September 2003
September 29, 2003
AAC&U President Carol Schneider Will Speak At SIUE
What: American Association of Colleges and Universities President Carol Geary Schneider will be the keynote speaker and lead a campus-community dialogue on the future of American education, sponsored by SIUE Chancellor David Werner. The dialogue will include education, business, political and community leaders.
When: Thursday and Friday, Oct. 2 and 3, beginning at 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 2 and 2 p.m. on Oct. 3. Keynote speech is Friday 9-10:15 a.m.
Where: Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of the Morris University Center; the Fall Faculty Symposium will take place in the second floor Conference Center of the Morris Center.
Editor's Note: Carol Geary Schneider will be available for media interviews following her keynote speech.
(EDWARDSVILLE) Carol Geary Schneider, president of the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), will be the keynote speaker during a campus-community dialogue at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Oct. 2 and 3.
The campus-community dialogue is part of the AAC&U initiative President's Campaign for the Advancement of Liberal Learning (CALL) launched in April 2002. Chancellor Werner is among more than 525 college and university presidents who support the initiative.
Regional dialogues of this kind are being held across the country in the 2003-2004 academic year and were held during the 2002-2003 academic year as part of a national movement to build public understanding of what matters in a college education for the 21st century.
Participants in the campus-community dialogue will address some of the most important and difficult questions facing higher education in America today. Among them:
• Is a contemporary liberal education the best preparation for today's challenges in the workplace and in our communities?
• Are changes needed in campus practice?
• What can campus and community leaders do together to build public understanding of what matters in college in the 21st century?
• What can public and campus leaders do to raise the level of student preparation for college?
Participants will include education, business, political, and community leaders from across the region.
Since becoming president of AAC&U, Schneider has initiated a major effort to rethink the broad aims of a 21st century college education so that liberal learning becomes a framework for the entire educational experience, whatever a student's choice of major and career. This new initiative, titled "Greater Expectations: The Commitment to Quality as a Nation Goes to College," is supported by $4 million in grants from The Pew Charitable Trusts, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, and the U.S. Department of Education.
Through the Greater Expectations initiative, higher education leaders are developing a deeper understanding of ways to help students develop the intellectual capacities, knowledge, and sense of responsibility needed to deal with the complex questions that confront our fast-paced and globally connected society.
The report will be part of the dialogue and is available at www.greaterexpectations.org.
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September 29, 2003
SIUE To Offer Concrete Construction Management Seminar Oct. 8
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Concrete Construction company owners and managers will find several topics of interest offered during a workshop co-sponsored Oct. 8 by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Small Business Development Center and SIUE's Concrete Construction Resource Unit (CCRU).
The workshop, "Managing a Concrete Construction Company," will be offered from 12:30-5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, in the Maple-Dogwood Room of SIUE's Delyte W. Morris University Center.
Jim Mager, director of SIUE's Office of Technology and Commerce and a Marketing instructor for the SIUE School of Business, and CCRU Director Luke Snell, an SIUE professor of Construction, will conduct seminar topics such as:
• Understanding and Resolving Construction Problems-Evaluation of everyday problems that face a construction company in today's industry, such as job site organization, how pay requests are developed, and how money "follows through" a project.
• Improving Morale in Construction-Tips about how to raise morale among employees.
• Doing SWOT Analysis For Your Business-Identifying strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
• Sales and Marketing in Concrete Construction-How to attract new clients and keep current clients.
The seminar fee is $115; four or more attendees from the same firm, $100 each. For more information, call (618) 650-2498.
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September 29, 2003
College-Bound Students and Parents Invited To Preview SIUE On Oct. 13
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill) More than 1,200 high school and community college students and their parents are expected to attend "Preview SIUE," the annual campus-wide open house at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. This year's event is scheduled on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 13, in the newly renovated Delyte W. Morris University Center.
SIUE Chancellor David Werner will present opening remarks at 8:30 a.m. Students will then have the opportunity to tour the central campus-including the state's newest residence halls-learn about campus life and student services, and visit academic departments.
Informational sessions are scheduled throughout the day. Session topics include SIUE-The Place to Be; Financing Your Education at SIUE; Countdown to SIUE; and Tailor-Made Careers, as well as academic sessions presented by the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences and the Schools of Business, Education, Engineering, Nursing, and Pharmacy. In addition, Philip Medon, dean of the new SIUE School of Pharmacy, also will conduct informational sessions for interested students.
Students will be able to speak one-on-one to department representatives at the information fair in the Morris Center from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
"Preview is an opportunity for prospective students and their families to get answers to all their questions in one visit to campus" said, Karen Bollinger, assistant director of Admissions and Marketing. "Our program is one of the few campus-visit programs that includes participation from virtually all academic and student services units in one setting."
Registration begins at 8 a.m. in the Morris Center, but students may pre-register online at www.admis.siue.edu/PREVIEW, or by calling (800) 447-SIUE. Campus tours will be offered until 12:30 p.m. and campus offices will be open until 4:30 p.m. Preview SIUE parking will be available in Lot B and Student Fan Lots. There is no charge for the event.
SIUE's enrollment has risen for nine consecutive years and now stands at 13,295, the largest enrollment since 1975.
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September 25, 2003
SIUE Family Weekend Oct. 17-19 Includes Chili Cook-Off
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A chili cook-off and homecoming soccer games are just a part of the full weekend of activities to be offered Oct. 17-19 during the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Family Weekend 2003.
Family members and friends of SIUE students are invited to visit the campus and enjoy family events or plenty of free time with students. The majority of these events are free and open to all ages. Scheduled meals are available through SIUE Dining Services at reasonable prices. Students may use meal cards to pay for guests.
Students, friends, and families also are invited to use the Student Fitness Center and the Morris University Center Recreation Center any time during the weekend; passes and information will be available at all official Family Weekend events.
Here are some highlights:
• 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, Korte Stadium-Chili Cook-off. A $2.50 fee allows each person to taste a variety of chili and vote for a favorite.
• 5:30 and 7:30 p.m., Friday Oct. 17, Korte Stadium-Women's and men's soccer teams play Southern Indiana.
• 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, Katherine Dunham Hall theater-Dark of the Moon.
• 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, Morris Center-Casino Night
• 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, Student Fitness Center-5K Poker Run
• 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, Morris Center Recreation Center-Family, Friends, and Fun Bowling Tournament.
• 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, Morris Center-Comedian/hypnotist Daniel James
• 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, Katherine Dunham Hall theater-I.
• 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, Bluff Residence Hall-"ET and Ice Cream."
• 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, Morris Center University Restaurant-Family
Weekend Brunch.
• 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, Katherine Dunham Hall theater-Dark of the Moon.
For more information, visit the Family Weekend Web site: www.siue.edu/FAMILY or call SIUE's Kimmel Leadership Center, (618) 650-2686, or, toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 2686.
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September 25, 2003
SIUE International Trade Center To Co-Sponsor Seminar October 9
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Scott Petruska, manager of the Foreign Exchange Group at Commerce Bank, will conduct a seminar, The Volatile Currency Markets: What's Next and Managing the Risk, from 8-10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, in the International Room of the Delyte W. Morris University Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The seminar is sponsored by the SIUE International Trade Center (ITC).
Petruska will discuss what moves currency markets today, what is expected from the foreign exchange markets in future months, and how exporters can best manage the associated currency risks.
Registration is $20 in advance, which includes a continental breakfast, parking, and seminar materials. For more information, call the ITC, (618) 650-2452.
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September 25, 2003
International Street Fair Set For Oct. 4 In City Park
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The music and dance of many cultures will be featured at the Annual International Street Fair set for Saturday, Oct. 4, in Edwardsville City Park, adjacent to Edwardsville Public Library.
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Campus Activities Board (CAB) will co-sponsor the multicultural fair from noon to 6 p.m. Nearly 20 booths from various cultural groups will be featured, displaying artifacts, crafts, and other items, including food, for sale.
