Latest news with #DruryUniversity
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'From our perspective, we just want to make a difference'
May 20—This couple has become a powerful force for the area ... in a good way. The guests of honor at the Champaign Rotary's Action Auction on May 30 — Hope and Josh Whitman — arrived here together when Josh was hired as University of Illinois athletic director in 2016. A West Lafayette, Ind., native, Josh knew C-U well after spending four years as a tight end for Ron Turner's football team from 1997-2000. He later returned to Illinois for law school and as an administrator under longtime athletic director Ron Guenther. Hope, a Missouri native and Drury University graduate, has embraced her new hometown. The Whitmans got involved early with charitable organizations in the community, a fact acknowledged by the Rotary Club of Champaign in honoring them. "Our principal motto in Rotary is 'service above self.' Especially in the context of community service," said Doug Nelson, current president of the Champaign Rotary. "Josh and Hope are two individuals who exemplify service above self in their personal and professional lives." The Whitman community contributions have ramped up over the years. When they first came to town, Josh was taking over a Big Ten athletic department with immediate needs. The couple was also starting a family, as Hope was pregnant with their daughter Tate. "We had a lot going on when we first got here," Josh said. "It took us a while to really get our feet on the ground and get acclimated. "To her credit, as we head into Year 10, Hope has really been active in a lot of different organizations, built an incredible network of friends and people around the community who are making a difference. I'm just amazed every time we have a chance to sit down and talk about the things she's doing, the Rolodex of people she's developed and the understanding she's gained of all the organizations in town that are making a difference," Josh is used to being in the public eye, first as a player and later as as an athletic administrator. Hope said it doesn't come quite as easily for her. "I don't really like any attention. I think that's not as natural for me," Hope said. She is a former college basketball player. And she served on charity boards when the couple lived in St. Louis. "Being part of the nonprofit world was very natural," Hope said. Important roles I jokingly referred to the Whitmans as the "first family of Illinois athletics." They have heard it from others. It won't be hanging on a sign in their front yard. "We're never going to refer to ourselves that way for sure," Josh said. "From our perspective, we just want to make a difference. We just want to use the platform we've been given to try and impact the community we live in in a positive way. We each have different levers at our disposal to do that." For Josh, it's mostly through his work at Illinois. For Hope, it is through her involvement with different boards and organizations. Being singled out for their work is not a goal of the Whitmans. "I think there a lot of people in our community that do great things," Hope said. "We feel honored to be recognized. We know the Rotary is doing great things, so if we can raise awareness and raise money for some of the projects they are working on, then we feel really excited to be a part of it." Josh joked: "It must have been a slow year in terms of nominees. "As they explained it more to us and what they were seeking to do, we were very honored and humbled to be a part of it, but also excited and hopeful that we could make a difference." Literacy in the community is a priority cause for the Whitmans. The Books From Brek program, which collects and distributes children's books, is one of the causes the Rotary event will help fund. Both of Josh's parents and Hope's mom and sister are teachers. Big night ahead There are tickets available for the Action Auction, set for 5 p.m. May 30 at the I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center. The Rotary is hoping for a crowd of about 400. The night will include an award presentation and comments from the Whitmans, a silent auction with 45 items and 12-14 live auction items. Longtime BTN voice Dave Revsine will be the emcee. "That room is filled with people who are committed to community," Nelson said. The Action Auction occurs every three years and is the primary fundraiser for the Champaign Rotary. The goal for this year is to raise $300,000. "Some amazing, amazing experiences for people," Nelson said. What is the biggest-ticket item? A trip for two to the final round of the 2026 Masters tournament with Whitman, via private jet. Another top item is a suite for 14 to the Braggin' Rights men's basketball game between Illinois and Missouri in December. The items were donated to the Rotary for the Action Auction. A Rotary committee started working on the event 18 months ago. Nelson, who has been Rotary president since last July, has been involved with the club off and on since 1993. He is the longtime owner of Body Work Associates in Champaign. The company works with Illinois football and other sports. To find out more, visit .
