Illinois State Magazine, May 2014 Issue University Marketing and Communications

Illinois State University ISU ReD: Research and eData

Illinois State Magazine University Marketing and Communications

5-1-2014 Illinois State Magazine, May 2014 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]. MAY 2014 MAY NUMBER 4 • NUMBER • VOLUME 14

Jungle classroom Biology students’ quest for learning leads to Costa Rican adventure EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Susan Marquardt Blystone ’84, M.S. ’03

ALUMNI EDITOR Zach Parcell ’08

COPY EDITOR Kevin Bersett LEAD DESIGNERS FirstWord Dave Jorgensen, M.S. ’03 Michael Mahle Four years to finish a degree seemed like an eternity

DESIGNERS to me when I arrived at Illinois State as a freshman. The thought of navigating through Jeff Higgerson ’92 all the classes, papers, and projects on the journey between the first and final semester Carol Jalowiec ’08 Jon Robinson M.S. ’12 was overwhelming. WEB EDITOR So were the goodbyes at move-in. I vividly remember watching as my parents pulled Ryan Denham away from the curb that hot August evening in 1980. The car had been emptied of all my PHOTOGRAPHER Lyndsie Schlink ’04 belongings. They were heading home with nothing but memories to fill what had been PRODUCTION COORDINATOR my spot in the backseat. Tracy Widergren ’03 Colby 1079 was my new home, a WRITERS Steven Barcus ’06, M.S. ’09 fact that seemed surreal as I walked to Kevin Bersett Ryan Denham the elevator and hit the button for what Tom Nugent my floormates affectionately called ‘the EDITORIAL INTERN penthouse.’ Kelsey Lutz That first evening was filled with Illinois State (USPS 019606) is published quarterly for members of the Illinois State University Alumni introductions, nervous laughter, pizza Association at Alumni Center, 1101 N. Main Street, from Garcia’s, and a sense of camarade- Normal, Illinois 61790-3100. Periodicals postage paid at Normal, Illinois, and at additional mailing offices. rie that forced me to stop focusing on Magazine editorial offices are located at 1101 N. the distance from my Quincy home. It Main Street, Normal, Illinois 61790-3100; telephone (309) 438-2586; facsimile (309) 438-8057; email was a crucial start to gaining a colle- [email protected]; Website IllinoisState.edu/ giate confidence and enthusiasm that carried me through the first year. Magazine. Postmaster: Send address changes to Illinois State, Illinois State University, Campus Box I was soon convinced I had the best place to live on campus and eagerly returned 8000, Normal, IL 61790-8000. the next year, this time claiming Colby 1081. I came back yet again the summer before my Material may be reprinted with prior approval, provided no commercial endorsement is implied senior year, serving as a Preview Guide for the freshman orientation program that was and credit is given to the author, to Illinois State University, and to Illinois State. housed in that hall. Website: IllinoisState.edu It’s been decades since I carried a key to South Campus. Since then I returned to the An equal opportunity/affirmative action university classroom for a second degree and have had the privilege of making my career at Illinois encouraging diversity 14-0008. This document is available in alternative formats upon request by State for nearly 20 years. The ISU memories have grown exponentially, and yet Colby contacting Alumni Relations at (309) 438-2586. Hall remains among the fondest of all. ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS News that Atkin-Colby and Hamilton-Whitten demolition work will begin this Jerry Kerber ’74, Kathy Coyle Murdoch ’86 President Bob Navarro ’91, M.S. ’93, fall is consequently hard to hear. The closing in 2012 was difficult enough, but seeing a Greg Ayers ’90 Ph.D. ’02 wrecking ball swing will be an even more emotional moment. I now have a much more Lisa Castleman ’96 Tim Pantaleone ’07 Jeff Charnogorsky ’85 Scott Preston ’10 compassionate understanding of the feelings alums shared with me when their residence Bob Freitag ’84 Doug Reeves ’69 hall or classroom building was cleared as part of a campus master plan. Jennifer Groezinger ’02 Kaci Rollings ’94 The decision for the South Campus halls, which opened in the early 1960s, was Michele Pfeilschifter Steve Smith ’89, M.S. ’93 Guadalupe ’01 Alice Spann ’78 reached when changes in Illinois fire codes made it too expensive to bring the buildings Dave Horstein ’08 Gary Tiffany ’74 to compliance. The footprint will remain as green space until plans are finalized for any Julie Jones ’90 Martin Vanags ’84 Dan Kelley ’70 Mike Willis ’82 future construction. Emily Miller Kimmey ’99, Jerry Wright ’62, M.S. ’66 Regardless of what structure eventually stands on that corner of campus, my mind M.S. ’01 Linda Yap ’74, ’81 Daniel Lopez, Ph.D. ’02 will envision banter over breakfast in Feeney, lights burning late before finals, and friend- Betty Kinser ’73, M.S. ’75, Lois (Rademacher) Mills Board of Trustees ships that did not fade with time. I will remember the days and ways I first experienced ’62, M.S. ’69 Alumni Liaison my Redbird life, and I will remain grateful. Let us hear from you! Your feedback is appreciated. Send comments or suggestions, Class Notes, Letters to the Editor, How We Met and Legacy stories, as well as Where Are They Now and Reggie Reads submissions to Susan Blystone at [email protected], or mail to Campus Box 3420, Normal, IL 61790. Susan Marquardt Blystone ’84, M.S. ’03 Editor, Illinois State Volume 14, Number 4, May 2014

FEATURES 8 One wild classroom Biology students annually exchange the traditional laboratory routine for the experience of hands-on research in Costa Rica’s rain forest. Biology professors Joseph Armstrong and Steven Juliano led a team through 10 days of explora- tion and exotic study that sparked a passion and confidence in the next generation of scientists.

14 Probing through plays John Flynn, M.S. ’74, was a successful TV producer in Los Angeles. He left that career to pursue his passion—live theater. Flynn’s decision to establish an L.A. venue with a focus on producing new plays that challenge audiences philosophically was a risk. Seven years later, 14 Rogue Machine Theatre is sweeping awards.

18 Change agents ISU’s Peace Corps program is one example of how the University’s reach extends far beyond the U.S. border, as participants help communities improve and flourish. Returned volunteers partner with students about to leave for service through the campus program that is praised as one of the best in the nation.

23 No simple solution Bullying continues to cause heartache and capture headlines across the country. As a leader 23 18 in training teachers, the University is actively engaged in taking a stand for change through research and action by faculty and students. They have learned there is no easy answer to a problem that reaches far beyond childhood.

DEPARTMENTS 2 University News 6 Redbird Athletics 26 Alumni Awards 8 28 Alumni Connections What’s trending on 30 Class notes A Former Redbird stars on NBC’s new TV show Chicago P.D. Illinois State in the snow, images captured then and now On the cover: Nothing on campus can compare to the hands-on science research students tackle in Central Alum, professor team up to launch a 3-D printing business America. Photo by biology student Katilyn Gerstner. Read those stories and more at IllinoisState.edu/STATEside UniversityNews

Larry Dietz named president Resignation creates leadership change

llinois State’s Vice President for “I will continue to rely on my col- attending the Iraq Education Initiative Student Affairs, Larry Dietz, leagues in this new role to do the work on behalf of Southern. became the University’s 19th outlined in Educating Illinois, our stra- Brent Paterson, senior associate vice president in March. He replaced tegic plan,” he said. “I don’t think the president for Student Affairs, will lead TimothyI Flanagan, who resigned after University will miss a beat.” the division through June 30, 2016. For- serving seven months. Hired in 2011 to lead Student merly at Texas A&M University, he holds Dietz holds a doctorate in higher Affairs, Dietz came to Illinois State from a doctorate in higher education admin- education administration and is tenured Southern Illinois University in Carbon- istration. in the College of Education. He was dale. He was vice chancellor for Student Dietz named Mennonite College a finalist in ISU’s national search con- Affairs on that campus for a decade and of Nursing Dean Janet Krejci as inter- ducted in 2013 following President Al oversaw the campus outreach in several im provost effective July 1. She holds Bowman’s retirement. countries. He has held administrative a Ph.D. in nursing and has worked as a “I got into this business more than positions at the University of Missouri- clinical nurse specialist and leadership 40 years ago, and this business is a spe- Kansas City and Iowa State University consultant in acute and long term care. cial business. We are in the business of as well. Provost Sheri Everts accepted the posi- changing lives,” Dietz said. He expressed His international experience tion of chancellor at Appalachian State gratitude to the Board of Trustees and includes representing the American University in North Carolina, creating thanked the campus community for its Universities Iraq Consortium, as well as the vacancy. support and encouragement.

2 Illinois State May 2014 Millions in grant money targeted at principals The Center for the Study of Education Policy has been awarded $4.64 million from the U.S. Department of Education. The five-year School Leadership Pro- gram grant allows ISU to build on work designing new state policies for preparing highly effective principals. “There are no great schools without great principals and teachers,” U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said. “These grants aim to support the development of these leaders, ultimately improving the effectiveness of educators and the academic achievement of students.” Universities and high-need school districts have come together in formal partnerships aimed at improving the way principals are prepared and developed in Illinois. ISU’s grant will fund internships The Milner Library kiosk has simplified studying for students. Donovan Carlson appreciates the convenient use in three Illinois school districts: Bloom- of laptops that are available at no charge. ington, Aurora and Quincy. “Those preparing to be principals Milner Library among few in the kiosk, the machine recharges the will work a full semester in a high-needs with laptop kiosk option device and uses a program to clear data school with our district partners, and from the previous user. Student use of technology requires con- this grant will fund that position. They’ll tinual change on campus to meet needs have a pipeline of support and this will and expectations. One of the latest exam- prepare a pool of potential candidates Demolition planned for ples of this ongoing transition can be for the region,” said Erika Hunt. She is South Campus, Rambo found at Milner Library, where laptops the center’s senior policy analyst and the Significant change will occur on the Illi- are now available from a kiosk. grant’s project director. nois State campus this year as demoli- ISU is the first university in Illinois tion of the South Campus residence hall to use the check-out system, which is complex begins in the fall. Rambo House Leadership changes in provided by Laptops Anytime. The com- is also slated to come down. finance and planning area pany has placed its system in approxi- Atkin-Colby and Hamilton-Whitten mately a dozen universities across the Greg Alt ’81, M.B.A. ’94, has been named opened in the early 1960s, housing stu- country. interim vice president of Finance and dents who ate in the adjoining Feeney “We are trying to provide students Planning. He will hold the office until Dining Center. The complex was closed with access to everything they need to June 2015 and replaces Dan Layzell, who in the summer of 2012, when the build- study in a very convenient way,” said left ISU in February to serve as vice ings no longer met revised state fire Milner Library Dean Dane Ward. He not- president for finance and administration sprinkler codes. Renovation costs were ed that the system, which was installed at Louisiana State University. prohibitive given the age of the buildings. shortly before the spring semester began, A certified public accountant, Alt The demolition work is expected to has become very popular. has served as associate vice president and begin with asbestos abatement in Sep- The kiosk dispenses 12 laptops and comptroller. He has been responsible for tember and be completed in 2015. The can be checked out for free for three overseeing fiscal management functions footprint created will be converted into hours by anyone with an ISU identi- since 2002, and has played a key role in green space until redevelopment plans fication card. They can only be used budget development and management, are finalized. inside the library, giving more options to capital planning and financing, and stra- Rambo House will also be removed. work beyond specific computer stations tegic planning. Built in 1939 as a home-management throughout the building. Once replaced training house and later used as office

May 2014 Illinois State 3 Where are they now? I came to Illinois State in 1980 and never left! I happily joined a thriving business school nearing AACSB accreditation as I completed my Ph.D. in finance at the University of Cincinnati. It was the right decision. I taught corporate finance and financial institutions courses at the undergraduate and MBA levels. My research focused on these areas, and I co-authored a textbook on financial institutions management. After eight years, I became director of Graduate Programs and Research in the College of Business. During those years we offered our first corporate MBA and expanded community partnerships. In 1997, I was appointed dean after serving as interim and had the honor of leading the college until retiring in 2007. These years were filled with excitement and challenges. So many alumni, friends, and business organizations joined with us to create a bright future for the college and our students. I will always be grateful for their generosity. My happy memories of Illinois State are many and deep. Students and alumni are at the heart of them. Knowing of their successes is a continuing pleasure. A very special highlight was the State Farm Foundation’s gift for a new college home. I relocated to Tampa, Florida. My days are filled with volunteering, ex- ercise, gardening, international and other travel, time with family and friends, golf, and more. Birding is one new interest that keeps me outdoors, traveling to interesting places and challenged. I celebrate the campus progress and ac- complishments of colleagues, and of course continue as a donor. Contact me at 9801 Emerald Links Drive, Tampa, FL 33626, by email at [email protected], and on Facebook. College of Business Dean Emerita Dixie Mills

space, the building has sat vacant since advanced placement computer science and engage the community in environ- 2005. It is in poor condition and no classes, and there are not enough teach- mental stewardship. longer meets the needs of any university ers prepared to teach those classes.” “Illinois State has embraced the program. The TECS project will prepare intent of the Tree Campus USA pro- teachers and ISU teacher education stu- gram for the last six years. This is an dents to earn Illinois endorsements cer- example of continuing efforts toward the Federal funds help ISU tifying them as qualified to teach two care, preservation, and protection of the fill computer teacher gap high school courses the NSF has created. trees on campus,” said ISU tree surgeon A $700,000 National Science Founda- The program could be in place as early as Heather Wilcox. tion (NSF) grant will bolster the Teacher next summer. Illinois State met the five core Education in Computer Science project, The project is part of a national standards of tree care and community which aims to increase the number of effort by the NSF Division of Computer engagement in order to receive the sta- Illinois computer science teachers. and Networking Systems to have 10,000 tus. The campus is home to the accred- Technology Professor Anu Gokhale computer science teachers in high ited Fell Arboretum, which consists of and Philosophy Professor Emeritus Ken- schools by the end of this year. a 490-acre site with thousands of trees ton Machina are heading the project representing more than 150 species. known as TECS. It prepares a new gen- “Plant species diversity continues as eration to teach computer science and National honor affirms this campus landscape matures and will provides current teachers the opportu- pride in campus beauty continue to provide students and visitors nity to become endorsed in the subject. For the sixth consecutive year, Illinois with countless opportunities to study the “We are hurting for teachers to teach State University has been designated a fields of horticulture, botany and biologi- computer systems-related classes in high Tree Campus USA. A national program cal sciences,” said Chuck Scott, executive schools,” Gokhale said. “Right now there of the Arbor Day Foundation, Tree Cam- director of Facilities Management. are very few schools in Illinois that offer pus USA honors schools that promote The honor is “a significant accom- healthy management of campus forests plishment for the University and one that

4 Illinois State May 2014 conveys pride in this beautiful campus,” Scott said. He commended the Grounds staff members for their “tireless efforts, innovative ideas and implementation of Mail proper horticultural practices in achieving this national recognition.” To the Editor, Thank you for your efforts pulling together the alumni magazine. It is enjoyable to stay in touch with my Redbird past. I was particularly excited to see the article in the February issue on the Math faculty named “Study of Latin back through new minor.” Distinguished Professor Although I did not receive a minor in Latin during my studies, I did complete three semesters Mathematics professor Saad El-Zanati studying the language. As such, I have a rather strong opinion when it comes to the use of the has been named a Distinguished Profes- language. sor, which is ISU’s highest faculty honor. In particular, I am disappointed when people use the words alum and alums to describe indi- He has been previously honored as Col- viduals who graduated from a particular university. Since the University is touting the new Latin lege of Arts and Sciences Outstanding minor, I thought it would be helpful if the language was used correctly. College Teacher and by the University For clarity, alum is an element on the periodic table and something to cook with. One who with the Outstanding Researcher Award. graduates from a university is an alumnus or alumna, depending on gender. El-Zanati has garnered nearly $3 Sorry, if I didn’t say something I’d be fearful my Latin professor, Susan Stevens, would retroac- million in funding from the National Sci- tively flunk me. ence Foundation for projects such as the Marty Koehler ’86 Research Experiences for Undergradu- (Editor’s note: While notedly more informal, Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary does allow for the use of alum in reference to graduates.)

