College-Bound Students and Parents Can 'Preview SIUE' on Oct. 14
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill) Students and their families looking to make a decision about college education can "Preview SIUE" on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 14.
More than 1,000 high school and community college students and their parents are expected to attend "Preview SIUE," the university's annual campus-wide open house.
Chancellor David Werner will present opening remarks at 9 a.m. Students will then have the opportunity to tour the central campus -- including the state's newest residence halls-- learn about campus life and student services, and visit academic departments.
Informational sessions are scheduled throughout the day. Session topics include SIUE -- The Place to Be; Financing Your Education at SIUE; Countdown to SIUE; and Emerging Careers, as well as academic sessions presented by the College of Arts and Sciences and the Schools of Business, Education, Engineering and Nursing.
Students can speak one-on-one to department representatives at the information fair in the Vadalabene Center from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
"Preview SIUE is an opportunity for prospective students and their families to get answers to all their questions in one visit to campus" said, Karen Bollinger, Assistant Director of Admissions and Marketing.
"Our program is one of the few campus-visit programs that includes participation from virtually all academic and student services units in one setting."
Registration begins at 8 a.m. in the Vadalabene Center, but students may pre-register online at www.admis.siue.edu/PREVIEW, or by calling 1-800-447-SIUE. Campus tours will be offered until 1:30 p.m. and campus offices will be open until 4:30 p.m. Preview parking will be available in Lots 10, 11 and B. There is no charge for the event.
SIUE's enrollment has risen for eight consecutive years and now stands at 12,708, the largest enrollment since 1975.
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SIUE Readies 'Family Weekend' – The Welcome Mat Is Being Put Out For Parents, Family & Friends
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) — Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is putting the finishing touches on plans for its 2002 Family Weekend to be held Friday, Oct. 18, through Sunday, Oct. 20.
"The University has scheduled a wide variety of events that will show the families of students SIUE at its best," said Lisa Ramsey, assistant director of the Kimmel Leadership Center and organizer of the weekend. "Visitors will be able to enjoy athletic events, theater, comedy, and the annual cardboard boat regatta, and they are welcome to make full use of the Student Fitness Center and Morris University Center."
Things get off to a hot start on Friday with the first SIUE Chili Cook-off from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Korte Stadium. Organizations and members of the University community will be competing for the honor of being declared the best chili concoction.
SIUE soccer teams take the field, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with the SIUE men's soccer team taking on the University of Missouri-St. Louis team for the annual homecoming game. The SIUE homecoming king and queen will be crowned at the completion of that game, preceding the 7:30 p.m. match between SIUE women's soccer and the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Visiting theatergoers will be able to take in performances of the University Theater Mainstage production of "Ain't Misbehavin'." The Thomas "Fats" Waller musical is performed Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m., in the Dunham Hall theater. Tickets are $5 for parents and family, free for SIUE students, and available by phoning (618) 650-2774.
Friday night is capped off with the 4th Annual Casino Night from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Goshen Lounge of the Morris University Center. Those who feel lucky can try their hand at blackjack and roulette using their free chips – no money necessary to play – in an attempt to win prizes.
SIUE Campus Recreation sponsors a 7:30 a.m. 5K Poker Run on Saturday morning, starting off from the Student Fitness Center. The morning's other activity is the annual "Ya Gotta Regatta – Boats and Brunch." Competitors will set sail in cardboard boats of their own creation from the Cougar Lake recreation area beginning at 10 a.m. The event continues through 1 p.m. with other games and free food.
Comedian Kevin Burke will serve up some laughs as part of the "Just For Laughs Comedy Series." The Campus Activities Board-sponsored event begins at 5 p.m. in the Morris University Center's Cougar Den. And for those who enjoy laughter with their shivers, the recent motion picture "Monsters, Inc." will be screened in Bluff Hall at 7:30 p.m.
A special Sunday brunch will be served from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the University Restaurant of the Morris University Center preceding the 12 p.m. soccer match between the SIUE men's team and their rivals from Quincy University at Korte Stadium. Those not attending the afternoon "Ain't Misbehavin'" matinee will want to cheer on the women's soccer team at 2:30 p.m. as they take on the women's team from Quincy.
