A senior from the University of Illinois Springfield now represents her peers on the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Mackenzi Matthews participated in her first meeting as a member on Tuesday.
Now, the political science major hopes to bring a collective student voice to the table. Matthews wants to help board members understand the struggles students face around financial aid and access to resources.
"It's really important to me to be able to show them everything that goes into getting the education to go into the workforce because there's so many steps to get there, and it varies for people," Matthews said.
She also wants to help students gain more access to internships.
"It's important to make sure that internships are paid because they want to talk about inclusivity and diversity," Matthews added. "But if you don't pay the people that are going to come in, that really limits the field you can draw from because many students need to work to get through college."
Matthews previously served on the board's student advisory committee and is the current parliamentarian for the UIS Student Government Association.
"We should really take a look at universities and why they're so expensive to begin with, and figure out how we got here. From there, we can figure out if there's any way to cut costs and try to take it from students having to scrap around for money to try to pay for it, to making it affordable to begin with."
Mackenzi plans on pursuing a master's degree after graduation this spring. And if you were wondering, she hopes to have a career in politics one day.
This story aired on WGEM on September, 28, 2020.
Showing posts with label Leadership lived. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leadership lived. Show all posts
Monday, September 21, 2020
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
UIS Women's Center hosts Women's Leadership Reception
In honor of Women's History Month, the University of Illinois Springfield's Women's Center hosted its culminating keynote event, the Women's Leadership Reception.
The reception included a panel discussion, featuring five Springfield women who have achieved great success.
It was held exclusively for UIS students as an opportunity to provide words of wisdom about what it means to be a female leader in 2019.
"There are still many barriers that women face in leadership. We tried to bring people from a diversity of backgrounds to come because those barriers might be different, depending on what field you're in but oftentimes they're very much the same," Program Director Rexanne Whorton said.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on March 26, 2019.
Watch the story online.
The reception included a panel discussion, featuring five Springfield women who have achieved great success.
It was held exclusively for UIS students as an opportunity to provide words of wisdom about what it means to be a female leader in 2019.
"There are still many barriers that women face in leadership. We tried to bring people from a diversity of backgrounds to come because those barriers might be different, depending on what field you're in but oftentimes they're very much the same," Program Director Rexanne Whorton said.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on March 26, 2019.
Watch the story online.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
UIS students' efforts benefit local organizations
More than 100 University of Illinois Springfield students honored the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Monday by giving back to the local community and helping needy people abroad.
For the fifth straight year, UIS students volunteered as part of the national Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.
Stop Hunger Now, Habitat for Humanity Restore, Concordia Village, Ronald McDonald House, Serving Jesus Willingly Urban Ministry, Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach, HSHS St. John's Children's Hospital, Springfield Urban League, Hope Thrift Store and Computer Banc all received volunteer help. Mark Dochterman, director of the UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center, said the goal of the day of service is to encourage students to be more civic-minded.
The volunteer help was especially beneficial to local nonprofits that have cut staff because of the ongoing state budget impasse, he noted. "Many organizations are just trying to keep the doors open, so any help they get is appreciated," Dochterman said.
For the first time this year, students also partnered with the North Carolina-based nonprofit Stop Hunger Now, which aims to combat world hunger. Dochterman said dozens of students packaged more than 10,000 meals at the UIS campus consisting of dehydrated vegetables, rice and a micro-nutrient blend that will be shipped abroad.
UIS senior Sean Flamand helped prepare the meals at the Student Life Building on the UIS campus. He's volunteered on the Day of Service before and always finds the experience to be rewarding, he said. "I really like getting in and doing the work because they always need the labor," Flamand said.
Earlier in the day Monday, UIS students walked in the NAACP Martin Luther King Jr. Unity March and participated in a panel discussion about race relations across the country.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on January 16, 2017.
Read the entire article online.
For the fifth straight year, UIS students volunteered as part of the national Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.
Stop Hunger Now, Habitat for Humanity Restore, Concordia Village, Ronald McDonald House, Serving Jesus Willingly Urban Ministry, Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach, HSHS St. John's Children's Hospital, Springfield Urban League, Hope Thrift Store and Computer Banc all received volunteer help. Mark Dochterman, director of the UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center, said the goal of the day of service is to encourage students to be more civic-minded.
