Several EIU alumni have connections to 2012 Olympic athletes. Here's a partial list.

• While at the University of Oregon, Dan Steele '92 coached two current Olympians — U.S. decathlete (and world-record holder) Ashton Eaton and Canadian heptathlete Brianne Theisen. Steele, an EIU Hall of Fame track athlete, won a bronze medal in the bobsled in the 2002 Olympics.

• Former Panther basketball player Chris Herrera '03 is the strength and conditioning coach and physical therapist for the U.S. Olympic Sailing Team.

• Champaign native Tyler McGill — a brother of EIU's head swim coach, Elliott McGill '09 — helped the U.S. men's swim team qualify for the 4x100 medley relay finals (Michael Phelps took his spot in the finals, where the team — including McGill for his role in the relay's success — earned gold). Tyler McGill also advanced to the men's 100-meter butterfly finals, where he placed seventh.

• World-champion decathlete Trey Hardee has several fans with EIU ties, including two of his stepmom's relatives — her mother, retired education faculty member Noelle Greathouse '70; and sister Darlene Greathouse Riedemann, who teaches in the Lumpkin College of Business.

• Flesor's Candy Kitchen featured in Chicago Tribune; story by Pulitzer-winning alumnus (chicagotribune.com account required)

• Kercheval among the best open water swimmers in the country

• Entrepreneur Lutz taking the fashion world by the heels

• Barbre keeps fairgrounds racetrack lightning fast in Carmi

• Hill elected president of Illinois Principals Association

Career Services is introducing a new job shadowing program this fall for EIU undergraduate students.

The Professional Externship Certificate Program is similar to most college job shadowing programs, but students will be required to complete additional professional development components in order to complete the program and receive a certificate of completion. The externships are designed as one-day job shadowing experiences but they can be longer or shorter in length if you choose. The externship is not for academic credit, students are not compensated for their participation and all travel arrangements will be the students’ responsibility.

Given that this is designed as a one-day program, we are primarily seeking alumni in Illinois and the St. Louis and Indianapolis metro areas.  If you are interested in offering a job shadowing opportunity, please complete the Employee Sponsor Form on our website or contact Katie Vigil in the Career Services office.

The EIU campus is ready to awaken from its summer slumber! As we approach the official Aug. 16 move-in day, reminisce about your arrival to campus with this great video montage of last year's move-in activities.

• On Saturday, Aug. 11, Joe's on Weed St. in Chicago will be transforming into the best of Charleston, Ill. For more information on the Chuck Town Bash or to order tickets, visit the Joe's Bar on Weed St. homepage. 

• Tickets are now on sale for the Sept. 15 EIU vs. ISU Tailgate and Football Outing in Normal, Ill. Co-hosted by the EIU Alumni Association and Panther Club.

• Homecoming 2012 will be here before you know it! To stay up-to-date on the latest events and activities, click here.

• The Black Student Reunion planning committee is hard at work finalizing an exciting schedule of events for this year's on-campus reunion. Be sure to mark your calendars and join us Nov. 9-11.

• EIU alumni now have the opportunity to purchase and download their favorite music using the Tune A Fish Digital Music Store. Supported by the EIU Alumni Association and developed in tandem with the Warner Brothers Music Group, the store offers more than 600,000 titles at the per-track cost of $1.26 (less than iTunes)!