UIS Reporter's Notebook

Alchemist Review Events

Courtney Westlake — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:19:00 +0000

The Alchemist Review release party will be held in Brookens Auditorium at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 2. At the same time, they will also kick off the Verbal Arts Festival with poet Pamela McClure and readings by Alchemist authors.

Saturday, May 3 there will be student-written, directed and acted plays in "Readers’ Theater" in Brookens Auditorium at 1:30pm. Join in to find out what UIS writers are up to!

Global Experience fundraiser

Courtney Westlake — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:20:00 +0000

Students will be selling T-shirts on Wednesday and Thursday in support of the UIS Global Experience Program to Ashikaga, Japan.

T-shirts in the colors of blue and pink are available, and there are kids' size, too. The front design says "University of Illinois" and the back says Springfield in Japanese. The price is $10 for the t-shirts, and $15 for the long sleeve t-shirt (only navy available).

The sale will be held between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days in the cafeteria.

Downstate Illinois Innocence Project Awards Reception

Courtney Westlake — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:19:00 +0000

The Downstate Illinois Innocence Project will hold a Defenders of the Innocent Awards Reception beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, at the Pasfield House in Springfield.

The event will honor lawyers for Herb Whitlock, recently exonerated of murder, as well as three legislators who worked on reforms in the 2007 legislative session.

Jump For Joel Fundraiser

Courtney Westlake — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:44:00 +0000

At UIS, $3 is enough to buy a drink at Capital Perks. Around Springfield, it’s enough to get you a Happy Meal at McDonald’s.

While the amount may seem minuscule in the U.S., $3 in Kenya covers the cost of an orphan’s after-school tutoring for an entire MONTH.

This week, at lunchtime from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the PAC, please bring $3 to help the organization Jump for Joel raise support for the education and future of orphans at "Gathiga Children’s Hope Home” in Kenya. Bring a few coins & join in making a difference - change for change.

For more information about Jump for Joel, a project founded by UIS student Shana Stine, visit jumpforjoel.org.

UIS Cares Event on Wednesday

Courtney Westlake — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:21:00 +0000

The sixth annual UIS Cares event is taking place Wednesday, April 30 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. as part of National Volunteer Week.

The Office of Student Volunteer Services & Civic Engagement will be completing a beautification project at Jefferson Middle School off Stevenson Dr. in Springfield, just five minutes from the UIS campus.

To RSVP or if you have any questions, e-mail volunteer@uis.edu or call 206-7716. Transportation can also be arranged if needed.

Mary Jane's Cafe Ribbon Cutting

Courtney Westlake — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:18:00 +0000

On Tuesday, April 29th at 3:30 p.m., Brookens Library is going to have a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the opening of Mary Jane's Café, the Brookens Library coffee shop.

Located on Level 1 of Brookens, the café features pastries and light lunch items as well as quality coffee, espresso, and other gourmet beverages. Bevande Coffee out of Bloomington has been chosen as the operator for Mary Jane's. Bevande serves fair trade, shade-grown coffee roasted in Seattle.

Mary Jane's is named after Mary Jane MacDonald, the first librarian hired at Sangamon State University. The space for the café had previously been called the MacDonald Lounge to honor Ms. MacDonald. Mary Jane MacDonald plans on being there and will be cutting the ribbon along with the Chancellor, the Provost and numerous other people who were instrumental in making the cafe possible.

Diversity Task Force Meeting

Courtney Westlake — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:16:00 +0000

The Diversity Task Force will be meeting on Wednesday, May 7, from 2 to 3 p.m. in UHB 1007.

The Diversity Task Force is committed to learn and educate about; advocate for; nurture; honor; and model effective practices that foster an inclusive campus community rich in diversity, justice, respect and dignity. Come join in the meeting!

Alternative Prom

Courtney Westlake — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:12:00 +0000

The Queer-Straight Alliance at UIS will host its annual Alternative Prom from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, in the Student Center. Based on the theme "rockOUT," this year's event will feature Hollywood glitz and glamour.

The event is open to all lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgendered, and questioning youth and their allies in the area and is presented as an opportunity for LGBTQ youth to express themselves while having a good time with friends in a safe environment.

One student ID (from a high school or university) will admit the holder and up to four guests. A king and queen will be chosen, door prizes will be awarded, and refreshments will be available. Some of the area's top drag performance artists will also perform.

For more information, contact Jimmy Brower at 299-1258 or e-mail qsa@uis.edu.

Mexico Diez brown bag

Courtney Westlake — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:58:00 +0000

A group of UIS students went to Chiapas, Mexico, to study economic alternatives and work towards global equality. Come and meet these students, called the Mexico Diez, during a social justice brown bag held on Tuesday, April 29 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in PAC F.

Snacks will be provided. The Mexico Diez will discuss subjects such as:

· Is free trade good for everyone?
· How do NAFTA and free trade change Mexican communities?
· Why do people migrate?

National Day of Silence

Courtney Westlake — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:55:00 +0000

Today, Friday, April 25, is the National Day of Silence. The National Day of Silence brings attention to anti-LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning) name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools.