The volunteer help was especially beneficial to local nonprofits that have cut staff because of the ongoing state budget impasse, he noted. "Many organizations are just trying to keep the doors open, so any help they get is appreciated," Dochterman said.
For the first time this year, students also partnered with the North Carolina-based nonprofit Stop Hunger Now, which aims to combat world hunger. Dochterman said dozens of students packaged more than 10,000 meals at the UIS campus consisting of dehydrated vegetables, rice and a micro-nutrient blend that will be shipped abroad.
UIS senior Sean Flamand helped prepare the meals at the Student Life Building on the UIS campus. He's volunteered on the Day of Service before and always finds the experience to be rewarding, he said. "I really like getting in and doing the work because they always need the labor," Flamand said.
Earlier in the day Monday, UIS students walked in the NAACP Martin Luther King Jr. Unity March and participated in a panel discussion about race relations across the country.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on January 16, 2017.
Read the entire article online.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
UIS researchers studying Hepatitis C among homeless
Five hundred dollars may seem a paltry sum for a crowdfunding effort these days. But the $500 being sought by University of Illinois Springfield researchers will be used for research that could save lives and thousands of dollars in treatment costs for those with Hepatitis C.
UIS researchers are for the first time using crowdfunding as a way to purchase rapid testing kits and other equipment needed to study Hepatitis C in the central Illinois homeless population.
Two professors want to test members of the homeless population in Springfield, Bloomington, Champaign, Decatur and Peoria to find the number of people infected with the virus and conduct genotype testing to look at transmission of the disease.
“We hope to limit the spread of Hepatitis C,” said Kanwal Alvarez, assistant professor of biology at UIS.”
Alvarez and Josiah Alamu, associate professor of public health, are leading the study along with Dr. Janak Koirala, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. Several UIS students also are working on the research study.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on November 11, 2015.
Read the article online
UIS researchers are for the first time using crowdfunding as a way to purchase rapid testing kits and other equipment needed to study Hepatitis C in the central Illinois homeless population.
Two professors want to test members of the homeless population in Springfield, Bloomington, Champaign, Decatur and Peoria to find the number of people infected with the virus and conduct genotype testing to look at transmission of the disease.
“We hope to limit the spread of Hepatitis C,” said Kanwal Alvarez, assistant professor of biology at UIS.”
Alvarez and Josiah Alamu, associate professor of public health, are leading the study along with Dr. Janak Koirala, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. Several UIS students also are working on the research study.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on November 11, 2015.
Read the article online
Monday, August 31, 2015
As school starts, some UIS students start giving back
With the school year underway, some UIS students spent no time getting back out into the community.
It's part of the Welcome Week Service-A-Thon, organized by the university's volunteer and civic engagement center.
Students spent the day giving back to seven local organizations. Organizers say volunteers get as much out of the event as the recipients.
"Just knowing that you're giving back. that you're helping the company, and knowing that you're doing something for somebody else. "You might say 'oh the foodbank' and really don't know the qualifications of the foodbank, so they get to learn a lot about the foodbank, the factory of the foodbank, and what they're doing for the people that they're helping," project coordinator Jasmine Herbert said.
UIS students can continue to volunteer their time to these organizations throughout the school year.
The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on August 28, 2015.
Watch the story online.
Students spent the day giving back to seven local organizations. Organizers say volunteers get as much out of the event as the recipients.
"Just knowing that you're giving back. that you're helping the company, and knowing that you're doing something for somebody else. "You might say 'oh the foodbank' and really don't know the qualifications of the foodbank, so they get to learn a lot about the foodbank, the factory of the foodbank, and what they're doing for the people that they're helping," project coordinator Jasmine Herbert said.
UIS students can continue to volunteer their time to these organizations throughout the school year.
The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on August 28, 2015.
Watch the story online.
Friday, July 31, 2015
UIS's Strawbridge-Shepherd House named to National Register of Historic Places
The National Park Service has added the 1840s-era Strawbridge-Shepherd House on the southern edge of the University of Illinois Springfield campus to the National Register of Historic Places.
The home, which was restored by the Elijah Iles House Foundation, was officially listed on June 8.
