Eureka College | Peoria Public Radio

New Eureka College President is a Familiar Face

By Tanya Koonce • Jul 12, 2017

Eureka College has its first female and African-American president in the institution’s 163-year history. Dr. Jamel Santa Cruze Wright has served as the interim president for slightly more than a year. She was officially named the 27th president of Eureka College Tues.

Illinois Trooper Killed in Crash Remembered as Hard Worker

By Associated Press • Jun 30, 2017

Friends are remembering an Illinois State Police trooper who died in a vehicle crash as a hard worker and good-hearted man.

Quest Charter, Eureka College Collaborate to Bring Up Next Generation of Teachers

By Tanya Koonce • Apr 27, 2017

Quest Charter Academy and Eureka College have a new partnership that formalizes a full-circle opportunity for students entering the field of education.

Heartland Festival Orchestra presents "Symphony Idol" This Weekend

By Nathan Irwin • Mar 17, 2017

This week, Nathan Irwin is talking with David Commanday, Music Director of the Heartland Festival Orchestra. In their next concert, the orchestra is joined by three former finalists from "American Idol." Commanday talks about the three guest artists, and the different genres and vocal types they represent. He says the concert offers the orchestra an opportunity to present a different type of repertoire. And he talks about "American Idol" as a cultural and musical phenomenon.

PRM's Next Chief is Peoria Native John Morris

By Tanya Koonce • Feb 22, 2017

Peoria native and former city councilman John Morris will be the the new president and CEO of the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

Morris is currently the development director of major gifts at Eureka College, serving in that role for about a decade. He spent the previous decade heading up development for WTVP and started his career at Lakeview Museum.

Eureka College Adds 3 New Trustees

By AP • Jul 6, 2016

EUREKA, Ill. (AP) - Three new trustees have been added to the board at Eureka College.

Former Reagan aide criticizes campaign civility

By Cass Herrington & Tanya Koonce • Feb 5, 2016

A former assistant for President Ronald Reagan says none of the current GOP presidential candidates can be likened to “The Great Communicator.”

Eureka College Latest to Ban Hoverboards

By Tanya Koonce • Jan 20, 2016

Eureka College is joining those banning hoverboards on campus. The ban includes all campus buildings, including residence halls, and all school grounds.

Scott Walker visits Eureka College announcing plan to 'wreak havoc' on Washington

By Cass Herrington • Sep 10, 2015

Wisconsin Republican Governor and Presidential Candidate Scott Walker stopped in Eureka, Ill. to unveil his “on day one” campaign platform at President Ronald Reagan’s alma mater.

Walker spoke from the stage where the 40th president gave his first political speech as a college freshman.

Walker likened himself to Reagan who he calls a fighter for smaller government and American values:

Eureka alum directs "August: Osage County"

By Nathan Irwin • Apr 10, 2015

Joel Shoemaker is directing Eureka College's upcoming production of "August: Osage County." A graduate of Eureka, he talks about returning to campus in a different capacity. He also talks about the show, which is driven by the complicated dynamics of an extended and multi-generational Oklahoma family. Shoemaker also talks about what he has learned as a first-time director. "August: Osage County" runs April 14th to 18th in the Pritchard Theatre at Eureka College.

Governor Quinn announces funding for private colleges and universities in Central Illinois

By Stefanie Sobie • Oct 30, 2014

Governor Quinn was at Bradley University today to announce funding for several private Central Illinois colleges and universities. The investments total $5.8 million.

Eureka College opens Sanders Hall; boasts freshman class enrollment

By Denise Molina • Aug 26, 2014

Denise Molina-Weiger / Peoria Public Radio

The first all-academic building to be constructed at Eureka College in nearly 100 years is open and ready for students. The school opened Sanders Hall Tuesday with it’s customary Ivy Cutting Ceremony. The four-story facility is mostly dedicated to science education, but will be utilized by almost every academic division.

Remembering President Ronald Reagan

By Tanya Koonce • Jun 5, 2014

Eureka College remembered the life of Alumnus Ronald Reagan on the 10th anniversary of his death.

Out and About - December 6, 2013

By Nathan Irwin • Dec 6, 2013

Joseph Henry directs the Eureka College Chamber Singers in their 25th annual Christmas Renaissance Dinner this weekend. Henry talks about the program, and how it differs from other madrigal dinners in the region. The event features a new script written each year, and period music selected to tell the story of the Nativity. Performances begin at 6:00 Saturday and Sunday at the Cerf Center at Eureka College.

Review - "Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson"

By Nathan Irwin • Apr 10, 2013

“Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson” presents a musical look at the colorful and controversial 13th President of the United States. A production at Eureka College opened Tuesday night and continues through Saturday. Brian “Fox” Ellis has this review for Peoria Public Radio and the Live Theatre League of Peoria. Opinions expressed are those of the reviewer, not those of Peoria Public Radio or the Live Theatre League.

Justice O’Connor stresses civic service at Eureka visit

By Alex Rusciano • Apr 9, 2013

Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor spoke to hundreds of people at Eureka College Tuesday. She was the first woman to serve on the nation’s highest court. Justice O’Connor was nominated by President Ronald Reagan, who is Eureka College’s most famous alumnus. Justice O’Connor stressed the importance civic engagement activities such as jury duty: