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.

Public invited to provide feedback to new UIS Innovation Center

WHAT:        The University of Illinois Springfield invites the public to attend an interactive input session about the new UIS Innovation Center and Springfield Innovation District in downtown Springfield.

WHEN:       5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2020

WHERE:      Innovate Springfield, 15 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield

DETAILS:    The UIS Innovation Center was named the first hub of the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN), a system of connected university-community-industry-based hubs throughout the state that will work together to drive innovation, economic development and workforce development across Illinois utilizing a combination of research, public-private partnerships, entrepreneurship and workforce training programs. Gov. JB Pritzker recently announced the release of funding for the IIN.

The goal of the UIS Innovation Center is to advance the regional economy by working with industry partners, government, civic organizations and other higher education institutions to build a robust and inclusive human capital and innovation pipeline.

After learning more about these endeavors, members of the public will have the opportunity to provide input and engage in small-group sessions with UIS faculty in the following focus areas: business incubation and acceleration, technology and research commercialization, social innovation, public policy research and workforce development and education.

Registration is limited. Members of the public who plan to attend are required to RSVP online at go.uis.edu/RSVPonline. If you’re unable to attend, members of the public can also provide feedback at go.uis.edu/FeedbackForm.

For more information, contact Bruce Sommer, UIS director of economic development and innovation, at 217-899-3186 or bsomm2@uis.edu.

UIS hosts leadership fair for high school students

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield and the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute will host over 200 high school students from around Illinois as part of a student leadership fair.

WHEN: Friday, September 21, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

WHERE: College/Career Fair: Public Affairs Center (PAC), lower level Opening Remarks: The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC)

DETAILS: The student leadership fair will allow high school students to hear nationally prominent motivational speakers, attend workshops on preparing for college, financial aid/literacy, and leadership development. Students will also have the opportunity to visit with recruiters representing vocational and technical schools, community colleges, 4-year academic institutions, and the military. In addition, students will receive helpful materials on college preparation and applying for scholarships.

Opening remarks will be delivered by UIS Chancellor Susan J. Koch and Jaime Cruz, president of the UIS Organization of Latin American Students at 9:30 a.m. in TRAC. Following the remarks, a keynote address will be delivered by speaker, educator, and author Jimmy Cabrera. The leadership development session will be led by motivational speaker Andres Lara.

The United States Hispanic Leadership Institute is a Chicago-based national nonprofit, nonpartisan, tax-exempt organization that promotes education, civil participation, and leadership development for Latinos and other similarly disenfranchised groups.

The free event is open to high school students of all backgrounds; however registration is required for admission. Students may register online at ushlislsspringfieldil2012.eventbrite.com.

For more information, contact Dr. Clarice Ford, UIS associate dean of students and Diversity Center director at 217/206-6333 or cford21@uis.edu.

Local businesses and organizations invited to the UIS "Foot in the Door" career fair

Area businesses and organizations are encouraged to register now for booth space at the 2012 “Foot in the Door” career fair at the University of Illinois Springfield. The fair will be held on Thursday, September 6, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Public Affairs Center (PAC) Concourse on the UIS campus. There is no cost for employers or students.

The “Foot in the Door” event is intended to bring students, local employers, and organizations together to discuss career opportunities in a broad range of available positions. Local businesses who are recruiting students to fill part-time jobs, internships, volunteer and other career opportunities are invited to participate in the event, which typically yields over 250 students. All attending employers should have immediately available opportunities for students.

Booth assignments will be made on a first-come, first-served response basis. Additionally, interviewing rooms will be available for employers use during the fair. Set-up for the event will begin at 10 a.m. on September 6.

Employers can register for the “Foot in the Door” career fair by visiting the UIS Career Development Center’s online system called “CareerConnect” at www.uis.edu/career/. Click on the “Employers: Login here” option to get started. The deadline to register is Monday, August 27.

The “CareerConnect” system also allows employers to establish a company profile and post career opportunities at no cost. UIS students and alumni are then able to view and apply for positions directly through the system by uploading their resume.

