<p align="center"><img src="/id0904f67a806754fa" alt="" width="500" height="154" /></p>
<p>The SIUE Alumni Association and SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift cordially invite you to attend the Third Annual SIUE Alumni Holiday Reception at the Illinois Governor's Mansion on Saturday, December 4, 2010. Join us as we celebrate the season and our shared memories as SIUE Cougars.</p>
<h3>Event Information</h3>
<img height="152" border="0" width="184" alt="" src="/id0904f67a8059897e" align="left" />Enjoy a cocktails and appetizer reception in the elegant Illinois Governor's Mansion which will be decorated for the holidays. This event will be a great opportunity to reconnect with former classmates, SIUE administrators and Alumni Association board members. We will also share the latest news and information on SIUE and the Alumni Association.<br /><br /><strong>Saturday</strong><strong>, December 4, 2010</strong><br />6:00-9:00 PM<br />Illinois Executive Mansion<br />410 East Jackson<br />Springfield, IL 62701<br /><a href="http://www.mapquest.com/maps?form=directions&2a=410%20E%20Jackson%20St&2c=Springfield&2s=IL&2z=62701-1719&2y=US&2l=39.797246&2g=-89.65066" target="_blank">Click here</a> to mapquest directions. <br /><br />
<h3>Ticket Information</h3>
Tickets are $35 for Alumni Association members and $40 for non-members. The ticket price includes the appetizer buffet and host bar.
<p>Tickets can be purchased online by <a href="https://relay-ccon.foundation.siue.edu/ccon/events_activities.do?event_id=A11GV&frompage=events" target="_blank">clicking here</a>, over the phone by calling 618-650-2760 or in person at Birger Hall.</p>
<p>View photos from the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/43553295@N05/sets/72157622954511386/show/" target="_blank">2009 SIUE Alumni Holiday Reception at the Governor's Mansion</a> and the <a href="/id0904f67a805a62de">2008 SIUE Alumni Holiday Reception at the Governor's Mansion</a>.</p>
<h3>Hotel Information</h3>
The Alumni Association has reserved a block of hotel rooms at the <a href="http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/SPFSHHF-Hilton-Springfield-Illinois/index.do" target="_blank">Hilton Springfield</a> which is located four blocks from the Executive Mansion. The group rate is $89 per room for single or double accommodations. Hotel reservations must be received by <strong>Saturday, November 20th</strong> in order to receive the group rate. <a href="http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/SPFSHHF-SAA-20091205/index.jhtml" target="_blank">Click here</a> to reserve a room or call the Hilton Springfield at 217-789-1530. The group name is SIUE Alumni Association and the group code is ALU. <br /><br />
<h3>Springfield Information</h3>
Springfield is approximately an hour and a half from Edwardsville. <a href="http://www.visit-springfieldillinois.com/" target="_blank">Click here</a> to visit the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau web site. <br /><br />
<h3>About the Governor's Mansion</h3>
<img height="143" border="0" width="184" alt="" src="/id0904f67a8059897d" align="left" />The beautiful house has served as the official residence of Illinois' Governors and their families since Governor Joel Matteson took up residence there in 1855. The Illinois Executive Mansion is one of the oldest historic residence in the state and one of the three oldest continuously occupied Governor's Mansions in the country. Seven Presidents, including Lincoln, have been received here. Three levels are open to the public including four formal parlors; a state dining room; ballroom; four bedrooms, including the Lincoln bedroom; and a library handcrafted from Native American Black Walnut. <a href="http://www.state.il.us/gov/mansion2/" target="_blank">Click here</a> to take a pictoral and video tour of the mansion.<br /><br />