Skip to main content
Search
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Logo
Apply to SIUE

News Sub MenuDismiss

January

News 2007 January
Feature Story
Subscribe to News
Current News

All Current News

Faculty Experts

Our faculty has a wealth of knowledge.

Additional News



January 2007


1/31/07


NCERC Used As Training Center And Bioethanol Classroom


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Nearly two dozen Michigan residents gained many of the skills they will need to succeed in the bioindustry during recent training at the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) in University Park at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Experts at NCERC guided the group of 23 individuals from Michigan through six days of classes and in-plant training exercises on bioethanol.

Michigan State University coordinated the training program as part of the Mid-Michigan Innovation Team using a portion of a $15 million Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, which was awarded in February 2006.

University Park is an applied research and technology park located on the SIUE campus. It offers leading-edge research and technology-based businesses the resources and environment to gain a competitive advantage.

Back to top


1/31/07


WoRKS Group Hosts Religion And Biology Speaker


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Exploring the Concept of Religious Naturalism will be the topic broached at the next WoRKS Group Edwardsville session at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Religious Center.

Speaker Ursula Goodenough, a professor of biology at Washington University in St. Louis, will lead the discussion.

"WoRKS" is an acronym for World Religions, Knowledge and Science. The WoRKS Group Edwardsville is funded with the help of the Metanexus Institute, the University's Graduate Studies and Research program, the Office of the Provost, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Philosophy, the University Religious Council and the Friends of the Religious Center.

The events are part of a three-year series of lectures and study group meetings on current events and issues involving science and religion, and their impact on campus and area communities.

The WoRKS Group meets at the Religious Center-the dome building on campus that was designed by theorist R. Buckminster Fuller. Study Group Sessions and a Distinguished Speakers Series at the Center offer influential thinkers for public discussion.

There is no admission charge and parking is available in Visitors Lot B for $1 per hour. For more information, call Philosophy Professor Greg Fields, (618) 650-2461, or visit the Web site: www.siue.edu/religion or www.metanexus.org.

Back to top


1/30/07


SIUE Jazz Studies Director To Present Concert At Sheldon Hall


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Music will present its Sixth Annual SIUE Jazz at the Sheldon concert featuring big band jazz arrangements at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, at Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., St. Louis.

The evening of music will feature the SIUE Concert Jazz Band, with SIUE Music Professor Rick Haydon (guitar) and Reggie Thomas (piano) as well as SIUE music faculty members Tom Kennedy, Jason Swagler, Andy Tichenor and Miles Vandiver. Also appearing are Jim Martin, Zeb Briskovich and Tim Stamps.

Musical selections will include Stamps arrangement of Blue in Green, Time After Time, So Far Away, Softly As In A Morning Sunrise and Where It's At. Stamps also will perform a new arrangement of In Your Own Sweet Way, the title cut from his new CD (Victoria Records, 2006). Haydon also will perform Halley's Comet from his CD album, Just Friends (Mel Bay Records, 2006).

Admission is $6. For more information, call the SIUE Department of Music, (618) 650-3900.

Beautifully situated on 2,660 acres, SIUE is a public institution offering a broad choice of degrees and programs ranging from liberal arts to professional studies. Nearly 13,500 students choose SIUE for undergraduate and graduate education just 25 minutes from St. Louis. SIUE celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2007-2008.

Back to top

1/30/07


SIUE Construction Department To Offer BIM Seminar Feb. 9


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Construction managers, contractors, architects and engineers, as well as public and private owners, will benefit from a one-day seminar, Building Information Modeling, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Registration deadline is Feb. 2.

The seminar, which outlines challenges in implementing 3-D technology in construction planning recently mandated by the federal government for all major projects, will take place in the Mississippi-Illinois Room, on the second floor of SIUE's Morris Center.

Conducted by the Department of Construction in the SIUE School of Engineering, speakers will present recent experiences from the owner, architect, engineer and construction professional perspectives. The SIUE Office of Continuing Education is offering 4.0 Professional Development Hours for attending the seminar.

Seminar registration is $95, which includes handouts, visitor parking tag, lunch and refreshments. For additional information, call Kerry Slattery, (618) 650-2853; for registration information, call the Office of Continuing Education, (618) 650-3210.

Beautifully situated on 2,660 acres, SIUE is a public institution offering a broad choice of degrees and programs ranging from liberal arts to professional studies. Nearly 13,500 students choose SIUE for undergraduate and graduate education just 25 minutes from St. Louis. SIUE celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2007-2008.

Back to top

1/30/07


SIUE Enters Formal Agreement With SWIC


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Southwestern Illinois College have teamed to make a four-year degree more attainable for a larger number of individuals across the region.

In line with its mission to provide area residents with access to higher education, SIUE entered a formal agreement with SWIC this month that will open doors to opportunity for students hoping to earn a bachelor's degree.

The Dual Admission/Partnership Agreement allows students at the onset of their collegiate careers to immediately begin working toward a four-year degree at SIUE, following the completion of a two-year associates' degree program at SWIC.

"Our goal was to create a seamless process for SWIC students to complete a baccalaureate program at SIUE," said the University's Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift. "This agreement is an example of how the University is partnering with SWIC to focus on access; not just access to students entering SIUE as freshmen, but access for all students who can benefit from our programs and earn a degree."

He also said that SWIC offers students an excellent start to their four-year college career. In fall 2006, SIUE admitted more than 1,000 students from community colleges. "We must admit students who are ready to succeed," Vandegrift said.

SWIC President Elmer H. Kirchoff added that SWIC was a pioneer among community colleges in the state, as one of the first to draft and establish a formal dual-admission agreement with four-year institutions.

"Dual-admission programs allow students to simultaneously consult with counselors at both schools to make sure their academic programs are on track and everything transfers as it should. Chancellor Vandegrift and I agree this is a win-win situation for both of our institutions, but even more importantly so for our students."

Scott Belobrajdic, SIUE's assistant vice chancellor for enrollment management, said the agreement further strengthens the collaboration among academic leadership at both institutions. "We already have an outstanding working relationship with SWIC that has been very successful.

"This is an important step to formalize a smoother transition for students who intend to earn an associate's degree from SWIC and a bachelor's degree from SIUE."

He added, "We hope this formalized agreement will allow students to see their academic paths very clearly. When they finish their associate's degree at SWIC, they already will be able to see themselves as juniors at SIUE and soon will be graduates of both institutions."

Back to top

1/26/07


School of Business, Foreign Languages In Effort To Enrich Experience


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Office of International Programs in the Southern School of Business at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has joined forces with SIUE's Department of Foreign Languages and Literature to improve classroom experiences of both SIUE students and students studying at SIUE from abroad.

The partnership, which began in fall 2005, is known as "Building Bridges: Linking International Business Students and Students of International Cultures," and is part of the University's Excellence in Undergraduate Education (EUE) competitive funding program.

In the years since the program's founding by Belinda Carstens-Wickham, chair of foreign languages, and Radcliffe Edmonds, associate professor of economics and finance, international business students have helped foreign language students master conversational and written skills as well as understand the culture and most current trends in their native countries.

