UIS Theatre to present six performances of “God of Carnage” by Yasmina Reza

The University of Illinois Springfield Theatre Program will present six performances of “God of Carnage” by Yasmina Reza opening on Friday, Oct. 25 in the Studio Theatre, on the lower level of the Public Affairs Center at UIS.

All shows will begin at 7:30 p.m., except the Sunday performance (Oct. 27), which will begin at 2 p.m. Opening weekend performance dates include Oct. 25-27. The following week, the play will be performed on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1-2.

In “God of Carnage,” a playground altercation between 11-year-old boys brings together two sets of Brooklyn parents for a meeting to resolve the matter.

“At first, diplomatic niceties are observed, but as the meeting progresses, and the rum flows, tensions emerge and the gloves come off, leaving the couples with more than just their liberal principles in tatters,” describes Dramatist’s Publishing Company.

“God of Carnage” is the winner of the 2009 Tony Award for best play. According to the New York Times, the play is “a study in the tension between civilized surface and savage instinct, this play is itself a satisfyingly primitive entertainment.”

UIS Associate Professor and Director of Theatre Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson will direct the production with scenic design by UIS Associate Professor of Theatre Dathan Powell.

Cast members include UIS students Ivy Thomas, Will Moffett and Jenna Fleming, along with community member Sam Fogleman.

The production staff includes UIS students Alex Herter, Amirah Baker, Aaliyah Adams, Adrian Ishmael, Jonathan Strepek, Claire Larson, Franklin Aguilar, Sierra Buske and Alyssa Nino. UIS staff members Sabrina Holmes and Chip Deiss are also part of the production staff along with community members Cassie Reiterman, Janet Ferry-Campbell and Mary Wheeler.

Ticket prices are $15 for adults; $10 for UIS faculty/staff with a valid, current i-card; and $8 for UIS students with a valid, current i-card. Please note that service charges are not included in the prices above.

Tickets can be purchased between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at the UIS Ticket Office, located on the second level of the UIS Public Affairs Center. Patrons may call the UIS Ticket Office at 217-206-6160 or visit uis.edu/theatre for more information.

UIS Health & Wellness Fair to offer free health screenings and information

WHAT: University of Illinois Springfield Campus Recreation and Health Services presents the annual Health & Wellness Fair. The event will offer health screenings, information and door prizes. The fair is free and open to the public, students, faculty and staff.

WHEN: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2019

WHERE: The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) at UIS
2171 University Drive, Springfield

DETAILS: The Health & Wellness Fair will offer information targeting all aspects of wellness: physical, nutritional, emotional, social, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational and spiritual. There will be fitness testing, health screenings, free food and giveaways.

The Central Illinois Community Blood Center will also be hosting a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) for those interested in donating or blood typing.

For more information, contact Alexandria Cosner, UIS Campus Recreation assistant director of fitness & wellness, at acosn2@uis.edu or 217/206-7103

Third annual UIS Prairie Star 5K run/walk to raise money for the local Girls on the Run non-profit

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield will hold the third annual Prairie Star 5K run/walk to raise money for Girls on the Run of Central Illinois, a local non-profit organization. The Prairie Star 5K run/walk is open to UIS students, faculty, staff and community members.

WHEN: Saturday, September 8, 2018, at 8:30 a.m.

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

DETAILS: The flat and fast race course will begin outside of The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) and go east along scenic University Drive before entering the heart of campus. The race will end near TRAC on Eliza Farnham Drive where door prizes and awards will be distributed.

This year’s race will benefit Girls on the Run of Central Illinois, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring third through eighth grade girls to be joyful, healthy and confident. The 20-lesson Girls on the Run curriculum combines training for a 5K (3.1 miles) running event with lessons that inspire girls to become independent thinkers, enhance their problem solving skills and make healthy decisions.

The cost to register for the Prairie Star 5K run/walk is $8 for UIS students and $13 for faculty, staff, alumni and community. Registration is available online at www.uis.edu/campusrec/. You may also call 217/206-7103 or stop by TRAC in person to register for the race.

