SIUE Celebrating Black Heritage Month During February

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is presenting its 14th Annual Black Heritage Month Program during February, with the theme of Remembering Our Past: Building Our Future as One. Black Heritage Month is sponsored by the SIUE Campus Activities Board. Below is a calendar of events:

Tuesday, February 1

Opening Celebration

12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM

Goshen Lounge, Morris University Center

Join the 2011 Black Heritage Month Planning Committee as they launch the month long celebration. The opening program will feature Chancellor Vandegrift, poetic readings by Assistant Professor Adrian Matejka, a performance by the Community Performance Ensemble, and the Gospel Choir will lead the singing of the Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing.

Thursday, February 3

Caribbean Sounds - SIUE Steel

12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM

Goshen Lounge, Morris University Center

Join us for a performance by SIUE Steel, a newly formed group of talented steel pan players and learn the history of steel pan and its relation to African American heritage and the African American experience.

Speak on It

7:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Goshen Lounge, Morris University Center

Enjoy an evening of spoken word and poetic verse of the past, present and future exploring issues and solutions.

Co-sponsored by One Mic Poetry

Tuesday, February 8

Dr. King Jr. Birthday Celebration

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Meridian Ballroom, Morris University Center

SIUE's annual birthday celebration to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. King Jr. will feature guest speaker Ms. Vickie Newton, Anchor, KMOV-TV. The event will include lunch, special performances, and recognition of award recipients.

Students: $15 General Public: $20

Call Educational Outreach at 618.650.3210 to purchase tickets.

Friday, February 11

Eighth Annual Gospel Explosion

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Meridian Ballroom, Morris University Center

Join us for an inspirational evening to spread the gospel of healing, reconciliation, and unity to the campus and community. The event will feature gospel music, poetry, rap and praise dance. Co-sponsored by the SIUE Gospel Choir

Friday, February 11 - Sunday, February 13

Black Theater Workshop - The Roots

Feb. 11 & 12 - 7:30 PM

Feb. 13 - 2:00 PM

Metcalf Theater

Artistic Director - Kathryn Bentley

Student Director - Curtis Lewis

This SIUE student created, performed and directed production is a potpourri of scenes, monologues, songs and poetry.

Tuesday, February 15

Livewire - Jenn Mundia

12:00 Noon - 1:00 pm

Goshen Lounge, Morris University Center

Come listen to this Kenyan-born acoustic soul singer! Jenn Mundia's unique voice will have you clapping and singing along!

Wednesday, February 16

Health Fair: A Celebration of Health, 2011

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Goshen Lounge, Morris University Center

Come and celebrate your health through health screenings and evaluations. Learn how simple lifestyle changes and acquaintance with community health care providers can improve your health in 2011 and beyond.

Thursday, February 17

Black and Blues: The Roots of African American Music

12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM

Goshen Lounge, Morris University Center

This presentation will take a look at the history of the African American Experience from a musical perspective.

Black Heritage Month Student Talent Show

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Meridian Ballroom, Morris University Center

Come watch SIUE students as they take their turn on stage showcasing their singing, dancing, poetic, and musical talents.

Friday, February 18

Friday Free Flick - For Colored Girls

6:00 PM

Location - Abbott Auditorium

Join Campus Activities Board for this blockbuster film directed by Tyler Perry. The all-star cast provides a thought-provoking commentary on what it means to be a female of color in the world. Free popcorn and soda will be provided.

Tuesday, February 22

Taste of Culture - Africa

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Goshen Lounge, Morris University Center

Enjoy a performance by Spirit of Angela, a traditional west African drum and dance group. Enjoy free food and prizes.

Thursday, February 24

Unsung Heroes (Heroines) of the Civil Rights Struggle

12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM

Goshen Lounge, Morris University Center

A panel will discuss the range of leaders from the civil rights movement. It was much more than a King and a Dream. Come learn about the brave men and women who fought and continue to fight for civil rights.

Wednesday, February 23 - Sunday, February 27

The Colored Museum

Feb. 23, 24, 25, & 26 - 7:30 PM

Feb. 27 - 2:00 PM

Dunham Theater

Written by George C. Wolfe

Director - Kathryn Bentley

The fast moving satire that spoofs everything without apology. A play that forces us to take a look at ourselves and have a good laugh while doing so. Features eleven vignettes that satirize elements of African-American culture.

