UIS and Community Health Roundtable to host a webinar on “COVID-19 and Returning to Work”

The University of Illinois Springfield Innovation Hub, UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership and the Community Health Roundtable will host a free public webinar titled “COVID-19 and Returning to Work: Implications for the Workforce, Women and Work Sectors” at Noon Friday, May 21 via Zoom.

As the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions are gradually lifted, "returning to work" is not as simple as it seems for some people, due to childcare issues, lingering fear of COVID-19 infection, re-start challenges for businesses, government subsidies and other reasons. In this webinar, expert panelists will discuss how these issues are affecting our state and local workforce, why women may be more affected than men and what we can expect as the summer approaches. There will also be a general COVID-19 update with specifics on vaccines and masks. 

Panelists include Alison Dickson, senior instructor in the Labor Education Program in the School of Labor and Employment Relations at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Chris Hembrough, president and CEO of The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce; Gail O'Neil, director of the Sangamon County Department of Public Health; and Rachel DeVries, vice president of human resources for the Hospital Sisters Health System Illinois Division. The discussion will be moderated by Molly Lamb, executive director of the UIS Center of State Policy and Leadership.

In order to attend the event, please register online at go.uis.edu/COVIDwebinar. A Zoom link will be emailed to those who register. 

For more information, contact Bruce Sommer at 217-899-3186 or bsomm2@uis.edu. Past UIS webinars can be found online at go.uis.edu/Webinars. 

UIS and Community Health Roundtable to host a webinar on the impact of COVID-19 on our youth

The University of Illinois Springfield Innovation Hub, UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership and the Community Health Roundtable will host a free public webinar titled “Impact of COVID-19 on our Youth: Learning, Playing & Socializing” at Noon Friday, Feb. 19 via Zoom.

This webinar will explore the impact of COVID-19 on the well-being of our children in Sangamon County. Some of the consequences may be readily apparent, while others will likely be uncovered in years to come. Please join our expert panelists as they reveal the social and emotional strain of COVID-19 on our youth and how schools and teachers have adapted to online and hybrid learning. Panelists will discuss emergent mitigation strategies taking place at home, in school and for extra-curricular activities and athletics, share monitoring procedures and discuss how decisions have been made.  Additionally, a student-athlete panelist will provide a personal account of his experience during COVID-19.

Panelists for the discussion include Dr. Sameer Vohra, chair of the Department of Population Science and Policy at the SIU School of Medicine and associate professor of pediatrics, medical humanities and law; Jennifer Gill, superintendent of Springfield School District 186; Craig Anderson, executive director of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA); and James Dent, a student-athlete at Springfield’s Southeast High School. The discussion will be moderated by Molly Lamb, executive director of the UIS Center of State Policy and Leadership.

In order to attend the event, please register online at go.uis.edu/COVIDwebinar. The Zoom link can be found on the registration page. 

For more information, contact Bruce Sommer at 217-899-3186 or bsomm2@uis.edu. Past UIS webinars can be found online at go.uis.edu/Webinars. 

Register now for UIS’ spring Lunch & Learn Series

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield will hold four virtual Lunch & Learn Series events this spring. The “Timely Talks on Timeless Topics in Celebration of UIS’ 50th Anniversary” series is presented by the UIS Alumni SAGE Society and the Illinois State Historical Society.

WHEN: Noon-1 p.m. on Feb. 18, March 9, April 7 and May 4

WHERE: All programs will be held via Zoom Webinar

Thursday, Feb. 18 - African-American History Makers

“Eva Carroll Monroe and the Lincoln Colored Old Folks and Orphans Home” presented by Mary Frances, artist, professor and documentarian.

“Walter Thomas Bailey: The First Licensed African-American Architect in the State of Illinois” presented by Kent Massie, principal planner and landscape architect at Massie, Massie & Associates.

Moderator: Kathryn Harris, historian, librarian and community leader

Tuesday, March 9 - The Future is Now

“The Future is Now: Business and Social Innovation in a Post Pandemic World” presented by Katie Davison, executive director of Innovate Springfield; Ranjan Karri, professor and chair of the UIS Management, Marketing and Operations Department; and Bruce Sommer, UIS director of economic development and innovation.

Moderator: Somnath Bhattacharya, dean of the UIS College of Business and Management

Wednesday, April 7 - New Paths in History

“Illinois History Symposium: The Changing Landscape of History” presented by Devin Hunter, UIS assistant professor of history. Information on additional participants to come.

Tuesday, May 4 - Presidential Candidates Who Lost

“Illinoisans Who Ran for President—And Lost” presented by Jacob Freifeld, Illinois and Midwest studies research historian at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, and Forrest Keaton, historian, attorney and partner at Rammelkamp Bradney.

