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Illinois State Magazine University Marketing and Communications

5-1-2015 Illinois State Magazine, May 2015 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]. VOLUME 15 • NUMBER 4• MAY 2015 have elevated Redbird football. Brock Spack’s planandpatience the Coach Kudos to 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 As I reflect on my first full academic year DESIGNERS as Illinois State University’s 19th president, I recall one of my first days on the job and Jeff Higgerson ’92 Sean Thornton ’00 an interview with a reporter from our student newspaper, the Vidette. The reporter Carol (Jalowiec) Watson ’08 remarked that I had ascended to the presidency rapidly, having been appointed after WEB EDITOR Ryan Denham serving less than three years as vice president for Student Affairs.

PHOTOGRAPHER For a moment, I felt like a very young man again. Lyndsie Schlink ’04 That was, until I had to confess I have actually served PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Tracy Widergren ’03 in public higher education for more than four decades

WRITERS in many different roles and at several institutions. Kate Arthur But in a very real sense, the reporter was right. Steven Barcus ’06, M.S. ’09 Ryan Denham That day everything felt new, fresh and exciting. EDITORIAL INTERN Fourteen months later, it still does. Each day, I feel Bridget Anders honored and humbled to serve as your president. My Illinois State (USPS 019606) is published quarterly wife, Marlene, and I are grateful for your expressions for members of the Illinois State University Alumni Association at Alumni Center, 1101 N. Main Street, of support and friendship. Normal, Illinois 61790-3100. Periodicals postage paid at Normal, Illinois, and at additional mailing offices. For me, this past year seems like a microcosm Magazine editorial offices are located at 1101 N. of the University’s history. Over the last 158 years, Main Street, Normal, Illinois 61790-3100; telephone Illinois State has celebrated times of unrivaled suc- (309) 438-2586; facsimile (309) 438-8057; email [email protected]; Website IllinoisState.edu/ cess and endured periods of seemingly overwhelming Magazine. Postmaster: Send address changes to Illinois State, Illinois State University, Campus Box challenge. Similarly, over the past 14 months, the peo- 8000, Normal, IL 61790-8000. ple of Illinois State have raised their arms in triumph and bowed their heads in sorrow. Material may be reprinted with prior approval, provided no commercial endorsement is implied Last August, ISU welcomed the largest and most diverse freshman class in 25 years. and credit is given to the author, to Illinois State University, and to Illinois State. We celebrated advancing to number 74 in the U.S. News & World Report rankings of best Website: IllinoisState.edu national public universities. We congratulated our students on posting an 81.3 percent An equal opportunity/affirmative action university retention rate and a 71.8 percent graduation rate, placing ISU in the top 10 percent of all encouraging diversity 15-0004. This document is available in alternative formats upon request by U.S. universities. We cheered as our student athletes led the Redbirds to three Missouri contacting Alumni Relations at (309) 438-2586. Valley Conference championships.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Conversely, we braced for the potentially severe budgetary impacts of a teeter- Bob Navarro ’91, M.S. ’93, Joe McGuire ’77 ing state economy. We wept in mourning for two students who left us much too soon. Ph.D. ’02 Kathy Coyle Murdoch ’86 President We witnessed each moment together—a campus of more than 23,000 and an extended Tim Pantaleone ’07 Kathryn Bohn ’74, M.S. ’80 Scott Preston ’10 alumni family 200,000 strong. And we held to our traditions that strengthen our sense of Lisa Castleman ’96 Doug Reeves ’69 Jeff Charnogorsky ’85 community and focus on individualized attention. Kaci Rollings ’94 Bob Freitag ’84 Steve Smith ’89, M.S. ’93 Earlier this month, more than 3,000 students crossed the stage during two days of Ryan Gilbert ’03 Alice Spann ’78 commencement ceremonies. All graduates will transition to new successes and challeng- Jennifer Groezinger ’02 Mike Willis ’82 Michele Pfeilschifter es, better equipped through their ISU experience to be engaged citizens of this complex Ron Whitton ’80 Guadalupe ’01 Jerry Wright ’62, M.S. ’66 global society. Dave Horstein ’08 Linda Yap ’74, ’81 Julie Jones ’90 Meanwhile, we will use the summer months to prepare for our new and returning Betty Kinser ’73, M.S. ’75, Jerry Kerber ’74 Board of Trustees students. My hope is that the ISU experience will be for them as it remains for me—new, Daniel Lopez, Ph.D. ’02 Alumni Liaison fresh and exciting. Ashley Mayor ’08

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 Larry Dietz to Campus Box 3420, Normal, IL 61790. President, Illinois State University Volume 15, Number 4, May 2015

FEATURES 8 Redefining fast food As a retired executive of McDonald’s, Mike Donahue ’80 knows the fast food industry. He also knows more Americans want not just speed but a healthy meal reasonably priced. Donahue helped provide just that with the creation of LYFE Kitchen. The casual restaurant chain is built on a simple motto: Eat Good. Feel Good. Do Good.

12 Survey says… Responses to a questionnaire in the November issue of Illinois State are in, providing answers to what was popular during a specific era. Students once packed typewriters. Today it’s a laptop or tablet. Pub II has replaced the Cage as a gather- ing spot. You may be surprised by what has 8 changed in seven decades. 14 Fruits of his labor Brock Spack took over the football team in 2009, confident that the program had the potential to soar. Spack’s work and vision have resulted in a 46-26 record the past six seasons. School records have been set and celebrated, including ISU’s first appearance at the FCS National Champion- ship game this past season.

19 Making it all work With an enrollment right at 20,000, Illinois State is comparable to a small city. It takes much more 12 14 than teaching positions to keep the campus op- erating smoothly so that students can excel. Jobs outside the classroom—including the campus herder—are often overlooked yet crucial to the University’s daily operation.

DEPARTMENTS 2 University News 6 Redbird Athletics 26 Alumni Awards 19 28 #RedbirdProud What’s trending on 30 Class notes A The 7 biggest days in Illinois State history Historic photos show life at Watterson, then and now On the cover: Coach Spack expects the Redbirds will continue a winning tradition on the football field this fall Modeling career awaits business student after graduation and beyond. Read these stories and more at IllinoisState.edu/STATEside UniversityNews

Gladly he teaches Professor reaches milestone with longest ISU faculty career

ib Leonard first stepped Leonard has taught social psychol- curious, wondering how it will go, even into the classroom to ogy, statistics and a sociology of sports to this day,” he said. teach as a graduate stu- class he developed. That led to the text- “Looking back, there is almost a dent in 1967. He took book A Sociological Perspective of Sport, time warp. In a way, it doesn’t matter Wone look at the students, set his books now in its sixth edition. The book has if it’s September of 2014 or September down, and walked to the water cooler been adopted more than 200 times at col- of 1974, there is still the same excite- down the hall. leges and universities across the nation. ment, same worries, same hopes with “I thought to myself, ‘How am I ever Reflecting on his career, Leonard students.” going to pull this off?’” recalled Leonard, sees the key to his longevity as finding And yet he has seen one significant who has just completed his 45th year of the perfect balance in academia. “I’ve change over the years. teaching at ISU. always just enjoyed the writing, the “When I first came, I was not that “They tell me of the current faculty, teaching and the research,” he said, and much older than the seniors. Years go by no one has been here longer,” he said. especially the students. and I am their parents’ age. More years Leonard came to Illinois State at the age Even after 45 years of teaching, go by and I am their grandparents’ age,” of 26 after earning his doctorate in soci- Leonard still gets that flutter of anxiety he said with a laugh. Leonard has seen ology at The Ohio State University. when facing a new class. “There is that his four children graduate from Illinois “There was no Bone Student Center, little bit of extra energy every fall, when State, and now he has grandchildren the no Milner Library or sports complexes,” things are first starting. I’m a little bit same age as many ISU students. he recalled.

2 Illinois State May 2015 Student named ISU’s first Gates Millennium Scholar Dyrell Ashley is the first Illinois State student ever to be chosen by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as a Gates Millennium Scholar. A biology teacher education major from Chicago, he is one of 1,000 students to be awarded a schol- arship through graduation. “Everything from room and board to books and tuition is covered,” said Ashley, who has completed his freshman year at ISU. The Gates program provides out- standing African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American and Hispanic Amer- ican students with an opportunity to complete an undergraduate education. Scholars must be first-time college students who have excelled academically and demonstrated leadership abilities. Continuing scholars may request fund- ing for a graduate degree program in one of seven disciplines, including educa- Biology teacher education major Dyrell Ashley is ISU’s first Gates Millennium scholar. tion. “If I go on for a doctorate, then that means 10 years of college costs covered, ation rate. Other criteria include tuition Pritner was a Fellow of the Ameri- which is amazing,” Ashley said. and fees, financial aid and average debt can Theatre and acted in several one- at graduation. person shows, including his own produc- Kiplinger’s recognizes ISU tion of “Mark Twain Travelling.” for its outstanding value He is survived by his wife, Evamarii Campus mourns loss of Johnson, a daughter and son, and three The University is ranked as one of the theatre program pioneer grandchildren. An endowment will be best values in public colleges in the coun- Cal Pritner, who founded the Illinois established in his name. Memorials may try, according to Kiplinger’s Personal State Shakespeare Festival, lost his battle be made to the Illinois Shakespeare Soci- Finance magazine. Illinois State is 99th with brain cancer in December at the age ety online at IllinoisState.edu/giving or on the list and one of only two public of 79. He was also founding chair of the by calling (309) 438-8041. This year’s institutions in Illinois cited. The other is Theatre Department, partnering with Shakespeare Festival season will be dedi- the University of Illinois. John Kirk and the late Jean Scharfen- cated to his memory. “Illinois State is a first-choice insti- berg and Ralph Lane to forge the stellar tution for academically talented stu- program. dents,” President Larry Dietz said. “The Pritner helped inspire myriad stu- Dining Services praised inclusion in Kiplinger’s best values listing dents, including John Malkovich ’76, as among best in country highlights the University’s high academ- Laurie Metcalf ’76 and two who went The education-ranking firm Niche has ic quality and affordable price. Those on to found Chicago’s legendary Step- placed Illinois State among the top cam- factors have placed Illinois State in good penwolf Theatre: Jeff Perry ’78 and Terry pus dining facilities in the country. Din- company with many of the nation’s most Kinney ’76. ing Services ranked at 101 among nearly prestigious universities.” Beyond Illinois State, Pritner taught 1,200 dining facilities surveyed, earning Kiplinger’s assesses quality accord- at the University of Missouri in Kansas an “A” rating. ing to measurable standards that include city, the Dell’Arte International School of The ranking comes in the Best Cam- admission rate, percentage of students Physical Theatre and the California State pus Food category based on results of who return for their second year, stu- Summer School for the Arts. He retired surveying 1,175 colleges for meal plan dent-faculty ratio and four-year gradu- from ISU in 1990 and made New York cost. More than 470,000 opinions from City his home.

May 2015 Illinois State 3 Where are they now? While an undergraduate studying mathematics and economics at Illinois State, Virginia Owen ’62 never envisioned she would return as faculty and make the University her home for more than three decades. Owen completed her master’s and doctorate at the University of Illinois after graduating from ISU. She was offered a substitute teaching position in the Department of Economics in 1964. “I stayed the second year and never left,” said Owen, who is a member of College of Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame. She loved teaching, even in the large Capen Auditorium setting. She led students through an introduction to economics, and money and banking classes. Her career included administrative work as well, beginning as chair of the Economics Department in 1976. She served three years before being asked to lead the college as dean. “It was all very interesting and challenging,” Owen said. There were consecutive and deep budget cuts during her 11 years guiding the college. “The only way to get back funding was to have a new degree program, so I made sure we had a lot of new degree programs.” Before retiring in 1998, Owen returned to the department as director of an Economics Education Program. In that role she traveled the state, training elementary and middle school teachers in ways to incorporate economic principles with minimal math. Upon leaving the de- partment, she continued to teach a class at ISU and Illinois Wesleyan, building courses around her research interests: economics of the arts and the economics of war and terrorism. Now fully retired, Owen remains in Bloomington where she is active in the church, enjoys spending time with her three sons and grandchild, and travels extensively. She can be reached at [email protected].

64,000 students were gathered, along ideal options, as extensive travel is not and is the only public institution in Illi- with data sourced from the U.S. Depart- required. nois named. ment of Education. Dietz is also looking further distanc- “We are pleased to be recognized The rating indicates the college es. An agreement with Wuhan University nationally for our online Nursing Sys- offers a variety of healthy, quality food in China has been signed to seal faculty tems Administration Program,” Acting options that accommodate various and student exchanges that will result Dean H. Catherine Miller said. “We have dietary preferences; and that students in joint research and shared academic outstanding faculty members who are are happy with the food. The survey also material. experts in online teaching, and we have considered the convenience of hours of ISU seeks to double the number of a commitment to prepare outstanding operation and meal plan costs. students who study abroad within the nurses to lead in an era of growth and This is the first time Illinois State next five years, while also increasing change.” has been included in the Niche ranking. the number of foreign students on the Schools were ranked in five gen- The University earned the highest rank- University campus. There are on average eral categories including student engage- ing of any public institution in the state 400 students who study abroad annu- ment, faculty credentials and training, of Illinois. ally, with about 2 percent of the campus peer reputation, student services and enrollment made up of international stu- technology, and admissions selectivity. dents. Other considerations included gradua- Dietz seeking increased tion rate, class size, tenured faculty and international exchanges student debt. Noting that increasing the number of National excellence in international faculty and staff at ISU lit- nursing online courses erally brings the world to campus, Presi- Mennonite College of Nursing has one Chemist researches tool to dent Larry Dietz is working to strength- of the Best Online Nursing Programs improve chemical detection en bonds with foreign universities. according to U.S. News & World Report. Associate Professor of Analytical Chem- Efforts are underway with Bra- This is the first time the University has istry Christopher Mulligan is developing zil, Panama and Saudi Arabia. Mexico been ranked in the survey. ISU is 93rd cutting-edge instrumentation for chemi- and Central and South America are cal detection. The application of his work

