Alumni Newsletter Nationally Renowned Set Designer Returns to Illinois State University Campus with Career Retrospective

For alumni and friends of University High School, College of Education, Illinois State University

Vol. 20 No. 1 Spring 2015

Alumni Newsletter Nationally renowned set designer returns to Illinois State University campus with career retrospective

By Kevin Bersett

Karl Eigsti ’56 completed the circle last that we both thought would only last for a July. The Tony Award nominated scene few weeks and never be heard from again.” designer brought dozens of paintings, In 1972, Grease began a record-setting drawings, and photographs to the campus eight-year run on Broadway. That success where he first became involved in theater launched his set design career on Broadway depicting the sets he created for such iconic for the next 15 years. productions as Joseph and the Amazing Following his Broadway design career, Eigsti Technicolor Dreamcoat on Broadway and was asked to be the head of the graduate the- House of Blue Leaves off-Broadway. ater design program at Brandeis University, a His career retrospective was displayed in position he held for 21 years. “My teaching the refurbished stable at Ewing Manor and gave me the opportunity to give to a genera- a gallery in Centennial East to coincide with tion of future theater designers experiences that the Illinois State Shakespeare Festival. “This are not available in books,” he said. exhibition is very meaningful to me,” said Eigsti has since retired from teaching and Eigsti, “because I went to Metcalf from sixth returned to New York City. He reconnected grade on and then, with the exception of my with Illinois State early last year when asked freshman year, University High School.” to create the set design for the School of It was at Metcalf that Eigsti attracted the Theatre and Dance’s production of the notice of longtime Illinois State Theatre Benjamin Britten opera A Midsummer Director Mabel Clare Allen. She cast Night’s Dream. At the time, he was offered the sixth-grader in the title role for the opportunity to bring his retrospective Rumpelstiltskin in the Children’s Theater of to the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. Normal. Later he performed in two of her Eigsti explained how theater is a collabor- university productions, My Heart’s in the ative craft involving directors, writers, actors, time, and I also had many design opportuni- Highlands and Ernest Hemingway’s The and producers who cooperate to create a ties there,” Eigsti said. Upon his return to Killers. “I got my start in the theater here, production that results in the most effective with Mabel Clare Allen,” Eigsti said. the U.S., he immediately got a job at the live performance in front of an audience; Eigsti performed in plays at University famed Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. “I “Shakespeare observed that the theater is like High School and then studied acting at have been a designer ever since,” he said. life, each moment passes and then is gone Indiana University. During college he was For the next 25 years, Eigsti designed 10 to forever. So all of this work on display at acting in summer stock theater in Michigan 15 shows a year on average—on Broadway, the festival is like an echo of those past live when the set designer quit in the middle of off-Broadway, and for regional theaters productions. The artwork is present and will the season. Recognizing Eigsti’s talent for across the United States. In 1979 he earned last a long time; the production it represents drawing, the director asked him to design a Tony Award nomination for Best Scenic has disappeared forever.” Design for the play . However, out the set for Picnic. Eigsti accepted and his Knockout Eigsti has given his retrospective, The of the 20 shows he designed for Broadway life took a new direction. His efforts were Karl Eigsti Collection of Theater Design, rewarded in 1962 with a Fulbright scholar- between 1969 and 1984, Grease was the to the Illinois State University Foundation. ship to study set design in England. unexpected golden goose of Eigsti’s career. It is under the direction of archivist April “The theater was undergoing a great “My friend Douglas Schmidt, the set Anderson and will eventually be linked to transformation at that point in England. I designer for Grease, asked me to do the the Foundation website for all to see. lighting for this little off-Broadway show saw literally 100-plus plays in a two-year University High School Alumni Association Illinois State University Campus Box 7100 Normal, IL 61790-7100 (309) 438-8346 Website: UHigh.IllinoisState.edu Email: [email protected] Facebook: We Are One: U-High Pioneers Board members President Dave Martin ’83 2015 U-High reunions President-elect Class of 1945 Class of 1965 Ryan Scritchlow ’01 70-YEAR REUNION 50-YEAR REUNION Past president October 16 & 17 2015 July 10, 11, & 12, 2015 Shelley Livingston ’81 Contacts: Audrey Brust Naffziger Contact: Sally Hyde Burmeister at (309) 452-0170 at (571) 970-5455 or Secretary [email protected] Diane Davis Black ’79 Marilyn Mette Freedlund at (309) 663-0345 Alumni relations coordinators Class of 1946 Class of 1985 Tricia Braid ’93 LUNCHEON 30-YEAR REUNION Barbara Lichty Blunk ’53 Contact: Dave Auth at (309) 825-2124 Eric Schlipf ’96 Noon, every second Wednesday of each month at Jim’s Steakhouse in Bloomington. or [email protected] Homecoming chairs Kyle Karraker ’81 Class of 1947 1992 Pioneer Wrestling Team Tom Ocheltree ’89 REUNION Cory Roop’ 92 BREAKFAST Contact: Cory Christenson at (847) 561-9073 9 a.m., every fourth Tuesday at CJ’s or [email protected] Historian Restaurant in Bloomington Dixie Smith Lewis ’64 Now is the time! Newsletter editor Illinois Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Lead your class to a successful reunion by Kathy Coyle Murdoch ’81 Children’s School (ISSCS) contacting one of the Alumni Relations At-large board members Contacts: Bernie Latta ’60 at (309) 829-1991 coordinators to start the process. Gatherings Ann Fairbairn Gullixon ’84 or (309) 261-4297 or [email protected] can be simple to elaborate; customize Dana Baker-Klauss ’91 Debbie Burt Macchiaroli ’73 at (773) 775- your party according to the desires of your Pete Pontius ’88 4272 or [email protected] classmates. Let us help; contact information Whitney Thomas ’04 for the UHSAA board can be found at UHigh.IllinoisState.edu/alumni. Alumni board advisors Class of 1969 Yvonne Maxey Hougham ’46 ANNUAL HOLIDAY REUNION December 24, 2015 Awards committee members David Auth ’85, chair Lunch at the Grand Cafe in downtown Kris Albert Burke ’79 Bloomington Mary Ann Cullen ’87 Contact: Karen Mercier Cruisis at Becky Roderick Ehredt ’73 (309) 662-8909 or [email protected] Tom Feely ’83 Judy Mower Garee ’59 Steve Mower ’62 Kristin Walker ’08 Frank Weiting ’57 Steve Wilson ’92 Teri Wilson ’92 The

