randy eccles: Director of giving for WUis
- Phone: 217.206.6516
- E-mail: reccl2@uis.edu
I raise money for WUIS.
Personal:
I grew up in the South Suburbs of Chicago and spent holidays and vacations at my grandparents’ farm outside of Macomb.
When I attended Homewood-Flossmoor High School, my first class freshman year was Radio I. Since then, I’ve had the media bug. It led me to North Central College in Naperville where I got my degree in Speech Communication/Theatre. I’ve worked at several radio stations including long stints at WGN in Chicago and KTAR in Phoenix.
Why education matters:
I don’t see a degree as the end to the process of learning. I think we need to change our perceptions about ongoing education. New challenges, retraining, a sudden fascination… take some classes and learn more (especially when you’re beyond the traditional student age)! The pursuit of knowledge and truths with an open mind leads us to better understanding, enabling us to address pressing issues and avoid conflicts.
What I enjoy best about my role at UIS:
WUIS is a great college radio station. It’s an excellent public radio station. It is more than a radio station in the community, it’s a cultural institution. I couldn’t have found a better place to continue my media work while having the resources of UIS available. WUIS embraces its mission to serve Central Illinois in many ways and I’m thrilled I can be a part of its efforts to enhance our community.
Best thing about UIS:
I tell current and prospective students not to undervalue a smaller school. You get to know your professors in class and after class. No giant auditorium classes. When you need assistance, it’s not hard to see the person you need or find someone to provide direction. At the same time, as part of the University of Illinois, UIS has many of the strengths of its brethren in Urbana.
A program at UIS I care deeply about:
After WUIS, I’m still getting to know the university. At this point, I appreciate the focus beyond campus. From free speaking events and film series to the State Center for Policy and Leadership, UIS plays a large role in the greater Springfield area beyond teaching students.
The gift I’ll always remember:
So far, it’s everyday as listeners are so generous and help keep WUIS’ great programming on the air.
What most people don’t know about me:
I’m a current events and trends aficionado. I love being around news events and coverage, talking about ideas and solutions. I’m an early adopter, especially of technology.
A college professor who meant a lot:
Dan Brown whom I believe is now at Eastern Tennessee State, a great media and society teacher. Charles Smith at North Central made me appreciate the nuances of American history.
- What I’m reading now: My wife has gotten me out of the habit of reading books consecutively. I now have several in progress: 1984 by Orwell, scarily prescient. Happier by Tal Ben-Shahar, his class became the most popular at Harvard as he studied what makes people feel good about living. The Time Machine by H.G. Wells, it is so much richer from the original text (I’m reading it through the Stanza application on my iPhone). Animation Techniques, I’m learning flash and stop-motion techniques I hope to share on WUIS.org soon.
- My favorite book: The Time Traveler’s Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger. The Dune series by Frank Herbert (I haven’t gotten to read his son’s continuation of the series, yet).
- My favorite movies: I like odd and surprising movies. After Hours directed by Martin Scorsese. Most Frank Capra, especially It’s a Wonderful Life, Hitchcock, Jimmy Stewart, and SciFi.
- My favorite sports team: I’m becoming less enchanted with the business aspect of sports; however, I’ve worked with all the pro teams in Chicago and Phoenix and grew up involved with athletics and my dad is a coach. I still howl for the Bears and the Cubs
