February 2008 Edition Surviving winter...and awaiting spring...   Dear Fellow Alumni and Friends,   It has been an exciting year at Eureka College. We began the school year with a wonderful trip to California. Several alumni, trustees and friends visited the Reagan Ranch, the Reagan Presidential Library and Museum and attended a wonderful reception at the home of 1987 alumnus Rodney Gould. We also attended a live broadcast of the Michael Reagan radio program held at the Reagan Ranch Headquarters. Eureka College was featured throughout Michael Reagan’s radio program and 1987 alumnus Jay Hein, who is the Director of Faith Based Initiatives for President Bush was interviewed. It was great to see many old friends and make new ones. Jay Hein is hosting an alumni event in Washington D.C. on March 16-18.

Edwina Doran, Alumni Board President Steve Kirk '87, Bill Doran

We were very excited to formally announce at Homecoming this year the Alumni Brick Program. This is a chance for all alumni to become a part of the history of Eureka College. We are finally constructing a brick walkway at the back of Rinker so faculty, graduates and guests no longer have to walk on mud. This beautiful walkway is being lined with bricks available for purchase by alumni and friends for $125. The walkway will be completed for this year’s graduation, so hurry up and purchase a brick or two. In addition to your personal brick, you may also want to get some friends together and purchase a large brick for $1,000 to commemorate one of the groups or associations you were affiliated with at Eureka College. What a wonderful thing to have the future graduates of this fine institution walk on a pathway laid with bricks of the college alumni and friends who came before them. Contact the Alumni Office and purchase your brick today.

We look forward to another wonderful Alumni Weekend this year, which is scheduled for May 16 and 17. If you have had a chance to talk to anyone who attended last year I am sure they told you how great an event we had. It was a wonderful chance to see old friends and make new ones. We had a wonderful opportunity to attend mini classes taught by current Eureka College faculty. What an experience to hear a one hour lecture on various topics in a classroom with a wide range of ages as attendees. It allowed us to have wonderful classroom discussions given our many different experiences. Yet I have to say it was amazing that everyone regardless of age talked about how much they cherished their Eureka College experience. Some things just don’t change with age. I can’t put into words how great an opportunity this was. We are happy to say that faculty has agreed to help us with this again this year. You won’t want to miss out.

Please check the website for the various dates of events in your area. The Alumni Office has done an excellent job in scheduling various opportunities to network with your fellow alumni. The Alumni Board would especially like to say a big thank you to Lea Anne Schmidgall for all of her hard work to make these events a success.

See you beneath the elms soon!

Stephen Kirk ’87
President, Eureka College Alumni Board

	A Thank You A special thank you to the Young America's Foundation for allowing us to be guests at the Reagan Ranch Center. We would also like to thank the staff for all their help with the event. Our thanks also goes out to Ron Robinson, President of YAF. Mr. Robinson helped make it possible for Mr. Meese to join us in the 25th Anniversary celebration taking place in Washington DC.

Director of Government Relations Greetings All, I wanted to share with all of you my new title here at Eureka College. I am now the Director of Alumni & Government Relations.  The added responsibilities in government relations mean I am now a registered lobbyist for Eureka College.  My duties will not change as your alumni director - they should compliment what I do in Springfield.   I was a lobbyist in Springfield, Illinois for 3 years after graduate school.  I began as the Director of Government Relations for the National Federation of Independent Businesses. I then became the Director of Government Relations for the Insurance Industry for two years.  I left Springfield to lobby for the American Cancer Society - I was also an event planner/fundraiser for that great organization until I came to Eureka College. I began my new additional duties officially on January 1, 2008.  This past legislative session I have worked with the General Assembly regarding legislation impacting Eureka College.  I will work closely with the Federation of Independent Colleges, as they have our best interests at heart also. Please feel free to call me with any questions.  A "Legislative Update" will begin shortly via e-mail to let you know what issues we are following.

LeaAnne Schmidgall Director of Alumni and Government Relations   - Contact Lea Anne -

Chicago Art Institute

We had a wonderful evening at the Chicago Art Institute on November 30, 2007. This was the first “After Dark” that the institute introduced. The featured artist for the evening was Jasper Johns.

