Eureka College

1. Describe the highlights of your job.

The biggest highlight of my job is being able to make the call to an applicant and tell them they have been accepted to Eureka and most importantly accepted to college in general. it is a big time in their life and it is so exciting to be a part of that process for them.

2. Please share, if you would, about your background, family, interests and hobbies.  What is one interesting fact that perhaps no one knows about you? 

I am from St. Louis and I am a huge St. Louis Blues fan. I have been pretty much my whole life. One of the happiest days of my life was when they finally won the Stanley Cup this past summer. The majority of my family lives in St. Louis and Indianapolis so I am in a great middle point from them here! I went to Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri where I worked as an RA for two and a half years so I have plenty of funny stories to tell from that experience if anyone ever asks. I was also at Lindenwood on a choir scholarship, although I did dance for 15 years of my life as well. An interesting fact about me is that almost every time I see my best friend Tori we have a tradition where we have to bake a pie.

3. What attracted you to Eureka College? 

1. What was your reaction when you found out you had been selected as Grand Marshal for Homecoming 2019? 

I was honestly surprised and very flattered that the students would choose me for this honor.  

2. What are your duties as Grand Marshal? 

I will have the opportunity to light the bonfire at the pep rally on Friday night at 8pm. This will be after President Wright speaks, Bryan Moore talks, as well as the captains for the Football team. The senior class will then gather for their traditional senior song. Then on Saturday, I will be at the Homecoming game, and be recognize when the Royalty is announced during tailgating and then again at halftime.  

3. Is there anything else you would like to add? 

1. Describe the highlights of your job.

The best thing I do is mentor the student-athletes I have here now and am working on recruiting to Eureka - the kids are a big reason why I do what I do.  When I set aside the 'busy-ness' of my job everyday to see the big picture of 'my why', I really am fortunate to have a career like coaching.  Being in an environment like Eureka is pushing me to work harder to be a better coach for the future athletes I encounter, the future of this school, and my future as a professional coach now having been in college volleyball for a decade.  This opportunity here in Eureka is the step in the right direction for me looking to do this for a long time, and I want to make the most of my time, talent, and treasure here neath the elms! 

  2. Please share, if you would, about your background, family, interests and hobbies.  What is one interesting fact that perhaps no one knows about you?

I've lived in six states now, and my family lives all over the midwest and east coast - so it kind of makes sense why I've moved and like traveling as often as I can whether it be for business or pleasure.  I'm not big into TV or entertainment, but love watching college sports (basketball, football, volleyball, you name it), Survivor and Hell's Kitchen (or any cooking competition with Gordon Ramsey or Guy Fieri!).  Every now and then I get into reading and love listening to contemporary Christian music. 

3. What attracted you to Eureka College?

1. Describe the highlights of your job. 

It is a delight to work in music, not only for the art form itself, but for the joy it brings into the lives of students. Watching students grow through their musical pursuits is a process that I look forward to each and every day. Music is a language that everyone speaks in their own personal way, and so to be able to inspire individuals to develop their own approach to that language is truly a privilege. 2. Please share, if you would, about your background, family, interests and hobbies.  What is one interesting fact that perhaps no one knows about you? 

I grew up in Grand Rapids, MI, to parents and a brother that always encouraged my pursuit of music performance. I play many instruments, but with the piano it was love at first sight, and in studying its history I have become a fierce champion of Franz Liszt, a fascinating and truly unbelievable historical figure. Outside of music, I have always had an indelible interest in technology--the mutual influence these otherwise disparate subjects can have on one another is entirely fascinating to me. My time studying the piano at Indiana University was therefore complemented with a degree in Audio Recording and a great deal of training in Computer Science. An interesting fact about me is my eclectic heritage: half Dutch from my father's side (there's even a windmill that bears our name in Holland, MI) and half Egyptian from my mother's side. My wife is Korean and also a pianist, and we have a cat named Brahms who is a bit of a pianist himself. He's more of a jazz player, as it turns out.

