Women's issues

I covered the women's issues beat for The Daily Illini at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign during the process of establishing a campus women's center. Also included are other stories focusing on women and their achievements and concerns.

UI Women's Resources Center coverage
(In chronological order, oldest story first)

- Activists planning campus women's center

published Feb. 13, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/02/13/activists-planning-campus-women-s-center


- Allies push for women's center

published March 10, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/03/10/allies-push-for-women-s-center


- Group sets up 'Center' in front of Swanlund

published April 24, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/04/24/group-sets-up-center-in-front-of-swanlund


- Women's resources moves to new location, gains status as 'Center'

published Feb. 27, 2009 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2009/02/27/womens-resources-move-to-new-location-gain-status-as-center


- Women's Resources Center celebrates one year

posted Feb. 25, 2010 on www.dailyillini.com

http://www.dailyillini.com/multimedia/video/2010/02/25/womens-resource-center-celebrates-1-year


Gender and salary analyses

UI affected by gender inequalities

published April 20, 2009 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/campus/2009/04/20/ui-affected-by-gender-inequalities


- Salary study analyzes effects of race, gender

part one of a two-part series, published April 19, 2010 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/champaign-urbana/2010/04/18/salary-study-analyzes-effects-of-race-gender


- Statistical gender, salary analysis breaks down averages

part two of a two-part series, published April 20, 2010 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/campus/2010/04/19/statistical-gender-salary-analysis-breaks-down-averages

Other women's issues coverage

- Book explores how Plan of Chicago could have used woman's touch

published Aug. 11, 2009 in the Chicago Daily Herald

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=312205


- Palatine mom's parenting website makes top 200 list

published June 22, 2009 in the Chicago Daily Herald

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=301427


- Planned Parenthood celebrates 70 years

published April 8, 2010 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/champaign-urbana/2010/04/08/planned-parenthood-celebrates-70-years

- Politicians, supporters commemorate Planned Parenthood's 70 years

published April 9, 2010 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/champaign-urbana/2010/04/10/politicians-supporters-commemorate-planned-parenthoods-70-years


- Project PEER prepares freshmen for healthy year

published Sept. 5, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/09/05/project-peer-prepares-freshmen-for-healthy-year


- Gender not an issue for students living with opposite sex

published Sept. 30, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/special/2008/09/30/gender-not-an-issue-for-some-students-living-with-members-of-the-opposite-sex


- Student-parents believe University environment benefits children

published Nov. 13, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/11/13/student-parents-believe-university-environment-benefits-children


- LGBT resources renames itself as 'Center'

published Feb. 18, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/02/18/lgbt-resources-names-itself-as-center


- Play seeks to inform audiences of female sexuality

published Feb. 26, 2009 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/02/26/play-seeks-to-inform-audience-of-female-sexuality


- Forum exposes opinions about gender, politics

published Feb. 29, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/02/29/forum-exposes-opinions-about-gender-and-politics


- UI alumna named accounting firm's first female CEO

published April 9, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/04/09/ui-alumna-named-as-accounting-firm-s-first-female-ceo


- Wellness week educates, unites women

published Nov. 5, 2007 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2007/11/05/wellness-week-educates-unites-women

Housing

Coverage of issues surrounding people's living arrangements, in Pittsburgh, Pa., Naperville, Ill. and Champaign-Urbana, Ill.

- Allegheny County inspectors assess Baldwin housing units

published June 28, 2010 in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_687938.html


- Traffic patterns, living conditions concern Baldwin Borough residents

published July 2, 2010 in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_688653.html


- Allegheny County seeks grant to renovate houses for disabled

published July 1, 2010 in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_688357.html


- Students' reactions vary to living with construction

published Sept. 23, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/09/23/students-reactions-vary-to-living-with-construction


- Cities allow partial occupancy after inspections

published Sept. 29, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/09/29/cities-allow-partial-occupancy-after-inspections


- Gender not an issue for students living with opposite sex

published Sept. 30, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/special/2008/09/30/gender-not-an-issue-for-some-students-living-with-members-of-the-opposite-sex


- Simple business practices determine rent

published Oct. 10, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/10/10/simple-business-practices-determine-rent


- Champaign housing market remains stable

published Sept. 22, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/09/22/champaign-housing-market-remains-stable


- Study abroad housing varies by location, program

published Nov. 7, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/11/07/study-abroad-housing-varies-by-location-program


- Student-parents believe living on campus benefits children

published Nov. 13, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/11/13/student-parents-believe-university-environment-benefits-children


- Students deal with hassle of unfinished C-U apartments

published Dec. 12, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/special/2008/12/12/students-deal-with-hassle-of-unfinished-c-u-apartments


- Alpha Xi Delta leases fraternity house

published Sept. 18, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/09/18/alpha-xi-delta-leases-fraternity-house


- Renters suffer from overlooked lease details

published Sept. 2, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/09/02/lease-details-tenants-miss-are-not-necessarily-hidden


- Lock your doors to lock down on burglaries

published Oct. 9, 2007 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/special/2007/10/09/lock-your-doors-to-lock-down-on-burglaries


- Tower enhancement creates controversy: Man claims dirt path intrudes on his land

published July 25, 2008 in the Naperville Sun

William Miller lives on 75th Street in unincorporated Naperville, sandwiched between an American Tower Corp cell phone tower on the west and three Crown Castle International towers on the east.

On the night of July 16, he noticed some action at the American Tower Copr sight. A dirt path approximately 6 feet wide and 100 feet long had been built on an area he claims to be the southwest corner of his property.

"What I discovered when I went down there is they jumped the road onto my property," Miller said. "That used to be underbrush and trees back there. Now it's an open road from 75th Street to the Park District land."

The dirt path connects a gravel driveway leading from 75th Street to the tower, to teh grassy fields of Meadow Glens Park.

American Tower Corp. applied for a permit to build the tower in 2003, according to DuPage County records. The 902-foot tower is used by AT&T.

Construction at the site began last week, said Megan Roskopf, AT&T's Illinois spokeswoman. Crews from the Joliet firm Camco Construction worked at the site for three days to begin installing fiber-optic cables meant to enhance the tower's service providing ability.

A Camco official said the crews did not build a dirt path and only used existing roads to access the tower.

Roskopf also said she was not aware of any trees or bushes that were cleared, though the cables are being installed underground.

"Right now, there's no way of telling who put the road through there," Miller said. "I can't say who's guilty, and I doubt if anyone will fess up. People aren't that honest to admit their mistakes."

Sitll, Miller said he has no doubt a bulldozer came onto his property and knocked down plants to build the path.

"One small tree was sawed off," Miller said. "I found the stump there."

He also said the path has been driven on by construction trucks since it was built. But AT&T workers at the site Thursday accessed the tower from the park to the south, and left their three trucks parked there on the grass.

Miller believes the parh is on his land because a property survey he commissioned in 2004 shows no easement or extra space between the western edge of his property and the eastern edge of the tower's property.

To determine where the property lines lie and what the boundaries mean for the legality of the path, Miller hired a lawyer.

"We have to investigate to see first whether the path is on his property, and if so, why it's there," said Miller's lawyer, Joe Fortunato of the Westmont firm Fortunato, Knobbe, Davenport and Arnold. Fortunato said he will bring the surveyors back to Miller's property to find the iron pipes they placed underground in 2004 to mark the boundaries of his land.

If the path truly lies on Miller's property, Fortunato siad he would notify the owners of the adjacent land that they are not authorized to use it.

Miller, 84, lives with his wife Petronella, also 84. He said he not only worries about the unauthorized use of his property, but also about the safety issues associated with a new shortcut existing between a park and a large road.

