February 2001
President Walker Conducts Open Forums On Campuses
President James E. Walker did some walking around on the SIU campuses recently as he conducted open forums at Carbondale, Edwardsville, Alton, East St. Louis, and Springfield.
His purpose was to gather input from the campus communities to help develop "a shared vision" for the university's future. "It's one thing for me to have a vision of what the university should be," he pointed out, "but I'm more concerned about a shared vision for SIU.
"I want to know what people see as the future for SIU, how we want SIU to be perceived in the future."
The forums were informal and employees had been given "homework" to consider before the meetings took place. They were asked to consider three questions:
In your opinion, what do you perceive to be SIU's major strengths?
In your opinion, what are the major challenges facing SIU in the short term? In the long term?
In the year 2010, how would you like SIU to be perceived?
Walker also said he would be forming smaller focus groups on each campus to help define SIU's mission. "It is my intent to utilize these focus groups by gathering more in-depth information and feedback than may have been gained during the open forums.
The president said a shared vision plan will be published and used as a "road map" for the future course of the university. He also plans to present the vision plan on each campus before the end of the semester. "These forums have been an opportunity for us as a university to look forward," he said.
The Babes To Perform For Arts & Issues March 2-3
The Babes, a quartet of "40-something moms" who have established a national reputation, will perform here March 2 and 3 as part of the Arts and Issues season.
Singing two shows at 7:30 both evenings in Katherine Dunham Hall theater, the quartet applies a special brand of "goofiness and grit" to their songs about everyday life.
Arts & Issues Coordinator Richard Walker said audiences will find just the right blend of comedy and musical ability from the quartet. "The Babes take us on a musical journey with a style that blends jazz, folk music, and just a touch of country," Walker said. "And, the laughs are a bonus."
The group includes:
- Sally Fingerett, who is trained in classical and folk styles of music, and who has written music for movies, television, and commercials, as well as released three solo CDs;
- Megon McDonough, who has been recording since her teens and who recently released her 10th recording project. She has performed in various Chicago-based productions including Pump Boys and Dinettes and Always Patsy Cline. On- camera she has worked in TV commercials and was the lead singer in a Danielle Steel made-for-TV movie, and won an ACE Cable TV Award for singing the theme song for an HBO Olympic ice-skating special;
- Debi Smith, who has performed both as a soloist and as half of the duo, The Smith Sisters, who have recorded four albums. As a songwriter, Debi has won American Song Festival, Billboard, and ASCAP awards; and
- Camille West, who brings comical quips to the quartet. She was honored by the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC in 1996.
Tickets for each show on March 2 and 3 are $16; students, $8. For tickets, call (618) 650-5555, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 5555; or, write: Arts & Issues, SIUE, Edwardsville, IL 62026-1083; or, by e-mail, rwalker@siue.edu. The Arts & Issues Web site is: www.siue.edu/ARTS_ISSUES.
Admission includes free parking in the lots behind Morris University Center or Dunham Hall theater.
Spring Enrollment Is Largest It's Been Since 1977
Spring enrollment grew to 11,480 students, an increase of 136 students, or about 1.2 percent, over last spring.
Director of Admissions Boyd Bradshaw said the increase was indicative of the growing enrollment SIUE has experienced for the last several years. "I think the spring enrollment indicates what we've seen consistently for the last several years in both the fall and spring," Bradshaw said.
"Our reputation is growing across the state and region. Students and their families are discovering that SIUE offers a quality educational experience at an affordable price."
Bradshaw said the spring numbers would have been even larger, but said bad weather kept some part-time students away. "The cold, snowy weather and bad road conditions that we had for most of December very likely kept a large number of our part-time students from registering for classes," Bradshaw said, explaining that most of the part-time students are non-traditional students who attend classes at night.
"Many of these would have been students at off-campus sites in more rural areas."
Where part-time student enrollments are normally in the range of 3,700-3,800, more than 3,600 part-time students signed up for classes this spring. Last spring, 3,785 part-time students registered. Even with the part-time enrollment decrease, total spring enrollment is the largest since 1977.
Early indicators suggest fall enrollment likely will continue the growth trend. "Applications are running ahead of this same time period last year," he said. "We'll open Bluff Hall, our newest residence hall, in the fall, adding about 500 new resident students. It doesn't necessarily mean enrollment will be up 500 students, but obviously the new residence hall will have a positive impact on enrollment and retention."
