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  • Scholarships

    Oct 6, 2017 4:15 pm13 views

    "Something I Will Use Every Day"

    Tyshianna Bankhead majors in Sociology Anthropology at UIS because she wants to stand up  against injustice. In the summer of 2017, with the help of the James L. Lundquist Scholarship, she went to The Gambia to work with a local organization seeking to curb traditional practices that harm women. “I get fired up about it because this issue involves the lives of others, and I know we are all part of this life journey together.”

    Tyshianna plans to work for the police department in the Quad Cities area on issues of diversity and ethnic training. “The study abroad gave me new insight about others who live in another community, within another culture, another world—something I will use every day in my career.”

  • Academic Excellence

    Oct 6, 2017 4:30 pm5 views

    Taking on the Challenge of Cyber Security

    Justin Brown is majoring in Information Systems Security at UIS. This past summer, he interned at the Security Operations Center at Horace Mann. He helped to monitor, review and take action on abnormal web or email traffic that might be come through the network. He enjoyed the challenge of staying on top of new attacks and.

    Justin also appreciated the opportunity to apply what he had been learning at UIS. “The Horace Mann internship provided a lot of hands-on experience,” he says, “taking theories and practices I had been learning in my courses at UIS and applying them. UIS definitely sets up their students for success not only in their career path but life in general.”

    Read more about computer science at UIS

  • Center For Lincoln Studies

    Oct 6, 2017 4:45 pm11 views

    Lincoln Legacy Lecture Series

    On November 19, 2002, the Inaugural Lincoln Legacy Lecture took place at UIS. The series has been held every year. More than 5,000 students and community members have attended the lectures over the years, including 600 who attended a special symposium in April 2015 before a re-enactment of Lincoln’s Funeral. Unique to the lecture series is a dual focus on issues important to Lincoln and still important to us today. The 2017 lecture, held on Thursday, October 12, was on the topic of Lincoln and Education.  

    The Lincoln Legacy Lecture series is sponsored by the Center for State Policy and Leadership, in cooperation with the Chancellor Naomi Lynn Distinguished Chair in Lincoln Studies (with many additional co-sponsors and support from alumni and friends).

    Learn more about the Lincoln Legacy Lecture series.

     

  • The Public Good

    Oct 6, 2017 5:00 pm3 views

    Helping Springfield-area Kids Grow Up Great

    For the past six years, approximately 600 local Head Start children have attended two shows at Sangamon Auditorium thanks to a grant from the PNC Foundation “Grow Up Great” initiative. Prior to the performance, Auditorium staff go to all 36 Springfield-area Head Start facilities to prepare children for the performance and leave a book of the play being performed. The program also provides training in the arts for Head Start teachers, and brings Head Start families for an evening performance at the Auditorium. Teachers appreciate the program, as do the families, who have had responses like this to the evening performance:

    “The kids were full of excitement and wonderment.” “My grand-daughter loved it all.” “Thank you for the opportunity to bring my family.”

    Read more about Arts Start

  • Facilities & Technology

    Oct 6, 2017 5:15 pm5 views

    Student Union | Marissa Jones

    You may never have thought of the Student Union as a real-life lesson in environmental studies, but for Marissa Jones it has been exactly that. Marissa first became passionate about sustainability in a course taught by Dr. Megan Styles. After being appointed as the Campus Sustainability Projects Coordinator, Marissa was further excited to learn all the sustainable features included in the Student Union design—features that will qualify the Student Union for a LEED Gold Certification. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, is a rating system to evaluate and encourage sustainable design.

    “A LEED Gold Certification will not only save us money,” Marissa says, “but will also prove our motto of ‘Leadership lived’—this time through sustainable infrastructure!

    Learn more about the Student Union’s green features.

  • Academic Excellence

    Dec 19, 2017 2:45 pm3 views

    Aubrey McCarthy | Professional Experience as a Student

    Aubrey McCarthy’s passion for helping people has led to a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s in Human Development Counseling at UIS, expected in Fall 2018. She plans to work with children with developmental disabilities.

    At UIS, Aubrey has done research on child development with Dr. Michele Miller. “I have been able to present at the Midwestern Psychological Association Conference in Chicago and the Society for Research in Child Development Conference in Austin, Texas.” She appreciated collaborating and learning from child development experts and gaining a taste of what her professional life will entail.

    Read more about Student Research at UIS. Make a gift in support of student research.

  • The Public Good

    Dec 19, 2017 3:45 pm5 views

    Katie Brethorst | Dana Thomas House Volunteer

    Katie Brethorst, a history major from Carlyle, Illinois, loves telling stories. That love, coupled with her love of history, has led to a deeply satisfying role at the Dana Thomas House in Springfield. Katie first toured the house with her UIS Capital Scholars Honors class. She enjoyed the tour so much that she returned with her mother and boyfriend, which is when she discovered she could serve at the facility as a tour guide. She now volunteers three times a week, perfectly blending her love of storytelling and history: “I fell in love with the history and the house immediately.”

    Like so many UIS students and alumni, Katie is servingthe Public Good: Engagement. Collaboration. Impact. Because we are all part of this journey together.