For more information or if you have questions about registration, contact the UIS Career Development Center at 217-206-6508 or employerrelations@uis.edu.

UIS to celebrate Earth Week (April 22-27)

The University of Illinois Springfield will celebrate Earth Week (April 22-27, 2012) with a variety of fun and educational events.

Sunday, April 22

• “Don’t Waste, Stuff Your Face” - 6 p.m. on the Quad - Pick up recycling bags at Housing Commons beginning April 19 to participate. Collect the most recyclables and win pizza for your housing unit. This event is sponsored by the Social Work Club.

Monday, April 23

• “Sustainable Landscaping & Unusual UIS Plants” at 11 a.m. in PAC F - Come learn about unusual UIS Plants with Joan Buckles or take a campus tour of plants starting at 12:30 p.m. at the colonnade.

Tuesday, April 24

• “Picnic on the Quad” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Bring your lunch and head out to the Quad where games and blankets will be available.

Wednesday, April 25

• “Environmental Fair” from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Brookens Library tunnel

• “Off Oil: Pioneering a Sustainable Business Model” presentation featuring John Bradford starting at 7 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium. This event is sponsored they the Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speakers Series and is a Springfest bonus event.

Thursday, April 26

• UIS Carpool Day - Email Jay Gilliam at jgill7@uis.edu to find a carpool near you!

• “What’s in Your Trash?” exhibit starts at 10 a.m. in the PAC Concourse. The exhibit will be on display through Friday, April 27.

Friday, April 27

• Springfest Arbor Day Tree Planting - Over 500 UIS students will be planning thousands of trees at two Springfield parks in shifts at 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. This event is sponsored by the UIS Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center and the Student Activities Committee. Parking is available at the Rail Golf Course in Sherman.

Good as Gold Ceremony honors over 40 community and campus volunteers

In honor of National Volunteer Week (April 15-21), the University of Illinois Springfield Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center and the Junior League of Springfield hosted the Good as Gold Ceremony, a recognition event to acknowledge community members and organizations for their volunteer efforts.

The ceremony took place on Wednesday, April 18, in the lobby of the Sangamon Auditorium on the UIS campus. More than 40 people were recognized during the event for their achievements and efforts.

Jack Sunderlik, a One Hope United Foster Grandparent was honored with the Distinguished Volunteer Award. He volunteers 40 hours a week at Dubois Elementary. According to his nominator, Sunderlik is called “Grandpa Jack” by all 430 students at Dubois. He meets a critical educational need for the students and provides special needs students with the individual special attention that they need to improve their academic, social, and behavioral skills. Students with the most serious behavioral and academic needs are paired with him each year. Sunderlik is a retired high school teacher and coach of 40 years.

Finalists for the Distinguished Volunteer included Virginia ‘Jenny’ McFeeters and Lynn Wilson, both American Red Cross volunteers; Lori Coultas, a volunteer at the Inner City Mission, and Mike Kennedy, a volunteer from Friends of Sangamon Valley. Jewel Richards, a One Hope United Foster Grandparent volunteer and Frank Fegan and Betty Lou Hicks, both American Red Cross volunteers were nominated for the award.

UIS student Justin Rose was honored with the Star Student Award and employee Jan Kirkham with the Star Staff Award for their exceptional commitment to service and volunteerism. Rose devotes at least 20 hours a week to volunteering with youth in the local Springfield Community. He created an initiative with Boys and Girls Club to mentor at-risk youth males on Saturdays, he’s a big brother, and in addition to these efforts off campus, he is a mentor to first-year first-generation college students at UIS. In her role as the Director of Experiential & Service-Learning Programs at UIS, Kirkham has been a career long advocate for service as part of the college experience. She has helped faculty create Service-Learning classes, helped incorporate service into the general education requirements, and fostered the Applied Study Term program. She spends time volunteering on campus and in the community.

Community members Isis Thompson, Logan Quance, Lance Quance, Melina Hale, Noah Siltman, and Nina Bishop were honored with Youth Volunteer awards. As part of the 21st Century Program, the teens have collectively volunteered over 200 hours in after-school programs this year. They provide teachers with hands on quality assistance, mentor children on the playground, and help to make sure the children stay on task.