4 Illinois State May 2015 ranges from finding water contaminants Retired faculty meet goal, to improving crime scene forensics. give department $1 million One discovery—thermally-assisted Emeriti faculty and friends from the desorption electrospray ionization— Department of Technology united in the Mail resulted from a grant-funded project. It effort to raise more than $1 million in tests water samples more quickly than To the Editor, endowment funds for the academic pro- current technology. Thanks to your staff for pursuing the story on gram and students have met their goal. “Traditional testing methods for Route 66 (Nov. 2014). As a kid growing up in The idea emerged nearly four water contaminants involve transporting Bloomington, I traveled Route 66 many times. years ago within a group of departmen- three or more liters of water per test to The routing of 66 through town after town is tal friends and retired faculty including an off-site lab for analysis,” said Mul- still a vivid memory. Paul Brauchle; Hank Campbell; William ligan, who has two patents for the work. A “well done” goes to ISU alums Terri LaBounty, M.A. ’74; Wayne Lockwood; “Our method can take as little as one Ryburn and Fred Walk for helping preserve Franzie Loepp; Ken Stier, Ph.D. ’89; Joe minute and one milliliter of water.” what is now Historic Route 66 on the road Talkington; and former chair Rick Boser. He is also researching cutting-edge sections that still remain from Chicago to L.A. The men were driven to ensure the tools for use in crime scene investiga- Their work and that done by others is not in department’s financial future and create tions through funding from the National vain and is much appreciated. a legacy honoring faculty who laid the Institute of Justice. His work involves During a visit in October to Arizona, I got foundation for the department’s current developing portable mass spectrometers to be on old 66 from Winslow to Flagstaff, and excellence. Each in the group created that allow chemical identification of evi- met a couple from the Netherlands who were and funded named endowments, encour- dence found in any form. on vacation and driving the road from Illinois to aging others to participate. “This new technology would allow California. Thanks for an alumni story that had As a result, the department now has evidence screening to occur rapidly right a dual purpose of revealing a key act of preser- 22 endowed funds, only five of which are at a crime scene, expediting criminal vation at work. under the $25,000 threshold. The money investigations and assessing poten- raised will fund student activities and Cliff Schrock ’81 tial public safety concerns,” Mulligan scholarships, program enhancements To the Editor, and faculty development. I enjoy reading the magazine, especially see- ing old photos. I was interested in the From the NIH funds grad student Archives photos (Nov. 2014). My response to researching mosquitos today’s students being “more creative” in con- verting their dorm rooms is “whaaaaaat!?” Biological Sciences doctoral student We had enough rules for dorm living that Peter Brabant is the first ISU graduate heads would be spinning with this “creative” student to receive a Ruth L. Kirschstein generation! We had room inspections—no dust Predoctoral Fellowship from the Nation- and mopped floors. If we didn’t pass inspection, al Institutes of Health (NIH). The we had to clean the laundry room for the week! award typically goes to students at large We were limited with what could be research intensive universities. attached to walls. Furniture was part of the Brabant is partnering with Dis- permanent fixtures, so could not be rear- tinguished Professor Steven Juliano to ranged. We all took care of hall and lounge study mosquito larval habitats and how Thermally-assisted desorption electrospray ionization walls and furniture so all was attractive. they affect production of adults. Bra- allows rapid analysis of water samples with mass We had “room check” each night at 10:30 spectrometry. bant’s work focuses on the Asian Tiger weekdays to make sure we were all where mosquito, which carries the West Nile we belonged. Not joking! Our class was very virus. explained. It could also be beneficial in creative in many ways, just not in dorm room The fellowship allows for four homeland security monitoring, accord- arrangement. years of support through a graduate sti- ing to Mulligan, who is exploring other I have often realized how greatly and posi- pend and travel funds. Brabant will go potential patents in forensic chemical tively my ISU dorm experiences and friendships throughout Illinois to examine Asian analysis. affected my life. I regret nothing. Tiger mosquito aquatic larval habitats. Elizabeth (Scheer) Sorensen ’67

May 2015 Illinois State 5 RedbirdAthletics

Legend mourned Baseball standout loses battle against cancer

ormer baseball All-American fielder by The Sporting News after hitting During the 1984 season, he hit .273 and 1980 Percy Family Illinois .351 and leading the team in home runs, with seven home runs and 44 RBIs as a State Athletics Hall of Fame runs scored, hits and stolen bases. key member of the Tigers’ championship honoree Dave Bergman ’78 Drafted by the New York Yankees team that took the World Series for the diedF in February at the age of 61. following his junior season, Bergman first time since 1968. His most notable Bergman rewrote the record books won Minor League Player of the Year moment that season was a game-winning at Illinois State, solidifying his place awards from the National Association of home run against the Toronto Blue Jays among the best athletes in the Univer- Baseball Writers in both the New York on June 4 at Tiger Stadium. Bergman sity’s history. In three seasons with the Penn League and the Eastern League in fouled off seven pitches. On a full count, Redbirds, Bergman hit .366 with 63 RBIs. his first two professional seasons. he hit the 13th pitch of the at-bat into Bergman amassed a .400 batting He amassed a lifetime batting aver- the upper deck for a walk-off, three-run average in 1973, which ranked No. 28 age of .258 in 17 big-league seasons with home run on national television. in the nation that season. Following his the New York Yankees, Houston Astros He was one of only three players in sophomore year, he led the prestigious and San Francisco Giants. Bergman was ISU baseball history to have his number Cape Cod League in hitting with a .342 best known for his nine-year career play- retired. The others were former coach summer batting average. As a junior in ing for the Detroit Tigers from 1984-1992. Duffy Bass and Lee “Buzz” Capra. He 1974, he was named an All-American out- is survived by his wife, Cathy, and their three children.

6 Illinois State May 2015 Staff, alums lost in tragic plane accident

The campus community mourned the ment officer with Secord-Jones Wealth Football tickets available loss of seven individuals with strong Management Group. See the 2015 Redbird football team at Illinois State and community ties last Loyal Redbird fans Scott Bittner, Hancock Stadium as players build on their month. All were killed in an April 7 plane Eureka Locker Company owner, and pilot historic run to the national championship crash that occurred as the group was Tom Hileman also died when the twin- game. Season tickets are available now, returning to Bloomington following the engine Cessna went down in heavy fog and single-game tickets will be available NCAA Final Four championship game in near the airport. The National Transpor- for purchase in mid-July. Make sure to get Indianapolis. tation Safety Board began an immediate your tickets for the five home games. The The accident claimed the lives of investigation of the crash scene in a soy- Redbirds look to remain undefeated at home since Hancock Stadium was renovated prior ISU staff Aaron Leetch, 37, who was bean field. It will be many months before to the 2013 season. Visit GoRedbirds.com for deputy director of Athletics for external findings are completed and shared. the schedule and ticket prices. operations; and Torrey Ward, 36, associ- The accident happened as this issue ate head coach for men’s basketball. of Illinois State was on press. Look for Athletes set GPA records Other Redbirds aboard the plane additional information in the August mag- were Pub II co-owner Terry Stralow ’74; azine. In the interim, go to IllinoisState. A department grade point average record of 3.16 was set by student-athletes for the Andy Butler ’96, a national account man- edu/STATEside to find more details fall 2014 semester. The previous record was ager for Sprint/Nextel; and Jason Jones, about the tragedy that gained national a 3.15. A total of 301 student-athletes were M.S. ’93, senior vice president and invest- media attention. named to the AFNI Honor Roll, setting yet another record. Six Redbird teams tied or set GPA re- Looking for Redbird cords during the 2014-15 season. Members of baseball, men’s basketball, men’s cross gifts or gear? country and women’s golf teams set a new Shop.GoRedbirds.com semester high in the classroom. Football and volleyball teams both notched in-season GPA records. In addition to individual team accom- Swimming coach ends stellar career plishments, the mens’ programs combined for a 3.02 GPA across 245 students. Steve Paska ’83, M.S. ’85, decided the past Under Paska, the Redbirds have tak- swimming and diving season would be en five Gateway Conference champion- Redbirds headed to Mexico his last as ISU’s coach. He retires effec- ships, five Midwest Independent titles, The men’s basketball team will participate in tive in July after working with more than and three National Independent crowns. the Cancun Challenge this fall. ISU will host 300 student-athletes since being named His teams have taken a Missouri Val- two games before traveling down to Mexico the head women’s coach for both sports ley Conference championship and were to play another two Nov. 24-25 at the Hard in 1985. runner-up 11 times. He has been named Rock Hotel Riviera Maya. Both Mexico “After 30 years, it’s the right time Coach of the Year seven times by the games will be nationally televised live on CBS Sports Network. for me to step down from the position MVC, Midwest Independent and Nation- The Cancun Challenge is a unique bas- of head coach and allow someone else al Independent. ketball event held each year. The all-inclusive to take the reins of the program,” Paska Student-athletes coached by Paska hotel near Cancun converts a ballroom into said. He was a two-time letter winner as own all 24 of Illinois State’s school- an arena that provides fans a close-up view a member of the men’s swimming and record times. Team members consis- of the games. diving team, which folded after the 1981- tently ranked as one of Athletics best- Check GoRedbirds.com for ticket 1982 season. He started with the women’s performing teams in the classroom, with information. Suzi Davis Travel will be coordinating travel for ISU fans. team as a volunteer assistant coach while a 3.59 grade point average during the completing a graduate degree in Health, spring 2014 semester. Physical Education and Recreation. May 2015 Illinois State 7 NEW CHEW ALUM ON MISSION TO CHANGE THE FUTURE OF FAST FOOD

BY DANIEL P. SMITH

8 Illinois State May 2015 NEW CHEW ALUM ON MISSION TO CHANGE THE FUTURE OF FAST FOOD

Mike Donahue ’80 helped create an innovative fast food chain that embraces the motto Eat Good. Feel good. Do good.

IN THE NATION’S BATTLE AGAINST one restaurant industry publication lessons on persuasive language and non- headline asked if LYFE Kitchen could be verbal communication seemed soft and OBESITY, FAST FOOD CARRIES THE “The Whole Foods of Fast Food?” insignificant in comparison. TITLE OF PUBLIC ENEMY NUMBER Wired magazine wondered if LYFE Slowly he began to see a bigger “might just shift the calculus of Ameri- picture, stirred by the spirited teachings ONE—THE CALORIE-INDULGENT, can cuisine,” while New York Times food of communication professors he calls FAT-PEDDLING, ARTIFICIAL columnist Mark Bittman hoped aloud “legends in their field”—Bill Semlak, that LYFE—propelled by the industry John Cragan, Mike Shelly and Vince Ha- INGREDIENT-POWERED SOURCE pedigree of its leaders and some deep- zelton. As faculty championed the power OF HEALTH ILLS AND EXPANDED pocketed investors—would be “success- of words and confronting conventional ful enough [to] have a real impact on the thought, Donahue recognized how com- WAISTLINES. way we think of fast food.” munication could fuel change. He was A former McDonald’s executive, “This brand attention all validated energized by how words—not math- Mike Donahue ’80 is challenging that our idea … and our mission to change ematical formulas or algorithms—could reality with LYFE Kitchen. An acronym the relationship people have with food,” spark new realities. for Love Your Food Everyday, LYFE is in Donahue said. “I was learning how to think. It many ways the anti-fast food chain. Though currently a bit player in was all about looking at things in a new The 14-unit fast casual restaurant the ultra-competitive, $683 billion way,” he said. “As an Irish-Catholic kid concept, which Donahue co-founded in restaurant game, Donahue embraces the from Rockford, rules were the norm, but 2011, embraces delicious, healthy, and hurdles ahead, energized by the pos- these professors encouraged me to take socially responsible dining by eschewing sibilities and confident that his upstart conventional thinking and find intrigu- fatty dishes, additives, pesticides, and ge- concept will continue to make inroads. ing alternative paths.” netically modified organisms as a partial “Before we even started, we be- Donahue carried those lessons into list of the company’s high standards. lieved we would be successful,” Donahue his professional career, including stints Diners are instead served locally said. “And we will be.” at the National Federation of Indepen- sourced, organic goods, grass-fed beef He speaks with from humanely raised cattle and free- a confidence that was range chicken. Each restaurant dish lacking in his earliest weighs in at fewer than 600 calories, as days as a communica- LYFE Kitchen shuns butter, white sugar, tion major at Illinois white flour, high fructose corn syrup and State. As friends trans fat. studied finance, edu- Nearly four years ago, just as Dona- cation, and biology, hue and his partners readied to launch, Donahue’s classroom

May 2015 Illinois State 9 Included in each location is an herb wall that helps With the first restaurant opened in California, LYFE Kitchen can now also be found in Chicago and New York City. diners learn about sustainable food growth.

WE WANTED TO CREATE THE RESTAURANT OF THE FUTURE.

dent Business, 3M, and the Illinois De- relationships with legislators and regula- itch for healthy fare, the two began partment of Commerce before landing at tors, labor groups and trade associations, envisioning a transformative restaurant McDonald’s in 1987. environmentalists and animal rights concept for a new era. Joining with Over two decades with the Golden activists, eventually forming McDonald’s investors, including the Carlisles—a Arches, Donahue held several senior first social responsibility department. He well known restaurateur and hospital- management positions related to build- positioned McDonald’s as an entrepre- ity family from Memphis—the partners ing, enhancing and protecting the Mc- neurial and credible enterprise commit- gathered a team of premier consultants. Donald’s brand—one of the globe’s most ted to corporate responsibility. Among them was Art Smith, a culinary iconic trademarks. He crafted working “Given its size, McDonald’s was a wizard and former personal chef to prominent scapegoat for activist issues. I Oprah Winfrey. received the equivalent of a Ph.D. in so- In October 2011, following a nation- cial responsibility there,” said Donahue, al location search and the review of more who earned the nickname “The Conduc- than 700 prospective restaurant names, tor” for his ability to navigate intense Donahue and his cohorts unveiled the issues up to his retirement in 2006. first LYFE Kitchen in Palo Alto, Califor- While consulting others on brand- nia. The Silicon Valley home put LYFE ing and marketing, he yearned to build a next to some of the world’s most daring, purpose-driven brand of his own. It was pioneering enterprises, including Apple, a personal mission he shared with Mike Google and Facebook. Roberts, former McDonald’s president While the idea was simple in words, and LYFE Kitchen co-founder. the operational mission was unapolo- “We wanted to create the restaurant getically bold in an industry generally of the future,” Donahue said. thought to favor efficiency and ease over Leveraging insights from McDon- integrity and extra effort: to provide ald’s, technological advances in the great tasting, good-for-you food that’s af- kitchen, and consumers’ intensifying fordable, convenient and sustainable.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS: THE FRENCH FRIES OF THE 21ST CENTURY.

10 Illinois State May 2015 LYFE PROMOTES GREAT TASTING, GOOD- FOR-YOU FOOD THAT’S AFFORDABLE, CONVENIENT AND SUSTAINABLE.

“We thought about parents hustling on common restaurant touchpoints kids to games, busy professionals, and all representing what Donahue calls “well those who crave convenience, value and buildings” of the future. health, and this is what we believed they “We reach down to very granular would want,” said Donahue, a suburban levels and there’s no compromising,” Chicago resident and father of two teen- said Donahue, who beyond co-founder age boys. “The beauty of LYFE Kitchen is the company’s chief brand officer. He is that it feels like everyone’s idea.” communicates LYFE’s story to media, in- With the first restaurant opened in California, LYFE Kitchen can now also be found in Chicago and New York City. With its menu of $4-$14 dishes, fluencers, investors and consumers alike. LYFE shatters fast food norms. Breakfast Looking to fulfill its company offerings range from a spinach and avo- motto—Eat good. Feel good. Do good.— over the next five years. While some cado frittata to quinoa buttermilk pan- LYFE also dedicates a percentage of its industry observers question the con- cakes. Lunch and dinner options include profits to philanthropic causes, particu- cept’s expansion prospects given circling flatbreads, salads, chef-inspired entrées larly those promoting active lifestyles or challenges around startup costs, broad such as roasted salmon, Italian sausage addressing hunger. consumer acceptance, and operational and mozzarella ravioli, and Brussels Nation’s Restaurant News, the res- execution, Donahue remains resolute. sprouts that Donahue touts as the taurant industry’s preeminent publica- He trumpets LYFE’s potential to define French fries of the 21st century. LYFE tion, named LYFE Kitchen one of its five a new restaurant category: the lifestyle restaurants also feature wine sourced “Hot Concepts” last summer. The annual restaurant. from vineyards committed to sustainable award recognizes forward-thinking res- “After all, the best way to predict practices and craft beers hatched at local taurant concepts with intriguing growth the future is to create it,” said Donahue, breweries. potential. In a nod to LYFE’s promise, who believes in the words of Margaret The sustainability mission flows a number of previous “Hot Concepts” Mead: “Never doubt that a small group from the menu to the feng shui-inspired honorees are now household names, of thoughtful, committed citizens can restaurant design. Construction includes including Noodles & Company, Smash- change the world; indeed, it’s the only reused, renewable, and recycled ma- burger and Fogo de Chao. thing that ever has.” terials, while a free standing herb wall “It’s tangible proof we’re making educates guests about sustainable food progress,” Donahue says. Special thanks to LYFE Kitchen, which provided images of Art’s Unfried Chicken, Brussel Sprouts, Kale-Banana growth. Restaurants even feature health With 14 units in operation at the Smoothie, and a Pizzanini. and wellness-fostering elements, such as close of 2014, including two Chicago advanced air purification, water filtra- area locations and one in New York City, tion systems, and antimicrobial coatings LYFE looks to open as many as 250 units

Customers with dietary restrictions or preferences appreciate that LYFE provides separate gluten free and vegetarian menus. These specific options are also included in the everything menu.