"Having international business students in the classroom helps motivate our students and make them truly interested in foreign languages and cultures," said Debbie Mann, associate professor of French. "The courses are more active than ever. Last week, for example, our students learned how to text-message in French-something so simple makes it so real for our students."

The program benefits more than just American students. International business student Jean Ollagnier, who is studying at SIUE from France, said "The program … allows us to learn more American culture and vocabulary. Most importantly, we get to meet more students."

Other international business students say their favorite part is helping SIUE students gain confidence in their speaking skills.

Douglas Simms, assistant professor of German, said, "This relationship between the Office of International Programs and the Foreign Languages and Literature Department helps take the foreignness and abstractness away from studying another language."

In addition, many international business students would be barred from employment, if not for this grant program. Typical student visas do not allow students studying from abroad to be employed off campus.

Those involved in the project currently are reapplying for the EUE grant. If accepted, however, it will be the last year that the program is eligible for the EUE program grant. Because of the program's success, however, the project's directors are actively seeking alternative funding.

The Office of International Programs currently is playing host to 19 exchange students representing Germany, France, the Netherlands, Japan and Mexico. These students will work and study at SIUE through spring semester.

Back to top

1/26/07


School of Business Student Recognized With Enterprise Award


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Lindsey M. Walters, of Decatur, a business major at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, recently was honored with the Enterprise Foundation Rent-A-Car Student Leader of the Month Award for December. Walters will receive a bachelor of science in business administration in May with a focus in marketing.

The award recognizes students nominated by their campus organization for outstanding participation and responsibility. Walter's award recognizes her service to the SIUE chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA), which gives students experience in the marketing and sales professions.

AMA Chapter President Hilary Hertenstein said "Lindsey has been a great, active member of the AMA. Recently, she led a committee responsible for the planning and implementation of our fall event while also participating in the 2007 case competition."

In addition to the AMA, Walters is part of the Student Leadership Development Program at SIUE, which promotes leadership in students through leadership development modules and community service.

Other community service efforts in which Walters has participated include participation in service activities, such as repairing a rundown church and child care center in East St. Louis as well as supplying under-privileged children with computers and instructing the children in their use.

In response to receiving the award, Walters said "This is really an honor. It is very rewarding to be recognized for something you enjoy doing. The AMA has given me experiences that go beyond the classroom and has allowed me to make some great friends."

The award carries with it a $50 stipend and certificate. In addition, Walters will be recognized at a reception in the spring that will honor all Enterprise Foundation award recipients and will provide SIUE business students with an opportunity to network with Enterprise executives.

The SIUE School of Business is among an elite 15 percent of business schools worldwide that have earned the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, a seal of approval that the SIUE School has earned each year since 1975. SIUE's accountancy program also is accredited through AACSB. Less than 33 percent of AACSB-accredited business schools hold an accounting accreditation.

Back to top

1/26/07

Wash. U.'s David Peters To Speak About 'Boomers, Bloomers, Zoomers'


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) David Peters, the McDonnell Douglas professor of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis and chair of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering there, will speak at 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, in Room 1033 of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Engineering Building about "Boomers, Bloomers and Zoomers." The lecture is free and open to the public.

Peters will chronicle how U.S. citizens, the aerospace industry and American universities "formed an alliance" that began in 19th Century, agricultural America and culminated in landing an astronaut on the moon. He will speak about how the space race "molded an entire generation of Americans in terms of how they were educated, and how they viewed technology and engineering."

A member of the Washington University faculty since 1991, Peters also is a regional vice president and member of the board of directors of the American Helicopter Society. In addition to his position as McDonnell Douglas professor at Washington, Peters is director of the Center for Computational Mechanics, associate director of the Georgia Tech/Washington University Center of Excellence for Rotor Technology and adjunct professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.

Before coming to Washington University, Peters had been with the U.S. Army Research Labs at NASA, a professor of aerospace engineering at Georgia Tech and an associate engineer at what was then known as the McDonnell Douglas Aeronautics Co. in St. Louis.

He earned a bachelor of science and a master of science at Washington and a doctorate in aeronautics and astronautics at Stanford.

Back to top

1/25/07


SIU Board Executive Committee Approves $296,588 Contract


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees Executive Committee recently awarded a $296,588 contract to Keller Construction Co., of Glen Carbon, for improvements to the intersection of North University Drive at New Poag Road on the north edge of campus.

The full board gave approval to the project and budget at its July meeting. At its Jan. 11 meeting, the full board gave the Executive Committee authority to award the bids that were due after that date. The project is expected to be completed in June.

The intersection, which services traffic from nearby Illinois 143 and New Poag Road, varies in condition and quality because of "an unusual combination of pavements and roadway cross sections," University officials said.

The University retained Oates Associates Inc. to determine how the intersection could be improved. Oates recommended new construction of northbound lanes and placement of an overlay on the southbound lanes to provide a consistent surface. In addition, a raised, curbed median will be constructed for landscaping to improve the appearance of the intersection.

SIUE officials said the project will be funded from the University's Operating Fund.

Back to top

1/25/07


Students To Take The Robot Maze Challenge


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A-maze-ing Robots are coming to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as a way to introduce students to robotics.

The Robotics Mini-Camp for Middle School Students will take place over two days; from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday, Feb. 19 and Saturday, Feb. 24 at the SIUE School of Engineering Building.

Students in the program will be involved in the design and construction of robots. Once constructed, the robots will compete in a Robot Maze Challenge. The aim of the two-day event is to increase middle school students' interest in math, science and teamwork.

Edwardsville High School math teachers, students from the Edwardsville High School Robotics Team and computer science graduate students will staff the camp.

The cost to take part in the camp is $50. Parents must provide transportation arrangements for their participating children. Attendance is limited to the first 24 students who return a completed application form, available online at http://www.ecusd7.org/ehs/ehsstaff/shagin/botball/campreg.doc.

For more information, or to obtain a registration form, contact Scott Hagin, 618-650-7100 ext. 20886.

Back to top

1/25/07


Educator Conference Planned at SIU Edwardsville On Feb. 17


(INDIANAPOLIS) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Lambda Theta chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, the international honor society in education, will help sponsor "I Teach," a one-day conference for new, and preservice teachers Saturday, Feb. 17, in the Conference Center, on the second floor of the Morris Center.

The "I Teach" conference will provide individuals new to the teaching field, as well as practicing professionals, with "take-home" skills and strategies for improving classroom instruction. The conference also is a great opportunity for attendees to network with other professionals and share the successes and challenges of teaching.

Workshops will feature topics such as classroom management, "No Child Left Behind," stress management techniques, character building, curriculum integration and handling the transition from student to teacher.

The conference registration fee, which includes refreshments, lunch, and all materials, is $35 for members of Kappa Delta Pi and $70 for nonmembers. To register for the conference, call (800) 284-3167, or visit the Web site: www.kdp.org. Discounts are available for multiple registrations from the same School District. Questions about the conference may be directed to Conference Coordinator Sharon Bergmann, sharon@kdp.org, or at the 800 number.

