UIS names Van Vieregge the interim vice chancellor for student affairs

The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) has officially announced the appointment of Van Vieregge, Ed.D., as the interim vice chancellor for student affairs. His appointment was approved by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees on July 25. He began his new position on June 1.

The Greenville, Illinois native has served as the executive director of auxiliary services at UIS since January 2012 and as the assistant vice chancellor for student service since 2013. Vieregge earned an associate of arts degree from Kaskaskia College in 1988, a bachelor’s degree in finance from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) in 1993 and an MBA from SIUE in 1997. He received his doctorate in education (Ed.D.) from Saint Louis University in higher education administration in 2011.

“Over the course of the next few months, I will be working with Interim Chancellor Karen Whitney, UIS students, the university community, the City of Springfield, Sangamon County and other key stakeholders all over the country,” said Vieregge. “We will continue the work and vision of my predecessor, Clarice Ford, as we move forward to provide an inclusive, diverse, safe and supportive experience for our students.”

Ford passed away unexpectedly in April.

Vieregge is a veteran educator, serving as an adjunct instructor for Greenville University from 1997-2014, a Lake Land College instructor from 2003-2005, an adjunct instructor for Blackburn College from 1999-2002 and as an Illinois Department of Transportation Technology Transfer training technician from 1993-1999.

Vieregge’s employment history includes 22 years with the Illinois Department of Transportation, four years as the business administrator at Graham Correctional Center, and seven years as the director of business and auxiliary services at Saint Louis University.

Vieregge and his wife, Lora, are lifelong residents of Bond County.

Marie Watson; Stepping out of the box

When she couldn’t meet students face-to-face, UIS Associate Director of Student Life Marie Watson stepped out of her comfort zone and into the social media spotlight.

She has been a regular face on weekly Student Life Instagram Live chats.

“That’s a positive thing about all of this, I have opened myself up to new opportunities and different ways of engaging with students,” said Watson, who admits she is more comfortable with small groups and one-on-one communication. “I’ve been putting myself out there on social media, and I’ve grown both personally and professionally.”

Each week, Watson has hosted the Student Life Instagram Live chats, which have featured a guest from the UIS campus. She said the engagement and energy with students has been high.

“As soon as we went to remote learning we had to think creatively. Student life is so tied into student success. It impacts how they live and what they experience.” Watson said she did not realize how underutilized technology was prior to remote learning.

Zoom has been instrumental in helping Student Life staff stay con
nected to students with face-to-face interaction. It is used for weekly trivia nights and Student Activities Committee planning sessions. And Watson credits Microsoft Teams for helping staff communicate and work remotely together.

She admits she is missing spring on campus. “I miss my students, I miss the smell of the food from the Food Studio,” she said “I miss the nice weather on campus, walking across the campus, seeing the flowers and trees. Our campus is so beautiful. I miss seeing the students out in their fashions. The mood is light and fun.”

She also said missing Springfest was difficult. “The SAC Traditions Coordinator and Springfest committee had all worked so hard to plan out Springfest,” she said. “Everything was looking beautiful, but next spring it will be 10 times better. It will build anticipation and that will be huge.”

Watson encourages graduating seniors to return to campus for Springfest 2021 and participate as alumni. “They can come back and rejoin the family, participate in Springfest and get their full experience of their last year.”

Watson wants all UIS students to know the Office of Student Life is committed to their success.
Planning has already begun on Welcome Week activities for the fall, with the hope that students will be able to return to campus.

Despite connecting remotely, Watson remains committed to helping UIS students have the best possible college experience. “I’ve come to understand that there are great days and challenging days. But it is important to be able to connect with my students through email, Facetime, Group Me, texting me, Zoom, whatever it takes. I want to know what they’re doing because I care, because of that relationship and connection I have with them.”

UIS announces the death of Dr. Clarice Ford, vice chancellor for student affairs

The following message was sent to UIS students, faculty and staff on April 19, 2020 from UIS Chancellor Susan Koch.