Bluff Hall is SIUE's third residence hall; all three have been built since 1994. When the new building opens, about 1,500 students will live in residence halls; Cougar Village houses about 1,300-1,400 students.
Town Hall Meeting to Detail Morris Center Renovation
Design plans for the $19.3 million renovation of the Delyte W. Morris University Center will be unveiled in a pair of town hall meetings scheduled in the center this Thursday.
Architects will present their concepts for the modernization and improvement of the 34-year-old building. "I think people will be both pleased and excited by what they will see and hear at these meetings," said Mary Robinson, MUC director. "The proposed plans reflect the types of things students told us they wanted to see in the University Center."
A 10 a.m. meeting is scheduled for students, faculty and staff, while a second session at 1:30 p.m. is intended for special interest groups -groups effected by the redesign of the building-to review the plans. Both sessions will be held in the Maple-Dogwood rooms of the University Center. On hand for the sessions will be representatives of Woolpert LLP of Belleville and WTW Architects of Pittsburgh, the principal designers and architects of the MUC renovation project.
The firms will present and discuss floor plans and renderings of their designs. Students approved a student fee increase through a referendum last April to support the renovation of the Morris University Center. More than a year's worth of focus groups and surveys were held before initial recommendations and plans were announced and the referendum scheduled.
High on the list of student requests-requests that have been translated into reality in the proposed architectural plans-was an expansion and reconfiguration of the lower level food court to accommodate a wider range of menu and food offerings. The new "Town Center" food court also will require expanded seating for the increased number of residential students resulting from the opening of Bluff Hall-the university's third residence hall-this fall.
Additionally, the plans call for an expanded retail area, a new coffee house, a computer lab, a full-service copy center, outdoor dining in the University Restaurant, and major improvements to the recreation area, the Meridian Ballroom, and the various university and student offices housed in the building.
Robinson anticipates construction will begin in December of this year and last through March 2003.
Ethanol Plant Given Official Approval By The SIU Board
Formal project and budget approval has been given by the SIU Board of Trustees for construction of the $20.1 million National Corn To Ethanol Research Pilot Plant to be located in University Park.
The proposed 20,000-square-foot facility will include a pilot scale corn wet mill and corn dry mill ethanol plant, wet labs, offices, storage, and visitor areas. The plant will emulate a full-scale, commercial ethanol-producing facility. Such a testing site is needed to continue experimenting with alternatives to fossil fuels.
Last year, the federal government appropriated $14.1 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture funds for the plant, while $6 million in matching funds was approved by the Illinois General Assembly. Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-20), Illinois Gov. George Ryan, and other members of the Illinois delegation were instrumental in bringing the plant to SIUE. Officials have said the plant will not only provide many benefits for Illinois corn growers but also for farmers throughout the country.
In its approval, the board requested that the project and the proposed source of funds be submitted to the Illinois Board of Higher Education for its review and approval as a non-instructional capital project. The approval also authorizes members of the Board's Executive Committee to award contracts for the project.
In other matters, the Board approved a $24.50 increase in the SIU School of Dental Medicine instrument rental fee for its students, from $112.50 per semester to $137 per semester. The increase will assist in the "necessary replacement" of instruments used by students. The increase also will help defray costs of new instruments because of new curricular requirements and unfunded mandates. The increase will take effect Fall Semester. This will be the first instrument rental fee increase since 1993.
Shulman To Receive Doctor Of Humane Letters On May 5
Lee Shulman, president of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, has been chosen to receive an honorary doctorate at spring commencement.
Shulman will receive a Doctor of Humane Letters at commencement exercises on Saturday, May 5. Approval for the honorary degree was passed Feb. 8 by the SIU Board of Trustees at its regular monthly meeting.
Carnegie Foundation president since 1997, Shulman formerly was president of the American Educational Research Association, and received its highest honor, the career award for Distinguished Contributions to Educational Research. He also has received the American Psychological Association's E.L. Thorndike Award for Distinguished Psychological Contributions to Education.
