July 2007
· SIUE Commencement Set For Aug. 4 At The Vadalabene Center
·Sisters Obtaining Sisterhood Program Will Serve High School Girls Through The ESL Center
SIUE School of Pharmacy's Candidate Status Reaffirmed
·IDFPR Approves SIUE Courses To Meet Licensure Requirement In Land Surveying
·SIUE Team Takes First In International Robotics Competition
·Student Casts East St. Louis in Good Light
·Dance Student Travels to Canada
·SIUE Head Start Mom Wins Parent of the Year
·SIUE Professor Continues The Work Of Her Father
·July Employee Of The Month
· BOT Approves Dining Services Purchase, Revises Renovation Budget
· School Violence Discussed During SIUE Classroom Roundtable
·Photo Of Staff Senate Scholarship Winner
·Junior and senior high students learn fiber arts techniques during SummerArts 2007 workshop
·BIOMET 3i Awards $250K To SIU School of Dental Medicine Program
·Emerita Professor Honored By Alumni As Great Teacher For 2007
·National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center Fuels Growth with Siemens
· Disney's High School Musical Sure To Entertain Summer ShowBiz Style
·TheBANK Of Edwardsville To Open Banking Center At SIUE
7/30/07
SIUE Commencement Set For Aug. 4 At The Vadalabene Center
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) More than 550 students are expected to graduate from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville during summer commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, in SIUE's Vadalabene Center.
Some 558 eligible graduate candidates from the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as the Schools of Business, Education, Engineering and Nursing will receive diplomas.
Keith Alper, CEO, co-founder of and executive producer at Creative Producers Group Inc. (CPG) and a 1984 graduate of SIUE, will receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the SIUE Alumni Association during the ceremony. Alper, who earned a bachelor of science in Mass Communications, has chaired that department's advisory board and has served on the SIUE School of Business Advisory Board. CPG also helped SIUE with a new branding launch in 2005.
Alper is founding chairman of the St. Louis chapter of the Young Entrepreneurs' Organization (YEO) and became YEO's international chairman in 1998. He served as chapter chairman for the St. Louis Young Presidents Organization and now acts as YPO's Strategic Planning chairman. Alper also devotes time to local business groups and non-profit organizations, serving on the boards of Enterprise Financial Clayton Bank, St. Louis County Enterprise Centers, KWMU-FM, the St. Louis International Film Festival, and Korte Construction Co. He also has served as president and chair of the Saint Louis Advertising and Marketing Association.
Also sponsored by the Alumni Association, Barbara Regnell, professor emerita of mass communications, will be honored with the Great Teacher Award. SIUE alumni nominate candidates for the award by mail or through the association's Web site ( www.siue.edu/alumni) and then the association's Activities Awards Committee chooses from among the nominations.
Regnell retired from SIUE in 1997 after a 30-year career in education. She earned a bachelor of science in speech, with an emphasis in radio and television, at Syracuse University in 1957. A year later, Regnell married a military man whose career took the family to several posts before she was able to earn a master's in speech education in 1966. Regnell then spent a year teaching high school in Syracuse before joining the faculty at SIUE.
During the 1974-75 academic year, Regnell became a visiting professor at the University of Maryland's branch in Teheran, Iran. While there, she also served as professor at the National Institute of Television and Cinematography and also as a master program consultant for National Iranian Radio and Television. Returning to SIUE in 1975 as an assistant professor, Regnell became an associate professor of mass communications in 1980 and seven years later was named chair of that department, a post she held until her retirement.
7/30/07
Sisters Obtaining Sisterhood Program Will Serve High School Girls Through The East St. Louis Center
(EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill.) High school females will become more self-confident, develop strong interpersonal skills and increase self love through a new program developed and offered by the SIUE East St. Louis Center TRIO Program, Educational Talent Search.
Sisters Obtaining Sisterhood is the new program and brainchild of Tasha Williams, Educational Talent Search program coordinator. Williams had noticed that many female students in the TRIO Program seemed to be emotionally restless. "Several young ladies came to me and said they wanted an outlet to express themselves," said Williams. She believed in the need so much that she began the program without a budget in 2005.
Later, SIUE's Meridian Society gave the TRIO Program a grant to fund Sisters Obtaining Sisterhood. The Meridian Society is an organization of women in philanthropy dedicated to supporting a variety of SIUE programs.
Now in its second year of operation, Williams recruited Catrice Woods and Kristopher Fields, Upward Bound counselors, to serve as Sisters Obtaining Sisterhood program advisors. Together, they are committed to providing a wholesome think tank setting that engages intelligent dialogue, constructive criticism and inner conflict solutions. "The atmosphere is centered on learning about consequences, choices and responsibilities," Fields said.
In addition, the program puts emphasis on addressing symptoms of peer and societal pressures. "Everything around them focuses on dating," Woods said. "Everyone at school is dating; the kids on TV are dating, and their parent is dating. They are surrounded by pressures to have a boyfriend." After identifying these concerns, the staff addresses the pressures and consequences, and places importance on sexual responsibilities.
"Overall," Fields concluded, "the desired outcome is to help young women become strong women."
