WUIS changing weeknight line-up in January

Public Radio station WUIS 91.9-WIPA 89.3 will change its weeknight program line-up starting January 2. Jazz programming will move back to later hours, to be followed by news overnight from the BBC. Classical music programming will air earlier in the evening. Read more>>

Pre-Law Center offers LSAT prep program

UIS' Pre-Law Center is offering a primer for anyone interested in taking the LSAT exam and applying to law school. Four day-long sessions will be held Tuesday, January 10, through Friday, January 13, in PAC conference room F.

The course -- including a basic overview of the law school application process and two actual LSAT exams administered under simulated conditions -- is open to students in all majors, as well as to the general public. Cost is $190; pre-registration is required before Wednesday, January 4. Read more>>

48 Hours to highlight Innocence Project role in murder investigation

The segment of the CBS television program 48 Hours to be aired at 9 p.m. (CST) Saturday, December 17, will include a story about the 1986 murder of Dyke and Karen Rhoads that will feature an interview with private investigator Bill Clutter, director of investigations for the Downstate Illinois Innocence Project at UIS.

While the TV program will focus on a group of Northwestern University journalism students who studied the case, it was Clutter’s investigation that resulted in a federal judge’s decision to order the release of Randy Steidl, convicted of the crime in 1987 and sentenced to death.

The segment will include Clutter’s discussion of his investigation that developed evidence disproving a key prosecution witness’s description of the crime scene. Read more>>

UIS, UPI Local 4100 reach contract agreement

UIS and the University Professionals of Illinois Local 4100 have reached a contract agreement that includes a salary increase of 3 percent for all bargaining unit members, effective January 1, 2006.

The three-year agreement ratified December 12 received a 90 percent approval rating by the 150 members of the three bargaining units represented by the local. Read more>>

History graduate wins outstanding master's thesis award

Patrick Pospisek, who graduated in December 2004 with a master’s degree in History, has won the UIS Outstanding Master’s Thesis award for the 2004-05 academic year. His thesis was titled “Inspired Self-Interest: Motivating Factors in the Relocation of the Illinois Seat of Government, 1836-1845.”

Mark Danenhauer received a Special Merit award for his thesis titled “Determining an Optimal Degree of Local Involvement in the Management of a National Park.” Danenhauer graduated from UIS in May 2005 with a master of science degree in Environmental Sciences.

Pospisek's and Danenhauer's works were chosen from among 11 theses and projects nominated by graduate departments at the university. All 11 students will be honored at a reception during the spring semester. Read more>>

WUIS receives gift to support new studio facilities

Public radio WUIS 91.9 FM has received a pledge from long-time listeners and members Michelle and Guerry Suggs that will serve as the major component in funding a new performing arts studio for the station.

The Suggs’ $25,000 gift will support the technical components of the 900-square-foot studio, which WUIS expects to open early in 2008.

“We are incredibly thankful for Michelle and Guerry’s generosity,” said WUIS General Manager Bill Wheelhouse. “The performing arts studio is a major component in our goal to bring even more local music and voices to the airwaves in the coming years.” Read more>>

UIS will award honorary degree

UIS will award an Honorary Doctor of Letters to Gilbert N. Stein of Springfield, the man who helped elevate Dairy Queen to worldwide status in the 1960s.

As the first president of IDQ, Stein became known as a visionary in the business world. Stein, 92, will receive the honorary degree from UIS Chancellor Richard Ringeisen and UIS Provost Harry Berman during a private ceremony on December 16.

“The university wants to recognize Mr. Stein for his perseverance in overcoming difficult times, technological challenges, and changing society and market cultures,” Ringeisen said. “In doing so, he made significant contributions to the world of business.” Read more>>

Student receives UPI scholarship

Emma Hurley, a senior in the Capital Scholars program at UIS, has received a $1,000 scholarship from the University Professionals of Illinois Local 4100. The UPI scholarship is a one-time award made in the spring semester to a new or continuing full-time student.

Hurley is an honor student majoring in Psychology. Read more>>

Theater season continues with “Student-Directed Scenes”

“Student-Directed Scenes,” the second production in the 05-06 season of the Theatre Program at UIS, will be presented in three performances scheduled for Friday-Sunday, December 9-11, in the Studio Theatre. Friday’s and Saturday’s performances will be at 8 p.m.; the Sunday matinee will be at 2 p.m. The performances are free.

Student-directors chose scenes from seven plays with authors ranging from Neil Simon to Tennessee Williams. Read more>>