James Welt, who graduated from UIS in May with a master's degree in history, led the effort to have the house added to the registry, according to the university. He spent more than 200 hours researching and writing a proposal that was submitted to the National Park Service.
"Buildings like the Strawbridge-Shepherd House provide us a visual connection to the past that you can't get from a history book," Welt said in a news release. "Now that it is granted, I feel a bit of relief and satisfaction that the house has a level of protection."
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on July 31, 2015.
Read the story online.
The home, which was restored by the Elijah Iles House Foundation, was officially listed on June 8.
James Welt, who graduated from UIS in May with a master's degree in history, led the effort to have the house added to the registry, according to the university. He spent more than 200 hours researching and writing a proposal that was submitted to the National Park Service.
"Buildings like the Strawbridge-Shepherd House provide us a visual connection to the past that you can't get from a history book," Welt said in a news release. "Now that it is granted, I feel a bit of relief and satisfaction that the house has a level of protection."
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on July 31, 2015.
Read the story online.
UIS' Beaton named to NCAA committee
University of Illinois Springfield volleyball player Ashley Beaton has been named to the NCAA Division II National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
The junior outside hitter is the first UIS student to serve on the committee. Members serve as liaisons between campus, conference and national levels.
The Division II SAAC Nominating Sub-Committee chooses from candidates submitted by conferences.
Beaton was nominated by the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on July 31, 2015.
Read the article online.
The junior outside hitter is the first UIS student to serve on the committee. Members serve as liaisons between campus, conference and national levels.
The Division II SAAC Nominating Sub-Committee chooses from candidates submitted by conferences.
Beaton was nominated by the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on July 31, 2015.
Read the article online.
Saturday, May 23, 2015
New U of I president visits Springfield campus
The new president of University of Illinois made the rounds to the school's campuses this week.
Timothy Killeen began his term as the 20th university president earlier this week following the retirement of Robert Easter after last weekend's graduation ceremonies.
He visited the Springfield campus earlier today to discuss the university's direction under his leadership. "We are very anxious to take our wonderful 150 year-almost legacy of excellence and expand it's world-class impact in world-class teaching and learning and research, and emphasizing to some degree our role in economic revitalization for the state of Illinois," said Killeen.
Killeen was named the school's 20th president last November. He previously served as the vice chancellor of the State University of New York Research Foundation.
This story appeared online on WICS News Channel 20 on Friday, May 22, 2015.
Watch the story online
Timothy Killeen began his term as the 20th university president earlier this week following the retirement of Robert Easter after last weekend's graduation ceremonies.
He visited the Springfield campus earlier today to discuss the university's direction under his leadership. "We are very anxious to take our wonderful 150 year-almost legacy of excellence and expand it's world-class impact in world-class teaching and learning and research, and emphasizing to some degree our role in economic revitalization for the state of Illinois," said Killeen.
Killeen was named the school's 20th president last November. He previously served as the vice chancellor of the State University of New York Research Foundation.
This story appeared online on WICS News Channel 20 on Friday, May 22, 2015.
Watch the story online
Monday, May 18, 2015
Killeen ready to take the reins at UI
The first day for a university president
Timothy Killeen has had lots of on-the-job training since that day in mid-November when he arrived at Chicago's Midway Airport to accept his new position at the University of Illinois.
There to greet him at the bottom of the escalator was his predecessor, current UI President Robert Easter. The two had never met; Easter was holding a photo of Killeen so he'd be sure not to miss him.
It was the night before the announcement, and Killeen and his wife, Roberta, went to dinner with Bob and Cheryl Easter. The two presidents hit it off and have worked closely together ever since, on decisions big and small — including a tuition freeze and the creation of a new medical school in Urbana.
The unusual arrangement was designed to provide a smooth transition for Killeen, former vice chancellor for research at the State University of New York, who officially takes over as UI president on Monday.
At first Easter was uncomfortable with the idea: "You're going to name someone and then the old guy's going to hang around for six months?" Both were in deferential mode for a while, each offering to "sit in the back," Killeen said. "I was very careful that everybody knew who was the president and who was not the president."
