Thursday, February 24, 2011

Speakers Series presents the documentary Natural Woman featuring filmmaker Cindy Hurst

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speakers Series presents the documentary Natural Woman, followed by a dialogue with filmmaker Cindy Hurst.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at 7 p.m.

WHERE: Brookens Auditorium on the lower level of Brookens Library

DETAILS: Natural Woman is a documentary that explores the psychological and philosophical implications of what occurs when African-American women chooses to stop straightening their hair and wear it naturally. This taboo and sometimes, painful topic, has been largely confined to private discussions within the Black community only. Natural Woman was created to invoke open and honest dialogue regarding the subject matter in community and educational forums.

Cindy Hurst is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She is the owner of The Sankofa Project, a film production and publishing agency developed to tackle cultural and gender issues.

Natural Woman is The Sankofa Project’s premiere film endeavor. The film includes interviews with diverse African-American females detailing their individual "natural hair" journeys. For the film, Hurst also interviewed highly acclaimed psychologists, Drs. Na’im Akbar and Kobi Kambon, both fathers of the African/Black psychology movement.

This event is being coordinated by the UIS student organization “Kinky & Curly: Natural Hair Empowerment Club”, whose purpose is to reconstruct societal definitions of beauty, while celebrating natural uniqueness. UIS student Ashley Price led the club’s effort to bring Hurst to campus. Other groups co-sponsoring this event include the UIS Diversity Center and Women’s Center.

For more information contact Kimberly Craig at 217/206-6245 or email craig.kimberly@uis.edu.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Cyber Defense and Disaster Recovery Conference focuses on "Securing the Human"

WHAT: “Securing the Human” is the topic of the 2011 Cyber Defense and Disaster Recovery Conference at the University of Illinois Springfield. The one-day training conference is hosted by the UIS Computer Science Department, in conjunction with InfraGard Springfield, an initiative of the FBI, and CSSIA, a regional center for cyber security.

WHEN: Friday, March 11, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. (SANS check-in will begin at 7 a.m. with registration check-in at 8:30 a.m.)

WHERE: Conference Room C/D, located on the lower level of the Public Affairs Center (PAC) on the University of Illinois Springfield campus.

DETAILS: Humans are often the target of cyber attackers, who bypass security controls using techniques such as social engineering to get the information they want. Awareness, not just technology, is now a key factor in an organization's goal to reduce risk, protect its reputation, improve governance and be compliant. This conference will help organizations secure employees, contractors, IT staff, and management against common and emerging risks. Learn who is targeting the human and how people are being attacked.

A limited number of seats are included in this conference at no additional charge for SANS training, "SANS Security 464: Hacker Detection for SysAdmins Continuous Education Program". Three distinct sessions will be presented by SANS. Please see the conference Speaker Descriptions and Agenda for details.

In addition, the conference features 8 distinguished speakers presenting on topics such as e-Discovery, finding personal information through the use of social networking websites, credit/debit card fraud, risk management and more.

Pre-registration for the conference is required by March 1, 2011. A registration fee of $35 covers the full conference, including SANS training, lunch and refreshments. SANS seating is limited. Register now (scroll to the bottom of the page) at http://csc.uis.edu/center/conferences/cddr2011.html

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Political Art and the Public Sphere presents "The End of Suburbia" film screening and discussion

WHAT: The Political Art and the Public Sphere (PAPS) series at the University of Illinois Springfield presents a screening of the film The End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion & the Collapse of the American Dream. The film will be followed by a discussion moderated by Stefano Longo, assistant professor of Environmental Studies at UIS.

WHEN: Monday, February 28, 2011 at 6 p.m.

WHERE: Brookens Auditorium on the lower level of Brookens Library at UIS

DETAILS: Since World War II North Americans invested much of their newfound wealth in suburbia. It promised a sense of space, affordability, family life and upward mobility. As the population of suburban sprawl has exploded in the past 50 years, so too has the suburban way of life become embedded in the American consciousness. Suburbia, and all it promises, has become the American Dream. But in the 21st century, serious questions are beginning to emerge about the sustainability of this way of life.

The End of Suburbia explores the American way of life and its prospects as the planet approaches a critical era, as global demand for fossil fuels begins to outstrip supply.

Are today’s suburbs destined to become the slums of tomorrow? What can be done now, individually and collectively, to avoid The End of Suburbia?

