Speakers Series presents "1970: What We Were Reading"

WHAT: In celebration of the University of Illinois Springfield’s 40th anniversary the Friends of Brookens Library and the Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speakers Series presents “1970: What We Were Reading”. The panel discussion will feature UIS Emeritus faculty members Cullom Davis, Judy Everson and Marcellus Leonard.

WHEN: Thursday, November 4, 2010 at 7 p.m.

WHERE: Brookens Auditorium on the lower level of Brookens Library

DETAILS: The year 1970 was a banner year for American publishing—books that would help to shape the consciousness of an entire generation were published that year and are still being read and discussed. Our panel of distinguished UIS emeritus professors have chosen to reflect on three important books from that year: Studs Terkel’s Hard Times, an oral history of the Great Depression; Kurt Vonnegut’s absurdist classic Slaughterhouse Five; and Maya Angelou’s moving memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, the first book by a black woman to appear on the New York Times non-fiction bestseller list.

The discussion will be moderated by Cecelia Cornell, associate professor of History at UIS. Friends of Brookens Library will be sponsoring a dessert reception after the book panel discussion in the PAC Restaurant.

The ECCE Speakers Series at UIS is a campus-sponsored lecture series that aims to exemplify engaged citizenship as part of the university’s effort to foster appreciation for the practice of diversity and the active effort to make a difference in the world. All events are free and open to the public.

For more information contact Marcia Rossi, library administration at 217/206-6597 or email Rossi.Marcia@uis.edu.

Contest to write lyrics for new UIS school song

The University of Illinois Springfield music program is sponsoring a campus-wide contest to write lyrics for a new school song.

Entries should include no more than two verses and must include a title. All winning entries will be published as verses to the song. The deadline to submit entries is Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. Complete contest materials are available online at www.uis.edu/music. One lucky lyricist will have their lyrics performed and recorded on a 40th Anniversary CD by the UIS Band and Chorus. Winners will be announced before the premiere performance at the 40th Anniversary Showcase Concert which begins at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 12, 2010 in the Sangamon Auditorium. Admission to the concert is free and open to the public.

Dr. William Davis, professor emeritus at the University of Georgia has been commissioned as part of UIS’ 40th anniversary to write the song titled Song and Spirit. The march is a 10 plus minute song that will be performed at various events on campus. Davis is the composer of other fight songs including the University of Kansas’ fight song, Fighting Jayhawk. This project was organized by UIS Music faculty Todd Cranson, supported by many on the UIS campus, and generously backed by Chancellor Richard Ringeisen.

UIS currently has one official school song, the UIS Fight Song – Look to the Stars, by Phillip Snow. Snow was a student at UIS at the time he composed the music and lyrics. The newly commissioned piece of music will be an exciting addition to the musical legacy of the UIS campus.

For more information contact Todd Cranson, UIS band director at 217/206-7549 or email rcran2@uis.edu.

UIS 40th Anniversary Lunch and Learn Series

Join us for another thought-provoking educational luncheon on the University of Illinois Springfield campus on Wednesday, October 20. These lunch-time programs, 40th Anniversary Timely Talk About Timeless Topics, held in the lobby of Sangamon Auditorium from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. will build upon our SSU heritage of open dialogue and intelligent debate. Designed to inform as well as stimulate creative thinking, a panel of faculty emeriti, current faculty and other experts will make brief presentations and engage in discussion among themselves and with the audience.

October 20 the topic is the printed word as William Furry, Director of the Illinois State Historical Society and Dr. Larry Shiner, emeritus professor of Philosophy, History and Visual Arts at UIS moderate a panel on “Our Digital Age: The Future of Books, Newspapers and Libraries”. Other participants include Jane Treadwell, Dean of Brookens Library and alumnus Scott Reeder MA ’88 PAR, Managing Editor for the Illinois Statehouse News, an online news service in Springfield. The series will conclude on November 17 with the topic of the economy as UIS College of Business and Management Dean Ron McNeil moderates a panel on “Financial Institutions and the Public Trust”.

