UIS to host a free public webinar on how to innovate and adapt your business model during COVID-19

The University of Illinois Springfield Office of Economic Development and Innovation, College of Business and Management, College of Public Affairs and Administration and Innovate Springfield will host a free public webinar on how to innovate and adapt your business model during COVID-19 from 12-1 p.m. Friday, May 1.

COVID-19 has forced immediate and unique challenges for businesses and organizations across the world. While it may be early to prognosticate the amount of innovation and number of new business models that will emerge, the opportunity seems to be growing. This webinar will focus on proactive, offensive measures we can take to compete in our new COVID-19 environment.

The online panel discussion will feature Matt Bell, managing director of the University of Illinois System’s Discovery Partners Institute; Shipra Gupta, UIS associate professor of business administration; Tim Hoerr, CEO and managing partner at Serra Ventures; and Anna Palmer, CEO of Dough and investing partner at XFactor Ventures.

Participants are encouraged to register for the event at go.uis.edu/COVIDwebinar, however registration is not required. Zoom video and call in connection information can be found on the registration page.

This webinar part of a series aimed at providing the local community with expert information and quality resources to navigate these challenging times.

For more information, contact Bruce Sommer at 217-899-3186 or bsomm2@uis.edu.

UIS Visual Arts Gallery presents “Hindsight 20/20” virtual exhibition showcasing senior artwork

The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery is proud to present “Hindsight 20/20,” a virtual exhibition showcasing the creativity and skill sets of senior visual arts majors at UIS.

As a result of the public health concerns regarding COVID-19, and in keeping with UIS policies in place to protect our students, faculty, staff and patrons, this special exhibition will take place online. The virtual exhibition will launch on April 30. An exhibition catalog will complement the exhibition and will be available as a free, downloadable PDF.

Once launched, the exhibition can be viewed at hindsight-2020.weebly.com.

"Hindsight 20/20” features works by UIS Visual Arts graduating seniors that, together, explore how visual language can more clearly express those experiences that are difficult to communicate through words alone. Exhibiting artists include Logan Baskett, Kelsey Cleary, Kailee Harris, Rachel Lewis, Dominic Miraldi and Merrick Wilderman. This exhibition will feature animation, digital media, painting, screen printing and sculpture.

Each of the student artists have created works that collectively strive to transport the viewer, inviting individuals to immerse themselves and recognize not only how our surroundings affect our emotions, but also how individuals impact the environment and the world around them. These works are especially poignant in light of recent develops and the hardships many now face as a result of the global pandemic. “Hindsight 20/20” serves as a reflection and testament to the hard work of these students in the midst of these challenging times.

For more information and future exhibitions, please visit the UIS Visual Arts Gallery website or contact the gallery at 217-206-6506 or alach@uis.edu.

UIS to host a free public webinar exploring the economic impact of COVID-19

The University of Illinois Springfield Office of Economic Development and Innovation, College of Business and Management, College of Public Affairs and Administration and Innovate Springfield will host a free public webinar about the economic impact of COVID-19 from 12-1 p.m. Friday, April 10.

The online panel discussion will start with quick updates from Dr. Chris McDowell, chair of emergency medicine at SIU School of Medicine, and Kevin Lust, director of Small Business Development Center at Lincoln Land Community College, who will provide the latest information about the medical and business impact of COVID-19 in Sangamon County.

The update will be followed by UIS professors Kenneth Kriz and Beverly Bunch, who will provide insights on how COVID-19 is impacting our global, national and local economies. They will share implications for businesses, non-profits and governments and attempt to anticipate changes we will experience over the next few months.

Participants are encouraged to register for the event at go.uis.edu/COVIDwebinar, however registration is not required. Zoom and call in connection information can be found on the registration page.

This webinar part of a series aimed at providing the local community with expert information and quality resources to navigate these challenging times.

For more information, contact Bruce Sommer at bsomm2@uis.edu.