Illinois State Magazine, February 2014 Issue University Marketing and Communications

Illinois State University ISU ReD: Research and eData

Illinois State Magazine University Marketing and Communications

2-1-2014 Illinois State Magazine, February 2014 Issue University Marketing and Communications

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This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the University Marketing and Communications at ISU ReD: Research and eData. It has been accepted for inclusion in Illinois State Magazine by an authorized administrator of ISU ReD: Research and eData. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Old school Memories from the era of Y 2014

R the one-room schoolhouse A U EBR F • Number 3 • Volume 14 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 I had the privilege of presenting my first Designers State of the University address to the campus community in the fall. At the Jeff Higgerson ’92 Carol Jalowiec ’08 time, Nancy and I had been a part of Illinois State exactly two months and two days. Jon Robinson M.S. ’12 The moment created an opportunity for me to share my observations as one new Sean Thornton ’00 to the University, someone who can see and experience with fresh eyes what those who WEB EDITOR Ryan Denham have called ISU their home for years may overlook. PHOTOGRAPHER I shared then and want to convey to you now my assessment that Illinois State is a Lyndsie Schlink ’04 potent university—a diverse institution of great PRODUCTION coordinator Tracy Widergren ’03 achievement and even greater potential. writers There are literally hundreds of public and Steven Barcus ’06, M.S. ’09 Kevin Bersett private universities around the country that Ryan Denham would give anything to have the students we editorial intern Grace Johnson enroll, the faculty and staff that work here, and the capacity to move closer to the measures of Illinois State (USPS 019606) is published quarterly for members of the Illinois State University Alumni success we have already achieved. Association at Alumni Center, 1101 N. Main Street, Normal, Illinois 61790-3100. Periodicals postage paid There are ample statistics to support our at Normal, Illinois, and at additional mailing offices. claims of excellence, from a talented freshman Magazine editorial offices are located at 1101 N. class with a 3.4 GPA average to a graduation rate Main Street, Normal, Illinois 61790-3100; telephone (309) 438-2586; facsimile (309) 438-8057; email of 71.5 percent, which is the second highest in [email protected]; Website IllinoisState.edu/ Magazine. Postmaster: Send address changes to the state and among the best in the nation. Illinois State, Illinois State University, Campus Box 8000, Normal, IL 61790-8000. And yet, there are challenges that make it Material may be reprinted with prior approval, imperative we do not rest on our laurels. One of provided no commercial endorsement is implied these is the need to continue attracting talented and credit is given to the author, to Illinois State University, and to Illinois State. students to Illinois State. Website: IllinoisState.edu While our total enrollment remained strong this year, on-campus enrollment An equal opportunity/affirmative action university encouraging diversity 14-0007. This document is dipped slightly. This is not surprising, given Illinois is one of the top exporters of college available in alternative formats upon request by students to other states—and the competition for students from border state universities contacting Alumni Relations at (309) 438-2586. is fierce. Alumni association board of directors Jerry Kerber ’74, Kathy Coyle Murdoch ’86 So although we do a tremendous job of keeping students who choose Illinois State President Bob Navarro ’91, M.S. ’93, as their collegiate home, we face the challenge of engaging prospective students to make Greg Ayers ’90 Ph.D. ’02 Lisa Castleman ’96 Tim Pantaleone ’07 that decision. Those who attend are quick to note the excellence and opportunity exceed Jeff Charnogorsky ’85 Scott Preston ’10 what they anticipated, which tells me we need to do a better job of sharing our story. Bob Freitag ’84 Doug Reeves ’69 I know of no better way to accomplish this task than to enlist you, our proud alumni, Jennifer Groezinger ’02 Kaci Rollings ’94 Michele Pfeilschifter Steve Smith ’89, M.S. ’93 to become even stronger ambassadors for your alma mater. You know the lasting impact Guadalupe ’01 Alice Spann ’78 Illinois State has had on you personally and professionally. Will you share your memo- Dave Horstein ’08 Gary Tiffany ’74 Julie Jones ’90 Martin Vanags ’84 rable moments with others? Your partnership is needed and appreciated as we recruit Dan Kelley ’70 Mike Willis ’82 and welcome future generations to the Redbird family. Emily Miller Kimmey ’99, Jerry Wright ’62, M.S. ’66 M.S. ’01 Linda Yap ’74, ’81 Daniel Lopez, Ph.D. ’02 Betty Kinser ’73, M.S. ’75, Lois (Rademacher) Mills Board of Trustees ’62, M.S. ’69 Alumni Liaison Let us hear from you! Your feedback is appreciated. Timothy J. Flanagan, Ph.D. Send comments or suggestions, Class Notes, Letters to the Editor, How We Met and Legacy stories, as well as President, Illinois State University Where Are They Now and Reggie Reads submissions to Susan Blystone at [email protected], or mail to Campus Box 3420, Normal, IL 61790. Volume 14, Number 3, February 2014

FEATURES 8 When there is no cure Bobby Rice faced the reality that flesh-eating bacteria had ravaged his leg so badly, amputation appeared to be his only option. Dr. Spence Misner ’73 envisioned a different outcome. A specialist in saving limbs, Misner delivered an expensive experimental treatment that restored Rice’s life and limb.

12 Five decades later It’s been 50 years since the institution’s name changed to Illinois State University. The emo- tion and concern voiced when the controversial decision was debated is revisited. Those involved remember the pivotal moment that altered ISU’s path. And yet, there is evidence the University 12 has not veered from teacher preparation as opponents feared.

18 Little school on the prairie 18 One-room schoolhouses are long gone but far from forgotten. Former students still relish those simpler times, which challenged the teachers. The routine required to manage eight grades simultaneously is shared by four graduates from the 1930s. Each remembers well the task of preparing youngsters in the quaint educational system of yesteryear. 25 25 Back to baseball Redbird standout pitcher Neal Cotts went from a World Series celebration with the Chicago White Sox to watching major league play from the sidelines. Injuries kept him out of any line- up from 2009 until last season with the Texas Rangers. Cotts’ return to professional baseball is deemed as unlikely as his initial arrival.

DEPARTMENTS 2 University News 8 6 Redbird Athletics What’s trending on 28 Alumni Connections A Student-athlete’s search for birth parents has happy ending 30 Class Notes 11 reasons we needed the new Redbird Vintage line Meet the Redbird cheerleaders who got engaged at halftime On the cover: The Lura Eyestone School Museum on Read these stories and more at IllinoisState.edu/STATEside. the ISU campus maintains the look of the nation’s first classrooms. UniversityNews

Evidence of ISU’s excellence Graduation rate among best in the nation

llinois State’s graduation rate has It’s also good news for competitive He credits on-campus academic hit an all-time high of 71.5 per- alums. Illinois State’s graduation rate in resources and programs for helping raise cent, which puts ISU among the 2012—the most recent year for compa- graduation rates. Personal relationships top 10 percent of all U.S. universi- rable data—topped every “directional” are also key, as is financial support from ties.I The statistic reflects the percent of school in Illinois (Northern, Southern, alumni, who play a big role in shaping 2007 freshmen who graduated within Eastern, and Western), as well as other the academic success of today’s students. six years. The graduation rate also rose schools such as DePaul and the Univer- The new record-high graduation specifically for minority students. sity of Illinois-Chicago. rate “speaks volumes to the institutional The graduation rate for 1992’s fresh- “The more people look at ISU’s stats quality that our students are getting,” man class was, by contrast, just 52.6 now, the more valuable their degrees are ISU Alumni Association President Jerry percent. The national average for public from back when they were here,” Associ- Kerber ’74 said, citing the small class universities today is only 56 percent. ate Provost for Undergraduate Education sizes and student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1. The ability to meet graduation goals Jonathan Rosenthal said. “This shows alumni what’s going means lower student debt. ISU’s rising How did ISU do it? It’s a combina- on within their University, and that graduation rate means bragging rights tion of increased academic standards for anything they can do to help is worth for older alumni too, as the statistic is a incoming students and retention efforts their time and investment, because we’re factor in national rankings. for students once they’re on campus, showing the results right here.” Rosenthal said.

2 Illinois State February 2014 Two faculty chosen as Fulbright participants Associate Professor of History Andrew Hartman and Associate Professor at Mil- ner Library Dallas Long have received the prestigious honor of joining the Ful- bright program. Hartman is the 2013-2014 Fulbright Distinguished Chair in American Stud- ies at the University of Southern Den- mark in Odense. He began the appoint- ment during the summer and will remain overseas until June 2014. His research and teaching focus on 20th-century U.S. intellectual history and cultural history. An author, he presents his research in the U.S. and internationally. The founding president of the Society for U.S. Intellectual History, Hartman edits the organization’s blog, which won the 2010 Cliopatria Award for Best Group Blog. Student workers Christopher Hinds, left, and Bruno Raoufi, right, help eRecycling supervisor Bart Lytel. Long is a Fulbright specialist in library science. He will join a competi- A team of students help make cer- for public universities, according to the tive, peer-reviewed roster of special- tain each piece of equipment undergoes a U.S. Department of Education. ists for a five-year term. His work will series of diagnostic tests, which ensures The publication also praised ISU’s involve participating in librarian train- university data is protected. Departments affordability and low loan default rate of ing and advising libraries on program are able to upgrade existing equipment 3 percent, which is significantly lower development and library operations. His from the eRecycling inventory instead than the 14.4 percent Illinois average and regions of focus will include the Balkans, of spending budget dollars to purchase the 13.4 percent nationwide average. Turkey and North Africa. new. The program has resulted in a sav- “While Illinois State is already well ings to the University of $223,829. known for its student success rates, this Recycled electronics “The eRecycling unit is a perfect ranking recognizes our focus on helping help budgets, landfills example of how one institution can make graduate students while keeping debt a statewide impact on budgets, the envi- under control,” said Troy Johnson, Illi- The University’s sustainability initiatives ronment, education and the multitude nois State’s associate vice president of are expanding with the addition of elec- of social services that are provided by enrollment management. tronic device recycling. Administrative state-funded programs,” Sustainability’s Financial Aid Director Jana Technology has initiated the eRecycling Assistant Director Melissa Nergard said. Albrecht said about one-third of students program as part of a property control will graduate with no debt. Illinois State program. offered more than $34 million in institu- In the month of July alone, eRecy- ISU’s value is lauded tional scholarships and grants last year cling saved 3,422 pounds of technology by national publication to more than 7,000 students, with more equipment from hitting the landfills. The Illinois State was ranked among the top than 78 percent of students receiving equipment included laptops, desktops 50 universities in the country in Wash- some type of financial aid each year. and monitors. ington Monthly’s 2013 Best Bang for the “We take university equipment that Buck Rankings. It is one of only two has been turned in to property control Illinois public universities to be included ISU among nation’s best and refurbish it,” eRecycling supervisor in the top 50. in support of veterans Bart Lytel said. “We clean them, wipe The publication ranked Illinois Illinois State has again been included the drives, test them, ensure that they are State at 47. The University was noted in the Military Friendly Schools listing functional, and offer them at no charge to for its 71.5 percent graduation rate, published by Victory Media. The 2014 the departments on campus or elsewhere which is far above the national average Military Friendly Schools list honors the in the state.”