  • Scholarships

    Dec 19, 2017 3:45 pm5 views

    Sonia Hernandez | Driven to Succeed

    Sonia Hernandez’s parents came to the United States as immigrants, seeking acceptance and respect more than power and wealth. Sonia has seen them return home at the end of the day, worn out physically and emotionally from unfair treatment at work. The image of that weariness is driving Sonia. “My dream is to become an international human rights lawyer and advocate for those who feel like they can’t advocate for themselves,” she says. At UIS, Sonia is majoring in Legal Studies and Political Science, She says every year is a financial struggle, but the Lee Humphrey Dodd Memorial Scholarship has made her journey easier. “The day I cross the stage (at Commencement), I will have many people to thank. The Humphrey family will be among them.”

    Learn about how you can create a scholarship.

  • Facilities & Technology

    Dec 20, 2017 8:00 am6 views

    Ann Comerford | The Student Union

    Join Chancellor Susan J. Koch & The University of Illinois Springfield community for the Student Union ribbon cutting on Sunday, January 14, 2018. Ceremony at 2:00 p.m. Open house following until 4:00 p.m. “It’ll truly be a community hub for the campus,” said Ann Comerford, Executive Director of the UIS Student Union. “Students will study here, they’ll eat here, and there will also be a lot of programs and events. We hope this will be a place where people get to know the campus community. It will be great for UIS and also for Springfield.” 

     

  • Center for Lincoln Studies

    Dec 20, 2017 8:15 am7 views

    Dr. Michael Burlingame | World-Renowned Lincoln Scholar

    Dr. Michael Burlingame will be a important asset to the new UIS Center for Lincoln Studies. He is the Chancellor Naomi B. Lynn Distinguished Chair in Lincoln Studies and an internationally renowned scholar who has published twelve books on the life and times of Abraham Lincoln. His work “Abraham Lincoln: A Life,” a two-volume biography, was honored with Gettysburg College’s 2010 Lincoln Prize, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, and the 2009 Russell P. Strange book award from the Illinois State Historical Society for the best book on Illinois history. It was also listed as one of the five best books of the year 2009 by The Atlantic Monthly.

    Read more about Dr. Michael Burlingame.

  • The Public Good

    May 15, 2018 10:00 am3 views

    Scott Reimers | An Unselfish Public Servant

    Scott Reimers earned a Master’s in Public Administration from UIS in 1995. He currently serves the Public Good as Assistant Vice President for State Legislative Affairs for the Illinois State Medical Society.

    On May 10, 2018, Scott received the prestigious Rail Splitter Public Service Award from the local chapter of the American Society for Public Administration. The Rail Splitter award honors a public servant who exhibits the highest standard of excellence, dedication and accomplishment. According to one nominator, since beginning his career in state government, “Scott has proven to be a bridge-builder and a voice of reason…. He is the epitome of an unselfish public servant.” Upon receiving the award, he challenged those in attendance to choose a student to mentor and make it their business to assist that student as he or she moves from academics into a public affairs profession. Scott is pictured at right with his wife Lori.

    The Public Good is a Reaching Stellar campaign priority: Engagement. Collaboration. Impact. Because we are all part of this journey together.

  • Facilities & Technology

    May 25, 2018 9:15 am4 views

    Bank of Springfield Scoreboard | The Difference a Gift Makes

    When Chris Ramirez, coach of the nationally ranked UIS baseball team, came to UIS in 2013, the team had no place to play at UIS and instead played games at parks throughout Springfield. Today, the team has its own home field with a new synthetic turf and big plans to develop a premier baseball stadium with covered hitting and training facility, locker rooms and a clubhouse, restrooms and a concession area. According to Coach Ramirez, it all started with a gift from the Bank of Springfield for a scoreboard. A little support from a major booster, Ramirez said in an SJR article, and within a year the team had a home field.

    That’s the difference a gift can make.

    More information on plans for the UIS Baseball Stadium.

  • Center for Lincoln Studies

    May 25, 2018 10:15 am17 views

    Approvals for the Center Secured

    In January 2018, the UIS Campus Senate approved the new Center for Lincoln Studies at UIS, and in March 2018, The Illinois Board of Higher Education added its approval. Special thanks to James Ermatinger, Dean of the UIS College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, for everything he did to negotiate this process.

    The Center for Lincoln Studies at UIS is expected to be a national base for scholarship, teaching and public history about Lincoln’s life, leadership and legacy, and give students an opportunity to collaborate with Lincoln scholars on research, history and public policy projects. Because it will engage broad campus and community audiences, the Center will add to the wealth of all things Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois.

    Stellar – Because a Center for Lincoln Studies at UIS instructs, inspires and elevates all of us.

  • Academic Excellence

    May 25, 2018 2:15 pm4 views

    Dr. Holly Kent | Excellence in Teaching

    In May 2018, Dr. Holly Kent, associate professor history at UIS, received the Pearson Faculty Award given for excellence in teaching. She specializes in fashion history. “Dr. Kent serves as a generous mentor to both colleagues and students,” said members of the faculty review committee. “Dr. Kent’s courses are rigorous and engaging, a result of her innovative pedagogical strategies.” In recognition of her unique scholarship and teaching excellence, Dr. Kent was chosen as a representative to the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) to collaborate and develop a multi-campus, multi-disciplinary course entitled “Fashion as an Agent of Social Change Since 1900.” Read more about Dr. Holly Kent and about faculty award recipients.

