Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Friday webinar seeks public feedback on Community Health Needs Assessment



The Springfield Innovation Hub, the University of Illinois Springfield Center for State Policy and Leadership and the Community Health Roundtable are hosting a webinar at Noon Friday, Dec. 18 seeking feedback from the public for the Sangamon County Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA).

The webinar is part of the county’s CHNA and seeks input on the health needs of the community in order to foster wellness and improve medical services. A CHNA identifies key health needs and issues through systematic, comprehensive data collection and analysis.

During the webinar, there will be an overview of the process and the topics, followed by a series of breakout sessions by priority areas (mental & behavioral health, disparities in economics, housing, and food security, and homelessness & affordable housing). Participants will be encouraged to share their views.

Facilitators include Becky Gabany, system director of community engagement, Memorial Health System; Lingling Liu, equity, diversity and inclusion program coordinator, Memorial Health System; Kim Luz, HSHS St. John's Hospital division director of community outreach; Bill Dart, assistant director Sangamon County Department of Public Health; David Steward, emeritus professor, SIU School of Medicine; and Molly Lamb, executive director of the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership.

Participants can watch the webinar on Zoom at go.uis.edu/HealthZoom or call 312-626-6799 to participate by phone (Meeting ID: 880 6077 8891, Passcode: 912085).

For more information, contact Bruce Sommer at 217-899-3186 or bsomm2@uis.edu. Past UIS webinars can be found online at go.uis.edu/Webinars


Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Businesses and organizations are invited take part in the virtual UIS Career Connections Expo



Businesses and organizations are encouraged to register now for the University of Illinois Springfield’s virtual Career Connections Expo. The Expo will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, March 4, 2021, using CareerEco’s virtual platform.

The annual event is being hosted by the University of Illinois Springfield and Lincoln Land Community College and is intended to bring students, alumni, community members and employers together to discuss career opportunities and build professional connections. 

Organizations who are recruiting candidates for job and internship opportunities are invited to participate in the virtual event. The Expo has an average attendance of more than 300 students, alumni and community members and more than 120 employer participants. 

Employers are encouraged to register as soon as possible, as space is limited, and registering early secures the best rate. Early bird pricing for employer participants is available now through Friday, Jan. 8, 2021. There is no cost for jobseekers to participate in the event. 

Employers and jobseekers can register for the Expo at careereco.com/Events/CareerConnections

For more information, contact the UIS Career Development Center at 217-206-6508 or careerservices@uis.edu.


Monday, December 14, 2020

UIS Observatory to hold a virtual Star Party for the great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn



The University of Illinois Springfield Observatory is holding a virtual Star Party for the great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn from 5-6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21.

Participants can learn more and watch the virtual start party on Zoom by accessing the link at go.uis.edu/starparties.

The conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn is an infrequent event occurring when the apparent positions of the planets converge in the sky. Normally, just one planet is visible through the telescope at a time. During this great conjunction the apparent distance between Jupiter and Saturn will be less than six times the apparent diameter of Jupiter, the closest the two have been in more than 800 years. Over the course of a few nights, both will be visible simultaneously in the same telescope field of view with their closest approach on Dec. 21. Although they appear close together, Saturn will be at a distance of nearly 460 million miles behind Jupiter.  

In the days before and after the great conjunction, Jupiter and Saturn are visible as a bright pair low in the southwestern sky after sunset. A pair of binoculars should reveal some detail not visible to the naked eye.

The UIS Observatory great conjunction star party will virtually offer a live view of Jupiter and Saturn together until they set around 6:30 p.m. The event will also feature commentary and answers to live questions by John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy/physics. In the event of poor weather, we will share recorded pictures and video of the event.

Questions about Star Parties should be directed to 217-206-8342, asp@uis.edu or direct messaged to @UISObservatory on Twitter. For more information on star parties, follow @UISObservatory on Twitter or visit go.uis.edu/starparties.


Thursday, November 19, 2020

UIS and Community Health Roundtable to present “Local Physicians at the Front Lines of COVID: Nine Months of the Pandemic” webinar



As part of the Springfield Innovation Hub, the University of Illinois Springfield and the Community Health Roundtable will offer a free public webinar on “Local Physicians at the Front Lines of COVID: Nine Months of the Pandemic” from 12-1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20. 

As we enter the holiday season, Sangamon County COVID-19 tracking metrics continue to break records and pressure on already-stressed local healthcare capacity continues to grow. State and local officials have recently instituted new mitigating measures hoping to reduce the increased threat of the virus on public health. 

The webinar will let participants know what to expect in Sangamon County in the days to come, what it is truly like on the front lines combating and treating this virus and what people can do to protect themselves and loved ones over the holidays. 

Dr. Brian Miller, chair of the Sangamon County Board of Health and a cardiologist at Prairie Cardiovascular, will discuss experiences from the Sangamon County Department of Public Health. 

Dr. Vidya Sundareshan, co-chief of the Infectious Diseases Division at the SIU School of Medicine, will talk about the anticipated trajectory of the virus and vaccine for Sangamon County. 

Dr. Raj Govindaiah, senior vice president and chief medical officer at Memorial Health System, will discuss about the impact of the virus on local health systems. 

Dr. Peter White, chief of the division of pulmonary and critical care at the SIU School of Medicine, will talk about the current conditions in the ICU. 

Participants can watch the webinar on Zoom at https://uis.zoom.us/j/82909791596 or call 312-626-6799 to participate by phone (Meeting ID: 829 0979 1596). Registration is encouraged, but not required at go.uis.edu/COVIDwebinar

 For more information, contact Bruce Sommer at 217-899-3186 or bsomm2@uis.edu. Past UIS webinars can be found online at go.uis.edu/Webinars.

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

UIS Visual Arts Gallery to hold its online Silent Auction and Benefit starting Monday, Nov. 16



TheUniversity of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery Silent Auction and Benefit is moving online for 2020. The Silent Auction and Benefit, featuring original works of art donated by local and regional artists, will launch on Monday, Nov. 16 and will remain active until final bidding at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3.

Artwork up for auction can be viewed and bids can be placed online at 32auctions.com/uisvisualartsgallery.

Proceeds from the annual auction provides for gallery programming throughout the year and allows the UIS Visual Arts Gallery to bring the Springfield-area ambitious exhibitions by emerging and established artists. The auction will feature a variety of media: painting, collage, ceramics, sculpture, prints, glass and more, donated by artists and donors in Springfield, central Illinois, St. Louis and Chicago.  

Springfield artist Corrin Smithson McWhirter is one of many local artists that supports the UIS Visual Arts Gallery auction every year. 

“As an artist, I donate artwork to support contemporary art access for young collectors,” McWhirter said. “As a bidder I love getting artist's work into the community and supporting a local gallery sharing contemporary work.”

Jeff Williams, another prominent local artist, shares his enthusiasm for this annual fundraising event.

“I love supporting the UIS Visual Arts Gallery,” Williams said. “It's one of the mainstays and flavors of the area's visual and conceptual arts community. The energy of bidding on different pieces is always something I like… even when someone sneaks a bid in on a piece you want at the last minute!”

As always, the UIS Visual Arts Gallery looks to the loyal community to champion their work. Community members are encouraged to visit the online auction and bid – or donate directly to the gallery as a show of their support. NPR Illinois is the media sponsor for the 2020 UIS Visual Arts Gallery Silent Auction.