Students: Free General Public: $10

Senior Citizens: $8

Call Fine Arts Box Office at 618.650.2774; toll free at 888.328.5168, ext. 2774; or email at theater-tickets@siue.edu to purchase tickets.

Saturday, February 26

Africa Night

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Meridian Ballroom, Morris University Center

Enjoy an evening of African culture through food, dance and entertainment.

Students: $10 Faculty/Staff: $12

General Public: $13

Call the MUC Information Center at 618.650.5555 to purchase tickets.

Sponsored by the African Student Association.

All events are free unless otherwise noted; contact the Kimmel Leadership Center, (618) 650-2686 for additional information. All events are subject to change.

MLK Jr. Award Winners Announced At SIU Edwardsville

The Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian and Scholarship Awards have been announced by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The awards will be presented at the University's 28th annual celebration of the birthday of the Rev. King at SIUE on Tuesday, Feb. 8.

The awards are given each year to recognize those who exemplify the philosophy of nonviolent social change as demonstrated by Rev. King. This year's guest speaker will be Emmy Award-winning anchor/reporter Vickie Newton, KMOV-TV (Ch. 4) in St. Louis. Miss Newton also is an instructor in the SIUE Department of Mass Communications.

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

Winners include:

• Julian Glover of Bloomington- A 20-year-old sophomore pursuing a bachelor's in Speech Communication at SIUE and an accomplished cellist, who is recipient of the MLK Jr. Scholarship and Humanitarian Award;
• Denise DeGarmo- Associate professor of political science and chair of that department who is recipient of the Faculty/Staff MLK Jr. Humanitarian Award; and
• Jacqueline Croffett of Washington Park-A non-traditional student at SIUE and a tireless volunteer for her church and in the community, who is recipient of the Community MLK Jr. Humanitarian Award.

Winners of the MLK high school competition awards are:

• Jennifer Mahan of Ballwin, Mo., a senior at Parkway South High School-essay award;
• Kendell Cowell of Columbia, a junior at Waterloo High School-poetry award; and
• Ashley Villarreal of Waterloo, a senior at Waterloo High-visual arts award.

Glover, who also is minoring in music at SIUE, has entered many music competitions in this country and overseas. He came to SIUE in 2009 after graduating from Bloomington (IL) High School, where he was very active in music organization activities.

He also is active in his church and with the Tomorrow's Scientists, Technicians and Managers program for the past four years within the Urban League organization. Glover has won several awards including the 2008 NAACP Harry Hightower Youth Community Service Award and the 100 Black Men of Central Illinois African-American History Challenge Award in 2009.

Those who nominated Glover for the MLK Scholarship Award refer to him as reliable, mature and a responsible student, and one who is very dedicated and determined to succeed. SIUE Assistant Music Professor Marta Simidtchieva, who teaches cello and one of Glover's nominators, wrote: "Julian is a natural leader with a strong sense of commitment" and that "he has a solid future ahead of him."

Croffett is referred to as one who has served her community in many ways through advocating for the elderly in nursing homes, working with young people at her church, as well as being involved for many years in the local schools. SIUE Assistant Special Education and Communications Disorders Professor Wendy Fuchs, of Fairview Heights and one of Croffett's nominators, wrote that she has "witnessed (Croffett's) hard work and determination as a nontraditional student at SIUE. From the beginning of her course of study, she has had her sights set on graduating with a degree in education so that she may continue to give back to her community," Fuchs said.

"She takes the time during and after class to assist her peers understand concepts, ideas and assignments."

DeGarmo, who teaches international relations courses and who is coordinator at SIUE of the Peace and International Studies minor program, was called by one nominator, Julie Hopwood, who wrote that DeGarmo has been a proponent for human welfare and social reform "through the promotion of peace, anti-war activism and education/intellectual development." Hopwood is assistant to the SIUE Provost for policy and communication.

Cheryl Brunsmann, assistant director of community education programs for SIUE, applauded DeGarmo for her decade-long dedication to SIUE's Great Decisions series. "She (DeGarmo) leads timely discussions on sensitive, global issues or helps identify the most appropriate faculty member for each topic," Brunsmann wrote in support of DeGarmo. "She shares her knowledge to educate others on the ideals of tolerance, acceptance, understanding and sensitivity to others."

Tickets for the MLK luncheon are $20; students, $15. For reservations, call (618) 650-2660.