In addition, the fair will feature performances highlighting music and dance from various cultures including Middle Eastern dance, Chinese line dancing, African drumming, and more. Vendors also will be available to share aspects of their culture.
For more information, call the CAB office, (618) 650-3371, or visit the Web site: www.siue.edu/CAB.
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September 22, 2003
Speaker Hastert Helps Dedicate Ethanol Research Center At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) U.S. Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., led the Illinois delegation and other state, local, and university officials today in dedicating the National Corn-To-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) located in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's University Park.
Hastert, a long-time advocate for agriculture, joined U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., U.S. Congressman John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello, D-Belleville, and Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn for the morning ceremony that took place inside the main research bay of the center at 400 University Park Drive. Also on the dais were Rodney Bothast, director of the new 36,000-square-foot center, SIUE Chancellor David Werner, and SIU President James E. Walker.
The $20 million center was constructed with $14 million in federal funds and $6 million from the state of Illinois.
Walker said the research center will play an important role in fulfilling the university's mission of service. "This research center is truly one-of-a-kind in the U.S., bringing unique opportunities for research and business development to the region," Walker said. "We are grateful for the support of the many people who made this facility possible, especially our elected officials."
Werner added that the center will help open new doors to producing alternative, renewable fuels. "The Illinois Congressional Delegation and our state senators and representatives worked hard for the creation and funding of the research center, and to bring it here to the SIUE campus," Werner said.
"Their hard work is the reason we can stand here on day one of what we believe will lead to a revolution in the creation of alternative fuels."
Center Director Rodney J. Bothast, internationally recognized authority on industrial microbiology and biochemical engineering, said the NCERC will enable researchers to experiment with alternatives to fossil fuels in the only facility in the world that fully emulates both a corn-wet mill and corn-dry mill in commercial fuel ethanol production.
"The NCERC will serve a major role in commercializing new technologies for producing ethanol more cost effectively from corn," Bothast said. He explained there have been promising efforts to find efficient production methods, but these results have not been tested on a large scale. "Until now, these results have not been tested because of the prohibitive costs and the risks behind injecting an exploratory technology into an existing, large-scale, commercial facility," he said.
Bothast pointed out that the center also will allow for finding ways to add value to co-products from the ethanol process. "Researchers are working to come up with better technologies to break down corn and its co-products to make the process economically sound," Bothast said.
"The NCERC will advance the role of bioconversion by developing and demonstrating the next generation of advanced technologies, making possible low-cost and sustainable biobased industrial products, biofuels, and biopower. Since 1980, fuel ethanol production has been increasing annually and has reached 2.7 billion gallons this year from more than one billion bushels of corn grown in the United States. We expect to go to five billion gallons a year in 10 years if we are to meet the renewable fuel goals of this country."
For more information about the center, call Rod Bothast, (618) 659-6737.
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September 18, 2003
New SIUE Trail Connector Joins MCT Trail With Core Campus
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Joggers, walkers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts now have a new way of accessing the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus from the network of MCT Trails in Madison County.
The university recently completed a half-mile connector that joins the MCT Nature Trail with SIUE's University Park and the central core campus. IDOT contributed 80 percent of the $165,000 project through a program encouraging alternative modes of transportation. The remainder of the funds was appropriated by the university.
"This project began with a request from SIUE students who were looking for other ways to come to campus rather than driving," said Robert Washburn, director of SIUE's Office of Facilities Management. "The Campus Recreation Advisory Committee came to the SIUE Parking and Traffic Committee asking for easier access to campus from residential areas in and around the ESIC, LeClaire, and Montclaire residential areas of Edwardsville," Washburn said.
" We have many students and employees living in those areas who can now use the MCT trail and this connector as a safe way to access campus."
The new connector begins at the MCT trail, about four-tenths of a mile east of Supporting Services Road, along the southeast edge of campus at University Park. The asphalt path wends its way from the MCT trail to the cul-de-sac of South Research Drive, where a shared roadway then takes bikers and/or pedestrians to the north end of North Research Drive. At that point, the path continues to Fan Parking Lot No. 5, where access is available to Stratton Quadrangle at the core campus.
The connector is another part of the more than 10 miles of nature and biking trails available on or adjacent to SIUE's 2,660-acre campus. Trail users are able to enjoy the natural beauty of the campus, while using the network of MCT and campus trails.
For more information about MCT Trails, visit the Web site: www.mcttrails.org. For more about trails on campus, call SIUE's Office of Campus Recreation, (618) 650-2348.
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September 15, 2003
Fall Enrollment At Highest Since 1975; FTE Increases
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) SIUE's fall enrollment is at 13,295 students, an increase of 587 students, or about 4.5 percent higher than fall 2002, when enrollment stood at 12,708.
Most of the enrollment increase is attributable to student retention. The number of continuing students is up about 450 over last year. Not only is enrollment up, but there was an even larger increase in full-time equivalent (FTE), which is based on the number of hours taken by all students.
The total undergraduate enrollment is divided by 15, while the total graduate enrollment is divided by 12 which are the equivalent of a full-time undergraduate and graduate student. These two numbers combined make up the full-time equivalent. SIUE's FTE jumped from 10,124 in the fall 2002 to 10,604, an increase of almost 5 percent. Since 1998, FTE is up more than 15 percent, a higher than expected increase.
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Boyd Bradshaw said the FTE increase has prompted continuing discussion regarding stabilizing enrollment growth and also raising admission standards. For example, the deadline for new freshman applications was moved from August to May 31 this year.
"Over the last several years, there has been a great deal of discussion on campus regarding enrollment and admission standards," Bradshaw said. "We feel as though we are in the optimum range in the size of our classes, available classrooms, faculty load, and our ability to provide personal service for our students."
Bradshaw attributed the increases to a continued awareness of SIUE as an affordable institution that provides a quality education. "This growth continues what we've seen consistently for the past several years in both the fall and spring enrollment figures," Bradshaw said.
"More and more students and parents view SIUE as their first choice for a quality, affordable education," he said. "A strong faculty, small class sizes, community service opportunities, an active campus life, and the newest residence halls in the state continue to fuel our growth.
"At the same time, we continue to put a strong emphasis on retaining students, as the increase in the number of continuing students shows."
SIUE's enrollment has grown from 10,938 in 1994 to this fall's 13,295-about an 18 percent increase in the nine-year span. During the same time, FTE has increased more than 30 percent.
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September 15, 2003
Friends Of Religious Center Awards Dinner Oct. 4 To Honor Mayor
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The mayor of Edwardsville, a Southern Illinois University Edwardsville vice chancellor, and the founders of the Islamic Information Center in Ballwin, Mo., will be honored Saturday, Oct. 4, at the first Interfaith Awards Dinner, sponsored by the Friends of the Religious Center (FRC) at SIUE.
The event is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. at Eden United Church of Christ, 903 N. Second St., Edwardsville. Those to be honored at the dinner are: Edwardsville Mayor Gary Niebur, SIUE Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Narbeth Emmanuel, and Shahinshah Ahmed and the late Nasir Ahmed, founders of the Islamic Center. Reservation deadline is Sept. 29; tickets are $25 per person.
The FRC established the awards dinner as an annual event to recognize religious leadership and interfaith cooperation in the region. "These four individuals have shown great dedication to their own faiths and have encouraged dialogue in the region among many faiths," said SIUE Philosophy Associate Professor Greg Fields, who is president of the FRC board of directors and coordinator of the SIUE Religious Studies Program. "The FRC is honoring them so that the community at large can learn about the good work they do."
Fields said the FRC, formed more than two years ago, is planning to continue sponsoring two main events each year to raise money to refurbish parts of the 32-year-old Religious that is need of repair. "We plan to continue to sponsor this Interfaith Awards Dinner in the fall and also offer the Celebration of World Faiths in the spring to encourage interfaith dialogue," Fields said.