    Stellar – Academic Excellence that Empowers the Future

  • Scholarships

    May 30, 2018 10:15 am8 views

    Bekha Scott | Driven to Serve

    At age 13, UIS alum Bekha Scott was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis (NF2) which caused tumors to grow on her nerves. Despite physical problems, Bekha always contended that she was not disabled. “I just have a body that doesn’t work,” she said.

    According to her mother, Jennifer Williams, Bekha’s time at UIS “was an amazing experience for her.” Because of her strong commitment to helping others, Bekha served as president of the UIS Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity at UIS, and in 2013 received the Distinguished Service Key. She graduated with BS in social work in 2014.

    In 2016, when she was 25, Bekha passed away. In honor of Bekha’s indomitable spirit, her family established the Rebekha Scott Servant Leaders Scholarship at UIS in 2018. “Honestly,” her mother says, “it’s just something Bekha would do. That’s why we did it.”

    Learn how you can create a scholarship

  • The Public Good

    Jun 5, 2018 8:00 am4 views

    The Public Good | Illinois Issues Forum

    NPR Illinois serves the Public Good throughout Illinois. Last year, NPR Illinois toured the state to hear how the two-year state budget impasse affected communities in Illinois. This year, they continue to travel throughout Illinois, featuring an expert panel and seeking solutions to the continuing fiscal problems in Illinois and discussing prominent issues related to the 2018 election. A recent forum, moderated by Sean Crawford, took place in Naperville, Illinois. Experts Judith Brodhead, Dr. Stephen Maynard Caliendo and Colin Dalough discussed how economic success and state policy are affecting the development of collar counties. Learn more about the experts and watch the Naperville forum, and stay tuned to learn about the next Illinois Issues Forum. The Illinois Issues Forum is produced and hosted by NPR Illinois with support provided by AARP Illinois.

    UIS serves the Public Good…because we are all part of this journey together.

  • Academic Excellence

    Jun 5, 2018 10:15 am1 views

    Academic Excellence | MBA students shine

    Congratulations to UIS MBA students Ajey Kulkarni, Paul Lutinen and Keith Tanner, who scored in the top 10% of graduate business students nationally on the Educational Testing Service’s (ETS) Major Field Test. More than 3,000 higher education programs use the test to assess students’ knowledge in specific disciplines. Most of the questions require specific knowledge of marketing, management, finance and managerial accounting. Half the questions are based on case-studies.

    Tanner, Lutinen and Kulkarni, pictured at right with Dr. Jorge Villegas, take their courses at the UIS Peoria Center. Kulkarni works at Caterpillar, Inc.; Lutinen at Atlas Supply Company; and Tanner at AQS/SCSI, LLC.

    UIS – Academic Excellence that Empowers the Future

  • Center for Lincoln Studies

    Jun 6, 2018 7:45 am36 views

    Meeting with Local Lincoln Leaders

    One of the goals of the Center for Lincoln Studies at UIS is to enhance public education about Lincoln’s life and legacy. With that in mind, during this early phase for the Center, UIS academic and administrative leaders have been meeting with representatives from local organizations with a Lincoln interest to share plans, discuss ideas with local Lincoln leaders and lay the groundwork for future collaboration. The Center is sure to benefit from the interest and involvement of these renowned Lincoln leaders in Springfield.

    Because Lincoln still instructs, inspires and elevates all of us

  • The Public Good

    Jun 18, 2018 8:00 am5 views

    The Public Good | Illinois Issues Forum

    NPR Illinois serves the Public Good throughout Illinois. Last year, NPR Illinois toured the state to hear how the two-year state budget impasse affected communities in Illinois. This year, they continue to travel throughout Illinois, featuring an expert panel and seeking solutions to the continuing fiscal problems in Illinois and discussing prominent issues 2018 election. A recent forum, moderated by Sean Crawford, took place in Naperville, Illinois. Experts Judith Brodhead, Dr. Stephen Maynard Caliendo and Colin Dalough discussed how economic success and state policy are affecting the development of collar counties. Learn more about the experts and watch the Naperville forum, and stay tuned to learn about the next Illinois Issues Forum. The Illinois Issues Forum is produced and hosted by NPR Illinois with support provided by AARP Illinois.

    UIS serves the Public Good…because we are all part of this journey together.

  • Scholarships

    Jun 25, 2018 9:00 am10 views

    Scholarships | Jenetta Thomas

    Already a nurse, online student Jenetta Thomas enrolled in the UIS Master's of Public Health program in 2014 to become a public health educator in her hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. In Spring 2018, Jenetta spent two months in the Intensive Care Unit with her gravely ill daughter. “I actually submitted paperwork with my advisor to put my degree on hold because of the stress and not knowing if I could afford it.” Jenetta says, “One week later, I learned I had received the Evelyn Zimmerman Scholarship in Public Health. I can honestly say I would not have been able to continue without it.”

