Students and alumni advocate for the U of I during annual visit to the state capitol

Almost 200 students and alumni from all three University of Illinois campuses came to the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield on April 10, 2013 to advocate for state funding, the Monetary Award Program (MAP), and other important issues.

“The goal is to have all the legislators, all 177 of them, hear from students and alumni about the importance of the U of I,” said Amy Eichhorst, vice president of the U of I Alumni Association’s Illinois Connection.

Participants were assigned lawmakers to speak with based on their home districts. This year, UIS had a record number of participants with 40 students in attendance.

UIS senior biology major Jinger Sanders is a MAP grant recipient. She realizes the importance of the state-supported assistance and wanted to make sure lawmakers did as well.

“It wouldn’t be possible for me to attend UIS if I did not receive a MAP grant, so that’s really important for future students to come,” said Sanders.

Other students, such as John Tienken, a senior UIS political science and English major, came to the capitol pushing for higher education funding in general.

“Right now the University of Illinois is being supported at a 1960’s level,” said Tienken. “That’s just not enough. We need more funding to keep higher education accessible and affordable for students from all backgrounds.”

Besides lobbying for the U of I, the day also serves as an educational experience as students learn about state government and interact with legislators.

“It’s really experiential learning. The students have an opportunity to really see they can make a difference with the legislators, so they’re not only learning about the U of I, they’re learning about citizenship and what it means to be a good citizen,” said Eichhorst.

This is the 5th year the University of Illinois Alumni Association has coordinated the day of action through their Illinois Connection Advocacy Program.

U of I Day at the Capitol sends funding message to lawmakers

Almost 200 University of Illinois alumni and students spent the day lobbying lawmakers, including Governor Pat Quinn, for critical state funding during University of Illinois Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, April 6.

While lawmakers passed a budget with substantial funding for higher education last year, the university still has not received much of the cash.

“They still haven’t paid us almost $500 million,” said Amy Eichhorst, director of Illinois Connection. “We need that money in order to run the university and for next year we’re asking them not to cut the budget.”

Alumni and students got a surprise when Governor Quinn showed up for their group photo on the steps of the Illinois State capitol.

“We believe in schools and education and higher education and we thank you for your commitment to the university,” Quinn told the crowd. “(The university) is really a special place, and jobs follow brainpower that’s what we believe in.”

UIS student Tia Mahr was surprised to hear from the governor, but came to lobby day ready to talk to lawmakers and hear their opinions on the future of the university.

“I decided to come out, make a difference, make a change,” said Mahr, a senior Communication major.

Other students, such as UIUC junior Political Science and Business major Meghan Schaffer hope the unified message from alumni and students makes a difference. Participants were grouped together based on their home legislative districts in an effort to speak with the lawmakers they helped to elect.

“I think it’s really essential to make sure they understand the student voice, that people need to really come here to show a presence of students, alumni, working together for this important cause,” said Schaffer.

Reductions in the number of state MAP Grants awarded have made it harder for UIC Finance major Regina Stevenson to make ends meet.

“I’m here to make a difference. I come from a low income area, so money is very important to stay in school,” said Stevenson, a junior.

Illinois Connection, part of the University of Illinois Alumni Association, organized the lobby day. The group has over 8,000 members in 49 states, which are fighting for higher education funding.

Supporters lobby for state funding during U of I Day at the Capitol

Hundreds of students, faculty and alumni members spent the day lobbying lawmakers for state funding during University of Illinois Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, April 21.

The annual event was organized by the U of I Alumni Association as a way for people to demonstrate their support for all three University of Illinois campuses.

“We are almost a half a billion dollars that the state is indebted to the university. Today is really about engaging the legislators and getting them to understand how bad the problems (are),” said Derek Felix, UIS student representative on the U of I Board of Trustees.

The day began with a lunch briefing and review of key messages. Throughout the afternoon, participants met with legislators and staff.

“What we’re trying to get them to understand is in dollars spent at the University of Illinois by the state returns back to the state usually 13 times every dollar that’s put in it,” said Edward McMillan, University of Illinois trustee.

The lobbying group from UIS was made up of both students and faculty. They met with local representatives like Senator Larry Bomke of Springfield to share their stories about how the financial problems are affecting them.

“We will get paid. It’s just a matter of when. I hope it’s a lot sooner than later,” said Felix.

McMillan says it’s important to have students meeting with their lawmakers directly. He’s especially glad to have a campus full of politically minded students right in the capital city.

“We’re very blessed to have this campus at Springfield to be part of the University of Illinois system,” said McMillan.

At the end of the day, alumni, students, legislators, UIAA leaders and University officials held a reception at the State Library.

UIS Alumnus and Department of Defense Inspector General visits campus

The Honorable Gordon S. Heddell, Inspector General for the United States Department of Defense visited his alma mater on Thursday, November 5, 2009 to meet with students in the Capital Scholars Honors Program.

“I got absolutely a top notch graduate level education here,” said Heddell referring to his 1975 master’s degree in Legal Studies.