His writing and research center on the study of teaching and teacher education; the growth of knowledge among those learning to teach; the assessment of teaching medical education; the psychology of instruction in science, mathematics, and medicine; the logic of educational research; and the quality of teaching in education. His most recent research emphasizes the importance of "teaching as community property" and the central role of "scholarship of teaching" in supporting needed changes in the cultures of higher education.
A native of Chicago, Shulman received a doctorate from the University of Chicago. He previously was on the faculty at Michigan State University, where he was professor of Educational Psychology and Medical Education and co-founder of that university's Institute for Research and Training
SIUE Dominates At University Of Wisconsin At Parkside
After a tough loss to Lewis, the Cougars turned things around today (2/17) by defeating Wisconsin-Parkside in convincing fashion 85-44, the largest margin of victory this season for SIUE.
SIUE, 17-7 overall and 12-6 in the conference, shot 55.9 percent (33-59) from the field, while the Rangers were 15 of 59 for 25.4 percent from the field. The Cougars entered the half with a 38-17 lead and shooting 60 percent. Wisconsin-Parkside now falls to 6-18 overall and 3-15 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
Misi Clark pumped in 20 points and grabbed seven rebounds to lead the Cougars. Clark was 8 of 11 from the field. Kristen Boss scored a career-high 13 points in 20 minutes off the bench. Sarah Larson also finished in double figures off the bench by recording 12.
Joy Rodefer was the only Ranger to reach double figures with 16 points.
The Cougars return home Thursday (2/22) when they take on Bellarmine in a 5:30 p.m. game at the Vadalabene Center.
Cougars Hit Last Second Shot To Edge Wisconsin-Parkside 67-66
A layup by Nick Hartwig with six seconds remaining pushed the Cougars past Wisconsin-Parkside for a dramatic 67-66 win this afternoon in Kenosha, Wis.
The Cougars, 7-17 overall and 4-14 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, entered the half down 34-31 and shooting just 38.5 percent (10-26) to the Rangers 50 percent (13-26), but SIUE stayed focused for the second half.
As a team, the Cougars shot 45.8 percent (11-24) from the field and 90.9 percent (10-11) in the second half to cling to the narrow victory. The Rangers fall to 9-15 overall and 6-12 in the conference.
Marty Perry was back to his old self. After being held scoreless against Lewis, the Cougars leading scorer finished the day with a double-double to help edge Wisconsin-Parkside. Perry finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Hartwig scored 13 points, while Garrett Thomas finished with 12 points.
The Rangers were led by Brian Coffman with 15 points and five rebounds. Marlon Grice scored 13 points off the bench while Nick Knuth added 12 points.
SIUE returns to action Thursday (2/22) when the team returns home to face Bellarmine at 7:45 p.m. in the Vadalabene Center.
Cougar Baseball Coaches Like Quality Despite Losses
Cougar Baseball dropped its first three games of the season but the coaching staff considers it a good experience.
"It was good to go play quality competition on the first weekend," said pitching coach Tony Stoecklin. "It gives us the opportunity to see where we are at as a team to start the season."
Despite the losses, the coaches feel confident the pitching staff will be outstanding. "We know what needs to be adjusted," Head Coach Gary Collins said. "But we also saw some bright spots. Its early in the season."
SIUE loss 13-1, 2-1 and 12-7 to No. 4 ranked Alabama-Huntsville. Mark Bugger (Edwardsville) and Dave Crouthers (Edwardsville) share the lead with a .333 batting average after 12 at bats. Crouthers also pitched 5.0 innings in the 2-1 loss of a doubleheader on Saturday, giving up one earned run and five strikeouts.
Women Looking At Huge Game Against Southern Indiana Tonight
Wendy Hedberg feels fortunate to come out with two wins at home last weekend. The Cougars, 16-5 overall and 11-4 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, led by 13 points in both games only to see the opponents cut into the lead. SIUE defeated Quincy 68-63 and Missouri-St. Louis 55-52.
"Quincy is a young scrappy team that keeps coming after you," Coach Hedberg said. "They have lots of ways to get back into the game, and we knew Missouri-St. Louis would come in and play a tough game."
SIUE has three tough games ahead of them this week. First up is 19th-ranked Southern Indiana, who enters the contest one game ahead of the Cougars in the conference standings. "It's a huge game with Southern Indiana in regards to conference standings. We need to play a near perfect game, execute well and handle their full court press with composure."