Phil Stiles '91 & Holly Tomchey	President Arnold, Darin Mahlke '99, Cal Lyons

	Trip to Italy The Eureka College Alumni Board is entertaining the idea of an alumni trip to Italy in 2009. Please take a few moments to fill out the survey and send it back at your convenience. We have been discussing this opportunity for several years and have decided to take action!   Click for the survey Italiano

Alumni Board

Have you ever considered joining the Alumni Board? Attached is the current Alumni Board roster. We have only a few positions available, so please carefully consider joining our board.  We have attached a nomination form for your convenience. 

We are so happy to welcome Darin Mahlke ’99, to our Board of Directors. Darin currently resides in Las Vegas, NV and is excited to re-connect with his alma mater.

		Alumni Events Feb. 23, 2008 – Alumni Board Meeting Feb. 25, 2008 - Reagan Day Mar. 1 – 9, 2008 – Spring Break Softball & Baseball playing in Arkansas Mar. 16-18, 2008 – Washington, D.C. event May 3, 2008 - May Graduation May 16-17, 2008 - Alumni Weekend June 2, 2008 – E-Tribe Golf Outing July 14, 2008 – HOI Golf Outing Aug. 8, 2008 – Peoria Chiefs Game Oct. 25, 2008 – Homecoming

CLICK TO LEARN ABOUT THESE EXCEPTIONAL EUREKA ALUMNI OPPROTUNITIES

Habitat for Humanity

Remember the Great Depression saying, "Brother, can you spare a dime"?  Well, the Eureka College chapter of Habitat for Humanity just finished its annual fund-raising auction for the Spring Break trip to Laredo, Texas, and is still looking for dimes to cover all of our trip expenses.  When we help others to build their own first homes, we are helping to give a dime, as well.  Please donate if you can by sending "dimes" to the Development Office designated for Habitat trip.  Thanks ~ and we'll make the most of your generosity!

Upcoming Theatrical Events

Shakuntala by Kalidasa directed by Dr. Brian Sajko
February 19 – 23, 7:30 and February 24 Matinee (2:00 P.M), 2008
Based on the Indian Mahabharata,this classic Sanskrit tale of love and innocence is brought to life in this dramatization of the legendary story of its heroine, Shakantula, and the mighty king Dushyant. Learn more>

Little Red Devil Improv Troupe
March 15, 2008
This student run improv troupe will present it's spring performance utilizing some of the same techniques seen in Monty Python and the TV Show Who's Line is it Anyway.

The 4th Annual Central Illinois Stage Combat Workshop is now co-sponsored by Eureka College and Western Illinois University.  The dates are May 12-30, 2008. This year, we will be focusing on the quarterstaff and single sword.  More information and an application can be found at Eureka Theatre.

A Big Thank You

The Eureka College Admissions Office would like to send out a big Thank You to the following alums who generously gave of their time to represent EC at college fairs this Fall.

Kim Donahue '05 at the Suburban ICE Fair at Prairie State in Chicago Heights, IL on October 16th.
Jerome Hoynes '89 at the District 211 Fair in Palatine, IL on October 10th and the Triton College Fair in River Grove, IL
on the 11th.
Ernest Potter '65 at the Northfield Square Mall College Fair in Kankakee, IL on September 10th and at Momence High School in Momence, IL on October 2nd.
Leo Patterson '61 at the Waubonsee Community College Fair in Sugar Grove, IL on October 1st.

Thank you again for your enthusiasm and generosity; we are very grateful.

Professor Jan Wanack Retiring

Professor Jan Wanack will be retiring at the end of Spring Semester 2008. The most recent winner of the prestigious T. A. Abbott Award for Distinguished Teaching, Professor Wanack has served Eureka College since 1976.

I know we all will miss Prof. Wanack, but fortunately, she will remain in the Peoria area with her husband. Join me in wishing her the best for her future.

Dr. Irene Burgess
Provost and Dean of the College

Eureka College Special Events & Headlines

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where has the eureka path led you?

honor the journey you and your classmates have made

After many years of contemplation, the Alumni Board has launched the “Graduation Pathway” project. The classes of 2006 and 2007 have previously set aside their “Senior Gift” funds to help with the project. We need to sell 2,200 4x8 brick pavers to complete the pathway. We can do it!

