 EIU Hall of Fame News Blog With
LARRY SMITH*
Welcome sports fans. I’m Larry Smith, a former student (and quite possibly a graduate) from Eastern Illinois University. I’m proud to take off time from my job at CNN to give you the latest news on your favorite famous folks who came relatively close to the campus of Eastern Illinois University. If you’re interested in learning more about me, just check on the Larry Smith section of the EIU Hall of Fame. There are also some links to your left that can give you the latest on Eastern.
Now, on to the news.
2/27/03
MERTZ SENTENCED TO DEATH
"You did it, Shannon! You destroyed that evil!" Those were the last words Anthony B. Mertz heard as deputies led him from a courtroom Wednesday. They came from Cindy McNamara, the mother of Shannon McNamara, the woman Mertz has been convicted of murdering. A jury took about 2.5 hours to impose the death penalty on Mertz, apparently making him the first person to be sent to Illinois' death row since former Gov. George Ryan commuted all the state's death sentences. The sentence is now automatically appealed to the Illinois Supreme Court, and it could be several years before Mertz is executed if the decision is upheld. (Charleston Times-Courier)
Mertz gets death penalty (The Daily Eastern News)
Appeal could last more than 10 years (The Daily Eastern News)
Prayer service provides 'time for healing' (The Daily Eastern News)
Student's killer now alone on death row (The Daily Herald)
Statement from Cindy McNamara, Shannon's mother (Palatine Countryside)
Illinois' first death sentence since blanket clemency (The AP, via CNN)
At Least 3 NBA Teams Interested in Domercant
Eastern's senior guard Henry Domercant might be getting closer to achieving his goal of playing in the NBA each day. This season, Domercant has received considerable attention from professional scouts of teams, including the Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic. (The Daily Eastern News)
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2/26/03
Mertz says he doesn't know if he killed McNamara
Anthony B. Mertz says he didn't kill Amy Warner or set fire to an apartment building, but what about the killing of Shannon McNamara? "I don't know," was his reply. Mertz spent about five hours on the witness stand Tuesday and claimed he can't recall whether he killed the Eastern Illinois University student in her Charleston apartment, a crime he's been convicted of. (Charleston Times-Courier)
Mertz says he does not remember murder (The Daily Eastern News)
Intoxication claim commonly used in defense cases (The Daily Eastern News)
Malkovich Co-Stars in ‘Johnny English’
EIU Hall of Famer John Malkovich’s next flick will be Johnny English, a James Bond-like spoof starring where a bumbling secret agents chases a conniving Frenchman who steals the crown jewels of the British queen. Malko, unsurprisingly, plays the conniving French guy Pascal Sauvage.
Yeah, That’s Probably True
Dig this statement from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune: “Like Anthony Hopkins, Alan Rickman and John Malkovich, Spacey is superb at projecting untrustworthy intelligence.” (low in story)
Charter One Names Alum VP of Corporate Banking
Withdraw your money now before it’s too late! Charter One Bank announced that Eastern graduate (finance) John J. Dvorak has been named vice president of corporate banking for the Illinois division. Dvorak will be responsible for developing new business, portfolio growth
and promoting Charter One Bank's corporate presence in the Chicago area. (PR Newswire)
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2/25/03
EIU Grad in Redneck Version of ‘American Idol’
Eastern grad Jamey Garner (right) is one of 12 finalists who will compete on the USA Network for the title “Nashville Star.” Over the course of nine weeks, contestants will compete against each other every Saturday night starting March 8. Garner, formerly of Chester, Illinois, is in a country band, "Quickdraw.” (Chester Sun Times)
Mertz takes the stand
Convicted murderer Anthony Mertz took the stand Monday, recalling for the jury an unhappy childhood filled with abuse and neglect, as well as why he "enjoyed" being a Marine. Wearing a tan suit and blue dress shirt, Mertz looked the part of any young man as he testified on his own behalf, in hopes the jury will not send down a death penalty sentence at the conclusion of this sentencing hearing. (The Daily Eastern News)
Mertz may have blacked out from alcohol, expert said (The Daily Eastern News)
Still no suspects in Blumberg case, Mertz ruled out (The Daily Eastern News)
Romo ‘Didn’t Do Much’ to Improve His Standing
Put down the Tony Romo Kool-Aid. EIU’s star quarterback was one of a handful of quarterbacks at the NFL combine this weekend that didn't do much to improve their stock. (EPSN.com, lower down)
Romo impresses at Indy (The Daily Eastern News)
Asshole writer says Romo is from ‘Eastern Michigan!’ Arg! (NFL.com)
Romo one of Top 7 QBs, Better than Dorsey (Miami Herald)
EIU Graduate Named to Top Spot at ISU
EIU graduate Al Bowman was named by Illinois State University’s board of trustees Friday to take over as interim-president on June 1 when President Victor Boschini leaves the Normal campus to become chancellor of Texas Christian University. Bowman, 49, has been ISU's interim provost since July 1 but will leave that post next month when John Presley, provost of the State University of New York-Oswego, moves into the job. Let’s hope that Al remembers where he came from and orders the immediate dismantling of the ISU campus. (The AP, via The Peoria Journal Star)
EIU faculty approve proposed four-year contract
Ballots counted early Monday evening showed that Eastern Illinois University's faculty union has voted 325-19 to approve a proposed four-year contract.Now, the University Professionals of Illinois' local chapter will send the contract to EIU's Board of Trustees for final approval. (Charleston Times-Courier)
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2/24/03
Tony Romo A Lock for the NFL
Members of the EIU (Unofficial) Hall of Fame have been guzzling their Tony Romo Kool-Aid big time. We’re all having visions of Romo being a second-string quarterback for an NFL team who gets the nod when the starter goes down. Can you imagine it: AN EIU QUARTERBACK STARTING IN THE NFL!
Romo, who signed with big-time sports agents IMG, was showing up in papers across the country after this weekend’s NFL Combine. The Denver Post though Romo would be a perfect fit for their team, The Denver Broncos, who happen to be coached by Mike Shanahan.
And here’s what The Chicago Tribune said:
Eastern Illinois quarterback Tony Romo is not drawing the same interest as Marshall's Byron Leftwich or Southern Cal's Carson Palmer, but the Bears have had their eye on him.
Romo completed 258-of-407 passes (63.4 percent) for 34 touchdowns vs. 18 interceptions and led the Panthers to an 8-4 record that included an eight-game win streak.
"[The Bears] have been in, probably more so than most teams," Romo said. "I've gotten a chance to talk with them quite a bit and sit down. I'm excited."
Mertz's former girlfriend testifies with alibi
A woman who used to live with Anthony B. Mertz told a jury Friday that she thinks he was home at the time of Amy Warner's death and the fire that destroyed an apartment building. Tara Hofer, Mertz's former girlfriend, described herself as a "light sleeper" who would have know if Mertz left to commit the two crimes prosecutors have tried to link to the convicted murderer. Also Friday, Mertz's attorneys began what will apparently be a try at showing the jury that his violent behavior was at least partly because of an anti-malaria drug he took while in the Marine Corps. (Charleston Times-Courier)
Defense: Mertz had alibi
(The Daily Eastern News)
McNamaras speak: 'Everything is hard since we lost our Shannon' (Charleston Times-Courier)
Anti-malaria drug cited in Illinois murder (UPI, via The Washington Times)
Small group protests death penalty during Mertz trial
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2/21/03
Butch Survives Another Week on Survivor
EIU graduate and
"Survivor" Butch Lockley took center stage, sorta, in this week's episode of Survivor. Butch, an elementary school principal from Olney, tried to help guide a blind-folded teammate during a challenge against the female team. But, in true Eastern style, the women beat Butch and his boys.
This didn't seem to have an effect on Butch's standing though. It turns out the women had to vote someon off the island. Many of the early-morning polls at some Survivor Web sites seem to indicate Butch will be on the show for some time to come.
Here are some Butch Lockley-related Survivor links for everyone to check out: SurvivorAddicts.com has a message board section on him and SurvivorFever.com has a Butch section. SirLinksALot has its own section with Butch research and, of course, there is the official Survivor Web site, too.
Mertz could be on death row for 12 years if convicted
Anthony Mertz could be sentenced today in the murder of Shannon McNamara, but the time between conviction and execution of criminals is usually around 12 years, though some cases can take longer. (The Daily Eastern News)
Mertz Had Troubled Life (The Daily Eastern News)
Crime analyst: McNamara's killer was 'organized' and sober (The Daily Eastern News)
Murderer shattered my family, mom says (The Daily Herald)
Victim's mom: Killer had 'pure evil intent' (Sun-Times)
Edwards Lifesciences Corporation Elected EIUer to Board
Lifesciences Corporation, a global leader in products and technologies to treat advanced cardiovascular disease, announced that EIU business school graduate Robert Ingram has been elected to serve as a member of its board of directors. Ingram, 60, is vice chairman of Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline, acting as a special advisor to that group. Until his recent retirement from day-to-day operating responsibilities, he was chief operating officer and president, Pharmaceutical Operations.(PR NewsWire)
Wyoming names EIU grad top game official
EIU Zoology graduate Brent Manning, who is now director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, has been chosen by Gov. Dave Freudenthal to be director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. In Illinois, Manning, 49, manages 2,200 employees and an annual budget of $750 million. He is coming to an agency with 352 employees and a $47 million annual budget. (The AP, via The Billings Gazette)
Illinois outdoors director takes top post in Wyoming (Bloomington Panagraph)
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2/20/03
Is Henry Domercant the Next Kevin Duckworth?
EIU fans may be focused on Tony Romo and the NFL draft, but Eastern hoops star Henry Domercant will finish his college career in a matter of weeks. He holds almost every offensive record in Eastern's history and may have a shot at the NBA - the first real shot we school's had since Kevin Duckworth. The Charleston Times Courier profiled Domercant in this recent piece.
Calli Cox in Marshall Today and Tomorrow
Don't forget, Calli Cox, EIU graduate, Hall of Fame inductee and porn star, is back in the Charleston-area today for the first time since hitting it big in adult film. She’ll be signing autographs today and tomorrow at The Gift SPOT on Highway 1 in Marshall, Illinois.
Two Murder Scenes Links to Mertz Are Similar
Similarities between the crime scenes in the murders of Shannon McNamara and Charleston resident Amy Warner were brought to life Wednesday through the testimony of Illinois State Police crime scene investigator Joe Siefferman. Several other witnesses also linked Anthony B. Mertz to the scene of the 1999 unsolved murder of Warner. (The Daily Eastern News)
Protesters against death penally (The Daily Eastern News)
Mertz trial could be first death penalty case since clemencies (The Daily Eastern News)
Warner's body displayed like McNamara's (Times-Courier)
EIU killer linked to another slaying (The Associate Press, via The Sun-Times)
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2/19/03
Testimony links Mertz to another murder, apartment fire
Anthony Mertz could be responsible for two of Charleston's more notorious unsolved crimes, prosecutors want a jury to believe. In testimony Tuesday, three people said Mertz told them he was the person who stabbed Amy Warner to death in June 1999, set fire to an apartment building being built at Fourth Street and Buchanan Avenue in February 2000, or both crimes. Mertz, 26, is going through a sentencing hearing where a jury will eventually decide if he receives the death penalty for killing McNamara. The jury convicted Mertz of first-degree murder charges and other offenses last week. (Charleston Times-Courier)
Mertz Linked to Other Crimes (WEIU)
Witness: 'He tried to kill me' (The Daily Eastern News)
Two unsolved crimes linked to Mertz (The Daily Eastern News)
You Have to Admit, This is Pretty Funny
It’s Time to Rally Around Kevin Duckworth
From all the things the EIU Hall of Fame has heard, Kevin Duckworth is a good man with a heart that’s bigger than the big man’s 300-pound frame. The recent report in the Portland Oregonian that Duck is a witness in a murder trial is a little sad, but what’s really depressing is the information about how Kevin’s life has seemed to take a turn for the worse. It turns out Duck hasn’t been a co-owner in Le Slam restaurant for about three years. And read this snippet from the Portland Oregonian story:
Trail Blazers coach Maurice Cheeks said that Duckworth wanted to join his staff when Cheeks was hired in 2001. But Cheeks said he never considered Duckworth a serious candidate.