The deadline to register for the race and be guaranteed a t-shirt is Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 12 p.m. Participants may also register on the day of the race from 7:30 to 8 a.m., however they are not guaranteed a t-shirt. The run/walk is sponsored by UIS Campus Recreation, the Legion of Ladies student organization, UIS Cross Country and Track & Field, Chick-fil-A, SCHEELS, Noodles & Company and Stokes Race Timing Services.

For more information, contact Alexandria Cosner, UIS assistant director of fitness and wellness, at 217/206-8400 or acosn2@uis.edu.

UIS Health & Wellness Fair to offer free health screenings and information

WHAT: University of Illinois Springfield Campus Recreation and Health Services presents the annual Health & Wellness Fair. The event will offer health screenings, information and door prizes. The fair is free and open to the public, students, faculty and staff.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 18, 2018, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) at UIS,  2171 University Drive, Springfield

DETAILS: The Health & Wellness Fair will offer information targeting all aspects of wellness: physical, nutritional, emotional, social, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational and spiritual. There will be fitness testing, health screenings, free food and giveaways.

The Central Illinois Community Blood Center will also be hosting a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) for those interested in donating or blood typing.

For more information, contact Alexandria Cosner, UIS Campus Recreation assistant director of fitness & wellness, at acosn2@uis.edu or 217/206-7103

UIS Theatre to hold auditions for an upcoming production of “Six Characters in Search of an Author”

The theatre program at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS Theatre) will hold open auditions and crew interviews for their upcoming production of Luigi Pirandello's play “Six Characters in Search of an Author” on Sunday, January 21 and Monday, January 22, 2018, in The Studio Theatre at UIS.

Crew interviews will begin at 6 p.m., followed by auditions at 7 p.m. both nights. Roles and crew positions are open to students, faculty, staff, and community members. Callbacks are slated for Tuesday, January 23.

A limited number of scripts are available for checkout at the front desk at Brookens Library at UIS. Prepared one minute contemporary monologues and headshots/resumes are appreciated, but not mandatory. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.

“Six Characters in Search of an Author” will be performed April 13-15 and 19-21, 2018 in the Studio Theatre, located on the lower level of the Public Affairs Center. UIS Associate Professor of Theatre Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson will direct with scenic design by UIS Assistant Professor of Theatre Dathan Powell.

UIS Theatre will perform the 1998 adaption of the play by Robert Brustein, which has been described by the publisher Samuel French as a “highly acclaimed adaption of Pirandello’s masterpiece, a study in illusion and reality which follows a group of characters who try to fashion their life stories into acceptable drama.”

For more information, contact Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson at 217/206-6613 or ethib1@uis.edu. You can also visit the UIS Theatre website at www.uis.edu/theatre.

UIS Health & Wellness Fair to offer free health screenings and information

WHAT: University of Illinois Springfield Health Services and Campus Recreation presents the annual Health & Wellness Fair. The event will offer health screenings, information and door prizes. The fair is free and open to the public, students, faculty and staff.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 19, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE: The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) at UIS
2171 University Drive, Springfield

DETAILS: The Health & Wellness Fair will offer information on sexual & reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, sleep apnea, veterans’ reintegration, men’s and women’s cancer prevention. There will also be healthy eating information with food samples.

Free cholesterol screenings will be offered, as well as oral cancer, blood pressure, glucose, depression, anxiety and sun exposure screenings. BMI testing will also be available.

The Central Illinois Community Blood Center will also be hosting a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) for those interested in donating or blood typing.

For more information, contact Linda Nixon of UIS Health Services at 217/206-6676 or uishealthservice@uis.edu. Additional information can also be found on the UIS Health Services website at www.uis.edu/healthservices/.

UIS Theatre to hold open auditions for upcoming performances of "Almost, Maine"

The theatre program at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS Theatre) will hold open auditions and crew interviews for their upcoming production of John Cariani's play “Almost, Maine” on Sunday, Jan. 22 and Monday, Jan. 23, in The Studio Theatre at UIS.

Crew interviews will begin at 6 p.m., followed by auditions at 7 p.m. both nights. Roles and crew positions are open to students, faculty, staff, and community members. Callbacks are slated for Tuesday, Jan. 24.

