The following is an excerpt from a column by University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Susan Koch. This column appeared in The State Journal-Register on December 21, 2019.
With the first day of January just a few days away, the time-honored tradition of making a New Year’s resolution may be on the minds of SJ-R readers. For the nearly half of Americans who make a resolution each year, self-improvement — including the decision to enhance one’s educational attainment — is among the most likely commitments.
For more and more adults who have a bachelor’s degree, that commitment results in the pursuit of a graduate credential — a master’s degree, doctoral degree or, perhaps, a graduate certificate.
The graduate education experience can also build new skill sets and accelerate both professional networks and personal growth.
Today, the highest percentage ever of American adults (more than a third of the adult population) has at least a bachelor’s degree and about 13.1 percent also have an advanced degree. The trend toward increasing educational attainment is evident at UIS where this year about 37% of our students are pursing graduate work in one of more than 20 areas of study.
What are the benefits of earning a graduate credential? What are the opportunities at the University of Illinois Springfield to do so? I recently had an enlightening conversation with several graduate program leaders about who pursues a graduate degree and why it can be a valuable investment.
Among the most robust graduate programs at UIS are the master’s and doctoral programs in Public Administration. According to Professor Adam Williams, who directs the MPA, the program is one of the top five such programs in the country — with applicants not only from Illinois but also from across the United States.
“State and local government are our main areas of focus,” says Dr. Williams, “and we typically have about 200 students pursuing their degree either on campus or online.”
“Our location in the state capital provides unique access to a community of public affairs scholars and practitioners,” adds Williams, “and the master’s program as well as specialized certificates in areas such as labor relations, community planning, nonprofit management, public procurement and child advocacy are especially useful for working professionals who need to gain more knowledge for efficiency and effectiveness in their current jobs and to advance in their careers.”
Som Bhattacharya, Dean of the College of Business and Management, is fond of saying he came to UIS from Florida almost a year ago for two reasons. He wanted to live where he could experience all four seasons and, more importantly for this discussion, he saw a “lot of potential in the College of Business and Management.”
“For students coming to our MBA program with professional experience,” says Dean Bhattacharya, “we no longer require the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) – which has ceased to be a good predictor of success in MBA programs. We are also creating graduate micro-credential programs in areas like data-analytics, cyber-security and negotiations to better serve local and regional employers.”
According to research on human behavior, a New Year’s resolution (with commitment behind it) can present a real opportunity for self-improvement. With so many options available at UIS, earning a graduate credential presents a prospect for self-improvement that is a valuable investment.
Monday, December 23, 2019
Friday, December 20, 2019
UIS chancellor 'optimistic' about university presence downtown
University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Susan Koch said
Thursday she is “optimistic” about submitting a proposal and eventually
securing funds for a university presence in downtown Springfield.
Koch, in an interview with The State Journal-Register, addressed recent discussion prompted by a peliminary proposal from the Springfield-Sangamon Growth Alliance calling for a downtown university campus shared by UIS and Southern Illinois University. The campus would be located between Second and Fourth streets to the west and east and Washington and Monroe streets to the north and south.
The proposal raised concerns from some area property owners about being displaced. Several businesses — such as the Sangamo Club, J.P. Kelly’s Pub and the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association — are within that boundary.
“I’ve seen those renderings, of course, and I had a meeting with (SSGA executive chairman) Dan Dungan not too long ago and we talked about those renderings,” Koch said. “So your question is, do they represent our vision? My answer to that would be, they could.”
Growing the University of Illinois Springfield in downtown is absolutely a possibility, Koch said. “I don’t know right now whether that’s where this will all settle.”
The article appeared in the State Journal-Register on December 20, 2019.
Read the entire story online.
Koch, in an interview with The State Journal-Register, addressed recent discussion prompted by a peliminary proposal from the Springfield-Sangamon Growth Alliance calling for a downtown university campus shared by UIS and Southern Illinois University. The campus would be located between Second and Fourth streets to the west and east and Washington and Monroe streets to the north and south.
The proposal raised concerns from some area property owners about being displaced. Several businesses — such as the Sangamo Club, J.P. Kelly’s Pub and the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association — are within that boundary.
“I’ve seen those renderings, of course, and I had a meeting with (SSGA executive chairman) Dan Dungan not too long ago and we talked about those renderings,” Koch said. “So your question is, do they represent our vision? My answer to that would be, they could.”
Growing the University of Illinois Springfield in downtown is absolutely a possibility, Koch said. “I don’t know right now whether that’s where this will all settle.”
The article appeared in the State Journal-Register on December 20, 2019.
Read the entire story online.
Thursday, December 19, 2019
Men's Basketball: Dan Soetan puts up double-double in 90-76 win over Missouri Western State
Dan Soetan put up 27 points and 10 rebounds in the Prairie Stars' 90-76 win over Missouri Western State.
UIS gets some time off before their next game, which is set for January 2nd at Bellarmine.
This story appeared on WICS Newschannel 20 on December 18, 2019.
Watch the story online.
UIS gets some time off before their next game, which is set for January 2nd at Bellarmine.
This story appeared on WICS Newschannel 20 on December 18, 2019.
Watch the story online.
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Men's Basketball: Prairie Stars on guard to go far
Keymonta Johnson already knew University of Illinois Springfield men’s basketball coach Matt Brock quite well and his penchant for man-to-man defense from their time together at Missouri Baptist University.
When Brock decided to make the move from National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics to NCAA Division II and replace former UIS coach Bill Walker this past offseason, Johnson wanted to come along.
“When he came here, I was like, ‘Why not?’” Johnson said of Brock, who spent the previous four years at MBU. “He knows the game of basketball. He’s a numbers guy. I just trust and believe in him. He knows what to do and how to put players in the right position to win. It’s all about winning, so I trust coach Brock.”
Johnson, a Decatur MacArthur High School graduate, knows he made the right decision. The 6-foot-3 junior transfer is one of the team’s top scoring threats and the Prairie Stars’ leading rebounder, averaging 13.6 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. “This is definitely the right place because everybody on the team plays hard,” Johnson said. “They want to win.”
The Prairie Stars are off to one of their best starts since joining the D-II ranks in 2009 and set a school record 22 3-pointers in their 108-71 rout against Oakland City University on Saturday, Dec. 7.
This article appeared in The State Journal Register on December 17, 2019.
Read the entire story online.
“When he came here, I was like, ‘Why not?’” Johnson said of Brock, who spent the previous four years at MBU. “He knows the game of basketball. He’s a numbers guy. I just trust and believe in him. He knows what to do and how to put players in the right position to win. It’s all about winning, so I trust coach Brock.”
Johnson, a Decatur MacArthur High School graduate, knows he made the right decision. The 6-foot-3 junior transfer is one of the team’s top scoring threats and the Prairie Stars’ leading rebounder, averaging 13.6 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. “This is definitely the right place because everybody on the team plays hard,” Johnson said. “They want to win.”
The Prairie Stars are off to one of their best starts since joining the D-II ranks in 2009 and set a school record 22 3-pointers in their 108-71 rout against Oakland City University on Saturday, Dec. 7.
This article appeared in The State Journal Register on December 17, 2019.
Read the entire story online.
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Women's Basketball: UIS women's basketball has 'nothing to lose' in Thousand's first year at helm
Finals week may be over.
Casey Thousand's master plan is far from it.
It's a fresh start for the University of Illinois Springfield women's basketball team in Thousand's first season at the helm, and the Stars are weathering through the growing pains.
"We're building though each game and learning each game," Thousand said, "and we're getting just a little bit better, which is what we need to do."
What's the biggest thing the Stars need to learn? "Everything," Thousand said with a laugh. "I think it's just getting them to believe in what we're doing," she later added, "and giving them the confidence to do what we want them to do. We know we're a pretty good team, but they need to know it."
The rebuilding effort may be especially challenging for UIS' seven seniors. After three years under Mark Kost, they have to start from almost scratch with Thousand opting for a motion offense as well as man-to-man defense.
"I think their attitudes have been awesome," Thousand said. "We're throwing a lot of things at them with a new staff and everything we have going on. But they've been adjusting and they've been eager."
This article appeared in The State Journal-Register on December 16, 2019.
Read the entire story online.
"We're building though each game and learning each game," Thousand said, "and we're getting just a little bit better, which is what we need to do."
What's the biggest thing the Stars need to learn? "Everything," Thousand said with a laugh. "I think it's just getting them to believe in what we're doing," she later added, "and giving them the confidence to do what we want them to do. We know we're a pretty good team, but they need to know it."
The rebuilding effort may be especially challenging for UIS' seven seniors. After three years under Mark Kost, they have to start from almost scratch with Thousand opting for a motion offense as well as man-to-man defense.
"I think their attitudes have been awesome," Thousand said. "We're throwing a lot of things at them with a new staff and everything we have going on. But they've been adjusting and they've been eager."
This article appeared in The State Journal-Register on December 16, 2019.
Read the entire story online.
Monday, December 16, 2019
Women's Basketball: Sangster, UIS beats Harris-Stowe
The University of Illinois Springfield women’s basketball team shook off a cold second quarter with two hot shooting periods in the second half to beat Harris-Stowe State 75-51 at The Recreation and Athletic Center on Saturday.
Jasmine Sangster led the Prairie Stars with 12 points, five rebounds and four steals. UIS finished 56.5 percent from behind the 3-point line and shot 49.1 percent overall. Katelyn Rosner added 11 points for Prairie Stars.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on December 14, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Jasmine Sangster led the Prairie Stars with 12 points, five rebounds and four steals. UIS finished 56.5 percent from behind the 3-point line and shot 49.1 percent overall. Katelyn Rosner added 11 points for Prairie Stars.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on December 14, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Thursday, December 12, 2019
UIS program to offer paid state internships in Chicago area
The popular Graduate Public Service Internship (GPSI) program at the University of Illinois Springfield is expanding into the Chicago area, the school announced Wednesday.
It will offer paid graduate student internships with state government agencies beginning in August 2020.
Students admitted to the program will complete their UIS master’s degrees online, while working a paid internship in the Chicago area.
For the past 45 years, the GPSI program has offered paid internships with government agencies and nonprofits based in Springfield.
“This expansion will allow more students and agencies to participate in this enduring and historically successful program and strengthen the university’s commitment to educating a new generation of public service professionals,” said Sherrie Elzinga, director of the GPSI program.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on Dec. 11, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
It will offer paid graduate student internships with state government agencies beginning in August 2020.
Students admitted to the program will complete their UIS master’s degrees online, while working a paid internship in the Chicago area.
For the past 45 years, the GPSI program has offered paid internships with government agencies and nonprofits based in Springfield.
“This expansion will allow more students and agencies to participate in this enduring and historically successful program and strengthen the university’s commitment to educating a new generation of public service professionals,” said Sherrie Elzinga, director of the GPSI program.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on Dec. 11, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Men's Soccer: Falsone earns all-region recognition
University of Illinois Springfield senior forward Mario Falsone earned United Soccer Caoches third team all-region honors.
Falsone led the Stars with six goals, five assists and 17 points. He wrapped his career as the top offensive player in the program’s NCAA era with 19 total goals and 12 assists. He was twice all-Great Lakes Valley Conference.
The Stars finished 9-8-2.
This article appeared in The State Journal-Register on December 9, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Falsone led the Stars with six goals, five assists and 17 points. He wrapped his career as the top offensive player in the program’s NCAA era with 19 total goals and 12 assists. He was twice all-Great Lakes Valley Conference.
The Stars finished 9-8-2.
This article appeared in The State Journal-Register on December 9, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Women's Soccer: UIS’ Maggie Juhlin named second team all-region
University of Illinois Springfield senior forward Maggie Juhlin landed United Soccer Coaches second team all-region recognition.
Juhlin led the women’s soccer team with nine goals and four assists.
The Chatham Glenwood High School graduate also had five game-winning goals, which ranked No. 25 in the nation.
The Stars finished 8-10.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on December 9, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Juhlin led the women’s soccer team with nine goals and four assists.
The Chatham Glenwood High School graduate also had five game-winning goals, which ranked No. 25 in the nation.
The Stars finished 8-10.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on December 9, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Monday, December 9, 2019
University of Illinois drops criminal past question from admissions applications
Admissions applications to the University of Illinois campuses are no longer requiring students to disclose whether or not they have a criminal background.
A student-led coalition urged the university to remove questions about criminal and disciplinary history, saying it discouraged potential students from applying, The (Champaign) News-Gazette reported.
To maintain the safety of the campus and to ensure those ultimately admitted do not pose a security threat, the criminal history questions were moved to the point after an admissions decision has been made but before students enroll, "balancing safety and access."
The policy is being adopted for all three university campuses in Champaign-Urbana, Chicago and Springfield. Julian Parrott, assistant vice president for academic affairs for the university's admission system, said if the applicant has been convicted, or charges are pending, they must provide a description of the incident, the outcome and documents such as court records or parole requirements. Pending review of the information provided, a decision will be made whether to admit the student - with or without conditions - or rescind the offer.
This story aired on ABC 7 in Chicago on December 7, 2019.
Watch the story online.
A student-led coalition urged the university to remove questions about criminal and disciplinary history, saying it discouraged potential students from applying, The (Champaign) News-Gazette reported.
To maintain the safety of the campus and to ensure those ultimately admitted do not pose a security threat, the criminal history questions were moved to the point after an admissions decision has been made but before students enroll, "balancing safety and access."
The policy is being adopted for all three university campuses in Champaign-Urbana, Chicago and Springfield. Julian Parrott, assistant vice president for academic affairs for the university's admission system, said if the applicant has been convicted, or charges are pending, they must provide a description of the incident, the outcome and documents such as court records or parole requirements. Pending review of the information provided, a decision will be made whether to admit the student - with or without conditions - or rescind the offer.
This story aired on ABC 7 in Chicago on December 7, 2019.
Watch the story online.
Men's Basketball: Prairie Stars break school record in win
The University of Illinois Springfield men’s basketball team converted a program record 22 three-point attempts and Chase Robinson knocked down six treys for 30 points to lead the Prairie Stars to a 108-71 victory at the Johnson Center on Saturday.
Four of the five starters for UIS reached double figures. Keymonta Johnson had a double-double, scoring 29 and grabbing 11 rebounds. Jesus Castillo had 12 points and eight boards and Alonso Meana had 11 points, five assists and two steals.
