March 2010
Rotary Gift Makes SIUE Prairie Portal Garden A Reality
What: Prairie Portal Garden Groundbreaking and Tree Planting Ceremony
When: 5-6 p.m., Thursday, April 1
Where: The Portal Site at The Gardens at SIUE, 6 Arboretum Lane, followed by a site tour and question and answer session with the architects
Thanks to a gift from the Rotary Club of Edwardsville and the support of local community members, The Gardens at SIUE will hold a groundbreaking and tree planting ceremony to introduce the Prairie Portal Garden.
The soon-to-be constructed one-acre garden will be the first large-scale display installed as part of The Gardens' master plan. It will be a highly visible space, with surrounding gardens located at the intersection of the main path and what is known as the Prairie Loop.
Landscape beds will be connected by natural stone paths and bordered by retaining walls. The garden will feature "Plants of Merit," as designated by the Missouri Botanical Garden and will be installed and maintained by University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners.
The Gardens at SIUE is a 35-acre public garden fulfilling the mission to provide education, engagement and enjoyment opportunities for people. It has received Signature Garden status by the Missouri Botanical Garden. Development is guided by a professionally prepared master plan. Implementing the master plan depends on a combination of private philanthropy, partnerships and volunteerism to establish a regionally significant destination in the community. For more information, contact Doug Conley, director of The Gardens, (618) 650-3788.
SIU To Present System Technology & Innovation Expo March 30
Who: The Southern Illinois University system, including SIU Edwardsville, SIU Carbondale and the SIU School of Medicine
What: Technology and Innovation Expo
When: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, March 30
Where: SIUE's Morris University Center
SIU System faculty inventors in the fields of biochemistry, engineering, medicine and pharmacy will combine forces to showcase the latest research under way on the three campuses. The Expo also will focus on opportunities for potential partners to help make this cutting-edge research a commercial reality.
The event will feature presentations by SIU faculty inventors who have technology to license. The event promises to bring together academics, entrepreneurs and business people to increase awareness of available technologies that can lead to new products and innovations in a networking environment.
Faculty inventors will present throughout the day, including SIU School of Medicine's William Halford, PhD, who will talk about the latest progress of his work in herpes vaccine. Inventors from SIU Carbondale will reveal the latest research in biofuels and advanced materials startup companies that have resulted from university research.
SIUE's featured inventions range from new drugs for treatment of Alzheimer's to magnetic refrigeration, a promising energy technology. Event information-including the Expo agenda, speakers, sponsorship opportunities and registration-is available online: http://techtransfer.siuc.edu/tie/s10, or by calling (618) 650-2166.
Student Engineering Chapter Of Chi Epsilon Recently Honored
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville student chapter of Chi Epsilon, a national honor society for civil engineers, recently was honored with the Susan C. Brown Outstanding Performance Award at the Chi Epsilon National Conclave. Members of Chi Epsilon, which was established in 1922 at the University of Illinois, are selected based on scholarship, character, practicality and sociability. The SIUE chapter received the award for the second consecutive conclave, which only approximately 10 percent of member chapters ever have achieved.
Every two years, Chi Epsilon holds a national conclave of chapter representatives to address business matters. This year's conclave took place at the University of Alabama earlier this month. Thr Brown Award is given to recognize chapters that continue to initiate members and that are in good standing with the national office over the interim period between conclaves. SIUE, which also won the recognition in 2008, was among 136 top engineering schools in the nation this year. The national council president referred to the winning chapters as "overachievers." He also pointed out that these awards will continue to bring national recognition to SIUE as a university with scholarly and dedicated engineering students.
Projected Enrollment Increases, Continued Conservative Budgeting Will Help Keep SIUE In A Top Value Position
With the news that Southern Illinois University President Glenn Poshard will recommend to the SIU Board of Trustees an undergraduate tuition freeze for the 2010-11 academic year, SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift said SIUE will continue to weather the state's ongoing budget woes through conservative budget planning and continued growth in enrollment. The tuition freeze, if approved by the Board of Trustees, will be the second year in a row in which SIU has limited its tuition increase request. Last year, the University enacted its lowest tuition increase in seven years. SIU also is seeking legislative authority for borrowing, if needed, to get through the current shortfall experienced by the state.
