News from the Office of the Chancellor
Labor secretary visits UIC students
U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, who visited UIC two years ago to launch a fair wage campaign by the Department of Labor, shared her own story recently with UIC students, listened to theirs, then offered a message of optimism and hope.
“I see a very bright future for you,” she told about 150 students and recent grads at Student Center East. “Don’t give up. There are resources for you.” more > >
Pictured: Hilda Solis, U.S. secretary of labor and Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares.
Congratulations Class of 2012!
Commencement is a time to reflect on UIC and the people who make it an outstanding institution -- our faculty, staff, alumni and, most of all, our students. Each year, I have the pleasure of attending the Chancellor's Student Service and Leadership Awards ceremony. I am proud to acknowledge the 322 outstanding students who were honored this year for their contribution through campus and community volunteer service.
To our students who are graduating, I send you all my good wishes for the future. We will always be proud to call you our alumni; you are truly our legacy. We look forward to your continuing participation in the life of UIC. Please return to campus often and share with us your accomplishments.
Pictured (L-R): At commencement for the College of Nursing May 3: Keynote speaker Ada Sue Hindshaw, dean of the Graduate School of Nursing at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences; Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares; College of Nursing Dean Terri Weaver.
Chancellor Welcomes Nobel Peace Laureates
Nobel Peace Prize winners from all over the world came to UIC to “Speak Up, Speak Out for Freedom and Rights” at the 12th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates. Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares welcomed laureates to the second day of the summit with quotes from former laureates Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa and Elie Wiesel.
“Each one of us must make a commitment to look up from our busy schedules, our cell phones, and the noise of our daily lives, and ask ourselves, ‘How can I serve peace?’” Allen-Meares said.
For the UIC students at the summit, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
read more > >
More Video from Nobel Summit at UIC
Dia del Niño Family Festival
Parents and children from over 35 Chicago Public schools throughout the city attended the 16th annual Dia del Niño Family Festival at the UIC Pavilion on Saturday, April 14. LARES, Hispanic Center of Excellance, Athletics, and more than 25 cultural organizations offered hands-on activities to participants. Over 4,000 community members were in attendance.
Chancellor welcomes new president to campus
Bob Easter, who becomes the university’s 19th president July 1, was recently given a tour of campus by Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares.
Easter, long-time professor and administrator on the Urbana-Champaign campus, was appointed by university trustees after the resignation of Michael Hogan March 22.
“He is a highly accomplished scholar and proven administrator: thoughtful, supportive and fair,” Allen-Meares said of Easter, who will return later in April.
Chancellor takes a break to answer student questions
Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares joined Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Barbara Henley and student trustee Ken Thomas for Afternoon Break, a Q&A session with students.
“I hope you’re as proud of UIC as I am, but there’s always room for improvement,” Allen-Meares said.
Nearly 100 students came to the March 28 session in Student Center East to ask questions, or get answers. Most seemed pleased to have a face-to-face meeting with the people at the top.
Read more including answers to questions such as can advisers do more to help students graduate in four years? And, why is there scaffolding around University Hall?
Pictured: Jinit Desai, a freshman in neurosciences, talks with Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares.
Honoring UIC College Prep President's Award Nominees
Thirty-two UIC College Prep seniors nominated for the President's Award Program scholarship were honored last week at a cermony hosted by UIC Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares (pictured center). Honorees included (pictured clockwise): Angelique Torres, Salud Santoyo, Yadira Sanchez, Taylor Holley, Patty Murillo and Jesus Garcia.
In 2008, members of the charter school’s inaugural class walked through the doors of the UIC Forum, ready to begin their high school careers. More than 150 students will walk in those doors again June 9 — and they’ll walk out high school graduates, ready for the next step.
Their relationship with UIC doesn’t have to end when they graduate. Ninety-four UIC College Prep students have been admitted for undergraduate studies. more > >
Lecture and Event Series Talks Soup and Food Deserts
Chancellor Allen-Meares introduced UIC grad Mari Gallagher as speaker in the Chancellor's Lecture and Event Series for "Re-Thinking Soup: From Food Desert to Food Oasis: The Next Five Years."