"The FRC is a support group dedicated to preserving the SIUE Religious Center as a significant contribution to architecture, as a place for the spiritual growth of SIUE students as the next generation of leaders, and for religious learning and fellowship within the community."
Niebur, who has been mayor of Edwardsville for more than 10 years, is executive director of the Edwardsville YMCA, the largest faith-based organization in the community. He also presides over the largest annual gathering of multiple church organizations in the community- the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast. Niebur also often attends and promotes religious organizations' anniversaries and special events. He is a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Edwardsville.
Emmanuel, who has been vice chancellor for Student Affairs at SIUE since 1996, is dedicated to providing a multicultural quality of life on the SIUE campus, with its diverse population of students from around the world. He has encouraged several activities during his tenure that have provided interaction between various cultures and faiths with an international flair. Emmanuel also has provided leadership in all aspects of student life to ensure a quality experience for SIUE students.
Gregory Mitchell and Amani Mitchell, members of the center, will attend the dinner to accept the Interfaith Award on behalf of the Ahmeds. Nasir Ahmed died Aug. 21. He and his wife founded the Center in 2001 as a place for visitors to learn about Islam. The Ahmeds moved to the United States in 1977. During his years in this country, Nasir Ahmed was a tireless advocate for Islam, speaking at schools, churches, and synagogues, and establishing a reading room in the Islamic Foundation of St. Louis mosque on West Pine Boulevard.
Dinner reservations may be made through the SIUE Religious Center, (618) 650-3246, or, toll-free from St. Louis, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 3246, or, by calling Greg Fields, (618) 650-2461; St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 2461.
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September 11, 2003
BOT Approves Renovation, Construction For SIUE Pharmacy School
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) An existing building in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's University Park will be renovated and a new building constructed to provide laboratory, classroom, and office space for the new School of Pharmacy at a projected cost of $5 million.
The project and its budget were approved today by the SIU Board of Trustees at its regular monthly meeting conducted this month at the Edwardsville campus. Funding for the project will come from the university's operating budget and from a loan through the Illinois Public Higher Education Cooperative to be retired by revenue generated from School of Pharmacy tuition.
About 15,000 square feet in the building at 200 University Park Drive will be renovated and an adjacent, 22,000-square-foot building will be constructed to provide space for the new school. The project is expected to be completed by fall 2005.
In other business, the board approved acceptance of a gift of real estate to SIUE for future development of the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus. The parcel of land, on Bond Avenue, is across from the southeast corner of the campus property near Eighth Street.
The parcel was purchased for $400 at auction by the SIUE Foundation. Transference of the property, appraised at $3,800, was allowed today by Board action at no cost to the university.
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September 8, 2003
Student Study Provides Confirmation: The Talking Paperclip Has To Go
(EDWARDSVILLE) Take a quick scan of your favorite search engine for the term "Clippit" and you'll see exactly how everyone views the paperclip character that theoretically makes using Microsoft Office more user friendly. You'll find headlines like "Die, Clippy, Die," "Clippit charged with murder," and "Mr. T vs. Clippit." Everyone, it seems, finds the animated assistant annoying and prime fodder for derision.
And you thought you were the only one who had turned off Clippit , a.k.a. Clippy.
It seems there is a reason many people refuse to use the talking cartoon paperclip. In a recently completed study, an SIUE computer science student found that people using the character had higher levels of anxiety and made more errors when using their computer. The study also found that using a character that human characteristics reduced anxiety and errors.
"This started out to be a study on how people used computers," said Nisha Dharna, the student who conducted the study as part of her Undergraduate Research Academy project. "But it became more of a study in psychology, of how people interact with the computer. It's obvious from the results that users prefer a character with human traits - a face, arms, legs."
The Undergraduate Research Academy is an honors program open to juniors and seniors that features award and support money for students and their faculty mentors. Students must submit a proposal and be accepted into URA in a competitive process.
"This is the type of research that in many colleges and universities is reserved for graduate students," said Doug Eder, director of undergraduate assessment and program review. "Not only do we provide financial support and other resources for the URA students, but we provide additional support to the students whose projects are selected for presentation at regional or national conferences. We place a lot of importance on URA as exemplified by the level of support."
Dharna, a senior computer science major from Kenya, worked with two faculty mentors from engineering and psychology to complete the study. All three learned leassons in interdisciplinary study.
"It was interesting to see how people responded to the test," said Dharna, who devised a series of tasks for participants to complete. Some used a swirling spaceship, some a genie, others an animated face with human characteristics. The participants who used the genie and the face made significantly fewer errors and reported less anxiety.
"Many people work with computers so much that they really don't think much about the interaction with the machine, unless something is wrong," Dharna said. "They may assume certain work habits without realizing their choices may have something to do with how they are reacting to the way their computers and software work. Getting a better understanding of how behavior is impacted (by interaction with the computer) was fascinating."
Jerry Weinberg, associate professor of computer science, was originally Dharna's sole mentor. The idea grew from a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant for a usability lab, where Weinberg studied students' actions and reactions to computers and software.
But Weinberg and Dharna began the URA project, they quickly realized that more help was needed.
"The usability lab caused me to think more about different aspects of the software we use," Weinberg said. "One of the conclusions we have come to is that people interact with computers in what you could describe as a social context. We develop preferences for certain types of hardware and software. But we realized once we started this study that we needed someone who specialized in psychology."
"I do point-and-click kinds of things on the computer, said Sue Thomas, associate professor of psychology. "Nothing fancy. So getting involved in this project not only gave me a greater appreciation for Nisha and Jerry's understanding of technology, but because I was able to see it through their eyes I also gained a greater appreciation for what we know about human psychology.
"In a general sense, our view of software is static. What the three of us were able to do as we mapped out this project was to develop a more thorough understanding of how a person could affect software. We saw how that in reality it is a more dynamic than static interaction."
Not only did it lead to the final form of the research project, it left the student with the idea that she'd like to continue to explore similar research.
"Several people have encouraged me to take this project further," she said. "It's nice to see that people appreciate the work that's been done and that it has a life beyond just the project itself. I'd like to keep going with it. I'd like to continue the study of the psychological and social side - in conjunction with the engineering." But without the help of Clippy.
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September 6, 2003
School of Engineering Offers Chance To Control Cyber World Robot
(EDWARDSVILLE) In a classic twist of the "robots take over the world theme," anyone entering the SIUE School of Engineering website can take control of Taz, a web-controlled robot.
It's the project of the Autonomous Robotics Research Group. They may have a mysterious -- maybe even subversive -- sounding name, but they're actually just a group of School of Engineering professors trying to provide for the common good of their students.
Their most recent accomplishment is Taz, a web-controlled robot. Although everyone is welcome to take a turn at controlling the robot, the main audience for Taz is middle and high school students and teachers. The robot is available for limited hours throughout the week and can be controlled by following the prompts on the site. More information about the project and the group is available at ww.cs.siue.edu/robotics. (Friday, Sept. 12, at 10 a.m. will be the time specifically set aside for media to try controlling Taz. Here are the instructions: (In your web browser type in this address: http://roboti.cs.siue.edu; Click on "Control the Robot Taz;" Enter your first name; Have fun!)
The Autonomous Robotics Research Group members have combined their disciplines to help students better develop their problem solving skills through robotics. In addition, they've created several projects designed to encourage middle and high school students to consider engineering careers. Their disciplines include computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and industrial engineering.
"Robotics can get students from different engineering disciplines working together as a team," said Jerry Weinberg, associate professor of computer science. The group also includes Cem Karacal, mechanical and industrial engineering, Ai-Ping Hu, mechanical engineering, George Engel, electrical and computer engineering, and Bill White, computer science.