"SIUE already has the lowest tuition and fee total among all 12 Illinois public colleges and universities, and a zero percent increase will only enhance the position of SIUE as a great educational value," Vandegrift said. Vandegrift said the state's revenue shortfalls since July 1 have been a challenge but one that has been met head on as shown by the steadfast cooperation from the SIUE University Planning and Budget Council (UPBC) and the sense of community and pride on campus. The UPBC is comprised of representatives from four constituency groups on campus: faculty, staff, students and administration. "With invaluable help from the UPBC, we have been able to successfully slow down our hiring, purchases, and renovation projects as well as doubling the normal contingency reserve from 2% to 4% in our budget funds," Vandegrift said.
"As a result of the slowdown, we have projected fiscal year-end savings in hiring ($1.5 million), purchasing ($2 million) and more through other budget actions. These savings, when added to funds from expected enrollment increases, should enable us to meet our 4% contingency goal of $5.6 million. Having made progress on the revenue slowdown problem, it now seems appropriate to take judicious actions to prepare for the more than 14,000 students we expect this fall.
Enrollment at SIUE has been increasing by an average of 2 percent each year since 2007 and applications have continued to rise during that same time frame, with current applications running ahead of this time last year. "We have allowed faculty searches to continue uninterrupted since they normally require a significant portion of the academic year to complete," Vandegrift said. "While our terrific staff have always performed admirably for SIUE, we certainly acknowledge that many have been stretched during the hiring freeze due to the temporary reduction in the workforce.
"We will move ahead, cautiously and carefully, to both meet our payroll and prepare for the 2010-11 school year. As I've said in the past, conservative budgeting by the UPBC, our enrollment increases, and our sense of community continue to be important factors as we work through difficult times. I continue to marvel at the good work done by our staff and faculty as they help our students become some of the most important contributors to society," he said. "Our students are making a difference and the people of Illinois have come to know that."
In announcing the recommendation he will make to the Board at its April 8 meeting, Poshard said state assisted universities in Illinois have reached a crossroads. "One path leads to the continued privatization of public higher education, the other to a solution to the state's drastic decline in state revenues that would allow this public university to honor its tradition of offering high quality degrees at affordable prices," Poshard commented. "This recommendation reflects my assessment that the constant cycle of state budget cuts to public higher education, followed by double digit tuition increases, must be broken if a college degree at Southern Illinois University is to remain affordable," Poshard continued. "The decision to freeze tuition is not an easy one, but it is a necessary one which will require additional sacrifices from our dedicated faculty and staff, who to their immense credit, continue to uphold the high quality of our academic programs."
SIUE Resident Assistant Elected VP For Membership Of State Association
Amanda Woods, Evergreen Hall resident assistant at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) executive assistant/communications coordinator, was elected the Illinois Resident Assistant Association (IRHA) vice president for Membership and NRHH. This is the first time an SIUE student was elected a member of the IRHA executive board. The IRHA's purpose is to facilitate communication and cohesion among member schools, provide resources for programming, leadership and recognition of individuals and member schools. In her new position, Amanda is second in line for president, in charge of member retention and recruitment, and is responsible for student, program and organization recognition.
Sheila Coressel, assistant director of Training and Development for SIUE Housing, said, "Since starting her college career in August 2007, Amanda has been an amazing leader. She not only became involved with our office, but also on campus as a whole. She is a leader that others want to emulate," Coressel said. "This is an amazing opportunity for Amanda and University Housing couldn't be prouder of her accomplishments." Coressel and Woods traveled to the Annual IRHA Conference with nine other University Housing student leaders earlier this month.
SIUE Big Band Concert Set For March 30 At Dunham Hall
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Music will present its Annual Spring Big Band Jazz Concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 30, in the theater at SIUE's Dunham Hall. Featured during the concert will be the SIUE Concert Jazz Band under the direction of Jason Swagler, a member of the SIUE Jazz Studies faculty, and the SIUE Jazz Lab Band conducted by Music Professor Brett Stamps, coordinator of the Jazz Studies Program for the University.