7/23/07
SIUE School of Pharmacy's Candidate Status Reaffirmed
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy reached another milestone this month on its journey to accreditation status, with the affirmation of candidate accreditation status for the Doctor of Pharmacy program.
The SIUE School of Pharmacy achieved "candidate status" in 2006. The latest announcement marks another great achievement in the school's young history.
"The reaffirmation of candidate status from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) demonstrates the continued confidence of the organization in our planning and program implementation" said SIUE School of Pharmacy Dean Philip Medon.
The final part of the process happens when the ACPE considers the school for full accreditation, Medon said, adding: "That occurs when the program is found to have met all ACPE standards for accreditation and has graduated its first class."
Jeffrey W. Wadelin, Ph.D. and director of the ACPE's professional degree program stated in a letter to the school: "Your progress towards compliance with the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) standards is in accordance with expectations for a developing program."
Wadelin and the ACPE Board of Directors noted the ongoing efforts to improve and expand the program in collaboration with the University and other partners and stakeholders.
The SIUE School of Pharmacy, located in University Park, values excellence in teaching, pharmacy practice, research-scholarship and service. The program of study is based on current knowledge and technology from pharmacy and other disciplines, and is delivered through a variety of innovative teaching strategies.
There are currently 162 students enrolled in the pharmacy program, with an additional class of 82 joining the student body in August. The inaugural class will graduate in May, 2009.
7/23/07
IDFPR Approves SIUE Courses To Meet Licensure Requirement In Land Surveying
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has approved Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering's request to offer a suite of courses that will meet requirements for licensure in land surveying.
Dianne Slattery, an associate professor of construction and chair of that department, gained the state approvals through a review process that included creation of an advisory board. "The board is made up of local professional land surveyors and we worked for nearly two years to craft a curriculum that would meet the licensing requirements of the state of Illinois without sacrificing the essential elements of the construction management degree," Slattery said.
The construction program, which blends a basic math and science core with engineering and management principles began offering classes in 1979. "Traditionally, land surveying has been closely allied with civil engineering," Slattery said. "However, SIUE Construction students get a minor in business administration, which provides a strong background in the fundamentals of running a business, an essential skill that most land surveyors need and engineering programs do not provide.
"The Construction program tends to attract students who like outdoor work, also an essential element for land surveyors. In practice as well, many larger contractors are bringing land surveying services 'in-house' to capitalize on the surveyors' knowledge throughout the construction process rather than hiring outside firms to do construction staking and layout." Slattery explained the land surveying profession has undergone significant changes over the past two decades, embracing advanced technologies such as the use of computers in gathering, analyzing, plotting and manipulating data, as well as global positioning satellite systems for locating the X, Y and Z coordinates of points on the Earth.
"Land surveying education has changed as well, moving away from traditional apprenticeship-like, experienced-based training to a requirement for a four-year college degree," she said. "Licensure as a professional land surveyor is a two-step process that still contains a significant experience component in addition to formal education.
"In Illinois, applicants to become a Surveyor-in-Training (SIT) must possess a baccalaureate in land surveying or a related science, with at least 24 semester hours of land surveying courses," she said. "After passing the SIT exam, applicants must complete four years of qualifying work experience under the direction of a licensed professional land surveyor to be eligible to sit for the examination to become a professional land surveyor (PLS)."
The SIUE Construction program has been determined to qualify as a "related science," and students opting for the land surveying specialization must take an additional eight hours of coursework over and above the requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, in order to obtain the required 24 semester hours of surveying courses, Slattery pointed out.
According to Slattery, the surveying coursework includes topics in construction surveying, legal aspects of land surveying, boundary surveys, land development, survey computations and applications, and advanced survey systems. In addition, courses in remote sensing, computer mapping and geographic information systems are available from the SIUE Department of Geography, she said.
"The market for this specialization seems strong," Slattery said. "The requirement for a land surveying degree in Illinois is relatively recent (1998), and there are only 20 programs in the United States that offer baccalaureates in land surveying, sometimes named surveying engineering or geomatics."
The Department of Construction is offering three courses in land surveying each semester, Slattery said, using a combination of full time faculty and highly qualified adjunct faculty from the local surveying community. Candidates who already possess a bachelor's may be admitted to SIUE as visiting students to take the land surveying courses.
For more information, call the SIUE Department of Construction, (618) 650-2088, or visit: www.siue.edu/ENGINEER/CONSTRUCT.
7/23/07
SIUE Team Takes First In International Robotics Competition
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville robotics team- Fishtank Assassin-took first place recently at the International Beyond Botball competition in Honolulu, Hawai'i.
Fishtank Assassin members include Ross Mead, a senior majoring in computer science at SIUE; Jeff Croxell, an SIUE graduate student in Electrical and Computer Engineering; and Jerry Weinberg, an associate professor of Computer Science at the University. "The final match was a repeat of last year's final match-up," Weinberg said. "Once again our team found itself going undefeated into the finals of the double elimination contest against the team of Lockheed Martin engineers, called the Return of Pins and Needles. Last year, we took second place after losing two out of three rounds in the final to the same team of engineers."
