Alumni

Department

Lunch & Learn - Modern Day Censorship and Book Bans: What’s at Stake?

kmize3 — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 15:32:57 +0000

Lunch & Learn - Modern Day Censorship and Book Bans: What’s at Stake? kmize3 Fri, 09/05/2025 - 10:32

This program is a timely and thought-provoking discussion on the resurgence of book bans in the United States. Focusing especially on children’s literature, LLCC national award-winning professor Dr. Deborah Brothers will explore why certain books are being challenged, what themes are most often targeted, and how these actions reflect broader cultural and political tensions. The historical context of censorship and its modern implications for readers, educators, and communities will be explored.

When

Fri, Nov 7 2025, 11:30am - 1pm Google Outlook iCal

Location

Illini Country Club, 1601 Illini Rd, Springfield, IL 62704

Event Type

Department

Lunch & Learn - Why Politics Feels So Divisive: Understanding Polarization in America

kmize3 — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 15:26:23 +0000

Lunch & Learn - Why Politics Feels So Divisive: Understanding Polarization in America kmize3 Fri, 09/05/2025 - 10:26

Why does it seem like Americans are more politically divided than ever? Join researcher Dr. A.J. Simmons for a timely and thought-provoking discussion on the roots of political polarization. Drawing on current research and real-world examples, Dr. Simmons will explore how changes in media creation and consumption, social networks, electoral systems, and political identity have deepened divisions. He will also discuss what actions and institutional reforms might help bridge the gap. This program offers a clear, accessible look at the forces shaping today’s political climate and considers how we can foster a healthier, more responsive democracy.

When

Thu, Oct 16 2025, 11:30am - 1pm Google Outlook iCal

Location

Illini Country Club, 1601 Illini Rd, Springfield, IL 62704

Event Type

Department

Lunch & Learn - Everyday Use and Practical AI

kmize3 — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 16:02:30 +0000

Lunch & Learn - Everyday Use and Practical AI kmize3 Tue, 08/19/2025 - 11:02

Join UIS faculty members Dr. Hei Chi Chan and Dr. Neetu Singh for a “hands-on” session exploring practical, real-world applications and usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in everyday life. This session will showcase the practical tools and technologies that are already transforming how we work, learn, and interact. From smart assistants to personalized recommendations and productivity boosters, participants will get hands-on experience in the responsible use of AI. Participants are encouraged to bring their personal devices (cell phones, laptops, tablets) to practice and explore.

When

Mon, Sep 15 2025, 1:30 - 2:30pm

Location

UIS Field Station at Lake Springfield, 9 Club Area, Springfield, IL 62712

Event Type

Department

Women's Philanthropy Luncheon: Sneaker Sneak Peek

kmize3 — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 17:19:01 +0000

Women's Philanthropy Luncheon: Sneaker Sneak Peek kmize3 Wed, 08/06/2025 - 12:19

Women's Philanthropy Luncheon: Sneaker Sneak Peek

Friday, October 3, 2025

UIS Recreation and Athletics Center (TRAC)

Ditch the dress shoes and heels and lace up your favorite pair of sneakers as we celebrate the achievements of our amazing UIS women’s philanthropy and hear exciting updates from UIS Athletics and Campus Recreation.

Event open to invited guests only.

When

Fri, Oct 3 2025, 11:30am - 2:30pm Google Outlook iCal

Location

UIS Recreation and Athletics Center (TRAC)

Event Type

Department

2025 Prairie Stars 5K

jkill7 — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 19:07:49 +0000

2025 Prairie Stars 5K jkill7 Tue, 08/05/2025 - 14:07

Date

Saturday, September 20, 2025

Time

Race starts promptly at 8:30 AM. Plan to arrive 15-30 minutes early.

Location

The Recreation and Athletic Center

2171 University Drive
Springfield, IL US 626703

Description

Come out and enjoy the 10th Annual Prairie Stars 5K with a flat, easy run/walk through the beautiful campus at UIS! Grab a friend and/or your dog to get an awesome t-shirt, win a door prize, and more! This chip-timed race features a staggered start and awards for overall winners and top finishers in each age division across male, female, and non-binary categories.

Registration

Affiliation	Early Bird (by sept 11)	Standard (Sept 11-19)	Day Of (Sept 20)
UIS Students	$10	$15	$20
UIS Alumnni UIS Faculty/Staff Community	$20	$25	$30

Registration includes a race t-shirt, Scheels cinch sack, post-race refreshments and snacks, and a chance to win door prizes.

Packet Pick-Up

Participants can pick up their race packets ahead of time or on race day.

Where:

The Recreation and Athletic Center (Front Desk)

2171 University Drive
Springfield, IL US 626703

When:

Friday, September 19, 4-6 PM
Saturday, September 20, 7:30-8:15 AM

Race Day Schedule

Time	Activity
7:30 AM	Check-in, Packet Pickup & Last-Minute Registration
8:30 AM	Race Start
9:30 AM	Awards & Door Prizes

Participants must be present to win a door prize.

Race Contact Info

If you have any questions about this race or are interested in being a sponsor, please email jkill7@uis.edu.

