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Illinois State Magazine University Marketing and Communications

8-1-2010 Illinois State Magazine, August 2010 Issue University Marketing and Communications

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This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the University Marketing and Communications at ISU ReD: Research and eData. It has been accepted for inclusion in Illinois State Magazine by an authorized administrator of ISU ReD: Research and eData. For more information, please contact [email protected]. IllinoisIllinois StateState alumni magazine 0 1 0 2 m e r UMM S • N u m b e r 1 • V o l u m e 1 1

Redbird spirit is soaring as the Athletics program reaches new heights with a plan that prepares for tomorrow by building on yesterday. Illinois State alumni magazine Volume 11, Number 1, Summer 2010

Editorial advisory GROUP Pete Guither; Amy Humphreys; Joy Hutchcraft; Lynn Kennell; Katy Killian ’92; Todd Kober ’97, M.S. ’99; Claire Lieberman; Marilee (Zielinski) Rapp ’63; Jim Thompson ’80, M.S. ’89; Toni Tucker; Lori Woeste, M.S. ’97, Ed.D. ’04

Publisher, Stephanie Epp, Ed.D. ’07 Editor-in-chief, Susan Marquardt Blystone ’84, M.S. ’03 alumni Editor, Annette States Levitt ’96, M.S. ’02

Class notes Editor, Nancy Neisler Copy Editors, Susan Marquardt Blystone ’84, M.S. ’03; Steven Barcus ’06, M.S. ’09 lead Designer, Dave Jorgensen, M.S. ’03 Designers, Jeff Higgerson ’92, Carol Jalowiec ’08, Michael Mahle, The First Jon Robinson WEB EDITOR, Brian Huonker ’92 Word PHOTOGRAPHER, Lyndsie Schlink ’04 PRODUCTION coordinator, Mary (Mulhall) Cowdery ’80 It’s the most wonderful time of the year on campus writers, Kate Arthur, Roger Cushman ’62, Mary Ann Ford ’72, Sean Kelly as the students have returned, ready for the challenges and opportunities Illinois State (USPS 019606) is published quarterly for members of the of the new semester. Illinois State University Alumni Association at Alumni Center, 1101 N. Main I genuinely enjoy interacting with our students, and make it a prior- Street, Normal, Illinois 61790-3100. Periodicals postage paid at Normal, Illinois, and at additional mailing offices. ity to converse with members of our student body on a regular basis. One Magazine editorial offices are located at 1101 North Main Street, Normal, question I always ask is what convinced them to choose Illinois State. Illinois 61790-3100; telephone (309) 438-2586; facsimile (309) 438-8057; For years I’ve heard the expected answer of excellence in a specific aca- e-mail [email protected]; Web site www.IllinoisState.edu/alumni. Postmaster: Send address changes to Illinois State, Illinois State University, demic major, especially our reputation as the place to prepare for a teaching Campus Box 8000, Normal, IL 61790-8000. career. Our personal touch remains a strong and unique draw, and our Voluntary subscriptions of $25 per year to help defray the mounting expenses associated with publishing Illinois State are greatly appreciated. central location is still appreciated by many. Checks payable to the Illinois State Foundation can be sent to Alumni But there is another reason students come to Illinois State, and it’s one Relations, Campus Box 3100, Normal, IL 61790-3100. Call Alumni most alumni may not realize is an increasingly significant factor in the col- Relations at (309) 438-2586 with any questions. Material may be reprinted with prior approval, provided no commercial lege selection process: sustainability. Prospective students want a campus endorsement is implied and credit is given to the author, to Illinois State dedicated to going green. University, and to Illinois State. Illinois State’s commitment to sustainability efforts is exemplary. Web site: www.IllinoisState.edu Earlier this year the University was cited in The Princeton Review’s Guide to An equal opportunity/affirmative action university encouraging diversity 11-0001 286 Green Colleges. Inclusion is based on whether students have a campus Alumni association board of directors quality of life that is healthy and sustainable, how environmentally respon- Gary Tiffany ’74, President sible a school’s policies are, and how well a school prepares students for Greg Ayers ’90 Jeff Charnogorsky ’85 employment in the green economy. Bob Freitag ’84 We score well in all areas due to the efforts of our sustainability coordi- Katie Harl ’09 Dan Kelley ’70 nator, Enid Cardinal, and Green Team sustainability committee members. Jerry Kerber ’74 Through their leadership Illinois State has an extensive campus-wide recy- Emily Miller Kimmey ’99, M.S. ’01 Lynda Lane ’66 cling program, energy efficiency measures are in place, and our graduates Mary Ann Louderback ’74, M.S. ’80, Ph.D. ’84 now don biodegradable commencement regalia. Ashley Mayor ’08 Lois (Rademacher) Mills ’62, M.S. ’69 The campus also provides transportation alternatives, including a Kathy Coyle Murdoch ’86 shuttle bus and car and bike share programs. A Center for Renewable Ener- Bob Navarro ’91, M.S. ’93, Ph.D. ’02 Marilee (Zielinski) Rapp ’63 gy has been established, and an interdisciplinary renewable energy major Kaci Rollings ’94 engages students in relevant projects that bring textbook learning to life. Don Shafer ’76 Terrence Sykes ’93 One example is the work of an undergraduate team that converts near- Martin Vanags ’84 ly 6,000 gallons of waste fryer oil from our dining centers into fuel used Janessa Williams ’89 Mike Willis ’82 in campus fleet vehicles. Students researched the technology, purchased Jerry Wright ’62 equipment, and perform all production operations. The biodiesel produced Linda Yap ’74, ’81 is economical and cuts diesel fuel greenhouse emissions nearly in half. Betty Kinser ’73, M.S. ’75, Board of Trustees Alumni Liaison Experiences such as this guarantee Illinois State graduates leave cam- alumni Relations Stephanie Epp, Ed.D. ’07, Executive Director pus with a distinct advantage, and solidly demonstrate that the University Gina Bianchi, M.S. ’99, Director continues to meet student expectations. Take pride in the fact your alma Kim Chickering, Director Stephanie Flater Duquenne ’04, Assistant Director mater is evolving to remain responsive to the issues of the day. Kelly Howell, Director Annette States Levitt ’96, M.S. ’02, Director Jamie (Kelly) Sennett ’99, Director Al Bowman This document is available in alternative formats upon request by President, Illinois State University contacting Alumni Relations at (309) 438-2586. Spreading the red Academics are the priority at Illinois State, but Athletics is integral to the campus experience. Nobody understands the impact and potential better than Athletics Director Sheahon Zenger. A former football coach, Zenger is now the man behind the bench applauded for creating a game plan that empowers student-athletes, improves facilities, and builds Redbird pride. Cover: Brett Kay, right, and Tyler McNeely had reason to celebrate this past season, as the base- ball team was one of many to soar above the competition. The team captured the conference championship and first NCAA win since 1976. 8

12 Contents

2 U n i v e r s i t y n e w s

1 2 U p t o w n N o r m a l Alums returning for Homecoming are in for a surprise when they wander from the Quad. What used to be Downtown is now Uptown Normal, with many former student hangouts renovated or replaced. A circle drive, new restaurants and shops, and a 228-room Marriott Hotel give a whole new look 21 and feel to the campus community. 1 6 C e n t u r y c e l e b r a t i o n With the campus built around rich farm land, the Depart- ment of Agriculture is a vital ISU program. Much has changed since the first courses were offered a century ago, and yet an ag degree has never been more valuable. Today students are prepared for high-tech jobs that are waiting before gradua- tion day arrives.

2 1 F r o m S A C r i F I C E t o S UCC E SS Some take college for granted, while others walk a rough road to get their degree. Charity Mendoza falls into the latter category as a high school dropout and mother of six. She’ll 16 reach her hard-fought goal of graduating this semester, with plans to inspire others on the ISU campus that made her dream possible.

2 4 a l U m n i S ERV v i C E S

2 6 H o m e C OMI i n G 2 0 1 0

2 8 C l a ss n o t e s University News

An unexpected $3.5 million gift may be the most significant endowment for teacher education in the nation. by Kate Arthur Even at 92 Elisabeth Greenebaum remained independent, pushing her two-wheeled cart through the snow of a Chicago winter, politely declining offers of help from those at the condominium where she lived. A favorite of everyone who knew her, Greenebaum was” also private. She didn’t want anyone to know until after her death that she was giving Illinois State $3.5 million to help students become ‘‘ teachers. “She did understand that when she was gone, it would certainly be known what she did (for Illinois State) and that was fine with her,” said Greenebaum’s attorney, Don Padgitt. He called the ISU Foundation about the gift that established The Greenebaum Memorial Fund in Memory of Elisabeth C. Greene- baum, Helen and Jacob Greenebaum, and Henry E. Greenebaum. The donation may be the most significant endowment for teacher education scholarships in the country, according to University Advancement Vice President Emerita Dianne Ashby. Elisabeth and Henry Greenebaum had no ties to the University and never talked to anyone on campus about leaving Greenebaum a legacy. But she did watch Illinois State from afar, subscribing to the local paper for years. Her childhood home was in nearby Pontiac, and her dream was to get her master’s in childhood education at the University. She instead graduated from the University of Chicago in 1937 and moved back to Pontiac to assist her parents, Jacob and Helen, with maintaining the family owned Illinois State Savings Bank. She had one brother, Henry, who passed away prior to her death on July 11, 2009. Soon after, Ashby became aware of Greenebaum’s significant donation. “For this gift to be designated solely for teacher education scholarships is what makes it so very special. It’s a huge tribute to not only the number of teachers we prepare, but our national reputa- tion and our reputation for the quality of the teachers we have working in schools,” Ashby said. The first scholarship will be awarded this fall. Students from any of the teacher education pro- grams may apply. The amount of the scholarships will vary. They may be renewed if the recipient meets the academic eligibility criteria. Candidates must also demonstrate financial need. College of Education Dean Deborah Curtis knows lives will be changed by Greenebaum’s generosity. “I just keep going back to how selfless this was. This is a hugely significant gift for us. It is so hard to express in regular words what this means to so many students. This gift will provide resources for teacher candidates indefinitely,” Curtis said. “What better use of a family fortune than to make a difference for many, many years beyond any of the survivors.”

2 Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 New University Advancement Honorable Mention for 2010-2011. He is concern for their home institution, while vice president welcomed an Honors Program student and is also spending an academic year working with Erin Minné became vice president for conducting research as an undergradu- administrators at another college or uni- University Advancement in June. She ate. His competition essay was titled versity. replaces Dianne Ashby, who retired in “Synthesis of Toluidine Blue—Tiopronin- Kruger will study his host institu- the spring. gold nanoparticles and the photosensiti- tion’s campus-wide approach to inter- M i n n é zation of Leishmania tarentolae.” national education. He will focus on has served as Goldwater Scholars have impres- how departments work together to make vice president sive academic qualifications that gain international education an integral part for Develop- the attention of prestigious post-gradu- of an institution’s curriculum and mis- ment for The ate fellowship programs. The Scholar- sion. University of ship Program honoring Senator Barry ACE Fellows also attend retreats on Iowa Foun- M. Goldwater fosters and encourages higher education issues, read extensively dation since outstanding students to pursue careers in the field, and engage in other activities 2007. There in mathematics, the natural sciences, to enhance their knowledge about the she led a team and engineering. challenges and opportunities confront- of 32 development officers and associ- Sarah Pfluger received the Barbara ing higher education. ates in fundraising efforts for Health Lotze Scholarship for Future Teachers, ” which is awarded through the American Sciences Development, including four Nursing college expansion colleges and the university’s hospitals Association of Physics Teachers. The gets board approval award is the highest national honor and clinics. She managed a $500 mil- The Board of Trustees showed its sup- given undergraduate students studying lion campaign for the academic medical port for Mennonite College of Nursing to become high school physics teachers. center. by voting for a $2.1 million plan to The scholarship recognizes Pfluger as She has also held foundation and expand the program’s space. The college one of the top two physics teacher edu- development positions at Michigan will lease a modular nursing labora- cation candidates in the country. Technological University, Boysville of tory building north of the Bone Student Pfluger is a senior completing a Michigan, the American Cancer Society, Center. physics and mathematics education and Orchards Children’s Services. The building will accommodate degree. She is secretary of the Physics At Illinois State Minné serves as assessment labs, classrooms, patient sim- Club and Honors Student Organization, the executive director of the Founda- ulation areas, and offices. Simulation is as well as the service chair for the Presi- tion, as well as oversees Alumni Rela- becoming a larger, necessary component dential Scholars Club. tions, Annual Giving, Development, of clinical nursing education. Donor and Information Services, Uni- The college, which is located in versity Marketing and Communications, Campus administrator Edwards Hall, is in need of additional and Foundation properties in Normal, chosen as ACE Fellow space due to enrollment growth. Since Bloomington, and Chicago. Darrell Kruger, the associate dean for merging with Illinois State in 1999, Men- Research, Graduate and International nonite College has seen increased stu- Science students excel, Studies in the College of Education, has dent interest, with 377 enrolled last fall. capture national honors been named Three Illinois State students have been an American National foundation funding recognized with national honors for Council on will help ITK students E d u c a t i o n their exceptional abilities. Nearly $600,000 through the National (ACE) Fellow Matthew Ware, a junior majoring Science Foundation’s Scholarships in for the 2010- in physics, has been chosen as a 2010- Science, Technology, Engineering and 2011 academic 2011 Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship Mathematics (S-STEM) grant will make year. Kruger recipient. He is one of only 278 national it easier for students from underrepre- is one of only winners from a field of more than 1,100. sented groups to study in Illinois State’s 46 ACE Fel- A Presidential Scholar in the School of Information Technology. lows chosen Honors Program, Ware is conducting The funding provides scholarships nationwide this year for the prestigious research in the Physics Department. He for academically talented students from program. wrote a research essay on “Conversion underrepresented groups who need The ACE Fellows Program identifies of Energy into Matter” for the scholar- financial assistance. Four-year scholar- and prepares promising senior faculty ship competition. ships up to $20,000 will be available for and administrators for responsible posi- Stephon Hon, a senior biochemis- incoming freshmen majoring in com- tions in higher education administra- try/molecular biology major, received an puter science, information systems, or tion. ACE Fellows focus on an issue of

Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 3 UniversityNews advisory boards will provide support for vehicles powered by photovoltaic cells career placement efforts. that convert sunlight into electricity. Illi- telecommunications management. Math- “The National Science Foundation nois State has entered a team in solar- ematics students minoring in those disci- S-STEM grant funding greatly enhances powered vehicle competition every year plines are also eligible. Transfer students our efforts to attract bright, promising since 2005. Physics Department profes- can receive up to $5,000 per year. students into the School of Information sors Daniel Holland, George Rutherford, The grant was secured by Pruthik- Technology,” Mahatanankoon said. “It is David Marx, and staff member Jim Dun- rai (Winn) Mahatanankoon, School of our hope to alleviate some of the finan- ham are faculty advisors. Information Technology; Saad El-Zanati, cial burden for these talented students as Mercury III, this year’s car, was built Department of Mathematics; and Willy they pursue much needed STEM-related by a multidisciplinary team of students Hunter, Department of Chemistry and careers.” interested in science, engineering, tech- the Center for Mathematics, Science and nology, and alternative energy. They built Technology (CeMaST). ISU’s solar car team the car, which has more than 500 photo- The S-STEM grant supports recruit- part of national race voltaic cells. The 700-pound vehicle has ment, retention, and placement of an average cruising speed of 45 mph and Illinois State students drove a car 1,100 scholarship recipients in the workforce. a maximum speed of around 65 mph. miles from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Chicago Recruitment efforts will include an out- Support for the project comes from using only sunlight for fuel. The solar- reach program targeting Chicago Public Illinois State and corporate and private powered vehicle was part of the 2010 School high school students. On-campus sponsors who donate money, equipment, American Solar Challenge race held in retention efforts will include faculty and materials, and in-kind gifts. Donations June. peer mentoring, and active participation can be made online at www.Advance- University teams from the U.S., in a student cohort within the School of ment.ilstu.edu/support. More informa- Canada, Taiwan, and Germany raced Information Technology. The school’s tion on Team Mercury is available at www.solarcar.ilstu.edu.

Grant supports research Illinois State included in in drug development BusinessWeek top rankings School of Biological Sciences Distin- guished Professor Brian Wilkinson is BusinessWeek magazine has once again ranked the University’s College of Busi- advancing the development of new drugs ness as one of the country’s best undergraduate business schools. Illinois State to treat staph infections, thanks to a is listed among the top 100 schools nationwide, and as the third highest ranking $215,000 grant from the National Insti- undergraduate business school in Illinois. tutes of Health. Illinois State placed 89th in the BusinessWeek Top Undergraduate Busi- Wilkinson’s research aims to ness Programs rankings expand upon the development of new released in the spring, antibiotics to treat methicillin-resistant making 2010 the third staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and van- comycin-intermediate staphylococcus year out of the last four aureus (VISA) bacteria. that the College of Busi- “Everyone is worried about untreat- ness has been listed in the able infections,” Wilkinson said. “The top 100 programs. Other outlook is grim if new drugs aren’t devel- business schools that oped. Academic labs can only go so far in made the rankings include the drug discovery process, and then you University of Oregon, Tex- have to get ‘big pharma’ involved.” as Tech University, Univer- The three-year grant will allow sity of Colorado, Univer- Wilkinson to continue working with a post-doctoral candidate and a graduate sity of Iowa, University of student. Wilkinson has already made Nebraska, Loyola University, and University of Illinois-Chicago. significant contributions to the field. A “We are thrilled to have Illinois State ranked among the top undergraduate 2008 article he published in Antimicrobi- business programs in the country,” College of Business Dean Scott Johnson said. al Agents and Chemotherapy has been cited “This is a fantastic tribute to our students, alumni, staff, faculty, and recruiters.” in 26 other articles. Biological Sciences Distinguished Professor Radheshyam Jayaswal served as coauthor.