Moderator: Claire Jerry, curator of political history at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Each program needs to be registered for individually. Attendees will receive a confirmation email from each program registered for that includes the Zoom information for that specific session. Registration links for each program can be found at go.uis.edu/LunchSpring21. 

For more information, contact the Office of Advancement at 217-206-6058.

UIS and Community Health Roundtable to host a webinar on the COVID-19 vaccine and immunity

Courtesy: SIU School of Medicine

The University of Illinois Springfield Innovation Hub, UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership and the Community Health Roundtable will host a free public webinar titled “COVID-19 Vaccine: The Journey to Immunity” at Noon Friday, Jan. 15 via Zoom.

Public health and health care panelists will join together to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine and answer important questions around the safety and efficacy of each vaccine, allocation and distribution. Additionally, panelists will discuss COVID-19’s impact on specific populations and how the impact has determined vaccine prioritization, along with giving some understanding of when herd immunity (the point at which enough people are immune to the virus) will be reached.

Panelists include Dr. Vidya Sundareshan, interim chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the SIU School of Medicine; Dr. Wesley Robinson-McNeese, SIU Systems executive director for diversity initiatives; Brian Churchill, EMS coordinator and emergency management facilitator at HSHS St. John’s Hospital; and Heidi Clark, chief of the division of infectious diseases at the Illinois Department of Public Health. The discussion will be moderated by Molly Lamb, executive director of the UIS Center of State Policy and Leadership.

In order to attend the event, please register online at go.uis.edu/CHRWebinarJan152021. A Zoom link will be emailed to those who register.

For more information, contact Bruce Sommer at 217-899-3186 or bsomm2@uis.edu. Past UIS webinars can be found online at go.uis.edu/Webinars.

UIS and Community Health Roundtable to host webinar on the health and well-being of children during the pandemic

As part of the Springfield Innovation Hub, the University of Illinois Springfield and the Community Health Roundtable will offer a free public webinar on “The Health and Well-being of Central Illinois Children during the Pandemic.”

The webinar will take place from 12-1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, and will be moderated by Molly Lamb, executive director of the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership, who will also provide brief updates on COVID-19 in Illinois.

COVID-19 has affected children's physical health, mental development and social well-being in unique ways. Community health officials continue to gain a better understanding of its implications. Local experts from education institutions and child advocates will attempt to unpack the affects this pandemic has had on children and families across central Illinois during the webinar.

Kayla Miller, quality service manager at Community Child Care Connection, will discuss experiences with child care across central Illinois. Shelia Boozer, director of teaching and learning for Springfield Public Schools District 186, will discuss caring for students at Springfield Public Schools during the pandemic. Betsy Goulet, director of UIS Child Advocacy Studies Program and clinical assistant professor of public administration, will address providing protective services to children during the pandemic.

Participants can watch the webinar on Zoom at https://uis.zoom.us/j/83076630703 or call 312-626-6799 to participate by phone (Meeting ID: 830 7663 0703).

For more information, contact Bruce Sommer at bsomm2@uis.edu. Past UIS webinars can be found online at https://go.uis.edu/Webinars.

University of Illinois created Hip-Hop Xpress mobile recording studio to visit Springfield on Saturday

The Hip-Hop Xpress, a school bus that serves as a mobile recording studio, created as part of a University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) faculty collaboration, will make its first visit to Springfield on Saturday, Sept. 26. 

From 10 a.m.-Noon the bus will visit House of Music, located at 222 N. Grand Ave E., and from 1-3 p.m. HISO Music, located at 1401 S. Fifth St. 

Springfield Hip-Hop artists have been invited to write original music on the bus using instrumental tracks created by producers in Champaign. 

“At its core the Hip-Hop Xpress was always envisioned by the UIS/UIUC team to be a tool for building community,” said Tiffani Saunders, UIS instructor of sociology and African American studies, who helped create the bus. “At the local level, it gets community members together for common goal of creating music and learning about the impact of hip-hop music and culture on wider American culture. The design of this project, using faculty from two campuses, along with the music creation planned for this weekend reflects cross-community connection.” 

Saunders was involved in early planning discussions about the bus and is responsible for solidifying Springfield community partnerships for future use of the bus. 

Work on the bus itself has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The outside of the bus has been wrapped to display the name of the bus and various artists. The inside of the bus is empty, except for its use in transporting non-permanent recording equipment. In addition to the ability to record on Saturday, the public is invited to provide feedback on several possible interior designs. 

