Presentation will discuss works by nature writer

The Land of Little Rain and other works by nature writer and early environmentalist Mary Hunter Austin will be the focus of a presentation from 5 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, February 21, in the solarium of the Center for Teaching and Learning in BRK 460. The discussion will be led by UIS History Professor Robert McGregor.

Austin (1868-1934) was born in Carlinville and graduated from Blackburn College. She studied the life of the Mojave Desert for many years, and her writing reflects an intimate knowledge of the land and the people who lived there. Read more>>

Taste of UIS examines debate over computer emotions

The spring Taste of UIS Lunchtime Lecture series will begin Wednesday, February 14, with a presentation by Keith Miller, professor of Computer Science. Miller's topic will be "Computers in Love?"

Sponsored by the Alumni Association, Taste of UIS programs are held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Maldaner's Upstairs, 222 South Sixth St., Springfield. Reservations are required. Read more>>

Tuba recital by UIS Music

"Tubenvergnugen II: The Joy of Tuba," a recital by faculty and other members of UIS Music, will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 16, in the Studio Theatre.

Todd Cranson and Rose Schweikhart on tuba and Marina Meshcherska on piano will be joined by other performers including several members of the UIS faculty and the cello section of the UIS Chamber Orchestra. Proceeds will benefit the UIS Music Student Merit Award. Read more>>

Cynthia Thompson is 24th Employee of the Year

Cynthia Thompson, UIS director of student life, was named 2006 Employee of the Year at the 24th annual Employee of the Year Recognition Ceremony, held January 24 on campus.

Nominating materials hailed her "stellar service and commitment to students and to the university" and her "tireless" efforts to expand programming and opportunities for students. Read more>>

WUIS to host third Young Musicians' Competition

WUIS will host a concert showcasing some of central Illinois' best young classical musicians at 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 2, at First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh Street, in Springfield.

Nineteen performers, ranging in age from 10 to 17, will perform works by Bach, Gaubert, Beethoven, Joplin, and others before the audience and a panel of judges. Read more>>

UIS to present discussion of "Justice for All"

UIS will present "Justice for All," an interactive forum on civil liberties, legal inequities, and access to legal advice and information, beginning at 6 p.m. Monday, January 29, in PAC conference room C/D.

While a panel of speakers will address several general issues, much of the direction of the program will depend on audience participation. Read more>>

UIS becomes an iTunes U campus

UIS students can now take advantage of the latest technology to listen to lectures, sit in on public events, or catch up on campus sports – even if they're miles away from campus, even if it's 4 a.m. on a Sunday.

UIS, along with a growing list of institutions across the country, has become an iTunes U campus. As such, UIS will be able to provide lectures, presentations, or other programs as downloadable files for students and others to access anytime, anywhere. Read more>>

WUIS to air students' essays

Ten local high school students will go into the studio at public radio station WUIS-WIPA this week to record original essays of their personal beliefs. Winners of the station's This I Believe essay contest for Sangamon County students, the essays will be broadcast weekdays on 91.9-89.3 FM at 7:55 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. between January 29 and February 9. See a list of winning students, their broadcast times and topics>>

Alumni Association to sponsor lunchtime lecture series

The U of I Alumni Association at UIS will sponsor A Taste of UIS: Distinguished Faculty/Alumni Lunchtime Lectures, a series of three monthly presentations to be held at Maldaner's Upstairs, 222 South Sixth St., Springfield. The programs are open to the public; however, reservations are required.

This spring's programs will be: Wednesday, February 14, "Computers in Love?" with Keith Miller, professor of Computer Science; Wednesday, March 21, "African-American Women Leaders," an alumnae panel presentation; and Thursday, April 12, "Neanderthals in Germany," with Lynn Fisher, associate professor of Sociology/Anthropology. For more information, including how to make reservations>>

UIS establishes first professorship in political science

Thanks to an unrestricted estate gift from a Springfield couple, UIS has established a professorship in political science in the College of Public Affairs and Administration.

The Wepner Distinguished Professorship in Political Science was made possible by a $1.2 million estate gift from Wilbur and Margaret Wepner, longtime supporters of the university. Read more>>

Political art series looks at "The Future of Food"

UIS' Political Art and the Public Sphere series will resume for the spring semester on Monday, January 29, with a screening of the film "The Future of Food" at 6 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium. The film will be followed by a discussion session.

Series facilitator Richard Gilman-Opalsky notes, "Many people are surprised to learn that unlabeled, patented, genetically engineered foods have been quietly making their way into American grocery stores for the past decade." Read more>>

UIS to host Campus Preview Day

UIS will host a Campus Preview Day for prospective students and their families from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 27. The program will include an academic fair, campus tours, lunch, and greetings from the chancellor and provost. For more information, including how to make a reservation>>

Annual International Festival: "Global Face Book"

UIS will host its 29th annual International Festival, "Global Face Book," from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, January 28, in the Public Affairs Center. The festival features cultural performances and a cultural bazaar with exhibits and food booths from many countries, including Argentina, France, Germany, India, Japan, the Philippines, and Poland. Read more>>

Community invited to join musical groups

Members of the community who are interested in sharing their musical talents are invited to join the UIS Band, Chamber Orchestra, or Chorus. The groups are currently gearing up for the spring semester. For more information, including first rehearsal sessions>>

UIS offers "A Survey of the Universe"

UIS will offer ASP 101 A Survey of the Universe, taught by Assistant Professor of Astronomy/Physics John Martin, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursdays during the spring semester.

The course is designed for non-science majors and is offered for credit to UIS students and also as a non-credit program to others. It has been approved by the Illinois Board of Education as a provider of CPDUs for teachers.

Survey of the Universe will help participants understand the ever-changing sky as well as how recent advances in the field of astronomy might affect our world. The UIS Observatory will be used as weather and time permit. Read more>>

UIS to host foreign & independent film series

UIS' Division of Student Affairs is sponsoring an Independent and Foreign Film Series on Friday nights this spring. All films will begin at 7 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium. Admission is free. See a list of this spring's films>>

Professor's book aims to help people pursue their dreams

Donald O'Neal, professor of Management at UIS, is the author of If Not Now, When?, a new book designed to help people stop procrastinating and actively pursue their lives' dreams. O'Neal noted, "Research has found that when people look back on their lives, what they regret most are the things they didn't do." Read more>>

Visual Arts Gallery presents new work by Michelle Coakes

The UIS Visual Arts Gallery will open its 2007 spring season with "Skin: New Work by Michelle Coakes," which will be on display January 16 through February 8. The gallery will host an evening with the artist from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 18.

Coakes is a professor of art at Lincoln Land Community College. Her work includes sculptural ceramic objects – some exploring pure form and others referencing vessels. An interest in skin, both literal and symbolic, inspires many of the pieces. Read more>>