Gallagher, a UIC grad who heads an eponymous research and consulting group, defines a food desert as a large area without mainstream grocery stores. She asked: "Is it as easy to buy skinless chicken as it is to buy fried chicken? Can you choose an apple as easily as a candy bar?" more > >
Sara Rusch, leading by example as Woman of the Year
Sara Rusch, regional dean of medicine at Peoria, was named UIC Woman of the Year by the Chancellor’s Committee on the Status of Women. "I've had the opportunity to mentor individuals and watch them grow and blossom. It's been an immensely satisfying place to spend a career," she said of the Peoria campus where she's been for more than 30 years.
Since she joined the Peoria campus in 1978, Rusch has held several clinical administrative roles, including residency program director, chair of internal medicine and regional dean. A specialist in internal medicine and geriatrics, Rusch also treated patients at OSF St. Francis Medical Center until she was named dean in 2008.
"I hope that I lead by example because I enjoy my ability to provide patient care, I have attained a position of leadership and yet the wall to my office is hung with pictures of my family," she said. more > >
Pictured: Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares presenting the Woman of the Year Award to Sara Rusch.
Lecture Put Spotlight on Inequities
Education is the key to "remaking the social contract," said professor and political commentator Melissa Harris-Perry to a packed house for the 2012 Bazzani Lecture on Public Affairs.
Harris-Perry, professor of political science at Tulane University and a regular MSNBC contributor who recently became host of a weekend show on the network, discussed why, in an election year, in the midst of a severe recession, inequality is more important than ever.
"Racism and poverty undermine our basic social contract" she said as she discussed gaps in wealth, health and education between blacks and whites. more > >
Pictured (L-R): Christophe Pierre, University of Illinois vice president for academic affairs, Robert Rich, director, Institute of Government and Public Affairs, Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares, Craig S. Bazzani, former University of Illinois vice president for administration and comptroller, speaker Melissa Harris-Perry.
"The Value of Diversity in a Complex World"
As she introduced University of Michigan professor Scott Page for the Chancellor's Lecture on diversity, Allen-Meares noted that UIC's 27,500 students have no racial or ethnic majority. "The university is a microcosm of what the nation is becoming," she said.
Page's talk highlighted the power of diversity with examples of diverse groups performing better in problem solving situations than more homogeneous groups. more > >
Pictured (L-R): Univeristy of Michigan professor Scott Page, Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares, and William Walden, special assistant to the provost for diversity.
Chancellor, Sparky and UI President Honor Military
Sparky wore his camouflage for the UIC Flames Men's Basketball game on February 23 played in honor of our military.
Joining Sparky for the festivites at UIC Military Night were: (L-R) Virginia Hogan, UI President Michael Hogan, UIC Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares, Tony Shu, President, Chinatown Chamber, and UIF Board member Jose Santillan.
Universities and Cities: Place-Based Anchors of City Development and Individual Accomplishment
written by Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares on HuffPost Education
As a public institution of higher learning, embedded deeply into our home city Chicago, we bring a full range of research, training and expertise to bear on complex and vexing urban problems, and by doing so better the lives of our fellow citizens. That is my premise: Universities in cities are an excellent investment.
We are one of the key place-based institutions in Chicago. The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) currently supports many excellent programs whose purpose is engagement within our city: the Great Cities Institute, Neighborhood Initiative, the UIC Chicago Partnership for Health Promotion, and the Principal mentoring programs targeted specifically for leadership in Chicago Public Schools. We must, however, remain alert to the constant challenges faced by cities, and continue to improve upon the relationships between our students in the classroom, in the neighborhoods and the larger communities of the city and its region.
UIC Spirit Week, Feb. 20-25
It's my pleasure again this year to bring your attention to UIC Spirit Week, February 20-25.
