  |
||
|
||
|
|
||||||
 |
|
|
Former Writing Center Tutors Click here to add your name to the listing of former tutors. Lastname : Year of GAship Name: LeAnn Athey City: Greenup State: IL Occupation: EIU Instructor Academic Year(s) of GAship: 1995-1997 Roles as GA: research assistant, instructor Education/Training beyond M.A. at EIU: Grant Writing training Other jobs/volunteer work: Grant Writer for LakeLand College, Online Tutor for SmartThinking.com, teacher for Salisbury Church Honors/publications/professional activities/leadership: Extensive Grant Writing Training, Grant Writing Seminars (community), Composition Committee EIU Memories of your experience: Being a GA was an amazing experience. I was fortunate enough to be with two different groups of GA's and learned a great deal from both groups! We had a great time in the Writing Center. At the time, the biggest challenge was accommodating those who needed assistance passing the Writing Competency Exam. Since, that exam has been replaced with an electronic writing portfolio, which seems to be a much truer representation of their writing abilities. Probably my most memorable times include giving Dr. Calendrillo a hard time during the meetings-she was always a good sport though. And in order to pass time, and keep our sanity during the busy last weeks, we would list messed up song lyrics on the board. At one time, I think we had something like 200 messed up song lyrics. Students and faculty alike would add to the list. It was so funny! What else would you like to share?: Thanks to those who worked with me then. I'd love to hear from you!! And best of luck to those to come. It's an experience you'll love and never forget. Name: Tara Coburn City: Oglesby State: IL Occupation: Eng. Instructor/Writing Center Director Academic Year(s) of GAship: 2001-2002 Roles as GA: Developmental Writing instructor, mentee Education/Training beyond M.A. at EIU: Other jobs/volunteer work: Honors/publications/professional activities/leadership: Many campus activities and committees, active in union leadership, Two-Year College Association Outstanding New Faculty Award winner, 2007 Memories of your experience: I loved working in the EIU Writing Center. The tutors all had so much fun, and it was great teaching experience. I now direct the Writing Center at my college, IVCC, and I have applied a lot of ideas and practices from my EIU experience. What else would you like to share?: Writing Center experience is a great skill to have when teaching English at a community college. The course load is heavy, so if an instructor can add variety with some Writing Center time, it will add greatly to her mental health! I speak from experience. Directing our Writing Center has given me many new reasons to love my job. Name: Elizabeth M. DeVore City: Rhinelander State: WI Occupation: English Instructor Academic Year(s) of GAship: 1997-1998 Roles as GA: teaching assistant Education/Training beyond M.A. at EIU: Other jobs/volunteer work: Honors/publications/professional activities/leadership: I'm happy to have been part of a revolution--of offerings and theory-- here in the small English department of our tiny college. (I'm guessing that if you knew me at all during my EIU years, you aren't surprised at this news). During my years here I've developed and taught Introduction to Literature, Children's Literature, and Gothic Literature classes, and enrollment is thriving. The depth and breadth that the EIU English department offered have beeen invaluable in my teaching and curriculum development, absolutely every single day. Memories of your experience: I remember being called the "ESL guru" in the Writing Center, though I don't believe I was any such thing. However, I do think tutoring formed the best parts of my teaching style...I mean, the parts that weren't formed by Dr. Kory, Dr. Hoberman, Dr. Lauren Smith, Dr. Sylvia, and Dr. Beebe, of course! What else would you like to share?: I still have my study cards from the comprehensive exam. I keep them right here in my top desk drawer in my office for any literary theory emergency. Name: Jason Dockter City: Springfield State: IL Occupation: English Instructor Academic Year(s) of GAship: 1999-2000 Roles as GA: Website Editor and Research Assistant Education/Training beyond M.A. at EIU: Graduate coursework in rhetoric at ISU Other jobs/volunteer work: Wabash Valley College (2000-2003) Moraine Valley Community College (2003-2006) Lincoln Land Community College (2006 - present) Honors/publications/professional activities/leadership: Memories of your experience: The time I spent working in the Writing Center allowed me to gain valuable experience in tutoring students -- much of which has translated directly to how I teach my own writing