From Springfield to Hollywood: UIS graduate brings film to the big screen
University of Illinois Springfield graduate Paul “Pizza” Pianezza is celebrating the upcoming release of “Code 3,” a feature film starring Rainn Wilson, Lil Rel Howery and Aimee Carrero.
Pizza, who graduated from UIS in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in communication, served as a lead producer on the film, which he developed with his brother, Patrick. The movie follows a burnt-out paramedic on his final 24-hour shift.
The project took more than a decade to complete.
UIS Athletics Welcomes Therapy Dog to Support Student-Athletes
The UIS Athletic Department has announced the addition of Shelly Camburn as its Director of Pawsitivity and official therapy dog.
Shelly is a 6-year-old mini goldendoodle who, along with her handler, Head Athletic Trainer Christopher Camburn, has been specially trained, evaluated, and registered through Pet Partners to provide therapy animal visits to anyone interested in the physical, social, and emotional health benefits of the human-animal bond.
Laura Ulrich Named Head Volleyball Coach at Illinois Springfield
The UIS athletic department has announced the hiring of Laura Ulrich as the next head coach of the Prairie Stars volleyball program. Ulrich officially joins UIS in August 2025 and brings more than a decade of NCAA Division II coaching experience to the Prairie Stars.
UIS Public Bus Guide
Navigating a new place can be overwhelming, especially if you are also trying to tackle public transit. But we’re here to help you to know what to expect when riding the SMTD buses in Springfield.
What Is SMTD?
SMTD is Springfield’s public bus system. Rides cost $1.25 per trip, or you can purchase a day pass for $3 — ideal if you're making multiple stops in a day.
You can pay for your ride in two ways:
