December 2011
Plans Moving Along With SIUE Construction Projects
Despite challenges presented by the economic downturn, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has progressed in its efforts to update existing structures, reallocate and create space to accommodate growth, and enhance infrastructure.
Since 2006, SIUE has been in the process of investing nearly $300 million in campus construction projects. Some of these have included:
- The $39.3 million, 190,000-square-foot residence hall, known as Evergreen Hall, which opened in fall 2007 and is home to 500 students each semester, offering a variety of "green" features.
- The state-of-the-art $16.1 million Student Success Center building, which opened in fall 2009 and allowed for the centralization of academic and personal support services, optimizing the academic, service and social components of the student experience.
- A $9.1 million Student Fitness Center renovation and expansion project, which was completed in fall 2009 and included the addition of two multi-purpose rooms for exercise and student activities, a 30,500-square-feet gymnasium for court recreation, a food and juice bar, and an office addition.
"Each and every one of our projects is meant to improve services and enhance educational offerings for students, as well as support and encourage faculty in teaching and research opportunities at SIUE," said Rich Walker, assistant vice chancellor for administration. "We are particularly proud of the fact that the majority of our projects are completed within the specified timeframe and under the projected budget."
The University isn't stopping with its current list of completed projects. It expects to introduce another round of projects during the next fiscal year. Future projects, some of which have begun, include:
- The completion of the long-awaited new Science Building, expected in fall 2012, which is estimated to cost about $53 million.
- Renovation of the existing Science Building, which will be connected to the new facility, at an estimated cost of $30 million.
- A roughly $15.3 million Art & Design building addition and renovation. The addition will include approximately 29,000-square-feet of space for classrooms, offices and a gallery.
- The projected $14.2 million expansion and renovation of the Engineering Building, which currently is underway and will include the construction of a new roughly 32,000-square-feet annex that will be connected to the existing building through an enclosed bridge.
- The creation of the Vadalabene Center Lukas Athletics Annex at a projected cost of $4.5 million. A total of $4.2 million for the project was provided by a gift from the estate of Charles S. and Mary L. Lukas. The project will include the creation of approximately 29,100-square-feet of space for offices. A planned future project will involve the renovation of the vacated space for use for kinesiology and allied health education.
The Science Building projects are being funded through, and managed by, the Illinois' Capital Development Board. The enhanced Science Building facilities will further the University's standing as a premier Metropolitan University in the St. Louis area, as well as nationally, said SIUE Kenn Neher, vice chancellor for administration. He added, "When these projects are complete, this will significantly enhance the student learning experience at SIUE. The University has a strong commitment to educating tomorrow's workforce for careers in science and health care professions that are currently experiencing workforce shortages."
SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift has said the lack of a new science building "has been the single most important factor limiting future growth" at the University.
Three departments, including chemistry, biological sciences and environmental sciences, will move into the new structure upon its completion. Physics, mathematics and statistics will stay in the existing structure, which will be completely gutted and remodeled.
A 2010 Economic Impact Study conducted by members of the SIUE School of Business faculty showed the University had a $471 million annual economic impact on the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. This reflects a 32-percent increase from a study released in 2005. It also reported that SIUE is the second largest employer in Madison and St. Clair counties, with nearly 2,500 full-time employees and a total yearly payroll of more than $130 million.
"The University has a strong commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our students, and we work closely with the community and the region to make that happen," Vandegrift said. "Being good stewards of taxpayer dollars is critical to our continued success as an institution."
Other projects that are part of the University's $300 million expenditures include improvements to the Environmental Resource Training Center, the Early Childhood Center, Korte Stadium, Cougar Village, the SIU School of Dental Medicine, the SIUE School of Pharmacy and the University Bookstore. Also, University signage and entrance-ways were enhanced to allow easier campus navigation, and landscaping, sidewalk and roadway improvements were made to ease traffic flow.
Housing Community Submits Entry to National Scholarship Program
Residents of the Eco-House, an upper class Focused Interest Community in University Housing at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, are pursuing resources to make their dreams a reality. The Eco-House, an upper class community of nine residents designed to support sustainable living, conservation and community service, created the video, Heart Behind the Oval to submit to the Ford Motor Company.
The three winning videos (based on public votes) will be selected. The student will receive a scholarship and the non-profit organization will be awarded a grant.
The Eco-House video submission focused on projects to be pursued if awarded the scholarship and grant. Projects included: solar panels, completing a windmill, expanding the existing compost system, creation of butterfly garden and community education.
Vicky Dean, assistant director for Residential Education, commented on the impact of Eco-House on the campus community. "The Eco-House residents are actively working together as a community to find unique ways to implement sustainable initiatives in their home," she said. "As a Focused Interest Community, the Eco-House and its first cohort of residents have exemplified the concept of what a living and learning community can do. I'm excited to see just how much of an impact they will make on this campus."
Participation in the Heart Behind the Oval contest is just one of several initiatives being explored by the Eco-House community. Community members have participated in grant writing and are working with partners within the campus community.
For information on the Eco-House or any University Housing Focused Interest Communities, please contact Vicky Dean at vdean@siue.edu or 650-5296 or visit www.siue.edu/housing/fic.
SIUE Student Wins Prestigious Gilman Scholarship
Next year, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville student Julian Glover will study and perform in one of the largest cities in Central Europe.
Glover, 20, was one of 900 outstanding American undergraduate students from more than 380 colleges and universities who won the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, which makes it possible to study abroad. Glover, who is working on a major in speech communications and a double minor in sociology and music, has a grade point average of 3.68.
"I was thrilled to know that I had won," said Glover, who will travel to Prague, where he will reside from January through May 2012.
The senior would not have been financially able to travel and study outside of the country if it were not for the Gilman Scholarship. Gilman Scholars receive up to $5,000 to apply toward their study abroad program costs.
But Glover said he expects the educational and cultural advantages to far outweigh the financial costs of the trip. After being immersed in another culture, the student said the most important lesson he hopes to receive is better and deeper appreciation for cultural diversity.
Likewise, the Gilman Scholarship Program aims to diversify the kinds of students who study abroad and the countries and regions where they go. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by the Institute of International Education's (IIE) Southern Regional Center in Houston, Texas.
Yet another benefit of the trip will be to help Glover graduate. The student will complete his requirements for his minor in sociology while in Prague. Glover will also continue to play his cello, while attending the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague.
The International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000 established the scholarship and since that time, more than 6,500 students nationwide have received the award. Gilman, a U.S. congressman who retired in 2002 after serving 30 years in the House of Representatives and chairing the House Foreign Relations Committee, said: "Studying abroad is a special experience for every student who participates.
"Living and learning in a vastly different environment of another nation not only exposes our students to alternate views, but also adds an enriching social and cultural experience," Gilman said. "It also provides our students with the opportunity to return home with a deeper understanding of their place in the world, encouraging them to be a contributor, rather than a spectator in the international community."
SIUE Catholic Campus Ministry To Offer Christmas Day Mass
The Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, which has offered a Christmas Vigil mass on Dec. 24 for more than 20 years at SIUE's Center for Spirituality and Sustainability, will instead this year offer Christmas Day mass at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The change in plans has occurred because of unforeseen scheduling conflicts.
Christmas Vigil mass will resume next year as usual. In addition, the CCM announced there will be no mass offered on Sunday, Jan. 1. For more information, call the center, (618) 650-3246.
SIUE Supporter Donates Building To Campaign
The gift of a building valued at $817,000 from an ardent supporter will help Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as it continues its efforts to define excellence.
Defining Excellence-the Campaign for SIUE is reaching its goal to raise $50 million by garnering alumni and community support. To date, nearly $30 million has been raised. The building, an existing structure located in SIUE's University Park, was made possible through the generosity of Ralph Korte, founder of the successful Korte Company of Highland, alumnus and longtime University advocate.
"I feel very good about my business degree from SIUE and without my degree, I don't think my company would be nearly as successful," said Korte, who earned his bachelor's from the School of Business in 1968 with a decade of hard work and night classes. "I'm still heavily involved and I want to see the University achieve great things."
"My love for SIUE and my dedication to make it a better place prompted my decision. SIUE will be here for a long time after I'm gone. I hope my gift will help set an example for others to give."
The gift is the latest example of the support the University has received from outstanding alumni and members of the community. Dennis Terry, president of the SIUE Foundation, said "Ralph Korte is a tremendous alumnus of SIUE, and he never goes anywhere without praising the University. This gift is but another addition to his legacy at SIUE."
"Ralph has been a great asset to SIUE, and he has given us so much support over the years," added Byron Farrell, chair of Defining Excellence-The Campaign for SIUE. "As we move forward toward our goal of $50 million for the campaign, we hope that Ralph's continuing benevolence will encourage others to join us in this special endeavor for SIUE."
SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift acknowledged Korte's gift by noting that no graduate of SIUE has been more committed to the support of the University over the years. "We couldn't be more proud of Ralph Korte and what he means to SIUE," said Vandegrift. The exact use of the building has not yet been determined, but it is expected to be use for economic development in the University Park.
Publically launched in March, the major gifts campaign is about taking SIUE to a new level of prominence and performance. For more information, visit siue.edu/definingexcellence.
BOT Awards More Than $8.3 Million In Contracts
The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees has awarded more than $8.3 million in contracts to eight Illinois companies and one Missouri company for two major projects on the SIU Edwardsville campus. The action took place today at the board's regular meeting at SIU Carbondale.
In the first project, the board awarded $5,830,025 in contracts to renovate the SIUE Art and Design Building. The renovation is part of a larger project that includes a new addition to the building which is currently under construction after approval earlier this year by the board. The new addition will be completed by fall 2012 and the renovation project will be ready fall 2013.
The Art and Design renovation, which is being funded by facilities fees, and the construction of the addition originally were estimated to cost $14.3 million, but addressing safety concerns regarding the condition of the present mechanical systems has raised the entire cost to $15.9 million. The Art and Design Building was constructed in 1994.
The Art and Design renovation contracts were awarded to:
- Poettker Construction Co. of Breese; $2,125,000 for general contracting
- K&F Electric of Belleville; $1,244,175 for electrical work
- Bi-State Fire Protection of St. Charles, Mo.; $82,450 for fire protection work
- Bergmann-Roscow Plumbing of Belleville; $266,400 for plumbing work
- JEN Mechanical of Alton; $929,000 for ventilation work
- AMSCO Mechanical of Granite City; $1,183,000 for heating
The project will renovate the existing studio and office spaces for ceramics, design, drawing, glass, graphics, metals, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and textiles. Work includes reconfiguring the existing atrium in addition to addressing the mechanical systems safety concerns.
The board also awarded $2,513,836 in contracts for replacement of windows in SIUE's Rendleman Building to improve the building's energy efficiency and comfort. Funding for the work will come from facilities fees.
The renovation contracts totaling $2,513,836 were awarded to:
- L. Wolfe Co. of Granite City; $2, 369,500 for general contracting
- Camp Electric & Heating Co. Inc. of Alton; $26,636 for electrical work
- France Mechanical Corp. of Edwardsville.; $117,700 for heating
In other business today that affects the Edwardsville campus, the SIU board gave project and budget approval for an overlay on North University Drive and for track resurfacing at Korte Stadium. In addition, the board gave authority to the board's Executive Committee to award contracts for expansion and renovation of the Engineering Building as well as project and budget approval to construct a multi-discipline laboratory at the SIU School of Dental Medicine in Alton, both at a later date.
SIUE East St. Louis Performing Arts Presents Holiday Celebration
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Performing Arts Program and the SIUE Charter High School will present "Holiday Showcase Celebration," at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16. The performance will be held in the Multi-Purpose Theater in Building D at the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus, 601 James R. Thompson Blvd., in East St. Louis, IL, 62201.
Ticket costs are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and children 12 and under. For more information please contact Theodore H. Jamison at (618) 482-6932.
The night will be filled with traditional holiday songs accentuated with dance, theater and music from the SIUE East St. Louis Performing Arts Program and the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School. A few songs that will be performed include Whitney Houston's "Joy to the World" from Preacher's Wife, Kirk Franklin's "There's No Christmas without You," Vickie Winan's "Mary Did You Know," and Joan Javit's "Santa Baby."
Jamison is program director for the SIUE East Louis Performing Arts Program. The production is choreographed by Performing Arts staff members Andrea Smythe and Jack Williams and Charter High School staff member Jamila Ajanaku . The musical arrangement is produced by Charter High School staff member E.L. Wilkes. Special guest performances will include Vivian Watt, artistic director for What It Is Dance Co. in St. Louis, and Tiffany Scott, an artistic director from the African American Dance Company in East St. Louis, IL.
SIUE Pharmacy Students Score 100 Percent Pass Rate On National Exams
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy has achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) during the May 1-Aug. 31, 2011 testing cycle.
During this cycle the Illinois state and national pass rates for the NAPLEX were 93.88 percent and 94.16 percent, respectively. Also, the MPJE pass rates during this cycle were 92.25 percent for Illinois and 96.05 percent nationally.
"This is a testament to the caliber of students and graduates we have through the SIUE School of Pharmacy, as well as the quality of our faculty, staff and preceptors," said the School's dean, Gireesh Gupchup.
November 2011
Marketing Association to Host Career Consultation
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Marketing Association is hosting Career Corner with Jim Reed at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30 in 2401 Alumni Hall. Reed spent 20 years in the information processing environment with IBM and established his own consulting firm since his retirement. Students are encouraged to drop by for key insights on landing a job. Reed will discuss interviewing techniques, resume writing and provide other relevant advice for job seekers.
A Season For The Child Continues With 'The Shoemaker & The Elves'
The Shoemaker and The Elves, a delightful musical based on the Brothers Grimm fairytale, is the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Friends of Theater and Dance (FOTAD) holiday show on Saturday, Dec. 10, part of the organization's A Season for the Child series. After some 22 years, tickets still are $5 per person.
The Imaginary Theatre Company (ITC), the traveling arm of the Repertory Theatre Company of St. Louis, will stage this classic show at 2 and 7 p.m. in SIUE's Dunham Hall theater. The ITC has been working with FOTAD for some two decades to produce family-oriented theater for the Edwardsville area.
Times are tough for the shoemaker and his wife, and while trying to sell his only pair of shoes at the marketplace, the Shoemaker runs into a poor old beggar woman. Without thinking anything about it, he happily gives her his final pair of shoes so that she has something to warm her feet. The old woman promises that "good things" will come to the shoemaker and his wife … and they do just that. The Shoemaker and The Elves continues A Season for the Child, in its 22 nd year of presenting family-oriented theater to Southwestern Illinois audiences.
The series, sponsored by FOTAD, the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation, and TheBANK of Edwardsville, features professional theater troupes from St. Louis that stage adaptations of various children's stories, using interactive techniques that not only delight children and parents but also provide a learning experience.
In January, the ITC will return with an adaptation of Puss In Boots-who was in a popular Mother Goose fairytale BEFORE he was friends with Shrek-at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, in Dunham Hall theater. All tickets for A Season for the Child are $5 per person and may be obtained through the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.
SIU Dental Student Wins NSRG Research Award
Pictured are SIU School of Dental Medicine student Jillian Rigert (right) and Kaitrin Baloue, (left), dental student at the University of Illinois at Chicago and current NSRG president.
Jillian Rigert, a student at the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, won this year's prestigious National Students Research Group (NSRG) award for her research project related to pain management in dentistry and medicine.
The award is given each year at the Hinman Student Research Symposium to one student based on that individual's research project. The NSRG is part of the American Association for Dental Research. The 17 th Hinman Student Research Symposium recently was held in Memphis, Tenn. and featured oral and poster presentations of research projects by dental students and graduate students from dental schools across the nation. A total of 90 students represented 41 dental schools in 24 states, the District of Columbia and four Canadian provinces.
Rigert studied the time course of expression of the TRPA1 receptor, which has a role in pain perception following injury to dental pulp. The project was directed by Dr. Kevin C. Rowland, associate professor of physiology at the SIU School of Dental Medicine.
The Symposium was sponsored by the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry and co-sponsored by the Hinman Dental Society, which holds one of the nation's largest continuing dental education meetings in Atlanta each March. The Symposium is also supported in part by grants from the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), the ADEAGies Foundation, the Procter & Gamble Company and the Tennessee Dental Association Foundation.
The keynote speaker at the Welcoming Banquet was Dr. David Wong, associate dean of research at the UCLA School of Dentistry and immediate past president of the American Association for Dental Research.
SIUE Among RCGA's 2011 Top 50 Award Recipients
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has been recognized for the fifth consecutive year among the region's top 50 by St. Louis Commerce Magazine.
As one of the 16th Annual Greater St. Louis Top 50 Award recipients, SIUE was honored at a recent dinner presentation and was recognized in the November-December issue of the magazine.
Companies and organizations are selected based on their significant contributions to regional economic and civic impact. The awards are presented by the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association (RCGA), in collaboration with Rubin Brown. Sponsors include Commerce Magazine, Ameren Corp., Edward Jones, M&I Bank, Thompson Coburn LLP, KMOX Radio, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and STLtoday.com.
SIUE is the second largest employer in Madison and St. Clair counties, with more than 2,500 employees and a $471 million economic impact, according to the 2010 Economic Impact Study released by the SIUE School of Business.
About 3,500 students live on SIUE's campus and the majority of its more than 14,100 students live in the region. More than half of the University's 90,000 alumni live and work in the St. Louis Metropolitan area and contribute to the economy.
SIUE Chancellor Search Advisory Committee Announced
Southern Illinois University President Glenn Poshard today announced that the following individuals have agreed to serve on the SIU Edwardsville Chancellor Search Advisory Committee:
• Veronica Armouti, SIUE Alumni Association representative
• Bette Bergeron, dean, School of Education
• Rhonda Comrie, associate professor of Primary Care and Health Systems Nursing, School of Nursing
• Kathleen Gardner, associate director, University Housing
• Ronald Gray, community representative
• Jeffry Harrison, undergraduate student
• Calvin Jarrell, professor, Theater and Dance
• Brian Lotz, manager, Information Technology Services
• Shan Lu, graduate student
• Florence Maatita, associate professor, Sociology and Criminal Justice Studies
• Lora Miles, associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs
• John Navin (Chair), professor, Economics and Finance, School of Business
• Paul Pitts, assistant chancellor, Institutional Compliance
• Elio Reyes, assistant professor, SIU School of Dental Medicine
• Paul Sarvela (ex-officio), vice president for Academic Affairs
• Joseph Schober, assistant professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy
The committee will hold its first meeting toward the end of November and will begin screening applicants in January.
On-campus interviews of the finalists are currently scheduled for the end of March and early April, with the naming of the new chancellor planned for the May 2012 SIU Board of Trustees meeting.
The new chancellor will succeed Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift, who after seven years of distinguished service to SIUE announced his retirement this fall.
SIUE BassMasters Club on Television
Two Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students will be featured on television at noon Sunday on the Versus Network for their part in a fishing competition, which garnered them the title of third place in the National Guard FLW College Fishing Central Region championship.
Brad LeMasters, a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences, and Justin Skinner, a senior Sociology major, both of the SIUE BassMasters Club, caught three bass, weighing 7 pounds and 10 ounces at a regional contest hosted by Southern Illinois University on Kinkaid Lake. The SIUE team was one of the top five teams.
The top five teams from each of the five regional tournaments will advance to the national championship where the first-place team will win a top award of $100,000: $25,000 for their school, $50,000 cash and a Ranger 177TR bass boat valued at $25,000 with a 90-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard wrapped in school colors for their fishing club. Coverage of the Central Regional Championship will be broadcast in high-definition (HD) on "FLW Outdoors," hosted by Jason Harper. The show is broadcast to approximately 500 million households worldwide.
In the Bi-State Area, the Versus Network can be seen on Direct TV channel 603, ATT Uverse channel 640, Charter channel 45 and Dish Network channel 151. College Fishing is free to enter and FLW Outdoors provides boats and drivers for each competing team along with travel allowances. All participants must be registered, full-time undergraduate students at a four-year college or university and members of a fishing club recognized by their college or university. FLW Outdoors allowed anglers worldwide to compete for millions over the course of 191 tournaments in 2011. FLW Outdoors has taken fishing mainstream with the world's richest fantasy sports game. For more information about FLW Outdoors and FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FLWOutdoors.com or FantasyFishing.com.
National Resident Hall Honorary (NRHH) Red Storm Chapter Experiencing Record Year
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Red Storm Chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) is experiencing a banner year. For the month of October, NRHH received a record breaking 57 Of The Month (OTM) nominations from a variety of categories.
NRHH is the recognition branch of the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH). NRHH supports monthly recognition of student staff, programs, professional staff, faculty and more through Of The Month (OTM) awards. Nominees can submit OTMs in a number of different categories, recognizing both individuals and groups.
"The increase in participation this year reflects the hard work of NRHH members to promote OTM participation," said Kyle Rice, NRHH advisor, "and educate others on how to participate in the process.
"The NRHH Executive Board has done an exceptional job this year making impactful changes that reflect the needs of our membership and encourage participation," Rice said.
NRHH Executive Board members promote the opportunity to recognize others throughout each month. Prior to October, the highest number of OTM nominations received in one month was 30 nominations in September 2011.
In another effort to recognize communities, SIUE's Red Storm Chapter introduced a new initiative for 2011-2012 - Community Of The Month. The Community Of The Month highlights the University Housing community that has the highest level of OTM participation. Prairie Hall won the Community Of The Month award for August and Woodland Hall won the Community Of The Month award for September.
The campus winner in each OTM category is submitted to compete at the regional level. Winning the regional award this year for the SIUE Red Storm Chapter was Vicky Dean, assistant director of Residence Life for Residential Education. Dean won the regional NRHH Faculty/Staff Of The Month award for August 2011.
At the end of fall and spring semester, a new group of inductees are inducted into the NRHH Red Storm Chapter. Students identified as the top 1% of University Housing residents are invited to join NRHH.
For more information about NRHH or OTMs, please contact Kyle Rice, klineba@siue.edu, 618-650-4629 or visit www.siue.edu/housing/studentleadership.
Lt. Governor Simon To Speak About Public Higher Education
Illinois Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon will discuss the need for public higher education at noon, Thursday in the Goshen Lounge at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
The event is being sponsored by SIUE Student Government and students are encouraged to attend to express concerns and ask questions. For more information, contact the Kimmel Leadership Center or Student Government, (618) 650-2686.
Former SIUE Charter High School Student Sets Sight on Ph.D. and Beyond
Chasity Love, a graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School, is working hard to earn her doctorate and construct her life so that she can educate, enlighten and encourage young people.
"I plan to get my Ph.D. in analytical chemistry in December 2013 or May 2014," Love said. "After working in the industry or government for some years, I eventually want to go overseas and teach. I want to help motivate young people and speak positivity into their lives like educators and mentors did for me."
Love, a native of East St. Louis, graduated as valedictorian in 2005 from the SIUE Charter High School. "The Charter School staff was awesome," she said. "They encouraged me to aim higher than I was aiming. And they continued to tell me that no matter where I came from I was a bright student with an even brighter future."
Love enrolled at SIU Carbondale in fall 2005. She graduated cum laude with a 3.68 grade point average from the University, earning a bachelor of science in chemistry with a specialization in forensic chemistry.
While at SIUC, Love received a host of awards and departmental scholarships, presented her academic research at several national and regional conferences, published a peer-review journal article and was the recipient of several research grants. She is a McNair Scholar and has received the Illinois Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (IL-SAMP) research assistantship, SIUC Research-Enriched Academic Challenge (REACH) research assistantship, and a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) internship. "I have always loved math and science," she said. "Those subjects came easy to me because I like to solve problems and explore. While at the Charter High School, Love also was a student in one of the SIUE East St. Louis Center's after-school Upward Bound Programs. Upward Bound is a college preparatory program that prepares students for post-secondary education and works to motivate their exploration of mathematics, science and related education.
The program is critical to encourage and better equip African-American students to pursue the math and science fields, Love said, adding that she was thrilled to learn about a recent $1 million gift to SIUE to build the East St. Louis 21st Century STEM Learning Center at the Charter High School. STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The high-tech learning center will provide students access to state-of-the-art technology, equipment and curricula.
"If I had to give the Charter High School any advice, it would have been to invest in providing students with more exposure to the various areas of science and to expand the level of mathematics teaching," said Love, who is vice president of the student chapter of the National Association for Professional Advancement of Black Chemist and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE). "I felt a little behind when I got to SIUC. However, I excelled and graduated with research awards and high honors because of determination, self-motivation and a great support system."
It was both exciting and challenging to be one of the few African American students in the chemistry department at SIUC, Love said.
"During the second semester of my undergraduate experience, my professor let me teach class three times," Love said. "I was very nervous, but she always told me that I could do it because I worked hard."
Love added that she was the only freshman out of about 400 who was given this opportunity. This same instructor was so impressed with Love's ability that she allowed Love to teach her class the following year when she went on vacation.
After graduating from SIUC in 2009, later that year Love entered a Ph.D. chemistry program at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.
Love continued, "When I thought about getting my Ph.D., I said: 'Why not!' Besides, who wouldn't want to be called Dr. Love? And I knew by getting my Ph.D., it would afford me more opportunities and more knowledge in my field."
Love has a teaching assistantship and a research assistantship at Purdue. Immediately upon receiving her doctorate from Purdue, Love said she would like to work in forensics research. She previously interned with the Illinois State Police Forensics Lab in Carbondale.
"I find forensics intriguing because what is blind to the human eye is visible using many types of science instrumentation," Love said. She also has an interest in working in a pharmaceutical or chemical company.
Currently, Love, in collaboration with NOBCChE is working with Agape Village of Hope International in a STEM book drive for Ghana, West Africa. The effort, which lasts until May 2012, hopes to collect at least 1,000 books that will be donated to two senior high schools. For more information visit www.avohi.org.
"I want to do so many things, and one is to apply for grants to help support the technology development and advancement of STEM subjects being taught in many countries in Africa," Love said. "I know I have to start small, but there is no limit to what a determined mind can do."
SIUE Electrical Engineering Professor Recurring Lecturer in South Korea
In October 2011, Luis Youn, professor and chair of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's School of Engineering conducted a lecture series on the energy deregulation process at Hanyang University in South Korea.
According to Youn, while deregulation began in Chile about 50 years ago, many countries, including Korea, are only in the early stages of the process of breaking the control of energy generation, transmission and distribution from one entity. Having studied the history of the deregulation process for 15 years, Youn is well prepared to address the successes and failures of the various governments that have already deregulated their energy industry.
Youn's first lecture series at Hanyang University was held in March 2011, while his second was held last month. He has been invited to conduct a third series in March 2012. Youn explained, "They want graduate students to be exposed to the international arena. Eventually they think these students will lead the country."
STEM Effort at the Preschool Level
Preschool-aged children from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Early Childhood Center and their teachers recently set out on a field trip to see the SIUE science building construction site. The preschoolers were delighted to watch as a wall panel was loaded on a crane and lifted into place. After watching the placement of the wall panel, Mark Grinter, assistant professor in the Department of Construction, led the children in an activity to measure distance by pacing. The trip concluded with a hands-on exercise using surveying equipment with the help of Dan Baker, Civil Engineering student, Ryan Fries, assistant professor of Civil Engineering, and Susan Morgan, chair and professor of Civil Engineering.
SIUE Civil Engineering Alumnae Wins Gold
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Civil Engineering Alumnae, Alicia DeShasier, won a gold medal for Team USA in the javelin competition at the 2011 Pan American Games held in Guadalajara, Mexico Oct. 27, 2011.
"The experience here in Guadalajara was awesome," DeShasier said. "The opportunity to represent the U.S.A. and then throwing a personal record at an international meet is a great feeling."
DeShasier, a 2007 graduate, had never competed in track and field until her senior year at SIUE. Despite the late start she was an immediate success. In her first competition she broke the SIUE's javelin record and went on to finish 10 th at the 2007 NCAA Division II Outdoor Championship.
After graduation DeShasier competed nationally while working at Oates Associates in Collinsville as a civil engineer. In 2010 she took a job with Strand Associates in Madison, Wisc. where she helps design roadways, and is a volunteer assistant coach for the University of Wisconsin-Madison track and field team.
Where does this SIUE civil engineering graduate go from here? With DeShasier's goal of achieving a spot on the 2012 U.S. Team for the Olympic Games in London in mind, the next stop on her amazing journey is the June 2012 Olympic Trials to be held in Eugene, Ore.
SIUE Education Opens Doors to Freedom and Promise
It was the fall of 1964 and Don Hussey, armed only with a General Educational Development (GED) certificate, a four-year military record and a steel-clad resolve, persuaded the dean of admissions at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, to admit him as a freshman.
"A GED and a nickel would get you a cup of coffee in those days," said Hussey, first-time author. "I convinced him to let me attend for one semester promising that if I failed, I would leave.
"The dean agreed to honor my request, admonishing me with: 'If you do not maintain a "C" average you will not be allowed to continue.'" Hussey made the grade and was allowed to continue. He completed his coursework in December 1968 and graduated from SIUE on June 10, 1969.
SIUE is a principal "character" in Hussey's recently published memoir: "Ticket to Ride: the Promise of America-a True Story." The author gives an account of his challenges as a youth, his years in the U.S. Air Force and his journey to SIUE, where he was subsequently awarded his "ticket to ride"-his bachelor's degree from SIUE.
"With that leather bound document tucked under my arm, I could open doors and seek opportunities with confidence," Hussey said. "Without it, I would have been relegated to a life of mediocrity.
"When I walked across the open-air stage to receive my degree, I knew it would be the most important credential in my life. It opened up for me the promise I had been given at birth-the promise of America."
In particular, the author likes to spread that message to young people in hopes of encouraging and motivating them to take advantage of this country's opportunities. "They must advance their education and earn their degrees if they ever expect to go anywhere in this life," he said.
But a traumatic and life-altering accident after his first year of college threatened to derail his dreams. Hussey, while working a summer job in St. Louis, operated a large piece of equipment in an industrial machine shop. It was at this job that he made a miscalculation and it resulted in both of his hands being crushed. Hussey lost three fingers and crushed his little finger on his right hand. On his left hand, the author lost half of his three middle fingers and nearly severed his little finger.
"It was a long recovery- more emotional than physical," he said.
The accident required Hussey to go through extensive physical therapy and caused the author to miss about a half-year of schooling. But after a long period of adjustment, Hussey forced himself back to the typewriter, determined to learn to type again.
The horrendous accident didn't keep Hussey from having an exciting and enriching experience at SIUE. When Hussey started SIUE, the campus was located in Alton. After his accident and upon his return in fall 1965, the campus had moved to Edwardsville.
Hussey received a bachelor's in elementary education with a minor in math from SIUE in 1969.
"I've tried to show young people that they can make something out of their lives even if they encounter roadblocks along the way," he said. "No one knows what fate will bring each day, but all of us must keep the faith, believe in the 'promise,' and reach for that elusive brass ring."
Hussey traveled back to SIUE to do research and interviews for his book. His interviews included speaking to many fraternity members who still live locally. He received much assistance in compiling research from the Louisa H. Bowen University Archives and Special Collections at SIUE. The author used photos from its digitized yearbooks from 1964-1969.
"They couldn't have been more helpful," he said. "It was exciting to walk back into the Lovejoy Library. I hadn't passed through those doors in 35 years."
Hussey also credits Stephen Kerber, University archivist; Bill Brinson, University photographer; and Steve Jankowski, SIUE director of alumni affairs, for helping with his research.
"The most important thing in my life was to graduate from SIUE," he said. "I would have been lost without it. Without that degree, the opportunities in our competitive world would surely have been frustrating and set limits on my future."
The author went on to earn a master's in education from Bridgewater State University and a master's in dispute resolution from the University of Massachusetts in Boston. Hussey also started his own business and ran for the Massachusetts State Senate and, more recently, ran for a seat in the U.S. Congress. He now lives in a suburb south of Boston, Mass., with his wife, Brenda.
Hussey's memoir is available on www.Amazon.com, www.Bn.com or for a personalized, signed copy visit www.donhussey.com .
IERC At SIUE Releases Study On Reverse Transfer Students
The Illinois Education Research Council (IERC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville released a report today highlighting the reverse transfer trends of the Illinois High School Class of 2003.
Reverse transferring is when students move from four-year institutions to community colleges. The practice has been depicted in recent research as one of the major forms of student mobility, according to the IERC. Since it is associated with extremely low rates of degree completion, it is critical to better understand the predictors of reverse transferring and what happens to reverse transfer students once they move to a community college, said Eric Lichtenberger, associate director of research for the IERC and an assistant research professor at SIUE.
"This knowledge could help policymakers as they develop strategies to meet the state's goal to increase the proportion of individuals with quality postsecondary degrees and credentials to 60 percent by 2025," he said.
The report focuses on 37,165 graduates from the Illinois public high school class of 2003 who initially enrolled at a four-year college and follows them along their path through postsecondary education. It starts by establishing the factors associated with reverse transferring, and then describes the subsequent postsecondary outcomes of reverse transfer students -such as degree attainment at the community college and bachelor's completion if they returned to a four-year institution.
Findings from the report indicate the following:
- About 21 percent of students enrolling at four-year institutions reverse transferred to community colleges before the end of the study, which was completed in spring 2010;
- The majority of reverse transfers happened early in the study; however, many reverse transfers occurred at points that would suggest junior or senior level status and beyond if students had persisted;
- Many reverse transfer students used community colleges as a way to persist in postsecondary education, while some students reverse transferred as a way to re-enter postsecondary education after taking time off from college;
- Less than 20 percent of reverse transfer students earned an associate's degree or certificate during their stay at a community college;
- Only half of reverse transfer students made it back to a four-year college and slightly less than 25 percent earned a bachelor's degree.
Reverse transfer students account for nearly 50 percent of four-year college dropouts, with males more likely to reverse transfer. The IERC further reported that being from the middle parental income categories and expecting to work while enrolled increased the likelihood of reverse transferring; however, having a higher high school GPA and enrolling at a more selective institution were associated with a decreased likelihood of the practice.
According to Lichtenberger "This suggests that factors related to financial aid and academic preparation were both significant in terms of predicting reverse transferring." Also, the distance between where students come from in relation to their initial four-year institution was associated with this form of student mobility, as students who enrolled closer to home were much more likely to reverse transfer.
This report stemmed from previous IERC research that established how students who start at four-year colleges use the community college system.
For more information, contact Lichtenberger, the author of the report, (618) 650-2840 or (866) 799-4372. A complete report is available at ierc.siue.edu.
John 'Jack' Ades Dies; Was Pioneer Faculty Member In English
John Irvine "Jack" Ades, professor emeritus of English Language and Literature and one of the pioneer faculty at SIUE, died Thursday, Nov. 3, at his home in Edwardsville. He was 86. A native of Cincinnati, Ades joined the Southwestern Illinois Campus of SIU in 1958 as an instructor of English Language and Literature in what was then known as the Humanities Division at the Alton Residence Center, just one year after the fledgling university began classes there and at East St. Louis.
He became an assistant professor in 1963, an associate professor in 1966 and a professor in 1971, and was named chair of the English department the following year. He retired in 1990.
Before coming to SIUE, Ades taught freshman English and American Literature at the University of Cincinnati from 1955-58. Before that he was an instructor in literature and poetry at Johns Hopkins and at the College of Wooster in Ohio. Ades earned a bachelor of science in zoology and chemistry in 1949 at the University of Cincinnati, a master's in English the following year at Middlebury College in Vermont, and a doctorate in English at Cincinnati in 1963. He also served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
An author with several literary essays published, Ades was known locally for his popular collection: The Pizza Plot: And A Few Other Slices From Life (Daniel & Daniel Publications, 1989). He also wrote The Church on North Kansas Street (1993) and The Mattress Game (Minerva Press, 1999).
He is credited with being the first SIUE faculty member to have a literary piece published in the PMLA, the prestigious journal of the Modern Language Association of America. For many years Ades also served on the advisory board of SIUE's journal, "Papers on Language and Literature." For some 15 years, he was the fine arts critic for The Telegraph in Alton and was known for his musicianship as a plectrum banjo player in The Old Guys Jazz Band, a popular St. Louis Area band made up of SIUE faculty members.
A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11, at the First Presbyterian Church in Edwardsville, Dr. John Hembruch officiating. Weber & Rodney Funeral Home in Edwardsville is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian, 237 N. Kansas St., Edwardsville, IL 62025 or to the American Parkinson's Disease Association, 660 S. Euclid Ave., Campus Box 811, St. Louis, MO 63110.
Chief Judge Herndon Challenges SIUE Charter High School Students
In a couple months, a senior at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School could end up in a federal courtroom-shadowing Chief Judge David R. Herndon of the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Illinois.
This new mentoring opportunity, the Judge Joseph F. Cunningham Fellowship Program, which was named for a judge who was an East St. Louis native, is being offered to selected high school seniors interested in learning about the federal judicial system or who want to explore careers in federal law enforcement.
"When I was in college and law school, I had the advantage of having mentors I could talk to and get advice," Herndon said. He graduated from SIUE with a bachelor's in 1974 and from the SIU Carbondale School of Law in 1977.
Herndon invited students to apply for the first annual fellowship program. He is one of four federal officials that students selected to participate in the program will shadow. The other three include: Clerk of Court Nancy Rosenstengel, United States District Court; U.S. Marshal Donald Slazinik and U.S. Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton, all of the Southern District of Illinois.
Only one student will be chosen from each of the following high schools: Althoff, Cahokia, East St. Louis and the Charter High School. Students must submit an application, proof of U.S. citizenship, an official transcript, a recommendation letter from a teacher or guidance counselor and an essay of no more than 1,000 words explaining why they are interested in learning more about the federal court system and law enforcement. Applications can be obtained from high school counselors or the information can be downloaded at www.ilsd.uscourts.gov.
The program will run January through April, 2012. Each student will shadow each of the four officials, spending one day with each of them during those months.
"This program resulted in the vision of Mr. (James) Lewis as a way to honor the legacy of Joseph Cunningham, who was a fair and compassionate judge and went on to serve on the Illinois State Supreme Court," Herndon said. Lewis, executive director of the East St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners, co-founded the Cunningham Fellowship Program with Herndon.
Brandon Rice, a junior at the East St. Louis Charter High School, asked Herndon how he was able to be fair and impartial on cases.
"At first I had to concentrate on that because I was not on the plaintiff side any longer," Herndon said. "But as time passes and you're purposing to be neutral, it becomes less of a consideration. I only think in terms of what is the law."
Herndon was appointed to the federal bench by President Bill Clinton in 1998. He serves on the executive committee of the Federal Trial Judges Division of the American Bar Association. He also is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, the Missouri Bar Association and the Madison County Bar Association. He serves on a committee of judges who read essays for the James Lewis Essay Contest and Scholarship Program for the NAACP East St. Louis Branch. (SIUE Photo by Denise Macdonald)
SIUE Staff Receive Phenomenal Women Awards
Most days Lora Miles' hands are full of work that entails making Southern Illinois University Edwardsville a better place for all students to learn and thrive. And Kathleen Thimsen is consumed with improving the conditions for the vulnerable populations in the Metro East.
Neither of the women is looking for any recognition. In fact, both were surprised to learn that the Center for Racial Harmony in Swansea had selected them as recipients of Phenomenal Women awards.
"I don't see myself as a phenomenal woman," said Miles, SIUE associate vice chancellor for student affairs. "I was just doing my job."
"I was surprised at the news of an award," said Thimsen, director of SIUE Community Nursing Services at the SIUE East St. Louis Center and an instructor in the School of Nursing. "This has been a remarkable journey and an amazing opportunity for me, and for our SIUE student nurses to assist people in improving their quality of life. The people of the East St. Louis community are so wonderful and caring. They are no different from anyone else in wanting a better way of life for themselves and for their children."
Racial Harmony is dedicated to promoting cooperation and understanding among all races and ethnic groups, said Jerril Jones, president. Racial Harmony, a grass-roots organization now in its 20th year of operation, is committed to making a difference through mediation, teaching, training and cooperative learning.
The Phenomenal Women Award, that began three years ago, was the brainchild of Constance Rockingham, former SIUE vice president for student affairs and president emeritus for Racial Harmony. Helping formulate the award program was Cheryl Heard, assistant director of the SIUE Kimmel Leadership Center. Heard was president of the Racial Harmony from 2005-2010.
"The idea is to recognize exceptional women in the Metropolitan St. Louis area for outstanding contributions to their communities, families and work that goes over and beyond their professional responsibilities," Jones said. A total of 45 were honored as Phenomenal Women recently at the Center for Racial Harmony's annual dinner auction at The Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville. A total of 120 women have received the award.
The Center for Racial Harmony selected Miles because of her instrumental work with the development and implementation of the SIUE Student Success Center. The facility was touted as enabling student achievement by creating an environment where all students can be successful. Miles also serves on the Student Success Advisory Council charged with developing a University Retention plan that will focus on under-represented populations such as African American males, the disabled, Hispanics and international students.
Thimsen was spotlighted for her involvement with community gardening in East St. Louis. Thimsen and her public health nursing students began the Jones Park Re-Beautification Project-part of the Green Partnership gardening sites-in 2009. The purpose is to bring people together in order to promote and educate them about healthy nutrition, diet, lifestyles and exercise. Thimsen also is planning to start a caregiver education program in East St Louis in February 2012.
In addition to the Phenomenal Women Award, the Center for Racial Harmony has an initiative that is working on the elimination of the educational achievement gap between majority and minority students, Jones said. Any group or person interested in joining the organization or obtaining more information can contact centerforracialharmony@yahoo.com.
Legislators, Officials Unveiling $3.5 Million In Equipment At NCERC
Legislators, local dignitaries, Southern Illinois University and SIU Edwardsville administrators, and industry leaders met today at the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center in SIUE's University Park to witness the unveiling of nearly $3.5 million in equipment, made possible through the generous support of Cereal Process Technologies, LLC (CPT) of Overland Park, Kansas, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
The corn fractionation system represents an advanced technology NCERC will utilize to expand upon the career training programs and advanced ethanol research currently taking place at the country's only pilot-scale ethanol facility.
"CPT's fractionation technology is the foundation for a revitalized ethanol industry," said Kenneth "Pete" Moss, CPT's vice president of marketing. "It significantly reduces energy consumption, provides high value edible corn oil and creates new cellulosic ethanol feedstock. With recent process enhancements the ethanol plant can get more oil, more starch and higher value products."
SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift emphasized the importance of the new technology in taking the NCERC to the next level.
"The NCERC is the only facility of its kind in the world," he said. "We are so fortunate to have this facility, which is committed to serving a diverse clientele that includes the private and public sectors, industry leaders, academia, and domestic and foreign ethanol producers. The center offers necessary third-party validation and commercial testing of a variety of products and technologies."
According to NCERC Director John Caupert, "The gift will help the Center in its efforts to reduce dependence on imported foreign oil and generate jobs, as well as improve the environment through the promotion and use of renewable fuels. This system opens up new opportunities for industry, government, academic researchers, along with trade and policy in developing new fuels, chemicals and food products from corn."
Representatives from the Illinois Corn Marketing Board and Illinois Corn Growers Association predicted the new system would tremendously advance NCERC's research capabilities and expand the Center's marketability for partnerships with private-sector companies in the biofuels industry.
"The new fractionation system installed on the ethanol pilot plant will allow NCERC to become a true biorefinery research center capable of developing and validating in partnership with industry new co-products, fuels, and chemicals to benefit both the corn farmers and consumers," Illinois Corn Marketing Board Chairman Bill Christ said.
Illinois Corn Growers Association President Jim Reed said, "ICGA commends DCEO, SIUE and Cereal Process Technologies for this significant investment in the future of NCERC and the new opportunities that this fractionation system will generate. NCERC, through its success at commercializing new value-added technologies, has already proven to be an excellent return on the investment of public dollars."
An informal news conference followed the event.
New Cougar Business Resource Center Facility Opens at SIUE
The Cougar Business Resource Center (CBRC), a 3,700 square-feet complex designed to support the new curricula is the latest addition to the School of Business at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
SIUE officials dedicated the new facility in Founder's Hall on November 3rd at a reception for students, faculty and staff of the School of Business from 1 to 2 p.m., celebrating the high-tech facility that will serve as a focal point for resources, programs, and co-curricular activities. CBRC tours will continue for students, faculty and staff through November 8th. The Center will begin operation on November 9th.
The new space is composed of online learning technologies, conference rooms for practicing presentations, communication technology for students to interact with faculty and teammates regardless of location, shared office space for student organizations and Executive-in-Residence offices. The Executive-in-Residence program will be developed as a mentoring/coaching program that will allow students and faculty to take advantage of the experience of business professionals.
The CBRC is a work environment for students unlike any other on campus. The modern surroundings integrate technology into a collaborative work environment that would easily lend itself to the office of a Fortune 500 company rather than a university.
Additionally, students no longer need to wander the halls of Founders looking for space to set up and study. The conference rooms of the CBRC provide ample space for students to spread out and spend hours working on homework and group projects.
SIUE Chancellor, Vaughn Vandegrift spoke at the ribbon cutting about how the CBRC is emblematic of his main goal, which is for SIUE to be nationally recognized as an elite university.
