Osprey bird population grows in Illinois with help from UIS professor
University of Illinois Springfield Associate Professor Tih-Fen Ting, director of the School of Integrated Sciences, Sustainability and Public Health, has played a key role in helping increase the osprey bird population in Illinois. Since Ting and others began their work in 2013, the state’s osprey bird population has grown from 16 known breeding pairs to 90 pairs in 2023.Ospreys, large fish-eating birds known for their distinctive nests and hunting skills, were once uncommon in Illinois. Before 2010,
UIS-supported documentary wins Best Documentary Film at Route 66 Film Festival
“Soil and Soul: Farming in the Sangamon River Valley,” a documentary supported by the University of Illinois Springfield’s Sangamon Experience, has won Best Documentary Film at the 2025 Route 66 Film Festival. The film screened during the festival held Nov. 7-8 at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in Springfield.Produced by Long Nine Production’s Rich Saal and Noah Sabich, “Soil and Soul” tells the stories of 10 individuals who have spent their lives farming throughout the Sangamon River Valley, an area
LLCC’s Trutter Museum & Murray Gallery featuring “Exposure” Nov. 10-Dec. 11
The Trutter Museum & Murray Gallery at Lincoln Land Community College is hosting the exhibit “Exposure” featuring artwork by Springfield native John Muchow Nov. 10-Dec. 11. The public is invited to view the exhibit weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum and gallery are located on the upper level of Menard Hall on the LLCC Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Road. Muchow’s professional lens focuses on steel and glass. As a freelance architectural photographer, he transforms an architect’s vision into
UIS study finds diabetes drug’s vascular effects may help protect the heart
A new study from the University of Illinois Springfield suggests that a common diabetes medication may do more than control blood sugar. Researchers found that the drug, sitagliptin, may help protect blood vessels and support overall heart health.Sitagliptin is currently prescribed after a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis to help manage blood sugar levels. The UIS study highlights that its effects on blood vessels could one day lead to new strategies to prevent or reduce complications from heart disease.The study
UIS Visual Arts Gallery celebrates 50 years with annual silent auction and benefit
The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) Visual Arts Gallery is proud to celebrate its 50th anniversary with its annual silent auction and benefit. This annual fundraising event features a diverse collection of original art, reproductions, decorative objects and crafts donated by artists and community supporters. This year’s auction will be held both online and in person, making it easy for collectors and supporters across the region to take part.The auction opens online Nov. 10, with bidding available
UIS student Abigail Hemmer of Springfield honored with Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Award
University of Illinois Springfield senior Abigail Hemmer of Springfield has been named the UIS recipient of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois’ prestigious 2025 Student Laureate Award. Each year, one student from each four-year university in Illinois is selected for the honor.Hemmer, a medical laboratory science major and commuter student, plans to pursue a master’s degree and become a certified pathologists’ assistant after graduation.“I am immensely grateful to God and the Lincoln Academy of Illinois for the
UIS expands Prairie Promise to include transfer students beginning fall 2026
Transfer students who choose the University of Illinois Springfield will soon have a new way to earn their degree without the financial burden of tuition and fees. Beginning in fall 2026, UIS will expand its Prairie Promise financial aid program to include eligible transfer students.The initiative builds on UIS’ existing Prairie Promise, launched in October 2023, which guarantees full coverage of tuition and fees for qualified first-time, first-year undergraduate students.“Expanding the Prairie Promise to
Explore timely topics at UIS’ Fall Lunch & Learn Series
The University of Illinois Springfield will host four Lunch & Learn Series events this fall, presented by the UIS Alumni SAGE Society and the Illinois State Historical Society.Sept. 15 – “Artificial Intelligence in Everyday Life”1:30 to 2:30 p.m., UIS Field Station at Lake Springfield, 9 Club Area, Springfield UIS faculty members Hei-Chi Chan and Neetu Singh, co-founders of the UIS AI Campus Learning Community, will lead a hands-on session exploring real-world applications of artificial intelligence.