SIUE School Of Nursing Faculty Members Awarded Fellowships For Teaching

Donna Jewell, assistant professor of Family and Community Health, and Ann Popkess, assistant professor of Primary Care and Health Systems, both faculty members of the SIUE School of Nursing, were among 18 nursing faculty at Illinois colleges and universities who were recipients of $10,000 fellowships awarded by the Illinois Board of Higher Education at its December meeting. The fellowships may be used as salary supplements or to fund professional development activities.

The state of Illinois faces a shortage of well-trained nurses, along with a shortage of highly qualified nursing faculty to educate new nurses. The Illinois Nurse Educator Fellowship Program rewards well-qualified faculty for remaining in the classroom rather than relocating to better paying private sector positions.

Virginia Cruz, interim chair of the SIUE Department of Family and Community Health, explained the importance of this award for the SIUE School of Nursing. "The value of the Illinois Nurse Educator Fellowship Award is immeasurable, particularly in this period of nursing faculty shortage and economic challenges," Cruz stated. "It provides an incentive for qualified faculty to remain at SIUE in the School of Nursing."

With this fellowship award, Jewell and Popkess plan to fund their attendance to a variety of continuing education conferences and workshops. Laura Bernaix, chair of the SIUE Department of Primary Care and Health Systems, is delighted that both honorees plan to expand their nursing knowledge. "Information gleaned from these activities will assist them in developing new courses and teaching strategies," Bernaix said. "This, in turn, demonstrates their commitment to our high quality, expanding undergraduate and graduate nursing programs."

Fellows are nominated by Illinois institutions of higher learning with a nursing program approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission.

Fifth Annual SIUE School of Engineering Awards Banquet

The SIUE School of Engineering will host the Fifth Annual School of Engineering Awards Banquet on Tuesday, Feb. 15, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Meridian Ballroom, on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center. This event, held yearly since 2007, celebrates the academic excellence, service and leadership of both students and faculty in the School of Engineering. The evening will feature distinguished engineering alumnus and entrepreneur Ed Grady as guest speaker and includes dinner and a cash bar.

"Last year's banquet attracted more than 260 guests," said Engineering Dean Hasan Sevim. " The School of Engineering hopes to celebrate this year with even more students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends." All tickets, $25 for guests and $5 for students, may be purchased through the dean's office. To RSVP and for more event information, student sponsorship opportunities and ticket sales, visit the website: www.siue.edu/ENGINEERING/banquet/, or by e-mail to Veronica Hoversten: vhovers@siue.edu.

Make checks payable to the SIUE School of Engineering and send to:

SIUE School of Engineering
Campus Box 1804
Edwardsville, IL 62026-1804

Traveling CityArchRiver 2015 Exhibit Comes to SIUE, Area

A traveling exhibit will be featured on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday, Feb, 7 and 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 8-9 in the Morris University Club, on the second floor of the Morris University Center. CityArchRiver 2015 staff will be available to take questions at SIUE from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. that Monday.

Lead designer Michael Van Valkenburgh and members of the Arch grounds design team will unveil the latest details of the design concept during "Report to the Community: The Design Concept Presentation" and provide next steps for energizing the Arch grounds, downtown St. Louis, the Mississippi River and the Illinois riverbank area at a reception tonight at America's Center in downtown St. Louis.

CityArchRiver 2015 is a nonprofit organization that launched an international design competition: "Framing a Modern Masterpiece: The City + The Arch + The River 2015″ in Dec. 2009 to revitalize the St. Louis area through encapsulating and showcasing the Gateway Arch, the Arch grounds, the city and surrounding attractions. Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA) of Brooklyn, NY was the design firm chosen from five finalists in competition last September to lead the effort.

For more information or to pre-register for tonight's reception, visit: cityarchrivercompetition.org. Pre-registration is not required to attend the opening event from 6-7:15 p.m. at the America's Center, Ferrara Theatre, Washington Avenue at Eighth Street.

The main exhibit will be displayed from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily in the Saint Louis Gateway Arch Lobby, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, 11 North 4th St. from Jan. 31-Feb. 25.

In addition to SIUE, the traveling exhibit will be featured at the following locations:

• Missouri Botanical Garden, Beaumont Room, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 31-Feb. 3;

• Missouri History Museum, Forest Park, McDermott Grand Hall, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 14, 16-18 and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Feb. 15;

• Washington University in St. Louis, Givens Hall, Main Floor, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 21-25.

