Proud to be an Alumni… Almost

In the fall of 2009, I started blogging as part of my internship at the Western Illinois University Alumni House. In just a few short days, I will be able to call myself a proud alumnus of WIU. My duties here are winding down, and today I finished my last finals by turning in two papers for my English classes. Now I play the waiting game, until I receive my final grades and discover what my final GPA is.

Since I am finished with school, I have to start the process of exiting Macomb. That mainly consists of closing-out my bank account and packing-up a trailer with my clothes, desk, and TV. With only a couple of days left in Macomb, I also need to make it a point to see all my friends that I have made over the past four years here.

The next step for me is to move back home. Boring, yes, but I may end up moving to the Lincoln Park area of Chicago this June, so things are not looking that depressing for me. I may end up taking a summer job cutting lawns, or I may work at the Schaumburg Airport, until I can find something more permanent. I worked at the Schaumburg Airport two summers ago and it was a great job.

Unfortunately, leaving WIU also means I will be leaving this blog behind. It has been a wild ride this year, trying to keep up with all of the events and news within the WIU community. I feel that my writing skills have improved, and I have actually applied for a couple “blog-related” jobs in Chicago. Who knows if I will land any of them, but if I do I will be sure to let my loyal readers here know.

Unlike most WIU graduates, I will not be walking at graduation. For those of you who do walk, cherish your last moments in college, and do not trip walking across the stage. I will be sad to see this portion of my life come to an end, but I will be happy to see the next chapter begin. Being a part of the WIU-Macomb community the past four years has been great. Now I look forward to being a part of an even bigger community; the over 107,000-member community known as the Western Illinois University Alumni Association!

The End in Sight

It is hard to believe that I am only a couple of days away from the end of my collegiate career. Like many other Western Illinois University students, I am in the middle of a juggling act to finish the semester strong. This past weekend I completed my final shift at Jimmy John’s. I had worked there for the past year and a half and it turned out to be a pretty fun job. I met a lot of my friends from WIU through Jimmy John’s, and will never forget my time there. Now it is time conclude the on-campus portion of my college life, and I am hoping things go smoothly.

Almost all of my finals have consisted of written papers instead of the usual final exam. So far I have turned in my final papers for my Theatre 110 class. They included a critical review of the play “The Taming of the Shrew” and a five-minute play I wrote. “The Taming of the Shrew” review came rather easy, as I had recently written a blog about the play.

Today I will be turning in a portfolio for my Non-Fiction Creative Writing class. I wrote two stories in the class; one was about a vacation to Las Vegas I took last summer, and the other was a story about my interview for Jimmy John’s. After hammering-out a couple revisions to my stories over the weekend, I will look to put the finishing touches on them today.

My final daunting task is to finish an 8-12 page paper about James Joyce’s “The Dubliners” for my Senior Seminar class. I have kind of been putting it off to prolong my college experience. I wanted to extend the days of sleeping in late, playing basketball and relaxing, instead of graduating and having to worry about finding a job.

After all my final papers are written, I will be writing one more blog and that will be it. My final blog will be a recap of the year, and what is in store for me this summer and beyond. When that is complete I will finally be an educated person. The only business I will still need to take care of is packing up my apartment and moving out. Then the real task of living and surviving in the real world will begin.

Another Feather in WIU’s Cap

Here at Western Illinois University, we have a lot to be proud of. Aside from a beautiful campus, several nationally-recognized programs, and a great community of people, students can also look forward to leaving with a degree. WIU has a very high graduation rate, and was recently selected as a “model institution for degree completion” with a graduation rate at 59%. Al Goldfarb, the President of Western Illinois University and another thing WIU can be proud of, is one of the reasons why the school has been recognized.

