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.

UIS to host Diverse Business Opportunity Fair

University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Susan Koch and the University of Illinois System Chief Procurement Officer Ben Bagby will host a Diverse Business Opportunity Fair featuring representatives from several state universities and community colleges.

Diverse businesses in the community interested in doing business with the state of Illinois’ public universities and community colleges are invited to attend the event on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the UIS Student Union Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright Drive, Springfield.

Working cooperatively with the state universities to increase participation by minority, women, persons with disabilities and veteran-owned firms in higher education procurement is a top priority for the University of Illinois System.

Chancellor Koch recognizes that these types of events are imperative in propelling economic growth and vital to establishing connections and collaborative relationships.

“Not only is our campus able to benefit from connecting with exceptional diverse businesses, other state universities and colleges participating have a vast array of needs that these firms are capable of meeting. Participating in the fair is a great way to gain a better understanding of what those needs are and who the decision makers are,” said Koch.

Bagby said the state has substantial opportunities for diverse firms to participate in the procurement and contracting process. He added, “It’s important that diverse businesses know that the state values their business and are always looking for new ways to expand the diverse supplier network. One way we are doing this is by reviewing the contract renewal process to ensure that the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) policies and goals are properly taken into account before a contract is renewed. This is a great example of a new process where a BEP goal can be established or increased,” Bagby finished.

The Diverse Business Opportunity Fair is sponsored by the Chief Procurement Office and organized by the University of Illinois and is open to all businesses who desire to do business with the state of Illinois public universities and colleges. There will also be prime contractors there who are interested in establishing partnerships with small and diverse businesses.

Businesses who are planning to attend the fair are strongly encouraged to register online.

For more information, contact Jill Menezes, UIS director of purchases, at 217/206-6651 or jmene1@uillinois.edu.

University of Illinois Springfield to cut ribbon on new $21.75 million Student Union Building

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield will officially open the new $21.75 million Student Union Building during a ribbon cutting ceremony. UIS Chancellor Susan Koch will be joined by U of I President Timothy Killeen, Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder and student leadership to cut the ribbon.

WHEN: Sunday, January 14, 2018, at 2 p.m. An open house will immediately follow the ribbon cutting until 4 p.m. 

WHERE: UIS Student Union, 2251 Richard Wright Drive, Springfield

DETAILS: The two-story, 50,000-square-foot student union anchors the campus’s south quad, providing campus dining services, a Starbucks coffee shop, a ballroom with seating for up to 450 people and a Student Leadership Center that houses student government, volunteer offices and workspaces for student organizations.

The first-ever student union will serve as a social hub for student life and foster a greater sense of community on the growing campus. In this signature building, so full of light and activity, students will interact with each other and with faculty, staff, and visitors, creating a vibrant and thriving focal point for life at UIS.

The new facility will fill a void that officials say has grown since UIS became part of the University of Illinois system in 1995. The campus was originally founded in 1969 as Sangamon State University, catering to upperclassmen and graduate-level students, but is now a traditional four-year school that lacked the central gathering place that student unions provide at most colleges across the nation.

For more information, contact Derek Schnapp, UIS director of public relations, at 217/206-6716 or dschn3@uis.edu.

UIS to unveil new Shakespeare Garden, marking the 400th anniversary of the writer's death

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield will unveil a new Shakespeare Garden on campus, marking the 400th anniversary of the poet and playwright’s death in 1616. The themed garden will features plants often mentioned in William Shakespeare’s work.

WHEN: Thursday, September 29, 2016, at 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: UIS Campus between Brookens Library and the Police Station

DETAILS: William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language. The Bard often used plants and gardens as metaphors for life, with many important scenes taking place in garden settings. For example: “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” is a frequently referenced line spoken by Juliet to her lover, Romeo, in Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet”.

The Shakespeare Garden, made possible by an award from the University of Illinois’ Chester Fund, will include signs near each plant with the relevant quotation and reference to the appropriate play or poem, as well as a fountain, walkways, and benches.

The centerpiece of the Garden is a life-sized bronze sculpture of the Bard himself, titled “Shakespeare,” by renowned sculptor Gary Lee Price. The sculpture depicts Shakespeare relaxing on a garden bench – an open invitation for visitors to sit beside him for a chat or a photo.

