A new exhibit opened in the Marvin Foyer in the Booth Library, Tuesday night.

The exhibit is titled “Teachers Tame the Prairie.”

The main focus of this exhibit is to showcase the past and current teachers of Eastern.

The different displays showcase many subjects.

Subjects range from “Eastern Throughout the Years”, “Name Dropping at EIU”, and other various topics.

“Eastern Throughout the Years” includes handbooks, bulletins, and informational packets, all of which are incased in glass boxes.

“Name Dropping at EIU” is a board that displays different public figures that have appeared at Eastern such as, Jeff Foxworthy, Aretha Franklin, and Barack Obama.

Bob Hillman, a university archivist, had a big role in preparing the exhibit.

Hillman went through the archives to find original bulletins, pictures and other items to put on display.

“I am more partial to the early years of EIU’s history because we can all get a different perspective from it,” Hillman said.

After mingling and observing the different displays, attendees were moved into the West Reading Room.

Once in the Reading Room, Allen Lanham, the dean of library services, welcomed the audience.

After Lanhams’ welcome, he introduced the first speaker of the night, Terry Barnhart, a professor within the history department.

Barnhart’s’ presentation focused on the foundations of Eastern.

Throughout his presentation, Barnhart talked about public education and how it relates back to Eastern’s former name, Normal School.

In concluding his presentation, Barnhart challenged the audience.

“I want you to think about if Eastern is a part of you,” Barnhart said.

Charles Titus, an assistant professor within the history department, also spoke at the event.

Titus focused on educational reform during his presentation.

In his presentation, Titus answered three questions.

First, why has there been an ongoing demand for educational reform across the country?

Titus’ explained that ideals of perfectionism aid in this ongoing demand.

Second, where has the demand for educational reform taken the U.S.?

Titus said he believed it has taken the U.S. to ideals of developed mentalists.

Third, where are we in this process?

Titus explains that we are still looking for that educational Eden.

Benjamin Pirie, a junior graphic design major, thought both speakers were very interesting.

“I believe it was very informative and I plan to attend another event,” Pirie said.

Lanham said the presentations went well.

He said he hopes that people attend the other events and take time to look at the exhibit.

Erin Riedl can be reached at 581-7942 or at edriedl@eiu.edu.

Dean of Library Services Dr. Allen Lanham speaks Tuesday during the opening of the Teachers Tame the Prairie exhibition at Booth Library. (Kim Foster

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