To the Editor, Being a graduate of Illinois State University and a veteran of the U.S. Army (1970-1973), I am upset that you are telling alumnae to wear red on Friday (“What you can do for ISU,” Feb. 2014). Wearing red on Fridays has come to symbolize support for our troops. Why infringe on their day? Be bold and wear red on Mondays. Start your week off with a proud statement, and you could end your week with a patriotic statement. I enjoyed the article about one-room schools and the Normal school. My mother attended Normal, received her teaching certificate, and proudly served the children of Illinois until her retirement. She has since passed on and I still have her thank you certificate from her last teaching assignment. Laurence D. Lindholm, C.T.R.S., ’80

To the Editor, I am writing in reference to “The End of N” (Feb. 2014). Fifty years ago Illinois State Normal University became Illinois State University. Does ISU have ates program, which focuses on mathe- a reputation for preparing the best educators in America? That is the question to ask. matics research and exemplary teaching What is so wrong with Normal? When I think of Normal I think of a noble calling. Teaching. practices for in-service and pre-service The select Ecoles of France have prepared senior civil servants and government ministers for sev- teachers. eral centuries. I don’t think they are considering a name change. Too many are eager to be selected He worked to initiate the collab- and be associated with their reputation. orative Teacher-Scholar Program in Sec- Had ISU/ISNU focused its resources it might have become the premier Normal school in the ondary Mathematics, bringing together United States. It might have influenced other schools to copy the Normal “brand.” education and mathematics faculty, and But here we are in 2014 and back discussing a tired topic. Americans, it seems to me, are inca- created ISU S-STEM Scholarships in pable of focusing on what is really important. Secondary Mathematics Education. Robert L. Johnson ’71 His research advances the boundar- ies of graph and design theory, resulting in myriad publications and presentations around the world.

May 2014 Illinois State 5 RedbirdAthletics

From Hancock to the NFL Graduate takes head coaching reigns in Minnesota

ootball fans who follow the His father, Bill, was a Hall of Fame introduced as the coach in January. He Minnesota Vikings will be high school football coach. Zimmer con- also expressed his gratitude for the backing a Redbird when they sequently learned to be a good coach opportunity. cheer on the team during the himself early on. He spent his entire Zimmer was a student assistant upcomingF season. Mike Zimmer ’79 was career coaching college and professional at Illinois State under Ted Schmitz, a named head coach, claiming his first top football, starting at Missouri, with stops linebackers coach and later defensive job in the NFL after more than 35 years at Weber State and Washington State coordinator for the Redbirds. Schmitz of coaching. before reaching the NFL in 1994. Zim- recalled Zimmer stood out even back A physical education-teacher edu- mer earned a Super Bowl ring as second- then with a unique ability to both “do the cation major, Zimmer was recruited to ary coach with the 1995 Cowboys. He X’s and O’s but also handle the emotional play quarterback at Illinois State. He most recently was with the Cincinnati side of the game too.” became a defensive lineman his fresh- Bengals as defensive coordinator. The He went on to earn NFL Assis- man season. After a career-threatening team reached the playoffs for the third tant Coach of the Year honors in 2009 injury, Zimmer went into coaching and straight season in 2013. from Pro Football Weekly/Pro Foot- became a student assistant for the defen- “I believe in a disciplined and physi- ball Writers and CBSSports.com. That sive coaching staff. cal brand of football, and I look forward to season Zimmer also won the assistant getting to work on leading a team capable of the year award from Fox broadcast- of long-term success,” Zimmer said when er and Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw.

6 Illinois State May 2014 Student-athletes stay strong in the classroom Couple honored with Illinois State student-athletes continue student-athletes on the basketball team Golden Redbird Award to excel academically, as several teams achieved a 4.0. In recognition of their support of the Weis- set new grade point averages during the On the men’s side, the golf team becker Scholarship Fund and remaining as 2013-14 school year. (3.376) edged out the tennis team (3.375) season ticket holders for 20-plus years, The Redbird volleyball team was as the program with the highest GPA. For Darrell ’64 and Karen Kehl of Hudson were the winner of the highest GPA overall the second straight semester, the football named the recipients of the 2014 Joseph F. and for the women’s teams for the fall program set a team grade point average Warner Golden Redbird Award. semester of 2013. Members recorded a record with a cumulative GPA of 2.759 It is the highest honor bestowed to a 3.56 team GPA. Volleyball has won the during the fall. donor, recognizing not only financial support dual academic honor for two consecutive A total of 257 student-athletes made but exemplary service and leadership to the semesters, after achieving a 3.66 GPA for the AFNI Honor Roll. The department Athletics program. the 2013 spring semester. had a 3.108 GPA overall, with 11 men and The Kehls have significantly supported several projects within the ISU Athletics The volleyball team just edged out 51 women achieving a 4.0 during the fall Department, including the Redbird Arena women’s basketball (3.55), gymnastics semester. Completion Project, the men’s basketball (3.52), and women’s tennis (3.52). Six and volleyball locker room renovations, as well as the Hancock Stadium Renovation. Student fans repeat Their name adorns Associate Head Men’s Basketball Coach Dana Ford’s office, as best within MVC while the volleyball locker room is named Proudly after their daughter, Jami (Kehl) Head ’97. Illinois State’s student cheering section, In addition, the family supports the men’s known as Red Alert, was named the Mis- display basketball team annually. souri Valley Conference 2014 Naismith Student Section of the Year. This is the your Football tickets ready second consecutive year Red Alert has for upcoming season captured the honor. Home field advantage helped the Illinois In addition, Red Alert finished third Redbird State football team secure a perfect 5-0 nationally in a competition against such record at Hancock Stadium in 2013. Redbird schools as Arizona State, Colorado, Indi- fans will have the opportunity to catch even ana, Kansas and Virginia. This is the heritage. more games in the newly renovated facility this fall, as seven home games highlight highest national ranking ever received by an 11-game 2014 schedule. ISU will open the ISU student section, which received the season Saturday, Sept. 6, when it hosts $250 for the win. The money was donat- Visit Southwestern Athletic Conference member ed to the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund. Shop.GoRedbirds.com Mississippi Valley State. “We are incredibly excited for Red Season tickets for the public start at Alert to be recognized as one of the top for all your official $155, while faculty and staff can purchase student sections in the country, and the season tickets for $100. Young alumni or individuals who have graduated from Illinois best in the Missouri Valley Conference,” Redbird apparel State in the last five years can get season Director of Fan Experience Drew Claas- and more. tickets for $55. To purchase, call the Illinois sen said. “It provides an outstanding State Athletics Ticket Office at (309) 438- home court advantage to Redbird Arena.” 8000 or go online to GoRedbirds.com.

May 2014 Illinois State 7 Welcome to thejungle

Chicago has the wall-rattling L train. for all of them to cross; there were 10 or Biology Florence has its church bells. The Costa so of them. I had never been that close Rican rain forest has the howler monkey. to any wild animal before, and I just students The loudest of Costa Rica’s four thought it was awesome.” monkey species lets out a distinctive For 10 days over the Thanksgiving embrace woof, one just as likely to echo through break, the 12 students of the School of the rain forest at 4 a.m. as at 4 p.m. The Biological Sciences’ Rain Forest Ecology Costa Rica canopy-dwelling monkey is heard more class came eyeball-to-eyeball with tropi- than seen. One evening last November cal monkeys, snakes, and ants in one of as Alexandra Rossi and Illinois State the liveliest—biologically speaking— as unique classmate Katilyn Gerstner crossed a places in the world. suspension bridge on their way to a lab La Selva, which means “the classroom at La Selva Biological Station, a troop of jungle” in Spanish, is a world-renowned howler monkeys passed overhead. research center and nature reserve in “There were babies with them,” Costa Rica’s Caribbean lowlands. Biol- Rossi said. “They were hanging upside ogy Professor Joseph Armstrong and his BY KEVIN BERSETT down, looking at us. It took 15 minutes colleagues have been bringing students jungle

May 2014 Illinois State 9 Costa Rica

San José

Panama La Selva The students who went on the trip agree the experience was invaluable Biological Station in advancing their learning and career.

from Illinois cornfields to this 4,000- a tropical Yellowstone. Visitors get a for four days did it become obvious why acre Garden of Eden annually since glimpse of what awaits them when they it is called a rain forest. 1996. Armstrong started the trips after drive by the forest-covered volcanoes The record low temperature at La conducting research there in 1993. of the Braulio Carillo on the way to La Selva is 64 degrees. On most days the “Opportunities to do things like Selva. Illinois State group experienced a high this course—to travel and see things “It was just this vast amount of in the low-90s and a low in the mid-70s. and collect things in the tropics—were mountainside that was full of jungle,” se- Costa Rica, like most tropical countries, just something that was not accessible nior biology student Brandon Mardoian has two seasons: a dry one and a wet one. to me either as an undergraduate or a said. “I just felt so insignificant com- La Selva, however, gets so much rain graduate student,” Armstrong said. “And pared to how immense this jungle was.” each month that though nearby resi- that becomes a driving motivation for Each of the four graduate students dents think of January to May as the dry something like this. You realize, ‘Wow, and eight undergraduates traveling months, in meteorological terms there is only a wet season. As La Selva naturalist “It was just this vast amount of mountainside guide Albert Urena put it: “We have the rainy season and the rainier season.” that was full of jungle. I just felt so insignificant Weather didn’t hinder the students, compared to how immense this jungle was.” however, who were there to conduct research projects and experience the I would have really benefitted by doing needed approximately $1,900 to partici- rain forest as biologists. They were something like this as a student.’” pate in the immersion experience. They permitted to research only plants and Even in a country with about 5 per- arrived November 27 with Armstrong, invertebrates, so as not to disturb the cent of the world’s species, La Selva and Distinguished Professor Steven Ju- more vulnerable and less numerous adjoining Braulio Carillo National Park liano, graduate teaching assistant Molly larger species. stand out. The reserve has more than Schumacher, and this writer. The group Mardoian spent several hours a day 1,850 plant species, 448 bird species, enjoyed mostly hot and sunny days monitoring a Senegalia Multipinnata and 500 ant species. Some of the trop- initially. Only when a storm started the plant in a section of La Selva known as ics’ top predators roam this rain forest, night before Thanksgiving and lingered the successional plots. This is an area in including the New World’s largest cat, the jaguar; the notoriously aggressive, venomous, and stealthy fer-de-lance Biology Professor Joseph Armstrong snake; and the tiny but millions-strong with doctoral student and appropriately named army ant. Amanda Carter “We got here in 12 hours,” Arm- strong said. “Try to find another place this interesting, this good, within 12 hours of Bloomington-Normal. You can’t do it.” Until 1983 visitors had to float down the Rio Viejo from the nearby town of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui to access the station. Now a two-hour bus ride from the nation’s capital, San Jose, drops off researchers, tourists, and students at what feels like a summer camp set in

10 Illinois State May 2014 Distinguished Professor Steven Juliano works with undergraduate Taylor Zarifis to extract water samples from bromeliads.

which sections are cut down annually for miles into the forest to study web organism (the house wren) on a specific and allowed to grow back in such a way spinning spiders, including the golden study site, I think this kind of helps me that the forest can be studied in different silk orb-weaver, so named for its gold- to apply my abilities to do an experi- stages of growth. colored web that is strong enough to ment to a different area completely,” While small herds of peccaries for- pluck. Strange said. aged nearby and a green vine snake slith- Strange was studying why the Though neither Mardoian’s nor ered among the brush, Mardoian con- spiders sometimes create a thicker Strange’s results completely verified their hypotheses, the means were more “This (fieldwork) is comparable to a month’s work important than the ends. “You can either learn about science passively or you can of indoor research experience. Really getting do science, engage in science,” Arm- your hands on and doing it independently is a strong said. The team had ample opportunity great experience.” to do the latter, as each day began at 6 a.m. or earlier, depending on whether ducted field research for the first time. white silk called stabilimenta, testing the howler monkeys held an impromptu He studied the relationship between the a hypothesis that they weave the more chorus. Students woke up, ate break- nectar-producing plant and the ants that visible structure to keep nonpredators fast by 7 a.m., retired to their cabins eat the nectar. He hypothesized that the like birds from crashing into the webs. for a brief siesta, and then headed out plant strengthens its defenses against She prowled the rain in small groups for a two- to herbivores by producing nectar that at- forest, looking for, three-hour hike in the forest tracts the ants. measuring, and then that became a living class- “This (fieldwork) is comparable to a systematically damag- room. Lunch followed at 11:30 month’s work of indoor research experi- ing the webs as she went, a.m. After another brief break, ence,” Mardoian said. “Really getting before returning the next when students lounged your hands on and doing it independent- day to see whether the spi- on hammocks or ly is a great experience.” ders responded by creating or Master’s student Meghan Strange’s enlarging stabilimenta. project took her to the successional “Since my research back plots and beyond. She followed a web of in Illinois focuses concrete and mud trails that extended on a certain study

May 2014 Illinois State 11 This orb-weaver spider, top left, was among the dozens of spiders spotted during hikes. Kristin Duffield, center left, collected and monitored millipedes, while Meghan Strange studied the webs of golden silk orb-weavers, bottom left. Students were thrilled to find a spider monkey, above, resting in the rain forest canopy.