May 2015 Illinois State 11 Sharing stories about the campus as remembered at a given time automatically & makes the collegiate years come to life, creating a quick and common bond for Now Redbirds who walked the Quad during the same time frame. Comparing how grads Then recall the ISU experience based on their years of attendance is also an interesting QuizQuizQuiz way to show how student life has evolved across generations. 1950s 1960s 1970s

PETER, PAUL, AND MARY Biggest celebrity or “BIG FOUR” ELTON JOHN performer to visit campus DANCES Honorable Andy Williams mention Robert Goulet

Favorite off-campus restaurant THE PILGRIM RAGUSA’S

Talking to your friends WALL-MOUNTED FACE TO FACE TELEPHONE

Most popular Redbird KENNETH JERRY DOUG COLLINS student-athlete “BUZZ” SHAW MCGREAL

Night out with friends MEET AT MOVIE AT CAPEN MEET AT THE THE CAGE AUDITORIUM RED LION

Most important thing you brought for move-in STEREO

VIETNAM Biggest off-campus news JFK and MLK WAR in the headlines KOREAN ASSASSINATED Honorable Nixon’s resignation WAR mention Kent State shootings

12 Illinois State May 2015 Illinois State readers were asked in the November 2014 issue to answer the same set of questions about their time on campus. The response was overwhelming, allowing for a snapshot of specific eras. While short of a true scientific study, the replies give a clear sense of the ISU student experience—then and now.

1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s

RONALD REAGAN KANYE WEST IN HOMECOMING GEORGE H.W. BUSH Honorable Jimmy Fallon SNOOP DOGG mention Dane Cook PARADE Honorable Smashing mention Pumpkins LA BAMBA MEDICI GARCIA’S PUB II Honorable Biaggi’s Honorable D.P. Dough PIZZA mention Lucca’s mention Prime Time Pizza

AOL PARTY LINES PARTY LINES MESSENGER

DAN MULLER BOOMER GRIGSBY JACKIE RICK LAMB CARMICHAEL Honorable Osiris mention Eldridge

PARTY WITH DOWNTOWN PARTIES NEAR AND PUB II FRIENDS OFF CAMPUS BLOOMINGTON Honorable White Horse Inn BARS mention Josie’s Rocky’s

BOOM BOX

CHALLENGER SPACE SHUTTLE BIN LADEN DISASTER GULF WAR SEPTEMBER 11 KILLED

Honorable Normal Honorable ATTACKS Honorable Obama mention beer riot mention O.J. Simpson trial mention presidency

May 2015 Illinois State 13 14 Illinois State May 2015 AGGRESSIVE, DRIVEN TO SUCCEED AND FOCUSED, BROCK

SPACK EMBRACED HIS FIRST COACHING POSITION WITH

A ZEAL THAT LED SOME TO QUESTION HIS METHODS.

His players were girls on the junior class powder puff football team at Rockford East High School preparing for the annual homecoming week matchup with the seniors. Spack wanted to lead. Even Asleep more than that, he wanted to win. “I was named head no more coach because I was such a football nut. I loved it. People were tapping me on ISU’s football coach has the shoulder saying ‘You awakened the giant need to back off.’ I said ‘No, by Randy Reinhardt we’re setting a tempo,’” recalled Spack, a Rockford native who at the time was a standout linebacker on the high school team. “The juniors never won. We should have won. Our

girls were crying. The next year we won by the worst score ever. Girls used to write in my annual ‘You will be a coach someday, no doubt about it.’ That’s how it all started.”

May 2015 Illinois State 15 pack was far from done playing by setting a higher academic standard off consecutive fall semester that the team at the time, as he went on to the field, and enforcing a credo of work has improved its in-season GPA. excel as a linebacker at Purdue ethic and toughness on it. “The bar was “It is important to recruit to the University. Yet that high school going to rise academically,” he said. True model of the University. We hold our experienceS only cemented his desire to to his word, Spack’s student-athletes are players to that. You can’t be disciplined coach one day. And coach he has. showing strength in the classroom. in one form of your life and undisci- Arriving at Illinois State in 2009, plined in another.” Spack has transformed the Redbird Spack also instituted an intense program into a championship subdivision winter conditioning program that power that came tantalizingly close to its featured 5:30 a.m. start times. While he first national championship earlier this refers to it as “County Fair,” the more year in Frisco, Texas. common term among Redbird players ISU set a school record for victories ”It’s not me, is “Hell Week.” in a 13-2 season, earned a share of its first But it was more than just individual conference championship since 1999, and it’s this place. players pushing themselves mentally finished the season at No. 2 in national and physically that consistently stopped FCS rankings after a 29-27 loss to North opponents during the 2014 season. Spack Dakota State in the title contest. This place is views the team’s success as a combination The current Missouri Valley Con- of talent and intangibles. ference Coach of the Year, Spack has special.“ “I thought our leadership was very a 46-26 record over six seasons at ISU. good,” he said. “The players have a deep His 19 predecessors were a combined respect for each other. They did not 71 games under .500. want to let each other down.” “I don’t want to come across as Spack is equally determined to arrogant. It’s not me, it’s this place. support his players in his first head This place is special,” said Spack, who The football team finished the fall coaching job. He is not surprised in the referred to the ISU football program semester with a 2.86 grade point average least that he ended up at ISU after a long as a “sleeping giant” upon his hire. and half of the players named to the stint as defensive coordinator at Purdue. “It’s 10 times what I thought it would honor roll for the best fall semester on His two greatest influences at Rock- be,” Spack said of ISU’s potential. “I think record—even as players also focused ford East—football coach Craig Stalcup there’s a lot more left in the tank.” on bringing home the University’s first and assistant football and head track Spack began molding the Redbirds national championship. It is the third coach Gary Giardini—both graduated

16 Illinois State May 2015 Talkin’ Spack

“He gave me the chance I needed. I came to him when I transferred (from Illinois) and he didn’t make any promises. He said if you give it everything you’ve got, you could get your picture up there (Spack’s gallery of former players in the NFL) someday.” Former ISU player Nate Palmer ’13 of the Green Bay Packers

“A coach like him, especially in college, it’s sort of rare how truthful and genuine he is. He’s very upfront with you. It’s great to see from Illinois State in 1967. Stalcup died Spack recalled with a grin. “I was the that leadership. Everybody has respect for at 37 of melanoma when Spack was a first football player in my immediate him. It’s really fun to compete every single senior at Purdue. family. I absolutely loved it. My whole day when you have a lot of respect for who “They were best friends. I had such life has been a football life. No one really you’re doing it with and who you’re doing it for.” a great experience in high school,” Spack prodded me.” said. “We’re getting ready to play the Although his father, Jack, played Former ISU player Colton Underwood of the FCS national championship game, and basketball and tennis, he passed on to San Diego Chargers Gary Giardini sends me a text saying his son a love for the Chicago Bears. “He has had a great influence on me. He how proud Craig would have been if he “We would hurry back from church taught me how to be a real professional. was still alive. That meant a lot because and put the Bears on,” Spack said. “He He brings that sense to ISU. He runs a first he meant a lot to me. In some strange propped me in front of the TV and said class program. He couldn’t be a better role way, this is my way of paying back Coach ‘This is the best linebacker in all of foot- model for everybody in that program. He’s Stalcup for getting me into football and ball, Dick Butkus.’ I turned into a huge a real special guy to me. I owe a lot of my opening my eyes to what I could be.” Bears fan. You didn’t do anything else success to him.” Spack also kept an eye on the Red- when the Bears were on.” Former ISU player Mike Zimmer ’13 of the Seattle Seahawks birds, especially during his first full-time Television also introduced Spack to Division I coaching job as an assistant at a lifelong companion—college football. “Brock’s impact has been significant. He Eastern Illinois from 1987-1990. “There was one game on Saturdays, came here believing that a high ceiling exists “When we played here, I would the college game of the week on ABC,” for Illinois State football. He has recruited think ‘Why aren’t they winning.’ I Spack said. “I plopped my butt down student-athletes capable of competing in thought what a great place, my home and watched it from start to finish. My a very strong academic environment and state and look where it’s located,” Spack dream was to play on ABC and be the capable of competing for championships at the conference and national levels. As said. “I thought I would be a really good Chevrolet Player of the Game. Guess a result, the Redbird football program has fit here. I speak the language of Chicago, what? I won that twice when I was in energized the campus, community and Rockford and Peoria. I know the Midwest.” college. That was kind of cool.” alumni in Illinois and around the country.” Spack also knows football. He His passion for the game has not ISU Director of Athletics Larry Lyons ’86 watched older neighborhood kids play waned, especially given the opportuni- the game in a nearby empty lot before ties at Illinois State. His team has won joining the fray of an 8-and-up league every game in Hancock Stadium since a year early. renovations were completed in 2013. “They let me play at 7. I was illegal,” Spack looks forward to many more bat- tles on the field, as he agreed to remain

May 2015 Illinois State 17 as ISU’s head coach through 2021. ends Teddy Corwin and David Perkins “This is a really neat place from “I can hardly wait to start all over and linebackers Pat Meehan, Alex Don- the faculty to the administrators to the again,” Spack said, turning his thoughts nelly and Oshay Dunmore—who may be athletic department to the town to the to the upcoming season. “We have some shifted to safety. alumni to the students,” Spack said. “To good players coming back, but there As Spack has done in the past to see how much impact this has had on the are no guarantees. We’ve also got some address certain areas of his squad, the ISU community, it’s awesome. No amount good players we have to replace at really Redbirds have added potentially signifi- of money can buy the appreciation of important positions.” cant Bowl Subdivision transfers to their something that has never been done.” After a record-setting offensive defense in lineman David Kenney from Spack views this year’s trip to Fris- season, the Redbirds welcome back Mis- Indiana, linebacker Reggie Spearman co and the resulting tsunami of Redbird souri Valley Newcomer of the Year Tre from Iowa and cornerback Stephen pride as much more of a beginning than Roberson at quarterback and the Mis- Amoako from Oregon. a destination. souri Valley Offensive Player of the Year Spack believes the playoff run “I hope our fans feel like we can do in tailback Marshaun Coprich. provided an obvious boost to putting this. We absolutely can do this,” he said Roberson set a school record for total together the 2015 recruiting class. He of the Redbirds establishing a winning offense with 4,250 yards, while Coprich expects the benefits to manifest them- tradition. “This is not what we can be, smashed previous ISU marks with 2,274 selves even more in 2016, as current high but what we should be. It’s who we are.” yards rushing and 27 touchdowns. school juniors prepare to make their Also returning are key defenders in college choices.

“This is not what we can be, but what we should be. It’s who we are.”

18 Illinois State May 2015 Talent beyond teaching

Campus relies on jobs done outside the classroom

Tell someone you work at the University and the same question is consistently asked: Do you teach? About 1,400 do at Illinois State, but many others are needed away from the classroom in jobs that are often unusual. Few employers need a supervisor of costume crafts, an athletic turf specialist or a parking meter mechanic on staff. These are but a sampling of the unique and often over- looked roles on campus. Others include the housekeeper who keeps the president’s home spotless and a University Farm herder who treats raw sewage. Both share how their

BY KATE ARTHUR KATE BY work is far from a typical day at the office.

May 2015 Illinois State 19 20 Illinois State May 2015 A Spic and Span plan Perfection defines Fran Kaufmann. With She works from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 1,500 pieces of silver that I keep up,” her $9.98 iron, she presses wrinkles from has no plans to stop. Cleaning homes has she said in explaining Friday’s work. T-shirts. If there’s a lipstick stain on a been her job since 17, when she gradu- “It’s relaxing for me to sit and polish.” white linen napkin, she scrubs it out ated from high school and there were When there’s a big event, workers with a toothbrush. Fresh sweeper marks limited employment options. She grew arrive at 8:30 a.m. to remove furniture are important, as is pulling still-warm up on a farm, gathering eggs and help- from the living area. She puts the leaf in towels out of the dryer and folding them ing her mother with chores that ranged the dining room table that seats 18 and just so. from churning butter to tending a huge runs a dust rag over the skeleton of each Kaufmann has done that and garden. chair. far more while serving four Illinois That gives her something in She leaves a note at the end of each State presidents as the University common with the current University day to let the presidential couple know residence housekeeper. Making sure residents, as President Larry Dietz grew of scheduled work, such as an upcoming a 4,000-square-foot home remains up on a dairy farm. Kaufmann is equally power wash for the house, or the need to spotless is not an easy task, especially comfortable with his wife, Marlene. pick ripened tomatoes from the garden. with thousands of visitors annually. She “They’re very joyful, always laugh- The messages have been her signa- serves them all with a smile, greeting ing,” she said. “Larry will talk to me ture for more than 50 years. them at the front door when one leaves in the morning. If he’s having a cup of “It’s fun coming home and finding an umbrella in the foyer or a cell phone yogurt, he’ll offer me one. They’re just a note. She just makes our lives so much behind. very friendly and outgoing people.” easier so we can go on and do the things It’s a job she’s loved for 16 years. Never having had a full-time house- that are expected of us,” Marlene said. “I treat it like it’s my house,” she keeper, Marlene had no idea what to “Being a new president’s wife, I couldn’t said. “I always try and make sure the expect. “I was a little fearful of my own do it without her. She takes good care of front rooms are perfect. You never know privacy, but she gives you that,” Marlene both the house and us. I consider her a who’s coming through the door.” said. “When we cross paths, we visit friend as well as the housekeeper. I miss The 70-year-old was the personal because we enjoy each other’s company. her when she’s off.” housekeeper for Vic and Megan Boschini She has a gift for what she does.” On those days, Kaufmann has no before he became president. He encour- She also has a routine. She starts need to pull the sweeper out at her own aged her to apply for the campus job, cleaning on the first floor on Monday, home. Now that her husband of 51 years and she didn’t hesitate. Her husband, Ed, working her way through each level un- is retired, he cleans the house. was a self-employed carpenter and they til she reaches the kitchen on Thursday. needed the insurance. It gets a thorough scrubbing. “I have