Board consultants Superintendent, Laboratory Schools Pioneer Alumni Newsletter Jeff Hill If interested in serving your alma mater, please contact any board member or email Principal, University High School Volume 20 Number 1, Spring 2015 us at [email protected]. Andrea Markert • President-elect Published semiannually Senior director of Development • Awards committee Illinois State University Liz Adams • Homecoming committee University High School Associate director of Development • Website coordinator Campus Box 7100 Wilma Bates Normal, IL 61790-7100 • At-large board members

2 3 Superintendent’s welcome Fall 2014 Memorial What an amazing Pioneer Homecoming! We were overwhelmed by the tremendous Alumni turnout. It was great to see all of our friends from the decades and to share sto- Gift Corrections ries with many of you. Being a Pioneer is clearly special to all of you and was never more Two donors were inadvertently apparent than our past Homecoming. I want you to know how much we appreciate the omitted from the Memorial Gifts support of time, talent, and treasure you continually share with us. You are a testament list in the Fall 2014 Pioneer. We to our alma mater: “Gladly say that you’re from U-High, uphold her through the years.” would like to recognize the gift from It was very moving for me to see you “upholding” U-High after many years. I hope you William Miller in memory of Eugene enjoy this edition of the Pioneer and I look forward to hearing from you soon! Schaab and the gift from Michael Jeff Hill, Ed.D. Wiant in memory of Albert Eckert. Laboratory Schools superintendent

UHSAA president’s letter There are many ways to give back to the school as alumni and we appreciate all of the various types of contributions alumni made to U-High in 2014, including the tremendous number of alumni volunteers for this year’s Pioneer Homecoming. Social media provides tremendous possibilities to spread the word in supporting one’s school! This past year U-High participated in two different campaigns. Locally, there was the Pantagraph Challenge Contest to show which school has the most fans. The top prize of $2,000 was offered to the booster club of the school that drummed up the most votes and many central Illinois high schools were vying to become the top vote-getter. State Farm Insurance also offered a really exciting and lucrative safe-driving campaign. “Celebrate My Drive” was open to schools across the country and gave the insurance giant an opportunity to provide a little education for drivers both young and old. Anyone could go online and participate daily during the contest. The grand prize was $100,000 along with other $25,000 cash prizes as well as a concert by The Band Perry. This was a fantastic way to make teenagers aware of responsible driving! Students, teachers, and community members were able to make a safe driving commitment during this campaign (no texting while driving). What an easy and great way alumni could show their support for U-High! Because of the time limit of such contests, we want to make sure we can spread the word as quickly as possible. If you haven’t joined our Facebook group, please do so at We are One: U-High Pioneers where we will post future similar opportunities to support U-High. Dave Martin ’83 UHSAA president