3. What attracted you to Eureka College?

1. What led you into your field of study?

I always loved music as a kid, from composing to playing violin in string quartets to singing in choir... but when I started college, I was going to be a math major because it seemed like a more reliable career path. However, during a Renaissance music concert the summer after my freshman year, I realized I would never have the same passion for math that I have for music! I never looked back.

2. Would you please share about your background, family, interests and hobbies?

I grew up near Boston and have also lived in western MA, Madison, and most recently Seattle. Because my sister teaches psychology at Guilford College in Greensboro and has three little daughters (the younger two are twins!), I often travel to NC for holidays as well. I enjoy playing fiddle (Irish, French Canadian, etc.) and going contra dancing, which is a New England social dancing tradition with live music. I also love to read, and my favorite authors are Lois McMaster Bujold, Guy Gavriel Kay, and Georgette Heyer.

3. What attracted you to Eureka College, and what are your hopes for this academic year?

"FYTing with Science: Ideological Differences on the Nature and Origin of Truth"

Many people seem to embrace the idea of “Finding Your Truth” (FYT), wherein individualism has been extended to what is true and false, and the scientific method is just one way of seeing reality. In two pre-registered studies, Alex Swan and his colleagues developed a multi-dimensional scale to measure FYT, and political liberals and conservatives evaluated disagreeing scientific (in the form of a researcher) and non-scientific (in the form of a professional or online commenter) perspectives on apolitical topics. Professor Swan will discuss the results and implications of this research project, including the idea that differences in science acceptance are not due only to differences in reasoning ability, but also to differences in belief about the nature of truth.

Dark Web: Here be Dragons

Concerns regarding encryption and data privacy have increasingly become a part of a contemporary international conversation. Online security and privacy is one of the primary concerns across the globe as our physical existence becomes increasingly entwined with our virtual actions. However, the adage, “If you’ve got nothing to hide, you’ve got nothing to fear,” demonstrates a refusal to acknowledge the complexities within this issue. Lawmakers and politicians continue to most often frame the debate as a choice between security and privacy, as if each inherently negates the other.

In response to revelations regarding surveillance on a mass scale and court cases to determine who may access private data many people have taken to using new precautions and tools to preserve their anonymity. Concepts such as cryptography, bitcoin, the deep and dark web, and computer viruses have all become areas of investigation for artists.

One of the most widely used methods for securing privacy is TOR, which masks internet activity using encryption via a global network of relays run by volunteers. Critics of this software raise concerns of enabled drug trafficking and piracy while proponents cite the journalists and social activists that are protected from arrest and torture by oppressive governments. For this latter group security fully relies on privacy.

The works in Sphere’s Dark Web series gives this virtual activity a physical presence in sculptural forms and drawings while simultaneously adding a further level of abstraction or encryption in the process of translating the data to a new form.

1. Describe the highlights of your job.

The highlights of my job are connecting and networking with alums and friends of Eureka College, keeping them informed of events on campus and showing appreciation for their support. 

2. Please share, if you would, about your background, family, interests and hobbies.  What is one interesting fact that perhaps no one knows about you?

My background... I came to Eureka College as a non-traditional student in January of 2009, and graduated in December 2011, but walked in 2012.  Since graduation, I have been working in the financial industry as a residential loan officer. I have 2 grown children, my daughter Austen is 31, lives in Peoria, and works at OSF.  My son Nicholas is 24, lives in Phoenix, AZ and works in management for an underground utility locating company. My hobbies are golf and traveling. 

3. What attracted you to Eureka College?  

1. Describe the highlights of your job.

As Director of the Annual Fund it is my job to grow the amount of dollars raised for the annual fund. The annual fund is important to the college to bring in additional support to help special programs and initiatives as well as support general expenses. 

2. Please share, if you would, about your background, family, interests and hobbies.  What is one interesting fact that perhaps no one knows about you?