Skyped family and friends back home, see a hand in front of your face. The wild you do see something, it is just a real they went out again for another long cats, like many of the animals, blend cool feeling and experience.” hike and to continue with research proj- in to their environments so well that The most enthusiastic explorer ects before returning for dinner. Juliano hasn’t seen one since he started might have been Amanda Carter, a Ph.D. For many students the 15-hour coming to La Selva 15 years ago. student originally from Virginia, who workday culminated with a night hike. Despite the darkness undergradu- conducts field research on turtles for her Every night, even in a downpour, the ate Jennifer Achs discovered a young doctoral studies. The diminutive Carter students strapped lamps to their heads eyelash pit viper, a venomous snake, was one of the braver souls on the trip, and knee-high Wellington boots to their feet to protect against snakes as they “What makes teaching easy is to put students searched for the hard to see. First-time visitors struggle to wrap in an environment where they want to learn. their heads around how difficult it is to Here, you almost overwhelm them with interesting see animals in the rain forest. Many of the jungle residents live in the canopy. biological stimuli. And they want to learn.” If it wasn’t for a La Selva guide pointing out the barely visible furry figure high sitting atop a palm leaf only 5 feet from joining a herpetologist from Tulsa Uni- in a tree next to the professors’ cabin, no the path. Other students spotted several versity on a night hike with the stated one likely would have noticed the sloth. species of frog, a kinkajou, wolf spiders, goal of finding venomous snakes. The rain forest can be incredibly a tarantula, and countless leafcutter “I love hiking in general,” Carter dense with 160-foot tall, RV-wide sura ants marching in an endless cycle while said. “But I love having the night com- trees; twisting vines; and innumerable foraging and feeding on fungus. ponent because you really feel like you varieties of palms that all block “Seeing stuff in a zoo, that’s cool are … immersed in the environment and views deep into the forest. too,” undergraduate Sarah Kluk said not just visiting it. Having that night During the day, you may after watching a kinkajou during a night component really makes you a part of be able to see 30 feet hike. “But when you are out in their the ecosystem because there are so many in. At night, you’re natural habitat, you’re not guaranteed to animals that you do see, but there are so lucky to see animals. And you just don’t see them, many more that you don’t see, that see because they are so good at hiding and they just don’t want to be seen. So when

12 Illinois State May 2014 Corinne Cramer, top left, worked in an on-site laboratory. A blue jeans dart frog, center left, perched on a trailside pole. Ants were the subject of study for Sarah Kluk, bottom left, while another student focused on the Senegalia Multipinnata plant, above. Pictured are, from left, Brandon Mardoian, Molly Schumacher, and Meghan Strange. you. You really become part of the rain “It’s an opportunity that all institu- want to take of advantage of the unique forest, which is really cool.” tions or all departments can’t offer,” academic program. Students were especially apprecia- Juliano said. “Some of the little schools “What makes teaching easy is to put tive of the opportunity to partner with can offer these kinds of trips. But they students in an environment where they professors throughout the adventure. don’t often have people with research want to learn,” Armstrong said. “Here, From sunrise to well past sunset, Arm- backgrounds.” you almost overwhelm them with inter- strong and Juliano Armstrong has been studying esting biological stimuli. And they want helped the students tropical floral biology for decades to learn. From the first coffee until lights better understand around the world and has a out, it is informal instruction.” their surroundings. doctorate in botany. He is the When “class” started and director of Illinois State’s Editor’s note: Photos provided by Kevin when it ended was never clear. Laboratory for Plant Identifi- Bersett, Rebecca DeHeer, Steven Juliano, Armstrong engaged students in cation and Conservation and Sarah Kluk, and Molly Schumacher. discussions about leafcutter ants over the curator of the George S. breakfast. When students inspected Vasey Herbarium. Juliano was If you would like to support students who what appeared to be hanging vines on a named Distinguished Profes- participate in future rain forest hike, he explained that the plant was ac- sor in 2002 for his decades of nationally explorations, contact Development tually a tropical cactus. Juliano used his recognized research. He has a Ph.D. in Director Stephanie Sellers at (309) expertise in insects to identify a katydid zoology, a master’s degree in entomol- 438-7725 or [email protected]; that undergraduate Taylor Zarifis had ogy, and a bachelor’s degree in biology. or School of Biological Sciences Director photographed. “They’re predatory,” he Armstrong and Juliano delight in Craig Gatto at (309) 438-3669 or cgatto@ said. “Those can give you a nasty bite.” sharing with the students a deep enthu- IllinoisState.edu. When they weren’t casually drop- siasm for learning and an awe of the rain ping knowledge, the professors were forest and its inhabitants. Both profes- Explore more of helping students with their research, sors are hopeful for private investment Costa Rica like the morning Juliano spent with in the School of Biological Sciences See video of the trip online at IllinoisState.edu/Magazine. Zarifis collecting water samples from that will further support students who Additional coverage can be found bromeliads. at IllinoisState.edu/STATEside.

May 2014 Illinois State 13 14 Illinois State May 2014 John Flynn is not the only graduate in the spotlight at Rogue Machine Theatre. ISU alums are a key part of many performances including, from left, Brenda Davidson ’03, Donnie Smith ’00, and Corryn Cummins ’01.

Alum creates original theater in land of television

BY TOM NUGENT Audiences are challenged by productions that probe controversial topics. Recent hits include American Dead, left; Dying City, top; and One Night in Miami, bottom.

unched over a cup of respond and we would gradually be able a giant risk and put together a plan steaming black coffee to build an audience.” to purchase a crumbling old theater and frowning like a badly And they did. complex that contained two different stumped TV quiz-show Since the 2008 opening of the 140- performing spaces. After convincing a contestant,H John Flynn, M.S. ’74, has just seat theater complex on Pico Boulevard second L.A. theater group to join him asked himself a brutally difficult ques- in a battered and somewhat scruffy- in the project, Flynn & Co. borrowed a tion. looking section of the city, RMT has ton of money and assembled a team of “What could lead a man to become produced more than a dozen original actors and directors who would labor so foolish as to attempt to establish a plays while also nailing down more than more for love than for cash. After many theater that specializes in producing 50 local and regional artistic awards for months of hard work, he and his artistic new plays in Los Angeles?” its bold-hearted insistence on challeng- crew launched what has now become He pauses for a moment. His ing theatergoers to the max. one of the city’s most promising venues bushy, silver-streaked eyebrows flare “I spent 30 years producing and di- for neglected older plays and daring new dangerously, and then a moment later, recting TV movies and TV series in Los works alike. he explodes in a rush of language that Angeles,” said the well-known television Relying on a staff of about 100 perfectly captures the passion he feels exec who now regularly sweeps L.A. theater devotees—most unpaid volun- for daringly original theater. theater awards. His TV credits in recent teers—and while doing his best to man- “If you’re a dramatic artist, you decades include the popular cable series age a yearly budget of about $300,000, have to question why we exist,” roars the Strong Medicine, the widely praised the indefatigable Flynn has achieved a 66-year-old Colorado native, who’s also remake of Fantasy Island as a multi- theatrical goal that critics and theatergo- part Chickasaw Indian and proud of it. year TV series that starred A Clockwork ers alike would have said was impos- “What is existence, anyway? That’s the Orange legend Malcolm McDowell, and sible a decade ago. He has created and kind of question that theater should be a hugely successful TV-movie version sustained a theatrical enterprise heavily asking. of Scott Turow’s smash-hit thriller, The devoted to launching new works. “If theater is to survive, it must find Burden of Proof. The editors of the highly influential its own voice in each new generation. “I think I was reasonably successful LA Weekly acknowledged as much in And back in 2007, when I decided to try in television, but live theater had been 2011, while presenting a coveted Life- and launch a new live theater in L.A., I my first love, starting all the way back at time Achievement Award to the unstop- was determined to create a space for that Illinois State in the 1970s. I finally came pable Flynn. Agreeing wholeheartedly voice and a space for new work. I knew to a place where I said: ‘You’ve got to go with the selection, the influential Terry it would be hard at first, and it was. But back to what you love most!’” Morgan at Variety described the daringly all of us who were involved in creating Driven by his passion for the original Rogue Machine Theatre as “one Rogue Machine Theatre (RMT), well, mysterious energy that erupts on “the of the most ambitious and accomplished I think we understood that if we could boards” when great actors blaze through theater companies in Los Angeles.” give people original plays, they would the dialogue in great plays, Flynn took

16 Illinois State May 2014 Spend an afternoon hanging out African-American celebrities—former institutional theaters had closed their with Flynn at the increasingly popular heavyweight boxing champ Muham- development programs [for new plays], Rogue Machine Theatre, and you’ll soon mad Ali, pop singer Sam Cooke, pro and the small theaters weren’t willing to discover that he minces no words when football star Jim Brown and black-power take a risk. it comes to explaining what he’s after advocate Malcolm X—gather in a booze- “But John is a risk-taker and six as the high-profile founding artistic soaked Miami motel room to debate years later, L.A. has a new play scene, led director of L.A.’s most talked about new whether or not their superstar billing as by the most-awarded theater of the last theatrical enterprise. deeply admired African-Americans re- three years, Rogue Machine.” “I think we’re here to challenge ally has liberated them from the “shack- Ask Flynn to explain why he left audiences, and I think they really re- les” of racial discrimination. big-time TV directing and producing at spect that,” said the former ISU theater “That show was one of the dozen the tender age of 60 for the low-budget arts graduate student during a tour of or so original plays we’ve produced world of original theater in Los Ange- the Pico Avenue showplace. “In recent at Rogue Machine,” said Flynn, “and les, and the unflappably Irish showman years, we’ve brought one daring work our audiences really loved its naked will give part of the credit to the highly after another to town—including some honesty. The play was developed right regarded Illinois State theater arts highly provocative new plays by some here at RMT as part of our Playwrights program which, he noted, had helped to of America’s most original, younger Development Workshop, and watching launch the famed Steppenwolf Theatre playwrights—and the reaction has been it unfold on opening night was a great Company and numerous other theatrical quite positive. thrill for all of us who believe in the initiatives during the years right before “For me, that reaction underlines importance of staging new plays in Los Flynn landed on campus. what I’ve always believed to be true Angeles.” “That was a magical time for me,” about theater: As soon as you start Describing the “terrific passion Flynn said. He gained “huge inspira- pandering to your audience, you start and excitement” that Flynn has brought tion and also very practical advice” in destroying your audience.” to building and managing a new L.A. courses with such legendary ISU theater To illustrate his point, he described theater, the award-winning playwright faculty as the late Professor Jean Scharf- two recent RMT productions that left John Pollono says Flynn loves to see enberg and Professor Emeritus John audiences (and critics) reeling with both “honesty and raw action” in every shocked excitement after watching play he produces or directs. Flynn’s high-voltage actors attack hugely “John Flynn has a rare gift—a controversial topics. burning passion and dedication to the In Dying City by the widely ad- theater,” said Pollono, whose highly mired playwright Christopher Shinn, a praised Small Engine Repair enjoyed its damaged Iraq War combat veteran has world premiere at RMT a few years ago apparently split into two schizophrenic and then went on to a New York City off- halves. One is addicted to violence and Broadway production in 2013. hates women, while the other is a snivel- “Once he made the decision to ing, terrified wimp who’s lost control of build Rogue Machine, he became totally his life. dedicated to the task. I remember one “Dying City is all about questions,” afternoon when we were all down there said Flynn, the delighted producer of the refurbishing the building, and John fell Rogue Machine Theatre opened in 2008 on Pico Boulevard well-reviewed play. “Is Baghdad dying off a platform and badly injured his leg. in Los Angeles. It was once a crumbling complex. from the wartime violence that began “But you know what? The very next there with the Iraq War in 2003? Or is day, he was back in the theater hobbling Kirk. “When I arrived, some of the Step- the ‘dying city’ really located in America, around and back at work. To this day, penwolf people were still there, people as an entire society is brutalized by the we still love to kid him about that. We like Francis Guinan Jr. ’74, M.S. ’76, and endless, bloody warfare? Theater is all tell him: ‘John, you dedicated your leg to Terry Kinney ’76, and the excitement about asking those kinds of questions, the cause of theater in L.A.!’” was palpable. it seems to me, and that show didn’t Henry Murray, another budding “That excitement left an indelible hesitate to do so.” L.A. playwright who’s had several shows impression on me,” Flynn said. “In the Another recent RMT hit—Kemp produced by Flynn, points out that the end, I think it’s what helped most to Powers’ relentlessly provocative One ISU grad “founded RMT at a time when bring me out of the TV world and return Night in Miami—explores the powder- no one else in Los Angeles was willing me to my first love: the world of live keg issue of racial anger and race-related to take a chance on new plays. The big theater!” violence. Four instantly recognizable

May 2014 Illinois State 17 ES CORPS VALU CORPSVALUES

HOW ILLINOIS STATE’S PEACE CORPS PROGRAMS

CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING by Ryan Denham

There are infinite ways to make the world a better place. Students in Illinois State’s two Peace Corps master’s programs have a passion to do just that and without delay. They become involved in international projects while completing a degree that prepares them to have a global impact long after graduation.

Department of Politics and Government graduate student Lauren Karplus has been serving with the Peace Corps in Swaziland, Africa, since 2012. She lived on a rural homestead with a Swazi host family and some cows, chickens, dogs, goats, and pigs. Her work at a rural Swazi health clinic included facilitating projects with an HIV/AIDS support group to generate income and starting an HIV/ AIDS support group for children. Karplus also participated in traditional Swazi activities, from cooking to weddings and weeding communal maize fields. She also helped by teaching computer skills, resume writing, and mental health classes at the local high school.

May 2014 Illinois State 19 Lloyd Banwart speaks at an economic development center in the Philippines. Banwart during a tree-planting activity in the Philippines.

Lloyd Banwart, M.S. ’12, uses data to Today there are 30 to 35 active stu- the Peace Corps programs. make a difference. Whenever a private dents at any given time, half on campus, At its core, Peace Corps is about foundation or the U.S. government sends half in the field. The 117 graduates so change—for those in the communities it money to help fight hunger in Africa, for far are in addition to the more than 500 serves and the volunteers who describe example, they want to know if the money Illinois State alumni who have served the experience as transformative. Such was well spent. That’s where Banwart in the Peace Corps separately from the has definitely been true for Banwart, comes in. Stevenson Center’s programs. who grew up on a Wisconsin horse

At its core, Peace Corps is about change—for those in the communities it serves and the volunteers who describe the experience as transformative.

He had global development creden- The programs bring together re- ranch. His international know-how as a tials long before he joined TANGO Inter- turned Peace Corps volunteers (Fellows) kid was limited to a Canada trip. national as a research associate, working and those about to leave for their service A semester abroad in England as from 2005-2007 in the Philippines as (Master’s International), creating a a Peace Corps volunteer, followed by a unique cultural exchange where future MASTER’S INTERNATIONAL 3,000-mile bike ride across Southeast global leaders learn from each other on CORPS STUDE ACE NT A Asia. campus. PE SSI –14 GNM 013 EN But he needed more than a stamped It’s perhaps the marquee example 2 TS passport to jump-start his career. He of how far Illinois State’s reach extends needed hard skills and job experience. beyond Normal, or Illinois, or even the Moldova So he enrolled in Illinois State’s Peace U.S. border, and how the big lessons Corps Coverdell Fellows Program, students learn overseas pay off at Macedonia specifically built for former Peace Corps home. Illinois State was No. 8 in volunteers like him. the U.S. in the 2013 rankings Dominican Banwart is one of 117 graduates of of Master’s International El Salvador Republic Philippines Illinois State’s two Peace Corps master’s graduate schools. ISU was Togo programs, Fellows and Master’s Interna- in the top 10 nationwide in Ecuador tional, which date back to 1994. Politics 2011 and in 2009 too. Botswana and Government Professor Emeritus “It’s been a long, rich Robert W. Hunt worked with Western history, and we have a lot of Swaziland Illinois University to launch the Fellows great students and alumni to be program—the first in the country to proud of,” said Beverly Beyer, M.S. focus on community and economic de- ’03. She is associate director of ISU’s velopment. It was followed three years Stevenson Center for Community and later by Master’s International. Economic Development, which oversees

20 Illinois State May 2014 “It wasn’t enough for me to simply learn and be aware of disparities and inequalities...I wanted to be able to do something about them.”