Medal winner
Bring your dog!
Door prize winner
Run, walk, or jog!
Never know what you will come across on the UIS Campus
Bring your stroller!
Awards!
Chip-timed start

2024 Sponsors

HyVee

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Club Car Wash

Scheels

Shake This Eat That

UIS Bookstore

Mission BBQ

Orangetheory Fitness

Barebells

Supplement Superstore

HydraKlick

Wellthy Juice Co

Monical's Pizza

Jimmy John's

BUNN Gourmet

Smoothie King

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I walk the 5K?

Absolutely! Walkers, joggers, and runners are all welcome.

Q: Is there an age limit for participants?

No! Participants of all ages are welcome! Children in strollers do not need to register, but all other participants must register to participate in the race.

Q: Will photos be available after the event?

Yes! All race photos will be posted on the Campus Recreation Facebook page after the event.

Q: Can I bring my dog or stroller?

Yes! Both are allowed as long as your dog is leashed and friendly.

Q: How do I find my race results?

Results will be posted on the doors immediately after the race. A digital copy will also be emailed to participants afterward.

Q: Will restrooms be available?

Yes! Restrooms will be available inside the Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC), which is adjacent to the race area.

When

Sat, Sep 20 2025, 8:30 - 10am Google Outlook iCal

Location

TRAC

Event Type

Department

2025 Scholarship Luncheon

kmize3 — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 17:14:58 +0000

2025 Scholarship Luncheon kmize3 Thu, 07/31/2025 - 12:14

This luncheon is an opportunity to celebrate student achievements and ambition, while also celebrating the generosity of donors who make scholarships possible. This event puts donors and scholarship recipients at the same table, sharing hopes, dreams and ambitions.

Event is invitation only.

When

Wed, Nov 5 2025, 11:30am - 1pm Google Outlook iCal

Location

UIS Student Union Ballroom

Event Type

Department

Additional Information & Registration

UIS Alumni Gala

kmize3 — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 13:52:23 +0000

UIS Alumni Gala kmize3 Tue, 07/01/2025 - 08:52

UIS Alumni Gala

Saturday, September 20, 2025

5:30 PM-9:30 PM

UIS Student Union Ballroom - 2251 Richard Wright Dr, Springfield, IL 62703

Join us Homecoming Week for this year’s gala that promises to be BIGGER and BETTER than ever. Prepare for an unforgettable evening filled with all you can eat food and drinks, lively music, dancing, and so much more. The night will also feature a special presentation of the Alumni Awards, honoring outstanding members of our community for their achievements and contributions.

Sponsorship Opportunities Available!

If you or your company would like to sponsor the Alumni Gala, please contact Jen Bettis at jknuf01s@uis.edu

When

Sat, Sep 20 2025, 5:30 - 9:30pm Google Outlook iCal

Location

UIS Student Union Ballroom

Event Type

Department

Alumni Happy Hour in Grapevine, Texas

kmize3 — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 19:51:57 +0000

Alumni Happy Hour in Grapevine, Texas kmize3 Fri, 04/11/2025 - 14:51

Alumni Happy Hour

Raise a glass and reconnect! Join UIS alumni and friends for an evening of socializing, networking, and fun. Enjoy complimentary drink tickets and appetizers.

May 29, 2025
6:00 PM-8:00 PM

Wine Fusion Winery
603 S Main St #304
Grapevine, TX 76051

When

Thu, May 29 2025, 6 - 8pm

Location

Wine Fusion Winery, Grapevine, Texas

Event Type

Department

Lunch & Learn: Native Americans in Illinois in 1818

kmize3 — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 18:51:22 +0000

Lunch & Learn: Native Americans in Illinois in 1818 kmize3 Wed, 04/09/2025 - 13:51

Join the UIS Alumni SAGE Society and the Illinois State Historical Society for a series of noontime lectures in the University’s tradition of open and intelligent dialogue.

In-person participation for all programs will take place at Illini Country Club in Springfield, IL. The in-person registration fee for noontime programs ($50/person, per program with a portion of the fee going to support the UIS Alumni Association scholarship fund) includes a chef-prepared hot lunch and free parking.

Buffet lunch service for noontime programs will begin at 11:30 a.m. CT. Noontime presentation will begin promptly at 12 p.m. CT, and conclude by 1 p.m. CT.

Live complimentary virtual participation for all programs is also available via Zoom Webinar.

Thursday, May 8

Native Americans in Illinois in 1818: Treaties and Treachery in the Path to Statehood

Dr. Michael Wiant, Historian and Retired Director, Illinois State Museum & Dickson Mounds Museum

Illinois' path to statehood was complex and significantly shaped by treaties with Native American tribes. At the time, Illinois was a sparsely populated territory, home to a mix of Native Americans, European settlers, and African American communities—both free and enslaved. Dr. Wiant will discuss the events and treaties that displaced tribes from the Illinois territory, leading to the eventual removal of tribes to reservations west of the Mississippi River.

When

Thu, May 8 2025, 11:30am - 1pm

Location

Illini Country Club, Springfield, IL

Event Type

Department