The concert also will feature the premier of Melodias De La Playa, a new composition by Jazz Studies sophomore Matt Bittles, sponsored by SIUE's Undergraduate Research Academy. SIUE vocal performance major Zelina Bott-Goins will be a featured soloist. In addition, the concert will include compositions and arrangements by Stamps and Jazz Studies Professor Rick Haydon. Other pieces will include a mini-tribute to jazz composer Oliver Nelson, as well as music from jazz artists such as Charles Mingus, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Bobbie Brookmeyer, and a noted Fletcher Henderson arrangement of King Porter Stomp made famous by the Benny Goodman Orchestra.
Admission is $10; senior citizens and patrons under 18 years of age, $7; SIUE students with a valid Cougar ID, no charge, compliments of Arts-For-All. For more information, call the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.
SIUE NRHH Inductees To Be Honored For Achievement
Ten Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Housing residents will be inducted into the University's Red Storm Chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 21. The honorary is the recognition branch of the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH) and the Red Storm Chapter is the SIUE local chapter of the association. NRHH inductees are considered a member of the top 1 percent of residence hall leaders and are required to hold a minimum cumulative 2.3 grade point average, reside in housing for at least two semesters prior to the semester of selection, reside in housing during the semester of selection, must be a non-professional contract holding student and exhibit outstanding leadership and service in University Housing.
The 10 SIUE inductees are: Kolby Spiker, of Teutopolis; Allen Stout, of San Jose; Zach Sanderson, of Carthage; Paige Stephens, of New Baden; Nicole Green, of Wheeler; Jeff Harrison, of Red Bud; Callie Huffman, of Rossville; Max Orris, of Lonedell, Mo.; Laura McCulley, of Chicago; and Kaydi Legate, of Elsah.
Three honorary members also were inducted: Biological Sciences Professor William Retzlaff, chair of that department; Associate Political Science Professor Denise DeGarmo, chair of that department; and Mallory Sedarous, marketing specialist for University Housing. Honorary members are those who do not meet the requirements of being an active member but have contributed a great deal to housing and/or NRHH. Since 2006, 15 faculty/staff have been inducted as honorary members.
Cathy Passananti, Prairie Hall community director and NRHH advisor, pointed out that the SIUE chapter is small but, nonetheless, a vital student organization. "The group represents the top 1 percent of on-campus leaders, totaling 35 members," Passananti said. "There are four governing principles of NRHH: leadership, service, scholarship, and recognition. Our 35 members have worked diligently over the past year to build this organization through our on and off campus service events and recognition events. It is thrilling that the organization has grown so much in the past couple years," she said. "It means that our new inductees have amazing opportunities to make a difference through their membership in this organization."
The SIUE Alumni Association To Host St. Charles Area Networking Breakfast
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Alumni Association is excited to host a St. Charles area networking breakfast on Wednesday, April 28. This free event will be offered at the Hampton Inn, 3720 W. Clay St, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. The networking breakfast, one of a series the association has hosted in the region, will include a presentation from accomplished SIUE graduate Jim Middleton, project leader for the newly proposed Mississippi River bridge. Middleton received a bachelor's from the SIUE School of Engineering in 1993.
"This will be the perfect opportunity to network with fellow alumni and enjoy a free breakfast of pastries, fruit and coffee before heading to work," said Steve Jankowski, director of SIUE Alumni Affairs. "There are 822 SIUE alumni residing in St. Charles," he pointed out, "and potential business opportunities could arise with other alumni at this event, so we recommend attendees bring business cards."
To register, visit the Alumni Affairs Web site: www.siue.edu/alumni.
Fed Chief Banking Accountant Speaks at SIUE Breakfast
Guest speaker Arthur Lindo, associate director and chief accountant of Banking Supervision and Regulation for the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, D.C., spoke recently at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville about Loan Losses & Illiquid Markets: Implications for Lending & Economic Recovery. During a breakfast, sponsored by the SIUE School of Business in SIUE's Meridian Ballroom, Lindo addressed a crowd of nearly 200 students, faculty and representatives of regional companies.
