News from the Office of the Chancellor
$10M 'innovation fund' to advance startups
UIC will launch a $10 million fund to move technologies devised by faculty, students or staff from research to commercial use.
The Chancellor's Innovation Fund will make grants totaling $2 million a year for five years.
"The fund establishes UIC as a leader in technology acceleration, enhances our competitiveness, and positions UIC as an important partner to external stakeholders," said Chancellor Allen-Meares. read more > >
Changing public perception of universities
April 24, 2013
The public views universities with skepticism, and experimentation is the way to change that attitude, Larry Faulkner says.
Faulkner, president emeritus of the University of Texas at Austin, laid out his analysis last week in his talk “Wise and Effective Academic Governance in an Age of Challenge.”
He spoke at Student Center West as part of the Chancellor’s Lecture Series, at the invitation of Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares.
Pictured: Larry Faulkner, president emeritus of the University of Texas at Austin (left), speaks at Student Center West as part of the Chancellor’s Lecture Series. Chancellor Allen-Meares (right) introduced Faulkner.
Dentistry ProCare Implant Center ribbon cutting
and grand opening
April 24, 2013
Poised to cut the ribbon dedicating the ProCare Dental Group Implant and Innovations Center and the DENTSPLY Implants Clinic are (left to right): Brian Bashaw, Director of Sales, Clinical Area East, DENTSPLY Implants; David Bangert, Vice President, Startegic Market Sales-Dental, Danaher; Chicago Alderman Robert Fioretti (2nd Ward); Dean Bruce S. Graham; University President Robert A. Easter: Dr. Robert G. Brunetti, President of the Guy D. and Rebecca E. Brunetti Foundation and President and Chief Executive Officer of ProCare Dental Group P.C.; UIC Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares; Scott Root, President and CEO of DENTSPLY Implants; and Dr. Stephen D. Campbell, Head of the Department of Restorative Dentistry and Director of the center and clinic.
School of Public Health celebrates 40 years
April 22, 2013
The School of Public Health celebrated 40 years of teaching, research and service at a gala at the Field Museum on Saturday, April 13.
Keynote speaker Leymah Gbowee and Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares were present to celebrate the anniversary of the only accredited school of public health in Illinois. Gbowee was a 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate, best known for leading Christian and Muslim women in a nonviolent movement that helped to end Liberia's 14-year civil war in 2003.
Chancellor Allen-Meares and Paul Brandt-Rauf, dean of the School of Public Health.
Chancellor Allen-Meares addresses the crowd at the Field Museum gala.
Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee and Chancellor Allen-Meares.
In support of Dream Act students, immigration reform
April 19, 2013
The University of Illinois at Chicago is known for providing access to excellence and success in higher education.
UIC is proud to be known as one of the most diverse campuses in the United States. We have been enriched by the diverse experiences of our faculty, staff and students, both U.S. born and immigrant. We view diversity not only as a commitment, but as a strength, and we feel our nation would do well to do the same, as it has traditionally.
Therefore, UIC joins today with other U.S. institutions of higher education to recognize April 19, 2013, as a day of awareness and action regarding immigration reform. This follows the appeal made to President Obama and congressional leaders by 150 university presidents and chancellors in September 2012 to act on immigration reform so our country can "retain and benefit from immigrants educated at our universities." read more > >
Read the full proclamation from Chancellor Allen-Meares and Provost Kaufman
Why Health
Disparities Matter
M. Roy Wilson, Deputy Director of Strategic Scientific Planning and Program Coordination for the National Institutes of Health, recently spoke on minority health and health disparities research as part of the Chancellor's Lecture and Event Series.
Wilson works with all of the National Institutes of Health on health disparities research. He also serves as co-chair for the new NIH Common Fund programs, the Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity Initiative, and the National Research Mentoring Network.
An ophthalmologist by training, Wilson's research has focused on the causes of low vision and blindness in populations from the Caribbean to West Africa. He has held many academic and health sciences leadership positions.
View Dr. Wilson's slideshow (PowerPoint file)
Chancellor joins Governor on Mexico trade mission
Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares was honored to be invited by Governor Quinn to join him on his recent trade mission to Mexico City.
Chicago, home to one of the largest Mexican communities outside Mexico, makes the involvement of UIC a very logical choice. UIC values all of our partnerships, collaborations and educational programs with Mexico, and welcome the opportunity to develop and expand our growing relationships with their institutions.
Currently, UIC has institutional partnerships involving graduate student and faculty research with: The University of Guadalajara; The Technologico de Monterrey; and many more. UIC is currently exploring a partnership with Pro-Mexico and the National Museum of Mexican Art to hold a Mexico Today Conference to examine important issues facing Mexico and Latino communities in Illinois.
Chancellor and President hear directly from faculty
Chancellor Allen-Meares and UI President Easter have recently held town hall meetings with faculty to discuss goals and objectives as well as to have conversations together to discuss issues.
Fun with the Flames
The flames fired up a win on a big night that saw UI President Bob Easter light the flame in a pre-game ceremony, Sparky D. Dragon jump out of a cake to celebrate UIC's 30th anniversary, and the annual Challenge of the Deans, a half-time shooting contest.
Top: Bob Easter, Chancellor Allen-Meares and competitors in the Challenge of the Deans; Bottom: Cheryl Easter, Sparky D. Dragon, Bob Easter, Paula Allen-Meares
UI President visits UIC College Prep
University of Illinois President Robert Easter recently toured UIC College Prep, which opened in 2008, one of the Noble network of charter schools. His visit included stops in a chemistry lab, algebra class, health sciences class and a few minutes of honor band practice.
With the aim of pursuing careers in the health sciences field, students take rotations on UIC's campus in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, public health, nursing and applied health sciences. read more > >
Pictured: University of Illinois President Robert Easter (back, right), visits a UIC College Prep classroom Feb. 6 with Lon Kaufman, UIC vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost.
UIC Nursing partnership to graduate its third class
The Bel-Air College of Nursing in Panchgani, India, will graduate its third class of nearly 40 baccalaureate degree nurses in spring 2013 thanks to the UIC College of Nursing. A partnership between the two educational institutions was formed in 2004, with the Indian nursing college teaching its first students in 2006. The collaboration is funded through the Bel-Air Benefit Foundation and the Minu K. and Mehroo M. Patel Endowment Fund for Nursing Advancement in India at the University of Illinois Foundation. President Easter recently visited the Indian campus to discuss the program with administrators and faculty.
Pictured: University President Robert Easter (center) recently visited the Bel-Air College of Nursing in India.
All-Star alumnus gives back to campus, community
Alumnus Curtis Granderson has pledged the funding for a new, multi-million dollar baseball stadium on campus.
The ballpark will be home for UIC Flames Baseball, but more importantly the facility is intended to serve area youth and the Chicago community. Partnerships with Major League Baseball, Chicago Public Schools and various youth organizations will provide community access to the aptly named Curtis Granderson Stadium for a multitude of events.
"Partnerships that combine academics and baseball -- these speak to Curtis's passions," said Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares. "We are deeply grateful to Curtis and to his wonderful parents. He epitomizes the UIC family and all we can accomplish together." Read more about the new stadium.
Pictured: Curtis Granderson and Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares during UIC Baseball's inaugural Diamond Dinner where UIC retired Granderson's No. 28 Flames jersey.
Celebrating 10 years of Urban Education Leadership
University of Illinois Chairman of the Board of Trustees Christopher Kennedy and Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares recently honored the Urban Education Leadership program for 10 years of continued positive impact that UIC is making in the Chicago Public Schools.
Highlights of the program's success include:
- The top-gaining high school in CPS on ACT scores in 2012 was Kennedy High School, led by a UIC Principal and UIC assistant principal.
- Two more UIC led high schools were in the top 11 in ACT gain in CPS. All three high schools are high-poverty schools with largely African American and Hispanic enrollment.
- For ten years, 99% of all UIC students who complete the year long residency have obtained administrative positions in urban schools, over two thirds of them as principals.
- And most recently, the Chicago Public Schools and UIC were jointly honored with the Council of the Great City School Urban Impact Award in 2012
Pictured: Top Row: Christopher Kennedy, Dwayne Evans Bottom Row: Mark Smylie, Steven Tozer, Paula Allen-Meares, Victoria Chou
UIC partners with DuSable Musuem for lecture
UIC partnered with the DuSable Museum of African American History to sponsor "From the Emancipation Proclamation to the 13th Amendment," a lecture and discussion featuring renowned author, journalist and historian Lerone Bennett, Jr. and UIC's Corey Capers, assistant professor of African American studies and history.
The program included an in-depth discussion of the political and moral debates concerning the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Thirteeth Amendment to the Constitution, and their aftermath. Pictured (L-R): Carol Adams, Corey Capers and Lerone Bennett, Jr.
Making community connections
Chancellor Allen-Meares and Board of Trustees President Christopher Kennedy were recent guests of the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce.
Pictured (L-R): Paula Allen-Meares, Christopher Kennedy, and Tony T. Shu, Chairman of the Board of the Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce.
Chancellor joins top officials, business leaders
at UIC Urban Forum
Top federal, state and municipal officials, alongside private-sector and community leaders, gathered at UIC's 2012 Urban Forum to discuss the issues metropolitan areas have been experiencing during these tough economic times, their responses and strategies to address those challenges and improve quality of life.
Pictured top: Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares.
Pictured bottom: U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Stephen Schlickman, Executive Director, Urban Transportation Center
A Holiday Message
A holiday message for you from Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares
Work begins on new Mile Square Health Center facility
University, government and community leaders came together to break ground for a new Mile Square Health Center facility several blocks from the UI Hospital.
Dignitaries at the Mile Square groundbreaking included (L-R): executive director Henry Taylor, U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares, President Bob Easter, Vice President Joe G.N. "Skip" Garcia, Mile Square board president Rev. Randall Harris and 28th Ward Ald. Jason Ervin.
S.E.E. Benefit raises funds for student scholarships
There was music and fun for a good cause - UIC student scholarships - at the S.E.E. benefit Nov. 30. The benefit, sponsored by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, included a gala dinner and prime seats for a performance at the UIC Forum by Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame winners the Four Tops.
Those attending the S.E.E. benefit included (photo 1 below, L-R) Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Barbara Henley and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost Lon Kaufman; and (photo 2 below L-R) Chancellor Allen-Meares; Denise Oliver and University of Illinois trustee Lawrence Oliver; and Maria Tortolero and Carlos Tortolero, president and founder of the National Museum of Mexican Art.
The State of the Campus 2012
I'm pleased to bring you via video the first annual State of the Campus address, a yearly update on the progress UIC is making in all aspects of our mission – from our research enterprise, our teaching and learning goals, to our broader campus objectives. Equally important in this update is a review of our challenges and how we are addressing them.
This video presentation is created in four sections to provide maximum flexibility for viewing, with the first video here and the remainder available from the links below.
Video Clip 3: Overarching Goals
Video Clip 4: Select Objectives for 2012-2013
We all share in the future of UIC; in fact, together we all create the future of UIC. Thank you for being an active part of this vital endeavor.
Sincerely,
Paula Allen-Meares
Chancellor
John Corbally Presidential Professor
UIC adds another tool for cutting-edge research
At the "grand opening" for UIC's new 9.4 Tesla MRI that will help engineers and scientists study a range of bioengineering problems (L-R): Richard Magin, university distinguished professor; William Hendrickson, professor and Research Resources Center director; Weiguo Li, Research Resources Center magnetic resonance imaging director; Thomas Royston, professor and head of bioengineering; Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares; and Robert Kleps, MRI senior consultant in the Research Resources Center.
A Message from the Chancellor about Hurricane Sandy
Dear UIC students, faculty and staff:
The hurricane that struck the east coast has already claimed dozens of lives and wrought catastrophic losses of property and crippling disruption of vital human services.
I know that you all join me in expressing our deepest concern and sympathy for those who found themselves in the path of this devastating storm. Indeed, probably most of us have family, friends or colleagues who are directly affected. Our thoughts are with them and with those here who worry about them so greatly.
For any student who feels the need to talk to someone in the wake of this disaster, UIC counselors are always available to meet with you. The Counseling Center is in the Student Services Building, Room 2010, and can be reached by calling 312-996-3490. Faculty and staff are encouraged to contact the Employee Assistance Service at 312-996-3588.
Sincerely,
Paula Allen-Meares
Chancellor
More Alike Than Not
Storytellers (L-R) Arif Choudhury, Susan O'Halloran and Syd Lieberman (far right) join Marla Baker, director of the Levine Hillel Center, at the Chancellor's Lecture Oct. 25, "More Alike Than Not: Stories from Three Americans."
The University of Illinois Alumni Association honored UIC alumni and friends for their contributions to the campus, the nation and the world at the 2012 Alumni Five dinner Oct. 12.
Back row (L-R): Thomas Livingston, chairman of the Alumni Association board of directors and regional vice president of CSX Transportation Corp.; Lauren Taylor, Alumni Association president and CEO; Dr. Alvin Miller ('51 COM, MD '53 COM), Alumni Humanitarian Award; Dr. B. Taylor Bennett (PhD '74 COM), Distinguished Service Award; Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares; University of Illinois President Robert Easter.
Front row (L-R): Joel Bookman (MUPP '81, '74 UIUC), City Partner Award; Dr. Barry Ganetzky ('71 LAS), Alumni Achievement Award; Lei Zhang Schlitz, group president, representing ITW Inc., Corporate Partner; and Dr. Michael Gordon ('59 COM, MD '61, MS '61 COM), Alumni Achievement Award.
Lt. Gov. Simon visits UIC on tour of public universities
Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon visited UIC as her first stop on a tour of all 12 Illinois public universities to talk about affordability, financial aid, student retention and graduation.
She visited with undergraduate students, faculty and administrators in student and academic affairs, including Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares, provost and vice chancellor Lon Kaufman and vice chancellor Barbara Henley.
read more > >
President Easter, Chancellor Allen-Meares
host a faculty breakfast October 9
Opening the UI Hospital STAR Center
Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares meets Rhonda McCullough, who was married to performer Bernie Mac for 30 years until his death in 2008, at the opening of the Bernie Mac Sarcoidosis Translational Advanced Research Center, or STAR Center, in the UI Hospital. The Bernie Mac Foundation launched a partnership with the hospital in April to collaborate on sarcoidosis research and treatment. read more > >
Chicago Humanities Festival
Pictured (L-R): Roberto Carmona, State Senator Heather Steans, Teresa Córdoba, UIC's Director of the Great Cities Institute, and Chancellor Allen-Meares.
Celebrating 30 years
Leaders consider UIC's past, present, future
UIC commemorated its 30th anniversary at a symposium Sept. 19 that celebrated the merger of two University of Illinois campuses in Chicago — the Medical Center and Circle — to become the University of Illinois at Chicago.
People who were integral to the process — including Stanley Ikenberry, the University of Illinois president who pushed for the merger; Donald Langenberg, UIC's first chancellor; and James Stukel, who followed Langenberg as chancellor and Ikenberry as president — were reunited at the symposium. read more > >
More about UIC at 30
Three who made it happen consider the outcome
Nobel Peace Laureate Jody Williams
joins new Social Justice Fellows Program
Nobel Peace Laureate Jody Williams, who spoke at the 12th Nobel Peace Laureate Summit held at the UIC Forum in April, will be the first guest of the Jane Addams Distinguished Social Justice Fellows Program and will make extended visits to the campus in October, February and April.
This year, as we celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the founding of the University of Illinois at Chicago, it is fitting that we remember our origins and our mission, so indelibly tied to Jane Addams and her own good work and tremendous impact on our society, by establishing the Social Justice Fellows Program named after Jane Addams, and highlight the importance UIC places on her values by bringing Jody Williams to campus. read more > >
New research facility 'more than a building'
"This facility is more than a building," said Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares at the August 29 press conference near the site of the $104 million Advanced Chemical Technology Building (ACTB) announced by state and campus dignitaries, including Gov. Pat Quinn.
"It is the tangible commitment that UIC is serious about interdisciplinary innovative, cutting-edge research collaborations to expand our knowledge for and our contributions to the betterment of humankind." The ACTB will foster interdisciplinary research in neuroscience, nanoscience, bioscience and other areas. Construction will begin in FY14 and take about 30 months to complete. read more > >
Welcoming University President Bob Easter to UIC
UIC's Student Ambassadors (pictured in the red jackets), along with Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares (bottom photo) were pleased to welcome University of Illinois President Bob Easter (top photo) and his wife (not pictured) to UIC at a recent campus reception.
Chancellor introduces new students to UIC
UIC welcomed new students and their families to campus at the annual convocation Aug. 26 in the UIC Pavilion. A record number of applicants-over four times more applications than places-were received for the university's three campuses this year. read more > >
Chancellor welcomes freshmen on move-in day
Read Chancellor's welcome message to campus for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Related UIC News articles: Moving carts piled high, freshmen settle in campus residence halls | University sees record number of applications
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.
