UIS receives grant from the Illinois Humanities Council to produce Old State Capitol documentary

The University of Illinois Springfield is pleased to announce that it has received a Media Production maximum grant award of $5,000 from the Illinois Humanities Council (IHC) to support the production of The Old State Capitol: A Witness to History, a documentary on the Old State Capitol Building.

“The Old State Capitol has significant connections to our country’s history.” said Jerry Burkhart, director of UIS’ Office of Electronic Media (OEM), which will produce the HD video. “From Abraham Lincoln to the present, A Witness to History will engage visitors at the Old State Capitol and create enthusiasm among those who watch the documentary at a school or local library.”

In collaboration with Old State Capitol Site Manager Justin Blandford, local historian Tara McAndrew will write the script, with a final 55-minute video expected in 2013. In addition to being shown at the Old State Capitol, the video will be appropriate for public television. It could also be used by history and luncheon clubs, at library presentations, and on the internet. Plans are to distribute the documentary to schools throughout Illinois. Essential support for the project is also provided by the Shelby Cullom Davis Charitable Fund.

“The Illinois Humanities Council is proud to support not-for-profit organizations that promote the importance of the humanities in private and public life. Through their efforts, Illinoisans have greater access to lifelong learning opportunities,” said IHC Executive Director Kristina A. Valaitis. “These champions of the humanities make their communities and our whole state more vibrant.”

The IHC’s Community Grants program is its oldest. Since 1974, the IHC has welcomed grant proposals from not-for-profit groups that have a story to tell about the state, or who have a way to use the humanities to enrich community life. Not-for-profit organizations may apply for Mini Grants up to $2,000 and Major Grants up to $10,000.

For more information about the Illinois Humanities Council, please contact the IHC offices at 312/422-5580 or visit their website at www.prairie.org.

### 

University of Illinois Springfield is the liberal arts campus of the world-class University of Illinois. About 5,000 students enroll each year seeking a U of I degree but also the intimate learning environment of a private college. Located in the state capital, UIS has a special mission in public affairs and has produced thousands of leaders in government and non-profit organizations in Illinois. 

The Illinois Humanities Council is an independent, nonprofit state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, dedicated to fostering a culture in which the humanities are a vital part of the lives of individuals and communities. The IHC creates programs and funds organizations that promote greater understanding of, appreciation for, and involvement in the humanities by all Illinoisans, regardless of their economic resources, cultural background, or geographic location. The IHC is supported by state, federal, and private funds.

UIS survey finds Sangamon County employers have a positive economic outlook

Research released by the Center for State Policy and Leadership at the University of Illinois Springfield show Sangamon County employers have a positive outlook for the performance of the Sangamon County economy over the next 12 months. About four in ten (39%) expect an economic increase, nearly twice as many as those who expect a decline (21%).

Employers are even more positive about the prospects for their own firm or organization. Here, almost half (47%) expect an increase in the next year, about three times as many as those who expect a decline (16%). For both the economy as a whole and for their own firm, about four in ten expect stability (41% for county; 37% for their own firm). The survey also finds that nearly 40% of the employers expect to increase their employment in the next 12 months, compared to 14% who expect a decline.

These results are from the most recent Sangamon County Economic Outlook Survey, conducted with a sample of 189 Sangamon County employers during March. It is a biannual survey that has been conducted since March 2008. The outlook, which is co-sponsored by UIS and The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, includes questions which are asked in every survey as well as those which focus on specific topics for that particular survey.

The current outlook for both the county economy as a whole and for their own firm are the most positive they have been in the four years of the Survey, according to Index scores which summarize the expectation responses. The Outlook Index score for the Sangamon County economy as a whole is now +9, up from +1 one year ago and -8 two years ago. Three years ago, in March 2009, the Index stood at -36, its low point. The Index score for their own firm is now +16, up from +10 one year ago and +1 two years ago. Again, three years ago this Index score was at its low point of -12.

