September 2004
September 3, 2004
Chingy To Perform Live At SIUE With Opener Nina Sky
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Chingy, popular rapper from St. Louis who has toured the world and who has numerous club hits, will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29, in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Vadalabene Center. The opening act is Nina Sky, a popular twin-sister singer-songwriter duo.
With recent releases such as Right Thurr and Hit the Club, Chingy has earned high acclaim for his most recent album, Chingy. He broke onto the world music stage in 2002 while touring with St. Louis superstar Nelly. A member of the "Lucacris Disturbing the Peace Family," Chingy credits Nelly for teaching him "everything from how to run meet and greets, operating backstage, and adjusting to life on the road." Chingy is preparing for the release of a new album in November.
Nina Sky-otherwise known as identical twins Natalie and Nicole Albino-is popular for Move Ya' Body, currently ranked No. 1 on the Billboard dance chart. Nina Sky's music has been described as a light R&B sound with a heavy influence of hip hop.
Tickets are now on sale to the SIUE community at the Morris University Center Information Center. Tickets are $22; SIUE students with valid ID, $17. All members of the SIUE community will be able to purchase a maximum of four tickets with their SIUE ID. No phone orders will be accepted.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public for $22 at all MetroTix locations or at www.metrotix.com beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7. SIUE students must purchase their tickets at the Morris Center Information Center to receive the student ticket price. Doors will open for the event at 7 p.m.
The event is sponsored by SIUE's Campus Activities Board (CAB). For more information, call CAB: (618) 650-3371, or the Kimmel Leadership Center: (618) 650-2686, or, visit the CAB Web site: www.siue.edu/CAB.
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September 7, 2004
Garrison Keillor Appearance For Arts & Issues Sold Out
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Sept. 21 appearance of American humorist Garrison Keillor, part of the 2004-05 Arts & Issues series at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, is sold out.
"We are happy with the response to Garrison's appearance and we're sorry not everyone will have the opportunity to experience his unique sense of humor," said John Peecher, coordinator of the Arts & Issues series.
However, Peecher said a limited amount of subscription ticket packages have been reserved for those who would still like to purchase them. Subscriptions for seven events are $115; students $57.50, or seven events plus the added attraction of the Blind Boys of Alabama, $133, students, $66.50.
A 2004-05 season brochure is available by contacting the Arts & Issues office, (618) 650-2626, or by e-mail: jpeeche@siue.edu. Subscriptions or individual tickets also may be purchased on the Web site: artsandissues.com.
Tickets still are available for the remaining Arts & Issues dates: Marlin Fitzwater and Joe Lockhart (Oct. 13); Windham Hill Winter Solstice Holiday Tour (Nov. 19); Kathy Mattea (Jan. 21, 2005); The Acting Company with its rendition of Shakespeare's Two Gentlemen of Verona (Feb. 27, 2005); Ladysmith Black Mambazo (March 19, 2005); Dallas Brass (April 22, 2005); The Blind Boys of Alabama (Feb. 4, 2005).
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September 8, 2004
SIUE's Enrollment Has Increased For The Tenth Consecutive Year
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's fall enrollment has grown to 13,493 students, an increase of 198 students, or about 1.5 percent higher than fall 2003, according to Todd Burrell, the university's director of Admissions. The figure represents the highest enrollment since 1975.
The enrollment announcement comes on the heels of SIUE's recent ranking of 16th among public universities in the Midwestern Universities-Master's category of U.S. News and World Report magazine's annual university rankings. As part of that U.S. News ranking, SIUE was recognized by university administrators in the category with a peer assessment, or reputation, score that was highest among Illinois public universities.
Much of SIUE's fall 2004 enrollment increase is attributable to student retention at the undergraduate level. The number of continuing undergraduate students is up 278 over last year. New freshmen for fall 2004 number 1,682, down from 1,709 last year. "We could have enrolled more new freshmen if we had more classroom space and additional space in the three residence halls," Burrell said.
"But we feel our current enrollment management strategies allow us to continue providing a quality education for our students."
Not only is enrollment up, but there also was an increase in full-time equivalent (FTE). FTE is based on the number of hours taken by all students. The number is then divided by 12 semester hours, the level at which a student is considered full-time at SIUE. The university's FTE jumped from 9,556 in fall 2000 to 10,778 this semester, an 11-percent increase. Burrell said growing FTE levels have prompted discussion regarding stabilizing enrollment growth and also raising admission standards.
"Over the last several years, there has been a great deal of discussion on campus regarding enrollment and admission standards, prompting a change in
admissions standards," he said. "The higher FTE is a positive reflection of that change and puts SIUE at an optimum level in the size of our classes, the available classrooms, faculty load, and our ability to provide personal service for our students."
Burrell attributed the increases to a continued awareness of SIUE as an affordable institution that provides a quality education.
The U.S. News rankings, published in August, are based on several key measures of quality that are used to capture the various dimensions of academic quality at each college. These measures fall into seven broad categories: peer assessment; graduation and retention rate; faculty resources (for example, class size); student selectivity (for example, average admission test scores of incoming students); financial resources; alumni giving; and, only for national universities and liberal arts colleges, graduation rate performance.
"We are excited about the continued growing interest and reputation at SIUE," said Boyd Bradshaw, SIUE's vice chancellor for Enrollment Management. "More and more students and parents view SIUE as a first choice institution due to our course offerings, first rate residence halls and the engagement of students inside and outside the classroom," Bradshaw said.
Overall, in the Midwest Master's category, SIUE was ranked 58 out of 142 institutions, a list that includes private and public universities.
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September 10, 2004
SIUE Jazz Supper Gala Set For Oct. 3 To Feature Big Band Music
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) With its theme of "Make Believe Ballroom Time," the 16th Annual Jazz Supper Gala, featuring a live old-time radio broadcast, will offer an evening of fun, food, and music from 6-10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3, at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Reservation deadline is Sept. 24.
Proceeds benefit the SIUE Friends of Music scholarship fund that provides scholarships to talented music students. Half of the ticket price is a gift to the Friends organization and may be considered a tax deductible contribution. The Friends organization is a support group for the SIUE Department of Music.
Set in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center, the Jazz Supper Gala offers a cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing to the big band sounds of SIUE's Concert Jazz Band, under the direction of SIUE Professor Brett Stamps, director of the Jazz Studies Program for the university.
Vocalist Tom Heitman, guitarist Rick Haydon, also a professor of music at SIUE, and pianist Reggie Thomas, an associate professor of Music, will be featured artists. The evening's "special honoree" will be jazz vocalist Mardra Thomas.
The event also includes a live "Old Time Radio Broadcast," featuring on-air interviews hosted by WSIE-FM (88.7) jazz personality Ross Gentile, who will invite audience participation.
Tickets for the Jazz Supper are $50 per person; a table of eight may be reserved for $350. A Blue Note sponsorship entitles a table of eight to preferred seating and recognition in the evening's printed program.
The Friends of Music is a support organization for the Department of Music. For reservations or more information, call Martee Lucas in the department, (618) 650-3799, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 3799.
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September 10, 2004
SIUE Early Childhood Center Receives Grant For Family Services
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Early Childhood Center (ECC), which has served the university community's childcare and Pre-kindergarten education needs since 1969, has been awarded a grant from the Illinois State Board of Education to offer expanded family services in collaboration with Edwardsville Community School District No. 7.
The $58,776 grant will help expand high-quality early childhood educational experiences and provide an added family component in conjunction with the Pre-K program (FACES) in the district. The grant is part of the Early Childhood Block Grant Early Learning Partners program, said ECC Director Rebecca Dabbs-Kayser.
"This grant is aimed primarily at SIUE student families with Pre-K children," Dabbs-Kayser said. She said the ECC is staffed with certified Pre-K teachers, but this grant will help expand services to families. "We'll be offering parenting education, such as parent workshops about child development and school readiness, for example, as well as family events in conjunction with the Edwardsville district and the SIUE Family Resource Center," she said.
"Through the grant, children will be screened for hearing and vision, kindergarten readiness skills, speech and language, and fine and gross motor skills. The screenings will help to identify if a child need additional developmental services which will be provided through the collaboration.
"The ECC has been providing quality Pre-K education for more than 35 years, but now we'll be collaborating with District 7," she said, "and, we are looking forward to working together to provide more services for our families."
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September 22, 2004
Gov. Howard Dean, Pundit Tony Blankley To Appear Oct. 13 At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) On the eve of the presidential election, former Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean and well-known conservative political pundit Tony Blankley will offer lively debate as part of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Arts & Issues series at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center.
Dean and Blankley replace Marlin Fitzwater and Joe Lockhart on the Arts & Issues 2004-05 bill because of scheduling conflicts.
Arts & Issues, which began in 1985 at SIUE, has a long-standing tradition of bringing world-class performers and noted speakers to Southwestern Illinois. "For two decades the Arts & Issues series has been the benchmark of quality entertainment and distinguished speakers for Southwestern Illinois audiences," said John Peecher, coordinator of the series. "Howard Dean and Tony Blankley have a great deal of political savvy and will have much to say about the upcoming presidential election," he said.
"Both Dean and Blankley continue our tradition of bringing provocative speakers to the Arts & Issues podium."
Appearing on the covers of Time and Newsweek, all eyes were on Howard Dean earlier this year as he mounted an influential campaign as a candidate for the 2004 Democratic nomination for President.
Dean, a medical doctor, has previously shared a private practice with his wife, Dr. Judith Steinberg Dean, in Vermont. He earned a bachelor's at Yale and received a medical degree at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City.
Dean was a member of the Vermont General Assembly from 1983-85 and was elected lieutenant governor of the state in 1986, gaining re-election in 1988 and 1990. He became governor upon the death of Gov. Richard A. Snelling in August 1991 and was elected to a full term in November 1992, gaining re-election in 1994, 1996, 1998, and in 2000.
Blankley served for seven years as press secretary for then-U.S. Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. In that role, Blankley became the leading spokesman for the "Contract with America." Before his career on Capitol Hill, Blankley had served as a speechwriter and senior analyst for President Ronald Reagan.
After leaving Gingrich's staff in February 1997, Blankley joined George magazine as a contributing editor. He currently is a regular panelist for the McLaughlin Group and he also appears regularly on CNN's Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer, as well as CNBC's Hardball with Chris Matthews, Rivera Live, The News with Brian Williams, and MSNBC. In June 1999, Blankley joined the Washington Times as a weekly political columnist; he also is a popular columnist for the Los Angeles Times.
Tickets for the Oct. 13 Arts & Issues event are $12; students, $6. A season brochure is available by contacting John Peecher, (618) 650-2626, or by e-mail: jpeeche@siue.edu. Individual tickets also may be purchased at the Web site: artsandissues.com.
The remaining Arts & Issues season includes: Windham Hill Winter Solstice Holiday Tour (Nov. 19) is SOLD OUT; Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Kathy Mattea (Jan. 21, 2005); The Acting Company with its rendition of Shakespeare's Two Gentlemen of Verona (Feb. 27, 2005); the powerful a cappella singing of Ladysmith Black Mambazo (March 19, 2005); the exciting sounds of the Dallas Brass (April 22, 2005); the special appearance of the "funkified" gospel music of The Blind Boys of Alabama (Feb. 4, 2005) is SOLD OUT.
