University of Illinois Springfield holds virtual commencement

It's one of the most celebrated days of many people's lives, but as COVID-19 has forced large events to be put on hold, graduation ceremonies across the country have been canceled, as well.

University of Illinois Springfield said they're still honoring their students, but now in a safer way.

"It's really impossible to replace that moment with all their families cheering, and I’m going to miss that and they're going to miss that, and that's a shame, but we have to keep everybody safe and healthy," UIS Chancellor Susan Koch said.

There were no tassels and gowns, no cheering families, and no handshakes on stage. Yet, there were still tears of joy on graduation day. For the 1,179 graduates from UIS this year, it wasn't how they imagined their graduation. However, despite a global pandemic, the Class of 2020 was still honored in a special, virtual way.

The university created a virtual graduation ceremony that features faculty and students celebrating their achievements. Killeen ended the ceremony with an official naming of each college and the presentation of the degrees. Koch said the university plans to resume on-campus instruction in the fall and hold a physical graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020 later in the year.

"What led us to deciding that it's important to have a face-to-face event -- even if it's much smaller, even if a much smaller number of students can come -- is that it's important to our students, and they told us that it was important," Koch said.

This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on May 9, 2020..

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Black History Month in Springfield opens with candlelight vigil

February marks Black History Month, a federally recognized celebration of African American history and culture.

Events are scheduled in the Springfield area especially at the University of Illinois Springfield and Lincoln Land Community College highlighting the observance that begins Saturday.

UIS The theme of this year’s celebration is “We Are Deeply Rooted.”

UIS director of diversity and inclusion Justin Rose said the students had a significant say in forming the statement, which he said is meant to be a “simple, yet powerful” reminder that they “are the building blocks” of America. “And so we thought to turn it on its head and call it what it is, that we are deeply rooted in every phase of America and that our presence matters,” Rose said.

This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on January 31, 2020.

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UIS Student Union celebrates one-year anniversary

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.

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