"I am impressed with this facility not only because of what it can do for our students but also because it demonstrates what a great difference donors can make for this university," said Vandegrift.
School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino addressed how the CBRC is also advancing the mission of the School. "We are committed to continuous improvement and these necessary changes in curriculum and facilities will shape the way the undergraduate business curricula will be delivered and how our business students learn at SIUE. Ultimately, these changes will produce graduates who better possess the skills employers are seeking."
"Only the generosity of private donors, such as TheBANK of Edwardsville and The Korte Company, made the CBRC a reality," said School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino. "The strong support of our business alumni has ensured that we have made this facility the best possible hands-on learning environment for our students."
"TheBANK of Edwardsville is proud to be a major supporter of the Cougar Business Resource Center," stated Tom Holloway, President of TheBANK. " We treasure our long-standing partnership with SIUE and our mutual commitment to academic, athletic, arts and civic programs. To have our name permanently associated with such a new, state-of-the art facility is truly an honor."
Alumni CBRC contributors include William D. Boudouris 78) and Teresa Boudouris, Jeffrey M. Dale ('79) and Denise Panyik-Dale ('81), Camille Emig-Hill ('72, '77) and D. Bradley Hill ('78), Doris K. Reynolds-Johnson ('83, '85) and Gordon A. Johnson (82, '84), Jane Louer ('85) and Craig R. Louer ('76), Steven F. McCann ('78) and Alita R. McCann, Mara "Mitch" Meyers ('77, '80) and Robert J. Meyers ('71, '72), David R. Schaake ('77) and Kathy Schaake, James C. Zink ('67) and Rita M. Zink, and Michael Wenzel ('70) and Kathleen A. Wenzel ('71.)
New School of Business Facility at SIUE Opens to Public
Media Advisory
When: 1-2 p.m. Nov. 3, 2011
What: Grand Opening of Cougar Business Resource Center (CBRC) in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business, including tours of the new facility, demonstrations of technology, prize giveaways, and refreshments
Where: Third floor of Founder's Hall
Who: Vaughn Vandegrift, SIUE Chancellor, and Gary Giamartino, School of Business Dean, will dedicate the new wing in Founder's Hall
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business is unveiling a 3,700 square-feet complex designed to support the new curricula which will aide in the development of cross-disciplinary skills for undergraduate students and address how businesses are integrating technology and collaborative work into an increasingly globalized world.
The new space is composed of online learning technologies, space for students to practice presentations, communication technology for students to interact with faculty and teammates regardless of location, and Executive-in-Residence offices.
W. Bennewitz Dies; Was Pioneer Member Of Science And Technology Faculty
William Bennewitz, professor emeritus of computer science in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering, died Oct. 28 at Eden Village in Glen Carbon. He resided in Edwardsville. He was 84. Joining the University in 1960 in what was then known as the science and technology division, Bennewitz joined the computer science faculty in 1986 and retired 10 years later after 36 years of service.
A native of Olney, Bennewitz graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor of science in mathematics in 1949 and went on to earn a master of science in mathematics from the U of I the following year. In June 1957, he received a doctorate in mathematics, also at Illinois.
From 1957 until joining SIUE, Bennewitz taught elementary math, beginning algebra and geometry, as well as general topology, at the University of Southern California. He also served two stints in the military-from 1944-46 in the U.S. Navy and from 1951-53 in the U. S. Air Force.
A memorial service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, at Saksa Mateer Funeral Home in Edwardsville. His remains were cremated.
SIUE Nursing Professor Elected INA President
Karen Kelly, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, of O'Fallon and associate professor of Primary Care/Heath Systems Nursing, recently was elected president of the Illinois Nurses Association (INA) at the group's 81st Biennial Convention in East Peoria. More than 400 nurses attended the meeting, which INA jointly hosted with the Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing. Nurses attended education sessions, visited with a number of the exhibitors and participated in the INA's legislative and policy-making body, the House of Delegates.
Kelly, who earned a doctorate in instructional processes and adult learning and a master's in psychiatric nursing, as well as a BSN, all from SIUE, joined the INA in 1972 after receiving an Illinois nursing license. She has served the INA as a director-at-large, first and second vice president, and has been a member of the INA Commission on Continuing Education. She also has served as a peer reviewer for the INA continuing education program since 1982 and as a delegate to the American Nurses Association's House of Delegates.
At SIUE, Kelly teaches health policy and nursing administration and before coming to SIUE she taught in several schools in the St. Louis area, spending 17 years in administrative and consulting positions. Kelly also was a staff nurse in OB-GYN and in behavioral health.
Annual Fall Big Band Jazz Concert Set For Nov. 15
Featuring music from the big bands of Stan Kenton, Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson, Thad Jones-Mel Lewis, Clayton-Hamilton, Rob McConnell and Johnny Carson's Tonight Show, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Music will present the annual Fall Big Band Jazz Concert at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15.
Appearing on the mainstage at SIUE's Dunham Hall, the event will feature the SIUE Concert Jazz Band directed by Brett Stamps, performing notable pieces including Buddy Rich's "West Side Story," Stan Kenton's "Malaguena" and Maynard Ferguson's "Danny Boy," all performed by SIUE students. Two of SIUE's vocal jazz majors also will be featured: Zelina Bott-Goins and Nicole Jonas.
Admission is $10; senior citizens and those 18 and younger, $7, while SIUE students with a valid student ID will be admitted free compliments of the University's Arts-for-All program. All tickets may be acquired at the box office, (618) 650-2774.
October 2011
Occupy Movement Coming to SIUE
People can write their complaints on a "Wall of Grievances" in the Morris University Center (MUC) Cafeteria beginning today through Wednesday and then meet for a rally around the Rock in the University Quad on Wednesday, Nov. 9.
SIUE will be the site of the organized demonstration, which is in response to a nationwide non-violent movement called: "Occupy Wall Street." The movement has spread to cities, municipalities and schools across the country. According to the movement's website, the message is that 1 percent of the nation-identified as bankers, politicians and corporate persons-possesses the majority of the country's wealth and has a stranglehold over the other 99 percent.
The site states that, in order to bring national awareness to the "greed and corruption of the rich" for the purpose of creating dialogues and finding solutions, mass groups of people are "occupying" outdoor places and holding rallies. The movement began in New York's financial district Sept. 17 and describes itself as "a leaderless, people-driven crusade for democracy."
People can write their complaints on paper that will be provided, which will then be posted to a "wall." Concerns can be listed from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the MUC Cafeteria through Wednesday, Nov. 2.
A rally will be held from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9 in the Morris Quadrangle, with participating organizations rallying for their ideas. Panel discussions about some of the written concerns will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9 in the MUC Goshen Lounge, affording students the opportunity to create their own solutions to grievances. All events are open to students, faculty and staff and other Occupy Movements in the area.
For more information on "Occupy SIUE" contact Harry Zollars, coordinator, at occupysiue@gmail.com, or visit occupystl.org, occupysiue.tumblr.com, facebook.com/OccupySIUE or youtube.com/user/OccupySIUE. For national coverage of "Occupy Wall Street," visit occupywallstreet.org.
SIUE East St. Louis Performing Arts Director Wins Award
The masterfully artistic arrangement of dance, music and theater, which portrays what saved, strengthened and sustained blacks from Africa to America, resulted in a regional award for its creator-Theodore H. Jamison, director of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Performing Arts Program.
Jamison recently won the Black Excellence Award 2010-2011 for Outstanding Achievement in Dance/Choreography for his piece, "The Blood," presented by the African American Arts Alliance of Chicago. Jamison was commissioned to do the piece by the Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago, which is the largest African dance company in the United States.
"What was more compelling to me was to show the tie from Africa to America and how African Americans have come this far with our spiritualism and religion," Jamison said.
His 20-minute suite was part of Muntu's "This Far by Faith" concert, which was presented at the Harris Theater of Music and Dance in Millennium Park in downtown Chicago.
"The African-ritual part of the choreography was inspired by the late Katherine Dunham's 'Shango,' which is an Afro-Caribbean ritual," said Jamison, who was certified more than 25 years ago by the late dance legend herself, as a Master Dunham Technique instructor. Jamison has worked with the SIUE East St. Louis Performing Arts Program for nearly 28 years. Jamison choreographed the number under the direction of Muntu's artistic director, Amaniyea Payne, who, in her own right is also a keeper of traditions of cultures of the African Diaspora. The piece includes a live pianist, live percussion and a live vocalist, and covers various aspects of the arts including music, dance, theater and visual aids, Jamison said.
"Mr. Jamison, being the dynamic artist/choreographer that he is, gave Muntu Dance Theatre the opportunity to bring the energy/synergy of Katherine Dunham to the stage," said Payne, who designed and made all the costuming for the presentation. "The piece was very thought provoking, as well as a menagerie on the stage. It was spectacular."
Jamison also worked with Joan Gray, executive director of Muntu, on his production. Muntu in the African Bantu language means "the essence of humanity." The Chicago's dance company's mission is to "preserve and perpetuate the African aesthetic and its influence on world cultures, through education and professional presentation of dance, music and folklore." "Miss Dunham once said: 'Dance is a way of life,'" said Jamison. "The Muntu Dance Theatre exemplifies the philosophy of Miss Dunham through their embodiment and presentation of authentic rhythms, songs and dance of the African Diaspora." Jamison is scheduled to teach the Dunham Technique from January 25-28 at the International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference in Toronto, Canada. This will be his15th year teaching at the international conference.
SIUE Opera Theater Opens New Season Oct. 28
Turnabout is fair play for the SIUE Opera cast as they open their new season, under the direction of Assistant Music Professor Marc Schapman, with a performance of Donizetti's Rita in the John C. Abbott Auditorium at 7:30 PM, Oct. 28-29. This rarely performed one-act gem, set at an inn along the road to Turin, features the wiley Gasparo vying in a game of chance to lose the hand of the overbearing Rita to the beleaguered Beppe.
Exciting newcomer, soprano Kyrstan Langer, stars as Rita, in her SIUE Opera debut, along with baritone Richard Ladd as Gasparo and tenor Daniel Werts as Beppe. For tickets, call the SIUE Box Office, (618) 650-2774. Tickets are free to SIUE students with a valid Cougar ID.
SIUE Among 30 Schools Awarded $10K Technology Grant
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Research, Education and Outreach recently was awarded a $10,000 grant from Vernier Software & Technology, based in Beaverton, Ore.
SIUE's STEM Center, as it is called, will use the money for tools to enhance its summer camp programs for area youth. Vernier selected 30 schools in the nation-10 elementary or middle schools, 10 high schools and 10 colleges or universities-to receive grants to celebrate its 30th anniversary. The awards were given to each institution, based on demonstrated financial need, as well as the inspiring stories each entity provided to explain how the money, if given, would be used.
"With nearly 2,000 applications in total, we were overwhelmed by the innovation and dedication demonstrated by educators nationwide for the betterment of STEM education," said David Vernier, co-founder of Vernier and a former physics teacher. "The 30 grantees are truly deserving of this recognition and the technology received through this grant will greatly assist with their ongoing efforts to expose students to many STEM disciplines in an engaging and hands-on manner."
To learn more about all of Vernier's 30th anniversary technology grant winners, visit www.vernier.com/30years. Vernier develops easy-to-use, affordable science interfaces, sensors and graphing/analysis software. According to its website, with world-wide distribution to more than 130 countries, Vernier products are used by educators and students from elementary school to college, and Vernier's technology-based solutions enhance STEM education, increase learning and build students' critical thinking skills. The company is committed to using Earth-friendly policies and practices, and offers a family-friendly workplace.
SIUE School Of Business Again Named Outstanding Business School
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is an outstanding business school, according to The Princeton Review. The education services company features the school in the new 2012 edition of its book, "The Best 294 Business Schools."
According to Princeton Review Senior VP-PublisherRobert Franek, "We recommend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to readers of our book and users of our site, www.PrincetonReview.com, as one of the best institutions they could attend to earn an MBA. We chose the 294 business schools in this book based on our high opinion of their academic programs and offerings, as well as our review of institutional data we collect from the schools. We also strongly consider the candid opinions of students attending the schools that rate and report on their campus experiences at their schools on our survey for the book."
"The Best 294 Business Schools: 2012 Edition" has two-page profiles of the schools with write-ups on their academics, student life, and admissions, plus ratings for their academics, selectivity, and career placement services. In the profile of SIUE, The Princeton Review editors describe the school as: "convenient, affordable and located close to a metropolitan area." They quote students attending SIUE who say "The School is great for students who want a great education but cannot afford to pay inflated tuition."
In a "Survey Says . . ." sidebar in the profile, The Princeton Review lists topics that SIUE students it surveyed were in most agreement about. The list includes: "Good peer network, solid preparation in general management, communication, interpersonal skills and doing business in a global economy." The 80-question survey for the book asked students about themselves, their career plans, and their schools' academics, student body and campus life.
"We're delighted that our students give positive ratings to key components of our MBA program," said School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino. " The Princeton Review recognition is a tribute to our outstanding faculty and students."
Nursing Student Completes Externship at Mayo Clinic
Stephany Williams, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville senior nursing student from Roodhouse, Ill., completed a 10-week externship with Mayo Clinic in August 2011. Williams was one of 100 student nurses selected to participate in the Mayo Clinic summer externship out of more than 1,000 who applied.
She was assigned to the orthopedic acute care surgical trauma unit at the Rochester, Minnesota facility, which is the unit she requested during the application process.
"Most patients that I saw were involved in serious vehicular accidents or had bone cancer," Williams said. "The patients dealt primarily with trauma to the arms, legs and spine, and received extreme surgeries that are typically not performed in most hospitals across the country."
Sheri Compton-McBride, instructor and director of clinical acquisitions for the SIUE School of Nursing, emphasized Williams's determination for success in the nursing field.
"Stephany is an amazing young woman, with a quiet demeanor," Compton-McBride said. "She is willing to take risks so that she may be exposed to all that nursing has to offer. She has demonstrated her dedication to growth, both personally and professionally."
Upon completion of the externship, Williams was offered a full-time position at Mayo Clinic in the orthopedic trauma unit to become effective after graduation in May 2012. "I am thrilled and honored to have been offered my dream job. I loved Minnesota, and I loved working at Mayo Clinic. I am so excited about the future."
SIUE Pharmacist Wins State Award
In just a little over five years, this young pharmacist has written curriculum, trained pharmacists to become diabetes coaches in collaboration with the Illinois Pharmacist Association (IPhA), been instrumental in establishing immunization programs throughout Illinois-including ones at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville-and has created a statewide student competition for patient counseling.
So it came as no surprise when the Illinois Pharmacist Association recently selected Dr. Jessica Kerr to receive the Illinois Pharmacist of the Year Award, said Dr. Gireesh Gupchup, a pharmacist and dean of the SIUE School of Pharmacy.
"She's very passionate and energetic and is always looking to move the profession forward," Gupchup said. "Her enthusiasm is really infectious. She's truly a star."
But the 34-yerar-old pharmacist sees her work as being the bright spot. "It's hard to find a job that you love, that is also your hobby," said Kerr, who also won the Illinois Distinguished Young Pharmacist of the Year Award in 2007. "But that's what I found in pharmacy."
Kerr received her doctorate in pharmacy in 2001 from St. Louis College of Pharmacy and came to SIUE in 2005. She is an associate professor in pharmacy practice in the SIUIE Department of Pharmacy. Kerr also works with in the St. Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center's Belleville office, where she helps patients improve their cardiovascular outcomes and empowers patients with diabetes to take ownership of their condition. She has worked collectively with the Illinois Pharmacists Association to train pharmacists to manage patients' diabetes within the Patient Self-Monitoring Program.
The mother of three continues to serve on the IPhA Board of Directors and remains active with other state and national Boards.
"Getting all this work done at times can be a challenge, but once I sit back and remember why I am doing what I am doing it boils down to this: I want to be a role model for my students and my own kids, and I want to give back to the profession."
Kerr said she feels the best way to do this is to continue her efforts within her community and to continue with her faculty advisor role for the SIUE Academy of Student Pharmacists organization.
High School Students Walking for a Cure
T'Keyah Byrum, a senior at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School, didn't expect breast cancer to be part of her schedule. But after the disease met her in the classroom, the 18-year-old felt she didn't have a choice.
"When I found out that someone in our school had breast cancer, it really struck me," Byrum said. "And I wanted to do something."
The teenager organized a group of other Charter High School seniors and the students are sponsoring a Breast Cancer Awareness Program and Walk. A Charter High School teacher, who is in recovery, will be honored during a program at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19 in the Multipurpose Building at the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus. The program will consist of students presenting poetry, speeches and dance routines.
A Breast Cancer Awareness Walk will follow the program at 2:45 p.m. Participants will meet at the silver sculpture in the middle of campus. All participants are asked to wear pink. A suggested donation is requested of $2 for students and $5 for adults. Anyone is invited to participate and all proceeds will be given to Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
"We want to help raise money, but more than that we want to help raise hope," Byrum said.
The Charter High School seniors took on the project with just a little help from their senior advisors, Carolyn Kribs, Colin Neumeyer and Candice Jackson.
"I am extremely proud of our senior class for doing something so selfless and having put so much work into it," Kribs said.
SIUE Center For Spirituality & Sustainability To Host Oct. 29 Event
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Friends of the Center for Spirituality and Sustainability (FCSS) continues its annual Celebration of World Faiths with an Oct. 29 colloquium, "Called To Care for the Earth: A Conversation with Women of Faith," at the Center (the geodesic dome), just west of SIUE's Morris University Center.
The event, scheduled for 7 p.m. that Saturday, is free and open to the public and will feature a discussion panel with Sr. Maxine Pohlman, SSND, who is with the LaVista Ecological Learning Center; Mary Lou McLaughlin, a Baha'i representative; and Anna Sandidge, a member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).
In keeping with its foundational principle of sustainability since its inception in 1971 and its mission to cultivate dialogue and collaboration among world faiths, the Center and the FCSS presents these women of diverse faith traditions, who will tell their stories of spirit-led commitment to respect and protect the Earth in all aspects of their lives.
Issues to be discussed also include "Exploration of Faith-Based Perspectives Regarding Upholding the Integrity of Creation" and "Celebrating the Commonalities of Diverse Faith Traditions."
A dessert buffet will be served and parking is free in Lot B, adjacent to the dome. Donations would be graciously accepted.
The FCSS is a support organization dedicated to preserving the CSS dome building and its grounds as an architectural treasure designed by R. Buckminster Fuller, a world-renowned visionary who was a member of the faculty at both SIUE and SIU Carbondale. The FCSS also works to cultivate interfaith understanding and good will on the SIUE campus and in surrounding communities, and to expand programming offered at the CSS. For more information about the Oct. 29 event, contact the Center, (618) 650-3246.
Changes
Personnel
- Angela Kaiser, assistant professor of social work , left the University May 15 to accept a position elsewhere.
Retirements
- Rita Boyd, associate professor in the School of Nursing, effective May 15 after nearly 15 years of service.
- Tom Douglas, associate professor of Management and Marketing, effective May 31 after more than six years of service.
- Emily Krohn, professor of psychology, effective Aug. 15 after more than 30 years of service.
FOTAD Presents 'STARs & Scars' Nov. 6 At SIUE's Morris Center
Mysterious shenanigans will take center stage Nov. 6 as the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Friends of Theater and Dance (FOTAD) present STARs & Scars, a gentle spoof on life at the University, at FOTAD's 15 th Annual Mystery Dinner Theater and Silent Auction. FOTAD is the support organization for the SIUE Department of Theater and Dance. Proceeds from the Nov. 6 event will benefit the organization's scholarship fund for SIUE theater and dance majors. Reservations must be made by Nov. 2.
Playwright S.J. Morrison is up to his old tricks weaving mystery and hilarious antics. "When an escaped criminal is discovered on an already ill-fated tour of the SIUE campus, it's up to the STARs tour guides to find the perpetrator," Morrison said. "With warring tour guides, a prospective chancellor candidate and a bizarre group of visitors, this romp through the SIUE campus promises to be filled with comedy, suspense and some light-hearted fun at the expense of the university we love."
According to Morrison, who has written several whodunit's for FOTAD's Annual Mystery Dinner Theater, it all adds up to a funny experience for the audience. "From the humorous tour guides to the improbable murder and the larger-than-life characters, this comedic mystery farce promises to entertain.," Morrison said.
STARs & Scars will be performed by FOTAD board members and several community supporters seen locally on stage. The 'whodunit' will be performed in the SIUE Morris University Center's Conference Center, on the second floor of the center. Doors open at 6:15 for viewing auction items, the play starts around 7 p.m. and dinner is served shortly thereafter.
FOTAD President Greg Conroy said the evening will feature plenty of laughs and good food. "This will be the perfect evening to combine a nice dinner with shopping for that unique Christmas gift. "And, if you have ever entertained the urge to play detective, this is your big chance because each table can guess 'whodunit' and go home with free tickets to one of the shows in FOTAD's annual family theater series, A Season for the Child," he said.
Tickets are $40 per person and include a full dinner. For reservation information, or to make a reservation with a credit card by Nov. 2, call the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 2774.
Mara "Mitch" Meyers Speaks at Power Breakfast Series
Mara "Mitch" Meyers (BS '77, MBA '80), former marketing executive at Anheuser-Busch and founder of international advertising firm, Zipatoni, was the seventh alumnus to be the featured speaker at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business' annual Power Breakfast on October 6. The Power Breakfast connects prominent alumni from around the country with their alma mater.
Meyer's knack for creativity was on display as she engaged an audience 95 people that included business students, faculty and alumni. She also spoke about her education at the University and how her background in accounting gave her a competitive edge in the field of marketing.
She spoke candidly about her career at Anheuser-Busch, as well as the ups and downs of running her own company.
Meyers began her career in brand management with the 7-Up Company. She was recruited by Anheuser-Busch to launch Bud Light using the "Spuds McKenzie" concept, which was her brainchild. She became the director of marketing for a new Anheuser-Busch Beverage Division making her, at the time, the highest ranking woman in Anheuser-Busch corporate marketing. She was named AdWeek's Woman of the Year in 1987.
After leaving Anheuser-Busch, Meyers formed Zipatoni Company, growing the firm to 350 employees, with offices in five states and billings exceeding $40 million a year. Since her retirement in 2003, she became a partner in two additional businesses, Maison de Chanticleer and CasaMima.
Mitch and her husband, Bob, currently split their time between homes in Glen Carbon and Colorado. Meyers also serves on the SIUE Foundation Board of Directors and was inducted into the SIUE Alumni Hall of Fame in 2010.
Video highlight from the Power Breakfast: http://www.siue.edu/business/video.shtml
SIUE Computer Science Assistant Professor Receives the 2011 Java Innovation Award
Andreas Stefik, assistant professor in the department of computer science at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, received the 2011 Java Innovation Award at the recent JavaOne Conference in San Francisco, Calif.
The award, also known as the Duke's Choice Award, recognizes extreme innovation in the world of Java technology and is granted to the most innovative projects using the Java platform.
Stefik and his team of researchers were recognized for working to make the NetBeans development environment accessible to the blind and visually impaired. NetBeans is a specialized computer program that facilitates software development.
Computer programming is more challenging for the blind and visually impaired due to its visual orientation. With support from the National Science Foundation's Broadening Participation in Computing program, Stefik's research team aims to empower blind and visually impaired individuals to overcome the barriers of programming and ultimately obtain careers in the computing profession.
Stefik is thrilled to have been nominated and selected by Oracle Corporation, the industry group that presents the award.
"It's a prestigious award to receive and I'm frankly still in a bit of shock that my research group won," he said.
School of Engineering Dean Hasan Sevim said he is not surprised by the honor.
"Andy is a cutting-edge researcher in his field, and I expect him to continue to be recognized for his contributions in the future," he said.
Andreas Stefik, assistant professor of computer science through the SIUE School of Engineering, is holding the 2011 Java Innovation Award. Stefik's interview with NetBeans Zone, a social network for software developers, can be found at http://netbeans.dzone.com/news/sodbeans-netbeans-module-duke-2011-winner?utm
SIUE Transportation Engineers Making Highways Safer
Traffic accidents place incident responders such as law enforcement, fire and rescue, and tow operators in danger every day. Huaguo Zhou and Ryan Fries, assistant professors of civil engineering in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering, have developed a Highway Incident Management Operational and Training Guide designed to improve responder safety by creating a training that details the roles of all agencies.
With 14 training sessions scheduled by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the researchers were pleased to learn that the Transportation Research Board (TRB) published the innovative final report from this research in its weekly newsletter.
"The TRB's inclusion of Drs. Zhou and Fries' project report in the weekly newsletter highlights the excellence of their research," said Susan Morgan, professor of civil engineering and chair of the that department. "It also provides others with the opportunity to use what they have developed to improve highway safety throughout the United States."
After receiving positive feedback from pilot tests conducted in Chicago and St. Louis, the researchers released the manual to IDOT. A copy also has been sent to the National Fire and Police Academy to be considered for national accreditation. Zhou believes the report will become a key reference for many agencies in the future.
SIUE School of Engineering Undergraduate Enrollment is at a Record High in Fall 2011
In fall 2009, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering's undergraduate enrollment reached 926, a record high in the history of the School.
Since then, that record has been broken twice, with an enrollment of 1,000 students in fall 2010 and 1,007 in fall 2011. The graduate enrollment remained constant during the last these years at 230 in 2009, 241 in 2010 and 234 in 2011.
"What is remarkable is that not only do we have more students enrolling, but also we keep attracting more and more well-prepared students to our programs," said School of Engineering Dean Hasan Sevim. "The average math and composite ACT scores of incoming freshmen this fall reached a record high at 27.93 and 26.37, respectively."
Director of Engineering Student Services Loen Graceson-Martin pointed to new programs that improve the freshmen retention rate from 80 percent to 90 percent.
"We are continuing to get very academically talented groups of students into our programs," she said. "There are no excuse for not elevating the retention rate to 90 percent."
Cem Karacal, professor of industrial and manufacturing engineering and associate dean, recounted successful programs such as the 2+2 program with regional community colleges, the dual-diploma program in industrial engineering with the highly reputable Istanbul Technical University-Turkey, and K-12 outreach in the region.
"It is very rewarding to meet company recruiters at the Career Fair who tell us that they are back because of the quality of our graduates," he said.
The School of Engineering offers undergraduate programs in civil, industrial, electrical, computer, mechanical and manufacturing engineering, along with computer science and construction management. In addition, master's degree programs are offered in civil, industrial, mechanical and electrical engineering, and computer science. The school also has a very successful collaborative doctoral program with SIU Carbondale.
Susan Winters Tapped by NLN For Selective Faculty Leadership Development Program
Susan Winters, director of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Regional Nursing Program, has been selected through competitive application for the year-long Leadership Development Program for Simulation Educators, a faculty leadership development initiative offered by the National League for Nursing (NLN). The program is designed for those interested in assuming a leadership role in the research or administration of simulation programs in nursing education.
SIUE School of Nursing Dean Marcia Maurer considers it a great honor to have an SIUE Nursing faculty member selected for this prestigious NLN program. "In her role as the director, the knowledge and skills gained by Dr. Winters through this program will be invaluable as she guides the development and utilization of the simulation lab in the Regional Nursing Program on the Carbondale campus," Maurer said. "Simulation in nursing education has grown in its importance as the foundational element to actual clinical practice. Because nursing is a knowledge profession, we have an inherent obligation to ensure that our students go to clinical better prepared than ever before. Dr. Winters has a wonderful opportunity to work with the best in the field and then to incorporate best practices into the SIUE Nursing Program."
Winters has been a nurse educator for 19 years, teaching LPN, ADN, BSN, RN-to-BSN, and MSN programs in Illinois and Virginia. Winters has led the SIUE regional program at Carbondale since February 2010 and is responsible for all facets of the simulation laboratory, including the training of faculty members. After the completion of the NLN program, Winters says she hopes to utilize the information obtained to guide the design and operation of the regional program.
Among 20 nurse educators chosen from colleges and universities around the United States, Winter will study for a year under the direction of Pamela Jeffries, author of numerous scholarly articles on the subject and also editor of Simulations in Nursing Education: From Conceptualization to Evaluation (NLN, 2007). She also is a professor of Health Systems and Outcomes and associate dean for academic affairs at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. She is nationally known for her research and work in developing simulations and online teaching and learning. At Hopkins and throughout the academic community, Jeffries is well regarded for her expertise in experiential learning, innovative teaching strategies, new pedagogies, and the delivery of content using technology in nursing education.
To expand the science of nursing education while developing their personal leadership portfolios, participants in the NLN initiative program will spend the year engaged in varied activities that examine key issues on a dual track: research and administration, ultimately choosing a single area of focus. To kick off the program, participants meet for two days in Orlando in September, just prior to the NLN's 2011 Education Summit. Looking ahead, the group will participate in leadership development webinars; exchange ideas and best practices in simulation in private forums; review existing scholarly research; visit simulation centers around the country to evaluate resources and operations; consult with Laerdal representatives on equipment issues; contribute to a group project to develop or expand the Simulation Information Resource Center (SIRC) website; and attend conferences.
Dedicated to excellence in nursing, the NLN is the premier organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education, offering faculty development, networking opportunities, testing services, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to its 34,000 individual and 1,200 institutional members.
NOAA'S National Weather Service Recognizes SIUE As StormReady
Pictured in the back row, from left to right, are SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift, Warning Coordination Meteorologist Jim Kramper from the National Weather Service Forecast Office in St. Charles, Mo., SIUE Police Chief Gina Hays and Kurt Driesner, a graduate assistant in SIUE Emergency Management and Safety. In the front row, left to right, are Thomas Brueggeman from Emergency Management and Safety, and Dave McDonald, director of that department.
Officials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Weather Service today praised Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for completing a set of rigorous warning criteria necessary to earn the distinction of being a StormReady ® University.
NOAA, through the U.S. Department of Commerce, promotes nationwide community preparedness programs, using a grassroots approach to help them develop plans to handle local severe weather and flooding threats.
"StormReady encourages communities and businesses to take a new, proactive approach to improving local hazardous weather operations and public awareness," said
Jim Kramper, warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service forecast office in St. Charles, Mo. "StormReady arms communities and businesses with improved communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property - before and during the event."
To be recognized as StormReady, a university must:
- Have an Emergency Operations Plan which includes severe weather procedures;
- Have more than one way to receive severe weather forecasts and warnings;
- Have several methods to warn students, employees and visitors of impending hazardous weather;
- Have shelter areas designated and clearly marked;
- Have an active preparedness program that educates students and employees of the dangers posed by hazardous weather.
The program is voluntary and provides communities with advice from a partnership of local National Weather Service forecast offices, and state and local emergency managers. Starting in 1999 with seven participating communities in the Tulsa, Okla., area, StormReady now includes more than 1,600 communities across the country.
SIUE Receives Collaborative $900,000 NSF Grant
A team of researchers headed by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering Assistant Professor of Computer Science Gary Mayer has been awarded a $900,000 National Science Foundation Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) grant to study the effects of mentoring related to student interest in pursuing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers.
The effort is a collaborative enterprise between SIUE and the University of Southern California (USC), with support from the KISS Institute for Practical Robotics (KIPR). Mayer will work with Sharon Locke, director of the SIUE Center for STEM Research, Education and Outreach and Brad White, senior researcher with the Illinois Education Research Council (IERC).
Introducing the popular Botball robotics competition, managed by KIPR, to communities unfamiliar with the program from the Southern Illinois and Southern California areas, 50 middle-school teachers will be prepared as mentors using four different training techniques. Approximately 500 middle school students from diverse backgrounds will be coached by mentors. Student participants' expectations of success and desire to take STEM courses and pursue STEM careers will be surveyed before and after the program and the results, along with feedback from the mentors, will enable researchers to examine the effectiveness of the different mentoring techniques.
"This grant is the result of us wanting to expand upon the outcome of previous research," Mayer said, explaining the latest grant funding was made possible thanks to work conducted by SIUE Acting Associate Provost for Research and Dean of the Graduate School Jerry Weinberg, who also is a professor of Computer Science, and SIUE Associate Provost for Academic Planning and Program Development Sue Thomas, who also is a professor of Psychology. Mayer continued, "We are looking at what we can do as instructors, how we can vary what our mentors do, and determining what type of influence different techniques have on students." The team plans to devise a framework that can be used by mentors to positively influence students' desire to engage in STEM activities - both for Botball and in a broader, more general context.
Mayer will also collaborate on the project with Stephen Marlett, SIUE associate professor of Curriculum and Instruction in the School of Education, Maja Mataric, professor of Computer Science, Neuroscience and Pediatrics at USC, and director of USC's Center for Robotics and Embedded Systems, and Ross Mead, SIUE School of Engineering alumnus and NSF graduate research fellow at USC. The USC location in multicultural Los Angeles and the diverse population around SIUE's own campus will allow the team to investigate the role of ethnicity in mentoring for STEM education.
According to the NSF website, the ITEST program "responds to current concerns and projections about the growing demand for STEM professionals in the U.S. and seeks solutions to help ensure the breadth and depth of the STEM workforce. ITEST supports the development, implementation, testing and scale-up of implementation models. It also supports research studies to address questions that point to solutions for building a strong, competent STEM workforce."
SIUE Brings the Mountains Indoors
Some Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students will now be able to grab hold of a piece of "rock" and hang on or hang out in a new form of recreational sport designed just for them.
SIUE will officially open its Bouldering Cave with a ribbon cutting ceremony from 4:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20. The Bouldering Cave is located in the SIUE Student Fitness Center.
The structure, which is 10 feet by 20 feet, will allow individuals to enhance their rock climbing skills on short, low routes without the use of safety ropes and harnesses, said Keith Becherer, assistant director of Campus Recreation.
Installing the rock-like structure, built by Eldorado Climbing Walls in Boulder, Colo., was the result of a student focus group, which expressed interest in having a bouldering cave, said Michael Ostrander, director of Campus Recreation.
"What's exciting is that we were able to deliver in a relatively short time something of significant interest to students," Ostrander said.
The Bouldering Cave, he added, besides offering fitness and recreational benefits, also becomes a "club house" for like-minded individuals who are not interested in main-stream competitive sports.
"Climbers Anonymous members are all waiting anxiously for the cave to open," said Kevin Brady, president of Climbers Anonymous, a student organization through Campus Recreation. "Ultimately for us, it just means more fun and an opportunity to become stronger climbers."
Currently, the Student Fitness Center has a Rock Climbing Wall, but it can only be accessed when staff is on duty because of safety issues, Becherer said. However, with the Bouldering Cave, staff does not need to be on site because no safety devices are required. The Bouldering Cave will be open during the operating hours of the Student Fitness Center.
September 2011
Two SIUE Students Win Staff Senate Scholarships
Congratulations: Mitchell Haas (center), a junior at SIUE, and Sarah Randle (third from right), a freshman at the University, both recently won scholarships from the Staff Senate Scholarship Committee. They were presented certificates at a ceremony by Staff Senate President Mike Hamil (second from left). in the photo, from left, are Staff Senate Treasurer Jesse B. Harris Jr.; Hamil; Staff Senate Scholarship Committee Chair Norris Manning; Mitchell's mother, Stacy, of Lovejoy Library; Mitchell; SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift; Sarah; Sarah's mother, Barb Randle, of the National Corn-To-Ethanol Research Center; and Sarah's father, Ken Randle, of Facilities Management. (SIUE Photo by Denise Macdonald)
A Season For The Child Opens 2011-12 Season With Hansel And Gretel
A Season for the Child (SfC), the family-oriented live theater season sponsored by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Friends of Theater and Dance (FOTAD), TheBANK of Edwardsville and by a grant from the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation in St. Louis, opens its 23 rd season with the Brothers Grimm favorite Hansel and Gretel on Saturday, Oct. 22.
Performance of the popular fairytale will begin at 7 p.m. that Saturday in the theater in SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall. The first FOTAD season, which premiered in 1990, features professional theater troupes from St. Louis staging adaptations of various children's stories, using interactive techniques that not only delight children and parents, but also provide a learning experience.
Hansel and Gretel, to be performed by Piwacket Theatre for Children, extols a message of bravery in this charming play that chronicles the adventures of our little hero and heroine who are lost in the woods but find someone who might not be trustworthy. Piwacket is in its 21 st season of captivating young audiences with cleverly adapted fairytales filled with catchy songs, dance, colorful costumes and magical props.
FOTAD, a support group for the SIUE Department of Theater and Dance, uses the proceeds from the series to help fund merit awards for talented SIUE theater and dance students. Each year, the organization awards some $5,000 in merit scholarships to qualified students. FOTAD also funds scholarships for new freshmen entering the theater and dance program. The support organization holds an endowment to help fund the merit scholarship program. Those interested in donating to the endowment may contact Greg Conroy, (618) 692-0874.
Tickets for the Oct. 22 performance are $5 per person and are available through the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774. The holiday production of the 2011-12 season is The Shoemaker and The Elves, at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10.
SIUE Nursing's Regional Office Open House Set For Oct. 12 At SIUC
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing will offer an open house Oct. 12 at SIUE's Regional Nursing Program office located in the Student Health Center Auditorium on the campus of SIU Carbondale.
The open house-scheduled from 1-4 p.m. that Wednesday-will offer interested students and/or their families a chance to meet faculty and staff, and learn about the application process, the program itself and pre-requisites. A nursing academic advisor also will be available to answer questions.
In addition, the School's simulation lab will be open for tours. This teaching lab enables students to practice nursing skills in an environment that allows for mistakes - and correction of those mistakes - before they begin caring for patients in a clinical setting.
For more information, call (618) 453-3363 or by email: msmitag@siue.edu.
SIUE Chancellor Vandegrift Announces Retirement after Successful Tenure at Annual Address to the University Community
Telling the story of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's route to national recognition through its important achievements and milestones, SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift delivered his annual address today and ended it by announcing his intent to retire at the end of the 2011-2012 fiscal year.
Though many are surprised by this announcement, SIU President Dr. Glenn Poshard pointed out that Chancellor Vandegrift has accomplished much of what he was hired to do, including achieving national recognition for the University, moving Intercollegiate Athletics to NCAA Division I in the Ohio Valley Conference, and numerous construction and infrastructure projects improving the current campus climate and paving the way for the future at SIUE.
"Dr. Vandegrift was hired to take the University to a new level of excellence," Poshard noted. "The substantial progress SIUE has made toward achieving national recognition speaks to the success he has orchestrated during his tenure."
In addition to prestigious recognitions by U.S.News and World Report Best Colleges of 2012 listing SIUE as a top 15 master's comprehensive public institution in the Midwest region and one of 46 "up-and-coming" institutions in the entire country for innovative changes in academics, faculty, student life, campus and facilities, the University has gained national recognition through many rankings and acknowledgments-among them the 2011 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with distinction by the Corporation for National and Community Service; and a ranking among the Top 50 by Washington Monthly among 553 master's universities nationally.
The University will now embark on the difficult challenge of finding a new chancellor to continue the quest for excellence. Vandegrift indicated his retirement will be effective July 1. According to President Poshard, "The Office of the President will conduct a nationwide search for Dr. Vandegrift's successor; details will be released as they are available," he said.
"We are so grateful for his leadership and hard work over these past seven years. He will undoubtedly be missed, but we wish him and his family well in retirement."
Vandegrift thanked the SIUE community for their support. "To have been part of this great university, to not only have been afforded the benefit of appreciating all of its component parts, but to actually have been given the responsibility to affect change toward the realization of its vision for national recognition is something I would never have imagined possible earlier in my life."
Other highlights and challenges for the future from his address included:
"A University that has a bold vision for national recognition must also be a University that believes it can attain such recognition," Vandegrift said. "I've often said that our journey to national recognition would be realized not by seeking recognition for its own sake, but by doing the right things and doing them well. And doing the right things well has both enabled national recognition and catalyzed our advancement as a University."
The University achieved record enrollment for fall 2011 at 14,235 students, with an average ACT score of 22.4. He added that more students than ever have designated SIUE as a first-choice institution when making college plans.
SIUE again has won a spot among the Top 50 Awards from the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association (RCGA), in recognition of contributions to the region such as more than $250 million in infrastructure improvements in roads and buildings since 2004, and an economic impact that increased from $356 million per year in 2005 to $471 million per year in 2010, according to an economic impact study.
Other key initiatives in the journey toward national recognition have included developing the University's honors program to compete with the caliber of programs available at other metropolitan universities; adding more online courses and programs in order to foster different learning environments; introducing new bachelor's programs in health and human sciences, as well as in integrative studies; constructing a new nursing building to meet the School's growing enrollment demands, and continuing the institution's focus on performance-based funding and continuous improvement.
Vandegrift spoke about SIUE's first major gifts campaign, Defining Excellence-The Campaign for SIUE, and its success from its introduction in 2007 to the launch of the public phase last spring and into the present. Currently the University has received more than $29 million of its $50-million goal.
In closing, Vandegrift promised SIUE would continue being "a beacon for the region we serve, gaining national recognition for the excellence of our programs and the professional and community leaders we produce."
Graduate Programs Highlighted At SIUE Open House
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Graduate School is hosting an open house Thursday, Oct. 13 in the Morris University Center Goshen Lounge on campus from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. to help prospective students learn more about the personal and professional opportunities attainable with a graduate degree.
SIUE's Annual Graduate Programs Open House will give prospective students information about the 40 graduate programs offered in the College of Arts and Sciences, and the schools of Business, Education, Engineering and Nursing.
Faculty from all graduate programs will be present to answer questions. In addition, information about graduate admission requirements, including deadlines and necessary standardized tests, as well as graduate education financing options, graduate assistantships, competitive graduate awards and graduate scholar awards, will be available during the event.
"SIUE is an active research community where faculty members attain funded grants from major agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the National Institute for Health, NASA, the National Endowment for Humanities, the National Endowment for the Arts and many others," said Acting Associate Provost for Research and Dean of the Graduate School Jerry Weinberg. "Graduate students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty on research and creative projects, while gaining practical knowledge and practice in their chosen field."
According to U.S.News & World Report, SIUE has repeatedly been recognized in the top 20 public universities in the Midwest-Master's category. The ranking's overall scores are based on the academic preparedness of students, graduation rates, faculty characteristics and the reputation of SIUE in higher education.
"SIUE offers opportunities far beyond an undergraduate education," said Shelly Robinson, coordinator of graduate recruitment and the open house coordinator. "In addition to some of our more popular graduate programs, like the MBA and public administration, we offer some very specialized programs, such as art therapy counseling and a master's in marketing research, one of just a few in the nation.
"A few more years of study can make a world of difference to a career."
Free parking is available in Lot B, next to the MUC. For more information, or to register, visit the Web site: siue.edu/graduate/prospective/index.shtml.
University Housing Staff Member Awarded Regional Recognition
Vicky Dean, assistant director of Residence Life for Residential Education at SIUE, was awarded the regional National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) Faculty/Staff Of The Month award for August. Dean was nominated by Zachary Sanderson, a University Housing resident assistant (RA). After being recognized as the campus winner, a second nomination was submitted regionally. The region includes campus winners from Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio. The nomination will now be submitted at the national level.
The NRHH is the recognition branch of the National Association of College and University Residence Halls. NRHH supports monthly recognition of student staff, programs, professional staff, faculty and more through "Of The Month" (OTM) awards.
Sanderson's nomination focused on Dean's leadership among various academic initiatives within housing; involvement with Safe Zone, a campus organization; and overall dedication to the department throughout the month of August. "Vicky Dean is always giving her best not only to the housing community, but our campus as a whole," Sanderson said. "August is easily one of the busiest times of the year and she accomplished so much during this time. Vicky's commitment to student success and her spunky personality easily qualify her for the Faculty/Staff of the Month award."
For more information about NRHH or OTMs, contact Kyle Rice by email: klineba@siue.edu, or by calling: (618) 650-4629.
SIUE Chancellor Will Give Annual Report Wednesday
SIUE Chancellor Will Give Annual Report Wednesday
Who: SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift
What: The Chancellor's Report to the University
When: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28
Where: Meridian Ballroom, SIUE Morris University Center
Chancellor Vandegrift will address the University community and guests during his Annual Report to the University. This year's speech will focus on the University's road to national recognition, and the achievements and important milestones along the way.
Each year the Chancellor's speech examines the institution's mission, vision and values, and highlights immediate and future plans.
An informal news conference will immediately follow the address.
SIUE Alumni Networking Breakfast in Clayton
The SIUE Alumni Association will host a networking breakfast from 7:30- 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27 in the Armstrong Teasdale Conference Room of the Centene Plaza in Clayton, Mo.
Hal Gentry, a 1981 graduate of the SIUE School of Engineering and founder of Gridlogix and Gentry Systems, will be the featured speaker. Complimentary pastries, fruit and coffee will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards for potential business connections.
Gentry has more than 25 years of experience in building global software start-up companies. In his most recent role, he was co-founder and CEO of Gridlogix, a software company which focused on energy savings applications for the building automation industry. Gridlogix was purchased by Johnson Controls in 2008.
