January 2004
January 29, 2004
SIUE Spring Enrollment Reaches 12,597
(EDWARDSVILLE) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's spring 2004 enrollment jumped to 12,597, compared to last spring's 12,161, about a 3.6 percent increase. Compared to spring 2002, spring enrollment is up by almost 1,000 students
Boyd Bradshaw, assistant vice chancellor for enrollment management, said he was pleased with spring enrollment. "We've seen consistent strong increases in our fall enrollment," he said. "Now what we're starting to see is a spring growth pattern that mirrors the fall increases."
SIUE's fall (2003) enrollment was 13,295, continuing a nine-year trend of enrollment growth. Fall enrollment was up about 4.5 percent over fall 2002.
Todd Burrell, Director of Admissions, said early projections for Fall '04 point to a slight growth in enrollment. "We believe that maintaining enrollment at a certain level best serves our students in terms of size of classes, access to professors, available resources and student services," Burrell said.
The admission application deadline for freshmen entering Fall '04 is May 31; for all other undergraduate students, the deadline is Aug. 2. Graduate students should submit applications no later than July 23. Additional information about applying for admission to SIUE is available online at www.admis.siue.edu.
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January 29, 2004
Exhibition at SIUE Offers Some Valentines Day Snooker
(EDWARDSVILLE) You might not think of an appearance by the "Duchess of Doom" as a great place for a Valentine's Day date, but look at it this way: Do you want the standard box of chocolates, or the world's best snooker?
Snooker, nine ball and trick shots will be the order of the day as Allison Fisher, one of the world's best pool players, with a host of national and world titles, will put on an exhibition from 6-9 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 14, in the Morris Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Fisher began playing pool when she was 12 years old, won her first World Snooker Championship at 17. Since then, she has made a name for herself playing snooker and nine-ball, and lately can be seen frequently in pool tournaments on ESPN.
Fisher's appearance coincides with the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) Region 9 Recreation Tournament being held Feb. 13-15 at SIUE. Several hundred college students from across the region will compete in bowling, pool and table tennis with the winners going on to national finals.
Fisher was born in England and now resides in Charlotte, N.C. She once held the top ranking on the women's tour for five consecutive years, and returned to the top spot in 2003.
She's not the first world champion pool player to play at the Morris Center. In 1967, when the center opened, 14-time world champion Willie Musconi played at exhibition.
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January 29, 2004
U Of I Library School Dean To Speak Feb. 12 At SIU Edwardsville
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) John M. Unsworth, new dean of the Library School at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, will speak at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, in the John C. Abbott Auditorium of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Lovejoy Library.
Unsworth, a specialist in digital scholarly communication and computing in the Humanities, will speak about "Open Access, Open Archives, and Open Source in Higher Education." His visit is sponsored by SIUE's Library and Information Services.
Co-founder of Postmodern Culture, the oldest peer-reviewed journal in the Humanities on the Internet, Unsworth was appointed dean in March of last year of one of the nation's premier graduate programs in library and information science. He served as director of the Institute for Advanced Technology in the Humanities at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va., before joining the U of I faculty.
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January 29, 2004
UCM To Sponsor Annual 'Death By Chocolate Affair' At Religious Center
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The United Campus Ministry (UCM), with offices in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Religious Center, will sponsor its Fourth Annual "A Death by Chocolate Affair" from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at the center.
The Rev. Cherie Hambleton, UCM director, said the event is an important UCM fund-raiser. "Members of the surrounding communities are invited to tempt their taste buds with the pure enjoyment of 'sinfully' delicious desserts from some favorite establishments," Hambleton said.
"Local restaurants and establishments-Houlihan's, Neruda, Franks' on Main, Rusty's, Mrs. Seibold's Bakery, My Just Desserts, Sacred Grounds, to name a few-will be donating chocolate desserts and, for the cost of admission, folks can sample as much chocolate as they wish.
"We anticipate more than 20 establishments will be supporting this event," Hambleton said, "but we'll also have chocolate treats from local kitchens." Admission is $10; children under 12 and students, $5. A "to-go" plate is $8; students and children, $5. For more information, call (618) 650-3248.
The UCM on campus represents the United Methodist Church, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Presbyterian Church (USA), the United Church of Christ, and the Church of the Brethren. UCM integrates fellowship, service, study, and worship for students, faculty, and staff, to provide a place to grow and to be challenged, with acceptance and love.
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January 29, 2004
International Festival To Feature Music, Food, Dancing, And Fun
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) "Toward Global Unity" is the theme of the upcoming International Fest scheduled from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 4-5, in the Goshen Lounge of the Morris University Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
International student organization booths will feature clothing, cultural artifacts, books, music, and demonstrations representing many countries. The Poor People of Paris and other bands will provide international music and entertainment.
International Night is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7, in the Meridian Ballroom, adjacent to Goshen Lounge on the first floor of the Morris Center. An international cuisine buffet will be served at 6 p.m. in the newly renovated Center Court on the lower level of the Morris Center.
The event will continue at 7 p.m. with international dance, music, and cultural presentations by student organizations in the ballroom, and conclude with a fashion show of traditional garments from countries around the world.
The Campus Activities Board and the International Student Council are co-sponsors of both events.
Also featured during the Feb. 4-5 International Fest-which is open and free to the public-will be martial arts demonstrations from around the globe, belly dancers, and a variety of other entertainment. Local elementary school students will visit the campus during the two-day Fest to enjoy the entertainment and learn about SIUE's international students and their countries.
Ticket prices for International Night are: $14; SIUE faculty and staff, $12; SIUE students with valid ID and children ages six to 12, $10. Children ages five and under are free. Tickets are on sale at the Information Desk on the first floor of the Morris Center, (618) 650-5555. Tickets also will be available at the door if the event is not sold out.
For more information, please contact Diana Peters, (618) 650-2686 or dpeters@siue.edu or Ali Soltanshahi, (618) 650-3785 or asoltan@siue.edu.
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January 29, 2004
International Travel With Experts Also Offers Part In Video Documentary
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University students, their families, alumni, senior citizens, and other community members have another chance to travel to ancient Greece or Egypt this spring with the university's Expeditions in the Ancient World programs.
But this year there's a chance to be a "star."
SIU Carbondale has added funding to produce a video documentary of the expedition to Greece, utilizing faculty who are professional documentary producers. "This is an exciting step for our program, which is entering its 22nd year of providing expertly organized sojourns led by teams of professors in various fields of ancient culture," says SIUC Philosophy Professor Robert Hahn
"This will be unique from other documentaries in that we will not only talk about the places and ideas that came out of Greek civilization, but we also will demonstrate the activities that fostered the ancient Greek's ideas of self-knowledge and self-investigation, such as the theater and the Olympics," Hahn said.
The Greece program (May 27-June 10) takes in Athens, Delphi, and the Greek Islands of Samos and Kos, Troy, and the west coast of Turkey. Activities include performing in an ancient play in an ancient theater on Kos, with costumes and masks made by participants. Travelers also will re-enact the trial of Socrates, run an Olympic race in the stadium at Delphi, build ancient sundials on the beach, create pottery in a shop on Samos, and build an architectural model of an ancient Greek temple.
The Egypt program (May 15-28) will take up to 35 participants to Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, Egypt, as well as a luxury cruise on the River Nile. The trip includes site visits to ancient Egypt's wonders, temples and tombs, a re-enactment of the ancient mummification rituals, carving and painting hieroglyphic tablets, model-making reconstruction of the Great Pyramids, and erecting an obelisk.
Hahn says he hopes the documentary can be marketed to Public Television or to one of the cable learning channels. "We not only want the documentary to highlight our travel programs but to also attract benefactors who want to support us so that we can offer scholarships and more expanded programs,"
Hahn said. "We would also like to attract more participants who not only want to learn but also do."
A slide presentation about the programs will be conducted in Edwardsville, St. Louis, and Carbondale:
• 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, and 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, both at Edwardsville Public Library, 112 S. Kansas St., Community Room, on the lower level
• 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, Wild Oats Community Market, Ladue Rd. & Interstate 170, St. Louis
• 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, Rm. 3117, Peck Hall, SIUE
• 5 and 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, Illinois Room, SIU Carbondale's Student Center
Students may earn hours of credit in a variety of subjects for participating, and may apply for financial aid through the university. Both programs offer a blend of archaeological site visits each morning, with free afternoons for relaxing, swimming and shopping, and a lecture series in the evening before dinner, Hahn said. "These travel programs provide five-star accommodations all the way."
