February 2012

Dean Hine Celebrates 25 Years at EIU

Dr. William C. Hine came to EIU on December 1, 1986 as the Dean of the School of Adult and Continuing Education, later renamed the School of Continuing Education. Dean Hine is also a Professor of Education in the Department of Secondary Education and Foundations, where he teaches a Graduate course in Third Age Learning. Dean Hine has been instrumental in making EIU the bridge to our service regions and beyond, including the Chicago area. He also serves on the Alpha Sigma Lambda National Board of Directors. Congratulations, Dean Hine, on your 25th Anniversary -- You are EIU!

In addition, congratulations to Audrey Bachelder, Academic Advisor for the BGS Program, who is celebrating 15 years of service at EIU, and Beth Craig, Coordinator of Program Development in the Office of Academic and Professional Development, celebrating 5 years at EIU.

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BGS Graduation Ceremony, Fall 2011

The BGS Degree Program celebrated the 2011 Fall Graduation in style.  With 98 graduates receiving the BGS degree on December 17, the program hosted a pre-graduation morning celebration before the graduation ceremony.  Over 100 students, families and friends attended the event. It was a wonderful morning of food, laughter and sharing stories.  Click here to see more pictures from the event on our official Facebook page.

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Summer Session 2012 Registration

EIU offers a streamlined summer calendar with three sessions to choose from: Summer 4, Summer 6 and Summer 8.  Choose from daytime, evening, weekend and online offerings to get the schedule that’s right for you.

Summer 4: May 14 - June 9 
Summer 6: June 11 - July 21
Summer 8: June 11 - August 4

For more information, please visit www.eiu.edu/summer.

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Shall We Dance Benefit

Shall We Dance is an annual Alzheimer fundraiser with dancing, food, a raffle and wonderful silent auction items.  

This year the event will be held on Saturday, September 22 at 7 p.m. in the MLK Jr. University Union Grand Ballroom. Included in this year’s fundraiser event is a raffle for a beautiful, citrus-inspired quilt, which was pieced, hand-quilted and donated by one of our Academy of Lifetime Learning members, Jan Little. Tickets for the quilt raffle are $1 each or $5 for 6 tickets.

To purchase quilt raffle tickets or $5 admission tickets, call 217-581-5114. Shall We Dance is a coordinated effort of SCE’s Academy of Lifetime Learning, Gowin Parc and the student organization GIVE .  For further information, email academy@eiu.edu.

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25th Annual Adult Student Recognition Ceremony and Reception

The School of Continuing Education Annual Adult Student Recognition Ceremony and Reception will be held on March 25 at EIU. 

The event will include recognition of scholarship recipients from the BGS Degree Program, an induction ceremony for new members of Alpha Sigma Lambda, the largest honorary society for adult students, and awards for various faculty members for their efforts in teaching off-campus programs. The School of Continuing Education is proud to host this event to recognize adult students and the academic achievements they have attained.

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BGS Scholarships Available

The BGS Degree Program office is now taking scholarship applications. You can find the scholarship and the application form here. Applicants must submit the scholarship form, a written statement about their goals, career plans, and how they will use the funds, as well as two letters of reference. Mail all materials to:

BGS Degree Program
Eastern Illinois University
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920

The deadline to submit an application is February 24. The scholarship committee will review the applications in early March and the awards will be presented at  the Adult Student Recognition Ceremony on March 25.

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BGS Advisor Position opening in Chicagoland Area

The BGS Degree Program is accepting applications for an open advisor position based in the Chicagoland area.  The deadline for application submissions is February 15 and the position would begin June 1.  For more detailed information about qualifications and contact information, refer to the listing here.

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Donor Spotlight: Diana Williams

This edition of the School of Continuing Education e-newsletter features Diana Williams, interior design/estate business owner in Champaign and graduate of the BGS program, who shares her thoughts on attending EIU, how her degree has impacted her career, and why she chooses to give back to EIU School of Continuing Education.

Why did you choose to attend EIU?

I selected EIU after checking several other Universities including the University of Illinois for their programs that would accommodate my work schedule. Most colleges are just not set up to work with non-traditional students. When I visited with the Eastern Illinois University counselors at Parkland they were the most helpful and encouraging to speak with. The convenience of the classes at Parkland right here in Champaign-Urbana was a real plus. I was able to take both Parkland and Eastern classes simultaneously while completing some graduation requirements that my original two year associates degree did not address because I had graduated back in the early 1970's pre-computer age.

How has your degree helped your career?

I owned my own business before starting the BGS program at EIU, and I continued to operate my business after graduation.  The degree was a real confidence booster and a great insurance policy if I ever need to change careers.  Every day I look at that diploma hanging in front of my desk, and I know that I am up to the challenges that the current tough economy brings. Having a degree has never been so important to improve your chance of success.

Why do you give to EIU and support the BGS program?

I want others to have the same opportunity that I had to take classes while they continue working. No one does it quite as well as EIU does it by offering both undergraduate and master’s programs. I feel the need to help pay back all I gained from my learning experience at Eastern Illinois University.

We would like to thank Diana for her kind words and we are extremely thankful that she chooses to give back to the School of Continuing Education.  If you are interested in giving back to SCE, please contact Christi Donsbach, Director of Philanthropy at 217-581-5190 or cddonsbach@eiu.edu.

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