Prior to Gridlogix, Gentry was founder and CEO of Gentry Systems, a global software company that provided Geographic Information Systems and Outage Management software to over 400 electric utilities world-wide. During his career, Gentry served as chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee and Industry Trends Analysis Group for the Geospatial Information Technology Association. He was a founding member of the GridWise Alliance Council and has presented at numerous industry conferences and published several articles in industry trade publications.
Gentry currently serves on the Advisory Board for the SIUE School of Engineering and Computer Science Department. He is also a member of the 2010 SIUE Alumni Hall of Fame.
Alumni Event Ambassadors who will greet attendees and facilitate networking conversations include: Sara Colvin, 1998 BS, 2005 MA; Charlotte Petty, 1983 BS; and Melissa Glauber, 2003 BS.
To register for this free event, visit www.siue.edu/alumni. For further information, please contact Katie Bennett at kabenne@siue.edu or 618-650-2762.
SIUE Honors Volunteers During First Annual Student Day
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Bookstore will join hundreds of other college stores across North America to celebrate and promote social responsibility during the first annual National Student Day next month.
"We wish to celebrate and thank those students who are already volunteering and to encourage others to join them," said Emily Colton, assistant director, SIUE University Bookstore & Textbook Service.
SIUE students are invited to enjoy a party at the Bookstore from 11a.m.-3p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, with free popcorn and Pepsi products, giveaways and door prizes, including an iPad, an SIUE hoodie and a $25 Bookstore gift card. Free National Student Day wristbands will be given to the first 100 students attending the event, entitling the wearer to special discounts throughout the day.
As an example of the University's student commitment to volunteerism, Colton cited SIUE's recent recognition by The Corporation for National and Community Service, which named it to the annual President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with distinction. The Corporation is a federal agency that engages more than 5 million Americans in service. SIUE was listed among colleges and universities demonstrating commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement.
Students can also enter a national essay contest at www.nationalstudentday.com for a chance to win great prizes from the National Association of College Stores. Students can submit their story online as to how they give back to their communities. Stories will then be voted on by students across North America. The 10 most popular stories will win awards consisting of $3000, $2000, and $1000 scholarships, as well as seven iPads. Voting will end at 4 p.m. Friday, October 14 Central Standard Time.
2011 SIUE Homecoming - Pride on the Prowl
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is celebrating the 2011 SIUE Homecoming with a week-long series of events targeting current students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members. This year's events will take place from Monday, Oct. 3 through Sunday, Oct. 9 on the SIUE campus.
This year's theme is "Pride on the Prowl." The schedule of events will include: a Homecoming kick-off rally; a comedy show featuring Sheng Wang; a golf cart parade; a recliner race; Cougar Karaoke; a Homecoming dance and a dueling pianos performance. All the events are open to current students and free to attend.
The Alumni Association will host alumni events during Homecoming weekend. The 4th Annual SIUE Alumni Hall of Fame Dinner will begin with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, in the Morris University Center (MUC) Conference Center. During the event, the 2011 honorees will be inducted into the SIUE Alumni Hall of Fame. Tickets are required to attend the event and must be purchased in advance.
Members of the 1961, 1971, 1981, 1991 and 2001 graduating classes will return to campus for the SIUE Alumni Reunion Lunch from 12-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8 in the MUC Meridian Ballroom. The event will feature step show performances from the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta sorority, welcome remarks from Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift and a special address from SIUE Men's Soccer Coach Kevin Kalish. Tickets are required to attend the event and must be purchased in advance.
Legendary music icons Three Dog Night-known for memorable rock hits such as Joy to the World, One and Shambala-will perform at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. Sponsored by the SIUE Foundation, the concert, which is part of the University's Arts & Issues series, will take place in the Vadalabene Center gymnasium. Tickets are available for students, alumni, staff and community members.
Arts & Issues Director Grant Andree said Three Dog Night is one of the banner rock groups of the early 1970s and that the music created by this group continues to be a staple on rock stations throughout the world.
"The memories that this music evokes will make it a special evening for our audiences," Andree said. "And younger audience members also will recognize many of the songs made famous by this group."
SIUE Intercollegiate Athletics will host an exciting schedule of games during Homecoming. The SIUE Women's Volleyball team will take on Eastern Kentucky University at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 in the Vadalabene Center gymnasium. The men's soccer team will play the University of Evansville at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8 at Korte Stadium. The 10th Annual Chili Cook-Off will take place that night from 6-7:30 p.m. at the stadium. The women's soccer team will take on Missouri State University at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9 at Korte Stadium. For ticket information, visit www.siuecougars.com.
Campus Activities Board (CAB) plans and manages the student programming events. "Homecoming is a great chance for both alumni and current students to celebrate their Cougar pride and show their school spirit," said Emily Craske, Campus Programs manager. "Whether you attend a CAB event or other campus sponsored events, there is something for everyone!"
More information on the 2011 SIUE Homecoming and a complete schedule of events can be found at www.siue.edu/homecoming. For questions, contact Katie Bennett, assistant director of SIUE Alumni Affairs, at kabenne@siue.edu or (618) 650-2762.
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Oscar Wilde's 'Importance of Being Earnest' Opens Oct. 12 At SIUE
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Theater and Dance begins its 2011-12 main season Oct. 12 with The Importance of Being Earnest, playwright Oscar Wilde's comic masterpiece, to be staged at 7:30 p.m. that Wednesday through Saturday, Oct. 15, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, all in SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall theater.
Tickets are $10 for adults (18 and older) and $8 for all others including seniors (65 and older) as well as any student with a valid school ID, and are available through the Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774, located on the first floor of Dunham Hall. SIUE students are admitted free thanks to the University's Campus Activities Board.
"Importance," arguably Wilde's best known play, revolves around two young gentlemen who find themselves in quite the dilemma as their seemingly harmless lies begin taking on a life of their own. The pair's creative use of a fictitious relative as an alibi to avoid the responsibilities of proper social commitment begins to overlap with reality and threatens to derail their very real love interests.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call (618) 650-2774.
K. Trone Is EOM For September
Congratulations: Karen Trone, lead financial specialist in the Office of the Budget and Financial Affairs, is the September recipient of the University's Employee Recognition Award. In the photo at right, Vice Chancellor for Administration Kenn Neher is shown presenting Trone with the award. They are flanked by David Heth (at left), director of SIUE Financial Affairs, and SIUE Budget Director Bill Winter. In addition to the plaque, Trone was awarded a $25 gift certificate to the SIUE Bookstore, two complimentary lunch coupons to the University Restaurant or other Dining Services location, and recognition on the flat screen monitors throughout campus. (SIUE Photo by Denise Macdonald)
SIUE Awarded Military Friendly School Title from G.I. Jobs
G.I. Jobs, a magazine dedicated to people transitioning out of the U.S. military, recently named Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to its 2012 list of Military Friendly Schools ®.
SIUE has appeared on this prestigious list for three consecutive years. According to the publication, those named on the list are among the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools nationally offering programs that support veterans and active duty military personnel. The list is based on the results of a survey of student veterans conducted by G.I. Jobs.
"The Military Friendly Schools list is the go-to resource for prospective student veterans searching for schools that provide the right overall experience," said Michael Dakduk, executive director for the Student Veterans of America. "Nothing is more compelling than actual feedback from current student veterans."
According to G.I. Jobs, the survey results offer prospective military students a glimpse into experiences of student veterans at institutions based on peer reviews. Service members and veterans can virtually meet individual student veterans from the various schools on the G.I. Jobs site, militaryfriendlyschools.com, to learn more about personal school decisions and the transition from the military to an academic environment.
G.I. Jobs reported the 1,518 colleges, universities and trade schools on this year's list prioritize the recruitment of students with military experience. The magazine stated the schools on the list offer scholarships, discounts, veterans' clubs, full-time staff, military credit and other opportunities to transitioning military personnel. Information from more than 8,000 schools was included in the survey.
According to G.I. Jobs, the detailed list and a story will be highlighted in the annual Guide to Military Friendly Schools and on a poster. Both will be distributed to hundreds of thousands of active and former military personnel early next month. The list, as well as interactive tools and search functionality will be available for military veterans through G.I. Jobs' newly redesigned website, militaryfriendlyschools.com.
SIUE Well-Kept Grounds Wins National Recognition
The beautiful, lush and well-designed landscaping and grounds of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus are known and appreciated by University faculty, staff and students. But a recent national award for it brings added satisfaction, said Steve Brandenburg, assistant director of SIUE Facilities Management.
"I know we have a beautiful campus, and now many others will know it, too," he said. "We were just so excited and thrilled when we learned of the award. It's national recognition for the University."
SIUE recently won a merit award in the 39th Annual Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) Awards. According to the organization's website, the goals of the Green Star Professional Grounds Management Awards program are to bring national recognition to grounds manicured with a high degree of excellence, to recognize individual professional efforts leading to high maintenance standards and high quality appearance of the landscape, and to challenge those responsible for maintenance of grounds throughout the country to achieve a higher level of excellence.
Awards will be formally presented during the 2011 PGMS School of Grounds Management held in conjunction with the Green Industry and Equipment Expo in Louisville, Ky.
SIUE's presentation to the Green Star Awards included photos of the campus that included a colorful array of roses, perennials, peonies, tiger lilies and barberries, along with flowering trees and an approximately 135-year-old oak tree. Well-designed seating areas, open spaces and gardens, one of which surrounds the campus' Starbucks, were also highlighted in the presentation.
"Your environment is important to your experience," Brandenburg said. "I believe our beautiful, well-kept grounds help with recruiting of students and retaining them. We're also helping the environment and being good caretakers of what's been given to us."
SIUE Cited Again By U.S. News As A Leader 'In Innovative Changes'
For the third consecutive year, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has been cited by its peers and reported in U.S.News & World Report as an "up-and-coming school." SIUE was listed as one of only seven Midwestern regional universities-one of only three public institutions-for recently making "innovative changes in the areas of academics, faculty, student life, campus life and facilities." The listing is in the magazine's Best Colleges of 2012 issue that will hit newsstands Sept. 20.
Also, according to the U.S. News rankings released today, SIUE is in the best Regional Universities Midwest (master's granting) category for the eighth consecutive year, and among the top 15 public universities in the category. The overall scores are based on the academic preparedness of students, graduation rates, faculty characteristics and the reputation of SIUE in higher education.
"We're pleased that our peers continue to rank SIUE as one of the top innovative universities in the Midwest," said SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift. "Across the country, SIUE is recognized for providing academic excellence at an affordable price. As top employers in our region already know, the individualized attention and unique experiences of an SIUE education prepare our students for successful careers in the global marketplace."
"I know our alumni take great pride in our reputation for academic excellence," Vandegrift said. "Their commitment to help their alma mater attract the best faculty and students speaks to the power of their SIUE experience. As our reputation continues to grow, the value of their SIUE degree grows with it."
The "Up-and-Comers" category includes a total listing of 46 colleges and universities (only 17 public institutions) throughout the country. Vandegrift said SIUE has embraced innovative change, pointing to improvements made in the general education curriculum to enhance the educational experience and increasing opportunities for undergraduate research experiences, as well as the Student Success Center that integrates academic and personal support services for students and provides them in one location.
SIUE is in the midst of a $250 million planned campus infrastructure update and construction phase, which includes construction on the Science Building and additions to the SIUE Art and Design and Engineering buildings.
He also cited the University's commitment to NCAA Division I certification in Intercollegiate Athletics as another indicator of excellence. The two teams identified to be fast-tracked have seen great success in their first year of Division I championship eligibility. Men's soccer was the runner-up at the Missouri Valley Conference tournament and the softball team participated in the Ohio Valley Conference tournament.
"Our student-athletes are excelling in the classroom, as well," Vandegrift said. "Spring 2011 marked the 10th consecutive semester all student-athletes have earned a cumulative 3.0 or higher GPA."
The latest U.S. News rankings come on the heels of last month's recognition by Washington Monthly that ranks SIUE among the top 50 master's universities in the nation. SIUE has also recently been named by the Corporation for National and Community Service to its list of colleges and universities demonstrating a commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement.
"The continued acclaim our University receives is a credit to our distinguished faculty and dedicated staff who are proud to prepare our students for their careers of choice," said Ann M. Boyle, interim provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. "Our low student-to-professor ratio allows our faculty to mentor our students in the classroom and work side-by-side with them on projects and innovative research."
SIUE Hosting 10th Anniversary Observance of Sept. 11, 2001
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is hosting a special ceremony of remembrance to mark the terrorist attacks on the United States that happened Sept. 11, 2001.
The 10th Anniversary Observance of Sept. 11, 2001 will take place at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011 in the Morris University Center Goshen Lounge.
The event, sponsored by the offices of the Chancellor and Student Affairs, as well as the Kimmel Leadership Center, will take place for about a half hour and feature music performed by the SIUE Department of Music. SIUE Student Senator Elisabeth Jones will deliver a poetic reading. The event will feature speakers: Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift, Student Body President Nolan Sharkey and Daniel Schmidt, a junior speech communication major who was in the U.S. Army serving in counter intelligence operations to the Federal Bureau of Investigations at the time of the attacks.
The event is a commemoration ceremony honoring those individuals who perished during the terrorist attacks, and the men and women in the service who have died in the Global War on Terror.
SIU Edwardsville Fall Enrollment Largest In Its History
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has reached the largest overall enrollment in the history of the school at 14,235, representing a nearly 1 percent increase over last fall's enrollment of 14,133. Undergraduate enrollment growth is supported by a record freshman class and a new transfer class, which is 3 percent larger than fall 2010.
SIUE Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Ann Boyle released the fall enrollment numbers today, which include undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. The University received a record 16,501 total applications for the fall term, including 10,300 for the freshman class and 3,723 for new transfers.
"We are proud of the caliber and quality of students we attract at SIUE," Boyle said. "Our faculty members and staff are committed to academic excellence, educational innovation, undergraduate involvement in research and continuous quality improvement in all areas. These factors, coupled with dynamic student support services and a beautiful, safe environment for learning are making the University a first-choice, first-tier institution in the state of Illinois."
Record undergraduate enrollment is supported by a record freshman class of 2,070 which is up five students from last year, and a new transfer class of 1,232 which is 3 percent larger than fall 2010. The new freshman class includes 494 merit and need-based scholarship recipients with an average ACT of 27, who have been recognized based on academic abilities and talents.
One-third of the class has indicated an interest in pre-professional health (pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-veterinary medicine, pre-pharmacy) or nursing.
New freshman enrollment from Madison and St. Clair counties remains strong with new growth coming primarily from the Chicago area and from out-of-state enrollment. SIUE attracted 77 freshmen with an average 25.5. ACT. Those students will live for at least one year in the University's residence halls.
"Approximately 29 percent of freshmen come from ethnically underrepresented backgrounds and 26 percent will be the first in their family to go to college," said Scott Belobrajdic, assistant vice chancellor for Enrollment Management, in the preliminary enrollment report. Belobrajdic noted this is the fourth year of overall enrollment growth at SIUE. It is the seventh consecutive year of growth in the size of the freshman class, which has increased by 20 percent since fall 2004.
The news comes on the heels of the recent ranking of SIUE as 48 th among the Top 50 of 553 master's universities in the U.S. by the national magazine, Washington Monthly, which evaluates universities based on their "contribution to the public good" in the areas of social mobility, research and service.
Belobrajdic pointed out that SIUE's improving retention rates, national recognition and low tuition also may be factors in the University's growth.
Media Advisory & Photo Opportunity
SIUE Hosting 10th Anniversary Observance of Sept. 11, 2001
When: 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011
Where: SIUE Morris University Center Goshen Lounge
What: Commemoration ceremony honoring those individuals who perished during the terrorist attacks held on 9/11/01 and the men and women in the service who have died in the Global War on Terror
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville community invites the media and the public to attend a 10th Anniversary Observation of Sept. 11, 2001 in the Morris University Center Goshen Lounge on campus at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011.
The ceremony will last a half hour and will feature speakers: SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift and Student Body President Nolan Sharkey. SIUE Student Senator Elisabeth Jones will deliver a poetic reading during the event and musical selections will be performed by the SIUE Department of Music.
SIUE Educational Outreach Classes Have International Appeal
Get more personal enrichment out of life. Learn to speak German! Or as a German would write it: "Lernen Sie Deutsch. Bereichern Sie lhr Leben!"
German is just one of several non-credit foreign languages being offered through Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Office of Educational Outreach.
With an increasing interest in foreign languages and the growing number of international groups in the area, the Office of Educational Outreach has expanded its offerings, said Cheryl Brunsmann, assistant director of Community Education Programs.
A sampling of Leisure Learning Activities offered this fall includes German, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Russian and Spanish.
Some classes start as early as September 7. To register and for more information about the courses, visit www.siue.edu/educationaloutreach.
Leisure Learning Activities are designed for adults of all ages and are non-credit courses. Classes are open to anyone in the community, ages 16 and up.
The Office of Educational Outreach also offers Lifelong Learning Activities. These non-credit lectures are designed for people, 50 years and older, but are open to all ages. Registration is not required for the various presentations that begin Sept. 17. For more information and a listing of topics, please visit the website.
SIUE School Of Nursing Announces Legislative Night
Sue Clark, RN and nurse-lobbyist for Consulting for Biz, will be the featured speaker Sept. 22-discussing current and upcoming legislative issues within the Illinois General Assembly related to nursing and health care-at Legislative Night 2011. The SIUE School of Nursing, in collaboration with the Tenth District Illinois Nurses Association and Lewis & Clark Community College School of Nursing, will present the event at the N.O. Nelson Center, 600 Troy Road, Edwardsville. Registration will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the program starts at 6.
Members of the Illinois General Assembly from Central and Southern Illinois have been invited to attend. Undergraduate students may register for $7; registered nurses and all others may register for $20. The registration fee includes refreshments, parking, and the award of 1.25 continuing education contact hours through the SIUE School of Nursing. Exhibits from nursing organizations and selected vendors will be available during the networking session.
For additional information, contact Dr. Karen Kelly, (618) 650-3908, or by email: kkelly@siue.edu. Registration forms and a detailed agenda are located on the website: www.siue.edu/nursing/continuinged.
Washington Monthly Ranks SIUE Among Top 50 In Nation
For the second consecutive year, Washington Monthly, a national magazine, has ranked Southern Illinois University Edwardsville among the Top 50 of the 553 master's universities in the nation.
SIUE ranked 13th among public institutions, one spot above last year's placing. Unlike conventional college rankings, Washington Monthly evaluates an institution's "contribution to the public good in three broad categories: Social Mobility (recruiting and graduating low-income students), Research (producing cutting-edge scholarship and PhDs), and Service (encouraging students to give something back to their country)."
"We are extremely proud of being recognized again by Washington Monthly for the opportunities we provide students and for our students' commitment to serving our communities," said SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift. "We are working hard to create a high quality, stimulating academic environment at SIUE that also encourages students to be engaged and productive citizens. To be ranked among the Top 50 two years in a row shows that our quest for excellence is bearing fruit."
Washington Monthly ranked SIUE 48th overall nationally among its Top 50 Master's Universities category. The University placed 6th in expenditures for research-up from 8th last year-having invested more than $30 million in research and public service projects in fiscal year 2010. This investment allows a significant number of SIUE students at the undergraduate and graduate levels the opportunity to participate in research projects in their fields of study.
Under the service sub-category, SIUE was ranked 1st again in the percent of federal work study funds dedicated to students employed in community service programs. For example, $547,867 of federal work study dollars were spent in fiscal year 2010 on the federal America Reads program the University offers at the SIUE East St. Louis Center.
Recently SIUE was also named by the Corporation for National and Community Service to the annual President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with distinction-a list of colleges and universities demonstrating a commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement. SIUE students have many opportunities to work on service projects and in the area of volunteerism throughout the year through the University's Kimmel Leadership Development Center.
"At SIUE, we strive to be a partner to our region," Vandegrift said. "In addition to providing an excellent education at an affordable price, we are particularly proud that our students are good citizens who choose to give back to society. Our region is made stronger by SIUE graduates who work to improve the world around them."
August 2011
SIUE Housing Resident Assistants Give Back to the Campus Community
More than 80 members of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville University Housing staff recently spent the morning volunteering at The Gardens at SIUE as part of the fall training schedule.
The group included 74 resident assistants, six community directors, five assistant community directors and the associate director of residence life. It was the single largest group to volunteer at one time at The Gardens.
"We decided to incorporate this event into our training schedule in order to provide an opportunity to give back to the larger campus community," said Kyle Rice, assistant director of training and development. "We are excited to provide opportunities to help our student staff see themselves as people who can make a difference as leaders outside of just their residential area."
Volunteers worked on several projects, including preparing a walking path, pulling brush and weeding. For additional information on The Gardens at SIUE, contact Julie Conley at thegardens@siue.edu.
SIUE to Implement MAP-Works for Fourth Consecutive Year
This fall will mark the fourth consecutive year that Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will participate in MAP (Making Achievement Possible)-Works, a comprehensive program than enables colleges and universities to improve student retention. With a commitment to student success, University Housing first introduced MAP-Works to all residence hall freshmen in fall 2008.
MAP-Works is gaining national attention for providing an "early warning system" for students who are at risk for a variety of reasons beyond academic difficulty. SIUE is one of only 100 institutions currently using MAP-Works to identify at-risk students. The MAP-Works Retention Platform is built on a core concept supported by research and experience; that successful retention is driven by the early, systematic, and comprehensive identification of student issues.
Michael Schultz, Director of University Housing, comments on the impact of MAP-Works on student retention, "In the past three years University Housing has been able to be intentional with our students based on the data that MAP-Works has provided. We know we have been able to retain some students and make a difference in their lives. We are dedicated to finding new ways to use MAP-Works to increase the retention of SIUE students."
Retention is a team effort, facilitated by communication across units. At SIUE, a number of units are actively participating in MAP-Works intervention, including: University Housing, Athletics, Academic Advising, Disability Support Services, and Student Opportunities for Academic Results (SOAR).
The MAP-Works data reveals to administrators a wealth of information about their students that is more accurate and more current than they could otherwise collect. Schools can then adjust their retention efforts to target students in need. As a result, MAP-Works positively impacts student success and retention by arming schools with a clear picture of their students.
Kathleen Gardner, Associate Director of Residence Life and MAP-Works Campus Administrator, states, "MAP-Works enables University Housing staff to be proactive in our approach to student success. We are able to intervene with students struggling with their transition to college earlier in the semester and connect them to campus resources before they make the decision to withdraw or before they end up on academic probation."
For additional information on MAP-Works at SIUE, contact Kathleen Gardner, Associate Director of Residence Life at 618-650-4251 or kagardn@siue.edu.
Construction Department Adds High-Tech Tools To Its Toolbox
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering's Department of Construction recently was awarded a donation from the Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program (SICAP) to acquire high-tech tools to add to the department's education and research toolbox. The $25,500 gift will be used to acquire a heavy equipment simulator and a thermal camera.
Chris Gordon, assistant professor of construction and chair of that department, said: "SICAP has assisted us at several formative points in our department's history by helping us launch new programs, such as the Construction Leadership Institute and Land Surveying Specialization, and by supporting our top-notch faculty team with leading edge equipment.
"SICAP's generous support helps us sustain our department's strength in technology-supported education and research. Our students' successes are at the highest level to date, and we continue to provide an excellent learning environment, thanks to support from our industry."
SICAP was founded in 1992 to support the advancement of the construction industry through safety, education, and economic development programs. Several area construction companies are contributing members of this not-for-profit organization.
D. Snyder Is August EOM
Congratulations: Dawn Snyder, a building service worker in the Morris University Center, is the August recipient of the University's Employee Recognition Award. In the photo, Vice Chancellor for Administration Kenn Neher is shown presenting Snyder with the award. In addition to the plaque, Snyder was awarded a $25 gift certificate to the SIUE Bookstore, two complimentary lunch coupons to the University Restaurant or other Dining Services location, and recognition on the flat screen monitors throughout campus. (SIUE Photo by Denise Macdonald)
Music, Food & Fun Await SIUE Students, Community At Block Party
The sounds of rock music, the aroma of hot dogs and funnel cakes and the laughter of children and students at play are on tap for 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26 when Southern Illinois University Edwardsville welcomes students back with its 12th Annual Block Party.
The University and the city of Edwardsville will host the event from 6 p.m. to midnight at the intersection of Second and St. Louis streets in Edwardsville's downtown. SIUE students, faculty, staff and community are invited to attend the party with no admission charge.
This year's band is a local favorite: The UltraViolets. The UltraViolets play a wide variety of music from the '70s, '80s, '90s and today. The five-member, high energy band performs classics from such artists as The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, Bon Jovi, Shania Twain, AC/DC, Madonna and new music by Katy Perry, P!nk and Lady GaGa. A D.J. will play music from 6-8 p.m., and The UltraViolets will rock the stage from 8 p.m. to close.
Partygoers will enjoy several inflatables, including a giant slide and a bounce house. A favorite from years ago, a rock wall, also will be among the entertaining equipment featured. Carnival games, spin art and air brush tattoos will round out the amusement for participants.
Eight food vendors will line the downtown streets, along with 16 non-food vendors offering products, services and information.
"This is a great way for our new and returning students to become acquainted with the downtown Edwardsville business district," said Michelle Welter, assistant director for campus programming at the Kimmel Leadership Center. "There will be Edwardsville restaurants and shops with food and clothing booths at the Block Party to give students a taste of Edwardsville.
The Block Party has grown since it began in 2000, with about 3,000 people attending last year. This year, Welter is expecting about the same numbers, if not more.
The event is sponsored by the city of Edwardsville, SIUE, Associated Bank, PNC Bank, the SIUE Campus Activities Board and Student Government, the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce, the Edwardsville Intelligencer, SIUE Marketing and Communications, and SIUE University Relations.
SIUE Engineering Students Place Second In National Design Competition
Students from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's School of Engineering placed second recently for their design of an adjustable-blade ceiling fan in the 2011 Design for Digital Manufacturing (DDM) Competition.
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) announced the results of the competition this week. According to the SME website, the DDM Competition is held annually to feature the work of students from around the nation. The site continued, students are "encouraged to submit unique products that are made utilizing DDM techniques and materials."
It stated: "This year's contestants had to design a product intended to be, or be part of, a system that utilizes direct digital manufacturing. The product must be able to be used in another assembly and the design should represent a fully functioning prototype. The competition is conducted by SME's Rapid Technologies & Additive Manufacturing Community (RTAM) community whose goal is to illustrate the impacts and benefits of direct digital manufacturing.
For more information, visit http://news.thomasnet.com/companystory/SME-announces-2011-Design-for-Digital-Manufacturing-winners-600585.
P. Connaway Is EOM For July
Congratulations: Pat Connaway, an office support specialist in Library and Information Services, is the July recipient of the University's Employee Recognition Award. In the photo, Vice Chancellor for Administration Kenn Neher, who awarded the plaque, is shown with Connaway (holding the award); her supervisor, Laura Scaturro (second from right), who submitted the nomination; and Lora Miles, a member of the award selection committee. In addition to the plaque, Connaway was awarded a $25 gift certificate to the SIUE Bookstore, two complimentary lunch coupons to the University Restaurant or other Dining Services location, and recognition on the flat screen monitors throughout campus. (SIUE Photo by Denise Macdonald)
IERC Report Shows More Principal Training, Mentoring Needed For Illinois To Meet Reform Goals, Boost Student Achievement
Changing demographics and new reform laws will require Illinois public school districts to provide principals with new kinds of support and training if they want principals to successfully implement new reform laws and boost student achievement.
This is one of the findings in a new, comprehensive report on Illinois' 3,600 public school principals. The report documents shifting demographic and turnover trends among elementary and high school principals; the areas in which principals are having a direct impact on student performance; and principals' own beliefs about their strengths and weaknesses as administrators. The report, released today by the Illinois Education Research Council (IERC), Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, also makes recommendations to help Illinois public school officials secure and retain high quality principals.
"Although principals play a vital role as school leaders, most research to date has focused on how teachers affect student learning rather than on the role of principals. This report will help policymakers and practitioners better understand how principals impact student achievement and the adjustments districts will need to make in the face of changing demographics and principal attitudes and beliefs," said Brad White, a senior researcher with the IERC.
Key Findings from The Principal Report: The State of School Leadership in Illinois, include:
Principal Demographics are Shifting Rapidly
- Younger and more turnover. Overall, the average age of principals is decreasing, due to a retiring baby boom generation. This age shift has resulted in greater principal turnover system-wide and a drop in the percentage (from 38 to 28 percent) of principals occupying their current school six years or more.
- More diversity. The proportion of female principals doubled between 1990 and 2008, and more women than men have led Illinois schools since 2005. The number of minorities serving as principals is also growing. Nevertheless, principals outside of Chicago and its suburbs still tend to be largely white and male.
- Certain Principal Experiences Correlate Closely with Higher Student Performance
- More Assistant Principal (AP) experience. The number of principals with previous experience as AP at their current school nearly doubled statewide since 2001 and increased fivefold in Chicago. IERC's analyses of this data confirms for the Illinois' elementary and middle schools what other recent research suggests: that principals who served as AP at their current school tend to show greater gains in student achievement
- Better academic preparation. The research also shows that principals who earned master's or doctoral degrees from more academically rigorous institutions tended to work in schools with higher student achievement and helped to recruit teachers who also had stronger academic backgrounds.
Student Growth on Standardized Tests Currently Plays Small Role in Evaluating or Hiring Teachers
- Principals rate other factors higher. Many Illinois principals report that they fundamentally disagree with using student test scores and gains as central measures of school and teacher success.
Principals surveyed were more likely to cite factors such as school climate, student attendance and quality of teacher applicants than student growth on test scores as important measures of school success. Even fewer principals said absolute student test scores were a very important measure of school success.
Principals Struggle to Prioritize Tasks and Feel Less Effective at Tasks Research Suggests are Most Important
- More than half of principals ranked instruction-related tasks like coaching teachers as their most important work, but less than a third felt very effective at doing it. A majority of principals felt effective at building internal relations, but only 13 percent ranked it as very important. Less than half of all principals felt effective hiring teachers or setting budgets, two tasks that research suggests are two roles where principal effectiveness is crucial to raising student achievement.
These findings, IERC representatives say, clearly point the need for more support to principals whose jobs are universally demanding and difficult. Among the report's recommendations:
- Support and training to implement new teacher evaluation standards mandated by Illinois' Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA).
- More training in research-based practices for teacher hiring.
- Principal mentoring and other programs to help new principals hit the ground running.
- Encourage retention of principals by helping them create positive school cultures and by giving them the authority and autonomy to run their schools.
- Professional development in self-reported areas they identified as needing improvement, including data analysis and coaching teachers.
The Principal Report: The State of School Leadership in Illinois analyzed demographic and employment trends among more than 7,100 individuals serving as Illinois public school principals between 2001 and 2008, statistically modeled principal impact on student achievement and teacher qualification in over 3,600 Illinois public schools and surveyed more than one in five active public school principals in the 2010-2011 school year. Only charter schools were excluded from the analysis because their personnel are not consistently included in state records of educator employment.
The Illinois Education Research Council was established in 2000 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to provide Illinois with education research to support P-20 education policy making and program development. The IERC undertakes independent research and policy analysis, often in collaboration with other researchers that informs and strengthens Illinois' commitment to providing a seamless system of educational opportunities for its citizens.
SWIC, SIUE Offer Dual Admission Program Open House
An open house will take place from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9 at Southwestern Illinois College's Belleville Campus highlighting a Dual Admission Program between SWIC and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Current SWIC students interested in transferring to SIUE upon completion of an associate degree or general education core curriculum can find out if they are eligible for the Dual Admission Program. Students who have completed fewer than 30 credit hours at SWIC and have earned a minimum 2.0 GPA can qualify.
The Dual Admission Program helps students in their first year of study at SWIC transfer as seamlessly to SIUE as possible when the time comes. Benefits of the program include general admission to the University, a waiver of the $30 application fee and an increased likelihood of completing associate and bachelor's degrees in a timely manner, said Darlene Wagen, coordinator of the program at SIUE.
To learn more about the program, students are encouraged to attend the open house session or visit siue.edu/dualadmission.
July 2011
SIUE Library & Information Increases its Digital Collection
To read about an "Anthro-Choreo-Diva" and a "statue-as-queen" or learn which
staff member left Shurtleff College in Alton in 1912 to become assistant superintendent of schools in Madison County, browse the two newest digital collections of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Lovejoy Library.
The University's Library & Information Services recently made the Drumvoices Revue
poetry anthologies and the Shurtleff College Retrospect yearbooks available online.
Drumvoices Revue: A Confluence of Literary, Cultural and Vision Arts is a multicultural literary journal, published by SIUE in collaboration with the Eugene B. Redmond Writers Club of East St. Louis, according to Stephen Kerber, archivist and special collections librarian. The journal first appeared in Fall/Winter of 1991/92. Since its first publication, the poetry journal has been consistent with the Eugene B. Redmond (EBR) Writers Club's vision: "To provide serious writers with a milieu, a Soular System, in which to learn, mature, share their works, receive and give criticism and eventually get published."
Poems about many legendary figures, including Katherine Dunham, have been published in the journals. Dunham was recognized by EBR Writers Club President Darlene Roy as an "Anthro-Choreo-Diva." The Club has also paid homage to its own, as in the case of the late Sheryl Johnson, whom Redmond himself described as a "statue-as-queen."
Redmond is an SIUE Emeritus Professor of English and editor of Drumvoices Revue. Redmond was named Poet Laureate of East St. Louis in 1976, the same year his best-selling critical history, Drumvoices: the Mission of African-American poetry was published. Redmond graduated from SIUE in 1964 in English Literature and Political Science. He holds a master's degree in English Literature from Washington University in St. Louis. Redmond co-founded the Eugene B. Redmond Writers Club in 1986, with Roy and Sherman L. Fowler.
Digital Imaging Specialist Ginger Stricklin and Metadata and Cataloguing Librarian Mary Rose collaborated with Kerber to create the Drumvoices Revue digital collection.
Stricklin and Metadata and Cataloging Librarian Lynn Fields worked with Kerber to digitize the surviving copies of the Shurtleff College yearbook, the Retrospect.
SIUE traces its lineage back to the campus grounds of Shurtleff College, a small Baptist school. John Mason Peck, a Baptist Missionary of Rock Springs Seminary, relocated the school to Alton in 1832. The seminary was renamed Shurtleff in 1836, after a wealthy contributor. Shurtleff served as a leading institution of higher learning in Southwest Illinois for more than a century. Its graduates became productive citizens of Alton, Madison County, the St. Louis region and the nation. Locally, Shurtleff staff member, Miss Uzzell, became the assistant superintendent of schools for Madison County.
Financial challenges forced the closure of Shurtleff College in spring 1957. By chance, its demise coincided with the establishment of SIUE. Under a lease/purchase agreement, the former Shurtleff grounds became the site of SIUE's Alton Residence Center that year and later developed into the University's School of Dental Medicine in 1972.
The digital collection is comprised of yearbooks for 1911-1932, 1938-1942 and 1948-1956. It also includes a supplement featuring the graduating class of 1957.
SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School Team Places 5th In International Tourney
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School team finished among four finalists in the double elimination round of a recent international Botball competition of 63 teams. The competition was held earlier this month in Orange County, Calif., featuring teams from around the globe including Poland, Austria and Qatar.
According to the KISS (Keep It Simple Students) Institute for Practical Robotics, a national non-profit educational organization, Botball is an educational robotics program that equips students with the skills, experience and opportunities required to design, build and program autonomous robots that are used in regional, national and international competitions.
The SIUE Charter High School team of five students also received a Judges' Choice Certificate: The Mars Rover Viking Award for "achievement against great odds," because the school does not have a practice table, as do the majority of competing teams. Students from the Charter High School who attended included juniors Sergio Cole and Quewon Smith seniors Juliann Bynum, Jeremiah Rogers and Deborah Wilson.
"We're very proud of these kids," said Rebecca Bemrose-Fetter, a recent SIUE graduate with a bachelor's in mechanical engineering, who traveled with the students to the tournament and provided them with assistance. Bemrose-Fetter, who was with the SIUE Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Research, Education and Outreach for three years until she graduated in May, had used the botball platform in a class she took during her studies at SIUE.
Also traveling with the students were SIUE graduate assistant David Utoon-Owaji Brown, an electrical and computer engineering major who acted as a mentor to the students for several months, and Charter High School teacher Carolyn Kribs.
The Charter High School students had placed third in the double elimination round at the 2011 Greater St. Louis Botball Regional Tournament, which was held at SIUE, qualifying them to advance to the next level. The regional competition, hosted by KISS and the SIUE School of Engineering, featured 17 teams from four states.
"These competitions-and preparation for them-provide students with hands-on learning and skills development in engineering and computer science, as well as in all STEM disciplines," said Jerry Weinberg, acting associate provost for research and dean of the SIUE Graduate School. "Furthermore, the students who participate benefit from working as a team to solve complex problems."
Weinberg, who also is a professor of computer science at SIUE and who has served as department chair, organized the first regional competition five years ago. Student participation in the current competition was made possible by the SIUE schools of Education and Engineering, and the Graduate School, the SIUE Foundation, the office of the Provost and the STEM Center.
SIUE Faculty Member Headlines At Las Vegas Conference
Take everything you think you know about science and question it. That's exactly what more than 1,300 scientific-minded people do each year at the annual The Amaz!ing Meeting (TAM) in Las Vegas. And one of the headliners at this year's conference was Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Assistant Research Professor Pamela Gay.
An astronomer, podcaster, and writer and member of the American Association of Variable Star Observers board of directors, Gay spoke at TAM about the need to support government funded science research and reforming science education in order to build a more scientifically literate future. Held in Las Vegas since 2004, the event has become the world's largest gathering of its kind.
TAM is an annual celebration of science, skepticism and critical thinking. According to the TAM website, people from all over the world come to the event each year to laugh, learn and share perspectives with fellow skeptics and a host of speakers and panelists. The website continued that the James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF) has hosted the annual TAM event since 2003 to promote discourse about paranormal and supernatural claims among the public.
Other headliners at TAM included Neil de Grasse Tyson, an astrophysicist and director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York City; Bill Nye, also known as the Science Guy, who is a science educator, comedian, actor, mechanical engineer and host of the Disney children's science show, "Bill Nye the Science Guy;" Phil Plait, an astronomer and skeptic who runs the website BadAstronomy.com; Elizabeth Loftus, a psychologist, human memory expert and faculty member from the University of Washington; and Lawrence Krauss, a theoretical physicist who is a professor of physics and director of the Origins Project at the Arizona State University.
In addition to her talk, Gay also participated in a panel discussion with Krauss, Tyson and Nye about the future of space exploration. For more information, visit amazingmeeting.com.
SIUE BassMasters Club Wins A Spot In Regional Competition
Two Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students recently won fourth place in a fishing competition on the Detroit River in Michigan, making them eligible to compete in the central division regional championship in October and potentially giving them a shot at the national competition.
Brad LeMasters, a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences, and Justin Skinner, a senior Sociology major, both of the SIUE BassMasters Club, caught five bass, weighing 14 pounds at the National Guard Forrest L. Woods (FLW) College Fishing Central Division contest in July. The award came with $2,000 in cash. Woods is the founder of Ranger boats.
The SIUE team was among the top five who qualified for the regional championship of the National Guard FLW College Central Division to be held Oct. 6-8 at Lake Kinkaid in Carbondale, hosted by Southern Illinois University. The first place team will win $12,500 in cash for their school, $12,500 cash for the team and a Ranger 177TR bass boat wrapped in school colors for their fishing club.
FLW Outdoors is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world. Participants worldwide receive the opportunity to compete for millions of dollars in more than 190 tournaments in 2011. For more information about FLW Outdoors and FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FLWOutdoors.com or FantasyFishing.com.
Fourth & Fifth Graders Learn Disaster Planning Logistics
A group of fourth and fifth graders in the Odyssey Summer Camp program, "Math Movers and Shakers," will work with Scott Air Force Base representatives to walk through the logistics of moving equipment for disaster relief.
Military representatives will be on the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus at 12:30 p.m. Friday at the Science Building with a Humvee. Students have been challenged to figure out the best way to transport 500 Humvees from across the US to provide disaster relief in Hawaii. Students will discover what is involved in preparing, the resources needed and time it will take to respond to these situations.
The Odyssey camp program is sponsored by the SIUE Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Research, Education and Outreach. For more information, contact the STEM Center, (618) 650-3065.
Middle School Students Prepare For Rocket Launches
Forty middle school students part of the "Let's Do Launch" program will launch 160 soda bottle rockets Thursday and Friday in the Morris Quadrangle on the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus.
The students will conduct a dress rehearsal at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, firing off 80 soda bottles, followed by a formal rocket launching at 9 a.m. Friday.
The event is sponsored by the Boeing Co. under the guidance of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy and the SIUE Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Research, Education and Outreach. Students participating in the program are part of a week-long residential camp. SIUE students through the School of Education received training through a Teacher Candidate Institute to learn how to guide the participants in construction of the rockets.
Air pressure inside the bottles combined with water aid their flight. The focus of the program is to examine forces and motion, as well as to learn Newton's laws of motion.
For more information, contact the STEM Center, (618) 650-3065.
Active with Asthma Day Camp on SIUE's Campus
The SIUE School of Nursing, SIUE School of Pharmacy and the American Lung Association in Illinois will collaboratively present "Active with Asthma: a Day Camp for Kids with Asthma" from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, August 13.
During this one-day event on SIUE's campus, children will learn about asthma, physical activity, medications, nutrition, avoiding triggers, formulating asthma action plans and more. The camp is offered at no charge and is open to children between the ages of 7 and 14 who have been diagnosed with asthma and are taking daily medications.
"Active with Asthma" is a fun, activity filled day with an education session for parents and caregivers that will take place from 3:45-4:45 p.m. The objective of asthma camp is to improve the physical condition and psychological outlook of children with asthma, as well as to educate campers and their families about how to best manage their care.
"Asthma Day Camp provides the chance for children with asthma to give and receive support from others like them," said Rhonda Comrie, associate professor in the SIUE School of Nursing. Campers learn about their asthma in a friendly and welcoming environment without fear of being teased or feeling different. Above all, children learn that they're not alone with their asthma and that there are kids out there just like them.
The SIUE schools of Nursing and Pharmacy students will serve as camp counselors, along with other medical professionals. Lisa Lubsch, clinical associate professor in the SIUE School of Pharmacy, is pleased about the collaboration between Schools. "I get excited watching pharmacy and nursing students from SIUE working together in hopes to bettering asthma care in our community," Lubsch said.
For more information on this one-day camp, visit www.lungIL.org or call 800-788-5864.
Additional sponsors of the event include the United Way, Health Alliance, Blowitz Ridgeway, Illinois Salon Departmental La Boutique 8/40, Orange Krush Foundation, Illinois Society of Respiratory Care, and Jaris Waide-Knockout Asthma.
BOT Awards $12,890,478 In Contracts For Two Construction Projects
The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today awarded $12,890,478 in contracts to 10 Illinois companies and two Missouri companies for two major building expansion projects on the SIU Edwardsville campus.
The projects include construction of the Charles and Mary Lukas Athletics Annex at the SIUE Vadalabene Center for additional Intercollegiate Athletics office space and the Art and Design Building expansion for additional studio, classroom and office space. Both actions took place at the board's regular meeting today, conducted this month on the SIU Carbondale campus.
Some $4.2 million for construction of the 29,000-square-foot Athletics Annex is being funded by a gift from the Lukas Family. The remaining $554,789 of the cost will come from University Plant Funds. The project was approved by the Board at its February meeting.
The annex contracts were awarded to:
- Contegra Construction Co. of Edwardsville; $3,690,000 for general contracting
- Guarantee Electrical Contractors of St. Louis; $364,574 for electrical work
- Bi-State Fire Protection of St. Charles, Mo.; $98,785 for fire protection work
- Amsco Mechanical of Granite City; $123,000 for plumbing
- France Mechanical of Edwardsville; $478,400 for heating and ventilation work
Some $8,135,719 in contracts also were awarded for construction of the 29,000-square-foot Art and Design West Building expansion project, which will include space for Art History, Art Therapy, and Art Education classrooms and offices. Those office and classrooms are now located elsewhere on the SIUE campus. The new addition also will include space for painting and drawing studios.
This project will allow the entire SIUE Department of Art and Design to be in one location. A second phase-construction of an enclosed bridge to connect the new building to the current Art and Design Building-will be considered by the board at a later date.
The Art and Design West contracts were awarded to:
- R.W. Boeker Company of Hamel; $5,857,060 for general contracting work
- J.F. Electric of Edwardsville; $817,900 for electrical work
- Superior Fire Protection Systems of Forsyth; $91,359 for fire protection work
- Bergmann-Roscow Plumbing of Belleville; $252,500 for plumbing
- Hock Mechanical of Millstadt; $279,900 for ventilaltion work
- France Mechanical Corp. of Edwardsville; $837,000 for heating work.
Funding for the project will come from University Plant Funds. The project was approved by the board at its July 2010 meeting.
