Springfest 2013 ends with mud tug-of-war

Students at the University of Illinois Springfield ended Springfest 2013, a week-long event featuring a variety of fun and educational competitions, with the annual mud tug-of-war on April 27.

The theme of the 2013 competition was “The Springfest Games”, which featured a total of 29 teams made up of over 400 students.

Springfest is one of the longest running and most popular traditions at UIS. Springfest challenges include a scavenger hunt, trivia night, flag & chant competition, and sports day.

For more information on Springfest, visit their Facebook page.

Springfest 2013 begins with Scavenger Hunt

Over 400 students helped to kick off Springfest 2013 with the annual Scavenger Hunt on April 22, 2013. Springfest is one of the longest running student traditions on campus, which started in 1992.

Scavenger Hunt participants were given a surprise list of over 200 items to collect during a one-hour period. Points were awarded based on the number of total items collected.

“Teams are given entire freedom as to how they want to parcel out the Scavenger Hunt list and some people come up with really innovative ways to do the Scavenger Hunt itself. It’s really exciting,” said Matt Dobill, Student Activities Committee traditions co-chair.

Students were not allowed to use cars, bikes, or other transportation and had to collect all of the items on campus.

“It was just really intense and I felt like really under pressure to get everything,” said Parker Sheley, a freshman visual arts major.

While some items on the list were straightforward, other items were a little harder to locate. Some of the stranger items on this year’s list included a matching pair of left shoes, a coconut bra, and a butterfly net.

For a complete list of Springfest activities, visit https://www.facebook.com/Springfest2013AtUIS

UIS makes enrollment easier for transfer students with one-stop "Transfer Express" events

The University of Illinois Springfield is making it easy for transfer students to enroll next fall. Transfer Express is a series of five one-stop, one-day events, beginning on April 27, 2013 and running through August 17, 2013. Students from area community colleges, other universities, and those who never finished college, can get everything taken care of for Fall 2013 classes – in a single day.

Transfer Express will have its first session on April 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Admissions Office in University Hall (UHB). Other dates for Transfer Express are June 22 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.), July 18 (3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.), August 8 (3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.), and August 17 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.).

Prospective transfer students should bring their official sealed transcripts and application fee to the sessions. Students can talk to an advisor about transferring credits, fill out an application, be admitted, secure financial aid, and even register for classes before leaving. Veterans and other students seeking application fee waivers are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office prior to arrival at 217/206-4847 or admissions@uis.edu.

No advance registration for Transfer Express is necessary. Students expecting to be admitted should have a 2.00 cumulative transfer GPA on a 4.0 scale, have 30 transfer hours by entry to UIS in the fall, and if they are seeking financial aid they should have filed the 2013-2014 FAFSA (UIS school code 009333). Students must be applying for an on-campus program. Online programs are not eligible.

Questions may be directed to the UIS Office of Admissions at 217/206-4847 or to Transfer Coordinator Raymond Barnett at rbarn2@uis.edu.

"Take Back the Night" march & rally at UIS calls for an end to violence against women

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield and Lincoln Land Community College will hold the sixth annual “Take Back the Night” march & rally.

WHEN: Friday, April 19, 2013 beginning at 7 p.m. (March starts at 7:40 p.m.)

WHERE: The candlelight march will start near the colonnade on the UIS main quad and progress towards the Lincoln Residence Hall (LRH) & Founders Residence Hall (FRH) courtyard where the rally will be held. In the event of rain, the rally will be held in the LRH Greatroom.

DETAILS: “Take Back the Night” protests rape and all forms of violence against women. This event empowers women and all people to reclaim their right to be part of the night and the human experience of nighttime. “Take Back the Night” will include survivor stories, music, poetry and t-shirts for students who arrive early.

The Clothesline Project and 10 Paper Cranes for Healing the Violence will be on display in the LRH & FRH courtyard. The Clothesline Project is made up of t-shirts telling women’s stories. The paper cranes are dedicated to victims/survivors and include a healing word and bell. A pledge by UIS men to end violence against women will also be on display.

Following the rally, the second annual JAMnesty benefit featuring live bands and food will begin in the LRH Greatroom. All donations will benefit the advancement of girl’s education in the Global South.

