its grand opening Nov. 21. The facility is run by Tina Buck, a former NCAA Division II softball pitcher at the University of Illinois Springfield. The academy is now accepting new clients and offers batting cage and pitching tunnel rentals.
Buck said she decided to open her academy after noticing a need locally for this type of facility for softball players. It's a need she said arises from the fact that softball is a growing sport and that there aren't enough indoor facilities available for the thousands of players who want to play the game year-round to keep their skills sharp.
"This is going to give people the opportunities to play all year round so that when they do play the Chicago and St. Louis teams and they travel south, they're able to still compete at that level, being able to get more reps in throughout the year," Buck said.
Buck was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 29, 2015.
Read the story online.
Buck Fastpitch Academy, 1200 N. Bradfordton Road, held its grand opening Nov. 21. The facility is run by Tina Buck, a former NCAA Division II softball pitcher at the University of Illinois Springfield. The academy is now accepting new clients and offers batting cage and pitching tunnel rentals.
Buck said she decided to open her academy after noticing a need locally for this type of facility for softball players. It's a need she said arises from the fact that softball is a growing sport and that there aren't enough indoor facilities available for the thousands of players who want to play the game year-round to keep their skills sharp.
"This is going to give people the opportunities to play all year round so that when they do play the Chicago and St. Louis teams and they travel south, they're able to still compete at that level, being able to get more reps in throughout the year," Buck said.
Buck was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 29, 2015.
Read the story online.
Harmon, Millison lead UIS men to basketball win
The University of Illinois Springfield men's basketball team led by 14 points at halftime and held off an Ohio Dominican rally to win 77-70 Saturday at the Saint Joseph’s College Thanksgiving Classic.
Trent Weaver’s jumper cut UIS’ lead to 73-68 with 49 seconds remaining. The Prairie Stars’ Jamall Millison missed two free throws and Ohio Dominican’s Ryan Hoyng grabbed the rebound. Hoyng passed the ball to Sherman Waugh, whose layup with 29 seconds left got the Panthers within three points. UIS’ Paxton Harmon and Millison each converted two foul shots in the final 20 seconds, while Ohio Dominican missed two shots.
Harmon and Millison scored 18 points apiece. Harmon had five rebounds and made four of the Stars’ 12 3-pointers. Davi Austin and JJ Cravatta had 12 points apiece for UIS. Vince Walker added 10.
The win snapped the Stars’ two-game losing streak and moved their record to 3-3. UIS was ahead 38-24 at halftime.
The win was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 29, 2015.
Read the article online.
Trent Weaver’s jumper cut UIS’ lead to 73-68 with 49 seconds remaining. The Prairie Stars’ Jamall Millison missed two free throws and Ohio Dominican’s Ryan Hoyng grabbed the rebound. Hoyng passed the ball to Sherman Waugh, whose layup with 29 seconds left got the Panthers within three points. UIS’ Paxton Harmon and Millison each converted two foul shots in the final 20 seconds, while Ohio Dominican missed two shots.
Harmon and Millison scored 18 points apiece. Harmon had five rebounds and made four of the Stars’ 12 3-pointers. Davi Austin and JJ Cravatta had 12 points apiece for UIS. Vince Walker added 10.
The win snapped the Stars’ two-game losing streak and moved their record to 3-3. UIS was ahead 38-24 at halftime.
The win was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 29, 2015.
Read the article online.
UIS' largest baseball recruiting class ever includes 12 pitchers
University of Illinois Springfield baseball coach Chris Ramirez signed 13 high school players and one junior college transfer during the early signing period.
Chase Lowman was a freshman pitcher at Odessa (Texas) College last spring. He allowed 50 hits and 23 walks in 27 2/3 innings. Lowman, who is from League City, Texas, had 19 strikeouts and a 15.61 earned run average.
Twelve of the 14 players who signed with the Prairie Stars are pitchers. With UIS expected to graduate eight pitchers from the 2016 spring roster, Ramirez needed to load up on arms.
The team was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 26, 2015.
Read the story online.
Chase Lowman was a freshman pitcher at Odessa (Texas) College last spring. He allowed 50 hits and 23 walks in 27 2/3 innings. Lowman, who is from League City, Texas, had 19 strikeouts and a 15.61 earned run average.
Twelve of the 14 players who signed with the Prairie Stars are pitchers. With UIS expected to graduate eight pitchers from the 2016 spring roster, Ramirez needed to load up on arms.
The team was featured by The State Journal-Register on November 26, 2015.
Read the story online.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
UIS men's basketball team benefits from schedule break
The University of Illinois Springfield men’s basketball team has had five days between games.
The layoff has been a godsend with leading scorer Jamall Millison and starting forward Jesse Tesmer nursing injuries. Both sat out UIS’ 101-52 win against Robert Morris University last Wednesday.
Millison was on the bench with a toe and thumb injury, while Tesmer wasn't in attendance due to a back spasm.
Millison is expected to take the court in a non-conference game between UIS (2-1) and Lindenwood (3-1) at 7 p.m. Tuesday at The Recreation and Athletic Center. Tesmer is probable for the matchup, according to UIS coach Bill Walker. Tesmer practiced Monday for the first time in a week.
The pause in games also allowed UIS practice time after playing three times in six days, which included a trip to Las Vegas. “We put in few new sets offensively and defensively,” Walker said. “We got some guys some individual work and extra time in the gym.”
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on November 23, 2015.
Read the entire story here.
The layoff has been a godsend with leading scorer Jamall Millison and starting forward Jesse Tesmer nursing injuries. Both sat out UIS’ 101-52 win against Robert Morris University last Wednesday.
Millison was on the bench with a toe and thumb injury, while Tesmer wasn't in attendance due to a back spasm.
Millison is expected to take the court in a non-conference game between UIS (2-1) and Lindenwood (3-1) at 7 p.m. Tuesday at The Recreation and Athletic Center. Tesmer is probable for the matchup, according to UIS coach Bill Walker. Tesmer practiced Monday for the first time in a week.
The pause in games also allowed UIS practice time after playing three times in six days, which included a trip to Las Vegas. “We put in few new sets offensively and defensively,” Walker said. “We got some guys some individual work and extra time in the gym.”
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on November 23, 2015.
Read the entire story here.
Monday, November 23, 2015
UIS women win three straight for first time since 2011
Three straight wins are a real boost for the University of Illinois Springfield women’s basketball team.
The Prairie Stars posted their third consecutive victory Saturday afternoon, defeating Lincoln University 80-69 at The Recreation and Athletic Center.
The last time UIS won three games in a row was December 2011.
With just four games under their belt and first-year coach Mark Kost at the helm, the Stars (3-1) have half the number of wins from last season when they were 6-20. “Coming from last season to this season is a totally different team,” UIS junior forward Syerra Cunningham said.
“We have the same players, but it’s different. It’s team basketball. We’re finding those looks. We’re not forcing it. If it worked it went in the flow of the game and flow of the play. We’re moving a lot better. We’re cutting. Shots are falling. Everything is working.”
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on November 21, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
The Prairie Stars posted their third consecutive victory Saturday afternoon, defeating Lincoln University 80-69 at The Recreation and Athletic Center.
The last time UIS won three games in a row was December 2011.
With just four games under their belt and first-year coach Mark Kost at the helm, the Stars (3-1) have half the number of wins from last season when they were 6-20. “Coming from last season to this season is a totally different team,” UIS junior forward Syerra Cunningham said.
“We have the same players, but it’s different. It’s team basketball. We’re finding those looks. We’re not forcing it. If it worked it went in the flow of the game and flow of the play. We’re moving a lot better. We’re cutting. Shots are falling. Everything is working.”
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on November 21, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
UIS program shows challenge of providing nutritious, affordable school lunch
University of Illinois Springfield junior Jessica Fager of Sherman had $2 in simulated money Wednesday to buy five items that someone might find in a public school cafeteria.
She skipped the meat items altogether but still found that her $2 didn't go very far.
"I only have 30 cents left," Fager said. "There wasn't much left even if I did eat meat."
Fager was one of about 150 students who attended a special program called Lunch Hour. The evening event was designed to highlight the difficulties school districts have when trying to buy food that is both affordable and nutritious.
Mark Dochterman, director of the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center at UIS, said school districts across the country spend between $2 and $2.15 on one lunch for one child.
"Think about that. Even buying in mass, it's difficult to make a lunch for $2," Dochterman said. "It's even more difficult to make it a healthy lunch. A lot of schools are stuck making decisions between an inexpensive protein or something like a nice slice of turkey that would be nice and healthy."
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on November 19, 2015.
Read the story online.
She skipped the meat items altogether but still found that her $2 didn't go very far.
"I only have 30 cents left," Fager said. "There wasn't much left even if I did eat meat."
Fager was one of about 150 students who attended a special program called Lunch Hour. The evening event was designed to highlight the difficulties school districts have when trying to buy food that is both affordable and nutritious.
Mark Dochterman, director of the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center at UIS, said school districts across the country spend between $2 and $2.15 on one lunch for one child.
"Think about that. Even buying in mass, it's difficult to make a lunch for $2," Dochterman said. "It's even more difficult to make it a healthy lunch. A lot of schools are stuck making decisions between an inexpensive protein or something like a nice slice of turkey that would be nice and healthy."
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on November 19, 2015.
Read the story online.
UIS men hit triple digits in basketball win over Robert Morris
The University of Illinois Springfield men’s basketball team scored over 100 points in only one game last season and the end result was a win over Robert Morris University.
UIS eclipsed the 100-point plateau again against RMU Wednesday for a 101-52 win in the Prairie Stars’ home opener at The Recreation and Athletic Center.
UIS now has back-to-back wins and a 2-1 overall record after beating Findlay 82-80 at the D2 Vegas Showdown Saturday and RMU.
“After these last two wins, I’m really excited what the season holds for us,” UIS freshman forward Bahari Amaya said. “We’re progressing every day. The sky is the limit. I’m really excited to see what we’re going to do.”
The win was reported by The State Journal-Register on November 19, 2015.
Read the story online.
UIS eclipsed the 100-point plateau again against RMU Wednesday for a 101-52 win in the Prairie Stars’ home opener at The Recreation and Athletic Center.
UIS now has back-to-back wins and a 2-1 overall record after beating Findlay 82-80 at the D2 Vegas Showdown Saturday and RMU.
“After these last two wins, I’m really excited what the season holds for us,” UIS freshman forward Bahari Amaya said. “We’re progressing every day. The sky is the limit. I’m really excited to see what we’re going to do.”
The win was reported by The State Journal-Register on November 19, 2015.
Read the story online.
UIS women's hoops signs four recruits
Frankfort Lincoln-Way North High School senior forward Lanie Hicks is part of University of Illinois Springfield women’s basketball coach Mark Kost’s first full recruiting class.
The 5-foot-9 Hicks averaged 14.4 points junior year.
Illinois Central College sophomore guard/forward Destiny Ramsey will also join the Prairie Stars in the 2016-17 season. She was a National Junior College Athletic Association Division II third team All-American as a freshman and led the team with 11.3 points per game and 7.1 rebounds per game. She has averaged 12.8 points per game and 8 rebounds per game in ICC’s first four games this season.
Chicago Marist High School’s Tehya Fortune, a 5-7 point guard, and Katelyn Rosner, a 6-1 forward, have also signed with the Stars.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on November 19, 2015.
Read the story online.
The 5-foot-9 Hicks averaged 14.4 points junior year.
Illinois Central College sophomore guard/forward Destiny Ramsey will also join the Prairie Stars in the 2016-17 season. She was a National Junior College Athletic Association Division II third team All-American as a freshman and led the team with 11.3 points per game and 7.1 rebounds per game. She has averaged 12.8 points per game and 8 rebounds per game in ICC’s first four games this season.
Chicago Marist High School’s Tehya Fortune, a 5-7 point guard, and Katelyn Rosner, a 6-1 forward, have also signed with the Stars.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on November 19, 2015.
Read the story online.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Patterson, Shroyer lead UIS women's basketball team
Shelbi Patterson and Chasitee Shroyer netted 13 points apiece to lead the University of Illinois Springfield past Principia 58-43 in the Prairie Stars’ home-opening women's basketball game Tuesday at The Recreation and Athletic Center.
UIS (2-1) led 12-7 after one quarter and an 8-0 spurt to start the second period gave the Prairie Stars a 13-point advantage.
Shroyer made a 3-pointer and scored on a steal and layup, and Morgan Knorr knocked down another 3 during the run. UIS led 31-15 at the break. Shroyer finished with three 3s and Chelsea Cross went 5-for-6 from the field and added 10 points.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on November 17, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
UIS (2-1) led 12-7 after one quarter and an 8-0 spurt to start the second period gave the Prairie Stars a 13-point advantage.
Shroyer made a 3-pointer and scored on a steal and layup, and Morgan Knorr knocked down another 3 during the run. UIS led 31-15 at the break. Shroyer finished with three 3s and Chelsea Cross went 5-for-6 from the field and added 10 points.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on November 17, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
UIS plays men's basketball home opener Wednesday against Robert Morris
The University of Illinois Springfield men's basketball team plays its home opener at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday against Robert Morris University at The Recreation and Athletic Center.
The Prairie Stars are 1-1 after splitting a pair of games last week in Las Vegas.
Tonight's contest is the closest RMU will get to a home game until the new year.