February 2014 Illinois State 3 Where are they now? The College of Business was in its infancy when Max Rexroad was hired to teach accounting. He joined the faculty in 1969 at the age of 27, expecting to remain until completing his dissertation at the University of Illinois. Plans changed when he realized the potential to help shape ISU’s program. “I was on the ground floor of something brand new. We had a department to build, and I really liked that,” said Rexroad, who had previously worked for Arthur Andersen. Rexroad took a leave from the firm to complete his graduate work, which gave him an opportunity to teach an accounting class. “I decided I loved it.” His affinity for ISU was equally strong. He taught primarily financial accounting and devoted 20 years to teaching a CPA exam review course. He teamed with colleagues to focus on fraud detection and deterrence as a research interest, gaining national accolades. His school spirit was obvious with a red derby he wore as a result of serving as advisor to the students’ accounting society for a decade. Rexroad wanted a way for the group to be identified while completing community service. One student found the red hats in a St. Louis store, and the tradition was born. Retired since 2004, Rexroad still owns a derby collection. He and his wife, Elaine, reside in Congerville. He remains active in professional accounting organizations. An ISU accounting scholarship has been created in his name. He returns to campus often, as he enjoys departmental events and interacting with students. Contact him at (309) 467-3572 or [email protected]. Accounting Professor Emeritus Max Rexroad top 20 percent of colleges, universities The NCA awarded the graduate pro- Legal studies program has and trade schools in the country that gram for its excellent quality in develop- association’s approval are supporting the educational pursuits ing research and teaching, and mentor- The legal studies major at ISU has been of veterans. Criteria include a strong ing students well in their personal and granted approval by the American Bar commitment to recruiting, retaining and professional growth. Association (ABA). This marks the sec- providing financial, academic and social Professor Emeritus Sandra Metts ond time in three years the ABA has services to student veterans. received the Outstanding Mentor in Mas- endorsed an ISU paralegal education The University provides student vet- ter’s Education Award from the NCA. plan of study. erans with a variety of academic, advise- The PR program is the first in Illi- “This will be immensely helpful in ment and financial support services. The nois to receive certification from the attracting students to Illinois State Uni- Veterans Services office is the first point Public Relations Society of America. versity and the program,” Department of of contact. The office assists with Veter- ISU’s program is one of only about 40 Politics and Government Chair Ali Riaz ans Administration education benefits, worldwide to receive the Certification said, noting the ABA endorsement is a helps students transition to life on cam- in Education for Public Relations cre- benchmark for many employers who hire pus and provides referrals to other veter- dential. paralegals. About 50 students participate ans services within the community. The accreditation confirms the pro- in the program each year. Professor Tom gram is rigorous, opens the door for McClure ’76, M.S. ’01, an attorney and resources, and bolsters the degree’s value assistant professor of the department, Communication programs for students and alums. directs the program. recognized for excellence In addition, the Communication At the beginning of the summer, The School of Communications has been Institute for Online Scholarship has the department petitioned the ABA for praised by the National Communication reported that the graduate faculty in the approval of a legal studies major as a Association (NCA) as providing an Out- school are among the most productive new program option. The department standing Master’s Degree Program. In communication scholars in the nation. will begin offering the major to incoming addition, the school’s public relations students this fall. program has gained certification.

4 Illinois State February 2014 Study of Latin back through new minor Latin will be reborn this fall in a new interdisciplinary minor known as clas- Mail sical studies. Taught by English, history, art and philosophy faculty, the minor will To the Editor, explore the Latin language and the world Usually I celebrate this magazine’s alumni stories. Your last issue, though, included “Riding the it encompassed. oil and gas boom,” which described the successful careers of geology majors participating in “Latin is the basis of so many human- the fracking boom. This boom brings trouble. Fracking offers uncertain careers that contribute ities disciplines. With resources scarce, it to the climate change crisis, a terrible threat seen most recently with the devastating Philippine has been 10 years since we employed a typhoon. full-time classicist,” said Jonathan Druk- While this magazine has written about students and wind energy—a choice I applaud—the er. He is director of undergraduate stud- editorial board should not equate wind energy workers with fracking workers as if the careers ies for the Department of Languages, are equally valuable and/or equally harmless to the environment. Literatures and Cultures, which is home Your November journalism majors’ story describes alums, faculty and students retooling for for the minor. a changing world. While “Riding” acknowledges geology students’ discomfort with fracking, the In addition to 12 hours of Latin, article does not describe how some geology majors choose non-oil and gas careers. students will find electives in ancient, The oil and gas boom has brought to other states decreased home values, polluted water, Medieval and Renaissance history; phi- environmental health problems, and ruined agricultural land. The successful careers of some losophy; and art and architecture. “Inter- geology majors should be weighed against the harsh realities all of us will face when hydraulic disciplinary curriculums really help stu- fracturing arrives in Illinois. dents think outside the box,” Druker Please publish an article about the many ISU professors, students and alumni fighting to said. “Colleagues from across the campus keep fracking out of Illinois, and/or bringing information about the need for altered lifestyles in realize the importance of studying and the face of climate change’s dangers. teaching Latin.” Sandra Lindberg ’77, M.S. ’78

Editor’s Note: The article ran as part of a series on the role alumni play in the business of energy. The first article, Budget for buildings “Illinois State helps fuel the wind energy revolution,” focused on alums working in wind energy and ISU programs approved by trustees preparing students for that field (May 2013). Illinois State has a list of capital proj- To the Editor, ect requests totaling $273.7 million. The The cover story in the November issue (“Print Purgatory”) was a great article, but I feel it missed governing board approved the FY2015 exploring an industry niche: community newspapers. budget request last fall, along with Community newspapers cover the news in small towns across America that dailies can’t or approximately $85 million in general choose not to explore. Many community papers have gone from five days a week to one or two revenue. Legislators and the governor issues a week, but if communities embrace the newspaper and the staff embrace the commu- must approve both budgets. nity, the publication can succeed and thrive! Projects on the capital wish list are I’ve worked for community newspapers most of my career. I currently work for an organiza- the same as from last year, as no new tion that owns nearly 80 community newspaper across the United States. Our first love is print, funds were given to ISU to support the but we recognize the need to accept and jump on board with digital and are initiating a program work. The list includes remodeling of that will include both! Milner Library to add space for stacks I hope new graduates will consider small town community newspapers in their career search. and study areas. We offer the opportunity to learn every facet of the industry that may not be experienced in Funding for a new Mennonite Col- other mediums. We can be a stepping stone in their careers or, opportunity to move up! lege of Nursing building is also again Katy O’Grady-Pyne ’81 requested. With enrollment doubled in the past 15 years, Edwards Hall is no longer adequate for the college’s needs. Other projects include replac- Correction ing Thomas Metcalf Laboratory School Alumna Jackie Ferree ’83 is global upstream finance manager for Chevron. Ferree was the first and University High School, as well as woman to join the company’s San Francisco-based international auditing staff. Ferree also worked remodeling DeGarmo and Williams halls. on Chevron’s $4.5 billion acquisition of Atlas Energy. Ferree’s last name, title, role on the auditing staff, and cost of the Atlas acquisition were incorrectly stated in November’s issue of Illinois State magazine (“Riding the oil and gas boom”). The magazine staff regrets the errors.

February 2014 Illinois State 5 RedbirdAthletics

The voice of men’s basketball First season for new Redbird announcer

ith the departure action. He spent 10 years announcing for of potential candidates, Belsaas began of longtime public the Quad Cities Steamwheelers arena prepping for the role before the start of address (PA) announc- football team, and has assisted with PA the 2013–2014 season. He mastered the er Steve Adams, men’s for the Quad City Mallards hockey team player roster and attended Hoopfest and Wbasketball fans have been hearing a new as well as a variety of other events. other events to get a feel for the games. voice—one that may already be familiar Connecting with collegiate sports As the season has progressed, Bel- to many local Redbirds. has been a priority for Belsaas since mov- saas has enjoyed having a part in Redbird Jon Belsaas, also known as JD Jus- ing to the Twin Cities area. basketball. tice, took over as the new PA announcer “I wanted to work in college sports “If I can be half as good as Steve for men’s basketball when the season because I love the atmosphere,” Belsaas Adams was in the role, I’ll be doing pretty began in the fall. Belsaas is cohost of said. “They are so real, and everyone is good,” Belsaas said. “I’ve been to a few Justice and Faith in the Morning on so dedicated.” basketball games announced by Adams, the Bloomington-Normal WBWN B104 Belsaas tried out for the PA announc- and I thought he did a tremendous job. country music radio station. er position on the recommendation of When people say, ‘You have some big A radio veteran of more than 20 Adams, following a radio interview cov- shoes to fill,’ I say I’m not going to even years, Belsaas is not new to calling sports ering his retirement. After learning that try. I’ll have to make my own.” he had been selected from the long list

6 Illinois State February 2014 Athletics mourns loss of two key contributors

The University community lost a pair Kief served in the military, enroll- of dedicated Redbird supporters and ing at ISU at the age of 39 and earning employees in the fall. Jim Johnson, M.A. degrees in physical education and ath- ’64, and Bob Kief ’70, M.S. ’72, made letic training. He was a faculty member significant contributions to the campus and athletic trainer for eight years before and impacted student-athletes for many becoming a full-time assistant athletic Time to plan for March years. trainer. He retired in 1989 as the head The Missouri Valley Conference basketball Retired in 2002 after a 35-year athletic trainer for men’s Athletics. One tournaments will again be in the St. Louis career as a psychology professor, John- of the first 50 licensed athletic trainers area during the first two weekends of March. son became a volunteer academic coor- in the state of Illinois, Kief was voted Head coach Dan Muller and the men’s dinator with the Karin L. Bone Athletics into the Illinois Athletic Trainers Asso- team will attempt to reach their third cham- Study Center. He continued leading an ciation Hall of Fame. He enjoyed coming pionship game during play at the Scottrade introduction to psychology class, teach- up with new concepts for preventive and Center March 6-9. The Embassy Suites in ing large numbers of student-athletes. post-injury care and was fondly known downtown St. Louis will be the official ISU Affectionately known as “Dr. J,” he led as “Doc.” team hotel. Call (314) 269-5900 and refer- study skills workshops and worked with To make a donation to honor either ence the Illinois State fan block. individual student-athletes. He was Johnson or Kief, go to IllinoisState.edu/ Head coach Barb Smith will lead the inducted into the Illinois State Athletics Giving or call (309) 438-8041. women’s basketball team March 13-16 at the Family Arena in St. Charles, Missouri. The Percy Family Hall of Fame as a Campbell Redbirds will stay at the Sheraton Lakeside “Stretch” Miller Award recipient. Chalet in Westport, Missouri. Call (888) 627-7066 and mention the ISU fan block. To order tickets for either tournament, visit GoRedbirds.com or call the ISU Athlet- ics tickets office at (309) 438-8000.

