A new $35 million, 50,000-square-foot library learning student success center at the University of Illinois Springfield is included in the $45 billion public works construction program passed by the Illinois legislature over the weekend.
The building will be situated on campus between the Health and Sciences Building and the Student Union, according to UIS Chancellor Susan Koch.
The center will replace Brookens Library and will house the Center for Online Learning Research and Service (COLRS), the Center for Academic Success (CAS) and Information Technology Services.
All of those centers are now housed in Brookens Library, the university’s first permanent building, which was completed in 1975 and dedicated the next year.
Koch said Monday that the goal is to have “shovels in the ground” by 2020.
“We’re pretty happy,” Koch said Monday. “The need for the building and the things in it has been in conversation for several years.
“This is the project we put forward (to the University of Illinois system) as our number one priority.”
Brookens, which Koch once described as “one of my favorite locations on the (UIS) campus,” is being eyed for classroom space in the future for academic programs like management information services.
Much like with the construction of the Student Union, Koch said there will be in-depth conversations involving people who will use and benefit from the new building.
This article appeared in The State Journal-Register on June 3, 2019.
Read the entire article online.
Showing posts with label Growing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Growing. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
Friday, October 20, 2017
UIS students could study at newly proposed Chicago research center
University of Illinois Springfield students would have a chance to study at a proposed new public-private research center near downtown Chicago, UIS Chancellor Susan Koch said Thursday.
The University of Illinois announced plans for the Discovery Partners Institute on Thursday.
According to the university, the new research institute would be developed on a site along the Chicago River in the city’s south loop neighborhood, where researchers will work with students and businesses to support “next-generation innovation and workforce development.”
The development company Related Midwest donated the land.
The U of I hopes to complete a plan for the research center next year. The plan will include a timetable for opening and other details of the $1.2 billion institute, which will be operated principally through private donations and partnerships with business and industry.
Koch said Thursday she was excited about what the prospects of the facility could mean in attracting students to UIS and preparing them for the workforce.
The institute, she said, would work similarly to a study-abroad program, where UIS students would spend a semester or more in Chicago. Students in numerous majors could potentially utilize the facility, including computer science, management information services, data analytics and information security, she said. “The sky is the limit on what the possibilities will be,” Koch said.
Northwestern University and the University of Chicago are partnering with the U of I on the institute. U of I president Timothy Killeen said in a statement the center is intended to bring together faculty, students and companies to collaborate on research and turn it into new products and companies.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 19, 2017.
Read the entire article online.
The University of Illinois announced plans for the Discovery Partners Institute on Thursday.
According to the university, the new research institute would be developed on a site along the Chicago River in the city’s south loop neighborhood, where researchers will work with students and businesses to support “next-generation innovation and workforce development.”
The development company Related Midwest donated the land.
The U of I hopes to complete a plan for the research center next year. The plan will include a timetable for opening and other details of the $1.2 billion institute, which will be operated principally through private donations and partnerships with business and industry.
Koch said Thursday she was excited about what the prospects of the facility could mean in attracting students to UIS and preparing them for the workforce.
The institute, she said, would work similarly to a study-abroad program, where UIS students would spend a semester or more in Chicago. Students in numerous majors could potentially utilize the facility, including computer science, management information services, data analytics and information security, she said. “The sky is the limit on what the possibilities will be,” Koch said.
Northwestern University and the University of Chicago are partnering with the U of I on the institute. U of I president Timothy Killeen said in a statement the center is intended to bring together faculty, students and companies to collaborate on research and turn it into new products and companies.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on October 19, 2017.
Read the entire article online.
Thursday, October 27, 2016
UIS offering new majors to students
University of Illinois Springfield officials say five new majors are now being offered to students.
Officials say the new majors include bachelor's degrees in public policy, exercise science, public administration, and biochemistry, as well as a master's degree in data analytics.
A bachelor's degree in theatre will be available to pursue at the university starting in fall 2017.
UIS Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs James Ermatinger says, "“These new majors represent a continual effort by our faculty to provide undergraduate and graduate degree opportunities in the professional fields, STEM, and the liberal arts."
This story appeared on WAND TV on October 26, 2016.
Read the entire article online.
Officials say the new majors include bachelor's degrees in public policy, exercise science, public administration, and biochemistry, as well as a master's degree in data analytics.
A bachelor's degree in theatre will be available to pursue at the university starting in fall 2017.
