The University of Illinois Springfield baseball team was far from an offensive juggernaut last season, batting a league-worst .241.
The Prairie Stars are knocking it out of the park a year later.
UIS (23-17 overall) has hit 40 home runs and is the second-best home run hitting team in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
Junior outfielder Trey Hannam is tied for third in the league with 10 home runs. Senior second baseman Adam Warda has eight. Senior third baseman Gabriel Acevedo and junior designated hitter/first baseman Jason Galeano have six each.
"We’re hitting for power right now,” UIS coach Chris Ramirez said. “It makes it fun to watch, coach and play."
There’s more to UIS’ season than the long ball. UIS has a higher batting average. It ranks seventh in the 16-team GLVC with a .297 average.
Six UIS players are hitting between .300 and .375.
“It helps our competitive edge come out,” Hannam said. “We all want to be the best. The weather keeps getting hotter and that always helps the ball fly a little bit.”
The team was featured by The State Journal-Register on April 29, 2016.
Read the full article online.
Friday, April 29, 2016
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Bernard Schoenburg: Trustee Hoffman
Nathan Hoffman, who started a job in January staffing the Springfield office of U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, has been elected to a one-year term as the student trustee from the University of Illinois Springfield.
Hoffman, 21, is officially a junior at UIS and continues to take online and evening classes while working full time for LaHood. He said he’s on track to graduate next spring.
LaHood, Hoffman said, is “100 percent supportive” of the elective post on the U of I board of trustees. Hoffman has been president of the UIS College Republicans in the school year just ending.
“I’ve never shied away from taking on new challenges as long as I think I can commit 100 percent of my effort to it,” Hoffman said.
Student trustees to the U of I board are elected from each of the three main campuses — Chicago, Springfield and Champaign-Urbana. Two get advisory votes, and the governor gets to designate one who gets a binding vote.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 28, 2016.
Read the story online.
Hoffman, 21, is officially a junior at UIS and continues to take online and evening classes while working full time for LaHood. He said he’s on track to graduate next spring.
LaHood, Hoffman said, is “100 percent supportive” of the elective post on the U of I board of trustees. Hoffman has been president of the UIS College Republicans in the school year just ending.
“I’ve never shied away from taking on new challenges as long as I think I can commit 100 percent of my effort to it,” Hoffman said.
Student trustees to the U of I board are elected from each of the three main campuses — Chicago, Springfield and Champaign-Urbana. Two get advisory votes, and the governor gets to designate one who gets a binding vote.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 28, 2016.
Read the story online.
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
UIS women's golf team earns regional bid
The University of Illinois Springfield women’s golf has earned a team bid to the NCAA Division II East Super Regional at Panther Creek Country Club May 2-4.
It is the first time the Prairie Stars have qualified for a super regional as a team. UIS shot a school record 54-hole total of 932 and tied for third at the Great Lakes Valley Conference Championship last weekend.
UIS is seeded 10th out of 12 teams at the East Super Regional. The teams, in seed order, are: Grand Valley State, Indianapolis, Findlay, Southern Indiana, Missouri-St. Louis, Ashland, California (Pennsylvania), Northwood (Michigan), Trevecca Nazarene, UIS, Lewis and William Jewell. Six individuals will also compete in the regional.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 27, 2016.
Read the story online.
It is the first time the Prairie Stars have qualified for a super regional as a team. UIS shot a school record 54-hole total of 932 and tied for third at the Great Lakes Valley Conference Championship last weekend.
UIS is seeded 10th out of 12 teams at the East Super Regional. The teams, in seed order, are: Grand Valley State, Indianapolis, Findlay, Southern Indiana, Missouri-St. Louis, Ashland, California (Pennsylvania), Northwood (Michigan), Trevecca Nazarene, UIS, Lewis and William Jewell. Six individuals will also compete in the regional.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 27, 2016.
Read the story online.
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Training program at UIS aims to curb child abuse, neglect
The small, nondescript house with blistering gray paint on the north end of the University of Illinois Springfield campus holds at the same time both hope and horror.
Fortunately, the horror — in the form of child abuse and neglect — is fabricated and is used as a training tool for students, state Department of Children and Family Services investigators and first-responders.
The training at the Residential Simulation Lab House, as well as in a mock courtroom established in the campus television studio in the Public Affairs Center, offers hope that improved training will enable investigators to better curb child abuse and neglect.
The simulated training house and mock courtroom, part of a DCFS Child Protection Training Academy pilot program designed by the UIS State Center for Policy and Leadership, was dedicated Monday, although training began in February.
The house, vacant since 2010, was formerly a branch of the Sangamon Schools Credit Union, which closed that year because of a problem with the septic system.
Betsy Goulet, clinical assistant professor in the public administration graduate program and coordinator of the Child Advocacy Studies (CAST) program at UIS, said discussion with DCFS about establishing such a program began several years ago.
UIS Chancellor Susan Koch said the academy “is happening because of her (Goulet).”
Goulet said when she was studying for her PhD, she learned about the program, which simulates real-life situations, and went through the training. With training for child-protection investigators considered inadequate, she wanted to apply the simulation training to improve the skills of present-day investigators.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 26, 2016.