Redbird soccer team wins fifth valley title The ISU soccer team clinched the Mis- souri Valley Conference regular-season championship outright with a 3-0 victory over Drake last fall. The title is the ninth in program-history for ISU, and fifth for head coach Drew Roff in his seven seasons at the helm. “After coming in second last year, this is definitely something we wanted to accomplish, ” Roff said following the clinching win. “Another shutout was key. We’ve shown the ability to not give up goals during this run, which is huge.” The Redbirds defeated Indiana State in Everybody needs a little Reggie. the championship game of the 2013 MVC Soccer Championship to earn the league’s Find the perfect gifts for all the Illinois State automatic NCAA Tournament bid. ISU defeated Louisville in the first round but was fans in your life at RedbirdGear.com unable to get past Michigan in round two.

February 2014 Illinois State 7 by Steven Barcus

Alum uses cutting-edge stem cell treatment to restore man’s leg

obby Rice never expected that cutting his foot could reshape his entire life. BThe Dalton, Georgia, carpet layer was walking trash to the dumpster outside his apartment when he stepped on broken glass. Rice felt no pain and because of his profession, was used to dealing with scratches and cuts. He bandaged his foot and didn’t think any more of it. At least he tried not to.

But the glass had created a hole in his foot that constantly nosed diabetic, Rice also suffered from diabetic neuropathy, drained, ruining his socks. Rice was still not in any pain, so he which had destroyed the nerves in his legs and explained why decided to use a remedy that he had success with many times he couldn’t feel what should have been a painful injury. before. He superglued the wound shut. The decision for the physician examining Rice’s leg was The draining ceased, but the real problems were just be- clear: amputate. ginning, as the wound quickly became infected. The infection “I didn’t want to lose my leg,” Rice said. “I asked to see began traveling up through Rice’s foot, ankle, and eventually someone who didn’t want to cut my leg off.” lower leg. His leg began to swell and change color from shades Given the severity of Rice’s situation, Dr. Spence Misner of blue and green to patches of black. Yet it was still easy for ’73 was called in. Misner, who had been practicing foot and Rice to ignore since he wasn’t in any pain. ankle pathology for more than 30 years, specialized in limb Eventually fevers of 104 degrees, nausea, and shaky limbs salvage, treating high-risk patients with critical wounds on the accompanied Rice’s discolored flesh. His nausea was so severe verge of losing a leg. that he went more than 21 days holding down nothing except If Rice was hoping for a different answer from Misner, Sprite. Finally, after blacking out on the floor in his apartment, he would be disappointed. Misner initially came to the same Rice knew that something was very wrong. He called a cab and conclusion as other physicians. Rice would lose his leg. was taken to the hospital. “The usual standard for treating a flesh-eating infection is Doctors examined Rice and quickly identified the prob- immediate amputation,” said Misner, a 1973 psychology alum. lem. Rice’s leg had become infected with necrotizing fasciitis, “You would rather lose a leg than lose a life.” more commonly known as flesh-eating bacteria. An undiag- Misner knew that in taking Rice’s leg, he would also be

8 Illinois State February 2014 taking his livelihood. The doctor brought Rice into surgery twice, each time cutting away more infected flesh. By the time he finished, barely anything aside from tendon, bone, and an open wound remained from 6 inches above Rice’s ankle to his toes. Weeks of advanced wound care yielded little progress. Despite Misner’s skill, the situation was beginning to look hopeless. Fortunately, Misner had a breakthrough. One of the sales representatives that he was acquaint- ed with mentioned a company he worked with, Osiris Therapeutics, that developed several stem cell products. Misner called the company and explained Rice’s situation. Osiris agreed to donate anything that Misner needed, however, a stem cell tissue transplant on this level had not been attempted. “I told Bobby he had a choice,” Misner said. “We can either amputate your leg, or we can try a procedure that has never been done. If it works, you have a leg. If it doesn’t work, you are not out anything.” Rice agreed to give it a try. With Misner agreeing to donate his time, and Osiris agreeing to donate nonembryonic stem cell products

February 2014 Illinois State 9

Grafix and Ovation, Misner “Osiris is at the forefront prepared to begin the treat- of significant breakthrough ment. When the first of the medicine,” said Osiris Thera- stem cell products arrived, peutics Chief Operating Of- Misner took them to the -75 ficer Lode Debrabandere. “As Fahrenheit cold storage at the a result, the most catastrophic hospital, where he opened medical cases are brought to the container to inspect what us. When you have people who he would be working with. can’t afford the products, you What Misner found can put your money better into were 2x2 tissue squares half donating products than into the thickness of Saran wrap marketing and advertising. that contained stem cells, Our products need to be used. connective tissue, growth fac- That is more important.” tors, and skin growing cells. The investment Misner What he didn’t find were and Osiris made in Rice’s foot recommended procedures for slowly began to yield results. administering the stem cell Between December 2011 and treatment. May 2012 the stem cells regen- “I called the company erated tendon, ligament, fat, because no protocol was in- bone, and skin. cluded,” Misner said. “Osiris “Stem cells have been responded that the reason used before to regenerate we are giving these to you is these components individu- there is no protocol. How- ally—but they have never been ever, being in wound care I used in complex care,” Misner had extensive experience in said, “never to address all of using biologic skin. This was these tissue parts at one time.” similar.” An additional surprise The tissue transplant came during a later treatment was a slow, tedious process. session when a nurse tickled Above: Treatment of Rice’s foot was completed every three weeks for more than The squares, which thawed Rice’s foot. Rice jerked his six months. Below: Misner describes the next stages of treatment to Rice at the slowly, were peeled off of clinic in Dalton, Georgia. foot slightly and exclaimed their backing and placed that it tickled. The words directly on what was left of passed without notice, until Rice’s leg using microscopic Rice realized the significance forceps. of the moment. “It sounds simple, but it Feeling had returned to can be a difficult substance his leg. The stem cells were to work with,” Misner said. regenerating his long-damaged “It is similar to Saran wrap nerves. In time, after more in that it balls up. But it is 10 than 10 treatment sessions times harder to work with over six months, Rice’s leg was because you can’t throw it almost completely healed. away since each square is “Bobby is walking again,” expensive.” Each is valued at Misner said. “I did have to approximately $2,000. amputate fifth toe and fifth Covering a wound as large as Rice’s quickly rose above $250,000, making the metatarsal, so he doesn’t have a com- required 10 or more squares. With the products donated by Osiris a significant pletely normal foot. But if he wants to go treatment being repeated every three investment—especially when consider- for a walk, he can. If he wants to work, weeks for more than six months, the ing that the case was unprecedented and he can work. He has a leg with a very cost for the stem cell products alone Rice lacked health insurance. minimal disability.”

10 Illinois State February 2014

Rice is also pleased with the outcome of the treatment. “Dr. Misner is a great doctor. With- out him I wouldn’t be here right now. He isn’t just a doctor to me—he’s a friend.” Moving forward, Misner will be From controversy sharing his findings with the medical to optimism community. He has already received requests worldwide for findings on his procedure, as well as several requests from patients with similar precarious conditions. Misner is eager to see the work continue, but knows it will take While stem cells were once a “People still relate stem cells to more than him to find the future of stem charged topic, issues over their use embryos, and embryos to babies,” cells in limb salvage. have cooled. Since companies such Misner said. “Even the placenta “The work has to be replicated, it as Osiris Therapeutics have found used in creating stem cells can only has to be improved on,” Misner said. that there is a greater benefit in us- come from C-sections, as the vagina “We have to change the mindset that if ing stem cells derived from adults, is lined with bacteria.” you have necrotizing fasciitis, you am- the public is beginning to accept As more work is done with putate to save the life. Now we can move the possibilities the medical tech- stem cell technologies, it is increas- from amputation to limb salvage.” nology has to offer. ingly apparent that stem cells could “Years ago when stem cells be the future of medicine. were breaking ground, the cells “We are just at the beginning came from embryos,” Misner said. of stem cell technologies, so the “However it has been discovered future is unknown in many ways,” that embryos are not a good source Osiris Therapeutics Chief Operat- for stem cells.” ing Officer Lode Debrabandere Stem cells derived from said. “There are still things that Visit IllinoisState.edu/Magazine to see placenta are nonimmunogenic, have to be proven. There is still a how Dr. Spence Misner transformed preventing the body from rejecting lot of clinical research to be done Bobby Rice’s foot from a limb riddled them. In addition, while also being to understand the quality of the with gangrene and flesh-eating plentiful, placentas are typically technologies. bacteria to a new, healthy appendage. discarded after birth. Rather than “More companies are becom- WARNING: The gallery contains graphic discarding the material, patients can ing involved in the field, and that’s a images that may be unsettling to some sign a consent form donating the good thing. It is not something that viewers. placenta, which in turn can be used one company or economic institu- in stem cell treatments. tion can do. You need lots in lots Likewise, stem cells derived of different countries. All of these from bone marrow are more ef- products have to go through the fective than embryonic stem cells, same vigorous FDA testing,” Deb- and can be extracted from marrow rabandere said. “The bar is set very donated by adults. Despite these high, and it’s not easy. More play- new methods, misunderstanding of ers coming in and more research Get the free mobile app at the technologies still lead some to dollars being spent will result in a http://gettag.mobi believe the cells should not be used. better understanding of the future Misner received hate mail accusing of these technologies.” him of being a “baby killer,” and even Rice had initial confusion on the sources of the stem cells.