an undergrad woke him up to the wider rican country to world. Eager for an adventure, he signed train 30 inter- up for Peace Corps and volunteered in viewers to deliver the Phillipines. Banwart was assigned a 3,000-house- hold survey. He to a local government unit working on Kate Slisz was assigned to the small village of Serinane, Botswana. planning and development issues, such received the data, as setting up markets for remote villages analyzed it, and and helping a group of potters move helped produce a report about the proj- you have people who are about to embark from ground firing to a kiln. ect’s effectiveness. on the same journey, their eyes don’t Banwart returned home in mid- One of the best parts of Illinois glaze over.” 2008—not exactly boom time for the State’s Peace Corps programs, accord- Kate Slisz was on the receiving end U.S. economy. When he landed at an arts ing to Banwart, is that there are two of of that wisdom. nonprofit in Minneapolis, he realized them—one for past and future volun- A Peace Corps Master’s Interna- he had a lot to learn. He chose Illinois teers. Both share the same curriculum tional student in the Department of State’s Peace Corps Fellows program in for one year on campus before either Sociology and Anthropology, Slisz serves part because of its applied community shipping out (Master’s International) or as a school and community liaison in a and economic development sequence. starting an 11-month internship in the rural Botswana village. Among her many Those hard skills are put to use U.S. (Fellows). ISU is the only institution jobs, she helps bolster the Peace Corps’ daily with TANGO, which evaluates the in Illinois to have both programs. main mission in Botswana—combating impact of international development The dual coursework unites the two the spread of HIV and AIDS. projects. For a recent U.S.-funded food groups of students in their Community Slisz was drawn to the Peace Corps security project in Malawi, for example, Project Design and Management course. idea since high school, but also wanted Banwart traveled to the southeast Af- They partner in studying big local is- to attend graduate school. Her Peace sues such as recycling in Normal or the Corps dream was further stoked when, feasibility of a local cooperative grocery as an undergraduate in Wisconsin, her MASTER’S INTERNATIONAL CORPS STUDE store. study of sociology opened her eyes to a ACE NT A PE SSI “There’s just a great community career path in community and economic –14 GNM 013 EN 2 TS of students here,” Beyer said. “The development. Stevenson Center brings together these “It wasn’t enough for me to simply like-minded students who care about learn and be aware of disparities and Moldova international development, and inequalities,” Slisz said. “I wanted to be Macedonia the students really thrive when able to do something about them.” they’re here.” She arrived in Botswana in Sep- Dominican Banwart took on a men- tember 2012, assigned to a village of 787 El Salvador Republic Philippines toring role with the younger people called Serinane. Few homes have Togo Master’s International electricity or running water, and most Ecuador students. families have a pit latrine in their yard. “When you come back She misses hot showers now and then, Botswana from Peace Corps, you want but her mind is occupied with bigger Swaziland to talk about it all the time. But moments—like when she opened Seri- with a lot of people, their eyes nane’s first library, or organized a five- just glaze over,” he said. “When day camp focused on various life-skills

May 2014 Illinois State 21 and friendship for 32 boys and girls from Yerevan. The challenging living condi- “You’d have a 16-year-old reeling six different villages. tions and the solitude allowed Richart to off facts, left and right. They were more “I’m constantly surprised by how better understand himself. engaged with their schoolwork,” he said. little I miss my way of life in America,” “When I came out, I had a sense of a “They could understand why certain said Slisz, who would like to get her confidence,” Richart said. “It’s like, ‘I can things happened in the real world.” Ph.D. and eventually become a college handle anything you throw at me.’” Today Richart is a foreign ser- professor, though international develop- Illinois State’s Peace Corps Fellows vice officer for the State Department, ment remains her passion. program in political science also helped assigned to the U.S. Embassy in the Her year of coursework before head- Richart transition back into daily U.S. life. country of Georgia. He works to shape ing to Africa helped her put theory into One of the big draws of Fellows, other how Georgians view the U.S. by giving practice, but it was interaction with expe- than the full tuition waiver and paid in- interviews, engaging with press out-

“I like the idea of getting outside my comfort zone... getting my fingers dirty, actively helping somebody at the grass-roots, ground level.”

Jeremy Richart, right, during his year with the U.S. Agency for International Development in Afghanistan. rienced former volunteers that was most ternship, was its three-pronged approach lets, promoting cultural exchanges and beneficial. “Those conversations provided to community development. Those three managing the Embassy’s social media me with information and insight that I degree programs—political science, soci- platforms. He’s also in charge of the couldn’t learn in a classroom or from a ology, and applied economics—represent Embassy’s American Corners program in textbook. They made me feel better pre- the reality of how global problems get Georgia, which installs American-style pared for the task ahead,” Slisz said. solved. Work is consequently being done community centers in local schools or Others have likewise found their to extend the Fellows program to exist- libraries to promote cultural under- way through the program. Jeremy ing master’s degrees at ISU. standing and educational opportunities Richart, M.A. ’07, was somewhat “lost” “It helped me continue what I between the two countries. after finishing his undergraduate degree had started in the Peace Corps—think- Richart’s time in Georgia follows a in Minnesota, lacking a career or strong ing outside the box, pulling in a lot of two-year assignment in Moscow, as well sense of where he wanted to go. The son different information, and looking at a as a yearlong stint with the U.S. Agency of a Peace Corps volunteer, he signed problem from all three of those angles,” for International Development (USAID) up and on extremely short notice was Richart said. in Afghanistan. “I like the idea of getting shipped out to Armenia in 2002. His 11-month internship was with outside my comfort zone,” he says, “get- Richart worked to instill more Mikva Challenge, an organization that ting my fingers dirty, actively helping sustainable business practices in the helps engage low-income Chicago somebody at the grass-roots, ground nongovernmental organization where he youths in civic discourse and politics. level.” was assigned. He spent his second year He coordinated election campaigns with It’s a call to action that ISU Peace working on health programs and later 166 students and 26 teachers in 18 high Corps graduates are quick to hear and served as a teacher in the capital city of schools, and also did a capstone project. eager to answer.

22 Illinois State May 2014 Breaking a bullys grip What's required to stop the tears and fears

by Steven Barcus

Bullying is a problem that transcends up the window, and told her grandma to who had committed suicide as a result of generations. The devastating effects drive. bullying. have forced victims into isolation and “She said, ‘Get out of here right The group named themselves pushed some to suicide. Every story of away, grandma. Some girls are going to Transformers and partnered with bullying gone too far sparks a firestorm beat me up,’” Franz recalled. “I asked teachers and administrators at Normal’s of frustration and outrage. Parents, why. She said, ‘I don’t know. I guess they Parkside Junior High School to deliver teachers, and society as a whole are don’t like me.’” lesson plans promoting positive social blamed. Along with the accusations Franz knew what was happening behavior. come demands for action. Despite to her granddaughter wasn’t isolated. When word spread, the group of calls for legislation, programs, or harsh She had seen reports of children bullied four students grew to 20. punishment for bullying, there is no to the point of mental breakdown, or in With so many ISU students simple solution. Yet the situation is not extreme cases, suicide. She decided to involved, School of Communications hopeless. As the largest preparer of Il- take action. Professor Cheri Simonds began work- linois teachers, Illinois State University “I have access to a lot of resources ing with the Transformers to make sure faculty, staff, and students are taking a working at ISU,” Franz said. “I talked to students were consistently trained. stand against bullying through research, the chair, I talked to faculty, and I talked Simonds adapted the curriculum in her curricula, and programming. to graduate students.” Seminar in Communication Education With civic engagement a high prior- course to allow students to take an aca- Transforming lives ity for the School of Communication, demic approach to the problem. It was a hot afternoon when Patty Franz, four graduate students who had their “I knew there was a connection be- School of Communication administra- own dealings with bullying volunteered tween social aggression and the solution tive aide, pulled in front of her grand- to help Franz. One student was a mother of using communication skills to address daughter’s junior high. She emerged of a child who had been bullied at the it,” Simonds said. “I wanted to see what from the building running and with same school, one had a sister that bullied could be done in terms of teacher train- streaming tears. She threw her backpack students at that junior high, one had ing to address the problem.” in the back seat, jumped in the car, rolled been bullied, and another had a friend

May 2014 Illinois State 23 Transformers students enrolled in from delivering training based on Sec- Mikulec encourages her students Simonds’ course and examined pro- ond Step kits to instead distributing the to be mindful of potential bullying situ- grams on modeling and teaching social less costly resources and materials that ations. and emotional learning. One program accompany the book and documentary “Very few students will come to a identified was Second Step, a nationally as a way of reaching a wider audience. teacher and say they are being bullied renowned bully prevention program that Simonds and Franz continue their by another student between classes in a uses social-emotional learning skills to efforts to stop bullying, now partnering hallway,” Mikulec said. “So I tell them to address problems. Simonds led her stu- with School of Communication instruc- be mindful, stand in the doorway during dents in developing a training program tors Anna Wright and Julie (Boyd) passing periods, and listen to what kids on using Second Step kits that could be Navickas ’07, M.S. ’10, through the Peace- are talking about.” delivered by Transformers. ful Schools Committee. Members work Mikulec also offers her students After assessing their efforts, with students, teachers, and other com- clinical experiences through a part- Simonds and her students found that munity members to ensure all children nership with The Alliance School of programs have a greater impact when have a safe place to learn and grow. Milwaukee. Founded with a mission lessons are delivered in the classroom “The end goal is to give educators to reduce bullying, the Alliance School and by a person with whom the students the tools they need to implement these is an LGBTQ friendly school. It has already have a relationship. social-emotional learning skills and become nationally renowned for its “What we decided was that we reduce social aggression,” Simonds said. emphasis on restorative justice, demo- needed to focus our efforts on teacher “Bullying is the problem. Social-emo- cratic governance, and as a haven where training,” Simonds said. “If we could tional learning is the solution.” students are free to be unique. train the trainer to go in and deliver the Alliance students are able to take instruction, then we could have a greater Preparing for the classroom any issues they have with one another to impact and more sustainability with our Bullying is a prominent topic in Erin the “restorative justice circle,” which al- efforts.” Mikulec’s Issues in Secondary Educa- lows participants to recognize that harm Despite the focus on teachers, tion. An assistant professor in the School has been done to another and then begin Simonds does not believe that the of Teaching and Learning, Mikulec to repair the relationship. burden of bullying should rest solely on discusses bullying with her class from “It is a powerful experience,” teachers. the perspectives of general classroom Mikulec said. “It is an opportunity to “We have state mandates in place management to legal implications. Such hear some of the things students have without prerequisite training teachers a broad spectrum highlights how the been through, the things teachers did need to address them,” Simonds said. topic can become convoluted. “It’s not the teachers’ fault. They have “Schools, districts, and states are not been equipped with the tools they wrestling with to what extent they are need to address the problem.” responsible for bullying that happens Transformers has evolved from a off of school property. It used to be that volunteer group creating programming if you and I didn’t get along in school, I focused on students to an academic went home and home was a safe place,” workshop experience that develops said Mikulec, who is also an assistant programming for teachers. The group professor of education. “But now we partnered with ISU’s Documentary Proj- have things like Facebook, so it follows ect to host a screening of Director Lee you everywhere and you can’t get away Hirsch’s documentary, Bully. The film from it. That perpetuates a lot of issues gave viewers a candid look at the impact with bullying.” of bullying. The group has since moved

Bullying defined The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines bullying as “unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.” (StopBullying.gov)

24 Illinois State May 2014 or didn’t do to help them, and how they A problem for everyone To Crowley, we all fit into one of may have facilitated the harm caused by Stories of children turning to suicide to or a combination of the following roles: other people.” escape tormentors regularly shock audi- bully, victim, bully-victim, bystander, or To Mikulec, beginning the dialogue ences, but have become commonplace prosocial advocate. Aside from bully and on bullying is an important step toward in today’s media. Unfortunately these victim, bully-victims are those who have reducing occurrences. However, while tragedies are often the culmination of been bullied and in turn become bullies, online forums and social media create problems that have festered for genera- thereby exhibiting the behaviors they an outlet for the full impact of bullying tions. have experienced. Bystanders observe to come to light, they also create other Studies conducted by federal agen- bullying behavior and consequently venues for bullies. cies over the 2007–2008 school year promote it by not taking action. Proso- “The same thing that can perpetu- showed that 25 percent of public schools cial advocates model tolerance, respect, ate bullying is also the same thing that is reported bullying occurring on a daily acceptance, sharing, caring, and genuine increasing dialogue,” Mikulec said. “It’s or weekly basis. BullyingStatistics.org curiosity. In most cases prosocial advo- an interesting catch-22. The dialogue noted that 71 percent of students report cates do not even realize they are advo- needs to continue. It’s not just an is- bullying as an ongoing problem. Along cating against bullying as these positive sue for schools to deal with. Teachers, that same vein, about one out of every 10 behaviors are part of their disposition. parents, and the community are all students drops out or changes schools “Bullies will not continue when responsible for modeling appropriate because of repeated bullying. someone intervenes on an individual behavior.” Professor of Special Education E. basis,” Crowley said. “Bullying is ad- Paula Crowley studies the abuse and dressed one-by-one, child-by-child, and neglect of children with disabilities, and interaction-by-interaction.” her research has given insight into bul- So what is the solution to the bully- lying behavior. ing problem? While Crowley acknowl- Where most see bullying only as a edges that there are no easy answers, she childhood problem, Crowley identifies it endorses a three-tiered model: promot- as a lifelong problem. ing prosocial behavior on a universal “We’re concerned about bullying in level, creating programs to foster devel- schools, but bullying happens in every opment of communications and positive institution in every aspect of our society problem-solving skills in children and in every corner of our world,” Crowley adults at the secondary level, and engag- said. “It is present anywhere human being individuals in programs that focus on ings are not respected and accepted and those who are bullies, victims, or bully- cared for and shared with. When there victims on the tertiary level. is incivility or intolerance, there is bully- “Bullying prevention is not just the ing. It is not a childhood problem. It is work of teachers only, nor is it the work a human problem, and it occurs across of parents only,” Crowley said. “We all the lifespan.” like to point at everyone else and too quickly it becomes everybody’s business and nobody’s business.”

Anti- bullying resources StopBullying.gov A website with anti-bullying resources managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. TheBullyProject.com The official website of the social action campaign inspired by the documentary, Bully. cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/YouthViolence Statistics and resources on youth violence and prevention compiled by the Center for Disease Control.

May 2014 Illinois State 25 AlumniAwards The Illinois State University Alumni Association honored six award recipients during Founders Day celebrations on February 20.

Distinguished Alumni Award Alumni Achievement Award Carl E. Kasten ’66 John “Jack” Hartung ’79, M.B.A. ’80 Retired Senior Partner: Kasten, Ruyle, Sims and Bellm P.C. Chief Financial Officer, Chipotle Mexican Grill Carlinville Naperville arl Kasten was a student from 1962-1966. While completing a Chipotle was a privately held company social sciences education degree with a Russian minor cum laude, with fewer than 200 restaurants when Jack Hartung became chief financial officer in he was elected and served as Student Senate president. He worked 2002. Chipotle became a public company with those seeking the change to Illinois State University during in 2006 and now has more than 1,500 res- theC institution’s historic name debate. taurants—including internationally—and a Kasten obtained a law degree cum market capitalization above $16 billion. laude from Northwestern University in Chipotle is changing how people think about and eat fast food by serving dishes 1969, receiving the Wigmore Key for his made from sustainably raised ingredients, dedication to service and scholarship. and by developing a high-performing peo- The Carlinville native returned home ple culture. Nearly all managers are pro- to practice law, becoming active in his moted from crew. community and profession. As CFO, Hartung oversees all of Chi- Kasten’s dedication to the Univer- potle’s finance department, including sity did not stop as an undergraduate. In financial and strategic planning, financial 1990, he was appointed to the Board of reporting, investor relations, and tax and business strategy. He also oversees IT; Regents by Gov. James Thompson. Six benefits and compensation; and safety, years later, he was appointed to the Uni- security and risk. versity’s inaugural Board of Trustees by He holds a bachelor’s degree in account- Gov. Jim Edgar. Kasten served as board ing and economics, and an MBA with a secretary and was elected chair in 2003. He held the position until resigning concentration in finance, both from Illinois in 2008. That same year the Carl E. Kasten Alumni Association Board Room State University. He earned his CPA and was unveiled in the Alumni Center. CMA shortly after graduating from ISU. His involvement at ISU has included leadership roles with the Alumni Hartung’s family includes his wife, Nan- cy, and five children. He is an avid runner, Association Board of Directors and serving as a founder and member of ISU’s world traveler and restaurant aficionado. Attorneys Advisory Council. The pre-law leadership award from the Attor- neys Advisory Council bears his name. He has also served as a State Universi- Outstanding Young ties Retirement System trustee. Alumni Award Kasten supports the University financially by attending Athletics events and fine arts performances, through speaking engagements, and annu- Jessica (Thompson) Rau ’03 Communications Manager, McDonald’s Greater ally hosting alumni receptions. He and his wife of 48 years, Donna (Gerber), Chicago Region daughter Heather DeNeve ’93, and son Martin ’95 are all proud graduates. Wheaton He received the Distinguished Service Award in 2004 and was inducted Jessica Rau is communications manager into the College of Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame in 2006. He is proud of ISU for McDonald’s Greater Chicago Region. and remains determined to advance the University, its people and programs. She develops strategic management communications, manages media relations, the regional planning process, key initiatives, Check out video interviews with our 2014 and issues management. Alumni Award winners at IllinoisState.edu/Magazine.