Troy Hari Memorial Scholarship Wilma Bates The Troy Hari Memorial Scholarship has been established by the Class of 2004 to remember fellow classmate Troy Hari whose life was cut short in 2002. Troy was a larger than life personality who could bring a smile to anyone’s face, no matter the situation. Troy was such a large presence on campus that the annual Mr. U-High competition was created in his honor. His lasting impact on so many of his fellow classmates and U-High faculty cause us to look back fondly on the time we were able to share with him. Troy had a love for life that is rarely matched and his infectious spirit could be felt in whatever he was doing. He also impacted the life of people outside of U-High. To this day, his work with Eastview Christian Church is carried on through his family and all of the proceeds from the annual Mr. U-High event continue to be donated to the Haitian Christian Ministries, a cause which was close to Troy. The Class of 2004 created this scholarship to honor Troy and his positive impact on everyone around him. He was a prime example of how one person’s positive attitude and hard work can create lasting impressions. We want to continue Troy’s legacy by recognizing a U-High senior who emulates the spirit of Troy’s positive impact within U-High or our community. Donations may be made online by going to: Advancement.IllinoisState.edu. Choose “Supporting Colleges,” select “College of Education” and scroll to the bottom to “View a complete listing of giving opportunities.” Choose “Click here to choose designation for your gift.” Select College of Education folder, Lab Schools, U-High, General support, U-High. Please be sure to write “Troy Hari Memorial Scholarship” in the gift notes section.

3 Alumni through the decades

In June 2014, David Brown ’65 received Theresa Corso Nick Africano ’01 debuted his new album a special award from the Iowa State Bar Feliu ‘81, a fourth If Timing Were of a Different Course and Association. The “Keeper of the Flame” grade math teacher/ Fire at the Castle Theatre in October. The award was given in recognition of Brown’s teacher leader CD features 10 songs that Africano feels tireless, persistent, and remarkable efforts on at John Adams mark a new maturity in his lyrical and behalf of the bar and the legal profession. Elementary School, musical expression. Africano also dabbles “He has a commitment to the practice of Kingsport City, in watercolors and held an art exhibit in law like few others. David is a true advocate Tenn., is one of the twin cities at the Brandt Gallery in for the rule of law and the vital work lawyers seven educators December. provide,” said Guy Cook, outgoing president representing Tennessee in the Presidential of ISBA. “He is a genuine friend to lawyers Awards for Excellence in Math & Science The independent film, The Guest is being and judges everywhere. David’s selfless con- Teaching Competition. marketed for the scary movie season in cern for the past and future generations of October after its highly praised premier lawyers and traditions of the legal profession Juliet Pritner ’81 portrays a perpetrator’s at the Sundance Film Festival. Chris is unmatched. Brown is also a previous recipi- mother in an episode of Law and Order, Harding ’01 co-produced the movie that ent of the ISBA Award of Merit. Special Victims Unit. The episode, “Undercover stars Dan Stevens (from Downton Abbey Mother”, aired on February 11, 2015. fame). Harding also has a cameo in the Marilee Williams Alvey ’69 is one of the film as the leading character’s dead friend. faith writers in the compilation book, Mixed A mini class reunion was held in August in This is the second movie he’s produced at Blessings-Simple Pleasures. It was published by Littleton, Colo. 1982 classmates: Paul Houska, Snoot Entertainment, where he’s worked Breath of Fresh Air Press in June 2014. Dawn Bunke Nicola, and John Kotarba. since graduating from DePaul University in 2006. See Ellen Crawford ’69 in her latest movie, Angel’s Perch where she plays Betsy. The story Melissa Smith ’02 is an advisory engineer line revolves around a successful architect who at IBM and visiting scientist and research returns to his small, rural hometown to care affiliate at Massachusetts Institute of for his grandmother who has Alzheimer’s. Technology. In 2013, she and another This independent film may be seen on iTunes, engineer invented a flexible high-voltage Hulu, HuluPlus, and Amazon. thin film transistor and currently hold a After serving our country for an astounding patent on its development. In 2006, she Molly Doud 32 years, Steve Morefield ’82 retired from graduated with a bachelor of science in ’77 visits AFS the U.S. Marine Corps in November 2014. materials science and engineering from the exchange student He was awarded the Legion of Merit medal. University of Illinois; and in 2012, earned a Yalçın Gür in He served stateside and overseas as an infan- Ph.D. from MIT in the same field of study. Istanbul, Turkey tryman, an explosive ordinance disposal tech- in November nician, and recruiter. He also was the senior Andre Francois ’03 completed his 2014. enlisted adviser for the commanding general residency at Barnes Jewish Hospital in of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force. St. Louis, Mo. and is practicing medicine In June 2014, in his hometown at Medical Hills Internists Robin Murray While working a bicycle assignment for in Bloomington. He earned his medical ’80 was selected to the Denver Police Department at Sports degree at University of Illinois in Peoria, Ill. umpire at the Little Authority Field at Mile High, Sergeant League World Series Shawn Saunders ’90 was called to a medical Tim Glover ’09 won the bronze medal in July and August. event when a Bronco’s fan collapsed due to in the javelin throw at the 2014 USA Appointment as failure of his pacemaker. Sgt. Saunders imme- Outdoor Track and Field Championships a member of the diately began CPR and revived the man who in Sacramento, Calif. The four-day compe- umpiring crew for was then transported for further treatment. tition in June was organized by USA Track a World Series is the highest honor Little and Field and served as the national cham- League can bestow on an umpire. An pionships in track and field for the United umpire is eligible to be selected for a World States. Currently he has the highest world- Series assignment once every four years. ranking in United States in the javelin throw and is 23rd in the world. STATE your Passion. STATE your Pride. Please share news about yourself, your family who attended U-High, or a classmate so that it can be published in the next issue of The Pioneer. This publication relies on the efforts of all alums to alert the editing staff of newsworthy tidbits. Please send information and photos to [email protected] or mail to University High School Alumni Association, Campus Box 7100, Normal, IL 61790-7100.

