January 2005
MLK Celebration Award Winners Announced
The Annual Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian and Scholarship Awards have been announced. The awards will be presented at the university's 23rd annual luncheon to honor the late Rev. King at SIUE on Tuesday, Feb. 8.
The awards are given each year by the university to recognize those who exemplify the philosophy of nonviolent social change as demonstrated by Rev. King. This year's guest speaker will be SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift.
The luncheon program is set for 11:30 a.m. in Meridian Ballroom of the Morris University Center, followed by a reception in Goshen Lounge for the winners of the Scholarship and Humanitarian awards to be honored at the luncheon. Winners of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. High School Essay, Poetry, and Visual Arts Awards also will be honored.
Winners of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards include:
• Tyeast Frank, of Chicago-Scholarship and Humanitarian Award-A 28-year-old undergraduate pursuing a bachelor of science in Speech Pathology and Audiology toward a career in speech-language pathology.
• James Speciale-Community Humanitarian Award-An Edwardsville accountant and successful businessman who has served as president of the Edwardsville School board for the past 12 years.
• Cheryl Jackson- University Humanitarian Award-A registered nurse and instructor in the SIUE School of Nursing.
Winners of the high school competition are:
• Devin Dixon, a junior at Edwardsville (IL) High School-essay award;
• Dustin Davis, also a junior at Edwardsville-poetry award;
• Kendra Osterhage, a sophomore at Waterloo (IL) High School-visual arts award.
Tickets for the MLK luncheon are $12.50; students, $8. For reservations, call (618) 650-2660.
Associate Professor Thomas Chosen Assistant Provost For Planning
Susan Thomas, an associate professor of Psychology and a former chair of the University Planning and Budget Council (UPBC), has been named assistant provost for Planning. The appointment, effective Jan. 1, was announced recently by Provost Sharon Hahs.
Thomas, who joined the SIUE faculty in 1981, earned an MBA in Administrative Management and a doctorate in Social Psychology, both from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She is the 2002 recipient of the SIUE Alumni Association's Great Teacher Award.
She succeeds Dwight L. Smith III, who left the University to become associate provost for Academic Affairs at Miami Dade College in Miami, Fla.
In the Department of Psychology, Thomas has served as Undergraduate Program director and Senior Assignment coordinator. In addition to the UPBC, Thomas has served on various University committees.
As assistant provost for Planning at SIUE, Thomas is responsible for coordinating academic planning activities in concert with the SIUE Strategic Plan, including service as a liaison with the SIU system and with external groups, such as the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission NCA, to name two.
Thomas reports to Provost Sharon Hahs and works closely with Associate Provost David Sill.
Hahs expressed appreciation to the members and chair of the search advisory committee "for their care, thought and hard work during the process. They represented the University well. My thanks to all who participated and provided their insights."
Coaches Pick SIUE Softball To Place Second In GLVC
The Great Lakes Valley Conference softball coaches have selected SIUE to finish second in the Great Lakes Valley Conference in 2005, with 85 points and one first-place vote.
The coaches named Northern Kentucky University as their unanimous pick to win the conference title. NKU received the maximum 100 points and 10 first-place votes in the preseason poll.
NKU, which was 54-7 overall and 19-1 GLVC in 2004, returns all nine starters, including first-team All-America pitcher Krystal Lewallen, from a team that advanced to the NCAA II Championships. Lewallen led the nation in ERA (0.27) as a sophomore last season, allowing just 10 earned runs in 255 1/3 innings.
SIUE, which was 35-19 overall and 15-5 in the GLVC in 2004, received three more points than third-place Lewis University. Lewis won the GLVC Tournament in 2004 and finished the season with a 45-13 overall record, 18-2 in the GLVC. Both SIUE and Lewis were NCAA II Great Lakes Regional Tournament participants last year.
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside and the University of Southern Indiana rounded out the top five picks. UWP was picked fourth with 73 points, while USI was picked fifth with 69 points.
With 49 points, the University of Missouri-St. Louis was picked to finish sixth, while the University of Indianapolis was picked seventh with 44 points.
Bellarmine University (38 points) and Quincy University (32 points) were picked to finish eighth and ninth, respectively, while Saint Joseph's College (23 points) and Kentucky Wesleyan College (10 points) rounded out the poll.
NKU will start the season February 11, while GLVC play begins March 19 when KWC visits NKU for a doubleheader. The GLVC Tournament will return to East Peoria, Illinois, and the Eastside Centre May 6-8.
Cougars Ranked No. 7
SIUE marked another milestone on Tuesday as the Basketball Cougars have now been ranked in the top 10 nationally for three consecutive weeks.
The Cougars are ranked No. 7 in the nation despite a 61-60 loss to now 24th-ranked Southern Indiana in Evansville, Ind., this past Thursday (1/20). SIUE was ranked in the top 10 for two weeks back in January 1989.
SIUE, 16-3 overall and a GLVC-leading 9-1 in league play, rebounded from Thursday's loss for a 59-54 victory at the Kentucky Wesleyan. It was the first time SIUE had won at the Owensboro Sportscenter since 1989.
SIUE Coach Marty Simmons and his Cougars next return home to the Vadalabene Center on Thursday (1/27) to face Northern Kentucky. Tip-off time is 7:30 p.m.
Lucky Number 16?
SIUE men's basketball coach Marty Simmons may not think of 16 as a lucky number, but perhaps it is. The Cougars picked up their 16th win on Saturday (1/22) over Kentucky Wesleyan, defeating the Panthers in Owensboro, Ky. for the first time in 16 years.
The win matches the number of wins SIUE had last season and it ties Simmons for his most wins in a season since becoming the Cougars' coach. "To our guys credit they stepped in a hostile environment and made plays," Simmons said. "I think that's got to give them an enormous amount of confidence."
The Cougars, who are 16-3 overall, 9-1 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, will look to build on a 13-game homecourt winning streak as Northern Kentucky and Indianapolis visit the Vadalabene Center this weekend.
"They (Northern Kentucky) are very balanced and very hard-nosed team," said Simmons. "Indianapolis can shoot the three. They can beat you off the dribble. They are very athletic, very quick, and very tough."
Following the two contests this weekend, SIUE will have just two home games and six road games left during the month of February.
The Cougars success comes from a solid team defense that allows a conference best 58.3 points per game and holds opponents to a GLVC-leading 38.8 field goal percentage. "Our team and our success comes from being a team that is hard to score against," said Simmons.
Freshman J.B. Jones (Belleville) made big contributions in the Cougars' win over Kentucky Wesleyan. Jones netted 16 points and was 9 of 9 from the free throw line, including 6 of 6 in the last 30 seconds of the contest. He is second in the GLVC in assists per game at 5.32. "J.B. stepped up and made great drives to the basket and knocked in some huge free throws," said Simmons.
Senior Dan Heimos (Waterloo) averaged a double-double in the two games last weekend with 12.5 points and 10 rebounds per game. Heimos leads the conference in blocks and blocks per game. The Cougars' center has 96 career blocks and needs seven blocks to break the SIUE career record of 102 set by Antone Gallishaw during the 1988-90 seasons.
Fellow senior Tim Bauersachs (Pinckneyville) leads the team in scoring (11.8) and is third in the GLVC with a field goal percentage of 63.7. After Heimos had fouled out with 5:25 to go in the game against Kentucky Wesleyan, Bauersachs netted four points down the stretch to seal the win. "He stepped up and showed the leader that he is in the last four minutes," said Simmons.
SIUE takes on the Norse at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday (1/27) before entertaining the Greyhounds on Saturday (1/29) afternoon at 3.
Women's Basketball Set For Second-Half Run
It the midway point in the Great Lakes Valley Conference season, the SIUE women's team sits in the middle of the pack of the league.
The Cougars have won four of their last five games with a record of 10-9 overall and 5-5 in the conference.
SIUE will face off against Northern Kentucky and Indianapolis this weekend. The Norse, in Hedberg's words, are "one of hottest team's in the conference." SIUE lost to Northern Kentucky 62-45 on Dec. 11. "We struggled early on, and we have changed things since then," said Hedberg. "The kids are playing with a lot more confidence."
After facing the Norse, the Greyhounds visit the Vadalabene Center. Indianapolis is tied with the Cougars for the sixth spot in the GLVC. "They are led by their seniors on the perimeter," said Hedberg. "They are going to be another tough team."
Freshman Whitney Sykes (Pontoon Beach) scored a career-high 27 points in the win over Kentucky Wesleyan last Saturday. Sykes leads the GLVC in three-point field goal percentage (45.6) and is second in three-point field goals made per contest (2.74). "She is playing very well," said Hedberg. "She loves the game. If she is having problems with her shot, she is in the gym working on it. She isn't playing like a freshman right now."
Sykes needs five three-pointers to break the school record for three-pointers in a season set by Terri Evans during the 1995-96 season.
Sophomore Juilanne McMillen (Pana) came off the bench to chip in 17 points in the win over the Panthers. McMillen was 5 of 8 from the field and 7 for 7 from the free throw line. She is fourth in the GLVC in field goal percentage at 56.2. "She was ready to play," said Hedberg. "She had 31 against them last year. We reminded her of that, and that she could get things done on the court."
The Cougars have raised their defensive play the past few weeks. They rank third in the GLVC in field goal percentage defense at 40 percent while ranking fourth in the GLVC in scoring defense at 62.8.
SIUE battles Northern Kentucky on Thursday (1/27) at 5:30 p.m. Then Indianapolis comes to town on Saturday (1/29) at 1 p.m.
Men's Track and Field Builds Momentum
The SIUE men's track and field team continued its success in indoor events with two NCAA Division II provisional qualifiers and five event winners in all at Eastern Illinois Mega Meet last weekend.
"I think our performances at this meet were very solid in both the field events and on the track," said SIUE men's track and field coach David Astrauskas.
The Cougars were led by Lee Weeden (Ferguson, Mo.) who was an NCAA Division II provisional qualifier in the weight throw with a toss of 17.44 meters (57 feet, 2.75 inches). "Lee had a good performance in the 35-pound weight throw. His technique and speed have improved tremendously this year," said Astrauskas. "Lee is an extremely strong and explosive athlete who is very exciting to watch."
Brian Taghon (East Moline) also was a provisional qualifier in the 5,000 meter run with a time of 14 minutes, 53.86 seconds. Anthony Weber (Marenjo) set the school-record for the second straight week in the pole vault with leap of 15-5. "We have posted some very good performances at the beginning of the season and we look forward to bettering our times, distances, and heights," said Astrauskas.
The Cougars will be back in action at the Notre Dame Meyo Open and the Illinois Wesleyan Titan Open on February 4-5.
Women's Track And Field Continues Success
The SIUE women's track and field team continued its strong start in the indoor season with six NCAA Division II provisional qualifiers and five event winners in all at EIU Mega Meet last weekend.
The Cougars were led by Callie Glover (Bartlett), who for the second week in a row set the school record and provisionally qualified for the NCAA Division II Championships in the 20-pound weight with a throw of 15.96 meters (52 feet, 4.5 inches).
"Callie's indoor season is off to a fast start, hopefully she can continue to improve each week," said Coach David Astrauskas, who guides the Cougar throwing events. "I expect Callie to be a big contributor in both of the indoor throwing events."
Lindsey DeFevers (Virden) was another NCAA provisional qualifier in the shot put with a throw of 13.19 meters (43-3.25). "Lindsey has had to overcome several obstacles this season, so it is nice to see her have some success in the shot put," said Astrauskas. "I expect Lindsey to post even farther throws as the season progresses."
Jessica Levy (Des Plaines) set school records in the 200 meters (25.56) and 400 meters (57.59) as well as provisionally qualifying for the NCAA Division II Championships in both events.
Tairisha Sawyer (Chicago) provisionally qualified in the 200 meters with a time of 25.91. Christine Butler (Matteson) won the triple jump and provisionally qualified with a distance of 11.73 meters (38-6).
SIUE will be back in action on Feb. 4-5 for the Notre Dame Meyo Open and the Illinois Wesleyan Titan Open.
Wrestling Heads To Central Missouri State
SIUE wrestling is looking to build on some recent success. The Cougars head to Warrensburg, Mo., for a match with Central Missouri State on Thursday (1/27) at 7:30 p.m.
"We will line-up pretty well with those guys," said SIUE wrestling coach Khris Whelan. "It should be a tough match."
SIUE picked up its second win of the season 34-13 over UW-Eau Claire at the Warhawk Triple Duel in Whitewater, Wis. over the weekend.
The Cougars, who have a 2-8 record, were close to getting another victory leading UW-Whitewater 17-13 with three matches to go, but the Cougars couldn't hang on falling 28-17. They wrestled hard," said Whelan. "If we would have been totally healthy who knows we may come out on top."
Freshman Eric Scholle (Waukegan) led the way for SIUE at 174 pounds with two wins including a pin in his first match to go to 6-2 this season. "Eric is a good dual meet wrestler right now," said Whelan. "He is a go getter."
Sophomore Bill Breheny (Burbank) at 141 pounds had a solid day getting two wins to improve to 6-6 on the year. "He is tough," said Whelan. "He has been a pleasant surprise. He has been manhandling kids."
Steve Chico (Hammond, Ind.) at 133 pounds had a good match with two wins to go to 12-12 on the season.
GLVC Basketball Tourney Schedule Announced
For the seventh consecutive year, the Great Lakes Valley Conference men's and women's basketball tournament will take place at Roberts Stadium in Evansville, Ind. The tournament, slated for March 3-6, will follow a slightly different format from previous years.
The men will open Thursday, March 3, with quarterfinal games at noon, 2:30, 6:00, and 8:30pm CST. On Friday, the women's quarterfinal games will take place, also at noon, 2:30, 6:00, and 8:30pm. Games on Saturday, March 5, begin with the men's semifinals at noon and 2:30, followed by the women's semifinal games at 6:00 and 8:30pm. Championship games will be played on Sunday, with the men's at 1:00 and the women's at 3:30pm. The tournament winners will represent the conference as the league's automatic qualifiers in the 2005 NCAA Division II National Tournament
The 2005 GLVC All-Conference Teams, Freshman, Player, and Coach-of-the-Year Awards will be presented on March 3 for the men and March 4 for the women between the quarterfinal's first and second sessions.
All-tournament passes are on sale for $30 until Jan. 31. This pass, along with additional ticket information, is available through the Roberts Stadium Box Office at (812)476-1383 ext. 25. This year's tournament is made possible thanks to Kenny Kent Toyota-Lexus, Dunn Hospitality, Pepsi, and the Evansville Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The Great Lakes Valley Conference is widely recognized as one of the top athletic conferences in NCAA Division II. A GLVC men's basketball team has advanced to the national championship game for 11 consecutive years.
For more information about the GLVC and each conference member, please visit www.glvcsports.org.
Cougars Topple KWC 59-54
Freshman J.B. Jones hit six free throws in the final 30 seconds as SIUE defeated Kentucky Wesleyan 59-54 in Great Lakes Valley Conference men's basketball today.
SIUE, 16-3 overall and a GLVC-leading 9-1 in league play, won for the first time in nearly 16 years at the Sportscenter. The last time was 1989, the same season SIUE last made an appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
Jones led the Cougars with 16 points, including a 9-of-9 effort from the free throw line. He also had eight assists. Dan Heimos added 10 points and nine rebounds despite fouling out in the second half. Justin Ward also had 10 points for the victorious Cougars.
Kentucky Wesleyan, 11-6 overall and 6-5 in the GLVC, defended its home court with pride, erasing as much as a 16-point, second-half deficit with a 22-5 run in the second half to take the lead at 47-46. SIUE regrouped after leading most of the game, including 31-23 at halftime.
Tim Bauersachs scored his only four points on back-to-back scores from the paint to give SIUE a 50-47 advantage with 3:36 to play. Antonio Bright, who had 15 points for the Panthers, pulled KWC within one at 50-49 with a layup at 3:08.
SIUE answered with Anthony Jones' only three-pointer of the game to take a 53-49 lead. Franklyn Ferguson, who led all scorers with 17 points, cut SIUE's lead to three by hitting one of two free throws. SIUE and KWC went back and forth in the final second, but it was J.B. Jones' six free throws that gave the Cougars the win.
The Cougars head back home to the Vadalabene Center. SIUE faces a return game with Northern Kentucky on Thursday (1/27). Tip-off time is 7:30 p.m.
Sykes, Cougars Trip Up KWC
Whitney Sykes hit a pair of free throws with 12 seconds left as SIUE edged Kentucky Wesleyan 65-64 in women's college basketball on Saturday (1/22) at the Sportscenter.
Sykes bombed Kentucky Wesleyan for a career-high 27 points, including 5 of 6 from three-point range. The Cougars improved to 10-9 overall and 5-5 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. KWC falls to 9-9 and 4-7 in the GLVC.
Kentucky Wesleyan jumped out to a seven-point lead at halftime despite 14 from SIUE's Sykes. The Panthers shot 46 percent from the field in the half and held the Cougars to 37 percent shooting. KWC took advantage of SIUE's 11 turnovers with 13 points off the Cougar mistakes. SIUE managed just three points off KWC's 10 first-half turnovers.
Amber Wisdom, who like Sykes played all 40 minutes for the Cougars, scored 12 points. Julianne McMillen, playing her fourth straight game off the bench, pumped in 17 points, including a 7-for-7 effort from the free throw line.
The Panthers led for much of the second half, taking as much as a 10-point lead. SIUE went on a 21-8 run midway through the second half and grabbed a 49-46 lead when McMillen hit a pair of free throws with 9:02 left in the game. KWC fired back with a 12-2 run over the next five minutes, leading 60-53 with 3:18 to play.
Sykes then hit a three-pointer to cut the lead to four at 3:02. After the teams exchanged baskets, Wisdom put SIUE just three points behind with her own three-pointer with 1:03 left. After a set of fouls from KWC, Sykes hit the last four free throws of the game, including the eventual winners with 12 seconds left.
SIUE now returns home to the Vadalabene Center on Thursday (1/27) to take on a red-hot Northern Kentucky squad. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.
Basketball Coaches Rank SIUE Fifth In NCAA-II Men's Basketball
The top three teams in last week's NABC Division II rankings -Metropolitan State, Virginia Union and Minnesota State-retained their spots atop this week's rankings, while last week's No. 4, West Georgia dropped to seventh and SIUE moved up to fifth from sixth.
Metro State (14-0) won a pair of games to extend its winning streak to 14, tying No. 5 SIUE (15-2) for the longest winning streak in Division II. Virginia Union (12-1) won three times last week and Minnesota State (17-1), whose 17 wins are the most in the D-II ranks, also won twice. West Georgia (14-2) lost last Monday to Valdosta State and fell to seventh, behind new No. 4 Bentley (16-2), SIUE, and No. 6 Findlay (14-2).
The remainder of the top ten includes Indiana, Pa. (14-2) at No. 8, followed by No. 9 Kennesaw State (12-2) and No. 10-ranked Central Arkansas (13-2), whose loss Monday to Harding does not factor into this week's rankings as only games played through Sunday are considered.
Others receiving votes: Lynn (Fla.) 16, South Carolina Upstate 16, Saint Rose (N.Y.) 14, Florida Gulf Coast 11, Ferris State (Mich.) 10, Emporia State (Kan.) 8, Mount Olive (N.C.) 7, Michigan Tech 5, Gannon (Pa.) 3, Barry (Fla.) 1.
Tough Road Tests Await Cougars
SIUE men's basketball coach Marty Simmons isn't complacent with the team's best start in school history.
Even though the No. 6-ranked Cougars are 15-2 overall and 8-0 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, Simmons knows that for the Cougars to have continued success they will have to improve. "We have to get better in some areas," said Simmons. "We are a team that has to do the little things to be successful. To our guys credit, they have done a good job."
SIUE will ride on the nation's longest Division II winning streak (14 games) as it travels to play traditional GLVC powers Southern Indiana on Thursday (1/20) and Kentucky Wesleyan on Saturday (1/22). The Cougars sit in first place in the conference, two games ahead on the loss side in front the Screaming Eagles and Indianapolis. "Our guys have had a good mentality," said Simmons. "They are looking forward to the challenge of playing both of those teams on the road."
The key to the Cougars winning streak has been their defense, giving up an average of 58.4 points per game. "You have to credit the guys for that," said Simmons. "These aren't easy teams we are playing. A lot of these teams have guys who can shoot the three. You exert a lot of energy trying to fight through screens to take away those threes."
One of the key components to that defense is senior Tim Bauersachs (Pinckneyville), who had a career-high 21 points in a win over Quincy last Saturday. Bauersachs is fourth in the GLVC in field goal percentage at 63.3 percent. "He is one of those guys who takes what the defense gives him," said Simmons. "He doesn't take bad shots and he believes in the system."
Fellow senior Dan Heimos (Waterloo) also takes high quality shots. Heimos is third in the conference, shooting at 65 percent as well as leading the league in blocks with 43.
After Heimos got into foul trouble against the Hawks this past weekend, he was replaced by redshirt freshman Doug Taylor (McClure). In 12 minutes of play Taylor recorded three blocks, two steals, and two rebounds to spark SIUE's interior defense. "Doug has a great knack for blocking shots," said Simmons. "He has done a very good job. You will continue to see him improve not only this year but later in his career."
The Cougar offense leads the GLVC in field goal percentage at 50.3 percent per game, while holding clubs to 38.7 percent each contest. To go along with that SIUE has six players averaging more than eight points a game.
SIUE battles at Southern Indiana on Thursday (1/20) night at 7:30 before heading to face the Panthers on Saturday (1/22) afternoon at 3:30.
Hedberg, Cougars Look Past Milestone Win
Just a few days removed from winning her 400th career victory, SIUE women's basketball coach Wendy Hedberg realizes the accomplishment, but she is looking to improve on the teams three game-winning streak.
It was nice to get the win," said Hedberg. "I can't say enough about the team and how hard they are playing right now."
The Cougars are 9-8 overall and 4-4 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference as they head to the road this weekend to play at Southern Indiana on Thursday (1/20) and at Kentucky Wesleyan on Saturday (1/22) . SIUE is in sixth place in the conference, one-half game ahead of the Panthers and game and one and one-half in front of the Screaming Eagles. "They are both good teams," said Hedberg. "USI is going to be dangerous. Also, the Sportcenter (Kentucky Wesleyan) is a tough place to play and get out of there with a victory."
The Cougars have stepped up their defense in recent games utilizing a zone defense to stop teams interior play. "We are playing with it (zone defense)," said Hedberg. "We have played some really good post players in this conference. It has been working for us."
Junior Alisa Carrillo (Santa Ana, Calif.) has stepped up her play with 16 points and eight rebounds in the win over Quincy. "She is doing a great job for us right now," said Hedberg. "She gives us added depth at the post position."
Freshman Whitney Sykes (Pontoon Beach) continues her solid play, averaging 10.3 points per game, shooting 43 percent (43-100) from three-point land. Sykes is third in the GLVC in three-point field goal percentage and three pointers made per game (2.53). "She is that kind of shooter," said Hedberg. "If you give her just a second to get the shot off, she can be deadly."
"She played well defensively," said Hedberg. "She gave us some good minutes off the bench."
The Cougars rank fourth in the league in points per game, giving up an average of 62.7, while holding teams to 39.7 percent shooting from the field.
SIUE faces Southern Indiana on Thursday (1/20) at 5:15 before visiting Kentucky Wesleyan on Saturday (1/22) at 1:15 p.m.
Men's And Women's Track Get Off To A Good Start
SIUE men's and women's track and field teams, the defending Great Lakes Valley Conference champions, started things right where they left off last season with solid showings at the Illinois Wesleyan Relays.
"It was great getting back into the swing of things on a winning note," said SIUE women's track coach Ben Beyers.
The two teams combined for 15 champions in all with eight going to the men's side and seven on the women's to start the indoor season. "We were very strong throughout the meet in almost all aspects," said Beyers.
The men's 4x200 meter relay team, made up of Chris Wright (Richton Par), Kyle Rose (Kankakee), Jason Hall (Chicago), and Jeff Fearday (Teutopolis), set a new school record.
Sophomore Anthony Weber (Marengo) set the school record in the pole vault at 4.57 meters.
For the women, Callie Glover (Bartlett) set a school record in the 20-pound weight with a throw of 15.62 meters. The 1,600 meter relay team, made up of Valerie Simmons (St. Louis), Jessica Levy (Des Plaines), Jenny Jaquez (Aurora), and Kimetha Williams (Bellevue, Neb.), provisionally qualified for the national meet and currently rank fifth in the country in that event with a time of 3:55.75. "We still have some improving to do to get to where we'd like to be by the end of the season," said Beyers. "We're certainly on our way after this type of start."
The Cougars are back on the road this weekend traveling to Charleston for the Eastern Illinois University Mega Meet on Saturday.
Wrestling Heads To Wisconsin
SIUE wrestling continues a busy stretch of its schedule as the team heads to the UW-Eau Claire/UW-Whitewater meet this weekend after picking up its first win last week.
The Cougars defeated Briar Cliff 44-6 on Jan. 12 as nine SIUE wrestlers picked up wins for their first dual meet victory of the season.
SIUE, which has a record of 1-7 on the season, had four grapplers place at the Roger Denker open on Saturday (1/15).
John Ficht (Burbank) has a record of 13-12 at 165 pounds this season. Ficht had a fourth-place finish at the Denker Open. Senior Brandon Lorek (Bensenville) at 197 pounds was 5-2 this past week with a fifth-place finish at the Denker Open to improve his record to 13-13. Junior Joe Rujawitz (Belleville) went 3-3 in last weeks events for a 10-8 overall record on the year.
The Cougars will be in Whitewater, Wis., on Saturday (1/22) with the meet starting at 3 p.m.
Men's Basketball Team Continues Longest Winning Streak In Division II History
Tim Bauersachs pumped in a career-high 21 points as the SIUE Basketball Cougars won for the 14th consecutive time defeating Quincy 72-63 on Saturday afternoon in Great Lakes Valley Conference action at the Vadalabene Center.
The sixth-ranked Cougars currently hold NCAA Division II's longest winning streak as they improved to 15-2 overall and 8-0 in GLVC play. Quincy falls to 9-6, 5-4 in conference action.
Bauersachs shot seven of 10 from the field and six of six from the free throw line while grabbing six rebounds for the Cougars.
SIUE led by as many as eight in the first half, but Quincy had trimmed the score to 39-36 at halftime. The Cougars gained a 53-48 lead with 12:17 left in the second half. Neither team had a point for the next 5:51 of the half. Quincy would cut the lead to 62-58 with 1:01 left, but SIUE made 10 of 12 free throws the last 56 seconds to seal the win.
The Cougars went 24 of 32 (75 percent) from the free throw line in the contest.
Joel Jaye had 15 points and freshman J.B Jones chipped in 14 points and four assists. Dan Heimos and Anthony Jones netted 10 points a piece with Heimons collecting four blocks in the game.
The Cougars held the Hawks to 38.7 percent (24-62) shooting as SIUE shot 45.7 percent (21-46) in the contest. Quincy outrebounded SIUE 43-26, including 17-4 on the offensive glass.
SIUE is now 13-1 when holding opponents under 70 points and 8-0 when opponents shoot less than 40 percent from the field.
Jordan Roth's double-double led way for the Hawks. Roth had 20 points on eight of 12 shooting, while grabbing 13 rebounds. Phil Gettinger had 15 points and nine rebounds for Quincy.
SIUE goes on the road next week traveling to Southern Indiana on Thursday (1/20) for a 7:30 p.m. game with the Screaming Eagles.
Following that will be a trip to Kentucky Wesleyan on Saturday (1/22) as the Cougars face the Panthers at 3:30 p.m.
Rare WPA Murals Donated To The University; Will Be Displayed On Campus
Four rare murals, by the acclaimed Missouri artist Michael Chomyk, have been donated to SIUE by retired financial planner and real estate investor Heinz Peter, in honor of his mother, Elise Peter.
The murals, painted by Chomyk who died in 1993 in Ironton, Mo., at the age of 82, are the only surviving examples of his large-scale paintings from what was once a significant body of work, including a mural above the ticket area of St. Louis Union Station when it was a railroad terminal during the city's heyday.
"The importance of works such as these frequently is forgotten and the pieces are abandoned and destroyed as buildings change ownership and are either renovated or demolished," said Eric Barnett, director of The University Museum at SIUE.
"The public should be grateful to Mr. Peter for working to save the paintings and donating them to a public institution."
Chomyk was one of a select group of artists chosen by the Works Progress Administration beginning in 1935 to create works that document the evolution of American trade, exploration, and achievement. Chomyk is listed as an artist with the WPA project in the book, The Federal Art Projects in Illinois, by George Mavigliano and Richard Lawson.
The murals donated by Peter depict the rise of St. Louis from its founding as a trading post to the time when the murals were painted by Chomyk in 1955 for the Farm and Home Savings & Loan Association. Six of Chomyk's smaller works are in the collection of the National Gallery in Washington, D.C.
Peter, who was born in Germany and educated in Switzerland, is an avid antique and art collector residing in Edwardsville. He donated the pieces to the SIUE museum so that they can be "kept together and enjoyed forever by the public.
"It gives me great pleasure to donate works of great historical value," Peter said, "especially from such an accomplished St. Louis artist."
Barnett said the murals will be cleaned, relined, and conserved over the course of the next several months. "We look forward to placing the paintings in a public space on campus so that the entire community can enjoy them," Barnett said.
Production Company Seeks Financial Support For Arkansippi Bard
Donations are being sought to help complete Arkansippi Bard, a biographical film about internationally renowned poet, author and activist Eugene B. Redmond, a professor of English Language and Literature at SIUE.
Despite the success of a recent fundraiser, $40,000 is still needed to finish the project. Producers hope to enter Arkansippi Bard in film festivals during Summer 2005.
Redmond, an important figure in the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s, has been poet laureate of his native East Saint Louis since 1976. He conducts poetry-in-the schools programs and serves on the board of directors of the Katherine Dunham Centers for Arts and Humanities.
The author of 12 books and six plays, Redmond is a founding editor of the multicultural literary magazine Drumvoices Revue, published by SIUE and the Eugene Redmond Writers Club.
Redmond has received the Pushcart Prize: Best of the Small Presses, Lifetime Achievement Awards from Pan African Movement USA (PAMUSA) and the Furious Flower Poetry Conference (2004), a Creative Writing Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, a Tribute to An Elder Honor from the Afrikan Poetry Theatre, and an American Book Award for The Eye in the Ceiling: Selected Poems. He also is an inductee in the International Literary Hall of Fame for Writers of African Descent.
In 1968, following the death of his friend and colleague Henry Dumas, Redmond became literary executor of the Dumas Estate. With the help of Toni Morrison, Amiri Baraka, Maya Angelou and others, he has edited seven volumes of Dumas's works, the latest being Echo Tree: The Collected Short Fiction of Henry Dumas (Coffee House Press 2003).
Redmond also served as writer-in-residence at Oberlin College in 1969-1970 and was a professor of English and Poet-in-Residence in Ethnic (and Pan African) Studies at California State University-Sacramento from 1970 to the mid-1980s. He joined the SIUE faculty in 1988.
An avid photographer, Redmond's photo exhibit, Visualizing Black Writers: An Extra-Literary Exhibit from the Eugene B. Redmond Collection, is currently touring and has been on exhibition at SIUE, the University of Ibadan in Nigeria, Regional Arts Commission in St. Louis, the East St. Louis Municipal Building, James Madison University in Virginia, and the Casino Queen Hotel on the East St. Louis Riverfront.
Checks or money orders, made payable to Simone de Cyrene Productions, may be sent to Atty. Sheryl Johnson, 4870 Kossuth Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63115. She may be reached by telephone: (314) 550-5599. Redmond also may be contacted by telephone, (618) 650-3991, or by email: eredmon@siue.edu.
Simone de Cyrene Productions, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to chronicle, through the medium of film, diverse Midwest artists who have contributed to the Black Arts Movement, "globally enriching the cultural landscape."
School of Business Students Assist Local Company
This past fall, the Information Technology (IT) Department at Royster-Clark Inc. in Collinsville, teamed with three graduate students from the School of Business to initiate a business process review of customer payments.
The focus of the project was improving operating efficiencies and funds available at Royster-Clark, a retail and wholesale distributor of mixed fertilizer materials, seed, crop protection products, and agronomic services to farmers. The company has more than 300 outlets primarily in the East, South, and Midwest.
Royster-Clark faced at least two challenges: receiving payments from 50,000 customers through two types of transactions and documenting and applying payment to a customer's accounts involving extra, unnecessary steps. Both of these challenges have financial impacts, such as delays in cash flow and additional costs to the company.
The SIUE graduate students-Gaston Reinoso, Mike Klaus, and Zhangfan (James) Lin-conducted nearly 50 interviews with Royster-Clark customers regarding payment of monthly statements. For more than two days, the students reviewed flowcharts, spreadsheets, and other data to identify processing efficiencies and ways to alleviate the delays.
One of the activities in which the students took part was a check float study. Four hundred checks were sent to 20 locations and were deposited over a five-day period. Each location received 10 checks and mailed two checks per day, one to a lockbox and one to a local bank depository or to the company's Collinsville office, whichever location was normally used. The bank float and the mail float were tracked to measure the length of time it took to reach the bank or the Collinsville office.
It was found that because of logistics and network traffic, a 10-mile destination for a letter could actually become a 100-mile trip.
As project coordinators, Timothy Schoenecker, associate dean for Academic Affairs in the School of Business, and Gertrude Pannirselvam, associate professor of Management, are pleased with the results of the students' experience. Not only were the students given a chance to put into practice what they have learned through coursework, but the company was able to benefit from the students' access to SIUE's academic library, where they could research practices of leading companies.
While the three graduate students have completed their portion of the project, more students from the School of Business will be working with Royster-Clark. Bob Paarlberg, managing director of Royster-Clark's IT department, said, "We want the SIUE School of Business to think of our office as a real life laboratory for their graduate school students.
"With this resource, we get to learn about emerging practices that are still in the incubator stage."
New SIUE Nursing Scholarship Announced
The School of Nursing recently received a generous donation to establish the Wilma Lee Buck MacDonald Endowment.
The endowment will fund annual scholarships to nursing students in memory of Roberta MacDonald Dial, a registered nurse who in 1990 earned a bachelor of science in Nursing at SIUE. Roberta is the late daughter of Wilma MacDonald, who, with her other daughter, Sandee MacDonald Crome, of Edwardsville, had discussed establishing the endowment. Wilma MacDonald died in 2003.
According to Bob McElligott, director of Development for the SIUE School of Nursing, "This memorial gift honoring Roberta also advances the School's mission," McElligott said. "As more nurses become involved in the healthcare profession through the SIUE School of Nursing, it is our hope that they will be inspired by Roberta's commitment and dedication to despite her own health impairments.
"Her story is an inspiration and is an example of how perseverance in life goals is extremely important."
Roberta Dial was one of the first nurses at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, starting there Nov. 1, 1977. "She wheeled in the first Obstetrics patient and helped deliver the first baby at the new hospital," said her sister, Sandee Crome. "During her 30-year career in nursing, Roberta worked in Illinois, Arizona, and Utah.
"She returned to school at SIUE to complete the RN-to-BSN program in 1990 at age 47," Crome said "On one occasion, Roberta attended class even though earlier in the day she needed a constant intravenous drip after being released from the hospital," Crome said. Dial retired in 1993 because of a disability and died in 2001 from complications of diabetes.
Dial was a student nurse at Passavant Hospital in Jacksonville and graduated from that nursing program in 1963. She became a registered nurse in 1964.
The late Wilma MacDonald was one of nine children and the first in her family to receive a college degree. She graduated with a bachelor of science in Human Services from SIUE in 1978 at age 59. She was program coordinator at the Edwardsville Senior Center until her retirement at age 74.
McElligott said the Roberta MacDonald Dial RN BSN Award will be presented annually to a final year nursing student, beginning in May. "Pink roses were Roberta's favorite flowers," Crome said, "so, award recipients will get a scholarship award and a pink rose."
Although about half of all SIUE nursing students enrolled are in the basic BSN program, the RN-to-BS nursing program has always been popular with RNs who want to increase their leadership capabilities and continue a nursing education. Current enrollment in the program is 64 students. The remaining students are nurses who are pursuing graduate nursing degrees and certifications at SIUE.
Additional gifts may be made to the Wilma Lee Buck MacDonald Endowment and/or to the Roberta MacDonald Dial RN BSN Award fund. For more information, contact McElligott, (618) 650-3906, or by e-mail: rmcelli@siue.edu. Information about the SIUE School of Nursing may be found on the Web: www.siue.edu/NURSING.
December 2005
- History Professor Doubly Honored in 2005
- CDS Donates $600K To Dental School For Faculty Support
- Former Presidential Candidate Forbes To Speak At SIUE Jan. 10
- C. (Hughes) Perkins dies; was adjunct faculty
- A. Baich dies; was emerita professor of Biological Sciences
- SIUE Professor Receives $30K Grant For Religion And Science
- 'Wayfinding' Project Under Way At SIUE
- National Perspective Gives SIUE's Marketing Research Program an Edge
- SIUE To Graduate More Than 900 During Fall Commencement
- SIUE Promotes Responsibility Year-Round; Not Just For The Holidays
- American Doll winner at the SIUE Bookstore
- Exchange Students Visited SIUE during Fall 2005
- SIUE Professor Nationally Recognized as Fulbright Scholar
- Literary Festival/Kwanzaa Celebration Set For Dec. 10 & 20 In E. St. Louis
- A Season for the Child Continues At SIUE With Bah! Humbug
12/21/05
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Assistant Professor Tom Jordan is seated in his office. Jordan received two prestigious awards in 2005 and looks to 2006 with optimism.
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Claiming two major awards this year, Tom Jordan is both satisfied and humbled. The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville assistant professor of Historical Studies received SIUE's 2005 Teaching Excellence Award as well as the crystal apple through the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award, sponsored by Emerson Electric.
Jordan said he eyes 2006 with optimism.
Both awards were based on the recommendations and feedback of other teaching professionals. Jordan said he feels honored to have been recommended for the awards by his peers, and that much of his teaching style has been influenced by those he has worked with during his tenure at SIUE.
"These were big honors for me and I am humbled by the recognition," said Jordan, who has been a member of the Historical Studies faculty since 2000. "I think one thing that is so nice about SIUE, is there are so many good teachers. It was humbling and also very satisfying being recognized as a good teacher by my peers."
He added, "One thing that our department has, which I think we're really proud of, is a peer review of teaching. We visit one another's classrooms and critically assess the teaching of our colleagues. I've found that to be very helpful." Jordan said the opportunity allows him to evaluate his style, and determine what he is doing right, and what he could improve upon.
While Jordan said he knew he was a nominee for the University's award last spring, "It was a huge surprise that I won." When he learned he also had won the Emerson award, he noted, "I didn't even know I was being considered." He received the crystal apple Nov. 20.
Emerson Teaching Excellence Awards have gone to outstanding teaching professionals-kindergarten through higher education-for 16 years. Teachers from schools in Illinois and Missouri are nominated by school administrators and selected by committees, based on their professional commitment to teaching, and educational contributions.
Jordan, who spent most of his childhood in Texas, earned a bachelor's at Trinity University in San Antonio. He earned a master's and a doctorate, both in history with an emphasis in Latin American history, from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. Joining the faculty at SIUE in fall 2000, he traveled to Brazil in 2001 as part of the University's Summer Research Fellowship, through the SIUE Office of Graduate Studies and Research.
12/20/05
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The Chicago Dental Society (CDS) today announced two gifts totaling $600,000 to the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine to endow a faculty position and to help create a Faculty Recruitment-Retention Fund for the School. From left, holding one of the two checks presented, are: Randall B. Grove, executive director of the Chicago Dental Society; Dr. Ronald G. Testa, society president; Dr. Ann Boyle, dean of the School; SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift; Dr. H. Todd Cubbon, CDS vice president; and Dr. John F. Fredricksen, CDS secretary and chair of the CDS Grants and Donations Committee.
CDS Donates $600K To Dental School For Faculty Support
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The board of directors of the Chicago Dental Society today donated $600,000 to the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine to support faculty recruitment and retention and to endow a faculty position in clinical dentistry at the School in Alton.
The largest portion of the gift-$500,000-will be used to endow the faculty position. The remaining $100,000 will create a Faculty Recruitment and Retention Fund.
"The fund will help us recruit and retain faculty in an increasingly difficult job market," said Dr. Ann Boyle, dean of the School of Dental Medicine. "Dental education journals and publications have been predicting the dental education faculty crisis for the past several years, and it is very real.
"At the SIU School of Dental Medicine we continually struggle to attract qualified faculty to fill our open positions, particularly in the dental specialty areas."
In any given year, 300 to 400 funded faculty positions are not filled throughout the country. "Furthermore, even some of the most altruistic faculty in dental education find the private sector too lucrative, and they are leaving academics for private practice," said Boyle.
Boyle said the School will utilize revenues generated from the endowment, as well as the other faculty recruitment-retention support funding, to supplement salary and benefits for faculty members. In the case of the endowment funding, the support will be directed toward a faculty member in clinical dentistry.
"The Chicago Dental Society has offered the SIU School of Dental Medicine another tool to continue to entice the best faculty to teach at the SIU/SDM," Boyle said. "By working toward a solution to the dental education faculty crisis now, we hope to continue to offer our students true excellence in dental education for many, many years."
Boyle extended her sincere thanks on behalf of the SIU School of Dental Medicine to the Chicago Dental Society for its foresight and generosity.
12/19/05
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Former Presidential Candidate Forbes To Speak At SIUE Jan. 10
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Former two-time presidential candidate and visionary economist Steve Forbes, who is president and CEO of Forbes Inc. and editor-in-chief of Forbes magazine, will speak at 7:30 p.m Tuesday, Jan. 10, in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Meridian Ballroom as part of the University's Arts & Issues series. Forbes' visit is sponsored by the SIUE School of Business.
SIUE's Arts & Issues program is in its 21st season of presenting world-class performers and noted speakers to Southwestern Illinois audiences.
An influential pro-growth advocate, domestic and foreign policy speaker and writer, Forbes is one of the most well respected figures of our time. He will explore with the Arts & Issues audience some of the most compelling global business issues of the day. "Mr. Forbes brings moral clarity and decades of experience to his perceptions of today's global economy," said John P. Peecher, coordinator of the Arts & Issues series.
"With his command of the current business environment, Mr. Forbes translates the economics trends that affect the future of business, government, and families."
Since Forbes assumed his current position in 1990, the company has launched a variety of new publications and businesses. Seven years later, Forbes entered a new media arena with the launch of Forbes.com, a Web site that now attracts more than seven million visitors each month and has become the leading destination site for business decision-makers and investors.
The company's flagship publication, Forbes, is the nation's leading business magazine with a circulation of more than 900,000. Forbes and Forbes Global together reach a worldwide audience of nearly five million readers.
In both 1996 and 2000, Forbes campaigned vigorously for the Republican nomination for the presidency. Key to his platform were the issues of a flat tax, medical savings accounts, a new Social Security system for working Americans, parental choice of schools for their children, term limits, and a strong national defense.
From 1996-99, Forbes was honorary chairman of Americans for Hope, Growth, and Opportunity, a grassroots, issues advocacy organization founded to advance pro-growth, pro-freedom, and pro-family issues. From December 1993 until June 1996, he served as chairman of the Board of Directors of Empower America, a political reform organization founded by Jack Kemp, Bill Bennett, and Jeane Kirkpatrick.
Tickets are $20; students, $10, and are available by contacting the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774, or at the Web site: artsandissues.com. Tickets for the Jan. 27 appearance of the Alexander String Quartet and the March 17 performance by the Minnesota Dance Theatre also are available.
SIUE Business School Dean Gary Giamartino said Forbes' visit will be a learning experience for students. "We are grateful to the family of Abraham Rutman for the gift that allows us to help bring Steve Forbes to SIUE," Giamartino said. "Their generosity is an inspiration to us as we strive to provide the best value in business education in the Midwest."
The SIUE School of Business, offering 18 programs of study for undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education students, has since 1975 been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Fewer than 15 percent of business schools worldwide have earned this prestigious seal of approval which represents the highest standard of achievement.
The SIUE School of Business, which serves more than 1,500 students every year, also serves the external business community through a variety of outreach programs including the Small Business Development Center, the Entrepreneurship Center, and the International Trade Center.
12/13/05
C. (Hughes) Perkins, dies; was adjunct faculty
U.S. Army Capt. Carla (Hughes) Perkins, an adjunct assistant professor of Military Science at SIUE, died Dec. 11 at Saint Louis University Hospital, following a year-long bout with leukemia. She was 39.
A native of Greenville, Perkins joined SIUE in 2003. She graduated at Purdue University in 1990 with a bachelor's in Psychology. That same year she was commissioned as an officer in the Army after previously serving as a soldier.
Capt. Perkins served tours of duty in Germany and at Ft. Lewis in Washington state, where she was a quartermaster company commander. She married Scott Perkins in October. He survives.
Visitation is scheduled after 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the Donnell-Wiegand Funeral Home, 203 West Oak St., Greenville. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will follow at Montrose Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to leukemia research or to the American Cancer Society.
12/12/05
A. Baich dies; was emerita professor of Biological Sciences
Annette Baich of Edwardsville, professor emerita of Biological Sciences, died Thursday, Dec. 8, after a brief illness. She was 75.
Joining SIUE in 1969 as an associate professor in what was then known as the Division of Science and Technology, Baich became a full professor in the SIUE Department of Biological Sciences in 1974. She chaired the department from 1984-1990. Baich retired earlier this year and was granted emerita status. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Baich, retired faculty member of the SIU School of Dental Medicine at Alton.
Annette Baich earned three degrees in chemistry: a bachelor of science at Roosevelt University in Chicago in 1951, a master of science in 1954, and a doctorate in 1960, both at the University of Oregon. Colleagues and friends say that she earned advanced degrees in chemistry at a time when women rarely did. She also completed post-doctoral studies at Oregon State University and at Rutgers, the state university in New Jersey.
From 1951-54, Baich was a teaching assistant at Oregon, and was a senior technician at the Agriculture Experiment Station in Riverside, Calif., from 1954-55. The following year she became an instructor at Oregon. From 1960-62, Baich was a post-doctoral fellow, first at the Science Research Institute (SRI) at Oregon State University and then in the Institute of Microbiology at Rutgers. In 1963, she returned to the SRI as an assistant professor.
During her career, Professor Baich engaged in sabbatical studies at the University of Colorado Medical School at Denver, Oxford University, Jefferson Cancer Institute in Philadelphia, and at Tufts University. Her initial research interests at SIUE involved the control of proline synthesis in Escherichia coli. She also studied the biochemistry of ornithine metabolism in chick embryo tissues. Her most recent work centered on the biochemical understanding of age-related macular degeneration of the eye.
Professor Baich received numerous research grants from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the Office of Research and Projects at SIUE. She sponsored symposia and helped attract national speakers from Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society, and was a founding member and enthusiastic supporter and leader of the SIUE Sigma Xi Club, which later became a chapter. She also was recipient of the prestigious National Institutes of Health Career Development Award and two Sigma Xi Science Research Awards from the SIUE chapter.
Baich was an active member, and for many years president of, the SIUE Chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP). She was a member of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. As an avid reader, Baich also was an active member of the Jane Austin Society of North America.
Promoting science and intellectual inquiry in all facets of her professorial work, Professor Baich brought to campus a founding member of the Sceptic Society, the "Amazing Randy," who gave lectures to Biology and Philosophy students in Logic, stimulating them toward critical thinking.
Considered an inspirational professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, proteins, microbial physiology, and bioethics, Baich developed several innovative interdisciplinary courses at SIUE, including the popular 'Survival of the Fittest' offering that combined science and the humanities.
Colleagues said university service was an important component of Professor Baich's academic life. She was highly dedicated to promoting research and graduate studies and twice was chair of the SIUE Graduate Council. She served for many years on SIUE's Undergraduate Research Academy, mentoring students as well as serving on the selection committee. At various times in her career, Baich also helped select Presidential Scholar students and served as chair of a Vice-President and Provost Search Committee, the Planning Council, the Rules and Procedures Council, and various committees of the Graduate Council. She was the first president of the SIUE Faculty Senate and was a member of its executive committee, serving on the Faculty Senate for more than 18 years.
Burial took place Sunday, Dec. 11, at Valley View Cemetery in Edwardsville.
12/9/05
Click here for a photo for the Metanexus release below (cut lines appear after the article)
SIUE Professor Receives $30K Grant For Religion And Science
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A philosophy professor has received a $30,000 grant from the Metanexus Institute to found the World Religions, Knowledge and Science (WoRKS) Group, Edwardsville at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The group will offer programs to study and discuss the relationships between science and religion.
Gregory Fields, associate professor of Philosophy and founding coordinator of SIUE's Religious Studies minor program, wrote the grant. George Henderson, SIUE emeritus professor of Physics, is the grant's co-principal.
The WoRKS Group, Edwardsville will be one of 214 Science and Religion groups worldwide participating in the Metanexus project, Local Societies Initiatives. WoRKS Edwardsville will be connected with Metanexus groups in 37 countries, such as the Society for Religion, Science and Technology at Yale; the Research Group in Religion and Science at Goethe University at Frankfurt, Germany; the Beijing (China) Center for Studies of Science and Faith; and the Dialogue on Religion and Science Group at Moi University in Kenya, Africa.
Fields said programs will engage interested faculty, students, and citizens in dialogue with scholars and renowned specialists in a colloquium series. "WoRKS will bring to the SIUE campus regional and national specialists in areas such as philosophy, religion, physics, biology, medicine, psychology and other disciplines," Fields said.
"The dialogues will be publicized for the campus, surrounding communities, and other institutions in the region, and will be integrated with courses in religious studies and other fields."
The Metanexus Institute in Philadelphia advances research, education, and outreach in constructive discussions of science and religion. Metanexus seeks to create an enduring intellectual and social movement by collaborating with persons and communities from diverse religious traditions and scientific disciplines (www.metanexus.org).
Fields explained the acronym WoRKS has three meanings that represent the group's priorities: 1) Projects that serve a purpose; 2) bodies of knowledge (textual, scientific, artistic, etc.); and 3) action and functionality: procedures that work for human and ecological well being. Participants will include SIUE and regional faculty in science, humanities, and the professional schools, as well as students, members of world faith communities, professionals in the private sector, and the general public.
WoRKS will operate out of the Religious Center at SIUE, which houses educational and spiritual activities of several faiths. The building's offices and activity rooms surround a geodesic dome in the image of planet Earth, designed by the late R. Buckminster Fuller, the world-renowned visionary who was a member of the SIUE and SIUC faculties.
Ron Schaefer, acting associate dean of the SIUE Graduate School, said the grant represents a unique opportunity for the University to "engage the ethical foundations" of a variety of disciplines. "In recent years, ethical issues have come to the fore in business, science, arts, and the humanities," Schaefer said. He cited challenges to cloning and genetic engineering as an example.
"Ethical questions provide a common frame of reference across disciplines where we often emphasize differences rather than similarities," Schaefer said. "Opportunities for discussion and reflection provided by this grant will create a forum in which faculty, students and the community surrounding SIUE can assess this significant challenge to 21st century society."
Fields said the three-year Metanexus grant also will be used to found WoRKS Edwardsville as a permanent national and international center for scholarly and applied initiatives that support human and ecological welfare. Future initiatives include publications for a scholarly audience, and audio and video productions for local broadcast.
"The Religious Center at SIUE can become a major center for inquiry, problem-solving, and cooperation across disciplines and among faiths and cultures," Fields said. "We can be among the leading centers of the world as a model community that supports intercultural dialogue in the scholarly examination of religion and science."
The WoRKS Group is an initiative of the SIUE Friends of the Religious Center, which has contributed funding for the project in cooperation with the University Religious Council. Additional support was provided by SIUE's Department of Philosophy, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Office of the Associate Provost for Cultural and Social Diversity, and Graduate Studies and Research.
Cut lines: Associate Philosophy Professor Greg Fields is shown here earlier this year with Nobel Laureate Robert F. Curl, a distinguished professor of Chemistry at Rice University, who was on campus as the William Probst Memorial Lecturer. Curl spoke about The Discovery of the Fullerenes and the New World of Carbon Chemistry, regarding the 1985 discovery of a new form of carbon. The discovery of the carbon-dubbed the Buckminister Fullerene because of the carbon molecule's resemblance to visionary R. Buckminster Fuller's geodesic dome structures-has led to new developments in pharmaceutical-related uses and in molecular detection using infrared light. Here, Curl demonstrates how the Fullerene molecule resembles Fuller's geodesic dome structure to Fields who welcomed Curl to the SIUE Religious Center. The Center is known for its geodesic dome that was designed by Fuller for the University in 1970. (SIUE Photo by Bill Brinson)
12/8/05
Editor: Click below for photos suitable for print with the Wayfinding release
'Wayfinding' Project Under Way At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The core buildings at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville have been fitted with highly visible "cast letters" identifying each of the structures. The lettering is part of the $1.25 million "Wayfinding" Replacement and Enhancement Project approved earlier this year by the SIU Board of Trustees.
The project also will replace and enhance existing directional and informational signs throughout the SIUE campus, and at the SIU School of Dental Medicine in Alton and at the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus.
As part of the project, new entrance signs are being constructed at the entrance on Illinois 157 and at the corner of North University Drive and New Poag Road. The sign at the University's so-called I-270 entrance also will be refurbished. The cost of the project is being funded through Parking and Traffic Operating funds and regular operating funds at SIUE.
"Initial response has been extremely positive," said Bob Vanzo, director of Administrative Services for the University and chair of the Wayfinding Committee. "It is now much easier for us to provide directions and much easier for guests to identify the buildings from a distance." The project was undertaken because visitors often complain that it is difficult to navigate the campuses, Vanzo said.
Under the project, new vehicular, parking lot, and pedestrian directional signs also will be installed. Cloud Gehshan Associates, of Philadelphia, has been retained to advise and design the project, which should be completed in early 2006.
National Perspective Gives SIUE's Marketing Research Program an Edge
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A national cast of marketing research leadership converged recently at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to tout ways to enhance the University's Master of Marketing Research [MMR] program, offered through the SIUE School of Business.
As the SIUE MMR program nears its 20th year anniversary in fall 2006, MMR Program Director and Marketing Professor Madhav N. Segal said it is important that the program continues to stay relevant, rigorous, competitive and responsive to the needs of the marketing research industry. Toward that end, a 25-member MMR Advisory Board of marketing research leaders from across the nation and Canada was organized last year to provide practical guidance and relevant industry input to the program.
Segal said members of the MMR Advisory Board serve on several task forces to examine program enhancement issues throughout the year. The areas addressed include:
• Identifying curriculum changes that make the program proactive in addressing marketplace changes;
• Promoting the program to increase the applicant pool and expand the University's reach nationally to attract high-caliber students and corporate sponsors;
• Building and maintaining strong alumni relationships; Expanding internship and mentorship programs to provide students a broader-based, interactive corporate experience.
"The charge of this advisory board is to provide us with immediate and continuing guidance, both regarding gaps that should be filled, as well as the process of doing so," Segal said. "These are really the people who are engaged in the profession and who hold leadership positions in the research industry."
Segal said members of the advisory board provide guidance and expertise, which assist faculty with the marketing research program in achieving program goals. He noted students take part in "a very strong corporate sponsored internship program," adding that students spend 20 hours each week in a corporate research setting, while attending school full-time.
"In addition to providing relevant marketing research experience, these internships carry a monthly stipend of about $950 and a complete tuition waiver. Internship participation allows students to apply what they have learned during their studies in a real-world environment. This enables students to gain useful, practical experience, increasing marketability, Segal said, noting, "This way they hit the ground running when they graduate."
Board members come from leadership positions at top companies locally, nationally and internationally. Some companies include Edward Jones, Commerce Bank and Maritz Research of St. Louis; SBC Communications Inc., of San Antonio, Texas; Microsoft Corp. of Redmond, Wash.; Kellogg Co. of Battle Creek, Mich.; Abbott Laboratories of Columbus, Ohio and Ipsos-Reid of Ontario, Canada.
The SIUE's MMR program is one of only four such focused programs in the country and is the only marketing research program in the bi-state region, Segal said. It boasts a nearly 100 percent graduate placement rate, he noted. "The program offers practice-driven quality education via small class sizes and individualized instruction and internships," Segal said, which makes the experience "more relevant for the unique interests of students who plan to pursue marketing research careers."
12/7/05
SIUE To Graduate More Than 900 During Fall Commencement
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) An award winning history professor and the associate dean of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Education will be giving addresses at two fall commencement ceremonies Dec. 17 at SIUE's Vadalabene Center.
More than 900 students are expected to graduate during the ceremonies, scheduled for 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. that Saturday. Eligible graduate candidates from the Schools of Business and Education will receive diplomas at the morning ceremony. Candidates from the College of Arts and Sciences and the Schools of Engineering and Nursing will receive degrees during the afternoon.
Lela DeToye, associate dean for the SIUE School of Education, will give the commencement address during the morning ceremony and SIUE Historical Studies Professor Shirley Portwood will give the address during the afternoon ceremony.
A former grade-school teacher for 14 years, DeToye maintains she has relied on "that rich experience for everything I have done at the university level." Associate dean and professor of Curriculum and Instruction, DeToye joined the University faculty in 1989.
Before becoming an educator and administrator at SIUE, she earned three degrees at the University-bachelor's and master's of science in Elementary Education in 1972 and 1980, respectively, and a doctorate in Instructional Process in 1989.
Prior to her stint at SIUE, DeToye taught fifth and sixth grades in the Highland School District. She also taught for two years at Webster University and has been the SIUE School of Education's associate dean and certification officer since 1999.
Since that time, she also has served as the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education coordinator. Since 2003, DeToye has served as an NCATE executive board member and chair of the organization's specialty area studies board.
DeToye is a lifetime member of the SIUE Alumni Association and served on the Association's board of directors from 1989 to 1995. She also has served as president of the Illinois Association of Teachers of English and a Metro East Consortium for child Advocacy board member. She has written three published works and has served as a reviewer for the English Journal and the Illinois Reading Council Journal.
Portwood, author of numerous articles, books, professional papers and reviews, has been a member of the SIUE faculty since 1980. She also has been the recipient of various awards. In 2001, she received the Certificate of Excellence from the Illinois State Historical Society and the Sojourner Truth Award from the International Sons and Daughters of Slave Ancestry, Chicago's Carter G. Woodson Branch.
Earning a master's at SIUE, specializing in Russian History, in 1973, Portwood went on to receive a master's and a doctorate, both in History, from Washington University in St. Louis in 1979 and 1982, respectively. Primary areas of study included histories of African Americans and American women, as well as modern Russian history.
Portwood has participated in the summer institute, African American Struggles for Freedom and Civil Rights, through the National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship, sponsored by the W.E.B. Du Bois Institute for African and African-American Research through Harvard University.
Through the years, Portwood has participated as a member of various University committees, including the University New and Expanded Programs and the Chancellor Search committees, and professional boards, including the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency's Historic Sites Advisory Committee and the Illinois State Historic Society's Board of Directors.
She currently is conducting research for a manuscript, "The Alton School Case and African American Community Consciousness in the Land of Lincoln, 1897-1908."
Also at each ceremony, a student will make remarks on behalf of the Class of 2005. Amanda Krayniak, a candidate for a bachelor of science in Business, will speak during the 9 a.m. ceremony, and Bryan Grubaugh, a candidate for a bachelor of science in Computer Science, will give an address during the afternoon.
12/6/05
SIUE Promotes Responsibility Year-Round; Not Just For The Holidays
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) At SIUE, the "e" stands for encouraging responsibility-and not just during the holidays. Throughout the academic year, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville supports programs that emphasize safety when it comes to alcohol use.
"I believe SIUE is proactive in providing educational opportunities for students, including alcohol education and awareness information," said Steve Sperotto, director of SIUE's Kimmel Leadership Center. "We definitely promote responsible use among students 21 and older."
Sperotto noted several University programs that address responsibility, as well as legal repercussions and other problems associated with alcohol misuse, offered on campus throughout the year. An example of this is an upcoming event-speaker Ross Szabo will speak on campus Jan. 22 about depression, alcohol use, and suicide.
Health Fairs, which focus on educating students and curbing alcohol and drug abuse, also are held throughout the academic year. Programs start during Welcome Week, and continue through spring and summer terms. Resource materials and literature about combating alcohol and drug abuse are available year round across campus, Sperotto said.
Michael Schultz, director of University Housing said, "One of the big things I think we do is we set a presence. We're very visible at the beginning of the semester, trying to set the tone for the rest of the year." During the first three weeks of the semester, individuals from the campus community-including students, faculty, staff and administrators-make rounds in residential areas, specifically in Cougar Village and at residence halls, he said.
Another goal of University Housing, Schultz said, is to work in collaboration with University Police, to send a clear message to non-residents who visit campus: the University is a place for studying and the promotion of maturity and intellectual growth. Alternatives to alcohol use-including activities, and special programs and functions-are a way SIUE works to engage students.
Schultz explained that staff training takes place to show students how to recognize signs of alcohol abuse and how to deal with the issue. Students who are found to be involved with alcohol or drug use on campus are reprimanded, and parents or guardians are contacted, he added.
John Davenport, SIUE's Greek life coordinator, said alcohol use is an issue for campuses across the country. He noted, "We try to be as proactive as possible in giving the students resources, and we educate them to make responsible choices." Andrew King, director of counseling services, added, "We provide information if they want to attend an AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) group and we provide counseling services, free of charge, to the students."
During the University's orientation program, Springboard, students learn about campus programs, King said. "In that message, we tell them about Counseling Services. With Health Services, we send the message that drinking leads to bad grades and other problems."
Counseling Services also hosts a program with University Housing called "Have a Safe Spring Break." Students who are age 21 or older are asked to sign a pledge, vowing their commitment to be responsible in their alcohol consumption over break week. Also, programs aimed at educating students about the symptoms of alcohol poisoning and the legal ramifications of irresponsible alcohol use are held. King said his office always is available to speak to classes at a faculty member's request.
A task force has been initiated on campus to tackle alcohol-use issues, King said. SIUE's Alcohol and Drug Awareness Task Force is comprised of students, faculty members and administrators. Also, King said Counseling Services has hopes of incorporating an alcohol-use education program into the framework of a course for incoming students. "We're working with the coordinator of the University 112 class," he said. "Basically it's a class aimed at freshmen to help prepare them to be college students."
He noted he hopes the program will become a regular part of the course by fall 2007. The course provides new students with guidance in cultivate relationships with professors, developing good study habits and health related issues, which includes alcohol and drug use.
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Click here for photo of American Doll winner at the SIUE Bookstore
DOLL: Meg Manning, daughter of Lil Manning who is a coordinator in the SIUE Office of Research and Projects, was the winner recently of two American Dolls through the annual drawing sponsored during the holiday season by the SIUE Bookstore. Meg, a student at St. Mary's School in Edwardsville, won Felicity and Elizabeth, part of the Revolutionary War era collection in the series. (SIUE Photo by Denise Macdonald)
Exchange Students Visit SIUE for Fall 2005
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) This semester, 23 business students from China, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mexico, The Netherlands, and Ukraine visited SIUE. The School of Business Office of International Programs has exchange partnerships with schools in England, Germany, France, Hungary, Mexico, and Holland. These students significantly increase the number of international students in undergraduate business classes at the University.
American business students at SIUE benefit from the presence of exchange students in the School of Business in several ways. These students help American business students learn about business education in other countries. Moreover, exchange students help American students learn foreign languages and learn about other cultures. Also, they often form friendships with SIUE students and, in doing so, encourage American students to study abroad at partner institutions.
School of Business visiting exchange students offer SIUE students an opportunity to interact with people from other cultures, while earning a degree. Since business is becoming increasingly global in nature, employers are seeking business students who have experience with other cultures. Exchange students can help provide this experience.
Editor: Click here for photo of Mark Hildebrandt and his wife in Nepal; cut lines below
SIUE Professor Nationally Recognized as Fulbright Scholar
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Joining a select group of prominent national scholars, a Southern Illinois University Edwardsville geography professor is preparing to trek thousands of miles to Nepal as a Fulbright Scholar, for a seven-month teaching and research post at Kathmandu University.
Associate Professor Mark Hildebrandt recently was awarded a Fulbright grant to be a visiting scholar in Nepal from January through July. The U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board make award determinations. Fulbright Scholars are chosen based on academic or professional achievement.
The teaching award is reserved for people who have "demonstrated extraordinary leadership potential in their fields," according to a release from the Fulbright Scholar Program.
Originally from Keene, N.H., Hildebrandt received a bachelor's in 1991 and a master's in 1995 from Kent State University in Ohio, majoring in geography and specializing in climatology and meteorology. In 1999 he earned a doctorate in geography from Arizona State University at Tempe, again specializing in climatology and meteorology. He began teaching at SIUE later that year.
"I've always had a concern for the environment and also the way in which humans and our activities adversely affect the environment," Hildebrandt said. "Kathmandu is a growing city with some of the worst air pollution in the world." The geography professor said he plans to impart his knowledge to students at Kathmandu University about how human activity, overpopulation, industry, vehicle traffic, and emissions have detrimentally impacted that region's climate.
Having visited Nepal four times, Hildebrandt said he is quite familiar with how its physical geographic location in a valley predisposes it to pollution issues. Pollutants are trapped in the valley, and old vehicles, without proper modern-day emissions controls, worsen the situation the Nepalese people face, he said.
Similar to the research he did for his dissertation in the Phoenix area, and his work as an SIUE geography professor, Hildebrandt will teach meteorology and climatology. He also will train students in air pollution monitoring and forecasting, he said. Hildebrandt also said he hopes to coordinate an exchange program for faculty and students between SIUE and Kathmandu University in the future. Currently, he is working with a Nepalese student who is attending SIUE.
Hildebrandt says he attributes his interest in Nepal to his wife, who earned a doctorate in linguistics, specializing in the preservation of endangered languages, primarily studying the Himalayan region. The couple met while they were teaching in the Upward Bound program at Keene (N.H.) State College. His wife, Kristine, will join him in Nepal during his tenure. She currently is teaching at the University of Manchester in England.
Hildebrandt noted he plans to return to SIUE in fall semester next year. He is one of about 800 U.S. faculty and professionals chosen to travel abroad to one of 140 countries for the academic year.
The Fulbright program was established in 1946, from legislation introduced by the late Sen. J. William Fulbright of Arkansas. Its purpose is "to build mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries," according to the program's release.
Among Fulbright Scholar alumni are Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman, Alan Leshner, CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Pulitzer-prize winning poet Rita Dove, and Craig Barrett, CEO of Intel Corp.
12/3/05
Literary Festival/Kwanzaa Celebration Set Dec. 10 & 20 In E. St. Louis
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Eugene B. Redmond Writers Club and the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of English Language and Literature will present their annual family events: a literary festival and Kwanzaa Celebration on Dec. 10 and 20, respectively, both in the second-floor council chambers of the East St. Louis Municipal Building, 301 River Park Drive, East St. Louis.
The Dec. 10 drum voices festival of east saint love (exploring the Arkansippi roots/routes) is scheduled from 9 a.m.-noon that Saturday and will be conducted by The Community Performance Ensemble, a dance/drum troupe directed by Sylvester "Sunshine" Lee. Poets of The Soular Systems Ensemble also will be on hand for the event: Roscoe Crenshaw, Sherman Fowler, Janice Haskins, Sheryl Johnson, Charlois Lumpkin, Patricia Merritt, Dahveed Nelson, Howard Ramsby II, Darlene Roy, Alnando Sesson, and Eugene B. Redmond, professor of English Language and Literature at SIUE.
Kwanzaa: A Community Cultural Arts Mosaic, featuring a percussive invocation by Sylvester "Sunshine" Lee, is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20. The evening includes the traditional KwanSaba candle lighting ritual by the writer's club's Soular System Ensemble, as well as an art-book-gift bazaar and poetry readings.
Kwanzaa is a holiday based on the tenets of resilience, creative expression, family ties, self-reliance, and faith, and is celebrated from Dec. 26-Jan. 1 by 20 million people worldwide.
For information, call (618) 650-3991 or write the EBR Writers Club: P.O. Box 6165, East St. Louis, IL. 62202-6165.
12/2/05
A Season For The Child Continues At SIUE With Bah! Humbug!
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Bob Cratchit works in an ATM machine and Scrooge throws the remote at ghosts. Fractured Christmas tales? No, it's the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Friends of Theater and Dance (FOTAD) holiday show, part of the organization's A Season for the Child.
This year it's the return of Bah! Humbug! staged in two performances by the Imaginary Theatre Company (ITC) , the traveling arm of the Repertory Theatre Company of St. Louis, at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, in SIUE's Dunham Hall theater. The ITC has been working with FOTAD for nearly two decades and continues to produce family-oriented theater.
In ITC's version of A Christmas Carol, Mr. Scrooge throws his television remote at ghosts, while Bob Cratchit works inside an ATM. Audiences will travel with the three spirits on a journey through past, present, and future as old Ebenezer Scrooge learns the joys of kindness and giving.
Can Christmas be saved for the Cratchits? Playgoers will find out in this musical romp that promises to put a smile on the "Scroogiest" of faces.
Bah! Humbug! continues A Season for the Child, in its 17th year of presenting family-oriented theater to Southwestern Illinois audiences. The series, sponsored by FOTAD and TheBANK of Edwardsville, features professional theater troupes from St. Louis that stage adaptations of various children's stories, using interactive techniques that not only delight children and parents, but also provide a learning experience.
Next month, Piwacket Theatre Company will present one of the most popular fairytales of all time-The Three Little Pigs.
Tickets are $5 per person and may be obtained through the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.
November 2005
- J. Brown dies; was SIUE Food Service supervisor
- Gov. Blagojevich Announces $3 Millions For Science Lab Building Planning
- Retirement Announcements
- SIUE Advisory Committee To Offer Children's Event
- Shimkus At SIUE For SIAM Funding Announcement
- Lovejoy Library To Conduct 12th Annual Writers Contest
- SIUE Senior Assignment Program Nationally Recognized
- Volunteers Help With Planting And Weeding In The Gardens At SIUE
- SIU Board Chooses Poshard As SIU President
- Instructional Services Wins Award
- SIUE Professor Co-authors Study Focusing On Self-Esteem
- REVIEW SIUE 2005
- 34th Annual SIUE Holiday Crafts Fair Set For Dec. 7-8
- Computerized robots Take Center Stage At SIUE
- SBDC To Conduct Child Care Expo
- Springfield Artist's Piece Adorns Lobby Of Newest SIUE Building
- SIUE Pharmacy Board Member Wins IPA Statewide Award
- SIUE Small Business Development Center To Conduct Seminar
- Dedication Of The New Technology And Management Center
- New Program At SIUE Focuses On Helping Students SOAR
- Colorful Quilt Is Labor Of Love For Professor And Students
- Graduate Teaching Award
- Dance In Concert To Present A Unique Look At The Art form
- SIUE's Dean Hansen Receives National Award From NCURA
- Symposium At SIUE Brings Together Business Professionals, Faculty, Students
11/30/05
J. Brown dies; was SIUE Food Service supervisor
Jessie Brown, who for many years operated a diner in downtown Edwardsville and then joined the staff of SIUE in what was then known as University Food Services, died Sunday, Nov. 27, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville. She was 74.
A native of Edwardsville, Ms. Brown attended Lincoln School in Edwardsville. She was the owner of Jessie's Cafe, closing it and joining the SIUE staff in 1984 as an area supervisor. She retired from the University in 1993.
A lifelong member of Wesley Chapel A.M.E. Church, for which she served as Sunday school superintendent and chairman of the missionary board, Ms. Brown also was a Lincoln School Alumni member. She was the chairperson for the Wesley Chapel Brotherhood Banquet.
Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at Wesley Chapel A.M.E. Church in Edwardsville, where services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Minister Virginia Howlett will officiate. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Wesley Chapel A.M.E. Church Building Fund.
11/29/05
GOV. BLAGOJEVICH ANNOUNCES NEARLY $3 MILLION FOR SIUE'S SCIENCE LABORATORY FACILITIES
Critical Projects Will Ease Severe Overcrowding and Create Additional State-of-the-Art Classrooms and Laboratories
In a move that will further enhance Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's stature as a premier institution of higher learning, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich announced today nearly $3 million in funding for the planning and design of a renovation of the current Science Building and construction of a new Science Laboratory Building, which will help ease severe student overcrowding and act as important tools to attract and retain students and faculty.
The current facility, which was built in 1966, houses classrooms, instructional laboratories and research laboratories for the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics and Statistics, Physics, the Environmental Sciences program and the Office of Science and Mathematics Education. Growing interest in the sciences, nursing, pharmacy, engineering, and dental medicine-along with the recognition of the importance of laboratory experiences for all students-has placed increasing demands on an aging facility and has limited the work and research that can be accomplished in the building.
"The new Science Laboratory Building will have interactive learning opportunities, more instructional technology and computer access, greater lab experiences and more student involvement in research. This project means new, state-of-the-art facilities for SIUE, and it means our students will be able to develop the skills they need to get good paying jobs," Gov. Blagojevich said.
Due to growing enrollment and program demand, laboratories were being used to teach students seven days a week in the existing building. This project will construct a new Laboratory Building next to the existing building, as well as a renovation of the current facility that will include a complete overhaul of the utility systems, and bring the building into compliance with today's Americans with Disabilities Act and safety standards.
The new, 80,000-square-foot lab building will accommodate offices, classrooms and instructional and research laboratories. The core labs will be supported by a nearby cold room, warm room, and environmental growth chambers. All labs will be fitted with state-of-the-art equipment.
"Gov. Blagojevich will continue making the kinds of investments that will create an educational environment where students, faculty and researchers can achieve things they didn't think were possible. The new Science Laboratory Building will become another jewel on this campus," State Sen. William Haine (D-Alton) said.
"Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is one of our region's greatest assets. This important investment by the Governor will not only significantly upgrade and enhance SIUE's science, research, and teaching facilities, but it will make this noted institution even more attractive to both our students and faculty," said Illinois Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Collinsville).
"This is yet another tremendous example of Gov. Blagojevich making important investments at SIUE that will help our campus continue to grow and prosper," said SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift. "This critical project will provide our faculty and students in the physical and life sciences with modern research facilities that will greatly enhance the quality of instruction and allow SIUE to be even more competitive in attracting first-class faculty."
"Gov. Blagojevich is keenly aware that a critical component to growing our economy is to graduate students who can compete with the best and the brightest. The Science Laboratory Building will be a facility for the 21st Century and beyond, and it will further solidify Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's sterling reputation," said Jan Grimes, acting executive director of the state's Capital Development Board.
Gov. Blagojevich's Opportunity Returns regional economic development strategy is the most aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating jobs in Illinois' history. Since a one-size-fits-all approach to economic development just doesn't work, the Governor has divided the state into 10 regions-each with a regional team empowered and expected to rapidly respond to opportunities and challenges. Opportunity Returns is about tangible, specific actions to make each region more accessible, more marketable, more entrepreneurial, and more attractive to businesses.
It is about upgrading the skills of the local workforce, increasing the access to capital, opening new markets, improving infrastructure, and creating and retaining jobs. Opportunity Returns is about creating successful partnerships with companies and communities, both large and small, to help all of Illinois reach its economic potential.
Changes-Retirements
Willie Jones-Glass, a project specialist teacher for University Services to East St. Louis, effective July 1, 2005, after 15 years.
• Judith Miller, a clerk for the SIU School of Dental Medicine, effective Oct. 1, after nearly six years of service and five years on disability.
• Edmond Schmulbach, a counselor for University Services to East St. Louis, effective Nov. 1, after more than nine years of service.
• Carolyn Tucker, a clerk in the Department of Mass Communications, effective Aug. 1, after nine years of service and seven years on disability.
11/28/05
SIUE Advisory Committee To Offer Children's Event
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Intercollegiate Athletics Program, will offer a "Kids Night Out" from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, in the Vadalabene Center gymnasium. The cost is $10 for the first child and $5 for each additional child in the same family.
Children ages four and older are welcome to attend the event which features board games, basketball, volleyball, a foam pit, snacks, tag, kickball, and more. The event is open to the general public.
To register, contact Jaci DeClue by telephone, (618) 650-3722, or by e-mail: jadurbi@siue.edu.
11/23/05
MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Congressman John Shimkus To Announce SIAM Funding
In addition, Glenn Poshard Will Be On The SIUE Campus Immediately After SIAM Announcement
• Who: Congressman John Shimkus AND newly named SIU President Glenn Poshard
• What: Announcement of SIAM funding AND availability of Glenn Poshard for questions from the media
• When: Beginning 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 28, 2005
• Where: Lobby of the SIUE Engineering Building
U.S. Congressman John Shimkus will be on hand to announce $160,000 in additional Economic Development Agency (EDA) funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce that will be used to bolster the Southwestern Illinois Advanced Manufacturing Center (SIAM) in the SIUE School of Engineering.
The Center, which opened in 2001 as part of the SIUE School of Engineering, has become an important resource for the recruitment, retention, and revitalization of the manufacturing base in the region. With Lewis and Clark Community College (L&C), the Center provides faculty and student expertise to aid businesses as they increase their productivity and, therefore, improve the economic base of the region.
In an effort to make the newly appointed SIU President Glenn Poshard available to the media, he will be available to answer questions after the media has had a chance to talk with those involved with the SIAM announcement. Because of personal health issues, Poshard was not able to include a visit to the Edwardsville campus last week for the announcement of his selection to head the University system beginning Jan. 1.
11/23/05
SIUE's Lovejoy Friends To Sponsor Twelfth Annual Writing Contest
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Friends of Lovejoy Library of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is sponsoring the 12th Annual High School Writers' Contest for juniors and seniors enrolled in Southwestern Illinois high schools. Information packets are being sent to English faculty of high schools in 11 counties: Bond, Calhoun, Clinton, Green, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, St. Clair, and Washington.
Categories are: fiction, up to 3,000 words, such as short stories, character sketches, or one-act dramas; nonfiction, up to 2,000 words; and poetry, up to 40 lines, any style, rhymed or unrhymed. First prize in each category is $500; second prize is $300; and third prize is $100. A contestant may win in only one category.
Co-sponsors of the competition include the Pulitzer Foundation/St. Louis Post-Dispatch, as well as the Belleville News-Democrat. Friends of Lovejoy Library is a support organization for the SIUE library.
Winners will be notified before April 1, and prizes will be awarded April 26 at a University banquet. All contestants will receive certificates of recognition.
For complete contest rules and entry forms, students should contact their English teachers or principals, or call the Friends of Lovejoy Library, (618) 650-2730.
11/22/05
SIUE Senior Assignment Program Nationally Recognized
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) What does Southern Illinois University Edwardsville have in common with Harvard, MIT, Duke, Princeton, and the University of Chicago? All were recently recognized for their comprehensive, integrative learning experience programs for graduating seniors.
Known as senior assignment at SIUE, each department is required to develop an interactive tool to gauge what students have learned during their studies. The senior assignment program has been recognized twice recently as a model for other institutions across the nation.
In a report from The Association of American Colleges and Universities, SIUE's senior assignment program was heralded as an indicator of the effectiveness of the academic programs offered. The 2006 issue of U.S. News and World Report named the University among America's Best Colleges because of the program, which engages students and enriches their lives.
"It makes what the students learn visible," said SIUE Associate Provost David Sill. "It becomes visible and it becomes measurable. One of the things that makes this program unique to other programs is that it relates the major and the general education objectives. As a graduation requirement, all students must experience senior assignment."
SIUE was one of the first institutions of higher learning in the nation to introduce a senior assignment program. The idea for the campus-wide initiative was born in 1988. By 1993, all departments had identified objectives, and designed and incorporated the senior assignment into the curricula.
The programs require students to incorporate the knowledge they learned during their courses of study. "It's growing and maturing and developing in terms of ethics, in terms of human interaction, in terms of civic responsibility," Sill said of the senior assignment.
"All of these are things the senior assignment can and frequently does make visible. The direction we're going is to have every student actually do what it is that professionals in that discipline do. The senior assignment changes with time." Sill added that patterns indicating strengths and weaknesses can be derived from the information gathered by faculty based on the programs.
Examples given of senior assignments include the department of psychology's requirement that graduating seniors conduct original research. They must then present their findings to psychology faculty and the University community, Sill said.
"They must defend their work. What's important about this is that students are not just studying about psychology. They're actually doing what researchers in psychology do, and they're held to the highest standards." Some students also present their findings at an annual Midwest Psychological Association meeting, he said.
In another example, Department of Art and Design students visit a remote part of Mexico for three weeks and study with regional artisans. These artisans do not speak English, and the majority of students do not speak Spanish, Sill said, but the students learn despite the language barrier. Back in Illinois, the students draw upon their experiences to create art, which is featured each fall in an exhibit on campus.
The SIUE assessment program is not to be confused with traditional capstone programs, Sill said, noting "The regular capstone is about assessing individual learning, while the senior assignment is assessing the effectiveness of the program as a whole."
11/19/05
Click here for photo and then scroll down page
Volunteers Help With Planting And Weeding In The Gardens At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Dirty work was no problem for students, faculty, staff, and community members who gathered recently to improve the aesthetic appeal of The Gardens at SIUE on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
More than 20 volunteers rolled up their sleeves and dug into a cleanup project, led by Doug Conley, director of The Gardens. The morning cleanup effort marked the first of its kind on campus, and more will follow this spring, he said.
"We had great people, great weather, great people, and we accomplished everything-and more than I'd planned," Conley said. "We had an excited group. We'll be looking at another cleanup this spring, and the enthusiasm and the number of people (who helped) indicate we should continue this project and offer more volunteer days."
More than 700 spring flowering bulbs and perennials were planted, and beds were weeded, edged and mulched throughout The Gardens, which include landscaping at B. Barnard Birger Hall, the Donal E. Myer Arboretum, and the surrounding campus area.
Named director of The Gardens in July, the Michigan native spent the last two years at the University of Delaware as a fellow in the Longwood Graduate Program studying public horticulture, while working on a master's. The Gardens at SIUE are the result of "an expanded mission, community interest, and a relationship with the Shaw's Garden East initiative," Conley said.
According to Conley, the mission is to "foster the educational and research components of SIUE, while enhancing the beauty stature of the campus."
An arboretum is a place where trees, shrubs, and woodland plants are grown and displayed. The greenery also is often used for research and educational purposes. The partnership between the campus, the neighboring community and the SIUE Foundation send a message of commitment, Conley said, noting, "We've got a unique opportunity here to build a really great garden."
As part of a community outreach initiative, Conley said he hopes to talk to civic groups, such as area Kiwanis and Rotary clubs, and classes at area schools about The Gardens and horticultural topics.
11/18/05
SIU Board Chooses Poshard As SIU President
(CARBONDALE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today announced former U.S. Congressman Glenn Poshard has been unanimously chosen to serve as the next president of SIU. Board Chair Roger Tedrick called Poshard's selection a "watershed decision" in the University's proud history.
" Today I am pleased to bring the news that Southern Illinois University's future will be led by an individual (who) has meant so much to its past," Tedrick commented. "Glenn Poshard's honorable public service career and his 40-year relationship with this institution presented the Board with the rare opportunity to select a uniquely qualified individual who not only knows where SIU has been, but where it would like to go."
Poshard's selection culminated a five-month national search conducted by Atlanta based Baker-Parker and Associates, a nationally recognized executive search firm. Poshard's name was one of four finalists forwarded to the Board by the 22-member SIU Presidential Search Advisory Committee (PSAC).
The PSAC, whose membership was drawn from the various university interest and constituency groups of each campus in the SIU system, was established earlier this year to assist the Board in screening and recommending qualified applicants for the position. SIU professor Harold Bardo served as chair of the PSAC. Bardo is director of SIU School of Medicine's MED-PREP program, a nationally recognized pre-medicine/pre-dental program for disadvantaged students.
"The search process was deliberate and thoughtful," Bardo said. "The search firm solicited more than 400 names for the position, the PSAC reviewed more than 40 individual candidate profiles, held in- person interviews with eight finalists and recommended four highly qualified finalists to the Board. In my personal view, the internal candidate had the strongest combined set of credentials, experience, and leadership skills that the SIU community was looking for in its next President," Bardo continued
Poshard, 60, resigned as SIU Board chair earlier this year to become a candidate for the position when current SIU President James Walker announced his intentions to retire. Walker, currently on sick leave battling prostate cancer, praised the decision. "Glenn has a devotion to Southern Illinois University that is unsurpassed," Walker commented. "Having worked with him for the past several years, I am absolutely convinced that he has the knowledge and leadership skills, combined with a desire to serve, that will make him an outstanding university president. SIU has a bright future that will only intensify with Glenn at the helm," Walker concluded.
Poshard, a former Congressman and state legislator from Southern Illinois, has a 40-year relationship with SIU as a student, adjunct professor, administrator, and Board of Trustee member. He holds three degrees from the University.
" I have often said that whatever I've been able to do with my life, I owe to this university," Poshard stated. " The opportunity to advocate for, and advance the interests of, my alma mater is deeply appreciated. I am humbled by the confidence that the Board and the search committee have placed in me, " Poshard continued.
Poshard brings to the post a passion for education and a strongly held belief that a quality education is the key to an individual's success in life. As an elected official, Poshard long advocated for a more equitable funding system for K-12 education in Illinois. He began his professional life as a high school teacher and coach in Southern Illinois. He later served for a decade as assistant director of the Southern Illinois Educational Service Center and as director of the Area Service Center for Educators of the Gifted in Benton.
Poshard, and his wife, Jo, reside in rural Carbondale and together co-founded the Poshard Foundation, a not-for profit organization that shelters and provides assistance to abused women and children in the lower third of Illinois. Poshard has been a respected public official in Illinois politics and government for two decades. He began his political career in 1984 when he was appointed, then elected to the Illinois State Senate. In 1988 Poshard was elected to Congress and served there until 1998. In 1998 he ran unsuccessfully for Governor.
Poshard will assume the duties of president on Jan. 1. He will be paid a base salary of $292,000, identical to the current base salary of SIU President James Walker. Effective Jan. 1, Interim President Duane Stucky will return to his position as vice president of Financial and Administrative Affairs for SIU.
SIUE Instructional Services Wins Regional Award
The SIUE Office of Instructional Services (IS) recently won the Outstanding Developmental Education Program Award from the Midwest Regional Association for Developmental Education. In additional, IS also was nominated for an achievement award by the national association to be given in 2007
The award was presented to IS Director Karen Patty-Graham, as well as Supplemental Instruction Coordinator Martha Leese and Reading Area Head Jane Yontz, on behalf of the IS staff, at the association's annual conference last month in Springfield, Mo.