In other business today, the board gave project and budget approval to expand and renovate the SIUE Engineering Building, estimated to cost $12.6 million with another $1.6 million estimated for the renovation of the current Engineering Building. The expansion will provide more classroom and office space as well as teaching and research space to accommodate the growth in SIUE's enrollment. A planning study has recommended construction of a 32,000-square-foot building connected to the current building with an enclosed bridge as well as partial renovation to the current building.
The board also approved open-service contracts with hazardous materials abatement firms for various projects at SIUE. The firms are needed because of renovation projects involving 50-year-old buildings. University officials say that the need for such service is often immediate and the need for services is crucial to maintaining a safe work environment.
In another item affecting the SIUE campus, the board authorized the board's executive committee to award contracts related to the proposed construction of an indoor practice facility for the SIUE softball program. The estimated cost is $980,000 and would be funded through University Plant Funds and private gifts. The authorization has been given to award bids expected in August before the board meets again. Construction is estimated to be completion by January.
Growth in Regional Nursing Program Leads to Faculty Positions
The inaugural cohort of students in the SIUE Regional Nursing Program on Carbondale's campus will return in August 2011 for their second year of study. During this point in the nursing curriculum, students will begin their clinical experiences in the health care agencies of Southern Illinois. The expansion of students in clinical settings requires additional support, which leads to open faculty positions.
Second year nursing students will complete their clinical experiences in the Southern Illinois region. The local health care agencies are pleased to welcome SIUE nursing students, according to Program Director Susan Winters. "The hospitals are delighted to have our students in their agencies and look forward to the prospect of hiring more baccalaureate prepared nurses in the future," she said.
The Regional Nursing Program began in August 2010 to address statewide nursing shortages. The second cohort of 37 nursing students has been accepted into the program and will begin coursework at the beginning of the fall 2011 semester.
The SIUE School of Nursing currently is accepting resumes for part-time clinical faculty positions to begin Aug. 15, 2011. A master's degree in nursing and medical/surgical experience is required. For more information, contact Virginia Cruz at (618) 650-3995, vcruz@siue.edu.
SIUE International Trade Center Wins Statewide Governor's Award
The Illinois SBDC International Trade Center (ITC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville recently won the International Trade Center of the Year Award at the Illinois Export Conference Awards Luncheon. The Illinois Export Awards recognize companies that have achieved excellence in exporting and organizations that have provided substantial export assistance to Illinois companies. Governor Pat Quinn presented the awards at a June 21 luncheon in Chicago.
The ITC was recognized for its performance on behalf of clients the SIUE office assisted in furthering Illinois export opportunities during this past year. According to ITC Director Silvia Torres Bowman, the ITC at SIUE assisted its clients in the generation of more than $71 million in export sales through its consulting, training and research services ($182 million in export sales generated in the last six years).
"We are honored to receive this recognition for our contributions to economic development in Southern Illinois," Torres Bowman said. "We are deeply committed to the continued increase of exports in our region and we are very proud of our talented team and the tremendous support of our School of Business and SIUE, which makes it possible for us to deliver quality programs and services to our clients"
The ITC at SIUE has had a substantial presence in the entire Southern Illinois region since 1984 through various outreach centers and a former satellite office at SIU Carbondale. During the past ten years, the ITC has provided Latin America-specific counseling and training services to clients from the entire state, with the goal of improving the competitiveness of all Illinois companies through building exports to Central and South America.
Photo: Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn presents the International Trade Center of the Year Award to SBDC/ITC Director Silvia Torres Bowman.
SIUE Alumni Association To Host 2011 Hometown Parties
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Alumni Association, the Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) organization, the SIUE Office of Admissions, and the Cougar Parent & Family Association will join forces for the 2011 Hometown Parties to be offered in Hinsdale, Springfield, Effingham and St. Louis later this month.
These events are aimed at providing incoming and transfer students an opportunity to network and meet other SIUE families. It will give students an opportunity to meet other students from their area attending SIUE in the fall and also give them a chance to learn about more SIUE alumni living in their local community. Parents will also have an opportunity to network and meet other SIUE families.
Todd Burrell, director of SIUE Admissions, said what he enjoys most about the program is that it brings together two different areas of the University to benefit incoming students. "I think our hometown parties are a great way to build connections for the students by networking with alumni from different areas, and they will have something to hold on to when they start SIUE in the fall," Burrell said.
Steve Jankowski, director of SIUE Alumni Affairs, encourages local alumni to attend and share some of their favorite memories of SIUE. "It's a great way to get our current alumni connected with our incoming students, who are our future alumni," Jankowski said. For more information, visit www.siue.edu/alumni, or call (618) 650-2760.
SIUE Engineering Student Team Places Second In National Competition
With teams from universities across the country, the Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering (IME) student team from SIUE had plenty of competition in the 2011 Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Design for Direct Digital Manufacturing Competition, but that did not deter them.
Out of 20 teams, the SIUE IME team ranked second. Winners were announced at the SME's annual RAPID Conference & Exposition held in Minneapolis in May 23-26. SIUE's award-winning design was a customizable ceiling fan with adjustable blades, which allows for multiple air-flow rates as opposed to the standard multiple speeds ceiling fans.
Advised by H. Felix Lee, professor of industrial and manufacturing engineering, the IME team consisted of undergraduate students Edward Schwartzkopf Jr., Ismail Kuru, Andrew Parcels and Paul Jansen.
Lee, who said he was proud of the team's placing, offered, "It was very competitive, but our team's design project received high scores from the judges. I am very proud of our students and their accomplishment."
Summer ShowBiz 2011 To Present 'The Music Man' July 13-17
Meredith Willson's all-time American musical classic, The Music Man, is next on the bill for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Summer Showbiz 2011, opening at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, at the theater in SIUE's Dunham Hall. With wonderful songs such as Seventy-six Trombones, Gary, Indiana, and Till There Was You, the citizens of River City, Iowa, will encounter a very special salesman-the loveable con-man Professor Harold Hill. The show continues at 7:30 Thursday-Saturday nights and at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 16-17.
Opening on Broadway in 1957, Willson's The Music Man won five Tony Awards including Best Musical and ran for 1,375 performances. In 1962, a film adaptation quickly became a hit as well and made Robert Preston a household name.
The story involves Hill as the fast-talking character who travels from small town to small town posing as a boys' band organizer who also happens to sell band instruments and uniforms. Once he has the townsfolks' money, off he scoots. His lucrative life takes a sudden tailspin when he meets his match-the lovely Marian, the local librarian, who sees through his act and is about to expose him when Hill's kindness toward her younger brother causes her to have second thoughts. To make Hill's situation even more complicated, he realizes that he is falling for Marian and she is falling in love with him. Is he willing to be exposed and captured to win her heart? Willson's skills as a songwriter and storyteller have made this 60-year-old hit musical an entertainment mainstay throughout most of the world.
Tickets are $15 for those 18 and older, while all other admissions are $12, including any students with valid student IDs. The SIUE Fine Arts box office, located in Room 1042B Dunham Hall, may be reached by phone, (618)-650-2774, or visit the website: www.siue.edu/summerarts.
Each summer, the SIUE Department of Theater and Dance presents Summer Showbiz, a summer fare of two to three theatrical productions. Currently, the summer offering has grown to include Xfest, a four-day festival of experimental theater groups from around the country, and the Cougar Theater Company, the newly formed theater for young audiences, presenting classic folklore, literature, poetry and stories. The department is part of the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences.
The photo at right features cast members, from top, Roger Speidel as Professor Harold Hill, Spencer Burbach as little Winthrop, Emily Ottenwein as Mrs. Paroo, and (at right) Margaret French as Marian Paroo, the librarian. (SIUE Photo by Bill Brinson)
Four-Star Gen. McNabb Comes To SIUE To Sign Partnership Agreement
Legislators, military officials and key administrators from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will gather at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 7 in the Morris University Center's Meridian Ballroom for the formal signing of an Education Partnership Agreement by SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift and four-star Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, commander of the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) at Scott Air Force Base.
The Education Partnership Agreement paves the way for the expansion and enhancement of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education efforts at all levels of the education pipeline-from K-12 through undergraduate and graduate levels. It will allow professionals, including scientists and engineers through SIUE's Center for STEM Research, Education and Outreach and USTRANSCOM, to work collaboratively to increase STEM outreach initiatives and include a broader audience of Southwestern Illinois educators and students.
"STEM education plays a critical role in the vitality of this nation, as well as in our ability to be globally competitive and responsible," said SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift. "Building relationships that assist our region's educators in reaching out to students at all levels-from K-12 through college-is essential to ensuring a better tomorrow for our youth, as well as assisting in building a workforce that can find rewarding, meaningful employment opportunities. This partnership brings us closer to that end."
According to Gen. McNabb, "SIUE is a superb partner, allowing increased opportunity for our young people and educators to positively interact with STEM initiatives."
After the event, students and educators who have worked closely with SIUE's STEM Center and USTRANSCOM will showcase posters and displays that highlight their work. These individuals will be on site to answer questions about their collaborative efforts.
For more information, contact the SIUE STEM Center, (618) 650-3065, or SIUE Marketing & Communications, (618) 650-3653.
June 2011
SIUE Graduate School Chosen As CGS Research Partner On STEM Study
The Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) has selected Southern Illinois University Edwardsville among five universities across the nation as a research partner to participate in collecting information about how students in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are prepared through master's programs.
SIUE will join Loyola University in Chicago, Purdue University, Texas A&M University and Wright State University in collecting vital data about students seeking master's degrees in STEM disciplines. The awardees will collect data on completion and attrition in STEM master's degree programs; administer surveys to students, graduates and those who do not complete degrees, and conduct student focus groups. Additionally, awardees will survey graduate program directors.
Data collected will allow stakeholders to better understand reasons for enrollment, factors that contribute to student success and promising practices to improve completion. Insight gained from these activities can help ensure that U.S. graduate schools are preparing the necessary talent at the master's level in STEM fields to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Research Partners in the CGS project on Completion and Attrition in STEM Master's Programs will receive $30,000 to participate. CGS, an organization of more than 500 institutions of higher education in the U.S. and Canada, engages in graduate education, research and the preparation of candidates for advanced degrees. Among U.S. institutions, CGS members award 93 percent of doctoral degrees and 76 percent of master's degrees. The organization's mission is to improve and advance graduate education, which is accomplished through advocacy in the federal policy arena, research and the development and dissemination of best practices.
"A master's degree in a STEM field often offers a clear pathway to professional employment and career success," said Debra Stewart, CGS president. "In this economy, more than ever, we need to better understand the factors affecting completion and attrition at the master's level.
"This will be the first study of its kind in the United States and we are delighted to work with these innovative graduate schools on this unique project. The results of this study will be information essential to graduate deans as they foster student achievement in graduate education."
Additional institutions will be invited to join in the research effort as unfunded Project Partners. The study's findings will be released in a monograph in 2013. A decision will be made on whether an in-depth follow-up project on master's completion and attrition is necessary. It is envisioned that a follow-up project would engage a much larger number of CGS member institutions to provide completion and attrition data, conduct surveys of entering students, graduates, and non-completers, and implement interventions that are designed to improve outcomes in master's programs.
SIUE Named To 2010 Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll
For the second consecutive year, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has been named by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) to its list of colleges and universities demonstrating a commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement-this is the first time the University has been named to the distinction category.
The Corporation oversees the annual President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll in collaboration with the U.S. departments of Education, and Housing and Urban Development, as well as Campus Compact and the American Council on Education.
SIUE students have many opportunities to work on service projects and in the area of volunteerism throughout the year through the University's Kimmel Leadership Development Center.
Engagement activities such as service projects and volunteerism help students achieve personal, professional and leadership development objectives. These experiences, which take place on and off campus, are an important part of an SIUE student's education and foster academic and professional development.
The Kimmel Center, under the purview of the SIUE Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, offers co-curricular experiences that promote personal growth, develop self-confidence and leadership abilities, and prepare students for life-long learning.
"This national recognition is an honor, reflecting our commitment to creating a vibrant campus life, which includes civic engagement, service learning, community involvement and global citizenship," said SIUE Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Narbeth Emmanuel. "While it is a further testament to our pledge to achieve excellence, more importantly, it recognizes the invaluable contributions of our students to serve their communities.
"It is a powerful promise to prospective students that SIUE fosters a climate where students become engaged and capable student leaders."
The Kimmel Center staff assists students with planning and coordinating programs that promote the educational, cultural and social enrichment of the University community. These events and programs include Welcome Week, Homecoming, Family Weekend, Black Heritage Month, International Night, Spring fest and Activities Fairs, among many others.
Members of SIUE Volunteer Services took part in numerous projects last fiscal year, with the majority of activities taking place Saturdays. Through Volunteer Services, students provide many area agencies with volunteer help. One agency, the Call for Help, Inc. Sexual Assault unit, uses students as medical rape advocates who provide assistance to victims every day of the week, every day of the year, at area hospitals.
Some of the students through Volunteer Services routinely spend time working through the Catholic Urban Programs Holy Angels Shelter and the Continuum of Life Care Center's Paulyn House offering food, clothing and amenities to the area's homeless.
The CNCS honorees are chosen based on a series of selection factors, including scope and innovation of service projects, percentage of student participation in service activities, incentives for service, and the extent to which the school offers academic service-learning courses.
"As members of the class of 2011 cross the stage to pick up their diplomas, more and more will be going into the world with a commitment to public service and the knowledge that they can make a difference in their communities and their own lives through service to others, thanks to the leadership of these institutions," said Chief Executive Officer of CNCS Patrick A. Corvington. "Congratulations to these schools and their students for their dedication to service and commitment to improving their local communities. We salute all the Honor Roll awardees for embracing their civic mission and providing opportunities for their students to tackle tough national challenges through service."
A total of 641 higher education institutions out of 851 that applied received recognition through the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) on the 2010 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. SIUE
CNCS is a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America programs, and leads President Barack Obama's national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, visit the Web site: nationalservice.gov.
L. Koch Receives SIUE Degree Completion Award
Laura Koch, an office support specialist in the SIUE Office of Student Opportunities for Academic Results (SOAR), is recipient of the SIUE Degree Completion Award 2011, which is offered each year to assist University civil service and professional staff employees complete their first baccalaureate degree.
Each year, an award winner receives two semesters off with pay to complete the degree. During the time off, the recipient must attend classes full time and complete the degree. Applicants are required to meet three qualifications: must be SIUE civil service or professional staff employees; must have worked for SIUE for three or more years; and must be within 32 hours of completing their first baccalaureate degree at SIUE at the time the leave commences.
A committee of five faculty members is selected to review applications and determine the award recipient. Each faculty member represents a different school or college as they consider candidates' three criteria: essay, grade point average, and letter of reference. At right, the photo shows Koch receiving an award plaque from Vice Chancellor for Administration Kenn Neher.
R. Seganfredo Is June EOM
Congratulations: Renee Seganfredo, an office support specialist in the School of Pharmacy, is the June recipient of the University's Employee Recognition Award. In the photo, Vice Chancellor for Administration Kenn Neher presents Seganfredo with the award plaque. She was nominated by her supervisor, Terri Poirier (at left), associate dean of the School and professor of pharmacy practice. In addition to the plaque she received, Seganfredo was awarded a $25 gift certificate to the SIUE Bookstore, two complimentary lunch coupons to the University Restaurant or other Dining Services location, and recognition on the flat screen monitors throughout campus. (SIUE Photo by Denise Macdonald)
SIUE IceHunters Seek Icy Worlds In Outer Solar System
A new website developed by a team at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has people searching for icy worlds in the outer solar system.
The team, known as the IceHunters, has challenged members of the general public to use the site, www.icehunters.org, to search for Kuiper Belt Objects, which are icy objects that orbit beyond Neptune.
"It is hoped that among the myriad of new objects found by IceHunters there will be an object-or maybe even objects-with just the right orbit to carry it on to a rendezvous with NASA's New Horizons spacecraft," said Pamela Gay, assistant research professor at SIUE through the Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Research, Education and Outreach, also known as the STEM Center.
She added scientists have calculated where in the sky an object moving toward a potential meeting with the New Horizons spacecraft should currently be located, and some of the largest telescopes in the world are being used to image that region. She added, "Now, those images are provided to the public for searching through IceHunters."
New Horizons launched in 2006 on a journey that would carry it past Jupiter in 2007 and on to Pluto in 2015. After flying through the Pluto system, the mission will have just enough fuel left to change course toward one or more additional Kuiper Belt Objects.
"The catch is, these future destinations have yet to be discovered," Gay said. "This is where the IceHunters website comes in. The SIUE IceHunters website is packed with millions of images that could contain the object New Horizons should visit. The public is asked to help examine these images for that sought after target. Along the way they will discover large numbers of variable stars, asteroids, and other KBOs."
The Kuiper Belt is a region of space that stretches from within the orbit of Neptune, out to nearly twice Neptune's orbit. It contains a population of icy objects that vary in size from a kilometer across to roughly moon-sized objects like Pluto, Makemake and Haumea, Gay said. She added, while long theorized to exist and to be the source of many comets, the first KBO other than Pluto was only discovered in 1992.
"Today, the Kuiper Belt remains one of the least well-mapped regions of the solar system, but the IceHunters project will do its part to map one small slice through this region," she said.
Gay and Cory Lehan, SIUE computer science graduate student in the School of Engineering, developed the site. "Projects like this make the public part of modern space exploration," Gay said. "The New Horizons mission was launched knowing we'd have to discover the object it would visit after Pluto. Now is the time to make that discovery and thanks to IceHunters, anyone can be that discoverer."
Gay said the millions of images seen in IceHunters do not look like most familiar beautiful astronomical images because they are difference images: the result of subtracting two images in hopes of removing all the stars, galaxies and other non-moving objects being observed.
Remaining objects should be the things that move, she added, such as asteroids and objects that vary in brightness. The IceHunters website was designed to allow people from around the world to easily search through the images for the unknown objects hiding in the residuals of stars.
"Using just about any modern web browser, users can circle potential KBOs and mark with a star the locations of asteroids," Lehan said. "The website is filled with examples to help get people started. Anyone should be able to take part-no flash required."
IceHunters is a product of the SIUE STEM Center, which is dedicated to educating children and adults about STEM initiatives. The work is part of SIUE's ongoing collaboration with the Zooniverse collection of citizen science projects. More than 400,000 Zooniverse volunteers are already making important contributions to such diverse topics as the classification of galaxies in Hubble images, reconstruction of historical records of Earth's weather and analysis of close-up pictures of the Moon's surface. The public is invited to become a part of this and all other Zooniverse projects at Zooniverse.org. The Zooniverse is administered by the Citizen Science Alliance.
Hilarious Comedy Begins June 22 At SIUE
Ken Ludwig's hilarious play, Lend Me a Tenor, will open Wednesday, June 22, at 7:30 p.m. in the theater at SIUE's Dunham Hall Theater next to parking Lot E. The production continues at 7:30 pm Thursday, June 23, through Saturday, June 25, and also at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 26. It's a comedy for the entire family. The show is part of SIUE's long-running Summer ShowBiz, a summer theater series that features musicals and light-hearted comedies produced by the SIUE Department of Theater and Dance, which is part of the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences.
The plot of Lend Me a Tenor revolves around world famous Tito Morelli, also known as II Stupendo, who is scheduled to perform at the Cleveland Grand Opera Company. II Stupendo unfortunately arrives late and, due to a series of circumstances, is given a double dose of tranquilizers. In a desperate attempt to save the company's reputation, the general manager convinces his assistant to dress as Morelli and perform Otello. As they say-comedy ensues.
Originally staged at the American Stage Festival in New Hampshire, the play moved to London's West End in 1986. Three years later it appeared on Broadway and received seven Tony Award nominations (Philip Bosco won for Best Actor in a Play) and four Drama Desk Awards.
Tickets for the SIUE production are $15 for adults (18 and older); all others, $12, including students with valid school IDs, and are available through the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774, located in Room 1042B, Dunham Hall. More information is available on the website: www.siue.edu/summerarts.
Summer ShowBiz also has grown to include Xfest, a four day festival of experimental theater groups from around the country, and the Cougar Theater Company, the newly formed theater for young audiences dedicated to the youth of the region that presents classic folklore, literature, poetry and stories.
The photo at right shows members of the Lend Me a Tenor cast: Marissa Panzeri, Anna Skidis, Alex Kowalchik, Kate Weise and Michaela Sullivan. (SIUE Photo by Bill Brinson)
Space Camp Scholarships Help Teachers, Thanks To Boeing, SIUE
Local legislators, school administrators and university officials will gather at 4 p.m. Thursday, June 16 in the Morris University Center's University Restaurant on the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus to honor 10 teachers who received scholarships from The Boeing Company to attend a five-day space academy.
The event, commonly referred to as Space Camp, will take place in July at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala., and provides an opportunity for teachers to learn innovative ways to enhance their students' educational experiences in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM.) The 4th-8th grade teachers were chosen based on a competitive application process as part of a collaborative project between Boeing, the SIUE School of Education and the SIUE Center for STEM Research, Education and Outreach.
"These scholarship winners are among the leaders in STEM education in our region, and we are grateful to Boeing for providing this outstanding opportunity," said Sharon Locke, director of SIUE's STEM Center. "On their return, they will use their Space Camp experience to ignite a passion for STEM in their students, schools and communities."
The teachers chosen are:
• Branson Lawrence, 6th grade teacher from Edward A. Fulton Junior High School in O'Fallon.
• Laura Schmidt, 5th grade teacher, and Andrea Matzenbacher, 6th grade teacher, both from Columbia Middle School in Columbia.
• Susanna Benson and Jackie Mitchell, 4th grade teachers, both from Webster Elementary in Collinsville.
• Mike Avara, 7th grade teacher, and Amanda Braun, 8th grade teacher, both from Pontiac Junior High School in Fairview Heights.
• Toby Baugher, 6th grade teacher, and Chris Baugher, 8th grade teacher, both from Litchfield Middle School in Litchfield.
• Tracey Skinner, 5th grade teacher from Hartford Elementary School in Hartford.
"We appreciate our continued partnership with SIUE and their involvement in selecting these deserving teachers to attend space camp, says Kay Guse, Boeing Engineering, Operations and Technology Director and executive focal for SIUE. "These teachers will incorporate what they learned during their space camp experience into the classrooms which, in turn, inspires students to pursue a career in math and science, ultimately improving our nation's competitiveness."
SIUE Alumni Association Great Teacher Award 2011 Recipient
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Alumni Association is proud to announce that the recipient of the 2011 Great Teacher Award is Bradley Noble.
Noble is an associate professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering with the SIUE School of Engineering. Throughout his 15-year tenure with the University, Noble has received several awards for his innovative and charismatic teaching style. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from SIUE in Electrical Engineering and his doctorate in Science from Washington University in St. Louis in 2000.
The Great Teacher Award was established in 1970 by the SIUE Alumni Association. Each year, an SIUE faculty member is recognized for continuous excellence in teaching. Each recipient receives a $1,000 award, a commemorative plaque and recognition by having their name engraved on the Great Teacher Award plaque displayed at Birger Hall.
The award is presented during the August commencement ceremony and the recipient is recognized at a special luncheon hosted by the Alumni Association
The SIUE Alumni Association received numerous nominations from students and colleagues on Noble's behalf. Professor Michael Shaw stated, "I have been impressed with his ability to turn serious situations into positive learning experiences for our students. This type of teaching builds character and integrity in our students and in some ways is more important than the delivery of course content."
He has been actively involved in the SIUE Undergraduate Research Academy, providing collaboration and support to students' research. His nominators said Noble helps students build character and integrity through teaching with passion and respect, and integrates positive learning opportunities in and out of the classroom environment.
"I can say that I could have completed my degree without him but I cannot say that I would have obtained such a degree of knowledge and problem solving skills towards engineering without him", said recent graduate Jordon Albers.
Additionally, Noble's nominators said he blends experiences from his life into current projects and teaching in his curriculum, and has taken a personal interest in the education of his students. It was referenced that he continuously encourages students and faculty to strive for the best, as well as encourages students to continue their higher education.
As senior engineering student Brian Kasmarzik stated: "I consider Dr. Noble to be a great friend, a great teacher and a role model."
For more information, contact Katie Bennett at kabenne@siue.edu or (618) 650-2762. Press ready photo of Dr. Noble is available upon request.
SIUE Alumni Networking Breakfast at Scott Credit Union
The next SIUE Alumni Networking Breakfast will take place from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 13 at the Scott Credit Union in Edwardsville.
Hosted by SIUE Alumni Affairs, the networking breakfast will feature a distinguished alumnus, Frank Padak. Complimentary pastries, fruit and coffee will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards for potential business connections.
Padak is a 1984 graduate of the SIUE School of Business. He began his employment with Scott Credit Union in 1994 as vice president of Mortgage Lending to develop its mortgage lending operations. In 1997, he was promoted to vice president of the Credit Union, at which time he took responsibility for branch operations, member services, human resources, marketing and lending.
Since 2002, he served as senior vice president and was named president, CEO and Treasurer in 2005. Padak serves on the boards of several local and national organizations. Prior to joining Scott Credit Union, he spent more than 9 years at Highland Savings and Loan in Highland, where he served as vice president in charge of loan operations, regulatory compliance and marketing.
The following Alumni Event Ambassadors will be on hand to greet attendees and facilitate networking conversations:
• Sara Colvin, 1998 BS, 2005 MA
• Jim Harper, 2008 BFA
• Alan Kehrer, 1992 BS
• Tom McRae, 1982 BS
• Dr. Rhonda Green, 1992 BA, 1992 DMD
To register for this free event, please visit www.siue.edu/alumni. For further information, please contact Katie Bennett at kabenne@siue.edu or 618-650-2762.
Cougar Pool Memberships Still Available
Summer outdoor pool memberships still are available through the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Office of Campus Recreation-both individual and family. The Cougar Lake Pool just recently opened and the cool waters are just what's needed during these hot days.
Membership applications are available and must be completed at the SIUE Student Fitness Center, adjacent to the Vadalabene Center just off Circle Drive. Applicants-who wish to qualify for alumni, faculty or staff discounts-must bring proof of SIUE affiliation and/or SIUE Alumni Association cards.
Season membership ranges from $130 for an adult pass for the general public to $91 for alumni who are not members of the Alumni Association and $71 for Alumni Association Members. General public individual daily tickets are $7, while Alumni Association members pay $6; SIUE alumni without an alumni association membership pay $7.
For other membership fees for children and for rates for swimming lessons, visit the SIUE Campus Recreation website: siue.edu/crec/aquatics/clp.shtml. The site also contains information about parking rates in Parking Lot 10-$20 for the season for pool members; daily visitors, $2.
May 2011
Road to Victory: SIUE Engineering Students Lend Hand to East St. Louis Charter School Botball Team
SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School sophomores Brandon Rice, DeAndre Howard, and Quewon Smith along with junior Jeremiah Rogers understand firsthand that the road to victory is paved with sacrifice, dedication, and diligence. The four comprised the SIUE Charter School botball team that competed in the 2011 Greater St. Louis Botball Regional Tournament held in April at SIUE. The SIUE Charter High School proudly placed third out of 17 teams, and their journey to this accomplishment began well before the tournament.
The team worked tirelessly to prepare for the competition, including designing and building their robots, as well as constructing their very own practice boards for test runs. Maurice Mosley, SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School math teacher and botball coach attested to his team's efforts. "My team put a lot of work into this competition," shared Mosley. "They worked hours in the evenings and on weekends." The team spent some of those evenings training with SIUE engineering students.
The SIUE student chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) shared their expertise with the SIUE Charter School team. Mosley also offered, "The NSBE students really motivated the students in the arena of computer programming. With their assistance, the team was able to tweak a lot of programs. I really want to thank them for taking the time with my kids."
Hasan Sevim, Dean of the SIUE School of Engineering, connected the engineering student group with the team according to Graduate student and SIUE NSBE vice president Va'Juanna Wilson. "We were in contact with the team and working with them for about a month," said Wilson. "It was good to see high school students with so many good ideas and so engaged with engineering."
Team member Quewon Smith was equally enthused about the partnership. "Working with the SIUE students was a big help. I think that without them, we wouldn't have been as successful as we were," shared Smith. "We're grateful for their assistance."
The SIUE Charter School botball team members are all East St. Louis natives and plan to pursue collegiate studies in engineering and computer programming. Currently, the SIUE Charter School botball team and Mosley are working to raise funds to attend the Global Conference on Educational Robotics to which they were invited. The conference will be held this July in California.
Xfest 2.0 Presents: 52 Pickup By Seattle-Based theater simple
Caution: The show you are about to enjoy from the Seattle-based company, theater simple, includes intensely funny scenes and is prone to extremes.
The show, 52 Pick Up, is described as an "intimate 75-minute showpiece of acting, chance and human emotion." The audience will take a journey with the actors through a collection of scenes-52 to be exact. The show examines the relationship from before it starts, throughout its duration and into the end, but in no particular order.
The recipients of critical acclaim for stage delivery, theater simple's Andrew Litzky and Llysa Holland will delight a lucky audience at a 7:30 p.m. show Thursday, June 2 in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Metcalf Theater.
The Post and Courier, Charleston, S.C., said "52 Pick Up delights and amazes," while the Edmonton Journal, Alberta, Canada, called it "a stunning combination of stagecraft and storytelling."
The title of each scene in the show is placed on the top of each of the playing cards in a deck. The cards are tossed in the air and "we do the show in the order in which we pick them up off the floor," said Llysa Holland, actress, producer, director and co-owner of theater simple. She and Litzky, her husband of more than two decades, have run the self-described "mom-and-pop shop" and performed the show together for more than 10 years. She added: "Every time we perform this show it's in a different order."
She and Litzky are the only two actors in the show. The opening scene is anyone's guess, she said: It could be the end of the relationship, a blow-up argument, when the couples actually meet for the first time, or a conversation with friends. The actors don't know.
"We really have to be on our toes emotionally," Holland said. "It might have one of us on stage talking about an ideal person, followed by a blow up fight, followed by a year in the relationship. You have to be willing to jump in any different direction depending on the luck of the cards. We make no effort to control what's next."
Holland added, what is exciting about 52 Pick Up, which was written by T.J. Dawe and Rita Bozi, is: "The character performing on stage doesn't know what's next. In a way the audience gets to know secrets the characters don't know about each other."
The duo has performed for mixed audiences-from groups of predominately men or women, to couples in different age groups, from their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond. It's been performed as a Valentine's Day show, as well as an Anti-Valentine's Day show, Holland said.
"All the incredible foot-in-mouth moments are in this show," she said. "Each audience is going to see a unique show that will highly unlikely ever be repeated."
An award-winning, internationally acclaimed company, theater simple was founded "with the aim of stripping the theatrical experience down to its elemental parts: the imagination of the actor and audience, the playwright's words and the director's vision," according to the company's bio. The company has performed and toured internationally since 1991, participating in international arts festivals from East (Spoleto Festival USA, Piccolo Theatre series, Charleston, South Carolina) to West (Perth International Arts Festival Fringe, Western Australia), to Far East (Flipside, Singapore Arts Festival). The company's bio continued:
"In more than 17 years of touring and producing, theater simpletons have built six theaters in Seattle and Australia, and produced more than 30 plays in four countries on three continents.
For more information about theater simple, visit: http://www.theatersimple.org.
SIUE Emeritus Professor Shaheen In Living Rooms During July
Jack Shaheen, a professor emeritus in Mass Communications from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, will enter American living rooms through a Turner Classic Movie (TCM) month-long event on Tuesday and Thursday nights in July during "Race & Hollywood: Arab Images on Film."
Shaheen, a Middle East consultant and the author of Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People, will join TCM host Robert Osborne to discuss Hollywood's changing attitude toward Arab people, according to a media release from the cable network.
The piece on Arab images is TCM's sixth installment on a project examining cinematic portrayals of racial and cultural groups, according to the network. A release noted, "Each Tuesday and Thursday evening in July will focus on a different topic, including early films, epic stories, depictions of Arab sheiks and Arab women, Arabs portrayed as villains or the subject of ridicule and movies that provide an even-handed look at Arab culture."
The event will close July 28, with a night dedicated to films that were made outside Hollywood, the network stated.
Some of the movies to be shown during the month-long project include "Three Kings," "Jewel of the Nile," "Lion of the Desert," "Tarzan the Fearless," "The Sheik" and "Lawrence of Arabia." More information is available at tmc.com or at: http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/Movies/2011/05/24/TCM-plans-Arabs-in-cinema-programming/UPI-72711306221360/#ixzz1NU3DNWSl
This Is Not Funny: Part Of SIUE Xfest 2.0
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is proud to present an original Xfest workshop production to the stage: This Is Not Funny, by Theater 310b of St. Louis.
SIUE theater alumnae Maggie Conroy and Anna Skidis are part of the original ensemble that put the piece together during SIUE's first experimental theater festival. Both women, who graduated in May 2010, performed last year as part of Theatre 310b's production of Whammy!: The Seven Secrets to a Sane Self. They are returning for an encore in Xfest 2.0, directing the show, This Is Not Funny.
"We both wrote parts of the show, but so did the rest of the cast," said Conroy, who spent a month last summer in Saratoga Springs, NY at the SITI Co. Summer Intensive. "The show is basically a collage of characters, each with their own story and series of vignettes.
"Everyone originally wrote most of their own text for their characters and everyone has had a big hand in revising and tweaking text for characters other than their own."
Conroy's credits also include Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom and Slasher with HotCity Theatre, and Rocket '88 with Dreamachine Press.
According to Skidis, whose St. Louis credits include Evil Dead: the Musical and As Bees In Honey Drown with Stray Dog Theatre and directing SIUE's S.E.T.O. production of Bridget Carpetnter's The Faculty Room, the story itself was inspired by a photo that was part of a photo journal about Afghanistan called "The Big Picture."
"This particular photo was of a child holding a bunch of really colorful balloons, running to join his friends," she said. "All of the other colors in the photo are dingy browns and blacks, so the simple joy of the balloons really stands out in the picture."
Conroy added, "(It) was a very dark image of a child running through a flooded street. Ammunition smoke and militia blend into the background. The only color in the picture is his balloons. The streetlights and smoke only make the colors more vibrant and dramatic.
"After stumbling across this picture we basically said, 'Let's talk about this, because we all can't stop staring at it."
It all began during an Xfest class last year, said Skidis, adding, "Our original ensemble was able to create a 15 minute version and present it to the class, but the majority of the material is new material created by our current ensemble.
"The class project was a good start in the right direction, but this will be a finished product of This is Not Funny."
An SIUE Department of Theater and Dance faculty, alumni and student ensemble, Theater 310b creates original dance and theater performance. With a stage of balloons and superior acting, This Is Not Funny examines the line between the innocence of childhood and the indifference of adulthood.
"To me, it feels like a children's show for adults," Skidis said of the piece. "It has an almost vaudevillian feel to it, and it has poetry, newscasts based on real news, a clown and some really sweet children's scenes.
"It will make you think and it will entertain you. It's colorful, bright, and just a great evening of theater. And This Is Not Funny is, indeed, quite funny."
"Devised Performance" Is Focus Of Xfest 2.0 Keynote Speech/Panel
As part of Xfest 2.0, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's experimental theater festival, a keynote speaker and a panel of experts will engage audiences and take questions from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 4 in the Metcalf Theater, discussing theater as a changing and evolving art on stage.
The topic, "Devised Performance in Contemporary American Theatre," will examine devised work, which SIUE Associate Professor and Chair of Theater and Dance Peter Cocuzza described as "work that is created, not necessarily plot-driven."
Panelist and Chicago-based writer/actor/devisor Jeremy Sher, who will bring his world premiere of CROW, a devised work-in-progress to the SIUE stage during Xfest 2.0, said the process of devising can best be defined as taking an original theater piece and evolving it with each performance. By doing this, the work is "constantly evolving and is always in a state of change based on feedback from other actors, from audiences, from new information that comes out of workshops and performances.
If it's done right, Sher said, "You won't see the same performance twice, even though you are seeing the same show."
Cocuzza said discussion of this important type of theater is critical to understanding theater's future. He added, the festival is about broadening people's horizons and expanding their views about the role theater plays on the global stage.
The concept of devised theater is not new, said Joan Schirle, founding artistic director of Dell'Arte International and director of Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre. In fact, it has been around for centuries. Schirle will deliver the keynote speech.
"The term has only come into usage recently, via the English theatre," she said. "There's a difference between collaborative processes and devising processes-there have been traditional collaborations between composers and lyricists, for example, but that's different from "devising," which might include the design, direction and performance of a work, as well as whatever writing there might be, though lots of devised works are not text-based.
"The role of 'actor' has become too narrow for many artists, who also have talents as writers, directors, composers, designers-and so these people often find each other and make new work together without the hierarchies that can limit creative input. Thus we get new ensembles starting to create new works now in many cities."
All are welcome to attend the event, which will provide an exclusive opportunity to hear expert perspectives on Xfest shows, as well as learn about experimental theater.
Judith Newmark, theatre critic from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch; Margeau Steinau, artistic director of Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemle of St. Louis; Frederico Restrepo, artistic director of Loco7 Dance and Puppet Theater of New York City; Jeremy Sher, solo artist based in Chicago, and Llysa Holland, artistic director of Theater Simple of Seattle, Wash.
The keynote speech will last about 20 minutes and will be followed by a round table discussion that will last about 40 minutes with panelists, moderated by Xfest Artistic Director, Chuck Harper, SIUE assistant professor of theater and dance.
The keynote speech and panel discussion will be followed immediately by a light dinner, available to the audience for $5, at 6:30 p.m. The performance of 500 Clown Frankenstein will conclude the night's events at 7:30 p.m. in Dunham Hall.
Tickets for 500 Clown Frankenstein, which is a part of the SIUE Arts & Issues series, as well as Xfest, are $28; $25 for SIUE staff, retirees, alumni and seniors 65 and older; $13 for all students. For more information, visit siue.edu/xfest. For tickets, contact the Fine Arts Box Office, (618) 650-2774.
CROW World Premiere Is Part Of SIUE Experimental Theater Festival
Sometimes in life, it can feel like you're at the end of your rope. There are those who persevere and rise to meet life's challenges and those uplifting tales are widely canonized in the news, on television, in the movies and on the stage. This is not one of those stories.
The world premiere of CROW will take the Metcalf Theater stage at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 1 on the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus. Chicago actor, theater maker and devisor Jeremy Sher will tell the story of Donald Crowhurst, a British businessman and inventor who went missing in 1969 while attempting to navigate the globe in a 40-foot sailboat as part of the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race, a round-the-world yacht race that promised a large cash prize. Seven months into his voyage, Crowhurst's vessel was recovered in the North Atlantic. He was not on board.
Left behind were some phony coordinates and a collection of daily entries in a logbook that captured the navigator's hopes, dreams, delusions, despair, insanity and finally, hopelessness.
While it is a one-man show, Sher worked with a team on the project, gaining constant input regarding the construction of the ever-evolving script, and fashioning 1,200 feet of rope into a set that represents Crowhurst's boat, the home he left behind in Bridgwater, England, the people in his life, his work as an electrical engineer and more. The final product is the result of collaboration with a director, a stage manager, a video designer, and conducting numerous, extensive workshops to gain audience input.
"The story is so compelling to me," said Sher, who formerly worked at SIUE as an instructor in the Department of Theater and Dance. "He was a regular person who tried to do this extraordinary thing. There are those unlikely hero stories out there and this is not one of those. Any of those unlikely hero stories could have met in failure.
"And his story could have resulted in success, but some of his flaws are some of the things we address and examine to explain why his enterprise failed. We see how hope can become delusion. All success stories start with hope, too. The thing that really compelled me to tell this story is where in the process do things break down, in terms of hope?
"What I've learned is they don't break down. They transform. We can talk ourselves into things. We can tell ourselves things are going to be OK to get through them. I'm very interested in how what he went through can happen to any of us."
Sher spent two years writing the piece, and several years before that conducting research. The idea for the show was born in 2001 during a discussion with Chuck Harper, an associate professor of Theater and Dance at SIUE and one of the Xfest organizers. Sher and Harper were performing together in France at the time and both were fascinated with Crowhurst's story.
Sher said CROW will be in a "constant state of evolution," so audiences who see the performance at one place can rest assured they will see something new or different at a future presentation of it.
For more than two decades, Sher has traveled the globe, dazzling crowds with his performances in disciplines ranging from classical theater to Japanese dance, co-founding ensembles including El Trupo of Barcelona, Elastic Picnic Improv of Seattle, International Theatre Collective of Montana and Ardeo Theatre Project of France. Now, the St. Louis native and former SIUE professor will return to his roots.
According to a review of his work from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Sher "…forces us to consider how often we're wrong about what we are sure we know…the images are haunting."
The innovator said his passion lies in devising; a process by which original works are created in the studio. In Chicago, he has performed with Writers' Theatre, The Neo-Futurists at The Goodman, Next Theatre, Stage Left, Redmoon Theater, and The Building Stage. Regionally, he has performed at places including the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Shakespeare Theatre D.C., HotCity Theatre (St. Louis) and Annex Theatre (Seattle) and Off-Broadway: New Victory Theatre.
In Paris he worked with Brigitte Dumez Dance Company and Project Brûlé, creating original devised theatre and experimental works for international audiences. In 2004-2005, he devised, wrote and directed the original work "Saltwater," which toured in St. Louis, Montana, Seattle and the Canadian Fringe Festival, to critical acclaim. He has trained in Suzuki and Viewpoints with Anne Bogart and SITI Company in New York and Chicago, and has led many Suzuki training groups in cities including Seattle, St. Louis, Paris and Chicago. He also has taught devising, improvisation and movement workshops at several universities across the country.
SIUE Assistant Professor Honored As ASHP Fellow
A member of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy faculty recently received acknowledgement as a fellow with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP.)
Chris Herndon, assistant professor of Pharmacy Practice, will be honored along with 37 other pharmacists from across the country, as a Fellow of the ASHP (FASHP) June 14 at the ASHP Summer Meeting and Exhibition in Denver. The FASHP Practitioner Recognition Program recognizes excellence in pharmacy practice and promotes public awareness of pharmacists who have distinguished themselves in practice.
Herndon's research interests focus on pain and palliative care, as well as the challenges faced by educators in the field. Inspired by the 2003 National Pain and Palliative Care Summit at The Ohio State University, Herndon worked with the Mayday Fund, an organization established in 1992 and dedicated to alleviating the incidence, degree and consequences of human physical pain, to bring a collaborative, international pain summit to the SIUE campus in fall 2009.
"Chris Herndon has excelled in the area of pain and palliative care/pharmacy practice because he is a trailblazer," said SIUE School of Pharmacy Dean Gireesh Gupchup. "This recognition by the ASHP is a great honor for him and for the School of Pharmacy."
A 40-page list of recommendations resulted from the meeting, highlighting how to enhance pain management training for pharmacists. The list was released at an annual meeting of the American Pain Society in Baltimore in May 2010. The recommendations were widely adopted by national organizations, including the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. For more information, visit pharmacypainsummit.com.
"The work Chris Herndon did to pave the way for pharmacy leaders to come together on the SIUE campus, and introduce profound improvements and enhancements in the way end-of-life care and pain relief is understood and delivered at the national level is commendable," said Mark Luer, professor and chair of the Department of Pharmacy Practice. "As our population ages, this type of collaborative discourse is critical for health care professionals and is a testament to their commitment to quality patient care."
With more than 35,000 members, the ASHP has helped pharmacists in hospitals and health systems for more than 60 years improve medication use and enhance patient safety. Members include pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in practice in inpatient, outpatient, home-care and long-term care settings, as well as pharmacy students.
According to the organization, "Each applicant's credentials are assessed against rigorous criteria that include contributions to the scientific literature, research, education and active involvement, and leadership in professional activities. Applicants also must have practiced in health-system pharmacy for at least 10 years."
The program has recognized 690 Fellows since it began in 1988. For more information about the ASHP, visit ashp.org.
ADEA Official To Speak At June 4 Dental Commencement
Dr. Jeanne Sinkford, associate executive director of the American Dental Education Association, and director of the Association's Center for Equity and Diversity, will be guest speaker at the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU/SDM) commencement at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 4.
More than 50 students will receive a doctor of dental medicine (DMD) at the event in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIU Edwardsville's Morris University Center. A reception for students, faculty and family members will follow the ceremony.
Dr. Sinkford-an internationally renowned dental educator, administrator, researcher and clinician-is also dean emerita at Howard University College of Dentistry. She was dean at Howard from 1975-1991. Finishing first in her 1958 dental class at Howard, she went on to pursue graduate study at Northwestern University, where she received a master of science and a doctorate in 1962 and 1963, respectively.
Sinkford completed a Pedodontic Residency at Children's Hospital National Medical Center in 1975 and became the first woman dean of a dental school in the United States. She has served on numerous committees and advisory councils of national significance including: the National Advisory Dental Research Council; Directors' Advisory Council, National Institutes of Health; Governing Board of the American Society for Geriatric Dentistry; Advisory Board, Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Program and the NRC Governing Board, National Academy of Sciences.