Unless otherwise noted, all events are free of charge. Families are encouraged to have their reservations made as soon as possible, and an online registration form is available at www.siue.edu/FAMILY or by contacting Lisa Ramsey, 618/650-2686. Information is available on the Web site regarding are lodging and meals planned through SIUE Dining Services.
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Oct. 12 Five For Fighting Concert Cancelled At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Because of insufficient ticket sales, the "Five For Fighting" concert scheduled for Oct. 12 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has been canceled. The SIUE Campus Activities Board, sponsor of the event, plans to schedule another concert in the spring.
Patrons who purchased tickets at SIUE's Morris University Center (MUC) should bring the whole ticket to the MUC Information Center for a cash refund. Those who purchased tickets through Metrotix may receive a face value refund at the point of sale. Metrotix phone and internet customers should call (314) 534-1111 for refund instructions.
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SIUE Art Auction Of Original Art Set For Nov. 21 At Sunset Hills C.C.
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The 25th Annual Art Auction, sponsored by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Friends of Art, is set for Thursday, Nov. 21, at Sunset Hills Country Club in Edwardsville. All artwork is original and may be previewed between 6 and 7 p.m. when the auction begins.
Each year the Friends of Art assembles an impressive array of donated artwork from faculty, visiting artists, students, and alumni of the SIUE Department of Art and Design for auction, all in the name of enhancing the university's undergraduate and graduate art programs.
Since l977, the Friends of Art has assisted the department in staging the fund-raiser; last year's event saw nearly 200 pieces sold by professional auctioneer Gary Neimeier; more than 40 additional items were sold during the Silent Auction.
Money raised at the auction is used to fund a number of events for the department and its students. Last year, these included 13 nationally and internationally-known artists who came to SIUE for workshops and lectures. The funding also supports the Art Scholarship Fund and helps purchase books and films about art and design for SIUE's Lovejoy Library.
Additional monies are awarded to students traveling to conferences, for visiting artist receptions, the High School Award and the Art Auction Awards, the Graduate and Undergraduate Exhibit Purchase Awards, and stipends for speakers in the Art Seminar. The funding also aids the local ArtEast Studio Tour reception.
For further information, call Dianne Lynch, (6l8) 650-3073; Pam Decoteau, (618) 650-3107 or Friends of Art President Dawn Nash, (314) 531-1542.
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Oct. 23 Ceremony At SIUE To Honor Firefighters, Policeman
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A 4 p.m. ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, will pay tribute to the Edwardsville firefighters and the SIUE policeman who responded to the Cougar Village Fire on Oct. 12.
The ceremony, which will take place in Goshen Lounge of the Morris University Center, will honor those who were first on the scene: firemen Jim Acra, James Brooks, Rich Dustman and Bob Morgan, and SIUE police officer Anthony Santiago. The men are credited with rescuing students who were trapped in the building.
SIUE Chancellor David Werner, Edwardsville Mayor Gary Niebur, and SIUE Student Body President Michelle King will make remarks during the brief ceremony. A reception with refreshments will follow.
SIUE freshman Michael McGehee of Red Bud, who helped rouse his neighbors before he was trapped by smoke and then rescued, also will be honored. McGehee returned to class Oct. 21 after being hospitalized for smoke inhalation.
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Windham Hill Recording Artist Samite To Perform on SIUE Arts & Issues Series
"The Soul of Africa" With Music That Touches The Heart
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) — "When you hear the music of Samite, the soul of Africa is revealed to you," said no less of an authority than Joseph Shabalala of Ladysmith Black Mombazo. Area music-lovers will be able to test the truth of that statement when Samite appears in concert on Tues., Nov. 21, at 7:30 p.m., as part of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Arts & Issues series.
