The University of Illinois Springfield's Student Union celebrated its one year anniversary since its opening in 2018.
The Student Union serves as the center of students' social and organizational activities.
"This building is such an amazing piece of this campus now and has really changed how students interact and have a good time on this campus and connect with one another," Executive Director of the Student Union Ann Comerford said.
Some of the one-year celebration activities included license plate personalizations, giveaways, a DJ and a game show.
This story aired in WICS Newschannel 20 on January 14, 2019.
Watch the story online.
Showing posts with label Student Union. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Student Union. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Monday, November 12, 2018
UIS Student Union wins design award
The University of Illinois Springfield's new Student Union building was awarded an excellence in design award by the American Institute of Architects earlier this month.
The two story, 52,028-square-foot building, designed by Milwaukee-based Workshop Architects and Peoria-based Dewberry, was lauded by AIA judges for its “striking, inviting sculptural form” as well as for what it represents: “a central place for what’s otherwise a commuter campus.”
“The project offers a modern, fresh and spacious interactive space,” AIA judges wrote. “The proposed program with flexible work spaces and overlapped activities seems very appropriate as a social catalyst for students on campus.”
In a short period of time, the building has become a one-stop shop for the UIS community, housing campus dining services, a Starbucks coffee shop, a ballroom with seating for up to 450 people and a Student Leadership Center that houses student government, volunteer offices and workspaces for student organizations.
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce will host its 2018 Economic Outlook Breakfast at the UIS Student Union on Tuesday morning. The keynote speaker will be economist James Glassman, a former Bush administration official who’s now a visiting fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and the head economist of commercial banking for JP Morgan Chase.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 10, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
The two story, 52,028-square-foot building, designed by Milwaukee-based Workshop Architects and Peoria-based Dewberry, was lauded by AIA judges for its “striking, inviting sculptural form” as well as for what it represents: “a central place for what’s otherwise a commuter campus.”
“The project offers a modern, fresh and spacious interactive space,” AIA judges wrote. “The proposed program with flexible work spaces and overlapped activities seems very appropriate as a social catalyst for students on campus.”
In a short period of time, the building has become a one-stop shop for the UIS community, housing campus dining services, a Starbucks coffee shop, a ballroom with seating for up to 450 people and a Student Leadership Center that houses student government, volunteer offices and workspaces for student organizations.
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce will host its 2018 Economic Outlook Breakfast at the UIS Student Union on Tuesday morning. The keynote speaker will be economist James Glassman, a former Bush administration official who’s now a visiting fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and the head economist of commercial banking for JP Morgan Chase.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 10, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
Monday, September 17, 2018
C-SPAN bus coming to Springfield next week
A 45-foot customized C-SPAN bus will be in Springfield Tuesday and Wednesday as part of the public affairs channel’s “50 Capitals Tour.”
The tour began in September 2017 and is scheduled to be completed in November.
At each capital city, the bus is opening its doors and also gathering viewpoints on politics.
On Tuesday, the bus will be open to the public from 9:30 to 11 a.m. outside the Statehouse on Capitol Avenue, near Second Street.
Earlier that day, state Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, will be interviewed aboard the bus for the channel’s “Washington Journal” program.
The bus also will be at Springfield High School in the afternoon.
On Wednesday, the bus will be open to the public while parked near the Student Union at the University of Illinois Springfield from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The bus will be at Grant Middle School earlier in the day.
The bus is equipped with a TV production studio, a smart TV and classroom area for conversations with students and teachers, and a D.C.-themed selfie station where visitors can share their bus experiences through social media.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 14, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
The tour began in September 2017 and is scheduled to be completed in November.
At each capital city, the bus is opening its doors and also gathering viewpoints on politics.
On Tuesday, the bus will be open to the public from 9:30 to 11 a.m. outside the Statehouse on Capitol Avenue, near Second Street.
Earlier that day, state Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, will be interviewed aboard the bus for the channel’s “Washington Journal” program.
The bus also will be at Springfield High School in the afternoon.
On Wednesday, the bus will be open to the public while parked near the Student Union at the University of Illinois Springfield from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The bus will be at Grant Middle School earlier in the day.
The bus is equipped with a TV production studio, a smart TV and classroom area for conversations with students and teachers, and a D.C.-themed selfie station where visitors can share their bus experiences through social media.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 14, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
Thursday, January 25, 2018
New union complex gives campus a social hub
University of Illinois Springfield’s recently unveiled Student Union building includes several dining outlets, among them the school’s first Starbucks and several relocated retail venues.
How do you build community on a college campus? Well, first you need a venue. That’s what was always lacking at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS), where an enrollment of some 5,000 students has traditionally tended to scatter when not taking classes if for no other reason than there was really no place on campus to gather.
Well, there is now.
On January 14, just ahead of the start of spring semester, the ribbon was cut to officially open UIS’s new Student Union building, a 52,000-plus square foot hub of campus social activity complete with offices and workspaces for various student and volunteer organizations, a ballroom for special events, a gaming/activity center, several dining outlets plus the first branded Starbucks unit on campus.