Dr. Sinkford has published more than 100 articles in refereed journals and has written an instructional manual for Crown and Bridge Prosthodontics. She holds honorary degrees at Meharry Medical College, Georgetown University, the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and Detroit-Mercy University. Dr. Sinkford also has received alumni achievement awards from Northwestern University and Howard University, as well as numerous other citations for exceptional professional achievement.
Dr. Sinkford was selected as an Outstanding Leader in Dentistry by the International College of Dentists, the first woman to be so honored. She received the 2007 Trailblazer Award from the National Dental Association and also was recognized with the distinguished 2009 Herbert W. Nickens Award for her outstanding contribution to promoting justice in medical education and health care. Dr. Sinkford's most recent recognition is the 2010 Pierre Fauchard Academy Gold Medal Award for her outstanding contributions to the progress and standing of the dental profession.
SIUE Nursing Student Receives Army Nurse Corps Association Memorial Scholarship
Melissa Ashley, a Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing master's candidate, is recipient of a U.S. Army Nurse Corps Association (ANCA) Memorial Scholarship. Announced on April 19, Ashley is among 15 students who received the national award. Ashley is currently enrolled in the SIUE Family Nurse Practitioner program, with an anticipated graduation date of December 2013.
Ashley served in the Illinois Army National Guard from 1998 - 2004 with the 634 th Forward Support Battalion out of Sullivan. Attached to the 66 th Brigade, she was deployed for nine months in 2002 to Germersheim, Germany, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Ashley's official job in the military was personnel administrative specialist. However, during deployment she was cross-trained and served as a medic.
"I'm honored to receive this award," Ashley said. "This scholarship honors brave soldiers who will not be forgotten, as the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage live on in myself and the men and women who continue to serve to protect our freedom."
The 2011 ANCA scholarships were awarded in memory of the three Army nurses who lost their lives in the shootings at the Fort Hood Readiness Center on Nov. 5. All three were reservists who had been activated and were being processed for deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. LTC Juanita Warman, CPT Russell Seager and CPT John Gaffaney are being remembered for their dedication, bravery and ultimate sacrifice.
Cougar Theater Company Debuts Theater for Children
This summer, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is introducing a new theater company to campus dedicated to providing quality children's entertainment.
The Cougar Theater Company (CTC) debuts with Aesop's Fables by James Brock with performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, May 28 in the Metcalf Theater on the SIUE campus, behind the Student Fitness Center.
Actors will transform themselves into the rabbit, the turtle, the fox, the crow or the donkey and back again throughout this fast-paced adaptation of classic fables. During 45 minutes of hilarious and fun storytelling of such tales as The Fox and the Crow, The Donkey in the Lion's Skin, The Fox and the Sour Grapes and The Tortoise and the Hare, performers with the company will delight audiences. Performing plays for children and teens, the theater company will draw inspiration from folk tales, classic stories, poetry, music and song.
While the trappings of traditional theater companies include elaborate sets, props, and costumes, a peek into the back window of the CTC's rehearsal room would reveal imaginative and highly adaptable costumes, props and set pieces. CTC is simple, based on the collective creative abilities of the ensemble and spearheaded by director, Wendy Greenwood.
For more information, visit siue.edu/summerarts. Tickets are on sale now and general admission is $6. For more information, contact the Fine Arts Box Office, (618) 650-2774.
500 Clown Frankenstein Winds Down the 2010-11 A&I Season
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The exciting antics of 500 Clown Frankenstein, an improvisational theater troupe from Chicago that the New York Times called "ribald and exhilarating," will close the 2010-11 season for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Arts & Issues series June 4 at the theater in SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall.
For more than a quarter of a century, SIUE's Arts & Issues series has brought great performers and distinguished speakers to Southwestern Illinois. 500 Clown, which is being presented in conjunction with the 2011 Xfest at SIUE, will appear onstage at 7:30 p.m. that Saturday. Xfest, a collection of improvisational theater events, is sponsored by the SIUE Department of Theater and Dance.
The official media sponsors for Arts & Issues are the Edwardsville Intelligencer and KWMU-FM, while the series official hotel sponsor is Hampton Inn and Suites.
Arts & Issues Director Grant Andree said audiences are in for a treat with the quirky 500 Clown Frankenstein. "Improvisational theater can involve many aspects of theater," Andree said. "In addition to a story line, there are moments of creative movement, dance and an air of uncertainty about how the evening will evolve.
"500 Clown Frankenstein promises to deliver a great evening of entertainment," he said. "Moving between planned elements and improvisation, this performance will leave its audiences excitedly uncertain as to what is and what is not planned."
In each show, an innovatively designed set piece (with hi- and low-tech mechanics) propels clowns into extreme physical behavior and rough-style acrobatics. Comic mayhem will be served abundantly to the Arts & Issues audience as our three clowns embark on a madcap journey to construct Dr. Frankenstein's laboratory.
Stymied by elaborate and exaggerated period costumes, the clowns execute acrobatic feats in an extended battle with an unruly table and finally face a devastating climax when one clown is forced to play the role of the creature and suffer abuse and abandonment.
For more information, call (618) 650-5194. For additional information about the series and to buy tickets, call (618) 650-5774. More information and tickets are available through the Web site: artsandissues.com. To speak with Grant Andree, call (618) 650-2626.
Workshops Bring Experimental Theater Experience To Kids
Children ages 8 and older are encouraged to experience experimental theater firsthand during workshops as part of Xfest 2.0 in Dunham Hall on the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus.
Two workshops will be held Saturday, June 4: Mime and Puppetry, presented by Frederico Restrepo and Loco7 of New York City, from 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. for ages 8-12; and Risk and Play, by 500 Clown of Chicago, from 1-3 p.m. for ages 16 and older.
"It is important that, as a department of theater, we bring this sort of experience to this part of the state and country," said Peter Cocuzza, associate professor and chair of the SIUE Department of Theater and Dance. "These types of programs give us a sense of what is out there and makes us think and appreciate art."
Loco7's Mime and Puppetry workshop examines the use of mime as a "universal art that crosses language barriers to communicate emotion, ideas and views through the movement of the body," according to information provided by the company. "Loco7 is thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of XFEST 2.0, as a resident company of La MaMa Experimental Theatre it seems a perfect fit! Being part of the La MaMa family has taught us to take risks and to explore unusual and different approaches to theatre and what better place than SIUE and the XFEST to continue and pioneer forward in the name of experimental theatre."
Students involved in the Mime and Puppetry workshop will learn basic techniques, including isolation and spatial understanding, as well as be introduced to the foundation of acting, clowning, circus movement and stage magic. This beginning level class promises to take attendees from Michael Jackson's "moonwalk" to their own original exercises. Additionally, Restrepo will take children on a journey, teaching them about basic puppet techniques with marionettes.
For older students, the workshop Risk and Play introduces the four elements of 500 Clown Theater: Action, risk, audience and humor. The workshop will include group and individual exercises that help students locate and release onstage tension, develop an awareness of audiences, space and partners, and awaken impulses.
"We're psyched this festival exists and thrilled to be a part of it this year," the company said in a statement.
Risk and Play introduces students to their risk threshold and mines it for theatrical value. According to the company, it has developed "playful ways to work with risk that result in the creation of a state of being in which action becomes stage-worthy and in which we can be provoked to action easily."
Those participating in Risk and Play are encouraged to dress in clothing that allows them to move freely and is free of lettering and logos. Furthermore, no dangling jewelry should be worn and drinking water should be brought in a container that can be sealed. Notebooks can be brought for note-taking.
Workshop attendance is free and there is no need to pre-register. For more information, visit siue.edu/xfest/workshops.
Symposium On Contemporary American Theater Part of Xfest 2.0
"Devised Performance in Contemporary American Theatre" will be the focus of a symposium set to take place from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 4 in the Metcalf Theatre on the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus.
"Devised work is work that is created, not necessarily plot-driven," said Peter Cocuzza, associate professor and chair of the SIUE Department of Theater and Dance. "There's a world out there that's taking what we have now and changing it. We need to examine why that work is important and consider the future of it. Some questions out there right now are: 'Will we always have live theater? How is this work impacting trends in theater in this country, and what type of impact will it have on theater in 10 years?'''
All are welcome to attend the event, which will provide an exclusive opportunity to hear expert perspectives on Xfest shows, as well as learn about experimental theater.
Attendees will be encouraged to ask those burning questions of special guests, including Keynote Speaker Joan Schirle, founding artistic director of Dell'Arte International and director of Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre; Judith Newmark, theatre critic from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch; Margeau Steinau, artistic director of Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemle of St. Louis; Frederico Restrepo, artistic director of Loco7 Dance and Puppet Theater of New York City; Jeremy Sher, solo artist based in Chicago, and Llysa Holland, artistic director of Theater Simple of Seattle, Wash.
The keynote speech will last about 20 minutes and will be followed by a round table discussion with the panelists, moderated by Xfest Artistic Director, Chuck Harper, SIUE assistant professor of theater and dance.
The panel discussion will last approximately 40 minutes and will include an audience question and answer session.
The keynote speech and panel discussion will be followed immediately by a light dinner, available to the audience for $5, at 6:30 p.m. The performance of 500 Clown Frankenstein will conclude the night's events at 7:30 p.m. in Dunham Hall. Tickets for 500 Clown Frankenstein, which is a part of the SIUE Arts & Issues series, as well as Xfest, are $28; $25 for SIUE staff, retirees, alumni and seniors 65 and older; $13 for all students.
For more information, visit siue.edu/xfest. For tickets, contact the Fine Arts Box Office, (618) 650-2774.
It's Back: SIUE Xfest 2.0 Promises Fun For All
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is inviting everyone campus to experience Xfest 2.0-an exciting four-days of theatrical experimentation, world premiere performances, workshops and more Wednesday-Saturday, June 1-4.
In its second year, the experimental theater festival has grown in size and scope, and promises to offer fun for all ages. Attendees can expect an exciting array of talent to visit campus, with a collection of innovative works and the introduction of new concepts and techniques in stage production.
Five theater companies from SIUE, Seattle, Chicago and New York City will perform throughout the festival:
- 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 1- CROW, performed by Jeremy Sher of Chicago in the Metcalf Theater. Sher, a St. Louis native, is a former instructor at SIUE.
- 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 2- 52 Pickup, performed by Seattle's theater simple in the Metcalf Theater.
- 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 3- In Retrospect, performed by Loco7 from New York City in the Metcalf Theater.
- 4 p.m. Saturday, June 4- This is Not Funny is performed by SIUE's own Theatre 310b in the Metcalf Theater.
- 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 4- 500 Clown Frankenstein, part of the SIUE Arts and Issues Series in the Dunham Hall Theater.
"The fact that this kind of work is happening should be valued and recognized," said Peter Cocuzza, associate professor and chair of the SIUE Department of Theater and Dance. "Sometimes we think of experimental theater as something weird or that we don't understand. This festival is about introducing alternative work to the region and exposing people to the kind of theater that is happening out there."
Xfest 2.0 also features two workshops in SIUE's Dunham Hall that offer hands-on instruction from the experts. Workshops are free and open to everyone. No pre-registration is necessary. Workshops are:
- · 11 a.m. Saturday, June 4- Mime and Puppetry (ideal for kids age: 8-12.)
- 1 p.m. Saturday, June 4- Risk and Play (ideal for ages 16+.)
In addition to performances and workshops, Xfest 2.0 features a symposium and dinner with expert perspectives on Experimental Theatre at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, June 4. Keynote Speaker Joan Schirle, founding artistic director, Dell'Arte International and director, Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre, will be featured at the event, with a round table discussion to follow the keynote speech. The round table will offer a panel of experts in the field from around the nation. Audience questions are welcome. The keynote speech and panel discussion will be followed immediately by light dinner at 6:30 p.m., available to the audience for $5.
Talk back sessions will be conducted following each performance, with directors and cast members fielding audience questions. For more information, visit the website: siue.edu/xfest, or call the SIUE Department of Theater and Dance, (618) 650-5614.
SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School Team Places Third In KISS Tourney
Three robots maneuver their way through a mock airport. Their executions are commendable and earn the team of four students a third place victory in a regional botball tournament; exciting news for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School.
"Our biggest challenge was to continue changing and altering the robots to do what you wanted them to do," said Sophomore Brandon Rice. Brandon and three of his classmates: sophomores DeAndre Howard and Quewon Smith, and Jeremiah Rogers, a junior; all won third place in the Double Elimination round at the recent 2011 Greater St. Louis Botball Regional Tournament at SIUE. The competition is hosted by SIUE's School of Engineering, in partnership with KISS (Keep It Simple Students) Institute of Practical Robotics. Participating in this year's tournament were 17 teams from four states.
The East St. Louis Charter High School team had some problems initially during the competition, and their robots didn't score very high, said Jerry Weinberg, acting associate provost for research and dean of the SIUE Graduate School. Weinberg, who organized the first regional competition five years ago, said, "What impressed me was their perseverance and team work. They worked through their problems in the competition and when it came to the Double Elimination round, they scored well."
The high school team also made an impression on the SIUE students working with them. "We helped with little things, like making it neat, but it was their own idea, and they had built the robot before we came in," said Vajuanna Wilson, an SIUE graduate student studying electrical engineering and vice president of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). The high school students got their assignment about two months before the regional competition and representatives from NSBE started helping the young men about a month before the contest.
The Charter High School team designed and programmed three robots. One placed mock airplanes on a makeshift runway and the other two checked and moved fuel. "This is the first time I've done any hands-on technology work," said Quewon. "I like being able to take the ideas in my mind and bring them to life, and to accomplish an objective."
Robotics Tournament Brings Young Students And Technology Together
Possibly one day, in this age of heightened national security, robots will be seen fueling planes and loading and unloading baggage. But in the meantime, middle- school and high-school students got a chance to showcase their technology and engineering skills with robots at a mock airport during the 2011 Greater St. Louis Botball Regional Tournament that took place on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
"By participating in this competition, students developed skills, as well as gained a sense of accomplishment whether or not they decide to go into the engineering field or another technical area," said Jerry Weinberg, acting associate provost for research and dean of the SIUE Graduate School. The School of Engineering hosted the fifth annual regional Botball Tournament in partnership with KISS (Keep It Simple Students) Institute of Practical Robotics, a nonprofit organization designed to improve understanding of science, technology engineering and math.
A total of 17 teams from four different states participated in this year's competition, Weinberg said. The team winning first place in the Overall Category was Wolf Branch Middle School in Swansea. Teams were judged on how well they designed and programmed the robots, and documented their work. All schools participating had worked for two months designing, building, testing and documenting their robots.
"Many of the students had no prior knowledge of robotics," said Weinberg, who organized the first regional competition five years ago. "Students had to learn about the workings of such things as gears, motors and sensors, and how they all operate together. Students also had to learn how to work as teams."
Botball is an action-packed robotics competition for middle- and high-school students designed to develop interest, awareness and a working knowledge through hands-on experience with science, technology, engineering and math. "At about the seventh grade, students begin to think about what they want to do with their future," Weinberg said. "That is why we target the middle school. And we hope to make an impression on as many students as we can. This year we had a good mix of both boys and girls."
SIUE Director of Admissions Burrell Elected IACAC President-Elect
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Director of Admissions Todd Burrell recently was elected president-elect of the Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling, an organization committed to ethical and social responsibility among professionals helping prospective students consider postsecondary education opportunities.
Burrell's service to the organization since 1992 has prepared him for the three-year role he will assume beginning with President-Elect this year; transitioning to President next year; and finishing as Past President.
According to the organization, IACAC members are counselors, admission or financial aid officers, active retirees and students interested in the future of education in Illinois, as well as across the nation.
"IACAC continues to grow regarding the services we offer, our outreach to all and our advocacy at the state and national levels," Burrell said. "What we do, through offering professional development opportunities, allows us to increase our ability to help the students and families we work with every day. I am proud to serve in the presidency roles of this organization."
For nearly two decades, Burrell has worked in several leadership roles at Quincy University, Saint Louis University, and SIUE, as well as through numerous professional organizations, including the National Association for College Admission Counseling, the Missouri Association for College Admission Counseling and the American Association of College Registrars and Admission Officers.
R. Fields Is May EOM
Congratulations: Roxanne Field, an application analyst in Information Technology Services (ITS), is the May recipient of the University's Employee Recognition Award. In the photo, Vice Chancellor for Administration Kenn Neher presents Field with the award plaque. She was nominated by her supervisor, Jill Schaefer, an ITS manager. In addition to the plaque she received, Field was awarded a $25 gift certificate to the SIUE Bookstore, two complimentary lunch coupons to the University Restaurant or other Dining Services location, and recognition on the flat screen monitors throughout campus. (SIUE Photo by Denise Macdonald)
SIU Board Of Trustees Approves SIUE AY11-12 Tuition Plan
The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today approved a tuition plan for the 2011-12 Academic Year that calls for a $429 increase over last year for in-state undergraduates. A $300 annual increase also was approved today for graduate students at SIUE for the coming fall.
In addition, the board also approved other tuition change proposals that will mean an annual increase for students in the accelerated bachelor studies program (ABSN) in nursing as well as for students in the Schools of Dental Medicine and Pharmacy. The overall tuition proposal was approved during the board's regular meeting conducted on the campus of SIU Edwardsville.
Under the guidelines approved today, the annual tuition rate will be $6,630 for new undergraduate students entering this coming fall. Continuing undergraduate students would pay $5,850 in tuition for AY2011-12, an increase of $622.50 over AY2010-11. Undergraduate students currently in a guaranteed tuition plan would see no increase in their annual tuition rate.
Students in the SIUE Graduate School will pay $6,312 in annual tuition. The board also approved a $21,250 annual tuition rate for the SIUE School of Pharmacy, a $26,400 annual tuition rate at the SIU School of Dental Medicine and $17,805 over 67 credit hours for the ABSN program. Pharmacy students currently are paying $19,674 annually, while dental students currently are paying $24,910 annually. ABSN students are currently paying $17,286 tuition over 67 hours.
SIUE Fee, Rental Rate Change Approved By SIU Board Of Trustees
The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today approved fee-related changes that will affect the SIU Edwardsville campus, including changes in the student fees for Information Technology and Intercollegiate Athletics. Other student fee changes approved include those for Housing rental rates, Student Fitness Center, the Student Welfare and Activity (SWAF) fee and the Facilities fee. The changes were approved by the Board at its regular meeting conducted at SIU Edwardsville.
Other University fees that will not be changed for the 2011-12 Academic Year include the Textbook Rental fee, the Morris University Center fee, the Campus Housing Activity fee, the School of Nursing Program fee and the Student Success Center fee.
Under the new fee plan, a full-time undergraduate student (15 credit hours) will pay an Intercollegiate Athletics fee of $160.85 per semester beginning in the fall, a change from the current rate of $156.20. The increase of $4.65 per semester will support the annual operating expenses associated with an NCAA Division I program and will move the program toward established fund balance targets.
The board also approved a change in the Information Technology fee, which will move from $6.55 per credit hour to $6.65, resulting in a full-time undergraduate student paying $199.50 annually (two academic semesters of 15 hours each) compared with $196.50 that is paid currently for two semesters. This fee helps defray the costs of supporting computing resources and networking infrastructure on campus.
Below is a chart of the proposed changes in other student fees:
Annually (for a full-time student enrolled in 15 hours or more during fall and spring)
FY11
|
FY12
|
Change
|
|
o SWAF |
$214.50
|
$219.90
|
+$ 5.40
|
o Student Fitness Ctr. |
$157.60
|
$159.60
|
+$2.00
|
o Facilities Maint. |
$525.00
|
$540.00
|
+$15.00
|
The Board also approved changes in SIUE's housing rental fees for the fall term.
Under the new plan, rental rates for a shared room at Woodland, Prairie and Bluff residence halls will be $2,560 per semester compared with the current charge of $2,485. A deluxe single room will cost $10,240 annually compared with $9,940 now. Housing rates at Evergreen Hall will be $5,440 annually for a shared apartment compared with $7,260 for a private apartment or a private suite rate of $6,160 annually.
The board also approved a change in the meal plan fee for students in the residence halls. The new rates will range from $80 more per year for Plan A (most popular) to $110 more annually for Plan B.
Upperclassmen residing in Cougar Village Apartments will pay $3,890 per year for a shared room compared with $3,780 paid currently per year, while a single room will cost $5,780 annually compared with $5,610 now. A deluxe single room will be assessed at $7,780 per year compared with $7,560 per year now.
Families in Cougar Village, now paying $930 per month for a two-bedroom, unfurnished apartment, will pay $960 in the fall and $990 in fall 2012. The same family paying $1,090 per month now for a furnished two-bedroom apartment will pay $1,125 per month in fall and $1,160 in fall 2012. Families in a three-bedroom unfurnished apartment now paying $1,050 per month will pay $1,080 per month in fall and $1,110 in fall 2012; a three-bedroom furnished unit is now $1,225 per month and will be $1,260 in fall and $1,300 in fall 2012.
SIUE Club Baseball Clinches Conference Championship
In a series sweep the first weekend of May, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Cougar's Club Baseball team defeated the Carbondale Salukis to capture the 2011 District V South conference championship.
The SIUE Club Baseball team clinched the conference championship with an impressive 12-3 conference record this year. Conference members included the University of Illinois, SIU-Carbondale, Columbia College, Bradley University and Purdue University.
As a result, the Cougars earned a regional bid in the 2011 District V tournament of the National Club Baseball Association, played this past weekend in Huntingburg, IN. The other conference champions joining SIUE included Xavier University, University of Wisconsin and University of Minnesota.
The club baseball team defeated Xavier University and the University of Minnesota before falling to the University of Wisconsin, 9-8, in extra innings of the championship game. The Wisconsin Badgers will continue to the club baseball World Series competition in Pennsylvania later this month. The Cougars finished the season with an overall record of 17-5.
For more information visit http://www.clubbaseball.org/Div2/conf.asp?cid=101.
BOT Approves Alternative Tuition Rate For DNP For AY11-12
The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today approved a $650-per-hour tuition rate for students enrolled in the new Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program through the SIU Edwardsville School of Nursing. The new rate will be in effect for fall and will apply to Illinois residents as well as out-of-state residents.
In related business, the board also approved two other alternate tuition change proposals that will mean lower tuition rates for high-achieving international students and new tuition rates for non-resident students who are participating in the dual diploma program with the Istanbul Technical University (ITU) in Turkey. The latter is conducted by the SIUE School of Engineering.
All three proposals were approved today at the board's regular meeting conducted at SIU Edwardsville.
The DNP tuition proposal will make SIUE's primarily on-line program the least expensive of four of its five nearest program competitors. The DNP is the preferred advanced practice degree in nursing rather than the master of science in nursing. This change is in response to the occupational demand from the nursing profession that by 2015 an MSN be replaced by a DNP.
For the first three years of the DNP program, the School will admit post-masters students only; thereafter post-baccalaureate students will be admitted as well. DNP enrollment will be stabilized at 200 students, which is consistent with current graduate enrollment numbers.
In other business today, the board approved a tuition rate change for high-achieving international students. Such students will pay 1.2 times the in-state tuition rate. Current international students are paying 2.5 times the in-state rate. The new rate structure is part of an enhanced international undergraduate recruitment initiative to increase enrollment of talented international students to promote global awareness and a campus climate of academic excellence for all students.
The third proposal approved today by the board establishes a tuition rate of $7,050 per semester for engineering students in the ITU dual diploma program, about 31-percent lower than the regular out-of-state rate. ITU dual diploma students are now paying $6,778 per semester. The program brings talented students from ITU to study at SIUE.
This program also assists the Republic of Turkey expand its capacity to deliver higher education to its citizens, and enriches the global diversity of the students at SIUE. The initial program under this collaboration is a bachelor's in industrial engineering.
BOT Awards $364,615 In Contracts For Renovations In Food Court
The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today awarded $364,615 in contracts to two Illinois companies to renovate the Taco Bell and Pizza Hut food services in the SIU Edwardsville Food Court on the lower level of SIUE's Morris University Center.
Funding for the work will come from the Morris Center's Repair, Replacement and Reserve funds. The project, which was given planning and budget approval in April by the board, will include expansion of the two popular food areas to offer new product lines to students and to incorporate new rebranding components as required by the licensing agreements with the restaurant chains.
The project also will include expansion of storage facilities and enhancements to the rear work area, improving efficiency, circulation and equipment locations. The contracts were awarded to:
- Limbaugh Construction Co., Granite City; $297,715 for general contracting
- J.F. Electric Inc., Edwardsville, $66,900 for electrical work.
The original approved project budget was $550,000.
In other business affecting the SIUE campus, the board approved planning development and gathering of cost estimates for a fermentation expansion of the National Corn-To-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) located in University Park, the research park on the east side of campus. The cost of the work will be finalized once a comprehensive cost estimate is determined.
The project-which includes the addition of seven fermenter vessels, weighing systems, process instrumentation and controls, as well as data collection systems-is designed to make the NCERC more marketable in attracting clients and grant studies by providing high quality data with state-of-the-art equipment.
The board also approved renaming the SIUE SimmonsCooper Baseball Complex as the Simmons Baseball Complex. The complex is located along New Poag Road, just west of Bluff Road on the west side of campus. All costs associated with removal of old signs and their replacement will be covered by non-university and non-state funds.
Civil Engineering Teams Perform Well At Regional Competition
The SIUE American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Student Chapter met with and competed against several other top Midwest university ASCE student chapters at the 2011 ASCE Midcontinent Regional Conference April 28-30, hosted by Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan. Activities at the annual conference include several competitions and presentations for students to exhibit their engineering projects and competitive spirit.
The Steel Bridge team came home with three awards - First Place for Display and Aesthetics and Third Place for Stiffness. Team Captains were Jack Deeken, Tyler Whitney, Evan Taylor. Team members included Jacob Allen, Jessica Eichhorst, Ray Reynolds, Luke Potthast, Anthony Falkowski, Cody Wolff, Aaron Haverfield, Daniel Woehl, Bryan Bartnik, Gary Whiteside, and Sandy Walter. Special mention goes to Cody Wolff for the outstanding welding job he did, and you can see the bridge on display in the atrium. There were 12 teams competing this year.
The Concrete Canoe team came in 4th place overall but also brought back several awards - First Place for Men's Sprint and Women's Sprint races; Second Place for Co-ed, Women's Endurance and Men's Endurance races; Third Place for Design Paper. Team Captains were Jared Deimel and Blake Wilson. Team members included Jessica Eichhorst, Sandy Walter, Melissa Strzelczyk, Jared Boeser, Will Peabody, Michael Voigts, David Dixon, Kate Sodam, Joe Fehrenbacher, Matt Combes and Brad Ripley The boat still looks great and is on display in the atrium.
Jessica Eichhorst won First Place for her technical paper, "Ethics and the ASCE Report Card for America's Infrastructure". There were 12 entries this year. Melissa Strzelczyk, Sandra Walter and Jessica Eichhorst received the Second Place Award for the Mystery Event (making a balloon boat that had to travel a certain distance and hold a load).
For more information, contact Brent Vaughn, SIUE ASCE Student Chapter Faculty Advisor: bvaughn@siue.edu.
SIUE Receives "Plant of the Year" For Wastewater Treatment
SIUE treatment plant staff Rick Lallish, Kurt Neuhaus, and Kim Bateman receive the trophy for "Plant of the Year" at the Illinois Association of Water Pollution Control Operators annual awards banquet on April 20th.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has received recognition for water pollution control from the Illinois Association of Water Pollution Control Operators (IAWPCO). At its Annual Awards Banquet last month, the IAWPCO selected the SIUE wastewater treatment plant as Plant of the Year in its class. The Regional Office of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency nominated the plant last fall.
The plant is run by SIUE's Office of Facilities Management and is overseen by Rick Lallish and Kim Bateman, instructors at the Environmental Recourses Training Center of the School of Engineering. The SIUE wastewater plant is classified as a Class II facility because it treats less than one-million gallons daily.
Out of 200 other Class II plants competing for the IAWPCO award, the selection committee, which consisted of water pollution control professionals, chose the wastewater plant at SIUE as the top Class II facility. The committee credited the SIUE plant for being well maintained and having highly qualified personnel, as well as for the intricacy of its operations
Lallish, Bateman and Kurt Neuhaus, another member of the operations team, accepted the three-foot tall IAWPCO trophy during the banquet ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Ballroom in Springfield.
In the spirit
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's commencement takes place this weekend and even the Cougar in the Stratton Quadrangle is getting in the spirit of things-with a little help from his friends. In the photo, SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift and graduating Past Student Body President Brandon Rahn use ladders to help the Cougar don the traditional mortar board and tassel in honor of May 6-7 commencement, during which more than 1,800 students will be eligible to graduate as the SIUE Class of 2011 . (SIUE Photo by Bill Brinson)
SON Alumna Receives ICCTA Outstanding Faculty Award Nomination
Jodene Scheller, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing alumna, was selected as Lewis and Clark Community College's nominee for the 2011 Illinois Community College Trustees Association Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member Award. Scheller, a professor of nursing, graduated in 1991 with a master of science in nursing.
Scheller has been a nurse educator at L&C for 17 years. Known as an innovative and dedicated instructor, Scheller uses creative methods in teaching nursing curriculum to her students.
The ICCTA award recognizes the highest achievement of Illinois' community college full-time instructors. The award is given annually to an outstanding faculty member who has demonstrated excellence and innovation, commitment and an eagerness to keep pace with current theories and practices in their field. Each college is allowed one nomination; the winner will be announced at ICCTA's awards banquet in Bloomington on June 3.
Benefits Fair Includes Chancellor's Annual Health Walk
Benefit: The Annual SIUE Benefits and Fitness Fair took place recently at which participants had opportunities to assess their health coverages through the university, as well as assess their own health in general. The SIUE fair is held each year in conjunction with the Chancellor's Health Walk and the Staff Senate BBQ. In the photo, SIUE Chancellor leads the pack as the group walks through The Gardens at SIUE. (SIUE Photo by Denise Macdonald)
SIUE Campus Rec Seeking Memberships For Cougar Lake Pool
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Office of Campus Recreation is now offering 2011 Outdoor Pool memberships-both individual and family-for Cougar Lake Pool, located just off University Drive. The Cougar Lake Pool opens at noon Friday, May 27.
Membership applications are available and must be completed at the SIUE Student Fitness Center, adjacent to the Vadalabene Center just off Circle Drive. Applicants-who wish to qualify for alumni, faculty or staff discounts-must bring proof of SIUE affiliation and/or SIUE Alumni Association cards.
Season membership ranges from $130 for an adult pass for the general public to $91 for alumni who are not members of the Alumni Association and $71 for Alumni Association Members. General public individual daily tickets are $7, while Alumni Association members pay $6; SIUE alumni without an alumni association membership pay $7.
For other membership fees for children and for rates for swimming lessons, visit the SIUE Campus Recreation website: siue.edu/crec/aquatics/clp.shtml. The site also contains information about parking rates in Parking Lot 10-$20 for the season for pool members; daily visitors, $2.
SIUE Team Ties For Second For ACG Cup St. Louis Case Competition
At a recent Association for Corporate Growth event, a group of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business students tied for second place for its efforts in the Interuniversity Cup competition.
"It was a great learning experience for our students," said SIUE Professor of Economics and Finance Rakesh Bharati. "Further it gave the students a valuable opportunity to showcase their analytical skills in front of industry veterans."
Organized to provide business students with mergers and acquisitions, investment banking, financial advisory and private equity experience, as well as valuable real-world insights, the case study opportunity allows those within the competition the chance to interact and work with professionals from within the ACG community. The competition involves a series of intra-school and regional competitions, with regional winners awarded the ACG Cup title and cash awards.
A team of graduate students from the Washington University in St. Louis Olin Business School took first prize, with teams from the SIUE School of Business and the University of Missouri-St. Louis tying for second place. The schools took part in a weeklong competition that involved critical thinking and problem-solving skills assessments, as well as two rounds of case analysis. Through the case analyses, the teams were able to present their own valuations, capital markets and strategic advice to a panel of professionals.
The SIUE team took a $1,500 cash prize and ACG memberships. According to the ACG website, the organization, which turned 25 last year, is a global community for middle-market mergers and acquisitions, dealmakers and business leaders focused on driving growth. The site continued that ACG members have access to data, content and networking opportunities to find the opportunities, capital and knowledge they need to drive and sustain corporate growth. It is supported by such corporations as Gallop, Johnson & Neuman; UHY Advisors; and PNC Bank. ACG Cup Competitions were held across the country this spring, involving students from more than 100 business schools.
SIUE AMA Chapter Is Enterprise Student Organization Of The Year
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Marketing Association (AMA) was recently honored with the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation Student Organization of the Year Award for the 2010-2011 school year. According to its mission, the AMA provides an environment in which students "can strengthen current marketing skills, develop additional business skills, and gain valuable experience that will help them succeed in the business world after leaving SIUE."
The Enterprise award is given annually to an SIUE School of Business student organization whose activities best support the organization's mission and stated goals. Each competing organization also must demonstrate how its membership serves the organization and how the organization serves its stakeholders.
SIUE Management and Marketing Edmund Hershberger, advisor to the AMA student chapter, said the students are honored to be selected as the Enterprise Student Organization of the Year for the fourth consecutive year. "The students, led by President Sarah Parkinson and President-Elect John Honnen, work very hard each year to achieve the organization's mission, which is to "enrich students' lives through the power of marketing," Hirshberger said.
"We are very grateful to Enterprise for supporting School of Business organizations, and look forward to continuing our successful partnership next year."
According to its application for the award, the AMA organization experienced significant member growth this year … "due to our excellent programming and activities. We strive to incorporate new activities each semester and provide value to our members. This can be seen though our participation in the AMA Marketing Competition, (the) AMA Exhibit and (the) AMA Sabre competition at the end of March." The group also plans a Trivia Night each year that involves marketing and sales activities that were student run, "resulting in an excellent professional development opportunity."
The application also pointed out that the AMA's Holiday Card Scholarship was another opportunity for members to tackle planning and marketing activities independently. The award carries with it a $2,500 stipend; in addition, the AMA was recognized at the School's annual awards ceremony in April, which recognized business students and organizations that have won various awards and scholarships.
The SIUE School of Business is among an elite 5 percent of business schools worldwide that have earned prestigious accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB). The accounting program at SIUE also has AACSB accreditation, and SIUE is among only about 1 percent of business schools in the United States and Canada to hold both distinctions.
Changes
Personnel
- Venessa Brown, assistant provost for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion and professor of social work, was named associate provost and executive director of the East St. Louis Center for Pre-College programs effective Jan. 1.
- Jamie Lynn Conklin joined the University Jan. 18 as one of the two science and health sciences librarians at Lovejoy Library.
- Gireesh Gupchup, acting dean of the School of Pharmacy, was named dean of the School effective April 1.
- Roger Maclean, executive director of Educational Outreach, left the University Jan. 21 to accept a position elsewhere.
- Cyril Pandarakalam joined the University Dec. 20 as an assistant professor of applied dental medicine.
- Susan Seibert, acting director of the Career Development Center, was named director of the center Jan. 21.
Retirements
- William Lawler, clinical associate professor of restorative dentistry, effective Jan. 31 after seven years of service.
- Linda Carlisle, acting associate dean of Library and Information Services, effective April 30 after 25 years of service.
April 2011
Gov. Quinn Reappoints Wiley, Names Three New Trustees
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has made three new appointments to the Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees and has reappointed current SIU Trustee Marquita Wiley. Coupled with last month's appointment of Donna Manering of Makanda, the board is now at full membership.
The recent appointments include:
• Marquita Wiley, of Belleville, reappointed to a term that expires Jan. 19, 2015. Wiley, who has served as a trustee since 2005, is a business executive with 30 years experience in the financial services industry. She is president of Trenier Enterprises L.L.C. Her career includes serving as vice president for new technology development for Citicorp; senior vice president for product development at Boatman's Bank; and senior vice president and central region executive for Bank of America's Premier Banking organization.
• Dr. Roger Herrin, of Harrisburg, who will serve a term that ends Jan. 16, 2017. Herrin replaces William Bonan II. Herrin is president of RDK Management Services, which owns and manages three long-term care facilities in Southern Illinois. He is past chairman of ComBank Inc., a banking corporation that owns and operates seven community banks under the name of Community National Bank. He currently serves on the board of the Illinois Finance Authority and formerly served on the Illinois Health Care Reform Task Force, and was a board member of the former Illinois Health Facilities Authority. He is retired from the practice of surgical podiatry and sports medicine.
• Mark Hinrichs, of O'Fallon, who will serve a term that expires Jan. 21, 2013. Hinrichs fills the remainder of the term of the late Keith Sanders. He holds a bachelor of science from the former School of Technical Careers at SIUC and is owner of Impact Strategies, a commercial and retail construction company based in Fairview Heights.
• Donald Lowery, of Golconda, who will serve a term that expires Jan. 19, 2015. Lowery fills the vacancy created by the resignation of former SIU Board Chair Roger Tedrick. Lowery is a former Massac County state's attorney and is a retired judge of the Illinois First Judicial Circuit. He earned a bachelor of science in economics at SIUC and a law degree at the SIU School of Law.
The new appointees will join current trustees Ed Hightower, Donna Manering, John Simmons as well as student trustees Jeff Harrison and Alex Vansaghi. The appointments are effective today and require Illinois Senate confirmation.
"The Other 40" Showcases Business Talent At SIUE
Because it has been reported that roughly 60 percent of business enterprises fail, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's School of Business and the Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization (CEO) joined forces to introduce "The Other 40," a showcase of student talent and enterprise to promote business success.
The competition was created to promote student entrepreneurship and innovation by providing individuals with the resources, skills and incentives required to launch businesses from initiation to incorporation. More than $10,000 in cash and support was awarded to the top three students and/or student groups based on innovation, achievement and growth potential.
Winners of the first "The Other 40" competition included:
• $5,000 for first place-Eric Trey Garrison, a junior business major, for the e-Scene.
Garrison described his business idea as "a safe, affordable, non-alcoholic facility targeted toward students and young adults," tasked with bringing "a high quality music venue to engage Edwardsville and the surrounding area" with local and national musical acts.
• $2,500 for second place-Brian Derrow, Cory Akers and Taylor Hook, all senior
Engineering majors, for their idea for a Virtual Reality Bicycle Application company bringing virtual reality concepts to the home or gym. The project was described as "a startup company with a working prototype of a bicycle adaptation kit that allows users full control of Google Earth, while pedaling and steering." Users can enjoy the virtual experience of cycling through the Grand Canyon or the mountains from the comfort of their living room or the local fitness center.
• $1,000 for third place-Paulo Gonzalez, a senior business major, for his company, Tech
Language, which provides custom language learning programs through what his business plan described as "personal language coaches with the portability of the internet." He explained, "Tech Language strives to transform the language learning process by giving each client a custom coach to provide assistance and mentorship every step of the way."
Each of the winning ideas was awarded a professional service support package in addition to their cash prize.
Members of CEO consulted with SIUE School of Business leadership to organize the competition. Within six months of the birth of the idea for "The Other 40," the group established the competition, secured the prizes and professional service support, and brought the project to life.
"I'm very proud of them," said Tim Schoenecker, CEO's faculty advisor and an associate professor of management and marketing. "The leadership team worked very hard to get this competition up and running. The goal is to repeat this competition in the future."
Schoenecker said the ideas that took the top prizes were the furthest along in the business development process, or, the closest to becoming a reality.
More than 30 ideas were submitted for consideration. Participants in the program took part in a series of entrepreneurship workshops aimed at helping them build the skills they would need to succeed in the competition, as well as in later business pursuits. The students then were required to submit a one-page executive summary outlining their business plan. Those selected based on the one-page executive summary were asked to submit a full business plan. After that, the finalists were chosen to make a "pitch," presenting their idea in less than three minutes before a panel.
SIUE Focused Interest Communities Enhance College Experience
For more than 500 students on the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus, living in a Focused Interest Community (FIC) means having access to valuable mentors and cultivating strong connections with like-minded students on a daily basis.
Almost a decade has passed since the first FIC was established at SIUE, and Assistant Director of Residence Life for Residential Education Vicky Dean said in many ways the communities have helped shape students' futures and direct their careers. "Research has shown that higher retention rates, higher grade point averages and lower risk of academic withdrawal all have been associated with participation in learning communities," she said, citing information from the Journal of College Student Development.
Currently there are FICs in nursing and health professionals programs, such as pre-dental, pre-pharmacy and pre-medical; education; engineering and technology; business; enterprise; psychology; Sustainability in Society (SIS), Future Leaders and Scholars for honors students. There also is an international student community; a Sophomore Year Experience community open to sophomores getting acclimated to campus and hoping to pursue leadership and career development opportunities; and Eco-House, which works with The Gardens at SIUE on sustainability initiatives. The groups of students reside in the same buildings and often take the same classes as program requirements. Living in the same neighborhood makes it more convenient for students to study together and share information.
"Overall, the FICs meet the students' needs in developing social connections, adjustment to college life and connection to college resources, whether that be in the area of course work or out-of-class work," Dean said.
There are 26 faculty and staff members at SIUE acting as mentors and leaders for the FICs. Lecturer Kristine Jarden from the SIUE School of Business works closely with the group of students comprising Cougar Enterprises; one of the newest FICs on campus. With eight members in its first year, the entrepreneurship group took part in a number of regional and state competitions, collaborated on projects and worked to build the businesses of their dreams.
"We met often and worked on our businesses," Jarden said. "There was a lot of brainstorming and networking involved."
Jarden said applications already have been coming in for the fall cohort of the Enterprises FIC, with students from a variety of majors, from business to engineering. "All majors are accepted," she said. "There has been a lot more interest in entrepreneurship and I think the economy has a little to do with that."
The students used a special study lounge and resource center to work on homework and business ideas in privacy, allowing them to capitalize on their creativity, Jarden said. The class focused on building the basics of starting a business enterprise, from deciding if a business idea is feasible to writing a business plan.
FICs are located in Cougar Village-the University's campus apartment housing-as well as in the campus residence halls. Those interested in living in a FIC are encouraged to submit applications to University Housing by May 1 for fall placement. For more information, or for an application, visit siue.edu/housing/fic/index.shtml.
2010-11 Housing Faculty Fellows Recognized
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Housing Faculty Fellows program provides residents a unique opportunity to get to know faculty members on a more personal level. The Faculty Fellows program is a collaborative effort between the Office of the Provost, the Office of Student Affairs and University Housing. Twenty-six faculty members from various disciplines served this academic year as Faculty Fellows to the 3,500 on-campus residents.
Members of the Faculty Fellows include Kathryn Bentley, Joaquin Florido Berrocal, Cory Byers, Dennis Bouvier, Danice Brown, Paul Brunkow, McKenzie Ferguson, Denise DeGarmo, Cristina DeMeo, Anthony Denkyirah, Katie Durbin, Rick Essner, Tom Foster, Jenni Hunt, Kristine Jarden, Jessica Krim, Faith Liebl, Min Liu, Darron Luesse, Thad Meeks, Sorin Nastasia, Sheila Pietroburgo, Ann Popkess, Jennifer Rehg, Carolina Rocha and Melodie Rowbotham.
members of the Faculty Fellows and their contributions to the program are diverse. Faculty Fellows have hosted trips to the Science Center, the Nursing Simulation Lab, promoted flu shots on campus, provided study breaks, presented business plans, and attended a variety of community meetings and campus programs with residents. In fact, Faculty Fellows were in attendance at more than 100 events with University Housing residents this year.
Jennifer Rehg, assistant professor and Faculty Fellow from the Department of Anthropology says "The Faculty Fellow program reminds students and faculty that we are people outside of those roles, and also provides opportunities to demonstrate that learning does not just happen in the classroom."
Each Faculty Fellow volunteers time and energy in order to enhance efforts to bridge learning both in and out of the traditional classroom setting. Faculty Fellows work both Focused Interest Communities (FICs) and the general Housing population, both freshmen and upperclassmen.
For questions regarding the Faculty Fellow program, please contact Vicky Dean, assistant director of Residential Education, (618) 650-5296, or by e-mail: vdean@siue.edu.
SIUE Business Students Organize Service Project In Belleville
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business students recently took part in a service project at Our Lady of the Snows Retirement Community in Belleville. Andrew Foster, Jeffry Harrison and Kaylee Krischel coordinated the event, while students provided a brief presentation that covered basics such as how to safely turn on a computer, basic computer functions, how to open the Internet, and how to use Google and e-mail.
Following the presentation, students had one-on-one breakout sessions with the participants to help answer more specific problems. "The breakout sessions are very helpful because of the varying of skill levels of the participants," said Doug Bock, professor of computer management information systems and chair of that department.
The SIUE students who organized the event are a part of the Homer L. and Helen L. Cox Scholars Program, an endowed fund that provides students with financial assistance and unique educational opportunities designed to enhance academic and creative potential. "This scholarship provides students like ourselves the opportunity to receive financial assistance while helping others in the community. I enjoyed working with residents and hope that they find their newfound computer skills useful," Harrison said.
SIUE Engineering Team Highly Ranked In International Competition
The SIUE student chapter of the American Concrete Institute (ACI) made a solid finish in the recent Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites Competition, placing fourth in the international competition.