Stefano Longo will guest moderate each session in the spring 2011 semester. Longo, who helped to curate the program for the spring 2011 series, earned his Ph.D. in Sociology at the University of Oregon in 2009. His expertise is in the areas of environmental sociology, political economy, and social theory. His research focuses on the global food system, examining the intersection of environmental and social processes in the context of food production, consumption, and distribution.

The PAPS series is a monthly event on the UIS campus featuring a showing or a performance of some kind of “political art,” followed by an hour or two of group discussion. Each of the installments in the spring 2011 series will provide a look at critical perspectives on ecology and environmental crisis.

For more information contact Dr. Richard Gilman-Opalsky, professor of Political Philosophy at rgilm3@uis.edu or 217/206-8328.

Monday, February 21, 2011

UIS and Junior League partner to honor community volunteers and groups in Good as Gold Ceremony

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) and the Junior League of Springfield (JLS) are excited to announce the third annual Springfield Good as Gold Ceremony, a volunteer recognition event to acknowledge local community members and organizations.

WHEN: Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 5:15 p.m. (Registration starts at 4:30 p.m.)

WHERE: Public Affairs Center (PAC) Lobby

DETAILS: This will be an upscale event emceed by Jessica McGee of WICS-TV 20 and Dave Daniels from WDBR 103.7 FM to recognize volunteers who use their time and talent to help improve the lives of others in the Springfield area.

There are several categories for which an individual can be nominated, including an award for Heart of Gold, Distinguished Volunteer, Youth Volunteer, and Organization Agent of Service Award. In addition, at the ceremony the Junior League of Springfield will feature the winner of its Outstanding Graduate Award, recognizing a local female high school junior for her leadership and volunteerism. UIS will also honor one staff or faculty member and one student who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to service and volunteerism.

Nomination forms can be filled out or downloaded online at either www.jlsil.org or www.uis.edu/volunteer. Only volunteers living and/or volunteering within Sangamon County will be considered to receive an award.

The deadline to nominate an individual or organization is Friday, March 11, 2010. For more information, contact the UIS Volunteer Center at volunteer@uis.edu or 217/206-7716.

Friday, February 18, 2011

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

WHAT: The American Association of University Women - 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.

WHEN: Saturday, March 19, 2011 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 in these fields.

Workshops include From Science to Smoothie, At the Scene of the Crime, The Unseen World Around Us, Futuristic Medicine Today, Soar into Engineering, and Horsin’ Around, 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.

Adult workshop topics include Best Practices in Bullying Prevention and Intervention for Adolescents and Unraveling the Mystery of the ACT and SAT.

The event is presented by the American Association of University Women - Springfield Branch, 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 217/787-8078 or go to www.aauw-il.org/springfield/eyh.htm.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Collegiate Career Fair helps students connect with employers



Hundreds of students attended the 13th annual Springfield Collegiate Career Fair, which was held at the University of Illinois Springfield on Thursday, February 17.

The fair is part of a partnership between UIS, Lincoln Land Community College, Robert Morris University and Benedictine University at Springfield. The schools pooled their resources to bring representatives from 88 employers to campus.

“We have the government sector, we have the private sector, we have a lot of retail for those growing positions that are in the local community,” said Tammy Craig, director of the UIS Career Development Center.

Senior UIS English major Kelly Pierce came to the fair looking for a job. She graduates in May and is still looking for the right opportunity.

“It’s just a way to find out more about jobs I don’t know about, because you can only search online so much, before you need help from actual people,” she said.

Beyond information about actual job openings, the fair was designed to provide an open information exchange about different organizations, hiring trends and the best routes to future opportunities.

For potential employers, the fair offers them a chance to meet one-on-one with job seekers and develop a pool of future candidates.

“When we have interviews we really only get to see their resume, so this is really nice to have face-to-face time,” said Niki Kersey, a representative from American Income Life Insurance and a senior Business Administration major at UIS.

For more information on career services visit the Career Development Center’s website or call 217/206-6508.

Speakers Series presents "Changing Lives One Dinner at a Time: The Creation of Dining for Women"

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speakers Series presents “Changing Lives One Dinner at a Time: The Creation of Dining for Women”. Marsha Wallace, founder of Dining for Women will be the featured speaker.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 7 p.m.