IS was cited for "responding to the developmental needs of students across the spectrum," while providing "comprehensive services including Developmental Enhancement courses, Supplemental Instruction, Writing and Math Tutoring, a Summer Bridge Program, and collaboration opportunities for faculty, staff, and administration."
Association officials described SIUE's program as "well-planned and well-coordinated, offering invaluable academic support for the under prepared .. having a strong sense of purpose and commitment, being student centered ... and serving as a bridge for those whose educational aspirations demand that their skills be further cultivated."
Patty-Graham said she is proud of the work done by IS. "I am proud of the variety of academic services we provide to enrich students' lives," she said. "I am also proud of a staff that truly cares about students and is committed to enhancing their opportunities for success in higher education."
11/17/05
SIUE Professor Co-authors Study Focusing On Self-Esteem
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) When the going gets tough in other areas, low self-esteem makes people-especially women-more likely to question their value in a relationship, a new study shows.
Professor Paul Rose, a psychology professor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, helped conduct the study which involved 154 married couples in the Buffalo, N.Y., area. Couples kept a diary for 21 days as the initial part of the three-year study to determine their degree of self-esteem as it relates to work experience, and marital love and acceptance.
Information gathered was used to gauge how the level of self-esteem shaped people's feelings within their romantic relationships. Also studied were what effects successes and failures had on their feelings of acceptance and rejection in a relationship.
"The problem that people with low self-esteem have is that they are less confident in their partner's love and acceptance," Rose said. "So, when they have a rough day at work, they tend to see that as a reason for their partners to love them less."
Rose, who attended graduate school at State University of New York at Buffalo, collaborated on the project with Sandra Murray, a Psychology professor at SUNY-Buffalo, and Dale Griffin, a marketing professor at the University of British Columbia, and Gina Bellavia, interim dean of the Center for Research on Urban Social Work at SUNY-Buffalo.
Rose said findings from the study indicated the following:
Men and women with low self-esteem expressed they felt more loved and accepted by their partners when their daily professional lives were marked by success.
Women with low self-esteem felt less accepted and loved on days when their professional lives were marked by failure.
Men and women with high self-esteem did not experience a "spill-over" when it came to their professional lives and relationships.
Those who expressed feeling less accepted during the first phase of the study reported they were less satisfied with their marriages one year later.
The tendency to feel less accepted on days marked by professional failures was strongest among women in the study, Rose said, noting "we didn't see that as much in men." The information recently presented reflects the first findings from the study, Rose said, adding there is more to come.
"The next step will be to identify how people can prevent themselves from letting those rough days at work-particularly women-impact their relationships," Rose noted. "What our study suggests is that when people feel like their partners' love and acceptance is certain, they are less likely to let stresses at work affect the functioning of their relationships.
"We certainly hope that marital therapists will pay attention to this research in order to help people with low self-esteem improve their marriages."
Researchers followed up with the couples each year for three years to determine their level of happiness in their marriages. Several articles have been published on the study, two of which appeared in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Rose said the group expects to find more useful information in understanding how self-esteem shapes marriages.
11/16/05
PREVIEW SIUE 2005 Drew More Than 3,200 On Two Days
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) PREVIEW SIUE, the annual open house at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville that was offered on two days this year because of growing numbers of participants, attracted more than 3,200 parents and students, said Karen Bollinger, assistant director of Admissions and Academic Marketing for the university and coordinator of the event.
"This is our event for high school students and their families, as well as community college students, to see what we're about," Bollinger said. "They are in the midst of deciding an important step in the educational process and we do everything possible at PREVIEW SIUE to put our best foot forward.
"We believe we can do a much better job in personalizing PREVIEW by offering the event on two separate days," she said. "We like to get to know the students and their parents, while at the same time offering them the information they'll need to make sound decisions about a college choice."
Bollinger said university departments and units, including faculty and staff, were on hand Oct. 10 and Nov. 11 to answer questions about academic programs and services available to students. "We welcomed 3,233 total guests, including 1,120 prospective high school and transfer students," she said. "These numbers tell us that offering a second day was a decision that will continue to accommodate potential SIUE students and their parents as they make these important decisions about higher education."
Feedback and responses from the PREVIEW evaluations completed by the students at the two events were very favorable, Bollinger said. "Tours, academic information sessions, and departmental exhibits were cited as the most useful aspects of PREVIEW. Nearly three-fourths of our student visitors indicated this was their first visit to campus. Also, 97 percent of survey respondents indicated that we met their needs at PREVIEW.
"At PREVIEW SIUE, our faculty and staff take an active role in talking with prospective students and introducing them to the academic opportunities available at SIUE."
34th Annual SIUE Holiday Crafts Fair Set For Dec. 7-8
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The 34th Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is set for Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 7-8, in SIUE's Morris University Center.
Vendors may rent booth space, based on a juried evaluation of arts and crafts to be exhibited and space available. Those interested in becoming a vendor should do so soon because spaces tend to be rented quickly.
Sponsored by the SIUE Morris University Center Print and Design Shop, the fair will be open from 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. both days. There is no admission charge to attend the fair and the public is invited.
Items at the fair will include original works produced by local and regional artists and crafts persons. Many types of handmade goods will be available for purchase, including pieces made from clay, weaving, fiber, fabric, wood, paper, metal, glass, leather, graphics, painting, photography, and other materials. Selections for purchase will include many articles suitable for holiday gifts.
For more information about obtaining booth space or about the fair itself, call Tom Ostresh in the Print and Design Shop, (618) 650-2178.
11/14/05
MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Computerized robots take center stage at SIUE
Who: SIUE School of Engineering
What: Fire Bot: The Fifth Annual SIUE High School Robotics Competition with teams from five area high schools
When: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Nov. 19
Where: The lobby of the SIUE Engineering Building
Early one morning there is an explosion at Gateway Chemco! Workers are trapped in the blazing building! Chemical spills inside make it too dangerous for firefighters to enter! Who ya' gonna' call? FIREBOTS!!
They may seem like just another tiny toy made up of plastic, multi-colored building blocks, but inside these little robots beats the mind of a programmed computer. The robots created at the SIUE Robotics Competition are mimicking human movement. And, to design that kind of artificial intelligence takes a blend of knowledge from computer programming to mechanical engineering to physics.
Not bad for a high school student.
The High School Robotics Competition will take place in the lobby of the SIUE Engineering Building on Nov. 19 when some 110 students from East St. Louis Charter School, Triad High School, Columbia High, Highland Community, and Edwardsville High School will compete. Scholarships will be awarded to the three top teams.
Each of the high school teams have attended a seminar in robotics at SIUE and also have been tutored in robotics by SIUE graduate engineering students. Each team has created a plastic robot that will be required to find "the fire," find a water source (ping-pong balls), carry them to "the fire," ID a "victim" (a doll), and carry the victim to safety. The top 10 scoring teams will return and compete against SIUE freshman engineering students at a second contest on campus Thursday, Dec. 8. Call Jerry Weinberg for more information, (618) 650-2368.
11/11/05
SBDC To Conduct "Kids Are Our Business" Child Care Expo
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Small Business Development Center (SBDC), in collaboration with the "Kids Are Our Business" committee, will sponsor the second annual "Kids Are Our Business" Child Care Expo from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Vivian D. Adams Childhood Center, ?.
Pre-registration is required by Nov. 22; cost is $20. The theme for this year's conference is Standards for Three-and Four-Year Olds? You've Got to be Kidding! Last year, nearly 183 participated in the event.
The conference is aimed at childcare professionals, including center owners and administrators, teachers, and parents. A certificate of attendance will be provided with 4.5 contact hours. Professional development hours may be applied toward CPDUs, for Teacher Certification, Social Workers, Speech and Language Pathologists, Physical and Occupational Therapists, Early Intervention Providers (EI), and CDA/DCFS training hours.
Topics to be addressed at the conference include Phonemic Awareness, Adapting Toys Birth to 5, Inclusive Settings, Classrooms Where Children Can Heal, Autism Update, The Child Who Doesn't Talk, Emotional Development of the Young Child in the Child Welfare System, Reading to your Child, Make It and Take It, and Funding Opportunities. An exhibit area will showcase local businesses and childcare organizations.
For more information, contact Jane Bagent at the SBDC by telephone, (618) 650-2929, or by e-mail: jbagent@siue.edu.
11/11/05
Springfield Artist's Piece Adorns Lobby Of Newest SIUE Building
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) As part of the Illinois Art-In-Architecture program, a glass sculpture created by Springfield artist Ed Martin is displayed in the lobby of the new Technology and Management Center (TMC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Since its inception in 1977, the Art-in-Architecture Program has purchased or commissioned more than 600 works of art by Illinois artists for display at more than 100 locations in Illinois. Collections have been assembled throughout the state, providing an overview of current activity in ceramics/glass, printmaking, fibers, drawing, photography, computer art, painting, and sculpture.
Martin's piece, "Aspiring to Greater Heights," consists of multiple glass spires that reflect sunlight, casting a spectacular colorful glow in the TMC lobby. The artist said that the piece is an example of fused-glass technique, a process he created. Martin said the piece consists primarily of six colors, which reflect a collage of some 100 colors.
"In this piece I want to incorporate my personal feelings and beliefs," Martin writes in his artist statement about the artwork. "Through color and design I hope to inspire the individuals who view it into understanding that their greatest achievements are yet to come, and to convey an optimistic view toward a future without limitations."
The Springfield artist has exhibited works in several cities, including Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Chicago, as well as in the Springfield area. He also makes jewelry, which is sold at J. Parkes Originals Ltd. in Springfield.
The Capital Development Board spends one-half of one percent of the construction appropriation to acquire artwork for new and renovated buildings that are open to the general public. A committee of artists, community representatives, and state officials oversee each project and select the artwork.
The entire focus of the Art-in-Architecture Program has been on the acquisition of artwork by Illinois artists. As a result, the program has become an important documentation of contemporary art in Illinois. Through its direct support and coupled with other public and private efforts, the program has helped foster the growth of the art community in the state.
11/11/05
Editors: Click here for photo that is suitable for print. In the photo, Jim Rankin is at left and the award is being presented by David Moody, director of State Government Affairs for Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.
SIUE Pharmacy Board Member Wins IPA Statewide Award
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Jim Rankin has the prescription for success. The Highland pharmacist is a member of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Foundation Board of Directors and the SIUE School of Pharmacy advisory board.
Rankin recently won the prestigious "Bowl of Hygeia" Award for Outstanding Community Service in Pharmacy. The award, sponsored by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, was presented recently to Rankin in Springfield by the Illinois Pharmacists Association. This year marks the state association's 125th anniversary.
Rankin, owner and operator of Family Care Pharmacy Inc. in Highland for 40 years, was recognized for his commitment to community health and service.
Earning a bachelor's in Pharmacy from the University of Arkansas in 1962, Rankin has been a member of the Illinois Pharmacists Association for more than 20 years. He currently is president of the National Community Pharmacists Association, and has served as a member of the Arkansas Pharmacists Association and the Metro East Pharmacists Association. He is the Gateway East Pharmacy Association's past president.
Rankin has been a member of the Highland Chamber of Commerce since 1965, serving as president for two terms, and was named Highland Business Person of the year in 2003. He is a past president and life member of the Highland Optimist Club, and has served as chairman of the Economic Development Commission and the Highland Airport Commission study. Rankin also has served on the consistory of the Evangelical United Church of Christ and the board of directors of the Faith Countryside Homes.
Rankin also has been a member of the Greater Highland Area Chapter of the American Cancer Association and an advisory board member at St. Joseph's Hospital in Highland. His civic experience also includes: past board member of the National Home Infusion Association, American College of Apothecaries, past president of the Illinois Association for Medical Equipment Services and the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. He has served three terms on the Pharmacists Mutual Insurance board-two years as its chairman-and currently is serving on the advisory board.
Rankin also has served as preceptor (instructor) and adjunct professor to the St. Louis College of Pharmacy. His pharmacy continues as a preceptor site for the college. Rankin served three years in the U.S. Army in Germany and Colorado Springs, Colo., before earning his degree. He and his wife Darrell have two children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
11/11/05
SIUE Small Business Development Center To Conduct Seminar
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) ), The SIUE Small Business Development Center, in collaboration with the Southwestern Illinois Entrepreneur Center, will conduct a 10-week training seminar for local entrepreneurs from 5:30-9 p.m. Wednesdays beginning Jan. 11 at the Family Support Center, Scott Air Force Base.
The Next Level course is a 10-session, 35-hour training program designed to encourage and foster high growth potential businesses in Southwestern Illinois. The seminar focuses on teaching professional business practices, while producing a comprehensive working business plan for future development of business.
"The program targets individuals who are motivated, creative, and inquisitive," says Theresa Ebeler, director of the SIUE Center. "This includes future entrepreneurs and existing business owners who see problems as opportunities and are entrepreneurial by nature.
"A business plan contest will commence the end of the program with awards given to the top business plans."
Entrepreneurs will learn how and when to start business planning, how to better organize and manage a business, learn the impact of financially managing a business, how and where to obtain funding, and networking fundamentals with other entrepreneurs. In addition to the instructor, various business professionals, such as small business accounting firms, insurance agents, legal counsel, and lending professionals, will provide information and insight to business development.
Registration is $250. Veteran G.I Bill benefits are accepted for this course. For more information about the seminar, contact Jane Bagent by telephone: (618) 650-2929 or e-mail: jbagent@siue.edu.
11/8/05
MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Dedication Of The New Technology And Management Center/
Glass Artwork In Lobby Part Of Illinois Art-In-Architecture Program
Who: Edie Koch of the Department of Commerce and Economic Development; CDB staff; state legislators; SIUE leadership
What: Dedication of SIUE's Technology and Management Center
When: Noon Thursday, Nov. 10, 2005
Where: 245 S. Research Drive, University Park
The new Technology and Management Center (TMC) in SIUE's University Park is made possible through Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's Opportunity Returns Program and funded through the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB). The new Center is a state-of-the-art computer and technical facility with more than 5,600 square feet of educational and instructor support space.
The Center will be available for executive and educational programs operated by the SIUE Schools of Business and Engineering, as well as other University programs.
A glass art piece by Springfield artist Ed Martin is on display in the lobby of the TMC, funded through the Illinois Art-In-Architecture Program. The piece, "Aspiring to Greater Heights," consists of multiple glass spires that reflect sunlight, casting a spectacular glow in the lobby of the new center.
To fund the Art-In-Architecture Program, the CDB spends one-half of one percent of the construction appropriation to acquire artwork for new and renovated buildings that are open to the general public. A committee of artists, community representatives, and state officials oversee each project and select the artwork.
11/7/05
New Program At SIUE Focuses On Helping Students SOAR
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A new program at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will help students "soar" to greater heights of academic success. Student Opportunities for Academic Results (SOAR) will guide about 150 incoming freshmen toward academic excellence, and a successful result-graduation.
The program was introduced by SIUE's Office of Academic Counseling and Advising, and replaces the Special Services program-a federal grant program through the U.S. Department of Education that was in place on campus for 30 years. The grant program had served about 390 students annually. It ended Aug. 31 and SOAR was launched Sept. 1. It reaches much of the same audience as the former program, said William Hendey, director of Academic Counseling and Advising.
SOAR is a broader program, Hendey said, noting, "everything about the Special Services program was very specific. It had to conform to the federal guidelines of the grant." The Special Services program was offered only to low-income, first-generation college students, he said.
"Like the special services program, there's a peer mentoring component," Hendey said. "Successful students-students who have gone through the program in the past and have become successful students-are used to mentor current students. They provide advice and guidance. That approach has proven to be successful." The aim, he explained, is student retention and improved graduation rates.
Students in the SOAR program also will have the benefit of being able to attend free culturally enriching events, on and off campus, with free transportation provided.
"There is monitoring of the students academic performance periodically," Hendey said. "The professors of the students in the classes they are taking are sent inquiries from the SOAR program. The instructors indicate how the student is doing at that particular time during the semester, so that the student's performance can be monitored along the way."
Students begin the program the first semester of their freshman year and participation ends at the completion of that year. There are now four risk factors considered to determine students' eligibility for the program: below average ACT scores or high school records, whether they are first-generation college students, and whether family income is below average.
"They especially focus on those students who present academic difficulty," Hendey said. "We can't afford to do everything that Special Services did, but we're trying to at least adopt the most successful components of that program and apply those in the SOAR program. We expect the same kind of success-that these practices will work with the students."
11/05/05
Editors: Click here for a photo suitable for print
Colorful Quilt Is Labor Of Love For Professor And Students
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Teaching is not Venessa Brown's only labor of love. The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Social Work professor, and some of her students, has pieced together a colorful quilt, depicting the theme, "A Labor of Love for Children."
The concept was born in one of Brown's classes in 1998. Thirty-eight students each created one panel, illustrating their personal views on the issue of child welfare. "It came out of the heart of each student," said Brown, director of the graduate school program in the Department of Social Work. "It was to show your reflection of what the rights of a child mean to you.
"I asked them, 'What is the value of children to you?'" Brown noted. Each square was created based on students' interpretations. A gavel appears on one panel, indicating the law should protect children, Brown said, noting the panel "represents hope for kids."
Another panel focuses on homelessness, she said, while one shows a hillside, a bright sun, and a blue sky. The class of 38 people moved on, and the project was shelved for a few years. "Over the years, I kept saying I was going to put it together," Brown said, noting she finally pieced it together during summer 2002.
This past spring, with the help of a handful of graduate students, Brown said pieces were pulled together with trim and the quilt was complete. It is now on display in the department's offices in SIUE's Peck Hall. "It's a way to remind us the value of children and a way for everybody to have some type of contribution," she said. "It is a project that brought the class closer together."
Brown noted she wants former students from her 1998 class to know the project was not lost, and that it was completed. She said while the quilt is on display in the department, she is hoping it can be placed in a more prominent place on campus.
Brown said a driving force that kept the team of graduate students focused was Suzanne Kutterer-Siburt, assistant director of SIUE's Kimmel Leadership Center. Kutterer-Siburt was a graduate student in child welfare class this past spring. "She kept all the students involved," Brown said.
Kutterer-Siburt, who will earn a master of social work in December, noted the group worked on the quilt two hours each night, three nights a week for about two months. "I thought it was very creative," she said of the concept. The project was part of what is being called a service learning program through the Kimmel Leadership Center, Kutterer-Siburt said, noting: "Service learning involves volunteer services related to academics being taught in the classroom."
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11/5/05
Click here for a photo of a St. Louis graduate student who won the SIUE Graduate Teaching Award
11/5/05
Editors: Click here for photos suitable for print
Dance In Concert To Present A Unique Look At The Art form
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Webster's defines "deconstruction" in literature as the focus on the words themselves rather than the author's intent. Dance In Concert, which opens at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, in Katherine Dunham Hall theater at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, will explore deconstruction as a device in dance.
As it might apply to dance, deconstruction would look at the act of dancing rather than interpreting what a dance "means" or what it "symbolizes." This would lay bare the mechanics of dance and would allow audiences to see contrasts-sometimes humorous, sometimes philosophical-that would present a whole new face to the art form but at the same time be recognizable as dance.
At least, that's the intent for Dance In Concert 2005, according to co-artistic directors J. Calvin Jarrell, professor of theater and dance and head of dance curriculum at SIUE, and Mikey Thomas, an instructor of dance. DIC 2005 continues at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 10-12, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13.
Audiences may recall Thomas as the choreographer of Derrida for DIC 2004. It was a humorous piece that included dancers performing alongside "people" made out of wooden crutches. "This year's concert will be much different than a collection of dances, each with a theme," Thomas said. "We're basing the entire concert on one theme-deconstruction."
In addition, Jarrell said, the pieces will utilize what's essential to maintain the integral structure of dance, but explore inner workings to present another reality. "In dance you want to expose the human psyche," Jarrell said. "But here we'll be exposing what it takes to put a dance piece together. "For example, the costumes will be sparse to show the natural movement of parts of the body. In addition, you might see a stagehand in plain view, with backstage duties but as part of the performance."
Thomas said the soundtrack also may contain moments of verbal description of what's happening on stage. "Some of this will be satirical and humorous, poking fun at the art form," Thomas said.
Guest artists for this year's Dance In Concert include Holly Seitz, a choreographer from St. Louis who has worked with other colleges and universities in the region. She is presenting a piece that "deconstructs" the art of ballet. Chuck Harper, an assistant professor of theater and dance at SIUE, also will choreograph two pieces.
Audiences may recall Harper as director of Blur, the comedy that kicked off the University's 2005-06 season. He usually directs plays but has chosen to choreograph his pieces as an exploration of deconstruction using Suzuki Movement Technique.
Thomas is choreographing a dance to Baroque music. "Historically, Baroque music is considered the music that set the stage in the 17th Century for classic dance," he said. "This piece is about the liberation of women from societal restraints, juxtaposing that theme with the limiting Baroque style."
Jarrell has created a piece titled "Fractured (Through the Crack of Madness)" that deals with "space harmony" and Evolution. "We'll be using a quintet of dancers who will be creating geometric forms to the music of Bartok," Jarrell said. "It will explore the breakdown of the bi-cameral (left brain-right brain) mind."
Another guest artist, David Sill, is SIUE's associate provost who also is a professor of technical theater in the Department of Theater and Dance. He'll be creating the lighting design for the concert.
11/5/2005
SIUE's Dean Hansen Receives National Award From NCURA
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A national organization "treated" Steve Hansen on Halloween, naming him among an elite group of a dozen in its history to receive a top award.
Dean of Graduate Studies and Research at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Hansen received the 2005 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Research Administration from the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA). The award was presented Oct. 31 at the organization's annual meeting in Washington D.C.
Officials at NCURA, of which Hansen has been a member for 20 years, stated "Steve's quick wit and easy nature make him approachable to his staff, students, faculty, researchers, and peers."
Hansen received the award because of his "commitment to the people in his professional life" and his work to promote the needs of institutions of higher learning, and research initiatives, the officials said.
SIUE Provost Sharon Hahs praised Hansen for his work. "Steve has managed limited university funds in creative ways, matching his approaches to the university's long term goals." Hansen joined SIUE as a member of the Historical Studies faculty in 1984.
11/2/05
Symposium at SIUE brings together business professionals, faculty, and students
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) It was a rare opportunity for students, faculty, and professionals from the business community to meet during the recent seminar-Sarbanes-Oxley: A Focus on IT Controls-that was held recently at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's new Technology and Management Center.
More than 46 students, faculty, and business professionals were in attendance at the seminar that was aimed at preparing members of the information-technology (IT) sector and accounting professionals for responsibilities associated with safeguarding internal control and quality of information generated by IT systems.
"The program was one of the first of its kind in the region that discussed the implications of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act on accounting firms as well as on the IT industry," said Gary Giamartino, dean of the SIUE School of Business, host of the seminar. The act went into effect July 30, 2002, to increase the public's confidence in big business in an era of corporate scandals. "It established new and enhanced standards for corporate responsibility and accountability," Giamartino said.
"Pertaining to all public companies in the United States, compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley is a lengthy process that involves many aspects of an organization. However, accounting and IT are two areas that figure heavily in the compliance process," he said. "For these reasons, the symposium at SIUE was both groundbreaking and important for both professionals and future professionals."
The day-long event included presentations regarding Sarbanes-Oxley and its impact on IT. In addition, participants took part in a question-and-answer panel along with other sessions.
Presenters included Ann Ficken, general partner at Edward Jones and an SIUE School of Business alumna; Steven Newstead, a partner at RubinBrown; Greg Smith, a manager at RubinBrown; Bev Palmer, a principle of internal audit at Edward Jones; David West, an internal consultant at Monsanto and an SIUE School of Business alumnus; and Sheila Burkett of Edward Jones.
Participants in the panel and facilitators included Dave Mayo, director of information systems at Edward Jones; Kirk Skiles, IT compliance consultant at Ameren; Rebecca Jordan, an analyst at Royster-Clark; Vince Kutzera, an information security manager at Smurfit-Stone; Brian Ashworth, HR director-IT division at Edward Jones; Mark Ward, assistant professor of CMIS at SIUE; and Rich Barron, director of IT at IBM Global Services.
The planning committee included representatives from Edward Jones, RubinBrown, Royster-Clark, Monsanto, and SIUE. "In addition, IT and accounting students played a large role in the symposium," Giamartino said. "Students introduced the speakers and served as recorders and reporters in the sessions. The program gave SIUE students a valuable opportunity to learn about the industry and interact with business leaders in their field."
Giamartino said the symposium was co-sponsored by Monsanto, Edward Jones, RubinBrown, and SIU Edwardsville.
October 2005
10/31/05
SIUE Names Pennekamp To Economic Development Post
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) To spur economic development initiatives and strengthen the University's strategic relationships and leadership in the region, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift has named James R. Pennekamp special assistant to the chancellor for Regional Economic Development and executive director of SIUE's University Park.
Pennekamp, who has been executive director of Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois (LCSI) for more than 15 years, will begin his duties Dec. 1. He succeeds Brian Donnelly, who is retiring Dec. 31 as executive director of University Park after 17 years in that post and more than 24 years of service to the University.
In his new position, Pennekamp will oversee the day-to-day operations and development of University Park, SIUE's research and technology park which occupies 330 acres of the campus. University Park is the site of research and business activity that links SIUE to regional economic development opportunities including the biotechnology industry. Pennekamp will be directing, promoting, and marketing University Park to potential tenants.
In addition, Pennekamp will be identifying emerging regional economic issues, and trends, conducting research-negotiations, and developing public-private partnerships to enhance economic growth and opportunity.
"With 26 years of economic development experience in the greater St. Louis Metropolitan Area, Jim Pennekamp is a consummate professional who is well-respected in the region," Chancellor Vandegrift said. "With nearly three decades of building partnerships with leaders in business, government, education, and labor throughout Southwestern Illinois and Eastern Missouri, Jim has the experience in both the public and private sectors that will prove invaluable to the University's efforts in furthering economic growth in the region."
Before joining the staff of Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois in 1989, Pennekamp was president of the Southwestern Illinois Growth Association from 1985-89, serving northern Madison County. From 1983-89 Pennekamp was executive vice president of the Southwest Madison County Chamber of Commerce in Granite City. He also served as assistant director of the Economic Development Corp. of Jefferson County in Hillsboro, Mo., from 1979-1983.
Pennekamp earned a bachelor's in Sociology at Valparaiso (IN) University in 1972. He also is a graduate of several economic development programs, including the Leadership St. Louis Program, sponsored by FOCUS St. Louis. Pennekamp is a member of several organizations and regional development committees, including the Madison County Workforce Investment Board, the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association, the Madison County MetroLink Advisory Committee, and the Confluence Greenway Advisory Committee, to name a few.
Back to top10/28/05
Click here for photos suitable for print about the SIUE School of Pharmacy ribbon-cutting
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10/24/05
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Dedication Of New SIUE Pharmacy Building Ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially dedicate new $3.2 million facility
Who: SIUE School of Pharmacy
What: Dedication of new School of Pharmacy building and open house
When: 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28
Where: 220 University Park Drive, SIUE University Park
SIUE School of Pharmacy Dean Philip Medon, as well as Pharmacy faculty, staff, and students will be on hand for the dedication of the new $3.26 million School of Pharmacy facility, containing 15,000 square feet for state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms, and faculty offices. After a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony, the facility will be open for tours conducted by Pharmacy students.
SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift and Dean Medon will speak at the ceremony and introduce other regional and local leaders. All will be available for interviews with the media. Also on hand will be major corporate sponsors who have helped the School with its initial start-up funding goals.
The general contractor for the project was L. Wolf Company of Granite City.
The SIUE School of Pharmacy, which offers a professional program leading to a Doctor of Pharmacy, values excellence in teaching, pharmacy practice, research/scholarship and service. The program of study is based on current knowledge and technology from pharmacy and other disciplines, and is delivered through a variety of innovative teaching strategies. The School of Pharmacy collaborates with rural and urban health care institutions to meet the health care needs of Central and Southern Illinois and the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Back to top10/24/05
FOTAD Presents Its Annual Mystery Dinner Theater At SIUE
Click here for photo suitable for print
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Have you been waiting for an evening of dinner, shopping, and detective work? A perfect opportunity to accomplish all three will take place at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Sunday, Nov. 6, with Murder in the Manor, this year's Mystery Dinner Theater presentation and silent auction from SIUE's Friends of Theater and Dance (FOTAD). Reservations must be made by Nov. 3.
Doors open at 6:15 p.m. to the University Restaurant on the second floor of SIUE's Morris University Center, where guests may view silent auction items until approximately 7 p.m. when the play will begin and dinner will be served.
FOTAD is a support organization for the SIUE Department of Theater and Dance. Tickets are $35 per person and include dinner as well as several chances to win attendance prizes. Proceeds from the Nov. 6 event benefit FOTAD's scholarship fund. For reservation information, call the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 2774.
Back to top10/24/05
Ethics In Construction Industry Topic Of Dec. 2 Seminar At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) "Ethics in the Construction Industry: Where Do We Go From Here?" is the theme of a one-day seminar scheduled for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Deadline for reservations is Nov. 21.
The seminar, presented by the Department of Construction in the SIUE School of Engineering, is aimed at public and private construction business owners, construction managers, contractors, and consulting engineers. Held in the Hickory-Hackberry Room of SIUE's Morris University Center, the seminar also will offer seven professional development hours (PDH) through the SIUE Office of Continuing Education.
"There is a great need for training in what constitutes ethical practice in the daily operation of a construction business," said Dianne Kay Slattery, associate professor of Construction and chair of that department. Slattery said a 2004 national survey indicated "that a majority of owners, architects, construction managers, contractors, and subcontractors (who responded) had experienced … or observed … transactions that they would consider unethical in that year."
She said many factors, including business practices resulting from mergers and acquisitions that bring competitive pressures in a "low-profit-margin" industry, can lead to unease regarding where the line between competitive business practices and unethical conduct is to be drawn. "This seminar will feature nationally known speakers representing many facets of the construction industry," Slattery said. "They will be discussing ethical problems and will propose practical solutions to common ethical dilemmas."
Registration is $125 for the first person from a company, and $100 each for subsequent registrants from the same company. Fees include handouts, visitor parking tag, lunch, refreshments, and seven PDH credits. For more information, call Professor Slattery, (618) 650-2088.
Back to topOctober 23, 2005
Cal State Professor To Speak On American Perceptions Of Arabs
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) As'ad AbuKhalil, professor of political science at California State University-Stanislaus and a visiting professor at UC- Berkeley, will be the third speaker in the series, "The View from the Arab World," coordinated by Steve Tamari, an assistant professor of Historical Studies at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
With a theme of "The Arab World: Reality and Political Fantasy," AbuKhalil, the man behind the independent Angry Arab News Service (www.angryarab.blogspot.com), will speak from 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, in the Mississippi Room, on the second floor of the Morris Center.
AbuKhalil-born in Tyre, Lebanon, and who came of age in Beirut-received a bachelor's and a master's in Political Science at the American University of Beirut and then came to the United States in 1983. He went on to earn a doctorate in Comparative Government at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
He has taught at Tufts University, Georgetown, George Washington University, Colorado College, and Randolph-Macon Woman's College. AbuKhalil also served as a Scholar-in-Residence at Middle East Institute in Washington and as a free-lance Middle East consultant for NBC News and ABC News. He said the latter two experiences have served to increase his disdain for mainstream U. S. media.
Author of several books, including The Battle for Saudi Arabia: Royalty, Fundamentalism, and Global Power; as well as Bin Laden, Islam, and America's New "War on Terrorism" and The Historical Dictionary of Lebanon, AbuKhalil said he hopes to "untangle the confusion that surrounds official and popular perceptions" of the Arab World.
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October 22, 2005
SIUE Named Green Thumb Award Winner By City
Photos: Green Thumb Award Photo
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) What has been dubbed the "Avenue of Trees"-in the median area of University Drive on the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus-has been selected as one of the winners of the 2005 Green Thumb Award by the city of Edwardsville. The median landscaping won the award in the business/commercial category.
The award was given to the University by the Green Thumb Award Committee of the Mayor's Beautification and Tree Commission for "beautiful and creative landscapes … that enhance the appearance of the community."
The committee also cited the landscaping at SIUE's Morris University Center and at SIUE's Early Childhood Center.
The committee considers nominations of properties within the Edwardsville city limits in three categories: residential, civic/neighborhood, business/commercial. In addition to SIUE, this year's Green Thumb Award winners included 11 residential properties and the Edwardsville Children's Museum.
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October 20, 2005
MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Inaugural Hall Of Fame Ceremony At SIUE
Who:SIUE Intercollegiate Athletics
What: Inaugural ceremony for the SIUE Hall of Fame
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, October 22, 2005
Where: SIUE Vadalabene Center
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will be honoring many of its top student-athletes, coaches, administrators and teams at the inaugural Hall of Fame ceremony. All of the 14 living inductees are scheduled to be at the event and include individuals from Sweden, Sri Lanka and well as from Florida, Indiana, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Members of the media may interview any of the individuals before or after the event. To do so, please contact the SIUE Sports Information office, (618) 650-3608. Inductees are shown below:
Mike Allen, Track and Field/Cross Country (Granite City/now lives in Midwest City, Okla.); Rosemarie Archangel, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (Maryville); Christina Bokelund, Women's Tennis (Gothenburg, Sweden); Chris Carenza, Men's Soccer (St. Louis); Pete Delkus, Baseball (Collinsville/now lives in Plano, Texas); Arjun Fernando, Men's Tennis (Sri Lanka); Amy Frey, Softball/Field Hockey (Edwardsville/Edwardsville); Harry Gallatin, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics/Men's Basketball Coach, Men's Golf Coach (Roxana native/now lives in Edwardsville); Portia George-Morrow, Women's Tennis (Columbia, S.C./now lives in O'Fallon); Ed Gettemeier, Men's Soccer (St. Louis); Bob Guelker, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics/Men's Soccer Coach (posthumous induction); Roy Lee, Baseball Coach (posthumous induction); Greg Makowski, Men's Soccer (St. Louis/now lives in Lake Mary, Fla.); Denise Schaake, Softball/Women's Basketball (Edwardsville/Edwardsville); Al Sears, Wrestling (Huntsville, Ala./now lives in Belleville); Tim Wright, Wrestling (Rock Island/now lives in Indianapolis). The four teams are 1972 men's soccer, 1978 men's tennis, 1986 women's tennis, and 1984 wrestling. All four were the first national titles in their respective sports.
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October 19, 2005
SIUE Chancellor Addresses the University
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Citing the vision statement of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville-"SIUE as a premier Metropolitan University, will be recognized nationally for the excellence of its programs and development of professional and community leaders"-Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift said today that the institution is making progress toward achieving our goal of national recognition. Vandegrift made the remarks during his 2005 Report to the University.
With a theme of "Realizing the Vision for National Recognition," Vandegrift spoke of the University's increasing excellence and the corresponding increase in national rankings. He reported that SIUE ranked 16th among public universities in the Midwestern Universities-Master's category of U.S. News and World Report magazine's annual university rankings.
Additionally, U.S. News & World Report cited SIUE for its Senior Capstone integrative learning experience required by all seniors prior to graduation. SIUE was one of only 15 universities nationally recognized in this category that includes Harvard, MIT, Duke, Princeton, and the University of Chicago.
Vandegrift reviewed the three initiatives he proposed in October 2004 to help the University achieve its vision. First, he indicated that SIUE would further align its enrollment management program to attract a student population that is characteristic of a premier Metropolitan University. "Just as excellent students seek a well-prepared and committed faculty, an excellent faculty seeks well-prepared and committed students," he said.
Vandegrift reported that ACT scores for incoming freshmen, applications for admission, and full-time equivalent student enrollment all continue to rise.
The second initiative is to strive to position SIUE as a premier Metropolitan University in the marketplace of ideas. Vandegrift said that the development of the University's new media campaign was based on the results of stakeholder surveys. The objective of the campaign is to "communicate, foster and sustain academic quality." He also discussed recent and future campus accessibility, navigational and beautification projects.
The third initiative is to develop the University's resource base. Vandegrift explained that, in addition to charitable gifts, grants and tuition, the enhancement of the resource base for SIUE can also be influenced by the University's role in regional economic development. "Our university is an economic engine for this region," he said.
Vandegrift shared with the audience his vision for SIUE's future. "While we will always serve our region by accepting quality transfer students, the academic preparation of our first-time, full-time freshman class will continue to improve and thus increasingly characterize us as a premier Metropolitan University."
Vandegrift gave several more examples of how SIUE will progress toward its strategic goals:
· SIUE will enhance its overall reputation as a university committed to maximizing student learning.
· SIUE will become a more residential campus.
· Graduate level programs will flourish as more certificate programs and applied professional degrees will be developed by faculty and offered throughout the region.
· SIUE will have active support from regional citizens as they increasingly recognize the value of the University.
· SIUE alumni will recognize that the value of their degrees is increasing yearly.
"The purposes of higher education lie in the fulfillment of human potential," Vandegrift concluded. "We add value to people's lives."
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October 19, 2005
Hundreds Of Students Expected To Attend Regional Fair At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Representatives from approximately 100 colleges, universities, and branches of the military, as well as 1,000 high school students and their families, will converge at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, for the annual Illinois College Exposition (ICE) Regional College Fair.
The ICE Fair. sponsored by the Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC), will be conducted in SIUE's Morris University. Registration is not required and there is no cost to attend. Free parking is available in campus lots P4-P9. Additional information is available in local high school guidance offices and in community college counseling centers.
Historically, college fairs were held several times a year at various area high schools. The ICE Fair is a consolidated opportunity to explore a wide variety of higher education options. Karen Bollinger, ICE On-Site chairperson, said: "the regional college fair concept continues to support its ultimate goal to help students learn more about post secondary education options.
"Designed for high school juniors, seniors, and community college transfer students, the ICE Fair gives students and parents an opportunity to speak with more than 100 private and public educational institutions in a well-structured setting." Bollinger said.
Judy Verseman, director of guidance at Edwardsville High School, likes the regional concept. "This fair gives prospective students and their parents access to a variety of colleges and universities at one site. It is exciting to see our students have this opportunity."
"The ICE Fair is a result of a collaborative effort among area high school counselors and college admission professionals to best serve area students who are in the process of choosing a college or university," Bollinger said.
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October 19, 2005
MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act
Who: The SIUE School of Business
What: Symposium "Sarbanes-Oxley: A Focus on IT Controls"
When: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday, October 21, 2005
Where: Technology and Management Center, 245 South Research Drive at University Park on the SIUE Campus
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act was signed into law in 2002 in response to the corporate and accounting scandals of Enron, Arthur Andersen and others. In an effort to rebuild trust in America's corporate sector, the law requires that publicly traded companies adhere to significant new governance standards that broaden board members' roles in overseeing financial transactions and auditing procedures.
Will the new reporting requirements enhance investor confidence? Without a doubt, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act is the single most important piece of legislation affecting corporate governance, financial disclosure and the practice of public accounting since the U.S. securities laws of the early 1930s. And, it is clear that public companies and the accounting profession have made tremendous progress in meeting the rigorous requirements of this legislation.
The purpose of this symposium is to help prepare IT and accounting professionals for responsibilities associated with safeguarding the internal control and quality of information generated by IT systems. Presenters and facilitators include representatives from Edward Jones, RubinBrown, Monsanto, Ameren, Royster-Clark, Hortica, IBM Global Services and SIUE.
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October 19, 2005
SIUE Art Auction Of Original Art Set For Nov. 17 At Sunset Hills C.C.
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The 28th Annual Art Auction, sponsored by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Friends of Art, is set for Thursday, Nov. 17, at Sunset Hills Country Club in Edwardsville. All artwork is original and may be previewed between 6 and 7 p.m. when the auction begins. Admission fee is $5; students and members of the Friends of Art are free.
Each year, the Friends of Art assembles an impressive array of donated artwork from faculty, students, and alumni of the SIUE Department of Art and Design for auction, all in the name of enhancing the University's undergraduate and graduate art programs.
Since l977, the Friends of Art has assisted the department in staging the fund-raiser; last year's event saw nearly 175 pieces sold by professional auctioneer Gary Neimeier and members of Ahrens & Niemeier Auction Service. Some 60 additional items were sold during the Silent Auction.
Money raised by the auction is used to fund a number of events for the department and its students. Last year, these included 20 nationally and internationally-known artists/scholars who came to SIUE to conduct workshops and lectures. The funding also supports the Art Scholarship Fund and helps purchase books and films about art and design for SIUE's Lovejoy Library.
Additional monies are awarded to students traveling to conferences, for visiting artist receptions, the High School Award and Art Auction Awards, the Graduate and Undergraduate
Exhibit Purchase Awards, and stipends for speakers in the Art Seminar. Funding also aids the
local ArtEast Studio Tour reception.
For further information, call Dianne Lynch, (6l8) 650-3073, or Pam Decoteau, (618) 650-3107.
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October 9, 2005
MAT Informational Meeting Set For Nov. 3 At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Education will conduct an informational meeting Nov. 3 for anyone interested in earning a master of arts in Teaching.
This degree is intended for those individuals who have a bachelor's in subject area and are interested in becoming certified as a secondary teacher.
The meeting is set for 7 p.m. that Thursday in the Hickory/Hackberry Room, on the second floor of the Morris University Center.
Questions may be directed to David DeWeese, Secondary Education program director by telephone, (618) 650-34322, or e-mail: ddewees@siue.edu.
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October 9, 2005
Glen Carbon Resident Named Director Of SIUE Center
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Kristine Polo, of Glen Carbon, recently was named director of the Southwestern Illinois Entrepreneurship Center, a service of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business.
In her new position, Polo is helping businesses stay profitable while assisting in their growth. "I enjoy getting out into the community and meeting new people," Polo said. "My current position allows me to do this and it helps me make valuable connections between the University and the region."
The SIUE Entrepreneurship Center (EC) serves as a facilitator between entrepreneurs and existing resources, providing in-depth assistance and accelerated services to entrepreneurs, as well as striving to promote an entrepreneurial culture throughout the region.
The EC provides support for start-up businesses as well as businesses in the growth, maturation, or transition stages.
The EC also conducts assessments that identify gaps and limitations in a client's current operation and coordinates services for clients based on these limitations. It also provides business coaching, financial assistance and planning, and accelerated services for clients with high-growth potential.
Polo, a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in crop sciences, has focused her studies in agribusiness. She has extensive experience in business and sales, including work with Cargill Ag Horizons, the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center at SIUE, and the Illinois Farm Bureau.
For more information about the SIUE Entrepreneurship Center, contact Polo at kpolo@siue.edu.
October 8, 2007
SIUE Welcomes Back Legendary Folk Singer Joan Baez
Photos: www.siue.edu/ARTS_ISSUES/PHOTOS/PhotoIndex.htm
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Legendary folk singer Joan Baez, who appeared at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Mississippi River Festival in 1969 and 1975, makes a triumphant return to campus at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center.
From the Greenwich Village folk scene of the 1960s to Woodstock Nation to songs from her new live CD retrospective due out this fall, Baez appearance at SIUE will merge past, present, and future for an evening of beautiful and thought-provoking music from a timeless performer.
"The Mississippi River Festival at SIUE provided an eclectic decade of musical styles from jazz to folk to rock 'n' roll, right here on this campus," said John Peecher, coordinator of the Arts & Issues series. "And, Joan Baez was one of that festival's brightest stars. We are excited to have her return to campus a third time, knowing that she will bring back great memories to many MRF fans.
"During the 30 years since Joan has performed at SIUE, she has become one of the very symbols of American folk music, creating an incredible canon of work that has cemented her place in history."
Never content to just perform, Baez has used her musical talents to cry out against human rights abuses, support environmental causes, or rally a social movement. From the moment she burst upon the folk scene in 1959 when she was a student at Boston University, Baez has shown a special talent for playing guitar and singing. During the early 1960s, her star quickly rose as she performed in Chicago at the Gate of Horn nightclub, the Newport Folk Festival, and in New York City coffeehouses.
As that volatile decade continued, Baez became more involved with the Civil Rights Movement, took a stand against the Vietnam War, took part in a boycott of ABC-TV's Hootenanny because of the show's censoring of folk singer Pete Seeger for his political activism, and appeared at
Woodstock. Throughout that decade, she also continued to record her songs, garner Grammy Award nominations, and headline annually at the Newport festival.
During the 1970s, Baez continued her political activism, while turning out hit records including her landmark album, Diamonds & Rust, in 1975. She also provided soundtracks for documentary films and performed concerts throughout the world. During the 1980s and 1990s, she never showed signs of slowing down. In 2001, Baez appeared in the role of La Contessa as part of the cast of Teatro ZinZanni in San Francisco; the following year, after touring the U.S. and Canada, she rejoined Teatro ZinZanni for a limited tour.
After more than four decades, Baez has never meant more to fans across the globe, and has never shown more vitality and passion in her concerts and recordings. She says that she is always searching for a new song or a new social movement that would benefit from her support. As she wrote in "Wings," from the Dark Chords from a Big Guitar album, Joan Baez will always continue to seek "a place where they can hear me when I sing."
Tickets still are available for historian David McCullough on Oct. 27 and for economist Steve Forbes on Jan. 10, 2006. The Dec. 2 appearance of Kathy Mattea is sold out. Information and tickets for Joan Baez or other Arts & Issues events are available by contacting the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774, or at the Web site: artsandissues.com.
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October 7, 2005
Filmmaker To Speak At SIUE About Arab-Americans
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Filmmaker Joan Mandell will speak at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Oct. 13 about her films concerning special circumstances facing Arab-Americans today as they strive to balance their identities as Arabs and Americans.
Mandell will be speaking from 5-7 p.m. that Thursday in the Mississippi Room, on the second floor of SIUE's Morris University Center. This is the second event in the series "The View from the Arab World," coordinated by Steve Tamari, an assistant professor of Historical Studies at SIUE.
Mandell, executive director of Olive Branch Productions, began her film career in 1982 with the feature length documentary, Gaza Ghetto, which she produced while living in a refugee camp in the Gaza Strip. After time spent in the Middle East as an English teacher and journalist, Mandell chose film as her medium for bringing a human face to issues of what she calls "social injustice hidden from mainstream view."
Tamari said Mandell has produced films for the past 20 years that "unravel the complexities of broad issues in American history, its culture and immigrant communities by presenting with dignity and humor the stories of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary events."
Mandell's career also includes community-based media activism, curating, consulting, teaching (UCLA, UC-Irvine and community venues) and research (Fulbright fellowship, Felton Scholar in Media Literacy).
This series is made possible by a grant from SIUE's Excellence in Undergraduate Education program. For more information about the series, contact Tamari, (618) 650-3967.
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October 7, 2005
SIUE Art Exhibit, Oppression Of Falun Dafa (Gong), Begins Oct. 16
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) An art exhibit of more than 40 paintings, depicting what has been called the Chinese government's persecution and oppression of practitioners of Falun Dafa, will be presented from Oct. 16-22 at the SIUE Religious Center.
Falun Dafa is a traditional self-cultivation practice to improve mind and body, which is seen as a threat by the Chinese government. In 2004, the United Nations produced a report on what it called "the terrible torture and killing of women, men, and children, including infants."
The exhibit-The Oppression Of Falun Dafa (Gong)-will be shown from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Practitioners will be available to discuss the artwork and talk about Falun Dafa. At 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, Huagui Li, a Chinese national, will speak about her captivity and torture in the Chinese jail and her witness of persecution of torture and killing of other Falun Dafa practitioners.
At the same time, Falun Dafa practitioners will be demonstrating their exercises in the SIUE flagpole area. The exhibit and programs are free and open to the general public.
For more information, contact Suzanne Kutterer-Siburt, of SIUE's Student Leadership Development Program and Volunteer Services, (618) 650-3472, or by e-mail: skutter@siue.edu. The event is being provided by local Falun Dafa practitioners.
The following SIUE programs and organization are sponsoring the event on campus: the Student Leadership Development Program and Volunteer Services, Raise Your Voice, Campus Activities Board (CAB), United Campus Ministry, Catholic Campus Ministry, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
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October 4, 2005
A Season For The Child Continues At SIUE With Rumplestiltskin
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) He may be short of stature but the little guy can spin straw into gold, for heaven's sake. However, he's not very nice.
Rumplestiltskin kicks off A Season for the Child, entering its 17th year of presenting family-oriented theater to Southwestern Illinois audiences, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, in SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall theater.
The series, sponsored by the SIUE Friends of Theater and Dance and TheBANK of Edwardsville, features professional theater troupes from St. Louis that stage adaptations of various children's stories, using interactive techniques that not only delight children and parents, but also provide a learning experience.
Piwacket Theatre Company will present its lively adaptation of the 19th Century fairytale penned by the Brothers Grimm. Rumplestiltskin is a gnome who helps a young woman threatened by a ruthless King. The King wants the girl to spin gold from straw, which she hasn't a clue how to do. She is visited by the gnome who tells the woman he will do the spinning for her if she gives him gifts, the last one of which is her firstborn. But he gives her one chance to forego that final precious item-she must guess his name.
Piwacket Theatre for Children is in its 14th season of captivating young audiences with cleverly adapted fairytales, filled with catchy songs, dance, colorful costumes, and magical props.
Tickets are $5 per person and may be obtained through the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774. Subscriptions are available at $16 per person for the four-show season, a savings of $4.
October 4, 2005
SIUE School Of Nursing Obtains Approvals From State Board
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Illinois State Board of Nursing has approved both the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing's revised undergraduate curriculum proposals and the Accelerated Baccalaureate in Nursing option.
SIUE Nursing Dean Marcia Maurer said that the approvals were necessary for the School's curriculum planning. "Securing these approvals is an important step for the nursing program at SIUE to execute the revised curriculum and the Accelerated option," Maurer said. "It also enables the School of Nursing to stay on its implementation schedule."
Maurer explained that the revised undergraduate curriculum was initiated this semester and the accelerated option will have its "first cohort" enrolled in January.
"The accelerated baccalaureate option for nursing is open to individuals who have a baccalaureate or higher degree in another field," she said. "These individuals will be able to complete the nursing degree in 15 months because they will already have earned credits in many of the courses required particularly in the pre-nursing component of the program.
"We have received more than 500 inquiries about the accelerated option," Maurer said. "We're aiming to admit 40 students to the first cohort."
Dean Maurer reported that the meeting with the State Nursing Board was very affirming. "We were complimented for the strength of our curricular proposals. One member of the Board asked permission to use the model for the curriculum in a modified format for the orientation of new nurses to her agency," she said.
"These comments are a testimony to the hard work and creativity of the SIUE School of Nursing faculty who have worked so hard to bring these curricular initiatives to fruition."
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October 3, 2005
SIUE To Present Blur, A Quirky But Comic Play
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) There's a favorite scene in Annie Hall, in which Alvy is in line at a movie theater and he overhears a pompous windbag expounding on the work of Marshall McLuhan, a media visionary of the day.
At some point, Alvy pulls McLuhan himself out from behind a lobby placard and the author begins to berate the windbag for not understanding his central themes. Alvy then looks at the camera and says: "Boy, if life we're only like this."
SIUE Assistant Professor Chuck Harper recently had a chance to play out the same kind of fantasy, but without the windbag.
Playwright Melanie Marnich, who wrote Blur, the first play of the 2005-06 Main stage Season at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, came to town recently and spent about two weeks at SIUE, conducting a play writing workshop and visiting with students. However, she didn't berate anyone, but offered sage advice about her play and what it meant to her.
The show opens at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, and continues at the same curtain time through Saturday, Oct. 15, and then again at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, all in SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall theater.
Marnich spent time with the cast of Blur, and her insights into the play helped all involved, Harper said. "She is an amazing playwright and an amazing person. We were very lucky to have her here for the students."
Blur is by turns quirky, comic, and poignant in its portrayal of Dot DiPrima, a teenager whose life has been "knocked wildly off balance" by the news that she is going blind. The play chronicles Dot's struggles in dealing with the blindness and its effects on her and her family as she journeys into womanhood.
But, Harper also says the play offers more. "It's not about the blindness, but about seeing clearly, seeing through," he said. "It's also ultimately about a mother-daughter relationship." Although a mostly conventional staging, the play does veer off into its surreal moments, a trademark staging for Harper as a director, which may be why he chose to direct Blur.
Harper last regaled SIUE audiences with his direction of Flaming Guns of the Purple Sage last year and, before that, the 2003-04 production of bobrauschenbergamerica. "Blur does have its surreal moments, but it's a very hopeful, positive play," Harper said.
Dot surrounds herself with friends who become family to her, but they are an odd assortment-chosen as friends without the benefit of sight. "Melanie said the play was inspired by a family member who was legally blind and surrounded by people who society wouldn't think of as beautiful," Harper said. He also mused that the irony of the play lies in the fact that Dot, although blind, has the clearest vision of anyone of the characters.
Harper pointed out that the play explores what "family" means. "Family is what you make of it," he said. "The play is populated by 'peripheral' people, outside the mainstream but still good people.
"Each of these quirky people has issues to work through but, in the end, still become family to Dot."
Tickets for Blur are $10; senior citizens, students, and SIUE employees, $6; SIUE students are free with a valid SIUE ID. To order tickets, contact the SIUE Fine Arts Box Office, (618) 650-2774.
October 3, 2005
Nominations, Entries Sought For MLK Jr. Awards At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Nominations are being sought for the Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian and Scholarship awards to be given at the 23rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Luncheon at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Nomination applications are available in SIUE's Kimmel Leadership Center, on the first floor of the Morris University Center and must be completed and returned by Friday, Nov. 11.
Entries also are being sought for an essay, poetry, and visual arts competition for high school students. Guidelines for this competition have been sent to all area high schools. Winners of the high school competition will receive a $100 honorarium and a plaque of recognition.
The awards are given each year to recognize those who exemplify the philosophy of nonviolent social change as demonstrated by The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
An SIUE employee and a resident of Illinois are each eligible for the Humanitarian Award, while a current SIUE student is eligible for the Scholarship and Humanitarian Award. The student scholarship and humanitarian award offers tuition for two semesters at the Illinois in-state rate, a $100 honorarium, and a plaque of recognition.
Complete criteria for eligibility for the high school competition, the Humanitarian Award, and the Scholarship and Humanitarian Award are contained in nomination packets at the Kimmel Center. For more information, call the center, (618) 650-2686.
SIUE Welcomes Back Legendary Folk Singer Baez
Legendary folk singer and activist Joan Baez, who appeared at the Mississippi River Festival in 1969 and 1975, makes a triumphant return to campus at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, in Meridian Ballroom.
From the Greenwich Village folk scene of the 1960s to Woodstock Nation to songs from her new live CD retrospective due out this fall, Baez's appearance at SIUE will merge past, present, and future for an evening of beautiful and thought-provoking music from a timeless performer.
"The Mississippi River Festival at SIUE provided an eclectic decade of musical styles from jazz to folk to rock 'n' roll, right here on this campus," said John Peecher, coordinator of the Arts & Issues series. "And, Joan Baez was one of that festival's brightest stars. We are excited to have her return to campus a third time, knowing that she will bring back great memories to many MRF fans.
"During the 30 years since Joan has performed at SIUE, she has become one of the very symbols of American folk music, creating an incredible canon of work that has cemented her place in history."
Never content to just perform, Baez has used her musical talents to cry out against human rights abuses, support environmental causes, or rally a social movement. From the moment she burst upon the folk scene in 1959 when she was a student at Boston University, Baez has shown a special talent for playing guitar and singing. During the early 1960s, her star quickly rose as she performed in Chicago at the Gate of Horn nightclub, the Newport Folk Festival, and in New York City coffeehouses.
As that volatile decade continued, Baez became more involved with the Civil Rights Movement, took a stand against the Vietnam War, took part in a boycott of ABC-TV's Hootenanny because of the show's censoring of folk singer Pete Seeger for his political activism, and appeared at Woodstck. Throughout that decade, she also continued to record her songs, garner Grammy Award nominations, and headline annually at the Newport festival.
During the 1970s, Baez continued her political activism, while turning out hit records including her landmark album, Diamonds & Rust, in 1975. She also provided soundtracks for documentary films and performed concerts throughout the world. During the 1980s and 1990s, she never showed signs of slowing down. In 2001, Baez appeared in the role of La Contessa as part of the cast of Teatro ZinZanni in San Francisco; the following year, after touring the U.S. and Canada, she rejoined Teatro ZinZanni for a limited tour.
After more than four decades, Baez has never meant more to fans across the globe, and has never shown more vitality and passion in her concerts and recordings. She says that she is always searching for a new song or a new social movement that would benefit from her support. As she wrote in "Wings," from the Dark Chords from a Big Guitar album, Joan Baez always will continue to seek "a place where they can hear me when I sing."
Tickets still are available for historian David McCullough on Oct. 27 and for economist Steve Forbes on Jan. 10, 2006. The Dec. 2 appearance of Kathy Mattea is sold out. Information and tickets for Joan Baez or other Arts & Issues events are available by contacting the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774, or at the Web site: artsandissues.com.
School Of Nursing Obtains Approvals From State Board
The Illinois State Board of Nursing has approved both the SIUE School of Nursing's revised undergraduate curriculum proposals and the Accelerated Baccalaureate in Nursing option.
SIUE Nursing Dean Marcia Maurer said that the approvals were necessary for the School's curriculum planning. "Securing these approvals is an important step for the nursing program at SIUE to execute the revised curriculum and the Accelerated option," Maurer said.
"It also enables the School of Nursing to stay on its implementation schedule."
Maurer explained that the revised undergraduate curriculum was initiated this semester and the accelerated option will have its "first cohort" enrolled in January. "The accelerated baccalaureate option for nursing is open to individuals who have a baccalaureate or higher degree in another field," she said. "These individuals will be able to complete the nursing degree in 15 months because they will already have earned credits in many of the courses required, particularly in the pre-nursing component of the program.
"We have received more than 500 inquiries about the accelerated option," Maurer said. "We're aiming to admit 40 students to the first cohort."
Dean Maurer reported that the meeting with the State Nursing Board was very affirming. "We were complimented for the strength of our curricular proposals. One member of the Board asked permission to use the model for the curriculum in a modified format for the orientation of new nurses to her agency," she said.
"These comments are a testimony to the hard work and creativity of the SIUE School of Nursing faculty who have worked so hard to bring these curricular initiatives to fruition."
BOT Member Resigns; Cites Personal And Professional Obligations
Marilyn Jackson, a Chicago dentist and a member of the SIU Board of Trustees since Feb. 5, 2004, recently submitted her resignation from the board to Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, according to Board Chair Roger Tedrick.
Tedrick said Jackson had cited increasing personal and professional obligations as limiting her future ability to serve. Her resignation is effective immediately, Tedrick said. Her decision leaves one vacancy on the board.
The board chair said he received the news with "great" regret. "Marilyn is an accomplished dentist and, as a sole practitioner, admirably balanced her professional demands and her commitment to this University," Tedrick said.
Blagojevich appointed Dr. Jackson to the SIU Board of Trustees on which she served as chair of the board's Executive Committee and as a board representative to the Joint Trustee Committee for Springfield medical education programs.
Dr. Jackson was the first pre-dental student admitted to SIU Carbondale's Med-Prep program, a nationally recognized pre-medicine/pre-dental program for disadvantaged students. She earned a bachelor of science in Biological Sciences at SIUC.
Dr. Jackson's tenure on the board will be most remembered for her work in promoting diversity at SIU. "Marilyn made her time and her voice on this board count," Tedrick said. "Her advocacy for ethnic and racial diversity, including efforts to increase retention and graduation rates for minority students, played a significant role in bringing critical awareness to the Board on this important subject.
"While we wish her well in her future endeavors, there can be no question that Marilyn's unique qualifications and her unique contributions to this Board will be sorely missed," Tedrick said.
Annual Security Report Is Available On-Line
The Fall 2005 issue of the SIUE Annual Security Report is available on-line: admin.siue.edu/studentrightto
The report contains campus safety and security information as well as crime statistics for calendar years 2002, 2003, 2004, and is published in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, formerly known as the Federal Student Right To Know and Campus Security Act of 1990.
The report also may be accessed through the SIUE Home Page: www.siue.edu under Resources for Current Students/Campus Safety/Campus Security Policies and Crime Statistics. The report also is available at the Lovejoy Library Circulation Desk, or from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration, Rendleman Hall, Room 2228, Campus Box 1158, or by telephone: (618) 650-2536.
Art Exhibit, 'Oppression Of Falun Dafa (Gong),' Begins Oct. 16
An art exhibit of more than 40 paintings, depicting what has been called the Chinese government's persecution and oppression of practitioners of Falun Dafa, will be presented from Oct. 16-22 at the SIUE Religious Center.
Falun Dafa is a traditional self-cultivation practice to improve mind and body, which is seen as a threat by the Chinese government. In 2004, the United Nations produced a report on what it called "the terrible torture and killing of women, men, and children, including infants."
The exhibit-The Oppression Of Falun Dafa (Gong)-will be shown from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunnday through Saturday. Practitioners will be available to discuss the artwork and talk about Falun Dafa. At 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, Huagui Li, a Chinese national, will speak about her captivity and torture in the Chinese jail and her witness of persecution of torture and killing of other Falun Dafa practitioners.
At the same time, Falun Dafa practitioners will be demonstrating their exercises in the SIUE flagpole area. The exhibit and programs are free and open to the general public.
For more information, contact Suzanne Kutterer-Siburt, of the Student Leadership Development Program and Volunteer Services, (618) 650-3472, or by e-mail: skutter@siue.edu. The event is being provided by local Falun Dafa practitioners.
The following SIUE programs and organization are sponsoring the event on campus: the Student Leadership Development Program and Volunteer Services, Raise Your Voice, Campus Activities Board (CAB), the United Campus Ministry, the Catholic Campus Ministry, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
SIUE To Present Blur, A Quirky But Comic Play
There's a favorite scene in Annie Hall, in which Alvy is in line at a movie theater and he overhears a pompous windbag expounding on the work of Marshall McLuhan, a media visionary of the day.
At some point, Alvy pulls McLuhan himself out from behind a lobby placard and the author begins to berate the windbag for not understanding his central themes. Alvy then looks at the camera and says: "Boy, if life we're only like this."
SIUE Assistant Theater and Dance Professor Chuck Harper recently had a chance to play out the same kind of fantasy, but without the windbag.
Playwright Melanie Marnich, who wrote Blur, the first play of the 2005-06 SIUE Mainstage Season, came to town recently and spent about two weeks at the University, conducting a playwrighting workshop and visiting with students. However, she didn't berate anyone. In fact she offered sage advice about her play and what it meant to her.
Blur opens at SIUE at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, and continues at the same curtain time through Saturday, Oct. 15, and then again at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, all in Katherine Dunham Hall theater.
Marnich spent time with the cast of Blur, and her insights into the play helped all involved, Harper said. "She is an amazing playwright and an amazing person. We were very lucky to have her here for the students."
Blur is by turns quirky, comic, and poignant in its portrayal of Dot DiPrima, a teen-ager whose life has been "knocked wildly off balance" by the news that she is going blind. The play chronicles Dot's struggles in dealing with the blindness and its effects on her and her family as she journeys into womanhood.
But, Harper also says the play offers more. "It's not about the blindness, but about seeing clearly, seeing through," he said. "It's also ultimately about a mother-daughter relationship."
Although mostly a conventional play, Blur does veer off into its surreal moments, a trademark staging for Harper as a director, which may be why he chose to direct it. Harper last regaled SIUE audiences with his direction of Flaming Guns of the Purple Sage last year and, before that, the 2003-04 production of bobrauschenbergamerica.
"Blur does have its surreal moments, but it's also a very hopeful, positive play," Harper said.
Dot surrounds herself with friends who become family to her, but they are an odd assortment-chosen as friends without the benefit of sight. "Melanie said the play was inspired by a family member who was legally blind and surrounded by people who society wouldn't think of as beautiful," Harper said.
He also mused that the irony of the play lies in the fact that Dot, although going blind, has the clearest vision of anyone of the characters.
Harper pointed out that the play explores what "family" means. "Family is what you make of it," he said. "The play is populated by 'peripheral' people, outside the mainstream but still good people.
"Each of these quirky people has issues to work through, but, in the end, still become family to Dot."
Tickets for Blur are $10; senior citizens, students, and SIUE employees, $6; SIUE students are free with a valid SIUE ID. To order tickets, contact the SIUE Fine Arts Box Office, (618) 650-2774.
Polo Named EC Director In The School Of Business
Kristine Polo, of Glen Carbon, recently was named director of the Southwestern Illinois Entrepreneurship Center, a service of the SIUE School of Business.
In her new position, Polo is helping businesses stay profitable while assisting in their growth. "I enjoy getting out into the community and meeting new people," Polo said. "My current position allows me to do this and it helps me make valuable connections between the University and the region."
The SIUE Entrepreneurship Center (EC) serves as a facilitator between entrepreneurs and existing resources, providing in-depth assistance and accelerated services to entrepreneurs, as well as striving to promote an entrepreneurial culture throughout the region.
The EC provides support for start-up businesses as well as businesses in the growth, maturation, or transition stages. The EC also conducts assessments that identify gaps and limitations in a client's current operation and coordinates services for clients based on these limitations.
It also provides business coaching, financial assistance and planning, and accelerated services for clients with high-growth potential.
Polo, a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in crop sciences, has focused her studies in agribusiness. She has extensive experience in business and sales, including work with Cargill Ag Horizons, the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center at SIUE, and the Illinois Farm Bureau.
For more information about the SIUE Entrepreneurship Center, contact Polo at kpolo@siue.edu or visit the Web site: www.siue.edu/BUSINESS/EC.
Filmmaker To Speak At SIUE About Arab-Americans
Filmmaker Joan Mandell will speak at SIUE on Oct. 13 about her films concerning special circumstances facing Arab-Americans today as they strive to balance their identities as Arabs and Americans.
Mandell will be speaking from 5-7 p.m. that Thursday in the Mississippi Room, on the second floor of the Morris University Center. This the second event in the series "The View from the Arab World," coordinated by Steve Tamari, an assistant professor of Historical Studies at SIUE.
Mandell, executive director of Olive Branch Productions, began her film career in 1982 with the feature length documentary, Gaza Ghetto, which she produced while living in a refugee camp in the Gaza Strip. After time spent in the Middle East as an English teacher and journalist, Mandell chose film as her medium for bringing a human face to issues of what she calls "social injustice hidden from mainstream view."
Tamari said Mandell has produced films for the past 20 years that "unravel the complexities of broad issues in American history, its culture and immigrant communities by presenting with dignity and humor the stories of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary events."
Mandell's career also includes community-based media activism, curating, consulting, teaching (UCLA, UC-Irvine and community venues), and research (Fulbright fellowship, Felton Scholar in Media Literacy).
The series is made possible by a grant from SIUE's Excellence in Undergraduate Education program. For more information about the series, contact Tamari, (618) 650-3967.
A Season For The Child Continues With Rumplestiltskin
He may be short of stature but the little guy can spin straw into gold, for heaven's sake. However, he's not very nice.
Rumplestiltskin kicks off A Season for the Child, entering its 17th year of presenting family-oriented theater to Southwestern Illinois audiences, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, in the Katherine Dunham Hall theater.
The series, sponsored by the SIUE Friends of Theater and Dance and TheBANK of Edwardsville, features professional theater troupes from St. Louis that stage adaptations of various children's stories, using interactive techniques that not only delight children and parents, but also provide a learning experience.
Piwacket Theatre Company will present its lively adaptation of the 19th Century fairytale penned by the Brothers Grimm. Rumplestiltskin is a gnome who helps a young woman threatened by a ruthless King. The King wants the girl to spin gold from straw, which she hasn't a clue how to do.
She is visited by the gnome who tells the woman he will do the spinning for her if she gives him gifts, the last one of which is her firstborn. But he gives her one chance to forego that final precious item-she must guess his name.
Piwacket Theatre for Children is in its 14th season of captivating young audiences with cleverly adapted fairytales, filled with catchy songs, dance, colorful costumes, and magical props.
Tickets are $5 per person and may be obtained through the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774. Subscriptions are available at $16 per person for the four-show season, a savings of $4.
Homecoming Week Features Hall of Fame Ceremonies
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Intercollegiate Athletics will induct 16 individuals and four teams into its inaugural Hall of Fame Class this Saturday (10/22) night at the Vadalabene Center Gymnasium.
The class will be inducted at a dinner and ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the event are $25 each and may be reserved by calling Theresa, (618) 650-3273.
The 12 student-athletes to be inducted include Mike Allen (Granite City/now lives in Midwest City, Okla.), SIUE's first track and field All-American. Three representatives from the men's soccer program are Chris Carenza (St. Louis), a member of SIUE's first national champion in 1972, Ed Gettemeier (St. Louis), a member of the national championship team in 1979, and Greg Makowski (St. Louis/now lives in Lake Mary, Fla.), a three-time, first-team All-American for the Cougars.
Pete Delkus (Collinsville/now lives in Plano, Texas) was an All-American pitcher in 1985 and is tied for the all-time lead in wins with 26.
The men's and women's tennis teams were power houses during the 1970s and 1980s with Arjun Fernando (Sri Lanka), a seven-time men's tennis All-American, Portia George-Morrow (Columbia, S.C./now lives in O'Fallon) an eight-time All-American for the women's tennis Cougars, Christina Bokelund (Gothenburg, Sweden), an eight-time women's tennis All-American in singles and doubles.
Amy Frey (Edwardsville/Edwardsville) was a two-sport standout for the Cougars in softball and field hockey, and Denise Schaake (Edwardsville/Edwardsville) was named the first-ever softball All-American in 1981 and was the Cougars' first female player with 1,000 points in women's basketball.
Wrestlers Al Sears (Huntsville, Ala./now lives in Belleville), a four-time All-American in the heavyweight class, and Tim Wright (Rock Island/now lives in Indianapolis), the only four-time NCAA Division II champion at SIUE, round out the first class of the SIUE Hall of Fame.
All 12 of the student-athlete inductees earned bachelor's degrees at SIUE.
Four administrators are being inducted; Rosemarie Archangel (Maryville), the first director of Intercollegiate Athletics for women, Harry Gallatin (Roxana native/now lives in Edwardsville), who served as the first director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Bob Guelker (posthumous induction), laid the foundation for the tradition of men's soccer at SIUE, and Roy Lee (posthumous induction) the founder of the SIUE baseball program in 1967.
The four teams are1972 men's soccer, 1978 men's tennis, 1986 women's tennis, and 1984 wrestling. All four were the first national titles in their respective sports.
Homecoming Week Features Softball, Baseball Alumni Events
The alumni of the SIUE softball and baseball programs will get a look at the upgraded facilities this Saturday (10/22).
The SIUE baseball program will dedicate the SimmonsCooper Baseball Complex in a ceremony at 10:30 a.m. An alumni game follows at 11 a.m.
The Complex now features an upgraded grandstand, lights for night games, public restrooms, a concession stand and additional storage.
The SIUE softball team will play an alumni game at noon at Cougar Field. Fans and alumni will get an opportunity to see the upgraded facilities which include new seating, a locker room, new dugouts, and public restrooms.
Game Time Changes For Friday's Soccer Games
The SIUE men's and women's soccer games against Missouri-St. Louis have been rescheduled for this Friday (10/21). The women's game will begin at 2 p.m.; the men's game will follow at 4 p.m. Both contests will be played at the SIUE soccer practice field behind Korte Stadium.
Sunday's games against Missouri-Rolla will remain at the regularly scheduled time of noon for the men and 2:30 p.m. for the women, and also will be played at the SIUE practice field behind Korte Stadium.
The SIUE men's soccer game against Southern Indiana, set for next Tuesday, will be played at 4 p.m. on the SIUE practice field.
The games are being moved due to dry and spotty field conditions at SIUE's regular grass field in Korte Stadium. The move to the practice field, where the conditions are more suitable for soccer, is being done as a safety precaution for the players.
No. 2 Cougars Ready For Homecoming
The SIUE men's soccer team returns for homecoming with its destiny in its own hands.
The second-ranked Cougars play host to Missouri-St. Louis and Missouri-Rolla. SIUE can clinch the No. 1 seed in the Great Lakes Valley Conference tournament with a win and a tie this weekend.
"Our goal is to win the national championship but also in order to do that we have to set the stage," said SIUE men's soccer coach Ed Huneke. "A big component of that equation is a No. 1 seed."
The Cougars have secured a home game in the quarterfinals of the tournament after wins over Northern Kentucky and Bellarmine last weekend.
SIUE is 13-1-1 overall and 9-0-1 in the league having won seven consecutive contests while being unbeaten in its last 14 games. "We are in the zone," said Huneke. "We are really benefiting from our experience together so long. The vast majority of this team has been together through big games."
The Cougars are unbeaten in their last 32 GLVC regular season games and have not lost in their last 22 GLVC regular or postseason contests.
SIUE's defense is the main reason the Cougars have been so successful. This season, they rank in the top five in the nation with a 0.39 goals against average, while recording four straight shutouts.
Kevin Thibodeau (St. Charles) has been a defensive leader for the Cougars and he netted the game-winning goal against Bellarmine on Sunday (10/16). "Kevin is a great two-way player," said Huneke. "When you combine a good natural athlete with a smart, skilled player you get a top level player like him."
Pete Cacciatore (St. Louis, Mo.) and Andrew Crider (Granite City) have been successful for the Cougars defensive unit. "They have continued to do well in the backfield," said Huneke. "Our team defense is more than just our backs, but those two did exceptionally well."
SIUE goalkeeper Nicolas Frasca (St. Charles) has notched a record of 9-0 on the season with a GLVC leading seven shutouts. "Goalkeeping is very much like goal scoring," said Huneke. "Momentum is important and right now Nick's hot."
Women's Soccer Gears Up For Final Homestand
The SIUE women's soccer team finishes up its regular season schedule this weekend.
The Cougars, 13-4 overall and 9-2 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, face Missouri-St. Louis and Missouri-Rolla for homecoming.
"The UMSL game is another giant game," said SIUE women's soccer coach Lynda Bowers. "It is going to be a very nerve- racking weekend but hopefully we can finish out strong."
The Cougars are two games ahead of the Riverwomen for third place in the GLVC and a win on Friday (10/21) would clinch the No. 3 seed for the tournament and a quarterfinal home game.
If SIUE wins the two games this weekend, the Cougars will notch their third 15-win season in the program's 24-year history and the first one since 1996. "It would mean a lot for our regional standing to hit the 15-win mark," said Bowers. "It would really keep us in the mix for getting one of the top four seeds in the regional and making the national tournament."
The Cougars ended a two-game losing streak with a win over Bellarmine on Sunday (10/16).
Jenny Kates (Florissant) netted her third goal of the year off a corner kick from Christina Stremlau (St. Louis) for the game-winner. "Jenny has been out for a while (with an injury)," said Bowers. "She is so good in the air. Anytime she is in the game we need to target her, especially on corner kicks."
Kayla Fromme (New Berlin) netted the other goal for the Cougars. She is tied for second on the club with five goals. "Kayla sneaks in on the wing," said Bowers. "She is so fast. She does such a good job of continuing her runs and really has a nose for the goal."
Men's Cross Country Prepares For GLVC Meet
The SIUE men's cross country team travels to Rensselaer, Ind., for the Great Lakes Valley Conference championships this weekend.
"We know GLVC will be very competitive," said SIUE cross country coach Eileen McAllister. "We are ready to compete hard. Things will be very close and there is no room for error."
Senior Brian Taghon (East Moline) has led the way for the Cougars this year. Taghon has finished in the top five of every event he has races in this season. He finished first at the EIU Panther Invitational and the Sean Early Loyola Lakefront Invitational.
Erik Steffens (Moline) also has had a good season with the third fastest 8,000-meter time this season. Steffens recorded a time of 25 minutes, 27.90 seconds on Sept. 10 at Bradley.
Kyle Cameron (East Moline) has the fastest time for a freshman this season at 8,000 meters. He notched a 26:01.18 mark also at Bradley.
Women's Cross Country Wins At Millikin
The SIUE women's cross country team picked up a win at Millikin last weekend.
With the confidence-builder behind them, the Cougars will battle at the Great Lakes Valley Conference championships this Saturday (10/22) in Rensselaer, Ind.
"I'm looking for the women to better their finish from 2004 and gain experience," said SIUE women's cross country coach Eileen McAllister. "It will be the first GLVC race for the majority of the team this season."
SIUE scored 69 points, just seven ahead of second-place North Park University.
"It was very exciting to see the women win at Millikin," said McAllister, "especially since this was their first 6,000 meter race of the season. I think this will give them extra confidence going into the conference and regional races."
Freshman Michelle Meador (Bower) came in seventh with a time of 24 minutes, 20.94 seconds. Fellow freshman Elizabeth Williams (Mt. Vernon) was less than five seconds behind in eighth place with a mark of 24:25.77. "Michelle and Elizabeth continue to be consistent and competitive." said McAllister.
"They really pushed each other during the race."
Heather Zipparro (Mt. Prospect) finished 12th for the Cougars with a time of 25:07.06.
Chancellor Outlines How SIUE Will Progress Toward Its Strategic Goals
Citing the vision statement of SIUE-"SIUE as a premier Metropolitan University, will be recognized nationally for the excellence of its programs and development of professional and community leaders"-Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift said today that the institution is making progress toward achieving our goal of national recognition. Vandegrift made the remarks during his 2005 Report to the University.
With a theme of "Realizing the Vision for National Recognition," Vandegrift spoke of the University's increasing excellence and the corresponding increase in national rankings. He reported that SIUE ranked 16th among public universities in the Midwestern Universities-Master's category of U.S. News and World Report magazine's annual university rankings.
Additionally, U.S. News & World Report cited SIUE for its Senior Capstone integrative learning experience required by all seniors prior to graduation. SIUE was one of only 15 universities nationally recognized in this category that includes Harvard, MIT, Duke, Princeton, and the University of Chicago.
Vandegrift reviewed the three initiatives he proposed in October 2004 to help the University achieve its vision. First, he indicated that SIUE would further align its enrollment management program to attract a student population that is characteristic of a premier Metropolitan University. "Just as excellent students seek a well-prepared and committed faculty, an excellent faculty seeks well-prepared and committed students," he said.
Vandegrift reported that ACT scores for incoming freshmen, applications for admission, and full-time equivalent student enrollment all continue to rise.
The second initiative is to strive to position SIUE as a premier Metropolitan University in the marketplace of ideas. Vandegrift said that the development of the University's new media campaign was based on the results of stakeholder surveys. The objective of the campaign is to "communicate, foster and sustain academic quality." He also discussed recent and future campus accessibility, navigational and beautification projects.
The third initiative is to develop the University's resource base. Vandegrift explained that, in addition to charitable gifts, grants and tuition, the enhancement of the resource base for SIUE can also be influenced by the University's role in regional economic development. "Our university is an economic engine for this region," he said.
Vandegrift shared with the audience his vision for SIUE's future. "While we will always serve our region by accepting quality transfer students, the academic preparation of our first-time, full-time freshman class will continue to improve and thus increasingly characterize us as a premier Metropolitan University."
Vandegrift gave several more examples of how SIUE will progress toward its strategic goals:
• SIUE will enhance its overall reputation as a university committed to maximizing student learning.
• SIUE will become a more residential campus.
• Graduate level programs will flourish as more certificate programs and applied professional degrees will be developed by faculty and offered throughout the region.
• SIUE will have active support from regional citizens as they increasingly recognize the value of the University.
• SIUE alumni will recognize that the value of their degrees is increasing yearly.
"The purposes of higher education lie in the fulfillment of human potential," Vandegrift concluded. "We add value to people's lives.
SIUE Auction Of Original Art Set For Nov. 17 At Sunset Hills Country Club
The 28th Annual Art Auction, sponsored by the SIUE Friends of Art, is set for Thursday, Nov. 17, at Sunset Hills Country Club in Edwardsville. All artwork is original and may be previewed between 6 and 7 p.m. when the auction begins. Admission fee is $5; students and members of the Friends of Art are free.
Each year, the Friends of Art assembles an impressive array of donated artwork from faculty, students, and alumni of the Department of Art and Design for auction, all in the name of enhancing the University's undergraduate and graduate art programs.
Since l977, the Friends of Art has assisted the department in staging the fund-raiser; last year's event saw nearly 175 pieces sold by professional auctioneer Gary Neimeier and members of Ahrens & Niemeier Auction Service. Some 60 additional items were sold during the Silent Auction.
Money raised by the auction is used to fund a number of events for the department and its students. Last year, these included 20 nationally and internationally-known artists/scholars who came to SIUE to conduct workshops and lectures. The funding also supports the Art Scholarship Fund and helps purchase books and films about art and design for Lovejoy Library.
Additional monies are awarded to students traveling to conferences, for visiting artist receptions, the High School Award and Art Auction Awards, the Graduate and Undergraduate Exhibit Purchase Awards, and stipends for speakers in the Art Seminar. Funding also aids the local ArtEast Studio Tour reception.
For further information, call Dianne Lynch, (6l8) 650-3073, or Pam Decoteau, (618) 650-3107.
Hundreds Of Students Expected To Attend Regional ICE Fair At SIUE Tonight
Representatives from approximately 100 colleges, universities, and branches of the military, as well as 1,000 high school students and their families, will converge on campus from 6-8 tonight for the annual Illinois College Exposition (ICE) Regional College Fair.
The ICE Fair. sponsored by the Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC), will be conducted in the Morris University Center.
Historically, college fairs were held several times a year at various area high schools. The ICE Fair is a consolidated opportunity to explore a wide variety of higher education options. Karen Bollinger, ICE On-Site chairperson, said: "the regional college fair concept continues to support its ultimate goal to help students learn more about post secondary education options.
"Designed for high school juniors, seniors, and community college transfer students, the ICE Fair gives students and parents an opportunity to speak with more than 100 private and public educational institutions in a well-structured setting." Bollinger said.
Judy Verseman, director of guidance at Edwardsville High School, said she is excited about the regional concept. "This fair gives prospective students and their parents access to a variety of colleges and universities at one site. It is exciting to see our students have this opportunity."
Bollinger added: "The ICE Fair is a result of a collaborative effort among area high school counselors and college admission professionals to best serve area students who are in the process of choosing a college or university."
SIUE Among Winners Of The Annual Green Thumb Award
Thirteen properties throughout Edwardsville-including the so-called "Avenue of Trees" in the median area of University Drive-have been selected 2005 Green Thumb Award winners by the city of Edwardsville.
The award was given to SIUE by the Green Thumb Award Committee of the Mayor's Beautification and Tree Commission. The winners were chosen for "their beautiful and creative landscapes and gardens that enhance the appearance of the community."
Honorable mention also was given for the landscaping at the Morris University Center and at the Early Childhood Center.
The committee considers nominations of properties within the Edwardsville city limits in three categories: residential, civic/neighborhood, business/commercial. Each winner has been notified by mail and received a certificate from Niebur. In addition to SIUE, this year's winners include 11 residential properties and the Edwardsville Children's Museum.
Cal State Professor To Speak About American Perceptions Of The Arab World
As'ad AbuKhalil, professor of political science at California State University-Stanislaus and a visiting professor at UC- Berkeley, will be the third speaker in the series, "The View from the Arab World," coordinated by Steve Tamari, an assistant professor of Historical Studies at SIUE.
With a theme of "The Arab World: Reality and Political Fantasy," AbuKhalil, the man behind the independent Angry Arab News Service (www.angryarab.blogspot.com), will speak from 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, in the Mississippi Room, on the second floor of the Morris Center.
AbuKhalil-born in Tyre, Lebanon, and who came of age in Beirut-received a bachelor's and a master's in Political Science at the American University of Beirut and then came to the United States in 1983. He went on to earn a doctorate in Comparative Government at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
He has taught at Tufts University, Georgetown, George Washington University, Colorado College, and Randolph-Macon Woman's College. AbuKhalil also served as a Scholar-in-Residence at Middle East Institute in Washington and as a free-lance Middle East consultant for NBC News and ABC News. He said the latter two experiences have served to increase his disdain for mainstream U. S. media.
Author of several books, including The Battle for Saudi Arabia: Royalty, Fundamentalism, and Global Power; as well as Bin Laden, Islam, and America's New "War on Terrorism"; and The Historical Dictionary of Lebanon, AbuKhalil said he will "untangle the confusion that surrounds official and popular perceptions" of the Arab World.
Cougars Break Wins Record
For the first time ever the SIUE women's soccer team will play for the Great Lakes Valley Conference tournament championship as the Cougars defeated UW-Parkside 3-0 tonight.
The 21st-ranked Cougars improve to 17-4 overall setting a new school record for wins in a season. The previous mark of 16 victories was set in 1996.
The second-seeded Cougars will battle top-seeded Northern Kentucky in the GLVC championship on Sunday (11/6) at noon EST.
Jenny Kates led the way for the Cougars netting a goal and picking up two assists.
The Cougars took a 1-0 just 6:26 into the contest as Elizabeth Valenti netted her third goal of the year. Amy Million gave SIUE a 2-0 lead heading into halftime on a header from Kates. Kates scored her fourth goal of the season just 1:59 into the second half that sealed the win for SIUE.
This marks the first time SIUE has defeated the Rangers since Sept. 24, 2000.
The Cougars outshot UW-Parkside 9-4 in the contest.
Kim Roady and Kaci Backs shared goalkeeping duties for SIUE with each player making two saves.
Senior Night Thriller
It was probably not the kind of match SIUE's volleyball team hoped for on senior night. But it will do.
SIUE came back from a 2-1 deficit and defeated Indianapolis 30-27, 20-30, 31-33, 30-20, 17-15 tonight at the Vadalabene Center. The Cougars won their 14th consecutive match and clinched the No. 2 seed for next week's Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament. SIUE will travel to Kansas City as Rockhurst also earned the No. 1 seed tonight with a three-set victory over UW-Parkside.
The Cougars, 23-5 overall and 13-2 in the GLVC, overpowered the Greyhounds with 79 kills but were hurt by 38 attack errors, 15 service errors and eight Indianapolis service aces.
Five SIUE players finished in double figures in kills, led by senior Heather Bonde with 20. Freshman Kate Hofeldt was second on the squad with 16, followed by Tina Talsma with 14, Kindra Westendorf with 13, and Kim Potthast with 10.
The two top defensive teams in the GLVC each had 11 blocks and were consistently extending points with sound defense. SIUE collected 90 digs while the Greyhounds had 70.
Lynn Ross led Indianapolis in kills with 14. The Greyhounds fell to 22-12 overall and 11-4 in the GLVC.
SIUE closes out the regular season on Saturday (11/5) with a 1 p.m. match at the Vadalabene Center against the Pumas of Saint Joseph's.
Sluggish Shooting Dooms SIUE
SIUE women's basketball could not recover from a slow start as the Cougars fell to Southeast Missouri State 87-37 in exhibition action tonight.
The Cougars shot just 19.2 percent from the field as the Redhawks shot 59.0 percent in the game.
Amy Austin and Deidra Dace led the team with nine points each with Dace adding a team high six rebounds.
The Cougars trailed 38-17 at halftime. The Redhawks shot 69.0 percent in the second half outscoring the Cougars 49-20.
SIUE will be back in action at Bradley next Saturday afternoon (11/12) at 2 p.m. for their final game of the preseason. The Cougars will open up the regular season Nov. 15 against Robert Morris at the Vadalabene Center at 7 p.m.
Bencini Earns Academic Award
SIUE defender Padra Bencini (Carbondale) has been named to the 2004 ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-District V College Division Women's Soccer first team.
The Academic All-District team includes all NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA school from Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and parts of Canada. They are selected by members of the College Sports Information Directors of America. Bencini was a third team All-District selection last season.
She now will be placed on the national ballot with the possibility of being named Academic All-American.
Bencini, who holds a 3.89 grade point average in Health Education at SIUE, has been one of the major reasons for the Cougars' 16-4 record and 11-2 mark in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Bencini has started 19 of 20 games this season and is used primarily as a marking back and sweeper.
Bencini and the Cougars play tonight at the Great Lakes Valley Conference in Wilder, Ky. SIUE faces UW-Parkside in a 7:30 p.m. EST game.
Defense Still Rules For 2005-06 SIUE Men's Basketball
Even though the faces may change each season with the SIUE men's basketball team, the commitment to defense remains the same for head coach Marty Simmons.
Since the 2001-2002 season, the Cougars opponent scoring average has dropped 20.1 points per game. Last season, the Cougars held their opponents to 61.0 points per contest, which ranked fourth in the NCAA Division II. "We were a little spoiled last year with all those veterans," said Simmons. "They knew the drills and what we wanted out of the drills. Overall our team speed and quickness is better this season. Hopefully, we can find a way to knock that ball loose a little bit more and get some baskets in transition."
The Cougars will look to build on an NCAA Tournament appearance and a 23-9 campaign last year. There are a long list of accomplishments that SIUE has from last season, setting a school record with a 14-game winning streak. SIUE also recorded its best Great Lakes Valley Conference mark, finishing at 15-5 good for second place in the league.
" We really like our guys," said Simmons. "We are getting better. I think we are going to be a different team than what we have had here in my first three years."
SIUE begins the exhibition season Thursday night in Peoria as the Cougars battle Bradley at 7:05 p.m. "Bradley is a great program," said Simmons. "They have a great team coming back. It's a good experience for our guys and our program to have a chance to compete against a team that has a legitimate shot at winning the Missouri Valley Conference."
SIUE follows that contest with exhibition games at SIU Carbondale on Nov. 12 at 1 p.m., and in West Lafayette, Ind., against Purdue Nov. 13 at 5 p.m. The Cougars open up regular season play on Nov. 16 at the Vadalabene Center versus Lindenwood at 7:30 p.m.
The Cougars are picked second this season in the newly aligned GLVC. The conference will have a West and East Division this season, with the Cougars residing in the West. The teams in the West Division include Drury, Missouri-St. Louis, Missouri-Rolla, Quincy, Rockhurst, SIUE, and Southern Indiana. The clubs in the east division are Bellarmine, Indianapolis, Kentucky Wesleyan, Lewis, Northern Kentucky, St. Joseph's, and UW-Parkside.
SIUE returns five players, including two starters from last season's squad. Last season's GLVC Freshman of the Year J.B. Jones (Belleville) will lead the Cougars in the backcourt this season. Jones, a 6-2 guard, ranked third on the team with 10.8 points per game, while leading with 5.1 assists per contest.
"J.B. is a leader on this team," said Simmons. "We are asking him to take a lot of leadership responsibilities. We are expecting big things out of him. He is going to get the assignment of the other team's best offensive player most nights."
Fellow guard 5-11 sophomore Anthony Jones (Centralia) led the team in three-pointers made (60) while averaging 8.3 points per game for SIUE. "He seems to be playing with a lot more confidence," said Simmons. "His defensive pressure seems to be better, and he is just more confident in getting open without the basketball.
Senior Justin Ward (Moline), a 6-6 forward, had a solid campaign last season with 8.0 points per game and starting 23 games. "Justin is really working hard," said Simmons. "He is in a position where he may play a little more inside that what he has in the past. I think Justin will have a fine senior year."
Senior Martel Mahon (Chicago) and sophomore Doug Taylor (McClure) round out the returnees for SIUE. Mahon, a 6-4 guard, appeared in 11 games last season, while Taylor, a 6-9 center, made 18 appearances. "Martel has gotten better," said Simmons. "(Taylor) has probably improved more than anybody. He is running the floor and being really aggressive inside. I am very pleased with Doug and how he is progressing."
Additions of transfers include Ty Johnson (Springfield), Mike Hardiek (Teutopolis), Asa Clayborne (Springfield), Logan Brand (Booneville, Ind.), and Ryan Belcher (Mexico, Mo.).
Johnson, a 5-11 guard, averaged 18 points and 4.8 assists per game at John A. Logan last season. Hardiek, a 6-7 forward, netted 16 points while shooting 48 percent from beyond the three point arc for Lincoln Land in 2005.
Clayborne is a 6-5 forward from Spoon River; and Brand, a 6-10 center, comes to the Cougars from Rend Lake.
Belcher, a 6-2 guard, joins SIUE from Southeast Missouri State where he averaged 4.3 points and 2.0 rebounds per game in 2004-05. "Ryan is a good athlete and is really fast," said Simmons. "He closes ground as good, or better than anyone. Defensively he is pretty strong and he gets a lot of steals."
Incoming freshman Nick Arth (Edwardsville) and Patrick McDermott (Columbia) each had successful high school careers and will add to the Cougars lineup. Arth, a 6-6 forward, was the Alton Telegraph and Belleville News Democrat Player of the Year. McDerrmott, a 6-3 guard, averaged 14.8 points and 6.4 rebounds at Columbia High School.
No. 1 Cougars Meet Quincy In GLVC Semifinals
The SIUE men's soccer team will be in familiar territory this Friday (11/4) in the semifinals of the Great Lakes Valley Conference tournament.
The top-ranked Cougars, 15-1-2 overall, face Quincy at 7:30 p.m. at the Don Dallas Field on the campus of Missouri-St. Louis.
This marks the third year in a row that No.1-seeded SIUE battles the No. 4 seed Quincy in the GLVC tournament semifinals with the Cougars winning both of the previous contests. "We were fortunate to meet them early in the year before their team was clicking together," said SIUE soccer coach Ed Huneke. "It is the longest lasting rival that we have on our schedule. Jack (Mackenzie) always has his teams ready to play us."
No. 2-seed Rockhurst takes on No. 6 seed Northern Kentucky in the first semifinal at 5 p.m. The winner of that game will meet the winner of the SIUE-Quincy match at Noon on Sunday at the UMSL soccer field.
The Cougars had to come from behind to advance to the semifinals. SIUE finished its quarterfinal match with Bellarmine in a 1-1 tie. The Cougars then defeated the Knights 3-2 in penalty kicks to move on. "It is interesting how teams mature over time," said Huneke. "Part of that maturity process is dealing with pressure situations. When we successfully come away from those situations, it makes us better. We will be better as a result of what we experienced on Sunday."
Mike Banner (Washington, D.C.) netted his seventh goal of the year in the contest with Bellarmine. Banner is tied for first on the team in goals. "He is a fun player to watch and a very talented individual," said Huneke. "When he is hot, he is unstoppable."
Trevor House (St. Louis, Mo.) also played well against the Knights notching an assist. "Trevor is a very good natural athlete," said Huneke. "Now that he has adjusted to our system, he plays a significant role on the team."
Depth has been a strength for the Cougars this year with 15 of the 23 players on the roster starting at least one contest and 21 players playing at least one game. Eleven players have four or more points on the season. "Our non starters have done a very good job for us this year," said Huneke. "They have been a big part of our success."
No. 24 Women's Soccer Ties Record
A smile comes to the face of SIUE women's soccer coach Lynda Bowers when you mention her team tying the school-record for wins in a season.
Not only has Bowers coached the team that has tied the record, she also played on the team in 1996 that set the mark of 16. "It is such a bigger accomplishment as a coach," said Bowers. "You really have to have the players believe in your style. I played on the team that set the record and now I am coaching the team that has just tied that. It is a great feeling."
The 24th-ranked Cougars, 16-4 overall, take on UW-Parkside this Friday in the semifinals of the Great Lakes Valley Conference tournament at 7:30 p.m. in Wilder, Ky.
Second-seeded SIUE fell to the No. 3-seed Rangers 3-0 earlier this season at Korte Stadium. "It is definitely one of those games that we feel like we need a little bit of redemption," said Bowers. "If we can get by the semifinal match, we can almost clinch a berth in the NCAA's. The game has a lot of implications."
The Cougars claimed a 1-0 victory over Indianapolis in the quarterfinals Sunday. The shutout was SIUE's 11th on the season, tying a school record set last season. "Our girls played so well," said Bowers. "If you look at the shots (18-2), I felt like we were very dangerous the whole game. Our team played with a lot of poise and confidence."
Elizabeth Valenti (Overland Park, Kan.) netted the game-winning goal for her second of the season. "It is great for her confidence too," said Bowers. "She hurt her knee in the last Indy game. She is just a tremendous player."
Junior Kristine Armstrong (St. Peters, Mo.) is tied for second in the GLVC and leads the team with 12 goals. She now is tied for eighth all-time in SIUE history with 26 goals, and ranks ninth in school history with 62 points.
Volleyball Smashes Consecutive Wins Record
More than a month ago the SIUE volleyball team started the Great Lakes Valley Conference season with two losses with a 9-5 overall record.
Since then the Cougars have been on fire, winning a school-record 12 straight matches a No. 3 ranking in the Great Lakes Region. "We have felt a sense of urgency ever since the beginning of the (conference) season after going 0-2," said SIUE volleyball coach Todd Gober. "We have always felt we have to take it one game at a time. I believe that half of those games were on the road and against playoff-caliber teams. It is very important that we keep that momentum."
The Cougars, 21-5 overall and 11-2 in the GLVC, begin their final homestand of the season with Kentucky Wesleyan tomorrow night. Game time is 7 p.m.
Second-place SIUE will then battle third-place Indianapolis Friday at 7 p.m. "I am very happy that we have Indianapolis this late in the season," said Gober. "I think that you need to have some tough matches getting ready for the playoffs. It's going to be a good test for us."
After the matchup with the Greyhounds, the Cougars will take on Saint Joseph's at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Seniors Heather Bonde (Millstadt), Allison Buss (Towanda), Krystal Majernik (Normal), Kindra Westendorf (Effingham), Tina Talsma (Orono, Ontario), and Mellisa Spann (Bethalto) will be playing in their final regular season home game on Saturday.
"There is going to be a lot of emotion," said Gober. "I couldn't ask for a more dedicated group of athletes than what these seniors have been in the last four years. They definitely hold a special place for me."
Bonde leads the team in kills (343), Talsma is second with 241 kills, Westendorf ranks fourth with 190 kills, and Spann has a .392 hitting percentage this season.
Buss ranks third in the GLVC in digs per game (5.36), and Majernik is sixth in the league with 9.72 assists per game.
Men's And Women's Cross Country At NCAA Regionals
The SIUE men's and women's cross country teams visit Big Rapids, Mich., and Ferris State University for the NCAA Regional this weekend.
Senior Brian Taghon (East Moline) leads the men's team having finished in the top five of every event he has raced in this year. He became the first runner in SIUE history to finish in the top 10 of the Great Lakes Valley Conference championships for four straight years.
Erik Steffens (Moline) and freshman Kyle Cameron (East Moline) also look to have good showings.
The women's team will rely on senior Heather Zipparro (Mt. Prospect) at the regional. Zipparro has three of the Cougars' top six finishes on the performance list this season.
Freshmen Michelle Meador (Bower) and Elizabeth Williams (Mt. Vernon) look to continue a string of consistent performances.
Meador has three top finishes in the top 10 on the SIUE performance list while Williams has two this season.
The men will run the 10,000 meter course, while the women will run a 6,000 meter race.
Cougars Advance In GLVC Tournament
The 24th-ranked SIUE women's soccer team advanced in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament today with a 1-0 victory over Indianapolis.
The tournament quarterfinal win gives SIUE a 16-4 record. That ties the school record for victories in a season with the 1996 team, which finished 16-4-2.
SIUE now advances to the GLVC Tournament semifinals to be played in Wilder, Ky. The Cougars face UW-Parkside, which earned its spot in the semifinals with a 1-0 victory over Missouri-St. Louis. Game time is 7:30 p.m. EDT. Northern Kentucky plays Rockhurst at 5 p.m.
In today's match, Elizabeth Valenti scored the game's lone goal from five yards out at 8:44 of the first half. She tapped in a shot from five yards out off two quick inside passes from Jenny Kates and Kelly Dill.
SIUE dominated the shot count with an 18-2 edge. Indianapolis had a shot in each half. Kim Roady and Kaci Backs shared goalkeeping duties for SIUE. Neither had a save.
Indianapolis goalkeeper Maggie Miller was kept a little more busy. She collected seven saves.
Valenti led the shots for SIUE with four. Lindsay Kampwerth and Crystal Schellenger had three each.
Cougars Win On Penalty Kicks Over Bellarmine
Top-ranked SIUE men's soccer advanced to the semifinals of the Great Lakes Valley Conference tournament, winning 3-2 on penalty kicks over Bellarmine today after tying the Knights 1-1 in overtime.
The No. 1 seed Cougars face the No. 4 seed Quincy Hawks next Friday (11/4) at 7:30 p.m. That contest will be played at the Missouri-St. Louis soccer field. Northern Kentucky, the sixth seed, upset UW-Parkside in the quarterfinals and will face second-seeded Rockhurst at 5 p.m. The championship game of the GLVC Tournament will be Sunday (11/6) at noon in St. Louis.
Kevin Thibodeau netted the game-winning penalty kick as he slipped the ball past Knights goalkeeper Stephen Slough to win the contest. Slough replaced starting Knights goalkeeper Justin Welply after he went out with an injury. Slough would go on to make 10 saves.
Victor Pacheco and Tim Collico also found the back of the net on their penalty kicks.
Bellarmine put SIUE behind as it gained a 1-0 lead in the 43rd minute when Tyler Schaefering scored on a header.
The Cougars fought back in second half to tie the game as Mike Banner scored his seventh goal of the year on crossing pass from Trevor House. Brian Higgins picked up the other assist.
SIUE had a number of chances to score in regulation with Pacheco and Thibodeau each missing penalty kicks, and Ameen Attas had a shot that went off of the cross bar.
The Cougars out shot the Knights 25 to 11.
SIUE is now to 15-1-2 on the season and Bellarmine ends its year at 9-8-3.
Cougars Sweep Past UMSL
The winning streak continues for SIUE volleyball.
SIUE, 21-5 overall and 11-2 in Great Lakes Valley Conference play, collected its 12th consecutive victory today with a 30-20, 30-24, 33-31 victory at Missouri-St. Louis. UMSL fell to 6-21 overall and 6-10 in the GLVC.
Kindra Westendorf led SIUE with 12 kills, and Heather Bonde added 11 with a .429 hitting percentage.
Freshman outside hitter Emily Rahn turned in the most efficient match off the bench with five kills, no errors, and six attacks for an .833 hitting percentage.
SIUE used 57 kills to defeat the Riverwomen, who countered with 36 in the three-game match. The Cougars closed out game three with 23 kills in 43 attacks.
As a team, SIUE hit .325 and have now posted better than a .250 hitting percentage in 10 of its last 12 matches.
Three UMSL players each had nine kills. They were Sarah Eisnaugle, Heather Nichols, and Claudia Medina. As a team, UMSL was held to a .083 hitting percentage.
SIUE returns to action Tuesday for a 7 p.m. home-court match against Kentucky Wesleyan.
The Cougars close out the regular season next Friday (11/4) and Saturday (11/5) with matches at the Vadalabene Center against Indianapolis and Saint Joseph's, respectively.
Women's Basketball To Face SEMO And Bradley
The SIUE women's basketball team begins the season with some stiff competition as the Cougars take on a pair of Division I opponents in exhibition games.
The Cougars, 13-18 last season, battle Southeast Missouri State on Nov. 4 at 5 p.m., then traveling to Peoria for a contest with Bradley on Nov. 12 at 2 p.m.
SIUE women's basketball coach Wendy Hedberg begins her season with a home opener at the Vadalabene center on Nov. 15 against Robert Morris at 7 p.m. The Cougars' non-conference home opponents include Saginaw Valley on Nov. 19, Oakland City on Nov. 29, and Greenville on Dec. 1.
With the addition of three teams to the Great Lakes Valley Conference, the league will be divided into two divisions with seven teams in each division this season. SIUE plays each team from its division (West Division) twice, while playing each team in the East Division once.
The teams in the West Division include Drury, Missouri-St. Louis, Missouri-Rolla, Quincy, Rockhurst, SIUE, and Southern Indiana. The schools in the east division are Bellarmine, Indianapolis, Kentucky Wesleyan, Lewis, Northern Kentucky, St. Joseph's, and UW-Parkside.
SIUE's GLVC opener is on Dec. 3 at home against defending GLVC-champion Quincy at 1 p.m.
SIUE Men's Basketball Schedule Opens With Exhibition Contests Against Bradley, SIUC And Purdue
The SIUE men's basketball team looks to build on last season's NCAA Tournament appearance with a solid schedule for the 2005-06 campaign.
SIUE men's basketball coach Marty Simmons has his players ready for another exciting season as the Cougars look to improve on last season's 23-9 record.
The Cougars begin the exhibition season Nov. 3 as they travel to face Bradley at 7:05 p.m. The following weekend SIUE visits SIU Carbondale on Nov. 12 at 1 p.m., then going to West Lafayette, Ind., for a match up with Purdue on Nov. 13 at 5 p.m.
The Cougars non-conference home schedule kicks into full swing with games against Ferris State on Nov. 19, Robert Morris on Dec. 6, Kentucky Wesleyan on Dec. 20, Mesa State on Dec. 30, and Saginaw Valley on Dec. 31.
With the addition of three teams to the Great Lakes Valley Conference, the league will be divided into two divisions with seven teams in each division this season. SIUE plays each team from its division (West Division) twice, while playing each team in the East Division once.
The teams in the West Division include Drury, Missouri-St. Louis, Missouri-Rolla, Quincy, Rockhurst, SIUE, and Southern Indiana. The clubs in the east division are Bellarmine, Indianapolis, Kentucky Wesleyan, Lewis, Northern Kentucky, St. Joseph's, and UW-Parkside.
SIUE's home opener is set for Nov. 16 as the Lions of Lindenwood come to the Vadalabene Center for at 7:30 p.m. match. The GLVC season begins at home against Quincy on Dec. 3.
SIUE Women's Soccer Ranked No. 24 In National Poll
The SIUE women's soccer team has been ranked No. 24 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/adidas Division II poll. This is the second time the Cougars have been ranked in the top 25 this this season. SIUE entered at No. 17 in the Sept. 20 poll, then jumping to No. 14 on Sept. 27.
SIUE, which earned the No. 2 seed for the Great Lakes Valley Conference tournament, will face seventh-seeded Indianapolis in the quarterfinals.
The Cougars will take on the Greyhounds at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday at the SIUE practice fields behind Korte Stadium.
The Cougars hold a 15-4 mark this season with a 11-2 in GLVC play. SIUE has a record of 20-3 during the last two seasons of conference regular season action.
SIUE head coach Lynda Bowers has led her Cougars to 13 wins in their last 15 games.
Kristine Armstrong (St. Peters, Mo.) leads the team and ranks second in the GLVC with 12 goals.
SIUE Men's Soccer Reclaims No. 1 Ranking In National Poll
The SIUE men's soccer team will enter the postseason with the top ranking in the land.
For the third time this season the Cougars have garnered the top spot in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/adidas Division II poll.
SIUE was ranked No. 1 in the preseason poll and in the Sept. 14 poll. The Cougars heads into their Great Lakes Valley Conference quarterfinal matchup with Bellarmine riding a nine game-winning streak.
SIUE will take on the Knights at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday at the SIUE practice fields behind Korte Stadium.
The Cougars finished the regular season with a 15-1-1 overall record and, 11-0-1 in the GLVC.
SIUE coach Ed Huneke and his Cougars are the No. 1 seed in the GLVC tournament for the third consecutive year.
The Cougars have gone 34 GLVC regular season games without a loss. SIUE is 30-0-4 in conference regular season play since falling to Missouri-St. Louis on Oct. 18, 2002.
Victor Pacheco (San Luis, Brazil) leads the team with 20 points (seven goals and six assists). Mike Banner (Washington, D.C.) and GLVC Player of the Week Ross Beveridge (Dunfermline, Scotland) are tied for second on the team with six goals.
SIUE ranks second in the nation with a 0.40 goal against average having outscored its opponents 35-7 this year.
Beveridge Named GLVC Player of The Week
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville men's soccer player Ross Beveridge (Dunfermline, Scotland) has been named Great Lakes Valley Conference men's soccer player of the week after leading the Cougars to two conference wins over Missouri-St. Louis and Missouri-Rolla.
SIUE hosted a 2-0 shutout against UMSL on Friday (10/21), with Beveridge scoring the second of two goals. He scored the game-winning goal off a corner kick deflection with just more than a minute to play in the second overtime period against Missouri-Rolla, ending the game at 2-1.
Beveridge is second on the team with six goals and third on the squad with 13 points.
Cougars Earn No. 1 Seed For GLVC Tourney
For the third consecutive year, the SIUE men's soccer team will be the No. 1 seed in the Great Lakes Valley Conference tournament.
The second-ranked Cougars, 15-1-1 overall and 11-0-1 in the GLVC, play host to Bellarmine in the quarterfinals next Sunday (10/30) at 2:30 p.m. at the SIUE practice fields behind Korte Stadium.
"We look upon the season with a number of goals to accomplish," said SIUE soccer coach Ed Huneke. "One of those goals was to win the GLVC league play. There is more ahead and the playoffs are of special importance."
The Cougars continued their unbeaten streak in GLVC regular season games to 34 contests with a win over Missouri-St. Louis and a double overtime victory against Missouri-Rolla. "That is an impressive run of which I am really proud," said Huneke. "As many good teams as we faced, to string it that far says a lot about the talent we have here."
In the win over the Miners, Ross Beveridge (Dunfermline, Scotland) scored the game-winner, after Mike Banner (Washington, D.C.) had tied the game in the 81st minute. "That win can help us down the road," said Huneke. "Knowing that we will always find a way to win and we can come from behind that is a nice tool to have."
In four years at SIUE, the senior class has a mark of 63-12-6 overall and 36-2-4 in GLVC regular season play. "We have an excellent senior class. They are experienced," said Huneke. "They have been through some big games together."
Brian Higgins (St. Charles, Mo.) and Pete Cacciatore (St. Louis, Mo.) have both been with the Cougars for four years. "Higgins leads the team well and has a good read for the game," said Huneke. "Pete has come through real big for us in terms of being utilized in different positions."
Seniors John Lamping (Barnhart, Mo.), Kevin Thibodeau (St. Charles, Mo.), and Tim Collico (St. Louis) all transferred to play at SIUE. All three players have made contributions in their time with the Cougars. "John adds a lot to our team," said Huneke. "Kevin has an unbelievable read for the game. We can always get a good goal out of Tim in tight situations."
Women's Soccer Hosts Indianapolis For GLVCs
The SIUE women's soccer team has earned the No. 2 seed in the Great Lakes Valley Conference tournament.
The Cougars, 15-4 overall and 11-2 in the conference, take on No. 7 Indianapolis in the quarterfinals next Sunday (10/30) at the SIUE practice field at noon. "I am very proud of my team and everything we have accomplished so far," said SIUE women's soccer coach Lynda Bowers. "To come out second is fantastic and 11-2 in our conference is quite a feat."
The Cougars became just the third team in school history to reach the 15-win mark with the win over Missouri-Rolla on Sunday. "I think it is great to reach those milestones," said Bowers. "Our goal is to win the conference championship and go on and get a (NCAA) bid. If we happen to accomplish those two things and achieve the milestones along the way then, I think it is awesome."
Kristine Armstrong (St. Peters, Mo.) netted two goals in the win over the Miners. She leads the team and is tied for second in the GLVC with 12 goals. "That is her job," said Bowers. "She is supposed to be our goal scorer. She is a natural finisher."
SIUE's senior class had led the Cougars to a 20-3 record in GLVC regular season play the last two seasons.
Seniors Kelly Dill (Florissant, Mo.), Liz Fleer (Washington, Mo.), Allison Sweet (Springfield), and Sarah Landt (Carbondale) have been at SIUE for four years. "Kelly is the leader of the team," said Bowers. "Liz has been a model role player on our team. Allison is the rock of our team, and Sarah is an extremely intelligent player."
Fellow seniors Lindsey Kampwerth (Highland) and Crystal Schellenger (St. Louis, Mo.) transferred to play for SIUE. "Lindsey has started every single game for us in two years here," said Bowers. "She is just a tremendous person. Crystal is a very versatile player who can play many positions and is another element to our attack."
Volleyball Set For Final Stretch Of The Season
SIUE volleyball coach Todd Gober knows he has a tough test tomorrow (10/25) as the Cougars travel to face Southern Indiana.
It has been 10 days since SIUE's last match. The Cougars face the Screaming Eagles in Evansville, Ind., at 7 p.m.. They begin a stretch of six matches in 10 days to end the regular season. "I think it was a well-deserved rest for the team," said Gober. "We were getting banged up. It just gave everyone a chance to clear their mind and get focused on the push through the remainder of the season."
SIUE is 18-5 overall and 8-2 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. The Cougars are ranked third in the Great Lakes Region. "The USI match is one of the biggest games remaining on our schedule," said Gober. "Southern Indiana plays very well at home, and they have a very strong team."
The Cougars will visit Quincy on Friday night (10/28), before facing Missouri-St. Louis on Saturday (10/29). "UMSL is a team that is fighting for playoff," said Gober.
"This weekend is going to be a big weekend. They are both well coached teams."
SIUE will rely on seniors Heather Bonde (Millstadt), Allison Buss (Towanda), and Krystal Majernik (Normal) to finish out the season. Bonde leads the team in kills (304) and kills per game (3.85). Buss ranks first in the GLVC in digs per game (5.46), and Majernik is first on the club with 9.30 assists per game.
Men's Cross Country Places Third At GLVC Meet
The SIUE men's cross country team finished with a third place finish at the Great Lakes Valley Conference championships this past weekend.
"I was happy with how the team ran," said SIUE cross country coach Eileen McAllister. "We have to get ready for (NCAA) regionals now." The Cougars finished with 94 points as Southern Indiana won the meet with a score of 26.
Senior Brian Taghon (East Moline) became the first runner in SIUE history to finish in the top 10 of the GLVC championships for four consecutive years. Taghon finished in third place with a time of 24 minutes, 39 .93 seconds at 8,000 meters. "Brian ran very well," said McAllister. "He really closed on the leader. He has had an awesome career."
Erik Steffens (Moline) placed seventh in a time of 25:09.02. "Erik has a good race," said. "He was disappointed by his finish, but he has been consistent over the course of the season."
Justin Crain (McLeansboro) came in 15th with a mark of 25:29.78. "You could tell by seeing Justin's race that he was very confident," said McAllister. "He did a nice job."
Women's Cross Country Comes In Seventh At GLVCs
The SIUE women's cross country placed seventh at the Great Lakes Valley Conference championships.
The Cougars ended the meet with 211 points, while GLVC champion UW-Parkside with 51 points. "It was a super competitive meet," said SIUE cross country coach Eileen McAllister. "My girls are super young, but they had a good meet."
Heather Zipparro (Mt. Prospect), a senior, led the way for the Cougars finishing in 25th place with a time of 22 minutes, 35.02 seconds in the 6,000 meter race. "Heather continues to have her best season," said McAllister.
Freshman Michelle Meador (Bower) came in 38th with a time of 23:15.74. Elizabeth Williams (Mt. Vernon) placed 42nd with a mark of 23:49.62. "They both have remained consistent and competitive over the course of the season," said McAllister. "I look for future success from both of them."
September 2005
September 1, 2005
SIUE Responds To Students Affected By Hurricane Katrina
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is extending help to students along the Gulf Coast who have been displaced as a result of the catastrophic hurricane and flooding in that region. The announcement was made today by SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift.
"SIUE joins the rest of our nation in support of the victims of Hurricane Katrina, the horrific national disaster that has resulted in significant death and damage in the south," Vandegrift said.
Boyd Bradshaw, assistant vice chancellor for Enrollment Management for the University, said as of today the University has received a steady stream of calls since the disaster. "We have received a number of inquiries from local students who are attending other colleges and universities in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana who would like to still enroll this fall at SIUE," Bradshaw said.
"We will do what we can to work with these students in getting them admitted and enrolled in classes for this fall term," Bradshaw said. "Qualified students will receive an application fee waiver and will be granted financial assistance for course tuition." Those students interested in help from SIUE, may contact Todd Burrell, director of Admissions, by telephone, (618) 650-3705, or by e-mail: tburrel@siue.edu; Judy Bartel, assistant director of Admissions, (618) 650-3552, jbartel@siue.edu; or Phyllis Werner, manager of the SIUE Service Center, (618) 650-3776, pwerner@siue.edu.
Vandegrift also said SIUE is sending police officers and a police cruiser to the affected area. "As part of a long-standing agreement to respond to the need for police protection during such emergencies, we'll be assisting in this regard."
SIUE Police Chief Gina Hays said the department is a member of the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS). "Officer Nathan Harris is part of the ILEAS Special Response Teams (SRTs) and he is being deployed this weekend to an area affected by the hurricane," she said. "Two other officers have volunteered to lend additional help and they are awaiting further information from ILEAS to see if their assistance will be needed."
The chancellor also announced that yesterday the University began admitting and supplying financial aid to "refugee" students from universities impacted by Katrina. "We are requesting that faculty and staff work with these students to aid in their transition to SIUE," Vandegrift said. "In addition, SIUE has a procedure in place that will be forwarded to faculty and staff regarding the treatment of our students who are being called for military duty in response to this crisis."
Vandegrift said SIUE is exploring avenues through state and affiliated professional organizations to provide further assistance. "We also wish to express our thanks and appreciation to members of the campus community for their help as individuals during this time of national crisis."
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September 1, 2005
SIUE Computer Science Professor Helps Capture NSF Grant
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A national survey in 2001 showed that one out of 10 employed engineers is a woman and three out of 10 computer engineer-scientists are women.
A National Science Foundation (NSF) report shows that females comprised 35 percent of students enrolled in physics, mathematics, and computer science classes at the undergraduate level and 16 percent of students enrolled in undergraduate engineering classes. At the graduate level, less than 10 percent of the students enrolled in physics and engineering classes are women.
The NSF would like to see more women study engineering and the sciences, and SIUE Associate Professor Jerry Weinberg is trying to help. He is part of a team that recently received a $360,000 grant, titled "The Effects of Robotics Projects on Girls' Perceptions of Achievement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics."
Weinberg, who is a member of the Computer Science faculty in the SIUE School of Engineering, said the grant was co-written by two other SIUE faculty members-Associate Professor Sue Thomas and Assistant Professor Jonathan Pettibone, both in the SIUE Department of Psychology-as well as Mary Stephen of Saint Louis University and Catheryne Stein of the KISS Institute for Practical Robotics in Norman, Okla.
"We are seeking seventh-grade girls to participate in a competition we will conduct in the spring," he said. "In addition, the project will involve team-based activity in preparation and planning for the spring completion." The SIUE professor has for the last several years conducted a high school robotics competition on campus that has been very popular.
Weinberg explained that the program begins with teams of six to 10 students who will learn about the robot kits to be used in the competition. Those teams will then design, build, and program a team of small mobile robots. "The students will be led by teachers who will be trained in the use of the robot kits and how to use robotics to support their curricula in science and math," Weinberg said.
"Through designing, building, and programming of robots, participants will learn to comprehend how the tools of math and science are used in creative projects, and to learn about their application in the everyday world."
Weinberg pointed out that the grant will pay for each participant's registration fee and will provide additional funds for lead teachers stipends and for materials. He also pointed out that the project will involve an in-depth study of the participants to gain an understanding of how such programs affect girls' perception of their achievement in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). "We also would like to learn whether these attitudes translate into long-term choices in study and career options," Weinberg said.
"Diversity in STEM areas is important because it brings new and fresh perspectives into these fields, resulting in new ideas and solutions that meet the needs of a broader population."
Weinberg is currently recruiting teams from seventh grade classes. To learn more about the project or to become involved, contact Weinberg by telephone: (618) 650-2368, or by e-mail: jweinbe@siue.edu.
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September 3, 2005
SIUE Shaw Lecture Series To Feature UC Professor Sept. 15
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Michael Turner, the Bruce V. and Diana M. Rauner Distinguished Service Professor in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Chicago, will be the Shaw Series lecturer at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Sept. 15.
Speaking about "The Dark Side of the Universe: Beyond Stars and the Starstuff We Are Made Of," Turner will appear at 7:30 p.m. in SIUE's Dunham Hall Theater. Admission is free and the lecture is open to the public.
Turner is a cosmologist whose research focuses on the earliest moments of the universe. He has made important contributions to inflationary universe theory, understanding of dark matter and the origin of structure. He will speak at SIUE about dark matter and dark energy. Dark matter and dark energy, invisible to telescopes, can only be detected through their effects on other objects, but make up 95 percent of the universe.
He holds appointments in the Department of Physics and in the Enrico Fermi Institute at Chicago. For more than 20 years, Turner was member of the scientific staff at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.
Turner has been honored with the Helen B. Warner Prize of the American Astronomical Society, the Julius Edgar Lilienfeld Prize of the American Physical Society, the Halley Lectureship at Oxford University, and the Quantrell Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching at Chicago. He has served on or chaired many national advisory committees, and since 1984 he has been involved in the governance of the Aspen Center for Physics, serving as president from 1989 to 1993. From 1998-2003 he served on the Board of Trustees of the Illinois Math and Science Academy.
Turner recently was appointed assistant director for Mathematical and Physical Sciences at the National Science Foundation. He received a bachelor of science in Physics from the California Institute of Technology (1971) and his doctorate in Physics from Stanford University (1978). His association with the University of Chicago began in 1978 as an Enrico Fermi Fellow and in 1980 he joined the faculty.
Turner is a Fellow of the APS and of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and is a member of the National Academy of Sciences.
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September 4, 2005
"11 Days Of Peace" Campaign Set For Sept. 11-21 At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) To commemorate those who died during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and to promote global peace, the "11 Days of Peace Campaign" will be celebrated Sept. 11-21 at the domed Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Religious Center and at SIUE's Morris University Center (MC).
The activities will culminate in a U.N. International Day of Peace celebration that will include a march from the MC to the Center, with participants carrying candles while the University's carillon tolls at noontime on Sept. 21.
The Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM) and the United Campus Ministry (UCM), both headquartered at the Religious Center, as well as the SIUE Student Leadership Development Center and the Raise Your Voice student organization are co-sponsoring the event.
"This is a celebration of peaceful activities and events," said Sr. Claudia Calzetta, CCM director. "We encourage all students and anyone from the community to join us in all or any of the activities during these 11 days," she said. "This is not a series of events with a political agenda nor does this campaign have a political agenda. It does not support or negate any political party," she said.
"We hope that these 11 days will help all of us become more at peace in our relationships with others, with nature, and with the world at large."
A schedule of events is available at the SIUE Religious Center Web site: www.siue.edu/RELIGION. A brochure is available through e-mail: sschwan@siue.edu, or a copy can be FAX-ed; call Susan Schwander for details: (618) 650-3246.
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September 6, 2005
Bethalto Resident Named Director Of ERTC At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Paul Shetley of Bethalto recently joined the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering as director of the School's Environmental Resources Training Center (ERTC), according to Paul Seaburg, dean of the School.
Shetley has more than 20 years of practical and management experience in water quality and environmental science.
In his new position, Shetley is responsible for managing external grants and projects, and acting as liaison with state and federal funding agencies, water and wastewater operator organizations, and the water and wastewater industry. Among other duties, he also is charged with developing a strategic plan for furthering the academic mission of the ERTC and capital improvements to the Center.
Shetley earned a bachelor of science in Earth Science and a master of science in Environmental Studies, both at SIUE. He also is a certified water operator and is a registered professional geologist.
Before joining the SIUE staff, Shetley was manager of the Fosterburg Water District for six years and before that was a consultant with environmental engineering firms in the St. Louis Area from 1984-1999. As a consultant, Shetley performed water quality investigations and environmental impact analysis at government and industrial facilities throughout the nation.
The ERTC, located on the north edge of the SIUE campus, is designated by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency as the technical training center for personnel involved in the operation, maintenance, and management of drinking water and wastewater treatment systems. The facilities include two teaching laboratories, a library/computer center, classrooms, an auditorium, and houses a fully functional 30,000 gallons/day water and wastewater treatment plant designed and used exclusively for training.
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September 9, 2005
SIUE Athletics Task Force Assesses Future Of Program
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A task force has been established to consider three possible scenarios for the future of Intercollegiate Athletics at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, including options to strengthen the existing program, create a program that would compete at the NCAA Division I level, or develop a "hybrid" that would include Division I and II teams.
According to Narbeth Emmanuel, vice chancellor for Student Affairs, the successes of SIUE's Athletics program since 1999 have been a result of planning by an initial Athletics committee that was commissioned by then-SIUE Chancellor David Werner. "That original committee was created to consider whether the University should field a football team," Emmanuel explained.
"However, it was determined that other alternatives should be explored, and, because of the committees work our programs have been strengthened over the past six years to the point that we are now poised to move SIUE Intercollegiate Athletics to a new level."
Emmanuel cited several successes within the program:
• The men's soccer program has achieved national success;
• The men's basketball program has been ranked nationally for the first time and has
achieved conference-level success;
• The men's and women's track and field programs, as well as the men's wrestling
program, continue to send athletes in increasing numbers to compete at the national level; and
• The softball program has grown to a perennial national contender.
"SIUE Athletics over the years has become a respected program in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC)," Emmanuel pointed out. "Such success was no accident, but rather the result of careful strategic planning."
The new task force-made up of SIUE students, faculty, staff, alumni, residents of the surrounding communities, and chaired by SIUE School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino-will now consider the following alternatives:
• Continue to strengthen the existing Intercollegiate Athletics program to become the very best at this level, utilizing the current tier system, with special emphasis on tier four sports that includes wrestling and men's golf;
• Consider transitioning from an NCAA-II program to NCAA-I with both the appropriate level of financial resources as well as the necessary facilities to be competitive to achieve national recognition; or
• Consider a "hybrid" that would include Division I and II teams with the appropriate resources and consistent with NCAA policies.
The task force also will explore personnel and financial resources needed to achieve one of these recommendations. Giamartino said the entire process will be guided by specific core values, including student-athlete academic and personal welfare, integrity and ethics, commitment to Title IX guidelines, and preservation of academic and competitive integrity by seeking membership in an appropriate conference.
Giamartino said the work of the task force will be completed by spring 2007. "It is now apparent that SIUE is positioned to develop a strategic plan for the next phase of our program," he said. "The University is very proud of the athletics programs that have contributed to our recognition and reputation as a premier metropolitan university with national recognition, and the members of the task force look forward to building on that foundation as we explore options for the future."
SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift, who recently completed a full year as the University's head, said the work of the current task force will take into consideration planning from the 1999 task force but also the input Vandegrift received at town hall meetings he conducted on campus last year. "I am confident that the task force will provide a comprehensive report that will help guide us in shaping and developing the future of Intercollegiate Athletics at SIUE," he said.
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September 9, 2005
Fourth Residence Hall Considered By SIU Board Of Trustees
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today considered a proposal to construct a new residence hall on the campus of SIU Edwardsville, bringing the total of residence halls on campus to four.
If approved, this newest hall would accommodate 515 students and would bring the total of students living on campus to more than 3,500. The matter was presented to the board at its regular monthly meeting, conducted today on the Edwardsville campus. The matter will be on the agenda for approval at the Oct. 13 board meeting scheduled at SIU Carbondale.
According to the plan, the new residence hall would contain mostly "apartment-style" units housing upperclassmen and graduate students. Unlike the three previous residence halls, the new hall will house such students who want to continue to live near the campus core. Resident upperclassmen and graduate students are currently housed in Cougar Village Apartments, just north of the core campus.
Associate Provost David Sill said the new residence hall would be an additional tool in improving student retention at the University. "Some continuing students who have been in the residence halls for a year or two wish to continue to live close to the core," Associate Provost David Sill said. "But we currently are not able to meet their needs. This new hall will give these students a more supportive and positive experience, which will help with their success as they move toward graduation."
The project would include construction of a three-story, 515-bed student residence encompassing 190,000 square feet and located just south of SIUE's Bluff Hall at the corner of Circle Drive and Whiteside Road. The project also would include a 550-space parking lot. The construction is expected to be completed in time for the 2007 fall semester.
The plan calls for units ranging from single and double rooms and suite arrangements with bathrooms to two- to five-bedroom apartments with full kitchen facilities. The University currently utilizes the 1,500-bed Cougar Lake Apartments to house upperclassmen and families, while the three existing residence halls house freshman and sophomore students.
Plans for the new residence hall were drawn from committee recommendations and a survey of currents students who live off-campus. The committee-made up of students, faculty members, and University Housing staff-also took into consideration historical data and projected numbers for returning housing students, the new freshman class, the number of new freshmen living on campus, new transfer student rates, new graduate students living on campus, and the number of existing students who do not live on campus.
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September 9, 2005
Benefit Concert At SIUE To Support Hurricane Survivors
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Four bands from the bi-state area will unite at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Saturday, Sept. 17, to raise money for survivors of Hurricane Katrina. This concert, planned prior to the recent disaster, was originally intended to raise funds for the SIUE Football Club and for New Horizons, the student organization at SIUE for people with disabilities.
After the disaster, however, it was decided that a major portion of the proceeds would be contributed to hurricane relief efforts. The event will take place in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center.
Musical acts scheduled to perform include 12 Summers Old of Belleville, Rushmore Academy of St. Louis, Nothing Still of St Louis, and Amnesty Letters of Greenville. Tickets may be purchased for $5 in advance or $7 at the door, which opens at 7 p.m.. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. All ages are welcome.
For more information contact Grand One Productions, (217) 556-5712, or Jim Boyle, a specialist in SIUE's Office of Disability Support Services, (618) 650-2568.
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September 13, 2005
SIUE Jazz Supper Dance Set For Oct. 2; To Feature Music Of Ellington
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) With its theme of "Mood Indigo-A Tribute to the Duke," the 17th Annual Jazz Supper Dance, featuring WSIE-FM's Ross Gentile as emcee, will offer an evening of fun, food, and music from 6-10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Reservation deadline is Sept. 23.
Proceeds benefit the SIUE Friends of Music scholarship fund that provides scholarships to talented music students. Half of the ticket price is a gift to the Friends organization and may be considered a tax deductible contribution. The Friends organization is a support group for the SIUE Department of Music.
Set in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center, the Jazz Supper Dance offers a cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing to the big band sounds of SIUE's Concert Jazz Band, under the direction of SIUE Professor Brett Stamps, director of the Jazz Studies Program for the University. Music during cocktails will be provided by guitarist Rick Haydon, also a professor in the Jazz Studies program.
Popular St. Louis area vocalist Mardra Thomas and her husband, pianist Reggie Thomas, an associate professor of Music and head of the SIUE Black Studies program, and musician Scott Alberici also will be featured artists.
The event will be lavishly sprinkled throughout with the music of Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington, famed band leader and influential composer who shaped American music for five decades.
Tickets for the Jazz Supper Dance are $50 per person; a table of eight may be reserved for $350. A Blue Note sponsorship ($500) entitles a table of eight to preferred seating and recognition in the evening's printed program.
For reservations or for more information, call Martee Lucas in the SIUE Department of Music, (618) 650-3799, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 3799.
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September 22, 2005
Sept. 30 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Concert Sold Out At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Sept. 30 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy concert, the opening event for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Arts & Issues 2005-06 season, is sold out. Partners Bank of Glen Carbon is sponsoring the band's appearance.
Arts & Issues, which has a long-standing tradition of bringing world-class performers and noted speakers to Southwestern Illinois, continues Oct. 15 at 8 p.m. with an appearance by legendary singer-songwriter Joan Baez and at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27 with historian David McCullough, author of the runaway New York Times No. 1 best-seller 1776 as well as the popular biographies Truman and John Adams.
Tickets for the Joan Baez concert are $24; students, $12, while tickets for David McCullough are $20; students, $10. More information and tickets are available by contacting the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774; tickets also may be purchased at the Web site: artsandissues.com.
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September 22, 2005
Tickets still available for SIUE Jazz Supper Dance; To Feature Music Of Ellington
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Tickets still are available for the Oct. 2 Annual Jazz Supper Dance, sponsored by the Friends of Music at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
With its theme of "Mood Indigo-A Tribute to the Duke," the 17th Annual Jazz Supper Dance, featuring WSIE-FM's Ross Gentile as emcee, will offer an evening of fun, food, and big band music by the SIUE Jazz Concert Band from 6-10 p.m. that Sunday.
Proceeds benefit the SIUE Friends of Music scholarship fund that provides scholarships to talented music students. Half of the ticket price is a gift to the Friends organization and may be considered a tax deductible contribution. The Friends organization is a support group for the SIUE Department of Music.
Popular St. Louis area vocalist Mardra Thomas and her husband, pianist Reggie Thomas, an associate professor of Music and head of the SIUE Black Studies program, and musician Scott Alberici also will be featured artists.
For reservations or for more information, call Martee Lucas in the SIUE Department of Music, (618) 650-3799, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 3799.
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September 26, 2005
SIUE To Host Two Previews For College-Bound Students And Parents
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill) Each year more and more students have been considering Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and that means a growing number of them have been attending PREVIEW SIUE each fall. In fact, the number of students and parents attending PREVIEW has doubled in the past five years.
This year, SIUE will conduct its annual open house event twice to accommodate the larger crowds of visiting students and parents-on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 10, and Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11.
"PREVIEW SIUE is an opportunity for prospective students and their families to obtain answers to all their questions in one visit to campus" said Karen Bollinger, assistant director of SIUE Admissions and Academic Marketing. "Our program is one of the few campus-visit programs that includes participation from virtually all academic and student services units in one setting."
Because of the larger crowds, Bollinger said, it was decided to offer the event over two days. "We believe we can do a much better job in personalizing PREVIEW by offering the event on two separate days," she said. "We like to get to know the students and their parents, while at the same time offering them the information they'll need to make sound decisions about a college choice.
"At PREVIEW SIUE, our faculty and staff take an active role in talking with prospective students and introducing them to the academic opportunities available at SIUE."
At both events, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Boyd Bradshaw will present opening remarks at 8:30 a.m. in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Delyte W. Morris University Center. Students may speak one-on-one to department representatives at each event during the information fairs in the Morris Center Goshen Lounge from 10 a.m. to noon.
At both PREVIEW opportunities, the opening session, SIUEssentials, will cover information on admission requirements, financing an education, and University Housing options. Students then will have opportunities to tour the central campus, meet with faculty and staff at the information fair, or attend an informational session of their choice. All academic units will play host to the informational sessions for students interested in their respective program.
Also, prospective students may attend a panel session made up of current SIUE students. Similarly, prospective parents also may attend a panel of parents of current SIUE students.
Informational session topics include Tailor-Made Careers, Transferring to SIUE, as well as academic sessions presented by the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences and the Schools of Business, Education, Engineering, Nursing, and Pharmacy.
Check-in and on-site registration begins at 8 a.m. in the Morris University Center. It is recommended that interested students pre-register online at the Web site: www.admissions.siue.edu/ PREVIEW, or by telephone: (800) 447-SIUE.
Tours of the campus, residence halls, and SIUE's Lovejoy Library will be offered until 2 p.m., while campus offices will remain open until 4:30 p.m. PREVIEW parking will be available in the Student Fan Lots. There is no charge for either event.
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September 26, 2005
Fourth Annual Chili Cool-Off Set For Oct. 21 At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The 4th Annual Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chili Cook-off, presented by the SIUE Club Sports Program, is set for 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at Korte Stadium as part of Homecoming Week.
Participants are encouraged to enter a chili recipe for the $100 top prize, a trophy, and most importantly, "bragging rights for an entire year," said Keith Becherer, a specialist in the SIUE Office of Campus Recreation. "Participants may register as an individual, a department, or as an organization," Becherer said.
Registration forms may be obtained at the SIUE Student Fitness Center or by visiting the Web site: www.siue.edu/CREC, or may be ordered by telephone, (618) 650-3245. Registration is $20 per entry. SIUE students and children to age 16 may sample chili entries for $2, while others may taste chili entries for $3.
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September 29, 2005
SIUE Friends Of Religious Center Awards Dinner Set For Oct. 8
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Two women who coordinate a popular interfaith event in the Metro East each year will be honored Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Third Annual Interfaith Awards Dinner, sponsored by the Friends of the Religious Center (FRC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Judy Williamson and Tina Huck, staff members at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, will be the guests of honor at the Oct. 8 event scheduled at 6:30 p.m. at the SIUE Religious Center, the geodesic dome just east of the SIUE Art and Design Building. They will receive the FRC's 2005 Interfaith Leadership Award at the dinner.
Reservation deadline is Oct. 6; tickets are $25 per person, which includes dinner and free parking. The Oct. 8 event also includes a silent auction, with items and gift baskets from organizations and businesses throughout the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon communities.
Williamson, a 12-year staff member and programs coordinator, and Huck, an events coordinator who has been on the Shrine staff for six years, plan the annual Festival of Faiths and Cultures at the Shrine each September. The Festival of Faiths and Cultures, featuring an international food court and many activities, is the largest celebration of people, cultures, and faiths in the St. Louis Area.
The festival offers foods from various cultures and countries, while entertainment includes stage performances of ethnic and cultural dances from around the world, and an international children's village. The village engages children in workshops, crafts, and storytelling, also from a variety of countries and cultures. A peacemakers program also teaches children conflict resolution activities.
The festival, sponsored by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, also includes an interfaith learning center and gift booths featuring merchandise from around the world.
The FRC established the Interfaith Leadership awards to recognize religious leadership and interfaith cooperation in the region. "The leadership provided by Ms. Huck and Ms. Williamson requires broad vision and attention to countless details," said SIUE Associate Philosophy Professor Greg Fields, who is president of the FRC board and coordinator of the SIUE Religious Studies Program.
"Their skill and good spirit encourages cooperation among members of world faith communities in our region," Fields said. "Meanwhile, the Festival enhances the high level of civil life in the region. Individuals and families, who attend the Festival, experience both learning and recreation in a spirit that celebrates understanding among faiths and cultures in today's troubled world."
Fields said the FRC, formed more than four years ago, sponsors two main events each year to raise money to refurbish parts of the 34-year-old Religious Center that is need of repair. "We offer this Interfaith Awards Dinner in the fall and also the Celebration of World Faiths in the spring to encourage interfaith dialogue.
"The FRC is a support group dedicated to preserving the SIUE Religious Center as a significant contribution to architecture," Fields said, "as a place for the spiritual growth of SIUE students as the next generation of leaders, and for religious learning and fellowship within the community."
Dinner reservations may be made through the SIUE Religious Center, (618) 650-3246, or, toll-free from St. Louis, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 3246, or, by calling Greg Fields, (618) 650-2461; St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 2461.
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Fall Undergraduate Enrollment Increases Over 2004-05 At SIUE
Fall Semester enrollment numbers for SIUE show increases in undergraduate students and in the Full Time Enrollment (FTE) over the 2004-05 Academic Year.
FTE is based on the number of hours taken by all students; the number is then divided by 12 semester hours, the level at which a student is considered full-time.
In addition, new freshmen have an average ACT score of 22.6, more than two points higher than the Illinois average (20.3) and nearly two points higher than the national average (20.9).
"Overall, fall enrollment numbers show continued interest in SIUE, while at the same time indicate more students are remaining to finish their education at SIUE," said Todd Burrell, the University's director of Admissions.
Fall enrollment stands at 10,152 full-time students and 3,308 part-time students, representing an FTE of 10,964, an increase of 186 over fall 2004, Burrell said. Total student enrollment is 13,460 for fall.
"We're also pleased with the fact that we have more students this year with declared majors, which translates to better retention and graduation rates," said Boyd Bradshaw, vice chancellor for Enrollment Management. He also pointed out SIUE's housing is at capacity. Some 3,000 students live in the three residential halls-Woodland, Prairie, and Bluff-and in Cougar Village Apartments.
"We are not only excited about the continued interest in SIUE," Bradshaw said, "but we are equally pleased that we continue to attract excellent students as shown by our ACT averages.
"More and more quality students and their parents view SIUE as a first choice institution due to our course offerings, first rate residence halls, and the engagement of students inside and outside the classroom," Bradshaw said.
Fourth Residence Hall Considered By SIU Board Of Trustees
The SIU Board of Trustees last week considered a proposal to construct a new residence hall on the campus of SIU Edwardsville, bringing the total of residence halls on campus to four.
If approved, this newest hall would accommodate 515 students and would bring the total of students living on campus to more than 3,500. The matter was presented to the board at its regular monthly meeting, conducted last Thursday on the Edwardsville campus.
The matter will be on the agenda for approval at the Oct. 13 board meeting scheduled at SIU Carbondale.
According to the plan, the new residence hall would contain mostly "apartment-style" units housing upperclassmen and graduate students. Unlike the three previous residence halls, the new hall will house such students who want to continue to live near the campus core. Resident upperclassmen and graduate students are currently housed in Cougar Village Apartments.
Associate Provost David Sill said the new residence hall would be an additional tool in improving student retention at the University. "Some continuing students who have been in the residence halls for a year or two wish to continue to live close to the core," Sill said. "But we currently are not able to meet their needs.
"This new hall will give these students a more supportive and positive experience, which will help with their success as they move toward graduation."
The project would include construction of a three-story, 515-bed student residence encompassing 190,000 square feet and located just south of Bluff Hall at the corner of Circle Drive and Whiteside Road. The project also would include a 550-space parking lot. The construction is expected to be completed in time for the 2007 Fall Semester.
The plan calls for units ranging from single and double rooms and suite arrangements with bathrooms to two- to five-bedroom apartments with full kitchen facilities. The University currently utilizes the 1,500-bed Cougar Lake Apartments to house upperclassmen and families, while the three existing residence halls house freshman and sophomore students.
Plans for the new residence hall were drawn from committee recommendations and a survey of currents students who live off-campus. The committee-made up of students, faculty members, and University Housing staff-also took into consideration historical data and projected numbers for returning housing students, the new freshman class, the number of new freshmen living on campus, new transfer student rates, new graduate students living on campus, and the number of existing students who do not live on campus.
SIUE Athletics Task Force Assesses Future Of Program
A task force has been established to consider three possible scenarios for the future of Intercollegiate Athletics at SIUE, including options to strengthen the existing program, create a program that would compete at the NCAA Division I level, or develop a "hybrid" that would include Division I and II teams.
According to Narbeth Emmanuel, vice chancellor for Student Affairs, the successes of SIUE's Athletics program since 1999 have been a result of planning by an initial Athletics committee that was commissioned by then-SIUE Chancellor David Werner. "That original committee was created to consider whether the University should field a football team," Emmanuel explained.
"However, it was determined that other alternatives should be explored, and, because of the committees work, our programs have been strengthened over the past six years to the point that we are now poised to move SIUE Intercollegiate Athletics to a new level."
Emmanuel cited several successes within the program:
• The men's soccer program has achieved national success;
• The men's basketball program has been ranked nationally for the first time and has achieved conference-level success;
• The men's and women's track and field programs, as well as the men's wrestling program, continue to send athletes in increasing numbers to compete at the national level; and
• The softball program has grown to a perennial national contender.
"SIUE Athletics over the years has become a respected program in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC)," Emmanuel pointed out. "Such success was no accident, but rather the result of careful strategic planning."
The new task force-made up of SIUE students, faculty, staff, alumni, residents of the surrounding communities, and chaired by SIUE School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino-will now consider the following alternatives:
• Continue to strengthen the existing Intercollegiate Athletics program to become the very best at this level, utilizing the current tier system, with special emphasis on tier four sports that includes wrestling and men's golf;
• Consider transitioning from an NCAA-II program to NCAA-I, with both the appropriate level of financial resources as well as the necessary facilities to be competitive to achieve national recognition; or
• Consider a "hybrid" that would include Division I and II teams with the appropriate resources and consistent with NCAA policies.
The task force also will explore personnel and financial resources needed to achieve one of these recommendations. Giamartino said the entire process will be guided by specific core values, including student-athlete academic and personal welfare, integrity and ethics, commitment to Title IX guidelines, and preservation of academic and competitive integrity by seeking membership in an appropriate conference.
Giamartino said the work of the task force will be completed by spring 2007. "It is now apparent that SIUE is positioned to develop a strategic plan for the next phase of our program," he said. "The University is very proud of the athletics programs that have contributed to our recognition and reputation as a premier metropolitan university with national recognition, and the members of the task force look forward to building on that foundation as we explore options for the future."
SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift, who recently completed a full year as the University's head, said the work of the current task force will take into consideration planning from the 1999 task force but also the input Vandegrift received at town hall meetings he conducted on campus last year.
"I am confident that the task force will provide a comprehensive report that will help guide us in shaping and developing the future of Intercollegiate Athletics at SIUE," he said.
ASTAP At ESTL Teaches Dance, Arts, And Culture
By Patricia Merritt
Director of Public Relations
East St. Louis Center
When Pierre Smith bursts onto stage, it's usually not long after that he elicits applause from the audience. That's because the lithe, long-limbed 17-year-old executes his dance movements with passion and expertise, all of which comes as a result of 11 years of intense instruction.
Pierre is part of the After School Theater Arts Program (ASTAP) at the SIUE East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts. ASTAP, which began classes yesterday, is open for enrollment. The fee for the 13-week session is $60 for children ages six to 17 and $70 for adults.
Courses offered include Dunham Technique, jazz, ballet, and Shotokan karate for kids. To register, call (618) 482-6912 or come in anytime from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday to Suite 1055, Building A, at the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus, 601 James R. Thompson Blvd., East St. Louis.
"All the Performing Arts staff has worked hard with me," said Smith, ASTAP dance captain. "I have been taught by the best. They saw potential in me and have encouraged me to learn as much as I can about dance and its history."
Andrea Smythe, Performing Arts staff member and Smith's mentor, said the young man has been excited about learning how to dance from the first time she met him. "He had natural rhythm, a good memory and a drive to learn," she said.
As long as he can remember, Smith says he's wanted to dance. He enjoys West African dance the most, but is also proficient in Dunham Technique, jazz, modern, lyrical jazz, tap, and praise dance. The teenager, who says he practices dance about 10 hours a week, also has advanced to junior choreographer.
Besides performing for ASTAP, Smith also is part of Afriki Lolo, a West African dance company in St. Louis, and the African American Ensemble, an African dance and drum group in East St. Louis. He hopes eventually to form his own West African dance troupe that will tour around the country.
"I have learned other things besides good dance moves," he said. "Ms. Smythe taught us the importance of knowing the history and culture of dance, too. Dance also has helped me learn the value of discipline."
Still, there is room for growth in the teenager, his mentor said. Smythe believes that her protégé will one day realize his dance aspirations. And, Smith is counting on it, partly because he is continuing to follow the lead of some legendary dancers, especially Katherine Dunham, world-renowned for her dancing technique and choreography.
The SIUE East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts was formerly named after Ms. Dunham, a noted anthropologist and dancer, who was its founder in 1967. The Center for the Performing Arts provides classes, workshops, cultural programs and performing arts to the Metro East community. The staff consists of five professional dancers, with Theodore H. Jamison as program director.
Nationally-Ranked Cougar (Men's And Women's) Soccer To Take Extended Road Trip
SIUE TO PLAY AT OERTER FIELD IN COLUMBIA ON FRIDAY AND AT WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY'S FRANCIS FIELD ON SUNDAY
The SIUE men's and women's soccer teams, now both nationally ranked in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Division II poll, will take an extended road trip with this week's home games to be played off-campus.
Men's soccer is ranked No. 2 in the nation with a 6-1-1 record; women's soccer is ranked No. 17 in the nation with a 7-2 record.
SIUE men's coach Ed Huneke and women's coach Lynda Bowers jointly announced that the Great Lakes Valley Conference games Friday (9/23) and Sunday (9/25) will be moved but played at the regularly-scheduled times.
Friday's game against Kentucky Wesleyan College will be played at Oerter Park in Columbia, located at the intersections of Illinois Route 3 and Gall Road. The women's game begins at 5 p.m. and the men's game follows at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday's game against the University of Southern Indiana will be played at Francis Field on the campus of Washington (Mo.) University. The women's game begins at noon with the men's to follow at 2:30 p.m.
Moving the games will enable Bob Guelker Field, the home of the Cougars, to make at least a partial recovery from poor playing conditions. The field was unable to hold up to this summer's heat and lack of rain.
No. 1 Cougars Battling To Keep Top Spot
The SIUE men's soccer team knows one thing every time it takes the field. They are going to get the other team's best shot.
The top-ranked Cougars are 6-1-1 overall and 2-0-1 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
"We need to continue to handle teams coming at us at 100 miles an hour," said SIUE men's soccer coach Ed Huneke.
The Cougars battle Kentucky Wesleyan at Oerter Park in Columbia on Friday (9/23) night at 7:30. SIUE then takes on Southern Indiana on Sunday (9/25) with the time and place of that match to be announced later this week.
SIUE defeated Saint Joseph's and tied 18th-ranked Indianapolis this past weekend. The Cougars have now gone 24 consecutive GLVC regular season games without a loss. "We had a lot of shots in both games," said Huneke. "The goals came in the St. Joseph's game like they should have. In the Indy game, we took some good shots and had some good chances, but didn't finish."
Leading scorer Tim Collico (St. Louis) netted his fourth goal of the year against the Pumas. Brian Higgins (St. Charles) and John Matthews (Edwardsville) also notched goals in that contest.
After falling behind against the Greyhounds, Victor Pacheco (San Luis, Brazil) scored in the 55th minute to tie the game. The Cougars outshot Indianapolis 27-4 in the match. "Our defense needs to be complimented," said Huneke. "Even though we had a breakdown in the opening of the game Sunday (9/18), they are doing a good job."
The Cougars have outscored their opponents 16-2 this year with a 0.24 goal against average.
Goalkeepers Nicholas Frasca (St. Charles) and Greg Crook (Columbia) have each recorded three shutouts in eight games.
SIUE Men's Golf Wins Cougar Classic
SIUE won its own Cougar Classic by one stroke on Monday (9/19). Craig Heinzmann (Breese) tied for first place with a two-under-par 142 but lost in a playoff to Missouri Baptist's Erik Rios at Belk Park Golf Course.
As a team, SIUE won the 36-hole event with a score of 593, besting Missouri Baptist by one stroke. Lindenwood was third with a 607. There were nine teams in the field. "There were some good teams out there today," said SIUE Coach Mark Marcuzzo.
The all-tournament team includes SIUE's Kyle Lickenbrock (Freeburg), Ryan Howell of Missouri Baptist, Danny Manselle of Missouri Baptist, Nick Profancik of Maryville, and Nicolas Poleito of Lindenwood.
SIUE next heads to the Great Lakes Regional on Sept. 25-26 at Hawk's Head Golf Course in South Haven, Mich. Grand Valley State will play host to the event which includes most of the Great Lakes region's teams in a head-to-head battle. The top teams from this tournament have an edge when bids are announced next spring for the NCAA Tournament.
Cougars On Top Of the GLVC
The SIUE women's soccer team heads into this weekend's contests in sole possession of first place in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
The Cougars entertain Kentucky Wesleyan at Oerter Park in Columbia on Friday (9/23) at 5 p.m. SIUE then takes on Southern Indiana on Sunday (9/25) with the time and place of that match to be announced later this week.
SIUE is currently riding a five-game winning streak as the Cougars hold a 7-2 record overall and 3-0 in league play. SIUE defeated Saint Joseph's and Indianapolis over the weekend.
"I was pleased with the outcome," said SIUE women's soccer coach Lynda Bowers. "We still have a ways to go to clean up some areas. (Kentucky) Wesleyan and USI will be good matches."
Kristine Armstrong (St. Peter's) leads the team with four goals as she netted one against the Pumas and the game-winner against the Greyhounds on Sunday (9/18). "She kept hitting the goalkeeper over and over again," said Bowers. "She is a natural finisher, and she had a frustrating first half (of the Saint Joseph's game). Those (goals) kind of got her confidence up."
Jennifer Kratzer (O'Fallon) had a solid weekend with two goals and one assist. She is tied for third on the team with Kayla Fromme (New Berlin) with six points on the season. "She (Kratzer) had two beautiful shots outside of 18 (yards)," said Bowers. "It was nice to see a variety of people scoring."
Also getting in on the scoring action was Elizabeth Ball (Troy) who netted her first goal as a Cougar.
SIUE has outscored its opponents 11-1 and outshot them 80-32 during the winning streak.
Cougars Looks To Rebound From Tough Start
SIUE Volleyball coach Todd Gober knows his team is in a rough spot after starting Great Lakes Valley Conference play with two road losses.
"We are starting off the conference season with our back against the wall. We just have to get our heads back above water."
The Cougars are 9-5 overall and 0-2 in the league after losses to 22nd-ranked Rockhurst and Drury. "It was a really tough weekend on us," said Gober. "I thought we played very well in the Rockhurst match. During the Drury match, I was disappointed with the intensity and the lack of execution."
SIUE will look to bounce back as the Cougars travel to Kentucky Wesleyan before facing Tiffin in Evansville, Ind., on Saturday (9/24). "It is a lot of little things that I am not happy with at this point of the season," said Gober. "We have to make good things happen, and that starts with practice."
Junior Tricia Happe (St. Louis) notched a career-high 15 kills against Rockhurst. "Tricia played great against Rockhurst," said Gober. "She was finishing and did a nice job blocking."
Allison Buss (Normal) leads the GLVC with 5.73 digs per game and is tops on the team with 18 service aces. "She has played great," said Gober. "She has given us a consistent performance every match."
Senior Heather Bonde (Millstadt) and Tina Talsma (Orono, Ontario) each had solid weekends. Bonde leads SIUE with 181 kills, a .306 hitting percentage, and 3.55 kills per game. Talsma is second on the team with 126 kills.
The Cougars take on the Panthers on Saturday (9/24) at 1 p.m. before battling Tiffin at 5 p.m.
Men's Cross Country Off To Flying Start
After a string of strong performances, the SIUE men's cross country team will have a week off before hitting the stretch run of the season.
"We are in the middle of our most strenuous training period," said SIUE Cross Country coach Eileen McAllister. "The team has raced three weeks in a row; the fatigue was evident in several performances."
The Cougars are fresh off a third-place finish at the Panther Open.
"The men's team finish is not an accurate representation of their potential," said McAllister. "There was a much bigger time gap between runners 1 though 5 this week, and that really hurt us."
Senior Brian Taghon (East Moline) paced SIUE in the 8,000 meter event. He won the race with a time of 25 minutes, 46.82 seconds. Erik Steffens (Moline) was a close third with a mark of 26:08.46. "Taghon and Steffens had very strong performances," said McAllister. "They did a tremendous job of starting the team score with only four points."
Finishing 19th was Brian Getz (East Moline) with a time of 27:16.70. "The training will continue, but having next week off of racing will help rejuvenate the team for the big meets coming up in October," said McAllister.
The Cougars will be back in action at the Loyola Lakefront Invitational on Oct. 1.
Women's Cross Country Gets Set for Loyola Invite
The SIUE women's cross country team finished in fifth place at the Panther Open this past weekend. SIUE has the week off before the Loyola Invitational on Oct. 1.
The Cougar's top finisher was Heather Zipparro (Mt. Prospect) who placed 19th with a mark of 19:48.93. "I am so proud of Heather," said McAllister. "She has worked very hard over the summer and in practice to break out her senior year."
Chelsey Patterson (Sherman) came in 32nd for the Cougars with a time of 20:49.47. "Chelsey also had a big improvement from her first two races," said McAllister. "She's definitely getting back on track as evident in her improved race and practice times."
Cougar Soccer To Go On Extended Road Trip
The SIUE men's and women's soccer teams will enjoy an extended road trip with its home games next week to be played off-campus.
Moving the games will enable Bob Guelker Field, the home of the Cougars to make at least a partial recovery from poor playing conditions. The field was unable to hold up to this summer's heat and lack of rain.
SIUE men's coach Ed Huneke and women's coach Lynda Bowers jointly announced that the Great Lakes Valley Conference games Friday, Sept. 23, and Sunday, Sept. 25, will be moved but played at the regularly scheduled times.
The Sept. 23 game, against Kentucky Wesleyan College, will be moved to Oerter Park in Columbia, which is located at the intersections of Illinois Route 3 and Gall Road. The women's game begins at 5 p.m. and the men's game follows at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for general admission and $3 for SIUE faculty and staff. SIUE students are free with a valid ID.
The site of the Sept. 25 game will be finalized and announced next week.
The SIUE men are ranked No. 1 in the nation with a 5-1 record. The SIUE women are ranked fifth in the Great Lakes Region and hold a 5-2 record.
Men's Golf Gains Early Season Success
After its first two tournaments in more than a decade, the SIUE men's golf team is off to a flying start in the fall season.
The Cougars won the Quincy University Hawk Invitational this past week and finished second at the University of Indianapolis Invitational on Sept. 6.
"It was nice to come out and make a statement against some conference teams," said SIUE men's golf coach Mark Marcuzzo. "The kids are really excited and playing well."
SIUE plays host to the Cougar Classic at Belk Park Golf Course in Wood River this Sunday (9/18) and Monday (9/19). "We feel like we have a really good chance to win it," said Marcuzzo.
In the tournament win over Quincy, the Cougars shot a 300 the first day followed up by a 296 on the second. SIUE last played and won a tournament on April 1, 1991, at the Tommy Armour/ Rivermen Invitational at Whitmoor Country Club. "If we can get our (team) scores in the 290 range, we can compete nationally," said Marcuzzo.
Kyle Lickenbrock (Freeburg) and Craig Heinzman (Breese) both finished tied for second each shooting 146. "They have been real consistent for us," said Marcuzzo. "The team has a great atmosphere. They all get along. The sky is the limit."
Freshman Matt Lehl (Woodstock) was tied for fifth with a 147.
At Indianapolis, Kyle Gansauer (Centralia) led the way for the Cougars with a fourth place finish of 71 at the 18-hole tournament. Lickenbrock was four strokes behind in 15th place at 75.
The Cougars finished seven strokes behind the Indianapolis Invitational champion Kentucky Wesleyan.
Men's Soccer Grabs No. 1 Spot In National Rankings
The SIUE men's soccer team has claimed the top spot in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/Adidas poll.
This is the second time the Cougars have garnered the top spot in the poll this season. SIUE was ranked No. 1 in the NSCAA preseason poll.
The Cougars are riding a five-game winning streak with a 5-1 record overall, 1-0 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. SIUE coach Ed Huneke and his Cougars currently have gone 22 GLVC regular season games without a loss.
Senior Tim Collico leads the Cougars' scoring attack with three goals as SIUE has outscored its opponents 12-1 this season.
SIUE travels Saint Joseph's Friday (9/16) and 18th-ranked Indianapolis on Sunday (9/18) for GLVC matchups.
Steffens Named GLVC Runner Of The Week
SIUE sophomore Erik Steffens (Moline) was named the GLVC Cross Country Runner of the Week on Tuesday (9/13). Steffens finished 3rd (1st for non Division I schools) at the Bradley Open at Detweiller Park in Peoria, Ill., on Friday (9/9).
His time for the 8k course was 25:27, two seconds ahead of senior teammate Brian Taghon. Steffens' finish led the Cougars to a first place finish with a team score of just 24 points.
No. 2 Men's Soccer Rides Five Game Winning Streak
With five consecutive shutouts the SIUE men's soccer team has put defense first during a five game-winning streak.
Second-ranked SIUE holds a 5-1 mark, 1-0 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. "Our defense is really solid," said SIUE men's soccer coach Ed Huneke. "That is a reason why we've had five shutouts in a row."
The Cougars visit Saint Joseph's on Friday (9/16) and 21st-ranked Indianapolis on Sunday (9/18). "They are both tough places to play," said Huneke. "You never know what you are going to find on the road. We can't afford not to bring out our best game."
SIUE notched wins against Truman State and Saginaw Valley over the weekend, outscoring the Bulldogs and Cardinals 6-0.
Tim Collico (St. Louis) netted the game-winner over Saginaw, and he leads the team with three goals. "He had a very nice goal set up by some very good passing," said Huneke.
Kevin Thibodeau (St. Charles), who has been leading the Cougar defense and Adam Lanter (Edwardsville) notched the assists on Collico's goal.
Lanter added a goal and an assist in the victory over Truman State to cap a solid weekend.
SIUE has outscored its opponents 12-1 this season with eight different players netting goals.
Defensively, the Cougars lead the Great Lakes Valley with a 0.17 goals against average.
Goalkeepers Nicholas Frasca (St. Charles) and Greg Crook (Columbia) have been solid backstops for SIUE. Frasca had recorded three shutouts on the season, while Crook has two.
The Cougars battle the Pumas at 7:30 p.m. Friday, and the Greyhounds at 2:30 Sunday afternoon.
Women's Soccer Ready For Two Tough Road Matches
SIUE women's soccer coach Lynda Bowers knows that it is important for her team to gain early success in the Great Lakes Valley Conference season.
The Cougars head to the Hoosier State for matchups with Saint Joseph's and Indianapolis this weekend. "Both of those teams are the type of teams that can beat you," said Bowers. "They are at home and that will play to their advantage."
SIUE won its last three matches to run its mark to 5-2 overall and 1-0 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. "If we do well in the conference, it will look good in our region," said Bowers. "The conference season is such a huge focus for us."
After starting last week with a lost to Southeast Missouri State, the Cougars rebounded with wins over Quincy, Trinity International, and Saginaw Valley State. "It was important to get back on a winning streak," said Bowers. "It's good for our team's confidence."
Kayla Fromme (New Berlin) notched her first two goals of the season in the win over the Cardinals. "She got moved up in the attack," said Bowers. She is playing more of a wing position, and having Kayla up there makes a lot of people on the team very happy."
Kristine Armstrong (St. Peter's) notched the game-winner over the Lady Trojans as well as handing out two assists in the three contests.
Freshman goalkeeper Kaci Backs (Greenville), who is filling in for injured starter Kim Roady (Granite City), has recorded three straight shutouts with a 0.70 goals against average. "She has stepped in for Kim and done a great job," said Bowers.
The Cougars are outshooting their opponents 103-56 this season mostly because of freshman Elizabeth Valenti (Overland Park, Kan.), who leads the team with 19 shots and is second on the club with five points.
The contest with the Pumas begins at 5 p.m. Friday (9/16), and the match with the Greyhounds begins at Noon on Sunday (9/18).
Gober Notches 100th Victory
SIUE volleyball coach Todd Gober picked up this 100th victory as the Cougars' coach last Friday (9/9) in a 3-1 win over Pittsburg State.
Gober becomes the first volleyball coach in SIUE history to reach the 100-win plateau. He has amassed a record of 101-40 since coming to SIUE from Southwestern Illinois College in 2001. "That is one of those accomplishments that I will look back on at the end of the year," said Gober. "It is special, but the players are the ones who deserve the credit."
The Cougars are 9-3 as they begin Great Lakes Valley Conference play on the road with Drury and 22nd-ranked Rockhurst. "Rockhurst is a lot like the teams we have been playing this season," said Gober. "They are very smart and they are very well coached. I think our non-conference schedule is really going to help us prepare for this match."
SIUE ended its non-conference schedule with wins over Pittsburg State and Henderson State.
Senior Heather Bonde (Millstadt) leads the Cougars with 158 kills, a .322 hitting percentage, and 3.67 kills per game. "Heather had a great weekend," said Gober. "I think she has really settled into a comfortable role."
Freshman Mallory Clements (Mt. Pulaski) recorded two triple-doubles (double figures in three statistical categories) against Central Missouri and the Gorrillas. Clements is the only player in the conference to have recorded a triple-double this year, and she became the first Cougar since Amanda Wulfe in Nov. 2001. "Mallory had a huge weekend," said Gober. "She and Krystal (Majernik) are clicking on the way they run the offense."
Majernik (Normal) and Clements have combined for 13.33 assists per game and 4.94 digs per contest.
The Cougars take on Hawks at 7 p.m. on Friday before battling the Panthers at 2 on Saturday afternoon.
Men's Cross Country Finishes First At Bradley Invite
The SIUE men's cross country team placed first at the Bradley Invitational last weekend.
The Cougars travel to Charleston this Saturday (9/17) for the Panther Open.
"I was very happy with how the men ran at the Bradley Open," said SIUE cross country coach Eileen McAllister. "They are running together as a team which will be the key to success at the end of the season." SIUE scored 24 points ahead of second place Rend Lake, who finished with 63 points.
Erik Steffens (Moline) finished first with a time of 25:27.95. Brian Taghon (East Moline) came in second with a mark of 25:29.89.
Kyle Cameron (Moline) came in with a time of 26.17.83 in fifth place. Brian Getz (East Moline) finished in seventh place with a mark of 26.24. Just 15 seconds behind Getz was Josh Bozue (Fairborne, Ohio) in ninth place. "Steffens, Taghon, Cameron, Getz and Bozue all had terrific races," said McAllister. "Erik ran a very smart race. Kyle is impacting the team in a big way for a freshman. Getz and Bozue are leaps and bounds ahead of where they were last year."
The meet begins at 9:45 in the morning on Saturday.
Women's Cross Country Travels To Panther Open
The SIUE women's cross country team will compete in the Panther Open this weekend.
The Cougars finished third with 118 points at the Bradley Invitational over this past weekend. "The women's third-place finish was a pleasant surprise because they are so young and top runner Kelly Flounders (Homer Glen) sat out due to injury," said SIUE cross country coach Eileen McAllister.
Freshman Michelle Meador (Bower) placed 14th with a time of 20:08. Elizabeth Williams (Mt. Vernon) finished 17th with a mark of 20:19.
Freshman Alicia Riggs (Hanover Park) was 26 seconds behind Williams in 21st place at 20:45.
"Meador, Williams, and Riggs all competed really hard," said McAllister. "All the women have shown tremendous effort in practices. They will continue to get stronger and more experienced through out the season."
The meet at Eastern Illinois begins at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday.
SIUE Men's Golf in Second After One Round
18 of 36 holes
Quincy Invitational
ISU Golf Course
Quincy, Ill.
TEAM SCORES
Rockhurst 298
SIU Edwardsville 300
Indianapolis 304
Lindenwood A 304
Culver-Stockton 308
Lindenwood B 311
Quincy 316
Hannibal LaGrange 330
SIUE INDIVIDUAL SCORES
Kyle Lickenbrock 72 (tournament leader)
Craig Heinzman 75
Matt Lehl 75
Brian Kuddes 78
Kyle Gansauer 79
AS AN SIUE INDIVIDUAL (Non-Scoring)
Adam Grandidier 78
Cougars Blank Saginaw Valley
S IUE women's soccer posted its third consecutive shutout Sunday (911), downing Saginaw Valley State 2-0.
SIUE's Kayla Fromme scored both goals, one in each half. SIUE improved its season record to 5-2. Saginaw Valley fell to 2-2-1.
The Cougars dominated on offense, dominating the Cardinals by outshooting them 20-5.
Kaci Backs recorded another shutout with four saves. Stacy LaLond took the loss in goal for Saginaw Valley with nine saves.
Fromme scored from 12 yards out at 36:49 for the game's eventual winner. She scored again at 62:21, laying out for a five-yard header off a cross from Kelly Dill on the left side.
SIUE's next action is Friday (9/16) at Saint Joseph's. Game time is 5 p.m.
No. 2 Men's Soccer Outlasts Saginaw 1-0
SIUE men's soccer continued its streak of shutouts to a fifth straight game with a 1-0 win over Saginaw Valley State on Sunday (9/11).
Tim Collico netted his team-leading third goal of the year 9:05 into the contest. Kevin Thibodeau and Adam Lanter tallied the assists on the goal.
Nicholas Frasca made six saves for his third consecutive 1-0 shutout of the season.
The Cougars outshot the Cardinals 11-10 in the game. After an 4-0 advantage in the shots in the first period, Saginaw Valley outshot SIUE 10-7 in the second half.
SIUE goes back on the road this week for Great Lakes Valley Conferences matches with St. Joseph's at 7:30 p.m. Friday (9/16) and Indianapolis at 2:30 on Sunday afternoon (9/18).
SIUE To Host Two Previews For College-Bound Students And Parents
Each year more and more students have been considering SIUE, and that means a growing number of them have been attending PREVIEW SIUE each fall. In fact, the number of students and parents attending PREVIEW has doubled in the past five years.
This year, SIUE will conduct its annual open house event twice to accommodate the larger crowds of visiting students and parents-on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 10, and Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11.
"PREVIEW SIUE is an opportunity for prospective students and their families to obtain answers to all their questions in one visit to campus" said Karen Bollinger, assistant director of SIUE Admissions and Academic Marketing. "Our program is one of the few campus-visit programs that includes participation from virtually all academic and student services units in one setting."
Because of the larger crowds, Bollinger said, it was decided to offer the event over two days. "We believe we can do a much better job in personalizing PREVIEW by offering the event on two separate days," she said. "We like to get to know the students and their parents, while at the same time offering them the information they'll need to make sound decisions about a college choice.
"At PREVIEW SIUE, our faculty and staff take an active role in talking with prospective students and introducing them to the academic opportunities available at SIUE."
At both events, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Boyd Bradshaw will present opening remarks at 8:30 a.m. in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of the Morris University Center. Students may speak one-on-one to department representatives at each event during the information fairs in the Goshen Lounge from 10 a.m. to noon.
At both PREVIEW opportunities, the opening session, SIUEssentials, will cover information on admission requirements, financing an education, and University Housing options. Students then will have opportunities to tour the central campus, meet with faculty and staff at the information fair, or attend an informational session of their choice. All academic units will play host to the informational sessions for students interested in their respective program.
Also, prospective students may attend a panel session made up of current SIUE students. Similarly, prospective parents also may attend a panel of parents of current SIUE students.
Informational session topics include Tailor-Made Careers, Transferring to SIUE, as well as academic sessions presented by the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences and the Schools of Business, Education, Engineering, Nursing, and Pharmacy.
Check-in and on-site registration begins at 8 a.m. in the Morris University Center. It is recommended that interested students pre-register online at the Web site: www.admissions.siue.edu/PREVIEW, or by telephone: (800) 447-SIUE.
Tours of the campus, residence halls, and Lovejoy Library will be offered until 2 p.m., while campus offices will remain open until 4:30 p.m. PREVIEW parking will be available in the Student Fan Lots. There is no charge for either event.
SIUE Jazz Supper Dance Set For Oct. 2; To Feature Music Of Ellington
With its theme of "Mood Indigo-A Tribute to the Duke," the 17th Annual Jazz Supper Dance, featuring WSIE-FM's Ross Gentile as emcee, will offer an evening of fun, food, and music from 6-10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2.
Proceeds benefit the SIUE Friends of Music scholarship fund that provides scholarships to talented music students. Half of the ticket price is a gift to the Friends organization and may be considered a tax deductible contribution. The Friends organization is a support group for the Department of Music.
Set in Meridian Ballroom, the Jazz Supper Dance offers a cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing to the big band sounds of SIUE's Concert Jazz Band, under the direction of SIUE Professor Brett Stamps, director of the Jazz Studies Program. Music during cocktails will be provided by guitarist Rick Haydon, also a professor in the program.
Popular St. Louis area vocalist Mardra Thomas and her husband, pianist Reggie Thomas, an associate professor of Music and head of the SIUE Black Studies program, and musician Scott Alberici also will be featured artists.
The event will be lavishly sprinkled throughout with the music of Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington, famed band leader and influential composer who shaped American music for five decades.
Tickets for the Jazz Supper Dance are $50 per person; a table of eight may be reserved for $350. A Blue Note sponsorship ($500) entitles a table of eight to preferred seating and recognition in the evening's printed program.
For reservations or for more information, call Martee Lucas in the SIUE Department of Music, (618) 650-3799, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 3799.
2005 Entrepreneurial Summit Set For Oct. 20 In Collinsville
The SIUE School of Business will take part in the "Southwestern Illinois 2005 Entrepreneurial Summit: Bridge to Economic Growth," slated for Thursday, Oct. 20, at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville.
Results of a regional "economic climate" survey will be shared and discussed at the summit. The survey was taken this past summer by the Madison-Bond and Mid America Workforce Investment Boards of potential and current entrepreneurs to gauge the prospects for starting or expanding a business in the area, as well as concerns over the region's entrepreneurial climate.
The Survey and Entrepreneurial Summit represent a collaboration between the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) (Opportunity Returns), Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois, Madison-Bond Workforce Investment Board, Madison County, Mid America Workforce Investment Board, the SIUE Southwestern Illinois Entrepreneur Center, St. Clair County, and the Tri-City Regional Port Authority.
Entrepreneurs of all types are sought to interview and possibly be invited to participate in informal group sessions to discuss the challenges of starting and sustaining new businesses.
Interested entrepreneurs should be located in the region that includes the counties of Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, St. Clair, Randolph and Washington. They may be a home-based business, sole proprietor, or a high impact company. "Art-preneurs" and social and civic entrepreneurs are also encouraged to participate. A response is also welcome from individuals who are planning a micro-enterprise.
"Interviews will also be conducted with organizations, community leaders, and individuals who may provide support services or funding in the region," said Linda Odle, of the Madison County Employment and Training Department. "The survey results will be used to identify catalysts to generate a more robust entrepreneurial climate throughout the region leading to the creation of new jobs, easier access to startup capital, and higher success rates among startup companies," she said.
For additional information, or, for those interested in attending the Oct.20 summit, may contact Odle by telephone, (618) 296-4456, or by e-mail: lodle@mcetd.org.
DDIL Announces $250K Pledge To SIU Dental School
In an effort to further its mission of improving access to oral health and providing oral health education to Illinois citizens, Delta Dental of Illinois (DDIL) announced today it is providing a $250,000 grant to the SIU School of Dental Medicine.
The grant, distributed through $50,000 donations for the next five years, will provide resources for the expansion of the School's Main Clinic in Alton. The expansion includes an Advanced Care Wing, already under construction, which provides new operatory space and a new classroom.
"The expansion will allow the dental school to better serve our patients, particularly those needing specialty consultations and complex treatment," said Ann Boyle, dean of the School. "Educational opportunities will be enhanced, giving pre-doctoral students greater exposure to, and interaction with, graduate students and specialty faculty."