"Kids are going to run through it," Miller said. "I was a kid once too and I know if there's a shortcut, they're going to take it."

Construction at the tower is scheduled to be complete in two weeks, according to Roskopf.

Once construction is finished and all the underground cables have been installed, she said crews will restore the area.

Copyright 2008 Naperville Sun

Religion

Stories I've written about religious people, groups, beliefs and issues.

- Carnegie man always made Christmas magical

published June 29, 2010 in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/obituaries/news/s_688035.html


- Former UPMC official joins ranks who find ministry appealing

published June 14, 2010 in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_685875.html


- Voters react to call for faith-based voting decisions

published Nov. 27, 2007 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2007/11/27/local-voters-react-to-church-call-for-faith-based-decisions-at-polls


- Morals, traditions lead to students' vegetarianism

published Dec. 3, 2007 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2007/12/03/morals-tradition-lead-to-students-vegetarianism


- Pastor protests war with trail mix

published Dec. 10, 2007 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2007/12/10/pastor-protests-war-with-trail-mix


- Hillel opens new home on Fifth and John

published Jan. 22, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/01/22/hillel-opens-new-home-on-fifth-and-john


- Zen center hosts retreat

published Jan. 28, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/01/28/zen-center-hosts-five-day-retreat


- Roman Catholic foundation sues UW-Madison

published Feb. 6, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/02/06/roman-catholic-foundation-sues-uw-madison


- Churches make alternative Unofficial plans

published Feb. 28, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/02/28/alternative-unofficial-plans-made-by-churches


- Intra-religious dialogue discusses faiths

published March 11, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/03/11/inter-religious-dialogue-speakers-discuss-faiths


- UI students to experience Jewish culture in Berlin

published March 13, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/03/13/u-of-i-students-to-experience-jewish-culture-in-berlin


- Jewish leadership weekend starts tradition

published April 7, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/04/07/jewish-leadership-weekend-starts-tradition


- Campus Crusade for Christ shares beliefs

published April 11, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/04/11/campus-crusade-for-christ-shares-beliefs


- Students celebrate Passover at home, on campus

published April 22, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/04/22/students-celebrate-passover-at-home-and-on-campus


- Hillel celebrates adult Bat Mitzvahs

published April 29, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/04/29/hillel-celebrates-adult-bat-mitzvahs


- Free Bible Day: Student reactions vary to New Testament handout

published Sept. 4, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/09/04/student-reactions-to-free-new-testament-booklets-vary


- Groups rally around Gaza conflict

published Jan. 28, 2009 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2009/01/28/groups-rally-around-gaza-conflict

Politics

My contributions so far to the newspaper's role as the Fourth Estate:

2008 Presidential election coverage

- Is this the biggest election of our lifetime?

published Oct. 29, 2008 in The Daily Illini

I compiled the important historic elections timeline and did the interview for the race and politics section of the Q and A

http://www.dailyillini.com/special/elections/2008/10/29/is-this-the-biggest-election-of-our-lifetime


- Election judges play critical role

published Nov. 4, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/11/04/election-judges-play-critical-role


- Students take issue with UI polling places

published Nov. 4, 2008 on www.dailyillini.com

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/11/04/students-take-issue-with-ui-polling-places


- County Clerk plans changes to election judge training

published Nov. 7, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/11/07/county-clerk-plans-changes-to-election-judge-training



Coverage of governmental bodies

- Urbana plans for Green housing

published Feb. 5, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/02/05/urbana-plans-for-green-housing


- Urbana-Champaign senate may address ethics controversies

published Oct. 6, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/10/06/urbana-champaign-senate-s-question-and-answer-session-may-address-controversies


- Senate discusses funding for capitalism academy

published Oct. 6, 2008 on www.dailyillini.com

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/10/06/senate-discusses-funding-for-capitalism-academy


- Senate discusses termination of academy for capitalism

published Oct. 7, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/10/07/senate-discusses-termination-of-academy-for-capitalism


Other political stories

- Questions still remain over ethics revisions

published Oct. 8, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/10/08/questions-still-remain-over-ethics-revisions


- Forum exposes opinions about gender, politics: Democratic presidential race raises complex gender issues

published Feb. 29, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/02/29/forum-exposes-opinions-about-gender-and-politics


- Voters react to call for faith-based voting decisions

published Nov. 27, 2007 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2007/11/27/local-voters-react-to-church-call-for-faith-based-decisions-at-polls


- Ikenberry starts as interim president

published Jan. 4, 2010 on www.dailyillini.com

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/campus/2010/01/04/ikenberry-starts-as-interim-president


- University legislators focus on retaining faculty

published Oct. 16, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/10/16/university-legislators-focus-on-retaining-faculty

Athletics

I would love to cover women's sports some day, but I've chosen to get my start as a news reporter. Here's a list of links to the sports-related coverage I've done so far:

Chief Illiniwek

- Parade bans Chief symbol from floats

published Oct. 23, 2007

http://www.dailyillini.com/special/2007/10/23/parade-bans-chief-symbol-from-floats


- Council selects new Chief

published April 29, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/04/29/council-selects-new-chief


- Students for Chief Illiniwek plans 'The Next Dance'

published Oct. 30, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/10/30/students-for-chief-illiniwek-plans-the-next-dance


Other Illini sports coverage

- Kevin Hambly turns Illinois volleyball into family affair

published Nov. 14, 2009 on the website of the Champaign News-Gazette, www.news-gazette.com

http://illinihq.com/video/view/1473/

- Students assess Illinois spirit

published Nov. 18, 2008 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/11/18/students-assess-illinois-spirit


Other athletics and fitness stories

- Sports camp participants gain experience, risk burnout

published July 6, 2009 in the Chicago Daily Herald

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=304188


- New pool safety law drains park district budgets

published July 6, 2009 in the Chicago Daily Herald

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=304852


- Gurnee man's team of diabetic athletes wins cross-country bike race

published July 6, 2009 in the Chicago Daily Herald

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=304353


- Slow-bouncing balls help beginners learn tennis ... and fast

published June 29, 2009 in the Chicago Daily Herald

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=301825


- 'Healthy competition' encourages commuters to bike

published June 12, 2009 in the Chicago Daily Herald

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=300178


- Wellness week educates, unites women: Events kicked off with 5K Sunday

published Nov. 5, 2007 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2007/11/05/wellness-week-educates-unites-women


- Warrior winners: Waubonsie celebrates girls state soccer title at pep rally

published June, 2008 in the Naperville Sun www.napersun.com

The first 45 minutes of the second-to-last day at Waubonsie Valley High School were dedicated to the annual recognition assembly for athletes.

For the second year in a row, the school celebrated the achievements of its girls soccer team in winning the Class AA state championship.

The 24-member team also boasts an undefeated season, a 58-game winning streak, and the winner of the Gatorade State Girls Soccer Player of the Year Award, junior Bri Rodriguez.

"As an individual award, she deserves it," coach Julie Bergstrom said. "But it also is representative of Waubonsie soccer and where we've come with the players on the team in the last few years."

Through all the team's accomplishments, Bergstrom has taught her players not to think about championships or winning streaks, but to take the season one game at a time.

And her players bought into her philosophy.

"We tried to take it one game at a time because we know that no matter who we're playing, every team is going to come out and try to beat us," Rodriguez said.

Bergstrom, a physical education teacher at the high school, also taught her players to step up in pressure situations and not to depend solely on a few star athletes to carry the team.

And when Rodriguez tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee in a tournament game Friday against Maine South, Bergstrom said the entire team stepped up.

Rodriguez said she gave her captain title to sophomore Vanessa DiBernadino after her injury. DiBernadino joined junior captains Rachel Bostick and Claire Hanold in the leadership position.

