SIUE's Xfest Brings Theater Companies From Both Coasts To Campus

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's first experimental theater festival, Xfest, will bring an exciting array of talent to campus Wednesday-Saturday, May 12-15. The Xfest is planned as a festival of theatrical experimentation, often described as a presentation of innovative works as well as the development of new concepts and techniques in stage production.

Four theater companies from SIUE, Seattle and New York City will perform over four nights in SIUE's James F. Metcalf Theater, unless otherwise noted:

• 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 12- Whammy!! The Seven Secrets to a Sane Self will be performed by members of the SIUE Theatre 310b class-Oprah Winfrey and Ethel Merman. Dr. Phil and Phil Silvers, Nietzche and The Shirelles? The artistic team that brought you The Probe: An Inquiry Into the Meteoric Rise and Spectacular Fall of Orson Welles in Hollywood rides again in this madcap multi-media dance-theatre comic exploration of self-help, sexual dysfunction, 1960s dance parties, obsessive-compulsive disorder, pharmaceutical bliss and suicide. Want to know the seven secrets to a sane self? You know you do. And there's only one way to find out. Dig?

• 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 13-" [ ]" will be performed by Red Metal Mailbox, a New York-based company-When you try to define something important-capture it, pin it down-it simply shifts out of view. You can only see it properly if you don't look at it straight on. You have to squint a little. Look at it sideways. You see it in a flash of understanding and then it's gone, and you spend the rest of your life trying to remember what it was. Hailed by the New York Times as "fabulously strange, delicious, engaging and nuanced," Red Metal Mailbox's newest work premiered at The Chocolate Factory Theater in New York City in the spring 2009.

Red Metal Mailbox is a New York City based company that creates investigative performance. Their work has been presented at The Public Theater (365 Days/365 Plays), The Chocolate Factory Theater, Dixon Place, P.S. 122′s Homeroom, Dance Theater Workshop's 40Forward, and Galapagos Art Space among other venues in New York City, as well as at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival and the Metcalf Experimental Theater at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Artistic director Sarah Maxfield is a graduate of the SIUE Department of Theatre and Dance.
• 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 14-The Medicine Showdown by The Flying Carpet Theatre Co., a New York-based company-Set in small-town Georgia during the 1918 global influenza pandemic, this original work pits a crusading doctor against an entourage of "snake oil" salesmen. Public health seems at odds with the town's economic interests as civic leaders debate shutting down all public gatherings-including the popular and lucrative local medicine show. Interwoven with the realistic play (inspired by Henrik Ibsen's classic Enemy of the People) are scenes from a period medicine show, complete with tap dance, old time melodrama, country music and vaudeville style comedy.

Based in New York City, The Flying Carpet Theatre (FCT) creates work that fuses vaudeville style entertainment-mime, circus, conjuring, puppetry, dance and clowning. With a special eye toward nurturing new bold voices, the FCT has introduced several important artists to New York. For its inaugural production, FCT presented 1001 Nights, an original musical by Robert Lopez who went on to win the Tony Award for Avenue Q and then followed with a mime and magic show called The Dancing Handkerchief, of which the New York Times raved, "you will fall under its spell."

• 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 15- Zen Tales by UMO Ensemble from Seattle, in the theater at SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall-During the past 23 years, UMO Ensemble has become known as one of the most innovative, compelling and critically acclaimed performance companies based in the Pacific Northwest. The ensemble has performed throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. As its mission, the UMO Ensemble is dedicated to "providing awe, challenge and inspiration" to theater audiences. The group will not disappoint as they take the Arts & Issues stage in SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall with their irreverent approach to Zen: share the experience of the red nose monk clowns tackling ancient Buddhist, Zen and Sufi stories through mask, puppetry, live music and laughter.

Talk back sessions will be conducted following each performance, with directors and cast members fielding audience questions. Xfest workshops on campus will be open to the public and students. For more information, visit the website: siue.edu/xfest, or call the SIUE Department of Theater and Dance (618) 650-5614.

SIUE Alumni Association To Host Wine Tasting At Crushed Grapes

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Alumni Association will play host to a wine tasting from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, May 15, at Crushed Grapes Wine Shop in Edwardsville. Admission is $10 for unlimited wine and beer tasting, in addition to cheese and meat trays, crackers and fruit. "Those who attend may enjoy indoor seating or grab an outdoor table under the tents," says Bev George, president of the association's board of directors. "We are very excited to kick off the summer alumni events with this wine tasting at Crushed Grapes."

The popular wine shop, 1500 Troy Road, was opened in 1999 by Len and Arlene Scaturro, who have specialized in products from hundreds of wineries, distilleries and breweries throughout the world. The wine selection features an array of well known labels and boutique labels.

Those interested in attending may register on the SIUE Alumni Affairs Web site: www.siue.edu/alumni, or, by calling (618) 650-2760. For more information, contact Katie Bennett, assistant director of Alumni Affairs, (618) 650-2762, or by e-mail: kabenne@siue.edu.

The SIUE Cougar Gets In The Spirit Of Tradition

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's commencement is just around the corner and even the Cougar in the Stratton Quadrangle is getting in the spirit of things-with a little help from his friends.

In the photo, SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift and graduating Past Student Body President Laurie Estilette use ladders to help the Cougar don the traditional mortar board and tassel in honor of May 8 commencement exercises, where some 1,800 students will be eligible to graduate as the SIUE Class of 2010. (SIUE Photo by Bill Brinson)

SIUE Roller Hockey Club Team Places Second In National Tourney

The SIUE Roller Hockey Club won second place in the National Collegiate Roller Hockey association national tournament earlier this month at San Jose, Calif. The Cougars club team, going 10-7-1 for the season, took out Brockport State University of New York in the "pool play" (round robin) 8-7 and Missouri State 4-3 but lost to Chico State 3-2.

In the elimination round, SIUE had wins over Kennesaw State 7-6, UC San Diego 7-4 and in the semi-final round 7-3 against the University of Tampa. But the club team lost to West Chester (Pa.) University 7-5 in the final game.

In the photo taken during Springfest recently, SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift (third from left) displays the club team's second-place plaque. He also is joined by Keith Becherer (far left), the group's advisor, and Coach Andrew Tucker (far right), of Edwardsville. Members of the team (from left) are Chance Webb, of Bolingbroke; Jason Walker, of Edwardsville; Lance Terstriep, of Quincy; William Shacklady, of O'Fallon; and Aaron Tucker, also of Edwardsville. (SIUE Photo by Bll Brinson)

SIUE Business Students Honored For Their Accomplishments

The School of Business recently honored some 60 students for academic excellence and leadership at the School's Annual Scholarship and Awards Program. "The School of Business is fortunate to have the support of individuals, corporations, and organizations that provide annual or endowed scholarships assisting deserving students," said Judy Woodruff, director of development for the School. "The Scholarship and Awards Program is a way to recognize outstanding students, to thank scholarship sponsors for their generosity, and to introduce them to the student receiving their scholarship."

Business Dean Gary Giamartino, speaking at the ceremony, said the School has 1,300 students enrolled and that the students being honored were receiving more than $80,000 in scholarships. "Therefore, it is apparent why it is crucial that our University secures additional scholarship funds, both annual and endowed, so that we can continue to attract and retain outstanding students by offering them the highest quality business education possible," Giarmartino said. He thanked the donors in the audience for their generous support. "Without this support, some of the students in this room today would have a difficult time continuing their education." The keynote speaker for the event was Connie J. Turner, vice president of Human Resources at Hortica Insurance and Employee Benefits in Edwardsville. Lindsay M. Myers, of Chillicothe, who won the St. Louis Chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma Award, made remarks from a student's perspective.

The SIUE School of Business is among an elite 5 percent of business schools worldwide that have earned prestigious accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB). The accounting program at SIUE also has AACSB accreditation, among only 11 percent of business schools in the United States and Canada to hold that distinction.