Thirty-four local volunteers were also honored with the Heart of Gold Award. Recipients included: Linda Bradbury, Charles Beard, Alison Cappellin, Elizabeth (Liz) Dady, Judson DeVore, Karen Giannone, Rose Haas, Robert Hall, June Harmon, Joan E. Ingram, Wimer Kern, Louise Lee, LeGrand L. Malany, Elizabeth Muench, Deshanee Miner, Diana Odin, Fannie Patheal, Renee Piphus, Brenda Rauscher, Jean M. Reader, Jim Richbark, Michelle Ryan, Glenna Schlemm, Dick Smith, Donna Stimage, Joan Swearingen, Gail Tucker, Cecelia Upshaw, Carl and Roberta Volkmann, Julie Waldrop, Christina M. Whitehorn, Brenda Will, Mary Yokem.

The West Side Christian Church, genH Coalition, and First Christian Church, Springfield were also honored with Organization Awards for their contributions to the community.

For more information about the awards, please visit www.uis.edu/volunteer, email volunteer@uis.edu or call 217/ 206-7716.

UIS student-athletes teach kids how to live healthy

Student-athletes at the University of Illinois Springfield gave back to the Springfield community on April 13, 2012 by hosting “UIS Power & Fitness” for kids.

The Friday evening event was designed to empower children to live healthy and active lives. UIS student-athletes interacted with the students while playing basketball, volleyball, soccer, and participating in other events, such as relay races.

“Childhood obesity is at its all time highest right now, so we’re trying to make sure they know that being active is a good thing for them,” said Dylan Sparkman, a freshman men’s basketball player.

The goal of the event was to encourage the children to spend at least 60 minutes every day being active. The kids also learned how to make healthy snacks.

“As kids get older, it’s important for them to be active and have that healthy regimen in their lives,” said Marne Fauser, event organizer and head women’s basketball coach.

All of the student-athletes who participated in the event volunteered to help out. They consider it part of their responsibility as a college athlete to give back to the community.

“I think of myself as a kid and I remember how much I loved sports and it helps me to remind myself how sports are fun. I like to help share some knowledge with them,” said Tyler Lau, a freshman UIS baseball player.

“We’re their role models and they’re looking to be just like us when they’re old. I remember always looking at college athletes and professional athletes as people I wanted to be when I grew up,” said Cassie Wolfe, a freshman women’s basketball player.

For UIS freshman women’s soccer player Hunter Westbrook the Power & Fitness Night is not the only way they give back. She recently spent a week cleaning up New Orleans as part of an Alternative Spring Break trip.

“I personally love to volunteer,” said Westbrook. “I really enjoy helping people out.”

The Power & Fitness program was open to all K-8 students in the Springfield area and was held at The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) on campus.

UIS Lunch & Learn Series presents "Illinois - Overhead and Underfoot"

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Alumni SAGE Society and Illinois State Historical Society will host “Illinois – Overhead and Underfoot” as part of its annual Lunch and Learn Series.

WHEN: Thursday, April 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Public Affairs Center (PAC) Restaurant, located on the lower level of the PAC on the UIS campus.

DETAILS: Dr. Jeffery Saunders, curator and chair of geology at the Illinois State Museum, will take us back in time over 10,000 years to explore the Prairie State's vast geological past and extinct species such as mammoths and saber-toothed cats. Guy Sternberg, arborist, retired landscape architect and owner of Starhill Forest Arboretum, will discuss Illinois' shady past and the management of ancient and historic trees.

The cost for the hot buffet lunch and program is $20/per person. Reservations are requested, as seating is limited. Seating is available in the back for those who do not purchase the luncheon buffet.

Visit www.uiaa.org/uis to register online. For more information, contact the UI Alumni Association at UIS at 217/206-7395 or email alumni@uis.edu.

UIS invites community to "Health Awareness Day"

WHAT: As part of National Public Health Week, Campus Health Services at the University of Illinois Springfield will host “Health Awareness Day”. Over 40 vendors will offer information on health strategies and prevention. Members of the community, students, faculty, and staff are invited.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 4, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) on the UIS campus.