February 2014 Illinois State 11 The End of

50 YEARS LATER, FIGHT OVER ISU/ISNU name change resonates

by Ryan Denham ISU won out, of course, and that After World War II—punctuated FIFTY YEARS symbolic pivot set the University on the by the Manhattan Project—there was path it traveled for the next five decades— new respect for the educated person, — AND — one that never veered as far from teacher said Daniel Clark, an associate profes- preparation as opponents feared. sor at Indiana State University who has THREE CAREERS LATER, “Everything you see today, I would researched the ISNU name change. contend, was due to that change in name “That impacts the ISU debate, because Carolyn (Heckert) Shawaker ’62 and subsequent change in the structure there’s this new crop of faculty on campus, STANDS BY HER LETTER TO of the University,” said Warren Harden, with freshly minted Ph.D.s from big schools, a former economics professor and and they don’t want to teach only at a THE EDITOR. administrator who led the name-change teachers’ college,” Clark said. efforts. “It would not be like this today ISNU was one of five state teachers’ if it hadn’t happened.” colleges, but Carbondale, Macomb, and She wrote it in August 1962, at the ISU was founded in 1857 as a “normal” Charleston changed their names in 1947, height of a vigorous five-year campus school to train teachers—the word “normal” DeKalb in 1955. Why was ISNU so late fight over whether to remove the “normal” a reference to the French term for “model” to change? from Illinois State Normal University. —before evolving into a teachers’ college “ISNU was the first public higher Shawaker was a supporter of the change, at the turn of the century. education institution in Illinois. They had a and it was personal. In her letter to the In the 1950s there were big changes very proud tradition of training teachers,” Vidette, she recalled her then recent taking shape in higher education, in- Clark said. “That insulated it. They didn’t trips to Washington, D.C., and Texas, in creasing demand for college degrees feel like they had to change. It’s remarkable which others openly disrespected ISNU —and professors—at ISNU and elsewhere. that ISNU didn’t, that these pressures just because of its name—slights she still A postwar, post-Sputnik mindset was didn’t move upon it earlier.” remembers today. freeing up more tax dollars for campuses. That’s where Harden comes in. Shawaker’s involvement in the grass- A changing economy meant businesses He was hired at ISNU as an economics roots political campaign to change the needed more trained manpower. At ISNU professor in 1954. By 1962 he was elected name stuck with her. After a 40-year the number of undergraduates doubled president of an influential faculty group teaching career, she became mayor of her to 6,055 students from 1957-1963. on a ticket promising a name change. town in Maryland, then an administrative Harden and his co-conspirators—mostly, law judge. “If we wanted to be a grown-up university, we had to name ourselves as though we were,” she said in a recent interview. “I still feel the same way.” This year marks the 50th anniversary of Illinois State’s name change, from ISNU to ISU, a formative moment to reflect upon as campus celebrates Found- ers Day this month. On the surface, the name-change battle that ended January 1, 1964, pitted feisty young male faculty against the veteran female educators who valued ISNU’s history. Yet there were larger forces at work too—sometimes covertly—and undercurrents in higher education so strong that change was all but Carolyn Shawaker’s 1962 letter to the editor, published in the Vidette. inevitable.

SIU, WIU, and EIU 1857 change their names 1955 ISU founded as a “normal” or NIU changes its name “model” school to train teachers 1947

February 2014 Illinois State 13 but not exclusively, young male pro- it difficult to answer key questions about fessors—felt that the “normal” name the full scope of the opposition and their was not just antiquated, but that it was motivations. Dunn respected the opposi- hindering faculty recruitment, faculty tion’s central point—normal schools had research, and their ability to get grants. a great history in the U.S. Harden got to work recruiting “The opposition had an excellent some of his students, including two who case,” Dunn said. “But our side was say- would go on to become student body ing yes, this is a great history, but ‘ISU in presidents—Charles Dunn ’62 and James 62’ will build on this history. Koch ’64. Harden was a “sparkplug” It’s a logical next step.” who didn’t back down and wasn’t afraid The tactics were sometimes less to make enemies on campus, said Dunn, than fair. At the time, Harden denied his whose travels around the state as a stu- push for a name change meant he wanted dent leader made him see ISNU in a new “By no means was there complete to change ISNU’s mission. Today, he says light—one with growing prestige, and unanimity among faculty, alumni and that’s exactly what he wanted. not just in teacher education. students” on the change, with many And Marshall, a major opponent to “They had a lot on the line,” said concerned about undermining ISNU’s the change, in her campus history book Dunn, who coined the influential “ISU “great reputation” or that it would lead to Grandest of Enterprises selectively omits in 62” catchphrase. change in “purpose,” wrote distinguished statements from university founders that There was healthy opposition to the campus historian and author Helen show their broader intents for the uni- change. In fact, a serious push in 1959 Marshall in The Eleventh Decade, chroni- versity beyond teacher training. If she proved unsuccessful. Opponents “have cling ISNU/ISU from 1957-1967. hadn’t, “it would have been game over,” a right to be outraged that we should be In his sesquicentennial campus Freed said. deprived of our alma mater for a silly history book, Educating Illinois, Distin- Then-ISNU President Bob Bone name change that will do nothing to im- guished Professor of History Emeritus was publicly neutral but privately sup- prove the quality of education received John Freed lays out the gender politics ported the change—a political decision even while it does improve the status of at play behind the scenes. ISNU was, af- that ultimately paid off. In fact, Bone those attending,” wrote one alumna in a ter all, an institution where women held listed “deleting Normal from name and letter to the editor of the Vidette in 1962. great power, at a time when that was public’s image of ISNU” and the creation rare. But missing historical records make of a graduate college and doctoral programs on a document he wrote in 1957 called “My Ten Year Goals for ISNU,” a document only recently released by his family. Bone preferred leaders like Harden carry the ball. “They (the opponents) were fighting the inevitable,” Freed said. Hancock Stadium and Horton Field House opened in 1963, expanding campus westward, and those changes coupled with the increase in enrollment were palpable, said Lynda Lane ’66. The “normal school” concept had an old- fashioned connotation, she said, in light of all those changes. “We were education majors,” said Lane, a longtime teacher and former

Serious name change push Name-change takes proved unsuccessful 1963 effect January 1 Lawmakers in Springfield approve 1959 the change in the summer 1964

14 Illinois State February 2014 president of Illinois State’s Alumni when it was recognized formally as a It took some time, but ISU would Association. “We were proud of what we multipurpose “developing” liberal arts eventually become the University that were doing, and I think we wanted it all university by the Illinois Board of Higher Harden and his colleagues envisioned— to look and feel and be a more progres- Education, only to have its teacher-train- one in which faculty research, teaching, sive (name).” ing mission partially reinforced by that and public service work together as Lawmakers in Springfield approved same board five years later—just as the complementary institutional strengths, the change in summer 1963, but it didn’t job market for teachers sank. That lack not as either-or choices. And by chang- take effect until January. The institu- of a clear mission contributed to ISU’s ing when it did, the centrally located ISU tion was technically named Illinois State struggle to find an identity in the 1970s never became a “directional school”— University at Normal until 1967. and 1980s, Freed said. Central Illinois University was kicked At first, the changes were small. And ISU kept growing: Campus around as a possibility—and is a premier Lane remembers having to adjust to added 1,000 new students every year undergraduate institution. the pace of a different I-S-U chant at between 1958 and 1970. By 1976, only “In the long run, the mission we’ve football games—one letter shorter. Bill half of ISU students planned to pursue now gotten for ourselves has turned out to Tracy ’64, a former Vidette editor who a career in education, as other colleges be a very good one,” Freed said. And that reported on the name-change debate, such as business and arts and sciences mission still includes teacher preparation. was in the first class to graduate under grew. By that time, the economy crashed Today, about one in four first-year public the ISU banner. and state support was drying up. school teachers hired in the state come “Everyone was really excited about All that turmoil leads to “what from ISU, which touts the largest teacher that,” said Tracy, who taught English if” speculation: What if leaders had preparation program in Illinois. before going into counseling. “We were changed the name five years earlier, or “The fears that the opposition had proud to be the first class to be able to five years later, or fought harder to keep did not materialize,” Dunn said. “We still graduate with ISU on our diplomas.” its mission? What if leaders had chosen do a great job on education. But we’ve ISU’s bigger changes began in 1966, a different name? added to it.”

WHAT’S IN A look at some of the other names for ISU that were in place, considered, and/or A NAME? rejected over the years: Educating Illinois (2007) SOURCE:

Illinois State Normal University

Illinois State Illinois State Central Illinois 1967 University at University for University Normal Teacher Education Technically named Illinois State University at Normal until then

February 2014 Illinois State 15 1

6 7

InsideLook More than just a place to change into the two flat screen TVs, reviewing plays, mindset that you have to take advantage their uniforms and receive pep talks or grabbing some Zs on one of the official of the privileges that we have,” he said. before games, the locker room is a key Redbird couches. Since the locker room “Our coach is on top of everything so that part to the student-athletes’ success on opened, team members spend more time push definitely helps us stay on task.” the court and off the court. Private gifts shooting around on the court outside of Samuel gets psyched before a big game designated to repurpose a former weight practice, lending weight to the phrase, by listening to Lil Wayne. room have transformed this space into an “If you build it, they will come.” 4. Nick Zeisloft area where the Redbirds can hold team 2. Team theatre As a sophomore finance major, Zeisloft meetings, review past games, study, and This small theatre serves as a perfect decided to leverage his natural talent rest. In this room these players become place for the team to review footage from for math and follow his parents into the friends, and these friends become a team. past games and analyze their opponents. business field. Maintaining the student- 1. A gift that keeps giving Once in a while the coaches will even athlete balance can be challenging, which This Redbird Arena men’s locker room show inspirational sports movies to get is okay with this shooting guard, who was made possible thanks to support- players pumped for upcoming games and likes to keep busy. “It is more than peo- ers of Athletics including, Tom ’72 and help the team bond. ple expect it to be. It is constantly from Kay Cross; Darrell ’64 and Karen Kehl; one thing to the next. There is not a lot 3. Jamaal Samuel Larry ’ 69, M.B.A. ’70, and Karen Clore; of down time, which is good, because we The 6’ 9” sophomore transferred to Illi- the Don Franke ’71 family; and an anony- don’t like a lot of down time.” nois State from South Plains College in mous donor. Redbirds can be found here Texas this season to play forward. He 5. Bobby Hunter around the clock doing homework on the works hard to maintain the student- A junior university studies major, Hunter computer stations, watching games on athlete balance. “You have to have the has been playing basketball since he

16 Illinois State February 2014 8

11 was 5. Like his other teammates, the or playing a game with their friends, they here for the same reason. Lockers each point guard spends the majority of the always are reminded of how to improve. contain three practice uniforms, shoes, day in the locker room. Outside of his Players work hard to break these habits, water bottles, towels, and personal items studies, Hunter likes to keep an eye on which are punishable by a bleacher run that vary from player to player. SportsCenter to assess the competition during practice. 10. Big shoes to fill and look out for teammates. According to 8. Secret door Practice, workouts, and games wear Hunter, the locker room is “kind of like a The locker room used to serve as a down shoes quickly. Each team member home outside of home.” weight room. When it was remodeled, keeps around five pairs of Nikes on hand. 6. Play hard contractors had to work with the space 11. Before and after When they are not studying or practic- they had. These wooden panels embla- Preparation for a game begins hours ing, the athletes like to cut loose by play- zoned with the Redbird also hide a secret before with stretching, light drills, a team ing videogames. Some of their favorites room. What’s inside you ask? Just spare meal, and finally putting on their gear. are Call of Duty, FIFA Soccer 13, and equipment… What did you expect? After every game, the team gathers back NBA 2K13. 9. The lockers in the locker room where Coach Dan 7. Always room for improvement Every locker has a personalized name Muller ’98 talks for 15–20 minutes about Tightening their individual games is plate for each player listing his name, what the team did well and what needs always on top of the team members’ number, and where he is from. With to improve. It’s a tradition that helps the minds. The coaches have placed lists of teammates hailing from Barbados, Can- team stay focused and ready to play even habits for each Redbird to break, so that ada, and from all across America, these better during the next game. whether they are relaxing after practice plates remind them not only where they have come from, but that they all are