May 2015 Illinois State 21 A shovel and a stench Jason Lindbom’s job stinks. Literally. “I tried an office job and it wasn’t the environmental impact of livestock Stirring buckets of raw animal for me,” he said. “I’ve been outside all waste. sewage, he shows what happens to the my life.” Lindbom monitors the equipment sludge that’s treated at the University When he and his wife Amy’s first that separates the solid and liquid waste Farm’s Waste Treatment Center. Or, as daughter was born, he became a stay-at and treats the sewage. The liquid is used the sign on the door accurately describes home dad, running his own business to feed the crops. The solids are hauled it: The Department of Poopology. selling beef semen and breeding cows to quarter-mile-long compost rows, It’s a building you really don’t want through artificial insemination. He which also contain food waste from the to tour without holding your breath. worked from home until their second University’s dining centers. The Town “You get used to it. Everything runs daughter was in first grade. His busi- of Normal delivers leaves and grass clip- downhill,” he said, laughing. “You can ness eventually led him to the University pings to the compost piles. Items home- say anything you want about that.” Farm, where he loves working with owners raked out of their yards, from Two days a week the 1993 ag pro- agriculture students. golf balls to dog toys, have to be picked duction alum works in waste treatment. “I really like teaching students how out. The compost is made available for The rest of the time he and six others to artificially inseminate cows,” he said. landscape use. do daily chores—from feeding sows to “When a kid gets it, just seeing their There is a definite advantage to breeding cows through artificial insemi- expression makes it worth it.” such physical work. At the end of the nation. It takes a few minutes to breed a day, when his wife asks him to go with “We all help each other out,” cow and 283 days for a calf to be born. her for a workout, Lindbom passes Lindbom said as he climbed into a mud- The students learn how to palpate a cow, without guilt. He doesn’t need any more splattered pickup, diesel engine idling. pulling on a plastic sleeve, inserting a exercise. “Everybody gets the chores done, and hand into the uterus and sweeping it “I tell her that’s what I’ve been then you do your job.” from side to side. If they feel something doing all day.” He came to ISU in 2009 as a herder, like a water balloon about the size of a but that doesn’t mean he’s shepherding cat, the cow was successfully bred. They Yet another odd job livestock around the Lexington farm. may even feel movement. Rachel Webb has had some unusual His official title is assistant agricultural Not your typical university job. But moments in her role as an immigration research technician, which is not what neither is managing a waste treatment specialist with the Office of Internation- he pictured himself doing when he facility. The farm treats nearly all the al Studies and Programs. Read her story graduated. manure produced to reduce odor and at IllinoisState.edu/Magazine.

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5 InsideLook You know that scene from the end of first time touring the archives, Anderson 3. White boxes vs. grey boxes Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the knew the University had a gem. “It’s not White boxes contain artifacts that are Lost Ark where a warehouse contains just the University’s history, teacher already cataloged and processed. Grey mysterious boxes and artifacts as far as education history is here as well. We boxes have yet to be organized. Anderson the eye can see? There’s a place like that have a lot to offer to that history and and her staff can move through a linear at Illinois State University. The Dr. Jo other fields as well. No matter who you foot each day, recording items before Ann Rayfield Archives, housed in a large are, you will find something back here placing them in acid-free folders and warehouse a few miles from campus, that’s interesting.” boxes. holds a trove of historical artifacts that paint a vivid portrait of the University 2. No wandering! 4. Hovey’s swords since its founding. Faculty papers, presi- The archives house more than 15,000 If a fire broke out and Anderson could dential portraits, event memorabilia— linear feet of artifacts including boxes, only save one artifact, she’d choose the anything that can be classified as institu- flat files, and a cold room. Tempera- swords of Charles E. Hovey, Illinois tional memory can find a home here. ture and humidity controls ensure the State’s first president. Hovey approached preservation of items old and new. The Abraham Lincoln about creating a 1. Keeper of the past Teachers Regiment at the request of April Anderson has served as the Uni- archives are open to the public but by his students during the Civil War. The versity Archivist since 2011. She took appointment only. Even then you won’t sword on the trunk is decorative; the one over for the first university archivist, Jo be allowed to wander the aisles. Some Anderson is holding was last carried into Ann Rayfield, for whom the collection is things are too fragile to handle without battle in 1863. named. She is charged with maintaining assistance! and growing the collection. From her

24 Illinois State May 2015 12

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5. Fell’s trunk 8. It’s about time 11. Portraits Hovey wasn’t the only one who offered This time capsule was buried when Old Presidential portraits that once graced his services during the Civil War. This Main was completed in 1861 and retrieved the walls of the Circus Room are now trunk belonged to Jesse Fell, co-founder when it was torn down in 1958. The little kept safe in the archives. There are 14 of Illinois State University. Fell served black box contained newspaper clippings, presidential portraits in the archives, as paymaster for the Union Army from dried prairie flowers, the first university as well as images of graduating classes 1862–1863. catalog, a Bible, a picture of Old Main with and other key members of the campus costs and signatures of builders, and a community. This portrait is of Jacob 6. A theatre for ants number of other items. Greenbaum, father to Elisabeth Green- This model of the Theatre at Ewing was baum, who established the Greenbaum presented by the architect prior to con- 9. Huggable history Memorial Fund. struction. Multiple moves have caused Even stuffed animals form a part of damage to the model, reducing its once Illinois State history. Anderson can use 12. Your artifact here miniature grandeur. various clues to determine the era during Anderson is always seeking new artifacts which they were made. It isn’t always as for the University’s collection. Contact 7. In style easy as hoping a date is printed on the tag! Anderson at [email protected] This bonnet belonged to Harriet to learn how you can make your memory (Vernon) Fell, wife of Jesse Fell. A 10. Piece of the past a part of Illinois State history. Peruse devout Christian, Harriet would wear When Old Main was demolished, pieces the archives online by visiting Library. this headpiece while attending church of the building were given to alumni and IllinoisState.edu/Unique-Collections/ or out in the community. community members as souvenirs. Archives.

May 2015 Illinois State 25 AlumniAwards The Illinois State University Alumni Association honored six award recipients at Founders Day in February, as well as during a dinner program. For video of this year’s awards program, visit Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/Awards.

Distinguished Alumni Alumni Achievement Outstanding Young Award Award Alumni Award Patti S. Hart ’78 Jay Blunk ’86 Matt Klusas ’03 CEO, International Game Technology (IGT) Executive Vice President, Chicago Blackhawks Chief Executive Officer, Cryogenic Control Las Vegas, Nevada Wilmette Herndon, Virginia

As chief executive officer of International Jay Blunk has engineered changes to the Matt Klusas earned a degree in public rela- Game Technology (IGT) since April 2009, Blackhawks’ business landscape, promot- tions and minors in economics and philoso- Patti Hart leads one of the most innovative ing fan accessibility, innovative strategies phy. He completed a master’s at the London and profitable gaming companies in the and new revenue sources. He oversaw new School of Economics with merit, graduat- world. With nearly 5,000 employees and concepts, including Training Camp Festi- ing with the highest mark of distinction for offices on six continents, IGT is a global val and the Emmy Award-winning Black- his dissertation. leader in casino gaming entertainment and hawks TV. He helped bring to Wrigley Field Klusas worked in the financial servic- systems technology. Hart has served on the 2009 NHL Winter Classic—the most- es industry, including Deutsche Bank, the IGT’s board of directors since June 2006 watched NHL game in 34 years. Chicago Board of Trade, and the Federal and is currently on the board of directors of In 2008-2009, the Blackhawks drew Reserve Bank of Chicago. He went to global the American Gaming Association. more than 1 million fans for the first time management consulting firm McKinsey & Prior to joining IGT, she was the chair- and set a league record by averaging 21,783 Co. before holding senior executive roles man and CEO of Pinnacle Systems, Inc., fans per home game. The season ticket base in the life sciences industry, including Life from 2004 to 2005; and of Excite@Home, has tripled to more than 14,000 since the Technologies (now Thermo-Fisher) and Inc., from 2001 to 2002. Hart was previ- 2007-2008 season. The Blackhawks have the American Type Culture Collection. ously chairman and CEO of Telocity, Inc. since consistently been one of the NHL’s He played a leading role in development She also held various executive positions attendance leaders. of next generation DNA sequencing tech- with Sprint Corporation from 1986 to 1999, The Blackhawks twice earned a nomi- nologies and rapid microbiology detection including president and COO of Sprint’s nation for SportsBusiness Journal’s Pro- methods. long distance division. While in that role fessional Sports Team of the Year, have Matt is now CEO of Cryogenic Control, she was included in the inaugural Fortune twice been voted to have the NHL’s “Most a company focusing on remote monitoring list of “Most Powerful Women” in 1998. Innovative Business Practices,” and noted software for cryogenically stored biological Outside the walls of IGT, Hart boasts for the NHL’s “Best Business Savvy” by The materials. He is an executive board member an impressive community involvement Hockey News. at Radian Biotechnology, which focuses on resume. She serves on Duke University’s Blunk previously served 22 years with molecular diagnostics for veterinary com- Public Policy School Board of Visitors. Her the Chicago Cubs. He developed promo- panion animals. past service includes the Illinois Task Force tional events and was with the Cubs when Klusas left his mark at Illinois State. for Literacy, the Southern Methodist Uni- an attendance record was set in 2007. Lambda Pi Eta was named the National versity Meadows Art School Board and An advisory board member for ISU’s Chapter of the Year during his presiden- the Steppenwolf Theatre Board in Chi- School of Communication, Blunk sits on cy of the student organization. He devel- cago. The latter boards reflect her love for the boards of the Chicago Sports Commis- oped an Oxford-style debate and founded the arts and her dedication to furthering sion, the Greater North Michigan Avenue the student organization Communication their missions. Association, and the USO of Illinois and Opportunities for Majors and Minors. He Hart holds a degree in business admin- Chicago Blackhawks Charities. established an endowment to fund the John istration with an emphasis in marketing Blunk was a 2012 inductee into the Chi- R. Baldwin Leadership Award. and economics. An Illinois native, she cagoland Sports Hall of Fame. He and his Klusas and his wife, Marina, met during resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. wife, Marci, have three children: Brandon, a study abroad program at the University of Maggie and Cameron. Oxford while he was at Illinois State.

26 Illinois State May 2015 Patti Hart Jay Blunk Matt Klusas Jaime Flores Sharon Rossmark Sandra Harmon

Senator John W. Maitland E. Burton Mercier Sandra D. Harmon, M.A. ’70, D.A. ’90 ISU History Professor Emeritus Jr. Commitment to Alumni Service Award Normal Education Award Sharon Rossmark ’78 Sandra Harmon taught U.S. history, wom- President and CEO, Zayos Global Ventures, LLC Jaime Flores ’80 en’s history, history education, and wom- Northbrook Owner, Tamale Hut Café en’s studies. Her research included the Berwyn Sharon Rossmark is head of Zayos Global history of women’s education in the United Since studying marketing, Jaime Flores ’80 Ventures, LLC, a consulting firm advising States and 19th-century women at the Uni- has nurtured opportunities for the Lati- businesses on solutions for excess inven- versity. no community. He was president of ISU’s tory. She chairs the National Children’s She taught ISU’s first women’s history Association of Latin American Students. Center board; is vice chair of Sinai Health courses and helped create the Women’s After graduating, Flores joined the Uni- System’s board; and is on ISU’s College Studies program, serving as acting direc- versity’s Admissions staff, where he was an of Business advisory council and Special tor prior to retiring in 2004. As interim invaluable resource for minority students. Olympics Illinois board. assistant to the president for Affirmative He started a Hispanics in the ’80s program She served on the American Hospi- Action and Equal Opportunity, she chaired on campus before taking a position with tal Association’s Midwest Regional Policy the committee that wrote ISU’s first plan Inroads International. Board, Oakton Community College board, for diversity. For two decades Flores worked as a and was board chair of Patient Safety at Harmon has served the Illinois Shake- human resources manager for the non- Sinai Health System. speare Festival Society, Friends of the Arts profit organization that matches talented She is a facilitator and panelist on top- and Senior Professionals. She and her hus- minority candidates with major employers. ics of board governance, patient safety band, Paul, endowed the Harmon Recruit- He helped shape the future of students and mentoring. She presents for numer- ment Scholarship in History. through professional development and ous organizations, including the American She has worked on the Illinois State internships with Fortune 1000 organiza- Hospital Association. Historical Society’s Scholarly Symposium tions. Rossmark worked 30 years in the insur- Committee and the McLean County His- Now owner of the Tamale Hut Café in ance and financial services industry. As an torical Society board. She served on the North Riverside, Flores uses his business to Allstate Insurance Company executive, she boards of Marc Center, League of Women showcase local Hispanic authors and art- led a division responsible for business sup- Voters of McLean County, Campus Reli- ists. His community service includes work port of the organization’s agency distribu- gious Center Corporation, and Heartland on the Hispanic Center of Western Michi- tion channel. Theatre Company. She is a founding mem- gan, Goodwill Industries, Berwyn City of She honored her parents and her ber of the Illinois Prairie Community Foun- Homes, and Berwyn ethics commission. father’s WWII and D-Day service by estab- dation Women to Women Giving Circle and He has served a decade on ISU’s Board of lishing an ISU endowed scholarship sup- is a member of the Town of Normal Human Trustees. porting U.S. military soldiers and veterans. Relations Commission. Flores continues to maintain strong She completed her MBA from the Uni- Harmon received the ISU Outstanding ISU ties as a proud alum who encourages versity of Illinois-Chicago and earned the University Teacher Award, YWCA Wom- and mentors students. He worked to help Governance Fellow designation from the an of Distinction Award, and League of create the University’s Latin@ Alumni Net- National Association of Corporate Direc- Women Voters of McLean County Leaguer work and serves as its first president. tors. She is an American Hospital Associa- of the Year. She and Paul jointly received He and his wife, Lizet, are the parents tion Trustee Leadership Network member the Town of Normal Citizens of the Year of Elizabeth and Helen. and a Menttium Corporation executive Award. mentor alumnus. Her husband is Duane.

May 2015 Illinois State 27 RedbirdProud

Faithful fans Football season unites alumni cheering across country

edbird pride was on display was plenty of red on display at loca- doubting that the Redbirds would make from coast to coast through- tions in Nashville, New Orleans and New it to Texas, she just patiently cheered out the football season, which York. The list grew to include Orlando, from the first game in the fall through to ‌climaxed as the team com- Philadelphia and Atlanta. Two especially the finale. Rpeted for the FCS national champion- enthusiastic grads partnered with the Watch parties don’t end with the ship. Beyond the hundreds who made Alumni Association to host watch parties football season, as Redbirds rally to cheer the trek to Texas to cheer in the stands, in Colorado and Texas. on the basketball team as well. Many alumni unable to attend gathered at Jenna Anderson ’07 organized a televised games throughout the season numerous watch parties. gathering for every playoff game, invit- make it possible to see the action even Alumni Relations partnered with ing Redbirds in the Denver area to The when unable to return to Redbird Arena. Athletics to help arrange locations where Sportsbook Bar in Greenwood Village, Don’t know of watch parties in your ISU fans could join in a cheering section. Colorado. The group, shown above, was area? Contact Alumni Relations to see Not surprisingly, groups tuned in across cheering during the championship finale what is available now so you’re ready for campus and Central Illinois. Redbirds in January. the upcoming season. If there are none also came together in force throughout Susan Nelson-Brown ’78 of Dal- yet organized, consider being the one to the Chicago area and far beyond. las was among the most confident and arrange a gathering for games. Get more Watch parties were scheduled from loyal football fans, hosting watch par- information by calling (309) 438-2586 or San Francisco to Washington, D.C. There ties throughout the entire season. Never emailing [email protected].