This additional space allows the School to consolidate the teaching of general dentistry and specialty disciplines, including periodontics and endodontics, into one location. A prominent feature of the new addition is a pediatric dentistry bay, which includes four operatories dedicated to pediatric dentistry.
"As part of our mission, Delta Dental of Illinois is committed to improving oral health in the communities we serve," said Dr. Robert E. Dennison, president and CEO of DDIL. "Education and access to care play key roles in improving oral health.
Dennison said the SIU School of Dental Medicine "obviously does important work on both fronts, greatly benefiting the community. We are proud to support the School and its good work by doing what we can to help provide better education to its students and improved care to its patients."
Earlier this month, Dennison and Dr. Frank Maggio, chair of the DDIL Board and a practicing periodontist in Elgin, presented a $50,000 check to Boyle at the Illinois State Dental Society's Annual Session.
"Supporting the expansion of the SIU School of Dental Medicine's clinic is a wonderful opportunity for Delta Dental of Illinois to help improve the oral health in Illinois," said Dr. Maggio. "We're delighted to support the School."
Delta Dental of Illinois is a not-for-profit dental service corporation specializing in providing comprehensive, easy-to-use and cost-effective benefits to more than one million employees and family members in more than 3,000 employee groups throughout Illinois.
Based in Lisle, DDIL offers an array of extensive nationwide network-based managed fee-for-service, PPO, and dental HMO plans.
SIUE Athletics Announces Inaugural Hall Of Fame Class
With a history of widespread success on and off the field, SIUE Intercollegiate Athletics will induct 16 individuals and four teams into its inaugural Hall of Fame Class on Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Vadalabene Center Gymnasium.
"The wealth of success of SIUE Athletics has been phenomenal since the beginning of this program," Director of Athletics Brad Hewitt said. "It's time we formally recognize the individuals and teams that have placed SIUE among the nation's elite."
The first Hall of Fame class will be inducted at a dinner and ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the event are $25 and may be reserved by calling Theresa, (618) 650-3273, or by printing out the form at www.siue.edu/ATHLETIC/ and sending it to SIUE Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Box 1129, Edwardsville, Ill. 62026.
The Hall of Fame class includes 12 student-athletes, all of whom are graduates of the University, from a cross-section of sports and eras. Four administrators and coaches also are to be inducted. The first national championship teams from men's soccer, men's tennis, women's tennis, and wrestling also are to be honored.
The inductees are:
• Mike Allen (BS '75), track and field
• Rosemarie Archangel, first Director of Intercollegiate Athletics for women
• Christina Bokelund (BS '89), women's tennis
• Chris Carenza (BS '75, MA '83), men's soccer
• Pete Delkus (BS '90), baseball
• Arjun Fernando (BS '80), men's tennis
• Amy Frey (BS '83), softball and field hockey
• Harry Gallatin, first director of Intercollegiate Athletics
• Portia George-Morrow (BS '91), women's tennis
• Ed Gettemeier (BS '83, MS '96), men's soccer
• Bob Guelker, laid the foundation for the men's soccer tradition at SIUE
• Roy Lee, founder of SIUE's baseball program
• Greg Makowski (BS '79), men's soccer
• Al Sears (BS '87), wrestling
• Denise Schaake (BS '83), softball
• Tim Wright (BS '87), wrestling
• 1972 Men's Soccer
• 1978 Men's Tennis
•1986 Women's Tennis
• 1984 Wrestling
Meridian Society Announces Workshop Speakers
The SIUE Meridian Society will host the Women's Philanthropy Workshop, The Joy and Influence of Giving, on Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 9:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. in the Morris University Center. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
The workshop will feature nationally recognized speakers and discussion leaders, regional experts on financial planning and women's giving plans, group discussions, a panel discussion led by donors and philanthropic leaders, and a reception for meeting speakers and networking with other participants.
Two nationally-known speakers will present keynote addresses: 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, will deliver the morning keynote address; Tracy Gary, a "donor activist" and philanthropist for more than 25 years, will deliver the luncheon keynote address.
Other speakers include Martha A. Taylor, vice president of the University of Wisconsin Foundation and co-founder of The Women's Philanthropy Institute; Sondra Shaw-Hardy, co-founder of The Women's Philanthropy Institute and co-author of "Reinventing Fundraising;" Debra C. Engle, vice president for development at Iowa State University; Ellen Sherberg, publisher of the St. Louis Business Journal; and James Maher, financial advisor in charge at Merrill Lynch.
"The Women's Philanthropy Workshop will engage women through education and inspiration on their philanthropic potential," said Harold Melser, executive director of University Development at SIUE and staff advisor for the Meridian Society.
"By providing nationally recognized speakers and area experts on philanthropy through the support of partners and commercial sponsors, we are achieving the goals of SIUE for community engagement and excellent reputation."
The workshop is designed for women philanthropists and donors; women business executives and professionals; college and university faculty interested in philanthropy; fund-raising executives; community leaders; nonprofit and foundation CEOs, board members, and staff; and financial and legal advisors.
Registration for SIUE employees, for the full day, is $60, which includes all sessions, workshop materials, continental breakfast, lunch, break refreshments, and the reception. For more information or to register, call (618) 650-2345.
Gaudiani is author of The Greater Good: How Philanthropy Drives the American Economy and Can Save Capitalism, 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," Gaudiani said.
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 Changemakers 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.
Organized in October 2003, the SIUE Meridian Society is an organization for women in philanthropy. 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.
Balanced Cougars Dominate UW-Parkside
SIUE Coach Todd Gober spread the playing time out on Saturday (10/8) as the Cougars defeated UW-Parkside in three games.
SIUE, 16-5 overall and 6-2 in Great Lakes Valley Conference play, downed the Rangers 30-25, 30-24, 30-14. It was the seventh straight victory for the Cougars, who used 15 players in the three-set win.
Jamie Jones picked up seven kills on 11 attacks without an attack error for a .636 hitting percentage. Krystal Majernik nailed 34 assists in two games. GLVC digs leader Allison Buss kept her season pace with 18 digs in three games. Emily Rahn led the Cougars with eight kills.
The Cougars hit .381 as a team, their second best offensive performance of the season.
Lindsey Jones led the Rangers with 11 kills as UW-Parkside fell to 2-19 overall and 0-7 in the GLVC.
SIUE returns to the Vadalabene Center next week for two matches. The Cougars face Bellarmine on Friday (10/14) at 7 p.m. and Northern Kentucky on Saturday (10/15) at 1 p.m.
Banner Named GLVC Player Of The Week
SIUE forward Mike Banner has been named Great Lakes Valley Conference men's soccer Player of the Week after leading his team to two conference wins on the road.
Banner netted two goals in each win over Drury and No. 13 Rockhurst. With his performance over the weekend Bannner leads the Cougars with five goals.
He ranks first in the conference in shots per hame (4.00). The Washington, D.C., native ranks seventh in the GLVC in goals having played eight games this season. He is also listed among the GLVC leaders in points scored as well as goals scored per game and points scored per game. In his 24 games as a Cougar Banner has 27 points (11 goals, 5 assists).
The Cougars hold the No. 1 spot in the GLVC at 5-0-1, with a 9-1-1 overall mark. SIUE hosts Lewis Friday (10/7) at 7:30 p.m, and UW-Parkside Sunday (10/9) at 2:30 p.m.
Bonde Named GLVC Player Of The Week
SIUE middle hitter Heather Bonde captured Great Lakes Valley Conference volleyball Player of the Week honors after leading the Cougars to a 3-0 weekend.
The Cougars started their week in motion on Tuesday (10/4), sweeping University of Southern Indiana (3-0) when Bonde out dueled last week's National Player of the Week, Laura Ellerbusch, with 11 kills and a .435 hitting percentage.
The squad maintained their strength on Friday (9/30) taking SIUE to a 3-0 victory over Drury.
Bonde recorded a career-high 25 kills in a five-set win over 22nd-ranked Rockhurst on Saturday (10/1), handing the Hawks their first GLVC loss. She had five service aces with no service errors for the week.
Bonde improved to No. 4 in the GLVC in hitting percentage overall at .333 and No. 4 in blocks per game at 1.22. She leads SIUE in kills with 3.81 and is third in the GLVC. She ranks fourth all-time in SIUE history in kills (1171) and kills per game (3.31) in 354 games.
The Cougars visit Lewis and UW-Parkside this weekend.
Huneke Passes Guelker; No. 2 Cougars Streaking
SIUE men's soccer coach Ed Huneke passed a coach legend last weekend in the team's win over Drury.
Huneke won his 217th game as the Cougars head coach moving ahead of Hall of Famer Bob Guelker, who notched a record of 216-67-21 in 19 years at SIUE.
"Coach Guelker was a legend in the early years of college soccer," said Huneke. "I don't look upon myself in the same manner, but I feel fortunate to have shared so many wins and memories with a lot of good players and friends."
Huneke, who has an overall record of 217-145-26, prepares his team games with Lewis and 17th-ranked UW-Parkside this weekend. "We have some history of some intense games with both of those teams," said Huneke. "It will be two big rivals that will meet for some exciting soccer."
Second-ranked SIUE is 9-1-1 overall and 5-0-1 as they sit atop the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
After wins over Rockhurst and the Drury during the weekend, the Cougars are unbeaten in their last 27 GLVC regular season contests. "It's a nice ledger," said Huneke. "We have to be careful to not look back and not look too far ahead."
Mike Banner (Washington, D.C.) sparked the Cougars offense with four goals in the two weekend games. He now ranks first in goals scored. "We have always known he was a special type player," said Huneke. "He showed it this weekend."
John Matthews (Edwardsville) has two goals and one assist on the year. "John is a steady player and a work horse," said Huneke.
Trevor House (St. Louis) and Mike Zaegel (St. Louis) have anchored the defensive unit that leads the GLVC with a 0.53 goals against average. "Trevor played very well against Rockhurst," said Huneke. "Mike is our most consistent back and is so important."
No. 14 Women's Soccer Glad To Be Home
SIUE women's soccer team returns home this weekend to face Great Lakes Valley Conference foes Lewis and UW-Parkside.
"It seems like we have been on the road forever," said SIUE women's soccer coach Lynda Bowers. "Lewis is a solid team. Parkside is the top dog even though they lost a few tough games."
The 14th-ranked Cougars battle the Flyers at 5 p.m. Friday (10/7) and the Rangers at noon Sunday (10/9).
SIUE is currently riding a nine-game winning streak. That ties the Cougars for the second longest winning streak in school history set in 1990. The longest steak was 10 set in 1998. "I am still very humble in where we are at tactically," said Bowers. "We still have a long way to go."
SIUE has a record of 11-2 overall, while enjoying a one game lead with 7-0 mark at the top of the GLVC.
Kristine Armstrong (St. Peter's) recorded three goals in wins over Drury and Rockhurst and is tied for first in the GLVC with nine goals. "She has been tremendous," said Bowers. "She had some fantastic individual efforts (over the weekend)," said Bowers.
Freshman Amy Million (Granite City) continued her stellar play with a goal and an assist this weekend. She leads the team with five assists adding five goals. "She is a big part of the reason that Armstrong has quite a few goals," said Bowers. "She makes that extra effort and is playing very aggressive."
Bowers noted that seniors Allison Sweet (Springfield), Kelly Dill (Florissant), Lindsey Kampwerth (Highland), and Crystal Schellenger (St. Louis) have been a vital part of the winning streak. "They are all seeing so many minutes," said Bowers. "They have been key factors in our game."
Volleyball Riding Five-Match Winning Streak
SIUE volleyball coach Todd Gober doesn't want his team to be "satisfied" with three tough Great Lakes Valley Conference wins in five days.
The Cougars defeated defending GLVC champion Southern Indiana, Drury, and 21st-ranked Rockhurst last week. "We have to keep working hard," said Gober. "We can't sit back and be happy with what we have done. We have to move on."
SIUE, 14-5 overall and 4-2 in the league, travels to Lewis and UW-Parkside this weekend. "Lewis is our focus," said Gober. "This is going to be a really tough week. They are always a very good team especially at their place."
The Cougars are one-half game behind the Flyers for second place in the GLVC.
Seniors Heather Bonde (Millstadt) continues to put up outstanding numbers. She leads the team with 255 kills and 3.81 kills per game. Bonde ranks third in the GLVC in kills per game, fourth in total kills and blocks per game at 1.22.
"She has become more comfortable with her own game and what she has to do to be successful," said Gober. "When I look at Heather right now she looks like a very confident, comfortable athlete."
Allison Buss (Towanda) is first in the conference in digs per game with 5.59 after 25 against Rockhurst. SIUE ranks third in the GLVC with 18.04 digs per game. "This is the best defensive team we have had in the last three years," said Gober. "Allison really leads us in that department."
Freshmen Kate Hofeldt (Antioch) and Mallory Clements (Mt. Pulaski) set career-highs in the victory against Rockhurst. Hofeldt notched highs with 16 kills and 12 digs, while Clements had 18 digs. "Mallory and Kate are going to have a number of career games at SIUE," said Gober.
Softball Finishes Up Fall Season
SIUE softball ended its fall schedule with a 11-3 mark. The Cougars defeated six of the nine Division I opponents they faced.
"The fall was great," said SIUE softball coach Sandy Montgomery. "Several people made a lot of progress. I was pretty happy with our success."
Junior Jodie Ohlau (Percy), is a transfer from John A. Logan and is competing for one of the outfield spots. "She did a nice job in the outfield," said Montgomery. "She seems like a clutch player."
Ohlau will go along with two other transfers in pitcher Sabra McCune (DuQuoin) and shortstop Haylee Eubanks (Bethalto).
SIUE's new freshman class includes utility player Nicole Beecher (Blue Springs, Mo.), outfielder Courtney Mall (Tucson, Ariz.), second baseman Amanda Pucel (Minooka), and pitcher Katlin Colosimo (Orland Park). "Our freshman class is a good one," said Montgomery. "They will all be contributors this year. I see a lot of bright spots."
The Cougars will return several senior starters including last season's batting leader Alicia DeShasier (Carrollton), second baseman Holly Neuerberg (Orion), third baseman Amy Rogers (Tucson, Ariz.), and center fielder Shanna Waldo (Peoria).
The Cougars begin the season in Phoenix, Ariz., at the Division II Leadoff Classic on February 16-18.
Women's Golf Finishes Sixth At GLVC Tournament
The SIUE women's golf team placed sixth at the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament in Edinburgh, Ind., over the weekend.
The Cougars finished 63 strokes behind GLVC champion Drury.
"We didn't play up to our capabilities," said SIUE women's golf coach Mark Marcuzzo. "The effort was great, but the kids just had a bad weekend. The off-season is going to be very important to us getting back in the race for the conference."
Brittany Hood (Coulterville) came in 17th after shooting a 161. "Brittany played well for having a bad knee," said Marcuzzo. "When she gets healthy she will do better."
Ashley Hemann (Highland) finished in 21st place, shooting a 165.
Casey Biddinger (Lafayette, Ind.) placed 23rd shooting a 167, and Danielle Kaufman (Nashville) was tied for 24th at 168. "This winter we are going to try and get back to where we need to be," said Marcuzzo.
Banner, Cougars Trip Up No. 13 Rockhurst
Mike Banner scored twice, including the game-winner, as No. 2-ranked SIUE swept past 13th-ranked Rockhurst 3-1 on Sunday (10/2).
The Cougars improved to 9-1-1 overall and 5-0-1 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. The victory extended SIUE's streak of 28 games in the GLVC without a loss. Rockhurst, one of three teams to defeat SIUE last season in its national runner-up run, fell to 7-3-1 and 5-2-1 in the GLVC.
SIUE next faces Lewis on Friday (10/7) and UW-Parkside on Sunday (10/9). The Lewis game is set for 7:30 p.m. The UW-Parkside game is a 2:30 p.m. start.
Trevor House picked up his first goal as a Cougar. The Cougar defender gave SIUE an early 1-0 with a shot from five yards out from Victor Pacheco.
Banner scored what would be the game-winner at 23:07 on a pass from Pete Cacciatore.
After being down 2-0 at halftime, Rockhurst midfielder Michael Ragsdale was red-carded at 48:35 after receiving a yellow card just four minutes into the match. Rockhurst did lay down, however, scoring with a man down at 51:45 as Tom Heinemann scored from 10 yards out from Adam Johnson.
Banner then left no doubt as he scored his fourth goal of the weekend at 70:16. The tally was from 15 yards out on a pass from defender Kevin Thibodeau.
No. 14 Cougars Extend Win Streak To Nine
Kristine Armstrong's (St. Peters, Mo.) scored both goals Sunday as 14th-ranked SIUE defeated Rockhurst 2-1 in women's soccer on Sunday (10/2).
SIUE extended its winning streak to nine games with the victory. The Cougars now stand 11-2 overall and 7-0 in the Great Lakes Vallet Conference. Rockhurst fell to 6-4-1 overall and 3-4-1 in the GLVC.
Armstrong scored her team-leading eighth and ninth goals of the season. Her first goal came at 8:15 from 10 yards out on a pass from Lindsey Kampwerth. The game-winning goal came at 68:45 as Armstrong bombed a shot from 20 yards out with an assist to Amy Million.
The Cougars return to action on Friday (10/7) against Lewis.
Cougar Volleyball Sweeps Past Drury
Tina Talsma's 12 kills sparked SIUE to a 30-16, 30-26, 30-27 win over Drury on Friday night (9/30).
Talsma led the Cougars with a .375 hitting percentage as the team recorded 54 kills on the night. SIUE goes to 13-5 overall and 3-2 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, while the Panthers fall to 6-11 overall and 3-3 in the conference
The Cougars came out firing in the first game cruising to a 30-16 win. In the second game SIUE battled to a 30-26 advantage, and the Cougars fell behind 0-5 in the third stanz only to comeback for the victory.
For the second match in a row senior Krystal Majernik had 40 assists adding 12 digs. Kindra Westendorf led the Cougars with 13 kills, and Heather Bonde had 12. Allison Buss notched 22 digs rising her GLVC leading average to 5.64. Freshman Mallory Clements added 14 digs for the Cougars.
SIUE held Drury to a .025 hitting percentage on the night. The Cougars outdug the Panthers 72-54 in the contest. The Cougars host 21st-ranked Rockhurst tomorrow (10/1)at the Vadalbene Center at 2 p.m.
No. 2 Men's Soccer Heads West
The SIUE men's soccer team travels west this weekend for contests with Drury and 13th-ranked Rockhurst.
"It is important that we don't overlook Drury for the sake of Rockhurst," said SIUE coach Ed Huneke. "That would be a big mistake."
The second-ranked Cougars have a 7-1-1 overall mark and are in first place in the Great Lakes Valley Conference with a 3-0-1 record.
SIUE will be in Springfield, Mo., on Friday night (9/30) at 7:30 to face the Panthers. The Cougars then battle the Hawks on Sunday (10/2) in Kansas City, Mo., at 2:30 p.m.
"The Rockhurst game is looking like a good matchup," said Huneke. "This match could have implications that could go beyond the regular season."
The Cougars will face a ranked opponent in two of its next four contests, and they play four of six games on the road. "It is a tough stretch of the season," said Huneke. "When you are in our conference, and play the schedule we do, there are a lot of tough games back to back."
SIUE is fresh off a win over Kentucky Wesleyan last Friday (9/23) before its contest with Southern Indiana was postponed due to rain.
Victor Pacheco (San Luis, Brazil) notched a goal and an assist in the victory over the Panthers. He now leads the team with 10 points and is tied with Tim Collico (St. Louis) for the club lead in goals with four. "Victor is having a very good year," said Huneke. "He is deadly on restarts outside the area."
SIUE is second in the country with a 0.33 goals against average, thanks mostly to a solid defense and goalkeepers Nicholas Frasca (St. Charles) and Greg Crook (Columbia), who have combined for six shutouts this season. "Teams have a hard time playing against our defensive alignment," said Huneke. "We play well as a team, but we also have outstanding individual players."
No. 14 Women's Soccer Set For Tough Stretch
Even though SIUE women's soccer has a seven-game winning streak, coach Lynda Bowers knows her team has hard work ahead.
Of the next seven games, the 14th-ranked Cougars play, five contests are against teams ranked in the top 10 of the Great Lakes Region. "We have got a lot of big games ahead," said Bowers. "I am not putting a lot of stock in the No. 14 ranking. We have a lot of tough opponents left."
SIUE begins the string of games traveling to Drury at 5 p.m. on Friday (9/30) before battling Rockhust on Sunday (10/2) at noon. "They are both good teams," said Bowers. "They are both the type of team that can beat us, like every team in our conference."
The Cougars hold a 9-2 overall mark, while staying in first place in the Great Lakes Valley Conference with a 5-0 record.
Kristine Armstrong (St. Peter's) ranks first on the team and is tied for third in the GLVC with six goals this season.
Freshman Amy Million (Granite City) is second on the club with 11 points (four goals, three assists). "Our attack is really beefed up," said Bowers. "We are having some good combination plays between a few people."
Kayla Fromme (New Berlin) continues to score after being moved up in the attack. She has four goals in the last five games. "Kayla has been such a spark for us," said Bowers. "She has allowed us to play better."
The Cougars lead the GLVC with 17.1 shots per game. SIUE's six shutouts this season also leads the league.
Volleyball Taking It One Game At A Time
After beginning the Great Lakes Valley Conference season with two losses, the SIUE volleyball team knows it has a chance for redemption.
The Cougars have won two conference matches since then and are set to take on the two teams that defeated them just two weeks ago.
SIUE entertains Drury on Friday (9/30) night at 7 and 21st-ranked Rockhurst on Saturday (10/1) at 2 p.m. "That loss from Drury is still fresh in our minds, " said SIUE volleyball coach Todd Gober. "Right now anytime we can get someone on our home court is an advantage to us. Rockhurst will be a tough match."
The Cougars are 12-5 overall and 2-2 in the GLVC after dumping Southern Indiana on Tuesday night (9/27). "We have a deep enough and talented enough team, that we don't have to play great all the time," said Gober. "We just need to come in and play hard and get consistent effort from everyone."
Krystal Majernik (Normal) leads the team with 7.47 assists per game after a 40-assist performance against the Screaming Eagles. "Krystal has done a great job," said Gober. "I have a tremendous amount of confidence in her setting ability."
Allison Buss (Towanda) is tops in the conference with 5.55 per game. "She, to me is having an All-American caliber year, said Gober."
Seniors Heather Bonde (Millstadt) and Tina Talsma (Orono, Ontario) are one and two on the team in kills. Bonde has 218 while Talsma has notched 152. "We have the best middle combination in the conference," said Gober. "They are a great blocking duo."
Gansauer Wins Great Lakes Regional For Men's Golf
SIUE men's golfer Kyle Gansauer (Centralia) won the Great Lakes Regional Tournament over the weekend.
The Cougars finished sixth out of 20 teams, placing ahead of eight other Great Lakes Valley Conference teams. SIUE had a two-day total of 593, 12 strokes behind regional champion Saginaw Valley. "We went into the regional as an unknown," said SIUE men's golf coach Mark Marcuzzo. "We left the regional very well known."
Gansauer shot a 71 on Sunday (9/25), following that up with a round of 69 on Monday (9/26). "It was a great accomplishment," said Marcuzzo. "Our chance to get in the NCAAs and win conference in the spring is looking pretty good."
Kyle Lickenbrock (Freeburg) placed 11th with a two-day total of 145. Craig Heinzman (Breese) came in 44th after shooting a 152. "They have stepped up their game and really played well," said Marcuzzo.
The Cougars will be in Mankato, Minn., next week for the Minnesota State-Mankato Tournament.
Women's Golf Prepares For GLVC Tournament
The SIUE women's golf team travels to Edinburg, Ind., for the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament this weekend.
SIUE recently finished in fourth place with a score of 333 at the USI Screaming Eagle Classic Open this past weekend. The Cougars were 17 shots behind tournament champion DePauw. "The girls did nice job," said SIUE women's golf coach Mark Marcuzzo. "They know that could have played a lot better. We need to make sure we get the job done this week at the conference."
Ashley Hemann (Highland) tied for seventh with a 79. "We have been working hard on her swing," said Marcuzzo. "She did well."
Brittany Hood (Coulterville) came in 22nd with a score of 84.
Danielle Kaufman (Nashville) and Natalie Connaway (Nashville) were tied in 29th place each shooting 85. "We need to make sure we get the job done this week at the conference," said Marcuzzo. "It will be nice to go to the conference with a full squad."
Cougars Break Through With Victory Over S. Indiana
It had been more than two years and four straight match losses since the SIUE volleyball team has defeated Southern Indiana.
But, the Cougars broke through Tuesday night with a 30-14, 34-32, 30-28 win over the Screaming Eagles.
Senior Heather Bonde led the Cougar charge with a team-high 11 kills and a .435 hitting percentage. Bonde is first on the club with 218 kills.
SIUE improves to 12-5 overall and 2-2 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Southern Indiana drops to 10-8 overall and 2-2 in the league.
The Cougars cruised to a win in the first game but had to battle to a 34-32 win in the second. In the third game, SIUE fell behind 14-7 only to come back for the win.
SIUE notched a .282 hitting percentage while holding the Screaming Eagles to a .147 percentage.
Freshman Kate Hofeldt matched Bonde's team-high with 11 kills, middle hitter Tina Talsma recorded 10, and Kim Potthast had nine. Krystal Majernik led the way with 40 assists and 10 digs, while Allison Buss had 14 digs.
The last time SIUE defeated Southern Indiana was Sept. 20, 2003, when the Cougars won 25-30, 30-21, 30-27, and 30-19 at the Vadalabene Center.
The Cougars are back in action Friday (9/30) night as Drury visits the Vadalabene Center before a home match with 21st-ranked Rockhurst on Saturday (10/1).
August 2005
August 1, 2005
Hoover Fellow to Receive Honor at Aug. 6 Commencement
Shelby Steele, of Palo Alto, Calif., a 1971 graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, will receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award at the SIUE Aug. 6 summer commencement ceremony, where he also will give the commencement address.
Nearly 630 students are expected to graduate at the 10 a.m. ceremony that Saturday in SIUE's Vadalabene Center. Eligible graduate candidates from the College of Arts and Sciences and the Schools of Business, Education, Engineering and Nursing will receive diplomas.
Steele said he plans to speak about the tension in America between group identity and individual identity. "I believe the greatness of American Society comes from its individuals rather than from its groups," Steele said. He specializes in the study of race relations, multiculturalism and affirmative action.
The Distinguished Alumnus Award is given each year by the SIUE Alumni Association for outstanding contributions to society by an SIUE graduate. "I am genuinely honored to receive this award," Steele said. "It has brought back many good memories.
"It is nice to know that the University I went to so many years ago still thinks of me."
Steele received his master's in Sociology from SIUE in 1971. "I have vivid memories of every single professor and several students," Steele said. "I felt nurtured and cared about during my time at SIUE."
As part of his graduate studies, Steele wrote a theoretical thesis versus the more common statistical thesis. "Theoretical theses were virtually unheard of at that time, but my thesis advisor supported my efforts," Steele explained.
"My theoretical thesis basically laid the groundwork for the work I've done thus far. That kind of specialized individual attention meant a lot to me."
Steele went on to earn a doctorate in English at the University of Utah. He was appointed a fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University in 1994, and was awarded the National Humanities Medal from President Bush in 2004.
Some of Steele's works include The Content of Our Character: A New Vision of Race in America, which won the National Book Critics Circle Award in 1990 and, most recently, A Dream Deferred: The Second Betrayal of Black Freedom in America. He also has written for major publications including the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, and is a contributing editor for Harper's magazine.
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August 8, 2005
SIUE, City Join To 'Rock the Block' At The Welcome Back Block Party
Late-summer fun and entertainment comes to the intersection of Second and St. Louis streets in downtown Edwardsville as the Welcome Back Block Party returns for a fifth year to "Rock the Block" on Friday, Aug. 26.
SIUE students, faculty, staff and the community are invited to start the party at 6 p.m. that Friday. There is no admission charge. "This is a great way for our students to become acquainted with the downtown Edwardsville business district," said Barbara O'Malley, executive director of Marketing and Communications for the University.
"There will be several Edwardsville restaurants and shops with food and clothing booths at the block party to give students a taste of Edwardsville.
"In addition to activities for students, however, we'll have many inflatable games and activity booths for the entire family, so that everyone can join in the fun."
The Block Party has grown since its inception in 2001, with about 1,500 people attending last year. The popular Smash Band and a deejay will provide recorded music this year from 7-8 p.m. and then a live performance from 8-11:30 p.m.
The event is sponsored by the city of Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, the SIUE Campus Activities Board (CAB) and Student Government, the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce, SIUE Campus Recreation, J. F. Electric, the Edwardsville Intelligencer, SIUE Marketing and Communications, and SIUE University Relations.
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August 8, 2005
SIUE And The City Of Edwardsville Welcome Back Students
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and area merchants are preparing to welcome back the more than 13,500 students attending SIUE who will begin returning to campus Aug. 19.
Welcome Week activities begin Aug. 19 and culminate in the Welcome Back Block Party in downtown Edwardsville on Aug. 26. Classes begin Aug. 22.
A schedule of Welcome Week activities, with its theme of "Live from SIUE: It's Welcome Week 2005," may be found on the official Web site: www.siue.edu/CAB/welcomeweek.htm.
"Activities are designed to greet new and returning students to SIUE and to promote an atmosphere of welcome and involvement," said Cheryl Heard, assistant director of SIUE's Kimmel Leadership Center.
Heard said a special invitation is extended to the University community to join SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift and Edwardsville Mayor Gary Niebur for a complimentary six-ounce Dairy Queen® Blizzard during the annual Merchants' Fair and Ice Cream Social at noon Wednesday, Aug. 24, in the Morris University Center Goshen Lounge.
"The week will be filled with lots of other fun and exciting events and activities such as free food, games, contests, prizes, and free T-shirts," she said.
Other activities include student organization information booths, a student employment booth, a poster sale, live music from the 399th Army Band Jazz Combo, the 12th annual showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, and lunchtime entertainment at the Staff Senate Ice Cream Cabaret.
Next week, SIUE Admissions and Academic Marketing staff will be going into the community to distribute "Welcome SIUE Students" signs to businesses in the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon area.
Welcome Week activities end with the annual Block Party from 6 to midnight Friday, Aug. 26, in the 100 blocks of St. Louis Street and Second Street in downtown Edwardsville, adjacent to the Madison County Courthouse.
The event, with its theme of "Rock The Block," will feature live music by the Smash Band, as well as food and beverages from popular Edwardsville restaurants and other organizations. More than 1,500 SIUE students and residents of the community are expected to attend.
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August 19, 2005
School Spirit Committee Seeks Funding For Bronze Cougar Sculpture
A group of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students have formed a committee-the School Spirit and Pride Committee-to raise money to erect a bronze sculpture of a cougar, the University's mascot, on campus.
Nikki Grashoff, chair of the committee, said the proposed sculpture would be "a monument" to the live cougars that lived on campus between 1968 and 1987. "This statue will be a monument to Chimega and Kyna and will enrich the campus by providing a rallying point for students to show their pride in SIUE."
Chimega was the name of the University's first live cougar mascot who came to campus in early 1968 and who "retired" in 1982. Chimega, who for many years was featured at Intercollegiate Athletics events and in Homecoming parades, continued to live in a designated area next to the student center until her death in March 1985. She was buried next to Peck Pond.
In 1982, the campus acquired a second cougar, Kyna, who reigned as mascot until the program was discontinued in 1987 because of safety concerns. She was given to a wildlife preserve near Cairo in Southern Illinois.
"A fund-raising campaign has been implemented by the School Spirit and Pride Committee, in conjunction with SIUE Student Government, to raise money for this project," Grashoff said. "We are resolved to bring this cougar statue to campus."
She pointed out that $30,000 is the goal of the student fund-raising effort.
The bronze sculpture, created by artist Dawn Weimer, of Loveland, Colo., is nine feet tall and depicts a stalking cougar. Four locations are being proposed, Grashoff said: two locations near the Morris University Center, in the area above the "hairpin" turn near the Stratton Quad, or in the flag pole area between Rendleman and Peck halls.
"Rubber bracelets are being sold in the University Book Store at $2 each," Grashoff said, "and soon we will be offering a limited supply of commemorative bricks at $50 each to be placed in a patio surrounding the proposed statue."
The committee already has raised $1,000 from a recent committee-sponsored trivia night. "We are also encouraging other groups to hold additional fund-raisers, such as a car wash, a bake sale, or a dance, to help with this cause."
For more information about the campaign, contact Grashoff by e-mail: ngrasho@siue.edu, or visit the Web site: www.siue.edu/KIMMEL/sg/ssp.
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August 19, 2005
SIUE To Offer 15 Paid Government Internships Through Demuzio Fund
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is offering 15 paid internship opportunities to undergraduate students interested in a professional career in politics and/or state government, and who have junior class standing with either an overall 2.75 GPA or better or a 3.0 GPA or better in their major field of study.
The Vince Demuzio Governmental Internship Program, which is effective immediately, is made possible through legislation recently signed by Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to commemorate the late state senator from Carlinville who died last year after a battle with cancer. Another 15 paid internships are being offered to undergraduates enrolled at SIU Carbondale.
A champion of downstate Illinois interests, Sen. Demuzio was elected to represent the state's 49th senatorial district in 1974, served as chair of the state Democratic Party from 1986-1990, and was serving as majority leader in the Illinois Senate at the time of his death at age 62.
"For the future of our governmental institutions, it is very important for young people to experience public service," said Sen. William Haine (D-Alton), representing the state's 56th senatorial district.
"Knowing and working with Sen. Demuzio as I did for many years, I know Vince would be particularly proud of an educational program designed to attract bright and committed young people to government service."
The program offers two types of internship experience: Legislative staff internships at home offices of House or Senate members or internships with a local state agency office. In either case, interns would work 15 to 20 hours per week while attending classes full time, and perform duties as regular staffers.
Under the program guidelines, interns who work 15 hours per week would receive $660 per month, while interns who work 20 hours per week would earn $880 per month. Applications may be received at any time during the year and, depending on eligibility and availability, are referred to the appropriate legislator or department supervisor for consideration.
Applications rules and guidelines may be obtained by calling Jean Paterson, director of the SIUE Career Development Center, (618) 650-3708.
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August 19, 2005
School Of Nursing To Conduct Annual Walk For Scholarships
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing is encouraging donations for its 2nd Annual Scholarship Walk on Campus, scheduled this year for Saturday, Sept 17.
The event is aimed at raising money for scholarships to support students enrolled in the School. The event is one of the ways the School is addressing the shortage of professional nurses.
The School is recruiting participants from the SIUE campus, nursing alumni, nursing students, nursing faculty, and area residents. "The Sept 17 Scholarship Walk will be a pleasant two-and-one-half-mile stroll or bike ride or run through the SIUE campus," said Marcia Maurer, dean of the SIUE School of Nursing.
The event, which kicks off at 10 a.m., will begin at SIUE's Alumni Hall. In conjunction with the event, campus tours will be offered from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., while a luncheon is scheduled from noon-1 p.m., sponsored by Illinois Oncology, Ltd.
"Our goal is to raise at least $10,000 in scholarships for nursing students," Maurer said. "They are essential partners in our health-care delivery systems. We are trying to reach as many of our graduates and retired faculty as possible, asking them to return to campus to walk and support current and future nursing students.
"Anyone who gathers at least $25 in donations will receive a commemorative T-shirt. Hospitals and other organizations are encouraged to consider being a sponsor with a donation of $25, $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 or more."
For more information about the Sept. 17 walk, or to register to walk, contact Diana Peters, by telephone, (618) 650-2551, or by e-mail: dpeters@siue.edu. Information and registration forms can be obtained at our website www.siue.edu/NURSING/newsandevents/index.html.
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August 24, 2005
An Extraordinary A&I Season Begins With Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, a high-energy swing band whose music puts the "zoot" in "zoot suit," opens the Arts & Issues series 2005-06 season at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Sept. 30. Partners Bank of Glen Carbon is sponsoring the band's appearance.
Arts & Issues, which has a long-standing tradition of bringing world-class performers and noted speakers to Southwestern Illinois, presents the 2005-06 season-billed as "extraordinary"-that includes the return to SIUE of legendary singer/songwriter Joan Baez, internationally known historian David McCullough, the breathtaking contemporary dance of the Minnesota Dance Theatre, former Republican presidential candidate Steve Forbes, and the music of Mozart played exquisitely by the Alexander String Quartet.
And, in a special encore engagement from last year's sellout concert, two-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Kathy Mattea will return to the Arts & Issues stage with a holiday show, performing an evening of Christmas and seasonal music from her Joy for Christmas Day and Good News albums.
"For more than two decades the Arts & Issues series has made extraordinary things happen, so we're presenting our 21st year as an extraordinary season," said John Peecher, coordinator of the series. "We are very thankful for the enthusiastic support of our audiences over the past 20-plus years and for the generosity of our donors, as well as the continued sponsorship of the University, making Arts & Issues a cultural staple of the region. " Peecher said.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, infusing old-school jive and a lively horn section, will appear at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center. BBVD promises an evening of music that swings-rockin' and rollin' with a bit of Dixieland and some Jazz thrown in. With a New Orleans sensibility, BBVD takes their swing into a modern and (did we mention fun?) direction. BBVD's appearance is made possible by Partners Bank of Glen Carbon.
Singer/songwriter Joan Baez, who appeared at SIUE's Mississippi River Festival in 1969 and 1975, makes a triumphant return to campus at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, in Meridian Ballroom. From the Greenwich Village folk scene of the 1960s to Woodstock Nation to songs from her new two-CD retrospective due out in the fall, Baez will merge past, present, and future for an evening of beautiful and thought-provoking music from a timeless performer.
Other Arts & Issues 21st season appearances include two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough-author of the runaway New York Times No. 1 best-seller 1776, as well as the popular biographies Truman and John Adams-at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, in Meridian Ballroom, sponsored by the SIUE School of Education, and visionary economist Steve Forbes, president and CEO of Forbes Inc. and editor-in-chief of Forbes magazine, in Meridian Ballroom at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006, sponsored by the SIUE School of Business.
The Alexander String Quartet, one of the premier ensembles of its kind, will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, 2006, in Dunham Hall theater, sponsored by Erato Wine Bar and Shop with locations in Edwardsville and St. Louis. Having appeared in the major music capitals of four continents, ASQ will present an evening of Mozart in celebration of his 250th birthday. The quartet also has established itself as an important advocate of new music through more than 25 commissions and numerous premiere performances.
Renowned as one of its home state's cultural treasures, the Minnesota Dance Theatre will perform "vividly expressive dance and choreographic adventures" at 8 p.m. Friday, March 17, 2006, in Dunham Hall theater. MDT's distinctive and admired contemporary dance aesthetic is one of the valued legacies of the company's founder, Loyce Houlton, internationally acclaimed choreographer. She masterfully integrated ballet and modern dance techniques to create the distinctive style that has excited MDT audiences and continues to characterize the group's performances.
Back by popular acclaim from last year's season, singer-songwriter Kathy Mattea returns to the Arts & Issues stage in a special holiday concert at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, also in Dunham Hall theater. Mattea will offer a "touching range of human emotions with music that will make your heart sing and your spirits soar."
Subscription tickets are on sale with six events offered for $125; students $62.50, or six events with the added attraction of Kathy Mattea, $147, students, $73.50. More information and tickets are available by contacting the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774. Subscriptions and tickets also may be purchased at the Web site: artsandissues.com.
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August 24, 2005
SIUE Friends Of Religious Center Seek Nominations For Award
Nominations are being sought for the Third Annual Interfaith Leadership Awards, sponsored by the Friends of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Religious Center (FRC) and set for Saturday, Oct. 6, in the domed center on campus.
The FRC established the awards to recognize religious leadership and interfaith cooperation in the region. "Each year the FRC honors such interfaith leaders so that the community at large can learn about the good work they do," said SIUE Associate Philosophy Professor Greg Fields, who is president of the FRC board and coordinator of the SIUE Religious Studies Minor Program.
Fields said the FRC, formed some four years ago, sponsors two main events each year to raise money to refurbish parts of the 34-year-old Religious Center that is need of repair. "We offer this Interfaith Awards Dinner in the fall and also the Celebration of World Faiths in the spring to encourage interfaith dialogue.
Nominees may be youth, elders, volunteers, professionals, or clergy. Send an e-mail describing the nominee's contributions to gfields@siue.edu or send a nomination letter to the Religious Center, SIUE, Edwardsville, IL 62026-1059. Nominators should include their own name and contact information.
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August 25, 2005
Starratt to Receive the 2005 Hugh C. Atkinson Memorial Award
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Jay Starratt, associate vice chancellor for Information Technology and dean of Library and Information Services, will receive the prestigious Hugh C. Atkinson Memorial Award from the Illinois Library Association (ILA) in October during the annual ILA conference in Peoria.
Named for Atkinson, director of the University of Illinois Library and visionary advocate of multi-type library cooperation throughout the state, the award is given annually either to an individual, a group, a program, or an institution that has made sustained and lasting contributions relating to library cooperation and/or resource-sharing in librarianship. Atkinson died in 1986.
"Being chosen for the Hugh C. Atkinson Award is a huge honor," Starratt said. "I respect the work of Atkinson so much-as a librarian, we are always looking for ways to make our resources go further. Cooperation makes providing information and knowledge to more and more people possible."
Starratt's special interest in promoting library cooperation is evident in his record of leadership of cooperative groups. Most recently, he has taken a leadership role in supporting the merging of three statewide library consortia; the Illinois Library Computer Systems Organization (ILCSO); the Illinois Cooperative Collection Management Program (ICCMP); and the Illinois Digital Libraries organization (IDAL).
The three organizations were merged July 1 into the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois or CARLI. Starratt also was elected recently to the new Board of Directors of CARLI.
Starratt's contributions to library consortia in Illinois dates back more than a decade. He has served as a member and chair of the ILCSO Policy Council and as President of ILCSO's Board of Directors. He chaired ILCSO's Systems Assessment Task Force, which paved the way for ILCSO's consortium-wide implementation of Endeavor Information Systems, Inc.'s "Voyager" system. He also has served as chair of the Illinois Cooperative Collection Management Program and the Illinois OCLC User Group (IOUG).
Starratt is an elected delegate to the OCLC Members Council and is a member of the Executive Committee. He was one of the authors of the Illinois Academic Library "White Paper" that challenged the academic library community to take bold new steps toward enhanced collaboration, an initiative that is coming to fruition with the formation of CARLI.
Starratt received a bachelor's and a master of Library Science from Emory University. Before coming to SIUE, Starratt served as director of Technical and Automation Services at SIU Carbondale's Morris Library. His previous professional positions include those of assistant director for Administrative Services at the University of Nebraska-Omaha's Library and assistant to the director and supervisor of Circulation at Emory University Library.
August 25, 2005
EBR Club Begins 19th Year Of Meetings At ESTL Campus
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Eugene B. Redmond Writers Club begins its 19th year of twice- monthly meetings at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, in Room 005 of Building B on the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus, 601 J.R. Thompson Drive. The club is named for SIU Edwardsville Professor Eugene Redmond, a member of the English Language and Literature faculty.
All writers-beginners to professionals -are invited to attend the meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, September through May. While tutoring and giving exposure to writers, the group offers cultural and literary events such as "Fresh and Ancestral" each year.
Members of the club also collaborate with the SIUE English department to publish Drumvoices Revue, a multicultural literary journal. As co-publisher of the journal, the EBR Writers this year are issuing a "call" for "Kwansabas for Jayne Cortez," a pioneering poet, social-cultural activist, publisher, and co-founder (with Ama Ata Aidoo) of the Organization of Women Writers of Africa (OWWA).
The kwansaba, a 49-word poetic form invented during the 1995 EBR Writers Club workshop season (in East St. Louis), consists of seven lines of seven words each; each word must contain no more than seven letters. Exceptions to the seven-letter rule are proper nouns. Previous issues of Drumvoices have featured "Kwansabas for Katherine Dunham" (2004) and "Kwansabas for Amiri Baraka" (2005).
Last year, OWWA produced "Yari Yari Pamberi: Black Women Writers Dissecting Globalization" at New York University. Cortez will perform with "Firespitters," her world-renowned band, at an Oct. 24-28 Black Arts Movement Symposium on the campus of SIUE.
Kwansaba submissions should arrive by Nov. 1 at Drumvoices Revue, English Department, Campus Box 1431, SIUE, Edwardsville, IL 62026-1431. Submissions must hard copies as well as on a floppy disk in MicroSoft Word format. Accepted kwansabas will be published in the Spring 2006 issue of Drumvoices Revue.
Board members of the EBR Writers Club include Associate SIUE Anthropology Professor Dallas Browne; Professor Redmond; Darlene Roy, president of the EBR club and a published poet, and poet Evon Udoh.
For information about group's calendar, call (618) 650-3991; write the EBR Writers, P.O. Box 6165, East St. Louis, IL 62202; send e-mail to: eredmon@siue.edu; or send by FAX, (618) 650-3509.
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Live ... From SIUE ...
SIUE and area merchants are in the midst of welcoming back new and returning students who began arriving on campus last week.
As part of the festivities, Welcome Week is in full swing, culminating Friday with the Fourth Annual Welcome Back Block Party in downtown Edwardsville.
A schedule of Welcome Week activities, with its theme of Live From SIUE, It's Welcome Week 2005, may be found on the official Web site: www.siue.edu/CAB/welcomeweek.htm.
New students attended the New Freshman Convocation and Orientation program Saturday, Aug. 20, in the Vadalabene Center.
In addition, SIUE Admissions and Academic Marketing staff distributed "Welcome SIUE Students" signs to businesses in the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon area.
The annual Block Party is scheduled from 6 p.m.-midnight Friday in the 100 blocks of St. Louis Street and Second Street, adjacent to the Madison County Courthouse. The event, with its theme of Rock the Block, will feature live music performed by the Smash Band, as well as food and beverages from popular Edwardsville restaurants and other organizations.
More than 2,500 SIUE students and residents of the community are expected to attend.
Meet The New Faculty
Kimberly Archer, Music, received a doctor of musical arts in composition from the University of Texas at Austin. Archer has composed six original compositions for band, one for string quartet, and three for small ensembles. Her scholarly interests include music for public school ensembles and music for wind and percussion. She enjoys film and science fiction.
Rick Chamberlin, Foreign Language and Literature, received a doctorate from the University of Michigan; his dissertation topic was "Medieval German Literature." Recent publications include "Coming Out of his Father's Closet: Klaus Mann's Der fromme Tanz as an Anti-Tod in Venedig" (Monatshefte, forthcoming). Scholarly interests include German literature; he also enjoys tennis, music, and travel.
Rhonda Comrie, School of Nursing, received a doctorate in Education Administration and Higher Education; her dissertation topic was "Identifying and Measuring Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing Students' Moral Sensitivity." Scholarly interests include student moral sensitivity and development and student centered learning; she also enjoys gardening, reading, and sewing.
Doug Conley, director of the Gardens at SIUE and a member of the SIUE professional staff, is expected to receive a master of science in Public Horticulture at the University of Delaware; his thesis topic is "The Greenhouse Complex at Winterthur, a Country Estate During Henry Francis duPont's Stewardship." A Michigan native, Conley enjoys golf, hiking, and travel.
Mike Crider, chair of Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, earned a doctorate in pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Kentucky and completed his post doctoral work in medical chemistry from Purdue University. His dissertation topic was "Syntheses of Ling-Acting Anticonvulsants of the Succinimide Type." Scholarly interests include synthesis and development of somatostatin peptidomimetics; he also enjoys gardening, walking and canoeing.
Tom Douglas, Management and Marketing, received a doctorate in business administration from the University of Tennessee. Recent publications include "Understanding Strategic Responses to Institutional Pressures" (Journal of Business Research) and "Evaluating the Deming Management Model of Total Quality in Services" (Decision Sciences Journal). Scholarly interests include competitive advantage, entrepreneurship, total quality management, and sustainable environmental strategies; he also enjoys cooking, sailing, and travel.
Mike Dudley, Psychology, received a doctorate from the University of Kentucky; his dissertation topic was "Psychological Consequences of Socially Mandated Stigma Concealment." Scholarly interests include stigma, stereotyping/prejudice, and teaching effectiveness; he also enjoys spelunking and enology.
Christine Emling, School of Nursing, earned a Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Evansville; her thesis topic was "Effectiveness of Live vs Videotaped Patient Education." Emling is currently a doctoral student at SIU Carbondale. She is a board certified lactation consultant, an Illinois State certified school nurse, and a prenatal educator.
Richard Essner, Biological Sciences, received a master's in Biology from Southeast Missouri State University and a doctorate in Biology from Ohio University. His dissertation topic was "Morphology, Loco-motor Behavior, and Habitat Use in Arboreal Squirrels." Scholarly interests include evolution of novel loco-motor modes and musculoskeletal/biochemical modeling. He enjoys fishing, hiking, and gardening.
Ayse Evrensel, Economics and Finance, received a doctorate in Economic Geography from the University of Zurich and a doctorate in Economics from Clemson University. Her dissertation topic was "Effectiveness of International Monetary Fund Programs in Developing Countries." Current publications include "IMF Programs in Emerging Countries" (Comparative Economic Studies). Scholarly interests include real business cycles and technological innovations; she also enjoys sewing and making jewelry.
Kathleen Fick, Mathematics and Statistics, received a doctorate from Auburn University; her dissertation topic was "2nth Order Boundary Value Problems." Scholarly interests include preparing future educators, error analysis, and program restructuring; she also enjoys woodworking, reading, and spending time with family.
Louise Flick, School of Nursing, earned a doctorate in Public Health from the University of North Carolina; her dissertation topic was "Psychological Development as a Determinant of Adolescent Maternal Behavior." Scholarly interests include infant mortality, prenatal psychiatric disorder in pregnancy and effects on the fetus, and maternal child epidemiology; she also enjoys running, gardening, and travel.
Thomas Fowler, Biological Sciences, received a master of science and a doctorate at The Ohio State University; his dissertation topic was "Identification of Four Genes for Plant Cell Wall Proteins." Scholarly interests include pheromone and receptor signaling and fungal molecular biology; he also enjoys biking and gardening.
Joel Friedrich, English Language and Literature, received an MFA in creative writing from the University of Montana. He has published poetry in The Paris Review, Prairie Schooner, and River Styx. Scholarly interests include creation of identity for speaker and reader in lyric poetry and what that says about distancing in the writing process.
Ann Gorman, Management and Marketing, received a master of science from the University of Colorado at Denver. Scholarly interests include sales process, general marketing, and channel management; she also enjoys traveling and sailing.
E. Gary Gum, School of Nursing, received a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix; his dissertation topic was "The Completion and Availability of Advance Directives at the Time of Admission to Acute Care." Scholarly interests include the advancement of nursing as a profession; he also enjoys sports and traveling.
Manu Gupta, Economics and Finance, earned a doctorate at Texas A&M University; his dissertation topic was "Board Independence and Corporation Governance: Evidence From Director Resignation." Scholarly interests include corporate finance and international finance; he also enjoys biking and reading.
Donna Hale, Mass Communications, received a doctorate from Bowling Green State University; her dissertation topic was "The Image of Disabled People as Reflected In Award Winning Photos." Scholarly interests include mass communications ethics, minority stereotypes in print and broadcast, and newsroom sociology and management; she also enjoys playing the piano, charitable volunteer activities, and travel.
Jessica Hinz, School of Dental Medicine, earned a doctorate at the University of Missouri at Columbia; her dissertation topic was "Predictions of Child Abuse Potential of Pregnant Teens: Social Support, Conflict, Attachment." Scholarly interests include cross cultural communication in the medical and dental setting; she also enjoys gardening, travel, and baking.
Michaela Hoenicke-Moore, Historical Studies, received a doctorate from the University of North Carolina; her dissertation topic was "Know Your Enemy: American Interpretations of Nazi Germany, 1933-1945." Current scholarly interests include biography and ideology in 20th century Germany, and intellectuals and problems of transatlantic modernity; she also enjoys hiking and meditation.
John Hunt, Educational Leadership, received a doctorate from SIU Carbondale; his dissertation topic was "A Study of the Means Whereby Selected Illinois School Districts Met Financial Exigencies: 1973-1977." Scholarly interests include differentiation of instruction to meet No Child Left Behind targets; he also enjoys reading and classical music.
Asao Inoue, English Language and Literature, received a doctorate from Washington State University; his dissertation topic was "Structural Racism and Assessment." Recent publications include "Community-Based Assessment and Pedagogy" (Assessing Writing). Scholarly interests include assessment of writing, the rhetoric of assessment, and rhetoric of racism; he also enjoys weightlifting and building computers.
Julie Karpinski, School of Pharmacy, earned a Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Kansas. Recent publications include a book chapter, "Pharmacy Practice Issues in Oncology: Drug Information," (Concepts in Oncology Therapeutics). Scholarly interests include new drug products, drug information, and drug interactions.
Jessica Kerr, School of Pharmacy, received a doctorate from the St. Louis College of Pharmacy. Scholarly interests include clinical research in Cardiovascular Risk Management and diabetes, hyperlipidemia, anticoagulation, heart failure, and COPD.
Hyung-Jun Kong, School of Dental Medicine, received a DDS from Northwestern University and a certificate in advanced Prosthodontics from the University of Florida.
Guim Kwon, School of Pharmacy, received a doctorate from the University of Michigan; her dissertation topic was "Lateral Mobility of Fluorescently Labeled G Protein Subunits in Intact Cells." Scholarly interests include understanding the mechanisms involved in the regulation of B-cell proliferation and survival; she also enjoys tennis, biking, and reading novels.
James LeCheminant, Kinesiology and Health Education, received a doctorate from the University of Kansas; his dissertation topic was "Comparison of a Low Carbohydrate and Low Fat Diet for Weight Maintenance After Weight Loss." Scholarly interests include obesity research and risk reduction/prevention for chronic disease; he also enjoys playing basketball and reading biographies.
Dong-Eun Lee, Construction, earned a doctorate in Civil Engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology; his dissertation topic was "Construction Business Automation System." Scholarly interests include construction business automation, simulation, and construction automation and robotics.
Tim McPherson, School of Pharmacy, received a doctorate from Purdue University; his dissertation topic was "Biocompatibility of Synthetic Biomaterials." Publications include: "Phytostanol Tablets Reduce Human LDL" (Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology) and "Fat-free Foods Supplemented with Soy Stanol-Lecithin Powder Reduce Cholesterol Absorption and LDL Cholesterol" (Journal of the American Dietetic Association). He also enjoys cycling.
Larry Miller, Chemistry, is expected to receive a doctorate from Purdue University this year; his dissertation topic is "Elementary Education Majors' Understanding of Particulate Nature of Matter." Recent publications include "Students' Attitudes Toward and Conceptual Understanding of Instrumentation" (Journal of Chemical Education). Scholarly interest include misconceptions/conceptual change; he also enjoys playing piano.
Barbara Nwacha, Art and Design, received an MFA at the University of Iowa; her MFA project was a 22-piece series of silkscreen and foil stampings based on "Arcana Barbie." Current scholarly interests include graphic design history, graphic design and cultural anthropology, and graphic design with social issues; she also enjoys cake and cookie decorating, making greeting cards, and swimming.
Michael O'Malley, Educational Leadership, received a doctorate from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia. His dissertation topic was "Constructing a Critical Pedagogy of Human Soul Through a Postmodern Analysis of Kairos." Recent publications include "Perspectives" (Journal of Curriculum and Pedagogy). Scholarly interests include ethics and educational leadership and qualitative research methodologies; he also enjoys scuba diving.
Caroline Pryor, Curriculum and Instruction, received a doctorate from Arizona State University; her dissertation topic was "How Student Teachers Made Sense of Teaching: the Derivations of an Individual's Education Philosophy." Recent publications include: Democratic Practices in Education: Implications for Teacher Education, (Scarecrow Press), and Writing a Philosophy of Education Statement: An Educator's Workbook (McGraw-Hill Press). Caroline enjoys swimming and golf.
Andrea Reaka, School of Pharmacy, received a bachelor of science, a master of science, and a doctorate, all in bioengineering and all from the University of Illinois at Chicago; her dissertation topic was "Construction of a Virtual High Throughput Screen by 4D-QSAR Analysis." Recent publications include "Metal Complexes of Chiral Pentaaza Crowns as Conformational Templates for Beta-Turn Recognition" (Journal of Computer Aided Molecular Design). Andrea enjoys running and camping.
Paul Rose, Psychology, received a doctorate from State University of new York (SUNY) at Buffalo; his dissertation topic was "Motivational Influences Decision Making." Scholarly interests include motivated cognition as it relates to self-concept, romantic relationships, and consumer behavior.
Donyell Roseboro, Educational Leadership, received a doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro; her dissertation topic was "Icons of Power and Landscapes of Protest: The Student Movement for the Sonja Haynes Store Black Cultural Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill." Scholarly interests include student social movements in America, critical race theory, and feminist theory; she also enjoys monitoring inner city youth.
Kevin Rowland, School of Dental Medicine, received a doctorate from West Virginia University; his dissertation topic was "Electrophysiology of Auditory Brainstem Neurons." Scholarly interests include understanding the neural mechanisms underlying the sensation of pain and temperature in the human body.
Alyssia Ruggiero, Art and Design, earned a master of science in Art Education at Florida State University; her thesis top was "Caring in Middle School Art Classrooms." Recent presentations include a presentation at NAEA, "An Atmosphere of Caring" and a presentation at the Florida State Museum entitled "An Artists' Statement or Relationship." Scholarly interests include working to support the emotional development of students and holistic education.
Michelle Sears, Library Information Systems, received a master's in Library Information Systems from the University of Alabama. Scholarly interests include library resources and services in the electronic environment; she also enjoys yoga, running, and cooking.
Jerome Shen, Chemistry, received a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin; his dissertation topic was "Local Origins Nuclear Shielding Theory and Line Shape Analysis." Jerome has retired from the protein technologies industry, where he developed soy protein products for the food industry. Scholarly interests include the history of the Civil War and World War II; he enjoys gardening and duplicate bridge.
Albertina Siatkowski, Department of Nursing, received a master's from SIU Edwardsville. She is currently working on her doctorate at St. Louis University; her dissertation topic is "Patient Compliance." Scholarly interests include acculturation and health care decision making among Hispanics.
Myung-Sin Song, Mathematics and Statistics, received a doctorate from the University of Iowa; her dissertation topic was "Wavelet Image Compression." Scholarly interests include wavelet image processing, functional analysis, and computer programming; she also enjoys photography and the performing arts.
Diane Sol, Theater and Dance, earned a doctorate at the University of California, Davis. Publications include "The Role of Culture in the Theater of Business/New Delhi, India" and "How to Succeed in the Theater of Business: India." Scholarly interests include theater history and primary source documentation; she also enjoys art history and ethno-music.
Cathryn Springer, Geography, received a doctorate from Texas State University; her dissertation was about " Nature, Process and Effects of Virtual Field Studies." Scholarly activities include reviewing for the Journal of Geography; research topics include fieldwork in geography and geoscience education and virtual field studies; she also enjoys traveling and camping.
Lucian Stone, Philosophy, received a doctorate from SIU Carbondale; his dissertation topic was "Blessed Perplexity: The topos of Hayrat in Farid al-Din Attar's Mantiq al-tayr." Scholarly interests include issues in Islamic philosophy and Sufism; he also enjoys reading and baseball.
Zsuzsanna Szabo, Educational Leadership, received a doctorate from the University of Arizona; her dissertation topic was "Sex-Role Attributional Style, and Career Choices: A Cross-Cultural Analysis." Scholarly interests include information processing, cognition, team learning, and gender issues.
Christopher Theodorakis, Biological Sciences, received a doctorate from the University of Tennessee; his dissertation topic was "Molecular Toxicology of Fish." Recent publications include "Thyroid Endocrine Disruption in Stonerollers and Cricket Frogs from Perchlorate-Contaminated Streams in East-Central Texas" (Ecotoxicology).
Erin Timpe, School of Pharmacy, earned a doctorate at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy. Publications include "Environmental Exposure to Category D and X Medications by Pregnant Healthcare Professionals" (American Journal of Health-Systems Pharmacy). Scholarly interests include diabetes mellitus and adverse drug reactions.
George Watson, Management and Marketing, received a doctorate from Virginia Tech; his dissertation topic was "Ideology and Psychological Contacts." Scholarly interests include moral decision-making and self-affirmation theory; he also enjoys doing home renovations and improvements.
Chin-Chaun Wei, Chemistry, received a doctorate from the City University of New York (CUNY). Scholarly interests include metalloenzyme structure and function, protein electron transfer, and protein-protein interactions involved in biological signal transduction. Chin-Chaun enjoys reading, music, and programming.
Lisa Welch, Sociology and Criminal Justice Studies, received a doctorate from Brown University; her dissertation topic was "The Meaning of Welfare Reform as Seen in its Political and Economic Context as Well as in the Lived Experience of Those Affected by the Policy Shift." Scholarly interests include social policy, social stratification, inequality, and political economy; she also enjoys bicycling, hiking, and theater.
Kim White, School of Nursing, received a doctorate from Barry University; her dissertation topic was "Childhood Lead Exposure: Caregivers' Knowledge of Lead, Perceptions of Risk, and Risk Reduction Behaviors." Scholarly interests include childhood lead poisoning and communication of health information using mass communication; she also enjoys golf, gardening, and reading.
Patricia Wilkins, School of Nursing, received a doctorate at Louisana State University Medical Center; her dissertation topic was "Participation in Decision Making, Organizational Commitment and Job Satisfaction of Nurses with Either a Shared Governance or Non-Shared Governance Structure for Nursing Services." Scholarly interests include nursing services organizational structures, learner center education, and adult health nursing; she also enjoys travel, reading, and youth sports.
Alisa Williams, School of Nursing, earned an MSN at the University of Missouri-Kansas City; her graduate research topic was "Effectiveness of the Nursing Skills Lab in Preparing Nursing Students for the Initial Inpatient Clinical Experience." Scholarly interests include grant writing for the Edwardsville Children's Museum; her current project is "Healthy Communities-Healthy Children."
Ron Worthington, School of Pharmacy, received a doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis; his dissertation topic was "Biochemistry of Blood Cell Development." Scholarly interests include human genetic variation as a determinant of drug response; he also enjoys digital photography.
Bill Wuller, School of Pharmacy, received a master of science in Pharmacy Administration from St. Louis College of Pharmacy; his thesis topic was "Administrative Perceptions of Hospital Pharmacists: A Study of Personnel Directors, National Survey, 1990." Scholarly interests include contemporary experiential education methodologies and benchmarking methodologies for health system pharmacy; he also enjoys golf, football, and raising bonsai.
Rick Yakimo, School of Nursing, received a doctorate from Saint Louis University; his dissertation topic was "Outcome Analysis in Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing." Scholarly interests include psychiatric nursing, psychosocial care of the physically ill, and quality of life in older adults; he also enjoys photography and music.
Valerie Yancey, School of Nursing, received a doctorate from Saint Louis University; her dissertation topic was "William James as a Resource for Ethics at the End of Life." Current scholarly interests include complexity theory, holistic nursing, and health care; she also enjoys art and music.
School Spirit Committee Seeks Funding For Sculpture
A group of SIUE students have formed a committee-the School Spirit and Pride Committee-to raise money to erect a bronze sculpture of a cougar, the University's mascot, on campus.
Nikki Grashoff, chair of the committee, said the proposed sculpture would be "a monument" to the live cougars that lived on campus between 1968 and 1987. "This statue will be a monument to Chimega and Kyna and will enrich the campus by providing a rallying point for students to show their pride in SIUE."
Chimega was the name of the University's first live cougar mascot who came to campus in early 1968 and who "retired" in 1982. Chimega, who for many years was featured at Intercollegiate Athletics events and in Homecoming parades, continued to live in a designated area next to the student center until her death in March 1985. She was buried next to Peck Pond.
In 1982, the campus acquired a second cougar, Kyna, who reigned as mascot until the program was discontinued in 1987 because of safety concerns. She was given to a wildlife preserve near Cairo in Southern Illinois.
"A fund-raising campaign has been implemented by the School Spirit and Pride Committee, in conjunction with SIUE Student Government, to raise money for this project," Grashoff said. "We are resolved to bring this cougar statue to campus." She pointed out that $30,000 is the goal of the student fund-raising effort.
The bronze sculpture, created by artist Dawn Weimer, of Loveland, Colo., is nine feet tall and depicts a stalking cougar. Four locations are being proposed for placement of the sculpture, Grashoff said: two locations near the Morris University Center, in the area above the "hairpin" turn near the Stratton Quad, or in the flag pole area between Rendleman and Peck halls.
"Rubber bracelets are being sold in the University Book Store at $2 each," Grashoff said, "and soon we will be offering a limited supply of commemorative bricks at $50 each to be placed in a patio surrounding the proposed statue." The committee already has raised $1,000 from a recent committee-sponsored trivia night.
"We are also encouraging other groups to hold additional fund-raisers, such as a car wash, a bake sale, or a dance, to help with this cause."
For more information about the campaign, contact Grashoff by e-mail: ngrasho@siue.edu, or visit the Web site: www.siue.edu/KIMMEL/sg/ssp.
The 2005-06 A&I Season Begins With Big Bad Voodoo Daddy ... Extraordinary!
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, a high-energy swing band whose music puts the "zoot" in "zoot suit," opens the Arts & Issues series 2005-06 season at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Sept. 30. Partners Bank of Glen Carbon is sponsoring the band's appearance.
Arts & Issues presents the 2005-06 season-billed as "extraordinary"including the return to SIUE of legendary singer/songwriter Joan Baez, internationally known historian David McCullough, the breathtaking contemporary dance of the Minnesota Dance Theatre, former Republican presidential candidate Steve Forbes, and the music of Mozart played exquisitely by the Alexander String Quartet.
And, in a special encore engagement from last year's sellout concert, two-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Kathy Mattea will return to the Arts & Issues stage with a holiday show, performing an evening of Christmas and seasonal music from her Joy for Christmas Day and Good News albums.
"For more than two decades the Arts & Issues series has made extraordinary things happen, so we're presenting our 21st year as an extraordinary season," said John Peecher, coordinator of the series. "We are very thankful for the enthusiastic support of our audiences over the past 20-plus years and for the generosity of our donors, as well as the continued sponsorship of the University, making Arts & Issues a cultural staple of the region," Peecher said.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, infusing old-school jive and a lively horn section, will appear at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, in Meridian Ballroom. BBVD promises an evening of music that swings- rockin' and rollin' with a bit of Dixieland and some Jazz thrown in. With a New Orleans sensibility, BBVD takes their swing into a modern and (did we mention fun?) direction. BBVD's appearance is made possible by Partners Bank of Glen Carbon.
Singer/songwriter Joan Baez, who appeared at the old Mississippi River Festival in 1969 and 1975, makes a triumphant return to campus at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, in Meridian Ballroom. From the Greenwich Village folk scene of the 1960s to Woodstock Nation to songs from her new two-CD retrospective due out in the fall, Baez will merge past, present, and future for an evening of beautiful and thought-provoking music from a timeless performer.
Other Arts & Issues 21st season appearances include two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough-author of the runaway New York Times No. 1 best-seller 1776, as well as the popular biographies Truman and John Adams-at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, in Meridian Ballroom, sponsored by the School of Education, and visionary economist Steve Forbes, president and CEO of Forbes Inc. and editor-in-chief of Forbes magazine, in Meridian Ballroom at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006, sponsored by the School of Business.
The Alexander String Quartet, one of the premier ensembles of its kind, will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, 2006, in Dunham Hall theater, sponsored by Erato Wine Bar and Shop, with locations in Edwardsville and St. Louis. Having appeared in the major music capitals of four continents, ASQ will present an evening of Mozart in celebration of his 250th birthday. The quartet also has established itself as an important advocate of new music through more than 25 commissions and numerous premiere performances.
Renowned as one of its home state's cultural treasures, the Minnesota Dance Theatre will perform "vividly expressive dance and choreographic adventures" at 8 p.m. Friday, March 17, 2006, in Dunham Hall theater. MDT's distinctive and admired contemporary dance aesthetic is one of the valued legacies of the company's founder, Loyce Houlton, internationally acclaimed choreographer. She masterfully integrated ballet and modern dance techniques to create the distinctive style that has excited MDT audiences and continues to characterize the group's performances.
Back by popular acclaim from last year's season, singer-songwriter Kathy Mattea returns to Arts & Issues in a special holiday concert at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, also in Dunham Hall theater. Mattea will offer a "touching range of human emotions with music that will make your heart sing and your spirits soar."
Subscription tickets are on sale with six events offered for $125; students $62.50, or six events with the added attraction of Kathy Mattea, $147, students, $73.50. More information and tickets are available by contacting the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774. Subscriptions and tickets also may be purchased at the Web site: artsandissues.com.
Research Professorships Announced By Graduate Studies And Research
The second recipient of the Vaughnie J. Lindsay Research Professor Award is Leah O'Brien, professor of Chemistry, for her work on spectroscopy of palladium and platinum catalyst mimetics.
The seventh recipient of the Hoppe Research Professor Award, chosen in this sixth year of the award, is Edward Sewell, professor of Mathematics and Statistics, for his work on operations research.
The Vaughnie J. Lindsay Research Professor Award was created to honor Vaughnie J. Lindsay, who served as the dean of Graduate Studies and Research from 1973-1986 and who began the strong support of faculty research that continues today. The award is funded by private donations from faculty and emeritus faculty and by the SIUE Graduate School, as well as the SIUE schools of Business, Dental Medicine, Education, Engineering, and Nursing, and the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences
The Hoppe Research Professor Award is partially made possible through an endowment established by the late Joseph W. Hoppe, who was originally from Carlinville. He created this endowment through the SIUE Foundation because he believed in SIUE's mission, including the value of faculty research. The program is funded by the Hoppe Faculty Research Endowment; the SIUE Graduate School; the SIUE schools of Business, Dental Medicine, Education, Engineering, and Nursing; and the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences.
Both the Lindsay and the Hoppe Research Professor awards are programs for faculty members of SIUE to recognize and support individual agendas of research or creative activities. These Awards recognize faculty members on continuing full-time appointments, whose research or creative activities have the promise of making significant contributions to their fields of study. Recipients are expected to produce published scholarly works and to submit externally-sponsored grants.
These Professorships are unlike other University awards. They are designed to support a significant portion of a faculty member's larger research agenda. Professor O'Brien and Professor Sewell will be appointed for a two-year period, during which time they will each receive 50 percent assigned time for research each academic year, the services of a one-quarter time graduate assistant (for nine months per year), and $1,000 in support lines.
For her research on the electronic spectra of palladium and platinum containing molecules, O'Brien will study the bonding in these mimetics, or models, of important catalysts. Catalysts are compounds that increase the rate of a reaction and are extremely important in synthetic industrial chemistry. O'Brien will investigate molecules spectroscopically, complemented with theoretical calculations.
The significance of her research is based on the interpretation of the molecular constants obtained from her analysis. Two of the projects she will study are "breakthrough" projects because other scientists have been unsuccessful in their approaches. O'Brien will also involve graduate and undergraduate students in her research program.
"I am honored and delighted to receive the Vaughnie J. Lindsay Research Professorship," O'Brien said. "This award will give me time and support to pursue this new research area for me."
Sewell's overall goal of his long-term research is to develop better ways to solve hard combinatorial optimization problems. A combinatorial optimization problem involves selection of the best solution from a finite number of possible solutions. For example, purchasers of pediatric vaccines want to find the least expensive set of vaccines that can be used to satisfy the U.S. Recommended Immunization Schedule of the Centers for Disease Control.
Because of the large number of shots that babies must receive at each visit, pharmaceutical companies are attempting to reduce the number of shots by combining several vaccines into a single shot. Unfortunately, the pharmaceutical companies are not combining the same vaccines into a single shot, which means that the decision about which vaccine to buy for one disease, such as Hepatitis B, now affects the decision about which vaccine to buy for the other diseases, such as polio. Choosing correctly can save millions of dollars.
Sewell's goal is to develop a better algorithm, which he calls branch, bound, and remember (BBR), for solving such hard combinatorial optimization problems.
"I am honored to be chosen for the Hoppe Research Professor Award," Professor Sewell said. "I am grateful to SIUE for this wonderful opportunity to dedicate additional time to developing new methods (and) it is my hope that this research project will produce algorithms that are capable of solving larger real-world problems."
Carole Frick, associate professor of Historical Studies, is beginning the second year of her Hoppe Research Professorship with research on the gender issues/material culture of 15th-century Italy and the socio-economic impact of the cloth/clothing industry on the inhabitants of the city of Florence.
The first recipient of the Vaughnie J. Lindsay Research Professor Award, Margaret Simons, professor of Philosophy, is beginning the second year of her award for her work on the philosophy of Simone de Beauvoir, a noted 20th-century philosopher and feminist.
SIU Presidential Search Advisory Committee Members Announced
Roger Tedrick, president of the Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees, today released the names of 22 individuals who have agreed to serve on the Presidential Search Advisory Committee (PSAC).
Harold Bardo was selected by the Board to chair the Presidential Search Advisory Committee. Bardo is director of SIU's MED-PREP program, a nationally recognized pre-medicine/pre-dental program for disadvantaged students.
"I cannot be more pleased with the list of individuals who have agreed to assist this Board in the selection of the next president," Tedrick said. "This diverse group represents virtually every aspect of Southern Illinois University. Their commitment of time and talent to the presidential search process will prove invaluable."
The Board of Trustees created the committee in July to assist in the selection of the University's next president. James Walker, current president of Southern Illinois University, has announced his plans to retire effective June 30.
The PSAC is charged with screening initial applications, assisting the Board in the selection of semifinalists and providing the Trustees an unranked list of at least three finalists who are well qualified to lead SIU.
Various university interest and constituency groups nominated individuals named today to the PSAC. In addition to Bardo, the committee members and their representation are as follows:
• Venessa Brown, Jackie Clement, Michael Shaw, and Prince Wells, all representing the Faculty Senate and Graduate Council at SIUE;
• Jyotika Ramaprasad and Margaret Stockdale, both representing the Faculty Senate at SIUC;
• Bill Muhlach and Wenona Whitfield, both representing the Graduate Council at SIUC;
• Morteza Daneshdoost, representing the Faculty Association at SIUC;
• Carolin Harvey, representing the Civil Service Employees Council at SIUC;
• Kyle Stunkel and Paul Pitts, both representing the Administrative/Professional Staff and Civil Service, University Staff Senate, at SIUE;
• Brad Dillard, representing the Administrative/Professional Staff Council at SIUC;
• Cindy Holesko and Melanie Rodrigues, both representing the Student Body at SIUE
• Alexis Allen, representing the Undergraduate Student Government at SIUC;
• Jon Pressley, representing the Graduate and Professional Student Council at SIUC;
• Elzora Douglas, representing the Alumni Association at SIUE;
• Richard Reynolds, representing the Alumni Association at SIUC;
• David Oates representing the SIUE Foundation; and
• Larry DeJarnett, representing the SIUC Foundation.
A public report on the work of the PSAC and the progress of the search will be made to the Board at its Sept. 8 meeting on the Edwardsville campus.
School Of Nursing Recruiting Participants For Annual Walk
The SIUE School of Nursing is encouraging donations for its Second Annual Scholarship Walk on Campus, scheduled this year for Saturday, Sept 17. The event is aimed at raising money for scholarships to support students enrolled in the School.
The event is one of the ways the School is addressing the shortage of professional nurses. The School is recruiting participants from the SIUE campus, nursing alumni, nursing students, nursing faculty, and area residents.
"The Sept 17 Scholarship Walk will be a pleasant two-and-one-half-mile stroll or bike ride or run through the SIUE campus," said Marcia Maurer, dean of the SIUE School of Nursing. The event, which kicks off at 10 a.m., will begin at SIUE's Alumni Hall. In conjunction with the event, campus tours will be offered from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., while a luncheon is scheduled from noon-1 p.m., sponsored by Illinois Oncology, Ltd.
"Our goal is to raise at least $10,000 in scholarships for nursing students," Maurer said. "They are essential partners in our health-care delivery systems. We are trying to reach as many of our graduates and retired faculty as possible, asking them to return to campus to walk and support current and future nursing students.
"Anyone who gathers at least $25 in donations will receive a commemorative T-shirt. Hospitals and other organizations are encouraged to consider being a sponsor with a donation of $25, $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 or more."
For more information about the Sept. 17 walk, or to register to walk, contact Diana Peters, by telephone, (618) 650-2551, or by e-mail: dpeters@siue.edu. Information and registration forms can be obtained at our website www.siue.edu/NURSING/newsandevents/index.html.
SIUE To Offer 15 Paid Government Internships Through Demuzio Program
SIUE is offering 15 paid internship opportunities to undergraduate students interested in a professional career in politics and/or state government, and who have junior class standing with either an overall 2.75 GPA or better, or a 3.0 GPA or better in their major field of study.
The Vince Demuzio Governmental Internship Program, which is effective immediately, is made possible through legislation recently signed by Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to commemorate the late state senator from Carlinville who died last year after a battle with cancer. Another 15 paid internships are being offered to undergraduates enrolled at SIU Carbondale.
A champion of downstate Illinois interests, Sen. Demuzio was elected to represent the state's 49th senatorial district in 1974, served as chair of the state Democratic Party from 1986-1990, and was serving as majority leader in the Illinois Senate at the time of his death at age 62.
"For the future of our governmental institutions, it is very important for young people to experience public service," said Sen. William Haine (D-Alton), representing the state's 56th senatorial district. "Knowing and working with Sen. Demuzio as I did for many years, I know Vince would be particularly proud of an educational program designed to attract bright and committed young people to government service."
The program offers two types of internship experience: Legislative staff internships at home offices of House or Senate members or internships with a local state agency office. In either case, interns would work 15 to 20 hours per week while attending classes full time, and perform duties as regular staffers.
Under the program guidelines, interns who work 15 hours per week would receive $660 per month, while interns who work 20 hours per week would earn $880 per month. Applications may be received at any time during the year and, depending on eligibility and availability, are referred to the appropriate legislator or department supervisor for consideration.
Applications rules and guidelines may be obtained by calling Jean Paterson, director of the SIUE Career Development Center, (618) 650-3708.
No. 2 Men's Soccer Gets Back On Track
The SIUE men's soccer team is headed in the right direction returning to Korte Stadium for two games this weekend.
The second-ranked Cougars are currently 3-1 and 1-0 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference as they face Truman State and Saginaw Valley. The Bulldogs also enter the Friday (9/9) 7 p.m. contest with a 3-1 mark.
"We have had a recent history of important games with Truman State," said SIUE men's soccer coach Ed Huneke. "This one fits into that category as well."
SIUE defeated Quincy on Saturday (9/3) to continue the Cougars' 22-game conference regular season streak without a loss.
Victor Pacheco (San Luis, Brazil) and Tim Collico (St. Louis, Mo.) netted two goals in the win over the Hawks. Pacheco leads the team with five points. "We are planning on a lot of goals from Victor this year," said Huneke. "Collico always will be capable of finishing when given the right opportunity."
Freshman Robert Ridder (Quincy) picked up a goal and an assist in the two games over the weekend, scoring his first collegiate goal against Northwood at Soccer Bowl XIII. "He had some points this (past) weekend in front of a hometown crowd," said Huneke. "He is showing us more and more, and we like nice surprises."
Goalies Nicholas Frasca (St. Charles) and Greg Crook (Columbia) have given up just one goal this season. Frasca has two shutouts while Crook has one for a goals against average of 0.25. "Shutouts are a good sign of a team that is playing well not only in goal but with team defense," said Huneke. "If we continue in this fashion it will help us win a lot of games."
The Cougars take on Truman at 7:30 p.m. Friday (9/9) before a 2:30 p.m. matchup with the Cardinals on Sunday (9/11).
Women's Soccer Opens GLVC Season
The SIUE women's soccer travels to Quincy tomorrow (9/7) to begin the Great Lakes Valley Conference season. The Cougars head into the match against the Hawks with a 2-2 record.
SIUE is looking to get back to its winning ways after a 4-0 loss to Grand Valley State on Friday (9/2) and 3-0 defeat to Southeast Missouri State yesterday (9/5).
The Cougars are in the midst of four games in seven days. After the matchup with Quincy, SIUE returns home for contests with Trinity International on Friday (9/9) and Saginaw Valley on Sunday (9/11).
Freshmen Jenny Kates (Florissant, Mo.), Amy Million (Granite City), and Elizabeth Valenti (Overland Park, Kan.) lead the team with four points each. Valenti and Million have both netted game-winning goals.
The contest with the Hawks begins at 6 p.m. tomorrow (9/7). SIUE returns to Korte Stadium, facing Lady Trojans at 5 Friday night and the Cardinals at noon Sunday.
Volleyball Gains Edge Before CMSU Challenge
SIUE volleyball coach Todd Gober feels his team has gained an edge that he doesn't want his team to lose.
The Cougars are 7-2 after posting a 3-1 mark after hosting the Cougar Classic.
"If someone would have told us that we would be 7-2 at this point, I would be very happy," said Gober. "I am pleased with how we are playing and the direction we are headed."
SIUE notched a huge four-game win over 23rd-ranked Northern Michigan on Friday night (9/2) during the tournament.
The Cougars head to the Central Missouri Challenge this Thursday (9/8) to face the No. 8-ranked Jennies. The Cougars follow that contest up with matches against Pittsburg State and Henderson State on Friday (9/9) and Saturday (9/10). "This is a good weekend to see how we are doing against some more top teams in the country," said Gober. "Central (Missouri) is a team that you can't just play good for a game. You have to play an entire match. You can't have little breakdowns against them."
Senior Allison Buss (Towanda) leads the Cougars and the Great Lakes Valley Conference in digs per game with 5.41.
Buss's biggest accomplishment of the past weekend was breaking Kim Gilman's (1996-99) digs record of 1,416 against Alderson-Broaddus. She now has 1,433 digs for her career as SIUE's all-time leader. "Allison has done a great job," said Gober. "Her serve receive has been one of our most consistent areas this year. She is passing incredibly well."
Fellow senior Heather Bonde (Millstadt) leads the Cougars with 112 kills, a .311 hitting percentage, and 3.50 kills per game. "This past weekend I thought she hit very well," said Gober. "We need to find a way to get the ball to our middles more, so they can terminate especially Heather."
The Cougars play the Jennies at 7 p.m. on Thursday, before the Gorrillas at 5:30 Friday night and the Reddies at noon on Saturday.
Men's Cross Country Finishes First at Early Bird
The SIUE men's cross country team visits Peoria on Saturday (9/10) for the Bradley Invitational.
The Cougars are fresh off a first place finish at the Washington (Mo.) University Early Bird last week.
SIUE scored 35 points, six ahead of second place Washington University. "I was very pleased with how they ran," said SIUE cross country coach Eileen McAllister. "We wanted to act as a team and as one unit. I felt that we did that."
Brian Taghon (East Moline) led the way in the 5,000 meter run, finishing third in a time of 16.17.
Eric Steffens (Moline) placed fifth with a mark of 16.21 and Justin Crain (McLeansboro) was 20 seconds behind him for a seventh-place finish.
Kyle Cameron (Moline) came in with a time of 16.49 in 10th place. "It was good to see that many guys that close together," said McAllister. "They all finished really strong I like the effort they showed."
The meet at Bradley begins at 5 p.m Friday. "It should be a faster course," said McAllister. "I am looking for people to improve on their times."
Women's Cross Country Heads To Bradley Invite
The SIUE women's cross country goes to the Bradley Invitational this week.
The Cougars placed second at the Washington (Mo.) University Early Bird last weekend. SIUE finished second with 65 points, behind Washington University which had 21.
"I think with such a young group I was happy with how they did.," said McAllister. "I thought they all competed hard. We still have a lot of improvement, but that will come as the year goes along."
Kelly Flounders (Homer Glen) came in at ninth place with a time of 22.12 in the 5,000 meter run.
Freshman Michelle Meador (Bower) placed 13th with a mark of 22:12. "Michelle has really been challenging everyone in practice," said McAllister. "She has been practicing really hard."
Elizabeth Williams (Mt. Vernon) finished at 22nd with a time of 22.43 for the Cougars.
The meet with the Braves begins at 5 Friday evening.
Men's Soccer Opens GLVC Season At Soccer Bowl XIII
As SIUE men's soccer coach Ed Huneke looks back on the team's first two games of the season he says there's one word that comes to mind- unsatisfied.
The Cougars are 1-1 this year heading into the start of Great Lakes Valley Conference play on Saturday (9/3) at Quincy.
SIUE has scored just one goal in a loss at Christian Brothers last Thursday (9/1) and a win over Ashland 1-0 on Sunday (8/28).
"I'm not happy with where we are at this point," said Huneke. "The pieces of the puzzle are there and with a little refinement of placement of personnel, while adjusting to style, I think we will be OK."
Other than the Hawks, SIUE will battle Northwood on Sunday (9/4) at Soccer Bowl XIII. "Quincy is one of our longest standing rivals," said Huneke. "We are ready for two wins and a tournament trophy. That would give us a nice boost."
SIUE headed into the Christian Brothers game ranked number one in the country, but could record only six shots against the Buccaneers. "We had better be aware that it is a big game every time anybody plays us," said Huneke. "They are really going to be geared up and coming at us hard."
In the win over the Eagles, Andrew Crider (Granite City) picked up the game-winning and collegiate goal. "He is adjusting to our style," said Huneke. "I think he has some potential, and he is very athletic."
Kevin Thibodeau (St. Charles, Mo.) leads a Cougar defense that is allowing 7.5 shots per game. "Thibodeau is solid in the back for us," said Huneke. "There are a number of players that need to take it up a bit."
The Cougars will battle with Quincy at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, then taking on the Timberwolves at 5 p.m Sunday.
Freshman Lead The Way For Women's Soccer
Of the six goals that have been scored in two games by the SIUE women's soccer team this year, five have been scored by freshmen.
The Cougars have a 2-0 mark including a upset of 7th-ranked Ashland. SIUE travels north to face Grand Valley State on Friday (9/2). "We are getting all of our top regional opponents out of the way early," said Bowers. "That is another regional opponent that we have to beat. Last year, we lost to them 1-0 and that was a big hit in terms of us getting a NCAA bid."
Leading the freshman charge are Jenny Kates (Florissant, Mo.), Amy Million (Granite City), and Elizabeth Valenti (Overland Park, Kan.). Kates and Million both have netted two goals on the season. "That is pretty much what I expected from them," said SIUE women's soccer coach Lynda Bowers. "They are just very talented and goal hungry."
