News

April 2005

April 28, 2005

Eighth Annual Vehicle Day Set For May 13 At SIUE

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) More than 250 children are expected to attend the Eighth Annual Vehicle Day at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville from 9 a.m.-noon Friday, May 13, where they will have several opportunities to explore vehicles of all types-including a 1918 Ford tank truck and the Gateway Grizzlies Baseball Club mascot on his scooter.

The event is sponsored by the SIUE Early Childhood Center (ECC) and will be conducted in the parking lot of the SIUE Student Fitness Center. "This event began in the parking lot of the Early Childhood Center, but has grown so much we've had to move to a larger space," said ECC Director Rebecca Dabbs-Kayser.

"It began as an event for the children of the Early Childhood Center, but we want to encourage any parent and their child or children to attend," Dabbs-Kayser. "It's great fun and we want as many children as possible to experience it."

Children also will see dump trucks, tractors, a police motorcycle, a fire truck with a 100-foot extension ladder, to name a few. More than 25 organizations have volunteered vehicles for the event, which is sponsored by the ECC advisory board. Other organizations who would like to participate, may call (618) 650-2556.

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April 28, 2005

Lovejoy Library Friends Announce Winners Of Writing Contest

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Nine area students were recognized for their award-winning writing in the 11th Annual High School Writers' Contest sponsored by the Friends of Lovejoy Library, a support organization for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's library.

Students from, Althoff Catholic High School, Belleville High School East, Columbia High School, Dupo Junior/Senior High School, Edwardsville High School, Gibault Catholic High School, and Mater Dei High Catholic School won prizes in the competition's three categories.

Organizers of the contest said there were 439 entries; there were 120 nonfiction entries, 201 poems and 118 fiction entries from high schools throughout Southwestern Illinois. Winners were formally announced April 27th at an awards banquet on the SIUE campus. First place winners in the three categories received $500 each, while second and third place winners in each category won $300 and $100, respectively.

Cosponsors and contributors for the competition were the Belleville News-Democrat, and the Friends of Lovejoy Library.

First prize in the nonfiction category went to Ryan Warden, a junior at Gibault Catholic for his essay, "An Atypical Family Morning." Second prize in that category went to Jesse Favre, a senior at Belleville East Township High School, for her essay "The Perfect Place to Call Home." Third prize was won by Sarah Schumacher, a senior at Mater Dei, for her essay "Horror of the Holocaust."

First prize in poetry was won by Anna Hawker, a junior at Althoff Catholic, for her poem, "Reverse Aubade in a Villanelle." Second prize went to Derek Beets, a senior at Columbia High School, for his poem, "Circles of Fire in the Sand." Third prize was won by Courtney Brinkmann, a junior at Dupo Jr/Sr High School, for her poem, "Hidden."

First prize in the fiction category was awarded to Sarah George, a junior at Edwardsville High School, for her story, "Five Ten." Second prize went to Dustin Lovett, a junior at Edwardsville High, for his story, "She Walks in Pasta," Third prize was won by Ryan Ash, a junior at Edwardsville, for his story, "Ansi la Nuit."

All award-winning entries have been printed in a booklet that is available for purchase. For information about purchasing booklets or about next year's competition, call the Friends of Lovejoy Library at 618-650-2730.

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April 25, 2005

Meridian Society Announces 2005 Award Winners

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Five Southern Illinois University Edwardsville programs are recipients of the 2005 Meridian Awards, sponsored by The Meridian Society, an organization for women in philanthropy established in 2003 as an organization related to the SIUE Foundation.

The recipients are:

• SIUE Science Summer Camp Scholarships, $5,000 Meridian Award. The SIUE Office of Science and Math Education hosts a summer science camp for children entering grades 2-9. The Meridian Award will provide 20 summer camp scholarships for East St. Louis children who are homeless or live in a fixed-income household.

• Educational Video and Training Seminar, $4,850 Meridian Award winner. The SIU School of Dental Medicine will develop an educational video targeted at children ages nine to 13. The goal of the video, which will be distributed through school nurses, is to increase awareness of soft drinks and their significant impact on oral health.

• Discover College Weekend, $2,976 Meridian Award winner. The TRIO Programs of the SIUE East St. Louis Center will host this student/parent retreat to help parents become knowledgeable about college preparation classes while students learn about college prep schedules and other college entrance information. The TRIO Programs help individuals from low-income families, first-generation college students, or students with disabilities continue an education beyond high school.

• Healthy Children Healthy Communities, $4884 Meridian Award winner. This program is an innovative and collaborative initiative between the SIUE School of Nursing and The Children's Museum in Edwardsville. The first phase of the initiative proposed implementation of a health clinic staffed with SIUE nursing faculty and students. The goal is to promote healthy behaviors through directed play within the neutral context of The Children's Museum.

• Summer Showbiz 2005, $4,000 Meridian Award winner. Summer ShowBiz, a 30-year tradition, presents live theater productions, offering a collaborative opportunity for SIUE students, faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as area residents of all ages, to perform in or work behind the scenes of a musical theater production.

Established in October 2003, the Meridian Society is an organization for women in philanthropy. According to Dixie Engelman, the society's first president and retired acting dean for the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences, "The Meridian Society Awardees represent the very best efforts of SIUE students and faculty to reach out in support of the communities surrounding SIUE."

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April 25, 2005

Meridian Society Announces Workshop Speakers

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Meridian Society is sponsoring two nationally-known speakers in the society's Women's Philanthropy Workshop, The Joy and Influence of Giving, scheduled for Oct. 12 in SIUE's Morris University Center.

The speakers are Claire Gaudiani, a professor at the George H. Heyman, Jr. Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising at New York University's School of Continuing and Professional Studies who will deliver the morning keynote address, and Tracy Gary, a "donor activist" and philanthropist for more than 25 years who will deliver the luncheon keynote address.

The workshop is being co-sponsored by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University's Women's Philanthropy Institute (WPI). IU's WPI was founded in 1997 by women dedicated to the mission of inspiring, educating and encouraging women to effect change in the world through philanthropy.

Created in October 2003, SIUE's Meridian Society is an organization for women in philanthropy.

Gaudiani is author of The Greater Good: How Philanthropy Drives the American Economy and Can Save Capitalism, which addresses a wide audience with stories from American history, and data and survey results that illustrate the book's thesis: "Americans are not generous because we are rich; we are rich because we are generous."

She is a frequent speaker, both nationally and internationally, on topics related to education, philanthropy, ethics, and the role of colleges in civil society.

Gary has founded 14 nonprofit agencies, including Resourceful Women, the Women's Foundation of San Francisco, the International Donor Dialogue Network, and the Change makers Fund, for which she is currently raising $20 million to expand and strengthen community-based philanthropy.

She also supports and educates donors, family foundations, financial service organizations, and nonprofits about the stewardship of money, leadership, and philanthropy through Community Consulting Services, which she founded in 1978.

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April 25, 2005

SIUE Gerontology Program To Offer 33rd Annual Senior Citizens Fair

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Gerontology Program will present its 33rd Annual Senior Citizens' Fair from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, May 9, in the Morris Center.

The Fair features senior citizen and student entertainment, preventive health screenings (cholesterol, diabetes, hearing, blood pressure, cataracts, glaucoma, balance and fall prevention, memory, herbals and nutrition, etc.), social service and medical information tables, big band ballroom dancing, line and square dancing, Tango, Dixieland jazz, ballads, golden oldies, and vocalists, to name a few, at three venues throughout the day. The fair also features special exhibits, crafts, prizes, drawings, and much more.

In conjunction with the Fair, the Area Agency on Aging of Southwestern Illinois is hosting "Our Community: Preparing for the Aging Boom," a Solution Forum for the White House Conference on Aging, and a session on "The New Medicare (Part D) Prescription Drug Benefit and Its Impact on You!"

The Fair begins with a coffee and tea reception, which also includes juice and specialty breads. V.F.W. Post 5691 from Collinsville will provide a Color Guard procession at 9:00 a.m., with Bob Ellison, renowned vocalist from O'Fallon, singing the National Anthem.

School of Education Dean Elliott Lessen will welcome guests on behalf of the School and Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift will extend a welcome on behalf of the University.

Fair-goers will find free parking available in Lots B and E, closest to the Morris University Center. All activities are free except for an optional lunch. A buffet lunch will be served from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. in the University Restaurant. In Center Court, there will be a variety of lunch options, including a salad bar, Chick-fil-A, and various grill entrees until 2:00 p.m.

For additional information, contact the Gerontology Program by telephone: (6l8) 650-3454, or, by email: atraxle@siue.edu.

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April 22, 2005

SIUE Engineering Students Prepare for Solar Car Race

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Cougar Cruiser-not exactly a vehicle you'd find on your neighborhood used car lot-is the creation of 15 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Engineering students who will be racing their solar-powered "buggy" in the North American Solar Challenge (NASC) in July.

NASC is a competition to design, build, and race solar-powered cars in a cross-country event. In July 2005, 40 teams will compete in a 2,500 mile race from Austin, Texas, to Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They will race-without exceeding the speed limit-through Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, and into Canada. This is the first solar car race to cross an international border, and this is the first time SIUE has participated in NASC.

"The body of the car-the bottom of the car and the top shell-are finished and currently being painted," said Andrzej "Andy" Lozowski, an assistant professor in the SIUE Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. "Solar panels are scheduled to be installed yet this week, and an electrical team is working on the motor controllers and battery charger."

"We got from 0 to 48mph in only two tenths of a mile in a recent test drive," said Jacob Van Roekel, associate dean of the SIUE School of Engineering and Solar Team advisor. "When we get everything fine tuned and on the open road, we hope to coax the car up to 70mph."

A team of SIUE students and faculty will travel to Austin for the race, which begins July 17. Racers will finish July 27 in Calgary. Three SIUE students will take turns behind the wheel of the Cougar Cruiser. Drivers will race from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. The rest of the team will provide any needed maintenance and drive the lead and chase cars.

NASC cars must be powered solely by sunshine. The racers use photovoltaic (solar) cells to convert sunlight into electricity to power the cars. Weather and energy management play important roles in the race. In general, the sunnier the day, the faster and farther the cars can travel. Brighter days also allow the cars to recharge their batteries for cloudy or rainy days.

"We have many dedicated students on the team. We are seriously hoping to be at the top rank in the race," said Lozowski.

But, the SIUE Solar Team needs financial assistance in order to complete the journey. "We have several big expense items coming up soon-$1,000 entry fee, $1,000 insurance, $900 trip to Topeka, Kansas, in May for qualification and "scrutineering" (a term coined by NASC), and $5,000 for the race in July," Van Roekel said.

"We are very grateful to SIUE, faculty and staff, local companies, and individuals who have already contributed over $35,000 in cash, donated services, materials, and labor."

According to Van Roekel, the Cougar Cruiser has demonstrated that it will qualify in May and, "with fine tuning, we will be ready to compete with the best. We are extremely proud of the fact that we will have a competitive car with a total project cost of less than $50,000." According to Van Roekel, it is not unusual for a team to spend several hundred thousand dollars on a solar car and then not even qualify for the race.

NASC sponsors include the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Natural Resources Canada, and DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The event is designed to inspire young people to pursue careers in science and engineering.

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April 22, 2005

School Of Business Students Capture First Place At ICBS Competition

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Five Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business students put their business knowledge into practice recently by capturing first place in the International Collegiate Business Strategy Competition in San Diego, Calif.

The participants competed against 27 other business teams from the United States, Canada, Great Britain and the United Arab Emirates to capture the title for Best Business Model. In addition, the SIUE students were awarded the Best Reports designation.

The SIUE team won by successfully "managing" a mock manufacturing company-Giamartini Glassware Co. The training leading up to the competition took place throughout the semester.

Teams were required to submit a "decision set" over the Internet each week from February through early April. The culmination included teams making 10 more business decisions during the intense, three-day competition in California. Finally, the team was responsible for a strategic business plan, an annual report, and one formal oral presentation to judges sitting as the firm's Board of Directors. These judges are senior business executives at Cisco Systems, Ernst & Young, among other firms.

The SIUE team included Michelle Masters of Edwardsville, a Business Administration/Finance major who acted as CEO of the "company"; Andrew Kenny of St. Louis, an Accountancy major who was CFO; Vincent Zehme of Lansing, an Accountancy major who acted as chief strategy officer; John Tucker of Arnold, Mo., a Business Administration/Finance major who acted as chief operations officer; and Amanda Learned of Christopher, a Business Administration/Finance and Management major who was chief marketing officer.

Joseph Michlitsch, chair of the SIUE Department of Management and Marketing, was the faculty advisor who coordinated the training and accompanied the students to California. In addition, SIUE alumnus Gary Mollerus ('70 BS, Marketing; '71 MBA), an executive with Meridian Enterprises, served as corporate advisor to the group. Laura Swanson and Donna Mickens served as faculty advisors.

The competition is an important exercise in preparing students for the corporate world by enhancing classroom knowledge with real-world experience. "The competition provides an almost life-like opportunity for the students to apply all that they have learned to the many aspects of management of a business," Michlitsch said. "This includes application of discipline-related knowledge as well as interpersonal skills."

He went on to say, "The formal presentation (report on company results for a specific year) to the judges/board of directors was especially good. The presentation was based on evidence and reasoning and was informative."

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April 22, 2005

SIUE School Of Nursing Dinner Honors State Rep. Younge

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) .) Illinois Representative Wyvetter H. Younge, who has supported legislation calling for HMO reform and health care coverage for children and low-income working families, was honored recently by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing at its "Jewels of Nursing Excellence" dinner and auction.

Currently serving her 16th term as representative of the 114th District, Younge received the 2005 award for being the outstanding "Friend to Nursing." Some 165 people attended the event at Sunset Hills Country Club in Edwardsville.

The purpose of the evening was to honor nursing and those who understand nursing's vital role in health, to honor two SIUE School of Nursing alumni award winners, and to raise vitally needed funds to meet the financial needs of current and future nursing students.

Last year, Younge was designated a "Friend to Nursing" by the Illinois Nurses Association for her active interest in the issues facing nurses, nursing, and the health and well-being of the people of the state of Illinois.

A total of four awards for 2005 were given at the SIUE event; four other nominees were recognized and received plaques. In addition to the Friend of Nursing category, the SIUE Jewels of Nursing Excellence 2005 Awards recognized achievement in three other categories:

• Anderson Hospital in Maryville received the award for outstanding hospital or organization that has contributed to the advancement of Nursing. The hospital is currently pursuing Magnet status through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Achieving Magnet status would further validate the daily work of the nurses and the expansive vision of the managers. The hospital also offers SIUE Nursing students a variety of supervised clinical experiences.

• Donna Meyer, BSN '78, MSN '83, received the 2005 award for outstanding SIUE Nursing graduate from 1960-95. Meyer is director of Nursing Education for Lewis and Clark Community College's (L&C) Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program. More than 80 percent of L&C's ADN students continue their education in a BSN program. Meyer collaborated with SIUE in establishing the 2 + 2 articulation agreement between L&C and SIUE's BSN program. Donna has presented internationally her published research, Children's Reaction to Nursing Attire.