Musician, composer and recording artist on the Windham Hill label, Samite celebrates his Ugandan heritage through his music. His vocals are sung in Luganda and are performed on traditional African instruments such as kalimba (finger piano), marimba (wooden xylophone), litungu (seven-stringed Kenyan instrument), and flutes.
But Samite's music is not an anthropological tour of the sounds of Africa. With the addition of modern technology, Samite merges the traditional with the contemporary, resulting in a highly accessible, enjoyably listenable fusion.
Samite was born and raised in Uganda where his grandfather taught him to play the traditional flute. His primary schooling was within the King's Courtyard where the royal musicians played for the Ugandan king. That daily influence permanently instilled within the young boy the rhythms and patterns of the traditional music of his people – the Baganda. Recognizing his talents, a teacher at his high school in Kampala put a western flute in his hands and helped him to become one of the most highly acclaimed flutists in East Africa.
In 1982, while Uganda was under the rule of Idi Amin, Samite fled to Kenya as a political refugee. There he played with the Bacchus Club Jazz Band and the popular African Heritage Band. Increasingly drawn to instruments and rhythms from the traditional Ugandan music scene, he eventually played solo at the Mount Kenya Safari Club in Nairobi.
Emigrating to the United States in 1987, Samite now makes his home in Ithaca, New York, where he recorded his first American album, "Abaana Bakesa (Dance My Children, Dance)." His second release, "Pearl of Africa Reborn," contains new recordings that retain the essence of African traditions. Both albums relate images conjured while dreaming, and folk tales and stories passed on to him by his grandfather. His third U.S. album, "Silina Musango," is a joyful collection of melodic, trans-cultural songs, featuring kalimba melodies that are the heartbeat of Samite's music.
He later signed with Windham Hill, releasing several albums, including his most recent release on that label, "Stars to Share." He is also featured on three other Windham Hill releases: "Winter Solstice 'Simple Gifts,'" "Will Ackerman's 'Sound of Wind Driven Rain," and "Summer Solstice II." Samite's latest release is "Kambu Angels" on the Wind Over the Earth Label (The RCA Victor Group).
He spent the summer of 1998 traveling throughout parts of Africa filming a PBS documentary, "Song of the Refugee." It was inspired by a desire to present African refugees' hopes for the future in spite of the suffering and loss they have endured. Media coverage during the crisis concentrated on violence and destruction, with little or no coverage of the reconciliation and healing process underway. "Song of the Refugee" also captured Samite's first visit to Uganda since he fled in 1982.
For the past few years, Samite has made his living as Uganda's unofficial music ambassador to the United States. One of his goals is to open people's minds and hearts to the common threads of human concerns, conveying optimism through stories and song.
"I am convinced that we are all moved by the same desires, needs and emotions, regardless of the language in which those feelings are expressed," said Samite.
Following Samite on the 2002-2003 Arts & Issues series is the National Theatre of the Deaf presenting its contemporary take on two classic Beaumarchais farces in a new play entitled "Oh, Figaro!" on Jan. 28. Public health advocate and former surgeon general under the Clinton Administration, David Satcher, speaks on "Politics, Opinions and Public Health," on Feb. 11. Gloria Steinem – feminist, writer, and co-founder of Ms. magazine – addresses "What You've Always Wanted to Know About Feminism and Been Afraid to Ask" on March 19. The world-renowned Takacs Quartet performs at SIUE on March 27, for an evening of Haydn and Beethoven, and Helen Thomas – a fixture of the White House pressroom for more than 40 years – concludes the season on April 8, offering her "Wit and Wisdom From the Front Row at the White House." A free brochure is available for the 18th annual Arts & Issues season.
Tickets for Samite are $16; SIUE students, $8.
For a brochure or ticket information, call 618/650-2626, or, from St. Louis toll-free, 888/328-5168, ext. 2626; visit the series' Web site at www.siue.edu/ARTS_ISSUES; write: Arts & Issues, SIUE, Campus Box 1608, Edwardsville, IL 62026; or e-mail jpeeche@siue.edu. Admission includes free parking in the lots behind the Morris University Center or Katherine Dunham Hall.
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