KDP's mission is to support educators throughout their professional careers-from the time they are students until they retire and beyond. The Society offers its more than 50,000 members scholarships, teacher classroom grants, publications and professional development conferences and workshops, as well as career assistance, discounts on products and services and access to resources for teachers.

In 2005, Kappa Delta Pi was recognized by the American Society of Association Executives for its "I Teach" conferences. Their prestigious Associations Advance America Awards program recognizes associations that propel America forward through innovative projects in education, skills training, standards setting, business and social innovation, knowledge creation, citizenship and community service.

Back to top

1/24/07


SIUE School Of Business Maintains Accreditation From AACSB


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) has announced that Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business has maintained its accreditation in both business and accounting.

Founded in 1916, AACSB is the longest serving and largest global accrediting body for business schools that offer undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees in business and accounting.

SIUE is among 16 AACSB accredited institutions that have successfully completed their five-year maintenance of accreditation review in business and/or accounting. The SIUE School of Business is part of an elite group that makes up less than 15 percent of business schools worldwide that have achieved business and accounting accreditation from AACSB. To maintain accreditation, a business school must undergo a rigorous review performed by an independent team consisting of deans and senior accounting administrators from other AACSB-accredited business schools.

Timothy S. Schoenecker, interim dean of the School of Business, said he is "gratified" the AACSB peer review team recommended all of the SIUE programs maintain accredited status. "This provides independent confirmation that we are meeting our mission of adding value for students, employers, and the business disciplines.

"We are proud to maintain our status among the relatively small percentage of business schools that are accredited by the AACSB in both accounting and business."

Back to top

1/24/06


SIUE To Present Black Heritage Month Activities During February


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will present its Tenth Annual Black Heritage Month Program during February, with its theme of Revealing Identity, Expressing Consciousness. Click here for a calendar of events.

Back to top

1/24/07


MLK Award Winners Announced At SIU Edwardsville


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Annual Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian and Scholarship Awards have been announced by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The awards will be presented at the university's 25th annual celebration of the birthday of the Rev. King at SIUE on Tuesday, Feb. 6.

The awards are given each year to recognize those who exemplify the philosophy of nonviolent social change as demonstrated by Rev. King. This year's guest speaker will be Sylvester Brown Jr. (click here for photo), a Metro columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

The luncheon program will be held at 11:30 a.m. in Meridian Ballroom of SIUE's Delyte W. Morris University Center, followed by a reception in the Goshen Lounge for the winners of the Scholarship and Humanitarian awards. Winners of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. High School Essay, Poetry, and Visual Arts Awards also will be honored.

Winners of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards include:

  • Kimberly Allen of Centreville (click here for photo)-A 21-year-old undergraduate pursuing a bachelor's in Special Education toward a career in teaching students with special needs, who will receive the MLK Scholarship and Humanitarian Award;
  • Willie B. Nelson of East St. Louis (click here for photo)-Chairman of the Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation board and a retired First Financial Bank manager, who will receive the Community Humanitarian Award; and
  • Thomas E. Raglin of Alton (click here for photo)-A building service worker for SIUE's Office of Facilities Management, who will receive the University Humanitarian Award.

Winners of the MLK high school competition awards are:

  • Dorvonda Payne (click here for photo), a senior at East St. Louis (IL) Senior High School-essay award;
  • Channing James (click here for photo), a sophomore at Hazelwood (MO) West High School-poetry award; and
  • Chase Hopkins (click here for photo), a junior at Edwardsville (IL) High School-visual arts award.

A native St. Louisan, Brown published Take Five magazine, an investigative regional publication, for 15 years along with his wife, Victoria. The publication received more than 35 awards for its investigative series, general reporting and Brown's political and social commentaries.

Brown recently won the 2005 Terry Hughes Writing Award from the St. Louis Newspaper Guild and two awards ("Best Column" and "Best Series") from the St. Louis Association of Black Journalists.

A guest on several national television and radio shows-including the FOX network's "O'Reilly Factor," Air America Radio's "Al Franken Show," PRI's "The Tavis Smiley Show" and Syndication One's "The Michael Eric Dyson Show"-Brown also was featured in a July 2005 segment of ABC's "Nightline," focusing on his community forum featuring comedian and philanthropist Bill Cosby.

Tickets for the MLK luncheon are $15; students, $10. For reservations, call (618) 650-2660.

Back to top

1/24/07


Grant Conference Was A Success; Co-sponsored By SIUE And Wash. U.


Click here for photo of NSF's Tom Cooley making a presentation at SIUE during the recent grants conference

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Some 150 SIUE faculty members attended both days of the recent Metropolitan St. Louis Grants Conference, conducted at Washington University in St. Louis and on the SIUE campus.

The grant series featured topics such as the "National Science Foundation: The American Competitiveness Initiative;" the "National Endowment for the Humanities: Building Sustainable & Fundable Digital Research Programs in the Humanities"; "Biofuels and Bioprocessing"; "The Global Challenge: Fostering and Leveraging International Collaboration and Promoting"; and "Integrating Research and Education in Primarily Undergraduate Institutions."

Christa Johnson, assistant dean of SIUE's Graduate Studies and Research and co-organizer of the event, said the turnout at both campuses was impressive. "From my perspective, the conference was a success," Johnson said. "We had many high-level speakers at SIUE including Tom Cooley (shown in photo), CFO of the National Science Foundation, and Richard Buckius, director of NSF's Engineering Directorate. I have had great feedback from both campuses."

Steve Hansen, dean of Graduate Studies and Research, echoed Johnson's assessment. "The conference was successful on a number of different levels, Hansen said. "First, the conference was the result of a successful collaboration between SIUE and Washington University, the kind of collaboration that can serve as a model for other collaborative ventures between our universities.

"Second, it was successful because it showcased SIUE and our faculty to Washington University and to federal program officers. Third, the conference was successful because of the kind of information the federal program officers gave to our faculty about various grant opportunities.

"This kind of conference is difficult to put together. It requires a lot of cooperation from a wide variety of individuals and careful attention to logistics," Hansen said. "This conference would not have happened without the leadership of Christa Johnson. The success of the conference is directly a result of her work."

Back to top

1/23/07


UCM To Sponsor Annual 'Death By Chocolate Affair' On Valentine's Day


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The United Campus Ministry (UCM), with offices in the SIUE Religious Center, will sponsor its Seventh Annual "A Death by Chocolate Affair" from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, at the center.

The Rev. Paul Burden, UCM director, says the event is an important UCM fund-raiser. "Members of the surrounding communities are invited to tempt their taste buds with the pure enjoyment of 'sinfully' delicious desserts from some favorite establishments," Burden said.

"Local restaurants and establishments-Houlihan's, Rusty's, Sacred Grounds, My Just Desserts, Annie's Frozen Custard and La Bonne Bouchee de St. Louis, to name a few-will be donating chocolate desserts and, for the cost of admission, folks can sample as much chocolate as they wish.