“COVID aside, we're really excited to bring the Hip-Hop Xpress to the state capital for the first time,” Saunders said. “Grab your mask and let's show everyone that Springfield has talent!” 

The bus was funded, in part, by a $150,000 University of Illinois System Presidential Initiative to Celebrate the Impact of the Arts and the Humanities grant. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign faculty members Adam Kruse, Malaika McKee and William Patterson played a significant role in creating the bus. 

When the bus is finished, the creators plan on having it travel to communities and classrooms across the state, teaching youth about African-American history as well as cultural innovations spurred on by Hip-Hop through the use of music, dance, visual arts and technology. 

For more information, contact Tiffani Saunders at 217-206-8335 or tsaun2@uis.edu.

UIS Music Program to host virtual concert, lecture and masterclass series

The University of Illinois Springfield Music Program will host a virtual concert, lecture and masterclass series featuring a variety of musical performances, discussions and instruction. All events are free and open to the public and links to view or participate can be found on the UIS Music website.

Limited seating may be available at the event venues, contact music@uis.edu for more information.

Careers in Music I: “The Art of Conducting”
Lecture by Maestro Logan Campbell
UIS Music Lecture Series
6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17

“Something Old, Something News” 
William Mitchell, tenor trombone
UIS Music Faculty Recital Series
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3

Careers in Music II: “Options for the 21st-Centry Musician” 
Lecture by Maestro Logan Campbell
UIS Music Lecture Series
6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8

“The Unaccompanied Clarinet” 
Evelyn Moria Tunison, clarinet
UIS Music Faculty Recital Series
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10

“Black Classical Composers” 
Lecture by Violinist Chenoa Alamu
UIS Music Lecture Series
6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22

Flute Masterclass 
Taught by UIS flute faculty Amanda Pond
To participate as a flutist in the virtual Flute Masterclass, visit uis.edu/music/students/forms and fill out a UIS Music masterclass application form. The class is open to UIS and community musicians. All levels are welcome.
3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1

Cello Masterclass 
Taught by UIS cello faculty Jun Seo
To participate as a cellist in the virtual Cello Masterclass, visit uis.edu/music/students/forms and fill out a UIS Music masterclass application form. The class is open to UIS and community musicians. All levels are welcome.
3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7

“Understanding the Orchestral Canon?” 
Lecture by UIS Music faculty Adam Larison
UIS Music Lecture Series
6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19

“Beethoven at 250” 
Lecture by Maestro Ken Lam, music director of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra
UIS Music Lecture Series
6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3

UIS Music/UIS Community Music School Solo Recital 
Featuring student musicians from the UIS Music Department and the UIS Community Music School.
7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4

Spark Notes: Programmatic Pieces for Oboe
Natasha Keating, oboe
UIS Music Faculty Recital Series
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5

UIS Music Ensemble Concert 
Featuring Camerata musicians and UIS Music Ensembles
7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12

For more information on the UIS Music Program, visit uis.edu/music/. Questions may be directed to Yona Stamatis at 217-206-6240 or music@uis.edu.

UIS to host free webinar series on how parents can better support their children during remote learning

The University of Illinois Springfield’s Office of Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE) will host a free webinar series on “Supporting your Student: A Parent’s Guide to Remote Learning.” Three sessions will be held on Sept. 14, Sept. 28 and Oct. 12 and will be offered via Zoom.

“We are faced with an unprecedented time in education,” said Vickie Cook, UIS executive director of online professional and engaged learning. “Terms like eLearning, online education, synchronous and asynchronous are now part of our household lexicons. But what does it all mean, and – more importantly – how can this help your student succeed? Those are questions we hope to help parents answer though this series.”

The first webinar, which will be held from 6-7 p.m. on Sept. 14, will focus on “Introducing Parents to Online and Remote Learning.” The session will feature an informative conversation regarding remote learning and the benefits it can offer students during the pandemic and after. The course will also help parents understand the role and function of the various learning platforms students are using, such as Google Classroom, Zoom and Canvas.

During the second webinar from 6-7 p.m. on Sept. 28, the topic will shift to “Partnering with teachers for your student’s success.” During these extraordinary times, parents are more involved than ever in their children’s education. This session will focus on developing a supportive parent-teacher partnership that helps your child succeed.

Finally, from 6-7 p.m. on Oct. 12, the webinar series will conclude with a presentation on “Finding support when you need it.” The webinar will discuss how to support the academic success of remote learners, where to turn when children are struggling and how parents can access critical related services. This session will feature resources available to help students through this public health crisis.

Parents can register for the free webinars on the CAPE website. Registration is free, but required, as the sessions are limited to 295 participants.

