June 2011

Alumni spotlight: Jason Yarcho '05

In a fairy tale come true, Jason Yarcho '05 is garnering rave reviews while traveling the nation as conductor for the hit musical "Wicked."

“I’m pretty sure that as far as (conductors of) big Broadway national tours go, I’m the youngest out there,” he told the Morton Times-News. “I had never been past Iowa before I got this gig, and now I’m seeing a lot of great places and meeting a lot of cool people.”

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More alumni news ...

• Schilling's Portrait of a Soldier Memorial displayed at presidential library
• Eichel's love of language leads him to teach in Turkey, South Korea
• Bradshaw new VP of enrollment management at Logan College of Chiropractic
• Shulman named managing director of nation's largest independent broker-dealer
• McCollum’s nationally recognized teacher career coming full circle in retirement
• Messmore named acting director of Illinois Department of Insurance
• Habitat volunteer gets a Habitat home

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Start planning for Homecoming

Homecoming 2011 is scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 21-23. To help you start making plans now, here are a few of the special reunions currently being planned:

• 50th Class Reunion – Class of 1961 (Oct. 22)
• EIU Cheer Team Alumni Reunion (Oct. 21-22)
• Third Annual Fill the Field – Panther Marching Band Alumni & Pink Panther Alumni Halftime Show Performance (Oct. 22)

A full schedule of general alumni events will also be available soon. For a complete listing of overnight lodging accommodations, please click here.

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Make a difference in the lives of future Panthers

Are you considering making a gift to EIU? Now would be the perfect time to support the campus as we prepare for the next class of Panthers to join us. You may direct your support to any area of campus – an academic department, scholarship, Panther athletics or the arts.

To make a gift, please visit our secure online giving site. We thank you in advance for making a difference in the lives and futures of EIU students!

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A look back at our history

EIU was founded as a teachers college in 1895, and although we've grown a lot since then, we're still known for excelling in preparing future educators. This segment from WEIU's "Heartland Highways" shows how Eastern got its start as part of Illinois' "normal school" tradition.

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News briefs from the EIU Alumni Association

• Do you know an EIU graduate doing extraordinary things? Nominate him or her for an EIU Alumni Award! To read the criteria for the four awards, please visit our awards page. The nomination deadline has been extended to June 24.
• We’re hitting the road again! Join President William Perry, Vice President for University Advancement Robert Martin, and various other EIU administrators at our New York Alumni Reception (July 12).
• Tickets are now available for the EIU Lawn Party at the Illinois State Fair (Aug. 12). Enjoy bottomless BBQ, a beer/wine bar and music courtesy of WEIU Radio. General fair admission is also included!
• Be watching for details on the EIU vs. Northwestern Football Outing in Evanston, IL which will be held Sept. 10 at Ryan Field. The tailgate – sponsored by the EIU Alumni Association and Panther Club – will feature an all-you-can-eat buffet, Eastern freebies and more!

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