Mary E. Connor '81 is the first woman to represent the Chicago City Council's 41st Ward, which includes O'Hare International Airport.

O'Connor, a former six-term president of the Edison Park Chamber of Commerce, owns O'Connor's Deli and Market and Unforgettable Edibles catering.

• Julius becomes Neoga's new police chief

• Walnut Grove Farm featuring art by the Larsons

• Huff unscarred but not untouched after Afghanistan tours

• Stein joins Kendall College School of Culinary Arts faculty

• Ciccone, brother open The Perfect Swing facility

• Hummingbird Cakery serves up high tea and sweets in LaGrange

• Hillary opens Manhattan Family Chiropractic

A big “thank you” goes out to all of the alumni who helped us decorate Old Main's Cougill Foyer this holiday season!

To view photos of the alumni-inspired tree and read the individual memory submissions, please click here.

Experience Rome's greatest landmarks during a seven-day trip to the region this October, and, if you reserve your space early, take advantage of savings of up to $1,000 per couple.

Enjoy guided journeys to the Colosseum, Vatican City and Sistine Chapel, as well as an exclusive visit to Studio Cassio. For more information, contact Alumni Holidays at 800-323-7373 or visit the AHI website.

Also check out these other great EIU Alumni Association trips planned in 2012:

• Ireland: May 29-June 8
• Jewels of Antiquity: June 8-23

Athletics will host the fourth installment of the Athletic Director's Gala in Effingham on Feb. 14. This year's celebration will feature longtime football head coach Bob Spoo and alumnus Tony Romo '03. For tickets, please contact the Panther Club office at 217-581-2310.

Ticket sales are limited to Panther Club members. If you are not a member, you may join by making an online donation or by calling 217-581-2310.

• Cheer on the men’s basketball team when EIU takes on Northwestern at Welsh-Ryan Arena (Evanston) on Dec. 18. Using the special promotional code NUEIU, specially priced tickets can be purchased at NUsports.com.

• Join us in sunny Florida for our annual Florida Alumni Reception on Feb. 5 in Naples. In attendance from campus will be President William Perry and Vice President for University Advancement Robert Martin.

• EIU alumnus Greg Gardner ’78 will be hosting the annual “Abe’s Birthday” Northern California Alumni Social on Feb. 12. Chow down on complimentary appetizers and win cool EIU gear.

• Did you get married recently, receive a promotion or award, retire, or start a business? Alumni updates are an easy way for you to submit class notes for the Eastern Illinois Alumni magazine. Use this form to complete a submission.