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September 22, 2004
SIUE Friends Of Religious Center Awards Dinner Set For Oct. 2
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A Caseyville pastor and a Southern Illinois University Edwardsville faculty member will be honored Saturday, Oct. 2, at the Second Annual Interfaith Awards Dinner, sponsored by the Friends of the Religious Center (FRC) at SIUE.
The event is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. at the SIUE Religious Center, the geodesic dome just east of the SIUE Art and Design Building. The Rev. Douglas Cripe, coordinator of the Metro-East Interfaith Partnership, and Assistant Historical Studies Professor Rowena McClinton, who is dedicated to preserving the history of the Cherokee Nation, will receive the Friends of the Religious Center 2004 Interfaith Leadership Award.
Reservation deadline is Sept. 30; tickets are $25 per person, which includes dinner and free parking.
The FRC established the awards to recognize religious leadership and interfaith cooperation in the region. "Rev. Cripe has shown great dedication to his faith and has encouraged dialogue in the region among many faiths," said SIUE Associate Philosophy Professor Greg Fields, who is president of the FRC board and coordinator of the SIUE Religious Studies Program. "Dr. McClinton's work on Cherokee history is a great contribution to the Cherokee people, and also is a resource for all Americans who wish to gain a fuller understanding of historical encounters between native spiritual traditions and Christianity," he said.
"The FRC is honoring these two recipients so that the community at large can learn about the good work they do."
Fields said the FRC, formed more than three years ago, sponsors two main events each year to raise money to refurbish parts of the 33-year-old Religious Center that is need of repair. "We offer this Interfaith Awards Dinner in the fall and also the Celebration of World Faiths in the spring to encourage interfaith dialogue.
"The FRC is a support group dedicated to preserving the SIUE Religious Center as a significant contribution to architecture," Fields said, "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."
Cripe, pastor of the Crossroads Christian Church in Caseyville, is coordinator of the Metro-East Interfaith Partnership. The organization is dedicated to promoting peace, respect, and understanding among people of all faiths in the Metro-East area, while providing a timely public voice on issues of common concern. Cripe also serves on the boards of the Area Agency for Aging of Southwestern Illinois and the Beacon of Belleville, an interdenominational organization for helping those in need. In addition, he also is president of the Belleville Area Clergy Association.
In addition to scholarly research regarding the Cherokee culture, McClinton served this past year on the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Committee at SIUE and was instrumental in bringing Native American speakers to campus to discuss Indian sovereignty. She is very active as a member of the board for the Illinois chapter of the Trail of Tears Association, serving as historian and archivist for the group. The chapter is currently mapping the historic trail in Illinois for future interpretive center sites. McClinton also is one of two representatives from Illinois on the National Trail of Tears Association.
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 23, 2004
SIUE School Of Nursing Scholarship Walk Raises Nearly $4,000
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Seventy-five walkers raised nearly $4,000 for the first Scholarship Walk sponsored recently by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing.
Nursing Development Director Bob McElligott said more than $3,800 raised by the volunteer walkers will be used for scholarship funds for pre-clinical, clinical, and graduate nursing students at SIUE. "Through scholarship support," McElligott said, "students will be able to focus more of their energy on nursing education, rather than holding down a job while attending school."
McElligott said more than 100 T-shirts were distributed to nursing students, faculty, staff, and those who raised donations.
In addition to fund-raising, the walk also was designed to increase public awareness of the nursing shortage, and what the SIUE School of Nursing is doing to address the problem. Graduates of the school's basic program earn a four-year BSN degree that develops and supports critical thinking skills, clinical decision-making abilities, and nursing values and ethics.
Two major sponsors of the Scholarship Walk were Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, and St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Belleville, McElligott pointed out. "The publicized goal was to raise at least $10,000 in scholarships for nursing students," he said. "Even though we did not reach this goal, we will continue to seek donations to help our students become the nurses that current and future patients depend on for personal health care.
"We set the goal high because that is the need and opportunity. We are grateful for the work and generosity that the donation recognizes."
During the past five years, the SIUE School of Nursing has graduated 681 baccalaureate-level (BSN) nurses and 231 master's and advanced-practice (e.g., Nurse Practitioners) nurses. Most SIUE graduates tend to come from-and return to work in-Southern Illinois and in the St. Louis region.
SIUE graduates also are teaching at SIUE and in other nursing schools around the country. Nearly 4,000 nursing students have graduated during the school's 39-year existence.
McElligott said enrollment at the School is up significantly. "From fall 2003 to fall 2004, undergraduate nursing enrollment of sophomores, juniors, and seniors increased from 191 to 262; up 37 percent," he said.
"The RN to BSN program grew from 54 to 64; up 19 percent. Graduate nurse enrollment increased from 140 to 214; up 53 percent."
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September 30, 2004
Editors: Photos are available:
Noises Off To Open Oct. 13 At SIUE Mainstage
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Unlike some plays that have deep intellectual levels of meaning upon meaning, the upcoming production of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Noises Off has none.
It's just plain fun and that may be why audiences have been roaring for nearly 20 years at Michael Frayn's jaunt through the foibles and mistakes of a traveling theater troupe.
The comedy, which is directed by Johanna Schmitz, an assistant professor of Theater and Dance at the university, runs at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 13-16, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17, all in the Katherine Dunham Hall theater. The three-act comedy is of the play-within-a-play genre but that's about the only thing to be said about it in an intellectual manner. "This play has no intellectual pretense whatsoever," says Schmitz,
The SIUE production of Noises Off, based on a revised script published by Frayn in 2000, chronicles a hapless theater troupe performing the fictional British door-slamming sex farce "Nothing On": first at final dress rehearsal; then behind-the-scenes at a matinee on tour a month later; and finally, seven weeks after that, another matinee.
Practically everything that can go wrong does. The conflict comes as we find most of the characters, including the director and the stage manager, involved in romantic trysts, which set up a destructive dynamic fueled by jealousy and ego.
The result is something beyond slapstick. "It is just the funniest play I've ever seen," Schmitz said.
To work, the actors must perform choreographed movement with precision, and Schmitz and her cast have been working diligently on that aspect. "We had to mount the basic set much earlier than we would any other play because we needed to begin work immediately on the timing of the action.
"In this play, when one door opens, another door literally must slam shut immediately after. It's all about the timing."
Schmitz said directing Noises Off is a complete 180-degree turn from her last effort at SIUE-directing Oedipus the King last spring. "It's a joy and a new challenge for me to direct this very demanding farce," Schmitz said. "The comedy in Noises Off comes from the funny situations and the play's increased momentum as it continues to move faster and faster, becoming more complicated."
The play also gives students a chance to hone their comedic skills. "Not only does the play give them a chance to show off their training, but they also get to be in a cast that includes two of our faculty members," she said. Associate Professor Peter Cocuzza will be playing the part of Selsdon Mowbray, the elderly has-been Shakespearean, while Assistant Professor Chuck Harper will portray the role of the director, Lloyd Dallas.
"Peter has been teaching a comedy technique class and he wanted to try his hand at this comic part," Schmitz said, adding that both faculty members will lend some "maturity" to the characters they play. There's a lot of exaggeration and repetition, which also makes it very funny," Schmitz said. "And, there are a lot of cheated expectations-you think one thing is going to happen and then something else happens instead."
Tickets are $10; senior citizens, students, and SIUE faculty and staff, $6. SIUE students are free with a valid university ID. For tickets, call the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 2774.
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September 30, 2004
Finalists Announced For Mississippi Valley Family Business Awards
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business, celebrating its 10th anniversary of presenting the annual Mississippi Valley Family Business of the Year Awards, has announced the finalists for the 2004 competition.
The prestigious, regional awards recognize outstanding family businesses in Missouri and Illinois and are given in three categories: large (250 or more employees), medium (50 to 250 employees), and small (fewer than 50 employees).
The 2004 Illinois Small Category finalists are: Freer Auto Body & Accessories and White's Greenhouse Inc., both located in Godfrey, and SUNCON Inc. in Alton. The Illinois Medium Category finalists are: Fischer Lumber Company in East Alton, and Korte & Luitjohan Contractors in Highland. The Illinois Large Category finalist is Luhr Bros. Inc. in Columbia.
The Missouri Small Category finalists are Nikco Sports Memorabilia in Chesterfield, Mo.; Branneky Hardware in Bridgeton, Mo.; and Lackey Sheet Metal in St. Louis. The Medium Category finalists in Missouri are: Da-Com Corporation in St. Louis; Salon De Christe in St. Peters, Mo.; and Commercial Letter Inc. in St. Louis. The Missouri Large Category finalist is The Western Group in St. Louis.
The Family Business of the Year Award is presented to companies with a strong commitment to both business and family. In addition to business success, those recognized demonstrate positive family business values, have multigenerational family business involvement, use innovative business strategies, and make personal contributions to their industries and communities.
Winners in each category will be announced at the 10th Anniversary Dinner on Friday, Nov. 5, at the SIUE campus. Tickets may be purchased for $125 per person, which includes a reception with the finalists and sponsors, dinner, and the awards presentation. For more information, contact Cheryl Camp by phone: (618) 650-2317, or, by e-mail: chcamp@siue.edu.
Sponsors supporting this year's awards program include: Colarelli Meyer & Associates, Lexow Financial Group, MassMutual Financial Group, Moto Inc., Partners Bank, Polsinelli Shalton Welte Suelthaus PC, Sheppard, Morgan & Schwaab Inc., the St. Louis Business Journal, and TheBANK of Edwardsville.
The SIUE School of Business is among the leading institutions in the region that prepares students and business professionals by creating high quality innovative programs to serve Illinois and the St. Louis metropolitan area.
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September 30, 2004
Editors: Photo available at www.siue.edu/PA/PHOTOS/photoindex.htm
SIUE School Of Nursing Holds First 'Dedication' Ceremony
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing conducted its first Dedication to the Profession Ceremony recently at SIUE's Morris University Center. Thirty-five students recently admitted to the School participated, with 120 family members and faculty also attending.
The ceremony is a milestone marking the students' entrance into clinical practice, and their first steps in answering a pledge to deliver excellent patient care.
During the program, the students and family members were welcomed and congratulated by SIUE Provost and Vice Chancellor, Sharon K. Hahs, Dean Marcia Maurer, and other Nursing .
An Alumni Award was presented to Michele Brown, associate director of Patient Care Services for St. Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center in St. Louis, for recent accomplishments in helping coordinate the development of a new master's program at SIUE, the Clinical Nurse Leader.
The SIUE School of Nursing is increasing public awareness of the nationwide nursing shortage, and what the SIUE School of Nursing is doing to address the problem. Graduates of the school's basic program earn a four-year BSN degree that develops and supports critical thinking skills, clinical decision-making abilities, and nursing values and ethics.
For more information about supporting the School of Nursing, contact McElligott, (618) 650-3906, or by e-mail: rmcelli@siue.edu. Information about the SIUE School of Nursing also may be found on the Web: www.siue.edu/NURSING.