Meanwhile, Duckworth said he feels so burned by his former friend that he keeps some people at a distance.
"I don't have many friends anymore," he said. "I don't trust them."
We here at the EIU Hall of Fame make fun of everybody – Duckworth included. But when the chips are down, we should rally around the few famous alums we have. If Duck is down right now, we hope he picks back up. And we hope he does get back in the NBA by getting a coaching job. Lord knows EIU needs some kind of NBA presence! Now is as good a time as any to support the
Kevin Duckworth online campaign!
I'm with Duck!
Defend Kevin Duckworth
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2/18/03
Duckworth a Key Witness in 1991 Murder Case
Former NBA great and good-hearted EIU student Kevin Duckworth is a key prosecution witness in a 12-year-old double homicide case in which two brothers -- one a former Duckworth pal -- face charges of aggravated murder. Investigators say Duckworth, 38, was one of several people whom the defendants confessed to after a 1991 shooting. The story hints that Duckworth’s last few years haven’t been so great and have made him jaded. "I don't have many friends anymore," he said. "I don't trust them." (Portland Oregonian)
EIU Graduate Has The Governor’s Ear
EIU graduate Julie Curry is Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s main liaison to 15 agencies, including the departments of Transportation, Natural Resources and Corrections. She helps the agencies craft their budgets and later will develop policy for them. Her salary is $114,996, and she reports to Blagojevich and Doug Scofield, deputy governor for policy and communications. Does this mean she will bring home the bacon to EIU? (Peoria Journal Star)
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2/17/03
State presses hard for death penalty in EIU killing
The convicted killer of an Eastern Illinois University student could become the first person sentenced to die in Illinois since former Gov. George Ryan emptied death row last month. Anthony Mertz, 26, was ruled eligible for the death penalty Friday by a Coles County jury. Testimony in his sentencing hearing is set to resume Tuesday. (The Associated Press, via WBBM Radio)
Students express array of emotions over Mertz verdict (The Daily Eastern News)
Capital punishment sentencing similar to first stage of trial (The Daily Eastern News)
Prosecution: Mertz is an 'evil, evil person' (The Daily Eastern News)
State presses hard for death penalty in EIU killing (Charleston Times-Courier)
Evil legislative scholarships may come to an end
Attention all students who worked for their college education! Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich gave state public universities one month to come up with a plan to slash what he says is a bloated bureaucracy top-heavy with administrators. On the chopping block: the scholarships most legislators would hand out to their best buddies kids! Yeah! (The Daily Herald)
Peoria Company Appoints EIU Grad as Chief Financial Officer
Telecommunication company ROHN Industries, Inc. named EIU grad John W. Castle as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Castle has an MBA from Xavier University and an accounting degree from Eastern. Does the company know most Eastern grads can’t add?
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2/14/02
Homecoming, Parents Weekend 2003 Dates Set
Open up your calendars, alumni. Eastern announced the dates for Family Weekend and Homecoming in 2003. Family Weekend will take place the weekend of Oct. 11 while Homecoming will take place the weekend of Oct. 25. Here is a list of other upcoming campus events – including the Alumni Association tour of Florida. (contact that Alumni Association for more details):
Feb. 23, Naples, Florida, The Registry Resort & Club.
Feb. 24, Tampa, Florida, Tampa Marriott Westshore.
Feb. 25, Orlando, Florida, The Citrus Club *Business attire is required.
Survivor's Sixth Season Underway With Eastern Alum Butch On the Island
Larry has a confession to make. Not only didn't he watch the first episode of Survivor: Amazon with EIU grad Butch Lockley on the island, he didn't even tape the damn thing so he can't tell you how Butch did. (Is Butch off the island yet?) To tide you all over, Larry found some massive Butch Lockley-related Survivor links for everyone to check out: SurvivorAddicts.com has a message board section on him and SurvivorFever.com has a Butch section. SirLinksALot has its own section with Butch research and, of course, there is the official Survivor Web site, too.
Ryan Booted Off The Amazon (CBS)
Student Senate rejects anti-war resolution
After a heated debate Wednesday, the Student Senate voted down a resolution, opposing a unilateral, pre-emptive war on Iraq. Eastern's had some of the usual maudlin anti-war attitudes on campus, but the Student Senate voted 14-13 against a resolution. (The Daily Eastern News)
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2/13/02
MERTZ GUILTY ON ALL CHARGES
Anthony B. Mertz closed his eyes but showed no other reaction as the jury's decision was announced. He was out of the courtroom before he could see Shannon McNamara's tearful family members embrace one another in relief. The jury needed less than three hours Wednesday to convict Mertz of all charges against him in connection with McNamara's killing on June 12, 2001. It was the shortest deliberation in a murder case in Coles County's recent history. (Charleston Times-Courier)
Man guilty in rape, death of EIU student (Chicago Tribune, registration required)
Friends, Family React With Tears, Thank Yous (The Daily Eastern News)
Jury finds defendant guilty of raping, killing suburban woman (The Daily Herald)
Man convicted in rape, murder of EIU student (Chicago Sun-Times/The AP)
Mertz Guilty (WAND)
OPINION: This was Shannon's day
"Shannon won." Cindy McNamara was overheard saying that statement after walking out of Courtroom 1 of the Coles County Circuit Court Wednesday. Former Eastern student Anthony Blaine Mertz murdered McNamara's daughter, Shannon, a jury of seven men and five women ruled Wednesday evening. The Charleston community, including Eastern, won as well. Justice was served, and a cold, calculating monster likely won't walk the streets of Charleston -- or any other streets -- again. (The Daily Eastern News)
2/12/02
Mertz Verdict Could Come Today
A verdict in the trial of murder suspect Anthony B. Mertz should come today after his attorneys Tuesday abandoned their planned alibi defense. Mertz's attorneys did not call Bryan Beavers to testify as they were on record of planning to do. Their stated strategy before the trial began was that Beavers could say that Mertz was with him the night Eastern Illinois University student Shannon McNamara was killed. (Charleston Times-Courier)
Defense rests, deliberations likely to begin (The Daily Eastern News)
Defense witness says inmate was snitching on Mertz for 'time cut' (Charleston Times-Courier)
Calli Cox Making Appearance Near EIU
Will Eastern graduates turn out in big numbers to honor an alum? Calli Cox, EIU graduate, Hall of Fame inductee and porn star, will return to the Charleston-area for the first time since hitting it big in adult film. She’ll be signing autographs Feb. 20 and 21 at The Gift SPOT on Highway 1 in Marshall, Illinois.
