Alumni E-Connections - February 2010

February 2010

Spring is in the air!

Baseball season is just around the corner.  Don't miss our special Arizona event at the White Sox spring training headquarters, Camelback Ranch.

I hope you are enjoying the monthly Alumni Connections e-blast. We also hope you are taking advantage of the many programs being offered here on campus. As you talk with other alumni, encourage them to sign up to receive this email.

Visit the alumni website to view past editions of the e-newsletter and our bi-annual print newsletters, Alumni Connections

I’ll continue to send you updates from time to time to keep you up-to-date. But feel free to visit our website at www.govst.edu/alumni for up-to-the-minute details.

Sincerely,
 
Rosemary D. Hulett
Associate Vice President
Advancement and Alumni Relations

In This Issue

It's the GSU Annual Fund Calling 

Education Career Fair - February 18 

Center for Performing Arts - Rachael Price 

Black History Month Events 

Education for Infants at GSU 

Free Computer Workshops 

Preschool Screening at Family Development Center 

Leadership Education Workshop - February 19 

Social Work Workshop - March 5 

Considering a Graduate Degree in Business? 

Eating Disorder Information Workshop - February 25 

CenterPoint Entrepreneur Hall of Fame 

Jukebox Musical Theatre Camp - June 21-25 

E-mail: Editor


Sox versus Royals Pre-Game Invitation - Image

Read more here 

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It's the GSU Annual Fund Calling

You may be receiving a call from one of our students asking for your support of the GSU Annual Fund.  Each year a team of students call our alumni. Here are answers to the top three questions these students are asked:

  • WHAT IS THE ANNUAL FUND? The Annual Fund is the university’s annual giving fund that supports the many campus services that broaden academic experiences and enrich campus life.
  • WHY SHOULD I MAKE A GIFT? Help the next generation of students benefit from the same great education you received. State support is dwindling annually. Private support is essential to keep tuition and fees affordable for every qualified student.
  • WHY IS MY PARTICIPATION IMPORTANT? Every gift makes a difference. Grant funders often look at the participation level of alumni to gauge the effectiveness of, and satisfaction with, a GSU education.

GSU Annual Fund gifts, no matter the size, are put to immediate use to help meet current campus priorities. So when a student calls, please consider making a gift. Gifts are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.

You can also make a gift today on line at www.govst.edu/donate.

We look forward to reconnecting with you!

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Education Career Fair – February 18

Don’t miss the Education Career Fair on Thursday, February 18, from 3 to 6 p.m., in the Hall of Governors at Governors State University. Current students, alumni, and community members interested in finding employment in schools are invited to attend. Potential employers will be on hand from both public and private institutions and representing all grade levels. The Education Career Fair is sponsored by the Office of Career Services and is free and open to the public.

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Center for Performing Arts - Rachael Price - Saturday, February 27, 8 p.m.

Rachael PriceWelcome to The Cabaret at The Center – it’s Hot Jazz, Cool Blues, Low Prices ALL Live Onstage! Sit on stage with the band in an intimate setting with full cash bar and snacks available for purchase. This month features Rachael Price, a 23-year-old jazz vocalist, who is making her mark on the jazz scene today. The Boston Herald says the “price is right for jazz stardom” and The Los Angeles Times raves she is “clearly a talent with extraordinary potential.” For tickets call 708.235.2222 or visit www.centertickets.net. For artist information visit www.rachaelprice.net.

Here’s what our audience says about our first-ever Cabaret performance in January:

  • “Harmonious Wail was a 10! Everyone I went with wants to see Rachael Price after that experience.”
  • “It’s a New York experience without the two drink minimum and air fare!” Jeanne, Flossmoor
  • “Very Intimate Evening.” Steve and Linda, Oak Forest
  • “Fantastic.  Absolutely loved it!” Evonne, Flossmoor

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Black History Month Events

Governors State University is celebrating Black History Month throughout February with activities, entertainment, discussions, and music. Join us at upcoming Black History Month events! These events are sponsored by the Academic Resource Center, Student Life, and the College of Arts and Sciences at GSU. For more information, call 708.235.2228.

The Freedom Movement -- From the North Carolina Sit-ins to the White House -February 17

The Reverend Dr. Albert Sampson will present The Freedom Movement at Governors State University on February 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in Engbretson Hall. Dr. Sampson’s presentation is free and open to the public. Read more here. 

Movie Night - Bloody Island: The Race Riots of East St. Louis – February 18

This film is about one of the worst incidents of labor-related violence and race riots in U.S. history. After viewing the film, we will have a discussion group. The screening and discussion are scheduled twice on Thursday, February 18, from noon to 1 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m., in room B1241.