The team went on to clinch the state title with a 3-0 win against Belleville's Althoff High School at North Central College.

For seniors Emily Bielaga, Hillary Blake and Jessica Blake, the state championship game was their last in a Warrior uniform.

The location of the state tournament allowed Waubonsie's fans to continue attending games and supporting the team, Bergstrom said.

A slideshow at the pep rally showcased Warrior fans cheering on the team decked out in body paint, flags and all forms of green and gold gear.

"It's amazing, especially at the home games," Rodriguez said of the team's fan support. "It's probably hard to play against, but when you know it's for you, it definitely gets you pumped up."

Parents and family members also celebrated the team's achievement in the crowd of about 3,600 at the assembly.

"At girls events, let alone soccer, a lot of times you don't get much support," said Lisa McClellan, mother of junior Kiki McClellan. "The girls here and the students here love the coach so much and I think she has a lot to do with that. She makes all these T-shirts and really gets people excited about sports."

Copyright 2008 Naperville Sun

Multimedia news and feature reporting

It's the wave of the future, it's choosing the best way to tell a story, it's ... multimedia journalism. Take a look at my style of multimedia work at the links below:

- Big Broadband - website

published Dec. 15, 2009 through the Champaign News-Gazette

*Recognized as the fourth place winner of the 2010 Hearst Journalism Awards' Multimedia Competition*

I did all the reporting, editing, multimedia production and web design for this website, which tells the story of plan to improve broadband Internet access in Urbana-Champaign, Ill.

http://multi.media.illinois.edu/ng/J480fall2009/broadbandinternet/InternetAccess/Home.html


- Kevin Hambly turns Illinois volleyball into a family affair - video

published Nov. 14, 2009 on the website of the Champaign News-Gazette


http://illinihq.com/video/view/1473/


- The Liquid Edge: Fueling water skiing in Central Illinois - video

published Oct. 15, 2009 on the website of the Champaign News-Gazette

http://www.news-gazette.com/video/2009-10-15/water-skiing-farmer-city.html


- Women's Resources Center celebrates one year - video

published Feb. 25, 2010 on the website of The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/multimedia/video/2010/02/25/womens-resource-center-celebrates-1-year


- Three Rivers Arts Festival attendees get creative - video

published June 4, 2010 on the website of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/ae/s_684574.html


- The Chicago suburbs at night: Yeah, there's stuff to do - video

published July 17, 2009 on the website of the Chicago Daily Herald

http://www.dailyherald.com/multimedia/?category=1&type=video&item=249

Lunch bunch reunites Champaign High School class of '54 - video

published Dec. 1, 2009 on the website of the Champaign News-Gazette

http://www.news-gazette.com/video/2009-12-08/champaigns-class-54-lunch-bunch.html


Pilots fly model airplanes in the Armory - video

published Feb. 1, 2010 on the website of The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/multimedia/video/2010/02/01/pilots-fly-model-airplanes-in-the-armory


Allen Hall zombie mob marches again - video

published Nov. 1, 2009 on the website of The Daily Illini

http://www.news-gazette.com/video/2009-11-01/zombie-mob-krannert-center.html


Bugscope program shows new side of science - photo/audio slideshop

published Oct. 5, 2009 on the website of The Daily Illini

http://multi.media.illinois.edu/ng/j480fall2009/Bugscope/Bugscope/Beckman_Bugscope.html


Allerton festival brings music to barn - photo/audio slideshop

published Sept. 6, 2009 on the website of the Champaign News-Gazette

http://multi.media.illinois.edu/ng/J480fall2009/allerton/allerton_music/Allerton_Music_Barn_Festival.html

Columns

Read my opinions - for once! A compilation of humorous, yet thought-provoking columns I've written during six years as a journalist.

When hunting for jobs, worry less, do more

published Feb. 2, 2009 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/special/spring-career-guide-2009/2009/02/02/column-when-hunting-for-jobs-worry-less-do-more


In job search, I'll take 'Whatever I can get'

published Feb. 1, 2010 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/special/spring-career-guide-2010/2010/02/01/in-job-search-i-ll-take-whatever-i-can-get


In the ABCs of college living, U is for Underwear

published Feb. 8, 2010 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/special/housing-guide-2010/2010/02/08/u-is-for-underwear


Driving down 'Goodbye lane'

published April 26, 2010 in The Daily Illini

http://www.dailyillini.com/special/graduation-guide-2010/2010/04/26/driving-down-goodbye-lane

Music writing

Links to a few features I've written about Chicago area bands:

- Determination drives 18-year-old's singing career

published July 30, 2009 in the Chicago Daily Herald

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=308954


- Greensugar takes its bluesy rock to local stages

published Aug. 12, 2009 in the Chicago Daily Herald

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=312448


- Good Luck Jane comes home to suburbs for local debut

published Oct. 1, 2009 in the Chicago Daily Herald

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=324214&src=145


- Free spirits: Patience Gloria likes giving its music away

published March 17, 2010 in the Chicago Daily Herald

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=365531&src=145

A look back: Project improves Campustown streetscape

published May 6, 2010 in The Daily Illini

For my real last piece for The Daily Illini, published in the last normal edition of the spring semester, I teamed up with another senior writer to take a look at a streetscape improvement program that created the current look of Champaign's Green Street.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/campus/2010/05/06/a-look-back-project-improves-campustown-streetscape

Graduation column: Driving down 'Goodbye lane'

published April 26, 2010 in The Daily Illini

The last in my string columns written during the second semester of senior year of college, this piece is an ode to I-57, the flat, four-lane highway that connects Champaign-Urbana to Chicagoland, and a graduation goodbye to the drive to and from college.

http://www.dailyillini.com/special/graduation-guide-2010/2010/04/26/driving-down-goodbye-lane

Race, gender and faculty salaries series

published April 19 and 20, 2010 in The Daily Illini

I wrote a two-part series announcing that the University was just beginning a study of whether race and gender are unfairly influencing salaries. I did all the reporting and planning of extra elements including photos, graphics, break out boxes, pull quotes and editor's notes for this series.

The first part describes the issue of race as it relates to salaries:

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/champaign-urbana/2010/04/18/salary-study-analyzes-effects-of-race-gender

The second part discusses problems relating to gendered disparities in salaries:

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/campus/2010/04/19/statistical-gender-salary-analysis-breaks-down-averages

Police take man into custody for possession of heroin

published April 15, 2010 on www.dailyillini.com and April 16, 2010 in The Daily Illini

I was lucky enough to live right next to this apartment building and be on my way home from the newsroom when we got a call about a drug bust. A police brief resulted.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/campus/2010/04/15/police-take-man-into-custody-for-possession-of-heroin

Planned Parenthood celebrates 70 years

published April 8, 2010 in The Daily Illini

A look back at the history of Planned Parenthood in east central Illinois.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/champaign-urbana/2010/04/08/planned-parenthood-celebrates-70-years

And an online-only brief with coverage of the 70th anniversary event.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/champaign-urbana/2010/04/10/politicians-supporters-commemorate-planned-parenthoods-70-years

Women's Resources Center celebrates 1 year

published Feb. 25, 2010 on www.dailyillini.com

A video of the event held to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the University of Illinois' Women's Resources Center. I covered the efforts to establish a center beginning in fall 2007, which were successful by early 2009.

http://www.dailyillini.com/multimedia/video/2010/02/25/womens-resource-center-celebrates-1-year

U is for Underwear

published Feb. 8, 2010 in The Daily Illini

Assigned the letter "U" for The Daily Illini's ABCs of college living edition of the spring housing guide, I sat down to write about the city of Urbana. At the last second, I switched gears and wrote about underwear, instead, producing a lighthearted and laughable column that actually shares a lesson about avoiding awkwardness.