UIS shot 53.3 percent from the floor in the game and 50 percent from behind the arc. After going nine of 20 from deep in the first half, the Prairie Stars put up 61 points in the second half behind 13-for-24 shooting from three-point range.
The 108 point total is also the second most in school history for UIS, as is the 27 team assists.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on December 7, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Four of the five starters for UIS reached double figures. Keymonta Johnson had a double-double, scoring 29 and grabbing 11 rebounds. Jesus Castillo had 12 points and eight boards and Alonso Meana had 11 points, five assists and two steals.
UIS shot 53.3 percent from the floor in the game and 50 percent from behind the arc. After going nine of 20 from deep in the first half, the Prairie Stars put up 61 points in the second half behind 13-for-24 shooting from three-point range.
The 108 point total is also the second most in school history for UIS, as is the 27 team assists.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on December 7, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Voice your opinions on Illinois’ roads
The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking feedback on the state’s transportation system through its annual Illinois Traveler Opinion Survey, available today through Dec. 31.
“The public’s input is vital for the health of our transportation system. We look forward to learning about your travel preferences, what you think we are doing well and how you’d like us to improve,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman.
The annual survey, conducted in partnership with the University of Illinois Springfield, seeks feedback on topics ranging from road conditions and ice-and-snow removal to commuting habits and driving behaviors.
This story appeared on OurQuadCities.com on December 5, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
“The public’s input is vital for the health of our transportation system. We look forward to learning about your travel preferences, what you think we are doing well and how you’d like us to improve,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman.
The annual survey, conducted in partnership with the University of Illinois Springfield, seeks feedback on topics ranging from road conditions and ice-and-snow removal to commuting habits and driving behaviors.
This story appeared on OurQuadCities.com on December 5, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
UIS Professor pens book: 'Fake News Battle' makes case for regulation
Ha, an assistant professor at the Department of Communication at the University of Illinois Springfield, voices his concerns about social media, claiming it has become a conduit for misinformation, and encourages those who are involved in the media to stand up against fake news. "It's regrettable that social media has become the epicenter of fake news," he wrote. "Conspiracy theories are rampant on social media and they are out of control. It seems inevitable that all members of society, including policymakers and journalists, start a debate about how to regulate disinformation and draw up measures to redress the victims."
According to him, content creators are not the only people to be held accountable. "I think social media companies are not directly responsible for fake news," he told The Korea Times in a recent interview. "Broadly speaking, I think there are three groups of people who are responsible for manufacturing and disseminating misinformation ― social media users who created and uploaded misinformation, internet users who selectively choose information they are to consume in favor of their political orientation and some media outlets that are trying to profit from fake news.
This story appeared in The Korea Times on December 6, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Chorus concert held at UIS to celebrate the holiday season
Wednesday was the "Viva America" Concert at the University of Illinois Springfield.
The UIS Chorus and the Lincoln Land Community College Choir both performed at the concert.
"I think it provides for a campus atmosphere that is welcoming, inviting and fun. It's the holiday season, so why not celebrate with music?" Yona Stamatis, director of the UIS Music Program, said.
This story appeared on WICS Newschannel 20 on December 4, 2019.
Watch the entire story online.
The UIS Chorus and the Lincoln Land Community College Choir both performed at the concert.
"I think it provides for a campus atmosphere that is welcoming, inviting and fun. It's the holiday season, so why not celebrate with music?" Yona Stamatis, director of the UIS Music Program, said.
This story appeared on WICS Newschannel 20 on December 4, 2019.
Watch the entire story online.
Preliminary plan for downtown university campus emerges
Early plans for a new downtown university campus to be shared by the University of Illinois Springfield and Southern Illinois University have emerged, with a local economic development group suggesting a location on the business district’s eastern edge.
The Springfield-Sangamon Growth Alliance has proposed a university campus to be located between Second and Fourth streets to the west and east and Washington and Monroe streets to the north and south. While SSGA interim president and CEO Josh Collins said the proposal is “extremely preliminary,” it is to the point where the group has been quietly meeting with property owners within the potential project’s scope.
Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder and other city officials were also briefed on the proposal in late November. “There’s no concrete proposal on anything. Everything’s kind of in draft one or draft .01,”
In August 2018, UIS purchased downtown Springfield’s Innovate Springfield, a business and social innovation incubator. It was then awarded the first hub of the Illinois Innovation Network, a University of Illinois system-led initiative meant to foster economic growth through research and innovation by connecting satellite hubs spread across the state with the flagship Discovery Partners Institute, a Chicago-based research institute. While the hub is housed at Innovate Springfield’s offices on the Old State Capitol Plaza, university officials have been open about their intentions to find a bigger space in downtown Springfield for the expanded hub and other university programs.
In a statement, UIS spokesman Derek Schnapp said “the university is considering various options for a new and larger location for the downtown hub that includes an expanded Innovate Springfield and additional activities with funding for construction and/or renovation to be provided in part by a recent legislative appropriation that includes $15 million for the UIS hub.” “We’ve had some discussions with SIU representatives about possible collaborations that would enhance further economic development in the region,” Schnapp said. “As discussions continue, we look forward to collaborating with local and state legislative leaders.”
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on December 4, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
The Springfield-Sangamon Growth Alliance has proposed a university campus to be located between Second and Fourth streets to the west and east and Washington and Monroe streets to the north and south. While SSGA interim president and CEO Josh Collins said the proposal is “extremely preliminary,” it is to the point where the group has been quietly meeting with property owners within the potential project’s scope.
Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder and other city officials were also briefed on the proposal in late November. “There’s no concrete proposal on anything. Everything’s kind of in draft one or draft .01,”
In August 2018, UIS purchased downtown Springfield’s Innovate Springfield, a business and social innovation incubator. It was then awarded the first hub of the Illinois Innovation Network, a University of Illinois system-led initiative meant to foster economic growth through research and innovation by connecting satellite hubs spread across the state with the flagship Discovery Partners Institute, a Chicago-based research institute. While the hub is housed at Innovate Springfield’s offices on the Old State Capitol Plaza, university officials have been open about their intentions to find a bigger space in downtown Springfield for the expanded hub and other university programs.
In a statement, UIS spokesman Derek Schnapp said “the university is considering various options for a new and larger location for the downtown hub that includes an expanded Innovate Springfield and additional activities with funding for construction and/or renovation to be provided in part by a recent legislative appropriation that includes $15 million for the UIS hub.” “We’ve had some discussions with SIU representatives about possible collaborations that would enhance further economic development in the region,” Schnapp said. “As discussions continue, we look forward to collaborating with local and state legislative leaders.”
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on December 4, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Downtown university plan floated
The Springfield Sangamon County Growth Alliance is pitching a major university presence in downtown Springfield that sources say would involve the University of Illinois Springfield, Southern Illinois University and perhaps the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana.
Plans aren't concrete, but the first public meetings to unveil ideas are expected in January, said Josh Collins, interim president and CEO of the alliance, a public-private economic development group. Collins confirmed that the alliance has contacted property owners in the area. "I would say this is very preliminary right now," Collins said. "There will be at least two public meetings on this, plus other outreach efforts to property owners and businesses. ... I would say there is an anticipation to have more formalized concepts, hopefully, in the first quarter of 2020.
In an email, UIS spokesman Derek Schnapp wrote that the university wants a new location for Innovate Springfield, a business incubator now located near the Old State Capitol that is part of a so-called innovation hub being developed by the University of Illinois that is aimed at helping entrepreneurs. "The university is considering various options for a new and larger location for the downtown hub that includes an expanded Innovate Springfield and additional activities with funding for construction and/or renovation to be provided in part by a recent legislative appropriation that includes $15 million for the UIS hub," Schnapp wrote. "We've had some discussions with SIU representatives about possible collaborations that would enhance further economic development in the region. As discussions continue, we look forward to collaborating with local and state legislative leaders."
This story appeared in the Illinois Times on December 3, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Plans aren't concrete, but the first public meetings to unveil ideas are expected in January, said Josh Collins, interim president and CEO of the alliance, a public-private economic development group. Collins confirmed that the alliance has contacted property owners in the area. "I would say this is very preliminary right now," Collins said. "There will be at least two public meetings on this, plus other outreach efforts to property owners and businesses. ... I would say there is an anticipation to have more formalized concepts, hopefully, in the first quarter of 2020.
In an email, UIS spokesman Derek Schnapp wrote that the university wants a new location for Innovate Springfield, a business incubator now located near the Old State Capitol that is part of a so-called innovation hub being developed by the University of Illinois that is aimed at helping entrepreneurs. "The university is considering various options for a new and larger location for the downtown hub that includes an expanded Innovate Springfield and additional activities with funding for construction and/or renovation to be provided in part by a recent legislative appropriation that includes $15 million for the UIS hub," Schnapp wrote. "We've had some discussions with SIU representatives about possible collaborations that would enhance further economic development in the region. As discussions continue, we look forward to collaborating with local and state legislative leaders."
This story appeared in the Illinois Times on December 3, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
New athletic director Peyton Deterding arrives at UIS
University of Illinois Springfield presented Peyton Deterding as its new athletic director Monday at The Recreation and Athletic Center.
Deterding replaces Jim Sarra, who resigned in July for undisclosed reasons after holding the position for three years.
Deterding will officially begin his first day next Monday. “I’m extremely excited to be chosen as the next athletic director here,” Deterding said Monday. “But I want to make one thing clear: this isn’t about me. This is about our student-athletes, our coaches and our support staff. Together we will celebrate our victories and become stronger in times when we fall short.”
Deterding, 44, arrives at UIS after spending 12 years at Illinois State University, last serving as the school’s senior associate athletic director.
The UIS men’s basketball team, in fact, last played at ISU on Friday in an exhibition game. Deterding called the Great Lakes Valley Conference a premier league in NCAA Division II and said one of the reasons UIS appealed to him was its ability to grow as a fairly young DII school, moving up from NAIA in 2009.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on December 2, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Deterding will officially begin his first day next Monday. “I’m extremely excited to be chosen as the next athletic director here,” Deterding said Monday. “But I want to make one thing clear: this isn’t about me. This is about our student-athletes, our coaches and our support staff. Together we will celebrate our victories and become stronger in times when we fall short.”
Deterding, 44, arrives at UIS after spending 12 years at Illinois State University, last serving as the school’s senior associate athletic director.
The UIS men’s basketball team, in fact, last played at ISU on Friday in an exhibition game. Deterding called the Great Lakes Valley Conference a premier league in NCAA Division II and said one of the reasons UIS appealed to him was its ability to grow as a fairly young DII school, moving up from NAIA in 2009.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on December 2, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Monday, December 2, 2019
A Brief History of Thanksgiving
Guest View: A Brief History of Thanksgiving written by Graham A. Peck. He is the Wepner Distinguished Professor of Lincoln Studies at the University of Illinois Springfield.
In 1867, the popular New York City printmaking firm Currier and Ives
published “Home to Thanksgiving.” The print celebrated domestic bliss.
Although the roofs of the house and the barn were covered in snow, all
was warm within: The grandmother cradled her granddaughter while the
young husband warmly grasped the hand of his father-in-law. The print
reflected mid-19th century domestic ideals that the American middle and
upper classes had come to associate with Thanksgiving.
Yet Thanksgiving was not always a family holiday, but only slowly became
one, which reminds us that everything — including holidays — has a
history. To understand Thanksgiving now we need to know its past.
This article appeared in the State Journal-Register on November 28, 2019.
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
UIS hires Deterding as new AD
The University of Illinois Springfield announced on Monday it had selected Peyton Deterding as its new director of athletics.
Deterding, who will begin the job on Dec. 9, replaces Jim Sarra, who resigned in July. He comes to Springfield after spending 12 years at Illinois State University in Normal; he’s presently the school’s senior associated athletic director.
Deterding, 44, was chosen out of more than 50 candidates, UIS said in a press release on Monday.
On Monday evening, Deterding said he had two big factors that drew him to this job. “I think the first one is the support from chancellor (Susan) Koch,” Deterding said. “She’s a big a supporter of athletics — that makes the director of athletics job a little bit easier. “And then the opportunity for growth at UIS in terms of a campus perspective and also an athletics’ perspective. There’s a great foundation in place; you’re seeing with some of the early results in terms of the basketball seasons. We just had two compete in the D-II cross country national championships out in California (UIS’ first cross country All-American, Taryn Christy as well as Blake Jones). There’s some exciting things happening at UIS and we hope to continue to build and gain some positive momentum.”
UIS is an NCAA Division II school in the Great Lakes Valley Conference with 17 sports and Deterding said more may be added in the future. “I think at all levels of athletics, you’re really looking at opportunities to bring students to campus and one of the avenues that colleges and universities are looking at is athletic departments and how they can play a role to add into the enrollment,”
This article appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 25, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Deterding, who will begin the job on Dec. 9, replaces Jim Sarra, who resigned in July. He comes to Springfield after spending 12 years at Illinois State University in Normal; he’s presently the school’s senior associated athletic director.
Deterding, 44, was chosen out of more than 50 candidates, UIS said in a press release on Monday.
On Monday evening, Deterding said he had two big factors that drew him to this job. “I think the first one is the support from chancellor (Susan) Koch,” Deterding said. “She’s a big a supporter of athletics — that makes the director of athletics job a little bit easier. “And then the opportunity for growth at UIS in terms of a campus perspective and also an athletics’ perspective. There’s a great foundation in place; you’re seeing with some of the early results in terms of the basketball seasons. We just had two compete in the D-II cross country national championships out in California (UIS’ first cross country All-American, Taryn Christy as well as Blake Jones). There’s some exciting things happening at UIS and we hope to continue to build and gain some positive momentum.”
UIS is an NCAA Division II school in the Great Lakes Valley Conference with 17 sports and Deterding said more may be added in the future. “I think at all levels of athletics, you’re really looking at opportunities to bring students to campus and one of the avenues that colleges and universities are looking at is athletic departments and how they can play a role to add into the enrollment,”
This article appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 25, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Monday, November 25, 2019
Women's Basketball: Ladowski, others lead UIS to road win
Lauren Ladowski scored eight of her game-high 17 points in the fourth period and the University of Illinois Springfield broke open a tight game to record a 68-59 win over Purdue Northwest on Saturday at H.D. Kesling Gymnasium.
