January 2010

Alumni spotlight: Col. Robert Sinkler '83

As commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Hurricane Protection Office, Col. Robert Sinkler '83 is one of the leaders of the Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System, a multi-billion dollar project being built to reduce the risk of storm damage in the greater New Orleans area.

Since receiving a commission from the EIU Reserve Officer Training Corps program, Sinkler has obtained several degrees, served in a variety of engineer positions, and taught at the U.S. Army Engineer School. Read more here.

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More alumni news …

• Florida Marlins minor league manager opens baseball school
• Bynum realizes childhood dream with publication of novel
• Dively on board with Whaleback Systems
• Rose to become brigadier general in Air Force Reserves
• Paper sculptor has 'passion for discovery'
• Cole named a National Distinguished Principal
• Domercant named to Mid-Major All-Decade Team
• Spencer's nontraditional church includes coffee-shop sermons

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Martin named vice president for university advancement

Robert Martin, assistant vice president for development at Auburn University in Alabama, has accepted the position of vice president for university advancement at EIU.

Martin, who said he's excited about "enhancing a culture of philanthropy" throughout the EIU community, is to begin his new role on Feb. 1. He replaces Jill Nilsen '74, '75, who retired Dec. 31, after serving as vice president for external relations since 1998.

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'Heartland Highways' hosts film from EIU locations

The hosts of WEIU-TV's "Heartland Highways" — Lori Casey and Kate Pleasant '06 — will use various EIU locations as backdrops during its eighth season, which begins Feb. 5 on WEIU (and March 1 on the national RFD-TV cable channel).

The series introduces viewers to interesting people and places in Illinois, Indiana and Missouri. Be sure to watch later this spring when a profile of EIU gardener Larry Shobe '67 provides a look at the beautiful EIU campus.

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EIU once again NFL's cradle of coaches

When the Washington Redskins hired Mike Shanahan '75 as head coach, EIU regained its spot as the "cradle of coaches" in the NFL, as we're the only school to boast three alumni in head coaching positions.

Shanahan, who previously led the Denver Broncos to two Super Bowl victories, joins Sean Payton of New Orleans and Brad Childress of Minnesota.

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News briefs from the EIU Alumni Association

• Advance tickets for Alumni Day at Busch Stadium on May 2 are now available for purchase by Alumni Association members.
• Near Chicago? Join us the Panther Basketball Watch Party at Trinity Bar to watch EIU take on Morehead State on Feb. 11. Wear your EIU blue and enjoy drink specials and bottomless appetizers!
• If you're looking for new employees, don't miss the opportunity to recruit EIU students at our Feb. 10 Spring Career Network Day.
• Reminder: Legacy Scholarship applications are due Feb. 11.

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