http://www.dailyillini.com/special/housing-guide-2010/2010/02/08/u-is-for-underwear

In job search, I'll take 'Whatever I can get'

published Feb. 1, 2010 in The Daily Illini

A column I wrote for the spring career guide likens the search for job after graduation to the status markers used on Facebook for the search for the perfect relationship. This column was well received for its humor and creative connections.

http://www.dailyillini.com/special/spring-career-guide-2010/2010/02/01/in-job-search-i-ll-take-whatever-i-can-get

Model airplane flying fest

published Feb. 1, 2010 on www.dailyillini.com

Every year, model airplane pilots descend on the Armory to fly their hobby crafts inside the large open space. Watch a video of "E-Fest."

http://www.dailyillini.com/multimedia/video/2010/02/01/pilots-fly-model-airplanes-in-the-armory

Graduate student union ratifies contract: Vote officially ends strike

published Nov. 23, 2009 on www.dailyillini.com

After the Graduate Employees Organization two-day strike, the organization ratified a new contract with University administration.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/campus/2009/11/23/graduate-student-union-ratifies-contract

Hearst Journalism Award-winning multimedia website: Big Broadband in Urbana-Champaign

published Dec. 15, 2009 on the website of the Champaign News-Gazette, www.news-gazette.com

In two months, I built an entire website and by doing all the original reporting, editing and production of videos, photos and text elements to tell the story of a plan to improve broadband Internet access in Urbana-Champaign, Ill.

On May 17, 2010, I was awarded fourth place in the Hearst Journalism Awards Multimedia Competition for my work on this site. The honor came in the 50th year of the prestigious college journalism award and earned $750 for both myself and the Department of Journalism at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

http://multi.media.illinois.edu/ng/J480fall2009/broadbandinternet/InternetAccess/Home.html

Lunch bunch connects '54 Champaign HS graduates

published Dec. 1, 2009 on the website of the Champaign News-Gazette, www.news-gazette.com

Many female members of the Champaign High School class of 1954 still live in central Illinois and get together for monthly lunches.

http://www.news-gazette.com/video/2009-12-08/champaigns-class-54-lunch-bunch.html

UI graduate students strike

published Nov. 16 and 17, 2009 on the breaking news website of the Chicago Tribune, www.chicagobreakingnews.com and in the Chicago Tribune

Unhappy with the contract offered by the administration of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the school's Graduate Employees Organization struck to protect tuition waivers. I reported for five hours rainy hours as a freelancer for the Tribune and produced this breaking news update:

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/11/grad-students-picket-classroom-buildings-at-u-of-i.html

The second-day print story gives context to the amount of classes canceled or otherwise disrupted by the strike.

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2009-11-17/news/0911160398_1_graduate-student-instructors-graduate-employees-organization

UI volleyball a family affair

published Nov. 14, 2009 on the sports website of the Champaign News-Gazette, www.illinihq.com

Illinois women's volleyball coach Kevin Hambly connects his team with his family, making the sport his entire life.

http://illinihq.com/video/view/1473/

Allen Hall Zombie Mob walks again

published Nov. 1, 2009 on the website of the Champaign News-Gazette, www.news-gazette.com

A Halloween tradition at the University of Illinois, a group of Allen Hall residents dress as zombies and dance around campus to Michael Jackson's "Thriller."

http://www.news-gazette.com/video/2009-11-01/zombie-mob-krannert-center.html

The Liquid Edge: Fueling water skiing in central Illinois

published Oct. 15, 2009 on the website of the Champaign News-Gazette, www.news-gazette.com

A unique water skiing facility on a private lake in the middle of central Illinois advances the sport for an otherwise landlocked population of people.

http://www.news-gazette.com/video/2009-10-15/water-skiing-farmer-city.html

Bugscope program shows new side of science

published Oct. 5, 2010 on the website of the Champaign News-Gazette, www.news-gazette.com

The Beckman Institute of science and technology runs a program to let middle school students remotely use one of its microscopes, dubbed the Bugscope, to view insects up close.

http://multi.media.illinois.edu/ng/j480fall2009/Bugscope/Bugscope/Beckman_Bugscope.html

Allerton Music Barn festival

published Sept. 6, 2009 on the website of the Champaign News-Gazette, www.news-gazette.com

A Soundslides photo and audio slideshow tells the story of a music festival held in a renovated barn in a large park.

http://multi.media.illinois.edu/ng/J480fall2009/allerton/allerton_music/Allerton_Music_Barn_Festival.html

C-U helps in military defense research

published Sept. 11, 2009 in The Daily Illini

Eight years after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the Champaign-Urbana area participates in national defense by researching and developing new tools for use by the armed forces.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2009/09/10/c-u-helps-in-military-defense-research

Admissions scandal aftermath: Quinn to name trustees on Friday

published Sept. 2, 2009 in The Daily Illini

After the "clout list" admissions scandal of summer 2009, Ill. Gov. Pat Quinn appointed new members to the University of Illinois' Board of Trustees.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/campus/2009/09/02/quinn-to-name-trustees-on-friday

Move-In edition 2009

published Aug. 10, 2009 in The Daily Illini

This story explores the validity of a report about the monetary value of a degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

http://www.dailyillini.com/special/move-in-guide-2009/2009/08/10/report-ui-diploma-can-be-lucrative

And this article introduces new students to the diversity of food options available around campus.

http://www.dailyillini.com/special/move-in-guide-2009/2009/08/10/from-restaurants-to-residence-halls-diverse-options-await-hung

Suburban teens find unique summer employment

published July 20, 2009 in the Chicago Daily Herald

Instead of lifeguarding, or working in retail or fast food, these Chicagoland teens found more interesting summer jobs.

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=307480

The suburbs at night: Yeah, there's stuff to do

published July 17, 2009 in the Chicago Daily Herald

A story and video for bored young suburbanites about late-night entertainment options.

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=306922

Direct link to the video, my first for a professional newspaper:

http://www.dailyherald.com/multimedia/?category=1&type=video&item=249

Local beaches offer more than just swimming

published July 8, 2009 in the Chicago Daily Herald

A look at suburban Chicago beaches, but not the typical Lake Michigan ones.

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=304679

Hoffman man claims self defense in fatal stabbing with medieval dagger

published July 7, 2009 in the Chicago Daily Herald

My first experience covering courts led to a story about the first day of a murder trial.

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=305220

Gurnee man's team of diabetic athletes wins cross-country bike race

published July 6, 2009 in the Chicago Daily Herald

A story about a team of extreme bicyclists with diabetes and their historic win of a cross-country bike race.

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=304353

This story was picked up by the Associated Press and published by The Daily Illini among other news outlets.

http://www.dailyillini.com/diversions/2009/07/27/diabetic-cyclists-set-world-record

Sports camp participants gain experience, risk burnout

published July 6, 2009 in the Chicago Daily Herald

The pros and cons of enrolling middle- and high-school athletes in summer sports camps.

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=304188

New pool safety law drains park district budgets

published July 6, 2009 in the Chicago Daily Herald

Compliance with a law meant to protect kids from the suction of pool drains proved costly for Chicagoland park districts.

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=304852

Slow bouncing balls help beginners learn tennis ... and fast

published June 29, 2009 in the Chicago Daily Herald

A health and fitness story about a tennis lesson program that builds up to real tennis balls by using slower-bouncing versions first.

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=301825

Palatine mom's parenting website makes top 200 list

published June 22, 2009 in the Chicago Daily Herald

Sue Kirchner's entrepreneurship won her an award as a top mom-owned business.