students. Additionally, I was able to use my knowledge of writing centers to co-direct the Writing Center at Moraine Valley for a few years. I had much fun working with my fellow GA's! What else would you like to share?: It would be great to hear from others who I worked with and from past professors. I think this "reunion" is a wonderful idea. Name: Judy Donaldson City: Arlington State: TX Occupation: Professor of English Academic Year(s) of GAship: 1980-1982 Roles as GA: teacher Education/Training beyond M.A. at EIU: PhD in Rhetoric (in progress) Other jobs/volunteer work: 911-Operator for Arlington Police Dept; Literacy Instruction for Texans (LIFT) Honors/publications/professional activities/leadership: Memories of your experience: Understanding developmental English instruction at the adult level (literacy for adults) is the one enduring craft/skill I took away with me from the English GA program at EIU. What else would you like to share?: Name: Bret Fuller City: Rochester State: MN Occupation: Dean Academic Year(s) of GAship: 1994-1995 Roles as GA: teacher, research assistant Education/Training beyond M.A. at EIU: Ph.D. Ole Miss Other jobs/volunteer work: Honors/publications/professional activities/leadership: Memories of your experience: 1994: in the last years of the dark ages (i.e. before Internet). We still had a "grammar telephone hotline" and people from all over the country would call us with the most obscure grammar questions. Brian Leveck was working on his short stories (my favorite was "Miss Steak"), and all was good with the world. This was also before EIU moved to a 2-year graduate program, so one year was all we had, but it was a very good year. What else would you like to share?: EIU was very, very good to me. And, hey, I'm now a college Dean. What more can I say? Hi Jeff, Brian, Jennifer, Keith, Scott, and all the rest. :) Name: Suzanne Hess City: Jacksonville State: FL Occupation: Professor of English, Florida Community Academic Year(s) of GAship: 1990-1991 Roles as GA: developmental composition instructor Education/Training beyond M.A. at EIU: Other jobs/volunteer work: Riverside Drama Company of Kids, children's theatre troupe Honors/publications/professional activities/leadership: Director, FCCJ Honors Academy; Editor, Voices of College Composition Memories of your experience: Every semester I tell my composition students that the proverb, "one learns most when teaching others" was quite instrumental in my education at Eastern. The "think-on-your-toes grammar hotline forced me to look up rules quickly, and I can still rattle off subordinating conjuctions and semi colon rules as if I am on the fly in Coleman Hall. What else would you like to share?: I have three beautiful children who, along with my 15+ year marriage, are who I am. Teaching is one thing I do. I would not be where I am without the encouragement of Dr. Tim Shonk, Dr. Linda Coleman, and my adoring husband (a 1992 EIU Communication Master's graduate), Jeff. Peace! Name: Angela Jones City: Bowling Green State: KY Occupation: Assistant Professor of English Academic Year(s) of GAship: 1989-90 Roles as GA: TA, research assistant Education/Training beyond M.A. at EIU: Ph.D. in English, University of Kansas Other jobs/volunteer work: board member, Bowling Green International Festival; volunteer, Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society; rescue volunteer, various border collie rescue organizations Honors/publications/professional activities/leadership: member of various campus and departmental committees, faculty advisor for the Honors College newsletter, internship coordinator for the English department Memories of your experience: Working in the Writing Center was the perfect transition for me from my undergraduate experience (English major w/teacher certification) to my graduate one and helped prepare me to go on to doctoral coursework at Illinois State University (1990-91) and then to complete a Ph.D. at the University of Kansas. When I talk to grad students at my current institution (Western Kentucky University), I always emphasize that tutoring is a wonderful opportunity to hone their teaching skills. What else would you like to share?: Name: Diana Matijas-Vengar City: Zagreb State: IL Occupation: Econ Specialist US Embassy Zagreb Academic Year(s) of GAship: 1994-1995 Roles as GA: teacher's assistant for ESL Education/Training beyond M.A. at EIU: none Other jobs/volunteer work: After leaving EIU and remaining in Zagreb, Croatia, my work took a sharp turn into the not so creative world of translation, administration, construction and now an assistant in diplomacy working for US Embassy Zagreb. Honors/publications/professional activities/leadership: Memories of your experience: It seems like a