UIS trailed 50-47 after Purdue Northwest made a 3-pointer to start the final period. The Prairie Stars then went on a 9-0 run when Katelyn Rosner converted a 3-point play and the team made six free throws to take a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 24, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
UIS trailed 50-47 after Purdue Northwest made a 3-pointer to start the final period. The Prairie Stars then went on a 9-0 run when Katelyn Rosner converted a 3-point play and the team made six free throws to take a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 24, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Cross Country: Jones, Christy make UIS cross country history; Christy becomes NCAA D-II All-American
The University of Illinois Springfield cross country program has come far since its humble beginnings in 2015.
Sophomores Blake Jones and Tayrn Christy will appear as the first UIS runners ever in Saturday’s NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championship Meet at the Arcade Creek Cross Country Course in Sacramento, California.
Jones, a Lincoln High School graduate, earned the men’s at-large bid after taking eighth place in the Midwest Region meet at 31:42.3 while Christy, of Geneva, clinched the women’s automatic berth by finishing fifth in 21:09.9. Both were school records.
“They’re extremely hard workers,” Coach Tyler Pence said of Jones and Christy. “They do all of the little things right. It’s not surprising that they’re qualifiers at this meet. They’ve got the total package.”
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 24, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Sophomores Blake Jones and Tayrn Christy will appear as the first UIS runners ever in Saturday’s NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championship Meet at the Arcade Creek Cross Country Course in Sacramento, California.
Jones, a Lincoln High School graduate, earned the men’s at-large bid after taking eighth place in the Midwest Region meet at 31:42.3 while Christy, of Geneva, clinched the women’s automatic berth by finishing fifth in 21:09.9. Both were school records.
“They’re extremely hard workers,” Coach Tyler Pence said of Jones and Christy. “They do all of the little things right. It’s not surprising that they’re qualifiers at this meet. They’ve got the total package.”
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 24, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Men's Basketball: UIS’ Soetan earns GLVC player of the week award
University of Illinois Springfield men’s basketball player Daniel Soetan was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference player of the week on Monday.
UIS went 2-0 last week and Soetan averaged 20.5 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and 1,5 blocks per game and he shot 60% from the field, including 55.6% from behind the 3-point line.
Soetan leads UIS with 17.8 points a game, which ranks 11th in the GLVC. Soetan is averaging 6.3 rebounds, which is 17th in the league.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 18, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
UIS went 2-0 last week and Soetan averaged 20.5 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and 1,5 blocks per game and he shot 60% from the field, including 55.6% from behind the 3-point line.
Soetan leads UIS with 17.8 points a game, which ranks 11th in the GLVC. Soetan is averaging 6.3 rebounds, which is 17th in the league.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 18, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
UIS’ Soetan earns GLVC player of the week award
University of Illinois Springfield men’s basketball player Daniel Soetan was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference player of the week on Monday.
UIS went 2-0 last week and Soetan averaged 20.5 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and 1,5 blocks per game and he shot 60% from the field, including 55.6% from behind the 3-point line.
Soetan leads UIS with 17.8 points a game, which ranks 11th in the GLVC. Soetan is averaging 6.3 rebounds, which is 17th in the league.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 18, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
UIS went 2-0 last week and Soetan averaged 20.5 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and 1,5 blocks per game and he shot 60% from the field, including 55.6% from behind the 3-point line.
Soetan leads UIS with 17.8 points a game, which ranks 11th in the GLVC. Soetan is averaging 6.3 rebounds, which is 17th in the league.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 18, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Monday, November 18, 2019
Women's Volleyball: Borum sets digs record in UIS win
Jailyn Borum broke the school record for digs and the University of Illinois Springfield volleyball team swept William Jewell on Friday in a Great Lakes Valley Conference match.
Borum finished with 29 digs, snapping the record with a dig in the third set. She now has 1,791 career digs.
UIS graduate Kayla Katarzynski held the previous team record of 1,790 from 2013-16.
UIS had four players finish with 10 or more kills. Brianna Bush, Rachel Cobert, Kenzie Hendon and Alli Splitt.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 15, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Borum finished with 29 digs, snapping the record with a dig in the third set. She now has 1,791 career digs.
UIS graduate Kayla Katarzynski held the previous team record of 1,790 from 2013-16.
UIS had four players finish with 10 or more kills. Brianna Bush, Rachel Cobert, Kenzie Hendon and Alli Splitt.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 15, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Susan Koch: Lincoln Academy Student Laureates lead into the future
The following is an excerpt from a column by University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Susan Koch. This column appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 16, 2019.
Many Illinois residents are familiar with the Lincoln Academy of Illinois, a nonprofit organization created more than 50 years ago to honor distinguished Illinoisans. Since its founding, the Academy has recognized over 300 sons and daughters of Illinois, including a number of Springfield citizens, with the prestigious “Order of Lincoln.”
An equally important recognition bestowed by the Academy is the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement award - presented each year to one outstanding graduating senior from each four-year college, university and community college in the state.
According to Julie Kellner, Executive Director of the Lincoln Academy and a UIS graduate, the Student Laureate award is “a way for the State of Illinois to recognize outstanding student achievement, civic engagement and leadership.”
As Chancellor of UIS and an Academic Trustee of the Lincoln Academy, it is my honor each year to select one UIS student for this prestigious recognition. I’m delighted to announce that, just yesterday in a ceremony at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, UIS senior Melissa Van received the 2019 Student Laureate award, which includes presentation of the Lincoln Medal, a Certificate of Merit and a monetary award.
A member of the Capital Scholars Honors program at UIS, Van is from Lincoln and will be graduating this year with a major in business and minor in management.
“I am a first generation Vietnamese-American,” says Van. “My parents emigrated from Vietnam and have always been role models for me. They started from the bottom and worked hard to make a better life for me and my younger sisters.
Read the entire column online.
Many Illinois residents are familiar with the Lincoln Academy of Illinois, a nonprofit organization created more than 50 years ago to honor distinguished Illinoisans. Since its founding, the Academy has recognized over 300 sons and daughters of Illinois, including a number of Springfield citizens, with the prestigious “Order of Lincoln.”
An equally important recognition bestowed by the Academy is the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement award - presented each year to one outstanding graduating senior from each four-year college, university and community college in the state.
According to Julie Kellner, Executive Director of the Lincoln Academy and a UIS graduate, the Student Laureate award is “a way for the State of Illinois to recognize outstanding student achievement, civic engagement and leadership.”
As Chancellor of UIS and an Academic Trustee of the Lincoln Academy, it is my honor each year to select one UIS student for this prestigious recognition. I’m delighted to announce that, just yesterday in a ceremony at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, UIS senior Melissa Van received the 2019 Student Laureate award, which includes presentation of the Lincoln Medal, a Certificate of Merit and a monetary award.
A member of the Capital Scholars Honors program at UIS, Van is from Lincoln and will be graduating this year with a major in business and minor in management.
“I am a first generation Vietnamese-American,” says Van. “My parents emigrated from Vietnam and have always been role models for me. They started from the bottom and worked hard to make a better life for me and my younger sisters.
Read the entire column online.
Thursday, November 14, 2019
University Of Illinois Springfield To Waive Application Fees
The University of Illinois Springfield is waiving application fees for prospective students — including incoming freshmen, transfer, graduate, online and international students.
“As part of our vision to ‘be a pathway to opportunity,’ removing the application fee as a barrier to embarking on a college career, finishing one or enhancing career prospects through graduate certificates or degrees is part of the DNA of our campus community,” said Natalie Herring, associate provost for enrollment management.
The waiver will save students $50 to $75. The school will host Preview
This story appeared in the Jacksonville Journal-Courier on November 13, 2019.
Read the entire story online.
“As part of our vision to ‘be a pathway to opportunity,’ removing the application fee as a barrier to embarking on a college career, finishing one or enhancing career prospects through graduate certificates or degrees is part of the DNA of our campus community,” said Natalie Herring, associate provost for enrollment management.
The waiver will save students $50 to $75. The school will host Preview
This story appeared in the Jacksonville Journal-Courier on November 13, 2019.
Read the entire story online.
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Cross Country: Jones, Christy headed to national meet
University of Illinois Springfield sophomore Blake Jones earned an at-large spot in the NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships on Saturday, Nov. 23 in Sacramento, Calif.
The Lincoln High School graduate finished eighth place last week in the Midwest Region Championships Meet with a time of 31:42.3 in the men’s 10,000-meter race, which was a program record.
He joins fellow sophomore Taryn Christy, who won an automatic berth on the women’s side last week by taking fifth place at the regional meet with a school record time of 21:09.9 on the 6,000-meter course.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 11, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
The Lincoln High School graduate finished eighth place last week in the Midwest Region Championships Meet with a time of 31:42.3 in the men’s 10,000-meter race, which was a program record.
He joins fellow sophomore Taryn Christy, who won an automatic berth on the women’s side last week by taking fifth place at the regional meet with a school record time of 21:09.9 on the 6,000-meter course.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 11, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Martinez: Veterans need to ‘find their voice’
J.R. Martinez was just 19 years old when he joined the U.S. Army and was deployed to Iraq. He was there less than two months when the Humvee he was driving ran over an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), leaving him with burns over 40 percent of body.
“There was definitely a period,” said Martinez, an interview with The State Journal-Register prior to a Veterans Day talk at the University of Illinois Springfield Student Union on Monday, “where I felt and thought (that this is over for me). There wasn’t necessarily anything else for me to hold onto. “There was no face, there was no example of someone who had overcome (something like this), at least as I was able to see.”
It wasn’t until his mother, Maria Zavala — with whom he would watch Mexican telenovelas and proclaim to her that he would star in such shows — “laid into me” that Martinez set about picking up the pieces of his life. “She just said, ‘You have to find a way to be positive, believe something good will happen and have a little bit of faith,’” Martinez recalled. “That stuck with me. It was a small step that led me to where I am today.”
Martinez did, in fact, go on to star in ABC’s “All My Children,” whose character was also a wounded combat veteran. He also teamed up with Karina Smirnoff to win the Mirror Ball Trophy on “Dancing With the Stars.”
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 11, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
“There was definitely a period,” said Martinez, an interview with The State Journal-Register prior to a Veterans Day talk at the University of Illinois Springfield Student Union on Monday, “where I felt and thought (that this is over for me). There wasn’t necessarily anything else for me to hold onto. “There was no face, there was no example of someone who had overcome (something like this), at least as I was able to see.”
It wasn’t until his mother, Maria Zavala — with whom he would watch Mexican telenovelas and proclaim to her that he would star in such shows — “laid into me” that Martinez set about picking up the pieces of his life. “She just said, ‘You have to find a way to be positive, believe something good will happen and have a little bit of faith,’” Martinez recalled. “That stuck with me. It was a small step that led me to where I am today.”
Martinez did, in fact, go on to star in ABC’s “All My Children,” whose character was also a wounded combat veteran. He also teamed up with Karina Smirnoff to win the Mirror Ball Trophy on “Dancing With the Stars.”
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 11, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Monday, November 11, 2019
Men's Basketball: Prairie Stars open season with a strong showing
MacArthur’s Keymonta Johnson led the UIS Prairie Stars with a double double to a 20 point win in UIS’ season opener. Johnson’s 19 points and 11 boards powered the Prairie Stars to a 91-71 victory over Ohio Valley on Friday night.
Head coach Matt Brock picked up win #1 after taking over the program last spring. Matt Wendling (Athens) scored 13 points in his UIS debut after redshirting last season.
This story aired on Channel1450.com on November 8, 2019.
Watch the story online.
Head coach Matt Brock picked up win #1 after taking over the program last spring. Matt Wendling (Athens) scored 13 points in his UIS debut after redshirting last season.
This story aired on Channel1450.com on November 8, 2019.
Watch the story online.
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Men's Soccer: UIS men’s soccer secures postseason berth
The University of Illinois Springfield men’s soccer team clinched a spot in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament with Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Drury at Kiwanis Stadium on Sunday.
Freshman midfielder Drew Keller, of Jacksonville High School, scored his fourth goal of the season off an assist from Thiago Fernandes halfway through the first half. Goalkeeper Pijus Petkevicius preserved the shutout with two saves.
UIS, which is on a four-game winning streak, took 12 shots while Drury had eight. The Stars (9-7-2 overall, 7-6-2 in the GLVC) earned the No. 6 seed.
This article was published in The State Journal-Register on November 3, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Freshman midfielder Drew Keller, of Jacksonville High School, scored his fourth goal of the season off an assist from Thiago Fernandes halfway through the first half. Goalkeeper Pijus Petkevicius preserved the shutout with two saves.
UIS, which is on a four-game winning streak, took 12 shots while Drury had eight. The Stars (9-7-2 overall, 7-6-2 in the GLVC) earned the No. 6 seed.
This article was published in The State Journal-Register on November 3, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
UIS accepting donations of professional clothing for student interviews
The University of Illinois Springfield Career Development Center is asking Springfield-area residents for help.
The center is accepting donations of clean, new or gently-used, ready-to-wear professional clothing for students.
Donations can be dropped off at the UIS Career Development Center on November 11th through the 15th, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on November 5, 2019.
Watch the story online.
The center is accepting donations of clean, new or gently-used, ready-to-wear professional clothing for students.
Donations can be dropped off at the UIS Career Development Center on November 11th through the 15th, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on November 5, 2019.
Watch the story online.
UIS picks up non-conference win over Parkside
The University of Illinois Springfield volleyball team defeated Parkside in a non-conference match on Tuesday night at TRAC.
The Prairie Stars won by scores of 25-18, 22-25, 25-13, and 25-21.
UIS improves to 17-11 on the season.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on November 5, 2019.
Watch the story online.
The Prairie Stars won by scores of 25-18, 22-25, 25-13, and 25-21.
UIS improves to 17-11 on the season.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on November 5, 2019.
Watch the story online.
Monday, November 4, 2019
UIS students collect 15,779 pounds of food
Students at the University of Illinois Springfield collected 15,779 pounds of food on Halloween night that will be used to help those in need.
Most of the food - 14,779 pounds - will be donated to the Central Illinois Foodbank, while 1,000 pounds will go to the UIS Cares Food Pantry located on the campus to help university students.
Children from the UIS Cox Children’s Center also participated by trick-or-treating on campus for canned good. They collected 1,000 pounds of food, which is what will go to the UIS Cares Food Pantry.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 1, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Most of the food - 14,779 pounds - will be donated to the Central Illinois Foodbank, while 1,000 pounds will go to the UIS Cares Food Pantry located on the campus to help university students.