Below are the students who were recognized listed by hometowns; clicking on the name(s) of the recipient(s) will bring up a photo of the recipient(s) and sponsor(s) of the award, unless otherwise noted:

ILLINOIS

BARTELSO: Elena Y. Taylor-The Stuart E. White Accounting Scholarship-In the photo (from left) are School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino, Taylor, and Allen Hunt, assistant professor of accounting at SIUE.

BELLEVILLE: Heather Fischer-The Phoenix Fund Scholarship-In the photo (from left) are School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino, Fischer, and Allen Hunt, assistant professor of accounting at SIUE.

April Heise-The AMA Student Organization Scholarship-In the photo, Heise is presented the award by School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino. At far left is Edmund Hershberger, associate professor of management and marketing and adviser to the AMA Student Organization. At far left is Associate Management and Marketing Professor Ralph Giacobbe, chair of that department.

Theresa A. Pylka-The Jerry Frances Sitek Information Systems Award-In the photo, Pylka receives the award from School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino. At left is Computer Management and Information Systems Professor Douglas Bock, chair of that department. Allen Sitek is sponsor of this award.

Jasmine N. White-The Harry and Lena Rosner Memorial Scholarship-In the photo (from left to right) are School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino, White, and Allen Hunt, assistant professor of accounting at SIUE.

CALUMET CITY: Dometi A. Pongo-The Messing Family Scholarship-In the photo, Pongo receives the award from School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino. The late Wilma Messing and the Messing Family Foundation created this award.

CARLYLE: Michael A. Hopkins-The Department of Management IBS Award

CASEYVILLE: Elizabeth M. Huffman-The William and Florence Schmidt Memorial Scholarship-In the photo (from left) are a total of four winners: Rachel L. Crouch, of Staunton; Lauren N. Fairchild, of Mattoon; Huffman; and Lindsay D. Kennedy, of Rockford. In the center is School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino. John and Peggy Schmidt and the William E. Schmidt Foundation are sponsors of the scholarship.

CENTRALIA: Curtis L. Huge-The George E. Arambula '81 CMIS Scholarship-In the photo, Huge receives the award from School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino. At left is Computer Management and Information Systems Professor Douglas Bock, chair of that department.

CHILLICOTHE: Lindsay M. Myers-St. Louis Area Alumni Chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma Award and chosen as speaker for the student remarks during the ceremony. In the photo (from left to right) are Emeritus Professor David Ault, of economics and finance at SIUE, School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino, Myers, and Paul Baeske, of the Beta Gamma Sigmna chapter. She also won an honorable mention in the Cougars Abroad International Photo Award. In this second photo, Myers is presented a certificate by the School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino with Associate Dean Janice R. Joplin, director of International Programs for the School of Business.

COLLINSVILLE: Kevin M. Hawkins-The AmerenIP Scholarship-In the photo (from left to right) are Rich Conner, of AmerenIP, School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino, Hawkins, and Gussie Reed, also of AmerenIP.

COULTERVILLE: Sarah M. Parkinson-The Kloos Student Grant.

DEWEY: Kelsey N. Norris-The Jerome J. Hollenhorst Scholarship-In the photo are Norris and School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino presenting the award.

EDELSTEIN: Anna N. Bishop-The E.R. Casstevens Award for Excellence in Business Communications-In the photo (from left to right) are School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino and Bishop.

EDWARDSVILLE: Kelly A. Ayres-The Economics Alumni Graduate Student Award-At the presentation, Ayres is flanked by School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino (at left) and Economics and Finance Professor Rik Hafer, chair of that department.

Nicholas R. Clevenger-The Syllogis Teks Scholarship-In the photo, School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino, awards the certificate to Clevenger. At left is Douglas Bock, professor of computer management and information systems and chair of that department at SIUE.

Sheena M. Collins-The Financial Executives International Scholarship-In the photo (from left) are School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino, Collins, and Allen Hunt, assistant professor of accounting at SIUE.

Kathleen K. Meehan-The Rotary Club of Edwardsville Scholarship-In the photo School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino presents the award to Meehan, joined by Greg Coffey, representing the Rotary Club of Edwardsville.

Nicole Kinnison-First Prize in Cougars Abroad International Photo Awards competition-In the photo, School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino presents the award to Kinnison with Associate Dean Janice R. Joplin, director of International Programs for the School of Business.

Michael J. Missroon-The Wilbur L. Campbell Jr. Outstanding Student Leadership Award-In the photo (from left) are Roberta and Patrick Calvin, cosponsors of the award, School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino, Missroon, and Marcy Pinnell, also co-sponsor of the award. Co-sponsors established the award to honor Professor Campbell, one of their former teachers.

Serhat Yildiz-Luan Memorial Scholarship in Economics-In the photo, Yildiz (holding certificate) is on the stage with (from left) School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino, as well as Dr. and Mrs. David Luan, who, along with the late Hsaio-Wen Luan, sponsor the award. David Luan is an emeritus professor of economics. At far right is Economics and Finance Professor Rik Hafer, chair of that department.

EFFINGHAM: Kaylee Krischel-Homer and Helen L. Cox Scholarship-In the photo (from left) are School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino; Andrew S. Foster of Sesser and Jeffry Harrison of Red Bud, who were two other winners; Krischel; and Douglas Bock, professor of computer management and information systems and chair of that department at SIUE.

FLORA: Trenton Harvey-Michael and Judith M. Blase '77 Woodruff Entrepreneurship Scholarship, and the Robert A. and Margaret K. Schultheis Scholarship. In the photo, Michael and Judith Blase Woodruff (far left and far right) endowed the scholarship; however, this year's award was made possible by Dr. John Mosser. Also shown (at center) is School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino presenting the Entrepreneurship scholarship to Harvey. In a photo not shown, Giamartino also awarded Harvey the Schultheis scholarship. Dr. Schultheis is an emeritus professor of Computer Management and Systems Information who now resides in Florida.

FULTS: Quinn Rodenberg-The BKD, LLP Scholarship-In the photo (from left) are Joe Thompson, of BKD, LLP; School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino, Rodenberg and Allen Hunt, assistant professor of accounting.

GALESBURG: Stephanie J. Medhurst-Second Honorable Mention in The Cougars Abroad International Photo Awards competition-She was unable to attend the ceremony.

GERMANTOWN: Lauren K. Dierkes-The Robert S. Hoeke Scholarship-In the photo are Dierkes and School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino presenting the Hoeke Award, which is sponsored by friends, students and colleagues of Hoeke, a retired professor of Computer Management and Information Systems. In this second photo , Giamartino (left) presents The MRV Iyengar Memorial Award in Economics to Dierkes with Economics and Finance Professor Rik Hafer, chair of that department. Nick and Nalini Mysore, who reside in Texas, sponsor this award.

GODFREY: Sarah L. McPike -The Boeing Co. Scholarship-In the photo (from left) are Kay Guse, of The Boeing Co.; McPike; School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino, and Stephanie M. Bloch, of Quincy, another winner.

GRANITE CITY: Kyle D. Adams -Meridian Scholar-In the photo, School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino, who presented the awards, is at far left. Meridian Scholar Recipients (from left) are Adams, Stephanie Bloch of Quincy and Andrew S. Foster of Sesser.

HAMILTON: Emily C. Mast-The John W. Leonard Scholarship-In the photo is School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino presenting the award to Mast. Dr. and Mrs. Kumar Jain created this scholarship.

JERSEYVILLE: Bethann M. Autery-The John W. and Jane R. Mosser Scholarship for Creativity in Marketing-In the photo, Autery is presented the award by School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino. At right is Associate Management and Marketing Professor Ralph Giacobbe, chair of that department. John and Jane Mosser are sponsors of this award. They reside in Massachusetts. John is a 1981 SIUE marketing alumnus.

MARYVILLE: Randy G. Venhaus-The Jensen Baeske Group Scholarship-In the photo (from left) are Jodi L. Vogt, of Montrose, another winner; School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino; Venhaus; and Paul Baeske, of the Jensen Beaske Group. Jason E. Jensen, also of the Jensen Baeske Group, could not attend.