    Jenetta will graduate in December 2019 after finishing her Public Health Internship. She now works as Nurse Coordinator for children with special needs and medical handicaps and also teaches classes through the Hamilton County (Ohio) Department of Public Health focusing on safe sleep and reproductive life planning.

    Scholarships…Because they affirm the aspirations, energy and diversity of our students

  • Facilities & Technology

    Jun 26, 2018 9:15 am8 views

    Facilities & Technology | New Field Station at UIS

    “There’s a new addition to our campus that lets us say for the first time: ‘UIS is on the lake!’” Chancellor Koch recently said about the new UIS Field Station at Lake Springfield. This new resource includes a 3,000-square-foot building, more than 400 feet of lakeshore and a dock system – all just a few minutes from campus. Under the leadership of Dr. Tom Rothfus, Director of Emiquon (pictured at right), the Field Station will serve as a multipurpose educational, research and recreational facility. Plans for facility improvements are now underway, but faculty in Environmental Science and Biology are already using the Field Station, and several classes are scheduled there for Fall, 2018. The Chancellor added, “I’ve even heard there may be a collegiate bass fishing team in our future.”

    Facilities & Technology at UIS…Building tomorrow’s University today.

  • UIS Center for Lincoln Studies

    Jun 27, 2018 8:00 am5 views

    Why have a UIS Center for Lincoln Studies?

    Springfield is the right place to establish a national center for the study of Abraham Lincoln’s life, his era, his leadership, and his legacy, and UIS is the perfect place for this ambitious endeavor. In Springfield, Lincoln lived and raised a family, practiced law and politics, and prepared for the presidency. Today, Mr. Lincoln’s hometown is a hub for Lincoln research and tourism, attracting thousands of visitors each year from around the globe. But while Lincoln was a citizen of Illinois from 1830-1861, he ultimately became a citizen of the world, so connecting Lincoln to a national and international context will be a mission of the Center, as well.

    Stellar – Because a UIS Center for Lincoln Studies instructs, inspires and elevates all of us.

  • Academic Excellence

    Jun 28, 2018 10:30 am8 views

    UIS Students and Faculty Research in Ghana

    Three faculty and seven students have traveled to Ghana, West Africa, this summer to do research in the prevalence and risk factors for diabetes, hypertension and hepatitis C co-infection with HIV among Ghana’s people. The group is also assessing water quality by collecting samples from local sources and testing for coliform, E. coli and other harmful substances. Take a look at Alexandra Madden’s UIS Snapchat Takeover from Ghana. UIS is proud to offer a program in a country outside of students’ comfort zone, with dramatic cultural differences. (That’s on top of the research experience!) Professors on the trip include Dr. Josiah Alamu, Public Health; Dr. Dennis Ruez, Environmental Studies; and Dr. Kamau Kemayo, African-American Studies.

    Academic Excellence that Empowers the Future – for all of us.

  • The Public Good

    Jul 5, 2018 10:45 am7 views

    Meet Hannah Warden

    Meet Hannah Warden, Business Administration major. She is the force behind the 2018 UIS Dance Marathon that raised more than $10,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network. Hannah and her team of volunteers spent the year raising awareness and funds for the HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital, culminating in the Marathon where students got a chance to meet some of the patients treated at St. John’s and their families. She volunteers at the hospital most weeks. “There are some of the kids who have spent days, weeks and years in the hospital,” Hannah said, “so anything I can do to give back to them is amazing and it brings me a lot of joy.” Hannah was honored with the UIS Star Student Award at the Springfield’s 2018 Good as Gold Ceremony.

    The Public Good…because we are all part of this journey together.

  • Scholarships

    Jul 9, 2018 7:45 am4 views

    How far do scholarship recipients go?

    All the way to Antarctica, if you are William Wadas. William earned a Poli Sci degree from UIS in 2014, especially appreciating UIS’ interdisciplinary emphases. The donor-funded Joan and James Stukel Scholarship helped him financially.

    “One afternoon shortly after graduation,” William said, “I found myself watching a documentary about the lives of support staff at research stations in Antarctica. A few months later, I found myself boarding a C-17 transport jet en route to Earth’s most inhospitable environment.” He worked in Antarctica for 18 months. Today, he’s at the US Antarctic Program in Centennial, Colorado, helping to prepare candidates and newly hired staff to work at U.S. research sites throughout the Antarctica. Here’s a UIS Snapchat Takeover from William Wadas.

    Scholarships…affirming the aspirations, energy and diversity of UIS students

  • Facilities & Technology

    Jul 10, 2018 11:45 am10 views

    Michelle Ver Hagen | On Campus Remotely

    When Michelle Ver Hagen presented her research at the UIS Student Technology, Arts & Research Symposium, technology carried her words more than 1,500 miles from her desk in Phoenix, Arizona, to the Public Affairs Center at UIS. Michelle is an online student, and thanks to UIS’ asynchronous streaming technology, listeners were able to her speak about “Diversity, Humor and Educating the Masses with Gene Luen Yang’s The Shadow Hero.” She plans a career in Academic Librarianship and hopes to increase minority representation and visibility in libraries. (Based on a story by Malavika Mujumdar and Amanda Dinardo, used with permission.)

