August 28, 2008

Paralegal Studies to celebrate 25th anniversary

by Andrea Hahn

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The Paralegal Studies program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale invites students, former students, faculty, staff, the community -- everyone, in fact -- to join them in celebrating 25 years as a baccalaureate program.

The two-day celebration includes a trivia night on Oct. 3 and the Fourth Annual Paralegal Studies Golf Scramble and the 25th Anniversary banquet on Oct. 4.

“This celebration is really in honor of our graduates and all their accomplishments,” Carolyn Smoot, Paralegal Studies program director, said.

Smoot said she feels like the program is a bit of a secret, and she hopes that will change.

“This is still a program a lot of people even on this campus don’t realize we have,” she said, noting the program has graduated more than 900 alumni. Approximately one-third of the paralegal graduates go on to law school, she said. Others go directly into careers.

“Our graduates are getting jobs in all sorts of careers -- they aren’t all in law offices or government offices. Many different types of employers want someone with a legal background. This is a program that can yield a good, professional job with a bachelor’s degree,” she said.

The program is the only four-year paralegal program in Illinois recognized by the American Bar Association.

And that’s a bit of trivia to remember, perhaps, for those who attend trivia night.

Here is what is on the docket for the 25th anniversary celebration.

Oct. 3

Trivia Night -- 7 p.m. for sign-in and table choice; 7:30 p.m. competition begins, Student Center Renaissance Room (first floor, just at the south entrance).

Teams of up to six people may claim a table for $100, individuals pay $20. The entrance fee includes soft drinks, beer and wine, and finger food. Proper identification is required for alcohol consumption. Rounds are 10 questions each with nine rounds anticipated. The evening also includes drawings for door prizes, intermissions and toasts in honor of the 25th anniversary of paralegal studies at SIUC.

For more information, or to suggest added activities, contact Dan Silver at dsilver@siu.edu.

Oct. 4

Fourth Annual Fundraising Golf Scramble -- 8:30 a.m. for registration, 9 a.m. for a shotgun start, at the Union County Country Club in Anna.

Teams of four enter for $220, individuals pay $55. There is a limit of 18 teams or 72 golfers. Sponsorship opportunities include: $100 to sponsor a hole (you get to post a sign); $220 to sponsor a team; $300 to sponsor a team and a hole. Entry fee includes lunch and beverages, catered by Key West. Proceeds from this event benefit the Paralegal Studies Activities fund, and may be used for scholarships and student activities. Make checks out to SIU Foundation -- Paralegal Studies.

25th Anniversary Banquet -- 6 p.m. for cocktail reception, 7 p.m. for dinner, Old Main Restaurant and Lounge, Student Center (second floor).

Tickets are $25 per person and include a choice of three different meal choices, including roast baron of beef, garlic encrusted chicken or a vegetarian entrée, all with sides and iced tea. The reception includes wine, beer and iced tea.