Other Shakespeare events happening on campus include, the UIS Theatre production of “Macbeth”, which will be presented October 28 – 30 and November 3 – 6 in the UIS Studio Theatre. Tickets are available through the Sangamon Auditorium Ticket Office.

UIS to unveil statue of young Abraham Lincoln

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield will unveil The Young Lawyer, a 6' 4" statue of Abraham Lincoln sculpted by renowned artist George Lundeen. The statue will be located on the UIS quad west of the colonnade.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 10, 2016, at 11 a.m.

WHERE: UIS quad, between University Hall and the Public Affairs Center

DETAILS: The unveiling celebrates the addition of a new Lincoln-centered landmark at UIS, home of the Chancellor Naomi B. Lynn Distinguished Chair for Lincoln Studies and the annual Lincoln Legacy Lectures, and the seminal host of the Papers of Abraham Lincoln.

Sculptor George Lundeen specializes in detailed, highly polished bronzes of subjects, such as Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. He also created the popular sculptor of Red Grange that sits outside Memorial Stadium on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus. His commissioned work can be found in private and corporate collections across the country.

The statue was made possible by the John N. Chester Estate Fund, an endowed gift fund created with the intent of adding to the attractiveness of the University of Illinois campuses.

Before the unveiling, Chancellor Susan J. Koch will share a few remarks, as well as University of Illinois President Timothy Killeen and the artist. Guests will also hear from UIS student Faith Hook, Abraham Lincoln Association President Kathryn Harris, and Michael Burlingame, Chancellor Naomi B. Lynn Distinguished Chair in Lincoln Studies at UIS.

The event will be hosted by the UIS Office of Advancement. A reception will follow the remarks and unveiling. The event is free to all attendees. The dress code is casual/business casual.

UIS to break ground on first-ever student union building on campus

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield will break ground on its first-ever student union building, a $21.7 million project. University of Illinois President Timothy Killeen will be joined by UIS Chancellor Susan Koch, and Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder for the groundbreaking ceremony.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 4, 2016, at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: UIS South Quad – Parking available in the University Hall or TRAC lots

DETAILS: The two-story, 50,000-square-foot facility will anchor the campus’s south quad, providing campus dining services, a coffee shop, a ballroom with seating for up to 450 people and a Student Leadership Center that will house student government, volunteer offices and workspaces for student organizations. The facility is scheduled to open in January 2018.

More than $5.3 million in gifts have been raised and officials say they will meet their $8 million fundraising goal before the facility opens. The remaining $13.7 million will be paid through campus funds and a construction fee that students approved in a 2012 referendum.

The new facility will fill a void that has grown since UIS became part of the University of Illinois system in 1995. The campus originally catered to upperclassmen and graduate-level students, but is now a traditional four-year school without the central gathering place for students.

William Brothers Construction Inc. of Peoria will be the general contractor for the project. Subcontractors include E.L. Pruitt Co. of Springfield, Commercial Mechanical Inc. of Dunlap and Foster Jacob Electric Inc. of Peoria. Dewberry Architects of Peoria and Workshop Architects of Milwaukee, Wisconsin developed design plans for the new facility.

For more information, contact Derek Schnapp, UIS director of public relations, at 217/206-6716 or dschn3@uis.edu.

Students invited to "Cheeseburgers with the Chancellor"

WHAT: Students are invited to talk to Chancellor Susan J. Koch about their experiences at UIS during “Cheeseburgers with the Chancellor”.

WHEN: Mon., Feb. 24, 2014 at 9 p.m.

WHERE: Lincoln Residence Hall Great Room

DETAILS: The forum will allow students to share their ideas and opinions with Chancellor Koch over FREE cheeseburgers in an informal setting. Vegetarian alternatives will be available.

This is the sixth forum in a series designed to create an ongoing open exchange of ideas between students and Chancellor Koch. The idea is to make the campus’ top leader more available to students in a comfortable environment.

This event is co-sponsored by the Black Male Collegiate Society, Black Student Union, International Student Association, Organization of Latin American Students, Queer Straight Alliance, Student Athlete Advisory Committee, and the Student Government Association.

Students invited to have "Chicken Wings with the Chancellor"

WHAT: Students are invited to talk to Chancellor Susan J. Koch about their experiences at UIS during “Chicken Wings with the Chancellor”.

WHEN: Tues., Nov. 5, 2013 at 9 p.m.