For more information, contact the UIS Office of Continuing and Professional Education at 217-206-8650 or CAPE@uis.edu.

UIS to host a free public COVID-19 webinar on “Economic Impact, Disparities and Opportunities for Black-Owned Businesses”

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 “Economic Impact, Disparities and Opportunities for Black-Owned Businesses.”

The webinar will be offered 12-1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, and will be led by Bruce Sommer, UIS director of economic development and innovation.

Significant economic inequalities existed across Illinois and United States before COVID-19. The impact of the pandemic seems to be widening the gap. The webinar will explore how that gap could widen even further during the economic recovery. Early reports show roughly 21 percent of all U.S. small businesses closed during March and April. During that same time period, 41 percent of Black-owned businesses closed.

Ken Kriz, UIS distinguished professor of public administration, will share new data and understanding of the overall economic condition in the state and region focusing on the unequal impact of the current recession across the Springfield area.

Celebrating 217 Black Business Month, Dominic Watson, president of the Springfield Black Chamber of Commerce; Gina Lathan, president of Rout History; and Kevin Lust, director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Lincoln Land Community College, will talk about the challenges, successes, opportunities and resources available to help grow local Black-owned businesses in Springfield.

Participants are encouraged to register for the event at https://go.uis.edu/COVIDwebinar, however registration is not required. The Zoom link for the event is https://uis.zoom.us/j/93972984635 and the Meeting ID is 939 7298 4635.

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

UIS and Community Health Roundtable to offer webinar on “Public Health & Medical Care in Sangamon County: Six Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic”

As part of the Springfield Innovation Hub, the University of Illinois Springfield and the Community Health Roundtable will offer a free public webinar on “Public Health and Medical Care in Sangamon County: Six Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic.”

The webinar will take place from 12-1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, and will be moderated by John Stremsterfer, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, with a quick update about the current status of COVID-19 plans for the state and county by Molly Lamb, executive director of the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership.

Panelists for webinar include Gail O'Neill, director of the Sangamon County Department of Public Health (SCDPH); Dr. John Flack, chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at SIU School of Medicine; and Kenneth Kriz, UIS distinguished professor of public administration.

O’Neill will discuss the current status of COVID-19 in Sangamon County, including breakdowns by demographics and location, and how the SCDPH is responding, contract tracing, testing and planning for the fall and winter.

Flack will talk about how front line clinical providers have responded and adapted to COVID-19, how they are modifying their approach since Illinois has “reopened,” how medical care may be changed as we go on and how disparities of health care access and COVID-19 outcomes are being addressed.

Kriz will discuss ways we measure the COVID-19 pandemic, including a newer concept, the estimated reproduction rate of the virus (Rt), which shows how fast COVID-19 is growing.

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.

UIS to offer a free public webinar on “Reopening Springfield education during the COVID-19 pandemic”

As part of the Springfield Innovation Hub, the University of Illinois Springfield and the Community Health Roundtable will offer a free public webinar on “Reopening Springfield education during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The webinar will take place from 12-1 p.m. on Friday, June 24, and will be moderated by Molly Lamb, executive director of the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership, who will also provide an update on Illinois COVID-19 guidelines.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues and is intensifying in some areas of the state and the country. As a result, educational institutions are seeking ways to deliver critical educational programs and personal services with the least possible health risk for faculty, staff, students and the broader community. During this webinar, local medical and educational leaders will discuss the issues and challenges they face as their institutions work to "reopen."

Dr. Vidya Sundareshan, co-chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the SIU School of Medicine, will discuss trends and trajectory of coronavirus and testing.

Jennifer Gill, superintendent of Springfield Public Schools, will discuss District 186's plan to reopen schools.

Karen Whitney, interim chancellor of the University of Illinois Springfield, will speak UIS’ plan to safely return students to campus.

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.

UIS to host a free public webinar exploring The Future of Education: During COVID-19 and Beyond

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 impact of COVID-19 on both K-12 and higher education. Panelist will share their insight and foresight about what we can expect education will look like this fall and far beyond. The webinar will be offered 12-1 p.m. Friday, May 22.

The online panel discussion will also include 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.

Following the updates, Jennifer Gill, superintendent of Springfield School District 186; Robert Hansen, CEO at University Professional and Continuing Education Association; and Ray Schroeder, UIS vice chancellor for online learning, will speak. The panel discussion will be led by Meghan Kessler, UIS assistant professor of teacher education.

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 is 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.

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 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.

UIS to host a free public webinar exploring COVID-19 relief for small businesses

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 COVID-19 relief for small businesses from 12-1:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 1.