The dining concepts were revamped to a degree for the move. For example, the World Flavors international station now allows diners to choose their vegetables, proteins, grains and flavoring sauces, then have them prepared to order by a chef. The station rotates different ethnic cuisines daily to offer variety. Meanwhile, the deli station now lets customers assemble their own sandwiches, which are priced by weight, and includes a toaster oven for those who wish hot dishes.
“The station is about twice the size it used to be” to accommodate the expanded ingredient options, says Geoffrey Evans, director of university dining services at UIS.
The pizza station has basically the same choices as before but the recipes for the sauces and crust have been upgraded, and baking is now done in a higher quality oven for a better all-around product, Evans notes.
The new UIS Student Union is designed to serve as a campus social hub with plenty of spaces to hang out and interact. So what’s been the reaction so far from the returning students?
“Very positive,” Evans reports. “They like the increased options and the Starbucks has been a big hit.”
This article appeared online at www.food-management.com on January 24, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
How do you build community on a college campus? Well, first you need a venue. That’s what was always lacking at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS), where an enrollment of some 5,000 students has traditionally tended to scatter when not taking classes if for no other reason than there was really no place on campus to gather.
Well, there is now.
On January 14, just ahead of the start of spring semester, the ribbon was cut to officially open UIS’s new Student Union building, a 52,000-plus square foot hub of campus social activity complete with offices and workspaces for various student and volunteer organizations, a ballroom for special events, a gaming/activity center, several dining outlets plus the first branded Starbucks unit on campus.
The dining concepts were revamped to a degree for the move. For example, the World Flavors international station now allows diners to choose their vegetables, proteins, grains and flavoring sauces, then have them prepared to order by a chef. The station rotates different ethnic cuisines daily to offer variety. Meanwhile, the deli station now lets customers assemble their own sandwiches, which are priced by weight, and includes a toaster oven for those who wish hot dishes.
“The station is about twice the size it used to be” to accommodate the expanded ingredient options, says Geoffrey Evans, director of university dining services at UIS.
The pizza station has basically the same choices as before but the recipes for the sauces and crust have been upgraded, and baking is now done in a higher quality oven for a better all-around product, Evans notes.
The new UIS Student Union is designed to serve as a campus social hub with plenty of spaces to hang out and interact. So what’s been the reaction so far from the returning students?
“Very positive,” Evans reports. “They like the increased options and the Starbucks has been a big hit.”
This article appeared online at www.food-management.com on January 24, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
$21.7M student union officially opens at UIS
As hundreds of people gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sunday at University of Illinois Springfield’s new student union, Dominic Chiappano and his friends parked themselves in front of a large, flat-screen television on the first floor to watch the NFL playoffs.
Before the new 52,028-square-foot building opened, the UIS senior said, there wasn’t a place on campus he and his friends wanted to hang out at. That changed Sunday.
“This place is a perfect getaway,” Chiappano said. “I’m definitely going to spend more time here.”
After more than a year and a half of construction for the $21.7 million project, the student union at UIS is officially open for students, who return to class from winter break Tuesday.
University officials say the building will serve as a social hub for student life, foster a greater sense of community and help with recruitment efforts.
The two-story building anchors the campus’s south quad, providing campus dining services, a Starbucks coffee shop, a ballroom with seating for up to 450 people and a Student Leadership Center that houses student government, volunteer offices and workspaces for student organizations.
Fee increases approved by a student vote in 2012 and other funds are paying $13.75 million, while a fundraising campaign continues toward $8 million in private donations.
UIS Chancellor Susan Koch said approximately $6.25 million in private funds has been raised toward the $8 million goal.
Koch said Sunday she struggled to put into words how excited she was this day finally came, noting talks of adding a student union have been ongoing for nearly a decade. Now that the building is here, she added, she believes it will enrich the entire academic community on campus and the larger Springfield community in ways she hasn’t yet imagined.
“This is a wonderful next step in the evolution of this very young campus and is going to make a huge difference in the life of this campus,” Koch said.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on January 14, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
Before the new 52,028-square-foot building opened, the UIS senior said, there wasn’t a place on campus he and his friends wanted to hang out at. That changed Sunday.
“This place is a perfect getaway,” Chiappano said. “I’m definitely going to spend more time here.”
After more than a year and a half of construction for the $21.7 million project, the student union at UIS is officially open for students, who return to class from winter break Tuesday.
University officials say the building will serve as a social hub for student life, foster a greater sense of community and help with recruitment efforts.
The two-story building anchors the campus’s south quad, providing campus dining services, a Starbucks coffee shop, a ballroom with seating for up to 450 people and a Student Leadership Center that houses student government, volunteer offices and workspaces for student organizations.
Fee increases approved by a student vote in 2012 and other funds are paying $13.75 million, while a fundraising campaign continues toward $8 million in private donations.