"Many of today's most complex products are highly integrated systems that include mechanical, electrical, and computer components, like a car," Weinberg said. "Engineering graduates will be working on teams that include electrical engineers, computer scientists, mechanical engineers, and industrial engineers. Robotics can help them prepare to work on such teams, learning each other's vocabulary, learning how to work together, and learning to coordinate their efforts on a project dealing with the integrated system of a robot."
In fact, Weinberg will refine his ideas for a curriculum built around a multidisciplinary course in robotics, thanks to an $84,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). He will work on the project during a six-month sabbatical, in conjunction with the Autonomous Robotics Research Group.
Meanwhile, the group hopes Taz will become a tool that helps middle and high school teachers teach the concept, and provides a hands-on method of showing students the opportunities and options that are available to engineering majors.
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Widening Of Ill. 157 Is Aggravating, But Necessary
Anyone who's tried to drive on or off campus recently at noon or at 4:30 p.m. has most likely experienced a great test of patience. To quote a popular holiday tune: "Gee, the traffic is terrific" and we don't mean in the sense of "wonderful."
Needless to say, access to campus has been slow at the intersections of Illinois 157 at East University Drive and at University Park Drive as IDOT widens Illinois 157. Currently, IDOT is working between just north of Lewis Road to just south of Ginger Creek Drive.
And, to complicate matters, access to campus through Lewis Road is blocked until this phase of the project is finished.
Alternate routes on and off campus are probably in order until the project is finished which could be late fall, weather permitting. It appears that Northwest Road, South University Drive, Stadium Drive, and North University Drive to New Poag Road are the obvious alternatives.
Although it may take a bit more time to travel those routes, the extra minutes there might be less stressful than stewing in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
According to IDOT officials, the second phase of the project will widen the route from Ginger Creek to Interstate 270 and the third phase will widen it from Lewis Road to Woodland Elementary School in Edwardsville.
So, it appears that we're all in this for the long haul. But the good news is that the finished product will be much better for traffic flow, given the phenomenal growth of the region.
Women's Golf Wins Cougar Classic
The SIUE women's golf team won its own Cougar Classic Monday, the first time in in the sport's six-year history.
The win came after the team shot a two-day score of 683. Quincy came in second with a 701, while Lindenwood finished third with 708.
Freshman Kallie Harrison (Decatur) was the top Cougar finisher after firing a 78 in day two of the tournament to place her in a tie for first. She lost in a playoff to individual champion Jessica Harbin of Bellarmine.
Kacy Gruenkemeyer (Salem) and Beth Gumbel (Mahomet) finished sixth for the Cougars with a 172. Brittany Auld (Nashville) tied for 13th at 176.
The Cougars' next competition will be the Screaming Eagles Fall Classic next Sunday (9/14) and Monday (9/15).
Women's Soccer Leaps To No. 9 Nationally
It's early in the season as far as SIUE women's soccer coach Lynda Bowers is concerned.
SIUE leaped from No. 24 to No. 9 in the nation as well as No. 1 in the Great Lakes region, according to the latest National Soccer Coaches Association poll. "We have a long way to go before we reach this team's potential," Bowers said. "The No. 9 ranking is exciting, but it adds more pressure."
Even though there are no matches scheduled this week, the team will be working. "We are going to take this week to work on some things and keep our fitness routine going," Bowers said.
The Cougars picked up wins last week against McKendree and Mercyhurst to stretch its record to 4-0. This is the fourth time in the history of the program that a team has started the season 4-0. The 2001 team had the program's best season start, going 6-0.
SIUE's backfield has been one of the reasons the Cougars have a perfect record. "Our backfield is doing very well," Bowers said. "That was a goal of ours at the beginning of the year to get that group in order."
SIUE is led in scoring by Sara Decker's (St. Louis) three goals. Christen Carducci (Powell, Ohio) and Ann Crawford (St. Louis) each have two goals and two assists. "Ann Crawford has played really well," Bowers said. "Her work rate is such a positive for the team. She makes things happen and is involved in every play."
SIUE is next in action Tuesday (9/16) when it travels to Lindenwood University.
Volleyball Travels To Crossover Tourney
After playing host to McKendree College on Wednesday (9/10) , the SIUE volleyball team will travel to Northern Kentucky University to play four matches in the GLVC-GLIAC-WVIAC Crossover Tournament.
"The tournament will help determine our regional ranking," coach Todd Gober said. "It will be hard to move up throughout the season if we don't position ourselves high now."
The Cougars (7-1) will first set their sites on McKendree, who comes into Wednesday's match with a 3-2 record. Should SIUE sweep the Bearcats in three games, it will break the all-time consecutive games won with 15. The current mark is 14, set in 1997. Game time is set for 7 p.m. at the Vadalabene Center.
SIUE begins the Crossover Tournament Friday (9/12) against West Virginia State. Later on Friday, the Cougars will face 6-3 Hillsdale College. SIUE will play matches Saturday (9/13) against Grand Valley, with its 6-2 record, and Alderson-Broaddus to finish the tournament.
Andrea Voss (St. Rose) leads the team and the Great Lakes Valley Conference in hitting percentage (.436) and blocks (36).
Voss, Tina Talsma (Ontario, Canada) and Kindra Westendorf (Effingham) have combined for 69 blocks so far this season.
"When Kindra is aggressive, she terminates," Gober said. "Tina Talsma is getting comfortable and is a terminator. Talsma, Westendorf and Voss might be the best blocking line in Division II volleyball."
Allison Buss (Towanda) leads the team with 94 digs. "Allison is playing phenomenal defense right now," Gober said. "She is passing well in serve receive and her digs are on target."
Freshmen Tricia Happe (St. Louis) and Beth DeGreeff (St. Louis) also have impressed in the early portion of the season. "Beth is getting comfortable in the libero role and Tricia is playing good defense."
Men's Soccer Faces UIS, Missouri Southern
SIUE's men's soccer team will travel to Illinois-Springfield Tuesday (tonight) before playing host to Missouri Southern State on Friday (9/12) night at Bob Guelker Field.
Illinois-Springfield, a member of the NAIA and entering the game with a 4-0 record, has scored 23 goals in four games this season.
"Illinois-Springfield is a non-regional opponent who gives us a chance to get close to developing a sense of how we should be playing," Coach Ed Huneke said. "It is a tough atmosphere to play in and it will train us well for the future."
Missouri Southern will be the final test for the Cougars before they open Great Lakes Valley Conference play. Friday's game time is set for 7 p.m. "Missouri Southern starts up our regional plate which will remain for the rest of the season," Huneke said. "It will be an important game in determining the possibility of an NCAA bid at the end of the regular season."
Cal Thomas (Rochester) scored twice last week against McKendree and leads the team with two goals. Victor Pacheco (Brazil), who scored SIUE's only goal in a 2-1 loss at Christian Brothers, leads the team in shots with 15. "Victor is still making strides but is not quite there yet," Huneke said. "He has the potential and will score goals for us. We are developing plenty of scoring opportunities but we can't finish them off."
Men's Cross Country Starts Saturday
With a duo of returning All-Great Lakes Valley Conference performers, the SIUE men's cross country team is anxious to get the season under way.
SIUE will kick off its season this Saturday (9/13) at the Cougar/Bearcat Challenge at SIUE's cross country course.
Brian Taghon (East Moline) and Ryan Boyll (Normal), who each were All-GLVC performers last season, will lead a deep Cougar pack. "Taghon should lead the pack this year," Coach Darryl Frerker said. "He had good training over the summer so there is no reason to believe he will not be in the front at the GLVC meet. Boyll gives us a one-two punch with Taghon."
Nick Campbell (Charleston) also returns to the squad. "Nick has consistently come in close behind Taghon and Boyll," Frerker said.
The Cougars have seven runners who have the potential to fill the remaining spots on the team. "Any one of those seven on any given day can be the fourth and fifth spot," Frerker said. "It will be interesting this weekend to see who races.