Read the full article online.
Fortunately, the horror — in the form of child abuse and neglect — is fabricated and is used as a training tool for students, state Department of Children and Family Services investigators and first-responders.
The training at the Residential Simulation Lab House, as well as in a mock courtroom established in the campus television studio in the Public Affairs Center, offers hope that improved training will enable investigators to better curb child abuse and neglect.
The simulated training house and mock courtroom, part of a DCFS Child Protection Training Academy pilot program designed by the UIS State Center for Policy and Leadership, was dedicated Monday, although training began in February.
The house, vacant since 2010, was formerly a branch of the Sangamon Schools Credit Union, which closed that year because of a problem with the septic system.
Betsy Goulet, clinical assistant professor in the public administration graduate program and coordinator of the Child Advocacy Studies (CAST) program at UIS, said discussion with DCFS about establishing such a program began several years ago.
UIS Chancellor Susan Koch said the academy “is happening because of her (Goulet).”
Goulet said when she was studying for her PhD, she learned about the program, which simulates real-life situations, and went through the training. With training for child-protection investigators considered inadequate, she wanted to apply the simulation training to improve the skills of present-day investigators.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 26, 2016.
Read the full article online.
Monday, April 25, 2016
Downtown Springfield apartment building going up fast
A four-story apartment building in downtown Springfield for University of Illinois Springfield graduate students is going up relatively fast due to the modular construction technique being used at the site.
While UIS has supported the downtown housing project, it won’t be university-owned housing. The Villas Downtown Springfield will own the $8 million building.
The new building is expected to be ready for students in August.
Clarice Ford, interim vice chancellor for student affairs at UIS, said some students pursuing advanced degrees have internships in downtown government office buildings. She has heard from students who are interested in living in the new building. Some of them don’t have a car, which means the downtown location makes it easier to get to their internship.
“Many students are excited, especially those who are just starting their internship process,” Ford said. “Now they know there is a place they can be housed instead of waiting three or four months as they go around the city looking for housing.”
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 23, 2016.
Read the full article online.
While UIS has supported the downtown housing project, it won’t be university-owned housing. The Villas Downtown Springfield will own the $8 million building.
The new building is expected to be ready for students in August.
Clarice Ford, interim vice chancellor for student affairs at UIS, said some students pursuing advanced degrees have internships in downtown government office buildings. She has heard from students who are interested in living in the new building. Some of them don’t have a car, which means the downtown location makes it easier to get to their internship.
“Many students are excited, especially those who are just starting their internship process,” Ford said. “Now they know there is a place they can be housed instead of waiting three or four months as they go around the city looking for housing.”
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 23, 2016.
Read the full article online.
Storm a (Prairie) Star in the making
On Friday, April 15, the latest addition to the Hillsboro High School girls golf legacy took her next step in her career on the links as HHS senior Lindsey Storm signed to play golf for the Prairie Stars of the University of Illinois at Springfield.
While Storm is still undecided on a major, she is excited about her future at the Division II school in Springfield.
"UIS presents unlimited opportunities to better myself both academically and as a golfer," Storm said on her decision to make the short trip north.
The story was reported by the Hillsboro Journal-News on April 25, 2016.
Read the full article online.
While Storm is still undecided on a major, she is excited about her future at the Division II school in Springfield.
"UIS presents unlimited opportunities to better myself both academically and as a golfer," Storm said on her decision to make the short trip north.
The story was reported by the Hillsboro Journal-News on April 25, 2016.
Read the full article online.
UIS ties for third at GLVC women's golf tourney
University of Illinois Springfield freshman Maria Espinosa placed 10th and senior teammate Rebecca Ramirez finished 11th at the Great Lakes Valley Conference Women’s Golf Championship at Annbriar Golf Course Sunday.
Espinosa posted a 77 in the final round and finished with a three-day total of 15-over-par 231. Ramirez shot a 75 and with a 233.
UIS freshman Kayla Yn also scored a top-20 finish. She fired an 82 and tied for 14th with a 235. Junior Jocelyn Matsen shot a 77 and tied for 23rd at 240. Sophomore Taryn Pittman tied for 29th. She recorded an 80 and finished with a 242.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 25, 2016.
Read the article online.
Espinosa posted a 77 in the final round and finished with a three-day total of 15-over-par 231. Ramirez shot a 75 and with a 233.
UIS freshman Kayla Yn also scored a top-20 finish. She fired an 82 and tied for 14th with a 235. Junior Jocelyn Matsen shot a 77 and tied for 23rd at 240. Sophomore Taryn Pittman tied for 29th. She recorded an 80 and finished with a 242.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 25, 2016.
Read the article online.
Softball: UIS seasons ends with doubleheader split
The University of Illinois Springfield closed out the regular season with a 2-0 victory against William Jewell Sunday, but it wasn’t enough to get the Prairie Stars into the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament.
The contest was scoreless until the final inning. UIS’ Rachel Goff hit a RBI double, then teammate Alexa McClaughry scored on a wild pitch in the top of the ninth.