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

It is with deep sadness I write to inform you that Dr. Clarice Ford, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, passed away Sunday, April 19, 2020, at Memorial Medical Center following a brief illness. Dr. Ford has been a profoundly important voice for students and an essential member of the UIS leadership team since 2008 – first serving as Executive Director of the Diversity Center and Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Services and, starting in 2014, as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. Dr. Ford has been a leader who was dedicated to cultivating inclusive communities and ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has an opportunity to succeed. She has been the embodiment of "Leadership lived.” Her impact on the University of Illinois Springfield will live on in the many students, faculty and staff she has guided and influenced.

Funeral arrangements are pending and we will have an appropriate celebration to honor Dr. Ford’s many contributions to the University at a later time. In the meantime, I hope you will keep Dr. Ford’s family, colleagues and students in your thoughts.

Sincerely, Chancellor Susan Koch

- Students, I want to remind you the Counseling Center is available for anyone who needs assistance. You can contact the Center at: 217-206-7122.

UIS Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Clarice Ford named a Woman of Influence in Springfield

Clarice Ford, Ed.D., University of Illinois Springfield vice chancellor for student affairs, has been named one of five Security Bank Women of Influence for 2018.

Women of Influence honors local women for their contributions to the Springfield area community.

Ford has been a member of the UIS community since 2008. She has served as the executive director of the UIS Diversity Center, associate dean of students and associate vice chancellor of student services.

One of her nominator’s described her as “a passionate advocate for all students but especially for students who are first in their family to attend college, low-income students and students from underrepresented groups such as African American and Hispanic students. She has implemented many innovative initiatives at UIS to enhance retention and degree completion for at-risk students, including a successful Living-Learning program for first-generation college students called “Necessary Steps.”

Ford earned her doctorate in educational leadership and change from the Fielding Institute in Santa Barbara, California. She holds a master’s degree in religious education and theology from Lincoln Christian Seminary and a master’s degree in adult education/multi-cultural education from Antioch University. She also received her bachelor’s degree in human services from Antioch University. She is also a United States Military Veteran.

The 15th annual program is sponsored by Security Bank and the Springfield Business Journal and will be held on May 22, 2018.

Winners are selected by their peers through submitted nominations.

UIS Vice Chancellor Clarice Ford honored at Illinois State Treasurer’s Black History Month celebration

Clarice Ford, Ph.D., University of Illinois Springfield vice chancellor for student affairs, was named the 2018 recipient of the Outstanding Commitment in Education award by the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office.

Ford was honored during a Black History Month Celebration held in the Illinois State Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday, February 27, 2018.

Seven other local people were also recognized during the celebration for their outstanding contributions to the state of Illinois.

Ford has been a member of the UIS community since 2008. She has served as the executive director of the UIS Diversity Center, associate dean of students and associate vice chancellor of student services.

She earned her doctorate in educational leadership and change from the Fielding Institute in Santa Barbara, California. She holds a master’s degree in religious education and theology from Lincoln Christian Seminary and a master’s degree in adult education/multi-cultural education from Antioch University. She also received her bachelor’s degree in human services from Antioch University.

National organization recognizes UIS student publications adviser

Debra Chandler Landis, University of Illinois Springfield student publications adviser, has been recognized with a Presidential Citation for her volunteer work as editor of the College Media Review, the online professional journal of the national College Media Association.

The editing position involves recruiting and editing scholarly and popular articles pertaining to trends, innovations and activities of print, broadcast and web-based college media.

“I was surprised and humbled to receive this award,” Landis said. “The volunteer work I do with College Media Review helps keep me up-to-date on college media research and what’s occurring with college media across the country, and by extension, aids my work as UIS student publications adviser.”

Under College Media Association bylaws, the CMA president is authorized to award the Presidential Citation to “individuals and institutions deemed to be deserving of such recognition.”

Landis was among six members of CMA awarded the citation for 2016.