28 Illinois State May 2015 Alumni News

Plan for Homecoming With the theme of #Back the Birds cho- sen, efforts are underway for this year’s Homecoming celebration. Plan now to visit campus October 19-25. Annual traditions will continue on Saturday the 24th, with the Town and Gown 5K Run followed by the parade through Uptown Normal. The football team will compete that afternoon. Beyond these highlights, reconnect with faculty and friends from your area of study or an affinity group. Tour the campus and Uptown Normal, as much has changed in recent years. To learn more about events as they are scheduled, go online to Homecoming. IllinoisState.edu or call Alumni Rela- tions at (309) 438-2586. Alumni meeting set Alumni are invited to the Alumni Asso- ciation annual meeting at 9:30 a.m. on June 20 in the Alumni Center. Agenda items include the election of Alumni Association Board of Directors members and officers. Alumni who have made a gift through the University Foundation in the current or preceding year are eligible to vote at the meeting. Go to Alumni. IllinoisState.edu or call (309) 438-2586 for more information. Legacy family defined All Redbirds share the common bond of enjoying their collegiate years on the University campus. For some, the tie to Illinois State is made even stronger by a family connection. Anyone with a sibling, parent or From the archives grandparent who attended the Univer- ISU’s commencement ceremonies have changed markedly over time. The first class of 10 graduated sity is part of a legacy family. Alumni in 1860 in an Old Main ceremony. Regalia was first worn in 1934. Activities were held on the Quad Relations is working to add events and for many years, with the Class of 1954 shown above. Class size required a move from Braden opportunities to celebrate such connec- Auditorium in 1979 to Horton Field House, and eventually Redbird Arena. Each student crossed the tions. stage as of 1981, when ceremonies were divided by college and spread over two days. A December commencement was added in 1991. Share your family’s legacy at Alumni. IllinoisState.edu/Legacy.

May 2015 Illinois State 29 ClassNotes

Fueling athletes Alum researches sports nutrition for Gatorade

‌yan Nuccio ’09 learned the helps athletes improve their health and high school academic advisor. He was power of nutrition on a cross performance through research and edu- impressed by the well-rounded educa- country course in high cation in hydration and nutrition science. tion he received. Rschool. He realized as a junior that his Nuccio works in the Barrington “Having professors with real-life diet made him sick when competing and lab, where scientists study the effects work experience kept me engaged and impaired his athletic performance. of nutrition on the human body before, wanting to learn more about nutrition. He changed what and when he ate during and after exercise. His job blends There was never a time when it became before races to improve. By senior year, business and academia. In a single day, dull or boring,” Nuccio said. he was team co-captain. “I realized that Nuccio could bounce from a research After graduating Nuccio did a nutrition had a powerful impact on me study to a collaborative team project and dietetic internship with Loyola Univer- and my performance, and I realized how a presentation about nutrition. sity in Chicago, followed by a master’s drastically it can make a difference,” said The diversity of experiences is his degree in nutrition education at Rosalind Nuccio, a food, nutrition and dietetics favorite part of the job. “There’s always Franklin University. alum. something happening,” Nuccio said, “and He joined GSSI in 2011 as a research Today he chases his passion—sports it’s all things I enjoy.” associate. Today his focus is on how nutrition—as a research and develop- Nuccio’s career path began in the nutrition influences exercise perfor- ment scientist at the biggest name in Department of Family and Consumer mance, as well as its impact on neuro- sports hydration. He works at Gatorade Sciences, which he found through a cognitive function. Sports Sciences Institute (GSSI), which

30 Illinois State May 2015 Church in Belleville. He and his 40s wife, Linda, reside in Swansea. Nadiene Wenderuth Backlund ’44 is Gary Sulaski ’68 taught PE and Pause for applause widowed and lives in Lutheran coached baseball and football at Hillside Village in Peoria. Hinsdale Central High School from 1968 to 1999 before retiring. Athlete in world spotlight He continued to coach another Already the holder of ISU track and field 50s six years. He has been inducted records, Brittany Smith ’12 became the world Harriet (Koenig) Zoeller ’50 has been into the IHSACA Hall of Fame for leader in shot put earlier this year. She retired for 25 years from a teaching his baseball coaching. He and his earned the world-best mark at the Illinois career that spanned 32 years. She wife, Diana, reside on a farm near Wesleyan Titan Triangular with a throw of taught music and middle school Findlay. 19.01 meters. While a member of the ISU math. She and her husband, John, Daniel Chonowski ’69 is president track and field team for four years, Smith was a 10-time All-American, reside in Normal. and CEO of the Greater Peoria two-time NCAA runner-up, and an Olympic Trials qualifier in the shot put and hammer throw. She holds all of ISU’s throwing records in the Gene Brandt ’52, Ed.D. ’68, retired in Family YMCA. He was the 2014 indoor/outdoor shot put, hammer and weight. Still a loyal Redbird, 1993 and continued teaching part- recipient of the Illini Chief Club time until 2000. He has authored Award, which is presented by the Smith is the director of track and field/cross country operations at the 16 books of travel stories, an auto- Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs. University. biography, WWII stories and The He resides in Peoria. Thinking Person’s Limerick Book. Fred Landbeck ’69 has been elected From county board to Congress He and his wife, Sumie, reside in president of the Grey Eagles, a A career in public service that started while an Illinois Lebanon. national organization of retired State political science major continues for Adam Eleanor (Lucas) Walker ’58, M.S. ’69, and senior American Airline pilots. Kinzinger ’00. He held a seat on the McLean County has retired after 56 years of teach- He and his wife, Carolyn, reside in Board as an ISU sophomore. He now serves as U.S. ing and serving as a principal in Bull Valley. Representative from the 16th District in Illinois. A Princeton Elementary Schools. She Jean (Linenweber) Nisbet ’69 is a Republican, his term runs through 2016. First elected is widowed and lives in Princeton. senior software engineer with Karl in 2011, he is on the Energy and Commerce Commit- tee and has served as Deputy Republican Whip. At Eleanor (Bennett) McMurrin ’59 is Storz. She and her husband, Rob- retired and volunteers at Reading ert, reside in Goleta, California. 37, he is one of the youngest members of Congress. A member of the Power in North Chicago. She and Air Force, he received the Airman’s Medal in 2007 for saving a young her husband, Richard, reside in woman from an attacker with a knife. Lake Forest. 70s Stephen Hillis ’70, M.S. ’75, is retired Keeper of the past from serving as a school psycholo- Trevor Steinbach didn’t lose his passion for history after completing 60s gist for 11 years in Wisconsin and his major in the subject and speech communications in 1975. He has Martha (Pascal) Benjamin ’65, M.S. ’71, 27 years in North Carolina. He has participated in Civil War reenactments as a medic has retired from ISU’s College of had a private practice since 1989. the past 15 years, doing it so well he is nationally Education. She and her husband, He has remarried and resides in recognized. Steinbach is president of the 17th Corps Jerry, reside in Bloomington. West Jefferson, North Carolina. Field Hospital and is on the board of directors of the Society of Civil War Surgeons. He is also president of Sharon (Aldis) Bossert ’65 has retired Rodger Wasson ’71 served as CEO of Tri-State Historical Presentations, which celebrates from teaching at Dwight Grade several state and national agricul- this year the 150th anniversary of General Ulysses School. She and her husband, Rob- tural organizations before forming Grant’s return to Galena. Steinbach’s wife, Cathy (Agnew) ’75, majored ert, reside in Essex. his own business, Idea Farming, Inc. He and his wife, Vicki, reside in music and plays antique flutes at the reenactments. Terry Fry ’65, M.S. ’69, Ed.D. ’76, is in Aptos, California. retired from teaching English at Ready for the runway Bloomington High School. He is Mary Dellorto ’72, M.S. ’73, is a self- widowed and resides in Normal. employed clinical psychologist. Toby (Ford) Atkinson ’05 is a wife, mom and working She and her husband, Paul, reside professional. As Mrs. Illinois, she is also the proud Judi (Brosi) Buckman ’66, M.S. ’97, in Downs. representative of other women who juggle multiple retired as a speech pathologist roles. Atkinson will represent Illinois in the national with Indian Prairie School District Daniel Kuhn ’73 is vice president competition for Mrs. United States during a five- 204. She and her husband, Chuck, at All Trust Home Care. He has day event set for July in Las Vegas. This is the 29th reside in Naperville. authored Alzheimer’s Early Stages: First Steps for Family, Friends and year for the pageant, which acknowledges that married women are an Ken Williams ’66 owns and operates Caregivers. He resides in Chicago. inspiration to families, friends, colleagues and communities. Atkinson is KLW Enterprises, which provides a regional talent acquisition manager for Cintas Corporation. She and David Palia ’73 retired after 35 years financial training to churches. He her husband, Shaun, are the parents of a 3-year-old daughter and reside with the Illinois Department of has served as organist for 25 years in Bolingbrook. at St. Matthew United Methodist Transportation. He works as a public involvement specialist for the Blue Daring consultant firm in

May 2015 Illinois State 31 How we met The odds of Sarah Frakes ’10 meeting Daniel Chavez ’07 were not great. She started her marketing degree in the College of Business just as he was completing his senior year as an eco- nomics major in the College of Arts and Sciences. Sarah came from western Illinois and lived in Hewett. Daniel was from the Chicago south suburbs and lived off campus. It was consequently not a class or shared residence hall experience that brought the two together, but rather jobs at The Garlic Press in Uptown Normal. “I had been working as a dishwasher for a few years when Sarah started out front,” Daniel said. “I kept asking my boss to schedule us together, but she refused.” “Luckily for us, I had to take an economics class. Daniel helped me with a few assignments, which started our friend- ship,” Sarah said. They came to share a group of friends as a result, but didn’t date until Daniel began returning for campus visits after graduating. Sarah and Daniel dated for more than five years before his proposal came in the home they had just purchased in Daniel and Sarah, seated, paused at their wedding reception to pose with their many Redbird November 2013. The wedding was August 16, 2014, with friends who attended the August 2014 ceremony. Among them were, standing behind the many Redbird friends participating in the celebration. couple, ISU Board of Trustees Chair Rocky Donahue ’82 and his wife, Janet. Now living in Homewood, Sarah is the marketing coor- dinator for The Arc of Illinois, which empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Daniel is a supply chain manager at Panduit, a global manufacturer. The two appreciate that they can share their ISU memories with each other, as they both enjoyed their collegiate days. “It’s awesome that we have that campus connection,” Sarah said, noting they enjoy visiting the University whenever possible. Their Redbird pride is strong and obvious, even displayed via the family pet as they accessorize their dog’s collar with an ISU handkerchief.

Chicago. He and his wife, Susanne, Debra (Bannon) Weingarth ’75 auth- Patrick J. Cotter ’78 has joined Hope (Jorns) Heslop ’81 is a pre-K reside in Streamwood. ored the book If Only I Could Bark. Greensfelder, Hemker and Gale, teacher in Shiloh School District She and her husband, Mark, reside P.C., to lead the law firm’s newly 85. She received an Emerson John Tenny ’73, M.S. ’74, is vice in Hermann, Missouri. formed government interaction Excellence Teaching Award in president of education solutions practice group. He is also a mem- 2014. She resides in Belleville. for RANDA Solutions Company, Steven Longman ’76 is lead cost engi- ber of the firm’s litigation practice which acquired his company, neer for Jacobs Engineering Group Christopher Honn ’81 is the director group and white collar crime and eCOVE Software. He resides in at ExxonMobil in Beaumont, of customer engagement multifam- corporate compliance practice. He Pacific City, Oregon. Texas, where he resides. ily for Fannie Mae. He resides in previously served as an assistant Woodridge. Patrick Schloss ’74, M.S. ’76, is retired Mark Lowery ’77 has established his U.S. attorney. He is a legal com- president of Valdosta State Univer- own firm, Lowery and Associates mentator for national media and John Jellies, M.S. ’81, is a biology sity. He previously served as presi- Security Consulting. He completed has taught criminal law at several professor at Western Michigan dent of Northern State University 35 years in law enforcement, retir- universities. He resides in Chicago. University. He received the 2014- in South Dakota and chaired the ing as a special agent in charge of 2015 Distinguished Faculty Scholar Marjorie (Williams) Douglas ’79, ’09, special education departments at the U.S. Secret Service. He was Award from the university. He is an information and assistance Penn State and University of Mis- responsible for protecting four sit- studies how the nervous system specialist with Central Illinois souri. He has authored many books ting presidents, traveled to more controls behavior. He resides in Agency on Aging, Inc. She and her in special education and higher than 33 countries and received the Mattawan, Michigan. husband, Melvin, reside in Peoria. education leadership. He resides in Medal of Valor, which is the Secret Debra Roeschley, M.S. ’81, retired Valdosta, Georgia. Service’s highest honor. He and his after 35 years as an Illinois public wife, Karen, reside in Granbury, Anthony Martin ’75 of Sandberg school teacher. Her son, Jason Texas. 80s Phoenix and Von Gontard has Roeshcley, M.A. ’14, teaches at Inter- joined the mediation panel at Randy Roland ’77 retired from River- John McGowan ’80 is the senior national House in Aguascalientes, United States Arbitration and dale CUSD 100 after teaching gen- IT business development/talent Mexico. She and her husband, Mediation, which is the leading eral music and band for 37 years. resources employee with Apple- John, reside in Flanagan. provider of mediation and arbi- He and his wife, Donna, reside in One Workforce Solutions. He and Brian Koch ’83 is an IT programmer tration services. He resides in St. Erie. his wife, Carey, reside in Nolens- and analyst with the City of Phoe- Louis, Missouri. ville, Tennessee. nix in Arizona, where he resides.

