University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Janet Gooch and vice chancellor for student affairs Jamarco Clark put their heads together to create the UIS Chancellor’s Thinkers Series. Clark said this initiative “grew out of conversations between the chancellor and me about creating opportunities for people to engage constructively, even when perspectives differ. Too often, society struggles […]
JANET SEITZ
Janet Seitz is a local communications professional, writer and artist who has written for a variety of Springfield-area publications.
Posted inPhilanthropy
Ringing in the holidays
The long-standing Salvation Army tradition of red kettles and bell ringing kicks off from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 15 at White Oaks Mall. Jeff Eddy, corps officer and envoy of The Salvation Army Clear Lake Corps and Community Center, said the public event will have Capitol Big Band and other musical groups, crafts, face painting […]
Posted inPhilanthropy
Making an impact today and empowering the next generation
Since 1991 the local nonprofit Asian Indian Women’s Organization has been assisting with raising funds for other nonprofit organizations. Current AIWO president Dr. Richa Pandey said she has been involved with the organization since 2016 and became a member in 2018. She served as secretary from 2021 to 2023 and then stepped into the role […]
Posted inArticles
Finding fulfillment through service
David Hilst’s family struggled when he was a child. His father had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, and died when Hilst was only 8 years old. In spite of medical bills making finances tight and having a brother with Down syndrome, Hilst said, “My mom raised three boys with grit and grace. So things were […]
Posted inColumns
Hoogland makes updates and improvements
The nonprofit Hoogland Center for the Arts hosts multiple arts and civic organizations in its 80,000-square-foot building. The century-plus-old structure was originally built as a Scottish Rite Temple in 1909, expanded in 1960, and underwent major renovations in 2003 to open its doors to its residents as a community arts center. Tens of thousands of […]
Posted inColumns
Free laundry services and much more
For most people, access to clean clothes is easy. For others, it’s not. A family may have housing without a washer and dryer, and limited income may place a burden on spending, usually prioritizing food, rent and utilities. But other circumstances factor in. “It’s a real public issue,” said Robert Frazier, executive director for Clean […]
Posted inColumns
Tragedy leads to benevolence
Following the tragic accident April 28 at the Chatham YNOT after-school program that resulted in the death of three children and a teen, the community held vigils and sought ways to help all involved. Those killed were Ainsley Johnson, age 8; Kathryn Corley, 7; Alma Buhnerkempe, 7; all of Chatham, and Rylee Britton, 18, of […]
Posted inColumns
Good as Gold
University of Illinois Springfield’s annual Good as Gold Ceremony spotlights local volunteers and nonprofit organizations. The event is a collaboration among the UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center, the Junior League of Springfield and United Way of Central Illinois. Distinctions were awarded to various businesses, students and staff. Nonprofit organizations and community members nominate outstanding […]
Posted inColumns
PNC invests in children
PNC staff believe it’s never too early to invest in a child’s future. In 2004, PNC employees launched Grow Up Great, a $500 million initiative that prepares children from birth through age 5 in underserved communities for success in school and life. It has supported more than 10 million children across 22 states and Washington, […]
Posted inColumns
Helping others reach the American dream of home ownership
Larry Robinson is constructing a better life for others one house at a time. He founded Springfield’s J&L Properties in 2010 and recently formed J&L Foundation to focus on revitalizing poverty-stricken neighborhoods, particularly on Springfield’s east side where he grew up. “Most of my properties are in lower-income neighborhoods,” said the 41-year-old Robinson, “and about […]
Posted inColumns
Motivated by faith and family
Quigg Engineering Inc. has served clients since 2006 and “provides a progressive and thoughtful approach to planning, engineering and surveying, always remaining aligned with clients’ needs, to provide professional, quality and timely engineering and consulting services,” according to the company’s website. Engineers innovate and solve problems, but beyond highway and bridge design, land surveying, environmental […]
Posted inColumns
Supporting redevelopment in downtown Springfield
The June 19 fire that destroyed a building and impacted multiple businesses in the 400 block of East Adams Street left a hole in the downtown landscape, further challenging the area with finding ways to engage the community and grow. But with loss comes potential for renewal. A recently released master plan for rebuilding and […]