Judson University? How and when did it change its name?

Ever wonder how Judson College came to be Judson University?

Plans for the change have been in the works for five or six years, according to Judson President Jerry Cain.

The thought came from some outside sources.

The international community, it seems, relates "college" to a trade school, and Judson has many students from around the globe. Tracking teen culture yielded the notion that high-schoolers felt a university was a higher goal than a college. And, lastly, many community colleges in the area -- Harper, DuPage, McHenry -- have dropped the "community" from their names.

Since the state of Illinois and the North Central accrediting agency have no definition of what kind of school may be called a college or a university, Judson went to its donor base, holding 52 focus groups all over the country.

In October 2006, the trustees voted to change the name of the institution at the beginning of the 2007-08 school year.

Legally, the school filed with the secretary of state, and the corporation became a university at 12:01 a.m. Aug. 28.

So the 1,300 students at Judson now will graduate from a university.

For details about classes and programs, call (847) 628-1500 or visit www.judsoncollege.edu.

Cemetery walk

There are a couple of mysteries to probe at the 20th annual Historic Elgin Cemetery Walk on Sept. 23.

One lady died under "unaccountable and mysterious circumstances," and one Civil War veteran from Iowa relocated here soon after the war.

All told, seven people will be portrayed by members of the Elgin Area Historical Society: Elmer Gylleck, portrayed by August Conte; Violet Fehrman by Melissa Huston; Herman Fruechtenicht by Mike Delehoy; Elizabeth DuFree by Bonnie Conte; Anna Lynch by Karen Schock; James Palmer by Wylie Edmundson; and George D. Sherman by Mike Alft.

Touring groups start leaving the assembly area at noon and continue until 3:30 p.m.

Marge Edwards will give a presentation about mourning customs and a brief discussion of the history of headstones. Candy Cane Caterers will have some refreshments available.

Now all that's needed is good weather!

For details or to reserve your ticket, call the museum at (847) 742-4248.

Charter school open

Principal Joshua Emmett recently welcomed 525 students to the Cambridge Lakes Charter School in Pingree Grove. The building is built to hold up to 600 students, and plans already are in the works to build the next phase, which will accommodate up to 1,000 students in the 2008-09 year.

There are six different kindergarten classes -- two full-day, two morning, two afternoon; four first grades; three second, third and fourth grades; two fifth and sixth grades; and a combined seventh and eighth grade. A teaching staff of 45 started this year.

Since it is a charter school in Community Unit District 300, any student in the district may attend. There currently are students from Hampshire, Algonquin and Gilberts along with the Pingree Grove students. The nonprofit Kane County Educational Corp. and its board of trustees own the school, and are paid a per capita fee by District 300. There is a for-profit pre-school housed on the campus, but it is not involved in the charter school.

For details, call the school office at (847) 464-5300.

Tutors needed

If those yellow buses rolling through your neighborhood are getting you to think of school days, why not think about volunteering to help some students with their lessons?

The Boys and Girls Club is in need of Homework Helpers after school in all three of its locations. Hours are flexible: from 2 to 5 p.m. at Ellis Middle School, Larsen Middle School and Bethesda Church.

More than 80 students are in need of assistance. You don't need a degree to sign up, but there is a mandatory orientation process for all volunteers and a background check. Anyone skilled in elementary level studies or bilingual would be a great help.

Studies at the U.S. Department of Education show that "… students who participate in after-school programs such as this are more likely to succeed academically, and have more self-confidence."

If you're interested in making a difference in a young person's life as a Homework Helper, call Keavey Dixson at (847) 608-5017.

Recovery Month

All day Wednesday, counselors will be available free of charge to answer phone calls, or meet in person with anyone concerned about substance abuse for themselves, someone in their family, or a co-worker. It's Renz Center's fourth annual Screening Day to kick off Recovery Month.

"By participating in Recovery Month, you are supporting those already in recovery and encouraging others to seek treatment," said Jerry Skogmo, executive director of the center. "Today, treatment is more cost efficient and works to getting an individual back on track and contributing to our community."

Deb Howe, the center's director of marketing, says there has been an increase in the number of vulnerable senior citizens seeking treatment. They are capable and energetic and able to do much, but find loneliness and empty hours lead to problems with prescribed pills as well as alcohol.

Call Renz Center at (847) 742-3545 or visit www.renzcenter.com.