Over time, Easter has deferred to Killeen more and more, "because it affects his time, his watch." In the decision to endorse the new medical school in March, Easter wrote a rough draft of the statement to the board; Killeen added the "absolutely critical" line that the two medical schools would be collaborative by design, Easter said.
"We tend to think about things in a similar way," Easter said. "He's been very respectful of my responsibilities and I've tried to respect his increasing role."
The UI worked out an arrangement for Killeen to reduce his time at SUNY while he gradually took on more responsibilities in Illinois. He was paid $200 an hour for his UI work, or about $47,200 — 12 hours a week in January and February, 16 hours a week in March and April, and 40 hours a week since April 22, according to the UI. He will take on his full $600,000 presidential salary on Monday.
Killeen has already moved some things into the UI President's House and stays there when he's in Urbana. His wife will remain in Albany until their son, Cormac, 17, graduates from high school, then join him here. Killeen will also spend significant time in Chicago, but said, "I'm going to be an Urbana resident. I've met many members of the community already and feel wonderfully welcome there." Easter will formally hand over the presidential regalia to Killeen at the Springfield commencement, the last of the day.
Whereupon Killeen will face plenty of challenges — from a UI budget under duress to faculty discontent over the Steven Salaita controversy to allegations that arose last week about the UI's football program.
Perhaps the biggest? Sticking to his agenda as crises pop up. "That's the hardest reality," said former UI President B. Joseph White, who knew Killeen at the University of Michigan.
We asked the UI's past, current and future presidents for their thoughts on what's ahead. The budget ... The state budget crisis tops Killeen's to-do list, as the university works through how it might shoulder a potential 31.5 percent state funding cut — or roughly $208 million.
"I'm actually optimistic that it won't be that bad," Killeen said Tuesday, on his way to Springfield for legislative meetings. The university is not immune from responsibility in solving the state's budget problems, but "I'm making the case wherever I can: This is a very important institution to the state of Illinois," he said. "We're going to make it cogently, we're going to make it with data, we're going to demonstrate the value we bring to the table." Killeen has visited Springfield with Easter and on his own, meeting with Gov. Bruce Rauner, House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton, as well as their chiefs of staff and committee chairs.
This article appeared in The News-Gazette on May 17, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
There to greet him at the bottom of the escalator was his predecessor, current UI President Robert Easter. The two had never met; Easter was holding a photo of Killeen so he'd be sure not to miss him.
It was the night before the announcement, and Killeen and his wife, Roberta, went to dinner with Bob and Cheryl Easter. The two presidents hit it off and have worked closely together ever since, on decisions big and small — including a tuition freeze and the creation of a new medical school in Urbana.
The unusual arrangement was designed to provide a smooth transition for Killeen, former vice chancellor for research at the State University of New York, who officially takes over as UI president on Monday.
At first Easter was uncomfortable with the idea: "You're going to name someone and then the old guy's going to hang around for six months?" Both were in deferential mode for a while, each offering to "sit in the back," Killeen said. "I was very careful that everybody knew who was the president and who was not the president."
Over time, Easter has deferred to Killeen more and more, "because it affects his time, his watch." In the decision to endorse the new medical school in March, Easter wrote a rough draft of the statement to the board; Killeen added the "absolutely critical" line that the two medical schools would be collaborative by design, Easter said.
"We tend to think about things in a similar way," Easter said. "He's been very respectful of my responsibilities and I've tried to respect his increasing role."
The UI worked out an arrangement for Killeen to reduce his time at SUNY while he gradually took on more responsibilities in Illinois. He was paid $200 an hour for his UI work, or about $47,200 — 12 hours a week in January and February, 16 hours a week in March and April, and 40 hours a week since April 22, according to the UI. He will take on his full $600,000 presidential salary on Monday.
Killeen has already moved some things into the UI President's House and stays there when he's in Urbana. His wife will remain in Albany until their son, Cormac, 17, graduates from high school, then join him here. Killeen will also spend significant time in Chicago, but said, "I'm going to be an Urbana resident. I've met many members of the community already and feel wonderfully welcome there." Easter will formally hand over the presidential regalia to Killeen at the Springfield commencement, the last of the day.
Whereupon Killeen will face plenty of challenges — from a UI budget under duress to faculty discontent over the Steven Salaita controversy to allegations that arose last week about the UI's football program.
