EIU Media Relations

EIU “Beautification Day” announced for Saturday, June 11

Annuitants, other friends of EIU invited to help enrich Eastern’s natural splendor

(Charleston, IL) – Eastern Illinois University is working with faculty, staff, alumni, and EIU annuitants to begin what Eastern leaders hope will become an annual “Beautification Day’ on campus. This year’s event will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 11, to further beautify Eastern’s 320-acre campus.

“One of the things our students, employees, and retirees say is that they love EIU’s charm,” said Josh Norman, associate vice president for Enrollment Management at Eastern. “For so many, Eastern is a perfectly sized campus that provides room for personal growth and professional opportunities in a comfortable, accessible campus environment.”

In 2019, EIU hosted its first-ever Beautification Day, which coupled the University’s grounds and facilities employees with approximately 100 volunteers. Together, the group devoted significant hours toward enhancing the allure and charm of Illinois’ most affordable public university. Crews helped pull weeds, assist with outdoor gardening projects, and other general clean-up efforts. This year’s event will be similar. Participants are able to use hand tools and interact with others who share the same passion for EIU’s aesthetic appeal.

Norman noted that the annual campus beautification days create a deeper sense of ownership and belonging for those who take part.  He also shared that EIU’s leadership and administration is grateful to Teamsters Local 26 and the University’s ground crew for supporting this impactful event.

An online volunteer sign-up is available at EIU’s Civic Engagement and Volunteerism website, located at https://www.eiu.edu/volunteer/. Interested participants can use the Volunteer Opportunities dropdown menu and click on Volunteer Now! to register, then select from two separate shifts – from 8 to 11:30 a.m. or from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information about EIU, or to learn more about its growing assortment of programs and services, visit the university’s website at www.eiu.edu, or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.