Alumni Association Still Looking for Alumni Award Nominees
The EIU Alumni Association is still trying to find nominess for the Distinguished Alumni Award, Alumni Service Award and Outstanding Young Alumni awards. The due date is June 2. For more information, read the miscellaneous propoganda at the Alumni Association Web page. Send nominations to the EIU Alumni Association, 600 Lincoln Ave., Charleston, IL 61920.
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2/11/02
Mertz's DNA a likely match
DNA evidence showed Anthony B. Mertz as a likely match to a DNA profile found under the fingernails of Shannon McNamara. While Mertz's profile was not guaranteed as the only match, expert witness Jennifer Lu, a scientist at the Illinois State Police forensics lab in Springfield, said there was a 1 in 1.8 billion chance among white individuals to match the profile. (The Daily Eastern News)
DNA expert: Tests show blood under McNamara's fingernails was Mertz's
(Charleston Times-Courier)
Suspect's DNA matches attacker's in killing (The Daily Herald)
Now That’s Progress!! Average freshman GPA reaches 2.36
EIU’s average freshman GPA is second worst of Illinois' five state schools, better than the collegiate ashtray known as NIU but worse than Western’s! Nooooooooo! “There is no mom or dad there to wake (freshmen) up and tell them to go class -- class attendance is their No. 1 killer," said Debbie Barker, an academic adviser who advises 300 to 400 freshmen a semester. "They just don't realize how much free time they actually have, and they don't know what to do with all that extra time." (The Daily Eastern News)
Jurko Expands (His Radio Show)!
Chicago area sports fans have been getting more of EIU Hall of Famer John Jurkovic – and that doesn’t mean the former lineman is gaining weight. Jurko’s afternoon sports talk show on WMVP AM 1000 in Chicago – which teams him with lesser talents Dan “Bonkers” McNeil and the effeminate Harry Teinowitz – expanded from three to four hours starting in January. Now you can hear Jurk babble on about football and a few other sports he has no clue about from 3 to 7 p.m.
Jurko remains one of the funniest guys around. He even announced odds for this year’s dead pool. (Don Zimmer at 50-1! Gimme some of that action!) He also posed for the “2002 Miss Wisconsin Pageant.” (EIU Hall of Fame)
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2/10/03
Former cell mate: Mertz planned to brag he 'got away with' murder
Anthony B. Mertz said he expected to be acquitted of killing Shannon McNamara and planned to brag to her friends that he "got away with it," a former cellmate of Mertz's said Friday. (Charleston Times-Courier)
Last prosecution witness expected to testify on DNA (The Daily Eastern News)
Proving Cheap Works, EIU Enrollment Climbs
Spring enrollment is up nearly 2 percent at public universities in Illinois, fueled in part by a sluggish job market that is driving more students to the classroom. Statewide, enrollment climbed by nearly 2,500 students this spring, paced by increases at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and Eastern Illinois University. (Associated Press, via The St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
All-nighter closes with tentative agreement for EIU, faculty
Negotiators from Eastern Illinois University's administration and faculty union tentatively agreed on a four-year contract following an all-night federal mediation session. (Charleston Times-Courier)
Contract agreements near final settlement (The Daily Eastern News)
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2/7/03
Calli Cox Discusses Life, Lust and EIU
In an EIU (Unofficial) Hall of Fame first, one of the honored inductees of the online shrine has agreed to an interview. Calli Cox, the 1999 education graduate turned award-winning porn star, shared her thoughts on being a bisexual on Eastern’s campus, her favorite bar, the toughest thing about being an education major at EIU, and what her Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority sisters worldwide think of her career in adult film. Maybe the funniest thing we learned about Calli: She worked a summer at Ken Diepholz Chevrolet. (EIU Hall of Fame EXCLUSIVE)
Witness: Watch face may match arm imprint
A circular mark left on Shannon McNamara's arm was likely made by a watch similar to one owned by Anthony B. Mertz, an expert witness testified Thursday. Although the watch was not a perfect match to the mark left on McNamara's arm, James Kreiser, a retired Illinois State Police crime lab analyst, said the mark definitely could have been made by the watch. (The Daily Eastern News)
Testimony: 'Correlation' between Mertz's watch, McNamara wound (Charleston Times-Courier)
Emptied Illinois death row could get inmate soon (USA Today)
EIU Star Has Shot at NFL
Roosevelt Williams, a star cornerback at Eastern Illinois University, probably won't be selected in the April NFL draft. But look for Williams to be among the first players signed by an NFL team as a rookie free agent. (The Plain Dealer, bottom of column)
Verge Features EIU Hall of Fame
A couple of weeks ago after the page two column about Web sites, I actually got some feedback from someone about our online editors' picks. The e-mail came from a person who uses the alias "The Curator." I was surprised to discover this person is indeed a curator, but not of a tangible museum; rather, an online hall of fame. Officially called Eastern Illinois University's (Unofficial) Hall of Fame, the site is full of information about former students and humorous barbs about Eastern. Check it out at www.eiuhalloffame.tripod.com. (The Daily Eastern News)
New Southern Illinoisan Editor an EIU Grad
Meta Minton, editor of the Midland (Texas) Reporter-Telegram, a native of Southern Illinois and graduate of Eastern Illinois University, has been named editor of The Southern Illinoisan, Publisher Dennis DeRossett announced. (Southern Illinoisian)
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2/6/03
EIU Pro-Football Players an Endangered Species
Buffalo Bills cornerback Chris Watson holds on to EIU’s pro-football legacy by a fingernail. Watson, the only Panther playing in the NFL (we have plenty of coaches), may be cut by the Bills before next season, according to reports.
Buffalo News sportswriter Mark Gaughan called Watson a “huge liability” for the team and that paper ripped Watson all year as the Bills’ worst cornerback. Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reporter Leo Roth said Watson could easily be cut to make room for younger talent.