"We have depth and are training better this year than the past. We have a positive outlook and look forward to competition to see where we are."
Women's Cross Country Starts Saturday
SIUE's women's cross country opens its season Saturday morning (9/13) at the Cougar/Bearcat Challenge at SIUE's cross country course.
"We have a solid group of five upperclassmen that are looking pretty strong," Coach Darryl Frerker said.
Breanne Steffens (Moline) leads the pack, followed closely by Carrie Carducci (Powell, Ohio). Mary Witte (Normal), Erin McMullen (Salem) and Maria Ewersmann (St. Paul, Mo.) round out the top five.
Frerker indicated that Natalie Aschim (Rockford) and Heather Zipparo (Mount Prospect) could also vie for a spot in the top five. "Aschim and Zipparo will be knocking on the back door once they get into better shape," Frerker said. "The ladies have a common goal to go after the Great Lakes Valley Conference Championship."
Women's Tennis Continues GLVC Play
After a trip that collected a win against Kentucky Wesleyan and a loss to Southern Indiana, the SIUE women's tennis team will be in action again Tuesday (tonight) at Missouri-St. Louis. The Cougars then open their home schedule this weekend with matches on Friday (9/12) and Saturday (9/13).
SIUE dropped a close match to Southern Indiana 5-4 before shutting down Kentucky Wesleyan 9-0 last weekend. "The girls had the normal opening day jitters," Coach Bill Logan said. "But we left knowing we are in the hunt. Things are looking promising."
Laura Zeeb (Greenville) and Lisa Warner (Arlington Hts.) each won their two individual matches last weekend. That duo is also 2-0 in doubles action. Gina Wohltman (Effingham) also posted a 2-0 individual performance.
SIUE will play host to Lewis at 3 p.m. Friday and Saint Joseph's at 9 a.m. Saturday. Both matches will be played at SIUE's tennis courts.
PAR-TEE
Here are photos from the Third Annual Block Party, held in downtown Edwardsville adjacent to the Madison County Courthouse. It was estimated that more than 2,500 people were on hand for an evening of fun, food, beverages, music, dancing and other activities provided by local vendors and merchants. (SIUE Photos)
Arts & Issues Begins Season With Pianist George Winston
Enchanting audiences with his innovative solo piano compositions for more than 25 years, famed recording artist George Winston comes to SIUE on Sept. 19 and 20 to begin the 18th season of the Arts & Issues series.
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 campus.
Winston continues that tradition with two captivating performances at 7:30 both nights in Katherine Dunham Hall theater. "The chance to bring George here for two nights was just too tempting to pass up," says John Peecher, assistant director of development for the College of Arts and Sciences and coordinator of the series.
"We wanted to be sure our Arts & Issues patrons had ample opportunity to see and hear George Winston perform his beguiling piano melodies that have become so well known."
Despite his many musical influences-jazz, stride piano, and blues-Winston is often categorized as "new age" in record stores. Winston himself prefers to describe his own work as "rural folk piano." With several impressive recordings to his credit on the Windham Hill label and his own Dancing Cat label, the Grammy Award-winning instrumentalist has a broad repertoire, including tributes to jazz legend Vince Guaraldi and to the rock band, The Doors.
In addition to his musical reputation, Winston also is known as someone concerned with domestic social issues, such as the plight of the less fortunate. At each of his concerts he requests that canned food drives be conducted for local food pantries. During his two appearances at SIUE, patrons may bring canned food items to the lobby of Dunham Hall for distribution to the Glen-Ed Pantry in Edwardsville.
Information about the Winston concerts and subscription ticket information for the 2003-04 season series may be found on the Arts & Issues Web site: artsandissues.com and in a printed brochure available by contacting John Peecher, (618) 650-2626, or, by e-mail: jpeeche@siue.edu.
Subscription tickets are $121.50 for all nine events; $60.75 for students, and are available through the Web site or through Peecher at the above phone number or e-mail address. Subscription and individual tickets also are available at the Morris Center Information Desk, (618) 650-5555.
The remaining season includes: San Jose Taiko (Oct. 24), with the spellbinding and propulsive sounds of the taiko drum; underwater explorer Robert Ballard (Nov. 18); the acclaimed musicians of The Aspen Ensemble (Jan. 22); the "rockin' gospel celebration" of the Blind Boys of Alabama (Feb. 6); the exciting Grammy Award-winning Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra (2 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-winning author Norman Mailer (April 20).
OIT, Academic Computing Continue The Good Fight
Armageddon has been avoided, but the invaders still threaten as staff members of Academic Computing and the Office of Information Technology continue to make CougarNet safe for humanity.
OK, perhaps it's not that dramatic but the aftermath of the fight against the Blaster Worm and the Sobig virus still persists. "We spent all last week in the residence halls, visiting each student with a personal computer or laptop, and making sure their computers are safe," says John Drueke, supervisor of Academic Computing.
In early August, SIUE's CougarNet was hit by both types of marauders and network watchdogs went into action. The Blaster alone attacked computer networks on at least three continents, affecting more than 1 million computers worldwide. Drueke said more than 3,000 computers are directly connected to CougarNet.
All this led to OIT's creation of a special Web site (www.siue.edu/techalert) that keeps network users up to date about the ongoing struggle. "It's been a lot of work but we were able to keep the system running while the response teams cleansed infected computers on campus from the Blaster and dealt with the Sobig virus."
As of the beginning of the semester, Drueke's team was gaining on the problem, but a decision had to be made about how to fight the bad guys but at the same time continue to maintain the everyday duties that the system demands. "We have now hired additional temporary help and they will continue working in the residence halls and then on to Cougar Village," Drueke said.
Drueke said plans are already under way to make the system even more secure against problems in the future. In addition, the modem pool is being replaced for off-campus access by CougarNet users. "We're replacing the current modems with models that can carry much more of the volume of calls we're experiencing," he said.
"All of this is a new level of service we're offering to users of CougarNet."
Fall Enrollment At Highest Since 1975; FTE Increases
SIUE's fall enrollment is at 13,295 students, an increase of 587 students, or about 4.5 percent higher than fall 2002, when enrollment stood at 12,708.
Most of the enrollment increase is attributable to student retention. The number of continuing students is up about 450 over last year.
Not only is enrollment up, but there was an even larger increase in full-time equivalent (FTE), which is based on the number of hours taken by all students.
The total undergraduate enrollment is divided by 15, while the total graduate enrollment is divided by 12 which are the equivalent of a full-time undergraduate and graduate student. These two numbers combined make up the full-time equivalent.
SIUE's FTE jumped from 10,124 in the fall 2002 to 10,604, an increase of almost 5 percent. Since 1998, FTE is up more than 15 percent, a higher than expected increase.
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Boyd Bradshaw said the FTE increase has prompted continuing discussion regarding stabilizing enrollment growth and also raising admission standards. For example, the deadline for new freshman applications was moved from August to May 31 this year.
"Over the last several years, there has been a great deal of discussion on campus regarding enrollment and admission standards," Bradshaw said. "We feel as though we are in the optimum range in the size of our classes, available classrooms, faculty load, and our ability to provide personal service for our students."
Bradshaw attributed the increases to a continued awareness of SIUE as an affordable institution that provides a quality education. "This growth continues what we've seen consistently for the past several years in both the fall and spring enrollment figures," Bradshaw said.
"More and more students and parents view SIUE as their first choice for a quality, affordable education," he said. "A strong faculty, small class sizes, community service opportunities, an active campus life, and the newest residence halls in the state continue to fuel our growth.
"At the same time, we continue to put a strong emphasis on retaining students, as the increase in the number of continuing students shows."
SIUE's enrollment has grown from 10,938 in 1994 to this fall's 13,295-about an 18 percent increase in the nine-year span. During the same time, FTE has increased more than 30 percent.