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=301427

Willowbrook author tracks history of local horse racing

published June 15, 2009 in the Chicago Daily Herald

A feature story about a horse trainer and author.

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=384850

Gender inequalities affect faculty salaries

published April 20, 2009 in The Daily Illini

My first truly investigative piece, the result of three months of reporting, analyzed gendered salary inequities among faculty at the University of Illinois and found female faculty are paid less than males on average campuswide at all ranks.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/campus/2009/04/20/ui-affected-by-gender-inequalities

Women's resources gains status as 'Center'

published Feb. 27, 2009 in The Daily Illini

Official titles for people and organizations are important in the university setting, so this story notes the change in the name of the women's resources organization.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2009/02/27/womens-resources-move-to-new-location-gain-status-as-center

Column: When hunting for jobs, worry less, do more

published Feb. 2, 2009 in The Daily Illini

I love writing columns and offering a lighthearted, humorous take on common, everyday experiences. My first column as assistant news editor for The Daily Illini ran in the spring career guide with my tips about the job search.

http://www.dailyillini.com/special/spring-career-guide-2009/2009/02/02/column-when-hunting-for-jobs-worry-less-do-more

Groups rally around Gaza conflict

published Jan. 28, 2009 in The Daily Illini

Campus rally coverage about the conflict in the Gaza, Israel and Palestine areas.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2009/01/28/groups-rally-around-gaza-conflict

Freshmen tackle first finals week

published Dec. 12, 2008 in The Daily Illini

Written for the fall finals guide, this story discusses new students' first experience with college final exams.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/12/12/freshmen-tackle-first-finals-week

Team-teaching offers increased expertise

published Dec. 8, 2008 in The Daily Illini

Some courses are taught by multiple instructors during one semester. So does a change in professors help or confuse students?

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/12/08/team-teaching-offers-increased-expertise

Seminar explores uses for old electronics

published Dec. 5, 2008 in The Daily Illini

A group devoted to reusing electronic waste starts to organize on campus. It's grown to offer courses, design competitions and e-waste collection drives.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/12/05/seminar-explores-uses-for-old-used-electronics

What to do with Thanksgiving leftovers

published Dec. 1, 2008 in The Daily Illini

College students love leftovers, especially after Thanksgiving. This story offers tips for how to use them.

http://www.dailyillini.com/diversions/2008/12/01/what-to-do-with-your-leftovers

Students assess Illinois spirit

published Nov. 18, 2008 in The Daily Illini

ILL-INI. Just how strong is Illini spirit?

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/11/18/students-assess-illinois-spirit

Student-parents believe University environment benefits children

published Nov. 13, 2008 in The Daily Illini

A look at the pros and cons, triumphs and challenges of raising children while studying at the University of Illinois.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/11/13/student-parents-believe-university-environment-benefits-children

Study abroad housing varies by location, program

published Nov. 7, 2008 in The Daily Illini

A housing story about the options available for students who study abroad - from dorms to apartments to host families.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/11/07/study-abroad-housing-varies-by-location-program

County clerk plans changes to election judge training

published Nov. 7, 2008 in The Daily Illini

After students complained of unfairly enforced rules regarding proof of residency at the polls, this story details the county clerk's response.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/11/07/county-clerk-plans-changes-to-election-judge-training

2008 election coverage

published Nov. 4, 2008 in The Daily Illini

I worked for 11 hours as a re-write editor during the 2008 presidential election.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/11/04/students-take-issue-with-ui-polling-places

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/11/04/election-judges-play-critical-role

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/11/04/students-vote-on-milestone-referendum-for-constitutional-convention

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/11/04/turnout-tally-high-at-mid-day-continues-to-climb

Student drinking stories exceed reality

published Oct. 30 in The Daily Illini

A different look at the topic of alcohol problems among college students investigates why students exaggerate stories of their drinking habits.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/10/30/student-drinking-stories-exceed-reality

Student, friend remembered at vigil

published Oct. 23, 2008 in The Daily Illini with an audio slideshow at www.dailyillini.com

Friends and acquaintances remembered Katie McGuire with a candlelight vigil. I gathered audio from the vigil to accompany photos in the audio slideshow.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/10/23/student-friend-remembered-at-vigil

UI student dies in car crash

published Oct. 22, 2008

A full print story about the tragic death of a 20-year-old University of Illinois junior. My second story about a student death in two weeks, this time I was able to speak with some members of the victim's family.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/10/22/ui-student-dies-in-car-crash

Interstate crash kills University junior

published Oct. 21, 2008 on www.dailyillini.com

An online update about the death of 20-year-old Katie McGuire.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/10/21/updated-interstate-crash-kills-university-junior

University legislators focus on retaining faculty

published Oct. 16, 2008 in The Daily Illini

An in-depth look at faculty retention and the University's strategies for keeping its instructors.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/10/16/university-legislators-focus-on-retaining-faculty

Officials await toxicology results of Cassidy's death

published Oct. 15, 2008 in The Daily Illini

More details about the process of determining the cause of a recent student's death.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/10/15/authorities-await-toxicology-reports-of-cassidy-s-death

Campus death investigated

published Oct. 14, 2008 in The Daily Illini

I found out as much as I could for a story about the life of a former student and fraternity member who died suddenly.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/10/14/campus-death-investigated

Former UI, current Parkland student died Friday night

published Oct. 13, 2008 on www.dailyillini.com

One of my first attempts at breaking news reporting contributed to coverage of the death of a former student still living on campus.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/10/13/update-former-ui-current-parkland-student-died-friday-night

Simple business practices determine rent

published Oct. 10, 2008 in The Daily Illini

Printed as apartment leasing season began, this story looks at how campus landlords set rent prices.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/10/10/simple-business-practices-determine-rent

Groups collaborate to maintain campus grounds

published Oct. 8, 2008 in The Daily Illini

A look at how much money and people-power is spent on landscaping on the large campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/10/08/groups-collaborate-to-maintain-campus-grounds

Senate discusses termination of academy for capitalism

published Oct. 7, 2008 in The Daily Illini

Post-coverage of a meeting of the Urbana-Champaign senate, which discussed the University's ethics policy and its effects on political expression.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/10/07/senate-discusses-termination-of-academy-for-capitalism

Senate Q&A may address ethics controversy

published Oct. 6, 2008 in The Daily Illini

Pre-coverage of a meeting of the Urbana-Champaign senate, also known as the faculty senate.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/10/06/urbana-champaign-senate-s-question-and-answer-session-may-address-controversies

Students underuse Facebook privacy settings

published Oct. 3, 2008 in The Daily Illini

After one of Facebook's many changes to its security structure, this story investigates how college students use (or don't use) the privacy features.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/10/03/facebook-privacy-settings-sometimes-go-unused

Engineering job recruitment keeps pace

published Oct. 2, 2008 in The Daily Illini

Written for the fall career guide, this story looks at job recruitment on campus for engineering students and the reasons it remained steady during the beginning of a recession.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/10/02/engineering-job-recruiting-keeps-pace

Gender not an issue for co-ed roommates

published Sept. 30, 2008 in The Daily Illini

Written for the fall housing guide, this story looks at the benefits, challenges and lifestyle of mixed-gender apartment mates.

http://www.dailyillini.com/special/2008/09/30/gender-not-an-issue-for-some-students-living-with-members-of-the-opposite-sex

Cities allow partial occupancy after inspections

published Sept. 29, 2008 in The Daily Illini

A follow-up to my living with construction story, this piece explains how residents can live in a building before construction is complete.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/09/29/cities-allow-partial-occupancy-after-inspections