Tisha Palmer wins the 2016 CARE Award

Tisha Palmer, administrative aide to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, has been awarded the 2016 Chancellor’s Award to Recognize Excellence in Civil Service (CARE). The award is the highest honor annually awarded to a Civil Service staff member at the University of Illinois Springfield.

Chancellor Susan J. Koch announced the winner of the award during a breakfast on November 3, 2016. She also thanked all civil service staff members for their dedication to UIS.

Palmer has worked at UIS for 26 years, starting in the Sangamon State University Foundation Office, then transferring to the Office of Business and Financial Services (OBFS) in 1997. She has worked for the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs since 2006.

As her nominator put it, Palmer is “the face of student affairs”, known for her positive attitude and deeply caring about the students she assists.

“Tisha is the most positive person I know,” said her nominator. She deals with so many people, students, community members and visitors. She is always up-beat and happy and loves her job at UIS in student affairs.”

Palmer regularly volunteers at student events, such as homecoming and Springfest, and participates in volunteer service events.

“Students are the reason we are all here,” said Palmer. “They are what makes me excel and I take pride in what I do for them.”

She is passionate about her job, answering challenging phone calls and emails, and treating everyone she speaks with “like it is her family.”

“I believe care, patience, honesty and loyalty are what it takes to be a great employee,” said Palmer. “Every day we put those qualities toward our students and that’s what is important.”

The CARE award was handed out as part of the 10th annual Civil Service Appreciation Day, which honors the over 300 civil service employees at UIS for all of their hard work and dedication. This year’s celebration included a variety of door prize drawings.

Other Civil Service employees nominated for the award include:
Brian Beckerman, Superintendent, Grounds
CJ Castelletti, Grounds Worker
Ann Cole, Administrative Clerk, COLRS
Scott Fay, Building Service Sub Foreman
Bobbi Fults-Babbs, Business/Administrative Associate, Computer Science
Elizabeth Huffines, Administrative Aide, VC Academic Affairs
Sandra McGinnis, Business/Administrative Associate, WUIS
Pamela McGowan, Staff Clerk, GPSI
Denise Rothenbach, Business Administrative Associate, Residence Life
Pamela Scott, Library Specialist
Teresa Seacrist, Campus Parking Manager
Anna Sheehan, Building Service Worker
Patricia Stoutamyer, Office Support Specialist, Mathematical Sciences
Allison Thornley, Business/Administrative Associate, Athletics
Melissa Ulbrich, Sr. Library Specialist
Michelle Vinson, Housing Administrator
Donna Young, Administrative Aide, Campus Relations/Legal Counsel
Patti Young, Office Support Specialist, Biology

The winner of the CARE award receives $500, plus a $500 donation made to the campus organization of his or her choice.

UIS Student Affairs recognizes exceptional work in the division

The University of Illinois Springfield Division of Student Affairs recognizes outstanding work within the division each year. Six awards are given out during the Division Retreat Summer 2016.

This year, the entire staff of Cox Children's Center received the Student Affairs for Excellence Award. The center and its staff have been recognized numerous times over the years for achieving the highest performance level of accreditation.

The Mentor of the Year Award, chosen by students, was given to Sophia Gelhausen Anderson, coordinator of programs and outreach for Hispanic and Latino students, for making a difference in the lives of students. One student's nomination stated, "She cares about the well-being of students on campus and has a positive attitude."

Alexandria Cosner received the New Student Affairs Member Award. Cosner has served in Campus Recreation for the past 15 months. Cosner was chosen for her commitment to improving the department and offering more programs for faculty, students and staff.

The Quality Service Award was given to Margaret Carlen, a supervisor in Admissions and Records. Carlen was recognized for the professional and caring way she interacts with students on a daily basis and for her dedication to seeing the university grow and thrive.

Johnell Greer, in Financial Assistance, received the Student First Award. Greer's positive attitude and willingness to anything for students, stood out as exemplary. Greer was credited with making the student experience at UIS much more simple and stress-free.