“Take Back the Night” is co-sponsored by UIS Residence Life, the UIS Women’s Issues Caucus, LLCC Feminist Activist Coalition, and the Enos Park Neighborhood Improvement Association. Partial funding was provided by the UIS Student Government Association.

For more information on “Take Back the Night”, contact the UIS Women’s Center at 217/206-7173 or womenscenter@uis.edu.

Good as Gold Ceremony at UIS honors over 40 Sangamon County volunteers

The University of Illinois Springfield Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center and the Junior League of Springfield honored more than 40 Sangamon County volunteers during the annual Good as Gold Ceremony. The event was held on Tuesday, April 16 in the Sangamon Auditorium Lobby at UIS.

Larry Adams, an Ameren gas operations supervisor, was honored with the 2013 Distinguished Volunteer Award. He has been volunteering at Springfield’s Matheny-Withrow Elementary School for the past 25 years. Adams started tutoring students at the school in 1988, but his commitment has since grown.

In March, Adams presented a $4,500 check from Ameren to the school’s principal to help buy books, crayons, paper and other items. It is not uncommon for Adams to use his own money to buy things for the school. On Halloween, he’s provided candy for the entire school. For eight years, he selected a class at Christmas and purchased gifts for all the students. One year, he gave Barnes and Noble gift certificates to all the teachers.

Adams also has a knack for recruiting other employees to volunteer at the school. Since 2002, he has chaired the weekly tutoring program, scheduling and handling logistics for a team of volunteer tutors who spend more than 500 hours per year inside and outside the classroom, teaching reading and math and hosting special events aimed at developing the students. He has also become a positive role model for many of the students.

Finalists for the Distinguished Volunteer Award included Julie Baliva from the Inner City Mission, Don Ecklund from Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County, Kemia Sarraf from the GenH Coalition, and Lori Wynstra from Springfield Public School’s Early Learning Center.

UIS students Samia Ahmad, Amanda Cummins, and Paige Heiser were honored with Star Student Award for their volunteer efforts. Ahmad organizing a tie a yellow ribbon and toiletries donation campaign for troops on campus. Cummins helped organize UIS’ Hunger and Homelessness Week. Heiser was honored for her leadership role in the UIS Alternative Spring Break student organization. The Star Staff Award was given to UIS International Student Series Program Coordinator Erika Suzuki for her volunteer efforts with Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach.

Community member Hailey Judge was honored with the Youth Volunteer Award for efforts at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site where she spent over 50 hours volunteering in 2012. Springfield Public School’s AVID Tutoring Program senior mentors Kaylynne Beck, Robin Franklin, Chelsea Hayes, Sinclaire Loughary, and Raechal Stacy were also honored with the Youth Volunteer Awards. The Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church was recognized with the Organization Agent of Service Award for its contributions to the community.

Thirty-four local volunteers were also honored with the Heart of Gold Award. Recipients included: Michael Baker, Wes Barr, Judy Brown, Chuck Clark, Laura Clark, Lori Coultas, William Crook, Charlene Damp, Mark Donovan, William Drew, John Frintz, Susan Gauvin-DeWilde, Dianne Gorolotta, Debbie Holt, Lori House, Greg Lakebrink, Larry and Bernadette Landis, Roy Newman, Brandy Odom, Janice Palmer, Paula Peddicord, John Record, Patricia Robinson, James Schackmann, Heather Schneider, Julia Lea Stapleton, Darla Steiner, Colleen Stuart, Rene Umberger, Leland Warzala, Suzann Welch, Charles 'Chuck' Weyhenmeyer, and Mary Yokem.

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

UIS Speaker Series explores American Higher Education Policy in Postwar Iraq

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speakers Series will explore American Higher Education Policy in Postwar Iraq. Dr. Jonathan Loopstra, an historian who spent a number of years teaching in Iraq, will discuss the condition of Iraqi universities in the aftermath of the 2003 war and present some prospects and challenges facing Iraqi college students today.

WHEN: Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 7 p.m.