• Roxann Tuetken, MSN '96, received the 2005 award for outstanding SIUE Nursing graduate since 1995. She is the school nurse at Coolidge Middle School in Granite City. She carries a huge student load (seeing more than 10,000 student cases each year). She has been the leader of the Illinois Association of Student Assistance Professions (IASAP) Student Assistance Program for several years, a program that has been honored on several occasions. In 2004, she received the 110% Award from the IASAP and currently is a member of the state board for that organization.

Other SIUE nursing alumni who were nominated and received plaques were:

Beverly J. Deaton, BSN '88, MSN '94, worked more than 30 years as an obstetrical nurse, and is currently director of Quality Services at St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield. She is the president of the 22,000 member Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN).

Lisa Klaustermeier, BSN '93, MSN '01, is employed at Anderson Hospital and is currently the director of Education, Health Management, and Clinical Effectiveness. She is a past president of the Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders in Region 4.

Emily Novosel, BSN '03, is a staff nurse in the Intermediate Care Unit at DePaul Heath Center. She has been a standout in the area of bedside nursing, particularly in the professional relationships she develops with her patients and their families. In fall 2004, Novosel was recognized at the annual Vincentian Ceremony at DePaul Health Center.

Monica Major-Harris, BSN '04, is employed at St. Mary's Hospital in Clayton in the Medical Intensive Care Unit. She enjoys the opportunity to provide her patients with very personalized care, and finds that she is able to give them the attention and care they need. Major-Harris graduated with a GPA of 3.968.

All net proceeds from the Nursing event will be used for financial support and scholarships for current and future nursing students. Graduates of the school's basic baccalaureate program earn a four year BSN degree that develops and supports critical thinking skills, clinical decision-making abilities, and nursing values and ethics.

For more information about supporting the School of Nursing, contact the School of Nursing, (618) 650-3956, or visit the Web site: www.siue.edu/NURSING.

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April 21, 2005

Alumnus Became CEO Of Worldwide Firm; Returns To SIUE To Share

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) "I consider myself a global executive," Fernando Aguirre, CEO of Chiquita Brands International, stated recently during the morning Executive Lecture Series presentation to students, faculty, and business executives at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

"There is no more exciting career than being involved in different cultures," said the 1980 Business Administration graduate of SIUE. His visit marked the end of the Second Annual International Business Week conducted by the SIUE School of Business in connection with SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift's installation week.

Aguirre, originally from Mexico, came to SIUE as an exchange student at Bethalto High School. He went on to receive a baseball scholarship at SIUE. During his visit, he spoke of working hard in his classes, playing baseball, and working at SIUE's Lovejoy Library.

After spending 23 years with Proctor and Gamble International, Aguirre began his career at Chiquita Brands International in 2004 as chairman and CEO. As the largest banana producer in the world, Chiquita boasts $3.1 billion net sales in 60 countries.

Aguirre talked extensively about 10 principles that he has built and learned during his career at Proctor and Gamble and at Chiquita. He addressed the issues of student internships, European Union tariffs, and branding. At the end of the breakfast, Gary Giamartino, dean of the School, told Aguirre: "We are proud of you not only for your accomplishments, but also for coming back to SIUE to share with us."

During the remainder of the day, Aguirre literally "took a trip down memory lane" by walking around the SIUE campus and speaking with students including study abroad students, foreign students, and student athletes. He stressed the importance of balancing business with personal time and valuing education.

The SIUE School of Business leads the region in preparing students and business professionals by creating high quality innovative programs to serve Illinois and the St. Louis Metropolitan Area.

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April 21, 2005

Music Department Chair To Be Featured Soloist At April 25 Concert

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Trumpeter John Korak, an associate professor of Music at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and chair of that department, will be the featured soloist in Danzante's Trumpet Concerto, to be performed with the SIUE Wind Symphony during a concert at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 25, in SIUE's Dunham Hall theater.

The SIUE Concert Band also will perform with a program that includes Liturgical Dances by David Holsinger and Appalachian Overture by James Barnes. The Wind Symphony also will perform La Fiesta Mexicana by H . Owen Reed, Scenes from "The Louvre" by Norman Dello Joio, and Celebrations by John Zdelick.

Tickets for the performance are $3; students and senior citizens, $2, and may be obtained through the SIUE Department of Music, (618) 650-3900.

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April 21, 2005

'Fresh and Ancestral' Scheduled For April 30 At Municipal Building

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Annual Spring/Arts Souljourn: FRESH & ANCESTRAL (New Xpressions From The EBR Writers Club Workshop) is set for 9 a.m. Saturday, April 30, in the City Council Chambers, 2nd floor of the Municipal Building, 301 River Park Drive, East Saint Louis.

The event will feature poets and authors Darlene Roy, Sherman Fowler, Charlois Lumpkin, Bruce Petty, Howard Rambsy, Sandra English, Roscoe "Ros" Crenshaw, Sheryl Johnson, Patricia Merritt, and Najah Haqiqah.

Currently completing its 19th year of offering a variety of services to writers-and year-round cultural-literary programs to the East Saint Louis Metropolitan area-the Eugene B. Redmond Writers Club board of trustees includes Maya Angelou, Amiri Baraka, Barbara Ann Teer, Avery Brooks,

Quincy Troupe, and Dr. Lena Weathers. The Club also co-publishes Drumvoices Revue with the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of English Language and Literature.

The event also will include presentations of "Distinguished Native Son/Daughter Awards" to:

SYLVESTER "SUNSHINE" LEE"-Katherine Dunham protégé and founder-director of The East Saint Louis Community Performance Ensemble, an award-winning troupe of young dancers and drummers founded in the late 1970s, and a conflict resolution counselor at Lessie Bates Neighborhood House;

JEANNE ALLEN FAULKNER-English/Social Studies teacher emerita at East St. Louis Lincoln Senior High School, former advisor to the local chapter of the NAACP Youth Corps, during the early-mid 1960s, and co-founder, with the late Homer Randolph, of the East St. Louis Area Congress of Racial Equality (CORE);

REGINALD PETTY-former "Civil Rights Shock-Trouper" and member of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, former deputy director of the Peace Corps, for which he sp! ent 14 years in Africa, and leader of a "rescue & recovery" team that salvaged several thousand books from the old East Saint Louis Library.

For more information, call the EBR Writers Club, (618) 650-3991, or write: Box 6165, East St. Louis, IL. 62202. More information also is available by e-mail: eredmon@siue.edu

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April 19, 2005

SIUE Student From Lincoln Wins Kimmel Scholarship

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A passion "to help others" is a driving force for Sara Anne Reimers Carpenter, formerly of Lincoln, Mo., who not only finds the time and energy to volunteer, but also works hard on a double major in Speech Communication and Spanish at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

She is a daughter of Jan Reimers and Robert Carpenter of De Soto, Mo.

Her dedication to volunteerism will be recognized April 27 when she receives the SIUE Carol Kimmel Scholarship. The scholarship program is co-sponsored by the University and the Belleville News-Democrat. Carpenter will be recognized at the Kimmel Leadership Recognition Program-scheduled at 4:30 p.m. in the Conference Center, on the second floor of SIUE's Morris University Center.

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 for many years donated freely of her time and talent to volunteerism.

"My passion is to help others," Carpenter said, "even though it requires time and energy because it's the most valuable quality a person can have. I agree with Albert Schweitzer who said everything of value in the world has been accomplished with enthusiasm and self-sacrifice. My philanthropic values and actions have led me to the non-profit sector, in which financial compensation is also sacrificed," she said.

"Receiving the Kimmel Scholarship would lift a sizable financial burden and would also be an incredible honor."

For the University, Carpenter has been an active leader and member of Making Waves, a women's studies organization. She initiated SIUE's participation in the March for Women's Lives in Washington, D.C., during spring of last year. She also devotes her time to peer ministry at the SIUE Religious Center.

Her community service has included volunteer work with the Service Learning Project through SIUE's partnership with Americorps, the United Way Allocations Committee, Women of the Steel Union, and mentoring through the YMCA and the SIUE United Campus Ministries. She also volunteers with the American Red Cross.

"Carol Kimmel was described to me as the 'epitome of service,'" Carpenter said. "With enthusiasm and self-sacrifice, I strive for such a valuable life as well."

For more information, call the Kimmel Leadership Center, (618) 650-2686, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 2686.

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April 19, 2005

Several Illinois Residents Are Recipients Of SIUE Kimmel Award

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Several Southwestern Illinois residents will receive Kimmel Community Service Awards at the April 27 Kimmel Leadership Recognition Program, sponsored by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and the Belleville News-Democrat.

The annual award was established to recognize outstanding community members for dedication and contributions to community volunteer service as exemplified by Carol Kimmel, a former member of the SIU Board of Trustees, who for many years gave freely of her time and talent to volunteerism.

There are seven award categories: education, social service-social welfare, environmental and civic betterment, regional leadership, agency-organizational concerns, special populations, and the SIUE faculty-staff category.

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:

• EDUCATION: Luereatha Griffin of Fairview Heights.
• REGIONAL LEADERSHIP: P. Michael Schuette of Breese.
• ENVIRONMENTAL-CIVIC BETTERMENT: Rev. Dr. David C. Stabenfeldt of Collinsville.
• SOCIAL SERVICE-SOCIAL WELFARE: James M. Bailey of Alton.
• SPECIAL POPULATIONS: Daniel J. Cuneo.
• AGENCY/ORGANIZATIONAL CONCERNS: Betty Krapf of Edwardsville
• SIUE FACULTY/STAFF: Rich Walker of Edwardsville

Admission is free for the April 27 Kimmel recognition program-scheduled at 4:30 p.m. in the Conference Center, on the second 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.

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April 19, 2005

The University Museum at SIUE Prepares for the Lincoln Academy

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The University Museum at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is "preparing Lincoln" for the Lincoln Academy. The famous portrait, Smiling Lincoln, which hangs in the interior lobby of the Lovejoy Library at SIUE, will be moved to the Morris University Center in preparation for the April 30 event.

"Making the portrait visible during the Lincoln Academy is a wonderful opportunity for our guests to experience The University Museum," said its director, Eric Barnett. "It also gives the University Museum a chance to showcase our collection."

The portrait is being moved in time for the Lincoln Academy on April 30. SIUE will host the 2005 Lincoln Academy convocation and investiture, black-tie reception, dinner, and ball. More than 300 guests are expected to attend, including Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and many other Illinois dignitaries.

Smiling Lincoln, was painted by Alban Jasper Conant in 1860. Conant was commissioned to do the painting by William MacPherson of St. Louis. Conant went to Springfield in the fall of 1860 to paint the portrait of Lincoln, who at that time was the newly nominated candidate of the Republican Party.

"Life portraits of the beardless Lincoln, before he was elected president, are extremely rare," Barnett said.

Conant was the only contemporary portrait artist who attempted and succeeded in capturing the friendly, "smiling" Lincoln.

Historians say when Conant arrived, he observed the President talking with a small group of men; Lincoln's face was beaming with good nature. But when Lincoln sat for the portrait, he assumed a sad, thoughtful expression. Conant engaged Lincoln in conversation and Lincoln again revealed the smiling expression that Conant sought.

When Mrs. Lincoln first saw the portrait, she said, "That's the way he looks when he has his friends about him. I hope he will look like that after the first of November (alluding to the election)."

"The painting was eventually sold to Shurtleff College in Alton in 1864 and was delivered by the artist himself," Barnett explained. "The painting remained there until the college was acquired by Southern Illinois University."

The Lincoln Academy investiture is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Katherine Dunham Hall; the reception and ball will follow at 7:30 p.m. in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Delyte W. Morris University Center.

The Lincoln Academy, unique among the 50 states, was established in 1965 to honor Illinois' most distinguished citizens who have brought honor to the state by their achievements. "We are honored to be chosen to host this prestigious event on the SIUE campus," SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift said. Vandegrift has pulled together a group of civic volunteers to help plan the event.

"This is a great opportunity for the University to partner with the community in showing the entire state our Southern Illinois brand of hospitality."

Gov. Blagojevich recently announced that six world-famous Illinoisans-who have excelled in communications, business, education, sports, science, and social service-will receive the Order of Lincoln Medallion at the SIUE event. The award is the highest that can be bestowed by the state.

This year's Laureates of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois are: Edward Brennan, retired chairman, president, and CEO of Sears, Roebuck and Co.; David S. Broder, Washington Post political correspondent who received the 1973 Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary; Nick Holonyak Jr., head of the University of Illinois' Micro and Nano Lab in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; George E. Inglett, innovator and marketer of corn and soybean-based weight loss and fat replacement products that have improved the health of millions of people around the world; Jackie Joyner-Kersee, the Sports Illustrated "Female Athlete of the 20th Century" and Olympic gold medalist; and Stephanie Pace Marshall, an international leader, speaker, and writer on the issues of educational innovation, schooling re-design, gifted education, and mathematics and science education.

Past honorees have included John Chancellor, Paul Harvey, Walter Payton, Mike Royko, President Ronald Reagan, Ann Landers, Lester Crown, Gwendolyn Brooks, and Roger Ebert.

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April 19, 2005

SIUE Names Student Employee of the Year

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Sandra McClendon of East St. Louis, a senior majoring in Speech Communication, is the 2005 SIUE Student Employee of the Year.

McClendon is a program assistant with SIUE's East St. Louis Center Campus of Learners (COL) Family Self-Sufficiency Program.

Employed at the East St. Louis Center since August 2001, McClendon assists in the development and implementation of all services and activities of the program. She has provided many hours of service to the program and has been recognized for her work mentoring life-challenged women through the Connections to Success Program.

In nominating the non-traditional SIUE student, who also is a grandmother, Louella Hawkins wrote that McClendon "has been a true asset to the (COL) Program, particularly when working with the children of the residents of the Phoenix Courts housing development."

Hawkins is the acting program director of the COL.

"McClendon's caring, efficient, easy-going manner is noticeable, whether she is assisting them with homework in the after school tutoring program or when they are making special holiday crafts. Her creativity in developing and implementing children's activities has given most of the children the confidence, opportunity, and experience needed to become successful achievers."

"McClendon's input in developing activities has been invaluable to motivating not only the children, but the adults," Hawkins continued. "Her team spirit when working with the staff has helped create a harmonious environment that makes it a joy for all of the employees to come to work," Hawkins wrote.

Each year, the Office of Student Financial Aid requests nominations for the student employee recognition, which is part of National Student Employee Week (April 10-16) as designated by the National Student Employment Association. Runners-up for this year's Student Employee of the Year were: Thomas Doellman, of Quincy; and Ashley Luken, of Lincoln.