Weinberg said the competition attracts robot hobbyists, college teams, and professional engineers, who build and program autonomous robots to bring plants and a spaceship crew to a safe location in the face of a pending "warp core reactor explosion."
"During the competition, each member of the crew, represented by the mascot of the Botball competition, Botguy, had to be transported to a safe zone and the door to the zone had to be closed, while the plants, represented by large green foam balls, had to be transported to a solarium," Weinberg explained. "When the reactor goes off, additional points can be made by containing the radioactive particles, represented by small pompons. Fishtank Assassin developed two mobile robots that coordinated their activity to collect the Botguys, close the safe zone door, and then find as many plants as possible to place in the solarium."
Weinberg said the Fishtank Assassin entry was two mobile robots-named Who and What-that used every possible sensor input available to them. It included 11 distance sensors to help itthem navigate to specific locations in the arena, one light sensor for starting, a color camera to track crew members and plants, and a radio module so the two robots could communicate to coordinate their activities.
"The strategy of the Return of Pins and Needles team relied on its robot's speed to get to all of the game pieces before their opponent could reach them; the game elements were always retrieved in the same order," Weinberg said. " Fishtank Assassin's strategy was to program modular behaviors that could be put in different orders. The order game pieces were retrieved was changed to best match up the strategy of their opponent."
To take points away from their opponents, Weinberg pointed out, Who and What's first usual move was to navigate near the opponent's side of the board and reach over to pick-up their plants and then place them in the solarium. "In a critical defensive move, one of the robots, What, was programmed to hold its out-reached arm over the other game pieces on its side of the board, preventing the opponent's large arm robot from getting to them," Weinberg explained.
"In the meantime, our other robot, Who, managed to score most of the game pieces on its side of the board. It was a close match, both sides scoring the same number of crew members and plants. The difference came down to the number of 'nuclear particles' left in the reactor.
"The Fishtank Assassin robots attempted to set off the reactor early in the round to hopefully distribute the particles evenly, but were unsuccessful. The Return of Pins and Needles robot attempted to deflect the particles toward its opponent's side; however, some of the particles were deflected back into the reactor. This made the difference in the score, leaving more of particles contained on Fishtank Assassin's side."
In March, the SIUE team will next enter a new robot challenge that is an autonomous vehicle competition, in which the team will convert an electric golf cart into a self-guided, self-driving robotic vehicle that will navigate the campus pathways.
Click here for photo of What
7/20/07
Student Casts East St. Louis in Good Light
(EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill.) "There's more to East St. Louis than violence" said LaRon Epps, East St. Louis Carter School student. The sophomore has been selected to participate in a documentary project commissioned by the Illinois State Board of Education. "The project is basically about showing the inequalities in the schools in Illinois and there are inequalities, but it shouldn't be that way," said Epps of East St. Louis.
The project is spearheaded by Joe Fatheree, Effingham High School technology instructor, who recently was named Illinois Teacher of the Year. Fatheree selected five high school students from around the state to document the caliber of educational resources that each student receives from their respective school districts. Epps will be the lone male filmmaker in the project.
An objective that guides the film is that Fatheree believes resources should not be centered on ZIPcodes. "Every child should have a good education. Opportunities should not be based on what ZIPcode you are born in," said Fatheree. Growing up in an impoverished community, Fatheree understands the plight many students face living in economically challenged school districts. "I know what it's like to have a lack of exposure, and I know what it's like to have lack of opportunities," said Fatheree. He hopes the film also will inspire youth to take charge of their education and their lives.
Fatheree noticed Epps' storytelling abilities through his photography work for another program, No Barriers Project, which was Fatheree's idea. The Illinois educator wanted to help youth get a closer look at poverty, and he gave Epps his camera to take pictures of life at a homeless shelter. "I noticed Ron had a natural eye for taking photographs, and I thought he would be good for film," said Fatheree.
In the film, Epps plans to capture an alternative view of East St. Louis. "It makes me feel sad that people look at East St. Louis so negatively. I'm glad I will get the chance to prove the stereotype wrong," said Epps.
In the upcoming months, Epps will interview fellow Charter School students, school administrators, community people and possibly local elected officials. Epps will work closely with his advisor, Willis Young, East St. Louis Charter School lead associate/teacher/computer education teacher.
Both Epps and Young are excited about the potential of the project and its impact on East St. Louis. The goal is to assist the Illinois Board of Education in improving the school district's image in Illinois and expose the positive educational factors in the East St. Louis Charter School at the SIUE East St. Louis Center.
The SIUE East St. Louis Charter School is a "School of Choice" for families in the East St. Louis School District. In addition to transfer students, the school provides a second chance at education and training for individuals who have dropped out of East St. Louis public schools. The East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts collaborates in implementing the SIUE East St. Louis Charter School curriculum. The two programs work together to provide students with a well-rounded curriculum in the Arts.
7/20/07
Dance Student Travels to Canada
By Amber Suggs
SIUE East St. Louis Center Public Relations
(EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill.) "I always believed that if you set out to be successful, then you already were." These words from the late, world-renowned matriarch of black dance, Katherine Dunham, best describe Venezia Manuel's recent dance venture. Manuel is a student in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center's Performing Arts program.