This year’s event is being held in memory of Lawrence King, a California 8th-grader who was shot and killed Feb. 12 by a classmate because of his sexual orientation and gender expression. Hundreds of thousands of students are coming together today to encourage schools and classmates to address the problem of anti-LGBTQ behavior. Please understand their reasoning and support each individual.

They possibly will present you with a card that reads:

"Please understand my reasons for not speaking today. I support lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights. People who are silent today believe that laws and attitudes should be inclusive of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Day of Silence is to draw attention to those who have been silenced by hatred, oppression, and prejudice. Think about the voices you are not hearing. What can you do to end the silence?"

Vegetarian Club Event

Courtney Westlake — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:25:00 +0000

The Vegetarian Club at UIS will be holding a vegetarian cookout on Sunday, April 27 from 4:30 to 8 p.m.

The social event will be held on the patio of Lincoln Residence Hall. For more information, contact awood03s@uis.edu.

Students Showcase Work in Visual Arts Gallery

Courtney Westlake — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:20:00 +0000

Senior students from the UIS Visual Arts Program will be displaying works of Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Ceramics, Graphic Design, and Photography starting all day on Friday, April 25 until May 16 in the UIS Visual Arts Gallery.

For more information, call 206-6506 or email visarts-ga@uis.edu.

Calling Community Ally Award Nominations

Courtney Westlake — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:40:00 +0000

Community Ally Award is given by the Student Government Association to a member of the UIS or Greater Springfield community. The recipient of the Community Ally Award is one who has shown commitment to serving students.

The manifestation of this commitment can be in many forms – empowering students to advocate for themselves, giving students a voice in the community, providing aid to an individual student or groups. By recognizing those who have allied themselves with the UIS students, we show our gratitude to community members and hope for a future filled with strong relationships and empowered students.

Requirements: 1) Must be nominated by a student
2) Must have demonstrated commitment to serving the students of UIS (student nominations should include at least one example).

Nominations will be considered by the Student Government Association with SGA will determining the recipient.

Theatre Historian to Speak about LGBT Students

Courtney Westlake — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:26:00 +0000

Theater historian Bob Schanke will be presenting “Passing and Covering: Good Choices for LGBT Students?” tomorrow night, Wednesday, April 23rd, at 7 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium.

Schanke recently commented that “the issues of passing and/or covering are very, very pertinent and have been used in writing about the recent murder of teenager Lawrence King. Everyone knew he was gay, but some people were bothered and violently opposed to his wearing high heel shoes and earrings to school. He refused to cover!”

The evening promises to be an engaging presentation, followed by a question and answer and discussion session. A reception with Dr. Schanke will follow the public lecture and discussion. The discussion is part of the UIS ECCE Speaker Series.

For more information about Schanke, visit his Web site.

ESCAPE trip

Courtney Westlake — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:24:00 +0000

The ESCAPE student organization will be taking a trip to the St. Louis Planetarium on Saturday, April 26th.

Transportation and lunch will be provided along with an OMNIMAX film and 30min space show in the planetarium. They have limited space so it will be on a first come first serve basis. RSVP's should be sent to amora5@uis.edu

Blood Drive

Courtney Westlake — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:25:00 +0000

In celebration of Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, UIS is hosting a blood drive on Monday, April 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside Lincoln Residence Hall.

The Central Illinois Community Blood Center will be on campus collecting blood for the patients in local hospitals. CICBC is the blood supplier to 19 Illinois hospitals, including St. John’s Hospital and Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

Walk-ins are welcome.

Most medications are acceptable, as long as they are regulating the condition for which the medication was prescribed. For questions about your medication or blood donation, call a nurse toll-free at 1-866-GIVE-BLD.

Women's Center Party and Ceremony

Courtney Westlake — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:23:00 +0000

Women’s Center Annual Garden Party and Awards Ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 1 at 5 p.m. at the Women’s Peace & Friendship Garden on the west side of campus pond.

Join the Women’s Center Council as they give out their 11th Naomi B. Lynn Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Environment for Women at UIS and the Women’s Issues Caucus student club as they give out their 4th Student Activism Award.

The Award Ceremony will begin at 5:15 pm. The rain location is the PAC Restaurant. For information contact womenscenter@uis.edu or 206-7173.

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities

Courtney Westlake — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:20:00 +0000

There are several ongoing opportunities for service on campus or in the Springfield community. They include:

*The UIS Alumni Relations Office is seeking volunteers to assist in stuffing approximately 600 diploma covers by the end of April. These will be handed to graduates during the May commencement ceremony. The covers are in boxes in a storage room in the Office of Registration and Admissions. There is enough room for several students to work at the same time. If anyone is interested in helping with this project, please contact Mary Caroline Mitchell, Associate Director of the Office of UIS Alumni Relations at 206-7395 or mmitc1@uis.edu.

*The American Red Cross is seeking volunteers willing to canvas neighborhoods on Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., providing packets of information about disasters to residents through the City of Springfield. Joining the effort will be members of the Springfield Police Department and Fire Department, and all volunteers will be meeting at the Red Cross office located at 1045 Outer Park Dr. in Springfield at 9 a.m. on May 3. If you are interested in volunteering for this effort, email volunteer@uis.edu for details.