Reservations are available for a delicious hot buffet lunch that begins at 11:30 a.m. The cost for lunch is $20 per session. The presentations that begin at 12 and end at 1:30 p.m. are free and open to the public. To sit near the front and enjoy the camaraderie at the tables we hope you will join us for lunch.

Pre-paid luncheon reservations are required by Friday, October 15. Pre-registration is requested from those not purchasing the lunch, but who wish to attend the presentations to assure seating. For more information and to register, visit www.uiaa.org/uis/ or contact the Office of UIS Alumni Relations at 217/206-7395 or alumni@uis.edu. Sponsors are the UIS Alumni SAGE Society, the Illinois State Historical Society and the Office of UIS Chancellor.

UIS hosts 40th anniversary Homecoming events and Family Weekend

The University of Illinois Springfield will be holding its 40th anniversary Homecoming activities during the week of October 4 through 9. UIS Family Weekend will also coincide with the events on October 8 through 10. The theme of Homecoming Week 2010 is “Where Stars Are Born”.

The schedule of events for the week is as follows:

Monday, October 4
- Homecoming Pep Rally at 9:30 p.m. at The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC). First 200 students with ID through the door will get a free homecoming T-shirt. Arrive early because they go fast!

Tuesday, October 5
- Lunchtime Games: Mashed Potato Sculpting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the PAC Food Emporium Patio (Rain location: PAC Concourse).
- UIS Women’s Volleyball vs. Robert Morris at 7 p.m. at the TRAC.
- Make Your Own Spirit Wear at 9:30 p.m. in the Food Emporium. Paints, poster board, and blank T-shirts will be provided.

Wednesday, October 6
- Wacky Wednesday: Football Punt from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the UIS Quad.
- Neo-Futurists performance at 9:30 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of Brookens Library. The Neo-Futurists are a collective of wildly productive writer/director/performers who create theater that is a fusion of sport, poetry, and living newspaper.

Thursday, October 7
- Lunchtime Games will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the PAC Main Concourse.
- Homecoming Happy Hour from 5 at 7 p.m. at Floyd’s Thirst Parlor located at 210 South 5th Street, Springfield.
- Lincoln Legacy Lecture Series: “Lincoln and Race” from 7 to 9 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of Brookens Library.
- UIS Women’s Volleyball vs. Quincy at 7 p.m. at TRAC.
- Homecoming Dance at 9:30 p.m. in the SLB Gym. Dance the night away for Homecoming. Dress is semi-formal.

Friday, October 8
- Brookens Library Book Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. under the Brookens Overhang.
- Prairie Star Volunteer Service Event from 1 to 4 p.m.
- UIS Women’s Soccer vs. St. Joseph at 5 p.m. at Kiwanis Stadium.
- Pack the Field (Student Cookout) at 6:30 p.m. on the east side of Kiwanis Stadium.
- UIS Men’s Soccer Game vs. St. Joseph at 7:30 p.m. at Kiwanis Stadium. A fireworks display will be held immediately following the game.

Saturday, October 9
- 5K Run/Walk starting at 9 a.m. at TRAC. Cost is $10 until 9/24; $15 after.
- Tech Tools and Gadgets at 10:30 a.m. in UHB 2027. Presented by Kara McElwrath, join us as we explore first-hand the vast array of technologies available at UIS. Learn how we are leveraging technology to help students succeed at UIS!
- “Through the Decades” Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Sangamon Auditorium Lobby.
- Strawbridge-Shepherd House Tour from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. located on Shepherd Road (between UIS & Lincoln Land).
- Solar Telescope Showcase from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on the UIS Quad.
- UIS Homecoming Parade & Pet Parade at 5 p.m. on the UIS Campus.
- UIS Homecoming BBQ & Lawn Party from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on the South Quad. Come join us after the Homecoming Parade for free food, drinks, and fun. Don't forget to bring your I-card!
- UIS Students vs. UIS Alumni/Faculty/Staff BB Game at 7 p.m. at TRAC.