For more information, visit uis.edu/visualarts/gallery or contact the gallery at 217-206-6506 or alach@uis.edu


Friday, November 6, 2020

UIS Theatre to live stream performances of John Patrick Shanley’s “Rogues’ Gallery”



The University of Illinois Springfield’s Theatre Program is proving that the show must go on, even during a pandemic, by live streaming six performances of John Patrick Shanley’s “Rogues’ Gallery” for free online.

Live streamed performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6, 7, 12, 13 & 14 and 2 p.m. Nov. 8.

In order to watch a free performance, you must reserve a ticket at UISpac.com/events/rogues-gallery-uis-theatre or visit the UIS Ticket Office, located on the second level of the Public Affairs Center, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday or call 217-206-6160.

“Rogues’ Gallery” is a collection of monologues from the imagination of Pulitzer Prize–winner John Patrick Shanley that delves into the allure of bad behavior and the absurdity of being human.

“Ten magnetic characters. Ten bizarre, explosive, and darkly humorous stories,” is how Dramatists Play Service describes the production.

“Rogues’ Gallery” is directed by UIS Theatre Professor Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson. UIS Associate Professor of Theatre Dathan Powell serves as the scenic designer and technical director. 

Cast members include UIS students Jenna Fleming, Regina Ivy, Will Moffett and Nia Tiller, along with community member Rich McCoy.

The crew is made up of UIS students Sierra Buske, Ryan Cour, Chip Deiss, Megan Doan, Makai Grant, Molly Harms, Sally Hixon, (Na)Kaya Hughes, Claire Larson, Charlotte Medina, Jordyn Pate, Michael Smothers and Jack Tadla. UIS staff members on the crew include Janet Ferry-Campbell, Sabrina Holmes, Michael Taylor and Mark Verduin.

For more information, contact Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson at 217-206-6613 or ethib1@uis.edu.

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

UIS and Community Health Roundtable to host webinar on the health and well-being of children during the pandemic



As part of the Springfield Innovation Hub, the University of Illinois Springfield and the Community Health Roundtable will offer a free public webinar on “The Health and Well-being of Central Illinois Children during the Pandemic.”

The webinar will take place from 12-1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, and will be moderated by Molly Lamb, executive director of the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership, who will also provide brief updates on COVID-19 in Illinois.

COVID-19 has affected children's physical health, mental development and social well-being in unique ways. Community health officials continue to gain a better understanding of its implications. Local experts from education institutions and child advocates will attempt to unpack the affects this pandemic has had on children and families across central Illinois during the webinar.

Kayla Miller, quality service manager at Community Child Care Connection, will discuss experiences with child care across central Illinois. Shelia Boozer, director of teaching and learning for Springfield Public Schools District 186, will discuss caring for students at Springfield Public Schools during the pandemic. Betsy Goulet, director of UIS Child Advocacy Studies Program and clinical assistant professor of public administration, will address providing protective services to children during the pandemic.

Participants can watch the webinar on Zoom at https://uis.zoom.us/j/83076630703 or call 312-626-6799 to participate by phone (Meeting ID: 830 7663 0703).

For more information, contact Bruce Sommer at bsomm2@uis.edu. Past UIS webinars can be found online at https://go.uis.edu/Webinars.

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Beaumont Endowed Lincoln Legacy Lecture Series to focus on “Lincoln and the American Political Tradition”

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Center for Lincoln Studies invites the public to virtually attend the 2020 Mary and James Beaumont Endowed Lincoln Legacy Lecture Series discussion on “Lincoln and the American Political Tradition” with professors Lucas Morel and Diana J. Schaub. 

WHEN: 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14 

WHERE: Visit go.uis.edu/BELLLS20 to register for the Zoom webinar 

DETAILS: Morel and Schaub will discuss Lincoln’s admiration for the American founding. Michael Burlingame, holder of the Chancellor Naomi B. Lynn Distinguished Chair in Lincoln Studies at UIS, will moderate and provide an overview. This topic is not only timely in our national discussion, but also provides an historical perspective on the importance on the foundation of democracy. 

Morel is a senior fellow of the Claremont Institute and professor of politics and head of the Politics Department at Washington and Lee University. His teaching and research interests are American government, political theory, Abraham Lincoln, and black American politics. Schaub is professor of political science at Loyola University Maryland. She teaches and writes on a wide range of issues in political philosophy and American political thought. 

The UIS Lincoln Legacy Lecture Series was inaugurated in 2002. It is now known as the Mary and James Beaumont Endowed Lincoln Legacy Lecture Series after a generous gift was recently given to the university by the Beaumonts. The series is a part of the UIS Center for Lincoln Studies, which is set to officially open on Feb. 12, 2021. The center will be a national base for scholarship, teaching and public history about Lincoln’s life, leadership and legacy, and give students an opportunity to collaborate with Lincoln scholars on research, history and public policy projects.

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

UIS Illinois Innocence Project honors International Wrongful Conviction Day

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield’s Illinois Innocence Project (IIP) will hold three events marking International Wrongful Conviction Day. UIS students working with IIP will create a visual display on the UIS quad featuring 2,662 flags representing innocent people who have been exonerated since 1989. IIP staff will also speak at two virtual events in the evening. 

The IIP invites members of the community to participate in Wrongful Conviction Day on campus, virtually and on social media. 

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 2, 2020

  • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Visual flag display (10 to 11 a.m. – IIP Executive Director John Hanlon and IIP students will be available on campus for in-person media interviews)
  • 6 to 6:30 p.m. – Livestream conversation with IIP client
  • 7 to 8 p.m. – Saint Louis Science Center “First Friday From Home: Mystery Night” forensic science presentation 

WHERE:

DETAILS: As part of the flag display, the “UIS blue” flags will represent 336 Illinois exonerees. Collectively, the 2,662 nation-wide exonerees lost 23,770 years of their lives, according to the National Registry of Exonerations. Illinois exonerees lost a total of 2,990 years. 

During the livestream event, titled “A Pound of Flesh – What the State Took from Jerry Herrington,” IIP Chicago Legal Director Lauren Kaeseberg will speak with client Jerry Herrington who, from age 16 through 45, served – and completed – a prison sentence for a murder he did not commit. Herrington was released in June 2020.

Kaeseberg and Herrington will give an inside look at growing up in prison, the fight to prove his innocence, the collateral damage to his family, his unique perspective on our country's long-overdue reckoning with racial and criminal justice, and his thoughts about the ongoing violence in his home city of Chicago.

IIP Executive Director John Hanlon will present on how the Project and other innocence organizations across the nation have used forensic science to exonerate the innocent as part of the Saint Louis Science Center’s “First Friday From Home: Mystery Night” livestream event. The event itself will focus on true crimes and mysteries. 

International Wrongful Conviction Day began as an effort by the Innocence Network to raise awareness of the causes and remedies of wrongful conviction and to recognize the tremendous personal, social and emotional costs of wrongful conviction for innocent people and their families. 

The Innocence Network is an affiliation of 68 organizations worldwide dedicated to providing pro-bono legal and investigative services to individuals seeking to prove innocence of crimes for which they have been convicted, working to redress the causes of wrongful convictions and supporting the exonerated after they are freed. 

The Illinois Innocence Project, one of the Network’s first member organizations, works to free innocent women and men imprisoned in Illinois for crimes they did not commit, educate students, the public and law enforcement about wrongful convictions and reform the criminal justice system to reduce the incidence of wrongful convictions in Illinois. 

