NeWS
A publication of the Lumpkin College of Business & Applied Sciences Philanthropy Office
Philanthropy Office Hours
Monday—Thursday
7:30 a.m.—4:30 p.m.
Friday
7:30a.m.—noon
Contact Information
Jacqueline S. Joines, CFRE
Director of Philanthropy
Lumpkin College of
Business
& Applied Sciences
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, Illinois 61920
Email:
Phone:
[email protected]
217.581.7969
Old Main
National Historic Site
Edition: July 2, 2009
Renewable Energy Center a little closer to reality
Within just of few hours of each other, the Governor signed the bill for Eastern's Renewable Energy Center
followed by the Board of Trustees with their own approval of the project on Monday.
Cameron Schilling, Legislative Advisor to Governor Pat Quinn and a 2006 graduate of Eastern, returned to
Eastern and took the podium in front of the Board of Trustees with a message from the governor. "The
General Assembly sent us these bills late last week. Technically we have 60 days to act on them, but we want
to get this moving as fast as we can," Schilling said.
President William Perry described this project as a sustainable solution to a long-standing problem. "It gives
us a renewable energy center that generates steam and some electricity and power for the campus," Perry
said. "It includes energy conservation measures across the campus, produces cleaner energy, presents a
teaching and research opportunity for our faculty and staff, and generates cost savings in the short and long
run."
Paul McCann, vice president for business affairs, gave a power point presentation explaining the center in all
of its aspects from the design to the finances, and everything in between. The current steam plant, which was
built in the 1920's, has cost the university about $16 million in deferred maintenance. "This just gets it back
up to where it can efficiently in 1920's technology, what we would like to do with this project is bring us into
the next century," McCann said. McCann explained they will have to buy the 2-inch woodchips to fuel the
plant from the Terra Haute area, but in the future they are hoping to be able to use resources from the local
area. "Eventually what we would hope we would be able to do is turn this into, instead of a woodchip
burner, we could do it with agricultural materials, like corn husks and corn cobs," McCann said. "Turn it into
something our local farmer can produce."
The center will now be sent to the Board of Higher Education for their approval.
Governor signs bill for Renewable Energy Center
Staff report from June 23
State Representative Chapin Rose said they are taking the necessary steps to move forward the new
Renewable Energy Center yesterday. Governor Pat Quinn will be signing the legislation that allows the
development of the center. The new center is planned to cost $75 million to build, but Rose is hoping the
building will be worth the money in the long run. "This project creates jobs, saves student's and local
taxpayer's money, and helps protect our environment - it's a win-win-win proposition," Rose said. "This is
exactly the type of solution we need to be focusing on in terms of the 'big picture' as we head back to
Springfield this week to continue work on the state budget."
The center will take the place of the already existing 1920's era coal fired power plant located on the north
side of campus. Although the steam plant has been repaired through the years, many of its features are out of
date.
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Students and taxpayers do not have to pay for the building. The project is going to be funded entirely through
the energy savings made in upcoming years. Previously, this type of financing wasn't allowed in new
construction projects, but with the signing of the
bill the new exception to the law will go into effect.
It will be built near the intersection of 18th Street
and Edgar Drive. "The new energy center will
provide reliable service, greatly reduce the
University's maintenance costs, and reduce CO2
emissions by 85 percent," Rose said. "Most
importantly in our current economic climate, it will
create much-needed jobs for families in our
community. In addition to thanking Governor
Quinn for signing this legislation, I also want to
thank the local building trade unions who helped
work on this bill."
NeWS
A publication of the Lumpkin College of Business & Applied Sciences Philanthropy Office
Student Success Center moves into new home
Connect with the Alumni
Association online
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containing no more than 140
characters. Follow us and keep
up with campus happenings.
The Student Success Center recently moved from
its temporary location at 1125 McAffee to the new
addition of the Ninth Street Hall. After being
cramped up on the first floor of McAffee, Cindy
Boyer, assistant director of the Student Success
Center, is excited and hoping the new building
will help not only the employees but the students
as well. "We will have a formal reception area,
which I have not had in the past," Boyer said. "So,
I will have a full-time staff member to greet
students, direct students and to handle incoming
calls, which will make the flow of the office much
better."
The new building also offers students more
privacy than the previous location. "In our
previous space, which I was very appreciative of
and has worked well for us, there have been
limitations as to privacy, so I feel the students will appreciate that," Boyer said.
The Student Success Center was originally known as the Learning Assistance Center. It wasn't until 2004
that the center took on the new name, the Academic Success Center. In 2007 it became the Student Success
Center. The center was formed to help students who are struggling or may need help achieving both
academic and personal goals.
"There will also be an expansion of service in the new Student Success Center, because it also houses three
classrooms that will be used for the instruction of EIU 2919 - Strategies for Academic Success," Boyer said.
"It is the required course for students who fall on academic warning the first time. The classrooms will also
be used for university foundations instruction. They will also be open for other departments across campus as
the need arises for them to have additional classroom space."