"We anticipate about 20 establishments will be supporting this event," Burden said, "but we'll also have chocolate treats from local kitchens."

New this year, Burden said, are "Cookie-grams," small, nicely wrapped bags of cookies with "To/From" tags. "These are special Valentines," Burden said. "Just fill in the tag and deliver the cookies to that special someone."

Admission is $10; children under 12 and students, $8. A pre-filled sampler plate available "to go" is $10. Take-out boxes may be picked up after 5 p.m., if ordered in advance. For more information, call (618) 650-3248, or, e-mail: pburden@siue.edu.

The UCM on campus represents the American Baptist Churches USA, the United Methodist Church, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Presbyterian Church (USA), the United Church of Christ, and the Church of the Brethren. UCM integrates fellowship, service, study, and worship for students, faculty, and staff, to provide a place to grow and to be challenged, with acceptance and love.

Back to top

1/23/07


SIUE Student Group Collecting Items, Raising Troops' Spirits


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Lori and Jeremy Roberts of Waterloo were married four days before she left in October 2004 with her unit for Kuwait.

She returned safely one year later. But, while Roberts served her country as a member of the U.S. Army National Guard, she often thought of and missed her family and friends back home.

Now a junior majoring in speech communication at SIUE, Roberts can empathize with the troops stationed in the Middle East. As a member of the SIUE chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), Roberts joined forces with other students to take part in a program called "Adopt-A-Platoon."

Through the University's Kimmel Leadership Center, PRSSA, SIUE's Residence Housing Association, members of Students Assisting in Recruiting (STARs) and the Kinesiology Student Association are collecting a variety of items for soldiers stationed in the Middle East.

Fellow students Kathy Ferrero, of South Bend, Ind., a 30-year-old senior majoring in mass communications, and Alexis Vice, a 20-year-old junior from Paris, can personally relate to Roberts' devotion to the campus initiative.

Ferrero was stationed in southwest Asia as a public affairs specialist in the U.S. Air Force from October 2003 to February 2004. "It's amazing how isolated you can feel, even though you are close to your unit," she said. "The smallest gift can really lift your spirits."

Vice has heard firsthand just how much of an impact kind gestures can have. While stationed in Abu Ghraib, Vice's boyfriend suffered injuries to his right arm and shoulder following a mortar explosion. He has offered the volunteers suggestions about what types of items troops would need. "I feel very good about this because I wasn't able to help him when he was in Iraq," Vice said. "This is one small way we can show our support and that we care."

"We specifically wanted to do this during the month of January to drive home to the Marines that we always appreciate them; not just during the holidays," Roberts said. "This is a huge morale booster for those serving. We hope it helps to remind them of what they truly are fighting for."

Shawn Berens, 26, a sophomore business major from O'Fallon, spent two tours in the Persian Gulf with the U.S. Navy. He stopped by a collection site in the Morris University Center to offer his suggestions for donations. "It was nice to be home for Christmas for the first time in two years," Berens said.

He said the troops would appreciate practical items such as sunblock, as well as entertainment items, such as DVDs, CDs, word games, puzzles and playing cards.

Interest in the project has grown, said Kayla Chaplin, 18, a freshman from Macomb who plans to major in nursing and a member of STARs. During the University's Welcome Week festivities in the Morris Center, more organizations expressed a desire to volunteer for the project and make donations.

Drop-off sites are located in key locations of campus buildings. They are filled with AA batteries, packets of Kool-Aid, heavy black socks, hand sanitizer, dried fruit and beef jerky, DVDs and CDs, and current magazines, cards for troops to write their families and other items.

It also contains photos of U.S. Marines involved in military operations.

Items will be collected at campus locations through Jan. 31.

Click here for a photo of volunteers on the project, from left to right, Alexis Vice, Kathy Ferrero, Lori Roberts and Kayla Chaplin.

Click here for a photo of the volunteers, from left to right, Alexis Vice, Kathy Ferrero, Lori Roberts and Kayla Chaplin talking to Veteran Shawn Berens, who also is an SIUE student.

Back to top

1/22/07


SIUE School of Dental Medicine Prepares To Give Kids a Smile


(ALTON, Ill.) Dental professionals, through Southern Illinois University's School of Dental Medicine (SDM) in Alton, are urging parents of qualified children to bring those between the ages of three and 13 to the fourth Give Kids A Smile Day for free examinations, X-rays, cleanings, fillings and more.

Children qualified to participate in the event are those eligible for free and reduced-priced meal programs. Give Kids A Smile Day will take place Saturday, Feb. 3, at the SDM Main Clinic in building 263 at 2800 College Ave., Alton.

While many area schools provide in-school dental programs, allowing students access to dentists and some dental services, children who attend Give Kids a Smile Day have the ability to undergo dental work on the spot at no charge, said Debra Schwenk, an assistant professor and the assistant dean of the School of Dental Medicine.

"Give Kids A Smile Day gives parents the opportunity to have their child's cavities treated for free," said Schwenk, chair of the Feb. 3 event "In-school programs might identify cavities, but they do not treat cavities."

Fun activities for children will take place throughout the day. The Lewis and Clark Community College Dental Hygiene and Assisting programs will offer a "Smile Station" on site, featuring games to help children learn the importance of keeping teeth clean.

Professionals from the Lewis and Clark programs, as well as from the Madison and St. Clair counties District Dental societies will provide services during the day.

Registration for the event is required and will take place from 7:30 a.m.-noon that day. Dental work will be performed throughout the day. For more information, contact the School of Dental Medicine, (618) 474-7000.

Avid supporters of the event, State Rep. Dan Beiser, D-East Alton, and State Sen. Bill Haine, D-Alton, will be in attendance.

Back to top

1/23/07


Michael Doucet And BeauSoleil To Perform Feb. 3 For SIUE's A&I


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The music of the rich Cajun tradition-blended with elements of zydeco, New Orleans jazz, Tex-Mex, country and blues-will grace the Arts & Issues stage for Mardi Gras as Michael Doucet and his Grammy Award-winning BeauSoleil band come to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3. Laissez les bon temps roulez!

This exciting musical event-sponsored by Partners Bank of Glen Carbon-will take place in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris Center.

Since forming in 1975, BeauSoleil has become one of the most popular Cajun groups around, with performance venues ranging from The Grand Ole Opry to the Newport Folk Festival.

An award-winner himself, Michael Doucet is among 12 artists who have been awarded the prestigious National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts. The award is the country's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts. Awardees are chosen for artistic excellence, cultural authenticity and contributions to their field.

The band's latest recording, Live in Louisiana, was released to coincide with the April 2006 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. It's the band members' first live album recorded at home, their 28th overall, and it celebrates 30 years of performing together. The album features a wide range of tunes from across the BeauSoleil discography and across the Cajun and Creole cultural spectrum.

Tickets for the Feb. 3 concert are $24; students, $12, and are available through the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774, or at the Web site: artsandissues.com. Tickets still are available for the remaining Arts & Issues concert featuring the swinging sounds of the Glenn Miller Orchestra, April 28.