DETAILS: Campus Health Service is partnering with several local health providers to offer free health screenings. Memorial Medical Center will provide bone density and cholesterol testing; dieticians from St. John’s Hospital will be on site for nutrition counseling; Abbot Diabetic Care will be measuring glucose, UIS Recreational Sports will conduct body fat testing and BMI; nurses from UIS will measure blood pressure, height and weight. Midwest Rehab will discuss work ergonomics; Springfield Clinic will provide retina scanning, CPR for the lay person, eye and breast health information and asthma screenings. The Sangamon County Health Department will offer sun damage scanning and nicotine replacement program information.

“Health Awareness Day” will also feature samples of healthy vegetarian meals and exercise demos. The Red Cross will provide information on disaster preparedness and the UIS Stars Lounge will offer first aid kits. The Chiropractors of Springfield will offer massage therapy and spinal evaluations. The Central Illinois Community Blood Center will be providing blood typing and holding a blood drive from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. From 12:10 to 12:55 p.m., Kara McElwrath from UIS Information Technology Services will talk about “Health Related Apps” for your phone.

The event is co-sponsored by the UIS Masters in Public Health Student Association, UIS Recreational Sports, and Springfield Health Check. For more information, contact Lynne Price, director of UIS Campus Health Service at 217/206-6676 or email lpric1@uis.edu.

Spring schedule set for UIS Friday Night Star Parties

The University of Illinois Springfield’s popular Friday Night Star Parties will resume the last week in March and continue through the end of April. Those dates include: March 23, 30 and April 6, 13, 20, and 27. Friday Night Star Parties are held from 8 to 10 p.m., weather permitting, at the UIS observatory, located on the roof of Brookens Library.

Star Parties are hosted by John Martin, assistant professor of Astronomy/Physics. The observatory’s telescopes will be used to view a number of celestial objects, including the planets Venus, Mars, and Saturn; the Moon, when visible; the Great Nebula in Orion; and other double stars and star clusters. This spring we are fortunate to have the two bright planets Jupiter and Venus in the west at sunset, followed by Mars and Saturn rising later in the evening in the east.

A typical Star Party begins with a presentation as visitors ascend the stairs to the observatory, learning about galaxies, the sun and stars along the way. On the roof observation deck visitors are invited to view various celestial objects through telescopes and ask questions. Participants are welcome to arrive and leave as they wish between 8 and 10 p.m.

Friday Night Star Parties are free and open to the public. Reservations are not required, and groups are encouraged to attend. The entrance to the campus observatory is located outside Brookens Library on the southeast corner of the building.

Star Parties may be canceled for cloudy weather. Questions about whether the weather is suitable for viewing should be directed to 217/206-8342 at 7 p.m. on the evening of the Star Party. For more information on Star Parties, email John Martin at jmart5@uis.edu or visit www.uis.edu/astronomy/about/starparties.html.

"Expanding Your Horizons" gives girls hands-on lessons in math, science and technology

WHAT: The American Association of University Women (AAUW) - Springfield Branch will host "Expanding Your Horizons in Math, Science and Technology" – a hands-on conference designed for girls in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. Sessions will also be offered for parents & teachers.

WHEN: Saturday, March 17, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

WHERE: Public Affairs Center (PAC) on the UIS campus

DETAILS: Many cutting-edge careers will involve science, technology, engineering and math and will be wide open to well-prepared young women. Girls who attend this conference can choose three sessions from more than 20 hands-on, experiential workshops. Separate workshops for parents and teachers will be held concurrently.

Girls’ workshops will allow participants to interact with successful women who are scientists, physicians, engineers, architects and professionals in many other careers traditionally held by men. They will meet other girls with similar interests and learn about career opportunities for women.

Workshops include Soar into Engineering, Could You Be A Physician?, Are You Superhero Material?, From Science to Smoothie, and Medical Laboratory Investigators Solve A Mystery, among others.