While discussing the challenges in developing regulatory policies that meet public policy initiatives and also comply with good accounting practices, Lindo pointed out that accountants and bankers should be able to "construct and de-construct" asset portfolios in ways that allow regulators and shareholders a clearer picture of the true value of assets. Lindo also asserted accounting needs to become more "forward-looking." As a profession, accounting has tended to look back at what happened to tell part of a story, he said. In order for regulation to be effective, Lindo pointed out, regulators need information from financial institutions that will enable them to better anticipate future practices that could lead to crises.
"The SIUE School of Business is pleased to be able to provide education to business professionals and students with programs such as Mr. Lindo's," said Dean Gary Giamartino. "We also appreciated Mr. Lindo spending the remainder of the day with our faculty and accounting students, delving more deeply into accounting regulatory issues."
The SIUE School of Business is among an elite 5 percent of business schools worldwide that have earned prestigious accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB-I). The accounting program at SIUE also has AACSB-I accreditation, among only 11 percent of business schools in the United States and Canada to hold that distinction.
Click here for a photo of Arthur Lindo suitable for print. (SIUE Photo by Bill Brinson)
Lovejoy Library To Open North Entrance Doors April 1 After 45 Years
At noon, April 1, Elijah P. Lovejoy Memorial Library at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will open its north entrance doors for business-after 45 years of closure-to allow for more student, faculty and staff traffic from the north side of campus which has grown since 1965 when the building first opened. The opening will provide more convenient access for the students and scholars, who come to Lovejoy Library nearly 400,000 times each year, according to Regina McBride, dean of SIUE's Library and Information Services. "Lovejoy Library is the academic heart of our University, connecting our users to outstanding resources, while teaching information literacy skills and promoting lifelong learning.
"With the north entrance open," she said, "Lovejoy Library is now a vital link between the Quad and the north side of the campus." She pointed out the entrance patio will have wireless internet access and two tables with umbrellas for library users to enjoy during the warm weather months. "While the quad has always been the main entrance to the Library, users who park in the north lots will no longer have to walk around the building to gain access." When Lovejoy opened in 1965, there was no parking lot on the north side of the building.
The library has been at the center of SIUE campus life from the beginning. Architect Gyo Obata, of Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabum, collaborated with then-SIU President Delyte Morris to design and build the library that was to become Lovejoy, as well as other buildings on the Edwardsville campus. When classes began on the Edwardsville campus, library activities occupied the first and second floors of Lovejoy; the third floor housed faculty offices, student government and student employment. The basement contained a food service area, health services and the textbook rental office.
During the first few months the north entryway was open briefly, but was closed out of concern for securing Library materials. Now, state of the art computer equipment is used in insuring books are checked out before leaving the building.
Mackey Mitchell Wins International Award For SIUE Success Center Design
The Association of College Unions International (ACUI) recently honored Mackey Mitchell Architects with a prestigious facility design award for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Student Success Center.
The firm was chosen along with five others that worked on projects at universities and colleges across the nation. Awards were given at the annual ACUI conference, which was held this year in New York City's Times Square. Facility design award recipients are chosen based on the facilities' appearance, as well as the process used to arrive at the design, and the new or renovated structures' impact on the campus.
According to Mackey Mitchell Architects Senior Associate Kathy Ulkus, SIUE's Student Success Center "promotes a culture of student success by bringing a comprehensive support system, state-of-the-art learning resources, and small group learning communities together in one central location."
Centralizing services was the vision of SIUE Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Narbeth Emmanuel. The goal of the Student Success Center is to improve student recruitment, retention and graduation rates. The 66,000-square-foot, $16 million building is attached to the Morris University Center and houses services such as disability support services, career development, tutoring, testing, honors programming, health and counseling service, international services and more.
Students were involved in every aspect of the project, from its inception to the final result, said Lora Miles, associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs. Volunteers from student leadership and across campus successfully rallied behind instituting a student fee to pay for the building.