Back to top

1/19/07


Wash. U. Psychotherapist To Speak At SIUE About Eating Disorders


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Psychotherapist Kim McCallum, who is an active member of the associate clinical faculty at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, will speak about "A Balanced Body: Eating Disorders/Moving from Embattled to Embraced" from 9-noon Friday, Jan. 26, at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Sponsored by the SIUE Department of Social Work and co-sponsored by the Illinois Association of School Social Workers, Dr. McCallum will speak in the Delyte W. Morris University Center. The program carries three hours of continuing education units (CEU) for social workers, licensed clinical professional counselors and other human services professionals. Social workers, teachers, parents, counselors and students would benefit from this presentation, according to organizers.

The workshop is designed to provide an overview of eating disorders including signs, symptoms and medical complications, with discussion about how eating disorders should be treated. In addition, treatment options and implications will be discussed along with benchmarks of progress to evaluate the effectiveness of a chosen treatment.

Board certified in general adult and in child and adolescent psychiatry, Dr. McCallum possesses a broad range of psychotherapy skills including CBT, IFS and psychoanalysis. She earned an medical degree at Yale School of Medicine, general psychiatry training at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and psychoanalytic training at the St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute.

Dr. McCallum also has developed several SEDUs, including inpatient, partial hospital and intensive outpatient programs. She currently directs McCallum Place Eating Disorder Treatment Programs.

On-site registration begins 30 minutes before the start of the Jan. 26 workshop. Registration is $49 and includes light refreshments and parking in SIUE's Visitor Lot B. Student registration is $25. For registration information, call Emily Coffin by telephone, (618) 650-3207, or by e-mail: ecoffin@siue.edu.

Back to top

1/19/07


SIUE Nursing Professor To Speak At Pandemic Flu Seminar


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Rita Acosta Sander, an assistant professor in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing, will present a Pandemic Influenza Overview from 9:15 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, at a pandemic flu preparedness seminar in Collinsville.

The seminar, sponsored by the St. Louis Area Pandemic Preparedness (SLAPP) committee, is scheduled to begin with registration and networking at 8:45 a.m., with the regular seminar beginning at 9 and continuing to noon at the Collinsville Area Recreation Activity Building, 10 Gateway Drive, Collinsville. This free seminar, which targets Illinois-area residents and businesses, is open to the public.

SLAPP organizers say the seminar is a valuable program for any employee, manager or business owner who wants to know more about terms like Pandemic, Bird Flu or Avian Flu, and what businesses can do to increase chances of survival should such a tragedy hit the St. Louis region. Speakers also will explore what the general public can do in addressing basic steps to preparedness.

Representatives from state and local government agencies, health experts and disaster planning experts from local corporations formed SLAPP to prepare residents, schools and businesses and other organizations in the metropolitan St. Louis area for a potential pandemic through education about pandemic preparedness, response and survival.

The organization also will conduct its Quarterly Conference, open to residents and businesses in the entire St. Louis area, the morning of March 13 at AT&T in downtown St. Louis. Confirmed speakers to date include representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, and St. Louis City and County.

All speakers will be discussing their pandemic plans, and the impact those plans will have on businesses and communities in the region. To register for Feb. 6 or March 13, or to obtain additional information about SLAPP, contact Harlan Dolgin at harlan.dolgin@reuters.com.

Back to top

1/19/07


SIUE Associate Professor Of Pharmacy Receives IACP Grant


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) A grant from the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists (IACP) will help an associate professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville study interaction between patients who use tailor-made medications and the pharmacists who make those medications.

More than $3,000 has been awarded to Tim McPherson of the SIUE School of Pharmacy, who will work with sociologist Patrick Fontane, of the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, during the next nine months to investigate the relationship between patients who receive these "compounded" products and the "compounding" pharmacists.

According to McPherson, he and Fontane will try to find if this relationship is unique to patients who receive compounded products compared with patients who receive commercially manufactured medications.

McPherson said there are some common reasons that patients request alternatives to traditional, mass-produced medications. "Often patients experience undesirable side effects," he noted, "and those side effects persist with the continued use of the medication, or the medications fail to work properly."

This is where a compounding pharmacist enters the picture.

McPherson explained chemical companies sell powdered versions of pure drugs, such as human estrogen and progesterone, and a compounding pharmacist mixes the pure drugs with filler ingredients to produce a dosage for a specific patient.

The compounding pharmacist works with the patient's physician, and with the patient, to make dosage and medication choices. McPherson said he will focus on the role compounding pharmacists play in their interactions with physicians, and in helping patients understand their medical conditions and the medications they take.

Some of the questions McPherson hopes to answer include: "Is the relationship closer among patients and pharmacists with this segment than it is under traditional circumstances? Do these pharmacists spend more time counseling their patients on compounded products? Are patients more satisfied with compounded products?"

Back to top

1/17/07


Imani Winds Jan. 26 Concert Sold Out For SIUE Arts & Issues Series


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Acclaimed internationally for expanding the bounds of traditional wind ensembles-blending European, African and American music traditions-Imani Winds will play to a sold out audience Jan. 26 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as part of SIUE's Arts & Issues series.

Known for its dynamic performances, critically praised recordings and innovative programming, Imani Winds will perform at 8 p.m. in the theater at SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall. "Our audiences will find that this ensemble sparkles with tonal warmth and superbly polished execution," said John Peecher, coordinator of the series for the University.

Since its inception in 1997, this group-the name Imani means "faith" in Swahili-has established a presence in the classical music world for dynamic performance, musical innovation and inspirational outreach programs which often explore "the culture and heritage of the African Diaspora, while introducing Western classical traditions to diverse classroom audiences.

Tickets still are available for the remaining Arts & Issues dates: the exciting Cajun style music of BeauSoleil with Michael Doucet, Feb. 3; and the swinging sounds of the Glenn Miller Orchestra, April 28.

For ticket information or for reservations for the remaining Arts & Issues events, contact the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774. Subscriptions and tickets also may be purchased at the Web site: artsandissues.com.

Click here for a photo of Imani Winds

Back to top

1/17/01


Changes

  • Scott Belobrajdic joined the University Nov. 6 as assistant vice chancellor for Enrollment Management.
  • Kathryn Bentley, an instructor in the Department of Theater and Dance, was named an assistant professor Aug. 16.
  • Jennifer Bolander joined the University Nov. 7 as an asisstant professor of Curriculum and Instruction.
  • John V. Caupert Jr. joined the University Oct. 16 as director of the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center in University Park.
  • Radhika Devraj joined the University Aug. 1 as an assistant professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
  • Jameca Falconer, assistant professor of psychology, left the University Dec. 31.
  • Julie Hopwood joined the University Jan.2 as assistant to the provost for policy and communication.
  • Elizabeth Lowe, assistant professor of Library and Information Services, left the University Oct. 31
  • John Peecher, assistant development director in the College of Arts and Sciences and coordinator of the Arts & Issues series, left the University Jan. 16 to accept the position of director of Development at the University of Chicago.