WHERE: Sangamon Auditorium Lobby, 2nd floor Public Affairs Center (PAC)

DETAILS: In the fall of 2002, Marsha Wallace saw an article in a magazine about a group of friends who met for pot luck dinners and collected donations for needy families using the money they would have spent if they had eaten at a restaurant. Marsha was struck by the idea of using “dining out dollars” to help others and the idea of Dining for Women (DFW) was born. About 20 people attended the first DFW dinner in 2003 and $750 was raised. Since that first dinner, the group has achieved tax exempt status, been included in a national study on giving circles, and has been featured in the national media. Hundreds of chapters and thousands of women have joined DFW, making a difference in the lives of tens of thousands women worldwide.

DFW focuses on improving the lives of women and girls worldwide, which often live on less than $1 a day. By focusing on women and girls, DFW empowers women to find solutions to the problems they face through education, healthcare, and economic development.

Wallace will discuss how each individual has the power and responsibility to make a difference in eradicating world poverty, and the benefits of collective giving. Despite the Dining for Women title, men are welcome and encouraged to attend this event.

For more information and a list of other speakers series events visit http://illinois.edu/goto/speakerseries or contact Kimberly Craig at 217/206-6245 or craig.kimberly@uis.edu.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Central Illinois Nonprofit Resource Center at UIS offers workshops on grants and budgeting

The Central Illinois Nonprofit Resource Center (CINRC) at the University of Illinois Springfield’s Brookens Library is offering a series of workshops designed to assist local nonprofit organizations.

The CINRC offers a wealth of resources to support the efforts of nonprofits including information sources and trainings. The center will be hosting several free workshops this spring on the use of the CINRC's resources. In addition, Kristin Olson of Grants Galore will be offering workshops on topics related to proposal preparation including grant writing, budgeting, federal grants, need statements and assessments. Registration is required for all events as seating is limited.

Schedule of upcoming workshops:

Grant Writing & Budgeting Basics
Date: Wednesday, February 23
Time: 9 a.m. – Noon
Cost: $45
Presenter: Kristin Olson, M.A.

Locating Private Foundation Funding, Grant Writing & Budgeting Basics
Date: Saturday, February 26
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: $45
Presenters: Kristin Olson, M.A. and Pamela Salela, M.A., M.S.

Locating Private Foundation Funding
Date: Wednesday, March 2
Time: 10 a.m. – Noon
Cost: Free
Presenter: Pamela Salela, M.A., M.S.

Federal Grants Step-by-step
Date: Wednesday, March 9
Time: 10 a.m. – Noon
Cost: $30
Presenter: Kristin Olson, M.A.

Locating Private Foundation Funding
Date: Wednesday, April 13
Time: 10 a.m. – Noon
Cost: Free
Presenter: Pamela Salela, M.A., M.S.

Need Statement & Evaluation
Date: Wednesday, April 27
Time: 9 a.m. – Noon
Cost: $45
Presenters: Tosha Cantrell-Bruce, Ph.D. and Kristin Olson, M.A.

For further information on upcoming CINRC workshops contact Pamela Salela at 217/206-6783 or email psale2@uis.edu. You can find more information about and register for the workshops online by visiting http://go.illinois.edu/CINRCCalendar.

Friday, February 11, 2011

UIS Etiquette Dinner to teach the ins and outs of proper dining

WHAT: Join the UIS Career Development Center and learn how to navigate important business dinners. Enjoy a gourmet meal while learning the ins and outs of proper dining etiquette for formal and business events. Community partners are encouraged to attend and help mentor UIS students.

WHEN: Wednesday, February 23, 2011 from 6 to 8 p.m. Seating for the dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. and registered guests are encouraged to arrive early.

WHERE: Public Affairs Center restaurant (lower level PAC) on the campus of University of Illinois Springfield

DETAILS: The four-course dinner will provide participants with the opportunity to brush up on their table manners and provide other dining tips to enhance business and social interactions over a meal. Beth Reutter, coordinator of the Hospitality Management Program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, will be the instructor. A corporate etiquette consultant certified by the Protocol School of Washington, D.C., Reutter has presented this program to college students and other college groups as well as to business and Chamber of Commerce groups in central Illinois and Chicago.