    Facilities & Technology...Tomorrow's University Today.

  • UIS Center for Lincoln Studies

    Aug 6, 2018 7:30 am17 views

    Richard Raymond | First Scholarship for UIS Center

    Richard Raymond, UIS alum, began his National Park Service career as a curator during the restoration of the Lincoln Home the late 1970s. Now he has created the first scholarship for the new UIS Center for Lincoln Studies.

    “Abraham Lincoln’s is a great American tale,” Richard says. “He rose from a log cabin to a pleasant home in Springfield on a street of doctors and lawyers. As President, overnight he had to deal with the issue of slavery, and after the war, instead of subduing the conquered, he planned for reconstruction as only a statesman would. Lincoln is certainly worthy of study and emulation.”

    Pictured at right: Dr. Devin Hunter—UIS History Professor, Michelle Levine—UIS student and Park Service intern, Richard Raymond—National Park Service RET, Chuck Schrage--UIS Alumni Relations at the Lincoln Home in Springfield. More about Richard.

    The UIS Center for Lincoln Studies—because Lincoln still instructs, inspires and elevates all of us

  • Academic Excellence

    Aug 8, 2018 10:00 am6 views

    The Investiture of Dr. Leo Bin | You are invited!

    On Wednesday, September 5, at 3:30 p.m., UIS will be hosting a very special event – the investiture of Dr. Leo Bin as the PNC Distinguished Professor in Banking and Finance. The named professorship honors Dr. Bin’s extraordinary teaching skills and provides financial resources for his research on financial analysis and international investment. Named professorships are crucial because they help to attract and retain excellent faculty, and as you know we pride ourselves on the influence our UIS professors have in students’ lives, learning and leadership.

    Special thanks to PNC Bank and the PNC Foundation: They have a long history of strengthening and enriching the lives of communities in which they live and work. We are both proud and grateful to have a professorship that bears their name.

    You are cordially invited to the investiture. Details and RSVP instructions here.

    Academic Excellence: Learning that empowers the future

  • The Public Good

    Aug 8, 2018 11:00 am4 views

    Michelle Norris | Fighting Against Human Trafficking

    A class assignment led Michelle Norris to Grounds of Grace, a Springfield organization that helps victims of human trafficking involved in forced labor, sexual slavery or commercial exploitation. This is a practice that happens throughout the country, not just in big cities. Soon after getting involved, Michelle heard about a task force on human trafficking. She thought she might sit in on the meetings just to learn more, but once there, she began taking on more and more tasks. Now she is leading meetings, recruiting members and handling other administrative duties. "UIS pushed me to want to make a difference in my community," she says. “I am deeply grateful to everyone who has invested in my education.”

    Michelle plans to become a victim specialist after earning a Master's Degree in Social Work from UIS.

    The Public Good…because we are all part of this journey together.

  • Scholarships

    Aug 13, 2018 7:15 am5 views

    SCHOLARSHIPS

    Ahja Howard | Scholarship Recipient, Campus Leaders

    Donors, your scholarships often help to create campus leaders like Ahja Howard. The recipient of the Sikich LLP Accountancy Scholarship, Ahja is majoring in Accountancy and Business Administration and plans to work for an accounting or business firm. Last year, she was president of the Student Activities Committee, responsible for planning UIS Homecoming and Springfest, a week-long event where student teams compete against each other. She is also a member of the Necessary Steps program, volunteered for a 4-H Mentoring Program and was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success. She says, “UIS taught me to put myself out there and challenge myself. I love UIS.”

    Could Ahja have achieved so much without scholarship support? Possibly—she’s an amazing young woman. But the scholarships definitely helped. Thank you, Sikich LLP, for the difference your scholarship makes for UIS students like Ahja.

    Scholarships: Affirming the aspirations, energy and diversity of UIS students

  • Facilities & Technology

    Aug 28, 2018 1:15 pm5 views

    Innovate Springfield becomes part of UIS

    On August 28, Chancellor Koch announced that Innovate Springfield, a downtown Springfield innovation and business incubator, is now part of the University of Illinois Springfield under an agreement that aims at expanding economic growth, entrepreneurship opportunities and social progress in the capital city. Innovate Springfield becomes the first hub of the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN). This new initiative, led by the U of I System, was announced last fall. It seeks to accelerate statewide job creation and economic development through groundbreaking research and innovation.

    “As the first statewide hub of the new Illinois Innovation Network, UIS faculty, students and local companies will work side-by-side and with experts across the state to develop solutions, promote entrepreneurship and empower inventors of the future,” Koch said. “It’s an ideal combination for all entities involved in this partnership.”