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April 15, 2005

Historian, Advocacy Attorney To Speak At SIUE Commencement

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) An historian, who edited and annotated the 19th Century journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and an attorney, who has devoted her profession to helping disenfranchised clients, will be the speakers at the May 7 commencement ceremonies of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Gary Evan Moulton, retired Thomas C. Sorensen Professor of American History at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at the 9 a.m. ceremony, and attorney Lois Wood, executive director of the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation Inc., will receive a Distinguished Service Award at the 5 p.m. ceremony. Moulton also will speak at the 1 p.m. ceremony.

College of Arts and Sciences graduate candidates will receive their degrees at 9 a.m., Schools of Education and Nursing at 1 p.m., and Schools of Business and Engineering at 5 p.m.

Moulton produced 13 scholarly volumes and a single abridged volume that contain the accounts written by members of Lewis and Clark's historic Corps of Discovery. During the winter of 1803-04, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set up camp at what later became the city of Wood River, Illinois, as members of the expedition readied for exploration of the Louisiana Territory, newly acquired by the United States under then-President Thomas Jefferson.

Some 180 years later, Professor Moulton began the arduous and painstaking task of editing and annotating, for publication by the University of Nebraska Press, the various contemporary accounts written by the members of that historic expedition. To accomplish this feat, Moulton drew on several disciplines including botany, medicine, astronomy, cartography, as well as history.

As managing attorney of the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation, Wood has helped thousands of clients with issues ranging from health care to housing. Last year, Wood received the National Legal Aid Defender Association's (NLADA) 2003 Kutak-Dodds Award, honoring her accomplishments in contributing "in a significant way to the enhancement of human dignity and quality of life."

Wood's legal foundation, based in East St. Louis and Alton, has a strong record of advocacy for low-income residents of St. Clair and Monroe counties, as well as advocacy for elderly residents in a seven-county area. She has been successful in bringing numerous and individual class-action lawsuits about housing issues and representation of community groups in economic development matters.

The NLADA describes Wood as "a remarkable legal advocate to improve every aspect of her clients' lives; from health care, to housing, to education, to consumer rights, her dedication is unmistakable.

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April 15, 2005

Small Business Development Center Will Host Annual Lenders Forum

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Representatives from several Illinois agencies will take part in the Annual Small Business Administration (SBA) Lenders Forum, sponsored by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Small Business Development Center (SBDC), from 8:30 a.m.-noon Wednesday, May 18, in SIUE's Morris University Center.

This event will provide information about government financing programs for small businesses, with the purpose of informing the Southwestern Illinois lending community of small business financing options.

At the forum, representatives from the SBA, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Small Business Growth Corporation, the Office of the Illinois State Treasurer, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago will make presentations for local bankers. In addition, information regarding technical assistance will be provided by the SBDC.

Admission fee, which includes breakfast, is $25; further information may be obtained by contacting the SBDC, (618) 650-2929, or (618) 482-8330.

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April 15, 2005

SBDC To host Community Express Loan Information Session at SIUE

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the US Small Business Administration will host a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan information session targeted to local businesses.

There is no fee to attend the session, which will be conducted at the East St. Louis Higher Education Center, 601 J.R. Thompson Blvd., Building D, Room 2002, East St. Louis, from 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, May 12..

The program will provide financial and technical assistance to enable the small and home-based business owner's access to business loans. The session will cover eligibility criteria, use of loan proceeds, maximum amount, and participating lenders.

Business owners will have the opportunity to fill-out an application during the information session. If interested in applying the day of the session, businesses are required to bring a copy of the applicant's driver's licenses (this will be for each applicant with 20 percent or more ownership), proof of a business checking account, and an understanding of personal credit.

For more information and registration, contact Jane Bagent, (618) 650-2929, or, by e-mail jbagent@siue.edu. Pre-registration is required.

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April 12, 2005

Legislators To Be Part Of Health Care Panel At SIUE On April 18

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Ill. Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Collinsville) and Ill. Sen. Frank Watson (R-Greenville) will be part of a panel for a half-day policy and practice forum on health care in the state on Monday, April 18, at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, sponsored by the SIUE Department of Social Work and the Illinois Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

Regional Health Care: Access and Disparities, will be presented from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the John C. Abbott Auditorium, on the lower level of SIUE's Lovejoy Library.

Other panelists include keynote speaker, Linda Renee Baker, formerly secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDOHS) and faculty at the Paul Simon Institute at SIU Carbondale, and Tracey Williams, administrator in the Division of Mental Health, IDOHS.

The forum will be an interactive presentation and discussion of health issues in Illinois and the Southwestern Illinois region. Panelists will provide perspectives about current and projected health care issues in Illinois.

University faculty, students, human and social services practitioners, and the public are invited to attend. Registration fees are $35 for the forum and lunch, $25 without the lunch. Students may attend with an admission waiver. To register for attendance, contact Emily Coffin, SIUE Office of Continuing Education, (618) 650-3207, or, by e-mail: ecoffin@siue.edu.

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April 12, 2005

Dallas Brass To Appear April 22 On Arts & Issues Stage At SIUE

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) With an exciting repertoire that spans myriad musical traditions-from Dixieland to Broadway to Hollywood to patriotic, with a sprinkle of humor-the Dallas Brass will appear at 8 p.m. Friday, April 22, at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as part of the University's Arts & Issues series.

Scheduled in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center, the Dallas Brass will bring its special brand of performance that has made the group one of America's foremost and entertaining musical ensembles. Dallas Brass has a distinctive style all its own, blending traditional brass instruments with a full complement of drums and percussion to create an entity of extraordinary range and musical challenges.

"For two decades the Arts & Issues series has been the benchmark of quality entertainment for Southwestern Illinois audiences," said John Peecher, coordinator of the series. "Dallas Brass has a great sense of style in their music and in their performing," he said. "It promises to be a unique evening of exciting musical entertainment."

Since its founding in 1983 by Michael Levine, the Dallas Brass has performed throughout the world with a show for the entire family. The group's goal is to entertain and enrich by playing great music, while showing audiences how much the musicians enjoy what they do.

In addition to solo engagements, the Dallas Brass also has appeared with symphony orchestras nationwide, including the Cincinnati Pops conducted by Erich Kunzel, Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, and the New York Pops conducted by Skitch Henderson. The Dallas Brass also has performed at Carnegie Hall, the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and has toured overseas in Europe and the Far East.

Members of the Dallas Brass began their musical involvement in elementary school music programs; therefore, they remain dedicated to working with young musicians, frequently going into public schools to present clinics and workshops for students of all ages.

The ensemble also has released five albums: Debut, Dallas Brass II, A Merry Christmas With Brass, Windborne, and Nutcracker.

Tickets for the April 22 Arts & Issues event are $20; students, $10, and are available by contacting John Peecher, (618) 650-2626, or, by calling (618) 650-5555, or by e-mail: jpeeche@siue.edu. Individual tickets also may be purchased at the Web site: artsandissues.com.

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April 11, 2005

"Survivor: Africa" Winner And AIDS Quilt To Appear At SIUE

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Campus Activities Board will sponsor a variety of activities in recognition of HIV/AIDS Awareness Week April 18-22.

A highlight of the week will be the appearance of Ethan Zohn, the "Survivor: Africa" million dollar winner. Zohn will speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, in SIUE's Morris University Center (MUC).

Zohn took his million dollar winnings and invested in a non-profit organization based in Zimbabwe called Grass Roots Soccer. The organization provides AIDS and HIV education conducted by professional soccer players-the only role models for African children. The AIDS crisis is so bad in Zimbabwe that the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta predicts that by 2010 more than 35 percent of children in that country will become orphans because of AIDS.

Zohn said speaking to college students is an extension of his desire to make a difference. Zohn will share his belief in the importance of personal character, citing it as the reason he won the reality game show, and the tool that got him through the first year of instant celebrity.

The AIDS quilt will be on display from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, in the Goshen Lounge on the first floor of the MUC. The public is invited to make a panel for the AIDS quilt from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. April 20 at the Cougar Craze "Make Your Own AIDS Quilt Panel" event in the Goshen Lounge.

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April 11, 2005

MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES

4th Annual "Celebrating Abilities" Wheelchair Basketball Game and 5K Race: Roll/Run/Walk

• What: SIUE Disability Support Services' 4th Annual "Celebrating Abilities" Wheelchair
• Basketball Game and 5K Race: Roll/Run/Walk
• When: Basketball game - Wednesday, April 13. Doors open at 5 p.m. with tip-off at 6
• 5K Race: Roll/Run/Walk - Sunday, April 17 at 7:55 a.m.
• Where: Basketball game - SIUE's Vadalabene Center

5K Race: Roll/Run/Walk - downtown Edwardsville, beginning and ending at the Madison County Transit Center, North Main Street and Hillsboro Avenue

The SIUE men's and women's Cougar basketball teams will combine forces in an effort to capture their first win against the Confluence Center Coast Wheelchair Basketball team in four years.

The game is free and open to the public. There will be pre-game entertainment at 5:30 p.m., a halftime slam-dunk competition, autograph sessions with both teams, and door prizes awarded throughout the night. Free soda and popcorn also will be available.

Registration is $10; SIUE students, $5, if postmarked by April 14. Registration forms also will be available at the April 13 basketball game; everyone who registers that night for the race will have the opportunity to win special door prizes. Race registration is also available online at www.siue.edu/DSS.

For more information, call Jane A. Floyd-Hendey, (618) 650-3782 or Shirley Lodes, (618) 650-3726.

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April 11, 2005

SIUE International Trade Center To Conduct Roundtable Series

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville International Trade Center (ITC), the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Illinois Office of Trade and Investment, and FedEx will co-sponsor a Business Roundtable, "Doing Business With China," from 8:30 a.m.-noon Thursday, April 28, in the International Room, on the second floor of SIUE's Morris University Center.

The Business Roundtable is part of a series providing a forum for exchanging ideas and experiences about international trade. The ITC is operated by the SIUE School of Business. Representatives from the various sponsoring partners will offer their insights and share successes and challenges of exporting operations in China.

The following are some of the topics to be covered during the seminar:

• Strategic approaches: Can U.S. companies stay competitive
• Key market trends, most recent developments and "hot" sectors for exports
• Legal issues: IPR protection and business negotiations
• Export/Import regulations
• Financing export sales and operations in China
• State and federal programs to assist American exporters
• 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and 2010 World's Fair in Shanghai:
• Best trade and job opportunities

Participants are encouraged to register in advance; no registrations will be accepted at the door. Space is limited. The fee for the event is $25, which includes a continental breakfast, parking, and materials for future reference. For more information, contact the International Trade Center, (618) 650-3851, or (618) 650-2452, or, by e-mail: international-trade-center@siue.edu.

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April 8, 2005

Chancellor Vandegrift Calls For 'Keeping The Social Compact'

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Citing the values held by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville-Citizenship, Excellence, Integrity, Openness, and Wisdom-SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift said today that the institution continues to keep its "social compact" with the residents of Southwestern Illinois.

Vandegrift made the remarks in a speech during his installation as the seventh chancellor of SIUE. He became chancellor in July of last year, but the installation ceremony today-the culmination of activities throughout this past week that included seminars, panel discussions, and academic presentations-is a formal recognition of Vandegrift's appointment.

With a theme of "Celebrating Our Place, Keeping Our Compact," Vandegrift spoke of the social compact between the University and the region, as well as SIUE's sense of place. He likened the University to a piece of "site-specific art that would lose much of its meaning outside the context for which it was created. SIUE … occupies its place based on a social compact with the people of Illinois to serve primarily the residents of the Southwestern Illinois region."

He described the "social compact" between a university and the public as "the most distinctive feature of American public higher education." He explained that such a compact has its roots in the Morrill Act of 1862, under which public institutions of higher education were given land and support in exchange for the institution's obligation to use public resources to address economic and social issues "crucial to the welfare of all citizens."

SIUE has fulfilled that compact since it began in 1957, Vandegrift said. "Our commitment to keeping the social compact is not mere rhetoric. It is real, dynamic, and growing. On this beautiful campus that we celebrate today, we have given our 82,000 graduates a better place in society," he said.

"We have for nearly 50 years served the residents of Illinois. We are the place where those who might have been disenfranchised from the American dream have benefited, and we still play that role.

"We have been the educational hope of both the economically challenged and the place-bound student."

Vandegrift gave several examples of how the University has served the region over the past 50 years, not the least of which is SIUE's contribution to the economic welfare of the region.

His examples included: 1) SIUE is one of the largest employers in Madison County; 2) SIUE educates students who stay in the area as part of a highly educated, skilled workforce; 3) the University's sponsorship of innovative programs, such as the 2 + 2 + 2 Manufacturing Engineering Program in collaboration with Lewis and Clark Community College; 4) SIUE's educational and social programs provided through the East St. Louis Center; 5) the new School of Pharmacy; 6) the School of Dental Medicine at Alton; 7) University Park, which currently is host to 14 outside tenants and seven University units, including the National Corn-To-Ethanol Research Center; and 8) future endeavors in the research park, such as the Spring Green Lodge and Conference Center currently under construction and the biotechnology laboratory incubator.

"I am excited about SIUE," Vandegrift said. "I am fortunate to have been chosen as the new Chancellor and I count my role as both a great honor and responsibility. I know that what we will do to realize our vision for national recognition will also enhance the economic growth and help fulfill the human potential of our metropolitan area."

Despite economic challenges throughout Illinois, Vandegrift called for adequate state support as "a necessary condition" to keeping the compact between public universities and the citizenry. "As we gather to celebrate the place of SIUE in Southwestern Illinois and public higher education in the United States, let us all pledge to keep the unique social compact between the public and higher education," Vandegrift said.

"It is our obligation, responsibility, and, indeed, privilege to continue the noble work of those who labored before us."

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April 8, 2005

SIUE Play To Blend History And Theatrical Elements April 20-24

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Playwright Steve Gooch weaves a compelling story in his Female Transport, in which women are mere chattel and taught to suspect each other and compete for male approval in a society that is dominated by men.

Twenty-First Century America?

No, early 19th Century England, or, more accurately, on a ship sailing from England to an Australian penal colony for women in 1809. The drama, which opens April 20 in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Katherine Dunham Hall theater, is a tough, realistic and detailed account of the hardships endured by six women whose crimes were purse-cutting, prostitution and "false pretenses."

The play opens at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, and plays at the same curtain time through Saturday, April 23, then again at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 24.

Director Peter Cocuzza, an associate professor of Theater and Dance at the University, points out that Gooch has woven history and theater to produce a look back at a time in England when prisoners were sent off to Australia for long stretches of penal servitude for the most trivial of crimes, such as theft of a loaf of bread. "At this particular time in England's history," Cocuzza said, "convicts and, in the case of this play, women, were routinely sent off to other lands as a way of dealing with over-crowded prisons.

"Even more poignant were the stories of these women, all based on true accounts, and the bonds that held them together during this long, arduous journey to a place from which they most likely would not return."