WHERE: Lincoln Residence Hall Great Room

DETAILS: The forum will allow students to share their ideas and opinions with Chancellor Koch over FREE chicken wings in an informal setting.

This is the fifth forum in a series designed to create an ongoing open exchange of ideas between students and Chancellor Koch. The idea is to make the campus’ top leader more available to students in a comfortable environment.

This event is co-sponsored by the Black Male Collegiate Society, Black Student Union, Greek Affairs Board, International Student Association, Organization of Latin American Student, Student Athlete Advisory Committee, and the Student Government Association.

Students invited to have "Cheesecake with the Chancellor"

WHAT: UIS Chancellor Susan J. Koch, along with the UIS Student Government Association (SGA), Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS), African Student Association (ASA), Black Student Union (BSU), and International Student Association (ISA) will host “Cheesecake with the Chancellor”.

WHEN: Wednesday, February 13 at 9 p.m.

WHERE: Lincoln Residence Hall Great Room

DETAILS: The forum will allow students to share their ideas and opinions with Chancellor Koch over FREE cheesecake in an informal setting.

This is the fourth forum in a series designed to create an ongoing open exchange of ideas between students and Chancellor Koch. The idea is to make the campus’ top leader more available to students in a comfortable environment.

Students invited to have "Chimichangas with the Chancellor"

WHAT: UIS Chancellor Susan J. Koch, along with the UIS Student Government Association (SGA), Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS), and Black Student Union (BSU) will host “Chimichngas with the Chancellor”.

WHEN: Tuesday, October 16 at 9 p.m.

WHERE: Lincoln Residence Hall Great Room

DETAILS: The forum will allow students to share their ideas and opinions with Chancellor Koch over FREE chimichangas in an informal setting.

This is the third forum in a series designed to create an ongoing open exchange of ideas between students and Chancellor Koch. The idea is to make the campus’ top leader more available to students in a comfortable environment.

The forum is the result of a sit down meeting between SGA members and Chancellor Koch.

Freshmen Move-In Day at UIS

Extra: View photos from Freshmen Move-In Day

The University of Illinois Springfield welcomed approximately 275 new students and their parents during Freshmen Move-In Day on August 22, 2012.

“It’s pretty great. Everyone is really helpful,” said Conor Dixon, a freshman moving into Founders Residence Hall.

Dozens of volunteers from the UIS Christian Student Fellowship (CSF), leadership retreat participants, members of the UIS soccer and volleyball teams, and other groups helped with the move-in process.

“It’s a lot smoother here than at bigger universities,” said Ryan McKanna, a resident assistant (RA). “(Bigger schools) just don’t have the manpower to help move everyone in.”

Students were assigned arrival times in an effort to avoid headaches and congestion. Volunteers helped direct parents to parking spaces, helped unload and carry items, and led students to their new rooms.

“UIS is a really nice-sized place, but also has certainly all the big time elements that I think a kid needs in college,” said Dave Anderson, a parent. 

Anderson’s daughter, Erin, picked UIS because of it’s right-size and the biology program was a perfect fit.

Chancellor Susan J. Koch greeted many of the students and their parents as they began the move-in process. She left them with some advice.

“My first piece of advice is to go to class,” said Koch. “Go to class everyday. Don’t miss any classes because that is really the first sign of success.”

The second piece of advice, “get out there” and explore campus. Sign up for student clubs and organizations and become involved.

“You should get out there except, of course, if you have an exam you need to study for, then you should stay and study,” said Koch.

Following the move, parents and students enjoyed a “Welcome BBQ” and a variety of other fun and entertaining events. Fall Semester classes at UIS begin on Monday, August 27.

Students invited to have "Chili with the Chancellor"

WHAT: University of Illinois Vice President and UIS Chancellor Susan J. Koch, along with the UIS Student Government Association (SGA), will host “Chili with the Chancellor”.

WHEN: Thursday, February 9 from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.

WHERE: Lincoln Residence Hall Great Room

DETAILS: The forum will allow students to share their ideas and opinions with Chancellor Koch over FREE chili in an informal setting.

This is the second forum in a series designed to create an ongoing open exchange of ideas between students and Chancellor Koch. The idea is to make the campus’ top leader more available to students in a comfortable environment.

The forum is the result of a sit down meeting between SGA members and Chancellor Koch.

For more information, contact Erin Wilson, SGA president by email at ewils4@uis.edu.