The programs' Web site is: www.siu.edu/~nmc/hahn/origins.html. Those interested also may contact SIUE Professor Nancy Ruff by e-mail: , or by calling: (618) 650-3649 for more information.
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January 29, 2004
Postponed Coffee Concert Rescheduled For Feb. 9 At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Coffee Concert postponed Jan. 26 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville because of inclement weather has been re-scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, in the John C. Abbott Auditorium on the ground level of SIUE's Lovejoy Library.
The Feb. 9 concert, part of the Annual Coffee Concerts Chamber Music Series now in its 28th season at SIUE, will feature works by Goetz, Piazzola, William Kraft, and Paul Bowles. SIUE music faculty will be featured performers.
Tickets are $10; senior citizens, $9; students, $5. For information, call the Department of Music, (618) 650-3900.
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January 29, 2004
Professor To Participate In German Language Leadership Program
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Belinda Carstens-Wickham, a professor of Foreign Languages and Literature and chair of that department at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, has been selected to participate in a leadership program in the field of German language education.
The American Association of Teachers of German (AATG) in cooperation with the Goethe-Institut established a program, Transatlantisches interkulturelles Nachwuchsfoerderungsprogramm Deutsch als Fremdsprache or "TrainDaF" (Transatlantic Intercultural Program To Support Faculty Teaching German as a Foreign Language"), designed to build future leaders in the field of teaching German. This program, now in its fourth year, is funded through the German government.
Carstens-Wickham, who has taught German at the university since 1989, will take part in the program with other participants who will strengthen their leadership skills, develop strategies for advocating German at all levels of instruction, and deepen their understanding of Germany and the European Union. Participants will also learn more about the activities of the AATG and the broader field of world languages.
Program participants will attend an orientation meeting in Washington D.C. from April 22-25. This summer, they will take part in seminars in Germany, and they also will attend the AATG Annual Meeting in Chicago in November.
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January 27, 2004
Media advisory
SIU Dental School to be Host of Give Kids a Smile Day
- What: About 200 Children will receive free dental care
- When: From 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 7 (Brief press conference at 10 a.m.)
- Where: Alton, on the campus of the SIU School of Dental Medicine
(ALTON, Ill.) More than 200 area children will participate in the national Give Kids a Smile Day between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., on Saturday, Feb. 7, at the SIU School of Dental Medicine in Alton.
The SDM will serve as the host site for the Metro East region, which will bring together members of the Madison and St. Clair District dental societies, as well as faculty, students and staff from both the SDM and the Lewis & Clark Community College dental hygiene and dental assisting programs. These professionals will provide free dental care, including examinations, x-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings and extractions for children who may not otherwise receive dental care.
Give Kids a Smile Day is a national event sponsored by the American Dental Association to provide free dental treatment for underserved children.
All children ages three to 13 who are eligible for public aid and/or the free lunch program are invited to participate. Due to the need for signed parental permission and other documentation, Give Kids A Smile will serve only pre-registered children and children accompanied by a parent or guardian. While the event will continue until 3 p.m., parents wishing to ensure that their child will receive dental care on Give Kids A Smile Day should arrive no later than 1:30 p.m.
Dr. Debra Schwenk, a faculty member at the SIU dental school and the event chairwoman, will host an informal press conference during the event at 10 a.m. Members of the volunteer team and children treated earlier in the morning, as well as their respective parents, have also been invited to participate.
Give Kids A Smile is meant to focus attention on the epidemic of untreated oral disease among disadvantaged children and deliver the message that dentists alone can not solve this problem without a real commitment from government and society.
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January 26, 2004
Science tour: Illinois State Rep. Tom Holbrook (D-Belleville), recently toured the Science Building to see firsthand the problems that have beset the 37-year-old structure. The university has been granted funding to plan for the needed renovations. Here, Physics graduate student Nathan Anterhaus (at far left) explains some of the problems to Holbrook.With Holbrook on the tour were SIUE Budget Director Dan Corbett (in background), SIUE Provost Sharon Hahs; and Associate Professor Kim Shaw, chair of the Department of Physics. SIUE Photo)
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January 26, 2004
David Perry: Violinist David Perry, an Edwardsville native who is a member of the renowned Aspen Ensemble, recently conducted a master class on campus as part of the ensemble's appearance here as part of the Arts & Issues series. (SIUE Photo)
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January 23, 2004
MAYOR GARY: Edwardsville Mayor Gary Niebur, along with SIUE students and administrators, helped kick off SIUE's annual Book In Every Home literacy campaign recently by reading to children from the SIUE Early Childhood Center and the Riverbend Head Start in Alton. The event took place in the Goshen Lounge, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris Center. Niebur also was joined by Paul Pitts, assistant to the SIUE Chancellor. For specific addresses and locations of book donation drop off points, visit the Web site: www.siue.edu/BOOKS or call (618) 650-2020 for more information. Age-appropriate books are requested for children ages six weeks to five years old. Cash donations also will be accepted. Checks for "A Book in Every Home" should be written to the SIUE Foundation, and mailed to: A Book in Every Home, SIUE, Edwardsville, IL 62026-1058 (In the memo part of the check, please write "A Book in Every Home."). (SIUE Photo)
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January 22, 2004
SIUE To Present Black Heritage Month Activities During February
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will present its Seventh Annual Black Heritage Month Program during February, with its theme of Black History is American History. Below is a calendar of events:
• Panel Discussion-Affirmative Action in Higher Education After the Michigan Decision: Local Perspectives, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, Goshen Lounge, Morris University Center.
•Fundisha Dance Ensemble performs African dance, 12:45-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, Goshen Lounge.
•Lecture-KRS-ONE, rapper, hip-hop artist and motivational speaker, will address the lack of common sense and awareness in respect for one another, 7-10 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, Meridian Ballroom, first floor of Morris Center.
• "Indigo Dyers in Western Nigeria," 7-9 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 5, Maple-Dogwood Room, second floor of Morris Center. Author Judith Byfield, associate professor of African History at Dartmouth, will discuss her book, The Bluest Hands (James Currey Publishers, 2002).
• Soul Food Monday-Members of SIUE's Black Student Association will sell soul food dinners from 5-10 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, at the Cougar Village Commons Building.
• Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, in Meridian Ballroom; admission, $12.50; students, $8.
• Annual Cultural Bazaar-10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 10-11, in Goshen Lounge, offering Afro-centric books, clothing, crafts, jewelry, and other wares, as well as entertainment and prize drawings.
• SIUE East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts Dance Co. performs African dance at12:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, Goshen Lounge.
• Lyrics Lounge, 8-10 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11-students will read poetry, sing, rap, and perform other types of expression, John C. Abbott Auditorium, ground floor of Lovejoy Library.
• Forum Discussion-"Blacks in America"-7-9 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 12, in the Mississippi Room, second floor of the Morris Center
• Annual Cultural Bazaar-10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Feb. 13-14, in Building D of the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus, 601 J.R. Thompson Blvd., offering Afro-centric books, clothing, crafts, jewelry, and other wares, as well as entertainment and prize drawings.
• Poetry Reading featuring Professor Eugene B. Redmond, East St. Louis Poet Laureate, will read from his works 12:30-1:45 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, in Goshen.
• Black Heritage Month Networking Fair, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, Goshen Lounge; student organizations to present information about their activities.
• Panel Discussion-Contemporary Struggles for Social Justice, 1-3 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, Feb. 18-19, in the Missouri Room, Morris Center. Examines both the historical and continuing vitality of social movements as agents for achieving social justice.
• Lecture-Bobby Seale, co-founder of the Black Panther Movement, will speak on a variety of topics, with the main focus on higher education in American society, from 7-10 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, Meridian Ballroom.
• Sixth Annual Black Heritage Month Talent Show, 7-10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, Meridian Ballroom. Tickets are $3; students, $2.