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SIUE's Enrollment Has Increased For The Tenth Consecutive Year
Fall enrollment has grown to 13,493 students, an increase of 198 students, or about 1.5 percent higher than fall 2003, according to Todd Burrell, the university's director of Admissions.
The figure represents the highest enrollment since 1975.
The enrollment announcement comes on the heels of SIUE's recent ranking of 16th among public universities in the Midwestern Universities-Master's category of U.S. News and World Report magazine's annual university rankings. As part of that U.S. News ranking, SIUE was recognized by university administrators in the category with a peer assessment, or reputation, score that was highest among Illinois public universities.
Much of the fall 2004 enrollment increase is attributable to student retention at the undergraduate level. The number of continuing undergraduate students is up 278 over last year. New freshmen for fall 2004 number 1,682, down from 1,709 last year. "We could have enrolled more new freshmen if we had more classroom space and additional space in the three residence halls," Burrell said.
"But we feel our current enrollment management strategies allow us to continue providing a quality education for our students."
Not only is enrollment up, but there also was an increase in full-time equivalent (FTE). FTE is based on the number of hours taken by all students. The number is then divided by 12 semester hours, the level at which a student is considered full-time at SIUE.
The university's FTE jumped from 9,556 in fall 2000 to 10,778 this semester, an 11-percent increase. Burrell said growing FTE levels have prompted discussion regarding stabilizing enrollment growth and also raising admission standards. "Over the last several years, there has been a great deal of discussion on campus regarding enrollment and admission standards, prompting a change in admissions standards," he said.
"The higher FTE is a positive reflection of that change and puts SIUE at an optimum level in the size of our classes, the available classrooms, faculty load, and our ability to provide personal service for our students."
Burrell also attributed the increases to a continued awareness of SIUE as an affordable institution that provides a quality education.
The U.S. News rankings, published in August, are based on several key measures of quality that are used to capture the various dimensions of academic quality at each college. These measures fall into seven broad categories: peer assessment; graduation and retention rate; faculty resources (for example, class size); student selectivity (for example, average admission test scores of incoming students); financial resources; alumni giving; and, only for national universities and liberal arts colleges, graduation rate performance.
"We are excited about the continued growing interest and reputation at SIUE," said Boyd Bradshaw, vice chancellor for Enrollment Management. "More and more students and parents view SIUE as a first choice institution due to our course offerings, first rate residence halls and the engagement of students inside and outside the classroom," Bradshaw said.
Overall, in the Midwest Master's category, SIUE was ranked 58 out of 142 institutions, a list that includes private and public universities.
Walkers, Donations Needed For Nursing Scholarship Walk
The School of Nursing is encouraging donations for its Scholarship Walk on campus Saturday, Sept. 18. The event is aimed at recruiting and retaining nursing students to address a nursing shortage, a problem nationwide.
The School is recruiting participating walkers and calling on them to ask for donations that will be used for scholarship support of pre-clinical, clinical, and graduate nursing students at SIUE. The walk is also designed to increase public awareness of the nursing shortage, and what the SIUE School of Nursing is doing to address the problem.
Graduates of the school's basic program earn a four-year BSN degree that develops and supports critical thinking skills, clinical decision-making abilities, and nursing values and ethics.
The Sept. 18 Scholarship Walk will be a pleasant two-and-one-half-mile stroll through SIUE's Donal G. Myer Arboretum, and around "The Crossing," a sculpture just east of the SIUE Engineering Building, according to Bob McElligott, Development director for the School.
The walk, which kicks off at 11 a.m., will begin and end at SIUE's Alumni Hall. Refreshments will be served from noon-1 p.m. The route is wheelchair accessible, and there are many places to rest, if necessary.
McElligott said: "Our goal is to raise at least $10,000 in scholarships for nursing students. They are essential partners in our health-care delivery systems. We are trying to reach as many of our graduates as possible, asking them to return to campus to walk and support current and future nursing students."
Anyone who donates at least $25 will receive a red-and-gray, commemorative T-shirt with imprints of the SIUE "Nursing Gem of Southern Illinois" logo on the front, and "Nursing-the most honest and ethical profession" on the back.
"Hospitals and other organizations and individuals, who appreciate the nursing profession's vital role, are encouraged to consider being a sponsor with a donation of $100, $250, $500, $1,000 or more," McElligott said.
During the past five years, the SIUE School of Nursing has graduated 681 baccalaureate-level (BSN) nurses and 231 master's and advanced-practice (e.g., Nurse Practitioners) nurses. Most SIUE graduates tend to come from-and return to work in- Southern Illinois and in the St. Louis region.
SIUE graduates also are teaching at SIUE and in other nursing schools around the country. Nearly 4,000 nursing students have graduated during the school's 39-year existence.
For more information about the Sept. 18 walk, or to register to walk, contact McElligott, (618) 650-3906, or by e-mail: rmcelli@siue.edu. Information about the SIUE School of Nursing may be found on the Web: www.siue.edu/NURSING.
'Get Out The Vote' Event Set For Thursday In Flagpole Area
SIUE will present Feel the Beat, Get Out the Vote, an informational program that will provide an opportunity for the community to learn about the issues and meet Illinois Supreme Court Judge candidates Thursday, Sept. 16.
The program also will feature live bands and information on political, social, economic, educational, and health issues during the day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the flagpole area in front of Rendleman Hall.
At 6, SIUE students will present Meet the Candidate in Meridian Ballroom, with Washington County Circuit Judge Lloyd Karmeier and Fifth District Appellate Justice Gordon Maag who will discuss their candidacy for the Supreme Court position to be left vacant in December by the retirement of Justice Philip Rarick of Troy.
Following the candidates' presentation there will be a session by the students about Passive Activism/Civil Disobedience, including a poetry reading expressing responsibilities as citizens of the United States.
The day-long program is sponsored by the League of Women Voters Edwardsville Area, the United Congregations of the Metro-East, SIUE's Raise Your Voice organization, SIUE's Student Leadership Development Program and Volunteer Services, the EOP Office, and Student Government.
Collaborating organizations include IOTA Phi Theta Fraternity Inc., the Blaq Poet Society, Making Waves, RHEMA, Phi Eta Sigma, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., SIUE's WebRadio, WSIE-FM, RAM, the Southwestern Illinois Central Labor Council AFL-CIO, the United Steel Workers of America, AFSCME, the United Commercial and Food Workers Union, Focus St. Louis, and the Edwardsville Chapter of the NAACP.
Never Fear, MAP Is Near
It's late. It's the middle of January and you're trying to start your car in a fan lot about 4,000 miles from the core campus. It's nice to know the emergency phone is nearby and an MAP agent can be there in minutes.
MAP, or Motorist Assistance Program, is a service provided through University Police and its Parking Service Agents, who are equipped to handle most motorist-related problems on campus.
"We've been offering this service since 2000, and we've helped a lot of motorists, but from time to time we need to remind the University Community about what we do," says Tony Langendorf, a MAP agent and coordinator of the program. Langendorf said information about MAP is enclosed with materials for parking hangtags.
According to Robert Vanzo, director of Administrative Services, MAP is mentioned in various university publications and brochures, and signs on campus remind motorists of the program. "We have vehicles marked with the MAP logo and we have erected signs around campus with the assistance phone number (650-3324) as well as the logo," Vanzo said.
"The agents wear shirts with the logo imprinted and MAP information is imprinted on the back of parking hang tags," he said. The imprint contains the emergency assistance number that can be called through one of 64 emergency phone stands dotting the SIUE campus and the Higher Education Campus in East St. Louis..
Langendorf also pointed out that as part of MAP's awareness campaign, program details are outlined on a Web site listing services offered, such as battery jump-starts, portable compressors to help with flat tires, de-icing equipment, and access to a tow-truck service. "These services are offered at no cost to the person needing assistance," Langendorf said, "except for the tow service."
Vanzo pointed out that MAP is another way to provide service to students and employees. "We're committed to provide the highest level of emergency assistance to faculty, staff, and students, but this also is a chance for our agents to show they're not always the bad guys who write the parking tickets."
Vanzo said the SIUE Parking and Traffic Committee has been supportive of the program. "This assistance service has been the most warmly received," he said. "It's such a relief when you're car won't start in the middle of winter and you see a MAP agent coming your way."
Jazz Supper Gala Set Oct. 3; To Feature Big Band Music
With its theme of Make Believe Ballroom Time, the 16th Annual Jazz Supper Gala, featuring a live old-time radio broadcast, will offer an evening of fun, food, and music from 6-10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3, at SIUE. Reservations deadline is Sept. 24.
Proceeds benefit the SIUE Friends of Music scholarship fund that provides scholarships to talented music students. Half of the ticket price is a gift to the Friends organization and may be considered a tax deductible contribution. The Friends organization is a support group for the SIUE Department of Music.
Set in Meridian Ballroom, the Jazz Supper Gala offers a cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing to the big band sounds of the Concert Jazz Band, under the direction of Professor Brett Stamps, director of the Jazz Studies Program. Vocalist Tom Heitman, guitarist Rick Haydon, also a professor of music, and pianist Reggie Thomas, an associate professor of Music, will be featured artists. The evening's "special honoree" will be jazz vocalist Mardra Thomas.
The event also includes a live "Old Time Radio Broadcast," featuring on-air interviews hosted by WSIE-FM (88.7) personality Ross Gentile, who will invite audience participation.
Tickets for the Jazz Supper are $50 per person; a table of eight may be reserved for $350. A Blue Note sponsorship entitles a table of eight to preferred seating and recognition in the evening's printed program.
For reservations or more information, call Martee Lucas in the department, (618) 650-3799, or, from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 3799.
ECC To Offer Family Services In Collaboration With Edwardsville District No. 7
SIUE's Early Childhood Center (ECC), which has served the university community's childcare and Pre-kindergarten education needs since 1969, has been awarded a grant from the Illinois State Board of Education to offer expanded family services in collaboration with Edwardsville Community School District No. 7.
The $58,776 grant will help expand high-quality early childhood educational experiences and provide an added family component in conjunction with the Pre-K program (FACES) in the district. The grant is part of the Early Childhood Block Grant Early Learning Partners program, said ECC Director Rebecca Dabbs-Kayser.
"This grant is aimed primarily at SIUE student families with Pre-K children," Dabbs-Kayser said. She said the ECC is staffed with certified Pre-K teachers, but this grant will help expand services to families. "We'll be offering parenting education, such as parent workshops about child development and school readiness, for example, as well as family events in conjunction with the Edwardsville district and the SIUE Family Resource Center," she said.
"Through the grant, children will be screened for hearing and vision, kindergarten readiness skills, speech and language, and fine and gross motor skills. The screenings will help to identify if a child needs additional developmental services which will be provided through the collaboration.
"The ECC has been providing quality Pre-K education for more than 35 years, but now we'll be collaborating with District 7," she said, "and, we are looking forward to working together to provide more services for our families."
Spring Green Lodge And Conference Center To Be Constructed In U. Park
Ground was broken last week for the much anticipated Spring Green Lodge and Conference Center to be constructed in University Park near its entrance to Illinois 157.