Despite being the head of a state university, dealing with a budget crisis and putting the finishing touches on another school year, President Goldfarb found time to speak with me last week. He talked about the progress the university has made under his watch, and what steps were taken to get there. “In 2002, when I arrived, Western’s graduation rate was 50.8 percent. The Grad Track program, which guarantees graduation in four years for most programs, certainly has provided a great incentive for our students to succeed and graduate. Advisers work closely with students to keep them on track to take the necessary courses so they can graduate within four years,” Goldfarb said.

President Goldfarb went on to talk about the other reasons for WIU’s graduation success. “I believe that the implementation of the First Year Experience program has also helped to improve retention and graduation rates. The program provides the necessary support so that our student’s have a successful transition into their first year at Western. The resources we provide our students, including careful academic advisement, tutoring assistance, and support within our residence halls, also play a vital role in the retention and eventual graduation of our students,” Goldfarb said.

I asked President Goldfarb how proud he is of the recognition earned and progress made by WIU during his tenure. “While these recognitions are certainly valued and much appreciated, I am most proud of our students’ many successes – both in and out of the classroom – as well as the outstanding achievements of our faculty and staff. This is a university that truly cares about students and puts our students first. The achievements we’ve had over the past several years, including new academic programs, national recognitions, and new facilities, are due to a great many people in our university community. I know the work of this great university will continue long after I’ve retired because of the wonderful people who support our students,” Goldfarb said.

Congratulations to all of the WIU graduates who are the main reason for the increase in degree completions. WIU’s graduation rate rose over 9% over the past eight years, and I think there is still room to grow. I am very proud to be part of that 59% this spring and would like to thank Western Illinois University for continuing to put its students on the path to success.

“Corpse Flower” Creates Buzz at WIU

Western Illinois University’s greenhouse has a rare flower called the “Titan Arum” that is currently in bloom. The Titan Arum is also known as the “Corpse Flower” due to the rotten smell that the flower omits. Despite the unpleasant smell, the flower itself is quite the spectacle and can grow to be taller than the average human.

Jeff Hillyer, the manager of the WIU greenhouse, says while the Titan Arum is special, it is not the only rare flower on campus. “I don’t know about the Titans being the only rare plants in the greenhouse. I would think the Welwitshia we have are if not rare, at least unusual. We have unusual plants like vanilla orchid and cacao to name a couple. They may not be rare, but unique because of how we use them. They are something that you normally do not come across except in places like the Botany Greenhouse,” Hillyer said.

Hillyer continued to talk about the Titan Arum. “My best guess for the Titan to fully open is around next Wednesday, May 5. It may be sooner, it may be later. I really will not know until it actually opens. I’m just fortunate to be along for the ride. What makes the Titan Arum such a spectacle? Several things: there have only been around 160 recorded blooming events of this plant in cultivation since it was first discovered in the 1800’s. It produces the largest inflorescence in the world (wild ones) and produces an odor of a corpse to draw pollinators. When it is in vegetative state, it only produces one leaf at a time; in the wild it can reach upwards of 20 feet!” Hillyer said.

WIU’s Titan Arum will not reach 20 feet since it is not being grown in the wild, but it will still reach almost 10 feet in height. This is one of only a few Corpse Flowers to bloom in cultivation and in the United States. To give you an idea of how rare of a sight it is, the bloom of a Corpse Flower at the University of Wisconsin-Madison drew over 30,000 visitors.

If you want to see something that you may only have one chance to ever see (or smell), then visit the WIU greenhouse and check out the Corpse Flower. To follow the progression of the corpse flower, or anything else in the greenhouse, you can follow Jeff Hillyer’s blog by clicking here.

Corbinstock Ready to Rock this Thursday

The “Woodstock” music festival took place on a rainy weekend in 1969. There were 32 acts performing in front of over 400,000 attendees. “Woodstock” is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most pivotal moments in popular music history. It was even among Rolling Stone’s 50 Moments That Changed the History of Rock and Roll. Western Illinois University will host its own version of “Woodstock” called “Corbinstock”. The festivities will take place just north of Corbin Hall on Thursday, May 6, from 5:30-10:30 p.m. This is the second year for the “Corbinstock” festival.