The cost of the event (including dinner) is $10 for current UIS students and $25 for all others. The program is open to the public, however space is limited and advance registration is required. Payment must be received by February 18 at noon to avoid reservation cancellation.

You may register online at www.uis.edu/careerservices/ or call 217/206-6508 to pay using a credit card. You may also stop by the UIS Career Development Center in SAB 50 from 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Monday – Friday and pay using cash, check or credit card. Mail reservations along with payment to: UIS Career Development Center, One University Plaza, MS SAB 50, Springfield, IL 62703.

For more information contact Rachel (Hasenyager) Lattimore, employer relations coordinator at 217/206-6508 or email rhase01s@uis.edu.

Distinguished ceramics artist to present workshops, lecture

One of the leading figures in contemporary American ceramics will conduct a Visiting Artist Workshop Feb. 24-25 on the campuses of the University of Illinois Springfield and Lincoln Land Community College, with the public invited.

Chris Staley is a Distinguished Professor of Art at Pennsylvania State University, having taught there since 1990. His work is in many collections, including the Smithsonian Institution’s Renwick Gallery of the National Museum of Art, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. He has traveled extensively as an artist-in-residence from Bezalel Academy in Israel to Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Maine. His work has been included in several books, and he has authored several articles on ceramics and pottery in periodicals and journals.

A ceramics exhibit, featuring the work of UIS and LLCC students, will be on display in LLCC’s James S. Murray Gallery during with his visit. The gallery is located on the upper level of LLCC’s Menard Hall and is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

His schedule includes (all open to the public):

Thursday, Feb. 24
9 - 11:30 a.m. Demonstration at UIS Ceramics Lab (Visual and Performing Arts Building)
1- 3:30 p.m. Demonstration at UIS Ceramics Lab
4 - 5:30 p.m. Critiques in Ceramics Exhibit at LLCC
5:30 – 7 p.m. Lecture at LLCC (Menard Hall, Room 2209) on his work, how it developed through his career, and the role of handmade pottery in today's society.

Friday, Feb. 25
9 - 11:30 a.m. Demonstration at UIS Ceramics Lab
1 - 3:30 p.m. Demonstration at UIS Ceramics Lab

Sponsored by: UIS Student Affairs, UIS Visual Arts, Lincoln Land Community College Visual Arts and the UIS Art Student League.

For more information contact Shane Harris, UIS visiting assistant professor of Visual Arts at 217/206-7548 or email saharris@uis.edu.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

UIS students create Tunnel of Oppression as part of Black History Month



A group of resident assistants at the University of Illinois Springfield spotlighted issues of privilege and power through an interactive exhibit known as the Tunnel of Oppression on February 9-10, 2011.

The Black History Month display welcomed more than 100 people during its two day run. While students have designed similar displays in the past, this is the first time they had taken on an exhibition of this magnitude. The goal was to leave a lasting memory with those who visited the display.

“We want students to look outside themselves to understand there’s so much more in this world that goes on that is beyond anything probably they ever imagined,” said Kalia Patricio, organizer and a west campus resident director.

Participants were guided through a series of scenes that aimed to educate and challenge them to think more deeply about issues of oppression. At the end of the tour, participants were provided with the opportunity to discuss their experiences with each other. Facilitators helped participants reflect on their experiences and put their newfound knowledge to use in their everyday lives.

“I think I was just kind of overwhelmed by just how successful it was. I saw a lot of the pieces, but when the pieces came together I was actually very proud of what my staff has done,” said Jessica Enock, a UIS senior who helped design the display.

Students started planning the Tunnel of Oppression in August and conducted research, designed posters and made arrangements for the space necessary for the display.

“It’s been a lot of research, a lot of craft projects and a lot of work,” said Enock.

Organizers hope to host similar Tunnel of Oppression events during future Black History Month celebrations on campus.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

UIS Speakers Series and Visuals Arts Gallery present an evening with Carlos Francisco Jackson

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speakers Series and the UIS Visual Arts Gallery presents an evening with artist and writer Carlos Francisco Jackson.

WHEN: Thursday, February 17, 2011 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. with a reception following in the UIS Visual Arts Gallery from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

WHERE: The discussion will take place at Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of Brookens Library, at UIS.

DETAILS: Jackson is an assistant professor of Chicana/o Studies at the University of California at Davis, and the Director of Taller Arte del Nuevo Amanecer, a community art center in Woodland, California. His book titled “Chicana and Chicano Art: ProtestArte”, is the first book solely dedicated to the history, development, and present-day flowering of Chicana and Chicano visual arts.