The hotel and conference center complex, expected to open in summer or fall of next year, will be the Edwardsville area's first upscale hotel and conference center. Among the speakers at the groundbreaking were developer William L. Shaw and SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift, as well as Edwardsville and Madison County officials.
The lodge, which will feature a permanent exhibit of drawings and photographs of noted American architects, reflects an alliance with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. The permanent exhibit will have special emphasis on the works of Wright and Louis H. Sullivan, who gave Wright his first job in 1887. The University Museum at SIUE maintains the largest collection of Sullivan architectural ornament in the world.
Spring Green Lodge will exhibit reproductions of some of the more than 20,000 drawings, photographs, murals, watercolors, and other historical material spanning Wright's 70-year career as America's premier architect. "One of the missions of Spring Green," Shaw said, "is to create an inspirational display of architecture. It is intended to heighten awareness of the importance of architecture to society.
"We hope this educational agenda will inspire young people to pursue art, architecture, design, and engineering as a career."
Shaw said it is his intent to honor Wright by infusing many design and architectural concepts within the lodge, reflecting Wright's legacy. "These ideas will be evident in the exterior and interior design of the hotel public areas," Shaw said. "The color palette of the interior will be 'Wright-ian' and create a lodging experience that feels like a walk through the forest in autumn."
In addition to SIUE's Sullivan collection pieces, Pre-Columbian ceramics and antiquities also will be displayed in the hotel's exhibit areas. The lodge also will be highlighted by a mezzanine displaying some of the exhibits and a first-floor Wright Library with book about architecture. This area also will be used for reading, business tasks, and relaxation.
Also featured will be a great room with a massive stone fireplace and intimate seating, a dining area with a fireplace, extensive outdoor decks and patios, and a conference center for up to 300 attendees on the lower level of the facility.
A lodging tower-with 54 upscale, suite-style rooms-will include 12 conference suites for up to 18 attendees per suite. Brian Donnelly, executive director of University Park, said the Spring Green project is welcomed by the university as a valuable asset, providing needed lodging and meeting space for the university and its student body, for companies located in the research park, and for communities throughout the area.
Men's Soccer Continues Streak
SIUE's men's soccer ran its streak of Great Lakes Valley Conference regular-season wins to 13 by defeating Kentucky Wesleyan 3-0 and Southern Indiana 4-0 over the weekend.
The Cougars improved their record to 7-1 overall and 2-0 in the GLVC with the wins.
SIUE has seven players with at least two goals this season. Coach Ed Huneke believes that fact has played an important role in his team's success. "If you rely on one or two players, other teams have enough guys to neutralize those players," Huneke said. "We have a wide spread arsenal of attack that is too much for a lot of teams to contain."
The Cougars got big contributions over the weekend from several players, including junior Kevin Thibodeau (St. Charles), who scored a goal against Southern Indiana. "He contributed a lot," the coach said. "He is picking it up a notch."
Freshman forward Adam Lanter (Edwardsville) scored two goals against Kentucky Wesleyan, raising his total to a team-high five. "We like him leading the team in goals," Huneke said. "We didn't anticipate that before the season. It's been a nice surprise."
Captain Brian Higgins, a junior from St. Louis, had a goal in each of the games. Forward Tim Collico (St. Louis) continued his solid play with a goal and two assists, and Pete Cacciatore (St. Louis) added two assists in the Cougar wins.
SIUE returns home for two contests this weekend at Ralph Korte Stadium as the Cougars battle Indianapolis on Friday (9/24) at 5 p.m. They will follow that up with a match against Northern Kentucky on Sunday (9/26) at noon.
Volleyball Stays Hot
SIUE volleyball coach Todd Gober knows that his team is playing well fresh off of two 3-0 wins over Wisconsin-Parkside and Lewis, but he also knows that the Cougars have a lot of Great Lakes Valley Conference play left.
"I think we played really well," Gober said. "I give tons of credit to our defense this weekend. We have room to improve in a couple areas."
The Cougars were led over the weekend by setter Krystal Majernik (Normal) as she averaged more than 14 assists per game. "She really has a lot of options to go to," said Gober. "She has five young ladies who can flat out hit the ball.
She does a good job exploiting the other team's weaknesses."
Junior Tina Talsma (Ontario, Canada) had a stellar performance for SIUE, totaling 29 kills and a .338 hitting percentage in the two contests. "She was getting blocked quite a bit," the coach said.. "She has really worked on it.
If you watched her kills they were sharp angles. She was hitting people."
The Cougars defense was a key factor in the two wins as junior Allison Buss (Towanda), who is second in the GLVC, averaging 5.00 blocks a game. "I give tons of credit for defense this weekend with 60 digs in two consecutive matches," Gober said. "That's awesome."
Along with the SIUE defensive play, they have served well, too. That includes a 10-ace performance against Lewis. Junior Heather Bonde (Millstadt) leads the GLVC with 32 service aces averaging 0.62 a game. "We served very aggressively," said Gober. "We are hoping that we knock the other teams out of their system. I see our serving getting stronger."
SIUE travels on the road this week, first with a non-conference stop in Lebanon to face McKendree on Tuesday (9/21) night at 7. Then it is on to Northern Kentucky for a big GLVC match with the Norse on Friday at 7 p.m.
The Cougars will finish out the weekend at Kentucky Wesleyan on Saturday (9/25) afternoon at 1.
Doubles Lead The Way For Women's Tennis
SIUE women's tennis coach Bill Logan believes strongly that his team's ability to play well in doubles matches will lead to victories.
The Cougars used their doubles play to defeat Missouri St. Louis 6-3 last week to improve to 3-4 overall and in the Great Lakes Valley Conference this year. "We won all three doubles matches," Logan said. "That's the name of the game in Division II tennis."
As well as playing good on the doubles side, the Cougars' singles play was led by senior Chrissy Yingst (Belleville), who won at No. 1 singles cruising to a 6-2, 6-1 win, improving her record to 4-2 on the year. "Chrissy played really well," the coach said. "She led the way with a significant win."
Also victorious at No. 4 singles was Lisa Warner (Arlington Hts.), winning 6-2, 6-4 for her as she improved to 4-2. Freshman Katherine Ferry (Springfield) won at No. 6 singles in dominating fashion 6-1, 6-0. "She did well," Logan said. "Picking up a big win for us."
The Cougars will shoot for the .500 mark as they take on Southern Indiana at home on Oct. 1 at 3 p.m.
Women's Golf Gets A Solid Performance
SIUE women's golf coach Larry Bennett was pleased with his team's performance at the Illinois Wesleyan Fall Classic as the Cougars finished fourth of 24 schools with a score of 626.
"It was a good weekend overall," Bennett said. "There were some tough teams there. It gives us some confidence heading into the next two weeks."
The Cougars got a great performances from Kallie Harrison (Decatur) and Brittany Hood (Coulterville). Harrison shot an 82 on Saturday (9/18) but followed that up with a 73 on Sunday (9/19) to finish 13th. "She came back in great fashion," said Bennett. "She made it into the top 18 which is on the all-tournament team."
Hood finished with a two-day total of 154 for 12th place in the tournament. She had a career best 74 on Saturday (9/18). "She is striking the ball really well," Bennett said. "That is going to bode well for the next couple of weeks."
Freshman Rachel Roberg (Rice Lake, Wis.) shot a 79 and 77 for a tournament total of 156 that tied her for 15th place. "She is going to be a good player," Bennett said. "I am glad to see her get down in the 70s.
"I was really pleased with her play. It gives her and the team more confidence."
SIUE will be back in action this next Sunday (9/26) and Monday (9/27) at the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagle Fall Classic at Helfrich Hills Golf Club in Evansville, Ind.
Women's Soccer is on a Roll
After starting the year with a 1-3 and being outscored by their opponents 7-1, SIUE women's soccer coach Lynda Bowers knew her team would rebound, and rebound they did.
The Cougars defeated Kentucky Wesleyan 6-0 and Southern Indiana 2-1 to improve their record to 4-3 on the year and 2-0 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
" Every game we play is going to be a battle," said Bowers. "We just have to make sure we come out on top."
Ann Crawford (St. Louis) came up big for SIUE with two goals in the win over Southern Indiana. "It was really good for her," Bowers said. "She has been begging for goals."
Senior goalkeeper Jessica Brown (St. Louis) also was outstanding for the Cougars in their win over the Screaming Eagles. Brown made two saves to improve to 2-2 on the season. "She played with so much poise," Bowers said.
"She had a huge second half."
SIUE's win over Southern Indiana was a huge one in Bowers' eyes. "They beat us last year in double overtime," the coach said. "It was a very hard fought game. It was a good test for our character."
The Cougars had six different players score in the win over Kentucky Wesleyan. "It is great to have that kind of team effort where everyone can kind of get that kind of action," Bowers said.
Sophomore Kristine Armstrong (St. Peters) had a goal and an assist to lead all scorers against the Panthers. "Kristine is a natural finisher," Bowers said. "She is a tremendous player."
SIUE will be back at Korte Stadium this weekend for matchups with Indianapolis on Friday (9/24) night at 7:30, then Northern Kentucky comes to town for a contest on Sunday (9/26) at 2:30 p.m.
SIUE's Landt Named GLVC Player Of The Week
SIUE's Sarah Landt (Carbondale) has been named Great Lakes Valley Conference women's soccer player of the week. The junior forward scored in the 59th minute as the Cougars upset #7-ranked Ashland 1-0 on the road.
Landt had two shots in the game, including the game winning goal, after coming in off the bench for the Cougars. She netted the first goal of her collegiate career in a 3-2 win over Ashland on Aug 31, 2002.
SIUE is now 2-3 on the season and will open up GLVC play at Kentucky Wesleyan on Friday.
Bennett To Retire As SIUE Golf Coach
Larry Bennett, who has led the Cougar women's golf program since its beginning in 1998, will retire as the team's head coach effective at the end of the fall season.
Bennett said after deep reflection over the past year that he felt he had other goals and challenge he wanted to pursue and that the program was well set up to make a successful transition for a new coach. "It's difficult to step down since it's the program I started," Bennett said.
"We've built it up from nothing to a top-20 NCAA Division II program."
Intercollegiate Athletics Director Brad Hewitt said a search would begin this fall to find Bennett's successor. "Larry has done a fantastic job with the program by providing a great deal of energy and enthusiasm," Hewitt said. "He has left the program as such that the next coach should not only be able to continue the team's success but also take it to another level."
Bennett coached the Cougars to its first Great Lakes Valley Conference title in 2003 with an impressive 17-stroke victory. The Cougars have been to the NCAA East Regional Tournament in each of the last two seasons as a team. Three seasons ago, Katie Farrell became SIUE's first participant in a women's golf NCAA Tournament when she qualified as an individual.
"I want to thank the community and especially the golfing community, because without their support we would not have been able to have this much success," Bennett said. "I also want to thank the athletics department and Brad for this opportunity."
Bennett will coach the Cougars through the fall season and will continue to stay at SIUE. He also serves as an assistant director of the Office of Campus Recreation at SIUE.