"By having the students involved every step of the way, they were able to articulate their needs, furniture preferences and color palette into the building," Miles said. "Their active involvement has resulted in the development of a sense of ownership of the building." The project was completed within budget and according to the original time frame.
Students worked closely with the architects and SIUE administrators to implement various green features including light-colored roofing material to absorb less heat in the summer and retain heat in the winter; green roof blocks planted by students of the biology department to promote seasonal climate control and reduce environmental contamination through wastewater runoff; the installation of high-performance exterior walls and windows, as well as zoned HVAC systems; lighting controlled by photo sensors to increase energy efficiency and reduce waste; and installation of cradle-to-cradle lifecycle material carpet installation, which can allow for future reuse of the carpet and polished concrete flooring.
Exterior materials were produced regionally, which cut construction job site waste by 50 percent. Daylight also is streamed into the building through natural lighting fixtures, reducing energy reliance. Low-emissions finishes were used in the interior of the structure to enhance indoor air quality and 95-percent recycled furniture was purchased for offices, conference rooms, classrooms and other spaces.
Other firms that received awards for their work included KSS Architects for the Richard and Margot Warch Campus Center at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis.; Opsis Architecture for the Interactive Learning Center at Boise State University in Boise, Idaho; Sasaki Associates Inc. for The Commons at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine; and WTW Architects for the Joe Crowley Student Union at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Gilbert & Sullivan's Opera, The Gondoliers, Takes Stage At SIUE
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will welcome W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan's comic opera, The Gondoliers, to the theater in SIUE's Dunham Hall for performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 26-27.
The Savoy Opera style piece premiered in 1889 and ran for 554 performances, making it the fifth longest-running musical theater production in history at that time. The opera is a tale of mistaken identity, love and life infused with comic elements. It involves the young bride of the heir to the throne of Barataria. She travels to Venice to join her husband and a series of complicating factors arise.
As the story unfolds we find the king of Barataria's son, the prince, sent into hiding with a gondolier, who himself has two sons. The gondolier, a drunken sort, can't recall which baby is the prince. To make matters more interesting, years later, the King of Barataria dies, leaving the two gondolier's sons to rule the kingdom jointly until a nurse can determine which man is actually the rightful heir to the throne of Barataria.
Marc Schapman, assistant professor of voice in the SIUE Department of Music, is the show's stage director and conductor. He pointed out that he selected the piece to spark community interest in opera. "The music and the theme are very appropriate for young singers and I have a very talented cast doing this show," Schapman said.
"It gets a lot of people involved and I think the production also will stir an interest in opera on the SIUE campus." The Gondoliers, also known as The King of Barataria, is one of 14 comic opera collaborations between Gilbert and Sullivan.
Tickets are $12 general admission; $7 seniors and those under 18, and SIUE students with valid IDs receive one free ticket. For more information, contact the department, (618) 650-3900, or call toll free, (888) 328-5168, ext. 3900. To purchase tickets, call the SIUE Fine Arts Box Office, (618) 650-2774.
ESL Center, SWIC, Dunham Museum, CC Center Sponsoring Haiti Collection
The SIUE East St. Louis Center, Southwestern Illinois College, the Katherine Dunham Museum and the East St. Louis Community College Center are sponsoring a joint effort to collect personal care items for the people of Haiti who have been devastated by the Jan. 12 earthquake and its aftershocks. The drive is scheduled from March 15 through April 30 with drop-off points on the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus, 601 J.R. Thompson Blvd., East St. Louis.
Items-such as toothpaste, soap, combs, hairbrushes, adhesive bandages, gauze, tape, foods (canned food and staple items), nonperishables, new blankets, clothing and bedding-may be brought to the East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts and Charter School, both in Bldg. C; SWIC in Room 1021 in Bldg. A; or the Community College Center Cafeteria in Bldg. B. Items collected will be given to the American Red Cross for shipment to Haiti.