• Black Film Series: A Historic Perspective-6-10 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, Feb. 23-24, presents screening of films directed by Oscar Micheaux (Lying Lips, 1939), Gordon Parks (The Learning Tree, 1969), Reginald and Warrington Hudlin of East St. Louis (The Great White Hype, 1996), and a fourth film to be announced. Elza Ibroscheva and Bala Baptiste, members of the SIUE Mass Communications faculty, will present a conceptualization of African-American films and filmmakers. .
• Panel Discussion: Blacks, Radio and History, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, in Goshen Lounge. Local radio talk show hosts and on-air personalities will participate in the discussion.
• Lecture-Are We Still Living Martin Luther King Jr.'s Dream?-7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, Maple-Dogwood Room, Morris Center. Former Washington Post reporter Leon Dash will lead the discussion..
• Black Heritage Month Quiz Bowl, 11:30-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, in Goshen.
• Gospel Explosion-6:30-10 p.m., Meridian Ballroom. This event features poetry, rap, praise dance, and gospel music.
For more information, call the SIUE Kimmel Leadership Center, (618) 650-2686.
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January 22, 2004
SIUE Offers Financial Aid Workshop For Area Students, Parents
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Students enrolling for the 2004-05 academic year are now closing in on their selection of a college and will soon be embroiled in the financial aid process. Their first step will be completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is offering assistance in that process.
The SIUE Office for Student Financial Aid, with co-sponsorship from Edwardsville High School, will conduct a FAFSA Completion Workshop at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 in the Media Room at EHS, 6161 Center Grove Road, Edwardsville. A financial aid advisor from SIUE will be on hand to talk with students and parents about how to successfully complete the FAFSA, and to answer questions about financial aid.
"We're encouraging students to file their FAFSA application in February," said Sharon Berry, director of Student Financial Aid at SIUE. "Applications should be in by March 1 at the very latest. Completing the FAFSA accurately and on time are the first and most important steps to obtaining state and federal financial aid, so we're pleased to be able to offer this all-important workshop to everyone beginning this process."
For more information about the Feb. 7 workshop, call the SIUE financial aid office, (618) 650-3880.
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January 16, 2004
Scottish Author John Burnside To Read From His Work At SIUE Jan. 27
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Scotsman John Burnside, author of four novels and several books of poetry and short stories, will read from his works at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, in the Community Room at B. Barnard Birger Hall on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The reading is free and open to the public.
Burnside was called "one of the most outstandingly gifted poets in Britain," in The Scotsman, and a writer whose "prose is exquisite" in the Sunday Times of London. His book of poems, The Asylum Dance, won Britain's prestigious Whitbread Poetry Prize in 2000. The judges noted: "Burnside's poems have the rare power to alter one's perception of the world and of language … a sensory delight with an epiphany on every page."
At SIUE, Burnside will read from his latest novel, Living Nowhere, the story of two young men growing up in the sometimes violent industrial town of Corby, England. He also will read from his eighth volume of poems, The Light Trap, published in 2002.
Burnside teaches writing at St. Andrews University in Scotland, where he lives with his wife and son. The event is jointly sponsored by the SIUE Department of English Language and Literature, the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences, the Office of the Chancellor, the Office of Human Resources, and Student Government.
For more information, contact Professor Allison Funk, of the SIUE English faculty, (618) 650-2176.
January 16, 2004
A Season For The Child Continues With Appearance By The Black Rep
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The St. Louis Black Repertory Company will present Telling, Singing, Beating the Drum-a collection of African and African-American folktales for children-as the next offering in A Season for the Child, the children's theater series at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Telling, Singing, Beating the Drum lovingly chronicles the legacy of African and African-American folktales as they have been passed down through three generations. Music, song, and dance help make these tales a treat for the entire family. The production will be staged at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, in SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall theater.
Telling, Singing, Beating the Drum is co-sponsored by the SIUE Friends of Theater and Dance (FOTAD) and TheBANK of Edwardsville.
A Season for the Child is in its 15th season of presenting family-oriented theater to Southwestern Illinois audiences. The series features professional theater troupes from St. Louis that stage adaptations of various children's stories, using interactive techniques that not only delight children and parents, but also provide a learning experience.
Tickets are $5 per person and may be obtained through the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774. Proceeds from the series benefit FOTAD's scholarship fund for theater and dance majors at the university.
Two Edwardsville Residents Win SIUE's MLK Humanitarian Awards
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Two Edwardsville men, one a sales representative and philanthropist and the other a counselor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's East St. Louis Center, are this year's recipients of SIUE's Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Awards.
The awards are given each year by the university to recognize those who exemplify the philosophy of nonviolent social change as demonstrated by Rev. King. This year's guest speaker will be Roland Burris, former Comptroller and Attorney General of the state of Illinois.
Rev. Larry Hogg, a counselor of high school students for SIUE's Upward Bound/Science Awareness program in East St. Louis and also an ordained minister in the Church of God in Christ, and Calvin D. Brown, a sales representative in the Neuroscience Division of Eli Lilly & Co. and active in several community organizations including the NAACP, will receive recognition plaques during the university's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration luncheon on Tuesday, Feb 10.
One of 11 children raised on a farm in rural Georgia, Brown learned from his father the values of Rev. King. "I was two when Dr. King was killed but I developed his principles through the eyes of my father, who taught me about giving back to the community," Brown said. "I've tried to live my life by those values."
Brown and his wife, Wanda, give scholarships each year to deserving students at Edwardsville High School, as well as to students at his own high school in Quitman, Ga. "When you're blessed, you should bless others. It wasn't about Dr. King when he did for others and it's not about me. For my wife and I, our first and foremost aim is to put God first in our lives," Brown said. "As long as I put Him first, everything else will fall into place."
In addition to his work as executive board member of the Edwardsville NAACP and as board member for the Edwardsville Kiwanis Club, Brown is chair of the trustee board and co-chair of the Finance Committee at Mt. Joy Missionary Baptist Church in Edwardsville. He also assists families in need and has provided financial and retirement counseling to many young couples.
Brown and his wife also donate funds to the Edwardsville School District for computer equipment and give generously to local and national charities. "I am a vessel that God uses to help others in this world," Brown said. "What my family and I do is not about receiving awards, but I was very humbled to hear that I will receive the Martin Luther King Award at SIUE. I've tried to live by the values he held sacred, as did my father."
In a letter of support from Carl Jason Sr., a previous MLK Award winner at SIUE, Brown was praised as a man of integrity who promotes racial harmony and understanding. "Mr. Brown is concerned that everyone is treated fairly and that everyone has an equal opportunity," Jason wrote. "You can be sure he will always assist in some way."
In another letter of nomination, Donald Wallace wrote: "Calvin Brown is a shining example of the humanitarian values and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King. He is a devoted member of his church, a devoted family man, and a man devoted to uplifting minority groups."
Larry Hogg also believes in the dream that Dr. King espoused-equality for all humanity-and tries to further those values through education.
As a high school graduate in the early 1960s, Hogg learned quickly that minority studentsi in East St. Louis didn't have many career choices. "There were kids who went to college and there were kids who went to work in the factories," Hogg said. "Not that there's anything wrong with factory work-I worked for Granite City Steel for several years before I joined the university staff nearly 30 years ago."
What Hogg tries to change is the belief among minority students that factory work is the only option they have. "Showing them another side is what we're trying to do here," he said, "to prepare these kids for college, maybe going on to careers as doctors or engineers. I let them know that education is the key to choices in their lives." Hogg is credited with helping more than 800 students go on to colleges and universities, as well as graduate programs, throughout the country during his 27 years with SIUE.
Hogg said he admired Dr. King for bringing about change in the world. "Martin Luther King was able to bring races together in order to deal with important issues in society," Hogg said. "It took a special person to do that, to bring people together to solve problems. In my own way, I'm trying to help society by preparing the youth of today to become leaders. We need good leaders."
Hogg said he was surprised but pleased to learn someone had nominated him for the Humanitarian Award. "It's humbling and I appreciate that someone would take the time to nominate me, but I would do what I do without receiving any awards."
In her letter of nomination, Barbara Sams, assistant program director at the East St. Louis Center and Hogg's supervisor, wrote that Hogg has faith in the work he is doing with students. "Like Dr. King, (Larry) has faith that moves mountains," Sams wrote. "He has courage to speak the truth, he has family to keep him focused, and he has compassion for all … (he) meets."