The Cougars turn right around and travel to Lewis and Wisconsin-Parkside for weekend games. SIUE plays Lewis on Thursday (2/15) at 5:30 p.m. and Wisconsin-Parkside on Saturday (2/17) at 1 p.m.
Misi Clark (Paris) scored a team-high 17 points against Quincy but her double figures scoring streak was snapped with the win over Missouri-St. Louis when she only recorded eight points. Clark also grabbed 12 rebounds and 12 assists in the wins. She leads the team with 16.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. Jessica Robert (Carlyle) recorded 10 points in each win last weekend. Against Quincy, Robert was perfect 8 of 8 from the line. She is averaging 10.2 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.
Men's Basketball Looks To Continue Winning Streak
With back-to-back wins to build on, Coach Jack Margenthaler and his men's basketball team prepare for a tough week of competition beginning with the No. 2 team in the country-Southern Indiana.
The Cougars, 6-15 overall and 3-12 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, snapped a 10-game losing streak by defeating Quincy last Thursday (2/8) 77-73 and added to the win column on Saturday (2/10) with a 64-62 win over Missouri-St. Louis. "It is good to win a couple of ball games," said Margenthaler. "I think we are finally making the adjustment to the transition that has occurred on this team. It has been a long six-week program trying to get there."
SIUE's first challenge this week comes tonight as Southern Indiana, 20-1 overall and 14-1 in the conference, travels to the Vadalabene Center for a 7:45 p.m. matchup. The Cougars then take to the road for games against Lewis and Wisconsin-Parkside this weekend. "Both of these teams have played up and down during the season. Each game is winnable for us if we go an the road and play well."
SIUE takes on Lewis, 8-13 overall and 6-9 in the GLVC, on Thursday (2/15) at 7:45 p.m. On Saturday (2/17), the Cougars face Wisconsin-Parkside, 9-12 overall and 6-9 in the conference at 3:15 p.m. Marty Perry (Jacksonville) led the team in points with 22 and 17 points, respectively, while also grabbing 12 rebounds. Perry leads the team with 15.4 points per game, field-goal percentage (55.7), free throw percentage (87.0) and three-point field goal percentage (46.9). Nick Hartwig (South Wayne, Wis.) also finished with two strong performances. Hartwig recorded 22 points and 13 rebounds in both wins. He is averaging 8.4 points and a team-high 6.1 rebounds per game.
February 27, 2001
Gov. Ryan's Budget Plan Advances Campus Priorities
SIUE will benefit from a spending plan unveiled recently by Illinois Gov. George H. Ryan, who continues to put education at the top of his priorities for the state.
In offering his budget, which recommended increasing higher education spending by $134 million next year throughout the state, Ryan asked the Illinois Board of Higher Education to take his overall totals, including salary levels, and allocate them to next year's budget. Ryan's higher education recommendations represent 99.5 percent of the IBHE's recommendation.
As part of the Governor'srecommendations, SIUE liberal arts students would benefit from a $1.1 million technology training program that teaches them computer skills. SIUE's School of Business hopes to improve career opportunities for these students, while serving the large number of Fortune 500 companies and other businesses in Southwestern Illinois and the St. Louis area.
Chancellor David J. Werner said the IBHE's budget proposal would allow funding levels at which SIUE will continue providing quality education in Southwestern Illinois. "We are pleased with Gov. Ryan's continued support of higher education," Werner said. "We look forward to the revised recommendations to be considered by the IBHE in light of the Governor's announcement."
SIUE's plans for the money also include:
• $710,500 for infrastructure repairs. SIUE hopes to address heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in Peck, Alumni and Founders halls; and
• $434,200 for upgrading electrical systems servicing Dunham and Rendleman halls.
SIU administrators will work closely with the IBHE staff in the weeks ahead as it considers SIU's overall strengths, opportunities and requests. "Gov. Ryan deserves recognition for his tenacity when it comes to making sure education in Illinois excels," said SIU President James E. Walker. "This is a very good budget for higher education and SIU, and we'll work with the Governor to support it as it moves through the General Assembly."