I grew up in Bloomington, IL never thinking I would settle back in central Illinois, but here I am! I live in Peoria with my fiance, Nick, and our dog and cat, Zoe and Luna. Something you may not know when first meeting me, but probably will quickly find out is I love all things Disney! 

3. What attracted you to Eureka College?

1. Describe the highlights of your job. 

There are several highlights to my job here at Eureka College, however one that I'm most proud of is being a Police Officer accessible to our students, staff and faculty. Sometimes as law enforcement officials, we may be viewed as an entity that isn't approachable or "relatable" to the General public. Here at EC, I am able to counter that perception by being actively available when needed by our students, staff and faculty. I can effectively do this by creating relationships, fostering communication, and by providing safety and security. 

2. Please share, if you would, about your background, family, interests and hobbies.  What is one interesting fact that perhaps no one knows about you?  

My background is as follows: I've been in Law Enforcement as a Police Officer for  9 years. I have an extensive background working as Police Officer in a campus/school environment. I started my career with Illinois Central College Campus Police Department. I've worked for Peoria District 150 Police Dept and Black Hawk College Police Dept located in Moline, IL. I later worked as patrol officer for the City of Eureka.

My family is near and dear to me. I have a supportive and beautiful wife and our blended family consists of 7 children.

My hobbies include spending time with family, running, being active in my community, listening to music, and I'm a big foodie! Love trying different foods!

One of my interesting facts about me is I have NEVER tried a cherry, blueberry or anything that has to do with berries! And I never will!.. I know... weird huh?

3. What attracted you to Eureka College?

1. Describe the highlights of your job.

Some highlights of working as the Event and Visit Coordinator are the opportunities I get to interact with students. I love being able to help students gain the most out of their visits so that their first experience on campus is as accommodating as mine was. I also enjoy receiving positive feedback from students and parents regarding how eventful their visits were.

2. Please share, if you would, about your background, family, interests and hobbies.  What is one interesting fact that perhaps no one knows about you?

I am originally from Queens, New York, however I attended Eureka College for the past four years after graduating in May 2018. During my journey here, I was able to find myself and wanted to build on my independence which resulted in me deciding to reside in Eureka with the opportunity of being able to work at EC as well. I am currently pursuing my masters at John Jay College of Criminal Justice majoring in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Criminology and Deviance. I enjoy going to the gym and binge watching Netflix in my free time. Something that many people may not know about me is that I was born in Guyana a small country in the Caribbean and moved to Queens, New York at the age of eight.

3. What attracted you to Eureka College?

Dr. Bruce, over the course of his nearly 20-year career, he has worked across several student affairs functional areas including residence life, student conduct programs, student activities/student life, multicultural affairs, and new student orientation at both public and private universities and served on the board of directors of the National Orientation Directors Association. He is the editor of the Journal for College Orientation and Transition and has served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Columbia University’s Teachers College. Graduate-level courses he teaches in the Higher and Post-secondary Education department include College Student Development Theories, Contemporary Student Issues and Policies, and Social Movements and Activism in Higher Education. Dr. Bruce grew up in a small town outside of Kansas City, Missouri and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Missouri Western State University, and masters and doctoral degrees in Higher Education Administration from the University of Kansas.

Describe the highlights of your job.

I think the best part of my role is being able to daily interact with our students. They always remind me why what we do here is so important.

What attracted you to Eureka College?

Introducing Joe Cunningham, Assistant Professor of Religion

1.) What led you into your field of study?

           I’ve always been fascinated by the human search for truth in relation to religious belief. But part of my interest stems from the experience of losing someone close. When I was young, a high school friend suddenly collapsed and died. It was the first time I’d experienced grief, and it was the first time I started asking questions about suffering. Early-on as an undergraduate, I decided to continue to explore questions of truth and religious belief. This led to a master’s degree and a PhD in religion, as well as the opportunity to teach and write in the area of philosophy and religion.

  2.) Would you please share about your background, family, interests and hobbies? 