UIS opened the season last year against RMU and won 106-73. The Stars lead the series 7-0.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on November 17, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
The Prairie Stars are 1-1 after splitting a pair of games last week in Las Vegas.
Tonight's contest is the closest RMU will get to a home game until the new year.
UIS opened the season last year against RMU and won 106-73. The Stars lead the series 7-0.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on November 17, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
UIS professor: French, European values attacked
A University of Illinois Springfield professor living in Paris said Friday's coordinated terrorist attacks were an assault on the European and French culture that may be the beginning of things to come.
Rosina Neginsky, an associate professor of interdisciplinary studies and comparative literature and art history, is on sabbatical from UIS and is doing research for a new book she is writing. She is set to return to Springfield in August.
Neginsky was attending a concert on des Champs-Elysees with a friend the day of the attacks. A relative of Neginsky's friend called her to tell her about the events and that they should avoid certain areas of the city.
Neginsky said she was able to return to her home in La Butte aux Cailles, in the southern part of Paris and away from Friday's violence, without incident. She later saw some of the events unfold on her computer and by listening to the radio.
"Here, it's an attack on French values and European values, the joy of life and freedom," said Neginsky, reached in Paris by phone Monday. "Those values are extremely important here."
Neginsky was profiled by The State Journal-Register on November 17, 2015.
Read the article online.
Rosina Neginsky, an associate professor of interdisciplinary studies and comparative literature and art history, is on sabbatical from UIS and is doing research for a new book she is writing. She is set to return to Springfield in August.
Neginsky was attending a concert on des Champs-Elysees with a friend the day of the attacks. A relative of Neginsky's friend called her to tell her about the events and that they should avoid certain areas of the city.
Neginsky said she was able to return to her home in La Butte aux Cailles, in the southern part of Paris and away from Friday's violence, without incident. She later saw some of the events unfold on her computer and by listening to the radio.
"Here, it's an attack on French values and European values, the joy of life and freedom," said Neginsky, reached in Paris by phone Monday. "Those values are extremely important here."
Neginsky was profiled by The State Journal-Register on November 17, 2015.
Read the article online.
A chat with UIS Alumni Achievement Award Winner Wenguang Huang
The University of Illinois at Springfield recently presented its Alumni Achievement Award to Wenguang Huang -- a Chinese-born writer, journalist and translator who earned his masters degree at UIS in public affairs reporting.
Huang has written for the Wall Street Journal Asia, the Chicago Tribune, The Paris Review, Asia Literary Review, The Christian Science Monitor, and Harper’s magazine.
He’s the author of the critically-acclaimed memoir “The Little Red Guard” and several translations. In fact, he’s currently working on another one, with Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei.
WUIS public radio recently interviewed him in a November 16, 2015 report.
Listen to the audio online.
Huang has written for the Wall Street Journal Asia, the Chicago Tribune, The Paris Review, Asia Literary Review, The Christian Science Monitor, and Harper’s magazine.
He’s the author of the critically-acclaimed memoir “The Little Red Guard” and several translations. In fact, he’s currently working on another one, with Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei.
WUIS public radio recently interviewed him in a November 16, 2015 report.
Listen to the audio online.
Lincoln's Bere signs with UIS women's tennis team
Lincoln High School tennis player Kena Bere will play for the University of Illinois Springfield and has signed a letter of intent during the early signing period.
Bere won two consolation matches at the Girls State Tennis Tournament in October. She recorded a 21-6 singles record and a 14-3 doubles record as a senior.
UIS announced the signing of two other recruits.
Kaitlyn Thornhill, a senior at Alpharetta (Georgia) High School, is ranked in the top 30 in her home state. She helped her high school team win a regional championship and finish as state runner-up.
Vandalia High’s Hannah Blythe qualified for state sophomore, junior and seniors years. She won titles at the Mattoon Junior Classic, Saluki Junior/Adult Open and Frog Island Junior Open.
The story was reported by the Lincoln Courier on November 16, 2015.
Read the article online.
Bere won two consolation matches at the Girls State Tennis Tournament in October. She recorded a 21-6 singles record and a 14-3 doubles record as a senior.
UIS announced the signing of two other recruits.
Kaitlyn Thornhill, a senior at Alpharetta (Georgia) High School, is ranked in the top 30 in her home state. She helped her high school team win a regional championship and finish as state runner-up.
Vandalia High’s Hannah Blythe qualified for state sophomore, junior and seniors years. She won titles at the Mattoon Junior Classic, Saluki Junior/Adult Open and Frog Island Junior Open.
The story was reported by the Lincoln Courier on November 16, 2015.
Read the article online.
Splitt among four UIS volleyball signees
Alli Splitt helped Cary-Grove High School to a third-place finish at the Class 4A state volleyball tournament last weekend and is one of four prep players who have signed a letter of intent during the early signing period to play volleyball for the University of Illinois Springfield.
Splitt, a 6-foot-1 middle blocker, led Cary-Grove with 317 kills and 168 total blocks.
Five-foot-11 setter/hitter Julia O’Malley holds Belvidere’s all-time kills record. She had 140 kills, 99 digs and 40 assists senior year.
Erie High’s Rachel Cobert led the team in kills as a junior and senior. The 5-10 middle hitter was first in blocks three of her four seasons.
Jailyn Borum, a 5-10 outside hitter, collected 290 kills, 229 digs, 75 aces and 17 solo blocks for Sterling High this year.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on November 16, 2015.
Read the story online.
Splitt, a 6-foot-1 middle blocker, led Cary-Grove with 317 kills and 168 total blocks.
Five-foot-11 setter/hitter Julia O’Malley holds Belvidere’s all-time kills record. She had 140 kills, 99 digs and 40 assists senior year.
Erie High’s Rachel Cobert led the team in kills as a junior and senior. The 5-10 middle hitter was first in blocks three of her four seasons.
Jailyn Borum, a 5-10 outside hitter, collected 290 kills, 229 digs, 75 aces and 17 solo blocks for Sterling High this year.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on November 16, 2015.
Read the story online.
Monday, November 16, 2015
Latino Innocence Initiative aims to prevent wrongful convictions
After spending about half his life in prison, Angel Gonzalez was cleared from a rape and abduction conviction when DNA testing eliminated him as one of the two men who committed the crime.
On Friday, Gonzalez stood proudly alongside the lawyers and staff who aided him in his exoneration as the Illinois Innocence Project announced the Latino Innocence Initiative, which aims to prevent wrongful convictions and help people like Gonzalez who are vulnerable because of language barriers, lack of familiarity with the U.S. criminal justice system and threats over immigration status.
The initiative will include Spanish-language outreach to Illinois inmates who need legal assistance based on assertions of innocence, DNA testing and other investigation, regional or national conferences to explore similar issues and an action or reform agenda for Illinois policymakers.
"We're very proud of this, there's a big need to do this in Illinois," said John Hanlon, executive and legal director, who cited Gonzalez, who was released from prison in March and was granted a certificate of innocence in June, as the inspiration behind the initiative.
The Latino Innocence Initiative is part of the University of Illinois at Springfield's Innocence Project. The group has already created Spanish application forms for its services and is in the process of creating an advisory board.
The story was reported by the Chicago Tribune on November 13, 2015.
Read the full story online.
On Friday, Gonzalez stood proudly alongside the lawyers and staff who aided him in his exoneration as the Illinois Innocence Project announced the Latino Innocence Initiative, which aims to prevent wrongful convictions and help people like Gonzalez who are vulnerable because of language barriers, lack of familiarity with the U.S. criminal justice system and threats over immigration status.
The initiative will include Spanish-language outreach to Illinois inmates who need legal assistance based on assertions of innocence, DNA testing and other investigation, regional or national conferences to explore similar issues and an action or reform agenda for Illinois policymakers.
"We're very proud of this, there's a big need to do this in Illinois," said John Hanlon, executive and legal director, who cited Gonzalez, who was released from prison in March and was granted a certificate of innocence in June, as the inspiration behind the initiative.
The Latino Innocence Initiative is part of the University of Illinois at Springfield's Innocence Project. The group has already created Spanish application forms for its services and is in the process of creating an advisory board.
The story was reported by the Chicago Tribune on November 13, 2015.
Read the full story online.
First Springfield sports academy for women to open
A local athlete is using her gifts to help the next generation of players.
Tina Buck was a pitcher for the UIS softball team and since graduation Buck has coached young girls locally for years.
Now, she's set to open the Buck Fast pitch Academy in Springfield on the 21st. It will offer coaching for both softball and baseball and it will be the first academy in the Capital City to focus on just female athletes.
Buck says she hopes to expand the academy to all sports. To learn more about the academy, send an email to buckfastpitchacademy@gmail.com.
The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on November 12, 2015.
Watch the story online.
Tina Buck was a pitcher for the UIS softball team and since graduation Buck has coached young girls locally for years.
Now, she's set to open the Buck Fast pitch Academy in Springfield on the 21st. It will offer coaching for both softball and baseball and it will be the first academy in the Capital City to focus on just female athletes.
Buck says she hopes to expand the academy to all sports. To learn more about the academy, send an email to buckfastpitchacademy@gmail.com.
The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on November 12, 2015.
Watch the story online.
Millison, Austin lead UIS men's basketball team to first win
The University of Illinois Springfield entered the win column with an 82-80 victory over Findlay at the D2 Vegas Showdown at Centennial Hills Community Center Saturday night.
Ahead by as many as 14 points in the second half, the 1-1 Prairie Stars found themselves clinging to a two-point lead with two minutes 28 seconds remaining. Senior Davi Austin’s layup and 3-pointer put UIS up 79-72 with 47 seconds left. Taren Sullivan’s 3-pointer got Findlay within 81-78. Junior Mark Weems made the first of two free throws and UIS led by four. Elijah Kahlig’s layup at the buzzer made it 82-80.
Austin and senior Jamall Millison scored 16 points apiece. Millison added five assists. Junior Paxton Harmon contributed 14 points. Freshman Zach Steinberg had 10 points.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on November 16, 2015.
Read the story online.
Ahead by as many as 14 points in the second half, the 1-1 Prairie Stars found themselves clinging to a two-point lead with two minutes 28 seconds remaining. Senior Davi Austin’s layup and 3-pointer put UIS up 79-72 with 47 seconds left. Taren Sullivan’s 3-pointer got Findlay within 81-78. Junior Mark Weems made the first of two free throws and UIS led by four. Elijah Kahlig’s layup at the buzzer made it 82-80.
Austin and senior Jamall Millison scored 16 points apiece. Millison added five assists. Junior Paxton Harmon contributed 14 points. Freshman Zach Steinberg had 10 points.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on November 16, 2015.
Read the story online.
McHenry lifts UIS women's basketball team to first win
Ashley McHenry scored 17 points Saturday in the University of Illinois Springfield’s 60-45 victory over Lake Superior State the GLVC/GLIAC Challenge at McKendree.
Meredith Marti poured in 12 points and four 3-pointers in the Prairie Stars’ first win. Chelsea Cross added 12 points and Syerra Cunningham contributed 11 rebounds.UIS made 61.5 percent of its field goal tries, 23 of 58.
The Stars play a home opener Tuesday against Principia at 6 p.m. at The Recreation and Athletic Center.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on November 15, 2015.
Read the story online.
Meredith Marti poured in 12 points and four 3-pointers in the Prairie Stars’ first win. Chelsea Cross added 12 points and Syerra Cunningham contributed 11 rebounds.UIS made 61.5 percent of its field goal tries, 23 of 58.
The Stars play a home opener Tuesday against Principia at 6 p.m. at The Recreation and Athletic Center.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on November 15, 2015.
Read the story online.
Volleyball: Stars end season with pair of wins
Alyssa Hasler had 15 kills and seven blocks in the University of Illinois Springfield’s 25-22, 19-25, 25-17, 25-23 Great Lakes Valley Conference win against Bellarmine.
Lexi Hall had 23 assists and Tiffany Wentworth added 27 in the Prairie Stars’ season finale. Kayla Katarzynski recorded 14 digs.
UIS (7-24 overall, 4-14 in the GLVC) finished the season with back-to-back victories and tied the program record for most conference wins in a season.
The Stars snapped a nine-match losing streak Friday with an 18-25, 26-24, 21-25, 25-18, 15-12 victory over Southern Indiana.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on November 15, 2015.
Read the article online
Lexi Hall had 23 assists and Tiffany Wentworth added 27 in the Prairie Stars’ season finale. Kayla Katarzynski recorded 14 digs.
UIS (7-24 overall, 4-14 in the GLVC) finished the season with back-to-back victories and tied the program record for most conference wins in a season.
The Stars snapped a nine-match losing streak Friday with an 18-25, 26-24, 21-25, 25-18, 15-12 victory over Southern Indiana.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on November 15, 2015.
Read the article online
Friday, November 13, 2015
UIS men's basketball team opens regular season Friday in Las Vegas
Getting on an airplane and flying to a game is a big deal for the University of Illinois Springfield men’s basketball program.
The regular mode of transportation for the Prairie Stars is bus as they typically travel solely in the Midwest.
Wanting to provide his players with a rare treat, UIS coach Bill Walker scheduled a pair of games in Las Vegas, Nevada. “This is a great experience,” Walker said. “Half of the team has never been out there.”
