February 2009

EIU mourns loss of soldier

The EIU community extends its sympathy to the family of 1st Lt. Jared Southworth '06, who was killed in action Feb. 8 while serving with the Illinois National Guard in Afghanistan. Southworth was commissioned through the EIU Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program.

The 26-year-old Oakland resident was married with four children. Southworth's mother, Kim, who is also an EIU graduate, talked to WCIA-TV about her son's life; the segment can be viewed online.

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Alumni spotlight: Debra (Staton) Beebe '85

Former EIU cheerleader Debra (Staton) Beebe '85 is one of 16 contestants braving the sweltering Brazilian Highlands for a shot at glory — and $1 million — on CBS's next season of "Survivor," which debuts Thursday, Feb. 12.

Beebe was named Alabama's 2007-2008 middle school principal of the year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

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Woodard portrays Lincoln in new film

Joe Woodard '91, '94 portrays our 16th president in the new documentary "Lincoln: Prelude to the Presidency." The film is airing nationally on more than 150 PBS stations, including WEIU-TV (7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12).

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A sampling of more alumni news...

• Cancer-stricken colonel in command at inauguration
• Former Illinois Teacher of the Year wins top national honor
• Former Panthers catcher managing minor-league team in New York
• Gov. Quinn names Miller new director of Illinois DNR
• Webb, aka 'Dr. Wizard,' authors advice blog for co-eds
• Ward named vice president for legal affairs at SMU

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News from the EIU Alumni Association...

• Preferred Partners Program to launch. Businesses, increase your customer base while declaring your support for EIU! details
• Alumni Association Board of Directors positions available. Apply by April 3. details
• EIU Alumni Day at Busch Stadium. Alumni Association members have the first opportunity to purchase tickets to this May 24 event. details

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Vote for Galligan

EIU's Rachel Galligan is one of 10 finalists for the national Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award for women's basketball. The award recognizes excellence in the classroom, character and community, as well as competition on the field. Please click here to vote for Rachel.

Coincidentally, EIU's Adam Gartner was among the top five national finalists for the award in the men's soccer category.
 

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