University of Illinois Springfield: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS), a public university established in 1969, has a rich history of producing notable alumni across various fields. Originally founded as Sangamon State University, UIS became the third member of the University of Illinois system in 1995. This article highlights some of the university's most prominent graduates and their contributions to society.
The Public Affairs Reporting (PAR) Program: A Launchpad for Journalists
One of the most distinctive aspects of UIS is its Public Affairs Reporting (PAR) program, renowned for its intensive, hands-on approach to journalism education. This program has consistently produced successful journalists who have made significant contributions to news organizations across the country.
Several PAR alumni have emphasized the program's transformative impact on their careers:
- Ray Long ('81), an investigative reporter for the Chicago Tribune, believes that the Public Affairs Reporting program plugs you into the same electrifying Illinois Statehouse environment that propelled Barack Obama to Washington and sent a string of governors to prison.
- Dana Perino ('95), an anchor and co-host for FOX News Channel and former White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush, credits the Public Affairs Reporting program for providing her with additional instruction and practical experience that served her well when she pursued work in Washington, D.C., on Capitol Hill.
- Natasha Korecki ('97), a senior national political reporter for NBC News, asserts that for any aspiring reporter who wants on-the-ground training, I cannot point to a better program than PAR. She adds that it did more to prepare me for the real world in one year than four years of undergrad and that the classes are designed to be specifically relevant to public affairs and what you’re later covering.
- Daralene Jones ('03), an anchor and investigative reporter for WFTV-TV Orlando, considers the PAR program at UIS to be, hands down, the best training ground for journalists who are serious about learning how government works and why it impacts everything we do.
- Shaun Chaiyabhat ('04), an anchor/reporter for WCVB-TV Boston, notes that not only did the hands-on experience help land me my first on-air job, knowledge gained from the PAR program continues to guide me in my work today.
- Amanda Vinicky ('05), a correspondent for Chicago Tonight, WTTW-TV, emphasizes that you’ll graduate with a master’s degree in PAR, but more importantly you’ll have the confidence, clips and real-world skills to back it up.
- Kartikay Mehrotra ('08), a journalist for Bloomberg, believes that the PAR program doesn't just offer a degree, but it provides one of the most rewarding professional experiences a young journalist can ask for.
- Ariel Van Cleave (’08), managing editor, audio news, WBEZ, Chicago: "The PAR program is one of the toughest, most exciting, exhausting and rewarding ways to cut your teeth in the news business.
- Haley BeMiller ('17), a reporter for the USA Today Network, Ohio bureau, found PAR at a critical point early in my career, when I was in the journalism industry but not doing what I love most: Reporting.
- Mike Miletich ('18), a Capitol reporter for WAND-TV, finds the Public Affairs Reporting program to be an outstanding way for aspiring journalists to learn the nuts and bolts of Illinois politics while reporting alongside some of the best reporters.
- Emily Manley ('18), Missouri Capitol Bureau Chief, Nexstar, says that I would not have the job I do today without PAR.
- Neal Earley ('20), a reporter for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, recommends the PAR program enough for anyone looking to take a step up in your career.
- Grace Barbic ('21), a reporter for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, believes that when you become a part of the PAR program, not only is it an exclusive network of highly respected, successful journalists at your disposal, but you are also setting yourself up to join those ranks and launch your career in any direction you choose.
- Lizzie Seils ('22), a multimedia journalist for 25News, Peoria, shares that PAR gave me the real-life experience I needed to start my career on the right foot.
- Bill Lambrecht ('73), former Washington correspondent for Hearst Newspapers, notes that PAR thrusts the serious and semi-experienced student into a reporting environment that sizzles with action.
- Megan Lynch ('93), investigative reporter, KMOX-AM, St. Louis: "PAR’s initial attraction for me was the chance to be a working reporter in a Capitol news bureau.
- Seth Richardson ('15), instructor, University of Minnesota: "Frankly, I would be nowhere close to where I am in my career right now without PAR. There simply isn’t a better program to prepare for the daily grind of politics and government reporting.
These testimonials underscore the value of the PAR program in providing aspiring journalists with the skills, experience, and connections necessary to succeed in the field.
Notable Alumni Across Diverse Fields
Beyond journalism, UIS boasts alumni who have excelled in politics, the arts, and other professions:
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- Dana Perino: As mentioned above, Perino is an American political commentator and author who served as the 26th White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Springfield with a Master of Arts degree.
- Bobby McFerrin: A renowned singer, songwriter, and conductor, McFerrin is known for his innovative vocal techniques, including scat singing, polyphonic overtone singing, and improvisational vocal percussion.
- Mike Cernovich: A right-wing social media personality, political commentator, and conspiracy theorist.
- Cheri Bustos: Served as a U.S. Representative from Illinois's 17th congressional district from 2013 to 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, she was the first woman elected to Congress from her district.
- Ward Churchill: An American activist and author, Churchill was a professor of ethnic studies at the University of Colorado Boulder.
- Jim Langfelder: The former mayor of Springfield, Illinois, Langfelder also served as the city treasurer for three terms.
- William Enyart: A former U.S. Representative for Illinois's 12th congressional district, Enyart is also a former attorney and Adjutant General of Illinois.
- Jermaine Love: A professional basketball player for ONVO Büyükçekmece of the Basketbol Süper Ligi (BSL).
- Brian K. Hopkins: A Democratic Alderman of Chicago, representing the 2nd ward.
- Timothy Davlin: Served as the mayor of Springfield, Illinois, from April 2003 until his death in December 2010.
- Elgie Sims: The Illinois state Senator for the 17th district.
- Gordon S. Heddell: A former Inspector General (IG) of the United States Department of Defense.
- Al Lewis: An American journalist who has served as a columnist for The Wall Street Journal Sunday, MarketWatch, and The Denver Post.
Other notable alumni include:
- Vince Demuzio: Illinois state senator, 1975-2004
- Karen A. Hasara: Former mayor of Springfield, Illinois, Illinois state senator,
- Richard Oruche: Shooting guard on the Nigerian national basketball team
- Milton J. Nieuwsma
University of Illinois Springfield: A Brief History
The University of Illinois Springfield has evolved significantly since its inception. Established in 1969 as Sangamon State University, it initially focused on post-graduate education. In 1995, it became part of the University of Illinois system. Over time, UIS expanded its academic offerings, including the introduction of a liberal arts college and the admission of freshmen in 2001.
The campus itself has also undergone changes. Located on 740 acres of prairie land, it features three distinct areas: Legacy Campus, SSU Permanent Construction, and the University of Illinois era. The campus includes academic buildings, student housing, and the Public Affairs Center, which houses Sangamon Auditorium, a 2,018-seat concert hall and performing arts center.
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