Other additions that Boyer is excited about is a newly acquired video board and a computer kiosk for
students. The computers allow a place for students to come in between class times and check their e-mail
accounts or class schedules. The board will show information about campus events. "Students can pop in
and see if they want to check out a workshop or a speaker," Boyer said.
The move to the new building was originally set for June 9, but construction misunderstandings caused the
move to be slightly postponed. "Structural steel delivery delays early in the project caused the project to be
an outside winter work, rather than doing the interior work during the winter months," Steve Shrake,
associate director of design and construction in facilities planning and management said. "The steel delay
caused the elevator installation to be delayed, and then fitting it into the elevator contractors time schedule
prevented us from completing some finish work near the elevator doors. That forced us to have various
trades leave the project and re-man it later to finish up."
After a month of packing, Boyer is ready to get everything unpacked and set up at her new permanent
location. "The wonderful people from facilities and planning, who have worked incredibly hard on this
building, have made an amazing structure," Boyer said. "Their dedication and hard work has been
overwhelming."
Story by Brad York, DENNEWS.
National Endowment for the Humanities 2010 Summer Stipend
The NEH has announced the 2010 Summer Stipend grant competition. Detailed information can be found at
the Office of research and Sponsored Programs Web site on the Arts and Humanities page.
NeWS
A publication of the Lumpkin College of Business & Applied Sciences Philanthropy Office
New Financial Aid Director Named at EIU
Illinois native Jerry Donna will return to his home state to serve as director of Financial Aid at Eastern
Illinois University.
Dan Nadler, EIU's vice president for student affairs, announced that Donna, who currently serves as director
of Financial Aid at Salem College in North Carolina, will begin his new role on July 20. He replaces Jone
Zieren, who recently retired from EIU after more than 30 years of service.
Donna, who attended the University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign, credits an Illinois Child of a Veteran
Scholarship for the opportunity to pursue his higher education. "I was the first in my family to attend college
and financial aid made it possible," he said. "For many students, financial aid makes all the difference in
their access to higher education. Part of my role will be to ensure that students understand the process of
applying for financial aid and to help them utilize the resources that are available.
"There is already a strong foundation and a great deal of experience in the Financial Aid office at Eastern
Illinois University. My major goals will be to build on the successes of the past and to strive for the highest
level of student service."
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Prior to his current appointment, Donna held positions as assistant director of Financial Aid at the University
of North Carolina -- School of the Arts, assistant to the dean of instruction at Florida Community College,
program assistant in the Business Office at the University of South Florida, and director of development in
the Economic Education Department at Indiana University -- Purdue University. He earned his M.Ed. in
Educational Leadership at the University of North Florida and a B.F.A. in Art Education from the University
of Illinois -- Urbana/Champaign with elementary and secondary teaching certificates. He also attended the
Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis and the University of South Florida, in graduate-level
programs. Donna is a member of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, the
Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and the North Carolina Association of Student
Financial Aid Administrators.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Academic Adviser -- BA in General Studies Degree Program, School of Continuing Education
Posted: Jun 09, 2009
Coordinator, Office of International Students and Scholars
Posted: Jun 03, 2009
Chair, EIU Dept. of Biological Sciences
Posted: May 28, 2009
Eastern Illinois Writing Project Grant Continues!
Robin Murray is pleased to announce that the Eastern Illinois Writing Project has received a Continuing
Funding Grant of $46,000 to continue the work of the project for K-16 teachers across the curriculum. The
funds will support a summer institute to be held from July 6-30, continuity activities from book clubs to
writing and leadership retreats, and inservice workshops during the summer and the school year. The project
will host its first series of workshops during the week of June 15. Workshops will address ISAT and PSAE
concerns and introduce ways to integrate smart boards into classes across the curriculum.
Summer Youth Program at EIU -- July 2009
EIU's Special Education Department’s Summer Youth Education Program for first- through sixth-graders is
still open. Openings are limited, though, and are being offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The
Summer Youth Education Program provides individualized instruction. Special attention is given to each
child’s learning needs (math, reading skills, written language, etc.). Assessment is done to determine the
learner’s needs and one-on-one attention is given. In addition, the program is available to students who have
been identified as having mild disabilities. Individualized instruction and attention are given. Summer
Program Information: 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday July 6-30, Buzzard Building. The fee for the
program is $30, although scholarships are available for financial need. To register, contact Margie Thennes
at 581-5315 or [email protected].
NeWS
A publication of the Lumpkin College of Business & Applied Sciences Philanthropy Office
'AN ACADEMY OF LIFETIME LEARNING WORKSHOP
‘GARDENING WITH GRANDKIDS'
"Gardening with Grandkids," an Academy of Lifetime Learning workshop, will be taught by Kathy Hummel
from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, July 20, at the 4-H Center at the Coles County Fairgrounds. This workshop is
for kids ages 6 to 12 and their grandparents. A super hands-on, make-it-and-take-it workshop! Interact with
your grandchild with loads of fun activities: construct a miniature water garden, create an outdoor tic-tac-toe
game for the garden, plant a secret garden in a jar terrarium, learn how to recycle kitchen/garden waste into
"black gold," create musical wind chimes, snack on garden yummies and more! The workshop fee is $35 for
Academy members and $45 for nonmembers.