Perhaps the biggest? Sticking to his agenda as crises pop up. "That's the hardest reality," said former UI President B. Joseph White, who knew Killeen at the University of Michigan.
We asked the UI's past, current and future presidents for their thoughts on what's ahead. The budget ... The state budget crisis tops Killeen's to-do list, as the university works through how it might shoulder a potential 31.5 percent state funding cut — or roughly $208 million.
"I'm actually optimistic that it won't be that bad," Killeen said Tuesday, on his way to Springfield for legislative meetings. The university is not immune from responsibility in solving the state's budget problems, but "I'm making the case wherever I can: This is a very important institution to the state of Illinois," he said. "We're going to make it cogently, we're going to make it with data, we're going to demonstrate the value we bring to the table." Killeen has visited Springfield with Easter and on his own, meeting with Gov. Bruce Rauner, House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton, as well as their chiefs of staff and committee chairs.
This article appeared in The News-Gazette on May 17, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
UIS' King earns regional softball honor
University of Illinois Springfield junior Ashli King has been named to the Daktronics Midwest Region Softball first team in a vote by the Midwest Region’s sports information directors.
The all-region honor comes on the heels of her selection to the All-Great Lakes Valley Conference third team as a utility player after spending time as a designated player, catcher and outfielder. All first-team honorees advance to the national ballot for All-America consideration.
King led the 32-22 Prairie Stars with a .350 batting average, a .600 slugging percentage, 49 hits — including 11 doubles — and 32 runs batted in. She also tied for the second-most home runs in program history with eight.
The award was reported by The State Journal-Register on May 13, 2015.
Read the article online
The all-region honor comes on the heels of her selection to the All-Great Lakes Valley Conference third team as a utility player after spending time as a designated player, catcher and outfielder. All first-team honorees advance to the national ballot for All-America consideration.
King led the 32-22 Prairie Stars with a .350 batting average, a .600 slugging percentage, 49 hits — including 11 doubles — and 32 runs batted in. She also tied for the second-most home runs in program history with eight.
The award was reported by The State Journal-Register on May 13, 2015.
Read the article online
Friday, May 1, 2015
UIS women's soccer team wins national community service award
Putting their talent to good use off the field has scored the University of Illinois Springfield women's soccer team a huge victory.
The Prairie Stars were recognized this week for their community service. UIS is the winner of the Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative's year-long Touching Lives Campaign. It is a competition for women's college teams throughout the nation. They are judged on how many lives they can "touch" or affect in their communities through service projects.
“The whole team was pretty shocked we won it," UIS freshman midfielder Madisyn Coudriet said. "Being collegiate athletes, we have a lot of younger eyes on us at all times. We want to make sure we’re setting a good example as leaders of the community, so they can look up to us, then one day they can maybe become an athlete that gives back to the community.”
UIS finished first and the Texas Christian University women’s basketball team was runner-up.
“I’m not having to beg them to do any of this stuff,” UIS women’s soccer coach Molly Grisham said. “They’re coming to me and saying ‘We want to do this.”
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on May 1, 2015.
Read the article online
The Prairie Stars were recognized this week for their community service. UIS is the winner of the Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative's year-long Touching Lives Campaign. It is a competition for women's college teams throughout the nation. They are judged on how many lives they can "touch" or affect in their communities through service projects.
“The whole team was pretty shocked we won it," UIS freshman midfielder Madisyn Coudriet said. "Being collegiate athletes, we have a lot of younger eyes on us at all times. We want to make sure we’re setting a good example as leaders of the community, so they can look up to us, then one day they can maybe become an athlete that gives back to the community.”
UIS finished first and the Texas Christian University women’s basketball team was runner-up.
“I’m not having to beg them to do any of this stuff,” UIS women’s soccer coach Molly Grisham said. “They’re coming to me and saying ‘We want to do this.”
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on May 1, 2015.
Read the article online
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
UIS offering unique program to veterans
The University of Illinois Springfield is offering veterans and active military members the chance to earn college credit by applying skills and experience acquired throughout their military careers in a unique online program.