SIUE 4 Haiti Effort Raises Funds; Collects Medical Supplies
MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
SIUE 4 Haiti Effort Raises Funds; Collects Medical Supplies
Ceremony Scheduled To Present Check To ARC
Who: Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Narbeth Emmanuel, Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift, ARC Executive Director of Southwest Region
What: SIUE 4 Haiti Effort To Present Check To ARC and acknowledge those who helped collect and ship some $15,000 in medical supplies
When: 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, March 16
Where: Morris University Center Goshen Lounge
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville faculty, staff and students worked together to collect $5,000 for the American Red Cross as well as $15,000 in medical supplies, all through the SIUE 4 Haitieffort to help the people of Haiti after a devastating earthquake rocked that island nation Jan. 12. Donation jars were set up in high traffic retail locations across campus, and several schools and departments sought donations of money, time and supplies to aid those in need.
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Narbeth Emmanuel, who led the effort, said the March 16 event will acknowledge the time and effort of the campus community. Denise DeGarmo, who headed the "teach-inv component of the effort, pointed out that just a few dollars donated will go a long way in helping the effort. "For every dollar donated, you can buy three pills of an antibiotic or one jar of Tylenol, or a meal," said DeGarmo, associate professor of political science, department chair and coordinator of the peace and international studies minor on campus.
'Speednetworking' Event Set For March 23 At SIUE
Sponsored by Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT), the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Alumni Association and the SIUE Office of Educational Outreach, the second annual "Speednetworking" event is set for March 23. The event replicates speed dating, but in "Speednetworking" students are given the opportunity to network with SIUE alumni. "Speednetworking" is scheduled from 6-8:30 p.m. that Tuesday in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center. "In an unstable job market, this is an excellent event for students to utilize,Ï" says Katie Bennett, assistant director of SIUE Alumni Affairs.
"Attendees will have 12 minutes to network with multiple alumni grouped at tables of eight. Once the 12 minutes are up," she said, "students will move to the next table and continue networking. Students will practice their 'elevator speech,' learn how to make a good impression in a short amount of time and will meet representatives from a variety of career fields," Bennett said.
Tickets are free for students, but pre-registration is required online: www.siue.edu/alumni. Volunteers are still needed as "Speednetworking" contacts. Those interested in participating may visit the same Web site to complete a registration form and view the "Speednetworking" schedule. A pre-reception will be offered for all SIUE alumni attending the March 23 event. Light refreshments will be served.
SIUE Students, Volunteer Services Proud Of National Recognition
A total of 2,152 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students engaged in 23,019 hours of community service through volunteer efforts during 2009, a fact that recently earned them national recognition. The students' commitment through the Student Leadership Development Program and Volunteer Services earned them a spot on the 2009 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) is the awarding agency that recently named SIUE to its 2009 list. The universities and colleges included on the list demonstrated a commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement.
The Corporation oversees the annual President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll in collaboration with the U.S. departments of Education, and Housing and Urban Development, as well as Campus Compact and the American Council on Education. CNCS is a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America programs, and leads President Obama's national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, visit the Web site: www.nationalservice.gov.
"I'm very proud of what these students have accomplished through the leadership program," said Suzanne Kutterer-Siburt, assistant director in the Kimmel Leadership Development Center and coordinator of Volunteer Services. Members of SIUE Volunteer Services took part in 153 projects last fiscal year, with the majority of activities taking place Saturdays. Through Volunteer Services, students provide many area agencies with volunteer help. One agency, the Call for Help, Inc. Sexual Assault unit, uses students as medical rape advocates who provide assistance to victims every day of the week, every day of the year, at 18 hospitals in the Metro East.
The students also have formed the SIUE Raise Your Voice Campus Compact, which is a student-led group that involves students in the community, providing training opportunities and promotional plans on local, regional and national levels. The group registered more than 1,500 voters last year. Some of the students through Volunteer Services routinely spend time working through the Catholic Urban Programs Holy Angels Shelter and the Continuum of Life Care Center's Paulyn House offering food, clothing and amenities to the area's homeless. Paulyn Snyder, a social worker with Holy Angels and one of the founders of Paulyn House, said the students' commitment to these organizations is vital to the community.
"They really make a difference in the community because they give hope," Synder said. "People need hope. They need hope to keep going and to keep living. Hope gives them a reason to live. These students are making a huge difference in our lives."