February 2014 Illinois State 17 18 Illinois State February 2014 Earliest educators Reflections of one-room schoolhouse teachers

by Susan Marquardt Blystone

The mission was clear. Illinois State Normal University, founded in 1857 as the ties, and to become familiar with the basic principles of good ninth state teacher training institution in the nation, existed to teaching methods as they apply in rural school organization.” prepare educators. For the first four decades, the only curricu- The training was crucial to providing a comfort level to lum offered was a fundamental teacher preparation sequence graduates, who were often not much older than the children that required three years to complete. After 1900, a two-year they instructed. ISNU enrollment was allowed at age 16, with degree was added, which was sufficient for those planning to 15-year-olds admitted with the dean’s permission. teach in rural schools. Students attending the schoolhouses were as young as 5 The need was great. and as old as 18. Enrollment could be as large as 25 or as small ISNU’s 1935 catalog states “rural teachers of strong as four. Boys often only participated in the winter months, as personality and who have also acquired adequate training are they were needed to help with family farming in the spring in demand. Better trained teachers in Illinois are needed for and fall. the 10,000 one-room schools…It is believed that the field of Most ISNU graduates went straight from the campus to teaching in the rural school offers the greatest opportunity to the one-room schools, which began to appear in Illinois fol- render service.” lowing a state legislature act in 1818. In the mid-1800s, female The two-year diploma for one-room schoolhouse teach- teachers were paid approximately $14 a month, with the men ers required 68 credit hours. Beyond the fundamental subjects earning twice that amount. Each gender had strict rules of of math, English, literature and geography, required classes behavior that grew more lenient over time. included hygiene, recreational activity, curricular problems One-room schoolhouses remained the backbone of Amer- and problems in classroom teaching. ican education for more than 200 years. By the time of World Tuition was free to those who pledged to teach in Illinois, War II, the era was waning and the little schools were closed and totaled $37.50 for all others. The cost to a student paying as a trend toward consolidation began. Most of the early struc- all expenses was approximately $350 a year. Included in that tures have since been demolished, with some converted into total was housing, which was $2 and up for students who small museums. stayed with a local resident. Boarding costs were an additional While the buildings are largely gone, the memories $4 to $5 weekly. Students staying on campus in Fell and Smith remain treasured by both those who attended and taught in halls paid a comparable fee. the setting they acknowledge was primitive. And yet, the one- Supervised observation and student teaching were a room schoolhouse proved to be more than sufficient, as ISNU requirement, with one-room schoolhouses as the training alums will attest. ground for those who planned to lead such a school after They vividly recall the enormous workload and are graduation. equally quick to speak of the reward. Their stories reveal ISNU provided transportation for the student teachers. that the benefits reaped—by student and teacher alike—were The catalog assured they would be given “ample opportunity without a doubt worth the effort required. to apply practical rural sociology, help in playground activi-

February 2014 Illinois State 19 Named after an alumna and retired teacher, the Lura Eyestone School Museum is located west of Redbird Arena. Built in 1899, it was among the first of McLean County’s nearly 300 one-room schoolhouses. On campus since 1964, it is furnished with wooden desks, chalk slates and a coal stove.

Trained to master multiple grades horse and pulled through an open window each morning. The percentage of individuals who taught or The day started promptly at 9 a.m. for the attended a one-room schoolhouse is dwindling to children, with a morning session going until 10:30. the point that most who hear of the arrangement Following a 15-minute recess, lessons began again wonder how it ever worked to teach eight grades until lunch at noon. The afternoon routine was in one room. Roy Schilling ’35, ’40, of Decatur, can similar. Classes were in session from 1 p.m. until answer that question: structure and routine. a 2:30 recess. The final portion of the day ended Schilling, who will be 100 in June, started at 4 p.m. teaching at Maple Grove south of Springfield im- “The first graders were tired, so at 3:30 they mediately after graduating. He credits his ISNU were done and I let them nap,” Schilling said. Most education for preparing him well. students eagerly listened to the work of the other “I had never attended a rural school, but after grades, allowing them to get a solid seven years of two years of intensive training at Illinois State Nor- education. mal University, I felt very much able to teach. I had “I taught 32 classes a day,” Schilling recalled. such good teachers,” said Schilling, who can still “Keenly aware that education resulted from the name his instructors and the classes he completed process of teaching and learning, I felt a heavy re- in Old Main. “All of my teachers had been excellent sponsibility as I planned and listened to more than motivators and kind, compassionate persons. I was 30 daily recitations.” determined to be like them.” The work was done without much interrup- There was initially some hesitancy to hire a Roy Schilling remembers tion due to misbehavior. While it took some extra 1935 well, as it was his male teacher, but Schilling landed the job for $80 attention when the students went to their separate first year teaching in a a month. He had 18 children from nine families outhouses away from the school, most understood one-room school. Dressed under his watch that first year of teaching. and met expectations. in a suit and tie, he is seen “They came on horseback, in cozy-cab, buggy, standing second from “Good discipline was assumed to be the chief and on foot,” Schilling said. He remembers one first left with his Maple Grove order of the day by children and parents, as well as students. grade lad he snatched from the back of the father’s by the teacher,” Schilling said, remembering one student who had a propensity for telling lies about her classmates. “There were several occasions which demanded diplomatic attention in order to provide a happy learning environment for all.” He found illness to be more of a struggle than student antics, recalling that he caught mumps, malaria fever and scabies from the children. His absences were rare, however, as finding a substitute was difficult and required that he pay his replace- ment from his own salary.

20 Illinois State February 2014 His income jumped significantly when he Sometimes Ahearn relied on the boys to help took a job at a city school, going from $640 a year carry the pails, including those filled with water, as to $800. Schilling stayed in education up to his that routine wasn’t any easier. Full buckets often retirement in 1979, and remains tied to ISU through weighed as much as the teacher. scholarships he and his wife, Rachel, established. “We got water from a well that was close to “The happiness and success of my first year the schoolhouse. I pumped a pail and would bring Ken Janda ’57 attended induced me to continue my education and remain it in. We would wash in a basin and then throw that Moulton School south of in teaching and elementary administration for 44 water out the door.” Wilmington in Illinois. He is years,” he said. “For years, when September 1 came The floor was to be swept in the morning and bottom left in the classroom photo from the 1940s. around, I wanted to go back to school.” often needed it again in the afternoon. The blackboards had to be cleaned, windows washed, and the Raymond Bruzan, M.S. ’70, attended Hopewell School sidewalk cleared of snow during winter months. The teacher’s work was never done in Southern Illinois. The “I left home early, and I took work home with one-room schoolhouse, After experiencing the one-room schoolhouse me,” Ahearn said. shown center in 2000, has as a student and a teacher, Verna (Legner) Ahearn There were lesson plans and worksheets to been demolished. ’32 knows firsthand how much easier the education be made for all the grades, which she did by hand Ruth Ryder shared a routine is today with buses, electricity and a janito- and later with an old typewriter that she still owns. photo of the Monticello rial staff. The 102-year-old Dwight resident speaks There was also the work of each child to review, schoolhouse, right, which stood not far from her from experience when she recalls the hardships as every teacher’s career hinged on the ability of Illinois birth home. tied to keeping the school of yesteryear comfort- students to advance. Donald Gruber, Ed.D. ’98, able and functional, not to mention the journey Ahearn lived with her parents to save money required for an education. shared two photos of the during the Depression years. That meant she also schoolhouse where his “We walked one mile to school. And we were had the homestead to help with, planting the fam- mother taught in the 1940s. at school most of the time, through the snow ily garden and partnering with her mother on the School Number 2 in Nelson and over the drifts,” Ahearn said, explaining that housework. “Everything was hard. It was just hard County, North Dakota, was schoolhouses were strategically placed within each last used in the 1960s and times and we worked,” Ahearn said. now stands abandoned. county so that no family would journey more than While teaching was a respected profession, two miles one way. Schools were carved from a with Ahearn earning a starting salary of about $80 corner of a farmer’s field and typically named after a month, the job didn’t mean life was easier. In fact, the land’s owner. she was not paid her first year because the school She attended Borquin School near Odell in did not receive any tax revenue. Verna Ahearn recalls Livingston County for eight years, returning in 1932 “There wasn’t any money. The banks closed children would fight for the as the teacher. During the 11 years she ran the one- the first month I taught school. I got a little piece of chance to help clean erasers. room school, Ahearn did much more than prepare paper saying I was owed so much money,” she said. She fondly remembers her lessons for students across eight grades. students, shown at the “If I hadn’t been living at home, I would have been schoolhouse near Odell. “You had to sweep the floor and in the cold out begging.” weather, you made the fire.” Ahearn remembers the school was one large room with a stove in the corner that wasn’t always adequate in removing the winter chill that seeped through the row of windows found on each side. The heat did not reach the entry, where children left their coats and lunches. “There was a coal and a cob house out away from the school. The cobs got the fire going, and I would use scraps of paper. Then I’d add chunks of coal to burn. My fingers hurt many a morning.”

February 2014 Illinois State 21 Remembering rigid classes Ryder said. The fifth and seventh grades were and students’ tough tests taught every other year, which meant some students took reading and history out of sequence. Ask Ruth (Blacker) Ryder ’38 about the focus on The county superintendent determined the testing in classrooms today, and she will share a required texts, which each student purchased at a history that proves one-room schoolhouse students local drugstore or acquired from an older sibling. faced a more intense curriculum and exams than Ryder ordered reprints of famous paintings at often now exist. a cost of two cents each for the study of art. Ryder, 96 and living in Normal, knew the rig- “We had no specialized teachers of the ors as a student. She attended Prairie Dell in Piatt fine arts. The teacher was expected to teach County for eight years. She taught there as well, not just the academic subjects but also music hired at $75 a month immediately upon receiving and art,” Ryder said, recalling her struggles as one her two-year diploma from ISNU. who “couldn’t carry a tune.” She still has it and the curriculum book from Beyond the core academic subjects, students her first year of teaching, a document created by had orthography lessons to learn Latin and Greek Ruth Ryder remembers the county superintendent to detail what was ex- roots of English words. They had Nature Study, the school year started at pected of every student and each grade level. which was based on agricultural issues given the Labor Day and concluded “A suggested rotation of classes was listed in farming society of the day. Ryder especially remem- in April. She is shown at the Course of Study, and teachers were advised not bers the lectures on Morals and Manners. far right with her students from 1939. to vary from this except in special circumstances,” “I taught proper behaviors and such things as how to introduce oneself and how to answer a telephone, which was new to many students or not yet in their homes,” Ryder said. “Lessons covered topics such as good character, industry, obedience, punctuality, good manners, frugality, courtesy and truthfulness,” She had no problem keeping order in the classroom, as the students had seatwork when other grades were being taught, and they knew her rules of behavior. “I directed each group of students