Jackson, born and raised in East Los Angeles, comes from a multigenerational family of working people. Inspired by and furthering the Chicano art movement, Jackson brings to UIS his series of large silk screen prints to tell the story of Mi América/My America. This is a story of the United States that he sees, that his family and community experienced, that he understands himself to live in as a Chicano artist. Like a visual essay, his work depicts moments in the history of his Mexican American community and other communities connected to social justice and human rights issues.

The UIS Visual Arts Gallery will host the Mí America/My America exhibition from February 1-March 23 in the gallery located inside the Health and Science Building (HSB 201). An opening reception will be held following the discussion in the gallery on February 17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Normal gallery hours are Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information contact the gallery by phone at 217/206-6506 or by email at gallery@uis.edu. You may also visit: www.uis.edu/visualarts/gallery.html

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

13th annual Collegiate Career Fair to be held at UIS

WHAT: The career planning and placement offices of the University of Illinois Springfield, Lincoln Land Community College, Robert Morris University and Benedictine University at Springfield will host the 13th annual Springfield Collegiate Career Fair. The primary audience for the free event is current students and alumni of the four participating institutions.

WHEN: Thursday, February 17, 2011 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: The Public Affairs Center on the UIS campus

DETAILS: Beyond information about actual job openings, the fair is designed to provide an open information exchange about different organizations, hiring trends and the best routes to future opportunities. For potential employers, it is a chance to disseminate pertinent information and to develop a pool of candidates interested in future opportunities, internships and summer openings as well as permanent employment.

Representatives from approximately 100 area employers are expected to be on hand, and the event has an average attendance of more than 400 students and alumni.

Information for students, alumni and others: Pre-registration is not required; business-casual attire is required, and participants should bring copies of their resumes to the fair.

Information for employers: Advance registration is required. Free booth space will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is available online at www.uis.edu/careerservices. For more information or to register, contact the Career Development Center at 217/206-6508.

For more information about the Collegiate Career Fair, go online to www.uis.edu/careerservices, call 217/206-6508 or e-mail careerservices@uis.edu.

Speakers Series presents "Songs of Power" concert at downtown Springfield church

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speakers Series presents “Songs of Power”, a concert by Amasong: Champaign-Urbana's Premier Lesbian/Feminist Chorus. The event will be followed by a discussion and light refreshments.

WHEN: Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 4 p.m.

WHERE: First Presbyterian Church, 321 South Seventh St., downtown Springfield (across from Lincoln Library).

DETAILS: Music can change the world! From the Underground Railroad in the United States to the struggles against Apartheid and AIDS in South Africa music has helped change society. From the empowerment of one woman in the ancient world, to a Chinese feminist revolutionary a century ago, to the peace and justice movements of today music is powerful. Singing has the ability to join minds, hearts, and hands in work for positive change.

Amasong is an award-winning amateur lesbian/feminist chorus based in Champaign-Urbana. Amasong's repertoire draws most heavily upon folk music from various world traditions, music written by women, and other music reflecting women's experiences.

Amasong Music Director Meagan Johnson Smith is a choral conductor, composer, and vocal soloist with a passion for teaching. She received her Master of Music in Voice Performance and Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance and Music Education from Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY.

The concert is free and open to the public. For more information contact Pamela Salela at 217/206-6783 or email psale2@uis.edu.

The concert is made possible by the following sponsors at UIS: ECCE Speakers Series, Student Affairs, Friends of Brookens Library, Safe Zone, Diversity Center, Campus Health Services, LGBTQ Resource Office, Women’s Center, UIS Music, Women & Gender Studies and the Office of Disability Services.

Monday, February 7, 2011

UIS hosts Tunnel of Oppression event Feb. 9-10 as part of Black History Month

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield will host Tunnel of Oppression, an interactive event that highlights contemporary issues of oppression as part of Black History Month. The event is designed to introduce participants to the concepts of oppression, privilege and power.