4 Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 University history professor the association’s board of directors and honored for ISU text board officers. Alumni with active membership Distinguished History Professor Emeri- status in the Alumni Association are tus John Freed authored one of the eligible to vote at the annual meeting. most comprehensive books ever written This status requires that a gift to the about the University’s history. Educating University has been made through the Illinois: Illinois State Univesity, 1857-2007 Illinois State University Foundation in was such an accomplishment that Freed the current or preceding fiscal year. received the Excellence in Scholarly Pub- For more information contact lishing Award for his work. Alumni Relations at (309) 438-2586 or The Illinois State Historical Soci- (800) 366-4478 or e-mail Alumni Rela- ety announced the award in the spring tions Executive Director Stephanie Epp for the book that was published as at [email protected]. part of the University’s sesquicenten- nial celebration. Freed traced Illinois State’s history from its founding in 1857 Find career network Bone Student Center Brown Ballroom. through the instutition’s 150th year. contacts on LinkedIn Employers will have the opportunity to The 12-chapter book details the chal- The Alumni Association hosts a meet with undergraduate and graduate lenges and triumphs of every adminis- group on the career networking site, students seeking internship experiences tration from the first principal, Charles LinkedIn.com. Alumni are invited to join for 2011. Hovey, to current president, Al Bowman. the Alumni Association Group affiliated A job and internship fair will be “Those familiar with Illinois State with the Reggie Redbird profile. More held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on October 6 University are treated to new informa- than 33,000 Illinois State alumni have in Redbird Arena. This annual fair gives tion with greater detail and sharper created profiles using this online com- employers from a variety of fields and of focus,” Bowman wrote in the book’s munity. all size to meet with students. forward. LinkedIn offers users the chance The educators’ job fair will be held “The uninitiated reader will dis- to post online resumes and job open- from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 4 cover how the seeds of higher learn- ings, as well as to create an online career in the Bone Student Center Brown Ball- ing were planted in the Central Illinois network. The online network facilitates room. State and national school district prairie and blossomed into a distinctive professional career connections that representatives attend to meet teacher institution.” provide opportunities for participants candidates. Freed taught medieval history at to further their career and help others For more information go online Illinois State from 1969 until his retire- advance. to www.careercenter.ilstu.edu, call the ment in 2005. He served as chair of the Alums use LinkedIn to find poten- Career Center at (309) 438-2200, or department from 1994 until 2005 and tial clients, service providers, subject e-mail [email protected]. was interim College of Arts Sciences experts, and partners who come recom- dean for one year. He has authored sev- mended; post positions and search for eral books and journal articles. jobs; and discover inside connections Development Copies of Educating Illinois are that lead to jobs and business oppor- available for purchase through Milner tunities. The online community makes WGLT exceeds goal in historic Library. Cost is $40, including ship- finding high-quality candidates easy, fundraising campaign ping. Contact Assistant to the Dean Toni and helps alums get acquainted with With audience response that eclipsed Tucker at [email protected] or other professionals through individuals expectations and broke all fundraising by calling (309) 438-3481. already known. records, WGLT concluded its spring 2010 Get connected by going online to fund drive early. During the campaign, www.Alumni.ilstu.edu/linkedin. 1,278 listeners contributed $140,325 in Alumni response to a dramatic effort to restore Campus job fairs funds lost to State of Illinois budget cuts, Annual Alumni Association scheduled during fall the weak economy, and costly equipment Meeting Announced The Illinois State University Career Cen- damage. All alumni are invited to attend the ter will be hosting a variety of career WGLT’s original campaign goal was Alumni Association annual meeting at fairs for students in all areas of study to raise $125,000 in listener support. 9 a.m. on September 25 at the Illinois during the fall semester. The station anticipated having to cut State University Alumni Center. Agenda An internship fair will be held from programs and lay off staff if the goal items include the election of members to noon to 3 p.m. on September 24 in the wasn’t reached. Instead station staff and

Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 5 UniversityNews tor at North Car- Athletics olina State. She more than 100 volunteers were kept busy helped guide with a record volume of listener calls and Glance named head women’s the Wolfpack to online pledges—an average of more than basketball coach 11 NCAA Tour- $12,000 a day. nament appear- WGLT has been grappling with a Stephanie Glance, who has 22 years ances, reaching serious cash flow problem. The portion of collegiate coaching experience, was the Sweet 16 of GLT’s budget that comes from the Uni- named the sixth head women’s basket- four times and versity has remained constant. But state ball coach in Illinois State history during the 1998 Final funding for public radio is down sub- the spring. She replaces Robin Pingeton, Four. She served as interim head coach stantially for the third year in a row and who headed to the University of Missouri during parts of two seasons as Yow bat- local business support for GLT softened after seven seasons with the Redbirds. tled breast cancer, overseeing all aspects with the economy. Equipment damage Glance is the only coach to work of the Wolfpack program. last fall limited the station’s audience, with Hall of Fame women’s basketball “The hiring of coach Glance once which resulted in a serious shortfall in mentors Pat Summitt and the late Kay again shows that Illinois State University listener contributions in 2009. Yow. She was with Summitt at Tennes- is able to attract the best and the bright- The National Public Radio affiliate see last season as an assistant coach and est in the coaching profession,” Athlet- broadcasts from the Old Union Building. recruiting coordinator. ics Director Sheahon Zenger said. “Her Tune in on 89.1 and 103.5 FM or online Glance served 15 years as the associ- coaching pedigree and coaching experi- at www.wglt.org. Donations can be made ate head coach and recruiting coordina- ence are second to none.” using a link on the station’s website.

Five chosen to join 2010 Athletics Hall of Fame

A ceremony will be held during Homecoming to welcome five national finalist for defensive player of the year. Stella was Illi- individuals into the University’s Athletics Hall of Fame. The nois State’s first, two-time All-American softball athlete. She 2010 inductees include former student-athletes Ryan Dun- was named the 1999 Valley Player of the Year, and was a three- cheon ’01; Christian Goy ’03, M.B.A. ’06; Boomer Grigsby ’07, time All-MVC selection. Heather Stella ’00, M.S. ’04; and Evan Strawn ’53. Wayne Meece Strawn took to the tennis courts. He became a four-time ’60, ’94, will receive the Campbell “Stretch” Miller Award. Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference singles champion Duncheon competed on the baseball team. He was the and two-time doubles champion. Meece is a former Redbird single-season and career home run champion, and the only quarterback, and a long-time officials observer. His award three-time, first-team All-Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) honors former Redbird athlete Campbell Miller. The award selection. Goy was a cross country/track and field athlete who celebrates individuals who have contributed to the success of captured an NCAA championship. He was a three-time All- Illinois States Athletics. American and an eight-time MVC champion. The honorees will be introduced during an 8 a.m. event Grigsby dominated the football field as a Redbird before on October 16 in the Bone Student Center Brown Ballroom. turning pro. He was a consensus All-American, a three-time Reservations are $25 per person and can be purchased by call- conference defensive player of the year, and a three-time ing (309) 438-3639.

Ryan Duncheon Christian Goy Boomer Grigsby Heather Stella Evan Strawn

6 Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 Events planned around For more information about any of fall football schedule these events, or to order tickets, call the The Redbird football team will have six Illinois State Athletics Ticket Office at home dates in 2010, a first since 2005. (309) 438-8000, or print from home by Several events have been planned as part visiting GoRedbirds.com. of the action at Hancock Stadium. ISU opens the season September 2 Athletics introduces the against Central Missouri. The 6:30 p.m. Reggie’s Kids Club Family Pack game will include halftime fireworks. Three seasons ago Illinois State Athletics CommUniversity will be held September unveiled a Reggie’s Kids Club to cater to 25, as the Redbirds take on Missouri younger fans. For several years Redbird State at 6 p.m. Athletics has assisted families by offering Following the October 2 game a “Family Pack” at many of its Athletics against Southern Illinois, the Redbirds events. By combining two great opportu- memberships, which are good for free will host North Dakota State at 2 p.m. nities, families who are fans of Redbird admission into all Redbird volleyball and on October 16 for Homecoming. See volleyball and women’s basketball now women’s basketball contests, as well as pages 26–27 for a schedule of Home- have one tremendous opportunity—The other select ISU Athletics events. coming activities. Annual Family Day Reggie’s Kids Club Family Pack. For more information about the Reg- is set for the November 6 game against For only $140 a family of four will gie’s Kids Club Pack, or to place an order, Youngstown State, while the regular- receive two adult season tickets to both please call the Illinois State Athletics season finale against Eastern Illinois on volleyball and women’s basketball. They Ticket Office at (309) 438-8000 or visit November 13 is Faculty and Staff Day will also get two Reggie’s Kids Club GoRedbirds.com. and Kids’ Day.

Letters

Editor’s Note: Letters on issues discussed in Illinois State To the Editor, or relating to university news or policies are welcome. All I enjoyed your feature on Rites of Spring (Spring 2010). I letters should be limited to 250 words or less and are subject was at ISU from 1971 to 1975 and I clearly remember the to editing. Send e-mail to [email protected]; fax to first two Rites­—1972 and 1973. I lived in Walker Hall my (309) 438-8411; or mail to Illinois State, Illinois State first two years, so it was a short walk to the Quad. The Guild was one of the bands that played in the early Rites. University, Campus Box 3420, Normal, IL 61790-3420. They were a popular cover group, from St. Louis I believe. To the Editor, I lived off campus my third year and in a fraternity We remember Illinois State University warmly as a very house my fourth, so I don’t remember attending the 1974 welcoming place in which to learn, grow, and connect and 1975 Rites. I didn’t realize the event got so out of with others. Faculty, fellow students, and the Normal hand the last couple of years. community helped us feel at home, comfortable, and The photos and descriptions of the event brought accepted. Our years there hold a very special spot in our back a lot of great memories of ISU—a really interesting memories, and we are still very grateful that we chose to and nostalgic retrospective on the early to mid-1970s on attend Illinois State. the campus. Thanks much for the article. We are so pleased to learn that the welcoming tra- dition is continuing and growing with the new LGBT/ Dave Baxter ’75 Queer Studies and Services Institute (Winter 2009-2010). Its multi-focused approach will help to promote a more Editor’s note: Many alumni have shared their Rites of Spring welcoming campus and a more welcoming world for memories and photos on the Rites of Spring at Illinois State everyone. Warmest congratulations to Illinois State on Facebook page at www.Alumni.ilstu.edu/rites. Log on today this progressive step. We hope that as a result even more and let us hear from you! people will feel, as we did, at home, comfortable, and accepted.

Carol Fitzgerald, M.A. ’76 and Douglas Becknell ’71

Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 7 8 Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 Season of strength Sheahon Zenger’s raiser, and administrator. But there are recognizing the importance of class- certain things within sports marketing room achievement and community ser- game plan bolstered that to me are just no-brainers.” vice. Five years later, those missions “Spread the Red” initially targeted have been accomplished. the ’Birds local merchants and restaurant own- Fundraising is on the rise with a ers. Soon the campaign, well, spread to 65 percent growth since 2005. Redbird by Roger Cushman T-shirts, soda cans, dry cleaner hang- Club funds are vital because unlike ers, pizza box tops, and eventually other Illinois public universities, ISU The Intercollegiate Athletics program, Interstate 55 billboards that let travel- does not receive state dollars for Athlet- sometimes described as the “front ers know they are entering Redbird ics. Private donations help cover schol- porch” enticing the public into the Uni- Country. arship costs, which totaled $2.7 million versity’s rich academic and cultural “I see it as speaking for the institu- during the past academic year. home, has been revitalized at Illinois tion as a whole,” Zenger said. “One of Academic achievement is another State during Sheahon Zenger’s five the things I take the greatest pride in is important measure of success. Illinois years as Athletics director. that I think we’ve done something for Illinois State was a frequent Mis- the institution, which is what athletics souri Valley Conference (MVC) All- is all about.” Sports champion entering the new mil- The marketing campaign is just lennium. By the time Zenger arrived one tangible example of progress in 2005, the metaphorical front porch since Zenger arrived from an associ- needed refurbishing to restore success, ate athletics director for develop- enthusiasm, fundraising, and commu- ment position at Kansas State. He nity support. Zenger went for a splash brought with him the belief that of color too by introducing the “Spread success and visibility in sports are the Red” campaign, which became a important to the campus culture. textbook example of a model sports Zenger built up both by marketing effort. focusing on three goals: estab- “The irony is I don’t fashion myself lish harmony within the department; as a marketing expert,” Zenger said. improve external outreach by mending “My first love is higher education. I’ve fences with donors and other Redbird been a football coach, researcher, fund- sports fans; and restore competitive excellence on the field of play, while New and improved facilities are important to the continued success of Redbird teams. The baseball stadium, left, has become a reality after a 100-year wait. Funds are currently being raised for the Melinda Fischer Softball Field at Marian Kneer Softball Stadium, above.

State’s 400 student-athletes combined sports (tennis and baseball) and was 1965 and presents visitors with an to post a 3.13 grade point average a strong contender in others. Record uninspiring view of aging bleachers. during the fall 2009 semester, tying a crowds saw the football team achieve a The Board of Trustees has authorized department record, with 63 earning a winning season under first-year coach architects to plan a redesigned stadium. 4.0. Redbird athletes combined for a Brock Spack. “I think it’s important for the insti- 3-point or above GPA in six of the past The men’s and women’s basket- tution’s image,” Zenger said. “For me it seven semesters. ball teams, coached last season by Tim has less to do with the football team’s Community service remains strong Jankovich and Robin Pingeton respec- performance than it does with what we as well. Athletes regularly contribute tively, secured post-season berths in represent to the rest of the community 2,000 hours or more annually working the National Invitation Tournament. when you drive down Main Street. We with youth groups, charitable organiza- It took the eventual NIT champions to need to have something that bespeaks tions, and public agencies. During the eliminate both squads. Redbird athletes excellence, just like the rest of the cam- 2009-2010 academic year the volunteer looked good on the journey. Under pus.” hours reached 3,500. Zenger the department secured a five- The project will feature new seat- On the field of play, Illinois State year contract with Nike, which resulted ing on the east and south sides, with planted its flag on the MVC pinnacle in significant savings. first-class concession areas, restrooms, this year by capturing the All-Sports Zenger’s most ambitious task for a concourse, a press box, and donor Trophy for the second time in three elevating Illinois State’s competitive suites. Seating capacity would be about seasons. Redbird teams have finished position is the creation of a $39 million 14,000 in the first phase, with the pos- in the top five of the league’s All-Sports facilities improvement plan called Red- sibility of adding another 10,000 seats race for 28 straight years, and have won bird Renaissance. Seven major projects in a horseshoe configuration. the All-Sports Trophy 12 times. were identified with a number already The downturn in the economy “I’m extremely proud of our stu- completed, including new tennis courts has made starting a campaign to fund dent-athletes and our coaches for bring- and the $3.2 million baseball stadium the stadium project difficult, “This ing the Valley’s All-Sports Trophy back at Duffy Bass Field. institution has lots of needs,” Zenger to the Illinois State campus,” Zenger “Probably the thing I’m most proud explained. “While the football stadium said. “This award symbolizes all the of is the new baseball stadium,” Zenger is probably our greatest need in the Ath- hard work that is put in daily by mem- said. “Illinois State had been waiting for letics Department, there are other needs bers of the entire Athletics Department a hundred years to have a real baseball on campus that have to come first. The and the campus leadership, as well stadium.” tail will not wag the dog here. We’re as the support from the Redbird com- Other projects were scheduled very mindful of what the institution’s munity.” within Redbird Arena, including new needs are and what comes first.” Fans cheered as Illinois State sent basketball and volleyball locker rooms, Meanwhile football excitement is a dozen teams to post-season tourna- and an attractive entertainment area surging. Fans throng into parking lots ments in the past year, won conference called the Legends Room. with sizzling grills to tailgate on foot- titles in three women’s sports (bas- The most challenging part of Red- ball Saturdays. Overflow crowds force ketball, golf, and soccer), two men’s bird Renaissance is the renovation of some to sit or stand on grassy areas. Hancock Stadium, which opened in

10 Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 Will Robinson at Redbird Arena’s north entrance. The sculpture, which was done by Lou Cella ’85, was donated by Don Franke ’71 and dedicated in 2009. Illinois State basketball legends are shown in action on the Arena’s big video scoreboard before home games. Introductions are given to a player of the past, called the Redbird Ambas- sador, and a Faculty Star of the Game. Special recognition has been given in Athletics Director Sheahon Zenger, page 8, envisions a renovated football stadium, above, as part of a $39 million facilities the form of endowed scholarships, facil- improvement plan called Redbird Renaissance. ities naming, and ceremonies to honor such notables as coaches Duffy Bass Football fans have been eager for the A former football coach himself, and Jill Hutchison, M.S. ’69: basketball 2010 campaign ever since the Redbirds Zenger has worked to improve the Olympians Collins, Cathy Boswell ’83, knocked off ninth-ranked Northern experience. Upgrades at Hancock Sta- and Charlotte Lewis ’78, ’01; and golf Iowa 22-20 with a touchdown pass in dium include a new playing surface, pro D.A. Weibring ’75. the last second of the 2009 finale. and a video scoreboard to keep fans “I think it’s important we look all Zenger believes that a football informed and entertained. the way back and acknowledge who game day is a celebration of a univer- Zenger also played a lead role in helped us get where we are,” he said. sity’s community spirit, pride, and cul- advocating that the Missouri Valley “You stand on the shoulders of those ture. “College football is where you get Conference include football under the who went before you. In my time here to fly your flags and have your march- MVC banner. Until two years ago the I want to do my best to make sure ing band, your Homecoming activities, Valley’s football schools competed in we acknowledge who those shoulders and really celebrate the institution’s the affiliated, but less familiar, Gateway belonged to.” culture. That’s what football brings to Conference. “From the day I got here, In other words, those Redbird an institution,” he said. that was one of my goals,” Zenger said. sports giants always have a seat on Illi- “I’m pleased that our college game History and traditions are impor- nois State’s front porch. day has become one which alumni, tant to a university’s culture, and both community members, and businesses have received increasing recognition in WEB EXTRA can all get together and feel good about the Zenger era. The most visible symbol View recaps and interviews with what we have as an institution and com- is the statue of basketball All-America Redbird coaches and athletes at munity.” Doug Collins ’73 and coaching pioneer www.YouTube.com/GoRedbirds.

Private dollars critical to 400-plus athletes. TRC donations are used for room and Redbird Athletics’ budget board, books, and other fees covered by scholarships. Scholarship costs for the 2010-2011 academic school Illinois State does not receive state dollars to operate year have been budgeted at $2.7 million. Private dollars its Intercollegiate Department of Athletics, unlike other also provide a foundation for future athletic success via Illinois public universities. Aside from student fees and a facilities upgrades. small allocation from the University’s income fund, Athlet- Every gift helps secure the financial stability of Red- ics operates solely from revenue generated through ticket bird Athletics for years to come, as endowments allow for sales, corporate sponsorships, and private donations. student-athlete scholarships to be funded indefinitely. For The Redbird Club (TRC) is the fundraising arm of Illinois more information about the TRC or the Endowed Scholar- State Athletics, and the lifeblood of scholarship dollars for ship Program call (309) 438-3803 or visit GoRedbirds.com.

Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 11 Building blocks

Rejuvenated Uptown Normal enriches campus life

by Mary Ann Ford

hen Brian Simpson was a graduate “I’d go in The Galery and have a beer. I made W student at Illinois State in the early friends that way.” 1980s, he had a daily routine that revolved There were two other popular Downtown around Downtown Normal, starting with bars: Rocky’s attracted the disco crowd, while breakfast at the Welcome Inn on North Street. Shanigans was more of a sports bar. “Jane and Stella were the best waitresses,” he When he was in the mood for a movie, Simp- said. “They knew my regular order—two eggs over son often went to the Normal Theater. He remem- easy with toast. If I was feeling flush, I’d have hash bers seeing the first run of A Christmas Story there. browns.” It was a wet day and after the movie, he went to For lunch Simpson would get a $1 bowl of Garcia’s Pizza at Watterson Place to dry his feet chili at Big Rudy’s Too on West Beaufort Street. by the fireplace. Supper was at The Galery–later changed to the Downtown Normal had virtually everything Gallery–a couple doors away. including two pharmacies, Randall’s variety store, “Spike would have pizza for $1 if it was fresh, the Sock Store, Watkin’s Jewelry, The Garlic Press, 75 cents if it wasn’t,” Simpson said of The Galery. Pines Smartwear, McReynolds menswear, Greta’s “If it was days’ old, it was 50 cents. I ate 50 cent Fabrics, Camera Craft, and the Velvet Freeze ice slices of pizza a lot.” cream shop. Like many art majors, he also hit The Galery “Downtown is full of memories,” Simpson for its nighttime entertainment and camaraderie. said. “I grew up in Central Illinois and felt at home “I was alone and didn’t know anybody,” he said. the moment I came here.”

12 Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 Simpson still calls the Twin Cities home, and on the top floors and Cosi’s restaurant on the first The skyline of Uptown Normal, opposite page, his life continues to revolve around the newly reno- floor. Another Illinois State graduate, Ryan Fiala reflects the changes that have vated “Uptown” Normal. He owns Babbitt’s Books ’04, M.B.A. ’06, renovated 123 E. Beaufort and occurred near campus. A $75 on East Beaufort Street, and serves as president of opened a new restaurant called D.P. Dough. million Marriott Hotel and the Uptown Normal Business Association. Rocky’s was torn down also, making way for Conference Center is just one piece of the plan to rejuvenate Rejuvenated Uptown Normal enriches campus life The Normal City Council officially renamed the Children’s Discovery Museum, which opened the blocks east of the Quad. Downtown Normal to Uptown Normal in March in 2004 and now attracts thousands of visitors Watterson Towers stands of 2007, saying it better reflected the revitalized annually. Simpson moved Babbitt’s Books from behind the new complex, while the appeal of an older central business district created from a redevelop- 104 W. North Street to 119 E. Beaufort Street— building’s facade has been ment plan adopted by the City Council in 2001. home of Appletree Records in the 1980s—as part maintained in the forefront.

While the Welcome Inn and Jane and Stella of the Uptown redevelopment plan. Brian Simpson, above, are gone, college students, professors, and town- The town bought the North Street building remembers the appeal of ies now go to the Garlic Press Café, which opened and several others with plans to attract a devel- Downtown Normal from his days as a graduate student. at the former Welcome Inn space in 2005. oper to create a mixed-use building along the Now president of the Uptown The Galery and Big Rudy’s Too are also only new Constitution Boulevard, which goes from a Normal Business Association memories. The building that housed both was new traffic circle in the center of Uptown north and owner of Babbitt’s Books, Simpson is pleased with rede- razed and a new one built by Twin City developer to College Avenue. The mixed-use building is not velopment efforts that lure Harry Fuller. Firehouse Pizza & Pub opened on yet a reality. students to shops, restaurants, the first floor. The traffic circle also uses land that used to be and the Normal Theater. Fuller renovated the Shanigans building next home to Abe’s Carmelcorn, where Simpson would door. It is now home to offices on the second buy Gummy Bears. There’s a community gathering floor, with Emack & Bolio’s ice cream shop on the first floor. Fuller also renovated the former Odd “Even alumni who left Illinois State recently will Fellows Lodge across the street at 126 E. Beaufort be amazed by the transition in Uptown Normal.” Street, and attracted a popular Irish pub called Maggie Miley’s. place in the center of the traffic circle. It has a circu- Twin City developer Jeff Tinervin razed the lating water feature and grassy sitting area. building at Beaufort and Linden streets, creating Up North Street toward campus, Other Ports there a new building that offers luxury apartments is gone and in its place is Medici restaurant. The

Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 13 College Avenue Cosi restaurant

Future development Future development Street Linden Broadway

Future Development CVS Pharmacy and Maggie Miley’s Illinois State offices Former location of Odd Fellows Lodge

Fell Avenue Fell Medici restaurant Former location of Other Ports Garlic Press Cafe Former location of Welcome Inn Beaufort Street North Street Babbitt’s Books and D.P. Dough Emack & Bolio’s and Firehouse Pizza Former location of Appletree Records Normal Theater Jimmy Johns and Coffee Hound Former locations of The Galery, Former locations of Paintin’ Place Big Rudy’s Too, and Shanigans and Velvet Freeze

Children’s Discovery Museum Future development Former location of Rocky’s

Marriott Hotel & Conference Center Former locations of Watterson Place Future multi-modal and Citizen’s Bank transportation facility Uptown Normal N Watterson Towers

tree that grew behind the building was salvaged North Street. Subconscious, which Simpson said and is part of the restaurant’s inside décor. “had the best view of the Normal Theater,” closed Other buildings along North Street—includ- years ago. It was home to a variety of businesses ing Campus Town Supply, the old Normal State until it was torn down last spring so that construc- Bank building, and Victor’s Tailors—have been or tion could start on a new commercial/apartment are in the process of being renovated to bring back building by JSM Development of Champaign. their original facade. The project also occupies the land of the The Normal Post Office remains, but there former nearly 100-year-old University Christian have been a lot of other changes in that block of Church. The church held its last service in March of 2008. The building was not accessible and would have required a costly renovation that the aging church membership decided it couldn’t undertake. The JSM project will once again bring a phar- macy to Uptown Normal. CVS plans to open in August and occupy much of the first floor of the five-story building. Illinois State is leasing out the second floor. The other three floors will have apartments. Across North Street is a new $75 million, 228-room Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, which opened in the fall of 2009. It occupies all the land that used to be Watterson Place and the former Citizens Bank. The bank relocated to Broadway and College Avenue. The hotel includes Jesse’s Grille and Caffe- nia’s Café. The conference center took advantage of its proximity to the Normal Theater and created an indoor entrance from the center to the theater. Alumni will be amazed by the radical changes in Normal. Where Rocky’s used to stand, top left, the Children’s The Marriott is attached by skywalk to one of Discovery Museum now exists, top right. The effort to mix old and new is obvious by the view of North Street two new Uptown parking decks. The other deck is from yesteryear, bottom left, looking west, compared to the view today, bottom right, looking east. adjacent to Heartland Bank and Trust Co., which

14 Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 ness. It was going downhill, there were problems,” he said. “Downtown was ruined.” Now he sees Uptown Normal going the direc- tion business owners only hoped it could when they met in the late 1980s. “We talked about what we’d like to see Down- town: sit-down restaurants, a pharmacy, a grocery store, and a place to drink, but not big saloons. We wanted coffeehouses and we have several. Things we looked for in the late 1980s we have, including more office space and more residences,” Simpson said. “There’s a variety, not just little boutiques. You can bring your fam- ily and divide up and go do what you

The architectural design of Uptown Normal creates a unique look. From store- want to do. It’s like a mall, but more indi- front signs, top, to the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center lobby, bottom, vidual. We’ve returned to where a vibrant to the tree that stands inside Medici, right, the mix of old and new creates an Downtown area should be.” atmosphere appreciated and enjoyed by the campus community. And there’s more on the way. The town recently received a $22 sits at the top of the hill on College Avenue, next million federal grant to build a new transportation to the Ecology Action Center. center west of the Children’s Discovery Museum Back on North Street, the Paintin’ Place, on Beaufort Street. It will serve Amtrak, as well as which was next to the Normal Theater, closed in city and intrastate buses and taxies. 2005 and was remodeled for a Jimmy John’s Gour- The transition has been exciting and satisfying met Sandwiches restaurant. Jimmy John’s moved for Normal officials, including City Manager Mark WEB EXTRA from the building Tinervin razed at Beaufort and Peterson, who noted that development of a vibrant Additional maps, photos, and Linden streets. The old Velvet Freeze site is now resources illustrating Uptown Uptown was the City Council’s ultimate goal. The Coffee Hound, which opened in 2006. Normal are available online at “The vision was to create an exciting and www.normal.org/Uptown. The changes have been applauded and appre- dynamic retail/business district that would be a ciated by the ISU community, and leave graduates place people wanted to come and spend time,” who return for a campus visit in awe. Peterson said. “The presence of Illinois State was a “Even alumni who left Illinois State recently critical piece to the puzzle. People like the campus will be amazed by the transition in Uptown environment. There’s a certain excitement that Normal,” Illinois State University President Al comes with being in close proximity to a campus. Bowman said. “The addition of the Marriott Hotel It offers a unique flavor you don’t get in another and Conference Center, new restaurants, and business district.” revitalized businesses have made Uptown Normal a destination for students, faculty, staff members, Explore Uptown Normal and alumni.” The change has impressed even those who and Downtown Bloomington were once dubious, including Simpson. He during Homecoming admits he had some reservations with the town’s Homecoming creates the perfect opportunity to discover all the changes that redevelopment plan at first, but now knows his have occurred, not only in what used to be known as Downtown Normal, fear came from the “uncertainty” of the future. “Once it was certain, it was just a matter of but in Downtown Bloomington as well. A Redbird Walk card offers alums patience,” he said. “It turned out better than I discounts and specials at a variety of Uptown Normal and Downtown Bloom- ever, ever thought it would. ington businesses. Go to page 26 and clip your card, or download it online at “The way Downtown was going, several peo- IllinoisStateHomecoming.com. ple would have moved anyway or gone out of busi-

Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 15 Deeply Rooted That’s just one of the many gov- Ag Department growing ernmental regulations that didn’t exist generations ago. Now tails are short- strong 100 years later ened in order to keep the animals cleaner, and sand is used for bedding by kate arthur because it’s bacteria resistant. The herd is routinely vaccinated and if a cow When Myron Erdman studied agricul- because his mom needed him back is treated with antibiotics, the milk is ture in the 1940s, he learned how on the farm. His father had died when tossed. to caponize chickens, castrating young Myron was only 5 years old. When Myron grew up, he milked birds with the swift move of a sharp He remains on the family farm, cows by hand twice a day. Now scalpel. an 800-acre property that’s grown to machines milk 20 cows at once. It’s still “I wanted to take courses I thought include nearly 500 cows and 9,500 a long day. Mark’s up by 5:30 a.m. and would help me out. I doubt they teach hogs. His son, Mark ’80, works with his doesn’t head to bed until about 10 p.m., that anymore,” he said, chuckling as dad to ship out 32,000 pounds of milk after a glass of milk. he sat at the kitchen table in his rural daily. That’s enough for 3,720 gallons. The father-son team epitomizes the Chenoa home. Milk is tested when it’s picked up at the strength of Illinois State’s Agriculture Now in his 80s, Erdman is a former farm and tested again when it arrives Department, which over the past centu- Illinois State football player who left at the plant, making it “the safest drink ry has evolved to prepare professionals the University after a couple of years people can get,” Mark said. for a field that’s expanded and become

16 Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 more complex since the days of pulling “It’s one of those industries where no matter what a plow. Today the department offers a revi- the economy’s doing, it continues to grow. With the talized curriculum that includes two green movement, the Agriculture Department is more new sequences: pre-veterinary medi- cine and agriculture communications important than ever.” and leadership. Department Chair Rob Rhykerd knows that’s a draw for stu- dents, few of whom come from family farms anymore—although if you walk the hallway and ask where they’re from, most students are only one or two gen- erations removed from farming. There are now about 300 students, which is a 50 percent increase over the past five years. In the past year alone Rhykerd has watched enrollment jump by 15 percent. Two-thirds are transfers from a community college, and nearly one- third are women. That’s a big change from the early years as well, when only one or two women took an animal sci- ence class.

The steady rise in enrollment is The Department of Agriculture has been a hands-on training program since its start in 1911. Students from yesteryear attributed to aggressive recruitment by learned to use equipment in the field, opposite page. Graduates through the decades have been prepared for the ever- faculty, modernization of facilities, out- changing field, as the Erdman family can attest. Myron, left, and his son, Mark, are both graduates of the program. They manage an 800-acre dairy farm. standing research opportunities at the University Farm, the revamped curricu- lum, and the department’s rich reputa- ness and ag industry management. She its start in 1911. Woods joined in 1985 tion. is pursuing a sales career. “The great and can attest to marked progress in “Students who are interested in thing about agriculture is it’s so diverse. just that short time. production agriculture, either crops or There’s something for everybody,” she He remembers cows flicking their livestock, know they’re going to get said. “Agriculture touches everyone’s tails and stirring up dust on the dirt what they need here. It’s not just driv- life every day.” floor of the indoor livestock arena in ing tractors anymore,” Rhykerd said. College of Applied Science and the Ropp Agriculture Building. As a Senior Jacob Zosky heard his par- Technology Dean Jeff Wood couldn’t junior faculty member he was asked to ents talk about growing up on a farm, agree more. He’s convinced future grad- create a microcomputer applications which influenced his decision to study uates will be moving a world away from course, but there was no computer lab. agribusiness. He was also attracted by rural communities where everybody Twice a week he’d make the rounds, the job opportunities. waves. borrowing faculty computers. “I did my homework before joining “Our students in the next two There have been other challenges the program,” he said. “It’s one of those decades certainly won’t be going back over time, including two attempts to industries where no matter what the to a farm. They’ll have to have an end the program. President David Berlo economy’s doing, it continues to grow. understanding of foreign cultures, and threatened to abolish it in 1971 with With the green movement, the Agri- will be as likely to work in Shanghai as the simple explanation, “I have no sup- culture Department is more important Chicago, in Buenos Aires as St. Louis,” port for agriculture.” After receiving a than ever.” Wood said. flood of angry letters, he dropped the Kristin Apple ’10 went from being The shift represents another chap- proposal. an English education major to com- ter in the department’s history, which In 1991 the department was again pleting a double major in ag busi- has undergone significant change since threatened with elimination, this time

Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 17 by the Illinois Board of Higher Educa- President Thomas Wallace sup- behind us,” Wood said. Today there is tion. “It was hard to understand and ported the department, along with no question as to the need for the pro- hard to deal with,” Wood said. “Here industry partners, alumni, and col- gram, which is meeting a growing need. we are situated in the heart of the heart- leagues at other universities. Together Every Monday job opportunities land. We’re surrounded by all things they fiercely opposed the plan, testify- are announced and posted to a bulle- agriculture and have the most produc- ing to the importance of agriculture and tin board, but students aren’t crowded tive farms in the world in a state with a the role Illinois State played in it. around it. That’s because there are rich tradition of agriculture.” “It was a rough time, and those of more jobs for agriculture majors than us who were here are glad to have it there are grads.

Department has endured changes and challenges

Agriculture has been included in the University President The University’s agriculture David Berlo decided University’s academic offerings since program began. Irwin Arthur to eliminate the not many decades after Illinois State Madden was appointed The Agriculture Agriculture Department. professor of agriculture, and Department saw a 400 He received a flood of was founded in 1857. The department Clyde Hudelson headed the percent enrollment letters in protest, will celebrate its centennial through- department. increase. and subsequently dropped the idea. out 2011. Below is a brief overview 1911 1960s 1971 of the program’s rich history. Infor- 1912 1962

mation was compiled from Educating Land Edward Bakewell donated Early farm buildings became obsolete. Illinois—Illinois State University, 1857- in 1867 became the site of the New buildings were constructed on first University Farm, which Gregory Street, which became the 2007, authored by Department of His- was later moved. The Ropp University Farm’s new location. tory Distinguished Professor Emeritus Agricultural Building, Redbird Arena, Tri-Towers, and Hancock John Freed. Stadium are now on what was the Bakewell property.

18 Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 There’s much to learn beyond the classroom in the Agricul- ture Department. Sophomore Kara Watson, opposite page, appreciates the opportunity to work with livestock at the University Farm.

Ag Day on the Quad, left, is just one of many special events planned by the department throughout the year. Activities give students the chance to meet with vendors and alums. Students also appreciate immediately applying what they are learning. Senior Kelly Schneider, above, is pursuing her passion for ag education and environmental science by learning about organic farming.

The demand is not going to dis- External forces will also shape the People will become increasingly con- appear, as food production will need department’s curriculum. Wood pre- cerned with where their food comes to double in the next 50 years. Eat- dicts the next generation will need to from, and will continue to support ing habits will change as poor nations be prepared to tackle the renewal of local foods and organic farming, he move from primarily vegetarian diets natural resources, including water, soil, believes. One example of that is the fact to including meat. “All of this will place and atmosphere, as well as the demand that there are 4,000 farmers’ markets increased demands on ag production for fuel. throughout the country. and doing it all in a sustainable fash- “Those are very important topics Whatever the future brings, gradu- ion,” Rhykerd said. “It’s an enviable that people are thinking about not only ates such as the Erdmans have no doubt time for our graduates.” statewide but globally,” Wood said. ag students will get from Illinois State

Aquaculture was Enrollment neared 300, introduced at the A master’s of marking a 50 percent University Farm. The science degree for increase in five years. program ran for more agribusiness was Nearly one-third of the than a decade approved. students are women. 1988 1993 2009 1976 1991 2000 2011

The department added an The Illinois Board of Higher The University sold 132 acres of the The Agriculture agribusiness major. Education called for elimination farm and purchased the former FS Department’s 100th of the Agriculture Department. Research Farm at Lexington, which year will be recognized President Thomas Wallace includes 160 acres of land for animal with special events and partnered with industry groups, research. An adjacent 200 acres were a fundraising effort. alums, and community and state purchased as well. The Illinois State leaders to save the program. University Farm at Lexington was xby officially dedicated in June of 2002. Centennial Celebration

100 100 their grocery bill, dropping fewer milk Poland, the Czech Republic, and the products into their carts and skipping Ukraine while completing the Illinois the cheesy appetizers when eating out. Agriculture Leadership Program. “I look back and see people strug- Yet he’s always ready to return to gle making ends meet, and the cows the family farm, which now includes a keep us going,” Myron said. “Milk pric- third generation, as two of Mark’s neph- es are down, but you keep going. Last ews have joined the operation. Waneta summer we were paying to go to work. (Callahan) Erdman ’47 is the matriarch, Not many people will do that. But if I married to Myron for 61 years. The two had to do it over again, I’d do the same met at ISU. They have two daughters, thing.” Ann and Linda, who married dairy Myron’s passion for farming led farmers. him to accept several industry posts “It’s been a way of life for us. It’s

Community outreach is another part of the department’s over the years. He served as one of the been good to us. It gave us a healthy mission. Children love to learn and explore at the Horticul- directors of the National Dairy Board, family,” Myron said. It’s also created a ture Center. appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agri- legacy that will continue well into the culture. Mark was appointed to the future. For as his son noted, “You don’t the education needed to succeed as the board this year. retire from farming. You can’t retire industry fluctuates. The Erdmans have Mark also judges livestock. He from farming.” endured some tough times, especially became interested in it while at Illinois in recent months. When the economy State. Mark joined Clarence Mohr’s live- soured, so did milk prices. stock judging team, an experience that Web extra The value of the dollar, foreign took him across the country. More Learn more about the Agriculture Depart- markets, and a long supply chain all recently he’s been to Ireland and Scot- ment’s history. View a video online at took their toll. Consumers cut back on land as a judge. He also traveled to www.IllinoisState.edu/alumni-magazine.