The pathway is already under construction. The borders are prepared. Now all we need is for you to purchase a commemorative brick to be placed on the pathway. You may purchase a gift for yourself, a friend, a team that you were on, a club you were associated with, your business, your sorority or fraternity, the options are limitless.

Larger stones are available for $500 and $1,000. These will be considerably larger than a brick paver. Pictures of the larger stones will be available upon request.

You may purchase a brick anytime from now until April 1. Our goal is to have the pathway ready for the class of 2008.

Please take a moment to click the Graduation Pathway link below, download an order form, and purchase a brick as a gift to yourself or someone you care about. Thank you.

Click the above image for an on-line order form (pdf).

Career Services Available for Alumni Job Seekers

As alumni of Eureka College a variety of career services are available for you.  You may register as an Alumni Job Seeker at www.ECcareerconnection.org.  At this site you can access a number of career resources along with a list of Career Events including the annual Illinois Small College Placement Association CareerFest (2/1/08) and TeacherFest (2/21/08) held exclusively for students and alumni members institutions of this consortium.  Both events are taking place in OakBrook Terrace, IL, Drury Lane Theater.   Pre-registration is $10 and registration at the door is $20. 

If you have questions, need career assistance, or would like to register for either CareerFest or TeacherFest please feel free to contact Shari Rich, Director of Career Services, at 309-467-6421, srich@eureka.edu. 

Become an alumni Mentor

mentor an ec student through career services

For information on how you can get involved with a Eureka College student who is facing the job market - click here.

Eureka College Launches New Center for Lifelong Learning to Address Non-Traditional Students in Alternative Formats

This past August, the College hired Karen Bruning to be the first Director of Lifelong Learning.  Ms. Bruning’s job is to oversee the new Center, which was designed to meet the needs of today’s adult student.  New programs are being developed and are sensitive to the working and family responsibilities of adult students. 

Currently two programs are up and running with over 56 students enrolled.  The first one to launch was the Organizational Leadership degree completion program.  This Leadership program is EC’s response to the fact that the 21st century calls for leaders who are committed to serving others. Our program is designed to prepare students to assume management-focused leadership positions at organizations in both the public and private sectors.

The program is offered as a cohort model in alternating, intensive weekends for approximately 20 months (or 5 semesters).  Due to the short duration, the courses are in an accelerated format, although individuals are only taking one course at a time. Courses are delivered during the weekends, from 5:30 to 9:30 pm on Fridays and 8 am to 5 pm on Saturdays.  Snacks and meals are also provided.

The second program now offered is a cohort for certified teachers who wish to receive their Special Education Approval.  This program is offered one night a week during the Spring semester and over 3 full weeks in the summer.  This approval will qualify individuals to teach in a special education classroom or collaborative general education setting. 

The Center for Lifelong Learning is constantly looking to find new and innovative ways to meet the needs of the non-traditional learner.  Check out the Center’s section on the website for many links and resources. 

Show your EC Pride

get a eureka alumni shirt

Wear your "spirit" on your sleeve!		EC student, Jordan Jesse '09 and friend
- Click for more information and to order -

Recommend Eureka

Now is the Time to make a difference for EC

Recommend Eureka.... be proud of your alma mater and let others know what a great college it is. Many high school students are simply wandering through the maze of colleges trying to figure out what will work for them -- help them out by recommending EC. Help them discover our exceptional Eureka family. Know a student you think would make a good addition to the EC family? Click below to tell us about them.

Mission Statement

Eureka College, a liberal arts and science institution, affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), exists to cultivate excellence in learning, service, and leadership. The College fosters the mutual development of intellect and character so that the members of our community may lead meaningful, productive lives and succeed in their professional and social roles.

Maroon & Gold is an e-mail newsletter distributed by the Alumni Relations Office at Eureka College. If you have comments or story ideas for Maroon & Gold please e-mail the Alumni Office or contact:

Lea Anne Schmidgall
Director of Alumni Relations & Legislative Liaison

(309)467-6313
laschmidgall@eureka.edu