The program, titled Prior Learning Assessment, is the first and only of its kind in the nation, and allows veterans and active military members to earn up to 16 total credit hours. Participants also develop a portfolio complete with a compilation of reflections, assessments, and discussions on past experiences.
Officials say members from all five branches of the military have participated in this unique course. Director and developer of the program, Kevin Beeson, explained the incentive behind the program. "They deserve to come back here and get a great education, and get college credit and a pat on the back for what they've done for this country."
The program is already gaining traction nationwide with other universities.
The story was featured by WAND-TV on April 21, 2015.
Watch the story online
The program, titled Prior Learning Assessment, is the first and only of its kind in the nation, and allows veterans and active military members to earn up to 16 total credit hours. Participants also develop a portfolio complete with a compilation of reflections, assessments, and discussions on past experiences.
Officials say members from all five branches of the military have participated in this unique course. Director and developer of the program, Kevin Beeson, explained the incentive behind the program. "They deserve to come back here and get a great education, and get college credit and a pat on the back for what they've done for this country."
The program is already gaining traction nationwide with other universities.
The story was featured by WAND-TV on April 21, 2015.
Watch the story online
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Appellate justices hold arguments at UIS
University of Illinois Springfield students had a chance to watch state appellate court justices in action on campus Monday.
Every year, the fourth district appellate court holds arguments in cases at a local university, and this year, it was at UIS.
Organizers call this a unique opportunity that allows those interested in law a chance to observe what those on the bench do.
"A lot of people don't even know what the appellate court is, or that we exist, and so by coming out to a university community and opening, our arguments are always open to the public but we get a bigger crowd when we come out to the university, they get to see first hand what the appellate court is all about," said Justice Carol Pope, 4th district appellate court.
The justices held an open discussion with UIS students and local lawyers after the arguments.
The fourth district hears cases from all over central Illinois and is based right here in Springfield.
This article appeared online on ABC Newschannel 20, Monday, March 30, 2015.
Watch the story online.
Every year, the fourth district appellate court holds arguments in cases at a local university, and this year, it was at UIS.
Organizers call this a unique opportunity that allows those interested in law a chance to observe what those on the bench do.
"A lot of people don't even know what the appellate court is, or that we exist, and so by coming out to a university community and opening, our arguments are always open to the public but we get a bigger crowd when we come out to the university, they get to see first hand what the appellate court is all about," said Justice Carol Pope, 4th district appellate court.
The justices held an open discussion with UIS students and local lawyers after the arguments.
The fourth district hears cases from all over central Illinois and is based right here in Springfield.
This article appeared online on ABC Newschannel 20, Monday, March 30, 2015.
Watch the story online.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Four honored at UIS alumni event
The University of Illinois Springfield has honored graduates with alumni awards in three categories.
The annual awards were presented Friday evening at the UIS Alumni Gala at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.
Recipients were Ralph Blackman, president and CEO of the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (formerly The Century Council); William and Julie Kellner, co-owners of M.J. Kellner Co.; and June Agamah, a public health worker with the International Health and Development Network.
The story was published by The State Journal-Register on November 8, 2014.
Read the full story online
The annual awards were presented Friday evening at the UIS Alumni Gala at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.
Recipients were Ralph Blackman, president and CEO of the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (formerly The Century Council); William and Julie Kellner, co-owners of M.J. Kellner Co.; and June Agamah, a public health worker with the International Health and Development Network.
The story was published by The State Journal-Register on November 8, 2014.
Read the full story online
UIS students honor Veterans with yellow ribbons on campus
The tradition is 3 years old, and Samia Ahmad says she gets emotional every time.
"Thinking about everyone who's deployed," said Ahmad. "Their family and friends who are also probably going through the same thing i had gone through a couple years back."
She spent the afternoon coloring her college campus yellow. In the U.S., a yellow ribbon is a symbol of support for military forces. Samia's boyfriend is in the army, and was deployed three years ago. That same year, this tradition was born.
"My classmate and I had the idea of why not tie ribbons on trees on campus just for more of an awareness that UIS is a friendly military campus and that we're here to support anyone," Ahmad.
Dozens of students from the University of Illinois at Springfield volunteered their time lining the main roads of campus with the ribbons.