1872 Rules for Teachers 1915 Rules for Teachers

1. Teachers each day will fill lamps, clean chimneys. 1. You will not marry during the term of your contract. 2. Each teacher will bring a bucket of water and a scuttle of 2. You are not to keep company with men. coal for the day’s session. 3. You must be home between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. 3. Make your pens carefully. You may whittle nibs to the unless attending a school function. individual taste of the pupils. 4. You may not loiter downtown in ice cream stores. 4. Men teachers may take one evening each week for courting 5. You may not travel beyond the city limits unless you have purposes, or two evenings a week if they go to church the permission of the chairman of the board. regularly. 6. You may not ride in a carriage or automobile with any 5. After ten hours in school, teachers may spend the remaining man unless he is your father or brother. time reading the Bible or other good books. 7. You may not smoke cigarettes. 6. Women teachers who marry or engage in unseemly conduct will be dismissed. 8. You may not dress in bright colors. 7. Every teacher should lay aside from each day’s pay a goodly 9. You may under no circumstances dye your hair. sum of his earning for his benefit during his declining years so 10. You must wear at least two petticoats. that he will not become a burden on society. 11. Your dresses must not be any shorter than two inches 8. Any teacher who smokes, uses liquor in any form, frequents above the ankle. pool or public halls, or gets shaved in a barber shop will give 12. To keep the school room neat and clean, you must sweep the good reason to suspect his worth, intention, integrity and floor at least once daily, scrub the floor at least once a week with honesty. hot, soapy water, clean the blackboards at least once a day and 9. The teacher who performs his labor faithfully and without fault start the fire at 7 a.m. so the room will be warm by 8 a.m. for five years will be given an increase of twenty-five cents per Taken from One-Room Schools of Knox County, by the Knox week in his pay, providing the Board of Education approves. County Retired Teachers Association 22 Illinois State February 2014 Alums treasure keepsakes from the schoolhouse era. The orthography teaching materials are from Ruth Ryder’s collection. Roy Schilling still has his grade book from 1935. The postcard is a sample from Ryder of what she purchased to teach art. The ISNU two-year curriculum details the studies required to teach. The 1935 contract of ISNU alumna Edith (Knoche) Chaffer clearly states the teacher will do janitorial work.

with the order, ‘Turn, Rise, Pass.’ They would turn Fun and frolic from their desks, rise, and proceed to the recitation created happy memories bench, books in hand.” Most students benefited from hearing the While the plethora of extra-curricular activi- upper grade lessons and they were diligent, as they ties that students expect today didn’t exist during knew test day was coming. the era of one-room schoolhouses, children still “Quarterly exam questions were written by had ample opportunities to do more than learn the the county superintendent and sent by mail to the required lessons. teacher,” Ryder recalled. “Of greatest importance Wilda (Yoder) Kennedy ’39, ’59, enjoyed the The cozy atmosphere of a were the seventh and eighth grade exams. These special programs and games that remain some of one-room schoolhouse is were county-wide exams, given on a Saturday at her fondest memories from her days as a stu- what Wilda Kennedy most the county seat, and students were required to pass dent in two different one-room schools. She also enjoyed as both a student and teacher. She had 11 taught, initially at Phelps School south of Fairbury them before progressing to the next grade.” students total in 1939, An intense review was provided for the stu- and later at Metz School near Forrest, where her shown at Phelps School dents, as a rural teacher’s future depended on the mother had led students years earlier. near Fairbury. student exam performance. “One of my directors would not confirm my contract would be extended for a second year until after he saw the county exam results,” Ryder remembered. She wonders if students today could pass the tests. They were so rigorous, it was not unusual for many students to end their education at the eighth grade.

February 2014 Illinois State 23 Kennedy had 13 students her first year on the job, with enrollment down to seven her second year. Her salary was approximately $90 a month, with another $3.75 negotiated to serve as a pension. “We earned our money, but it was fun,” Kennedy said. She relished the opportunity to interact so closely with each child. They would huddle with her when Recess games eating their lunches, which were brought were simple but fun. Ruth Ryder remembers from home. A recess scheduled each morning many detailed in the book and afternoon also created special memories, as the She has equally fond memories of the holidays, shown above, including teachers joined in the games. including Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and the end- Fox and Goose, Dare “We played with them, and not only to control of-year picnic. The Christmas program was always Base, and Bad Man. Children often opted for them better,” Kennedy said, remembering the a highlight. The entire community gathered for the the traditional game of enjoyable moments shared. Not even the dresses event, which had to be planned and practiced in baseball or just enjoyed required for the girls kept them from heartily en- addition to the daily routine of studies. the winter weather, as gaging in competition that varied from a challenge “There were guidelines published,” Ken- shown in photos from on a baseball diamond to games long forgotten, in- Wilda Kennedy’s nedy recalled. “We were admonished to make the teaching days. cluding Anty Over, which Kennedy still knows well. program grow out of school activities, be worth The children split into two groups, each on taking school time for, be built around some central separate sides of the schoolhouse. The shout “Anty, theme, include some music, have variety, have anty over” meant the ball was coming across the appropriate…staging and costuming, and have as top of the building. If caught, the team would chase much participation by all, audience included, as around the school to tag classmates. If not caught, possible.” the cry would go out again and the ball would come Her first year teaching, Kennedy chose a across from the other side. Christmas Around the World theme. In addition to Kennedy remembers the suspense, not only the standard carols of the season, she added a new of the wait to find out if classmates were about to song titled “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” charge, but the worry of an errant throw knocking “I recall that I received a copy from Montgom- out a window. Order was always quickly restored, ery Ward as a promotion, so we learned it too and however, with a hand bell that she still possesses they all loved it,” said Kennedy, who is now 98 and and treasures. lives in Chenoa. “People were good about attending and the Ruth Ryder and Roy parents were involved. School was a part of the Schilling appreciated the opportunity to visit the social life for the community, as there was no Lura Eyestone School television,” said Kennedy, who ended her work as a Museum on campus. one-room schoolhouse teacher when she married, Both affirmed that as that remained an unspoken rule of the era. the classroom closely resembles the one-room schools where they In their own words happily taught. View a video of the four featured alums at IllinoisState.edu/Magazine. Thoughts from others who responded to an Illinois State request for one-room schoolhouse memories are also shared.

24 Illinois State February 2014 Texas Rangers relief pitcher Neal Cotts needed Cotts, who starred at Illinois State from only a few minutes and six pitches to get three 1999 to 2001, made his Arsenio Hall-like return consecutive outs May 21, 2013, against the top against the same team that had drafted him of the Oakland A’s order. It was a nice one-in- and eight seasons after he helped the Chicago ning outing for Cotts. What made it remarkable White Sox win their first World Series in 88 was that he was appearing in his first major years. Elbow and hip injuries had kept him out league game in four years. of the big leagues since May 2009. “I was really nervous, just getting Those who know Cotts well aren’t Redbird pitching coach Tim Johnson. back in there,” Cotts, 33, a native of surprised by his comeback, which has But by his sophomore year Cotts Lebanon, Illinois, said in a clubhouse in- garnered widespread media attention. had become the top pitcher on a staff terview in Chicago. “Once I got the first “One of the things that I respect that featured three other major league out, everything calmed a little bit.” about Neal is that he is a realist,” said prospects, Stewart said. The rest of the season Cotts made David Bergman ’78, who is the only “We knew what we had in Neal,” hitters nervous. He surrendered only Redbird to be drafted higher than Cotts Stewart said. seven earned runs all of last season. and the only other Redbird to play in a Cotts was athletic and pitched with He had the lowest ERA (1.11) on his World Series. “When he told me, ‘Da- good deception, movement, and velocity. team and the fifth lowest ERA among vid, I think I can still pitch in the But the intangibles were what set him American League relievers with at least big leagues’—when he says that, apart. Stewart said the only other 20 innings pitched. His eight wins led I absolutely believe him.” player whom he had coached that American League relievers. could match Cotts’ competiveness was Jeff Brantley, a former Missis- what a strange trip it’s been

june 5, 2001 october 26, 2005 Drafted 69th overall by the Oakland Athletics, Wins World Series as a key reliever making him the second highest draft for the White Sox. pick in Illinois State history. december 15 , 2005 december 16, 2002 Wins Setup Man of the Year Award for season Traded to the in which he finishes 4-0 with a 1.94 ERA. Chicago White Sox. november 16, 2006 august 12, 2003 Traded to the Chicago Cubs. Makes major league debut at age 23, a july 2009 start in which he gives Undergoes season-ending Tommy John surgery. up two runs in 2.1 innings. Doesn’t pitch in another big league game until 2013.

His former Redbird head coach, Jeff sippi State star who pitched Stewart, is now a San Diego Padres scout. for 14 seasons in the major A scout told Stewart that he thought leagues. Cotts was the best left-handed reliever in “Brantley was so com- the major leagues. Stewart thought Cotts petitive, so driven, so focused,” was pitching better than he did early in Stewart said. “Well, that’s Neal. his career when he earned a compliment When you gave Neal the ball at from one of that era’s top hitters. the beginning, he didn’t want to talk to “Rafael Palmeiro told me, ‘Stew, you again until the game was over.” when Neal throws the ball, I swear it Cotts’ best season at Illinois State seemed like I couldn’t see it till it got was in 2001. He led the Redbirds to a to the circle. He’s deceptive,’” Stewart 31-22 record, had a 2.89 ERA, and struck recalled. “He said, ‘Cotts’ 90 (mph pitch) out 113 batters (second highest in school looked like 100.’ He was pitching back Cotts’ return to the major leagues history). That performance persuaded then, usually like 88 to 92, while now he was as unlikely as his arrival. He didn’t the A’s to draft him in the second round. is 90–94, maybe bumping 95. The slider think he had a shot at the pros until his Cotts was eventually traded to that Neal threw wasn’t a great one. And junior year at Illinois State. He had been the White Sox, who brought him up to now the scouts are telling me that they lightly recruited out of high school, and the majors in 2003 and switched him think it’s a cutter. It’s an out pitch against only got a look from the Redbirds be- from a starting pitcher to a reliever. He hitters from both sides of the plate.” cause his high school coach knew then- had a magical 2005 season, helping the White Sox to the championship by not

26 Illinois State February 2014 giving up a run in the postseason and resented the Rangers’ top prospect at the winning Game 2 of the World Series. Af- time, Jurickson Profar, may have helped ter the season, he was named the Setup him get a look from the team. Man of the Year. “I had no idea what was going to Cotts struggled in 2006 and was happen to be honest with you,” Cotts traded to the Chicago Cubs the follow- said. “I didn’t want to end it where I ing year. He bounced between the Cubs’ never ever got back on the mound and I major league and minor league clubs for would have been sitting at home going, three seasons before he hurt his elbow ‘Well what would have happened? What in 2009. Tommy John (elbow) surgery and by working toward a finance degree could have happened?’” was followed by hip surgeries and a at Illinois State. Cotts had been a good Cotts almost made the related infection. He was subsequently student during his collegiate career major league team but signed and released by the Pittsburgh and was twice named to the Missouri got injured on the last Pirates and the New York Yankees. Valley Conference’s Scholar-Athlete day of spring training.

january 4, 2010 february 20, 2012 Signed by the Pittsburgh Signed by Texas Rangers to Pirates. a minor league contract. june 2010 april 3, 2012 Undergoes hip surgery. Assigned to Texas Rangers’ top minor october 5, 2013 Named a finalist for the november league team after Hutch Award, given annually 19, 2010 injuring left lat to player who displays honor, Signed by muscle. the New courage, and dedication. York may 21, 2013 september 30, 2013 Yankees. Pitches scoreless inning for december 2, 2013 Finishes season with 8-3 Tendered a contract by the Rangers. Texas Rangers in first major record and 1.11 ERA. league appearance in four years.