UIS (24-26 overall, 14-16 in GLVC) and William Jewell (24-26, 14-16) were fighting for the eighth and final spot in the conference tourney. The Cardinals won a tiebreaker for the last berth.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 25, 2016.
Read the article online.
The contest was scoreless until the final inning. UIS’ Rachel Goff hit a RBI double, then teammate Alexa McClaughry scored on a wild pitch in the top of the ninth.
UIS (24-26 overall, 14-16 in GLVC) and William Jewell (24-26, 14-16) were fighting for the eighth and final spot in the conference tourney. The Cardinals won a tiebreaker for the last berth.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 25, 2016.
Read the article online.
Baseball: Home runs boost Stars
The University of Illinois Springfield’s Jason Galeano hit a three-run home run in the first inning and Trey Hannam had a two-run homer in the fifth as the Prairie Stars took a 6-2 win over Wisconsin-Parkside in a Great Lakes Valley Conference doubleheader at UIS Field.
Hannam hit a grand slam in the first game and UIS won 14-11.
Galeano also had a two-run home run. He had three RBIs and was 2-for-4.
The Prairie Stars’ Austin Muench was 4-for-5. Gavin Collins was the winning pitcher. He gave up one run and three hits in four innings. He struck out six and walked one.
UIS improved to 22-16 overall and 10-8 in the GLVC. Wisconsin-Parkside is 7-27 and 2-16.
The win was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 24, 2016.
Read the article online.
Hannam hit a grand slam in the first game and UIS won 14-11.
Galeano also had a two-run home run. He had three RBIs and was 2-for-4.
The Prairie Stars’ Austin Muench was 4-for-5. Gavin Collins was the winning pitcher. He gave up one run and three hits in four innings. He struck out six and walked one.
UIS improved to 22-16 overall and 10-8 in the GLVC. Wisconsin-Parkside is 7-27 and 2-16.
The win was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 24, 2016.
Read the article online.
Friday, April 22, 2016
Righting wrongs: Illinois Innocence Project marks 15 years
Teshome Campbell doesn’t hold any grudges. Not against the public defender who failed to call crucial witnesses on his behalf. Not against the many judges who dismissed his claims of injustice. Not even against the people who lied about him in court and caused him to spend 18 years behind bars for a crime he always insisted he didn’t commit.
“I told myself three things: I’m not going to try to make up for lost time, I’m not going to keep up with the Joneses and the Kardashians, and nobody owes me anything,” Campbell said. “I came out of there with no grudges. I forgave everybody everything – even the guys who lied on me, people who done me wrong. I don’t blame them for nothing.”
Campbell is the latest person freed from prison by the Illinois Innocence Project at the University of Illinois Springfield. In all, the group has earned freedom for nine people since its inception in 2001. The Illinois Innocence Project celebrates its 15th anniversary this month as part of a nationwide network of such groups focused on overturning the wrongful convictions of people falsely imprisoned.
The story was reported by the Illinois Times on April 21, 2016.
Read the full article online.
“I told myself three things: I’m not going to try to make up for lost time, I’m not going to keep up with the Joneses and the Kardashians, and nobody owes me anything,” Campbell said. “I came out of there with no grudges. I forgave everybody everything – even the guys who lied on me, people who done me wrong. I don’t blame them for nothing.”
Campbell is the latest person freed from prison by the Illinois Innocence Project at the University of Illinois Springfield. In all, the group has earned freedom for nine people since its inception in 2001. The Illinois Innocence Project celebrates its 15th anniversary this month as part of a nationwide network of such groups focused on overturning the wrongful convictions of people falsely imprisoned.
The story was reported by the Illinois Times on April 21, 2016.
Read the full article online.
House to become lab for training of child welfare workers
A formerly vacant building in Springfield will be used to train students and professionals in child welfare services.
The University of Illinois Springfield plans to use the house on the north side of its campus as a Residential Simulation Lab. Training there will be done in a partnership with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
A mock courtroom on campus also will be used to train people who work directly with abused or neglected children.
The story was reported by the Associated Press on April 22, 2016.
Read the full article online.
The University of Illinois Springfield plans to use the house on the north side of its campus as a Residential Simulation Lab. Training there will be done in a partnership with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
A mock courtroom on campus also will be used to train people who work directly with abused or neglected children.
The story was reported by the Associated Press on April 22, 2016.
Read the full article online.
From a different perspective: Springfield hosts international visitors
Dr. Ali Nizamuddin says you may someday face a Muslim with a mask and a blade, but it’s much more likely to be your doctor than a terrorist.
On April 12, Nizamuddin, a political science professor at University of Illinois Springfield, addressed common misconceptions about Muslims at a meeting of the Rotary Club of Midtown Springfield. The meeting hosted seven international delegates, who listened to the discussion as a part of their journey in the United States to learn about advancing minority rights for their individual countries.
The delegates were guests of the Springfield Commission on International Visitors. The commission works with local community professionals and volunteers to host international visitor leadership programs through Congress and the State Department.
