Engaged citizenship; Water diplomacy in the Middle East

While the University of Illinois Springfield's (UIS) Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) speaker series program is part of a distinctive curriculum for undergraduate students, it is also a venue for the UIS community to engage with the larger community. 

The series strives to introduce the public and students to diverse perspectives and encourages open discussion and participation as major components of active citizenship. 

This week, Rachel Havrelock, founder and director of the University of Illinois Chicago freshwater lab and co-creator of the Freshwater Stories digital platform, will explore water diplomacy in the Middle East, including its water history and the innovations making new forms of water use and distribution possible. 

After appraising new projects on the horizon, she will discuss their applicability or relevance to Illinois and North American waters. 

This story appeared in the Illinois Times on November 5, 2020.

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UIS Studio Theatre to present ‘Rogues’ Gallery’ via livestream

As the days settle into more darkness, a little dark humor might be enlightening. “Rogues’ Gallery,” livestreamed beginning this weekend from the UIS Studio Theatre in the University of Illinois Springfield Performing Arts Center, sheds light on the “allure of bad behavior and the absurdity of being human” with “darkly humorous stories,” according to the show description.

Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson, the show’s director and chair of UIS’s art, music and theatre department, explained that “Rogues’ Gallery” is a lineup of 10 characters each with their own monologue. 

The characters “all feel like they have been wronged in some way and/or that their lives have been recently upended and consequently they’ve lost something or someone which/who they are trying to get back into their lives,” said Thibodeaux-Thompson. “Sound familiar? This is one of the reasons why we decided to produce this show.”

Thibodeaux-Thompson found twists and turns in planning and re-planning the production to keep cast and crew safe, and he and Tiller agree that cast and crew have worked hard to put together a fascinating show. He chose to direct the show for safety, as the production is a collection of monologues so there in some built-in social distancing and safety, but he adds “It is also a show that well reflects the diversity of struggles in today’s world.”

This story appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 5, 2020.

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UIS Perspectives: Bold legacy, bold future

The following is an excerpt from a column by Charles J. Schrage and Jessie Burrell, Co-chairs of University of Illinois Springfield 50th Anniversary Steering Team. This column appeared in The State Journal-Register on November 1, 2020.

It’s time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the University of Illinois Springfield!

With roots in Sangamon, the Bold Legacy began in 1970. At the time, the University had no permanent buildings, no traditions, and yet it possessed a bold, new vision for higher education, a public affairs mandate and a “blue memo” to build upon.

Dr. Larry Golden, professor emeritus and founding faculty member, helps connect those humble beginnings with today’s civically engaged University and student-centered educational mission. “UIS remains a university that continues to aspire to fulfill its original missions of public affairs and student centered teaching and learning. It has excellent, caring faculty who provide students the opportunity to gain a superb education and to grow and thrive as active citizens,” Golden said.

Alumna Karen Hasara exemplifies civic engagement and leadership. She is a retired member of the UI Board of Trustees, and among the founding graduates of the University. “The fall of 1970 opened new doors for so many of us at this brand new educational institution called Sangamon State University. Its vision was indeed bold,” Hasara said.

A rebirth of the University formally began on July 1, 1995. The merger of Sangamon State University with the University of Illinois System accelerated growth and innovation going into a new millennium, enabling the university’s academic excellence to be shared throughout the world.

The late 1990s saw university innovation in its truest form. Faculty utilized newly discovered technologies to harness the growing power of the internet, thereby expanding teaching and learning well beyond traditional “bricks and mortar” classrooms. UIS online classes were among the nation’s very first. Today, UIS online programs are recognized among the nation’s very, very best!

In 2001, the university welcomed its first freshman class with introduction of the Capital Scholars Honors Program.

This anniversary also provides an opportunity to look forward, and celebrate the Bright Future, and promise, which public higher education holds. The Bright Future enabled by outcomes of UIS’ Innovate Springfield business and social innovation hub; the Bright Future of our community enabled by the university’s commitments to diversity, inclusion and social justice. Enabling pursuit of the Bright Future for so many students is the Reaching Stellar fundraising campaign, with well over 100,000 private gifts already made in support of the $40 million goal.

As you likely expect, UIS is “creatively pivoting” its anniversary celebration. Every reasonable precaution is being taken to protect the health, safety and welfare of the community. We are United in Safety for your protection, and the protection of students, faculty and staff.

The 50th Anniversary souvenir issue of UIS Today magazine will be published later this month, featuring unique, historic and forward thinking content. UIS social media and the web feature nostalgic content with “flashback” historical photos and videos..

Read the entire column online.