Prisoners were transported in British war ships that in most cases were captained by young inexperienced officers and sergeants who were looking for extra profit through the transportation. Female Transport opens with the women entering a dank and dark cell in the hold of the ship. This will be their home for the long and arduous six-month journey around Cape Hope to Sydney.

They will endure worm-ridden food, putrid water and rats. A cruel sergeant will be their caretaker, helped by a 16-year-old first mate. The women must overstress their individuality, and they are ferociously independent of men and each other. They all have betrayed someone in the past to gain their independence.

Cocuzza said the play is a tour de force for the actors. "The actors are onstage the entire time, including intermission," the director said. "This is also a mixed media production; it will be quite an audio-visual experience for the audience."

Cocuzza said the play is inspiring. "The relationships between the women are inspiring," he said. "These characters share their lives and we get to see their personalities and find what occurred to them before they were put on the ship.

"Part of the message is that you can be in an adverse situation and still find inner strength. "For me, the creative staff, and the performers, it was an inspiring opportunity to work on a script in which acting craft and genuine history merge for two hours on the stage."

Tickets for Female Transport may be obtained through the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.

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April 8, 2005

SIUE To Host Biotechnology/Bioengineering Symposium

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering will offer its first Biotechnology and Bioengineering Symposium Friday, April 15, from 1-5 pm in SIUE's Engineering Building Auditorium.

The symposium will feature presentations of current faculty and student research in fields related to bioengineering.

Paul A. Seaburg, dean of the SIUE School of Engineering, will be the keynote speaker. Seaburg notes, "It will be a great opportunity to welcome biotech and bioengineering researchers, and discuss why SIUE needs a Bioengineering program."

The prime objective of the symposium is to inform students, SIUE faculty members, and the surrounding St. Louis and Metro-East communities about the current research projects in biotechnology and bioengineering at SIUE. The symposium also aims to enhance the SIUE academic environment by fostering more collaboration between faculty of various disciplines.

Professor Oktay Alkin, chair of the SIUE Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, is one of the principal supporters of bioengineering research and curriculum development activities at SIUE. He has written two National Science Foundation proposals for SIUE bioengineering program development, and has recently submitted a new program request for implementing an interdisciplinary undergraduate degree program in bioengineering.

Alkin notes that, "In recent years, there have been significant efforts in transforming the St. Louis Metropolitan Area into a "bio-belt," and in increasing the role of life and plant sciences industries within the economy of the region."

The St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association (RCGA) has led efforts to strengthen the presence of biotechnology-related companies in the region. In 2000, the RCGA funded a study and from those findings the RCGA created a strategic plan to position St. Louis as the international center for plant sciences and a major international center in life sciences.

The SIUE campus is well positioned to provide the additional work force needs for this expected growth. Alkin, in his proposal for bioengineering curriculum for SIUE, remarks, "We anticipate that, as the proposed program evolves and grows in terms of resources and expertise, opportunities will be found for close collaboration with (our) Schools of Dental Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy, as well as the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (in SIUE's University Park) and the Environmental Resources Training Center.

"In time," Alkin said, "the bioengineering program could make significant contributions to strengthening the presence of SIUE in the area of life and plant sciences."

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April 8, 2005

SIUE Offers Variety Of Summer Camps For Area Youth

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offers a variety of summer camps full of learning and activities for children ages eight to 18.

Campers may choose from academic camps in art, dance, theater, science, music, and writing, as well as sports camps in baseball, boys and girls basketball, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling.

SIUE sports camps give young athletes extensive coaching and training, as well as opportunities to learn new skills and participate in competitions. Good sportsmanship is emphasized.

All camps are co-ed day camps held at SIUE unless otherwise noted in the registration information. Recreation activities also are included in many camps. Campers are grouped by age and experience.

For more information about SIUE summer camps, call (618) 650-2660, or, visit online: www.registrar.siue.edu/summercamps.

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April 8, 2005

SIUE Students Coordinate Tsunami Relief Effort

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Representatives from six Southern Illinois University Edwardsville student organizations and SIUE Intercollegiate Athletics raised $6,000 for the victims of the tsunami disaster that occurred last December.

During a ceremony at noon April 13 in Stratton Quadrangle, Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift and members of the group will present a check to a representative of the Southwestern Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross.

The student organizations joined together in their support of the nation's tsunami relief efforts by sponsoring several fundraising events:

• The Indian Student Association sponsored five on-campus jewelry sales;
• The Master Marketing Research Student Association and the SIUE Marketing Club co-sponsored the "Walk-a-thon for Tsunami Relief";
• The SIUE Cricket Club sponsored a cricket tournament;
• The SIUE Gospel Choir sponsored a benefit concert;
• SIUE Student Government collected donations
• Athletics collected donations at an SIUE basketball game

"SIUE students proactively engaged in these activities to assist their fellow human beings," said Steve Sperotto, director of the SIUE Kimmel Leadership Center. "The University is proud of the students' commitment to global citizenship and response to international crises such as the Asian tsunami disaster."

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April 8, 2005

Annual SIUE Summer Writing Camp Set For June, July

(EDWARDSVILLE, ILL.) The 22nd Annual Summer Writing Day Camp at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has been set for two sessions Monday through Friday, June 20-July 1 and July 11-22.

Enrollment per session is limited to 50 students, ages eight through 18, according to Susan Garrison, an instructor the Department of English Language and Literature, who is director of the camp.

The camps are open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with several hours of classroom development activity, plus recreation periods for softball, swimming, volleyball, bowling, billiards, board games, and nature exploration, among others. In addition, older students will have opportunities to explore other aspects of campus life.

Garrison said writing periods have an excellent pupil-teacher ratio-about eight to one-with development of skills articulating thought in the sentence, the paragraph, and the short essay, as well as, by means of collaborative effort, in such creative forms as drama and fiction.

Students from the fifth grade and higher will use computers extensively in the composition process, but participants do not need prior experience with computers to do well in the program.

She also pointed out that individual instruction in grammar, spelling, and punctuation, is provided as needed but she also said this is not the total objective of the program. Garrison will be assisted at the day camp by recreational counselors, as well as area elementary and secondary teachers, or current or former university lecturers of the SIUE Department of English Language and Literature, who have had special training in the teaching of writing.

The fee for either of the day camp sessions is $190, which includes a non-refundable $15 enrollment fee upon registration. The $175 balance is due no later than June 17 for the first session or July 8 for the second session.
For more information, call the SIUE Department of English Language and Literature, (618) 650-2060, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 2060.

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April 5 , 2005

MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

Installation Of Vaughn Vandegrift As SIUE Chancellor

• Who: Vaughn Vandegrift, seventh chancellor of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
• What: Installation ceremony and address by the Chancellor
• When: 2 p.m. Friday, April 8
• Where: Meridian Ballroom, first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center

After a week of activities, including presentations, seminars, and discussions-all celebrating SIUE as a quality institution of higher education in Southern Illinois-SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift will be formally installed as the University's seventh chancellor Friday, April 8.

As part of the installation ceremony, Chancellor Vandegrift will give his inaugural address-Celebrating Our Place, Keeping Our Compact-to the community.

Immediately following the address, and before a reception and dance performance in Goshen Lounge by the East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts Company, the Chancellor will adjourn for 10 or 15 minutes to the Green Room (at the east end of Meridian) for questions from the media.

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April 5, 2005

SIUE Students Assemble Replica of Pre-Historic Animal

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) What's nine-feet long and has a sail formed by a row of long spines on its back? Give up? It's the Dimetrodon (pronounced Die-MET-rah-don). The ancient animal lived approximately 300 million years ago during the late Paleozoic Era, and it's on the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus right now.

What exactly did the Dimetrodon look like? A group of students from the SIUE Museum Studies Graduate Certificate Program is going to find out. Students are being guided by paleontologist Guy Darrough as they assemble the fiberglass replica for display.

According to Eric Barnett, director of The University Museum at SIUE, the Dimetrodon is still under construction. "The legs have been attached to the body. The next step is to attach the head and tail. SIUE is the chosen site for construction because Darrough's studio is currently at capacity."

Darrough is a highly accomplished fossil collector, fossil preparation expert, and illustrator who has worked in paleontology and related areas for 40 years. He has collected and studied fossils in Canada, Morocco, and ni many parts of the United States. His technical and artistic skills in fossil preparation meet the highest museum standards. Specimens from his own exceptional collection are routinely loaned to museums for exhibition and for scientific studies.

Darrough's accomplishments include amassing a premiere collection of Missouri fossils, making significant discoveries in Paleontology (including the discovery of a wide variety of Cambrian and lower Ordovician fossil animals previously unknown to paleontologists), and co-authoring in the Journal of Paleontology.

"The Dimetrodon will be part of the Prehistory of Illinois display which will be open for viewing during the Lincoln Academy of Illinois," Barnett explained.

Every year, the academy conducts a convocation and investiture of laureates in which individuals are honored for contributions to the betterment of mankind that have been accomplished in or on behalf of the state of Illinois. A dinner and ball following the event also honors the laureates. Throughout the year, the academy also honors senior students for overall excellence at all 52 four-year, degree-granting state institutions in Illinois.

This year's event takes place April 30 on the SIUE campus, with approximately 300 guests from around the state expected to attend.

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April 5, 2005

SIUE Event Honors Nurses And Helps Nursing Students

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Nurses and those who support the nursing profession will be given the 2005 Jewels of Nursing Excellence Award at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing's "Jewels of Nursing Excellence" dinner and silent auction on Saturday, April 16, at Sunset Hills Country Club in Edwardsville.

Four awards will be given that evening, recognizing achievement in four categories:

• Hospital, organization that has contributed to the advancement of Nursing
• Friend to the Nursing Profession
• SIUE Nursing graduate from 1960-95
• SIUE Nursing graduate 1996 or later

In addition to the recognition, the awards also promote nursing as a highly-appreciated profession. Each nominee will be recognized during the program and listed in the program booklet.

The winners in each category will receive:

• A $250 cash award
• Engraved bookends
• Publicity and photo in post-event news releases
• Mention in all future Jewels of Nursing Excellence Award program booklets.

Tickets for the dinner are $50, of which half is a contribution to the School of Nursing; tables of eight are $400. Those interested may call (618) 650-3906.

Individuals, businesses, and organizations have been donating silent auction items which may be bid from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Items include sports tickets, a handmade wall-hanging quilt by Anne Perry, a member of the SIUE Nursing Faculty, and a Lladro Nurse Figurine. Funds raised during the Jewels of Nursing Excellence Dinner and Silent Auction will be used for nursing student scholarships and awards.

Graduates of the school's basic baccalaureate program earn a four-year BSN degree that develops and supports critical thinking skills, clinical decision-making abilities, and nursing values and ethics.

SIUE is uniquely positioned to educate both basic and advanced practice nurses. During the past five years, the SIUE School of Nursing has graduated 681 baccalaureate-level (BSN) nurses and 231 master's and advanced-practice (e.g., Nurse Practitioners) nurses. Most SIUE graduates tend to come from-and return to work in-Southern Illinois and in the St. Louis region.

SIUE graduates also are teaching at SIUE and in other nursing schools around the country. Nearly 4,000 nursing students have graduated during the school's 39-year existence.

or more information about supporting the School of Nursing, contact Bob McElligott, (618) 650-3906, or by e-mail: rmcelli@siue.edu. Information about the School and the "Jewels BoNursing Excellence" event may be found at www.siue.edu/NURSING. Donations may be sent to SIUE School of Nursing, Alumni Hall, Edwardsville IL 62026-1066.

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Installation of Vaughn Vandegrift

"The purposes of higher education lie in the fulfillment of human potential. We add value to people's lives. Since higher education is inherently a people business, in the end it is people who make the process successful. At SIUE we have wonderful people, a well-formed sense of community, clearly articulated values and goals, and a strong commitment to make our vision for national recognition a reality."

-Vaughn Vandegrift

Physics Conference Celebrates Einstein's Accomplishments

Members of the Illinois Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers (ISAAPT) would disagree with Einstein's statement.

The ISAAPT Spring Conference, "The World Year of Physics," will take place April 8-9 at SIUE and will commemorate Einstein's accomplishments and look at the implications of his work 100 years later. The conference will be hosted by the SIUE Department of Physics.

During 2005, the association is honoring the famous scientist with a centennial celebration of Einstein's Miraculous Year, which was 1905, a time when the man himself said "A storm broke loose in my mind." During that "Miraculous Year," Einstein published three of his most influential papers, including his special theory of relativity.

The ISAAPT Spring Conference, "The World Year of Physics," will commemorate Einstein's accomplishments and look at the implications of his work 100 years later. The conference will be hosted by the SIUE Department of Physics.

The conference workshops at SIUE will focus on new physics topics and instructional techniques that participants may take back to the classroom. Speakers will discuss research in physics, physics education research, and academic topics. Assistant Professor Abdullatif Hamad, of the SIUE Physics faculty, will present "Photonics at SIUE," and Associate Professor Eric Voss, of the Chemistry faculty, will present "Nanostructures."

Keynote speaker Kathy Harper, of the Physics Education Research Group at The Ohio State University, will present "Teaching the Current Generation of Students in the World Year of Physics."

The ISAAPT was established in 1930 with the fundamental goal of ensuring the dissemination of knowledge of physics, particularly by way of teaching. The ISAAPT is comprised of university, college, community college, and high school physics faculty; and physics students of all ages.

Digital Libraries/Digital Institutional Repositories Colloquium Set For April 21

All members of the SIUE community are invited to attend "Digital Libraries/Digital Institutional Repositories," a colloquium on the future of academic libraries and scholarly communication in the 21st century. The colloquium will be presented by Library and Information Services and cosponsored by Graduate Studies and Research.

Scheduled in the John C. Abbott Auditorium of Lovejoy Library on the morning of April 21, the program will feature three distinguished speakers who will discuss issues pertaining to digital libraries, digital institutional repositories, and scholarly communication.

The program also will provide opportunities for questions from the members of the audience.

Here's the schedule:

9:00 a.m.-Welcome by SIUE Provost Sharon Hahs

9:10 a.m.-Beth A. Sandore, associate university librarian for Information Technology Planning & Policy and professor of Library Administration at the University of Illinois.

10:10 a.m.-H. Frank Cervone, assistant university librarian for Information Technology at Northwestern University

11:10 a.m.-Philip C. Bantin, university archivist director-coordinator for Humanities and Social Sciences Libraries at Indiana University

Faculty members are invited to arrange with their subject librarians to bring their classes to the colloquium. For further information about the colloquium, contact Dave Cassens, Ext. 2714, or, by e-mail: dcassen@siue.edu.

SIUE Spring fest To Include April 15 'Party In The Park'

Music by The Bucket Boys and Trixie Delight will highlight the SIUE "Party in the Park," scheduled from 6-11:30 p.m. Friday, April 15, in the Edwardsville City Park. The free event is sponsored by the SIUE Campus Activities Board.

