What does your position entail, what do you like most about your job or what motivates you to wake up and go to work?

What drew you to your current position?

Hometown: Lake in the Hills, IllinoisMajor: Computer ScienceFuture Plans: Work in software development

A report released earlier this month by the Pew Research Center details the number of journalists who cover America's statehouses, including our own here in Springfield.

Why am I Receiving This Communication?

You have been approved to participate in Commencement because you submitted an online intent to participate. Congratulations! You’ve done everything necessary up to this point, but there is one more step… YOU MUST ARRIVE ON TIME TO COMMENCEMENT! Keep reading and pay special attention to the information below.

When/Where Is Commencement?

Gale Myers is the owner of Davidsan’s Japanese Maples. She is retiring and has closed the business which owns thousands of Japanese maple trees. Myers is gifting the trees to Springfield locations including the University of Illinois Springfield.

Myers and Dr. Jonathan GoldbergBelle, who is the director of the UIS Study Away Program, spoke to Community Voices about the donation to UIS and an event on April 30 to celebrate the trees and Japanese culture.