UIS receives grant to upgrade campus lighting

UIS has received a grant of more than $190,000 from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation to replace existing interior lighting in several campus buildings.

Joe Eck, assistant director for planning, physical planning and operations, said that over the past two years UIS has applied for and received approval for two grants from the Clean Energy Foundation. “The second award will upgrade lighting fixtures in the Public Affairs Center, Health and Sciences Building, and buildings on the east side of campus,” said Eck.

Eck added that receiving these grants reflects the campus’ overall energy efficiency. Read more>>

New partnership will enable UIS to assist entrepreneurs

An entreNET partnership between UIS and The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce has been established to streamline the delivery of services to entrepreneurs. The network is the newest and most comprehensive coalition that has been established for the purpose of growing new businesses in the Central Illinois region.

The Chamber is the lead partner with UIS in the administration of UIS’ new Center for Entrepreneurship, housed in the university’s College of Business and Management. Richard Judd, director of the Center, called the entreNet partnership an exciting concept. “Nothing like this has been done before in our region. This should be the background of the drive to enhance business start-ups and expansion of existing small business firms in the Central Illinois region,” he said. Read more>>

Taylor named interim director of Sangamon Auditorium at UIS

David Taylor has been named Interim Director of Sangamon Auditorium at UIS, effective June 30. Taylor previously had served as the facility’s associate director. He will replace Susan Linn, who will be assuming a position in development at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, near Chicago. Read more>>

UIS seminar examines women’s roles in the Civil War

UIS will present “With Hearts on Fire - Women in the Civil War: North and South” from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, June 17, in Brookens Auditorium. The third event in the annual Society, Slavery, and the Civil War series, the program will examine women’s roles – including spy, soldier, nurse, and more – on both sides of the conflict.

Each participant will receive copies of program materials, including a book written specially for the seminar. Read more>>

UIS offers public lecture series on Jury Perspectives

UIS is offering a series of free public lectures examining the American jury system in conjunction with the course American Juries: Theories, Themes, and Processes. Speakers include a mix of judges, prosecutors, public and private defense attorneys, and private investigators. The course is being taught by Michael Searcy, assistant professor of Communication.

Said Searcy, "Serving on a jury is one of the greatest duties Americans have. This course is an attempt to educate people about their obligations as citizens and to help them recognize that reality is not the same as a television show.”

See a list of speakers, dates, and times>>

Four UIS students receive Brundage scholarships

Four UIS students -- Melanie Cain, Esteban Czwan Altobelli, Samantha Drews, and Brian McMillen -- were among 22 recipients of Avery Brundage Scholarships, made to U of I students who excel in both academics and athletics. Each student will receive a $2,000 award for the '05-'06 academic year. Read more>>

UIS lists 2005 graduates

More than 1,100 students received degrees at UIS' 34th commencement on May 7, 2005. See a printable list.>>