Watson didn’t have the greatest year. He was benched near the end of the season for disciplinary reasons. While he had one interception, he was one of the defense’s most penalized players. One of his penalties was blamed for helping the Jets score an easy win over the Bills.
But even if Watson goes, all may not be lost. Current EIU quarterback Tony Romo is considered by some one of the top 10 quarterbacks in this year’s NFL draft. Some have predicted he’ll go as early as the fifth round.
Romo will be at the NFL scouting combine on Feb. 20 in Indianapolis.
Dozens honor Shannon as murder trial ends third day
Bob McNamara, his face stained with tears, spent Wednesday evening in the darkened chapel of the Newman Catholic Center with two facts in mind. There is power in prayer. There is strength in numbers. And so he joined about a hundred others for a solemn ceremony in a room where tears outnumbered faces, to light candles in the name of his slain 21-year-old daughter, say prayers for justice and establish another truth - there still is love for Shannon. (Daily Herald)
'Her Light Shines On (The Daily Eastern News)
Witness: Front door likely attempted point of entry (The Daily Eastern News)
Mertz jury to hear testimony on other break-ins (The Charleston Times-Courier)
Defense, Florida dominate EIU football recruitment list
Eastern coaches got rather defensive when thinking about last season. After ranking fourth in NCAA Division I-AA scoring 35.3 points per game but 113th out of 123 teams while allowing 34.5 points, the staff gave 11 of Wednesday's 19 scholarships to defensive players. (The Charleston Times-Courier)
EIU Scientists: You Really Are Only as Old as You Feel
Expressions like "You're only as old as you feel" may be cliches, but according to a new study they can have a positive effect on a person's mental and physical wellbeing. EIU researchers found that so-called "memorable messages" about aging can persuade people to change their lifestyle as they grow older. (Reuters)
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2/5/03
Joan Allen a Great Woman of Film
What do Jody Foster and Susan Sarandon have in common with Joan Allen? No, those two have actually won Academy Awards. But the trio are the only three actresses listed in Great Women of Film by Helene Lumme. Joan Allen even gets her picture on the cover (right).
The book is not supposed to be a who’s who of actresses. Instead, the book looks at women in all aspects of the film industry – from producing to casting – and gives women a guide to find their way into the business. “I wanted to let the audience and the industry know about these spectacular women and their achievements,” Lumme states on the Web site. “I hope to encourage young women to go where too few have gone before— making movies— and fully exploit all the opportunities today's film industry offers.”
Can you believe it? Someone from Eastern is a role model!
Allen’s lastest film, Off the Map, just debuted at the Sundance Film Festival but is still seeking distribution in the United States. Her next movie, The Notebook co-starring James Garner, is expected to come out later this year.
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2/4/03
Mertz Trial Underway
Prosecutors yesterday began the three-week trial of accused murderer Anthony Mertz (left)with details linking him to the crime and some gruesome testimony about his victim's wounds, according to local reports.
Mertz , a former EIU student, is accused of one of the most sad and horrible acts in Eastern’s history: the murder, robbery and post-mortem sexual assault of fellow student Shannon McNamara on June 12, 2001. If convicted, Mertz could be sentenced to death.
The prosecution will use DNA evidence from the victim’s fingernails, a piece of a latex glove found in McNamara’s apartment that matched gloves in Mertz's apartment, and Mertz’s credit card found at the crime scene to link him to the killing, according to an article in The Daily Eastern News.
Dr. Travis Hindman, of Memorial Hospital in Springfield, testified yesterday that McNamara was suffocated by a rag stuffed so deep in her throat it had to be forcefully removed, according to The Daily Eastern News. Hindman also said McNamara had also been hit hard enough to damage her liver, which is protected by the rib cage.
There is some question about whether the sexual assault took place. Hindman said on cross examination there had been no penetration.
Court security plans to block even a subtle demonstration against the death penalty during the trial. Anyone who attends the trial will be told to remove buttons, photos or other anti-death-penalty paraphernalia, according to The Charleston Times-Courier. The court had earlier ruled no one would be able to display photos of McNamara (right) during the trial.
A current Eastern student is among the jurors. The trial is so important at EIU that The Daily Eastern News’ editor in chief is covering the story.
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2/3/03
He’s Still Billy Panther To Us
Despite the decision to rename it “Prowler,” Eastern's mascot will still be known as Billy Panther here at the EIU Hall of Fame.
There are a couple of reasons for this. Let Larry explain…
While the Class of 2003 and beyond will be brainwashed that our mascot’s name is a synonym for “thief,” a few DECADES-worth of alumni still think of him as Billy. Why hurt their eyes by calling Billy any other name?
Second, and equally as important, while EIU does a lot of hair-brained things that continue on for years (ie. Office of Student Life), the new name for Billy Panther is so uniquely stupid that one has to think they will change it again.
Sometime? Hopefully? Please?
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1/31/03
Eastern Student on Mertz Jury
One Eastern student is among the dozen jurors who will decide the fate of former EIU student Anthony Mertz, according to The Daily Eastern News.
Mertz is accused of murdering and sexually assaulting another Eastern student during an attempted robbery in June 2001. About 90 potential jurors were dismissed. The trial will start Monday.
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1/30/03
Brace Yourself for More Credit Card Junk Mail
I’m not a big fan of Robert Manion right now.
Manion, the president of the EIU Alumni Association, is also the dude whose name is at the bottom of the EIU MBNA Visa Card pitch letter I got in the mail this week.
“Your first football game, your very best friend, your favorite professor…truly your years at Eastern Illinois University were most rewarding,” the letter states. And then it goes on to try and sell me yet another EIU credit card – promising to throw in an EIU Windshirt (what the hell is that?) with my order.
You know, getting these letters is like getting the AOL CD in the mail. Only a Baby Boomer alum would try and pass off something like this to a fellow graduate. I hope to God Eastern makes some Mike Shanahan-level dollars on this gambit.
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1/29/03
Billy Panther Victim of EIU Name Holocaust
In probably the greatest abomination since the creation of Western Illinois University, Eastern Illinois University has changed the name of its mascot from “Billy Panther” to “Prowler.”
Prowler.
“Why didn’t they just rename me Sphincter?” asked a completely stunned Billy Panther, who for years has been a mascot in exile at the EIU (Unofficial) Hall of Fame.