The workshops for adults are designed to provide information on how to help girls cope with issues common to their age group and provide links to the resources they will need for access to higher education and careers.

The event is presented by AAUW and is sponsored by the University of Illinois Springfield and The Children’s Center of Mental Health Centers of Central Illinois, a Memorial Health System affiliate. Advance registration is required and space is limited for this event. For a brochure and registration information, call 217/793-1710 or go to www.EYHSpringfield.com.

Annual Holiday Stars Project benefits Central Illinois Foodbank

The Holiday Stars Project, a campus-wide service initiative giving focus to the University of Illinois Springfield’s efforts to make a difference in the local community during the holiday season, is celebrating another successful year.

Volunteers helped collect 8,366 pounds of food, which will be donated to the Central Illinois Foodbank. On Halloween night, seventeen student groups went door-to-door collecting canned food from the Springfield community. The rest of the food was collected during a campus-wide drive during the month of November.

In 2008, a campus-wide committee created the Holiday Stars Project. It is designed to be a tradition on campus, which strengthens our community efforts during the holiday season.

The Central Illinois Foodbank distributes nearly 8 million pounds of food annually to over 160 food pantries, soup kitchens, residential programs and after-school programs in a 21 county region. The foodbank is a member of Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger relief organization, and is a United Way certified agency. More information is available at www.centralilfoodbank.org.

For more information on the UIS Holiday Stars Project, contact Brittany Elder, volunteer services coordinator, by email at belde2@uis.edu.

UIS Visual Arts Gallery holds annual auction & benefit

The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery will hold its annual auction and benefit, which will start on Mon., Dec. 5 and end on Thurs., Dec. 8. A closing reception, along with final bidding, will take place on Dec. 8 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.

This annual fundraising event will feature an extraordinary range of work by artists who are celebrated locally and nationally. Local artists Felicia Olin, Thom Whalen, Chris Britt, Bob Sill, Mike Miller, and Betsy Dollar are among the list of artist donors, and the list goes on to include artists that range from emerging to established.

Auction items will include photographs, ceramics, sculpture, paintings, and works on paper, as well as some miscellaneous items, such as a custom printing package donated by Miles Ahead Productions and theater tickets donated by the UIS Theater Department. Proceeds from the annual UIS Visual Arts Gallery Auction and Benefit will support gallery programming throughout the year.

“This art auction is a chance for anyone to acquire a unique work of art and, at the same time, support visual arts in the Springfield community,” said Shane Harris, the UIS Visual Arts Gallery director and assistant professor. “We feel honored and grateful for the generous donations from artists and overall community and campus support.”

The Dec. 8 reception will include complimentary refreshments as well as offer final bidding for auction items. Also enjoy festive holiday music performed by the UIS Chorus from 5:00-5:30 p.m., and the Chamber Ensemble from 5:40 to 6:10 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

The UIS Visual Arts Gallery is centrally located on the UIS campus in the Health and Science Building, room 201 (HSB 201). Gallery hours are Mon. through Thurs., 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information, please visit the UIS Visual Arts Gallery website at www.uis.edu/visualarts/gallery, or contact the gallery by phone at 217/206-6506 or email gallery@uis.edu.

World AIDS Day panel to feature HIV positive individuals

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield will host an informational panel as part of World AIDS Day. The panel will feature HIV positive individuals, who will share their stories about living with the virus.

WHEN: Thurs., Dec. 1 from 4 to 6 p.m.

WHERE: Student Life Building (SLB) Multipurpose Room, located on the east side of the UIS campus. Parking is available in lot B, located next to SLB. A map of campus is available at www.uis.edu/maps/.

DETAILS: Worldwide, HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death and disease for women 15-49. Of the 1 million people with HIV in the United States, 1 in 4 don't even know they have it and almost 70% of these living with HIV are people of color. Overall, 50% of all gay black men are HIV positive and 78% of all black women infected with HIV contract it through heterosexual contact.

Jonna Cooley, Ph.D., executive director of The Phoenix Center will serve as moderator of the panel. The Phoenix Center serves as Springfield's LGBTQ Community Center providing high quality HIV/AIDS prevention and education to the community as a whole.