Employers’ expectations for all but one of 12 economic sectors are now positive. The most positive Index score is found for the medical/health care sector (+48). Five other sectors have Index scores around +20: finance/insurance/real estate (+22); retail trade (+20); information and communications (+19); construction (+18); and hotels/food/entertainment (+18).

The only sector with a negative Index score is manufacturing (-3). Yet, this sector has the third largest increase in the Index score since a year ago (from -15 to -3). Larger Index score increases in the past year are found for construction (+1 to +18) and finance/insurance/real estate (+8 to +22).

The two biggest challenges seen by employers in the next 12 months are energy prices (48%) and government regulations/taxes (43%). Following are: employee compensation/benefits (37%); state government finances (34%); and consumer confidence/spending (33%). These are basically the same concerns as were identified one year ago.

For one of the topical questions, employers were asked to identify the most positive and negative development for the Sangamon County economy over the past 12 months. Half (51%) of the respondents identified a positive development, while two-thirds (68%) identified a negative impact.

The most frequent positive developments mentioned related to changes in the medical/health sector (13% of the sample) and the developments on MacArthur Boulevard, specifically the opening of Scheel’s and the MacArthur extension to I-72 (12%). About the same number (12%) identified developments relating to local economic/business/job growth or to an increase in consumer outlook or spending.

By far, the most frequent negative developments mentioned related to state government (27% of the sample). About half of these were about state government finances, including delay in payments (14%). Comments relating to the lack or loss of economic activity or jobs were next most frequent (11%). Following closely were comments relating to city government finances/jobs (10%), including references to CWLP/ electricity rates (6%) and more general references (4%).

Another topical question asked employers how much impact the State government’s delay in paying its bills has had on their firm/organization – and also on those firms who do business with them. Nearly half (48%) said the state’s delay has had at least some impact on their firm, with 27% saying it had either “a lot” or “quite a bit” of impact. About 60% said the state’s delay has had at least some impact on firms that do business with them. Over one-third (37%) said this has had either “a lot” or “quite a bit” of impact on these firms.

The Survey’s Outlook Index Scores: In the Survey, respondents are asked whether an economic aspect will increase quite a bit (+100), increase a little (+50), stay about the same (0), decline a little (-50), or decline quite a bit (-100) over the next 12 months. The Outlook Index Score is the average when the responses are coded on the +100 to -100 scale values next to these responses. The score can range from a low of -100, meaning every responding employer expects the topic to “decline quite a bit” – to a high of +100, meaning every responding employer expects the topic to “increase quite a bit.” A score of 0 either indicates that every respondent expects the topic to “stay about the same,” or that the increase and decline responses are evenly balanced.

For more information on the survey, contact Dick Schuldt, director of the UIS Survey Research Office at 217/206-6591 or email rschu1@uis.edu.

(PDF) Download the report summary

"Under the Dome" teaches high school students about state government

Over 60 high school students from around the state got an inside look at state government during “Under the Dome” on March 28, 2012. The students started their day at UIS and were later bused to the capitol where they took a tour, learned about the legislative process, and met with lawmakers.

“Under the Dome” is a premier immersion event for high school students interested in government, politics, and public service. The day of activities is designed to highlight careers in state government. UIS alumni, who work at the capitol, and staff, who regularly interact with state lawmakers, lead the tours.

“I learned a lot about how careers actually apply in our government and how I could actually end up there,” said Emma Heckelsmiller, a sophomore from Palatine. “It’s always seemed such a distant thing from my life as a high schooler.”

For many of the students this was their first time learning about state government, other than in the classroom or from the newspaper. It changed their impressions about how the process works and politics in general.

“Politics actually isn’t that boring. When you see all of the stuff going on it’s busy and not as boring as office jobs,” said Sydney Miller, a junior from Pana.

While on the behind the scenes tour, the students got to meet with Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, House Minority Leader Rep. Tom Cross, and House Speaker Michael Madigan’s chief of staff Tim Mapes, among others.

“A lot of us students, we come down here for field trips,” said Matthew Wilson, a Lake Zurich senior. “We get to see a little bit of it, but this is kind of a more in-depth view of everything.”

For many of the students it made them think about their future career choices and sparked a first time interest in state government.