For more information, contact Cynthia Thompson, director of UIS Student Life at 217/206-6665 or visit www.uis.edu/homecoming.

Alumni and friends share memories at "Back to School for 40 Years Party"

The University of Illinois Springfield Alumni SAGE Society hosted a “Back to School for 40 Years Party” for alumni, community members, students, faculty and staff on August 27, 2010.

“We wanted to have a special celebration to mark the 40th start of classes at UIS and it’s been a great experience,” said Mary Caroline Mitchell, associate director of the UIS Office of Alumni Relations.

Approximately 175 people showed up for the party at the Island Bay Yacht Club on Lake Springfield, which featured music, food and memories.

“You can’t help but be proud of (the university), but you also can’t help but say 40 years really. I can’t believe it,” said Phil Bradley, an early graduate of Sangamon State University.

Bradley was one of the student speakers at the first SSU commencement ceremony in 1972. He can’t believe how the universities academic stature has grown over the years.

“If you look at state government, if you look at Washington there are people in very important positions with degrees from this place,” he said.

Other guests included Wally Henderson, the architect of the Public Affairs Center and community supporter, who helped get SSU off the ground.

“I feel very responsible for this thing. I’m very proud of it, very, very proud of it,” said Henderson.

The 40-year celebration included a variety of historic displays and pictures, video and a trivia quiz with prizes.

“It was a nice opportunity to see some of the faculty. People that I know in the community, who have been tied to the university for many years,” said Crystal VanDeventer, a 1985 graduate of the Public Administration master’s program.

For a list of additional anniversary events visit the 40 Year website

UIS 40th Anniversary Lunch and Learn Series

Join us for thought-provoking, three-session educational series on the University of Illinois Springfield campus as we celebrate our 40th anniversary. These lunch-time programs, Timely Talk About Timeless Topics, held in the lobby of Sangamon Auditorium from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. will build upon our SSU heritage of open dialogue and intelligent debate. Designed to inform as well as stimulate creative thinking, a panel of faculty emeriti, current faculty and other experts will make brief presentations and engage in discussion among themselves and with the audience.

On September 22 the topic will “Education and Tools of Technology”. Rich Bradley, retired news director of public radio station, WUIS, will moderate a panel that will include Rob Gordon, President and General Manager, WPLN Public Radio, Nashville, TN, a current member of the National Public Radio Board and former General Manager of WSSU; Steve Rohrer, a 1979 graduate of SSU in Computer Science and who served for 30 years as Director of UIS Campus Technology Services; and Dr. Karen Swan, UIS James J. Stukel Distinguished Professor of Educational Leadership, a widely published and well-respected scholar in the online education community. Join us for a discussion of the ways education is impacted by advances in technology and what is being lost or gained in the digital age.

October 20 the topic is the printed word as Dr. Larry Shiner, emeritus professor of Philosophy, History and Visual Arts at UIS moderates a panel on “Our Digital Age: The Future of Books, Newspapers and Libraries”. The series will conclude on November 17 with the topic of the economy as UIS College of Business and Management Dean Ron McNeil moderates a panel on “Financial Institutions and the Public Trust”.

Reservations are available for a delicious hot buffet lunch that begins at 11:30 a.m. The cost for lunch is $20 per session. The presentations that begin at 12 and end at 1:30 p.m. are free and open to the public. To sit near the front and enjoy the camaraderie at the tables we hope you will join us for lunch.

Why not register for the entire series for $50 and save! Pre-paid luncheon reservations are required a week prior to each session. Reservations are required by September 15 to receive the series discount.

Pre-registration is also requested from those not purchasing the lunch, but who wish to attend the presentations. For more information and to register, visit www.uiaa.org/uis/ or contact the Office of UIS Alumni Relations at 217/206-7395 or alumni@uis.edu.

Sponsors are the UIS Alumni SAGE Society, the Illinois State Historical Society and the Office of UIS Chancellor.