Children from the UIS Cox Children’s Center also participated by trick-or-treating on campus for canned good. They collected 1,000 pounds of food, which is what will go to the UIS Cares Food Pantry.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 1, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Friday, November 1, 2019
UIS students trick-or-treating for canned goods
Students at University of Illinois Springfield went trick-or-treating this Halloween to collect canned goods.
The donations were for the Central Illinois Foodbank.
Over 200 UIS students participated in the event and split up into 11 teams. The students hoped to collect over 18,000 pounds of food.
"Having the students especially interact with the Springfield community is really important and than have the community get involved in knowing the bigger mission of helping their bigger community itself," said Abbie Varbel, the co-captain of the CSF trick-or-treat for canned goods team.
Prizes were awarded to the teams that collected the most food.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on October 31, 2019.
Watch the story online.
The donations were for the Central Illinois Foodbank.
Over 200 UIS students participated in the event and split up into 11 teams. The students hoped to collect over 18,000 pounds of food.
"Having the students especially interact with the Springfield community is really important and than have the community get involved in knowing the bigger mission of helping their bigger community itself," said Abbie Varbel, the co-captain of the CSF trick-or-treat for canned goods team.
Prizes were awarded to the teams that collected the most food.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on October 31, 2019.
Watch the story online.
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Army vet, ‘DWTS’ winner J.R. Martinez to speak at UIS
A University of Illinois Springfield spokesman said the school has been trying to “up its game” regarding its Veterans Day events.
Wounded U.S. Army veteran J.R. Martinez, who has carved out a career as an actor, author and speaker, will speak at a public event at the UIS Student Union Ballroom at 6 p.m. on Nov. 11.
Earlier that day, there will be a flag-raising ceremony in front of the Public Affairs Center.
Martinez’s message, said Mark Dochterman, assistant vice chancellor for student engagement, will focus on overcoming adversity and facing life’s challenges. “That’s a message that certainly applies to our student veterans,” Dochterman said, adding that UIS has 275 “military-connected” students and about 50 faculty and staff members who are veterans.
In 2003, Martinez, then 19 years old, was providing an escort to a convoy in Karbala, Iraq, when his Humvee ran over a roadside bomb. Martinez was trapped inside the vehicle when it was engulfed in flames. He sustained burns over 34 percent of his body as well as smoke inhalation.
His story is recounted in the 2012 memoir “Full of My Heart: My Story of Survival, Strength and Spirit.”
At the Veterans Day event, Dochterman said, a new UIS Veterans Emergency Grant will be launched. It will help student veterans cover bills, food, medical expenses and travel in emergency situations.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 23, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Wounded U.S. Army veteran J.R. Martinez, who has carved out a career as an actor, author and speaker, will speak at a public event at the UIS Student Union Ballroom at 6 p.m. on Nov. 11.
Earlier that day, there will be a flag-raising ceremony in front of the Public Affairs Center.
Martinez’s message, said Mark Dochterman, assistant vice chancellor for student engagement, will focus on overcoming adversity and facing life’s challenges. “That’s a message that certainly applies to our student veterans,” Dochterman said, adding that UIS has 275 “military-connected” students and about 50 faculty and staff members who are veterans.
In 2003, Martinez, then 19 years old, was providing an escort to a convoy in Karbala, Iraq, when his Humvee ran over a roadside bomb. Martinez was trapped inside the vehicle when it was engulfed in flames. He sustained burns over 34 percent of his body as well as smoke inhalation.
His story is recounted in the 2012 memoir “Full of My Heart: My Story of Survival, Strength and Spirit.”
At the Veterans Day event, Dochterman said, a new UIS Veterans Emergency Grant will be launched. It will help student veterans cover bills, food, medical expenses and travel in emergency situations.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 23, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Women's Volleyball: Nicolaisen, Prairie Stars make quick work on the road
University of Illinois Springfield beat Purdue Northwest 25-16, 25-11, 25-8 in a nonconferenc match on Tuesday.
Hannah Nicolaisen led UIS with 10 kills and had two digs. Jailyn Borum led the Prairie Stars with 15 digs. Rachel Cobert added 12 digs and three blocks, while Becca Blakely had 28 assists. Alli Splitt had eight kills and a .467 hitting percentage.
UIS is 15-10 and will travel to Lebanon on Friday to face in-state GLVC conference rival McKendree.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 29, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Hannah Nicolaisen led UIS with 10 kills and had two digs. Jailyn Borum led the Prairie Stars with 15 digs. Rachel Cobert added 12 digs and three blocks, while Becca Blakely had 28 assists. Alli Splitt had eight kills and a .467 hitting percentage.
UIS is 15-10 and will travel to Lebanon on Friday to face in-state GLVC conference rival McKendree.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 29, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Monday, October 28, 2019
Women's Volleyball: Stars sweep Lindenwood in straight sets
Jailyn Borum had 13 digs and 10 kills for the University of Illinois Springfield volleyball team in a Great Lakes Valley Conference sweep over Lindenwood, 25-12, 25-21, 25-18 at The Recreation and Athletic Complex on Friday.
UIS had a .284 hitting percentage while holding the Lions to just .043. Alli Splitt led the Stars with 12 kills. Jenny Rush had 12 digs, and Brianna Bush had three blocks to help UIS improve to 14-9 overall and 5-3 in the GLVC.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 26, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
UIS had a .284 hitting percentage while holding the Lions to just .043. Alli Splitt led the Stars with 12 kills. Jenny Rush had 12 digs, and Brianna Bush had three blocks to help UIS improve to 14-9 overall and 5-3 in the GLVC.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 26, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Men's Soccer: UIS men’s soccer climbs back to .500
Javier Milla and Daniel Kemp delivered a couple of early goals and the University of Illinois Springfield men’s soccer team defeated Rockhurst 2-1 at Bourke Field on Sunday.
Milla scored on a free kick during the 6th minute while Kemp converted on passes from Thiago Fernandes and Mario Falsone in the 18th minute.
UIS goalkeeper Pijus Petkevicius had two saves and gave up the only goal with about 12 minutes left in regulation.
The Stars improved to 7-7-2 overall and 5-6-2 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 27, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Milla scored on a free kick during the 6th minute while Kemp converted on passes from Thiago Fernandes and Mario Falsone in the 18th minute.
UIS goalkeeper Pijus Petkevicius had two saves and gave up the only goal with about 12 minutes left in regulation.
The Stars improved to 7-7-2 overall and 5-6-2 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 27, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Friday, October 25, 2019
A block away, Child Advocacy Center gets new home
Years ago, Betsy Goulet stood in a courtroom with her husband, Joe, as advocates trying to deal with a small child who had been sexually abused.
As they were trying to get the child ready to testify, the girl crawled under the prosecutor’s table, curled up and wouldn’t come out, Goulet recalled.
“We used every skill we had, which, at the time, wasn’t much,” Goulet said. “We didn’t have a clue whether she would be able to testify to what happened to her.”
Goulet said she thinks about the Sangamon County Child Advocacy Center when she recalls that little girl. At the time, the center didn’t exist. Goulet was then the rape victim advocate at the Rape Crisis Center in Springfield and her husband, Joseph, was then the sexual assault detective with the Springfield Police Department.
“We were trying to use an adult-centered agency to deal with these kids, and we were making stuff up as we could,” Goulet said. “But the door kept opening and children were coming through because there were no other services for kids.”
That eventually prompted “a nervous phone call” from Goulet to then-Sangamon County State’s Attorney Don Cadagin and led to two years of meetings before the Child Advocacy Center was set up in 1989.
Marking its 30th anniversary, the center held its official opening Thursday at its new location at 1101 E. Monroe St. It was previously located in a building on Monroe Street across the 10th Street railroad tracks from the county complex for 27 years after initially starting out in the Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery.
The CAC coordinates the investigation, prosecution and treatment of child sexual abuse cases, but it also deals with children who are physically abused, witnesses to violent crimes, caught up in sex trafficking or were involved in child pornography, said current executive director Denise Johnson.
The goal is to sensitize the system to the needs of young victims by reducing the number of interviews they have to go through, limiting the number of professionals with whom a child has contact and expedite the cases through the judicial system.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 24, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Goulet said she thinks about the Sangamon County Child Advocacy Center when she recalls that little girl. At the time, the center didn’t exist. Goulet was then the rape victim advocate at the Rape Crisis Center in Springfield and her husband, Joseph, was then the sexual assault detective with the Springfield Police Department.
“We were trying to use an adult-centered agency to deal with these kids, and we were making stuff up as we could,” Goulet said. “But the door kept opening and children were coming through because there were no other services for kids.”
That eventually prompted “a nervous phone call” from Goulet to then-Sangamon County State’s Attorney Don Cadagin and led to two years of meetings before the Child Advocacy Center was set up in 1989.
Marking its 30th anniversary, the center held its official opening Thursday at its new location at 1101 E. Monroe St. It was previously located in a building on Monroe Street across the 10th Street railroad tracks from the county complex for 27 years after initially starting out in the Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery.
The CAC coordinates the investigation, prosecution and treatment of child sexual abuse cases, but it also deals with children who are physically abused, witnesses to violent crimes, caught up in sex trafficking or were involved in child pornography, said current executive director Denise Johnson.
The goal is to sensitize the system to the needs of young victims by reducing the number of interviews they have to go through, limiting the number of professionals with whom a child has contact and expedite the cases through the judicial system.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 24, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
UIS Alumni Teresa Haley is 2019 First Citizen
The local and state leader of a national civil rights organization is The State Journal-Register’s 2019 First Citizen.
Civil rights leader Teresa Haley, president of the local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the NAACP Illinois State Conference, was named First Citizen during a breakfast presentation Thursday at Erin’s Pavilion at Southwind Park.
The 57th annual First Citizen Award recognizes the unselfish service an individual gives to the community.
Haley’s fight for justice impacts Springfield, the state and beyond. Haley has worked with Springfield School District 186 to ensure fair and equitable treatment for minority students. She is working to have the site of the Springfield 1908 Race Riot designated a National Monument site. Haley, 54, has been involved for more than 25 years with NAACP, which has a vision of ensuring a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race.
“The NAACP was founded because of the 1908 Race Riot here in Springfield,” Haley said. “I love my community. I love telling them about the rich history. I love telling them where we’ve been, and I’m excited about telling them where we’re going, so thank you, Springfield. I love you all.”
Haley is an alumni of the University of Illinois Springfield.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 24, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Civil rights leader Teresa Haley, president of the local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the NAACP Illinois State Conference, was named First Citizen during a breakfast presentation Thursday at Erin’s Pavilion at Southwind Park.
The 57th annual First Citizen Award recognizes the unselfish service an individual gives to the community.
Haley’s fight for justice impacts Springfield, the state and beyond. Haley has worked with Springfield School District 186 to ensure fair and equitable treatment for minority students. She is working to have the site of the Springfield 1908 Race Riot designated a National Monument site. Haley, 54, has been involved for more than 25 years with NAACP, which has a vision of ensuring a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race.
“The NAACP was founded because of the 1908 Race Riot here in Springfield,” Haley said. “I love my community. I love telling them about the rich history. I love telling them where we’ve been, and I’m excited about telling them where we’re going, so thank you, Springfield. I love you all.”
Haley is an alumni of the University of Illinois Springfield.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 24, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Monday, October 21, 2019
Witter mentors under the dome, in broader Springfield community
During a career that has spanned more than 40 years, lobbyist Randy Witter has come to be known as the “go-to” guy under the Illinois Capitol dome, building a reputation for honesty and integrity among clients and lawmakers while helping shepherd along the next generation through his firm’s internship program.
Though he jokes about how his wife and colleagues younger than him have started to retire, Witter, 70, said the draw of helping people keeps him in the game.
“There have been days where I have left the Capitol and I think, ‘Wow, something that we just did and some law that we’ve been working on will truly make a difference in the lives of a lot of people in Illinois,’”
Witter said, pointing to examples like the initial Illinois Indoor Clean Air Act in the late-80s and clarifying what constitutes a service animal. This desire to help others is reflected outside Witter’s professional life in the time he gives volunteering for a plethora of community organizations and by serving in various capacities at his alma mater, the University of Illinois Springfield.
Witter’s community service includes several roles with the University of Illinois system, including representing UIS on the U of I Alumni Alliance from 2015 to 2019 and chairing the UIS Campus Alumni Advisory Board.
He uses his background as a lobbyist to help with advocacy efforts, most recently participating in U of I’s trip to Washington, D.C.
UIS Chancellor Susan Koch said she “wholeheartedly support[s]” Witter’s First Citizen nomination, noting that Witter has always answered the call, whether it is a request for help from university administration or “a simple call from a student organization to be a guest speaker.” “As Chancellor, I could not ask for a better community-minded partner to help grow the university’s relationships with the Springfield community,” Koch said.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 20, 2019.
Read the full story online.
Though he jokes about how his wife and colleagues younger than him have started to retire, Witter, 70, said the draw of helping people keeps him in the game.
“There have been days where I have left the Capitol and I think, ‘Wow, something that we just did and some law that we’ve been working on will truly make a difference in the lives of a lot of people in Illinois,’”
Witter said, pointing to examples like the initial Illinois Indoor Clean Air Act in the late-80s and clarifying what constitutes a service animal. This desire to help others is reflected outside Witter’s professional life in the time he gives volunteering for a plethora of community organizations and by serving in various capacities at his alma mater, the University of Illinois Springfield.
Witter’s community service includes several roles with the University of Illinois system, including representing UIS on the U of I Alumni Alliance from 2015 to 2019 and chairing the UIS Campus Alumni Advisory Board.
He uses his background as a lobbyist to help with advocacy efforts, most recently participating in U of I’s trip to Washington, D.C.
UIS Chancellor Susan Koch said she “wholeheartedly support[s]” Witter’s First Citizen nomination, noting that Witter has always answered the call, whether it is a request for help from university administration or “a simple call from a student organization to be a guest speaker.” “As Chancellor, I could not ask for a better community-minded partner to help grow the university’s relationships with the Springfield community,” Koch said.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 20, 2019.
Read the full story online.
Indiana exoneree to speak at UIS
An Indiana woman who was convicted in 1996 of murder and arson for allegedly setting a fire that killed her three-year-old, but later had her case overturned, will speak at the University of Illinois Springfield this week.
Kristine Bunch will speak at the UIS Student Ballroom as a guest of the Illinois Innocence Project (IIP) at noon on Wednesday. Bunch spent 17 years in prison until her conviction was reversed in 2012.