The Project has played a significant role in the exoneration/release of 17 innocent women and men (five since the Illinois coronavirus shutdown in March 2020) who were wrongfully convicted of crimes they did not commit and wrongfully imprisoned for a collective 350 years at a cost of $15.7 million for incarceration alone.

Friday, September 25, 2020

Virtual UIS ECCE Speaker Series events underway

The University of Illinois Springfield’s virtual Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speaker Series Fall Semester 2020 events are now underway. All of the events are free and accessible to the public. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ECCE events are being pre-recorded and posted to the video on demand page

“Votes for Women” (currently posted) is a Constitution Day discussion focused on the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. Holly Kent, UIS associate professor of history, presents on the history of women’s suffrage. Following the presentation is a discussion featuring Deanie Brown, former UIS associate chancellor of access and equal opportunity; Kathryn Eisenhart, UIS associate professor emerita of legal studies; Tiffani Saunders, UIS sociology and anthropology lecturer; Areli Valeria, UIS graduate student in human development counseling; and Karen Whitney, UIS interim chancellor. 

“Reconsidering Reparations” (currently posted) explores why and how we should respond to justice-based demands for reparations that trace to a world historical context that involves centuries of colonialism, trans-Atlantic slave trading, and other practices that have led to devastating and structurally entrenched ongoing racial oppression. Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò, assistant professor of philosophy at Georgetown University, leads the discussion. For Táíwò, the goal of reparations is self-determination for people now and in the future for reasons we find in the past. 

“Illinois Fair Tax Amendment” (recording available Sept. 28) explores Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposal to amend the Illinois State Constitution. Voters will decide whether to replace the current flat tax with a graduated state income tax. If the ballot measure passes, Illinois will join 32 other states with a graduated income tax, with different tax rates applied to different individuals. Ralph Martire, executive director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, will present his analysis of implications of the Fair Tax for income inequality, the Illinois economy, Illinois’ perilous fiscal condition and the future of state funding to higher education. 

“What I Learned Teaching in a Prison” (recording available Oct. 5) recounts UIS Assistant Professor of Political Science Magic Wade’s time teaching a college course to 15 incarcerated men at the Danville Correctional Center through the Education Justice Project. In this lecture, she reflects upon her experiences teaching in the prison, shares her thoughts on expanding educational opportunities to incarcerated individuals, and answers questions about prison-based higher education in the U.S. 

“Lincoln and the American Political Tradition” is title of the 2020 Mary & James Beaumont Endowed Lincoln Legacy Lecture Series, which will be lived streamed to the public on Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. (recording available on Oct. 19). Register for the live event at https://go.uis.edu/BELLLS20. Diana Schaub, a political science professor at Loyola University Maryland and a visiting scholar in the Social, Cultural and Constitutional Studies Department at the American Enterprise Institute, will be joined by Lucas Morel, professor of politics at Washington and Lee University, to discuss how the principles espoused by Abraham Lincoln can help us deal with many questions raised during an election year. 

“Using Our Voices & Choices: How Growers and Eaters Can Work Together to Support Regenerative Farming in Illinois” (recording available Nov. 2) is a sustainability week event hosted by Liz Moran Stelk, executive director of the Illinois Stewardship Alliance (ISA), who will discuss how the organization is seeking to create a more just and regenerative local food and farm system in Illinois and nationwide. She will explain how our current policies perpetuate an industrial agricultural system that is both ecologically and socially damaging and why it is imperative for us to move toward more regenerative and sustainable farming and eating practices. 

“Water Diplomacy in the Middle East” (recording available Nov. 16) covers Middle East water history and the innovations making new forms of water use and distribution possible. After appraising new projects on the horizon, Rachel Havrelock, founder and director of the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Freshwater Lab and co-creator of the Freshwater Stories digital platform, will discuss their applicability or relevance to Illinois and North American waters. This event is co-sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Central Illinois. 

For more information, visit the ECCE Speaker Series website or contact the UIS Speaker Series Office at 217-206-6245 or speakerseries@uis.edu.

Thursday, September 24, 2020

University of Illinois created Hip-Hop Xpress mobile recording studio to visit Springfield on Saturday


The Hip-Hop Xpress, a school bus that serves as a mobile recording studio, created as part of a University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) faculty collaboration, will make its first visit to Springfield on Saturday, Sept. 26. 

From 10 a.m.-Noon the bus will visit House of Music, located at 222 N. Grand Ave E., and from 1-3 p.m. HISO Music, located at 1401 S. Fifth St. 

Springfield Hip-Hop artists have been invited to write original music on the bus using instrumental tracks created by producers in Champaign. 

“At its core the Hip-Hop Xpress was always envisioned by the UIS/UIUC team to be a tool for building community,” said Tiffani Saunders, UIS instructor of sociology and African American studies, who helped create the bus. “At the local level, it gets community members together for common goal of creating music and learning about the impact of hip-hop music and culture on wider American culture. The design of this project, using faculty from two campuses, along with the music creation planned for this weekend reflects cross-community connection.” 

Saunders was involved in early planning discussions about the bus and is responsible for solidifying Springfield community partnerships for future use of the bus. 

Work on the bus itself has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The outside of the bus has been wrapped to display the name of the bus and various artists. The inside of the bus is empty, except for its use in transporting non-permanent recording equipment. In addition to the ability to record on Saturday, the public is invited to provide feedback on several possible interior designs. 

“COVID aside, we're really excited to bring the Hip-Hop Xpress to the state capital for the first time,” Saunders said. “Grab your mask and let's show everyone that Springfield has talent!” 

The bus was funded, in part, by a $150,000 University of Illinois System Presidential Initiative to Celebrate the Impact of the Arts and the Humanities grant. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign faculty members Adam Kruse, Malaika McKee and William Patterson played a significant role in creating the bus. 

When the bus is finished, the creators plan on having it travel to communities and classrooms across the state, teaching youth about African-American history as well as cultural innovations spurred on by Hip-Hop through the use of music, dance, visual arts and technology. 

For more information, contact Tiffani Saunders at 217-206-8335 or tsaun2@uis.edu.

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Register now for UIS’ Fall 2020 Lunch & Learn Series

The University of Illinois Springfield will hold six virtual Lunch & Learn Series events this fall. The “Timely Talks on Timeless Topics in Celebration of UIS’ 50th Anniversary” series is presented by the UIS Alumni SAGE Society and the Illinois State Historical Society. All programs will be held via Zoom 

Thursday, Oct. 8 – Pandemics and Epidemics: Past and Present
Presenter: Dr. Donald Graham, infectious disease specialist at SIU School of Medicine and Springfield Clinic
Moderator: William Furry, executive director of the Illinois State Historical Society 

Wednesday, Oct. 21 – How Medical Crises Change Our Process of Communication
Presenter: Ann Strahle, UIS associate professor of communication
Moderator: Terri Noel, founder and owner of Encore Consulting & Publishing 

Friday, Nov. 6 – Social Justice on the Prairie: Local to Global
Panelists: Larry Golden, UIS professor emeritus; Jan Droegkamp, UIS professor emerita; Tiffani Saunders, UIS assistant professor of sociology and African American studies
Moderator: Rev. Susan Phillips, pastor of First Presbyterian Church 