'MAKING DOUGH WITH GRANDKIDS'
"Making Dough with Grandkids," an Academy of Lifetime Learning workshop, will be taught by Beverly
Combs from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, at the LifeSpan Center in Charleston. This workshop is for
kids ages 8 to 16 with their grandparents. Spend time together in the kitchen making yeast breads with your
grandkids. Learn some of the basic techniques of mixing and shaping the dough. We will make sweet rolls
during the afternoon. There will be time for tasting at the end of the session, and you will have dough to take
home and shape on your own. Each grandparent/grandchild team should bring a large mixing bowl (one
gallon or larger) or two smaller ones, for mixing and taking the dough home. Other equipment will be
provided. Aprons are optional -- we'll be working with lots of flour, so you may want to protect your
clothing. The workshop fee is $30 for one grandchild and an Academy member grandparent, $40 for two
grandchildren with an Academy member grandparent, $40 for one grandchild with a non-member
grandparent or $50 for two grandchildren with a non-member grandparent.
Enews Sources
The Enews is a publication of the Lumpkin
College of Business &
Applied Sciences
Philanthropy Office.
Much of the text is
obtained from the
University Newsletter,
Media Relations, and
the Alumni Newsletter.
Other sources for
campus news include
Panther Athletics, The
Daily Eastern News,
and the Charleston
Times-Courier.
'MEMORY BOXES'
"Memory Boxes," an Academy of Lifetime Learning workshop, will be taught by Fran Foster from 10 a.m.
to noon Tuesday, July 21, at the LifeSpan Center in Charleston. The instructor is a long-time area artist full
of great ideas. In this workshop, she will guide you to create a decorative box to hold your photos and other
memory trinkets. She will show you how to take your own sentimental papers and other objects and put
together a box that can hold your new memories -- a wonderful item to keep or give as a gift to an adult
child, child or grandchild! The workshop fee is $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers.
For more information and/or to register for the workshop (s), contact the School of Continuing Education at 581-5114.
SDSU recognizes campus “Women of Distinction”
An EIU alum is one of four recognized from South Dakota State University named “Women of Distinction”
during a March Women’s History Month ceremony. The eighth annual Women of Distinction Tea honored
women across campus known for their tenacity, dedication and leadership. Carrie Van Buren serves as
curator of the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum. She holds a master’s degree in history and
museum administration from Eastern Illinois University, which has put been to good use during her 24 years
of service at the museum. Van Buren demonstrates passion and extensive knowledge through conducting
numerous tours and coordinating various museum programs.
Museum director Mac Harris wrote, “I have been very impressed with her dedication to the Museum and her
strong interest in organized women’s groups.”
While Van Buren was raised in upstate New York, Brookings has become her home, where she serves as an
active member of First Presbyterian Church. Rev. Jason Cunningham describes her as an “inspiration, not
only for other women, but for anyone in the church who has an inkling of a call to get more involved and
actively lead.”
Nominations for the awards are solicited after the New Year and are awarded in March, Women’s History
Month. The Women’s Studies Committee and the Quest for Equity Task Force sponsor the awards. Founded
in 1881, South Dakota State University is the state’s Morrill Act land-grant institution as well as its largest,
most comprehensive school of higher education. SDSU confers degrees from eight different colleges
representing more than 200 majors, minors and options. The institution also offers 23 master’s degree
programs and 12 Ph.D. programs.
NeWS
A publication of the Lumpkin College of Business & Applied Sciences Philanthropy Office
Tom Faulkner to fill vacant City Council seat
By Scott Wuerz - News-Democrat
A man who served on the staff of former Gov. Jim Edgar has been named to fill an opening on the O’Fallon
City Council. Tom Faulkner narrowly edged out a slate of six candidates who sent in their resumes to apply
for the seat made available when former Alderman John West resigned last month to accept an appointment
to the St. Clair County Board, according to Mayor Gary Graham. "We rated the candidates from one through
six based on their qualifications, and there was probably only a point or two difference between one and six,"
Graham said.
Faulkner, 40, said he has lived in O'Fallon for nine years following his time working in Springfield. He said
he thinks a lot of the same issues that faced the state government in the 1990s face O'Fallon now. "The goals
remain the same: to build safe, high quality communities and to manage growth," Faulkner said. "I want to
see a community where people want to live and businesses want to locate."
Faulkner has a bachelor's degree in communication and marketing and a master's degree in political science
from Eastern Illinois University. He works in St Louis at Nestle Purina, where he is a manager. He and his
wife, Rendy, have four children: two boys and two girls.
Faulkner said West, 69, encouraged him to apply as the former alderman's replacement. West's County Board
spot was opened when former County Board member Kyle McCarter was named to replace former state Sen.
Frank Watson, who retired after suffering a mild stroke last year. The last time the City Council had to
replace a member in mid-term was in 2007, when Alderman Becky Henry died of a heart attack.
