Signal WSIU Public Radio
An Online Newsletter
Vol. 8, No. 4 • April 2014
Morning Conversation
This Month on
April 1
Carbondale Park District - hear what’s in store for the Park District this summer, plus an update on the Super Splash Park.
April 3
Math Field Day/Common Core - SIU Math Department Chair Gregory Budzban will be in studio to talk about the rescheduled SIU Math Field Day, plus a discussion on how the new Common Core standards may affect learning and teaching going forward. Morning Conversation is hosted by WSIU Radio’s Jennifer Fuller. The show airs at 8:30am on Tuesdays and other weekdays, as scheduled, and repeats at 5:30pm. For updates & to hear past broadcasts, check our calendar at wsiu.org/programs morning-conversation.
April 7
Carbondale New School Representatives of CNS will join Jennifer Fuller to talk about their program, as well as an upcoming fundraiser.
April 8
Have questions or suggestions for topics to be featured? Contact Jennifer Fuller at
jennifer.fuller@wsiu.org or call (618) 453-6101.
SIU Carbondale Chancellor Rita ChengAhead of the SIU Board of Trustees Meeting (4/17), Chancellor Cheng will update campus & other education issues.
April 14
David Bositis - Paul Simon Public Policy Institute Morton Kenney Lecturer Dr. David Bositis will be in studio.
April 15
Fuller Dome - SIU Carbondale Architecture Professor Jon Davey will talk about efforts to continue the legacy of R. Buckminster Fuller.
April 22
Science Cafe - SIU Architecture’s Shannon McDonald will discuss how vehicles have changed the world of building.
April 28
Dr. Glenn Poshard- will update SIU issues, including ongoing budget negotiations.
April 29
SIU Continuing Education- will preview their Summer Camp Series.
SIRIS Volunteer Karthik Tadisina Meet SIRIS volunteer, Karthik Tadisina. Karthik grew up in Carbondale, Ill. where his parents taught at Southern Illinois University (SIU). His dad, Sureesh Tadisina, is a retired professor in SIU’s College of Business, while his mom, Meera Komarraju, continues to teach in SIU’s Psychology department. Tadisina likes Carbondale, and says, “It has a small town feeling. Carbondale is a great place to raise a family.” In 2006 Tadisina graduated with his Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from SIU and in 2011 with a Master’s degree in Kinesiology, Sports Administration. When he returned to SIU, Tadisina sought out volunteer opportunities to give back to the community. He came across the Southern Illinois Radio Information Services (SIRS) on a volunteer opportunities list on the SIU website and considered it an interesting way to help others. “I was always told that no matter what career you choose, it’s always important to give back,”
he says. With SIRIS, “you are really helping people who aren’t in a position to read the newspaper for themselves.” Tadisina started out as a reader and eventually became a board member, where he was able to discover other SIRIS volunteer options. “Reading is only one part of the service,” he says. “I’ve also learned about the technology and logistics needed to reach listeners.” He’s also assisted with SIRIS fundraisers, such as the Classic Vinyl & Media Sale and Trivia Night. In addition to his work with SIRIS, Tadisina volunteers with the India Association of Illinois, which has two large subgroups for students and families and hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Tadisina is a long time fan of public media, “I listen to NPR daily,” he says. “That’s a must in my family, especially around news time. Growing u,p we used to watch Sesame Street on PBS. Now I watch programs like PBS NewHour and the Rick Steves travel
Photo: Monica Tichenor
shows. I particularly appreciate that PBS and NPR are commercial free.” Tardisina is a self-proclaimed “big sports guy,” and enjoys watching and playing sports. He spends his free time watching a lot of basketball and football on TV and the computer. He visits the Rec Center regularly and enjoys spending time with family locally and in Chicago. If you’d like to volunteer for SIRIS as a reader, with administrative tasks, or at events, or if you’d like to serve on the board, please contact Sarah Maher in the SIRIS office at (618) 453-2808.