A limited number of scripts are available for checkout at the front desk at Brookens Library at UIS. Prepared one minute contemporary monologues and headshots/resumes are appreciated, but not mandatory. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.

“Almost, Maine” will be performed April 7-9 and 13-15, 2017 in the Studio Theatre, located on the lower level of the Public Affairs Center. UIS Associate Professor of Theatre Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson will direct with scenic design by UIS Assistant Professor of Theatre Dathan Powell.

“On a cold, clear, moonless night in the middle of winter, all is not quite what it seems in the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine. As the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways. Knees are bruised, Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend – almost – in this delightful midwinter night’s dream.” – From Dramatists Play Service, Inc.

For more information, contact Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson at 217/206-6613 or ethib1@uis.edu. You can also visit the UIS Theatre website at www.uis.edu/theatre.

UIS to hold inaugural Prairie Stars 5K run/walk

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Department of Campus Recreation will hold the inaugural Prairie Stars 5K run/walk. The event is open to UIS students, faculty, staff and community members.

WHEN: Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 8:30 a.m.

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

DETAILS: The Prairie Star 5K is being held in conjunction with Welcome Week, which marks the first week of fall semester classes at UIS.

The race will begin outside of The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) and go north along scenic University Drive before entering the heart of campus. The race will end near TRAC on Eliza Farnham Drive.

The cost to register is $5 for UIS students, $10 for campus recreation members and $15 for faculty, staff and community. Registration is available online at www.uis.edu/campusrec/.

The deadline to register for the race and be guaranteed a t-shirt is Wednesday, August 24 at 9 a.m. Participants may also register on the day of the race from 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., however they are not guaranteed a t-shirt.

For more information, contact Alexandria Cosner, UIS assistant director of fitness and wellness, at 217/206-8400 or acosn2@uis.edu.

UIS to hold a "We Are Orlando" candlelight vigil in remembrance of shooting victims

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Diversity Center and LGBTQA Resource Office will hold a “We Are Orlando” candlelight vigil to remember the victims of the June 12, 2016, terrorist attack at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

WHEN: Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at 5 p.m.

WHERE: UIS Public Affairs Center, Conference Rooms C/D

DETAILS: UIS students, faculty and staff will hold a candlelight vigil in response to the largest mass shooting in U.S. history, an attack against minorities including the LGBT and Latino/Hispanic communities.

Attendees will be encouraged to briefly share their thoughts. Victim names will be read, candles will be lit in their honor and a moment of silence will be held. Candles will be provided for all attendees.

For more information, contact Kerry Poynter, interim executive director of the UIS Diversity Center and director of the UIS LGBTQA Resource Office, at 217/206-6333 or kpoyn2@uis.edu.

UIS Health & Wellness Fair to offer free health screenings and information

WHAT: University of Illinois Springfield Health Services and Campus Recreation presents the annual Health & Wellness Fair. The event will offer health screenings, information and door prizes. The fair is free and open to the public, students, faculty and staff.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 20, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE: The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) at UIS

DETAILS: The Health & Wellness Fair will offer information on sexual & reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, HPV, organ and tissue donation, men’s and women’s cancer prevention, bone density, relaxation and stress reduction and healthy eating. There will also be cooking demonstrations and food samples.

A free colonoscopy prescreening will be offered, as well as oral cancer, prediabetes, blood pressure, and sun exposure screenings. BMI testing will also be available.

The Central Illinois Community Blood Center will also be hosting a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) for those interested in donating or blood typing.

For more information, contact Linda Nixon of UIS Health Services at 217/206-6676 or ltait2@uis.edu.

UIS presents the 38th annual International Festival

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield invites the community to the 38th annual International Festival. Join UIS students, faculty, and staff to share an evening of cultural exhibits, artistic performances, food tasting and more. This year’s theme is the "World at a Glance”.

WHEN: Friday, November 13, 2015 from 5-8 p.m.

WHERE: The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC), located on the south side of the UIS campus. Parking is available in lot F and I, located next to TRAC. A map of the campus is available at www.uis.edu/maps/.