26 Illinois State May 2014 John “Jack” Hartung Jessica (Thompson) Rau Willie Brown Kathleen Hogan Dr. Ronald Williams

Her McDonald’s career began in 2004 charitable projects, including on ISU’s Col- to grant degrees and was crucial in Men- in Corporate Media Relations. After sev- lege of Business Advisory Council. nonite’s transition to Illinois State in 1999. eral promotions, she was responsible for He was integral in renaming the COB She remains actively engaged with the implementing strategic media relations pro- facility as the State Farm Hall of Business. He college, university and community. She is grams and protecting the McDonald’s brand. also endowed a scholarship for diverse and a recipient of the Woman of Distinction In 2009, Rau became Manager of External nontraditional ISU business students. award from the McLean County YWCA and Communications for McDonald’s USA and Brown has led United Way campaigns, the Service Award from the Mennonite Col- developed innovative public relations pro- and worked with the Salvation Army, Relay lege of Nursing Alumni Organization. She grams. She leveraged emerging communi- for Life, and 100 Black Men of Central Illi- served for 20 years on the McLean County cations channels and became the official nois. He received the NAACP’s Roy Wilkens Health Department Board of Directors. “tweeter” for @McCafeyourday. Award for lifetime achievement. Dr. Ronald Williams ’60 Rau is cofounder and field liaison officer He is a member of the Hall of Fame Staff Pediatrician, MultiCare for McDonald’s Young Professionals Net- for the College of Business, the College of Olympia, Washington work. She sits on ISU’s College of Business Arts and Sciences, and Bloominton High Marketing Advisory Board. She has received School. He has received the Martin Luther Biology graduate Ronald Williams com- McDonald’s President’s Award, Circle of King Jr. Human Relations Award from the pleted a medical degree at the University Excellence Award twice, ISU’s College of Bloomington-Normal Human Relations of Illinois and a master’s in public health at Business Early Career Achievement Award, Commission. Johns Hopkins University; a year at the U.S. McDonald’s Outstanding National Mar- Army War College in Pennsylvania; a Fel- keting Team Award, and McDonald’s Bill E. Burton Mercier lowship in Pediatric Infectious Disease; and a residency in Public Health and Preventive Lamar Marketing Excellence Award for the Alumni Service Award McCafe team. Medicine. He is American Board Certified She resides in Wheaton with her hus- Kathleen Hogan, M.S. ’72, Ed.D. ’85 in pediatrics and preventive medicine. band Ryan and their two children, Carter President Emerita, Mennonite College of Nursing As commanding officer of the U.S. Bloomington and Maxine. Army Medical Research Institute of Infec- Kathleen Hogan served Mennonite College tious Disease, he studied the defense of Senator John W. of Nursing for 30 years. She provided lead- infectious disease of biological weapons. He was commanding officer of the General Maitland Jr. Commitment ership as a professor, course chairperson, director of Mennonite Hospital School of Leonard Wood Army Hospital and deputy to Education Award Nursing, founding dean of Mennonite Col- director and chief of medicine at the Armed Willie Brown ’73 lege of Nursing, and president and CEO Forces Research Institute of Medical Sci- Retired Senior Executive Vice President, of Mennonite College of Nursing for nine ence, Thailand. State Farm Insurance years until her retirement in July 1999. Formerly with the Department of Bloomington Under her direction, the college became Defense, he was a member of the U.S del- Willie Brown began his career at State Farm the first single-purpose, upper-division egation to the Third Review Conference of in 1971 before completing a business admin- bachelor of science nursing program in the the Biological Weapons Convention during istration degree. He worked there until 2009, country accredited by the National League the Gulf War. retiring as senior executive vice president. for Nursing. He and his wife offered medical aid in Brown’s community service, passion This led to granting bachelor degrees Sri Lanka following the tsunami. He has for education, and determination to help and development of master’s and doctoral cared for incarcerated youth and Native young people succeed continues. He has programs. Hogan served as a consultant to Americans. Retired from the military, he leadership roles in countless service and 16 nursing-diploma schools transitioning remains a practicing pediatrician.

May 2014 Illinois State 27 AlumniConnections

Sport clubs enrich student life Alums who participated across the years actively sought

or a large percentage of cam- rules and eligibility, with a collegiate tion and hard work creates memories pus, ISU’s Sport Club pro- club national championship as the ulti- that last a lifetime. gram is a hidden gem. Many mate goal. Dues are paid, practices are “I firmly believe that students who are unaware students have the part of the semester, and fundraising is participate in sport clubs claim that as opportunityF to engage in inter-collegiate done to cover travel expenses. their affinity to the University,” said competition as a way to stay fit, make “These students have all the rigor O’Mahoney, who is building rosters of friends, and gain leadership experience. of classes and most have part-time jobs. past members. If you were involved in There are 30 sport clubs, all estab- They have to really be dedicated to their a sport club, contact her at (309) 438- lished and run by students through sport,” O’Mahoney said. “Many choose to 5373 or [email protected]. An Campus Recreation. Some have been participate so they can wear ISU across online form can be completed at Alumni. in existence since the 1960s and 1970s, their chests” as university representatives. IllinoisState.edu/SportClubs. according to Campus Recreation Associ- There is much to be proud of, as Learn more about the current teams ate Director Mary O’Mahoney. several sport clubs consistently win at at CampusRecreation.IllinoisState.edu Options range from common sports the regional or national level. This is true and click on the Sport Clubs link. To such as baseball, volleyball, and basket- despite the fact no experience is required provide financial support, use the enve- ball to ultimate disc, equestrian, lacrosse, to join many of the clubs and not all have lope enclosed in this issue, call (309) fencing, and rugby. Each club has a coaches formally involved. The dedica- 438-8041, or contribute online at Illinois national governing body that dictates State.edu/Giving.

28 Illinois State May 2014 Nominations sought for Homecoming royalty

The Alumni Association Homecoming their 50th class reunion, have a strong committee is seeking nominations for the connection to the University, and be 2014 Homecoming court alumni king and able to attend Homecoming events queen, and the prince and princess. throughout the weekend. King and The alumni king and queen will be queen nominations are due July 1. Mark your calendar crowned at the Homecoming luncheon Children between the ages of 4 for Homecoming 2014 on Friday, October 3. They will reign over and 7 at the time of Homecoming 2014 events throughout Homecoming week- whose parents are ISU graduates are It’s not too soon to begin making plans for end with the student king and queen, as eligible for nomination as the prince Homecoming weekend this fall. As in the past, activities for all ages will be scheduled. well as members of the student court. and princess. Nominees must display Beyond the traditional parade and football The Homecoming prince and princess Redbird spirit, pride, and enthusiasm. game, make an effort to reconnect with fac- will help lead off the annual parade and Prince and princess nominations are ulty and friends from your area of study or other events on October 4. due August 25. affinity group. Learn more about the events To be eligible for alumni king and Applications are available online at at IllinoisStateHomecoming.com. queen, graduates must have celebrated IllinoisStateHomecoming.com/Royalty. Alumni Association annual meeting set Alumni are invited to attend the Alumni Association annual meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, in the Alumni Center. Agenda items include the election of Alumni Association Board of Directors members and officers. Alumni with active membership status in the Alumni Association are eligible to vote at the meeting. To be active, alumni must have made a gift through the Illinois State University Foundation in the current or preceding fiscal year. For more information, contact Alumni Relations at (309) 438-2586 or (800) 366-4478, email [email protected], or go to Alumni.IllinoisState.edu.

Alumni invited to Shakespeare event The annual Alumni Night at the Illinois Shakespeare Festival is July 19. Seating will Capture your Redbird pride when traveling be reserved for alumni and their guests, who will enjoy a performance of Much Ado From tropical beaches to famous land- edu. Images may be mailed to ISU Alum- About Nothing. marks or maybe even a family reunion, ni Relations, Campus Box 3100, Normal, A social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. and Redbirds are gearing up to roam during IL 61790. We’ll share the photos on ISU’s a buffet dinner will be served at 7 p.m. the upcoming summer months. As you social media outlets. Participants will have a backstage tour. The prepare to pack, don’t forget to take As an added benefit, you’ll be sure show begins at 8 p.m. along your ISU red! to meet fellow graduates while travel- Performance tickets range from $25 to We want photos of your travels that ing. With alumni scattered across the $35, depending on seating preference. Tick- show the different locations where your country and around the world, it will ets for the dinner only are available for $20. Redbird pride is on display. Send your surprise you how many will recognize Call Alumni Relations at (309) 438-2586 captured moments to us on social media your Illinois State garb or memorabilia to reserve tickets, or reserve them online using the #RedbirdProud hashtag or and be ready in a moment to share a at Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/Shakespeare. Registration deadline is July 1. email RoamingRedbirds@IllinoisState. campus memory.

May 2014 Illinois State 29 ClassNotes

Meet ISU’s youngest graduate College of Business student joins alumni ranks as a teen

saiah Roberts ’13 became the Uni- “It was more the challenge of having “I liked how competitive it was, versity’s youngest graduate on to do it, knowing it would be complicated, and the numbers aspect of the business record when he crossed the com- but seeing if I could get it done,” said Rob- field,” he said. mencement stage at age 19. He erts, referring to his early graduation. Roberts was also drawn to ISU for celebratedI the moment in December’s He didn’t just study while at ISU, but its mock trial team. He captured an indi- ceremony, when he received a marketing was involved across campus as an adver- vidual mock trial award, and was a mem- sales degree. tising sales team leader at The Vidette ber of a winning team that advanced to Roberts was home-schooled in the and one of two students on the College of nationals in Washington, D.C. tiny Illinois town of Magnolia. He start- Business social media committee. As one If Roberts begins law school in the ed classes at Illinois Valley Community of seven College of Business Enterprise fall as planned, he’ll graduate at age College (IVCC) at age 15 after scoring a Rent-A-Car Foundation Professional 22, eager to begin a career in corporate 24 on the ACT. Sales Scholars, he mentored students in law. He appreciated how Illinois State’s He took a ton of classes. During his the Professional Sales Institute lab. programs allowed him to meld his pas- last semester at IVCC in spring 2012, he Roberts chose Illinois State partly sions—marketing and sales, and the law. finished 24 credit hours, had an intern- because of its nationally recognized sales “That’s where I think ISU has been ship, and held two part-time jobs. He program. As a kid, he’d send letters to his great,” Roberts said. “I loved ISU. I would started his junior year as a Redbird on his neighbors offering to do odd jobs, and he not change a single thing about it.” 18th birthday. was good at selling Boy Scout popcorn.

30 Illinois State May 2014 of Trial Lawyers and focuses on 60s litigation. He has been recognized Don Korte ’63 is a retired educator in Indiana Super Lawyers 2013 and and active IHSA track official. He 2014, and is listed in International Pause for applause has been inducted into the Illinois Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers. Track & Cross Country Officials He is also recognized by Chambers Teacher graded superior Association’s Hall of Fame. This is USA in the litigation/general com- Elementary education major Matthew Lawrence ’00 is his 42nd year of officiating track. mercial practice area. He resides in Hawaii’s 2014 State Teacher of the Year, and an auto- He and his wife, Judy reside in Indianapolis, Indiana. matic contender for the National Teacher of the Year Park Forest. Marjean Spayer ’70 is a clinical psy- honor this spring. He was selected from more than William Kauth ’64 is a professor of chologist. She resides in Las Cru- 11,000 educators for the honor, which comes after sports medicine at Illinois State. ces, New Mexico. 13 years of teaching math and science at Waikiki Elementary. A National He and his wife, Carol, reside in David Eversole ’71 completed a Board Certified Teacher, he keeps students intrigued and engaged with Normal. law degree at St. Louis Univer- projects that include building climbing walls, solar powered go-carts, Judith (Franz) VeZain ’67 has retired sity School of Law and engaged model homes, and a tennis-ball launcher. Lawrence’s students also cre- from the Oswego School District. in general law practice until his ated a bicycle generator that powered six bulbs and kept the class lights She and her husband, Gary, reside retirement last fall. He practiced in on during a power outage. in Oswego. Shelbyville, where he resides. Marcia (Curby) Inman ’68 is a project Joe Nohl ’71 is retired from Morton’s Ready for the worst coordinator with MTI Construction Public Works Department, where As the homeland security program manager for the Services, LLC. She and her hus- he served for 35 years. He has been Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), band, Thomas, reside in Crest Hill. re-elected to his second full term dual criminal justice sciences graduate Michelle (Hill- as village clerk of Morton, where Susan (Busing) Zimmer ’68 is presi- man) Hanneken ’99, M.A. ’00, is dedicated to help- he resides. dent of the California-Nevada ing communities prepare for disaster. Her work gained White House Department of Daughters of Union Sally (Lutz) Bell ’72 has retired from attention. Hanneken was honored as a 2013 Champion of Change. Veterans of the Civil War, 1861- teaching and works part-time as an Only 18 were chosen for the award, which recognizes individuals who 1865, a national lineage society for optician. She resides in Madison, do extraordinary acts to empower and inspire their communities. She descendants of Civil War veterans. Alabama. oversees Illinois’ Citizen Corps Council, which received the FEMA Out- standing State Citizen Corps Initiatives award. Only seven corps groups She and her husband, Alan, reside Shirley Bellm ’73 teaches at High- were recognized at the national level for building local partnerships to in Bonita, California. land Middle School. She received support emergency preparedness. Samuel Gore ’69 is retired as chair of the 2013 Emerson Excellence in the art department at Mississippi Teaching Award for her achieve- College. He is still a working artist ments and dedication to teaching. Kudos for caring career and teaches part-time at the col- She resides in Highland. John Boyer ’69 is chairman of the MAXIMUS Foun- lege. A book of his work is soon to Cindy Ross-Ringer ’73 has retired dation and MAXIMUS Federal Services, which is a be released. He resides in Clinton, as communications director from leading operator of government health and human Mississippi. State Farm Insurance. She and her services programs in five countries, including the U.S. Carolyn Lauing-Finzer ’69 is an art- husband, John, reside in Towanda. He completed a 24-year career with the U.S. Department of Defense, working as a Navy nurse during the Vietnam War and within the Office ist and storyteller. She is active in James Daley ’74 is a product man- of the Secretary of Defense. While there he advocated for health the Wild for Monarchs campaign. ager at Morningstar. He and his care benefits for military families. Boyer received the Robert Kennedy The yard of her home is registered wife, Nancy, reside in Arlington Ripple of Hope Award in 2013 for his lifelong health care advocacy and with the University of Kansas Heights. as a Monarch wayside. She and philanthropy work. Past recipients include President Bill Clinton and her husband, Melvern, reside in Marvin Carlton ’75, M.M. ’77, is a Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Naperville. vocal music teacher with Hamilton County Unit 10. He was a compos- Exhibiting excellence er in The Atlanta Opera’s 24-Hour 70s Opera Project last fall. He had 12 Kevin Fett ’91 co-founded Evo Exhibits in 2009 with a hours to create a 10-minute opera vision for helping trade show exhibitors market their James Hughes ’70 is vice president that was performed after 10 hours products by offering displays and services to fit any of mission services with Goodwill of rehearsal. His opera, “3D’s need. Fast forward to 2013 and Fett celebrated that Industries of lower South Carolina. Dance Hall,” received the competi- his firm is now recognized by Inc. 500 as one of the He is responsible for workforce tion’s Audience Favorite Award. fastest growing private companies in America. Companies chosen in development in nine coastal coun- He resides in McLeansboro. the past include Microsoft, Intuit and Zappos. Evo also ranked in the ties. He and his wife, Dena, reside Top 100 Advertising and Marketing companies, as well as in the Top Bob Copes ’75 retired after 36 years in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. 100 Illinois Companies and Top Chicago Metro Area Companies. Evo in the equipment industry, most Exhibits remains a full-service trade show exhibit company, helping James Petersen ’70 is a lawyer and recently as a site manager with partner at Ice Miller, LLP. He is Voith Industrial Services. He was clients nationally and globally. a Fellow of the American College contracted to Ford Motor Co.,