Valenti recorded one goal, adding two assists including the game-winner over Missouri Southern last Friday (8/26). "She is a very talented player," said Bowers. "She is extremely composed for a freshman. She can control the game and find passing lanes that most freshmen wouldn't even dream of finding."
Fellow freshman Jennifer Kratzer (St. Charles, Mo.) and junior Kristine Armstrong (St. Peters, Mo.) also have made contributions from their forward spots. "All four of our strikers in the Ashland game played great," said Bowers. "Their names were all over the stats."
Junior Padra Bencini (Carbondale) has led the Cougars' defensive, holding their opponents to 16 shots in two contests. "She is a rock for us on defense," said Bowers. "She is such a leader."
SIUE's matchup with the Lakers will begin at 4 p.m. on Friday (9/2) in Allendale, Mich.
Volleyball Hosts Cougar Classic
After returning from the Nebraska-Omaha Tournament with a 3-1 mark, SIUE volleyball coach Todd Gober is pleased with his team's performance heading into the Cougar Classic this weekend.
The Cougars play their home opener on Tuesday (9/6) against McKendree before battling with Alderson Broaddus, Northern Michigan, Missouri Southern and Truman State in the tournament at the Vadalabene Center.
"The Northern Michigan match holds the most importance to us because it is a regional match," said Gober. "Truman State is another tough one because we do have aspirations of being a top 20 team. Missouri Southern is not going to be a walk over either."
SIUE defeated regional foe Hillsdale, Regis, and host Nebraska-Omaha over the weekend. "I am very happy with our team," said Gober. There was a real possibility that after game one on day two we could have come back 2-2."
Heather Bonde (Millstadt) and Kim Potthast (St. Rose) led the Cougars in the kill department with Bonde recording 54 kills and Potthast notching 44. "Kim is an absolute difference maker, said Gober. "We are just now getting a taste of what she will bring to this team. We need to keep getting Heather the ball."
Senior Allison Buss (Towanda) notched 88 digs over the weekend, passing Lindsay Rust (1998-2000) for second place all-time at SIUE for digs in a career with 1349 in 311 games. Buss needs 68 digs to overtake the all-time leader Kim Gilman (1996-99), who had 1416 digs in 482 games. "I rarely have to worry about what she is going to contribute," said Gober. "We know she is going to deliver."
In the win over the Mavericks, the Cougars began to run a 6-2 offense with setters Krystal Majernik (Normal) and Mallory Clements (Mt. Pulaski). The pair combined for 49 assists and 21 digs in the victory. "I want them to become one player and get it in their minds that this is our offense and we are of one mind," said Gober.
Jamie Jones (Flanagan) also had a solid four matches as she averaged 1.33 blocks per game."She had a wonderful weekend," said Gober. "She is only going to get better."
The Cougars will take on Alderson-Broaddus at 4:30 p.m. and Northern Michigan at 7:30 p.m. Friday (9/2). Then SIUE faces Missouri Southern at 9:30 a.m. and Truman State at 5 p.m. Saturday (9/3).
Women's Tennis Open Season At KWC
First year head coach Brian Belt looks to improve upon a 9-7 record from 2004 as the SIUE tennis team gets started this year.
The Cougars will begin their season Friday as they travel to Owensboro, Ky. to take on Kentucky Wesleyan at 3 p.m. "I am looking forward to the season," said Belt.
"We had a good week of practice. That will be a good match for us to get our feet underneath us."
Starting at No. 1 singles for the Cougars will be senior Gina Wohltman (Effingham), at No. 2 singles is sophomore Katherine Ferry (Springfield), No. 3 singles is senior Celia Montes (Chicago), starting at No. 4 singles will be sophomore Brittany Kockler (Troy), and freshmen Kristen Bray (Effingham) and Jennifer Ruthe (Chicago) round out the No. 5 and 6 signals spots.
Belt noted that the match against the Panthers gives his team an opportunity to set up their doubles teams and see how they play.
Men's And Women's Cross Country Begin Seasons
The SIUE Men's and Women's cross country teams get a jump start on the year with the Washington (Mo.) University Early Bird on Saturday (9/3).
The Cougars and Coach Eileen McAllister are looking for a successful season in 2005 after the men finished last year 12th in the regional and the women placed 18th."It is a nice early season meet to see where people are at," said McAllister.
On the men's side key returnees include captains Brian Taghon (East Moline) and Trae Cotner (Springfield), to go along with Eric Steffens (Moline), Brian Getz (East Moline), Josh Bozue (Fairborne, Ohio), Justin Crain (McLeansboro), Blake Marcum (Centralia), and Bart Smith (Benton). New freshman are Kyle Cameron (Moline), Martin Copeland (Alton), Marc Corcoran (Rockford), Tim Raube (Utica), and Steve Werths (Granite City).
On the the women's side returnees are captains Kelly Flounders (Homer Glen) and Heather Zipparro (Mount Prospect), sophomore Sam Christie (Washington), and junior Betsy Hall (Charleston). Incoming freshmen Stacey Riggs (Hanover Park), Katelyn Davis (Williamsville), Hannah Malik (Edwardsville), Michelle Meador (Bower), Chelsey Patterson (Sherman), and Elizabeth Williams (Mt. Vernon) look to make contributions.
Crider, Cougars Blank Ashland
The No. 1-ranked SIUE men's soccer rebounded from its first loss of the season with a 1-0 victory on Sunday (8/28) against Ashland.
Andrew Crider scored off a corner kick from Victor Pacheco at 38:29 for the game's only goal. SIUE improved to 1-1, while Ashland fell to 0-2.
The Cougars also edged the Eagles in shots at 14-8. Nicholas Frasca grabbed three saves for the Cougars. Charles Curren had four saves in goal for Ashland.
SIUE returns to action on Saturday (9/3) at Soccer Bowl XIII. SIUE plays a Great Lakes Valley Conference matchup with Quincy on Saturday at 7 p.m. The Cougars follow that up with a 5 p.m. game against Northwood on Sunday (9/4).
Cougars Knock Off No. 7 Ashland
SIUE peppered No. 7-ranked Ashland with 23 shots and went on to a 3-1 victory at Korte Stadium on Sunday (8/28).
Freshmen Jenny Kates and Amy Million both collected their second goals in as many games for the Cougars. Katie Yearian scored her first of the season on a penalty kick at 74:12.
SIUE, 2-0, outshot the Eagles 23-11. Kim Roady collected the victory in net for the Cougars, collecting seven saves.
Kates gave SIUE the early lead at 33:49 on a corner kick from Jennifer Kratzer. Kates comes flying in past teammate Elizabeth Valenti and headed the ball past Ashland goalkeeper Becky Kasper, who finished with eight saves.
Ashland fired back in the second half at 51:45 when Karen Carty scored off a corner kick from Erin Brockway.
Million earned the eventual game-winning goal at 65:14 when she scored from 12 yards out on the right side on a quick pass from Valenti.
SIUE's next action is Friday (9/2) at Grand Valley State in Allendale, Mich.
Cougars Take No. 1 Ranking On the Road
For most teams, being ranked No. 1 in the country means kicking off the season with a home game against a lesser opponent. But, that's not the case for the SIUE men's soccer team.
The Cougars travel to Memphis, Tenn., on Thursday (8/25) to battle Christian Brothers University for their season opener. SIUE is 0-3 when visiting the Buccaneers, and 2-4-1 against them overall.
"I believe that to be tough at the end you need to develop a tough team at the beginning of the year," said SIUE coach Ed Huneke. "We will be challenged, Christian Brothers has always been difficult for us."
After their matchup with the Bucs, the Cougars return home to face regional rival Ashland for the home opener at Korte Stadium on Sunday (8/28). "They have a very good program," said Huneke. "We barely squeaked out a 1-0 win up there last year. They are a good team."
SIUE will rely on a group that returns nine of 11 starters and eight players who netted four or more goals. "We are further ahead this year than we are in most years because of how many returning players that we have," said Huneke.
Three notable players that scored six or more goals last season are Victor Pacheco ( San Luis, Brazil), Adam Lanter (Edwardsville), and Mike Banner (Washington, D.C.). "Lanter and Pacheco have been having good preseason practices," said Huneke. "Banner is going to continue his play from the end of last year to a full season this year."
The Cougars will take on Christian Brothers at 4 p.m. Thursday (8/25) before the Eagles visit on Sunday (8/28) at 2 p.m.
SIUE Women's Soccer Gets Set For Home Opener
As the SIUE women's soccer team prepares for the season opener against Missouri Southern on Friday night (8/26), head coach Lynda Bowers believes that her team's preparation in the preseason will more than have them ready to take on the Lions.
"We accomplished what we set out to with overall team building and developing a better team chemistry," said Bowers. "We had our team spend every waking moment together for two weeks. Missouri Southern is an up and coming team and we can't look past them."
Following that contest, SIUE takes on regional rival seventh-ranked Ashland on Sunday afternoon (8/28) at Korte Stadium. The Cougars have defeated the Eagles the last three seasons. "It seems like every year it's a good game (with Ashland)," said Bowers. "We have had their number the last couple of years fortunately. It will be a tough game."
With seven returning starters and a fresh crop of new freshmen, the Cougars can rely on a deep bench this season. Two newcomers who have stepped up in the preseason have been freshmen Kelly Limpert (St. Charles, Mo.) and Jennifer Kratzer (O'Fallon, Mo.). "Kelly is really quick, quicker than any girl I have seen in a while," said Bowers. "(Jennifer) is definitely a gamer. She really steps up in matches, and I think she was really our biggest surprise this preseason."
Friday's contest with Missouri Southern kicks off at 7 p.m. The game with Ashland is set for Sunday (8/28) at noon with both games at Korte Stadium.
SIUE Grabs Top Spot In GLVC Volleyball Preseason Poll
SIUE claimed just five No. 1 votes but received enough points to claim the No. 1 spot in the 2005 Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) volleyball preseason coaches' poll.
Rockhurst, a newcomer to the league this season, followed in second place after garnering six first-place votes but three points less than SIU Edwardsville.
The SIUE Cougars ended the 2004 season with a 25-7 overall record and a 14-2 conference record, finishing second in the regular season and the conference tournament to Southern Indiana. SIUE Coach Todd Gober, entering his fifth season, has seven seniors returning to this year's team.
Rockhurst, out of Kansas City, may be new to the Great Lakes Valley Conference but hardly new to Midwest volleyball fans. Rockhurst, under Coach Tracy Rietzke, finished the 2004 season with a 26-10 record and ranked 23rd in the final NCAA Division II poll. Rockhurst begins this season ranked 19th.
Southern Indiana, which advanced to the GLVC Tournament final last season for the fifth consecutive year after posting a 24-7, 15-1 mark last season, earned one first-place vote and was tabbed to finish third.
The 2005 season brings the addition of one other new school to the GLVC-Drury University. The University of Missouri-Rolla, also new to the GLVC this year, plans to add volleyball in the near future.
Conference play kicks off in September and culminates with the GLVC tournament hosted by the No. 1 seed at the conclusion of regular season play. This year's conference tournament will feature an eight-team format to be played Nov. 10-12.
Cougars Head To Cornhusker State For Tourney
SIUE Volleyball coach Todd Gober is looking forward to his teams first games at the Nebraska-Omaha Tournament this weekend, but he also has some question marks on his squad.
"Our team is pushing each other and three days before the first tournament we still need to settle some position issues," said Gober. "We will need to get our rotations set in the next couple of days."
The Cougars have been picked as the preseason favorite in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. SIUE finished last season with a 25-7 mark falling to Southern Indiana in the GLVC Tournament Championship. "A lot of that is based on the fact that we do have a lot of seniors coming back," said Gober. "It's a big honor, and it is nice for the program to get that kind of respect."
SIUE faces Hillsdale in the first game of the tournament Friday (8/26). The Chargers made the NCAA Tournament last season with a 19-10 mark. "They are a lot like us," said Gober. "They are returning a big nucleus from last season. They are going to be an experienced team and a very tough match for our first game."
The Cougars also battle Regis on Friday, and Wayne State (Neb.) and Nebraska-Omaha on Saturday (8/27).
Some unexpected players have been surprises for Gober and his staff this preseason.
Most notably is junior Jamie Jones (Flanagan). "She is making us rethink our offense right now," said Gober. "Jamie is giving us some options because she is so quick in the middle and she can possibly play on the right side."
Freshmen Emily Rahn (Waukesha, Wis) and Kate Hofeldt (Antioch) have both shown they have ability to provide depth to the Cougar roster. "They have greatly exceeded my expectations," said Gober. "They can step in and play right now. I am very confident in both of them."
SIUE opens the tourney against Hillsdale at 1:30 p.m. Friday (8/26).
Cougars Take No. 1 Ranking On The Road
With a No. 1 preseason national ranking, SIUE men's soccer coach Ed Huneke is excited about the prospects for the 2005 season, especially considering most of his team returns from a year ago.
The Cougars finished 19-3-2 last season, won the Great Lakes Valley Conference regular season with a near-perfect 8-0-2 mark, claimed the GLVC's postseason tournament, and advanced to the national title game only to come up one goal short of a gold trophy. In the history of Cougar soccer, it was the fourth time SIUE has advanced to the national championship game, having won in 1972 and 1979 and placing second in 1975 and 2004.
Huneke's 2005 team has a solid mix of returners and newcomers. The Cougars can only hope the intangibles such as chemistry, team leadership, and a little luck play once again in their favor. "We've always been a respected team, but now (with the No. 1 ranking) the target on our back will be bigger than ever," said Huneke. "We're going to have to deal with staying on top."
With an offense which outscored its opponents 55-16 last season, surprisingly, there were no standout scorers. Eight different players scored game-winning goals, and junior midfielder Victor Pacheco (Sao Luis, Brazil) led the team with seven goals and 10 assists. Six other players finished with six goals each.
Among that group was junior Mike Banner (Washington, D.C.), who joined the team nine games into the 2004 season and quickly became the player other team's either tried to mark or wanted to mark.
The SIUE front line of returners includes John Matthews (Edwardsville), Tim Collico (St. Louis), Ross Beveridge (Dunfermline, Scotland), and Adam Lanter (Edwardsville). The foursome accounted for 21 goals last season, including 10 game-winning goals.
"I certainly couldn't predict who will be the leading scorer this season," Huneke said. "Knowing we have a 4-5 forward who can score, it makes us a real treat to watch."
Pete Cacciatore (St. Louis) also returns for the Cougars. Currently 25th on the all-time scoring list with 15 goals and 20 assists, Cacciatore may be making a transition to another position. His speed and playmaking abilities may make him better suited to take on a new role.
Huneke also has a number of other options at forward with newcomer Ameen Attas (Saudi Arabia), a junior, Robert Ridder (Quincy), a freshman, and returning junior Chris Johnson (Springfield).
The midfield returns Brian Higgins (St. Louis), who has started 61 games as a Cougar and picked up 13 goals and 13 assists.
Mike Zaegel (St. Louis) started all 24 games last season. The junior's only goal of the season was in an overtime victory over Northern Kentucky at home.
Matthew Siegel (Collinsville) returns for his senior season after playing in 14 games last season.
The Cougars also will throw newcomers Andrew Crider (Granite City) and Rob Minnis (Omaha, Neb.) into the fold.
While the offense has been strong, Huneke credits the defense with much of the team's success. The Cougars may have lost All-American back Michael Burgund from last season's 0.64 goals against average, but Huneke said the defense aims to maintain its status as top-notch.
It has been an "attractive formula for success," noted Huneke, that while the offense has been scoring goals at a sharp pace the defense has been stingy.
"We've been preaching that defense is what wins championships," Huneke said.
Junior back Kevin Thibodeau (St. Charles, Mo.) and senior John Lamping (Barnhardt, Mo.) return as starters. They'll be joined by sophomore Jon Barth (Greenville), Trevor House (St. Louis), and Afif Najjar (St. Charles, Mo.).
All three newcomers are transfers from Division I schools with Barth coming from Oakland (Mich.), House coming from Louisville, and Najjar hailing previously from Memphis.
SIUE returns three goalkeepers to the roster this season, all sophomores. Nicholas Frasca (St. Charles, Mo.) emerged as the team's top gatekeeper last season with a team-leading 57 saves and a 0.73 goals against average. Greg Crook (Columbia) started seven contests and recorded a 0.41 goals against average. Pat Kelly (Florissant, Mo.) played in three games last season for a 0.88 goals against average.
The top-ranked Cougars open the regular season on August 25 on the road at Christian Brothers. Game time is 4 p.m.
Bowers Feels SIUE Women's Soccer's Biggest Strength Is Depth
SIUE women's soccer coach Lynda Bowers feels fairly confident that her team's depth also will be the biggest asset.
SIUE, 13-6 overall and 9-1 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference last season, finished in a three-way tie for first place in the conference regular season standings. Bowers, whose team finished eighth in the 2003 GLVC regular season during her first season as head coach, want to keep making leaps ahead.
One way to start is to maintain its status as one of the nation's top defenses. SIUE allowed 12 goals as a team last season.
Sophomore goalkeeper Kim Roady (Granite City) finished second in the nation in goals against average at 0.30. She had split time last season with Jessica Brown.
Bowers added two more goalkeepers to the roster this season to challenge Roady for the starting position. They are freshmen Victoria Purdy (Grayslake) and Kaci Backs (Greenville).
The defense for the Cougars became of strength due to many of the team's returning starters. Junior marking back Kayla Fromme (New Berlin) earned second team All-GLVC honors last season. "She helps set our attack out of the backfield. She can be a dangerous player who can open gaps up for her teammates," said Bowers.
Fromme is joined by junior Padra Bencini (Carbondale), junior Whitney Hanson (St. Charles, Mo.), senior Lindsey Kampwerth (Highland), sophomore Sara Stroud (Collinsville) and senior Liz Fleer (Washington, Mo.). "We're trying to keep a certain shape to our defense," said Bowers. "We'll be trying our best to read the other team's cues. We have to be intelligent about when we press ahead and when we need to drop."
Bowers said the midfield and forward positions will see some new faces this season to complement an offense which tied for the lead in the GLVC in shots and was fourth in goals scored. "I think we have a lot more talent in terms of goal scorers. And we're faster at nearly every position on the field," said Bowers.
SIUE's top returning scorer is Kristine Armstrong (St. Peters, Mo.), who scored five goals and added six assists last season. Christina Stremlau (St. Louis) is close behind with five goals and three assists.
Senior Kelly Dill (Florissant, Mo.) returns at the midfield after being named second team All-GLVC last season. This season she will be one of the team's captains. "As a midfielder, Kelly already is in an important position. She is in such an important part of leadership on the field with controlling the pace," said Bowers.
Also returning at midfield are sophomore Katie Yearian (Waterloo), senior Sarah Landt (Carbondale), and senior Allison Sweet (Springfield).
Bowers hit the recruiting trail to add speed and depth to the roster. Her work paid off with eight new faces at midfield and forward. They include Kelly Limpert (St. Charles, Mo.), Lori Harvey (Troy), Jenny Kates (Florissant, Mo.), Crystal Schellenger (St. Louis, Mo.), Jennifer Kratzer (O'Fallon, Mo.), Elizabeth Valenti (Overland Park, Kan.), Amy Million (Granite City), and Elizabeth Ball (Troy).
Bowers said she expects many of the newcomers to make an immediate impact on the lineup. Making those choices on who to start will be difficult, Bowers added. Many of the players who feel they deserve to be among the starting 11 may find themselves coming off the bench.
SIUE opens the 2005 season at home against Missouri Southern State on Friday (8/26) at 7 p.m.
The Cougars' GLVC schedule opens Sept. 7 at Quincy. This season's GLVC schedule adds three schools to the mix with the addition of Drury, Missouri-Rolla, and Rockhurst. Bowers said the move only adds to the depth of the conference.
Gober Sees Volleyball Cougars Continuing to Improve
When SIUE volleyball coach Todd Gober talks about each of the players on his 2005 roster, there's more than a hint of enthusiasm.
"This group came into the preseason ready to go," said Gober. "They want to come in and be better."
That may be as a result of Gober heading into his fifth season as head coach. Already the all-time winningest coach in the young program's history, Gober needs just eight victories for 100.
Last season, SIUE finished second in the Great Lakes Valley Conference regular season and advanced to the GLVC Tournament title match.
SIUE returns seven seniors from last season's 25-7 team, many with multiple years of starting for the Cougars. "You don't have teams with that much experience too often," noted Gober.
Returning honorable mention All-American Heather Bonde (Millstadt) holds SIUE's best career hitting percentage at .318 and looks to boost that number this season. The middle hitter led the team last season in kills (431) and hitting percentage (.322). "She is one of our go-to hitters. She has to be a leader for us on the floor," said Gober.
Outside hitter Kindra Westendorf (Effingham) suffered a knee injury in the waning weeks of the 2004 season but has almost returned to the same form that led her to 328 kills and a .280 hitting percentage. "The best thing about Kindra is that her numbers have improved steadily from her first season to now."
Both Bonde and Westendorf need 84 kills to join SIUE's list of players who have recorded 1,000 or more career kills. The list is populated with only four names, dating back to the beginning of the program in 1995.
Middle hitter Tina Talsma (Ontario, Canada) made her mark as the team's top blocker with 1.03 per game last season. She also finished second in kills with 342. "You couldn't ask much more from her," said Gober.
Allison Buss (Towanda) anchored the defense as the team's libero and smashed the school record with 5.37 digs per game. A first team All-Region pick, Buss needs just 157 digs to become SIUE's all-time leader.
Krystal Majernik (Normal) returns as the team's setter. Now No. 2 in career assists at SIUE with 2,975, Gober said she sets up the offense well. "I think the biggest thing we need from her more this season is an increase in her attacks," said Gober.
Jenny Heimann (Germantown) made the transition from setter to defensive specialist last season. Melissa Spann (Bethalto) shared starting duties on the right side with junior Tricia Happe (St. Louis).
Even with all of the experience, Gober said he isn't looking to pencil in the starters as all seniors. Even though his group of freshmen, sophomores and juniors are turning heads now, some may see considerable playing time. All of them, however, figure to continue SIUE volleyball as a volleyball powerhouse.
Jamie Jones (Flanagan) returns for her junior season as a middle hitter. Jones hit .310 in 48 games last season. "It's just too bad she is behind a pair of multi-year starters (Bonde and Talsma)," said Gober. "Still, I would feel comfortable in her coming into a match at any time."
Sophomore Kim Potthast (Saint Rose) recorded 3.85 kills and 1.76 blocks per game last season while helping Southwestern Illinois College to a ninth-place finish nationally. "She is a hammer on the outside," said Gober. "If she's healthy, she can give us an entirely different look."
Sophomore Sadie Zurliene (Aviston) also gives the Cougars a measure of depth at a defensive position. "We're looking at her as a middle back or a right back on defense," said Gober.
Gober also has populated a deep team with a strong group of incoming freshmen. Emily Rahn (Waukesha), Jenny Gilman (Springfield), Mallory Clements (Mt. Pulaski), Emily Goebel (Montrose) and Kate Hofeldt (Antioch). With the list of newcomers being strong, Gober said it has given him the ability to explore a multitude of offensive options and defensive schemes.
The Cougars feel they have gained some conference and regional respect, according to Gober. The next opportunity, said Gober, is to make an impression on a national level.
SIUE holds a strong non-conference schedule along with the GLVC gauntlet. The Cougars face three top 25 teams in the first three weeks that have garnered votes in the first preseason AVCA Division II national poll. That includes No. 2 Truman State, No. 7 Central Missouri State, and No. 11 Northern Michigan.
The Cougars also have non-conference matches with Nebraska-Omaha and Hillsdale, both of which picked up votes in the national top 25 poll.
SIUE's conference season now includes two newcomers in No. 19 Rockhurst and Drury. With a 13-team league this season, SIUE's GLVC season begins Sept. 16 at Rockhurst.
SIUE begins its home season on Aug. 30 against McKendree and plays host to the Cougar Classic on Sept. 2-3 at the Vadalabene Center.
SIUE Men's Soccer Grabs No. 1 Spot In National Rankings
T he SIUE men's soccer team will open the 2005 season ranked first in the preseason National Soccer Coaches Association of America/adidas poll.
The defending Great Lakes Region and Great Lakes Valley Conference champions jumped ahead of defending NCAA Champion Seattle for the top ranking. The Cougars finished last season ranked second after falling to the Redhawks 2-1 in the NCAA Division II National Championship game.
SIUE coach Ed Huneke begins his 20th season at the helm of the SIUE program with a career record of 209-144-25. This marks the first time that one of Huneke's teams has started the season ranked first in the country. "It's a complement to what we did last year," said Huneke. "Our interest is really to be No. 1 at the end of this year."
The Cougars return 10 of 11 starters from last year's squad that posted a 19-3-2 record tying the school-mark for most wins in a season. During the 2004 campaign SIUE ranked fifth nationally with a goals against average of 0.64.
SIUE battles Lindenwood in a scrimmage tomorrow (8/17) at 7 p.m. at Korte Stadium before closing out the preseason on Sunday (8/21) at home against Eastern Illinois at 6:30 p.m.
The Cougars open up the regular season on the road at Christian Brothers on Aug. 26. SIUE's home opener is Aug. 28 as regional rival Ashland visits Korte Stadium at 2 p.m.
SIUE Athletics Ranked In NCSA Collegiate Power Rankings
SIUE has got the power. The National Collegiate Scouting Association (NCSA) listed SIUE as No. 25 among NCAA Division II institutions in its recent release of the 2005 NSCA Collegiate Power Rankings.
The NCSA bases its rankings by averaging the U.S. News &World Report ranking, the U.S. Sports Academy Directors' Cup ranking and the NCAA student-athlete graduation rate.
SIUE was one of several Great Lakes Valley Conference schools in the NCSA Collegiate Power Rankings. Fellow GLVC members Indianapolis was ranked No. 20, Lewis was ranked No. 30 and Northern Kentucky was tabbed No. 46. Two of the newest members of the GLVC also were ranked. Drury placed fourth while Missouri-Rolla was 19th overall.
The rankings were developed to provide data aiming to evaluate the strengths of universities based on academic and athletic standards. For more information, go to the NCSA web site at www.ncsasports.org.
July 2005
July 29, 2005
SIUE Volunteer Fair Seeks Agency Participation
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is seeking agency participation for its Annual Volunteer Fair scheduled from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, in the Goshen Lounge area of the Morris University Center. Each interested agency must register and pay a $10 fee by Friday, Sept. 2.
The fair promotes area volunteer opportunities to the students, faculty, staff, and the community. The $10 fee includes one all-day parking permit and one six-foot table with two chairs.
The Volunteer Fair is sponsored by SIUE's Student Leadership Development Program and Volunteer Services. For more information or to obtain a registration packet, contact Suzanne Kutterer-Siburt by telephone: (618) 650-2686, or by e-mail: skutter@siue.edu.
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July 21, 2005
SIUE International Trade Center To Co-Sponsor Seminar August 17
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Ric Frantz, CEO of LR International Inc. in Chicago, will conduct a seminar, International Payment Methods and Letters of Credit, from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, in the Willow Room of the Morris University Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
The SIUE International Trade Center (ITC) and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development, are co-sponsoring the seminar that will focus on actual case studies. Frantz will present a practical perspective on the export market that will be of interest to companies just entering international business and to those already involved in overseas markets.
Frantz also will focus on various topics, especially how to alleviate risks, how to become more competitive, and how to improve credit methods. The seminar also will help entrepreneurs understand methods of payment in international trade, letters of credit transactions, and ICC rules for international collections, among others.
Registration is $75 in advance ($85 at the door), which includes a continental breakfast, lunch, parking, and seminar materials. For more information, call the ITC, (618) 650-2452.
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July 20, 2005
MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Appearance By The Vice Counsel Of The Mexican Consulate News Conference About el consulado mòvil
Who: Vice Counsel Elsa Villa, of the Mexican Consulate's Indianapolis Office
What: Presentation about the Mexican Consulate's role in community throughout the United States
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, July 23
Where: Holy Rosary School, 2727 N. 43rd St., Fairmont City, IL 62201
Villa and an entourage of 20 Consulate agents are visiting the area for that weekend to conduct a Consulado Mòvil at Holy Rosary. The Consulado Mòvil (mobile consulate) travels throughout the United States to help record the Mexican population in this country and provide those from Mexico with matriculas, or identification papers. Passports also may be issued at the Consulado Mòvil.
U.S. Bank, sponsor of the event, recently sponsored similar events in Dayton, Ohio, and Madison, Wis., and has another planned in late July at Appleton, Wis.
That evening, SIUE is sponsoring a reception and dinner for the consulate staff. For more information, contact Suzanne Kutterer-Siburt by telephone, (618) 650-2686, or, by e-mail: skutter@siue.edu, Paul Coleman, of U.S. Bank, (618) 233-3453, or Violeta Garza, (618) 650-7050, or e-mail: vgarza@extension.uiuc.edu.
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July 12, 2005
SIUE To Co-host Reception For Mexican Consulate
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, as a member of the Latino Roundtable of Southwestern Illinois and as a co-sponsor with U.S. Bank, will host a reception and dinner for the visiting Mexican Consulate, Felipe Soria, on Saturday, July 23, in SIUE's Meridian Ballroom.
Señor Soria and an entourage of 20 Consulate agents are visiting the area for that weekend to conduct a Consulado Mòvil at Holy Rosary School, 2727 N. 43rd St., Fairmont City. The Consulado Mòvil (mobile consulate) travels throughout the United States to help record the Mexican population in this country and provide those from Mexico with matriculas, or identification papers. Passports also may be issued at the Consulado Mòvil.
U.S. Bank recently sponsored similar events in Dayton, Ohio, and Madison, Wis., and have another planned in late July at Appleton, Wis.
Violeta Garza, president of the Latino Roundtable, said some 1,000 people are expected to be processed during the Fairmont City event at Holy Rosary School. "We have invited several social service agencies to attend the event so that we can provide needed information to the families who traditionally are difficult to reach," Garza said.
"We are very pleased with the support from the University in our work to help members of the Hispanic community in the region." The Latino Roundtable is made up of representatives of social service agencies from throughout the area.
For more information, contact Suzanne Kutterer-Siburt by telephone, (618) 650-2686, or, by e-mail: skutter@siue.edu, Paul Coleman, of U.S. Bank, (618) 233-3453, or Violeta Garza, (618) 650-7050, or e-mail: vgarza@extension.uiuc.edu.
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July 12, 2005
Schnuck Markets Makes Donation To SIUE School Of Pharmacy
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Schnuck Markets Inc., with more than 60 in-store pharmacies in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area, has contributed $25,000 to the new Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy, scheduled to begin classes Aug. 15.
According to SIUE Pharmacy Dean Philip Medon, the University will honor the company by naming the School's main conference room in University Park as The Schnuck's Conference Room. "We are very happy with the Schnuck Family's decision to expand our partnership through their philanthropic support," Medon said.
"The conference room in our main administrative offices will be used for meetings with a great variety of internal administrative and academic personnel, as well as meetings with external visitors representing many different constituencies, including those from the pharmaceutical industry, allied health sciences, education, and the business community," he said.
"With its high-tech audio-visual equipment, the Schnuck's Conference Room will present a very professional image."
Medon said Schnuck Markets also will be added to the Founders Plaque displayed in the School offices, recognizing donors who are providing significant financial support.
William Maurer, development director for the School of Pharmacy, said Schnuck's has been a supporter of the School from its inception. "Ever since our first meeting with Curtis Hartin, director of pharmacy for the St. Louis-based grocery chain, and Robert Mueller, a pharmacy supervisor, our relationship with Schnuck's has been very positive," Maurer said. He pointed out that Mueller became a member of the School's advisory board.
"Dean Medon, myself, and others from the School's administrative team are enjoying a wonderful working relationship with Schnuck's and we look forward to their continued participation and support as we work together toward providing the best possible education and experience for our students," Maurer said.
The SIUE School of Pharmacy has recently accepted 83 students into its first class for 2005-06; by 2008, the School is expected to be at capacity with 300 students.
Offering a professional program leading to a Doctor of Pharmacy, the SIUE School of Pharmacy values excellence in teaching, pharmacy practice, research/scholarship and service. The program of study is based on current knowledge and technology from pharmacy and other disciplines, and is delivered through a variety of innovative teaching strategies.
The School will collaborate with rural and urban health care institutions to meet the health care needs of Central and Southern Illinois and the St. Louis metropolitan area.
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July 9, 2005
Assistant To The SIUE Dean Of Engineering Wins Award
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Ronald D. Banks, a native of the west side of Chicago and now assistant to the dean of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering, recently was honored by Introspect Youth Services Inc. with its 2005 Access Award.
The award is given each year to those who have worked with Introspect to ensure underserved students have better access to higher education. Recipients were honored at an awards banquet in Hillside.
Banks earned a bachelor of science in Electrical Engineering Technology and a master of science in Manufacturing Systems Engineering, both at SIU Carbondale. He also is a member of various boards from the local to the national levels.
For 17 years, Banks has been involved in the development of young students, specifically African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and women in the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. For many years he has headed the Midwest Engineering and Science (MESA) Program at SIUE, helping disadvantaged junior high and high school students become more interested in science and engineering as a career.
As an administrator and faculty member at SIUE, Banks has generated more than $860,000 in grants and corporate gifts to successfully implement many academic initiatives.
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July 8, 2005
Edwardsville Resident Named SIUE Public Affairs Director
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Gregory J. Conroy, who has served this past year as acting director of Public Affairs at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, recently was named director of that office, according to Barbara O'Malley, executive director of Marketing and Communications at SIUE.
A native of St. Louis, Conroy was a reporter and bureau chief for the old St. Louis Globe-Democrat before joining the SIUE staff in 1988 as a public information specialist for what was then known as University News Services. The unit changed to Public Affairs in 1998 when Conroy was named assistant director.
As spokesman for the University, Conroy is responsible for media relations and gathering information about SIUE's activities and accomplishments, while supporting SIUE's integrated marketing goals, for dissemination to targeted media outlets-locally, regionally, and nationally.
Conroy began his journalism career in 1972 as a news anchor for KWMU-FM Radio at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He switched to print journalism as a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and then for the Bloomington Daily Pantagraph. In 1984, Conroy joined the Globe-Democrat staff and left in 1986 when the newspaper folded.
An avid theater-goer and an amateur actor and director, Conroy is president of the SIUE Friends of Theater and Dance, a support organization that provides funds for theater and dance scholarships. He also is treasurer for the Friends of the SIUE Religious Center, a group dedicated to preserving the Religious Center as an architectural treasure and to supporting the student programming at the center.
Conroy and his wife, Valerie Goldston, a member of the SIUE theater and dance faculty, reside in Edwardsville.
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July 8, 2005
SIUE School Of Education Announces Third Class Of 'Dean's Dozen'
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Elliott Lessen, dean of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Education, has announced the third class of "Dean's Dozen" members.
The Dean's Dozen, a select group of 12 SIUE undergraduate students representing the five departments in the School of Education, will serve as student representatives on behalf of the School.
Their on-going responsibilities will include: assisting with recruitment and retention of students and faculty; representing the School at various campus functions; providing peer mentoring; and serving as ambassadors of goodwill for the School.
Members of this year's Dean's Dozen class are: Emily Bordewick, of Quincy; Kim Broihier, of Edwardsville; Joshua Fark, of Sandoval; Holly Froelich, of Edwardsville; Rachel Gamble, of Springfield; Alex Herrell, of Centralia; Chelsea "Caeli" Kilhoffer, of Millstadt; Patrick Lopez, of Edwardsville; Jane Lucco, of Highland; Ashley Luken, of Edwardsville; Kyleen Muehlenbein, of McLeansboro; and Laura Owca, of Granite City.
The Dean's Dozen was chosen from more than 40 applicants by a selection committee comprised of the undergraduate program directors from each department within the School of Education. Associate Dean Lela DeToye said, "the entire selection process was difficult as all of the applicants showed genuine interest and a variety of strengths."
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July 8, 2005
Writers Club Members To Appear At Drumvoices Premiere In California
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Four members of the East St. Louis-based Eugene B. Redmond Writers Club-Sheryl Johnson, Charlois Lumpkin, Darlene Roy, and Club namesake Eugene B. Redmond, a professor of English Language and Literature at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville-will participate in a West Coast premiere of Drumvoices Revue (No. 13) on Saturday, July 16 at Carol's Book Store in Sacramento, Calif.
Drumvoices Revue, a multicultural literary journal, is published by the SIUE English department and the EBR Writers Club. While all four of the club's members have poems in the current issue of the journal, Redmond and Roy also are founding editor and associate editor, respectively.
No. 13 honors Amiri Baraka, celebrated playwright and author who founded the Black Arts Movement during the 1960s, and Sonia Sanchez, 2001 recipient of the Robert Frost medal in poetry. The issue also includes poetry, fiction, and essays by 41 Northern Californian authors, including Leticia Del Toro, Hortense Simmons, Dennis Schmitz, Odessa Bethea, Otis Scott, and Danny Romero.
This latest Drumvoices edition also features poems by Alvin Aubert of Detroit, Henry Dumas (1934-68), Jakarta-born Chinese-American poet Li-Young Lee of Chicago, Reginald Lockett of Oakland, and Joseph McNair of Miami, who also contributed an essay about Baraka. The edition also includes "kwansabas" and essays honoring Baraka from around the globe. A kwansaba is a poetic form consisting of 49 words distributed over seven lines, invented in 1995 by the EBR Writers Club.
The Club was founded in 1986 and named after Redmond, who is poet laureate of East St. Louis. Trustees of the group, some of whom also serve on the editorial board of Drumvoices, include Maya Angelou, Amiri Baraka, Avery Brooks, Walter Mosley, Quincy Troupe, Barbara Ann Teer, and Lena Weathers. Past trustees have included the late Gwendolyn Brooks, Raymond R. Patterson, and Margaret Walker Alexander.
To order a copy of Drumvoices, send a check or money order for $10 to Editor: DR, English Dept., SIUE, Edwardsville, IL 62026-1431. For more information, call: 618 650-3991.
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July 1, 2005
SIUE Gives Teens Hands-on Nursing Experience
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Reading essential vital signs, recognizing breath and heart sounds, and practicing basic sterilization techniques were a few of the activities that some Springfield high school students experienced recently at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
The SIUE School of Nursing was host to Springfield Memorial Medical Center's Teens Experiencing Nursing (TEN) Summer Camp this past Tuesday.
Twenty high school students spent the day with SIUE School of Nursing faculty and students, a day that included hands-on clinical activities, a guided tour of the SIUE campus, and a presentation by School of Nursing staff. "Our goal is to reinforce to students the importance of high school coursework in preparation for a nursing career," said Stephen Held, director of Admissions for the School. "We also talk to them about the current nursing shortage and help them understand how that impacts Central and Southern Illinois,"
The Illinois Hospital Association estimates that the demand for nurses will exceed the supply by 20 percent by the year 2020 unless more students enroll in nursing school. "SIUE is the only public university south of Illinois State University which offers an undergraduate (baccalaureate) degree program in nursing," Held said. "Our objective (for the camp was) to increase our presence and student enrollment in the Central Illinois region."
"The TEN Summer Camp is an opportunity to expose students to the nursing profession and hopefully create interest in nursing as a career choice," said Yvonne Pellerin, RN, Cardiology Nurse manager at Springfield Memorial Medical Center and camp chaperone. "This camp gives students clinical experience in multiple hospital units, as well as exposure to the SIUE School of Nursing and a nursing education."
High school student Jason Beatty said the TEN Summer Camp provided him with valuable insight. "I enrolled in the TEN Summer Camp program to get a hands-on look at nursing," said high school student Jason Beatty.
"I'm learning that nursing requires a lot of work, but can also have a lot of very good outcomes. I have also learned that there is a demand for male nurses which continues to increase."
It Was Great Cruisin' While The Sun Was Shinin' Through
With high hopes, members of Team SIUE valiantly began the North American Solar Challenge (NASC) on July 17 against contenders from larger colleges and universities, but only made it about 125 miles under overcast Texas skies when the Cougar Cruiser dropped out of the race.
NASC is a competition to design, build, and race solar-powered cars in a cross-country event. Of 47 initial registrants for NASC 2005, only 20, including SIUE, were allowed to compete in the 2,500 mile race from Austin, Texas, to Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
SIUE's entry-The Cougar Cruiser-was created and built by a 15-student team from the SIUE School of Engineering, with the help of donations from the School, area businesses, and interested individuals.
A solar car stores the sun's energy in on-board batteries, but if there's not much sun ... well, do the math. We may ask how some 20 other solar cars continued in the race, which is expected to end tomorrow at the finish line in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The larger schools presumably could afford more efficient and lightweight lithium batteries, but even some of those couldn't survive the lack of sun.
"There was only 30 minutes of sunshine, remarkably, during the lunch break (just before the race began July 17) when everyone had to be off the track," said Andy Lozowski, assistant professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and advisor to the solar car team.
"Other than that, we had clouds and rain. Our car really needs sun to go, since it is heavy and uses inexpensive off-the-shelf lead-acid batteries. The NASC judges decided to let us participate in the race upon the condition that we make the first 200-mile leg of the race on time, and going at least 25mph on average.
"The car picked up from the start, climbed a big incline on one of the roads out of Austin without difficulty and we were off to Wetherford near Dallas.
"Our only concern was ... no sun again," Lozowski said. "There were several hurricanes in the gulf, which brought a lot of storm clouds to Texas. During the trip we had only five minutes of sunshine. The road there was also quite wavy; many of those little hills to go over. This was extremely power-expensive. All cars were running on the batteries, with no charging whatsoever from solar rays.
"We even passed a few cars standing on the side of the road.
Northwestern University's entry caught on fire and burned up beyond usability," he said. "We saw white flames from their lithium-ion battery pack. Unfortuinately, the same fate (dropping out of the race) also happened to us and, eventually, we ran out of power and had to stop at the 124-mile mark."
The NASC called for participants to 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.
Three SIUE students were to take turns behind the wheel of the Cougar Cruiser. Drivers race from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. The rest of the team provided any needed maintenance, and drove the lead and chase cars.
"We felt the judges decision was fair," Lozowski said. And, no one's complaining, he added. Lozowski also pointed out that this is an experience the students will treasure forever, not to mention the experience factors involving teamwork and planning that will help them build an even better Couger Cruiser to enter the NASC in 2007.
For now, though, Lowzowski said team members would like to drive the Cougar Cruiser around Illinois, visiting sponsors to thank them for supporting the effort. "Our team members are talking a lot about what changes to make on the car, how to reduce its weight and improve it. It was a great satisfaction that we had no technical failure, not even a flat tire. All that was under our control went well."
Jacob Van Roekel, associate dean in the School of Engineering and another advisor to the team, said plans also are in the works for an Illinois State Solar Challenge sometime over the next 6 - 8 weeks. "There were four Illinois teams of the 20 that qualified (for the NASC)," Van Roekel said.
"We are thinking that we would start at the Northwestern University campus, race to Illinois State campus in Normal and spend an hour there for a campus rally; race to the Principia campus at Elsa for another rally; and finish at the SIUE campus for a barbecue and rally," Van Roekel said. "I have already talked to the Chancellor and he thinks this is a great idea."
NASC sponsors include the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Natural Resources Canada, and the DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The NASC event is designed to inspire young people to pursue careers in science and engineering.
SIUE Student recognized with Wall Street Journal Award
Erin J. Prater, of Pleasant Hill, was honored with the Wall Street Journal Student Achievement Award. Prater is a 2005 graduate with a bachelor of science in accounting.
Prater will begin a graduate program at SIUE this fall. She says, "After completing a master of science in Accountancy, I plan to sit for the CPA exam and pursue a career in tax accounting."
Prater is a member of Beta Alpha Psi, a national accounting honor society; Tau Alpha Chi, a professional organization established to promote scholastic excellence in the field of taxation; and the SIUE Accounting Club.
She also participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, sponsored by the School of Business, assisting low- income families with tax preparation. In addition, Prater received the Stuart E. White Accounting Scholarship and the Outstanding Senior Accounting Award.
The Wall Street Journal Student Achievement Award is a collaborative effort between the Journal and participating institutions to honor exceptional students. Each participating college or university may nominate one student every year. At SIUE, departments in the School of Business were asked to submit the name of an outstanding student from their respective departments to the dean of the School, who then selected the winner from among those nominated.
Dean Gary A. Giamartino said, "The Wall Street Journal Student Achievement Award is recognized by our faculty and students as representing outstanding student accomplishments. Erin's future is bright and we expect her to continue to be a leader as a professional accountant."
The Wall Street Journal presented Prater with a complete student award package including a commemorative award medallion made of sculpted brass and embedded in a Lucite paperweight; a one-year subscription to the Wall Street Journal; a congratulatory letter; and a published listing of Prater's name in a full-page announcement in the Wall Street Journal.
June 2005
June 30, 2005
Pep Rally Will Send Cougar Cruiser Off In Style
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Three Cheers for the Cougar Cruiser! Be part of the send-off for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Solar Car Race team at a pep rally from noon-12:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 6, at the north entrance of SIUE's Morris University Center.
Here's a chance to see first hand the Cougar Cruiser and to meet the SIUE Engineering faculty and student members of the race team, not to mention free ice cream.
The Cougar Cruiser is the creation of 15 SIUE Engineering students who will be racing their solar-powered "buggy" in the North American Solar Challenge (NASC). A team of SIUE students and faculty will travel to Austin, Texas, for the race, which begins July 17 and finishes in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on July 27. This is the first solar car race to cross an international border, and this is the first time SIUE has participated in NASC.
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. Energy management and weather conditions 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 Andy Lozowski, an assistant professor in the SIUE Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
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June 23, 2005
School Of Nursing Ranked Seventh In State On Licensing Exams
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Students in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing recently were ranked seventh best in National Licensing Exam (NCLEX) test scores compared with students in 29 nursing programs throughout the state of Illinois.
Nursing Dean Marcia Maurer pointed out that SIUE's 96-percent pass rate was up from 84 percent at the same time last year when the SIUE program was 20th best out of 30 programs in the state.
In comparing all accredited nursing programs throughout the country-which include associate degree, diploma, and BSN-SIUE currently is ranked the 66th highest out of 681 programs, placing it in the top 10 percent nationally for NCLEX results. That ranking is up from 372nd out of 614 nursing schools whose graduates took the NCLEX last year.
The dean said that passing the exams allows graduates, who have recently earned a bachelor of science in Nursing (BSN), to practice as registered nurses. "The 2005 NCLEX report shows the remarkable recovery that the SIUE School of Nursing has made since it was placed on probation in 2000 by the state of Illinois licensing board," Maurer said. That probation was lifted in February 2004.
Maurer said the current pass rate is a testament to the "hard work of the School of Nursing faculty" as well as curricular revisions that have been implemented. "In spring 2006, the School of Nursing will be 'rolling out' an entirely renovated undergraduate nursing curriculum," Maurer said.
"Philosophically, the School will be moving from a teaching paradigm to a learning paradigm and basing its nursing courses on Gordon's Functional Health Patterns as the organizing framework for all the courses." She said the changes are being made to insure that the National Licensing Exam results will stay in the 90th percentile.
"In order to make our students better prepared for the exam, we've added more rigor to our nursing program," Maurer said. "Those changes include addition of a stand alone pathophysiology course that builds on normal anatomy and physiology but focuses on the biological explanation for diseases.
"Emphasizing a 'Learner Centered' approach in the curriculum will reshape the way the students acquire the fundamental knowledge essential to learning the art and skill of nursing. In the revised curriculum, students will take part in intense experiences in SIUE's simulated learning lab, using human simulators," Maurer said.
These human simulator "mannequins" are computer-operated and programmed to react to various "medications" and "treatments" just as a live patient would in a hospital setting. "The students can correct their mistakes on a mannequin, so that when they are in a hospital, they make the right decisions," she said.
"The goal is for the nursing students to acquire the basic foundational knowledge," Maurer said, "to better utilize critical thinking skills. Consequently, when the students encounter these scenarios on the licensing exam and in real patient-care situations, they will have the critical knowledge to make the correct decisions."
June 12, 2005
SIUE Professor/Designer Has Some Challenges This Summer
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Jim Dorethy has two challenges this summer. One is to find a surrey, preferably with some fringe on top, and the other is to "make the same different." Dorethy, an associate professor of Theater and Dance at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, is also set designer for SIUE's Summer Showbiz 2005 productions.
He'll be using one set for two very different musicals. The first musical is the comedy Nunsense II which focuses on the nuns at Mount Saint Helen's School organizing a fund-raiser. As part of the script, they use a set left over from a school production of The Mikado, Dorethy explains. "Here, we're using the set from Oklahoma! … sort of moving to the Southwest," he says. Oklahoma! is the second offering in the Summer ShowBiz 2005 season.
So, the challenge for Dorethy is to make the same set different and ensure it is as functional for the Nunsense II cast of five as it is for the Oklahoma! cast, which includes 30-plus dancers.
Nunsense II runs at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, June 16-18, and June 23-25, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 19 and 26, all in SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall theater. Oklahoma runs Thursday-Saturday, July 14-16 and July 21-23, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 17 and 24. again in Dunham. Summer Showbiz is part of SIUE's SummerArts '05 program presented by the SIUE College of Arts & Sciences.
"We had limited personnel, limited time, and a limited budget," Dorethy points out. "We chose Nunsense II because it's a smaller show. We're using nuns' costumes from an earlier production. The costume requirements for Oklahoma! are much more involved," he pointed out.
Dorethy went on to explain the differences in the sets. For example, with Nunsense II, the set will appear to be painted, but when it becomes Aunt Eller's home in Oklahoma! it will look like wood siding with individual wood panels.
The designer said one of the biggest challenges doing Oklahoma! is "the set is very flat. A barnyard is flat," he said. "So, to get something up in the air we're going to have the second floor windows open and have people coming out of them onto the roof. We'll also have a 20-foot windmill."
Dorethy also plans to use projected images to add depth to the production.
One thing Dorethy is happy about for both productions this summer is the pit extension. "We always use the extension coming off the orchestra pit for musicals for the added space," he said. "It was rebuilt last year and it took about two hours to get it in place. Before the re-design, it used to take about three days."
The challenges of meeting production and audience demands require the ability to adapt, Dorethy says. "Our budget hasn't flexed on the price of lumber or labor. Seven years ago our budget was smaller. But we could do more because of the lumber costs and we had more people to help."
And what about the other challenge of finding a surrey for Oklahoma! "I've got good horse connections," Dorethy said with a laugh, "but the surrey is going to take a little longer."For more information about Nunsense II and Oklahoma, contact the SIUE Fine Arts box office by telephone, (618) 650-2774, or by e-mail: theater-tickets@siue.edu. Information also is available on the Department of Theater and Dance Web site: www.siue.edu/THEATER.
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June 2, 2005
SIUE's Summer ShowBiz 2005 To Kick Off With Nunsense II
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) "People should come out and support live theater; experience something they can't put on pause," says Brad Hofeditz, musical director for Nunsense II.
The musical is the first of two Summer ShowBiz 2005 productions in June and July from the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Theater and Dance. Nunsense II opens June 16 and Oklahoma! opens July 14.
Hofeditz said he loves live theater whether he's in the orchestra pit, on stage as a performer, or in the audience. "I think it's important for kids to see live theater, too. And, Nunsense II will be a good family experience," Hofeditz adds. The production runs at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, June 16-18 and June 23-25, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 19 and 26, all in SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall theater.
The musical focuses on five nuns led by Sister Mary Regina at Mount Saint Helen's School in Hoboken, NJ. "It's a very fast moving, lively show," said Hofeditz, who may be remembered as musical director for Fiddler on the Roof and Grease during the past two summer seasons at SIUE.
Nunsense II is Hofeditz's 16th show at SIUE. This will be his 97th different show and his 169th different production, Hofeditz explained, which make some interesting statistics for someone who is by day a records officer in SIUE Admissions and Records.
He is obviously good at budgeting his time and he'll need that skill with Nunsense II. "The show has around 18 songs, ranging from some very pretty songs to What Would Elvis Do and The Padre Polka," he said.
Nunsense II has a small cast (five) but that apparently doesn't make the musical director's job any easier. "About eight of the numbers go into five-part harmony," Hofeditz said. "Fortunately, I've got five great cast members."
Summer ShowBiz is part of the SummerArts '05 program presented by the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences. For more information, contact the SIUE Fine Arts box office by phone, (618) 650-2774, by e-mail: theater-tickets@siue.edu, or by visoting the Web site: www.siue.edu/THEATER.
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June 2, 2005
A Season To Remember Concerts Enter Second Week June 6-10
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A Season To Remember is aptly named. "We wanted to showcase our department and feature the diverse facets of our faculty," according to John Korak, chairman of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Music.
The department will present four more concerts during the second week of the SummerArts 2005 program at the University. The concerts will take place at 7:30 p.m. on each of three evenings, in three locations on campus:
• A jazz concert Monday, June 6, with both traditional jazz standards and new music; in the Katherine Dunham Hall Choral Room;
• A chamber wind concert Wednesday, June 8, featuring three classic wind chamber pieces: Gounod's Petite Symphony, Beethoven's Octet, and the Rossini Italina in Algiers arranged for chamber winds, in John C. Abbott Auditorium on the ground level of Lovejoy Library;
• Rhythms of the Night-An evening of music performed by some of St. Louis' finest percussionists in concert Thursday, June 9, featuring both classic symphonic works and the rhythms of Brazil, Africa, and Cuba, in the Dunham Hall Instrumental Room;
• John Two-Hawks, one of the top American Indian flute players in the world, will perform June 10, in Room 1105 of SIUE's Science Building.
The series includes everything from chamber music to show tunes to Native American music. But on June 9, the "Rhythms of the Night" will be very different from anything else. A percussion ensemble will include both classic symphonic works and the rhythms of Brazil, Africa and Cuba.
"Blast and the Blue Man group have brought percussion to the public," says Jerry Bolen, an SIUE alumnus, adjunct lecturer since 1971, and the veteran percussionist leading the 10-person ensemble. "We're going to break up the program into two parts," he said. "The first half will be traditional symphonic offerings including 'Toccata For Percussion Instruments' which is still the most performed piece in the world," Bolen said.
The second half will be devoted to "world percussion" music with jazz musicians joining the group. World percussion music incorporates percussion as it is used around the world in each country's
music, according to Bolen. He just returned from Brazil, where he participated in the "World Percussion Project," begun by a professor in Long Beach, Calif.
"We would have three hours of lessons each morning, then we would visit the Samba Schools in the evenings. Some of the schools have 3,000 students. When we were there they were preparing for Carnivale; bands with 300 people were rehearsing for their march to the Samba Dome. When we got to sit in and play with them it was loud, but it was the thrill of a lifetime," Bolen explained.
Bolen brought music and instruments back with him. "We got a grant a few years ago to get world instruments for classes, which include everything from bongos and congas to traditional timpani and snare drums," he said. "There are 70 or 80 total instruments, and 25 to 30 of them are Latin," he explained.
"It's folkloric music combining the jazz and the rhythms. We're going to do a medley from one of the Samba schools. Who knows, we might even have a Samba line. You never know."
SummerArts 2005 is presented by the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences. For more information about the SummerArts Concert Series, contact the SIUE Department of Music, (618) 650-3900.
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June 2, 2005
Native American Flutist To Perform June 10 For SIUE SummerArts
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) John Two-Hawks has produced 10 CDs and a DVD video, and authored or co-authored two books. On June 10, he brings his artistry as one of the top flutists in the world to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as part of the Department of Music's A Season To Remember program.
The department will present four more concerts during the second week of the program, part of SummerArts 2005 at the University. The concerts will take place at 7:30 p.m. on each of three evenings, in three locations on campus:
• A jazz concert Monday, June 6, with both traditional jazz standards and new music; in the Katherine Dunham Hall Choral Room;
• A chamber wind concert Wednesday, June 8, featuring three classic wind chamber pieces: Gounod's Petite Symphony, Beethoven's Octet, and the Rossini Italina in Algiers arranged for chamber winds, in John C. Abbott Auditorium on the ground level of Lovejoy Library;
• Rhythms of the Night-An evening of music performed by some of St. Louis' finest percussionists in concert Thursday, June 9, featuring both classic symphonic works and the rhythms of Brazil, Africa, and Cuba, in the Dunham Hall Instrumental Room;
• John Two-Hawks, one of the top American Indian flute players in the world, will perform June 10, in Room 1105 of SIUE's Science Building.
While he plays 20 instruments from the acoustic guitar to the dulcimer, Two-Hawks' trademark instrument is the cedar flute. One might think that he makes them himself. "No, you would have to devote a lot of time to that and I don't have that," he explained. "My flutes come from the best flute makers in the business. Each flute carries the spirit of the maker."
His answer reflects the traditions and culture of his life as an Oglala Lakota whose ancestral homeland is the Great Plains. He now resides in Arkansas. "The Ozark Mountain Range is the oldest on the planet," he said. "It is so spiritual here. Powerful and ancient and a good place to hide away," he said.
Arkansas is Two-Hawks' home base, where he creates music, publishes a newsletter and maintains two Web sites: www.johntwohawks.com devoted to his music and performances and nativecircle.com focusing on educating the public about Native Americans.
Two-Hawks just returned from visiting the set of Steven Spielberg's $60 million production of "Into The West" about Native Americans in the 1800s. His friend and children's book collaborator, Joseph Marshall III, is serving as technical advisor and narrator. "This production is promising to have as big an impact as Roots," Two-Hawks says.
The children's book, with an audio CD, comes out in July, Two-Hawks said. Another successful collaboration was with a band called NightWish. "It happened to be the number one metal band in Europe. But they did big, soaring music with a 52-piece orchestra, the same orchestra that did the music for Lord of the Rings. It was a really enjoyable experience," he explained.
Two-Hawks has been nominated for a NAMMY (Native American Grammy) which automatically makes him eligible for a Grammy. For more information about the concert series, please call 650-3900. SummerArts 2005 is presented by the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences.
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SIU President James E. Walker announces retirement
James E. Walker, president of Southern Illinois University since 2000, recently announced his retirement effective June 30, 2006. Walker made the announcement at the regular monthly meeting of the SIU Board of Trustees conducted earlier this month at the SIUE East St. Louis Higher Education Center.
"Thirty-four years ago my work in higher education began at Southern Illinois University, and today it is with deep and profound appreciation for all that SIU has contributed to my professional life as an educator and administrator that I inform the Board of my decision to end my professional career at the same extraordinary place it began," Walker told the board.
"When I accepted the presidency, I told the Board that if all worked out well, I would stay until I was 65 years old," he said. "Next year, I will complete 35 years in higher education at seven universities-eight of those years at SIU. Next year will represent my 16th consecutive year as a university president, and next year, I will be 65 years old," Walker added.
SIU Board of Trustees Chairman Glenn Poshard commended Walker's service to SIU. Poshard said Walker's "humble origins" gave him a unique perspective among university presidents, one which allowed him to see the human potential in everyone.
"President Walker is an amazing man who rose from poverty using his mind, his ambition and a desire to succeed," Poshard said.
"His hard work and perseverance have led to his many successes in life. Jim has been the consummate professional educator for Southern Illinois University, always seeing the good in each person, always using his immense personal skills to move the University forward," he said. "President Walker's legacy will be that of a man who carried himself with honor, dignity and grace, and in so doing, advanced the interests of this great University.
"He will be greatly missed. Jo and I wish him and Gwenn our best in whatever endeavor they choose to do next."
Walker announced his intention to retire to give the Board of Trustees adequate time to find his replacement. "It's been an honor and privilege for me to lead this great diverse institution into the new millennium," Walker said. "Despite difficult economic times, SIU has become stronger and has moved forward due to the hard work, creativity and perseverance of our Board, faculty, staff, alumni, friends and community leaders.
"Thanks to the entire SIU family, this University is having a positive influence on our state, our nation and the world. SIU's excellence in teaching, scholarship and service to the communities that surround our campuses is unsurpassed in higher education," Walker continued.
"For my wife, Gwenn, and I, this retirement decision is an opportunity to enjoy time with our family and friends, especially with our grandson. I look forward to serving the University as president in the months ahead, including being actively involved with the trustees, faculty and staff while the new search for a president proceeds.".
Walker earned A bachelor of science in biology from Alabama State University and a master's in special education from Atlanta University. A graduate of Pennsylvania State University's doctoral program in education, Walker is co-author of Behavior Management: A Practical Approach for Education, which is in its eighth edition. He also has authored several journal articles related to special education and educational psychology.
Walker was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Alabama in higher education administration and is also a graduate of the Harvard University Institute for Educational Management.
He came to SIU from Middle Tennessee State University, where he served as president for 10 years. Prior to becoming president at MTSU, Walker was provost and vice president for academic affairs at the University of Northern Colorado. Walker moved through the ranks from assistant professor, department chair, dean, and provost and vice president for academic affairs to president.
Upon arriving at SIU five years ago, Walker formed a committee known as the 2020 Vision Committee. Composed of an external group of nationally recognized educators and community leaders, chaired by the late Sen. Paul Simon, the committee developed a set of recommendations designed to chart the way for SIU as it moved into the 21st century. In September 2002 the 2020 Vision Committee issued its report, which included 42 specific recommendations to move the University forward during the next two decades.
The report has guided much of the president's administrative planning and decision-making processes for the last three years.
Walker also has been instrumental in raising student scholarship funds. His Presidential Scholarship Award annually rewards academic excellence and results in some of the best young minds in the state enrolling at SIU's campuses.
He initiated efforts to foster greater cooperation between the Carbondale and Edwardsville campuses. His Task Force for the Identification and Development of Collaborative Opportunities has resulted in significant improvements in maximizing the resources and strengths of SIU as one university. His work in this area has resulted in successful joint coordination of federal research funding efforts in rural health care programs, including medicine, nursing, dental medicine and allied health work.
In the area of budget, administrative and legal services, Walker's streamlining initiatives have resulted in a 28 percent reduction in University administrative costs over the last two years.
Walker's many visits to Springfield and Washington, D.C., have gained him respect and stature among state and federal elected officials. Key members of the Illinois Congressional delegation, working together with Walker, secured millions in federal research grants in the areas of coal, agriculture, bio-fuels, health care and education during Walker's tenure.
His discussions and relationships with key state officials have assisted the University in securing more than $110 million in state appropriations for capital funding during his tenure. Key projects included the $12 million renovation of Altgeld Hall and Old Baptist Foundation, the $35 million renovation of Morris Library, the new construction of the $30 million School of Medicine Combined Laboratory Facility in Springfield, the $21 million Cancer Institute that will break ground next month and the $20 million National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center at SIUE.
Walker also has been aggressive in working with the chancellors of the Carbondale and Edwardsville campuses in pursuing new programs and capital projects funded with University resources. New programs initiated under his presidency included the new SIUE School of Pharmacy and the recently approved expansion of the SIU governmental internship program. More than $100 million in University-funded capital improvements have occurred during Walker's presidency, including the new $5 million SIUE School of Pharmacy building, the $17 million renovation of the University Center at SIUE, the new dormitory at SIUE that will begin construction early next year and the recently approved $27 million Grand and Wall student apartments at SIU Carbondale.
In addition, Walker has been actively involved in increasing private contributions to the University. Foundation contributions have grown by 30 percent since his arrival five years ago.
Walker also led the Board of Trustees in the searches for the current chancellors at the Carbondale and Edwardsville campuses.
SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift was chosen last year by Walker to run the Edwardsville campus. "In the short time I have known Jim, he has become someone I often look to for advice and counsel," Vandegrift said. "President Walker has helped me better understand the needs of our Illinois citizens, and his judgment has always been sound. I will miss him both as a mentor and as a friend."
Walker is a member of numerous higher education professional organizations and has served on the boards of several of those associations, including the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the American Council on Education. He has served as chair of the NCAA Division I Athletics Certification Committee and has been involved in Rotary International, the United Way, Boy Scouts of America and the American Heart Association.
SIU Board Selects Tedrick To Fill Vacancy Left By Poshard
Roger Tedrick of Mt. Vernon, a member of the SIU Board of Trustees since February 2004, has been chosen to fill the vacancy created by Board Chairman Glenn Poshard's recent resignation from his post.
Poshard announced recently he was stepping down to pursue the position of SIU President. That position will become vacant June 30, 2006, when James E. Walker will rerire. Walker has been in the position since 2000.
The Board also approved the initiation of a national search for the new President of SIU and the creation of a Presidential Search Advisory Committee, whose responsibilities would include advising the Board of Trustees in its selection of the next president. Keith Sanders, a member of the SIU Board since December, was appointed to serve as the Board's liaison to the committee and be responsible for the day-to-day activities of the search.
"Without question, Jim Walker and Glenn Poshard are irreplaceable, but this Board has a duty to the SIU community to move forward diligently and expeditiously to find the individuals that can carry their good work forward," said Board Vice Chairman Ed Hightower. "Today, we have begun that process with the selection of Roger Tedrick as the new SIU Board of Trustees Chairman."
Hightower, one of the Board's longest serving members, announced prior to Tedrick's selection that his responsibilities as superintendent of Edwardsville schools, his frequent weekend travel schedule as an NCAA Division 1 referee, and other professional and personal commitments precluded him from being a candidate for Board Chair at this time.
"The commitment and passion that Chairman Poshard demonstrated in leading this Board is shared by Trustee Tedrick," stated Hightower. "It is with great enthusiasm that this Board unanimously supports Roger's selection as Board Chairman," Hightower said.
Tedrick, president of Tedrick Insurance in Mt. Vernon, was appointed to the SIU Board of Trustees by Gov. Rod Blagojevich. He currently serves as chair of the Board's Finance Committee. Tedrick, a graduate of SIU Carbondale, is a long-time supporter of the University. He is a past member of the SIU Foundation Board and is a past member of the SIU Alumni Association Board.
He co-chaired the Undergraduate Academics Committee for Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment, SIUC's long-range plan. He also has represented alumni and friends of the University on many high-level searches for the Carbondale campus. He and his his wife, Sally, have two grown daughters, Lori and Sarah, and two grandsons.
Tedrick takes control of the Board at time when the Board must select a new President for the SIU system. "I fully understand the moment in time in which I have been selected to lead this Board," Tedrick said. "I am honored and humbled by the Board's confidence in me."
The Board officially moved on several items related to the selection of the next president including; approval of a national search for the next SIU President, the appointment of Dr. Keith Sanders to lead the Board's presidential search process, and the creation of a Presidential Search Advisory Committee to be made up of various constituent groups on each campus.
"Today the Board has approved a national search for the next president of SIU, culminating in a decision by this Board no later than December," Tedrick said.
To insure compliance with statutes related to minority and women participation, as well as the participation of the various constituent groups on each campus, the Board also approved the creation of a Presidential Search Advisory Committee to assist the Board in its decision. The Board appointed Dr. Keith Sanders to serve as the Board's liaison to the Presidential Search Advisory Committee, as well as be responsible for the day-to-day activities of the search.
SIUE Professor/Designer Has Some Challenges This Summer With Oklahoma!
Jim Dorethy has two challenges this summer. One is to find a surrey, preferably with some fringe on top, and the other is to "make the same different." Dorethy, an associate professor of Theater and Dance, also is set designer for SIUE's Summer Showbiz 2005 productions.
He'll be using one set for two very different musicals. The first musical, which played earlier this month, was the comedy Nunsense II about the nuns at Mount Saint Helen's School organizing a fund-raiser. As part of the original script, they use a set left over from a school production of The Mikado, Dorethy explains. "Here, we're using the set from Oklahoma! … sort of moving to the Southwest," he says.
Oklahoma! is the second offering in the Summer ShowBiz 2005 season. So, the challenge for Dorethy was to make the same set different and ensure it was as functional for the Nunsense II cast of five as it will for the Oklahoma! cast, which includes 30-plus dancers.
Oklahoma! runs Thursday-Saturday, July 14-16 and July 21-23, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 17 and 24. in Katherine Dunham Hall. Summer Showbiz is part of SIUE's SummerArts 2005 program presented by the SIUE College of Arts & Sciences.
"We had limited personnel, limited time, and a limited budget," Dorethy points out. "We chose Nunsense II because it's a smaller show. We used nuns' costumes from an earlier production. The costume requirements for Oklahoma! are much more involved," he pointed out.
Dorethy went on to explain the differences in the sets. For example, with Nunsense II, the set appeared to be painted, but when it becomes Aunt Eller's home in Oklahoma! it will look like wood siding with individual wood panels.
The designer said one of the biggest challenges doing Oklahoma! is "the set is very flat. A barnyard is flat," he said. "So, to get something up in the air we're going to have the second floor windows open and have people coming out of them onto the roof. We'll also have a 20-foot windmill."
The challenges of meeting production and audience demands require the ability to adapt, Dorethy says. "Our budget hasn't flexed on the price of lumber or labor. Seven years ago our budget was smaller. But we could do more because of the lumber costs and we had more people to help."
And what about the other challenge of finding a surrey for Oklahoma! "I've got good horse connections," Dorethy said with a laugh, "but the surrey is going to take a little longer."
For more information about Oklahoma! contact the SIUE Fine Arts box office by telephone, (618) 650-2774, or by e-mail: theater-tickets@siue.edu. Information also is available on the Department of Theater and Dance Web site: www.siue.edu/THEATER.
Pharmacy To Receive $900K With Help From Legislator
The new SIUE School of Pharmacy will receive $900,000 in funding through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (DFPR) and its Board of Pharmacy, according to Illinois Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Collinsville), who helped the School obtain the money.
The new funding is part of the FY06 state budget approved by the Illinois General Assembly. It is expected to be signed by Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Pharmacy Dean Philip Medon said he was pleased with Hoffman's and DFPR's support. "I believe it's indicative of the significant local and state support the School of Pharmacy has received for the development of SIUE's newest program," Medon said.
"The SIUE pharmacy program continues to meet or exceed the requirements of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as evidenced by the receipt of Precandidate Status from ACPE in January 2005.
The DFPR's level of support will allow us to proceed with the next step toward accreditation-the receipt of Candidate status in spring 2006 and eventual full accreditation in May 2009," he said.
The school has enrolled its inaugural class of 80 students who will begin Aug. 8th, the first day of classes of the fall semester for the Doctor of Pharmacy program.
SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift said he was pleased with the legislative efforts to obtain the funding. "I would like to express SIUE's gratitude and appreciation for the support of our strong, local legislative delegation in the receipt of this grant," Vandegrift said.
"The School of Pharmacy is very important to Illinois, particularly to Central and Southern Illinois, as we strive to broaden our health care programs as part of our mission.
"Southern Illinois University Edwardsville seeks to be recognized nationally for the excellence of its programs and development of professional and community leaders. The School of Pharmacy is a prime example of how we are accomplishing our vision."
Hoffman said he had worked closely with the governor and local leaders to secure the funding. "The addition of a new pharmacy school will improve the quality of campus life and also will boost the prestige of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on the whole." Hoffman represents the 112th Illinois District, which includes Edwardsville-Glen Carbon, Collinsville, Fairview Heights, and Maryville.
Cougar Cruiser Still Seeks A Place In The Sun
Members of Team SIUE are confident they will qualify their Cougar Cruiser for the North American Solar Challenge (NASC), which begins July 17.
NASC is a competition to design, build, and race solar-powered cars in a cross-country event. Forty teams will compete in the 2,500 mile race from Austin, Texas, to Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
During the May qualifying event, the SIUE vehicle didn't quite pass muster, but the team said the upgrade suggestions from the judges were minor and that the SIUE vehicle would be ready at the next qualifying event on July 10.
Participants 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.
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. Energy management and weather conditions 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.
NASC sponsors include the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Natural Resources Canada, and the DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The event is designed to inspire young people to pursue careers in science and engineering.
Charter School Students Learn About History Of East St. Louis
By Patricia Merritt
Director of Public Relations
East St. Louis Center
A cigar shop, a bowling alley, and a movie theater were discovered among some of the vacant and burned out buildings in downtown East St. Louis. Those places were identified by students from the SIUE East St. Louis Charter School, who were discovering history with the help of one of their teachers.
"Finding out about the rich history of East St. Louis has instilled a great sense of pride in the students," said Christine Henske, history teacher at the Charter School. She has worked with her students in unearthing the thriving community that was once located in downtown East St. Louis as part of the Old Man River Project.
This year saw the culmination of the project, funded through the U.S. Department of Education, and involving a select group of 30 teachers in St. Clair County who would study Mississippi River history in their classrooms for three years. Henske's class decided to study East St. Louis because it is a Mississippi River town.
In the first year, Henske's class studied the effects of the 1993 Mississippi flood on East St. Louis and the region. In the second year, students looked at East St. Louis history and how the town was founded. "Students identified 15 downtown buildings and found out when they were built and what they were used for," Henske said. "This year, we took last year's research and turned it into a photograph exhibit."
Charter School students took pictures of the buildings and The University Museum of SIUE volunteered to enlarge them and mount them. The students will also publish an exhibit guide that will go along with the photographs, Henske said. The display will be shown first at the East St. Louis Learning Resource Center on the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus, and then will travel elsewhere.
The Majestic, located at 240 Collinsville St. and built in 1928, was a movie theater with one big screen. It was lavish like the Fox Theater in St. Louis, with 1,800 plush seats, luxurious carpeting, a three-tiered balcony and a nationally renowned Wurlitzer concert pipe organ now housed in the lobby of the Fox, Henske said.
Charter School students in Mrs. Henske's class this year include: Chris Blackwell, Stanley Hines, Christina Lewis, Ashley Moore, Carla Moore, Mickeya Moore, Brandon Scott, and Daryus Wilkes.
Nursing Ranked Seventh In State On Licensing Exams
Students in the SIUE School of Nursing recently were ranked seventh best in National Licensing Exam (NCLEX) test scores compared with students in 29 nursing programs throughout the state of Illinois.
Nursing Dean Marcia Maurer pointed out that SIUE's 96-percent pass rate was up from 84 percent at the same time last year when the SIUE program was 20th best out of 30 programs in the state.
In comparing all accredited nursing programs throughout the country-which include associate degree, diploma, and BSN-SIUE currently is ranked the 66th highest out of 681 programs, placing it in the top 10 percent nationally for NCLEX results. That ranking is up from 372nd out of 614 nursing schools whose graduates took the NCLEX last year.
The dean said that passing the exams allows graduates, who have recently earned a bachelor of science in Nursing (BSN), to practice as registered nurses. "The 2005 NCLEX report shows the remarkable recovery that the SIUE School of Nursing has made since it was placed on probation in 2000 by the state of Illinois licensing board," Maurer said. That probation was lifted in February 2004.
Maurer said the current pass rate is a testament to the "hard work of the School of Nursing faculty" as well as curricular revisions that have been implemented. "In spring 2006, the School of Nursing will be 'rolling out' an entirely renovated undergraduate nursing curriculum," Maurer said.
"Philosophically, the School will be moving from a teaching paradigm to a learning paradigm and basing its nursing courses on Gordon's Functional Health Patterns as the organizing framework for all the courses." She said the changes are being made to insure that the National Licensing Exam results will stay in the 90th percentile.
"In order to make our students better prepared for the exam, we've added more rigor to our nursing program," Maurer said. "Those changes include addition of a stand alone pathophysiology course that builds on normal anatomy and physiology but focuses on the biological explanation for diseases.
"Emphasizing a 'learner centered' approach in the curriculum will reshape the way the students acquire the fundamental knowledge essential to learning the art and skill of nursing. In the revised curriculum, students will take part in intense experiences in SIUE's simulated learning lab, using human simulators," Maurer said.
These human simulator "mannequins" are computer-operated and programmed to react to various "medications" and "treatments" just as a live patient would in a hospital setting. "The students can correct their mistakes on a mannequin, so that when they are in a hospital, they make the right decisions," she said.
"The goal is for the nursing students to acquire the basic foundational knowledge," Maurer said, "to better utilize critical thinking skills. Consequently, when the students encounter these scenarios on the licensing exam and in real patient-care situations, they will have the critical knowledge to make the correct decisions."
SIUE School Of Nursing Joins Emergency Response Exercise
Madison County Health Department, in partnership with the SIUE School of Nursing, recently tested emergency response capabilities during a bioterrorist attack simulation exercise on campus.
SIUE faculty and students, health department employees, and local citizens served as workers and victims during the exercise, while several other agencies-including the American Red Cross, Madison County Emergency Management, and various law enforcement departments-were on hand to provide logistical and operational support in particular areas of expertise.
Nearly 250 participants tested the simulated scenario-part of a bi-state public health emergency response field exercise called "Gateway to Preparedness." Participants assisted in the "deployment and operation" of a dispensing site for medicines from the federal government's Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). The SNS is a nationwide supply of drugs ready to be shipped to any area of the country should a bioterrorist attack occur.
Evaluators on hand for the June 15 exercise observed the emergency response at SIUE and at six other sites in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. On the SIUE campus, distribution of "medications" from a simulated SNS shipment took place in Meridian Ballroom.
"The aim of this exercise focused on the ability of the local public health department to prevent further disease and damages during a possible attack," said Marcia Maurer, dean of the School of Nursing. "This exercise also showed what could be accomplished with cooperation between county health officials and SIUE Nursing faculty, utilizing our campus as a central distribution point for SNS supplies."
County health and emergency management officials said state health officials could deliver enough supplies in the event of a real attack to serve the population of Madison County, nearly 260,000. "No one ever thinks of a disaster occurring in his or her own backyard," Maurer said. "This simulated exercise prepared and tested the community for areas of need and improvement. The intent is to be ready and be prepared."
Bauersachs, Witte Named GLVC Scholar Athletes Of The Year
SIUE standouts Tim Bauersachs (Pinckneyville) and Mary Witte (Normal) have been named Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Scholar Athletes of the Year for their respective sports.
Bauersachs earned the honor for men's basketball, while Witte was lauded among the women's track and field student-athletes.
The GLVC recognizes the top scholar athlete, as voted on by the Faculty Academic Representatives, for every sponsored sport.
Bauersachs, a senior forward, graduated in May with a bachelor's in biology and secondary education, garnering a final GPA of 3.307. During his senior season, Bauersachs became the first Cougar ever to earn first team All-GLVC honors after helping his team to a 23-9 campaign and its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament in more than 15 seasons.
Bauersachs broke the school record for career games played with 113 and averaged a team-leading 11.9 points per game in his senior season. He also led the team in field goal percentage, posting the best numbers for a Cougar in nearly 10 years. During his 113 games as a Cougar, Bauersachs managed to break into SIUE's Top 20 leaders on the all-time scoring list and ended fifth all-time in rebounding. He is also among the all-time leaders in career assists.
Off the court, Bauersachs was on the Dean's List during the 2004 Fall Semester and served as a full-time student teacher, while taking night classes in the spring. Bauersachs will attend the Southern Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., to pursue a ministerial career.
Witte graduated from SIUE in May after majoring in Speech Pathology, with a Psychology minor. As a student she held a cumulative GPA of 3.855, and was named the Cougar Cadre female captain, an award given to the SIUE student-athlete who not only demonstrates academic and athletic success but also promotes sportsmanship, encourages perseverance and displays self-discipline.
Witte was named All-GLVC in track and field in 2002, 2003, and 2004, and was named GLVC Freshman of the Year at the 2002 Indoor Championship. She is a part of the record-holding distance medley relay and 3200-meter relay teams. As a 2004 national qualifier in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, Witte placed 12th at the NCAA national championship meet, setting a school-record time of 11:09.98. Witte was a Chancellor's Scholar and earned Dean's list honors every semester.
She has been conducting research on the speech of persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, throughout her senior year, and was selected to present her research at the Illinois Speech-Language & Hearing Association convention in February 2005. Witte also is involved in numerous community service projects, and plans to attend graduate school to earn a master's in Speech-Language Pathology.
SIUE's Simmons Signs Contract Extension
Marty Simmons, who guided the men's basketball to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in more than 15 seasons, has signed a four-year rollover contract extension, according to Director of Athletics Brad Hewitt.
Hewitt said Simmons' contract will roll over every year for an additional four years. "On behalf of the University, we are sending a message of appreciation and commitment to Coach Simmons, the SIUE men's basketball team and future recruits that Coach Simmons will be here to lead the program into national prominence," said Hewitt.
Simmons, who was recently named the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year in men's Division II play, guided the Cougars to its best-ever ranking of No. 5 in the NCAA Division II poll. SIUE was ranked nationally for nine consecutive weeks while tying the school record with 23 victories.
The Lawrenceville native led SIUE to its best record in league play at 15-5. For his effort, Simmons was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Coach of the Year.
Several Cougars Named Academic All-GLVC
Honored as the best, in and out of the classroom, 57 SIUE student-athletes have been named Academic All-Conference by the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) for the 2004-2005 academic year.
To qualify for the honor, a student-athlete must be a freshman or first-year transfer who attained a grade point average of 3.40 or higher during the Fall Semester. For a returning student-athlete, he or she qualifies for the honor if he or she has earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or has attained a grade point average of at least 3.40 in each of the preceding two semesters.
Listed below by hometown are those from SIUE who have earned Academic All-GLVC honors. Those listed with an asterisk have earned this award in multiple seasons.
ILLINOIS
Belleville: Allison Coats*** (Women's Tennis)
Benton: Bart Smith (Men's Cross Country)
Byron: Kyle Martin** (Baseball)
Chicago: Celia Montes** (Women's Tennis)
Carbondale: Padra Bencini** (Women's Soccer); Sarah Landt** (Women's Soccer)
Centralia: Blake Marcum (Men's Track and Field)
Decatur: Kallie Harrison (Women's Golf)
DuQuoin: Cody Ellermeyer** (Men's Track and Field)
Effingham: Kendra Westendorf*** (Volleyball); Gina Wohltman (Women's Tennis)
Geneseo: Amber Wisdom*** (Women's Basketball)
Germantown: Jenny Heimann (Volleyball)
Gillespie: Dustin Bilbruck** (Men's Track and Field)
Granite City: Andrew Crider (Men's Soccer)
Hillsboro: Ashley Hamm (Women's Golf)
Jacksonville: Cory Bunner (Baseball)
Livingston: Michael DalPazzo** (Baseball)
Manito: Calvin Willard** (Men's Track and Field)
McClure: Doug Taylor (Men's Basketball)
Mc Leansboro: Justin Crain (Men's Track and Field and Cross Country)
Millstadt: Heather Bonde*** (Volleyball)
Moline: Aaron Cook (Men's Track and Field); Eric Steffens (Men's Track and Field and Cross Country)
Mount Prospect: Heather Zipparro*** (Women's Track and Field and Cross Country)
Normal: Mary Witte*** (Women's Track and Field and Cross Country)
O'Fallon: Keith Patten (Men's Track and Field), Ashley Price (Softball)
Orion: Holly Neuerberg*** (Softball)
Pekin: Megan Gaitros (Softball)
Peoria: Shanna Waldo*** (Softball)
Pinckneyville: Tim Bauersachs (Men's Basketball)
Rochester: Ryan Nowakowski (Men's Track and Field)
Springfield: Katherine Ferry (Women's Tennis); Chris Johnson*** (Men's Soccer); Jennifer Wilson (Women's Track and Field)
Sumner: Julia Scherer** (Women's Track and Field)**
Towanda: Allison Buss*** (Volleyball)
Troy: Elizabeth Ball (Women's Soccer)
Westmont: Veronica Schmidt (Softball)
ALASKA
Anchorage: Shevon Shegog (Women's Track)
ARIZONA
Tucson: Amy Rogers*** (Softball)
MARYLAND
Upper Marlboro: Mike Banner (Men's Soccer)
MISSOURI
Madison: Sara Unterbrink**** (Women's Basketball)
St. Louis: Jessica Brown* (Women's Soccer); Ann Crawford*** (Women's Soccer); Brian Higgins*** (Men's Soccer)
St. Peters: Kristine Armstrong** (Women's Soccer)
INDIANA
Jeffersonville: Amy Austin (Women's Basketball) Fort Wayne: Lindy Carey (Women's Basketball)
TEXAS
Plano: John Bannister (Men's Track and Field)
WISCONSIN
Plymouth: Tanya Guell** (Women's Basketball)
CANADA (ONTARIO)
Orono: Tina Talsma* (Volleyball)
May 2005
May 20, 2005
SIUE SummerArts Workshops Continue To Serve Area Youth
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Since 1995, a total of 1,515 youngsters have attended workshops presented by the Department of Art and Design's Art Education program at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The workshops are part of the SummerArts 2005 program.
Assistant Art and Design Professor Dennis Taylor is head of the department's art education area, which offers the "Children's Summer Arts Workshops" each year. The program actually dates back to 1975 when the "Summer Visual Art Workshops for Youth" began. That series was co-sponsored by the department and The Friends of Art.
"The purpose was to provide quality, intensive, affordable art experiences for young students in the metro area during the summer months," according to the program's history.
In the beginning, the program focused on primary and intermediate age workshops, Taylor said, "because of a lack of facility space until the new Art and Design Building was completed."
Now, the summer art workshop program offers sessions for primary ages through junior and senior high. One of the offerings for older students is the Jr./Sr. High Ceramics/ Sculpture Workshop. "It is being offered again because it is very popular," according to workshop Coordinator Chris Short. Other popular junior-senior high workshops include the Drawing-Painting session and the Computer Graphics session.
Each year, the workshops draw students from throughout the area including Granite City, Alton, Godfrey, Staunton, Dorsey, Mascoutah, Belleville, and Fairview Heights, as well as Collinsville, Edwardsville and Glen Carbon, Short said. "Each year, parents see the announcement in the paper and the phone starts ringing." Apparently, that's been going on for 30 years.
For further information about the workshops, please call the Department of Art and Design, (618) 650-3183.
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May 13, 2005
School Of Business Entrepreneurship Center To Conduct Forum
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) .The Entrepreneurship Center, sponsored by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business, will conduct a May 25 forum, the second in a four-part series of forums with topics ranging from assisting entrepreneurs seeking equity investment to putting together a management team.
The May 25 forum, Getting the Most from Your Business Banking Relationship, will help entrepreneurs and current business owners learn how to utilize all the commercial banking services available in the region. The forum, set for 5:30-7:30 p.m. that Wednesday, at the Collinsville Holiday Inn, will feature banking professionals who will explain what services and banking products a business owner may expect from a lending institution.
The cost is $15 per person, which includes refreshments. For more information or for advanced registration, contact the center by telephone: (618) 650-2929. The series is co-sponsored by First Bank and the Illinois Entrepreneurship Network.
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May 11, 2005
SIUE Student From Springfield Receives Housing Scholarship
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) University Housing at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has chosen Springfield native Kendra Chapman-Small as the 2005-06 James R. Anderson Housing Scholarship recipient. Chapman-Small is a sophomore studying Biological Sciences, with a 4.0 grade-point average.
The award is given annually to an academically motivated student with a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher (based on a 4.0 scale) who has demonstrated civic leadership in community service and Housing activities.