4 Yearbooks needed We Are One: U-High Please help us preserve a part of our history. Pioneers is our Yearbooks have been graciously retrieved Facebook alumni group from garage sales, donation piles, and even garbage cans and dumpsters. So if you come Several alums have started U-High alumni across an extra Clarion, please pass it on to groups. Please note that the group that the the UHSAA. There are many anxious alumni University High School Alumni Association wanting to have a yearbook from their era. endorses is “We Are One: U-High There are a limited number of Clarion Pioneers.” This is where the UHSAA will yearbooks available for purchase for $10 each. be posting information. We have 1800 plus To donate or purchase yearbooks, please members in our Facebook group. All may Support our troops contact the UHS Alumni Association at join and post. Thank you to all of our University [email protected] or contact Barbara High School alumni who are bravely Lichty Blunk ’53, alumni relations serving in the armed forces during coordinator, at (309) 452-2414 or Operation Enduring Freedom. [email protected]. Donations can also be left at the school library.

Legacy family On December 23, 1929, Charles Mercier Mary Jo Mercier Adams ’70, and Thomas received a letter from the Illinois State Mercier ’71. Joan Mercier Heller ’48 raised Normal University President David her family in the Mattoon area. Felmley inviting him to “manage the The third generation who graduated from U-High includes Rob Turner ’00, TJ University Farm at a salary of $140/ Back row: Rob Turner ‘00, TJ Turner ‘03, month and if at the end of the year Turner ’03, Patrick Turner ’05, Meredith Patrick Turner ‘05 | Front row: Lindsay 1930 it appears that you have been so Mercier Diaz ’03, Ryan Crusius ’96, TJ Turner, Joan Turner, Robert Turner ‘68, Emily Turner efficient on the farm work as to increase Crusius ’99, Jeff Mercier ’98, Melissa our income $360, we shall pay you $120 Mercier Ash ’98, Michelle Mercier ’10, and more for the year.” Allisson Mercier ’18. Charles Mercier along with his wife, The fourth generation of the Mercier Ruth, served as farm manager for many family is currently attending Metcalf: years. They had four children who all Alexander Mercier ’27, Keaton Ash ’25 attended Thomas Metcalf School and and Eliot Ash ’28. University High School. So began a long And there are two other UHS grads in family legacy of service and volunteerism the family as well. Mary Jo married classmate Sandy Adams ’70 and Melissa married Tom Mercier ’71 with third and fourth lab with the ISU and Lab School communities. school generations Dr. Charles A. Mercier ’36 became a Ryan Ash ’97. dentist in the Chicago area. Mary Ruth Burt Mercier was awarded the UHSAA Mercier Turner ’38 sent her four children Distinguished Alumni Award in 1985. He to the Lab Schools: Charlotte Turner served on the ISU foundation for several Frank ’60, Rev. James Turner ’65, Robert years and was an avid volunteer and spon- Turner ’68, and Elizabeth Turner Frank sor for ISU Athletics. For the past two ’73. E. Burton Mercier ’45 sent his four decades, the E. Burton Mercier Alumni children through the Lab Schools: David Service Award and scholarships have been Burt Mercier ’45 with Tom ’71, Mary Jo ’70, Mercier ’68, Karen Mercier Crusius ’69, presented at ISU in his memory. Karen ’69, and David ’68