Alumni invited to join department’s celebration

Preparations for the Agriculture Department’s 100th anniversary in “I’ve seen them organize themselves 2011 have already begun. The year will be marked by special events, around ag issues before. Here’s an initiative as well as an effort to raise $400,000 through the “100 x 100 Centen- I’d like to see them rally around that’s a nial Celebration.” good thing,” Wood said. The goal is to obtain $100,000 in support for each of four areas Information about anniversary events alumni and faculty have identified as critical in moving the depart- are available online at www.Agriculture. ment into the next century. These include the Horticulture Center, IllinoisState.edu. To learn more about the “100 x 100 Centennial student scholarships, the Illi- Celebration,” contact Development Director Dorothy Witte at (309) nois State University Farm at 438-3134 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Donations may by x Lexington, and special proj- be made online by going to www.Advancement.ilstu.edu/support. Centennial Celebration ects such as a computer labo- “We need alums to be passionate about their alma mater,” ratory and student travel. Wood said. “We need their support, not just financial but in terms of “I have great hope we’ll be successful. I have a lot of faith in ag providing opportunities for students, helping to open doors to intern- alums,” College of Applied Science and Technology Dean Jeff Wood ships, networking, serving as guest speakers, and on the advisory said. He noted there are more than 5,000 in the Agriculture Alumni board. It’s a very important relationship.” Association, which formed in 1979 as the first departmental alumni association on campus. 100 100 20 Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 Degree of difficulty

Nontraditional student ready to cross commencement stage by Sean Kelly

Charity Mendoza is the daughter of a high school Mendoza, who walked a difficult path to obtain and junior high school dropout. She and four sib- her educational goals. lings were raised by their mother. Her life spent As a child, Mendoza’s family could barely in poverty, Mendoza never received a high school afford basic necessities. Hungry nights where din- diploma, and is now a single mother of six. Come ner consisted of a tuna salad sandwich served by December, she will describe herself in yet another candlelight because electricity had been turned off way: Illinois State University alumna. were common. Mendoza always enjoyed school Convinced that she would never have the and wanted to go to college, but it seemed unreal- means to cross a commencement stage, Mendoza istic as the money was not available. speaks with deep appreciation as she recounts Education was further pushed aside when she how Illinois State gave her the support and oppor- gave birth as a high school freshman to her first tunity to achieve a lifelong dream. An under- child, Shaquanna, and stopped going to school. A graduate degree always seemed out of reach to

Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 21 “Your life can be what you want it to be. If you Determined to be home for her children, Men- doza quit her second-shift job. Because she volun- have the desire to go to college, the resources are tarily left, there was no unemployment support available… State your passion and pursue it.” and she was soon having trouble paying the bills. She painted apartments for her landlord to pay rent and sold paintings to neighbors. The Family is important to home tutor picked up assignments and adminis- work led to a job as a faux finisher. Three months Charity Mendoza, who put tered tests. Mendoza passed her finals, managing later she was unable to find a customer’s home her own educational dreams on hold to meet the needs of to temporarily balance motherhood and classes. and was fired. her six children. Academics She married and at the age of 16 gave birth “This was a tough time, but in the end it helped are a priority in their home. to her second child, Devynn. Soon after she left me in my journey,” Mendoza said. “I believe some- Charity studies with her son Brock, previous page, while the classroom to care for her children. “It broke times God will take your negative experience and daughter Shaquanna works my heart to drop out of high school, but I placed provide a really big blessing for you.” in the background. my family as a priority above my education,” Men- She counts Illinois State among those bless- doza said. She became a full-time homemaker, ings, even though it was still years before she during which time Adrien and Amber were born. attended. Mendoza first went back to the com- To relieve boredom she started checking out munity college. That door reopened while she library textbooks. This was not enough to satisfy was applying for unemployment. She learned of a her thirst for knowledge, so she enrolled for her program that helped pay for childcare and school high school equivalency diploma. While working expenses. Mendoza received assistance with both, toward that goal she reconnected with her eighth and was able to complete her studies in microcom- grade teacher, Charlotte Cooney, who persuaded puter applications in 2005. She was the first in her Mendoza to go to college after earning her GED in extended family to complete an associate’s degree. 1996. The encouragement served as inspiration. Mendoza secured a job at State Farm Insur- “It opened a door for me,” Mendoza said. ance Companies. She realized she would not “Even the possibility is something that had not advance without furthering her education, which been communicated to me.” led her to Illinois State. She enrolled in 2007, and Before she could pursue the college dream, remembers vividly starting at the University as a Mendoza faced more life changes. She married her nontraditional minority student. Her life experi- second husband in 1999, and their family grew to ences set her apart from most of her classmates, include Brock and Santana. Mendoza worked in and yet she did not feel alienated. She thrived in a factory, fast food restaurants, and as an office the classroom, working closely with supportive manager to pay the bills. Unfulfilled, she began faculty. taking community college classes in 2001. Staff members were equally ready and eager Academically things were going great, as to help her find a way to juggle her multiple she received straight As and came to life in the responsibilities as a mom, employee, and student. classroom. Financially things were not as good. She felt encouragement across campus, which Mendoza dropped out at midterms, no longer able only instilled more determination to complete a to afford childcare. degree in communication studies. “That really upset me,” she said. “It seemed Now in her final semester, Mendoza reflects like the door had shut in my face.” on her years at Illinois State with pride in herself She turned to the Army, knowing she would and the institution. “My time at ISU has been very receive benefits and the opportunity to finish a challenging, and I do love a challenge,” she said. degree. She completed all the steps to enlist, but “The challenge adds to my sense of accomplish- needed a waiver because of her six dependents. ment.” Mendoza worked on an assembly line at TI Beyond the degree, Mendoza has learned Automotive during the waiting period, which had about other cultures and the world around her not yet ended when terrorists attacked on 9/11. while at Illinois State. She has developed relation- She consequently abandoned the idea of a military ships that have enriched her life. And she has a career.

22 Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 Charity was convinced at an early age that college was out of reach. She has consequently worked hard to make her children feel comfortable with the idea of getting a degree. Beyond attending class with her on occasion, they gather for picnics on campus. Charity prepares the meal with the help of, from left, Santana, Shaquanna, and Adrien. Amber, Brock, and Devynn are in the background. renewed optimism for tomorrow, as she eagerly does these things to let them experience the life of plans to apply what she has learned to a field she a college student. loves. Her goal after graduation is to be a voice Mendoza is also figuring out ways she can that can help change the world. inspire others in the larger community. After grad- She is particularly eager to share her story uation she anticipates working in the University’s with fellow Hispanics, who she noted often face Financial Aid or Admissions offices in a position obstacles similar to what she has overcome in that allows her to help underrepresented students completing her undergraduate degree. “I’m not find their way to Illinois State. She currently works the only one that’s had this experience,” Mendoza in the Scholarship Resource Office. said, lamenting how many Hispanic teens struggle She’s also active in the Bloomington-Normal to complete high school. community, mentoring underprivileged teens at The U.S. Department of Education reported a club that provides a place for them to do home- in 2009 a drop-out rate of 21.4 percent among work and access computers, which many do not Hispanic high school students during 2007 alone. have at home. “Those kinds of statistics are appalling to me,” Mendoza openly shares her story and explains Mendoza said. She knows from personal experi- how they too can get to college, even helping stu- ence that the students have a desire for an educa- dents complete the application process. Her goal tion and the ability to achieve. What they lack is to provide for others the positive influence she is the confidence that educational opportunities missed when younger, making certain today’s exist for them. youth realize they are not stuck in a frustrating “I missed that when I was younger. I probably cycle of unfulfilled dreams. Her words are inspir- would have attended college a lot sooner if I had ing, and her accomplishments prove her message someone tell me it was possible,” Mendoza said. to be true. She plans to instill that hope in others, beginning “It’s not a fantasy. Your life can be what you with her own children, who now range in age from want it to be,” Mendoza said. “If you have the 19 to 10. desire to go to college, the resources are available. She keeps them involved with her homework, There is no excuse for not attending. State your talks to them about what she is learning, and has passion and pursue it.” had them join her in Illinois State classrooms. She

Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 23 Alumni Services

College of Fine Arts celebrates decades of excellence

Every college at Illinois State is built on a legacy of excellence, but none has a more natural ability to showcase student work than the College of Fine Arts. The Schools of Art, Music, and Theatre (including the program area of dance), and the Arts Technology Program consistently create opportunities for artists in training to awe audiences. Over the past four decades the college has built a national rep- utation for academic excellence—including in teacher education— and in the process has become an integral part of the University’s daily life. The scope of the college’s student, faculty, and alumni talent will be showcased in the months ahead as the college marks its 40th anniversary. More than 400 performances are planned throughout the celebra- tion year, which began this summer and will continue through the spring of 2011. Alumni are invited to participate and will have an active role in many of the events, including an art show exhibiting the work of gradu- ates for one month beginning in September. An alumni commissioned-works concert is slated for October, with an alumni film festival planned during the week of Homecoming. The first College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held Homecoming weekend, as well as a gala that focuses on the college. The School of Music is also planning commissions of alumni work and a band auction. Several quick reference performances and productions will be offered, including the 55th Annual Madrigal Dinners. Alumni of the college will be featured throughout the year. Jon Pounds ’70, M.F.A. ’71, will be the Resource: keynote speaker at the Homecoming luncheon event. Judith Ivey ’73, L.L.D. ’00, will visit campus dur- College of Fine Arts 40th Anniversary ing the spring semester. Theatre of Ted, a Registered Student Organization, will bring back a variety of alums and work to raise scholarship funds. Summer of 2010 through Spring 2011 Beyond celebrating the past and present, the anniversary year also creates a unique opportunity to look to the future. The plan for new facilities will be shared widely, as excitement grows over the Contact: Assistant to the Dean $54.3 million project that will allow the college to consolidate from nine locations to one. Peter Guither The project calls for demolition of Centennial West and Center for the Visual Arts to make way (309) 438-5134 for a new building and significant remodeling of Centennial East. Multiple donor opportunities exist [email protected] with the project. WEBSITE: To learn more about the college’s anniversary year and how you can get involved as a participant www.cfa.ilstu.edu/40 or donor, go to the College of Fine Arts website. Find out what you can do to guarantee continued excellence in the arts at Illinois State!

24 Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 An alumni perspective Where are they now?

A few years ago while attending an Alumni Shakespeare event Editor’s note: Are there former mentors you would like to on a beautiful summer evening at the Ewing Manor grounds, I connect with again? Illinois State staff will find them and crossed paths with Lynda Lane. I remembered Lynda as a fel- share their updates in a future issue, including contact low Illinois State coed on campus in the 1960s. Recalling that information. Send the names to Susan Blystone at sjblyst@ Lynda was a member of the Alumni IllinoisState.edu, call (309) 438-2667, or mail to 1101 N. Main Association Board of Directors, I casual- Street, Normal, IL 61790. ly mentioned that if she ever needed an extra hand with alumni events, I would Warren Harden helped change love to get involved. the campus landscape That is all it took! Lynda invited me to be on the University’s Homecom- With an expertise in economic theory, money ing committee. Later I became a mem- and banking, and international economics, ber of the Distinguished Alumni Award Warren Harden joined the faculty in 1954 selection committee. Presently I remain and worked to develop the Department of on these committees, and am also the volunteer liaison for the Economics curriculum. He also chaired the Alumni Relations staff. faculty committee that led a drive in the What a proud and life-altering experience it has been these 1960s to change the school’s name from Illinois State past few years to have the opportunity to serve and represent Normal University. our amazing, nationally recognized university as a volunteer. Harden was the initial person to accept and shape Volunteering is the perfect avenue to give back to the University, several administrative jobs. He became vice president of which prepares graduates with a broad and diverse education. I Business and Finance in 1984. Under his leadership the certainly attribute my long and successful teaching career to the dedicated professors in the Physical Education Department. University moved forward with major facility construction, The Alumni Association relies on volunteers to help reach including Redbird Arena. He also worked to secure funding out to students, alums, and community populations at various for the Science Laboratory Building and parking decks. events. Volunteers interact with students at Preview activities, Harden retired in 1991. He has since done consultant Passages, job fairs, career days, and commencement. We have work, and was an adjunct faculty member at Heartland booths in Bloomington-Normal at the annual Sugar Creek Community College. He enjoys golf and traveling with his Arts Festival, Farmer’s Markets, and the Sweet Corn Festival wife, Jan, who worked 27 years at Illinois State. She retired each summer. from the Office of International Studies and Programs in 2001. Volunteers also assist with events at the Alumni Center, the They participate in many cultural events in Central Slam Dunk family event offered by Athletics, Homecoming, the Illinois and Chicago. They also remain connected to campus. annual Shakespeare alumni night, and many other activities. Warren has been inducted into the College of Arts and We definitely “Spread the Red” all year long. Sciences Hall of Fame, and the Department of Economics Whether interacting with students, community members, has established the Dr. Warren Harden Endowment for or fellow alums, volunteers find that representing Illinois State University is extremely rewarding. It’s also a great way to meet Seminars and Research in Economics. Donations may be new friends, or reconnect with old ones. There’s a spot waiting made to the fund online at www.Advancement.ilstu.edu/ for you. Just simply say “I would love to get involved.” That’s all support or by calling (309) 438-8041. it takes! Contact the Hardens: WEB EXTRA Anita L. Gibb ’69 6182 N. 900 E. Rd. Read more of Warren Harden’s Alumni Relations Volunteer Liaison Shirley, IL 61772 career at Illinois State online at [email protected] www.IllinoisState.edu/alumni-magazine. Find out how you can get involved by contacting Alumni Relations Assistant Director Stephanie Duquenne at (309) 438-2586 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 25 The campus community will celebrate 90 years of Homecoming during the week of October 11-17. Join the celebration as we “Roll Out the Red” with a variety of activities and programs Illinois State vs. North Dakota State 2 p.m., Hancock Stadium on campus and online. For additional information and access to online registration, visit Reserved seats available for alumni rate of IllinoisStateHomecoming.com $15 per ticket from August 2 to 5 p.m. on October 1. Order online at GoRedbirds. SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS Prism Concert com. Select “promotions” from the toolbar 8 p.m., Center for Performing Arts and enter the promotional code “ALUM10.” Friday, October 15 Enjoy the talents of music faculty and Tickets will be mailed or picked up at students. Call (309) 438-8833 for tickets. Hancock Stadium. For special requests or Homecoming Hospitality seating accommodations call (309) 438-8000. 8 a.m.–1 p.m., Bone Student Center Saturday, October 16 8:30 a.m.–7 p.m., Alumni Center Roll Out the Red Gala Homecoming Hospitality 6 p.m., Marriott Hotel and Conference Center Alumni Day Luncheon 7:30–11:30 a.m., Bone Student Center College of Fine Arts students, alumni, and Noon–2 p.m. 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Alumni Center faculty will perform as the college’s 40th Bone Student Center Brown Ballroom anniversary is celebrated. Enjoy dinner and Homecoming royalty will be crowned, Alumni Town and Gown 5K Run cocktails during an interactive showcase. Tickets Day guests recognized, and Jon Pounds ’70, 7 a.m., Southeast Corner of College Avenue M.F.A. ’71, will speak. Tickets are $15 per and University Street are $75 per person for this black-tie optional person, with preregistration required. Be part of the 10th anniversary for this event. Reservations needed by September 24. Call (309) 4328-2586 or go online. Live Glass Sculpture Creation run through campus and Uptown Normal. Registration is required. by Mack Glass Sunday, October 17 1–7 p.m., North Quad near Schroeder Hall Live Glass Sculpture Creation Bring recyclable glass donations and watch as by Mack Glass Homecoming Hospitality art is created. 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m., North Quad near Schroeder Hall 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Alumni Center College of Fine Arts Bring recyclable glass donations and watch as Twin City Tours Hall of Fame Unveiling art is created. 10:30 a.m., Alumni Center 3–4 p.m., Center for Performing Arts Lobby Take a bus tour of Bloomington-Normal and Celebrate 40 years of fine arts with the inaugural Parade Step Off members of the college’s Hall of Fame. 9:30 a.m., College Avenue and University Street the campus area. Preregistration is required. Have your mobile device ready to send a text Call (309) 438-2586. Hoopfest and “Vote the Float” for your favorite entry. 7 p.m., Horton Field House Great Urban Race See student royalty crowned and Redbird Tailgating 11 a.m., TBD basketball players in exhibition. Free 11 a.m., Designated tailgating locations Compete in this wacky race driven by admission. Go online for host groups, guidelines, a map clues that take you through Bloomington- Normal. Cost is $40 per person before 25th Annual Putnam County of locations, and additional details. September 20. Register online. Spelling Bee Homecoming Academy 7:30 p.m., Center for Performing Arts 1:30–4 p.m., Alumni Center Redbird Volleyball Tickets for this one-act musical comedy are Join Politics and Government Professor Bob vs. Bradley University available by calling (309) 438-2535 or online Bradley and Illinois State expert Terri Ryburn for 2:05 p.m., Redbird Arena at www.ticketmaster.com. educational sessions. No reservation required. Call (309) 438-8000 for tickets.