DETAILS: For over 35 years, the University of Illinois Springfield family has celebrated its rich international and cultural diversity with the annual International Festival. Some of our friends from the greater Springfield community will be joining UIS students, faculty, and staff to share an evening of cultural exhibits, artistic performances, and food tasting.

Admission is free and the festival is open to the public. Countries and organizations that will be represented include several African nations, China, India, Ireland, Peru, Scotland, the Middle Eastern countries, and more. Guests will have a chance to sample delicious ethnic dishes from many of the counties represented.

Guests should pick up a program as they enter to find their ways to the exhibits, cuisines, and performances. Everyone can spend some time getting to know people from every part of the world!

For more information, please contact the Office of International Student Services at 217/206-6678 or e-mail iss@uis.edu.

UIS Earth Week 2015 events announced

The University of Illinois Springfield will celebrate Earth Week (April 20-24, 2015) with a variety of events designed to educate students, faculty, staff, and the community about the environment. All of the events listed below are free and open to the public.

Monday, April 20 

ECCE Speaker Series: “Connecting Food, Climate Change and Environmental Advocacy: Lessons from Indigenous Peoples' Climate Justice Movements” 
Kyle Powys Whyte, the Timnick Humanities Chair at Michigan State University’s Department of Philosophy, will speak at 6 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium. He will discuss how people's relations to food can obscure their awareness of how their actions affect the ecosystems on which they depend. Globally, food justice movements are becoming increasingly connected to climate justice movements given how climate change will affect the food system. These movements offer lessons for how food can serve as a powerful connector of people interested in taking action to address climate change. The presentation will be followed by a catered reception.

Tuesday, April 21

Free Electronics Recycling Event 
The UIS Senate Committee on Sustainability, in conjunction with BLH Computers, is hosting a FREE Electronics Recycling event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers will receive items on the north side of Brookens Library, at the loading dock on the first floor level. Visit the BLH Computers web site (http://blhcomputers.com/recycling/) for a complete list of items that will be accepted for free recycling. This list includes: desktop and laptop computers, LCD monitors, printers, keyboards, mice and cables, LCD & Plasma TVs, DVDs, etc.

Wednesday, April 22 

SAGE Earth Day Picnic 
Join the members of Students Allied for a Greener Earth (SAGE), a UIS student group, for an Earth Day Picnic from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the UIS quad. Play games, relax and enjoy a sandwich or cookie from Cafe Moxo, or simply drop off your clean plastic bags and clean containers with lids, which will be donated to St. John's Breadline. The picnic is the perfect place to learn more about Earth Day and what SAGE does to promote environmental awareness on the UIS campus and in Springfield.

ECCE Speaker Series: “Greening Broadway” 
In an Earth Day keynote presentation, Donyale Werle, a Brooklyn, NY based theatrical set designer, will speak about her efforts to promote sustainability in the performing arts community and beyond. The event starts at 6 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium. Werle won the Tony Award for Best Scenic Design for Peter and the Starcatcher in 2012. She constructed the entire Act II set from 100% recycled materials. A member of the Broadway Green Alliance, Werle is a passionate sustainability advocate whose efforts to promote upcycling, recycling, and sustainable sourcing pave the way for both a greener Broadway and a greener society overall. The presentation will be followed by a catered reception.

Friday, April 24 

Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony
Join the UIS Grounds Maintenance Department and the Sustainability Committee for a ceremonial tree planting in honor of both Earth Week and Arbor Day at 10:30 a.m. near the UIS campus pond (next to the UIS Police Station). The tree will be dedicated to the university’s on-going commitment to creating a greener and more sustainable campus.

Earth Week events at UIS are sponsored by the Campus Senate Committee on Sustainability, the Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speaker Series, the College of Public Affairs and Administration, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the College of Education & Human Services, Students Allied for a Greener Earth (SAGE), Biology Club, Sangamon Auditorium UIS, the Environmental Studies Department, and the Art, Music, and Theatre Department.