Wednesday, Nov. 18 – Streaming the Future: Impact of Cable News Networks and Social Media
Panelists: Jason Piscia, director of the UIS Public Affairs Reporting Program; Randy Eccles, general manager of NPR Illinois; Terry Martin, executive director of the Illinois Channel
Moderator: Sean Crawford, director of editorial at NPR Illinois 

Thursday, Dec. 3 – Societal Norms – Then and Now
Panelists: Sean McCandless, UIS assistant professor and assoc. director of the DPA Program; Jason Pierceson, UIS professor of political science
Moderator: Rachel Otwell, staff writer at the Illinois Times 

Tuesday, Dec. 15 – The American People, Government, Finances and the Public Trust
Panelists: Rich Miller, owner and publisher of CapitolFax.com; Kenneth Kriz, UIS distinguished professor of public administration and director of the Institute for Illinois Public Finance; Rep. Tim Bulter, Springfield
Moderator: Robert Smith, dean of the UIS College of Public Affairs and Administration 

Each program needs to be registered for individually. Attendees will receive a confirmation email from each program registered for that includes the Zoom information for that specific session. Registration links for each program can be found at https://go.uis.edu/LunchFall20

For more information, contact the Office of Advancement at 217-206-6058.

Thursday, September 17, 2020

UIS and Community Health Roundtable to host webinar on “Basic Community Needs in the COVID-19 Pandemic

As part of the Springfield Innovation Hub, the University of Illinois Springfield and the Community Health Roundtable will offer a free public webinar on “Basic Community Needs in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Food, Housing, and Mental Health.”

The webinar will take place from 12-1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, and will be moderated by John Kelkar, president and CEO of United Way of Central Illinois, with quick COVID-19 updates from Molly Lamb, executive director of the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused hardship for many people and families in meeting their most basic needs, such as food, housing, and mental health. In meeting those needs, local leaders will discuss the services and resources their organizations provide, how they have adapted to increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, and what they see as the challenges for the future.

Panelists include Pam Molitoris, executive director of the Central Illinois Foodbank; David Petrilli, executive director of Sangamon County Resources; and Dr. Kari Wolf, chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the SIU School of Medicine.

Participants can watch the webinar on Zoom at uis.zoom.us/j/93972984635 or call 312-626-6799 to participate by phone (Meeting ID: 939 7298 4635). 

Past UIS webinars can be found online at go.uis.edu/Webinars.

Friday, September 11, 2020

UIS Music Program to host virtual concert, lecture and masterclass series

The University of Illinois Springfield Music Program will host a virtual concert, lecture and masterclass series featuring a variety of musical performances, discussions and instruction. All events are free and open to the public and links to view or participate can be found on the UIS Music website.

Limited seating may be available at the event venues, contact music@uis.edu for more information.

Careers in Music I: “The Art of Conducting”
Lecture by Maestro Logan Campbell
UIS Music Lecture Series
6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17

“Something Old, Something News” 
William Mitchell, tenor trombone
UIS Music Faculty Recital Series
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3

Careers in Music II: “Options for the 21st-Centry Musician” 
Lecture by Maestro Logan Campbell
UIS Music Lecture Series
6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8

“The Unaccompanied Clarinet” 
Evelyn Moria Tunison, clarinet
UIS Music Faculty Recital Series
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10

“Black Classical Composers” 
Lecture by Violinist Chenoa Alamu
UIS Music Lecture Series
6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22

Flute Masterclass 
Taught by UIS flute faculty Amanda Pond
To participate as a flutist in the virtual Flute Masterclass, visit uis.edu/music/students/forms and fill out a UIS Music masterclass application form. The class is open to UIS and community musicians. All levels are welcome.
3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1

Cello Masterclass 
Taught by UIS cello faculty Jun Seo
To participate as a cellist in the virtual Cello Masterclass, visit uis.edu/music/students/forms and fill out a UIS Music masterclass application form. The class is open to UIS and community musicians. All levels are welcome.
3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7

“Understanding the Orchestral Canon?” 
Lecture by UIS Music faculty Adam Larison
UIS Music Lecture Series
6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19

“Beethoven at 250” 
Lecture by Maestro Ken Lam, music director of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra
UIS Music Lecture Series
6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3

UIS Music/UIS Community Music School Solo Recital 
Featuring student musicians from the UIS Music Department and the UIS Community Music School.
7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4

Spark Notes: Programmatic Pieces for Oboe
Natasha Keating, oboe
UIS Music Faculty Recital Series
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5

UIS Music Ensemble Concert 
Featuring Camerata musicians and UIS Music Ensembles
7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12

For more information on the UIS Music Program, visit uis.edu/music/. Questions may be directed to Yona Stamatis at 217-206-6240 or music@uis.edu.

Thursday, September 10, 2020

UIS to host free webinar series on how parents can better support their children during remote learning

The University of Illinois Springfield’s Office of Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE) will host a free webinar series on “Supporting your Student: A Parent’s Guide to Remote Learning.” Three sessions will be held on Sept. 14, Sept. 28 and Oct. 12 and will be offered via Zoom.

“We are faced with an unprecedented time in education,” said Vickie Cook, UIS executive director of online professional and engaged learning. “Terms like eLearning, online education, synchronous and asynchronous are now part of our household lexicons. But what does it all mean, and – more importantly – how can this help your student succeed? Those are questions we hope to help parents answer though this series.”

The first webinar, which will be held from 6-7 p.m. on Sept. 14, will focus on “Introducing Parents to Online and Remote Learning.” The session will feature an informative conversation regarding remote learning and the benefits it can offer students during the pandemic and after. The course will also help parents understand the role and function of the various learning platforms students are using, such as Google Classroom, Zoom and Canvas.

During the second webinar from 6-7 p.m. on Sept. 28, the topic will shift to “Partnering with teachers for your student’s success.” During these extraordinary times, parents are more involved than ever in their children’s education. This session will focus on developing a supportive parent-teacher partnership that helps your child succeed.

Finally, from 6-7 p.m. on Oct. 12, the webinar series will conclude with a presentation on “Finding support when you need it.” The webinar will discuss how to support the academic success of remote learners, where to turn when children are struggling and how parents can access critical related services. This session will feature resources available to help students through this public health crisis.

Parents can register for the free webinars on the CAPE website. Registration is free, but required, as the sessions are limited to 295 participants.

For more information, contact the UIS Office of Continuing and Professional Education at 217-206-8650 or CAPE@uis.edu.

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

UIS’ popular Friday Night Star Parties to be held in a virtual format this fall due to COVID-19

The University of Illinois Springfield’s popular Friday Night Star Parties will be held in a virtual format this fall due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Participants can watch the virtual star parties on Zoom from 8-9 p.m. on Sept. 4, 11, 18 and 25 and Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. The Zoom link will be posted at uis.edu/astronomy/about/starparties/.

Friday Night Star Parties are hosted by John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy/physics. Each event will feature tips on how to find constellations and planets in the night sky and offer time to ask live questions. When the weather allows, the observatory’s telescopes will be used to provide live remote views of a number of celestial objects, including the planets Jupiter and Saturn, the Moon, the Ring Nebula, globular star clusters M13 and M15 and other double stars and star clusters.

Friday Night Star Parties are free and open to the public. Due to the virtual format, the star parties will be held regardless of the weather conditions.

