eiu alumni newsletter

President Perry Begins His New Role

After arriving in town the afternoon of June 28, William Perry only had a few days to adjust before starting his duties as Eastern’s next president. Perry’s first official day was July 1, which he spent meeting with several alumni and Board of Trustees Chairman Robert Webb. After settling into his new office, he took some time to walk around the campus and talk to people throughout the University community. He’s also already working toward his ultimate goal, for EIU to be a first-choice institution for more students, faculty and staff. “I want Eastern Illinois University to be the best in class.”

journal gazette/times courier article

To read more on President Perry and his vision for the future, please visit

daily eastern news

EIU Alumni Association and Foundation Collaborate to Honor Hencken

The portraits of Eastern’s past presidents are a focal point for many visitors to Old Main. In the words of Victoria Markley, current president of the Alumni Association, “When walking through Old Main, the presidential portraits are a majestic reminder of the outstanding leadership we have had at EIU over the years.”

After more than 40 years of service to the University, former president Lou Hencken’s leadership is no exception. Later this summer, Hencken’s presidential portrait will take its rightful place among the other past presidential portraits, thanks to a collaboration between the EIU Alumni Association and Foundation. Each group agreed that funding the portrait was a meaningful way to recognize and honor one of the institution’s most beloved alumni. The Hencken portrait was painted by artist Gilbert Early, who also painted the images of former EIU presidents Gilbert Fite, Stan Rives and David Jorns.

story on retirement

For a related story and a photo of the portrait, please visit

read the full story here

Governor, Mrs. Edgar Establish Speaker Series

Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar ’68 and wife Brenda Edgar ‘98 have demonstrated their continuing support for their alma mater by establishing the Edgar Speaker Series. The couple recently finalized details of a $150,000 gift which will allow Eastern to host two speakers a year. The series will focus primarily on state government, and shall address both current issues in government and historical implications. The Edgars expect to personally launch the speaker series during the 2007-2008 school year, with the governor planning to return in the fall as the first featured speaker. Mrs. Edgar will take her turn behind the lectern in the spring. When available, funding from the gift will also be used to support student attendance at off-campus conferences relating to government or public service.

read the full story

EIU Athletic Trainers Gaining Experience through Internships

Nine EIU graduate and undergraduate athletic trainers are working in various internships and jobs this summer, including four students who are with National Football League teams (the New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, St. Louis Rams and San Francisco 49ers). Another student just finished up a year-long internship with the New England Patriots. Others are working with the Danville Dans of the CICL Summer Baseball League, the University of Michigan, and the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer.

journal gazette/times courier article

Son of Bears Coach Named EIU Assistant

Head football coach Bob Spoo has completed his 2007 coaching staff with the addition of Bobby Babich as the Panthers’ new secondary coach. Babich comes to EIU after spending last year as a graduate assistant at Kent State University, where he helped with the secondary for a Golden Flash team that went 6-6 overall, 5-3 in the Mid-American Conference.

Prior to embarking on his coaching career, Babich was a four-year letter winner at North Dakota State University, where he played cornerback. He was a two-time academic all-conference honoree as a junior and senior. Originally from Tulsa, Okla., Babich grew up in a football family. His father, Bob, was the head coach at North Dakota State from 1997 to 2002 and is now the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears.

journal gazette/times courier article

Athletics Launches New Web Site

A new era in getting information on your favorite EIU sports teams has dawned with the recent launching of www.EIUpanthers.com, the official home for EIU Athletics on the Web. Once the 2007-2008 athletics season starts, the site will introduce several new interactive features, including weekly video interviews, live game statistics and Athlete of the Month highlights, just to name a few.

 

Panther First Baseman Selected in MLB Draft

Two-time Ohio Valley Conference batting champion Erik Huber was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 12th round of this year’s Major League Baseball draft. A first-team Academic All-America and All-OVC selection this year, Huber became the first Panther since Kevin Seitzer ’85 to bat .400 in back-to-back seasons. Seitzer (arizona diamondbacks coach staff) , a former all-star who was the runner up to Mark McGwire for the 1987 American League Rookie of the Year award, is now the hitting coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks. More information on Huber can be found here: http://www.jg-tc.com

Tickets Now on Sale for Eastern vs. Purdue Tailgate and Football Outing

Join your fellow alumni and fans to cheer on the Panthers Sept. 8 as they face the Purdue Boilermakers. Prior to the game, the Alumni Association will host a tailgate outside Ross Ade Stadium. Tickets to the game are $39 while tailgate tickets are $15 or $20 depending on the package you select. This event is sure to be fun for the entire family! For additional information or to order tickets, visit the Alumni Association events page.

Lend a Helping Paw: Alumni Volunteers Needed

Volunteer as a Panther Pal and join us as we welcome our new students on Thursday, Aug. 16. Panther Pals are volunteers who act as informational resources for students and their families during the official opening day of university housing. Panther Pal responsibilities may include greeting families, answering questions, providing directions and directing traffic. Volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to noon or from 1 to 3 p.m. All volunteers will receive a free T-shirt and lunch.

To volunteer or receive additional information, please contact the Alumni Services Office at 800-ALUM-EIU or by e-mail at alumeiu@eiu.edu.

Mark Your Calendars for Homecoming 2007

Homecoming 2007 is scheduled for the weekend of October 19-21. This year’s events include an array of actives such as the Homecoming parade, alumni Tent City, the football game vs. Tennessee Martin and the alumni awards dinner. Be sure to wear your blue and gray as you join us for a fun filled weekend of spirit and tradition. To make your early lodging reservations please visit our Charleston information page.

On Our Website

• Alumni Association
• EIU Home Page
• Give a Gift to EIU
• EIU News
• Join the Association

Upcoming Events

Registration information and a complete listing of events is available on our website.

 

Legacy Luncheon
August 16th
EIU campus
11am-1pm

 

 

Chicago Cubs Day
at the Ballpark
August 20th
Wrigley Field
Chicago, Ill.

Panther Club Golf Outings
July 13 - September 29
For a complete list of scheduled outing please see scheduled events

Dallas Social
TBA

EIU vs. Purdue Tailgate & Football Outing
September 8th
Ross Ade Stadium
West Lafayette, Ind.
10 am (EST)

Homecoming 2007
Campus of Eastern Illinois University

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Each month, we hope to bring you a taste of what’s happening at your alma mater. Our alumni are important to us. It doesn't matter if you graduated five years ago, 25 years ago or 50 years ago…you are still EIU. Let us know what you think about the newsletter, including the types of items you’d like to see in it. We'll do our best to accommodate you.

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