CityArchRiver staff will be available at the additional locations at various times. For more details visit: cityarchrivercompetition.org.

STAT To Host Nearly Naked Mile Fun Run For A Good Cause

Members of Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow (STAT)-an alumni mentoring program at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will be embracing frigid weather as they play host to the Nearly Naked Mile Fun Run on Thursday, Feb. 17, in SIUE's Stratton Quadrangle. Participants will run a mile around the quad that day wearing "next to nothing." While creativity is highly encouraged, attire must include at least swimsuit coverage. The inaugural event last year was known as the Polar Bear Fun Run. The name was changed by vote of students.

"There are so many people in our area who don't have warm clothing," said Travis Bournes, STAT president, "so this is our way to experience what they experience, while helping them out and having some fun."

The event kicks off with check-in at 11:30 a.m., followed by the run at noon. The registration fee -$10 plus one new, or "gently used," warm-clothing item that will be donated to the Glen-Ed Food Pantry-includes a Nearly Naked Mile T-shirt, and hot chocolate and cookies in the warm-up tent after the fun run. Participants also will have a chance to win an SIUE hoodie.

Participants are being asked to pre-register by Friday, Feb. 4, for a guaranteed T-shirt size; registration may be accomplished online, siue.edu/alumni/stat, at Birger Hall or with a STAT officer. Registration also may be obtained at 11:30 a.m. on the day of the race.

Spectators for this event are welcome to bring items to donate to the pantry and cheer on the runners. Chili and hot chocolate will be available for purchase. There also will be an opportunity for spectators to participate in a frozen T-shirt contest for the chance to win a Starbucks gift card.

STAT provides undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to interact with alumni before graduation and obtain great advice regarding their major plus create valuable career contacts for jobs and internships. STAT also offers the option to take part in the STAT Alumni Mentor program. Students are matched with alumni from their chosen field of study and given the opportunity to gain valuable career advice.

BOT Committee Awards Contracts For NCERC Equipment Installation

The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees Executive Committee recently awarded $1,527,930 in contracts to three Illinois companies for installation of corn fractionation equipment at the SIU Edwardsville National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC). The executive committee was authorized in December by the full board to award the NCERC contracts to expedite the project in lieu of scheduling full board action. At that same December meeting, the board awarded contracts for site preparation at the NCERC for this installation.

The companies awarded the installation contracts are:

• Poettker Construction Co. of Breese , $299,000, for general contracting;
• Pyramid Electrical Contractors of Fairview Heights, $328,930, for electrical work; and
• GRP Mechanical of Bethalto, $900,000, for heating.

University officials have noted the project will be funded through existing grants from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

The NCERC performs research using emerging technologies and it has been determined by the Illinois Corn Growers Association that corn fractionation is a priority technology in the corn-to-ethanol industry. Corn fractionation is the process of separating a corn kernel into its three parts: endosperm (starch), germ (oil) and bran (fiber).

SIUE Alumni Association Set To Award 2011-2012 Scholarships

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Alumni Association is currently accepting applications for its 2011-2012 Legacy Scholarship and the Stahlschmidt Family Legacy Scholarship. The award offers a full-tuition scholarship to a current undergraduate student and an incoming freshman. In addition, the association offers $100 scholarships to five individuals. The scholarships are made possible each year through various association events, fundraisers and membership dues. The scholarship funds are managed by the SIUE Alumni Association Board of Directors.

To be eligible, applicants must be the child, grandchild, sibling or spouse of a current association member. Alumni who are not current members, but have a family member interested in applying, must become a member prior to submitting an application. Applicants are evaluated based on GPA and also ACT/SAT scores, as well as involvement in community service, extra-curricular activities and financial need.

Last year's recipients were Lisa Mosby and Kristina Copeland. Recipients of the $100 scholarships were Travis Blom, Kimberly Bruning, Laticia Georgie, Katherine Hanser and Kira Long. "Receiving this scholarship provides me with more options and opportunities while attending school," said Mosby, a biological sciences major from Brighton.

The Stahlschmidt Family Legacy Scholarship also offers two $1,500 scholarships to deserving students. The Stahlschmidts established the scholarship in honor of their parents who supported the college education of their 10 children, eight of whom graduated from SIUE. Eligible applicants for the Stahlschmidt scholarship must be incoming freshmen or transfer students and enrolled full-time. Applicants will be judged on financial need and GPA, as well as ACT/SAT scores, community service, after-school activities and essay questions. Kristopher Klette of Edwardsville and Mataya White of Neoga were recipients of last year's scholarships.