Alumni spotlight: Dr. Rick Scheuring '87
When Rick Scheuring was 4, he watched a homecoming parade for the
Apollo 11 crew in downtown Chicago. Little did he know that four decades
later, he would have an office in NASA’s Johnson Space Center in
Houston, allowing him to work with those same crew members (Neil
Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins) to improve astronauts' health
and safety for future missions. Read more about the road that led this
former EIU decathlon competitor to his dream job here.
EIU student running for Illinois governor
Earlier this month, Aaron Hacker was like many other Eastern Illinois University graduate students on
campus over the summer. Juggling two political science courses and a part-time job at Cracker Barrel,
Hacker kept a busy schedule. Recently, things were much different for one reason: Hacker had announced
he was running for Illinois governor in 2010 under the Republican party. The surprise announcement came
after months of preparation and conversations with family and friends, Hacker said. His main motive for
running is his disillusionment with the political atmosphere in Springfield. Read the full story on Aaron and
his running mate, Paul Stewart who it running for lieutenant governor here.
DOUDNA FINE ARTS
August 16 through May 2010: EIU campus, 7th Street, Summer Residency Program Sculpture
Exhibition. This two-year outdoor sculpture competitive residency/exhibition for regional graduate/
post-graduate students features works by Matt Searle, Cary Netherton, Luke Greco, and Luke Achterberg.
Youth and School Arts Programs - the Doudna Fine Arts Center and the departments of Art, Music, and
Theatre Arts offer a variety of programs for area youth and area schools. For more information please contact
the Doudna Fine Arts Center at 217-581-8500 or [email protected].
NeWS
A publication of the Lumpkin College of Business & Applied Sciences Philanthropy Office
EVENTS CALENDAR
JULY
18
All Greek Reunion, Chicago, IL
29
Panthers on the Road, New Lenox, IL
AUGUST
15
Oakland A’s vs. Chicago White Sox, Oakland, CA
OCTOBER
16-17
Panther Marching Band and Pink Panthers Reunion
Go to http://www.eiu.edu/~alumni/events.html for details on all of the events.
Please support our
Alumni Authors and
Friends!
*21st Century Wealth by
Jeffrey G. Scott ‘68
*Wellness: Piece by
Piece by
Pat Sullivan ‘75
*Country Music for
Laughin’, Lovin’ & Livin’
It Up
*More Country Music for
Laughin’, Lovin’ & Livin’
It Up
*Momma Used to Say
*Management Up,
Down, & Inside Out
By Gene Newport ‘ 57
*Boomtown, USA by
Jack Schultz, Former
President — EIU
Foundation
Pemberton Hall
National Historic Site
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT - Ongoing Exhibits
♦
Through Aug. 2, 2008-2009 Cultivating Creativity: Consolidated Communications
Children's Art Exhibit. (Contact the Tarble Arts Center for the complete tour itinerary.)
Go to http://www.eiu.edu/~tarble/exhibitions.php for details on the above exhibitions.
BOOTH LIBRARY EXHIBITS
Burl Ives Centennial: 1909-2009 A student at Eastern in the 1920s, Burl Ives went on to become a
celebrated singer, an award-winning film actor, a TV personality, a voice in children's films and an author. In
honor of his long and distinguished career, Booth Library is hosting an exhibit this summer of images and
artifacts pertaining to Burl Ives' life and career. The exhibit is on display in the North Lobby and the Marvin
Foyer through August 2009.
An American in Genoa Student/photographer Lizzy Morse took exquisite photographs on her travels to the
vibrant city of Genoa, Italy, with "Italy: The Good Life," an EIU summer faculty-led study abroad program
that is hosted by the philosophy department. Her pictures are currently on display in the Marvin Foyer of
Booth Library in an exhibit titled "An American in Genoa." These striking photos celebrate EIU's connection
to the lovely European city of Genoa, Italy.
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
An article written by Karen Drage titled "Modernizing Career and Technical Education Programs" was
published in the May 2009 issue of Techniques. Techniques is an award-winning publication by the
Association for Career and Technical Education.
Charles Phillips and Julie Benedict (Human Resources) have presented for various associations. In
February, they presented "The Art of Mediation -- An Overview" at CACUBO's 41st Professional
Development Workshop in St. Louis. In May, at Mid-West CUPA-HR, held in Branson, Mo., they presented
"The Art of Mediation -- The Disinterested Third Party." Due to the success of the presentation, Phillips and
Benedict have been asked to present at the National CUPA-HR conference in October. Also, in April,
Phillips presented and was part of a panel at the annual Illinois Committee of Black Concerns in Higher
Education (ICBCHE), held in Chicago. The subject was "Mentoring and Coaching." Finally, Phillips served
as the lead adviser for CACUBO Level I participants at the Collegiate Management Institute (CMI), held in
May at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.