Two arson investigators concluded that the fire in the trailer had started in two places and that a liquid accelerant had been used to start the fire at both locations. Bunch was ultimately sentenced to concurrent prison terms of 60 years for murder and 50 years for arson. Attorneys from the Center on Wrongful Convictions later discovered that evidence about the fire being intentionally set had been fabricated.
The IIP has played a significant role in 12 exonerations since its founding as the Downstate Illinois Innocence Project at the university in 2001.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 20, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Kristine Bunch will speak at the UIS Student Ballroom as a guest of the Illinois Innocence Project (IIP) at noon on Wednesday. Bunch spent 17 years in prison until her conviction was reversed in 2012.
Two arson investigators concluded that the fire in the trailer had started in two places and that a liquid accelerant had been used to start the fire at both locations. Bunch was ultimately sentenced to concurrent prison terms of 60 years for murder and 50 years for arson. Attorneys from the Center on Wrongful Convictions later discovered that evidence about the fire being intentionally set had been fabricated.
The IIP has played a significant role in 12 exonerations since its founding as the Downstate Illinois Innocence Project at the university in 2001.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 20, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Illinois State Police changes education requirements for applicants
Right now, the Illinois State Police is changing its policies to draw in more potential new hires.
Starting next year, you will no longer need a bachelor's degree to apply to be a state trooper.
Applicants will now only need an associate’s degree or 60 credits of course work.
The reason? A shortage of state police in Illinois.
In 2009, the state police had approximately 2,119 troopers. Today, they only have about 1,767. "We don't have enough troopers out there in my opinion, We need to be out there patrolling the interstates," said Hector Alejandre, a master sergeant with the Illinois State Police.
University of Illinois Springfield political science professor Ryan Williams believes that this will open doors to lower-income applicants. "A two-year degree might be more affordable for the population that can't afford a four-year degree,” said Williams.
Williams said a bachelor's degree does help in certain areas. "An education helps them be more empathetic,” said Williams. “It helps them write better when they have to write reports." Overall, he said lowering academic requirements won't make a big difference in everyday police work.
ISP officials said they also offer tuition reimbursements if troopers want to go back to college after they're hired. They are actively recruiting for their 2020 state trooper class.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on October 8, 2019.
Watch the story online.
Starting next year, you will no longer need a bachelor's degree to apply to be a state trooper.
Applicants will now only need an associate’s degree or 60 credits of course work.
The reason? A shortage of state police in Illinois.
In 2009, the state police had approximately 2,119 troopers. Today, they only have about 1,767. "We don't have enough troopers out there in my opinion, We need to be out there patrolling the interstates," said Hector Alejandre, a master sergeant with the Illinois State Police.
University of Illinois Springfield political science professor Ryan Williams believes that this will open doors to lower-income applicants. "A two-year degree might be more affordable for the population that can't afford a four-year degree,” said Williams.
Williams said a bachelor's degree does help in certain areas. "An education helps them be more empathetic,” said Williams. “It helps them write better when they have to write reports." Overall, he said lowering academic requirements won't make a big difference in everyday police work.
ISP officials said they also offer tuition reimbursements if troopers want to go back to college after they're hired. They are actively recruiting for their 2020 state trooper class.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on October 8, 2019.
Watch the story online.
Illinois Innocence Project case gets clemency hearing
A Chicago woman whose 1992 double murder conviction was taken up by the Springfield-based Illinois Innocence Project will have a clemency hearing before the Prisoner Review Board at the Thompson Center on Wednesday.
Marilyn Mulero’s co-defendant in the case has repeatedly confessed to being the sole murderer of Jimmy Cruz and Hector Reyes, both members of the Latin Kings gang.
Mulero originally was sentenced to death, though that sentence was later reduced to life without parole.
There have been 19 exonerations to date involving the two Chicago police detectives, Reynaldo Guevara and Ernest Halvorsen, who arrested Mulero.
The Illinois Innocence Project (IIP), which is based at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been joined by The Exoneration Project and the California Innocence Project in representing Mulero.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 8, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Marilyn Mulero’s co-defendant in the case has repeatedly confessed to being the sole murderer of Jimmy Cruz and Hector Reyes, both members of the Latin Kings gang.
Mulero originally was sentenced to death, though that sentence was later reduced to life without parole.
There have been 19 exonerations to date involving the two Chicago police detectives, Reynaldo Guevara and Ernest Halvorsen, who arrested Mulero.
The Illinois Innocence Project (IIP), which is based at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been joined by The Exoneration Project and the California Innocence Project in representing Mulero.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 8, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Monday, October 7, 2019
Men's Soccer: Falsone powers UIS to second straight win
The University of Illinois Springfield men’s soccer team cruised to a 5-1 victory over Truman State at Kiwanis Stadium for its second straight win Sunday.
Mario Falsone scored both of his goals in the first half for a 3-1 halftime advantage. He converted a penalty kick during the 6th minute and struck again midway through the half for his fourth goal of the season.
Dan Mahoney made it 2-0 with his second goal of the season, assisted by Harry Hiscock. Mario Gonzalez and Drew Keller each tacked on a goal in the second half to lift UIS to 5-4-1 overall and 3-3-1 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 6, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Mario Falsone scored both of his goals in the first half for a 3-1 halftime advantage. He converted a penalty kick during the 6th minute and struck again midway through the half for his fourth goal of the season.
Dan Mahoney made it 2-0 with his second goal of the season, assisted by Harry Hiscock. Mario Gonzalez and Drew Keller each tacked on a goal in the second half to lift UIS to 5-4-1 overall and 3-3-1 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 6, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Women's Volleyball: UIS volleyball wins seventh straight
The University of Illinois Springfield volleyball team pushed its winning streak to seven matches following Saturday’s four-set victory over Maryville at The Recreation and Athletic Center.
Brianna Bush was a defensive juggernaut, totaling 11 blocks on top of nine kills.
The Stars (12-4 overall, 4-0 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference) recorded 17.5 blocks while Maryville had four. Becca Blakeley tallied 46 assists while Rachel Cobert had a team-high 15 kills. Hannah Nicolaisen added 11 kills for UIS.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 5, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Brianna Bush was a defensive juggernaut, totaling 11 blocks on top of nine kills.
The Stars (12-4 overall, 4-0 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference) recorded 17.5 blocks while Maryville had four. Becca Blakeley tallied 46 assists while Rachel Cobert had a team-high 15 kills. Hannah Nicolaisen added 11 kills for UIS.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 5, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Thursday, October 3, 2019
As UIS marks wrongful convictions, exoneree says the fight continues
On Wednesday morning, students involved with the Illinois Innocence Project planted 2,492 small flags on the University of Illinois Springfield quad representing the number of men and women who have been exonerated of crimes since 1989.
In the middle of the display were 304 “UIS blue flags,” signifying the number of Illinois exonerees from that time.
“For me (this day) is a reminder of where I was years ago,” said Angel Gonzalez of Waukegan, who gained his freedom with the help of the Illinois Innocence Project after spending nearly 21 years in prison.
“It’s also a reminder that there are still a lot of men and women fighting to prove their innocence. It’s a joyful day, but at the same time it keeps me connected to what’s going on.”
The Illinois Innocence Project, which was founded at UIS in 2001, was one of about 50 or so innocence organizations marking International Wrongful Conviction Day, first started in 2014.
Gonzalez, who was convicted of sexual assault 25 years ago before gaining the help of the New York-based Innocence Project and the IIP, spent Tuesday and Wednesday on campus speaking to students and staff members.
“Talking to the students is always great,” said Gonzalez. “I feel like they’re the ones who will eventually take over and make the system work and be a benefit for everybody. It brings me to meet face-to-face with those who have helped me and those who are continuing to help me.”
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 2, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
In the middle of the display were 304 “UIS blue flags,” signifying the number of Illinois exonerees from that time.
“For me (this day) is a reminder of where I was years ago,” said Angel Gonzalez of Waukegan, who gained his freedom with the help of the Illinois Innocence Project after spending nearly 21 years in prison.
“It’s also a reminder that there are still a lot of men and women fighting to prove their innocence. It’s a joyful day, but at the same time it keeps me connected to what’s going on.”
The Illinois Innocence Project, which was founded at UIS in 2001, was one of about 50 or so innocence organizations marking International Wrongful Conviction Day, first started in 2014.
Gonzalez, who was convicted of sexual assault 25 years ago before gaining the help of the New York-based Innocence Project and the IIP, spent Tuesday and Wednesday on campus speaking to students and staff members.
“Talking to the students is always great,” said Gonzalez. “I feel like they’re the ones who will eventually take over and make the system work and be a benefit for everybody. It brings me to meet face-to-face with those who have helped me and those who are continuing to help me.”
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 2, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Women's Volleyball: Nicolaisen, UIS roll Truman State
Hannah Nicolaisen dominated with 13 kills and the University of Illinois Springfield women’s volleyball team served up 11 aces in a 25-7, 25-9, 25-16 win over Truman State on Saturday in a Great Lakes Valley Conference match at The Recreation and Athletic Center.
Becca Blakeley provided UIS with 30 assists and teammate Jailyn Borum notched 13 digs, while leading the Prairie Stars with five aces. Brianna Bush recorded seven blocks for UIS, which improved to 10-4 overall and 2-0 in the GLVC.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 28, 2019.
Read the entire story online.
Becca Blakeley provided UIS with 30 assists and teammate Jailyn Borum notched 13 digs, while leading the Prairie Stars with five aces. Brianna Bush recorded seven blocks for UIS, which improved to 10-4 overall and 2-0 in the GLVC.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 28, 2019.
Read the entire story online.
Saturday, September 28, 2019
Women's Soccer: Juhlin pushes UIS over Missouri S&T
Maggie Juhlin scored the go-ahead goal at the 42nd-minute of the first half and the University of Illinois Springfield shut out Missouri S&T 1-0 in a Great Lakes Valley Conference match on Friday.
It was Juhlin’s fifth goal of the season, which leads the team through seven games. Lauren Griffin got the assist, her team-leading fourth. UIS (5-2 overall) remained unbeaten in conference play with a 4-0 record.
It was the Prairie Stars’ third GLVC shutout this season.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 27, 2019.
Read the entire story online.
It was Juhlin’s fifth goal of the season, which leads the team through seven games. Lauren Griffin got the assist, her team-leading fourth. UIS (5-2 overall) remained unbeaten in conference play with a 4-0 record.
It was the Prairie Stars’ third GLVC shutout this season.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 27, 2019.
Read the entire story online.
Friday, September 27, 2019
UIS debuts "Value Added" art exhibit
The "Value Added" Exhibition opened Thursday at the University of Illinois Springfield's Visual Art Gallery.
The exhibition features mixed media sculptures by Patrick Collier. The event also opened with a reception and talk by Collier.
"Value Added" is a term used in agriculture and other industries to describe a marketing and production strategy."
"This is the one time you can come out to the exhibition and see and meet the artist and talk to them about their work," Director of the UIS Visual Arts Gallery Jeff Robinson said.
The exhibition will run until October 17th.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on September 26, 2019.
Watch the story online.
The exhibition features mixed media sculptures by Patrick Collier. The event also opened with a reception and talk by Collier.
"Value Added" is a term used in agriculture and other industries to describe a marketing and production strategy."
"This is the one time you can come out to the exhibition and see and meet the artist and talk to them about their work," Director of the UIS Visual Arts Gallery Jeff Robinson said.
The exhibition will run until October 17th.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on September 26, 2019.
Watch the story online.
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Women's Volleyball: UIS rolls over Findlay
Brianna Bush and Alli Splitt had 10 kills apiece in University of Illinois Springfield’s sweep against Findlay.
Splitt and Bush had four and three blocks as well, respectively.
Rachel Cobert and Hannah Nicolaisen each had seven kills for UIS. Jailyn Borum totaled 15 digs while Becca Blakeley dished up 29 assists, pushing the Stars to 8-4 overall.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 22, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Splitt and Bush had four and three blocks as well, respectively.
Rachel Cobert and Hannah Nicolaisen each had seven kills for UIS. Jailyn Borum totaled 15 digs while Becca Blakeley dished up 29 assists, pushing the Stars to 8-4 overall.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 22, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Women's Soccer: Juhlin keeps UIS undefeated in GLVC
University of Illinois Springfield stayed unbeaten in the Great Lakes Valley Conference after a 2-1 victory over Missouri St. Louis.
Maggie Juhlin netted the go-ahead goal with less than 10 minutes left in regulation off Lauren Griffin’s corner kick. It was Juhlin’s fourth goal of the season. Griffin also assisted Kayla Meyer’s goal in the first half to break a scoreless tie. Bailey Cross had three saves for UIS, which improved to 4-1-0 overall and 3-0-0 in the GLVC.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 23, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Maggie Juhlin netted the go-ahead goal with less than 10 minutes left in regulation off Lauren Griffin’s corner kick. It was Juhlin’s fourth goal of the season. Griffin also assisted Kayla Meyer’s goal in the first half to break a scoreless tie. Bailey Cross had three saves for UIS, which improved to 4-1-0 overall and 3-0-0 in the GLVC.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 23, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Monday, September 23, 2019
LGBTQIA+ program rebranded to expand inclusion
The University of Illinois Springfield Office of Gender and Sexuality Student Services rebranded its LGBTQIA+ training program to encourage supportive students, faculty and staff on campus to take even more actionable steps towards inclusion.
In 2001, Safe Zone training began. This semester, the initiative was rebranded Brave Space training.
“For the past 25 years, Safe Zone-type programs on college campuses have always been about supportive allies hanging a sign to show they were safe to come out to as a sexual or gender minority, while encouraging conversation with others that have questions about LGBTQIA+ people,” said Kerry Poynter, director of the UIS Office of Gender and Sexuality Student Services. “The name change reflects the UIS Safe Zone Committee’s desire for members to take brave steps to engage in difficult conversations that affirm LGBTQIA+ people.”
This story aired on WCIA on September 20, 2019.
Watch the entire story online.
In 2001, Safe Zone training began. This semester, the initiative was rebranded Brave Space training.
“For the past 25 years, Safe Zone-type programs on college campuses have always been about supportive allies hanging a sign to show they were safe to come out to as a sexual or gender minority, while encouraging conversation with others that have questions about LGBTQIA+ people,” said Kerry Poynter, director of the UIS Office of Gender and Sexuality Student Services. “The name change reflects the UIS Safe Zone Committee’s desire for members to take brave steps to engage in difficult conversations that affirm LGBTQIA+ people.”