Ryan delivered his annual budget address to the General Assembly in Springfield Feb. 21. In the months ahead, the General Assembly will consider the Governor's recommendations. A final state budget for fiscal year 2002 is expected in May.
SIUE's 'Boot Camp' Answers Need For High-Tech Training
Depending on which report you read, the demand for "high-tech" workers ranges from 10,000 new jobs a year to more than a million job openings in the next 12 months.
Regardless of which number is most accurate, there is no escaping the fact that the demand for high-tech workers continues to escalate. This new demand comes at a time when more and more working Americans need or want to change careers.
For those looking to cash in on the information technology job opportunities, SIUE is again offering the "High-Tech Worker Boot Camp." It's an intensive program designed specifically for talented individuals, and provides the skills needed to qualify for jobs in the information technology industry.
The program takes applicants from all backgrounds and job experience, and is not limited to people with high-tech skills and knowledge. The Intensive Summer Program will be offered, between June 4 and Aug. 1; a Weekend Format Bootcamp also is available and will run from between May 5 and Jan. 26, 2002. Classes will meet every other weekend.
"Like many colleges and universities across the country, SIUE produces its share of annual MIS (management information systems) graduates," said Mary Sumner, assistant dean for development in SIUE's School of Business, and director of the High-Tech Bootcamp program. "But, we're not keeping up with demand. We also have people who are looking to try a new career, or who need to be retrained for a new job."
The program provides students with an effective way to obtain good, basic information technology skills, Sumner said. "This is an intensive program that will make people more marketable to those companies who need high-tech employees," she said. "Employers are looking for people with the analytical, problem-solving, and communications skills needed for information technology careers," Sumner said.
"The program of study was developed in conjunction with our Technology Advisory Board and provides academic preparation in information systems that is equivalent to a specialization in Management Information Systems."
The "High-Tech Bootcamp" includes:
- Systems Analysis
- Visual Basic Programming
- End-User Systems Support
- Database Design
- Networking and Web Design
- Intensive COBOL Programming
Openings for the Bootcamp are limited and highly competitive. Each of the candidates will participate in an interview that enables them to share their objectives and experiences. SIUE offered the High-Tech Bootcamp for the first time last summer; more than 80 candidates applied for about 30 openings. Those who completed the course went on to work for such companies as Amdocs, Andersen Consulting, Boeing, May Company, Sporting News, Sprint, and UPS.
Anyone interested in learning more about the program, should contact Kerri McCann (kmccann@siue.edu) or Mary Sumner (msumner@siue.edu) or visit the web site. http://www.siue.edu/BUSINESS/bootcamp
Asst. Director Of Grounds, Building Services Believes The Team's The Thing
Most first-time visitors to SIUE are very impressed with its woodland beauty and interesting architecture. In fact, that first impression could make the difference in whether a potential student decides to attend.
And, that first impression is something very important to Steve Brandenburg, who began Dec. 4 as the new assistant director for Building Services and Grounds. His philosophy revolves around Grounds workers and Building Services workers performing jobs that are just as important as student recruiters.
"We're all part of the same team," he said. "Just like a business where customer service is important, we're concerned about attracting students and keeping them here once they arrive.
"SIUE has great academic programs, but if the place is a mess, students won't want to come back," Brandenburg said. "Same with employees-they won't enjoy working here if the bathrooms are dirty."
Formerly a facilities supervisor at Murray State University in Murray, Ky., Brandenburg holds a bachelor of science in agriculture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A Chicago area native, he's happy to be back in his home state. "The week I arrived here, we got eight inches of snow. I said to myself: 'Welcome back to the Midwest, Steve.'"
By the way, snow removal also comes under Brandenburg's purview. "One of the things we're doing now is readying our equipment for the changeover to spring but still walking that fine line because we could get that last big blast of winter."
While worrying about the change in seasons, Brandenburg's staff also must attend to the day-to-day task of keeping the campus presentable inside and out. "Everyday, we work the entrances and the core campus to pick up litter," he said. "I don't want to enter campus in the morning and see litter. No one wants to see that.
"Then, I meet with my foremen and we decide what's the priority that day. We can't be everywhere at once but if we put things in priority order, we can accomplish a lot."