This year, as we mark the 30th anniversary of the union of the east and west campuses to create the University of Illinois at Chicago, we have much to celebrate. During Spirit Week, UIC features many events, including two basketball games, contests, speakers and philanthropic efforts, available to all students, staff, faculty and alumni. We also want to recognize our Student Alumni Ambassadors and all the people whose efforts have made Spirit Week a signature annual event on our campus.
The UIC community celebrates Spirit Week during basketball season, and I urge you to come out and cheer on the Flames!
Full listing and details for UIC Spirit Week 2012.
GO FLAMES!
Paula Allen-Meares
Chancellor
IGPA Pension Forum, March 6
I write to inform you that IGPA will be hosting a pension forum the week of March 5th at each of the 3 campuses, with the Chicago forum tentatively scheduled for March 6th. Additional details on the time and location will be forth coming. I ask that you join me in sharing information about this forum to interested faculty and staff.
Additionally, for your information is IGPA's Pension Reform Proposal which suggests a new hybrid retirement system for employees of public colleges and universities that would be partially funded by additional contributions from workers and the universities that employ them. The complete report and IGPA's research on pension can be found online.
Paula Allen-Meares
Chancellor
Celebrating Four Years of Being Green at UIC
The Office of Sustainability thanked the UIC community for its efforts to make the university a more environmentally friendly place and celebrate its accomplishments at a four-year anniversary event.
Attendees learned about UIC's successes in earning recognition for the campus efforts in recycling, energy efficiency upgrades, fuel savings, pollution and waste reduction. During the celebration, Dr. Manohar Kulkami, Director of the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, presented Chancellor Allen-Meares and Mark Donovan, Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services with the Governor's Sustainability Award for 2011. Read more about UIC's green initiatives.
Pictured (L-R): Cindy Klein-Banai, Associate Chancellor for Sustainability; Mark Donovan, Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services; Dr. Manohar Kulkarni, Director of the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center; and Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares.
Professor featured on
New York Times front page
Computer Science Professor Bing Liu was featured in a New York Times front-page article on opinion spam, or fake online reviews. "More people are depending on reviews for what to buy and where to go, so the incentives for faking are getting bigger. It's a very cheap way of marketing," he said.
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Chancellor Allen-Meares and others from UIC attended the 44th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, JR. Remembrance & Celebration Dinner presented by The Illinois Commisssion on Diversity and Human Relations. One of the featured speakers at the event was University of Illinois President Michael Hogan.
Pictured:
Front: Katherine Laing, executive director, Office of Governmental Relations; Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares; Barbara Henley, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.
Back: Kendal Parker, director, CHANCE program; Sharice Hill, student; Caroline Swinney, director, Community Relations; Jorge Girotti, associate dean and director, Admissions, Special Curricular Programs, College of Medicine and director, Hispanic Center of Excellence.
Chancellor celebrates holidays with UIC Police
Pictured: Chancellor Allen-Meares and members of the UIC Police department at the recent UIC Police holiday luncheon.
Alumna named to
Chicago Plan Commission
Olga Camargo (pictured, right), senior vice president at Mesirow Financial, was appointed to the Chicago Plan Commission by Mayor Rahm Emanuel. The 22-member commission reviews proposals for development and Tax Increment Financing Districts, sale and acquisition of public land and certain long-range community plans.
Camargo earned a bachelor's degree in marketing and a master's degree in English from UIC. She was the College of Business Adminstration's 2011 commencement speaker.
Secretary of State presents special collegiate plates
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White accompanied his office's mobile unit during one of its frequent visits to the campus to promote the collegiate license plate program. "Students, faculty, and staff can show their pride in their institution by displaying UIC collegiate license plates on their vehicle," said White.
The collegiate license plate program provides special recognition for Illinois colleges and universities and helps fund financial aid for Illinois college students.
Pictured: Secretary of State Jesse White (right) presents specialty license plates for each of the three University of Illinois campuses to President Hogan (center) and Chancellor Allen-Meares.
A Holiday Message
Peace
For now and in the new year.
Paula Allen-Meares
Vice President of the University of Illinois
Chancellor of the University of Illinois at Chicago
John Corbally Presidential Professor
UIC Site to Welcome Nobel Peace Prize Winners
UIC will be the setting for the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates next spring, the first time the summit has been held in the U.S., Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced Thursday at a press conference at Jane Addams Hull-House Museum.
“I cannot overstate the significance and honor we share, to welcome the world’s leading proponents of human rights and peace among all peoples to Chicago and to the UIC campus,” said Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares after the press conference.
With its theme, “Speak Up, Speak Out for Freedom and Rights,” the summit April 23-25 at the UIC Forum will emphasize youth involvement by partnering with the Chicago Public Schools and area universities.
“We look forward to integrating this prestigious occasion with the intellectual and academic missions at UIC,” Allen-Meares said.
Pictured top: Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Pictured bottom: Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares and UIC student ambassadors.
Employee Recognition Month
Onintze Zenarutzabeitia Pikatza (pictured with Paula Allen-Meares), Latin American Recruitment and Educational Services, was one of the many UIC Award of Merit recipients recently recognized for sustained excellence in performance and commitment to her job.
November is employee recognition month at UIC. In addition to acknowledging and thanking all UIC employees for their daily efforts, UIC gives special recognition to the recipients of the Award of Merit, Chancellor's Academic Professional Excellence Award, WOW, INSPIRE and Lumniary Awards, and service honorees with 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45 years of service.
Chancellor's Lecture Focused on Big-city Sustainability
Staff writer for The New Yorker David Owen compared the lifestyles of big-city residents like New Yorkers, to the residents of suburbs and small towns when he spoke on "Green Metropolis and Urban Sustainability" for the Chancellor's Lecture and Event Series.
He made the point that on an individual basis, New Yorkers drive, pollute, consume and throw away much less than non-city residents. He also described college campuses as being similar to big cities in their use of resources. Compactness is the secret to saving resources, he said. more > >
Pictured (L-R): Cynthia Klein-Banai, associate chancellor for sustainability; Dennis Judd, interim director of Great Cities Institute; Paul Brandt-Rauf, dean of the School of Public Health; David Owen; and Paula Allen-Meares.
College of Nursing Hosts State-wide Leadership Event
Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher was the keynote speaker at the 14th Annual Power of Nursing Leadership Event sponsored by the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing and a host committee of local nursing leaders. "The Power of Nursing Leadership is an opportunity to celebrate the impact of the most outstanding nurse leaders who are shaping healthcare throughout Illinois," Terri Weaver, dean of UIC's College of Nursing said. The event brought together around 500 of the most innovative nurse leaders from academia, health systems, government, entrepreneurship and business throughout Illinois.
Pictured (L-R): John DeNardo, CEO UIC Healthcare System; Terri Weaver, dean of College of Nursing; David Satcher, former U.S. Surgeon General; Paula Allen-Meares.
Chancellor Meets with Nursing External Advisory Board
Pictured: Front Row, L-R: Christine Schwartz; Terri E.
Weaver, Dean; Paula Allen-Meares, Chancellor; Suzanne L.
Feetham; Janet A. Deatrick. Back Row, L-R: Joan Syer-Bailar, Sabina Dambrauskas
Chancellor Ready for New Basketball Season
Sparky D. Dragon, mascot of the UIC Flames, hand delivered season tickets to Chancellor Allen-Meares just before the Red vs. Blue scrimmage to kick-off the men's basketball season.
See video of the Red vs. Blue scrimmage
Read about the scrimmage and talent competitions
Read Coach Howard Moore's mission for the team
"Sweetness Ball" Raises Funds for Education, Research and Treatment of Liver and Related Diseases
The Walter Payton Center Guild at the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System recently hosted the "Sweetness Ball," its 12th annual fundraising gala in support of education, research, and treatment of liver and digestive-related diseases.
