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Former First Lady Brenda Edgar talks Thursday night at the Buzzard Hall Auditorium while Former Governor and husband Jim Edgar listens. Brenda is part of the Edgar Speaker series that Jim kicked off in the fall semester (Kevin Kenealy/Daily Eastern News)

Former Illinois First Lady Brenda Edgar sits smiling with her P.J. Huggabee Bear as she presented her story on Jim Edgar's journey as Governor Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Buzzard Hall Auditorium. The bear served as a mission program for refugee children living at Ft. Dix, NJ and began under Brenda Edgar. (Kevin Kenealy/Daily Eastern News)

Click here to watch excerpts of Edgar's speech.

Former Illinois First Lady Speaks

By: Jessica Leggin/Staff Reporter

Posted: 4/18/08

Former Illinois first lady Brenda Edgar found her comfort zone in PJ Funny Bunny.

Thursday night in the Buzzard Auditorium, Brenda Edgar, wife of former Gov. Jim Edgar, presented "Her-story on His-story: Conversations with Brenda Edgar," the second part of the Edgar Speaker Series.

During the lecture, Edgar talked about PJ Funny Bunny, a bunny from a children's book who is sick of being a bunny but eventually realizes "bunnyhood" is for him.

"I feel that if it is important, then I will step out of my comfort zone and do what needs to be done," Edgar said.

In addition to the children's book, Edgar spoke about the ups and downs of campaigning.

"Happy, sad and mad many times in just one day," she said.

Edgar has lived in 27 different homes, including the Illinois Executive Mansion in Springfield, the official residence for Illinois governors.

"It was a home where I grew," she said.

Edgar said she met famous people, loved the poor and the forgotten, and visited the best and worst of places.

She also spoke on her relationship with her husband, Jim.

"He gave me the opportunity to serve my dreams of becoming a missionary to the world," she said.

Edgar received her first experience as first lady at Eastern.

In 1966, Jim ran for student body president of Eastern.

"I remember knocking on doors of Pemberton Hall and reminding the girls to vote for Jim Edgar for student body president," Brenda said.

Brenda said when she returned to her room one night, there was a sign on her door that read "First Lady of Eastern Illinois University."

"25 years later, I was introduced to first lady of Illinois," she said.

During the program, Jim introduced Brenda as the speaker for the night.

"I've been waiting a long time for this, and I have to be careful because we are going home tonight together," Jim said.

Jim wanted the audience to realize the important role of the spouse in politics.

"The spouse is the confidant and the chief adviser," he said. "She is my chief adviser."

For Brenda's presentation, old photos, video clips and a conversation-styled interview were set up.

Throughout the program, Brenda talked about the different programs she opened up for children and women.

The PJ Huggabee Bear was one of them.

This program created bears that would give foster children a sense of comfort and security.

"It (PJ Huggabee Bear) was created to give comfort to hurting people," Brenda said.

Brenda is also an advocate for adoption, women's healthcare and Christian women's groups.

Eastern President Bill Perry said he was pleased to have Brenda tell her story.

"Students and others can see the relationship between a husband and a wife in public service and how it works," he said.

Paige Cavalieri, a sophomore Spanish major, said she enjoyed the lecture.

"This is the best extra credit I have came to," she said. "It was really refreshing and different."

Brenda said she completed her overall goal, which was receiving her degree in 1998 from Eastern.

She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in general studies.

Brenda said she felt happy when she walked across that stage.

"It was like I did it," she said.

Brenda said to achieve goals, one has to overcome fears.

"It's not easy, but take a chance - and if it doesn't work, then try again," she said. "Whatever it is, step outside your comfort zone."

Jessica Leggin can be reached at 581-7942 or at jmleggin@eiu.edu.