To be considered for either of the scholarships, applications must be submitted by Friday, Feb. 25. Applications and further details may be found at siue.edu/alumni/awards or by calling the Office of SIUE Alumni Affairs, (618) 650-2760.

R. Klaustermeier Is January EOM

Congratulations: Ron Klaustermeier, Distribution Services supervisor in Purchasing and Central Receiving, is the January recipient of the Employee Recognition Award. In the photo, Klaustermeier (center) is flanked by SIUE Vice Chancellor for Administration Kenn Neher and Shelly Albert, purchasing officer in Purchasing who nominated Klaustermeier. Also in the photo is Nancy Ufert Fairless, director of Purchasing, and David Heth, director of Financial Affairs for the University, both of whom supported the nomination. In addition to the plaque he received, Klaustermeier was awarded a $25 gift certificate to the SIUE Bookstore, two complimentary lunch coupons to the University Restaurant or other Dining Services location, and parking close to his office for the month. (SIUE Photo by Denise Macdonald)

SIUE Pharmacy Receives CHEA National Award

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy is the recipient of one of only four national 2011 Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) Award for Outstanding Institutional Practice in Student Learning Outcomes.

The school is the first school of pharmacy to be recognized with the award. Established in 2005, the CHEA award recognizes institutions that have been exceptional in developing and applying evidence of student learning outcomes to improve higher education quality and accountability.

"CHEA is pleased to acknowledge the work of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy in providing an example of institutional progress and effective approaches to the use of student learning outcomes," said CHEA President Judith Eaton in announcing the award.

The School of Pharmacy's application focused on the Senior Capstone Project, required for all 4th-year students. Consisting of a research project or the development of a specific business plan related to an aspect of pharmacy, the senior capstone is a way students demonstrate the knowledge they have gained during their tenure at the University.

Projects are evaluated and tied to core assessment measures of student learning outcomes used throughout the program. Students have been successful with projects and have presented them at state and national meetings, in addition to the school presentation day.

"I believe that this award recognizes our commitment to providing an excellent pharmacy education program and is a product of the great work of all our faculty, staff and preceptors," said Erin Timpe, director of the SIUE Drug Information and Wellness Center and an associate professor in the department of pharmacy practice. Timpe is one of the chief contributors on the award application.

A CHEA committee selected from higher education institutions, accrediting organizations and the public judged the winners on the basis of the following criteria:

• Articulation and evidence of outcomes;

• Success with regard to outcomes;

• Information to the public about outcomes

• Use of outcomes for educational improvement.

"It is truly an honor for the School of Pharmacy to be the first school/college of pharmacy to ever receive this esteemed CHEA Award," said Gireesh Gupchup, acting dean of the SIUE School of Pharmacy. "This award truly exemplifies our commitment to the assessment of student success."

CHEA is a national advocate and institutional voice for self-regulation of academic quality through accreditation. The association is comprised of approximately 3,000 degree-granting colleges and universities, and recognizes institutional and programmatic accrediting organizations.

Other award recipients include Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, James Madison University Social Work Program and Miami Dade College.

Representatives from each school will receive the award at the 2011 CHEA Annual Conference, Jan. 24-26 at the Marriott Hotel Washington in Washington, D.C.

SIUE School of Nursing Extension Site BSN Feasibility/Curriculum Approved

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation's Board of Nursing approved the proposal " Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - Proposed BSN Feasibility/Curriculum Approval for an Extension Site" during the board's January meeting in Springfield. The award of full approval allows faculty to deliver the nursing curriculum at the Regional Nursing Program at SIU Carbondale.

Anne Perry, professor and associate dean for Academic Programs in the School of Nursing, appeared before the Nursing Board to address the Regional Nursing Program. "The approval of our proposed BSN feasibility and curriculum was a necessary step in moving us forward at Carbondale," Perry explained. "We were commended for the thoroughness of our report and caliber of the program. We are quite pleased with the outcome."

Last year, the SIUE School of Nursing and SIUC addressed the statewide nursing shortage by opening the regional nursing program in Carbondale. Beginning in August 2010, 23 students began coursework in the inaugural class at the Regional Nursing Program.