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

DETAILS: Before the mid-1980s, Iraq had one of the best educational systems in the region until a series of wars and economic sanctions devastated Iraqi education. Since the fall of Saddam Hussein, Iraqis have struggled to revitalize these institutions, to reverse the effects of decades of decline, and to regain their place as an educational hub in the region. After 2003, foreign governments and international aid agencies provided millions of dollars in foreign aid to help the new Iraqi Ministry of Education improve colleges and universities across Iraq. In addition, individuals and corporations have invested heavily in new, private universities, particularly in Northern Iraq.

While a portion of Loopstra’s talk will summarize the recent history of education in Iraq, most of his focus will be on the experiences of Iraqi youth today. A number of questions will be addressed.

Loopstra is an assistant professor of late-Antique /Middle Eastern history at the Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. He holds a M.S. degree in Syriac Studies from the University of Oxford, a M.A. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a Ph.D. from the Catholic University of America.

The presentation is co-sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Central Illinois. For a list of other upcoming ECCE Speakers Series events and more information, visit http://illinois.edu/goto/speakerseries. All events are free and open to the public.

UIS presents "Collective Exit" Senior Art Exhibition

The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery and Access Gallery present “Collective Exit”, an exhibition of senior student artists. The exhibition will open on Monday, April 22 and will run through Thursday, May 9, 2013.

The exhibition will take place in the Visual Arts Gallery, located in the Health and Sciences Building (HSB 201), and the Access Gallery, located in the Visual and Performing Arts Building (VPA lobby). An opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, May 2 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at both locations.

The artists will exhibit a wide range of media including ceramics, printmaking, photography, sculpture, mixed media, and illustration. The student artists have each created a body of work that shows the culmination of experience and skill that have developed during their time pursuing their degree. Collective Exit marks the important transition from student to emerging artist. Exhibiting artists include Akeem Freeman, Kim Hobby, Stephanie Mahoney, A.J. Masterson, Mercedes Mayoral-Wiesner, Anna Mulch, Jared Strohm, Barbie Sutheard, and David Ryan Swaar.

“As faculty of these students in the capstone course, I have been working with them and watching them evolve as students and prepare for this exhibition. This collection of work offers a lot of variety, and demonstrates their ability to refine a body of work and work towards producing a well-rounded exhibition,” said Shane Harris, UIS assistant professor of art, music and theatre.

A reception will be held on Thursday, May 2 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. with complimentary refreshments provided by The Burger Bar, Cheddar’s, and Texas Roadhouse.

The UIS Visual Arts Gallery is located in HSB, room 201. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Access Gallery, located in VPA, is publically accessible Monday through Friday.

For more information on “Collective Exit” and future exhibitions, contact the gallery at 217/206-6506 or email gallery@uis.edu.

UIS Music Program presents Spring Showcase Concert

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Music Program presents its annual Spring Showcase Concert featuring performances by the UIS chorus, chamber orchestra, and band. The performance is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

WHEN: Friday, April 19, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Sangamon Auditorium, UIS

DETAILS: The chorus will be singing several maritime inspired tunes, while the chamber orchestra and band will be playing a number of pieces based on great Americans and American folk tunes.

The event will feature a wide array of music with many pieces falling under “High Sea” and “American” themes. Highlights include a Finnish folk song: “Who Can Sail Without Wind?”, a rag by James Reese Europe, the fourth movement to Dvorak’s “New World Symphony” and “Benjamin Franklin and the Art of Music” by Robert W. Smith.

The chorus, under the direction of Dr. Sharon Graf, will open the showcase with a traditional Georgia Sea Island spiritual arranged by Judith Cook Tucker, “Yonder Come Day”. Directed by Dr. Yona Stamatis, the chamber orchestra will perform selections including James Reese Europe’s "Castle House Rag" and "Tip Toe Alley" by Jay Ungar and arranged by chamber orchestra member, Jay Jones. Finally, Dr. Abigail Walsh will lead the band through selections including Pierre La Plante’s “American Riversongs” and Gustav Holst’s “First Suite in E flat for Military Band”.

Donations are welcome and will be used to benefit the UIS Music Student Merit Award.

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 orchestra may contact Dr. Abigail Walsh at 217/206-7549 or music@uis.edu.