The team and coaches flew west Wednesday from St. Louis to the D2 Vegas Showdown. The Stars open the regular season against Lake Superior State tonight at 6 CST at the Centennial Hills Community Center.
UIS plays Findlay Saturday at 8 p.m. CST. “They’re going to be very tough games,” Walker said. “Both teams are picked to finish toward the top of their league.”
We’re going to have to play really well,” Walker said. “We’ll find up how we stack up at our level against some of the best competition.”
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on November 12, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Wanting to provide his players with a rare treat, UIS coach Bill Walker scheduled a pair of games in Las Vegas, Nevada. “This is a great experience,” Walker said. “Half of the team has never been out there.”
The team and coaches flew west Wednesday from St. Louis to the D2 Vegas Showdown. The Stars open the regular season against Lake Superior State tonight at 6 CST at the Centennial Hills Community Center.
UIS plays Findlay Saturday at 8 p.m. CST. “They’re going to be very tough games,” Walker said. “Both teams are picked to finish toward the top of their league.”
We’re going to have to play really well,” Walker said. “We’ll find up how we stack up at our level against some of the best competition.”
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on November 12, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Thursday, November 12, 2015
UIS softball signs 6 players, including SHG's Derhake, Wagoner
Sacred Heart-Griffin High School’s Bree Ann Derhake and Lakyn Wagoner were among six players who signed with the University of Illinois Springfield softball program Wednesday.
Derhake, a left-handed hitter, was named to the Illinois Coaches Association Class 3A all-state second team and helped SHG place fourth at the state tourney.
Wagoner transferred to SHG from Havana. She led the area with 43 stolen bases and hit .496 for the Ducks last season.
St. Joseph-0gden High outfielder Allison Rose hit in six postseason softball games last spring after tearing an anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in a knee in the final basketball game of the 2014-15 season.
Infielder Baylee Hull helped Bishop McNamara to a win over Rose and her teammate in third third-place game at the Class 2A tournament.
Effingham St. Anthony catcher/infielder Hunter Niebrugge earned ICA all-state honors as a sophomore and junior and was the National Trail Conference Most Valuable Player in 2015.
Brittany Moore was an all-state pitcher at Union Grove (Wisconsin) High School last spring.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on November 11, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Derhake, a left-handed hitter, was named to the Illinois Coaches Association Class 3A all-state second team and helped SHG place fourth at the state tourney.
Wagoner transferred to SHG from Havana. She led the area with 43 stolen bases and hit .496 for the Ducks last season.
St. Joseph-0gden High outfielder Allison Rose hit in six postseason softball games last spring after tearing an anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in a knee in the final basketball game of the 2014-15 season.
Infielder Baylee Hull helped Bishop McNamara to a win over Rose and her teammate in third third-place game at the Class 2A tournament.
Effingham St. Anthony catcher/infielder Hunter Niebrugge earned ICA all-state honors as a sophomore and junior and was the National Trail Conference Most Valuable Player in 2015.
Brittany Moore was an all-state pitcher at Union Grove (Wisconsin) High School last spring.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on November 11, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
New UIS women's basketball coach stresses versatility
New coaches bring new systems, new philosophies and new staff, and that is what Mark Kost has done with the University of Illinois Springfield women’s basketball program.
The former NCAA Division I assistant will mesh the new with a roster made up mostly of returning players. Eight of 12 players were with the program last year, yet only five played on a regular basis.
“Our roster allows us to have interchangeable parts where we can move people around to different positions,” Kost said. “With our versatility, that’s how we’re going to attack the point guard position. We have three players who can man the point, and we’re going to use all of them.”
“We feel like we’re getting a fresh start,” senior Morgan Knorr said. “We’ve got a lot of the same players back, but we also have some new younger players and they seem to be getting on board with what we’re trying to do.”
UIS opens Friday against Hillsdale at the GLVC/GLIAC Challenge in Lebanon.
The article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on November 11, 2016.
Read the entire article here.
The former NCAA Division I assistant will mesh the new with a roster made up mostly of returning players. Eight of 12 players were with the program last year, yet only five played on a regular basis.
“Our roster allows us to have interchangeable parts where we can move people around to different positions,” Kost said. “With our versatility, that’s how we’re going to attack the point guard position. We have three players who can man the point, and we’re going to use all of them.”
“We feel like we’re getting a fresh start,” senior Morgan Knorr said. “We’ve got a lot of the same players back, but we also have some new younger players and they seem to be getting on board with what we’re trying to do.”
UIS opens Friday against Hillsdale at the GLVC/GLIAC Challenge in Lebanon.
The article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on November 11, 2016.
Read the entire article here.
Cave honored with Student Laureate Award
University of Illinois Springfield senior Hannah Cave has been honored this past Saturday with the Student Laureate Award from the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.
Cave, a 2011 Rochelle Township High School graduate, is majoring in Global Studies at UIS along with secondary education (social studies) and psychology minors.
“Receiving that award was incredibly humbling, yet very exciting,” recalled Cave on receiving her award. “ I have given hours and hours of my time for things that I do simply because I want to make the world a better place, so to be recognized for those things is an amazing feeling. Being in the company of leaders I look up to and peers I hope to change the world with was even better.”
Each year an outstanding senior from each of the four-year degree-granting institutions of higher learning in Illinois is awarded the Student Lincoln Academy Medallion and thereby becomes a Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.
Student Laureates are honored for their overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities.
This article appeared online in the Rochelle News-Leader.
Read the entire article online.
Cave, a 2011 Rochelle Township High School graduate, is majoring in Global Studies at UIS along with secondary education (social studies) and psychology minors.
“Receiving that award was incredibly humbling, yet very exciting,” recalled Cave on receiving her award. “ I have given hours and hours of my time for things that I do simply because I want to make the world a better place, so to be recognized for those things is an amazing feeling. Being in the company of leaders I look up to and peers I hope to change the world with was even better.”
Each year an outstanding senior from each of the four-year degree-granting institutions of higher learning in Illinois is awarded the Student Lincoln Academy Medallion and thereby becomes a Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.
Student Laureates are honored for their overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities.
This article appeared online in the Rochelle News-Leader.
Read the entire article online.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
UIS researchers studying Hepatitis C among homeless
Five hundred dollars may seem a paltry sum for a crowdfunding effort these days. But the $500 being sought by University of Illinois Springfield researchers will be used for research that could save lives and thousands of dollars in treatment costs for those with Hepatitis C.
UIS researchers are for the first time using crowdfunding as a way to purchase rapid testing kits and other equipment needed to study Hepatitis C in the central Illinois homeless population.
Two professors want to test members of the homeless population in Springfield, Bloomington, Champaign, Decatur and Peoria to find the number of people infected with the virus and conduct genotype testing to look at transmission of the disease.
“We hope to limit the spread of Hepatitis C,” said Kanwal Alvarez, assistant professor of biology at UIS.”
Alvarez and Josiah Alamu, associate professor of public health, are leading the study along with Dr. Janak Koirala, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. Several UIS students also are working on the research study.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on November 11, 2015.
Read the article online
UIS researchers are for the first time using crowdfunding as a way to purchase rapid testing kits and other equipment needed to study Hepatitis C in the central Illinois homeless population.
Two professors want to test members of the homeless population in Springfield, Bloomington, Champaign, Decatur and Peoria to find the number of people infected with the virus and conduct genotype testing to look at transmission of the disease.
“We hope to limit the spread of Hepatitis C,” said Kanwal Alvarez, assistant professor of biology at UIS.”
Alvarez and Josiah Alamu, associate professor of public health, are leading the study along with Dr. Janak Koirala, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. Several UIS students also are working on the research study.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on November 11, 2015.
Read the article online
Monday, November 9, 2015
Illini basketball overpowers UIS, 104-69, at Prairie Capital Convention Center
The University of Illinois men’s basketball team showed off a new-look rotation and the NCAA Division II University of Illinois Springfield showcased its program against its sister school in an exhibition at the Prairie Capital Convention Center Sunday afternoon.
After a close first half, the Illini rolled to a 104-69 win in the first of five games for Illinois in Springfield while renovations are being completed at the State Farm Center in Champaign.
UIS tied the game twice in front of the crowd of 5,833. Senior Jamall Millison’s free throws made it 19-all with 10 minutes 50 seconds left on the clock. Junior Paxton Harmon knotted the contest at 23-all with a layup at the 7:22 mark.
The highlight for UIS was playing against its sister school and a Big Ten opponent seven miles from campus. Senior guard Davi Austin scored the Prairie Stars’ first seven points and finished with a team-high 14.
Senior transfer forward Jesse Tesmer collected 10 rebounds and 10 points. Redshirt freshman Vince Walker scored 10 points. “We really appreciate the University of Illinois giving us this opportunity,” Walker said. “We wanted to make it more of a competitive game. I know everybody can say this, but if you took four minutes out of each half it was pretty competitive, but they had two huge spurts on us and we didn’t do a very good job of answering them.”
UIS opens the season Friday against Lake Superior State at the Division II Las Vegas Showdown in Nevada.
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on November 8, 2016.
Read the entire article here.
After a close first half, the Illini rolled to a 104-69 win in the first of five games for Illinois in Springfield while renovations are being completed at the State Farm Center in Champaign.
UIS tied the game twice in front of the crowd of 5,833. Senior Jamall Millison’s free throws made it 19-all with 10 minutes 50 seconds left on the clock. Junior Paxton Harmon knotted the contest at 23-all with a layup at the 7:22 mark.
The highlight for UIS was playing against its sister school and a Big Ten opponent seven miles from campus. Senior guard Davi Austin scored the Prairie Stars’ first seven points and finished with a team-high 14.
Senior transfer forward Jesse Tesmer collected 10 rebounds and 10 points. Redshirt freshman Vince Walker scored 10 points. “We really appreciate the University of Illinois giving us this opportunity,” Walker said. “We wanted to make it more of a competitive game. I know everybody can say this, but if you took four minutes out of each half it was pretty competitive, but they had two huge spurts on us and we didn’t do a very good job of answering them.”
UIS opens the season Friday against Lake Superior State at the Division II Las Vegas Showdown in Nevada.
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on November 8, 2016.
Read the entire article here.
UIS drive nets 18,000 pounds for food bank
Instead of candy, the University of Illinois Springfield community collected 9,000 pounds of canned goods in its UIS TRICK-OR-TREAT FOR CANNED GOODS drive to benefit the CENTRAL ILLINOIS FOODBANK.
HY-VEE on Friday matched UIS' collection by donating to the food bank its own 9,000 pounds of items such as apple juice, breakfast burritos, frozen chicken fingers and salad dressing.
The 2,041 pounds of canned food collected on Halloween by a team of 28 people led by UIS junior DEJA' WILLINGHAM topped collections that were part of the total 9,000 pounds of canned goods UIS students, faculty and staff collected for the food bank.
Willingham, 20, of South Holland, was present Friday when Hy-Vee's donation was loaded into a food bank truck at the store at 2115 S. MacArthur Blvd. "Technically, our group was sponsored by the Black Student Union ... but I compiled a bunch of my other friends and a bunch of student leaders to fill the rest of the team up," said Willingham, who was captain of the UIS team that collected the most canned goods.
MARK DOCHTERMAN, director of the UIS Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center, said the UIS Trick-or-Treat for Canned Goods drive has been held annually since 2008, but this is the first time UIS has partnered with Hy-Vee.
Hy-Vee is in a position to support that." KYLE THORNSBROUGH, Hy-Vee's store director, said the community is the backbone of Hy-Vee's business. "We're in such a great neighborhood, and the community is so awesome. I appreciate everything that our customers do, and so I give back anything I can," Thornsbrough said.
The 18,000 pounds of food donated to the Central Illinois Foodbank through the drive and the match will make 15,000 meals, said KRISTA LISSER, spokeswoman for the food bank.
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on November 6, 2015.
Read the entire story here.
HY-VEE on Friday matched UIS' collection by donating to the food bank its own 9,000 pounds of items such as apple juice, breakfast burritos, frozen chicken fingers and salad dressing.
The 2,041 pounds of canned food collected on Halloween by a team of 28 people led by UIS junior DEJA' WILLINGHAM topped collections that were part of the total 9,000 pounds of canned goods UIS students, faculty and staff collected for the food bank.
Willingham, 20, of South Holland, was present Friday when Hy-Vee's donation was loaded into a food bank truck at the store at 2115 S. MacArthur Blvd. "Technically, our group was sponsored by the Black Student Union ... but I compiled a bunch of my other friends and a bunch of student leaders to fill the rest of the team up," said Willingham, who was captain of the UIS team that collected the most canned goods.
MARK DOCHTERMAN, director of the UIS Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center, said the UIS Trick-or-Treat for Canned Goods drive has been held annually since 2008, but this is the first time UIS has partnered with Hy-Vee.
Hy-Vee is in a position to support that." KYLE THORNSBROUGH, Hy-Vee's store director, said the community is the backbone of Hy-Vee's business. "We're in such a great neighborhood, and the community is so awesome. I appreciate everything that our customers do, and so I give back anything I can," Thornsbrough said.
The 18,000 pounds of food donated to the Central Illinois Foodbank through the drive and the match will make 15,000 meals, said KRISTA LISSER, spokeswoman for the food bank.
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on November 6, 2015.
Read the entire story here.
