UIS, Junior League and United Way seek nominations for the 12th annual Good as Gold volunteer awards

The University of Illinois Springfield, Junior League of Springfield and the United Way of Central Illinois are seeking nominations for the 12th annual Good as Gold volunteer awards. The awards ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. on April 20 in the UIS Student Union.

The awards recognize volunteers who use their time and talents to help improve the lives of others in the Springfield area. More than 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 of the Year and Distinguished Volunteer. The ceremony will also recognize UIS and/or Lincoln Land Community College faculty/staff members and students who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to service.

Businesses may apply for the Good as Gold Business Honor Roll. The honor roll recognizes businesses that have given back to our community thought direct service and charitable giving.

Event details, descriptions of the awards categories and the online nomination forms can be found on the UIS Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center website. The nomination deadline is March 1.

For more information, contact Jill Hawkins, UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center program director, at 217-206-8635 or jhawki2@uis.edu.

UIS students to hold a Dance Marathon to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network

WHAT: Students at the University of Illinois Springfield will hold a Dance Marathon as part of a fundraising campaign for the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) at HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital in Springfield. Members of the public are invited to participate.

WHEN: 2 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2019

WHERE: UIS Student Union Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright Drive, Springfield

DETAILS: Participants can sign up for the Dance Marathon as an individual or as part of a team with a fundraising goal. Anyone is welcome to participate and can register online at https://go.uis.edu/dm2019 or at the event. Participants pay a $10 registration fee and are asked to fundraise at least $20 by March 23.

The Dance Marathon will feature fun music, a variety of performances by different organizations and food. The theme for this year’s Dance Marathon is Olympics. Various games will be hosted throughout the night to make the event fun and engaging.

Six local families who have benefited from the Children’s Miracle Network at HSHS St. John’s Hospital will share their stories starting at 2:30 p.m.

UIS students have been raising money for the campaign throughout the year. Over the past five years, the event has raised more than $25,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network.

UIS to honor local volunteers during annual Good as Gold Ceremony

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield, Junior League of Springfield and the United Way of Central Illinois will present more than 40 awards to Sangamon County volunteers, non-profit organizations and businesses during the 10th annual Good as Gold Ceremony.

WHEN: Monday, April 23, 2018, at 5 p.m.

WHERE: UIS Student Union, 2251 Richard Wright Drive, Springfield

DETAILS: Individuals and organizations will be honored in several categories including Heart of Gold, Youth Volunteer, Organization of the Year and Distinguished Volunteer. The ceremony will also recognize UIS and/or Lincoln Land Community College faculty/staff members and students who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to service.

A total of 21 businesses will be named to the Business Honor Roll. The honor roll recognizes businesses that have given back to our community thought direct service and charitable giving.

The 10th anniversary event will additionally honor all of the past Distinguished Volunteer Award winners and provide a special recognition to the founding members of the Good as Gold Committee.

Over the past nine years, the ceremony has recognized more than 400 volunteers, 35 companies, and 25 outstanding local nonprofits for freely giving their time and talents to make Springfield a better place to live.

For more information, contact Mark Dochterman, visiting assistant vice chancellor for student engagement, at 217/206-8448 or mdoch2@uis.edu.

UIS’ Gamma Phi Omega Chi Chapter to host an American Diabetes Association walk on campus

WHAT: University of Illinois Springfield students who are part of the Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. Chi Chapter will host an American Diabetes Association walk on campus in hopes of raising $3,000 for the association. Members of the Springfield community are encouraged to participate, along with UIS students, faculty and staff.

WHEN: Saturday, April 14, 2018, at 9:30 a.m.

WHERE: UIS Colonnade & Quad

DETAILS: The American Diabetes Association is Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc.’s national philanthropy. More than 30 million Americans live with diabetes in America today, and 1.5 million more will be diagnosed with diabetes this year. The money raised from the walk will help with research for a cure for diabetes, as well as providing funding for preventative aids and community support.

Anyone interested in participating can register for the walk at www.bit.ly/UISGPhiOADAWalk. A registration fee of $5 should be added to the donation section of the online registration form. There will also be open registration from 8 to 9:30 a.m. the morning of the walk.

Questions about the walk may be directed to Abbegayle Stevenson with the Gamma Phi Omega Chi Chapter by email at uis@gammaphiomega.org.