Students choose Living Learning Communities

published Sept. 26, 2008 in The Daily Illini

A look at students' reasons for living in a themed floor or a topic-specific dorm area.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/09/26/students-choose-living-and-learning-communities

Construction crane temporarily closes Green Street

published Sept. 25, 2008 at www.dailyillini.com

A web update relating to apartment construction I followed on the housing beat.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/09/25/crane-repair-to-temporarily-close-green-street-friday

Students' reactions vary to living with construction

published Sept. 23, 2008 in The Daily Illini

This piece investigates the issues presented by the multiple dorms and apartment complexes still under construction when the school year began.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/09/23/students-reactions-vary-to-living-with-construction

Housing slump misses Champaign market

published Sept. 22, 2008 in The Daily Illini

A story connecting a national drop in home sales to its effects on the Champaign-Urbana area housing market.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/09/22/champaign-housing-market-remains-stable

New sorority leases fraternity house

published Sept. 18, 2008 in The Daily Illini

How a sorority new to campus found its housing.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/09/18/alpha-xi-delta-leases-fraternity-house

Double majors, second degrees offer flexibility

published Sept. 15, 2008 in The Daily Illini

A rundown of the ways the University of Illinois allows students to major in more than one subject.

http://www.dailyillini.com/special/2008/09/15/double-majors-second-degrees-offer-flexibility

Sorority recruits weigh options

published Sept. 12, 2008 in The Daily Illini

The ins and outs of sorority recruitment at a school that always claims it has the "largest" Greek community in the nation.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/09/12/as-fall-sorority-recruitment-comes-to-close-prospective-members-weigh-options

Magazines give University mixed ratings

published Sept. 11, 2008 in The Daily Illini

How did the University of Illinois stack up against schools and programs ranked by magazines including U.S. News and World Report.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/09/11/magazines-methods-give-mixed-ratings-to-university

Project PEER prepares freshmen for healthy year

published Sept. 5, 2008 in The Daily Illini

An introductory story to a study of a peer-mentoring program designed to ward off the "freshman 15" in new female students.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/09/05/project-peer-prepares-freshmen-for-healthy-year

Summer salmonella outbreak leaves area untouched

published Sept. 10 in The Daily Illini

Recap of how local businesses dealt with summer foodborne disease outbreak.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/09/10/summer-salmonella-outbreak-leaves-area-untouched

Varied reactions to New Testament handouts

published Sept. 4, 2008 in The Daily Illini

How students reacted to a the yearly handout of Bibles on a secular campus.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/09/04/student-reactions-to-free-new-testament-booklets-vary

Lease details tenants miss are not necessarily hidden

published Sept. 2, 2008 in The Daily Illini

What should student-tenants look out for before signing their apartment leases.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/09/02/lease-details-tenants-miss-are-not-necessarily-hidden

Quad day showcases variety

published Aug. 25, 2008 in The Daily Illini

Coverage of the quintessential University of Illinois variety show: Quad Day.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/08/25/quad-day-showcases-variety

COD brings back child care: Program for students with kids ages 3 to 5

published August 2008 in the Naperville Sun www.napersun.com

After a one-year break, College of DuPage is reinstating its Child Care Services for Students program.

The program will occupy one room of the Early Childhood Center and will be available beginning Aug. 20 to students and part-time faculty with children ages 3 to 5.

For students like MIkata Jokkene, who will be at the college five days a week studying criminal justice and working in the student activities office, the program will save time and money.

"The fact that I go to school here and work here will give me the opportunity where I don't have to leave home as early; I don't have to get the kids up as early," said Jokkene, a 31-year-old mother of three. "I'll have them right near me if anything was to happen."

Two of Jokkene's children will be eligible for the program when it begins. Isaiah is 4, and Zoe will be 3 when the semester starts.

Jokkene estimates cutting a day-care center out of the trip from her home in Carol Stream to the college's Glen Ellyn campus will save 30 minutes each way.

For Maureen Walgren of Naperville, this child-care program may not be time-efficient, but it will be cost efficient.

Walgren, a 35-year-old mother of three, hires a nanny or uses a day-care center to take care of her kids, who are 8,5 and 2. Her 2-year-old, Shannon, will be 3 in October, so Walgren plans to enroll her in the program in January.

"Having a nanny saves on time, but the cost savings of using the program at COD would be worth it," she said.

Child Care Services for Students will cost $6 per hour for students and $7 per hour for part-time faculty. Those rates are both for one child.

A $50 deposit is also required to ensure a spot in the program, said Meri Phillips, director of student activities for the college.

Phillips and other staff conducted an online survey to gauge interest in reinstating the program after it was halted at the end of the spring 2007 semester.

She said about 60 people responded, and enough indicated they were willing and eligible to use the program to justify the hiring of an additional teacher.

"We have a good core to get started with, and we can build it from there," Phillips said.

The program's hours are 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays. Each child is allowed to spend five hours a day under the program's care.

"On the days I have classes, it will be very convenient," Walgren said. "It can adjust to my flexible schedule each semester."

Before Child Care Services for Students was halted, some form of it had been available at COD for 30 years, Phillips said. The retirement of a teacher and dropping enrollment numbers caused the cancellation of the program a year ago.

Phillips said very few changes will be made to the structure of the program, which is run like a typical day-care center.

Copyright 2008 Naperville Sun

Tower enhancement creates controversy: Man claims dirt path intrudes on his land

published July 25, 2008 in the Naperville Sun

William Miller lives on 75th Street in unincorporated Naperville, sandwiched between an American Tower Corp cell phone tower on the west and three Crown Castle International towers on the east.

On the night of July 16, he noticed some action at the American Tower Copr sight. A dirt path approximately 6 feet wide and 100 feet long had been built on an area he claims to be the southwest corner of his property.

"What I discovered when I went down there is they jumped the road onto my property," Miller said. "That used to be underbrush and trees back there. Now it's an open road from 75th Street to the Park District land."

The dirt path connects a gravel driveway leading from 75th Street to the tower, to teh grassy fields of Meadow Glens Park.

American Tower Corp. applied for a permit to build the tower in 2003, according to DuPage County records. The 902-foot tower is used by AT&T.

Construction at the site began last week, said Megan Roskopf, AT&T's Illinois spokeswoman. Crews from the Joliet firm Camco Construction worked at the site for three days to begin installing fiber-optic cables meant to enhance the tower's service providing ability.

A Camco official said the crews did not build a dirt path and only used existing roads to access the tower.

Roskopf also said she was not aware of any trees or bushes that were cleared, though the cables are being installed underground.

"Right now, there's no way of telling who put the road through there," Miller said. "I can't say who's guilty, and I doubt if anyone will fess up. People aren't that honest to admit their mistakes."

Sitll, Miller said he has no doubt a bulldozer came onto his property and knocked down plants to build the path.

"One small tree was sawed off," Miller said. "I found the stump there."

He also said the path has been driven on by construction trucks since it was built. But AT&T workers at the site Thursday accessed the tower from the park to the south, and left their three trucks parked there on the grass.

Miller believes the parh is on his land because a property survey he commissioned in 2004 shows no easement or extra space between the western edge of his property and the eastern edge of the tower's property.

To determine where the property lines lie and what the boundaries mean for the legality of the path, Miller hired a lawyer.

"We have to investigate to see first whether the path is on his property, and if so, why it's there," said Miller's lawyer, Joe Fortunato of the Westmont firm Fortunato, Knobbe, Davenport and Arnold. Fortunato said he will bring the surveyors back to Miller's property to find the iron pipes they placed underground in 2004 to mark the boundaries of his land.

If the path truly lies on Miller's property, Fortunato siad he would notify the owners of the adjacent land that they are not authorized to use it.