Yellow Ribbons put on UIS Campus to Honor Veterans
A group of student volunteers gathered Sunday morning to tie 400 yellow ribbons ahead of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday.
This is the fourth year UIS students have organized the campaign on campus. Students say the event is designed to raise awareness about veterans, specifically students who have served or are currently serving our country.
"We simply cannot do enough for them. Too many time they get kind of pushed to the side, and not recognized enough. I would love it if we could have more than one Veteran's Day per year. That would by my hope." Says UIS sophomore Riley Andriano.
UIS will also be holding a Veteran's Day flag raising ceremony on Wednesday at 9a.m. in front of the public affairs center.
This story appeared online on Fox 55 on November 8, 2015.
Watch the story here.
New York City museum exhibit includes UIS contribution
A world-class exhibition that opened this weekend at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City has a decidedly Springfield stamp on it.
"The Secret World Inside You," which runs through Aug. 14 at the museum on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, takes an up-close look at microbes — humans are hosts to hundreds of trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other organisms — and how the scientific community is revolutionizing the way we view human health.
The exhibition is largely interactive, appealing to school groups and families, with large-scale replicas; videos, games and quizzes; a live theater; and a chance to become familiar with microbes, such as Streptococcus pyogenes, which causes strep throat.
Co-curator Rob DeSalle, who is on staff with the museum's Division of Invertebrate Zoology and the Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, is a Springfield native and Griffin High School graduate. Two University of Illinois Springfield professors, Michael Lemke, who teaches biology, and Keenan Dungey, who teaches chemistry, also contributed work to the exhibition, along with Daniell Bennett, a senior from Pekin who is majoring in chemistry at UIS.
DeSalle, who has curated a number of shows at the museum, most recently "Brain: The Inside Story" in 2010, said the exhibitions continue to bridge the important gap between science and the public, even if it's in an entertaining way.
"There's lots of things in science we need to communicate to the public," DeSalle said. "Learning things about the natural world is important for your health. "This (new exhibition demonstrates) an important new area of scientific discovery.
After its run in New York ends in August, the exhibition will go on the road for two years. Lemke called it "an honor to be part of such an important message." While the exhibition is a significant accomplishment, DeSalle said, "this coming week, I know I'll be thinking of what I'm going to do next."
This article appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 8, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
"The Secret World Inside You," which runs through Aug. 14 at the museum on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, takes an up-close look at microbes — humans are hosts to hundreds of trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other organisms — and how the scientific community is revolutionizing the way we view human health.
The exhibition is largely interactive, appealing to school groups and families, with large-scale replicas; videos, games and quizzes; a live theater; and a chance to become familiar with microbes, such as Streptococcus pyogenes, which causes strep throat.
Co-curator Rob DeSalle, who is on staff with the museum's Division of Invertebrate Zoology and the Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, is a Springfield native and Griffin High School graduate. Two University of Illinois Springfield professors, Michael Lemke, who teaches biology, and Keenan Dungey, who teaches chemistry, also contributed work to the exhibition, along with Daniell Bennett, a senior from Pekin who is majoring in chemistry at UIS.
DeSalle, who has curated a number of shows at the museum, most recently "Brain: The Inside Story" in 2010, said the exhibitions continue to bridge the important gap between science and the public, even if it's in an entertaining way.
"There's lots of things in science we need to communicate to the public," DeSalle said. "Learning things about the natural world is important for your health. "This (new exhibition demonstrates) an important new area of scientific discovery.
After its run in New York ends in August, the exhibition will go on the road for two years. Lemke called it "an honor to be part of such an important message." While the exhibition is a significant accomplishment, DeSalle said, "this coming week, I know I'll be thinking of what I'm going to do next."
This article appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 8, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Friday, November 6, 2015
Newcomers give UIS men's basketball team different look
To hear coach Bill Walker tell it, the University of Illinois Springfield men’s basketball team does not lack for shooters.
“We shoot it better as a team,” he said. “If you look at the guys we’ve brought in, by and large, they’re all good shooters.
That’s the common thread.” Walker, who is in his second season at UIS, has a retooled roster after losing two starters and bringing in seven newcomers, including two NCAA Division I transfers.
“We’re deeper,” Walker said. “We have better shooters. We’re more competitive.”
A tough schedule leaves little time for UIS players to ease into the season. The Stars open with an exhibition game Sunday against Division I Illinois at the Prairie Capital Convention Center, then plays next week at the Division II Las Vegas Showdown against Lake Superior State and Findlay. “Seven of our 10 hardest games are before the new year,” Walker said. “They’re going to be challenged. There’s no warming up period.”
UIS has road games in December against Bellarmine, Southern Indiana, Kentucky Wesleyan and NCAA Division I Indiana State.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on November 5, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
That’s the common thread.” Walker, who is in his second season at UIS, has a retooled roster after losing two starters and bringing in seven newcomers, including two NCAA Division I transfers.
“We’re deeper,” Walker said. “We have better shooters. We’re more competitive.”
A tough schedule leaves little time for UIS players to ease into the season. The Stars open with an exhibition game Sunday against Division I Illinois at the Prairie Capital Convention Center, then plays next week at the Division II Las Vegas Showdown against Lake Superior State and Findlay. “Seven of our 10 hardest games are before the new year,” Walker said. “They’re going to be challenged. There’s no warming up period.”
UIS has road games in December against Bellarmine, Southern Indiana, Kentucky Wesleyan and NCAA Division I Indiana State.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on November 5, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
UIS' Polonus earns conference honor
University of Illinois Springfield senior Paige Polonus became the first goalkeeper in the history of the school's women's soccer program to receive Great Lakes Valley Conference honors when she was named to the third team Thursday.
Polonus led the conference with 104 saves this season and set UIS career records for wins (5), shutouts (7), minutes played (1,695) and goals allowed (26).
During a three-game win streak in September, Polonus played more than 330 minutes without giving up a goal. It was the second-longest span in team history.
Polonus joins former UIS players Erin Egolf and Casey Thorpe as the only UIS players who’ve earned all-GLVC honors.
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on November 5, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Polonus led the conference with 104 saves this season and set UIS career records for wins (5), shutouts (7), minutes played (1,695) and goals allowed (26).
During a three-game win streak in September, Polonus played more than 330 minutes without giving up a goal. It was the second-longest span in team history.
Polonus joins former UIS players Erin Egolf and Casey Thorpe as the only UIS players who’ve earned all-GLVC honors.
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on November 5, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Monday, November 2, 2015
$754K federal grant seeks to help exonerate wrongfully convicted Latinos
The Illinois Innocence Project at the University of Illinois Springfield is shifting its focus to exonerating Latino inmates who have been wrongfully convicted in Illinois.
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin joined UIS Chancellor Susan Koch on Friday to announce that the Innocence Project has been awarded a $753,958 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Justice.
John Hanlon, executive director of the Innocence Project, said Latinos are more susceptible to wrongful convictions due to barriers involving language, citizenship and status.
The federal grant will allow the Innocence Project to hire two additional bilingual lawyers, Hanlon said.
The organization, which receives help from UIS students, is primarily funded through federal grants but also receives private donations.
"We hope to address these disparities, which often lead to improper convictions and create difficulties for Latino inmates, by working on cases where the individual can be proved innocent through the use of DNA testing," Hanlon said.
In addition, Hanlon said staff at the Innocence Project will continue to use DNA testing to attempt to exonerate other inmates who they believe were wrongfully convicted.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on October 31, 2015.
Read the story online.
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin joined UIS Chancellor Susan Koch on Friday to announce that the Innocence Project has been awarded a $753,958 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Justice.
John Hanlon, executive director of the Innocence Project, said Latinos are more susceptible to wrongful convictions due to barriers involving language, citizenship and status.
The federal grant will allow the Innocence Project to hire two additional bilingual lawyers, Hanlon said.
The organization, which receives help from UIS students, is primarily funded through federal grants but also receives private donations.
"We hope to address these disparities, which often lead to improper convictions and create difficulties for Latino inmates, by working on cases where the individual can be proved innocent through the use of DNA testing," Hanlon said.
In addition, Hanlon said staff at the Innocence Project will continue to use DNA testing to attempt to exonerate other inmates who they believe were wrongfully convicted.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on October 31, 2015.
Read the story online.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
UIS opens theater season with 'Importance of Being Earnest'
The University of Illinois Springfield is experimenting with time travel in its first of two theater productions of the 2015-16 season.
Its production of Oscar Wilde's 1895 comedy "The Importance of Being Earnest", which opens Friday, is set in contemporary London rather than in the Victorian era in which it was written.
Director Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson, UIS associate professor and director of theatre, noted that Wilde did not intend "Earnest" to be a period piece, but a commentary on British society as his audience would have experienced it.
"The play takes place in 'the present,’" Thibodeaux-Thompson said. "We reset it to 2015, and we're pretty convinced it holds up" without much change in the script.
The plot turns on the real and assumed identities of two men: Jack Worthing (Alessandro Vazquez), who pretends to be his prodigal, city-dwelling "brother" Earnest, and Algernon Moncrieff (Christopher Vemagiri Marbaniang), who pretends to have a chronically-ill "friend" named Bunbury who lives in the country.
The tangled relationships between the men, their alter egos and the women who love them — or more precisely love the persons they believe them to be — gradually unravel with humorous results. "This was Wilde's masterpiece, written when he was peaking in his career," Thibodeaux-Thompson said. "He is extremely witty and arguably the most quotable (British) author with the exception of Shakespeare. His quotes are on refrigerators all over America."
Cast members say the main characters are surprisingly easy to envision as milliennials rather than Victorians. Algernon "is a cool dude with an air of knowing everything" and could be described as a "metrosexual" with refined tastes, said Marbaniang. "He's a young guy who loves extravagant living, and believes in the 'you only live once' thing." Jack, meanwhile, represents "old money" as opposed to Algernon's "new money," Vazquez said. "He's not really uppity, but kind of stuffy, and likes things to be in order."
Thiboudeaux-Thompson believes "Earnest" has remained popular for more than a century because it has larger-than-life characters and involves timeless situations such as the generation gap, winning the approval of potential in-laws and divisions between social classes. "It portrays life in a classist society, which America pretends not to be but is," he said. "And it's also genuinely funny."
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on October 28, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Director Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson, UIS associate professor and director of theatre, noted that Wilde did not intend "Earnest" to be a period piece, but a commentary on British society as his audience would have experienced it.
"The play takes place in 'the present,’" Thibodeaux-Thompson said. "We reset it to 2015, and we're pretty convinced it holds up" without much change in the script.
The plot turns on the real and assumed identities of two men: Jack Worthing (Alessandro Vazquez), who pretends to be his prodigal, city-dwelling "brother" Earnest, and Algernon Moncrieff (Christopher Vemagiri Marbaniang), who pretends to have a chronically-ill "friend" named Bunbury who lives in the country.
The tangled relationships between the men, their alter egos and the women who love them — or more precisely love the persons they believe them to be — gradually unravel with humorous results. "This was Wilde's masterpiece, written when he was peaking in his career," Thibodeaux-Thompson said. "He is extremely witty and arguably the most quotable (British) author with the exception of Shakespeare. His quotes are on refrigerators all over America."
Cast members say the main characters are surprisingly easy to envision as milliennials rather than Victorians. Algernon "is a cool dude with an air of knowing everything" and could be described as a "metrosexual" with refined tastes, said Marbaniang. "He's a young guy who loves extravagant living, and believes in the 'you only live once' thing." Jack, meanwhile, represents "old money" as opposed to Algernon's "new money," Vazquez said. "He's not really uppity, but kind of stuffy, and likes things to be in order."
Thiboudeaux-Thompson believes "Earnest" has remained popular for more than a century because it has larger-than-life characters and involves timeless situations such as the generation gap, winning the approval of potential in-laws and divisions between social classes. "It portrays life in a classist society, which America pretends not to be but is," he said. "And it's also genuinely funny."
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on October 28, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Monday, October 26, 2015
UIS Challenge Course teaches trust, teamwork
The "trust fall" typically comes near the end of the newly opened Challenge Course at University of Illinois Springfield.
Challenges courses, also known as "ropes courses," have been around for decades as teamwork and personal development exercises for groups ranging from athletic teams to corporate human resources departments.
The UIS Challenge Course was built on the grounds of Spencer House, a university-owned home on West Lake Shore Drive. The UIS course is a "low rope," challenge, meaning the network of ropes, cables, platforms, pedestals and beams is low to the ground. A "high rope" course ranges from 25 to 50 feet in the air. While the course would seem to encourage competition, that is not the idea behind the concept, said James Koeppe, director of the UIS Department of Campus Recreation.
"A lot of people think it's like 'Survivor' or some kind of tough physical thing," Koeppe said during a course dedication Wednesday with The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.
"Through a series of briefings and discussions afterwards, we relate back to how we to do things as a team or back at the office," Koeppe said. "Ideally, what are you going to do differently tomorrow than you did yesterday?"
The UIS course primarily has been targeted toward athletic, student and university groups, but Koeppe said one point of the chamber ribbon-cutting was to begin marketing the course to businesses and not-for-profits. Challenge course designers and vendors have their own professional association.
Participants typically navigate the course in groups of eight to 15. The UIS course has capacity for up to 150. Sessions usually are three to four hours, though all-day challenges are available. The cost is $8 to $50 per person, depending on the type and length of the challenge.
