Celebrating the Presidential Inauguration and MLK Day

My husband and I are representing UIS and the University of Illinois at several events occurring in Washington this weekend to celebrate the second inauguration of President Barack Obama. The highlight is the Illinois Ball, sponsored by the Illinois State Society of Washington, D.C. and I am looking forward to talking with members of our Illinois delegation and other dignitaries about our university and the value it brings to our state and to our communities. I'm proud to represent UIS at these important events; but I am more proud to know that we have over 50 students who will be volunteering on Monday for the MLK Day of Service here in Springfield! UIS student volunteers for many student organizations will be going door-to-door distributing fire safety and disaster preparedness information to thousands of homes on Springfield's east side. The goal is to increase safety awareness in these at-risk neighborhoods. Thanks to all those UIS students and to Mark Dochterman, Director of the UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center for giving of your time and talent to our community and for representing our university in such a positive way.