In addition to being a resident assistant at SIUE's Bluff Residence Hall, Chapman-Small is a Springboard to Success leader, a STAR (STudents Assisting with Recruiting) in the Office of Admissions, a member of the SIUE Pre-Dental Association, a volunteer with the Kimmel Student Leadership Development Program, and chair for fundraising and volunteering with Women of Ambition, an SIUE student organization.
Chapman-Small also is very active in her church and plans to attend dental school after she graduates.
The James R. Anderson Housing Scholarship Award was created in memory of Anderson, a former associate director of University Housing at SIUE.
Recipients are granted a $500 per semester stipend. "We're pleased to be able to honor Jim in such a manner as this award," said SIUE Housing Director Michael Schultz. "Jim believed not only in the value of education in and out of the classroom, but also valued family, community involvement, and service."
For more information regarding the James R. Anderson Housing scholarship, call (618) 650-4628.
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May 11, 2005
MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Children Explore Tankers, Tractors At SIUE Vehicle DayEarly Childhood Center's Eighth Annual Event
- Who: Staff and faculty of the SIUE Early Childhood Center (ECC) conducting the event for ECC children and their parents, OR any parent
- and their child, to experience various modes of transportation
- What: SIUE Vehicle Day
- When: 9 a.m.-noon, Friday, May 13
- Where: Parking Lot F, at the SIUE Student Fitness Center
More than 250 children are expected to explore vehicles of all types, including a 1918 Ford tank truck and the Gateway Grizzlies Baseball Team mascot on a scooter, as well as dump trucks, tractors, a police motorcycle, a fire truck with a 100-foot extended ladder, and more.
More than 25 organizations have volunteered vehicles for the event, which is sponsored by the Advisory Board of the EEC.
For more information, contact the Early Childhood Center, (618) 650-2556.
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May 4, 2005
SIUE To Run The 'Cougar Cruiser' In The NASC This Summer
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Participants in the 2005 North American Solar Challenge (NASC) in July will make history as the first solar car racers to cross an international border. The upcoming race also sets a new standard for length-2500 miles, beating the 2001 and 2003 NASC races by more than 100 miles-and is still the longest solar car race in the world.
The race begins in Austin, Texas, July 17, 2005, and will finish July 27 in Calgary, Alberta. Teams from universities, companies, and organizations around the world will compete in what each hopes will be the fastest solar-powered car.
One of the entries is the Cougar Cruiser, the creation of a 15-person team of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Engineering students. It's not exactly something you'd see at your neighborhood car dealership. It's shaped like a flying saucer and runs close to the ground. "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." They'll need it.
The race follows U.S. Route 75 and the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), with checkpoints in Weatherford, Texas; Tulsa, Oklahoma.; Topeka, Kansas; Omaha, Nebraska.; Sioux Falls, S.D.; Fargo, N.D.; Winnipeg, Manitoba; Brandon, Manitoba; Regina, Saskatchewan; and Medicine Hat, Alberta, before reaching the finish in Calgary.
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 batteries for cloudy or rainy days.
"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 the DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
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Cougar Cruiser Seeks Sun
The Cougar Cruiser-not exactly a vehicle you'd find on your neighborhood used car lot-is the creation of 15 SIUE Engineering students who will be racing their solar-powered "buggy" in the North American Solar Challenge (NASC) this summer.
NASC is a competition to design, build, and race solar-powered cars in a cross-country event. In mid-July , 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 Andy Lozowski, an assistant professor in the 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, finishing 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. Energy management and weather conditions 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 the DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The event is designed to inspire young people to pursue careers in science and engineering.
Meridian Society Announces 2005 Award Winners
Five SIUE 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."
Express Scripts Pledges $100,000 To Support New SIUE School of Pharmacy
The Express Scripts Foundation has donated $100,000 to the new School of Pharmacy to support its new doctor of Pharmacy program.
"We are grateful for Express Scripts' donation, which will help us to educate our region's next generation of healthcare leaders," said Philip J. Medon, professor and dean of the School. "The School of Pharmacy is committed to advancing the pharmacy practice through research and scholarship. Express Scripts' donation will help us to reach that goal."
"We are pleased to provide this donation to help SIUE train future pharmacists and healthcare professionals," said George Paz, president and chief executive officer of Express Scripts.
"Express Scripts is part of a great metropolitan area that includes Missouri and Illinois. SIUE is an important resource for training highly capable pharmacists who can help us in fulfilling our mission to make the use of prescription drugs safer and more affordable."
The Express Scripts Foundation serves as Express Scripts' philanthropic vehicle for supporting the communities in which it operates. The foundation focuses its support on community-based initiatives, especially those in which Express Scripts employees are actively involved. The Express Scripts Foundation also demonstrates its dedication to progressive healthcare management and strong social values through its support of medical and health-related causes, particularly those focused on supporting youth and strengthening families.
Express Scripts, Inc. (Nasdaq: ESRX) is one of the largest pharmacy benefit management (PBM) companies in North America, providing PBM services to over 50 million patients through facilities in 13 states and Canada.
SIUE Business Students Capture First Place At ICBS Competition
Five 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, a Business Administration/Finance major who acted as CEO of the "company"; Andrew Kenny, an Accountancy major who was CFO; Vincent Zehme, an Accountancy major who acted as chief strategy officer; John Tucker, a Business Administration/Finance major who acted as chief operations officer; and Amanda Learned, a Business Administration/Finance and Management major who was chief marketing officer.
Joseph Michlitsch, chair of the 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."
Nursing Awards Honor 'Jewels Of Excellence'
Just before Nurses Week, the SIUE School of Nursing kicked off the celebration with its "Jewels of Nursing Excellence" awards dinner to honor those who have contributed to the profession.
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 one of those honored at the event which took place at the Sunset Hills Country Club in Edwardsville. Some 165 people attended.
Currently serving her 16th term as representative of the 114th District, Younge received the 2005 award for being the outstanding "Friend to Nursing."
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.
Senior Citizens' Fair Is Set For May 9 In The MUC
The SIUE 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 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.
Benefits Fair Attendance Prize Winners Announced
Winners of attendance prizes at the SIUE Fitness and Benefits Fair in April have been announced. The fair is held each year in conjunction with the Chancellor's Health Walk and the Staff Senate BBQ.
The fair affords employees a chance to assess their health coverages through the university, as well as assess their health in general.
Several employees won prizes from the University: A 26-inch mountain bike,Val Toth; a DVD/VCR, Sharon Giffhorn; portable DVD player, Dale Fellhauer; portable CD Player, Janet Crouch; $25 WalMart gift certificates - Jim Benhoff and Belinda Carstens-Wickham; a digital camera, Tiffany Schlechte; portable CD/MP3 Player, Greg Herbeck; and an MP3 Player, Candice Stoverink.
Prizes donated by Colonial were won by: $25 WalMart gift certificates, Rena Young, Marsha Walker, Darlyne Alldredge, and Gary Sammons.
Prizes donated by Liberty Mutual were won by: a chair, Heather Kniffel, and an iPod Shuffle, Gretchen Fricke.
SIUE Campus Recreation donated one-year memberships to the Student Fitness Center. Those winners were: Cindy Nordstrom, Jenny Bolander, and Marti Lo Russo.
Pepsi donated pedometers won by: Ann Emmanuel, Barb Books, Barb Randle, Brenda Wieseman, Bu Catalano, Candice Stoverink, Carole Graff, Dail Munneke, Dee Dee Klein, Denise York, Ed Matecke, Emery Jordan, Gloria Atkins, Helen Broaden, Janet Hupp, Jill Eschbach, Julie Devine, Karen Childers, Karen Matkins, Kathi Ledford, Kelly Meyers, Kim Donahue, Leasa Ferry, Linda Durell, Lora Flamm, Marsha Walker, Martha Leese, Martha Saboff, Michele Bensa, Nancy Newman, Nicole Neilson, Patricia Apponey, Patti Makler, Rich Johnson, Rita Lesemann, Rudolph G Wilson, Sharon Govan, Shrylene Clark, Steve Sias, Sue Buchmiller, Tami Kershaw, Tammy Duggan, Tiffani Schlechte, Traci Claro, Valerie Maupin, and Warren Mitchell.
Other items donated by SIUE Campus Recreation were won by:
T-Shirts: C. Miller, Carl Springer, Carla Micheletto, Chad Verbais, Chris Wasson, Debbie Brown-Thompson, Donna Ireland, Elaine Farrar, Gloria Jane Emerick, Jill Beck, Jo Ellen Caia, Kelly Brophy, Kevin Schmoll, Mary Kay Gieseking, Pam Seger, Phil Brown, Rick Klein, Ruth Ann Herker, and Winnie Kyro.
Radio: Christy Helling, Patti Koertge, Rhonda Heiderscheid, Trisha Simmons.
Black Bag: Dave Leonard, Lisa Landers, Mary Turner.
Red Bag: Diane Chappel, Donna Boyer, Marge Busse, Sue Grimes, Tracy Zeigler.
Travel Mug: Chris Bennett, Kim Fornof, Matt Crouse, and Paula Birke-Smith.
Koozie Chairs: Jamie Schmidt and Kris Magee.
Williams Misses Qualifying For 400-Meter
Kimetha Williams (Bellevue, Neb.) placed eighth in her heat and missed the finals of the 400-meter dash at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Elmer Gray Stadium on Thursday (5/26).
Williams time of 57.71 was 22nd overall. The fastest time in the preliminaries was Johnsie Liles of Saint Augustine's at 53.60.
The SIUE women's track and field team has more to come at the national championships. Asaki Carr (St. Louis) competes on Friday (5/27) in the 100-meter hurdles preliminaries at 8:05 p.m. Callie Glover (Bartlett) is in the field for the hammer throw at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday (5/28). Christine Butler (Matteson) also competes on Saturday in the triple jump beginning at 6 p.m.
Bannister Qualifies For Hurdles Final
SIUE's Jonathan Bannister (Plano, Texas) won his heat and advanced to the 400-meter hurdle finals at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships at Abilene Christian University's Elmer Gray Stadium.
Bannister's winning time of 51.85 seconds was the third fastest among the field's 18 hurdlers. He trailed only Saint Augustine's Tim Riley and Adrian Findlay, who won their heats in times of 51.34 and 51.46.
Bannister clearly broke his own personal best of 52.46 on April 29. It also neared the record set by Mike Allen in 1971, a converted time of 51.8. Bannister's time is the fastest since track meets began running standard distances of meters instead of yards.
The 400-meter hurdles final is scheduled for 8:09 p.m. on Saturday (5/28).
All three SIUE runners missed qualifying for the finals at 400 meters. Bannister (Plano, Texas) was the closest, placing 10th overall and fourth in the third heat. The sophomore recorded a time of 48.01. The ninth and final spot in the finals went to Jared Peacock of Colorado Mines in 47.75.
The best qualifying time was Marvin Essor of Abilene Christian in 46.44.
Kyle Rose (Kankakee) and Jeff Fearday (Teutopolis) finished 14th and 15th, respectively, in the preliminaries with times of 48.46 and 48.76.
The SIUE men's track and field team continues Friday (5/27) with two field events and a preliminary relay race. The 4 X 400-meter relay will run at 9 p.m. Anthony Weber (Marengo) competes in the pole vault beginning at 6:30 p.m. Lee Weeden (Ferguson, Mo.) competes in the shot put at 6:45 p.m.
Warren Named To Academic All-District Team
Matt Warren (East Peoria), a senior wrestler at SIUE, has been named to the 2005 CoSIDA Academic All-District At-Large Team.
Warren, who was named to the second team, holds a perfect grade point average in Philosophy. He was a recent member of the prestigious Undergraduate Research Academy at SIUE, where he researched, "The Evolution of Ethics."
On the wrestling mat, Warren posted a 3-10 record in the 157-pound division.
Harrison Named Academic All-District
Kallie Harrison (Decatur), a sophomore golfer at SIUE, has been named to the 2005 CoSIDA Academic All-District At-Large Team.
Harrison, a two-time All-Great Lakes Valley Conference performer, was named to the second team. She holds a 3.93 grade point average in biology/medical sciences.
Harrison helped the Cougars to their third consecutive NCAA appearance as a team. She led the team in scoring average at 80.0.
SIUE's Beyers Named Regional Coach Of The Year
ABILENE, Texas - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville women's track and field coach Ben Beyers added another honor to his collection after being named the Great Lakes Regional Coach of the Year.
The honor was bestowed at a banquet preceding the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Abilene Christian University.
The SIUE women's track and field teams won both the indoor and outdoor Great Lakes Valley Conference Championships this past season. SIUE has won three of the last four conference track and field titles with Beyers as the women's head coach.
SIUE had eight GLVC indoor champions and nine outdoor champions in 2005. Six Cougars were named All-Americans at the indoor championships.
SIUE female track and field competitors have broken 14 school records indoors and 17 outdoor records in the last two seasons. Six GLVC records also were broken by SIUE student-athletes.
Beyers is joined on the coaching staff by assistants David Astrauskas and Eileen McAllister.
Softball Cougars Grab Regional And Academic Honors
As SIUE softball coach Sandy Montgomery looks back on her team's season, she knows her team had a great season, finishing with a 41-15 record.
SIUE went 1-2 at the NCAA Regionals in Highland Heights, Ky., falling to Northwood 1-0 in their final game. "It was very heartbreaking that we didn't win," said Montgomery. "These kids played very hard all year for me, and I am very proud of them."
The Cougars garnered some honors over the weekend as four players were named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association's (NFCA) All-Region team and three players were named second team Academic All-District as voted on by ESPN The Magazine and the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
Junior Alicia DeShasier (Carrollton) notched first team All-Great Lakes Region and second team Academic-All-District honors. She led the team with a .363 batting average, 65 hits, 49 runs scored, eight home runs, and a 14-7 pitching record this season. "She really took the season on her shoulders," said Montgomery. "That is not easy for anyone to do, considering she hadn't pitched for two years for us. I am very proud of the way she handled herself."
Senior Veronica Schmidt (Westmont) was picked as the first team All-Region shortstop. She held a .323 batting average, setting career highs in home runs (3), RBIs (35), and runs scored (30). "V.J. had a career year this year," said Montgomery. "She played very well defensively for us. She hit the ball well, like I knew she could. I am really happy that her senior year turned out the way that it did."
Junior Holly Neuerberg (Orion) grabbed second team All-Region honors at second base as well as being named to the Academic All-Region second team. Neuerberg led the team with 43 RBIs and was second on the club with five home runs. "She had another great season," said Montgomery. "She has played a great second base for us. She stepped it up defensively this year and did a lot of good things."
Catcher Libby Lenart (Bartonville) was also named to the All-Great Lakes Region second team. Lenart ended her season with a .260 batting average, two home runs, and 31 RBIs. She threw out 18 runners trying to steal bases this season. "I still feel that she is the best catcher in the league," said Montgomery. "She has great hands. That is a crucial part of our game, having a solid player back there."
Junior outfielder Shanna Waldo (Peoria) picked up Academic All-District second team honors. Waldo led the Cougars will 46 stolen bases and ranked second on the team with 48 runs scored.
First basemen Emily Lenart (Bartonville) was named to the Great Lakes Regional All-Tournament team, notching four hits during the tournament.
Track And Field Sets More Records
Just one week removed from winning the men's and women's Great Lakes Valley Conference Outdoor Track Championships, the SIUE track teams continued to set records.
The Cougars competed at Missouri Southern, Emporia State, and Lindenwood, in preparation for the NCAA Championships to be held May 26-28 in Abilene, Tex.
SIUE expects to learn which Cougar competitors have earned a spot at the national championships Tuesday (5/17). "I'm very happy with our efforts this past weekend," said SIUE women's track coach Ben Beyers. "We had several people solidify their positions on the national list, and we even had a couple jump up from not even being on the list to earning a spot in the meet. It was amazing to watch the efforts pay off so big for those athletes."
On the men's side, Anthony Weber (Marengo) set a new school record in the pole vault with a leap of 16 feet and 4.75 inches (5.01 meters). His jump ranks him 10th in the NCAA this year. "I'm very pleased with Anthony's performance," said SIUE men's track coach David Astrauskas. "He has been very consistent for us all year long."
Lee Weeden (Ferguson, Mo.) set a new school-record in the shot put with his mark of 56-5.25 (17.19m), and he now is eighth in the NCAAs in that event. "Lee had a big performance in the shot put at Missouri Southern and also threw very well in the shot put at ESU," said Astrauskas. "It is nice to see him throw over 55' in two consecutive meets heading into nationals."
Phil Freimuth (Effingham) and Dustin Bilbruck (Gillespie) both had great performances in the javelin. Freimuth set the school record with a throw of 205-1 (62.51m). Bilbruck set a person best with a toss of 204-1 (62.20m). "Phil has been injured most of the year and had not even posted a provisional qualifying mark this season," said Astrauskas. "Hopefully we can get a little more runway work in before nationals. Dustin has been training hard all season long, and he had a big throw at the qualifying meet this weekend."
On the women's side, Callie Glover (Barlett) set a new school record in the hammer. Her toss of 169-6 (51.67meters) ranks her 16th in the NCAA. "Callie has been coming on strong as of late," said Astrauskas. "She had an even better performance at the qualifying meet this weekend. This will be her second national appearance so she is familiar with the national setting."
Holly Noller (Pawnee) set a season high in the javelin with a throw of 137-6 (41.91meters). The mark also places her on the NCAA provisional list in the event. "Holly had a great day in the javelin at ESU, said Astrauskas. "She bettered her season best performance by nearly eight feet."
Christine Butler (Matteson) set a season high in the triple jump with a leap of 39-3.75 (11.98m). "Christine really dug deep and popped out some big jumps on the last day to put up a qualifying mark," said Beyers. "As an indoor All-American from this season, I know she had some big goals coming into the outdoor season. I'm glad she'll be able to get to the outdoor national meet."
The women's 1,600 meter relay team broke the school record this weekend. The team set a new time of 3:47.70 at the Missouri Southern Invitational.
"The ladies really dedicated themselves to earning their spot into the national meet again," said Beyers. "They really stepped it up and have given themselves a chance to be included in the national meet once again in what is quickly becoming our signature event."
Softball Earns Bid For NCAA Regional
SIUE softball received the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye in the NCAA Great Lakes Regional to be held this week in Highland Heights, Ky.
The 48-team field was announced today, with the Cougars making their sixth straight appearance in the six-team Great Lakes Regional field.
SIUE will play the winner of third-seeded West Virginia Wesleyan and sixth-seeded Gannon in the second round of the double-elimination tournament. "The NCAA tournament is always one our goals," said SIUE softball coach Sandy Montgomery. "I am very proud of our team. We just want to go out and play hard and see what happens."
The 15th-ranked Cougars hold a 40-13 overall record after a disappointing fifth-place finish in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament last weekend.
"Although we didn't finish off the tournament the way we would have hoped," said Montgomery, "I still thought we played well this past weekend. Hopefully, we will make some breaks for ourselves this weekend."
SIUE received some individual honors at the tournament, with four players being selected to All-GLVC teams.
Junior Alicia DeShasier (Carrollton) collected first team all-conference honors as a utility player. DeShasier spent the season as a pitcher and a right fielder. She leads the team in batting average (.372), hits (64), runs (49), home runs (8), as well as notching a 14-6 record in the circle this season. "She has had a great season," said Montgomery. "She is very deserving. Alicia has taken a lot of pressure on her shoulders as far as having to do some pitching this year. She has led the team all year offensively."
Senior Veronica Schmidt (Westmont) was picked as the second team shortstop and junior Holly Neuerberg (Orion) grabbed second team honors at second base. "It's a great accomplishment for both players," said Montgomery.
Schmidt ranks first on the team with 13 doubles and third on the team with 35 RBIs and a .331 average. Neuerberg leads the team with 43 RBIs and is second on the club with a .342 batting average and five home runs.
Freshman pitcher Lindsey Laas (Frankfort) also nabbed a second team spot. Laas has complied a 18-5 record this season and is 13-3 since returning from the Cougars' trip to Florida. During that stretch, all three of her losses were by one run. "She has really come on and done a nice job for us," said Montgomery. "She is an 18-game winner, and that is pretty awesome for a freshman."
The Cougars begin their quest for a NCAA Regional Championship on Thursday (5/12).
Men's Track And Field Claim GLVC Championship
For the second consecutive year, the SIUE men's track team claimed the Great Lakes Valley Conference Outdoor Championship. The Cougars defeated second-place Lewis by 78 points.
"We had so many individuals step up and take accountability in winning this meet," said SIUE Track coach Ben Beyers. "All of these individuals came together and really rallied as a team. It would have been very difficult for any team to defeat us this weekend."
Beyers and men's track coach David Astraukas were named GLVC coaches of the year.
Jonathan Bannister (Plano, Tex.) continued his successful season and strong performance by being named GLVC Athlete of the Year. Bannister broke his own school record in the 400 meters with a time of 46.95, improving his NCAA provisional qualifying time. He also improved his times in the 110- and 400-meter hurdles. "Jonathan really has excelled this entire season," said Beyers. "I'm thrilled that he won the Athlete of the Meet."
Dustin Bilbruck (Gillespie) set the school record in the long jump with a distance of 23 feet and 4.75 inches (7.13 meters), making him a provisional qualifier. Bilbruck becomes the first Cougar to leap better than seven meters, breaking the record set by Ryan Gold (22-11.25, 6.99 meters) in 1999. "Dusty really stepped up again in the long jump," said Beyers. "His early jumps took the wind out of the sails of the other competitors, and he took home the title.
Jeff Fearday (Teutopolis) won the 800 meters with a time of 1:53.33, bettering his provisional qualifying mark. "He's had a dream senior season," said Beyers. "He won his first individual conference title with a tremendous come-from-behind victory in the 800. His grit and determination have set the tone for our program for now and in the future."
Fearday anchored the SIUE 400-meter relay team that set a new school record. The team of Brad Blevins (Gillespie), Kyle Rose (Kankakee), Jason Hall (Chicago), and Fearday ran a time of 41.50.
The Cougars 1600-meter relay team of Chris Wright (Richton Par), Fearday, Rose, and Bannister, notched a conference record with a mark of 3:13.49.
Junior Ryan Boyll (Bloomington) set a personal best winning the 1,500 meters with a time of 3:57.72. Boyll also won the 3,000 meter steeplechase.
Lee Weeden (Ferguson, Mo.) set a new school-record in the hammer throw with a toss of 179'6" (54.71m).
The Cougars will be at the Missouri Southern Last Chance Meet on Thursday (5/12) before traveling to the Emporia State Last Chance Meet on Saturday (5/14) in Emporia, Kan.
Women's Track Sweeps GLVC Championships
The SIUE women's track team picked up the Great Lakes Valley Conference Outdoor Championship over the weekend.
The Cougars complete a sweep of the indoor and the outdoor championships this season, notching the indoor crown back in March.
SIUE won by 28.50 points over Indianapolis to take the championship. "We are really happy to reach our goal of bringing home the conference championship," said SIUE women's track coach Ben Beyers. "They remembered how they felt when they lost the outdoor title last year after having won the indoor crown, so they were willing to do anything to make sure that did not occur again."
Beyers received high honors being named GLVC Women's Coach of the Year.
Valerie Simmons (St. Louis) was named GLVC Women's Athlete of the Year. Simmons won the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 1 minute, 2.84 seconds, to better her NCAA provisional qualifying mark. Simmons was also a member of a 1,600-meter relay team that set a new school record. "Valerie really helped lead the team to victory," said Beyers. "She came from behind to win her second straight 400 hurdle crown. Valerie simply refused to lose and set several personal records during the competition."
Tairisha Sawyer (Chicago) won the 200-meter dash with a mark of 24.55, improving her provisional qualifying mark. Sawyer also ran as a member of 400- and 1600-meter relay teams that set school records. "Tai really stepped up when we needed her," said Beyers. "She defended her 200 title against some very stiff competition."
Kimetha Williams (Bellevue, Neb.) came in first in the 400 meters with a time of 55.58. Williams also ran as the anchor with the school-record setting 4x400 meter relay team. "Kimetha had a tremendous day," said Beyers. "Her 400 was a major personal record, and her time should get her into the national meet. I know those have been big goals for her since she got to campus, so I'm just thrilled to watch her achieve them."
Asaki Carr (St. Louis) placed first to take claim of the 100-meter hurdles championship with a mark of 14.56, improving her provisional qualifying time. "Asaki led the 1-2-3 finish in the 100 hurdles," said Beyers. "We swept the 55 hurdles indoors, as we thought we should have done outdoors last season. So, to cap it off here was very sweet."
Callie Glover (Barlett) set a school record, winning the hammer throw with a toss of 167'4" (51.00m). Lindsey DeFevers (Virden) won the discus after a throw of 140'10" (42.92 meters).
Christine Butler (Matteson) won the triple jump with a leap of 37 feet and 11.50 inches (11.57 meters). "Christine only jumped twice in the triple jump." said Beyers. "I was holding her back a little because she has a strained hamstring. She still performed great and just missed national qualifying."
The Cougars travel to the Missouri Southern Last Chance Meet in Joplin, Mo. on Thursday (5/12). Then they head to the Emporia State Last Chance Meet on Saturday (5/14) in Emporia, Kan.
Cougars Ranked No. 15 Nationally
The SIUE softball team comes in at the No. 15 spot this week in the NFCA/Division II softball poll.
The Softball Cougars, seeking their sixth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament, hold a 39-11 record this season as the team heads to the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament this weekend at the EastSide Center in Peoria.
SIUE Coach Sandy Montgomery and her Cougars face the Quincy Hawks tomorrow (5/6) morning at 11 in the opening round of the tournament.
SIUE's Shegog Earns Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Award
Shevon Shegog (Anchorage, Alaska), a senior student-athlete on the SIUE women's track and field team, has been honored as a third team women's track and field member of the 2005 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Awards.
Shegog appeared in the April 7, 2005, issue of Black Issues in Higher Education. She is a mass communications major and will be graduating this spring.
The Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Award was established to honor undergraduate students of color who have excelled in the classroom and on the playing field. Inspired by the tennis legend, students included on the list must have competed in an intercollegiate sport, maintained a grade-point average of at least 3.2 and have been active on campus or in their community.
Shegog is the SIUE record holder in the indoor 200 meters, as well as a member of the school-record 1,600-meter indoor relay. Shegog will be competing this weekend at the Great Lakes Valley Conference Championships in four events for the Cougars, including 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters, and the javelin.
SIUE Women's Basketball Signs Four Standouts
Sometimes it's just all in getting the right mix.
SIUE women's basketball coach Wendy Hedberg has signed four newcomers to national letters of intent to play next season for the Cougars.
SIUE has added Becky Tenholder (St. Louis), Allison Fogle (Seminole, Fla.), Deidra Dace (St. Louis), and Krystal Rosengren (Marseilles), a mix of players who will play a wide variety of roles for the Cougars.
Tenholder, a 5-foot-11-inch, forward/center, is the all-time leading rebounder and No. 2 all-time in scoring at Bayless High School in Affton, Mo.. She averaged 20 points, 13.9 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. A three-time All-Conference selection, Tenholder ranked second in her senior class and plans to become a pharmacist.
"Becky is very athletic for her position, runs the floor well, and can play with her back to the basket or step out and shoot," said Hedberg. "She will have to adjust to the more physical college game, but she has a great work ethic and is eager to learn."
Fogle, a 5-7 guard, was a four-year starter at Seminole High School and scored 1,863 career points. Fogle averaged 17.6 points and 7.8 rebounds per game last season. She also set the school's single-game scoring record with 43 points.
A first team All-County and All-Conference pick, Fogle also was selected to play in the All-County All-Star game.
"Allison comes from a winning program and knows what it takes to be a winner," said Hedberg. "She is definitely an offensive threat and can shoot the three-pointer or put it to the floor. She handles the ball well and can find the open person on the court."
Dace, a 5-10 guard/forward, averaged 12 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.0 steals per game as a senior at Metro High School. Dace played in the Missouri 2A state championship game, leading her team in scoring and rebounding.
"She has played a very up-tempo style of game throughout her high school career. She is very athletic, has a good range, and a big threat off the dribble," said Hedberg.
Rosengren, a 6-3 center, played one season at Western Illinois and joins the Cougars after one season at Illinois Valley Junior College. Last season, she averaged 10.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game.
Rosengren played prep basketball at Ottawa High School, where she averaged 22 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks per game. She plans to major in elementary education at SIUE.
"Krystal definitely will bring additional size to our inside game and alter a few shots in the lane," said Hedberg. "She plays well with her back to the basket and has a nice touch around the rim."
SIUE Men's Basketball Adds Ty Johnson
Ty Johnson (Springfield), a 5-foot-11-inch guard, has signed a national letter of intent to play men's basketball at SIUE next season.
"He's a real exciting player," said SIUE Coach Marty Simmons. "He can push the ball up the floor in transition and is an excellent three-point shooter."
Johnson averaged 18 points and 4.8 assists per game last season at John A. Logan College. He helped the Volunteers to a 26-7 record this past season and earned first team All-Great Rivers Athletic Conference honors, as well as being named a first team Region 24 selection. Johnson helped the Volunteers to the championship game of the Region 24 Championship.
A graduate of Springfield Southeast High School, Johnson is well known for his ability to penetrate to either score or set up his teammates. He was recruited by several NCAA Division I programs, along with the Cougars.
"He is the kind of player I haven't had in my three years here," said Simmons. "He'll be a fun player to watch."
SIUE Women's Cross Country Signs Four New Cougars
The SIUE women's cross country team bolstered its lineup for next season with the signing of four runners.
Signing national letters of intent to come to SIUE are Elizabeth Williams (Mt. Vernon), Michelle Meador (Bowen), Katelyn Davis (Williamsville), and Chelsey Patterson (Sherman).
Williams set personal records several times during the outdoor track season in the mile and the 3,200-meter run.
Meador, of Southeast High School, figures to continue her development as a runner at the collegiate level. "Michelle comes from a small high school, and she hasn't had anyone to train with of similar ability," said SIUE Coach Eilleen McAllister. "When Michelle is surrounded by other Cougars next season, her development will continue to improve."
Davis also is relatively young in "training" years, noted McAllister. The Williamsville High School standout decided to run track her senior year after starring in cross country and soccer. "Once she has a full year of running training under her belt, she will see continual improvement," said McAllister.
Williams, Meador and Davis figure to step into the cross country program and then focus on distance races during the indoor and outdoor track and field season.
Patterson and Davis were high school teammates at Williamsville. Patterson will be a middle distance runner for the track and field team. "Chelsey will make an immediate impact on the Cougar cross country team," said McAllister.
"All four of these young women are key components in rebuilding the Cougar cross country program over the next couple of years," noted McAllister.
SIUE placed sixth in last season's Great Lakes Valley Conference Cross Country Championships.
SIUE Men's Golf Adds Lehl
SIUE golf coach Mark Marcuzzo announced today that Matt Lehl (Woodstock) signed a national letter of intent to golf for the Cougars.
Lehl, a state qualifier at Woodstock High School, won the Fox Valley Conference championship this year, shooting a 70 in 18 holes. "He is a great young player," said Marcuzzo. "He has great potential. He will come and be competitive for a top five spot on our team next year."
Lehl joins seven other signees for the first SIUE men's golf class since the program was dropped in 1995.
SIUE Men's Basketball Signs Hardiek
SIUE men's basketball coach Marty Simmons has signed Mike Hardiek (Teutopolis) to a national letter of intent.
Simmons said Hardiek is a versatile player with a great shooting touch. "We're excited to have him join the program. He is a lights out three-point shooter," said Simmons.
Hardiek will have two years of eligibility after playing the last two seasons at Lincoln Land Community College, where he helped the Loggers to 22 wins in 2004-2005, tying a school record. Hardiek averaged 16.4 points per game on 53 percent shooting, including 48 percent shooting from three-point range.
Simmons said he can play several positions on the floor from small guard to power forward. "He's really versatile," said Simmons.
Hardiek was a first team All-Collegiate Conference of Central Illinois selection and an All-Region 24 pick this past season and second team All-Conference as a freshman at Lincoln Land.
At Teutopolis High School, Hardiek was a two-time All-Conference pick and finished second all-time in career three-pointers.
Hood Cards 80 In Final NCAA Round
SIUE golfer Brittany Hood scored an eight-over 80 in the final round of the NCAA East Regional to finish in 17th place.
Hood's 80 tied the school record for lowest score in an NCAA Tournament event. Former Cougar Katie Farrell also carded an 80 in the final round of the 2003 NCAA East Regional.
As a team, SIUE placed sixth among the six teams at the event with a team score of 1069. Host Grand Valley State won the 54-hole tournament with a 952 and will advance to the NCAA finals in New Mexico along with second-place Ferris State.
SIUE's Natalie Connaway (McLeansboro) shot a final round 91 for a 268 and 36th place. Kallie Harrison (Decatur) shot 85 on Tuesday and finished at 270 for 28th place. Ashley Hamm (Hillsboro) shot 93 for a 283 total. Kelly Morris (Normal) shot 100 and placed 33rd.
This was SIUE's third consecutive appearance at the NCAA Tournament.
Softball GLVC Tournament Bound
SIUE Softball Coach Sandy Montgomery leads her team to the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament this weekend, knowing full well her Cougars have a "target on their back."
Second-seeded SIUE faces seventh-seeded Quincy in the first round of the tournament on Friday (5/6) at the EastSide Center in Peoria. The 14th-ranked Cougars ended the regular season over the weekend with 39-11 record, 15-2 in GLVC play. "We just want to try and take care of business as we go," said Montgomery. "We need to get the job done against Quincy. Teams are shooting for us since we finished as one of the top teams."
The Cougars swept Lewis on Saturday (4/30) before dropping two games against UW-Parkside on Sunday (5/1). "We played outstanding against Lewis," said Montgomery. "I was really happy with our pitching all weekend. We just could seem to get the job done (against UW-Parkside)."
Even with the stumble against UW-Parkside, the Cougar offense has continued to roll. Senior Veronica Schmidt (Westmont) ranks second on the team with a .347 batting average to go along with career highs in home runs (3) and RBIs (35). The Cougar shortstop also is tops in the conference with 13 doubles. "She has started for me for four years," said Montgomery. "She has really matured this year. VJ is a very talented player."
Fellow senior Samantha Easterley (Belleville) has set numerous career highs this season with a .282 batting average, 31 hits, 24 runs, three home runs, and 27 RBIs.
Alicia DeShasier (Carrollton) leads the team with a .388 batting average. The Cougars outfielder and pitcher is first in the GLVC in total bases with 104, second in runs scored (49), home runs (8), and slugging percentage (.640), and third in the league with 64 hits.
Lindsey Laas (Frankfort) now has a record of 17-5 this season going 1-1 over the weekend. Laas ranks third in the GLVC in wins.
"Overall, everyone had a lot of doubts about where we would end up at the end of the year," sand Montgomery. "I am pleased with where we are at right now."
The Cougars face the Hawks at 11 a.m on Friday (5/6).
Baseball Begins Crucial Last Week
As the SIUE baseball team begins its final week of the regular season, the Cougars know that the next six games are crucial if they want to make the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament.
SIUE, 27-22 overall and 18-16 in the GLVC, currently sits in seventh place in the league, two percentage points behind Bellarmine for the sixth spot. Only one game separates the Cougars from fourth-place Quincy. Only the top six teams in the conference make the tournament which will be held on May 12-15 at T.R. Hughes Stadium in O'Fallon, Mo.
The Cougars are set to battle Missouri-St. Louis in a 2 p.m. doubleheader on Wednesday (5/4) before a four-game showdown with Bellarmine this weekend. "We need the two games against UMSL," said Baseball Coach Gary Collins. "From the No. 3 team to the No. 8 team, this conference is pretty topsy-turvy."
SIUE is in the midst of a 12-game home stand, going 4-2 last week to start the stretch.
Freshman Cory Bunner (Jacksonville) and senior Craig Ohlau (Chester) have sparked the Cougars offense. Bunner notched a .435 batting average, collecting six hits, and driving in six during the week. The center fielder delivered a game-winning two-run double on Saturday and a three-run triple on Sunday in wins over Indianapolis.
Ohlau leads the team with a .333 batting average after notching nine hits last week. The Cougar first baseman blasted his first two home runs of the year against the Hawks and the Greyhounds. "Cory and Craig had a lot of hits," said Collins. "They both played well."
The SIUE pitching staff held its own last week as their opponents had a .192 batting average. "We are getting great pitching," said Collins. "It has kept us in a lot of games and given us a chance to win."
Clay Zavada (Atlanta) came out the bullpen to earn two wins over Indianapolis, running the left-handers mark to 3-3 on the season. "He threw the ball real well," said Collins. "He is hard to hit."
Jarad Rettberg (Divernon) had a masterful performance against the Greyhounds, pitching 9 1/3 innings. He gave up one run on five hits while striking out nine for the no-decision. In his last four starts, Rettberg is 3-0 allowing three runs in 27 2/3 innings, fanning 25 batters.
"Jarad has been really clutch down the stretch," said Collins. "He has pitched some great games. I have to pat him on the back. He has been good for us."
SIUE face the Rivermen at Roy Lee Field on Wednesday 5/4). The Cougars will then play Bellarmine at Roy Lee Field on Saturday (5/7) at 1 p.m. before playing the Knights at T.R. Hughes Stadium on Sunday (5/8) at Noon.
Track And Field Ready For GLVC Championships
SIUE men's and women's track teams head to the Great Lakes Valley Conference Outdoor Championships in Romeoville this weekend had successful stints at the Drake Relays and the Cougar Twilight Meet.
The Cougars set numerous records at the Drake Relays with Jonathan Bannister (Plano, Tex.) leading the charge. Bannister posted the fourth best time at the Relays in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 52.46 seconds, moving him up on the NCAA provisional qualifying list. "Jonathan ran a good overall race," said SIUE track coach Ben Beyers. "I know he's got some kinks to work out prior to getting nationals, but this was a good performance on a big stage."
SIUE's foursome of Kyle Rose (Kankakee), Bannister, Ryan Nowakowski (Rochester), and Jeff Fearday (Teutopolis) ran the school record time of 3 minutes, 10.90 seconds in the 1,600-meter relay placing third in the finals.
"The 4 x 400 relay team has been exciting for us all year," said Beyers. "The time they ran should get them back to nationals where I know they'll be shooting to repeat their indoor accomplishment of earning All-American honors."
The Cougars also broke the school records in the 400-meter relay as the team of Brad Blevins (Gillespie), Rose, Jeff Hall (Chicago), and Fearday ran a time of 41.87 seconds and the group then set the record in the 800-meter relay at 1:30.50. "The 4 x 100 team ran really well," said Beyers. "I'm looking for something good from that team for the remainder of the season. Our 4 x 200 team ran hard and ended up a very close fourth place overall. I think the guys were excited to break the school record but were looking for a higher finish."
At the SIUE Twilight Meet, Tairisha Sawyer (Chicago) set season bests in the 100 meters (12.12) and the 200 meters (24.98).
Kimetha Williams (Bellevue, Neb.) recorded a season-best in the 400 meters with a time of 56.60, making her an NCAA provisional qualifier. "Kimetha ran a very solid race," said Beyers. "I know she's got bigger things in mind, but this was an excellent start and puts her right in position to achieve some big things later this season."
Asaki Carr (St. Louis) provisionally qualified with season high in the 100 meter hurdles with a time of 14.75. "Asaki has been flirting with some fast times all season long," said Beyers. "It's great to see her bringing that intensity and confidence. I'm excited to see where she progresses from here."
On the men's side at the Cougar Twilight, Lee Weeden (Ferguson) provisionally qualified in both the hammer (176-8/53.85m) and the shot put (54-6/16.61m).
Cougar Men's Golf Ink Seven For Upcoming Season
SIUE men's golf coach Mark Marcuzzo announced today Mike McKinzie (Bloomington), Craig Heinzmann (Breese), Kyle Lickenbrock (Freeburg), Ryan Coughlin (Godfrey), Brian Kuddes (Godfrey), Adam Grandidier (Granite City), and Kyle Gansauer (Centralia) have signed to play golf for the Cougars.
Of the signees, six are transfers from junior college or other universities and one will be an incoming freshman. This is SIUE's first men's golf class since the program was dropped in January of 1995. "This group will allow us to come in with some maturity to start the program," said Marcuzzo. "They are going to give us the leadership we want. We are going to surprise some people in the Great Lakes Valley Conference."
McKinzie, from Normal University High School, will enter as a freshman after finishing in the top 15 in class A last year. He was a member of two state championship teams while in high school.
"He has a great work ethic," said Marcuzzo. "He is really going to step right in."
Heinzmann, transfers from Southwestern Illinois College to play for the Cougars. "He is 6-5," said Marcuzzo. "He can hit the ball 340 (yards) off the tee. He will be a nice addition."
Lickenbrock, also a transfer from SWIC, played at Freeburg High School. "He has a 75 average," said Marcuzzo. "He looks to be a great player."
Coughlin, transferring from Lewis and Clark Community College, qualified nationally with the Trailblazers. Coughlin finished in the top five in class A during his senior year at Marquette High School. "He has a great work ethic and is a grinder," said Marcuzzo. "He has a tremendous amount of talent."
Kuddes transfers from Rend Lake College where he qualified nationally with the Warriors. A graduate of Alton High School, Kuddes finished third in class AA his senior year as well as being named All-Area Player of the Year. "Brian is going to be a good asset to the program both as a player and as person," said Marcuzzo.
Grandidier, the Granite City High School product, will enter SIUE as a sophomore after transferring from Southeast Missouri State.
"He has great potential," said Marcuzzo.
Gansauer, a Centralia High School graduate, transfers from Kaskaskia College. While with the Blue Devils he was a national qualifier. "He has the ability to shoot between a 67 and a 72 most any time he tees it up," said Marcuzzo.
SIUE Women's Golf Signs Five
SIUE women's golf coach Mark Marcuzzo announced today that Danielle Kaufman (Nashville), Ashley Hemann (Highland), Casey Biddinger (Lafayette, Ind.), Lauren Elmore (Naperville), and Kirstin Fischer (Godfrey) have signed national letters of intent to play golf for the Cougars.
"It's exciting," said Marcuzzo. "They have some serious potential."
The Cougars, who recently earned a spot in the NCAA Division II Women's Tournament for the third season in a row, add three golfers who will transfer from Rend Lake College.
Kaufman, Hemann, and Biddinger were members of a Warriors team that finished fifth nationally in the junior college ranks last season. Rend Lake won the Cougar Spring Classic on April 17th and 18th of this year. "Those three are very talented golfers," said Marcuzzo. They will add a lot to the program."
Kaufman, a graduate of Nashville High School collected All-American honors last season with the Warriors.
Hemann, from Highland High School, shot a two-day total of 176 during the Cougar Spring Classic, while her teammate Biddinger was three shots better finishing with a 173.
Elmore comes to the program as a freshman from St. Francis High School, where she was a state qualifier. "She can hit the ball 220 (yards) to 240 off the tee," said Marcuzzo.
Fischer also qualified for the state tournament while playing at Alton Marquette High School.
Bannister Places Fourth At Drake Relays
Jonathan Bannister won his 400-meter hurdles heat and posted the fourth fastest time in the event as SIUE broke four school records at the Drake Relays on Friday (4/29).
Bannister ran his event in 52.46, a mark which will help him move up on the NCAA provisional qualifying list. It also is another school record for the sophomore from Plano, Texas. He won the second of four heats at the Drake Relays.
SIUE also ran in four relay races at the prestigious event held at the Jim Duncan Track on the campus of Drake University.
The Cougars broke the school records in the 400-meter relay at 41.87 seconds and the 800-meter relay at 1:30.50. The foursome of Brad Blevins, Kyle Rose, Jason Hall and Jeff Fearday posted the ninth fastest time and missed qualifying for Saturday's final by .01 seconds.
The 800-meter relay time was a full three seconds better than the school record set in 2000. SIUE finished with the third fastest time of 1:27.50 and will compete in the finals after Blevins, Hall, Wes Smith and Fearday won the second of three qualifying heats.
SIUE's 1,600-meter relay team won its heat easily and qualified for Saturday's final. The Cougars' winning time of 3:13.32 is a school record but missed NCAA provisional qualifying by .02 seconds. The foursome of Kyle Rose, Bannister, Ryan Nowakowski and Fearday will have a more competitive field on Saturday, hoping to further set a school record and go for NCAA provisional qualifying.
SIUE's sprint medley relay was disqualified in Friday's preliminaries.
Finkelstein Is 2005 Paul Simon Outstanding Scholar
Marvin S. Finkelstein, professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice Studies, is the recipient of the 2005 Paul Simon Outstanding Scholar Award, according to Stephen Hansen, dean of Graduate Studies and Research.
With SIUE since 1986, Finkelstein received the award for his research in the areas of applied sociology, employment relations, and workplace change, and for his work with students, including the establishment of the Applied Sociology and Internship Program in Employment Relations.
The Simon Award is presented to an SIUE faculty member to recognize the role of research and creative activities in achieving excellence in teaching. The Simon Award confirms SIUE's belief that an individual must be a good scholar to be a good teacher. The Simon Award is sponsored by the Graduate School and presented by the SIUE Graduate Faculty.
Finkelstein was nominated for this year's award by Professor John Farley, chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice Studies.
In his recent book, Net-Works: Workplace Change in the Global Economy: A Critical and Practical Guide, Finkelstein provides insights into the "new" workplace and economy, presenting these insights to students who can apply them so that they can be more effective in making an impact on the world of work. Finkelstein states, "The book is an outcome of years of doing research in the field, while developing courses, a curriculum, internships, and teaching techniques that involve students in the field of workplace change."
Beginning in 1999, Finkelstein became executive director of the Labor Management Committee (LMC) Southwestern Illinois. In this role, he is able to promote areas needing research in the field of labor management relations and workplace change. He also became editor of the Southwest Illinois Labor Management News, a newsletter that focuses on particular topics and areas of concern, such as work and family.
Working with one of his graduate students, Finkelstein wrote a grant proposal to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, which was funded and helped to establish The SIUE Group Problem Solving Center. The Center, which is available to students, is designed to use cutting edge software that facilitates more effective and efficient group problem solving.
In addition, Finkelstein currently serves on the editorial review board of the Journal of Applied Sociology/Sociological Practice. He is a board member of the Industrial Relations Research Association: Gateway Chapter. He also has published and made many presentations in his field.
In his statement of his work written for the Simon Award nomination, Finkelstein said, "I doubt I would have been very successful as an applied researcher or teacher if I did not 1) have practical experience in the field, and 2) engage my students in the questions, issues, and problems I encountered as a practitioner."
Two of his graduate students assisted in research, designing the format, and editing the volume, A Start-Up Guide for Worksite Labor Management Committees, which provides practitioners and those persons interested in workplace change with a set of steps and with the commentary of experienced union and management professionals. Finkelstein also relies on his students to help him organize labor management workshops and conferences, including the Gateway Labor Management Conference, an annual regional conference, thus providing them with valuable hands-on experience.
Finkelstein's findings show that when employees are involved in the decision making that affects their lives, they are more motivated. All courses in the employment relations curriculum are group based, with group exercises, activities, presentations, and short answer exams. In addition, Professor Finkelstein has served on more than 100 master thesis committees and supervised well over 150 internship students.
One scholar and journal editor, in a letter of support for Finkelstein's nomination, wrote that Finkelstein's "numerous publications, outreach activities, and curriculum innovations-principally but not exclusively in the area of management and labor relations-have served to establish him as one of the nation's leading applied sociologists. . . . He is an accomplished teacher and researcher who, in addition, is committed to employing sociological scholarship to help create a better society."
Another professor from the University of Massachusetts-Boston wrote, "Dr. Finkelstein not only teaches prize-winning courses at his university; he also draws his students into his work in the labor-management relations field, so that his own innovative leadership in this field, so vital to the region surrounding his campus, is shared with his students and with faculty colleagues alike."
A former student wrote, "Dr. Finkelstein always went out of his way to help me find opportunities for learning and improvement, compelling me to do the same for my students and employees. . . . The most permanent influence he has had on my life are the words 'continuous learning and self-improvement'."
As the 2005 recipient of the Paul Simon Outstanding Scholar Award, Finkelstein will make a presentation at next year's SIUE Graduate School's Paul Simon Luncheon.
Kimmel Leadership Center Recognized Students, Faculty
The Kimmel Leadership Center recently honored students, faculty, staff, and community leaders for outstanding contributions in leadership and service, at the annual recognition program.
Students who were recognized included those who had completed the Student Leadership Development Program, outstanding student leaders, and students who have been selected for inclusion in Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities.
Also recognized were the student organization adviser of the year, outstanding program and community service project of the year, and outstanding student organization of the year. Community agency awards and Alumni Association Student Leadership Development Awards were also presented.
Below is a list of awardees:
Outstanding Program of the Year
Bluff Hall Council and Residence Housing Association for its Tunnel of Oppression
Adviser of the Year
Allison Fahsl, assistant professor of Special Education and Communication Disorders, SIUE Student Council for Exceptional Children
Student Organization of the Year
Residence Housing Association
Outstanding Community Service Project of the Year
Student Chapter of the U.S. Institute of Technical Theater
Student Leadership Development Program
Margaret Collins, Andilyn Corbitt, Ashok Dubey, Kathryn Isom, Brad Miller, Mark Nazetta, Patrick O'Hara, Leah Orwig, Theresa Rodden, Jessica Shires, and Yi Zhang.
Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges
Teres Atkinson, Cristina Baines, Ashok Dubey, Lena Flenoy, Diana Gravatt, Sara Guarino, Yosuke Irie, Greg Langston, Laylonda Maines, Jennifer Morgan, Gina Paulauskis, Nellie Shaul, Matthew Stapf, Tamela Tilson, Rachel Whitehead, and Preston Williams.
Outstanding Student Leaders
Cristina Baines, Meredith Burkart, Yosuke Irie, Rachel LaRussa, Ankur Patel, Lisé Suliman, Erica Thompson, Matt Thompson, Kishore Vankayalapati, and Katie Vogel.
Emerging Student Leader
Makayla Dilliner and Ashlee Hoffman
Alumni Association SLDP Award
Ashok Dubey
Community Agency Awards
United Congregations of the Metro-East, Madison, and Rick Harmon, Edwardsville.
Summer ShowBiz 2005 Kicks Off With Nunsense II
People should come out and support live theater; experience something they can't put on pause," says Brad Hofeditz, musical director for Nunsense II.
The musical is the first of two Summer ShowBiz 2005 productions in June and July from the Department of Theater and Dance. The hit Broadway musical opens June 16 and Oklahoma! opens July 14.
Hofeditz said he loves live theater whether he's in the orchestra pit, on stage as a performer, or in the audience. "I think it's important for kids to see live theater, too. And, Nunsense II will be a good family experience," Hofeditz adds. The production runs at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, June 16-18 and June 23-25, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 19 and 26, all in Katherine Dunham Hall theater.
The musical focuses on five nuns led by Sister Mary Regina at Mount Saint Helen's School in Hoboken, NJ. "It's a very fast moving, lively show," said Hofeditz, who may be remembered as musical director for Fiddler on the Roof and Grease during the past two summer seasons at SIUE.
Nunsense II is Hofeditz's 16th show at SIUE. This will be his 97th show as musical director and his 169th production over all, Hofeditz explained, which make some interesting statistics for someone who is by day a records officer in SIUE Admissions and Records.
Holding a full-time job and active in theater, Hofeditz must be good at budgeting his time and he'll need that skill with Nunsense II. "The show has around 18 songs, ranging from some very pretty songs to What Would Elvis Do and The Padre Polka," he said.
Nunsense II has a small cast (five) but that apparently doesn't make the musical director's job any easier. "About eight of the numbers go into five-part harmony," Hofeditz said. "Fortunately, I've got five great cast members."
Summer ShowBiz is part of the SummerArts '05 program presented by the College of Arts and Sciences. For more information, contact the SIUE Fine Arts box office by phone, (618) 650-2774, by e-mail: theater-tickets@siue.edu, or by visoting the Web site: www.siue.edu/THEATER.
SIUE Police Join Nationwide Crackdown On The Unbelted
Buckling that seat belt ought to become a habit if it isn't already, and, if it isn't, you may be visited by an SIUE Police officer, especially this week.
SIUE Police have joined thousands of law enforcement agencies in a nation-wide crackdown through June 5 on unbelted drivers and passengers.
Police say statistics show that more than half of teens and young adults who die in crashes are completely unrestrained. This age group is dying at a higher rate in crashes because they are caught in a lethal intersection of inexperience, risk taking, and low seat belt use.
The tragedies are predictable and therefore preventable, law enforcement officials say. SIUE officers are taking a "zero tolerance" approach to child passenger safety law and safety belt violators in an effort to save lives.
To show support to the Click It or Ticket Campaign, SIUE Police have established Safety Belt Enforcement Zones on campus during the initiative. So, please help make this a successful campaign by buckling that seatbelt and making sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled before taking off.
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).
March 2005
March 31, 2005
SIUE School Of Business To Celebrate International Business Week
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Guest speakers will be on hand during classes to discuss with students various topics focusing on global business practices during International Business Week from April 4-8, sponsored by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business.
Speakers will discuss various aspects of global business, including insights into cultural practices and 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, class="si-selection" name="pms5651461731"> Cablofil Inc.; Stewart Dahlberg, international sales manager, JD Streett; and Zhongjie Gu, manager of design engineering, class="si-selection" name="pms5651462240"> Tri-onics Inc.
"As the business environment becomes increasingly global, students require experience and education in international business," explains 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 SIUE 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 SIUE 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.
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March 31, 2005
Celebration Of World Faiths' Set For April 16 At Religious Center
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Friends of the Religious Center (FRC), a support group for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Religious Center, is sponsoring the Third Annual A Celebration of World Faiths from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at the domed center, located between the Morris University Center and the Art and Design Building.
Spiritual leaders and groups from Christian and non-Christian traditions will share music, scripture, prayer, and information about their faiths. The goal is an evening of learning and fellowship, and an opportunity to tell visitors more about the Friends of the Religious Center. The support group is dedicated to preserving the center as the place on campus for serving the spiritual needs of SIUE students, as well as preserving its architectural importance.
"The FRC board of directors is made up of about a dozen members of the university community and the surrounding community at-large," said Greg Fields, an associate professor of Philosophy at the University and FRC board chair. "Also included in the group are the three ministerial directors headquartered at the center. We all share an interest in the structure for its programming available to the university community and for its architectural significance."
Admission is free to the April 16 event, but donations will be accepted. Refreshments with ethnic themes will be served, and all are welcome.
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March 31, 2005
SIUE Cougars To Face Professional Wheelchair Basketball Team
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The men's and women's Cougar basketball teams at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 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 Office of Disability Support Services at SIUE will be sponsoring the 4th Annual "Celebrating Abilities" Wheelchair Basketball Game at SIUE's 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 and now has 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 dancing 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.
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March 31, 2005
Racers, Runners, Walkers Invited To 4th Annual 5K Race
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) 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 will be 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.
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March 31, 2005
SIUE Springfest To Include April 15 'Party In The Park'
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Music by The Bucket Boys and Trixie Delight will highlight the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville "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 the fall, SIUE sponsors 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 Co-Traditions 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 in conjunction with the SIUE campus tradition, Springfest. For a full list of Springfest 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.
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March 28, 2005
Historical Studies Professor Wins 2005 SIUE Teaching Excellence Award; Three Others Win Teaching Recognition Awards
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Thomas Jordan, assistant professor of Historical Studies at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, 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 will receive a $2,000 award at SIUE's Honors Convocation on April 17, and 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 assistant professor in Computer Management and Information Systems, and to Frederic Leveziel, an instructor in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature. Each will receive 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 Indiana University, a master of science at Illinois State University, and a doctorate at Millikin 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.
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March 25, 2005
SIUE Plans Week of Events for Chancellor Installation
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The installation of Vaughn Vandegrift as the seventh chancellor of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will be held April 4-8 on campus.
The five values of SIUE-Citizenship, Excellence, Integrity, Openness, and Wisdom-have been chosen by the Chancellor as the theme for his Installation Week events. The public is invited to attend the following events:
April 4-8
Student & Faculty Art Exhibits, Art & Design Building
Monday, April 4
Forum on the University in a Changing World, the university's role in healing an increasingly violent and divided world, 12-1:30 pm, Morris University Center
Coffee Concert, "A Musical Potpourri," musical performances by members of the SIUE music faculty, 7:30 pm, Morris University Center. General admission, $10; seniors, $9; students, $5. Tickets are available at the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.
Tuesday, April 5
Open House, East St. Louis Center, 10 am-2 pm. Van service will be available between the main campus and East St. Louis.
Panel Discussion on "Student Civility and Professionalism," School of Business/Student Affairs, 10-11:30 pm, Morris University Center
Public Lecture, Diane Banks, textile artist, assistant professor at University of Central Florida, Orlando, 12-1 pm, Art & Design Building Atrium
Mass Communications Symposium on The Media, Ethics, and a Democratic Society, Lee Artz, Purdue University Calumet, speaks on "Media and Power in the Iraq War," 1-3 pm, Morris University Center
Tuesday, April 5, continued
Dental Research Day: "Oral Health Clinical Research: What Is It and Who Cares?" Bruce Pihlstrom, D.D.S., M.S., 1:15-2 pm, School of Dental Medicine, Building 280. Van service will be available between the main campus and the School of Dental Medicine.
Environmental Stewardship, SIUE's achievements and challenges, 3-4 pm, Morris University Center
Tour of National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center, 4-5 pm, 400 University Park Drive, University Park
Exhibit, Kimberlie Moy, One Journey, 5-7 pm, Art & Design Building
Wednesday, April 6
College of Arts & Sciences Colloquium, "Thinking about Masculinity," concurrent sessions, 9 am-noon; 12:30-5 pm; 7-9 pm; Morris University Center
Dialogue with Senior Citizens, SIUE Past, Present and Future, David Sill, Associate Provost, 1-3 pm, Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center
Rez Art Exhibit, artists' reception and awards, 4:30-6 pm, Bluff Hall
College of Arts & Sciences Keynote Address, Professor Don Conway-Long, Webster University, 5-6 pm, Morris University Center
Thursday, April 7
College of Arts & Sciences Colloquium, "Thinking about Masculinity," final session, 9-11 am, Morris University Center
Authors' Exhibit, featuring publications by SIUE faculty, 11 am-5 pm, Morris University Center
Graduate Student Research Presentations, 1:30-4 pm, Morris University Center
Friday, April 8
Presidential/Chancellor's Scholars Symposium, 10-11:30 am, Morris University Center
The Installation Ceremony, "Celebrating Our Place, Keeping Our Compact," 2-3:30 pm, Morris University Center
Reception and Dance Performance, East St. Louis Center for Performing Arts Company, 3:30-4:30 pm, Morris University Center
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March 24, 2005
MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY:
Groundbreaking For Advanced Care Wing At SIU/SDM
•Who: SIU School of Dental Medicine Dean Ann Boyle, SIUE Chancellor VaughnVandegrift, and SIUE Provost Sharon Hahs, as well as other local legislators and area leaders
• What: Groundbreaking for Advanced Care Wing at the SIU School of Dental Medicine Main Clinic
• When: 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2005
• Where: On the steps of the SIU/SDM Science Building (Bldg. 279), near the Main Clinic, off College Avenue in Alton
The SIUE School of Dental Medicine (SIU/SDM) will conduct a groundbreaking ceremony for its $2.6 million Advanced Care Wing of the Main Clinic on the Alton campus, 2800 College Ave., Alton. The clinic addition will add about 6,000 square feet to the clinic, providing space for 24 new clinical "operatories" and a new classroom.
The additional space will allow the SIU/SDM to consolidate teaching of general dentistry and specialty disciplines, including periodontic, endodontic, and pediatric dentistry, among others. In fact, a prominent feature of the new addition will be the pediatric dentistry bay, which will house four operatories dedicated to pediatric dentistry and separated from the Main Clinic area by an acoustically insulated, glass enclosure.
Parking is available by turning onto Annex Street, off of College, where attendants will be on hand to direct vehicles to parking.
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March 24, 2005
SIUE Friends Of The Religious Center To Co-Sponsor March 30 Event
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Friends of the Religious Center (FRC) continues its Series on World Faiths with a March 30 program that features a resident imam (prayer leader) from the Islamic Society of Mobile, Ala.
The event, scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 30, at the SIUE Religious Center, will present Shaykh Ghassan al Barqawi, who will speak about "The Daily and Lifetime Commitments of a Muslim." The event is co-sponsored by the SIUE Muslim Student Association.
The FRC's Series on World Faiths offers free daytime and evening programs in which all are welcome to participate and learn about world beliefs and practices. The FRC is a support organization dedicated to preserving the Religious Center as an architectural treasure designed by the renowned visionary, R. Buckminster Fuller. The FRC also works to cultivate interfaith understanding and good will on campus and in surrounding communities, and to expand programming offered at the Religious Center.
For further information about the March 30 series event, contact SIUE Associate Philosophy Professor Greg Fields, by telephone, (618) 650-2461, or by e-mail: gfields@siue.edu.
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March 24, 2005
SIUE School Of Engineering To Co-Sponsor Robotics Camp
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Edwardsville High School Computer Team, in collaboration with the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering, will conduct a two-day Robotics Camp for middle school students from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 16 and 23, at the SIUE Engineering Building.
The robotics camp is limited to the first 24 students who return a completed application. The focus of the camp is to introduce robotics to students who will receive a hands-on experience in designing, constructing, and competing with robots. Cost for the camp is $50 per person.
Please contact Scott Hagin through e-mail: ash56@sbcglobal.net or by telephone: (618) 656-7100, Ext 20886, for further information and a registration form. The proceeds from the camp support the EHS Robotics Team's participation in a national robotics competition called " Botball" (www.botball.org).
Additional details include:
• Campers will work with high school students to design, build, and program a robot to compete in a Mars mission task.
• The camp will be staffed by SIUE School of Engineering, EHS math teachers and EHS computer team students.
• Parents of participants will be required to provide transportation to and from the camp.
• An application form is available on line: www.ecusd7.org/ehs/ehsstaff/shagin/botball/campreg.doc
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March 24, 2005
March 31 Marti Lecture Features Professor Speaking About Sartre
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Existentialist French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre will be the focus of the 30th Annual Fritz Marti Lecture on Thursday, March 31, at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Thomas R. Flynn, professor of Philosophy at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., will speak about "Jean-Paul Sartre: A Man of the Nineteenth Century Addressing the Twenty-First?" at 5 p.m. in the Events Room of SIUE's B. Barnard Birger Hall. A reception is scheduled from 4-5 p.m. that day in the same location.
Flynn's lecture will focus on how Sartre's existentialism and Marxism are relevant to life in current society. Flynn's focus also concerns his continuing research on an existentialist theory of history and a post-structuralist approach to history.
Author of Sartre and Marxist Existentialism: The Test Case of Collective Responsibility (Chicago 1986) and Sartre, Foucault, and Historical Reason (Vol. 1): Toward an Existentialist Theory of History (Chicago 1997), Flynn's research centers on contemporary continental (especially French) philosophy, aesthetics, social and political philosophy, and the theory of responsibility.
Flynn, who earned a doctorate at Columbia University in 1970, has earned several fellowships and honors, including review editor of the international philosophical quarterly, Man and World (1978-97), ACLS Senior Research Fellow (1984-85); Mellon Fellow, National Humanities Center (1991-92); and National Endowment for the Humanities Fellow, Institute for Advanced Study (1998-99).
The Marti lecture was established in spring 1976 to honor the memory of Philosophical Studies Emeritus Professor Fritz Marti, who taught at SIUE from 1966 to 1973.
For more information about the March 30 lecture, call the SIUE Department of Philosophy, (618) 650-2250.
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March 17, 2005
'A Spring Music Gala' Is Set For April 9 In Meridian Ballroom
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Good music, dancing, and gourmet food and wine-as well as a fully-staged production of Gilbert and Sullivan's Trial By Jury-are some of the highlights to be offered at "A Spring Music Gala," presented April 9 by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Music and the Friends of Music, a support organization for the department. Deadline for reservations is April 1.
The festivities will begin at 6 p.m. in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center. Proceeds benefit the Friends of Music Scholarship Fund.
In addition to the Gilbert and Sullivan piece, the evening also features music for listening and dancing until 11 p.m. Attire for the evening is "black tie optional."
Jane Vest, president of the Friends group, said the Friends event is one of the largest fund-raisers the group conducts. "A Friends of Music event during spring has become a tradition in the St. Louis area," Vest said. "The money raised through our annual event helps fund a large part of our scholarship program.
"These scholarships enable the Department of Music to recruit talented students who might otherwise not have an opportunity to attend SIUE."
Tickets are $80 and are available in person at or by mailing a check or money order to the Office of Conferences and Institutes, Morris University Center, SIUE, Edwardsville, IL 62026-1036. Credit card ticket purchases must be made through the SIUE Department of Music, (618) 650-3799.
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March 17, 2005
SIUE's Construction Advancement Program Provides Support
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program (SICAP), a collaborative initiative conducted by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Schools of Business and Engineering, provided support for two minority contractors to attend the 2005 Construction Leadership Institute at SIUE.
The Construction Leadership Institute is a collaborative program developed by the Schools of Business and Engineering at SIUE to provide knowledge, framework and strategy that individuals need to lead in a challenging business environment in the construction industry.
The recipients are Bill Mason Jr., of Mason's Landscaping in East St. Louis, and Pat Clark, of Clark Trucking Co., also in East St. Louis. In addition, the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of St. Louis provided support for several minority contractors. The recipients of the AGC support are David Spruiel, of BRK Electrical Contractors LLC in St. Louis (63108), and Lois Daniels-Ingrum, of L.D. Ingrum Gallery and Studio in St. Louis (63108).
SIUE's SICAP initiative and the AGC have offered this assistance to promote the growth of underrepresented contractors in the St. Louis metropolitan area. SICAP was developed by an industry steering committee and include practitioners, industry experts and university faculty who can apply theory to practical problem-solving and decision-making skills.
The program focuses on managing risk factors of construction projects in order to maximize profitability and minimize costs. Participants learn key management strategies important to their futures as corporate leaders, including legal issues, human resource issues and financial issues; aligning the organization to identify new business opportunities; and anticipating and responding to future developments, including economic and workforce trends.
For information about the program, contact Mary Sumner, (618) 650-2093.
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March 17, 2005
SIUE International Trade Center To Conduct Seminars April 21
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's International Trade Center (ITC) will present two seminars that will help entrepreneurs better navigate the rules and regulations governing international trade.
How To Make Exporting Easier and Profitable: Export Documentation will be offered from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, April 21, in the Redbud-Oak Room on the second floor of SIUE's Morris University Center. Changing Your Terms Of Sale Could Save You Money, an import seminar, will be offered from noon-5 p.m. the same day in the same location. The deadline for registration for either, or both, workshops is April 18.
From noon to 1 p.m., participants from each workshop are invited to attend a "networking luncheon" that is included in the seminars' fees.
These two seminars will provide ideas for businesses to expand into the global marketplace, said Silvia Torres Bowman, ITC director for the SIUE School of Business. "These programs will provide instruction and networking on global importing and exporting," Torres said. "We hope to uncover new resources to help businesses expand into the overseas markets."
Ric Frantz, CEO and co-founder of LR International Inc., an international freight forwarding and consulting firm in Chicago, will conduct both seminars, which are designed to help business owners gain the basic understanding required to make better exporting decisions by exploring various methods to optimize competitiveness.
Frantz's professional career spans several years as a banker, an export manager for a multinational corporation, and more than 25 years in logistics.
The morning export seminar will cover:
• Overview of the export process
• International trade terms (INCOTERMS)
• Export documents
• Working with freight forwarders and customs brokers
• Role of banks in international transactions
• International methods of payment
• Risk management
• Marine insurance
• Carrier liability
• Additional information
The afternoon import seminar will cover:
• Overview of the import process
• International trade terms (INCOTERMS)
• Interpreting foreign quotations
• Import documents
• Letters of credit
• Working with customs brokers
• Customs clearance
• Classification of goods
• Liquidation
• Customs Modernization Act
• Foreign trade zones (FTZs)
• Additional information
Participants are encouraged to register in advance; no registrations will be accepted at the door. Space is limited. The fee for each workshop is $70, which includes the networking lunch, parking, and a package of materials for future reference. Those attending both seminars will receive a $20 discount (total) on registration fees.
For more information, contact the ITC, (618) 650-3851, or (618) 650-2452, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 3851 or Ext. 2452, or, by e-mail: international-trade-center@siue.edu.
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March 15, 2005
MEDIA ADVISORY
Tunnel of Oppression: Raising Awareness About Social Justice Issues
Who: The Bluff Residence Hall Council at SIU EdwardsvilleWhat: "Tunnel of Oppression"
When: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, March 16
Where: SIUE Bluff Hall Multi-Function Room, at Circle Drive and Whitehead Drive, just west of the SIUE Engineering Building
The Bluff Hall Multi-Function Room will be transformed into a maze of tunnels that will contain openings from which participants will be able to view other students portraying scenes and film clips, all depicting discrimination, homophobia, domestic violence, socio-economic oppression, to name a few. The tunnels produce feelings of claustrophobia to indicate how oppression can entrap humanity. The live actors are illuminated by stage lighting, lending an air of surrealism.
The same group which presented Box City on homeless awareness in November has created the "Tunnel of Oppression," The focus of the program is to display forms of oppression that happen in the college setting; however, the experience is very applicable throughout today's society.
Bluff Hall Council, the student government in the residence hall, is sponsoring the event along with University Housing and SIUE Counseling Services. This program is definitely for mature audiences only and is recommended for those 17 years of age and older.
For more information, contact Matt Crouse, Hall Director of Bluff Hall, by telephone, (618) 650-0579 or by e-mail: ccrouse@siue.edu.
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March 15, 2005
SIUE Housing Programs Win Awards At ISRAA Conference
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Four Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Housing programs won awards at the Illinois State Resident Assistant Association (ISRAA) conference that recently took place on the SIUE campus.
The ISRAA was founded in 1984 at Northern Illinois University. It is a student-run organization dedicated to providing information, communication, recognition, and collaboration for RAs throughout the state of Illinois.
SIUE received Best Roll Call and School of the Year honors, while three SIUE resident assistants-Daniel Caveglia of Belleville and Kara White of Decatur, both from Cougar Village Apartments, and Katie Vogel of St. Louis from Bluff Hall-were recognized for being outstanding leaders.
Four SIUE programs and their coordinators also were recognized in the outstanding category-Lindsay Keppler, of Vandalia, for " Keppler's Challenge" in Prairie Hall; Kim Coomes, of Geneseo, for the Prairie Hall Coffeehouse; Brennen Stephenson, of Highland, for Rootbeer Kegger in Cougar Village; and Melissa Johnson, of Nokomis, for a "barbecue and washers" tournament at Cougar Village.
In addition, Ken Grcich, assistant director for Residence Life at Cougar Village, and Stephanie Weaver, residence director at Cougar Village, also were given Top 10 program honors for "Albatross," a program about sexism and self awareness.
Resident assistants from 13 colleges and universities throughout Illinois attended the conference at SIUE, where they took part in sessions about leadership, community building, and programming. "ISRAA is a great opportunity for resident assistants to enhance their leadership abilities as well as gain knowledge in the areas of housing and residential life," said Lisa Israel, SIUE's Prairie Hall director. "By taking part in ISRAA, the hopes are that RAs will learn new and innovative ways to build community."
The SIUE delegation included: Brian Benanti, of Springfield; Diana Gravatt, of Chatham; Carl B. Mitchell, of St. Louis; Zane Whitley, of Chatham; Alexis Laughhunn, of Gurnee; Angie Holmes, of Pawnee; Melissa Davis, of Highland; and Patrick Barud, of Decatur. They were advised by Brittania Galloway, an assistant residence director from Cougar Village.
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March 10, 2005
Advocacy Attorney To Receive Distinguished Service Award May 7
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Lois Wood, an attorney and executive director of the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation Inc., will receive a Distinguished Service Award at the May 7 commencement exercises at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Distinguished Service Awards have been given for more than 35 years at SIUE to those who have performed outstanding or unusual service to the university, the region, or the state.
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.
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."
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."
Graduation ceremonies continue at 1 p.m., at which graduate candidates from the Schools of Education and Nursing will receive their degrees, and at 5 p.m., at which candidates from the Schools of Business and Engineering will receive degrees.
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March 10, 2005
BOT Approves Bids For $1.02M Upgrade Of Baseball Complex
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees has awarded bids totaling some $1.02 million to four Metro East businesses for renovations of the SimmonsCooper Baseball Complex on the SIUE campus. The bids were awarded at the board's regular monthly meeting today at SIU Carbondale.
The current renovation project approved by the Board today is being made possible by a $1 million donation from attorney John Simmons, a member of the SIU Board of Trustees, and his law partner, Jeff Cooper. Because of the two attorneys' generosity, the SIU Board recently named the entire baseball complex in honor of their East Alton law firm. The current project will include renovation of the grandstand and press box, new field lighting, a new building for public restrooms and concessions, and a brick plaza.
Roy E. Lee Baseball Field is contained within the complex. Earlier improvements at Lee Field-including new dugouts, a locker room facility, nets behind home plate, and a warning track-were made possible by donations from Fernando Aguirre, Steve Davis, and current assistant baseball coach Steve Haug.
The bids approved today-totaling $1,016,114-were awarded to: Plocher Construction Co. Inc, Highland, for general contracting, $644,400; J.F. Electric Inc., Edwardsville, for electrical, $331,900; Bel-O Sales and Service Inc., Belleville, for plumbing, $29,250, and for ventilation, $10,564.
The overall budget also includes $50,806 in contingencies and $34,500 in architect and consultant fees, as well as $2,500 for soil and materials testing. The project is scheduled for completion by Sept. 1.
Because of the nature of this project and the source of funding, it is classified as a non-instructional capital improvement project. The Board of Trustees recommended it to the Illinois Board of Higher Education for review and approval, which was received Dec. 7.
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March 4, 2005
A Season For The Child Continues At SIUE With Ferdinand
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Trusting our convictions and tolerance of others are themes of Ferdinand The Bull when A Season for the Child continues at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for a staging of the family theater production at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 12, in SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall theater.
A Season for the Child, sponsored by the SIUE Friends of Theater and Dance and TheBANK of Edwardsville, is in its 16th year of presenting family-oriented theater to Southern Illinois audiences. The series features professional theater troupes from St. Louis that stage adaptations of various children's stories, using interactive techniques that not only delight children and parents, but also provide a learning experience.
Ferdinand The Bull will be staged by the Imaginary Theatre Company, the traveling arm of the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis.
A musical adaptation of Munro Leaf's The Story of Ferdinand, this delightful play tells the story of a bull who would rather sniff flowers than stomp and snort. Meanwhile, the duke's son, Danilo, would rather dance than become the famous matador that his father wants him to be.
Between the manipulations of the Duke and Ferdinand's friend, Cochina the pig, they find themselves facing each other in the bullfight ring. "To your own self be true" sings out from this lively and humorous musical.
Tickets are $5 per person and may be obtained through the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774. Proceeds from the series benefit FOTAD's scholarship fund for theater and dance majors at the university.
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March 4, 2005
29th Annual Probst Lecture Set For March 21 At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The 29th Annual William J. Probst Memorial Lecture will be presented by Nobel Prize-winner Robert F. Curl-the Kenneth S. Pitzer-Schlumberger Professor of Natural Sciences, University Professor, and Professor of Chemistry at Rice University-at 7 p.m. Monday, March 21, in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Morris University Center.
The annual lecture is sponsored by the SIUE Department of Chemistry and the SIUE Chemistry Club. Curl will speak about "The Discovery of the Fullerenes and the New World of Carbon Chemistry," regarding the 1986 discovery of a new form of carbon, leading to an entirely new field of materials development research.
Among the proposed applications for fullerenes include pharmaceutical-related uses. " Nanotubes, which are stretched fullerenes, are incredibly strong and can be both insulators and conductors," said Assistant Professor Susan Wiediger, a member of the SIUE Chemistry faculty, coordinator of the Probst Lecture, and advisor to the SIUE Chemistry Club.
"Curl's discovery has lead to new uses for nanotubes as sensors and biomarkers," Wiediger said, "particularly in molecular detection using infrared light and providing greater tissue penetration."
As a result of his research, Curl was a recipient of the 1996 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Richard Smalley and Sir Harry Kroto. "We are excited by the prospect of our students interacting with an internationally recognized scientist," she said.
In addition to his lecture the evening of March 21, Curl will attend a student research symposium at 3:30 that afternoon, also in Meridian Ballroom. He also will speak that day to Chemistry faculty about "Trace gas monitoring with infrared lasers" at 2 p.m. in Room 1105 of SIUE's Science Building.
Born in Texas, Curl completed a bachelor's at Rice in 1954 and went on to earn a doctorate in Chemistry at the University of California-Berkeley three years later. After a year as a research fellow at Harvard, Curl joined the Chemistry faculty at Rice. He was named a University Professor in 2003, a position held previously there by only five faculty members .
Curl has been the recipient of many awards and honors, including the Clayton Prize from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers in 1957, the Alexander Von Humboldt Senior U.S. Scientist Award in 1984, the Johannes Marcus Marci Award in Spectroscopy in 1998, and the University of Bochum Research Prize in 2004. The Nobel Prize was awarded in 1996 for discovering fullerenes in 1986 along with Smalley and Kroto.
The lecture series is funded in part by: the Sigma-Aldrich Corp., the SIUE Office of the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences, the SIUE School of Graduate Studies and Research, and the SIUE Department of Chemistry.
The Probst Lecture was established to honor the late Professor William Probst who taught organic chemistry at SIUE for nearly 20 years before his death in 1975. The lectures and seminars are free and open to the public. For more information, call the Department of Chemistry. (618) 650-2042.
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March 4, 2005
Award-Winning Poet To Read From Works At SIUE March 21
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Li-Young Lee, called one of the finest young poets alive by The American Poetry Review, will read from his poetry at 7 p.m. Monday, March 21, in the Hickory-Hackberry Room, on the second floor of the Morris University Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
The poet also will read from his memoirs and discuss memoir writing from 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, at Edwardsville Public Library. Lee's two-day visit is being sponsored by the SIUE Department of English Language and Literature.
Literary critics have said Lee is deeply spiritual, but very human and open to his listeners. His most recent book of poetry, Book of My Nights (BOA Editions, 2001), is his third. His earlier works are Rose (BOA, 1986), winner of the Delmore Schwartz Memorial Award from New York University; The City in Which I Love You (1991), the 1990 Lamont Poetry Selection; and a memoir, The Winged Seed: A Remembrance (Simon and Schuster, 1995), which received an American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation.
Lee's honors include fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, The Lannan Foundation, and the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, as well as grants from the Illinois Arts Council, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. In 1988, he received the Writer's Award from the Mrs. Giles Whiting Foundation. He lives in Chicago, with his wife, Donna, and their two sons.
Li-Young Lee was born in 1957 in Jakarta, Indonesia, of Chinese parents. Li-Young Lee's great grandfather, Yuan Shikai, was China's first republican president (1912-16) and Lee's father, Lee Kuo Yuan, a deeply religious Christian, was physician to Communist leader Mao Tse-Tung.
After the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Lee's parents escaped to Indonesia, where his father helped found Gamaliel University. Li-Young Lee was born in 1957 in Jakarta. In 1959, his father, after spending a year as a political prisoner in President Sukarno's jails, fled Indonesia with his family to escape anti-Chinese sentiment. After a five-year trek through Hong Kong, Macau, and Japan, they settled in the United States in 1964.
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Advocacy Attorney To Receive Distinguished Service Award At Commencement
Lois Wood, an attorney and executive director of the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation Inc., will receive a Distinguished Service Award at SIUE's May 7 commencement ceremonies.
Distinguished Service Awards have been given for more than 35 years at SIUE to those who have performed outstanding or unusual service to the university, the region, or the state.
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.
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."
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."
Graduation ceremonies continue at 1 p.m., at which graduate candidates from the Schools of Education and Nursing will receive their degrees, and at 5 p.m., at which candidates from the Schools of Business and Engineering will receive degrees.
BOT Approves Bids For $1.02M Upgrade Of SimmonsCooper Complex
The SIU Board of Trustees has awarded bids totaling some $1.02 million to four Metro East businesses for renovations of the SimmonsCooper Baseball Complex on the SIUE campus. The bids were awarded at the board's regular monthly meeting March 10 at SIU Carbondale.
The current renovation project is being made possible by a $1 million donation from attorney John Simmons, a member of the SIU Board, and his law partner, Jeff Cooper. Because of the two attorneys' generosity, the SIU Board recently named the entire baseball complex in honor of their East Alton law firm.
The current project will include renovation of the grandstand and press box, new field lighting, a new building for public restrooms and concessions, and a brick plaza.
Roy E. Lee Baseball Field is contained within the complex. Earlier improvements at Lee Field-including new dugouts, a locker room facility, nets behind home plate, and a warning track-were made possible by donations from Fernando Aguirre, Steve Davis, and current assistant baseball coach Steve Haug.
The bids approved today-totaling $1,016,114-were awarded to: Plocher Construction Co. Inc, Highland, for general contracting, $644,400; J.F. Electric Inc., Edwardsville, for electrical, $331,900; Bel-O Sales and Service Inc., Belleville, for plumbing, $29,250, and for ventilation, $10,564.
The overall budget also includes $50,806 in contingencies and $34,500 in architect and consultant fees, as well as $2,500 for soil and materials testing. The project is scheduled for completion by Sept. 1.
Because of the nature of this project and the source of funding, it is classified as a non-instructional capital improvement project. The Board of Trustees recommended it to the Illinois Board of Higher Education for review and approval, which was received Dec. 7.
As a result of the construction schedule, all 2005 SIUE Cougar Baseball home games will be played at either T.R. Hughes Park in O'Fallon, Mo., the site of the 2005 Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament in May, or Gordon Moore Park in Alton.
Concrete Canoes And Steel Bridges To Highlight Event
A concrete canoe race and a bridge-building competition will be the highlights at the 2005 American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Mid-Continent Conference, sponsored later this month on campus.
The SIUE student chapter of the ASCE is playing host to this year's conference, which takes place Thursday, March 31, to Saturday, April 2. "This is the first time the University has hosted this annual event," said Jacob Faust, secretary of the SIUE student chapter of the ASCE. "The event rotates each year among the 14 campuses in the Mid-Continent Conference."
Faust said some 35 SIUE students have helped plan the conference. "We's been working on this since summer," Faust said. "We're excited because the event gives us an opportunity to showcase our campus among some of the biggest Engineering schools in the nation.
The conference is actually a series of engineering-related competitions and evenets involving 14 Midwest universities from six states. The competitions will allow civil engineering students of all levels to apply their technical knowledge and creativity in a spirited competitive environment.
The Steel Bridge Competition, scheduled from 11 .m.-5 p.m. Friday, April 1, in Meridian Ballroom, consists of design, fabrication, and timed construction of a steel bridge built to scale. The concrete canoe race, scheduled from 8a.m.-noon Saturday, April 2, at Cougar Lake, consists of designing, construction, and racing a canoe made entirely of concrete.
"We also get to compete against these schools, many of which are bigger than SIUE," Faust said. "But we have done pretty well over the years." Last year, Faust said, SIUE teams placed fifth overall in both the bridge competition and the Concrete Canoe Race. "That was against 11 other teams."
To commemorate the four-day event, the School of Engineering is offering personalized bricks for purchase at $50 each by individuals, businesses, or organizations. The bricks will become part of a permanent plaza area near the SIUE Engineering Building.
Here's a schedule of events:
Thursday, March 31
• Steel bridge aesthetics: 9-11 a.m. in Goshen Lounge, Morris University Center;
• Concrete canoe aesthetics and swamp tests: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in Stratton Quadrangle;
• Steel bridge construction: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. in Meridian Ballroom; and the
• Mead Competition: 3-5 p.m. in the School of Engineering auditorium.
Friday, April 1
• Concrete canoe presentations: 9 a.m.-noon in Meridian Ballroom;
• K'NEX Competition: 9-10:30 a.m. in Goshen Lounge; and
• Mystery Event-Part One: 12:30-2:30 p.m., in the atrium lbby of the SIUE Engineering Building, and Mystery Event-Part Two: 2:30-4 p.m., on the lawn in front of the Morris Center.
Saturday, April 2 (all at Cougar Lake)
• Concrete Canoe Competition: 8 a.m.-noon;
• Concrete Bowling: 10:30 a.m.-noon;
• Concrete Canoe Finals: 1-3 p.m.; and the
• Awards ceremony: 4-5 p.m.
Fritz Marti Lecture Features Professor Speaking About Sartre's Relevance Today
Existentialist French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre will be the focus of the 30th Annual Fritz Marti Lecture on Thursday, March 31, in B. Barnard Birger Hall
Thomas R. Flynn, professor of Philosophy at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., will speak about Jean-Paul Sartre: A Man of the Nineteenth Century Addressing the Twenty-First? at 5 p.m. in the Events Room of Birger Hall. A reception is scheduled from 4-5 p.m. that day in the same location.
Flynn's lecture will focus on how Sartre's existentialism and Marxism are relevant to life in current society. Flynn's focus also concerns his continuing research on an existentialist theory of history and a post-structuralist approach to history.
Author of Sartre and Marxist Existentialism: The Test Case of Collective Responsibility (Chicago 1986) and Sartre, Foucault, and Historical Reason (Vol. 1): Toward an Existentialist Theory of History (Chicago 1997), Flynn's research centers on contemporary continental (especially French) philosophy, aesthetics, social and political philosophy, and the theory of responsibility.
Flynn, who earned a doctorate at Columbia University in 1970, has garnered several fellowships and honors, including review editor of the international philosophical quarterly, Man and World (1978-97), ACLS Senior Research Fellow (1984-85); Mellon Fellow, National Humanities Center (1991-92); and National Endowment for the Humanities Fellow, Institute for Advanced Study (1998-99).
The Marti lecture was established in spring 1976 to honor the memory of Philosophical Studies Emeritus Professor Fritz Marti, who taught at SIUE from 1966 to 1973.
For more information about the March 31 lecture, call the SIUE Department of Philosophy, (618) 650-2250.
High-Tech Machine To Be Used In Engineering Collaboration Between SIUE And Lewis And Clark CC
Right before our eyes, the Stratasys Titan Rapid Prototype Machine (RPM) created a solid, three-dimensional object from nothing. At least that's how it appeared.
The machine "built" an object (in this case, a crescent wrench) in its "oven," weaving the wrench with polymers and other ingredients. The demonstration was conducted recently by technicians at Lewis and Clark Community College.
The $275,000 RPM was purchased recently by L&C to be used in a mechanical engineering curriculum in partnership with the SIUE School of Engineering. It also will be made available to businesses and organizations on a contractual basis.
