Dafna Lemish
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Three outstanding students closely associated with the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are recipients of the inaugural Mike Lawrence Scholarships.
R. Mason Sloan, a graduating senior from Harrisburg, Sylvester D. Woodhouse, a junior from East St. Louis, and Cary A. Bryant, a graduate student from Centralia, received scholarships at a ceremony on Monday, May 3.
All three are part of the Institute's Student Ambassador program, a group of students who help host the Institute's speakers and events, and come together to learn more about public policy, politics and government through small group meetings and events with leaders in those fields.
"We are delighted to award the first scholarships in Mike Lawrence's name," said David Yepsen, institute director. "We are grateful to the scores of donors who have contributed more than $50,000 to the scholarship endowment that will enable us to help worthy students."
Lawrence retired as Institute director in November 2008. The veteran newsman, press secretary and political analyst joined the Institute in 1997 as associate director, and became director in 2004 following the death of founder and former U.S. Sen. Paul Simon.
"I congratulate the scholarship winners," said Lawrence. "I know each of them, and they are certainly worthy of this recognition and assistance."
Bryant is a graduate student in professional media management who has tirelessly worked on helping the Institute expand the scope and breadth of its online presence. She earned her bachelor's degree in journalism, with an emphasis in digital communications, in 2009 from SIUC. She began her association with the Institute as a student employee and was later offered a graduate assistantship to totally revamp the Institute's website, enhance its online presence and bring other digital media techniques to the Institute to help it better connect with students, donors and the general public.
Sloan is graduating with bachelor's degrees in political science and in economics. He received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award by the President's Council on Civic Participation to recognize volunteerism and community service on a national level, and is one of 25 SIUC students to receive 2010 Distinguished Senior Awards from the SIU Alumni Association and Student Alumni Council. He has been associated as a student volunteer with the Institute for most of his academic career at SIUC. In 2008, the Institute helped Sloan land a week long "externship" with the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, Ala.
Woodhouse is an undeclared junior who has been involved with the Institute since arriving on campus as a freshman in 2007. He was introduced to the Institute through friends who participated in the Institute's Leadership Weekend for African American males from the East St. Louis region. Woodhouse has been a dedicated volunteer and has developed a strong passion for establishing a career in politics and public policy upon graduation. He recently participated in a student discussion at the Institute with U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) where his interest in politics was enhanced by connecting with Durbin, the Senate Majority Leader, who is an East St. Louis native.
Scholarship guidelines state that the recipients can be either graduate or undergraduate students who are involved in a substantial number of Institute programs, initiatives and other Institute-related volunteer opportunities and who have demonstrated positive leadership qualities. Other factors, such as service to other parts of campus or community, special challenges overcome by the students or financial need may be considered.
There is a preference that recipients are active in the Institute's Student Ambassador Program and that they are African American.
Contributions may be made online at www.paulsimoninstitute.org, by sending a check to the Institute at 1231 Lincoln Drive, Mailcode 4429, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901 or contacting Matt Baughman, Institute associate director, at 618/453-4001 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . More information on the Lawrence scholarships is also available by contacting Baughman.
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Nearly $50,000 was brought in as part of a special fundraising event on Tuesday, Oct. 27, to endow a scholarship fund for deserving students associated with the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
The event honored Mike Lawrence, a veteran newsman, former press secretary to Gov. Jim Edgar and a noted political analyst who joined the institute in 1997 as associate director, and became director in 2004 following the death of founder and former U.S. Sen. Paul Simon.
"Our ability to raise this amount of money for scholarships for our students is a tribute to how people feel about Mike Lawrence and his lifetime commitment to excellence, good public policy, and to making a positive difference in the lives of others, especially young people," said institute Director David Yepsen. "Thanks to the generosity of so many friends and admirers of Mike, this fund will allow us to award at least one scholarship each year to a deserving student who shows promise as an engaged citizen."
Yepsen announced at the event another way donors and admirers could be a part of the scholarship -- by writing to the institute a note of how Lawrence influenced their lives that can be shared with the scholarship recipients each year.
"Some donors wrote personal notes sharing their feelings about Mike and his influence in their lives," said Yepsen. "Because that has made such an impact on me and others at the institute, I'm asking for all donors and friends to contribute their story of how Mike influenced them, whether they are a former student, a co-worker or an admirer of his work at the institute, in journalism or in government. Each year when we award the scholarship to a student, we will also hand them a copy of those stories so they can better know Mike Lawrence."
Lead gifts of $5,000 each were received from former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar and his wife Brenda; SIU alumnus and institute board member Jerome Mileur; interim SIUC Provost Don Rice and his wife Pru, who is associate vice chancellor for research and administration at the University; and Lawrence and his wife Marianne.
Lawrence is pleased the beneficiaries are students involved with the institute and its Student Ambassadors program, which helps host speakers and publicize events. In return for their volunteer service, the institute tries to provide students with direct access to the guest speakers, and events that offer insight into internships and how public policy is made.