These experiences, which take place on and off campus, are an important part of an SIUE student's education and will help with academic and professional development. The Kimmel Center, under the purview of the SIUE Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, offers co-curricular experiences that promote personal growth, develop self-confidence and leadership abilities, and prepare students for life-long learning.
Mackenzie Smith, 20, of Paris, said students benefit from being involved in volunteer efforts. "I think we, as students, are blessed to have (the) Kimmel (Center) … because they provide us with so many resources when it comes to taking part in volunteer programs," said Smith, a sophomore majoring in nursing. "I have met a lot of friends and developed a lot of friendships through these opportunities as well." Smith completed the Student Leadership Development Training program last year and has spent many volunteer hours working with the homeless. "I've done a little bit of everything," she said.
"These programs have allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and have introduced me to different cultures."
D. Schilling Named Employee Of The Month For March
Congratulations: Diane Schilling, office support specialist for the SIUE Center for International Programs, is the March recipient of the Employee Recognition Award. In the photo, Schilling (third from left) received the award from Vice Chancellor for Administration Kenneth Neher (second from left). She was nominated for the award by Geeteeca Vanaik (at far left), a Center advisor, and Julie Bobeall-Marshall (second from right), study abroad coordinator. Also shown is Center Director Ron Schaefer (far right), who also nominated Schilling. In addition to the plaque Schilling was presented, she was awarded a $25 gift certificate to the SIUE Bookstore, two complimentary lunch coupons to the University Restaurant or other Dining Services locations, and parking close to her office for the month. (SIUE Photo by Denise Macdonald)
Writers Club Presentation Set For March 16 At ESL Higher Ed. Campus
The Eugene B. Redmond Writers Club annual Women's Month feature, "Bouquet of Kwansabas for The Sisterhood," is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, in Room 2083, Building B, on the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus, 601 J.R. Thompson Drive, East St. Louis. Subtitled "A Conch/Us/Nest of Expressions for Women's History Month," the free public event is co-sponsored by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Drumvoices Revue, a multicultural journal published by the SIUE Department of English Language and Literature and the EBR Writers Club, as well as Black River Writers Press. The event also will be hosted by EBR Club President Darlene Roy.
Panelists-"drawing poetically upon 'herstory'"-will include poet-fiction author Charlois Lumpkin (a.k.a Mali Newman), poet-photographer Roscoe Crenshaw, poet-Jack and Jill administrator Jaye Willis, spoken word artist-open "mic" host Susan "Spit-Fire" Lively, journalist-poet Patricia Merritt, poet-English teacher Treasure Williams, psychologist Lena Weathers and others.
The "kwansaba," a 49-word poem of seven lines with each word containing no more than seven letters, was invented by the EBR Club in 1995 and is taught across the globe in classrooms, workshops, prisons, and churches. Eugene B. Redmond, Club namesake and SIUE emeritus Professor of English Language and Literature, also will share kwansabas with the audience. In addition, SIUE graduate student Al Henderson will curate a visual salute to women and an area performing arts troupe will offer dance to commemorate the month.
Founded in March 1986 and chartered by Sherman Fowler, Redmond, and Roy, the EBR Club is celebrating its 24th birthday in March. Club Trustees are: poets Maya Angelou and playwright Amiri Baraka, actor Avery Brooks, novelist Walter Mosley, poet-editor Quincy Troupe, scholar Jerry Ward Jr., and Dr. Weathers. Late trustees include Gwendolyn Brooks, Raymond R. Patterson, Barbara Ann Teer and Margaret Walker-Alexander. In addition to the periodical, SIUE and the Club also have co-published several books, among them Drumvoices Revue (The Richard Wright Centennial Issue/2008) and Eighty Moods of Maya & Other Photo-Poetic Moments from the EBR Collection (also 2008). Both will be available for sale at the March 16 event.
For more information about the Writers Club or other area cultural-literary activities, call SIUE, (618) 650-3991, or write the EBRWC, P.O. Box 6165, East St. Louis, IL 62201, or by e-mail: eredmon@siue.edu.