For some time, Eastern went without a mascot because the old costume wore out and the Athletic Department was too cheap to buy a new one. But some courageous students rallied and raised some money to buy a new costume for Billy.
Then the politicians got involved.
A committee composed of women's basketball player Kayla Bloemer, cheerteam co-captain Mike Mantonya, men's basketball coach Rick Samuels, student body president Alison Mormino and assistant athletic director Dave Kidwell betrayed us all when they settled on “Prowler” as the best suggestion for a mascot’s name Eastern's student body could come up with.
According to the university, students were subjected to Prowler for the first time in Jan. 18 at a men's basketball game. There were no reports of rioting.
What’s worse, though, is that Kidwell tried to deny “Billy” was ever a true nickname for our mascot, adding that it’s important to have a gender neutral name.
"Billy Panther became a slang term that was popular but since last year's fundraising efforts produced a new uniform, it was determined by the athletic administration that this is the proper time to attach an official nickname," Kidwell said via University Relations.
There are a lot of issues here, folks. First, what exactly is a “Prowler?” (Am I the only one who thinks “burglar” way before I think “cat”) Second, aren’t there women named Billy?
Plus, what the heck is going on with this rebuke of Billy as the traditional name for our fun-loving furry mascot? Samuels and Kidwell have been brainwashed by the school honchos, but Mormino is down with EIU. She should know better!
“Prowler. What kind of name is that? It sounds more like a Plymouth -- not a college mascot,” rightly wrote Matt Meinheit in a recent edition of The Daily Eastern News.
We could hope that mocking from The Daily Eastern News – and maybe even the Charleston Times-Courier – and maybe some complaints from the student body and alumni at large could help change that God-awful name back to Billy (Billy just trips off your tongue, doesn’t it?). But Larry fears this may be something we all have to live with.
The EIU Hall of Fame staff is currently meeting in an Emergency Session to decide whether to give Billy’s name eternal asylum here or to swallow a bitter pill the size of Lumpkin Hall and accept the mascot’s name is – ugh – Prowler.
“And I thought a Leathernecks mascot would be bad," Billy Panther said.
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1/28/03
Hot Dates for EIU Alumni
Eastern has lined up its Alumni World Tour again this year, starting with alumni receptions in Arizona, Vegas and San Francisco in February. Later in the year there will be alumni schmoozefests in Greece, Washington D.C. and Normandy, where we’re all remember how soldiers with EIU degree wet their pants and ran the other way on D-Day.
What kills me about this is that when EIU hosts an alumni reception in some far-flung locale where probably seven alumni live, the event is at some relatively plush resort.
But then, when they host an event in Illinois where most graduates still live (with their parents), they rent out some rat-hole tavern that makes Mother’s look like the freakin’ Four Seasons.
Anyway, here’s the latest skinny on alumni goings on. To get more information or to RSVP call the Alumni Association at 800-ALUM-EIU or e-mail alumeiu@eiu.edu.
Annual Scottsdale Alumni Reception, Feb. 8, The Paradise Valley Resort.
Las Vegas Alumni Reception, Feb. 10, Nevada Commerce Bank
Annual Lincoln's Birthday Celebration, Feb. 12, San Francisco. For more information on this one, contact Greg Gardner at gardner1@apple.com
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1/27/03
EIU Grad Will Appear on Survivor: Amazon
Only an Eastern grad would need $1 million to buy a four-wheel drive pickup. But that’s what Butch Lockley is shooting for. The 1994 EIU graduate (master's in education administration) and current principal at Olney Middle School will be one of 16 contestants on the fifth edition of the reality show Survivor, according to an article in The Daily Eastern News.
You can read his full Survivor profile here. But you'll be interested to know Butch's favorite drinks are beer or V.O. & 7 Up and his favorite video game is Deer Hunter.
And yes, believe it or not, if he wins $1 million he will buy a four-wheel drive pickup truck.
Dammit man! Aim a little higher! At least on behalf of EIU!
"Butch is a principal with principles," series host Jeff Probst told The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, according to The News. "He said right off that he wouldn't do anything to embarrass himself, his family or his school."
Oh really? According to the article, Lockley, 50, dressed like an albino squirrel on his Survivor audition video. Now does that scream EIU or what!
He won’t give interviews until Survivor producers give the OK, but you’ll see our proud Panther starting Feb. 13 on CBS. This year’s Survivor is being held in the Amazon. Back to the top story
1/24/03
A Bunch of Verge(ins)
Once a place for ragtag revolutionaries and wacky literary pranksters, The Daily Eastern News' weekend section, The Verge, has become home to latte-sippers and fans of alternative music-lite. Why is Larry bitter? Today's edition of The Verge lists several reporters' choices for top Internet sites and guess which one goes unmentioned?
Not a whiff of the EIU Hall of Fame!
Instead, these vanguards of the revolution list nytimes.com, Orbitz, eBay and Q101.com. "The Internet is far more than a place to anonymously slander celebrities, share pornography and cheat whiny musicians out of royalties," say authors Matt Wills and Ben Erwin.
What are they teaching the kids down there? Someone send them an EIU (Unofficial) Hall of Fame flier.
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1/23/03
Become an EIU Hall of Fame Evangelist
Do you really want to do something good for Eastern Illinois University the next time you are on campus? How about spreading the word about the EIU (Unofficial) Hall of Fame?
Along with entertaining profiles and critical news about EIU, Eastern’s online shrine has created fliers that you can print out from your computer and post around campus the next time you go to Eastern Illinois University.
Take your pick of The Billy Panther Flier or the EIU Pride Flier. Those fliers and others will be featured on the front page of the EIU Hall of Fame very soon. Back to the top story
1/22/03
Nominate an EIU Hall of Famer
The EIU Alumni Association is seeking nominees for the Distinguished Alumni Award. We here at the EIU Hall of Fame encourage everyone to write the Alumni Association and nominate one of our honorable inductees of the online shrine or even The Curator itself – even though no one really knows who The Curator is (not even me, Larry Smith).
To be honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award, you have to have graduated at least six years ago and “brought prestige to the alma mater."
The Alumni Association is also looking for nominees for the Alumni Service Award, for those who have excelled in public service, and for the Outstanding Young Alum award.