UIS Chancellor Susan Koch said she has completed portions of the course. "Someday we're going to have a high rope course as well as a low rope course," Koch said.
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on October 24, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Challenges courses, also known as "ropes courses," have been around for decades as teamwork and personal development exercises for groups ranging from athletic teams to corporate human resources departments.
The UIS Challenge Course was built on the grounds of Spencer House, a university-owned home on West Lake Shore Drive. The UIS course is a "low rope," challenge, meaning the network of ropes, cables, platforms, pedestals and beams is low to the ground. A "high rope" course ranges from 25 to 50 feet in the air. While the course would seem to encourage competition, that is not the idea behind the concept, said James Koeppe, director of the UIS Department of Campus Recreation.
"A lot of people think it's like 'Survivor' or some kind of tough physical thing," Koeppe said during a course dedication Wednesday with The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.
"Through a series of briefings and discussions afterwards, we relate back to how we to do things as a team or back at the office," Koeppe said. "Ideally, what are you going to do differently tomorrow than you did yesterday?"
The UIS course primarily has been targeted toward athletic, student and university groups, but Koeppe said one point of the chamber ribbon-cutting was to begin marketing the course to businesses and not-for-profits. Challenge course designers and vendors have their own professional association.
Participants typically navigate the course in groups of eight to 15. The UIS course has capacity for up to 150. Sessions usually are three to four hours, though all-day challenges are available. The cost is $8 to $50 per person, depending on the type and length of the challenge.
UIS Chancellor Susan Koch said she has completed portions of the course. "Someday we're going to have a high rope course as well as a low rope course," Koch said.
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on October 24, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
UIS hosting ribbon cutting ceremony for new "Challenge Course"
University of Illinois Springfield officials say they will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new Challenge Course on October 21.
The new course will be available to athletic teams, local businesses, campus groups, and community groups, and is designed to encourage teamwork, communication, cooperation, trust, respect, and problem solving.
The course consists of several events, some of which happen on the ground, and others that utilize poles, wires, platforms, and ropes elevated a short distance from the ground.
The course requires a minimum of eight people, and has a maximum capacity of 150 people.
This story appeared online on WAND-TV on October 21, 2015.
Read the entire story here.
The new course will be available to athletic teams, local businesses, campus groups, and community groups, and is designed to encourage teamwork, communication, cooperation, trust, respect, and problem solving.
The course consists of several events, some of which happen on the ground, and others that utilize poles, wires, platforms, and ropes elevated a short distance from the ground.
The course requires a minimum of eight people, and has a maximum capacity of 150 people.
This story appeared online on WAND-TV on October 21, 2015.
Read the entire story here.
People in the News
Elizabeth Kosmetatou, associate professor of history at the University of Illinois Springfield, recently was named University Scholar for 2015.
The award, considered the university’s highest faculty honor, recognizes outstanding teaching and scholarship.
Only one faculty member receives the annual award. Kosmetatou will receive $15,000 a year for three years to support research and other scholarly activities.
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on October 21, 2015.
Read the article here.
The award, considered the university’s highest faculty honor, recognizes outstanding teaching and scholarship.
Only one faculty member receives the annual award. Kosmetatou will receive $15,000 a year for three years to support research and other scholarly activities.
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on October 21, 2015.
Read the article here.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Students urge lawmakers to fix budget
They ditched the lecture halls and computer labs for a different classroom setting.
Hundreds of university students made their way to the Capitol to lobby for funding.
Students from the state's nine public universities showed up to demand action. Since the start of the semester, many students have been without MAP Grants. Tuesday, they pleaded for answers.
"Sixty to seventy students that are here from the campus." Mitch Dickey stepped out from his role in the student government to handle state government. "Students are known for exactly not engaging, not voting, not doing all these things. But, what we have here today, 250 students. That speaks volumes."
For the first time in history, the state has failed to appropriate funds to the colleges. "Students are on the line right now. Time is of the essence. We're looking at 130,000 students across the state that receive MAP Grants." Now, students are relying on the universities to help pay for their educations, so they asked lawmakers what they're going to do.
"I really just want to get across to our legislators how important higher education is to us, to our community, to the people of Illinois." Senators stepped out from the session doors to meet with students like DeJa' Willingham, from UIS. She's worried about completing school. "We can post on Facebook and take pictures, but really, showing up shows we care and we're here."
This story appeared online on WCIA on October 20, 2015.
Watch the story here.
Hundreds of university students made their way to the Capitol to lobby for funding.
Students from the state's nine public universities showed up to demand action. Since the start of the semester, many students have been without MAP Grants. Tuesday, they pleaded for answers.
"Sixty to seventy students that are here from the campus." Mitch Dickey stepped out from his role in the student government to handle state government. "Students are known for exactly not engaging, not voting, not doing all these things. But, what we have here today, 250 students. That speaks volumes."
For the first time in history, the state has failed to appropriate funds to the colleges. "Students are on the line right now. Time is of the essence. We're looking at 130,000 students across the state that receive MAP Grants." Now, students are relying on the universities to help pay for their educations, so they asked lawmakers what they're going to do.
"I really just want to get across to our legislators how important higher education is to us, to our community, to the people of Illinois." Senators stepped out from the session doors to meet with students like DeJa' Willingham, from UIS. She's worried about completing school. "We can post on Facebook and take pictures, but really, showing up shows we care and we're here."
This story appeared online on WCIA on October 20, 2015.
Watch the story here.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Civil-rights icon John Lewis discusses graphic memoir during UIS appearance
U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a leader in the American civil rights movement of the 1960s, said the story of the struggle is not being passed down to today’s high school and college students.
Lewis, D-Georgia, was at the University of Illinois Springfield Monday to talk to a crowd of more than 1,700 in Sangamon Auditorium about his memoir series “March,” which chronicles his work in the civil rights movement.
The books are "graphic" memoirs, which means the stories are told with illustrations similar to the style of a comic book. “In so many places in America today, people have not been taught anything, or very little about the American civil rights movement,” Lewis, 75, said in an interview with The State Journal-Register before his presentation. “My generation was deeply inspired by Rosa Parks and the leadership of Dr. (Martin Luther) King (Jr.). We studied the philosophy and discipline of non-violence. We were inspired to move, to act, to stand up, to speak out and speak up.”
"March" was written by Lewis and Andrew Aydin and illustrated by Nate Powell. Aydin and Powell were on stage with Lewis as he talked about the book Monday evening. Aydin, who also serves on Lewis’ staff, said the idea for “March” came about in 2008 when the congressman told him about a comic book that came out in 1957 about King. The comic book helped educate a generation about the principles of nonviolent protests and inspired some of the earliest acts of civil disobedience. “When we looked at that comic book ... it became self-evident. If this worked once before, why can’t it work again,”
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on October 19, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Lewis, D-Georgia, was at the University of Illinois Springfield Monday to talk to a crowd of more than 1,700 in Sangamon Auditorium about his memoir series “March,” which chronicles his work in the civil rights movement.
The books are "graphic" memoirs, which means the stories are told with illustrations similar to the style of a comic book. “In so many places in America today, people have not been taught anything, or very little about the American civil rights movement,” Lewis, 75, said in an interview with The State Journal-Register before his presentation. “My generation was deeply inspired by Rosa Parks and the leadership of Dr. (Martin Luther) King (Jr.). We studied the philosophy and discipline of non-violence. We were inspired to move, to act, to stand up, to speak out and speak up.”
"March" was written by Lewis and Andrew Aydin and illustrated by Nate Powell. Aydin and Powell were on stage with Lewis as he talked about the book Monday evening. Aydin, who also serves on Lewis’ staff, said the idea for “March” came about in 2008 when the congressman told him about a comic book that came out in 1957 about King. The comic book helped educate a generation about the principles of nonviolent protests and inspired some of the earliest acts of civil disobedience. “When we looked at that comic book ... it became self-evident. If this worked once before, why can’t it work again,”
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on October 19, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
UIS' Auble scores winning goal
Nikki Auble’s first-half free kick goal gave the University of Illinois Springfield a 1-0 win against Maryville in a Great Lakes Valley Conference match Friday at Kiwanis Stadium.
The victory was UIS’ fifth and set the record for most wins in a season. Its four GLVC wins are also a program record. All five of the Prairie Stars’ wins have been by 1-0 scores. UIS is 5-8-1 overall and 4-6-1 in the conference.
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on October 16, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
The victory was UIS’ fifth and set the record for most wins in a season. Its four GLVC wins are also a program record. All five of the Prairie Stars’ wins have been by 1-0 scores. UIS is 5-8-1 overall and 4-6-1 in the conference.
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on October 16, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Friday, October 16, 2015
Plans for UIS Student Union going forward with private funds
Buoyed by support from the university president and a continuing upswing in private donations, the University of Illinois Springfield has decided to go ahead with plans for a Student Union building on campus.
Solicitations for bids were posted about 10 days ago and are due in early December, said Chuck Coderko, director of construction for UIS.
"This is a very important project for the university, and President Tim Killeen believes deeply in this project," UIS Chancellor Susan Koch said. "It is central to the growth priorities of the university, and he has encouraged us to move on."
Koch said having a Student Union will help attract new students and improve the quality of campus life for existing ones.
The $20 million Student Union project, approved by a vote of the student body in 2012, isn't a state-funded project, although uncertainty over state funding for the university caused a construction timetable to be delayed earlier this year.
Groundbreaking originally had been scheduled for May but instead is now likely for May 2016, Coderko said. Completion is anticipated in January 2018.
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on October 15, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Solicitations for bids were posted about 10 days ago and are due in early December, said Chuck Coderko, director of construction for UIS.
"This is a very important project for the university, and President Tim Killeen believes deeply in this project," UIS Chancellor Susan Koch said. "It is central to the growth priorities of the university, and he has encouraged us to move on."
Koch said having a Student Union will help attract new students and improve the quality of campus life for existing ones.
The $20 million Student Union project, approved by a vote of the student body in 2012, isn't a state-funded project, although uncertainty over state funding for the university caused a construction timetable to be delayed earlier this year.
Groundbreaking originally had been scheduled for May but instead is now likely for May 2016, Coderko said. Completion is anticipated in January 2018.
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on October 15, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Supak helps UIS finish fifth
Junior Talen Supak shot a 4-over-par 148 to lead the University of Illinois Springfield to a fifth-place finish Tuesday at the Fox Run Midwest Regional men’s golf tournament at Fox Run Golf Club.
Supak carded a 74 in each of the two rounds and placed third individually. Nathan Goecks placed ninth for UIS with a 151. Sophomore Erik Thulien finished with a 156, while junior Trevor Flota and freshman Tanner Stewart shot 163 and 166, respectively, to complete the scoring for the Prairie Stars. UIS finished with a team score of 617.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on October 14, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Supak carded a 74 in each of the two rounds and placed third individually. Nathan Goecks placed ninth for UIS with a 151. Sophomore Erik Thulien finished with a 156, while junior Trevor Flota and freshman Tanner Stewart shot 163 and 166, respectively, to complete the scoring for the Prairie Stars. UIS finished with a team score of 617.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on October 14, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Walker, UIS basketball team have new rules to learn
Dunking in pregame and halftime warm-ups is now allowed by the NCAA, but University of Illinois Springfield coach Bill Walker doesn’t know if his players have the green light to go above the rim while loosening up.
“I don’t want to take the joy out of the game,” Walker said. “But any coach would get mad if one of the assistants says, ‘Hey, coach, so and so can’t play tonight because he is in the training room and he got hurt when he was trying to dunk.”
Walker has until the Prairie Stars’ exhibition game Nov. 8 against the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign at the Prairie Capital Convention Center to decide.
Dunking in warm-ups is not an earth-shattering rule change, but it is one of many set forth by the NCAA in the offseason.
First day of practice Thursday is the first official day of basketball practice at UIS. After facing Illinois, UIS heads to the Division II Las Vegas Showdown Nov. 13-14 against Lake Superior State and Findlay. The trip west is a notable addition. “I think as you go through your career it’s nice to get on an airplane once in a while and go play a game,” Walker said. “We’d like to do something every year or every other year when we can afford it to take advantage of it.”
The Stars have a monster schedule out of the gate with road games in December against Bellarmine, Southern Indiana, Kentucky Wesleyan and NCAA Division I Indiana State. Lake Superior State and Bellarmine were ranked in last season’s final national poll.
Improved talent UIS will attack the schedule with a mix of seven returning players and six newcomers. “We took a baby step last year,” Walker said. “We made the playoffs. We finished strong. "We were playing well at the end, but it’s time for us as a program to take the next step. It’s hard to gain ground in this league, but that’s our challenge.”
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on October 13, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
“I don’t want to take the joy out of the game,” Walker said. “But any coach would get mad if one of the assistants says, ‘Hey, coach, so and so can’t play tonight because he is in the training room and he got hurt when he was trying to dunk.”
Walker has until the Prairie Stars’ exhibition game Nov. 8 against the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign at the Prairie Capital Convention Center to decide.
Dunking in warm-ups is not an earth-shattering rule change, but it is one of many set forth by the NCAA in the offseason.