Speaker Hastert Helps Dedicate Ethanol Research Center In University Park
U.S. Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., led the Illinois delegation and other state, local, and university officials today in dedicating the National Corn-To-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) located in SIUE's University Park.
Hastert, a long-time advocate for agriculture, joined U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., U.S. Congressman John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello, D-Belleville, and Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn for the morning ceremony that took place inside the main research bay of the center at 400 University Park Drive.
Also on the dais were SIUE Research Professor Rodney Bothast, director of the new 36,000-square-foot center, SIUE Chancellor David Werner, and SIU President James E. Walker.
The $20 million center was constructed with $14 million in federal funds and $6 million from the state of Illinois.
Walker said the research center will play an important role in fulfilling the university's mission of service. "This research center is truly one-of-a-kind in the U.S., bringing unique opportunities for research and business development to the region," Walker said. "We are grateful for the support of the many people who made this facility possible, especially our elected officials."
Werner added that the center will help open new doors to producing alternative, renewable fuels. "The Illinois Congressional Delegation and our state senators and representatives worked hard for the creation and funding of the research center, and to bring it here to the SIUE campus," Werner said. "Their hard work is the reason we can stand here on day one of what we believe will lead to a revolution in the creation of alternative fuels."
Center Director Rodney J. Bothast, internationally recognized authority on industrial microbiology and biochemical engineering, said the NCERC will enable researchers to experiment with alternatives to fossil fuels in the only facility in the world that fully emulates both a corn-wet mill and corn-dry mill in commercial fuel ethanol production.
"The NCERC will serve a major role in commercializing new technologies for producing ethanol more cost effectively from corn," Bothast said. He explained there have been promising efforts to find efficient production methods, but these results have not been tested on a large scale. "Until now, these results have not been tested because of the prohibitive costs and the risks behind injecting an exploratory technology into an existing, large-scale, commercial facility," he said.
Bothast pointed out that the center also will allow for finding ways to add value to co-products from the ethanol process. "Researchers are working to come up with better technologies to break down corn and its co-products to make the process economically sound," Bothast said.
"The NCERC will advance the role of bioconversion by developing and demonstrating the next generation of advanced technologies, making possible low-cost and sustainable biobased industrial products, biofuels, and biopower," Bothast said. "Since 1980, fuel ethanol production has been increasing annually and has reached 2.7 billion gallons this year from more than one billion bushels of corn grown in the United States.
"We expect to go to five billion gallons a year in 10 years if we are to meet the renewable fuel goals of this country."
Prospective Students And Parents Set To Preview SIUE
More than 1,200 high school and community college students and their parents are expected to attend "Preview SIUE," the annual campus-wide open house. This year's event is scheduled on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 13, in the newly renovated Morris University Center.
SIUE Chancellor David Werner will present opening remarks at 8:30 a.m. Students will then have the opportunity to tour the central campus-including the state's newest residence halls-learn about campus life and student services, and visit academic departments.
Informational sessions are scheduled throughout the day. Session topics include SIUE-The Place to Be; Financing Your Education at SIUE; Countdown to SIUE; and Tailor-Made Careers, as well as academic sessions presented by the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences, and the Schools of Business, Education, Engineering, Nursing, and Pharmacy.
In addition, Philip Medon, dean of the new SIUE School of Pharmacy, also will conduct informational sessions for interested students.
Students will be able to speak one-on-one to department representatives at the information fair in the Morris Center from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. "Preview is an opportunity for prospective students and their families to get answers to all their questions in one visit to campus," said Karen Bollinger, assistant director of Admissions and Marketing.
"Our program is one of the few campus-visit programs that includes participation from virtually all academic and student services units in one setting."
Registration begins at 8 a.m. in the Morris Center, but students may pre-register online at www.admis.siue.edu/PREVIEW, or by calling (800) 447-SIUE. Campus tours will be offered until 12:30 p.m. and campus offices will be open until 4:30 p.m. Preview SIUE parking will be available in Lot B and Student Fan Lots. There is no charge for the event.
SIUE's enrollment has risen for nine consecutive years and now stands at 13,295, the largest enrollment since 1975.
SIUE's Lytle Tabbed Preseason All-American
Dan Lytle (Edwardsville) is an All-American even before he steps out onto the court for the first time as an SIUE men's basketball player.
Lytle, who transferred from the University of Evansville to complete his final season of eligibility in his hometown, was named to Street and Smith magazine's Preseason All-American list as an honorable mention honoree. "This is a testament to what he did at Evansville and to what people think he can do for us here at SIUE," said SIUE Coach Marty Simmons.
Street and Smith also tabbed two fellow Great Lakes Valley Conference schools among the 10 best in the nation. Southern Indiana was picked at No. 3, while Kentucky Wesleyan was selected ninth.
The Cougars officially begin practice on Oct. 15. The team's first contest is an exhibition game at Bradley on Tuesday, Nov. 13. The 2003-2004 season opens with a home game at the Vadalabene Center on Nov. 19.
Cougars Entertain SJC, Wisconsin-Parkside
The 14th-ranked SIUE men's soccer team will be on its home field this weekend when Saint Joseph's College and Wisconsin-Parkside come to town for two Great Lakes Valley Conference tilts.
The Cougars (6-2 overall, 2-0 GLVC) have yet to play a home game against a conference opponent. Last Friday's (9/26) game against Lewis was postponed due to storms in the area. "We definitely like our home-field advantage," Coach Ed Huneke said. "We like a big field with a nice surface, which we have here."
Saint Joseph's (3-4-3, 0-2-2) will be in search of its first conference win Friday night (10/3) at Korte Stadium. The Pumas are coming off losses to Missouri-St. Louis and Southern Indiana. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.
Wisconsin-Parkside (6-3, 3-1) is coming off two conference wins against Quincy and Missouri-St. Louis. Game time against the Rangers is set for 2:30 p.m. Sunday (10/5). "Both of these teams have the potential to win a lot of games and have great seasons, especially if they beat us," Huneke said.
SIUE is coming off a 3-0 triumph against Missouri-Rolla. It now has three consecutive shutouts.
SIUE has been distributing the ball well on offense. Cal Thomas (Rochester) and Addae Rique (Trinidad & Tobago) each have five goals to lead the team. "Addae is taking his game up a notch," Huneke said. "He is really showing his superiority to most players.
"Cal is having his best year yet. He has been a hot finisher, and that is what you want in the striker position."
Cougars Host Two Conference Games
The No. 15-ranked SIUE's women's soccer team will play host to two important Great Lakes Valley Conference matches this weekend.
Saint Joseph's comes to Korte Stadium for a Friday (10/3) match. The Pumas enter the game with a 3-6-1 overall record and a 2-2 record in the GLVC. Game time is set for 5:30 p.m.
Wisconsin-Parkside is currently second in the conference standings with a 7-1-1 record and a 3-0-1 conference mark. The Rangers also boast one of the league's top scorers in Megan Jurvis. "Wisconsin-Parkside has always been a team that can knock you off," Coach Lynda Bowers said. "This will not be a cake walk for us."
Bowers insists her team will be ready for this stretch of important conference games. "Every conference game is important for home-field advantage and possibility of a tournament bid," she said.
SIUE is coming off a non-conference win at William Woods to improve its record to 7-1 overall and 1-1 in the GLVC. Every Cougar player saw playing time in the 5-1 win. "It was nice to get other players in the game to see what they could do," Bowers said. "We had our reserves in for 75 percent of the game and still knocked in some goals. That shows the depth of our squad."
SIUE had its game against Lewis suspended due to bad weather. The game has yet to be rescheduled.
Sara Decker (St. Louis) leads the team with four goals.
Volleyball Looks To Bounce Back
After a discouraging Great Lakes Valley Conference loss to Quincy University, SIUE's volleyball team will look forward to matches against Northern Kentucky and Bellarmine.