WHEN: Wednesday, February 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Thursday, February 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: The Public Affairs Center (PAC) first floor conference rooms

DETAILS: Participants are guided through a series of scenes that aim to educate and challenge them to think more deeply about issues of oppression. At the end of the tour, participants are provided with the opportunity to discuss their experiences with each other. Facilitators help participants reflect on their experiences and put their newfound knowledge to use in their everyday lives. Additionally, Jessica Pettitt, a speaker well-versed in issues of social justice, will engage with students in a dialogue following the event.

Tunnel of Oppression is a campus grassroots diversity program that originated in 1993 at the Western Illinois University. Using the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, California as a model, Tunnel strives to give people a way to experience oppression in a hands-on way. By engaging emotions of the participants, it allows for the accounts expressed in the program to be truly effective. People may have never been placed in these types of situations, and they obtain a sense of what it actually feels like to be oppressed or discriminated through the sights and sounds they experience. While Tunnel may be disturbing, it is an effective tool used to teach people about how it really feels to be in the various situations.

For more information on the Tunnel of Oppression contact student organizer Jessica Enock by email at jenock2@uis.edu.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Local nonprofits invited to community convening on the "Wild World of Grants!"

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield’s Central Illinois Nonprofit Resource Center at the Norris L. Brookens Library in partnership with GoodWorksConnect and the Sangamon County Community Foundation is sponsoring a nonprofit community convening featuring Kristin Olson of Grants Galore. The event, entitled “Nonprofit Community Convening: Wild World of Grants!” is free and open to the public.

WHEN: Tuesday, February 8, 2011 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Networking and registration will begin at 9:15 a.m.

WHERE: Public Affairs Center (PAC), Conference Room H, located on the University of Illinois Springfield campus.

DETAILS: It is a Wild World of Grants out there! Learn about the 2011 grant making outlook, the different breeds of grants you can apply for, and tips from Olson and other attendees for securing your first or 50th grant award.

Olson began writing grants in 1998 when she was a graduate student. After earning her master's degree in nonprofit organization management, she worked in the nonprofit sector for seven years and now provides grant writing services through her consulting firm, Grants Galore. She has also accrued more than 20 years experience facilitating workshops in a variety of settings.

Registration is free and teams of board members and staff are encouraged. Seating is limited. To register for this event, visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WZLJFH6 or contact Pamela Salela at 217/ 206-6783 or at psale2@uis.edu no later than Friday, February 4, 2011.

This convening is one in a series of nonprofit gatherings in East Central Illinois. For more information, visit www.goodWORKSconnect.org.

Auditions set for UIS Theatre's production of Rebecca Gilman's Spinning Into Butter

The Theatre Program at the University of Illinois Springfield will hold open auditions for the second production of its 2010-2011 season – Rebecca Gilman’s Spinning Into Butter - on Sunday, February 6, and Monday, February 7, beginning at 7 p.m. both nights in the Studio Theatre, located on level one of the Public Affairs Center on the UIS campus. Call-backs will be at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 8.

Auditions are open to anyone, with or without experience. Auditions will consist of “cold readings” from the script, and prepared monologues and resumes are appreciated but are not required. Scripts are available for check-out for a refundable $10 deposit at Brookens Library.

Spinning Into Butter explores the dangers of both racism and political correctness in America today. Curtain Up and Library Journal summarize the play as follows: Sarah Daniels, the Dean of Students at fictional, idyllic northeastern Belmont College, is dedicated to helping students like Patrick Chibas obtain an available scholarship and persuades him that "the ends justify the means" when he balks at identifying himself as a standard minority. Then an unprecedented incident of racism on the campus forces Sarah to confront her own demons of prejudice and fears. According to Dramatic Publishing company, “Her self-examination leads to some surprising discoveries and painful insights, the consequences of which even she can't predict.”

UIS Associate Professor of Theatre Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson directs Chicago playwright Rebecca Gillman’s provocative and challenging play. Production dates are April 8-10 and 14-16. The curtain time for Thursday, Friday and Saturday night shows is 7:30 p.m. with the Sunday performance starting at 2 p.m.

Those interested in working on a crew (running crew, costumes, props, stage management) will be asked to fill out a crew application form, and meet briefly with Thibodeaux-Thompson beginning at 6 p.m. on February 6 or February 7 in the Studio Theatre.

For more information about auditions, the play, or helping behind the scenes, contact Thibodeaux-Thompson at 217/206-6613 or ethib1@uis.edu. You may also visit the Theatre Program’s website at www.uis.edu/theatre.