           I was raised in central Michigan, but my wife is from the Peoria area. We met at Greenville College, which is about 2 hours from Eureka. Moving to Eureka has been like moving home. We live in town and we raise three little ones (7, 5, and 3 years of age) who are full of life and energy. My main hobbies are reading, reading with my little ones, carving out time for exercise and sleep, and discussing the Legend of Zelda characters and plotlines with my little ones. I also enjoy playing ice hockey, travel, and spending time with family.

  3.) What attracted you to Eureka College, and what are your hopes for this academic year? 

Introducing Maura Cherney, Visiting Assistant Profess or Communication

What led you into your field of study?   I originally wanted to be a journalist, so I started taking communication classes. I found that I was even more interested in the theory behind communication. A professor told our class that communication classes would make us "grow an antenna out of our heads that would connect communication concepts to the real world," and that really resonated with me. I love being able to explain real world things (relationship issues, frustration with group work, public speaking anxiety, problems with communicating through technology, etc.) through communication theory and research.

Please share about your background, family, interests and hobbies.   I grew up in Green Bay, WI where I also went to college for my BA. Moved down to Normal for my MS, and then moved to Milwaukee, WI for my PhD. Close with my family (parents and sister) who all still live in the Green Bay area (we went whitewater rafting this summer). Other interests include travel (I went to Cambodia this summer!) and camping.

Introducing Brittany Parker, Director of Marketing and Communications

Describe the highlights of your job.   As the Director of Marketing and Communications, I develop, implement, and evaluate Eureka College's marketing strategy. I am responsible for strategy related to college-wide marketing materials and for developing a framework for viable implementation across all departments. I try to establish the best practices that align with available resources and strive to bring innovative approaches into action. In addition to providing marketing leadership, I also obtain and utilize research on prospective audiences, and aligning projects with the strategic brand. 

Please share, if you would, about your background, family, interests and hobbies.   I am a Richwoods High School graduate, from there I attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale for two years, then transferred to Robert Morris as a Graphic Design major, where I also received my bachelors degree. I'm hoping to complete my Masters degree by next year. My better half and I share two children, Myles (9) and Nori (2). We enjoy traveling, sports, and being foodies! So if you know of any good food spots, point me in that direction!

What is one interesting fact that perhaps no one knows about you?   I've played basketball all my life, and would consider myself a tomboy! My team went to state my senior year and I actually broke my jaw that following summer in a pick-up game, which resulted in my mouth being wired shut for about six months (took an elbow to jaw). After that I played intramural sports throughout college, and still to this day shoot hoops in my spare time.

Introducing Kelly Bay, Director of Career Development

Describe the highlights of your job.   Career Development provides students and alumni of Eureka College with the best available resources to prepare for and find employment in today’s world through access to a variety of tools and services. Students will prepare for their careers all four years of college through resources such as career interest inventories, job shadowing, career counseling, resume development, job fairs, an alumni mentoring program, assistance in researching and applying for graduate or other professional schools, involvement in valuable internship and/or experiential learning opportunities, job search and application assistance, mock interviews and more. Career Development is also dedicated to removing an barriers to success for our low income students by providing professional wear gifted to us by generous donors, resume paper, and more.   From choosing a major through changing careers as an alumni, the office of Career Development is always available to guide students through the career development process.

Please share a little about yourself.   My husband, Justin and our two children Joseph (12) and Lilly (11) live in a 140 year old Italianate home in Washington, Illinois, which we are attempting to renovate. We love to travel together, be outdoors, and watch movies. Professionally, I have always enjoyed working in careers in which I feel like I am helping people. I also love process improvements and searching for ways to make processes clear, easy, and efficient for everyone involved. Personally, I am an outgoing, goofy Capricorn. I love to sing, travel, go thrift store bargain hunting and antiquing. I also love learning about science, fossils, animals, and anything else that catches my interest. My favorite color is yellow and my favorite animal is the alligator! If you come visit me in the Cerf Center, you find many alligators in my office.

Introducing Rahmell Brown