Miller, 84, lives with his wife Petronella, also 84. He said he not only worries about the unauthorized use of his property, but also about the safety issues associated with a new shortcut existing between a park and a large road.

"Kids are going to run through it," Miller said. "I was a kid once too and I know if there's a shortcut, they're going to take it."

Construction at the tower is scheduled to be complete in two weeks, according to Roskopf.

Once construction is finished and all the underground cables have been installed, she said crews will restore the area.

Copyright 2008 Naperville Sun

Precision flyers: Glider team heads to Turkey for world championships

published June 2008 in the Naperville Sun www.napersun.com

Richard Burnowski works in the roofing and construction industry, but he has commited his life to flying.

Burnowski, 51, of Boling brook is one of three senior pilots on a national team that participates in competitions with hand-towed gliders. On Monday, Burnowski, junior pilot Jeff Walter of Naperville and the rest of their five-member team will leave for Turkey to compete in the F3J World Championship.

In the competition, teams from 23 countries will be scored based on their ability to accomplish two goals. Pilots launch their planes at the same time and try to land them after exactly 10 minutes. They also aim for a target on the ground and receive more points for landing their planes closer to the target.

F3J teams include five members: a pilot, a team manager, a caller to inform the pilot about other planes and two towers.

"My job (as tower) is to get them in the air as fast as possible," said Richard's son Franklin Burnowski, 26. "We want them to think about flying and nothing else."

The team will spend two weeks in Turkey, and almost all of the time will be spent flying, Burnowski said.

"It's a dream come try because I've been working on it so long," Burnowski said.

Burnowski has been trying to make the national team since 1979. Now that he earned a spot, he is confident in his team's ability to place in the top three at the world championships.

Years of practice

Burnowski's confidence comes from years of practice and from knowing he is in control of his aircraft.

"It took every minute of practice - every day, every hour, every month, every year - to get to where I'm at now," Burnowski said. "If you practice really hard and you practice the right things, then you kind of expect to do well, and it raises your confidence level."

Walter, the junior pilot member of the team, began flying with his father nine years ago. The junior at Neuqua Valley High School has been flying competitively for two years.

Burnowski and Walter practice with a Chicago-based competitive flying team called SOAR, or Silent Order of Aeromodeling by Radio. They use sod farms as their practice fields.

Every weekend when temperatures are greater than 50 degrees, the team practices launching, landing, adjusting to wind speeds and dealing with weather conditions.

But living in the Midwest stops them from practicing during the winter months.

"We don't fly as much as the West Coast guys," Walter said.

Burnowski and Walter are the only pilots from the Midwest on the national team, and they said they will be the first from this are to compete in the F3J World Championships.

Making it to the world championships took teamwork and trust.

"When you fly as a team, it's almost like being married where you have to fully trust in the person that you're married to," Burnowski said. "You have to have full trust in the people (who)are working with your team."

Copyright 2008 Naperville Sun

Budding broadcasters: NCC radio camps turn airwaves over to kids

published June 2008 in the Naperville Sun www.napersun.com

Summer often means sleep-away camps or sports camps for junior high and high school students. But those interested in broadbasting now have their own radio camp at North Central College's radio station, WONC-FM 89.1.

Students who sign up for the weeklong workshops partner with the station's disc jockeys and producers to experience the environment of a radio station. They also get to go on air.

"They said they wanted to try whatever they could," said Michelle Corless, a camp counselor and North Central student. "They weren't expecting to go on air."

At least not right away.

"I just thought we would be on air the last day," said Anissa Bridgeforth, an 11-year old camper.

Shy broadcasters

Giving students the opportunity to read live news, sports, traffic or weather reports is a main focus of the camp, said John Madormo, the college's assistant professor of broadcast communication.

"It's rare that we have a student who elects not to go on air," Madormo said.

Some students are shy at first, but counselors introduce them to broadcasting slowly by recording them so they will not worry about freezing under pressure.

Others can stay behind the scenes and learn to use the sound board or work in the production studio.

"By the end of the week, each person ends up developing his own way of doing things," said Dan Goulson, camp counselor and North Central student.

Students are divided into groups of three or four based on gender. Each group of campers gets to answer phones and create their own radio drama.

"We help them to be creatively independent, but we're definitely there to oversee things," Goulson said. "We make sure that they're using time wisely and also having fun at the same time."

Career experience

For some, the camp is more than just a fun summer pastime. It is also an introduction to a career that many who attend the camp end up pursuing, Madormo said.

Jade Loeser, an 11-year-old camper, said she became interested in a radio career after reading the morning announcements at her elementary school. She said the camp has helped her understand the preparation that goes into each radio segment.

"It helps to choose what you're doing before you do it and get everything in line so you're not nervous," Loeser said.

The first two weeks of the camp, from June 9 to 20, are day camps for students entering seventh through ninth grades, while the week of June 23 to 27 is a residential program for students entering their sophomore through senior years of high school.

All who attend tour other local radio studios and hear speeches from North Central alumni who work in the radio industry including Maggie Peterson, assistant program director at WSSR-FM in Joliet.

"It's a really good idea because it shows what it's like to be in radio," Peterson said. "I think if you didn't attend a camp like this, you would have no idea what a radio station is like."

Copyright 2008 Naperville Sun

Warrior winners: Waubonsie celebrates girls state soccer title at pep rally

published June, 2008 in the Naperville Sun www.napersun.com

The first 45 minutes of the second-to-last day at Waubonsie Valley High School were dedicated to the annual recognition assembly for athletes.

For the second year in a row, the school celebrated the achievements of its girls soccer team in winning the Class AA state championship.

The 24-member team also boasts an undefeated season, a 58-game winning streak, and the winner of the Gatorade State Girls Soccer Player of the Year Award, junior Bri Rodriguez.

"As an individual award, she deserves it," coach Julie Bergstrom said. "But it also is representative of Waubonsie soccer and where we've come with the players on the team in the last few years."

Through all the team's accomplishments, Bergstrom has taught her players not to think about championships or winning streaks, but to take the season one game at a time.

And her players bought into her philosophy.

"We tried to take it one game at a time because we know that no matter who we're playing, every team is going to come out and try to beat us," Rodriguez said.

Bergstrom, a physical education teacher at the high school, also taught her players to step up in pressure situations and not to depend solely on a few star athletes to carry the team.

And when Rodriguez tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee in a tournament game Friday against Maine South, Bergstrom said the entire team stepped up.

Rodriguez said she gave her captain title to sophomore Vanessa DiBernadino after her injury. DiBernadino joined junior captains Rachel Bostick and Claire Hanold in the leadership position.

The team went on to clinch the state title with a 3-0 win against Belleville's Althoff High School at North Central College.

For seniors Emily Bielaga, Hillary Blake and Jessica Blake, the state championship game was their last in a Warrior uniform.

The location of the state tournament allowed Waubonsie's fans to continue attending games and supporting the team, Bergstrom said.

A slideshow at the pep rally showcased Warrior fans cheering on the team decked out in body paint, flags and all forms of green and gold gear.

"It's amazing, especially at the home games," Rodriguez said of the team's fan support. "It's probably hard to play against, but when you know it's for you, it definitely gets you pumped up."

Parents and family members also celebrated the team's achievement in the crowd of about 3,600 at the assembly.

"At girls events, let alone soccer, a lot of times you don't get much support," said Lisa McClellan, mother of junior Kiki McClellan. "The girls here and the students here love the coach so much and I think she has a lot to do with that. She makes all these T-shirts and really gets people excited about sports."