UIS Chancellor Susan Koch said approximately $6.25 million in private funds has been raised toward the $8 million goal.
Koch said Sunday she struggled to put into words how excited she was this day finally came, noting talks of adding a student union have been ongoing for nearly a decade. Now that the building is here, she added, she believes it will enrich the entire academic community on campus and the larger Springfield community in ways she hasn’t yet imagined.
“This is a wonderful next step in the evolution of this very young campus and is going to make a huge difference in the life of this campus,” Koch said.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on January 14, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
Thursday, January 11, 2018
New Student Union: Commitment to Environmental Excellence
Environmental considerations were fundamental in the design of the University of Illinois Springfield Student Union.
Key elements include a green roof, energy efficiency, use of recycled and sustainable building materials, native plants for landscaping, and seeking LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating and certification system is the industry’s gold-standard for the design and construction of environmentally sustainable buildings that incorporate strategies to reduce energy and water usage, promote better indoor air quality and improve the quality of life of the building’s occupants.
Chuck Coderko is the Associate Chancellor of Administrative Affairs, Facilities and Services at UIS. He oversaw and led the university’s efforts in the design and construction of the building. He says, “A LEED certification is a highly sought-after achievement for newly constructed buildings and large renovation projects on the UIS campus. Environmentally friendly practices have huge benefits for UIS. The role higher education institutions play in environmental stewardship can have a significant impact today and in future generations. The education and habits we can pass onto the students, facility, staff and surrounding community on how to live a more sustainable life can significantly reduce the environmental impact society as a whole has on the environment.”
Coderko says that environmental benefits realized by building “green” sustainable buildings and facilities have been measured and proven to provide several tangible and non-tangible benefits to a community. Sustainable buildings help to preserve our environment and avoid the depletion of the earth’s natural resources. They also help to reduce operating costs, optimize the life cycle of the building, increase property values, improve the comfort and health of building occupants, improve workers’ attendance and productivity, minimize strain on local infrastructure and create an aesthetically pleasing environment.
The living vegetated roof is a significant design feature of the building, which will be visible from various locations.
A rainwater reclamation system will reduce storm runoff and eliminate water irrigation.
Twenty percent of the building is constructed with recycled materials.
The lighting system is highly efficient, and design features take advantage of natural and ambient light.
This story appeared in The Illinois Times on January 11, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
Key elements include a green roof, energy efficiency, use of recycled and sustainable building materials, native plants for landscaping, and seeking LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating and certification system is the industry’s gold-standard for the design and construction of environmentally sustainable buildings that incorporate strategies to reduce energy and water usage, promote better indoor air quality and improve the quality of life of the building’s occupants.
Chuck Coderko is the Associate Chancellor of Administrative Affairs, Facilities and Services at UIS. He oversaw and led the university’s efforts in the design and construction of the building. He says, “A LEED certification is a highly sought-after achievement for newly constructed buildings and large renovation projects on the UIS campus. Environmentally friendly practices have huge benefits for UIS. The role higher education institutions play in environmental stewardship can have a significant impact today and in future generations. The education and habits we can pass onto the students, facility, staff and surrounding community on how to live a more sustainable life can significantly reduce the environmental impact society as a whole has on the environment.”
Coderko says that environmental benefits realized by building “green” sustainable buildings and facilities have been measured and proven to provide several tangible and non-tangible benefits to a community. Sustainable buildings help to preserve our environment and avoid the depletion of the earth’s natural resources. They also help to reduce operating costs, optimize the life cycle of the building, increase property values, improve the comfort and health of building occupants, improve workers’ attendance and productivity, minimize strain on local infrastructure and create an aesthetically pleasing environment.
The living vegetated roof is a significant design feature of the building, which will be visible from various locations.
A rainwater reclamation system will reduce storm runoff and eliminate water irrigation.
Twenty percent of the building is constructed with recycled materials.
The lighting system is highly efficient, and design features take advantage of natural and ambient light.
This story appeared in The Illinois Times on January 11, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
A building for belonging: Not just a hangout, the new UIS Student Union hopes to bring a community together
“The coolest thing is that so many students participated in big and small ways,” says John Tienken, a former University of Illinois Springfield student trustee who is now a law student at the University of Chicago. Tienken is one of those students who contributed in a big way and was a driving force behind development of the UIS Student Union.
The same can be said for many alumni and members of the community contributing in big and small ways. Thus far 225 people have donated to the Student Union. One gave $2, and many donated $10, $25, $50 and $100. Two donors each contributed $1.5 million.
Collectively students, university leaders, faculty, staff and community members have rallied around building the Student Union, which UIS Chancellor Susan Koch calls the “new heart of the campus.”
The new Student Union, opening Jan. 14, encompasses 52,000 square feet, cost $21.75 million, and is located on the south end of the Main Quad. A two-story atrium with large glass windows provides views of the Colonnade to the north. The adjacent 25,000-square-foot outdoor plaza blurs the line between inside and out.
