May 2010

Alumni spotlight: Kevin Staple ex '84

As a freshman, Kevin Staple helped lead the Panthers football team to a runner-up finish in the 1980 NCAA Division II Championship. In September, he will be inducted into the EIU Hall of Fame for being one of the best ball carriers in EIU's history.

But now Staple now faces a bigger obstacle than he ever faced on the football field: Lou Gehrig's disease. Read about Staple's positive attitude: 'A body betrayed, a spirit unbroken.'

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More alumni news ...

• Nickelson's first romance novel inspired by 1980s EIU
• Adeniji among semi-pro football players living the dream
• Elsinore to release new album in August
• Mt. Zion teacher wins state's highest barbershop honor
• Keller co-authors 'A Respect for the Office: Letters from the Presidents'
• Buffalo Grove Park District director retiring with impressive record
• McCollum wins national Horace Mann Award for Teaching Excellence

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Commencement recap

Nearly 1,600 graduates participated in commencement ceremonies on May 8 in Lantz Arena. One of the speakers was Jeffrey Lynch, who is retiring as interim dean of the College of Arts and Humanities after 34 years at EIU. Read about his message: 'Your alma mater has taught you to be free.'

More details on all four ceremonies — including speakers, honorary degree recipients and other honorees — can be found here.

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Chicago Alumni Job Fair

On June 9, the EIU Alumni Association will join 15 of the nation's best colleges for an exclusive networking event that will place EIU alumni in front of hiring recruiters from the nation's top leading employers. It will also be a great chance to network with other EIU alumni.

Registration must be completed by June 4. A limited number of spots are available. The cost is $10. Read more about this opportunity here.

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News briefs from the EIU Alumni Association

• Many great items — including a 40-person suite for the Aug. 15 Cubs/Cards game — are up for grabs in the EIU Athletics auction. Proceeds directly support the LAIR Fund and EIU's 460 student-athletes. Find a great item to bid on today!
• Reminder: Alumni award nominations are due June 18.
• Join us as we welcome the next generation of Panthers during our Alumni and New Student 2010 Picnics, which will be held in May and June in eight cities.
• Advance tickets for Alumni Day at Wrigley Field on July 2 are now available for purchase by Alumni Association members.
• Start making your travel arrangements for Homecoming 2010 with help from this list of local lodging options. EIU Alumni Association members receive exclusive discounts at lodging locations participating in our Preferred Partners Program.

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