The amazing part, though, was that the wrench was not made in separate pieces and then assembled. The wrench came out of the RPM fully functional-that is, after it had its bath.
Manufacturers have historically used prototypes in creating a new product, but such prototypes are costly and take time to produce. The RPM enables a client to see an operating prototype in a matter of hours at fraction of the cost.
The polymers are woven in the RPM, contained in a material that holds the prototype together while it is being created. After the item is complete, a technician places the prototype in a chemical "bath" that washes away the material, leaving the item free-standing.
Students who are being instructed in use of the RPM will be an elite group because there are only a handful of these machines in the real world. L&C Board Chairman Robert Watson said the RPM, currently located at the Godfrey campus, is the only one of its kind in the Midwest. "Lewis and Clark is one of only a few community colleges in the nation to have this manufacturing technology," Watson said.
"Although the machine is being used at the Godfrey campus by students in the CAD/Drafting and Engineering Technology Programs, it will soon be permanently relocated, along with the SIAM partnership, to Lewis and Clark's N.O. Nelson Campus in Edwardsville when the final phase of construction is complete in 2007."
SIAM (Southwestern Illinois Advanced Manufacturing) is the entity created through the joint initiative of SIUE and L&C to help sustain and develop the regional economy by engaging in activities designed to retain the existing manufacturing base, as well as promote the creation of new products, technologies and enterprises.
The initiative is helping create applied manufacturing research, workforce development and training, and traditional education and outreach. L&C President Dale Chapman said he is excited about how the new technology can offer to area businesses and to the students of both institutions. "We have already had conversations with many of our area manufacturing corporations, and they are all very interested and excited about using the new technology to assist in their product development," Chapman said.
"The new technology will advance the capabilities of our area manufacturers, and, by using state-of-the-art technology to teach SIUE and L&C students, we also will be training the future workforce of the region with the most advanced engineering equipment."
SIUE Engineering Dean Paul Seaburg pointed out that the collaboration between SIUE and L&C will produce several benefits across engineering disciplines and specifically in the field of manufacturing engineering. "With the SIUE School of Engineering's continued interest in sharing its resources, both as a tool for economic development and as a research opportunity to strengthen the region's manufacturing technology, we're confident the SIAM project will succeed on both the educational and research levels," Seaburg said.
"With Lewis and Clark's partnering, SIUE is now providing excellent opportunities to help not only our students but also local and regional manufacturers."
Softball Tournament Cancelled
Poor weather conditions have forced cancellation of two events for SIUE softball.
Today's doubleheader at Lincoln was cancelled and have been rescheduled for April 18th at 2 p.m.
SIUE Coach Sandy Montgomery also has learned this weekend's Regional Showdown in Battle Creek, Mich., has been cancelled. SIUE had five games scheduled against regional opponents.
Women's Golf Aims High At NKU Tournament
Every round and every tournament is important. That's the way SIUE women's golf coach Mark Marcuzzo sees it. "When the season started, I didn't know what to expect," said Marcuzzo.
His team's 327 score in the final round of the NIU Springlake Invitational gave Marcuzzo a good idea of how good the Cougars can be. SIUE is ranked fourth in the East Region. The top six teams in the region will advance to the NCAA East Regional Tournament.
Marcuzzo said about 12 schools are scheduled to participate at the Northern Kentucky Invitational and said he expects many of the region's top teams to compete, forcing this event to be key to the regional rankings. "Our players know it and have been working real hard," Marcuzzo said.
The Cougars are led by sophomore Kallie Harrison (Decatur), who holds a 77.1 scoring average.
Baseball Cougars Split Series With NKU
If someone told SIUE coach Gary Collins that his team would score six runs and split a four-game series with Northern Kentucky, he probably wouldn't believe them.
Still, that's what happened Saturday and Sunday (3/19-20) as the Cougars swept Northern Kentucky 1-0 and 4-0 in the series opener, and then lost 12-1 and 5-0 in the final two games.
SIUE, 7-8 overall and 2-2 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, struggled at the plate but picked up a pair of strong pitching performances from Kyle Jones (New Baden) and Cameron Cheek (Atlanta).
Jones tossed a three-hit shutout, outdueling the 2004 GLVC Pitcher of the Year Derrik Moeves in an extra-inning contest. Both pitchers on Saturday (3/19) held their teams scoreless until the SIUE catcher Jake Smith (East Peoria) singled home the game-winning run with two outs in the eighth.
Cheek matched Jones' effort in game two of the doubleheader with a three-hit shutout. He struck out six, walked one, and didn't allow an NKU runner past second base.
On Sunday (3/20), SIUE's pitching couldn't hold off Northern Kentucky. "It was disturbing to me that we walked too many people yesterday," said Collins. SIUE allowed 16 walks in 16 innings of pitching on Sunday.
Collins was pleased with the hitting and defense of Joe Wargo (Streator) and Cory Bunner (Jacksonville). "Both Joe and Cory gave us some good gloves in the outfield and were swinging the bats better," said Collins.
The Cougars next head to Lewis for a four-game series in Romeoville. Lewis is 2-14 overall and 0-4 in the GLVC after dropping a four-game set to Missouri-St. Louis.
Men's Tennis Opens GLVC Play
Coming off a pair of victories, the SIUE men's tennis team heads into an important portion of the schedule.
"This is why we have been training," said Coach Bill Logan. The Cougars, 5-4, face Saint Joseph's on Friday (3/25) and Lewis on Saturday (3/26). Both are road contests.
SIUE No. 1 player Matt Warner (Arlington Hts.) and No. 2 player Justin Free (Danville) hold a 6-5 record in doubles play at No. 1 doubles, having swept both doubles matches against St. Francis and Illinois-Springfield most recently.
The Cougars defeated St. Francis 6-3 and handed UIS a 5-3 loss at the Cougar Tennis Courts.
SIUE Softball Team Improves Record To 18-8
With a 4-2 finish this past weekend, the SIUE softball team improved to 18-8 overall and now looks forward to the Regional Showdown in Battle Creek, Mich., this week.
The Cougars pounded out nine home runs in six games at the South Carolina-Upstate Tournament in Spartanburg, S.C.
Coach Sandy Montgomery and the Cougars picked up regional wins over West Virginia Wesleyan 5-2 and West Liberty 6-0. "We played very well against both West Virginia Wesleyan and Columbus State. They are two pretty good teams," she said. SIUE edged Columbus State 4-3.
SIUE lost to Presbyterian 4-2 in the single-elimination portion of the tournament. Presbyterian went on to lose in the championship game of the tourney to host USC-Upstate.
The nine home runs were spread out among eight players. Sam Easterley (Belleville) led the team with two homers. SIUE's other homers were by Mallory Ruggles (Nashville), Holly Neuerburg (Orion), Libby Lenart (Bartonville), Alicia DeShasier (Carrollton), Casey Wantland (Fisher), Emily Lenart (Bartonville) and Amy Rogers (Tucson, Ariz.).
Montgomery couldn't single out one player who stood out for overall offensive performance. She said she was pleased to see all of the players share in creating opportunities on offense. "We work pretty hard on hitting," said Montgomery.
SIUE's schedule at the Regional Showdown in Battle Creek begins with Grand Valley State at 11 a.m. on Friday followed by Saginaw Valley State at 3 p.m.
On Saturday, the Cougars face a rematch with West Liberty on Saturday at 9 a.m. followed by Wayne State (Mich.) at 11 a.m. and Ferris State at 3 p.m.
SIUE Baseball Stuns Defending GLVC Champions
SIUE picked up a pair of three-hit shutouts from Kyle Jones and Cameron Cheek in a sweep over Northern Kentucky in college baseball action Saturday (3/19) at T.R. Hughes Ballpark.
The Cougars, 7-6 overall and 2-0 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, defeated the Norse 1-0 in eight innings in game one and 4-0 in the second game. The Norse, the defending GLVC champions, fall to 5-7 overall and 0-2 in the GLVC.
Jones, 3-1, had a no-hitter going into the sixth inning as he outdueled NKU ace Derrik Moeves, the 2004 GLVC Pitcher of the Year. Jones struck out seven and walked four.
SIUE catcher Jake Smith drove home the game-winning run in the eighth with a single through the left side of the infield, scoring Jeremy Bond from third. Smith's hit came with two outs.
In the nightcap, Smith blasted a two-run homer in the third inning off NKU starter-loser Paul David Patterson. Bond collected SIUE's two other RBIs with singles in the fourth and sixth innings.
Cheek's was equally as strong as Jones from the first game. He struck out six and walked just one. No Northern Kentucky runner made it past second as Cheek improved to 2-1.
Both teams return Sunday (3/27) for a noon doubleheader.
School Of Pharmacy Granted Pre-Candidate Status By The ACPE
The SIUE School of Pharmacy, poised to open its doors in August as the only Pharmacy doctorate program offered in downstate Illinois, has been granted pre-candidate accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
SIUE Pharmacy Dean Philip Medon said the ACPE accreditation is a tribute to the advanced planning and strong commitment by the University in opening a Pharmacy program. "This also is a strong endorsement of the preliminary work being done by the faculty and staff in preparing for the August opening," Medon said.
"ACPE accreditation is a rigorous process, involving three steps," Medon said. He pointed out the ACPE evaluation team will return in spring 2006 for the second phase of the accreditation process-Candidate Status, which will consider elements of continued progress by the School.
"The final part of the process comes when the ACPE considers us for full accreditation," Medon said. "That occurs when the program is found to have met all ACPE standards for accreditation and has graduated its first class.
"The pre-candidate status is an important milestone in the history of the SIUE School of Pharmacy and granting this status reflects the ACPE's understanding of our plans and progress," the dean said. Medon praised former SIUE Chancellor David Werner and SIUE Provost Sharon Hahs and her staff for their efforts in laying the groundwork for the new school.
"They saw to it that preliminary planning for the Pharmacy program took place in the context of the University's mission of providing health-care related curricula," Medon said.
"ACPE evaluators were impressed with how the Pharmacy program fits with our other health care programs-the School of Nursing and the School of Dental Medicine," he said. "And, we continue to receive exceptional support from the current administration under Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift, who believes strongly in the University's commitment to serving the citizens of Southern Illinois."
Medon said the pre-candidate status indicates that SIUE's planning has followed stringent ACPE guidelines in creating a Pharmacy doctorate program and also indicates that the School continues to follow ACPE guidelines in continued program development. "Pre-candidate status is not granted lightly by the ACPE," Medon pointed out. "Not all schools that apply are given such status by the ACPE."
The granting of pre-candidate status was based on several criteria, including the School's application addressing ACPE's 30 standards for accreditation, findings from a visit by an ACPE evaluation team, discussions with the faculty and staff, and discussions with Provost Hahs and Dean Medon. ACPE evaluators considered the School's planning papers, with an eye to such areas as faculty and staff recruiting, faculty development plans, student recruiting, and facilities available.
Local Students Win Awards At East St. Louis Center Science Fair
By Patricia Merritt
Director, Public Relations
East St. Louis Center
When he heard his name called, third-grader Kevin Harris Jr. let out a shout and took off running. With head back, fists clenched and arms pumping back and forth, Kevin made it to the front of the room in seconds to seize his plaque from the presenter.
Kevin won both a special recognition and an outstanding award recently at the East St. Louis Center's TRIO Programs' 21st Annual District-wide Science Fair at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville. Kevin was one of 403 students who entered an exhibit in the science fair.
Students and teachers clapped, cheered and squealed as winners were called to the front of the room during the Science Fair Awards Ceremony. Ribbons were given to outstanding, first, second and third place winners.
Only four students were named as regional representatives. They will go to the Annual Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region 12 Science Fair in early March on the SIUE campus.
Regional representatives, who also won $50 each, include: Kevin, of Judge Billy Jones School, East St. Louis; Cathryn C. McIntosh, eighth-grader at AM Jackson Middle School, East St. Louis; Sharmanelle Stephens, 10th grader at East St. Louis Senior High School and part of the ESLC's Upward Bound Math & Science program; and Carlos Brown Jr., fifth-grader at Judge Billy Jones School.
The ESLC Will Take A Sentimental Journey
The East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts along with the East St. Louis Charter School will present the annual black history performance, "Sentimental Journey," at 7 p.m. Friday, March 4, in Building D at the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus.
"Sentimental Journey" provides a panoramic view of black history. Performers will take the audience through African-American cultural and artistic history in the U.S., using rhythm and blues, gospel, hip-hop and poetry.
Gregory S. Carr, fine arts instructor at the East St. Louis Charter School, is director of the performance, a joint effort of the Charter School and the Center for Performing Arts.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. To purchase tickets, call LaKisha Perkins-Mosley, (618) 482-6908.
The program is made possible in part by the St. Louis Regional Empowerment Zone and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
Theodore H. Jamison is the program director of the East St. Louis Center for Performing Arts. Anthony Neal is the program director of the East St. Louis Charter School.
March Ushers In Women's History Month At SIUE
March may come in like a lion, but if the animal is a harbinger of Women's History Month, it's probably a lioness.
Event sponsors for SIU's Women's History Month include: the SIUE Women's Studies Program, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Black Studies Program, the Office of the Provost for Cultural and Social Diversity, the Office of Continuing Education, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, the Excellence in Learning and Teaching program, Making Waves, the SIUE Campus Activities Board, SOTA, Phi Kappa Psi, the Raise Your Voice Campaign, SafeZone Delta Lambda Phi, and Project Dirty Laundry.
For further information, call Professor Martha Bailey, director of SIUE's Women's Studies Program, (618) 650-2744, or visit the Web site: www.siue.edu/WS
This year's Women's History Month activities provide a wide range of interesting events to enrich campus life. Below is a calendar of events; those that have already occurred, are dimmed; (all events are free unless noted):
• Throughout the month: Women's History Month exhibit, Lovejoy Library. Also, the Campus Bookstore is offering Women's Studies books at 20 percent off during March (excluding textbooks and sale items).
• Wed, March 2, 1-3 pm-The International Influence of Jane Addams, Illinois' Favorite Daughter; Connie D. Frey, MUC, Mississippi/Illinois Room. There is a $2 admission.
• Tues, March 15, 12:30-1:45-Iron Jawed Angels; film & discussion, with Kimberly Voss; Dunham Hall, Rm. 2039
• Wed, March 16, 1-3 pm-Family Treasures: Missionary Women's Textile Collecting in China, 1921-1952; Cory Willmott MUC, Mississippi Room. There is a $2 admission fee.
• Fri, March 18, 12-1 pm-Que Viva la Mujer: Young Chicanas and Third-Wave Feminism, Florence Maatita; MUC, Willow Room.
• Tues, March 22, 12:30-1:45 pm-Newspapers' Women's Pages of the '70's-Don Corrigan; Dunham Hall, Rm. 2039
• Wed, March 23, 3-4:15 pm-How to Raise a Non-Heterosexist Child-workshop with Laurie Puchner and Linda Markowitz; Founders Hall, Room 0111
• Thurs, March 24, 8-9:30 pm-21 Secrets to Celebrate Diversity, with comedian Gail Hand; MUC, Hickory Room.
• Mon, March 28, 3-4:15 pm-Relationship and Sexual Violence Response-workshop with SIUE Counseling Services; Founders Hall, Room 0111.
• March 28-April 1, ongoing-Project Dirty Laundry, a series of campus-wide events and exhibitions that "air the dirty laundry of communities, emphasizing local and global clean-up strategies."
Includes ongoing tours of student-sponsored exhibits throughout the week. For tour schedules and information, contact scarpen@siue.edu, or visit www.siue.edu/~scarpen
• Tues, March 29 12:30-1:30 pm-Panel Discussion: Making Social Change Happen, with Jane Roberts, Laura Perkins, Rudy Wilson; Illinois Room, second floor of the Morris Center
• Tues, March 29 5-6:30 pm-34 Million Friends of the Women of the World, with Jane Roberts; Illinois Room, Morris Center.
• Wed, March 30, 3-4:15 pm-Chisholm, '72, Remembering Shirley Chisholm, first black woman elected to US Congress-film and discussion with Kimberly Voss, Founders Hall, Room 0111.
• Wed, March 30, 6:30-8 pm-Sex Signals; Conference Center, second floor of the MC; reception following.
• Thurs, March 31, 7-8 pm-Gender Equity, Population and Environmental Sustainability: Opportunities and Challenges of Maintaining Traditional Culture in the 21st Century, with Kakenya Ntaiya; Mississippi Room, second floor of Morris Center; reception following.
NCERC Receives A Second Grant In Three Weeks For A Total Of More Than $1.6M
Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Jack Laven was on campus yesterday to announce a $995,000 grant awarded by the state to SIUE's National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC).
It was the second, six-figure grant awarded to the NCERC in less than a month. The center was notified in early February that it was among eight awardees of funding from The State Technologies Advancement Collaborative (STAC) as part of STAC's Energy Efficiency and Fossil Energy Science Solicitation through the U.S. Department of Energy.
That award was for $633,000, part of a total $6.4 million awarded for various energy research projects throughout the country. The STAC award and the DCEO award from Illinois totaled $1,628,000.
"The first grant was for a specific research project, focusing on Distiller's Dried Grain with Solubles, or DDGS, which is a co-product of dry-grind fuel ethanol production. The NCERC will use the newest Illinois grant for upgrades to insure that the center will continue to adapt its facilities to the technical needs of the bio-refinery industry," Schlicher explained.
"There are technical innovations in ethanol production that need validating and demonstration," she said. "This grant from DCEO grant will allow us to make improvements at the research center that will help us explore these innovations."
The DCEO grant will complete critical modifications and upgrades to its pilot plant facility, including safety features, better data monitoring and plant control systems, wastewater handling and treatment, boiler system modifications, and upgrades to corn pretreatment and fiber handling systems.
The NCERC was constructed with state of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and USDA Agricultural Research Services funds secured with the help of Congressman John Shimkus (R-Collinsville) and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois).
The mission of NCERC's research is to assist in the long-term growth and sustainability of fuel ethanol production from corn by accelerating the commercialization of new technologies.
DeShasier Named GLVC Co-Player Of The Week
Alicia DeShasier (Carrollton) has been named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Co-Player of the Week. DeShasier is batting .432 with two doubles, four triples, three home runs, 21 runs batted in, 23 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases to lead the Cougars to a 14-6 start.
The Civil Engineering major holds a .694 slugging percentage and is SIUE's top pitcher with a 7-2 record. The Cougars won seven straight games during its trip to Florida and were 10-2 at the Division II Rebel Spring Games in Kissimmee, Fla.
DeShasier shares the honor with Northern Kentucky's Ricki Rothbauer.
SIUE Softball Success Builds Confidence
SIUE softball may have left for Florida with a .500 record, but they return having won 10 of 12 contests during spring break. The Cougars, 14-6 overall, will head to South Carolina-Upstate for a tournament in Spartanburg, S.C. this weekend with a renewed sense of confidence.
"It was a great trip," said SIUE softball coach Sandy Montgomery of the Rebel Spring Games in Kissimmee, Fla. "We keep coming at teams. Hopefully, we will keep getting better and better."
The Cougars notched a seven-game winning streak on the trip mostly because of solid pitching performances from Alicia DeShasier (Carrollton), Casey Wantland (Fisher), and Lindsey Laas (Frankfort). DeShasier had four wins. Laas and Wantland picked up three wins each. "I am very happy with them," said Montgomery. "We still have a long way to go, but they are working hard. If they can keep us in ball games, we can win a lot of games."
DeShasier has 7-2 record while leading the club in hitting with a .431 average. She smacked her first career grand slam in a win over Nebraska-Omaha.
Veronica Schmidt (Westmont) ranks second on the team with a .393 average after notching 15 hits for the Cougars in Florida.
Holly Neuerburg (Orion) collected 14 hits and 13 RBIs to raise her batting average to .383. Neuerburg belted two home runs in the win over Merrimack. "VJ came up with some big hits for us," said Montgomery. "Holly is hitting very well right now. We are getting hits all through the lineup."
The Cougars take on UNC-Pembroke and West Virginia Wesleyan on Friday (3/18) at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. SIUE takes on North Greenville and Columbus State on Saturday (3/19) at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Track And Field Honors All-Americans
The SIUE men's indoor track team garnered six All-Americans, finishing in 19th place at the NCAA Championships in Boston over the weekend.
"Looking at our results, I think it's safe to say that this is the most successful indoor season for the track teams in school history," said SIUE track coach Ben Beyers.
Kyle Rose (Plano, Texas) finished sixth in the 400-meter dash with a time of 48.92. "Kyle found the right attitude when he realized that he had nothing to lose at this meet," said Beyers. "Nobody outside our team was really looking for him to make finals or possibly earn All-American honors. He was one of two freshman who even qualified for the national meet, so that just speaks volumes as to what potential Kyle has."
Lee Weeden (Ferguson, Mo.) led the charge in the weight throw with a toss of 59 feet, 1.5 inches (18.02 meters) for seventh place. "Coming into the season, Lee set a goal for himself, he wanted to be a Division II All-American," said SIUE track coach David Astrauskas. "It is always nice to see an athlete reach their goals. We've practiced for this event for a long time, having practiced the weight throw during the summer months in preparation for Boston."
The 1,600-meter relay team, comprised of Rose, Jonathan Bannister (Plano, Texas), Ryan Nowakowski (Rochester) and Jeff Fearday (Teutopolis), set the school record by nearly two seconds with a fourth place time of 3:14.78. "The men's team ran a tremendous race," said Beyers. "I think the thing that stands out to everyone is that the team was just a hair over a second away from winning the entire event. We're looking to some exciting outdoor season performances by this team."
The outdoor season will begin for the Cougars on Apr. 2 with the Southeast Missouri State Gatorade Classic in Cape Girardeau, Mo. "Hopefully, all of the success we had indoors will roll right in to outdoors," said Astrauskas. "We will have even more athletes competing at the outdoor championships."
GLVC Champions Post Six All-Americans
After winning the Great Lakes Valley Conference championships two weeks before, the SIUE women's indoor track team finished 18th with six All-Americans at the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships in Boston over the weekend.
"When you go from a previous high of one All-American set last year at the indoor national meet, said SIUE track coach Ben Beyers, "to six at this year's meet, that is definitely a statement about the program in general and where it's headed."
Christine Butler (Matteson) placed fourth in the triple jump. Her leap of 38 feet, 9.5 inches (11.82 meters), set a new school record for the Cougars, breaking the old mark of 11.75 meters. "Christine has surprised herself I think with her performances this year in the triple jump," said Beyers. "She's always been more of a long jumper, and I think she has proven a lot to herself by picking up some finer technical points in the triple jump."
Tairisha Sawyer (Chicago) finished seventh in the 200-meter dash breaking the school record with a time of 24.63. "The main difference this year as opposed to last year was her focus and experience," said Beyers. "She went to nationals last year and was just happy to make the trip. This year, she had some specific goals in mind and was not going to be content with just participating."
The SIUE 1,600-meter relay also team earned All-American status with a sixth-place finish. Jessica Levy (Des Plaines), Sawyer, Valerie Simmons (St. Louis), and Kimetha Williams (Bellevue, Neb.) ran a time of 3:47.40, breaking the school record by nearly three seconds.
"The women ran a great race from start to finish," said Beyers. "This truly was a team effort. Jessica, Tai and Valerie all ran tremendous legs, and Kimetha ran a blistering anchor leg (55.0 split)."
SIUE's outdoor season starts on Apr. 2 at the Southeast Missouri State Gatorade Classic in Cape Girardeau, Mo.
SIUE Baseball Will Move Home Games
The SIUE baseball Cougars will be on the road for the entire 2005 season.
Because of the $1.02 million construction upgrade announced at last week's SIU Board of Trustees meeting, the team will play its home schedule at either T.R. Hughes Park in O'Fallon, Mo., the site of the 2005 Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament in May, or the Gordon Moore Park in Alton.
SIUE Coach Gary Collins and his 2005 Cougars have their first "home" games this weekend against GLVC rival Northern Kentucky. The doubleheaders on Saturday (3/19) and Sunday (3/20) begin at noon at T.R. Hughes Park.
The upgrades to the SimmonsCooper Complex include renovation to the grandstand and press box, new field lighting, a new building for public restrooms and concessions, and a brick plaza.
Baseball Eye Start Of Conference Season
After a successful trip to Florida, SIUE baseball coach Gary Collins looks for his team to continue its high level of play heading into the start of the Great Lakes Valley Conference season this weekend. "We needed some wins and some confidence," said Collins.
The Cougars notched a 5-1 mark, sweeping a four-game series from Assumption while in the Sunshine State, to improve their record to 5-6 on the year. SIUE opens up conference play with league favorite Northern Kentucky in doubleheaders on Saturday (3/19) and Sunday (3/20) at T.R. Hughes Park in O'Fallon, Mo.
"Northern (Kentucky) is a good club," said Collins. "We will find out how good we are. They will throw some good pitching at us."
The Cougars had some outstanding pitching performances on the trip. Adam Tallman (Gillespie) pitched the ninth no-hitter in SIUE history against Concordia (N.Y.) by striking out nine and walking just three. Kyle Jones (New Baden) and Cameron Cheek (Atlanta) each picked up two victories. "Our pitchers threw well," said Collins. "Kyle and Cam pitched well, and Adam was real good."
Cheek and Tallman both have an earned run average less than 2.00 ERA.
The Cougar hitters also caught fire down in Florida as catcher Jake Smith (East Peoria) batted .500 in the six games. Smith leads the club with a .432 batting average, and is tied for the team lead with nine RBIs. "Jake continues to hit the ball well," said Collins.
Second basemen Jerry Bond (Alton) collected 10 hits during the six games to improve his batting average to .344 on the season.
Jeff Darnall (Atlanta) and Robert Rahn (Wood River) each lead the team with two home runs. Rahn has eight RBIs with Darnall just one behind with eight. "This will kind of tell us where we are right now," said Collins. "I think this team will continue to get better. Our pitching and defense will be solid all year."
Harrison Leads Women's Golf To A Solid Start
SIUE women's golfer Kallie Harrison (Decatur) placed third over the weekend at the Northern Illinois Springlake Invitational in Sebring, Fla. The tournament was comprised of mostly NCAA Division I programs including Illinois, Creighton, Gonzaga, and Bowling Green, just to name a few.
Harrison shot an opening-round 77 before battling back in the second day for a 74 for a total of 151, just five shots behind the leader. "I don't think I have ever seen a young player with such a work ethic as hers," said SIUE golf coach Mark Marcuzzo. "It was a great accomplishment."
SIUE ended the tournament 16th out of 20 schools, scoring 665. "For coming out of the winter, the girls did terrific," said Marcuzzo. "For as little as we have been outside, they did very well."
Brittany Hood (Coulterville) turned a strong performance. After a first day round of 86, she shot an 81 on the second day to finish at 167. "These kids are hard workers," said Marcuzzo. "This tournament kind of gives us some momentum heading into the rest of the schedule."
The Cougars will next be in action at the Northern Kentucky Spring Invitational on Mar. 26-27 in Perry Park, Ky.
Men's Tennis PreFares for Conference Season
SIUE men's tennis may have only gone 1-2 during a recent spring break trip to Oklahoma, but men's tennis coach Bill Logan believes that the trip was just what the Cougars needed. "We went to Oklahoma to get ready for the conference season," said Logan. "We knew we would face tough competition, but that is what we wanted."
The Cougars, 3-4, defeated Oklahoma Baptist 7-2 before falling to Central Oklahoma and East Central each 8-1. "It was just a trip to prepare us for the conference season," said Logan.
Andrew Reznack (Edwardsville) has a record of 6-3 this season at No. 5 singles. Reznack and No. 3 doubles partner Andy Renner (Belleville) have notched a 6-3 mark on the season.
The Cougars will look to get back to the .500 mark as they travel to St. Francis in Joliet for a match on Friday at 3 p.m.
Men's Basketball Ends Remarkable Ride
It was a remarkable ride.
The men's basketball season may be over after falling to Wayne State in the first round of the NCAA tournament, but the Cougars set numerous records and many first time accomplishments during the 2004-05 campaign.
The Cougars finished the year back in the NCAA's for the first time in 16 years, tying the school record for wins in a season with 23. SIUE had a school-record 14-game winning streak to go along with the Cougars' most Great Lakes Valley Conference wins (15) since joining the league 10 years ago.
Great Lakes Valley Conference Coach of the Year Marty Simmons led the team to the school's highest ranking in the NABC Division II national poll on Jan. 18 when the Cougars checked in at No. 5. SIUE recorded a string of nine weeks ranked in the Top 25.
To Simmons, getting the team back in the NCAA tournament was the driving force. "We had our goal set to get to the NCAA tournament. I just have to give the five seniors the credit. They established a benchmark last year with 16 wins. That was a big step for us. They made a commitment in the summer and in the preseason to do even better.
"They are all great ambassadors for the program. They are a joy to be around, and they are the ones that deserve the credit because they have laid the foundation for this program," said Simmons.
One of those seniors is center Dan Heimos (Waterloo), who set the school record for blocks in an NCAA tournament game with five, during the loss to Wayne State. In just two years since transferring from Nebraska, Heimos leaves SIUE as career- (134) and single-season (87) leader in blocks. "Hopefully this is just the start, and hopefully we can keep building on this," said Heimos.
Fellow senior Tim Bauersachs (Pinckneyville) ends his career as a Cougar with a school record 113 games played while finishing in the top five in rebounding with 585.
Joel Jaye (Chicago) finishes a solid two years at SIUE ranking third all-time in three-point field goal percentage at 44.8 (78-174).
The Cougars notched several school records on the defensive end, holding their opponents to 61.0 points per game and a field goal percentage of 39.9.
Men's Basketball - NCAA-Bound
SIUE will face Wayne State (Mich.) University in the opening round on Saturday (3/12) at 8:30 p.m. (EST) of the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Great Lakes Region Championships in Findlay, Ohio.
Great Lakes Valley Conference Coach of the Year Marty Simmons and his Cougars, 23-8 overall, garnered the No. 4 seed in the Division II version of the "Big Dance" and faces the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Conference (GLIAC) runner-up in the first round.
"It's an exciting time right now," said Simmons. "This is a very rewarding for the guys. This is why you work so hard to accomplish a goal like this, and I know they are excited about the opportunity."
Wayne State, the No. 5 seed, enters the game with a 19-11 record. "They have an outstanding program, an outstanding coach, they play extremely hard," said Simmons. We will have our hands full."
This is SIUE's first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 1989. The Cougars won their last NCAA game 102-92 over Ferris State on March 17, 1989, when the NCAA had a consolation game at the regional championships. Back then, the tournament featured just four teams per region. Sixteen years later, the bracket is now 64 teams, consisting of eight teams in each of the eight regions.
The other first-round games are top-seeded and regional tournament host Findlay (27-3) vs. No. 8-seeded Quincy (18-10), second-seeded Southern Indiana (26-4) vs. No. 7-seeded Gannon (18-10), and No. 3-seeded Ferris State (22-6) vs. No. 6-seeded Indianapolis (19-9). All four games feature a GLVC vs. GLIAC matchup.
SIUE, ranked No. 21 in the last NCAA national poll, has had two previous meetings with Wayne State, splitting the contests. The Cougars defeated Wayne State 67-60 in the 2001-2002 season and lost 81-68 at Wayne State during the 2000-2001 season.
"Just take a look at their success in last year's tournament, said Simmons. "They were an No. 8 seed. They beat Lewis on their home court. They lost to Southern Indiana in the (Great Lakes Regional) championship. They have tournament experience and have been here before."
The Cougars need just one win to break the school record for victories. That mark was set in the previous seasons SIUE earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament. SIUE, which had a 14-game winning streak at one point in the season, ranks among the nation's top defense, allowing a stingy 61.2 points per game.
"Our guys are excited," said Simmons. "We have a week here to get better, get fresher and heal up a little bit. I think they are fired up and ready to go."
SIUE senior Tim Bauersachs (Pinckneyville), a first team All-GLVC selection, leads the Cougars in scoring at 12.0 points per game. Senior Dan Heimos (Waterloo), a second team All-GLVC pick, averages 10.2 points and 2.6 blocks per game. GLVC Freshman of the Year J.B. Jones (Belleville) is averaging 11.1 points and 5.1 assists per contest.
Tip off is set for 8:30 p.m. EST and can be heard on WSIE 88.7 FM and SIUE's WebRadio at www.siue.edu/WEBRADIO.
Scholle, Rujawitz Set For Nationals
Eric Scholle (Waukegan) and Joe Rujawitz (Belleville) will make their NCAA Championships debut on Friday (3/11) in the first round of the national tournament in Omaha, Neb.
Scholle, a freshman, picked up a second-place finish at the NCAA Regionals and was tabbed No. 6 in the nation in the 174-pound weight class NCAA rankings. Scholle's first-round opponent will be Ryan Wasser, of Kutztown University. Scholle enters the national championships with a 12-5 record.
"It's nice that Eric is being recognized. He has knocked off a number of the top wrestlers," said SIUE Coach Khris Whelan.
Rujawitz, a sophomore, will face R.J. Paterniti, of Gannon University, in the first round at 149 pounds. Paterniti is the fifth-ranked wrestler in the country in the final NCAA Coaches Poll. Rujawitz enters the match with a 19-13 record overall. "Joe is finally opening up and not holding back," said Whelan. "He has started to wrestle like he has nothing to protect and everything to gain."
The field in each weight class is 16 wrestlers. The top eight finishers will be honored as All-Americans. "Both of them are capable of placing. If they wrestle to their capabilities, they should both come back as All-Americans," said Whelan.
Cougars Up For Regional Awards
Three SIUE track and field student-athletes and a coach are among the nominees as the USTCA (United States Track Coaches Association) Athlete and Coach of the Year.
Tairisha Sawyer (Chicago) is among the nominees on the women's side. The Great Lakes Valley Conference Athlete of the Year qualified for this week's NCAA Indoor Championships, including the 60-meter dash, the 200-meter dash and the 4X400-meter relay.
The NCAA meet begins Friday in Boston at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center. "Tai has worked very hard to earn the honors being given to her now," said Coach Ben Beyers. "She's only a sophomore, so as long as she stays focused and dedicated, her future will continue to be extremely bright."
Jonathan Bannister (Plano, Texas) and Lee Weeden (Ferguson, Mo.) were nominated on the men's side. Both will compete at the NCAA Indoor Championships.
Coach Ben Beyers also has been nominated as the region's top coach. "Honestly I'm a little embarrassed to be receiving all this individual attention. But as I've said in the past, these awards are based more on the accomplishments, dedication, and hard work of the entire coaching staff, the success of the teams, and the support of the administration as a whole.
"Without my fellow coaches Dave Astrauskas and Eileen McAllister, as well as Kevin Koller our graduate assistant and Camee' Williams our volunteer assistant, none of the success which has led to this recognition would be possible. I'm just happy to be a part of such a wonderful group of people," said Beyers.
SIUE Track And Field To Send Large Contingent To NCAAs
The SIUE women's and men's track and field teams will send 12 individuals to the NCAA Division II Indoor Championships at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center in Boston on March 11-12.
Five men and five women have been accepted into the championships field and one more person on both the men's and women's side will serve as an alternate for relays. The field for the 2005 championships was announced today.
"Half of our national contingent this year are freshmen. This obviously reflects positively on our recruiting efforts and bodes well for the future of our programs," said Coach Ben Beyers. "We've set that as a goal to become more of a national presence, and this is a very big step in that direction."
Great Lakes Valley Conference Athlete of the Year Tairisha Sawyer (Chicago) leads the way with three events. She will be running the 60-meter dash, the 200-meter dash and a leg of the 4X400-meter relay. Her individual times were among the top 10 accepted nationally. "After a slower start than she expected, she simply stuck to her training and her efforts have certainly been rewarded," said Beyers.
Sawyer qualified last year at 60 meters and placed 12th, missing the finals by .07 seconds.
Jessica Levy (Des Plaines) qualified for the 400 as an individual. She is No. 16 among 19 runners in the field. The GLVC Freshman of the Year is one of two freshmen who qualified for this event.
Christine Butler (Matteson), a freshman, was the last student-athlete selected to compete in the triple jump. Her leap of 38 feet, 6 inches was 15th on the list.
Sophomore Valerie Simmons (St. Louis) and freshman Kimetha Williams (Bellevue, Neb.) will join Sawyer and Levy on the 4X400-meter relay. Jenny Jaquez (Aurora), a senior, will be SIUE's alternate. SIUE posted the eighth fastest qualifying time at 3:49.13 among the 10 teams which will compete in the event.
On the men's side, Lee Weeden (Ferguson, Mo.) will be tossing the weight throw at nationals. His consistency throughout the year may help him take his game to another level. "Even though Lee is a senior, the national meet will mark only the 12th time he has competed in the weight throw in his career," noted Coach David Austrauskas. "I'm looking forward to watching the competition because Lee seems to always have big throws in key situations."
All eyes will be on the 400-meter dash as SIUE has three competitors in the race. Senior Jeff Fearday (Teutopolis), sophomore Jonathan Bannister (Plano, Texas) and freshman Kyle Rose (Kankakee) all qualified for SIUE. "We take pride in that event," said Beyers. "We've put ourselves on the map as one of the nation's elite programs in this area. And with our youth in that event, we're only going to continue to improve and get better."
The trio will be joined by freshman Ryan Nowakowski (Rochester) in the 4X400-meter relay. Wes Smith (Bloomington), also a freshman, will serve as an alternate for the Cougars. SIUE holds the sixth fastest time in the nation going into the meet at 3:15.40.
Cougars Plan For Selection Sunday
SIUE Men's Basketball Coach Marty Simmons announced the Cougars are scheduled to be at Krieger's this Sunday (3/5) in Edwardsville for the NCAA Men's Basketball Selection Show.
The men's basketball selection show begins at 9:30 p.m. and can be seen on DirectTV channel 644 or Dish Network channel 410.
Fans are encouraged to come by and join the Cougars as the brackets are revealed for the 64-team NCAA Division II Tournament, scheduled to begin Thursday, March 10.
SIUE's "Second Season" Begins Thursday
SIUE enters the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament at Roberts Stadium in Evansville, Ind., in unchartered territory.
As the No. 2 seed, SIUE begins that league championship tournament at noon Thursday (3/3) with its best-ever seed and the first time above the No. 5 seed.
Coach Marty Simmons said the regular season, which the Cougars finished 22-7 overall and 15-5 in league play, has made him and his coaching staff proud. "We are proud of them. They have invested a lot in it," he said. "They are being rewarded for all their hard work and effort to this point."
Simmons said anybody who is in the tournament can win it all. His immediate goal is to make sure the Cougars are focused on their first opponent-UW-Parkside. "We have been real fortunate to beat Parkside twice," said Simmons. "They take great shots. They shoot the three really well. They can beat you off the dribble. They are a good passing team."
SIUE enters the tournament as the top scoring defense, allowing just 61.2 points per game this season. The SIUE school record for opponents scoring average in a season is 66.8 in 1982-83.
While defense has certainly been a mainstay this season, three-pointers also carry a level of importance. "We have players who have good discipline and take good shots for the most part," said Simmons. "It helps a lot when you can knock down three-point shots. It stretches the defense. It opens up the inside for Dan Heimos (Waterloo) and Tim Bauersachs (Pinckneyville)."
SIUE is second behind Southern Indiana in three-point field percentage at 39.6 percent. Anthony Jones (Centralia) leads the team with 56 three-points and Joel Jaye (Chicago) is next with 47.
Jaye's play of late also has caught Simmons' notice. "He seems to be playing much more aggressive the last couple of weeks. Not only shooting the ball well from the perimeter, but he is driving the ball and becoming a lot more active in the offense. He has been a big part of our success," said Simmons.
The next SIUE victory would give the 2004-2005 Cougars a share of the record for victories in a season. SIUE won 23 games previously in 1985-86, 1986-87, and 1988-89. "Now the second season begins and we have to get ready to go," said Simmons.
Women's Basketball Prepares For GLVC Tournament
SIUE Women's Basketball Coach Wendy Hedberg and her Cougars have just a few days to get ready for top-seeded Quincy in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament in Evansville, Ind.
The Cougars, the No. 8 seed, play Quincy at 2:30 p.m. Friday (3/4) at Roberts Stadium. "We are going to have our hands full with Quincy," said Hedberg. "We are going to go in there and give it our best shot. They are going to be a tough team to beat."
SIUE moved into this position with a 67-62 road victory at Saint Joseph's on Saturday (3/5). "I am real happy with our players and how they responded. We hit some big free throws at the end," Hedberg said.
The Cougars picked up 15 points off the bench from Lindy Carey (Ft. Wayne, Ind.) in the win. "Hopefully, her performance will build her confidence. She has been struggling for a big part of the season. It was really good to see her stroke a couple three-pointers," said Hedberg.
SIUE also has seen a surge of scoring from junior Alisa Carillo (Santa Ana, Calif.). "She is very capable of scoring and does a great job on the boards for us," said Hedberg.
As SIUE returns all five starters next season, Hedberg hopes to make this an opportunity. "The experience of being at the GLVC Tournament and being at Roberts Stadium is a neat thing. It's kind of a great finish to a season, and, if nothing else, they get a good experience down there."
Women's Track And Field Captures GLVC Title
SIUE celebrated is second straight Great Lakes Valley Conference women's indoor crown on Saturday (2/26) in Crawfordsville, Ind.. SIUE had six champions, six runners-up and two winners in the relays.
SIUE won the title with 189 points followed by Indianapolis with 162. Lewis was third with 78 points. "This is the culmination of a lot of hard work and dedication by a lot of people," said Coach Ben Beyers. "Obviously, the athletes are the ones who actually go out and perform, but the great coaching staff with coaches David Astrauskas, Eileen McAllister and graduate assistant Kevin Koller, and the entire SIUE administration, all played a large part in the victory today."
Tairisha Sawyer (Chicago) was named the Outstanding Athlete of the Year after winning both the 55-meter dash and 200-meter dash, setting school records in both events. "She's still only scratching the surface of her enormous talents. The best is yet to come if she continues to work hard," said Beyers.
Jessica Levy (Des Plaines) walked away with hardware of her own as the GLVC's Freshman of the Year. Levy won at 400 meters and set an SIUE record with a time of 57.30. And that was done while battling a cold in the week leading up to the championships, according to Beyers. "Her grit and determination came through, and she was able to lift our team with her efforts. To say that her future is bright would be an understatement," said Beyers.
The Cougars swept the 4X200-meter and 4X400-meter relays. "Our team certainly takes pride in the relays so it was great to for them win," said Beyers.
SIUE had a 1-2-3 showing in the 55-meter hurdles. Valerie Simmons (St. Louis) ran away with the GLVC title with a finals run of 8.40 seconds. Brittany Reeves (Hanover Park) placed second after running the fastest preliminary time of 8.39. Asaki Carr (St. Louis) took third.
Christine Butler (Matteson) won the triple jump with a leap of 38 feet, 4 inches. It was more than two feet past second-place Lori Vissing, of Indianapolis.
Callie Glover (Bartlett) improved her national ranking and set a new school record in the weight throw, winning the GLVC title with a 54-10.75. "The women's weight throw was an exciting victory for us," said Coach Austrauskas. "Almost all of the SIUE women threw personal bests with Callie winning the meet on her very last throw."
SIUE is awaiting word on who will advance to the NCAA Indoor Championships in Boston on March 11-12. The Cougars expect to have as many as four individuals and a relay team advance.
Men's Track Takes GLVC Runner-Up
Four individual champions and two relays walked away with gold at the men's 2005 Great Lakes Valley Conference Championships in Crawfordsville, Ind.
SIUE now awaits word on which Cougars have qualified for the NCAA Division II Indoor Championships in Boston on March 11-12. The Cougars expect to have as many as five competitors plus a relay qualify based on the national qualifying list.
Brian Taghon (East Moline) pulled off a double-victory day with wins in the mile (4 minutes, 13.05 seconds) and at 3,000 meters (8:32.94). "Taghon looked very impressive," said Coach Eileen McAllister. "He dominated both the mile and the 3,000. He led both races from start to finish and ran very respectable times."
Lee Weeden (Ferguson, Mo.) had two All-Conference performances. Weeden won the shot put for the second straight year with a toss of 51-7.25. SIUE was 1-2-3 in the shot put as Ben Willard (Manito) and Steve Landers (Auburn) followed Weeden.
The 60-foot barrier was broken for the third time this season by Weeden in the weight throw. However, Weeden fell to Indianapolis' Cory Young by a throw of seven inches. "Lee always comes to compete at the GLVC Championships," said Coach David Austrauskas."
Jonathan Bannister (Plano, Texas) also led another 1-2-3 finish for the Cougars at 400 meters. He edged teammates Jeff Fearday (Teutopolis) and Kyle Rose (Kankakee) with a winning time of 49.15. "Jonathan really went out and took charge of the race right from the start," said Coach Ben Beyers. "This is his first season of indoor track since he's originally from Texas. To be able to achieve what he has to this point is truly impressive."
Cougar Baseball Waiting To Put It All Together
Cougar Baseball heads south for its annual spring break trip to Bradenton, Fla., looking for its first win.
The team lost a pair of one-run games and 6-0 to No. 3-ranked Central Missouri State. SIUE fell to Winona State 12-11 in 11 innings and 3-2 to Nebraska-Omaha. "We fell behind about four different times (against Winona State), and we kept coming back. We gave ourselves a chance to win it, but we couldn't quite finish the deal." said Coach Gary Collins.
Collins said Adam Tallman (Gillespie) and Jarad Rettberg (Divernon) have both pitched well. "But no one has pitched well enough to get us a win," added Collins.
SIUE is batting .199 after its first five games. "We're going to have to pick up the pace. Those teams we are playing in Florida are good teams," Collins said.
SIUE has six games scheduled in Florida from March 6-12. The Cougars have three games against Assumption, one against Nebraska-Omaha, one against Concordia, and one against Ashland.
Softball Readies For Rebel Spring Games
After a 14-13, 3 hour, 20 minute, marathon with McKendree College in the championship game of the Cougar Softball Tournament on Sunday (2/27), SIUE might be looking for a breather.
Perhaps a trip to Florida would be in order.
SIUE heads to the Rebel Spring Games in Orlando for a 12-game schedule which begins Sunday (3/6) and runs through March 12. "We are looking forward to it. I am glad we ended the tournament with a two-win day," said Coach Sandy Montgomery.
The Cougars' offense exploded for 23 runs on Sunday with a 9-0, five inning win over Illinois-Springfield and the nine-inning win over McKendree. "We played good defense. We hit the ball well, and the pitchers are going to continue to work hard and improve. That is all I can ask out of them," said Montgomery.
"I am real proud of how they responded and there are a lot of positives coming out of the weekend. We are happy to be at .500 and going south."
Senior shortstop Veronica Schmidt (Westmont) is the team's leading hitter at .421. Samantha Easterley (Belleville) responded with two doubles in the win over McKendree.
Alicia DeShasier (Carrollton) picked up both wins on Sunday, improving her record to 3-2. She also had four hits against the Bearcats.
Wrestling Sends Two To Nationals
SIUE's wrestling team will send two participants to the NCAA Championships in Omaha, Neb., on Mar. 11-12.
Freshman Eric Scholle (Waukegan) and sophomore Joe Rujawitz (Belleville) finished in the top four in the weight classes at the NCAA Regional in Kenosha, Wis., to qualify for the championships.
Scholle placed second at 174 pounds, winning his first two matches before falling in the championship. He has recorded a mark of 12-5 on the year.
Rujawitz came in at fourth place at 149 pounds. After winning his first match, Rujawitz lost his second. He battled through the wrestlebacks to reach the third place match before falling to Dugan Bentley of Ashland 7-1.
Bill Breheny (Burbank) and John Ficht (Burbank) both turned in fifth-place finishes at the regionals. Breheny ends his season with a record of 12-10 at 141 pounds. Ficht notched a mark of 22-19 on the year.
Men's Tennis Places Second At Principia Tourney
SIUE men's tennis team finished second at The Principia Tournament last weekend. The Cougars will head to Oklahoma for three matches starting Sunday (3/6).
Andrew Reznack (Edwardsville) had a great weekend going 3-0 at No. 5 singles in the tournament as he moves his mark to 5-1. Reznack won all three matches in two sets and won 37 of 44 games he played.
Justin Free (Danville) had a solid performance going 2-1 at No. 2 singles improving his record to 3-3.
At No. 3 doubles Reznack and partner Andy Renner (Belleville) went 2-1 running their record to 5-1 this season. No. 1 doubles Matt Warner (Arlington Hts.) and Free and No. 2 doubles Matt Kuban (Pekin) and Dan Glon (Mt. Prospect) both finished with 2-1 marks during the tournament.
"Andrew is doing quite well," said Coach Bill Logan. "He is becoming a major player on the team."
The Cougars will face Oklahoma Baptist on Sunday at 2 p.m. and Central Oklahoma on Monday (3/7) at 2 p.m. "We're going down there to toughen things up to get ready for the Great Lakes Valley Conference season," said Logan.
Jazz Saxophonist, Educator To Teach Master Classes, Perform With Students, Faculty
Jazz tenor saxophonist Houston Person-a legendary recording artist who has played with jazz and soul greats such as Etta Jones, Lena Horne, Lou Rawls, Dakota Staton, and Horace Silver-will visit SIUE from March 2-5 to teach master classes in the Jazz Studies Program and to perform with faculty and students.
An internationally acclaimed jazz performer, Persons has recorded more than 75 albums under his own name for the Prestige, Westbound, Mercury, Savoy, and Muse recording labels. He currently records for HighNote Records, including Dialogues, with bassist Ron Carter, and his latest, Social Call. Earlier recordings for HighNote made the No. 1 spot on jazz charts each year from 1998-2001.
Two of Person's recordings that he also produced-My Buddy: Etta Jones Sings the Songs of Buddy Johnson and Etta Jones Sings Lady Day-were finalists for a Grammy in the Best Jazz Vocal category in 1999 and 2000, respectively.
Pianist Phillip Dunlap, a student in the SIU! E Jazz Studies Program and president of the SIUE chapter of the International Society of Jazz Educators, was responsible for bringing Persons to campus. "Houston came here once before in 2000 as a replacement for Stanley Turrentine, who had become ill," Dunlap said, "but he was only here for one concert. It occurred to me that having Houston teach and perform here over two or three days would be very beneficial for the jazz students."
With the help of Bob Burnett, an SIUE alum and operator of Jazz at the Bistro in St. Louis, Dunlap was able to bring about the 70-year-old Persons' return to SIUE. "It's going to be great having an important jazz performer on campus," Dunlap said.
"He's going to play in a student combo and in a faculty combo. It will be a great experience."
29th Annual Probst Lecture Set For March 21 At SIUE, Features Nobel Laureate
The 29th Annual William J. Probst Memorial Lecture will be presented by Nobel Prize-winner Robert F. Curl-the Kenneth S. Pitzer-Schlumberger Professor of Natural Sciences, University Professor, and Professor of Chemistry at Rice University-at 7 p.m. Monday, March 21, in Meridian Ballroom.
The annual lecture is sponsored by the SIUE Department of Chemistry and the SIUE Chemistry Club. Curl will speak about "The Discovery of the Fullerenes and the New World of Carbon Chemistry," regarding the 1986 discovery of a new form of carbon, leading to an entirely new field of materials development research.
Among the proposed applications for fullerenes include pharmaceutical-related uses. "Nanotubes, which are stretched fullerenes, are incredibly strong and can be both insulators and conductors," said Assistant Professor Susan Wiediger, a member of the SIUE Chemistry faculty, coordinator of the Probst Lecture, and advisor to the SIUE Chemistry Club.
"Curl's discovery has led to new uses for nanotubes as sensors and biomarkers," Wiediger said, "particularly in molecular detection using infrared light, providing greater tissue penetration."
As a result of his research, Curl was a recipient of the 1996 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Richard Smalley and Sir Harry Kroto. "We are excited by the prospect of our students interacting with an internationally recognized scientist," Wiediger said.
In addition to his lecture the evening of March 21, Curl will attend a student research symposium at 3:30 that afternoon, also in Meridian Ballroom. He also will speak that day to Chemistry faculty about "Trace gas monitoring with infrared lasers" at 2 p.m. in Room 1105 of the Science Building.
Born in Texas, Curl completed a bachelor's at Rice in 1954 and went on to earn a doctorate in Chemistry at the University of California-Berkeley three years later. After a year as a research fellow at Harvard, Curl joined the Chemistry faculty at Rice. He was named a University Professor in 2003, a position held previously there by only five faculty members .
Curl has been the recipient of many awards and honors, including the Clayton Prize from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers in 1957, the Alexander Von Humboldt Senior U.S. Scientist Award in 1984, the Johannes Marcus Marci Award in Spectroscopy in 1998, and the University of Bochum Research Prize in 2004. The Nobel Prize was awarded in 1996 for his discovery of fullerenes in 1986 along with Smalley and Kroto.
The lecture series is funded in part by: the Sigma-Aldrich Corp., the SIUE Office of the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences, the SIUE School of Graduate Studies and Research, and the SIUE Department of Chemistry.
The Probst Lecture was established to honor the late Professor William Probst who taught organic chemistry at SIUE for nearly 20 years before his death in 1975. The lectures and seminars are free and open to the public. For more information, call the Department of Chemistry. (618) 650-2042.
Kids, Smiles? Of Course ...
Kids and smiles go together like ... well ... kids and smiles. And, the SIUE School of Dental Medicine in Alton recently gave more than 320 children reason to flash those pearly whites after providing them oral health treatment during the SDM's Second Annual Give Kids A Smile Day for the Metro East region.
The number of children served was nearly double the number served the previous year, according to Dr. Randy Parmlee, the 2005 Give Kids A Smile Day regional chairperson. "An estimated $69,000 in dental care was administered before the end of that day," Parmlee said. "We are excited by the increase in turnout from the community. It really shows the need for Give Kids A Smile Day."
Additional children were able to attend the event, Parmlee said, in part because of support from The Meridian Society, a philanthropic group of women at the University. The society awarded a $3,400 grant for bus transportation from nine area school systems.
The care given at the event was administered by some 300 dental professionals of the Madison and St. Clair District Dental Societies, as well as faculty, students and staff from both the dental school and the Lewis and Clark Community College dental hygiene and dental assisting program. Other volunteers included many from various local service organizations, participating as escorts for children through registration, through X-ray and screenings, and, finally, to treatment.
Give Kids A Smile Day is a national event sponsored by the American Dental Association to provide free dental treatment for underserved children. Free dental care-including examinations, X-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and fillings and extractions-was provided to children who attended the event and who may not otherwise have received it.
Give Kids A Smile is meant to focus attention on the epidemic of untreated oral disease among disadvantaged children and deliver the message that dentists alone cannot solve this problem without a solid commitment from government and society. It is a way to show that dentists care and are willing to do their part. This program also helps to communicate the dental profession's perspective that it is going to take a commitment on the part of the public and elected leaders to reach a true solution.
Dr. Ann Boyle, dean of the SIUE School of Dental Medicine, noted that the issue of providing better access to dental care is a pressing health concern. "Children with oral health problems can have severe infections and be in chronic pain," Boyle said. "They can have difficulty eating, sleeping, and paying attention in school.
"The result is that more than 51 million school hours are lost each year due to kids' dental illness," said Boyle. "Give Kids A Smile Day is a significant step toward addressing the issue.
"However, there is only so much that we can do in one day. Access to dental care is an issue that state and local government officials genuinely need to review."
Club Hockey Does It Again
For the second time in as many years, the SIUE Cougar Hockey Club won the Mid-American Collegiate Hockey Association (MACHA) Division II Gold Tier Championship after defeating Robert Morris College 4-3 in sudden death overtime recently in Springfield, Mo..
The club won the Silver Division in 2003 and the Gold Division in 2004.
Coach Larry Thatcher said he is pleased with the growth of the club program. "="From roughly 11 guys in the first season to 44 this past year speaks highly of the organization," Thatcher said "As you know, not only did the varsity team just win its second MACHA Gold Division Title in as many years, but the team also won the Silver Division Title three years ago.
"I think another big story may be that the junior varsity team finished at .500 this season," Thatcher said. "They achieved the .500 mark in the last game of the season when they defeated the Northwestern Wildcats 7-0. Northwestern finished in 2nd place in the Silver Division for the season.
"All in all, great work by a great bunch of kids."
Chad Rodgers, assistant director of Recreational Programs for the SIUE Office of Campus Recreation, said SIUE club hockey is quickly becoming one of the most recognized club programs in the nation. "The team continued their incredible success last season by winning the 2003-2004 Regular Season and Playoff MACHA Championships for the first time in school history," Rodgers said.
"The club's success in winning the '01-'02 MACHA Regular Season title, '02-'03 MACHA Silver Tier Championship, the 2003 Big Muddy Tournament title and '03-'04 MACHA titles resulted in development of two teams.
"Last year, we gained national attention by participating in an invitation-only premier showcase tournament against some of the top Division II teams in the nation as well as being asked to play in Division I tournaments this year," Rodgers pointed out.
Rodgers also praised the loyal fans who made the four-hour drive to Springfield for the recent weekend tournament. "We were supported by a great crowd."
February 2005
February 25, 2005
Jazz Saxophonist, Educator To Teach Master Classes, Perform At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Jazz tenor saxophonist Houston Person-a legendary recording artist who has played with jazz and soul greats such as Etta Jones, Lena Horne, Lou Rawls, Dakota Staton, and Horace Silver-will visit Southern Illinois University Edwardsville from March 2-5 to teach master classes in the SIUE Jazz Studies Program and to perform with faculty and students.
An internationally acclaimed jazz performer, Persons has recorded more than 75 albums under his own name for the Prestige, Westbound, Mercury, Savoy, and Muse recording labels. He currently records for HighNote Records, including Dialogues, with bassist Ron Carter, and his latest, Social Call. Earlier recordings for HighNote made the No. 1 spot on jazz charts each year from 1998-2001.
Two of Person's recordings that he also produced-My Buddy: Etta Jones Sings the Songs of Buddy Johnson and Etta Jones Sings Lady Day-were finalists for a Grammy in the Best Jazz Vocal category in 1999 and 2000, respectively.
Pianist Phillip Dunlap, a student in the SIU! E Jazz Studies Program and president of the SIUE chapter of the International Society of Jazz Educators, was responsible for bringing Persons to campus. "Houston came here once before in 2000 as a replacement for Stanley Turrentine, who had become ill," Dunlap said, "but he was only here for one concert. It occurred to me that having Houston teach and perform here over two or three days would be very beneficial for the jazz students."
With the help of Bob Burnett, an SIUE alum and operator of Jazz at the Bistro in St. Louis, Dunlap was able to bring about the 70-year-old Persons' return to SIUE. "It's going to be great having an important jazz performer on campus," Dunlap said. "He's going to play in a student combo and in a faculty combo. It will be a great experience."
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February 25, 2005
SIUE International Trade Center To Conduct Roundtable Series
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville International Trade Center, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Illinois Trade Office will co-sponsor a Business Roundtable series over the next several months, providing a forum for exchanging ideas and experiences about international trade. The trade center is operated by the SIUE School of Business.
The first meeting in the series, "Finding Export Assistance in Illinois," is scheduled from 9-11 a.m. Monday, March 14, in the International Room of SIUE's Morris University Center. The forum will feature foreign market experts who will conduct in-depth discussions about specific market opportunities.
Representatives from the International Trade Center Network and the Illinois Office of Trade and Investment, as well as the U.S. Department of Commerce, will provide a complete overview of the various local, state, and federal programs available to assist Illinois exporters.
The following are some of the topics to be covered during the seminar:
• Local export assistance and counseling resources for international trade
• Federal programs to assist Illinois exporters
• State of Illinois programs to promote Illinois exports
Who should attend?
• Financing programs for Illinois exporters
• Meet the International Trade Center experts in the region
• Q & A session about the needs of Illinois exporters
• CEOs/presidents
• Vice presidents for international
• Export managers
• Distribution managers
• Administrative support staff
• Shipping staff and management
• International sales staff and management
• Those involved in international trade
Admission is free but registration is required. A continental breakfast and parking will be provided. For more information, please call the International Trade Center at SIUE, (618) 650-2452. Space is limited.
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February 25, 2005
SIUE Club Hockey Wins Second Gold Division Championship In A Row
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) For the second time in as many years, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Cougar Hockey Club won the Mid-American Collegiate Hockey Association (MACHA) Division II Gold Tier Championship after defeating Robert Morris College 4-3 in sudden death overtime this past weekend in Springfield, Mo..The club won the Silver Division in 2003 and the Gold Division in 2004.
Coach Larry Thatcher said he is pleased with the growth of the club. "From roughly eleven guys in the first season to 44 this past year speaks highly of the organization," Thatcher said "As you know, not only did the varsity team just win its second MACHA Gold Division Title in as many years, but the team also won the Silver Division Title three years ago.
"I think another big story may be that the junior varsity team finished at .500 this season," Thatcher said. "They achieved the .500 mark in the last game of the season when they defeated the Northwestern Wildcats 7-0. Northwestern finished in 2nd place in the Silver Division for the season.
"All in all, great work by a great bunch of kids."
Chad Rodgers, assistant director of Recreational Programs for the SIUE Office of Campus Recreation, said SIUE hockey is quickly becoming one of the most recognized club programs in the nation. "The team continued their incredible! success last season by winning the 2003-2004 Regular Season a! nd Playo ff MACHA Championships for the first time in school history," Rodgers said.
"The club's success in winning the '01-'02 MACHA Regular Season title, '02-'03 MACHA Silver Tier Championship, the 2003 Big Muddy Tournament title and '03-'04 MACHA titles resulted in development of two teams. Last year, we gained national attention by participating in an invitation-only premier showcase tournament against some of the top Division II teams in the nation as well as being asked to play in Division I tournaments this year," Rodgers pointed out.
Rodgers also praised the loyal fans who made the four-hour drive to Springfield for the recent weekend tournament. "We were supported by a great crowd."
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February 21, 2005
SIUE School Of Pharmacy Granted Pre-Candidate Status By The ACPE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy, poised to open its doors in August as the only Pharmacy doctorate program offered in downstate Illinois, has been granted pre-candidate accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
SIUE Pharmacy Dean Philip Medon said the ACPE accreditation is a tribute to the advanced planning and strong commitment by the University in opening a Pharmacy program. "This also is a strong endorsement of the preliminary work being done by the faculty and staff in preparing for the August opening," Medon said.
"ACPE accreditation is a rigorous process, involving three steps," Medon said. He pointed out the ACPE evaluation team will return in spring 2006 for the second phase of the accreditation process- Candidate Status, which will consider elements of continued progress by the School.
"The final part of the process comes when the ACPE considers us for full accreditation," Medon said. "That occurs when the program is found to have met all ACPE standards for accreditation and has graduated its first class.
"The pre-candidate status is an important milestone in the history of the SIUE School of Pharmacy and granting this status reflects the ACPE's understanding of our plans and progress," the dean said. Medon praised former SIUE Chancellor David Werner and SIUE Provost Sharon Hahs and her staff for their efforts in laying the groundwork for the new school.
"They saw to it that preliminary planning for the Pharmacy program took place in the context of the University's mission of providing health-care related curricula," Medon said.
"ACPE evaluators were impressed with how the Pharmacy program fits with our other health care programs-the School of Nursing and the School of Dental Medicine," he said. "And, we continue to receive exceptional support from the current administration under Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift, who believes strongly in the University's commitment to serving the citizens of Southern Illinois."
Medon said the pre-candidate status indicates that SIUE's planning has followed stringent ACPE guidelines in creating a Pharmacy doctorate program and also indicates that the School continues to follow ACPE guidelines in continued program development. "Pre-candidate status is not granted lightly by the ACPE," Medon pointed out. "Not all schools that apply are given such status by the ACPE."
The granting of pre-candidate status was based on several criteria, including the School's application addressing ACPE's 30 standards for accreditation, findings from a visit by an ACPE evaluation team, discussions with the faculty and staff, and discussions with Provost Hahs and Dean Medon. ACPE evaluators considered the School's planning papers, with an eye to such areas as faculty and staff recruiting, faculty development plans, student recruiting, and facilities available.
The SIUE School of Pharmacy, which offers a professional program leading to a Doctor of Pharmacy, values excellence in teaching, pharmacy practice, research/scholarship and service. The program of study is based on current knowledge and technology from pharmacy and other disciplines, and is delivered through a variety of innovative teaching strategies.
The School will collaborate with rural and urban health care institutions to meet the health care needs of Central and Southern Illinois and the St. Louis metropolitan area.
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February 21, 2005
SIUE Technology Fair Set For March 3 In Morris University Center
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Faculty Technology Center and the Excellence in Learning and Teaching Initiative will offer the Third Annual Teaching, Learning, and Technology Fair on Thursday, March 3, with its theme of "Exploring the Digital Horizon, Without Falling Off the Edge."
SIUE faculty, staff, students, and community members are invited to attend the event, to be offered from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in SIUE's Morris University Center.
The fair will feature panel discussions, poster presentations, workshops, and vendor booths. The keynote speaker will be Mr. Tom Peters, founder of TAP Information Services. The Keynote Address, "The Digital Convergence," is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. in the Mississippi/Illinois Room, on the second floor of the Morris Center.
Participating vendors will provide items for attendance prizes such as an MP3 Player, memory sticks, mini keyboard, digital cameras, Sony Walkman, iPod Shuffles, and photo finishing gift cards.
For more information, contact Jennifer Vandever, (618) 650-5697, or Cathy Santanello, (618) 650-3636.
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February 16, 2005
SIUE Black Theater Workshop Opens Feb. 25
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) In an effort to blend culture and history through the performing arts, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Black Theater Workshop director Kathryn Bentley is enthusiastic about presenting three one-act plays that chronicle the African-American experience during the past 100 years.
The Annual Black Theatre Workshop, produced each year by the SIUE Department of Theatre and Dance, opens at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 25, and will continue at 7:30 p.m. that evening and at the same curtain time Saturday, Feb. 26, all in the Dunham Hall theater. Admission is free, but tickets must be reserved and picked up through the Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.
The plays-woven together by song, dance, and visuals, all under the theme of "The Color Connection"-include Zora Neale Hurston's Color Struck, Ted Shine's Contribution, and the premiere of St. Louis playwright Gregory S. Carr's A Colored Funeral.
"These three plays take the audience on a cultural journey," Bentley said, "making stops in 1900, 1969, and present day. They highlight self identity, the quest for freedom and social-cultural reflection."
The Color Connection is collaboration with SIUE's East St. Louis Performing Arts Center and the East St. Louis Charter School, with a performance ensemble that includes 11 SIUE students along with 10 students from the Charter School and the Performing Arts Center.
Bentley, a guest artist and an SIUE alumna, joins choreographer Theodore Jamison, director of the Performing Arts Center, for the production with Andrea Smythe as assistant choreographer and Associate Music Professor Reggie Thomas as musical director and accompanist.
Hurston's Color Struck deals with the issues of color among blacks in the early 1900s. Emma, a darker-hued woman struggles with her feelings of inadequacy and is unable to return the affection given by John, her lighter-skinned lover. "The play is one of the premier contributors to the Harlem Renaissance era," Bentley pointed out. "Although it is rarely performed, its issues are still relevant even in today's society.
Bentley said Contribution was written during the turbulent Civil Rights Movement, reflecting the turmoil that Blacks lived through as they struggled for freedom and equality. "Eugene is a college student who is participating in a sit-in with some of his colleagues in hopes of integrating a 'whites only' lunch counter," Bentley explained. "He believes that his grandmother is too old to participate in the freedom marches and sit-ins. She reveals t! o him that she, too, is making a contribution to the struggle-in her own way."
Carr's A Colored Funeral is a satirical, comedic, poignant and sometimes irreverent look at death in the African-American community, Bentley said. "The excerpts of this work that will be performed span from a monologue of a little girl killed by a drive-by shooting, a vaudeville spoof of a character actually being late for his own funeral, and a satirical spoof on a Black funeral.
"I hope everyone leaves the production having learned something, having felt something, having remembered something," Bentley said. "I want people to take what they've experienced and discuss it over dessert. Each audience member should become a teacher-letting someone else know about what they've learned.
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February 16, 2005
School Of Business Accounting Students To Offer Tax Preparation
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business accounting students will offer income tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which over the past several years has aided hundreds of local taxpayers.
Students and low-income citizens are eligible to receive assistance from qualified SIUE students under the supervision of instructor James Dixon.
VITA student volunteers prepare tax returns for U.S. citizens filing only Forms 1040 EZ and 1040A. Students do not prepare Form 1040, known as the long form, and no dual state income tax returns can be prepared. A state return is prepared only if the individual worked and resided in a single state for the entire year. VITA personnel reserve the right to refuse to prepare any return based on a review of the situation.
Tax returns will be prepared in the SIUE Department of Accounting offices in Room 2114 of Founders Hall. Services are available from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, and from 10 a.m.-noon Fridays through April 9. No service is available the week of March 6 -13. In addition, SIUE students will prepare tax returns at the Edwardsville Public Library each Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. through April 9. Services are not available Saturday, March 12.
Individuals should bring Social Security cards and driver's licenses for themselves and all dependents, along with exemptions that are being claimed. They also should bring all supporting documentation, such as Forms W-2 and all relevant 1099s. Individuals also are encouraged to provide a copy of the previous year's tax return.
For more information, contact James Dixon, (618) 650-2622.
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February 16, 2005
35th Annual Antiques Show Set For March 19-20 At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) More than 65 dealers in antiques ! from the Midwest will display and sell a variety of items including furniture, fine glass, porcelain, china, tools, toys, and books Saturday and Sunday, March 19-20, at the 35th Annual Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Antiques Show and Sale at SIUE's Vadalabene Center.
The event, sponsored by the Friends of Lovejoy Library, will take place in the center's gymnasium from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Free informal appraisals with paid admission (2 item limit) will be offered Saturday from 2-5 p.m. and Sunday from 1-3 p.m.
Tickets are $5 and are available at the door; tickets are good for both days. For a $10 fee, "early bird" patrons may enter the show between 9 and 10 a.m. Saturday. Children under 13 years of age are admitted free. For more information, call the Friends of Lovejoy Library, (618) 650-2730.
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February 16, 2005
ICTM Mathematics Regional Contest At SIUE Feb. 26
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) More than 200 students from 12 schools will compete at the regional level of the 25th Annual High School Mathematics Contest to be conducted at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Saturday, Feb. 26, according to co-director Marilyn Hasty, an SIUE associate professor of Mathematics and Statistics.
Regionals will be conducted the same day throughout the state. Organized by the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM) with financial support from CNA Insurance Companies, the statewide event will involve 232 schools at 21 regional sites.
Winners of the SIUE regional will advance to the state finals at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana on April 30. Skills to be tested include factoring logarithms, inequalities, logical reasoning, and creative analysis used in algebra through calculus.
Plaques and ribbons will be presented to individuals and schools with the best scores; an awards ! ceremony will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. at SIUE on the day of the competition.
The ICTM competition is open to any high school math teacher interested in observing, Hasty said. For more information, call (618) 650-2382.
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February 16, 2005
SIUE Dental School Hosts 2nd Annual Give Kids A Smile Day
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The SIUE School of Dental Medicine in Alton recently provided more than 320 children with oral health treatment during its Second Annual Give Kids A Smile Day for the Metro East region.
The number of children served was nearly double the number served the previous year, according to Dr. Randy Parmlee, the 2005 Give Kids A Smile Day regional chairperson. "An estimated $69,000 in dental care was administered before the end of that day," Parmlee said. "We are excited by the increase in turnout from the community. It really shows the need for Give Kids A Smile Day."
Additional children were able to attend the event, Parmlee said, in part because of support from The Meridian Society, a philanthropic group of women at the University. The society awarded a $3,400 grant for bus transportation from nine area school systems.
The care given at the event was administered by some 300 dental professionals of the Madison and St. Clair District Dental Societies, as well as faculty, students and staff from both the dental school and the Lewis and Clark Community College dental hygiene and dental assisting program. Other volunteers included many from various local service organizations, participating as escorts for children through registration, through X-ray and screenings, and, finally, to treatment.
Give Kids A Smile Day is a national event sponsored by the American Dental Association to provide free dental treatment for underserved children. Free dental care-including examinations, X-'rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and fillings and extractions-was provided to children who attended the event and who may not otherwise have received it.
Give Kids A Smile is meant to focus attention on the epidemic of untreated oral disease among disadvantaged children and deliver the message that dentists alone cannot solve this problem without a solid commitment from government and society. It is a way to show that dentists care and are willing to do their part. This program also helps to communicate the dental profession's perspective that it is going to take a commitment on the part of the public and elected leaders to reach a true solution.
Dr. Ann Boyle, dean of the SIUE School of Dental Medicine, noted that the issue of providing better access to dental care is a pressing health concern. "Children with oral health problems can have severe infections and be in chronic pain," Boyle said. "They can have difficulty eating, sleeping, and paying attention in school.
"The result is that more than 51 million school hours are lost each year due to kids' dental illness," said Boyle. "Give Kids A Smile Day is a significant step toward addressing the issue. However, there is only so much that we can do in one day. Access to dental care is an issue that state and local government officials genuinely need to review."
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February 10, 2005
SIUE Open House To Showcase Future of Engineering
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering will conduct its 5th Annual Open House from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, at the SIUE Engineering Building. This year's focus is on the future of engineering.
Visitors may observe teaching situations and visit research laboratories throughout the School, while meeting with faculty and students to learn about the fields of engineering, computer science, and construction.
Some scheduled activities during the day include:
• A panel of representatives from leading St. Louis Metropolitan Area firms will explaining engineering projects taking place in those companies and will discuss future trends and career opportunities for new engineers in the Greater St. Louis Area.
• The SIUE solar-powered car will be on display in the Engineering Building lobby. This work-in-progress will be entered in the 2005 North American Solar Challenge race.
• Visitors also may operate one of the School's two roaming robots, Taz and Marvin.
• Assist Construction Management and Civil Engineering Faculty to explore what happens when an earthquake shakes a structure, and witness other tests in the Structures Laboratory.
• Demonstrations are scheduled for the School's powerful wind tunnel as objects are buffeted by tornado-like wind speeds.
• Demonstrations are planned to show how virtual reality technology will revolutionize engineering practice in the future.
• Visitors will find how computer engineers design and fabricate large-scale 100,000-transistor integrated chips.
• Participants may try their hand at packaging by entering the Egg Drop Contest conducted by the Society of Women Engineers.
• Demonstrations will show computer-operated robots and assembly lines as used in modern manufacturing facilities.
Campus-wide tours also will be offered at 1:30 p.m. Prospective students who visit all the exhibits will have an opportunity to win a $500 scholarship to any SIUE School of Engineering program.
Anyone interested in learning how engineering will shape the future is invited to arrive early Saturday morning to enjoy all the events throughout the Engineering Building.
For more information, contact Tonja Smith, (618) 650-2541, or visit the School of Engineering Web site: www.siue.edu/ENGINEER.
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February 10, 2005
Board Approves Awarding Two Honorary Degrees At May 7 Commencement
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) One of the greatest female athletes of all time and an historian who edited and annotated the 19th Century journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, will receive honorary degrees at the May 7 commencement at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, according to action taken today by the SIU Board of Trustees at its regular monthly meeting.
Three-time Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee, sports legend and philanthropist, and Gary Evan Moulton, retired Thomas C. Sorensen Professor of American History at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, will each receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.
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 near 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. The president had charged the explorers with mapping the territory and also finding a Northwest passage to the Pacific Ocean.
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.
In addition to winning three Olympic gold medals, Joyner-Kersee garnered one silver and two bronze, as well as four World Championship gold medals. Surviving poverty, racism, and sexism to succeed, Joyner-Kersee went on to a storied sports career and continues a winning lifestyle in philanthropy and volunteerism.
Joyner-Kersee raised more than $12 million to build a community center in her native East St. Louis, while her philanthropic foundation continues to award college scholarships to Metro East high school students.
She has been recognized with a variety of awards and honors, including the Jesse Owens Award, the Fair Play Award, and the Humanitarian of the Year Award.
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February 10, 2005
BOT Approves Bids For $2 Million SDM Clinic Expansion
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees has awarded bids totaling more than $2 million to five Metro East businesses for expansion of the Main Clinic at the SIUE School of Dental Medicine. The board also approved an increase in the project budget from $2 million to $2.6 million. The bids were awarded at the board's regular monthly meeting today at SIU Edwardsville.
The contracts-totaling $2,055,421-were awarded to: Hart Contracting Inc., Alton, for general contracting, $1,058,480; Wegman Electric Co., East Alton, for electrical, $237,460; Amsco Mechanical, Granite City, for heating and cooling, $237,500; Belleville Mechanical Inc., Belleville, for ventilation, $85,129; and GRP Mechanical Inc., Bethalto, for plumbing, $436,852.
The total budget for the project was re-set at $2.6 million from the original $2 million estimate because bids came in higher than expected, University officials said. The overall budget also covers $283,345 in architect and consultant fees, $8,248 for materials testing, $24,900 in construction observation, and $22,544 for technology costs.
The clinic addition, to be known as the Advanced Care Wing, will add about 6,000 square feet to the clinic on the Alton campus, providing space for 24 new clinical "operatories" and a classroom for 75 students. The additional space will allow the SDM to consolidate teaching in specialty disciplines-periodontal, endodontic, and pediatric, among others-and general dentistry in one location. The project is targeted for completion by the end of this year.
The cost of the project will be funded through the issuance of $2 million in Certificates of Participation to be retired by dental school tuition revenue, and $500,000 through an internal loan, to be repaid through tuition revenue over 10 years, and $100,000 from University operating funds.
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February 9, 2005
Editor, Scholar, Poet J. Ward To Conduct Workshop Feb. 15
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Editor and renowned scholar-poet Jerry Ward will conduct a workshop, "Words, Speech, History, and Musical Referents in the Poetry of Langston Hughes," at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, in Room 1007 (Library, Building B) of the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus, 601 J.R. Thompson Dr., East St. Louis.
Ward, a professor of English and African World Studies at Dillard University in New Orleans, is a renowned authority on African-American literature. He formerly served as professor and chair of the English Department at Tougaloo College in Mississippi. Ward also has written and lectured on Southern literature, novelist Richard Wright, and poet-cultural historian Margaret Walker. He also has authored or edited numerous creative and scholarly texts including "Trouble the Water: 250 Years of African American Poetry" and a teacher's guide for "Richard Wright: BLACK BOY."
Earlier in the day on Feb. 15, at 12:30, Ward also will address students in the "Literature of the Third World" class in Room 3417 of Peck Hall on the SIUE campus. The class is taught by Eugene B. Redmond, an SIUE professor of English Language and Literature.
The Eugene B. Redmond Writers Club is playing host for Ward's visit which is underwritten by the Langston Hughes National Poetry Project of the University of Kansas at Lawrence. Hughes (1902-2002) spent a part of his childhood in Lawrence.
The EBR Club is one of several organizations in the United States chosen to participate in a multi-year observance of Hughes's centennial. Howard Rambsy, a member of the Writers Club's Board of Directors and an assistant professor of English Language and Literature at SIUE, is facilitator for the local event.
For more information, call the SIUE Department of English Language and Literature, (618) 650-3991, or the EBRWriters Club, (618) 277-8076.
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February 8, 2005
SIUE School Of Education To Meet With Prospective Grad Students
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University's School of Education will conduct an informational meeting for prospective candidates for a master of arts in teaching at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, in Room 1407 of SIUE's Founders Hall.
Participants must bring a résumé, unofficial copies of their transcripts, and two letters of reference.
For further information about the master's in teaching at SIUE and the informational meeting, contact David DeWeese, SIUE Secondary Education program director, by telephone, (618) 650-3432, or by e-mail: ddewees@siue.edu.
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February 8, 2005
NCERC Among Only Eight Groups To Receive STAC Grant
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) has been notified it is among eight awardees of funding from The State Technologies Advancement Collaborative (STAC).
SIUE's award comes to $633,000, part of a total $6.4 million awarded for various energy research projects.
The NCERC will use the funding to develop ways to better utilize co-products of corn-based ethanol production to gain new markets. The NCERC and its research partners were among only four groups in the Midwest to receive funding as a result of STAC's Energy Efficiency and Fossil Energy Science Solicitation.
"The funding will allow the NCERC, working with its research partners on this project, to better ensure the economic future of dry-grind fuel ethanol plants," says Martha Schlicher, director of the NCERC at SIU Edwardsville. The NCERC's research partners are Washington University in St. Louis, Emerson Process Management, and Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc.
Schlicher said the research project is made possible in part because of preliminary work funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Division of Renewable Fuels. The research focuses on Distiller's Dried Grain with Solubles, or DDGS, which is a co-product of dry-grind fuel ethanol production.
"Used as animal feed for cattle, poultry, and swine, DDGS is an important part of the overall economic value of dry-grind ethanol production," Schlicher explained. "This funding will help ensure the continued success of these ethanol plants that are located throughout this country, existing in rural communities across the Corn Belt."
The research being conducted by the NCERC will help to determine what factors in the ethanol production process influence the quality of the DDGS. With this information in hand, fuel ethanol plants and corn growers will have better information with which to ensure they are delivering the highest value products to the marketplace. In addition, livestock producers will benefit as a result of the research which will provide a better feed product.
Some 35 proposals totaling $29 million were competing for the STAC funding, but only eight were chosen, representing state and regional Department of Energy offices, state research institutions, public and private universities, and other qualified organizations in response to the STAC solicitation for proposals. STAC is a collaborative effort between federal and state agencies.
The NCERC was constructed with state of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and USDA Agricultural Research Services funds secured with the help of Congressman John Shimkus (R-Collinsville) and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois).
The mission of NCERC's research is to assist in the long-term growth and sustainability of fuel ethanol production from corn by accelerating the commercialization of new technologies.
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February 3, 2005
SIUE Chosen As Host Of The 2005 Lincoln Academy Gala
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has been chosen as the host of the 2005 Lincoln Academy convocation and investiture, black-tie reception, dinner, and ball on Saturday, April 30. More than 300 guests are expected to attend, including Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and many other Illinois dignitaries.
The gala event will take place 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 is currently pulling 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.
Lincoln Academy Chancellor John B. Simon of Chicago will preside over the April 30 ceremony. The traditional reception, banquet and ball will follow the ceremony.
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February 3, 2005
Ionesco's Gem, The Bald Soprano, To Run Feb. 16-20 At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.)Playwright Eugene Ionesco defined what he called "theater of derision"-which is commonly referred to as the "theater of the absurd"-when he introduced The Bald Soprano to the world in 1950. Southern Illinois audiences will be able to enjoy the play again when it runs Feb. 16-20 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
A Romanian, living in France and writing in French, Ionesco referred to The Bald Soprano (originally titled The Bald Prima Donna) as an "anti-play," a concept embraced by Peter Bukalski, director of this upcoming production of Ionesco's gem.
The English version of the play runs at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, Feb. 16-19, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20, all in SIUE's James F. Metcalf Theater, located behind the Vadalabene Center.
"I love The Bald Soprano because it works against our expectations of what a play should be," Bukalski said. The director, a professor of Theater and Dance at SIUE, may be remembered for his 1990 directorial effort at SIUE, The Three penny Opera.
Ionesco was a fervent believer in human rights and a longtime foe of political tyranny. His work conveyed what he viewed as humanity's struggle to survive in a society that he said formed barriers between human beings. Critics have said The Bald Soprano "satirizes the deadliness and idiocy of the daily life of a bourgeois society frozen in meaningless formalities." Bukalski said: "Ionesco labeled this work an 'anti-play' and it clearly satirizes theatrical traditions and the audiences' conventional expectations.
In this attack on the conformity and the banalities of everyday life, Ionesco demonstrates his belief that ordinary language has become 'fossilized' and devoid of significant meaning. He challenges us at every turn in The Bald Soprano, all the while reminding us that we are just watching a play, nothing more."
Bukalski also has made a statement of his own by introducing gender-bending among the characters. He also comments on society by using three different sets of actors to play the Smiths, the central characters. "The first Smith couple represents the 1950s; they're drinking martinis and smoking cigarettes. The second couple is the '60s, and they're smoking pot; while the third couple, from the '70s, snorts cocaine," Bukalski said.
"In keeping with Ionesco's satirization of bourgeois, everyday life, I'm trying to show that, although the times may change, couples pretty much stay the same. In society, we carry on with our mundane conversations and, whatever we think we are, at home we stay the same."
Why did he choose the Metcalf Theater instead of SIUE's Dunham Hall theater to stage the play? "It's an intimate space, which I think is perfect for this play," Bukalski said. "I think it will work well with Ionesco's juxtaposition of illusion against reality."
Tickets are $10; students, senior citizens, and SIUE employees, $6; and may be obtained through the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.
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February 3, 2005
SIUE School Of Nursing To Offer Credit Courses On-Line
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Beginning in August, the Southern Illinois University School of Nursing will offer a 12-credit-hour program featuring online courses. The program is intended for registered nurses who supervise or provide direct care for older adults. Registration materials must be sent to arrive by July 1 for timely enrollment.
The SIUE program is designed to strengthen and expand the knowledge of registered nurses who work with the elderly in hospitals, home health agencies, long-term care, and other health care settings. Licensure as a registered nurse is required; nurses with an associate degree, diploma, bachelor's degree, or graduate degree are eligible to enroll.
The program will include four courses, each for three hours of academic credit. The courses will be delivered online with one or two classroom meetings in each course. Students need to possess basic knowledge of e-mail, internet, and word processing to participate.
Each course will be eight weeks in length; one course will begin at the start of the semester, the second will begin at mid-semester. Students enrolling in two courses each semester will complete the program in two semesters. Credit earned in this program may be transferable to the RN-BS program in the School of Nursing. Experienced nursing faculty will teach the courses.
Course content will include:
• The myths and stereotypes of aging;
• Normal aging process;
• Wellness approach to aging;
• Best practices with older adults;
• Geriatric syndromes;
• Commonly occurring chronic disorders;
• Family centered care;
• Social issues (depression, dementia, abuse);
• Culture change in long term care;
• Palliative and end-of-life care.
To save a spot in the new program, contact Mollie Fedor in the Department of Continuing Education, (618) 650-3215, or by e-mail; mfedor@siue.edu or Emily Coffin, (618) 650-3207, or by -mail: ecoffin@siue.edu.
The first class of the fall semester will begin the week of Aug. 22; registrants will be notified of a day, time, and location for an orientation session during that week.
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February 3, 2005
Applications Available For Carol Kimmel Scholarship
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Nomination-applications for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Carol Kimmel Scholarship are now available in the Kimmel Leadership Center on campus. Deadline for the nomination is Monday, March 14. The scholarship is co-sponsored by the Belleville News-Democrat.