SIUE has a home tournament on Sunday and Monday (9/12-13) at Fox Creek Golf Club in Edwardsville.
The Cougars come into the 2004 season with a very young, yet talented, team. The roster includes 2003 GLVC Freshman of the Year Kallie Harrison (Decatur), who set the SIUE record for lowest single-season scoring average at 79.9.
Junior Brittany Hood (Coulterville) is the veteran, posting an 84.5 scoring average last season. SIUE boasts four talented freshman in Natalie Connaway (McLeansboro), Kelly Morris (Normal), Rachel Roberg (Rice Lake, Wis.) and Jessica Tiffe (Brookfield, Wis.).
Men's Soccer Improves To 5-1
SIUE men's soccer has jumped out to a 5-1 mark heading into Great Lakes Valley Conference play. The Cougars added two more victories to their record over the weekend, a 5-1 blasting of Missouri-Rolla and a 1-0 battle with Ashland (Ohio).
Juniors Tim Collico (St. Louis) and Brian Higgins (St. Louis) had big weekends for SIUE. Collico netted two goals in the win over Missouri-Rolla, and Higgins added three assists in the contest against the Miners.
Another Cougar, who stayed hot, was sophomore Victor Pacheco (Sao Luis, Brazil), scoring his fourth goal of the year against Missouri-Rolla. Junior Kevin Thibodeau (St. Charles) was the hero against Ashland (Ohio) netting his first goal of the year at 51:10 of the second half. Sophomore Mike Zaegel (St, Louis) picked up the assist, his second on the year.
The Cougars, who have won their last 11 GLVC regular-season games, will begin their quest for a GLVC title on Friday (9/17) afternoon traveling to Kentucky Wesleyan for a game at 1 p.m. On Sunday (9/19), SIUE battles the Eagles of Southern Indiana at noon in Evansville, Ind.
Women's Soccer Knocks Off No. 7 Ashland
SIUE women's soccer picked up a huge win before the start of Great Lakes Valley Conference action this week. The Cougars went to Ohio and knocked off 7th-ranked Ashland 1-0 on Sunday (9/12) afternoon.
Junior forward Sarah Landt (Carbondale) chose the right time to net her first goal of the year at the 59:26 mark of the second half. Sophomore Christina Stremlau (St. Louis) set up Landt's goal that improved the Cougars record to 2-3 on the year. Freshman goalkeeper Kim Roady (Granite City) was the backbone for the Cougars in the win. She made four saves for the first shutout of her college career.
SIUE's win over Ashland was the end to a weekend that started out in heartbreak as the Cougars fell to Mercyhurst 1-0 in double overtime Friday (9/10). In that contest, the Cougars outshot their opponents 20-11 only to lose on a breakaway at the 105:33 mark.
The Cougars travel to Kentucky Wesleyan for a game on Friday (9/17) afternoon at 3:30. SIUE visits Southern Indiana on Sunday (9/19) for a 2:30 p.m. start.
Volleyball Ready For GLVC Play
SIUE volleyball coach Todd Gober leads his 8-4 team into Great Lakes Valley Conference play starting this week. "We are ready for conference to start," Gober said. "We have a lot of things to work on, but we have a lot of positives. We will be carrying some momentum heading into our conference season," said Gober.
The Cougars played three games over the weekend at the GLVC-GLIAC-WVIAC Crossover in Wheeling, W.V. "I am very happy coming back with a 2-1 record," said Gober. "I was really impressed that we were able to step up our game."
The Cougars battled some stiff competition in the crossover. After defeating Mercyhurst in four games on Friday (9/10), SIUE was set up for a huge match against Ferris State on Saturday (9/11) morning. SIUE jumped out to a 2-0 lead before the Bulldogs sent the match to a fifth game where the Cougars prevailed 15-8. "That was a great match," Gober said. "I have a lot of respect for their program."
After the big win over Ferris State, the Cougars fell in their last match to Findlay 3-1. "That was right there for us," Gober said. "If we improve in a few areas I feel that we are as good as the Findlay team."
Junior Heather Bonde (Millstadt) had a great weekend with 57 kills in the three matches raising her hitting percentage by 50 points to .324. Another middle hitter Tina Talsma (Ontario, Canada) was outstanding against Mercyhurst, registering 24 kills and a .667 hitting percentage. "Both of our middles are very athletic and they both jump very well," said Gober. "We could have some of the best middles in the conference."
Gober also felt that many other Cougars played well at the Crossover. "Krystal Majernik (Normal) did great job distributing the ball," he said.
SIUE begins GLVC play on Friday (9/17) night as Wisconsin-Parkside visits the Vadalabene Center at 7. The Cougars will follow that with a match on Saturday (9/18) against Lewis at 1 p.m.
Logan OK With Team's Performance
Women's tennis coach Bill Logan knows his team sits in the middle of the pack of the Great Lakes Valley Conference, but Logan also knows his team is about hit its stride.
The Cougars are 2-4 after a recent road trip to St. Joseph's and Lewis. The Cougars defeated St. Joseph's 8-0 on Friday (9/10), drawing great performances from each Cougar. "They did a good job," Logan said. "They played fine."
Freshman Katherine Ferry (Springfield) picked up her first win at No. 6 singles in the match. SIUE followed that up with a tough 8-1 loss to Lewis. "Lewis is one of the top teams in the conference as well as the region," Logan said.
Allison Coats (Belleville) was the lone winner at No. 3 singles, losing the first set 6-1 before coming back to win the second set 6-2. She finished off the match with a 11-9 tie breaker win to run her record to 4-1 on the year.
The Cougars will continue conference play as Missouri-St. Louis visits the SIUE tennis courts on Tuesday (9/14) afternoon at 3 p.m. SIUE travels to the ITA Mid-American Regional in Midland, Mich., for a tournament this weekend.
Boyll, Taghon Post Record Marks
The SIUE men's cross country team turned in some record-breaking performances at the Bradley Invitational. The Cougars, ranked No. 21 in the latest national coaches poll, received several great performances.
Senior Ryan Boyll (Normal) finished fifth with a time 25 minutes, 4.61 seconds, which stands as the third-fastest ever at SIUE at 8,000 meters. Finishing not far behind Boyll was junior Brian Taghon (East Moline). Taghon finished sixth at 25:07.22 for the fourth fastest time in 8,000 meters in school history. Freshman Erik Steffens (Moline) finished with sixth fastest time for a freshman in SIUE history, placing 25th in 25:56.90.
The women's team was just as impressive with their second-place finish. Senior Mary Witte (Norman) finished 20th with a time of 19:08 39 in the 5,000 meters. Freshman Kelly Flounders (Homer Glen) placed 39th at 19:43 62, and Junior Heather Zipparro (Mount Prospect) came in at 65th with a time of 20:40.
The Cougars will travel to make a run at the Eastern Illinois Twilight meet on Friday (9/17) at 4 p.m.
SIU/SDM Class Of 2008 Takes Part In White Coat Ceremony
Serving as the keynote speaker for the White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2008, Dr. Kevin Nelson offered an overview of the dental profession, especially with regard to the professionalism, integrity, and ethics necessary in the field.
He made the remarks at the annual ceremony for new students of the SIU School of Dental Medicine in Alton.
The event serves to impress on the students the high standards of integrity and professionalism required in the healthcare profession, as well as a sense of the commitment that they have made by choosing dentistry as their profession.
The ceremony also marks the beginning of clinical training for the students. Nelson, who is chair of the Illinois Section of the American College of Dentists, gave the address at the ceremony conducted recently in the Hatheway Cultural Center of Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey.
"This particular garment represents much more than a simple clinic jacket," Nelson told the audience. "It is a cloak of compassion and an oath of integrity. It is a commitment to competence and a pledge to professionalism."
Dr. James DeClue, acting associate dean of the School, once again was emcee, orchestrating the program for the students and families in attendance. The Class of 2008 was represented by all 49 students in the class.
Following Nelson's comments, Dr. Allen Otsuka, faculty student adviser for the class, called the students individually to the stage. Drs. Russell Williams and Brent Wohlford, 1975 SDM graduates and members of the dental school faculty, helped the students into their white coats.
Dr. Ann Boyle led the students in the recitation of the Professional Oath. Jason Aleman, Year IV student and President of the Student Body, also offered remarks to the entering class.
First Nursing Scholarship Walk Raises Nearly $4,000
Seventy-five walkers raised nearly $4,000 for the first Scholarship Walk sponsored recently by the SIUE School of Nursing.
Development Director Bob McElligott said more than $3,800 raised by the volunteer walkers will be used for scholarship funds for pre-clinical, clinical, and graduate nursing students at SIUE. "Through scholarship support," McElligott said, "students will be able to focus more of their energy on nursing education, rather than holding down a job while attending school."
McElligott said more than 100 T-shirts were distributed to nursing students, faculty, staff, and those who raised donations.
The walk also was designed to increase public awareness of the nursing shortage, and what the SIUE School of Nursing is doing to address the problem. Graduates of the school's basic program earn a four-year BSN degree that develops and supports critical thinking skills, clinical decision-making abilities, and nursing values and ethics.
Two major sponsors of the Walk were Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, and St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Belleville. The publicized goal was to raise at least $10,000 in scholarships for nursing students. "Even though we did not reach this goal," McElligott said, "we will continue to seek donations to help our students become the nurses that current and future patients depend on for personal health care.
"We set the goal high because that is the need and opportunity. We are grateful for the work and generosity that the $3,800 in donations recognizes."
During the past five years, the SIUE School of Nursing has graduated 681 baccalaureate-level (BSN) nurses and 231 master's and advanced-practice (e.g., Nurse Practitioners) nurses. Most SIUE graduates tend to come from-and return to work in- Southern Illinois and in the St. Louis region.
SIUE graduates also are teaching at SIUE and in other nursing schools around the country. Nearly 4,000 nursing students have graduated during the school's 39-year existence.
McElligott said enrollment at the School is up significantly. "From fall 2003 to fall 2004, undergraduate nursing enrollment of sophomores, juniors, and seniors increased from 191 to 262; up 37 percent," he said.
"The RN to BSN program grew from 54 to 64; up 19 percent. Graduate nurse enrollment increased from 140 to 214; up 53 percent."
Fur Will Fly When Left Meets Right On A&I Stage Oct. 13
On the eve of the presidential election, former Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean and well-known conservative political pundit Tony Blankley will offer lively debate as part of the Arts & Issues series at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, in Meridian Ballroom.
Dean and Blankley replace Marlin Fitzwater and Joe Lockhart on the Arts & Issues 2004-05 bill because of scheduling conflicts.
Arts & Issues, which began in 1985 at SIUE, has a long-standing tradition of bringing world-class performers and noted speakers to Southwestern Illinois. "Howard Dean and Tony Blankley have a great deal of political savvy and will have much to say about the upcoming presidential election," he said.
" Both Dean and Blankley continue our tradition of bringing provocative speakers to the Arts & Issues podium."
Appearing on the covers of Time and Newsweek, all eyes were on Howard Dean earlier this year as he mounted an influential campaign as a candidate for the 2004 Democratic nomination for President.