Laura Rychalsky, the Corbin Complex Director, recently gave me the vitals on “Corbinstock”. “The focus is on music, but we will have free food and raffles,” Rychalsky said. “There is a $2 suggested donation, and the money earned will go the Macomb High School Band to help pay for uniforms. T-shirts are on sale now for $10 in the Corbin Complex Director Office and at the event.”

While Santana, Grateful Dead, and Jimi Hendrix will not be headlining this event, there are some talented local bands that will be there. Never Say When, The Fizzy Pops, Merlin, Marcos & the Mack Daddys, Just the Kid and Flatfoot 56 will all be playing at “Corbinstock”.

Joey Evans, a senior broadcasting major and self-proclaimed music fanatic, attended “Corbinstock” last year. “I thought the atmosphere was great; it really was a good time. There was a lot of good people and good music,” Evans said. “I think it will probably be more organized and a better experience overall this year since it is the second year they are running it.”

As finals approach and stress levels rise around campus, we could all use a way to relax. “Corbinstock” is a great place to hear some up-and-coming bands on campus and hang out with friends. Although the event is free, a small $2 donation is suggested to help out the Macomb High School Band. Try and get to “Corbinstock” early to beat the crowd, because you never know when a small music festival in the middle of nowhere will go on to change music history.

Hate Groups Discussion at WIU Hillel Chapter Event

There are approximately three million Jewish people in America. That is about the equivalent of the population in Chicago. Despite such a large number across the nation, WIU has a rather small Jewish population. For those that do not know, Western Illinois University does have its own Hillel, but there are currently only 40 active members and only 57 “friends” on the group’s Facebook page. It just so happens that WIU’s own President Al Goldfarb is of the Jewish faith.

The WIU Hillel is an organization that provides Jewish traditions, practices, and learning within the WIU community. The chapters often consist of social interactions, discussions, films, speakers, and many other events. This Sunday, May 2, the WIU Hillel will be hosting a chapter event, with a discussion about hate groups.

The event, which begins at 10:00 a.m., will feature a keynote address from professor Dean Alexander of WIU’s LEJA department called “Hate Groups in Illinois: Threats and Responses”. The discussion will take place after the brunch in the University Union Lincoln Room. The cost to get in will be $10 which can be paid at the door.

WIU Economics Professor Steven Rock reiterated what is expected at the Hillel chapter event, “The Hillel event is a Sunday brunch with a speaker. Professor Dean Alexander of the Law Enforcement and Justice Administration department will be discussing his research on hate groups in Illinois. We expect students, faculty, and community members will be attending,” Rock said.

For any additional information, contact Steven Rock at (309)298-1993 or email him at SM-Rock@wiu.edu. The WIU Hillel is always open for new members and new ideas for their events. Feel free to join at anytime to meet new people or learn more about Jewish traditions.

Shaymus Relays Back Again and in Need of Your Support

The Western Illinois University track and field team will host the Second Annual Shaymus Relays to be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 6, at Hanson Field. Hopefully the relays can raise as much money as they did last year ($11,000), but to do so everyone in the WIU community will need to come out and show their support.

This is the second year for the Shaymus Relays. Shaymus Guinn is the nine-year-old son Tony Guinn, Western Illinois women’s soccer coach, and has a rare form of cancer called Ewing’s Sarcoma, which he is receiving treatment for. Ewing’s Sarcoma is the same form of cancer that Lucy Grealy had, and wrote about in her autobiography “Autobiography of a Face.”

Michael McGraw, who helps organize the Shaymus Relays, talked about the upcoming event and Shaymus himself. “This is the second year that we have organized the Shaymus Relays. We are trying to raise more money this year than we did last year (approximately $11,000). Shaymus is actually back in treatment now. I do not know details, and I do not want to speculate as to what is going on, nor do I think it is appropriate that anyone else does. That being said, I simply know he is still fighting the disease. We encourage people to continue signing-up and ordering t-shirts/donating or collecting donations from the community. We will be accepting same day registration for the event,” said McGraw.