The party is among three events the university sponsors in downtown Edwardsville. In late August, SIUE and the city of Edwardsville sponsor the Welcome Back Block Party as part of Welcome Week, which takes place next to the Madison County Courthouse at the start of the school year, and, later, the International Fair, featuring ethnic food and entertainment, also in City Park.

Campus Activities Board Traditions Co-Chair Schalene Houston said she is excited about the "high energy acts" that will appear at Party in the Park. "The Bucket Boys are a hip-hop percussive duo from Chicago," Houston said, "while Trixie Delight is a very popular cover band from the St. Louis area."

The Bucket Boys have been compared to STOMP and Trixie Delight covers hits from the '60s to today's hits, Houston said.

Other activities at the party will include children's activities, free inflatable games, food booths sponsored by SIUE student organizations, and a beer truck sponsored by the Edwardsville Jaycees.

SIUE Party in the Park is offered in conjunction with the SIUE campus tradition, Spring fest. For a full list of Spring fest events or more information on the April 15 event, contact Schalene Houston, by email: cab@siue.edu, or by telephone: (618) 650-2686. More information may also be found at the Web site: www.siue.edu/CAB.

Topinka Comes To School Of Business To Announce Creation Of Technology Fund

Illinois State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka came to the School of Business recently to announce creation of the state's $50 million Technology Development Fund, to "make sure cutting-edge technologies have a place here in Illinois."

She made the announcement at the School of Business, where one of the state's 13 Entrepreneurship Centers is headquartered. The centers can provide help to businesses who are pursuing equity investment. The SIUE center is working with regional businesses to further economic development. The announcement was made at one of several stops the state treasurer had planned in late March.

Through the Technology Development Fund, Topinka said, her office provides funding to Illinois-based venture capital firms to increase the funding available to businesses that would otherwise be forced to leave the state. She said the fund is encouraging investment in Illinois and its future. "We have many of the best universities in the country located right here in Illinois and we need to keep the new technology and innovation right here to create new, high-paying jobs, and keep these bright young graduates here," Topinka said.

"There is no question that we have outstanding opportunities being created daily at Illinois schools, research facilities, and national laboratories," she said.

"This culture is vital if we are to compete effectively with the new economy being pursued so aggressively by other states located predominantly on both coasts."

Planting In Arboretum To Enhance Native Flora Here

Students and professors from the Department of Biological Sciences were on hand to plant nearly 500 plants in the Donal G. Myer Arboretum over the weekend. The planting will enhance the native flora which grows on campus.

"The plants will be an excellent teaching tool," said Becky Esselman, associate professor, Biological Sciences. "This planting will allow students to study a large variety of native flora right here on campus."

The plants were purchased with a $2,000 Meridian Society Award. The purchase of plants for the Myer Arboretum was one of six SIUE-based community programs supported by the Society.

Organized in October 2003, the SIUE Foundation Meridian Society is an organization for women in philanthropy.

According to Dixie Engelman, the first president of the Meridian Society and retired acting dean for the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences, "The Meridian Society awardees represent the very best efforts of students and faculty to reach out in support of the communities surrounding SIUE."

Esselman said the Biology department is very grateful that the Meridian Society chose to fund the project. "As these plants grow and thrive, SIUE students and faculty, as well as the community, will benefit from this gift for many years to come."

School Of Business Celebrates International Business Week

Guest speakers will be on hand this week during business classes to discuss with students various topics focusing on global business practices during International Business Week, sponsored by the School of Business.

Speakers will give insights into cultural practices and discuss ethical issues, as well as what SIUE students can do to become more appealing and useful in the global market.

The speakers include Mike McNamara, senior vice president of Consumer Sales, the Roho Group; Chris Castro, customer service, Cablofil Inc.; Stewart Dahlberg, international sales manager, JD Streett; and Zhongjie Gu, manager of design engineering, Tri-onics Inc.

"As the business environment becomes increasingly global, students require experience and education in international business," said Gary Giamartino, dean of the School. "International Business Week events give students the opportunity to learn more about international issues and to meet regional business leaders in the community."

Students and faculty also will have the opportunity to discuss international business and ethics with Fernando G. Aguirre, president and CEO of Chiquita Brands International Inc. and a 1980 graduate of the School of Business.

He will be the featured speaker at the 7:30 a.m. breakfast meeting on Friday, April 8, in the SIUE Morris University Center. Aguirre earned a bachelor of science in Business Administration.

The School of Business is an active participant in international exchange programs, sending SIUE faculty and students each year to its exchange partners in France, Germany, Mexico, and China.

Racers, Runners, Walkers Invited To 4th Annual 5K Race

Wheelchair racers, runners, and walkers will be winding through the historical neighborhoods of Edwardsville as part of the 4th Annual "Celebrating Abilities" 5K Race: Roll/Run/Walk beginning at 7:55 a.m. Sunday, April 17.

SIUE Disability Support Services and the track team at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville are sponsoring the race. All proceeds from the race will benefit New Horizons, the SIUE organization for students with disabilities, and the SIUE Track and Cross Country teams.

The race will begin with the wheelchair racers; runners and walkers will start at 8 a.m. The race will begin and end at the Madison County Transit Center, North Main Street and Hillsboro Avenue, in downtown Edwardsville.

Registration is $10; SIUE students, $5, if postmarked before April 14. Late entries are $15; SIUE students, $10. All racers will receive a T-shirt, a packet of materials, and snacks. In addition, participants will be invited to attend an awards ceremony immediately following the race. Awards are given to the overall winners; medals will be awarded to wheelchair racers and the runners in each of the 13 age divisions.

For more information or to register for the race, contact Shirley Lodes, (618) 650-3726, or visit the Web site: www.siue.edu/ DSS/upevents.html.

Cougars To Face Professional Wheelchair Basketball Team

SIUE men's and women's Cougar basketball teams will join forces in an attempt to capture their first win in four years against the Confluence Center Coast team, a professional wheelchair basketball team, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 13.

The SIUE Office of Disability Support Services is sponsoring the 4th Annual "Celebrating Abilities" Wheelchair Basketball Game at the Vadalabene Center. The event is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 5 p.m.

The National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) formed in 1948 to become the world's largest and oldest disability sport organization. Based in Colorado Springs, Colo., and with 185 teams, the NWBA is the national governing body for men's, women's, collegiate, and youth wheelchair basketball in the United States.

The April 13 game will include free audience drawings for an X Box, restaurant gift certificates, theater tickets to the Fox Theatre, and to concerts at the UMB Bank Pavilion, among other prizes. Free soda and popcorn will be available for attendees and the SIUE cheerleaders will be performing for audience enjoyment.

Before the game, the basketball players will participate in an autograph session and the Southern Stars Dancers will be performing with junior poms from the Edwardsville area.

"Celebrating Abilities" is an event intended to raise awareness of the athletic talent of people with disabilities. For more information, contact Jim Boyle, (618) 650-2568.

Visual Arts Students Exhibit Artwork This Week In Bluff

Students who live in the Visual Arts Focused Interested Community (FIC) will offer the second annual Art Show through Thursday in the multifunction room of Bluff Hall.

The exhibition will consist of two-dimensional and three-dimensional pieces created by residential students. Members of the art faculty and Housing staff will serve as judges prior to the awards ceremony. Gallery hours are from 4:30-6 p.m. with an awards presentation at 4:30 p.m. tomorrow.

The Visual Arts FIC is one of several living and learning communities in which students who share the same academic major or interests live together in the same wing of a residence hall. Residents are able to meet faculty and staff in their area of interest, as well as participate in specialized programs and study groups.

"FICs are a great way for students to meet faculty and other students who share their interests and career goals," said Kara Shustrin, assistant director of Academic Programs and Assessment for University Housing. "Living and learning programs, such as the FICs, promote more of a connection between what students are learning inside the classroom and what they are doing outside the classroom.

"The art show is just one example of this connection; students are putting the show together themselves and collaborating with faculty to make it a successful event."

For more information about the show, contact Diana Gravatt, by e-mail: dgravat@siue.edu, or, Kara Shustrin, by telephone: (618) 650-0546.

Softball Turns Questions Into Answers

When the season began, SIUE softball coach Sandy Montgomery knew she had a solid team. Still, many were unsure about how good the Cougars would be.

"There were several people that had a lot of questions about us at the beginning of the year, including us," said Montgomery "We have all answered those questions, and we are pretty happy with where we are right now."

The 14th-ranked Cougars have a record of 28-8 overall and 6-0 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. SIUE is riding a 10-game winning streak.

One of those question marks at the beginning of the year was the pitching staff. The Cougar staff had totaled one win in 12 innings of experience.

Now SIUE has two pitchers, Alicia DeShasier (Carrollton) and Lindsay Laas (Frankfort) with more than 10 wins, and the third member of the staff, Casey Wantland (Fisher) is 7-1. The trio's earned run average is a respectable 2.49. "They have learned a lot," said Montgomery. "Their success is very important to the team's success. They have met the challenge."

The Cougar hitters rank second in the GLVC with a .321 batting average while hammering 24 home runs this season.

Sophomore Libby Lenart (Bartonville) batted .500 during the six games last week with seven RBIs. "Libby hit very well this weekend," said Montgomery. "She is a good catcher, and she has great hands."

DeShasier also batted .500 for the week. She leads the league in runs scored (39) and RBIs (34), and is third in the GLVC with a .434 average.

Shortstop Veronica (VJ) Schmidt (Westmont) also had a solid week at the plate collecting eight hits while driving in five runs. Schmidt knocked in the game-winning run against Indianapolis on Saturday. "VJ hit well," said Montgomery. "She is doing a nice job and playing good defense."

SIUE travels to Southern Indiana on Thursday for a matchup with the Screaming Eagles at 3 p.m. The Cougars return home for contests against Quincy on Saturday and Missouri-St. Louis on Sunday with both doubleheaders beginning at noon.

Baseball Looks To Get Back On Track

SIUE baseball has fallen on hard times, having won just three of its last 10 games. Three of the losses came as one-run decisions and another saw the Cougars fall in extra innings.

"It is tough," said SIUE baseball coach Gary Collins. "We just can't seem to get a hit or make a play when we need to put the game away. We haven't made pitches to put people away either."

SIUE enters its doubleheader at Missouri-St. Louis tomorrow with a 14-13 record overall and 9-11 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. That puts the Cougars in seventh place in the league, two games behind Southern Indiana on the loss side for the sixth spot. The top six teams make the season-ending Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament.

SIUE pitcher Cameron Cheek (Atlanta) came in relief to get his first save against Quincy last week. Cheek then threw eight-plus innings against UW-Parkside on Saturday, improving his record to 4-1 with a 1.66 earned run average on the season. "He pitched lights out and was really impressive," said Collins.

Freshman left fielder Cory Bunner (Jacksonville) batted .333 with six RBIs for the week to improve his batting average to .287 with 28 hits. "Bunner has been playing extremely well for a freshman," said Collins. "He has really been solid for us. He keeps getting better."

Adam Tallman (Gillespie) collected eight hits with four runs batted in during the week batting .381 to raise his average to .308.

Jeff Darnall (Atlanta) ranks second the club with a .347 batting average. Darnall is tied for first with two home runs and second on the team with 17 RBIs.

After battling the Rivermen today, the Cougars will face Upper Iowa over the weekend. Saturday's (4/16) game with the Peacocks will begin at 3 p.m. at Gordon Moore Park in Alton. Sunday's (4/17) game starts at noon at T.R. Hughes Park in O'Fallon, Mo.

Men's Tennis Heads To GLVC Tournament

SIUE men's tennis finished the regular season with a record of 9-8 overall and 4-4 in Great Lakes Valley Conference action.

The fifth-seeded Cougars face fourth-seeded Missouri-St. Louis on Friday (4/15) in the first round of the GLVC Tournament in West Lafayette, Ind.

"We had three very close matches in the doubles with UMSL," said SIUE tennis coach Bill Logan. "It is going to be a tough match. We know we are in for a battle."

The Cougars won two of their last three matches heading into the tournament. "I am really pleased with everyone," said Logan. "They are all doing their best. The conference season has been really tough."

Chris Rigdon (Glen Carbon) improved his record to 7-4 on the year picking up two wins this past week. Rigdon notched a record of 5-1 in GLVC action.

Andrew Reznack (Edwardsville) leads the team with a 10-7 record at No. 4 and No. 5 singles. Reznack and doubles partner Andy Renner (Belleville) hold a 9-3 record in doubles play this season.

Women's Golf Hosts Cougar Invitational

The SIUE women's golf team returns home for the Cougar Invitational at Sunset Hills Country Club this weekend.

"We are excited to be back home," said SIUE golf coach Mark Marcuzzo. "We have a very good chance of winning the event."

The Cougars finished 10th at the Illini Spring Classic in Champaign this past weekend. "We struggled a little bit on the first day due to the wind," said Marcuzzo. "We are still learning. The attitude of the team is extremely positive."

Brittany Hood (Coulterville) shot an opening-round 83 following that up with an 82 for a two-day total of 165, placing her 30th in the tournament. "Brittany is really coming along," said Marcuzzo.

Natalie Connaway (McLeansboro) placed 47th overall after a 90 on the first day. She improved to an 81 on the second day for a tournament total of 171. "Natalie has really improved," said Marcuzzo. "She is really starting to put it all together."

The Cougar Invitational will be held Sunday (4/17) and Monday (4/18).

Witte, Glover Post NCAA Qualifying Marks

Mary Witte (Normal) and Callie Glover (Bartlett), of the Cougar track and field team, put themselves into position to qualify for next month's NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships with provisional marks in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.

Witte placed third in the steeplechase at the Eastern Illinois Big Blue Classic on Saturday (4/9) with a time of 11 minutes, 20.14 seconds. That's 11 seconds slower than the school record she set last season, yet good enough to put her on the national provisional qualifying list.

Glover made her mark in the hammer throw with a toss of 160 feet, 6 inches (48.93 meters). "Callie is off to a fast start this outdoor season in the hammer breaking her own school record from the previous weekend," said Coach David Astrauskas.

Both competitors will have an opportunity to better their marks this weekend on more familiar territory.

SIUE will play host to the Cougar Classic on Saturday (4/16) at Korte Stadium. "We're excited to have our home opener this weekend. We really want to make a good showing for the home crowd," said Coach Ben Beyers. "We don't get to perform at home often, so it's always fun to show the student population what a great track team they have. They can watch first-hand rather than just reading about us in the paper."

Bannister, Weber, Weeden Post NCAA Marks

The SIUE men's track and field program continues to excel.

Three more performances from this past weekend's Big Blue Classic at Eastern Illinois resulted in the Cougars being added to the provisional qualifying list for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship next month in Abilene, Texas.

Anthony Weber (Marengo) broke the school record in the pole vault with a leap of 16 feet, 0.75 inches (4.90 meters). "Anthony has vaulted well all year long," said Coach David Astrauskas. "He continues to get better each week, and I knew it was only a matter of time before he would break the school record.