Back row: Gladys Mercier, David Mercier ‘68, Karen Mercier Crusius ‘69, Rich Crusius, Mary Jo Mercier Adams ‘70, Sandy Adams ‘70, Tom Mercier ‘71, Sandy Mercier, Michelle Mercier ‘10 | Middle row: Redro Diaz, Meridith Mercier Diaz ‘03, Beth Mercier, Jeff Mercier ‘98, TJ Crusius ‘99, Ryan Crusius ‘96, Allisson Mercier ‘18, Ryan Ash ‘97, Melissa Mercier Ash ‘98 | Front row: Elly Carrell, Bella Carrell, Vivi Diaz, Kendra Crusius, Mary Lou Mecier, Carter Mercier, Tara Jane Crusius, Alexander Mercier ‘27, Keaton Ash ‘25, Eliot Ash ‘28

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4 5 6 Pioneer 2014 HOMECOMING

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6 1. Kurt Wolter ’82 and Dawn Shonkwiler ’82 (photobombed by Roger Basting ’82) 2. John Wroan ’45, Jeanne Wroan, Barbara Lichty Blunk ’53, Jean Chiodo 3. Louise Keeran Kerr ’56 and Dick Keeran ’54 4. Judith Mower Garee ’59, Steve Mower ’62, Dave Auth ’85, Wilma Bates 5. Alyssa Scritchlow ’05, Caitlin Demont ’05 6. Kenny Lane ’10, Angela Lane, Katie 11 Lane ’12, Elena Serano 7. Laura Gould Swope ’95, Frank Swope, Levi Swope, Frank Swope, Jr. 8. Class of 1984, 30-year reunion: Dan Kraft, Bill Kauth, Bob Stevens, Todd Lindsey ’83, Jennifer Brumleve- Joseph, Mike Vohland, Sarah Kaiser Lindsey, Patty Labedz, Karen Wolter Peruba 9. Bruce Naffziger ’73, Dave Gannaway ’71, Rick Thompson ’71, Jim Bass ’73, Mark Messman ’83 10. UHSAA Board members Cory Roop ’92 and Dave Martin ’83 11. Bob Watkins ’82, John Maier ’82, Tad Schrantz ’82, Roger Basting ’82, Kathy Coyle Murdoch ’81, Paul Houska ’82 12. First UHSAA president Casey Lartz ’75 and Bob Dean 13. College running mates, Superintendent Jeff Hill and Tom Engelhorn ’79 14. Linda Wieting Kruger ’82, Frank 12 13 Wieting ’57