The T-shirts McGraw spoke of are being sold for $10 each in an effort to raise money. Participation is not required to purchase a T-shirt. Event registration forms and T-shirt order forms are due to 103 Western Hall by Friday, April 23.

The Guinn family will receive all of the donations received at the event, to help them through this difficult financial and emotional time. The relays themselves will consist of track and field activities for first through sixth graders, which include one field event, two running events and one relay. The first four events are $10 and additional events after the four can be purchased for $5 per event. Whether you plan on participating in the events, buying a T-shirt, or just going to show your support, be sure to go to the Shaymus Relays on May 6.

WIU Loses Beloved Professor

Western Illinois University recently lost a true legend with the passing of Victor Hicken on April 8, in Iowa City, IA. Hicken, an employee at WIU from 1947-1981, was 88 years old. While at WIU, he worked as a history professor and wrote the books “Illinois in the Civil War” and “The American Fighting Man”, both of which came with critical acclaim. Aside from those books, in 1970 he authored an entire book devoted to the history of WIU, titled “The Purple and the Gold: The Story of Western Illinois University”.

Victor Hicken made prolific strides throughout his career at WIU. He started his career as a professor and was able to climb his way to the chair of the History Department. Hicken also became the first professor to be named “Distinguished Faculty Lecturer” at WIU. In 1976, he was elected President of the Illinois State Historical Society. That same year, Hicken was acknowledged for his work and was voted “Illinois Author of the Year” by the Illinois Association of Teachers of English.

John Hallwas, a former colleague and student of Hicken, and now a columnist for The McDonough County Voice, wrote about Hicken in a recent article. “Vic had been a teacher of mine in the mid-1960s, but I really didn’t get to know him until about ten years later, when I was a young professor and he was nearing the end of his career. In the classroom he was well-informed and articulate, but he could also be impatient with students and younger professors, especially if they claimed to have the undeniable solution to some cultural complexity or felt they were inherently on the side of the righteous. It wasn’t until I was starting to focus on Illinois literature and history that he had an impact on me. His competence as a scholar made an impression, but it was more than that. Vic was driven to appreciate the character and struggle of ordinary individuals, and the social context of great figures, such as Lincoln, so he championed the study of Illinois history—and even wrote about the unfortunate decline of that field at many Illinois colleges and universities,” Hallwas said.

Hicken was born in 1921 in Witt, IL. He went on to earn his bachelor of arts in education from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. During World War II, he was a commanding officer in one of the first landing crafts to hit a beach in Vierville, France on D-Day, June 6, 1944. This experience may have fueled Hicken’s fascination with history later on down the road. After the war, Hicken attended the University of Illinois at Urbana and received a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in American history.

Even though Victor Hicken accomplished a lot throughout his life, his best accomplishment may have been his marriage of 66 years, to Mary O’Connell.  Victor and Mary met while Victor attended U.S. Naval Officers Candidate School at Columbia University in New York City. They would eventually get married on Dec. 28, 1943. Victor Hicken is survived by his wife Mary, three sons, one daughter, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Many students and alumni did not know Victor Hicken, but his mark can be found all over campus in the form of books, history, and education. Hicken meant a lot to WIU, and WIU meant a lot to him as well. Hicken wrote in his book “The Purple and Gold: The Story of Western Illinois University” that “Western Illinois is not only a geographical entity, but it is also a state of mind. There is no institution or establishment which has so accurately reflected that state of mind over the last seventy years than Western Illinois University.” Victor Hicken will forever be a part of that Western Illinois state of mind.