MATTOON: Lauren N. Fairchild-The William and Florence Schmidt Memorial Scholarship-In the photo (from left) are a total of four winners: Fairchild, Rachel L. Crouch, of Staunton; Elizabeth M. Huffman, of Caseyville; and Lindsay D. Kennedy, of Rockford. In the center is School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino. John and Peggy Schmidt and the William E. Schmidt Foundation are sponsors of the scholarship.

MONTROSE: Jodi L. Vogt-The Jensen Baeske Group Scholarship-In the photo (from left) are Vogt; School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino; Randy G. Venhaus, of Maryville; and Paul Baeske, of the Jensen Beaske Group. Jason E. Jensen, also of the Jensen Baeske Group, could not attend.

MEDORA: Kseniya S. Petrova-The Beta Gamma Sigma Award-The award is sponsored by Dr. and Mrs. David Ault, a professor emeritus of economics and finance in the School. In the photo (from left to right) are Ault, School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino, and Petrova.

NEW CANTON: Alison M. Elledge-The Darrell Lee Davidson Honors Award in Marketing-In the photo, Elledge is presented the award by School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino. At right is Associate Management and Marketing Professor Ralph Giacobbe, chair of that department. The award is sponsored by Mrs. Robert Davidson.

NEW DOUGLAS: Andrea L. Kuttin-The RubinBrown LLP Accounting Scholarship and the R. Marty Burns Memorial Scholarship-In the photo (from left to right) are Kristen Smith, of RubinBrown, School of Business
Dean Gary Giamartino, Kuttin, Kate Vogel, also of RubinBrown, and Allen Hunt, assistant professor of accounting.

Chelsie A. Lesicko-The Thomas DuHadway Memorial Award-In the photo (from left) are Lesicko and School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino presenting the award.

NEW WINDSOR: Emalie A. Whan-Grand Prize in The Cougars Abroad International Photo Awards competition-In the photo, School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino presents the award to Whan with Associate Dean Janice R. Joplin, director of International Programs for the School of Business.

O'FALLON: Maria R. Llewellyn-Third Place Prize winner in The Cougars Abroad International Photo Award competition. In the photo, School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino presents the award to Llewellyn with Associate Dean Janice R. Joplin, director of International Programs for the School of Business.

Michael E. McCarthy-The Sarah Sullivan Award in Management-In the photo, McCarthy is presented the award by School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino. At right is Associate Management and Marketing Professor Ralph Giacobbe, chair of that department. The late Sarah Ott Sullivan created this award.

PEORIA: Jarrett Northington-Hortica Insurance and Employee Benefits Scholarship-In the photo (from left) are School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino; Northington; and representatives of Hortica-Joan Lebkuecher and Connie Turner.

PONTIAC: Jeremy Peissig-The Enterprise Rent-A-Car Student Organization Leader Of The Semester Award-In the photo (from left) are Tom Pruesser and Lee Lewis, both of Enterprise; Peissig; School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino; Kristofer Lafore, another Enterprise winner; and Tina Diehl and Steve Talbott, also both of Enterprise.

QUINCY: Stephanie M. Bloch-The Boeing Co. Scholarship and a Meridian Scholar-In the photo (from left) are Kay Guse, of The Boeing Co.; Sarah L. McPike, of Godfrey, another winner; School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino, and Bloch. In this second photo, Dean Giamartino (far left) presented SIUE's Meridian Scholar Awards to (from left) Kyle Adams, of Granite City; Bloch; and Andrew Foster, of Sesser.

RED BUD: Jeffry Harrison-Homer and Helen L. Cox Scholarship-In the photo (from left) are School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino; Andrew S. Foster of Sesser, another winner; Harrison; Kaylee Krischel, a third winner; and Douglas Bock, professor of computer management and information systems and chair of that department at SIUE. Harrison also was one of only four regional winners of the Society for Information Management (SIM) Scholarship. In this second photo, Harrison (holding certificate) is flanked by Karen Tapy, an SIUE alumna and vice president for programs for the SIM Board of Directors, and School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino. At far left is Douglas Bock, professor of computer management and information systems and chair of that department at SIUE.

ROCKFORD: Lindsay D. Kennedy-The William and Florence Schmidt Memorial Scholarship-In the photo (from left) are a total of four winners: Lauren N. Fairchild, of Mattoon; Rachel L. Crouch, of Staunton; Elizabeth M. Huffman, of Caseyville; and Kennedy. In the center is School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino. John and Peggy Schmidt and the William E. Schmidt Foundation are sponsors of the scholarship.

SESSER: Andrew S. Foster-Homer L. Cox Scholars Program and a Meridian Scholar-In the photo (from left) are School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino, Foster, Jeffrey Harrison of Red Bud and Kaylee Krischel of Effingham, who were two other winners, and Douglas Bock, professor of computer management and information systems and chair of that department at SIUE. In this second photo, School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino presents SIUE's Meridian Award to Kyle D. Adams, of Granite City; Stephanie Bloch of Quincy; and Foster.

SHUMWAY: Michael S. Ealy-The Enterprise Rent-A-Car Emerging Leader Scholarship-In the photo (from left) are Tom Pruesser and Lee Lewis, both of Enterprise; School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino; Ealy; and Tina Diehl and Steve Talbott, also both of Enterprise.

Jeremy E. Lagerhausen-The John F. and Diane L. Schrage Scholarship-In the photo, Lagerhausen receives the award from School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino. At left is Computer Management and Information Systems Professor Douglas Bock, chair of that department. John Schrage is an emeritus professor; he and his wife reside in San Francisco.

SMITHTON: Lauren N. Jalinsky-The James A. Yates Jr. Award in Economics-In the photo, Jalinsky is flanked by School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino and Economics and Finance Professor Rik Hafer, who chairs that department. The late Sarah Ott Sullivan created this scholarship.

SPRINGFIELD: Christopher S. West-The Marian & Boulton B. Miller Award in Computer Management and Information Systems-In the photo, West receives the award from School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino. At left is Computer Management and Information Systems Professor Douglas Bock, chair of that department. Dr. Boulton B. Miller, a former Computer Management and Information Systems faculty member at SIUE, is sponsor of this award.

Alexis M. White-The Professional Achievement Scholarship-In the photo School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino presents the award to White. The award is sponsored by Nancy S. Starnes, BS '85 in Business Administration and an MBA '87, who could not attend.

STAUNTON: Rachel L. Crouch-The William and Florence Schmidt Memorial Scholarship-In the photo (from left) are a total of four winners: Lauren N. Fairchild, of Mattoon; Crouch; Elizabeth M. Huffman, of Caseyville; and Lindsay D. Kennedy, of Rockford. In the center is School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino. John and Peggy Schmidt and the William E. Schmidt Foundation are sponsors of the scholarship.

SWANSEA: Kristofer J. Lafore-The Enterprise Rent-A-Car Student Organization Leader Of The Semester Award-In the photo (from left) are Tom Pruesser and Lee Lewis, both of Enterprise; Jeremy Peissig, another Enterprise Award winner; School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino; Lafore; and Tina Diehl and Steve Talbott, also both of Enterprise.

TROY: Samuel C. Stowe-The Waterways Management Scholarship-In the photo School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino presents the award to Stowe. The Propeller Club of St. Louis sponsors this scholarship.

URBANA: Megan E. Barron-The Harold Boeschenstein Award in Marketing-In the photo, Barron is presented the award by School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino. At right is Associate
Management and Marketing Professor Ralph Giacobbe, chair of that department. The award was created by friends of Mr. Boeschenstein.

VALMEYER: Frank J. Schiffner-The Edward K. Brennar Award in Business Management-In the photo, Schiffner is presented the award by School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino. At right is Associate Management and Marketing Professor Ralph Giacobbe, chair of that department. The late Dale Blount, a retired SIUE professor, created this award.

VANDALIA: Sarah R. Hutchison-First Choice Scholar's Award.

WASHINGTON: Emily M. Corray-The Owen Jacquemin Sullivan Award in Business Administration-In the photo School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino presents the award to Corray. The late Sarah Ott Sullivan created the award.