million years have passed since the days of being a writing tutor, however, i do remember that I always felt like I was helping students achieve something that they were afraid they never might achieve- pass the writing exam (i think that is what it was called - but i can't remember anymore). I was happy to pass on my knowledge - especially since back then - writing and the ways of writing cam so easily to me. The thing I remember and cherish the most are the strong relationships I developed with fellow assistants. We were more than a team - we turned into family, sharing weekend suppers and good and bad times. We helped each other help students as well. What else would you like to share?: In 1995 I went to Zagreb, Croatia to write my Master's work - a collection of poetry on the Homeland War in Croatia. My mentor, Peggy Brayfield, was patient with me- we did not use email back then- we actually used the post office. My thesis commitee would look at my work and then send it back to me with comments. Believe it or not, I actually finished my thesis and it is somewhere in the anals of EIU's Lincoln Library (i think). In any case, I never came back. I have been living in Croatia ever since - I can't believe it has been 12 years already. I am married (no children yet) and work for the US Government at US Embassy Zagreb as the Economics Specialist - a far cry from my days of poetry writing. When people ask me what I miss most about leaving America, I tell them that leaving EIU and all of the friends I made there was difficult - and if somebody let me do it again- I would choose EIU and the English department. I like to think that the professors helped me become who I am today - a clear thinker and a good judge of every situation that gets thrown at me. For this, I thank them, truly- always. Name: Amanda McKay Biarkis City: Edwardsville State: IL Occupation: Marketing Consultant Academic Year(s) of GAship: 2001-2002 Roles as GA: Mentee in the mentoring program Education/Training beyond M.A. at EIU: MS in Library and Information Science Other jobs/volunteer work: Instructor, Parkland College, Chamapign, IL Honors/publications/professional activities/leadership: Memories of your experience: I had such a fabulous time working as a tutor in the Writing Center! Becuase of my year as a GA, I discovered that teaching wasn't as awful as I thought (thanks, Dr. Irwin!). What else would you like to share?: I currently work for the Lewis & Clark Library System as a Marketing Consultant. My primary focus has been on creating a new image and brand for our organization, which will be unveiled in January, 2008. Name: Elizabeth McMeekan Bollinger City: Spencer State: IN Occupation: writer / mom / wife Academic Year(s) of GAship: 1988-89 Roles as GA: Education/Training beyond M.A. at EIU: Other jobs/volunteer work: Owen County Learning Network adult literacy tutor, Area Coordinator for MOPS Int'l, Christian Ed Chair for my church Honors/publications/professional activities/leadership: I write feature articles for several area publications including a regional magazine. Memories of your experience: Working with terrified students to prepare them for the Writing Competency Exam and answering the Grammar Hotline are fond memories of my time at EIU. I absolutely loved my time in the Writing Center and being in a close community of "word lovers." Jeanne Simpson was such a driving force in my development as a writer and I will be forever grateful. What else would you like to share?: I remember when the Writing Center had the only Near Letter Quality printer on campus ... and my computer instructor accused me of doing my homework on a typewriter because she couldn't believe it was from a computer printer! Having access to the computers and printers at the Writing Center saved me many, many times. I also remember the migraines we all ended up with from the construction noise of the Lumpkin building. Ugh!! p.s. -- Hi, Angie!! I was in Viola just a few weeks ago. Name: Dylan McNeill City: Sterling State: IL Occupation: Systems Specialist Academic Year(s) of GAship: 1996-1997 Roles as GA: ESL teacher, Coordinator of Computers Education/Training beyond M.A. at EIU: Microsoft Certified Professional, MCDST Other jobs/volunteer work: Honors/publications/professional activities/leadership: Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician, Microsoft Certified Professional. Memories of your experience: Online Writing Labs were a very new concept then. With some grant money, I helped EIU establish it's own rudimentary "OWL" based on Purdue's. I didn't know much about computers until then, and it became the basis for my career in computers. I recall my visions of vast social networks founded on texts, and this was before YouTube