Susan Winters, director of the SIUE Regional Nursing Program, is thrilled with the BSN Feasibility/Curriculum approval and the program's future. "This collaborative endeavor between SIUC and the SIUE School of Nursing is truly a win-win-win situation for SIUC, SIUE, and perhaps most importantly, for Southern Illinois," Winters said. "I look forward to our graduates contributing to the health of the Southern Illinois region, and I relish the opportunity to bring the program to life in Carbondale."

The SIUE School of Nursing, including the Regional Program at SIUC, is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the "gold standard" for baccalaureate and graduate degree nursing programs.

Photo: The photo at right is of Chelsea Green, the School of Nursing Student Officer Class of 2013 on the Carbondale Campus.

SIUE Volunteer Programs Touch Lives, Shape Futures

Volunteer programs through the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Kimmel Leadership Center's Volunteer Services allow students to help others, while having a lasting, positive impact on their lives.

Whether spending spring break on a Native American Reservation helping tribes gain access to needed resources, counseling rape and sexual assault victims, or gathering clothes and food for the area's homeless, the University's volunteers are dedicated to making a difference.

The lessons they learn through volunteer and leadership programs today provide them with direction for the future, said Suzanne Kutterer-Siburt, director of volunteer services.

In 2010, the University was listed as part of the Presidential Honor Roll for its commitment to volunteerism. Volunteerism also was part of the reason the University was honored recently by Washington Monthly magazine, which stated that the University's volunteer projects through the Kimmel Leadership Center contributed to SIUE's designation among the top 50 in the country.

According to the SIUE volunteer website, "Volunteering allows students to apply academic knowledge, gain skills and experience, and contribute to the community." Opportunities are available across the country, throughout the St. Louis Metropolitan Area, Southwestern Illinois and on campus. Some of the many opportunities include:

• Taking alternative break trips, such as spring break trips to visit the Cherokee Nation;
• Participating in local Boy Scout Food Drives;
• Providing assistance one Saturday each month to the Angle Food coop program, which offers nutritious food at reduced cost through a self-help distribution system;
• Undergoing Community Emergency Response Training (CERT);
• Offering assistance through the Faith In Action Yard Clean Up effort;
• Assisting with SIUE programs, such as through The Gardens at SIUE and Give Kids A Smile Day through the SIU School of Dental Medicine in Alton;
• Participation in several community homeless projects and counseling victims through medical advocate rape and crisis training, as well as suicide and crisis training;
• Registering individuals to vote.

Students at the University also can take part in the Student Leadership Development Program, which consists of 60 hours of volunteer service and attending a structured reflection session. Half of the volunteer hours must be completed in the community. Participants can receive credit toward a leadership transcript by documenting service hours and by providing an account of skills obtained and duties performed.

For more information about the Kimmel Leadership Center and SIUE Volunteer Services, call (618) 650-2686 or visit: siue.edu/kimmel/volunteer.

SIUE Faculty Member To Join IPI's Academic Advisory Board

Professor Rik Hafer, a member of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business faculty since 1989, has been selected to join the Illinois Policy Institute's (IPI) Academic Advisory Board. The Institute, with offices in Chicago and Springfield, is considered the leading free market public policy organization in the state and is comprised of noted academics and researchers from multiple disciplines across the country.

Hafer is Distinguished Research Professor of Economics and Finance and past-chairman of the SIUE Department of Economics and Finance. He also is a Research Fellow with the Show-Me Institute of St. Louis.

Members of the advisory board work with the IPI through peer review of Institute research, writing original research and commentary pieces and conducting outreach programs through their university communities.

A Season For The Child Continues At SIUE With Off-Beat Snow White

Children and their parents are in for a humorous evening Jan. 22 as Piwacket Theatre for Children presents Snow White and the Eighth Dwarf as part of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Friends of Theater and Dance (FOTAD) A Season for the Child series. Proceeds benefit FOTAD's scholarship program.

Piwacket, providing great live family theater in the St. Louis Area for nearly two decades, will stage this send-up of the classic fairytale at 7 p.m. that Saturday in SIUE's Dunham Hall theater. Snow White and the Eighth Dwarf continues A Season for the Child, in its 21 ^st year of presenting family-oriented theater to Southwestern Illinois audiences, sponsored by FOTAD with support from TheBANK of Edwardsville, the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation and Ameren Utilities.