Questions about Friday Night Star Parties should be directed to 217-206-8342, asp@uis.edu or direct messaged to the @UISObservatory on Twitter. For more information on star parties, follow the Observatory on Twitter or visit uis.edu/astronomy/about/starparties/.

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

UIS to host a free public COVID-19 webinar on “Economic Impact, Disparities and Opportunities for Black-Owned Businesses”


The University of Illinois Springfield Office of Economic Development and Innovation, College of Business and Management, College of Public Affairs and Administration and Innovate Springfield will host a free public webinar on “Economic Impact, Disparities and Opportunities for Black-Owned Businesses.”

The webinar will be offered 12-1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, and will be led by Bruce Sommer, UIS director of economic development and innovation.

Significant economic inequalities existed across Illinois and United States before COVID-19. The impact of the pandemic seems to be widening the gap. The webinar will explore how that gap could widen even further during the economic recovery. Early reports show roughly 21 percent of all U.S. small businesses closed during March and April. During that same time period, 41 percent of Black-owned businesses closed.

Ken Kriz, UIS distinguished professor of public administration, will share new data and understanding of the overall economic condition in the state and region focusing on the unequal impact of the current recession across the Springfield area.

Celebrating 217 Black Business Month, Dominic Watson, president of the Springfield Black Chamber of Commerce; Gina Lathan, president of Rout History; and Kevin Lust, director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Lincoln Land Community College, will talk about the challenges, successes, opportunities and resources available to help grow local Black-owned businesses in Springfield.

Participants are encouraged to register for the event at https://go.uis.edu/COVIDwebinar, however registration is not required. The Zoom link for the event is https://uis.zoom.us/j/93972984635 and the Meeting ID is 939 7298 4635.

This webinar is part of a series aimed at providing the local community with expert information and quality resources to navigate these challenging times.

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

UIS and Community Health Roundtable to offer webinar on “Public Health & Medical Care in Sangamon County: Six Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic”

As part of the Springfield Innovation Hub, the University of Illinois Springfield and the Community Health Roundtable will offer a free public webinar on “Public Health and Medical Care in Sangamon County: Six Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic.”

The webinar will take place from 12-1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, and will be moderated by John Stremsterfer, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, with a quick update about the current status of COVID-19 plans for the state and county by Molly Lamb, executive director of the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership.

Panelists for webinar include Gail O'Neill, director of the Sangamon County Department of Public Health (SCDPH); Dr. John Flack, chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at SIU School of Medicine; and Kenneth Kriz, UIS distinguished professor of public administration.

O’Neill will discuss the current status of COVID-19 in Sangamon County, including breakdowns by demographics and location, and how the SCDPH is responding, contract tracing, testing and planning for the fall and winter.

Flack will talk about how front line clinical providers have responded and adapted to COVID-19, how they are modifying their approach since Illinois has “reopened,” how medical care may be changed as we go on and how disparities of health care access and COVID-19 outcomes are being addressed.

Kriz will discuss ways we measure the COVID-19 pandemic, including a newer concept, the estimated reproduction rate of the virus (Rt), which shows how fast COVID-19 is growing.

Participants are encouraged to register for the event at go.uis.edu/COVIDwebinar, however registration is not required. Zoom and call in connection information can be found on the registration page.

Thursday, August 6, 2020

UIS to hold a virtual Perseid meteor star party on August 11

The University of Illinois Springfield Astronomy-Physics Program will broadcast a virtual star party for the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower live on Zoom (rain or shine) from 8:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 11.

The star party was originally scheduled to be held in-person at Lincoln Memorial Garden, but will instead take place in an online format due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy/physics, will give tips for viewing the Perseid meteors, finding bright planets, the Summer Triangle, the Big Dipper and other bright stars and constellations in summer evening sky and answer astronomy questions submitted live. If weather permits there will also be live views of the night sky.

The link for the Zoom event will be posted at go.uis.edu/summerstarparties and @UISObservatory on Twitter. Participants are encouraged to follow the Twitter account for updates.

The UIS Astronomy-Physics Program will also be holding virtual star parties on Friday nights this fall. For more information, visit go.uis.edu/starparties or contact John Martin at 217-206-8342 or jmart5@uis.edu. 

Monday, August 3, 2020

UIS Visual Arts Gallery to present “Untied,” an experimental group exhibition

 The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery is pleased to present “Untied,” an experimental exhibition and performance series that takes shape through the gradual contributions of five artists over a ten-week period.

The exhibition is structured to reach both a physical and remote audience. “Untied” will open on Thursday, Aug. 27 and runs through Friday, Oct. 30 in the Visual Arts Gallery, located in the UIS Health and Science Building, Room 201. There will be no public reception for this exhibition.

In consideration of social limitations and public health concerns presented by COVID-19, as well as a collective cultural call to question, undermine and upend longstanding intuitional frameworks, “Untied” works to give shape to an exhibition that is experimental in nature and that encourages uncertainty and builds upon it, in pursuit of intentionally unclear outcomes.

Anything that is untied is freed, loosened, or unfastened from something that was restricting it. This frames an exhibition in which recognizable boundaries are intentionally abandoned, and in which artists can pursue any direction with or without consideration to what comes before or after their contribution.

The exhibition launches with a single artist – but as additional artists arrive to contribute to the project with artworks and performances, the exhibition will undergo radical changes. Exhibiting artists will be free to determine how to work with, react to, or reconfigure what is already in place at the gallery, and the exhibition will build and transition as artists navigate what has come before them. Individual intentions will surrender to a collective outcome that remains to be seen.     

Participating artists include A.J. McClenon, alejandro t. acierto, Katherine Simóne Reynolds, Marina Peng and Ruby T. “Untied” is curated by Allison Lacher and Jeff Robinson. The exhibition can be experienced on-site and through documentation made available at the exhibition website untied.info. The site will be updated as the exhibition progresses. 

The Visual Arts Gallery will be open 12-5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday. Masks are required on the UIS campus.

For more information, visit the UIS Visual Arts Gallery website at uis.edu/visualarts/gallery or contact the gallery at 217-206-6506 or alach@uis.edu

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

UIS to offer a free public webinar on “Reopening Springfield education during the COVID-19 pandemic”

As part of the Springfield Innovation Hub, the University of Illinois Springfield and the Community Health Roundtable will offer a free public webinar on “Reopening Springfield education during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The webinar will take place from 12-1 p.m. on Friday, June 24, and will be moderated by Molly Lamb, executive director of the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership, who will also provide an update on Illinois COVID-19 guidelines.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues and is intensifying in some areas of the state and the country. As a result, educational institutions are seeking ways to deliver critical educational programs and personal services with the least possible health risk for faculty, staff, students and the broader community. During this webinar, local medical and educational leaders will discuss the issues and challenges they face as their institutions work to "reopen."

Dr. Vidya Sundareshan, co-chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the SIU School of Medicine, will discuss trends and trajectory of coronavirus and testing.

Jennifer Gill, superintendent of Springfield Public Schools, will discuss District 186's plan to reopen schools.

Karen Whitney, interim chancellor of the University of Illinois Springfield, will speak UIS’ plan to safely return students to campus.

Participants are encouraged to register for the event at go.uis.edu/COVIDwebinar, however registration is not required. Zoom and call in connection information can be found on the registration page.

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

UIS to hold a virtual star party on July 25

The University of Illinois Springfield Astronomy-Physics Program will broadcast a virtual star party live on Zoom (rain or shine) from 8:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 25.