As a minister, Hogg also has received accolades. In another nomination letter from a colleague at the East St. Louis Center, George Smith wrote: "Through his ministry, (the Rev. Hogg) has inspired and helped many people in their time of need. Spiritual guidance, financial assistance, and family counseling are just a few of the many accomplishments he has achieved in his effort to serve his community. Larry believes that a life of service to others is a life well spent."
Burris, who served as state Comptroller from 1979-1991 and Attorney General from 1991-95, currently is manager/CEO of Burris and Lebed Consulting LLC, a strategic consulting firm in the areas of public relations, governmental representation, political strategies, and corporate strategies.
Tickets for the Feb. 10 luncheon celebration are $12.50; students, $8. Reservations are being accepted at (618) 650-2660.
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January 15, 2004
SIUE Student From Ohio Wins MLK Scholarship, Humanitarian Award
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Scott Thomas Herbert, of Columbus, Ohio, is the winner of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship and Humanitarian Award for 2004.
The Scholarship and Humanitarian Award is given each year by the university to recognize a student for academic excellence and who exemplifies the philosophy of nonviolent social change as demonstrated by The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year's guest speaker will be Roland Burris, former Comptroller and Attorney General of the state of Illinois.
Herbert, who has maintained a 4.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale), will receive the award and special recognition during the university's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration luncheon on Tuesday, Feb 10. The award includes a $100 cash stipend and a scholarship that provides tuition and fees, or housing, for one academic year of study at SIUE.
A 35-year-old SIUE freshman pursuing a bachelor of science in Economics and Finance toward a career in investment banking, Herbert has volunteered as executive director of Rigorous Educational Assistance for Deserving Youth and has been involved with the Organization for Minority Business Students at SIUE, the SIUE School of Business Dean's Advisory Committee, and the Johnetta Haley Scholars Academy at SIUE. He also was on the SIUE Dean's List last year.
Considered a "non-traditional" student, Herbert brings a wealth of experience to the university. An Ohio native, Herbert had been an investment broker for Dublin Securities, an investment executive with Paine Webber, and was general manager/owner of Wetworks Building Contractors Ltd. before deciding to come to Edwardsville and pursue an education at SIUE. He also was an investment columnist for the Columbus (OH) Call and Post newspaper.
"Scott's intelligence, love of ideas and human beings, determination and belief in a better world, and commitment to use his gifts to help us reach that better world are certainly qualities he shares with Dr. King," wrote Nancy Ruff, an associate professor of English Language and Literature at SIUE, in her letter of nomination. "(Scott) has a way of helping people believe in themselves that opens a comfortable space for learning."
The letter of nomination went on to note, "Scott is determined to grow personally and to use his gifts to help others. He, Like Dr. King, keeps his vision of a better world … in sight each day. His determination and talent brighten the vision for me and, I imagine, for all who know him."
Herbert said his early life was a struggle against poverty and racism, two experiences he hopes to see eradicated. "I hear the faint, distant ring of freedom, and long for all people to be free," Herbert wrote in his personal statement in applying for the award. "I strongly believe I can use my experience with poverty and my knowledge of financial planning to accomplish the goals I share with (Rev.) King. I believe I can work to protect those rights first by completing my own education."
After earning a bachelor's, Herbert plans to work toward a master's in Public Administration to help him enter the non-profit sector to raise funds for municipalities. "In this way, I will arm myself to undertake my non-violent protest of poverty in our nation. Like King, I will never be satisfied until 'justice rolls down like waters.'"
Burris, who served as state Comptroller from 1979-1991 and Attorney General from 1991-95, currently is manager/CEO of Burris and Lebed Consulting LLC, a strategic consulting firm in the areas of public relations, governmental representation, political strategies, and corporate strategies.
Tickets for the Feb. 10 luncheon celebration are $12.50; students, $8. Reservations are being accepted at (618) 650-2660.
January 7, 2004
Feb. 6 Blind Boys Arts & Issues Event Sold Out
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Feb. 6 performance of the The Blind Boys of Alabama, part of the 2003-04 Arts & Issues series at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, is sold out.
"We are happy with the response to the Blind Boys' concert and we're sorry not everyone will have the opportunity to see this wonderful group of musicians," said John Peecher, assistant director of development for the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences and coordinator of the Arts & Issues series.
"We're providing this information about the sold out concert so that other patrons will not make an unnecessary trip to campus for tickets."
Tickets still are available for the remaining Arts & Issues dates: The exciting Grammy Award-winning Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra (2:00 p.m. Feb. 29); National Geographic photographer Sam Abell (March 16); the explosive and creative movement of Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago (April 2); and two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner Norman Mailer (April 20).
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January 5, 2004
Arts & Issues Series Continues Jan. 22 With The Aspen Ensemble
(EDWARDSVILLE, ILL.) The Aspen Ensemble, an internationally acclaimed chamber music group that includes an Edwardsville native, comes to the Arts & Issues stage Jan. 22 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Each year, Arts & Issues brings some of the best and brightest performers and speakers from around the world to Southwestern Illinois audiences for entertaining and thought-provoking presentations on the SIUE campus. The prestigious Aspen Ensemble will present an evening of breathtaking virtuosity at 7:30 p.m. in Katherine Dunham Hall theater.
United in their love of chamber music and their desire to bring unique, exciting programs to audiences around the world, members of the Aspen Ensemble will perform the music of J.S. Bach, Mozart, David Schiff, and Gabriel Fauré.
In the 50-year history of the Aspen (Colo.) Music Festival, the Aspen Ensemble is the first ensemble formed from resident artists of the festival to bear the Aspen name. These five musicians have performed chamber music together in Aspen for several years and, for the first time, are available for touring during the winter months.
Violinist for the ensemble is David Perry, son of violinist R. Kent Perry of St. Louis, emeritus music professor at SIUE, and Linda Perry of Edwardsville, a professor of music at the university who is well known to regional audiences as an accomplished pianist. Ms. Perry has performed for more than 30 years during the perennial favorite-The SIUE Coffee Concerts Chamber Music Series-currently performing there with the LeClaire Trio.
"Not only are we presenting a world class chamber music ensemble but with an added bonus of welcoming back one of our own-David Perry," says John Peecher, assistant director of development for the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences and coordinator of the Arts & Issues series. "Of course, all the members of this ensemble have been thrilling audiences throughout the world in their respective careers, performing a wide repertoire that includes music from Bach to Kodaly, from Bartok to Durufle, and from Beethoven to Mercadante," Peecher said.
In the past two years, the ensemble-made up of pianist Rita Sloan, flutist Nadine Asin, violinist Perry, violist Victoria Chiang, and cellist Michael Mermagen-has brought a standard and unusual repertoire to audiences nationwide. All members of the group serve on the faculty of the Aspen Music Festival, with extensive experience in other ensembles and at other venues including the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Bargemusic, and the Emerson Quartet.
In addition, several of the members have held high-level orchestral positions. Asin was a first-desk player in James Levine's Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Perry was among the rotating concertmasters of the renowned Orpheus Chamber Orchestra.
Information about the Jan. 22 Aspen Ensemble appearance and how to order tickets may be found on the Arts & Issues Web site: artsandissues.com and in a printed brochure available through John Peecher, (618) 650-2626, or, by e-mail: jpeeche@siue.edu. Tickets for the Jan. 22 event are $18; students, $9. Tickets also are available at the Morris Center Information Desk, (618) 650-5555.
The remaining Arts & Issues season includes: (The Blind Boys of Alabama-Feb. 6-are SOLD OUT); the exciting Grammy Award-winning Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra (2:00 p.m. Feb. 29); National Geographic photographer Sam Abell, who will speak about the Lewis and Clark Expedition (March 16); the explosive and creative movement of Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago (April 2); and two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner Norman Mailer (April 20).
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SIUE's A Book In Every Home To Kick Off Annual Campaign
The Cat could be in the Hat, and, then again, George might become even more Curious-it's difficult to say-but it's a sure bet several local youngsters will have fun when Edwardsville Mayor Gary Niebur reads to them at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at the kickoff of the annual A Book In Every Home (BIEH) campaign in Goshen Lounge.
Since it began, the BIEH literacy/book drive campaign has helped thousands of children own their own books, something many of them might not have otherwise been able to do. The university is again sponsoring the campaign from Jan. 15 to March 31.