The series features professional theater troupes from St. Louis that stage adaptations of various children's stories, using interactive techniques that not only delight children and parents but also provide a learning experience. In March, the Curtains Up Theater Co., of Edwardsville, will stage the final production of the 2010-11 FOTAD series, Wind in the Willows, a new adaptation of the classic early 20 ^th Century British novel by Kenneth Grahame. The show features the familiar characters of Mr. Toad, Badger, Ratty and Mole "simply messing about in boats." Local playwright John Harvey created the adaptation which will be staged at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 19, in Dunham Hall theater.

All tickets for A Season for the Child are $5 per person and may be obtained through the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774.

N.O. Nelson Complex, LCCC, Site of SIUE Art Auction

The 32nd Annual Art Auction sponsored by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Friends of Art will take place April 7 at the N.O. Nelson Complex, Lewis and Clark Community College, 600 Troy Road in Edwardsville.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. with a preview of the artwork for auction in the Leclaire Room of the Jay Hoffman building. At 7 p.m. the auction will start. For the third year the event is being held at the original site of the SIUE Art Department, formerly known as the Wagner Complex.

Professional auctioneers Dennis Ahrens and Gary Niemeier of Ahrens and Niemeier Auction Service will present more than 150 works, most of which are originals. Additional pieces will be up for bid during the event as part of a silent auction.

The artwork featured at the auction has been donated by visiting artists, faculty, alumni, friends and students of the SIUE Department of Art and Design.

Those who donate art for the event receive free admission. There is a $5 entrance fee for all others. A cash bar will be available.

The auction has been held since 1979 and was originally organized by the SIUE Friends of Art as a way of raising money for the department to enhance undergraduate and graduate programs. Last year nearly 100 artworks were auctioned and 87 others were sold during the Silent Auction.

Funding from the event has been used to host nationally and internationally known artists and scholars on campus to offer workshops and lectures, as well as to set up a High School Exhibit and Art Auction, and pay for books and films about art and design for SIUE's Lovejoy Library.

More information is available at siuefriendsofart.com or by contacting Dianne Lynch, dlynch@siue.edu, or Pam Decoteau, pdecote@siue.edu. Become a fan of SIUE-Friends-of-Art@siue.edu on Facebook.

A&I Continues 2010-11 Season With Eisenhower Dance Jan. 29

Eisenhower Dance Ensemble (EDE), one of the Midwest's premier contemporary dance companies, will appear Jan. 29 as part of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Arts & Issue s series in the theater at SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall. The event is sponsored by Commerce Bank.

For more than a quarter of a century, SIUE's Arts & Issues series has brought great performers and distinguished speakers to Southwestern Illinois. The Eisenhower dance troupe will appear onstage at 7:30 p.m. that Saturday. The official media sponsors for A&I are the Edwardsville Intelligencer and KWMU-FM, while the series official hotel sponsor is Hampton Inn and Suites.

This presentation is supported by the Performing Arts Fund, a program of Arts Midwest funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional contributions from The Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; General Mills Foundation; and Land O'Lakes Foundation.

Arts & Issues Director Grant Andree praised EDE for its exciting dance interpretations but also applauded the group's interest in education. "In addition to the Jan. 29 event, members of the Eisenhower troupe will be conducting master classes with SIUE dance students. As an added treat, the group will choreograph a piece that will include not only SIUE dance students but also students from SIUE's East St. Louis Performing Arts Center, the Turning Pointe Academy of Dance in Maryville and Premiere Performance Dance Studio in Edwardsville," he said.

"That piece will be featured during this event. I am so pleased to see a prestigious dance company participating in educational outreach," Andree said. "It's an important part of furthering the arts in our community."

EDE tours nationally and internationally, and is celebrating its 20 ^th professional season this year. Artistic director Laurie Eisenhower founded the company in 1991 in metropolitan Detroit. Since its inception, the troupe has been dedicated to the performance of a diverse range of contemporary dance works.

Along with Ms. Eisenhower's highly acclaimed choreography, EDE showcases the works of young talented artists along with internationally known choreographers. "On The Move" features a mix of repertory including excerpts from the group's "Rock and Roll," recently performed by the Company at Chicago's Athenaeum Theatre to rave reviews.

Also on the program will be various favorites from the Company's repertory. "We are celebrating our 20 ^th anniversary," states Eisenhower, "so we have revived several works from the early years of EDE." Red Dress was one of the first works choreographed by Eisenhower for the Company and it has stood the test of time. "It is a comedic duet about love, so everyone can relate to it," she said.