Nizamuddin, the keynote speaker, explained that misconceptions can be attributed to the use of powerful imagery and language to depict groups we don’t understand. His presentation used humor to draw a distinction between ISIS sympathizers and Muslims in general.
The story was reported by the Illinois Times on April 21, 2016.
Read the article online.
On April 12, Nizamuddin, a political science professor at University of Illinois Springfield, addressed common misconceptions about Muslims at a meeting of the Rotary Club of Midtown Springfield. The meeting hosted seven international delegates, who listened to the discussion as a part of their journey in the United States to learn about advancing minority rights for their individual countries.
The delegates were guests of the Springfield Commission on International Visitors. The commission works with local community professionals and volunteers to host international visitor leadership programs through Congress and the State Department.
Nizamuddin, the keynote speaker, explained that misconceptions can be attributed to the use of powerful imagery and language to depict groups we don’t understand. His presentation used humor to draw a distinction between ISIS sympathizers and Muslims in general.
The story was reported by the Illinois Times on April 21, 2016.
Read the article online.
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Chinese delegates observe US education
Several Chinese educators have spent the last four months at the University of Illinois Springfield, attending education classes to learn about the American educational system.
Wednesday, they made a stop at the Waverly School District, where they observed several classes at the elementary and high school levels, as well as talked with teachers about how they structure their lessons.
Cindy Wilson, the chairwoman for the Department of Teacher Education Preparation, said the delegation attended a teacher education class where they talked with students about how they prepare for the classroom and how the structure is different in the two countries.
The students also visited several classrooms to see how they are different.
“Waverly is a rural school and this allows them to see the difference from what they see in China,” Wilson said. “Education is different around the world.”
The story was reported by the Jacksonville Journal Courier on April 21, 2016.
Read the full article online.
Wednesday, they made a stop at the Waverly School District, where they observed several classes at the elementary and high school levels, as well as talked with teachers about how they structure their lessons.
Cindy Wilson, the chairwoman for the Department of Teacher Education Preparation, said the delegation attended a teacher education class where they talked with students about how they prepare for the classroom and how the structure is different in the two countries.
The students also visited several classrooms to see how they are different.
“Waverly is a rural school and this allows them to see the difference from what they see in China,” Wilson said. “Education is different around the world.”
The story was reported by the Jacksonville Journal Courier on April 21, 2016.
Read the full article online.
UIS softball pitcher Craver gets GLVC honor
University of Illinois Springfield’s Jaycee Craver was named Great Lakes Valley Conference Pitcher of the Week, becoming the first member of the Prairie Stars to be honored since 2015.
The freshman from Pekin picked up three wins this past weekend, all one-run decisions. She totaled 16 2/3 shutout innings, throwing two complete -games in 1-0 victories in the back end of doubleheaders.
She also came in relief with runners on second and third and one out in the first game against Drury and recorded a strikeout and groundout to end the inning and keep the game tied at 2.
She allowed just 12 baserunners in 16 2/3 innings, and did not allow an extra-base hit for the entire week, surrendering just seven singles.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 21, 2016.
Read the article online.
The freshman from Pekin picked up three wins this past weekend, all one-run decisions. She totaled 16 2/3 shutout innings, throwing two complete -games in 1-0 victories in the back end of doubleheaders.
She also came in relief with runners on second and third and one out in the first game against Drury and recorded a strikeout and groundout to end the inning and keep the game tied at 2.
She allowed just 12 baserunners in 16 2/3 innings, and did not allow an extra-base hit for the entire week, surrendering just seven singles.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 21, 2016.
Read the article online.
Monday, April 18, 2016
UIS' Supak has home-course advantage in conference golf tournament
University of Illinois Springfield junior golfer Talon Supak was runner-up at the Great Lakes Valley Conference Championship last year.
He’s a contender for medalist honors again and the 54-hole men’s stroke-play tournament is coming to the Prairie Stars’ home course, The GLVC Championship is Sunday through Tuesday at Panther Creek Country Club.
The top four teams following stroke play will compete in medal/match play with the semifinals and finals Tuesday to decide a conference champion. Admission is free.
Supak shot a 68 in the first round of last year’s tournament and went on to earn all-conference honors.
“He is better than last season,” UIS golf coach Frank Marsaglia said. “He was ranked in the region last year around 20th. This year he’s up to sixth right now. He’s made another jump this year. His scoring average is lower.”
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 16, 2016.
Read the article online.
He’s a contender for medalist honors again and the 54-hole men’s stroke-play tournament is coming to the Prairie Stars’ home course, The GLVC Championship is Sunday through Tuesday at Panther Creek Country Club.
The top four teams following stroke play will compete in medal/match play with the semifinals and finals Tuesday to decide a conference champion. Admission is free.
Supak shot a 68 in the first round of last year’s tournament and went on to earn all-conference honors.
“He is better than last season,” UIS golf coach Frank Marsaglia said. “He was ranked in the region last year around 20th. This year he’s up to sixth right now. He’s made another jump this year. His scoring average is lower.”
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 16, 2016.
Read the article online.