Brandenburg said he's working on a four- to six-year plan for Grounds and Building Services. "This university will be growing and I'm excited about being a part of that, but with growth comes more students and subsequently more maintenance issues. This plan will address equipment needs, personnel needs, and deferred maintenance issues.
"I want this university to be neat and attractive," Brandenburg said. "It can't look like Opryland or Walt Disney World, but that's not really what's needed for an educational institution. However, we can work to maintain what we have and make some improvements, too."
'D'Acceptance Under IAI Brings 'Fairness, Consistency'
Under the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), a public institution of higher education in Illinois may accept a "D" grade being transferred by a student from another school.
That issue became the subject of a flurry of e-mail opinions recently flying around the Faculty ListServ, with pros and cons traded.
SIUE accepted other terms of the IAI in 1998 but it was January of this year before the provision about transfer grades was finally accepted. Part of the delay was because of the debates on the issue. "The idea behind the IAI was to bring some sort of standardization for transfer students," said Bill Hamrick, Faculty Senate president.
"The second part of the IAI on that question, though, does not bar departments within the university from establishing other requirements in terms of grades," Hamrick said. For example, Hamrick pointed out, a C is still required as a passing grade for English 101. So, a D transfer in that class would need to be re-taken in order to gain course credit for the transferring student.
But that point is what Sociology Chair Hugh Barlow maintains is the problem. "Sociology does not accept D grades from transfer students, either" Barlow said. "And, there are many other departments that have the same restrictions. Why then institute a university-wide policy that is not, in reality, university-wide?"
"Furthermore," Barlow contends, "if SIUE wants to continue its reputation as a quality institution emphasizing excellence in undergraduate education, it is questionable to accept transfers of D grades, which mean that a student's work in a course was 'below average,' or 'unsatisfactory.'"
As to the argument that a D anywhere else should be as good as a D at SIUE, Barlow says that won't fly. "If a student takes one of our courses and earns a D, this is an internal matter; we know the standards for the course and how the course was conducted. Furthermore, academic advisors can address the issue directly with the student," Barlow said.
Hamrick said that before IAI was accepted totally here, SIUE had been the only state university in Illinois that wasn't accepting D grades from transfer students, which raised questions of fairness and consistency. "We have instructors on this campus who give a D as a passing grade," he said. "There are instructors at other institutions that give D as a passing grade.
"We have adjunct faculty who simultaneously teach at nearby community colleges," Hamrick said. "It would be unreasonable to think that their standards would differ substantially from one institution to another.
"We have to give credit to be fair. We've never been able to prove that our Ds are any better than a D from another school. Although we don't want to encourage D work, the fact is that the grade level does exist."
SWIC's Gober Is New Volleyball Coach
Todd Gober, who has led his junior college team to a national ranking in each of the last five seasons, has been named the new Cougar volleyball coach, Athletic Director Cindy Jones has announced.
Gober, who begins his duties at SIUE on March 1, posted a record of 204-54 (79.0 percent) as the head coach at Southwestern Illinois College. He produced five junior college All-Americans, 22 All-Region selections, four conference Most Valuable Players and four Conference Freshmen of the Year.
"We are truly happy to welcome Todd to the SIUE athletic family," Jones said. "We were very impressed with his credentials on and off the court." Gober becomes the third head coach in school history following Sandy Montgomery and Acting Coach Joe Fisher.
Gober's teams have not dropped below 20th in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) rankings and have risen as high as seventh in the nation. In 1998 and 1999, Southwestern Illinois College appeared in the NJCAA tournament and finished fifth and ninth nationally, respectively.
Gober won two Conference Coach of the Yea awards, two Region 24 Coach of the Year awards and two District 15 Coach of the Year awards. SIUE picks up a coach who holds a 96-percent graduation rate from 1996 through 1999. Twenty-one of 24 graduating sophomores under Gober received scholarships to four-year institutions. One of his graduates was Shanan McLean, who was second in kills per game (3.18) this past season for SIUE.
While Gober was working as Southwestern Illinois College's head volleyball coach, he also was an adjunct instructor of volleyball at SWIC as well as a vice president and compliance officer at Citizens Community Bank in Mascoutah.
Gober earned a bachelor's in business (economics) from Northwestern (IA) College in 1985 and a master's in finance from Saint Louis University in 1991. Gober and his wife, Joan, reside in Freeburg.
