In this issue... The Chicago SIU’s Talent on Display at NeoCon Commander and Chief Leo Schmitz Playwright Joanne Koch EgyptiaN Brittany Cheves, Chicago Slaughter September 2012 A publication of the Southern Illinois University Foundation • www.siuf.org Issue 17 CVS Caremark Government Affairs Has a Saluki Flair The largest provider of prescription health that team, where he stayed for nine years. He benefits in the country entrusts its state joined CVS Caremark a year ago, following government affairs department to three Southern a two-year stint in state government affairs Illinois University Carbondale graduates. at Baxter Healthcare. As Senior Director of Government Affairs with CVS Caremark, he Fellow Salukis – Lauren Rowley, Eric Douglas is responsible for a nine-state region in the and Erik Woehrmann – took diverse paths to western U.S. CVS Caremark, a Fortune 20 company that has 7,500 pharmacies in 44 states, and provides Erik, a 1998 political science graduate who prescription drug benefits for a large client base joined CVS Caremark in May, manages nine that includes City of Chicago employees. But states in the Upper Midwest. He is Director they spearhead a unit that impacts government in of Government Affairs. He and Eric work all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. together in the CVS Caremark’s regional corporate office in Northbrook. He previously CVS Caremark has annual revenues in excess of worked in the Illinois Legislature for three years $100 billion and employs over 200,000 people. Erik Woehrmann Lauren Rowley Eric Douglas before moving to Washington, D.C., where he It encompasses a chain pharmacy, pharmacy worked for a member of Congress from Illinois benefits manager and large retail health clinic. We strive to protect and grow our business.” Eric admits to getting into government affairs for approximately four years. Erik joined the Lauren, who has been with CVS for 10 years, by accident. The 1998 paralegal studies Walgreens Government Relations team in is Vice President of Government Affairs and Lauren previously served in state government graduate initially planned on pursuing a law 2007, where he and Eric first worked together. works in the CVS Caremark’s Washington, DC affairs roles with the National Rifle Association, degree, but a college friend urged him into office. She is the head of the state government National Association of Chain Drug Stores, and another direction. “Walgreen’s was just building its government affairs team that serves on the larger enterprise Americas Health Insurance Plans. affairs team and I got in on the ground level,” he public affairs group responsible for external- “My friend worked at a Carbondale law firm says. “It was a unique opportunity to represent facing issues for the company, including federal “The ability to influence public policy urged and hated it,” he says. “My mother was friends the company in front of state legislatures all affairs, policy, communications and community me to continue in this line of work. I enjoy with our state representative and I volunteered across the country. Most states have citizen outreach. testifying on bills and influencing the outcome to do media research for his U.S. Congressional legislators who are not full-time and don’t of legislative issues,” she says. “Our team is campaign, which we later won. From that point have a large support staff. Therefore, they “Our role is to listen to business units and their a hard-charging group of individuals who keep on, I was hooked on politics and government.” count on advocates like us to provide accurate issues related to regulatory and legislative me excited about going to work every day. information on the issues.” activity in the state,” says Lauren, a 1993 radio- CVS Caremark faces unique challenges and The Schaumburg resident eventually received a television graduate. “We advocate on behalf of opportunities in the states, and the work our position with the Illinois State House and then All three Salukis agree that accuracy and our company to make sure our interests are heard. team is involved in is quite fulfilling.” the State Senate in Springfield. That might honesty are essential. “My integrity is have been the end of Eric’s story had fate something I take very seriously. All we have is not intervened when his longtime girlfriend our honor,” Eric says. “Otherwise, you will be (now wife) decided she wanted to move back tainted in the capitol. Word gets around quickly closer to Chicago; and that’s when Eric started and people know if you’re credible or not.” Southern Illinois University Foundation searching for government affairs opportunities. In support of As it happened, Walgreen’s was developing a Lauren adds: “All you have as a lobbyist is your state and local government affairs function, and credibility. If you are dishonest in your dealings, the company hired Eric to lead and to expand you’ll never be welcome back to the table.” Student Spotlight SIU’s Interior Design Talent Was on Display at NeoCon 2012 Kendra Swartz of Springfield, a May 2009 serious side of design,” Cacioppo says. “I graduate; and Jessica Nollman of Mt. felt very prepared going into the industry Vernon, a Master of Architecture student, after graduation.” were on display at this year’s convention. The Interior Design Program at SIU The event provides nearly 40,000 Carbondale is the oldest accredited architecture and design professionals with program in