26 Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 For more details and event updates visit IllinoisStateHomecoming.com

“Roll Out the Red” Alumni networks Need a room? …from home! and reunions A listing of local hotels offering room blocks Not able to make it to campus for the Plan to attend reunion and special activities is available on the Homecoming website. Homecoming celebration? You can “Roll hosted by the following groups. More Out the Red!” by going online to the information is available online. Map, Parking Homecoming website or GoRedbirds.com to: Agriculture and Tailgating • Sign up for mobile Homecoming updates Parking available at the Alumni Center, with Alumni Band and news; shuttle service available beginning at 8 a.m. Athletics • See videos and photos posted as events on Saturday Oct. 16. See website for details. Black Colleagues Association happen; A limited number of parking spaces in College of Business • Connect with fellow Redbirds through the tailgating lots will be available for a fee. College of Education Homecoming Facebook fan page; New this year—overnight RV parking is Mennonite Nurses Alumni Organization available at the Alumni Center. Contact Kimber • Follow football and volleyball action School of Communication Phillippe at (309) 438-4329 by October 11 to through the All-Access service on And more…… reserve your RV space. GoRedbirds.com; • Download specialized desktop wallpaper Find a Friend Redbird Walk for your computer and mobile device; and Reconnect with old friends using the Find a Use the Redbird Walk card for promotions • Reconnect with your friends by sending Friend locator service at www.Alumni.ilstu. and discounts at Bloomington-Normal personalized Homecoming e-cards. edu/friend. businesses during Homecoming. Cards are available on campus, on the Homecoming website, or by cutting out the adjacent card. Order apparel online or visit Participating locations are posted online.

the Barnes & Noble college Cut out this card for special promotions and discounts bookstore on campus. 2010 Redbird Walk Redbird

Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 27 ClassNotes

Alumnus prevents drowning of struggling stranger

by Sean Kelly

Anson Yeganegi ’09 described it as something out of a cheesy movie. The scene: a cold night last October. The time: a little past midnight. After getting off his job at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Yeganegi decided to take a differ- ent route home, one that would take him past Lake Elliot in Wheaton. While passing the lake, he was looking at the white lights of buildings reflecting off the water. Among the sea of white lights, he saw something eerie: a single pair of red lights. At first Yeganegi continued to drive home, but he could not get his mind off that pair of red lights. Half a mile later he turned around. When Yeganegi got back, the red lights had materialized into a Bentley convert- ible, submerged in the lake. Luckily the top was down and the driver had crawled to the top. Yeganegi called 911. Just then, the car started to sink. The motorist rolled off. Yeganegi yelled out for the man to swim, but quickly real- ized he could not. After that, instinct took over. Despite the 911 operator telling him not to, Yeganegi, work suit and all, jumped in. “At that point there was no option,” Yeganegi said. “I don’t think I ever could not go in.” By the time Yeganegi got back to shore, the ambulance had arrived and was ready to take the man to the hospital. It is then Yeganegi was brought back into reality. “It wasn’t until I got out of the water and the paramedics had him that I realized how epically cold it was,” Yeganegi said. Months later the night remains an odd occurrence clouded in mystery for Yeganegi, who has been nominated for the Carnegie Medal of Heroism in the United States because of his brave act. He never found out the name of the man he saved that night. He cannot recall why he took the unusual route home. Despite this Yeganegi believes something wanted him there that night. “Everything happens for a reason,” Yeganegi said. “There’s a reason I didn’t go home the same way, there’s a reason I turned around, and there’s a reason I was there that night.” Yeganegi now works in Glen Ellyn and drives by Lake Elliot far more often. No matter how many times he passes the lake, he is always reminded of that cold October night. “It’s weird. Every time I get on the road I reenact the scene in my head,” he said. “I don’t think I could ever go down that road and not think about it.”

28 Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 30s ate in Springfield, Massachusetts. She retired as hall principal at Richard C. Tuttle ’35 taught in Niles North High School in Skok- Share your good news a one-room schoolhouse in the ie. She enjoys traveling and has 1930s before working as a civilian visited the Holy Land, Ireland, Alumni are encouraged to share news on job changes, training administrator with the Barbados, and many Florida cit- U.S. Army Air Corps. He founded ies. She has seven great grandchil- promotions, special honors, retirements, marriages, births, Tuttle’s Trading Post in 1945 and dren and resides in Decatur. sold the store in 1978. He has held and adoptions. Information will be published in the earliest Anthony Saville ’51 has dedicated many city and county positions, more than 50 years to the field of possible issue, based on the order information is received including 30 years as the director education. He served as a teacher, of the Salida Senior Citizens Cen- coach, junior and senior high and as space permits. Information submitted more than ter. He and his wife, Ruth (Wilson) school principal, college professor, ’34, ’35, have been married for one year following the event will not be published. Engage- and administrator at University 75 years. They reside in Salida, of Nevada in Las Vegas. He was Colorado. ments and pregnancies will not be published. UNLV’s first College of Education dean. A middle school has been There are three easy ways to submit your informa- 40s named in his honor in Las Vegas, tion: 1) Go online to www.Alumni.ilstu.edu/update; 2) Frances M. Whitacre Anderson ’40, which is where he resides with his ’43, taught in a one-room country wife, Joy. E-mail your news to [email protected] or 3) Mail schoolhouse from 1940 to 1943. Donald J. Behnke ’57 retired in your news to Class Notes, Illinois State University, Alumni She is retired and widowed. She 2000 as superintendent of schools in Southampton, New York. After has three children and resides in Relations, Campus Box 3100, Normal, IL 61790-3100. Flanagan. a few years of recruiting Affirma- Otis H. Knudtson ’41 served in the tive Action teachers for East Coast Please include your graduation year, major, name at China-Burma-India Theater as a school districts, he tired of travel graduation and any name change, and daytime phone pilot from 1943-1944. Four times for work. After working part-time raising funds for a charity in Phoe- he received both the Distinguished number for verification purposes. Information from pub- Flying Cross and the Air Medal, as nix, Arizona, he is now a cruise well as numerous other awards. He lecturer in his lifelong avocation lished news clippings may also be used. was a meteorologist for the Army of music. In 2009 he and his wife Air Force and the U.S. Air Force sailed from Dover to St. Petersburg For additional information, contact Alumni Relations and from Athens to Istanbul. He until retirement in 1965. He and at (309) 438-2586 or (800) 366-4478, or by e-mail at his wife, Martha, reside in Aurora, has developed nine lectures from Colorado. They have two sons, one opera to cabaret. He and his wife, [email protected]. daughter, a granddaughter, and a Ruth, reside in Tucson, Arizona. great-grandson. Ronald W. Stadt ’57 was a profes- Mary J. Bartelt ’47 taught at a cath- sor at Southern Illinois University olic college in San Francisco, Cali- for three decades. He received sev- eral awards for his work, includ- fornia, and worked as a consultant as head of the English Depart- Olympia Schools. She authored a in the San Juan Unified School ing recognition for outstanding contribution to the U.S. Secretary ment and adviser of the student children’s book, New Orleans Dogs District for 25 years before retiring. newspaper at Sir Francis Drake Allowed, about the dog she adopted She received many honors for her of Education’s Initiative Program for the identification of quality High School in San Anselmo, Cali- following Hurricane Katrina. Her teaching, leadership, and outstand- John R. ’58, vocational programs. His wife, Lor- fornia. She is now a supervisor for husband, is a history ing contributions. She resides in student teachers in the Education teacher at Central Catholic High Citrus Heights, California. raine (Reed) ’57, taught elementary school for 26 years. They reside in Department at Dominican Univer- School. They reside in Bloomington. Carbondale. sity. She and her husband, Russell, Richard Ford ’62 is assistant 50s Ollan E. Coyle ’58, M.S. ’61, retired reside in Fairfax, California. They principal and athletic director at have three children and six grand- Edwardsville High School. In Feb- John Dal Santo ’50, M.S. ’51, Ed.D. as the St. Louis Dr. Pepper/7-UP children. ruary of 2010 he was presented ’68, worked as a guidance counsel- plant manager. He and his wife, the Paul Harris Fellow Award for or, principal, and superintendent. Mary, reside in Odell on a 10-acre outstanding community service He also worked overseas with the plot with a seven acre lake stocked 60s by the Edwardsville Rotary Club. U.S. Federal Government Depart- with bass, bluegill, and channel cat. Mildred (Mirring) McCormick ’60 He was recognized for his vision, ment of Defense. He is a member Sandra Payne Dunn ’59 retired taught math in Belleville and Ann design, and building of the 40-acre of the Illinois State University Ath- after 50 years in education. She Arbor, Michigan. She went on to sports complex for the Edwardsville letic Hall of Fame and College of substitute teaches in the Catholic teach math in the Seattle Public School District. His wife, Harriet L. Education Hall of Fame. He is wid- school, and has joined the staff of Schools and the University Pre Par- (Martin) ’63, retired as elementary owed and lives in Kerrville, Texas. Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages in ity Academy. She and her husband, teacher at Edwardsville School Dis- Guido “Skeezix” E. Markionni ’50 promotions and as spiritual direc- Norman, reside in Seattle, Wash- trict 7. They reside in Edwardsville. retired as an elementary school tor on Pilgrimage. A group she led ington. They have two children Mary Meyer Fetzer ’64 has been principal after 31 years in educa- to Italy in March visited Assisi and and two grandchildren. appointed interim associate uni- tion. His wife of 55 years passed attended Holy Week Masses and Richard Monnard ’60 has been a versity librarian for research and away in 2009. They had two sons. services with Pope Benedict XVI in math educator since graduation. instructional services at Rutgers. She He continues to play golf twice a Rome. She and her husband, Jer- He has authored more than 20 resides in Randolph, New Jersey. week and works out the other days. ald, reside in League City, Texas. mathematics texts for grades K-12. Janet Parks, M.S. ’65, completed He resides in Chicago Heights. Eleanor (Leith) Hill ’59 completed a He and his wife, Bobbi, reside in a doctorate at Middle Tennessee Barbara J. (Ray) Tyler ’50 received master’s degree at Dominican Uni- Saddle Brooke, Arizona. State University. She taught at her master’s degree from the Uni- versity in San Rafael, California. Sandra (Rohman) Snyder ’60 is Bowling Green State University versity of Illinois and her doctor- She retired from teaching in 1999 a retired second grade teacher at in the Human Movement, Sport

Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 29 AlumniNews and Leisure Department. She She and her husband, Larry, trators Company. He and his wife, Bruce E. Scher ’74, M.S. ’77, is the has authored several physical reside in Tremont. Janice, reside in Omaha, Nebraska. academic dean and director of education books and articles, and Steve Walters ’71 has retired as They love to cheer the Redbirds college counseling at Chicagoland helped produce a documentary on an engineer from Commonwealth on when they travel to the Omaha Jewish High School. He has more Title IX titled Women in Sport. She Edison in Chicago. He is in the Qwest Center. than 30 years of experience as an is a founding member of the North zoning office of Livingston County Linda Fay ’73, M.S. ’74, was in educator and college consultant American Society for Sport Man- working on wind farm projects, CSQA for 20 years and then in the public schools. A national agement. She resides in Bowling landfills, and other zoning issues. returned to special education teach- speaker, he has served as a super- Green, Ohio. vising and cooperating teacher James L. Crawford ’68 has retired with Illinois State. He and his and finished building a new home. wife, Barbara (Oman) ’74, reside in He and his wife, Carol, reside in Buffalo Grove. New Braunfels, Texas. Linda Rosenstiel Vandre ’74 retired Marla S. (Armantrout) Haas ’69 as a math teacher at Urbana High taught third and fourth grades for School in 2009. She teaches math seven years. She then joined the part-time at the Next Generation United States Postal Service and Middle School, Champaign. She worked for 30 years before retiring resides in Mahomet. in 2009. She resides in Hoopeston. Susan L. (Gilbert) Baylor ’75 is an Dottie Solomon ’69 has retired assistant professor at Saint Antho- from teaching music in the Batavia ny College of Nursing in Rock- Public Schools District 101. She ford. She has been named a 2010 resides in Batavia. Illinois Nurse Educator Fellow by Josiah Tlou, M.A. ’69, is professor the Illinois Board of Higher Educa- emeritus and director of the Center tion. One of 18 fellows selected for Research and Development in in Illinois, she was recognized for International Education at the Vir- Three Illinois State graduates have dedicated a combined total of 108 years to the field of her outstanding qualifications, ginia Polytechnic Institute and State education. They all finished their careers together, retiring from Tremont schools at the end of accomplishments, and history of University. He has been recognized the recent academic year. They are, from left, Mike Lynn, M.S. ’83, of Tremont; Ellen (Connelly) significant contributions to Saint by Cambridge Who’s Who for dedi- Frankino ’75, M.S. ’76, of Pekin; and Martha (Wheatley) Oertle ’71, M.S. ’77, of Tremont. Anthony College of Nursing. She cation, leadership, and excellence resides in South Beloit. in higher education. He specializes Ellen (Connelly) Frankino,’75, M.S. in curriculum development and He is also a Rotary International ing. She resides in Chicago and has ’76, worked as a speech/language international education, spending Paul Harris Fellow, working with raised one foster child, Sydney. pathologist in Westville for 12 more than 10 years in Africa. He is his wife, Sarah, to provide potable Geoffrey Tryon ’73 received a years, serving students in the early a member of the National Council water and school equipment to master’s degree in hospital admin- childhood program through high for the Social Studies, the American orphan schools in Zambia, India, istration from the University of St. school. She has worked in Trem- Educational Research Association, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Honduras, and Francis, and holds a certificate of ont schools since 1988, retiring the African Studies Association, Liberia. He is a member of the hospital law from DePaul Univer- this year. She and her husband, and Phi Delta Kappa. He resides in Pontiac Rotary Club board and sity. He has been with Silver Cross Emile, reside in Pekin. Blacksburg, Virginia. Rotary District 6490 World Com- Hospital more than 20 years, and Kathleen A. (Lawson) Kane ’75 is munity Service Committee, and is is vice president of operations. an early childhood special educa- secretary of the Livingston County tion teacher and consultant with 70s He is responsible for the design, Historical Society and board. The development, and construction of Pocatello School District 25. She John K. Miller ’70 has completed a couple resides in Pontiac. the Replacement Hospital campus was named Teacher of the Year doctorate in physical therapy at John Burton, M.A. ’72, is a profes- in New Lenox. He serves as presi- for the district in 2009, and was Pacific University in Oregon. He sor of learning sciences and tech- dent of the Joliet Region Chamber one of five finalists for the State of is the rehabilitation director at nology in the School of Education of Commerce and Industry. He Idaho Teacher of the Year. Her hus- Columbia Basin Hospital in Eph- at Virginia Tech. He received the resides in Orland Park. band, Gregory P. ’72, is a program rata, Washington. He and his wife, school’s 2010 Alumni Award for Gary Kebbel ’74 completed a mas- supervisor for Drug Court, Road to Linda, met at Illinois State. They Excellence in International Out- ter’s degree in journalism from the Recovery. They reside in Pocatello. reside in Moses Lake, Washington. reach. He cofounded the school’s University of Illinois and another Melissa O’Rourke ’75 is an attorney Karen (Gray) Neuman ’70 is a staff Center for Research and Develop- in social work from the Catholic and master gardener who teaches nurse in IVT/Horizon Nurse Con- ment in International Education, University of America. He has been gardening classes at Northwest sulting Services. She resides in and established the Office of named dean of the University of Iowa Community College. She and Puyallup, Washington. Research and Outreach Educa- Nebraska-Lincoln College of Jour- her husband, Joe Skoda, raise dairy Brian G. Tesar ’70 worked for 27 tion for the School of Education. nalism and Mass Communication. goats. They show goats nationally, years as a GED instructor and cor- His teaching and research focus Prior to this position he served as finishing 21 permanent champion rectional lieutenant at Pontiac Cor- on instructional technology and the journalism program director goats and capturing many best of rectional Center. He also worked at hypermedia. He resides in Blacks- for the John S. and James L. Knight breed, best in show, and premier Illinois River Correctional Center burg, Virginia. Foundation, which directs the $25 exhibitor awards. The couple before retiring. He and his wife, Betty Jo Wetherell ’72 has retired million Knight News Challenge. resides in Rock Valley, Iowa. Roxanne, have been married 30 as a special education teacher at Rita McLaughlin Moore ’74 is Kim Slava ’75 owns Doctor Sax years. They reside in Marion. Washington High School in Iowa librarian at the John W. Hallahan Woodwinds and is a band instru- Martha (Wheatley) Oertle, ’71, M.S. after 37 years. She has coached Catholic Girls’ High School, which ment repairman. He resides in ’77, completed 39 years of teach- for Special Olympics at local, area, is the oldest catholic girls’ high Madison, Wisconsin. ing elementary school. She taught state, national, and world games. school in the country. She and Linda M. Kovacs, M.S. ’76, has six years in Mansfield and 33 years She resides in Washington, Iowa. her husband, Michael, reside in retired as executive director at the in Tremont before retiring in 2010. James P. Crossen ’73 is a claims Media, Pennsylvania. Center for Human Services, a non- specialist for Berkley Risk Adminis- profit youth and family services

30 Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 An Illinois State legacy by Sean Kelly Accompanied by sons Grant ’01 and Blake ’06, LaVerne (Berry) ’70 and Woody Iles ’71 watched their youngest son Craig ’09 graduate from Illinois State University last December. It was official: the Iles were a family of all Illinois State alumni. Grant realized how special this was during the ceremony when all alumni were asked to stand. “It really kind of sunk in when our entire row stood up,” Grant said. “It really made me feel proud. You could see on everyone’s face that they were proud to be graduates.” LaVerne and Woody dated in high school. A year older than Woody, LaVerne stayed with her high school sweetheart while the two attended different schools. The two reunited in 1967 when Woody arrived at the University. They married in 1970 and lived in Cardinal Court. Woody finished his degree while LaVerne taught at Stevenson Elementary in Bloomington. “Those were four very happy years in my life. If I had to do it all over again, I don’t think there is anything I would change,” Woody said. After graduation they moved to their hometown Champaign, and later to nearby Mahomet. LaVerne worked at Prairie Elemen- tary School in Urbana, where she taught students with learning dis- abilities for 33 years. She substitutes in special education settings. Woody taught at Urbana High School before moving into business and promotional advertising. The Iles family consists of graduates who are, from left, Blake ’06, Woody ’71, Craig ’09, Laverne (Berry) ’70, and Grant ’01. Grant graduated with a physical education degree. He teach- es driver’s education and coaches track at Moline High School. Every year on the way to the state track finals he makes time to show his athletes ISU’s campus. Blake graduated with a business administration degree. He is a worker’s compensation specialist with Farmers Insur- ance Group in Aurora. He catches up with his Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity brothers through various golf outings around Illinois. Craig holds a degree in university studies. Seeing his two brothers attend Illinois State left a lasting impression when Craig chose a school. “He experienced that, he got a feeling for that, and he decided that’s something he wanted to do,” Woody said. Woody and LaVerne make regular trips to Normal for a meal or golf with college friends. Woody was a R.A. in Man- chester Hall during the 1969-1970 school year. Recently he had a reunion with his residents at Biaggi’s in Normal, where 75 percent of the floor attended. During their campus visits, the Iles have kept up on the growth and changes at ISU. LaVerne finds the same warm friendly feel every time she comes back to campus, despite a much larger enrollment. The changes leave Woody confident the University’s future is bright. “I’m not melancholy or sentimental about the past; I’m encouraged for their future. I’d like to see my grandchildren go there,” Woody said.

Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 31 AlumniNews agency in California. After retire- Steven E. Dolan ’79 works with BP Countryside Elementary School ment she established a consultant Pipelines of North America and District 96. She resides in Lemont. firm, Springboard Consultants, resides in Hinsdale. Brent Scholl ’81 is a fifth-generation which offers strategic planning, Arles Hendershott ’79 is the pork producer. He has been named program review and development, resource development director president of the Illinois Pork and other services to nonprofits. with Milestone Inc., in Rockford. Producers Association Board. He She resides in Modesto, California. She and her husband, Joe, received serves on the Polo School Board, Linda Thar Walwer ’76 is an the Golden Star Award for years of is a member of the Ogle County elementary education teacher with service to Lifescape, which is the 4-H Foundation Board, an active District 186 in Springfield. Her largest agency serving the needs member of the Lee County Pork husband, Michael ’76, is a comput- of older adults in Northwestern Producers Board, a member of the er specialist at IEPA in Springfield. Illinois. The couple resides in Illinois Farm Bureau, the Illinois They reside in Chatham. Rockford. Corn Growers Association, and the Diana Doyle ’77, M.S. ’79, received Bill Kuehn ’79 is an Eastern Iowa Illinois Beef Association. He co- her doctorate in public adminis- sales manager with Orbitcom. He owns First Class Insurance Agency. tration with a higher education and his wife, Norma, reside in He and his wife, Kathy, reside in emphasis from the University of Clinton, Iowa. Polo. They have two children. Colorado. She has been named Luanne Schwaniger O’Shea ’79 is Jeff Myers ’90 discovered a love for travel J. Fred Schouten ’81 retired from president of the Arapahoe Com- regional director of development at while completing his marketing major at full-time public school education munity College in Littleton. She Washington University in St. Louis, Illinois State. As an undergraduate he partic- in 2008. He has served as interim previously worked as executive Missouri, where she resides. ipated in the study abroad program, spend- principal of Oak Lawn Communi- vice president of learning and stu- ing a semester in Austria. Since then he has ty High School, a graduate school adjunct professor at Olivet Naza- dent affairs with the Community 80s visited 27 countries, including an exciting College of Denver. journey where few venture—North Korea. rene University in Bourbonnais, Lyndell Leatherman, M.M. ’77, is Leslie (Chapman) Bell ’80 has and a field consultant in school the sole proprietor of Leatherman begun the M.B.A. program in improvement for the Illinois Office Music Services. He is a freelance sustainable business at Maryhurst system for the International Space of AdvancED/North Central Asso- composer, arranger, music editor, University in Oregon. She resides Station. She also designed the safety ciation. He and his wife, Debra, and engraver. His latest music in Signal Mountain, Tennessee. lighting system that is in the Teague reside in Bourbonnais. They have collection, Best-Loved Hymns I, Dan Cotter ’80, M.S. ’81, is a Auditorium at Johnson Space Cen- two sons and four grandchildren. was published in January of 2010 30-year newspaper veteran with ter. She is now working with Gary Lawrence J. Maushard ’82 is a by the FJH Music Company. The nationwide experience in advertis- Glass ’90 at Iwata-Medea Inc. She journalist and author whose book is an anthology that includes ing, circulation, strategic planning, has developed the Real Deal Weath- recent work includes articles on the historical background of the and consulting to the newspaper ering Kit for artists and modelers, controversial street renaming for 75 most common songs in hym- industry. He has been named and teaches airbrushing clinics Cesar Chavez, Japanese-American nals published since the 1970s. the executive director of the New nationally. She and her husband, memories of WWII internments, He and his wife, Barbara, reside in England Newspaper & Press Asso- Robert, reside in Houston, Texas. immigrant day laborers, expert Kansas City, Missouri. ciation, which is the trade group Robert Nelson ’80 taught high analysis on U.S. torture, a local Susan (Hovey) Walters ’77, M.S. comprised of 460 daily and weekly school agriculture for nine years Iranian community, and reaction ’84, and her husband, Ben ’76, newspapers across six states. He is and another 20 years in the fifth of U.S. Tibetans to tensions in were married in July of 2009. They also teaching organizational com- grade at Forrestville Valley School their homeland. He and his wife, reside in Bloomington. munication at Bridgewater State District in German Valley. He and Fay, reside in Portland, Oregon. Cindy Adami ’79 received her mas- College in Massachusetts. He and his wife, Terri, reside in Leaf River. John Phillips ’82 is senior vice presi- ter’s degree from National-Louis his wife, Kathy, reside in Sharon, Tara G. DeRamus ’81 is as an dent and CIO for Briggs in Wauke- University. She has taught for 30 Massachusetts. They are the par- engineer and operator for the gan. He is chair of the Society for years, and is now a second grade ents of four children. Chicago Transit Authority, and a Information Management, Chicago teacher at Brookview Elementary Leslie (Lintern) Eaton ’80 has retired line instructor who teaches new Chapter. He and his wife, Kay, School in Rockford. She received from NASA Johnson Space Center employees about the daily opera- reside in Mundelein. the 2010 Golden Apple Founda- after a career that included the tion. During his career he was part McKay Smith ’82 was a 2010 tion Award for Excellence in submission of several patents and of a team that received the Public inductee into the Springfield Teaching. She and her husband, a Space Act Award for designing Safety Award and a Superior Sports Hall of Fame. A graduate of Steve, reside in Rockford. a new emergency egress lighting Operation certification four times. Southeast High School, she is the He resides in Chicago. school’s former all-time leading Daniel Glenn ’81 is employed scorer. She resides in Dallas, Texas. with T-L Irrigation Company. He Susan Smith ’82 completed a mas- received the company’s 2009 Top ter’s degree at Northern Illinois Win a trip! Performer District Sales Award. He University. She has been named recruits, manages, and supports principal for Nature Ridge Elemen- Register for a chance to win a “return home” T-L dealers in the Midwest Corn tary School in Bartlett. She resides Belt and Ontario, California. He in Elgin. package for Homecoming 2011 or a four-day, resides in Danvers. Sandra Steingraber, M.S. ’82, Julie Schmidt ’81 received a mas- all-inclusive stay at one of Apple Vacations Dream earned a doctorate in biology at ter’s degree in reading education the University of Michigan. She is a Resorts. Both packages are through Suzi Davis and school counseling from Roos- scholar in residence at Ithaca and evelt University. She has taught was featured in the PBS documen- Travel and include airline tickets for two. special education students and as a tary Kids and Chemicals: Are We Poi- reading specialist, and served as a soning Our Children? She authored Visit IllinoisStateHomecoming.com for details. guidance counselor. She has been Living Downstream, a book about named superintendent of Kildeer her private battle with cancer and the issue of cancer prevention. She

32 Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 also authored Having Faith: An School District, where she also Ecologist’s Journey to Motherhood, serves as girls’ golf coach. She has The Spoils of Famine, and a volume taught for 25 yeas and been head of poetry titled Post-Diagnosis. She coach for 23. She was named the Pause for applause resides in Trumansburg, New York. 2009 National Girls’ Golf Coach Lisa M. (Muzzarelli) Gonzalez ’83 of the Year by the National Federa- Changing roles In the swing is a retired social worker and sub- tion of High School Associations. After winning fans as Jack Samantha Richdale ’06 didn’t stitute teacher for various school She has been inducted into the McFarland on the Will & Grace put down the golf clubs after districts in the LaSalle County area. Illinois Coaches Association Hall sitcom, Sean Hayes is now graduating from the University She and her husband, Primitivo, of Fame. She resides in Lake in impressing audiences with his with a chemistry degree and reside in Oglesby. They are the par- the Hills. lead performance in three Missouri Valley Conference ents of a son and two daughters. Marianne Meeder ’85 taught the musical Promises, Championship Mike Lynn, M.S. ’83, taught in special education for 17 Promises. Hayes plays titles to her Melbourne, Australia. He retired years. She is now a certified Chuck Baxter in name. Illinois this year from his position as a business coach and has creat- his first Broadway State’s 2005 Ath- middle school science teacher and ed a website to help individu- appearance. He was lete of the Year high school cross country coach als start businesses, improve nominated for a 2010 is completing at Tremont. He coached the state their sales, or through the Tony Award, and her rookie year championship cross country team job search process. She also hosted the awards on the Ladies show in June. An Professional Golf in 1990, and earned ITCCA Cross coaches adults with learning ISU undergraduate Association. She Country Coach of the Year in disabilities in time manage- music major, Hayes joined the LPGA Illinois that same year. He and his ment and organization. She captured an Emmy, Tour after finish- wife reside in Tremont. resides in Savoy. four Screen Actors ing fourth-place David Shaw ’83 completed an Julie O’Keefe ’85 earned her Guild Awards and on the Duramed M.B.A. at Emory University. He juris doctorate from Saint Louis had seven Golden Futures Tour’s has more than 25 years of experi- University School of Law. She Glove Award nomi- 2009 money list. The tour is the ence in consulting and managing is featured in the 2010 edition of nations for his work on Will & LPGA’s developmental circuit. IT businesses for large insurance Chambers USA: America’s Leading Grace. He reprises his role as Mr. Richdale is pursuing a passion organizations. He has joined NIIT Lawyers for Business. She is with Tinkles in the forthcoming movie that reaches back to her child- Technologies as senior vice presi- Armstrong Teasdale LLP in St. Cats & Dogs 2. hood days, as she has played golf dent and practice leader for North Louis, Missouri. since she was a young girl in her American Insurance Vertical. He Richard Schultz ’85 is a tenured Business breakthrough hometown of Kelowna, British resides in Kennesaw, Georgia. associate professor in the Depart- At a time where then is increas- Columbia. Richard West ’83, M.S. ’84, received ment of Geography and Geosci- ing concern about jobs going his doctorate at Ohio University. ences at Elmhurst College. He overseas, chemistry graduate Coupons for cash He is chair of the Department received the Distinguished Geogra- and first generation immigrant Josh Stevens ’06 beat out of Communication Studies at phy Teaching Award for Colleges/ Poonam Gupta-Krishnan, M.S. 20,000 applicants in the Live Emerson College in Boston, and a Universities from the National ’94, is bringing more work to Off Groupon contest this year. member of the school’s advisory Council for Geographic Education the U.S. through Iyka Enter- The accounting graduate will board. He has coauthored four in 2008, and the Distinguished prises Inc. The capture $100,000 if he can books, dozens of scholarly articles, Service Award from the Illinois founder and survive using only president of Iyka, Groupon coupons and has presented more than100 GIS Association in 2009. He and Gupta-Krishnan’s for an entire year. conference papers. He sits on seven his wife, Leigh, are the parents company pro- The challenge began editorial boards of communica- of two daughters. They reside in vides network in May, when he tion journals. He is vice president Arlington Heights. management, left his Chicago of the National Communication Deborah A. (Wilhelm) Shuppert monitoring, data home with no cash Association and will assume the ’85 is a middle school guidance cleansing, and or personal pos- presidency in 2012. He resides in counselor for the Kenosha Unified data analysis sessions. He is Boston, Massachusetts. School District in Wisconsin. She internationally. blogging about the Fred Hoyt, M.B.A. ’84, is an and her husband, Bob, were mar- Ikya has been recognized as adventure (http:// associate professor of business ried in July of 2009. They reside one of the Top Ten Asian- liveoffgroupon. administration at Illinois Wesleyan in Gurnee. American Business in the com), which allows University. He has authored more Derek Sieg, M.S. ’85, has been Midwest by the U.S. Pan for only limited contact with than 50 articles and serves as the named K-8 principal in the Fla- Asian-American Chamber of family or friends as he travels faculty advisor to chapters of the nagan School District. He and his Commerce. With Asian women the country. Stevens found a American Marketing Association wife, Kathy, are parents to two holding only three percent way to make clothing from the Club and the marketing honorary daughters. They reside in Normal. of computer scientist jobs in coupons, which are sold at a society Alpha Mu Alpha. He has Julie Craft ’87 has more than 20 2008, Gupta-Krishnan’s ability discounted rate online but are been named the 2010 Fellow of the years of high-tech business devel- to grow a technology business only valid if a certain number of that reaches around the globe people buy the deal. Marketing Management Associa- opment experience. She is the is remarkable. tion. He resides in Bloomington. senior director of business devel- Andy LaFrence ’84 has retired after opment for MerchantCircle, which more than 25 years at KPMG LLP. is the largest social network of He served medical, biotech, phar- local business owners. She resides WEB EXTRA ma, and clean tech companies. He in Belmont. Check out a column dedicated to book reviews of work by alums. resides in Plymouth, Minnesota. Karen Mink, M.S. ’87, has been Go online to www.IllinoisState.edu/alumni-magazine. Jodi Schoeck ’84 obtained her mas- named principal of Bartlett ter’s degree at National-Louis Uni- Elementary School. She has served versity. She is an adapted physical as principal in DeKalb and Aurora education teacher with Barrington school districts. She has also held

Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 33 AlumniNews

How we met— Illinois State University connections

Sergio Mercado ’03, M.A. ’05, and Holly Engstrom ’01 seemed destined to cross paths. Both are from the Quad Cities, and both came to Illinois State in the fall of 1997. Their roommates, Gloria and Lance, dated that school year and Sergio had been in Holly’s dorm room a couple of times. Yet they didn’t meet until 2001, when they both held temporary jobs at John Deere in Moline. Sergio was going back to Illinois State that fall, but was not looking for a serious relationship. That changed when he met Holly on June 25. He asked her out the next day. “My plans didn’t include getting involved, but I still had to get to know her,” Sergio said. When Sergio went to Holly’s apartment, he recognized the comforter on her bed. He asked about it and realized that it was the same one he had seen in college at his roommate’s girlfriend’s dorm. Sergio said if they had met during their freshman year their relationship would not have been as strong. Sergio found he wasn’t prepared for his plan of study, and therefore questioned his commit- ment to remaining another year at ISU. Holly was more focused, and knew exactly what she needed to do to finish her coursework, gradu- ate, and begin teaching. “We were completely different people” in college, said Sergio, who initially felt lukewarm about the collegiate experience. He left Illinois State after the spring semester of 1998 and finished an associ- ate’s degree before returning to ISU in the fall 2001 semester with a new dedication to his studies. “By the time I had matured some, we were both in the same mindset,” Sergio said. “I came back as an older student just as Holly was graduating. I really enjoyed working with the faculty in the Political Science Department, and am still in communication with a few people who are still teaching in Normal.” Just as he was entering, Holly was leaving to teach in Frankfurt. The two maintained a long distance relationship, even as Sergio completed an internship in Peru and a graduate degree in political science. Sergio knew Holly always wanted to take a horse carriage ride through Chicago. On Valentine’s Day of 2004 he surprised her with one she would never forget. As the carriage was heading toward Navy Pier on Lake Shore Drive, Sergio reached into his pocket to grab his “cell phone.” To Holly’s surprise, he pulled out an engagement ring. They married at Holly’s parents’ church in Coal Valley on July 2, 2005. The couple now resides in La Grange. Holly teaches fifth grade in Western Springs, while Sergio is a marketing analyst with a small children’s nonfiction press, Heinemann-Raintree. Both remain in touch with friends made during their days at Illinois State, which still holds special place in their lives. “Our individual ISU experiences really shaped us as the people we are now, both professionally and personally,” Sergio said.

34 Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 an adjunct professor position at Normal. She and her husband, of Criminal Justice Sciences and reside in Oakland Township, the University of St. Francis in Mark, reside in Normal. the Southern Criminal Justice Michigan. Joliet. She resides in Montgomery. Peter K. Kwiek ’89 is a professional Association. Joel Martin ’92 is completing a Clarissa Moholick ’87 completed a geologist for Monterey County David L. Stauffer ’90 is the presi- doctorate of education at National master’s degree in health services Water Resources Agency. He and dent of Safety Compliance Solu- Lewis University. He has been administration at the University of his wife, Robin, reside in Salinas, tions LLC. He has been recognized named principal of Lincoln St. Francis. She is regional manag- California. by Cambridge’s Who’s Who for Middle School within the Park er of cancer data at Adventist Mid- Barry Reilly ’89, M.S. ’95, Ed.D. ’07, demonstrating dedication, leader- Ridge-Niles School District 64. He west Health. She serves as regional is the superintendent of Bloom- ship, and excellence in business has served as a principal, middle manager for the hospital’s research ington School District 87. He has management. He resides in Car- school social studies teacher, and review board and research sup- served in the district as the assis- mel, Indiana. reading teacher in the past. He port. She received the organiza- tant superintendent for human Lisa (Lowder) Moberly ’91 is a life resides in Chicago. tion’s pillar award in 2010. She resources, a physical education underwriting supervisor for State Dewey Mathews ’92 is a forensic serves on the steering committee teacher, and assistant principal Farm Insurance Companies. She interviewer for Madison County of the Chicago Breast Cancer Con- and principal of Bloomington and her husband, Chad, reside in Child Advocacy Center in Wood sortium, and is a guest lecturer on High School. He is active with the Clinton. River. He and his wife, Tracey, health information management Heartland Coalition for Youth and James C. Beeson ’92 is a mail han- have two sons. They reside in at Moraine Valley Community Col- Families, United Way of McLean dler with the United State Postal Edwardsville. lege. She resides in Joliet. County, and the McLean County Service. He resides in West Ches- Kimberly (Doyle) Smith ’92 is a Donald Mulder ’87 has started and Urban League. He and his wife, ter, Ohio. sales and website manager for is president of his own company, Lisa, have three children. They Todd Fessler ’92 is the sales and Twister Display. She and her hus- Heritage Disposal LLC, which pro- reside in Bloomington. marketing vice president for Mil- band, Jay, are the parents of a son. vides waste hauling services in Chi- Michael J. Ripsch ’89 completed a liman’s MedInsight’s division. He Malkin Armstrong was born in cago and the Western suburbs. He master’s degree in criminal justice is responsible for managing sales, December of 2009. They reside in and his wife, Karin, have two daugh- at the University of Cincinnati. marketing, and account manage- East Liverpool, Ohio. ters. They reside in Naperville. Retired from the Bloomington ment to the company’s healthcare Brian Valek ’92, M.S. ’04, is the Michael Coker ’88 is a mental Police Department, he is an clients. He and his wife, Diane, assistant principal at Madison health administrator with Turney adjunct professor in criminal jus- Center Industrial Complex, which tice and forensic science at Illinois is a Tennessee state prison. He and Central College. He coaches the his wife, Glenna, reside in Colum- college’s defending national cham- Support our troops bia, Tennessee. pion Crime Scene Investigation Matthew Deal ’88 is district chan- Team. He will present at the 2010 U.S. Navy Reserve Lt. Jon Burrow ’95 nel manager for Mycogen Seeds. International Law Enforcement He supports seed efforts across Educators and Trainers Associa- has completed two overseas deploy- national accounts in Indiana, tion Conference in Chicago. He Ohio, and Michigan. He resides in resides in Bloomington. ments. He spent nine months in Bogota Brownsburg, Indiana. Amy Tackett-Hoelmer ’89, M.S. 91, on counter-narco terrorism missions Megan Wells, M.F.A. ’88, has is the director of special education at been named the Village Players Crosby Independent School District training the Columbian military. He was Theater’s first artistic associate. in Texas. Her husband, Michael ’90, also deployed to Iraq, where he worked She has experience in traditional is vice president of Dixie Chemical theater, as a corporate communica- Company in Pasadena, Texas. They for a year developing strategies to help tions consultant, and as an award are the parents of two sons and the nation sustain security. He partici- winning storyteller. She received reside in Crosby, Texas. the Ed Press Distinguished pated in the Humanitarian Missions of Achievement Award for Fire in 90s Boomtown, the story of the Chi- Goodwill initiative, delivering supplies in Baghdad, above, to strug- James T. McCormick ’90 served cago fire. She has also written and gling families. Now back in the states and residing in Bartlett, Bur- performed adaptations of mythi- for 18 years as a superintendent cal stories and literary classics. in Virginia and North Carolina, row is a regional sales manager with Illinois Tool Works’ Military She worked with Village Players and was twice named regional Products Division. Theater directing William Gibson’s superintendent of the year. He The Miracle Worker. She resides in served on the North Carolina State La Grange Park. Board of Education’s Blue Ribbon Illinois State acknowledges alumni serving in support of Opera- Jennifer Barker ’89 received her Committee to review and recom- tion Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Names will master’s degree from Governors mend changes to the state testing State University. She has been an policies and procedures. He is the be published as they are received. Submit information to Susan educator for 20 years and teaches president and superintendent of third grade at Eisenhower Acad- Healthy Start Academy in Durham, Blystone at [email protected] or by mail at Illinois State North Carolina. He resides in San- emy in Joliet. She was named one University, Campus Box 3420, Normal, IL 61790. of Joliet Area Great Teachers in ford, North Carolina. Amie Scheidegger ’90 completed 2010. She and her husband, Ken, FN3 Michael R. Keene ’93, M.S. ’98 have two children. They reside in a doctorate in criminology from New Lenox. Florida State University. She teach- U.S. Navy Cheryl (Kissel) Bradley ’89 is an es criminology and criminal justice Operation Earnest Will, Persian Gulf antiques instructor at Illinois courses at Brevard College. She Central College in Peoria and developed and implemented the Heartland Community College in college’s criminal justice program. She is a member of the Academy

Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 35 AlumniNews People’s Music Awards in London in 2009. He resides in Carbondale. Junior High in Naperville. He has Jennifer Lamont Roos ’96 is a home- been named principal of Ken- maker. She and her husband, Tom, nedy Junior High in Lisle for the reside in Lockport. upcoming school year. He resides Jason J. Evans ’97 is a certified pub- in Aurora. lic accountant working with Sikich Grechen Wingerter ’92 earned a LLP, which is a leading profession- master’s degree in directing from al services firm. He is the partner- the University of Idaho. She is a in-charge of Sikich’s construction part-time instructor of theatre and services team. He is a member of guest director at Lycoming College the American Institute of Certified in Pennsylvania. She is one of six Public Accountants and Illinois selected for a National Teaching CPA Society. He was appointed to Artist Grant from the Kennedy the Aurora Regional Chamber of Center American College Theater Commerce Board of Directors. He Festival. The award honors her out- resides in Plainfield. standing achievement as a theatre Christopher Maher ’97 has served artist and educator. She resides in What started as a fun night of entertainment ended with an Illinois State connection for Jill as artistic director at East Window Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Wager ’93 of Hutchinson, Kansas. Wager wore an ISU shirt when she attended a small venue Theatre Company and Open Eye Paige Beckner-Cook ’93 is with concert by fellow graduate Suzy Bogguss ’79. The shirt caught the country music star’s atten- Productions. He is now the artistic the Florida Department of Health, tion, and the two conversed after the show. Wager, left, works for a nonoprofit senior meal director of Infamous Common- investigating allegations against program and resides in Hutchinson. wealth Theatre in Chicago, direct- licensed health practitioners. She ing Arthur Miller’s The Crucible and her husband, Jeremy, have there earlier this year. He resides a son. They reside in Gainesville, fied, which means she is nation- Selina Finck ’95 is the Maroa- in Chicago. Florida. ally recognized in the grants field. Forsyth girls basketball coach. The Craig Ramza Jr. ’97 is a certi- LuAnn (Aiello) Cadden ’93 has The credential recognizes her 8th grade 2009-2010 team won a fied insurance counselor who is published her first book, Driving tenure in the profession, educa- regional title and she was named licensed in five states. He is vice Across Missouri: A Guide to I-70, tion, demonstrated achievement, the Decatur Herald & Review president of Ramza Insurance with the University Press of Kan- and a commitment to public and Macon County Coach of the Year. Group Inc., which was named Best sas. She and her husband, Mike, private philanthropy. She resides She resides in Maroa. Independent Insurance Agency D.A. ’96, have two daughters. They in Austin, Texas. Katherine (Worrell) Fornnarino to Work For in the United States reside in St. Joseph, Missouri. Vincent Hundley ’94 received his ’95 left education in 1999 to stay by Insurance Journal in 2009. He Amy Conklin ’93, ’96, completed master’s degree in industrial home with her children. She resides in Ottawa. a master’s degree in curriculum hygiene from San Diego State returned to school in 2006 and Jeff Vance ’97 is a loan officer and and instruction, studying at University and is president and graduated as a registered nurse in assistant trust officer in Illinois. the University of Colorado and CEO of SMART Safety Group. He 2008. Her husband, Robert ’96, is He has been named a business Northern Illinois University. She is the safety director of Associ- a product manager in value added specialist for Homer by Wells Far- teaches second grade at Windsor ated General Contractors (AGC) sales with PTC Alliance. They are go. He resides in Farmer City. Elementary School in Loves Park. of San Diego. He works on safety the parents of two children and Jennifer A. Bishop-Jenkins, M.S. ’98, She was honored with the 2010 regulatory matters at the local and reside in Clarksville, Tennessee. is the Democratic candidate for the Golden Apple Foundation Award national levels. He resides in San Kelly Hamill ’95 completed a Cook County Board of Commis- for Excellence in Teaching. She Diego, California. master’s degree in public admin- sioners, 14th District, in this fall’s and her husband, Mark, reside in Chris Przemieniecki, M.S. ’94, is an istration at Northern Illinois Uni- election. She and her husband, Rockford. They are the parents of assistant professor with Montgom- versity. He has worked for more Bill, reside in Northfield. two children. ery County Community College in than a decade as an engineer with Jill Huse ’98 has been named a Kirsten (Kirby) LaMere, M.S. ’93, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. He resides the Village of Northbrook. He is board member at large for the earned her level II medical pro- in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. now the public work director. He Legal Marketing Association’s fessional certified golf fitness Eric Schmidt ’94 is an assistant resides in Spring Grove. Southeastern Chapter. She is the instructor credentials through manager for Bed, Bath & Beyond. Wardell Benford ’96 is a mortgage marketing director for Moore & Titleist Performance Institute. She He resides in Maricopa, Arizona. underwriter for Bank America in Van Allen in Charlotte, North is a certified athletic trainer for Jason Telford ’94 attended Wor- Rolling Meadows. He resides in Carolina, where she resides. Gundersen Lutheran in Onalaska, sham College of Mortuary Science Forest Park. Lisa Karr-Lilienthal ’98 completed Wisconsin. Her husband, Joseph and is a licensed funeral director/ Janet (Lundquist) Hosey ’96 is a master’s degree and doctorate at ’93, is the lead athletic trainer for embalmer in the state of Illinois. He a reporter for the Herald-News the University of Illinois. She is an Gundersen Lutheran. They reside and his wife, Dolly (Stone) ’95, own of Joliet. She and her husband, assistant professor in the Depart- in Holmen, Wisconsin. and operate Solon-Telford Funeral Joseph, were married in October ment of Animal Science at the Daniel C. Lyons ’93 is vice president Home. They are the parents of two of 2009. They reside in Joliet. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. of operations for Menshen USA of sons and reside in Streator. Kevin Lucas ’96 and the Kevin She has established a companion Waldwick, New Jersey. He resides Robert L. Carroll ’95 has been pro- Lucas Orchestra received the animal teaching and extension in Inverness. moted to divisional vice president New Music Award in the AC/Hot program. She also provided an Kelly Magrady Vachlin ’93 is a proj- of the Eastern division of John Group/Duo category from New organization for students inter- ect controls specialist for AT&T in Hancock Retirement Plan Services. Music Weekly. The group was on ested in companion animals. She Hoffman Estates. She and her hus- He has served as John Hancock the 2010 Grammy ballot in five received the 2010 Holling Family band, Carl, reside in Roselle. Retirement Plan Services’ Midwest categories, was named College Award for Teaching Excellence in Sharon L. Yarbrough ’93 is Regional sales manager, regional Radio Breakthrough Artist of the Agriculture and Natural Resources. employed by the City of Austin vice president of Chicago, and Year at the New Music Awards She resides in Seward, Nebraska. Parks and Recreation Department. Midwest regional sales manager. in 2008, and captured Best Pop Jason Keller ’98 is a managing She is Grant Professional Certi- He resides in Geneva. Artist for an unsigned band at the examiner at the Federal Reserve

36 Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 Support Your Passion...

Some Illinois State students have all they need to succeed: outstanding academic achievement, strong leadership skills, and unending determination that pushes them toward the commencement stage.

Some students will struggle to reach that goal despite their capabilities and aspirations, only because they lack the financial resources.

That’s why the Alumni Association Scholarship exists.

Give today and help a student join the ranks of alumni.

For more information, or to make a donation, visit www.Alumni.ilstu.edu/alumnischolarship

Bank in Chicago. He and his wife, in September of 2009. They reside was born in July of 2009. They Jim Charnholm, M. M. ’02, is the Tara, were married in January of in Minooka. reside in Crystal Lake. orchestra director at McKay High 2010. They reside in Chicago. Brian J. Hayes ’00 completed a James Fielder ’01 is vice president School in Oregon. He has been a Ryan J. Kramer ’98 and wife, Jen, master’s at Indiana Wesleyan Uni- of information systems at Farm member of the Peoria Symphony, are the parents of two children. versity. He teaches seventh grade Credit Services of Illinois. He performed as a soloist for the Their daughter. Kinsley Mae, was English at Wes Haney Middle served as a U.S. Marine for 12 Oregon Symphony, and spent born in March of 2010. They reside School in Indianapolis, Indiana, years. He has been named to the a summer playing the opera in in Kansas City, Missouri. where he resides. Everything Channel’s Midsize Germany. He also works part-time Benjamin J. Tregoning ’99 is a Shannon Lynn ’00 is a third grade Enterprise Summit Advisory for his family’s apartment mainte- member of the leading online Chi- teacher at Sabin Magnet School in Board. He and his wife, Tanya, nance business. He and his wife, cago real estate brokerage, Dream Chicago. She was a finalist in the reside in Champaign. Ann Marie, have two daughters. Town Realty. He is the residential 2010 Kohl McCormick Early Child- Eric V. Guerra ’01 is a cardiovascu- They reside in Salem, Oregon. consultant, representing home hood Teaching Awards. She resides lar perfusionist at Memorial Hospi- Kurt L. Coffey ’02 is Case New Hol- buyers, property sellers, and real in Wicker Park. tal of South Bend, Indiana, where land’s North America marketing estate investors in both city and Amy Hall Olson, M.S. ’00, and her he resides. manager for agriculture parts. suburban markets. He is also an husband, Michael ’95, M.S. ’04, are Kristin Browning Hoeft ’01 com- He and his wife, Kristin (Noonan) accomplished improv comedian the parents of three children. Their pleted a master’s degree in second- ’03, are the parents of a daughter. who has performed on many of daughter, Payton Irene, was born ary education at Aurora University. Kennedy was born in March of Chicago’s most famous comedy in February of 2009. They reside After teaching and working as a 2009. They reside in Kenosha, stages, including the Second City in Granville. case manager, she is a stay-at-home Wisconsin. and IO, formerly known as Improv Amber Williams Patterson ’00 is mom. She and her husband, Brian, Susan K. (Long) Jones ’02 and her Olympic. He resides in Chicago. program director for Illinois State have three sons. Jude was born in husband, Cameron, were married University Conference Services. September of 2009. They reside in in June of 2009. They reside in 00s Her husband, Jason ’06, is the Champaign. Downs. senior data communications ana- Lisa Patterson ’01 is marketing Lou Matthews, Ph.D. ’02, is a Traci (Raymond) Andracke ’00 is lyst at COUNTRY Financial. They coordinator with Wayne Hummer Bermudian educator involved in assistant general manager at the are the parents of a son. Drake Wealth Management in Chicago. leadership and education in the U.S. Cellular Coliseum, overseeing William was born in February of She resides in Crestwood. U.S. and Bermuda for 18 years. all marketing and the booking of 2010. They reside in Normal. Melissa (McCowan) Caref ’02 He has been named the director live events. Her husband, Eric ’02, Emily (Daoust) Beal ’01 is a special teaches third grade at Nathan Davis of standards and accountability M.S. ’06, M.S. ’10, is a technology education teacher for Joliet Town- Elementary school in the Chicago for the Ministry of Education in education teacher at Mahomet-Sey- ship District 204. She and her Public School system. She earned Bermuda. He will supervise the mour High School. He coaches the husband reside in Joliet. her National Board Teacher Cer- island’s senior schools. boys’ golf and basketball teams. Jennifer (Pohlman) Doty ’01 is a tificate in 2009 in the area of early Brianne Rucks Van Hemert ’02, They reside in Bloomington claims assistant team leader for childhood generalist. She and her M.S. ’04, has been promoted to Gina (Pehlke) Fleming ’00, ’02, and Chartis Insurance. She was named husband, Brian, are the parents senior technical recruiter for TEK- her husband, John, are the parents Employee of the Year in 2008. She of four children. Their son, Lenin systems. She and her husband, of a daughter. Elizabeth was born and her husband, Don, are the par- Patrick, was born in November of Jason, were married in June of ents of a daughter. Hannah Reese 2009. They reside in Norridge. 2009. They reside in Bloomington.

Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 37 AlumniNews

Abigail (Weber) Clifford ’03 received a master’s degree from Roosevelt University and is an ele- Campus choir marks forty years mentary teacher with the Chicago Public School District. She and her of making ‘joyful noise’ husband, Sean ’00, were married in October of 2009. He is employed as by Kira Shelton ’10 a large market sales representative for Ceridian in Rosemont. They Illinois State offers a multitude of Registered Student Organizations. One option for those reside in Chicago. Craig Lennon ’03 completed a doc- seeking a religious outlet is the Interdenominational Youth Choir (IYC), which celebrates torate at the University of Illinois anthems, spirituals, contemporary, and gos- at Chicago. He is pursuing a posi- tion as a full-time physicist at the pel music every week during rehearsals and United States Army Night Vision performances. and Electronic Sensors Directorate in Fort Belvior, Virginia. Founded in 1970, the IYC grew from a Rhett Luedtke, M.F.A. ’03, is a theatre professor at George Fox weekly Sunday morning spiritual gathering University, where he teaches act- of Illinois State students to become an orga- ing and directing courses. He also oversees the University Players and nization centered on fellowship and music. directs many of the school’s pro- Since then the choir has evolved to include ductions. He received the Faculty Achievement Award for under- between 50 and 100 members annually. Stu- graduate teaching for the 2009- 2010 academic year. He resides in dents from many different denominations and religious affiliations participate, as IYC accepts Newberg, Oregon. members regardless of race, color, or religion. Kenzo Shibata ’03 is a Chicago Public School teacher and a found- Auditions are open to all Illinois State students the first two weeks of each semester. The ing member of CORE (Caucus of Rank-and-File Educators), which is choir stays busy with weekly practices and performances at campus events, local churches, and a progressive reform group within other universities across the state. In addition the choir holds two large, yearly events of their own. the Chicago Teachers Union. He resides in Chicago. The IYC hosts a large music workshop each October. University choirs from across the Kelli Zaragoza Bacon ’04 is complet- state are invited to Normal to learn new techniques at this all-day event. Several gospel leg- ing a teacher certification program at Northern Illinois University. ends have come to this workshop as guest clinicians. Following a day of rehearsal, the 300- to She has been hired as a family and consumer sciences teacher at 350-member mass choir gives a performance for the public. Henry-Senachwine High School. Each April the IYC celebrates its founding. This year’s 40th anniversary marked a mile- She and her husband, Steve, have one son. They reside in Streator. stone for the choir and was celebrated as such. The two-day event held in the spring culminat- Sarah Costin ’04 is a senior special- ed in a concert at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington—a church that was instrumental ist with CCC Information Services. She is the main liaison for compa- in IYC’s founding. Not only did the current choir members perform, but approximately 150 IYC nies such as Geico, Farmers, and Allstate. She resides in Naperville. alumni returned to add their voices to the joyous occasion. Gary Echelmeyer ’04 worked as The executive board of the IYC is always working to build on the choir’s connections and lighting designer on the New Lincoln Theatre production of relationships with Illinois State and the local community in hopes of spreading the word about Sex Marks the Spot, which ran in Chicago in 2010. He has design the group. Anniversary celebrations are especially significant, as they provide current choir credits for numerous productions members the opportunity to learn from IYC alumni. Performances and interaction with the at several theatres. He resides in Schaumburg. alumni and the community allow the choir to grow musically and in membership. Jessica S. (Kolk) Leder ’04, M.S. ’06, “The choir’s powerful impact has remained over the years,” Assistant Director for Cam- is a community corrections officer with Washington State Department pus and Community Relations Donald Reed said. “IYC is love. For its members, it offers fellow- of Corrections. She and her hus- band, Jeremy ’04, were married in ship and a religious outlet. Whenever and wherever the choir sings, it lives up to its theme, September of 2009. He is a United which is ‘Make a Joyful Noise.’” States Postal inspector. They reside in Kent, Washington. Sarah Riopell ’04 is a graphic designer with Omni Communica- tions Group in Springfield, where she resides.