Students invited to have "Chocolate with the Chancellor"

WHAT: University of Illinois Vice President and UIS Chancellor Susan J. Koch, along with the UIS Student Government Association (SGA), will host the first-ever “Chocolate with the Chancellor” event.

WHEN: Wed., Nov. 30 from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.

WHERE: Lincoln Residence Hall Great Room

DETAILS: The forum will allow students to share their ideas and opinions with Chancellor Koch over FREE hot cocoa and cookies in an informal setting.

Koch hopes the forum will help to create an ongoing open exchange of ideas as she answers questions and addresses concerns. The idea is to make the campus’ top leader more available to students in a comfortable environment.

The forum is the result of a sit down meeting between SGA members and Chancellor Koch. For more information, contact Erin Wilson, SGA president by email at ewils4@uis.edu.

Speakers Series presents "Adam's Gift"

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speakers Series presents a discussion with Jimmy Creech. The event, entitled “Adam's Gift: A Memoir of a Pastor's Calling to Defy The Church's Persecution of Lesbians and Gays”, is part of Queertober LGBTQ Awareness Month at UIS.

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011 at 6 p.m.

WHERE: Public Affairs Center (PAC), Conference Rooms C/D, on the lower level

DETAILS: Jimmy Creech, a United Methodist pastor in North Carolina, was visited one morning in 1984 by Adam, a longtime parishioner whom he liked and respected. Adam said that he was gay, and that he was leaving The United Methodist Church, which had just pronounced that “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” could not be ordained. He would not be part of a community that excluded him. Creech found himself instinctively supporting Adam, telling him that he was sure that God loved and accepted him as he was. Adam’s Gift is Creech’s inspiring first-person account of how that conversation transformed his life and ministry.

Adam’s visit prompted Creech to re-evaluate his belief that homosexuality was a sin, and to research the scriptural basis for the church’s position. He determined that the church was mistaken, that scriptural translations and interpretations had been botched and dangerously distorted. As a Christian, Creech came to believe that discriminating against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people was morally wrong. This understanding compelled him to perform same-gender commitment ceremonies, which conflicted with church directives. Creech was tried twice by The United Methodist Church, and, after the second trial, his ordination credentials were revoked. Adam’s Gift is a moving story and an important chapter in the unfinished struggle for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender civil and human rights.

The event includes a question/answer session discussion, opening remarks from Chancellor Susan Koch, book signing and catered reception. Students must attend the presentation and discussion to receive credit for this event.

This event is co-sponsored by the UIS LGBTQA Resource Office, UIS Office of Undergraduate Education, Student Government Association, and Diversity Center. For a list of other Speakers Series events, visit http://illinois.edu/goto/speakerseries. For a list of other Queertober events, visit www.uis.edu/lgbtq.

Karl Scroggin wins 2011 CARE Award

Karl Scroggin, broadcast music specialist for WUIS radio, was honored with the 2011 Chancellor’s Award to Recognize Excellence in Civil Service during a September 22, 2011 luncheon.

Chancellor Susan J. Koch presented Scroggin with the award. Scroggin’s nomination form describes him as someone who is committed to his audience and the university. His nominator went on to say he works with “passion and zest” and “brings an optimistic attitude to the work environment.”

Scroggins has worked for WUIS since 1977 and is the host of “Classics with Karl Scroggin”, which can be heard Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Scroggin is known for his baritone voice, quiet demeanor, and widespread respect throughout the classical music community.

The award was handed out as part of the 5th annual Civil Service Appreciation Day, which honors the approximately 320 civil service employees at UIS for all of their hard work and dedication. This year’s celebration included a variety of door prize drawings.

In a special recognition during the event, the Staff Scholarship at UIS was renamed in memory of Mike Love. Love was a former UIS employee who was very passionate about the scholarship. Love’s family was presented with a special plaque of recognition. The Staff Scholarship was started in 1995. A total of 23 people have received the scholarship, with a total payout of $27,000.