Baseball: Prairie Stars split with Bellarmine
University of Illinois Springfield’s Adam Warda hit a three-run home run and Trey Hannam had a two-run homer in an 8-4 victory against Bellarmine in the first game of a Great Lakes Valley Conference doubleheader at UIS Field.
The Prairie Stars’ Jose Marin pitched 7 2/3 innings, striking out five, walking four and giving up four runs on eight hits.
Bellarmine bounced back with a 5-1 win in the second game.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 17, 2016.
Read the article online.
The Prairie Stars’ Jose Marin pitched 7 2/3 innings, striking out five, walking four and giving up four runs on eight hits.
Bellarmine bounced back with a 5-1 win in the second game.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 17, 2016.
Read the article online.
Softball: UIS sweeps Miners
Amanda Gosbeth scored on a bases-loaded walk in the second inning and the University of Illinois Springfield beat Missouri S&T 1-0 in the second game of a Great Lakes Valley Conference doubleheader at the Land of Lincoln Complex.
Rachel Goff drew the bases-loaded walk off Courtney Jackson.
Jackson walked three and struck out five in six innings for the Miners (13-32 overall, 3-12 in GLVC). She allowed two hits.
UIS’ Jaycee Craver gave up two hits and earned the win with five strikeouts and one walk in seven innings.
Brittany Miller’s grand slam in the second inning sent UIS to an 8-0 victory in the opener.
The wins were reported by The State Journal-Register on April 17, 2016.
Read the article online.
Rachel Goff drew the bases-loaded walk off Courtney Jackson.
Jackson walked three and struck out five in six innings for the Miners (13-32 overall, 3-12 in GLVC). She allowed two hits.
UIS’ Jaycee Craver gave up two hits and earned the win with five strikeouts and one walk in seven innings.
Brittany Miller’s grand slam in the second inning sent UIS to an 8-0 victory in the opener.
The wins were reported by The State Journal-Register on April 17, 2016.
Read the article online.
Friday, April 15, 2016
Quincy High's Kroeger races to Illinois-Springfield
One of Quincy High's best long distance runners is now signed, sealed, and delivered.
Blue Devil senior Brendan Kroeger pledged to run track and cross country at Illinois-Springfield on Thursday afternoon.
The additional two miles he'll race in cross country meets is a challenge he's ready to accept.
It's a very exciting day. It's like a new stepping stone in what my life is going to be next year and all the things (that) will come with it," Kroeger said.
The story was reported by WGEM-TV on April 14, 2016.
Watch the story online.
Blue Devil senior Brendan Kroeger pledged to run track and cross country at Illinois-Springfield on Thursday afternoon.
The additional two miles he'll race in cross country meets is a challenge he's ready to accept.
It's a very exciting day. It's like a new stepping stone in what my life is going to be next year and all the things (that) will come with it," Kroeger said.
The story was reported by WGEM-TV on April 14, 2016.
Watch the story online.
Three softball players sign with UIS
Pitcher and utility player Ali Haesele, infielder Katie Wooldridge and infielder Erin Stroup have signed to play softball for the University of Illinois Springfield.
Haesele and Wooldridge are transfers.
Haesle, a left-handed hitter with a .328 average, plays for Illinois Central College. As a pitcher she has 32 strikeouts in 41 2/3 innings and a 4.87 earned run average. She was an all-region and all-tournament pick last season. She was an all-state player at Stanford Olympia High School.
Wooldridge is hitting .410 and has 16 RBIs for Heartland Community College. She graduated from Piasa Southwestern High School.
Stroup is a two-time all-state player at Sterling High School. She was the team’s defensive, offensive and overall most valuable player last season.
The transfers were reported by The State Journal-Register on April 15, 2016.
Read the article online.
Haesele and Wooldridge are transfers.
Haesle, a left-handed hitter with a .328 average, plays for Illinois Central College. As a pitcher she has 32 strikeouts in 41 2/3 innings and a 4.87 earned run average. She was an all-region and all-tournament pick last season. She was an all-state player at Stanford Olympia High School.
Wooldridge is hitting .410 and has 16 RBIs for Heartland Community College. She graduated from Piasa Southwestern High School.
Stroup is a two-time all-state player at Sterling High School. She was the team’s defensive, offensive and overall most valuable player last season.
The transfers were reported by The State Journal-Register on April 15, 2016.
Read the article online.
Thursday, April 14, 2016
March for MAP Grants at Statehouse
College students who once received aid from the state are coping with an old problem.
MAP grant payments to qualifying students of up to $5,000 every year stopped last July 1, the first day of the budget impasse.
288 days later and there are still no payments; Wednesday hundreds of students marched on the capitol to plead for a deal.
The issue has been going on for quite a while, but there are now some serious consequences affecting people in our community.
Some college seniors nearing graduation are forced to take out high-interest loans to make up the difference, some high school students are no longer looking to apply to colleges in Illinois, and many students are having to drop out of college altogether, with no guarantee they'll one day re-enroll.
Listen to this UIS student talk about how the 10 months of inaction from lawmakers could impact her family.
