Soon after its recent release, "Life Expectancy: It's Never Too Late to Change Your Game," the first book by William Keiper '72, was a No. 1 Amazon Hot New Release; after three days, it made the Amazon Top 20 Best Sellers list in multiple categories.

"Life Expectancy" advocates a "new form of self-reliance" for Americans facing the changing economic challenges. Keiper argues that people must become proactive in changing their lives by focusing on their individual strengths -- and that it's never too late to do that.

Keiper, who has served as chairman of the board, chief executive officer and president for many public and private companies, followed his own advice by starting his own consulting firm. He will be an EIU commencement speaker on May 5.

• Doctoral student receives U.S. State Department scholarship for language training in Indonesia

• Kaufman marks 20th anniversary of co-founding U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association

• Plevka leaving Peoria Journal Star to manage Illinois State University student newspaper

• Gilliland leads development of new Northwestern Mutual office building in Edwardsville

• Lockhart named executive director of Coles County Regional Planning and Development Commission

• Kincade joins Little Theatre on the Square staff as director of youth programming

• Former EIU runners in important positions with Asics, Puma

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Panther Service Day, the campus community will participate in two days of community service. Activities will kick off Friday with a 2.5K walk/run to benefit Charleston Teen REACH. Saturday will feature various service projects throughout Coles County.

Want to get involved? You can register for the 2.5K walk/run or a community service project by visiting the Panther Service Day website.

• The last day to purchase tickets to the May 12 EIU Alumni Night on Broadway featuring "Jersey Boys" at the Bank of America Theater in Chicago is Friday, April 13. Get yours today!

• Join us in St. Louis on May 13 for our annual Cardinals Outing. $70 per person -- includes a seat in the Party Suites, all food and beverages, and the opportunity to receive a collectible David Freese bobblehead.

• The Chicago-EIU Golf Classic, hosted by Panther Athletics, will be played in Naperville on May 29. For more information or to register, click here.

• Did you know that alumni are posting job opportunities online through LinkedIn? Join the EIU Alumni Association-Official Group to view and post job openings.

• Members of the Alumni Association, watch your inboxes next week. As a special "thank you" for your support, we will be sending out an opportunity to win two complimentary tickets to any Monday-Thursday St. Louis Cardinals home game, excluding games against the Chicago Cubs. Details coming soon!