First day of practice Thursday is the first official day of basketball practice at UIS. After facing Illinois, UIS heads to the Division II Las Vegas Showdown Nov. 13-14 against Lake Superior State and Findlay. The trip west is a notable addition. “I think as you go through your career it’s nice to get on an airplane once in a while and go play a game,” Walker said. “We’d like to do something every year or every other year when we can afford it to take advantage of it.”
The Stars have a monster schedule out of the gate with road games in December against Bellarmine, Southern Indiana, Kentucky Wesleyan and NCAA Division I Indiana State. Lake Superior State and Bellarmine were ranked in last season’s final national poll.
Improved talent UIS will attack the schedule with a mix of seven returning players and six newcomers. “We took a baby step last year,” Walker said. “We made the playoffs. We finished strong. "We were playing well at the end, but it’s time for us as a program to take the next step. It’s hard to gain ground in this league, but that’s our challenge.”
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on October 13, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
UIS Students Working To Change Columbus Day To Indigenous People's Day
Monday, October 12th is Columbus Day, the day when Americans remember the life of the man who helped discover North America.
But on the UIS campus, the student government association is trying to pass a resolution to change the October holiday. The resolution would rename the second Monday in October to Indigenous People's Day as a way to recognize certain ethnic groups that have been ignored by history. If the resolution passes, the SGA will form a committee to find ways to celebrate the holiday.
Duane Malany says many students and faculty at UIS support the resolution.
Columbus day is recognized as a federal holiday and observed as a state holiday in Illinois, but UIS students do not get the day off.
This story appeared online on WICS Newschannel 20 on Monday, October 12, 2015.
Watch the story here.
But on the UIS campus, the student government association is trying to pass a resolution to change the October holiday. The resolution would rename the second Monday in October to Indigenous People's Day as a way to recognize certain ethnic groups that have been ignored by history. If the resolution passes, the SGA will form a committee to find ways to celebrate the holiday.
Duane Malany says many students and faculty at UIS support the resolution.
Columbus day is recognized as a federal holiday and observed as a state holiday in Illinois, but UIS students do not get the day off.
This story appeared online on WICS Newschannel 20 on Monday, October 12, 2015.
Watch the story here.
Carter, Danquah lead Stars
University of Illinois Springfield’s Jane Carter won a No.1 singles match 6-0, 6-4 against Lindenwood’s Anna Barbasheva and teamed with Sharon Danquah to win in No. 1 doubles at
Washington Park Friday.
UIS plays its first on-campus match in a decade today against Oakland City.
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on October 10, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Washington Park Friday.
UIS plays its first on-campus match in a decade today against Oakland City.
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on October 10, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
UIS Celebrates Historical Restoration With Harvestfest
Historical restoration was in full celebration mode for the autumn season.
Saturday people came together on the University of Illinois Springfield campus to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Elijah Iles Foundation restoring the namesake house in Springfield.
The party took place at the Strawbridge-Shepherd House on the campus, which the foundation also helped to restore.
A volunteer says Saturday's event showed the power of community spirit in making something happen. "It's a chance to reinforce those bonds, and celebrate a wonderful that's happened of the cooperation of many individuals and organizations in the city," said volunteer, Sue Massie.
This story appeared online on WICS Newschannel 20 on Saturday, October 10, 2015.
Watch the story here.
Saturday people came together on the University of Illinois Springfield campus to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Elijah Iles Foundation restoring the namesake house in Springfield.
The party took place at the Strawbridge-Shepherd House on the campus, which the foundation also helped to restore.
A volunteer says Saturday's event showed the power of community spirit in making something happen. "It's a chance to reinforce those bonds, and celebrate a wonderful that's happened of the cooperation of many individuals and organizations in the city," said volunteer, Sue Massie.
This story appeared online on WICS Newschannel 20 on Saturday, October 10, 2015.
Watch the story here.
International Students Visit UIS Campus
Dozens of people from Europe stopped by the University of Illinois Springfield campus Friday to learn more about the United States and democracy.
The visit is hosted by the Open World Program which was created in 1999 to help create democracies after the fall of the Soviet Union.
Young managers and legislators visit the United States to gain knowledge on how to govern their cities and countries. Officials say the program gives many people the opportunity to travel the world.
"The experience that we saw here and it’s not only professional experience which we gain on all the meetings, but it’s also the relationship between people and I think that’s what reaches deep down into our soul and this is something that we will bring home," said Krystyna Dobrovolska, Open World Program Facilitator.
This article appeared online on WICS Newschannel 20 on Friday, October 9, 2015.
Watch the story here.
The visit is hosted by the Open World Program which was created in 1999 to help create democracies after the fall of the Soviet Union.
Young managers and legislators visit the United States to gain knowledge on how to govern their cities and countries. Officials say the program gives many people the opportunity to travel the world.
"The experience that we saw here and it’s not only professional experience which we gain on all the meetings, but it’s also the relationship between people and I think that’s what reaches deep down into our soul and this is something that we will bring home," said Krystyna Dobrovolska, Open World Program Facilitator.
This article appeared online on WICS Newschannel 20 on Friday, October 9, 2015.
Watch the story here.
Friday, October 9, 2015
UIS Disability Programs Offer Students Resources, New Outlook
Close your eyes and imagine a world where all you see is darkness and you had to rely on your other senses.
It's a tough task, but every day 285 million people in the world live their lives this way.
University of Illinois Springfield student Raven Wilson is one of those people. She's a sophomore majoring in English. "I love to read and write. I can spend hours and hours just reading. I love it."
She also loves learning. In chemistry class, Wilson listens carefully and processes everything the professor says.
Being blind doesn't stop her from having tunnel vision when it comes to accomplishing her goals. "My professor has a lot of physical models that I can feel and examine so I can understand what he's going over," said Wilson.
Raven is legally blind. She can only see light and shadows; she uses her dog Dana as her eyes. "Let's say if I'm going somewhere and I go there often, she knows where I want to go. So that's helpful. She keeps me safe. She protects me," said Wilson.
Raven is one of three blind students on the UIS campus. Her friend Jhaliyah is also blind. "We both relate in different ways. If we both have problems with homework assignments sometimes she knows things and I'll say, 'Raven how do you do this?'"
Both women say the university has a helpful staff accommodating, them every step of the way. "Extended times on exams, quiet distraction free environment and a reader and scribe for tests and quizzes," said Sarah Colby Weaver who is director of disability services at the university.
This story appeared online on WICS Newschannel 20 on October 8, 2015.
Read the entire story here.
It's a tough task, but every day 285 million people in the world live their lives this way.
University of Illinois Springfield student Raven Wilson is one of those people. She's a sophomore majoring in English. "I love to read and write. I can spend hours and hours just reading. I love it."
She also loves learning. In chemistry class, Wilson listens carefully and processes everything the professor says.
Being blind doesn't stop her from having tunnel vision when it comes to accomplishing her goals. "My professor has a lot of physical models that I can feel and examine so I can understand what he's going over," said Wilson.
Raven is legally blind. She can only see light and shadows; she uses her dog Dana as her eyes. "Let's say if I'm going somewhere and I go there often, she knows where I want to go. So that's helpful. She keeps me safe. She protects me," said Wilson.
Raven is one of three blind students on the UIS campus. Her friend Jhaliyah is also blind. "We both relate in different ways. If we both have problems with homework assignments sometimes she knows things and I'll say, 'Raven how do you do this?'"
Both women say the university has a helpful staff accommodating, them every step of the way. "Extended times on exams, quiet distraction free environment and a reader and scribe for tests and quizzes," said Sarah Colby Weaver who is director of disability services at the university.
This story appeared online on WICS Newschannel 20 on October 8, 2015.
Read the entire story here.
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Lincoln and voting rights topic of lectures Oct. 15 at UIS
Lincoln and voting rights is the topic at the 13th annual Lincoln Legacy Lectures, which will be Oct. 15 at the University of Illinois Springfield.
The event, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Brookens Auditorium at UIS, is free and open to the public, with no reservation required.
Featured speakers are Michael Vorenberg, associate professor of history at Brown University, and Ronald Keith Gaddie, chair of the political science department at the University of Oklahoma. Vorenberg’s talk will involve a view of voting rights from the Civil War era. He is author of “Final Freedom: The Civil War, The Abolition of Slavery, and the Thirteenth Amendment,” which was published in 2004. Gaddie will discusss citizenship and voting rights in the modern era. He is co-author of “The Triumph of Voting Rights in the South,” published in 2009, and another University of Oklahoma Press book, to be released in 2016: “The Rise and Fall of the Voting Rights Act.”
The lecture series is designed to bring nationally known scholars to Springfield to discuss topics that engaged Abraham Lincoln and the citizens of his era and are still timely today. A lead sponsor of the series is the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on October 6, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
The event, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Brookens Auditorium at UIS, is free and open to the public, with no reservation required.
Featured speakers are Michael Vorenberg, associate professor of history at Brown University, and Ronald Keith Gaddie, chair of the political science department at the University of Oklahoma. Vorenberg’s talk will involve a view of voting rights from the Civil War era. He is author of “Final Freedom: The Civil War, The Abolition of Slavery, and the Thirteenth Amendment,” which was published in 2004. Gaddie will discusss citizenship and voting rights in the modern era. He is co-author of “The Triumph of Voting Rights in the South,” published in 2009, and another University of Oklahoma Press book, to be released in 2016: “The Rise and Fall of the Voting Rights Act.”
The lecture series is designed to bring nationally known scholars to Springfield to discuss topics that engaged Abraham Lincoln and the citizens of his era and are still timely today. A lead sponsor of the series is the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on October 6, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
UIS hosting 13th annual Lincoln Legacy Series
The University of Illinois Springfield has announced that its 13th annual Lincoln Legacy Lectures will be held on October 15.
This year's event will take place from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Brookens Auditorium on the UIS campus.
Officials say this series brings in scholars from across the country to present lectures, and that this year's topic is "Lincoln and Voting Rights." Officials also say doors will open at 6:00 p.m., and that while seating in the auditorium is limited, additional seating will be available in the Public Affairs Center.
Additionally, those who are unable to visit the campus to attend this event will be able to watch online.
This article appeared online on WAND-TV on October 5, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
This year's event will take place from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Brookens Auditorium on the UIS campus.
Officials say this series brings in scholars from across the country to present lectures, and that this year's topic is "Lincoln and Voting Rights." Officials also say doors will open at 6:00 p.m., and that while seating in the auditorium is limited, additional seating will be available in the Public Affairs Center.
Additionally, those who are unable to visit the campus to attend this event will be able to watch online.
This article appeared online on WAND-TV on October 5, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
UIS makes big jump at Dan Salisbury
Senior Becca Ramirez and freshman Kayla Yn each fired 78s on Sunday to propel the University of Illinois Springfield to second place at the Dan Salisbury Memorial Collegiate Invitational at Panther Creek Country Club.
The Prairie Stars had begun the day in eight place out of 15 teams, but shot a collective 317 on Sunday (14 strokes better than Saturday) to leapfrog into a three-way tie for second place.
This article appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 4, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
The Prairie Stars had begun the day in eight place out of 15 teams, but shot a collective 317 on Sunday (14 strokes better than Saturday) to leapfrog into a three-way tie for second place.
This article appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 4, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Stars’ Allevi nets three goals in win
Zachary Allevi scored a hat trick Friday in the University of Illinois Springfield’s 3-1 win over Lewis in a Great Lakes Valley Conference game at Kiwanis Stadium.
He scored twice in the first half of the Prairie Stars’ first conference win.
It is the first win for the Stars in seven games. UIS improves to 3-5-1 overall and 1-5-1 in the GLVC.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on October 2, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
He scored twice in the first half of the Prairie Stars’ first conference win.
It is the first win for the Stars in seven games. UIS improves to 3-5-1 overall and 1-5-1 in the GLVC.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on October 2, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
UIS lands two men's basketball commitments
Bloomington High School 6-foot-3 senior point guard Ilijah Donnelly and Bloomfield (Indiana) 6-7 senior forward Brandon Van Sant have made verbal commitments to play basketball at the University of Illinois Springfield.
Donnelly averaged 11.6 points, 3.9 assists and 3.8 rebounds last year. Van Sant averaged 12 points, 7.5 rebounds and shot 74 percent from the free throw line as a junior. He had 44 assists, 16 steals and 11 3-pointers.
The early signing period begins Nov. 11.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on October 2, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Donnelly averaged 11.6 points, 3.9 assists and 3.8 rebounds last year. Van Sant averaged 12 points, 7.5 rebounds and shot 74 percent from the free throw line as a junior. He had 44 assists, 16 steals and 11 3-pointers.
The early signing period begins Nov. 11.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on October 2, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Friday, October 2, 2015
UIS announced Homecoming activities
University of Illinois - Springfield officials are inviting citizens to come celebrate the 19th annual Homecoming Weekend on October 16 and 17.
Officials say the festivities will kick off with a Homecoming Parade at 4:30 p.m. on October 16.
In addition to the parade, the UIS Prairie Stars Women's and Men's Soccer teams will be playing their annual homecoming games at 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., respectively. Following the game, a free fireworks display will be shown.
This article appeared online on WANDTV.com on October 1, 2016.
Read the entire article here.
Officials say the festivities will kick off with a Homecoming Parade at 4:30 p.m. on October 16.
In addition to the parade, the UIS Prairie Stars Women's and Men's Soccer teams will be playing their annual homecoming games at 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., respectively. Following the game, a free fireworks display will be shown.