UIS hosts presentation on College and University Immigration Reform Day of Action

WHAT: As the U.S Congress prepares to address immigration reform, college and university presidents across the country have declared April 19 the College and University Immigration Reform Day of Action. The University of Illinois Springfield Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speakers Series will host a presentation, “The DREAM Is Now: The Whats, Whys, & Hows of Immigration Reform”, exploring the topic.

WHEN: Friday, April 19, 2013 at Noon

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

DETAILS: In this presentation, Hinda Seif, UIS assistant professor of sociology/anthropology and women and gender studies, will address issues and related questions such as use of terminology (what do we call people living in the U.S. without legal status?), the demographics, economics and politics of immigration, why so many immigrants, especially from Mexico and other Latin American countries, are considered “illegal” today, and current reform policies and proposals. She will incorporate some of her research on immigrant youth activists in greater Chicago and across the country.

Seif is a research associate at the University of California San Diego’s Center for Comparative Immigration Studies. She serves as faculty advisor for the UIS Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS). Her research, which focuses on Mexican immigrant politics and immigrant youth activism, has appeared in academic journals including Latin American Perspectives and Latino Studies and books including State and Local Immigration Policy Activism in the U.S. (Monica Varsanyi, ed., Stanford University Press).

For a list of other upcoming ECCE Speakers Series events and more information, visit http://illinois.edu/goto/speakerseries. All events are free and open to the public.

UIS Earth Day presentation looks towards the future

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speakers Series presents “The Great Transition” featuring Bruce Hull, Ph.D. a senior fellow with the Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability at Virginia Tech.

WHEN: Monday, April 22, 2013 (Earth Day) at 7 p.m.

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

DETAILS: By 2050, a large, powerful, global middle class will reconfigure geopolitics, demanding unprecedented amounts of cars, sofas, electricity, and meat. The opportunity exists to end extreme poverty and malnutrition, but air pollution will likely kill 10 million people annually and extreme weather events will disrupt essential infrastructure and business supply chains.

Hull will share and examine powerful forces shaping our future, including important demographic, market, governance, and environmental transitions. He will focus on the opportunities and challenges these transitions create, as well as the roles you can play creating the future you want.

Hull writes and teaches about building capacity in organizations, communities, and leaders adapting to the 2050 transitions. He has authored and edited numerous publications, including two books, Infinite Nature and Restoring Nature, and advises various organizations working to construct sustainability in a globalizing and urbanizing world.

This event is co-sponsored by the UIS Campus Senate Committee on Sustainability.

For a list of other upcoming ECCE Speakers Series events and more information, visit http://illinois.edu/goto/speakerseries. All events are free and open to the public. A reception will follow the presentation.

Public invited to Astronomy Day exhibit, observing at Southwind Park

The Sangamon Astronomical Society (SAS), in conjunction with the Astronomy-Physics Department at the University of Illinois Springfield, will hold an Astronomy Day event at the North Pavilion of Southwind Park on Saturday, April 20 (Weather permitting) beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public. The park is located at the corner of South Second Street and Southwind Road in Springfield. It is easily accessible from I-55 South on Exit 90 at Toronto Road. See map or visit the park website for directions: http://southwindpark.org/.

SAS members will have telescopes set up for display and observing, as the sky darkens. This Astronomy Day will feature the Sun, Jupiter, Saturn, the Moon and the Pan Starrs Comet among the objects to observe, along with Globular Star Clusters and colorful Double Stars.

Astronomy Day is a national event held every year and is designed to bring the joy of astronomy to the general public.

UIS Lunch & Learn Series presents "UIS Leadership lived: Distinguished Insights"

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Alumni SAGE Society and Illinois State Historical Society presents “UIS Leadership lived: Distinguished Insights” as part of its annual Lunch and Learn Series.

WHEN: Thursday, April 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

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

DETAILS: This presentation will be led by UIS Chancellor Susan J. Koch who will present on "UIS Campus Insights: Educating Leaders to Serve Society." Lynn Fisher, associate professor of sociology/anthropology and an anthropological archeologist will present on "The Shift from Foraging to Farming in Southern Germany," and how her research has been so valuable to UIS students. Charles Wheeler, professor and director of public affairs reporting (PAR) and a journalist will describe how the PAR program has nourished two generations of journalists and some of its highly regarded graduates, including two Pulitzer Prize winners.

