Robert Mock Jr. Highlights Annual SIUE Day
Nearly 200 community leaders and business people attended the 11th annual SIUE Day Thursday, Oct. 13 in the Student Fitness Center. The event is designed as a networking opportunity for area business leaders allowing them to connect with key SIUE personnel and learn more ways to partner with the University.
As SIUE Day Chair, Dr. Robert Mock Jr., Charlotte campus president of Johnson Wales University in N.C., headlined the event. An Urbana native, he earned his bachelor’s in industrial engineering in 1990 from the SIUE School of Engineering. Mock’s career in higher education began in 1995 at the University of Arkansas as a staff member in continuing education and later rose to the associate vice provost for student affairs. In 2010, he joined the University of Kentucky as the vice president for student affairs.
“My time at SIUE and involvement with my fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc., has shaped my belief that we can all be a catalyst of change even beyond our time on this earth,” Mock said.
Mock described his career success as “standing on the shoulders of others.”
Bev George, chief executive officer of Bev George & Associates Real Estate, served as emcee.
After SIUE Chancellor Dr. Randy Pembrook welcomed the crowd and thanked them for their continued support. He also introduced the High Impact Community Engagement Practices (HICEPS) initiative, which connects the University’s faculty, staff and students with the community for the betterment of all.
Jeffrey Waple, SIUE vice chancellor for student affairs, introduced four projects that could benefit community support:
- Installation of artificial turf for both the soccer field and softball infield at the Rec Plex, which has more than 700 reservations per year. It supports intramural and club sport programs as well as academic classes and youth sports organization rentals.
- Renovation of the Morris University Center, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Student enrollment has nearly doubled since the MUC was built, and now 300 student organizations vie for activity space. During an average year, the MUC hosts more than 5,600 meetings and events.
- Bringing the Leadershape (leadershape.org) program to campus. It is an independent, not-for-profit corporation whose vision is to create a just, caring and thriving world where all lead with integrity and a healthy disregard for the impossible.
- The Early Childhood Center has provided 15-20 scholarships for low-income student parents. Once supported by a state grant, the scholarship funding has been eliminated in the state of Illinois budget crisis and could use public support.
Walmart was the presenting sponsor along with the SIUE Foundation. Media sponsors included The Intelligencer, WSIE-FM 88.7 The Sound and the Illinois Business Journal.
Rally Week sponsors included Greenhill Apartments, Enclave, Korte & Luitjohan Contractors, Inc., SIUE Credit Union, The Cup, 1st MidAmerica Credit Union, Regions Bank, Vantage Credit Union, Oates Associates and Scott Credit Union.
Partner sponsors included edglen Chamber of Commerce, GCS Credit Union, West & Company LLC, Assurance Brokers, Edison’s Entertainment Complex, Mathis, Marifian & Richter LTD., Wildflower Shop, Inc., Argosy Casino, Bella Milano, Carrolton Bank, Madison Mutual Insurance Co., Louer Facility Planning, Inc., Glik’s, Atrium Hotel & Conference Center, First Christian Church and Thrivent Financial.
Photo: Dr. Robert Mock Jr., Charlotte campus president of Johnson Wales University in N.C.