Dean, a medical doctor, has previously shared a private practice with his wife, Dr. Judith Steinberg Dean, in Vermont. He earned a bachelor's at Yale and received a medical degree at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City.
He was a member of the Vermont General Assembly from 1983-85 and was elected lieutenant governor of the state in 1986, gaining re-election in 1988 and 1990. He became governor upon the death of Gov. Richard A. Snelling in August 1991 and was elected to a full term in November 1992, gaining re-election in 1994, 1996, 1998, and in 2000.
Blankley served for seven years as press secretary for then-U.S. Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. In that role, Blankley became the leading spokesman for the "Contract with America." Before his career on Capitol Hill, Blankley had served as a speechwriter and senior analyst for President Ronald Reagan.
After leaving Gingrich's staff in February 1997, Blankley joined George magazine as a contributing editor. He currently is a regular panelist for the McLaughlin Group and he also appears regularly on CNN's Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer, as well as CNBC's Hardball with Chris Matthews, Rivera Live, The News with Brian Williams, and MSNBC.
In June 1999, Blankley joined the Washington Times as a weekly political columnist; he also is a popular columnist for the Los Angeles Times.
Tickets for the Oct. 13 Arts & Issues event are $12; students, $6. A season brochure is available by contacting John Peecher, (618) 650-2626, or by e-mail: jpeeche@siue.edu. Individual tickets also may be purchased at the Web site: artsandissues.com.
The remaining Arts & Issues season includes: Windham Hill Winter Solstice Holiday Tour (Nov. 19) is SOLD OUT; Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Kathy Mattea (Jan. 21, 2005); The Acting Company with its rendition of Shakespeare's Two Gentlemen of Verona (Feb. 27, 2005); the powerful a cappella singing of Ladysmith Black Mambazo (March 19, 2005); the exciting sounds of the Dallas Brass (April 22, 2005); the special appearance of the "funkified" gospel music of The Blind Boys of Alabama (Feb. 4, 2005) is SOLD OUT.
MLK Competition Applications Available At Kimmel Center In MC
Nominations are being sought for the Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian and Scholarship awards to be given at the 23d Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Luncheon in February.
Nomination applications are available in the Kimmel Leadership Center, on the first floor of the Morris University Center, and must be completed and returned by Friday, Nov. 5.
Entries also are being sought for an essay, poetry, and visual arts competition for high school students. Guidelines for this competition have been sent to all area high schools. Winners of the high school competition will receive a $100 honorarium and a plaque of recognition.
The awards are given each year to recognize those who exemplify the philosophy of nonviolent social change as demonstrated by The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
An SIUE employee and a resident of Illinois are each eligible for the Humanitarian Award, while a current SIUE student is eligible for the Scholarship and Humanitarian Award.
Complete criteria for eligibility for the high school competition, the Humanitarian Award, and the Scholarship and Humanitarian Award are contained in nomination packets at the Kimmel Center. For more information, call the center, (618) 650-2686.
Second Annual Awards Dinner Recognizes Professor, Local Pastor
A Caseyville pastor and an SIUE faculty member will be honored Saturday, Oct. 2, at the Second Annual Interfaith Awards Dinner, sponsored by the Friends of the Religious Center (FRC). The event is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. at the SIUE Religious Center.
The Rev. Douglas Cripe, coordinator of the Metro-East Interfaith Partnership, and Assistant Historical Studies Professor Rowena McClinton, who is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the Cherokee Nation, will receive the Friends of the Religious Center 2004 Interfaith Leadership Award.
Reservation deadline is Sept. 30; tickets are $25 per person, which includes dinner and free parking.
The FRC established the awards to recognize religious leadership and interfaith cooperation in the region. "Rev. Cripe has shown great dedication to his faith and has encouraged dialogue in the region among many faiths," said SIUE Associate Philosophy Professor Greg Fields, who is president of the FRC board and coordinator of the SIUE Religious Studies Program.
"Dr. McClinton's work with Cherokee history is a great contribution to the Cherokee people, and also is a resource for all Americans who wish to gain a fuller understanding of historical encounters between native spiritual traditions and Christianity," he said.
"The FRC is honoring these two recipients so that the community at large can learn about the good work they do."
Fields said the FRC, formed more than three years ago, sponsors two main events each year to raise money to refurbish parts of the 33-year-old Religious Center that is in need of repair. "We offer this Interfaith Awards Dinner in the fall and also the Celebration of World Faiths in the spring to encourage interfaith dialogue," he said.
"The FRC is a support group dedicated to preserving the SIUE Religious Center as a significant contribution to architecture and as a place for the spiritual growth of SIUE students, and for religious learning and fellowship within the community."
Cripe, pastor of the Crossroads Christian Church in Caseyville, is coordinator of the Metro-East Interfaith Partnership. The organization is dedicated to promoting peace, respect, and understanding among people of all faiths in the Metro-East area, while providing a timely public voice on issues of common concern.
He also serves on the boards of the Area Agency for Aging of Southwestern Illinois and the Beacon of Belleville, an interdenominational organization for helping those in need. In addition, he also is president of the Belleville Area Clergy Association.
In addition to scholarly research regarding the Cherokee culture, McClinton served this past year on the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Committee at SIUE and was instrumental in bringing Native American speakers to campus to discuss Indian sovereignty.
She also is very active as a member of the board for the Illinois chapter of the Trail of Tears Association, serving as historian and archivist for the group. The chapter is currently mapping the historic trail in Illinois for future interpretive center sites. McClinton also is one of two representatives from Illinois on the National Trail of Tears Association.
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.
Noises Off Is 'Spot On' Comedy; Runs Oct. 13-17
Unlike some plays that have deep intellectual levels of meaning upon meaning, Noises Off has none of that.
It's just plain fun and that may be why audiences have been roaring for nearly 20 years at Michael Frayn's jaunt through the foibles and mistakes of a traveling theater troupe. If properly staged, Noises Off can induce the kind of laughter that will result in audience members sliding off their seats.
And, SIUE's upcoming performance, directed by Johanna Schmitz, promises to be "spot on," as the Brits say. Noises Off runs at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 13-16, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17, all in the Katherine Dunham Hall theater.
The three-act comedy is of the play-within-a-play genre but that's about the only thing to be said about it in an intellectual manner. "This play has no intellectual pretense whatsoever," says Schmitz, an assistant professor of Theater and Dance.
The play, based on a revised script published by Frayn in 2000, chronicles a hapless theater troupe performing the fictional British door-slamming sex farce Nothing On: first at final dress rehearsal; then behind-the-scenes at a matinee on tour a month later; and finally, seven weeks after that, another matinee.
Practically everything that can go wrong does. The conflict comes as we find most of the characters, including the director and the stage manager, involved in romantic trysts, which set up a destructive dynamic fueled by jealousy and ego.
The result is something beyond slapstick. "It is just the funniest play I've ever seen," Schmitz said. To work, the actors must perform choreographed movement with precision, and Schmitz and her cast have been working diligently on that aspect. "We had to mount the basic set much earlier than we would any other play because we needed to begin work immediately on the timing of the action.
"In this play, when one door opens, another door literally slams shut."
Schmitz said directing Noises Off is a complete 180-degree turn from her last effort at SIUE -directing Oedipus the King last spring. "It's a joy and a new challenge for me to direct this very demanding farce," Schmitz said. "The comedy in Noises Off comes from the funny situations and the play's increased momentum as it continues to move faster and faster, becoming more complicated," she explained.
The play also gives students a chance to hone their comedic skills. "Not only does the play give them a chance to show off their training, but they also get to be in a cast that includes two of our faculty members," she said. Associate Professor Peter Cocuzza will be playing the part of Selsdon Mowbray, the elderly has-been Shakespearean, while Assistant Professor Chuck Harper will portray the role of the director, Lloyd Dallas.
"Peter has been teaching a comedy technique class and he wanted to try his hand at this comic part," Schmitz said, adding that both faculty members will lend some "maturity" to the characters they play.
"There's a lot of exaggeration and repetition, which also makes it very funny," Schmitz said. "And, there are a lot of cheated expectations-you think one thing is going to happen and then something else happens instead."
For reservations, contact the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.
Women's Golf Finishes Third In GLVC
SIUE's women's golf team went to defend its Great Lakes Valley Conference title but came up short finishing third at Hickory Point Golf Course in Forsyth on Sunday (10/3) and Monday (10/4).
The Cougars shot a two-day total of 636 finishing 13 shots behind conference champion Northern Kentucky. Southern Indiana, which also had a team total of 623, lost the GLVC title in a playoff.
Sophomore Kallie Harrison (Decatur) led the way for SIUE shooting 76 on the first day and a 79 on day two. Harrison finished in sixth place with a score of 11-over-par 155. Harrison came into the GLVC tournament with the seventh best scoring average in the nation at 77.38.
Freshman Rachel Roberg (Rice Lake, Wis.) finished two shots behind Harrison coming in at ninth place for SIUE with a two-day total of 157. Roberg had entered the tournament having the 28th best scoring average in the region.
Brittany Hood (Coulterville), Natalie Connaway (McLeansboro), and Jessie Tiffe (Brookfield, Wis.) all tied at 17th place shooting a score of 163 for the Cougars.
The tournament concluded the fall portion of the women's golf season.
Huneke Garners 200th Career Win
SIUE's 2-0 win over 20th-ranked Wisconsin-Parkside on Friday (10/1) gave men's soccer coach Ed Huneke the 200th victory of his career. In his 19th season with SIUE, Huneke has amassed a record of 201-142-23.
The Cougars were road warriors over the weekend picking up two shutout wins over the Rangers and Saint Joseph's on Sunday (10/3).
The Cougars, ranked 12th in the latest NSCAA national poll, have won eight games in a row outscoring their opponents 24-1 since a loss to Findlay on Sept. 5. SIUE is first in the Great Lakes Valley Conference with 6-0 mark and an 11-1 record overall.
In the triumph over the Rangers, the Cougars connected on two goals in the last 25 minutes of the contest to propel them to victory.
"Those types of games aren't going to be high scoring so you know that every goal is crucial," said Huneke. "Obviously in those games getting the first goal is important. It was a battle and fortunately we came out on the right side of it."
Forward Pete Cacciatore (St. Louis) recorded both of the Cougars' goals during the win over Wisconsin-Parkside tying him for the team lead at five.
On Sunday, SIUE outlasted Saint Joseph's 1-0 with the lone goal by junior Kevin Thibodeau (St. Charles) at the 87:11 mark. Forward Mike Banner (Upper Marlboro, Md.) assisted on the goal.
"We were pounding at the door, and we knew that it would come eventually," said Huneke. "It was a shot in a crowd off of a corner kick that found its way in the net. I was proud of the way our team continues to persist under tough circumstances."
The win continues the Cougars' 17-game winning streak in GLVC regular season play. Goalkeeper Nicholas Frasca (St. Charles) helped continue that streak as he notched his fourth shutout of the year in the win over Wisconsin-Parkside. Frasca has a 6-0 record on the season with a 0.33 goals against average.
Goalkeeper Greg Crook (Columbia) had the team's other shutout in the victory over Saint Joseph's. Crook made two saves to preserve the win.