Mayor Niebur, along with several SIUE students and faculty members, will read to children from the SIUE Early Childhood Center and the Riverbend Head Start in Alton.
John Davenport, coordinator of the Jan. 15 event, said the mayor and others will read from books written for children up to age five, the campaign's target audience for collecting books. "Because we've received a large amount of donated books, each child at the kickoff will receive their own book," Davenport said. "There will be a variety of children's stories available."
Literacy is one of the most critical issues facing our educational system. Studies show that children who cannot read are not likely to succeed in the classroom or in life. Recognizing that access to books is a key component to literacy, BIEH not only has placed 30,000 books in homes in St. Clair and Madison counties, it also encourages parents to read to their children.
"Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is advancing literacy at a grassroots level through the A Book in Every Home program,'" said Kay Werner, chair of the campaign. "Our goal is to place an age-appropriate book in the home of every Head Start child in Madison and St. Clair counties, as well as families served by crisis centers in those counties.
"We've also now serve juvenile centers in those counties by donating the books we receive for older youth."
In December, the campaign received a boost from the St. Louis Rams, one of the BIEH sponsors. "We received $5,000 from the Rams at the December 21 football game," Werner said. "The Rams donated $50,000 to five literacy programs and we were the only Illinois program to receive funds. We were mentioned at the game; in fact I represented BIEH and helped hold up the big check at the game," Werner said proudly. "Last year, we received $2,500 from the Rams, so they were very generous to us again."
There are drop-off points for book donations in the St. Clair County and Madison County Head Start programs, SIUE campus sites, all public libraries in Madison and St. Clair counties, the Piece of Mind Book Store in Edwardsville, and B. Dalton Booksellers Book Store, the Borders book store in Fairview Heights, and Fresh Words bookstore in Highland.
For specific addresses and locations of these drop off points, visit the Web site: www.siue.edu/BOOKS or call (618) 650-2020 for more information.
Age-appropriate books are requested for children ages six weeks to five years old. Cash donations also will be accepted. Checks for "A Book in Every Home" should be written to the SIUE Foundation, and mailed to:
A Book in Every Home
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL 62026-1058
(In the memo part of the check, please write "A Book in Every Home.")
MLK Celebration Award Winners Announced
The 22nd annual celebration of the birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., at SIUE is set for Tuesday, Feb. 10. Tickets are available for the 11:30 a.m. luncheon that will feature a keynote address by St. Louis attorney Frankie Muse Freeman, an author who is very active with the St. Louis chapter of the NAACP.
The luncheon program will be held in the Meridian Ballroom, followed by a reception in the Goshen Lounge for the winners of the scholarship and humanitarian awards who will be honored at the luncheon.
Winners of the awards include:
• Scott Herbert-a "nontraditional student" who won the SIUE Student Scholarship and Humanitarian Award;
• Larry Hogg, a counselor in the Upward Bound/Science Awareness program at the East St. Louis Center and pastor of Holy Temple Lifeline Ministries, who won the Faculty/Staff MLK Humanitarian Award;
• Calvin Brown, owner of the Hair Biz Salon in Glen Carbon, executive board member of the NAACP, and very active in the Mt. Joy Baptist Church in Edwardsville, who is recipient of the Community MLK Humanitarian Award;
• Jesse Favre, a junior at Belleville Township East High School-essay award;
• L. Kristina Cottone, a senior at Edwardsville High School-poetry award;
• Matthew Stolze, a sophomore at Alton High School-visual arts award.
Tickets for the luncheon are $12.50; students, $8. Reservations are being accepted at (618) 650-2660.
Arts & Issues Series Continues Jan. 22 With The Aspen Ensemble; Blind Boys Appearance Feb. 6 Sold Out
The Aspen Ensemble, an internationally acclaimed chamber music group that includes an Edwardsville native, comes to the Arts & Issues stage Jan. 22.
Each year, Arts & Issues brings some of the best and brightest performers and speakers from around the world to Southwestern Illinois audiences for entertaining and thought-provoking presentations on the SIUE campus. The prestigious Aspen Ensemble will present an evening of breathtaking virtuosity at 7:30 p.m. in Katherine Dunham Hall theater.
On another Arts & Issues note, the Feb. 6 appearance of The Blind Boys of Alabama has been sold out. Arts & Issues Coordinator John Peecher said the sell-out was exciting news but also bittersweet for those who won't be able to attend. "We are happy with the response to the Blind Boys' concert and we're sorry not everyone will have the opportunity to see this wonderful group of musicians," said Peecher, who also is assistant director of development for the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences.
"We're providing this information about the sold out concert so that other patrons will not make an unnecessary trip to campus for tickets."
The Aspen Ensemble is a group united in the love of chamber music and the desire to bring unique, exciting programs to audiences around the world. The ensemble will perform the music of J.S. Bach, Mozart, David Schiff, and Gabriel Fauré.
In the 50-year history of the Aspen (Colo.) Music Festival, the Aspen Ensemble is the first ensemble formed from resident artists of the festival to bear the Aspen name. These five musicians have performed chamber music together in Aspen for several years and, for the first time, are available for touring during the winter months.
Violinist for the ensemble is David Perry, son of violinist R. Kent Perry of St. Louis, emeritus music professor at SIUE, and Linda Perry of Edwardsville, a professor of music at the university who is well known to regional audiences as an accomplished pianist. Ms. Perry has performed for more than 30 years during the perennial favorite-the SIUE Coffee Concerts Chamber Music Series-currently performing there with the LeClaire Trio.
"Not only are we presenting a world class chamber music ensemble but with an added bonus of welcoming back one of our own-David Perry," Peecher said. "Of course, all the members of this ensemble have been thrilling audiences throughout the world in their respective careers, performing a wide repertoire that includes music from Bach to Kodaly, from Bartok to Durufle, and from Beethoven to Mercadante."
In the past two years, the ensemble-made up of pianist Rita Sloan, flutist Nadine Asin, violinist Perry, violist Victoria Chiang, and cellist Michael Mermagen-has brought a standard and unusual repertoire to audiences nationwide. All members of the group serve on the faculty of the Aspen Music Festival, with extensive experience in other ensembles and at other venues including the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Bargemusic, and the Emerson Quartet.
In addition, several of the members have held high-level orchestral positions. Asin was a first-desk player in James Levine's Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Perry was among the rotating concertmasters of the renowned Orpheus Chamber Orchestra.
Information about the Jan. 22 Aspen Ensemble appearance and how to order tickets may be found on the Arts & Issues Web site: artsandissues.com and in a printed brochure available through John Peecher, (618) 650-2626, or, by e-mail: jpeeche@siue.edu. Tickets for the Jan. 22 event are $18; students, $9. Tickets also are available at the Morris Center Information Desk, (618) 650-5555.
55 Graduate Nurses Complete Senior Assignment At SIUE
Fifty-five School of Nursing students recently presented their senior assignment projects to an audience of faculty, peers and invited University guests.
The Senior Assignment project represents a culmination of the entire undergraduate experience at SIUE. This requirement arises from the university's belief that the ability to integrate a general education perspective into one academic discipline is an essential mark of a university-educated person.
Senior nursing assignments take the form of exploration of an issue relative to nursing such as the nursing shortage or childhood obesity, a case study involving in depth investigation of a population such as adolescents and nutrition, lead poisoning in African-American children, or a teaching project with a population such as hypertension to cardiac patients, sexually transmitted diseases to adolescents and unique clinical experiences such as working with a pediatric outpatient hospice program.
These experiences occur in locations throughout Southern Illinois and the St. Louis Metropolitan Area.
At the poster presentations, students discussed their learning objectives and results of their project with faculty and University administrators. "The School of Nursing Senior Assignment provides an opportunity for students to bring together the knowledge and experience they have gained during their undergraduate learning experience," said Dean Marcia Maurer.
"Our students have provided service in the communities and demonstrated skills as researchers by collecting data on important nursing issues. We are proud of what these students accomplish during their tenure at SIUE and in the School of Nursing."
The School of Nursing is fully accredited by National League for Nursing (NLN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
SIUE Meridian Society Encourages Women In Philanthropy
The 90th Meridian of longitude passes through the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, a quarter of the way around the world from the prime meridian that passes through Greenwich, England.