Retirements

  • Barbara Brooks, an administrative associate for the SIU School of Dental Medicine, effective Jan. 1, after more than 30 years.
  • Lela DeToye, retired associate professor of Curriculum and Instruction and associate dean of the School of Education, was granted emerita associate dean status, effective July 1.
  • John Drueke, director of Academic Computing, effective Dec. 1, after nearly 30 years.
  • Patricia Graham, a secretary for University Services to East St. Louis, effective Jan. 1, after more than 20 years.
  • Sharon Grider, a lecturer in Primary Care and Health Systems Nursing, effective Jan 1, after more than four years.
  • Louella Hawkins, a program director for University Services to East St. Louis, effective Jan. 1, after nearly 36 years.
  • Barbara Hickman, a secretary in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice Studies, effective Jan. 1, after nearly 15 years.
  • Eddie Howard, a building service worker, effective Jan. 1, after more than 25 years.
  • Dennis Hostetler, retired professor of Public Administration and Policy Analysis, was granted emeritus status Sept. 1.
  • Betty Lewis, a coordinator for University Services to East St. Louis, effective Jan. 1, after more than 23 years.
  • Karen Patty-Graham, director of Instructional Services, effective Jan. 1, after 30 years.
  • Ruth Smith, a project specialist for University Services to East St. Louis, effective Jan. 1, after more than 23 years.
  • Laura McCleod, an associate for University Services to East St. Louis, effective Jan. 1, after more than 20 years.
  • Sarah Mulholland, a coordinator for University Services to East St. Louis, effective Dec. 1, after 16 years.
  • John Schrage, an associate professor of Computer Management and Information Services, effective Jan. 1, after more than 28 years.
  • Luke Snell, retired professor of construction in the School of Engineering, was granted emeritus status June 16.
  • Bernard Waxman, retired professor of Computer Science in the School of Engineering, was granted emeritus status Sept. 1.

Back to top

1/17/07

SIUE Pharmacy Students Present At National Conference


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Four Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy students recently presented what they learned from a service learning project at a national conference in Anaheim, Calif.

The students, which made up two class teams of two, supported by a $3,000 grant from Pfizer Pharmaceuticals to share their story at the conference.

Led by Bill Wuller, a clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice and director of experiential education at SIUE, first-year pharmacy students A.J. Roseboom of East Alton, Jarod Schaltenbrand of Smithton, Jordan Bills of O'Fallon, and Ryan Hanewinkel of Edwardsville, set out to educate area senior citizens and individuals living with disabilities about Medicare Part D through a class project. The students worked with Suzanne Kutterer-Siburt, assistant director of the University's Kimmel Leadership Center, as well as with the Area Agency on Aging of Southwestern Illinois.

The students' project was chosen from among other teams in a class of 80 students, Wuller said.


Click here for photo of the students with the poster, from left to right, Andrew Roseboom, Jared Schaltenbrand, Ryan Hanewinkel and Jordan S. Bills.


Back to top

1/16/07


SIUE Student From O'Fallon Honored As Leader By Enterprise


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Michelle S. Carpenter of O'Fallon, Mo., a business major at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, was recently honored with the Enterprise Foundation Rent-A-Car Student Leader of the Month Award. She plans to graduate in December with a bachelor of science in business administration.

The award recognizes students who are nominated by their campus organization for outstanding participation and responsibility. Carpenter's award is in recognition of her service to SIUE's International Business Association (IBA), for which she is currently president.

The organization is dedicated to enhancing student awareness of international business by promoting social and professional relationships between U.S. students, international students and companies. Carpenter's major includes a specialty in international business.

Cynthia Peterson, assistant director of International Programs and faculty advisor of the IBA, said, "Michelle has been the driving force in starting the International Business Association on our campus and has enthusiastically promoted student involvement in the group. Under her leadership, the IBA has been able to form strong relationships with respected companies such as Anheuser-Busch Companies, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and the Boeing Company," Peterson said.

In addition to this award, Carpenter received the Competitive Travel Award from SIUE's School of Business last spring, which helped pay for her study trip to Mexico. Carpenter speaks Spanish fluentlyand she is interested in joining the Peace Corps after graduation.

In response to receiving the Enterprise Foundation Award, Carpenter said being involved in student organization and leadership positions can be beneficial. "Student organizations enhance your education by allowing you to continually apply what you are learning in the classroom to the real world," she said. "To be recognized by a company like Enterprise Rent-A-Car is very satisfying."

The award carries with it a $50 stipend and certificate. In addition, Carpenter will be recognized at a reception in the spring that will honor all Enterprise Rent-A-Car award recipients and will provide SIUE business students with an opportunity to network with Enterprise executives.

The SIUE School of Business is among an elite 15 percent of business schools worldwide that have earned the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, a seal of approval that the SIUE School has earned each year since 1975. SIUE's accountancy program also is accredited through AACSB. Less than 33 percent of AACSB-accredited business schools hold an accounting accreditation.

Click here for photo of Michelle Carpenter

Back to top

1/11/07


Two Nationally Successful SIUE Alumni To Be Honored May 5


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) During its May 5 commencement ceremonies, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will honor a long-time White House correspondent who was one of the first Mass Communications majors at SIUE, and the CEO of a national firm, who also is an SIUE alumnus.

The SIU Board of Trustees today approved the Distinguished Service Award for Robert McClellan, president and CEO of Hortica Inc. who holds a bachelor's in math and business as well as an MBA from SIUE, and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for CBS Radio News White House correspondent Peter Maer, a member of the 1970 SIUE graduation class which included the first graduates of the University's Mass Communications program.

Maer has covered the White House for more than 20 years-first for the NBC/Mutual Radio network and since 1998 for CBS Radio News. He has reported on every political convention, campaign and election since 1980, encompassing five presidents.

His assignments have taken him throughout the country and to nearly 40 countries, covering several disasters during his tenure, including Three Mile Island and the Mexico City earthquake of 1985. Maer was at the White House when the terrorist attacks occurred Sept. 11, 2001. He also was part of a team for CBS Radio News that won the Edward R. Murrow Award for its reporting on the first anniversary of the attacks.

Still at the White House, Maer now specializes in reporting on matters of Homeland Security, During his storied career, Maer also has provided coverage of President Clinton's impeachment proceedings, for which he also won a Murrow, honored four times with the Merriman Smith Memorial Award for "Presidential Coverage Under Deadline Pressure" and has received a first place Overseas Press Club Award for his 1986 Reagan-Gorbachev Summit reporting.

Maer also won the Scripps-Howard Award and the National Radio Festival Award for documentaries on President Clinton's race initiative.

McClellan was an adjunct faculty member at SIUE from 1978-1985 in the SIUE School of Business and also held the Management Information Services director position at SIUE until 1987. He joined Hortica, Inc., (then Florists' Mutual Insurance) in 1987 as a vice president of Management Information Systems. He was later promoted to Senior Vice President. Before he was named company president and CEO in 1994, he was executive vice president and CEO.