In 1997, a group of concerned Chicago-area residents came together to improve the lives of those affected by gastrointestinal diseases such as hepatitis, liver cancer, fatty liver disease, colon cancer and peptic ulcer disease. These volunteers formed the GILD Council to increase awareness of these diseases and raise funds to assist the physicians and researchers at the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System. In 2009, the Guild partnered with the Walter Payton Foundation to become the Walter Payton Center Guild.
Pictured (L-R): Stan Lewin (Guild co-chair); Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares; Guild members Steve Darnell, Carolyn Winter and James Patrick.
Honoring Former University Trustee Frances Carroll
The Chancellor’s Committee on the Status of Blacks and the Illinois Committee on Black Concerns in Higher Education hosted a tribute to former Illinois Board of Trustee member, Dr. Frances G. Carroll.
Dr. Carroll served as a teacher, division director, coordinator, counselor, and principal within the Chicago Public Schools system, and two consecutive terms as a member of the Board of Trustees at the University of Illinois. In January, 2011 Dr. Carroll was appointed by Governor Pat Quinn to serve on the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
Pictured Top: Chancellor Allen-Meares and Frances Carroll
Pictured Bottom (L-R): Michael Toney, Executive Director Urban Health Program; Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares; Frances Carroll; Stephanie Whitaker, Political Science; DJ Wells, Urban Health Program.
More Focus on Math, Science Education Vital to Economic Progress
Co-written by Mrinalini C. Rao
A great deal of attention recently has been focused on an issue of real importance to the future of our nation -- the need to train more undergraduates, especially blacks, Hispanics and women, in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. We cannot envision a sustained U.S. economic recovery in our increasingly competitive world without a steady supply of highly trained professionals in the STEM disciplines, nor can we imagine full economic equality and opportunity unless the diversity of STEM professionals mirrors that of our nation as a whole. We congratulate both the Obama administration and the Association of American Universities (AAU) for highlighting this issue. Given the differential achievement gaps and escalating poverty rates among racial and ethnic minorities: How will the nation respond?
Inaugural NoVo Foundation Endowed Chair Honored
Roger Weissberg, a College of Liberal Arts and Sciences distinguished professor of psychology and education, was celebrated in an investiture ceremony as the inaugural NoVo Foundation endowed chair in social and emotional learning.
His presentation, "Establishing Social and Emotional Learning as an Educational Priority Across Chicago, Illinois and the United States," offered a first-hand perspective of the field he helped to define. Weissberg will oversee ongoing research as the NoVo chair, funded by $2 million donation from the NoVo Foundation.
Board of Trustees chair Christopher Kennedy said "I'd like to thank Roger for making UIC his home and giving us all at the University of Illinois one more reason to be proud of this extraordinary institution." more > >
Pictured, L-R: Lon Kaufman, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs; Michael Hogan, president, University of Illinois; Timothy Shriver, chairman, CASEL Board of Directors, chairman and CEO of Special Olympics; Paula Allen-Meares; Roger Weissberg, NoVo Foundation endowed chair in social and emotional learning; Christopher Kennedy, chairman Board of Trustees.
Jonasson House Message
Colleagues,
Channel 2 in Chicago may be airing a report soon about the Jonasson House, the residence of the UIC chancellor since 2009. The station has been inquiring about the donation and expenses relating to the house's renovation, maintenance and operation. In light of this possible story, and to update UIC News coverage of the donation and renovations in 2008 and 2009, I wanted to share with you some facts about the house and work relating to it, both for your information and in case of questions you may receive regarding any media coverage. more > >
UIC Hosts Inaugural Presidential Lecture on Diversity
“Diversity continues to be among our top priorities,” Chancellor Allen-Meares said as she introduced University of Illinois President Michael Hogan for the inaugural Presidential Lecture on Diversity.
“Among our 27,500 students, no racial or ethnic majority exists.”