and MySpace. I thought it would radically change writing pedagogy. Has it? For worse? What else would you like to share?: Dr. Calendrillo was a wonder instructor, and I appreciate the efforts she put into the writing program at EIU. It seemed so basic to me the premise that, unless I was going into a PhD program, I would be teaching writing at a community college--and therefore I demanded a writing emphasis during my graduate work. I taught a bit, but found computers to be more lucrative profession. My writing skills have helped me in my computer systems analysis profession. Name: Paul Oakley City: Mount Vernon State: IL Occupation: Accountant Academic Year(s) of GAship: 1986-87 Roles as GA: TA & RA Education/Training beyond M.A. at EIU: MA in Japan Studies (UIUC); M.Acc (SIUC) Other jobs/volunteer work: Honors/publications/professional activities/leadership: Memories of your experience: Tutoring in the Writing Center: a) gave me the wonderful opportunity to work closely with Jeanne Simpson, who is a real mensch; b) helped me complete my program without going hungry--or thirsty; and c) trained me to tease better writing out of people not initially inclined or conditioned to give it. The latter is something I still use frequently in a my work in a CPA firm. What else would you like to share?: You see I think everything's terrible anyhow. Everybody thinks so -- the most advanced people. And I know. I've been everywhere and seen everything and done everything. Sophisticated -- God, I'm so sophisticated! Oh, sorry! I was channeling Daisy for a moment. No, life is beautiful. I love my job that I never would have imagined fitting me. And my creativity finds an outlet serving as liturgist for Mt. Vernon's tiny Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. I mean, church is truly weird for a queer free-market communist of an atheist like me. But among UUs I can freely and openly be who I am even in this conservative stronghold. I treasure my time at EIU --another place where I was accepted by pretty much everyone-- and am happy that that experience was able to include working with Jeanne Simpson in the Writing Center. Name: Jenny Patrick City: Chicago State: IL Occupation: Admissions Advisor Academic Year(s) of GAship: 1996, 1998 Roles as GA: teacher, research assistant, Karamu Education/Training beyond M.A. at EIU: Other jobs/volunteer work: Honors/publications/professional activities/leadership: Memories of your experience: What else would you like to share?: Name: Jennifer Rigg City: New Albany State: IN Occupation: reporter Academic Year(s) of GAship: 2002-2003 Roles as GA: teaching assistant Education/Training beyond M.A. at EIU: Other jobs/volunteer work: Honors/publications/professional activities/leadership: Memories of your experience: I have very fond memories of being a tutor in the writing center. I worked with some really great people, made some amazing friends and had an absolutely fabulous time. What else would you like to share?: To the boys I worked with...you know who you are...I miss all of you and hope you are well. Chris Mikulskis, I haven't talked to you in forever!!! I lived in Peoria for two years after graduation working for the Journal Star then moved to New Albany where I have been the cops reporter for the Tribune for two years. I'm getting married in three weeks and will be returning to my hometown. I have just accepted a position as editor with the Sun-Commercial in Vincennes. I can't wait to be married, help my future husband on his large farm, and possibly start a family!! Again, I hope all of you are well. E-mail me!!! Name: Christy Shannon City: Tunnel Hill State: GA Occupation: Assistant Professor of English Academic Year(s) of GAship: 1999-2000 Roles as GA: research assistant Education/Training beyond M.A. at EIU: PhD coursework at Georgia State Other jobs/volunteer work: Honors/publications/professional activities/leadership: I'm currently preparing to take comprehensive exams for my doctorate in English, specifically in Composition and Rhetoric. I will be writing my dissertation on feminist rhetoric, focusing on Anne Bradstreet (on whom I wrote my master's thesis), Phillis Wheatley, Sojourner Truth, and Pearl Buck. I have recently presented at SAMLA and TYCA-SE, and I serve as chair on division committees. Memories of your experience: Mostly what I remember are the other graduate assistants. They were really great to work with and a lot of fun to hang out with. The experience I gained tutoring in the Writing Center, along with the practicum discussions, has really helped me to become a better teacher. What else would you like to share?: I was at EIU about three weeks ago and got to see all the things that have changed since I was a student there. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see the new and improved Writing Center, so I really appreciated getting to see the slide show online. Name: Philip Simpson City: Melbourne State: FL Occupation: Regional Vice Provost Academic Year(s) of GAship: 1986-1988 Roles as GA: Teacher Education/Training beyond M.A. at EIU: Ph.D., Southern Illinois University Other jobs/volunteer work: Teacher, Ivy Tech State College in Indianapolis, 1988-1990 Teaching Assistant, Southern Illinois University, 1990-1995 Lecturer, Iowa State University, 1996-1997 Professor, Brevard Community College, 1997-2005 Department Chair, Brevard Community College, 2001-2005 Academic Dean, Brevard Community College, 2005-present Regional Vice Provost, Brevard Community College, 2007-present Honors/publications/professional activities/leadership: President, Popular Culture Association, 2007-present Vice President, Popular Culture Association, 2006-2007 Felicia F. Campbell Service Award for Outstanding Contributions as an Area Chair, Popular Culture Association, 2006 Phi Theta Kappa Co-Advisor, 1998-2001; 2005-2007 Vice President, BCC campus branch of Florida Association of Community Colleges, 1999-2000 Author of _Psycho Paths: Tracking the Serial Killer Through Contemporary American Film and Fiction_, Southern Illinois University Press, 2000 Numerous essays in books, journals, and reference works on various aspects of Popular Culture Numerous conference presentations on literature, composition, and film Memories of your experience: One of my strongest memories is, of course, working with Jeanne Simpson and how supportive and encouraging she was with all of us. I also remember the graffiti board and all of the infinitely clever use of language showcased there. The fellowship among the graduate students and Professor Simpson is also a warm memory from that time, particularly how we would have to transition from hilarity to at least semi-professionalism when a student came in for help! I still remember individual cases of the interesting kinds of constructions that students could come up with in their essays. The effect of this experience has been long-lasting, to the extent that as we allocate resources for a revamped Writing Across the Curriculum initiative at my current college, memories of the EIU Writing Center and its demonstrated effectiveness have been much in my mind lately. As administrators we are now funding and scrapping for resources for two Writing Centers of our own here, and my experience of having been a Writing Center tutor at EIU is an invaluable baseline reminder of the realities of staffing and maintaining such a facility. During my years as an English and Humanities professor, I remembered the value of individual instruction and partnered with our Learning Lab tutors as much as possible to ensure that my students benefitted from tutoring. What else would you like to share?: Greetings to my former friends and colleagues from EIU! Name: Josh Sopiarz City: State: IL Occupation: Librarian-Robert Morris College Academic Year(s) of GAship: 2003-2004 Roles as GA: teaching assistant Education/Training beyond M.A. at EIU: MS and PhD both in progress Other jobs/volunteer work: Honors/publications/professional activities/leadership: Memories of your experience: What else would you like to share?: After leaving EIU I studied for the PhD in American Studies at Saint Louis Univesrity. I've completed coursework for that degree and I'm currently writing a dissertation on academic libraries. In addition, I am earning a MS in Library Science from the University of Illinois. I hope to work in an academic library. And most importantly...I've married Lisa, my number one girl at EIU, and we have the most precious two-year old daughter, Ellison. Name: Ray Wallace City: Fort Smith State: AR Occupation: Provost and Senior VC for Acad. Affairs Academic Year(s) of GAship: 1981-82 Roles as GA: Taught Developmental Writing Education/Training beyond M.A. at EIU: D.A in English, Illinois State, 1985 Other jobs/volunteer work: Honors/publications/professional activities/leadership: All directly related to my work with Jeanne Simpson, other profs at EIU, and my time in the EIU Writing Center. Memories of your experience: I loved working with Jeanne Simpson and all my fellow WC tutors in the first year of this writing center's existance. We were a close bunch and we learned a great deal from Dr. Simpson. I followed her advice about graduate school and never looked back. I owe Jeanne Simpson, and my writing center experience at EIU, a great deal. She, and this experience, transformed me. What else would you like to share?: I am pleased to see the EIU writing center is still a vibrant place which prepares future professionals for academic and