SIUE (15-3 overall, 3-1 GLVC) dropped its first Great Lakes Valley Conference match in four games at Quincy. SIUE rebounded with a non-conference win at Illinois-Springfield, an NAIA school. "We are not executing as efficiently as we were earlier in the season," Coach Todd Gober said. "It's good to find it out now so we can start working on a few things.
"We have not played well our last three outings, but have still won two of three, so that is encouraging."
Northern Kentucky sits atop the GLVC's Blue Division with a 12-6 overall record and a 5-0 conference mark. The Norse has won 12 of its last 14 matches. Bellarmine (0-13, 0-5) is still in search of its first victory of the season.
"We need to work on our serve receive and passing this week," Gober said. "We also need to improve our transition and up the tempo of our transition."
As a team, SIUE still leads the conference with a .285 hitting percentage. The Cougars also lead the league with 2.78 blocks per game.
SIUE Will Send Seven Runners To Chicago
A complement of seven runners for both the SIUE men's and women's cross country teams will compete at the Sean Earl Lakefront Invitational in Chicago. Action gets started Saturday (10/4) morning with the women's 5,000-meter run. The men run an 8,000-meter course.
"This is one of the larger races we compete in," Coach Darryl Frerker said. "I was happy with our performance last year at the meet. It would give us confidence for the conference and regional meet if we perform well."
Brian Taghon (East Moline) and Breanne Steffens (Moline) seem to be the top individuals for the Cougars. Ryan Boyll (Normal) and Nick Campbell (Charleston) add depth to the men's side. Carrie Carducci (Powell, Ohio) and Mary Witte (Normal) have joined Steffens as front-runners on the women's side.
Following the Lakefront Invitational, the Cougars return home next Saturday (10/11) for the Illinois/Missouri Border Wars in their final competition before the Great Lakes Valley Conference Championships on Oct. 25 in Romeoville.
Cougars Enter Final GLVC Match
After a non-conference match against Principia College on Tuesday (9/30), SIUE's women's tennis team will play host to Indianapolis in its final Great Lakes Valley Conference match before the GLVC Tournament.
"The Indianapolis match is very important," Coach Bill Logan said. "It is big because a win can help position ourselves for the GLVC Tournament."
SIUE (5-3 overall, 5-3 GLVC) will first entertain Principia at 4 p.m. on SIUE's tennis courts.
Indianapolis (7-2, 4-2) is just one spot ahead of the Cougars in the GLVC standings. The GLVC Tournament is scheduled for Oct. 10-11.
Men's Soccer Reschedules Rockhurst
The SIUE men's soccer team will play a makeup game against Rockhurst on Wed., Oct. 15 at 4 p.m. The two teams decided to meet halfway in Columbia, Mo., to make up the game originally scheduled to be played in Quincy at the Soccer Bowl during the first week of the season.
Plans for SIUE's makeup game against Lewis have not been finalized.
Volleyball Faces UMSL, Quincy
Heading into the week with a 13-2 record overall and a 2-0 mark in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, SIUE volleyball coach Todd Gober knows the season is just getting started. "This group of players wants to keep getting better," said Gober.
The Cougars have the top middle hitter in the GLVC and perhaps one of the nation's best in senior Andrea Voss (St. Rose). Voss has compiled GLVC-leading marks in hitting percentage at .443 and blocks at 1.80 per game. Voss has been complimented by a strong group of sophomores.
Sophomores Heather Bonde (Millstadt), Allison Buss (Towanda), and Kindra Westendorf (Effingham) all recorded double figures in kills in the win against Southern Indiana.
Sophomore Krystal Majernik (Normal) has quietly put together some good numbers as the team's setter. She leads the GLVC in assists per game at 12.04 and is 10th in service aces at 0.43 per game. "Every game it seems like different people are stepping up," said Gober.
SIUE's next challenge will be a week of road games. SIUE faces Missouri-St. Louis on Wednesday (9/24) at 7 p.m., Quincy on Friday (926) at 7 pm. and a non-conference battle at Illinois-Springfield against former SIUE coach Joe Fisher on Saturday (9/27) at 2 p.m.
Men's Soccer Off To Perfect Start In GLVC
A 2-0 Great Lakes Valley Conference record will be on the line Friday (9/26) when the SIUE men's soccer team plays host to GLVC foe Lewis University at 7 p.m. at Korte Stadium.
SIUE, 5-2 overall and ranked second in the Central Region, blanked Quincy and Missouri-St. Louis last weekend.
Senior goalkeeper Bret Richardson made seven saves in the two games in posting shutouts. "Our defense played well in the two games," Coach Ed Huneke said. Huneke said the two shutouts by Richardson will increase his confidence and will help him throughout the season. "It is important to have a confident goalkeeper," Huneke said.
Newcomer Addae Rique (Trinidad & Tobago) scored the lone goal at Missouri-St. Louis. Victor Pacheco (San Luis, Brazil) and Cal Thomas (Rochester) each had tallies against Quincy. "We are off to the start in the conference we thought we were going to have," Huneke said. "We have new players and I knew we wouldn't be on the same page in the beginning of the year. Now we are in the conference season and making strides. We will continue to show improvement."
Lewis enters Friday's matchup with a 2-4-2 overall record and a 1-1 mark in the GLVC. Lewis topped Missouri-St. Louis before falling to Southern Indiana last weekend. "Lewis has a rich tradition of winning," Huneke said. "They need a win so we better be ready."
SIUE will travel outside of the GLVC for a Sunday (9/28) game at Missouri-Rolla. The Miners enter the week with a 4-1-2 record. "Rolla is faring well in the region," Huneke said. "We have to win this regional game to enhance our chances at an NCAA Tournament bid."
Cross Country Breaks School Records
Members of both the men's and women's cross country teams from SIUE broke records at last Friday's (9/19) EIU Open in Charleston.
Brian Taghon (East Moline) broke the men's 8,000-meter school record with a time of 24:48.33. The previous record, set by Rudy Rocha, stood since 1990.
Breanne Steffens' (Moline) 5,000-meter time of 17:29.49 also broke the school record, which was previously held by Karin Beach-Pond, who ran the 5K in 17:49 in 1995.
"It is nice to have new records established," Coach Darryl Frerker said. "Especially records that have not been broken in five or ten years."
On the women's side, Mary Witte (Normal) and Carrie Carducci (Powell, Ohio) joined Steffens for top 20 finishes. Ryan Boyll (Normal) and Nick Campbell (Charleston) joined Taghon as front-runners on the men's side. "I expect us to keep improving throughout the season," Frerker said. "If we keep running like this the rest of the season we will have a good conference and regional meet."
Both squads will next be in action on Saturday, Oct. 4, for the Sean Earl Lakefront Invitational in Chicago.
Women's Soccer Faces William Woods, Lewis
SIUE will get a break from Great Lakes Valley Conference play when it travels to William Woods for a Wednesday (9/24) non-conference match up.
William Woods, an NAIA program in Fulton, Mo., enters Wednesday's game with a 2-4 record. "They have some big scorers," Coach Lynda Bowers said. "Other than that, we do not know much about them, so we'll go into the game just like it's any other game and see what happens."
SIUE, 6-1 overall and 1-1 in the GLVC, will then face Lewis on Friday (9/26) in its GLVC home opener. Game time is 5:30 p.m. at Korte Stadium. "We are looking forward to the game because it is our next home game and we want to show what we're made of," Bowers said. "We are just hungry for victories and look forward to all conference games."
After suffering a double-overtime loss at Quincy on Friday (9/19), SIUE bounced back and won a 2-1 decision Sunday (9/21) at Missouri-St. Louis. "We just didn't adapt to Quincy's defense," Bowers said. "Our effort was there, they just caught us in the last minutes of the second overtime." With its loss, the Cougars fell to No. 2 in the Great Lakes region.