On April 3, the SIUE team made an impressive showing amongst competitors from as far away as Canada, Mexico, Turkey and Puerto Rico at the ACI 2011 Spring Convention in Tampa, FL. Individual teams designed and created a fiber reinforced polymer-concrete composite beam or arch structure that sustained great strength and was also cost effective. Anne Werner, assistant professor of construction management and faculty advisor of the SIUE ACI chapter, believed the team thrived in achieving these goals. "There were 31 teams competing at the Spring Convention so it was a very challenging environment. A fourth place finish for SIUE is outstanding given the level of competition," Werner said.
"After all of the hours and days in the lab, the team earned this placing," added Cordt Hicke, president of the SIUE ACI chapter. "Although we did extremely well, we look forward to raising the bar. This is just a step in the right direction for us and we will take that step vigorously. We are looking forward to the next competition in the fall."
SIUE Prepares To Celebrate Earth Week 2011
The National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the Student Organization for Sustainability are joining forces to celebrate Earth Week 2011 on the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus April 25-29.
A series of activities are planned in the Morris University Center Goshen Lounge, including a display of SIUE's sustainability efforts from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Monday, a panel of faculty, staff and students on the importance of sustainability education from 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, and information about local businesses and their sustainability efforts featured from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday.
A local Bluegrass band, Cumberland Gap, will perform in the Quad from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday in celebration of the week, with a day of planting in The Gardens at SIUE on Friday, Arbor Day, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. to conclude events. Those taking part in the planting event are required to register in advance through the Kimmel Leadership Center and are asked to wear work clothes, sturdy shoes and gloves. The group will meet in the Goshen Lounge.
For more information about the Arbor Day event, contact mmathen@siue.edu.
For more information about the other activities planned for the week, contact nscs.siue@gmail.com or siuesos@gmail.com.
NRHH Awards Go To Members Of SIUE Housing Staff
Various members of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Housing staff were awarded regional National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) "Of the Month" (OTM) Awards for March.
The Prairie Hall Resident Assistant (RA) staff was named the regional NRHH Organization of the Month and the St. Baldrick's Fundsraiser-sponsored by the Prairie Hall staff-was awarded the NRHH Community Service Program Of the Month. After being recognized locally, each nomination was submitted regionally. The region includes campus winners from Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio. The NRHH is the recognition branch of the National Association of College and University Residence Halls. NRHH supports monthly recognition of student staff, programs, professional staff, faculty and more through OTM Awards.
Prairie Hall RA Kolby Spiker nominated the Prairie Hall RA staff for the Organization OTM award. The staff sponsored two large events in the month of March-the St. Baldrick's Fundraiser, an event to raise funds and awareness for the fight against childhood cancer, and the Prairie Shore Boardwalk, a social program providing more than 150 residents with a chance to build community and socialize in a safe setting.
Spiker said the RAs deserves the praise. "This group put in countless hours of planning, execution, and evaluation of the programs held in the month of March," Spiker said. "Their teamwork and support for one another continuously provides a quality environment for residents. The impact on residents, housing community, and the SIUE community made by the Prairie Hall RA staff was outstanding and deserves due recognition."
The St. Baldrick's event was recognized as the regional Community Service program Of the Month. The program was nominated by Prairie Hall RA Lindsey Barry. "This successful program was initiated by group of Prairie Hall RAs and executed campus wide," Barry said. "Nearly $4,000 was raised by a number of students, staff, and faculty. A participant commented that, 'St. Baldrick's was such a moving experience.' It was great to see so many students sacrifice and participate in an impactful program."
NRHH Adviser Cathy Passananti said all OTMs are voted on at each nominating campus. "Winning awards on each campus are then submitted to a regional board where they are voted on once again. Regional winners are few and far between and have the great honor of national submission," Passananti said. "Nominations are a testament to the quality of work coming from SIUE's campus and University Housing."
For more information about NRHH and OTMs, please contact Passananti, cpassan@siue.edu, or by phone, (618) 650-4652.
SIUE Journalism Alumna Wins 2011 Pulitzer Prize For Investigative Work
A Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumna and investigative reporter at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune newspaper took the coveted 2011 Pulitzer Prize for her investigative work focusing on Florida's $10 billion property-insurance system for homeowners.
Paige St. John, the reporter who took the top prize, graduated from SIUE in 1986 with big dreams and a bachelor of science in mass communications. On Monday she was named the 2011 Pulitzer Prize winner for investigative journalism; the highest mark of prestige and excellence in U.S. journalism.
With the Herald-Tribune since 2008, St. John also has covered Florida politics, the environment and natural disasters; a stint as the statehouse bureau chief for Gannett News Service, an environmental reporter for The Detroit News, and Traverse City, Mich. correspondent for the Associated Press.
The Sarasota newspaper's website stated: "A product of what was once the nation's smallest accredited journalism program (Southern Illinois University Edwardsville), St. John continues the school's tradition of multi-faceted journalism." The Pulitzer Prize website cited St. John's special use of database-driven projects, graphics, websites and narrative writing, as well as investigative journalism. SIUE's Department of Mass Communications includes four program tracks, including print and electronic journalism, television and radio, media advertising, and corporate and institutional media. All tracks are accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.
For more information, visit: http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20110418/BREAKING/110419506/2416/NEWS?p=1&tc=pg
Roundtable Set For East St. Louis Higher Education Campus
The St. Louis Metropolitan Research Exchange (STLMRE) Brown Bag Speaker Series will present a roundtable discussion for The Making of an All America City: East St. Louis at 150 from noon-1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Higher Education Campus, Building D auditorium.
Mark Abbott, professor of history at Harris-Stowe State University and the book's author, as well as contributors Debra Moore, executive director of the St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Department, Joseph Galloy, cultural resource archaeologist and Andrew Hurley, professor and chairperson of the University of Missouri St. Louis Department of History will join in a roundtable discussion on the newly edited volume.
A limited number of books will be available for review at the event and orders can be placed. Those planning to attend must bring their own lunches.
The STLMRE is sponsoring the event. Free parking will be available in visitor lot E2.
SIUE Enters Formal Agreement With L&C; Benefits Transfer Students
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey have teamed to make a four-year degree more attainable for a larger number of individuals across the region.
In line with its mission to provide area residents with access to a four-year degree, SIUE entered a formal agreement recently with L&C that will open doors to opportunity for students admitted to Lewis and Clark for fall semester.
The Dual Admission/Partnership Agreement with Lewis and Clark allows students at the onset of their collegiate careers to immediately begin working directly with advisors and staff at both campuses to ensure a well-planned transition between the two institutions, following the completion of a two-year associates' degree program at L&C.
"Our goal was to create a seamless process for Lewis and Clark Community College students to complete a baccalaureate program at SIUE," said the University's Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift. "Hundreds of 'Trailblazers' make the decision to become Cougars each year. They have been a big part of this community for many years. This agreement is just one example of how our continuing partnership with Lewis and Clark is growing to benefit students from the region.
"This program is targeted specifically toward students who know now that they will be earning degrees from both Lewis and Clark and SIUE over the next few years," Vandegrift said. "They are a pragmatic and hardworking group. We want to exceed their expectations by not only admitting them early in the process but by providing them with the services and guidance they will need to succeed and enter the region's workforce prepared to lead."
Lewis and Clark President Dale Chapman said geography plays a big part in determining where Lewis and Clark students transfer. "So, a large percentage of Lewis and Clark students transfer on to SIUE to complete their bachelor's degree already," he said. "Having this agreement in place will surely make that transition for our growing student population a seamless process.
"Having access to an SIUE advisor as a freshman at Lewis and Clark will help ensure that students are on the right paths early on in their educational careers," Chapman added, "which will increase their chances of successfully completing their bachelor's degree. We are pleased in these economically challenging times to offer this new dual admission opportunity for our district students, which is now the most economical bachelor's degree option for students in our district."
Scott Belobrajdic, SIUE's assistant vice chancellor for enrollment management, said the agreement further strengthens the collaboration among academic leadership at both institutions. "This new agreement is an important step to formalize a smoother transition for students who intend to earn an associate's degree from Lewis and Clark and a bachelor's from SIUE," Belobrajdic said.
He added, "We hope this formalized agreement will allow students to see their academic paths very clearly. When they finish their associate's degree at Lewis and Clark, they already will be able to see themselves as juniors at SIUE and soon will be graduates of both institutions."
Green Energy Ready To Beam Through SIUE's ERTC
The SIUE School of Engineering's Environmental Resources Training Center (ERTC) is ready to beam with 'green' energy. The ERTC recently completed the installation of its alternative energy project consisting of a 120-foot wind turbine and 140 photovoltaic (solar) panels.
Both features are anticipated to annually generate up to 40 percent of the electricity to operate the Center's training-scale wastewater and drinking water treatment plants, laboratories and research offices. The ERTC is the training center for water and wastewater treatment operators for the state of Illinois. The operators trained at the ERTC are responsible for providing the University and surrounding area with clean water that is safe to drink and use for sanitary purposes. In achieving this purpose, ERTC Director Paul Shetley said center staff members were eager to implement resource conservation techniques that pulled from what nature freely offers-wind and sunlight.
Shetley added, "As our world changes and time goes on, the importance of finding alternative, affordable energy resources is huge," and the ERTC is doing just that with this green initiative.
Shetley said the wind turbine and solar panels, funded by the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICECF) and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, will not only offer electrical power but will empower minds. School of Engineering and ERTC students will receive firsthand instruction on how the new, greener, energy sources power the building, as well accomplish research that is conducted at the ERTC.
The ERTC offers courses to students interested in careers in water pollution control management, as well as refresher courses for current plant operators.
SIUE Prepares To Showcase Best of Senior Assignment
Research studies by undergraduates at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville-ranging from analysis of health literacy to creation of a virtual bicycling tour reaching "anywhere" in the world-will be highlighted at poster and display presentations, as well as multi-media presentations, from 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, as part of the annual Senior Assignment and Senior Standout Showcase. The event is open to the public.
The presentations-scheduled in the Conference Center and the Mississippi-Illinois Room on the second floor of SIUE's Morris University Center-will be made by more than 100 students from more than 25 undergraduate majors, representing the top senior assignment projects. At SIUE, the senior assignment program is required curriculum for all seniors to demonstrate their degree of general education knowledge, as well as knowledge within their disciplines prior to graduation.
After the presentations, outstanding senior assignment and senior standout recipients will be recognized at an award ceremony and reception in Meridian Ballroom on the first floor of the Morris Center.
SIUE has been featured in U.S.News & World Report among the nation's top schools, including Brown, Princeton and Stanford for six consecutive years for its Senior Assignment program. The program at SIUE also has been recognized by the Association of American Colleges and Universities as a model of a capstone undergraduate experience for the nation's institutions of higher learning.
SIUE Student Research Showcases SIUE Nature Preserve
Twelve students and seven faculty members from the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville departments of Biological Sciences, Anthropology and Geography recently showcased their research from the new SIUE Nature Preserve at the 103rd Annual Conference of the Illinois State Academy of Sciences (ISAS).
The conference took place at Eastern Illinois University, Charleston and featured universities from across the state. Posters and oral presentations by SIUE undergraduates, graduate students and faculty reported research providing valuable new information that will contribute to the effective management of the SIUE Nature Preserve.
The Preserve, which covers 380 acres, includes Sweet William Woods, Whiteside Prairie and a corridor extending north along the bluff line, which provides ecological connectivity with Bohm Woods State Nature Preserve, adjacent to campus. Bohm Woods, managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, is considered the best remaining example of mature oak-hickory forest in the region.
Student research at the conference covered a wide range of topics in ecology, conservation biology and anthropology. Ben McGuire, a graduate student in the College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, was awarded third prize in the Botany section during the conference for his poster on the effectiveness of metal tree guards in reducing the impact of deer damage to planted trees in forest restoration sites. The results of his master's project with Associate Professor Peter Minchin in the Department of Biological Sciences will have direct application in planning the reforestation of areas within the SIUE Nature Preserve's bluff corridor.
Several students presented work as part of their senior assignment projects.
Johanna Guthrie, a senior anthropology and biological sciences double major, won third prize in the Botany oral section for a report based on her Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Senior Assignment project presentation, which was conducted under the guidance of Associate Professor Julie Holt, chair of the Department of Anthropology, Assistant Professor of Anthropology Gregory Vogel, and Professor of Biological Sciences Richard Brugam. Guthrie's research, titled "Evolution of Horticultural and Agricultural Practices among Hopewellian Native Americans," focused on plant remains from the Gehring archaeological site on SIUE campus on the Mississippi floodplain.
"The range of excellent presentations by SIUE students and faculty at the ISAS conference last week clearly shows how the SIUE Nature Preserve provides outstanding opportunities for high-quality research that not only contribute to basic knowledge, but can also inform management of this valuable new addition to the region's conservation reserve network," Minchin said.
BOT Finalizes Contracts For $1.8M Window Replacements At Peck
The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today finalized the awarding of $1,832,618 in contracts to two Illinois companies to replace the windows in SIU Edwardsville's John Mason Peck Hall. Funding for the work will come from student Facilities Maintenance Fee revenues. In other business, the board gave project and budget approval to proposed replacement of windows at Rendleman Hall, for a proposed budget of $3.3 million. The project also will be funded through revenues from the student Facilities Maintenance Fee.
Planning approval for the Peck Hall project was given by the board at its September 2009 meeting. The window replacement projects are aimed at improving each building's energy efficiency and comfort. Replacement window projects for Founders and Alumni halls will take place when additional funding becomes available.
A $1,779,000 contract was awarded to Poettker Construction of Breese for general contracting for the Peck Hall project, while a $53,618 contract was awarded to Camp Electric and Heating Inc. of Alton for electrical work. The window replacement projects are aimed at improving the buildings' energy efficiency and comfort. The original approved project budget was $2.8 million for the Peck Hall project.
Under the Rendleman window replacement project, Ittner Architects will design the project in accordance with the Campus Design Guidelines. An architect, independent of the consulting architect, will provide design and document review of the plans and specifications on behalf of the Board before the bidding process begins.
The board also today approved a 10-year, $25,750,000 agreement with Pepsi Beverages Co. to purchase Pepsi soft drink products for resale at the Edwardsville, East St. Louis and Alton campuses. Each year of the contract, SIUE will purchase approximately $2,575,000 of Pepsi products and will be funded through sale of the product.
Planning approval was given at the meeting for a proposal to replace the nearly 20-year-old rubberized track at Korte Stadium. The track has aged because of exposure to the sun and weather. The SIUE offices of Intercollegiate Athletics and Facilities Management have been monitoring the condition of the track and recommend that the track be resurfaced during the next fiscal year. Further board action will be necessary to approve the project and its budget.
In another matter, the board gave project and budget approval to construct an indoor practice facility for the SIUE softball program at the Edwardsville campus. The project would include the construction of a 12,100 square foot building with batting cages and infield practice space. The estimated cost of the project is $980,000 and would be funded through University Plant funds and private contributions.
Board members also gave project and budget approval to renovate the Pizza Hut/Taco Bell locations on the lower level of SIUE's Morris University Center. The cost of the project is estimated to be $550,000 and will be funded through the Morris Center Repair, Replacement, and Reserve Fund.
This project would expand Pizza Hut and Taco Bell to offer new product lines to students and incorporate new re-branding components as required by the license agreement. The project also will expand storage facilities and enhance the rear work area to improve efficiency and increase safety with improved circulation and equipment locations.
BOT Awards $332,225 In Contracts For Creation Of Business Center
The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today awarded $332,225 in contracts to two Illinois companies to renovate 3,700 square feet in SIUE's Founders Hall for the new School of Business Cougar Business Resource Center (CBRC). Funding for the work will come from private contributions and University construction funds. The project, which was given planning and budget approval in December by the board, will include new online learning technologies, space for students to practice presentations, communication technology for students to interact with faculty and teammates regardless of location.
The center also will be home to the Executive in Residence program, developed as a mentoring/coaching program for students and faculty to take advantage of the experience of business professionals. In addition, the CBRC will include shared office space for School of Business student organizations.
The contracts were awarded to:
• Korte & Luitjohan Construction in Highland; $238,799 for general contracting
• Rakers Electric in Aviston, $93,525 for electrical work.
The original approved project budget was $600,000 for the Founders Hall project.
BOT Considers Alternative Tuition Rate For DNP For AY11-12
Under a proposal considered today by the Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees, students enrolled in the new Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program through the SIU Edwardsville School of Nursing would pay $650 per credit hour. The new rate would be in effect for fall and apply to Illinois residents and out-of-state residents.
In related business, the board also considered two other alternate tuition change proposals that would mean lower tuition rates for high-achieving international students and new tuition rates for non-resident students who are participating in the dual diploma program with the Istanbul Technical University (ITU) in Turkey. That program is conducted by the SIUE School of Engineering.
All three proposals will be up for final approval at the board's May 12 meeting to be conducted at SIUE.
The DNP tuition proposal would make SIUE's primarily on-line program the least expensive of four of its five nearest program competitors. The DNP degree is the preferred advanced practice degree in nursing rather than the master of science in nursing. This change is in response to the occupational demand from the nursing profession that by 2015 MSN degrees be replaced by DNP degrees.
For the first three years of the DNP program, the School will admit post-masters students only; thereafter post-baccalaureate students will be admitted as well. DNP enrollment will be stabilized at 200 students, which is consistent with current graduate enrollment numbers.
Under a rate change proposal for high-achieving international students, such students would pay 1.2 times the in-state tuition rate. Current international students are paying 2.5 times the in-state rate. The new proposed rate structure is part of an enhanced international undergraduate recruitment initiative to increase enrollment of talented international students to promote global awareness and a campus climate of academic excellence for all students.
The third proposal considered today by the board would establish a tuition rate of $7,050 per semester for engineering students in the ITU dual diploma program, about 33-percent lower than the regular out-of-state rate. ITU dual diploma students are now paying $5,794 per semester. The program brings talented students from ITU to study at SIUE. This program also assists the Republic of Turkey expand its capacity to deliver higher education to its citizens, and enriches the global diversity of the students at SIUE. The initial program under this collaboration is a bachelor's in industrial engineering.
SIUE Fee, Rental Rate Change Considered By SIU Board Of Trustees
The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today considered fee-related changes that will affect the SIU Edwardsville campus, including changes in the student fees for Information Technology and Intercollegiate Athletics. Other student fee changes considered include those for Housing rental rates, Student Fitness Center, the Student Welfare and Activity (SWAF) fee and the Facilities fee. The changes were considered by the Board at its regular meeting conducted at the SIU School of Medicine in Springfield. The fees will be on the May 12 meeting agenda for final approval.
Other University fees that will not be changed for the 2011-12 Academic Year include the Textbook Rental fee, the Morris University fee, the Campus Housing Activity fee, the School of Nursing Program fee and the Student Success Center fee. If approved by the board in May, a full-time undergraduate student (15 credit hours) would pay an Intercollegiate Athletics fee of $160.85 per semester beginning in the fall, a change from the current rate of $156.20. The proposed increase of $4.65 per semester would support the annual operating expenses associated with an NCAA Division I program and would move the program toward established fund balance targets.
If approved in May by the board, the Information Technology fee would change from $6.55 per credit hour to $6.65, resulting in a full-time undergraduate student paying $199.50 annually (two academic semesters of 15 hours each) compared with $196.50 that is paid currently for two semesters. This fee helps defray the costs of supporting computing resources and networking infrastructure on campus.
Below is a chart of the proposed changes in other student fees:
FY11
|
FY12
|
Change
|
|
o SWAF |
$214.50
|
$219.90
|
+$ 5.40
|
o Student Fitness Ctr. |
$157.60
|
$159.60
|
+$2.00
|
o Facilities Maint. |
$525.00
|
$540.00
|
+$15.00
|
The Board also considered changes in SIUE's housing rental fees for the fall term. Under the proposals, rental rates for a shared room at Woodland, Prairie and Bluff residence halls would be $2,560 per semester compared with the current charge of $2,485. A deluxe single room would cost $10,240 annually compared with $9,940 now. Housing rates at Evergreen Hall would be $5,440 annually for a shared apartment compared with $7,260 for a private apartment or a private suite rate of $5,980 annually. If approved, meal plan fee changes for students in the residence halls would range from $80 more per year for Plan A (most popular) to $110 more annually for Plan B.
Upperclassmen residing in Cougar Village Apartments would pay $3,890 per year for a shared room compared with $3,780 paid currently per year, while a single room would cost $5,780 annually compared with $5,610 now. A deluxe single room would be assessed at $7,780 per year compared with $7,560 per year now.
Families in Cougar Village, now paying $930 per month for a two-bedroom, unfurnished apartment, would pay $960 in the fall and $990 in fall 2012. The same family paying $1,090 per month now for a furnished two-bedroom apartment would pay $1,125 per month in fall and $1,160 in fall 2012. Families in a three-bedroom unfurnished apartment now paying $1,225 per month would pay $1,080 per month in fall and $1,110 in fall 2012; a three-bedroom furnished is now $1,225 per month and would be $1,260 in fall and $1,300 in fall 2012.
SIU Board Of Trustees Considers Proposed SIUE AY11-12 Tuition Rates
The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today considered a proposed tuition plan for the 2011-12 Academic Year at SIU Edwardsville that calls for a $615 increase over last year for in-state undergraduates. A $300 annual increase also was considered today for graduate students at SIUE for the coming fall.
In addition, the board also considered other tuition change proposals that would mean an annual increase for students in the accelerated bachelor studies program (ABSN) in nursing as well as for students in the Schools of Dental Medicine and Pharmacy. The overall tuition proposal was considered during the board's regular meeting conducted on the campus of the SIU School of Medicine in Springfield. The tuition proposals are scheduled for a vote at the May 12 board meeting on the campus of SIUE.
Under the guidelines considered today, the annual tuition rate would be $6,816 for new undergraduate students entering this coming fall. Continuing undergraduate students would pay $5,850 in tuition for AY2011-12, an increase of $622.50 over AY2010-11. Undergraduate students currently in a guaranteed tuition plan would see no increase in their annual tuition rate. Students in the SIUE Graduate School would pay $6,312 in tuition.
The board also considered a $21,250 annual tuition rate for the SIUE School of Pharmacy, a $26,400 annual tuition rate at the SIU School of Dental Medicine and $17,805 over 67 credit hours for the ABSN program. Pharmacy students currently are paying $19,674 annually, while dental students currently are paying $24,910 annually. ABSN students are currently paying $17,286 tuition over 67 hours.
SIUE 2011 Student Employee Of The Year Recognized
Mary Ryan of Granite City was named the 2011 Student Employee of the Year at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for her outstanding commitment to Disability Support Services as an employee for more than two years.
Ryan was recognized during a recent reception to celebrate National Student Employee Week, as designated by the National Student Employment Association, for her role in the office as an accommodations assistant. She was described by her boss, DSS Director Phillip Pownall, as "truly an exemplary person, a knowledgeable student, an honest and practical worker, and someone who will succeed in any endeavor she puts her mind to accomplish."
"Mary came to us with no knowledge of how the office worked, what the laws are concerning the civil liberties of people with disabilities, nor the specialized adaptive equipment necessary to give legal academic accommodations to students with disabilities at SIUE," Pownall said. "In two months, Mary had learned the organizational structure of exam proctoring, application for services, documentation referral, computer entry of sensitive information, test proctoring and alternative text manipulation."
Ryan, a senior in the School of Education, also has worked closely with office staff on DSS policy and procedure updates and provisions.
This year's first and second runners up for the prestigious award were Trisha Revelle of Glen Carbon, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences, and Brittany Groppel of Jerseyville, a junior in the School of Business, respectively.
D. Boyer Is April Employee Of The Month
Congratulations: Donna Boyer, office support specialist in the SIUE School of Pharmacy, is the April recipient of the University's Employee Recognition Award. In the photo, Boyer (second from left) is flanked by William Wuller, director of experiential education and clinical associate professor of pharmacy practice for the School, who supported the nomination as Boyer's supervisor, and Teri Kerr, a clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice and assistant director of experiential education, who nominated Boyer for the award. At far right is Vice Chancellor for Administration Kenn Neher. In addition to the plaque she received, Boyer was awarded a $25 gift certificate to the SIUE Bookstore and two complimentary lunch coupons to the University Restaurant or other Dining Services location. (SIUE Photo by Bill Brinson)
SIUE Engineering Professor 'ExCEEds' In Teaching
Ryan Fries, assistant professor of civil engineering in the SIUE School of Engineering, will receive the prestigious national 2011 ExCEEd New Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award from the American Society of Civil Engineering (ASCE). Fries will accept the honor at an American Society of Engineering Education conference in Vancouver, Canada, on June 28.
"I am very honored to receive the ExCEEd New Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award," said Fries. "I am very thankful for the support from my colleagues and the SIUE School of Engineering toward continually improving my teaching." ExCEEd, an acronym for Excellence in Civil Engineering Education, is an invitation-only, week-long course sponsored by ASCE that teaches civil engineering professors best practices for effective, student-centered instruction. Fries acknowledged, "I gained several useful techniques during the course and reorganized the way I teach many of my classes."
Susan Morgan, professor of civil engineering and chair of that department, shared her excitement for Fries and was delighted that he was selected. "He is well-deserving of this award," said Morgan. "The SIUE Department of Civil Engineering hired Ryan expecting him to be an excellent teacher and colleague, and he has lived up to our expectations." Fries, an expert in transportation systems and safety, joined the School of Engineering in fall 2008.
SIUE Women's Club Basketball Team Wins National Championship
The SIUE Women's Club Basketball team recently won the 2011 National Championship title in the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) by beating Arizona State University 57-38, capping a three-day tournament at the University of Texas at Austin. SIUE's Jenny Bealmear and Georgia Mueller were named All-Americans in the finals. The SIUE club team beat the University of Virginia 47-37 in the semifinals before heading to the final championship game.
The national championship win follows the team's state championship win over Northwestern University in March at the NIRSA Illinois state tournament at the University of Illinois in Chicago. SIUE also won the regional championship at Kansas University earlier this year, which qualified the team to compete at the national tournament.
At Kansas, the SIUE club basketball team posted impressive wins over Denver University (50-33), Kansas University (50-29), Kansas State University (40-17), the University of Missouri (53-35) and Truman State University (48-38).
In addition to Arizona State and Virginia, other teams at the NIRSA nationals included Lamar University, Marquette University, Northwest Vista College, State University of New York (SUNY) at Cortland and the University of Texas at Austin.
SIUE's MMR Program To Feature Top Executives Speaking At Its 25th Anniversary Conference
The Master of Marketing Research (MMR) Program, founded in 1986 by Management and Marketing Professor Madhav N. Segal in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business, will celebrate its 25 anniversary with a conference April 15 that will feature several distinguished speakers from top companies throughout the country. These marketing experts will anchor several panel discussions throughout the day in SIUE's Morris University Center.
Segal designed the program to address the "unrealized need of businesses for skilled marketing research professionals and students' needs for careers in marketing research." According to Segal, the positive reputation of this prestigious program comes from its ability to remain relevant, innovative, and responsive to the needs of both students and the industry.
It is one of the few specialized programs in the nation that combines practical knowledge with intensive academic training resulting in excellent employment opportunities with an exceptionally high placement rate. An active advisory board for this nationally acclaimed program is comprised of marketing research industry leaders from several leading research agencies and Fortune 500 client organizations.
For a complete schedule of panel discussions, visit the website: www.siue.edu/business/mmr/anniversary.shtml.
Elementary Ed Major 2011 Kimmel Scholarship Recipient
Michelle Sutorius, elementary education major in the SIUE School of Education, is the 2011 Carol Kimmel Scholarship recipient.
Michelle Sutorius, a junior majoring in elementary education at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, has been named this year's recipient of the university's Carol Kimmel Scholarship.
The scholarship program is co-sponsored by the SIUE Kimmel Leadership Center and the Belleville News-Democrat.
The annual scholarship was established to recognize students for their outstanding leadership and community volunteer service contributions, in addition to academic excellence. It is named for Kimmel, a former member of the SIU Board of Trustees who died in 2008. For many years, she donated freely of her time and talent to volunteerism.
As the co-coordinator for the SIUE Homeless Program, Sutorius has donated her time for more than two years serving lunches on Saturdays to the East St. Louis homeless community, and spent many Fridays making sandwiches and sorting through donated clothing, food and hygiene items to prepare for Saturday distributions. Being a strong advocate for the organization, Sutorius has organized campus donation drives and other activities to spread the word about the volunteer initiative, as well as gain support. She also was instrumental in creating an awareness video capturing the plight of the homeless in the greater St. Louis area.
Among her other service commitments, Sutorius is the elected treasurer and elementary education representative for the Association for School and Community Careers (ASCC.) The organization is committed to offering networking opportunities to students, allowing them to access resources to enhance their education and increase their knowledge base. As part of her tenure with the organization, she helped organize a winter dance at the SIUE East St. Louis Charter School and solicited area businesses to donate prizes for the event. Sutorious also is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS.)
Sutorius will be recognized at a 4:30 p.m. ceremony Wednesday, April 27, as part of the Kimmel Leadership Awards Ceremony in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center. For more information, call the Kimmel Leadership Center, (618) 650-2686, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 2686.
SIUE Jazz Concerts Set For April 18-19 At Dunham Hall
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Music will present two nights of jazz as part of its Annual Spring Jazz Concert-the first one featuring internationally known jazz vocalist Vanessa Rubin at 8 p.m. Monday, April 18, followed the next night at the same time by the SIUE Big Bands, both in the theater at SIUE's Dunham Hall.
Guest artist Rubin will perform with the Reggie Thomas Trio and the SIUE Vocal Jazz Ensemble directed by Reggie Thomas. This concert is funded by the Kimmel Leadership Student Association and the Music Department.
Rubin is not only vocalist, lyricist, and composer, she's a producer, arranger, an educator (cited for Outstanding Service to Jazz Education by the International Association of Jazz Educators), music business consultant/facilitator, and music student adjudicator engaged by such auspicious institutions as the Thelonious Monk Institute, Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center. The April 18 performance will include classic jazz repertoire arranged by Thomas. Students from the Belleville East High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble also will make a guest appearance.
The following night the SIUE Big Bands will perform, directed by Brett Stamps, director of the SIUE Jazz Studies Program and graduate assistant Marty Morrison. The Jazz Lab Band will feature classic jazz arrangements by Duke Ellington, Quincy Jones, Sammy Nestico, John Clayton and Maria Schneider. The Concert Jazz Band will feature compositions and arrangements by SIUE students, alumni and faculty including compositions by URCA scholars Michael Dee and Jordin Harth.
Admission is $10; senior citizens and patrons under 18 years of age, $7; SIUE students with a valid Cougar ID, no charge, compliments of SIUE's Arts-For-All program. For more information, call the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.
SIUE To Play Host To Annual Regional BotBall Tournament April 30
Video - Three SIUE Students Place Second In International Robotics Competition - July 21, 2009
Seventeen teams from around the region will compete- including teams from Indiana, Illinois and Missouri-at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering Annual Greater St. Louis Botball Educational Robotics Tournament, set for Saturday, April 30, in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center. Seeding rounds begin at 10 a.m. and double elimination rounds commence at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the tournament, which is free and open to the public.
The Botball Educational Robotics Program engages middle- and high-school-aged students in a team-oriented robotics competition that develops students' science, technology, engineering, computer science and math skills. Home schoolers and community teams are also welcome to participate. In Botball, all the design, coding, and building of robots is done by students, and no machining is necessary.
Each Botball team will consist of five to 20 middle and high school students who will design, build, program and document a single or pair of autonomous robots (without remote controls). The tournament challenges participants to program robots that navigate a game board, transport and pick up various colored objects and go head-to-head against other robots.
The theme of this year's tournament games is "Botball Airport Renovation." To score points the robots must load "unclaimed luggage into matching baggage carts," transport "airplanes" to the "runway," move "bio-fuels" to a manufacturing facility and erect a new "control tower" on a tarmac. Finally, "Botguy," the mascot of Botball, must be transported from the terminal to the top of the new control tower.
The Greater St. Louis Botball Program started with a two-day, hands-on professional development workshop for educators on March 5-6 at the SIUE's School of Engineering. At the workshop, teams received instruction in addition to their reusable kits of robotics equipment. Each kit will be used for competition and will be kept by the school or team to be integrated into the classroom or extracurricular activities. This ensures that schools will be able to continue growth in science, math and technology curricula through robotics after the Botball season is over.
NASA, which has sponsored Botball for more than a decade, utilizes autonomous robots in space and planetary exploration. NASA also uses Botball as an opportunity to reach out to its future workforce members to help them acquire relevant hands-on experience and skills. Additional regional sponsorship was provided by Basler Electric Company, Hal and Jean Gentry, and Kay and Paul Guse.
The SIUE School of Engineering has been very proactive in using Botball to reach out to middle- and high-school students, helping to prepare and motivate individuals who may one day attend SIUE. Last year, SIUE hosted the Global Conference on Educational Robotics, which attracted more than 500 students, families and educators to campus. For more information about Botball, visit the website: www.botball.org or contact by e-mail: outreach@kipr.org .
Noted Clinical Research Professor To Speak At SIU/SDM April 12
Dr. Robert Kelly, director of the Dental Clinical Research Center at the University of Connecticut Health Science Center, will be the guest speaker at the 2011 Research Day and Table Clinic competition Tuesday, April 12, at the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU/SDM) in Alton. Speaking about "Clinical Meaning of Laboratory Tests: How to Read the Material Literature as Evidence," Dr. Kelly will appear at 1:15 p.m. that day in the auditorium of the SIU/SDM Center for Professional Advancement in Building 280.
A professor of reconstructive sciences at UConn, Dr. Kelly is also on faculty at that university's Center for Biomaterials. He earned a DDS at The Ohio State University, a master of science in Materials Science at Marquette University and a doctor of medical science in Oral Biology at Harvard University.
Dr. Kelly's research focuses on the development of new clinical products and their translation to patient care. Clinical products resulting from his research include new and improved CAD/CAM ceramics, a salivary diagnostic to assess patient immune status and a novel dental implant that directs vertical bone. As director of the UConn Clinical Dental Research Center, Dr. Kelly has seen the center's clinical research grow to 1,200 annual patient visits and involved dental faculty in 15 active clinical studies under a mix of NIH, foundation and industry sponsorship. His leadership led to the opening of an 1,800 sq. ft. dental clinic devoted to research.
Dr. Kelly has been involved in more than 50 peer-reviewed publications; served on editorial boards and been guest editor for numerous dental journals including the Journal of Dental Research and Dental Materials. He has maintained grant support for his research and has won numerous awards, most recently the 2003 Clinician/Researcher Award from the American College of Prosthodontists.
Five Illinois Residents Are Recipients Of SIUE Kimmel Community Awards
Five Southwestern Illinois residents will receive the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Kimmel Community Service Awards at a 4:30 p.m. reception Wednesday, April 27, part of the Kimmel Leadership Awards Ceremony in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center.
The annual awards event is sponsored by the SIUE Kimmel Leadership Center and the Belleville News-Democrat. It was established to recognize outstanding community members for dedication and contributions to community volunteer service as exemplified by the late Carol Kimmel, a former member of the SIU Board of Trustees, who for many years gave freely of her time and talent to volunteerism.
This year there are winners in these award categories: agency/organizational concerns, social service/social welfare, regional leadership, and special populations. The event also will honor one SIUE student, who is the Kimmel Scholar Recipient for the year, and an SIUE employee who will be presented the SIUE Faculty/Staff Community Service Award.
Those nominated for the Kimmel Community Service Award must have been a resident of Illinois or Missouri for at least two years, and volunteered for at least one agency, organization, or business for at least two or more continuous years. In addition, nominees must have demonstrated a variety of community service contributions for an extended period and demonstrated outstanding voluntary community service, as well as a commitment to the citizens of Illinois or Missouri; and must document leadership roles and responsibilities.
This year's winners are:
- AGENCY/ORGANIZATIONAL CONCERNS: Donald G. Barkley of Fairview Heights
- SOCIAL SERVICE/SOCIAL WELFARE: Jean Butterfield of Collinsville
- SPECIAL POPULATIONS: Clayton J. Thornhill of Columbia
- REGIONAL LEADERSHIP: Jim Schneider of Belleville
- SIUE FACULTY/STAFF: Cindy Scarsdale of Livingston
- KIMMEL SCHOLARSHIP: Michelle Sutorius of St. Charles, Mo.
Admission is free; for more information, call the Kimmel Leadership Center, (618) 650-2686, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 2686.
Historical Studies Professor 2011 Teaching Excellence Awardee
Jason Stacy, assistant professor of historical studies at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, has been recognized as the recipient of the 2011 Teaching Excellence Award because he helps students "become critical thinkers capable of grappling with difficult questions," as well as empowers them to reflect on their performance, according to the Teaching Excellence Awards Committee.
The award is the most prestigious teaching award a faculty member can receive at SIUE. Stacy received a $2,000 prize as part of the honor.
Linda Forbringer, associate professor of Special Education and Communication Disorders in the SIUE School of Education and chair of the awards committee, wrote in a letter to Stacy: "The depth of your understanding of effective pedagogy was evident in your ability to take examples provided by students and use them to develop their understanding of important course concepts.
"You provided constructive feedback in a supportive manner that gently guided students toward continuous improvement," she wrote, "and exhibited a deep respect for your students and their ideas, while maintaining high expectations." The committee continued that Stacy was selected as this year's recipient because his "dynamic style and supportive interactions with students encourage thoughtful participation."
The committee also awarded Teaching Distinction Awards (tenure track faculty) to Christopher Herndon, assistant professor of pharmacy practice in the SIUE School of Pharmacy, and Faustina Blankson, (non-tenure-track faculty) instructor in the School of Education's Department of Kinesiology and Health Education. Each distinction award includes a $500 prize.
Herndon was honored for his "ability to break complex concepts into clear, simple explanations," the committee stated. "Students appreciate his ability to clearly explain difficult concepts, as well as his enthusiasm and approachability, sense of humor and ability to use real world examples to illustrate course content." Pharmacy students have selected Herndon as "Teacher of the Year" multiple times during his tenure.
Blankson, who is pursuing a doctorate at SIU Carbondale, was recognized by the committee for actively engaging students in discussions and incorporating hands-on activities in the classroom designed to prepare students for their future careers. Blankson led a travel study experience for students to Ghana last summer and is planning another trip this year. The committee stated, "Students who participated in last year's trip describe the experience as life-changing."
Awardees are selected based on a committee review of dossiers, as well as classroom observation. The process is conducted each year to recognize members of the SIUE faculty for their commitment and dedication to the profession.
East St. Louis Sesquicentennial Proclamation Delivered Today By SIUE Chancellor
This was a proclamation delivered by SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift speaking today at the East St. Louis Sesquicentennial Celebration ceremony:
To all whom these presents shall come, GREETING.
WHEREAS, on April 1, 1861, the village of East St. Louis was created by a vote of its citizens; and
WHEREAS, a thousand years earlier on the very ground where the city rose, Mississippians lived and built mounds as part of the great Cahokia, one of the largest communities in North America; and
WHEREAS, the city quickly became a powerhouse of industrial production, providing jobs for diverse people from around the world, as well as goods and services to a growing nation; and
WHEREAS, the city endured great pain from the destruction caused by the Great Cyclone of 1896, the devastation caused by the Great Flood of 1903, and the brutal killing of innocent families during the infamous Riot of 1917, but through it all the people pressed forward; and
WHEREAS, the people of East St. Louis built stout churches to nurture their souls, strong schools to prepare their children, lively social organizations to bring fellowship, beautiful parks to give respite from hard work, labor unions to bring fairness in wages and conditions; and
WHEREAS, the city was not immune from the forces of deindustrialization and vice, once again having to endure pain, this time from disinvestment, unemployment, poverty, and crime, but once again, undaunted people pressed forward; and
WHEREAS, the city has made contributions to world culture through its famous sons and daughters: jazz great Miles Davis, Olympic gold medalists Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Dawn Harper, silent film actress Lillian Gish, Little Rock Nine student Thelma Mothershed-Wair, Julliard-trained pianist Eugene Haynes, former UN Ambassador Donald McHenry, tennis champion Jimmy Connors, and musical couple Ike and Tina Turner, to name just a few; and
WHEREAS, the city's history contains many names of national prominence, including a young lieutenant named Robert E. Lee who brought an end to the dueling-ground called "Bloody Island"; the great writers Charles Dickens, Sherwood Anderson, and Walt Whitman, who all wrote of the area; the great composers Duke Ellington, W. C. Handy, and Jimmy Yancey, all of whom wrote songs about the city; rock 'n' roll legend Chuck Berry, who began his career at the Cosmo Club at 17 th and Bond; as well as numerous presidents, especially William Howard Taft, who dedicated the Federal Courthouse on Missouri Avenue in 1909; and
WHEREAS, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville traces its beginnings to East St. Louis in 1957 and has maintained a presence in the city since then with the East St. Louis Center, and its faculty have had a lasting impact on the city, especially Katherine Dunham, whose museum occupies the Maurice Joyce mansion on Pennsylvania Avenue; Eugene Redmond, poet laureate of the city and founder of the Drumvoices Revue that publishes the creative work of area artists; and R. Buckminster Fuller, inventor of the geodesic dome and whose building in Lincoln Park now houses the Mary Brown Center; and
WHEREAS, the city is preparing to celebrate is sesquicentennial in 2011, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is preparing to honor the city throughout the year with a Sesquicentennial Book Series to document the city's history, a Sesquicentennial Conference in July to discuss the city's impact, and the exhibition and expansion of its vast East St. Louis holdings in the Bowen Archives;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Vaughn Vandegrift, Chancellor of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, proclaim April 1, 2011, as "East St. Louis Day," and call on the University and the greater community to join me in recognizing the contributions of the city and its citizens to the history of the region and the culture of the nation.
SIUE To Present Absurdist Comedy April 13-17
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Theater and Dance concludes its 2010-11 mainstage season with Ubu Roi by Alfred Jarry, directed by SIUE Theater Professor Chuck Harper. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, and continues each night at the same time through Saturday, April 16, and then at 2 p.m. on April 17. All shows are in the theater at SIUE's Dunham Hall.
When it premiered 115 years ago, Ubu Roi was jeered, but many have credited it since with being the spark that began what came to be known as the Theater of the Absurd and the surrealist art movement that characterized the early part of the 20th century. The character, Ubu, is playwright Jarry's metaphor for the modern man; Ubu is ugly, vulgar, gluttonous, grandiose, dishonest, stupid, voracious, cruel, cowardly and evil, an anti-hero of grand proportion. This play is the first of a trilogy of stylized satires in which the playwright savages power, greed and resulting evil practices - in particular the tendency of the "complacent bourgeois" to abuse the authority brought on by success.
The other two pieces in the trilogy- Ubu Coco and Ubu Enchaîné-were never performed during Jarry's short lifetime. Ubu Roi chronicles Ubu's political and felonious exploits, all the while offering a parody-like adaptation of situations and plot lines from Shakespeare's dramas such as Macbeth, Hamlet and Richard III.
It seems interesting to point out that Linda McCartney in her book, Sixties (Bulfinch, 1993), maintained that her husband, songwriter and Beatle founder Paul McCartney, used the play as an inspiration for the Beatles' tune, Maxwell's Silver Hammer. Some observers have said that Ubu Roi inspired filmmaker Tim Burton to craft the villain, Ooogie Boogie, in The Nightmare Before Christmas, after Ubu.
Director Chuck Harper points out that the play has a strong audience advisory because of its adult language and situations. By way of director's notes, Harper chose to quote Jarry, who said: "Talking about things that are understandable only weights down the mind and falsifies the memory, but the absurd exercises the mind and makes the memory work." Harper also quotes Gabriel Brunet, a French militarist: "Every man is capable of showing his contempt for the cruelty and stupidity of the universe by making his own life a poem of incoherence and absurdity."
Tickets, from $8-$10, are available through the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.
In the photo at right: Cast members of Ubu Roi include Alex Kowalchik, Dana Szarzynski , Kenny Long and Kirk Dulin. (SIUE photo by Bill Brinson)
Illinois Education Research Council Releases Study On Illinois Principals
An increase in the level of school principal attrition in Illinois coupled with low return rates indicate a greater loss of principal resources from the state in recent years, according to a new study from the Illinois Education Research Council (IERC) located on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
This study continues the IERC's examination of changing trends in the characteristics of Illinois educators in light of changing conditions in the policy atmosphere within which they operate. The study includes data concerning school principals across the state in more than 3,900 public schools and points out that district administrators are likely to continue to face increased pressure to recruit talented new principals because of the losses in the principal ranks.
The IERC study examined principal retention and turnover in Illinois public schools and is the second report of an IERC series on public school principals in Illinois from a two-year study funded by the Joyce Foundation.
Karen DeAngelis, assistant professor in the Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development at the University of Rochester (previously with the IERC at SIUE), and Bradford R. White, senior researcher with the IERC, conducted the study in line with the IERC's mission to provide objective and reliable evidence for P-20 education policymaking in Illinois.
DeAngelis and White's findings focus on principals' movement during 2001-2008, a time marked by increasing school accountability and public scrutiny of principal effectiveness. Other research indicates school principals have a significant, though largely indirect, impact on school quality and student outcomes.