The panel discussion is being sponsored by the UIS Diversity Center & LGBTQ Resource Office, the Illinois Department of Public Health Center for Minority Health Services, the Springfield Urban League, Brothers and Sisters United Against HIV/AIDS, and The Phoenix Center.

For more information, contact Kerry Poynter, director of the UIS LGBTQ Resource Office at 217/206-8316 or email kpoyn2@uis.edu.

UIS Lunch & Learn Series presents "Landscapes of Memory: The Civil War as Illinois History"

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Alumni SAGE Society will host “Landscapes of Memory: The Civil War as Illinois History” as part of its annual Lunch and Learn Series.

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Public Affairs Center (PAC) Restaurant, located on the lower level of the PAC on the UIS campus.

DETAILS: During the Civil War, the state of Illinois was a pivotal resource for war efforts. More than 250,000 Illinoisans served in the Union army. The state's geographic location, railroads and proximity to rivers made it ideal for housing military supplies and sites for important "brown water" navy yards. POW camps and prisons dotted the state, processing thousands of captive Confederate soldiers. Illinoisans such as Lincoln, Grant and Logan played prominent roles in the war.

Historians and authors Robert Girardi and Carl Volkmann will share perspectives on Civil War memorials and POW Camps in Illinois.

The cost for the hot buffet lunch and program is $20/per person. Reservations are requested, as seating is limited. Seating is available in the back for those who do not purchase the luncheon buffet.

Visit www.uiaa.org/uis to register online. For more information, contact the UIS Office of Alumni Relations at 217/206-7395 or email alumni@uis.edu.

Auditions & crew interviews set for UIS Theatre's production of Sam Shepard's True West

The Theatre Program at the University of Illinois Springfield will hold open auditions and crew interviews for the second production of its 2011-2012 season – Sam Shepard’s True West - on Thurs., Dec. 1 and Fri., Dec. 2 in the Visual and Performing Arts Building (VPA) Room 170, located the east side of the UIS campus. Parking is available in Lot A. Crew interviews begin at 6 p.m. on both nights; auditions begin at 7 p.m. on both nights.

Auditions will consist of “cold readings” from the script; prepared monologues are welcome, but not mandatory. Resumes are appreciated, but are not required. Scripts are available for check-out at Brookens Library. The three available roles are Austin (an aspiring screenwriter), Saul (a Hollywood producer), and Lee & Austin’s mother. In this "Faculty Showcase" production, the role of Lee will be played by Associate Professor of Theatre, Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson.

Those interested in working on the production team (props, costumes, dramaturgy, running crew, sound or light board operator, assistant stage manager, etc.) will be asked to fill out a crew application form and meet briefly with the director.

True West explores the challenging and volatile relationship between brothers Austin and Lee, an unsavory drifter. Austin's attempt at creating his own screenplay to pitch to a Hollywood producer gets undermined by Lee's conman tactics, and the two brothers find themselves in a battle of wills with high stakes.

UIS Assistant Professor of Theatre Missy Thibodeaux-Thompson will direct. Production dates are Feb. 24-26 and March 1-3, 2012. The curtain time for Thursday, Friday and Saturday night shows is 7:30 p.m. with the Sunday performance starting at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens (65 or older with a picture I.D.), $8 for UIS Faculty/Staff and $6 for UIS students with a valid i-card. Please note that a $2 service charge, not included in the prices above, from Sangamon Auditorium will be added to each ticket price, at the time of purchase, for those who walk up to the UIS Ticket Office to buy their tickets. For those who buy over the phone with a credit card or buy online, an additional $3 is added (for a total of $5 as a service charge per ticket).

For more information about auditions, the play, or helping behind the scenes, contact Missy Thibodeaux-Thompson at 217/206-8307 or mthom1@uis.edu. You may also visit the Theatre Program’s website at www.uis.edu/theatre.

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.

International Student Festival celebrates cultural diversity

The University of Illinois Springfield celebrated its rich international and cultural diversity with an evening of exhibits, artistic performances, food tasting, and more on November 11, 2011.