For more information on Earth Week events, contact Megan Styles, assistant professor of Environmental Studies, at 217/206-8580 or mstyl2@uis.edu.

UIS and Junior League seek nominations for the annual Good as Gold volunteer awards

The University of Illinois Springfield and Junior League of Springfield are seeking nominations for the annual Good as Gold volunteer awards. The awards ceremony will be held on April 15, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. in the Sangamon Auditorium Lobby at UIS.

The awards recognize volunteers who use their time and talents to help improve the lives of others in the Springfield area. Over 40 awards will be given to Sangamon County community volunteers, organizations, and businesses.

Individuals and organizations can be nominated in several categories including Heart of Gold, Youth Volunteer, Organization Agent of Service, and Distinguished Volunteer of the Year. The ceremony will also recognize UIS faculty/staff members and students who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to service.

Businesses may be nominated for the Business Honor Roll sponsored by the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. The honor roll will recognize businesses that have given back to our community thought direct service and charitable giving.

Over the past six years, the ceremony has recognized hundreds of volunteers for freely giving their time and talents to make Springfield a better place to live and thrive.

Event details, descriptions of the awards categories, and the online nomination forms can be found at www.uis.edu/volunteer/communitypartners/goodasgold/. The nomination deadline is March 23, 2015.

For questions please contact, Mark Dochterman, director of the UIS Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center at mdoch2@uis.edu or 217/206-8448.

UIS Visual Arts Gallery begins season with "Filler" exhibition by Springfield native Jeff Robinson

The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery is pleased to launch an exciting exhibition season with “Filler”, an ambitious installation project from Springfield native Jeff Robinson. Robinson is the Visual Arts Gallery Director and an Instructor of Visual Arts at UIS.

“Filler” will open at the UIS Visual Arts Gallery on Monday, August 25 and run through Thursday, September 18. A reception for the exhibit will take place on Thursday, September 4, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

“Filler” presents a site responsive installation that utilizes inherent architectural spaces in the gallery as finite areas that house a meticulous and calculated organization of elements, both formal and physical. An implicit compulsion in the careful, thoughtful collection of a seemingly endless spectrum of materials speaks to the role of amassed objects for the individual and how such collections shape identity over time.

Robinson launched this new work in May, and out of necessity for a project of this complexity, he has transformed the gallery into a studio space to develop the idiosyncrasies of this work on-site. Throughout the progression of the work, the hunt for materials was ongoing.

“I’m interested in exploring the role that amassed objects play in our lives and how we, in part, form our identities through the careful curation and organization of the physical materials we collect over time,” said Robinson.

Jeff Robinson was born, raised, and currently resides in Springfield. He received a Master of Fine Arts in Painting from Illinois State University, and has exhibited his work nationally. His work has been published in New American Paintings and Manifest Gallery’s International Painting Annual, and he received an Individual Artist Support Project Grant from the Illinois Arts Council in support of “Filler”. Robinson is co-founder of DEMO Project in Springfield, an alternative gallery space that emphasizes current trends in contemporary art.

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 Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information exhibition programming, please visit the UIS Visual Arts Gallery website at www.uis.edu/visualarts/gallery, or contact the gallery at 217/ 206-6506 or alach3@uis.edu.

UIS Health & Wellness Fair offers free screenings and fun activities

WHAT: Over 45 Healthy – FREE and fun activities, games, and screenings loaded with great ideas to become active, to eat healthier, and to live a great quality of life. This annual fair takes place on the University Illinois Springfield campus and is hosted for the entire community. The services and activities are donated by more than 40 community organizations and campus groups to engage the community and to increase awareness on health issues. This annual event is held in conjunction with national Public Health Week.

WHO: Everyone is invited: individuals of all ages – with activities for children. The event is sponsored by UIS Health Services and developed in conjunction with a collaboration of providers through Springfield Health Check. A list of providers and activities is attached.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 9, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE: The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) at UIS

WHY: Americans are experiencing the impact of poor health choices. Rates of chronic health conditions and their associated costs are on the rise. Obesity contributes to a list of other chronic diseases including diabetes and heart disease. Many of these conditions are modifiable through healthy eating, increased activity and preventive check-ups. This UIS Wellness Day offers each individual the opportunity to get their health numbers (bio-metrics), and to explore a range of options to live a healthier life. Healthier life-styles happen one choice at a time. Attending the UIS Wellness Day is a great choice to jump-start those healthy choices.