Andrew M. White, mathematics and computer science, conducted a week-long (June 1-5) workshop for
grade school students in Old Main. The workshop theme was "Project Mathematics" and all activities were
of a hands-on nature and dealt with geometric ideas and concepts. Students ranging from ages 8 through 11
participated from three area school districts. Highlights of the week included the building of K-nex bridges,
studying and building platonic solids, and going on a "geometry walk" with cameras on the campus The staff of ITS as well as others from across campus gathered to honor Max Swango and celebrate his
retirement. A retirement reception was held Wednesday, June 24. He will retire on June 30 from the User
Services division of ITS.
NeWS
A publication of the Lumpkin College of Business & Applied Sciences Philanthropy Office
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
Communication Studies Students Receive Multimedia Awards
This year’s Communication Studies Multimedia Awards were presented to six students who excelled in
video and radio production. The winning entrants from Mike Bradd, Lori Casey and Angela Aguayo’s CMN
video and radio production course are: Greg Anderson for his “I Am EIU” public service announcement,
Keith Stewart for his visually compelling video diary, Kevin Jeanes for his documentary “Fields of Plenty,”
Kevin Ratermann for his promotional video titled “Sinfonia”, Kate Kelley for her state-recognized public
service announcement for the Illinois Buckle Buddy program, and Jon Pieczynski for his eclectic radio
feature.
2009 DATES TO
REMEMBER
FAMILY WEEKEND
OCTOBER 2-4
HOMECOMING
OCTOBER 16-18
2010 DATES TO
REMEMBER
FAMILY WEEKEND
OCTOBER 1-3
HOMECOMING
OCTOBER 22-24
Dr. John Willems has been appointed to a three-year appointment as Coordinator of
Graduate Business Studies. Dr. Willems has been employed by EIU since August
1993. He finished his PhD in Decision Science in August 1994. Has was tenured and
became an Associate Professor of Quantitative Methods in August 2002. He was
promoted to Professor of Management in August 2007. He served as the Assistant Chair
of Management from August 2007 to May 2009. He acted as the Interim Coordinator of
Graduate Business Studies in academic year 2008-2009 and was appointed for 3 years as
the Coordinator of Graduate Business Studies with the term beginning in July of 2009.
EIU Alum wins award
Illinois State Police District 19 Telecommunicator Cheryl N. Thomas has been named the Illinois State
Police Telecommunicator of the Year. Thomas joined the ISP in 2000 as a telecommunicator specialist.
Since 2006, she has had a dual role as a District 19 telecommunicator and as a member of a special detail
responsible for the development and implementation of the ISP'S new communication system,
STARCOM21.
Thomas is formerly of Olney, where she attended East Richland High School. Prior to joining the ISP, she
graduated from Olney Central College in 1995 with an associate's degree, and in 2003 received a bachelor's
degree from Eastern Illinois University.
Thomas worked for the Richland County Sheriff's Office as a 911 telecommunicator/matron from 1996 until
she joined the ISP in 2000. She lives in Carmi and is the daughter of Ruth E. Thomas and the late Cyril M.
Thomas of Olney. Thomas recently attended an awards ceremony in Springfield, honoring all of the Illinois
State Police Districts Telecommunicator of the Year nominees.
EIU Alum honored as longtime educator
A recent banquet honored a local community leader and a future healthcare professional. Crosspoint Human
Services held a fundraising celebration honoring longtime board member and former Danville District 118
educator Margaret Ward. The event is the first of its kind, said Chris Bott, an executive assistant at
Crosspoint. As a part of the tribute to Ward, Crosspoint held an essay contest for area high school seniors
who wrote about mental health topics. The winning essay, by Hoopeston Area High School senior Kalyn
Sanford, will be honored at the event.
Ward, a life resident of Danville, began her career in education and community service in 1940. She
attended Oaklawn and Cannon elementary schools. She is a member of the Danville High School class of
1938. She obtained a teaching certification from Eastern Illinois University in 1940, and completed her
bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University. She holds two master’s degrees from the University of
Illinois. The 88-year-old taught 44 years, between 1940 and 1986 in District 118.
“It’s been a long journey,” she said. “I know it’s drawing close to an end, but I say I’m sure that if I had
another life to live, I probably would have chosen the same one.” When she was a teacher, she got emotional
on the last day of school when her students left for summer vacation. She said on the last day of school, she
“always had tears.” She told her students, to “think of all the days we’ve had and remember when you leave
me you’ll take a little of me with you, and Mrs. Ward will be taking a little bit of each of you with her, too.”
Excerpts from the story by Anna Herkamp.
NeWS
SPORTS NEWS
Chicago cop living his dream, signs with UFC
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Chicago police officer and mixed-martial-arts fighter Mike Russow is
approaching the biggest fight of his career -- one that may determine his
career path. ''It's everything,'' he said about achieving his goal to sign a
contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The 31-year-old
heavyweight signed a four-fight UFC deal. The date and opponent of his
first fight haven't been finalized, but he expects his debut to be in late
August or September. ''It's something I've always wanted to do,'' Russow
said. ''I've been watching the UFC since it first came out back in high
school. It's been a goal of mine the whole time to fight in the UFC.'' A native of Kankakee, Russow won the
state wrestling title in his senior year at Bradley-Bourbonnais High School. He began his collegiate career at
Lincoln College, where he was a junior college All-American, and transferred to Eastern Illinois, where he
was a three-time NCAA Division I qualifier.