Health Awareness Information Fair – February 22

This fair will provide important information concerning mental health issues, breast cancer, STDs, high blood pressure, and AIDS/HIV and will take place on Monday, February 22, from noon to 6 p.m., in the Hall of Governors.

African Market – February 23

GSU will host an African Market with Afro centric products for sale on Tuesday, February 23, from noon to 6 p.m., in the Hall of Governors.

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Education for Infants at GSU

The Family Development Center and the College of Education at Governors State University are sponsoring an enriching and educational playgroup experience for infants, ages six months to two years old, and their parents. The eight session program is on Thursdays, from February 18 through April 8, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The fee is $10. Read more here.

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Free Computer Workshops

The University Library is offering computer workshops. Classes take place on campus and are free and GSU Alumni are welcome to attend. Read more here.

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Preschool Screening at Family Development Center

The Family Development Center at Governors State University will hold informational meetings and preschool screenings monthly for admission into prekindergarten programs beginning in Fall 2010. Children ages three, four, and five are eligible for admission into the full and half day, three and five day prekindergarten programs.

Admission is open to all students. Discounted admission is available to qualified students. Screening is required to meet qualification requirements. Children must be three years old at the time of screening.

Informational meetings and screenings will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., on February 17, March 17, April 8 and 14, May 12, and June 10. For more information or to make an appointment, call 708.235.7300.

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Leadership Education Workshop – February 19

The Metropolitan Institute for Leadership in Education (MILE) in the College of Education is sponsoring a workshop for school and school district administrators.  Dr. Laura Murray will lead Transformational Leadership: The Power of Professional Learning Communities.

The essential components of leadership will be discussed during this daylong workshop. Participants will strengthen their leadership skills and target effective student involvement.

The workshop will be held on February 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Huth Middle School, in Matteson, Illinois. Administrators’ Academy credit is available. It is free and open to the public. 

For more information or to register, call 708.534.4024 or visit the MILE website.  

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Social Work Workshop - Challenges Explored – March 5

Illinois Field Directors in Social Work will host a free, informative workshop on Understanding the Barriers and Challenges Facing the Arab and Muslim Communities for Effective Social Service Delivery on March 5. The workshop will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., in Sherman Hall. Four CEUs are available. Register online. Registration in mandatory by Monday, February 22.  Read more here.

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Considering a Graduate Degree in Business?

The College of Business and Public Administration is hosting a graduate programs open house on Saturday, February 20, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., in the Cafeteria Annex.

Faculty, advisors, administrators, and current students will be on hand to discuss master’s degree programs in accounting, business administration, management information systems, and public administration. Participants will also be able to apply for program admission. Breakfast will also be served.

For more information and to RSVP, call 708.534.4391 or e-mail bpa-info@govst.edu.

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Eating Disorder Information Workshop – February 25

As part of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, GSU will host an informative workshop on eating disorders on Thursday, February 25, from noon until 1 p.m., in room B1241.

The workshop will include explanations of the causes, effects, and treatments of eating disorders, and an opportunity for participants to ask questions. The GSU Academic Resource Center sponsors the workshop, which is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact Tamekia Scott at 708.235.2228.

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CenterPoint Entrepreneur Hall of Fame

Are you an entrepreneur or do you know one from GSU who deserves recognition? Do you provide support to entrepreneurship through services to them or do you champion their endeavors?

GSU is establishing an Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame, and we invite you to nominate yourself or another deserving entrepreneur to be honored at our first annual Hall of Fame event planned for this summer.

The rules are simple: the honoree must have a connection to GSU – alumni, staff, board member, vendor, current student, or client of CenterPoint- and have either been an entrepreneur or someone who has supported entrepreneurship as a service-provider or champion. The enterprise they established can be either a for-profit or non-profit organization. Nominees will be evaluated based on their impact and connection to GSU.

You can nominate yourself or a fellow entrepreneur by completing the simple form at CenterPoint website.

Whether you nominate yourself or not, we invite you to share in the celebration of entrepreneurship this summer. We will notify you as plans are finalized.

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Jukebox Musical Theatre Camp – June 21-25

Presented by The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University.

Rock n’ Roll musicals are all the rage! This jumpin’ musical theatre class will teach students songs, choreography, and scenes from shows like High School Musical, Mamma Mia!, Grease, Hairspray, and more! Work with Emerald City’s theatre professionals on scene study, voice and diction, improvisation, singing, and dancing for the full professional experience. Open to children 8 - 15 years old.  Students will present their songs at the final recital!

Camp will be held on June 21-25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. The performance will be on Friday evening, June 25.

Four tickets to the performance are included in the price of the camp. Fee will be $230. Space is limited to 48 campers, so reserve your spot today. For more information call Burt Dikelsky at 708.235.2238.

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