“It got me thinking,” said Joe Stannard, a junior at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School. “My cousin got his master’s in political science. I think I might look more into it.”

UIS hosts “Under the Dome” to educate students about state government and also let them know about the opportunities available at UIS.

“It’s our mission to teach people about state government and we have the expertise to do that,” said Ed Wojcicki, UIS assistant chancellor for constituent relations. “We use that expertise to bring in high school students and say this is the kind of life you can have if you go into government service.”

UIS has hosted the “Under the Dome” event for the past four years. For more information on the next “Under the Dome” event visit www.uis.edu/welcome/dome.html.

UIS students spend a week helping to rebuild New Orleans

Over 20 students from the University of Illinois Springfield spent a week in New Orleans helping to rebuild hurricane-damaged homes as part of their annual Alternative Spring Break trip March 11-18.

While they could have been on the beach, the students decided to spend spring break fixing up two badly damaged homes. The volunteers repaired studs, replaced drywall, installed insulation and helped with other tasks.

“We were going to go to Florida, but decided there was a bigger need for New Orleans because with Hurricane Katrina coming through six or seven years ago. They’re still rebuilding and need help,” said Kelsey Thompson, a UIS sophomore.

Students worked with HisHands2Go (HH2G), an organization created shortly after Hurricane Katrina to facilitate the continued need for volunteers. HH2G arranged housing and food for the students and coordinated work projects.

“I decided to come on this trip because I love to volunteer,” said Stephanie Rogers, a UIS sophomore. “I thought it would be amazing to get away for the entire week and spend my time helping people and getting things done.”

Students raised money for the trip through several fundraisers on campus, but still had some out of pocket expenses.

“It’s worth the fundraising, it’s worth the money you pay just to get out here and actually help people and see that your work is appreciated,” said Rogers.

Unlike past Alternative Spring Break trips, the students actually got to meet the families they were helping, shake their hands, and hear their stories. It was an emotional experience that the students will not soon forget.

“Not only am I making a difference in one homeowner or families life, but I’m making a difference in the community as a whole. That was important to me,” said Caitlyn Clausen, a UIS sophomore.

While students were working, they realize they were also learning during the trip.

“This experience is awesome for anybody,” said Brittany Young, a UIS sophomore. “You get a lot of team buildings skills here. I feel volunteering is really important because you get a sense of what’s out there, besides where you live.”

For more information on future Alternative Spring Break trips, contact the UIS Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center at volunteer@uis.edu or visit their website at www.uis.edu/volunteer.

UIS students to spend Alternative Spring Break helping to rebuild New Orleans

A group of students from the University of Illinois Springfield will spend their spring break volunteering in New Orleans, a city still recovering from the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Gustav. Students will focus their efforts on helping to build houses and community gardens.

The 21 undergraduate students, 1 staff member, and 2 advisers will leave Springfield on Sunday, March 11 at 6 a.m. and return to campus on Sunday, March 18 between 8 and 10 p.m. Students will work with HisHands2Go (HH2G), an organization created shortly after Hurricane Katrina to facilitate the continued need for volunteers. HH2G will arrange housing and food for the UIS students and coordinate work projects. The goal of the organization is to put people back in their homes.

“It has been nearly 7 years since the devastating hurricanes hit the gulf coast, but there’s still a lot of work to do, and we’ve got a group that is willing to do it," said Paige Heiser, a student volunteer and vice president of the UIS Alternative Spring Break group. “We can build one more house, create one more community garden, and that is one less thing New Orleans will have to worry about.”

Alternative Spring Break at UIS is a student-driven effort. The students choose the location, organize the logistics, and raise necessary funds. Students fill out applications to go on the trip and must be dedicated.

“This time of year, thousands of students across the country will head to the beach or spend a week chasing MTV to Las Vegas, but these students have chosen to return to Louisiana and work towards making a difference in an under-resourced neighborhood that continues to struggle with the aftermath of natural disaster. I think that speaks to the character of our students and the role of service at UIS” said Mark Dochterman, director of the UIS Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center.