The current IERC study explores how principals' job movements are related to their personal and school characteristics and examines changes over time. Some of the study's key findings include:
- Principal turnover has increased. On average, 79 percent of all principals stayed in the same school from one year to the next between 2001 and 2008, compared to approximately 86 percent of all principals between 1987 and 2001.
- Chicago principals exhibited both greater retention and greater attrition than principals in other locales. While seemingly contradictory, the average percentages of Chicago principals who remained in their schools from year to year and who left Illinois public schools altogether were greater than those of principals in other locales. This is because Chicago principals rarely move to principalships in other districts.
- The vast majority of principals who left Illinois public schools did not return. Of the 8 percent of all principals who left Illinois public schools during the study timeframe, 89 percent had not returned by 2008. And few principals left to pursue work outside of education.
- Illinois principals who moved across districts tended to move to more advantaged schools, but those who moved within districts did not. Principals who transitioned across district lines tended to move to schools with significantly lower percentages of low-income students and higher average achievement levels. In contrast, principals who changed schools within districts experienced little difference, on average, in the characteristics of the students and teachers in their new schools.
- For better or worse, accountability pressures appear to have had a negative impact on principal stability in Illinois between 2001 and 2008. Accountability pressures, both with regard to student achievement and teacher qualifications, appear to have contributed to this instability such that student achievement scores, a school's AYP status, and the percentage of non-highly qualified teachers in a school all affected principal turnover during this time.
The complete report is available at http://ierc.siue.edu. For more information, call the IERC, (618) 650-2840, or (866) 799-4372.
March 2011
SIUE Student Organizations Begin Fund Drive For Disaster Victims
In response to the recent disasters in northern Japan-caused by an earthquake and subsequent tsunami-the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Campus Activities Board (CAB) kicked off a fundraiser recently for survivors of the disasters. Most of the contributions to the student effort will be passed on to the American Red Cross.
"It was determined that funds should be donated to the Red Cross except those specifically directed toward children who are victims of the disasters," said CAB advisor Michelle Welter. "We've decided to utilize the UNICEF organization for the children's portion of the effort," she said. The fund drive was begun recently with a ceremony in the SIUE Morris University Center featuring remarks by International Student Council President Mary Clabaugh, Student Body President Brandon Rahn and SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift.
Plans also include fundraising activities during the University's annual Spring fest celebration scheduled for April 18-21 and sponsored by CAB. Other educational activities for students are also being planned, Welter said, while other student organizations are exploring activities to become involved in the fundraising effort, including fundraising during campus events.
For more information about other planned activities for the fundraising effort or to make a contribution, call the Kimmel Leadership Center, (618) 650-2686.
In the photo at right, SIUE Student Body President Brandon Rahn, SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift and International Student Council President Mary Clabaugh made their donations to the Fund Drive for the survivors of the recent disasters in Northern Japan. (SIUE Photo)
SIUE Alumni Association Plans April 14 Wine Tasting
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Alumni Association will offer a wine tasting and opportunities to reconnect with former classmates at 5:40 p.m. Thursday, April 14, at the Westview Wine Cellar, on the lower level of 1803 Ramada Blvd., the site of the former Sonny & Char's Restaurant, Collinsville. Each attendee will receive a complimentary drink ticket as well as a chance to win alumni apparel and other great prizes.
Bev George, president of the SIUE Alumni Association, said: "The SIUE Alumni Association is anxious to enjoy our networking session at the Westview Wine Cellar, owned by two of our alums." The event will be held on the outdoor patio area, allowing all attendees to network with former Cougars living and working in the Collinsville area, while enjoying panoramic views of the St. Louis skyline. "Our events have brought together many decades of SIUE alums to enjoy old and new friends, and has proven to be an ideal venue for embracing our University experience," George said.
Those alumni interested in attending may register on-line: www.siue.edu/alumni, or by calling (618) 650-2760.
SIUE Residence Hall Leaders Inducted Into NRHH Red Storm Chapter
Six residents will be inducted into the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Red Storm Chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 10, in SIUE's Evergreen Hall. Since 2006, more than 90 campus University Housing residents have been inducted into the chapter for recognition as top residence hall leaders.
The NRHH is the recognition branch of the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH). NRHH inductees are considered a member of the Top one percent of residence hall leaders and are required to hold a minimum cumulative 2.3 grade point average, reside in housing for at least two semesters prior to the semester of selection, reside in housing during the semester of selection, must be a non-professional contract holding student and exhibit outstanding leadership and service in University Housing.
Cathy Passananti, Prairie Hall Community Director and NRHH Advisor, said: "This group represents the top one percent of our on-campus leaders, totaling 35 members. Our 35 members have worked diligently over the past year to build this organization through our on- and off-campus service events," Passananti said. "It is thrilling that the organization has grown so much in the past couple years. It means that our new inductees have amazing opportunities to make a difference through their membership in this organization."
More than 15 residents were nominated and the following residents will be inducted: Devon Spaw, of Lake in the Hills; Jennifer Goldstein, of Mattoon; Seth Arnold, of Watson; Maeve Juenger, of Waterloo; Tyler (Jeffrey) Wilson, of Chatham; and Jillian Hills, of Williamsville.
Each year, the Red Storm Chapter also inducts honorary members, those who do not meet the requirements for active membership, but who have contributed a great deal to University Housing and/or NRHH. Since 2006, more than 15 SIUE faculty-staff have been inducted as honorary members. This spring, the Red Storm Chapter will induct: Bobbie Cole, Cougar Village community director; Karen Ash, Housing information supervisor; Tracey Kane, Housing Assignments coordinator; Traice Webb, Counseling Services staff psychologist; and Sgt. Dan Murphy, SIUE Police.
Meridian Society Offers Women's Philanthropy & Leadership Workshop
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Meridian Society will present the Women's Philanthropy & Leadership Workshop in the Morris University Center on campus from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, April 7.
Villie Appoo, chief executive officer from Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois and Alicia M. Lifrak, chief executive officer from Scout Executive, will be the morning keynote speakers. Sessions throughout the event will include, "Inspiring Stories from Women who Make a Difference at SIUE and in the Community," "Volunteering-Opportunity and Expectations, Risks and Rewards: How to Grow Personally while Providing Service for Your Community," "Skills for the Empowered Woman with an Emphasis on Work/Life Balance" and "Legacy Planning for Your Family and Your Favorite Foundation."
Women business executives and professionals; women philanthropists and donors; college and university faculty interested in philanthropy; fundraising executives; community leaders; non-profit and foundation leaders, board members and staff; and financial and legal advisers are encouraged to attend the workshop.
The registration fee for the event is $65, which includes sessions, workshop materials, a continental breakfast and lunch. Individuals can choose to only attend the luncheon for $25.
Launched in 2003, the Meridian Society, a philanthropic organization, is dedicated to supporting a variety of SIUE programs. The Society was named for the 90th Meridian, which is one-fourth of the way around the world from the Prime Meridian and runs through SIUE's campus.
The society has numerous goals, including the education of members about personal finance and philanthropic goals; the inspiration of women to become leaders in supporting SIUE and community causes, and the enhancement of understanding and knowledge of women in philanthropy, such as charitable support priorities and community influence.
For more details, or to register, contact Julie Babington, (618) 650-2378. More information about the Meridian Society visit siue.edu/give/meridian.
SIUE To Sponsor Civil War Commemoration Events For April 16-17
Video with ERTC Director Paul Shetley
To commemorate the sesquicentennial of the beginning of the American Civil War, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will play host to two days of activities-including a Civil War military "encampment"-Saturday and Sunday, April 16-17. The project, "This Hallowed Ground: Commemorating the Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War," will include the Living History Exhibit (the encampment) from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday on the grassy median just across from SIUE's Hairpin Drive. Historians will be on hand to answer questions about military life during the Civil War.
The event also will include a local version of the Antiques Road Show from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday in SIUE's Morris University Center, at which visitors may share family Civil war stories and artifacts with historians and librarians for recording purposes. Please note that items will not be appraised for monetary value; no firearms are permitted on campus.
A colloquia is also scheduled from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday in the Morris Center that will include roundtable discussions about various aspects of the American Civil War. Five hourly discussions are scheduled: "Researching Your Civil War Ancestors," "The Civil War and American Culture," "Southwestern Illinois in the Civil War," "Military Aspects of the Civil War," and "What Every Teacher Needs to Know about the Civil War." A related event later that week on campus includes talks by Ken Burns, the award-winning documentarian, who is coming to SIUE as part of the University's Arts & Issues series at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 20. Burns' presentation, "The Civil War," will take place in SIUE's Meridian Ballroom.
SIUE Historical Studies Professor Steve Hansen, a Civil war scholar and coordinator of the April 16-17 event, said activities are aimed at exploring the social, cultural, political and military aspects of this part of American history. "We hope this commemoration will help visitors explore how history can enrich their lives by broadening an understanding of our heritage and our society. The Living History Exhibit will be an exciting part of the event with authentic replicas of weaponry and uniforms used during the Civil War," Hansen said, "while the roundtable discussions and the Antiques Road Show will provide further insight.
"Five generations have passed since the end of the American Civil War," he said, "yet passionate debates and intense interest continue over the origins, purposes, meanings and consequences of this great watershed in American history. The large number of books and popular and professional magazines published every year, and the remarkable number of people who participate in Civil War roundtable discussions, Lincoln associations and other groups reflect some of the depth of America's interest."
The entire project, including the Burns' visit, is co-sponsored by the Alton Area Museum of History and Art, the Madison County Historical Society, the St. Clair County Historical Society, the Highland Historical Society and the Lebanon Historical Society. The project is being managed by SIUE Historical Studies faculty members and the SIUE Graduate School.
SIUE Graduate School's 15th Annual Spring Symposium Coming Soon
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Graduate School will present the 15th Annual Spring Symposium from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, in the SIUE Morris University Center (MUC.)
Washington University in St. Louis's Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering Bill Smart, keynote speaker, will present "Answering Questions in Physical Anthropology with Machine Learning," from 9-10 a.m. in the MUC Maple-Dogwood room on the second floor. The topic will cover the obstacles preventing the use of computational techniques to answer interesting anthropological questions and possible solutions.
A faculty research panel offering "Tips on How to Prepare a Successful Research Grant Proposal" will take place from 10-11 a.m. in the Maple-Dogwood room, featuring SIUE faculty awardees: Assistant Professor of English Language and Literature Kristine Hildebrandt; Professor of Chemistry Michael Shaw, and Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences Ken Witt. Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research Christa Johnson will moderate the discussion.
Also from 10-11:15 a.m. in the MUC Hackberry room, SIUE Institutional Review Board (IRB) Chair and Professor of Psychology Emily Krohn, and IRB member and Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice Studies Ann Dirks-Linhorst, will talk about compliance with responsible conduct in research requirements for instruction for students employed on a research grant. Students are invited to register for and attend the workshop. The topic is "Human Subjects Protections."
From 11:30-1:15 p.m. the Paul Simon Outstanding Teacher-Scholar Award Luncheon will take place in the Madison-Meridian Ballroom of the MUC to acknowledge Shaw, the 2011 Paul Simon Outstanding Teacher-Scholar Award recipient. During the luncheon Distinguished Research Professor and Professor of Mathematics and Statistics Urszula Ledzewicz, will deliver a presentation titled "My Journey to the Paul Simon Award: A Case Study." Ledzewicz is the 2010 recipient of the award.
An Author's Display will take place from 11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. and 4:30-5:30 p.m. in the Madison room, Meridian Ballroom, featuring publications by SIUE faculty and staff. The display will be hosted by University Archivist and Special Collections Librarian Stephen Kerber, and Archives Specialist Amanda Bahr-Evola.
A Graduate Student Research Symposium and Reception will take place from 1:30-4 p.m. on the second floor of the MUC. Works of graduate students and Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities students will be displayed in the form of research papers, posters, exhibits and performances. Refreshments will be available.
The activities for the day also will include a Eugene B. Redmond Tour of the economic, political and cultural landmarks of East St. Louis. Associate Professor of Political Science Andrew Theising, who is the director of the Institute for Urban Research (IUR,) will lead the tour group on a journey to discover what happened to the "All American" city. The tour bus will leave at 1:30 p.m. from SIUE's Hairpin Drive, under the flagpoles, and will return to campus by 4:30 p.m. Seating is limited and reservations must be made at (618) 650-5262.
A Chancellor's Researchers' Reception will conclude the day's events from 4:30-6 p.m. in the Madison room and Meridian Ballroom. Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift will host the event, which will honor the faculty and staff members who have submitted external grants from March 1, 2010-Feb. 28, 2011. Attendance at the reception is by invitation only.
For more information or to make reservations, contact Linda Skelton, lskelto@siue.edu.
"Using Library Resources In Teaching" Topic Of Lovejoy Event
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Library and Information Services (LIS) Spring Symposium 2011 will present "Using Library Resources in Teaching: Evolving Teacher-Librarian Collaborations" from 9:30 a.m.-noon Friday, April 1 in the Lovejoy Library Abbot Auditorium.
The program will feature Lydia Jackson, SIUE instruction librarian, who will discuss "The Three 'Cs' in the Use of Library Resources," as well as Jessica DeSpain, an SIUE assistant professor of English language and literature, who will present "A Not So Virtual Materiality: Using Student-Created Digital and Physical Exhibits to Teach Book History." DeSpain will be joined by Stephen Kerber, SIUE university archivist and special collections librarian, who will discuss "The Future of Archives and Special Collections."
Gillian Acheson, an SIUE associate professor of geography, and Barbara Levergood, SIUE government information and catographic resources librarian, will lead a discussion on "Interfaces among Teaching Faculty, Librarians and our Students."
The event will close with a panel discussion on future directions for teacher-librarian collaborations and audience questions.
Free and open to the public, refreshments will be served during the event, which is sponsored by the LIS Research, Projects and Development Committee. For more information, contact the library, (618) 650-2711.
SIUE Art Auction Set For April 7 At N.O. Nelson Campus
The 32 nd Annual Art Auction, sponsored by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Friends of Art, is set for Thursday, April 7, on the N.O. Nelson campus of Lewis and Clark Community College in Edwardsville. The auction will be conducted in the Leclaire Room of the Jay Hoffman Building on the campus at 600 Troy Road. The entire facility, then known as the Wagner Complex, was the home for many years to the SIUE Department of Art and Design.
This year's auction will feature original donated artwork, which may be previewed from 6 until 7 p.m. when professional auctioneers Gary Niemeier and Dennis Ahrens will begin the event. Admission is free to students and those who have donated pieces for the event, as well as members of the Friends of Art. Others are asked to pay $5 at the door.
Since 1977, the Friends of Art organization has assisted the SIUE Department of Art and Design in staging this fundraiser that has helped collect more than $295,000 in proceeds. These funds have assisted in bringing local, national and international artists, and lecturers to the SIUE campus.
In addition, the Friends group annually donates money to help purchase new books, videos and films about art for SIUE's Lovejoy Library; sponsors awards for the annual high school art exhibit and other SIUE student exhibits; sets aside funds for a graduate scholarship; and helps support the local ArtEast Studio tour.
Last year, more than 155 art pieces by faculty, alumni, friends and students were available for auction as well as 75 pieces available for the silent auction. Participants have almost as much fun bidding as winning the bid at this lively event. Food and drink will be available for purchase.
For more information or directions, contact Dianne Lynch by e-mail: dlynch@siue.edu; or Pam Decoteau by e-mail: pdecote@siue.edu.
SIUE Red Storm Chapter To Host Big Red Volleyball Tourney April 9
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) Red Storm Chapter will play host to the First Annual Big Red Volleyball event April 9 to raise financial support and awareness for the American Heart Association.
Michelle Farney, NRHH co-advisor and SIUE's Woodland Hall assistant community director, said Big Red Volleyball is "unique; it is not your typical volleyball game - the ball is approximately 40" wide and all levels of skill are welcome. The NRHH Red Storm Chapter has been working diligently this year to become more well-known in the campus community," Farney said. "The members would like to see Big Red Volleyball become a tradition for their chapter here at SIUE. This program will provide an excellent opportunity for the members of the SIUE community to give back to a worthy cause, while being active and having a good time with friends and colleagues."
The single-elimination tournament will take place that Saturday at 4 p.m. at SIUE's Prairie Hall sand volleyball court. The first 30 teams to sign-up will compete in the event. Teams will consist of five to 10 players; registration is $5 per player, which includes a complimentary hot dog and drink at the event.
Teams may consist of students, faculty and staff, and the event is also open to anyone in the community. The championship team will receive celebratory T-shirts. Awards also will be given to the teams with the most team spirit and best overall team theme. Spectators are welcome and donations may be made at the event. For more information and to download the registration form, visit the website: siue.edu/housing/studentleadership/NRHH-about-us.shtml. For more information, contact Michelle Farney, (618) 650-4625, or Cathy Passananti, (618) 650-4652.
SIUE Kicks Off Public Phase Of $50 Million Major Gifts Campaign
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville-cited nationally as an "up and coming" school for making innovative changes in the areas of faculty, student life, campus life and facilities-officially began today the public phase of a $50 million major gifts campaign.
At a kickoff dinner over the weekend, SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift announced that more than $26 million had already been contributed during the private phase of the campaign, which is named "Defining Excellence: The Campaign for SIUE." Vandegrift also announced the first major gift under the new public phase of the campaign-a $1 million gift that will create the East St. Louis 21 st Century STEM Learning Center to be located at the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School. STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
The contribution is from Robert H. and Norma J. Graebe of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Robert Graebe, a native of East St. Louis and an engineer, made the gift to give back to the East St. Louis community. The gift will be used to create a model, high-technology STEM classroom and companion STEM computer laboratory to provide charter high school students, as well as students from East St. Louis schools, access to state-of-the-art technology, equipment and curricula, and to support teachers in providing students with hands-on, "minds-on" science learning.
Calling it the first ever fundraising campaign of its kind for the University, Vandegrift asked for the support of the entire university community as well as the surrounding region. "SIUE has been defining excellence in the region for more than 50 years," Vandegrift said. "Our University is an excellent investment in the future of our region and our state.
"As the economic landscape of our region changes, we face a number of challenges and opportunities," he said. Vandegrift also pointed out that state funding has declined from 46 percent of the University's budget to 26 percent in the past decade. "Only private gifts can build the SIUE endowment, a permanent source of funding for scholarships, endowed professorships and other programs that attract the best students and faculty.
"We are preparing the next generation of civic, health care and business leaders who will lead us into a new era of growth."
Byron Farrell, chair of the campaign, said he has watched SIUE grow out of a cornfield in the mid-1960s to become a significant institution of higher education for the region. "We're asking everyone to 'Say Yes' to a quality education," Farrell said. "My philosophy is that education is the key to solving many of our problems in the world today. I'm not really sure you can put a value on the educational resources the University continues to bring to the people of this region."
Farrell also pointed out that SIUE has been "the key" to economic opportunity and upward mobility for the youth throughout the area. "SIUE cannot be the best it can be with just appropriations from the state of Illinois," he said. "It's up to us. We've got to advance our University."
As chairman of "Defining Excellence: The Campaign for SIUE," Farrell said he is charged with reminding those involved in the campaign how important their efforts are to the university and to students. "I'm also responsible for helping remind those in the community at large about how important SIUE is to the region," Farrell said.
"In fact, that's one of the key messages of this campaign-the importance of this institution as a viable resource."
Fernando Aguirre, CEO of Chiquita Brands International, and Patricia Mercurio, president of Bank of America Missouri, are honorary co-chairs of the campaign. Both are graduates of SIUE.
Patrick Hundley, vice chancellor for University Relations and executive director of the SIUE Foundation, said the campaign allows "our supporters and alumni to invest in our momentum. Their generous gifts will keep SIUE's quality educational opportunities affordable for all students," Hundley said. "We will be seeking further support from alumni, corporate leaders and the community.
"SIUE creates opportunities for students to receive a top-ranked education," he said. "More than half of our 90,000 graduates live and work in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area, and SIUE makes a $471 million economic impact on our region every year."
Farrell echoed that sentiment: "Your support strengthens SIUE's commitment to meeting the needs of our region as well as ensuring the future viability of the programmatic, cultural, recreational and athletics resources on our campus," he said. "Our faculty, staff and alumni are committed to the growth and economic vitality of this region."
SIUE Alumni Association, Educational Outreach Sponsor Workshop
Sponsored by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Alumni Association and the SIUE Office of Educational Outreach, the Grant Writing Workshop is returning to SIUE for the second consecutive year. The workshop will be held Tuesday, April 19, in the Special Events Room of Birger Hall from 6-8:30 p.m.
The event provides information on the grant application process and offers useful tips for making applications stand out from the competition. In an uncertain economy, this is an excellent resource for community and non-profit organizations.
Panel members include:
- Dr. Julie Pietroburgo '98 MPA - SIUE Professor, Public Administration & Policy Analysis
- Diana Cuddeback, MSW, LCSW - Heartlinks Director, Family Hospice
- Debbie Humphrey - Program Director, St. Clair County Mental Health Board
- Kimberley Parks - Librarian, Grants & Foundation Center, St. Louis Public Library
Pietroburgo will discuss the basics of the grant writing process including common terms, an explanation of the application process and description of the current funding landscape. Cuddeback will discuss how the Family Hospice pursues and is successfully awarded grants using limited resources.
Humphrey will provide a perspective from the grantor's point of view. She will describe what makes an application stand out and how organizations can create community partnerships to increase the likelihood of receiving funding. Parks will provide tips on how to find potential sources for funding and demonstrate the Grants & Foundation Center's online database system.
Registration is $20 and includes free parking in the SIUE Birger Hall parking lot and refreshments during the networking reception. Tickets may be ordered on the website: www.siue.edu/alumni, over the phone by calling (618) 650-2760, or in person at Birger Hall.
SIUE Graduate School Presents 15th Annual Spring Symposium
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Graduate School will present the 15th Annual Spring Symposium Wednesday, March 30, featuring keynote speaker Bill Smart, Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis.
"Answering Questions in Physical Anthropology with Machine Learning," will be the topic presented by Smart from 9-10 a.m. in the SIUE Morris University Center Maple-Dogwood room on the second floor. The obstacles preventing the use of computational techniques to answer interesting anthropological questions and possible solutions will be the focus on the discussion.
For more information or to reserve a seat, contact Linda Skelton, lskelto@siue.edu.
Building More Than A Career: SIUE Engineering Alumnus Reaches A Milestone
Brian Cox did more than lay a solid foundation for his career by graduating from the SIUE School of Engineering construction management program in 2009; he also built a legacy. Cox is the first graduate of the Construction Careers Center (CCC) to earn a degree from a four year institution and was honored for this achievement at the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the CCC held at the Millennium Hotel on Feb. 10.
The Construction Careers Center is a charter high school in St. Louis sponsored by the Associated General Contractors of St. Louis. The CCC specializes in educating skilled graduates in the construction industry. Cox's preparation from high school and college allowed him to intern at ABNA Engineering, S.M. Wilson, Cissell Mueller and MODOT while attending SIUE.
Chris Gordon, assistant professor of construction management and chair of that department, said: "Brian is positive proof that the Construction Careers Center is preparing students well for a range of rewarding careers in the construction industry. Both Brian and the CCC have bright futures ahead."
SIUE Institute For Urban Research To Host East St. Louis Bus Tours
Andrew Theising, director of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Institute for Urban Research, will host bus tours of East St. Louis:
• 9:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Wednesday, March 23;
• 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 30.
Attendees will tour the city and learn about its history and culture. Busses will meet in and depart from the SIUE Hairpin in front of the flagpoles. For more
information or to make reservations, contact the IUR at (618) 650-5262. Seating is limited.
SIUE Institute For Urban Research Presents Brown Bag Lunch
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Associate Professor of Historical Studies Anthony Cheeseboro will discuss "African American Oriented Entertainment in the Metro East" from noon-1 p.m. tomorrow in Rendleman Hall, room 2214.
Cheeseboro's presentation is the latest offering in the Brown Bag Lunch series available through the SIUE Institute for Urban Research.
A specialist in Northeastern African history with a special emphasis on economic development in the Sudan, Cheeseboro has conducted research into Middle Eastern, European and African American history. He has published works in the Journal of Northeast African Studies, the Encyclopedia of U.S. Foreign Relations and the Mississippi Quarterly.
Cheeseboro earned a doctorate at Michigan State University and teaches World, Modern European and African history. He also works closely with Student Services and the Johnetta Hailey Scholarship committee.
The event is free and open to the public.
Provost Ferguson Named 19th President Of UMaine
Paul W. Ferguson, who has been Provost of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville since July 2006, has been named the University of Maine's 19th president. His appointment was ratified earlier today by the University of Maine System Board of Trustees. He will succeed Maine's Robert A. Kennedy, who is stepping down at the end of June.
In a campus wide message, SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift said Ferguson has brought a wealth of experience to the provost position, "significantly enhancing both the responsibilities and accomplishments of the office during his tenure," adding "among his many achievements, Provost Ferguson has advanced academic quality, assessment, and efforts aimed at improving student success and retention."
Ferguson earned a bachelor's in Biology at Whittier College in California and received a doctorate in Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of California, Davis. He also has held the professional certification of Diplomat, American Board of Toxicology (DABT) since 1985.
Ferguson began his academic career as an assistant professor of pharmacology and toxicology in the School of Pharmacy at the University of Louisiana, Monroe (ULM). Following five years as senior toxicologist for Unocal Corp. in Los Angeles, Ferguson returned to ULM where he served as professor and head of the Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology. In 1993, he was appointed dean of Graduate Studies and Research and served as Vice Provost from 1995-1999.
Appointed dean of the Graduate College and Professor of Toxicology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in 1999, Ferguson went on to become senior vice provost in 2001 and vice president for Research and Graduate Studies from 2003-2006.
R. Gogue Named EOM For March
Congratulations: Rosie Gogue, office support specialist in the SIUE School of Pharmacy, is the March recipient of the Employee Recognition Award. In the photo, Gogue (center) is flanked by Mike Crider (at left), professor of pharmaceutical sciences and chair of that department, who nominated Gogue as her supervisor, and Interim Pharmacy Dean Gireesh Gupchup, who supported the nomination. At far left is SIUE Human Resources Director Sherrie Senkfor and at far right is Vice Chancellor for Administration Kenn Neher. In addition to the plaque she received, Gogue was awarded a $25 gift certificate to the SIUE Bookstore, two complimentary lunch coupons to the University Restaurant or other Dining Services location, and parking close to her office for the month. (SIUE Photo by Denise Macdonald)
SIUE School of Engineering Students Dominate Scholarship Competition
Each year, the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC-IL) awards numerous scholarships to engineering students throughout the state. ACEC-IL recently released the names of the 2011-2012 recipients, and SIUE students comprised almost half of the total number of awardees.
Out of 25 applicants from universities throughout Illinois, including Northwestern and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the ACEC-IL awarded scholarships to 11 worthy applicants for the 2011-2012 academic year. Out of 11 recipients, five SIUE engineering students won prestigious scholarships sponsored by various engineering companies and representatives that participate in the ACEC-IL.
The SIUE engineering student winners are: Paul Cayo (industrial and manufacturing engineering), Damien Di Vittorio (civil engineering), Kim Luebcke (mechanical engineering), Erica Miller (industrial engineering) and Melissa Strzelczyk (civil engineering).
Expanding International Reach: SIUE School of Engineering Partners With University In China
SIUE engineering faculty and staff with delegates from HUST.
The SIUE School of Engineering extended its international reach when it partnered with Istanbul Technical University to implement the Dual Diploma program, and the School has not stopped there in making international connections as seen by a recent visit from Henan University of Science and Technology (HUST) in Luoyang, China.
Engineering representatives from HUST paid the School of Engineering a special visit from March 3-7. The HUST delegates, led by Jishun Li, endowed professor of mechanical engineering, are working to gain firsthand knowledge of the cutting-edge research and activities in engineering in the United States. SIUE mechanical engineering faculty and doctoral students helped the visitors in their pursuit by delivering 10 research presentations.
Along with gaining engineering insight, HUST delegates and SIUE engineering faculty also discussed their new partnership, which will permit graduate students the opportunity to study one year at HUST and one year in the SIUE School of Engineering to receive a master of science in Mechanical Engineering. Once officially approved, this graduate-level partnership will be the first of its kind at SIUE.
Keqin Gu of SIUE, professor of Industrial and Mechanical Engineering and chair of that department, said, "A range of other possible cooperative activities with Henan University of Science and Technology have been discussed."
In 2008, Gu took several students to HUST for a study-abroad program. HUST is situated in the ancient capital of the nine dynasties of Chinese history. The university is known for strong engineering programs that have close connections to the significant industrial base in that region.
A Season For The Child Continues At SIUE With 'Wind In The Willows'
A heartwarming version of Kenneth Grahame's classic tale Wind in the Willows-adapted for the stage by Edwardsville author John Harvey-will be the final show of the 2010-11 A Season for the Child, produced by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Friends of Theater and Dance (FOTAD), at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 19, in the theater at SIUE's Dunham Hall. Proceeds benefit FOTAD's scholarship program.
Curtains Up Theater Company (CUTC), a community theater organization based in Edwardsville and Collinsville, will stage the adaptation. This will be the first time CUTC has been part of the FOTAD series. "We usually use professional St. Louis-based theater groups for A Season for the Child," said FOTAD President Greg Conroy. "However, CUTC has proven itself over the years as a solid theater organization with attention to great production values.
"We had a chance to use a show that was written and produced in Edwardsville and we're proud to promote the local arts. We think our audiences will enjoy this particular production," Conroy said. "It's charming, witty and has an appeal-as the story always has had since it was written in 1908-for children and adults alike."
The stage adaptation features the familiar characters of Mr. Toad, Badger, Ratty and Mole "simply messing about in boats" as the camaraderie of the original story shines through. Walt Disney studios adapted the story as an animated feature in 1949, and subsequently and frequently aired it on Disney's long-running television program, bringing it to a wider audience. Conroy was quick to point out that Harvey's stage version is not a clone of the Disney feature. "This adaptation brings home the story through the use of live theater, which I believe gives a much deeper presentation of the story, making it much more charming and heartwarming for the audience," he said.
A Season for the Child is sponsored by FOTAD with support from TheBANK of Edwardsville, the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation and Ameren Utilities. All tickets for A Season for the Child are $5 per person and may be obtained through the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.
SETO To Present 'House Of Yes' March 23-26 At SIUE's Metcalf Theater
Like a sick, twisted board game in which everyone seems to be playing roulette with passion, Wendy MacLeod's House of Yes! hits the stage at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville James F. Metcalf Theater.
Presented by SIUE's Student Experimental Theater Organization (SETO), the play chronicles an evening with the Pascal family while a dirty little secret is revealed. A dark comedy, steeped in taboos that take a closer look at society's obsession with celebrities and each other, the play continues at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, March 24-26.
According to director Steve Castelli, the Pascals are playing for high stakes with their sanity, morality and freedom as they engage in a game of status and control. "The Pascals are seasoned veterans in the game" Castelli explained. "However, with the appearance of Lesley, they have a new target.
"There is a hurricane brewing on this stormy night when Marty, a brave well-to-do man, who is trying to find his way in the real world, returns home for Thanksgiving to introduce his recently betrothed Lesley-a ditzy, naïve, painfully ordinary blonde-to his family. Marty's choices will make the Pascals feel the effects of a storm that is brewing, but not the hurricane outside," Castelli explained.
Tickets are $6; with a canned good item, $5. Any canned goods collected will be donated to the American Red Cross. The play is recommended for mature audiences. More information is available through the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.
SETO is an SIUE student organization with members who perform, work backstage and generally enjoy theater, producing two shows annually as well as a One-Act Festival. Although the organization is primarily composed of theater and dance majors, SETO welcomes all students. The group meets every other Tuesday at 5 p.m. in the Metcalf Theater.
SIUE Receives NSF ADVANCE IT-Catalyst Award
A $190,555 award to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville from the National Science Foundation (NSF) will help recruitment, retention and promotion initiatives for women faculty in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines.
"The persistent under-representation of women faculty in universities' in those disciplines is well-documented by the NSF and the National Academies," said Associate Professor Denise Cobb from the SIUE Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice Studies and principal investigator. "Although there have been increases in the number of women receiving doctorates in STEM disciplines, women remain under-represented in many of these disciplines, particularly at the more senior ranks."
As the recipient of a 2010 National Science Foundation ADVANCE IT-Catalyst award, SIUE is formalizing a two-year planning grant project titled "Laying the Groundwork: Status of Women Faculty at an Institution in Transition." The award will help the team collect data and begin projects that can facilitate long-term institutional change efforts.
Institutions of higher education receive NSF ADVANCE IT-Catalyst awards to strengthen their commitments to gender equity and diversity in STEM disciplines by providing a foundation for improving the recruitment, representation, and advancement of women, including under-represented minority women.
"The team is excited to have the opportunity to build on the momentum already established by the University and looks forward to working with the campus community-including faculty members, department chairs and administrators-to achieve these important goals," Cobb said.
SIUE's ADVANCE team, led by Cobb, takes an analytical approach to examining the challenges women faculty face, including an under-representation of minority women, within STEM. Cobb is joined by co-investigators Lynn Maurer, Professor of Political Science and Associate Dean of SIUE's Graduate School; Leah O'Brien, Distinguished Research Professor of Chemistry; Sue Wiediger, Associate Professor of Chemistry; Danice Brown, Assistant Professor of Psychology and Christa Johnson, Associate Dean for Research at SIUE's Graduate School.
The team's long-term goals include:
• Increasing the percentage of women faculty members at each rank within STEM disciplines and the social and behavioral sciences;
• Creating institutionalized networking opportunities for women faculty to facilitate their success;
• Developing a central resource center for chairs and program directors;
• Contributing to an improved overall climate.
More information about SIUE's ADVANCE IT-Catalyst initiatives is at siue.edu/advance.
New SIUE Alumni Affairs Blog Will Include SIUE, Social Networking Links
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Alumni Association has created a blog to reach alumni and students in a new way. The blog was launched with its first post on Friday, Feb. 25, and consists of posts written by one of the Alumni Association's student interns. Visit the blog: www.siuealumniintern.wordpress.com
"The blog is being written currently by one of our interns who is about to graduate and become an alumnus of the university," said Katie Bennett, assistant director of Alumni Affairs. "Each semester it will be written by a new intern to give it a different perspective." The first intern to write for the blog is senior speech communication major, Lindy Noel of Taylorville.
"Each post will vary depending on what I'm doing at that particular time and what is happening on campus," Noel said. Noel worked with Bennett to create and design the blog. It includes links to their social media sites, as well as many SIUE links. "We included links that are most used by our alumni, such as Facebook, the SIUE website, and SIUE Athletics," Bennett said.
The blog posts' subjects will vary with each post. Some stories will be about what is happening on campus, alumni events, behind-the scenes as an intern and STAT, the Alumni Association's student organization.
February 2011
SIUE Friends Group To Give Spirituality/Sustainability Awards March 5
The Friends of the Center for Spirituality and Sustainability (CSS) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will present the group's Sustainability Leadership Award posthumously to John and Kay Kendall, who were both instrumental in creating the Watershed Nature Preserve in Edwardsville, and the group's Spiritual Leadership Award to Roy Lanham, director of campus ministries for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, for his coordination of Eastern Illinois University student service projects.
The Friends of the CSS established the Spiritual Leadership Award in 2003 to recognize persons of faith who provide leadership and service to humanity. The Sustainability Leadership Award was established in 2009 with the first award going posthumously to R. Buckminster Fuller. The CSS was named an Edwardsville Local Landmark in 2008.
The March 5 awards dinner will take place from 7-9 p.m. in the LeClaire Room on the N.O. Nelson Campus of Lewis and Clark Community College, 600 Troy Road, Edwardsville. Lanham will be on hand to accept the spiritual leadership award, while Stephen Kendall will accept the sustainability leadership award in memory of his parents.
SIUE Music Professor Emeritus John Kendall, founder of the internationally known Suzuki String Program at SIUE and one of the earliest proponents of the Suzuki String Teaching Method in the United States, died Jan. 6 at the age of 93. His wife, Kay, preceded him in death in 1998. After leaving SIUE in 1994, the Kendalls relocated to Takoma Park, Md., to be closer to their three children. The couple often returned to Edwardsville because of their interest in the Watershed Nature Center and Preserve they helped create.
The Watershed Nature Preserve was founded to preserve and restore local ecosystems. As part of the Cahokia Creek watershed, the preserve is comprised of more than 40 acres of wetlands, prairies and upland and lowland forests.
Lanham, a graduate of Edwardsville High School, has been with the Springfield Diocese since 1987 and, since 1986, has served as director and campus minister of the Newman Catholic Center at EIU in Charleston. For the past nine years, Lanham has served on the University Religious Council at the CSS.
His model of ministry can best be described as a servant model, the hallmark of which has been the outreach efforts in serving those in need internationally, particularly in Haiti, throughout the United States, and through various local efforts. The ministry in Haiti has been ongoing for the past 21 years, which includes providing clean water, housing, school sponsorships, youth development, reforestation, micro-credit financing and adult literacy training. Twice annually, Lanham accompanies college students to Haiti for immersion trips.
Tickets for the March 5 awards dinner are $50 per plate. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the dinner beginning at 7. For more information, visit the Web site: www.siue.edu/religion and download the reservation form. For more information please call the CSS, (618) 650-3246, or email: jjacobso@siue.edu.
Noted Alumnus And Prominent Higher Education Advocate To Be Honored
During its May 6 and 7 commencement ceremonies, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will honor an alumnus who has become nationally known as an FBI profiler and hostage negotiator, and a local businesswoman who has been one of the strongest supporters of SIUE from the start.
At the 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, May 7, ceremonies, an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters will be given to Clinton "Clint" R. Van Zandt, an author and public speaker who has achieved prominence as an FBI profiler, hostage negotiator and expert analyst. Dolores Rohrkaste will receive the Distinguished Service Award for her work over the years as an avid supporter of SIUE since its inception. That award will be given at the 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 6, and the 5 p.m. Saturday, May 7, ceremonies.
The SIU Board of Trustees, through its executive committee, recently approved the awards. The SIUE Honorary Degrees and Distinguished Service Awards Committee actively solicits nominations from members of the University community to obtain a diverse pool of qualified candidates for these awards. A candidate for an honorary humane letters degree may be any person who has made significant contributions to cultural, educational, scientific, economic, social, humanitarian or other worthy fields of endeavor. Distinguished Service Awards may be presented to any person who has given outstanding or unusual service to the University, the region or the state.
According to the Premiere Speakers Bureau, Van Zandt began his career with the U.S. Army Intelligence Corps, serving during the Vietnam War. In 1971, he graduated from SIUE with a bachelor's in sociology and joined the FBI as a special agent.
During his 25 years with the FBI, he served as chief hostage negotiator and as supervisor in the Behavioral Science unit, or "Silence of the Lambs Unit," assisting in criminal investigations and hostage situations throughout the world. In addition to coordinating psychological threat assessment for the FBI with the U.S. Government's Nuclear Emergency Search Team for terrorist and criminally related nuclear, chemical and biological incidents globally, Van Zandt has lectured, taught and trained national and international counterterrorism teams, such as the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team, U.S. Navy Seals, U.S. Army Delta Force and others.
The primary hostage negotiator in the 1987 Cuban prison riots and during other similar sieges, Van Zandt also personally negotiated with Branch Davidian cult leader David Koresh, as well as many national and international terrorists holding U.S. citizens hostage. Van Zandt retired in 1995 and founded Van Zandt Associates, Inc. (VZA), a company specializing in corporate emergency management, threat assessment and forensic consulting services. The VZA team was responsible for identifying the "Unabomber" and correctly profiling the Oklahoma City bomber on the day of the tragedy.
During the early 1950s, Rohrkaste was a founding member of the Southwestern Illinois Council for Higher Education (SWICHE), an organization formed to establish an institution of higher learning in the region. After completing studies in art and architecture at the Chicago Art Institute and the University of Illinois, Rohrkaste operated a studio in downtown Edwardsville and also taught. She and her husband, William, were in the dairy business and joined the Edwardsville Chamber of Commerce.
For a decade, Rohrkaste was the group's only female member. In 1953, she became the local chamber's first female president and, according to a New York Times article, was the only female chamber president in the country. Rohrkaste also has served in the community with the Edwardsville Business and Professional Women's Club; the Edwardsville Junior Service Club; the League of Women Voters, and the Edwardsville Hospital Association Board. She is a sustaining member of the Greater Edwardsville Area Community Foundation and was president of a local organization to provide school lunches for children.
For her contributions to the community, she was voted the Outstanding Citizen of Edwardsville Award in 1959.
Alumni Association To Play Host To Networking Breakfast In O'Fallon
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Alumni Association will play host to an Alumni Networking Breakfast from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 15, at the Regency Conference Center, 400 Regency Park, O'Fallon. The hour-long event will include an appearance and presentation by SIUE Alumnus Alonzo Byrd. The event will be an excellent opportunity to network with fellow SIUE alumni and enjoy a free breakfast of pastries, fruit and coffee. Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards for networking.
Byrd, a 1981 graduate of SIUE's College of Arts and Sciences, currently is assistant vice president of public affairs for Enterprise Holdings. He is an active member of many organizations such as the Executive Advisory Committee for the National Urban League's Black Executive Exchange Program (BEEP) and of Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois.
He also is chair of the Nominating Committee for the St. Louis Red Cross Board of Directors, advisor to the St. Louis Black Rep. and a foundation board member for the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials.
Parking is free; to register for this free event, visit the website: www.siue.edu/alumni. For other information, call Katie Bennett, assistant director of SIUE Alumni Affairs, (618) 650-2762, or e-mail: kabenne@siue.edu.
Feb. 24 Temple Grandin Arts & Issues Event Sold Out
The Feb. 24 appearance of author and speaker Temple Grandin, part of the 2010-11 Arts & Issues series at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, is sold out. The evening is sponsored by the SIUE Meridian Society and the Madison County Regional Office of Education.
"We are happy with the response to Temple Grandin's appearance and we're sorry not everyone will have the opportunity to see this remarkable woman," said Grant Andree, director of the Arts & Issues series for the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences. "We're providing this information about the sold out concert so that other patrons will not make an unnecessary trip to campus for tickets."
Tickets still are available for the March 24 appearance of "The Langston Hughes Project," a performance of Hughes' Ask Your Mama: Twelve Moods for Jazz. Tickets are available through the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-5774, or through the Arts & Issues website: artsandissues.com.
SIUE Student is Recipient of Fall 2010 Enterprise Leadership Award
Katie Holm of Quincy, a junior in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business, recently was honored with the Enterprise Foundation Rent-A-Car Student Leader of the Semester Award.
The award recognizes students who are nominated by the faculty for outstanding participation and responsibility in a student organization. Holm's award recognizes her work as a member of SIUE's American Marketing Association (AMA). The organization strives to foster relationships with fellow marketing majors as well as faculty and future employers, and exposes students to the marketing and sales profession. Each year, collegiate chapters have the opportunity to develop a fully integrated marketing plan for a client and then compete against other student chapters in the AMA Case Competition.
The Enterprise Foundation award recognized Holm for her hard work and dedication to the AMA. "Katie has been the driving force behind this year's AMA Case Competition, and as the competition nears its end, I can honestly say that Katie has done a remarkable job in leading her team through a challenging competition," said Edmund Hershberger, assistant professor of management and marketing and faculty advisor to the SIUE chapter of AMA.
Holm has been the organizing force behind her team of business and non-business students. She is credited for the leadership she demonstrated by proactively recruiting students from the SIUE Department of Mass Communications to help with creative work for the Case Competition. The award carries with it a $100 stipend and certificate. In addition, she will be recognized at a reception later this month.
The SIUE School of Business is among an elite 10 percent of business schools worldwide that have earned the prestigious seal of approval from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). The School has been AACSB International accredited since 1975. This assures that students receive the highest quality in strategic resource management, interaction with faculty and achievement of learning goals. In addition, the SIUE Accounting Program also is accredited through AACSB International. Less than 33 percent of AACSB-accredited business schools hold an accounting accreditation.
In the photo at right, Katie Holm is flanked by SIUE School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino ( at left) and Associate Professor of Management and Marketing Edmund Herschberger. (SIUE Photo)
SIUE To Offer 'The Colored Museum' Feb. 23-27 At Dunham Theater
George C. Wolfe is a talented Broadway director and obviously a very talented and funny playwright as Southern Illinois University Edwardsville audiences will see later this month when Wolfe's The Colored Museum comes to the University's mainstage. The Colored Museum opens at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, and continues at the same time Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 24-26, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27, all in the theater at SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall.
Wolfe's play features 11 vignettes that satirize elements of the African-American culture, some of which might make some audience members a bit uncomfortable. But, Director Kathryn Bentley, an assistant professor of theater and dance at SIUE and a black woman, said Wolfe is masterful in presenting the satire so over-the-top that the audiences should have no problem finding the humor.