WATERLOO: Cynthia M. Notter-The Denise L. Suhrenbrock '95 Scholarship-In the photo (from left to right) are School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino, Notter, and Allen Hunt, assistant professor of accounting at SIUE.

WORDEN: Rebecca L. Cassens-Second Place winner in The Cougars Abroad International Photo Awards competition. She could not attend the event.

All images are SIUE Photos by Bill Brinson.

Renowned Artist To Display Work At Alma Mater May 13-June 27

Millions of people have seen the work of Gib Singleton, a Southern Illinois University Edwardsville graduate who may be best known for creating the crucifix atop the crosier of the late John Paul II during his time as Pope and now carried by Pope Benedict XVI.

Singleton's sculpture inspires in seemingly diverse locations, ranging from the Vatican Museum to the Cowboy Hall of Fame, and from the Holocaust Martyrs and Heroes Remembrance Authority to private collections around the world.

For the first time, 28 of the artist's works-representing religious, western, and contemporary subjects-will be on display at his alma mater in the exhibit, From the Earth, from Thursday, May 13 ^th, through Sunday, June 27 ^th in SIUE's Morris University Center Gallery.

A native Missourian, Singleton was raised in Granite City and attended SIU Carbondale before enrolling at SIUE. He attended classes at what was then known as the Alton Residence Center and then at Edwardsville when the main campus opened in 1965. He graduated two years later and went on to study at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Singleon's efforts earned him a Fulbright Scholarship to study at the Accademia di Bella Arti in Florence, Italy. While there, he was made part of the team responsible for the restoration of Michelangelo's Pieta, after it was damaged by a vandal in1972.

Now 74, Singleton lives and works in Santa Fe, NM, where much of his art is on display at Galerie Zűger, and he just completed life-size representations of the 14 Stations of the Cross, which will be loaned to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe for the next 25 years.

For more information on the exhibit or the artist, visit the website: www.siue.edu/alumni, or contact Steve Jankowski, director of Alumni Affairs, (618) 650-2346.

The exhibit is being presented through a partnership of the SIUE Alumni Association, the SIUE Meridian Society, the SIUE University Museum, the Morris University Center, SIUE Friends of Art, the Edwardsville Arts Council, and the Jacoby Arts Center in Alton.

Inaugural SIUE Experimental Theater Festival To Explode On Campus May 12-15

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's first experimental theater festival, Xfest, will explode on campus Wednesday-Saturday, May 12-15. The Xfest is a festival of theatrical experimentation, often described as a presentation of innovative works as well as the development of new concepts and techniques in stage production.

Four theater companies will perform over four nights in SIUE's James F. Metcalf Theater, unless otherwise noted:

• 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, Whammy!! The Seven Secrets to a Sane Self will be performed by members of the SIUE Theatre 310b class;
• 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 13, " [ ]" will be performed by Red Metal Mailbox, a New York-based company;
• 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 14, The Medicine Showdown by The Flying Carpet Theatre Co., a New York-based company; and
• 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 15, Zen Tales by UMO Ensemble from Seattle, in the theater at SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall.

Talk back sessions will be conducted following each performance, with directors and cast members fielding audience questions. Xfest workshops on campus will be open to the public and students. For more information, visit the website: siue.edu/xfest, or call the SIUE Department of Theater and Dance, (618) 650-5614.

SIUE School of Pharmacy, American Lung Association Hosting Lung Walk

The American Lung Association's Edwardsville Lung Walk will begin with registration at 8 a.m. and kick off at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 1, at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

This year's walk is co-sponsored by the American Lung Association Illinois and the SIUE School of Pharmacy. Community volunteers have paved the way for the event, which will start at the Technology Management Center in SIUE's University Park. The course follows a 3-mile path.

School of Pharmacy Dean Philip J. Medon will open the event with a ribbon cutting and make remarks about the importance of the function, which raises money for lung health and educational awareness initiatives.

SIUE faculty and staff members, as well as students, from all disciplines across campus have worked with community and organization volunteers throughout the area to make this year's event successful, organizing teams and raising money.

"Lung disease affects virtually everyone, whether directly or indirectly," Medon said. "Having SIUE School of Pharmacy students both organize and participate in the Lung Walk showcases the importance of this issue-both from a fundraising and advocacy standpoint."

Refreshments will be served the day of the event. Participants will receive free T-shirts.

Businesses that donate any amount will be recognized for their support and encouragement. To register a team or donate, visit lungil.org for more information.

SIUE Education Major Elected To Statewide Student IEA Position

Michael Ruggless of Alton, a junior studying secondary education-with an emphasis in geography and social science-at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, is the Illinois Education Association's (IEA) Student Program chair-elect. Ruggless, who is a member of the SIUE chapter of the IEA, will serve in the state level position during 2010-11 beginning in July and will become chair for 2011-12, overseeing activities of the student association.

The student program is a pre-professional organization of undergraduate and graduate students preparing for careers in education. As a member of the IEA Student Program, students are also part of the larger Illinois Education Association, an educational professional organization representing more than 128,000 members in the state.

Earth Day Celebration Slated at The Gardens At SIUE

The 40th Anniversary of Earth Day will be celebrated from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday in The Gardens at SIUE.

Activities will include Take back the Turf, which will involve using newspaper to expand several flower beds throughout The Gardens, starting at the Myer Arboretum Plaza; Trash for Trinkets, in cooperation with the Student Organization for Sustainability (SOS,) which will involve cleaning up trash in the area and exchanging it for a trinket from SOS and Convert CO2 into O2, by planting trees and shrubs in designated areas.

Students, faculty members, staff and the community all are welcome to participate in the day's activities. Students can sign up through the Kimmel Leadership Center. Others interested in participating can call Doug Conley, director of The Gardens, (618) 650-3788.

Suzuki Strings To Present Its Spring Festival Concert April 25

(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The SIUE Suzuki Program will be hosting its annual Spring Festival Concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 25, at LeClaire Christian Church. This concert features all of the students in the program-from 3-year old beginners to high school seniors-all performing Suzuki literature. The Suzuki program at SIUE offers instruction in violin, viola, and cello, and each instrument will be well represented at the concert. Admission is free and the public is invited.

"We would especially like to invite families who are interested in lessons for their children, said Vera McCoy-Sulentic, director of the program. "This is a great chance for parents and their children to observe and find out more about the Suzuki philosophy and method of teaching stringed instruments. Adults also are welcome," she said. All ages of string students are strongly encouraged to enroll for private lessons; students may begin during summer and continue during the school year. They may also attend the Suzuki summer camp, July 20- 23. For information about any of these opportunities, call the Suzuki office, (618) 650-2839, or visit the Web site: www.siue.edu/artsandsciences/music/suzuki.

SIUE Hosts 2010 Greater St. Louis & Global Tournaments, Conference

Two exciting public events showcasing the latest in robotics and computer technology will put Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in the spotlight this spring and summer.

SIUE will host the 2010 Greater St. Louis Botball Regional Tournament during a one-day event on Saturday, April 24 in the Morris University Center. The public is invited to attend seeding rounds starting at 10 a.m., during which time robotics teams will take their robots through a pre-designed course to determine team placement for the double-elimination round later in the day. Double elimination rounds begin at 1:30 p.m. and an awards presentation will follow the activities at 5:30 p.m.

For the fourth year the university will play host to 20 teams of about 200 middle- and high-school students, as well as parents and teachers from across Illinois, Missouri, Indiana and Arkansas. The SIUE event is one of 13 regional tournaments held nationally.

In February, students and teachers attended a workshop at SIUE to learn about building and programming robots. Each team received a kit that included mechanical parts, various sensors and two computer controllers. Students had 8 weeks to design, build, program and test robots.

The robots are autonomous, said Jerry Weinberg, professor and department chair of computer science at SIUE: "Students must program their robots to react on their own to different situations using sensors and color camera. Sensors on the robots that are sensitive to touch and light, and use color camera technology and sensors to determine what's around them will direct the robots' movement."