Manuel traveled recently with the Performing Arts staff to the International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference at Toronto, Canada. The four-day conference offered master dance classes with internationally acclaimed instructors. The workshop also included panel discussions, multi-company auditions, and dance seminars. Workshop and performances ranged from hip-hop and contemporary modern to ballet. The conference renewed Manuel's commitment to continue to do her best in dance. "I see this as a direction I want to go in the future," said Manuel.
Manuel was most elated to become acquainted with contemporary modern dance and musical theater. "I really liked contemporary modern dance, because you really have to put feeling into it," said Manuel. "I also liked musical theater. It was fun and a lot like acting."
Though the trip to the conference was the first for Venezia, she didn't let it intimidate her. "It was a great experience; I got a chance to learn different dances that I did not know," she said. More importantly, Manuel noted the life lessons that benefited her the most. "I learned to stick to what you believe," she said. "Never give up on what you want to do, and hard work will lead to success."
Venis Manuel, Venezia's mother, accompanied her daughter to the conference. "It was a very valuable opportunity," Mrs. Manuel said. "You get the chance to learn discipline, structure and the performing arts world."
The SIUE East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts, founded by Dunham herself, offers workshops and training classes in dance and allows participants to perform before an audience. The staff is comprised of professional dancers and actors.
7/20/07
SIUE Head Start Mom Wins Parent of the Year
(EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill.) Strength, drive and independence describe Anita Perkins, a young mother who has withstood many afflictions in life. Perkins, a parent volunteer at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Head Start Discovery Center for Little Scholars, has been recognized for her courage and fortitude by the Illinois Head Start Association as the "2007 Parent of the Year."
"I was honored and happy when I found out that I won," said Perkins. "It gave me a lot of self-confidence to know that the sacrifices of my hard work came to light."
The award Perkins received is part of a series of recognition honors and scholarship awards available yearly to Head Start and Early Head Start parents through the National and Illinois Head Start Association. Renata Muhammad, center coordinator for the Discovery Center at the SIUE East St. Louis Center, personally encouraged Perkins to pursue the application process. "She came in my office one day with the application in hand and I told her to go for it. We are proud of her achievements," said Muhammad. "The Discovery Center for Little Scholars staff was so proud of Perkins, and SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start honored her as a Success Family during its recent 24th Annual Parent Recognition Ceremony."
Criteria for selection includes submission of the contestant's personal essay, as well as documented parental involvement in the classroom and staff recommendations. The honor also came with a $1,000 scholarship. Also noteworthy, Perkins' essay application placed second at the National Head Start Association level.
Perkins' story of triumph began at age 16, when she became a mother while coping with her parents' divorce after 25 years of marriage. The family transition led Perkins to become a "second mom" to her two older and two younger siblings. When the pressure became too heavy, Perkins' mother and younger siblings moved away from the area but she stayed behind. During the next school year, Perkins' gave birth to a second child and her Centreville family home burned down. Despite these adversities, Perkins graduated on time from Cahokia High School in 1997.
In 2002, prior to entering Kaskaskia Community College, Perkins had another child. After she began her nursing program, Perkins endured the violent death of an older brother. Even though problems plagued Perkins' life, she never let it diminish her dreams. At the age of eight, Perkins wanted to be a nurse because she liked, "fixing people." In 2003, Perkins enrolled in the Kaskaskia Community College in its License Practical Nursing program and in 2005 the Chamberlain School of Nursing in its Registered Nursing Program.
While Perkins attempted to balance school, work and coping with tragedy, she found time beginning in 2005 to volunteer at her youngest daughter's Head Start class. Her daughter is Jeoria Gilliam. "Children are young for a short time, I made sure to be involved in their lives," said Perkins, who volunteers at least twice a week.
Her passionate involvement doesn't go unnoticed. "Ms. Perkins has such a pleasant and positive attitude. The entire class enjoys her presence, "said Barbara Watts, Head Start teacher. "She does not just focus on her daughter. She is committed to both her daughter's and the other children's learning."
Perkins also remained committed to her own education. She became an RN in 2006 through the Chamberlain School of Nursing. "I never lost sight of my goal of being a nurse. My determination paid off, and it was worth it," said Perkins.
The SIUE Head Start Program administers both the Early Head Start and the Head Start federal grants in St. Clair County. Early Head Start and Head Start provides children of low-income families with comprehensive services to meet their social, mental, emotional and health needs. Early Head Start works with children ages six weeks to three years of age. Head Start works with children ages three to five.
Photo 1: Anita Perkins and her 4-year-old daughter, Jeoria Gilliam, listen to instructions from their SIUE Head Start teacher. (SIUE Photo by Amber Suggs)
Photo 2: Patrice Hagerman, teacher's assistant at the Discovery Center for Little Scholars, speaks with 4-year-old Jeoria Gilliam and her mom, Anita Perkins, 2007 Parent of the Year. (SIUE Photo by Amber Suggs)
Photo 3: Four-year-old Jeoria Gilliams, enjoy a smile with her mother, Anita Perkins, 2007 (SIUE Photo by Amber Suggs)
7/19/07
SIUE Professor Continues The Work Of Her Father
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) With fierce loyalty to her late father, SIU Edwardsville Psychology Professor Eva Dreikurs Ferguson continues to further the teachings of Rudolf Dreikurs, and his mentor, Alfred Adler, at the International Committee of Adlerian Summer Schools and Institutes (ICASSI) conducted by Dr. Ferguson this month in Elspeet, the Netherlands.
