. . . in anticipation of the spring . . .

“Bridging the Divide: A Public Service Leadership Program” prepares students to engage in civil dialogue about key issues of the day. Students from the University of Chicago, Arrupe College of Loyola, & Eureka College examined safety & housing in their Downstate Illinois weekend.

Members of Eureka College's 2023 cohort of "Bridging the Divide: A Public Service Leadership Program" will visit Springfield in the spring to meet with legislators & learn more about public policy advocacy.

I had a great time with the "Bridging the Divide" cohort students this weekend as they completed their final portion of the program in Springfield. I'm fortunate to have had the chance to work with the BTD students over the past 6 years & wish the program much continued success.

I gave my (final) final exam this week & then stopped by the local grocery to pick up a late lunch. As I entered the store, its oldies-but-goodies radio station started playing Neil Diamond's "I Am . . . I Said" -- that must be the soundtrack for an existential crisis in Aisle 1.

Recently read in the PJStar that the site of my old 2018 campaign office is set to become the first cannabis dispensary in Peoria Heights. Interesting twist—you’ve got to admit this puts a whole new spin on the “Green New Deal” concept.

tfw you decide to make a disparaging remark about a school to try to make a point only to demonstrate how little you know about the institution in question. #unwise

Tomorrow is the 175th anniversary of the founding of Walnut Grove Seminary, an early predecessor of Eureka College. The Seminary was the 1st school in IL & 3rd in the nation to educate women & men on an equal basis. A foundational anniversary for EC & for women’s rights in IL.

Not gonna lie--there's something very theraputic about shredding old examination blue books and turning them into compost. #RetirementWisdom

I'm looking forward to marching with other Eureka Area United Fund board members in today's Eureka High School homecoming parade. We will have lots of EAUF swag to give away . . . plus candy! #GoHornets

Happy Homecoming Eureka!

It was great to have a group of Eureka College students attend tonight’s annual Founders Day Dinner hosted by the Woodford County Democrats. The students had the amazing opportunity to hear from former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White.

Hon. William Taylor, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, & Dr. Fiona Hill, former national intelligence analyst & foreign policy advisor to three American presidents, visited Eureka College yesterday. I had the chance to provide them with a diplomacy-focused tour of campus sites.

Lately I’ve told friends about the frequency & number of deer that I’ve seen on my daily walks out at Lake Eureka Park, but without proof I’m sure this just starts to sound like Elvis or Bigfoot sightings. Today a photogenic doe, just feet off the trail, obliged to provide proof.

It's neat to see an American Bald Eagle when out on a morning walk. I had a chance to watch this one for about 15 minutes on the north side of Lake Eureka just after 11 a.m. It called out to attract friends, and I had the chance to see 2 of its buddies do a fly-over of the lake.

I received word today that "professor emeritus" status was officially granted to me. (I guess that means this retirement thing is for real.)

“Laissez les bon temps rouler!” – Happy Mardi Gras 2024. TAKE ME TO THE MARDI GRAS youtu.be/KooNuxznBwc?si… via YouTube

If you're looking for a great meal tomorrow evening, come out and support Heartline and Heart House at the annual Spaghetti Supper fundraiser. It's a great cause.

. . . “and more” . . . (sigh) . . . “abiit autem non sum oblitus” 🤔

Eureka-area friends: We have open shifts for Salvation Army bell ringing volunteers for the 1st 3 weekends in December. It's a great service opportunity, & an ideal way to get into the spirit of the season. If you've never done it before, give it a try. signupgenius.com/go/10C0B44AAAB…