For the full story go here.
2009-10 Swimming Recruit Class Earns Kudos
The Eastern Illinois men’s swimming program picked up an impressive
honor from www.collegeswimming.com, as the first recruiting class of
Panther head coach Matt Bos earned recognition by the online
organization.
Eastern was listed as one of 22 top collegiate squads with ‘recruiting
classes of note’, marking the first-time the Panthers have earned such a
designation in program history.
"I am excited about our class and what they can do for our program,”
said Bos. “To get guys like Ken (Tiltges) and John (Wilson), who are destined to make such an immediate
impact on our program, is huge. The great thing is that all these guys have made huge gains over the past
year so they will only get better and better."
For the full story go here.
Baseball: Drafted Panthers begin minor-league careers
Brainard House
Home of the EIU
Alumni Association
All three former Eastern ballplayers selected in the Major League Baseball first-year player draft earlier this
month have begun their professional careers as their respective teams seasons are underway.
Former center fielder Brett Nommensen was in the starting lineup in three of the first four games of the
season for the Hudson Valley Renegades, a Tampa Bays Rays affiliate in the New York-Penn League. He hit
a leadoff home run on Sunday in a loss to Aberdeen.
Jordan Kreke, a former shortstop with the Panthers, started at third base for the Atlanta Braves affiliated
Danville Braves, of the Appalachian League, in the team's 8-3 opening day victory over the Pulaski Mariners
on Tuesday.
Tyler Kehrer, who as the 48th overall pick was Eastern's highest-drafted player since 1988, (made) EDIT his
first-minor league start for the Orem Owlz of the Pioneer League last night against the Ogden Raptors. The
Owlz won their season opener against Ogden 7-3 on Tuesday.
There is a more detailed story following.
Football Recruit Suits Up For Team USA
6.24.2009 | Football
Eastern Illinois incoming football wide receiver Erik Lora will be one of 45 players representing his country
later this week as a member of Team USA as they compete in the IFAF Junior World Championships. Go
here for the full story.
NeWS
SPORTS NEWS
Track: Former Panther emerges onto national stage
Distance runner Dan Strackeljahn, a former standout at Eastern, will compete in the 1500-meter run today at
the USA Track and Field Nationals at historic Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore
Strackeljahn, who was named the 2007 OVC Male Track Athlete of the Year, earned a spot at the USATF
Nationals with a third place finish in the 1500-meter at the Indiana Invaders High Performance Series meet in
late May. He finished the race in a personal-best time of 3:42.67, ranking him 25th in the nation.
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After a successful cross-country and track career at Eastern, where he earned numerous All-OVC honors,
Strackeljahn embarked on a teaching career at Minooka High School. He has continued to run competitively
while balancing the full-time job. At the Music City Distance Carnival, he broke the four-minute mile mark
with a time of 3:59.77.
Eastern assistant track and field coach JaRod Tobler, who last summer narrowly missed qualifying for the
U.S. Olympic Team, is also competing today in Eugene in the long jump. With his best jump of 8.16 meters,
he is currently ranked sixth in the nation in the event.
The top performers from the USATF Nationals will be invited to represent Team USA in Berlin this August
at the IAAF World Championships, which will be the first major international track and field event in the
Berlin Olympic Stadium since the 1936 Olympic Games.
Three EIU baseball players drafted
Junior pitcher Tyler Kehrer was drafted by the L.A. Angels of Anaheim as the 48th overall pick of the 2009
Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on Tuesday night.
Kehrer was the first of three Eastern players selected in this year's draft. Senior outfielder Brett Nommensen
and senior shortstop Jordan Kreke were picked in the eighth and thirteenth rounds, respectively, on
Wednesday afternoon.
"I cannot be more pleased or proud," head coach Jim Schmitz said. "Having three guys drafted says a lot
about how great a season we had. These are three guys that worked hard and got better."
Kehrer, a left-handed pitcher, was chosen by the Angels during Compensation Round A, which immediately
follows the first round of the draft. The Angels were awarded the 48th pick after Jon Garland signed with
Arizona as a free agent. He is expected to sign with the Anaheim, effectively ending his career at Eastern
with a year of eligibility left. Schmitz said he is not surprised Kehrer was drafted so high as a junior. "He was
touching 94 mph at the end of the year and he just kept getting better and better," he said. Kehrer was the
first player in the draft to be selected from the OVC and from an Illinois university. He also became the
highest-drafted Eastern player since 1988, when Stan Royer was selected 16th overall by the Oakland
Athletics. The southpaw led the OVC this season with 90 strikeouts, 14 of which came in a complete game
against SIU-Edwardsville on April 26. For the season, OVC opponents hit only .213 against him, the lowest
in the league. Over his career at Eastern, Kehrer struck out 185 batters over 177 and 2/3 innings of work.
