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Eastern Marks 50 Years of University Status

Fifty years ago, Gov. William Stratton signed a bill making Eastern Illinois State College a university and gave the institution its fourth name – Eastern Illinois University. The name change didn’t create much of a stir among the students until July 1957, when 75 prospective graduates petitioned to put “Eastern Illinois University” on their summer diplomas. The name change later proved to be beneficial, for both enrollment and size. In 1957, almost 2,000 students were enrolled, and Booth Library was the south edge of campus. Today, enrollment surpasses 12,000, and the campus stretches over 320 acres. “Eastern Illinois University has a proud history, forged by dedicated individuals over a 110-year period, of providing an education of quality second to none,” said President William Perry. “In the coming years, we will continue to pursue excellence and meet the needs of our students, our community, our region, and our other constituents.”

Alumni Association Partners with Liberty Mutual to Offer Group Insurance Discounts

As Eastern Illinois University alumni, you qualify for a special group discount* on your auto, home and renters insurance through Group Savings Plus® from Liberty Mutual. With Group Savings Plus, you can enjoy the ease and convenience of paying your premiums through checking account deductions with no down payment or finance charges. You'll also enjoy fast, easy, round-the-clock claims service and a variety of discounts, including multi-car, multi-policy, safe-driver, passive restraints and anti-theft device discounts*. See for yourself how much money you could save with Liberty Mutual compared to your current insurance provider. For a free, no-obligation quote, call 1-800-524-9400.

To learn more about Liberty Mutual, visit their Web site at www.libertymutual.com.

New Freshmen Summer Reading Initiative Debuts

The incoming Class of 2007 may have been a bit surprised when they received their first academic assignment months before the University’s official first day of classes. Over the summer, students were asked to read the novel “A Hope in the Unseen” by Ron Suskind and answer a series of questions prior to their arrival this fall. The reading assignment was part of a new orientation program named “Eastern Reads!” The program was established to introduce students to the intellectual life of the University, as well as provide a common sense of community. The program will continue throughout the fall. Faculty, staff and administrators will lead mandatory book discussions, engaging students in an exploration of the book’s underlying themes and introducing the rewards and rigors of academic dialogue. Students will also participate in a series of other special events, including attending a lecture by Cedric Jennings, the man upon whom the book is based.

For more information about Eastern Reads! or to check out a schedule of events, please visit http://www.eiu.edu/~eiureads/student/student.php.

Welcome Home, Students!

Nearly 2,300 students and their families arrived on campus, Thursday, Aug. 16, for the University’s official move-in day of 2007. More than 300 student and alumni volunteers, known as Panther Pals, were on hand to ensure a smooth transition for incoming students during their move into the residence halls. In addition, numerous University-sanctioned organizations and groups planned a variety of social events and activities in anticipation of the start of classes, including the Legacy Luncheon, hosted by the Alumni Association; the New Student Mixer, hosted by the Student Life Office; and the annual First Night celebration.

University Unveils New Security System

Andrews Hall recently became the first residence hall at EIU to receive a new emergency system that includes a new sprinkler system and a special command center where safety officers can communicate to students over an intercom. The upgrades should give students the information they need in times of emergency, school officials say. More buildings will receive the systems as finances allow.

To watch WCIA’s report on the system, please visit http://illinoishomepage.net/content/fulltext/?cid=7574.

EIU Establishes Program for the Not-So-Typical College Student

Not too many individuals in Coles County and the surrounding area can claim to be both retirees and active college students. However, the School of Continuing Education hopes to change that. Starting in September, the school will offer short-term, educational programs for local retirees. The program structure is based on a series of learning opportunities for the “more mature” student. Course offerings for the fall series will include selecting trees for a home landscape, tips for aging gracefully, and an introduction to auctions. The academy will also offer a trip to Italy in October and a bus trip to Arthur’s Amish country.

For additional membership information and a list of programs, please visit
media relations

Alumni Invited to Celebrate the Tarble Arts Center’s 25th Anniversary

The Tarble Arts Center, a division of the College of Arts and Humanities, will be kicking off its 25th anniversary later this month. The Tarble Arts Center is a cultural art institution with the purpose of serving area residents by providing art education and outreach through related activities and programs. It is the only facility on Eastern's campus built entirely through donated funds.

As part of the year-long anniversary celebration, titled “The Tarble at 25,” alumni and their families are invited to attend the “Community Celebration” from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30. Event highlights are to include hands-on art activities, music, refreshments, alumni giveaways and award-winning storyteller Patricia Hruby Powell.

For additional information on the Tarble Arts Center and upcoming events, please visit http://www.eiu.edu/~tarble.

Panthers Picked to Repeat in OVC; Six Players Named Preseason All-Conference

Ohio Valley Conference coaches and sports information directors welcomed back head football coach Bob Spoo as they voted the Panthers the preseason favorite to win the 2007 OVC crown. This is the fourth time that EIU has been selected to win the OVC title. In EIU’s three previous seasons of being named the favorite, the Panthers won back-to-back OVC titles in 2001 and 2002, and finished second in 1997.

In the last seven years, the team has won four OVC titles and made five NCAA playoff appearances. This season, Eastern will look to become the first school in 20 years to win three straight OVC crowns.

Eastern also leads the conference with six preseason all-conference selections, three each on offense and defense. To learn more about preseason all-conference selections, please visit EIU Athletics.

Last Chance to Purchase Tickets for Eastern vs. Purdue Tailgate and Football Outing!

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

Mark Your Calendars for Homecoming 2007

Come home to EIU and see the new sights and sounds, experience new traditions and relive great memories. Homecoming 2007 is scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 19-21. This year’s events include an array of fun-filled activities sure to excite the entire family! Be sure to wear your blue and gray and join us for a fun-filled weekend of spirit and tradition. To preview a schedule of events, please visit: Alumni Events Page.

EIU Alumni Information

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 or call us at 800-ALUM-EIU. We appreciate your continuing support!

Show Your Panther Pride! Order EIU Merchandise Online

Purchase your EIU merchandise by visiting our online bookstore.

EIU Radio

Listen to WEIU via the web at weiuhitmix.net

On Our Website

Upcoming Events

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

EIU vs. Purdue Tailgate and Football Outing: September 8th
10 am
Ross Ade Stadium
Purdue University
The Tarble at 25: September 30th 2-4 pm
Tarble Arts Center
EIU Campus
Annual Principals Association Conference and Peoria Area Educators Networking Reception and Social: October 15
Details TBA
Homecoming 2007: October 19-21
EIU Campus
Holiday Culinary Class and Luncheon: December 1
Chicago
Details TBA
Wicked: December 15
St. Louis
Details TBA
“Connections in Business” Networking Reception and Social: January 10
Southwest Suburbs,Chicago
Details TBA
Lyric Opera: January 11
Chicago
Details TBA
IASA Conference Hospitality Reception: April 24
Springfield
Details TBA

Feedback

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.

eiu alumni newsletter