Hogan, who introduced speaker Richard Tapia, told the audience “Diversity in our faculty and staff remains considerably shy of where it should be and could be.” Adding, “Our students need to learn in a setting that mirrors our world.”
Tapia is a recent recipient of a National Medal of Science and director of the Center for Excellence and Equity in Education at Rice, warned that “underrepresentation endangers the health of the nation,” before declaring “‘Separate but equal’ is always separate, but never equal.” more > >
Pictured top:
Richard Tapia
Pictured right (L-R): Mrinalini Rao, vice president for academic affairs; Phyllis Wise, UIUC chancellor; Michael Hogan, University of Illinois President; Richard Tapia; Paula Allen-Meares, UIC chancellor; Susan Koch UIS chancellor.
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services
Addresses Students on Health Care Reform
Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. secretary of health and human services, came to campus to talk with students about the Affordable Care Act, which allows those under 26 to be covered by their parents’ health insurance.
“Young adults are almost two times as likely to be uninsured,” Sebelius told the crowd in the School of Public Health auditorium.
Sebelius also touted the recent doubling of the National Health Service Corps, which repays student loans to health professionals working in underserved areas.
“It’s sort of a health care Peace Corps,” she said.
Sebelius shared the stage with Joe G.N. “Skip” Garcia, university vice president for health affairs, and four students: Tokoya Williams, medicine, Inna Azov, public health, and Jan'nea Sumo, nursing, all of UIC, and University of Chicago undergrad Tomi Obikunle. more > >
Chancellor & President Greet Senior Development Staff
Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares and President Michael Hogan met with senior Development staff to show their appreciation for their efforts and achievements during the Brilliant Futures campaign.
College of Dentistry Announces Gift to Create Integrated Clinical Technology Center
Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares joined nearly 200 UIC College of Dentistry alumni and friends at a recent Brilliant Futures Campaign Donor Recognition Gala. During the evening, tours of the College were conducted by dental students. During dinner, Dean Bruce S. Graham announced the largest-ever gift in the 98-year history of the College. The transformational gift of $8.2 million was made possible by the Guy D. and Rebecca E. Brunetti Foundation. It will provide the College with state-of-the-science dental equipment and technology manufactured by The KaVo Group to help create the Integrated Technology Center.
Pictured: Dean Bruce Graham (left) of the UIC College of Dentistry, explains to Mrs. Rebecca E. Brunetti (center) of the Guy D. and Rebecca E. Brunetti Foundation and UIC Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares, the state-of-the-science dental equipment and technology that will create the Integrated Clinical Technology Center.
Welcome Reception for Provost Lon Kaufman
Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares hosted a reception to welcome Lon Kaufman as vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost. She also had the pleasure of thanking College of Pharmacy dean Jerry Bauman for serving as interim provost and vice chancellor.
Pictured (L-R): College of Pharmacy dean Jerry Bauman and Provost Lon Kaufman.
First Lecture in Series finds Faith in Common Ground
Eboo Patel, leader of Interfaith Youth Core, acknowledged that college campuses like UIC are places where cooperation between different faith communities can advance. His lecture "On Religious Particularity and American Pluralism: Jews and Muslims Building Community and Country," was the first in the 2011-2012 Chancellor's Lecture and Event Series.
Chancellor Allen-Meares introduced Patel, a Muslim, and member of President Barack Obama's Advisory Concil on Faith-Based Neighborhood Partnerships. Patel recognized the unique opportunities college campuses provide for building community when he said, "When the chancellor shakes your hand at graduation in two, three or four years, she can be confident that you have learned interfaith literacy." more > >
Pictured Above: Eboo Patel, leader of Interfaith Youth Core
Right (L-R): Samuel Fleischacker, professor of philosophy, director of Jewish studies program, and founder and director of the Initiative in Jewish-Muslim Studies; Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares; and Eboo Patel.