UIS Military & Veterans Club to hold a Food Ruck 3K to benefit the Central Illinois Foodbank

WHAT: The Military & Veterans Club at the University of Illinois Springfield will hold a Food Ruck 3K to collect canned goods for the Central Illinois Foodbank. A “ruck” is a military inspired march/run/walk where participants will carry the food that is collected.

WHEN: Saturday, April 8, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

WHERE: Parking Lot B at the University of Illinois Springfield

DETAILS: Participants are asked to bring a backpack full of canned goods, take on the UIS Cross Country Course (at your speed) and donate the cans at the finish line. The cost to participate with a food donation is $10 or $20 without a donation. Proceeds will benefit the UIS Military and Veterans Club.

HyVee will be matching food donations up to 200 pounds. Other sponsors include Scheels, FitClub, 1 Stop Auto Shop, Landmark Ford, Chatham Cafe, Friendly Chevrolet, the UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center and the UIS Office of Disability Services.

Following the event, an after party will be held at the Chatham VFW Post 4763, located at 501 W. Mulberry Street in Chatham. The event is open to the public.

For more information, contact Ashti Dawson, student president of the UIS Military and Veterans Club, at adaws3@uis.edu or call the UIS Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center at 217/206-7716.

UIS students to hold Dance Marathon to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network

WHAT: Students at the University of Illinois Springfield will hold a Dance Marathon as part of a fundraising campaign for the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) at HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital in Springfield. Members of the public are invited to participate.

WHEN: Friday, February 24, 2017 from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.

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

DETAILS: Participants can sign up for the Dance Marathon as an individual or as part of a team with a fundraising goal. Anyone is welcome to participate and can register online at www.dmuis.org or at the event. Participants pay a $5 registration fee and are asked to fundraise at least $20 by February 24.

The Dance Marathon will feature a DJ, a variety of performances by different organizations and food coordinating with the themes “Birthday”, “Luau”, “Mardi Gras” and “Olympics”.

Six local families who have benefited from the Children’s Miracle Network at HSHS St. John’s Hospital will share their stories starting at 4:30 p.m.

UIS students have been raising money for the campaign throughout the year. Last year, they raised $6,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network.

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

The University of Illinois Springfield, Junior League of Springfield, and the United Way of Central Illinois are seeking nominations for the 9th annual Good as Gold volunteer awards. The awards ceremony will be held on April 24, 2017, 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 of the Year and Distinguished Volunteer. The ceremony will also recognize UIS and/or LLCC faculty/staff members and students who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to service.

Businesses may apply for the Good as Gold Business Honor Roll. The honor roll recognizes businesses that have given back to our community thought direct service and charitable giving.

Over the past eight 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 1, 2017.

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

UIS students to Trick-or-Treat for Canned Goods to benefit the Central Illinois Foodbank

WHAT: University of Illinois Springfield students will be going door-to-door on Halloween night collecting canned goods for the Central Illinois Foodbank. The goal is to collect more than 10,000 pounds of food. 

WHEN: Monday, October 31, 2016 from 4 to 8 p.m. 

WHERE: Various Springfield neighborhoods (call for specific details)

 DETAILS: A total of 18 teams, consisting of nearly 175 students, have registered for the annual Trick-or-Treat for Canned Goods drive. The teams have been assigned specific neighborhoods to collect non-perishable food items.

Earlier this month, the teams canvassed the neighborhoods and distributed door hangers that explained the project. Collected items will be weighed and prizes will be awarded to the teams that collect the most food.

The Central Illinois Foodbank distributes over 9 million pounds of food annually to over 150 food pantries, soup kitchens, residential programs and after-school programs in a 21 county region.

Kids at the UIS Cox Children’s Center also went trick-or-treating on campus this past week to collect nonperishable food items for the new UIS Cares Food Pantry, which is open to all UIS students in need.

For more information on Trick-or-Treat for Canned Goods, contact Mark Dochterman, director of the UIS Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center, at 225/921-9398, or go to www.uis.edu/volunteer. 

Media Coverage: To arrange media coverage on the day of the event, please contact Mark Dochterman at 225/921-9398.

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

The University of Illinois Springfield, Junior League of Springfield, and United Way of Central Illinois are seeking nominations for the eighth annual Good as Gold volunteer awards. The awards ceremony will be held on April 13, 2016 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 and/or Lincoln Land Community College 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 21, 2016.