"I'm proud of the commitment to diversity, equal opportunity and helping young people of all races realize their potential -- that is the core of our institute's mission," said Lawrence.
Donations to the scholarship fund are still being sought and received, according to institute associate director Matt Baughman.
"Our initial goal was to raise $50,000 for the scholarship fund," said Baughman. "Although that figure is within reach, we will continue to seek donations to build the scholarship fund in order to assist as many students as we can in Mike's name."
Scholarship guidelines state that the recipients can be either graduate or undergraduate students who are involved in a substantial number of institute programs, initiatives and other institute-related volunteer opportunities and who have demonstrated positive leadership qualities. Other factors, such as service to other parts of campus or community, special challenges overcome by the students or financial need may be considered. There is a preference that the students are active in the institute's Student Ambassador Program and that at least one scholarship is awarded each year to an African American student.
Contributions may be made online at www.paulsimoninstitute.org, by sending a check to the institute at 1231 Lincoln Dr., Mailcode 4429, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901 or by calling Baughman at 618/453-4001 to contribute using a credit card. Those who wish to send their stories about how Lawrence influenced their life can send it to the above address or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- A scholarship established to honor Mike Lawrence, the former director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, will assist students in the institute's "Student Ambassador Program."
A fundraising reception and event is set for 6 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 27, at The Warehouse at 17th Street Barbecue in Murphysboro. A brief program will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Lawrence retired as institute director in November. The veteran newsman, press secretary and political analyst joined the institute in 1997 as associate director, and became director in 2004 following the death of founder and former U.S. Sen. Paul Simon.
Several of Lawrence's friends suggested establishing a scholarship in his honor when Lawrence announced his retirement, institute Director David Yepsen said.
"I think it's a wonderful way to honor him for his years of service to the University, to Illinois and to his readers -- while helping worthy students at the same time," Yepsen said.
The annual scholarship is for members of the institute's Student Ambassador Program, with a preference for African American students. An early $5,000 commitment toward the goal of raising at least $50,000 for the scholarship endowment shows the deep level of respect that people have for Lawrence, said Matt Baughman, institute associate director.
"Mike has also had a long-time concern about the problems faced by young African Americans, so we'll especially be looking at providing support to them," Yepsen said.
Lawrence is honored the institute is establishing the scholarship, and pleased the beneficiaries are students involved with the institute. Student Ambassadors help host speakers and publicize events. In return for their volunteer service, the institute tries to provide students with direct access to the guest speakers, and events that offer insight into internships and how public policy is made, Lawrence said.
The Student Ambassadors range from freshmen to graduate students.
Lawrence said he stated a preference that African American students receive the scholarship "because diversity is something I have advocated and emphasized since I came to SIUC."
"I think we have done a good job of bringing diversity into the institute and I want to see that continue and even be expanded," he said.
Prior to joining SIUC, Lawrence was a press secretary and senior policy adviser to former Gov. Jim Edgar for more than six years. He also was press secretary to Edgar for more than three years while Edgar was Illinois' secretary of state. Lawrence's 25-year journalism career focused on Illinois state government and politics, and included a syndicated political column to more than 40 newspapers in Illinois.
"Over the years, Mike has been a real asset to SIU and to the state," Yepsen said. "He has worked as a respected journalist who crusades for good government. He has also worked as a top assistant to Gov. Jim Edgar, one of the most respected political figures in recent Illinois history. It's a testimony to Mike's integrity and ability that when Paul Simon went looking for someone to help him start his institute, he chose and recruited Mike."
Lawrence, who lives in rural Carbondale with his wife, Marianne, continues to write a column. He is teaching a journalism class on opinion, column and editorial writing. He also continues to mentor students and helps alumni with their careers.
Tickets for the reception are $100 apiece, and there are several other donation and sponsorship levels for the scholarship fund. Payments may be made by credit card, and checks should be made payable to the SIU Foundation. For more information, contact Baughman at 618/453-4001 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
For more information on how to contribute, visit paulsimoninstitute.org/.
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- William Recktenwald, Southern Illinois University Carbondale's journalist-in-residence, next month will recount his first-hand experience from one of the deadliest natural disasters in history.
Recktenwald was having breakfast on the south coast of Sri Lanka on Dec. 26 when a tsunami struck southern Asia. He grabbed his camera and began snapping photographs and moments later, was fighting for survival in 16 feet of water.
Recktenwald's presentation will highlight "After the Tsunami," Thursday, Feb. 10, in Student Center Ballroom B. The program begins at 4 p.m. and is free.
The program also features SIUC students from the affected countries who will discuss their unique perspectives on the tsunami.