The Vice Chancellor's Award was given to Howard Seidel, UIS Food Service executive chef. Seidel was recognized for his overall commitment to excellence.

The UIS Division of Student Affairs is made up of 20 centers and offices on campus.

Mark Dochterman wins the 2016 CAPE Award

Mark Dochterman, director of the University of Illinois Springfield Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center, is the winner of the 13th annual Chancellor's Academic Professional Excellence (CAPE) Award. The award was presented by Chancellor Susan J. Koch during a ceremony on April 28, 2016.

Dochterman joined UIS in 2011 and has also taught as an adjunct instructor in Experiential and Service-learning. He recently led the launch of the new Collegiate Link software program, known on campus as UIS Connection, in fall 2015.

“Recognizing a need for students, faculty and staff to be able to effectively plan, market and access campus activities, Mark brought together a team of staff from numerous campus offices/departments to study, select and implement the program,” said his nominator.

Since the launch of Collegiate Link, the program is already seeing success with over 85 student organizations actively posting over 1,000 campus events. Students also now have a record of their involvement, as the program automatically logs attendance at events.

“The implementation of this program only scratches the surface of Mark’s contribution to UIS in that he serves on a number of committees, advises numerous student organizations including Alternative Spring Break, Dance Marathon and Leadership for Life and continues professional development by attending conferences and workshops such as the American Democracy Project nation conference. Mark is truly deserving of this honor for his efforts,” said his nominator.

Dochterman has also led the Springfest Service Project, the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and weekly service projects for students through the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center. He also chairs the Springfield Good as Gold volunteer awards ceremony and is the arrangements chair for the Central Illinois Volunteer Conference, which is held annually at UIS.

The CAPE Award recognizes U of I academic professionals for their efforts in three general categories: work projects, professional development and affiliations, and contributions to their units. The winner receives $500 in cash for personal use, and another $500 is given to the winner’s department.

All academic professionals are eligible to receive the CAPE Award; nominations are reviewed by campus committees and candidates' names are forwarded to the chancellor, who makes the final selections.

Others nominated for the 2016 CAPE Award include Lori Benedict, Tammy Craig, Brian Hodges, Kathryn Kleeman Lesniak, Heather Nielsen, Mae Noll, Lynn Otterson, David Racine, Donna Schaub, and Teresa Szabo.

Jim Korte wins the 2015 CAPE Award

Jim Korte, dean of students at the University of Illinois Springfield, is the winner of the 12th annual Chancellor's Academic Professional Excellence (CAPE) Award. The award was presented by Chancellor Susan J. Koch during a ceremony on April 23, 2015.

Korte has worked at UIS for 34 years, starting as director of housing and residential life in 1981, where he helped develop the campus first housing policies and procedures.

In 2002, he moved to Student Affairs, and currently serves as dean of students. In that role, he’s responsible for student advocacy and discipline. He also plays an integral role in recruiting, hiring, and training new students affairs staff members.

“Korte brings to all of his efforts at UIS warm collegiality, historical knowledge, reasonableness, caring, and a balanced perspective between the needs of students and the needs of the University,” said his nominator. “Jim Korte is an effective problem solver and works well with students, because he listens actively and finds solutions.”

Korte serves on a wide range of campus committees, search committees, and student life committees and serves as a mentor to student leaders. As the dean of students, he often helps students facing difficult situations.

“My greatest accomplishments are when I’ve assisted a student in resolving a problem, getting an answer to a difficult question and occasionally knowing that we’ve truly aided them in completing their degree or making a difficult decision,” said Korte.

Korte is a member of the Association of Student Judicial Affairs, a Boy Scout leader, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Educators Credit Union. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Loyola University Chicago in 1975 and his master’s degree in education in guidance and counseling from Loyola in 1978.