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

UIS students to hold Dance Marathon to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network

WHAT: Students at the University of Illinois Springfield will hold a Dance Marathon as part of a fundraising campaign for the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) at HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital in Springfield. Members of the public are invited to participate.

WHEN: Friday, March 4, 2016 from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.

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

DETAILS: Participants can sign up for the Dance Marathon as an individual or as part of a team with a fundraising goal. Anyone is welcome to participate and can register online at www.dmuis.org or at the event. Participants pay a $5 registration fee and are asked to fundraise at least $20 by March 4.

The Dance Marathon will feature a DJ, a variety of performances by different organizations and food coordinating with the themes “Around the World”, “Hollywood”, “90s/00s”, and “Rave”.

Six local families who have benefited from the Children’s Miracle Network at HSHS St. John’s Hospital will share their stories starting at 4:30 p.m.

UIS students have been raising money for the campaign throughout the year. Last year, they raised $5,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network.

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 students hold Dance Marathon to announce money raised for the Children’s Miracle Network

WHAT: Students at the University of Illinois Springfield will hold a Dance Marathon to mark the conclusion of a year-long fundraising campaign for the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) at St. John’s Children’s Hospital. The amount of money raised will be announced at the event.

WHEN: Friday, March 6, 2015 from 5 to 11 p.m.

WHERE: Student Life Building on the UIS campus

DETAILS: Four local families who have benefited from the Children’s Miracle Network will share their stories starting at 6 p.m.

Participants can sign up for the Dance Marathon as an individual or as part of a team with a fundraising goal. Anyone is welcome to participate and can register online or at the event. Participants pay a $5 registration fee and are asked to fundraise at least $20 by March 6.

The Dance Marathon will have a different theme every hour, where the activities, arts & crafts, and food will match the theme. There will be a reflection room, where participants can read a miracle child’s story and write a letter to them and to other children who are currently in the hospital.

All proceeds from the fundraiser will do directly towards helping children at St. John’s Children’s Hospital in Springfield.

For more information, contact student organizer LeAnna Kehl at lkehl2@uis.edu.

UIS students to volunteer during national Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

WHAT: Over 90 students from the University of Illinois Springfield will participate in the national Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Students will be volunteering with seven Sangamon County organizations.

WHEN: Monday, January 19, 2015 from 1 to 4 p.m.

WHERE:
American Red Cross: Various locations on the east side of Springfield
Habitat for Humanity: 2744 South 6th St., Springfield
Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach: 4930 LaVerna Road, Springfield
Midwest Mission Distribution Center: 1022 New City Road, Chatham
Mini O'Beirne Crisis Nursery: 1011 North 7th St., Springfield
M.E.R.C.Y. Communities: 1111 S. 19th St., Springfield
Ronald McDonald House: 610 North 7th St., Springfield

DETAILS: Students will be distributing fire prevention hang tags in east Springfield neighborhoods with the American Red Cross, painting and preparing Habitat for Humanity’s new building, and sorting supplies with Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach and the Midwest Mission Distribution Center. Volunteers will also make diaper distribution packages at the Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery, help children and clients with MLK Day related art and craft projects at M.E.R.C.Y. Communities, and help clean and reorganize at the Ronald McDonald House.

Earlier in the day, students will learn about Community Organizing and participate in the NAACP MLK Memorial March in Springfield. At the end of the day students will reflect on what they have learned.

Questions may be directed to Mark Dochterman, director of the UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center at mdoch2@uis.edu.

UIS Students Trick or Treat for Canned Goods to benefit the Central Illinois Foodbank

University of Illinois Springfield students will be going door-to-door on Halloween night collecting canned goods for the Central Illinois Foodbank.

A total of 14 teams, consisting of nearly 200 students, have registered for the annual Trick or Treat for Canned Goods drive. The teams have been assigned specific neighborhoods to collect non-perishable food items. Earlier this month, the teams canvassed the neighborhoods and distributed door hangers that explained the project.

The goal is to collect more than 10,000 pounds of food. Collected items will be returned to campus and weighed following the drive. Prizes will be awarded to the teams that collect the most food.