This article appeared online on WANDTV.com on October 1, 2016.
Read the entire article here.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Area Colleges: Yn, Prairie Stars sweep golf titles
University of Illinois Springfield freshman Kayla Yn was medalist and the Prairie Stars won the team title Monday at the Quincy Fall Classic at Spring Lake Country Club.
UIS senior Becca Ramirez finished three strokes back for second place.
UIS junior Jocelyn Matsen shot a final-round 78 and placed third.
UIS finished with team score of 643 and won by 53 strokes over Quincy.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on September 28, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
UIS senior Becca Ramirez finished three strokes back for second place.
UIS junior Jocelyn Matsen shot a final-round 78 and placed third.
UIS finished with team score of 643 and won by 53 strokes over Quincy.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on September 28, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
UIS student group pushing for 'Indigenous People's Day' to replace Columbus Day
Student government members at the University of Illinois Springfield hope a resolution passed Sunday in support of changing the second Monday in October to Indigenous People's Day will catch on.
That's the day that most of the country celebrates Columbus Day.
Duane Malany, external vice president of the Student Government Association at UIS, said the vote Sunday was largely symbolic and designed to bring awareness to what he described as an inaccurate portrayal of Christopher Columbus as an American hero.
Columbus Day commemorates the Italian explorer whose expeditions marked the beginning of Spanish colonization in the Americas. However, it also is viewed by some as the beginning of the demise of American Indian people and culture through disease, warfare, massacre and forced assimilation brought on by Europeans.
Columbus Day is recognized as a federal holiday and observed as a state holiday in Illinois. Students at UIS do not get Columbus Day off.
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on September 28, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
That's the day that most of the country celebrates Columbus Day.
Duane Malany, external vice president of the Student Government Association at UIS, said the vote Sunday was largely symbolic and designed to bring awareness to what he described as an inaccurate portrayal of Christopher Columbus as an American hero.
Columbus Day commemorates the Italian explorer whose expeditions marked the beginning of Spanish colonization in the Americas. However, it also is viewed by some as the beginning of the demise of American Indian people and culture through disease, warfare, massacre and forced assimilation brought on by Europeans.
Columbus Day is recognized as a federal holiday and observed as a state holiday in Illinois. Students at UIS do not get Columbus Day off.
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on September 28, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Friday, September 25, 2015
Former Glenwood soccer standout Maggie Juhlin transfers to UIS
University of Illinois Springfield women’s soccer coach Molly Grisham received a surprise email last month from former Chatham Glenwood High School standout Maggie Juhlin.
The all-state defender spent three weeks in July and two weeks in the preseason preparing for her freshman season at NCAA Division I Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, but thoughts of transferring entered her mind.
She contacted Grisham about playing for the Division II Prairie Stars. Grisham jumped at the offer to add Juhlin to the UIS roster. “Anytime we can support a local player, that is a good thing for us,” Grisham said. “Our program has struggled to get local players here, and we understand players want to look at other schools and try something different, but whether that means coming here as a freshman and playing or trying somewhere else and coming back, we want local players to know the door is always open here.”
“Drake didn’t really feel like the right fit for me after I was there over the summer then went back for the preseason,” Juhlin said. "When I came back, I decided I still wanted to play soccer and continue my education. I knew that Molly and (former Glenwood standout Erin Egolf) had taken over the program here and were trying to turn it around, so I contacted them to see what they thought. I knew I wanted to be close to home and I knew they want to turn the program around, so I thought I could help with that.”
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on September 24, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
The all-state defender spent three weeks in July and two weeks in the preseason preparing for her freshman season at NCAA Division I Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, but thoughts of transferring entered her mind.
She contacted Grisham about playing for the Division II Prairie Stars. Grisham jumped at the offer to add Juhlin to the UIS roster. “Anytime we can support a local player, that is a good thing for us,” Grisham said. “Our program has struggled to get local players here, and we understand players want to look at other schools and try something different, but whether that means coming here as a freshman and playing or trying somewhere else and coming back, we want local players to know the door is always open here.”
“Drake didn’t really feel like the right fit for me after I was there over the summer then went back for the preseason,” Juhlin said. "When I came back, I decided I still wanted to play soccer and continue my education. I knew that Molly and (former Glenwood standout Erin Egolf) had taken over the program here and were trying to turn it around, so I contacted them to see what they thought. I knew I wanted to be close to home and I knew they want to turn the program around, so I thought I could help with that.”
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on September 24, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
UIS teams earn academic honors
The University of Illinois Springfield men’s and women’s teams have earned the National Soccer Coaches Association of America college academic awards.
It is the men’s squad first team academic award. It is the fourth straight honor for the women’s team. The NSCAA recognizes college and high school program that earn a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on September 23, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
It is the men’s squad first team academic award. It is the fourth straight honor for the women’s team. The NSCAA recognizes college and high school program that earn a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on September 23, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
UIS annual film series kicks off Sept. 25
The University of Illinois Springfield kicks off its series of independent and foreign films on Friday, with a movie that’s expected to draw a big crowd, according to UIS director of student life Cynthia Thompson.
The film, “Sam Lay in Bluesland,” was made this year and profiles Lay, a longtime Chicago blues musician who has played with Bob Dylan, Muddy Waters, James Cotton, and other blues greats. At 80, he’s still performing. This documentary, which was deemed “spectacular” by the Chicago Tribune, is not rated.
The second film is an Arabic language film from Saudi Arabia and Germany called “Wadjda.” It’s the story of a spirited girl in Saudi Arabia’s capital who challenges her culture’s views on women and girls.
The last film in the series is the oldest and might be considered a modern classic. “Cinema Paradiso” was filmed in 1988 and is a sweet tale about a young Italian boy who’s inspired by the old movie projectionist in the cinema of his embattled small village. It also is rated PG.
The films are selected by a committee who reviews recommendations submitted by the entire UIS campus, according to Thompson. Typically the series includes four films, but this year it only has three, she said.
When the series was planned, UIS didn’t know what its budget would be due to Illinois’ budget impasse, so organizers planned for one fewer film than usual. Each film is open to the public and free to attend.
This article appeared online on The State Journal-Register on September 23, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
The film, “Sam Lay in Bluesland,” was made this year and profiles Lay, a longtime Chicago blues musician who has played with Bob Dylan, Muddy Waters, James Cotton, and other blues greats. At 80, he’s still performing. This documentary, which was deemed “spectacular” by the Chicago Tribune, is not rated.
The second film is an Arabic language film from Saudi Arabia and Germany called “Wadjda.” It’s the story of a spirited girl in Saudi Arabia’s capital who challenges her culture’s views on women and girls.
The last film in the series is the oldest and might be considered a modern classic. “Cinema Paradiso” was filmed in 1988 and is a sweet tale about a young Italian boy who’s inspired by the old movie projectionist in the cinema of his embattled small village. It also is rated PG.
The films are selected by a committee who reviews recommendations submitted by the entire UIS campus, according to Thompson. Typically the series includes four films, but this year it only has three, she said.
When the series was planned, UIS didn’t know what its budget would be due to Illinois’ budget impasse, so organizers planned for one fewer film than usual. Each film is open to the public and free to attend.
This article appeared online on The State Journal-Register on September 23, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Budget impasse hurting college students
It's day 84 without a budget and one of the state's constitutional officers says the suffering has gone on long enough. Treasurer Mike Frerichs took that message to the University of Illinois Springfield Tuesday.
Right now, state universities are struggling to make ends meet because they haven't received their portion of higher education funding from the state. Students are facing the same problem because the state hasn't paid out MAP grants either. MAP grants are awarded on the basis of need.
University of Illinois Springfield Senior, Jamie Anderson, spent 11 years as a foster child, without MAP grants she says she couldn't have overcome her situation.
"My family never went to college. I was poor. I was made fun of. I was told I was not going to graduate high school and I wouldn't be where I am today," said Anderson.
130,000 students across the state rely on state funded MAP grants to help them pay for college. 800 students at UIS use them every year and now they're worried politics is getting in the way of their opportunity.
UIS is giving MAP grant students their money with the hopes that once the budget impasse ends the state will make good on their promises.
The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on September 24, 2015.
Watch the story online.
Right now, state universities are struggling to make ends meet because they haven't received their portion of higher education funding from the state. Students are facing the same problem because the state hasn't paid out MAP grants either. MAP grants are awarded on the basis of need.
University of Illinois Springfield Senior, Jamie Anderson, spent 11 years as a foster child, without MAP grants she says she couldn't have overcome her situation.
"My family never went to college. I was poor. I was made fun of. I was told I was not going to graduate high school and I wouldn't be where I am today," said Anderson.
130,000 students across the state rely on state funded MAP grants to help them pay for college. 800 students at UIS use them every year and now they're worried politics is getting in the way of their opportunity.
UIS is giving MAP grant students their money with the hopes that once the budget impasse ends the state will make good on their promises.
The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on September 24, 2015.
Watch the story online.
UIS to honor pioneers of women's soccer
Before Chatham Glenwood High School was a state powerhouse and state champion in girls soccer, University of Illinois Springfield women’s soccer coach Molly Grisham played in 1990 for the school's inaugural team when the players wore hand-me-down uniforms from the junior varsity boys squad.
Grisham has witnessed the growth of the sport firsthand and wants to thank the individuals who were instrumental in the development of women's soccer in central Illinois over the past 25 years.
UIS will honor those pioneers at halftime of the Prairie Stars’ Oct. 2 game against Lewis at Kiwanis Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Local restaurant AZ-T-CA Mexican Grill is sponsoring the event.
Grisham and an advisory board have selected about 16 pioneers to honor, including former Springfield High coach Bob Wharton and former Sacred Heart-Griffin coach Oscar Lambdin. Wharton coached Springfield for 21 seasons beginning with the program’s inception in 1989. Lambdin’s 1995 SHG team was the first Central State Eight Conference program to make an appearance in the girls state tournament.
UIS is still accepting nominations at mgris01s@uis.edu.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on September 23, 2015.
Read the story online.
Grisham has witnessed the growth of the sport firsthand and wants to thank the individuals who were instrumental in the development of women's soccer in central Illinois over the past 25 years.
UIS will honor those pioneers at halftime of the Prairie Stars’ Oct. 2 game against Lewis at Kiwanis Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Local restaurant AZ-T-CA Mexican Grill is sponsoring the event.
Grisham and an advisory board have selected about 16 pioneers to honor, including former Springfield High coach Bob Wharton and former Sacred Heart-Griffin coach Oscar Lambdin. Wharton coached Springfield for 21 seasons beginning with the program’s inception in 1989. Lambdin’s 1995 SHG team was the first Central State Eight Conference program to make an appearance in the girls state tournament.
UIS is still accepting nominations at mgris01s@uis.edu.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on September 23, 2015.
Read the story online.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
UIS students develop games to help pay for college
A pair of twins at the University of Illinois Springfield have found a unique way to help their parents afford school – developing video games.
The Jacksonville natives, Matthew and Nathan Dean, say it all started off as a fun hobby. The two started playing the computer game ROBLOX, a free-to-play online sandbox game where users create and develop content, back in 2009. It was when they entered college that they started to explore the map designing portion of the game that their interest in it took off.
“We have made some popular games on the ROBLOX platform,” said Matthew Dean, a senior at the University of Illinois Springfield who alongside his brother has developed some of the most popular games on the site.
It was during 2011 when things changed for the twins. The designers of ROBLOX offered up a payment method for players; allowing users to spend real money for in-game currency which they could spend on buying in-game items or perks for the digital avatars. For the developers who create those items that people are purchasing – the designers can then trade in that digital currency for real-life cash.
Since the Dean twins offered up their first purchasable item in 2011 their digital market place has been very profitable. The twins have netted roughly 40,000 dollars since their first purchase on the ROBLOX market.
“ROBLOX is a game development platform,” says Nathan Dean. He continues to say, “So basically it gives you all the tools you need to create the games yourself.”
The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on September 15, 2015.
Watch the story online.
The Jacksonville natives, Matthew and Nathan Dean, say it all started off as a fun hobby. The two started playing the computer game ROBLOX, a free-to-play online sandbox game where users create and develop content, back in 2009. It was when they entered college that they started to explore the map designing portion of the game that their interest in it took off.
“We have made some popular games on the ROBLOX platform,” said Matthew Dean, a senior at the University of Illinois Springfield who alongside his brother has developed some of the most popular games on the site.
It was during 2011 when things changed for the twins. The designers of ROBLOX offered up a payment method for players; allowing users to spend real money for in-game currency which they could spend on buying in-game items or perks for the digital avatars. For the developers who create those items that people are purchasing – the designers can then trade in that digital currency for real-life cash.
Since the Dean twins offered up their first purchasable item in 2011 their digital market place has been very profitable. The twins have netted roughly 40,000 dollars since their first purchase on the ROBLOX market.
“ROBLOX is a game development platform,” says Nathan Dean. He continues to say, “So basically it gives you all the tools you need to create the games yourself.”
The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on September 15, 2015.
Watch the story online.
Men's Basketball: Prairie Stars plan Tip-Off Event
The University of Illinois Springfield men’s basketball team will hold the second annual Tip-Off Event on Oct. 30 from 6-9 p.m. at The Recreation and Athletic Center.