Each year, objectives are presented for robotics' teams to achieve. This year's objective is for teams to program robots to rescue ducks and frogs from an oil-slick scenario. Robots will collect, clean and release ducks and frogs, and be judged based on responses.

Sensors will be used as if they are bumpers, Weinberg explained, adding, "The students will get to learn about computer science, mechanical and electrical engineering. They will be using some of the same concepts that NASA engineers used to build the Mars rovers."

All teams that compete at the regional level will be eligible to compete at the upcoming international competition. This year's International Botball Competition and Global Conference on Education Robotics will be held from July 7-11 on the SIUE campus. The events are expected to bring about 500 middle- and high-school students to campus, along with parents and teachers from across the U.S., as well as the Middle East, Poland, Japan and Mexico.

"I'm proud of what we've been able to accomplish," Weinberg said. "It's going to be a really exciting time."

Neighborhood 'Tune-Up' Scheduled For April 24 In East St. Louis

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing's Community Nursing Services (SON/CNS) in East St. Louis is co-sponsoring "April Tune-Up" from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 24, consisting of a neighborhood clean-up effort, a free health fair with health screenings and information stations providing health promotion activities and medical condition information. Paulyn House, 1274 N. 37th St., East St. Louis, and residents of the neighborhood, where the event will take place, also are co-sponsoring the event. Refreshments also will be served during the Tune-Up that will concentrate on an 11-city-block area bordered by Caseyville Avenue on the north, Bunkum Road/Lynch Avenue/Argonne Drive on the east, N. 46th Street on the south and N. 26th on the west.

"This project involves the Public Health Nursing students from the SON working with the Paulyn House and neighborhood representatives as partners in a community/neighborhood assessment," says SON/CNS Director Kathi Thimsen. "They have developed a strategic plan that addresses needs identified in the assessment and from neighborhood focus groups, and they will now implement that plan." Thimsen added that the needs identified for the event are trash pick-up, weeding and gathering broken tree branches, and creation of a neighborhood garden. "We have been working with Paulyn House and the city of East St. Louis to create a collaborative atmosphere in which to accomplish these objectives," Thimsen said.

She also said a work plan is being created to address additional property safety and street repair tasks. "The ultimate goals of the project are to improve the health and well being of the neighborhood, develop a sense of pride of ownership and for CNS to establish an on-site health promotion center within the Paulyn House to serve residents," Thimsen said. She also noted the benefits for SON students. "Students will gain experience in project planning and management, needs assessment, community organizing and engagement, and teaching, along with service learning," she said. "The project also will produce a tangible and real outcome that the students will see as a significant and lasting contribution to East St. Louis."

SIUE Prepares To Showcase Best of Senior Assignment

Research studies about storm water drainage in Honduras, bowling skills and post traumatic stress syndrome among college students who are veterans are just three of the projects that will be highlighted at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Wednesday, April 21, as part of the annual Senior Assignment Showcase. The event, scheduled from 2-4 p.m. that day, will feature presentations by more than 105 students from 27 undergraduate majors, representing the top senior assignment projects. At SIUE, the senior assignment 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.

"All of these students presenting on April 21 in SIUE's Morris University Center have won the outstanding Senior Assignment Award for their programs," said Victoria Scott, SIUE's assistant provost for academic innovation and effectiveness. The presentations will include posters, music, readings and multimedia presentations, among others.

SIUE has been featured in U.S.News & World Report among the nation's top schools, including Harvard, Princeton and Yale for five consecutive years for its Senior Assignment program. The program at SIUE also has been recognized by the Association of American Colleges and Universities as a model of a capstone undergraduate experience for the nation's institutions of higher learning.

SIUE Student From Belleville Recognized with Leadership Award

Kristofer J. LaFore of Belleville, an accounting student in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business, recently was honored with the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation Student Leader of the Semester Award. The Enterprise Foundation award recognizes SIUE business students who are nominated by student organizations for outstanding participation and responsibility. LaFore's award cites his work as president of the SIUE Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) accounting student organization. As president, LaFore has ensured that the chapter has sent reports to the national organization in a timely fashion and that accounting firms are scheduled for monthly meetings with students.

LaFore was chosen for this award because he has excelled in leading the BAP officers and members "in a constant effort to improve organization performance." He also was recognized for organizing the highly successful "Meet the Firms" event designed to help accounting students at SIUE obtain employment with local accounting firms. He also aided in the cleanup of a local park, organized the annual golf outing and BBQ, and led the BAP team in Relay for Life. The award carries with it a $100 stipend and certificate. In addition, LaFore will be recognized at a reception later this month honoring all Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation Award recipients, while providing SIUE business students an opportunity to network with Enterprise executives.

The SIUE School of Business is among an elite 10 percent of business schools worldwide that have earned the prestigious seal of approval from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). The School has been AACSB International accredited since 1975. This assures that students receive the highest quality in strategic resource management, interaction with faculty and achievement of learning goals. In addition, the SIUE Accounting Program also is accredited through AACSB International. Less than 33 percent of AACSB-accredited business schools hold an accounting accreditation.

A photo of the award presentation suitable for print is available: Shown in the photo (from left) are: Lee E. Lewis, Jr., Human Resources Generalist Manager for Enterprise Rent-A-Car, presenting the award to Kristofer LaFore. (SIUE Photo by Bill Brinson)

Student Employee Of The Year To Be Recognized At SIUE At Surprise Party

In honor of National Student Employee Appreciation Week, which is April 11-17, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville today recognized the Student Employee of the Year, Kristen Krahl, during a 1:30 p.m. celebration in the Vadalabene Center, room 1331.

Krahl, a senior accounting majoring in the SIUE School of Business, began working in the University's intercollegiate athletics department conducting typical tasks that are assigned to student workers across campus. According to her nominator, Assistant Athletic Director Bryan Belt, she proved herself throughout the last two years as a capable, reliable and focused employee and was asked to tackle more complex projects.

"Intercollegiate athletics is given the task annually of preparing financial information for the NCAA," Belt said. "The task is time consuming, tedious and requires a review of all revenues and expenditures with analysis as to how it applies to NCAA regulations.

"This requires both analytical and research skills well beyond typical student work. However, given the extraordinary skill set Kristen had shown throughout her tenure of the last two years, I assigned the task to her."

Belt said he was impressed with not only Krahl's ability, but also her positive attitude and confidence. Krahl also provides initial training for new student workers and supervises her peers for quality and content.

"I trust her," Belt said. "I trust that her work is detailed and complete; I trust that she will be at work and on time; I trust that she represents SIUE, intercollegiate athletics and me, personally, in an upstanding manner."

Krahl's coworkers in Intercollegiate Athletics threw a party for the honoree, who was presented with an SIUE beach towel, a $50 gift certificate to the campus bookstore, a certificate of recognition and a copy of the nomination letter from Belt. Representatives from the SIUE Office of the Provost and the Office of Student Financial Aid were on hand to bestow the award.

Photo: From left to right, SIUE Associate Provost Susan Thomas, Student of the Year Award recipient, Kristen Krahl, and Assistant Intercollegiate Athletics Director Bryan Belt, who nominated Krahl for the award.

Small Business Development Center To Offer Workshop With SBA

Loan officers from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be on hand April 29 to meet one-on-one with small business owners to discuss loan proposals at a seminar sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) through the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business. The workshop is scheduled from 2-5 p.m. that Thursday at the Four Points by Sheraton, 319 Fountains Parkway, Fairview Heights. SBA representatives will describe how loan program funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has allowed them to reach more small businesses that need help.

Those attending also will learn about loan programs available to small businesses from federal, state and community agencies. In addition to the SBA representatives, experts from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity; the Illinois State Treasurer's Office; and the Illinois Ventures for Community Action also will be available. Business owners also will be able to talk with representatives from the Illinois SBDC at SIUE/ East St. Louis and SCORE (Counselors to America's Small Business).

Seating is limited for the free seminar and advanced registration is required by calling Jane Bagent, (618) 650-2929, or by e-mail: jbagent@siue.edu. For more information about events sponsored by the Illinois SBDC through SIUE, as well as the Small Business Network Partners, visit the Web site: www.siue.edu/business/sbdc.