Sarah Landt (Carbondale) and Ann Crawford (St. Louis) each scored to lift SIUE against Missouri-St. Louis. "Ann Crawford was tenacious on goal and Landt, who was playing the right-wing position for the first time, came through with the game-winner."
Women's Tennis Begins Non-GLVC Schedule
For the first time this season, the SIUE's women's tennis team will play a non-conference opponent.
SIUE, 5-3 overall and in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, will square off Friday (9/26) against Illinois College. Action will begin at 3 p.m. on SIUE's tennis courts. "This is the start of a number of non-conference matches," Coach Bill Logan said. "These are schedules to help us stay in tune in preparing for the GLVC Tournament."
SIUE is coming off a 2-1 week that saw wins against Saint Joseph's and Bellarmine. It's defeat came against Northern Kentucky.
Logan attributes much of the team's success to doubles. As a team, the Cougars have posted an 18-6 doubles record on the season. The Cougars are currently in fifth place in the GLVC standings. They play one more conference match before the Oct. 4 GLVC Tournament.
Every Cougar player has either a .500 or better winning record. Gina Wohltman (Effingham) and Lisa Warner (Arlington Hts.) each have seven victories. SIUE's No. 2 doubles duo of Warner and Laura Zeeb (Greenville) has a 7-1 record.
Cougars Enter Final Tune Up
SIUE's women's golf team has one more tune up before the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament.
The Cougars travel to Marion for the Lady Vols Invitational, which will be played Saturday and Sunday (9/27-28). The GLVC Tournament begins Oct. 4 in Edinburgh, Ind.
SIUE is coming off the Illinois Wesleyan Fall Golf Classic, where they finished the 36-hole tournament with a 612, three strokes behind team champion DePauw. SIUE bested GLVC rivals Indianapolis by five shots and Quincy by 13.
The Cougars waved goodbye to the old 36-hole record by 42 strokes. The previous record of 654 was set at the Illinois Wesleyan Invitational two years ago. That finish would not have placed the Cougars in the top 10 this season.
Kallie Harrison (Decatur) continued to get her collegiate career off on the right track. Once again, she tied the school record with a 75 in the second round which gives her a new school record of 150. That breaks the old SIUE record of 156 set by Katie Farrell (2001), Deanna Bock (2001) and Harrison from last weekend at Southern Indiana. Harrison must share the 18-hole record with Brittany Auld (Nashville), who vaulted into a tie for 14th place with a final round 75.
Brittany Hood (Coulterville) also tied for 14th with a 155, including a career-best 77 in the final round. Farrell (Princeton) shot a final round 80 and was tied for 19th at 156. Kacy Gruenkemeyer (Salem), the defending GLVC individual champion, fired a career-best 76 and also tied for 19th at 156. Kristi Novak (Highland) shot an 83, also a personal best.
On Sunday, it was the first time an SIUE team had four players shooting in the 70s.
Connector Path Provides New Access To SIUE
Joggers, walkers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts now have a new way of accessing the campus from the network of MCT Trails in Madison County.
The university recently completed a half-mile connector that joins the MCT Nature Trail with SIUE's University Park and the central core campus. IDOT contributed 80 percent of the $165,000 project through a program encouraging alternative modes of transportation. The remainder of the funds was appropriated by the university.
"This project began with a request from SIUE students who were looking for other ways to come to campus rather than driving," said Robert Washburn, director of the Office of Facilities Management. "The Campus Recreation Advisory Committee came to the SIUE Parking and Traffic Committee asking for easier access to campus from residential areas in and around the ESIC, LeClaire, and Montclaire residential areas of Edwardsville," Washburn said.
"We have many students and employees living in those areas who can now use the MCT trail and this connector as a safe way to access campus."
The new connector begins at the MCT trail, about four-tenths of a mile east of Supporting Services Road, along the southeast edge of campus at University Park. The asphalt path wends its way from the MCT trail to the cul-de-sac of South Research Drive, where a shared roadway then takes bikers and/or pedestrians to the north end of North Research Drive. At that point, the path continues to Fan Parking Lot No. 5, where access is available to Stratton Quadrangle at the core campus.
The connector is another part of the more than 10 miles of nature and biking trails available on or adjacent to SIUE's 2,660-acre campus. Trail users are able to enjoy the natural beauty of the campus, while using the network of MCT and campus trails.
For more information about MCT Trails, visit the Web site: www.mcttrails.org. For more about trails on campus, call the Office of Campus Recreation, (618) 650-2348.
School Of Pharmacy To Have Initial Home In UP
An existing building in University Park will be renovated and a new building constructed to provide laboratory, classroom, and office space for the new School of Pharmacy at a projected cost of $5 million.
The project and its budget were approved recently by the SIU Board of Trustees at its regular monthly meeting conducted this month at the Edwardsville campus. Funding for the project will come from the university's operating budget and from a loan through the Illinois Public Higher Education Cooperative to be retired by revenue generated from the School's tuition income.
About 15,000 square feet in the building at 200 University Park Drive will be renovated and an adjacent, 22,000-square-foot building will be constructed to provide space for the new school. The project is expected to be completed by fall 2005.
In other business, the board approved acceptance of a gift of real estate to SIUE for future development of the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus. The parcel of land, on Bond Avenue, is across from the southeast corner of the campus property near Eighth Street.
The parcel was purchased for $400 at auction by the SIUE Foundation. Transference of the property, appraised at $3,800, was allowed today by Board action at no cost to the university.
SIUE Urban Institute To Study Effects Of Lead On District 189 Schoolchildren
For years, School District 189 in East St. Louis has seen comparatively high numbers of children who have been diagnosed with learning disabilities. Meanwhile, East Side Health District and St. Mary's Hospital frequently test children who may have elevated blood lead levels.
Now, District 189, East Side Health District, and other local agencies will join the SIUE Institute for Urban Research to conduct a longitudinal study to determine the possible correlation between blood-lead levels and learning ability.
"Judging by the available data, there is very good reason to believe there is a direct connection between high blood-lead levels and the high number of East St. Louis children who have been labeled with a learning disability," said Debra Moore, executive director of the SIUE institute.
We not only want to further analyze existing data, but begin a process of establishing a definitive connection, and help initiate the kind of lead removal projects we have seen in St. Louis and other areas of Missouri."
Stephanie W. Carpenter, assistant superintendent of schools for Dist. 189, said the study will greatly complement the district's work toward understanding the deficiencies that some area children exhibit. "We know that they are able to accomplish and lead could very well be the obstacle that hinders their success."
Moore said most children who have lead poisoning are not monitored beyond "about the third grade. Because this is a longitudinal study, we can follow children for a longer period of time to see the long-term effects of lead and perhaps arrive at a more direct correlation between (blood) lead levels and academic performance."
Moore said the study will collect information on:
1. Influence of lead contaminated industrial and residential sites on blood-lead levels of children,
2. The effects of blood-lead levels on the cognitive ability and educational achievement of children,
3. The interventions by various agencies needed to address the problem, and,
4. Avenues policy makers should consider in addressing lead abatement and quality of life issues for children who suffer from lead poisoning.
Moore said several area agencies have collected data relative to lead poisoning in children, but no single agency has developed an all-encompassing study leading to a clear establishment of a "cause and effect" solution to the problem. "We have data sources from St. Mary's Hospital, East St. Louis School District 189, East Side and St. Clair County Public Health Districts, and the Illinois and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency," Moore said.
"Each of these sources provides information that will help us understand the complex mosaic that characterizes the causes and effects of lead poisoning in children living in older urban areas."
Moore said aggregating the information into a single database, then building on the existing information will lead to a common and more complete understanding of the problem. "As we map out a clear picture of the situation," she said, "we can then begin the process of seeking funding from government and private organizations to help children currently suffering from lead poisoning and prevent the poisoning of future generations."