The significance of the 90th Meridian serves as a symbol for the Meridian Society, a newly formed organization of women dedicated to raising funds in support of SIUE programs.
Dixie Engelman, emeritus dean of the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences and now chair of the society, said the group is dedicated to supporting a variety of SIUE programs through grants made annually at the society's spring meeting. "The Meridian Society also will provide information to women on financial and estate planning, primarily at its fall meeting.
"We are learning what we can do collectively, as well as what we need to do on an individual and personal level."
Provost Sharon Hahs, one of the group's charter members explained the society's name was chosen as a reminder of a "special feature of our campus. The 90th Meridian is an important delineation on the Earth, exactly one-fourth of the way around the globe from the Prime Meridian," Hahs said.
Julie Babington, director of development for the SIUE School of Education, provides staff support for the society. "I am very excited about the spirit of the Meridian Society Steering Committee and charter members, particularly the leadership of Dixie Engelman," Babington said.
The original concept for the society was suggested by Harold Melser, director of planned giving for the Foundation, who is providing assistance to the organization as it continues to plan for the future. "I had heard about Ball State University's Discovery Group," Melser said, "and realized that creating a philanthropic organization matched the goals of the SIUE Foundation in regard to women in philanthropy," Melser said.
The two types of society membership are full-membership (3-year pledge of $1,000 annually) and associate membership (3-year pledge of $500 annually). The Meridian Society currently has pledges totaling more than $40,000. Those interested in joining the Meridian Society, may call the SIUE Foundation, (618) 650-2345.
SIU Board Approves New Boiler System For Core Buildings At SIUE
The SIU Board of Trustees has approved a $3.2 million project to install high-efficiency boilers and heaters in the campus core buildings, effectively de-centralizing the current campus heating system. The matter was approved during the board's regular meeting conducted at SIU Carbondale in December.
University officials expect the boiler project to be completed by the fall 2004 heating season. Once the new system is in place, the related distribution system will be shut down and abandoned. The project will not affect the separate campus cooling system.
The current high-temperature, hot-water distribution portion of the system was replaced in 1994 and has been failing-four times in the past year alone. Officials estimate that in 10 years the system would need to be replaced at a cost of $10 million. In addition, the existing system draws high operating, maintenance, and utility costs. The new system would mean a $250,000 reduction annually in utility and maintenance costs.
The project would be funded through a loan from the Illinois Public Higher Education Consortium. The loan would be repaid through cost savings and with deferred maintenance funds. Under the plan, compact boilers would be placed in each of 10 buildings: Peck Hall, Lovejoy Library, the Science Building, Dunham Hall, Morris University Center, Founders Hall, Alumni Hall, the Vadalabene Center, the Religious Center, and the Engineering Building.
In other business, the Board approved procurement of an easement at no cost to allow a connection between SIUE's Supporting Services Complex and the city of Edwardsville's wastewater treatment system. Supporting Services is currently using a separate septic system from that of the core university. Officials said the city of Edwardsville has agreed to allow the complex to connect with the city's system, but it must be done through private property owned by the developers of nearby Cherry Hills subdivision. The developers have agreed to the easement.
SIU Board Approves Transfer Of Old Broadview Hotel To City
The former site of the East St. Louis Center at 411 E. Broadway, an historic hotel which later housed the SIUE center for more than 40 years, would be deeded to the city of East St. Louis under a proposal passed last month by the SIU Board of Trustees.
The East St. Louis Higher Education Campus, 601 James R. Thompson Blvd., now houses the East St. Louis Center and the East St. Louis Community College Center. By spring the campus also will house the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
The proposal to transfer the old center to the city was considered at the SIU Board's regular meeting conducted at SIU Carbondale.
The university originally proposed demolition of the East Broadway building and to pass the deed to the city, but city officials asked that the building remain intact. Once the university and the city reach an agreement, the state legislature must authorize the final transfer of deed.
The building was used by SIUE as a center that housed several educational programs and community service programs, as well as health clinics. Before the university became associated with the building in 1957, it had been the Broadview Hotel since 1928.
In other business at the December meeting, the Board approved purchase of vacant land adjacent to or near the Higher Education campus. The proposal was initiated to add green space and to provide a degree of control over future development of the property near the existing campus.
The vacant parcels of land represent 17 city addresses on Bond Avenue, Market Street, Eighth Street, and Trendley Avenue. Under the proposal, the agreed price would be $152,400. The land was appraised by Joshway Harding Real Estate.
Funding for the purchase would come from SIUE cash reserves or from state Capital Development Board excess funds that were budgeted for the entire Higher Education Campus project. The purchase of the parcels also is subject to approval by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
Scottish Author John Burnside To Read From His Work Today At SIUE
Scotsman John Burnside, author of four novels and several books of poetry and short stories, will read from his works at 4 p.m. today in the Community Room at B. Barnard Birger Hall. The reading is free and open to the public.
Burnside was called "one of the most outstandingly gifted poets in Britain," in The Scotsman, and a writer whose "prose is exquisite" in the Sunday Times of London. His book of poems, The Asylum Dance, won Britain's prestigious Whitbread Poetry Prize in 2000. The judges noted: "Burnside's poems have the rare power to alter one's perception of the world and of language … a sensory delight with an epiphany on every page."
Burnside will read from his latest novel, Living Nowhere, the story of two young men growing up in the sometimes violent industrial town of Corby, England. He also will read from his eighth volume of poems, The Light Trap, published in 2002.
Burnside teaches writing at St. Andrews University in Scotland, where he lives with his wife and son. The event is jointly sponsored by the Department of English Language and Literature, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Office of the Chancellor, the Office of Human Resources, and Student Government.
For more information, contact Professor Allison Funk, of the English faculty, (618) 650-2176.
SIUE To Present Black Heritage Month Activities During February
SIUE will present its Seventh Annual Black Heritage Month Program during February, with its theme of Black History is American History. Below is a calendar of events:
• Panel Discussion-Affirmative Action in Higher Education After the Michigan Decision: Local Perspectives, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, Goshen Lounge, Morris University Center.
•Fundisha Dance Ensemble performs African dance, 12:45-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, Goshen Lounge.
•Lecture-KRS-ONE, rapper, hip-hop artist and motivational speaker, will address the lack of common sense and awareness in respect for one another, 7-10 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, Meridian Ballroom, first floor of Morris Center.
• "Indigo Dyers in Western Nigeria," 7-9 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 5, Maple-Dogwood Room, second floor of Morris Center. Author Judith Byfield, associate professor of African History at Dartmouth, will discuss her book, The Bluest Hands (James Currey Publishers, 2002).
• Soul Food Monday-Members of SIUE's Black Student Association will sell soul food dinners from 5-10 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, at the Cougar Village Commons Building.
• Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, in Meridian Ballroom; admission, $12.50; students, $8.
• Annual Cultural Bazaar-10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 10-11, in Goshen Lounge, offering Afro-centric books, clothing, crafts, jewelry, and other wares, as well as entertainment and prize drawings.
• SIUE East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts Dance Co. performs African dance at12:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, Goshen Lounge.
• Lyrics Lounge, 8-10 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11-students will read poetry, sing, rap, and perform other types of expression, John C. Abbott Auditorium, ground floor of Lovejoy Library.
• Forum Discussion-"Blacks in America"-7-9 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 12, in the Mississippi Room, second floor of the Morris Center.
• Annual Cultural Bazaar-10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Feb. 13-14, in Building D of the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus, 601 J.R. Thompson Blvd., offering Afro-centric books, clothing, crafts, jewelry, and other wares, as well as entertainment and prize drawings.
• Poetry Reading featuring Professor Eugene B. Redmond, East St. Louis Poet Laureate, will read from his works 12:30-1:45 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, in Goshen.
• Black Heritage Month Networking Fair, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, Goshen Lounge; student organizations to present information about their activities.
• Panel Discussion-Contemporary Struggles for Social Justice, 1-3 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, Feb. 18-19, in the Missouri Room, Morris Center. Examines both the historical and continuing vitality of social movements as agents for achieving social justice.
• Lecture-Bobby Seale, co-founder of the Black Panther Movement, will speak on a variety of topics, with the main focus on higher education in American society, from 7-10 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, Meridian Ballroom.