When Edwardsville High School required assistance with its new technology plan during the 1996 school year, McClellan worked with district administrators on the plan, providing consultation and financial resources in the purchase of new computers for the school's computer lab.

He received the 1997 Albert Cassens Community Service Award from the Edwardsville and Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce, which is given to an "active and upstanding citizen" within the community who gives freely of their time.

Throughout his career, McClellan has been an active member of numerous boards and community groups. He has served, or is currently serving, on The Alliance of Edwardsville & Glen Carbon board, the board of directors of Home Nursery Inc., the governing board of Economics America, the executive board of the Boy Scouts of America, Trails West Council, the SIUE Foundation Board, the Lewis & Clark Community College Foundation Board, the SIUE School of Engineering IPAC Board, the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois Board, and the University Park Board.

In addition, he has been a member, or is currently a member, of the Missouri Botanical Garden-Gardens of SIUE Steering Committee, Shaw's Garden East, the Great Rivers Research Project Advisory Team, the I-55 Corridor Study Project Management Team, the Mid-America Airport Cargo Steering Committee, the American Tree Farmers Association and the American Association of Nurserymen, also serving as Chair of the American Association of Nurserymen's Automated Information Committee.

McClellan was instrumental in coordinating Hortica's most recent gift to The Gardens at SIUE. He literally "rolled up his sleeves" and carried the plantings and flowers donated by Hortica to the very successful Lincoln Academy Celebration on campus in 2005.

Back to top

1/11/07


SIU Trustees Approve Projects For Alton, Edwardsville Campuses


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today gave project and budget approval for the SIU School of Dental Medicine's (SDM) proposed dispensing and sterilization renovation at the School's Main Clinic at an estimated cost of $900,000.

It was one of four facilities-affiliated projects affecting SIUE that the board considered today during its regular meeting held at SIUE.

The 20-year-old clinic building on the SDM's Alton campus contains 32,000 square feet and recent expansion added another 4,500 square feet for 24 new "operatories" and classrooms. The expanded operatories have increased the number of patient visits, resulting in a need for expanded dispensing and sterilization facilities.

This project would include the conversion of an existing supply room to an expanded sterilization area, purchase new washers and sterilizers, and remodel the existing dispensing area. Funding for the renovation is available in the School's Clinic Operations Fund, the SDM's Facility and Equipment Use Fee Account, and its Foundation Account.

The SIU board also approved SIUE's Facilities Master Plan 2, which identifies options for use of parcels on the Edwardsville campus, serving as a "road map" for future development on campus by identifying potential buildings and building sites. University officials say the plan is not intended to convey program size or scope of any of the facilities.

New building designs and locations will be consistent with the Design Guidelines for Architects and Engineers approved by the Board of Trustees in 2006. The plan is in consonance with the SIUE Land Use Plan. This update to the original plan continues the concept of appropriately scaled buildings sited to create quadrangles and walkways within a pedestrian dominated core.

University officials said the updated master plan will focus solely on the Edwardsville campus because the Alton campus plan is included in a separate state funding request, the East St. Louis campus was recently expanded and is considered complete, and the Springfield facility will only grow moderately in response to the expanded presence of the Pharmacy and Nursing programs. Also, University Park will develop as needed in response to market demands.

In addition, planning approval was given by the board for two other projects-Textbook Services Relocation and Bookstore Renovation and to develop schematics and cost estimates for repair and improvements to the Vadalabene Center.

1/11/07


Chancellor Recommends NCAA Division I Status For Athletics


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) After nearly 40 years of a storied intercollegiate athletics program at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, the Cougars are a step closer to applying for reclassification to NCAA Division I status for all sports in the SIUE program.

SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift presented his recommendation today to the SIU Board of Trustees to move the Intercollegiate Athletics program from Division II to Division I. The board will vote on the recommendation at its next meeting March 1. "The Cougars have been highly successful for many years as a Division II program," Vandegrift said. "And, with Board approval, we will continue to perform at a high level against Division I teams."

He pointed out that SIUE-as the only metropolitan university in Southern Illinois-has been nationally recognized for the excellence of its academic programs. "We will continue our level of excellence in academics, and with this move will provide even more points of excellence for our students."

Vandegrift said he formulated his recommendation after taking into consideration the findings of the Intercollegiate Athletics Task Force (IATF)-made up of SIUE students, faculty, staff, alumni, and residents of the surrounding communities to study the future of the SIUE athletics program. He also said he considered information gathered from the University community and members of nearby communities, as well as comments gathered by the IATF during various open forums.

"SIUE athletics has a successful history competing against NCAA Division I opponents," said SIUE Intercollegiate Athletics Director Brad Hewitt. "Several sports compete directly with NCAA Division I institutions during the regular season. In our school's history, nearly every sport has achieved a considerable level of success against NCAA Division I opponents."

The IATF spent 16 months analyzing the pros and cons of moving to Division I, creating a hybrid program of Division I and Division II sports, or staying within Division II. Vandegrift thanked the IATF and its chair, Gary Giamartino, SIUE interim vice chancellor for University Relations, for its thorough evaluation.

Vandegrift said that if the Board approves his recommendation several steps must be taken during the five-year reclassification process. For information about the process, visit the SIUE Athletics Web site: www.siue.edu/ATHLETIC.

SIUE has won 16 national championships in its history, including two in men's soccer (1972, 1979), seven in men's tennis (1978 through 1984), three in wrestling (1984-85-86) and four in women's tennis (1986-87-88-89). The 1979 men's soccer championship won as a Division I program.

Back to top

1/10/07


AAC&U Study Lauds SIUE's Senior Assignment Program


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Senior Assignment Program-one of the early model assessment programs in the country begun at SIUE more than a decade ago-is among 16 examples nationwide of what institutions of higher learning must do to ensure a better future for students, according to a national study released today by the Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U).

SIUE is the only institution of higher learning in Illinois cited in the report.

SIUE's assessment program is required curriculum for all seniors to demonstrate their degree of general education knowledge, as well as knowledge within their disciplines prior to graduation. For two years in a row, U.S. News and World Report has touted the excellence of SIUE's program alongside 15 universities including Yale, Harvard, MIT, Duke and Princeton.

Over the years, SIUE's senior assignment program has been recognized on several occasions as a model for other institutions across the nation. Today's most recent report-College Learning for the New Global Century-was authored by the National Leadership Council for Liberal Education & America's Promise (LEAP) convened by the AAC&U.

The report outlines what colleges, community colleges and universities can do to "fulfill the promise of a liberating college education-for every student and for America's future." It lists "seven principles of excellence" on which universities and colleges must focus to fulfill their promise to students in the 21st Century.

Under a series of 10 effective educational practices that colleges and universities should adopt and provide to far more students than currently have access to them, other programs were cited at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Smith College, Bowling Green State University and Tulane University, to name four.

"Our senior assignment program is all-encompassing," said Lesa Stern, director of SIUE's undergraduate assessment and program review, and the Undergraduate Research Academy. She explained SIUE's assignment program is not the same as traditional capstone programs, which assess individual learning.