SIUE Summer Session Registration Begins March 15; Come 'Dive In'
With more than 700 classes to choose from, now is the best time to "dive in" and enroll in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Summer Session, a smart move that could mean lighter class loads in the coming semesters and also a chance to attend classes with an even lower teacher-student ratio than usually offered at SIUE. According to Roger Maclean, executive director of SIUE's Office of Educational Outreach and coordinator of the summer session, attending class in the summer also helps keep students in a convenient course sequence. "We have structured pre-requisite courses so they do not overlap," Maclean said. "For example, a brand new student who starts SIUE in the summer could take the two required courses in biology needed to move up to the 200 level; in other words, they'd be ready to start a 200 level biology course in the fall.
"In addition, one of the most significant benefits of starting your academic experience in the summer is that you can lock in at the previous year's tuition rate," he said. "Then, your tuition cost for the next 48 consecutive months will be the same. By jumpstarting your academic career in the summer instead of the fall, your savings could be significant over the course of the next four years. As for continuing SIUE students, enrolling in summer session helps them stay on track to finish within the 48-month 'guaranteed tuition rate clock.'"
Maclean also pointed out other benefits to enrolling in summer session: \
- Fees are less;
- Housing is significantly less expensive;
- An excellent time to take classes typically difficult to enroll in for fall or spring;
- It's a beautiful time to be on the SIUE campus, with foliage in full bloom, lush green landscaping; a perfect setting for biking, walking, or swimming at the pool; and,
- Also, a great time to break from studies to enjoy Summer Showbiz on the mainstage at SIUE's Dunham Hall, or any of the area attractions such as the St. Louis Cardinals, the St. Louis Zoo, and a variety of museums.
- There are numerous student job opportunities on campus during the summer session.
Registration for SIUE's Summer Session begins Monday, March 15; visit the Web site for more information: www.siue.edu/summer, by phone, (618) 650-2080, or by e-mail: summersession@siue.edu. Those interested also may visit SIUE's Service Center on the first floor of Rendleman Hall for more information.
SIUE Named To 2009 Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll
The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has named Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to its 2009 list of colleges and universities that have demonstrated a commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement.
The Corporation oversees the annual President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll in collaboration with the U.S. departments of Education, and Housing and Urban Development, as well as Campus Compact and the American Council on Education.
Many of the service projects and volunteerism opportunities afforded students at SIUE are coordinated through the SIUE Kimmel Student Leadership Center, offering a variety of student activities and leadership opportunities to assist in the personal and professional development of all students.
These experiences, which take place on and off campus, are an important part of an SIUE student's education and will help with academic and professional development. The Kimmel Center, under the purview of the SIUE Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, offers co-curricular experiences that promote personal growth, develop self-confidence and leadership abilities, and prepare students for life-long learning.
The Kimmel Center staff assists students with planning and coordinating programs that promote the educational, cultural and social enrichment of the University community. These events and programs include Welcome Week, Homecoming, Family Weekend, Black Heritage Month, International Night, Springfest and Activities Fairs, among many others.
"This national recognition is, indeed, an honor that reflects our commitment to creating a vibrant campus life, which includes civic engagement, service learning and community involvement," said SIUE Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Narbeth Emmanuel. "While it is further testament to our pledge to achieve excellence, it more importantly recognizes the invaluable contributions of our students to serve their communities.
"It is also a powerful promise to prospective students that SIUE fosters a climate where students become engaged and capable student leaders."
The CNCS honorees are chosen based on a series of selection factors, including scope and innovation of service projects, percentage of student participation in service activities, incentives for service, and the extent to which the school offers academic service-learning courses.
"Congratulations to the awardees and students for their dedication to service and commitment to improving their local communities," said Patrick Corvington, the Corporation's CEO. "Our nation's students are a critical part of the equation and vital to our efforts to tackle the most persistent challenges we face.
"They have achieved impactful results and demonstrated the value of putting knowledge into practice to help renew America through service."
More than 700 higher education institutions across the country received the federal recognition. CNCS is a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America programs, and leads President Obama's national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, visit the Web site: www.nationalservice.gov.