UIS Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs James Ermatinger says, "“These new majors represent a continual effort by our faculty to provide undergraduate and graduate degree opportunities in the professional fields, STEM, and the liberal arts."
This story appeared on WAND TV on October 26, 2016.
Read the entire article online.
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Delay in plans for UIS Student Union blamed on budget crisis
Groundbreaking for the University of Illinois Student Union, a building students approved in 2012, won’t occur this month as originally planned.
But UIS Chancellor Susan Koch said Tuesday the 50,000-square-foot building will go up.
“It’s a great project, and we’re going to get it done,” she said. Koch said the University of Illinois Board of Trustees approved the concept several months ago, and the university has been working on the design for two years.
Groundbreaking was tentatively scheduled for May, and it was hoped the building could open sometime in 2016. But the ongoing budget crisis in higher education is causing the university to take a step back from its original timetable.
Gov. Bruce Rauner’s current budget proposal for the fiscal year that begins July 1 calls for a 31.5 percent across-the-board cut in higher-education funding.
“That has caused us all to be much more cautious, especially where new construction is concerned,” Koch said. “We’ve been asked by the university administration to alter our original timetable and postpone the groundbreaking to a later time.”
She said she’s hoping now for a fall groundbreaking, assuming finances are more settled. That would allow for the building to open in spring or summer of 2017.
“We consider it an essential element to our growth strategy,” said Koch, noting the university will have a record number of graduates this spring.
"Having a Student Union will help attract more students and at the same time enhance campus life for everyone,” she said.
Student fees and private donations will pay the bulk of the $21.75 million cost for the building, which will be on the south end of the UIS Quad, north of the soccer fields and along Richard Wright Drive.
Koch said student fees won't increase until the building opens. She said well over $3 million in private donations have been pledged, with a goal of $8 million. “We have a way to go yet,” she said, but expressed confidence the goal will be met. “The Springfield community really understands the great value of the university.”
UIS will go back to the board of trustees for final approval, likely in July or September, she said. After that, construction bids will be sought.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on May 5, 2015.
Read the entire article online.
“It’s a great project, and we’re going to get it done,” she said. Koch said the University of Illinois Board of Trustees approved the concept several months ago, and the university has been working on the design for two years.
Groundbreaking was tentatively scheduled for May, and it was hoped the building could open sometime in 2016. But the ongoing budget crisis in higher education is causing the university to take a step back from its original timetable.
Gov. Bruce Rauner’s current budget proposal for the fiscal year that begins July 1 calls for a 31.5 percent across-the-board cut in higher-education funding.
“That has caused us all to be much more cautious, especially where new construction is concerned,” Koch said. “We’ve been asked by the university administration to alter our original timetable and postpone the groundbreaking to a later time.”
She said she’s hoping now for a fall groundbreaking, assuming finances are more settled. That would allow for the building to open in spring or summer of 2017.
“We consider it an essential element to our growth strategy,” said Koch, noting the university will have a record number of graduates this spring.
"Having a Student Union will help attract more students and at the same time enhance campus life for everyone,” she said.
Student fees and private donations will pay the bulk of the $21.75 million cost for the building, which will be on the south end of the UIS Quad, north of the soccer fields and along Richard Wright Drive.
Koch said student fees won't increase until the building opens. She said well over $3 million in private donations have been pledged, with a goal of $8 million. “We have a way to go yet,” she said, but expressed confidence the goal will be met. “The Springfield community really understands the great value of the university.”
UIS will go back to the board of trustees for final approval, likely in July or September, she said. After that, construction bids will be sought.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on May 5, 2015.
Read the entire article online.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
UIS testing private market for expanded student housing
University of Illinois Springfield is turning to the private sector to expand student housing already at 97 percent of capacity.
Plans include a 100-bed mixed-use residential and retail facility on 14 acres at the west edge of campus, Chancellor Susan Koch said. No tax dollars would be used, said Koch, who added that she would like to see groundbreaking as early as next spring.
The University of Illinois Foundation, which owns the land, is accepting developer proposals through Nov. 20.
“This is really driven by the need for more student housing,” Koch said.
Fall enrollment at UIS is just over 5,400. A little more than 1,000 students live on campus, putting residential occupancy at 97 percent, according to the university. There’s the added possibility now of Benedictine University at Springfield students transferring to UIS after Benedictine announced it would end its undergraduate program at the end of the current school year.