"I'll be a senior in college, he'll be a senior in high school, and she'll be an eighth-grader. If we don't come out and stand for our MAP grants now then my family is not going to have the opportunity to come up and bring themselves up with me. I don't want to be the only person in my family to go to college. I want them to come, but if we don't get the MAP grants, they can't," said Christina Sanchez, UIS junior.
This year, UIS paid out roughly $2.5 million in map grants to about 700 students when the state failed to do so, but Christina Sanchez says she has friends at other colleges that weren't so lucky.
With no deal in sight and UIS unsure about next school year, Christina says the uncertainty is nerve-wracking. She says not many people have a backup plan if the lawmakers' budget crisis forces them to drop out of school.
The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on April 13, 2016.
Watch the story online.
MAP grant payments to qualifying students of up to $5,000 every year stopped last July 1, the first day of the budget impasse.
288 days later and there are still no payments; Wednesday hundreds of students marched on the capitol to plead for a deal.
The issue has been going on for quite a while, but there are now some serious consequences affecting people in our community.
Some college seniors nearing graduation are forced to take out high-interest loans to make up the difference, some high school students are no longer looking to apply to colleges in Illinois, and many students are having to drop out of college altogether, with no guarantee they'll one day re-enroll.
Listen to this UIS student talk about how the 10 months of inaction from lawmakers could impact her family.
"I'll be a senior in college, he'll be a senior in high school, and she'll be an eighth-grader. If we don't come out and stand for our MAP grants now then my family is not going to have the opportunity to come up and bring themselves up with me. I don't want to be the only person in my family to go to college. I want them to come, but if we don't get the MAP grants, they can't," said Christina Sanchez, UIS junior.
This year, UIS paid out roughly $2.5 million in map grants to about 700 students when the state failed to do so, but Christina Sanchez says she has friends at other colleges that weren't so lucky.
With no deal in sight and UIS unsure about next school year, Christina says the uncertainty is nerve-wracking. She says not many people have a backup plan if the lawmakers' budget crisis forces them to drop out of school.
The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on April 13, 2016.
Watch the story online.
UIS honors local volunteers
The University of Illinois Springfield showing appreciation to volunteers in the capital city.
UIS recognized around 60 people, organizations, and businesses during its eighth annual Good as Gold Awards ceremony.
Organizers tell us the goal is to honor volunteers across the area who are willing to give back without expecting anything in return.
"Things wouldn't happen without volunteers and people just giving of their time and there are some places that maybe wouldn't have their doors open, certain nonprofits and certain agencies, if it wasn't for the volunteers," said Mark Dochterman, UIS Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center.
The honorees included teenagers, college students, and some volunteers who have been giving back for decades.
The story was reported by Fox Illinois on April 14, 2016.
Watch the story online.
UIS recognized around 60 people, organizations, and businesses during its eighth annual Good as Gold Awards ceremony.
Organizers tell us the goal is to honor volunteers across the area who are willing to give back without expecting anything in return.
"Things wouldn't happen without volunteers and people just giving of their time and there are some places that maybe wouldn't have their doors open, certain nonprofits and certain agencies, if it wasn't for the volunteers," said Mark Dochterman, UIS Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center.
The honorees included teenagers, college students, and some volunteers who have been giving back for decades.
The story was reported by Fox Illinois on April 14, 2016.
Watch the story online.
Home runs boost UIS baseball
Tyler Franko’s three-run home run and Gabriel Acevedo’s two-run home run propelled the University of Illinois Springfield to a 13-1 win against Robert Morris University in a non-conference doubleheader at UIS Field Wednesday.
Winning pitcher Jon Laird allowed just one hit, struck out four and walked two in four innings.
The Prairie Stars shut out the Eagles 17-0 in the second game.
UIS (17-14) has six wins in the last eight games. RMU is 3-17.
The win was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 14, 2016.
Read the article online.
Winning pitcher Jon Laird allowed just one hit, struck out four and walked two in four innings.
The Prairie Stars shut out the Eagles 17-0 in the second game.
UIS (17-14) has six wins in the last eight games. RMU is 3-17.
The win was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 14, 2016.
Read the article online.
Monday, April 11, 2016
Illinois college students will march for MAP Grants in Springfield
Illinois college students will march for higher education funding and MAP grants in Springfield on April 13.
At least 60 students plan to take part in the march. That’s according to the march’s Facebook event.
The “March for MAP” was created by a University of Illinois Springfield student. The event was inspired by the legislature's failure to override Governor Bruce Rauner’s veto to a bill to fund MAP grants.
The story was reported by Northern Public Radio on April 8, 2016.
Read the story online.
At least 60 students plan to take part in the march. That’s according to the march’s Facebook event.
The “March for MAP” was created by a University of Illinois Springfield student. The event was inspired by the legislature's failure to override Governor Bruce Rauner’s veto to a bill to fund MAP grants.
The story was reported by Northern Public Radio on April 8, 2016.
Read the story online.