Approximately 430 SIUC students are from the nine affected nations - Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Thailand. In addition, the University has nine formal linkages with universities and governmental agencies in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia and Thailand.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for members of the university community and people across our region to hear about this disaster in a uniquely personal way - from an SIUC professor who battled it and from international students whose countries were wracked by it," Public Policy Director
Mike Lawrence said. "It is a dramatic way to bring us closer to a part of the world that many of us really don't know much about."
The program will also provide an opportunity to make a contribution to the relief fund for the disaster recovery. Chancellor Walter V. Wendler's office is accepting checks payable to the United Nations Children's Fund, or UNICEF, on behalf of several student groups.
Forum sponsors are the Public Policy Institute, SIUC International Student Council and the SIUC International Programs and Services Office.
For more information, contact the Public Policy Institute at 618/453-4009.
CARBONDALE, Ill. - - Veteran newsman, press secretary and respected political analyst Mike Lawrence is the new director of Southern Illinois University Carbondale's Public Policy Institute. Provost and Vice Chancellor John M. Dunn announced the appointment today (Tuesday, Oct. 5).
Lawrence's appointment, which is subject to ratification by the SIU Board of Trustees, became effective Oct. 1.
Lawrence has been serving as the Institute's interim director since December when founder and former U.S. Sen. Paul Simon died. Lawrence joined the Institute as associate director in 1997.
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Lawrence was chosen from among four finalists who were selected from a pool of 17 applicants in a national search.
"Mike was selected from an outstanding pool of finalists," Dunn said. "His credentials, broad experience and extensive contributions to the success of the Public Policy Institute were all major plusses in his selection. Mike will sustain Sen. Simon's leadership and vision while adding to the Institute his own distinctive views and perspectives."
Chancellor Walter V. Wendler said Lawrence's appointment provides the Institute with continuity of purpose and leadership.
"We are pleased that Mike is going to remain at the Public Policy Institute and continue the important work that both he and Paul Simon brought to this campus and the region," said Wendler. "Mike's view of how the Institute can play an integral role in improving people's lives, not only in Southern Illinois but throughout the world, embodies what Paul Simon envisioned -- making a real difference in society."
Lawrence, 62, said he feels "honored and privileged to be chosen."
"The three other finalists had impressive credentials. I appreciate the confidence shown in me by those involved in the search, and by the administration at the University," he said.
"The Institute is never going to be the same without Paul Simon, but I am confident that we can achieve what he would want the Institute to accomplish," said Lawrence. "I am committed to building on what he achieved here, and I also am committed to remaining faithful to his vision of the Institute."
Lawrence hopes to leave his own mark on the Institute, "but we are going to continue to address issues on the regional, state, national and international levels."
The Institute, he said, will continue to seek and achieve positive results based on its work.
"We are going to continue being a 'do-tank' rather than a 'think-tank.' We have an ambitious agenda for this year, including trying to change the way that state legislative districts are drawn in Illinois," Lawrence said.
The Public Policy Institute has made positive differences in many ways during its brief history, he said. Examples include enriching the campus and the Southern Illinois region with stimulating speakers; engineering the "most comprehensive reform available in campaign finance laws in nearly a quarter of a century"; and being active in establishing the SIUC Heartland Dental Clinic to serve disadvantaged children unable to get access to preventative dental care.
"We were the only Public Policy Institute in the nation to review what happened in the Rwanda genocide and to make recommendations on how to prevent future slaughters," Lawrence said.
"We have made a positive difference on many levels . . . our region, our state, and I believe on the international front," he said.
Lawrence wants to do a thorough assessment of the Institute's organizational needs before deciding on an assistant director.
"We have an excellent staff at the Institute and I will be assessing our needs," he said.
Martin Simon, son of the late senator, lauded the appointment.
"I have said before and continue to believe it was my father's wish that Mike carry on in his tradition at the Institute," Simon said.
In addition to his work with the Institute, Lawrence holds a faculty rank of professor and teaches in the journalism school. He also has taught political science classes.
He also writes a column for the commentary pages of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, State Journal-Register in Springfield, Quad City Times in Davenport, Iowa, Champaign News-Gazette and Southern Illinoisan. The Associated Press Editors Association recently honored Lawrence for his exemplary service to other journalists and newspapers in Illinois.
Before his work at the University, Lawrence was press secretary and senior policy adviser to former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar for more than six years. Prior to that, he was press secretary to Edgar for more than three years while Edgar was Illinois' secretary of state. He previously headed news bureaus in the Illinois State House, first for the Quad-City Times and later for Lee Enterprises and the Chicago Sun-Times, and held top editing posts at the Quad-City Times. He got his start covering government news for the Galesburg Register-Mail.
Lawrence attended Knox College, where he also received an honorary doctor of laws degree in 1998.
Lawrence and his wife, Marianne, live in Carbondale.
Retaining high-quality faculty, embracing the value of service and inspiring students to become citizen-leaders with global perspectives are among the goals of Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment, the blueprint for the development of the University by the time it celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2019.
SIU Foundation 