The developer would be granted a 50-year lease with a 25-year renewal option at a cost to the developer yet to be determined, according to a request for proposals. The mix of single- and multiple-bedroom apartments would have to meet UIS standards for student housing. Up to 15,000 square feet of retail space would be allowed.
“It could be gift shops, pharmacies, specialty stores, apparel stores, restaurants, casual food or coffee shops,” Koch said. “There’s just a variety of things we could do there.”
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on October 29, 2014.
Read the article online
Plans include a 100-bed mixed-use residential and retail facility on 14 acres at the west edge of campus, Chancellor Susan Koch said. No tax dollars would be used, said Koch, who added that she would like to see groundbreaking as early as next spring.
The University of Illinois Foundation, which owns the land, is accepting developer proposals through Nov. 20.
“This is really driven by the need for more student housing,” Koch said.
Fall enrollment at UIS is just over 5,400. A little more than 1,000 students live on campus, putting residential occupancy at 97 percent, according to the university. There’s the added possibility now of Benedictine University at Springfield students transferring to UIS after Benedictine announced it would end its undergraduate program at the end of the current school year.
The developer would be granted a 50-year lease with a 25-year renewal option at a cost to the developer yet to be determined, according to a request for proposals. The mix of single- and multiple-bedroom apartments would have to meet UIS standards for student housing. Up to 15,000 square feet of retail space would be allowed.
“It could be gift shops, pharmacies, specialty stores, apparel stores, restaurants, casual food or coffee shops,” Koch said. “There’s just a variety of things we could do there.”
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on October 29, 2014.
Read the article online
Monday, October 20, 2014
UIS gets $600K for building upgrades
The University of Illinois Springfield is receiving nearly $600,000 from the state for improvements to its Visual and Performing Arts Building.
The governor’s office this week announced the investment of more than $598,000 from the $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! construction program.
The improvements include life safety upgrades to the Visual and Performing Arts Building, including the heating and ventilation systems, dust removal and upgrades to the outdoor kiln area.
The Visual and Performing Arts Building, erected in 1970, is one of the original east campus buildings at UIS.
UIS spokesman Derek Schnapp said the work isn’t expected to begin for another month.
The Illinois Capital Development Board will manage the construction project.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on October 17, 2014.
Read the article online
The governor’s office this week announced the investment of more than $598,000 from the $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! construction program.
The improvements include life safety upgrades to the Visual and Performing Arts Building, including the heating and ventilation systems, dust removal and upgrades to the outdoor kiln area.
The Visual and Performing Arts Building, erected in 1970, is one of the original east campus buildings at UIS.
UIS spokesman Derek Schnapp said the work isn’t expected to begin for another month.
The Illinois Capital Development Board will manage the construction project.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on October 17, 2014.
Read the article online
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Record enrollment at UIS again tops 5,000 students
Enrollment at the University of Illinois Springfield is at a record high this fall after topping 5,000 students for the fifth consecutive year.
The official fall census taken on the 10th day of classes shows 5,431 students enrolled at UIS compared to 5,137 last year. The previous highest enrollment was 5,174 students in 2010.
“One of our highest priorities has been growing our enrollment, and we are pleased with this fall’s census,” said UIS Chancellor Susan Koch. She said growth is one of the university’s three strategic priorities.
“We’ve been very deliberate about pushing our reputation out there, both locally and throughout Illinois,” she said. “I think word of mouth has a lot to do with it. We have more alumni out there who have good things to say about the university and their experience.”
The story was featured in The State Journal-Register on September 9, 2014.
Read the article online
The official fall census taken on the 10th day of classes shows 5,431 students enrolled at UIS compared to 5,137 last year. The previous highest enrollment was 5,174 students in 2010.
“One of our highest priorities has been growing our enrollment, and we are pleased with this fall’s census,” said UIS Chancellor Susan Koch. She said growth is one of the university’s three strategic priorities.
“We’ve been very deliberate about pushing our reputation out there, both locally and throughout Illinois,” she said. “I think word of mouth has a lot to do with it. We have more alumni out there who have good things to say about the university and their experience.”
The story was featured in The State Journal-Register on September 9, 2014.
Read the article online
Monday, August 26, 2013
UIS student union plans generate buzz on campus
Architects’ renderings of the University of Illinois Springfield’s proposed student union made their debut last week on a 16-foot wide billboard at the site and at a campus convocation.
“It has lots of students talking about it,” said Chancellor Susan Koch of the drawings of the $20 million building to be paid for mostly by student fees. “It’s creating tremendous excitement, and not just here at the chancellor’s office.”