32 Illinois State May 2015 Elizabeth Petrovski ’83 is a finance ca. She started an inclusive project Kristine Dulski ’92 is an operations He and his wife, Peggy, reside in specialist with the U.S. Agency for at the school and works with spe- analyst with Herndon Capital Bloomington. International Development. She cial needs students. She resides in Management. She resides in Lithia Mirielle (Rosenwinkel) Strasser ’94 is resides in Rome, Italy. Ecuador. Springs, Georgia. a gifted specialist for William F. William Prewett ’83 is president of Deborah (Carter) Martin ’88 is an Kristen (Bava) Kucharski ’92 is a Murphy Elementary in Woodridge. Chicago Fire and Burglar Detec- interviewing and hiring officer features writer and columnist for She worked for 12 years as a pre- tion, Inc. He resides in Glen Ellyn. with the Illinois Department Glancer Magazine. She has inter- K teacher for DaVinci Academy of Human Services. She is also W. Jean Yeung, M.A. ’83, is a pro- a paranormal investigator. She fessor of sociology and the Asia resides in Sherman. Research Institute at the National University of Singapore. She is also Yolanda Rocio ’88 is vice president director of family and population of human resources for CDK Glob- research at the school. Her work al. She resides in Naperville. has appeared in many scholarly Brian Wojtczak ’88 is general man- journals. ager at Lacks Enterprises, Inc. He Sharon (Muehlhauser) Jones ’84 is a had served as the director of sales certified nutrition coach with Sha- for the manufacturer. He and his ron Jones Wellness. She resides in wife, Frances, reside in Grand Rap- Saint Peters, Missouri. ids, Michigan. Joseph Nasados ’84 owns colinaelec- Elaine (Norem) Artman ’89, M.S. ’92, tricaltraining.com. He and his wife, is an associate professor in the Joy, are parents to a daughter. Education Leadership Program at They reside in Gladewater, Texas. Mercer University. She received the 2014 Tift College of Educa- Nancy (Ettling) Schoon ’84 is a teach- tion Cathryn Futral Excellence in er in District 110. She received Teaching Award. She resides in an Emerson Excellence Teach- Rome, Georgia. Redbirds then and now ing Award in 2014. She resides in Long before she was dean of the College of Education, Sally (Bulkley) Lebanon. Lorene Kennard ’89 is director of Pancrazio was a business teacher education major. Among her Illinois the Morris Area Public Library. Todd Reeser ’85 is the director of She resides in her hometown of State memories are the times she spent with her Walker Hall room- athletics at Columbus State Uni- Morris. mates, who met in August of 1957. All went on to teach. They recon- versity. He and his wife, Janet, nected last fall, continuing their tradition of at least annual reunions. reside in Columbus, Georgia. Kirk Salmela, D.A. ’89, is a high They are, from left, Linda (Webster) Bean ’60, Granville; Lori (Mertz) school principal in Springfield, Ray Wallace, D.A. ’85, is the chancel- Gruber ’61, Riverside; Linda (Cunningham) Tyree, Lombard; and Pancra- Colorado. He resides in Fort Col- lor of Indiana University Southeast zio ’60, Bloomington. lins, Colorado. in New Albany, Indiana, where he resides. Rhonda (Blemler) Simonson ’89 is a staff analyst with State Farm Marty Koehler ’86 is vice president viewed Dan Aykroyd. She resides in Elgin. She and her husband, Insurance Companies. She and her of Assurance, an independent in Naperville. Michael, reside in Aurora. husband, Steve, reside in Bloom- insurance brokerage. He is a CPA ington. Ken Russell ’92 is a controller with Larry West ’94 is senior director of and resides in Wheaton. Motorola Mobility. He and his healthcare and scientific practice Marc Pasteris ’86 is the vice presi- wife, Mary Sue, reside in Schaum- at SmithBucklin. He resides in dent of finance and facilities/ 90s burg. Chicago. CFO for Eureka College. He and Jill (Wrench) Celaya ’93 is a business Sue Henshon, M.S. ’95, teaches his wife, Carol, reside in Peoria Arnaud Marchais, MBA ’90, is a sup- analyst with State Farm Insurance creative writing and composition Heights. ply director with Timac Agro Sas. He resides in Bordeaux, France. Companies. She and her husband, at Florida Gulf Coast University. Scott Cant ’88 is the executive James, reside in Bloomington. She has authored a young adult director of College of Diplomates Alan Mickelson ’90 is managing novel titled Andy Lightfoot and the Jeffrey Hoffman ’93 is a PlayStation of the American Board of Ortho- director of the federal tax group Time Warp. She resides in Naples, representative with Sony Com- dontics. He resides in Maryland with KPMG in Austin, Texas. Florida. puter Entertainment America. He Heights, Missouri. Craig Adkins ’91 is the director of resides in Santa Clarita, California. Michelle Keene ’96 is an admissions Kathleen Case ’88 is an assistant hedge fund manager research for nurse at Brooks Rehabilitation Derek Trimble ’93 is senior fleet clinical director at Hammitt DiMeo Schneider and Associates Hospital. She resides in Jackson- manager of Auto Car, LLC. He School. She and her husband, Stan- in Chicago. His wife, Jill (Paliakas) ville, Florida. resides in Goose Creek, South ley, reside in Towanda. ’89, is a special education teacher in the Valley View District in Carolina. Heather (Kauffman) Kile ’96 is a risk Lucia Adriana Mino Garces, M.S. ’88, manager at Johns Hopkins Univer- Romeoville. They are the parents Matt Koonce ’94 is a manager at is a Fullbright-LASPAU scholar sity’s applied physics laboratory. of three children and reside in State Farm Insurance Companies. working at the Unidad Educativa Orland Park. She and her husband, John, reside Julio Verne school in South Ameri- in Laurel, Maryland.

May 2015 Illinois State 33 Redbird Legacy Jackie (Lacke) Froelich transferred to campus in 1986, never envisioning how many Redbirds would eventually fill her family’s tree. A physical edu- cation graduate, she was the first of three siblings to attend. Three spouses in the family are also graduates, including Jackie’s husband, Jeff ’87. Although also an education major, Jeff and Jackie did not meet on campus. He was focused on industrial technology. Both are at Dwight High School, where Jeff teaches and Jackie works as a guidance counselor. They have two children, both of whom attend Illinois State. Amy Froelich works at Pub II and is entering her last year as an elementary education major. She chose Illinois State in part for the Profes- sional Development School experience. Her brother, Andy, just completed his freshman year in agribusiness. Both like the distance from home and knew their parents had enjoyed Illinois State. The stories about campus came from beyond their parents, as Eight family members with a tie to Illinois State include, front row from left, Jackie’s sister is a 1996 graduate. Jill (Lacke) Johannes majored in educa- Andy Froelich, Jill Johannes, Amy Froelich and Jackie Froelich. Back row from tion. She works at Christ the King school in Springfield. Jill met Greg ’96 left are, Greg Johannes, Jeff Froelich, Kevin Lacke and Trevor Towns. while at ISU. A marketing major, he is in sales with Abbvie Pharmaceutical. They have three children and reside in Springfield. Kevin Lacke, brother to Jackie and Jill, completed a marketing major in 2000. He is employed by Motorola and lives in Gilberts with his wife, Nicole, and their three children. Another sister, Sue, also married a Redbird. Trevor Towns ’88 studied applied geography. He works with North American Hoganas. The two reside in Windber, Pennsylvania, with their two sons. From remembering special moments that include Homecoming events to just enjoying the Quad, Jackie notes that family members appreciate sharing an alma mater. “Our home is definitely an ISU house. It’s great fun to have such a strong campus connection,” Jackie said, reflecting on how many memories are shared because so many family members are Redbirds.

James Baltrum ’97 completed a mas- She resides in Huntington Beach, with Meadows Mennonite Retire- ’01, ’10, is a math teacher at Chid- ter’s in literature and a doctorate California. ment Communities. She resides in dix Junior High School. They in American Literature. He is a Normal. reside in Normal. Christopher Roe ’99 is a program literature and humanities profes- analyst with the U.S. Department Aja Holmes ’00, M.S. ’02, completed Teresa (Begley) Stetler ’00 is a tech- sor in the College of Liberal Arts at of Homeland Security. He and his a doctorate in educational leader- nical specialist in retirement ser- Robert Morris University in Chi- wife, Jennifer, reside in Chicago. ship at Iowa State University. She vices at Lincoln Financial Group. cago. He and his wife, Ann, reside received the Teaching in Excel- She and her husband, Michael, in Bolingbrook. Enrico Washington ’99 is a systems lence Award for outstanding teach- are the parents of three children. analyst with State Farm Insurance Jason Bletzinger ’97 is completing a ing given to the top 10 percent of Their daughter, Lena Cadence, was Companies. He and his wife, Moni- doctorate through Capella Univer- graduate students at the university. born in July 2014. They reside in ca, reside in Bloomington. sity. He is an assistant superinten- She is the senior associate direc- McHenry. dent for curriculum and instruc- tor of residence life at Sacramento Timothy Tokuda ’00 is vice presi- tion at the Richland-Bean Blossom State University. She resides in dent of field operations at Berkley Community School Corporation. 00s Sacramento, California. Regional Specialty Insurance Com- He and his wife, Kara, reside in Shari Conditt ’00 is a finalist for the Michele (Ayers) Phillips ’00 is the pany. He and his wife, Amie, reside Bloomington, Indiana. 2015 Washington State Teacher director of human resources for in Chandler, Arizona. of the Year after having been cho- Jason Leppin ’97 is vice president Luther Oaks. Her husband, David sen as the 2015 ESD 112 Regional of the JourneyCare Foundation. Teacher of the Year. She also He and his wife, Annie, reside in received the American Historical South Elgin. Association’s Nancy Roelker Men- Amy (Brophy) Laughlin ’98 is a kin- torship Award in 2014. She and her dergarten through sixth grade husband, David, reside in Battle intervention teacher at Hansen Ground, Washington. School, Savanna School District in Holly (Wayland) Hall ’00 is senior Anaheim, California. She has been director of sales and marketing named a 2015 Teacher of the Year.

34 Illinois State May 2015 Samuel Elbert ’01, ’03, is a Metamora Amy (Dunn) Johnson ’03 is a deputy ing designer in theater, opera and Molly Beck ’05 is the education Township High School teacher with the Kane County Sheriff’s dance. He resides in Brooklyn, reporter for the Wisconsin State who coaches football and bass Office. She and her husband, Ken- New York. Journal in Madison. She and her fishing teams. He and his wife, neth, reside in Sugar Grove. husband reside in Madison, Wis- Rachel (Ladage) Getz ’04, M.S. ’09, Jenna, are the parents of a son. consin. Rebecca (Bosy) Johnston ’03 is the is a special education teacher at Weston Joseph was born in June library media specialist with Com- Manual High School in Peoria Amanda Campisi ’05 was named 2014. They reside in Metamora. munity Unit School District 201 in Public Schools District 150. She Educator of the Year at Elrod Matthew Goodwin ’01, M.S. ’03, is the Westmont. She and her husband, director of Student Affairs at Car- Jason, are the parents of a son. dinal Stritch University. He resides Colin Robert was born March in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 2014. They reside in Bloomingdale. Cari (Rich) James ’01 is the visit- Melanie (Farrell) Lukacsy ’03 com- ing assistant director of alumni pleted a master’s in educational engagement and special events leadership from Concordia Univer- for the College of Media at the sity. She is an assistant principal University of Illinois. She and her with Waltham Elementary School husband, Kyle, reside in Urbana. in Utica. She and her husband, Louis, reside in LaSalle. Chris Patton ’01 is senior grants spe- cialist for National Science Foun- Susan Megy, M.A. ’03, is a doctoral dation awards at the University of candidate at the National Univer- Illinois-Urbana. He and his wife, sity of Ireland Galway. She works Kim, reside in Monticello. in humanitarian affairs for the United Nations. She resides in Anne (Blue) Siegler ’01 taught art in Washington, D.C. the Chicago Public Schools and is now a stay-at-home mom. Her Robert Vodicka ’03 is a senior associ- Rekindling Watterson memories husband, Jason ’05, works for Pizzo ate at SEAF, a private equity fund Seven young women settled in as suite mates of Randolph 1A in Wat- and Associates as the superinten- that operates in emerging markets. terson Towers in 1994. They quickly established a friendship that con- dent of the Chicago Park District. He and his wife, Candace, are tinued beyond and despite distance. The ladies celebrated their 20-year They are the parents of a son and the parents of a daughter. Lainey friendship last fall with a campus visit and return to Watterson. They reside in Chicago. Katherine was born in May 2014. are, from left, Erin (Kidwell) Shumaker ’97 of Champaign, Sue (Serbin) They reside in Algonquin. Lauren Webb, M.S. ’01, is a speech Kretschmer ’96 of Huntley, Amy (Latham) McFarland ’96 of Normal, language pathologist with the Los Russell West ’03 is completing an Jody (Rodeffer) Robinson ’98 of Peoria, Dana (Niemi) Scott ’98 of Angeles County Office of Educa- MBA. He is a recruiter and human Libertyville, Nicole (Nelson) Harrington ’98 of Channahon, and Jessica tion. She and her husband, David resource manager for the YMCA of (Krueger) Daily ’96 of Denver, Colorado. Elbaz, are the parents of a son. Metro Chicago, where he resides. They reside in Playa Vista, Cali- Sarah (Zoss) Yeah ’03 is a commer- fornia. cial underwriting associate with Ryan Kurtz ’02, M.S. ’05, is the vice COUNTRY Financial. She and her and her husband, Maxwell, reside Elementary in Texas, where she president of internal communica- husband, Doug, are the parents in Elmwood. teaches kindergarten. She resides tions for KCG Holdings. He resides of a son. Noah was born in 2014. Julie (Fehrenbacher) McCoy ’04, M.S. in San Antonio, Texas. in Chicago. They reside in Morton. ’06, is the school nutrition director Patricia Conte ’05 is the president of Emily (Lamb) Normand, M.S. ’02, is an Adam (Corelli) Bellcorelli ’04 is for District 87. She and her hus- Fox Chapel Tours and Cruises. She assistant professor in the Depart- completing a master’s in public band, Ryan, reside in Carlock. and her husband, John, reside in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. ment of Communications at Lewis administration at the University of Patrick McKevitt ’04 is the director University in Romeoville. She and Wisconsin and an internship with of operations at Shamrock Electric Audrey (Yates) Irias ’05 is complet- her husband, Russell, reside in the Career Services Office on the in Elk Grove Village. He is a certi- ing a master’s in translation and Lockport. campus. He and his wife, Nicole, fied PMP. He and his wife, Laura, interpreting at the University of reside in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Adam Welling ’02 is a relationship are the parents of two children and Illinois. She is in her ninth year manager with the Federal Reserve Stacy (Swigert) Dillefeld ’04 is a stay- reside in Arlington Heights. with Manatee School District in Bradenton, Florida, where she now Bank of St. Louis. He and his wife, at-home mom. Her husband, Luke Amber (Vander Pluym) Rigsby ’04 and teaches French. She and her hus- Lauren, are the parents of three ’06, is an operational excellence her husband, Michael ’04, started band, Robert, reside in Sarasota, children and reside in Breese. leader at Mallinckrodt Pharma- the Internet company DirtonDirt. ceuticals in St. Louis. They are the Florida. Andrea DeFrates Williams ’02 is com- com. The website covers late-mod- parents of two children and reside pleting a master’s degree at Miami el dirt racing across the country. Megan (Kocolowski) McKenna ’05 is in Fenton, Missouri. University and participated in a They reside in Bloomington. the event coordinator at the Unit- ed Center. Her husband, Patrick global field course in Costa Rica Gary Echelmeyer ’04 is the resident Callie (Truschke) Sealock ’04 is a ’04, is an educational specialist in as part of the program. She is a assistant lighting director with the seventh grade special education the Department of Psychiatry for science teacher at Auburn School New York City Ballet at Lincoln teacher. She and her husband, NorthShore University HealthSys- District 10 in Chatham. Center. He is a freelance light- Chad, reside in Rolling Meadows.