As to the group's dedication to outreach, Eisenhower said the additional activities are an important part of the troupe's mission. "We love to involve the community in our performances," she said. "It is exciting for the young dancers to appear onstage with a professional company and it also provides a fabulous way for EDE to connect more personally with each community in which we perform."

For more information, call Grant Andree, (618) 650-5774. More information and tickets are available through the website: artsandissues.com .

Other Arts & Issues events for 2010-11 include:

Temple Grandin: "Visual Thinking: Autism and Design"-Thursday, Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m., Meridian Ballroom (on the first floor of SIUE's Morris University Center)

Sponsored by the SIUE Meridian Society and the Regional Office of Education for Madison County

Grandin recently was included in the 2010 TIME 100, the magazine's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Among numerous other recognitions by media, Bravo Cable created a brief documentary about her life, and she was one of the "challenged" people featured in the best-selling book, Anthropologist from Mars.

The Langston Hughes Project-"Jazz Montage: A Multimedia Concert Performance of Langston Hughes … Ask Your Mama: Twelve Moods for Jazz"

Thursday, March 24, 7:30 p.m., Meridian Ballroom

An homage in verse and music to the struggle for artistic and social freedom at home and abroad at the beginning of the 1960s, Hughes' 12-part epic poem is scored with musical cues drawn from blues and Dixieland, gospel songs, boogie-woogie, bebop and progressive jazz, Latin "cha cha" and Afro-Cuban mambo, German lieder, Jewish liturgy, West Indian calypso, and African drumming-a creative masterwork left unperformed at his death.

Simon Shaheen-Thursday, April 14, 7:30 p.m. , Meridian Ballroom (Morris University Center)

Shaheen brings his quartet to the Arts & Issues stage to dazzle the audience as he deftly leaps from traditional Arabic sounds to jazz and Western classical styles. His soaring technique, melodic ingenuity, and unparalleled grace have earned him international acclaim as a virtuoso on the oud and violin. Called one of the most significant musicians, performers and composers of his generation.

Ken Burns: "The Civil War"-Wednesday, April 20, 7:30 p.m. , Meridian Ballroom, Morris University Center

Sponsored by the SIUE Foundation, the SIUE Graduate School, and the St. Clair County Regional Office of Education through a federally funded Teaching American History Grant

Called "the most accomplished documentary filmmaker of his generation" by the New York Times, Burns has captured the imaginations of television viewers in unprecedented fashion, setting rating records and winning dozens of awards with his stunning historical documentaries. His first major work, The Civil War, is a moving presentation eloquently celebrating America's fascinating history and culture.

Arts & Issues and the SIUe Xfest present

500 Clown Frankenstein -Saturday, June 4, 7:30 p.m., Dunham Hall Theater

Moving between planned elements and improvisation, this performance will leave its audiences excitedly uncertain as to what is and what is not planned. In each show, an innovatively designed set piece (with hi- and low-tech mechanics) propels the clowns into extreme physical behavior and rough-style acrobatics. Comic mayhem will be served abundantly to the Arts & Issues audience as our three clowns embark on a madcap journey to construct Dr. Frankenstein's laboratory.

The 2010-11 Arts & Issues photos suitable for print are available at http://www.siue.edu/artsandissues/PhotoIndex.shtml

SIUE Wind Symphony To Conduct Fundraising Event At Neruda Jan. 19

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Wind Symphony, the only American university ensemble chosen to perform for an international music conference in Taiwan later this year, will conduct a fundraiser Jan. 19 to help with trip expenses.

The Wind Symphony, under the direction of SIUE Music Professor John Bell, will be performing in early July at the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles in Chiayi City, Taiwan. Bell said part of the proceeds from the Jan. 19 fundraising event, which will take place at Neruda Restaurant after 5 p.m. that Saturday, will help defray costs of making the Taiwan trip for the symphony. "Neruda has graciously agreed to donate 15 percent of that evening's proceeds to our band fund, which was set up to help with expenses for the trip," Bell said.

"We hope everyone will come out to support the wind symphony," he said. "Make your reservations soon."

Neruda is located at No. 4 Club Centre Court, Edwardsville. Reservations may be made for after 5 p.m. Jan. 19 by calling (618) 659-9866.