With UIS fall semester classes starting today, Koch said if the university is able to stick to its time line, bids for construction will be sought by the end of 2014.
“We’re optimistic it could open in early 2016,” she said. “We’re right on schedule now.”
Students voted in April 2012 to increase fees to pay for construction of a union.
Starting in 2016, a full-time undergraduate student at UIS will pay $200 a semester to finance construction. Part-time undergraduates will pay $100 per semester, and graduate students will pay $25 per credit hour up to eight hours. Students enrolled in an online degree-seeking program will not pay any student union fees.
The story was published by The State Journal-Register on August 26, 2013.
Read the article online
“It has lots of students talking about it,” said Chancellor Susan Koch of the drawings of the $20 million building to be paid for mostly by student fees. “It’s creating tremendous excitement, and not just here at the chancellor’s office.”
With UIS fall semester classes starting today, Koch said if the university is able to stick to its time line, bids for construction will be sought by the end of 2014.
“We’re optimistic it could open in early 2016,” she said. “We’re right on schedule now.”
Students voted in April 2012 to increase fees to pay for construction of a union.
Starting in 2016, a full-time undergraduate student at UIS will pay $200 a semester to finance construction. Part-time undergraduates will pay $100 per semester, and graduate students will pay $25 per credit hour up to eight hours. Students enrolled in an online degree-seeking program will not pay any student union fees.
The story was published by The State Journal-Register on August 26, 2013.
Read the article online
Monday, July 16, 2012
Oruche goes from UIS to Olympics
Richard Oruche was a child the last time he set foot in Nigeria.
The former University of Illinois Springfield men’s basketball player can’t recall how old he was when he last visited the homeland of his parents, yet he has a big-hearted affection for the African nation that he will represent at the upcoming Summer Olympics in London.
Oruche, who graduated from UIS in 2010 with a degree in business administration, is a member of the Nigerian basketball team. He was born in Oak Park and holds dual citizenship in Nigeria and the United States.
His mother, Harriet Adenle-Ouma, and father, Osita Oruche, were in their 20s when they immigrated to the U.S., according to Richard.
“I grew up hearing all the stories about what my parents went through in Nigeria,” Richard said via telephone from Chicago. “Being a part of their African and Nigerian tradition is a big part of my life. I was exposed to two sides of the world.
“It feels real good to represent all they went through and for my country. I have a lot of family still in Nigeria. My whole family is supporting me. I hope to make them proud.”
Oruche was featured in a July 14, 2012, article in the State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
The former University of Illinois Springfield men’s basketball player can’t recall how old he was when he last visited the homeland of his parents, yet he has a big-hearted affection for the African nation that he will represent at the upcoming Summer Olympics in London.
Oruche, who graduated from UIS in 2010 with a degree in business administration, is a member of the Nigerian basketball team. He was born in Oak Park and holds dual citizenship in Nigeria and the United States.
His mother, Harriet Adenle-Ouma, and father, Osita Oruche, were in their 20s when they immigrated to the U.S., according to Richard.
“I grew up hearing all the stories about what my parents went through in Nigeria,” Richard said via telephone from Chicago. “Being a part of their African and Nigerian tradition is a big part of my life. I was exposed to two sides of the world.
“It feels real good to represent all they went through and for my country. I have a lot of family still in Nigeria. My whole family is supporting me. I hope to make them proud.”
Oruche was featured in a July 14, 2012, article in the State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Former UIS guard Oruche makes Olympics with Nigerian basketball team
Former University of Illinois Springfield basketball player Richard Oruche earned a spot in the London Olympics over the weekend when his Nigerian team qualified for the Games with a win over the Dominican Republic.
Oruche, who holds dual Nigerian and United States citizenship, is believed to be the first UIS athlete to play in the Olympic Games, according to a news release issued Wednesday by the university.
Oruche, 25, graduated from UIS in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He has been playing basketball professionally in Portugal for two seasons. He was invited to play on the Nigerian basketball team earlier this year. The team defeated the Dominican Republic 88-73 on Sunday in Caracas, Venezuela, to earn the country’s first-ever berth into the Olympic Games.
Oruche was featured in a July 11, 2012, article in the State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
Oruche, who holds dual Nigerian and United States citizenship, is believed to be the first UIS athlete to play in the Olympic Games, according to a news release issued Wednesday by the university.