This story aired on WCIA on September 20, 2019.
Watch the entire story online.
Springfield students skip class, join global climate strike
They skipped class, but Friday was anything but a day off for Springfield high school and college students as they joined millions of people across the world in the Global Climate Strike.
About 70, mostly younger, people gathered near the quad on the campus of the University of Illinois Springfield, calling upon leaders from the local level on up to take greater action to solve the climate crisis.
With a mix of speeches and chants, the students hope that their message is getting across to decision-makers under the dome in Springfield and in Washington, D.C. ″... today is not a day off, it is a day on,” said Francesca Butler, a junior at UIS and the event’s organizer. “We didn’t decide to blow classes for the hell of it, we do plenty of that. Today is not a day where we lay in bed and wish that some talking head would do something about deforestation in the Amazon. Today, we recognize that we are powerful in numbers. Today, we realize that when we band together as a local, national and global community, we can work together and demand real change.”
The protesters said these changes need to be both small-scale — something as simple as consuming less red meat to cut methane emissions — and systemic — several made the pitch for Illinois lawmakers to pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act, which would put the state on the path to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 20, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
About 70, mostly younger, people gathered near the quad on the campus of the University of Illinois Springfield, calling upon leaders from the local level on up to take greater action to solve the climate crisis.
With a mix of speeches and chants, the students hope that their message is getting across to decision-makers under the dome in Springfield and in Washington, D.C. ″... today is not a day off, it is a day on,” said Francesca Butler, a junior at UIS and the event’s organizer. “We didn’t decide to blow classes for the hell of it, we do plenty of that. Today is not a day where we lay in bed and wish that some talking head would do something about deforestation in the Amazon. Today, we recognize that we are powerful in numbers. Today, we realize that when we band together as a local, national and global community, we can work together and demand real change.”
The protesters said these changes need to be both small-scale — something as simple as consuming less red meat to cut methane emissions — and systemic — several made the pitch for Illinois lawmakers to pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act, which would put the state on the path to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 20, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Cross Country: UIS sweeps GLVC cross country awards
The Great Lakes Valley Conference named a pair of cross country runners from the University of Illinois Springfield as its weekly award winners.
Blake Jones was named the GLVC Men’s Runner of the Week after a 13th-place finish at the Michigan State Spartan Invitational on Friday, Sept. 13.
Taryn Christy was the GLVC Women’s Runner of the Week following an 11th-place finish at the same meet.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 18, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Blake Jones was named the GLVC Men’s Runner of the Week after a 13th-place finish at the Michigan State Spartan Invitational on Friday, Sept. 13.
Taryn Christy was the GLVC Women’s Runner of the Week following an 11th-place finish at the same meet.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 18, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Men's Golf: UIS men’s golf places fifth at tourney
The University of Illinois Springfield men’s golf team slipped two spots in the standings after Day 1 and ended up with a fifth-place finish on Tuesday in the Dan Salisbury Memorial Tournament at The Rail Golf Course.
UIS came into the final round in third place after shooting a team score of 291 on Monday.
But the Prairie Stars shot a 305 on Tuesday and finished the meet with a 596.
Sebastian Trujillo and Daniel Miller led UIS with a two-day total of 149 and a tie for 18th place. Maxwell Schmidtke was one of four UIS golfers that shot individually, and he finished with a 1-under 143, good for ninth-place.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 17, 2019.
Read the entire story online.
UIS came into the final round in third place after shooting a team score of 291 on Monday.
But the Prairie Stars shot a 305 on Tuesday and finished the meet with a 596.
Sebastian Trujillo and Daniel Miller led UIS with a two-day total of 149 and a tie for 18th place. Maxwell Schmidtke was one of four UIS golfers that shot individually, and he finished with a 1-under 143, good for ninth-place.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 17, 2019.
Read the entire story online.
Examining ways to improve enrollment
One U of I campus is seeing a record-number of freshmen but their overall enrollment fell from last year.
Leaders in admissions said they are pleased with the record breaking number of freshmen.
Now, they want to work on retaining the transfer and graduate students. They said their campus is seeing a decline in part-time students.
The 373 new freshmen could not make up for the departure of hundreds of graduate and part-time students who did not return.
The number of full-time undergraduate students did not change.
The school was recently named one of the most ethnically diverse campuses.
Despite all of the positive news changes in their student population, enrollment managers acknowledge there is work to be done. “We’re making partnerships with community colleges, we are attending more graduate school fairs, we are trying to create strategic enrollment plans for the entire university for all of our students,” said Associate Provost of Enrollment Management Natalie Herring.
This story aired on WCIA on September 17, 2019.
Watch the entire story online.
Leaders in admissions said they are pleased with the record breaking number of freshmen.
Now, they want to work on retaining the transfer and graduate students. They said their campus is seeing a decline in part-time students.
The 373 new freshmen could not make up for the departure of hundreds of graduate and part-time students who did not return.
The number of full-time undergraduate students did not change.
The school was recently named one of the most ethnically diverse campuses.
Despite all of the positive news changes in their student population, enrollment managers acknowledge there is work to be done. “We’re making partnerships with community colleges, we are attending more graduate school fairs, we are trying to create strategic enrollment plans for the entire university for all of our students,” said Associate Provost of Enrollment Management Natalie Herring.
This story aired on WCIA on September 17, 2019.
Watch the entire story online.
Monday, September 16, 2019
Cross Country: Jones, McIntyre help Stars at Michigan State
The University of Illinois Springfield men’s cross country team finished with 191 points and placed seventh in the 23-team Michigan State Spartan Invitational meet.
Blake Jones led UIS with a time of 25:25.8, finishing in 13th place. Athens native Wyatt McIntyre finished 52nd with a time of 26:11.5 on the 8,000 meter course.
The UIS women’s team, also at Michigan State, finished 11th out of 26 teams with a score of 312.
Taryn Christy led the Prairie Stars with an 11th-place finish, running a time of 21:53.9 on the 6,000 meter course. Her time was second among the NCAA Division II runners.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 13, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Blake Jones led UIS with a time of 25:25.8, finishing in 13th place. Athens native Wyatt McIntyre finished 52nd with a time of 26:11.5 on the 8,000 meter course.
The UIS women’s team, also at Michigan State, finished 11th out of 26 teams with a score of 312.
Taryn Christy led the Prairie Stars with an 11th-place finish, running a time of 21:53.9 on the 6,000 meter course. Her time was second among the NCAA Division II runners.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 13, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Women's Volleyball: Stars sweep matches in Indy
The Prairie Stars closed out the two-day tournament hosted by the University of Indianapolis with straight set wins over Davenport and Minnesota State-Moorhead to give the University of Illinois Springfield a 3-1 record overall, tied for best record in the tournament.
The Prairie Stars turned up the defense late, forcing Davenport to a hitting percentage under .100.
Hannah Nicolaisen led UIS with 15 kills. Becca Blakeley had 34 assists for the Stars.
In the second match the Stars won 25-19, 25-21, 25-14 over MSU Moorhead.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 14, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
The Prairie Stars turned up the defense late, forcing Davenport to a hitting percentage under .100.
Hannah Nicolaisen led UIS with 15 kills. Becca Blakeley had 34 assists for the Stars.
In the second match the Stars won 25-19, 25-21, 25-14 over MSU Moorhead.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 14, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Women's Soccer: UIS shuts out Lewis in GLVC opener
Maggie Juhlin converted the game’s only goal on a penalty kick to give University of Illinois Springfield the 1-0 victory over Lewis University on Sunday.
Bailey Cross got the shutout in goal for UIS (2-1-0), with two saves in the Great Lakes Valley Conference opener.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 15, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Bailey Cross got the shutout in goal for UIS (2-1-0), with two saves in the Great Lakes Valley Conference opener.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 15, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
UIS incoming freshman class makes history, total enrollment drops
The incoming freshman class at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) is making school history.
UIS reports freshman enrollment grew by more than 18%.
The total number of first-year students stands at 373, compared to 316 last fall semester, making it the largest incoming freshman class in school history.
“We are pleased to see the substantial increase in the size of our freshman class again this year,” said UIS Chancellor Susan Koch. “It affirms that an increasing number of prospective students and their families are choosing UIS for a student-centered undergrad experience - an experience that provides uniquely personalized educational opportunities that prepare our graduates for success in their careers and their communities.”
While it's good news for the incoming freshman class, total enrollment is a different matter.
The total number of students enrolled at UIS dropped this year. There were 300 fewer part-time students enrolled this semester. The total number of students enrolled in fall classes at UIS stands at 4,275 compared to 4,575 students in fall 2018.
Earlier this week, U.S. News & World Report announced UIS was ranked the fourth-best public university in the Midwest Regional category and the top public regional university in Illinois in the 2020 rankings. UIS was also ranked as one of the best ethnically diverse campuses in the Midwest category.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on September 12, 2019.
Watch the story online.
UIS reports freshman enrollment grew by more than 18%.
The total number of first-year students stands at 373, compared to 316 last fall semester, making it the largest incoming freshman class in school history.
“We are pleased to see the substantial increase in the size of our freshman class again this year,” said UIS Chancellor Susan Koch. “It affirms that an increasing number of prospective students and their families are choosing UIS for a student-centered undergrad experience - an experience that provides uniquely personalized educational opportunities that prepare our graduates for success in their careers and their communities.”
While it's good news for the incoming freshman class, total enrollment is a different matter.
The total number of students enrolled at UIS dropped this year. There were 300 fewer part-time students enrolled this semester. The total number of students enrolled in fall classes at UIS stands at 4,275 compared to 4,575 students in fall 2018.
Earlier this week, U.S. News & World Report announced UIS was ranked the fourth-best public university in the Midwest Regional category and the top public regional university in Illinois in the 2020 rankings. UIS was also ranked as one of the best ethnically diverse campuses in the Midwest category.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on September 12, 2019.
Watch the story online.
Friday, September 13, 2019
UIS and Central Illinois Foodbank partner for Hunger Action Day
The Central Illinois Foodbank was at the University of Illinois Springfield's Hunger Action Day.
The foodbank talked to students and faculty about resources in the community. Some of the resources include UIS Cares - an on-campus food pantry.
"We know that students and faculty alike in our area may be facing food insecurity, so it's a good opportunity for us to engage with those groups and make sure they realize there are resources in the community," Ashley Earnest, of the Central Illinois Foodbank said.
Hunger Action Day is a nationwide effort for foodbanks and for people to realize that food insecurity is an issue in every county in the country.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on September 12, 2019.
Watch the story online.
The foodbank talked to students and faculty about resources in the community. Some of the resources include UIS Cares - an on-campus food pantry.
"We know that students and faculty alike in our area may be facing food insecurity, so it's a good opportunity for us to engage with those groups and make sure they realize there are resources in the community," Ashley Earnest, of the Central Illinois Foodbank said.
Hunger Action Day is a nationwide effort for foodbanks and for people to realize that food insecurity is an issue in every county in the country.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on September 12, 2019.
Watch the story online.
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
Susan Koch: Fundraising underway for much-needed renovations for UIS Observatory
The following is an excerpt from a column by University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Susan Koch. This column appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 7, 2019.
Since the University of Illinois Springfield was created nearly 50 years ago, engagement with the community has been central to its mission. That commitment continues to provide countless ways for area residents from preschoolers to seniors to learn, grow and enjoy by engaging in a variety of events and activities across the university calendar.
One of the most popular outreach activities of the University today is also one of the oldest. Star Parties, where visitors are invited to the UIS Observatory to view celestial objects and learn about science and astronomy, were started in 1977 by Professor Charlie Schweighauser, one of the early members of the then-Sangamon State University faculty.
“Everyone is intrigued by the sun, moon, planets and stars,” said Schweighauser (now retired), “and I saw astronomy as a gateway for making good science available to the public.”
The UIS Astronomy program possesses some of the finest equipment in the state, including a 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and four smaller telescopes located on the observation deck atop Brookens Library.
Since the late 1970s, thousands of people of all ages have come to the UIS Observatory for Star Parties, as well as for special astronomical events like lunar and solar eclipses and comets.
At a typical Star Party, visitors learn about galaxies as well as star and constellation identification.
Staff and trained volunteers then assist guests in using the telescopes — enabling stargazers to observe objects of interest in the night sky.
It’s not unusual for the program to host 50 to 100 participants on a clear night.
There are even Star Parties for people with disabilities that feature the first telescope ever designed for wheelchair access.
Professor John Martin, who grew up in the Washington, D.C., area, has provided leadership for the Astronomy program since 2006.
“Starting my freshman year at UVA,” Martin said, “I would hang out during public viewings at the UVA Observatory — taking measurements and having fun. They eventually asked me to help out, and I worked there for four years. That was my Friday nights!”
After more than 40 years of Star Parties, fundraising is now underway for much-needed renovations of the UIS Observatory, including redesign and replacement of the original deck with composite material, improved accessibility for people of all abilities and re-imagining the telescope enclosure for more efficient use.
“It has been a joy helping kids look through our telescopes week after week, always with a fresh set of questions,” Martin said. “With these much-needed renovations, we’ll be able to satisfy the curiosity of stargazers young and old for the next 40 years and beyond.”
Read the entire column online.
Since the University of Illinois Springfield was created nearly 50 years ago, engagement with the community has been central to its mission. That commitment continues to provide countless ways for area residents from preschoolers to seniors to learn, grow and enjoy by engaging in a variety of events and activities across the university calendar.
One of the most popular outreach activities of the University today is also one of the oldest. Star Parties, where visitors are invited to the UIS Observatory to view celestial objects and learn about science and astronomy, were started in 1977 by Professor Charlie Schweighauser, one of the early members of the then-Sangamon State University faculty.
“Everyone is intrigued by the sun, moon, planets and stars,” said Schweighauser (now retired), “and I saw astronomy as a gateway for making good science available to the public.”
The UIS Astronomy program possesses some of the finest equipment in the state, including a 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and four smaller telescopes located on the observation deck atop Brookens Library.
Since the late 1970s, thousands of people of all ages have come to the UIS Observatory for Star Parties, as well as for special astronomical events like lunar and solar eclipses and comets.
At a typical Star Party, visitors learn about galaxies as well as star and constellation identification.
Staff and trained volunteers then assist guests in using the telescopes — enabling stargazers to observe objects of interest in the night sky.