May 2014 Illinois State 31 How we met Jim Hoss ’80 and Karen Iggins ’79 met in 1977. Having mutual friends, they spent much of their time together. One activity they both enjoyed? Foosball. While Jim heavily negotiated to get Karen on his team, it was two years before he asked for a formal date. He invited Karen to his ISU hockey banquet, which fell on her birthday. Jim captured an award and then won points with Karen by having the crowd sing to her. The evening was such a hit that they continued dating and their relationship blossomed. There were challenges as Karen graduated first, which created a year apart. They managed to not only persevere but grow stronger. On May 22, 1982, they made their commitment official by exchanging vows. The two welcomed to the family a son, Adam, and daughter, Alison. Both chose Illinois State and, like their parents, they each found their true love on campus. Adam ’08 married Natalie (Sanchez) ’07 in November of 2012. They reside in Elk Grove Village. Alison ’13, met her The Hoss family found romance at Illinois State. Couples include Jim and current boyfriend Derek Pleva ’12 at ISU as well. They have been dating Karen Hoss, center, daughter Alison Hoss and Derek Pleva, left, and son Adam for nearly four years, with him in Lockport and her now in Homer Glen, Hoss with his wife, Natalie. where her parents also live. Karen and Jim were so pleased with the choice each of their children made to attend ISU, which enabled them to spend time with their children attending functions like Family Weekend and Redbird basketball games. All of the couples gathered for a photo on campus during Alison’s December graduation. “We will miss the University dearly, but are all connected to it forever,” Alison said. “Love is truly in the air at ISU.”

overseeing mobile equipment fleet She and her husband, Michael ’75, Keith Storey ’78 has published the at the Ford Rouge facility in Dear- reside in Glendale, Wisconsin. third edition of the book Func- 80s born, Michigan. He and his wife, tional Assessment and Program Michael Johnson ’77 owns National Timothy Como ’80 retired after Audra, enjoy traveling and reside Development for Problem Behavior: Tool and Die Company in Speed- teaching high school for 30 years in Novi, Michigan. A Practical Handbook. He resides way, Indiana. He is a founder with the Fulton County school sys- in Berkeley, California. Jeff Olsen ’75 retired from the U.S. and past president of Citizens for tem in Georgia. He is an instructor Postal Service after 37 years, most Better Neighborhoods in Ham- Debie (Buck) Bogash ’79 is the global of technology with the Ameri- recently working as the postmas- ilton County, Indiana. He serves engineering director of Cabot can School of Brussels for the ter of the La Jolla Post Office in as Lutheran High School board Microelectronics. She and her hus- Department of Defense. He is also California. He is the parent of two of directors president. He and band, David, reside in Coal City. coaching American football and children and resides in Encinitas, his wife, Ruth, reside in Carmel, girls basketball. His team won the John Carlson ’79 is a landscape California. Indiana. European championship, taking its architect and president of Carlson division last season. He resides in David Smith ’75, M.S. ’81, is a math James Knodell ’78 is the principal Landscape Associates. He and his Belgium. professor at Missouri Baptist assistant director of law enforce- wife, Sharon, reside in Green Oaks. University. He received the 2013 ment for the Pentagon Force Pro- Terry Robinson ’80 completed an Penny (Bond) Cheever ’79 has retired Emerson Excellence in Teaching tection Agency with the Depart- MBA at the University of Illinois- after 34 years of teaching busi- Award for his achievements and ment of Defense. He and his wife, Springfield. He is the executive ness education, all but one year at dedication to teaching. He resides Joyce, reside in Ashburn, Virginia. director of continuing and commu- Milford High School. She and her in Troy, Missouri. nity education at Cuyahoga Com- Mark McCurdy ’78 is the senior vice husband, Craig, have two adult munity College in Cleveland. It is Brian Brown ’76 teaches economics president and director of Citi- children and two grandsons. The the largest community college in and American history at Window group. He and his wife, Annette, couple resides in Milford. Ohio. His wife, Marla, is complet- Rock High School on the Navajo reside in Grapevine, Texas. Thomas “Ted” Hendry ’79 is the ing a Ph.D. at Illinois State. They Indian Reservation. He resides in Nanette (Raddatz) Sowa ’78 is the president of the United Way in reside in Cleveland, Ohio. Defiance, Arizona. superintendent of development at Greenville, South Carolina, where Kenneth Silverman ’80 is the direc- Adele (Castillo) Eklund ’76, M.S. ’78, Special Leisure Services Founda- he resides with his wife, Donna. tor of accounting and finance with is a pediatric speech-language tion, the fundraising arm of North- Linda Mendenhall ’79 is an estimat- Vermilion Development. He is pathologist working with chil- west Special Recreation Associa- ing specialist with Hennegan treasurer of Diabetes Research and dren from birth to 3 at St. Francis tion. She and her husband, Paul, Printing. She resides in Florence, Education Advocated of Michi- Children’s Center in Wisconsin. reside in Wheeling. Kentucky. gan (D.R.E.A.M.), a charitable organization that funds diabetes

32 Illinois State May 2014 research. He and his wife, Leslie, Scott Stephens ’85 is a State Farm Dawn (Bertolotto) McKay ’88 is in her Jason Myers ’89 is an in-house reside in Chicago. Insurance agent. He and his wife, 20th year teaching elementary art attorney with Hudson Advisors, Joyce, reside in Oregon. at Hilltop School in McHenry. She LLC, which is a large private equi- Kevin Waszak ’80 is the manager and her husband, Andrew, are the ty firm. He and his wife, Victoria, of health and safety with Chrys- Michael Barla ’86, M.S. ’87, is the parents of two sons and reside in are the parents of a son and reside ler Group, LLC. He and his wife, director of early childhood edu- McHenry. in Arlington, Texas. Cindy, reside in Rochester Hills, cation with Rockwood School Michigan. District. He and his partner, Rich Brad Reid ’88 is the managing direc- Leighton, reside in St. Louis, Mis- tor and co-head of cross business Gregory Anderson ’81 is the treasurer souri. risk at BMO Capital Markets. He 90s at Sam Houston State University. resides in Chicago. He and his wife, Janet, reside in Scott Ensminger ’86 is a clinical Susan (Musselman) Foecking ’90 College Station, Texas. assistant professor of medicine at Adrienne (Marek) Smith ’88 is a self- completed a master’s degree in the University of Wisconsin Hos- employed artist and a tour guide school leadership at Concordia Missy (Rosebery) Gross ’81 is a pital and Clinics. He and his wife, at Farnsworth House. She and her University-Chicago and is an art licensed assistant to Tony Calvis at Carole, reside in Prairie Du Sac, husband, Clark, reside in Oswego. teacher at Grayslake North High Calvis Wyant Luxury Homes. She Wisconsin. School. She and her husband, and her husband, Steve, reside in Cheryl (Stein) Walker ’88 is the can- David, have two children and Cave Creek, Arizona. Joseph McNeely ’86 is CEO of cer registry coordinator at South- reside in Wauconda. FreightCar America in Chicago. He east Georgia Health System. She Steven Klay ’81, M.S. ’83, has worked and his wife, Christine, reside in resides in Brunswick, Georgia. Pat Marcotte ’90 is the regional in higher education all of his New Lenox. director of risk control at J. Smith career, mostly in California. He Jean (Lusk) Wells ’88 is a reading Lanier Co. He and his wife, Jenni- returned to ISU in 1998, joining Robert Munkittrick Jr. ’86 is the specialist with East Moline School fer, reside in Woodstock, Georgia. Student Affairs. He is coordinator director of instruction at Hartefeld District 37. She resides in Silvis. of the Student Involvement Center National Golf Club in Avondale, Tom Anderson ’91 is senior director Christopher Batio ’89 is the director and resides in Bloomington. Pennsylvania. He and his wife, of planning at Siemens Healthcare of business development at Arent Michele, reside in Wilmington, Diagnostics in Tarrytown, New Rebecca Benner ’83, M.S. ’01, is inter- Fox LLP. He and his wife, Olga Delaware. York. He and his wife, Mary, reside im vice president of advancement Alexandrova, reside in Odenton, in New Rochelle, New York. at Binghamton University. She Mary (Warren) Solon ’86 is a certi- Maryland. served as director of the school’s fied kitchen designer working at campaign, which raised more than R.P. Lumber Co. in Streator. She $100 million. She resides in Bing- and her husband, Pat, are the hamton, New York. parents of two children, including Emily ’11. The couple resides on the Bill Adams ’84 is the vice president family farm west of Streator. of Comcast University’s central division in Atlanta. He resides in Ken Talty ’86 is the principal dealer Mableton, Georgia. at Talty Chevrolet Buick Cadillac. He resides in Morris. Shawndel (Cothran) Rose ’84 is a manager at RubinBrown, one of Chris (Dimitrov) Vicik ’86 is the the nation’s largest accounting director of public affairs and mar- and business consulting firms. keting with Advocate Health Care. She focuses on federal and multi- She resides in Mundelein. state credit incentive reviews, is a Kelly (Biggs) Marsh ’87 is the office member of the AIM Tax Commit- manager and handles marketing tee, and a volunteer with Ronald at Castle Rock Foot and Ankle McDonald House. She resides in Care. She resides in Castle Rock, St. Jacob. Colorado. Colleen (Crawford) Steinbeiser ’84 Nancy (Cimino) Porter Pounds ’87, teaches health and family and con- M.M. ’91, is an adjunct professor of sumer sciences at Pittsfield Middle piano and a staff accompanist at High School in New Hampshire. Illinois Wesleyan University. She Unexpected campus connection She has three children in college and her husband, Benjamin, reside and resides in Pembroke, New Three graduates who attended ISU during the 1990s and pursued in Bloomington. Hampshire. similar majors did not cross paths until each was settled into a career David Dwyer ’88, M.S. ’91 is senior in Alaska. They met by chance at a social event, realizing each was Pat Sielski ’85 was an audio tech in solution consultant with IBM involved in the oil industry. A banquet brought them together again, television and video production, Corp. business analytics. He creating the opportunity to show their Redbird pride. They are, from left, working on the first four episodes resides in Aurora. Wesley Heinhold ’91, vice president of health, safety and environment of the Survivor series. She is now a for ConocoPhillips, Alaska; Renee Huntman ’96, health, safety, and realtor and resides in Safety Har- Suellyn Lathrop ’88 is the archivist environment manager with Halliburton; and Dave Daum ’92, health and bor, Florida. at Western Kentucky University. She resides in Bowling Green, safety director for BP’s Alaska region. Kentucky.

May 2014 Illinois State 33 Redbird Legacy Growing up in the small Illinois community of Bartlett, the Taylor sisters wanted a warm campus where they could easily transition to college life. All three found that and so much more at ISU. Laury (Taylor) Patwardhan ’76, was the first of the three girls to attend, continuing a family connection that began with two aunts. “They were educators and they told me it was a good school,” Laury said. A German major interested in international activities, she knew Illinois State was a good fit for her academically and financially. Laury soon met Pat Patwardhan, M.S. ’76, a graduate speech communication student from India. Both worked in the Fell Hall dining center. They started dating and eventually married. Now in North Ridgeville, Ohio, he teaches business administration at Cuyahoga Commu- nity College and she is an IBM marketing manager. Based on Laury’s experience, her two sisters chose Illinois State as well. Cara (Taylor) Sermeno ’83, arrived interested in education but completed a degree in sociology. “I’m the strangest sister, as I changed my major 10 times,” said Cara of Arlington Heights. Her fond campus memories include living in Atkin-Colby and working in Feeney. She remains in food service today, working as a general manager at a Chili’s franchise. Beth Worley and Cara Sermeno, seated from left, with Beth (Taylor) Worley ’85 recalls that her decision to study economics at Illinois State was Laury and Pat Patwardhan standing. “a natural progression.” Like her sisters, she found it easy to become immersed in activities and her studies, which prepared her for a career in direct marketing. She works with the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing and lives in Elburn. The family’s connection continues to grow, as Cara’s daughter has completed community college classes and will continue her education at Illinois State this fall.

Scott Burgess ’91 worked at Alexian Kim Tillery ’91, M.S. ’92, is a profes- Kerry J. Kelly ’93 is the manager of nois Association of Museums. She Brothers Center for Mental Health sor and chair of the Department of Milledgeville Do It Best Home has worked in the museum field in Illinois. He co-authored mental Communication Disorders Scienc- Center. He and his wife, Debbie, since 1994. She resides in Chicago. health legislation that became law es at SUNY-Fredonia. She served reside in Dixon. Daniel Cain ’94 completed a mas- in Illinois for the state’s first-ever, as the 2013 president of New York Jennifer Russell ’93 is vice presi- ter’s in homeland security from the five-year strategic plan and served State Speech-Language-Hearing dent of Kysela Pere et Fils, LTD, Naval Postgraduate School, Center on the governor’s task force to put Association and is an appointed a wine importer and distributor for Homeland Defense and Secu- the plan into action. He is CEO of regional clinical director of Health that was chosen as the 2013 Wine rity. He received the Outstanding David Lawrence Center, a mental Hearing Special Olympics in North Enthusiast Importer of the Year. Thesis Award for his research on health center in Naples, Florida. America. She resides in Snyder, She resides in the mountains of the use of social media in disaster New York. Mike Chism ’91 is an accounting Romney, West Virginia, which she response. He is the senior indus- manager with Caterpillar. He and Anthony Trendl ’91 completed a declares is “almost heaven.” trial hygienist with the Oregon his wife, Terri, reside in Metamora. graduate degree in international Health Authority. He and his wife, Daniel Smolensky ’93 founded The communications at Wheaton Col- Catherine, reside in Hillsboro, J. Chris Richmond ’91 is the Spring- Modal Group, which is a commer- lege. He writes speeches for lead- Oregon. field Fire Department deputy divi- cial real estate firm. He has been ing executives across the nation sion chief. He resides in Springfield. initiated into the Society of Indus- Gwendolyn Druyor ’94 has published and resides in Wheaton. trial and Office Realtors. He and her first novel, Hardt’s Tale. She Mark Sergot ’91 is senior vice presi- Christopher Cosat ’92 is an academic his wife, Amy, reside in Chicago. and her partner, Jeff Niedbalski dent of global sales organization advisor and instructor at the Uni- ’97, reside in North Hollywood, for FRHI Hotels and Resorts, Mitchell Wirey ’93 is a legislative versity of Illinois at Urbana-Cham- California. which is the parent company of aide in the Illinois House Repub- paign. He resides in Champaign. four luxury and upscale hotel licans. He and his wife, Amber, Chad Elgas ’94 is a financial advi- brands. He oversees the firm’s Rochelle (LeSure) Davis ’92 is a co- reside in Farmersville. sor with Northwestern Mutual. worldwide sales network. He is pack production planner with the He and his wife, Jaime, reside in Jeanne Schultz Angel ’94, M.S. ’05, is on the sales advisory board of the Quaker Division of Pepsico. She Frankfort. the executive director of the Illi- Hospitality Sales and Marketing and her husband, Michael, reside Association, which recognized him in Glenwood. in 2012 as one of the most extraor- Linda (Wedwick) Haling ’93, M.S. ’96, dinary minds in sales and mar- Ed.D. ’05, is the associate direc- keting. He and his wife, Cynthia, tor of the School of Teaching and reside in Oakville, Ontario. Learning at ISU. She and her husband, Terry, reside in Normal.