Oruche, 25, graduated from UIS in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He has been playing basketball professionally in Portugal for two seasons. He was invited to play on the Nigerian basketball team earlier this year. The team defeated the Dominican Republic 88-73 on Sunday in Caracas, Venezuela, to earn the country’s first-ever berth into the Olympic Games.
Oruche was featured in a July 11, 2012, article in the State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Collector working to make UIS 'walking gallery' of art
Bob Vogele wants the University of Illinois Springfield to be a campus for art. To that end, Vogele and his wife, Ruth, have donated a large yellow sculpture by world-renowned artist John Henry to the university.
Henry and his crew erected the sculpture, consisting of seven sections of intertwined linear steel, just outside the teardrop drive in front of the Public Affairs Center on Tuesday while Vogele and university officials looked on.
“I’ve been working with Bob for several years now for his vision that UIS can be a campus that wherever you go, you will be exposed to museum-quality art,” said Vicki Megginson, associate chancellor of development at UIS. “We want it to become a public walking gallery.”
Henry’s “Dodger,” at 15 feet high, is one of his smaller outdoor pieces, he said. He’s currently building a 167-foot sculpture and has the pieces in place for one in excess of 300 feet.
The sculpture was featured in an May 23, 2012, article in the State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
Henry and his crew erected the sculpture, consisting of seven sections of intertwined linear steel, just outside the teardrop drive in front of the Public Affairs Center on Tuesday while Vogele and university officials looked on.
“I’ve been working with Bob for several years now for his vision that UIS can be a campus that wherever you go, you will be exposed to museum-quality art,” said Vicki Megginson, associate chancellor of development at UIS. “We want it to become a public walking gallery.”
Henry’s “Dodger,” at 15 feet high, is one of his smaller outdoor pieces, he said. He’s currently building a 167-foot sculpture and has the pieces in place for one in excess of 300 feet.
The sculpture was featured in an May 23, 2012, article in the State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
U of I grad donates sculpture to Springfield campus
A bright piece of contemporary sculpture is catching the eyes of students and staff at the University of Illinois Springfield.
Chicago art collector and University of Illinois graduate Bob Vogele donated the angular metal piece, entitled “Dodger”.
Vogele bought the sculpture in the 1970s from friend and visual artist John Henry. Henry fully restored the aging piece before installing it Tuesday in front of the UIS Public Affairs Center, where he hopes new eyes will appreciate his early work.
“It’s interesting to put things on campus, because students, young people, have a way of accepting things quicker," said Henry. "I really hope people come away with a different idea of structure, a different idea of the man-made environment.”
U of I grad Bob Vogele says he wants students to be “surrounded by art”, and encourages other collectors to donate work to the campus’ growing collection.
The story was featured by WUIS public radio on May 23, 2012.
Read the story online
Chicago art collector and University of Illinois graduate Bob Vogele donated the angular metal piece, entitled “Dodger”.
Vogele bought the sculpture in the 1970s from friend and visual artist John Henry. Henry fully restored the aging piece before installing it Tuesday in front of the UIS Public Affairs Center, where he hopes new eyes will appreciate his early work.
“It’s interesting to put things on campus, because students, young people, have a way of accepting things quicker," said Henry. "I really hope people come away with a different idea of structure, a different idea of the man-made environment.”
U of I grad Bob Vogele says he wants students to be “surrounded by art”, and encourages other collectors to donate work to the campus’ growing collection.
The story was featured by WUIS public radio on May 23, 2012.
Read the story online
Monday, April 30, 2012
UIS softball team earns spot in NCAA Division II tournament
Technical difficulties kept the University of Illlinois Springfield softball team from hearing the Prairie Stars’ name announced among the at-large selections for the NCAA Division II Softball National Championship, but it didn’t dampen their joy Monday.
UIS is headed to a national tournament for the first time in any sport since joining Division II in 2010. The Stars (34-20) are seeded fourth in the double-elimination Midwest Regional and play fifth-seeded Northern Kentucky (35-19) at 11 a.m. Friday in Indianapolis.
UIS is 2-1 this season against Northern Kentucky, which is moving to NCAA Division I later this year.
The winner plays at 10 a.m. Saturday against host and top-seeded Indianapolis (49-7) or No. 8 seed Wayne State (34-20), which play at 1:30 p.m. Friday. The loser plays at 2 p.m. Saturday.