The event costs $250 per person. A team scrimmage and attendee shoot-out will take place. Attendees also will interact with the team, receive a catered meal by Noodles and Company, receive UIS basketball apparel and get an inside look at the men’s basketball program. Proceeds benefit the UIS men’s basketball team.
RSVPs must be received by Oct. 28. For more information, contact Jacqui Kane at jkane24@uis.edu or 206-8418.
The event was featured by The State Journal-Register on September 16, 2015.
Read the story online.
The event costs $250 per person. A team scrimmage and attendee shoot-out will take place. Attendees also will interact with the team, receive a catered meal by Noodles and Company, receive UIS basketball apparel and get an inside look at the men’s basketball program. Proceeds benefit the UIS men’s basketball team.
RSVPs must be received by Oct. 28. For more information, contact Jacqui Kane at jkane24@uis.edu or 206-8418.
The event was featured by The State Journal-Register on September 16, 2015.
Read the story online.
Monday, September 14, 2015
Rochester High grad Eli Cook takes second in UIS' inaugural cross country meet
University of Illinois Springfield sophomore Eli Cook and McKendree sophomore Benjamin Richter ran stride-for-stride Friday throughout most of the 6,000-meter course at UIS.
Cook was doing his best to kick off UIS’ inaugural cross country season with a win. He had a shot until Richter pulled away from him down the stretch for a nine-second victory.
Cook, a Millikin University transfer and Rochester High School product, placed second in 20:22. “We were side by side up until the last 400,” Cook said. “That was my plan the whole time. Ben is a real talented runner, so I knew if I could hang with him I’d do well. I was shooting for between 20:15 and 20:30, so I was right in that range. I had a negative split and ran a lot faster that last 2K, and that’s always a good thing. I’m pleased and happy.”
Freshman Ethan Bluhm was right behind Cook to give the Prairie Stars a 2-3 finish. Bluhm crossed the line in 20:57.
Cook’s and Bluhm’s finishes helped UIS place second in the team standings.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on September 11, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Cook was doing his best to kick off UIS’ inaugural cross country season with a win. He had a shot until Richter pulled away from him down the stretch for a nine-second victory.
Cook, a Millikin University transfer and Rochester High School product, placed second in 20:22. “We were side by side up until the last 400,” Cook said. “That was my plan the whole time. Ben is a real talented runner, so I knew if I could hang with him I’d do well. I was shooting for between 20:15 and 20:30, so I was right in that range. I had a negative split and ran a lot faster that last 2K, and that’s always a good thing. I’m pleased and happy.”
Freshman Ethan Bluhm was right behind Cook to give the Prairie Stars a 2-3 finish. Bluhm crossed the line in 20:57.
Cook’s and Bluhm’s finishes helped UIS place second in the team standings.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on September 11, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Area Colleges: UIS volleyball team posts first victory
Ashley Beaton hit 13 kills and served four aces Friday in the University of Illinois Springfield’s 25-21, 22-25, 25-22, 25-21 win over Chadron State at the Nebraska Kearney volleyball tournament.
Nikki Madoch tallied 12 kills in the Prairie Stars’ first victory of the season. Alyssa Hasler had eight kills and six blocks. Tiffany Wentworth posted 41 assists and 17 digs. Ally Vicsik finished with 21 digs.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on September 11, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Nikki Madoch tallied 12 kills in the Prairie Stars’ first victory of the season. Alyssa Hasler had eight kills and six blocks. Tiffany Wentworth posted 41 assists and 17 digs. Ally Vicsik finished with 21 digs.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on September 11, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
UIS Honors Those Lost in 9/11 Attacks
2,977 American flags lined the University of Illinois Springfield quad Friday; one for each of the victims who lost their life, during the September 11th terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington DC., and Pennsylvania.
"This is an event that, you know, changed American history. We actually realized this morning, the freshman here this year are the first group that was not in kindergarten, so they would have been in pre-school when it happened. So we fell it's important to make sure remembering this carries on and we never forget it," said Nathan Hoffman with UIS College Republicans.
The display was organized by UIS' College Republicans and the National Young America's foundation.
This story appeared on WICS Newschannel 20 on September 11, 2015.
Watch the story here.
"This is an event that, you know, changed American history. We actually realized this morning, the freshman here this year are the first group that was not in kindergarten, so they would have been in pre-school when it happened. So we fell it's important to make sure remembering this carries on and we never forget it," said Nathan Hoffman with UIS College Republicans.
The display was organized by UIS' College Republicans and the National Young America's foundation.
This story appeared on WICS Newschannel 20 on September 11, 2015.
Watch the story here.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Warfield named to SIUE Alumni Hall of Fame
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will honor eight remarkable graduates at the 2015 SIUE Alumni Hall of Fame ceremony on Friday, Oct. 2 in the Morris University Center.
These alumni have achieved exploits in their respective fields, are role models and are testament to SIUE’s educational excellence.
“Those selected for the Alumni Hall of Fame represent the best of SIUE,” said Steve Jankowski, director of Alumni Affairs. “It is our honor to induct these outstanding individuals.”
Dr. Walter Warfield – School of Education, Health and Human Behavior: Dr. Walter Warfield, BA Historical Studies ’68, MSEd Educational Administration ’73 Dr. Walter Warfield is currently a scholar in residence in the College of Education and Human Services at the University of Illinois-Springfield. At the age of 26, he assumed the position of principal of Mason City High School and eventually rose to serve as executive director of the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA). Among his numerous endeavors, Warfield served as state president of the IASA, national president of the Horace Mann League and Association of State Executives, and an affiliate of the American Association of School Administrators. Warfield is vocal in his support for the American public school system.
This article appeared online in the Edwardsville Intelligencer on September 8, 2015.
Read the entire article online.
These alumni have achieved exploits in their respective fields, are role models and are testament to SIUE’s educational excellence.
“Those selected for the Alumni Hall of Fame represent the best of SIUE,” said Steve Jankowski, director of Alumni Affairs. “It is our honor to induct these outstanding individuals.”
Dr. Walter Warfield – School of Education, Health and Human Behavior: Dr. Walter Warfield, BA Historical Studies ’68, MSEd Educational Administration ’73 Dr. Walter Warfield is currently a scholar in residence in the College of Education and Human Services at the University of Illinois-Springfield. At the age of 26, he assumed the position of principal of Mason City High School and eventually rose to serve as executive director of the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA). Among his numerous endeavors, Warfield served as state president of the IASA, national president of the Horace Mann League and Association of State Executives, and an affiliate of the American Association of School Administrators. Warfield is vocal in his support for the American public school system.
This article appeared online in the Edwardsville Intelligencer on September 8, 2015.
Read the entire article online.
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
UIS enrollment stable for fall, down slightly from last year
Fall enrollment at the University of Illinois Springfield is down slightly compared to last year but has topped 5,000 students for the sixth consecutive year.
The official fall census puts total enrollment at 5,402 after the first 10 days of classes, the second-largest student body in the history of the school.
Last year’s fall enrollment was a record 5,431.
UIS Chancellor Susan Koch said she’s pleased with many of the things she sees in the enrollment report.
“It continues to be a competitive higher education environment,” she said. “We know students and their families have many options, but when they choose UIS, they know they are getting a high quality and affordable educational experience and a community where faculty and staff care about their success.”
Overall credit hours are up more than 300, from 53,507 in fall 2014 to 53,847 this year.
“That shows that they are working very hard to be full-time students,” Koch said.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on September 9, 2015.
Read the article online.
The official fall census puts total enrollment at 5,402 after the first 10 days of classes, the second-largest student body in the history of the school.
Last year’s fall enrollment was a record 5,431.
UIS Chancellor Susan Koch said she’s pleased with many of the things she sees in the enrollment report.
“It continues to be a competitive higher education environment,” she said. “We know students and their families have many options, but when they choose UIS, they know they are getting a high quality and affordable educational experience and a community where faculty and staff care about their success.”
Overall credit hours are up more than 300, from 53,507 in fall 2014 to 53,847 this year.
“That shows that they are working very hard to be full-time students,” Koch said.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on September 9, 2015.
Read the article online.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Area Colleges: League honors UIS soccer players Allevi, Geile
University of Illinois Springfield junior forward Zachary Allevi and sophomore goalkeeper Tommy Geile have earned the first Great Lakes Valley Conference men's soccer Player of the Week honors this season, the league announced Monday.
Allevi was named GLVC Offensive Player of the Week, while Geile was chosen as Defensive Player of the Week.
Allevi totaled five shots, two goals and one assist in the Prairie Stars’ wins against South Dakota School of Mines and the University of Mary.
Geile played 191 minutes in the two games and let in just one goal while making 15 saves.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on September 7, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Allevi was named GLVC Offensive Player of the Week, while Geile was chosen as Defensive Player of the Week.
Allevi totaled five shots, two goals and one assist in the Prairie Stars’ wins against South Dakota School of Mines and the University of Mary.
Geile played 191 minutes in the two games and let in just one goal while making 15 saves.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on September 7, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Star Parties return Friday at UIS
Organizers of the first Star Party at then-Sangamon State University in 1976 learned one thing very quickly: It can be cold in December, especially on the roof of Brookens Library.
But that didn't deter interest, and the popular Friday Star Parties return this week and run through the end of October.
John Martin, associate professor of astronomy and physics at what is now the University of Illinois Springfield, said subsequent Star Parties were moved to fall. "The sun is setting at a reasonable time so that it becomes dark earlier, and the weather hasn't turned nasty," said Martin, the Star Parties host.
There will be seven regular 8-10 p.m. Friday Star Parties this year, plus a bonus party from 7 to 10 p.m. Sept. 27 (weather permitting) to view the start of a total lunar eclipse. "We haven't had a good lunar eclipse that is visible here in a while," Martin said.
A typical Star Party begins with a presentation as visitors ascend the stairs to the observatory, learning about galaxies, the sun and stars along the way. On the roof observation deck, visitors can view the skies through telescopes and ask questions.
Participants are welcome to arrive and leave as they wish between 8 and 10 p.m.
Reservations aren't required for the free Star Parties, and groups are encouraged to attend. The entrance to the campus observatory is outside Brookens Library on the southeast corner of the building.
The parties can be canceled for cloudy weather. Questions about whether the weather is suitable for viewing should be directed to 206-8342 at 7 p.m. on the evening of the Star Party.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on September 7, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
But that didn't deter interest, and the popular Friday Star Parties return this week and run through the end of October.
John Martin, associate professor of astronomy and physics at what is now the University of Illinois Springfield, said subsequent Star Parties were moved to fall. "The sun is setting at a reasonable time so that it becomes dark earlier, and the weather hasn't turned nasty," said Martin, the Star Parties host.
There will be seven regular 8-10 p.m. Friday Star Parties this year, plus a bonus party from 7 to 10 p.m. Sept. 27 (weather permitting) to view the start of a total lunar eclipse. "We haven't had a good lunar eclipse that is visible here in a while," Martin said.
A typical Star Party begins with a presentation as visitors ascend the stairs to the observatory, learning about galaxies, the sun and stars along the way. On the roof observation deck, visitors can view the skies through telescopes and ask questions.
Participants are welcome to arrive and leave as they wish between 8 and 10 p.m.
Reservations aren't required for the free Star Parties, and groups are encouraged to attend. The entrance to the campus observatory is outside Brookens Library on the southeast corner of the building.
The parties can be canceled for cloudy weather. Questions about whether the weather is suitable for viewing should be directed to 206-8342 at 7 p.m. on the evening of the Star Party.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on September 7, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Stars’ Katarzynski reaches milestone
Junior libero Kayla Katarzynski became the sixth University of Illinois Springfield volleyball player to notch 1,000 career digs Saturday.
Katarzynski currently has 1,011 digs.
St. Cloud State won 25-20, 23-25, 28-26, 25-18, 15-12 at the Central Missouri Tournament, but Katarzynski recorded 23 digs. She had eight digs in No. 13 Central Missouri’s 25-13, 25-18, 25-12 victory against the Prairie Stars (0-4). Katarzynski currently has 1,011 digs.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on September 5, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Katarzynski currently has 1,011 digs.
St. Cloud State won 25-20, 23-25, 28-26, 25-18, 15-12 at the Central Missouri Tournament, but Katarzynski recorded 23 digs. She had eight digs in No. 13 Central Missouri’s 25-13, 25-18, 25-12 victory against the Prairie Stars (0-4). Katarzynski currently has 1,011 digs.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on September 5, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
UIS survey looks at issues for transgendered
A national survey conducted by the University of Illinois-Springfield shows positive attitudes toward the rights of transgendered people.
Springfield's WTAX-AM reports the survey conducted online of 774 people shows 81 percent supportive of those who are transgendered having the same rights as the rest of us. However, only 41 percent support using public funds to help provide medical treatment for them.
Associate professor of political science Jason Pierceson says information about needs of the transgendered community in terms of politics, policy, and law is lacking. He says the more education there is, the more hearts and minds will be changed.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on September 1, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Springfield's WTAX-AM reports the survey conducted online of 774 people shows 81 percent supportive of those who are transgendered having the same rights as the rest of us. However, only 41 percent support using public funds to help provide medical treatment for them.
Associate professor of political science Jason Pierceson says information about needs of the transgendered community in terms of politics, policy, and law is lacking. He says the more education there is, the more hearts and minds will be changed.
This article appeared online in The State Journal-Register on September 1, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
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