The CAPE Award recognizes U of I academic professionals for their efforts in three general categories: work projects, professional development and affiliations, and contributions to their units. The winner receives $500 in cash for personal use, and another $500 is given to the winner’s department.

All academic professionals are eligible to receive the CAPE Award; nominations are reviewed by campus committees and candidates' names are forwarded to the chancellor, who makes the final selections.

Others nominated for the 2015 CAPE Award include Lori Benedict, James Burgdorf, Kimberly Craig, Clarice Ford, Kimberly Gonzalez-Beeson, Janelle Gurnsey, Brian Hodges, Matthew Panich, Kerry Poynter, Matthew Roberts, Donna Schaub, Carly Shank, Van Vieregge and Lisa Whelpley.

Clarice Ford named interim vice chancellor for student affairs at UIS

Clarice Ford, Ph.D., has been named the interim vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Illinois Springfield. Her appointment began on Oct. 13, 2014.

As Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Ford leads campus departments, such as Admissions, Financial Assistance, International Student Services, Residence Life, and Student Life, which are critical to student recruitment and success.

UIS Chancellor Susan J. Koch calls Ford “an experienced and dedicated student services professional who has excelled in leadership positions for over twenty years.”

Ford has been a member of the UIS community since 2008 and previously served as Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Services and Executive Director of the Diversity Center.

Ford came to UIS from Berry College in Rome, Georgia where she served as the Associate Dean of Multicultural Affairs. Previously, she worked at Youngstown State University and The Ohio State University in Student Affairs.

Ford will serve as Interim Vice Chancellor for a two-year period with the appointment being reviewed on an annual basis.

Fernando Planas named UIS Admissions Director

Fernando Planas has been named the new director of admissions at the University of Illinois Springfield. He began on September 2, 2013.

Planas comes to UIS from the City Colleges of Chicago, where he served as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management. Before working with City Colleges of Chicago, Fernando served in several positions within enrollment management at the University of Illinois at Chicago, beginning in 1993 as an Admissions Counselor.

“Fernando’s extensive experience in recruitment, particularly with diverse populations, is a tremendous asset, as UIS moves forward in increasing our student enrollments,” said Tim Barnett, UIS vice chancellor for Student Affairs.

For more information, contact Derek Schnapp, director of public relations at 217/206-6716 or dschn3@uis.edu.

UIS announces Resident Assistants for the 2013-14 academic year

The University of Illinois Springfield announces those students serving as Resident Assistants (RAs) for the upcoming academic year. RAs are responsible student leaders who create supportive living/learning communities, serve as peer advisors and knowledgeable campus resources, and assist students in transitioning and adapting to college life. RAs start two weeks of training, prior to UIS students returning for classes which begin on August 26.

The following students will serve as Resident Assistants during the 2013-14 academic year: JC Brown, Carson Buss, Hannah Cave, Danielle Cherry, Mike Chmielewski, Ryan Chipman, Corey Cooperider, Robyn Crutchfield, Matt Dobill, Amber Fluker, Tori Higgason, Haley Houser, Josh Howland, Shomari Jackson, Leigh Mosher, Rachel Neudhal, Jelsie Pacifico-Patterson, Jasmine Palomar, Rebecca Romero, Michael Rosenberger, Steven Stransky, Juan Trevino, Sean Vaughan, Dominique Wilson, and Katie Woodford.

For more information, contact John Ringle, UIS director of Residence Life at 217/206-7261 or jring1@uis.edu.

Leadership lived: RA succeeds, while juggling busy schedule

 

Haesun Chang has become an expert in time management. She juggles her studies as a senior biology major at the University of Illinois Springfield with working as a resident assistant (RA) in campus housing.

“I know a lot of residents think that RA’s don’t do much, but it is a 24/7 gig,” said Chang.

Her job, as an RA, requires her to work 4 hours a week at the housing front desk and be on duty several nights a week from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. She walks around looking for trouble and is the first to respond when something goes wrong.