UIS players and coach Mat Mundell gathered Monday morning to watch an Internet broadcast of the selection show. Technical problems delayed the announcement, so several players left for their classes.
“(Associate Director of Athletics) Scott Reed and some of the other coaches were anxiously waiting to see,” Mundell said. “There was an outburst of joy when we found out we were in for use.”
Mundell used text messaging to notify his team of the good news.
The announcement was published in an May 1, 2012, article in The State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
UIS is headed to a national tournament for the first time in any sport since joining Division II in 2010. The Stars (34-20) are seeded fourth in the double-elimination Midwest Regional and play fifth-seeded Northern Kentucky (35-19) at 11 a.m. Friday in Indianapolis.
UIS is 2-1 this season against Northern Kentucky, which is moving to NCAA Division I later this year.
The winner plays at 10 a.m. Saturday against host and top-seeded Indianapolis (49-7) or No. 8 seed Wayne State (34-20), which play at 1:30 p.m. Friday. The loser plays at 2 p.m. Saturday.
UIS players and coach Mat Mundell gathered Monday morning to watch an Internet broadcast of the selection show. Technical problems delayed the announcement, so several players left for their classes.
“(Associate Director of Athletics) Scott Reed and some of the other coaches were anxiously waiting to see,” Mundell said. “There was an outburst of joy when we found out we were in for use.”
Mundell used text messaging to notify his team of the good news.
The announcement was published in an May 1, 2012, article in The State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Illinois Innocence Project expands work to free the wrongfully convicted
When Jonathan Grayson went to the Kane County courthouse on March 6, he wasn’t expecting to walk out a free man. The 30-year-old had spent 10 years in prison for murder, and he still had another 65 years of prison ahead.
But Grayson didn’t commit the murder that led to his incarceration, and on March 6, a Kane County judge overturned his conviction.
“When I first shook his hand, he was still in disbelief,” says Steven Schott, a third-year law student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Schott is part of the Illinois Innocence Project, a group of students, professors and attorneys based at the University of Illinois Springfield which works to free from prison people who are convicted of crimes they didn’t commit.
“He walked into court that day thinking he was going to remain in prison, but he walked out a free man,” Schott says. “He’s starting to get back into society. It’s pretty great.”
Grayson’s exoneration is the fourth for the Illinois Innocence Project, and it marks several changes for the group, now in its 11th year. Formerly known as the Downstate Illinois Innocence Project, the group has dropped “Downstate” from its name, signaling its expansion statewide. To facilitate that expansion, the project is joining forces with the state’s three public law schools, which also allows for a larger caseload. Meanwhile, the project has added two full-time lawyers and one part-time lawyer, providing valuable legal guidance to the quickly growing body of students involved in gaining justice for the wrongly convicted.
The Innocence Project was featured in an April 26, 2012, article in the Illinois Times.
Read the article online
“When I first shook his hand, he was still in disbelief,” says Steven Schott, a third-year law student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Schott is part of the Illinois Innocence Project, a group of students, professors and attorneys based at the University of Illinois Springfield which works to free from prison people who are convicted of crimes they didn’t commit.
“He walked into court that day thinking he was going to remain in prison, but he walked out a free man,” Schott says. “He’s starting to get back into society. It’s pretty great.”
Grayson’s exoneration is the fourth for the Illinois Innocence Project, and it marks several changes for the group, now in its 11th year. Formerly known as the Downstate Illinois Innocence Project, the group has dropped “Downstate” from its name, signaling its expansion statewide. To facilitate that expansion, the project is joining forces with the state’s three public law schools, which also allows for a larger caseload. Meanwhile, the project has added two full-time lawyers and one part-time lawyer, providing valuable legal guidance to the quickly growing body of students involved in gaining justice for the wrongly convicted.
The Innocence Project was featured in an April 26, 2012, article in the Illinois Times.
Read the article online
UIS softball team has been stealing the spotlight all season
University of Illinois Springfield softball player Mandy Smith was treated to a pleasant surprise when she left her dorm Wednesday.
Written on the sidewalk in chalk were messages congratulating Smith and her teammates on winning the GLVC West Division title Tuesday and racking up 30 wins this spring.
“It’s nice to walk out your dorm and see it on the ground,” Smith said.
The UIS softball team is the first program to win a division title in the school’s brief NCAA Division II era.
The Prairie Stars will make their postseason debut Friday at the Great Lakes Valley Conference Championship Tournament in East Peoria as the No. 2 seed. UIS (30-18) opens the double-elimination tourney against seventh-seeded Bellarmine (31-25) at noon at EastSide Centre.