"Anthony is very determined to get into the national meet at the end of the season and qualifying is the first step."

Jonathan Bannister (Plano, Texas) ran a winning time of 52.70 seconds at 400 hurdles. "Jonathan's training has been progressing very rapidly, and he will be looking at a much faster time by the end of the season," said Coach Ben Beyers. "He's hungry for more, and that's really the key in a tough race like the 400 hurdles."

Lee Weeden (Ferguson, Mo.) qualified in a second event. He set a provisional qualifying mark last week in the shot put and added the hammer throw this week. His throw of 172-8 (52.62 meters) is a new school record.

The men's 400-meter relay team also set a new school record in a time of 42.24. A team must run better than 41.15 to post a provisional qualifying mark for the NCAA Outdoor Championships.

Dustin Bilbruck (Gillespie) also was an event winner in the javelin with a throw of 196-7. His toss of 203-3.25 last week currently is the ninth best in the nation.

SIUE will play host to the Cougar Classic on Saturday (4/16) at Korte Stadium. "We're excited to have our home opener this weekend. We really want to make a good showing for the home crowd," said Coach Ben Beyers.

"We don't get to perform at home often, so it's always fun to show the student population what a great track team they have. They can watch first-hand rather than just reading about us in the paper."

Softball Continues On A Roll

The SIUE softball team has won 20 of its last 24 games after starting the season 2-4. That includes two wins at Bellarmine this past weekend as the Cougars started the Great Lakes Valley Conference season.

No. 16-ranked SIUE, 22-8 overall, takes on Illinois-Springfield at home on Wednesday (4/6) before heading back on the road to face Indianapolis on Saturday.

Against the Knights, the Cougars had to make up a five-run deficit in the first contest coming back to win 7-6. Then the SIUE picked up a 1-0 win in the nightcap. "You are always happy when you win," said SIUE softball coach Sandy Montgomery. "We stayed with it, came back, and got a sweep."

Lindsay Laas (Frankfort) came in relief to win the first game to improve to 7-3 on the year. "She did a nice job coming in," said Montgomery. "She got us out of a jam and picked up the win."

Casey Wantland (Fisher) threw a five-hit shutout in game two to run her record to 6-1 with a 1.91 earned run average.

Like the pitching, the Cougar offense has been solid with six players batting better than .300 this season. SIUE has outscored its opponents 44-13 in the first two innings this season.

Samantha Easterley (Belleville) batted .556 during the four games to improve her average to .302 on the year. "Sam had an outstanding week," said Montgomery.

Alicia DeShasier (Carrollton) continued her hot hitting as she raised her batting average to .423. DeShasier leads the club in batting average, hits (44), runs (31), home runs (5), and RBIs (28).

Shanna Waldo (Peoria) collected five hits and scored five runs from the leadoff spot as she batted .384 during the four games.

SIUE will face the Prairie Stars on Wednesday at Cougar Field at 3 p.m. before traveling to the Hoosier State, taking on the Greyhounds on Saturday at noon.

Baseball Eyes Important Week

SIUE baseball sits in a fourth place tie in the Great Lakes Valley Conference as the Cougars begin a important week of play.

SIUE, 12-9 overall and 7-7 in the GLVC, battles second-place Quincy on Wednesday before traveling to third place UW-Parkside this weekend. "There are no easy games in this league," said SIUE baseball coach Gary Collins. "We are still a young team, and we are still developing."

The Cougars went 3-3 this past week against Kentucky Wesleyan and Southern Indiana. After sweeping the Panthers, SIUE's bats came alive, blasting the Screaming Eagles 9-2 on Saturday (4/2) . Then the Cougars lost a heartbreaker 9-6 in 10 innings in the nightcap. "We looked like we were coming out of our offensive slump," said Collins. "We scored 15 runs, and all we got was a split."

SIUE then dropped two contests at USI on Sunday.

Kyle Jones (New Baden) improved to 5-0 on the season with a 1.43 earned run average, giving up six earned runs in 37.2 innings.

"Kyle has been rock solid," said Collins. "It is reassuring knowing that he is pitching that first game every weekend."

Craig Ohlau (Chester) leads the team with a .392 average. Ohlau went 3-4 with two doubles, two RBIs, and two runs scored in the first game against Southern Indiana on Saturday.

Joe Wargo (Streator) improved his average to .323, and Jeff Darnall (Atlanta) raised his to .347 during the six games. "We have some guys who are hitting the ball better," said Collins. "Overall, we are hitting better. We still run into problems of stringing hits together."

Pitchers Ryan Spurgeon (Bethalto) and Jared Rettberg (Divernon) each picked up their first wins of the season against Kentucky Wesleyan.

The Cougars face the Hawks in a doubleheader at Quincy on Wednesday (4/6) at 1 p.m. SIUE then takes on the Rangers in Kenosha, Wis., on Saturday (4/9) and Sunday (4/10) with both doubleheaders starting at noon.

Men's Tennis Faces Quincy

SIUE men's tennis faces Quincy today and is looking to rebound after dropping three matches this past week. "Quincy is a good team and is playing well," said SIUE tennis coach Bill Logan. "We hope to do well against them."

The Cougars have a record of 7-7 overall, 2-3 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. SIUE sits at fifth place in the league with the Hawks right behind them at sixth. "This is a important match," said Logan. "We need to get back on track."

Chris Rigdon (Glen Carbon) improved his record to 5-4 on the year, picking up two wins this past week.

Andrew Reznack (Edwardsville) leads the team with a 9-6 record at No. 4 and No. 5 singles. Reznack and doubles partner Andy Renner (Belleville) have notched a 9-3 record in doubles play this season.

The Cougars and Hawks will meet today at 3 p.m. in Quincy.

DeFevers Leads Cougars At SEMO

Lindsay DeFevers (Virden) set an NCAA provisional qualifying mark in two events to lead SIUE in its first meet of the outdoor season in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

DeFevers posted a qualifying mark in both the shot put and the discus at the Gatorade Classic on the campus of Southeast Missouri State. She tossed the shot put 144 feet, 4 inches (44.00 meters). Her throw in the discus was 44-2 (13.46 meters). "It is quite an accomplishment to get on the national list in two events in the very first meet of the season," said Coach David Astrauskas.

SIUE finished 2-3-4 in the 100-meter hurdles. Freshman Asaki Carr (St. Louis) turned in the best time at 14.71. She was followed by Brittany Reeves (Hanover Park) and Valerie Simmons (St. Louis) at 14.74 and 14.90, respectively.

With an early-season meet, the Cougars didn't have high expectations for its runners. "We've been training very hard lately, so we were aware that the performances would not be as good as what they will be later in the year," said Coach Ben Beyers. "We've got to knock some rust off since most of the athletes have not competed since our indoor conference meet which was five weeks ago."

SIUE's next meet is this weekend at the Eastern Illinois Big Blue Classic in Charleston.

Bilbruck, Weeden Set School Records

Dustin Bilbruck (Gillespie) and Lee Weeden (Ferguson, Mo.) both set school records and set NCAA provisional qualifying marks with their performances at the Gatorade Classic in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

"It was a real good javelin competition, and Dustin was a real competitor, winning the meet on his very last throw," said Coach David Astrauskas. Bilbruck tossed the javelin 203 feet, 3 inches (61.95 meters).

Weeden, who was an All-American during the indoor season in the weight throw, threw for a new school record with a toss of 53-10.25 (16.41 meters). "He will need a better throw to make the national cut, and we will continue to work on his technique in the coming weeks to better his performances in the shot put." said Astrauskas.

Although the event was not scored for non-NCAA Division I schools, the Cougars would have scored well at the meet with several top-notch finishes.

Ryan Boyll (Normal) placed second in the 5,000-meter run at 15:24.25.

Kyle Rose (Kankakee) and Jeff Fearday (Teutopolis) placed second and third place in the 400-meter dash with times of 48.81 and 49.09.

Jonathan Bannister (Plano, Texas) finished second in the 400-meter hurdles in a time of 54.18.

Phil Freimuth (Effingham) took third in the high jump with a leap of 6-6.

Anthony Weber (Marengo) placed second in the pole vault at 15-6

The University Museum 'Prepares Lincoln' For The Lincoln Academy

The University Museum at SIUE is "preparing Lincoln" for the Lincoln Academy. The famous portrait, "Smiling Lincoln," which hangs in the interior lobby of Lovejoy Library, will be moved to the Morris University Center in preparation for the April 30 event.

"Making the portrait visible during the Lincoln Academy is a wonderful opportunity for our guests to experience The University Museum," said its director, Eric Barnett. "It also gives the University Museum a chance to showcase our collection."

The portrait is being moved in time for the 2005 Lincoln Academy that will take place on campus April 30. More than 300 guests, including Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and many other Illinois dignitaries, are expected to attend the Lincoln Academy investiture, black-tie reception, dinner, and ball.

" Smiling Lincoln," was painted by Alban Jasper Conant in 1860. Conant was commissioned to do the painting by William MacPherson of St. Louis. Conant went to Springfield in the fall of 1860 to paint the portrait of Lincoln, who at that time was the newly nominated candidate of the Republican Party.

"Life portraits of the beardless Lincoln, before he was elected president, are extremely rare," Barnett said.

Conant was the only contemporary portrait artist who attempted and succeeded in capturing the friendly, "smiling" Lincoln. Historians say when Conant arrived, he observed the President talking with a small group of men; Lincoln's face was beaming with good nature. But when Lincoln sat for the portrait, he assumed a sad, thoughtful expression.

Conant engaged Lincoln in conversation and Lincoln again revealed the smiling expression that Conant sought. When Mrs. Lincoln first saw the portrait, she said, "That's the way he looks when he has his friends about him. I hope he will look like that after the first of November (alluding to the election)."

"The painting was eventually sold to Shurtleff College in Alton in 1864 and was delivered by the artist himself," Barnett explained. "The painting remained there until the college was acquired by Southern Illinois University."

The Lincoln Academy investiture is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Katherine Dunham Hall; the reception and ball will follow at 7:30 p.m. in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of the Morris University Center.

The Lincoln Academy, unique among the 50 states, was established in 1965 to honor Illinois' most distinguished citizens who have brought honor to the state by their achievements. "We are honored to be chosen to host this prestigious event on the SIUE campus," SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift said.

Vandegrift has pulled together a group of civic volunteers to help plan the event. "This is a great opportunity for the University to partner with the community in showing the entire state our Southern Illinois brand of hospitality."

Gov. Blagojevich recently announced that six world-famous Illinoisans-who have excelled in communications, business, education, sports, science, and social service-will receive the Order of Lincoln Medallion at the SIUE event. The award is the highest that can be bestowed by the state.

This year's Laureates of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois are: Edward Brennan, retired chairman, president, and CEO of Sears, Roebuck and Co.; David S. Broder, Washington Post political correspondent who received the 1973 Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary; Nick Holonyak Jr., head of the University of Illinois' Micro and Nano Lab in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; George E. Inglett, innovator and marketer of corn and soybean-based weight loss and fat replacement products that have improved the health of millions of people around the world; Jackie Joyner-Kersee, the Sports Illustrated "Female Athlete of the 20th Century" and Olympic gold medalist; and Stephanie Pace Marshall, an international leader, speaker, and writer on the issues of educational innovation, schooling re-design, gifted education, and mathematics and science education.

Past honorees have included John Chancellor, Paul Harvey, Walter Payton, Mike Royko, President Ronald Reagan, Ann Landers, Lester Crown, Gwendolyn Brooks, and Roger Ebert.

Historical Studies Prof. Wins Teaching Excellence Award; Three Win Recognition

Thomas Jordan, assistant professor of Historical Studies, is recipient of the 2005 SIUE Teaching Excellence Award. The award is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an SIUE faculty member.

Jordan received a $2,000 award at Honors Convocation on Sunday, and will receive a plaque of recognition at the May 7 spring commencement.

The committee also awarded Teaching Recognition Awards to Kathy Ketchum, an assistant professor in the School of Nursing, Jo Ellen Moore, an associate professor in Computer Management and Information Systems, and to Frederic Leveziel, an instructor in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature. Each received a $500 award at the convocation.

Nominees were considered by members of a university-wide committee which made the final selections. Committee members said they were impressed by Jordan's ability to "formulate relationships between historical facts and world events." In his well-structured classes, they wrote, "he employs a wide variety of media to more fully present diverse perspectives.

"While his classes are rigorous, he is able to put students at ease through clear and thoughtful responses to their questions."

Jordan, who joined the SIUE faculty in 2000, earned a bachelor's at Trinity College and a master's and a doctorate at the University of Illinois.

Ketchum, in her ninth year of teaching at SIUE, earned a bachelor of science in Nursing at the University of Illinois-Chicago, a master of science at SIUE, and a doctorate at Saint Louis University. Committee members said they were impressed with "her obvious enjoyment of teaching and her immense knowledge and skills in conveying that knowledge."

Members also noted her ability to incorporate many different types of learning activities into her courses.

Committee members said they were very impressed with the connection that Moore has with her students. Since joining the SIUE faculty in 1997, Moore has employed innovative techniques and unique projects to enhance her classes. Students "consistently praise her teaching skills and her ability to ready them for a career after graduation."

Moore earned a bachelor's at Millikin University, a master of science at Illinois State University, and a doctorate at Indiana University

Leveziel has been a Spanish and French instructor at SIUE since 1999. He also is the director of the Foreign Language Training Center. He earned a bachelor's at Universidad Complutense de Madrid in Spain and a master's at Washington University in St. Louis. He is completing a doctorate in Modern Languages at Middlebury College.

Leveziel impressed committee members with his rapport with students. While he conducts classes in Spanish, Leveziel will switch to English if a student is obviously unable to understand what is being said. He encourages students to share experiences from trips they have taken to Spanish-speaking countries and he incorporates these experiences into class teachings.

R. Walker Wins Faculty-Staff Kimmel Service Award

Richard Walker of Edwardsville, a city alderman for 10 years and an untiring supporter of arts in the community and the state, is the recipient of the 2005 Kimmel Community Service Award in the SIUE Faculty/Staff category.

Walker is SIUE assistant vice chancellor for Administration.

The awards are sponsored by the University and the Belleville News-Democrat. They were established to recognize outstanding community members and SIUE staff and faculty for dedication and contributions to community service.

It is named for Carol Kimmel, a former member of the SIU Board of Trustees, who for many years donated freely of her time and talent to volunteerism.

Those nominated for the Kimmel Award must have demonstrated a variety of community service contributions for an extended period; demonstrated outstanding voluntary community service, as well as a commitment to the citizens of Illinois or Missouri; and must document leadership roles and responsibilities.

Walker will be honored with recipients in other categories at the April 27 Kimmel Leadership Recognition Program at SIUE.

In his role as alderman, Walker has chaired the city's Finance Committee and the Administrative and Community Services Committee, as well as the Public Services Committee. Through his efforts, the city established the Arts in the Park program, a series of concerts and arts-related events for children in the Edwardsville City Park.