UIS Health Services provides care for the UIS student body and health education for the entire campus. Springfield Health Check provides multi-level Workplace Wellness services for area businesses.

UIS Speakers Series explores the impact of primary elections on the future of Illinois government

WHAT: Three statehouse journalists will discuss the impact of primary elections on the future of Illinois government during a University of Illinois Springfield Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speakers Series forum.

WHEN: Thursday, March 27, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.

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

DETAILS: The Illinois Primary Election set the stage for the governance of the state over the next four years, as it selected the major parties’ choices of candidates to run in the November general election.

Jamey Dunn, statehouse bureau chief for Illinois Issues magazine; Bernard Schoenburg, political writer and columnist for The State Journal Register; and Amanda Vinicky, statehouse bureau chief for WUIS/Illinois Public Radio will discuss the leadership styles and policy agendas of the two major party candidates running for governor in Illinois.

The panel will look beyond the candidates issue driven debates and provide their insights into how candidate’s personalities, attitudes and inclinations may affect the future of Illinois and its government for years to come.

The discussion will be moderated by Kent Redfield, UIS emeritus professor of political science.

This event is sponsored by the Central Illinois Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration. 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 Lunch & Learn Series presents "Mailer and MOOCs"

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Alumni SAGE Society and Illinois State Historical Society presents “Mailer and MOOCs” as part of its annual Lunch and Learn Series.

WHEN: Thursday, March 13 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: J. Michael Lennon—archivist, biographer, and teacher—will discuss his work in chronicling the life and times of celebrated novelist and innovative journalist Norman Mailer.

Ray Schroeder, professor emeritus and online learning expert, will give a presentation on Massive Open Online Courses. MOOCs are largely free, online, non-credit courses taught by university professors.

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.

The final Lunch & Learn event of the semester, “Selecting Great Performances”, will take place on April 24.

These lunch-time programs will stimulate thinking as they build upon the university's tradition of open and intelligent dialogue. 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 to celebrate Black History Month 2014

The University of Illinois Springfield will celebrate Black History Month in February with a variety of events designed to educate and raise awareness. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Celebrating Civil Rights in America”.

Friday, January 31 

Speaker: Professor Ronald Bailey 
Professor Ronald Bailey, chair of the Department of African-American Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will speak on Friday, January 31 at 2 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium. As part of this ECCE Speaker Series event, he’ll discuss the award-winning movie “12 Years a Slave” and the slavery trade in United States and world history. This event is open to the public.

Saturday, February 1 

Second Annual Ebony Ball 
The second annual Ebony Ball will take place on Saturday, February 1 at 7 p.m. in the Public Affairs Center Atrium (PAC 3rd floor). A $10 donation is suggested. Dress to impress. This is an opportunity for the entire campus to come together in a formal setting to celebrate the student leaders here at UIS. This event is co-sponsored by the Black Student Union, Black Male Collegiate Society, Organization of Latin American Students, Asian Student Association, and UIS Greek Life Organizations.

Wednesday, February 5 

S.E.L.L.O.U.T 
The comedy group S.E.L.L.O.U.T will perform on Wednesday, February 5 at 9 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium. This stellar crew of four veteran comics breaks down the walls of social stereotypes one joke at a time. Vince Morris, BT, Billy D. Washington and Louis Johnson rock the stage with a night of shockingly diverse comedy that ranges from hard-hitting and raw to smooth and poetic. This event is co-sponsored by the Student Activities Committee and the Diversity Center.

Thursday, February 6 

CoMeTrY (Diversity, Comedy, Spoken Word) 
CoMeTrY will take place on Thursday, February 6 at 9 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium. The event is a specifically designed form of entertainment that teaches and inspires individuals to laugh at life and be the best version of themselves. This program pushes the boundaries, confronts students with humorous maturity, and reinforces the importance of laughter in our daily lives. This event is sponsored by the Diversity Center.

