College office staff joined students and staff of the English Language Institute (ELI) on Thursday to celebrate the Institute’s 20th year of providing intensive instruction in English as a Second Language and American culture. Under the auspices of the College of Arts and Sciences, the ELI provides a special non-degree intensive program (20-hours per week) in English as a Second Language with equal emphasis on both communicative and academic needs for international students who wish to increase their English proficiency for college-level work and for international students on exchange programs. ELI includes cultural activities in its intensive program to facilitate the transition of international students into university life in the United States. Since its inception, ELI has served over 1,300 students from 57 countries, representing Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, and North America. Enrollment for Fall 2007 is 24 students, and they come from nine different countries. “Students come to ELI with the goal of improving (or developing) their English language skills so that they can then meet a variety of academic, professional, and personal goals," said Dr. Kasia Stadnick, ELI Director. Click Read More for more photos.

"They are some of the best students any teacher might wish to work with—highly motivated, focused, and most often very successful in reaching their goals. It is very satisfying for the ELI staff to see many of the students become high-achieving members of the ISU campus community,” added Stadnik. The celebration featured remarks by Stadnik, who has been with ELI since its inception, and Senior Associate Dean Sam Catanzaro, who commented on the wide variety of peoples and cultures served by ELI.  He noted how the countries represented by ELI students include several that might be at odds politically and expressed the hope that by bringing together diverse people to advance their educational and professional dreams, we might also help build bridges that would help make the world a more peaceful place. “ELI is like a small international crossroads here in the middle of Illinois,” said Catanzaro. “While we are glad to help ELI students pursue their goals, we are also proud of them, because their presence enriches the University and the community.” The formal part of the celebration was followed by distribution of birthday gifts to the current students and the sharing of birthday cake and punch.

For further information about the English Language Institute, call (309) 438-2072, email:  eli@ilstu.edu, or visit http://www.eli.ilstu.edu.