• Sixth Annual Black Heritage Month Talent Show, 7-10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, Meridian Ballroom. Tickets are $3; students, $2.
• Black Film Series: A Historic Perspective-6-10 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, Feb. 23-24, presents screening of films directed by Oscar Micheaux (Lying Lips, 1939), Gordon Parks (The Learning Tree, 1969), Reginald and Warrington Hudlin of East St. Louis (The Great White Hype, 1996), and a fourth film to be announced. Elza Ibroscheva and Bala Baptiste, members of the SIUE Mass Communications faculty, will present a conceptualization of African-American films and filmmakers. .
• Panel Discussion: Blacks, Radio and History, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, in Goshen Lounge. Local radio talk show hosts and on-air personalities will participate in the discussion.
• Lecture-Are We Still Living Martin Luther King Jr.'s Dream?-7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, Maple-Dogwood Room, Morris Center. Former Washington Post reporter Leon Dash will lead the discussion..
• Black Heritage Month Quiz Bowl, 11:30-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, in Goshen.
• Gospel Explosion-6:30-10 p.m., Meridian Ballroom. This event features poetry, rap, praise dance, and gospel music.
For more information, call the SIUE Kimmel Leadership Center, (618) 650-2686.
SIUE Offers Financial Aid Workshop For Area Students, Parents
Students enrolling for the 2004-05 academic year are now closing in on their selection of a college and will soon be embroiled in the financial aid process. Their first step will be completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and SIUE is offering assistance in that process.
The Office for Student Financial Aid, with co-sponsorship from Edwardsville High School, will conduct a FAFSA Completion Workshop at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 in the Media Room at EHS, 6161 Center Grove Road. A financial aid advisor from SIUE will be on hand to talk with students and parents about how to successfully complete the FAFSA, and to answer questions about financial aid.
"We're encouraging students to file their FAFSA application in February," said Sharon Berry, director of Student Financial Aid. "Applications should be in by March 1 at the very latest. Completing the FAFSA accurately and on time are the first and most important steps to obtaining state and federal financial aid, so we're pleased to be able to offer this all-important workshop to everyone beginning this process."
For more information about the Feb. 7 workshop, call the SIUE financial aid office, (618) 650-3880.
Book In Every Home Campaign Kick-Off Features Mayor Gary
Edwardsville Mayor Gary Niebur may have missed his calling-master storyteller. The residents of Edwardsville by and large seem to like him as a mayor, but if the kids he was reading to at the Book In Every Home campaign kick-off were any indication, he could probably get work at a daycare anytime.
"What a marvelous program this is," Niebur said. "I applaud the efforts of Kay Werner and the members of the campaign committee. There is no better way to touch our young people by reading to them."
Niebur was at the Goshen Lounge to help with the campaign's annual kick-off, along with SIUE Provost Sharon Hahs, Paul Pitts, assistant to SIUE Chancellor David Werner, and SIUE student Joe Keller. "This literacy campaign is a great way for the university to reach children of the region in a positive way," Niebur said. They were reading to children from the SIUE Early Childhood Center and the Riverbend Head Start in Alton.
Since it began, the BIEH literacy campaign/book drive has helped thousands of children own their own books, something many of them might not have otherwise been able to do. The university is sponsoring the campaign through March 31.
John Davenport, coordinator of the Jan. 15 event, said the mayor and others read from books written for children up to age five, the campaign's target audience for collecting books. "Because we've received a large amount of donated books, each child at the kickoff received their own book," Davenport said.
Literacy is one of the most critical issues facing our educational system. Studies show that children who cannot read are not likely to succeed in the classroom or in life. Recognizing that access to books is a key component to literacy, BIEH not only has placed 30,000 books in homes in St. Clair and Madison counties, it also encourages parents to read to their children.
"Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is advancing literacy at a grassroots level through the A Book in Every Home program,'" said Kay Werner, chair of the campaign. "Our goal is to place an age-appropriate book in the home of every Head Start child in Madison and St. Clair counties, as well as families served by crisis centers in those counties.
"We've also now serve juvenile centers in those counties by donating the books we receive for older youth."
In December, the campaign received a boost from the St. Louis Rams, one of the BIEH sponsors. "We received $5,000 from the Rams at the December 21 football game," Werner said. "The Rams donated $50,000 to five literacy programs and we were the only Illinois program to receive funds. We were mentioned at the game; in fact I represented BIEH and helped hold up the big check at the game," Werner said proudly. "Last year, we received $2,500 from the Rams, so they were very generous to us again."
There are drop-off points for book donations in the St. Clair County and Madison County Head Start programs, SIUE campus sites, all public libraries in Madison and St. Clair counties, the Piece of Mind Book Store in Edwardsville, and B. Dalton Booksellers Book Store, the Borders book store in Fairview Heights, and Fresh Words bookstore in Highland.
For specific addresses and locations of these drop off points, visit the Web site: www.siue.edu/BOOKS or call (618) 650-2020 for more information.
Age-appropriate books are requested for children ages six weeks to five years old. Cash donations also will be accepted. Checks for "A Book in Every Home" should be written to the SIUE Foundation, and mailed to:
A Book in Every Home
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL 62026-1058
(In the memo part of the check, please write "A Book in Every Home.")
SIUE Students Offer Tax Preparation For Low-Income Citizens
School of Business accounting students will again offer income tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for students and low-income citizens.
The program, which has helped hundreds of people over the past several years, is designed for low-income taxpayers, including students. Those eligible to receive assistance from VITA will be helped by qualified SIUE accounting students under the supervision of James Dixon, instructor in the Department of Accounting.
Tax returns will be prepared in the department offices, located in Room 2114 of Founders Hall, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Fridays, beginning Feb. 9 and continuing through April 5. However, no service is available March 8 through 14.
In addition, VITA student volunteers will prepare tax returns from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays at Edwardsville Public Library from Feb. 7 through April 3. VITA services at the library will not be available Saturday, March 13.
Individuals should bring Social Security cards and driver's licenses for themselves and all dependents, along with exemptions that are being claimed. They also must bring all supporting documentation, such as Forms W-2 and 1099. Individuals also are encouraged to provide a copy of the previous year's tax return.
VITA student volunteers will prepare tax returns for U.S. citizens filing Forms 1040-EZ and 1040-A only. Students do not prepare Form 1040, also known as the long form. No dual state income tax returns can be prepared. A state return will be prepared only if the individual worked and resided in a single state for the entire year. VITA personnel reserve the right to refuse to prepare any return based on their review of the situation.
Simmons Not Looking Too Far Ahead
SIUE men's basketball coach Marty Simmons isn't going to let himself or his 10-9 Cougars look ahead to the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament in March. "No, it's too early to talk about that," said Simmons. "We just have to keep winning games."
The Cougars are coming off a 60-51 victory at home over Quincy this past Thursday (1/29). SIUE next faces Wisconsin-Parkside on Thursday (2/5) at 7:30 p.m. and Saint Joseph's on Saturday (2/7) at 3 p.m.
Simmons said the team's determination and desire have been very good this season. He said a balanced approach and a move toward stressing defense has helped the Cougars. Simmons is interested in letting his players know they have to set good screens, block out for a rebound and finish their cuts to be successful. "That's what I want our guys to be thinking about out there," said Simmons.
SIUE continues to lead the GLVC in the two defensive categories of scoring and field goal percentage. The Cougars have allowed 64.7 points per game and opponents have hit just 41.4 percent of their shots from the field. Contrast those numbers to last season when SIUE allowed 75.1 points per game and opponents shot 47.6 percent from the field.
SIUE's win over Quincy was the 10th of the season, marking the first time since the 1998-1999 season that the Cougars have recorded double-digit victories.
Simmons said his team is as balanced as any team in the GLVC. The foursome of Ron Jones (Kankakee), Tyler Hackstadt (Okawville), Calvin Sykes (Chicago) and Joel Jaye (Chicago) are all averaging double digits in scoring.
SIUE has road victories over Wisconsin-Parkside and Saint Joseph's this season, but that fact doesn't make it any easier for the Cougars at home this week. SIUE defeated Saint Joseph's 77-64 on Nov. 29 to open the conference season and Wisconsin-Parkside 66-60 on Jan. 10. "It just makes it harder," said Simmons. "After you've played this many games in this league, everyone knows your strengths and weaknesses."