A Shrew is Currently Being Tamed at WIU

The Theatre department at WIU continues to bring entertaining productions to Macomb. They are currently performing “The Taming of the Shrew”, which is a classic play written by William Shakespeare. This rendition of the play is directed by Carolyn Blackinton. Many people may consider Shakespeare’s work to be boring and difficult to understand. However, I think “The Taming of the Shrew” is a play many people can identify with.

“The Taming of the Shrew” is a play about a man who is trying to “marry-off” both of his daughters. The younger daughter is a beautiful and sought-after, while the eldest daughter is mean and does not get along with anyone. The father decides that his eldest daughter must get married before his youngest daughter does. Since there are so many wealthy suitors after the youngest daughter, a couple of them conspire and pay another man to “tame the shrew”.

Does this sound familiar? If so, it may be because the popular film “Ten Things I Hate About You” (starring the late Heath Ledger) is a loose adaptation of “The Taming of the Shrew”. The cast did a great job in this hilarious play. There are a lot of jokes in the play that are similar to the TV show “The Office”, where the actor shoots a weird look at the camera (or in this case the audience) behind another character’s back.

Another element to the play was the “in the dark factor”. Shakespeare is notorious for having characters conspire against one another, while leaving other characters in the dark as to what is happening. “Romeo & Juliet”, “Othello” and “The Taming of the Shrew” have deviant characters that plot against each other, usually for the chance to marry the heroin of the story.

Overall, Carolyn Blackinton did a great job directing a difficult play. It is not always easy to be funny and dramatic at the same time, but this version of “The Taming of the Shrew” effectively did both. For those interested, the play is being performed tonight and tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. in the Hainline Theatre. For more information, visit the WIU theatre department website by clicking here.

WIU Golf Nearing an End

While hackers like me are hitting the golf course for the first time this spring, the Western Illinois University golf teams are closing-out their respective seasons. In fact, the women’s team just completed its season by finishing 4^th at the Summit League Championship on April 20. Meanwhile, the men’s team will compete in the Summit League Championship April 25-27.

Head coach Mel Blasi is in his 12^th season at the helm for the men’s team. Last season, he coached the squad to tournament wins at both the Carlton Oaks Invitational and the Branson Creek Invitational. The team finished the season by placing in the top four in nine out of 12 tournaments with eight top-three finishes. Western finished third last year at the Summit League Championship, after winning the event three years in a row before that. The men’s team has had a very successful spring semester. The team has had one first-place finish, two second-place finishes, and three third- place finishes in its spring tournaments. Led by senior golfer Kyle Peterman, who played in the U.S. Open last year, the Leathernecks will look to reclaim their position atop the Summit League this weekend.

Women’s head coach, Lia Biehl Lukkarinen, is now in her fifth season as head coach of the Leathernecks golf team. Last season was considered a success by most, and coach Lukkarinen seems pleased with how this season went for her team. “We finished fourth (at the Summit League Championship), just a hair from third and handful out of second. Overall, we had a great year, and winning going into conference did help us compete with more confidence,” Lukkarinen said.

Lukkarinen also talked about the seniors on the team this year. “As far as seniors go, we had two which is about normal. I think being a senior is challenging, as they are transitioning into real life. Both Jenna Keane and Jennifer Holt have been great leaders on and off the field for us.” Lukkarinen then went on to talk about the upcoming summer plans for most of the team. “During the summer, most of the team returns home where they practice, play tournaments and sometimes hold a part-time job. As WIU gets more summer school offerings, I hope more stay in Macomb to work on their golf.”

For those who do stay in Macomb over the summer, they will have the luxury of playing one of the area’s top courses. WIU’s Harry Mussatto Golf Course is now open to the public and features some of the most breath-taking holes in the state. For information on prices and season passes, visit the Harry Mussatto Golf Course website by clicking here.

Hopefully the men’s golf team can capitalize on its momentum and bring home a first-place finish at the Summit League Championship in St. George, Utah. Congratulations to the women’s team on a great season and good luck to all of the senior golfers who will be graduating and moving on from Leatherneck golf!