The Central Illinois Foodbank distributes over 8.5 million pounds of food annually to over 150 food pantries, soup kitchens, residential programs and after-school programs in a 21 county region.

For more information on Trick or Treat for Canned Goods, contact Mark Dochterman, director of the UIS Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center, at 225/921-9398, or go to www.uis.edu/volunteer.

The UIS students will be collecting the canned goods between the hours of 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

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. An awards ceremony will be held on April 23, 2014 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 one UIS staff member and three UIS students who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to service.

A Business Honor Roll sponsored by the Springfield Chamber of Commerce has also been added to this year’s awards ceremony. The honor roll will recognize businesses that have made giving back to our community a priority.

Over the past five 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 28, 2014.

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

UIS students to volunteer during MLK Jr. Day of Service

WHAT: Approximately 50 students, in coordination with the University of Illinois Springfield Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center, will return to campus a day early to participate in four local projects: door-to-door distribution of American Red Cross fire safety and disaster preparedness on Springfield’s east side, preparing meals for Sojourn Shelter clients, building play sets and furniture out of reused and recycled materials with Habitat for Humanity, and sorting medical supplies with Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach.

The service events are part of a day long leadership and service retreat that will conclude with a keynote address from Erika Harold (Former Miss USA, U of I and Harvard alumna, and current congressional candidate). The effort is part of the national Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

WHEN: Monday, January 20, 2014
Service Projects: 12:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Keynote from 3 to 4 p.m.

WHERE:
Service Locations:
Red Cross: Various neighborhoods on the east side of Springfield.
Habitat for Humanity: 3040 Honlin Pkwy.
Sojourn Shelter: Housing Commons UIS Campus
Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach: 4930 Laverna Rd.

Keynote Location:
Student Life Building Multipurpose Room – UIS Campus

For more details, contact Mark Dochterman at mdoch2@uis.edu.

UIS students Trick or Treat for Canned Goods to benefit the Central Illinois Foodbank

WHAT: University of Illinois Springfield students will be going door-to-door on Halloween night collecting canned goods for the Central Illinois Foodbank. The goal is to collect more than 7,000 pounds of food.

WHEN: Thursday, October 31, 2013 from 4:30 to 8 p.m.

WHERE: Various Springfield neighborhoods (call for specific details)

DETAILS: A total of 18 teams, consisting of nearly 230 students, have registered for the annual Trick or Treat for Canned Goods drive. The teams have been assigned specific neighborhoods to collect non-perishable food items.

Earlier this month, the teams canvassed the neighborhoods and distributed door hangers that explained the project. Collected items will be returned and weighed at Quaker Steak and Lube following the drive. Prizes will be awarded to the teams that collect the most food during a post-collection party at the restaurant.

The Central Illinois Foodbank distributes over 9.5 million pounds of food annually to over 150 food pantries, soup kitchens, residential programs and after-school programs in a 21 county region.

For more information on Trick or Treat for Canned Goods, contact Mark Dochterman, director of the UIS Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center, at 225/921-9398, or go to www.uis.edu/volunteer.

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 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 students partner with the American Red Cross to prevent fires during MLK Jr. Day of Service

WHAT: Approximately 50 students, in coordination with the University of Illinois Springfield Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center, will be going door-to-door distributing American Red Cross fire safety and disaster preparedness information to thousands of homes on Springfield’s east side. The effort is part of the national Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

WHEN: Monday, January 21, 2013 from Noon to 4 p.m.

WHERE: Various neighborhoods on the east side of Springfield.

DETAILS: UIS students will be distributing safety information to various neighborhoods and areas where the American Red Cross, Illinois Capital Area Chapter has seen the most fires over the past two years. The goal is to increase safety awareness through education to help lower the number of fires each year.

According to the Springfield Fire Department, “Increased risk of residential fire accompanies behaviors like smoking, inattentive grease frying, alternative heating (space heaters or stove heating instead of traditional methods), and even poor general housekeeping. Inadequate smoke and carbon monoxide detector use adds to the risk of death or injury.”

The UIS student volunteers are members of the following campus organizations: Alternative Spring Break, Black Male Collegiate Society, Leadership for Life, International Student Organization, Military Veterans Student Organization, and the Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity.

On average, the American Red Cross, Illinois Capital Area Chapter responds to a disaster every 72 hours and provides direct financial assistance to hundreds of individuals and families every year.