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 Speakers Series presents "Undocuqueer: I Exist!"

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speakers Series, UIS LGBTQ Resource Office, and UIS Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS) presents “Undocuqueer: I Exist!” featuring artist Julio Salgado and members of the Immigrant Youth Justice League (IYJL).

WHEN: Thursday, April 18, 2013 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Lincoln Residence Hall Great Room

DETAILS: Julio Salgado will lead a discussion on his personal experiences with undocumented and queer youth in both mediums of art and social justice efforts. He will also be creating art for UIS that is specifically tied to the population of undocumented, queer, and differently abled students. Salgado's art gives individuals a visual representation of the youth who are marginalized on a daily basis.

The Immigrant Youth Justice League (IYJL) will bring a personal narrative of undocumented youth in Illinois and the challenges that they face. This event also serves to break the silence for students participating in the national observance of the Day of Silence at UIS.

Salgado is an artist and well-known activist -- by means of his art -- within the Dream Act movement. Salgado uses his art in such a way that empowers undocumented and queer people in using their personal stories to put a human face to the issues at hand.

The IYJL, based in Chicago, is led by undocumented organizers working towards full recognition of the rights and contributions of all immigrants through education, leadership development, policy advocacy, resource gathering, and mobilization.

For a list of other upcoming ECCE Speakers Series events and more information, visit http://illinois.edu/goto/speakerseries. All events are free and open to the public. A reception will follow the presentation.

Political Art and the Public Sphere to screen "Into the Fire" documentary

WHAT: The Political Art and the Public Sphere (PAPS) series at the University of Illinois Springfield presents a screening and discussion of the documentary Into the Fire, a film about American women in the Spanish Civil War.

WHEN: Monday, April 15 at 6 p.m.

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

DETAILS: In 1936 right-wing military officers in Spain led by General Franco (supported by Hitler and Mussolini) attempt to overthrow the newly elected, democratic government. In response, nearly 80 American women joined the “Good Fight,” volunteering, in defiance of the U.S. government, to help fight the Fascists in what would become the Spanish Civil War. In this enthralling and meticulously researched documentary, 16 of these brave and idealistic nurses, writers and journalists share stories of courage and commitment to their cause.

The PAPS series is a monthly event on the UIS campus hosted by Dr. Richard Gilman-Opalsky, associate professor of Political Philosophy. The theme of the Spring 2013 Political Art and the Public Sphere series, Women and War, is dedicated to discussions of ignored, marginalized, misrepresented, and underrepresented social and political questions relating to the experiences of women in war.

This event is co-sponsored by the UIS Women’s Center and the Women’s Issues Caucus. All events are free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Dr. Gilman-Opalsky at 217/206-8328 or email rgilm3@uis.edu.

UIS Theatre presents "Awake and Sing!" by Clifford Odets

The Theatre Program at the University of Illinois Springfield presents the play Awake and Sing! by Clifford Odets, opening Friday, April 5. Six performances will be presented in the Studio Theatre, on the lower level of the Public Affairs Center at UIS - on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, April 5, 6, and 7, and Thursday, Friday, Saturday, April 11, 12, and 13. All shows will begin at 7:30 p.m., except the Sunday performance (April 7), which will begin at 2 p.m. UIS Associate Professor of Theatre Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson directs the play.

Awake and Sing! startled audiences in 1935 with a story that hit close to home--ordinary Americans struggling to survive and even hold on to their dreams in depression-era New York. This story of a struggling American family involves young Ralph Berger trying to find his own way in the world, while his sister, Hennie, strives to decide who she is: a pretty catch for some man, or a leader who will chart her own course toward happiness. These yearnings cannot be denied, but Ralph and Hennie's parents--Myron and especially Bessie--have other ideas about what it means to live in the hardest of times. Today, this play delivers new resonance to audiences who find themselves in an economy seemingly unable to fully recover.