Designed by Dewberry (Peoria) and Workshop Architects (Milwaukee), the new Student Union sits at the crossroads of the campus.
A Student Union Committee, which included students, faculty, staff and university leaders, provided extensive input.
Until now there has been no central gathering place for students at UIS, no dedicated space for student organizations, no place for students to hang out between classes. The only places to meet were the cafeteria, lobbies of academic buildings or small lounges in out-of-the-way locations.
Features of the new Student Union include a Student Leadership Center, multiple lounge areas, diverse dining options, a Starbucks, large ballroom for university and community events, and large and small meeting areas and conference rooms.
The Student Union is not just a new campus building and a nice place for students to hang out and drink coffee. It is expected to transform the student experience. Officials hope it will also provide a greater sense of belonging to the campus and university, serve as a catalyst for discussion and engagement, and connect the community with the campus.
Says Chancellor Koch, “Research shows that great student unions impact student retention and student recruitment. With increased enrollment being one of our top three UIS priorities, building a Student Union was a perfect fit. The Student Union creates a sense of place. UIS is a young campus, and this is a significant building in the development of our university.”
“Unions are places to engage with one another, meet new people, lead through organizations and work, and challenge one another to build a better campus and world community,” says Ann Comerford, executive director of the Student Union.
The new Student Union demonstrates what can be accomplished when students, university leaders, faculty and staff, and community members work together to achieve a common goal. State funds cannot be used to build student unions. It is being built through a combination of student fees collected over a period of years beginning when the building opens, along with generous donations.
The goal is to raise $8 million in private contributions. There are already commitments for more than $6.2 million.
In April 2012 students voted overwhelmingly to support the Student Union through student fees, but this did not happen automatically. The first referendum in the spring of 2010 failed.
Tienken and others delved into the issue to learn from the past referendum, get student input and encourage others to get involved, including those not part of student government but who wanted to make a difference. They held informational sessions, had a BBQ on the Quad, created posters, talked about the benefits of a student union, spread information on the referendum, created videos and developed enthusiasm and support. They learned a lot about executing a successful campaign, and their efforts paid off. In April 2012 students passed the referendum by a 4 to 1 margin to support assessing student fees to build the union.
When people look back on their university experiences, some of those memories are brighter than the academics. It is so important for students to be able to congregate with their fellow students and hang out.” former Springfield Mayor Karen Hasara was a member of the U of I Board of Trustees when the board voted in favor of the project.
Given her long involvement with the university from being a student to serving as trustee, Hasara also chose to donate to the Student Union project. She dedicated her donation to the student trustee room, which is part of the Student Leadership Center.
A gift to the community Hasara says the Student Union is not just a gift to the university, but it is also a gift to the community.
This story appeared in The Illinois Times on January 11, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
The same can be said for many alumni and members of the community contributing in big and small ways. Thus far 225 people have donated to the Student Union. One gave $2, and many donated $10, $25, $50 and $100. Two donors each contributed $1.5 million.
Collectively students, university leaders, faculty, staff and community members have rallied around building the Student Union, which UIS Chancellor Susan Koch calls the “new heart of the campus.”
The new Student Union, opening Jan. 14, encompasses 52,000 square feet, cost $21.75 million, and is located on the south end of the Main Quad. A two-story atrium with large glass windows provides views of the Colonnade to the north. The adjacent 25,000-square-foot outdoor plaza blurs the line between inside and out.
Designed by Dewberry (Peoria) and Workshop Architects (Milwaukee), the new Student Union sits at the crossroads of the campus.
A Student Union Committee, which included students, faculty, staff and university leaders, provided extensive input.
Until now there has been no central gathering place for students at UIS, no dedicated space for student organizations, no place for students to hang out between classes. The only places to meet were the cafeteria, lobbies of academic buildings or small lounges in out-of-the-way locations.
Features of the new Student Union include a Student Leadership Center, multiple lounge areas, diverse dining options, a Starbucks, large ballroom for university and community events, and large and small meeting areas and conference rooms.
The Student Union is not just a new campus building and a nice place for students to hang out and drink coffee. It is expected to transform the student experience. Officials hope it will also provide a greater sense of belonging to the campus and university, serve as a catalyst for discussion and engagement, and connect the community with the campus.
Says Chancellor Koch, “Research shows that great student unions impact student retention and student recruitment. With increased enrollment being one of our top three UIS priorities, building a Student Union was a perfect fit. The Student Union creates a sense of place. UIS is a young campus, and this is a significant building in the development of our university.”
“Unions are places to engage with one another, meet new people, lead through organizations and work, and challenge one another to build a better campus and world community,” says Ann Comerford, executive director of the Student Union.
The new Student Union demonstrates what can be accomplished when students, university leaders, faculty and staff, and community members work together to achieve a common goal. State funds cannot be used to build student unions. It is being built through a combination of student fees collected over a period of years beginning when the building opens, along with generous donations.