It was all part of the 34th annual International Student Festival, the longest running student initiated festival on campus, which this year focused on the theme “Explore Folklore”.

“It draws people’s attention to the diversity that we do have around here. It’s not just a small community with one kind of person it’s actually a lot of variety different types of people with different backgrounds,” said Cassie Bernardi, UIS International Student Services graduate assistant.

The festival was not only open to students, faculty, and staff, but members of the Springfield community, who came to enjoy the traditional festival. International students also enjoyed sharing their culture and learning about others.

“We don’t get to see this back at home, so organizing this type of fest gives us new ideas and we can share our ideas,” said Sanjay Kumar, an international graduate student majoring in Management Information Systems.

The festival featured professional storytellers performing their craft as part of the folklore theme. Participants shared music and tales from around the globe during the cultural exchange.

For more information on services for International Students and programs, please visit www.uis.edu/International/.

UIS Assistant Professor of Visual Arts brings interactive Snapshots exhibition to campus

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery proudly presents Snapshots, an exhibition of work by UIS Visual Arts Assistant Professor Shane Harris.

WHEN: The exhibition will be on display Nov. 10-Dec. 1, 2011. An opening reception will take place on Nov. 17 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

WHERE: The UIS Visual Arts Gallery is centrally located on the UIS campus in the Health and Science Building, room 201 (HSB 201).

DETAILS: Shane Harris explores the concepts of play, intimacy and relationships with the exhibition Snapshots. This interactive installation offers the audience a rare opportunity to handle and play with a variety of small-scale sculptural pieces and create their own “snapshots”. The backdrop for this engaging visual playground will include digital prints and mixed media sculptures.

Harris, an Illinois native, has exhibited nationally and has received awards and acclaim for his work. He develops small-scale objects to communicate, on an emotional and personal level, with his viewers. “I use small scale to represent not only physical intimacy but emotional intimacy as well. I have always liked small objects that carry a powerful meaning,” said Harris. Harris partners his objects with digital images that he has staged, using his small-scale objects as subjects themselves. “Similar to the impact of looking at a photo album, which can evoke memories and feelings, looking at my abstract objects arranged in an intimate picture can also evoke or trigger an emotional response.” To learn more about Shane Harris and his work, visit his website at http://shaneharrisceramics.com.

The artist will be present throughout the opening reception to engage with the audience and to also present a brief artist talk that addresses his work and concepts. Complimentary refreshments will be provided. This event is free and open to the public.

Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information on Snapshots and future exhibitions, please visit the UIS Visual Arts Gallery website at www.uis.edu/visualarts/gallery, or contact the gallery by phone at 217/206-6506 or email: gallery@uis.edu.

UIS Music program presents Fall Showcase Concert

WHAT: For a musical tour near and far, UIS students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to attend the UIS Music Fall Showcase Concert.

WHEN: Fri., Nov. 18, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Sangamon Auditorium, UIS

DETAILS: The event will feature music from a variety of countries, cultures and historical periods. Highlights include Egyptian and Celtic inspired pieces, Swahili language, sounds of October, German atonal music, and a song from Queen.

Sangamon Auditorium doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the evening music begins at 7:30. The performance is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

The Chorus, under the direction of Melinda Pitt Kaye, will open the Showcase with music of Christopher Tin: “Baba Yetu.”

Directed by Dr. Abigail Walsh, the Chamber Ensemble will perform selections including “Egyptian Legacy” by Soon Hee Newbold and “The Creation of Stonehenge” by Jeremy Woolstenhulme.

Finally, Dr. Walsh will lead the Band through selections including Eric Whitacre’s “October,” and Vasilij Agapkin’s "A Slavic Farewell."

Donations are welcome and will be used to benefit the UIS Music Student Merit Award. This year’s awards will be presented at the Fall Showcase.

The UIS Music program began in 2001 and is comprised of students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as Springfield community members, all with a variety of skill levels. Anyone who is interested in joining the UIS Chorus, Band or Chamber Ensemble may contact Dr. Sharon Graf by emailing music@uis.edu or calling 217/206-6240.