Monday, March 22, 2021

Women's Softball: UIS tallies two wins against Eagles

University of Illinois Springfield chalked up a couple of wins against Southern Indiana on Sunday, edging the Eagles 8-7 in Game 1 and dominating the second contest 10-2 in a Great Lakes Valley Conference doubleheader.

This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on March 21, 2021.

Men's Baseball: UIS sweeps doubleheader against Lewis

No. 14-ranked University of Illinois Springfield improved to 10-2 overall with two victories on Sunday at UIS Baseball Field, winning Game 1 by a score of 13-5 and the second game 10-8, over Great Lakes Valley Conference opponent Lewis University.

This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on March 21, 2021.

Thursday, March 18, 2021

WBCA names UIS assistant coach Kotas to its Thirty Under 30 list

University of Illinois Springfield women’s basketball assistant coach Jenna Kotas has been named one of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association’s Thirty Under 30 honorees, the organization announced on Wednesday.

“I am honored to be recognized by the WBCA and be named to the Thirty Under 30 class of 2021 with so many young, dedicated coaches,” Kotas said in a UIS press release. “It is a privilege to coach women's basketball, and mentor and impact student-athletes. I would like to thank those who nominated and voted for me for this award. A huge thank you to my family, mentors, peers, former coaches, current/former players, and also (head) coach (Casey) Thousand and (assistant) coach (Destiny) Ramsey for helping me grow as a coach and as an individual every single day.”

This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on March 17, 2021.

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

UIS graduates will have option of a 'stage experience' for commencement

Tasneem Shaik said her mother and father are coming from India for her graduation from the University of Illinois Springfield in May.

That experience will look a little different than past UIS graduations in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students like Shaik, who is getting her master's degree in computer science, are being given the option of having an in-person “stage experience” days before a May 15 virtual commencement celebration.

Students were informed of the plan last week.

UIS degree candidates who book the “stage experience” will be able to walk across the Sangamon Auditorium stage to be congratulated by UIS Interim Chancellor Karen Whitney and UIS Provost Dennis Papini, who will be wearing full academic regalia.

The stage will be set up like it usually is for graduation, said Joan Sestak, the director of community and governmental relations in the chancellor's office and a co-chair of the commencement committee.

Up to four guests per graduate will be allowed in the audience.

The "stage experience," which will last five to 10 minutes for each student, will be live-streamed on the UIS website for guests to watch, beyond the four who attend in person.

Whitney said the celebrations will allow UIS to continue to follow United in Safety protocols while celebrating graduates’ academic accomplishments. United in Safety is the campus' plan for safety expectations, testing protocols, teaching and learning strategies and efforts to promote and prioritize well-being.

“We all want to return to our large traditional commencement ceremony, but we must wait until it’s safe to do so,” Whitney said.

This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on March 15, 2021.

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Women's Basketball: UIS guards Ladowski, Jackson earn all-GLVC women's basketball honors

University of Illinois Springfield junior guard Lauren Ladowski moved up to the Great Lakes Valley Conference second team Tuesday after reaching the league's third team honor last season.

A second UIS guard, sophomore Malea Jackson, was also named to the league's third team on Tuesday.

Both guards were named to the GLVC all-freshman team their respective debut seasons.

This story was published in The State Journal-Register on March 2, 2021.

Read the entire article online.

Men's Basketball: UIS forward Jack Weber tabbed on GLVC All-Freshman team

University of Illinois Springfield forward Jack Weber reached the Great Lakes Valley Conference all-freshman team on Tuesday.

Weber ranked third on the team with 12.4 points per game, which was also third among GLVC freshman. He also led the conference in shooting percentage, converting 105 of 163 (64.4%) shot attempts. He additionally had 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.

This story was published in The State Journal-Register on March 2, 2021.

Men's Track and Field: Lincoln grad Blake Jones becomes first UIS men's runner to advance to indoor nationals

University of Illinois Springfield sophomore long-distance runner Blake Jones will compete in the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field National Championships on Friday, March 12 in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Lincoln High School graduate is the first UIS men’s track and field athlete to advance to the event. He set an automatic qualifying mark in the 5,000-meter run earlier this season with a time of 14:02.84, which also shattered the previous school record and ranks 15th best nationally. He will be among 16 participants in the race.

This story was published in The State Journal-Register on March 2, 2021.

UIS, LLCC to host virtual Career Connections Expo

People in Central Illinois looking for a career have a great opportunity coming up this week, and you won't even have to leave home for it.

The University of Illinois Springfield and Lincoln Land Community College are hosting the 2021 Virtual Career Connections Expo.

It will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 4.

Representatives with more than 50 organizations are expected to attend.

This story aired on WICS on March 2, 2021.

Watch the story online.