38 Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 Jason Seelow ’04 is plant opera- wife, Kristin, reside in Greenleaf, cator. She helps patients set and Julie Gray ’09 is completing a tions supervisor for Monsanto in Kansas. achieve diabetes self-management master’s degree at the University Beaman, Iowa. He resides in Mar- James Sutter ’06 and his wife, Kris- goals. She and her husband, Ray, of North Texas College of Music. shalltown, Iowa. ten, were married in November of reside in Bloomington. They are She was chosen to perform in Stephanie Steinman ’04 is complet- 2009. They reside in Westwood, the parents of two adult children. the college’s Concerto Competi- ing a doctorate. She is an Alcohol New Jersey. Kurt James ’08 is a linebacker on tion concert, which is one of the and Other Drug Abuse counselor Katherine (Pefley) Anderson ’07 is the Chicago Cardinals, an expan- college’s highest honors. She per- with the University of Wisconsin regional promotions manager for sion team in the Continental formed Frank Martin’s Ballade for Health-Gateway Recovery Clinic K-LOVE and AIR1 Radio. She and Indoor Football League. He resides Trombone. in Madison, Wisconsin. She is a her husband, John, were married in Elmhurst. Jessica K. Knight ’09 is an insurance 2010 recipient of the Addiction in October of 2009. They reside in Jon Kindseth ’08 is completing an account representative for State Professional Outstanding Clini- Schaumburg. M.B.A. at Northern Illinois Univer- Farm Insurance Companies. She cian Award. She and her husband, Molly J. Arbogast ’07 completed sity. He is a management intern resides in Evergreen Park. Luke, are the parents of a son. They a master’s degree in social work with the Village of Westchester. He Jacob Rafferty ’09 is employed with reside in Madison, Wisconsin. with a focus on leadership and was named 2009 Friend of Consti- Advanced Technology Services in Alan Thorson ’04 teaches physical development in social services and tution Trail in 2009. He resides in Peoria, where he resides. education at Morris High School a certificate of advanced study in Oakbrook Terrace. Eyad Salem ’09 participated in the District 101. He has been named philanthropy and nonprofit man- Jamie A. Marshall ’08 is the senior Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie head football coach after leading agement from Loyola University in income development representa- minicamp. the sophomore football team for Chicago, where she resides. tive for the American Cancer Soci- Lindsay Stevens ’09 has been five years. He has also coached the Ryan Balfanz ’07 is a data analyst ety in Peoria. She is responsible for named marketing associate for track team. He resides in Morris. with Mint.com. He resides in supervising the fundraising efforts Dental Assisting National Board Katie (Abete) Coopman ’05 is Mountain View, California. of Relay For Life events, including Inc. She resides in Chicago. employed as a special education Samuel L. Dietrich ’07 is a teacher at the event held at Illinois State. She Kristen Vicelli ’09 is the aquatics teacher at Hadley Middle School Tritt Elementary. He and his wife, resides in Peoria. department head for Life Time and is attending Concordia Univer- Laura, reside in Atlanta, Georgia. Justin Stuva ’08 is an energy advi- Fitness in Algonquin. She man- sity. She and her husband, Chris, Benjamin Harroun ’07 is vice presi- sor with Corn Belt Energy. He ages the facility’s revenue aspect, were married in July of 2009. They dent and cofounder of Angel Wind resides in Normal. as well as operational duties. She reside in Lockport. Energy Inc., which is one of the Lindsey DiFiore ’09 is the corporate resides in Lombard. Lindsay Hufford ’05 completed a top renewable energy companies meeting planner for SEFA in South Kent Crutcher ’10 is the police master’s degree in English and a in Illinois. It was named Green Barrington. Her duties include coor- chief for Normal. He created the certificate to teach writing inten- America’s Business of the Month dinating and planning events and Early Notification System and sive courses at Roosevelt Univer- in March of 2010, and was featured meetings, as well as setting up travel Crisis Intervention Training for sity. She is pursuing a community in Box Office Magazine in 2009. He arrangements and coordinating McLean County. He is involved college teaching job. She resides in resides in Onarga. with hotels. She resides in Bartlett. with numerous community orga- Carpentersville. Zach Hoesly ’07 left a position at Amanda Goodyear ’09 starred in nizations, as well as the National Brian Ida ’05 graduated from Michi- 101.5 WBNQ in Bloomington to the New Lincoln Theatre produc- Institute Against Hate Crimes and gan State College of Osteopathic become part of the morning show tion of Sex Marks the Spot, which Terrorism. He was named the Medicine. He is an anesthesia Mason and Remy for 97.3 KSD-The ran in Chicago in 2010. She has 2010 Distinguished Alumni for resident at Large Medical Center Bull in St. Louis, Missouri. appeared in productions at Gorilla Heartland Community College. He in Florida. Dane Lewandowski ’07 is active in Tango and Prop Theatre as well. resides in Normal. Holly Hotze Lynch ’05 has com- Chicago theatre, working as a pro- She resides in Chicago. pleted a law degree at Thomas M. ducer, set designer, and actor. He Cooley Law School in Michigan. produces a sketch comedy group She is a member of the Illinois called Lady Parts, which performs State Bar and an associate attorney live. He resides in Chicago. with Resch Siemer Law Office Dana (Dole) Pippin ’07 is a nutri- LLC. Her husband, Blake ’05, is a tionist for the Kankakee County Support your magazine business analyst with AFNI Inc. Health Department. She and her They reside in Effingham. husband, Phil, were married in The cost of publishing and mailing Illinois Erica Moll ’05 is a graphic designer October of 2009. They reside in Illinois State with Boyd Gaming at Par-A-Dice Bourbonnais. State, the alumni magazine, continues alumni magazine Hotel Casino in East Peoria. She Ashley Reed ’07 has been named to increase. Your tax-deductible gift of resides in Germantown Hills. manager of The Buckle store in

Summer 2010

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Andrew O’Brien ’05 is vice presi- Northfield Square in Bourbonnais, $25 helps defray mounting costs during N u m b e r 1

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dent and financial advisor for where she resides. V o l u m e 1 1 Chase Investment Services Corp. Chris Coakley ’08 is the sports increasingly difficult budget times. His wife, Amanda (Fiedler) ’05, is director at South Mountain YMCA Contributions are appreciated and may a resident physician at Southern in Phoenix. He doubled the par- Redbird spirit is soaring as the Athletics program reaches new heights with a plan that prepares for tomorrow by Illinois University School of Medi- ticipation numbers in one season be sent to Alumni Relations, Campus Box building on yesterday. cine. They are the parents of three as director. He is also a program children, including identical twin manager with Tempe Parks and 3100, Normal, Illinois, 61790-3100. You boys born in January of 2010. Recreation Department, working to can also make your gift of support to They reside in Springfield. start a sand volleyball league. He Tim Lorenz ’06 has completed a resides in Scottsdale, Arizona. the magazine online at www.Alumni.ilstu.edu/magazinegift. master’s degree in divinity from Julie Dostal, M.S. ’08, is a registered Concordia Theological Seminary dietitian who works at Ottawa in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He and his Regional Hospital & Healthcare Center as a certified diabetes edu-

Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 39 AlumniNews Howard W. Leigh ’40; 2/10 Sara J. (Cummings) Moser ’59; Gwendolyn M. Pearson ’75; 3/10 Marialyce (Welsh) Canonie ’41; 1/10 Mary A. (Leman) Stoller, M.S. ’75; In memory 1/10 Charles E. Potts ’59; 2/10 2/10 Faculty/Staff Merle D. Sharick Sr. ’41; 4/10 Robert Thomsen ’59; 1/10 Andrew J. Beharelle ’76; 8/06 Helen L. (Bayless) Baird ’42; 1/10 Blair C. (Anthony) Krapf ’76; 2/10 Roger D. Burmaster, Facilities 60s Management; 3/10 Evelyn Fanlund ’42; 1/10 Ron Cumming ’60; 3/10 Linda L. Blumenshine ’77; 8/99 Gloria-Jeanne (McCarroll) Davis, Myrna M. (Morgan) Harms ’42; George L. Evans, M.S. ’60; 2/10 Kevin A. Eichler ’77; 2/10 Ph.D. ’86, Affirmative Action; 2/10 3/10 Robert Sedarat ’60; 3/10 Barbara J. Braden, M.S. ’78; 12/01 Frances G. (Dudley) Godwin, Pearl E. (Karnatz) Hawkins ’42; Alfred C. Robertson ’61, M.S. ’62; Mary Schafer Cichowski ’78; 4/10 Milner Library and Mennonite 2/10 3/10 Kevin B. Keegan ’78; 2/10 College of Nursing; 2/10 Laura E. (Bramblett) Vehlow ’42; Joan Skibbe ’61, M.S. ’69; 4/09 Christin Laughlin ’78; 4/10 Harry O. Jackson Jr., ’51, M.S. ’54, 4/10 Sam B. Snuffin ’61; 2/10 Steven K. Samuelson, M.S. ’78; 2/10 Biological Sciences; 4/10 Ruth J. (Frame) Christian ’43; 2/10 Max Kanagy, College of Applied Donald E. Collins ’62; 2/10 Martin J. Shields ’78; 3/10 Mary J. Griffith ’43; 4/10 Science and Technology; 1/10 Elizabeth L. Miller ’63; 3/10 Arthur G. Strawser ’78; 4/10 Virginia (Harvin) Meachum ’43; Marilyn Salstrom Kennard, Admis- Eartha J. Shelby-Nicholson ’79; 2/10 Anne M. (Staas) Niedorf ’63; 11/09 sions; 3/10 3/10 Allegra H. (Tyler) Williams ’43; Bill J. Parkinson ’63, M.S. ’69; 9/08 Wolfgang M. Pfabel Jr., Foreign Deloris M. (Simmons) McVey ’64; Languages; 5/08 3/10 80s 2/10 Dorothy L. Corkill ’80, M.S. ’83; Gerald T. Pickett, Health and David Vanmeter ’44; 9/09 Louis J. Seman Jr. ’64; 1/10 11/09 Safety; 4/10 Laura K. (Kaario) Bergeron ’45; Katherine V. (Beckner) Shaw, 1/10 Henry L. Ezel ’65; 12/09 Mary E. (Anderson) Linn, M.S. ’80; Milner Library; 3/10 Glen D. Gilbertson ’46, M.S. ’52; Larry J. Reinhart ’65; 9/09 3/10 Gwen K. Smith, School of Theatre; 1/04 Carol A. Ross ’65; 11/09 Roseann Piekarz ’81; 9/08 4/10 August P. Lorenzini ’46; 3/10 Betty (Neal) Towal ’65, M.A. ’66; Patrick J. Burns ’82; 1/10 Stella M. Stone, Cashier’s Office; Edith E. (Vaughn) McCown ’46; 4/10 Edith H. Camp ’82; 4/08 4/10 1/10 Richard L. Schmidgall ’66; 12/09 Karol E. (Slein) Schramm ’82; 7/03 Robert D. Weigel, Biological Helene H. (Wroblewski) Prindes Robert G. Peterson ’67; 3/10 Paula J. Smith, M.S. ’82; 7/06 Sciences; 3/10 ’46; 3/10 Judith K. Piotter, M.A. ’67; 8/06 Richard H. Young Jr. ’82; 9/09 Wilma I. (Lawson) White, Food Dane F. Walker ’47, M.S. ’51; 10/05 Robert B. Broege ’68; 4/96 Mary E. Horan ’83; 12/09 Services; 2/10 Roy D. Cox ’48; 10/09 Elaine L. Mroczka ’68; 8/09 Norma (Meiners) Sutter ’83; 1/10 Alumni Walter Laitas ’48; 3/10 Mary L. Tavares, M.S. ’68; 10/97 Mark S. Meltzer ’84; 12/01 Joyce E. (Freed) Osborn ’48; 3/10 Patricia A. Wing ’68; 4/08 Grace Humphrey, M.S. ’85; 2/10 20s Zella M. Walton ’48; 2/10 Imogene Gray, M.S. ’69; 2/10 Sharon F. (Kaplan) Topel ’85; Ruth (Wicklein) Sanner ’27; 1/10 Mary L. Jacobs ’49, M.S. ’66; 3/10 Mary E. Rowley ’69; 5/09 12/09 30s Dan M. Clark ’86; 2/10 50s James Schneiderman ’69, M.S. ’71; Dorothy (McHenry) Dawe ’30, ’35; Joseph A. Banicki ’50; 5/09 2/10 Marianne Edwards ’86; 1/10 4/10 Fred F. Castle ’50, M.S. ’55; 12/04 Ethel M. Staker, M.S. ’69; 4/10 Bryan J. Lukert ’87; 2/10 Alice (Kramer) Haren ’32; 4/10 Jean M. (Carter) Price, ’50; 12/09 Diane M. (French) Bricker ’88; 1/10 Dorothy Wagner ’32, ’54; 3/10 70s James E. Williams ’50; 2/10 Loran D. Boe ’70; 3/10 Lynn M. Mule ’88, M.S. ’89; 2/10 Marjorie Doss Arvilla ’33; 1/10 Helen A. Becker ’51; 5/05 Eleanore (Hunt) Bosshardt ’70; Velira R. Moore ’33; 1/10 90s Mary A. Parks ’51; 9/05 3/10 Gayle L. (Reckamp) Jean Snyder Lougeay ’34; 1/09 Paul S. Risen ’51; 12/09 David T. Keenan ’70; 4/10 Photikarmbumrung ’90; 1/10 William P. Wene ’34, M.A. ’38; 12/03 Kenneth F. Ruth ’51; 1/10 Victor J. Ormsby, M.A. ’70; 9/09 Keith A. Bertolo ’91, M.B.A. ’94; Thomas A. Delaney ’35; 1/08 Richard J. Williams ’51; 1/98 Mary E. (Leinweber) VanWormer 2/10 Mary Lamka ’35; 4/10 Earl T. Ratledge ’52; 5/87 ’70; 1/10 James J. Ross ’91; 2/10 Eleanor E. (Stover) Peden ’36; 3/10 Rita C. Rayburn ’52; 4/04 Don C. Hoblik ’71, M.S. ’72; 7/08 Joan M. Hecht ’92; 2/09 Bernice E. (Unsicker) Fawer ’37; Katharine G. (Schafer) Behrends Carol M. Rylander ’71; 3/07 Gregory S. Upp ’93; 10/06 10/09 ’54; 2/10 Susan J. Siemsen ’71; 2/10 Julie M. (Gault) Warnick ’93; 1/10 Eva A. (Perry) Henderson ’37; 3/10 Keith Houchin ’54; 4/10 Tamara L. (Reddy) Smith ’72; 4/10 Robert A. Meng ’94; 3/10 Vera (Coffman) Johnson ’37, ’41; Herbert D. Raab ’54; 3/07 Clyde Vasconcellos III ’72; 9/06 Thomas D. Ayers ’95; 2/10 1/10 Raymond J. Walsh ’54; 8/06 Jay D. Vause ’72; 3/10 Robert W. Hart ’95; 9/09 Lorene R. (Clary) Watkins ’37; 2/10 Patricia A. Wolfer ’55; 1/07 Garry P. Cheatham ’73; 4/07 John R. Bachman ’97; 11/09 Marguerite S. (Schmidt) Bauer ’38; 2/10 William Carlile ’56; 7/09 Stephen M. Duffy ’73; 1/10 James Ross, M.S. ’97; 2/10 David “Les” Lange ’38; 2/10 Richard G. Hackl ’56; 2/10 Donald F. Erdman ’73; 3/10 Kimberly A. Cioni, M. S. ’98; 9/09 Jane E. (Hall) Iber ’39; 1/10 Stanley E. Poppeck ’56; 11/04 Donald R. Fuller ’73; 10/06 Dale J. Gredler, M.A. ’99; 1/10 Charles E. Cappellin ’57; 4/10 Gary A. Kozicki ’73; 9/05 Jeffrey P. Lindeen ’99; 2/10 40s Blanche M. Lemonnier ’73, M.S. Palmer Hall, M.S. ’57; 4/10 00s Lucile N. (Waters) Bosomworth ’87; 11/09 ’40; 4/10 Cecil D. Oglesby ’57; 3/10 Stephen C. Stumpf, M.S. ’02; 4/10 Donald H. Shields ’73; 4/08 Marilyn (Brenneman) Hovious ’40, Barbara O. Miller ’58; 10/09 Alexander D, Reed ’03; 3/10 Richard A. Benson, M.S. ’74; 1/10 ’69, M.S.’75; 9/09 Elmer L. Busch ’59, M.S. ’63; 8/09 Christopher A. Rodenberg ’07; 12/07 Nancy J. Dennis ’75; 5/07 Jack V. LaBounty ’40; 2/10 Marilee Stiles Cook ’59; 8/06 Mark A. Baumgartner ’09; 2/10

40 Illinois State SUMMER / 2010 Financial support helps continue teaching legacy

Darrel Sutter ’60, M.S. ’68, believes the teacher and I want to share that with kids. Teaching just makes the difference in the classroom. During seemed the right way to do that,” she said. his more than 30 years of teaching, he thrived on Wilson gravitated to Illinois State’s social challenging himself to challenge others to learn. studies sequence, where she found the right mix He continues to create special classroom moments of inspiration and challenges. “I grew to love my through the establishment of the Darrel A. Sutter program a lot,” she said. “I loved my classes, and Scholarship, which helps future teachers prepar- my professors made it easy for me to succeed.” ing at Illinois State. The need-based scholarship While her student teaching experience was is designated for history-social sciences education at the high school level, she is now working as majors within the Department of History. a tutor at South View Middle School in Danville. Emma Wilson ’09 of Danville is the first recip- The opportunity to mentor junior high students ient of the scholarship, which was a huge help. has energized Wilson, who is eager to continue She relied on employment while still a student to the legacy of Sutter and so many other Illinois help defray the college bills. “Work was just one State education majors who make a difference more thing to juggle,” she said. through teaching. Sutter knows that challenge all too well, as he worked his way through college also and noted it was not easy to go to class prepared. There were More than one life can be changed when many times when a little extra money was very you provide financial support that enables a helpful. Wilson is grateful for his support, as the student to complete an education and pursue scholarship made it easier for her to minimize professional dreams. Make a difference today loan debt. “Every little bit helps,” she said. by creating a scholarship, or contributing to Wilson came to Illinois State after completing the Darrel A. Sutter Scholarship. Contact an associate’s degree at Danville Area Community Executive Director of Development Joy College. She chose the University because of the Hutchcraft at (309) 438-8041 or by e-mail at size. “I really liked how it was kind of a big school, but still had that small school feel,” she said. “And [email protected] to find out what it wasn’t too far from home.” you can do. Donations can be made online at She enrolled eager to pursue her teaching www.Advancement.ilstu.edu/support. degree. “I just really have a passion for learning Donor and Information Services Campus Box 8000 Normal, IL 61790-8000

The Last Look

Meet and eat The Redbird Tent Zone is the perfect place to connect with old college friends during Homecoming weekend this fall. Make plans now to tailgate before the Redbird foot- ball game on Saturday, October 16. Go to IllinoisStateHomecoming.com for details, including a map of locations. Football tickets are available online at GoRedbirds.com. Reserve your spot today!