The team was featured in an April 26, 2012, article in The State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
Written on the sidewalk in chalk were messages congratulating Smith and her teammates on winning the GLVC West Division title Tuesday and racking up 30 wins this spring.
“It’s nice to walk out your dorm and see it on the ground,” Smith said.
The UIS softball team is the first program to win a division title in the school’s brief NCAA Division II era.
The Prairie Stars will make their postseason debut Friday at the Great Lakes Valley Conference Championship Tournament in East Peoria as the No. 2 seed. UIS (30-18) opens the double-elimination tourney against seventh-seeded Bellarmine (31-25) at noon at EastSide Centre.
The team was featured in an April 26, 2012, article in The State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
Monday, April 23, 2012
UIS students approve construction of student union building
Students at the University of Illinois Springfield Thursday voted in favor of building a student union and increasing fees to pay for it – but only when the building opens.
A total of 432 students voted to approve a fee increase, which will finance much of the construction, while 109 students voted “no.” The vote was taken online.
The project next will go through a planning process involving campus and U of I administrators and an outside design firm. The plan still needs to be approved by both the U of I Board of Trustees and the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
“It was an idea whose time had come,” said John Tienken, the UIS student representative on the U of I board and co-chairman of the Student Union Committee. “The 4-to-1 margin by which this was approved clearly sent a message that it’s time. It’s almost a complete reversal of the vote two years ago.
If the project gains final approval, the student union will be on the South Quad, next to University Hall and in front of the soccer fields.
The vote was featured in an April 21, 2012, article in The State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
A total of 432 students voted to approve a fee increase, which will finance much of the construction, while 109 students voted “no.” The vote was taken online.
The project next will go through a planning process involving campus and U of I administrators and an outside design firm. The plan still needs to be approved by both the U of I Board of Trustees and the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
“It was an idea whose time had come,” said John Tienken, the UIS student representative on the U of I board and co-chairman of the Student Union Committee. “The 4-to-1 margin by which this was approved clearly sent a message that it’s time. It’s almost a complete reversal of the vote two years ago.
If the project gains final approval, the student union will be on the South Quad, next to University Hall and in front of the soccer fields.
The vote was featured in an April 21, 2012, article in The State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
Thursday, April 5, 2012
UIS health fair draws exhibitors, public
The University of Illinois Springfield was the place to be Wednesday if you were concerned about your health, wanted to improve it or were just plain curious about health-related issues.
About 50 vendors set up in The Recreation and Athletic Center to offer information on health strategies and prevention as part of Health Awareness Day — an event for more than two decades at the university.
“We had 52 vendors seven years ago, but it usually averages 20 to 30,” said Jill Stoops, a certified family nurse practitioner at the UIS Campus Health Service. “We teamed with Springfield Health Check this year, and they brought in a majority of the vendors.”
Stoops said one of the aims of the health fair is to get people to “know their numbers” — cholesterol, blood pressure, bone density, body fat and others — by offering free screenings.
“It’s about getting them the information they need to stay healthy,” Stoops said.
The story was featured in an April 5, 2012, article in The State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
About 50 vendors set up in The Recreation and Athletic Center to offer information on health strategies and prevention as part of Health Awareness Day — an event for more than two decades at the university.
“We had 52 vendors seven years ago, but it usually averages 20 to 30,” said Jill Stoops, a certified family nurse practitioner at the UIS Campus Health Service. “We teamed with Springfield Health Check this year, and they brought in a majority of the vendors.”
Stoops said one of the aims of the health fair is to get people to “know their numbers” — cholesterol, blood pressure, bone density, body fat and others — by offering free screenings.
“It’s about getting them the information they need to stay healthy,” Stoops said.
The story was featured in an April 5, 2012, article in The State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
Thursday, February 16, 2012
UIS Basketball: Plenty at stake for Prairie Stars
There’s a lot on the line Thursday night when the University of Illinois Springfield men’s and women’s basketball teams play at Maryville in Great Lakes Valley Conference games.
The UIS women are fighting to qualify for the GLVC Championship Tournament, while the men’s team is chasing a league title. The Prairie Stars women’s team and Missouri-St. Louis are tied for fifth in the West Division of the GLVC standings with a 4-11 record.