7 University High School Alumni Association Alumni award recipients 2014

Distinguished Alumni Award • Fellow, American Nuclear Society Team, in 1997 and 1998. He was also Norman J. McCormick, Class of 1956 • Outstanding Alumnus, University First Team All-State in 1997, 1998, and With more than of Michigan Department of Nuclear 1999, named as a member of the NSCAA 40 years of experi- Engineering All-Midwest Team in 1998 and 1999, and ence as a professor • Distinguished Alumnus of the was an NSCAA All-American in 1999. He at the University University of Illinois Mechanical and was also named an ADIDAS Elite Soccer level, McCormick Industrial Engineering Program All-Star in 1997, 1998, and 1999. is recognized • Fellow, U.S. National Academy of He is the son of Mike and Kim as a nationally Sciences, University of Ljubljana Hilgenbrinck, and brother to Blaise, ’99. renowned educa- While at U-High, McCormick received the Hall Of Fame Award tor and mentor Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award. to both students While at U-High, his favorite teachers were Pokey LaFarge, Class of 2001 and educators. He received his bachelor’s Douglas Bey, T.E. Rine, and Ruth Stroud. After graduation, in mechanical engineering and his mas- He is married to Mildred McCormick LaFarge hitch- ter’s degree in nuclear engineering from and has two children, Kenneth, and Nancy. hiked throughout the University of Illinois and his Ph.D. in the United States nuclear engineering from the University of Hall of Fame Alumni Award and earned a Michigan. Chase M. Hilgenbrinck, Class of 2000 living playing for After receiving his doctorate, McCormick After graduating from the public on side- taught as an assistant and associate profes- Clemson University walks and streets. sor in nuclear engineering at the University in 2004, Hilgenbrinck In 2007, LaFarge of Washington in Seattle. He also served played professional released Marmalade, his first album. as a risk analyst for Science Applications, soccer for three Shortly after that, LaFarge released Inc. McCormick later served the University Chilean teams. In Beat, Move and Shake (2008) and of Washington as a professor of nuclear 2008, he returned to Riverboat Soul (2010). engineering and a professor of mechani- the United States and In 2010 Pokey LaFarge was named cal engineering. Since 2003, he has served played professional Best New Band at the Newport Folk the University of Washington as professor soccer for the Colorado Rapids and the Festival in Newport, R.I. The St. Louis emeritus in mechanical engineering. New England Revolution. In his profes- Riverfront Times named Pokey LaFarge McCormick’s principal research activity sional soccer career, he was voted the “Best the Best Americana Band in 2010 and has involved solutions of linear problems XI” in the Chilean Second Division in 2011. Additionally, the band won Best of transport theory. After 1990 he began 2005 and 2006, an award distinguishing Americana Album with Riverboat Soul at to focus on analytical methods for solving the best player in the left fullback position. the Independent Music Awards in 2010. In inverse radiative transfer problems for oce- In 2008, Hilgenbrinck made the deci- 2011, the band won Independent Music anic, atmospheric, and biological applica- sion to resign from professional soccer Awards for Best Americana Album with tions. Specific projects where his solutions and follow a calling to the priesthood. Middle of Everywhere and Best Americana were applied included the development Hilgenbrinck entered the Catholic Mount Song with Ain’t the Same. of inversion algorithms for in-situ ocean St. Mary’s Seminary of the Mount St. Mary’s The band has toured with Jack White measurements and for remotely sensing the University in Emmitsburg, Md. He spent and Old Crow Medicine and has also made optical properties of seawater and clouds, the next six years studying theology and phi- rounds on late night television, appearing and the estimation of the optical thickness losophy with the hopes of being ordained. on Conan O’Brien and the Late Show with of clouds. McCormick has also authored Hilgenbrinck was ordained a deacon for his David Letterman. In 2013, LaFarge and two books. In 1981, he wrote Reliability home diocese of Peoria, Ill., and on May 24, the group made an appearance on the APM and Risk Analysis Methods and Nuclear 2014, he was ordained a priest. “live” radio broadcast of A Prairie Home Power Applications (Academic, 1981), and While studying to become a priest, he Companion, with Garrison Keillor. LaFarge in 2011, he co-authored Risk and Safety volunteered his services to the community. has been featured in the Bloomington, Ill. Analysis of Nuclear Systems (Wiley, 2011) In 2010 and 2011, he served as a volunteer newspaper, The Pantagraph, as well as local with John Lee. assistant in the Theology Department at radio stations WGLT and WBNQ. McCormick has also been active with the St. Maria Goretti High School. In 2011 He credits his family, University High community, serving as a youth advocate in and 2012, he provided prison ministry at School, and growing up with Midwestern King County Court for Family Law, as well the Maryland Correctional Institute. And values with making him what he is today, a as a tour guide for high school students in 2012 and 2013, he volunteered time to successful, internationally renowned interested in the University of Washington an immigration lawyer, preparing Unlawful musician, performer, songwriter, producer Medical School. Presence Waivers on behalf of illegal and entertainer. LaFarge has also given Over the course of his career, immigrants in Washington, D.C. back to the community, donating his tal- McCormick has received the following In high school, Hilgenbrinck twice ents to The Strings Attached project in St. awards and recognitions: made the United States Under-17 National Louis, Mo. This program provides guitar