    Facilities & Technology: Building tomorrow's University today

  • UIS Center for Lincoln Studies

    Sep 4, 2018 1:45 pm7 views

    Agnes M. Dzombak | Books about Lincoln

    UIS is pleased to accept a special collection of books from the estate of Agnes M. Dzombak, a longtime Lincoln enthusiast. She collected the books during her lifetime, including eight books by Dr. Michael Burlingame, who holds the Chancellor Naomi B. Lynn Distinguished Chair in Lincoln Studies at UIS. Agnes Dzombak’s son, David Dzombak, Professor and Head of the College of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, arranged the gift. He said, “Michael Burlingame’s affiliation with UIS provides further confirmation that UIS will be a good home for the collection. Perhaps my mother had the opportunity to meet Dr. Burlingame sometime at the annual Lincoln Forum in Gettysburg, which she attended every year since its founding in 1995.”

    The Agnes M. Dzombak collection is an outstanding contribution in support of the new UIS Center for Lincoln Studies. It will be housed in Brookens Library.

    Because Abraham Lincoln still instructs, inspires and elevates all of us

  • Academic Excellence

    Sep 10, 2018 11:30 am5 views

    Jeremy Hobson | Award-Winning Journalist at UIS     

    NPR Illinois will be hosting Jeremy Hobson, journalist and co-host of Here & Now, Jeremy Hobson in Springfield on Monday, September 10, 6 p.m. (find information to this free NPR Illinois event here). You are also welcome to attend a live broadcast of Here&Now at the NPR studios from 12 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 11.

    Also on Tuesday, UIS communication and public affairs reporting students will have a chance to meet with Hobson, who will share insights with them from his wealth of experience in journalism, public affairs, and communication during a Q&A session. Opportunities like this, available because of community support for NPR Illinois, elevate the academic experience of students at UIS. Thank you to all NPR Illinois donors. You are welcome to join this session at the NPR studios at 1:30 p.m.

    Academic Excellence: Because learning empowers the future

  • The Public Good

    Sep 18, 2018 1:45 pm8 views

    Ben Paoletti | Leadership for Life Service Program

    At UIS, new students can choose to live on the Leadership for Life Service Wing, or L4L. As part of this service and leadership community, students take a class together and commit to 40 hours of service each semester.

    Ben Paoletti is one such student. A sophomore political science and philosophy major, Ben says, “My experience at UIS has really sparked my passion for volunteerism and civic engagement." This year Ben is a resident assistant on the Leadership for Life Service Wing. He's looking  forward to helping students get involved on campus, with community events, as well promote school spirit and civic engagement.

    Read more about Ben Paoletti and about funds that support the UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center.

    The Public Good: Because we are all on this journey together.

  • Facilities and Technology

    Sep 26, 2018 8:15 am6 views

    Brookens Library Renovation

    A major renovation project in Brookens Library will conclude in October. In her August column in the Springfield Journal-Register, Chancellor Koch wrote about the renovation:

    "University libraries are no longer the quiet repositories of books they were when Brookens opened its doors about 40 years ago. Library Dean Pattie Piotrowski and her team have worked closely with Facilities and Services to design a contemporary space that provides a more active 'learning commons' and that fosters collaboration using both physical and digital materials.

    "The renovation includes a more open layout, state-of-the-art LED lighting, modern and durable flooring, mobile furniture, and collaborative spaces that encourage group interaction and active learning. The project also adds a high-tech classroom for library instruction and workshops."

    If you love libraries and value UIS, please consider joining the Friends of the Library. They're a wonderful group of people.

    Facilities and Technology: Building tomorrow's University today

     

  • Scholarships

    Oct 1, 2018 7:30 am17 views

    The Bill and Frances Cosgrove Water Resource Management Scholarship Fund

    William ‘Bill’ Cosgrove, with Frances Cosgrove’s support, spent his career years working on various aspects of water management. The UIS Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon provides a site where many disciplines could contribute to the research of the role of wetlands in water resource management. Bill and Frances hope this scholarship will help make use of the Station.

    Scholarships: Because they affirm the aspirations, energy and diversity of our students

  • UIS Center for Lincoln Studies

    Oct 1, 2018 8:00 am53 views

    2018 Lincoln Legacy Lecture Series

    The 2018 Lincoln Legacy Lecture, sponsored by the UIS Center for Lincoln Studies, will take place on Thursday October 18, 7:00 pm in the Student Union Ballroom.  The event is free and open to the public. 

    This year’s topic is Lincoln vs. Douglas: Slavery and Race in Illinois History. 

    Please join our moderator, Dr. Michael Burlingame, Chancellor Naomi B. Lynn Distinguished Chair in Lincoln Studies and our speakers, Dr. Graham Peck, Professor of History, St. Xavier University and Rodger Bridges, Former head of the Lincoln Legal Papers. 

    Because Lincoln still instructs, inspires and elevates all of us.

     

  • The Public Good

    Oct 12, 2018 8:15 am2 views

    Illinois Innocence Project | Wrongful Conviction Day

    UIS students interning and volunteering with the Illinois Innocence Project have created a flag display to celebrate the 2018 Wrongful Conviction Day. The display recognizes the 2,266 innocent men and women who were convicted of crimes they did not commit and have been exonerated since 1989. “UIS blue” flags in the display represent 227 Illinois exonerees. The Illinois Innocence Project has contributed to 11 of those exonerations.