The goal is to raise $8 million in private contributions. There are already commitments for more than $6.2 million.
In April 2012 students voted overwhelmingly to support the Student Union through student fees, but this did not happen automatically. The first referendum in the spring of 2010 failed.
Tienken and others delved into the issue to learn from the past referendum, get student input and encourage others to get involved, including those not part of student government but who wanted to make a difference. They held informational sessions, had a BBQ on the Quad, created posters, talked about the benefits of a student union, spread information on the referendum, created videos and developed enthusiasm and support. They learned a lot about executing a successful campaign, and their efforts paid off. In April 2012 students passed the referendum by a 4 to 1 margin to support assessing student fees to build the union.
When people look back on their university experiences, some of those memories are brighter than the academics. It is so important for students to be able to congregate with their fellow students and hang out.” former Springfield Mayor Karen Hasara was a member of the U of I Board of Trustees when the board voted in favor of the project.
Given her long involvement with the university from being a student to serving as trustee, Hasara also chose to donate to the Student Union project. She dedicated her donation to the student trustee room, which is part of the Student Leadership Center.
A gift to the community Hasara says the Student Union is not just a gift to the university, but it is also a gift to the community.
This story appeared in The Illinois Times on January 11, 2018.
Read the entire article online.
Tuesday, January 2, 2018
Local business notes: UIS Student Union set to open
The grand opening of the University of Illinois Springfield Student Union is two weeks away.
Ground was broken in May 2016 for the $21.7 million project at the center of campus.
The ribbon cutting is scheduled for 2 p.m. and an open house at 4 p.m. Jan. 14, according to the project website, www.uis.edu/studentunion.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on December 30, 2017.
Read the entire article online.
Ground was broken in May 2016 for the $21.7 million project at the center of campus.
The ribbon cutting is scheduled for 2 p.m. and an open house at 4 p.m. Jan. 14, according to the project website, www.uis.edu/studentunion.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on December 30, 2017.
Read the entire article online.
Monday, November 20, 2017
New UIS Student Union to host the 2018 Economic Outlook Breakfast
The University of Illinois Springfield Student Union should be ready in 2018 for the annual Economic Outlook Breakfast of The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Chancellor Susan Koch told the fall breakfast on Tuesday.
The breakfast traditionally has been held at the campus’ Public Affairs Center.
“That new building down the way is 99 percent complete,” Koch said, referring to the Student Union.
A grand opening for the $21.7 million project is scheduled for Jan. 14.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 18, 2017.
Read the entire article online.
The breakfast traditionally has been held at the campus’ Public Affairs Center.
“That new building down the way is 99 percent complete,” Koch said, referring to the Student Union.
A grand opening for the $21.7 million project is scheduled for Jan. 14.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 18, 2017.
Read the entire article online.
Monday, November 6, 2017
UIS opening new student union
The University of Illinois Springfield is opening a new student union in January.
It's a $21.7 million project.
The 50,000 sq. ft. facility still needs landscaping, decor, and furnishings.
The grand opening is set for January 14th 2018.
Officials are calling it a "Community Hub" for campus where students can eat and attend events and will have two dozen student workers.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on November 5, 2017.
Watch the story online.
It's a $21.7 million project.
The 50,000 sq. ft. facility still needs landscaping, decor, and furnishings.
The grand opening is set for January 14th 2018.
Officials are calling it a "Community Hub" for campus where students can eat and attend events and will have two dozen student workers.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on November 5, 2017.
Watch the story online.
Thursday, November 2, 2017
UIS Student Union to open mid-January
The Student Union at University of Illinois Springfield has a mid-January opening date after more than a year-and-a-half of construction for the $21.7 million project.
Remaining work on the 50,000-square-foot facility at the center of campus includes furnishings, landscaping, décor and finishing touches on exterior walls toward a Jan. 14 grand opening, Student Union Executive Director Ann Comerford said Wednesday.
“Everything is moving along really well,” said Comerford. “We plan to begin moving in late November or early December.”
The Student Union was among projects highlighted at the Springfield campus with the official launch Wednesday of a five-year, $3.1 billion fundraising campaign for the University of Illinois System, including Champaign-Urbana, Chicago and Springfield campuses.
Approximately $1.8 billion already has been committed toward scholarships and academic programs, facilities, technology and community projects, according to Wednesday’s announcement.
UIS Chancellor Susan Koch last month announced a $40 million goal for the Springfield campaign, including creation of the UIS Center for Lincoln Studies.
A weeklong series of events are planned leading up to Jan. 14.
“It’ll truly be a community hub for the campus. Students will study here, they’ll eat here, and there will also be a lot of programs and events,” said Comerford. ”“It’s also our hope this is a place where people get to know the campus community. I think it’s great not only for UIS but for Springfield.”
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 1, 2017.
Read the entire article online.