“It was difficult after he got re- first team. He gave back to Illinois State He recovered and ended up pitching for leased,” Stewart said. “Heck, there were by turning over a signing bonus that the Rangers’ top minor league team in teams working him out, watching him helped fund improvements at the Uni- 2012. He returned healthy last year and throw the snot out of the ball, and nobody versity’s baseball field. had a microscopic 0.78 ERA in the minors would do anything because of the fear Bergman had urged Cotts to go when the Rangers called him up in May. that they may get involved with a work- back to school to prepare for life after “It’s been exciting,” Cotts said. “You men’s comp situation because of the hip baseball. Stewart had introduced the never think about it as a hard job or hard or they might turn Neal into a cripple.” pair when Cotts was drafted so he could to come back from. I just always wanted The Yankees cut him abruptly, in get advice on money matters from Berg- to get back out there and compete and 2011, after a doctor reviewed his medi- man, a financial advisor, and the two see if my body could hold up. It was a cal record. have become good friends. challenge.” “They weren’t the only ones,” Cotts “Illinois State couldn’t have a bet- The Rangers ended their season said. “I had a physical with the Phil- ter ambassador for the University than by losing a one-game playoff for a Wild lies. My agent had conversations with Neal Cotts because he is a very humble Card spot, a game in which Cotts threw different teams. Once the medical stuff young man who has a heart of fire,” another scoreless inning. The Rangers got there, it kind of ended. In fairness to Bergman said. have tendered him a contract for this them, it’s a business; it doesn’t look real Cotts held out hope for a major season, with the details yet to be worked pretty probably on paper.” league return even though his agent told out as this story went to press. Cotts took advantage of the time off him he couldn’t find him a team. But then “Remember now, he’s got a fresh by spending time with his two young chil- in 2012 the Rangers invited him to spring arm,” Bergman said. “He could pitch dren and his wife, who live in Chicago, training. Cotts said the fact his agent rep- another six, seven, eight years.”

Sources: Baseball-Reference.com, ESPN.com, and Illinois State University Athletics. February 2014 Illinois State 27 AlumniConnections

Graduates appreciate Alumni Center Campus site remains inviting gathering place

fter waiting decades to have a a real estate entity to purchase what had wireless Internet connection also avail- campus home for graduates, been vacated property and creating a able in the center. the University opened an leasing agreement with the University. All of the open spaces are flex- Alumni Center in the sum- Today there are offices for nearly 100 ible, allowing for functional meetings Amer of 2008. Now nearly six years since staff members in Alumni Relations, the or sophisticated meals. There are 200 the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the build- Foundation, Development, University parking spaces adjacent, and an ambi- ing that welcomes visitors as well as Marketing and Communications, and ance that is relaxing. A fireplace made alumni is still appreciated. Conference Services. of natural sandstone and soft seating Located on North Main Street and There are also myriad visitors throughout the great hall and entrance situated just off of the local interstate throughout the year, as the center is a make the center inviting. interchanges, the Alumni Center is with- popular place for individuals to schedule Opportunities still exist to bring your in a mile of the Quad. It creates a campus personal and professional events. The group to the Alumni Center this year. For gateway, increases visibility of the Alum- building was specifically designed to more information about rental prices and ni Association, and provides a home for offer options not available at other cam- availability, call (309) 438-2403 or email alumni as one means of strengthening pus sites, with three conference rooms of jtvanhe@Illinois State.edu. And the next their connection to campus. varying size available. Each has sophisti- time you visit campus, take time to tour The Illinois State University Founda- cated data and presentation wiring, with the Alumni Center. It remains a place for tion made the building possible, forming all Redbirds to call home.

28 Illinois State February 2014 Alumni return for milestone anniversary

Graduates from the Class of 1964 will The annual program gives alumni an celebrate their 50th class reunion on May opportunity to catch up with classmates, 2 and 3 during the annual Half Century make new acquaintances, participate in Club event. A variety of activities will exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, and take place across campus, including lun- learn what’s new at Illinois State. The cheons, tours, and information sessions. events are not exclusive to the honored The Class of 1964 will be inducted into years. Any alumnus or friend of the Uni- the Half Century Club on Friday evening. versity is invited to attend any or all of Members of the classes of 1959, the Half Century Club activities. 1954, 1949, 1944, and 1939 who will be For additional information, con- celebrating their 55th, 60th, 65th, 70th tact Alumni Relations at (309) 438-2586 and 75th reunions from ISNU will be or (800) 366-4478, or email Stephanie Vintage contest ends honored at the Saturday luncheon and Duquenne at [email protected]. with two alum winners receive a special recognition gift. Alums appreciate the opportunity to purchase Redbird attire that reflects the ISU look from when they attended. The Redbird Chi Omega chapter celebrates campus legacy Vintage line offers merchandise that features logos from the University’s first use of Students involved in ISU’s Greek com- community to benefit a wonderful cause. a redbird insignia in the 1930s through the munity remember March for a much Fraternities and sororities practice for appearance of the “thumb’s-up” Reggie in different reason than basketball. It’s the months to battle for first, second and the 1980s. month for a dance show that began in third place awards. During the show, a Many graduates who still have photos 1976 when the women of Chi Omega Make-A-Wish child tells about a dream of themselves wearing the dated look of hosted a competition among the Greeks that came true through the foundation. yesteryear shared their pictures during a to honor member Jody Swanson. Last year’s event raised $27,000, with the contest that ended in January. The winners Swanson was diagnosed with cancer goal expected to increase annually. were chosen after the deadline for this and treated at the St. Jude Children’s This year, as the show marks 38 issue of Illinois State. Learn about them and see a gallery of submitted contest photos Research Hospital in Peoria. Competi- years, the Chi Omega Rho Kappa chapter at IllinoisState.edu/Magazine. To purchase tion proceeds went to St. Jude that year celebrates its 40th anniversary. Members vintage items, go to IllinoisState.edu/ and until the early 2000s, when Chi will host events April 11-12. Alumni are Vintage. Omega started supporting the Make-A- invited to participate in campus tours, Wish Foundation. dinners, and chapter home visits. Go to Deadline approaches The March Madness dance com- Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/ChiOmega for for awards nomination petition continues to unite ISU’s Greek more information. Each year the Alumni Association honors individuals during Founders Day celebra- tions. Recipients of the Distinguished Alumni, Outstanding Young Alumni, Alumni Achievement, E. Burton Mercier Alumni Service and Senator John W. Mait- Don’t miss land Jr. Commitment to Education awards an issue of are recognized. the Illinois Individuals chosen for each honor are selected through a nomination process. The State alumni deadline to nominate someone as a 2014 newsletter. recipient is approaching, with all submissions required by the end of May. Do you know an alumnus who deserves Update your to be recognized? Make a nomination today information at by going online to Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/ awards. For more information, call (309) Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/Update 438-2586.

February 2014 Illinois State 29 ClassNotes

Teaching global life lessons Alumnus joins students in outreach to Uganda

atthew Clifford ’05, M.S. students, and I felt like I couldn’t pass ly clothed. Clifford reached out to Illi- ’07, has a passion for giv- up the opportunity,” Clifford said. He nois State, and the Office of Admissions ing back and an interest joined a Vernon Hills team in late July of donated several T-shirts. The children in global events, which is last year. The 15-day trip was supported only have about one or two shirts to wear Mnot surprising given his work as an inter- through an Illinois Catholic program for an entire year. ISU’s donation was national studies teacher. After completing called COVE Alliance. consequently “received with happiness degrees in history, he joined the teaching “It’s a great way for kids to look at a and gratitude,” Clifford said. He also gave team at Vernon Hills High School, where different role in the developing world,” an ISU flag to a teacher at St. Jerome, he also helps coach girls track. He eagerly Clifford said of the journey. Seeing the who had the students carry it at a local became involved in the school’s project to work in progress was exciting for the stu- soccer tournament in appreciation of the construct St. Jerome School in Kapeeka, dents, as Vernon Hills had raised money University’s generosity. Uganda. He and his wife, Julie (Wodzien) used to construct a building for first “Being in Uganda and living among ’06, had previously sponsored a child in through fifth graders at St. Jerome in such poverty was one of the most hum- Africa. He was ready to do more. 2009. Fundraising has continued since bling experiences of my life. Helping the “Our school had been sponsoring that time. students and families of Kapeeka was the construction there for about five When Clifford and the others one of the greatest honors I have ever years, and I wanted to do some good. arrived in Kapeeka, they immediately experienced,” Clifford said. “It was won- There were two trips with teachers and noticed how the children were poor- derful that ISU could be a part of that.”