Thursday, February 6 – Sunday February, 9 

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. District of Illinois Conference Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. will hold its District of Illinois Conference at UIS Thursday, February 6 through Sunday, February 9. The public is invited to a “Miss Black and Gold Pageant” on Friday, February 7 at 7 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of Brookens Library. The public is also invited to a “Step Show” at 8 p.m. on Saturday, February 8 at 8 p.m. in the Student Life Building Gymnasium, located on the east side of campus. Admission to each event is $5 for students (with a valid ID) and $10 for the general public.

Sunday, February 9 

Speaker: Chigozie “Gozie” Umeadi 
Former UIS men’s basketball player and alumnus Chigozie “Gozie” Umeadi will speak about his journey after college on Sunday, February 9 at 3:30 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium. He’ll discuss how UIS prepared him for adulthood and a career as a basketball operations coordinator for the National Basketball Association (NBA). Working under NBA President of Basketball Operations, Rod Thorn and Senior Vice President Kiki VanDeweghe, Umeadi aids the day to day facilitating of disciplinary actions carried out by the league office as well as overseeing the league’s Standard Observer program. This event is open to the public.

Friday, February 14 

Heart of a Collegiate Man 
Heart of a Collegiate Man will take place on Friday, February 14 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Diversity Center, SLB 22. Dating and relationship topics will be discussed among participants. This event is sponsored by the Black Male Collegiate Society.

Tuesday, February 18 

African-American Women as Visual Artists: Images and Discussion 
On Tuesday, February 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Public Affairs Center, room 457, Lorena Johnson, director of the certified public manager training program in the Institute for Legal, Legislative, and Policy Studies, UIS, will present her work and lead a discussion on the artistic contributions of African American women, often overlooked or omitted from historical accounts and contemporary exhibitions and galleries. The history of African-American women in quilting traditions, a uniquely American craft which was born of necessity and elevated to art, will also be examined.

Wednesday, February 19

National Fitness Day, TRAC 
Full day of events are available to all UIS students and employees celebrating National Recreational Sports and Fitness Day on February 19. This day was established to focus on the positive benefits of recreational sports, fitness activities, and wellness programs to Americans of all ages. This event is sponsored by UIS Recreational Sports.

Open Mic Night 
Open Mic Night will take place on Thursday, February 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Stars Lounge. It will be hosted by Re@l Talk. This event is open to all students, staff and faculty. You can come and express yourself through spoken word, poetry, song and rap. Light snacks are provided. This event is sponsored by Student Life.

Thursday, February 20

Racial Micro-Aggressions – What Are They? What Can We Do? 
Lorena Johnson, director of the certified public manager training program in the Institute for Legal, Legislative, and Policy Studies at UIS will present an opportunity for diversity skill building, faculty development, and student and staff leadership development on Thursday, February 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Public Affairs Center, room 457. Research confirms that all minorities – including racial, sexual, ethnic, differently abled, and other marginalized or stereotyped persons - may have negative experiences based on their identities. They often accumulate to negatively affect how students, faculty, staff, and residents of “difference” feel about themselves and their environments. This presentation will focus on racial micro-inequities and include practical tools for recognizing and overcoming.

Friday, February 21 

Poetry Night 
Poetry Night is Friday, February 21 at 9 p.m. in the Public Affairs Center Atrium (PAC 3rd floor). The event features an open mic with a live show where audience members may perform on stage. The event is focused on performance arts like poetry and the spoken word, music, and comedy. This event is sponsored by the Black Student Union.

Saturday, February 22 

Celebration of Music Dance Festival 
A Celebration of Music Dance Festival will be held on Saturday, February 22 at 3 p.m. in the Lincoln Residence Hall Great Room at UIS. The festival will feature dance performances by student organizations and members of the Springfield community. This fun and exciting event will feature special guest DLOW “the Bop King of Chicago” and special alumnus host Everitt O'Neal. This event is open to the public.