The EIU (Unofficial) Hall of Fame formally nominates:
John Jurkovic, distinguished alum.
Triumph, alumni service.
Calli Cox, outstanding young alum.
Send your nominations to:
EIU Alumni Association
600 Lincoln Ave.
Charleston, IL
61920
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1/21/03
Malkovich Going Back to School
Variety is reporting that Mr. Anti-EIU himself, John Malkovich, will star in "Art School
Confidential," which takes a satirical look at a cop who goes undercover as an art student and gains critical acclaim for his work.
According to Variety, “the cop-turned-artist earns further recognition
by posing as the felon-at-large and, when he realizes that critical
kudos hinge upon him posing as a killer, he considers taking the rap
for the crime.”
I wonder how much inspiration Malko will draw from his time at Eastern Illinois University? Back to the top story
1/20/03
Get Some Eastern-Inspired Tunes
EIU musical prodigy Charlotte Martin released her latest EP this weekend. Test-drive songs includes eight songs with titles like Pretty Thing and Something Like a Hero and costs $13.
Martin, who graduated from Eastern in 1998, compares herself to everyone from Kate Bush and Tori Amos to Bill Joel and the Cure’s lead singer, Robert Smith.
"I've never been afraid of exploring those dark places in my head and heart, and even though I visit the dark, I don't live there,” said she in this interview. “What I love about the comics is that they are edgy and off-beat, not necessarily the moroseness. I mean, I don't dress in all black." Back to the top story
1/17/03
Malko Not in Celebrity Death Match Video Game
Even though John Malkovich killed John Cusack with a nerve ending on MTV’s Celebrity Death Match, the cranky actor won’t be a part of the Celebrity Death Match video game coming out later this year.
Carrot Top, Shannon Doherty, Carmen Electra, Ron Jeremy, Marilyn Manson, Busta Rhymes, Dennis Rodman, Anna Nicole Smith and Jerry Springer will all be part of the new video game based off the clamation celebrity fighting series, according to its maker Gotham Games.
But Malkovich, who fought John Cusak in the first year of the show, won’t be one of the actors.
I guess he’s not as famous as those other people. Back to the top story
1/16/03
It Was a Slow Year
The Daily Eastern News has done a Web-based look back at 2002 that is worth checking out.
While the online look back is admirable, a review of the year's top stories shows that, aside from a horrible murder, not much happened at Eastern in 2002. Back to the top story
1/16/03
Hear Charlotte
If you want to hear former Eastern student Charlotte Martin sing "Bring Home the Day" but don't have the soundtrack for Sweet Home Alabama, click here to take in the tune from EIU's latest version of Burl Ives.
Larry suggests right-clicking on your mouse and saving this music file, which is about four megabytes. If you don't have a high speed Internet connection, you could be around for awhile. Back to the top story
1/15/03
Calli Gets Shut Out of Porn Awards
EIU’s very own porn star was shut out of this year’s Adult Video News Awards this past weekend. Calli Cox, the elementary education graduate turned bisexual porn star was up for the coveted Female Performer of the Year Award. But much like Joan Allen at the Oscars, Calli was denied.
She was also nominated with other actors – *ahem* – for the Best All-Girl Sex Scene in the movie Buttslammers 21 and Best Couples Sex Scene in Shane’s World 30. Calli’s films lost out in those categories to scenes from The Violation of Aurora Snow and Lex The Impaler 2, respectively. Back to the top story
1/14/03
EIU Police Blotter
The second of three sexual assault trials started in Charleston today, according to The Daily Eastern News. Information is scant, but it seems Eastern - after years of dumping these cases on the campus judicial board - is suddenly getting tough on sexual assault on campus. The first case was dismissed.
In other EIU criminal matters, the murder trial of former Eastern student Anthony Mertz continues to plod along, according to The News. Mertz is accused of murdering and then sexually assaulting another student in June 2001 in probably the most heinous act in Eastern's history. Jury selection will finally begin at the end of January.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in that case. Former Illinois Gov. George Ryan's recent commutation of the state's death sentences won't change that, according to reports in both The Chicago Tribune and New York Times. Back to the top story
1/14/03
Former Panthers in the Arena League
Two Eastern football players have signed with the Arena League, according to The Charleston Times-Courier.. Wide receivers Frank Cutolo and Phil Taylor will play for the Indianapolis Firebirds and Carolina Cobras, respectively.
Taylor's agent thinks he could make his way to the NFL if he works hard.
Yeah, right. Back to the top story
1/13/03
Eastern = Jackass
Eastern has started the new semester. How did Eastern students keep themselves busy during the winter break? Read this from a story in The Daily Eastern News.
"Steve Curtin, a sophomore graphic designs major, kicked himself in the head for a dollar in a Denny's parking lot."
You know, I would actually be disappointed if he had done anything else.
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1/13/03
A Little Too Much International Tea
The Daily Eastern News really cracks me up. Check out this headline on a story about Panther Quarterback Tony Romo:
Romo Arigato!
Eastern's record-setting quarterback graciously accepts Payton Award
Eh? How does a play off the Japanese term domo arigato mesh with a story about Eastern's QB winning the Walter Payton Award Division I-AA Award?
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1/11/03
Berry Berry Good
Any Eastern alum -- or anyone else for that matter -- who wants to get a good taste of Eastern nostalgia should jump over to What's Cookin's Strawberry Bread Homepage. Although frequently referred to as What's Burnin' by many Eastern students, this 7th Street restaurant's strawberry bread was one of the biggest culinary delights in Charleston.
What's Burnin', er, Cookin', may also be the only Central Illinois-styled Tex-Mex place in the country.
Unfortunately, you can't order strawberry bread via the Web this section lists prices and a phone number so you can call in an order. Back to the top story
1/7/03
Finally, The Dust Settles
Chalk up another half-dozen Web designers to Eastern's unemployment rolls. The EIU Hall of Fame has finished a regular spit-and-polish, cleaning up every single Web page on the site, adding new links (like the induction of Calli Cox), deleting dead links, updating certain biographies (updating Joan Allen's filmography and including my move to CNN Headline News, for example) and making every page look nice and snazzy. Please look around!