He also developed the Sculptures in the Park program, the Downtown Façade Improvement Program, and the First-Time Homebuyers Assistance Program, all for the city of Edwardsville. In addition, Walker is chair of the Wildey (Theater) Development Committee, which recently completed a marquee renovation for the historic theater in downtown Edwardsville.

Walker also has volunteered with the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce and is very active with his church, First Baptist Church of Edwardsville. He also serves on the board of the Illinois Arts Alliance, for which he has developed the State-Wide Arts Friendly Community Awards presented in conjunction with the Illinois Municipal League.

"I've been blessed to serve alongside some wonderful volunteers over the years," Walker said. "Through these experiences, and these people, I have learned that the act of volunteering is an expression of individual freedom, a demonstration of sensitivity for the needs of others, and one of the most beneficial and rewarding acts anyone can perform.

"By volunteering in the community, ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference."

Admission is free for the April 27 Kimmel recognition program-scheduled at 4:30 p.m. in the Conference Center, on the second 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.

Kimmel Community Award Winners Announced

Several Southwestern Illinois residents will receive Kimmel Community Service Awards at the April 27 Kimmel Leadership Recognition Program, sponsored by SIUE and the Belleville News-Democrat.

The annual award was established to recognize outstanding community members for dedication and contributions to community volunteer service as exemplified by Carol Kimmel, a former member of the SIU Board of Trustees, who for many years gave freely of her time and talent to volunteerism.

Other than the Facuty-Staff category, there are six award categories: education, social service-social welfare, environmental and civic betterment, regional leadership, agency-organizational concerns, and special populations.

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--Betty Krapf
Special Populations--Dan Cuneo
Regional Leadership--P. Michael Schuette
Social Service-Social Welfare--James Bailey
Environmental-Civic Betterment--Rev. Dr. David Stabenfeldt
Education--Lueretha Griffen

Kimmel Scholarship Winner Announced

A passion "to help others" is a driving force for Sara Anne Reimers Carpenter, formerly of Lincoln, Mo., who not only finds the time and energy to volunteer, but also works hard on a double major in Speech Communication and Spanish at SIUE.

She is a daughter of Jan Reimers and Robert Carpenter of De Soto, Mo.

Her dedication to volunteerism will be recognized April 27 when she receives the SIUE Carol Kimmel Scholarship. The scholarship program is co-sponsored by the University and the Belleville News-Democrat.

Carpenter will be recognized at the Kimmel Leadership Recognition Program-scheduled at 4:30 p.m. in the Conference Center, on the second floor of the Morris University Center.

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 for many years donated freely of her time and talent to volunteerism.

"My passion is to help others," Carpenter said, "even though it requires time and energy because it's the most valuable quality a person can have. I agree with Albert Schweitzer who said everything of value in the world has been accomplished with enthusiasm and self-sacrifice. My philanthropic values and actions have led me to the non-profit sector, in which financial compensation is also sacrificed," she said.

"Receiving the Kimmel Scholarship would lift a sizable financial burden and would also be an incredible honor."

For the University, Carpenter has been an active leader and member of Making Waves, a women's studies organization. She initiated SIUE's participation in the March for Women's Lives in Washington, D.C., during spring of last year. She also devotes her time to peer ministry at the SIUE Religious Center.

Her community service has included volunteer work with the Service Learning Project through SIUE's partnership with Americorps, the United Way Allocations Committee, Women of the Steel Union, and mentoring through the YMCA and the SIUE United Campus Ministries. She also volunteers with the American Red Cross.

"Carol Kimmel was described to me as the 'epitome of service,'" Carpenter said. "With enthusiasm and self-sacrifice, I strive for such a valuable life as well."

For more information, call the Kimmel Leadership Center, (618) 650-2686, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 2686.

Dallas Brass To Appear On Arts & Issues Stage

With an exciting repertoire that spans myriad musical traditions-from Dixieland to Broadway to Hollywood to patriotic, with a sprinkle of humor-the Dallas Brass will appear at 8 p.m. Friday, April 22, at SIUE as part of the Arts & Issues series.

Scheduled in Meridian Ballroom, the Dallas Brass will bring its special brand of performance that has made the group one of America's foremost and entertaining musical ensembles. Dallas Brass has a distinctive style all its own, blending traditional brass instruments with a full complement of drums and percussion to create an entity of extraordinary range and musical challenges.

"For two decades the Arts & Issues series has been the benchmark of quality entertainment for Southwestern Illinois audiences," said John Peecher, coordinator of the series. "Dallas Brass has a great sense of style in their music and in their performing," he said. "It promises to be a unique evening of exciting musical entertainment."

Since its founding in 1983 by Michael Levine, the Dallas Brass has performed throughout the world with a show for the entire family. The group's goal is to entertain and enrich by playing great music, while showing audiences how much the musicians enjoy what they do.

In addition to solo engagements, the Dallas Brass also has appeared with symphony orchestras nationwide, including the Cincinnati Pops conducted by Erich Kunzel, Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, and the New York Pops conducted by Skitch Henderson. The Dallas Brass also has performed at Carnegie Hall, the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and has toured overseas in Europe and the Far East.

Members of the Dallas Brass began their musical involvement in elementary school music programs; therefore, they remain dedicated to working with young musicians, frequently going into public schools to present clinics and workshops for students of all ages.

The ensemble also has released five albums: Debut, Dallas Brass II, A Merry Christmas With Brass, Windborne, and Nutcracker.

Tickets for the April 22 Arts & Issues event are $20; students, $10, and are available by contacting John Peecher, (618) 650-2626, or, by calling (618) 650-5555, or by e-mail: jpeeche@siue.edu. Individual tickets also may be purchased at the Web site: artsandissues.com.

Flights-Of-Wine Dinner, Auction To Benefit Scholarships

Fine wine, delicious food, and exciting auction items will be part of the first SIUE School of Education's Flights-of-Wine Dinner and Auction at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 13, at Sunset Hills Country Club in Edwardsville.

The evening is co-sponsored by Corporate Express, a retail furniture outlet in West St. Louis County. Other sponsors include: Kennedy Bookstore Inc., East Alton attorney Jeff Cooper, Bev George and Associates, Edwardsville Schools Superintendent Ed Hightower, SIUE School of Education Dean Elliott Lessen, Professor Emeritus Val Meyer, of the School of Education, and Professor Emeritus Gil Rutman, of the SIUE School of Business.

The event will raise money for scholarship assistance to students of need, particularly during their student teaching semester, and for a new program geared to attracting potential future teachers from Metro East middle schools and high schools. "The goal is to expand the number of scholarships and/or scholarship programs," Dean Lessen said.

"Through the program we will earmark funds for current and potential students from diverse backgrounds."

Lessen pointed out that a strong scholarship fund is an important asset to the School of Education. "As our population base becomes increasingly heterogeneous," Lessen said, "it is imperative that we attract a diverse student population in an increasing proportion to the general population of the Southwestern Illinois metropolitan area we serve.

"The availability of scholarship funds will help the School of Education recruit and attract the best students from diverse backgrounds," he said. "While the focus will be on teacher preparation, other areas within the School of Education also will be recipients of these efforts."

The May 13 fund-raising event consists of both a silent and a live auction. Some of the live auction items include an afternoon sail for two on a 34-foot racing yacht, a four-hour ride in an 18-passenger Hum-Vee limousine, a variety of box seats to St. Louis Rams and St. Louis Cardinal games, a full-day "spa experience," and an assortment of artwork from local and internationally known artists.

Admission is $65 per person. Also available are various sponsorship levels including contributor sponsorships at $250 and table sponsorships at $750. Advertising space also is available for purchase in the event program booklet.

For reservations and/or sponsorship information, contact Julie Babington in the School of Education, (618) 650-5043, or by e-mail: jbabing@siue.edu.

East St. Louis Students Star in May Performance At ESTL

By Patricia Merritt
Director, Public Relations
East St. Louis Center

Five-year-old "Angel" was shot and killed after being used as a human shield by an unidentified youth, who was the target of a drive-by shooting.

The event is part of A Colored Funeral, written and directed by Gregory S. Carr, fine arts instructor at the SIUE East St. Louis Charter School.

Tickets are now on sale for the play that will open at 7 p.m. Friday, May 20, in the multipurpose theater in Building D of the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus, 601 James R. Thompson Blvd. During the month of April, tickets are discounted to $9 for adults and $4.50 for seniors and students with identification.

Tickets may be purchased at the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus in Building A, Suite 1055. Tickets also are available through the Fine Arts box office in Dunham Hall, (618) 650-2774. For more information, call LaKisha Perkins-Mosley at (618) 482-6908.

A Colored Funeral is at the same time comedic, satirical, and poignant as it takes a look at death, sometimes irreverently, in the African-American community. In the play, Carr deals with such issues as HIV/AIDS, police brutality, war, and obesity.

He has written many plays, several of which have been performed professionally. Most recently, Johnnie Taylor is Gone had its world premiere at the historic Karamu Theatre in Cleveland, and received glowing reviews. Carr's A Colored Funeral also is being considered for future production.

The play is a joint production by the East St. Louis Charter School and the East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts. The Charter School is a "School of Choice" for families in the East St. Louis School District as it provides a second chance at education and training for individuals who have dropped out of the public schools. Anthony Neal, and experienced educator, is the program director.

SIUE established the East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts, formerly known as the Katherine Dunham Center for the Performing Arts, in 1967. World-renowned dancer, anthropologist, and choreographer Katherine Dunham is the founder.

The program is supported in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

SIUE Students Assemble Replica Of Pre-Historic Animal For Lincoln Academy

What's nine-feet long and has a sail formed by a row of long spines on its back? Give up? It's the Dimetrodon (pronounced Die-MET-rah-don). The ancient animal lived approximately 300 million years ago during the late Paleozoic Era, and it's on campus right now.

Well, it's actually a replica, but it looks like what a Dimetrodon might look like. What exactly did it look like? A group of students from the SIUE Museum Studies Graduate Certificate Program is discovering the anwer.

And, as the students discover, they are being guided by paleontologist Guy Darrough in assembling a fiberglass replica of the pre-historic animal for display.

"The Dimetrodon will be part of the Prehistory of Illinois display which will be open for viewing during the Lincoln Academy of Illinois," explained Eric Barnett, director of The University Museum at SIUE.

Every year, the academy conducts a convocation and investiture of laureates in which individuals are honored for contributions to the betterment of mankind that have been accomplished in or on behalf of the state of Illinois. This year's dinner and ball to honor the laureates will be condudted at SIUE on April 30.

Throughout the year, the academy also honors senior students for overall excellence at all 52 four-year, degree-granting state institutions in Illinois.

According to Barnett, the Dimetrodon is still under construction. "The legs have been attached to the body," he said. "The next step is to attach the head and tail. SIUE is the chosen site for construction because Darrough's (Arnold, Mo.), studio is currently at capacity."

Darrough is a highly accomplished fossil collector, fossil preparation expert, and illustrator who has worked in paleontology and related areas for 40 years. He has collected and studied fossils in Canada, Morocco, and in many parts of the United States. His technical and artistic skills in fossil preparation meet the highest museum standards. Specimens from his own exceptional collection are routinely loaned to museums for exhibition and for scientific studies.

Darrough's accomplishments include amassing a premiere collection of Missouri fossils, making significant discoveries in Paleontology (including the discovery of a wide variety of Cambrian and lower Ordovician fossil animals previously unknown to paleontologists), and co-authoring in the Journal of Paleontology.

The Lincoln Academy investiture is set for 6 p.m. Saturday, April 30, in Dunham Hall theater. Immediately following the service, the dinner and ball will take place in Meridian Ballroom, with approximately 300 guests from around the state expected to attend.

Student Employee Of The Year Is With SIUE Campus Of Learners Program

Sandra McClendon of East St. Louis, a senior majoring in Speech Communication, is the 2005 SIUE Student Employee of the Year. McClendon is a program assistant with the East St. Louis Center Campus of Learners (COL) Family Self-Sufficiency Program.

Employed at the East St. Louis Center since August 2001, McClendon assists in the development and implementation of all services and activities of the program. She has provided many hours of service to the program and has been recognized for her work mentoring life-challenged women through the Connections to Success Program.

In nominating the non-traditional SIUE student, who also is a grandmother, Louella Hawkins wrote that McClendon "has been a true asset to the (COL) Program, particularly when working with the children of the residents of the Phoenix Courts housing development." Hawkins is the acting program director of the COL.

"Sandra's caring, efficient, easy-going manner is noticeable, whether she is assisting them with homework in the after school tutoring program or when they are making special holiday crafts. Her creativity in developing and implementing children's activities has given most of the children the confidence, opportunity, and experience needed to become successful achievers.

"Her input in developing activities has been invaluable to motivating not only the children, but the adults," Hawkins continued. "Her team spirit when working with the staff has helped create a harmonious environment that makes it a joy for all of the employees to come to work," Hawkins wrote.

Each year, the Office of Student Financial Aid requests nominations for the student employee recognition, which is part of National Student Employee Week (April 10-16) as designated by the National Student Employment Association.

Runners-up for this year's Student Employee of the Year were: Thomas Doellman of Quincy and Ashley Luken of Lincoln.

Women's Golf Earns Spot In NCAA East Regional Field

SIUE has been selected for its third consecutive appearance at the NCAA Division II Women's Golf Championships.

The 2005 NCAA Division II Women's East Regional will be a 54-hole event on May 2-3 at The Meadows Golf Course in Allendale, Mich. Three others regional tournaments also will feed into the national tournament to be held on May 11-14 at The Championships Course at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, N.M., and will be hosted by Western New Mexico University.

SIUE is led by sophomore Kallie Harrison (Decatur), with a 78.3 scoring average. Junior Brittany Hood (Coulterville) holds an 83.6 scoring average and has been consistent all year for the Cougars. Natalie Connaway (McLeansboro), a freshman, holds an 86.6 scoring average. Kelly Morris (Normal), also a freshman, has a 91.5 scoring average. Ashley Hamm (Hillsboro), a freshman, joined the team this spring and has a 100.4 scoring average.

"After starting out the spring with only four kids and losing two of your top five players, to hold our position, is an accomplishment," said Coach Mark Marcuzzo. "I think that shows a lot about the team."

The top two teams in each of the four regions along with the top two individuals not with a team, from each regional, will advance to the national championships in New Mexico.

The following teams and individuals were selected to participate in the East Regional.

Softball Prepares For Final Weekend

The SIUE softball team ends its regular season this week with six games at Cougar Field. The 14th-ranked Cougars are winners of 19 of their last 20 games with a 37-9 record overall, 13-1 in Great Lakes Valley Conference action.

SIUE notched a 4-0 record last week with wins at Lincoln and Kentucky Wesleyan. The Cougars most important matchup of the season against No. 1-ranked Northern Kentucky was cancelled due to weather. "It was a big disappointment," said SIUE softball coach Sandy Montgomery. "We were looking forward to playing them."