Other Civil Service employees nominated for the award include:

Brenda Allan, Administrative Clerk, Center for State Policy and Leadership
Lori Atkinson, Admissions and Records Officer, Admissions
Amanda Baughman, Police Officer, Campus Police
Steve Dykema, TV Director/Producer, Office of Electronic Media
Patti Forgas, Customer Service Representative, OBFS
Sue Gibbons, Press Technician Assistant, Service Enterprises
Grant Johnson, Event Administrator, Conference Services
Brian Kroenlein, Catering Supervisor, Food Services
Charlene Lambert, Administrative Assistant I, Office of the Chancellor
Steve Marvel, Building Services Supervisor, Building Services
Normajean Niebur, Office Support Specialist, Criminal Justice
Lori Pinney, Human Resources Assistant, Human Resources
Marcia Rossi, Office Administrator, Library Administration
Patricia Ruestman, Office Support Specialist, Development
Bev Weddle, Office Administrator, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The winner of the CARE award receives $500, plus a $500 donation made to the campus organization of his or her choice.

Freshmen welcomed to UIS residence halls as fall semester begins

Hundreds of new college freshmen and their parents flooded the campus of the University of Illinois Springfield on Wednesday, August 17, 2011. The students spent the day moving into Lincoln and Founders Residence Halls with the help of dozens of volunteers.

“There’s a sense of excitement about move-in day that I think is like nothing else,” said Susan J. Koch, UIS chancellor. “One of the things I enjoy more than anything is just spending a little time with students and their parents.”

Students were assigned arrival times in an effort to avoid headaches and congestion. Volunteers helped direct parents to parking spaces, helped with unloading, carried items, and led students to their new rooms.

“I wouldn’t say it’s military precision, but it’s close,” said John Ringle, UIS director of housing and residential life.

New freshmen student Marcella Flowers traveled to Springfield with her parents, John and Rosemary. She has been looking forward to this experience, but admits it’s not easy leaving home.

“I wasn’t nervous at first, but then I got nervous right when we pulled into Springfield,” said Marcella.

She passed up an opportunity to attend the University of Iowa, because she believed UIS was a better fit and her parents agree.

“We like the campus. We like that size of it and the layout and we think it’s a good fit for Marcella,” said John. “We like the fact it’s not as big as the Urbana-Champaign campus. We also like the fact that it’s a University of Illinois degree when she finishes.”

For others, like Iris McFall it’s hard to let her only son, Claude Henry, start the next chapter in his life, but she knows it will pay off in the future.

“I want nothing, but the best for him. I’m going to miss him, but I’m really excited, and so is he, that he’s going to be attending college,” said McFall.

For more on move-in dates and other details visit the UIS Housing website.

Leadership Retreat teaches students about involvement

Learning what it means to be a leader was at the heart of a University of Illinois Springfield event held for residence assistants, student organization presidents, mentors and volunteers before the start of the fall semester.

The 2-day Student Affairs Leadership Retreat was designed to encourage collaboration, educate students about campus resources and help participants develop their own leadership skills.

“They learn so many new skills. They make so many great connections with each other. They are able to meet with each other and start the year off with a very positive attitude,” said Mary Umbarger, student organization and leadership coordinator for UIS Student Life.

Senior Sociology major Blake Johnson enjoyed exploring his own personal values and learning how they shape his leadership abilities.

“I feel like it’s a reminder and a refresher to always have everything you do center around your values,” he said. “Make sure as you look into the future and everything you’re involved in is really centered around yourself as well as benefiting others around you.”

For other students, they plan to use the networking abilities they gained from the retreat to partner with other student organizations and leaders.

“Collaboration is very important because you get a wide range of students come out and support the program or event you’re having,” said Jinger Sanders, junior Biology major.

Graduate Political Science major Aimee Winebaugh realizes the value of having everyone come together and sharing ideas at once.

“It’s one thing to have an idea, but if you don’t know the people you need to connect with you can’t really go anywhere,” she said.

The retreat also focused on time management, which has often been a challenge for senior Business Administration major Ryan Thoroman, who admits to becoming too involved.

“Probably one of the biggest faults I’ve had in the past is spreading myself too thin,” he said. “I think (I need to) prioritize my involvement.”

This was the fourth year for the Leadership Retreat. A total of 105 participants took part in the event.

Chancellor Koch and UIS alums featured at Forty Under 40 awards

Ten alumni from the University of Illinois Springfield were honored during the Springfield Business Journal’s annual Forty Under 40 Awards on July 13, 2011. UIS Chancellor Susan J. Koch delivered the keynote address.

The awards honored 40 leaders who are under the age of 40, in the Springfield and surrounding business communities. This was the 15th year for the awards, but the first time they were held at Brookens Auditorium at UIS.