Bryce Sullivan, a clinical psychologist and chair of the SIUE Department of Psychology, said Ferguson is considered an internationally renowned scholar in the field of Adlerian Psychology and has devoted much of her career to carrying out the work started by her father. "Dreikurs himself had a vision and a psychological perspective that would bring the ideals of democracy and equality to a world that was reeling from the effects of Nazi Germany and World War II," Sullivan explained.
"The work begun by Adler before his death in 1937 was developed, refined and disseminated by Dreikurs throughout his career."
Each summer, ICASSI trains professionals and families as part of a larger effort to spread the philosophy, principles, and methods of Alfred Adler, its psychological namesake. "The principles of democracy and equality held by my father and Dr. Adler became an intellectual movement feared by dictators and despots throughout the world," Ferguson said. "My father was a younger colleague of Adler in Vienna and, after moving to America, my father became known internationally for his work in psychiatry, child-rearing and classroom management."
Dreikurs began ICASSI in 1962 primarily to promote the ideals of Adler-an effort to which he dedicated his life. Dreikurs' home was in Chicago, but he spent summers lecturing at SIUE in the 1960s and began an Adlerian/Dreikurs connection with the intellectual community of the University.
According to Sullivan, Dr. Ferguson, now a senior faculty member in the Department of Psychology-part of the SIUE School of Education-continues to carry the torch ignited by Adler and nurtured by her father. "In 1945 the world was dealing with the aftermath of World War II's autocratic and tyrannical regimes," Ferguson said, "yet today's dictators around the world continue to limit people's freedom, equality, and their opportunity to learn.
"My father envisioned a world where Adlerian Psychology would do more than foster the well-being of children and families; he sought to bring Adler's principles and methods to schools, organizations, and international relations. The ICASSI summer school was created as an international forum for this work. Its aim is to train people around the globe and to focus on the prevention of psychological and human relations problems rather than on treating problems after they exist."
In 1973, Dr. Ferguson became involved in the organization her father founded. In the past 34 years, she has seen ICASSI impact students, psychologists, and communities throughout the world. In recent years, summer programs were held in Ireland, Malta, and Lithuania. "Important inroads have been made in these countries," Ferguson said. She related how school systems have implemented Adlerian principles, and through the professionals who are trained at the summer school, "parent and marriage education has changed dramatically in many countries, including Ireland."
Ferguson said the ICASSI courses attract from between 200 and 350 participants from around the world each year. The sessions, translated in both German and English, are designed to foster improved international relations, she pointed out, but sometimes they are in the middle of severe international conflicts.
Ferguson said the fear of some authoritarian states about ICASSI may be only due to "closed-mindedness about democratic ideals, but it has led to some scholars being unable to attend the summer school this year," she said. "It has become a situation that limits the free exchange of ideas, and this greatly concerns me."
For more information on ICASSI, visit the Web site: www.icassi.net. For more information about Eva Dreikurs Ferguson see: www.siue.edu/~efergus. For more information about the SIUE Department of Psychology, see www.siue.edu/education/psychology.
Click here for a photo of Dr. Ferguson.
7/17/07
July Employee Of The Month
Click here for photo
Congratulations: Barbara Randle, the secretary in the Department of Mass Communications, is recipient of the July Employee Recognition Award. Randle (second from left in photo) is shown here flanked by Kenneth Neher (at left), vice chancellor for Administration who is presenting the award, and Zixue Tai, assistant professor in the department, who nominated Randle for the distinction. At far right is Patrick Murphy, chair of the department who also nominated Randle. In addition to the plaque she received, Randle was awarded a $25 gift certificate to the SIUE Bookstore, a parking spot close to her office for one month, and two complimentary lunch coupons to the University Restaurant. (SIUE Photo by Denise Macdonald)
7/12/07
BOT Approves Dining Services Purchase, Revises Renovation Budget
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today approved annual purchases of some $2 million in food products, paper products and non-food items as part of a 10-year contract between SIU Edwardsville Dining Services and U.S. Food Service.
The Board also approved revising the project budget and re-bidding for the proposed expansion of the dispensing and sterilization unit at the SIU School of Dental Medicine's Main Clinic.
The board voted on the matters at its regular meeting conducted in Springfield on the campus of the SIU School of Medicine.
Under the proposed contractual agreement with U.S. Food-consisting of a multi-school contract through the Illinois Public Higher Education Cooperative-SIUE Dining Services will purchase food and non-food items for preparation and service. Estimates are that the new contract will offer purchase power that will mean savings for the participating schools.
In addition, the Board approved an increase in the SDM's Main Clinic expansion project budget from $900,000 to $1.25 million to cover inflationary costs and the revised engineer's estimate.