The star party was originally scheduled to be held in-person at Lincoln Memorial Garden, but will instead take place in an online format due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy/physics, will give tips for finding bright planets, the Summer Triangle, the Big Dipper and other bright stars and constellations in the summer evening sky and answer astronomy questions submitted live. If weather permits, there will also be live views of the night sky and through telescopes.

The link for the Zoom event will be posted at go.uis.edu/summerstarparties and @UISObservatory on Twitter. Participants are encouraged to follow the Twitter account for updates.

The UIS Astronomy-Physics Program will also host a Perseid Meteor Shower viewing party on Aug. 11. This event will be virtual, if it cannot be held in person at Lincoln Memorial Garden. Please monitor the summer star parties website go.uis.edu/summerstarparties or @UISObservatory on Twitter for possible changes due to COVID-19 or weather conditions.

For more information on summer star parties, contact John Martin at 217-206-8342 or jmart5@uis.edu.

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

UIS partners to offer a new free public webinar series on community health during COVID-19

As part of the Springfield Innovation Hub, the University of Illinois Springfield and the Community Health Roundtable are pleased to announce the launch of a new webinar series on community health with immediate focus on the impact of COVID-19.

The webinar will take place from 12-1 p.m. on Friday, June 19, and will be led by Bruce Sommer, UIS director of economic development and innovation, and Molly Lamb, executive director of the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership.

The first case of coronavirus in Sangamon County was announced to the public at 5:30 p.m. on March 14, 2020. Six days later, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a stay-at-home order that would force non-essential businesses, schools, non-profits and government agencies to close operations placing children and adults in their home in an attempt to slow the spread of the disease. The novel coronavirus has had a significant impact on our community and community health.

During the inaugural webinar, panelist will share their latest understanding of the virus and its impact on the health of our community. Participants will learn the latest trends, predictions and how healthcare systems continue to fight the disease and protect our community. Panelists will also discuss the different impacts COVID-19 has had across various populations of our society.

Presenters include Edward J. Curtis, president and CEO of Memorial Health System; Dr. Vidya Sundareshan, associate professor and co-chief of the Infectious Diseases Division at the SIU School of Medicine; and Dr. Wendi El-Amin, associate dean for equity, diversity and inclusion and associate professor of family and community medicine and medical education at the SIU School of Medicine.

Participants are encouraged to register for the event at go.uis.edu/COVIDwebinar, however registration is not required. Zoom and call in connection information can be found on the registration page.

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

UIS to hold a virtual star party on June 27

The University of Illinois Springfield Astronomy-Physics Program will broadcast a virtual star party live on Zoom (rain or shine) from 8:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 27.

The star party was originally scheduled to be held in-person at Lincoln Memorial Garden, but will instead take place in an online format due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy/physics, will give tips for finding bright planets, the Summer Triangle, the Big Dipper and other bright stars and constellations in the summer evening sky and answer astronomy questions submitted live.

The link for the Zoom event will be posted at go.uis.edu/summerstarparties and @UISObservatory on Twitter. Participants are encouraged to follow the Twitter account for updates. The event will be capped at 300 connections.

The UIS Astronomy-Physics Program and the Sangamon Astronomical Society are planning an in-person Perseid Meteor Shower viewing party from 8:30-10:30 p.m. Aug. 11 at Lincoln Memorial Garden.

Please monitor the summer star parties website at go.uis.edu/summerstarparties or @UISObservatory on Twitter for possible changes due to COVID-19 or weather conditions.

For more information on summer star parties, contact John Martin at 217-206-8342 or jmart5@uis.edu.

Thursday, June 11, 2020

UIS to host a free public COVID-19 webinar on “All IN 4U and other opportunities for small businesses”

The University of Illinois Springfield Office of Economic Development and Innovation, College of Business and Management, College of Public Affairs and Administration and Innovate Springfield will host a free public webinar on “All IN 4U and other opportunities for small businesses: Changes to paycheck protection program and local business activities.”

The webinar will be offered 12-1 p.m. Friday, June 12, and will be led by Bruce Sommer, UIS director of economic development and innovation.

Local restaurants and other retail businesses welcomed customers to their locations on May 29 under phase three of Gov. Pritzker's “Restore Illinois” plan. As restrictions are being lifted across the country, 22 states have reported increases in new coronavirus cases and many are seeing increased hospitalizations.

Ryan McCrady, president and CEO at Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance, will discuss a collaborative new initiative called “All IN 4U” that was just launched aimed to unify local businesses around a pledge to ensure the health, safety and confidence of customers and employees.

Lisa Clemmons Stott, executive director at Downtown Springfield, Inc., will discuss business experiences operating under easing restrictions.

Kevin Lust, director of Illinois Small Business Development Center at Lincoln Land Community College, will discuss the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (PPPFA) that was signed into law on June 5. It is intended to address limits of the original plan that provide small business relief due to stay-at-home orders.

Participants are encouraged to register for the event at go.uis.edu/COVIDwebinar, however registration is not required. Zoom and call in connection information can be found on the registration page.

This webinar is part of a series aimed at providing the local community with expert information and quality resources to navigate these challenging times.

Thursday, May 28, 2020

UIS to host a free public webinar on “Reopening: What You Need to Know”

The University of Illinois Springfield Office of Economic Development and Innovation, College of Business and Management, College of Public Affairs and Administration and Innovate Springfield will host a free public webinar on “Reopening: What You Need to Know” exploring state guidelines for businesses and consumer demand during COVID-19.

The webinar will be offered 12-1 p.m. Friday, May 29, and will be led by Bruce Sommer, UIS director of economic development and innovation.

Many Illinois businesses, organizations and recreational spaces plan to reopen to customers next week under phase two of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's Restore Illinois plan. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recently released a phase three business toolkit. Understanding these guidelines will be essential for safe operations.

Jonathan McGee, acting deputy director of regional economic development at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, will speak about the Restore Illinois plan’s phase three guidelines for reopening businesses.

Kevin Lust, director of Illinois Small Business Development Center at Lincoln Land Community College, will present on “Back to Business: What Not to Miss.”

Finally, Innovate Springfield Executive Director Katie Davison will analyze data from a new survey of local consumers that asked to what level they plan to start patronizing local businesses, and the safety measures they want in place that would give them confidence to return to more normal shopping patterns.

Participants are encouraged to register for the event at go.uis.edu/COVIDwebinar, however registration is not required. Zoom and call in connection information can be found on the registration page.

This webinar is part of a series aimed at providing the local community with expert information and quality resources to navigate these challenging times.

For more information, contact Bruce Sommer at bsomm2@uis.edu.

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

UIS to hold a virtual star party on May 30

The University of Illinois Springfield’s Astronomy-Physics Program will broadcast a virtual star party live on Zoom (rain or shine) from 8-9 p.m. Saturday, May 30.

John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy/physics, will give tips for finding Venus, the Big Dipper and other bright stars and constellations in the late spring and early summer evening sky and answer astronomy questions submitted live.

The link for the Zoom event will be posted at go.uis.edu/summerstarparties and @UISObservatory on Twitter. Participants are encouraged to follow the Twitter account for updates. The event will be capped at 300 connections.