It’s not a dire situation for the UIS men’s team. The Stars are tied with Quincy for second in the West standings, a single game behind division leader Missouri-St. Louis. UIS is 13-11 overall and 10-5 in the conference. UIS has 11 wins in its last 15 games.
“We’re in a situation where we control how the season plays out, and that’s a good thing,” UIS men’s coach Ben Wierzba said.
The teams were featured in an February 16, 2012, article in The State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
The UIS women are fighting to qualify for the GLVC Championship Tournament, while the men’s team is chasing a league title. The Prairie Stars women’s team and Missouri-St. Louis are tied for fifth in the West Division of the GLVC standings with a 4-11 record.
It’s not a dire situation for the UIS men’s team. The Stars are tied with Quincy for second in the West standings, a single game behind division leader Missouri-St. Louis. UIS is 13-11 overall and 10-5 in the conference. UIS has 11 wins in its last 15 games.
“We’re in a situation where we control how the season plays out, and that’s a good thing,” UIS men’s coach Ben Wierzba said.
The teams were featured in an February 16, 2012, article in The State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
After six months, UIS chief getting to know her way around
University of Illinois Springfield student Dan Garcia gave Susan Koch her first tour of the UIS campus last April.
“She was very interested and personable, and she kept asking me what do the students do, where do they hang out?” said Garcia, a UIS junior from Joliet who works in the admissions office and gives tours to new students. “She’s from the Midwest, so all the cornfields around didn’t seem to bother her. She’s getting a lot of exposure.”
Koch, who was named chancellor of UIS last spring and assumed her duties July 1, has been learning all she can about UIS and Springfield during her first six months on the job.
“My goal for the first semester was to sink my roots as deeply as I could in the academic community and the larger community,” said Koch, a South Dakota native who had spent her academic career in Iowa and northern Michigan. “I’m moderately satisfied that I’ve done that. I’ve met many employees, but not all. And I’ve had wonderful interaction with students.”
Koch was profiled in an January 24, 2012, article in The State Journal-Register.
Read the full article online
“She was very interested and personable, and she kept asking me what do the students do, where do they hang out?” said Garcia, a UIS junior from Joliet who works in the admissions office and gives tours to new students. “She’s from the Midwest, so all the cornfields around didn’t seem to bother her. She’s getting a lot of exposure.”
Koch, who was named chancellor of UIS last spring and assumed her duties July 1, has been learning all she can about UIS and Springfield during her first six months on the job.
“My goal for the first semester was to sink my roots as deeply as I could in the academic community and the larger community,” said Koch, a South Dakota native who had spent her academic career in Iowa and northern Michigan. “I’m moderately satisfied that I’ve done that. I’ve met many employees, but not all. And I’ve had wonderful interaction with students.”
Koch was profiled in an January 24, 2012, article in The State Journal-Register.
Read the full article online
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
UIS surpasses $28M fundraising goal
The University of Illinois Springfield has surpassed its $28 million fundraising goal for the U of I’s Brilliant Futures Campaign.
To date, UIS has gifts, pledges and commitments totaling more than $28.4 million. The $28.4 million is nearly 90 percent more than what the university raised under the previous Campaign Illinois initiative that concluded in 2000.
The campaign, which began in July 2003, is designed to support students, faculty, programs and campus facilities.
“It’s pretty cool,” said Vicki Megginson, associate chancellor of UIS and senior vice president of the University of Illinois Foundation. “It’s the community’s success as well.”
“Brick by brick, step by step, UIS is growing into an excellent institution,” said Susan Koch, U of I vice president and UIS chancellor. “The Brilliant Futures Campaign has helped to transform UIS into a university of substance, known here in Illinois and on a national level.”
The announcement was featured in an January 14, 2012, report in The State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
To date, UIS has gifts, pledges and commitments totaling more than $28.4 million. The $28.4 million is nearly 90 percent more than what the university raised under the previous Campaign Illinois initiative that concluded in 2000.
The campaign, which began in July 2003, is designed to support students, faculty, programs and campus facilities.
“It’s pretty cool,” said Vicki Megginson, associate chancellor of UIS and senior vice president of the University of Illinois Foundation. “It’s the community’s success as well.”
“Brick by brick, step by step, UIS is growing into an excellent institution,” said Susan Koch, U of I vice president and UIS chancellor. “The Brilliant Futures Campaign has helped to transform UIS into a university of substance, known here in Illinois and on a national level.”
The announcement was featured in an January 14, 2012, report in The State Journal-Register.
Read the article online
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