In the fall of 2011, my buddy Jay and I started planning the production of a time-lapse video of the construction on O’Brien Stadium here at EIU. 18 months later, after many issues, many problems and lots of time in a hot press box, the project is complete. Enjoy:
I hope I’m not the only one who had a heavy heart when reading the message on the Doudna steps yesterday. If you didn’t see it, the message chalked on the steps says (paraphrased) “My rapist still attends EIU. Will no one listen to me?”
If you didn’t know 1 in 6 women will be victims of sexual assault or attempted sexual assault in their lifetime. It’s also a statistic that there are only 1-3 “reported” rapes a year at EIU. Sounds great, right? Sadly, the statistic gives the false sense of security that sexual assaults just don’t happen “here.”
What you don’t hear is all the stories of victims on campus. This message only proves the silence our campus survivors feel. If our administration isn’t speaking publicly about this they are doing a disservice to the survivors on campus. Survivors should feel the unwavering support of and entire university behind them administration, services, and police included.
I believe in Eastern Illinois University and yet it is with great disappointment that I saw this message. I know EIU to be better than this. I, as staff, as a male supporter of survivors, demand more. I will be writing the following message on the steps, “We expect to work on a campus that supports victims.” If you too believe this statement then join me at noon today (Thursday) in signing your name on the steps with me in support of the victims and demand more.
Article: Chalked message reaches out to campus
Photo: Chalked message reaches out to campus
Article: Community rallies to support erased message
Photo: Community rallies to support erased message
Article: University removes chalking
The support that this campus showed really renewed my faith in EIU. I totally believe in this campus, and the plea for help on the Doudna Steps shook my roots and beliefs. But yesterday this campus showed it’s true colors. Supporters came, proving that ‘we are listening!’, and we are supporting with our love, compassion and anger too. Anger that this would happen on our campus – that survivors would report and be shunned.
But let’s put our anger to use, and stand in solidarity with so many victims that have felt so alone they have not had the courage or strength to keep fighting. If you can, give to SACIS, they have done more for this community then I can start to explain, and are a true blessing for this community.
But mostly, let’s not forget this past few days, let’s continue our work and demand change!
I’m lucky enough to work on a college campus and stay involved with the track & field team. I was an athlete for EIU from 2005-2010 – so even though I don’t compete anymore, I stay involved with the team by volunteering at the home meets. I manage the timing, results and scoreboard.
The team had their annual “Turkey Trials,” an inter-squad meet just before the Thanksgiving break. Its a pretty small meet, so it was just me and Coach Akers running the show. Its a good opportunity for the athletes to get a taste of competition after training for months, a good measuring stick for coaches, and a good chance for me to make sure the timing system is ready for indoor season.
Our first home meet is the annual EIU Early Bird, which is usually the 2nd Friday of December.
For the first time, I will be teaching 2 sections of a class in the School of Business at Eastern Illinois University this spring. During my undergraduate and graduate years I had thought about continuing on to get my doctorate because teaching had always been a thought in my head.
I love collaborating.
I love getting excited about technology (mostly coding)
I love getting others excited
I love seeing a student or peer make progress and I know I was there to help them learn something that took me weeks of struggling.
Web development is such a growing industry that I am almost completely self-taught. Sure I learned my coding basics and database design basics in school – but 80% of what I know is self-taught. So I’m excited to hopefully give my students a helping hand and give the web development community some better web developers!