The UIS Astronomy-Physics Program and Sangamon Astronomical Society are also planning three other in-person star parties this summer from 8:30-10:30 p.m. June 27, July 25 and Aug. 11 (a special Perseid Meteor Shower viewing party) at Lincoln Memorial Garden, located on the shores of Lake Springfield.

Please monitor the summer star parties website at go.uis.edu/summerstarparties or @UISObservatory on Twitter, for possible changes to the in-person events due to COVID-19 or weather conditions.

For more information on summer star parties, contact John Martin at jmart5@uis.edu.

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

UIS to host a free public webinar exploring The Future of Education: During COVID-19 and Beyond


The University of Illinois Springfield Office of Economic Development and Innovation, College of Business and Management, College of Public Affairs and Administration and Innovate Springfield will host a free public webinar about the impact of COVID-19 on both K-12 and higher education. Panelist will share their insight and foresight about what we can expect education will look like this fall and far beyond. The webinar will be offered 12-1 p.m. Friday, May 22.

The online panel discussion will also include quick updates from Dr. Chris McDowell, chair of emergency medicine at SIU School of Medicine, and Kevin Lust, director of Small Business Development Center at Lincoln Land Community College, who will provide the latest information about the medical and business impact of COVID-19 in Sangamon County.

Following the updates, Jennifer Gill, superintendent of Springfield School District 186; Robert Hansen, CEO at University Professional and Continuing Education Association; and Ray Schroeder, UIS vice chancellor for online learning, will speak. The panel discussion will be led by Meghan Kessler, UIS assistant professor of teacher education.

Participants are encouraged to register for the event at go.uis.edu/COVIDwebinar, however registration is not required. Zoom and call in connection information can be found on the registration page.

This webinar is part of a series aimed at providing the local community with expert information and quality resources to navigate these challenging times.

For more information, contact Bruce Sommer at bsomm2@uis.edu.

Thursday, May 7, 2020

UIS to host a free public webinar on how to prepare to reopen your business


The University of Illinois Springfield Office of Economic Development and Innovation, College of Business and Management, College of Public Affairs and Administration and Innovate Springfield will host a free public webinar on how to prepare to reopen your business during COVID-19 from 12-1 p.m. Friday, May 8.

On May 5, Gov. J.B. Pritzker released Restore Illinois, the plan to reopen our state outlining the conditions that trigger the multiple phases and determine when and how we can operate. Anticipating and preparing for each phase of reopening is critical to planning for our organizations and reopening the economy. This week’s panelists will put the governor’s plan in context by highlighting case studies from across the country and globe. Exploring these examples will help guide our decision-making, and help us forecast when and under what conditions we can move forward.

Pritzker’s plan divides the state into four regions. Opening our Central Region seems less dependent upon what is happening in Chicago and more dependent on how the virus is impacting the other county in our region, including Champaign County. Monitoring the impact of the virus across those counties will be important to predicting how we might progress or regress through the phases.

The online panel discussion will feature Blair Rowitz, associate chief medical officer at Carle Health and associate dean for clinical affairs for Carle Illinois College of Medicine; Molly Lamb, deputy director of health protection at the Illinois Department of Public Health; Dave Oberg, vice president for Illinois Association of Museums; Ranjan Karri, professor of management (Strategy and Entrepreneurship) at UIS College of Business and Management; and Robert Smith, Dean of UIS College of Public Administration.

Participants are encouraged to register for the event at go.uis.edu/COVIDwebinar, however registration is not required. Zoom video and call in connection information can be found on the registration page.

This webinar part of a series aimed at providing the local community with expert information and quality resources to navigate these challenging times. For more information, contact Bruce Sommer at 217-899-3186 or bsomm2@uis.edu.

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

UIS to host a free public webinar on how to innovate and adapt your business model during COVID-19

The University of Illinois Springfield Office of Economic Development and Innovation, College of Business and Management, College of Public Affairs and Administration and Innovate Springfield will host a free public webinar on how to innovate and adapt your business model during COVID-19 from 12-1 p.m. Friday, May 1.

COVID-19 has forced immediate and unique challenges for businesses and organizations across the world. While it may be early to prognosticate the amount of innovation and number of new business models that will emerge, the opportunity seems to be growing. This webinar will focus on proactive, offensive measures we can take to compete in our new COVID-19 environment.

The online panel discussion will feature Matt Bell, managing director of the University of Illinois System’s Discovery Partners Institute; Shipra Gupta, UIS associate professor of business administration; Tim Hoerr, CEO and managing partner at Serra Ventures; and Anna Palmer, CEO of Dough and investing partner at XFactor Ventures.

Participants are encouraged to register for the event at go.uis.edu/COVIDwebinar, however registration is not required. Zoom video and call in connection information can be found on the registration page.

This webinar part of a series aimed at providing the local community with expert information and quality resources to navigate these challenging times.

For more information, contact Bruce Sommer at 217-899-3186 or bsomm2@uis.edu.

Monday, April 20, 2020

UIS Visual Arts Gallery presents “Hindsight 20/20” virtual exhibition showcasing senior artwork

The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery is proud to present “Hindsight 20/20,” a virtual exhibition showcasing the creativity and skill sets of senior visual arts majors at UIS.

As a result of the public health concerns regarding COVID-19, and in keeping with UIS policies in place to protect our students, faculty, staff and patrons, this special exhibition will take place online. The virtual exhibition will launch on April 30. An exhibition catalog will complement the exhibition and will be available as a free, downloadable PDF.

Once launched, the exhibition can be viewed at hindsight-2020.weebly.com.

"Hindsight 20/20” features works by UIS Visual Arts graduating seniors that, together, explore how visual language can more clearly express those experiences that are difficult to communicate through words alone. Exhibiting artists include Logan Baskett, Kelsey Cleary, Kailee Harris, Rachel Lewis, Dominic Miraldi and Merrick Wilderman. This exhibition will feature animation, digital media, painting, screen printing and sculpture.

Each of the student artists have created works that collectively strive to transport the viewer, inviting individuals to immerse themselves and recognize not only how our surroundings affect our emotions, but also how individuals impact the environment and the world around them. These works are especially poignant in light of recent develops and the hardships many now face as a result of the global pandemic. “Hindsight 20/20” serves as a reflection and testament to the hard work of these students in the midst of these challenging times.

For more information and future exhibitions, please visit the UIS Visual Arts Gallery website or contact the gallery at 217-206-6506 or alach@uis.edu.

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

UIS to host a free public webinar exploring the economic impact of COVID-19


The University of Illinois Springfield Office of Economic Development and Innovation, College of Business and Management, College of Public Affairs and Administration and Innovate Springfield will host a free public webinar about the economic impact of COVID-19 from 12-1 p.m. Friday, April 10.

The online panel discussion will start with quick updates from Dr. Chris McDowell, chair of emergency medicine at SIU School of Medicine, and Kevin Lust, director of Small Business Development Center at Lincoln Land Community College, who will provide the latest information about the medical and business impact of COVID-19 in Sangamon County.

The update will be followed by UIS professors Kenneth Kriz and Beverly Bunch, who will provide insights on how COVID-19 is impacting our global, national and local economies. They will share implications for businesses, non-profits and governments and attempt to anticipate changes we will experience over the next few months.

Participants are encouraged to register for the event at go.uis.edu/COVIDwebinar, however registration is not required. Zoom and call in connection information can be found on the registration page.

This webinar part of a series aimed at providing the local community with expert information and quality resources to navigate these challenging times.