Women's Basketball Eyes More Intensity
With seven games left in the regular season, every game becomes an important game as the SIUE women's basketball season progresses.
"We keep telling our players that each game is a big game," says Coach Wendy Hedberg. "You don't say it to them to scare them. You say it hopefully to motivate them."
The Cougars have lacked the intensity and consistency needed to win games in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. SIUE's most recent loss to 11th-ranked Quincy saw the Cougars fall behind with a 20-2 Quincy run to begin the second half.
SIUE has picked up a boost from the three-point shooting of Jessica Robert (Carlyle) and Sarah Schweers (Chatham). Robert leads the nation in three-point field goal percentage for the fourth consecutive week, and Schweers is among the top 30 nationally in the same category.
Hedberg said the Cougars will need some improved play from the post players with games this week against Wisconsin-Parkside at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday (2/5) and Saint Joseph's at 1 p.m. on Saturday (2/7).
Wisconsin-Parkside (10-8, 7-5 GLVC) has a strong inside-outside presence in Jen Braier and Sammy Kromm. Meanwhile, Saint Joseph's (6-13, 3-10) is coming off an upset over Southern Indiana.
Track And Field Aims for More Records
It will not bother SIUE coach Darryl Frerker if he has to make multiple changes to the record books this season.
SIUE's next meet is the Titan Open in Bloomington on the campus of Illinois Wesleyan. Saturday's (2/7) meet begins at 10 a.m. "We're looking for even more records and some NCAA qualifiers," Frerker said.
The Cougars will be running on a track with softer turns and better straightaways, which could lead to improved marks.
Frerker said freshmen Jamie Thomas (Blue Island) and Valerie Simmons (St. Louis) have been running well in the sprints and hurdles.
Breanne Steffens (Moline), most recently named the Great Lakes Valley Conference's top Scholar-Athlete for women's cross country, will be looking to qualify in either the mile, 800 meters or 1,500 meters. Frerker said he won't make a decision with Steffens about which event she tries to qualify until later in the week.
On the men's side, Brian Taghon (East Moline), an NCAA qualifier for the Cougars in cross country, will likely run at 1,500 meters. Frerker said he also will be monitoring sophomore Steve Landers (Auburn), who threw an NCAA qualifying mark at the Eastern Illinois Mega Meet in the weight throw but misstepped and caused himself to foul.
Wrestlers Play Host To Central Missouri
The SIUE wrestling team has a busy weekend with a home match on Saturday (2/7) at 7 p.m. and a road dual meet at Northern Illinois at 5 p.m. on Sunday (2/8).
SIUE coach Booker Benford said his team will focus on improving to the level needed to advance to the NCAA Championships.
The Central Missouri match is SIUE's final home dual meet. The rest of the schedule is on the road, capped off by an appearance at the NCAA-II Regionals in Edmond, Okla. The top wrestlers coming out of that tournament advance to the NCAA-II Championships in Mankato, Minn., on March 12-13.
SIUE's 149-pound freshman Joe Rujawitz (Belleville) can pick up win No. 30 this week after he improved his record to 29-12 with a dominating win over Truman State's Scott Skinner 20-7.
Cougar 133-pounder Steve Chico (Hammond, Ind.) is nearing the .500 mark with an 11-12 record. He leads the team in falls with seven.
Track And Field Breaks Six School Records
Six more school records fell for the SIUE track and field teams at the Eastern Illinois Mega Meet this past Saturday (1/24). That's 11 records in two weeks, a good indication, said Coach Darryl Frerker. "That's the best start we've had in a season," said Frerker.
Breanne Steffens (Moline), SIUE's All-American in cross country, was part of two records. She broke the 3,000-meter record in 10 minutes, 17.62 seconds and ran the final leg of the record-breaking 4 X 800-meter relay with teammates Natalie Aschim (Rockford), Heather Zipparro (Mt. Prospect) and Mary Witte (Normal).
SIUE's 4 X 400-meter relay also set a new standard in 4:00.02 with Yahshi Rice (Richton Park), Jenny Jaquez (Aurora), Julia Scherer (Sumner) and Valerie Simmons (St. Louis).
Rich Skirball (Granite City), one of six runners nationally who has provisionally qualified at 800 meters, set a new mark at 1,000 meters in a time of 2:31.49.
The field events also saw some rewriting with Callie Glover (Bartlett) setting a new record in the weight throw at 48 feet, 6 inches, and Jamie Thomas (Blue Island) breaking the record in the triple jump at 36-11.5.
Frerker said it would be difficult to single out any individuals with strong performances. "We have a handful of student-athletes that we'll be surprised if they don't make it to nationals," said Frerker.
SIUE's next event is Feb. 7 at the Titan Open in Bloomington.
Men's Basketball Looks To Quincy Matchup
Coach Marty Simmons doesn't see any games in the Great Lakes Valley Conference as being easy.
The 9-9 Cougars, who are 5-7 in the GLVC, are coming off a pair of road losses to Kentucky Wesleyan and Southern Indiana. SIUE's next test is a return game with Quincy in the Vadalabene Center at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday (1/29). "Quincy is a very competitive team and very well set up. They are a very hard team to score against," said Simmons.
Forget the fact that Quincy is 8-10 and holds a 4-7 mark in the GLVC. Simmons plans to focus on his own team for the week. SIUE has just one game this week being idle on Saturday (1/31).
The Cougars hope to get Kris Crosby (Belleville) and Joel Jaye (Chicago) back into the mix after injuries forced them out of most of the Southern Indiana game.
Ron Jones (Kankakee) was held to less than 10 points in the loss at Southern Indiana, breaking Jones' string of 17 straight games this season in double figures. "He's got to be more than a jump shooter. When teams try to shut down the three-point shot, he has to go to something else to do well on the offensive end," Simmons said.
Tyler Hackstadt (Okawville) led SIUE in scoring with 22 points against Southern Indiana. Simmons said Hackstadt has additional duties than simply scoring. "He gets the job of guarding the best offensive player on the other team," said Simmons. "Offensively, he can score in a variety of ways."
Simmons also is watching the progression of 6-foot-11-inch center Dan Heimos (Waterloo). "Heimos did some things well offensively," said Simmons. Confidence, however, will be a key for Heimos with nine games left in the regular season.
Women's Basketball Faces No. 10 Quincy
Putting mistakes down to a minimum has become the words of the week for SIUE women's basketball coach Wendy Hedberg. "We're giving up too many second and third chances," she said.
The Cougars played with intensity and picked up the game-winning shot with five seconds left from senior Jessica Robert (Carlyle) in the 75-73 victory at Southern Indiana. "It was a great team effort," Hedberg said of the win at Southern Indiana.
SIUE now turns its attention to a single game this week against 10th-ranked Quincy on Thursday (1/29). Tip-off time is 5:30 p.m. at the Vadalabene Center. SIUE is idle in GLVC play on Saturday (1/31).
Hedberg said she has turned to senior starters Robert and Sarah Schweers (Chatham) as two players who need to lift their roles on the team. "They have to step up and be leaders on the floor."
Freshman center Julianne McMillen (Pana) appears to be close to returning to early-season form when she was scoring and rebounding in the double-digits. McMillen scored 16 points and was a perfect 8 for 8 from the free throw line against Southern Indiana.
Wrestling Moves Ahead Despite Losses
Coach Booker Benford will have his wrestlers focus on what it takes to advance to the NCAA Championships this week as they close out the final month of the regular season. "As a team, we have to stay aggressive on the mat all the time," said Benford. "They know if they stay aggressive, they can win matches."
Some of that intensity was missing in SIUE's 25-16 loss to Truman State on Sunday.
Benford said he'll regroup the team before its next match on Feb. 7 at home against Central Missouri State. The opening whistle starts at 7 p.m.
The Cougars picked up some strong performances this past week. Steve Chico picked up his team-leading seventh pin in 4 minutes, 14 seconds, over Steve Cox of Truman State. Chico is currently 11-12 at 133 pounds. SIUE's 149-pound freshman Joe Rujawitz is on the verge of a 30-win season with a 29-12 record. He boosted his win total in dominating Truman State's Scott Skinner 20-7.