8 lessons and music education, as well as Catholic High School, initially, and then • Associate in Information Technology musical mentoring opportunities for youth. with University High School, giving back to • Certified Information Systems Security LaFarge is a preservationist and propo- the school where her passion began. Professional nent of traditional American music and Currently, her exchange program works • Certified Secure Software Lifecycle values. He is on a mission, encouraging fans with Thomas Metcalf School and runs Professional worldwide to think differently about what every other year. The program is designed • Giak Security Essentials Certification it means to celebrate musical traditions. for a sixth grade class and brings 32 French • Giak Web Application Penetration Tester children to the twin cities. Todd has also been active with the Boy Hall Of Fame Award The exchange program with the Illinois Scouts of America. He has served as a com- Alison Hitner Mouton, Class of 1982 State University Laboratory Schools makes mittee member, leader and assistant scout- With more than 27 the experience for Mouton come full circle, master for the National Youth Leadership years of teaching as her passion began with an exchange Training (NYLT) camps and he received the experience, Mouton program through U-High in 1981. Vigil Honor in the Order of the Arrow. He is recognized as a is also a member of Professional Association passionate educa- Alumni Service Award of Diving Instructors (PADI) and for many tor and mentor to Herb Todd, Class years helped teach SCUBA classes at Wild students and other of 1982 Country in Normal, Ill. educators. She After graduation, Todd transferred to University High graduated from Todd enlisted in School from Fairbury-Cropsey prior to University High School in 1982, where she the Navy and con- his senior year. He was active with the took French with Mr. Boyd. During her ducted two Pacific Clarionette, the Clairon, and the Science junior and senior years, she joined an AFS cruises, attain- Club. He fondly appreciated all of his teach- program, studying in France. It was during ing the rank of ers, especially Peter Parmantie, Michael this time that her passion for the culture electronic warfare Surma, Michael Briggs, and Peggy Scott. and language of France was cultivated. petty officer 2nd Todd met his wife, Heidi (Semmler) ’83 at After graduation she studied at the class. He received his bachelor’s degree in U-High and their son Ian, ’13 and daugh- University of Florida in Gainesville, Fla. She applied computer science and his master’s ter, Amanda, ’14 are graduates. Other fam- earned a bachelor’s degree in French in 1986. degree in information assurance and secu- ily alumni include his mother, Esta (Baker) She continued her journey in foreign lan- rity from Illinois State University. Wessels, ’59; his brother, Patrick, ’83; two guage by moving to France and beginning Todd started working at State Farm more sisters-in-law, Tracey (Semmler) Shuler and a long teaching career, teaching English to than 20 years ago. He works as a security Jacqui (Semmler) Crutchely, and brother- French schoolchildren. In the 1990s, she analyst technician in Dallas and has earned in-law, David Crutchely. created an exchange program with Central the following industry certifications:

FUTURE Step up and start getting HOMECOMING that milestone reunion DATE planned. Contact the Alumni Relations Friday, October 16, 2015 Coordinators to start the process. It’s never too late or never too early to organize a gathering of your classmates.

9 A 45-year diamond reunion

By Marilee Williams Alvey ’69 My reunion weekend is over. Now, it is back together. Now, it seems as if returning to the change, job loss and retirement; but none of to my regular life with breakneck speed. We scene of the ‘crime’ provides a unique place that matters. The joy is that the majority of us carved out a rare oasis of time for this, but, of healing for each other. We talked freely are still here this day. We don’t care what they now our routines beckon once again. to those whom we never got (or took) an do nor what they did. We only care that they It was really wonderful to see people with opportunity to speak with in high school, are here and that brings us contentment. whom I spent those awkward teenage years. as well as to those whom we hadn’t seen for If I could have gotten one photo, it would We were so young, so naive. Of course we many years, some, since 1969. have been just a giant aerial group hug, with didn’t think so, but we were. Say what you The drama and poignancy of life was each of us drawing strength from each other, will, but our group went through four years played out in this weekend. We have lost 25 the strength to continue on our own paths, of something truly unique. When we get classmates so far. We had somewhere around to persevere, knowing that our U-High ‘sib- together, we can feel it. 150-160 seniors in our class. We have gone lings’ will always have open arms to welcome It’s odd. There was a wave of insecurity through the early reunions where success us home, no matter where we may have gone that hit me when I was approaching this seemed to matter greatly, only to have come or the battering we may have faced. weekend. I spoke with others who felt it as out on the other end of it where many are Home is where they always have to take you well. As it came near, I think we became no longer working. There really is no point in. For our Class of ‘69, U-High is our home. those same insecure teenagers! However, I in bragging about what you used to do. U-High’s Class of ‘69 is my not only my believe that, once we were together, there was Success just isn’t that important, nor is saving heritage, they are my family, where I will nothing more healing than being together. face. It’s a precious, comfortable time of life! always be loved, defended, if needed, and It’s hard to express. We were like a big group Those twenty-five names whisper to us that accepted, no matter what. There’s a rea- of brothers and sisters. Like siblings, we got life is fleeting for us all. There’s now grey hair son for the word, “Homecoming.” We all some wounds from being together, but we (and white hair!), no hair, pounds put on and returned ‘home,’ one magical weekend in also became stronger, together. We launched, pounds taken off, tooth loss and caps, job July of 2014.