other writing-related careers. If there is anything I can do to help current and past tutors at EIU, please do not hesitate to call on me. Name: Christopher Weedman City: Carbondale State: IL Occupation: Ph.D. student and Graduate Assistant Academic Year(s) of GAship: 2003 Roles as GA: Mentee in Mentoring Program Education/Training beyond M.A. at EIU: Finishing my Ph.D. in English at SIUC Other jobs/volunteer work: I am a Graduate Assistant in the English Literature program at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, 2005-present. I have taught English 101: English Composition I, English 102: Advanced Composition, English 290: Analytical Writing, and English 307i: Film as Literary Art (focusing on the films of Alfred Hitchcock). I also worked as a tutor in the Writing Center at SIUC in the Spring of 2007. In the Fall of 2007, I will be taking over as President of SIUC's chapter of Sigma Tau Delta: The International English Honors Society. Honors/publications/professional activities/leadership: AWARDS: Nominee, 2006-2007 Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant of the Year award, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale; Honorable Mention (Third place), 2006 Thesis Awards, Eastern Illinois University; and Outstanding M.A. Thesis (First place), 2006 English Department Awards, Eastern Illinois University. PUBLICATIONS: Analysis of "Cul-de-Sac" (1966 – dir. Roman Polanski), CTEQ: Annotations on Film, Senses of Cinema, Feb. 2005. PRESENTATIONS: "The Combination to the Gates of Hell: The Gothic Influence in Clint Eastwood’s 'High Plains Drifter,'" Echoes in the Hallway: Voice, Language, and Perspectives in the Modern English Department, AEGIS Symposium, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, 7 Apr. 2007; "Our Man in Havana: Reed-ing Greene’s Atomic Pile," Burl Ives Symposium, Embarass Valley Film Festival, Eastern Illinois University, 22 Sept. 2006; and "These Three: Toland’s Gaze among Hellman’s Schoolgirls," Citizen Gregg: A Retrospective on Gregg Toland and His Career, Symposium, Eastern Illinois University, 24 Sept. 2004. Memories of your experience: I have very fond memories of working in the Writing Center with Dr. Markelis, Dr. Kory, and my fellow tutors Ean Bevel, Brianne Bolin, Steve Cassata, Mustafa Onur Duman, Jeff Fathauer, Sue Francis, Jen Fuhler, Rachel Heicher, Peggy Pope, Josh Sopiarz, and Rachel Vaughn. In some ways, it feels like I never left the EIU Writing Center, since I currently share an office at SIUC with fellow Writing Center alumni Mustafa Onur Duman and Stanley "Buck" Weiss. During the semester that I worked in the Writing Center, I often opened the office, worked the desk, and usually could be found lounging around and joking with my colleagues when I was not working. I can still vividly remember my co-workers looking on in bemusement as Josh and I would be quoting the most ridiculous film and TV lines (such as "C-I-L-L My Landlord"). Not only did working in the Writing Center provide me with the opportunity to make a lot of good friends, but also it allowed me to garner experience working with students with their writing. In the Writing Center, my fellow tutors and I learned how to try to help students feel comfortable sharing their writing by creating an inviting and friendly atmosphere. I have tried to utilize these same skills when conferencing with students in my office at SIUC. What else would you like to share?: I am currently entering my third year of the English Ph.D. program at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. My areas of study are Film Studies, Drama, and 20th-century British Literature. I have one more year of courses and then will begin studying for prelims and begin work on my dissertation, which will likely focus on the film collaborations of director Joseph Losey and screenwriter/playwright Harold Pinter: "The Servant," "Accident," and "The Go-Between." I would like to say hello to my friends at EIU, particularly my former professors Dr. Boswell, Dr. Hanlon, and Dr. Zahlan. I hope to visit all of you again soon! Name: Laura Weinhammer City: Palos Heights State: IL Occupation: preschool teacher Academic Year(s) of GAship: 2004-2005 Roles as GA: teacher Education/Training beyond M.A. at EIU: Other jobs/volunteer work: Honors/publications/professional activities/leadership: Memories of your experience: An experience and friends I'll never forget. What else would you like to share?: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Eastern Illinois University :: 600 Lincoln Avenue :: Charleston, IL 61920-3099 ::
217-581-5000 :: Contact Us ::
Maps & Directions Privacy Statement :: Confidentiality Statement :: Mission Statement :: Federal and State Mandated Information :: Alert EIU |