SIUE Student Sportscaster Nominated For National Award

Adam Young of Waterloo, who is expected to graduate in May with a bachelor of science in mass communications from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, is among 20 top U.S. collegiate sportscasters nominated this year for the Jim Nantz Award. Young, who is a sportscaster and news reporter for WSIE-FM (88.7)-SIUE's NPR affiliate, also is the play-by-play announcer for the Fayetteville SwampDogs Baseball Club in Fayetteville, NC, and director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for that independent-league professional baseball team.

As part of his duties with the SwampDogs, Young broadcasts pre- and post-game shows, while also preparing game notes and statistical packs and roster inserts for scorecards at all home games. He also writes game articles and helps monitor the team's Web site. In addition, Young plays host to a half-hour television show on Time-Warner Cable, profiling SwampDogs team members.

The Jim Nantz Award, named for the award-winning CBS sportscaster, is given each year in June by the Sportscasters Talent Agency of America (STAA). The STAA All-America program recognizes outstanding U.S. collegiate radio sportscasters and encourages collegiate sportscasters nationwide to strive to achieve their best.

Intimate Apparel Weaves 'Life's Quilt' In Immigrant America

At the turn of the 20th Century, immigrants flooded the United States from Europe, Russia and other parts of the world. It was truly a melting pot of diverse cultures. But life was very difficult for the new visitors; many of them were shunned and mistreated. African Americans who came from the south to the big cities of the north did not fare better. Intimate Apparel is the story of one young black woman's epic struggle to find her way in her new surroundings, and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage tells this story with heart and compassion.

Highly acclaimed in its off-Broadway debut in 2004, Intimate Apparel is a touching drama set in the early 1900s when a talented African-American clothing designer, Esther Mills, creates intimate clothing for New York City society women and prostitutes alike. Her life becomes romantically intertwined with her clientele, challenging the sexual taboos of the era. The citizens-on both sides of the social coin-who wear Esther's undergarments also wear their emotional undergarments of beliefs, race, education class, hope or hopelessness. And, each of these clients and their values affect the lowly Esther, a maker of undergarments; albeit, elegant but unseen and seemingly not worthy. At 35, Esther is unmarried and yearning for compassion and affection, and to have a relationship with a man, no matter how unscrupulous he may turn out to be.

Audiences can enter Esther's world when Intimate Apparel opens in the theater in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Katherine Dunham Hall at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 21; continuing at 7:30 from Thursday through Saturday, April 22-24, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 25. Kathi Bentley, director of this final show in the University Theater 2009-10 season, said the play has been a highlight in her career at SIUE. "It is a wonderful feeling to have the opportunity to direct a well-written script," Bentley said. "Every reading is like opening a gift for the first time. Every rehearsal is like anxiously awaiting a visit from an old friend who, although you've known each other forever, will inevitably have fresh experiences to share," Bentley explained.

She said she greatly admires Nottage's work and has been looking forward to creating this newest production of the award-winning play. "There is always something that is new, intriguing and thought-provoking," she said. "I have admired Lynn Nottage's work for years. She is an extraordinary storyteller who creates characters so full of life that the creative process for the actors and director remains exciting up until the curtain closes on the final performance. Intimate Apparel is a beautifully woven story about a black seamstress and the people who each add some unique fabric to her life's quilt. This is a story about love and hope and disappointment and growth," Bentley said. "There is something in this story for everyone."

Bentley also had high praise for the cast and crew. "Our designers have created a world that allows us to be transformed to an era of grandeur. My cast of actors is equally talented, and I believe audiences will find this gem a lovely play," she said. "I appreciate that our patrons support live theater so that playwrights, such as Lynn Nottage, continue to be recognized for their contribution to the arts. I know the audiences will become enveloped by this beautiful, warm quilt."

A photo suitable for print is available. In the photo, cast members include (from left): Jeremy Brooks, portraying Mr. Marks; Olivia Neal, as Esther; Curtis Lewis, playing George; and Sharaina Turnage, as Mayme. (SIUE Photo by Bill Brinson)

Nominations being accepted for 2010 SIUE Alumni Hall of Fame

Since 1957, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has proudly produced more than 85,000 graduates who have earned some 95,000 degrees. The SIUE Alumni Association and the deans of the schools and college of SIUE created the Alumni Hall of Fame to honor deserving, successful graduates. The honorees are recognized with a commemorative plaque displayed in a prominent place within each of the respective schools or college. They also are honored at the SIUE Alumni Hall of Fame Awards Dinner during Homecoming weekend.

Nominations are due no later than May 31; additional criteria for selection will vary based on the individual nominations forms, but could include recognition of the following achievements:

• Established an outstanding professional career
• Made significant contributions to their chosen profession
• Demonstrated civic awareness and concern for their community
• Established a distinguished reputation at either the local, state, national or international level which reflects great credit and honor upon SIUE

To nominate a deserving SIUE graduate for the Alumni Hall of Fame, please visit the Web site: www.siue.edu/alumni.

CAS To Offer "Hands-On Day" April 8

Dancing lessons, auditioning for a spot as a television news anchor, and throwing spears are some of the activities that will be available at the College of Arts and Sciences' first ever "Hands-On Day" from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, April 8, in the Stratton Quad. Some 31 departments and programs within CAS will participate in the event and demonstrate activities unique to their disciplines. "This is an event in which students can actually get involved and learn about departments the College offers," explained CAS Associate Dean Wendy Shaw. The event will highlight some of the experiential learning opportunities within the College, she added.

Assistant Anthropology Professor Greg Vogel is coordinating the department's spear-throwing contest. "We will be showing students how early civilizations fought and hunted through atlatl, the ancient spear-throwing technology," he explained. Vogel will teach students the proper way to throw spears before allowing them to try on their own. "This will be a great way to experience what ancient people did to survive," Vogel said. He said he hopes to begin an atlatl club at SIUE this spring. The Department of Theater and Dance will allow students to try their hand at some of the Bard's craft through the "All the World's a Stage" experience. "Students will be able to get their picture taken as Shakespeare," explained professor Peter Cocuzza, chair of the department, "but only after submitting an original line of poetry. We'll put together all participating student's submissions, to make a large sonnet." The Dance Program also will provide a hip-hop class, showing students combinations of the dance art form.

Other activities include "News from the Quad: Your Shot at TV News" by the Deaprtment of Mass Communications, "Geocaching" by the Department of Geography and "Live Naked DNA!! The Code of Life Exposed" by the Department of Biological Sciences. In the event of rain, "Hands-On Day" will take place the same scheduled time on April 9. For a complete list of activities planned, visit the Web site: www.siue.edu/artsandsciences.

Nursing Associate Professor Wins 2010 SIUE Teaching Excellence Award

Valerie Yancey, associate professor of primary care and health systems nursing in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing, recently won the 2010 Teaching Excellence Award. The nominating committee described Yancey as "a very knowledgeable educator who encourages students to see themselves as 'transformed thinkers.'" Yancey received a $2,000 prize as part of the recognition.

"She effectively uses her student's reflections and personal experiences to illustrate clear examples that result in a multi-modal approach to teaching and learning," the committee's report cited. The committee consists of faculty members and students. Yancey also has been instrumental in developing curriculum for the SIUE doctor of nursing practice program.

The committee also named four Teaching Distinction Award recipients for 2010, which included tenure-track faculty members Catherine Seltzer, assistant professor in the SIUE Department of English Language and Literature; David Cluphf, associate professor in the department of kinesiology and health education in the School of Education; and Yun Lu, assistant professor of chemistry. The committee also chose a non-tenure track faculty member for the Distinction Award: Cindy McAndrews, partnership supervisor and instructor in the SIUE School of Education Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Each of the four Distinction Award recipients received $500.

Yancey earned a bachelor's at Valparaiso University, as well as a bachelor of science in Nursing and an MSN-R and a Ph.D., both from Saint Louis University. She has authored several scholarly publications and is a member of professional societies, including Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Theta Tau, the Epsilon Eta Chapter, Missouri Nurses Association, American Holistic Nurses Association and the American Critical Care Nurses Association as lifetime member.