SIUE will look to keep their 5-0 road record perfect when visiting Lewis this Sunday for a GLVC match at noon.
SIUE's Cacciatore, NKU's Thompson Named Co-Players Of The Week
SIUE junior Pete Cacciatore (St. Louis, Mo./St. Mary's) and Northern Kentucky University freshman Chris Thompson (Cincinnati, Ohio/Elder) have been named Great Lakes Valley Conference "Co-Players of the Week" for their efforts over the weekend.
Cacciatore, a forward, scored a pair of assisted goals as the 12th-ranked Cougars blanked 20th-ranked Wisconsin-Parkside 2-0 in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Cacciatore penetrated what had been the No. 1 defense in the country entering the game. The Rangers had given up just one goal previously this season.
Cacciatore is tied for the SIUE team lead with five goals and five assists for 15 points. As a team, SIUE improved to 11-1 overall and 6-0 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference with its 17th consecutive GLVC regular season victory on Sunday in a 1-0 win over Saint Joseph's.
Thompson, a forward, scored three goals, including a pair of game-winners, as the Norse swept Southern Indiana and Missouri-St. Louis. Thompson scored on a breakaway 15 minutes into the second half Friday to give NKU a 1-0 win over Southern Indiana.
On Sunday, he added two goals to lead NKU to a 3-1 victory against Missouri-St. Louis. Thompson's three goals in two games helped NKU improve to 8-2-2 overall and 3-2-1 in the GLVC.
For more information about the GLVC and each conference member, please visit the Web site: www.glvcsports.org.
Women's Soccer Rebounds From First GLVC Loss
SIUE women's soccer may have had its six-game winning streak ended over the weekend, but the Cougars are looking to start another one. SIUE was shut out by 15th-ranked Wisconsin-Parkside 2-0 on Friday (10/1) before defeating Saint Joseph's 1-0 on Sunday (10/2).
The Cougars allowed two goals in the first 15 minutes of play against the Rangers and could not recover.
Junior Kelly Dill (Florissant) netted her second goal of the season at the 16:49 mark of the first half in the win over Saint Joseph's. Sophomore Christina Stremlau (St. Louis) had the assist on Dill's goal. Stremlau ranks third on the team in scoring with eight points, and Dill is not far behind tied for fourth place with five points.
Freshman goalkeeper Kim Roady (Granite City) shut out the Pumas making nine saves for her fourth shutout of the season. Roady has a 0.17 goals against average this year.
SIUE is tied with Northern Kentucky for first place in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. The Cougars and the Norse each have 5-1 marks in conference play. SIUE is 8-4 overall on the season.
While winning seven out of their last eight, the Cougars have outscored their opponents 20-3, including six shutouts.
SIUE will battle McKendree in a non-conference game at Korte Stadium on Wednesday (10/6) at 7 p.m. The Cougars will travel to Lewis for a match on Sunday afternoon at 2:30.
Volleyball Looks To Bounce Back
All the focus for SIUE's volleyball team is now on continuing to win Great Lakes Valley Conference games after losing a tough match 3-0 to Southern Indiana on Wednesday (9/29). The Cougars bounced back with 3-0 win over Bellarmine on Saturday (10/2) afternoon.
"Southern Indiana was a big match, and they played very well," said SIUE volleyball coach Todd Gober. "We didn't play quite as well as we had hoped in the match. It was a tough one to swallow, but that happens sometimes."
The Cougars now have a record of 14-5 overall and 5-1 in the GLVC.
"The girls did a good job bouncing back in practice," said Gober. "It was gone (the loss), and there was no dwelling on it. We played the way we should play against Bellarmine."
Junior Allison Buss (Towanda) was the difference for SIUE in the match against the Knights. Buss had 22 digs and five service aces for the contest.
"Allison is the top defensive player in our conference," said Gober. "She can actually shut down hitters, and I am very happy with her serving."
Tricia Happe (St. Louis) continues to have a solid year for SIUE. Happe is fourth on the team with 0.57 blocks per game and fifth the squad with 75 kills.
Setter Krystal Majernik (Normal) continues her solid play with 24 assists in the win over Bellarmine. "She is clearly one of the keys to this team," said Gober. "When Krystal is on, we will take our chances against anyone in the country."
The Cougars have won eight of their last 10 matches for third place, one match behind first-place Southern Indiana. "I like our play, and I like the direction we are heading as a team," said Gober.
SIUE will look to be ready as they go on the road this weekend to play Lewis and Wisconsin-Parkside. "Everybody is good at home in this conference," said Gober. "I expect it to be a really focused and intense match against both of those teams."
Game time for the match against the Flyers is set for 7 p.m. on Friday (10/8). After that the Cougars take on the Rangers on Saturday (10/9) afternoon at 1.
Boyll And Taghon Continue To Impress
The SIUE men's and women's cross country team had strong showings at the Sean Earl Lakefront Invitational in Chicago.
The Cougars, ranked 21st among NCAA-II schools, finished 13th out of 25 teams at a mostly Division I meet. Senior Ryan Boyll (Normal) finished 10th at the meet with a time of 24 minutes, 55 seconds, which stands as the third-fastest time ever at SIUE at 8,000 meters.
Junior Brian Taghon (East Moline) also set notched his name on the record list with his 13th-place finish at 25:01 for the fifth-fastest time. Freshman Erik Steffens (Moline) continued his string of strong performances placing 90th out of 249 competitors with a time of 26:28.
The women's team finished 15th of 34 teams in the meet. Freshman Kelly Flounders (Homer Glen) paced the Cougars with a 33rd-place finish at 19:29 in the 5,000 meter event. Senior Mary Witte (Norman) finished 50th out of 381 runners with a time of 19:54.
The Cougars will host the Illinois/Missouri Border Wars on Saturday (10/9) starting at 10 a.m. on the SIUE cross country course. More than 50 men's and women's teams are expected to be at the meet, which is a precursor to SIUE playing host to the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Regional Championships on Saturday, Nov. 6.
Women's Tennis Gears Up For GLVC Tournament
SIUE's women's tennis team finished the regular season sixth in the Great Lakes Valley Conference with a record of 4-5. The Cougars will take on Southern Indiana on Friday (10/8) in the GLVC Tournament in Indianapolis.
SIUE will look to rebound against the Screaming Eagles after losing to them 9-0 last Friday (10/1) at the SIUE tennis courts. The Cougars did finish off the regular season strong by defeating Kentucky Wesleyan 8-1 on Saturday (10/2) at home.
Chrissy Yingst (Belleville) battled for a tough 6-2, 4-6, 10-6 win at No. 1 singles. While Allison Coats (Belleville), Gina Wohltman (Effingham), Lisa Warner (Arlington Hts.), and Katherine Ferry (Springfield) all cruised to two-set victories over the Panthers.
The Cougars finished off their regular season by winning three out of their last five matches.
SIUE will look to upset second-seeded Southern Indiana as the two meet Friday (10/8) morning at 9. Indianapolis is the top seed in the six-team tournament which will be played at the Indianapolis Tennis Center.
Cougars Down Saint Joseph's
(RENSSELAER, Ind.) Kevin Thibodeau scored the game's only goal as 12th-ranked SIUE defeated Saint Joseph's 1-0 in men's college soccer.
SIUE improved to 11-1 overall and 6-0 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Saint Joseph's fell to 1-10-1 overall and 0-5-1 in the GLVC. The Cougars, who have won 17 consecutive GLVC regular-season games, next travel to Lewis next Sunday (10/10).
The Cougars had trouble finding the back of the net as Thibodeau scored on an assists from Mike Banner at 87:11. SIUE outshot its opponents 22-4. Greg Crook recorded the shutout in goal for SIUE. He had two saves. Dan Ford was the losing goalkeeper despite seven saves.
Boxscore: www.siue.edu/ATHLETIC/MSOC/2004/SIUE12.HTM
SIUE Blanks Saint Joseph's
(RENSSELAER, Ind.) SIUE regained a share of the lead in the Great Lakes Valley Conference on Sunday (10/3) by defeating Saint Joseph's 1-0 in women's college soccer action.
Kelly Dill scored the game's only goal at 16:49 on an assist by Christina Stremlau.
SIUE improved to 8-4 overall and 5-1 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, equaling the best league record with Northern Kentucky. Saint Joseph's fell to 2-6-4 overall and 2-3-1 in the GLVC.
Kim Roady recorded her fourth shutout of the season with nine saves. Saint Joseph's goalkeeper Katie Awerkamp had six saves.
SIUE now returns home for a Wednesday matchup at Korte Stadium against area rival McKendree. Game time is 7 p.m.
Boxscore: www.siue.edu/ATHLETIC/WSOC/2004/SIUE12.HTM
Women's Golf Sits In Third After Day One
(FORSYTH) SIUE is 21 shots back after day one of the Great Lakes Valley Conference Women's Golf Championships at Hickory Point Golf Course.
As a team, SIUE shot 321 in the opening round of the 36-hole event. Southern Indiana holds the lead at 300, a one-round GLVC record breaking the mark set last season at 301 by SIUE. Northern Kentucky is currently in second at 307.
Kallie Harrison leads SIUE with a four-over-par 76. The sophomore is tied for fourth place after day one. Alisha Luigs of Southern Indiana shot a three-under-par 69 to lead the field. Rachel Roberg added a 79 for the Cougars. She was followed in the SIUE lineup by Brittany Hood (82), Natalie Connaway (84) and Jessie Tiffie (84).
The final round will be played Monday (10/11).
Cougars Win Battle Of Ranked Teams
(KENOSHA, Wis.) Pete Cacciatore scored a pair of unassisted goals as 12th-ranked SIUE defeated 20th-ranked Wisconsin-Parkside 2-0 on Friday afternoon (10/1).
The Cougars won their seventh straight game and 16th straight Great Lakes Valley Conference contest. SIUE's season record stands at 10-1 overall and 5-0 in the GLVC.
Wisconsin-Parkside, which came into Friday's contest with the No. 1 defense in the country having given up one goal in its previous nine games, fell to 7-2-1 overall and 2-1-1 in the GLVC.
Cacciatore and the Cougars had trouble scoring early but finally got the eventual game-winner at 65:11. He added an insurance goal with 30 seconds left in the game. SIUE Coach Ed Huneke and the Cougars now travel to Rensselaer, Ind., for a battle on Sunday (10/10) with Saint Joseph's. First touch is noon.
Six-Game Win Streak Halted
(KENOSHA, Wis.) SIUE watched its six-game winning streak fade with a 2-0 loss at Wisconsin-Parkside on Friday (10/1).
Wisconsin-Parkside, ranked 15th in the nation in the latest national poll, picked up early goals from Tamara Buntrock at 5:04 and Charissa Weiher at 14:14. Abbigale Wild earned the shutout for the Rangers.
SIUE fell to 7-4 overall and 4-1 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Wisconsin-Parkside improved to 9-1 overall and 3-1 in the GLVC.
SIUE's next action is Sunday (10/10) at Rensselaer, Ind., where the Cougars meet the Pumas in a 2:30 p.m. contest.