the state and one of the oldest more than 100 seminars and forums, keynote in the nation, according to Melinda speakers, previews of new products, and La Garce, Interior Design Program exhibits for commercial building, design Director and an alum of the University. and construction, according to the NeoCon The program is housed in the School of website. Students in attendance were also Architecture. able to network with fellow designers. SIU Carbondale’s large 7”x10” display at “The convention had a student section. We NeoCon was evidence of the program’s were able to share our portfolio and resume talent. Cacioppo’s displayed work with professionals and professors to get included an installation piece that their opinion on our work,” Cacioppo says. appeared in Quigley Hall on campus “They offered suggestions for improvement (pictured). The display also featured and discussed qualities that employers are Rick Stewart’s winning entry into the looking for in potential employees.” Sherwin-Williams Stir Student Design Danielle Cacioppo competition. SIU Carbondale was well represented The knowledge she gained helped Cacioppo at this year’s NeoCon, North America’s in her job hunt. She is currently employed “The Interior Design Program has an largest design exposition and conference at Nelson, a design firm based in Chicago. outstanding reputation, and its student for commercial interiors. work is among the best in the country,” “I work as a designer for Nelson, as part La Garce says. “Our graduates go on to Five of the University’s most talented of their Chicago in-house design team with be leaders in the top interior design and interior design students had their work on the Bank of America,” Cacioppo says. architecture firms in the world.” display at the annual convention, held at Pictured at right is Danielle Cacioppo’s The Merchandise Mart. The portfolios The recent graduate credits her time at SIU installation piece, which appeared of Danielle Cacioppo of Schamburg, Carbondale with her career preparation. in Quigley Hall on SIU Carbondale’s a May 2012 graduate; Leslie Wodrich campus. The installation was made of of Hampshire, a junior; Rick Stewart “My education at SIU was an all-around laser-cut card stock. It was placed in the building for three weeks in April 2012. of Carbondale, a May 2012 graduate; learning experience. The professors were great at teaching us both the fun and Photos by Nicole Hester.

September 2012 The Chicago Egyptian Page 2 A Saluki You Should Know SIU Alumna Is ‘MITY Leo Schmitz: Making a Difference in Englewood NICE’ Award Recipient Many may avoid a law enforcement things before they happen.” Francine Spacek (The leadership role in a community that Chicago Egyptian, records high crime rates annually. Leo’s trek to Englewood began April 2012), a 1974 But SIU Carbondale alumnus Leo as a patrolman in the 12th district SIU Carbondale who Schmitz is the exception to this rule. in 1986. He was subsequently founded SEWonderful assigned to the district’s tactical Quilts, was honored Schmitz, who received an unit. Leo, who had initial thoughts with the “MITY NICE” administrative sciences degree in of attending law school, instead Award at a July 22 1982, has been commander in chief discovered his niche when he reception hosted by the of Englewood’s 7th district since joined the tactical unit through the restaurant on Michigan January. While serving in command Chicago Police Department. Avenue. MITY NICE of more than 400 police officers, his recognizes a Chicagoan primary charge is to coordinate efforts “I loved it,” he says. “I didn’t want on a quarterly basis with federal, state and city agencies to to do anything else.” who gives back to the develop crime fighting strategies to community. Recipients reduce violence in the district. Leo joined the Joint Robbery Task are honored with a Force in 1991, and was promoted to photo and story on the “There are misconceptions about sergeant in 1998. Other pertinent MITY NICE menu. Englewood. We have a lot of good duties have included stints in the people in this community,” he says. Detective Division and Organized Francine founded SEWonderful, a 501(c)3 non-profit “Our crime rates were high because Crime Division, along with organization that recycles, new, but discontinued fabric into gangs were perpetuating it. Our job investigating robberies, gangs and unique, one-of-a-kind quilts, six years ago. These quilts is to get things under control.” homicides. He earned the rank of lieutenant in 2004. Leo’s are gifted – free of charge - to children with life-threatening many honors include Illinois State Crime Commission illnesses. Currently, SEWonderful Quilts is gifting to 10 A Superintendents Violence Reduction strategy, initiated Police Office of the Year, and he has been a recipient of hospitals, two hospices, and two sexual abuse centers in the upon Leo’s arrival, is generating positive results. This the Illinois Law Enforcement Medal of Honor – presented Chicago and central Illinois areas, and Spacek either mails the strategy includes the assistance of leaders and other by the Governor of Illinois. Also, he’s a recipient of the quilts or delivers them personally. Spacek says SEWonderful citizens in the community. Crimes in Leo’s district in Superintendent’s Award of Valor, The Hundred Club Quilts has received over 3,000 quilts, most of which have Englewood have been reduced by 48.6 percent year-to- Medal of Valor, Cook County