The UIS Alternative Spring Break student organization was formed in 2009 when students took their first trip to Mandeville, Louisiana to help build homes for Habitat for Humanity following Hurricane Katrina. In 2010, students traveled to Galveston, Texas to help clean up damage from Hurricane Ike, which struck in 2008. Last year the students traveled to Nashville, Tennessee to help clean up portions of the Mississippi River.

For more information on Alternative Spring Break, contact Mark Dochterman, director of the UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center at 225/921-9398 or email mdoch2@uis.edu.

UIS computer scientists help high-schoolers build robot

Three students and an instructor from the University of Illinois Springfield Computer Science Department are helping high school students build a robot as part of a national challenge.

The FIRST Robotics Challenge is designed to teach students about teamwork and "real-world engineering." The teams are under strict rules and have limited time and resources. Robots are built in six weeks from a common kit of parts and typically weigh up to 120 lbs.

“I never got to do something like this (in high school), but I wish I did,” said Brian Rodgers, a senior UIS computer science major. “I think they’re pretty lucky. I’m lucky to be able to do this too.”

The students are building a basketball-shooting robot for the “rebound rumble” competition. The Springfield robot will compete with two other robots on a team. The team that scores the most points wins the competition.

“We’ve seen it shoot at five feet, we’ve almost seen it get to ten feet away. It can climb bridges. We’ve seen it pick up balls on it’s own,” said Lance Caughey, a senior at Springfield High School.

UIS mentors have been helping students solder wires, explain programming methods and mount pieces of the robot as part of an advanced robotics class.

“This has been a labor of love,” said Lucinda Caughey, a UIS computer science instructor and organizer. “It is six weeks of intensive engineering and trial and error and frustration and accomplishment.”

Sacred Heart-Griffin (SHG) High School senior Matthew Yochim plans to pursue a career in engineering. He’s had a lot of fun working to build the robot and now is ready to show it off to the world.

“The more you put into the project, the more you get out of it,” said Yochim. “If you’re there everyday working on it and you finally get to roll it around and test it, throw some baskets with it. It’s amazing.”

The FIRST Robotics Challenge involves 2,300+ teams nationwide with over 58,000 high school students taking part. Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to participate in the competition. The winners will advance to the World Championship and could qualify for nearly $14.7 million in college scholarships.

The high school students receive technical guidance through a collaborative effort amongst UIS; team leader Dr. Adrian Lee of Central Illinois Technology and Education Research Institute and volunteer robotics instructor at the University of Illinois Extension; William Cragoe, mathematics and engineering instructor at SHG; and John Richardson Jr. of Richardson Manufacturing Company.

Locally, the team is sponsored by the U of I 4-H extension office, Richardson Manufacturing, UIS, and JC Penny. National sponsors include NASA, Boeing, General Motors, and Rockwell Automation.

UIS College of Public Affairs and Administration Dean honored by the Illinois National Guard

Dr. Pinky Wassenberg, dean of the College of Public Affairs and Administration at the University of Illinois Springfield was recently honored by the Illinois National Guard with the Seven Seals Award.

The award honors individuals and organizations that have provided Employer Support to the Guard, specifically to units deploying to Afghanistan. In December 2010, UIS hosted soldiers from the Guard for a day of training by UIS faculty on issues they might encounter while deployed in Southwest Asia. The day was organized by Wassenberg and Joan Sestak, UIS director of Community Relations.

“I am honored to receive this award,” said Wassenberg. “It was a privilege to be able to help our Illinois National Guard soldiers who give so much in so many ways. The award really belongs to all the faculty and staff at UIS who worked together to make that day of training a success.”

The Guard credits Seven Seals Award Recipients for going above and beyond their occupational responsibilities to make the preparation training beneficial for all involved. Support from employers is crucial for the long-term success of each citizen-Soldier and the National Guard and Reserve.

“The individuals we honor tonight provided members of the Illinois Army National Guard an expanded knowledge of how our units of government accomplish their daily operations in the critical infrastructure sector,” said Lt. Col. Tim W. Franklin, during the December 13 awards reception at the Governor’s Mansion.