The online panel discussion will provide insight into the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on the economy, how to compare and contrast available programs and navigate the application process.

The webinar will be hosted by Bruce Sommer, UIS director of economic development and innovation, and will feature panelists Chris McDowell, chair of emergency medicine at the SIU School of Medicine; Greg Turk, director of investments at the Teachers Retirement System of Illinois; Kevin Lust, director of the Small Business Development Center; and Michael Johnson, regional president of US Bank.

Panelists will discuss the anticipated trajectory and timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic from a medical perspective, how to prepare for large and small-scale economic impact, relief options for small businesses and paycheck protection programs for local business owners.

Participants are encouraged to register for the event at go.uis.edu/smallbusiness, however registration is not required. Join the Zoom presentation online at https://zoom.us/j/3362950210 or dial 312-626-6799 and enter meeting id 336 295 0210.

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

UIS Computer Science Department to host Cyber Defense and Disaster Recovery Conference

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Computer Science Department will host the 14th annual Cyber Defense and Disaster Recovery Conference (CDDR) for local information technology and cybersecurity professionals in the Midwest. This year’s theme is cyber threat hunting and incident response.

WHEN: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2020 (registration opens at 7:30 a.m.)

WHERE: UIS Public Affairs Center, 2200 Ernest Hemingway Drive, Springfield

DETAILS: Cyber attacks are on the rise and imposing billions of dollars loss on U.S. companies and organizations annually.

At CDDR 2020, cybersecurity professionals across the country will speak about novel approaches that can be used to detect and track under-the-radar cyber attacks. Such attacks cannot be mitigated by existing conventional defensive countermeasures such as antivirus, or IDS products. They will also speak about modern approaches that companies can employ to contain and manage cybersecurity incidents.

Some of the speakers include Pedram Amini, chief technology officer at InQuest.net; Greg Foss, senior threat researcher at VMware Carbon Black, Brandon Wunderle, manager at CrowdStrike; Chad Johnson, analyst at CrowdStrike; and Michael Springer, senior consultant at Brown Smith Wallace.

The conference is sponsored by Crowdstrike, InQuest LLC and Malwarebytes.

The early bird registration fee for students is $35 and $55 for professionals. After March 15, the registration fee is $45 for students and $75 for professionals.

Those interested in attending the conference can register online at csc.uis.edu/center/conferences/cddr2020/.

For more information, contact Amirreza Niakanlahiji, UIS assistant professor of computer science, at 217-206-6770 or cddr@uis.edu.

Public invited to provide feedback to new UIS Innovation Center

WHAT:        The University of Illinois Springfield invites the public to attend an interactive input session about the new UIS Innovation Center and Springfield Innovation District in downtown Springfield.

WHEN:       5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2020

WHERE:      Innovate Springfield, 15 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield

DETAILS:    The UIS Innovation Center was named the first hub of the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN), a system of connected university-community-industry-based hubs throughout the state that will work together to drive innovation, economic development and workforce development across Illinois utilizing a combination of research, public-private partnerships, entrepreneurship and workforce training programs. Gov. JB Pritzker recently announced the release of funding for the IIN.

The goal of the UIS Innovation Center is to advance the regional economy by working with industry partners, government, civic organizations and other higher education institutions to build a robust and inclusive human capital and innovation pipeline.

After learning more about these endeavors, members of the public will have the opportunity to provide input and engage in small-group sessions with UIS faculty in the following focus areas: business incubation and acceleration, technology and research commercialization, social innovation, public policy research and workforce development and education.

Registration is limited. Members of the public who plan to attend are required to RSVP online at go.uis.edu/RSVPonline. If you’re unable to attend, members of the public can also provide feedback at go.uis.edu/FeedbackForm.

For more information, contact Bruce Sommer, UIS director of economic development and innovation, at 217-899-3186 or bsomm2@uis.edu.

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 Career Development Center seeks donations of professional clothing for student job interviews

The University of Illinois Springfield Career Development Center is asking Springfield-area residents to donate clean, new or gently used, ready to wear professional clothing for students to wear to job interviews and internships.

The professional clothing drive is being held as part of National Career Development Month.

This year, the Career Development Center is specifically asking for donations of full suits, professional dresses, suit jackets or blazers, skirts or slacks, shirts or blouses, ties or scarfs and shoes.

Donations may be dropped off at the UIS Career Development Center, located in the Student Affairs Building, Room 50, on the east side of the UIS campus Nov. 12-16 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Clothing will be distributed to students Nov. 26-30 during the UIS Professional Clothing Closet event.

For more information, contact the UIS Career Development Center, at 217/206-6508 or careerservices@uis.edu.

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.