    Jayde Schlesinger, master's student in Public Administration and volunteer with the Project, said, "I am excited to go in to the Project every single day. It’s such a long process from someone first writing the Project to possibly being exonerated, but every day is a step closer to the outcome that we all want." Learn more about the Illinois Innocence Project here.

    Because we are all on this journey together.

  • Scholarships

    Oct 12, 2018 8:30 am9 views

    Katelyn Garner | Reaching the Goal

    Computer science major Katelyn Garner lives in Taylorville, where she's raising her "amazing" 10-year-old son on her own while working in a pharmacy. Fortunately her major is available online so she can fit classes around her busy schedule. She chose computer science because she thinks technology, in combination with medicine, agriculture and the food industry, can address the root problems that affect the world's health. Raising a son on her own can be challenging financially, so she was thrilled—and relieved—to learn that she had received the Grace Brorström Oakley Scholarship for online students. More about Grace Brorström Oakley here.

    "I want to show my son that if we set a goal we do not stop until we reach that goal, but I was having a hard time figuring out how to take classes this fall," she said. "Receiving this scholarship lifted a major weight off my shoulders. 'Thank you' does not seem like enough!"

    Scholarships: Because they affirm the aspirations, energy and diversity of UIS students

  • Facilities and Technology

    Oct 12, 2018 9:45 am6 views

    New Lobby for the UIS Performing Arts Center

    The new University of Illinois Springfield Performing Arts Center is bringing more than just a new name to UIS. A major facelift of the lobby area is also planned. According to Bryan Rives, new director of the UIS Performing Arts Services, the space will have "amenities patrons expect of a world-class performance facility." This includes a new grand staircase to the third-floor landing and a new ticket office.

    Over the years, 72,000 visitors have come to the performance venues now encompassed in the UIS Performing Arts Center, adding to the performing arts available in Central Illinois. “It was time for a refresh and to celebrate all of the accomplishments our organization has had over the years," said Rives.

    The Public Good: Because we are all on this journey together.

  • Academic Excellence

    Oct 29, 2018 4:15 pm6 views

    Memorial Medical Center Foundation | Anatomical Models

    The Memorial Medical Center Foundation continues to support academic excellence at UIS. This fall the Foundation followed up an earlier grant to the Biology Department for anatomical models with a second grant. Students in anatomy and physiology labs are using the additional torsos, legs, arms and other 3-D models both for learning and testing. "The additional models are especially helpful because we have added so many exercise science students to the A & P classes," said UIS Biology Instructor David Holland, who co-wrote the grant proposal with Dr. Tracy Schatteman. The models will also be used in Dr. Schatteman's upper-level A & P course for pre-med students.

    At right: UIS student Janelly Mendia analyzes leg muscles.

    Academic Excellence: Because learning empowers the future.

     

  • Scholarships

    Nov 12, 2018 7:45 am7 views

    2018 Scholarship Luncheon

    On Wednesday, November 7, UIS hosted its 22nd Annual Scholarship Luncheon for more than 270 scholarship donors, recipients and special guests. Thomas Rivera, a computer science major who received the Ted Mims Scholarship, was able to meet donor Bill Hoffman at the luncheon. Bill Hoffman (at left in the picture) funded the scholarship named in honor of Dr. Ted Mims (far right). According to Bill, when he was in danger of abandoning his own degree program in computer science, Ted Mims said, "Look, you're so close to finishing. Knuckle down and get it done!" With his master's degree, Bill enjoyed a very successful career with Microsoft. He recently retired, but his gratitude to Ted has never gone away. Thank you, Bill, for the scholarship support you are providing to qualified UIS students.

    Because scholarships affirm the aspirations, energy and diversity of UIS students.

  • UIS Center for Lincoln Studies

    Nov 19, 2018 2:30 pm3 views

    Happy Thanksgiving!

    With Thanksgiving coming soon, it's worth remembering that on October 3, 1863, Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November as a national day of Thanksgiving. He did so after receiving a request from Sarah Josepha Hale, that the day of thanksgiving be celebrated on the same day throughout the United States "to become permanently an American custom and institution." Prior to this, states that celebrated Thanksgiving, mostly in New England and other northern states, chose their own day of celebration. Our country has celebrated Thanksgiving every year since Lincoln's proclamation.

    Best wishes for your own celebrations, and many, many thanks to the wonderful friends and alumni of UIS who have given and will give during this year of 2018.

    Because Lincoln still instructs, inspires and elevates us all

  • The Public Good

    Nov 25, 2018 2:45 pm75 views

    Alexus Venegas-Rodriguez | Habitat for Humanity
    Guest Post

    "Volunteering for Habitat for Humanity is one of the most memorable experiences I have had at UIS. Five of us signed up together. When we entered the van, we barely knew each other. That was not the case at the end of the day. We had the job of organizing newly donated furniture and supplies. The five of us worked together and learned how to efficiently comply with the needs of the organization and this community. We were not just organizing furniture. We were helping the other workers who spend every day helping people in need. It was a great opportunity to meet fantastic people from widely different backgrounds. Without volunteers, this wonderful organization would not have expanded to its current size. I gained some great friends through this experience while helping my community become its best."