Heddell is visiting Springfield to accept the University of Illinois Alumni Achievement Award for outstanding success and national or international distinction in one’s business, profession or life’s work.

“I feel humbled that the University Alumni Association is honoring me with this achievement award. I’m not sure that I probably deserve it, but I’m humbled that they think enough of me and I’m honored to be back here,” said Heddell.

Heddell was sworn in as DoD Inspector General on July 14, 2009, one year after being appointed as Acting Inspector General. Heddell began his Government service in 1966 as an Army Chief Warrant Officer, Helicopter Pilot, serving in both Korea and Taiwan during the Vietnam-era conflict. Following his military tours of duty, Mr. Heddell served for 29 years in the U.S. Secret Service, where he directed investigations of threats made against the President, Vice President, and other high-ranking government officials in Washington, D.C.

It was Heddell’s career with the Secret Service that brought him to Springfield to work in the field office. He finished his master’s degree after hours and admits it wasn’t easy, but it paid off.

“I’m a better Inspector general and a better public servant because of the things I learned here,” said Heddell.

Heddell says he’s pleased with the growth of the UIS campus over the years and the physical improvements that have been made since his time.

“I’m very proud of what Chancellor Richard Ringeisen has done here. He’s an example of exceptional leadership. I’m proud of what he’s accomplished. I’m proud of the entire University of Illinois system,” said Heddell.

Heddell just returned from a trip to Iraq and Afghanistan where he meet with troops and top commanders in the region. Its Heddell’s role as Inspector General to make sure that taxpayer money is being spent wisely and to help troops get the equipment they need.

Prominent UIS alums to participate in Leadership Roundtable

The University of Illinois at Springfield will host 21 distinguished alumni from across the nation as the group gathers to participate in a Leadership Roundtable on Thursday and Friday, November 6 and 7, at the university.

The topic of the Roundtable, "UIS in the Global Marketplace," will focus on two main topics: What can UIS offer international markets? and What do students need to know to be prepared for today’s global environment?

The alumni will participate in meetings and panel discussions with UIS administrators, faculty, and student groups and will take part in a "speed networking" event with students. The Leadership Roundtable program is designed as a way to bring some of the best and brightest alumni together with educators to share their insights on the realities and challenges of the global marketplace.

"UIS is very fortunate to have among its alumni many extraordinary leaders," said UIS Chancellor Richard Ringeisen. "These individuals have graciously agreed to share their experiences and expertise with us through intensive discussions about how we can best prepare our graduates for the future."

Roundtable participants are: Linda Baker-Roby, professor, Paul Simon Public Policy Institute and president, GII of Illinois, Inc. (BA, 1985; MA, 1987, DPA, 2004); Guoxing Chai, senior vice president, Risk Management & Analytics, Global Cards/Consumer Assets, HSBC bank (MBA, 1993); James A. Downing, founding executive director of Illinois Venture Capital Association (MBA, 1999); W. Robert Felker, chief administrative officer, Chase Capital and chairman of JPMorgan Futures Inc. (BA, 1974); Kathleen D. Gowin, senior vice president of sales, Global Treasury Services at Bank of America (MBA, 1987); Karen A. Hasara, first woman to be elected mayor of Springfield and former member of the Illinois Legislature (BA,1972; MA, 1992); Gordon S. Heddell, acting Inspector General, U.S. Department of Defense (MA, 1975); Brenda J. Holmes, chair of the Governmental Relations Committee, Illinois State Broad of Education and member of the Finance & Audit Committee, commissioner for the Education Commission of the States (MA, 1972); Raju L. Indukuri, independent entrepreneur and founder of Valence Energy (MA, 1992); Cheryl Alters Jamison, author of more than a dozen cookbooks and travel guides (1977 MA); Donald Johnson, chairman and CEO of ATC Technology Corporation and lead director of Accuride Corporation (BA, 1982); Thomas E. Livingston, resident vice president, CSX Transportation for the State of Illinois (BS, 1990; MPA, 1997); Syma R. Mendelsohn, senior vice president of JZA Affinity, Inc. (MA, 1975); David W. Olien, senior vice president for administration in the University of Wisconsin System (retired) (MA, 1974); Fred Parsons, owner/operator of Westview Condos LLC and Troy Development, partner in Metro East Recycling Inc. (BA, 1981); Kevin Purcell, system managing director in organization and leadership development for Memorial Health Systems (MA, 1982); Michael S. Schwartz, chairman of the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (MA, 1980); Thom M. Serafin, president and CEO of Serafin & Associates, Inc. (BA, 1973; MA, 1993); Donna Fitzgerald Sollenberger, chief executive officer of the Baylor Clinic and Hospital and executive vice president of Baylor College of Medicine (BA, 1971; MA, 1974); Stanley D. Tooley, president/CEO of Southwest Regional Rehabilitation Hospital (MA, 1976); and Phillip T. Zeni Sr., CEO and senior consultant of The NEXT LEVEL Management Consultants (BA, 1973).