Construction bids were opened in March and found to be higher than originally estimated. It was determined that the project should be re-bid in fall during a "less busy" construction season. Bid specifications also will be revised to give more detailed information so that bidders will be able to fine tune their project estimates.
The SDM Main Clinic was expanded in 2006, which has produced the desired result of an increased number of patient visits; therefore, the size of the clinic's dispensing and sterilization facility needs renovation and expansion to efficiently meet student, patient and faculty needs. The project will be funded through donations, local operation funds and equipment use fees.
7/10/07
MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO-TV OPPORTUNITY
School Violence Discussed During SIUE Classroom Roundtable
WHO: Area teachers taking summer course, Curriculum and Instruction 556: Classroom Management, through the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Education.
WHAT: A roundtable discussion about response to school violence between students of the class and area police chiefs/law enforcement officials.
WHEN & WHERE: 8:15-11 a.m. Thursday, July 12, Founders Hall, room 0111.
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) School shootings, bomb threats, assault and battery-these are issues that teachers in today's classrooms might face.
The school massacre in Columbine, Colo. and the spring shootings at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University make such issues a potential reality for Small Town, U.S.A.
A discussion on classroom violence and response plans will allow area teachers to ask tough questions about the prospect of classroom violence, and get answers from top area professionals in the law enforcement community. Chiefs and officials will come to the classroom from the SIUE, Edwardsville, Collinsville, Maryville, Glen Carbon, East St. Louis and Cahokia police departments.
7/5/07
Click Here For Photo Of Staff Senate Scholarship Winner
Scholar: Kayrilynn Legate of Elsah, holding the certificate at left and a freshman at SIUE who plans to study nursing, is recipient of the 2007 Summer Staff Senate Scholarship. She is shown in the photo (from left) with Melanie Schoenborn, a member of the Staff Senate's award committee; Bob Legate, Kayrilynn's father and associate director of Housing for the University; Jeri Legate, Kayrilynn's mother; Kayli Legate, Kayrilynn's sister; Staff Senate President Kyle Stunkel, holding the other side of the certificate; SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift; and Jesse Harris, a counselor in the Office of Counseling and Advising and also Staff Senate treasurer. The scholarship is awarded annually to an SIUE staff member's child or grandchild eligible under the scholarship's academic guidelines. (SIUE Photo by Denise Macdonald)
7/4/07
Junior and senior high students learn fiber arts techniques during SummerArts 2007 workshop
Junior and senior high school students were taught some exotic techniques in fiber arts during a recent SummerArts 2007 Fiber Workshop. Participants focused on indigo vat dyeing, mask making, weaving, hand and machine sewing, felting, and papermaking from plants, some of which are usually only taught at the college level. The students also were encouraged to explore other fiber techniques in which they were interested, according to Wanda Pitra, coordinator of the SummerArts art workshops for the SIUE Department of Art and Design. "This workshop was very exciting for the students," she said. In Photo 1, Cassie Douglas, of Edwardsville, is shown beginning the felt-making process. In Photo 3, Sierra North, of Glen Carbon, learns how to use the indigo vat. (SIUE Photos by Denise Macdonald)
7/4/07
BIOMET 3i Awards $250K To SIU School of Dental Medicine Program
(ALTON, Ill.) A $250,000 gift over the next five years from a company that offers one of implant dentistry's most comprehensive lines of implants and abutments will allow the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine to enhance its postdoctoral implant program and expand its teaching curriculum for its predoctoral students.
Headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., with operations throughout the world, BIOMET 3i is one of the leading companies in the oral reconstruction market. BIOMET 3i's products are used at dental practices and dental implant clinics, including the SIU Dental Implant Clinic, located in SIUE's University Park.
"The grant from BIOMET 3i will help us reach our educational goal of bringing clinical experience in implant dentistry to our predoctoral dental students," said School of Dental Medicine Dean Ann Boyle. "The commitment made by BIOMET 3i will provide the springboard necessary to advance this program.
"Truly, this gift represents an exciting venture and a promising partnership."
BIOMET 3i also has promised in-kind support of instruments, equipment and education worth an estimated $250,000, and offering to possibly collaborate on research projects in the field of implant dentistry.
For more than 10 years, the School of Dental Medicine has provided postdoctoral implant training at its Edwardsville implant clinic. The money will allow the school to continue providing the training and enhance its educational offerings. Further, the support will allow the dental school to expand some components of the training to its predoctoral students.
"The support from BIOMET 3i will have a tremendous, positive impact on clinical implant education at the school," Boyle said.
7/2/07
Emerita Professor Honored By Alumni As Great Teacher For 2007
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Barbara Regnell, professor emerita of mass communications at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, will be honored at SIUE's Aug. 4 commencement ceremony with the Great Teacher Award.
Sponsored by the Alumni Association, Regnell will accept the award at the 10 a.m. summer term commencement ceremony in SIUE's Vadalabene Center. SIUE alumni nominate candidates for the award by mail or through the association's Web site ( www.siue.edu/alumni) and then the association's Activities Awards Committee chooses from among the nominations.