Sherriff’s Medal of Valor, been distributed. Several SEWonderful supporters – including date, and murder cases have decreased by 34.2 percent. and Illinois Police Association Medal of Valor. quilters, board members, donors, interns and others impacted by the quilts – attended the reception in Francine’s honor. “Our police officers are the difference, but we couldn’t The 1977 Brother Rice High School graduate and his do it without community support. They are our biggest wife, Ellyn, a Police Lieutenant with the Chicago Police Francine says: “I was so delighted and elated to see such a nice ally,” Leo says. “People see us working hard on a daily Department, have a 13-year-old son, Jake, who is an conglomeration of people. It was truly an honor that had me basis to address this issue, and they want to help. They honor student entering the eighth grade. Leo, a nature on cloud nine all night.” Francine is pictured above (at left) often call to make us aware of something that is about to enthusiast, and his brother, Gary, a fellow SIU graduate with Sandi Lynd, who has made more than 300 quilts, and happen. and police detective in Arizona, visit their college alma refers to SEWonderful Quilts as “the best therapy in the World.” mater twice a year. “We also meet with church organizations regularly If you know of a child who is eligible to receive a quilt, or, who share helpful ideas; aldermen go out of their “Gary and I enjoy visiting Carbondale. We go hunting if you would like to donate or make a quilt yourself, please way to assist us and our high school principals are and take in football games. I still love the nature in contact Francine at (312) 307-7733. outstanding. The Chicago Public Schools try to stop southern Illinois.”

September 2012 The Chicago Egyptian Page 3 Paul Simon Public Policy Institute Events The Essential Paul Simon: Timeless SIU Playwright’s Work Lessons for Today’s Politics Comes to Waukegan Stage Thurs., Sept. 27, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Acclaimed playwright and SIU Union League Club of Chicago Carbondale graduate Joanne Koch will 65 W. Jackson Blvd. bring her work to Clockwise Theatre (312) 427-7800 in downtown Waukegan this fall. Soul Sisters, by Joanne Koch and Join Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon and the Paul Simon Sarah Blacher Cohen, will run from Public Policy Institute for a book signing of The Oct. 19 - Nov. 11. Individual tickets Essential Paul Simon: Timeless Lessons for Today’s are $20 and may be purchased from Politics. Paul Simon dedicated his life to public Brown Paper Tickets at (800) 838- service and often used his writings as tools to make 3006. For directions and information the complexities of politics accessible to the average about Clockwise Theatre, visit www. citizen. In The Essential Paul Simon: Timeless clockwisetheatre.org or call (847) Lessons for Today’s Politics, editor John S. Jackson 775-1500. carefully selects the best of Simon’s decades of writings, and sets the work into the context of its time, The musical, directed by Joyce Becker Lee, celebrates Jewish and emphasizing the connection to today’s continuing African American cultures by finding political questions and conflicts. RSVP appreciated the common ground through music to (618) 453-4001 or [email protected]. and shared struggles. The show features music by George Gershwin, Ethics Reform Conference on Illinois Government Billie Holiday and Debbie Friedman. Thurs.- Fri., Sept. 27-28 Soul Sisters has toured the country Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W. Jackson Blvd., (312) 427-7800 to great acclaim, and was published in Shared Stages: Ten American The Institute’s Ethics Reform Conference on Illinois Government will explore how to improve the Dramas of Blacks & Jews. ethical climate in Illinois governments. The event will pull together public policy practitioners, leading academics, and the general public to look at questions like: What are the basic causes Koch earned her doctorate at SIU Belle Barth: If I Embarrass You, Tell of the ethical problems we have, and how can they be changed? Where should we go with our Carbondale in 1994. She visited the Your Friends, will preview at the reform efforts? What has worked elsewhere? Carbondale campus for the first time Falcon Theater in Los Angeles on after winning the Eighth International Jan. 8 and 9, 2013, before a national Keynote speakers will include: Michael Josephson, Founder and President of the Josephson Playwriting Contest, sponsored by tour. The show will star Lainie Kazan Institute of Ethics and one of the nation’s most sought-after and quoted ethicists; Alan Rosenthal, the Piscator Foundation and the (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) as the Professor of Public Policy and Political Science at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University, for her play, Haymarket: bawdy 1950s comic who sold millions University; experts from the National Conference of State Legislatures; and reform leaders in Footnote to a Bombing. She later of “party” records. Belle, an original Illinois. won SIU Carbondale’s Best New musical with composer Ilya Levinson Play Award for Nesting Dolls. and lyricist Owen Kalt, was first produced at Theo Ubique Theater in For more information on these and other events, contact the Simon Institute at (618) 453-4009 Another one of Koch’s productions, Chicago. or [email protected], or visit www.paulsimoninstitute.org.