“When you’re on duty you’re on call,” said Chang. “You can get beeped at 3 in the morning, you can get beeped at 5 in the afternoon. It really doesn’t matter.”

On top of her regular duties, she’s also required to come up with weekly programming activities for residents in campus housing. Despite the busy schedule, Chang has learned to succeed academically and the experience of being an RA has taught her a lot about leadership.

“It taught me mainly how to be professional in high stress situations because I thought I was good at time management and being very accessible, but I realized when it comes to really high stress situations I get ahead of myself and my emotions start to come out,” said Chang.

She believes she made the right decision to come to UIS as a freshman because of the small class sizes and the personal attention she’s received.

“UIS has definitely helped me,” said Chang. “Smaller schools are actually a huge thing. My dad always told me that all of the great leaders came from small schools and UIS is definitely a really good sized school.”

As she prepares to graduate in May 2013, Chang is starting to realize how her experience as an RA could help her with future employers.

“This is definitely a leadership thing that a lot of jobs are looking for,” said Chang. “Not only does it show that we can work with a lot of stuff at one time, it also shows that we can get it done and we can work in a team.”

Leadership lived: Opportunities at UIS inspire student’s career choice

When senior political science major Dan Garcia came to the University of Illinois Springfield he knew he wanted to get involved. Four years later, he’s learned a few things about leadership.

“Leadership opportunities don’t fall into your lap. You have to go out there and fight for it, you have to get it. In that process, you find you develop even more as a leader,” said Garcia.

Garcia’s passion has helped him land jobs on campus as a Student Ambassador in the Admissions Office and as a Summer Orientation Leader for the Office of New Student Orientation and Parent Relations.

“I love it so much; this is actually what I want to do when I graduate,” said Garcia. “I want to continue on into higher education, particularly admissions.”

As a Student Ambassador, Garcia is often the first face that future UIS students meet. He takes applicants and their parents on tours of campus and shares his personal experiences.

“I like connecting with students and their parents on a personal level. One of my ways to break some of the awkward ice in the beginning is to make some jokes, make them smile, and make them laugh. I like to make them feel comfortable here,” said Garcia.

Garcia says UIS is special because students can tailor leadership opportunities to fit their own interests. For example, his interest in higher education led to an internship with the UIS Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.

“I think there’s an overabundance of leadership opportunities at UIS. I find that there are so many opportunities that a lot of students might not even know,” said Garcia.

In addition to his work in admissions, Garcia volunteers as a senior peer mentor in the UIS Capital Scholars Honors Program where he’s developed, organized, and implemented programming designed to help first-year students.

He also volunteers with the Necessary Steps program, mentoring first-year, first-generation students as they face the challenging transition to college. Garcia is the treasurer for the Greek Life Advisory Board and Senior Treasurer for Habitat for Humanity at UIS among other volunteer activities.

UIS student newspaper staff win awards

Staff of the University of Illinois Springfield’s weekly student newspaper, The Journal, and its semester news-features magazine, Beyond, won seven awards in the 2011 Illinois College Press Association (ICPA) competition.

Winners were announced Saturday, February 18 during an awards luncheon at the 29th annual ICPA convention in Chicago. The Journal and Beyond both won awards in the weekly student publication division comprised of more than 10 schools with enrollments of 4,000 or more. Those schools included UIS, Benedictine, Bradley, Columbia College, DePaul, Lewis University, Loyola, Northeastern Illinois University, Robert Morris College, Roosevelt University, SIU-Edwardsville, and St. Xavier.

“I am really proud of The Journal staff, past and present for the excellence they have brought to our student newspaper. These awards are proof of the hard work and dedication that go into making The Journal the best it can possibly be,” said Kati Maseman, Journal editor-in-chief. “I look forward to submitting quality articles and photos to ICPA next year, and I hope that we can bring home even more awards in the future."

Debra Chandler Landis, UIS student publications adviser, added, “It is indeed an honor to be singled out for awards in a statewide competition of incredibly talented student journalists. I am very proud of The Journal and Beyond staff.”

