Friends of EIU, passionate community members invited to amplify Eastern’s aesthetic appeal
(Charleston, IL) – Eastern Illinois University leaders are once again excited to work alongside faculty, staff, students, alumni, and annuitants to host a “Beautification Day” on campus. This fall’s event will take place in two shifts—from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 26, to further beautify Eastern’s 320-acre campus in preparation for the University’s annual Homecoming celebration.
“Without a doubt, EIU’s beautiful, small-town charm is a selling point for our students and their families,” said Matt Bierman, vice president for Business Affairs at Eastern. “We’re lucky to have community members that share our passion for EIU, and who understand they can play a direct role in influencing someone’s decision to attend. A vibrant EIU is a vibrant Coles County—culturally and economically.”
Since 2019, EIU has hosted Beautification Days, which connect the University’s grounds and facilities employees with approximately 100 volunteers. Together, volunteers have devoted significant hours toward enhancing the allure and charm of Illinois’ most affordable public university. Crews help pull weeds, assist with outdoor gardening projects, and other general clean-up efforts. Volunteers are able to use hand tools and interact with others who share the same passion for EIU’s aesthetic appeal.
Bierman noted that the annual campus beautification days create a deeper sense of ownership and belonging for those who participate. He also shared that EIU’s leadership and administration is grateful to Teamsters Local 26 and the University’s ground crew for supporting this impactful event.
Anyone is encouraged to sign up and help prepare the campus for alumni, students and visitors. An online volunteer sign-up is available at EIU’s Civic Engagement and Volunteerism website, located at eiu.edu/volunteer/. Interested participants can use the Volunteer Opportunities dropdown menu and click on Volunteer Now! to register.
EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.
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