October 2010

BGS Graduates – What are they doing Now?

“As a result of completing my BA in General Studies (Board of Governors at that time), I have had the opportunity to work with a leading IT company and currently a leading aerospace company in various (degree-required) leadership positions with national and international travel opportunities; and of course, this has facilitated the completion of a Masters program as well. I think the completion of my undergraduate degree provided that first, much needed credential and more importantly the confidence to move forward (and upward) with my education and career plans. Continuing with my education and career plans would not have been possible without that first BA in General Studies from Eastern Illinois University.”
-John Hall
 

“While attending school at Eastern I worked full time as a correctional officer at the Lawrence Correctional Center. As a correctional officer, I worked weekends and all holidays unless they fell on my day off. Since my graduation from the program I received a promotion to Administrative Assistant I. In order to receive a grade for the new position I had to obtain a bachelor's degree. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in May, 2008, was promoted in November 2008 and had my first baby in December 2008. I had my second baby in February, 2010 and now enjoy all weekends and holidays at home with my family. I feel very blessed that a special friend educated me about the Bachelor in General Studies Degree Program and highly recommend the program to anyone wanting to go back to school.”
-Kelly Richardson
 

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Second Annual SCE Alumni Event on October 9 in Champaign

On October 9, the School of Continuing Education will host the second annual alumni gathering at the William M. Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland College in Champaign. Alumni from the Champaign Urbana area will gather for a meal catered by Hickory River Smokehouse as well as a show at the planetarium.

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2010 EIU Homecoming/Tent City

Tent City will be held on October 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will feature all EIU colleges “under the big top” south of O’Brien Stadium. Check out the School of Continuing Education’s tent for free cookies and bottled water. Attractions at Tent City will include live music, complimentary food, games, freebies and more.

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2010 Nontraditional Student Week Schedule

The School of Continuing Education will celebrate Nontraditional Student week November 1-5, 2010. You won’t want to miss the activities we have planned for this year’s celebration! For a complete schedule, go to http://www.eiu.edu/~adulted/student_awards.php

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Nontraditional Student Week Contests

The following are contests being held as part of the 2010 Nontraditional Student Week celebrations. The contests are open to all EIU nontraditional students.

What are the Top 5 statements you like to hear from your Professors?
The School of Continuing Education wants you to tell us what you think. Prizes will be awarded to the first and second place winners for the contest.

What is your best excuse for not completing a homework assignment on time?  A prize will be awarded to the first place winner of this contest.

Honoring a faculty member and an EIU office that have been helpful to nontraditional students. In your submission, please include the name of the faculty member or the office, as well as a brief statement about why you feel they are deserving of the award.

All contest entries must be submitted by Oct. 25 to Kim Redfern via email at karedfern2@eiu.edu.
 

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Nontraditional Student Week - Student Trivia Night

The School of Continuing Education will host a Student Trivia Night from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2, in Rathskeller 7th Street Underground (basement, east wing) in the MLK Jr. Union for all EIU students. Get three friends together and come test your knowledge on EIU trivia, movies, music, sports and a variety of other topics! Once you have your team of four, e-mail Kara Coombs (kmcoombs@eiu.edu) by Oct. 22 with your team name and your contact information. The top three teams will receive gift baskets that feature EIU merchandise and food coupons. Come have fun with us in celebration of Nontraditional Student Week!

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School of Continuing Education Fall 2010 Graduate Assistants

Mary Temples
Mary is a graduate assistant for the Academy of Lifetime Learning program, which is housed in the Office of Academic & Professional Development in the School of Continuing Education. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Gerontology. This semester, Mary is putting together the spring and summer 2011 workshop offerings for the Academy of Lifetime Learning. Mary lives in Charleston.

Caleb Sims
Caleb is a graduate assistant for the Office of Academic & Professional Development within the School of Continuing Education and he is pursuing a master’s degree in school counseling. Caleb’s role is to assist staff members with various projects. Caleb just got married and resides in Mattoon with his wife.

Kara Coombs
Kara is a graduate assistant in the BGS office and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Family & Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Family Services from EIU. This semester, she is working with Dr. Kaye Woodward on a project to contact students who have stopped out of the BGS program in the last year. The goal of the project is to help these students re-enroll in classes and complete their BGS degree. Kara lives in Charleston with her husband Mike and daughter Aubrey. 
 

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BGS Reception for Fall 2010 Graduates

The BGS Reception for all Fall 2010 graduates will take place on December 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the University Ballroom. All Fall 2010 graduates and their families are invited to attend the reception. For more information, call 581-5618.

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Feature Agency & Collaboration with School of Continuing Education

The mission of the Exchange Club of Mattoon is the prevention of child abuse. Throughout the year, the group does many fundraisers including a youth benefit golf tournament, pulled pork dinner, pro football pool and recycling for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children). The School of Continuing Education’s Academy of Lifetime Learning program was recently invited to an Exchange Club meeting in order to present information about the Academy to members of the Exchange Club. Through this presentation, a collaboration between both groups formed and the School of Continuing Education looks forward to collaborating with the Exchange Club for future activities.

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