Hannam's homer powers UIS baseball team in split
Trey Hannam’s sixth-inning home run lifted the University of Illinois Springfield to a 3-2 win against Lewis in the first game of a Great Lakes Valley Conference baseball doubleheader Saturday at UIS Field.
The Flyers won the second game 9-5.
UIS’ Austin Muench was 2-for-4 with two doubles and drove in a run. Adam Warda was 2-for-4 with a home run and RBI double for the Prairie Stars (15-14 overall, 6-6 in the GLVC).
The win was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 9, 2016.
Read the story online.
The Flyers won the second game 9-5.
UIS’ Austin Muench was 2-for-4 with two doubles and drove in a run. Adam Warda was 2-for-4 with a home run and RBI double for the Prairie Stars (15-14 overall, 6-6 in the GLVC).
The win was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 9, 2016.
Read the story online.
Softball: Stars' Edgar gets winning hit
BriAanna Edgar hit a walk-off RBI single and was 2-for-4 in the University of Illinois Springfield’s 2-1 win over Saint Joseph’s in the first game of a Great Lakes Valley Conference doubleheader at the Land of Lincoln Complex.
Edgar was 2-for-3 and hit a RBI single in the Prairie Stars’ 5-0 win in the second game.
UIS (16-22 overall, 8-12 in the GLVC) has won six straight GLVC games.
Jaycee Craver was the winning pitcher in both games. She pitched one inning in the first game and didn’t allow a hit or run.
In the second game, she struck out seven, walked two and allowed five hits in seven innings.
The win was featured by The State Journal-Register on April 8, 2016.
Read the story online.
Edgar was 2-for-3 and hit a RBI single in the Prairie Stars’ 5-0 win in the second game.
UIS (16-22 overall, 8-12 in the GLVC) has won six straight GLVC games.
Jaycee Craver was the winning pitcher in both games. She pitched one inning in the first game and didn’t allow a hit or run.
In the second game, she struck out seven, walked two and allowed five hits in seven innings.
The win was featured by The State Journal-Register on April 8, 2016.
Read the story online.
Baseball: Acevedo powers UIS in split
Gabriel Acevedo hit a two-run homer and two-run double in the University of Illinois Springfield’s 15-12 win over Lewis in the second game a Great Lakes Valley Conference doubleheader at UIS Field.
Acevedo was 4-for-5 and had four RBIs. Kyle Hunsinger drove in five runs and was 4-for-5.
Lewis’ Alex Shake struck out 10 and allowed one hit in the first game, and the Flyers won.
The win was featured by The State Journal-Register on April 8, 2016.
Read the story online.
Acevedo was 4-for-5 and had four RBIs. Kyle Hunsinger drove in five runs and was 4-for-5.
Lewis’ Alex Shake struck out 10 and allowed one hit in the first game, and the Flyers won.
The win was featured by The State Journal-Register on April 8, 2016.
Read the story online.
Friday, April 8, 2016
Lincoln scholar to speak to historical group
A nationally known Abraham Lincoln scholar will speak April 19 during the annual meeting of the Morgan County Historical Society.
Michael Burlingame, history professor at the University of Illinois at Springfield, will speak on “What New Can Be Said about Abraham Lincoln?” during a dinner meeting that begins at 6 p.m. in Hamilton’s West Room. During his presentation, which follows dinner, Burlingame will talk about Lincoln’s off-color humor and his relations with famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
Burlingame holds the Chancellor Naomi B. Lynn Distinguished Chair in Lincoln Studies at UIS and is the author of “The Inner World of Abraham Lincoln,” “Lincoln and the Civil War” and “Abraham Lincoln: A Life.”
The presentation and dinner cost $20. Reservations can be made by April 15 by calling Rand or Pat Burnette at 217-245-5390.
The story was reported by the Jacksonville Journal Courier on April 7, 2016.
Read the story online.
Michael Burlingame, history professor at the University of Illinois at Springfield, will speak on “What New Can Be Said about Abraham Lincoln?” during a dinner meeting that begins at 6 p.m. in Hamilton’s West Room. During his presentation, which follows dinner, Burlingame will talk about Lincoln’s off-color humor and his relations with famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
Burlingame holds the Chancellor Naomi B. Lynn Distinguished Chair in Lincoln Studies at UIS and is the author of “The Inner World of Abraham Lincoln,” “Lincoln and the Civil War” and “Abraham Lincoln: A Life.”
The presentation and dinner cost $20. Reservations can be made by April 15 by calling Rand or Pat Burnette at 217-245-5390.
The story was reported by the Jacksonville Journal Courier on April 7, 2016.
Read the story online.
Home runs power UIS baseball
University of Illinois Springfield’s Jason Galeano hit a second-inning grand slam, then hit a home run in the fourth inning and the Prairie Stars won 21-9 against Lindenwood in a non-conference game at Lenz Field Wednesday.
Zach Patterson, Gabriel Acevedo and Trey Hannam also hit home runs for UIS (13-12). Patterson hit a three-run home run in the third. He finished with five RBIs.
Adam Gregory got the win with two strikeouts and one walk. He gave up two hits in three innings.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 7, 2016.
Read the story online.