The annual scholarship was established to recognize students for their outstanding leadership and community volunteer service contributions, as well as academic excellence. The scholarship was named for Carol Kimmel, a former member of the SIU Board of Trustees, who has dedicated her time and talent over the years to volunteerism.
For the scholarship, individuals may nominate a student, or students may nominate themselves, according to the following criteria:
• currently enrolled as a degree-seeking student at SIUE, with sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate standing;
• an accumulative SIUE grade-point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale);
• demonstrated volunteer contributions within the last two years in leadership, service, and/or citizenship, including leadership in a student organization or at least one elected office;
• and more than 30 hours of nonpaid service to a community agency or community organization.
In addition, a nominee must provide two letters of documented university service and leadership from university employees, as well as two letters documenting community service and leadership from external community members.
In order for a student to be considered for a second Kimmel Scholarship, documentation submitted for previous Kimmel Scholarships will not be reconsidered. The scholarship provides one full year of tuition at the SIUE in-state rate.
Winners will be recognized Wednesday, April 27, at the 16th Annual Kimmel Leadership Recognition Program. For more information about nomination procedures or for a nomination-application form, call the Kimmel Center, (618) 650-2686, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 2686.
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February 3, 2005
Applications Available For Carol Kimmel Community Awards
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The deadline for filing nomination applications for the Carol Kimmel Community Service Awards, sponsored by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, is 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 14.
Nomination-applications for the awards are now available in the Kimmel Leadership Center, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center. The award is co-sponsored by the Belleville News-Democrat.
There are six award categories: education, social service-social welfare, environmental and civic betterment, regional leadership, agency/organizational concerns, and special populations. Winners will be recognized Wednesday, April 27, at the 16th Annual Kimmel Leadership Recognition Program at SIUE.
The awards were established to recognize outstanding community leaders for dedication and contributions to community volunteer service as exemplified by Carol Kimmel, a former member of the SIU Board of Trustees, who has been very active in dedicating her time and talent to volunteerism.
Organizations, agencies, businesses, or individuals may nominate those who have been residents of Illinois or Missouri for at least two years and who are at least 16 years of age, and who have been a volunteer with 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 of time; demonstrated outstanding voluntary community service (outside of the applicant's regular job duties), as well as a commitment to the citizens of Southern Illinois or Missouri; and must document leadership roles and responsibilities.
Joint applications will not be accepted; prior recipients also are not eligible. Posthumous applications will be considered if the nominee has died in the past 12 months.
For more information about complete nomination guidelines, or for a nomination application form, call the Kimmel Leadership Center, (618) 650-2686, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 2686.
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February 1, 2005
MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
SIUE Dental School to Host Second Annual Give Kids A Smile Day
• What: More than 200 children will receive free dental care
• When: 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 5 (A media conference is set for 10 a.m.)
• Where: SIUE School of Dental Medicine, Alton
Congressman Jerry Costello plans to attend this event that will serve more than 200 area children who are expected to participate in "Give Kids A Smile Day," sponsored by the SIUE School of Dental Medicine in Alton.
The SIUE/SDM will serve as the host site for the Metro East region, bringing together members of the Madison and St. Clair District dental societies, as well as faculty, students and staff from both the School of Dental Medicine and the Lewis & Clark Community College dental hygiene and dental assisting programs. These oral health professionals will provide free dental care, including examinations, x-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings and extractions, for children who may not otherwise receive dental care.
Give Kids A Smile Day is a national event sponsored by the American Dental Association to provide free dental treatment for underserved children. The day is also meant to focus attention on the epidemic of untreated oral disease among disadvantaged children and deliver the message that dentists alone can not solve this problem without a real commitment from government and society.
All children ages three to 13, who are eligible for public aid and/or the free lunch program, are invited to participate. Due to the need for signed parental permission and other documentation, Give Kids A Smile will serve only pre-registered children and children accompanied by a parent or guardian. While the event will continue until 3 p.m., parents wishing to ensure that their child will receive dental care on Give Kids A Smile Day should arrive no later than 1:30 p.m.
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February 1, 2005
SIUE School Of Education To Conduct Annual Open House Feb. 19
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University School of Education will conduct its second annual open house Saturday, Feb. 19, for prospective undergraduate students and their families.
"The event is a great opportunity for students interested in programs offered by the School of Education to tour and see specialized labs and equipment, while speaking with faculty, staff, and current students," said Julie Babington, director of Development for the School.
"They'll also have a chance to meet the 'Dean's Dozen,' a select group of students who have achieved academic excellence and have been chosen to help with student recruiting and serve as ambassadors on behalf of the School," Babington said. "Last year, we had more than 400 prospective students and family members, and we're expecting more this year."
Babington said visitors also will be able to meet with the School of Education Dean Elliott Lessen and associate deans, as well as department chairs, program directors and faculty. "They'll also be able to speak with SIUE admissions and financial aid counselors, while also generally exploring campus.
"In order to provide prospective students with the information that is of the most use, they also will be able to choose three separate breakout sessions in which to participate," Babington pointed out. "While at these sessions, the students will be able to obtain detailed information about prospective areas of studies."
The SIUE School of Education offers undergraduate programs in psychology, speech pathology/audiology, exercise wellness (kinesiology and health education), and the teaching fields of early childhood education, elementary education, special education, physical education, and secondary education.
For additional information and to pre-register, please visit the School of Education Web site: www.siue.edu/education, or call: (618) 650-3350.
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Retention Figures Increased For Spring Semester
Student retention continues to increase at SIUE as Spring Semester enrollment figures show continuing undergraduate enrollment up more than 230 students from spring semester 2004, according to Boyd Bradshaw, assistant vice chancellor for Enrollment Management at SIUE.
The continuing undergraduate population for the current spring semester is at 9,309, compared with 9,076, at the same time last year. Overall, Spring Semester 2005 enrollment is steady at 12,600, compared with last spring's 12,597. Compared with spring 2002, spring enrollment is up by more than 1,000 students.
Bradshaw said he was pleased with the retention figures. "The increase in retention is an indication that students have a high level of investment in SIUE," Bradshaw said. "In addition to the retention increases, the School of Nursing continues to see an increase in its enrollment, with a current increase of more than 24 percent.
"Enrollment also has benefited from more students enrolling in pre-pharmacy curriculum with anticipation of applying to the new SIUE School of Pharmacy," he said. Bradshaw also noted that first-semester freshmen this past fall declared their majors at a higher rate than in past years. "This will have a more positive effect on both retention and graduation rates in the future."
SIUE's fall (2004) enrollment was 13,493, continuing a 10-year trend of enrollment growth. Fall enrollment was up about more than six percent over fall 2002.
Todd Burrell, Director of Admissions, said early projections for Fall '05 point to a slight growth in enrollment. "We believe that maintaining enrollment at a certain level best serves our students in terms of size of classes, access to professors, available resources and student services," Burrell said.
The admission application deadline for freshmen entering Fall '05 is May 1; for all other undergraduate students, including transfer students, the deadline is July 22. Graduate students also should submit applications no later than July 22. Additional information about applying for admission to SIUE is available online at www.admission.siue.edu.
Black Heritage Month Activities Set For February
SIUE will present its Eighth Annual Black Heritage Month Program during February, with its theme of Remembering Our Past: Building Our Future.
Below is a calendar of events (any activities that have already occurred are dimmed):
• Photography Exhibit-Feb. 1-27, Morris University Center Gallery (second floor)-"Warriors, Dreamers, and Rhymers: An Extra-Literary Exhibit from the Eugene B. Redmond Collection."
• Opening Ceremony-11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, Goshen Lounge, Morris University Center-Features readings by SIUE Professor Eugene Redmond, a performance by the Fundisha Dance Troupe, and a performance of Lift Every Voice and Sing by the SIUE Gospel Choir.
• Panel Discussion-Blacks, Television, and History, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, Goshen Lounge, Morris University Center-Panelists include Diane White, the first black weathercaster in the nation who was with what was then known as KSD-TV in St. Louis; Bernie Hayes, former host of historic television programs, "Soul Brotherhood" and "Black Circle Hour," in St. Louis; and Donn Johnson, a reporter and television anchor for 20 years in St. Louis.
• Steve Birdine, speaking about "I Never Thought About It That Way: Linking Black History and Taking Responsibility for Your Own Success," 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, Meridian Ballroom, Morris University Center.
• Voyage Through Africa, 12:30-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, Goshen Lounge-A family event with audience interaction, featuring storytelling by African Culture Specialist Janice Lesane Katambwa.
• Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8, in Meridian Ballroom; admission, $12.50; students, $8.
• Forum Discussion-African American Women and Community Building-11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 9, Goshen Lounge.
• Film and Panel Discussion-Emmett Till: A Tragedy Remembered, 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, John C. Abbott Auditorium, on the lower level of Lovejoy Library-Panelists will discuss the film, exploring the impact of Emmett Till's death in 1955 by a lynch mob and its effect on the Civil Rights Movement.
• Annual Cultural Bazaar-10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Feb. 10-11, in Goshen Lounge-Offering Afro-centric books, clothing, crafts, jewelry, and other wares, as well as entertainment and prize drawings.
• Panel discussion, "Sudan: Three Degrees of Genocide," noon-1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 10, Mississippi Room, Morris University Center- Discussion will center on the genocide in the Darfur region of the Sudan. The discussion is co-sponsored by Iota Phi Theta fraternity.
• Performance by the SIUE Concert Jazz Band, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10-Goshen Lounge.
• Second Annual Gospel Explosion-6-10:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, Meridian Ballroom-This event features poetry, rap, praise dance, and gospel music.
• Open forum-Mental Slavery Today, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14, Goshen Lounge-Explores the physical slavery of black ancestors and how it contributed to "mental slavery of the present African-American generation today." Sponsored by SIUE's Black Student Union.
• Storytelling with Rudy Wilson-11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, Goshen Lounge-Wilson, SIUE assistant provost for cultural and social diversity, will weave tales of faith, hope, survival, and courage, illustrating African and African-American contributions to American history.
• Lecture-Sudan: From Slavery to Freedom-7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, Goshen Lounge-Francis Bok, a former slave from the Sudan, will share his life story and speak about issues of slavery and genocide in Africa and in the world.
• Divine Nine-7-10 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 16, Meridian Ballroom-The National Pan-Hellenic Council, consisting of the nine predominately black Greek organizations on college campuses, will showcase their national programmatic initiatives, both as individual organizations and as a unified body.
• Black Heritage Month Game Show-11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, Goshen Lounge-Contestants compete concerning their knowledge about blacks in the entertainment world.
• Cosby's Comments: Criticism and Controversy-11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, Goshen Lounge-Panel discussion about recent statements by comedian Bill Cosby that ignited comments from black leaders, the media, and others.
• Keepers of the Dream: Part III-6-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, Meridian Ballroom-Carl Mack, president of the Seattle chapter of the NAACP, will speak about the importance of cultural awareness in today's society. Sponsored by the National Society of Black Engineers.
• Blacks, Bullets, and Brigades-11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 24, Goshen Lounge-A panel discussion, reviewing the historical and current role played by African Americans in the U.S. military.
• Seventh Annual Black Heritage Month Talent Show-7-10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, Meridian Ballroom-Tickets are $3; students, $2.
Black Theatre Workshop-7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Feb. 25-26, in Dunham Hall theater-A showcase of the works of African-American playwrights.
For more information, call the SIUE Kimmel Leadership Center, (618) 650-2686.
Dance Professor Studies Movement As A Window To The Human Condition
Dance has been an integral part of Professor J. Calvin Jarrell's life for as long as he can recall, but during the past decade or so he has made in-depth studies of the intricacies and patterns of movement as a way to understand the human condition.
Unlike the Zen archer who became the ultimate hunter, only to eventually transcend the bow and arrow, Jarrell claims to have grown even closer to the art and theory of dance. "I use what's known as Movement Pattern Analysis, a system developed by Warren Lamb, to study how a person approaches decision-making, for example," Jarrell said. Currently, Lamb is continuing his management consultancy and teaching activities, and is researching movement and gender, while traveling frequently between U.S. and Europe. He also is chair of the Labanotation Institute at the University of Surrey, England.
Jarrell recently returned from South Africa, where he was a guest lecturer at the Community and Individual Development Association (CIDA) City Campus in Johannesburg. There he worked with students and CIDA administrators in presenting a month-long workshop in team development. "African culture is filled with movement, dance, and song, so they could relate immediately to what I was trying to show them," Jarrell said.
Located in the heart of Johannesburg, CIDA City Campus serves students from disadvantaged communities throughout South Afruca. "At CIDA the students acquire much more than an academic degree," Jarrell said. "They control the daily operations of the university, from administrative duties to cooking and maintenance.
Jarrell said the students are considered the owners and the principal stakeholders. "You can definitely feel a different kind of energy and a sense of pride when you walk into the buildings," he said.
As for teaching the workshop, Jarrell said he had his work cut out for him. "The workshop participants, a group of black Africans, were skeptical about what a white guy from the United States could possibly know or understand about their own culture, but I did win their trust eventually," Jarrell said.
"At the end, they showed gracious appreciation for the work that I did with them by honoring me with a song and a dance."
In addition to teaching, Jarrell found time to explore the culture and environment outside the big city. This included visits to game preserves and to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. "After working with the workshop participants and becoming steeped in African culture, I came away with an even better sense of dance and how it can be a vehicle for human communication.
"I can apply the philosophy and theory of dance movement to my work in Movement Pattern Analysis (MPA), which is about body knowledge, body wisdom, and how our movement patterns affect our daily lives," Jarrell explained. "It's about body consciousness."
Jarrell also had the opportunity to use MPA to work with a group of executives from ESKOM (Electricity Supply Commisson), South Africa's largest electric utility. As a result, he was invited to participate in a drumming session with the ESKOM executives. "It was an exercise in team development," Jarrell said.
"Team development is something the South Africans are very interested in exploring further as a way of strengthening the economic development in their country," Jarrell said. "They are very interested in learning a wide variety of ways to work together to foster greater understanding and cooperation, while maintaining traditional African culture.
"The drumming sessions are definitely a strong element to team building. I think if every faculty meeting at SIUE opened with a drumming session, we'd get a lot more done," Jarrell said with a laugh. "I was also invited to participate in a traditional 'la-hote-lah,'" he said, "which is very similar to the Native American 'talking stick' ceremony. Everyone sits in a circle and participants are allowed to speak without interruption about their concerns regarding the company. Everyone is required to listen with an open mind until the speaker has finished."
But, it was the movement sessions that the workshop participants seemed to enjoy most. "Because their culture is steeped in dance, the role of movement as part of education is a very strong motivator," Jarrelle said.
"I find that MPA helps me merge deeper into dance, blending it with the theoretical study of movement in our lives. And, as it's used in team development, it can be a tool to understand someone's personal style of decision-making. It's not about body language or gestures," Jarrell said. "It's about integrated movement or how we merge our postures and gestures into movement 'phrases' that have a cohesive reflection throughout the entire body.
"Each of us has a unique style or manner in how we arrive at decisions or how we commit to action," Jarrell said. "We also have a unique way in how we choose to involve or not involve others in our decision-making.
"Many conflicts can occur in the workplace because of a lack of understanding about these various modes of interaction and of an individual's preferred style of decision-making," he said.
"MPA can have a profound influence on the understanding of ourselves and others, and how we work and interact with one another."
Nomination Packets Available To Faculty, Staff, Students For Kimmell Community Service Awards, Scholarship
Nomination-applications for the SIUE Carol Kimmel Scholarship and Community Service Award for Faculty and Staff are now available in the Kimmel Leadership Center on campus. Deadline for the nominations is Monday, March 14.
The annual service award and scholarship were established to recognize students for their outstanding leadership and community volunteer service contributions, as well as for academic excellence, and for faculty and staff who are community volunteers.
The awards were named for Carol Kimmel, a former member of the SIU Board of Trustees, who has been very active in dedicating her time and talent to volunteerism. The awards are co-sponsored by the Belleville News-Democrat.
For the scholarship, individuals may nominate a student, or students may nominate themselves, according to the following criteria:
• currently enrolled as a degree-seeking student at SIUE, with sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate standing;
• an accumulative SIUE grade-point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale);
• demonstrated volunteer contributions within the last two years in leadership, service, and/or citizenship, including leadership in a student organization or at least one elected office;
• and more than 30 hours of nonpaid service to a community agency or community organization.
In addition, a nominee must provide two letters of documented university service and leadership from university employees, as well as two letters documenting community service and leadership from external community members.
In order for a student to be considered for a second Kimmel Scholarship, documentation submitted for previous Kimmel Scholarships will not be reconsidered.
The scholarship provides one full year of tuition at the SIUE in-state rate.
For the community service award for staff or faculty, the following criteria apply:
• Organizations, agencies, businesses, or individuals, including colleagues, may nominate those who they have known through professional association for at least two years;
• who have been a full-time, continuing employee of SIUE for at least two years;
• who have demonstrated continuous service to a single community agency, organization, or business for at least two years.
• who have demonstrated a variety of community service contributions for an extended period of time; and
• who have demonstrated outstanding voluntary community service, as well as a commitment to the citizens of Illinois or Missouri.
Nominees must document leadership roles and responsibilities, and provide two letters of recommendation. Prior recipients are ineligible to apply. Only community service unrelated to a nominee's job duties will be considered. Posthumous nominations will be considered if the nominee died during the past 12 months. Past recipients are not eligible to re-apply.
Winners will be recognized Thursday, April 1, at the Kimmel Leadership Awards Banquet. For more information about nomination procedures or for a nomination-application form, call the Kimmel Center, (618) 650-2686, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 2686.
Ionesco's The Bald Soprano Opens Feb. 16 At The James F. Metcalf Theater
Eugene Ionesco defined what he called "theater of derision"-which is commonly referred to as the theater of the absurd-when he introduced The Bald Soprano to the world in 1950.
A Romanian, living in France and writing in French, Ionesco referred to The Bald Soprano (originally titled The Bald Prima Donna) as an "anti-play," a concept embraced by Peter Bukalski, director of SIUE's upcoming production of Ioensco's gem.
"I love The Bald Soprano because it works against our expectations of what a play should be," Bukalski said. The director, a professor of Theater and Dance, may be remembered for his 1990 directorial effort at SIUE, The Threepenny Opera.
The Bald Soprano will open at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16, and will continue at the same curtain time through Saturday, Feb. 19, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20, all in the James F. Metcalf Theater, located behind the Vadalabene Center.
Ionesco was a fervent believer in human rights and a longtime foe of political tyranny. His work conveyed what he viewed as humanity's struggle to survive in a society that he said formed barriers between human beings. A militant anti-communist, he had long campaigned from exile against the authoritarian regime of Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, who banned his plays.
Critics have said The Bald Soprano satirizes the deadliness and idiocy of the daily life of a bourgeois society frozen in meaningless formalities. "Ionesco labeled this work an 'anti-play' and it clearly satirizes theatrical traditions and the audiences' conventional expectations," Bukalski said.
"In this attack on the conformity and the banalities of everyday life, Ionesco demonstrates his belief that ordinary language has become 'fossilized' and devoid of significant meaning.
"He challenges us at every turn in The Bald Soprano, all the while reminding us that we are just watching a play, nothing more."
Bukalski also has made a statement of his own by introducing "gender-bending" among the characters. He also comments on society by using three different sets of actors to play the Smiths, the central characters. "The first Smith couple represents the 1950s; they're drinking martinis and smoking cigarettes. The second couple is the '60s, and they're smoking pot; while the third couple, from the '70s, snorts cocaine," Bukalski said.
"In keeping with Ionesco's satirization of bourgeois, everyday life, I'm trying to show that, although the times may change, couples pretty much stay the same. In society, we carry on with our mundane conversations and, whatever we think we are, at home we stay the same."
Why did he choose the Metcalf Theater to stage the play? "It's an intimate space, which I think is perfect for this play," Bukalski said. "I think it will work well with Ionesco's juxtaposition of illusion and reality."
Tickets for The Bald Soprano may be obtained through the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.
SIUE Alums Are Recipients Of 40-Under-40 Awards From The St. Louis Business Journal
Three successful SIUE alumni are among the winners of the annual St. Louis Business Journal "40 Under 40" Awards, sponsored by the Washington University Olin School of Business in St. Louis.
Sherry Mohr Hausmann, who earned a bachelor's in Nursing in 1987, and Michael Schoedel and Kathryn Szedlar, who each earned MBAs in 1992 and 2000, respectively, will receive their awards Thursday, Feb. 3, at a dinner at the Renaissance Grand Hotel in downtown St. Louis.
Hausmann, who recently became president of St. Joseph Hospital in Kirkwood, Mo., part of the SSM Healthcare System, is leading a hospital of about 950 employees and a medical staff of 725. She's also in charge of bringing on line a $215 million SSM hospital in Fenton, which eventually will replace the Kirkwood facility.
Joining SSM in 1998 as director of surgical services at DePaul Health Center, Hausmann was promoted to vice president of specialty and ambulatory services less than two years later and then became executive vice president and chief operating officer.
As COO at DePaul, she helped increase admissions and labor productivity, as well as DePaul's market share, all in four years.
Schoedel, who has been city manager of Clayton, Mo., since last year, began his career after graduation with a regional planning commission in Indiana. From there, he returned to the St. Louis area as city manager of Richmond Heights, Mo., from 1998 until he took the position in Clayton.
Schoedel was instrumental in shepherding several high-profile developments during his tenure in Richmond Heights, including The Boulevard Development, just east of the Galleria on Brentwood Boulevard, and several projects totaling $24 million, such as the Richmond Heights public service garage, a recreation complex, a public library, and a public safety building. As Clayton city manager, Schoedel also is involved in efforts to increase density in downtown Clayton, including residential development
Szedlar, who is executive vice president and chief operating officer for Partners Bank in Glen Carbon, is responsible for daily operations, managing the organization's investments, and supervising accounting functions at the bank, to name a few. Before joining the Partners staff, Szedlar was at First Bank for eight years as vice president and credit department manager, among other titles.
Helping a "start-up" bank, such as Partners, from concept to reality was a challenge for Szedlar but one that was rewarding, she said. Her immediate career goal is to continue overseeing the growth and development of Partners Bank, which she said is now poised for growth. The bank has about $140 million in assets.
Events At SIUE Raise Funds For Tsunami Disaster Victims
Two campus-wide fund-raising events at SIUE were conducted to benefit the victims of the Dec. 26 Asian tsunami disaster, including a concert, and two basketball games. In addition, a walkathon is being planned for Feb. 27 which also will benefit victims of the disaster.
SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift hailed the response as an important show of the University's commitment to "global education and citizenship" in the face of sweeping tragedy. "We are united in our commitment to aiding and supporting the families of the victims of this tragic event," Vandegrift said. "These events provide opportunities for members of our academic community to reach out for this important need."
The Jan. 27 Tsunami Relief Benefit Concert by the SIUE Gospel Choir raised ($?) for the victims, while contributions totaling $? were collected this past weekend at two Cougar-Indianapolis basketball games, both in the Vadalabene Center.
The walkathon is set for Sunday, Feb. 27, at Korte Stadium, sponsored by the Master of Marketing Research Student Association. The time of the event will be announced later.
Other contributions may be sent to the SIUE Foundation, Birger Hall, Edwardsville, IL 62026-1082, attention the Tsunami Relief Fund.
Kendall To Return To Take Part In Suzuki Weekend
The SIUE Suzuki String Program will play host to SIUE Music Professor Emeritus John Kendall as he conducts classes at the Suzuki Weekend Workshop on March 5-6. Deadline for participation is Feb. 15.
Other clinicians include former SIUE graduates Goran Berg, of Livermore, Calif.; Celina Boldrey, of St. Louis; and Andrew Driscoll, of Chesterfield, Mo.
Joanne Bath, of Greenville, NC, and teachers from the Webster Community Music School and SIUE Suzuki faculty will instruct more than 200 young violin, viola, and cello students in technique, repertoire, jazz, and Swedish fiddling.
Kendall, of Takoma Park, Md., who founded the string program at SIUE in the early 1960s, taught for more than 24 years at the University before retiring in 1987. Even after "retirement," Kendall remained an active part of the University's music program until moving to Maryland in 1998.
A catered dinner is planned with Kendall and area Suzuki teachers at 7 p.m. Friday, March 4, in the Morris University Center.
The final concert at 2:15 p.m. Sunday, March 6, is free and open to the public in Dunham Hall theater. For more information, contact the Office of the Suzuki String Program, (618) 650- 2839.
Scholarship Applications Available At Lovejoy Library
SIUE undergraduate students-with good academic standing and a cumulative grade-point average of 2.5 or above-are eligible to apply for the Ina Peabody Sledge Award. Application deadline is Feb. 23.
The award includes a stipend of $500; applicants will be selected on the following criteria that embody the positive ideology of Ina Sledge:
· Strong pursuit of educational goals;
· Strong character and moral fortitude;
· Caring, motivated, and giving attitude; and
· Active community involvement.
Preference will be given to students who are residents of Alorton, Brooklyn, Centreville, East St. Louis, Venice, and Washington Park.
Sledge, a native of East St. Louis, served as Education Librarian at Lovejoy Library from 1983 until her death in 1998. During 30 years of service at the University, she worked in a number of positions including head of the East St. Louis Center Library.
Colleagues said Sledge's caring, giving attitude motivated and encouraged students to pursue educational goals. She recognized and valued strong character and moral fortitude, co-workers said.
The Ina Peabody Sledge Award will to be given in the spring at the SIUE Honors Convocation on April 17. Applications are available on-line: www.library.siue.edu.
GLVC Men's Basketball Race Tightening Up
SIUE men's basketball remains in the thick of a tight Great Lakes Valley Conference race that will come down to the wire. The Cougars are 18-5 overall and 11-3 in conference action, one game behind Southern Indiana for first place.
"This is a tough league," said SIUE coach Marty Simmons. "The neat thing about this is that with six games to go we are competing for a championship."
SIUE continues a four-game road trip this week, traveling to battle Quincy on Thursday (2/9) and Missouri-St. Louis on Saturday (2/11). The Quincy Hawks have won four games in a row and seven of their last nine contests. "They are a balanced team," said Simmons. "They are shooting the ball extremely well right now, and they are as hot as any team in the league. It's going to be a tough test."
The Cougars continue to build around a solid defense, giving up a GLVC-leading 60.6 points per game.
Senior Dan Heimos (Waterloo) is one of the reasons for SIUE's strong defense. Heimos, who transferred from the University of Nebraska after his sophomore season, became SIUE's all-time blocks leader with 104 blocks in his career. "For a guy to set a record at a four-year school only being here two years, is quite an accomplishment," said Simmons. "Dan is a very intelligent basketball player. He's got good anticipation and good timing. I am really happy for Dan." Heimos' abilities are not limited to the defensive end as he ranks second in GLVC field goal percentage (65.2) and leads SIUE in rebounding at 6.7 boards a game.
J.B. Jones (Belleville) continues to show why he should be considered for GLVC Freshman of the Year. Jones notched 46 points in two games over the weekend, scoring 24 in the win over UW-Parkside this past Thursday. Jones hit the game-winning shot with two seconds left and was a perfect 9 of 9 from the free throw line. "J.B. was just outstanding down the stretch at the free throw line and making big shots," said Simmons.
The Cougars will be at Pepsi Arena in Quincy on Thursday (2/10) night before visiting the Mark Twain Center and Missouri-St. Louis on Saturday night (2/12). Both games tip off at 7:30 p.m.
Women's Basketball Viewing Every Game As "Huge"
SIUE women's basketball coach Wendy Hedberg knows that every game is a "huge game" the rest of the season if her team wants to compete in the postseason Great Lakes Valley Conference tournament.
If the season ended today, the Cougars, 10-13 overall and 5-9 in league play, would be the eighth and final seed in the tournament. "We are on the bubble," said Hedberg. "We have to take care of our own business and not worry about anyone else."
The Cougars continue a four-game road swing, traveling to GLVC leading Quincy on Thursday (2/10) and then to Missouri-St. Louis on Saturday (2/12). The Cougars defeated both the Hawks and the Riverwomen earlier in the season at the Vadalabene Center.
"Quincy plays really tough at home," said Hedberg. "That is going to be a difficult game because we got one here. UMSL is a big rivalry. They play hard and are going to come at you for 40 minutes."
Freshman guard Whitney Sykes (Pontoon Beach) became the single-season record holder for three-pointers in a season over the weekend. Sykes has scored 59 three-pointers this season making at least one for 21 consecutive games. "She works very hard at her shooting," said Hedberg. " I just see good things ahead for her. She is really going to be a tough guard in this league."
Sophomore Julianne McMillen (Pana) leads SIUE with 11.7 points per game after two solid performances this past weekend. McMillen netted 21 points in the loss to Lewis on Saturday, making 11 of 13 from the free throw line notching 83.9 percent free throws this season. "She is playing hard right now," said Hedberg. "She is doing a good job getting to the free throw line."
The Cougars will be in Quincy on Thursday (2/10) at 5:15 before visiting Missouri-St. Louis on Saturday (2/12) at 5:30.
Weeden Smashing Records
As the SIUE men's indoor track travels to the DePauw Invitational this weekend, senior Lee Weeden (Ferguson, Mo.) will find it hard to improve his mark from this past weekend.
Weeden broke his own school record twice, becoming the first Cougar to record a weight throw of better than 60 feet in indoor events. Weeden notched a throw of 59-5 (18.11 meters) on Friday (2/4) at the McDonald's Invitational in Carbondale. Then at the Titan Open in Bloomington on Saturday (2/5) he muscled his way to a throw of 60-3.75 (18.38 meters).
It is the third longest toss among those qualifying for the NCAA Division II indoor championships. "Lee just amazes me every week," said SIUE track coach Ben Beyers. "He's come so far in the weight (throw) this year and I know that with his training he's looking to do even more."
Anthony Weber (Marengo) also became a school recorded holder in the pole vault over the weekend at 15-5.75. Weber becomes the 11th person in the nation to post a provisional NCAA qualifying mark in the pole vault. "Anthony just goes out every week and puts together very solid performances," said Beyers. "His consistent and steady improvement really shows that a break out meet is on the horizon soon."
Jonathan Bannister (Plano, Texas) also provisionally qualified for the NCAA Division II Championships in the 400-meter dash with a time of 49.15.
The Cougars will get a good indication of its chances for the GLVC Championships this weekend at the DePauw Invitational, as it will feature five Great Lakes Valley Conference teams.
Women's Track Gets Five More Provisional Qualifiers
SIUE women's track looks to continue its success in the indoor season at the DePauw Invitational this weekend.
The Cougars picked up five more NCAA provisional qualifiers over the weekend at the McDonald's Invitational in Carbondale and the Titan Open in Bloomington.
Tairisha Sawyer (Chicago) and Jessica Levy (Des Plaines) set school records in the 200-meter dash and the 400-meter dash. Sawyer broke Levy's record in the 200 by running 25.54. Levy broke her own record in the 400 by running 57.30. Both marks improve NCAA provisional qualifying marks. "Jessica continues to perform and impress every time she steps on the track," said SIUE track coach Ben Beyers. "Tairisha was definitely aiming to reach the time she ran. I'm sure we'll be seeing even better things in the coming weeks."
Brittany Reeves (Hanover Park) provisionally qualified in the 200 meter dash with a time of 25.90. "It was great to see Brittany put a complete race together in her 200," said Beyers.
The women's 4 X 400-meter relay team also sprinted to an improved time to provisionally qualify for the NCAA indoor meet. The group of Levy, Valerie Simmons (St. Louis, Mo.), Sawyer and Jenny Jaquez (Aurora) ran the event in 3:53.29. "I'm really looking forward to bringing the teams together next week and re- focusing on some team goals as we aim to defend our conference titles."
The Cougars will get a good indication of its chances for the GLVC Championships this weekend at the DePauw Invitational as it will feature five Great Lakes Valley Conference teams.
Wrestling Travels To CMSU Jamboree
SIUE wrestling will be back in Warrensburg, Mo., for the Central Missouri State Jamboree this Saturday (2/12). SIUE will battle Central Missouri State, Fort Hays State, Southwest State, Indianapolis, and Upper Iowa at the meet.
The Cougars went 0-2-1 during a recent quadrangle at Truman State for a record of 2-11-1 on the season. SIUE fell to Truman State 30-16 and Eastern Illinois 33-16 before tying Newman (Kan.) 18-18.
Senior Brandon Lorek (Bensenville) picked up three wins at the Truman State meet to improve his record to 16-13 on the season at 197 pounds and heavyweight. "He wrestled great," said SIUE wrestling coach Khris Whelan. "That is the best I have seen him wrestle all year. He kept after it."
Freshman John Ficht (Burbank) continued his successful season, going 3-0 at 157 pounds to go to 17-14 on the year. "He is just an animal," said Whelan. "He mentally breaks down his opponents, and he gets the job done."
Sophomore Steve Chico (Hammond, Ind) ran his mark with 15-13 overall with three wins at 133 pounds during the meet.
Men's Tennis Faces Lindenwood
The SIUE men's tennis team returns to action against Lindenwood at King's Point in Belleville on Friday (2/11) at 1 p.m.
The Cougars are 0-1 on the young season, falling to Saint Louis University 7-2 on Jan. 28.
SIUE picked up a win on the double's side and one on the singles side thanks to Andrew Reznack (Edwardsville). Reznack won at No. 5 singles 6-0, 6-1 after he and Andy Renner (Belleville) won at No. 3 doubles 8-5.
Renner lost his No. 6 singles match after winning the first set 7-5, he fell in the final two 6-2, 10-5.
Justin Free (Danville) battled No. 2 singles for SIUE losing the first set 6-3, but coming back for a second set 6-3 win, before falling in 7-5 in the final set.
Weeden Breaks 60-foot Barrier
Lee Weeden became SIUE's first athlete to record a toss of 60 feet in the indoor weight throw and broke the school record twice over the weekend's events.
Weeden began his quest on Friday (2/4) with a throw of 59-5 (18.11 meters) at the McDonald's Invitational in Carbondale. He then ventured up to the Titan Open in Bloomington and muscled his way to a throw of 60-3.75 (18.38 meters). It is the third longest toss among those qualifying for the NCAA Division II indoor championships.
Weeden also improved his shot put markto 51-7.75 (15.74 meters).
Anthony Weber became the 11th person in the nation to post a provisional NCAA qualifying mark in the pole vault. He set a school record at 15-5.75.
On the women's side, Tairisha Sawyer and Jessica Levy set school records in the 200-meter dash and the 400-meter dash, respectively. Sawyer broke Levy's record in the 200 by running 25.54. Levy broke her own record in the 400 by running 57.30. Both marks improve NCAA provisional qualifying marks.
The women's 4 X 400-meter relay team also sprinted to a improved time to qualify for the national meet. The group of Levy, Valerie Simmmons, Sawyer and Jenny Jaquez ran the event in 3:53.29.
The Cougars placed third at the McDonald's Invitational but bested Division I schools Vanderbilt, Southeast Missouri State and Eastern Illinois.
Heimos Sets Blocks Record In Road Loss
Dan Heimos (Waterloo) set a career record for blocks at SIUE; however, the men's basketball Cougars suffered a road loss at Lewis 69-62.
The Cougars lost to Lewis despite a 22-point effort from J.B. Jones and 14 points from Heimos. Randy Wright lifted the Flyers with 18 points, including four three-pointers.
With the loss, SIUE is now 18-5 overall and 11-3 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Lewis improved to 9-12 and 4-10 in the GLVC.
Heimos now has 104 blocks in his career at SIUE, passing Antone Gallishaw, who blocked 102 shots during the 1988-90 seasons. Heimos' record-breaker came at the 9:54 mark of the first half against Lewis when he thwarted a layup by Steve Turner.
SIUE now turns its attention to the second half of its four-game road trip. The Cougars next face Quincy on Thursday (2/10) at 7:30 p.m.
Lewis Hands SIUE 81-71 Loss
SIUE suffered its fourth straight setback Saturday (2/5) with an 81-71 loss at Lewis.
Lewis, 12-9 overall and 9-5 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, led for all but three minutes of the game. The Flyers finished with five players in double figures with Mary Moskal leading the way with 17 points.
SIUE, 10-13 and 5-9 in the GLVC, picked up a season-high 21 points from Julianne McMillen. Whitney Sykes added 12 points and a team-high eight rebounds.
Lewis led at halftime 37-27 and built a second-half lead as much as 17 points. The Cougars were strong from the field throw line, hitting 23 of 26 shots. However, SIUE didn't shoot as well from the field, scoring 4 of 22 from three-point range (18.2 percent) and 22 of 56 (39.3 percent) overall.
After building its halftime lead, Lewis got stronger in the second half. The Flyers shot 53 percent from the field in the second half.
SIUE now heads to Quincy for a meeting on Thursday (2/10) against the Hawks. Game time is set for 5:30 p.m.
Men's Basketball Starts Crucial Road Swing
With six of its final eight regular season games on the road, SIUE men's basketball coach Marty Simmons says it won't be easy to win the school's first Great Lakes Valley Conference championship.
"We are very fortunate. There is no doubt about it," said Simmons. "It is up to us to use that as motivation as we prepare for these games. We need to take that enthusiasm and energy on the road with us."
The seventh-ranked Cougars are 17-4 overall and 10-2 in the GLVC, tied for first with Southern Indiana as they begin a four game road trip. SIUE travels to play UW-Parkside on Thursday (2/3). "They (UW-Parkside) are really hard to guard," said Simmons. "They shoot three-pointers very well. They will be ready for us."
Following the matchup with the Rangers, SIUE visits Romeoville on Saturday (2/5) to face Lewis.
SIUE split its last two games over the weekend defeating Northern Kentucky and falling to Indianapolis for its first home loss this season.
In the win over the Norse, seniors Tim Bauersachs (Pinckneyville) and Dan Heimos (Waterloo) each recorded double-doubles. Bauersachs and Heimos rank in the top four in the conference in field goal percentage, while being No. 1 and No. 2 on the team in scoring and rebounds. "What he (Bauersachs) does for the team is unbelievable," said Simmons. "The leadership he brings to this basketball team is immeasurable. Heimos has worked his way into that same boat. They both mean so much to our team."
Fellow senior Calvin Sykes (Chicago) netted a season-best 18 points in the loss to the Greyhounds. Sykes, who was trouble by a knee injury at the beginning of the year, is playing up to form. "He (Calvin) was really aggressive to the basket and let his offense come to him," said Simmons. "That is nice to see."
Freshman J.B. Jones (Belleville) continues his solid play with averaging 9.5 points, 5.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. "He is solid as a rock," said Simmons. "He is a lot like Bauersachs. He does what it takes for his team to win."
SIUE continues to lead the GLVC in scoring defense (60.0 points per game) and field goal percentage defense (39.7 percent). "We have to get back to paying attention to details," said Simmons. "That has what has got us to 17 wins. Our guys have been willing to give a lot of effort and pay attention to details -- to do the little things right."
The Cougars face off against the Rangers on Thursday night (2/3) at 5:30 and battling the Flyers on Saturday (2/5) at 3 p.m.
Women's Basketball Set For Four-Game Trip
After losing three of their last four games, SIUE women's basketball coach Wendy Hedberg believes that her team has to play like "there is no tomorrow" in the final eight regular season games .
The Cougars currently sit in seventh place in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, with eight of the 11 teams making the postseason tournament. SIUE has a record of 10-11 overall and 5-7 in league play. "We have to find ourselves and play with the same energy and confidence we had when we were winning," said Hedberg. "We need to go back to the basics and fine tune everything for the stretch run."
Of their final eight games, the Cougars play six of eight games on the road with five of those contests coming against teams that are ahead of SIUE in the GLVC. "They are not going to be easy games," said Hedberg. "The two that we have at home are going to be tough."
SIUE travels north to face UW-Parkside on Thursday (2/3), then visit Lewis for another tough matchup on Saturday (2/5). "They are going to be ready for us," said Hedberg. "Lewis is a tough place to play and so is Parkside. It is going to be a battle."
Even though the Cougars dropped two games over this past weekend, they did pick up some solid performance from two bench players.
Freshman Tiffany Sproat (Belleville) recorded a career-high 19 points in the contest versus Indianapolis, shooting 8 of 11 from the field. "Tiffany is starting to shoot the ball better in practice," said Hedberg. "She is a competitor. She plays hard, and she is on the floor for everything. She gives us that extra boost or energy that we need."
Sophomore Jamie Kennedy (Colfax) came in off the bench to chip in a season-high 10 points while grabbing six rebounds against the Greyhounds. "She came in and had a great game," said Hedberg. "I was happy to see her play well."
Freshman Whitney Sykes (Pontoon Beach) needs just three three-pointers to break the school record for threes made in a season, at 57.
Sophomore Julianne McMillen (Pana) and Sykes rank first on the team in scoring at 11.1 points a contest.
SIUE will be in Kenosha, Wis., Thursday (2/3) to face the Rangers at 5:30 p.m. and then on to Lewis on Saturday (2/5) at 1 p.m.
Men's, Women's Track Improve Provisional Qualifying Marks
SIUE men's and women's track and field will split up to the Illinois Wesleyan Titan Open and the McDonald's Invitational in Carbondale this weekend. That move comes after the Cougars picked up more NCAA provisional qualifiers over the weekend at the Illinois State Redbird Invitational on Saturday (1/29).
"All in all we had another successful weekend; we need to continue to stay focused and work hard at practice," said SIUE Men's Track and Field coach David Astrauskas.
The Cougars had only six performers at the indoor event. Senior Lee Weeden (Ferguson, Mo.) broke the school record in the 20-pound weight throw with a toss of 17.90 meters (58-08.75 feet). He finished second in the event and the throw, the fourth longest in the nation, improved his NCAA provisional qualifying mark. "Lee again had another big performance," said Astrauskas. "One of our goals before the season started was to break the SIUE school record."
On the women's side, Holly Noller (Pawnee) provisionally qualified for the national championships in the shot put with a throw of 13.44 meters (44-01.25 feet). Noller's throw was the longest for SIUE this season. "Holly is a great competitor who was very determined to have a good performance this past weekend," said Astrauskas. "Holly has come a long way from the ACL tear that she suffered at the outdoor conference meet last season."
Senior Christen Carducci (Powell, Ohio) finished first in the mile, setting a season-best time of 5 minutes, 14.81 seconds in the event.
Wrestling Faces Three Teams At Truman State
The SIUE wrestling team travels to Kirksville, Mo., this weekend for the Truman State Quadrangle on Saturday (2/5) at 5 p.m.
The Cougars have a record of 2-9 on the year after falling at Central Missouri State 21-14 last Thursday (1/27).
SIUE trailed 15-14 heading into the final two matches. After a double forfeit at 197 pounds, senior Brandon Lorek (Bensenville) lost at heavyweight with a fall in 4:11 to give the Mules the win.
Freshman Eric Scholle (Waukegan) improved his record to 7-2 on the season with a win at 174 pounds. Scholle has won his last three matches.
Sophomore Joe Rujawitz (Belleville) continued his solid season with a win at 149 pounds to run his mark to 12-9 on the season.
Fellow sophomore Scott Audo (Glenarm) notched a win at 125 pounds for SIUE as he improves to 6-12 on the season.
Junior Jamie Johnson (Woodward, Okla.) received his fourth win this year at 157 pounds, defeating Central Missouri's Andrew Hicklin 3-0 in a tightly contested match.
The Cougars battle Truman State, Eastern Illinois, and Carson Newman on Saturday (2/5).
Weeden, Noller Post Qualifying Marks
SIUE men's and women's track and field received another solid performances in the indoor from Lee Weeden and Holly Noller at Illinois State University today.
Weeden broke the school record in the 20-pound weight throw with a toss of 17.90 meters (58-08.75 feet). He finished second in the event and the throw, the fourth longest in the nation, improves his NCAA provisional qualifying mark.
Noller set the tone on the women's side, provisionally qualifying in the shot put with a throw of 13.44 meters(44-01.25 feet). Noller throw was the longest for SIUE this season.
Senior Christen Carducci finished first in the mile, setting a season-best time of 5 minutes, 14.81 seconds, in the event.
The Cougars will be back in action at the Illinois Wesleyan Titan Open on Saturday (2/6).
BOT Approves Two Honorary Degrees For Commencement At SIUE
One of the greatest female athletes of all time and an historian who edited and annotated the 19th Century journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, have been chosen to receive honorary degrees at the May 7 commencement, according to action taken by the SIU Board of Trustees at its regular monthly meeting last week.
However, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, one of the recipients chosen, has notified the board she will be unable to attend because of scheduling conflicts. University officials said another candidate will be chosen for the May 7 commencement and she will receive her award at a later date.
The other recipient is Gary Evan Moulton, retired Thomas C. Sorensen Professor of American History at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, who will receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.
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 as members of the expedition readied for exploration of the Louisiana Territory, newly acquired by the United States under then-President Thomas Jefferson. The president had charged the explorers with mapping the territory and also finding a Northwest passage to the Pacific Ocean.
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.
SIUE Chosen As Host Of The 2005 Lincoln Academy Convocation And Investiture
SIUE has been chosen as the host of the 2005 Lincoln Academy convocation and investiture, black-tie reception, dinner, and ball on Saturday, April 30. More than 300 guests are expected to attend, including Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and many other Illinois dignitaries.
The gala event will take place in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of the 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 is currently pulling 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.
Lincoln Academy Chancellor John B. Simon of Chicago will preside over the April 30 ceremony. The traditional reception, banquet and ball will follow the ceremony.
Black Theater Workshop To Blend Culture, History
In an effort to blend culture and history through the performing arts, SIUE's Black Theater Workshop director Kathryn Bentley is enthusiastic about presenting three one-act plays that chronicle the African-American experience during the past 100 years.
The Annual Black Theatre Workshop, produced each year by the Department of Theatre and Dance, opens at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 25, and will continue at 7:30 p.m. that evening and at the same curtain time Saturday, Feb. 26, all in the Dunham Hall theater. Admission is free, but tickets must be reserved or picked up through the Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.
The plays-woven together by song, dance, and visuals, all under the theme of "The Color Connection"-include Zora Neale Hurston's Color Struck, Ted Shine's Contribution, and the premiere of St. Louis playwright Gregory S. Carr's A Colored Funeral.
"These three plays take the audience on a cultural journey," Bentley said, "making stops in 1900, 1969, and present day. They highlight self identity, the quest for freedom and social-cultural reflection."
The Color Connection is a collaboration with the East St. Louis Performing Arts Center and the East St. Louis Charter School, with a performance ensemble that includes 11 SIUE students along with 10 students from the Charter School and the Performing Arts Center.
Bentley, a guest artist, joins Theodore Jamison, director of the Performing Arts Center, as choreographer for the production with Andrea Smythe as assistant choreographer and Associate Music Professor Reggie Thomas as musical director and accompanist.
Color Struck deals with the issues of color among blacks in the early 1900s. Emma, a darker-hued woman struggles with her feelings of inadequacy and is unable to return the affection given by John, her lighter-skinned lover. "Hurston's play is one of the premier contributors to the Harlem Renaissance era," Bentley pointed out. "Although it is rarely performed, its issues are still relevant even in today's society.
Bentley said Contribution was written during the turbulent Civil Rights Movement, reflecting the turmoil that Blacks lived through as they struggled for freedom and equality. "Eugene is a college student who is participating in a sit-in with some of his colleagues in hopes of integrating a 'whites only' lunch counter," Bentley explained. "He believes that his grandmother is too old to participate in the freedom marches and sit-ins. She reveals to him that she, too, is making a contribution to the struggle-in her own way."
Carr's A Colored Funeral is a satirical, comedic, poignant and sometimes irreverent look at death in the African-American community, Bentley said. "The excerpts of this work that will be performed span from a monologue of a little girl killed by a drive-by shooting, a vaudeville spoof of a character actually being late for his own funeral, and a satirical spoof on a Black funeral."
The director, an alumna of SIUE, is very enthusiastic about the collaboration with the East St. Louis staff and students. "It has been an extremely important part of this process," Bentley said. "There is so much talent there, with Theodore Jamison and Andrea Smythe, along with the professional Dunham Dancers. This is a great opportunity for our students on the Edwardsville campus to be exposed to that talent.
"Also, the students from the Charter School are benefiting from being part of this production, in which they are not only learning about life at the turn of the century, but are having the opportunity to perform on the main stage at Dunham Hall. This has been a wonderful experience.
"And to top it off, we are blessed to have the musical expertise of Reggie Thomas who is not only the musical director but is also performing in the show. SIUE students also will get a kick out of seeing Assistant Provost Rudy Wilson making a cameo appearance."
"I hope everyone leaves the production having learned something, having felt something, having remembered something," Bentley said. "I want people to take what they've experienced and discuss it over dessert. Each audience member should become a teacher-letting someone else know about what they've learned.
"Theater and the arts are the most tangible ways to transmit culture and history. Theatre-goers make an emotional investment when they allow themselves to experience a play. The Color Connection is an opportunity for audience members of all ethnic backgrounds to learn about some aspects of the African-American culture that may have been unfamiliar to them."
NCERC Among Only Eight Groups To Receive Grant
SIUE's National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) has been notified it is among eight awardees of funding from The State Technologies Advancement Collaborative (STAC). The award comes to $633,000, part of a total $6.4 million awarded for various energy research projects.
The NCERC will use the funding to develop ways to better utilize co-products of corn-based ethanol production to gain new markets. The NCERC and its research partners were among only four groups in the Midwest to receive funding as a result of STAC's Energy Efficiency and Fossil Energy Science Solicitation.
"The funding will allow the NCERC, working with its research partners on this project, to better ensure the economic future of dry-grind fuel ethanol plants," says Martha Schlicher, director of the NCERC at SIU Edwardsville. The NCERC's research partners are Washington University in St. Louis, Emerson Process Management, and Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc.
Schlicher said the research project also is made possible in part because of preliminary work funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Division of Renewable Fuels.
The research focuses on Distiller's Dried Grain with Solubles, or DDGS, which is a co-product of dry-grind fuel ethanol production. "Used as animal feed for cattle, poultry, and swine, DDGS is an important part of the overall economic value of dry-grind ethanol production," Schlicher explained. "This funding will help ensure the continued success of these ethanol plants that are located throughout this country, existing in rural communities across the Corn Belt."
The research being conducted by the NCERC will help to determine what factors in the ethanol production process influence the quality of the DDGS. With this information in hand, fuel ethanol plants and corn growers will have better information with which to ensure they are delivering the highest value products to the marketplace. In addition, livestock producers will benefit as a result of the research which will provide a better feed product.
Some 35 proposals totaling $29 million were competing for the STAC funding, but only eight were chosen, representing state and regional Department of Energy offices, state research institutions, public and private universities, and other qualified organizations in response to the STAC solicitation for proposals. STAC is a collaborative effort between federal and state agencies.
The NCERC was constructed with state of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and USDA Agricultural Research Services funds secured with the help of Congressman John Shimkus (R-Collinsville) and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois).
The mission of NCERC's research is to assist in the long-term growth and sustainability of fuel ethanol production from corn by accelerating the commercialization of new technologies.
Editor, Scholar, Poet J. Ward To Conduct Workshop Today In ESTL; Teaching Today On Campus
Editor and renowned scholar-poet Jerry Ward will conduct a workshop, "Words, Speech, History, and Musical Referents in the Poetry of Langston Hughes," at 6 p.m. today in Room 1007 (Library, Building B) of the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus, 601 J.R. Thompson Dr., East St. Louis.
Ward, a professor of English and African World Studies at Dillard University in New Orleans, is a renowned authority on African-American literature. He formerly served as professor and chair of the English Department at Tougaloo College in Mississippi. Ward also has written and lectured on Southern literature, novelist Richard Wright, and poet-cultural historian Margaret Walker.
He also has authored or edited numerous creative and scholarly texts including "Trouble the Water: 250 Years of African American Poetry" and a teacher's guide for "Richard Wright: BLACK BOY."
At 12:30 today, Ward also will address students in the "Literature of the Third World" class in Room 3417 of Peck Hall. The class is taught by Eugene B. Redmond, a professor of English Language and Literature.
The Eugene B. Redmond Writers Club is playing host for Ward's visit which is underwritten by the Langston Hughes National Poetry Project of the University of Kansas at Lawrence. Hughes (1902-2002) spent a part of his childhood in Lawrence.
The EBR Club is one of several organizations in the United States chosen to participate in a multi-year observance of Hughes's centennial. Howard Rambsy, a member of the Writers Club's Board of Directors and an assistant professor of English Language and Literature, is facilitator for the local event.
For more information, call the SIUE Department of English Language and Literature, (618) 650-3991, or the EBR Writers Club, (618) 277-8076.
BOT Approves Bids For $2M SDM Clinic Expansion
The SIU Board of Trustees has awarded bids totaling more than $2 million to five Metro East businesses for expansion of the Main Clinic at the SIUE School of Dental Medicine. The board also approved an increase in the project budget from $2 million to $2.6 million. The bids were awarded at the board's regular monthly meeting last week at SIU Edwardsville.
The contracts-totaling $2,055,421-were awarded to: Hart Contracting Inc., Alton, for general contracting, $1,058,480; Wegman Electric Co., East Alton, for electrical, $237,460; Amsco Mechanical, Granite City, for heating and cooling, $237,500; Belleville Mechanical Inc., Belleville, for ventilation, $85,129; and GRP Mechanical Inc., Bethalto, for plumbing, $436,852.
The total budget for the project was re-set at $2.6 million from the original $2 million estimate because bids came in higher than expected, University officials said. The overall budget also covers $283,345 in architect and consultant fees, $8,248 for materials testing, $24,900 in construction observation, and $22,544 for technology costs.
The clinic addition, to be known as the Advanced Care Wing, will add about 6,000 square feet to the clinic on the Alton campus, providing space for 24 new clinical "operatories" and a classroom for 75 students. The additional space will allow the SDM to consolidate teaching in specialty disciplines- periodontal, endodontic, and pediatric, among others-and general dentistry in one location. The project is targeted for completion by the end of this year.
The cost of the project will be funded through the issuance of $2 million in Certificates of Participation to be retired by dental school tuition revenue, and $500,000 through an internal loan, to be repaid through tuition revenue over 10 years, and $100,000 from University operating funds.
Indianapolis Rains Three-Pointers On Cougars
SIUE missed the game-tying shot with four seconds left as Indianapolis held off a late Cougar charge 85-81 in men's Great Lakes Valley Conference basketball on Thursday (2/24) at Nicoson Hall.
The Cougars, 21-7 overall and 14-5 in the GLVC, have an identical record with Indianapolis in league play. Indianapolis, 19-7 overall, can grab the No. 3 seed for next week's GLVC Tournament in Evansville, Ind., with a win over Quincy or an SIUE loss at Saint Joseph's on Saturday (2/26).
SIUE was bombarded by 16 three-pointers, which tied the GLVC high for the season. Justin Barnard hit 6 of 8 as seven different Greyhound players hit from behind the three-point line.
The Cougars were no slouch from behind the three-point themselves, hitting 12 of 22 shots. Anthony Jones, who scored a team-high 22 points, had five three-pointers. Justin Ward added four and Joel Jaye nailed three-three-pointers.
Indianapolis was down 41-40 with seconds left on the clock to end the first half. Mickey McGill hit a three-pointer with one second left to give the Greyhounds the advantage going into halftime.
The Greyhounds controlled play for most of the second half, leading by as much as 13 points on a three-pointer from Barnard with 3:59 left to play.
SIUE scratched back to six points with 18 seconds. Anthony Jones hit a three-pointer with 12 seconds left. Indianapolis' David Logan then turned the ball over by falling down with nine seconds to go. SIUE's final shot by Anthony Jones hit the rim but bounced out.
Indianapolis Holds Off Cougars
Four players finished in double figures as Indianapolis held off SIUE 70-63 in women's college basketball at Nicoson Hall.
SIUE, which fell to 11-17 overall and 6-13 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, will need a win on Saturday (2/26) at Saint Joseph's for any hope of gaining a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
Julianne McMillen powered the SIUE offense with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Alisa Carrillo added 16 points for the Cougars.
Indianapolis led 36-32 at halftime and picked up its shooting in the second half. The Greyhounds shot nearly 65 percent in the second half. Amy Wisser led the Greyhounds with 17 points. Eileen Patton, Erin Morna and Amanda Davidson also recorded double figures in scoring for Indianapolis, which improved to 19-7 overall and 12-7 in the GLVC.
The win was career victory No. 100 for Indianapolis coach Teri Moren.
Men's Basketball Faces Indy, SJC In Final Road Trip
As SIUE men's basketball begins its final road trip of the season, the Cougars know one thing for sure. The Cougars will receive their highest seed ever in the season-ending Great Lakes Valley Conference tournament.
The 25th-ranked Cougars, 21-6 overall and 14-4 in the league, will at least be the No. 3 seed in the tournament.
SIUE will travel to Indianapolis to face the Greyhounds and GLVC leading scorer David Logan on Thursday night. "We haven't been very successful against Indianapolis," said SIUE men's basketball coach Marty Simmons. "David Logan might be the best player in the country. It is that time of the season where there is a lot at stake."
After visiting Indianapolis, the Cougars finish out the regular season against St. Joseph's on Saturday afternoon.
SIUE is riding a three-game winning streak after defeating Bellarmine 83-53 on Senior Day. "We took good shots. We handled the ball well. We attacked the zone very aggressively," said Simmons. "Defensively, our guys made it difficult for them to score against us."
Kris Crosby (Belleville) netted a career-high 15 points in the game on 7 of 10 shooting. "I thought Kris came in and gave us a huge lift off the bench. He gave us a lot of energy inside. He seemed to pick up our level of play when he came in the game."
Also chipping in off the bench is junior Justin Ward (Moline) who is averaging 12.3 points per game during the last three games. "The depth is becoming a big strength of ours," Simmons. "We will need that as we approach the end of the season."
Tim Bauersachs (Pinckneyville) and Dan Heimos (Waterloo) rank second and third in the GLVC in field goal percentage at 64.8 (127-196) and 64.6 (102-158).
SIUE leads the league in points per game allowed (60.3) and are fourth in the nation in that category.
The Cougars take on the Greyhounds at 7:30 on Thursday (2/24). SIUE battles the Pumas at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Relays Lift Cougar Track And Field Before Championships
With the Great Lakes Valley Conference Indoor Championships set for Saturday (2/26) in Crawfordsville, Ind., the SIUE men's track and field team hopes to defend last year's crown.
The Cougars' final meet before the GLVC Championships was an impressive showing at the Eastern Illinois Friday Night (2/18) Meet in Charleston.
Three individuals and two relays set provisional qualifying marks.
Lee Weeden (Ferguson, Mo.) threw the shot put 52 feet, 10.75 inches and equalled his previous best in the weight throw at 60-3.75. Ben Willard (Manito) moved onto the NCAA provisional list with a throw of 55-11.75. Anthony Weber (Marengo) tied his previous best in the pole vault at 15-5.75. "Ben has come along way since he first got to SIUE, and I am very excited about his future," said SIUE Coach David David Astrauskas. "He works very hard and it is nice to see his name included with other elite Division II throwers."
The men's distance medley relay and the 1,600-meter relay broke into the national qualifying list with their performances at the EIU Friday Night Meet.
Ryan Boyll (Normal), Wes Smith (Bloomington), Cody Ellermeyer (DuQuoin) and Brian Taghon (East Moline) boasted a time of 10 minutes, 19.66 seconds in the distance relay. Kyle Rose (Kankakee), Jonathan Bannister (Plano, Texas), Ryan Nowakowski (Rochester), and Jeff Fearday (Teutopolis) ran the 1,600-meter relay in 3:17.00, breaking the school record in the process. "It was great to see the men's 4 X 400 meter team run such a great race," said Coach Ben Beyers. "We've been aiming at that school record and the national qualifying time ever since I began coaching here."
Ellermeyer also posted a win in the 800 meters as an individual. "Cody ran a solid race," said Beyers. "I think this could be a springboard for bigger things down the road."
Erik Steffens (Moline) turned in a winning performance at 3,000 meters. "Erik got his first collegiate win on only his second 3,000-meter race. He stayed mentally tough throughout the race and made some excellent strategic moves in the last 400 meters," said SIUE assistant coach Eileen McAllister.
Levy, Cougars Make Strong Showing At EIU
With one more event before the NCAA Indoor Championships, the Cougars are making more strides toward qualifying.
Jessica Levy (Des Plaines) improved her position on the national qualifying list at 400 meters and helped the 1,600-meter relay to an improved national qualifying mark.
Levy ran the 400 meter dash in 57.14. The team of Levy, Tairisha Sawyer (Chicago), Valerie Simmons (St. Louis) and Kimetha Williams (Bellevue, Neb.) set a school record in 3 minutes, 50.33 seconds. "The women's 4 X 400-meter team did a tremendous job of putting it all together," said Coach Ben Beyers. "All four girls gave everything they had. We're hoping that time will get them into the national meet."
The women's distance relays also set a school record and posted a national qualifying mark. The group of Mary Witte (Normal), Jenny Jaquez (Aurora), Lee Ann Lomax (Georgetown) and Christen Carducci (Powell, Ohio) ran the distance medley in 12:30.46.
Lomax also was a winner at 800 meters in 2:18.75. "Bird (Lomax) had a very solid race. She was not distracted by all of the other competitors in the race. She stayed with her game plan and ran a very smart and gutsy race," said Beyers.
SIUE's final chance for national qualifiers comes at the Great Lakes Valley Conference Championships, set for Saturday (2/26) in Crawfordsville, Ind.
Women's Basketball Remain In GLVC Hunt
SIUE women's basketball begins the week on the outside looking in as far as their standing for the eight-team Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament.
Even though the Cougars, 11-16 overall and 6-12 in the league, have only won two of their last 10 games. They are tied with Southern Indiana for eighth place and one-half game behind Kentucky Wesleyan for the seventh spot. "The good news is that we are still in the hunt," said SIUE women's basketball coach Wendy Hedberg. "We are not out of it by any means yet. "We are going to give it our best shot."
The Screaming Eagles hold the the tie-breaker over the Cougars after defeating them twice this season. The Cougars would hold the tie-breaker over Kentucky Wesleyan by splitting the two regular season games with the Panthers yet winning the next tie-breaker which is wins over the highest seed in the league. SIUE split with Quincy and UW-Parkside, while the Panthers were swept by both teams.
This weekend, SIUE travels to Indianapolis and Saint Joseph's for the final two games of the season. "Indy is playing really well," said Hedberg. "You never know what you are going to get from St. Joe's, especially at their place."
Freshman Whitney Skyes (Pontoon Beach) has scored a three-pointer in 25 consecutive games and 26 of 27 games this season. Sykes is second on the team averaging 11.1 points per game. "She probably has as good of shot as anyone," said Hedberg. "It's amazing what she has done as a freshman."
The Cougars tip off against Indianapolis is set for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday before the regular season finale with St. Joseph's on Saturday at 1 p.m.
Wrestling Heads To NCAA Regionals
SIUE wrestling will take its 4-13-1 record to the NCAA Regionals in Kenosha, Wis., this weekend. The Cougars ended their regular season schedule with a tough 25-18 loss to Central Oklahoma on Feb. 15.
Coach Khris Whelan said he has only one question mark heading into the regional at 157 pounds. Jamie Johnson (Woodward, Okla.) and Matt Warren (East Peoria) will face off in a challenge match to determine who will wrestle for the Cougars at the regional championships.
Freshman John Ficht (Burbank) has a record of 19-17 on the year and has been one of the Cougars strongest wrestlers.
At 197 pounds, Branden Lorek (Bensenville) heads to the regionals with a 19-14 mark. Eric Scholle (Waukegan) has had a solid year going 10-4 this season. "Branden has been the most consistent this year," said Whelan. "If Eric can stay consistent, he will do well. He can beat anybody on any given day."
Joe Rujawitz (Belleville) has gone 15-11 at 149 pounds, and Bill Breheny (Burbank) has notched a mark of 10-8 during the season.
Softball Finds Positives In 1-3 Start
SIUE softball coach Sandy Montgomery can find many positives in her teams 1-3 opening weekend performance.
"Overall, I was not unhappy with our play. I was just unhappy with the results," said Montgomery. "We could have very easily come back 3-1."
The Cougars offense went cold in the first game of the year as Delta delivered a no-hitter, with the final score 2-0.
SIUE would rebound in the second game blasting Ouachita Baptist 16-8. The Cougars recorded four home runs in the contest from Ashley Price (O'Fallon), Veronica Schmidt (Westmont), Amy Rogers (Tucson, Ariz.), and Alicia DeShasier (Carrollton). "We have a lot of power," said Montgomery. "We can make a lot of things happen offensively."
DeShasier would hit another home run in the 7-6 loss to Henderson State on Saturday (2/19).
Freshman Lindsey Laas (Frankfort) picked up the lone win over the weekend. The Cougars pitchers gave up five home runs and 14 walks in the four games. "We have some things to work on with our pitchers," said Montgomery. "We need to keep the ball in the park and cut down on our walks."
The Cougars fell in the final game of the weekend to Emporia State 10-1. "It is always tough to take early losses when you come back on the losing side of it," said Montgomery. "That leaves a bad taste in your mouth."
SIUE will be at home this weekend for the Cougars Tournament when the Cougars will face Saint Joseph's, McKendree, and UI-Springfield. "We will be ready to go this weekend," said Montgomery. "We are anxious to be at home and hopefully get back on the winning track."
Baseball Travels To CMSU
SIUE baseball travels to the Central Missouri State Tournament in Warrensburg, Mo., trying to erase the memory of an 0-2 start at North Alabama this past weekend.
The Cougars fell to North Alabama 7-1 and Delta State 8-1 on Saturday (2/19) before the game on Sunday (2/20) was a wash. "I thought the pitching pitched a lot better than the scores indicated," said SIUE baseball coach Gary Collins. "I thought our pitchers threw really well."
In the loss to North Alabama, Cameron Cheek (Atlanta) threw three plus innings, giving up one run on two hits. Freshman Cody Litteken (St. Jacob) threw a scoreless inning as well.
Kyle Jones (New Baden) made the start in game two, going three innings giving up five hits and two earned runs. Derek Stratman (O'Fallon) had a perfect inning striking out three.
Robert Rahn (Wood River) had the team's lone home run in the two games. The Cougars offense never got rolling as the team managed only six hits in the two contests.
"I was not pleased with our offense," said Collins. "I didn't think that anyone took any real good swings. We just didn't hit any balls hard."
SIUE plays Winona State on Friday (2/25) at 1 p.m., then battles Nebraska-Omaha on Saturday (2/26) at noon, before finishing out the tournament against Central Missouri State on Sunday (2/27) at 2 p.m.
"I am not going to judge us by what we did this last weekend," said Collins. "This upcoming weekend will be a little more telling. The teams we will be playing are just like us. They haven't been practicing outdoors for five weeks."
Men's Tennis Heads To Principia
SIUE men's tennis competes in the Principia Tournament this weekend as the Cougars will face Truman State, Washington (Mo.) University, and Principia.
The Cougars currently have a record of 1-2 after falling at Western Illinois on Sunday (2/20). "We were just out played against Western," said SIUE tennis coach Bill Logan. "I thought we were going to do a little bit better and that didn't happen.
"We plan to work on our mistakes and work on that," said Logan.
Cougars Put Bronchos On Their Heels
SIUE won five of the eight contested matches today but lost the overall battle to No. 5-ranked Central Oklahoma 25-18 in collegiate wrestling at the Vadalabene Center.
The Cougars couldn't overcome forfeited two weight classes in running its record to 4-13-1. Central Oklahoma improved to 12-7. Both teams next travel to the NCAA Division II Midwest Regionals in Kenosha, Wis., on Feb. 27.
Pat Healy (Salem, Ore.) provided the biggest charge for the Cougars, pinning Carson Kleinfeldt at 184 pounds.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the night came from 174-pounder Eric Scholle (Bartlett), who hustled to a 10-5 victory over Ryan Daniels. The UCO wrestler is currently ranked third in the nation at 174 pounds.
SIUE also picked up wins from Bill Breheny (Burbank) at 141 pounds, Joe Rujawitz (Belleville) at 149 pounds, and Branden Lorek (Bensenville) at 197 pounds.
John Ficht (Burbank) nearly pulled of an upset of his own. Cort Peterson, the fifth-ranked wrestler in the nation at 157 pounds, edged Ficht 2-1.
Success Follows SIUE Cougar Softball
When SIUE softball coach Sandy Montgomery takes a look at her team roster and notices only two seniors, she doesn't get worried.
The Cougars return six starters from a team that finished last season 35-19 and 15-5 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, and made its fifth straight NCAA appearance in 2004.
After a successful recruiting season, in which SIUE picked up five players, the Cougars will try and replace one of the best hitters in SIUE history after graduation of All-Great Lakes Region and All-GLVC first-teamer Jenny Esker.
Success is nothing new to the SIUE program, posting an overall record of 210-78 and a mark of 82-21 in GLVC play over the past five seasons. This season, the Cougars are primed for a run at the league title after being picked second in the GLVC preseason softball poll behind Northern Kentucky. "We all had a very good fall," said Montgomery. "I am very happy with our team offensively and defensively. "
SIUE's outfield will return three players who saw considerable playing time last season. Senior Samantha Easterley (Belleville) will see time both in left and right field. Easterley is the only returning Cougar with a home run last season. "She is going to provide a lot of leadership," said Montgomery. "She has been hitting the ball very well in practice. I look for good things out of her. "
Junior Shanna Waldo (Peoria) continues her stay in center field and will be the Cougars leadoff hitter after stealing 28 bases last season. "She provides us with a tremendous amount of speed," said Montgomery. "She makes a lot of things happen when she is on base."
Joining Easterley and Waldo in the outfield will be 2004 All-Region first team selection junior Alicia DeShasier (Carrollton). DeShasier will see time in the outfield as the team's No. 3 hitter after finishing last season second on the team in batting average (.324) and hits (55), while leading the club with 17 doubles. "She is very athletic, very versatile," said Montgomery. "She caught her freshman year. She played outfield and second last year, and she is going to pitch and play outfield this year."
Megan Gaitros (Pekin) will also see action in the outfield after appearing in 17 games last season. "She played very well this fall," said Montgomery. "I could see her seeing some time as well."
Leading the charge on defense will be in the infield as the Cougars return three starters including senior shortstop Veronica Schmidt (Westmont), third baseman Amy Rogers (Tucson, Ariz), and second baseman Holly Neuerburg (Orion).
Neuerburg looks to get back to the level she played at during the 2003 season as an All-American and Rogers will build on a successful sophomore year at the hot corner. "Holly has been hitting the ball really well," said Montgomery. "Amy has a cannon for an arm, and she knows the game exceptionally well."
Schmidt, fourth on the team in RBIs, with 25 last season, will be sidelined to begin the season with a knee injury. "She has been a steady player for us for three years," said Montgomery. "She had her knee scoped and is going to be out for this week's games. "It is possible she could be ready for next weekend's games at home (Feb. 26)."
Starting in Schmidt's place to begin the season will be freshman Kaeleigh Rousey (Bloomington). "She has great hands," said Montgomery. "She doesn't have the experience Veronica has, but she has some of the best hands I have seen on a young player in a long time."
Sophomore Emily Lenart (Bartonville) and freshman Mallory Ruggles (Nashville) will battle for time at first base. "Emily has a lot of power and works very hard," said Montgomery. "Mallory is another very good hitter. First base is still up in the air. Whoever is performing will be in there."
Another position in which SIUE looks to have two young players battling is at the catcher's spot. Sophomore Libby Lenart (Bartonville) and freshman Ashley Price (O'Fallon) are both vying for the job. "Libby has great hands for a catcher and also hits the ball very well," said Montgomery. "Ashley has a great arm. She hits the ball extremely hard. They are both learning to catch and how to call a game."
Sophomore Katy Biggs (Yipsilanti, Mich.) appeared 24 games for SIUE coming off the bench for base running. "She is very fast and she can steal bases," said Montgomery. "I can see her making an appearance in every game."
A revamped Cougar pitching staff will have new faces but looks to continue the success from last season's 1.47 earned run average and 17 shutouts. "The pitchers have come a long way," said Montgomery. "They will improve everyday we get an opportunity to play."
Newcomers freshman Lindsey Laas (Frankfort) and junior Casey Wantland (Fisher) will join DeShasier on the staff. "Lindsey has made a lot of progress," said Montomery. "She has a lot of different pitches. She throws a lot of off speed and keeps hitters off balance." The left-handed Wantland will "provide a whole different look to the pitching staff," Montgomery said.
The Cougars head to the Central Arkansas Tournament in Conway, Ark., to begin the season this weekend. SIUE will battle Delta State and Ouachita Baptist on Friday (2/18) , before facing Henderson State and Emporia State on Saturday (2/19).
Baseball Cougars Will Be Revived In '05
With a revamped lineup and a stronger pitching staff, SIUE baseball is eager to get back into the hunt in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
SIUE did not qualify for the GLVC Tournament for the first time since joining the league in 1996 after finishing with a 20-32 record overall and a 17-22 mark in league play. SIUE Coach Gary Collins believes the Cougars have improved at nearly every position.
The Cougars get their first chance to show off this Saturday in Florence, Ala. SIUE faces North Alabama at 1 p.m. and Delta State at 4 p.m. On Sunday, the Cougars play a single game against Delta State at noon. "Pitching is probably the area we have improved the most," said Collins.
The Cougars have eight pitchers back from a squad which had a combined earned run average of 4.14, which was third best in the GLVC.
Kyle Jones (New Baden) led the Cougars in strikeouts with 48 and posted a 3.34 ERA behind teammate Ron Jones (Kankakee), who hopes to return from breaking his throwing arm last summer. Ron Jones threw for a team-leading 6-1 record and a 1.24 ERA. Collins said he hopes to have Ron Jones back before league play begins. "Kyle Jones is improving to the point where he's the No. 1 starter," said Collins. "And Adam Tallman (Gillespie) is right behind him." Tallman was 2-2 last season with a 4.30 ERA.
Jarad Rettberg (Divernon) enters his senior season with the Cougars after leading the team in innings pitched last season with 66. He finished last season with a 4-5 record and a 3.41 ERA. "A lot of this team's success may be in how well he can regain his consistency," Collins said of the former GLVC Freshman of the Year.
The Cougars also return Ryan Spurgeon (Bethalto), David Briesacher (Waterloo), Chip Durland (Villa Grove), and Jameson Sheley (Lincoln). All four will begin the season working out of the bullpen.
SIUE added some strength to the pitching staff with its newcomers.
Clay Zavada (Streator), a transfer from Illinois Valley Community College, is a projected starter for the GLVC portion of the schedule. The left-hander throws in the upper 80s and has good movement on his fastball, Collins noted.
Cameron Cheek (Atlanta) was the conference Player of the Year last season at Illinois Central College. Collins said Cheek reminds him of former All-American Pete Delkus with command of his fastball and a good sinker.
Patrick Keller (Newton) may end up as a starter during the conference season, Collins said. The freshman from Newton is another left-hander that Collins said has the best curve ball on the team.
Collins said freshman Cody Litteken (St. Jacob) also is not too far behind. "He has good command of his pitches and good location," Collins said.
Derek Stratman (O'Fallon) comes to SIUE from Southwest Missouri State. "He has the opportunity to be this team's closer," said Collins.
Jake Smith (East Peoria) will take over the catching duties this season. The transfer from Illinois Central is the team's No. 1 catcher. "He's got a great arm, and we expect him to control our opponents' baserunners," Collins said.
Cory Bunner (Jacksonville), a freshman, figures to be the backup to Smith. Robert Rahn (Wood River) also could see catching duties, but the Cougars plan to use Rahn in a more offensive role as the team's cleanup hitter. "Robert has looked better than he ever has because he has been attacking the ball at the plate," Collins said.
Half of the infield returns this season with Craig Ohlau (Chester) and Kyle Martin (Byron) playing first base and shortstop, respectively.
Ohlau will continue to hit third in the Cougar lineup after hitting .331 in each of his first two seasons with SIUE. "He's proven he's one of the better hitters in the conference," Collins said.
Martin batted .295 last season in GLVC play and surged at the end of last season. "He's not a flashy player but rather a solid player with good hands and a good arm at shortstop," said Collins.
Jeremy Bond (Alton) will take over at second base. The transfer from Southwestern Illinois College will start the season as the leadoff hitter.
Tallman will be the team's third baseman. And when he's on the mound, a handful of players could fill in, including Cheek, Bryan Newby (Bartonville) and Michael DalPozzo (Livingston).
Left field also figures to have the same situation as third base. Collins foresees Rahn, Bunner or DalPozzo patrolling left field.
The rest of the outfield is more solid for the Cougars with Joe Wargo (Streator) in center and Jeff Darnall (Atlanta) in right.
Wargo batted .262 with a team-leading 16 stolen bases last season. Darnall, a transfer from Parkland College, is another left-handed hitter who Collins hopes will be driving in a lot of runs in the No. 5 slot in the lineup.
SIUE was picked to finish seventh in this year's GLVC standings. The Cougars first goal is to return to the GLVC Tournament, which will be played at T.R. Hughes Park in O'Fallon, Mo., on May 12-15. The top six teams qualify.
Cougars Ranked For School-Record 7th Straight Week
SIUE men's basketball continued its string of being ranked in the top 25 nationally as the Cougars check in at No. 25 this week. SIUE has now been ranked for a school-record seven consecutive weeks.
The Cougars jumped into the rankings this year on Jan 4. and have been ranked ever since. SIUE defeated Missouri-St. Louis 82-52 on Saturday (2/12) for its largest Great Lakes Valley Conference road win.
SIUE, 19-6 overall and 12-4 in Great Lakes Valley Conference, is two games behind Southern Indiana for first place in the league.
SIUE Coach Marty Simmons and his Cougars return home this Thursday (2/17) evening to face Kentucky Wesleyan at the Vadalabene Center. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.
Men's Basketball Set for Final Homestand Of The Season
As the SIUE's men's basketball team heads into the final homestand of the season, coach Marty Simmons has devoted the final two home games of the season to five players playing their last games at the Vadalabene Center.
"This week is all about the seniors," said Simmons. "This group of guys has meant a lot to the program. All of our energy, commitment, and enthusiasm for this week's practice is in honor of those guys." SIUE's seniors are Calvin Sykes (Chicago), Dan Heimos (Waterloo), Joel Jaye (Chicago), Tim Bauersachs (Pinckneyville) and Kris Crosby (Belleville).
The Cougars, 19-6 overall and 12-4 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, battles Kentucky Wesleyan and Bellarmine to finish what has been a successful year at home for SIUE. The Cougars are 12-1 at home this season, with their best record at the Vadalabene Center since 1990-91 when SIUE went 13-1.
SIUE returns home after its largest GLVC road win ever, an 82-52 triumph over Missouri-St. Louis in which four Cougars scored in double figures. "They played extremely well," said Simmons. "One through 11-every guy had himself ready to play, and it was a total team effort."
Justin Ward (Moline) led all Cougars with 16 points. Ward is averaging 8.1 points per game, leading the team in three-point field goal percentage at 43.3 percent (29-67). "He played a complete game. He had very balanced offensive night, and he was sound on the defensive end."
Heimos (Waterloo) reached another milestone with five blocked shots against Missouri-St. Louis Heimos became the single-season record holder for blocks at SIUE with 62. Heimos already holds the record for block shots in a career. "He is the anchor of our defense," said Simmons. "When he plays well defensively, everybody follows his lead."
Bauersachs (Pinckneyville) needs just two games to break the school record for games played in a career set by Travis Wallbaum with 106 from 1996-2000. Bauersachs leads the team in scoring at 11.7 points per contest this season. "How fortunate was I when I took over the program to inherit a player like Tim," said Simmons. "That is a tribute to Tim to set a record like that. He earns everyone's respect through his hard work, his determination, and his character."
The Cougars will face the Panthers on Thursday (2/17) at 7:30 p.m. before taking on the Knights of Bellarmine on Saturday (2/19) for Senior Day at 3 p.m.
Women's Basketball Prepares For Crucial Homestand
SIUE women's basketball coach Wendy Hedberg knows that the game against Kentucky Wesleyan this Thursday (2/17) will be important as her team looks to qualify for the eight-team Great Lakes Valley Conference tournament.
The Cougars, 11-14 overall and 6-10 in the GLVC, sit just one-half game (loss side) ahead of the Panthers for the seventh spot in the league. It is a three-team race as Southern Indiana trails SIUE by a full game for the final two spots in the eight-team tournament. "It will be fun," said Hedberg. "Everything is at stake in that game (against Kentucky Wesleyan). They are a very dangerous team. It is a huge game."
A win would give SIUE the head-to-head tiebreaker against Kentucky Wesleyan after the Cougars defeated the Panthers 65-64 on Jan. 22.
SIUE will head into the game after a 13-point win at Missouri-St. Louis on Saturday (2/12). The Cougars shot a season-high 65.2 percent in the contest. "It is just big for confidence reasons," said Hedberg. "They responded considering the circumstances at this time of the year."
Amber Wisdom (Geneso) netted a career-high 21 points. Wisdom is leading the team in assists per game at 3.0. "She had a great game," said Hedberg. "She can shoot the ball well, and she put it all together against UM-St. Louis."
Sophomore Julianne McMillen (Pana) continues to lead the team in scoring at 11.7 points a contest and is fourth in the conference in field goal percentage at 56.6 percent (99-175). "She has really been carrying us," said Hedberg. "She draws a lot of double teams. She has some great moves down on the block."
After facing Kentucky Wesleyan on Thursday night (2/17) at 5:30, Bellarmine visits the Vadalabene Center on Saturday (2/19). "It will be senior day," said Hedberg. "They are kind of a rival for us. They are a high scoring team, and we want to slow their offense down."
Tip off against the Knights is set for 1 p.m.
Men's Track Glides To Win At DePauw
The SIUE men's indoor track team added an item to its already impressive résumé, winning the DePauw Invitational on Saturday (2/12). In all, the Cougars set four meet records.
"I felt that we had a chance to win the meet, but it took a total team effort to go in there and get it done," said SIUE track coach Ben Beyers.
Kyle Rose (Kankakee) set a school record at 200 meters with a time of 22.30, breaking the old mark by three-tenths of a second. Rose also was a double winner, placing first at 400 meters with a time of 49.18. That mark puts him on the provisional qualifying list for the NCAA Division II Championships. "Kyle really came out and made a statement," said Beyers. "He's certainly on the right path, and the best is definitely yet to come."
SIUE's Jonathan Bannister (Plano, Texas) placed second in the 400 meters at 49.28.
Brian Taghon (East Moline) finished first in both the mile and the 3,000-meter run. Taghon recorded a time of 8:31.68 in the 3,000 and 4:15.70 the mile. His mile time provisionally qualifies him for the championships. "Brian really looked super in the mile," said Beyers. "He came out and ran a very strong race right from the start."
The men's 4x200 meter relay team composed of Rose, Jeff Fearday (Teutopolis), Jason Hall (Chicago), and Ryan Nowakowski (Rochester) broke the school-record with a time of 1:29.89.
Lee Weeden (Ferguson, Mo.) continued his successful indoor season, finishing first in the weight throw and the shot put. Weeden's throw on Saturday (2/12) in the shot put of 16.01 meters (52 feet, 6.5 inches) adds him to the provisional qualifying list for the NCAA championships in both events.
Women's Track Picks Up Win At DePauw
SIUE's women's indoor track team won the DePauw Invitational over the weekend, notching three more NCAA provisional qualifiers at DePauw, setting three meet records, and breaking two school records.
"I felt that everyone involved, both the athletes and the entire coaching staff, all did a fabulous job of staying focused and preparing for a good meet this weekend," said SIUE women's track coach Ben Beyers.
Tairisha Sawyer (Chicago) broke her own school-record in the 200 meters with a mark of 25.31 improving her provisional qualifying mark. Her time ranks 10th nationally. "Tairisha had another big drop in time this week in her 200," said Beyers. "She's been aiming for this since last year, and this performance really puts her on track to achieve her goals."
Callie Glover (Barlett) recorded a new school-record in the weight throw with a toss of 53 feet, 9 inches (16.38 meters) to improve her provisional qualifying mark for the NCAA Championships. "Callie is still improving in the weight throw, and with Coach (David) Astrauskas' help, she is only going to keep getting better," said Beyers.
Brittany Reeves (Hanover Park) provisionally qualified in the 55-meter hurdles with a time of 8.40. "Brittany had another terrific meet," said Beyers. "Her hurdles have looked very strong in practice lately, and it was great to see her put together a solid performance there."
Christen Carducci (Powell, Ohio) finished first in both the one mile and the 3,000 meters. Carducci set season best in both races with a time of 5:07.99 in the mile and 10:29.79 in the 3,000.
Wrestling Faces No. 5 Central Oklahoma
SIUE grapplers notched two more victories on Friday night (2/11) at the Central Missouri State Jamboree to improve their season record to 4-12-1.
The Cougar wrestlers picked up wins over Southwest Minnesota 25-12 and 14th-ranked Fort Hays State 28-15. "It was nice to pick up a couple of wins," said SIUE wrestling coach Khris Whelan. "The guys really wrestled well."
The Cougars will end the regular season with a match against fifth-ranked Central Oklahoma on Wednesday evening (2/16) at the Vadalabene Center at 7.
Freshman John Ficht (Burbank) went 2-2 at 165 pounds improving his record to 19-16 on the year. "He is a tough kid who always wrestles hard," said Whelan.
Bill Breheny (Burbank) recorded 3-1 mark in the four matches at 141 pounds improving to 9-8 on the year. "He is deceiving," said Whelan. "He is a tough kid and tough on top. He is so strong."
Joe Rujawitz (Belleville) finished with a 2-2 record at 149 pounds over the weekend to go to 14-11 on the season.
Logan Gets Win No. 100
SIUE men's tennis coach Bill Logan earned career win No. 100 as the Cougars defeated Lindenwood 5-3 on Friday afternoon (2/11).
"It was nice, really nice to get that win," said Logan. "I was really happy with our performance. It was a significant win."
The Cougars, 1-1 on the season, swept the three doubles matches against the Lions, sparking the way to the victory. "That was the key to the match," said Logan. "Everybody just played well, and we were on top of the net."
At No. 1 doubles, Matthew Warner (SIUE) and Justin Free (Danville) won 8-2. No. 2 doubles pair Matt Kuban (Pekin) and Dan Glon (Mt. Prospect) out lasted their opponents 8-2, and No. 3 doubles Andrew Rezneck (Edwardsville) and Andy Renner (Belleville) finished the sweep with a 8-3 win.
Free picked up an important 6-0, 3-6, 6-2 win at No. 2 singles to seal the win for SIUE. "Justin played really well when he had too," said Logan. "It was a very good win for him."
Glon notched the other victory at No. 4 singles winning 6-1, 6-2. "Dan had a solid performance." said Logan.
The Cougars will be back in action today (2/15) traveling to Elsah to face Principia at 4 p.m.