You'll still see some new additions to the front, a second quiz, and some gradual rewriting of some Hall of Fame biographies. But that will take place over the next six months. The Curator & Co. are going to take a little break from Web design. Back to the top story
1/6/03
Just How EIU Are You?
So, are you really a graduate of Eastern Illinois University or do you visit this Web site out of school-envy? The staff of the EIU Hall of Fame means to separate the contenders from the pretenders with a pop-quiz: Check Your EIU IQ With Eastern Illinois University Trivia. It's one of two new quizzes that will be displayed on the front of the EIU (Unofficial) Hall of Fame in the coming months. Are you a genius or a moron from Southern Illinois University? Try it for yourself. You can even post your "diploma" on your own Web site.
How did Larry do?
Check Your EIU IQ With Eastern Illinois University Trivia
brought to you by Quizilla
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1/5/03
EIU has a Ultimate Fighting Championship Legacy, Too
First it was Sean Payton (read below) and now it’s Matt Hughes. 2000 alum Christopher Mills wrote the online shrine this weekend to suggest Hughes, a welterweight champ in the Ultimate Fighting Championship be inducted into the EIU (Unofficial) Hall of Fame.
While Payton may not be inducted here for awhile, Matt has some potential. According to his bio on the UFC Web site, Hughes, age 30, got into the ultra-violent ultimate fighting through wrestling at Eastern.
It also said he still coaches wrestling at EIU, though the Hall of Fame couldn’t find a mention of him on the EIU Web page.
Judging from this video footage and this photograph, Hughes would fit right in with EIU’s pro-wrestling alumni Fabulous Moolah, Uncle Elmer, Abdullah the Butcher and Booker T. Back to the top story
1/3/03
Jurko is Cool on Two Continents
Damn John Jurkovic is funny. While updating the EIU Hall of Fame, online shrine staff members came across The Cheddar Hall of Fame, which pays tribute to colorful players from NFL Europe. They inducted Jurko!
You'll soon see some of the photos added to Jurko's photo gallery here at the Hall, but Jurko's Cheddarhead biography includes photos of him drinking four beers at once and wearing a red-and-orange Cheddarhead. The photos alone are worth a look, but the bio is pretty interesting as well.
It seems the primary way to get inducted into the Cheddarhead Hall of Fame is to be a football player and drink with the guys who run the Web site. Jurko, according to the Web site, lifted four beers with one hand and drank from each without spilling , sang the Notre Dame flight song, hassled somebody for being English, and talked about how badly he would like to punk Erik Williams, the Dallas Cowboy player whose cheap shot in the 1995 NFC Championship Game ruined Jurko's knee. Back to the top story
1/2/03
Where’s the Love for Payton?
Sean Payton is no Calli Cox, but does the offensive coordinator for the New York Giants deserve to be in the EIU (Unofficial) Hall of Fame?
“What about adding Sean Payton to you EIU (Un)Official Hall of Fame??asked one loyal alum who e-mail the online shrine New Year’s Day. “He left Eastern with 10,000+ yards in passing. I believe that he was second all time in the NCAA when he left. He has had a couple of bumps in the road since his departure (being castigated by Ditka as one of the replacement Bears in '82), but is currently the Offensive Coordinator for the NY Giants. He has been to a Super Bowl with them I believe and called the offensive plays until recently.?
Payton is one of those EIU tweeners. He’s arguably had a better career than lineman-turned-broadcaster John Jurkovic, who is in the Hall of Fame, but he’s nowhere near as funny or weird as Jurko. Payton has also taken the flack for the Giants offensive problems recently.
Check out Sean Payton's career for yourself on the New York Giants Web site. But Larry thinks Sean Payton won’t get into the EIU Hall of Fame until he gets a head-coaching job. He’ll definitely get inducted if he gets a head-coaching job and, in EIU fashion, gets fired after one season. Back to the top story
1/2/03
Mike Shanahan Ripped By the Press
for Denver Broncos' Mediocre Season
Mike Shanahan’s Denver Broncos didn’t make the NFL playoffs this season and folks in Denver are hopping mad at our EIU coaching legend.
In his weekly column Rocky Mountain News columnist Bernie Lincicome said Shanahan should be fired if he has one more season like this year’s 9-7 performance.
“What he has created is a mile-high edition of the Seattle Seahawks, a team of pedestrian prospects and infrequent astonishments,?Lincicome said. “He has become, not the next Don Shula after all but the current Mike Holmgren, looking more and more ordinary the further he gets from a franchise quarterback.?
Have his days studying at Eastern finally caught up with him? Back to the top story
12/22/02
Larry Smith is off for the holidays
Happy holidays everyone! I am taking a break from the EIU Hall of Fame Web Log until 2003 so I can properly celebrate my job at CNN, the New Year and the fact an adult-film star went to our school. That doesn't mean a few little elves will be bouncing around the EIU Hall of Fame, however. Look for new features and a nearly completed redesign in 2003!
Have a great holiday season and fantastic New Year.
12/21/02
'Stoked' to be in the EIU Hall of Fame
Adult film star Calli Cox.truly did go to EIU and she's excited to be in the Hall of Fame.
"I'm stoked that you guys want to induct me!" Calli said via e-mail. "That's super cool. I did go to EIU, I was a Tri Sig there. I also worked at Maurices in Charleston and at Stix." Back to the top story
12/20/02
Porn Star A Graduate of EIU
Everyone, meet Calli Cox.
Calli's a 1999 graduate of EIU who majored in elementary education. She's a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority. For awhile, she taught eighth graders how to read. And she's also the first bona fide adult film star ever to graduate from EIU.
One night on a dare she left Eastern and drove to an amatuer strip competition in East St. Louis. Then she went back, experimented with women and later dumped that dopey school gig and got into stripping. From there, she's become one of porn most cherubic and addictive porn stars.
All thanks to Eastern Illinois University.
Needless to say Calli has been immediately inducted into the EIU Hall of Fame. Don't worry, there is no nudity on the Web site (though we do show a close-up of a tattoo on her butt). The Hall of Fame staff is also working on an interview with the adult film star, who has already contacted the Web site confirming she is truly an EIU grad.
Thanks to her work in the adult business, we already know she really is a Tri-Sig: she has her sorority's letters tattooed on her butt! Back to the top story
This really isn't Larry Smith
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