May 2015 Illinois State 35 tems. They are the parents of two children’s middle grade novel. She daughters and reside in Lombard. resides in Chicago. Ryan Meyer ’05 is vice president of Linda Wastyn, Ph.D. ’07, is president nonprofit and governmental lend- of Wastyn and Associates. She is a ing for SunTrust Bank’s central visiting professional in the philan- Florida region. He resides in Win- thropy communication program at ter Park, Florida. the University of Iowa’s School of Journalism and Mass Communica- Andre Miller ’05 is a special agent tion. She and her husband, Ron, with the Bureau of Alcohol, reside in Port Byron. Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He and his wife, Jamie, reside in Brent Baxter ’08 is a property claims O’Fallon. supervisor with Pekin Insurance Company. He and his wife, Megan, Amy (Scott) Parcell ’05 teaches first reside in Geneva. grade at Maroa-Forsyth CUSD 2. She and her husband, Zachery, Laban Cross, M.S. ’08, Ph.D. ’13, reside in Bloomington. teaches math at Tri-Valley High Across the pond School. He and his wife, Lisa, Leigh (Toovey) Speed ’05 teaches reside in Bloomington. fifth grade at Chesapeake Public Public relations graduate Jenna Anderson ’07 enjoyed touring London Schools. She and her husband, last fall, where she Spread the Red and proudly displayed her ISU pride. Dijon DeLaPorte, M.S. ’08, is the Aaron, reside in Suffolk, Virginia. She paused on the Princess Diana Memorial Walk for a photo with Pad- director of residence life at Buena dington Bear. A resident of Colorado, Anderson is active as a volunteer Vista University in Iowa. His wife, Dana Almdale ’06 is the assistant in the Denver alumni network. Becky Neary-DeLaPorte, M.S. ’08, is director of alumni relations at director of student activities and Loyola University Chicago. She leadership at the school. They are resides in Chicago. Jaclyn Sabatino ’06 is program man- Kathleen Fitzgerald-Ellis ’07 is a stu- the parents of twin boys. Avery and Amelia Cearlock ’06 is a behavioral ager for Wiley Global Education. dent success advisor with Black Elliot were born in July 2014. They health clinical coordinator with She resides in Hanover Park. Hills State University. She and her reside in Storm Lake, Iowa. the Arizona Department of Child husband, Trenton, reside in Spear- Brett Scholfield ’06 is a national bank Rosanna Fugate ’08 is completing an Safety. She resides in Tempe, Ari- fish, South Dakota. examiner with the U.S. Treasury MBA at Harvard Business School. zona. Department’s Office of the Comp- Sarah Franzen ’07, M.S. ’10, is the She resides in Boston, Massachu- James Etzel, M.A. ’06, is director of troller of the Currency. He resides development director for Habitat setts. the library at Arkansas Tech Uni- in Minneapolis, Minnesota. for Humanity of McLean County. Bernard Heine ’08 is a manager at versity. He resides in Russellville, She resides in Normal. Brian Spicer ’06 is the school psy- PricewaterhouseCoopers. He and Arkansas. chologist for Maine Township Kyle Hack ’07 completed a graduate his wife, Kaylee, reside in German- Sarah Gerson ’06 is an assistant pro- High School District 207. He degree in school psychology at The town Hills. fessor at University of St. Andrews. resides in Mount Prospect. Chicago School of Professional Jackie Jobst ’08 is a certified meet- She and her husband, Ross Vander- Psychology. He is a school psy- Jennifer Stouffer ’06 completed a ing planner. She is the director of wert, reside in Schaumburg. chologist in a West Aurora School master’s in family-child nursing marketing and strategic partner- District 129 middle school just out- Jilliam (Davidson) Hultgren ’06 is a from St. Francis Medical Center ships with ConferenceDirect. She side of Chicago. stay-at-home mom. Her husband, College of Nursing. She is patient resides in Henderson, Nevada. James ’06, is an English teacher and care manager for the pediatric William Malott ’07 is a video editor Beth Mehlbaum ’08 completed a instructional coach at Glenbard intermediate unit at OSF St. Fran- at State Farm Insurance Compa- master’s in education. She is part East High School. They are the cis Medical Center. She is a part- nies. He and his wife, Clare, reside of the admnistrative team at Easter parents of a son, Owen James, born time clinical faculty member with in Bloomington. Seals Therapeutic School and Cen- in September 2014. They reside in Mennonite College of Nursing. She Peter Orlowicz ’07 is a general attor- ter for Autism in Rockford, where Glendale, Heights. resides in Peoria. ney for the U.S. Railroad Retire- she resides. Courtney Klapperich ’06 is an educa- Nicole Taft ’06 works as merchan- ment Board. He and his wife, Mar- Joshua Mohr ’08 is event director for tion specialist with the mycology/ dise manager at Barnes and Noble tha, reside in Westchester. Red Frog events and a volunteer mycobacteriology laboratory at Booksellers. She is a writer under Casey (McKittrick) Seyller ’07 com- with Shelter Box. He worked in Mayo Clinic. She and her husband, the pseudonym Nick Trevano. She pleted a master’s in special educa- Nepal in 2014, setting up tem- Benjamin, reside in Rochester, has published a fantasy romance tion from National Louis. She is a porary shelters after devastating Minnesota. titled Terpsichore’s Daughter and special education resource teacher monsoons and floodwaters hit. He a science fiction novel titled Adve- Lacey (Sutton) Ritchart ’06 is the in Hinsdale. She and her husband, did training for the organization in nae. She resides in Blue Springs, director of marketing for Westmin- David, reside in Plainfield. London. He resides in Yorkville. ster Village. She and her husband, Missouri. Katie Sparks ’07 is the manager Melissa (Hoebbel) Muldowney ’08 is Travis, reside in Normal. Christopher Anderson ’07 is a high of consumer publishing at the a strategic marketing manager at school teacher with Rockford Pub- American Academy of Pediatrics. Kerry. She and her husband, Timo- lic Schools. He resides in Rockford. She authored Reality Natalie, a thy ’08, were married in Septem-

36 Illinois State May 2015 ber 2014. He is assistant general Robin (Danielson) Pond ’09 com- Allison (Kriauciunas) McGreevy ’10 is Sarah Wannemacher ’10 is an agency counsel with First Midwest Group. pleted a master’s of medical sci- the marketing manager in charge recruiter with State Farm Insur- They reside in Loves Park. ence in physician assistant stud- of lead generation for GrubHub. ance Companies. She resides in ies at Midwestern University in She and her husband, Michael ’10, Fort Collins, Colorado. Heather Richardson ’08, ’10, is pro- Downers Grove. She is a physician reside in Downers Grove. gram specialist for statewide LaDonna Watts ’10 is a recruitment assistant in internal medicine at student initiatives at the Illinois Wesley McKinney ’10 is a musician and selection analyst with Cook Oaklund Medical Group. She and Mathematics and Science Acad- performing as a dueling pianist County Health and Hospital Sys- her husband, Christopher, reside emy. She resides in Aurora. with Chicago Dueling Pianos tem. She resides in Richton Park. in Glen Ellyn. and Howl at the Moon’s travel- Aimee Schaefer ’08 is a continuing Julianne Zajac ’10 completed a mas- Philip Rudd, M.M. ’09, is completing ing show, Howl2Go. He performs care counselor with Timberline ter’s in scene painting specializa- a doctorate in orchestral conduct- solo on Chicago stages and in 2014 Knolls. She resides in Chicago. tion from California Institute of ing at the University of Iowa. He released his debut single, “Love in the Arts. She paints in two scene Samantha Strimpel ’08 is program completed five years of teaching its Prime.” He resides in Chicago. shops in the Los Angeles area, director/registered dietitian with orchestra at Wheaton North High Physician’s Choice Wellness. She School. He resides in Villa Park. resides in St. Louis, Missouri. Susan (Beuth) Springer ’09 teaches Jessica Barnes-Pietruszynski, Ph.D. ’09, English at Mt. Pulaski High is an associate English professor School. She and her husband, at West Virginia State University. Brian, reside in Minier. She and her husband, Jeff ’06, are Trina Steinmaker, M.A. ’09, M.S. ’10, the parents of two daughters and is a vocational evaluator at Florida reside in Poca, West Virginia. State College at Jacksonville. Ryan Blonn ’09 is the manager of She resides in Fernandina Beach, international internal audit with Florida. Aldi Sud. He resides in Aurora. Elizabeth (Kolbuck) Del Toro ’09 is a social studies and reading teacher 10s at Epiphany School. She and her Tiffanie Brown ’10, ’11, is a PE teacher husband, Kevin, reside in Claren- with the Independence School don Hills. District. She resides in Kansas City, Fantastic football fans Elizabeth Foste, M.S. ’09, is career Missouri. The 2014 football team made school history earlier this year with ISU’s and outreach coordinator at Uni- Mitchell Coonradt ’10 teaches history versity of Wisconsin-Madison. She and is the boys’ head cross country first appearance at a NCAA Division I Football Championship game. resides in Oregon, Wisconsin. coach at Manual Academy. He and The Redbirds took on North Dakota State in Texas in front of faithful fans. Reggie joined the ISU crowd in pre-game activities. Kristina (Rapps) Frawley ’09 teaches his wife, Kayla, reside in Canton. eighth grade science at Belleville Michael Detmer ’10 is a music thera- School District 118. She and her pist with Norton Healthcare and husband, Joshua, reside in Fair- a lecturer with the University of Meagan (Sansone) Meneou ’10 is a RRPS, Inc. and Scenic Highlights. view Heights. Louisville. He resides in Louisville, special education teacher with She resides in Simi Valley, Cali- Rachel Gierman-Vella ’09 is a special Kentucky. Eisenhower Cooperative. She fornia. education teacher with Barrington and her husband, Kevin, reside in Ross Frawley ’10 is completing a Emily (Beukema) Conrad ’11, M.S. ’13, CUSD 220. She and her husband, Downers Grove. master’s in acting at Florida Atlan- is a membership assistant with the Matthew, reside in Palatine. tic University. He resides in Boca Victoria Moré ’10 co-founded the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. She John Learned ’09 is a funeral direc- Raton, Florida. Really Really Free Market and is and her husband, John, reside in tor and embalmer at Calvert and Amelia King ’10 is a family teacher at the curator of digital humanities Chicago. Metzler Memorial Home. He and at the McLean County Museum Mooseheart Child City and School. Colin Daly ’11 is an environmental his wife, Nicole (Simmons) ’02, ’08, of History. She and her husband, She resides in Grant Park. engineer at Natural Resource reside in Normal. Kelby, reside in Bloomington. Edward Kipp ’10 is a sales consultant Technology in Chicago, where he Katie (Giberson) Mayer ’09 is an IT with AssetMark, Inc. He resides in Laken Rippentrop ’10 is a recovery resides. analyst at John Deere. She and her specialist with Rosecrance Mul- Chicago. Kelsey (Coker) Daniels ’11 is an ESL husband, Dan, reside in Le Claire, berry Center. She spent two years Benjamin Maas, M.S. ’10, instructor with Kaplan Inter- Iowa. is an assis- in Kenya as a member of the Peace national Colleges. She and her tant professor at Buena Vista Uni- Corps. She resides in Rockford. Jillian Meyers ’09 works in corporate versity. He resides in Storm Lake, husband, Don, reside in Goleta, buying for ALDI, Inc. She resides Iowa. Danielle (Hernandez) Rose ’10 is California. in Willowbrook. a commodity trader with ADM Katherine McClain ’10 Matthew Fuller, Ph.D. ’11, is an assis- is a risk ad- Grain Company. She and her hus- Carl Oviedo ’09 is a corrections tant professor of higher education justment coordinator with Dean band, Tyler, reside in Indianapolis, officer with Cook County Sheriff administration at Sam Houston Health Plan. She resides in Madi- Indiana. Office. He and his wife, Allison, son, Wisconsin. State University and is assistant reside in La Grange.

May 2015 Illinois State 37 dean of assessment in the College Emily Bornhoff ’14 teaches physical of Education. He resides in Mont- education at Cesar Chavez Ele- gomery, Texas. mentary School in Oklahoma City. She resides in Yukon, Oklahoma. Jory Harris ’11 is an applications specialist at Perten Instruments in o o s Lost Tim Fudala ’14 is a distribution gen- Springfield. L ve’s Lab ur’ eralist with McMaster-Carr. He resides in Elk Grove Village. Julie (Boesen) Higgins ’11 is the band Don’t miss director at Naperville Commu- Alumni Night Jamie Guerrettaz, M.S. ’14, is a pro- nity Unit School District 203. She gram supervisor for the family and her husband, Sean, reside in at the Illinois centered services program of Chil- Aurora. dren’s Home and Aid in Blooming- Shakespeare ton. She and her husband, Blake, Samantha (Szczender) Kirkton ’11 is reside in Heyworth. the guidance counselor at Deland- Festival! Weldon High School. She and her Sean Higgins ’14 teaches physics at husband, James, reside Cham- Saturday Illinois Prairie School District 204. paign. July 11 He and his wife, Julie, reside in Aurora. Joseph Lesiak ’11 is a corporate train- er for Command Transportation in Peter Marquardt ’14 is a registered Theater tours, buffet dinner, and a performance of Skokie. He resides in Tinley Park. nurse at MetroSouth Medical Cen- Love’s Labour’s Lost. Learn more and register at ter. He resides in Chicago. Megan (Frantik) Pace ’11 is a criti- Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/Shakespeare. cal care nurse at Advocate Good Jennifer Stewart ’14 is an industrial Samaritan Hospital. Her husband, hygiene consultant with Health George ’11, is global marketing man- at Radford University. She resides Learning Center. She resides in Safety and Environmental Solu- ager for SteelSeries. They reside in in Radford, Virginia. Normal. tions, Inc. She resides in Bloom- Woodridge. Terese Marinelli ’12 is a special edu- Jamie (Kennett) Kotovsky ’13 is a ington. Carlie Premo ’11 is completing her cation teacher in Rockford Public music teacher. She and her hus- Wade Tharp, M.A. ’14, is an archaeol- master’s in ESL at Concordia Uni- School District 205. She resides in band, Cameron, were married in ogist with the Indiana Department versity. She teaches chemistry at Rockford. May 2014. They reside in Maquo- of Natural Resources. He resides in keta, Iowa. Lincoln Way North High School in Heather (Fahrenkrug) Mitchell ’12 is Carmel, Indiana. Frankfort. She resides in Elmhurst. an administrative assistant with Sarah Lybik ’13 is a shareholder ser- Marissa (Webb) Tonkovic, M.F.A. ’14, Jason Ross ’11 is an IT support ana- Heritage Enterprises, Inc. She vices representative with Harbor is a photographer with Rock Val- lyst for the College of Business at and her husband, Trevor, reside in Capital Advisors, Inc. She resides ley College Starlight Theatre. She ISU. He and his wife, Alyssa reside Normal. in Buffalo Grove. and her husband, Michael ’14, were in Normal. Ramo Stott ’12, M.S. ’14, is residence Michael Mace ’13 is a lead security married in July 2014. They reside in Rockford. Amy Sneed ’11 teaches sixth grade life coordinator at Louisiana State architect at MaceTech Security at Imagine Prep Surprise. She University. He continues research Solutions. He resides in Panama and her husband, Timothy, were at ISU with College of Education City, Florida. faculty to study the CSPA gradu- Our troops married in 2014 with many fellow Tom McCulley, Ph.D. ’13, is chair of ate program. He resides in Baton graduates present. They reside in English and reading at Heartland Lt. Col. Kevin Lockett ’83 served Rouge, Louisiana. Arizona. Community College. He and his as Wing Chaplain of the 354th Rich Eckert, M.S. ’12, is associate ath- Tobias Wall ’12 is the crime and spouse, Ron Frazier, reside in Fighter Wing at Eielson Air Force letic director for external relations breaking news reporter at the Bel- Bloomington. Base. He is now Deputy Command leville News-Democrat. He resides Chaplain with the U.S. Air Force at Marian University. He and his Meghan Radozevic ’13 is a graduate in Belleville. Global Strike Command at Barks- wife, Ashley (Kuhlmann) ’06, were assistant at Eastern Michigan Uni- dale Air Force Base in Louisiana. married in June 2014. They reside Kiley Bliss, Ph.D. ’13, is a pediatric versity. She resides in Peoria. He and his wife, Peggy, reside on in Found Du Lac, Wisconsin. psychology postdoctoral fellow Stephen Reid ’13 is an elementary the base. at Munroe-Meyer Institute. He Katherine Gavin ’12 is an athletic music teacher with the Osceola resides in Omaha, Nebraska. Shawn McConnell ’89 retired after trainer with Midwest Orthopaedic County School District. He and his 30 years in the Army. He served as Center in Peoria. She resides in Katie Chaffin ’13 is an agricultural wife, Helen, reside in Kissimmee, a reserve soldier until beginning Morton. educator and FFA advisor at Asto- Florida. active duty in 2001. He is now ria CUSD 1. She resides in Easton. Mackenzi Harmon, M.S. ’12, is a Thomas Reuter ’13 is a staff accoun- employed by the Veterans Associa- senior research analyst for State Justyne Coplon ’13 is a Patterson tant with Shepard Schwartz and tion and resides in Plainfield. Farm Insurance Companies. She Medical sales representative. She Harris. He and his wife, Yulia Grit- Michael Richeson ’09 is a U.S. Navy resides in Saybrook. resides in Schaumburg. suk, reside in Chicago. Petty Officer Second Class. He Brianna Kuhn ’12 is the assistant Michelle Eggemeyer ’13 is lead pre- Ryan Reynolds ’13 is a personal resides in Hawaii. director of new student programs school teacher at Milestones Early trainer at GrandeFIT. He resides in Palatine.