Ticket prices are $14 for adults; $12 for senior citizens (65 or older with a picture I.D.); $10 for UIS Faculty/Staff; $8 for UIS students (and all other college-level students) with a valid, current i-card or college I.D. card; and $6 for 17 and under. Please note that a service charge, not included in the prices above, from Sangamon Auditorium will be added to each ticket price, at the time of purchase. To avoid a higher service charge, buying tickets in person at the Sangamon Auditorium ticket office is highly recommended.

For more information, contact Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson at 217/206-6613 or email ethib1@uis.edu, or visit www.uis.edu/theatre.

UIS Illinois Innocence Project to honor three with Defenders of the Innocent Awards

The Illinois Innocence Project at the University of Illinois Springfield will honor Chicago Tribune columnist Eric Zorn, University of Illinois College of Law Professor J. Steven Beckett, and project volunteer Kiran Desai with Defenders of the Innocent Awards during their sixth annual reception. The event will take place on Saturday, April 6, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Artisans Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

Eric Zorn has been a powerful force exposing flaws of the criminal justice system and informing the public with his columns in the Chicago Tribune. Zorn covered the infamous Jeanine Nicarico case and the wrongful convictions of Alex Hernandez and Rolando Cruz in over 100 columns. He chronicled the saga of Herb Whitlock’s and Randy Steidl’s wrongful convictions. He permeated the political rhetoric with his coverage of Juan Rivera’s wrongful conviction. Zorn chronicled the death penalty abolition movement and exposed the flaws of the criminal justice system. His and the Chicago Tribune’s reporting advance the cause of wrongful convictions and inform the public, adding pressure needed to reform the criminal justice system.

Professor J. Steven Beckett is the director of Trial Advocacy at the University of Illinois College of Law. In addition to teaching about trial advocacy, client counseling, evidence and white-collar crime, he serves as a liaison for students enrolled in the Illinois Innocence Project course and externship. He is the lead counsel of a team of three attorneys who individually represent the Slover family. Professor Beckett has donated countless pro bono hours to advance their case.

Kiran Desai first began volunteering with the Illinois Innocence Project in 2012. He brings years of experience working professionally in the data management field and is able to apply that knowledge to assist with managing large amounts of data for grant reporting, client management, and other office needs. Desai is passionate about seeking justice and is a faithful and reliable volunteer, often the first in the office each morning. Besides his invaluable contribution in the project’s office, he also attends court visits and presentations by project exonerees.

Illinois Innocence Project exonerees Keith Harris, Julia Rea, Herb Whitlock, and Anthony Murray plan to attend the event. Murray will be speaking as will Juan Rivera, a Center on Wrongful Convictions exoneree.

The event is open to the public, however registration is encouraged. A tax-deductible donation of $100 is suggested for those purchasing tickets. A shuttle will be provided from the Fairground’s Happy Hollow parking lot. The event will feature substantial hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and cash bar. To register, please call 217/206-6058 or visit www.uis.edu/innocenceproject/.

UIS hosts Wellness Day 2013 to promote health awareness

The University of Illinois Springfield hosted its annual Wellness Day at The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) on Wednesday, April 3. Over 40 health providers and businesses attended the event.

The health fair featured free health screenings, advice on eating healthy, exercise demonstrations, and fun games for children.

“I earned my Band-Aid getting my glucose and cholesterol checked,” said Jennifer Rose, a UIS graduate public health major. “I also got a bone density screening, screened for sun exposure, got my oxygen levels screened. What haven’t I had screened?”

The goal of the fair was to provide free services and to increase awareness of health issues, which impact the community. The annual event was held in conjunction with national Public Health Week.

“Anybody can come to this,” said Christine Carver, associate director of UIS Health Services. “Obviously, we’re here on campus so we want students and faculty to attend.”

The event was organized by UIS Health Services and Springfield Health Check, which provides multi-level workplace wellness services to area businesses.

“It would take months to get all of this information. Going from place, to place, to place, it’s all here one stop shopping for healthy living,” said Gloria Sampson, a UIS graduate liberal and integrative studies major.

Carver hopes those who attended the fair left with some new ideas and healthy goals in mind.

“We really hope that people will take away at least one thing that is important to them that will, maybe, make a difference in how they think about exercise or increasing their activity and making themselves more healthy,” said Carver.