Nommensen, a four-year starting center fielder for the Panthers, was selected 259th overall by the Tampa
Bay Rays. The senior was leading the nation in both on-base and slugging percentage before leaving the
lineup for six weeks on April 10 with a wrist injury. He returned to the lineup on May 22, and went 3-for-5
in the Panther's season-ending loss to Murray State. Due to the injury, and his untimely return, Schmitz
explained that national scouts most likely never got the chance to observe Nommensen's play in person.
Because the Panthers were not selected for the NCAA Tournament, MLB scouts only had one opportunity to
see him play over the last two months leading up to the draft. "I told Brett don't be disappointed. [Being
drafted in the] Eighth round is a testimony to what he did the first 20 games," Schmitz said. Nommensen
finished the 2009 season with a .525 batting average and a .652 on-base percentage. He owns a .374 career
batting average, and tied the Eastern record for career runs scored in his final game.
Kreke, this season's OVC Player of the Year, was drafted 388th overall by the Atlanta Braves. Kreke was
recently designated a third-team All American, and was one of 15 semifinalists for the Brooks Wallace
Award, which is given annually to the nation's best shortstop. "I've been working toward this my whole life.
Now that I got drafted, it's a dream come true," Kreke said. Kreke led the team this season in two categories:
home runs (13) and RBIs (59). In conference games, he batted .507 with 40 RBIs.
This year's MLB draft was the first time in history that Eastern had two players taken in the first ten rounds.
It also marks the first time since 1988 that three Eastern players have been drafted.
NeWS
SPORTS NEWS
Pratl Named Sun Times Top Male Athlete
Incoming men's basketball player earns top honor
Judging by Shaun Pratl's impact on the football and basketball
teams, the Richards baseball program may have missed out on
something special. ''I grew up playing baseball, basketball and
football,'' Pratl said. ''But when I got to Richards, I decided to
concentrate on just football and basketball.'' Pratl's
concentration earned him a basketball scholarship to Eastern
Illinois, a basketball state championship in 2008 and a
reputation as one of the most feared wide receivers in the state.
The 6-8 touchdown- grabbing/smooth-dunking center is the
2009 Sun-Times Male Athlete of the Year. Read complete
Chicago Sun Times article by Michael O'Brien
Incoming Track Athlete Cleans Up At Meet
Jill MacEachen won 11 medals in Canada
Jill MacEachen on the left.
CALGARY, Canada - If it wasn’t for nine provincial
gold medals and two silvers, you might not even know
Jill MacEachen was around. The shy and humble
18-year-old is one of the biggest track and field stars in
the province, breaking the 80-metre hurdle record in
Grade 10 and the long jump record in Grade 11. But she
would never tell you that. Noticing the George
McDougall student isn’t something she normally wants,
but amassing provincial titles and breaking records isn’t
something one can do quietly. Over the weekend in the
rain and bitter cold at the Provincial High School
Championships, MacEachen was at it again, winning
gold in the long jump, triple jump and 80 metre hurdles
for the third year in a row. Read Complete Story by
Scott Mitchell Here
Registration Open For Paris Golf Outing
Brainard House
Home of the EIU
Alumni Association
Registration is now underway for the Miller Lite EIU Blue and Gray Classic to be held Friday, July 10 at
Paris Country Club. The event is done in conjunction with the Edgar County Alumni Scholarship Committee.
All proceeds from Panther Club golf outings go to support student-athletes for Eastern Illinois 21
intercollegiate sports.
The Blue and Gray Classic costs $70 per golfer which includes lunch, dinner and a round of golf. A dinner
only option is available for $15. Registration and lunch begin at 11:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 1 p.m.
Dinner at the course is set for 5:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by Koerner Distributor, Inc.
Interested golfers can now register online at www.EIUpanthers.com or visit the website and print off a
registration form. Registration can also be done over the phone by calling 217-581-2310.
NeWS
SPORTS NEWS
City Council Approves Honorary Panther Way
Runs on current Grant Street near athletic facilities
The street on which many fans enter Eastern Illinois Athletic events has a new name as the Charleston City
Council adopted Panther Way as the honorary name for a section of Grant Avenue on Tuesday evening.
Panther Way will become the honorary name for Grant Avenue from University Drive to Fourth Street at the
request of the university to show the City of Charleston's support for Eastern Illinois Athletics. This section
of roadway is adjacent to O’Brien Field and Lantz Arena.
McAfee Gym
National Historic Site
Mayor John Inyart said this is the first time to his knowledge that the city has given a supplemental honorary
name to a street. He said the official Grant Avenue name will be retained, so addresses there will stay the
same. Inyart said blue Panther Way signs will be posted on the street signs there above the green Grant
Avenue signs. He added the university may sell copies of the Panther Way signs as an athletic fund-raiser.
"I want to personally thank Mayor Inyart and the City Council members for their support of this project,"
stated EIU athletic director Barbara Burke. "EIU, its athletic department and the City of Charleston have had
a long and successful relationship. We hope that this project can turn that relationship into a partnership as
Panther athletics looks to expand their connection with its fan base in Charleston. I would also like to thank
the University administration and our athletic marketing department for their work on helping move this
project forward."