Remaining work on the 50,000-square-foot facility at the center of campus includes furnishings, landscaping, décor and finishing touches on exterior walls toward a Jan. 14 grand opening, Student Union Executive Director Ann Comerford said Wednesday.
“Everything is moving along really well,” said Comerford. “We plan to begin moving in late November or early December.”
The Student Union was among projects highlighted at the Springfield campus with the official launch Wednesday of a five-year, $3.1 billion fundraising campaign for the University of Illinois System, including Champaign-Urbana, Chicago and Springfield campuses.
Approximately $1.8 billion already has been committed toward scholarships and academic programs, facilities, technology and community projects, according to Wednesday’s announcement.
UIS Chancellor Susan Koch last month announced a $40 million goal for the Springfield campaign, including creation of the UIS Center for Lincoln Studies.
A weeklong series of events are planned leading up to Jan. 14.
“It’ll truly be a community hub for the campus. Students will study here, they’ll eat here, and there will also be a lot of programs and events,” said Comerford. ”“It’s also our hope this is a place where people get to know the campus community. I think it’s great not only for UIS but for Springfield.”
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 1, 2017.
Read the entire article online.
Monday, September 18, 2017
New UIS building is going green
The roof of the new student union building at the University of Illinois Springfield is going green.
The university is starting planting succulents on the roof this week. "You don't need a lot of deep roots for a succulent so they really take care of themselves," Student Union Executive Director Ann Comerford said.
"If you put grasses or wildflowers there's a lot more care and they won't actually do the work that you need a green roof to do."
According to research from Michigan State University, green roofs have multiple benefits including helping the environment, conserve energy and can save money.
The green roof is expected to be completed next week.
The Student Union is scheduled to open in January of 2018.
This story aired on Fox Illinois on September 15, 2017.
Watch the story online.
The university is starting planting succulents on the roof this week. "You don't need a lot of deep roots for a succulent so they really take care of themselves," Student Union Executive Director Ann Comerford said.
"If you put grasses or wildflowers there's a lot more care and they won't actually do the work that you need a green roof to do."
According to research from Michigan State University, green roofs have multiple benefits including helping the environment, conserve energy and can save money.
The green roof is expected to be completed next week.
The Student Union is scheduled to open in January of 2018.
This story aired on Fox Illinois on September 15, 2017.
Watch the story online.
Monday, February 27, 2017
UIS student union about half done; January opening planned
Students at the University of Illinois Springfield voted 432-109 in April 2012 to raise fees toward the now $21.7 million estimated cost of a Student Union to be constructed south of the Main Quad and major academic buildings.
Opening is planned for January 2018.
Here are project highlights:
What will be included? -- The 50,000-square-foot center has two levels and a mezzanine. Features will include a lounge, game room, food-service operations, sports grill, convenience store, Welcome Desk, Student Leadership Center, meeting and conference rooms, and a ballroom; there also will be outdoor seating and fire pits. Starbucks plans a cafe on the mezzanine level.
Will it be open to the public? -- Yes. In addition to serving as a gathering place for students and faculty, the ballroom, conference areas and meeting rooms will be available for community events.
How is the building designed? -- Chief design firm Dewberry Architects of Peoria describes an "open" look with large, transparent spaces, outside terracing, multi-use areas, and a two-story open lounge. The center will have a "living roof" of vegetation -- likely wildflowers -- on a sloped membrane that also will provide insulation. The Student Union also will have a rainwater reclamation system.
Where does construction stand? -- The project is about 50 percent complete, with much of the exterior finished.
What will become of the existing Public Affairs Center? -- The university is considering new uses for the PAC, once the Student Union is completed.
The state of Illinois has no budget. Who is paying? -- An increase in student fees and other existing funds will cover approximately $13.7 million of the cost, with fundraising covering $8 million. Higher student fees take effect when the Student Union opens.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on February 26, 2017.
Read the entire article online.
Opening is planned for January 2018.
Here are project highlights:
What will be included? -- The 50,000-square-foot center has two levels and a mezzanine. Features will include a lounge, game room, food-service operations, sports grill, convenience store, Welcome Desk, Student Leadership Center, meeting and conference rooms, and a ballroom; there also will be outdoor seating and fire pits. Starbucks plans a cafe on the mezzanine level.
Will it be open to the public? -- Yes. In addition to serving as a gathering place for students and faculty, the ballroom, conference areas and meeting rooms will be available for community events.
How is the building designed? -- Chief design firm Dewberry Architects of Peoria describes an "open" look with large, transparent spaces, outside terracing, multi-use areas, and a two-story open lounge. The center will have a "living roof" of vegetation -- likely wildflowers -- on a sloped membrane that also will provide insulation. The Student Union also will have a rainwater reclamation system.
Where does construction stand? -- The project is about 50 percent complete, with much of the exterior finished.
What will become of the existing Public Affairs Center? -- The university is considering new uses for the PAC, once the Student Union is completed.