Proclamation: Robert Easter
WHERESAS, Robert Easter is retiring as Interim Vice President of the University of Illinois and Interim Chancellor of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which as chief executive officer he lead a university campus of more than 42,000 students, and provided oversight for a budget of $1.5 billion,
WHEREAS, Interim Chancellor Easter has been a great collaborator on many cross-campus initiatives, offering thoughtful and deliberative advice on matters ranging from diversity, international student recruitment, and retreat presentations,
WHEREAS, Interim Chancellor Easter has been true to our collective mission expressing his opinions and explaining his rationale with quiet determination, and with the best interest of the University of Illinois in his heart,
WHEREAS, he has also been a great friend and supportive colleague,
THEREFORE, I declare today UIC APPRECIATES ROBERT EASTER DAY, for all Bob has done for the University of Illinois, for UIC, and for our state, the nation, and the world.
Signed this 9th Day of September 2011.
Paula Allen-Meares
Vice President of the University of Illinois
Chancellor of the University of Illinois at Chicago
John Corbally Presidential Professor
Remembering September 11
On September 11, 2001, ten years ago -- at the beginning of a new century, an unfathomable event took place. Nearly 3,000 people became victims including nationals from over 70 countries. I find that very fact indelibly American; that so many people from so varied and distant regions worked and lived in one place in peace is the signature of our nation and reflected on our campus. When a tragedy befalls Americans, the world is immediately affected by the very nature and diversity of our society.
It is not for this moment to discuss the politics or the implausible reasoning that led to such destruction. It is however pertinent for us to remember this event, to empathize with our fellow citizens who suffered tremendously on that day, Americans and our neighbors around the world, and to work with all our strength, towards respect, tolerance, and peace for now and always.
I ask then, that we all take a minute from the daily lives we sometimes take for granted, to contemplate this precious moment that we are all able to share. Please also think about what you can do personally each and every day to make UIC, our city, our state, nation and our world a place in which we can be safe, secure and at peace.
Please join me in observance of one minute of silence at 12:00 p.m. Sunday, September 11, 2011, to remember and honor those lost on September 11, 2001.
Paula Allen-Meares
Chancellor joins in welcoming new faculty
Pictured Top: Chancellor Allen-Meares joined Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Mo-Yin Tam, in welcoming new faculty at a recent reception.
Pictured Bottom (L-R): Faculty from the College of Architecture and the Arts Mathew Gaynor, Kelly Bair, and Jesse McLean.
Douglas Hall's Green, Grand Opening
Douglas Hall reopened in time for fall semester with a completely renovated interior that features collaboration hubs, break-out areas and conference rooms equipped with the latest technology. The structure incorporates green features such as geothermal wells, solar panels, automated interior lights, water savers and automated cooling/heating. The university will apply for LEED Gold certification, a rating system for energy-efficient buildings. Read more and see a video about the new Douglas Hall.
Photo: Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares and College of Business Administration Dean Michael Pagano perform the ceremonial ribbon cutting Aug. 24.
100 students join Global Learning Community Program
The Chancellor joined College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Interim Dean Astrida Orle Tantillo (pictured, center) and Global Learning Coordinator Jeff Gore (left) in welcoming the inaugural class of 100 students to the Global Learning Community Campus Certificate (GLCCC) Program.
The program, initiated by Chancellor Allen-Meares, offers students the opportunity to enhance their undergraduate experience and access the diversity of the student body and the global focus of many of UIC’s programs.
The reception was held in the Language and Culture Learning Center where the program courses and computer instruction sessions will be held. more > >
Welcome New Flames to UIC!
Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares was on hand at Move-In Day August 17 to welcome students like Christin Zito, a freshman in business. more > >
Chancellor Allen-Meares and Susan M. Teggatz (left), Director of Campus Housing, prepare to address a record crowd of 4,700 students, family, friends and faculty members at convocation, Sunday, August 21. "‘Consider us your UIC family" Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares said as she welcomed and introduced the crowd to UIC. more > >
Read Chancellor Allen-Meares welcome note to campus for the academic year.