EIU Student Government representative Eric Wilbur thanked the city for working with Eastern on the
honorary name. He noted that the University of Illinois has established honorary names for some streets
along its campus.
Student Athletes of the month
Zye Boey of men’s track and Shawana Smith of women’s track
were named the Eastern Illinois student-athletes of the month for
May 2009. Each month during the school year one male and one
female student-athlete are recognized for their outstanding
performance in their sport.
Boey, a redshirt freshman from Decatur, Ill., posted several top
performances during the month of May helping EIU win the OVC
Outdoor Championship while advancing to the NCAA Outdoor
National Championships. Boey placed 5th in the 100m dash at the
NCAA Mid East Regional to earn a trip to the national meet. He also placed 8th in the 200m dash at the
regional to account for all five EIU points at the meet. His personal best in the 100m of 10.20 ranked him
nationally in the 100m as he was named the OVC Track Athlete of the Year.
Smith, a redshirt junior from Chicago, Ill., was an anchor for the Panthers as they won the OVC Outdoor
Championship. Smith swept the 100m and 200m sprints while running anchor on the 4x100 and 4x400 relay
teams. At the NCAA Mid East Regional she helped the women’s 4x100 relay team place 5th scoring the first
ever NCAA Regional points for the squad. Smith set the school record for the 100m dash at 11.64 and
placed 11th in the 200m at the NCAA Regional meet.
Chaz Millard Named Preseason All-American
As the 2009 preseason football magazines begin to hit the newsstands, Eastern Illinois senior offensive guard
Chaz Millard has picked his first preseason All-American mention by Lindy’s Football Magazine. Millard
was named a second team preseason All-American by the publication during its 2009 FCS preview. The
Panthers as a team were selected fifth in the Ohio Valley Conference standings. Millard is coming off backto-back seasons starting at right guard earning first team All-OVC and honorable mention All-American
honors in both seasons. Last season he graded out at 93 percent from the season with 57 decleater blocks. He
enters the 2009 season with a streak of 26 straight games without allowing a sack.
Page 12
NeWS
SPORTS NEWS
Schramm reflects on years at Pana Open
This is Carol Schramm’s final year as athletics director at Pana High School. That means she recently marked
her final stint in an official capacity at the Pana Open boys track meet.
Schramm, who came to Pana fresh out of Eastern Illinois University in 1965, said she first helped out at the
Pana Open in the spring of 1967 and has missed just one — due to a death in the family — since then.
Schramm coached a variety of girls sports at Pana, including 30 years each for volleyball and track, before
retiring as a teacher and coach in 2002. But she’s also been athletics director for 27 years, and the Pana Open
has remained one of her top priorities every April. “I was scorekeeper back then,” Schramm said of her early
days at the track meet. “We used to have two great big boards, one for Class A and one for Class B. We’d
have maybe 60 teams here total back then. “We had the old cinder track, but it was the best cinder track
around.”
Pana’s switch to an all-weather track in 1997 eliminated some of the weather-related guesswork surrounding
the Pana Open. But Schramm considered it a labor of love when she and other volunteers would arrive at
Brummett Field in the early hours of a mid-April Saturday. “If kids didn’t get to compete in the Pana Open
that was crushing to them” Schramm said. “Barring a downpour the day of the meet, we’d work hard to make
sure it was ready. I remember being out here with shop vacs, getting water off the track. I remember being
out here with paper cups, bailing water. “If we had bad weather the night before, Kevin (Duez, former boys
coach) and I would meet at 5 in the morning and decide, ‘Can we do this?’ We always said, ‘We can do this.’
I remember the year of the kitty litter. We bought every bag of kitty litter in town to dry out the track.”
Schramm can’t imagine staying away from the Pana Open next year, even if it means just sitting in the
bleachers. But, “if someone says, ‘Hey, we’d like you to run this event,’ I’d like to do that.”
By DAVE KANE and MARCIA MARTINEZ, THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER
2009 Panther Rugby Schedule Set
Six home games, including mid-October dates versus midwest powers Missouri and Illinois, highlight the
ten-game Eastern Illinois women’s rugby slate, as announced by Panther head coach Frank Graziano.
“Our first goal entering 2009 preseason camp will be to put our undefeated 2008 season behind us,” said
Graziano. “While we are all very proud of our accomplishments last year, our roster contains many new faces
and we will be asking much of our returning seniors - Ashley Jenkins, Crystal Jones, Stephanie Militello,
and Chase Cain - in the way of performance and leadership. We will attempt to build upon our success from
2008, but this very different Panther squad will be facing our most difficult schedule in EIU rugby history.”
Go here for the full story.
UPCOMING SPORTS EVENTS
**Bold denotes a home game
Sport
Date
Nothing at this time
Opponent
Location
RECENT RESULTS & RECORDS
Last week’s results
Men’s Outdoor Track
Zye Boey placed 26th at NCAA Outdoor Championships in 100m dash
Time