It’s not unusual for the program to host 50 to 100 participants on a clear night.
There are even Star Parties for people with disabilities that feature the first telescope ever designed for wheelchair access.
Professor John Martin, who grew up in the Washington, D.C., area, has provided leadership for the Astronomy program since 2006.
“Starting my freshman year at UVA,” Martin said, “I would hang out during public viewings at the UVA Observatory — taking measurements and having fun. They eventually asked me to help out, and I worked there for four years. That was my Friday nights!”
After more than 40 years of Star Parties, fundraising is now underway for much-needed renovations of the UIS Observatory, including redesign and replacement of the original deck with composite material, improved accessibility for people of all abilities and re-imagining the telescope enclosure for more efficient use.
“It has been a joy helping kids look through our telescopes week after week, always with a fresh set of questions,” Martin said. “With these much-needed renovations, we’ll be able to satisfy the curiosity of stargazers young and old for the next 40 years and beyond.”
Read the entire column online.
UIS students remember victims of September 11th attack
Students at the University of Illinois Springfield remembered the lives lost during September 11, 2001.
Hundreds of flags were placed around campus.
The student organizer said the goal was to raise awareness about a tragedy that happened before they were born and wanted to make sure students don't forget about it.
"We need to look past our differences in our culture, we need to look past our differences and really just see this is something as all Americans, we can come together and honor people who have lost their lives," President of College Republicans Andrew Cunningham said.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on September 11, 2019.
Watch the story online.
Hundreds of flags were placed around campus.
The student organizer said the goal was to raise awareness about a tragedy that happened before they were born and wanted to make sure students don't forget about it.
"We need to look past our differences in our culture, we need to look past our differences and really just see this is something as all Americans, we can come together and honor people who have lost their lives," President of College Republicans Andrew Cunningham said.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on September 11, 2019.
Watch the story online.
UIS ranked best public regional university in Midwest
The University of Illinois Springfield has been ranked the fourth best public regional university in the midwest.
UIS moved up three spots from last year's rankings. It's also ranked as one of the best ethnically diverse campuses in the midwest.
"It's a real point of pride for us. We are very happy to have moved up in the rankings. It signals that families and prospective students are making a really good choice when they choose to learn more, apply, and enroll at the University of Illinois Springfield," said Provost of Management, Natalie Herring.
Herring also says there are lots of student grant opportunities. And the school will be able to provide for students who deserve scholarships.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on September 9, 2019.
Watch the story online.
UIS moved up three spots from last year's rankings. It's also ranked as one of the best ethnically diverse campuses in the midwest.
"It's a real point of pride for us. We are very happy to have moved up in the rankings. It signals that families and prospective students are making a really good choice when they choose to learn more, apply, and enroll at the University of Illinois Springfield," said Provost of Management, Natalie Herring.
Herring also says there are lots of student grant opportunities. And the school will be able to provide for students who deserve scholarships.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on September 9, 2019.
Watch the story online.
Monday, September 9, 2019
Annual 5K at UIS gives back to local charity
The University of Illinois Springfield hosted their 4th annual UIS Prairie Star 5k walk/run.
Money raised goes towards the Triple Heart Foundation, a non-profit founded by our very own Stacey Skrysak and her husband Ryan.
Director of Campus Recreation, James Koeppe, said it's a great way to give back to the community while getting students involved.
"We do it for several reasons, one it's just to welcome our students back, welcome the upper class back, as well as welcome our new students," said Koeppe. "But also as a community event, we have a lot of community runners as well as our students and our faculty and staff."
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on September 7, 2019.
Watch the story online.
Director of Campus Recreation, James Koeppe, said it's a great way to give back to the community while getting students involved.
"We do it for several reasons, one it's just to welcome our students back, welcome the upper class back, as well as welcome our new students," said Koeppe. "But also as a community event, we have a lot of community runners as well as our students and our faculty and staff."
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on September 7, 2019.
Watch the story online.
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
UIS students take part in Welcome Week Service-a-Thon
University of Illinois Springfield students are volunteering as the school year gets underway.
The annual Welcome Week Service-a-Thon has students serving at seven Springfield locations.
The event encourages students to place community first by starting the school year with service to others.
The day of service ran from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.
Locations where students volunteered included Concordia Village, the Habitat for Humanity and the UIS Community Garden.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on August 30, 2019.
Watch the story online.
The annual Welcome Week Service-a-Thon has students serving at seven Springfield locations.
The event encourages students to place community first by starting the school year with service to others.
The day of service ran from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.
Locations where students volunteered included Concordia Village, the Habitat for Humanity and the UIS Community Garden.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on August 30, 2019.
Watch the story online.
Downtown shuttle bus for UIS students to return
Going out downtown on Saturday nights just got a bit easier for University of Illinois Springfield students with the return of a free shuttle bus to and from campus.
The service, sponsored by the UIS Student Government Association, will begin Sept. 7 and run nonstop between the UIS Student Union and downtown every Saturday night from 11 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.The plan is to have the shuttle run through mid-November, ending just before Thanksgiving.
“We have other transportation in order right now ... but we didn’t have transportation for students to go downtown on the weekend,”Ben Paoletti said. “So there was an apparent need for this. And what I saw often was that students would go downtown and would have to pay for Uber or Lyft or, even worse, they would drink and drive.” “So, as president SGA, I saw that there was a need for there to be a shuttle for students, free of charge, so that they could go downtown, they could enjoy downtown, but also be able to get there back and forth safely,” he said.
The 16-person shuttle, provided by Springfield-based Gracious Cab Company, will cost the student association about $1,500 for the semester, Paoletti said. As a pilot program, the shuttle is only guaranteed through this semester, with the student organization seeking sponsorships from downtown bars and restaurants to ensure that it continues beyond.
This article appeared in The State Journal-Register on August 30, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
The service, sponsored by the UIS Student Government Association, will begin Sept. 7 and run nonstop between the UIS Student Union and downtown every Saturday night from 11 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.The plan is to have the shuttle run through mid-November, ending just before Thanksgiving.
“We have other transportation in order right now ... but we didn’t have transportation for students to go downtown on the weekend,”Ben Paoletti said. “So there was an apparent need for this. And what I saw often was that students would go downtown and would have to pay for Uber or Lyft or, even worse, they would drink and drive.” “So, as president SGA, I saw that there was a need for there to be a shuttle for students, free of charge, so that they could go downtown, they could enjoy downtown, but also be able to get there back and forth safely,” he said.
The 16-person shuttle, provided by Springfield-based Gracious Cab Company, will cost the student association about $1,500 for the semester, Paoletti said. As a pilot program, the shuttle is only guaranteed through this semester, with the student organization seeking sponsorships from downtown bars and restaurants to ensure that it continues beyond.
This article appeared in The State Journal-Register on August 30, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Monday, August 26, 2019
New Lab Trains Welfare Workers Who Probe Child Abuse Claims
The troubling scene inside the dingy Chicago apartment seems real: dangling exposed wires, open pill bottles near a sleeping baby and a kitchen strewn with dog feces and cockroaches.
But the mock apartment — with a lifelike infant doll, candles emitting foul smells and plastic insects — is part of a new simulation lab to train workers who investigate child abuse claims across Illinois.
"Sometimes textbooks, they sugarcoat things. Teachers sugarcoat things, but this is real life," said Beth Brown of Murphysboro, who recently trained at the so-called "dirty apartment." ''This is what you're going to experience."
Illinois' use of such experiential training focused on child welfare workers is being held up by experts as a national leader as the state plans to expand with a third simulation lab and its university experts write new research on the topic.
The use of simulation training isn't unusual for first-responders: Many medical schools have opened multimillion-dollar facilities. However, it's a newer concept in child welfare, said Victor Vieth, a longtime expert who has trained child protective workers nationwide.
The first child welfare simulation labs emerged roughly 15 years ago at universities.
The first lab opened in 2016 inside a home on the University of Illinois Springfield campus that was a gift.
Some experts suggest the simulation training could help, particularly with burnout. Illinois researchers are studying data from the centers.
UIS professor Betsy Goulet, who helped design the centers, said early signs suggest trainees are less likely to leave.
For Brown, 40, the simulations are refreshing after the classroom. "It's not something that a teacher can tell you what to do," she said. "This is something you need to experience in order to get better and understand the job."
This article appeared in U.S. News & World Report on August 23, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
"Sometimes textbooks, they sugarcoat things. Teachers sugarcoat things, but this is real life," said Beth Brown of Murphysboro, who recently trained at the so-called "dirty apartment." ''This is what you're going to experience."
Illinois' use of such experiential training focused on child welfare workers is being held up by experts as a national leader as the state plans to expand with a third simulation lab and its university experts write new research on the topic.
The use of simulation training isn't unusual for first-responders: Many medical schools have opened multimillion-dollar facilities. However, it's a newer concept in child welfare, said Victor Vieth, a longtime expert who has trained child protective workers nationwide.
The first child welfare simulation labs emerged roughly 15 years ago at universities.
The first lab opened in 2016 inside a home on the University of Illinois Springfield campus that was a gift.
Some experts suggest the simulation training could help, particularly with burnout. Illinois researchers are studying data from the centers.
UIS professor Betsy Goulet, who helped design the centers, said early signs suggest trainees are less likely to leave.
For Brown, 40, the simulations are refreshing after the classroom. "It's not something that a teacher can tell you what to do," she said. "This is something you need to experience in order to get better and understand the job."
This article appeared in U.S. News & World Report on August 23, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Pence, Zimmerman take Abe’s Amble victories
Springfield’s Tyler Pence won his fourth straight overall men’s title in record fashion, while Petersburg’s Emily Zimmerman won her first women’s championship in the 42nd annual Abe’s Amble 10-kilometer road race on Sunday morning at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
Pence, preparing for his first year as head track and cross country coach at the University of Illinois Springfield, took the men’s race in a course-record 31 minutes 25.7 seconds on Sunday.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on August 18, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Pence, preparing for his first year as head track and cross country coach at the University of Illinois Springfield, took the men’s race in a course-record 31 minutes 25.7 seconds on Sunday.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on August 18, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
UIS students met with rainy welcome back to school
Incoming freshmen at the University of Illinois Springfield had a very rainy welcome to campus on Tuesday.
Tuesday was move-in day for the University of Illinois Springfield but it wasn't the move-in day they were expecting.
Torrential rain and weather conditions made this a difficult time, but students say that it was the hard work of the volunteer that got them through.
"They came out, helped me get all my stuff out of the car, got it in a cart, pushed it out for me in the rain while getting drenched," UIS student Jalen Walsh said.
Around 125 volunteers helped over 300 incoming freshmen get all moved into their dorms.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on August 20, 2019.
Watch the entire story online.
Tuesday was move-in day for the University of Illinois Springfield but it wasn't the move-in day they were expecting.
Torrential rain and weather conditions made this a difficult time, but students say that it was the hard work of the volunteer that got them through.
"They came out, helped me get all my stuff out of the car, got it in a cart, pushed it out for me in the rain while getting drenched," UIS student Jalen Walsh said.
Around 125 volunteers helped over 300 incoming freshmen get all moved into their dorms.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on August 20, 2019.
Watch the entire story online.
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
University offers training for frontline workers
The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has come under intense scrutiny this year, after several children who had cases with them died.
WCIA went to the Child Protection Training Academy at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) where they train case workers and investigators to better spot and report kids who might be in danger.
The training model called Project Forecast walks the workers through real-life scenarios, showing them how to keep children in Illinois safe.
“Other industries use simulation as a way to get a sense of what to expect when you do this job. But child welfare really didn’t have that kind of realism or those kinds of environments,” said Betsy Goulet, Child Advocacy Studies coordinator at UIS.
The program features encounters with at-risk children different environments to show the frontline workers the proper way to respond.
More than 700 caseworkers have been trained by the academy since 2015.
We watched trainees walk through an experience with a traumatized toddler at a hospital. Organizers said adding scenarios in an actual medical setting makes a big difference.
“Understanding the dialogue you have to have between the medical provider when you are getting information in an ER setting, you can imagine what kind of chaos and constant distractions in an ER, you have to find the right way to communicate,” Goulet said.
The training is made possible through a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) federal grant. All three U of I campuses collaborated to teach workers in their first statewide project.
This story aired on WCIA Channel 3 on August 9, 2019.
Read the entire story online.
WCIA went to the Child Protection Training Academy at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) where they train case workers and investigators to better spot and report kids who might be in danger.
The training model called Project Forecast walks the workers through real-life scenarios, showing them how to keep children in Illinois safe.
“Other industries use simulation as a way to get a sense of what to expect when you do this job. But child welfare really didn’t have that kind of realism or those kinds of environments,” said Betsy Goulet, Child Advocacy Studies coordinator at UIS.
The program features encounters with at-risk children different environments to show the frontline workers the proper way to respond.
More than 700 caseworkers have been trained by the academy since 2015.
We watched trainees walk through an experience with a traumatized toddler at a hospital. Organizers said adding scenarios in an actual medical setting makes a big difference.
“Understanding the dialogue you have to have between the medical provider when you are getting information in an ER setting, you can imagine what kind of chaos and constant distractions in an ER, you have to find the right way to communicate,” Goulet said.
The training is made possible through a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) federal grant. All three U of I campuses collaborated to teach workers in their first statewide project.
This story aired on WCIA Channel 3 on August 9, 2019.
Read the entire story online.
Monday, August 5, 2019
Susan Koch: UIS employees’ lives in the community
The following is an excerpt from a column by University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Susan Koch. This column appeared in The State Journal-Register on August 3, 2019.
Each of the more than a thousand faculty and staff at the University of Illinois Springfield contributes in myriad ways to providing pathways of opportunity for students that prepare them for success. But as musical artist Dolly Parton once said: “You should never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.“
As Chancellor of UIS, I’ve found it fascinating to discover the many ways valued employees “make a life” outside their work.
This UIS Perspectives column provides a glimpse into some of their stories.
The performing arts is a passion for many UIS employees including Linda Schneider and Steve Marvel. Schneider, whose day job is office administrator in Academic Affairs, has been involved in community theater for many years — combining her acting talent with her love of history. Schneider has portrayed many historical figures including Nellie Grant Jones (daughter of Ulysses S. Grant) for the annual Oak Ridge Cemetery Walk sponsored by the Sangamon County Historical Society. “My most memorable experience thus far,” says Schneider, “was portraying Mary Lincoln for an appearance on Conan O’Brien’s late night talk show.”
