Governor's Mansion

So last night was my very first trip to the Governor's Mansion! WUIS and Illinois Issues were hosting a 30th anniversary celebration there, and I got the opportunity to go and cover the event for a story. The place was beautiful and it was fun just to look around at everything. One thing I really liked was how every section of the house I saw had at least one chandelier hanging from the ceiling. They were spectacular!

Overall, it was a great event with some wonderful speakers. I even got to meet Kevin Klose, the president and CEO of National Public Radio! Perhaps the best quote of the night, however, was when Mike Lawrence was discussing how he rememberd visiting the mansion when Governor Edgar was still there.
He then proceeded to say, "It's sad being here now and not seeing their faces...but at least the liquor is back!!" It truly was a great evening, and I'm glad I got the opportunity to go. Here is a picture of me and Mrs. Ringeisen at the event.

Our very 1st softball game is tomorrow when we travel down to SIUE for a weekend tournament. Wish us luck!!

Career Services visit

Last Friday I went to the Career Services Center to speak with Tammy Craig, interim director of the Center, to get some information for this week's story. The office was filled with people getting help on their resumes and such in prepartion for this week's Career Fair. Tammy said the number of students using their services has been increasing dramatically over the past year, and is thrilled that so many people are taking advantage of these great opportunities. After speaking with Tammy, I was amazed at just how much their office has to offer. If you need help with anything career-related, they can help.

They are currently expecting over 100 businesses to attend Friday's Carrer Fair, and it should be a great event, as always. Hopefully a lot of students take advantage of this FREE event, as it provides students with a chance to hear about a company, set up appointments related to a job opening, or even do some networking.

The 2005 Springfield Collegiate Career Fair is this Friday, February 25, from 9 am-1 pm in the lower level of the PAC.

The building of the quad!

First of all, just wanted to mention that tonight the Chemistry Club here at UIS if putting on an Information Night in UHB 235 from 5-7 pm. They will be providing information on graduate school, chemistry research, and various AST placements that are offered in the field of chemistry. All interested students should stop on by!

Well, starting this week there will be a new section in my reporter's notebook featuring the building of the new quad here on campus. I will be giving any updates on the project and displaying some pictures that will show the progress taking place.


This past week or so the new sculpture/momument for the quad has been really taking shape, and it's looking great! You can see by the pictures that it is really going to be something spectacular. Dave Barrows, the UIS Director of Physical Planning and Operations, is predicting the quad to be completely finished by July 2005, and is extremely pleased the project's progress thus far. I personally think that the new quad area will be a great addition to this campus and will hopefuly become a place for students to mingle, read, or even play some frisbee. :)

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Well, today is that magical day when half of the students are filled with excitement looking forward to their special Valentine's Day date, while the other half express their extreme detest for the "Hallmark-holiday." As for me, I still think it's still a pretty fun holiday to celebrate with loved ones, friends, and family!

Just a quick little side note...

Congratulations to all of the participants in last Friday's Talent Expo!! First place went to Ryan Reese, playing the piano. Kimberly Jones placed 2nd for her dramatic presentation, and the UIS World Percussion Ensemble received 3rd place for their group drum performance. Congrats to all of the participants!!!

Busy week

Well, unfortunately I didn't get much posted to my reporter's notebook this week. I was pretty busy with some tests, projects, plus it was my birthday this week. I had to have a little fun, right?

I had a good time when my mom came to Springfield and took me out for lunch and shopping. It's always great to go shopping with your mom! :) Then some friends and I went out to dinner at D'Arcy's here in Springfield for some of their famous horseshoes. Overall, a great week/weekend, but now it's back to the real world, I suppose. *sigh*

Spoke with some people who went on the UIS ski trip to Wisconsin this weekend, and they had a blast. The trip, which is taken every year, is a great opportunity for students to get away for the weekend and enjoy some skiing or snowboarding at a pretty decent price.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!

Communication Career Night

Today was my first meeting with Margot Duley, the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. It was really great to get a chance to meet with her, and I was able to get some really good ideas for future feature stories. Hopefully we will get even more ideas as the year goes on.

Last night was the Communication Career Night held at Lincoln Residence Hall. At this event students were allowed to listen to six different speakers all working in the field of communication. There was a web designer, two involved in public relations, an editor, and two radio personalities. Overall, this was a really great event as it gave students a chance to hear first hand what different careers are like and what to expect in the various fields. I personally thought that some wonderful advice was given by the speakers and hopefully all of the students appreciated this great opportunity.

Some weekend happenings

Just thought I would mention a few cool things happening around campus this weekend. Tonight there is a Chinese New Year party at the Housing Commons. (It's the Year of the Rooster, so I'm told) People can go and learn about the Chinese culture, sign up for some prizes, and get some free Chinese food!! On Saturday the school is sponsoring a Trivia Night, which should be a lot of fun! Unfortunately I'll be out of town that night, otherwise I'd probably dominate. :) Let's see, both the men's and women's basketball teams are playing at home on Saturday. And then Sunday night the Newman Catholic Student Fellowship is holding a mass here on campus. Overall, should be a great weekend!

As for my Super Bowl prediction...I'll have to go with my little brother's favorite team on this one. Go Eagles!!

Relaxing drum class experience

Well, I seem to be over my fight with the flu now, which is quite a relief. However, I think one of my roommates has it now, oops...

Went and observed the UIS World Ensemble Class yesterday. It's a drum class they're offering here at school, and since it's my topic for my feature story this week, I wanted to go sit in on a class. First of all, I'm really glad I went, because it was a really cool experience just to watch and listen to the class play. Even though the music was quite loud, it was still very relaxing to sit there and take in all of the different rhythms and beats. I couldn't help but tap my feet along with the music! :)

Working in the office again today, but I won't be able to really post anything since the UIS server is down. It's really unfortunate it happened, and I feel so sorry for all of the people who are having to deal with it right now. I can imagine that being incredibly stressful. Luckily, it should be back up by the end of the day. (fingers crossed)