Volleyball Match To Feature Oasis Benefit
Come out and watch SIUE's volleyball team take on Southern Indiana and also help support the Oasis Women's Center.
Admission will be free to the SIUE-USI volleyball match on Wednesday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m in the Vadalabene Center to anyone who brings a toiletry item to be donated to the Oasis Women's Center. The center is an Alton-based shelter for abused women.
Items needed by the center include shampoo and conditioner, hair care products (gel, curl, straightener), lotion, deodorant, toothbrushes, baby bottles, baby lotion, shampoo, tampons, bedding, new socks and underwear for women and children, small clock radios, plates and dishes, kitchen utensils, silverware, and pots and pans.
The benefit is co-sponsored by SIUE Intercollegiate Athletics and the SIUE Women's Studies Program.
SIUE Men's Soccer Ranked No. 12
It's back in the national rankings for the SIUE men's soccer program-the Cougars are No. 12 in the nation n the latest national rankings from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). .
SIUE made the biggest leap forward of any team in all of the Division II. SIUE coach Ed Huneke and his Cougars hold a 9-1 record overall and a Great Lakes Valley Conference-leading 4-0 mark in the league play. SIUE's latest win was a 2-1 overtime win over then-17th-ranked Northern Kentucky at Korte Stadium on Sunday (9/26).
"That is going to be looked back on as being a big one for us later on," said Huneke.
The Cougars' next action is Friday (10/1) at 20th-ranked Wisconsin-Parkside at 1:15 p.m. in Kenosha, Wis. SIUE is ranked No. 2 in the Great Lakes region ahead of Wisconsin-Parkside and just one slot behind GLVC rival Lewis, which is No. 2 in the nation.
SIUE Women's Soccer Gains Regionally, Nationally
The SIUE women's soccer team garnered votes in the latest national poll by the National Soccer Coaches Association (NSCAA) but not enough to break into the top 25.
The Cougars are coming off an impressive 2-0 victory over then-10th-ranked Northern Kentucky, handing the Norse their first loss in regular season Great Lakes Valley Conference play since the 1999 season. It was the second top 10 team SIUE has defeated this season. The other was ninth-ranked Ashland, who SIUE defeated 1-0 in Ashland, Ohio.
SIUE, 6-3 overall, are 4-0 in the GLVC and are in first place after two weeks of league play. The Cougars also moved up to fourth in the Great Lakes region poll by the NSCAA.
Armstrong Named GLVC Women's Soccer Player Of The Week
SIUE sophomore forward Kristine Armstrong (St. Peters, Mo./Francis Howell North) earned Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Week accolades for her efforts in two Cougar victories over the weekend.
Armstrong scored two goals and two assists as the Cougars gained sole possession of first place in the GLVC. Armstrong scored twice, including the game-winning goal, in SIUE's 3-0 win over Indianapolis. Armstrong had both assists in the 2-0 victory over 10th-ranked Northern Kentucky, which hadn't lost a GLVC regular season game since 1999. For the week, Armstrong had seven shots with three on-goal.
The Cougars are currently 6-3 overall and 4-0 in the GLVC. The team has won five straight and will face non-conference opponent William Woods on Wednesday before traveling to games at Wisconsin-Parkside and Saint Joseph's.
Zaegel Named GLVC Men's Soccer Player Of The Week
SIUE sophomore back Mike Zaegel (St. Louis, Mo./Christian Brothers College H.S.) scored the game-winning goal 70 seconds into the overtime period as the Cougars defeated 17th-ranked Northern Kentucky 2-1. Zaegel's efforts earned him Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Week honors.
SIUE improved its record to 9-1 and a GLVC-best 4-0. Zaegel has been a major force in SIUE's defense, allowing just one goal so far in conference play. In four games, SIUE opponents have been outshot 98-15. The Cougars will defend their six-game winning streak at Wisconsin-Parkside and Saint Joseph's this weekend.
9-1 Soccer Cougars Continue Winning Ways
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville men's soccer continued its stellar play over the weekend with wins over Indianapolis and 17th-ranked Northern Kentucky. The wins improved the Cougars' record to 9-1 overall and 4-0 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
SIUE soccer coach Ed Huneke knows that the 2-1 overtime win over the Norse on Sunday (9/26) was a big one. The Cougars outshot Northern Kentucky 31-2 for the contest. "That game was very pivotal in terms of being psychological as well as for the rankings and post-season implications," said Huneke.
"That is going to be looked back on as being a big one for us later on."
Sophomore Mike Zaegel (St. Louis) netted the game-winning goal in overtime against the Norse, his first of the season. "It was a great shot that found the upper corner," said Huneke. "It was very gratifying because statistically everything about that game was to our advantage. For as good of forwards as we have it is nice that we can rely on a defender to win the game."
Junior Mike Banner (Upper Marlboro, Md.) came through big for SIUE with a goal in each game of his first two games as a Cougars over the weekend. "He has very good individual skill and speed so that he can beat people one on one," said Huneke. "When he does so he creates some nice opportunities."
In the Cougars' other contest, they defeated Indianapolis 6-0 at Korte Stadium on Friday (9/24) night. Forward Victor Pacheco (San Luis, Brazil) led the way with a goal and two assists. Pacheco ranks second in the GLVC with 15 points this season.
Michael Burgund (Bethalto) added a goal and an assist against the Greyhounds as the Cougars won for the 15th straight time in GLVC regular season play. SIUE now has six players with three or more goals this season. "We have so many people that are a threat up front," said Huneke. "We are going to continue to see good numbers all year long."
The Cougars have outshot their opponents 98-15 in the four Great Lakes Valley Conference contests this season. SIUE travels to Wisconsin-Parkside to take on the Rangers at 1:15 on Friday (10/1), before heading to St. Joseph's to finish out the weekend trip.
Cougars Halt Norse's Streak
SIUE women's soccer coach Lynda Bowers did something on Sunday (9/26) that no team had done in a Great Lakes Valley Conference regular season game since 1999.
The Cougars defeated 10th-ranked Northern Kentucky 2-0 to improve their record to 6-3 overall and 4-0 in GLVC play.
"That is as good as it gets in the regular season," said Bowers.
SIUE's win ended a streak that had seen the Norse compile a record of 40-0-5 during GLVC regular season play since the Cougars defeated the Norse 3-1 five years ago.
Kristine Armstrong (St. Peters) led the way for SIUE over the weekend. Armstrong had two goals in the Cougars 3-0 shutout of Indianapolis on Friday (9/24) night, and she assisted on both of the SIUE goals on Sunday (9/26). "She has done a lot of things that an average spectator does not see," said Bowers. "She is just doing the right things right now. I can see that she is such a valuable player on the field."
Along with Armstrong, the Cougars have received solid play from senior Ann Crawford (St. Louis), who had two goals including the game winner over the Norse on Sunday (9/26). She leads the team with six goals on the season, and that ties her for third in the GLVC. "She has had some great opportunities so far, but some of the teams have just made outstanding saves against her," said Bowers.
"This last weekend has given her a ton of confidence. It was great to see her score this weekend."
The Cougars have recorded four shutouts in their last five games that have led to a five-game winning streak. Senior goalkeeper Jessica Brown (St. Louis) picked up her first shutout of the season against Northern Kentucky. "She was really begging to play the (Northern Kentucky) game," said Bowers. "I knew that she would really be ready for the game. She has really stepped up so far this year."
Freshman Katie Yearian (Waterloo) netted her second goal of the season against the Norse. "She has a lot of speed," said Bowers. "If I need to counter speed I will just put in Katie."
Juniors Kelly Dill (Florissant) and Lindsey Kampwerth (Highland), and sophomore Kayla Fromme (New Berlin) played well for SIUE in the two contests.
The Cougars will play William Woods at Korte Stadium on Wednesday (9/29) at 7 p.m. before traveling to Wisconsin-Parkside and St. Joseph's on Friday (10/1) and Saturday (10/2) afternoons.
Volleyball Cougars Using Balanced Attack
SIUE volleyball coach Todd Gober has led his team to seven wins in their last eight games including a big 3-2 win over Northern Kentucky on Friday (9/24) night.
The Cougars now have a record of 13-4 overall and 4-0 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
"It was a huge match and going to Northern Kentucky is always a tough place to play," said Gober. "We had a number of different heroes throughout the match. It was a fun match to watch."
During the match against the Norse, SIUE had four players with 14 or more kills. Junior Heather Bonde (Millstadt) had team high 17 kills and a 4.67 hitting percentage. Middle hitter Tina Talsma (Ontario, Canada) had 15 kills, and Kindra Westendorf (Effingham) and Tricia Happe (St. Louis) had 14 kills each.
For Happe, that was a career high in kills. "Tricia stepped up and had a great game in one of the toughest matches of our season," said Gober.
Krystal Majernik (Normal) recorded 63 assists against the Norse.
"She did a great job because the offense hit .306," said Gober.
"She really makes it tough for a team to defend you when you have five girls with 30 or more attacks."
SIUE won its two other matches last week defeating McKendree and Kentucky Wesleyan, each 3-0. Sophomore Jamie Jones (Flanagan) led the way in the win over Kentucky Wesleyan. She had a career-high 14 kills and a .346 hitting percentage. "She was huge for us coming off the bench and doing a good job," said Gober.
Freshman Sadie Zurliene (Aviston) and junior Jenny Heimann (Germantown) combined for 24 assists in the win over the Panthers. "Sadie and Jenny did a great job in that game," said Gober. "I am really happy with the weekend overall, and getting the two victories."
The Cougars will be at the Vadalabene Center on Wednesday (9/29) night to take on Southern Indiana in a match up of two teams who are tied at the top of the GLVC. Game Time is set for 7. "This game is going to be a slugfest because both teams are middle dominated," said Gober.
Following the game against the Screaming Eagles, the Cougars will be at home to face Bellarmine on Saturday (10/2) at 1 p.m.
Men's Cross Country Ranked No. 22
The SIUE men's and women's cross country team hope to continue posting strong times as they compete in the Sean Earl Lakefront Invitational in Chicago this Saturday (10/2).
The Cougars, ranked No. 22 in the latest national coaches poll, after finishing third out of seven teams at the Eastern Illinois Twilight meet.
Senior Ryan Boyll (Normal) finished third at the meet with a time 24 minutes, 58.08 seconds, which stands as the third-fastest ever at SIUE at 8,000 meters. Finishing not far behind Boyll was junior Brian Taghon (East Moline). Taghon finished sixth at 25:27.37 for the ninth fastest time in 8,000 meters in school history.
Freshman Erik Steffens (Moline) finished with eighth fastest time for a freshman in SIUE history placing 11th in 25:57.62.
The women's team finished fourth of seven teams at Eastern Illinois. Senior Mary Witte (Normal) finished 12th with a time of 18:59.12 in the 5,000 meters. Freshman Kelly Flounders (Homer Glen) placed 17th at 19:17.20 for the 13th fastest time for a freshman in school history. Senior Lee Ann Lomax (Georgetown) came in at 31st with a time of 20:05.39.
The Cougars' meet will begin at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday (oct. 2) in Chicago.