Gurney's Sylvia To Be Featured As Part Of Awareness Day
Sylvia, the "howling" comedy by A. R Gurney, will be presented by the Theater of the Deaf as part of Disability Awareness Day on March 7 in the Morris Center.
Gurney's popular comedy is about a married couple who "adopt" a dog named Sylvia and how their lives change. The theater troupe is from St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley and will perform the play at 1 p.m. in Meridian Ballroom. Admission is free.
Also part of the day is a 10 a.m. student and faculty panel discussion about "Learning Disabilities," with Tamara Arthaud, assistant professor of Special Education and Communication Disorders, and Jim Boyle, a learning disabilities specialist for the SIUE Office of Disability Support Services, sponsors of the event.
From 10 a.m.-2 p.m., representatives of local vendors and agencies who serve people with disabilities will be available in Goshen Lounge.
The event also is sponsored by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Development and Public Affairs, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, the Office of the Assistant Provost for Cultural and Social Diversity, the Office of Equal Opportunity Program, the Department of Theater and Dance, the SIUE Student Council for Exceptional Children, and the SIUE Chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
For more information, call Jane Floyd-Hendey, (618) 650-3782.
The Wait Is Almost Over For SIUE Softball
The Cougars softball team is still waiting to get under way. Due to cold and rainy weather, the Southern Indiana Tournament was cancelled last weekend, postponing the 25th-ranked Cougars 2001 debut.
However, Coach Sandy Montgomery and her team are prepared. "We have been working hard in practice," said Montgomery. "I am happy with us defensively, but offense and pitching are always a question, since we haven't been on dirt yet this season."
The Cougars travel to the Schutt Sports Lead-off Classic in Irving, Texas, this weekend to open up the 2001 season. SIUE plays three games on Friday (3/2), starting with Nebraska-Omaha at 9 a.m. The Cougars also will face Central Arkansas at 1:30 p.m. and Abilene Christian at 6:15 p.m. on Friday. Bracket play continues on Saturday and Sunday (3/3-3/4).
The softball team returns 10 players, including two All-Americans in junior Erin Newman (Fairfield, Calif.) and sophomore Katie Waldo (Peoria). "We have a talented group and we will just have to wait and see what will happen when we get out on the field."
Cougars Cap Off Senior Night With 81-62 Win
Misi Clark, Sarah Cook and Crystal Gladson capped off their SIUE careers by helping the Cougars to an 81-62 victory over Kentucky Wesleyan Feb. 24 in the Vadalabene Center.
Clark led the team with 24 points, while also recording eight rebounds and seven assists. Cook finished with 16 points, going 7-of-8 from the field, while Gladson finished with seven points and team-high nine rebounds.
The game remained close in the first half, including nine ties, before SIUE pulled in front 23-22 on a free throw shot by Clark. The Cougars took control from there as they lead 46-32 entering the half. In the second half, SIUE led by as many as 26 points. The Cougars finished the night shooting 53.1 percent (27-58) from the field, while Kentucky Wesleyan shot 38.7 percent (19-58).
Jessica Robert and Sarah Larson also finished in double figures by scoring 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Leslie Warren led the Panthers with 15 points, while Crystal Martin scored 12 points and grabbed a team-high eight rebounds.
The Cougars are the No. 3 seed in the conference tournament. The team prepares for the GLVC Quarterfinals next Wednesday (Feb. 28) when they face the No. 6 seed, Indianapolis, at noon in Evansville, Ind.
Walden Misses Qualifying By .01
Coach Darryl Frerker and his men and women's indoor track teams head to the Great Lakes Valley Conference Indoor Championships this weekend (2/26) in Romeoville. Frerker expects good things after last weekend's meet.
"If this past Saturday is any indication, we should move up in the standings on the guys side," said Frerker. "I was pleased with the overall team performance. I think we have the momentum up going into the conference meet."
Daniel Walden (Springfield) missed the national qualifying time by one one-hundredth of a second in the 800-meter run at the Saluki Indoor Open last Saturday, with a time of 1 minute, 55:01 seconds. On the women's side, Frerker said they are not where they were a year ago.
"We are down compared to last year but a second-place finish last season was outstanding."