38 Illinois State May 2015 In memory Mona L. (Eisenhower) Birong ’44; Donald Foster ’63, M.S. ’64; 1/15 Janice E. (Curry) Miglin ’68; 1/15 1/15 Jay R. Harman ’63, M.S. ’64; 11/14 Terry R. Park, M.A. ’68; 11/14 Faculty/Staff Doris I. (Foley) Lovell ’45; 12/14 Judith M. (Ackerman) Oyer ’63; Gail L. Watrous ’68; 9/14 Mary C. (Porzelius) Schmucker 11/14 Paul E. Baumgartner ’98, Isabel (Smith) Lochbaum ’69; Augspurger ’47; 11/14 Information Services; 10/14 David B. Barton ’64; 12/14 12/14 Shirley J. (Dehm) Peeken ’49; 12/14 Donald D. Braasch ’83, Industrial Ethel J. Boward ’64; 11/14 Sue A. McNabb ’69; 9/14 Technology; 11/14 G. Elaine Watke ’49; 11/14 Evelyn Cavanaugh ’64; 9/14 Paul A. Seymour ’69; 12/14 Alma B. Bremer, Home Evalynn “Eve” (Schmitz) Economics; 11/14 50s Chonowski ’64; 11/14 70s Valeria L. Bridson, Clinical George R. Weber ’50, M.S. ’59; 2/15 Jon R. Johnson ’64; 1/15 Charles “Kurt” Barrow ’70; 11/14 Experience; 11/14 William M. Cotter ’51; 12/14 Richard W. Kamka ’64; 8/14 Matthew C. Brashinger III ’70; Marian J. Carroll, Milner Library; Frances M. Kain ’51; 12/14 Bill O’Neill ’64, M.S. ’66; 10/14 12/14 10/14 Emil Morsch ’51; 1/15 Marion “Si” K. Sizemore, M.S. ’64; Mark W. Johnson ’70, M.S. ’71; Eleanor J. Hall ’51, Dining Betty L. (Humphrey) Trussell ’51; 12/14 12/14 Services; 12/14 11/14 Laura L. (Hoffman) Stokes ’64, George K. Knudsen ’70; 10/14 Carolyn R. (Randolph) McKenna, Margaret E. (Cullick) Tyler ’51; M.S. ’82; 10/14 Jimmy C. Kraft, M.S. ’70; 2/15 ’74, M.S. ’77, Clinical Experience; 2/05 Wendy R. (Wrigley) Boatright ’65, 10/14 Raymond L. Lows, Ph.D. ’70; 12/14 Marilyn (Scherrer) Moneyhun M.S. ’88; 11/14 Vivian R. (Tasker) Nothdurft, Larry R. McMahon ’70, ’90; 10/14 ’52; 1/15 J. Clifford Curley ’65; 7/14 Special Education; 1/15 Thomas E. Mortier, M.S. ’70; 10/14 Nancy J. (Brown) Thomley ’52, Karen K. (Mishler) Gatlin ’65, M.S. Harry A. Thiel Jr., Vidette; 12/14 Grace M. (Sierzega) Radowski ’70; M.S. ’68; 11/14 ’69; 1/15 Mary C. Tucker, Curriculum and 9/14 Muriel R. Walker ’52; 1/14 Mary K. (Lipke) Miller ’65; 1/15 Instruction; 11/14 Nan E. (Shoger) Rockwell ’70; June C. (Wittmis) Wellenreiter ’52, Dorellyn “De” L. (Taylor) Sheldon Avonell G. (Pitts) Van de Merkt, 11/14 M.S. ’70; 12/14 ’65; 1/15 Personnel; 10/14 Wilma (Wesseling) Schuringa, Carolyn M. (Sommer) Zehr ’52; Barbara L. (Maziarz) Eckard ’67; M.A. ’70; 1/15 7/14 9/14 30s Marvin C. Steege ’70; 12/14 Frances (Coan) Zehr ’52; 6/14 James M. Keefe, M.S. ’67; 12/14 Dorothy W. Johnson ’33, ’37; 1/15 Roger W. Gerencir ’71; 10/14 Vearnealure A. (Siddall) Holliday Alan L. Hartwig ’68; 9/14 Carolyn J. (Graunke) Hendon, M.S. Esther M. (Boos) Campbell, ’34; ’53; 10/14 Laszlo Hudra, M.S. ’68; 10/14 11/14 ’71; 10/14 Joan C. (Costello) Turnbull ’53, Jean A. Kilbourn ’37; 6/14 ’55; 10/14 Geraldine (Dooley) Meeker ’38; William Cote ’54, M.S. ’55; 11/14 11/14 Mary L. (Lange) Ruhe ’54; 12/14 Mary E. (Pollitt) Bump ’39, ’57; Charles Jaeger ’55, M.S. ’61; 9/14 12/14 Alice (Dozier) Darr ’56; 8/14 Gertrude A. (Bickenbach) Clapper ’39; 12/14 Dwane R. Houser ’56; 12/14 Carol (Ensign) Barnhart ’57; 1/15 Three easy ways to submit your information 40s Robert N. Jager ’57; 4/14 1) Go online to Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/ClassNotes and click Oren R. Schaab ’57, M.S. ’63; 12/14 Frances “Melba” (Whitacre) on “class notes.” Information submitted using this method will Anderson ’40, ’73; 12/14 Alta (Snyder) Adamson ’58; 10/14 also be posted online. Jean L. (Butler) Keller ’40; 1/15 Sandra K. (Williams) Smith ’59; 11/14 Marian (Swank) Shields ’40; 8/14 2) Email your news to [email protected]. Marjorie L. Swayne ’40; 11/14 60s 3) Mail your news to Class Notes, Illinois State University, Louise (Bane) Croft ’41, ’45; 12/14 Alumni Relations, Campus Box 3100, Normal, IL 61790-3100. Harriet E. Jacquat ’41; 12/14 James L. Bernier ’60, M.S. ’64; 11/14 Please include your graduation year, major, maiden name Virginia L. Jones ’41; 12/14 James M. Dineen ’60; 11/14 when applicable, and daytime phone number for verification Mildred I. (Watson) Perry ’41, ’46; 12/14 Lee Handley ’60, M.S. ’65; 12/14 purposes. News releases and information from published news Louise A. Williamson ’41; 6/13 Lois E. (Winker) Miller ’60; 5/14 clippings may also be used. Engagements and pregnancies will Mary T. (Salmon) Harris ’42; 12/14 Charles F. Rolinski ’60; 11/14 not be published. Clyde Meachum ’43; 1/15 Duncan B. MacGregor, M.S. ’61; 12/14 For additional information, contact Alumni Relations at (309) 438- Shirley M. (Eimen) Miller ’43, ’74; 2586 or (800) 366-4478, or by email at [email protected]. 11/14 Carol A. (McDermott) Johnson ’62, M.S. ’65; 1/15

May 2015 Illinois State 39 Support your passion

Illinois State’s 2015 graduates are ready for their future because of the support received from donors. The support of generous alumni and friends strengthens academic programs and provides opportunities for students to soar outside the classroom. The quality of education is enriched through your investment in the University’s people and programs. Show your support using the enclosed envelope to make a gift, or visit IllinoisState.edu/Giving.

Felix J. Hueneburg ’71; 9/14 Stephen A. Baker ’76; 10/14 Michele T. (Saunders) Gould ’83; Bobbi L. (Williams) Madison, M.S. James B. Lucera ’71, M.S. ’76; 12/14 Kathleen M. Mould ’76; 10/14 2/15 ’93; 1/15 Marjorie J. (Clare) Reiners ’71; Nancy E. Thomas ’76; 10/14 Edmund R. Blowers ’84; 7/14 Karen (Frank) Perry, M.S. ’93; 12/14 10/14 Linda G. Allison ’77; 8/14 Michael “Papa” D. Kershaw ’84; 10/14 Brian Bartkowiak ’96; 11/14 Sandra L. Bowman ’72; 10/14 Nellie J. (Peterson) Welker, M.S. Ronald D. Evans ’72; 11/14 ’77; 1/15 Dana K. Luttrell ’86; 1/15 Eugie Foster, M.S. ’96; 9/14 Mary “Kathy” Monahan ’72; 9/14 David Wieseman ’77; 10/14 Karen (Noyes) Penrod ’86; 3/15 Elaine R. Fitzgerald ’97; 12/14 Gerald A. Beeson ’73; 12/14 Charles Couri ’78; 12/14 Thomas M. Sack ’87; 10/14 Emily A. (Dobbins) Olmetti ’98; 12/14 James Crickard ’73; 12/14 Richard W. Dietz ’78; 9/14 Christopher L. Austin ’88; 1/15 Gail John “G.J.” Arndt ’99; 1/15 Deborah A. (Chapman) Downey James D. Dykes ’79, M.S. ’80; 12/14 Marilyn A. (Dorn) Jirjis Griffith, M.S. ’88; 4/14 Eric J. Ciucci ’99; 12/14 ’73; 11/14 John M. Stephens ’79; 11/14 Linda L. Lush ’88; 9/14 George Griffin ’73; 10/14 Barbara I. (Blazis) Stover ’79; 10/14 Judy L. Horcher ’73; 10/14 Patrick M. Cullen ’89; 1/15 00s Anthony E. Huchel ’73, M.S. ’76; 80s Wayne McClain, M.S. ’89; 10/14 Brandon E. Buck ’00; 9/14 9/14 Mark W. Norris ’89; 10/14 Sandra L. (Nicklas) Ingram ’01; Sammy C. Van Arsdale ’80; 2/15 Charles R. Johnson ’73; 10/14 William G. Phelps Jr. ’89; 9/14 11/14 Larry D. Janes, Ed.D. ’80; 2/15 Roscoe P. Kincaid ’73; 1/15 Mark White, M.S. ’01; 9/14 Linda (Raikes) Klopfenstein ’80; Neal Murray ’07; 11/14 Karen E. (Baredziak) Miller ’73; 12/14 90s 12/14 Bill Scheer ’09; 8/09 Mark W. Martin ’80; 11/14 Bernard L. Mei, M.S. ’90; 3/15 Richard M. Esposito ’74; 12/14 Sharon L. (Hobkirk) McCollum, Denise Shoemaker ’90; 1/15 Dennis M. Fleming ’74; 10/14 M.S. ’80; 9/14 Jean M. (Charleton) Butcher ’91; 10s Joan M. (Harner) Lyons, M.S. ’74; Brian J. Epping ’81; 10/14 9/14 Christina E. (Hutson) Fitzpatick 11/14 Stephen C. Pfister ’81; 2/15 Robert J. Carey ’91; 11/14 ’10; 1/15 John P. McCue ’74; 1/15 Faye (Jones) Townsend, M.S. ’81; Deborah (Hopkins) Chase ’91; Emily A. Fredbloom ’10; 9/14 James A. Snoddy ’74; 10/14 10/14 10/14 Lee A. Murray ’12; 9/14 Ronald Winner ’74; 1/15 Janet Giardini ’82; 10/14 Daniel L. Dunlap, MBA ’91; 2/15 Robert “Bear” Falls ’75; 1/15 Elsie L. Kolb ’82; 2/15 Stacy R. Ledbetter ’91; 10/14 Rosamond Fox, M.S. ’75; 11/14 Rhonda (Cook) Burke ’83; 1/15 Zachary M. McNabney ’91; 1/15 Dawn (Selbach) Koltz ’75; 11/14 Sally L. (Brooks) Hershberger ’83; Krystal R. Schofield ’92; 12/14 Judith A. (Giller) Walsh ’75; 10/14 12/14

40 Illinois State May 2015 Thanks to you!

Gene Jontry ’58 pays attention to details. His meticu- of Kinesiology and Recreation. He also helped establish lous form at the free throw line sealed a 94 percent free an endowment to honor his former coach, James Collie. throw average—a Redbird record that still stands. As a Diane earned a business teacher education degree and Central Illinois educator, coach and superintendent for gladly gives to the College of Business. 45 years, he made certain programs ran without a glitch Both so appreciated their campus experience that so students could soar. they also invest their time. From roles in Senior Profes- And yet, Jontry lost count of how long and how sionals and Athletics to the Alumni Association and the much he and his wife, Diane (Curtis) ’66 have invested Foundation board, it’s impossible to miss how the Jon- in the University. Realizing that their first gift was made trys have proven their passion for Illinois State. in 1969 when the two were early in their marriage with Will you make a difference by supporting your passion? Make a their first of five children surprised both loyal alums. contribution using the enclosed envelope, online at IllinoisState.edu/ That’s because their focus remains on ISU’s people Giving or by calling (800) 366-4478. and programs, which they continue to faithfully sup- port. As a health and physical education graduate and student-athlete, Gene backs Athletics and the School Donor and Information Services Campus Box 8000 Normal, IL 61790-8000

Another Normal day The shops, restaurants and theater in Uptown Normal are within a few blocks of ISU’s east campus boundary. Students and faculty are increasingly drawn to the renovated area that now includes University Galleries and an expanded Amtrak station. Criminal Justice Sciences Distinguished Professor Ralph Weisheit paused with his dog to greet students, from left, Krista Bicer, Patrick Barrera and Rahgene Hoard, as they all enjoyed a leisurely afternoon.