The state of Illinois has no budget. Who is paying? -- An increase in student fees and other existing funds will cover approximately $13.7 million of the cost, with fundraising covering $8 million. Higher student fees take effect when the Student Union opens.
This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on February 26, 2017.
Read the entire article online.
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Construction underway for $21.7M UIS student union project
University of Illinois trustee Karen Hasara remembers her days as a then-Sangamon State University student in 1970.
“We thought the buildings would be very temporary, and they’re still here,” she said. “It was hard to find a place to talk to fellow students.”
That’s about to change. U of I officials from both Springfield and Champaign, current and former students, and donors gathered on the University of Illinois Springfield South Quad Wednesday to ceremonially break ground for the school’s $21.7 million student union that will be funded almost entirely by private donations and student fees.
“I didn’t think it would take this long,” said Hasara, a former Springfield mayor, state legislator and holder of two degrees from UIS.
The two-story, 50,000 square-foot facility is expected to be completed early in 2018, and student fees won’t go up until the building is in use.
UIS Chancellor Susan Koch welcomed the crowd to Wednesday's groundbreaking.
“I can’t tell you how long I’ve been looking forward to saying those words,” she said.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on May 5, 2016.
Read the full article online.
“We thought the buildings would be very temporary, and they’re still here,” she said. “It was hard to find a place to talk to fellow students.”
That’s about to change. U of I officials from both Springfield and Champaign, current and former students, and donors gathered on the University of Illinois Springfield South Quad Wednesday to ceremonially break ground for the school’s $21.7 million student union that will be funded almost entirely by private donations and student fees.
“I didn’t think it would take this long,” said Hasara, a former Springfield mayor, state legislator and holder of two degrees from UIS.
The two-story, 50,000 square-foot facility is expected to be completed early in 2018, and student fees won’t go up until the building is in use.
UIS Chancellor Susan Koch welcomed the crowd to Wednesday's groundbreaking.
“I can’t tell you how long I’ve been looking forward to saying those words,” she said.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on May 5, 2016.
Read the full article online.
UIS breaks ground on student union
Ground has been broken on what is being referred to as the “Living Room” for the students of the University of Illinois Springfield.
“Student unions have proved to be as valuable as classrooms,” says Timothy Killeen, U of I president. “They’ve become central to the college experience, places where students can unwind and recharge, a place to interact, and sharpen social skills that will serve them for a lifetime.”
Killeen, at a ceremony marking the start of building the $22 million Student Union — one that students have urged for years, along with Chancellor Susan Koch.
“Today marks a historic moment in life of this Springfield campus. This groundbreaking today is the culmination of years of planning, imagining, negotiating, campaigning, fundraising, and — I will admit — no small measure of strategic whining and complaining on the part of the Chancellor.
The story was reported by WTAX radio on May 4, 2016.
Read the article online.
“Student unions have proved to be as valuable as classrooms,” says Timothy Killeen, U of I president. “They’ve become central to the college experience, places where students can unwind and recharge, a place to interact, and sharpen social skills that will serve them for a lifetime.”
Killeen, at a ceremony marking the start of building the $22 million Student Union — one that students have urged for years, along with Chancellor Susan Koch.
“Today marks a historic moment in life of this Springfield campus. This groundbreaking today is the culmination of years of planning, imagining, negotiating, campaigning, fundraising, and — I will admit — no small measure of strategic whining and complaining on the part of the Chancellor.
The story was reported by WTAX radio on May 4, 2016.
Read the article online.
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Peoria firm picked to build UIS student union
A Peoria construction firm has been awarded a $12.7 million contract to build the first-ever student union building at the University of Illinois Springfield.
The U of I board of trustees approved the contract with William Brothers Construction Inc. at its meeting Wednesday in Urbana.
William Brothers will be the general contractor for the $21.7 million project. Four other contracts totaling almost $6.1 million for plumbing, electrical and ventilation work have already been awarded and did not require board approval.
Work is expected to begin on the two-story, 50,000-square-foot building in May, with completion scheduled for early 2018.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on March 17, 2016.
Read the story online.
The U of I board of trustees approved the contract with William Brothers Construction Inc. at its meeting Wednesday in Urbana.
William Brothers will be the general contractor for the $21.7 million project. Four other contracts totaling almost $6.1 million for plumbing, electrical and ventilation work have already been awarded and did not require board approval.
Work is expected to begin on the two-story, 50,000-square-foot building in May, with completion scheduled for early 2018.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on March 17, 2016.
Read the story online.
Friday, March 4, 2016
UIS receives $1.5M gift toward student union building
A Chicago businessman and University of Illinois Springfield alum and his wife have pledged $1.5 million to support the college’s student union building.
Construction is scheduled to begin in May on the $21.75 million building, which is being paid for largely with private donations and student fees. Officials hope for an early 2018 opening date.
Richard Osborne received an MBA from UIS, then called Sangamon State University, in 1973. He is senior managing director of Madison Industries, a private equity firm in Chicago.