SIUE's program assesses the overall program effectiveness and the degree of interdisciplinary competence among graduates. "A good example of a senior assignment program here is the public relations track of speech communication" Stern said, noting seniors form small groups with each submitting a proposal to an outside company or organization for a special event.

Such organizations in the past have included the Collinsville Area Recreation District and the National Children's Cancer Society. "In the spring, the students put on the events for organizations," Stern said. "If they do it well as senior assignment candidates working with real clients, then the students can succeed as public relations professionals"

This type of assessment incorporates more than the knowledge gained during the students' track of study, Stern said, adding that it involves critical thinking, budgeting and people skills, and other skills that students gain during the early stages of study at the University.

SIUE Provost Paul Ferguson said he is pleased with SIUE's recognition in the national report. "We are extremely pleased and grateful that the Association of American Colleges and Universities has recognized the SIUE Senior Assignment as a model capstone project," Ferguson said.

"This recognition appropriately honors the commitment of our faculty to each of our students in the pursuit of academic excellence and is a defining characteristic of SIUE."

The AAC&U is concerned with the quality, vitality, and public standing of undergraduate liberal education. Founded in 1915, AAC&U now comprises more than 1,100 accredited public and private colleges and universities of every type and size.

Back to top

1/10/07


Upward Bound Students Inducted Into National Honor Society


(EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill.) Four Upward Bound Math & Science students were recently inducted into the National Honor Society, according to Elke Harris-McIntosh, assistant program director.

Rosza Brown, Janise Johnson, Lerleatha McCall and Ryan Smith are the students whose scholastic achievements earned them a spot in the National Honor Society. All are seniors at Cahokia High School and have participated in the Upward Bound Program through SIUE's East St. Louis Center for four years. The students will graduate with honors in spring.

The faculty and staff at Cahokia High School nominate students who meet the following criteria: demonstrate a 3.5 grade point average (scholarship ability), prove to be a positive example or role model (leadership potential), display good moral integrity and excellent conduct (character), and volunteer to work for charitable organizations (provide community service).

Brown earned straight As in her junior year and has been a class officer all four years of her high school career. She also is vice-president of the senior class. After college, BROWN plans to do research in medicine.

Johnson has been in honors classes at Cahokia and she also has been a varsity cheerleader.

McCall is president of the senior class and the yearbook staff and is co-captain of the Cahokia girls track team. She plans a career in theater or literature after college.

Smith co-captained the winning state playoff football team that reached the quarter-finals of the Illinois High School Association. He also was named to the 1st team South Seven Conference as linebacker. Ryan plans a professional football career after graduating from college. He also is considering a career as a trainer and coach.

Back to top

1/9/07


WoRKS Study Group, SIUE Professor To Discuss Quantum Physics


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) "Implications of Quantum Physics" will be the topic at the next World Religions, Knowledge, and Science (WoRKS) Group Edwardsville discussion series at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Religious Center.

Eric Voss, associate chemistry professor at SIUE, will host the evening's dialogue that will examine "important theological implications" of "quantum uncertainties." Voss will base the discussion on a chapter of When Science Meets Religion: Enemies, Strangers or Partners, a book by Ian Barbour.

"Our current understanding of the quantum world involves uncertainty in determining the exact relation between certain pairs of variables, such as the position of an electron and its momentum," Voss explained "These quantum uncertainties have important theological implications that we will explore in our discussion."

The WoRKS Group Edwardsville is presenting a three-year series of distinguished lecturers and study group meetings in which science and religion interface for the campus and regional communities. WoRKS is funded in part by the Metanexus Institute.

The WoRKS Group meets at the Religious Center (the geodesic dome designed by famed theorist R. Buckminster Fuller) at SIUE, and conducts both Study Group Sessions and a Distinguished Speakers Series at the Center that invite influential thinkers for public presentations and open discussion. The group's topics are timely and relevant to current events and issues.

The WoRKS Group events are funded by a grant from the Metanexus Institute, with matching funds provided by the Graduate School, the Office of the Provost (Social and Cultural Diversity), the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Philosophy, the University Religious Council, and the Friends of the Religious Center, all at SIUE.

There is no admission charge and parking is available in Visitors Lot B for $1 per hour. For more information, call Philosophy Professor Greg Fields, (618) 650-2461.

Back to top

1/5/07


SIUE To Host Greater St. Louis 'Botball' Regional Tourney


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Groups of teenagers will get an education in leadership, teamwork, time management, organization, design and more through interaction with robots.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will host The Greater St. Louis Botball Regional Tournament on April 28 in the Morris University Center. While the University often hosts robotics events on its campus, this is the first time it will host a regional competition for a national program.

"This event will give us a chance to excite a few hundred bright students in and around the St. Louis Metropolitan Area," said Hasan Sevim, dean of the SIUE School of Engineering. "We hope that some of these students will consider engineering and science as career choices because of these types of experiences."

Created by KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) Institute for Practical Robotics (KIPR), a nonprofit organization based in Norman, Okla., Botball incorporates principles of mathematics, science, engineering, project management and technology. Each team of students spends about seven weeks building a robot for a Botball competition.

To help students prepare for the big day, a two-day professional development workshop will take place on the SIUE campus March 10-11. Students will participate in hands-on robotics training, while learning the latest in robotics technology. Participants will receive information about the Botball game, as well as reusable robotics kits and components.

Participation is limited to middle and high-school aged students. An adult team leader must register teams of five to 30 students online at the Botball Web site, www.botball.org, by April 16.

At the conclusion of the event, participating schools and communities may keep robotics equipment and software licenses.

For more information, contact Jerry Weinberg, jweinbe@siue.edu, or, (618) 650-2368.

Back to top

1/3/07


Space Still Available At Two-Day Grant Conference


(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Space still is available for researchers to attend the Metropolitan Saint Louis Grants Conference scheduled from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, in Whitaker Hall at Washington University and at the same time Thursday, Jan. 11, in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Morris University Center.

The grant series will feature topics such as the National Science Foundation: The American Competitiveness Initiative; the National Endowment for the Humanities: Building Sustainable & Fundable Digital Research Programs in the Humanities; Biofuels and Bioprocessing; The Global Challenge: Fostering and Leveraging International Collaboration and Promoting; and Integrating Research and Education in Primarily Undergraduate Institutions.

Registration is $50 per day and includes continental breakfast, lunch, parking and a reception. The luncheon is sold out at the Washington University event, but space is available at the lunch during the SIUE portion of the two-day event.

For more information, or to register, contact Christa Johnson, assistant dean of Graduate Studies and Research at SIUE, by phone: (618) 650-2171, or by e-mail: cjohnaa@siue.edu. Pre-registration is required.

Back to top

© 2025  SIUE, Edwardsville, IL 62026 Contact SIUE Privacy Notice | Consumer Disclosures & Complaints Equal Opportunity Employer Employment Emergency Notification (e-Lert)

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is authorized to operate as a postsecondary educational institution by the  Illinois Board of Higher Education.