Zach Patterson, Gabriel Acevedo and Trey Hannam also hit home runs for UIS (13-12). Patterson hit a three-run home run in the third. He finished with five RBIs.
Adam Gregory got the win with two strikeouts and one walk. He gave up two hits in three innings.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 7, 2016.
Read the story online.
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
UIS baseball team edges Harris-Stowe
Trey Hannam’s sacrifice fly in the sixth inning gave the University of Illinois Springfield the lead against Harris-Stowe and the Prairie Stars went on to win 7-6 Tuesday in a non-conference baseball game at UIS Field.
The Hornets (15-19) built a 4-0 lead at the top of the second inning. Hannam’s home run in the bottom of the second put the Stars (12-12) on the scoreboard.
His sixth-inning sacrifice put UIS up 6-5. Teammate Troy Cantu stretched the lead to 7-5 by scoring on an error in the sixth inning.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 6, 2016.
Read the full story online.
The Hornets (15-19) built a 4-0 lead at the top of the second inning. Hannam’s home run in the bottom of the second put the Stars (12-12) on the scoreboard.
His sixth-inning sacrifice put UIS up 6-5. Teammate Troy Cantu stretched the lead to 7-5 by scoring on an error in the sixth inning.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 6, 2016.
Read the full story online.
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
UIS student wins Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon
Eli Cook contended with lack of rest from a previous day’s track meet, temperatures in the 30s and a dead-end to be the first to cross the finish line Saturday at the Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon.
Cook, 20, bested more than 1,500 runners and walkers to be first in the 13.1-mile race that started and ended at the Old State Capitol. His time was 1 hour 16 minutes 34 seconds.
It was the first half marathon race for Cook of Rochester, who is a sophomore on the cross country team at the University of Illinois Springfield.
“We ran a track meet (Friday) night. We ran a 5K in St. Louis at 6:40 p.m. I got back to my dorm at 1:30 (Saturday morning) and woke up, rolled out of bed and came here and ran,” Cook said.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 3, 2016.
Read the full story online.
Cook, 20, bested more than 1,500 runners and walkers to be first in the 13.1-mile race that started and ended at the Old State Capitol. His time was 1 hour 16 minutes 34 seconds.
It was the first half marathon race for Cook of Rochester, who is a sophomore on the cross country team at the University of Illinois Springfield.
“We ran a track meet (Friday) night. We ran a 5K in St. Louis at 6:40 p.m. I got back to my dorm at 1:30 (Saturday morning) and woke up, rolled out of bed and came here and ran,” Cook said.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 3, 2016.
Read the full story online.
UIS baseball team sweeps Southern Indiana
The University of Illinois Springfield swept a doubleheader against a ranked opponent, beating Southern Indiana 9-8 and 5-1 Saturday in Great Lakes Valley Conference games.
The Prairie Stars (11-10 overall, 4-2 in the GLVC) were coming off a 13-5 win Tuesday over NCAA Division I Western Illinois. Southern Indiana is ranked 30th in the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper NCAA Division II poll.
Up 6-5 in the first game, UIS scored three runs in the top of the ninth inning. Austin Muench and Adam Warda drew bases-loaded walks after Gabriel Acevedo and Jason Galeano were both hit by pitches. Ryan Walling hit a sacrifice fly and Trey Hannam scored.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 1, 2016.
Read the full article online.
The Prairie Stars (11-10 overall, 4-2 in the GLVC) were coming off a 13-5 win Tuesday over NCAA Division I Western Illinois. Southern Indiana is ranked 30th in the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper NCAA Division II poll.
Up 6-5 in the first game, UIS scored three runs in the top of the ninth inning. Austin Muench and Adam Warda drew bases-loaded walks after Gabriel Acevedo and Jason Galeano were both hit by pitches. Ryan Walling hit a sacrifice fly and Trey Hannam scored.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 1, 2016.
Read the full article online.
Softball: Prairie Stars end losing streak
The University of Illinois Springfield snapped a 10-game losing streak with a 4-1 win followed by a 13-3 victory over Lewis in a Great Lakes Valley Conference doubleheader.
Lewis took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning of the first game. Madi Torry and Briana Edgar hit RBI singles in the bottom of the inning and UIS led 2-1.
In the first inning of the second game, Amanda Gosbeth hit a three-run homer, Alexa McClaughry had a two-run double and Jordyn Larsen hit a RBI double and the Prairie Stars were ahead 6-1.
UIS improved to 12-22 overall and 4-12 in the GLVC. Lewis is 15-19-1 and 4-11-1.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 1, 2016.
Read the full article online.
Lewis took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning of the first game. Madi Torry and Briana Edgar hit RBI singles in the bottom of the inning and UIS led 2-1.
In the first inning of the second game, Amanda Gosbeth hit a three-run homer, Alexa McClaughry had a two-run double and Jordyn Larsen hit a RBI double and the Prairie Stars were ahead 6-1.
UIS improved to 12-22 overall and 4-12 in the GLVC. Lewis is 15-19-1 and 4-11-1.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on April 1, 2016.
Read the full article online.
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