During the training at UIS, faculty members helped to educate troops on Afghanistan’s history, culture, public health needs, and economic structure among other topics. The Guard approached UIS, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the City of Springfield and Sangamon County about forming a partnership. The result was a three-day training session for about 40 soldiers called “Infrastructure 101”.

UIS faculty members who participated in the training include Adriana Crocker, Kathy DeBarr, Michael Lane, Shahram Heshmat, Don O’Neal and Ali Nizamuddin.

The Seven Seals Award represents the seven military reserve components: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine and Coast Guard reserves, along with the Army and Air National Guard.

For more information, contact Derek Schnapp, director of UIS Public Relations at 217/206-6716 or email dschn3@uis.edu.

UIS student-athletes help sort Toys for Tots donations

A group of student-athletes from the University of Illinois Springfield spent their Saturday volunteering at Sangamon County Toys for Tots. The volunteers helped sort donated toys at the group’s Springfield warehouse.

Students from a variety of UIS athletic teams worked in shifts throughout the day to organize hundreds of toys by age and gender. The toys will later be delivered to agencies in Springfield, just in time for the holidays.

“I think it shows the Springfield community that we care about them and I think as a result we get a lot more people at our games that support us because they know that we’re engaged members of the community,” said Tina Buck, a junior softball player.

Buck hopes the support they’re showing the community will benefit them on the field through increased fan support.

“It shows that we do care about them and we want them to care about us when we’re out on the playing field and hopefully that will lead us to more winning seasons,” said Buck.

The students also learned from the volunteer experience and for many it made them realize how fortunate they are to be playing on a team and receiving a higher education.

“It makes me feel better because I know I can give back to the community and I’m helping people who are less fortunate than me,” said Ashley Stariha, a sophomore women’s soccer player.

“I didn’t realize how much they actually did, like this is amazing how much stuff they have here, so it really feels good to come and give back,” said Aubrey Watson, a senior softball player.

The volunteer activity was organized by the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), which advises Athletic Department leaders, coordinates volunteer activities, and organizes fundraising efforts in the community.

UIS students collect over 7,000 pounds of food for the Central Illinois Foodbank

Student volunteers at the University of Illinois Springfield collected over 7,000 pounds of food during the annual Trick or Treat for Canned Goods competition on Halloween night.

Fifteen teams, for a total of about 120 of UIS students, canvassed assigned Springfield neighborhoods collecting non-perishable food items. The teams visited the neighborhoods before Halloween, distributing door hangers that explained the project.

“We’ve been doing Trick or Treat for Canned Goods for three years now and it’s been very successful. Each year, I feel like we gradually become better at it,” said Brittany Young, a sophomore sociology/anthropology major.

The canned food drive is part of the UIS Holiday Stars Project, a campus-wide service initiative giving focus to UIS’ efforts to make a difference in the local community during the holiday season.

Sophomore English major Allison Duncan has walked door-to-door for the past two years. She’s amazed by the response from the community and feels like she’s giving back.

“I think it’s a really great opportunity to serve the community that we are in,” she said. “You don’t get a lot of opportunities to do that.”

Prizes were awarded to the top three student groups collecting the most food. The top groups included the first place Lamda Pi Eta Communication Honor Society with 1,131 pounds, the second place UIS Women’s Basketball team with 966 pounds, and the third place Christian Student Fellowship with 726 pounds.

The Central Illinois Foodbank distributes nearly 8 million pounds of food annually to over 160 food pantries, soup kitchens, residential programs and after-school programs in a 21 county region. The foodbank is a member of Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger relief organization, and is a United Way certified agency. More information is available at www.centralilfoodbank.org.

For more information on the UIS Holiday Stars Project, contact Brittany Elder, volunteer services coordinator, by email at belde2@uis.edu, or go to www.uis.edu/holidaystars.

Prairie Star merchandise hits the market

The initial seeds of the University of Illinois Springfield's new licensing agreement with Strategic Marketing Affiliates have been planted, and for the first time, Prairie Star athletics merchandise is being sold in a local retail store.

