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Welcome to Eastern Illinois University’s electronic Alumni Newsletter. 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.

Eastern Illinois University Names Perry as New President

After 36 years of living and working in Texas, William L. Perry is returning home to the Midwest, where he will begin his new role on July 1 as president of Eastern Illinois University.

As president, Perry will spend the first six months of his tenure "refining and sharpening priorities," working with the university's faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community and regional partners." We will determine what it means for Eastern Illinois University to be a first-choice institution and what the indicators are. Then we will build on these, as a working team and partnership, to let the public know, to let our alumni know – to let ev eryone know – what our aims are, " said Perry.

Perry has been with Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, since 1971, and currently serves as vice provost (2003 to present). He is a tenured professor of mathematics and has previously served as executive associate provost (1998-2002), dean of faculties and associate provost (1990-1998), associate dean for academic affairs, College of Sciences (1988-1990), and associate head of the Department of Mathematics (1977-1981).

He received his bachelor of arts in both mathematics and history from Park College (Missouri), and his master of arts degree and doctorate in mathematics from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

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'Celebration of Dedication' Reception Set for EIU President Hencken

As President Lou Hencken nears the end of his four-decade tenure at Eastern Illinois University, he'd like a chance to visit with people from throughout campus and the surrounding communities. Therefore, the public is encouraged to stop by and visit with Hencken and his wife, Mary Kay, at the "Celebration of Dedication," set for 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, in the University Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union.

Hencken, a graduate of EIU, has served the university in a variety of administrative positions, rising through the ranks from graduate assistant to president. In addition to his service to the university, Hencken has also been an active member of the community.

Golf Outing to Benefit Hencken Scholarship Fund Set for May 7th

A golf outing has been scheduled for May 7th at Meadowview Golf Course in Mattoon to generate funds for the newly-established Louis V. Hencken Housing Service Scholarship.

The scholarship, named after Eastern's president, was created earlier this year through the generosity of a $100,000 gift from alumni Tim '71, '72 and Vickie Burke '72, '75. The cost of the outing - which includes lunch, beverages on the course and dinner - is only $75 per person and sponsorship opportunities are also available. Entry forms are available on the Alumni Association's website or you can obtain information by contacting the Association at 800-ALUM-EIU.

Cougills Put Hearts and Money into Renovating Old Main Foyer

Max Cougill '51 and wife Mary Cougill know first impressions are important, and their first impression of the made-over foyer in Old Main was one that will last.

Last year, the Cougills donated a half-million dollars to the university to be used for renovations to the first-floor hallway and foyer of the Livingston C. Lord Administration Building, more popularly known as Old Main. The project included restroom renovations, lead abatement, paint removal, new ceiling beam installation and restoration of all wood wainscot and doors.

On March 21, the Cougills attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the completion of the first section of the hallway, along with other University administrators and guests. The cost of the hallway project was around $250,000. The rest of the main corridor will be completed in sections.

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Athletics to Induct Six to Hall of Fame

The Athletic Department announced six new inductees for its 2007 Hall of Fame class.

Five former athletes and one coach will be honored during Eastern's Sept. 15 football game against Illinois State. Former wrestling coach Ron Clinton will join athletes Jen Cherveny Dick '97, John Christy '78, Elizabeth Greathouse Marsh '82, Agyemen Prempeh '83 and Robert Williams '84 as new inductees.

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Bid on Unique Items in the Athletic Department’s Online Auction

The Panthers Intercollegiate Athletics Department is hosting its annual Panther Club Spring Fling Online and Live Auction. The online auction runs until April 14 at noon (CST), with the live event set for Saturday, April 28, in the Grand Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union. This year, a majority of the auction items will close online and will not carry over to the live event. Items include EIU sports memorabilia, unique travel experiences and more. Item donations are still being accepted. For more information, visit the auction homepage.

Alumni Day at Busch Stadium Advanced Ticket Sales for Alumni Association Members

As a thank you for your commitment to Eastern Illinois University, we would like to offer to members of the Alumni Association the opportunity to purchase tickets to the July 4 th St. Louis Cardinals game before they are offered to non-members.

$80 a person includes a seat in the comfort of the air-conditioned Redbird Row Suites plus all food and beverages. To purchase tickets call 1-800-ALUM-EIU or complete and return this .pdf form by mail or fax to 217-581-7206. Tickets are going fast and will be sold to nonmembers of the Association in just two weeks so don't miss out. Order your tickets now!

Not sure if you are a member of the EIU Alumni Association? Call 800-ALUM-EIU or email alumeiu@eiu.edu to find out! Or join the Association today to take advantage of this exclusive membership advantage.

Alumni Invited to the Alumni Association's Upcoming Tour to Northern Italy

Buon Giorno! Join your fellow alumni and friends on October 2-10 and explore the beauty of Northern Italy during the Alumni Association's "Italy's Magnificent Lake District" group excursion. During this 9-day journey you will explore picturesque islands, stroll through gorgeous gardens and villas, visit sumptuous palaces and historic cathedrals and embrace splendid art and architecture. This expedition is an unforgettable treat so make your plans to join your fellow alumni by making your reservation today!

For additional information regarding this exciting trip please visit the Alumni Association's travel page.

Rain Can’t Stop Relay for Life

Rainy weather did not dampen the spirits of walkers at Eastern’s Relay for Life. The fourth annual event was moved from the Campus Pond area to the Student Recreation Center Field House. More than 40 teams consisting of more than 400 walkers took part in the 12-hour event, raising more than $41,000 for cancer awareness and research. Throughout the evening, walkers listened to bands, tossed bean bags and participated in other fun games. Even President Hencken took part in the festivities as the human target for the “pies in the face” game.

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Cash Dash Find Your Lost Loot

The Illinois State Treasurer's Office is holding millions of dollars worth of unclaimed property that belongs to past and current residents of Illinois, and they want to give it back! You may have unclaimed property or be the heir to unclaimed property in the state of Illinois. Types of unclaimed property include safe deposit box contents, unclaimed wages, uncashed checks, money orders, stock shares, dividends, mutual funds, utility deposits and paid-up life insurance policies. To search for your lost money, please visit the State of Illinois Unclaimed Property site. Once you reclaim your lost treasures, be sure to share your story with us. Please send your story to alumeiu@eiu.edu.

Join the Alumni Association Today

Please consider joining the EIU Alumni Association. Your membership will allow us to continue to expand our programming and offerings to the university community.

The association has been able to steadily increase its financial support to the university over the past several years in the form of student scholarships and grants because of the support of members like you.

In addition, you don't want to miss receiving Old Main Line, the alumni magazine which is for members only. It's a great way to stay on top of what's happening on campus for only $30 annually. Join online by visiting our Web site or by calling us at 800-ALUM-EIU. We appreciate your continuing support!

Show Your Panther Pride! Order EIU Merchandise Online

Purchase your EIU merchandise online by visiting the alumni Web site and clicking on the "Merchandise" link in the left column. Listen to WEIU via the web at weiuhitmix.net