34 Illinois State May 2014 Can’t get enough Illinois State magazine? Check out STATEside, the daily blog from the staff of your alumni magazine. IllinoisState.edu/STATEside

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May 2014 Illinois State 35 Kyle Hendren ’94 is marketing Brach’s, Lemonhead, and Sathers. programs manager for Ply Gem He resides in Roberts. Windows. He and his wife, Angie, Amie (Szymanski) Zander ’99 is the reside in Wake Forest, North executive director of the West Carolina. Ridge Chamber of Commerce. She Gwen Williams ’94, M.S. ’97, is the resides in Chicago. self-employed owner of Sohna Mango, Inc. She partnered with her husband, Tahir Sandhu, M.S. ’94, 00s D.A. ’01, to launch the 3-D print- Adam Davidson ’00 is a marketing ing company. They reside in Saint manager for Sunstar Americas, Cloud, Minnesota. Inc., a global oral hygiene com- Tina Dyches, Ed.D. ’95, is a profes- pany. He manages their floss and sor and the associate dean of the flosser businesses marketed under McKay School of Education at the GUM brand. He and his wife, Brigham Young University. She Noreen (Bartels) ’02, reside in and her husband, David, reside in Surprise meet and greet Chicago. Spanish Fork, Utah. A return to campus last fall included an unexpected encounter with Jessica (Brown) McCurdy ’00 is a Shyla (Domaracki) Jannusch ’95 Reggie. Five friends, who were college roommates and graduated in production planner with DuPont co-owns In Chicago Sedan and the 1980s, were touring the Quad when they met up with the beloved Nutrition and Health. She and her Limousine. She and her husband, mascot. Reggie happily posed with the group. They are, from left, Debbie husband, John, reside in Wood James Szymczak, were married in (Smart) Barton ’87, Bloomington; Brenda Bos ’87, Wheeling; Kim (Leon- River. September of 2013. They reside in ard) Banker ’88, Hoffman Estates; Vicki (Wertheimer) Wiggenhauser Kathryn Schafer ’00 is a case man- Arlington Heights. ’87, Homewood; and Susan Esch ’87, Peoria Heights. ager in the PATH program with Teresa Meyers ’95 is an environmen- Michigan Works. She resides in tal, health, safety and sustainability Plymouth, Michigan. specialist with Janssen Biologics, e-leadership. She and her husband, Matthew Drase ’99, M.M. ’13, has Molly (Gholson) Carlson ’01 complet- Inc. She resides in South Beloit. Paul, reside in Elkhart. been director of bands at Windsor ed a doctorate in higher education High School since 2005. He took a Dawn (Grace) Raycraft ’95 is the Steve Masucci ’97 is a senior estima- from the University of Wisconsin- sabbatical to complete his master’s IT service manager for Hospital tor with Manhattan Construction. Madison. She is the director of in conducting. He resides in Fort Sisters Health System. She and her He resides in Tampa, Florida. instruction at Hagerstown Com- husband, James, reside in Sherman. Collins, Colorado. munity College. She and her hus- Peggy Fraser, Ed.D. ’98, is a professor Joseph Fluder ’99 is the regional vice band, Mark, reside in Emmitsburg, Anita Revelle ’95, M.S. ’97, retired as of education at Metropolitan State president of SWCA Environmen- Maryland. the director of Senior Profession- University in Denver. She designed tal Consultants. He and his wife, als at Illinois State. She resides in and taught a study abroad course Remy (Finch) Garard, M.A. ’01, is Shannon, reside in Homer Glen. Lexington. to allow students to participate in the building chair for the English Morgan (Collier) Henington ’96 is the a primary school in London. She John Hanson ’99 teaches business department at Normal Community chief development officer with was invited to tea at #10 Down- education at Neuqua Valley High West High School. She and her Holy Name Cathedral. She resides ing Street in London with Oliver School in Naperville, and also husband, Chris, reside in Gibson in Chicago. Dowden, David Cameron’s Chief serves as the department chair. City. of Staff. She resides in Littleton, He and his wife, Julie, reside in Veronica Mayer ’96 has completed Anna Kahl-Kubarek ’01 is a physical Colorado. Romeoville. an MBA and a master’s in account- education teacher with Evanston ing from Keller Graduate School. Tim Scheller ’98 is the area manager Brett Hartley ’99 is a children’s men- Skokie School District 65. She and She is self-employed as an owner of RailWorks Track Services, Inc. tal health social worker with Bel- her husband, Richard, reside in and/or partner in several ventures. He and his wife, Julie, reside in trami County Health and Human Chicago. She resides in Arlington, Texas. Maryville. Services. He works with child wel- Amy Schrage ’01 is communications fare and child protection services. Robert Kass ’97 is the director of Christopher Welber, M.A. ’98, is the director at Aurora University, He resides in Bemidji, Minnesota. commercial strategy, media analyt- executive director of the North focusing on the school’s additional ics for Nielsen in New York City, American Neuromodulation Soci- Mary Tosch, M.S. ’99, is the student location, George Williams College. where he resides. ety. He and his wife, Megan, reside life manager at Waubonsee Com- She resides in Palatine. in Mount Prospect. munity College Sugar Grove cam- Margaret (Wilkins) Lee ’97 is prin- Julie (Setterdahl) Shepherd ’01 is a pus. She resides in Oswego. cipal with LEE Consultants. She Kimberly (Grandinetti) Bradley ’99 is math teacher at Internationella has authored the book Leading an environmental health specialist Matt Vaughan ’99 is national direc- Engelska Skola i Bromma. She Virtual Project Teams: Adapting with the City of East Moline. She tor of convenience store sales and her husband, Tyson, reside in Leadership Theories and Communi- and her husband, Eric, reside in for the Ferrara Candy Company, Sweden. cations Techniques to 21st Century Moline. which is the third largest candy Elizabeth Bartelt ’02 is an academic Organizations. The book explores manufacturer in the U.S. and is advisor in the Herberger Institute known for brands such as Trolli, for Design and the Arts at Arizona

36 Illinois State May 2014 State University. She resides in Nicholas Nielsen ’04 is a marketing Stefanie Freckelton ’05 is a preschool He teaches English and theater at Tempe, Arizona. manager with UPS. He resides in for all teacher with the Archdio- Bartlett High School. He resides in Dallas, Texas. cese of Chicago. She resides in Oak Hoffman Estates. Aimee (Hale) Butcher ’02 is a stay-at- Lawn. home mom. She and her husband, Katie (Henry) Allmaras ’05 is in cor- Ashley Petrovich ’07 and Matthew David ’86, are the parents of a son. porate communications with Dis- Jarmila (Kovacikova) Kadlub ’05 is Raimondi III ’07 were married in Matthew was born in March of cover Financial Services. She and an international traffic analyst at December of 2013. They are both 2013. They reside in Normal. her husband, Chris, were married Hunter Douglas Metals. She and employed by School District U-46 in October of 2013. They reside in her husband, Michal, reside in Oak and reside in Roselle. Martin Deutsch ’02 is a self- Buffalo Grove. Lawn. employed State Farm Insurance Julie Snoreck ’07 teaches sixth and agent. He and his wife, Lindsey, Benjamin Anderson ’05 is a gradu- Sarah (Jozaitis) Kudrys ’05 is a seventh grade math in Northbrook reside in Spring, Texas. ate student at New York School of project manager with JPMorgan School District 27. She resides in Chase. She and her husband, Chicago Ridge. Michael, reside in Bartlett. Andrew Sutter ’07 is completing an Alvin Medina ’05 is completing MBA at DePaul University. He is a master’s in nursing at Loyola an HR business partner at Schawk, University, with a focus on infor- Inc., and resides in Downers matics. He received the 2013- Grove. 2014 Greater Chicago Chapter of Marissa Gaines ’08 is the director Healthcare Information and Man- of communications for Illinois agement Systems Society scholar- State Sen. Patricia Van Pelt. Gaines ship through a statewide competi- resides in Chicago. tion. He resides in Chicago. Jennifer (Werth) Harvey ’08 is an RN Trisha (Linn) DeBoer ’06 is an working in the cardiovascular ICU ordained pastor with Bethlehem for Unity Point Health-Methodist. Evangelical Lutheran Church. She She and her husband, Ty, reside and her husband, Jacob, reside in in Pekin. Steele, North Dakota. Leslie Hohenstein ‘08 is self- Marissa (Stock) Koeller ’06 is a Redbird proud employed with his business, Dr. graphic designer with Progressive Leslie L. Hohenstein Educational Several Illinois State graduates enjoy working together as teachers at Impressions International. She and Consulting and Resources. He Mount Pulaski Grade School. They wore ISU attire during American her husband, Chris, are the parents and his wife, Cathy, reside in Education Week to show their school spirit and promote higher learn- of a son. Henry Charles was born Springfield. ing. Alums on the teaching team include, front row from left, Karen in August of 2013. They reside in (Molt) Allspach ’82, Barbara (Hohenstein) Maske ’83, Jenna (Zimmer- Flanagan. Emily Laipple ’08, M.S. ’09, is an asso- man) Kloba ’02, Megan (Allspach) Jones ’09, Mary Ann (Gasaway) ciate in the transaction advisory Michael Freedman ’07 is the manager group-healthcare with Alvarez and Radtke ’74, Lindsey Lex ’13, and Becky (Boward) Kunken ’81. Back row, of grants systems for the National Marsal. She resides in Chicago. from left, Kathleen Tarrant ’89, Jennifer (Taylor) Bone ’87, Brooke (Eeten) Fish and Wildlife Foundation. He Ciaccio ’05, Rob Siebert ’01, and Gene Newton ’91, M.S. ’99. Others at and his wife, Jennifer, reside in Lauren (Leggett) Melzer ’08 is the the school but not photographed include Carrie (Rossi) Anderson ’00, Silver Spring, Maryland. regional technology director of M.S. ’02, Kelly (Richardson) McCraith ’92, and Todd Hamm ’96. Hanover Insurance Group. She Gerald Gugerty ’07 graduated with and her husband, Bradley, reside a dual bachelor’s and master’s in in Aurora. accounting. He is a financial man- Interior Design. He resides in New Allison (Lehrke) Ancona ’09 complet- Stephanie (Greenberger) Kiefer ’02 is agement officer with the Foreign York, New York. ed a master’s in nursing at Frontier a stay-at-home mom and freelance Service under the U.S. Agency for Nursing University and is a family graphic designer/photographer. Brent Boardman ’05 is a claims pro- International Development. He nurse practitioner. She is a nurse Her husband, Brian ’02, is director cessor with State Farm Insurance. resides in Alexandria, Virginia. supervisor at Sanford Health and of public relations at the interna- He resides in Rochelle. Holly (Holmes) Lhamon ’07 teaches Rehabilitation in Sanford, North tional law firm of Seyfarth Shaw. physical education to kindergarten Heidi (Traughber) Buys ’05 is a Carolina. She resides there with They are the parents of two chil- through fourth grade students at teacher at Highland Park ISD. She her husband, Brandon. dren. Jackson Logan was born in and her husband, Timothy, reside Norwood School District 63 in February of 2013. They reside in Mallory (Lootens) Brucker ’09 is an in Sunnyvale, Texas. Peoria. She resides in Pekin. Roselle. auto underwriter with State Farm Rose (Crockett) Matthews ’07 is a Steven Carlisle ’05 is the market- Insurance. She and her husband, Corey (McDonald) Moore ’03 is a copyright specialist for the Library ing manager at UBM Canon. He Bryan, reside in Normal. board certified behavior analyst. is responsible for marketing the of Congress. She and her husband, She works at The Autism Program Katherine (Boundy) Conklin ’09 is a Design News brand. He and his Gary, reside in Savage, Maryland. in Springfield, where she and her reimbursement supervisor for the partner, Mark Duda, reside in West Mike Miserendino ’07 has completed husband reside. myHumira program at AbbVie. She Hollywood, California. a master’s in secondary educa- and her husband, Shane ’12, were tion from Roosevelt University. married in July of 2013. Seven of