In his off hours, Marvel is rocking out as keyboardist and vocalist with “Off the Wall,” one of the most popular pop/rock bands in Central Illinois.
Not many can claim to have a national champion in the family — but Doug Brackney, administrative aide in the UIS Career Development Center, has several! Brackney has been showing champion Persian cats for more than 20 years. His silver Persian named Romeo is not only a national champion but has also been “spokes-cat” for Royal Canine Persian cat food — landing him and his human companions an all-expense paid trip to New York City that included a limousine, a stay in a posh Madison Avenue hotel and a photo shoot with international fashion photographer Platan.
It is a privilege to work with so many talented and dedicated faculty and staff every day at UIS. With their many contributions both on campus and off, they’re not just making a living. They’re making a difference ... and making a life.
Read the entire column online.
Each of the more than a thousand faculty and staff at the University of Illinois Springfield contributes in myriad ways to providing pathways of opportunity for students that prepare them for success. But as musical artist Dolly Parton once said: “You should never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.“
As Chancellor of UIS, I’ve found it fascinating to discover the many ways valued employees “make a life” outside their work.
This UIS Perspectives column provides a glimpse into some of their stories.
The performing arts is a passion for many UIS employees including Linda Schneider and Steve Marvel. Schneider, whose day job is office administrator in Academic Affairs, has been involved in community theater for many years — combining her acting talent with her love of history. Schneider has portrayed many historical figures including Nellie Grant Jones (daughter of Ulysses S. Grant) for the annual Oak Ridge Cemetery Walk sponsored by the Sangamon County Historical Society. “My most memorable experience thus far,” says Schneider, “was portraying Mary Lincoln for an appearance on Conan O’Brien’s late night talk show.”
In his off hours, Marvel is rocking out as keyboardist and vocalist with “Off the Wall,” one of the most popular pop/rock bands in Central Illinois.
Not many can claim to have a national champion in the family — but Doug Brackney, administrative aide in the UIS Career Development Center, has several! Brackney has been showing champion Persian cats for more than 20 years. His silver Persian named Romeo is not only a national champion but has also been “spokes-cat” for Royal Canine Persian cat food — landing him and his human companions an all-expense paid trip to New York City that included a limousine, a stay in a posh Madison Avenue hotel and a photo shoot with international fashion photographer Platan.
It is a privilege to work with so many talented and dedicated faculty and staff every day at UIS. With their many contributions both on campus and off, they’re not just making a living. They’re making a difference ... and making a life.
Read the entire column online.
Thursday, August 1, 2019
Proposed ordinance declares city's 'full support' for downtown university presence
While long considered the most logical site for a downtown university
presence, city officials made it clear Tuesday that the city-owned
Y-block is just one option on the table.
An ordinance declaring the city’s support for an effort to bring a university presence to downtown Springfield sailed through the city council’s Committee of the Whole Tuesday evening, but not before adopting an amendment that significantly broadened the language to be less site-specific.
“The other way it was written, it was a little Y-block-heavy, so to speak,” said Mayor Jim Langfelder. “And really, the intent is to just support the university developments downtown that could be.”
According to the proposed ordinance, “the city of Springfield is in full support of” a proposed downtown development that would be shared by the University of Illinois Springfield and Southern Illinois University.
The original ordinance was site-specific, leaning heavily on the Y-block site as a future location for the proposed campus. But Langfelder said the change in language was prompted by a meeting with state Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, and officials from UIS and SIU, who sought not to limit themselves to the constraints of a one city block.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on July 31, 2019.
Read the entire story online.
An ordinance declaring the city’s support for an effort to bring a university presence to downtown Springfield sailed through the city council’s Committee of the Whole Tuesday evening, but not before adopting an amendment that significantly broadened the language to be less site-specific.
“The other way it was written, it was a little Y-block-heavy, so to speak,” said Mayor Jim Langfelder. “And really, the intent is to just support the university developments downtown that could be.”
According to the proposed ordinance, “the city of Springfield is in full support of” a proposed downtown development that would be shared by the University of Illinois Springfield and Southern Illinois University.
The original ordinance was site-specific, leaning heavily on the Y-block site as a future location for the proposed campus. But Langfelder said the change in language was prompted by a meeting with state Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, and officials from UIS and SIU, who sought not to limit themselves to the constraints of a one city block.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on July 31, 2019.
Read the entire story online.
Monday, July 29, 2019
Quantum Computing at the University of Illinois Springfield
Quantum computing was once the sole purview of science fiction writers. Today, however, it’s fast becoming a reality that higher education can get on board with.
Ray Schroeder, Associate Vice Chancellor of Online Learning at the University of Illinois Springfield and Founding Director of the National Council for Online Education, joined the Enrollment Growth University podcast to discuss what the advent of quantum computing means for higher education.
What Is Quantum Computing? “Shohini Ghose has a quote that I just love,” Ray said. ‘If you’re confused about the quantum computer, don’t worry, that means you’re getting it.” Even Einstein called quantum computing spooky.
We’re accustomed to computing in binary digits, bits, ones, and zeros. That’s the way in which we do all of our coding and all our computing. Quantum computing, however, uses cubits, which are quantum bits.
The difference between binary bits and cubits is that cubits can represent one or zero, but they can also can represented as one and zero. In some cases, there can also be a direction or phase quantity added to that. “So there are multiple states for every cubit,” Ray said, “whereas, for every bit, there’s just a zero or one.
And usually, these are held on photons or electrons or some other subatomic particle or wave.” You can call them either a wave or a particle because they behave both as waves and as particles.
So with a cubit, we can do much more because we’ve got three or four different representations for every cubit. That allows us to process information much, much faster. In fact, in a quantum computer, works about 10,000 times faster than the standard supercomputer today.
This article appeared on www.helixeducation.com on July 26, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Ray Schroeder, Associate Vice Chancellor of Online Learning at the University of Illinois Springfield and Founding Director of the National Council for Online Education, joined the Enrollment Growth University podcast to discuss what the advent of quantum computing means for higher education.
What Is Quantum Computing? “Shohini Ghose has a quote that I just love,” Ray said. ‘If you’re confused about the quantum computer, don’t worry, that means you’re getting it.” Even Einstein called quantum computing spooky.
We’re accustomed to computing in binary digits, bits, ones, and zeros. That’s the way in which we do all of our coding and all our computing. Quantum computing, however, uses cubits, which are quantum bits.
The difference between binary bits and cubits is that cubits can represent one or zero, but they can also can represented as one and zero. In some cases, there can also be a direction or phase quantity added to that. “So there are multiple states for every cubit,” Ray said, “whereas, for every bit, there’s just a zero or one.
And usually, these are held on photons or electrons or some other subatomic particle or wave.” You can call them either a wave or a particle because they behave both as waves and as particles.
So with a cubit, we can do much more because we’ve got three or four different representations for every cubit. That allows us to process information much, much faster. In fact, in a quantum computer, works about 10,000 times faster than the standard supercomputer today.
This article appeared on www.helixeducation.com on July 26, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Sharon Graf, UIS ethnomusicology professor
Why you should know her:
Sharon Graf, an associate professor of ethnomusicology at the University of Illinois Springfield, a musician, and a sailor, took a 15-month sea voyage to study the music, culture, and language of the Pacific Islands in 2010. She and her husband sailed there from Alton, Illinois on their 42-foot yacht, the Larabeck.
What is ethnomusicology? “The study of people making music. It encompasses a global perspective, so we look at people making music around the world.” She studied anthropology and music in college.
Why did you go to the Pacific Islands? “I had a very special opportunity because my husband, Michael Graf, wanted to go on a sailing trip. It wouldn’t have been possible without his interest and expertise. I wanted to visit and learn more about the world and other cultures.”
What did you learn about music in these cultures? “People in the Polynesian triangle were pioneers of sailing and populated all these islands, and their languages and musical customs are related. I find that really fascinating. It was interesting to go from island to island, to see the linguistics part of it, the ways their greetings were different but very related. The same with musical customs.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on July 29, 2019.
Read the entire story online.
What is ethnomusicology? “The study of people making music. It encompasses a global perspective, so we look at people making music around the world.” She studied anthropology and music in college.
Why did you go to the Pacific Islands? “I had a very special opportunity because my husband, Michael Graf, wanted to go on a sailing trip. It wouldn’t have been possible without his interest and expertise. I wanted to visit and learn more about the world and other cultures.”
What did you learn about music in these cultures? “People in the Polynesian triangle were pioneers of sailing and populated all these islands, and their languages and musical customs are related. I find that really fascinating. It was interesting to go from island to island, to see the linguistics part of it, the ways their greetings were different but very related. The same with musical customs.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on July 29, 2019.
Read the entire story online.
Thursday, July 25, 2019
UIS may soon have a presence on the Y-Block
The University of Illinois Springfield may soon have a presence downtown on the Y-Block.
It's the first move we're seeing there in nearly two years.
They are hoping the university will have a positive impact on the economic development in the community and that by putting a building there, it will look to create a positive impact.
Mayor Jim Langfelder said whatever goes on this land needs to help all of downtown.
"You can't just look at the block itself. It's really, how's that one piece impact other pieces downtown and it all comes down to financial resources and that's one of the key components - what's in the best interest for that area but also how's that a domino impact on the block surrounding it."
UIS also said in its statement that one of its goals, if the building is approved, is to collaborate with community partners, such as the SIU School of Medicine.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on July 24, 2019.
Watch the entire story online.
They are hoping the university will have a positive impact on the economic development in the community and that by putting a building there, it will look to create a positive impact.
Mayor Jim Langfelder said whatever goes on this land needs to help all of downtown.
"You can't just look at the block itself. It's really, how's that one piece impact other pieces downtown and it all comes down to financial resources and that's one of the key components - what's in the best interest for that area but also how's that a domino impact on the block surrounding it."
UIS also said in its statement that one of its goals, if the building is approved, is to collaborate with community partners, such as the SIU School of Medicine.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on July 24, 2019.
Watch the entire story online.
Monday, July 22, 2019
SIU, UIS, Sangamon County pushing for downtown Springfield ‘mini-campus’
A broad coalition is forming to push for state funding for a joint campus in downtown Springfield, to be shared by the University of Illinois Springfield and Southern Illinois University.
On July 9, Andy Manar hosted a meeting among leaders of SIU, UIS, the University of Illinois, Sangamon County, the City of Springfield and other stakeholders.
“We put several opportunities on the table — what would go in this building and on this campus, including initiatives related to medicine and law, social service, management of governmental intern positions, public health and policy, and so on,” said SIU Interim President J. Kevin Dorsey. “Collaboration between SIU, the School of Medicine and UIS was seen as critical.”
The Springfield university is already seeking to bolster its downtown presence via a new “Innovation Hub,” funded within the University of Illinois’s $500 million Discovery Partners Institute initiative.
“We’ve already engaged in conversations among community leaders to locate UIS’s Innovation Hub in the downtown area,” Van Meter said. “SIU has been a full partner in this process and we hope SIU will establish its own compatible programs in conjunction.”
As for SIU, the most frequently discussed possibility at Thursday’s board meeting was an extension of the Carbondale-based law school, to offer classes, support to law students interning in the capitol, and continuing education for legal professionals. Ultimately, SIU Board Chair J. Phil Gilbert said he’d like to see a satellite law program in Springfield offering a Juris Doctor degree.
“Having a medical footprint and a law footprint here in Springfield is pretty powerful,” he said. And with SIU leaders stressing they don’t intend to duplicate UIS programs, the Springfield school appears enthusiastic about collaboration.
This article appeared in The Southern Illinoisan on July 18, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
On July 9, Andy Manar hosted a meeting among leaders of SIU, UIS, the University of Illinois, Sangamon County, the City of Springfield and other stakeholders.
“We put several opportunities on the table — what would go in this building and on this campus, including initiatives related to medicine and law, social service, management of governmental intern positions, public health and policy, and so on,” said SIU Interim President J. Kevin Dorsey. “Collaboration between SIU, the School of Medicine and UIS was seen as critical.”
The Springfield university is already seeking to bolster its downtown presence via a new “Innovation Hub,” funded within the University of Illinois’s $500 million Discovery Partners Institute initiative.
“We’ve already engaged in conversations among community leaders to locate UIS’s Innovation Hub in the downtown area,” Van Meter said. “SIU has been a full partner in this process and we hope SIU will establish its own compatible programs in conjunction.”
As for SIU, the most frequently discussed possibility at Thursday’s board meeting was an extension of the Carbondale-based law school, to offer classes, support to law students interning in the capitol, and continuing education for legal professionals. Ultimately, SIU Board Chair J. Phil Gilbert said he’d like to see a satellite law program in Springfield offering a Juris Doctor degree.
“Having a medical footprint and a law footprint here in Springfield is pretty powerful,” he said. And with SIU leaders stressing they don’t intend to duplicate UIS programs, the Springfield school appears enthusiastic about collaboration.
This article appeared in The Southern Illinoisan on July 18, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Tuesday, July 9, 2019
Vince Gill performing at UIS Oct. 20
Country music star Vince Gill will perform at Sangamon Auditorium at the University of Illinois Springfield Oct. 20, UIS announced today.
Tickets go on sale Friday, July 12, at 10 a.m.
Gill has sold more than 26 million albums in more than 40 years in music and is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry.
This story appeared in The Lincoln Courier on July 8, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Tickets go on sale Friday, July 12, at 10 a.m.
Gill has sold more than 26 million albums in more than 40 years in music and is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry.
This story appeared in The Lincoln Courier on July 8, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
SJ-R vet to lead UIS PAR
People who know Charlie Wheeler will tell you he can’t be replaced.
But, now that Wheeler’s retiring, the University of Illinois Springfield has hired someone to run the public affairs reporting program.
It’s Jason Piscia, digital managing editor at the State Journal Register.
Piscia is a 1998 graduate of the program.
The program, featuring a working internship in a news bureau at the Capitol, has sent hundreds of reporters into the world.
This story aired on WTAX Radio on July 9, 2019.
Read the entire story online.
But, now that Wheeler’s retiring, the University of Illinois Springfield has hired someone to run the public affairs reporting program.
It’s Jason Piscia, digital managing editor at the State Journal Register.
Piscia is a 1998 graduate of the program.
The program, featuring a working internship in a news bureau at the Capitol, has sent hundreds of reporters into the world.
This story aired on WTAX Radio on July 9, 2019.
Read the entire story online.
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