The Cougars face Missouri Southern on Thursday (4/28) and Lewis and UW-Parkside travel to face SIUE on Saturday (4/30) and Sunday (5/1). Lewis (third place) and UW-Parkside (fourth place) are right behind second-placed SIUE in the GLVC standings. "Missouri Southern, typically, has been pretty good in the MIAA (Midwestern Intercollegiate Athletic Association)," said Montgomery. "We want to play well going into the weekend. UW-Parkside and Lewis are going to be the biggest challenges we have had in some time."

Second baseman Holly Neuerberg (Orion) blasted two home runs as she went 5-7 with five runs scored and five RBIs in the doubleheader with the Panthers. Neuerberg leads the team with 39 RBIs while ranking second on the club with five home runs.

"She is hitting the ball well," said Montgomery. "She is doing a good job of keeping her weight back."

Catcher Libby Lenart (Bartonville) raised her average to .299 after going 6-11 (.545) last week. "She has been doing well," said Montgomery. "In my opinion she is, without a doubt, the best catcher in the league."

Senior Veronica Schmidt (Westmont) ranks second on the team with a .363 batting average. Schmidt leads the team with 11 doubles while driving in 32 RBI's.

Pitcher and outfielder Alicia DeShasier (Carrollton) leads the Cougars with a .394 average, 61 hits, 48 runs scored, four triples, and seven home runs.

The Cougars will take on the Lions on Thursday at 3 p.m. before the Flyers and Rangers visit Cougar Field on Saturday and Sunday. Both doubleheaders begin at noon.

Baseball Starts Long Homestand

The SIUE baseball team sees an opportunity before them as they head into the final 12 games of the regular season. The Cougars have the advantage of playing those contests at home or at least near home.

Beginning tomorrow (4/26), when SIUE faces Quincy, the Cougars will play eight games at Roy Lee Field over the next two weeks. It will be the first game at the field since April 21, 2004. The four other games will be played at T.R. Hughes Ballpark in O'Fallon, Mo. "We won't have to travel," said SIUE baseball coach Gary Collins. "Hopefully that will help us."

The next few games will go along way in telling how the Cougars finish the season. They sit tied for sixth place with Kentucky Wesleyan in the Great Lakes Valley Conference with 23-20 overall record, 14-14 in league play.

Battling the Hawks on Tuesday (4/26) could give SIUE a chance to gain ground on one of the teams ahead of them in the standings. Quincy is currently in fourth place two games ahead of SIUE, with the clubs splitting a pair of contests on April 6.

The top six teams make the GLVC tournament which will be held at T.R. Hughes on May 12-15. "A sweep over Quincy would tie us with them and give us the tie breaker," said Collins.

SIUE has won nine of its last 12 games after finishing last week splitting with the Panthers and St. Joseph's.

Jeff Darnall (Atlanta) leads the Cougar offense with a 17-game hitting steak, a .340 average, and 51 hits as well as being tied for the club lead in RBIs with 26. Darnall batted .381 last week with 5 RBIs and a game-winning triple in a victory over the Pumas. "Jeff has been consistent," said Collins. "That is how you put a hitting streak together. He has probably been our most consistent hitter."

Adam Tallman (Gillespie) notched a .385 batting average the last six games while pitching six strong innings giving up just two hits and no earned runs in a loss to St. Joseph's. "Tallman pitched a great game," said Collins.

Cameron Cheek (Atlanta) continued his string of strong pitching performances with a win over Kentucky Wesleyan. The two-time GLVC pitcher of the week is now 6-1 on the year with a 1.45 earned run average.

David Briesacher (Waterloo) came out of the bullpen on Saturday (4/23) to throw six innings of one-hit baseball, notching his first win of the season. Jared Rettberg (Divernon) fanned six, giving up one run on two hits for his fourth win in the second game.

SIUE takes on Quincy tomorrow (4/26) with the first pitch coming at 1 p.m. The Cougars face Indianapolis for a four-game series this weekend. Saturday's (4/30) contests will be play at Roy Lee Field at 1 p.m., and Sunday's (5/1) doubleheader is scheduled for T.R. Hughes at noon.

Men's And Women's Track Ready For Cougar Twilight

The SIUE men's and women's track teams return home this weekend for the Cougar Twilight Open on Saturday (4/30) at Ralph Korte Stadium.

SIUE placed fourth on both the men's and women's events at the Central Collegiate Championships held at Champaign over the weekend. "The weather this weekend was terrible," said SIUE track coach Ben Beyers. "Everyone rallied and showed a lot of pride in putting out some good efforts. Obviously the times are slower than we'd like, but, under the conditions, I'm very proud of how the athletes performed."

On the women's side Christine Butler (Matteson) won the triple jump and became the season leader with a mark of 37'8.75" (11.50m). Butler also finished fourth in the long jump. "She had some real nice jumps, especially considering the conditions," said Beyers. "She's been a top performer for us all year long, and she's starting to round back into the form that made her an All-American indoors."

On the men's side, Jonathan Bannister (Plano, Texas) won the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 53.80. "Jonathan ran a great race," said Beyers. "He blocked it all out and focused on himself, and when you are able to do that, good things will come, no matter what the weather is like."

The men's 4x400 meter relay team placed first with a mark of 3:19.31. Brad Blevins (Gillespie) became the season leader in the 100 meters finishing with a time of 11.05.

The Cougar Twilight Open will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Women's Track Signs Deserea Brown

Deserea Brown (Flossmoor) has signed a national letter of intent to compete in track and field for SIUE.

Brown, from Homewood-Flossmoor High School near Chicago, starred during the indoor season this year. "Deserea will be a very big addition to our team next year," said SIUE women's track coach Ben Beyers. "Her versatility and untapped potential made her a top recruit in my mind a long time ago."

Brown was recently successful at the Illinois Prep Top Times Meet winning the 400 meters with a time of 57.03 seconds and taking second in the 55 meters at 7.27. "Deserea has shown potential in all the sprints, the hurdles, and all the jumps," said Beyers. "She's a tremendous athlete and will only improve in college if she continues to work hard and stay focused."

Brown qualified for the state meet last season in the high jump, 4 x 400 meters, and 800 meter medley relay. "We'll certainly be looking for her to make big contributions to our team as a freshman," said Beyers. "I'm very excited to see how she develops."

Men's Cross Country Signs Cameron

Kyle Cameron (Moline) has signed a national letter of intent to compete for SIUE men's cross country team.

Cameron, from United Township High School, was 12th in Illinois AA State cross country this year with a time of 15 minutes and 11 seconds. "I am looking forward to working with Kyle over the next four years," said SIUE cross country coach Eileen McAllister. "He is just beginning to tap his potential."

Cameron has personal bests in the two mile (9:38) and mile (4:30) for at United Township this year. "He is definitely one to keep an eye on at the state meet," said McCallister.

Cameron was teammates in high school with current Cougars Erik Steffens, Brian Taghon, and Brian Getz. "He will fit in great with the team," said McCallister. "I look to him to be a solid addition to an already strong core of returnees."

SIUE's Emily Lenart named Softball Player Of The Week

SIUE's Emily Lenart (Bartonville, Illinois) has been named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Week, respectively.

Lenart, who follows her sister Libby in earning Player of the Week honors, hit .571 on the week with two home runs, three doubles, and nine RBIs to lead the No. 14-ranked Cougars to a 5-1 record on the week.

She did most of her damage in a 9-5 victory at the University of Southern Indiana, hitting both home runs and a two-run, game-clinching double. Her second home run of that game was a grand slam as she finished the contest with seven runs batted in.

The sophomore finished the week with a 2-for-3 performance, including two doubles, in a split with the University of Missouri-St. Louis as she raised her season-batting average to .343.

SIUE, which had won 15 straight games until its loss to the Riverwomen, raised its record to 33-9 overall and 11-1 in the GLVC.

Baseball Will Move Three Doubleheaders Back Home

Roy E. Lee Field will see some action this season despite the on-going construction at SIUE's SimmonsCooper Complex.

SIUE Coach Gary Collins announced that three doubleheaders would be moved back to SIUE's campus field. For those games, fans will be directed to sit beyond both teams' dugouts and away from the construction site where a new grandstand and seating are being put up.

The games at Lee Field are April 30 vs. Indianapolis at 1 p.m., May 4 vs. Missouri-St. Louis at 2 p.m. and May 7 vs. Bellarmine at 1 p.m.

Baseball Heads To KWC And Saint Joseph's

SIUE baseball is currently riding a six-game winning streak as it travels this week to face Kentucky Wesleyan and Saint Joseph's.

The Cougars are 20-17 overall and 11-11 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. SIUE is tied for sixth place in the league with the Panthers and Southern Indiana. The top six teams advance to the conference tournament. "It's seems like it has been a long time since we have gotten over the .500 mark," said SIUE baseball coach Gary Collins. "It feels pretty good."

The Cougars took four games from Upper Iowa over the weekend after defeating Missouri-St. Louis in two games on Thursday (4/14). SIUE outscored its opponents 39-15 during the six games.

The Nos. 7, 8 and 9 hitters in the Cougars lineup have sparked the winning streak, batting .406 with 17 RBIs and 10 runs scored. "The first six guys in our lineup have hit all year," said Collins. "Now the bottom of our order has really started to deliver. That helps a bunch."

Michael DalPozzo (Livingston) led the charge from the bottom of the lineup as he batted .529 collecting nine hits during the stretch. DalPozzo came into last week hitting 2-18 (.111).

Robert Rahn (Wood River) notched nine hits batting .409 with six RBIs in the six games from the ninth spot in the order. Shortstop Brian Newby (Bartonville) batted .411 last week with five RBIs and five runs scored.

Outfielder Cory Bunner (Jacksonville) is batting .309 on the season with an 11-game hitting streak after a 10-for-25 performance against UMSL and Upper Iowa.

Outfielder Jeff Darnall (Atlanta) also sports an 11-game hitting streak and is .333 for the season.

Clay Zavada (Steator) notched his first win of the year over Upper Iowa. Zavada struck out 11 while giving up five hits for the complete game shutout.

"We are starting to get a mix of good hitting and good pitching," said Collins. "That is something we have needed all year long."

The Cougars face Kentucky Wesleyan on Wednesday (4/20) in Owensboro, Ky. at 1 p.m. They will follow that up with a trip to Rensselaer, Ind. to face GLVC leader St. Joseph's on Saturday (4/23) and Sunday (4/22). The first pitch in both doubleheaders begins at noon.

Softball Set For Big Weekend

After winning 33 of their last 38 games, SIUE softball coach Sandy Montgomery knows that her toughest challenge is yet to come. That test will come this weekend as the Cougars travel to face Kentucky Wesleyan and No. 2-ranked and undefeated Northern Kentucky.

"It's a big weekend," said Montgomery. "They (NKU) are the best team in the country as far as I'm concerned."

The 14th-ranked Cougars have notched a 35-9 record overall with a 11-1 mark in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. "Overall, we are playing well," said Montgomery. "We need to be challenged again to get our intensity up. We will need to be ready for the tough games that are ahead."

SIUE played eight games in five days, finishing with a 7-1 record last week.

First baseman Emily Lenart (Bartonville) was named GLVC player of the Week after batting .571 collecting eight hits. Lenart went 6 for 7 with two home runs and nine RBIs in a sweep of Southern Indiana on Thursday (4/14). "She is a competitor," said Montgomery. "She loves to play. When she is on she is a very good hitter."

Emily's sister, Libby, won the award last week, marking the third time a Cougar has won the award this season.

Freshman pitcher Lindsay Laas (Frankfort) picked up five wins last week as she ran her record to 15-4 on the season. Laas has won 10 of her last 12 decisions dating back to March 11. "She is doing a nice job," said Montgomery. "She is learning more and more how to pitch while minimizing her mistakes."

SIUE is batting .312 as team while averaging over six runs per game this season. "It's been a year where things have gone our way," said Montgomery. "We have won some close ball games. One big thing is that different people have stepped up different days."

Holly Neuerberg (Orion) is tied for the team lead with 34 RBIs while batting .341. "Holly is playing really well right now," said Montgomery.

SIUE will take on the Panthers on Saturday (4/23) before visiting the Norse on Sunday (4/24). Game time for each doubleheader is noon.

Women's Golf Hosts Cougar Invitational

The SIUE women's golf team placed second in the Cougar Invitational at Sunset Hills Country Club over the weekend.

SIUE scored a 701, 19 shots behind tournament winner Rend Lake Community College. The Cougars finished 14 shots ahead of third place Southern Indiana.

"Sunset Hills is a extremely tough golf course," said SIUE golf coach Mark Marcuzzo. "We had to beat USI to solidify us for nationals. We have a good team, and we played like a team this weekend."

Brittany Hood (Coulterville) and Kallie Harrison (Decatur) finished tied for third place with a two day total of 168. Hood shot an opening round 83 and a second round 85. Harrison had an 87 the first day before finishing out the tournament with a final round 81.

"Brittany is really playing well," said Marcuzzo. "Kallie struggled the first day. Then she played really well the second day."

Natalie Connaway (McLeansboro) placed sixth with a total of 171. She shot a 84 on Sunday following that up with a 87 on Monday.

"Natalie has gotten a lot better and continues to improve," said Marcuzzo.

Kelly Morris (Normal) ended the tournament in 16th place and Ashley Hamm (Hillsboro) finished in 18th place.

The Cougars will wait to see if they are selected to the NCAA East Regional that is held on May 2-3 in Allendale, Mich.

Men's And Women's Track Win Cougar Classic

The SIUE men's and women's track teams won the Cougar Classic over the weekend.

On the men's side, the Cougars scored 258 points, more than 100 points ahead of the second place finisher. For the women, SIUE notched 311 points for a decisive win. "Anytime you defeat good competition by the margin that we did, it really speaks volumes as to the quality and depth of your team," said SIUE track coach Ben Beyers.

Jonathan Bannister (Plano, Texas) broke the 400-meter record previously set in 1985 with a time of 47.93 on Saturday (4/16). "Jonathan ran a very solid race," said Beyers. "Breaking that record is something that we've certainly been shooting for, and he went and executed very well."

The men's 4x100 meter relay team of Brad Blevins (Gillespie), Chris Wright (Richton Par), Jason Hall (Chicago), and Jeff Fearday (Teutopolis), set the school record for the third time in three weeks with a time of 42.13.

Lee Weeden (Ferguson, Mo.) bettered his NCAA provisional qualifying mark in the shot put with a throw of 54 feet, 3.25 inches.

On the women's side, Lee Ann Lomax (Georgetown) won the 1,500 meters with a time of 4:43.32. Lomax then won the 800 meters in 2:16.90. "She ran two great races on Saturday," said Beyers. "She had two personal records and showed that she's still got a lot of room for improvement."

The Cougars will travel this weekend to Champaign for the Central Collegiate Championships on Saturday (4/23).