UIS Chancellor Susan Koch said the gift by Richard and Charlene Osborne demonstrates the couple’s “generous spirit and strong confidence” in UIS.
“Dick attended UIS in the early days of the university, and since his graduation, he has seen the university grow and flourish,” she said. “With their gift, Dick and Charlene can know they will have a personal and lasting impact on the future of our campus. Their gift is that important.”
Having a student union is seen by university administrators as a way to attract new students and improve the quality of campus life for the current ones.
Jeff Lorber, UIS vice chancellor for advancement, said the Osbornes’ gift is the largest announced gift toward construction of the student union.
The largest lounge in the student union, a prominent feature of the first floor, will be named the Osborne Lounge.
The union, designed to be the focal point for campus life and activities, will include campus dining services, a coffee shop, a ballroom with seating for up to 450 people and a Student Leadership Center to house student government, volunteer offices and space for student organizations.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on March 5, 2016.
Read the story online.
Construction is scheduled to begin in May on the $21.75 million building, which is being paid for largely with private donations and student fees. Officials hope for an early 2018 opening date.
Richard Osborne received an MBA from UIS, then called Sangamon State University, in 1973. He is senior managing director of Madison Industries, a private equity firm in Chicago.
UIS Chancellor Susan Koch said the gift by Richard and Charlene Osborne demonstrates the couple’s “generous spirit and strong confidence” in UIS.
“Dick attended UIS in the early days of the university, and since his graduation, he has seen the university grow and flourish,” she said. “With their gift, Dick and Charlene can know they will have a personal and lasting impact on the future of our campus. Their gift is that important.”
Having a student union is seen by university administrators as a way to attract new students and improve the quality of campus life for the current ones.
Jeff Lorber, UIS vice chancellor for advancement, said the Osbornes’ gift is the largest announced gift toward construction of the student union.
The largest lounge in the student union, a prominent feature of the first floor, will be named the Osborne Lounge.
The union, designed to be the focal point for campus life and activities, will include campus dining services, a coffee shop, a ballroom with seating for up to 450 people and a Student Leadership Center to house student government, volunteer offices and space for student organizations.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on March 5, 2016.
Read the story online.
Friday, October 16, 2015
Plans for UIS Student Union going forward with private funds
Buoyed by support from the university president and a continuing upswing in private donations, the University of Illinois Springfield has decided to go ahead with plans for a Student Union building on campus.
Solicitations for bids were posted about 10 days ago and are due in early December, said Chuck Coderko, director of construction for UIS.
"This is a very important project for the university, and President Tim Killeen believes deeply in this project," UIS Chancellor Susan Koch said. "It is central to the growth priorities of the university, and he has encouraged us to move on."
Koch said having a Student Union will help attract new students and improve the quality of campus life for existing ones.
The $20 million Student Union project, approved by a vote of the student body in 2012, isn't a state-funded project, although uncertainty over state funding for the university caused a construction timetable to be delayed earlier this year.
Groundbreaking originally had been scheduled for May but instead is now likely for May 2016, Coderko said. Completion is anticipated in January 2018.
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on October 15, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
Solicitations for bids were posted about 10 days ago and are due in early December, said Chuck Coderko, director of construction for UIS.
"This is a very important project for the university, and President Tim Killeen believes deeply in this project," UIS Chancellor Susan Koch said. "It is central to the growth priorities of the university, and he has encouraged us to move on."
Koch said having a Student Union will help attract new students and improve the quality of campus life for existing ones.
The $20 million Student Union project, approved by a vote of the student body in 2012, isn't a state-funded project, although uncertainty over state funding for the university caused a construction timetable to be delayed earlier this year.
Groundbreaking originally had been scheduled for May but instead is now likely for May 2016, Coderko said. Completion is anticipated in January 2018.
This story appeared online in The State Journal-Register on October 15, 2015.
Read the entire article here.
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.
Monday, September 29, 2014
UIS Student Union fundraising set to kick off
The University of Illinois Springfield is kicking off its Student Union fundraising campaign Tuesday with a free carnival-themed event on campus.
The event, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. by the Colonnade, features T-shirt giveaways, games with prizes, and carnival treats such as funnel cakes, kettle corn, corn dogs and lemon shake-ups.
UIS Chancellor Susan Koch and Student Government Association president Joe McGee will speak, and attendees will be able to “tour” the planned building through large posters of floor plans.
Early donors to the campaign, which hopes to raise $8 million, also will be announced.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on September 29, 2014.
Read the article online
The event, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. by the Colonnade, features T-shirt giveaways, games with prizes, and carnival treats such as funnel cakes, kettle corn, corn dogs and lemon shake-ups.
UIS Chancellor Susan Koch and Student Government Association president Joe McGee will speak, and attendees will be able to “tour” the planned building through large posters of floor plans.
Early donors to the campaign, which hopes to raise $8 million, also will be announced.
The story was reported by The State Journal-Register on September 29, 2014.
Read the article online
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