Regnell retired from SIUE in 1997 after a 30-year career in education. She earned a bachelor of science in speech, with an emphasis in radio and television, at Syracuse University in 1957. A year later, Regnell married a military man whose career took the family to several posts before she was able to earn a master's in speech education in 1966. Regnell then spent a year teaching high school in Syracuse before joining the faculty at SIUE.
During the 1974-75 academic year, Regnell became a visiting professor at the University of Maryland's branch in Teheran, Iran. While there, she also served as professor at the National Institute of Television and Cinematography and also as a master program consultant for National Iranian Radio and Television.
Returning to SIUE in 1975 as an assistant professor, Regnell became an associate professor of mass communications in 1980 and seven years later was named chair of that department until her retirement. At the time of her retirement, Regnell told an interviewer she was proud of the accomplishments of SIUE's mass communications graduates. "We can compete with anyone in the St. Louis Metro Market," she said. "You can't go anywhere in this marketplace without running into an SIUE alum."
7/2/07
National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center Fuels Growth with Siemens
Siemens Energy & Automation Inc. and the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC)-in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's University Park-today announced a partnership to speed the growth of alternative fuel technology. The 10-year agreement between NCERC and Siemens represents hundreds of thousands of dollars in equipment, software and on-site simulation training.
Since 2000, Siemens has supplied the process automation systems for two-thirds of the fuel ethanol plants built in the U.S.
In accepting the gift on behalf of the SIUE Foundation, Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift said the University is strongly committed to the development of bio-fuels technologies. "For the ethanol plants currently under construction in the region," Vandegrift said, "including the $100 million facility being built in Sauget, this represents a very significant contribution to the training and support of a new group of ethanol plant operators."
Opened in 2003, the NCERC-the only research center of its kind in the world-facilitates the commercialization of new technologies for producing ethanol more effectively, resulting in improved ethanol yields and reduction in costs. The Center plays a key role in the Bio-Fuels Industry for Workforce Training to assist in the growing need for qualified personnel to operate and manage bio-fuel refineries across the country. The NCERC also contributes to investigation in agricultural science, which results in creating new jobs and further economic development initiatives in the region.
The SIMATIC® PCS 7 distributed control system and instrumentation from Siemens is now being used by the NCERC to help validate near-term technologies that are enhancing the economics and sustainability of renewable fuel production. "Our clients come to this facility for best-in-class, cutting edge technology," says John Caupert, director of the NCERC. "They are looking for the newest and most efficient ways to convert grain-based feedstock to ethanol. Through our partnership with Siemens, the center will maintain that level of technology."
The announcement by SIEMENS was made today during a tour of the facility sponsored by the Fuel Ethanol Workshop being conducted in St. Louis this week. The workshop, sponsored by BBI International, attracted ethanol plant operators and researchers from around the world.
According to the NCERC, there is a growing demand for new workers in the alternative fuels industry. Center statistics show there are 110 ethanol plants in operation in the U.S. and approximately 80 new plants are under construction. "We are the only organization in the world that offers both classroom training and hands on instruction to anyone," Caupert says. "By collaborating with Siemens, we will be able to offer one-hour seminars and five-day process training sessions on the control system as well as training for the executives who will run the plants."
In January and March 2007, 45 displaced autoworkers from Michigan received comprehensive training during two sessions at the center. The Center also offers internships that provide hands on training for six months to one year. "Our partnership with NCERC gives Siemens the opportunity to help reduce the time it takes to bring alternative fuels to market," says Dave Hankins, vice president, Chemical/Pharmaceutical Center of Competence, Siemens Energy & Automation. "Siemens is committed to the ethanol industry and will continue to look for new opportunities that will grow the viability of the market."
Photo 1: SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift shakes hands with Siemens Vice President David Hankins just after Hankins announces the gift to the University. In Photo 2, the Chancellor chats outside the NCERC with Robert Stephan (left), a representative from U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's office, and Steve Tomaszewski, press secretary for Congressman John Shimkus. The lawmakers could not attend the event because of voting sessions in Washington, D.C. (SIUE Photos by Denise Macdonald)
7/2/07
Disney's High School Musical Sure To Entertain Summer ShowBiz Style
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) With some 2,000 productions expected to be performed by the end of this year nationwide, the juggernaut stage show that is Disney's High School Musical is set to play in Edwardsville later this month at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Cast with local talent, the stage version of the wildly successful Disney movie of the same name brings Troy and Gabriella's love story to Summer ShowBiz 2007 audiences at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, July 12-14 and July 19-23, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 15 and 22, all in the theater of SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall.
If you've been ignoring pop culture for the last several months, the film version of High School Musical hit the Disney Channel in January 2006 and was seen by eight million viewers; the next evening's showing was seen by six million more viewers. It won an Emmy and things really started to happen.
The DVD was released soon after and reached 2.1 million copies sold after only five weeks. Disney reported recently that nearly 60 million viewers have seen the kids from East High School, helped by multiple cable TV airings and DVD sales. By the end of this year, it is reported that the movie will have been televised in 100 countries.