Scheels, an all-sports mega store that opened in Springfield last spring, is now stocking five versions of UIS short sleeve t-shirts, one edition of a long sleeve t-shirt and a hooded sweatshirt. Each of the UIS items available is from the Nike line of athletics apparel.

“We are excited to see UIS apparel made available at a local retailer within our community,” UIS Athletic Director Kim Pate said. “Having these items available expands opportunities for fans to show their support while increasing the exposure of the UIS brand so our community can begin to identify the Prairie Stars as Springfield's team.”

Scheels is located at 3801 South MacArthur Boulevard in Springfield.

UIS Downstate Innocence Project awarded Department of Justice grant for non-DNA cases

The University of Illinois Springfield’s Downstate Innocence Project with the support of the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership has been awarded a $249,319 grant to clear downstate Illinois innocence cases, which cannot be resolved through DNA testing.

The United States Department of Justice Wrongful Conviction Wrongful Conviction Review Program grant will provide funding to investigate, locate evidence, and litigate these cases generally on behalf of indigent inmates who often have to serve 12-25 years in prison before their claims are resolved.

Central to the work of the project is a collaboration with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Law and the Southern Illinois University at Carbondale Law School. Students review cases, conduct research, investigation and assist with litigation. The Downstate Innocence Project is a leader throughout the country with regard to the combined educational and clinical program coordinated by UIS through the Center for State Policy and Leadership.

“This grant is particularly important because it recognizes that over 90% of innocence cases cannot be resolved through simple DNA testing, said Larry Golden, director of the UIS Downstate Illinois Innocence Project. “The amount of work that goes into solving such cases is immense and usually takes years to bring to conclusion.”

"We are delighted once again that the Downstate Innocence Project at the University of Illinois Springfield is being nationally recognized for the work they do," said UIS Chancellor Susan J. Koch. "We are proud of the combined efforts of the staff, students and community members that work so hard on these cases. This UIS Innocence Project is one of many ways that our university serves our community and our state while at the same time providing students with an outstanding educational experience."

The new grant comes nearly a year after the project was awarded a $687,448 federal grant to investigate cases where DNA evidence is involved. Project leaders say the two grants combined validate the work they are doing.

“This grant epitomizes the good that can be done by linking academic and student opportunities with real world problem solving,” said David Racine, interim executive director of the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership. “The grant will allow even more UIS students to participate in and learn from the project’s important work. We plan to build on the grant to obtain even greater support for the students and faculty of the campus.”

For more information contact Larry Golden at 217/553-7171 or email lgold1@uis.edu. More information about the Innocence Project can be found on their website at www.uis.edu/innocenceproject/.

UIS students spend the weekend helping with Missouri tornado cleanup

A group of 18 students from the University of Illinois Springfield spent their weekend helping with tornado cleanup and recovery in Joplin, Missouri. The group left campus on Fri., Sept. 9 and returned on Sept. 11.

Junior Management Information Systems major Caitlin Crane came up with the idea for the trip after witnessing the devastation on television. She began recruiting students to go on the trip and was amazed by the outcome.

“I was so excited and inspired that we had 18 people come with us,” said Crane. “We almost couldn’t all fit in the vans because we had so much luggage, but (the student volunteers) gave up their weekend and they spent it getting nasty and dirty.”

While in Joplin, the students worked to unload and sort 3 semi-trailers full of clothes, blankets, toiletries and kitchen items donated to the victims of the tornado. Another group helped clean debris out of a farmer’s field.

“The farmer, who owned the field, made his living off the field and would actually sell some of the stuff the field produced and canned the vegetables and fruits it produced,” said Crane.

Sophomore Psychology, Political Science and Legal Studies major Josh Eastby was struck by the number of storm victims working beside him in the recovery effort.

“It did really go to show that even after they lost their entire home, their possessions, sometimes even loved ones that they can keep on functioning and in many cases give back, even when they don’t have anything,” said Eastby.

Eastby realizes his service is only part of the recovery effort, but he’s glad to have played a small, yet cumulative role.