Copyright 2008 Naperville Sun

Graduates use Facebook to stay in touch

published April 30, 2008 in The Daily Illini's spring career guide

In this Internet age, a story about how graduates plan to keep in touch.

http://www.dailyillini.com/special/2008/04/30/students-to-stay-in-touch-via-internet-after-graduation

Hillel celebrates adult Bat Mitzvahs

published April 29, 2008 in The Daily Illini

Bat Mitzvahs are normally for young teenagers, but Hillel celebrated three for young adults.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/04/29/hillel-celebrates-adult-bat-mitzvahs

Council selects new Chief

published April 29, 2008 in The Daily Illini

Although Chief Illiniwek was no longer the official symbol of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the Council of Chiefs selected a successor.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/04/29/council-selects-new-chief

Group sets up 'Center' in front of administration building

published April 24, 2008 in The Daily Illini

The group pushing for a women's center established a presence near administrators.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/04/24/group-sets-up-center-in-front-of-swanlund

Students celebrate Passover at home, on campus

published April 22, 2008 in The Daily Illini

Coverage of Passover and campus celebrations planned for it.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/04/22/students-celebrate-passover-at-home-and-on-campus

Suspicious bag causes class evacuation

published April 22, 2008 in The Daily Illini

An unattended laptop bag caused a large statistics lecture to be relocated.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/04/22/suspicious-bag-causes-class-evacuation-3340185

Campus Crusade for Christ shares beliefs

published April 11, 2008 in The Daily Illini

A Christian group discusses the evangelism it practices during its "blitz week."

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/04/11/campus-crusade-for-christ-shares-beliefs

Alumna named accounting firm's first female CEO

published April 9, 2008 in The Daily Illini

Clifton Gunderson announces UI grad Krista McMasters will take over as its first female CEO.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/04/09/ui-alumna-named-as-accounting-firm-s-first-female-ceo

Forum exposes opinions about gender, politics

published Feb. 29, 2008 in The Daily Illini

Coverage of a forum held during the race between Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination for president in the 2008 election.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/02/29/forum-exposes-opinions-about-gender-and-politics

Jewish leadership weekend starts tradition

published April 7, 2008 in The Daily Illini

The Chabad Center for Jewish life held the first Jewish leadership retreat on campus.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/04/07/jewish-leadership-weekend-starts-tradition

Students to experience Jewish culture in Berlin

published March 13, 2008 in The Daily Illini

The Chabad Center for Jewish Life planned an alternative spring break trip to volunteer with Chabad members in Berlin, Germany.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/03/13/u-of-i-students-to-experience-jewish-culture-in-berlin

Inter-religious dialogue discusses faith

published March 11, 2008 in The Daily Illini

A student group works to promote understanding among different religious groups.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/03/11/inter-religious-dialogue-speakers-discuss-faiths

Allies push for women's center

published March 10, 2008 in The Daily Illini

Continued coverage of the group working to get a campus women's center established.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/03/10/allies-push-for-women-s-center

Churches make alternate plans for Unofficial

published Feb. 28, 2008 in The Daily Illini

Not everyone drinks on the University of Illinois' biggest "holiday" of intoxication, so churches offered alternative activities.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/02/28/alternative-unofficial-plans-made-by-churches

Vagina Monologues informs audiences of female sexuality

published in The Daily Illini Feb. 26, 2008

Discusses the performance of the Vagina Monologues at the University of Illinois.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/02/26/play-seeks-to-inform-audience-of-female-sexuality

Memorial held for NIU victims

published Feb. 19, 2008 in The Daily Illini

Coverage of a candlelight vigil held after the Valentine's Day shooting tragedy at Northern Illinois University.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/02/19/memorial-held-for-niu-victims

LGBT resources renames itself as 'center'

published in The Daily Illini Feb. 18, 2008

LGBT resources gained full status as a cultural center at the University of Illinois.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/02/18/lgbt-resources-names-itself-as-center

Activists planning campus women's center

published in The Daily Illini Feb. 13, 2008

The first story about an issue I would come to follow: the development of a women's center on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/02/13/activists-planning-campus-women-s-center

This story also contains one of my favorite lede sections:

"A group of 17 women and three men met Thursday evening to discuss the need for a campus women's center.

When a sign-in sheet was passed around, participants listed their contact information using a pen from the Women's Resource Center at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

"We want our own pen," said Ross Wantland, coordinator of sexual assault education for the Office of Women's Programs.

But the 20 people at Thursday's meeting want more than a pen. They want a space of their own."

Roman Catholic Foundation sues UW-Madison

published Feb. 6, 2008 in The Daily Illini

Localizing an issue of religious student group funding that was significant at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/02/06/roman-catholic-foundation-sues-uw-madison

Urbana plans for 'green' housing

published Feb. 5, 2008 in The Daily Illini

Coverage of an Urbana City Council meeting that discussed environmentally friendly housing.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/02/05/urbana-plans-for-green-housing

Best to dive into job world early

published Jan. 29, 2008 in The Daily Illini

A story about the job search for The Daily Illini's spring 2008 career guide.

http://www.dailyillini.com/special/2008/01/29/best-to-dive-in-job-world-early

Zen center hosts five-day retreat

published Jan. 28, 2008 in The Daily Illini

A look at the Zen community in Champaign-Urbana and a retreat hosted by the Prairie Zen Center.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/01/28/zen-center-hosts-five-day-retreat

Hillel opens new home

published Jan. 22, 2008 in The Daily Illini

A story announcing the opening of the Hillel foundation's Margie K. and Louis N. Cohen Center for Jewish Life.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2008/01/22/hillel-opens-new-home-on-fifth-and-john

Pastor protests war with trail mix

published Dec. 10 in The Daily Illini

A story about a religious leader's food-fueled war protest.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2007/12/10/pastor-protests-war-with-trail-mix

Morals, tradition lead to students' vegetarianism

published Dec. 3, 2007 in The Daily Illini

Discussion of students faith-based vegetarianism.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2007/12/03/morals-tradition-lead-to-students-vegetarianism

Voters react to call for faith-based voting

published in The Daily Illini Nov. 27, 2007

A look at the influence of faithon the voting decisions of Champaign-Urbana citizens.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2007/11/27/local-voters-react-to-church-call-for-faith-based-decisions-at-polls

Applied Health Science students design activities for elderly

published in The Daily Illini Nov. 13, 2007.

College course works to ensure senior health and well being.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2007/11/13/ahs-students-design-activities-for-elderly

Wellness week educates, unites women

published in The Daily Illini Nov. 5, 2007

Coverage of a women's health week organized by the governing council of University of Illinois sororities.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2007/11/05/wellness-week-educates-unites-women

Parade bans Chief symbol from floats

published in The Daily Illini Oct. 23, 2007

I turned a simple homecoming parade preview story into a different look at the issue of Chief Illiniwek. The rule prohibiting the Chief from appearing in the parade was lifted before the parade took place.

http://www.dailyillini.com/special/2007/10/23/parade-bans-chief-symbol-from-floats

Camp Darfur depicts scene refugrees face

published Oct. 16, 2007 in The Daily Illini

Coverage of a traveling tent exhibit about the problems caused by genocide.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2007/10/16/camp-darfur-depicts-scene-refugees-face

Rain rots pumpkin crop

published Oct. 12, 2007 in The Daily Illini

An agriculture and Halloween-related story.

http://www.dailyillini.com/news/2007/10/12/rain-rots-pumpkin-crop

Lock your doors to lock down on burglaries

published Oct. 9, 2007 in The Daily Illini

My first story appeared in The Daily Illini's fall 2007 housing guide.

http://www.dailyillini.com/special/2007/10/09/lock-your-doors-to-lock-down-on-burglaries