The awards:

• First Place Sports and Feature Photos: Ryan Voyles of Springfield, Ill., who photographed fans’ reactions and the ensuing celebration for the fall 2011 edition of Beyond following the St. Louis Cardinals World Series win in October. 2011.
• Third Place Sports Column: Ryan Voyles of Springfield, Ill., who described in Beyond what it was like to be at the game in St. Louis last October when the St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series.
• Third Place, Column: Andrew Majors of Terra Haute, Ind., for a Beyond column about adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
• Honorable Mention, Front Page Layout: Kate Richardson of Taylorville, Ill., and Yu Sun of Dalian, Liaoning, China. The Journal submitted three consecutively dated front pages in this category, in which judges considered such factors as overall design, story placement, use of photos and graphics,
• Honorable Mention, Feature Story: Kati Maseman of Auburn, Ill., for a Beyond story in which she interviewed three women at UIS—two professors and the UIS athletics director—about their careers and breaking through the glass ceiling of career advancement.
• Honorable Mention, News Photo: Colten Bradford of Vermont, Ill., for a Journal photo of students constructing “Box City” during a campus Springfest event aimed at increasing awareness about homelessness.
  

UIS welcomes new Volunteer & Civic Engagement and Disabilities Services directors

The University of Illinois Springfield is proud to introduce two new leaders on campus. Dr. Mark Dochterman is the new director of the Volunteer and Civil Engagement Center and Dr. Sarah Colby Weaver the Office of Disability Services.

Dochterman comes to UIS from Louisiana State University (LSU) where he served as director of student activities for the Honors College. He was born in Chicago and grew up in Marengo, Ill. He attended Illinois College in Jacksonville where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He earned his master’s degree in Communication Studies from Ball State University and is currently awaiting his Ph.D. confirmation in Higher Education Administration from LSU.

“My wife and I have always wanted to return to the Midwest, and while I have a very deep appreciation for my time at LSU, I have long wanted to work at a smaller school where one individual can have a broad impact. I hope to do exactly that at UIS,” said Docterman.

He hopes to capitalize on the past successes of the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center, build new initiatives, and in the process provide a clear mission for the office.

“More than any of that, I want to be a part of making UIS be a place where students develop an understanding that as educated citizens they have a responsibility to balance the actions they take for their own advancement with service to the greater communities and society that structurally and functionally allows for such individual advancement,” he said.

Weaver comes to UIS from Auburn University where she served as Director of Disability Services. She has previously held Director of Disability Services positions at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Missouri-Columbia. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from West Virginia University. She earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.

“I’m happy to be here and excited about being a part of the UIS team,” said Weaver. “My goal as it’s been everywhere as the Director of Disability Services is to make this program for students with disabilities one of the best in the country. It takes commitment from the administration and it’s apparent to me that they are committed and with their support and the resources needed we will succeed to make this goal possible.”

Weaver brings her 20 years of experience at three different institutions to her new role at UIS and looks forward to working with everyone to best serve students with disabilities.

“The campus is smaller, which is very appealing to me and its part of the University of Illinois system which is a great University,” said Weaver.

UIS chef serves up Asian food with a smile

When you first meet Danny Lau you can’t help but first notice his smile, second his contagious laugh. Lau cooks Asian stir-fry in the Showtime section of the Public Affairs Center Food Emporium about once a week.

“He’s so welcoming and puts a smile on my face every time I see him,” said Jessalyn Fontana, sophomore chemistry major.

Students like Mark Frakes know there’s a good chance Danny is cooking when there’s a line out the door.

“He’s not there just to work. He really interacts with you in line. He’s really good about making your food how you want it,” said Frakes.

Danny is not only known for his positive attitude, but his special hot sauce. How hot is it? “Really hot,” he said.

He has been working at UIS for almost seven years. He has over 30 years of experience cooking in Chinese restaurants and learned his craft in Hong Kong.