Disney says the soundtrack CD is one of the nation's top-selling albums, reaching No. 10 on the Billboard pop music charts soon after its release, moving to No. 1 for four weeks, then to the third spot and then back up again to the top spot.
The next logical step was to launch a stage version in August 2006; a national professional tour followed and soon thereafter the rights to perform were granted to schools and regional theaters. Next? High School Musical II is scheduled to hit the Disney Channel in August and, of course, High School Musical on Ice is set for the fall.
And, now, local and regional audiences will be able to see it up close and personal in the intimate confines of the Dunham Hall theater at SIUE. "They'll be able to see it very well on our stage," says director Peter Cocuzza, professor of theater and dance at SIUE and chair of that department. "This is a very energetic show with infectious music and dancing."
The story revolves around Troy Bolton, East High's basketball top jock who happens to be a pretty good singer, and Gabriella Montez, a science whiz who also loves to sing. But, each of them hold back from their dream of performing because of peer pressure. The story sends a wholesome message about being true to ourselves and following our hearts to achieve our dreams.
"This musical is aimed at the 'tween' group of kids but many high school students have also been attracted to it," Cocuzza said. "And, parents will like the clear message that it sends to kids, something that Disney has perfected over the years."
The plot also involves funny interaction between the school's drama teacher and the basketball coach, not to mention rival students vying for choice roles in East High's upcoming high school musical.
Some cynics have referred to the musical as Romeo and Juliet meets Grease, but there's no denying the popularity of this phenomenon. "The stage version is about 60 percent music, with some very creative choreography; I think this could become a musical theater classic," Cocuzza said.
Although the stage version faithfully follows the plot of the film, Cocuzza points out there are new tunes added to the score. "The choreography is very similar but we've added our own style," he said, "and we've added screen projections that will enhance the production."
A cast of 36 will include five local high schoolers, 29 college-age actors who are still young enough to appear as high schoolers and also two older adults. "This will be a good theater experience, which is something we always try to deliver during Summer ShowBiz."
Tickets for Disney's High School Musical are $15; senior citizens and students, $12; and are available through SIUE's Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.
Click here for a cast photo
7/2/07
TheBANK Of Edwardsville To Open Banking Center At SIUE
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Beginning Aug. 13, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students and employees will see a new neighbor in the Morris University Center-TheBANK of Edwardsville.
TheBANK's Cougar Banking Center will offer "innovative products and outstanding customer service" across Goshen Lounge from Starbucks and Auntie Anne's Pretzels, according to Tom Holloway, president of TheBANK of Edwardsville.
The new center is located in the spot formerly housing SIUE Print and Design, which has been moved to a convenient location on the second floor of the Morris Center.
Holloway said the Banking Center will offer full-service banking options, with the exception of safety-deposit boxes. TheBANK's full service banking includes loans, trusts, investments and customer service that is "second to none," Holloway explained.
TheBANK also will serve the SIUE banking community with new Club Services designed to benefit students, faculty and staff. Other customers of TheBANK also may utilize the Cougar Banking Center when visiting SIUE. "Of course, new customers are always welcome," Holloway said.
"We are so thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the SIUE community, offer them products to help them reach their financial goals, and help build a partnership between TheBANK and the University. This is a very special opportunity for TheBANK and one that we are very excited to approach," Holloway said.
"We promise to offer students, faculty and staff of SIUE the outstanding customer service and products for which TheBANK has built its reputation. TheBANK has a long tradition of providing personal service, offering the most innovative products and giving back to the community in which it serves."
As it has since 1980, TheBANK will continue to provide an ATM location inside the Morris Center, according to Morris Center Director Mary Robinson. "The ATM has been used widely throughout the years, but now our students will have access to many more services. We've been talking about this possibility for some time now and we're very excited that it will soon be a reality," Robinson said.
"Our philosophy at the Morris Center is based on service to students," she said. "We like to say the Morris Center is the students' home away from home. With the opening of TheBANK's Cougar Banking Center, we are furthering that philosophy."
Holloway pointed with pride to the fact that SIUE is celebrating its 50th birthday this year. "TheBANK of Edwardsville has watched and celebrated the growth of the University and the many outstanding programs, students and citizens it has brought to our community.
"In tandem, we too have experienced growth and believe that SIUE and TheBANK make outstanding partners in this new endeavor, and share in our dedication to the community and those we serve."
Narbeth Emmanuel, SIUE vice chancellor for Student Affairs, sees the new banking center as representative of the University's long-standing commitment to not only students and employees but also to the surrounding community. "One of our SIUE goals is Active Community Engagement," Emmanuel said. "As an important resource in Southwestern Illinois, the University is continually mindful of its role in the surrounding communities and this is an excellent example of how we achieve those goals.
"We pride ourselves in the community partnerships we've created and this new partnership with TheBANK of Edwardsville continues that commitment," Emmanuel said.
The Cougar Banking Center will be open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday thru Friday; weekend hours will be available during special on-campus events.
TheBANK has locations in Edwardsville, Alton, Belleville, Bethalto, Collinsville, Glen Carbon, Granite City, Highland, O'Fallon, Pontoon Beach and Troy, and has assets exceeding $1.1 billion. For more information