May 2014 Illinois State 37 their eight wedding party mem- in Canton. She and her husband, Stacey Hassler ’11 is a registered Ryan Wilkinson ’11 is an analyst with bers attended ISU. The couple Tim ’06, met at ISU and were mar- nurse at Illinois Valley Community Nuveen Investments. He resides in resides in Grayslake. ried in July of 2013. They reside Hospital. She resides in LaSalle. West Dundee. in Pekin. Allison (Vandorn) Gray ’09 teaches Kimberly Karnatz ’11 has worked as Brian Wojcik ’11 is an assistant pro- physical education in the Olympia Salvatore Licata ’10 is a senior finan- a teacher in New Delhi, India, and fessor in special education and School District. She and her hus- cial analyst with Navistar, Inc. He England. She is now at the English assistive technology at the Univer- band, Michael, reside in Bloom- resides in Lisle. International School in Moscow, sity of Nebraska in Kearney. He ington. Russia, where she resides. resides there with his wife, Kelly. Mallory Maher ’10 is a process ana- Kristi Kawanna ’09, M.S. ’11, is the lyst with State Farm Insurance. Taylor Lawless ’11 is a sales coordi- Amanda (Konkul) Babarskis ’12 is a event/marketing coordinator for She resides in Normal. nator at Clear Channel Media and personal trainer with Charter Fit- G3 Communications, a digital Entertainment in Sarasota, Florida. ness and a blogger. She and hus- Phylicia Manley ’10 is a U.S. Peace media firm specializing in B2B She and her husband, Zach Jones, band, Al, were married in Septem- Corps volunteer serving in Para- marketing. She is an adjunct fac- reside in Englewood, Florida. ber of 2013, with ISU classmates as guay, South America. ulty member at Governors State her bridemaids. The couple resides University and resides in Chicago. in Orland Park. Ryan Meitl ’09 is the technical Kevin Casey ’12 is an accelerated project lead, lighting and controls, rehabilitation-certified athletic with Bosch. He and his wife, Cassi, trainer at Robert Morris University reside in Northville, Michigan. in Peoria. He and his wife, Molly, reside in Bloomington. Caitlin Perry ’09 is an office support specialist with the University of Lauren Hanson ’12 has gained CPRP Illinois-Springfield. She resides in certification. She is a recreation Springfield. supervisor for Lemont Park Dis- trict and resides in Plainfield. Katherine (Hutchings) Shaykin ’09 is a corporate relations manager at Melissa Herman ’12 is a pricing Abbott. She and her husband, Ste- technician analyst for Allstate at ven, reside in Wauconda. company headquarters. She resides in Waukegan. Amanda Stark ’09 is an esthetician working at Massage Envy Spa. She Jordan Jeffers, M.S. ’12, has authored resides in Chicago. an epic fantasy novel, The Towers. A roommate reunion He and his wife, Madelyn, reside Wesley Williams ’09 is a sales man- in Bloomington. ager with Coyote Logistics. He It’s not unusual for roommates to stay connected long after graduation. resides in Forest Park. Having three generations of one family bonded to their roommates Zach Owens ’12 is a project manager over time is, however, unique and celebrated by women in the family with Sprint Nextel. He resides in of Barbara (Kappler) Van Cleave ’62. The group of six ladies met for a Kansas City, Missouri. campus tour and lunch last year. From left, Rose Pascal ’62, M.S. ’67 of 10s Eric Porter, M.A. ’12 Bloomington; Barbara of Peoria; current nursing major Katie Peterson; , is program coordinator of Illinois State’s Vincent Boyd, Ph.D. ’10, is an associ- speech pathology major Jenni Peters; Dawn (Van Cleave) Peters ’89 of Stevenson Center for Community ate professor of higher education Oneida; and Dee Dee (Hellige) Neuhaus ’88 of Peoria. Barbara is mom and Economic Development. He and director of the Doctor of to Dawn, whose daughter is Jenni. Education in Community College resides in Bloomington. Leadership program at Missouri Anita Smith ’12 is a youth and family Baptist University. He resides in St. interventionist with Project Oz. Jessica Maxwell ’11 is a claims han- Louis, Missouri. Jennifer Schauer ’10 is a technol- She resides in Bloomington. dler with State Farm Insurance. ogy consultant with West Monroe Ashley (Fletcher) Briggs ’10 is a qual- She resides in Beecher. Keri Soukup ’12 is a student services Partners. She resides in Seattle, ity management data analyst with advisor for Career Education Cor- Washington. Colin Rogers ’11 is a research assis- Health Alliance Medical Plans. She poration in Downers Grove. She tant with Monsanto Company. He and her husband, Ben, reside in Amanda Chorley ’11 is the sales and resides in Countryside. resides in Omaha, Nebraska. Champaign. catering coordinator at the Chi- Rebecca Cullen ’13 is the public cago Marriott in Naperville. She Lauren Rowley ’11 is an RN at Rush Michael Ditore ’10 is a graduate of health reporting and outcomes resides in LaGrange Park. University Medical Center. She Loyola University Chicago School coordinator with the Arthritis resides in Chicago. of Law. He is a Cook County assis- Kaylea Donley ’11, M.S. ’12, is a Foundation. She resides in Hickory tant state’s attorney and resides in project specialist at Illinois State Elise Schram ’11 completed a mas- Hills. LaGrange. University. She resides in Bloom- ter’s in public health at the Uni- Justin Duncan ’13 is a U.S. Congres- ington. versity of South Florida. She is the Jim Fox ’10 works at Carpet Time in sional intern and resides in Wash- community initiatives coordinator Mokena. He resides in Romeoville. Kimbra Fuesting ’11 is an assistant ington, D.C. at DuPage County Health Depart- athletic trainer at Bradley Univer- Anna (Pounders) Joria ’10 is a special ment. She resides in Wheaton. Karly Grice, M.A. ’13, is a graduate sity. She resides in Peoria. educator at Eastview Elementary teaching assistant at Ohio State

38 Illinois State May 2014 University. She resides in Colum- Christine Tasca ’13 is a wine con- 30s Doris E. (Zimmer) Moore ’47; 11/13 bus, Ohio. sultant with PRP. She resides in Mabel J. (Van Dettum) Clauss ’31; J. Dalen Shellhammer ’47; 10/13 Arlington Heights Desirae Hunsley ’13 is a registered 11/12 Phillip Atkinson ’48; 9/13 nurse in the medical/oncology Sarah Verdun ’13 is a science teacher Evelyn Mader Cote ’31; 10/13 Kenneth L. Curry ’49, M.S. ’51; area of OSF Saint Anthony Medical with Pontiac Township High Kathryn (Frey) Holler ’31; 12/13 10/13 Center. She and her husband, Jeff School 90. She resides in Bloom- Earl M. Dunn ’49, ’93; 9/13 Linden, reside in Sycamore. ington. Helen Lash Wolf ’35; 11/13 Esther W. Liehr ’36; 10/13 Eunice Mize Ioder ’49; 2/13 Patryk Kraulis ’13 is an account exec- Jennifer Walker ’13 is a registered Charles D. McKeehan ’49; 7/06 utive with Worldwide Express. He nurse in the rehabilitation services Virginia B. Weichert ’36, ’42; 10/13 resides in Chicago. at Blessing Hospital. She and her Denton E. Alexander ’37; 2/04 Edith (Scholl) Shunk ’49; 11/13 husband, Jeffrey, reside in Quincy. Adam LaPorte ’13 is a loan workout Mary (Glennon) F. Rigsby ’39, ’79; 50s analyst with Northern Trust. He Lacey Walsh ’13 is an assistant envi- 10/13 resides in Phoenix, Arizona. ronmental health consultant with Leota E. Smith ’39, ’52, M.S. ’57; Laura E. (Pedley) Horton ’50; 11/13 Alaska Native Tribal Health Con- 1/13 Andrianne N. Mandrell, M.S. ’13, is an Guido “Skeezix” Markionni ’50; sortium. She resides in Anchorage, associate accountant with BKD, William S. Weichert ’39; 1/01 11/13 Alaska. LLP, in Indianapolis, Indiana. William G. Bates ’51; 9/13 Oriel Morris ’13 is the sales coor- 40s Maryanne Cavenee ’52; 8/13 dinator at Grizzly Jack’s Grand Our troops Wilma J. Doyle ’41; 11/13 Rose A. (Nelson) Mullen ’52; 4/13 Bear Resort in Utica. She resides Martha Knudtson ’41; 5/10 Jack G. Powell Sr. ’52; 10/13 in LaSalle. Christopher Holmes ’95 is serving in the U.S. Army. He and his wife, Otis Knudtson ’41; 11/12 Irene M. Wey ’53; 12/13 Debra K. Ogden ’13 is a case man- Michelle, reside in Arlington, Dorothy Walters ’42; 2/10 Evelyn M. (Schneider) Serdar ’54; ager/QIDP in community integra- Virginia. Florence J. (Wilken) Mehlberg 10/13 tion at Community Workshop and ’43; 10/13 Edward Stock ’54; 6/13 Training Center. She resides in Jennifer (Grampp) Aurora ’96 is a Hobart J. Tompkins ’55; 11/13 Bartonville. personnel superintendent with the Vanitta F. (Elledge) Olinger ’43; Illinois Air National Guard. She 10/13 John H. Warren ’55; 12/13 Alexis Pudlo ’13 is completing a mas- and her husband, Nitin, reside in Elsie B. Fulton ’44; 9/13 Kay (Penn) Hawken ’56; M.S. ’66; ter’s degree in marriage and family Bloomington. 10/13 therapy at Mercer University. She Robert E. Edwards ’46; 9/13 resides in Atlanta, Georgia. Heather Robinson ’02 is serving in Bernadette Long-Houston ’47; Marjorie F. McKee ’56; 9/13 the U.S. Army. She resides in Evans 11/13 Shirley C. Sprehe ’56; 9/13 A.J. Riley ’13 is an outreach athletic Mills, New York. trainer with ATI Physical Therapy. He resides in Minooka. John Ryan ’13 is a carrier sales rep- In memory resentative with Visual Pak Logis- tics. He resides in Libertyville. Faculty/Staff Martin Santoyo ’13 is an investiga- Wesley C. Calef, Geography/Geol- tor and public defender in Will ogy; 4/13 County. He resides in Onarga. Connie K. (Lawson) DuBois, Food Services; 9/13 Three easy ways to submit your information Robin Shaffer ’13 is completing a master’s at Illinois State University Judi Gibbons, College of Educa- 1) Go online to Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/ClassNotes and click tion; 11/13 to become a family nurse practi- on “class notes.” Information submitted using this method will tioner. She is a registered nurse at Florence M. (Naas) Hays, Food also be posted online. Advocate BroMenn Medical Cen- Services; 9/13 ter and resides in Normal. Ted R. Jackson, School of Commu- 2) Email your news to [email protected]. Andrea (Hemphill) Smith ’13 is a nication; 9/13 3) Mail your news to Class Notes, Illinois State University, registered nurse at Genesis Medi- James J. Johnson, M.A. ’64, Psy- cal Center. She and her husband, chology; 10/13 Alumni Relations, Campus Box 3100, Normal, IL 61790-3100. Michael, reside in Geneseo. Robert W. Kief ’70, M.S. ’72, Ath- Please include your graduation year, major, maiden name Raven Smith ’13 is a graduate assis- letics; 10/13 when applicable, and daytime phone number for verification tant at the Illini Union Board. She Faye E. Mansfield ’34, ’40, Metcalf purposes. News releases and information from published news resides in Urbana. Elementary; 9/13 clippings may also be used. Engagements and pregnancies will Rhiannon Steffen ’13 Maurice “Bert” J. O’Connell, Phys- is an outpatient not be published. therapist with Heritage Behav- ical Plant; 9/13 ioral Health Center. She resides in Elizabeth (Twaddell) Pope, Milner For additional information, contact Alumni Relations at (309) 438- Urbana. Library; 10/13 2586 or (800) 366-4478, or by email at [email protected]. Loyd E. Wells, Criminal Justice Sciences; 10/13

May 2014 Illinois State 39 #RedbirdSocks

Make a gift of $25 or more and receive a pair of socks to show your Redbird pride.

These one-of-a-kind socks are available only through June 30. Gifts can be made using the enclosed envelope or at IllinoisState.edu/Socks. Once you receive your pair, share how you rock your socks by posting a photo on Twitter or Instagram using #RedbirdSocks.

(This offer applies only to individuals who make a gift of $25 or more before June 30. Per IRS regulations, the $4 cost of the socks is not tax deductible. Limit 1 pair per donor.)

Donald G. Lucas ’57; 12/13 Michael A. Havenar ’69; 12/10 Wendy (Voigt) Huckstadt ’77; 10/13 Jeannie L. (Lee) Church ’92; 11/13 Bill L. McBride ’58, M.S. ’72; 11/13 Jerome L. Hunt ’69, M.S. ’79; 10/13 Gerald Melton ’77; 9/13 Andrew R. Krull Jr. ’92; 11/13 Janice L. Simmons ’58; 9/12 Karen L. (Jarmotz) Maness ’69; Diane M. (Lind) Nyman ’77; 10/13 Dwanette “Christy” C. Buzick ’94; Darlene M. Smith ’59; 9/13 11/13 Rex A. Okerberg ’77; 11/13 11/13 Richard A. Tredup ’59; 11/13 Jack M. Davis ’78, M.S. ’85; 9/13 Arthur Rosekopf ’94; 11/13 70s LeAnna (Early) Karnopp Grimsley Kathleen M. Connor ’96; 7/12 60s Cynthia Builta Taylor ’70; 9/13 ’78; 7/13 Joanna L. Featherstone ’96, Ph.D. ’11; 10/13 Phyllis A. (Wells) Beck ’60; 11/13 Stephen G. Terrando ’70; 11/13 Joan M. (Olson) Fincham ’79; 9/13 Aaron L. Proctor ’96; 8/12 Deana Pommert Trail Yountck Allan R. Thornburgh ’70; 10/13 Susanne R. Sarron, M.S. ’79, Ph.D. Kletzel ’60; 9/12 Aaron K. Weitzel ’70; 10/13 ’87; 9/13 Thomas P. Hosty ’98; 8/13 W. Dean Timme ’61, M.S. ’67; 10/13 Bruce C. Anderson ’71; 10/13 Matthew L. Mills ’98; 11/13 Spencer R. Bowers ’62; 9/13 Randal L. Becker ’71, M.S. ’74; 80s Iris J. Sonkin ’62; 11/13 10/13 Betty J. (Wikowsky) Keil, M.S. ’81; 00s 11/13 Judith A. Wessel ’62; 9/13 Francis E. Hacker Jr. ’71; 11/13 Jesse A. Wolfe ’04, M.S. ’11; 11/13 Craig Holmes ’82, M.S. ’93; 12/13 Howard G. Getz, M.S. ’63; 9/13 James R. Mitchell ’71; 11/13 Christopher S. Mann ’05; 11/13 Caroline J. Peterson ’84; 10/13 Charles Laundra ’63; 10/13 Nancy D. (Beale) Holm ’73; 11/13 Vicki Eads ’06; 11/13 Suzanne (Becker) Smith ’87; 10/13 Martha A. (Winter) Winzeler ’63; Cynthia L. (Zimmerman) Pepper Dana (Fogarty) Mitchell ’06; 9/13 M.S. ’70; 10/13 ’73; 9/13 Sandra E. Lentz ’88; 10/13 Kurt A. Phillips ’07; 11/13 Philip C. Elsbree ’64, M.S. ’66; 8/13 Dixie Smith ’73; 10/13 Michele K. Howell ’64, M.A. ’68; Howard “Ed” Eagleson ’74; 11/13 90s 10s 11/13 Paul R. Jansen ’74; 10/13 John J. Cudmore III ’90; 11/13 Marc J. Mitchell ’11; 9/13 Terry Lundgren ’64; 1/13 Barbara E. Morris ’74; 10/13 Mary E. Diaz, M.A. ’91; 11/13 Evelyn I. (Young) Rudisill ’65; 9/13 Natalie G. (Larkin) Pliura ’74; 9/13 Rosalind (Mathias) Reed ’66; 10/13 James Vanatta ’75; 10/13 Correction Elvera K. (Sartorio) Mudge ’67; 9/13 Georgia A. Wysocki ’75; 10/13 Alumnus Leslie Hohenstein ’08 was misidentified in the Class Notes col- umn of the February issue. He is self-employed with his business, Dr. Leslie Paul E. Ruden ’68; 9/13 Barbara F. Brannon ’76; 9/13 L. Hohenstein Educational Consulting and Resources. He and his wife, Craig Brunskill ’69, M.S. ’71, ’77; Andrew J. Kensington ’76, ’84; 11/12 Cathy, reside in Springfield. The magazine staff regrets the error. 10/13 Charles Bronson ’77; 11/13

40 Illinois State May 2014 Thanks to you Chuck Yurieci, M.S. ’72, appreciated the scholarship he received as an undergraduate, even though he gave little thought at the time as to who provided the support. “You realize as an adult that there is no free lunch,” he said, explaining his gratitude for the investment others made that allowed him to pursue his college dreams. He completed an accounting degree at Millikin and earned his master’s in business at Illinois State. Chuck’s wife, Gwen ’73, also felt the financial strain while studying medical records at ISU. She held a job at Mennonite Hospital to help meet the costs of her education. “There is always a need,” she said, noting students today carry an even heavier burden in trying to cover college expenses that have skyrocketed. Their appreciation has resulted in an amazing dedication to make certain programs flourish and students can afford to not just attend Illinois State but actively engage in the collegiate experience. The two have given to the University for 31 years, making them among the most loyal Redbird donors. Beyond their colleges, they support Athlet- ics, Friends of the Arts, and the Illinois Shake- speare Festival. “We do it because we want to see the activities continue,” they agreed. “It’s important to give back.”

The Loyalty Circle recognition society honors donors who invest in the University on an ongoing basis. Gifts of all sizes make a difference. Use the enclosed envelope to get involved, or go to IllinoisState.edu/Giving to support your passion. Donor and Information Services Campus Box 8000 Normal, IL 61790-8000

Table talk Friendships are nurtured over many a meal in the residence halls. The fun captured in this conversation at Watterson Towers is a common occurrence, as students enjoy connecting with friends as much as they appreciate the food. The dining centers stay busy even when the semester ends, as ISU hosts youth camps and the Special Olympics Illinois.