"The veterans give us so much on a daily basis," said senior, Shelby Bedford. "Whether they're deployed or home, running back and forth to drill. And it's really nice to just be able to get out and bring a large amount of people with me and see them all supporting them."
And even though Samia has graduated, she says she'll always come back for this.
The story was reported by WAND-TV on November 9, 2014.
Watch the story online
"Thinking about everyone who's deployed," said Ahmad. "Their family and friends who are also probably going through the same thing i had gone through a couple years back."
She spent the afternoon coloring her college campus yellow. In the U.S., a yellow ribbon is a symbol of support for military forces. Samia's boyfriend is in the army, and was deployed three years ago. That same year, this tradition was born.
"My classmate and I had the idea of why not tie ribbons on trees on campus just for more of an awareness that UIS is a friendly military campus and that we're here to support anyone," Ahmad.
Dozens of students from the University of Illinois at Springfield volunteered their time lining the main roads of campus with the ribbons.
"The veterans give us so much on a daily basis," said senior, Shelby Bedford. "Whether they're deployed or home, running back and forth to drill. And it's really nice to just be able to get out and bring a large amount of people with me and see them all supporting them."
And even though Samia has graduated, she says she'll always come back for this.
The story was reported by WAND-TV on November 9, 2014.
Watch the story online
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
UIS students volunteer during Service-A-Thon
More than 70 students participated in University of Illinois Springfield's annual Service-A-Thon.
The event always happens after the first week of classes. It brings together students for service projects around the capital city.
One of those projects, helping Habitat for Humanity with its latest project.
"It was a good chance to help out the community, meet new people, and have a good time," said Kelsie Roberts, a freshman at the University of Illinois Springfield.
Other students worked at Saint John's Bread Line cooking and serving meals. In total, students helped with four projects.
The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on August 29, 2014.
Watch the story online
The event always happens after the first week of classes. It brings together students for service projects around the capital city.
One of those projects, helping Habitat for Humanity with its latest project.
"It was a good chance to help out the community, meet new people, and have a good time," said Kelsie Roberts, a freshman at the University of Illinois Springfield.
Other students worked at Saint John's Bread Line cooking and serving meals. In total, students helped with four projects.
The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on August 29, 2014.
Watch the story online
Friday, July 11, 2014
Science program brings Japanese high school students to UIS
A national science program on the other side of the world brings Japanese high school students to the University of Illinois Springfield.
The kids, from Springfield's sister city, Ashikaga, are a part of Japan's grant-funded Super Science Program.
The study abroad portion of the program balances lab work at the university, and field work up in Havana.
UIS credits the chance to act as hosts to Ashikaga's sister-city relationship with Springfield.
"The sister city relationship that Springfield and Ashikaga have, we've been working together for close to 25 years. As a university, we've been working with our counterpart in Ashikaga, the Institute of Technology, for almost 15 years. So, this program came out of those two connections," said Jonathan GoldbergBelle, UIS director of international programs.
International sister city programs became popular after World War II. They aim to foster mutual understanding, commerce, and tourism.
The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on July 9, 2014.
Watch the story online
The kids, from Springfield's sister city, Ashikaga, are a part of Japan's grant-funded Super Science Program.
The study abroad portion of the program balances lab work at the university, and field work up in Havana.
UIS credits the chance to act as hosts to Ashikaga's sister-city relationship with Springfield.
"The sister city relationship that Springfield and Ashikaga have, we've been working together for close to 25 years. As a university, we've been working with our counterpart in Ashikaga, the Institute of Technology, for almost 15 years. So, this program came out of those two connections," said Jonathan GoldbergBelle, UIS director of international programs.
International sister city programs became popular after World War II. They aim to foster mutual understanding, commerce, and tourism.
The story was reported by WICS-TV 20 on July 9, 2014.
Watch the story online
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
UIS graduate staying at school as campus police officer
She participated in the University of Illinois Springfield commencement exercises May 17, where she received her degree in criminal justice, and then will graduate from the Illinois State Police Training Academy in September as likely the first black woman to be hired for the UIS Campus Police force.
Skaggs, 26, shared the graduation stage earlier this month with her sister, Natalia, who got her degree in social work. They are the first members of their family to graduate from college.