*The Office of Student Volunteers & Civic Engagement is going to be working with Lincoln Land Community College and Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County this summer and next fall to build a home for a family of five. The kickoff for the build will be on Thursday, July 24, and we are in need of students who will be in the area for the summer to assist with various committees. Although the project will begin this summer, work will continue through Saturday, November 8, with a home dedication planned for Sunday, November 9. If you are interested in serving on a committee for this project, please contact volunteer@uis.edu for more information.

*The Sangamon Auditorium Volunteer Association is currently looking for volunteers willing to serve as ushers and those willing to volunteer in the administrative offices on campus. Volunteers may work in the following areas: office work & mailings, audience development, ushers, family event activities, marketing and public relations, university/community events. For more information, contact the Sangamon Auditorium Front of House Staff at 206-8288 or audfohga@uis.edu.

Art Competition

Courtney Westlake — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:28:00 +0000

The UIS Visual Arts Department, along with S.H.E.M.A Ministries, is sponsoring an Art Competition open to all UIS students.

This is a juried competition with monetary prizes being awarded. The theme is "Transforming Shadows into Enlightenment – Enhancing International Relations and/or Interfaith Understanding."

More theme and entry info can be found on http://www.shemaministries.org/. Flyers and entry forms can also be picked up in the Visual Arts Department. Submission deadline is Monday, April 21.

ECCE Speaker Series Presentation

Courtney Westlake — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:27:00 +0000

The campus community is invited to the 2008 Earth Day presentation,"Education and Action for a Sustainable Future" by guest speaker Dr. Debra Rowe on April 22 at 7 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium.

The event is part of the ECCE Speakers Series and is free and open to the public.

Recycle Your Ink and Toner Cartridges!

Courtney Westlake — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:51:00 +0000

Help Habitat for Humanity by bringing in your printer ink and toner cartridges to be recycled!

Habitat built a whole house from the proceeds of printer cartridges in just three short years. Bring your printer ink and toner cartridges to BRK 482 to help!

Visual Arts Visiting Lecturer

Courtney Westlake — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:45:00 +0000

UIS Visual Arts Department' Visiting Scholar's Lecture Series presents Stephanie Rozene on Thursday April 17 at 6:15 p.m. in VPA 152.

Rozene is an Ohio-based studio potter who explores personal relationships through use and investigates the role that pottery form plays in communicating meaning across cultures. Though she does teach at Bowling Green State University, her primary focus is producing utilitarian work that can be used in a domestic setting. She comes to UIS to speak about her work and influences.

For further information please contact Brian Gillis, Assistant Professor of Art in the Visual Art Department, at 217.206.7548 or email bgill3@uis.edu.

Weekend Volunteer Opportunities

Courtney Westlake — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:39:00 +0000

There are two volunteer opportunities this weekend!

Road Clean-Up with Alpha Phi Omega (a national co-ed service fraternity at UIS) --Join this UIS service group as they work to clean up a section of road near the UIS campus as part of the City of Springfield's "Springfield Green Adopt-A-Street" program. Transportation to and from the site will be provided. For more information, contact Chris Stanley at cstan2@uis.edu.
This will take place on Saturday, April 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Wednesday, April 24 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.

Students from UIS in the Service--Learning course focusing on environmental awareness are working on a storm drain stenciling service project for the City of Springfield. Together with the City of Springfield Public Works and Sustainable Springfield, their goal is to stencil "Drains to Stream - Do NOT Dump!" on the top of storm drains in residential areas around Springfield High Schools. All supplies will be provided. Participants will be split up into groups to physically stencil the storm drains or pass out informative door hangers to the residents of the area. Contact Brian Rusk at rusk.brian@gmail.com by April 17th if you are interested.

ECCE Speaker Series Discussion

Courtney Westlake — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:37:00 +0000

The ECCE Speaker Series and the Organization of Latin American Students invites everyone to attend "Embracing Power and Self-Interest," a discussion featuring Mary Gonzales.

This event will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 18 in Brookens Auditorium and is free and open to the public.

Mary Gonzales is the Western Territory Director for the Gamaliel Foundation, an international institute building faith-based organizations in the United States, Great Britain and in South Africa. To read more about the Foundation, go here.

Take Back the Night

Courtney Westlake — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:33:00 +0000

On April 18, 2008, UIS and LLCC students will present their first-ever Take Back the Night march and rally. Take Back the Night is a movement inclusive of all genders and sexual orientations that brings survivors, supporters and activists together in a call for the end of violence against women.

The first annual UIS/LLCC Take Back the Night will begin with a rally on the LLCC campus at 7:00 p.m. where survivors of abuse will share their stories. Participants will then march from LLCC to UIS, where there will be a party with entertainment and refreshments. There are free t-shirts for the first 50 participants with a UIS or LLCC Student ID.

Please join the efforts to help end violence against women and take back the night! The event is presented by UIS Women's Issues Caucus and LLCC Feminist Action Coalition student clubs. It is also sponsored by the UIS Women's Center, UIS Student Government Association, the Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault and the LLCC Multicultural Center.

To learn more, visit http://www.takebackthenight.org/