“Everyone can do something. None of us there fixed the tornado, but we all did something that now other people won’t have to do,” he said.

The trip to Joplin coincided with the AmeriCorps 9/11 Day of Service, a forward-looking national effort to honor the 9/11 victims, survivors and others who rose in service in response to the attacks.

View photos from the trip

UIS holds events to remember the 10th anniversary of 9/11 attacks

The University of Illinois Springfield will remember the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks through a variety of events planned on campus. The events coincide with the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and will take place between Fri., Sept. 9 and Wed., Sept. 14, 2011.

• Campus Moment of Silence: The entire UIS community is invited to gather at the Colonnade on Fri., Sept. 9 at 9:50 a.m. A moment of silence will take place at 9:59 a.m., the time the South Tower collapsed.
  
  
• First responders admitted free to UIS soccer game: Law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, all military members, veterans and their families who show an ID or badge will be admitted free to the UIS vs. Maryville soccer game on Fri., Sept. 9. The women’s game starts at 5 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 7:30 p.m. at Kiwanis Stadium. There will be a moment of recognition of those in attendance and a moment of silence for those who have passed prior to each match of the night.
  
  
• AmeriCorps 9/11 Day of Service: A group of 12 UIS students will be traveling to Joplin, Mo. to help with tornado relief as part of the AmeriCorps 9/11 Day of Service. The students will leave campus on Fri., Sept. 9 and return on Sunday, Sept. 11. The student volunteers will be working with the United Way to clear debris and assist with supply intake, sorting, and distribution.
  
  
• Movie Screening of “United 93”: UIS Student Life presents a screening of the film “United 93”, which provides a real time account of the events on United Flight 93, one of the planes hijacked on 9/11 that crashed near Shanksville, Penn. when passengers foiled the terrorist plot. The screening will take place on Sun., Sept. 11 at 2 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium.
  
  
• “9/11 Ten Years After: America & the World” Brown Bag: The discussion will be moderated by Co-Director of UIS Global Studies Hilary Frost-Kumpf. Pinky Wassenberg, dean of the College of Public Affairs and Administration, along with Political Science faculty members Adriana Crocker, Ali Nizamuddin and Stephen Schwark will take part. The brown bag will take place on Wed., Sept. 14 from Noon to 1:30 p.m. in Public Affairs Center (PAC) Conference Room F.
  

For more information on 9/11 related events at UIS, please contact Derek Schnapp, director of Public Relations at 217/206-6716 or email dschn3@uis.edu.

UIS student Service-A-Thon benefits three local groups

Dozens of students from the University of Illinois Springfield spent their Friday afternoon volunteering with three local community groups as part of the annual Welcome Week Service-A-Thon.

“It’s important to get students involved at the beginning of the year, so they know the types of things they can do,” said Brittany Elder, AmeriCorps VISTA for the UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center.

Students sorted medical supplies at Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach, picked up trash along the Springfield Park District’s Wabash Trail and helped pick up and sort bricks at the site of the next Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County home.

“I feel like it’s a really good way to meet people and get involved in the community. Service is part of the reason I picked UIS,” said Brittany Sievers, a sophomore Psychology major.

Sievers realizes the benefits of volunteering, which include forming lasting relationships with fellow students and employers, which can lead to jobs and internships. Beyond that, she says volunteering just makes her feel good inside.

“(Volunteering) helps you understand that you’re not the only one affected by things and it forces you to get a larger view on life,” said Sievers.

Senior Political Science major Robert Dixon volunteered to help out at the Habitat for Humanity site. He spent most of the afternoon breaking up loose concrete in the front yard of where a new home will soon sit.

“It’s morally one of the right things to do to assist individuals, to help other individuals that may not be as fortunate,” said Dixon.

Sophomore Nathan Schmidt is part of a student organization on campus, which spends time volunteering.

“Kind of a nice chance of pace from being a Computer Science major and being behind a desk and at a computer all the time and it really feels good to give back a little bit,” said Schmidt.

For more information about volunteer opportunities at UIS, visit the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center website.