September 2012 The Chicago Egyptian Page 4 Former Saluki Shaker Joins Criminology & Criminal Justice Reception The Department of Criminology & degree programs. Chicago Slaughter Dance Team Criminal Justice (formerly the Department of Administration of Justice) will host a Algonquin native Brittany Cheves (The member of the 2012 Chicago Slaughter of The majority of the faculty will be in reception from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. Chicago Egyptian, June 2011) was known the Indoor Football League. Brittany says attendance, as will Kimberly Kempf- 14, at 17 N. State Street (eighth floor). for participating in various extra-curricular she looks forward to dancing again next Leonard, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. activities in college. The 2011 SIU season, too. This is a chance for alums to reconnect Carbondale public relations graduate held The event will include time to mingle with the Department, update the University leadership roles for Delta Zeta Sorority, “I was one of 13 girls chosen for them team. and socialize with faculty and other SIU about their professional accomplishments, Public Relations Student Society of America We perform at every home game and handle Carbondale graduates. Light refreshments and hear about exciting new changes in the and the Saluki Shakers. promotions for the Slaughter, too,” Brittany and drinks will be provided. Please RSVP to Department’s undergraduate and graduate says. “I absolutely love my team and I’m [email protected] by Nov 6. Nothing has changed. so glad to have an opportunity to continue dancing and performing.” Calling All Administration of Justice Alumni: Since graduating and returning to Chicago, Let us know how you’re doing! Career and personal updates are welcome. Brittany – one of SIU Carbondale’s 25 Most The Slaughter plays at Sears Center in Please send your story to [email protected]. Distinguished Seniors in 2011 – has stayed Hoffman Estates. Brittany, a graduate of busy. She was hired as an account manager Harry D. Jacobs High School, says her for A&A Marketing, an online affiliate commencement was held at Sears Center marketing firm that specializes in research, because her high school was “overcrowded.” media buying, customer acquisition and Brittany has even done some choreographing Technology and Innovation Expo at SIU e-marketing. Her interview was set up by for one of the team’s routines. Innovations developed by researchers at “We strive to provide a clear picture of 2010 SIU Carbondale business graduate Southern Illinois University Carbondale the innovation occurring at the University. Krissy Albano, Brittany’s sorority sister. “I designed the whole concept for our will be on display at the Technology and The annual Expo gives us the opportunity Innovation Expo on Friday, Oct. 19, at the to focus in on new technologies each year Brittany was recently promoted to affiliate halftime performance,” she says. “It’s Dunn-Richmond Economic Development and follow the progression of our inventions manager. In addition, she works weekends much like the Saluki Shakers. The Chicago Center. over time,” says Amy McMorrow Hunter, as a server for Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen Slaughter allows me to meet interesting Technology Transfer Specialist at SIU in Crystal Lake, where her manager is fellow people and do some networking. I’m really The fourth annual event helps raise awareness Carbondale. SIU Carbondale graduate Ryan Perry. And, having fun dancing for a professional team of the University’s important technological Brittany continued her dancing career as a and representing the city of Chicago.” advances. Additionally, it aims to stimulate Also, the inaugural Saluki Idea Competition growth of new businesses and licensing takes place this fall. Individual students and relationships in the southern Illinois region. student-led teams will compete online at siu. launcht.com and at the Expo for prizes. Attendees can enjoy morning sessions featuring faculty and staff presenting on inventions For further information, including a that are either patented or patent pending. A complete agenda, list of speakers, panelists, luncheon follows with guest speaker Michael sponsors and registration information, visit Marlaire, a distinguished alumnus with four www.tie.siu.edu. The event is organized degrees from SIU Carbondale, who serves as by SIU Carbondale’s Technology Transfer Director of the NASA Research Park. The program, along with the Office of the Vice event culminates with an afternoon panel Chancellor for Research and Graduate Dean, discussion related to sustainability, moderated the Southern Illinois Research Park and by John Caupert, two-degree SIU Carbondale Small Business Incubator. alumnus and Director of the National Corn- to-Ethanol Research Center, followed by a The Technology and Innovation Expo will closing awards reception. also be webcast live. Go to www.tie.siu.edu to sign up Brittany Cheves is pictured at far right with the Chicago Slaughter dance team.

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