Media Advisory: Video released beckoning Obama to May 13 commencement

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign leading an effort to persuade former President Barack Obama to serve as commencement speaker at the May 13 ceremony have sent a video invitation to the former state and federal legislator from Illinois.

Within the span of 1 minute and 26 seconds, the university staff-produced video conveys the views of several students who relate the impact that Obama has had on their lives – and the further significance of his participation in the commencement ceremony.

A petition drive has garnered more than 2,100 signatures to date.

Editor’s note: Student contacts are Alex Villanueva, 863-258-1742; and Mark Schaer, 815-494-8799

Study: Microalgae and bacteria team up to convert CO2 into useful products

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Scientists have spent decades genetically modifying the bacterium Escherichia coli and other microbes to convert carbon dioxide into useful biological products. Most methods require additional carbon sources, however, adding to the cost. A new study overcomes this limitation by combining the photosynthetic finesse of a single-celled algae with the production capabilities of […]

Expert viewpoints Portrait photo of Ellen Moodie

Why were Venezuelan immigrants sent to El Salvador?

On March 15, more than 200 Venezuelan immigrants were accused of engagement in gang activity and deported from the U.S. — not to Venezuela, but to El Salvador, some 1,600 miles away from their home country. Ellen Moodie, an anthropology professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is the author of “El Salvador in the […]

Education

Staff shortages exceed those for teachers in many Illinois public schools

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. ― Despite widespread concern that the pandemic exacerbated existing shortages of teachers, a new study of Illinois public schools indicates that need for other certificated staff such as teacher’s aides and social workers may have been a far greater problem for some schools. Paul Bruno, a professor of education policy, organization and leadership […]

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Study: Microalgae and bacteria team up to convert CO2 into useful products

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Staff shortages exceed those for teachers in many Illinois public schools