“I like cooking food,” said Lau.

Danny is one of several chefs that prepare gourmet meals Monday-Friday during lunch in the Food Emporium. Other chefs commonly featured in Showtime include Executive Chef Howard Seidel, Mike Baggerly, Jay Chaplin, Eric Chrans. Kyle Lucas, and Kevin Walsh.

You can find out the Showtime meal of the day by following the Food Services Twitter account at www.twitter.com/uisfoodservice.

UIS student journalists honored with Illinois College Press Association awards

Staff members from The Journal, the weekly student newspaper of the University of Illinois Springfield, were recently honored with seven awards during the annual Illinois College Press Association convention in Chicago. Judges for the annual competition were professional journalists from throughout Illinois.

Six of the awards were for work published in spring semester 2010 and fall semester 2010 editions of The Journal.

• In-Depth Reporting, Honorable Mention, Kate Richardson, Luke Runyon and Marianne Payne

• Editorial, Third Place, Luke Runyon, Kate Richardson, Valeree Dunn and Michael Omenazu

• Sports Photo, Third Place, Colten Bradford

• Sports Column, Third Place, Brian Seay

• Headline Writing, First Place, Luke Runyon

• Feature Story, Second Place, Luke Runyon

Photographer and assistant editor for news Colten Bradford also received an honorable mention award for a photo shoot contest held in Chicago.

Among the student newspapers The Journal competes against in the non-daily division (universities/colleges with enrollments of 4,000 and above) are the SIUI-E Alestle, The DePaulia, Columbia Chronicle, Chicago Maroon (University of Chicago), Loyola Phoenix, and the Chicago Flame (University of Illinois at Chicago).

Students find home away from home with Host Family Program

During his senior year, as he was beginning to explore options after graduation, UIS student Jeremy Winters was introduced to Darryl Thomas, who works for the government in an entrepreneurship program in Springfield.

“He took me in like family, invited me over for dinner, and I met his family,” Winters said. “I told him about how I want to start my own businesses and own some businesses. He really taught me how to network.”

The positive relationship between Winters and Thomas was created through the Host Family Program, which is part of the Diversity Center at UIS.

The Host Family Program was started last fall by Herb Caldwell, admission and community partner counselor for the Diversity Center. Caldwell said the concept of the program came from both his personal experience and programs he has seen as part of international student offices on other campuses.

“In the town I grew up in, when dorms would close, there would always be students from the local college at my home,” he said. “My parents would feed them meals, they’d come to church with us, we’d celebrate holidays when they couldn’t get back home, and they stayed with us for two to three weeks at a time. And then a lot of schools have something like this with international students, so I thought to combine the two elements.”

And so the Diversity Center’s Host Family Program was created to provide a home away from home for UIS students.

“We started the program in hopes of giving our students new opportunities to engage with people here in the Springfield community. It provides a link and helps with the transition process,” Caldwell said.

Winters, who graduated in December 2009, studied Communication at UIS and played for the men’s basketball team. He has family members who own businesses, and he’d like to go into business for himself one day. Caldwell saw Thomas and his family as a perfect fit for Winters’ host family.

“It’s just been a really nice experience,” Winters said. “Helping each other is the way we’re all going to get ahead.”

To become part of the Host Family Program, both families and students fill out an application and are then matched up. The students then are able to spend time with members of the host family, such as having dinner at their home or talking with them about future goals.

Currently, seven students at UIS are participating in the program. Caldwell said he sees the program as mutually beneficial for both the students and local families.

“Some of the people in these host families are alums or people who are doing well in the business community, and some of our students are trying to get to the places where the host families have already been,” he said. “So there’s the whole networking aspect and building connections that might help them with a job after they graduate.”

“And I don’t want to understate the fact that it provides comfort outside of the classroom, which helps with the transition and ultimately retention of students,” he added. “We’re always looking for solid families to participate; it makes the experience here at UIS stronger and better.”