    Each year, UIS students contribute thousands of hours of volunteer service to Springfield and the surrounding communities.

    Because we are all on this journey together.

  • Facilities and Technology

    Nov 30, 2018 2:45 pm2 views

    The Student Union | A Place to Study    

    As you probably know, students advocated hard for a Student Union. They gave many reasons for needing the building—a place designed specifically for students to hang out, eat, socialize, and catch up with each other. The Student Union is all of those for students, plus one more—a place to study. If you walk through the Student Union at any given time during the week, you're sure to find students studying in groups or on their own, often with a cup of coffee nearby. The many windows, ambient light, comfortable seating and camaraderie of other students also working on assignments make the Student Union a popular study destination, including Siobhan Hoskins, pictured at right. You can find a slide show of just a few of these students here.

    To the many alumni, UIS friends, employees, and students who helped bring this building to campus, here's one more reason for us to be grateful. Thank you!

    Because students need tomorrow's University today.

  • UIS Center for Lincoln Studies

    Dec 3, 2018 3:30 pm3 views

    The Chancellor Speaks

    On October 18, 2018, the Chancellor spoke about Lincoln at an event for donors and alumni interested in the UIS Center for Lincoln Studies. A portion of her comments appears below:

    "I was thrilled when the UIS Campaign Planning Committee named the forthcoming UIS Center for Lincoln Studies as one of the Reaching Stellar campaign priorities. That's because there is so much yet to be learned from the study of Abraham Lincoln and because such studies have the power to make us better people, better citizens, and more capable leaders.

    "I'm especially excited for what the UIS Center for Lincoln Studies will mean for our students. By providing access to a a University of Illinois education at UIS, both on campus and online, we attract students from throughout Illinois, the nation and even the world. A greater knowledge of Lincoln, his wisdom and his legacy will enhance students' understanding of themselves and enable them to contribute more in their careers and their communities, here and around the globe."

    Because Lincoln still instructs, inspires and elevates all of us

  • Academic Excellence

    Dec 12, 2018 2:00 pm5 views

    Out of Her Comfort Zone
    A Guest Post

    Kayla Thomas, a senior English major, recently commented on her academic experience at UIS:

    "My classes have really made me think and grow as a person. This past semester, for example, I took a research course and connected "Sounds of Silence, by Simon and Garfunkel, to a rap song called "Alright," by Kendrick Lamar. I also read Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, both of which I connected to my own life in ways I would not have thought possible. I was out of my comfort zone, which is never easy, but it has been so exceptionally rewarding as well. Thank you!"

    Your gifts to UIS, and especially to specific academic units like colleges or departments, allow UIS to continue reaching stellar in academic experiences for students.

    Academic Excellence: Because learning empowers the future

  • The Public Good

    Dec 17, 2018 3:30 pm0 views

    NPR Investigative Project

    Rachel Otwell, a reporter for NPR Illinois 91.9 UIS, has been awarded a grant from ProPublica for a year-long investigative project that focuses on issues related to sexual harassment and abuse on college and university campuses in Illinois. The grant provides funding, research, editorial and engagement support. ProPublica has provided similar grants to 13 other newsrooms across the nation "to execute accountability stories that would not otherwise have been possible."

    "The issue of sexual violence on college campuses is one I’ve been interested in reporting on for a long time," Otwell said. "I look forward to doing my small part in helping survivors and others have their voices heard, in hopes of change." (Based on a news article from NPR Illinois.)

    For more information on supporting the Public Good that NPR Illinois brings to our community, go to NPR Illinois.

    The Public Good: Because we are all on this journey together

  • Facilities & Technology

    Dec 17, 2018 3:45 pm1 views

    Student Union Wins Award for Design

    The Student Union at UIS has received a design award from the American Institute of Architects. The building was designed by Workshop Architects of Milwaukee, Wisconsin & Dewberry of Peoria, Illinois. From the design jury comments:

    "The project offers a modern, fresh and spacious interactive space. The proposed program with flexible work spaces and overlapped activities seems very appropriate as a social catalyst for students on campus…. The building is a striking, inviting sculptural form. Its plan is well organized and the volumes within the building – for student government and the Starbucks pavilion, are nicely scaled and inviting.”

    Many thanks to the donors who helped to bring this "inviting" building to campus.

    Facilities & Technology: Building tomorrow's University today

  • Scholarships

    Dec 17, 2018 3:45 pm0 views

    A Student Who Wants to Share Stories that Inspire

    As a student at Williamsville High School, Leanna Churchill asked the athletic director if she could take pictures of the school’s sporting events allowed her to network with people in local journalism. Now a communication major at UIS, Leanna works as an intern at Channel1450.com in Springfield. “I hope to one day share the stories that help to inspire others and report on events that will be remembered for a lifetime, especially in sports,” she said.

    This year, Leanna has been encouraged in her career by receiving the Dara Drew Memorial Scholarship, named in honor of a member of the Saga Communications (Capitol Radio) Group. To honor someone you know with a named scholarship, go to Scholarship Giving.

    Scholarships: Affirming the aspirations of our students