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Thousands graduate from Springfield's local universities
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — College commencement ceremonies in Springfield kicked off today, with thousands of students getting degrees after years of schoolwork. With the future of the economy a constant topic throughout the nation, Ozarks First is asking some of these graduates how they feel about the future. Today, Sophia Greenfield graduated with her bachelor's degree in accounting from Missouri State University. Greenfield says she was able to become a certified public accountant in just four years as a Bear, while most have to get a master's degree. 'Usually you have to get your master's to get enough credits to get the CPA. But I was able to get enough credits just my bachelors,' says Greenfield. MSU wasn't the only university in town holding commencement ceremonies today. At Drury University, graduates and Drury Go program students received their diplomas. Alan Hammer says his small group of fellow alumni have all seen success in their job hunt. 'It's a relief. I want to get my Ph.D. eventually, but I'm going to say I'm going to take a year off. I think it's been a lot of school,' says Hammer. The bureau of labor statistics says unemployment rates for people with associate and bachelor's degrees both rose by .3% last year. 'All nine of us have a job lined up,' Hammer says. 'This program has been amazing for us, and although the economy is not the best right now, I have hope because of Drury's MBA program.' Greenfield says she has advice for those still in school work on building relationships. 'Go to as many networking events as you can,' she said. 'That's where I was able to meet the employer that I worked for and that I got a full time offer for. If I wouldn't have gone to any events like that, I probably wouldn't have gotten it.' During today's commencement Missouri state gave out over 2,800 degrees. Tomorrow, May 10th, at 11 a.m. Drury day school students will be receiving their diplomas. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'We want to keep Ernie Biggs alive': Owner talks future plans
SPRINGFIELD — The former downtown Springfield attraction has eyes on the future as the owner is getting creative to keep the 'Ernie Biggs' brand alive. After closing its longtime location in downtown Springfield in January, Ernie Biggs is teaming up with The Riff at 1900 W. Sunset for a one-night show this Saturday, May 10. It is a one-night show, and not scheduled as a permanent partnership for now. However, it's a way for Ernie Biggs and co-owner Ryan Neas to try keeping the brand relevant in Springfield. 'Obviously, with the closure of downtown with Ernie Biggs, we wanted to keep Ernie Biggs alive and be able to bring it to a venue that I've loved for a long time,' say Neas, who took over ownership in late 2023. He says some of his favorite memories are in the building that still sits unoccupied at 312 South Avenue. It was the home of Ernie Biggs for 22 years, and Neas says it is bringing back the familiar show people remember to the stage at The Riff. 'We want to continue the dueling pianos side of it that you had at the original location. You'll still be able to request your songs, and keep it rolling,' says Neas. Since the closure of the downtown location, Ernie Biggs has taken its show on the road playing special events. 'We've got about 60 piano players that I have gotten to work with on our road shows, and when we had Ernie Biggs downtown as a whole,' says Neas. 'They really make it happen, and if you haven't been to a dueling pianos show, the talent. They aren't just playing the piano, they're working with whatever you give them. They're improvising, and they're making it fun for you.' Being graduation weekend for Missouri State University and Drury University, Neas says both he and the owners of The Riff are expecting a big crowd. Neas says he reached out to owners Cameron and Caleb Schwien earlier this year, interested in the location and venue being a good fit. Cameron, 37, and Caleb, 32, are brothers who are about a year into ownership at Classic's Complex. The business brings The Riff, Classic Rock Coffee, and Classic's Yard all under one roof. 'We were more than grateful to partner up with him because it's a very recognizable name here in town,' says Cameron. Younger brother Caleb says it's a fun new light for them to help another local business make a comeback. 'Being born in Springfield, and (going to) Ernie Biggs, it's cool to now partner with them and bring it back to life.' It's an opportunity Neas says he is grateful for while Ernie Biggs figures some things out. When Ernie Biggs made the announcement that they were closing, owners cited financial issues. He says things have not been easy since the COVID-19 pandemic. 'It's been a challenge since COVID. There's a lot of the downtown area – bars and businesses have been struggling to just really get back on their feet. And I know that's five years ago, but those have lasting effects. So just a shout out to downtown if you can support it,' Neas explains. We asked what it is about downtown that has made it more difficult to do business. 'Yeah, you know, there's there's some downtown challenges. You know, a lot of it is the location of it. Sometimes people, you know, they see a lack of parking, sometimes the 'riff raff' that people talk about,' says Neas, referring to crime. 'I think that is a little bit overexaggerated just in the media, to be honest, because, you know, I have been down there almost every other day for the last several years, and I feel fairly safe.' With several buildings in prime locations for sale along South Street and other parts of downtown, Neas says he hopes people will support whatever businesses are still there and any future ones. The Ernie Biggs building at 312 South Avenue is among those for sale/lease. 'I would love to keep the building, perhaps, but I'm not going to get too much into that. Who knows? You know, Ernie Biggs makes a comeback downtown,' Neas says. 'I will confidently say Ernie Biggs isn't done around here. That's for sure.' The event this Saturday starts at 7:30 p.m. with tickets for sale here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR -
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
John Quiñones to speak at Fusion Day at Drury University
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Drury University is holding their fourth annual Fusion Day in recognizing students work. Over 300 students will present their original work to their colleagues and people around the Springfield community. This year, the university will be welcoming Emmy Award broadcast journalist John Quiñones as a keynote speaker. Quinones is known for his work at ABC and for hosting the show 'What Would You Do?'. The university will also be welcoming alumni Brandy Enver Harris to speak. Harris works as a Chief Executive Officer for the Boys & Girls Club of Springfield. The event will be April 22-23. For more information on the schedule of the event, visit the Drury University website on the details of each panel. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
