Annual UIS Faculty & Staff Campaign kicks off

Employees at the University of Illinois Springfield are giving back during the 5th annual Faculty & Staff Campaign. The month-long fundraising drive kicked off with a celebration on Tuesday, March 2 in the Sangamon Auditorium lobby.

The theme for this year’s campaign is "When the Going Gets Tough", recognizing the financial strain many employees face in a tough economy.

“I love the theme for this year, with the little engine that could. We are the little engine that not only could, did, and shall keep on doing,” said Chancellor Richard Ringeisen.

Through the campaign, staff and faculty are able to give a gift to the university, choosing how their funds will impact UIS' quality academics, athletics or other important areas. Gifts made to UIS assist with scholarships, enhance research, improve programs and much more.

"It’s the opportunity for all of us here at UIS to support each other and what we want to accomplish," said Vicki Megginson, Associate Chancellor for Development and vice president of the University of Illinois Foundation.

The “When the Going Gets Tough” theme focused on a 1930’s feel with live music and a soup kitchen like food line, which also included sandwiches.

“It’s a can do spirit. If you recall in the 1930’s people got together, they pitched in, they raised barns, they helped each other,” said Megginson.

UIS to hold investiture ceremony for Lincoln chair

The University of Illinois Springfield will hold a special investiture ceremony on Thursday, February 11, at the Old State Capitol in downtown Springfield for Professor Michael A. Burlingame, the new Chancellor Naomi B. Lynn Distinguished Chair in Lincoln Studies.

During the ceremony, Burlingame will be invested with a gold medallion, the symbol of the Lincoln Chair. The medallion will be presented with assistance from Springfield attorney Richard Hart, who is the president of the Abraham Lincoln Association and a long-time friend of Burlingame. Burlingame will then share his plans for his time as Lincoln Chair.

“We are truly grateful to have attracted this remarkable teacher and scholar to UIS,” said UIS Chancellor Richard Ringeisen. “His presence at this university will strengthen our academic prowess.”

A preeminent Lincoln scholar, Burlingame’s recently released two-volume biography of Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln: A Life (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2008), was named one of the top five books published in 2009 by the Atlantic Monthly.

According to historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, “Lincoln scholars have waited anxiously for this book for decades. Its triumphant publication proves it was well-worth the wait. Few scholars have written with greater insight about the psychology of Lincoln. No one in recent history has uncovered more fresh sources than Michael Burlingame. This profound and masterful portrait will be read and studied for years to come.”

The Chancellor Naomi B. Lynn Distinguished Chair in Lincoln Studies was established in 2000 when the Dr. Richard E. Vaden Family donated a gift for that purpose to honor their long-time friendship with then-UIS Chancellor Naomi Lynn. Val Vaden, managing partner of Outfitter Ventures and representative of the Vaden Family, will also speak at the investiture.

UIS raises pride flag as part of National Coming Out Week

The University of Illinois Springfield is celebrating National Coming Out Week on campus by showing its pride. A group of students, faculty and staff gathered in front of the Public Affairs Center to raise a rainbow-colored flag Monday, October, 5, 2009.

The first pride flag raising ceremony was held three years ago on campus and the celebration has been growing ever since. UIS Chancellor Richard D. Ringeisen issued a statement in support of the LGBTQ community at UIS calling them "important members of the entire university community."

“I think for an institution to display our pride flag so publicly is very important and it really says we’re not ashamed to have you here, we’re proud of you,” said UIS student Renee Rathjen.

“This is just another example of showing this is a very inclusive university that everyone has value to us,” said Ringeisen

The flag will fly over campus for the entire week.

Other National Coming Out Week Events:

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Meet the Author, Dr. Pierceson Book Signing, 4:00pm PAC Lobby

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Speak Out 1:00-5:00 UIS Quad

Friday, October 9, 2009
Safe Zone Training Phase 1 - 1:00-4:00 pm, PAC C/D (registrations reqd.)

For more information contact the LGBTQ Resource Office at 217/206-8316 or e-mail: LGBTQ@uis.edu.