"This isn't a list of the richest people in town, this isn't a list of the top attorneys or the top bankers or what have you. We think it should reflect the community as a whole," said Brant Mackey, editor and publisher of the Springfield Business Journal.

Chancellor Koch, making her first public appearance in Springfield, spoke to the crowd on the topic of leadership, sharing with them three lessons she has learned through personal experience. Those lessons: 1. Execution is important – Show up at work, be good at what you do, and always do your best work. 2. Get the right people on the bus – Have the right talent in place, on the bus and in the right seats. 3. Always do the right thing – Regardless of the time and effort required, focus on what is most important and right.

“I’m confident if you apply (these principles) good things will happen,” said Koch. “It’s so exciting for me to imagine the potential that this group has to make future contributions to this community.”

The ten UIS alumni honored during the awards include Jennifer J. Benanti, financial marketing director, Williamsville State Bank & Trust; Justin A. Blandford, historic site manager for the Old State Capitol, Lincoln Law Office, and Vachel Lindsay State Historic Sites; Lara Donovan, project manager at GoWeb1; Joshua Evans, legislative director, Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities; Holly Fowler, development associate, The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce; Josh Kauffman, public information officer/spokesperson, Illinois Department of Transportation; Jason Loftus, DSM, Spine Wave / JML Medical LLC; Penny L. McCarty, executive director of Human Resources, SIU School of Medicine; Travis Schutte, chef/owner, Secret Recipes; and Kelly W. Shores, registered representative, Davis Financial Group.

A full list of winners and their accomplishments is available in the July edition of the Springfield Business Journal.

Reception to welcome newly named UIS Vice President and Chancellor Susan J. Koch

WHAT: University of Illinois President Michael J. Hogan will welcome Susan J. Koch, the newly named Vice President and Chancellor of the University of Illinois Springfield during a public reception.

WHEN: Monday, April 11, 2011 from 2 to 4 p.m.

WHERE: Sangamon Auditorium lobby, located on the second floor of the Public Affairs Center (PAC) on the UIS Campus.

DETAILS: As vice president and chancellor of UIS, Koch will be responsible for the academic programs and operations of the Springfield campus. UIS serves approximately 5,000 students in 44 undergraduate and graduate programs in four colleges, with 211 full-time faculty, 533 staff and an annual operating budget of $73 million.

President Hogan called Koch a proven academic leader in announcing her appointment, effective July 1, subject to Board of Trustees approval.

Koch is currently Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Northern Michigan University, where she has served since 2007. Before joining NMU, Koch was the Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate College at the University of Northern Iowa.

Koch is a native of South Dakota, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in health/physical education/biology at Dakota State University. Her first job was as a high school teacher in Waterloo, Ia. She returned to college at the University of Northern Iowa and earned a master’s degree and doctorate, both in health education. Koch joined the faculty at UNI in 1985 and moved into administration in 1995.

Cindy Ervin honored with the 2010 CARE Award

Cindy Ervin, transportation supervisor in the Facilities and Services Department was honored with the 2010 Chancellor’s Award to Recognize Excellence in Civil Service during a September 15, 2010 luncheon.

In presenting the award Chancellor Richard Ringeisen read from Ervin’s nomination form, which describes her as “dependable, hard working and knowledgeable.” Ervin is known for always giving a top level of service, responding to challenges and never placing blame.

“I am just so surprised and shocked. This is such a nice honor. What a great place to work. I know most of you that are here feel that way too,” said Ervin in accepting the award.

Ervin also spends time volunteering both on campus and in the community through projects such as Sharing Tree and Adopt-a-Family.

The award was handed out as part of the 4th annual Civil Service Appreciation Day, which honors civil service staff for all of their hard work and dedication they display throughout the year. This year’s events included a photo scavenger hunt and door prize drawings.

Other Civil Service employees nominated for the award include:
Lori Atkinson, Admissions and Records Officer, Admissions
Tracy Beard, Office Manager, International Student Services
Deborah Dove, Admissions and Records Specialist II, Admissions
Don Fay, Building Service Worker, Building Services
Bobbie Fults, Office Support Specialist, Computer Science
Peggy Kitchen, Admissions and Records Officer, Records and Registration
Jill Menezes, Purchasing Office II, OBFS
Normajean Niebur, Office Support Specialist, Criminal Justice