Seltzer was described by the committee as a "gifted and passionate faculty member" who is "extremely articulate, enthusiastic and engaging." It was noted that Seltzer tailors her classes to meet the individual needs of her students. The committee said Cluphf was "a perfect example of an educator who practices what he preaches." It was further stated that he "demonstrates tremendous energy and commitment to student learning." Lu impressed the committee because of his role as a mentor for students pursuing advanced degrees in chemistry. The committee stated: "His research collaboration with students resulted in published papers in top-notch chemistry journals." The committee chose McAndrews for the non-tenure-track faculty award because she "provides an engaging classroom environment that allows active participation of students.' The committee stated further: "Her teaching philosophy shows a very thoughtful and learning-oriented educator that involves students in living the teaching/learning experience."

'Popular Science Prodigy' To Speak At SIUE CAS Colloquium April 14

Jonah Lehrer, who the N.Y. Times called "a popular science prodigy," will speak at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 15, in the Conference Center on the second floor of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Morris University Center (MUC). Lehrer is appearing as part of the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences Spring Colloquium.

With a theme of "How We Decide: The New Science of Decision Making," Lehrer will explain how leaders in various fields are taking advantage of new discoveries in neuroscience to make better television shows, win more football games and improve military intelligence, for example. In another way to look at it, he will speak about how defects in our decision-making apparatus led to, among other things, the current financial crisis, costly wars, and "how can we overcome these inherent flaws in our brain?"

Known for his verve and warmth, and the ability to clearly explain important and complex concepts, Lehrer will attempt to answer two interesting questions: "How does the human mind make decisions?" and "How can you make those decisions better?" The 27-year-old author and contributing editor to Wired magazine graduated from Columbia University and studied at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. Lehrer's book, Proust Was a Neuroscientist (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2007), talks about how great artists anticipated brain science. It is considered a modern classic.

In addition to his work with Wired, Lehrer has written for The New Yorker, SEED and The Washington Post, and is a contributing editor at Scientific American Mind and NPR's Radio Lab.

Two free tickets per person are available at the MUC Information Booth; the theme of this year's CAS Spring Colloquium is "Thinking About Evolution." It runs two days, April 14-15; for more information visit: siue.edu/artsandsciences/colloquia.

Baylor Pediatric Dentistry Professor To Speak At SIU/SDM April 13

Dr. N. Sue Seale, Regents Professor of pediatric dentistry at Baylor College of Dentistry in the Texas A&M Health Science Center in Dallas, will be the guest speaker at the 2010 Research Day and Table Clinic competition Tuesday, April 13, at the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. Speaking about "Pulp Therapy for Immature Permanent Teeth," Dr. Seale will appear at 1:15 p.m. that day in the auditorium of the SIU/SDM Center for Professional Advancement in Building 280 on the Alton campus.

Seale is a pediatric dentist who has devoted her career to research on the best practices for treating dental caries (cavities) in children. Compared to adult teeth, children's teeth present a challenge, because they are small and they are still developing. The "simple cavity" remains a major public health problem for Americans, especially children. Unsuccessful treatment of childhood caries may lead to poor nutrition, more severe dental problems and systemic illness in later life.

Dr. Seale received a DDS in 1970, a certificate in pediatric dentistry in 1972 and an MSD in 1979, all from Baylor where she has been a full-time faculty member since 1974. She was president of the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry in 1996-1997 and received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Baylor College of Dentistry Alumni Association in 1997.

She also served on the Board of Trustees of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry from 1999-2002. In 2001 the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry named Dr. Seale Pediatric Dentist of the Year and presented her with the Merle C. Hunter Leadership Award in 2003. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and received Fellowship in the American College of Dentists in 1984 and in the International College of Dentists in 2001. She also was chairman of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Baylor from 1986 until 2009.

In January 2010, Dr. Seale became editor-in-chief of Pediatric Dentistry and Journal of Dentistry for Children. Her areas of research interest include pulp therapy for the primary and young permanent dentition, dental education and access to care.

Exciting Count Basie Beat Comes To The A&I Stage May 1 At SIUE

The legendary big band jazz of the Count Basie Orchestra directed by Bill Hughes-the sound that helped the likes of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett swing to an exciting beat-takes center stage for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Arts & Issues series at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 1, in SIUE's Meridian Ballroom.

The group has won every musical award imaginable, including 17 Grammies, and has been named to every respected jazz poll in the world at least once. The appearance will be part of the SIUE Jazz Festival, presented by the Department of Music as a non-competitive, educational event celebrating the music that is America's art form-jazz.

Each year, the festival features a jazz innovator and this year chose the Count Basie Orchestra. High school and middle school bands will perform throughout the day and receive immediate feedback from festival clinicians. Other festival highlights and opportunities will include SIUE Jazz Camp scholarship opportunities and a performance by the SIUE Concert Jazz Band.

A native of New Jersey, William "Count" Basie knocked around various New York City bands in the late 1920s until he visited Tulsa, Okla., and was asked to join Walter Page's Blue Devils. He then jumped to Benny Moton's Kansas City Orchestra and began to make a name for himself throughout that KC swing scene. After forming his own band, it wasn't long before Basie became widely regarded as one of the most important jazz bandleaders of his day. "This is the real Basie sound," says Arts & Issues Director Grant Andree.

"Many of these musicians joined since Basie died in 1984, but there also is a core of players in this group that was hand-picked by Basie himself," he said.

Hughes joined the Basie organization in 1953 and assumed leadership of the band in 2002. As a tenor and bass trombonist, Hughes anchored what music critics called "one of the finest trombone sections in jazz" in the Count Basie Band. He has carried on the Count's legacy well, Andree pointed out. With 19 performers, 17 sidemen, and a vocalist, the Count Basie Orchestra has lived on as America's premier jazz band. The group continues the legacy of Basie's trademark repertoire, with tunes such as One O'Clock Jump and April in Paris.

"It will be a great night for tapping your feet," Andree said.

Tickets for the Count Basie Orchestra directed by Bill Hughes are $27; SIUE employees and retirees, as well as all senior citizens, $25; SIUE students, $13. Ticket information, subscription rates and ticket sales are available on the Web site: artsandissues.com, or by calling (618) 650-5774.

A photo suitable for print is available. The next Arts and Issues series appearance will be The UMO Ensemble, presented in conjunction with the SIUE Xfest., at 2 p.m. AND 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 15, in Dunham Hall theater. As its mission, the UMO Ensemble is dedicated to "providing awe, challenge and inspiration" to theater audiences. The group will not disappoint as they take the Arts & Issues stage with their irreverent approach to Zen-share the experience of the red nose monk clowns tackling ancient Buddhist, Zen and Sufi stories through mask, puppetry, live music and laughter, all performed by a dance troupe that offers physical theater, improvisation in movement, character and vocalizing.

That entire weekend (May 12-15) the SIUE Department of Theater and Dance, in conjunction with the Arts & Issues series, will expand its offerings into the summer and present SIUE Xfest: A Festival of Theatrical Experimentation. For four days and nights, several experimental theaters and theater artists from around the nation will join with the UMO Ensemble to conduct a series of workshops, master classes and performances as part of the festival.

Rotary Gift Launches Prairie Portal Garden At SIUE

Support from the Rotary Club of Edwardsville and local community members allowed Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to hold a groundbreaking ceremony in celebration of the future home of Prairie Portal Garden at The Gardens at SIUE.

Trees were planted during a Thursday evening event, which featured remarks from Ann Tosovsky, major projects officer for the Rotary, and Doug Conley, director of The Gardens at SIUE.

The one-acre garden will be the first large-scale development as part of The Gardens' master plan. The highly visible space will be nestled by gardens located at the intersection of the main path and the area known as the Prairie Loop.

Landscape beds will be connected by natural stone paths and bordered by retaining walls. The garden will feature "Plants of Merit," as designated by the Missouri Botanical Garden and will be installed and maintained by University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners.

"The primary planting pattern emphasizes the "Plants of Merit" program, which features underutilized plant life that is suitable for, but not necessarily native to, this climate," Conley said. "These plants are screened to ensure they are not an invasive species being released in the area."