For more information, contact Bruce Sommer at bsomm2@uis.edu.

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

UIS to host a free public webinar exploring COVID-19 relief for small businesses

The University of Illinois Springfield Office of Economic Development and Innovation, College of Business and Management, College of Public Affairs and Administration and Innovate Springfield will host a free public webinar about COVID-19 relief for small businesses from 12-1:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 1.

The online panel discussion will provide insight into the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on the economy, how to compare and contrast available programs and navigate the application process.

The webinar will be hosted by Bruce Sommer, UIS director of economic development and innovation, and will feature panelists Chris McDowell, chair of emergency medicine at the SIU School of Medicine; Greg Turk, director of investments at the Teachers Retirement System of Illinois; Kevin Lust, director of the Small Business Development Center; and Michael Johnson, regional president of US Bank.

Panelists will discuss the anticipated trajectory and timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic from a medical perspective, how to prepare for large and small-scale economic impact, relief options for small businesses and paycheck protection programs for local business owners.

Participants are encouraged to register for the event at go.uis.edu/smallbusiness, however registration is not required. Join the Zoom presentation online at https://zoom.us/j/3362950210 or dial 312-626-6799 and enter meeting id 336 295 0210.

This webinar is the first in a series aimed at providing the local community with expert information and quality resources to navigate these challenging times.

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

UIS cancels or postpones events due to the COVID-19 outbreak

In an effort to promote public safety and social distancing, the University of Illinois Springfield has canceled or postponed several events due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The events listed below are the latest to be impacted. Rescheduled event dates will be announced in future press releases.

Investiture for Distinguished Prof. Graham Peck – March 19 – POSTPONED

ECCE “Salt of the Earth” – March 20 – POSTPONED

UIS Music “O Mio Fagotto Caro” – March 21 – CANCELED

Chancellor’s Women in Leadership Reception – March 24 – CANCELED

Dallas, Texas Alumni Network & Learn – March 26 – POSTPONED

UIS Music “Fantastic Beats” – March 27 – CANCELED

Preview UIS – March 28 – CANCELED

ECCE “In Search of Belonging” - March 31 – POSTPONED

UIS Music “Camerata Chamber Music II” – March 31 – CANCELED

ECCE “What I Learned From Teaching in a Prison” – April 6 –POSTPONED

UIS Music “No Strings Attached” – April 7 – CANCELED

Lunch & Learn “Architecture of Place and Sound” – April 9 – POSTPONED

Cyber Defense and Disaster Recovery Conference – April 10 - POSTPONED

Chicago Alumni Network & Learn at Cubs game – April 11 – POSTPONED

UIS Music “Camerata Chamber Music III” – April 14 – CANCELED

ECCE “Zero to Hero” – April 15 – POSTPONED

UIS Music “Basically Beethoven” – April 17 – CANCELED

UIS Theatre “Twelfth Night” – April 16-25 – CANCELED

ECCE “Talking Black in America” – April 17 – POSTPONED

Good as Gold Volunteer Awards – April 20 – POSTPONED

UIS Music “Blue Skies” – April 21 – CANCELED

ECCE “Using Our Voices & Choices” – April 22 – POSTPONED

Health & Wellness Fair – April 22 – CANCELED

Celebration of Philanthropy – April 22 – POSTPONED

UIS Music “Art of Wind Band” – April 24 – CANCELED

ECCE "Water Diplomacy in the Middle East" - April 28 - POSTPONED

Grand opening for The Center for Lincoln Studies – April 29 – POSTPONED

UIS Music “Jazz Café” – April 30 – CANCELED

UIS Community Music School Solo Recital – May 1 – CANCELED

UIS Orchestra Concert &  UIS Music Meet and Greet – May 3 - CANCELED

Lunch & Learn "Historic Settlements" - May 6 - CANCELED

In addition to these event changes, the UIS Performing Arts Center (Sangamon Auditorium) has also announced that it is ceasing all events through May 10. Please check uispac.com for specific updates.

The UIS Visual Arts Gallery will also be closed for the rest of the spring semester. The March 17 artist talk and “Convergence” exhibit are canceled.

UIS Athletics also announced on March 13 that The Great Lakes Valley Conference's (GLVC) Council of Presidents voted unanimously to suspend all activities related to intercollegiate athletics, and cancel the remaining 2020 GLVC Championships due to concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic. This action includes all UIS sporting activities.

Monday, March 9, 2020

UIS Speaker Series to screen and discuss the historically blacklisted film “Salt of the Earth”

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speaker Series will screen and discuss the historically blacklisted film “Salt of the Earth.” The film presents the true story of Mexican-American zinc miners who strike to end unsafe work conditions and unequal wages with their white counterparts. This film and discussion are free and open to the public.

WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2020

WHERE: Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of Brookens Library

DETAILS: “Salt of the Earth” explores themes regarding the role of organized labor, what it means to be American, race and feminism. The film stands out in history as a blacklisted film, swept up in the communist panic of the McCarthy era, but has stood the test of time to give a unique perspective of the American Southwest in the 1950s.

The panel discussion will be led by UIS Professor of Political Science Richard Gilman-Opalsky, UIS Assistant Professor of Political Science Roberto Rincon and Amy Rueff, resource director for the Illinois AFL-CIO. The panel discussion following the film will explore the themes presented and the continued legacy of these topics in the modern day.

This event is co-sponsored by the UIS Women’s Center, UIS Diversity Center, NPR Illinois Foreign & Independent Film Series and the UIS Office of Student Life.

Individuals with disabilities who anticipate the need for accommodations should contact the UIS Speaker Series Office at 217-206-6245 or speakerseries@uis.edu in advance. For a list of other upcoming ECCE Speaker Series events, visit uis.edu/speakerseries/.

Monday, March 2, 2020

UIS Computer Science Department to host Cyber Defense and Disaster Recovery Conference


WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Computer Science Department will host the 14th annual Cyber Defense and Disaster Recovery Conference (CDDR) for local information technology and cybersecurity professionals in the Midwest. This year’s theme is cyber threat hunting and incident response.

WHEN: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2020 (registration opens at 7:30 a.m.)

WHERE: UIS Public Affairs Center, 2200 Ernest Hemingway Drive, Springfield

DETAILS: Cyber attacks are on the rise and imposing billions of dollars loss on U.S. companies and organizations annually.

At CDDR 2020, cybersecurity professionals across the country will speak about novel approaches that can be used to detect and track under-the-radar cyber attacks. Such attacks cannot be mitigated by existing conventional defensive countermeasures such as antivirus, or IDS products. They will also speak about modern approaches that companies can employ to contain and manage cybersecurity incidents.

Some of the speakers include Pedram Amini, chief technology officer at InQuest.net; Greg Foss, senior threat researcher at VMware Carbon Black, Brandon Wunderle, manager at CrowdStrike; Chad Johnson, analyst at CrowdStrike; and Michael Springer, senior consultant at Brown Smith Wallace.

The conference is sponsored by Crowdstrike, InQuest LLC and Malwarebytes.

The early bird registration fee for students is $35 and $55 for professionals. After March 15, the registration fee is $45 for students and $75 for professionals.

Those interested in attending the conference can register online at csc.uis.edu/center/conferences/cddr2020/.

For more information, contact Amirreza Niakanlahiji, UIS assistant professor of computer science, at 217-206-6770 or cddr@uis.edu.