Front row: Jeanne Kendall Wooldridge, Tony deRosa, Sally Brooks Hershberger, Robin Norris Wilt, Marcy Vancil, Linda Lower Potts, Martha Ulbrich Vacco, Mary Tebrugge Payton, Sue McGinnes, Vicky Freedlund VanCauwenberge, Cindy Mattoon Leach Back: Dan Satorius, Mark Englesman, Mike Neeley, Tom Lovelass, Dan Hopkins, Gary Ayers, Ron Martin, Richard Quindry, Dave Whikehart, Dan Milligan, Jon Thetard, Robin Schaab Gould, Jane Legg Bower, Marilee Williams Alvey, Tom Eddy, Jeff Oberman, Chuck Richmond, Diane Bier Meister, Karen Mercier Crusius, Kent Wurmnest Attended, not pictured: Pete Kagy, Brenda Miller, Barb Porter Schlosser, Rick Roderick, Debbie deWerff Burkey, Bruce Roberts

IN REMEMBRANCE

David Almy ’57 Edward Doage, Jr ’68 Marjorie Rhinehart Killough ’45 Eloise Moberly Rosensteel ’34 died 2/9/15 died 1/11/15 died 7/19/14 died 12/26/11 Beverly Walters Behnke ’42 Karen Mishler Gatlin ’61 Helen Priest King ’48 Oren Schaab ’50 died 11/16/14 died 1/11/15 died 8/29/14 died 12/31/14 Charles Brown ’47 Sally Lynn Brooks Hershberger ’69 Lester Martin ’45 Nancy Wallen Tieken ’65 died 3/2/14 died 12/1/14 died 8/23/14 died 01/24/15 Alice Blum Budz ’35 Anthony Holtz ’79 Judith Blakney Mayberry ’56 Joyce Nix Vannice ’50 died 7/19/14 died 8/1/14 died 12/22/14 died 8/7/14 Jean Butcher ’86 Harriet Jacquat ’38 Jacqueline Freed Neal ’48 died 9/28/14 died 12/19/14 died 8/10/14 Harry Cluts ’49 Navy Maddio Kelly ’39 Edwin Raydon ’60 died 8/22/14 died 8/29/14 died 12/16/14

10 In the halls of U-High of other performers for a week of theatre and Junior Christina Su qualified for the HISA camaraderie at the world’s largest performing state tournament in girls’ tennis after coming Pioneer football won the Corn Belt arts festival. U-High was one of only 28 U.S. in third at the Normal Sectional in singles. Conference title outright and ended the high schools to be invited to perform. Girls’ golf made it to the Class 2A state season 9-0 and undefeated for the third This past summer, a number of Pioneers tournament again this year. The Pioneers consecutive year. volunteered at Advocate Bromenn Medical finished in 12th place overall. Senior Sarah Student Senate is currently repainting Center where they helped in various capaci- Lyman shot a 78, just one stroke away from and updating the country flags in the newly ties and were greatly appreciated for their a top 10 finish. painted second floor hallway. dedication. Junior Volunteers included A number of Pioneers were selected to In July, Ricardo Cortez de la Cruz II Jordyn Blythe, Juju Olsen, Chris Braun, perform at the Illinois Music Educators’ and Jordynn Palmer participated in the Sydney Kneller, Jessica Pledger, Nahdia Association District Jazz Festival. They 36th Annual National NAACP ACT-SO Wilbert-Davis, Sarah Lyman, Ava Roper, included: Jazz Band—Cole Bateman, Misa Competition in Las Vegas, Nevada. Cortez and Christina Su. Nagase and Alec Rodriguez and in Jazz ’14 brought home a silver medal in poetry, The U-High speech and debate pro- Choir—Thea Cornwell, Grace Henderson, a monetary award, and a Microsoft Surface gram has yet again earned membership in Jeff Kapraun, Josh Kuhn, Caroline McKinzie, tablet courtesy of State Farm. the prestigious 100 Club by the National Cole Morgan, Jordynn Palmer, Ethan The U-High Thespians’ production of Forensic League. This honor is due to the Schlenker, Leah Taylor and Alex Walbert. Welcome to the Moon and Other Plays opened chapter achieving 100 degrees or more last to rave reviews and standing ovations at year, placing it in the top 10 percent of the American High School Theatre Festival chapters nationwide. at The Fringe in Edinburgh, Scotland, in August. The 12-member cast joined hundreds

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