Conley said the University's master plan for The Gardens included the development of the site, which is a prominent location and serves as a central point for garden visitors.

"The design was an opportunity to do a fantastic display garden," he said.

The Gardens at SIUE is a 35-acre public garden fulfilling the mission to provide education, engagement and enjoyment opportunities for people. It has received Signature Garden status by the Missouri Botanical Garden. Development is guided by a professionally prepared master plan. Implementing the master plan depends on a combination of private philanthropy, partnerships and volunteerism to establish a regionally significant destination in the community.

For more information about the Portal project, contact Conley, director of The Gardens, (618) 650-3788.

Lovejoy Library's North Entrance Opening Brings Crowd To SIUE

More "doors to success" opened on the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus Thursday, as a ribbon cutting ceremony ushered in the opening of the Elijah P. Lovejoy Memorial Library's north entrance, after those doors had been closed for more than 40 years. Lovejoy Library was one of the first buildings to open on the SIU Edwardsville campus in 1965. The north entrance originally had been used as the main entrance; however, due to concerns about the security of library materials, the doors were permanently closed shortly after its opening.

The south entrance on the Stratton Quadrangle-known then as the Morris Quad-became the main point of access to the building for more than four decades. The library houses about 800,000 volumes; 1.3 million microforms; 540,000 U.S. documents, 150,000 maps and aerial photographs, and 34,000 sound recordings.

Regina McBride, dean of library and information services at SIUE, said the re-opening of the doors signals a new day for SIUE. "The library is the intellectual heart of campus," she said. "We are thrilled to have these doors opened today." McBride acknowledged the efforts of the philanthropic group, The Friends of Lovejoy Library, supporters who donate time and resources to improving information and academic services for students and faculty. She also introduced two alumnae who spoke at the ceremony-Dianne Winney and Carol Nativi, both Friends of Lovejoy Library Advisory Board members-and who were recognized for their contributions in making the project a reality. "This is a tribute to their love for SIUE and demonstrates what we can do when we work together," McBride said.

SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift also addressed the crowd of nearly 50 visitors, noting "We are greatly served by the Friends of the Library and this really does open new doors for the University. It's a great day for the library and a great day for SIUE." The St. Louis-based architectural firm Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum designed the building as well as other buildings in the core campus. For more information about the event, or to find out more about the Friends of Lovejoy Library, contact Kyle Moore, director of development for SIUE library and information services, (618) 650-2714, or by e-mail: kymoore@siue.edu.

SIUE Plays Host To Do The Right Thing Awards Ceremony

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Police recently played host to the Do The Right Thing awards ceremony that recognized 14 students from middle schools and high schools throughout the St. Louis Metropolitan Area for helping others in emergency and/or life-and-death situations. SIUE Police Chief Gina Hays was on hand as a member of the Southern Illinois Police Chiefs Association, one of the Do The Right Thing sponsors.

Do The Right Thing of Greater St. Louis, a non-profit organization, works with area law enforcement agencies, schools, media and businesses to recognize and promote the positive social behaviors of school-aged youth in the region. For many years, portions of the awards ceremonies have been broadcast by KMOV-TV Ch. 4 in St. Louis, promoters of the organization. Other sponsors include St. Louis Metropolitan Police, St. Louis County Police, Six Flags, McDonald's Restaurants, Whelan Security, Belleville (IL) Memorial Hospital, Sigma-Aldrich, Cooperating School Districts, Commerce Bank and St. Louis Community College at Forest Park.

Click here for a photo of the winners and representatives of sponsoring law enforcement agencies: (all left to right) First Row: Zachary Johnson, Lovejoy School, Alton (IL) School District; Tyrese Fields, Ackerman School, Special School District of St. Louis County; Donovan Johnson, also Lovejoy School in Alton; Jessica Kuca, St. Clare School, Diocese of Belleville, Ill.; and Brayden Prichard, Nike Elementary, Meramec Valley School District; Second Row: Madison Dehart and Trevor Dehart, both of Lindbergh High School, Lindbergh School District; Lamondra Beckley, Vashon High School, St. Louis Public School District; and Rayquell Hobson, Langston Middle School, also St. Louis Public Schools; Third Row: Morgan Ellerbrake, Amelia Carriel Junior High School, O'Fallon (IL) School District; Kristen Ohler, Sperring Middle School, Lindbergh School District; KMOV-TV anchor Robin Smith, who was emcee for the ceremony; Simeone Bernstein, Clayton (MO) High School, Clayton School District; and Garrett Sansoucie, Seckman Middle School, Fox C-6 School District; Fourth Row: Capt. Michael Caruso, St. Louis Metropolitan Police; Lt. Col. Kenneth Cox, St. Louis County Police; Col. John Betten, chief of O'Fallon (IL) Police; Collinsville (IL) Police Chief Scott Williams; and SIUE's Chief Hays.

The winners' stories may be found at dotherightthingstl.com. (SIUE Photo by Bill Brinson)

The SIUE Friends Of Art Organization Is Preparing Pieces For The April 8 Auction

• Who: The SIUE Friends of Art
• What: The 32nd Annual Art Auction
• When: Thursday, April 8
• Where: The LeClaire Room of the Jay Hoffman Building on the N.O. Nelson campus of Lewis and Clark Community College, 600 Troy Road., Edwardsville

The N.O. Nelson campus of L&C was formerly the home of the SIUE Department of Art and Design and it was known as the Wagner Complex. This year's auction, with its theme of "Wagner Revisited," will feature original donated artwork, which may be previewed from 6 until 7 p.m. when professional auctioneer Gary Niemeier will begin the event. Admission is free to students and those who have donated pieces for the event, as well as members of the Friends of Art. Others are asked to pay $5 at the door.

Click here for a photo suitable for print. Shown in the photo are Jerry Stoeber, president of the SIUE Friends of Art, and Shawn-ta Ray, a graduate of the SIUE program and a member of the Friends of Art board. They are helping to prepare art pieces for the auction. For more information or directions, contact Dianne Lynch, (618) 650-3073, or by e-mail: dlynch@siue.edu; or Pam Decoteau, (618) 656-9521, or by e-mail: pdecote@siue.edu.

Formula SAE Auto Race to be Held at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is bringing together local universities for Gateway Rush, the first-ever racing event on the University's campus. Gateway Rush will feature four separate races including acceleration, skid-pad, auto-cross and endurance.

• What: Gateway Rush, A Formula SAE event inviting local schools for a friendly competition. The Illinois Army National Guard and SIUE ROTC are also displaying Humvees providing entertainment and music for the duration of the event.
• Who: Local universities-Schools expected to participate include the SIUE Formula SAE Team, SIU Carbondale, Washington University in St. Louis, University of Missouri, Saint Louis University, Missouri S&T, Iowa State University and Northern Illinois University
• When: 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday, April 10th. In the event of heavy rain, the contingency date and time is 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April17th
• Where: SIUE Parking lots P8 and P9. Parking will be available in parking lots P6 and P7.
• Why: Providing SAE teams from universities in the Midwest the opportunity to test uniquely designed vehicles and bring competitors together one month prior to the national competition.

The SIUE Alumni Association To Host St. Charles Area Networking Breakfast

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Alumni Association is excited to host a St. Charles area networking breakfast on Wednesday, April 28. This free event will be offered at the Hampton Inn, 3720 W. Clay St, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. The networking breakfast, one of a series the association has hosted in the region, will include a presentation from accomplished SIUE graduate Jim Middleton, project leader for the newly proposed Mississippi River bridge. Middleton received a bachelor's from the SIUE School of Engineering in 1993.

"This will be the perfect opportunity to network with fellow alumni and enjoy a free breakfast of pastries, fruit and coffee before heading to work," said Steve Jankowski, director of SIUE Alumni Affairs. "There are 822 SIUE alumni residing in St. Charles," he pointed out, "and potential business opportunities could arise with other alumni at this event, so we recommend attendees bring business cards."

To register, visit the Alumni Affairs Web site: www.siue.edu/alumni.