That family connection is important to Skaggs, who was born in Plano, Texas, but moved to Edinburg in time for the sixth grade.
She applied for a position on the campus police force because it was one of the first law enforcement jobs she heard about. She got the letter offering her the campus police job on her birthday.
“And, it was in Springfield!” she said. “My mom, brother and sister are all here, and I wanted to be around them. I'm very family-oriented.”
Skaggs got an associate degree from Lincoln Land Community College before completing her bachelor's degree at UIS.
Skaggs was featured by The State Journal-Register on May 28, 2014.
Read the article online
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
UIS names inaugural class to sports hall of fame
The first induction class into the University of Illinois Springfield Athletics Hall of Fame includes a former men’s soccer coach, a former men’s soccer player, a former women’s tennis player, a major contributor to the program and the school’s first national championship team.
Named to the inaugural induction class were Aydin Gonulsen, athletic director and soccer coach (1976-2002); Harold Christofilakos, Friend of the Prairie Stars; Carla (Jimenez) Mills, tennis (1998-2000); Elias Shehadi, soccer (1976-1979); and the 1986 NAIA national champion men’s soccer team.
“This is a great opportunity to celebrate and honor key individuals who have made tremendous contributions to the athletics program and university,” UIS Director of Athletics Kim Pate said in a statement released by the school.
The first class is set to be inducted on Oct. 11 during Homecoming with the time and place to be determined. An advisory committee of Springfield community members, UIS alumni, staff, faculty, athletic coaches and players were involved in selecting the inductees.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on May 20, 2014.
Read the article online
Named to the inaugural induction class were Aydin Gonulsen, athletic director and soccer coach (1976-2002); Harold Christofilakos, Friend of the Prairie Stars; Carla (Jimenez) Mills, tennis (1998-2000); Elias Shehadi, soccer (1976-1979); and the 1986 NAIA national champion men’s soccer team.
“This is a great opportunity to celebrate and honor key individuals who have made tremendous contributions to the athletics program and university,” UIS Director of Athletics Kim Pate said in a statement released by the school.
The first class is set to be inducted on Oct. 11 during Homecoming with the time and place to be determined. An advisory committee of Springfield community members, UIS alumni, staff, faculty, athletic coaches and players were involved in selecting the inductees.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on May 20, 2014.
Read the article online
Sunday, May 18, 2014
UIS holds graduation ceremony
More than 1,360 UIS students were eligible to participate in Saturday’s ceremony.
Chancellor Susan Koch said the university and its students are deeply engaged in the community.
“All of our students, regardless of majors, have wonderful opportunities to volunteer and contribute to the community. It’s really a hallmark of the education here,” Koch said.
Aaron Mulvey, 22, a 2010 Rochester High School graduate, was deeply immersed in the campus community during his four years at the university. This past year, he served as president of the Student Government Association, which tackled a variety if issues.
“We had a 99 Problems Campaign that allowed people to go online and submit a bunch of issues,” Mulvey said. “That was everything from housing to parking to food services. We also tackled big issues like transportation. We had a task force on that to help (the Springfield Mass Transit District) get us better routes for campus.”
Mulvey was graduating with a bachelor’s degree in communication and political science. He said there were a lot of opportunities for students at UIS, both in and out of the classroom.
Commencement was featured by The State Journal-Register on May 18, 2014.
Read the article online
Chancellor Susan Koch said the university and its students are deeply engaged in the community.
“All of our students, regardless of majors, have wonderful opportunities to volunteer and contribute to the community. It’s really a hallmark of the education here,” Koch said.
Aaron Mulvey, 22, a 2010 Rochester High School graduate, was deeply immersed in the campus community during his four years at the university. This past year, he served as president of the Student Government Association, which tackled a variety if issues.
“We had a 99 Problems Campaign that allowed people to go online and submit a bunch of issues,” Mulvey said. “That was everything from housing to parking to food services. We also tackled big issues like transportation. We had a task force on that to help (the Springfield Mass Transit District) get us better routes for campus.”
Mulvey was graduating with a bachelor’s degree in communication and political science. He said there were a lot of opportunities for students at UIS, both in and out of the classroom.
Commencement was featured by The State Journal-Register on May 18, 2014.
Read the article online
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