Sunday, February 23 

The Barber and the President: Abraham Lincoln’s (Black) Barber and Business Client 
On Sunday, February 23 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in downtown Springfield an event will explore Springfield’s successful Black entrepreneur during the time of Lincoln. Community leaders will re-enact the barbershop of William Fleurville, Springfield’s successful barber and business client of President Lincoln’s law practice. Then and now, the barbershop is the scene of story-telling, political debate, and community building for many African-American men and women. This event is free and open to the public.

Soul Food Luncheon 
A Soul Food luncheon will take place on Sunday, February 23 at 4 p.m. in the Lincoln Residence Hall Great Room. This is a closing to the Black History Month events where the UIS community will share in conversation and company. This event is sponsored by the Black Student Union.

Celebration of Gospel
A Celebration of Gospel will take place on Sunday, February 23 at 6 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of Brookens Library at UIS. This concert will be centered on black history with special guest appearance, including a performance by the UIS Voices in Praise Choir. This event is open to the public.

Wednesday, February 26 

Speaker: Aisha Durham 
Aisha Durham, assistant professor of communication at the University of South Florida, will speak about “Hip Hop Feminism” on Wednesday, February 26 at 6:30 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of Brookens Library at UIS. She specializes in bringing awareness to the portrayal of women in popular culture – most specifically women of color in hip hop culture. This event is open to the public.

Thursday, February 27

Blacks in Popular Culture: Stereotypes and Archetypes 
A panel of Springfield community members and UIS faculty will discuss negative, symbolic, and exaggerated depictions of Blacks in popular culture and media, which can impede cross-cultural relations and impact self-image and self-esteem. This event will take place on Thursday, February 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Public Affairs Center, room 457. The discussion will be moderated by Deanie Brown, UIS associate chancellor for access & equal opportunity.

Bingo and More! 
Bingo and More! takes place on Thursday, February 27 at 9 p.m. in the Housing Commons. The objective of the program is to educate students on prominent African-American figures in history through Bingo. A discussion on the effects of racism on college campuses throughout history and today will also take place. There will be food and prizes. This event is co-sponsored by Residence Life and the Black Male Collegiate Society.

Friday, February 28

Soup and Conversation 
Soup and Conversation will take place on Friday, February 28 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Diversity Center, SLB 22. A discussion will be led by the Black Student Union, Kinky and Curly Natural Hair Empowerment Club, Voices in Praise Student Organization, and UIS Greek Life Organizations.

Skating with BSU 
Students are invited to skate with Black Student Union members from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Friday, February 28. The cost to students is $15 per person and transportation will be provided. Contact Samaryia Magee at smage2@uis.edu for more details.

For more information on Black History Month events at UIS, contact Dr. Clarice Ford, executive director of the UIS Diversity Center, at 217/206-6333 or cford21@uis.edu.

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.

UIS Music Program presents Fall Showcase Concert

WHAT: The music program at the University of Illinois Springfield presents its Fall Showcase Concert entitled “Blow the Candles Out…”. Community members, students, faculty, and staff are invited to enjoy an evening of music filled with love, tragedy, comedy and enchantment.

WHEN: Friday, November 30, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: UIS Studio Theatre

DETAILS: The event will feature music highlighting a range of passions from the human experience. Highlights include an Indonesian lullaby, a traditional Greek piece, Themes from Romeo and Juliet, an enchanting new work by Phillipe Sparke, and arrangements of Sleigh Ride and Frosty the Snowman to indulge the holiday spirit.

Studio Theatre doors open at 7 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 Dr. Sharon Graf, will open the Showcase with a traditional sea shanty arranged by Gregg Smith: “Blow the Candles Out”. Directed by Dr. Yona Stamatis, the Chamber Orchestra will perform selections including “Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto” by He Zhanhao & Chen Gang and “Themes from Romeo and Juliet” by Tchaikovsky. Finally, Dr. Abigail Walsh will lead the Band through selections including David Maslanka’s “Rollo Takes a Walk,” and Samuel Hazo’s "Enchanted Spaces".

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 Orchestra may contact Dr. Abigail Walsh by emailing music@uis.edu or calling 217/206-7549.