"The playwright has created a piece of theater that challenges us all to look at ourselves as Americans and to love ourselves, appreciate ourselves and laugh at ourselves," Bentley said. "This is a play about self-definition, contradiction and honoring all that we are. The content is so layered and so contemporary that I don't think it will ever go out of style."
Wolfe's premise for the play puts the audience among passengers on an airplane that travels through time. The passengers visit various museum exhibits which display African-American culture and history from the beginnings of slavery in America all the way to fairly recent times.
Bentley said the satire and the humor dare us to laugh. "We realize that Wolfe is saying it's OK to laugh in order to grow," she said. "We have to admit there was some ugliness in America's history but we have to face it if we are to move forward. We have to embrace all the complexities and the contradictions in American society. It's an excellent play that could lead to meaningful discussion of societal issues that face all of us."
However, for all of its layers, Bentley said, it's still a very funny comedy. "We have to embrace the diversity and the inclusiveness."
Tickets for The Colored Museum are $10; senior citizens, $8; non-SIUE students with valid ID, as well as SIUE employees, retirees and alumni, $8; SIUE students with valid Cougar ID, no charge, courtesy of the Arts for All program funded through the SIUE Campus Activities Board.
For information or for tickets, call the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774. The photo at right features (from left to right): Olivia Neal as Admonia; Sharaina Turnage as The Model; and Ashley Bland as LaLa LaMazing Grace. (SIUE Photo by Bill Brinson)
A Musical Trip Embarks Feb. 25 In East St. Louis
Get ready to climb into a melodious, rhythmic and captivating time capsule and tap, bop and boogie through musical expressions by People of Color. The "time capsule" will be provided by the SIUE East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts and the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School as the evening spotlights Journey Through Music at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25, in the Multipurpose Theater on the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus, 601 James R. Thompson Blvd., East St. Louis.
Journey through Music traces the history of dance from the 1940s to the present. Some of the celebrated artists to be remembered will include singer, actress and activist Lena Horne, known for her song Stormy Weather and her role in Cabin in the Sky; Nina Simone, recognized as a singer, pianist and activist, whose noted songs include: Four Women, Little Girl Blue, I Loves You, Porgy and To Be Young Gifted and Black.
Other artists to be remembered on the East St. Louis stage include the New Edition, Donna Summer, The Impressions, Marvin Gaye, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Yolanda Adams and Van McCoy. The performance also will contain a special tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
Tickets are $10; senior citizens and students,$5. For ticket information, call (618) 482-6993.
In the photo, students from the SIUE East St. Louis Center for Performing Arts present the ballet number, Gone Too Soon, commemorating legendary pop icon Michael Jackson. The dance performance was choreographed by Performing Arts staff member Jack Williams. Pictured from left to right are : A'Nya McCaleb, Keandria Payne, Ariel Maggitt and Raven Eastern.
Brown Bag Lunches Showcase SIUE Faculty Research Initiatives
A series of educational programs sponsored by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Institute for Urban Research (IUR) showcase faculty commitment to learning and education.
"Life Course Trajectory of African American Men" is a Brown Bag Lunch topic that will be held from noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16 in Rendleman Hall on the SIUE campus, room 2214. Lori Campbell, SIUE assistant professor of sociology and criminal justice studies, and Carl Bentelspacher, SIUE associate professor of social work, will lead the discussion and present their research findings on the issue.
Campbell, who holds a Ph.D. in sociology from Ohio State University, teaches in the areas of race and ethnicity, statistics and others, and conducts research in wealth inequity, child development and stratification. Bentelspacher, who earned his Ph.D. in social work from the University of Southern California, teaches human behavior in the social environment and group practice. He practices scholarship in the areas of family care giving, cross-cultural practice and life course development of African-American men.
Graduate student Michael Leber, who is majoring in sociology, assisted with conducting research for the project.
Anthony Cheeseboro, SIUE associate professor of historical studies, will present "African American Oriented Entertainment in the Metro East" from noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, March 16 in the same location. Cheeseboro has a Ph.D. in historical studies from Michigan State University.
Future events are being organized through the IUR. Seating to the event is limited for the event. With inquiries, contact the IUR, (618) 650-5262.
Higher Learning Commission, IBHE Approve SIUE Ed.D. Program
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has received approval from the Higher Learning Commission and the Illinois Board of Higher Education to offer a program of study leading to the education doctorate (Ed.D.) in educational leadership.
The program is designed for practicing P-12 school administrators who want to pursue careers as superintendents or school district leaders.
"Through doctoral study, candidates develop expertise in using research to make system-wide changes that benefit all students within the school district," said Mary Weishaar, associate dean and professor of education at SIUE.
Weishaar said the program is part-time for working adults. Those pursuing the doctorate will typically take two courses per semester. The program can be completed in 54 semester hours.
There are three entry points, Weishaar said, including:
• Upon completion of a master's degree and certification as a building level administrator;
• While working toward Superintendent certification and the education specialist (Ed.S.) in educational administration;
• Within 10 years of completion of the Superintendent certification and the Ed.S.
"Acceptance is competitive and exceptional candidates are selected annually," Weishaar said.
Applications are being accepted until April. 1. Classes will begin in June. Information on the program is available at siue.edu/edd.
40th Annual Friends of Lovejoy Library Antiques Show and Sale Set For March 11-12
Some 70 local and national dealers in antiques will display and sell a variety of rare and unique items Friday and Saturday, March 11-12, at the 40 th Annual Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Friends of Lovejoy Library Antiques Show and Sale.
Since 1970, the show and sale has been conducted by the Friends to help raise funds for the purchase of books and materials for SIUE's Elijah P. Lovejoy Memorial Library. According to Kyle Moore, development director for Lovejoy, the event has grown dramatically and now raises more than $40,000 annually. "For 40 years, the Antiques Show and Sale has provided a great service to our students, the dealers and the general public who attend," Moore said.
The event will take place in the Student Fitness Center, adjacent to the SIUE Vadalabene Center that weekend. "Shopping for items from the past will help to inform our future leaders," said Carol Nativi, co-chair of the Antiques Show and Sale.
"The Antiques Show and Sale provides a great service to our students, the dealers and the general public," Moore added. "Every year, approximately 3,000 attendees take advantage of this event to price their antiques and shop for rare and unique items."
Tickets are $6 at the door; children under 13 years of age will be admitted free. The event is co-sponsored by the Belleville News-Democrat. For information about show times and directions, visit the website: www.siue.edu/lovejoylibrary/friends or call Kyle Moore, (618) 650-2714.
NRHH Big Red Volleyball Tourney Postponed
The NRHH Big Red Volleyball tournament scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 13, (see above) has been postponed. The event will be rescheduled for sometime in March. For updates and additional information on NRHH and Big Red Volleyball, please visit http://www.siue.edu/housing/studentleadership/.
NRHH Red Storm Chapter Hosts First Ever Big Red Volleyball Event
On Sunday, Feb. 13, the SIUE National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) Red Storm Chapter will host the First Big Red Volleyball event to raise financial support and awareness for the American Heart Association. Big Red Volleyball is unique, it is not your typical volleyball game-the ball is approximately 40" wide and all levels of skill are welcome.
Michelle Farney, NRHH co-advisor and Woodland Hall assistant community director, said the chapter has been working diligently this year to become more well-known in the campus community. "The members of NRHH would like to see Big Red Volleyball become a tradition for their chapter here at SIUE," she said. "This program will provide an excellent opportunity for the members of the SIUE community to give back to a worthy cause, while being active and having a good time with friends and colleagues."
The single-elimination tournament will take place noon-5 p.m. rgar Sunday in the Student Fitness Center Gymnasium. The first 30 teams to register will compete. Teams will consist of five-10 players; cost of participation is $5 per player. Registration includes a complimentary hot dog and soft drink at the event. Teams may consist of students, faculty and staff, or to anyone in the community who would care to participate.
The championship team will receive celebratory CHAMPION T-shirts; awards will be given to the teams with the most team spirit and best overall team theme. Spectators are welcome and donations will be accepted at the event. For more information, contact Michelle Farney, (618) 650-4625, or Cathy Passananti, (618) 650-4652.
Minority Summer Camp Offered Through SIUE School Of Pharmacy
A competitive minority summer camp opportunity is being offered through the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy.
The purpose of the camp is to attract more minority student applicants to schools of pharmacy. A total of 30 participants will be chosen among high school students from Madison and St. Clair counties.
The summer program runs from June 5-8 for high school seniors with an interest in pursuing a pharmacy degree. Students will spend their time on campus in the School of Pharmacy and within local pharmacy practice sites.
"The aim of the summer camp is to expose students to careers in pharmacy and work with students to prepare them for pharmacy school," said J. Christopher Lynch, acting associate dean and professor in the SIUE School of Pharmacy.
Recognizing the value of increasing diversity among the student body, Lynch said the program will raise awareness of the opportunities available to students on the Edwardsville campus, specifically through the school.
Participants will stay overnight in SIUE Student Housing during the program. They will have the opportunity to interact with other participants, pharmacy students and pharmacy faculty members.
The camp is free for those selected to participate. More information is available through high school guidance counselors. Completed applications are due by April 1 to the SIUE School of Pharmacy, Campus Box 2000, Edwardsville, Ill. 62026-2000. With questions, contact the SIUE School of Pharmacy, Office of Student Affairs: (618) 650-5150, or email: pharmacy@siue.edu with the term "Minority Summer Camp" in the subject line.
Engineering, Imaging, and Saving Lives: SIUE School of Engineering's Umbaugh Releases Second Edition Textbook
Scott Umbaugh, professor of electrical and computer engineering in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering, is expecting even more success with the second edition of Digital Image Processing and Analysis: Human and Computer Vision Applications with CVIPtools (CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, 2011)
While the world of image processing may attract engineers initially, Umbaugh understands just how important this work and advancements in the field are to all mankind, particularly in the medical field. Many of the imaging tools and applications covered in this text aid medical doctors in the early detection of skin cancer, brain tumors, diabetes and various other medical pathologies. Umbaugh's new and improved text is not only guiding students and practitioners on a deeper level but it is serving as the basis for discovering traces of a life-threatening disease early enough to quite possibly save a life, one image at a time.
Umbaugh uses the text book at SIUE in two courses: Image Analysis and Computer Vision (ECE 438) and Digital Image Processing (ECE 439). Despite the fact that the first version of the book has been adopted by many reputable engineering schools here in the United States and abroad, Umbaugh hopes that this second edition book with full-color images throughout will captivate even larger national and international interest than before. The book's first edition software produced more than 15,000 downloads in 50 countries since 2006.
SIUE Club Grappler Wins Two Gold Medals In Dallas Tourney
Joseph "Joey" Walters of Pawnee, a Southern Illinois University Edwardsville junior majoring in education, recently brought back two gold medals from the North American Grappling Association's World Tournament in Dallas. He earned the berth by winning a qualifying tournament in St. Louis. A complete listing of results can be found on the website: nagafighter.com/index.php?module=eventdetailpage/171#. Walters won first in the Men's Intermediate Fly Weight category and first in the Men's Blue Belt Fly Weight category at the national competition.
The North American Grappling Association (NAGA) offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Submission Grappling tournaments and is the largest submission grappling association in North America, with more than 46,600 participants world-wide. The SIUE Jiu-Jitsu Club was officially recognized in 2010 and founded by Walters, who is president. The SIUE club currently has more than 25 student members.
For more information on the more than 30 active student organizations within the SIUE Club Sports program, visit the website: www.siue.edu/crec
January 2011
SIUE Celebrating Black Heritage Month During February
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is presenting its 14th Annual Black Heritage Month Program during February, with the theme of Remembering Our Past: Building Our Future as One. Black Heritage Month is sponsored by the SIUE Campus Activities Board. Below is a calendar of events:
Tuesday, February 1
Opening Celebration
12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM
Goshen Lounge, Morris University Center
Join the 2011 Black Heritage Month Planning Committee as they launch the month long celebration. The opening program will feature Chancellor Vandegrift, poetic readings by Assistant Professor Adrian Matejka, a performance by the Community Performance Ensemble, and the Gospel Choir will lead the singing of the Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing.
Thursday, February 3
Caribbean Sounds - SIUE Steel
12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM
Goshen Lounge, Morris University Center
Join us for a performance by SIUE Steel, a newly formed group of talented steel pan players and learn the history of steel pan and its relation to African American heritage and the African American experience.
Speak on It
7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Goshen Lounge, Morris University Center
Enjoy an evening of spoken word and poetic verse of the past, present and future exploring issues and solutions.
Co-sponsored by One Mic Poetry
Tuesday, February 8
Dr. King Jr. Birthday Celebration
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Meridian Ballroom, Morris University Center
SIUE's annual birthday celebration to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. King Jr. will feature guest speaker Ms. Vickie Newton, Anchor, KMOV-TV. The event will include lunch, special performances, and recognition of award recipients.
Students: $15 General Public: $20
Call Educational Outreach at 618.650.3210 to purchase tickets.
Friday, February 11
Eighth Annual Gospel Explosion
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Meridian Ballroom, Morris University Center
Join us for an inspirational evening to spread the gospel of healing, reconciliation, and unity to the campus and community. The event will feature gospel music, poetry, rap and praise dance. Co-sponsored by the SIUE Gospel Choir
Friday, February 11 - Sunday, February 13
Black Theater Workshop - The Roots
Feb. 11 & 12 - 7:30 PM
Feb. 13 - 2:00 PM
Metcalf Theater
Artistic Director - Kathryn Bentley
Student Director - Curtis Lewis
This SIUE student created, performed and directed production is a potpourri of scenes, monologues, songs and poetry.
Tuesday, February 15
Livewire - Jenn Mundia
12:00 Noon - 1:00 pm
Goshen Lounge, Morris University Center
Come listen to this Kenyan-born acoustic soul singer! Jenn Mundia's unique voice will have you clapping and singing along!
Wednesday, February 16
Health Fair: A Celebration of Health, 2011
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Goshen Lounge, Morris University Center
Come and celebrate your health through health screenings and evaluations. Learn how simple lifestyle changes and acquaintance with community health care providers can improve your health in 2011 and beyond.
Thursday, February 17
Black and Blues: The Roots of African American Music
12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM
Goshen Lounge, Morris University Center
This presentation will take a look at the history of the African American Experience from a musical perspective.
Black Heritage Month Student Talent Show
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Meridian Ballroom, Morris University Center
Come watch SIUE students as they take their turn on stage showcasing their singing, dancing, poetic, and musical talents.
Friday, February 18
Friday Free Flick - For Colored Girls
6:00 PM
Location - Abbott Auditorium
Join Campus Activities Board for this blockbuster film directed by Tyler Perry. The all-star cast provides a thought-provoking commentary on what it means to be a female of color in the world. Free popcorn and soda will be provided.
Tuesday, February 22
Taste of Culture - Africa
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Goshen Lounge, Morris University Center
Enjoy a performance by Spirit of Angela, a traditional west African drum and dance group. Enjoy free food and prizes.
Thursday, February 24
Unsung Heroes (Heroines) of the Civil Rights Struggle
12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM
Goshen Lounge, Morris University Center
A panel will discuss the range of leaders from the civil rights movement. It was much more than a King and a Dream. Come learn about the brave men and women who fought and continue to fight for civil rights.
Wednesday, February 23 - Sunday, February 27
The Colored Museum
Feb. 23, 24, 25, & 26 - 7:30 PM
Feb. 27 - 2:00 PM
Dunham Theater
Written by George C. Wolfe
Director - Kathryn Bentley
The fast moving satire that spoofs everything without apology. A play that forces us to take a look at ourselves and have a good laugh while doing so. Features eleven vignettes that satirize elements of African-American culture.
Students: Free General Public: $10
Senior Citizens: $8
Call Fine Arts Box Office at 618.650.2774; toll free at 888.328.5168, ext. 2774; or email at theater-tickets@siue.edu to purchase tickets.
Saturday, February 26
Africa Night
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Meridian Ballroom, Morris University Center
Enjoy an evening of African culture through food, dance and entertainment.
Students: $10 Faculty/Staff: $12
General Public: $13
Call the MUC Information Center at 618.650.5555 to purchase tickets.
Sponsored by the African Student Association.
All events are free unless otherwise noted; contact the Kimmel Leadership Center, (618) 650-2686 for additional information. All events are subject to change.
MLK Jr. Award Winners Announced At SIU Edwardsville
The Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian and Scholarship Awards have been announced by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The awards will be presented at the University's 28th annual celebration of the birthday of the Rev. King at SIUE on Tuesday, Feb. 8.
The awards are given each year to recognize those who exemplify the philosophy of nonviolent social change as demonstrated by Rev. King. This year's guest speaker will be Emmy Award-winning anchor/reporter Vickie Newton, KMOV-TV (Ch. 4) in St. Louis. Miss Newton also is an instructor in the SIUE Department of Mass Communications.
The luncheon program will begin at 11:30 a.m. in Meridian Ballroom of SIUE's Delyte W. Morris University Center, followed by a reception in the Goshen Lounge for the winners of the Scholarship and Humanitarian awards. Winners of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. High School Essay, Poetry, and Visual Arts Awards also will be honored.
Winners include:
- Julian Glover of Bloomington- A 20-year-old sophomore pursuing a bachelor's in Speech Communication at SIUE and an accomplished cellist, who is recipient of the MLK Jr. Scholarship and Humanitarian Award;
- Denise DeGarmo- Associate professor of political science and chair of that department who is recipient of the Faculty/Staff MLK Jr. Humanitarian Award; and
- Jacqueline Croffett of Washington Park-A non-traditional student at SIUE and a tireless volunteer for her church and in the community, who is recipient of the Community MLK Jr. Humanitarian Award.
Winners of the MLK high school competition awards are:
- Jennifer Mahan of Ballwin, Mo., a senior at Parkway South High School-essay award;
- Kendell Cowell of Columbia, a junior at Waterloo High School-poetry award; and
- Ashley Villarreal of Waterloo, a senior at Waterloo High-visual arts award.
Glover, who also is minoring in music at SIUE, has entered many music competitions in this country and overseas. He came to SIUE in 2009 after graduating from Bloomington (IL) High School, where he was very active in music organization activities.
He also is active in his church and with the Tomorrow's Scientists, Technicians and Managers program for the past four years within the Urban League organization. Glover has won several awards including the 2008 NAACP Harry Hightower Youth Community Service Award and the 100 Black Men of Central Illinois African-American History Challenge Award in 2009.
Those who nominated Glover for the MLK Scholarship Award refer to him as reliable, mature and a responsible student, and one who is very dedicated and determined to succeed. SIUE Assistant Music Professor Marta Simidtchieva, who teaches cello and one of Glover's nominators, wrote: "Julian is a natural leader with a strong sense of commitment" and that "he has a solid future ahead of him."
Croffett is referred to as one who has served her community in many ways through advocating for the elderly in nursing homes, working with young people at her church, as well as being involved for many years in the local schools. SIUE Assistant Special Education and Communications Disorders Professor Wendy Fuchs, of Fairview Heights and one of Croffett's nominators, wrote that she has "witnessed (Croffett's) hard work and determination as a nontraditional student at SIUE. From the beginning of her course of study, she has had her sights set on graduating with a degree in education so that she may continue to give back to her community," Fuchs said.
"She takes the time during and after class to assist her peers understand concepts, ideas and assignments."
DeGarmo, who teaches international relations courses and who is coordinator at SIUE of the Peace and International Studies minor program, was called by one nominator, Julie Hopwood, who wrote that DeGarmo has been a proponent for human welfare and social reform "through the promotion of peace, anti-war activism and education/intellectual development." Hopwood is assistant to the SIUE Provost for policy and communication.
Cheryl Brunsmann, assistant director of community education programs for SIUE, applauded DeGarmo for her decade-long dedication to SIUE's Great Decisions series. "She (DeGarmo) leads timely discussions on sensitive, global issues or helps identify the most appropriate faculty member for each topic," Brunsmann wrote in support of DeGarmo. "She shares her knowledge to educate others on the ideals of tolerance, acceptance, understanding and sensitivity to others."
Tickets for the MLK luncheon are $20; students, $15. For reservations, call (618) 650-2660.
SIUE School Of Nursing Faculty Members Awarded Fellowships For Teaching
Donna Jewell, assistant professor of Family and Community Health, and Ann Popkess, assistant professor of Primary Care and Health Systems, both faculty members of the SIUE School of Nursing, were among 18 nursing faculty at Illinois colleges and universities who were recipients of $10,000 fellowships awarded by the Illinois Board of Higher Education at its December meeting. The fellowships may be used as salary supplements or to fund professional development activities.
The state of Illinois faces a shortage of well-trained nurses, along with a shortage of highly qualified nursing faculty to educate new nurses. The Illinois Nurse Educator Fellowship Program rewards well-qualified faculty for remaining in the classroom rather than relocating to better paying private sector positions.
Virginia Cruz, interim chair of the SIUE Department of Family and Community Health, explained the importance of this award for the SIUE School of Nursing. "The value of the Illinois Nurse Educator Fellowship Award is immeasurable, particularly in this period of nursing faculty shortage and economic challenges," Cruz stated. "It provides an incentive for qualified faculty to remain at SIUE in the School of Nursing."
With this fellowship award, Jewell and Popkess plan to fund their attendance to a variety of continuing education conferences and workshops. Laura Bernaix, chair of the SIUE Department of Primary Care and Health Systems, is delighted that both honorees plan to expand their nursing knowledge. "Information gleaned from these activities will assist them in developing new courses and teaching strategies," Bernaix said. "This, in turn, demonstrates their commitment to our high quality, expanding undergraduate and graduate nursing programs."
Fellows are nominated by Illinois institutions of higher learning with a nursing program approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission.
Fifth Annual SIUE School of Engineering Awards Banquet
The SIUE School of Engineering will host the Fifth Annual School of Engineering Awards Banquet on Tuesday, Feb. 15, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center. This event, held yearly since 2007, celebrates the academic excellence, service and leadership of both students and faculty in the School of Engineering. The evening will feature distinguished engineering alumnus and entrepreneur Ed Grady as guest speaker and includes dinner and a cash bar.
"Last year's banquet attracted more than 260 guests," said Engineering Dean Hasan Sevim. " The School of Engineering hopes to celebrate this year with even more students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends." All tickets, $25 for guests and $5 for students, may be purchased through the dean's office. To RSVP and for more event information, student sponsorship opportunities and ticket sales, visit the website: www.siue.edu/ENGINEERING/banquet/, or by e-mail to Veronica Hoversten: vhovers@siue.edu.
Make checks payable to the SIUE School of Engineering and send to:
SIUE School of Engineering
Campus Box 1804
Edwardsville, IL 62026-1804
Traveling CityArchRiver 2015 Exhibit Comes to SIUE, Area
A traveling exhibit will be featured on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday, Feb, 7 and 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 8-9 in the Morris University Club, on the second floor of the Morris University Center. CityArchRiver 2015 staff will be available to take questions at SIUE from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. that Monday.
Lead designer Michael Van Valkenburgh and members of the Arch grounds design team will unveil the latest details of the design concept during "Report to the Community: The Design Concept Presentation" and provide next steps for energizing the Arch grounds, downtown St. Louis, the Mississippi River and the Illinois riverbank area at a reception tonight at America's Center in downtown St. Louis.
CityArchRiver 2015 is a nonprofit organization that launched an international design competition: "Framing a Modern Masterpiece: The City + The Arch + The River 2015″ in Dec. 2009 to revitalize the St. Louis area through encapsulating and showcasing the Gateway Arch, the Arch grounds, the city and surrounding attractions. Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA) of Brooklyn, NY was the design firm chosen from five finalists in competition last September to lead the effort.
For more information or to pre-register for tonight's reception, visit: cityarchrivercompetition.org. Pre-registration is not required to attend the opening event from 6-7:15 p.m. at the America's Center, Ferrara Theatre, Washington Avenue at Eighth Street.
The main exhibit will be displayed from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily in the Saint Louis Gateway Arch Lobby, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, 11 North 4th St. from Jan. 31-Feb. 25.
In addition to SIUE, the traveling exhibit will be featured at the following locations:
• Missouri Botanical Garden, Beaumont Room, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 31-Feb. 3;
• Missouri History Museum, Forest Park, McDermott Grand Hall, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 14, 16-18 and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Feb. 15;
• Washington University in St. Louis, Givens Hall, Main Floor, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 21-25.
CityArchRiver staff will be available at the additional locations at various times. For more details visit: cityarchrivercompetition.org.
STAT To Host Nearly Naked Mile Fun Run For A Good Cause
Members of Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow (STAT)-an alumni mentoring program at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will be embracing frigid weather as they play host to the Nearly Naked Mile Fun Run on Thursday, Feb. 17, in SIUE's Stratton Quadrangle. Participants will run a mile around the quad that day wearing "next to nothing." While creativity is highly encouraged, attire must include at least swimsuit coverage. The inaugural event last year was known as the Polar Bear Fun Run. The name was changed by vote of students.
"There are so many people in our area who don't have warm clothing," said Travis Bournes, STAT president, "so this is our way to experience what they experience, while helping them out and having some fun."
The event kicks off with check-in at 11:30 a.m., followed by the run at noon. The registration fee -$10 plus one new, or "gently used," warm-clothing item that will be donated to the Glen-Ed Food Pantry-includes a Nearly Naked Mile T-shirt, and hot chocolate and cookies in the warm-up tent after the fun run. Participants also will have a chance to win an SIUE hoodie.
Participants are being asked to pre-register by Friday, Feb. 4, for a guaranteed T-shirt size; registration may be accomplished online, siue.edu/alumni/stat, at Birger Hall or with a STAT officer. Registration also may be obtained at 11:30 a.m. on the day of the race.
Spectators for this event are welcome to bring items to donate to the pantry and cheer on the runners. Chili and hot chocolate will be available for purchase. There also will be an opportunity for spectators to participate in a frozen T-shirt contest for the chance to win a Starbucks gift card.
STAT provides undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to interact with alumni before graduation and obtain great advice regarding their major plus create valuable career contacts for jobs and internships. STAT also offers the option to take part in the STAT Alumni Mentor program. Students are matched with alumni from their chosen field of study and given the opportunity to gain valuable career advice.
BOT Committee Awards Contracts For NCERC Equipment Installation
The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees Executive Committee recently awarded $1,527,930 in contracts to three Illinois companies for installation of corn fractionation equipment at the SIU Edwardsville National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC). The executive committee was authorized in December by the full board to award the NCERC contracts to expedite the project in lieu of scheduling full board action. At that same December meeting, the board awarded contracts for site preparation at the NCERC for this installation.
The companies awarded the installation contracts are:
- Poettker Construction Co. of Breese , $299,000, for general contracting;
- Pyramid Electrical Contractors of Fairview Heights, $328,930, for electrical work; and
- GRP Mechanical of Bethalto, $900,000, for heating.
University officials have noted the project will be funded through existing grants from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
The NCERC performs research using emerging technologies and it has been determined by the Illinois Corn Growers Association that corn fractionation is a priority technology in the corn-to-ethanol industry. Corn fractionation is the process of separating a corn kernel into its three parts: endosperm (starch), germ (oil) and bran (fiber).
SIUE Alumni Association Set To Award 2011-2012 Scholarships
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Alumni Association is currently accepting applications for its 2011-2012 Legacy Scholarship and the Stahlschmidt Family Legacy Scholarship. The award offers a full-tuition scholarship to a current undergraduate student and an incoming freshman. In addition, the association offers $100 scholarships to five individuals. The scholarships are made possible each year through various association events, fundraisers and membership dues. The scholarship funds are managed by the SIUE Alumni Association Board of Directors.
To be eligible, applicants must be the child, grandchild, sibling or spouse of a current association member. Alumni who are not current members, but have a family member interested in applying, must become a member prior to submitting an application. Applicants are evaluated based on GPA and also ACT/SAT scores, as well as involvement in community service, extra-curricular activities and financial need.
Last year's recipients were Lisa Mosby and Kristina Copeland. Recipients of the $100 scholarships were Travis Blom, Kimberly Bruning, Laticia Georgie, Katherine Hanser and Kira Long. "Receiving this scholarship provides me with more options and opportunities while attending school," said Mosby, a biological sciences major from Brighton.
The Stahlschmidt Family Legacy Scholarship also offers two $1,500 scholarships to deserving students. The Stahlschmidts established the scholarship in honor of their parents who supported the college education of their 10 children, eight of whom graduated from SIUE. Eligible applicants for the Stahlschmidt scholarship must be incoming freshmen or transfer students and enrolled full-time. Applicants will be judged on financial need and GPA, as well as ACT/SAT scores, community service, after-school activities and essay questions. Kristopher Klette of Edwardsville and Mataya White of Neoga were recipients of last year's scholarships.
To be considered for either of the scholarships, applications must be submitted by Friday, Feb. 25. Applications and further details may be found at siue.edu/alumni/awards or by calling the Office of SIUE Alumni Affairs, (618) 650-2760.
R. Klaustermeier Is January EOM
Congratulations: Ron Klaustermeier, Distribution Services supervisor in Purchasing and Central Receiving, is the January recipient of the Employee Recognition Award. In the photo, Klaustermeier (center) is flanked by SIUE Vice Chancellor for Administration Kenn Neher and Shelly Albert, purchasing officer in Purchasing who nominated Klaustermeier. Also in the photo is Nancy Ufert Fairless, director of Purchasing, and David Heth, director of Financial Affairs for the University, both of whom supported the nomination. In addition to the plaque he received, Klaustermeier was awarded a $25 gift certificate to the SIUE Bookstore, two complimentary lunch coupons to the University Restaurant or other Dining Services location, and parking close to his office for the month. (SIUE Photo by Denise Macdonald)
SIUE Pharmacy Receives CHEA National Award
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy is the recipient of one of only four national 2011 Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) Award for Outstanding Institutional Practice in Student Learning Outcomes.
The school is the first school of pharmacy to be recognized with the award. Established in 2005, the CHEA award recognizes institutions that have been exceptional in developing and applying evidence of student learning outcomes to improve higher education quality and accountability.
"CHEA is pleased to acknowledge the work of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy in providing an example of institutional progress and effective approaches to the use of student learning outcomes," said CHEA President Judith Eaton in announcing the award.
The School of Pharmacy's application focused on the Senior Capstone Project, required for all 4th-year students. Consisting of a research project or the development of a specific business plan related to an aspect of pharmacy, the senior capstone is a way students demonstrate the knowledge they have gained during their tenure at the University.
Projects are evaluated and tied to core assessment measures of student learning outcomes used throughout the program. Students have been successful with projects and have presented them at state and national meetings, in addition to the school presentation day.
"I believe that this award recognizes our commitment to providing an excellent pharmacy education program and is a product of the great work of all our faculty, staff and preceptors," said Erin Timpe, director of the SIUE Drug Information and Wellness Center and an associate professor in the department of pharmacy practice. Timpe is one of the chief contributors on the award application.
A CHEA committee selected from higher education institutions, accrediting organizations and the public judged the winners on the basis of the following criteria:
• Articulation and evidence of outcomes;
• Success with regard to outcomes;
• Information to the public about outcomes
• Use of outcomes for educational improvement.
"It is truly an honor for the School of Pharmacy to be the first school/college of pharmacy to ever receive this esteemed CHEA Award," said Gireesh Gupchup, acting dean of the SIUE School of Pharmacy. "This award truly exemplifies our commitment to the assessment of student success."
CHEA is a national advocate and institutional voice for self-regulation of academic quality through accreditation. The association is comprised of approximately 3,000 degree-granting colleges and universities, and recognizes institutional and programmatic accrediting organizations.
Other award recipients include Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, James Madison University Social Work Program and Miami Dade College.
Representatives from each school will receive the award at the 2011 CHEA Annual Conference, Jan. 24-26 at the Marriott Hotel Washington in Washington, D.C.
SIUE School of Nursing Extension Site BSN Feasibility/Curriculum Approved
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation's Board of Nursing approved the proposal " Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - Proposed BSN Feasibility/Curriculum Approval for an Extension Site" during the board's January meeting in Springfield. The award of full approval allows faculty to deliver the nursing curriculum at the Regional Nursing Program at SIU Carbondale.
Anne Perry, professor and associate dean for Academic Programs in the School of Nursing, appeared before the Nursing Board to address the Regional Nursing Program. "The approval of our proposed BSN feasibility and curriculum was a necessary step in moving us forward at Carbondale," Perry explained. "We were commended for the thoroughness of our report and caliber of the program. We are quite pleased with the outcome."
Last year, the SIUE School of Nursing and SIUC addressed the statewide nursing shortage by opening the regional nursing program in Carbondale. Beginning in August 2010, 23 students began coursework in the inaugural class at the Regional Nursing Program.
Susan Winters, director of the SIUE Regional Nursing Program, is thrilled with the BSN Feasibility/Curriculum approval and the program's future. "This collaborative endeavor between SIUC and the SIUE School of Nursing is truly a win-win-win situation for SIUC, SIUE, and perhaps most importantly, for Southern Illinois," Winters said. "I look forward to our graduates contributing to the health of the Southern Illinois region, and I relish the opportunity to bring the program to life in Carbondale."
The SIUE School of Nursing, including the Regional Program at SIUC, is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the "gold standard" for baccalaureate and graduate degree nursing programs.
Photo: The photo at right is of Chelsea Green, the School of Nursing Student Officer Class of 2013 on the Carbondale Campus.
SIUE Volunteer Programs Touch Lives, Shape Futures
Volunteer programs through the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Kimmel Leadership Center's Volunteer Services allow students to help others, while having a lasting, positive impact on their lives.
Whether spending spring break on a Native American Reservation helping tribes gain access to needed resources, counseling rape and sexual assault victims, or gathering clothes and food for the area's homeless, the University's volunteers are dedicated to making a difference.
The lessons they learn through volunteer and leadership programs today provide them with direction for the future, said Suzanne Kutterer-Siburt, director of volunteer services.
In 2010, the University was listed as part of the Presidential Honor Roll for its commitment to volunteerism. Volunteerism also was part of the reason the University was honored recently by Washington Monthly magazine, which stated that the University's volunteer projects through the Kimmel Leadership Center contributed to SIUE's designation among the top 50 in the country.
According to the SIUE volunteer website, "Volunteering allows students to apply academic knowledge, gain skills and experience, and contribute to the community." Opportunities are available across the country, throughout the St. Louis Metropolitan Area, Southwestern Illinois and on campus. Some of the many opportunities include:
- Taking alternative break trips, such as spring break trips to visit the Cherokee Nation;
- Participating in local Boy Scout Food Drives;
- Providing assistance one Saturday each month to the Angle Food coop program, which offers nutritious food at reduced cost through a self-help distribution system;
- Undergoing Community Emergency Response Training (CERT);
- Offering assistance through the Faith In Action Yard Clean Up effort;
- Assisting with SIUE programs, such as through The Gardens at SIUE and Give Kids A Smile Day through the SIU School of Dental Medicine in Alton;
- Participation in several community homeless projects and counseling victims through medical advocate rape and crisis training, as well as suicide and crisis training;
- Registering individuals to vote.
Students at the University also can take part in the Student Leadership Development Program, which consists of 60 hours of volunteer service and attending a structured reflection session. Half of the volunteer hours must be completed in the community. Participants can receive credit toward a leadership transcript by documenting service hours and by providing an account of skills obtained and duties performed.
For more information about the Kimmel Leadership Center and SIUE Volunteer Services, call (618) 650-2686 or visit: siue.edu/kimmel/volunteer.
SIUE Faculty Member To Join IPI's Academic Advisory Board
Professor Rik Hafer, a member of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business faculty since 1989, has been selected to join the Illinois Policy Institute's (IPI) Academic Advisory Board. The Institute, with offices in Chicago and Springfield, is considered the leading free market public policy organization in the state and is comprised of noted academics and researchers from multiple disciplines across the country.
Hafer is Distinguished Research Professor of Economics and Finance and past-chairman of the SIUE Department of Economics and Finance. He also is a Research Fellow with the Show-Me Institute of St. Louis.
Members of the advisory board work with the IPI through peer review of Institute research, writing original research and commentary pieces and conducting outreach programs through their university communities.
A Season For The Child Continues At SIUE With Off-Beat Snow White
Children and their parents are in for a humorous evening Jan. 22 as Piwacket Theatre for Children presents Snow White and the Eighth Dwarf as part of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Friends of Theater and Dance (FOTAD) A Season for the Child series. Proceeds benefit FOTAD's scholarship program.
Piwacket, providing great live family theater in the St. Louis Area for nearly two decades, will stage this send-up of the classic fairytale at 7 p.m. that Saturday in SIUE's Dunham Hall theater. Snow White and the Eighth Dwarf continues A Season for the Child, in its 21 st year of presenting family-oriented theater to Southwestern Illinois audiences, sponsored by FOTAD with support from TheBANK of Edwardsville, the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation and Ameren Utilities.
The series features professional theater troupes from St. Louis that stage adaptations of various children's stories, using interactive techniques that not only delight children and parents but also provide a learning experience. In March, the Curtains Up Theater Co., of Edwardsville, will stage the final production of the 2010-11 FOTAD series, Wind in the Willows, a new adaptation of the classic early 20 th Century British novel by Kenneth Grahame. The show features the familiar characters of Mr. Toad, Badger, Ratty and Mole "simply messing about in boats." Local playwright John Harvey created the adaptation which will be staged at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 19, in Dunham Hall theater.
All tickets for A Season for the Child are $5 per person and may be obtained through the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.
N.O. Nelson Complex, LCCC, Site of SIUE Art Auction
The 32nd Annual Art Auction sponsored by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Friends of Art will take place April 7 at the N.O. Nelson Complex, Lewis and Clark Community College, 600 Troy Road in Edwardsville.
The event will begin at 6 p.m. with a preview of the artwork for auction in the Leclaire Room of the Jay Hoffman building. At 7 p.m. the auction will start. For the third year the event is being held at the original site of the SIUE Art Department, formerly known as the Wagner Complex.
Professional auctioneers Dennis Ahrens and Gary Niemeier of Ahrens and Niemeier Auction Service will present more than 150 works, most of which are originals. Additional pieces will be up for bid during the event as part of a silent auction.
The artwork featured at the auction has been donated by visiting artists, faculty, alumni, friends and students of the SIUE Department of Art and Design.
Those who donate art for the event receive free admission. There is a $5 entrance fee for all others. A cash bar will be available.
The auction has been held since 1979 and was originally organized by the SIUE Friends of Art as a way of raising money for the department to enhance undergraduate and graduate programs. Last year nearly 100 artworks were auctioned and 87 others were sold during the Silent Auction.
Funding from the event has been used to host nationally and internationally known artists and scholars on campus to offer workshops and lectures, as well as to set up a High School Exhibit and Art Auction, and pay for books and films about art and design for SIUE's Lovejoy Library.
More information is available at siuefriendsofart.com or by contacting Dianne Lynch, dlynch@siue.edu, or Pam Decoteau, pdecote@siue.edu. Become a fan of SIUE-Friends-of-Art@siue.edu on Facebook.
A&I Continues 2010-11 Season With Eisenhower Dance Jan. 29
Eisenhower Dance Ensemble (EDE), one of the Midwest's premier contemporary dance companies, will appear Jan. 29 as part of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Arts & Issue s series in the theater at SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall. The event is sponsored by Commerce Bank.
For more than a quarter of a century, SIUE's Arts & Issues series has brought great performers and distinguished speakers to Southwestern Illinois. The Eisenhower dance troupe will appear onstage at 7:30 p.m. that Saturday. The official media sponsors for A&I are the Edwardsville Intelligencer and KWMU-FM, while the series official hotel sponsor is Hampton Inn and Suites.
This presentation is supported by the Performing Arts Fund, a program of Arts Midwest funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional contributions from The Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; General Mills Foundation; and Land O'Lakes Foundation.
Arts & Issues Director Grant Andree praised EDE for its exciting dance interpretations but also applauded the group's interest in education. "In addition to the Jan. 29 event, members of the Eisenhower troupe will be conducting master classes with SIUE dance students. As an added treat, the group will choreograph a piece that will include not only SIUE dance students but also students from SIUE's East St. Louis Performing Arts Center, the Turning Pointe Academy of Dance in Maryville and Premiere Performance Dance Studio in Edwardsville," he said.
"That piece will be featured during this event. I am so pleased to see a prestigious dance company participating in educational outreach," Andree said. "It's an important part of furthering the arts in our community."
EDE tours nationally and internationally, and is celebrating its 20 th professional season this year. Artistic director Laurie Eisenhower founded the company in 1991 in metropolitan Detroit. Since its inception, the troupe has been dedicated to the performance of a diverse range of contemporary dance works.
Along with Ms. Eisenhower's highly acclaimed choreography, EDE showcases the works of young talented artists along with internationally known choreographers. "On The Move" features a mix of repertory including excerpts from the group's "Rock and Roll," recently performed by the Company at Chicago's Athenaeum Theatre to rave reviews.
Also on the program will be various favorites from the Company's repertory. "We are celebrating our 20 th anniversary," states Eisenhower, "so we have revived several works from the early years of EDE." Red Dress was one of the first works choreographed by Eisenhower for the Company and it has stood the test of time. "It is a comedic duet about love, so everyone can relate to it," she said.
As to the group's dedication to outreach, Eisenhower said the additional activities are an important part of the troupe's mission. "We love to involve the community in our performances," she said. "It is exciting for the young dancers to appear onstage with a professional company and it also provides a fabulous way for EDE to connect more personally with each community in which we perform."
For more information, call Grant Andree, (618) 650-5774. More information and tickets are available through the website: artsandissues.com .
Other Arts & Issues events for 2010-11 include:
Temple Grandin: "Visual Thinking: Autism and Design"-Thursday, Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m., Meridian Ballroom (on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center)
Sponsored by the SIUE Meridian Society and the Regional Office of Education for Madison County
Grandin recently was included in the 2010 TIME 100, the magazine's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Among numerous other recognitions by media, Bravo Cable created a brief documentary about her life, and she was one of the "challenged" people featured in the best-selling book, Anthropologist from Mars.
The Langston Hughes Project-"Jazz Montage: A Multimedia Concert Performance of Langston Hughes … Ask Your Mama: Twelve Moods for Jazz"
Thursday, March 24, 7:30 p.m., Meridian Ballroom
An homage in verse and music to the struggle for artistic and social freedom at home and abroad at the beginning of the 1960s, Hughes' 12-part epic poem is scored with musical cues drawn from blues and Dixieland, gospel songs, boogie-woogie, bebop and progressive jazz, Latin "cha cha" and Afro-Cuban mambo, German lieder, Jewish liturgy, West Indian calypso, and African drumming-a creative masterwork left unperformed at his death.
Simon Shaheen-Thursday, April 14, 7:30 p.m. , Meridian Ballroom (Morris University Center)
Shaheen brings his quartet to the Arts & Issues stage to dazzle the audience as he deftly leaps from traditional Arabic sounds to jazz and Western classical styles. His soaring technique, melodic ingenuity, and unparalleled grace have earned him international acclaim as a virtuoso on the oud and violin. Called one of the most significant musicians, performers and composers of his generation.
Ken Burns: "The Civil War"-Wednesday, April 20, 7:30 p.m. , Meridian Ballroom, Morris University Center
Sponsored by the SIUE Foundation, the SIUE Graduate School, and the St. Clair County Regional Office of Education through a federally funded Teaching American History Grant
Called "the most accomplished documentary filmmaker of his generation" by the New York Times, Burns has captured the imaginations of television viewers in unprecedented fashion, setting rating records and winning dozens of awards with his stunning historical documentaries. His first major work, The Civil War, is a moving presentation eloquently celebrating America's fascinating history and culture.
Arts & Issues and the SIUe Xfest present
500 Clown Frankenstein -Saturday, June 4, 7:30 p.m., Dunham Hall Theater
Moving between planned elements and improvisation, this performance will leave its audiences excitedly uncertain as to what is and what is not planned. In each show, an innovatively designed set piece (with hi- and low-tech mechanics) propels the clowns into extreme physical behavior and rough-style acrobatics. Comic mayhem will be served abundantly to the Arts & Issues audience as our three clowns embark on a madcap journey to construct Dr. Frankenstein's laboratory.
The 2010-11 Arts & Issues photos suitable for print are available at http://www.siue.edu/artsandissues/PhotoIndex.shtml
SIUE Wind Symphony To Conduct Fundraising Event At Neruda Jan. 19
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Wind Symphony, the only American university ensemble chosen to perform for an international music conference in Taiwan later this year, will conduct a fundraiser Jan. 19 to help with trip expenses.
The Wind Symphony, under the direction of SIUE Music Professor John Bell, will be performing in early July at the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles in Chiayi City, Taiwan. Bell said part of the proceeds from the Jan. 19 fundraising event, which will take place at Neruda Restaurant after 5 p.m. that Saturday, will help defray costs of making the Taiwan trip for the symphony. "Neruda has graciously agreed to donate 15 percent of that evening's proceeds to our band fund, which was set up to help with expenses for the trip," Bell said.
"We hope everyone will come out to support the wind symphony," he said. "Make your reservations soon."
Neruda is located at No. 4 Club Centre Court, Edwardsville. Reservations may be made for after 5 p.m. Jan. 19 by calling (618) 659-9866.