30 Illinois State February 2014 Edward M. Bury ’76 is a communica- 60s tions professional. He has been Ray Rogina ’69, M.S. ’72, is mayor of appointed coordinator of public Saint Charles, where he resides. information at the Urban Trans- Pause for applause portation Center, a research unit at the University of Illinois-Chicago. Leading while learning He resides in Avondale. 70s Lora John ’11 is getting a leg up in her career as an Elaine (Edwards) Boyer ’70 retired Mark Murphy, M.S. ’76, is the vice ambassador for the American Physical Therapy after teaching elementary school president of finance with Aramco Association (APTA) for the current academic for 38 years in Downers Grove. She Services Company. He has been year. The biology graduate is the only ambassador and her husband, Jim, reside in with the company 30 years and chosen in New York. She serves on the national Naperville. previously taught at ISU. He and board as the liaison between APTA and students his wife, Denise, are the parents of enrolled in the Doctor of Physical Therapy and Physical Therapy Ronald Hughes ’71, M.S. ’72, worked three children and reside in Hous- Assistant programs across New York. A student herself in the doctoral for more than 40 years in higher ton, Texas. program at Clarkson University, John has the honor of making APTA education admissions, beginning at presentations as well as completing a physical therapy advocacy project Illinois State. He has retired as the Rebecca “Reb” (Oldham) Reed ’76 director of enrollment services and retired from Springfield District and making a legislative visit at the state or national level. registrar from Macomb Community 186 after teaching adapted physical College in Michigan. His wife, Eliza- education for 31 years and serving Willing and able two years as the assistive tech- beth (Pickering) Hughes ’71, M.S. ’73, Illinoisans participating in the primary election nology instructional leader. She retired from Henry Ford Commu- next month will find a Redbird on the ballot, as coached Special Olympics all 33 nity College after nearly 19 years. Dan Rutherford ’78 is in the running for governor. years in the district. She and her They reside in Livonia, Michigan. A Republican in a solid Democratic state, Ruther- husband, David, reside in Edinburg. Douglas Bammann ’73 retired from ford is the only candidate from his party to have Sandia National Laboratories as a Michael (Ludens) Williams ’76 is a already won a statewide election. He is currently distinguished member of the tech- hearing itinerant with Ogle County Illinois State Treasurer and has held that office nical staff. He has been honored Educational Cooperative. She and since 2010. His political career began as an Illinois for an invention noted as one of her husband, Brian, reside in Still- legislative assistant. He went on to serve a decade in the Illinois House the top 100 in the world. He is the man Valley. of Representatives. A conservationist and adventurer who has visited all Billy J. Ball Professor of the Bagley Debbie Mallaney ’77 teaches at continents, Rutherford is also a pilot, skydiver, and certified scuba diver. College of Engineering at Mis- Christ Our King, Stella Maris sissippi State University. A scuba School. She resides in North Recognized role model diving instructor, he resides in Charleston, South Carolina. Starkville, Mississippi. LaVerne Council, M.B.A. ’86, is CEO of Council Advi- Deborah Yates, ’77, M.S. ’82, is a reg- sory Services LLC; former corporate vice president Carole Halicki ’73 is marketing/ istered nurse. She is clinical nutri- and chief information officer for Johnson & Johnson’s promotions manager for PZAZZ tion manager for Sarasota Health Global IT Group; and chair of the March of Dimes Catfish Bend Casino FunCity in and Rehabilitation Center. She and Board of Trustees. She has been honored as an Burlington, Iowa. She is a former her husband, Richard ’77, reside in outstanding corporate and community leader, role Vidette editor and resides in Pekin. Sarasota, Florida. model, mom and inspiration to the African-American community by Irvin Howard ’74, M.S. ’78, Ed.D. ’80, is Kaye (Freehill) Coit ’78 retired from being named the 2013 Phi Beta Sigma Image Award recipient. Her influ- professor emeritus of the College teaching elementary music for ence was noted by Black Enterprise in 2010 and Business Trends Quarterly of Education at California State Monticello CUSD 25 after 34 years. that same year. Her involvement in the March of Dimes began at age University. He has been elected She and her husband, Ron, reside five, and grew with the premature birth of her son. president of the National Forum to in Farmer City. Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform. Gordon Duguid ’78 is a foreign ser- Global health fight His term extends through October vice officer with the U.S. Depart- of 2015. He is also director of grant Health education graduate Alan Janssen ’75 has been working to combat ment of State. He is serving as programs for the California League polio and eliminate the disease in Nigeria through deputy chief of mission at the U.S. of Schools. He resides in Redlands, his position as the health communication specialist Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia. California. at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Debbie (Flittner) Schrader ’78 is the Center for Global Health in Georgia. He received Joanne (Weglarz) Schochat ’75 is an educational liaison on the pediatric the agency’s Excellence in Frontline Public Health educational consultant and resides cochlear implant team at House Service–International award for his efforts in working in Forest Park. Research Institute in Los Ange- toward polio elimination. Part of the multi-year proj- Toni Armstrong Jr. ’76 is the founder les. Her husband, Brian ’79, is a ect involves helping enhance polio communications and social mobiliza- of BLAST (Bi, Lesbian and Straight senior project manager at Bank of tion efforts. The Nigeria team’s effort is supported by collaborations with Together) Women of the Palm America in Pasadena. They reside Rotary International, UNICEF, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Beaches, a women’s network that in Burbank, California. the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health, and World Health Organization. has more than 1,300 members. Mark Travers ’78 is the principal and She and her partner, Janis Kidder, executive vice president for global reside in Riviera Beach, Florida.

February 2014 Illinois State 31 How we met Brad Melzer ’08 and Lauren Leggett ’08 met in Elk Grove Village while attending Stevenson Elementary School. They not only attended school together, but also played soccer for the park district. In fourth grade, Lauren moved away. She expected to never cross paths with Brad again. After a year of attending a small private college in Iowa, Lauren transferred to Illinois State for her sophomore year in 2005. Brad immediately recognized her as his old elementary school friend and reached out to her. The two soon began seeing each other. Friends teased Lauren about her first date: Brad escorted her to the top of Watterson Towers. They made things official shortly after and became a serious couple. “We have so many fun memories of our time together at Illinois State. We especially loved to walk around the Quad and talk for hours,” Lauren said. Brad graduated with a double major in political science and history, going on to attend law school in Indiana. Lauren began working in Naper- ville after graduating with a degree in insurance. After five years, Brad proposed to Lauren and the couple wed in September 2012. Brad works as the assistant state’s attorney in Kane County, while Lauren is the regional technology director at Hanover Insurance. They both love reflecting on their time at ISU, realizing that if they had not each chosen to attend the University, their childhood bond would not have been rekindled.

practice development of ENVI- with Fools for Health Clown-Doc- Susan Hagerty ’86 has planned more and Partners in Space Workshop RON Holdings, Inc. He travels tor Program in Ontario. The char- than 1,600 weddings in her 20 in Russia, and has worked as an the globe routinely with his wife, ity entertains hospital and long- years as an event planner. She is author and historian. He promotes Nancy. They reside in Singapore. term care patients. She directs the manager of Donley’s Village Hall child car safety after an accident choirs at Central United Church. Banquets in Union. that killed his wife and injured his Bill Pence ’79 is a manager in the IT She and her husband have two daughter. He resides in Flagstaff, department of State Farm Insur- Samuel Mungo ’86 is voice area adult daughters and two grand- Arizona. ance Companies. He and his wife, coordinator and director of opera daughters. The couple resides in Tammy, reside in Normal. studies at Texas State Univer- Toni (Wood) Seminick ’87 is a pro- Amherstburg, Ontario. sity. His production of Ibert’s gram management senior advisor Kim (McDonough) Zinman ’79 has Brian Kierna ’83 is a general manager “Angelique” was named Opera in infrastructure service delivery retired from Wheeling School for Demeter LP/Seegers Grain Production of the Year for 2012 by for Dell, Inc. She and her husband, District 21 after 33 years as an edu- Division. He is the president of the National Opera Association. Mike, reside in Bradenton, Florida. cator. She was a bilingual teacher, the Grain and Feed Association of He and his wife, Brigitte, are the bilingual coordinator and elemen- Bernard Beoletto ’88 is advertis- Illinois. He and his wife, Nancy are parents of two children and reside tary school principal. She is wid- ing manager at The Pantagraph. the parents of two daughters and in Kyle, Texas. owed and resides in Park Ridge. He and his wife, Holly, reside in reside in Woodstock. Vicki Vaughan ’86 taught and Bloomington. Steve Preis ’83 has completed 38 coached for 11 years at the Colo- Jennifer Bloom ’88 is a clinical pro- years as an educator and is in his rado Springs School. She was 80s fessor in the Department of Edu- ninth year as principal at Desert the only PE teacher in Colorado Linda (Kotte) Adams ’80 retired from cational Leadership and Policies at Meadows School in the Laveen Springs to be certified by the Gibbs High School after 24 years the University of South Carolina. Elementary School District. He National Board for Professional as a high school library media spe- She was featured in a Chronicle of resides in Phoenix, Arizona. Teaching Standards in physical cialist. She served another 14 years Higher Education ad to help launch education in 2012. She is True in other locations. She and her Dave Wozniak ’83 is principal opera- the newspaper’s social media ini- -Sport Curriculum and partnership husband, Tim, reside in Knoxville, tions manager for Nova Services, tiative. She and her husband, Steve manager with the U.S. Anti-Doping Tennessee. Inc., which is a construction engi- Sanderson, reside in Gilbert, South Agency. She resides in Colorado neering firm. He and his wife, Kel- Carolina. Jeffrey Kraft ’81 is the managing Springs, Colorado. ly, reside in San Diego, California. director of Marketing Works, Inc. Adriana Mino-Garces, M.S. ’88, is David Portree, M.S. ’87, is manager He and his wife, Frances, reside in Mary (Aaker) DeMaegd ’86 is an working at the Unidad Educa- of the NASA/USGS Regional Plan- River Forest. elementary school teacher with tiva Julio Verne in the Inclusive etary Information Facility, U.S. Round Lake School District 116. Education project. She resides in Sandra A. (Miller) Radvanyi, M.M. ’82, Geological Survey Astrogeology She resides in Lake Villa. Ecuador. is the artistic director and plays Science Center in Arizona. He the character of Dr. Merry Kay participated in the first Friends

32 Illinois State February 2014 Scott Brouette ’89 is the assistant Molly (Scott) Nichols ’93 is senior Elizabeth was born in July of 2013. Jeremy Schenk ’01 is the director of director for student services at account executive with Cumulus They reside in Fenton, Missouri. the university student commons Western Illinois University-Quad Media. She and her husband, Eric, and activities at Virginia Com- Adam Clark ’98 is the clinical sales Cities. He and his partner, Joseph reside in Jefferson City, Missouri. monwealth University. He and his director of the California region Rives, M.S. ’90, Ph.D. ’94, reside in wife, Kate, reside in Chesterfield, Michael Overby, M.B.A. ’93, is the for Intuitive Surgical, makers of Moline. Virginia. director of direct sales at COUN- the da Vinci robot. He and his Martha (Norris) O’Sullivan ’89 is a TRY Financial. He has earned family reside in Thousand Oaks, Heidi (Scher) Pevos ’03 completed freelance writer and author. Her Chartered Financial Consultant California. a graphic design degree from The trilogy opener, Second Chance, and Chartered Life Underwriter Art Institute of Michigan. She is Scott Mousty ’99 is a logistics man- was released in September from designations and Project Manage- an art teacher with Abrakadoodle ager with Caterpillar, Inc. He and Red Sage Publishing. The oth- ment Professional certification. of Wayne County. She and her his wife, Hope, reside in Morton. ers, Chance Encounter and Last He and his wife, Karen, are the husband, Edward, reside in Novi, Chance, were released in October parents of two sons and reside in Janaye (Dzurny) Smith ’99 is an Michigan. and November, respectively. She Bloomington. underwriter with Guarantee Trust Steve Woods, M.S. ’03, directs and her husband, Dan, reside in Life Insurance Company. She Margaret Tennis ’93 is an Illinois enrollment support services at the Lithia, Florida. and her husband, Roy, reside in Wesleyan University associate pro- Culinary Institute of America in Grayslake. Karen Pope ’89 is information fessor emeritus. She and her hus- California. He previously worked services coordinator for McLean band, Richard, reside in Eureka. in the registrar’s office at Boise County Center for Human Servic- State University. He and his wife Kyle Hendren ’94 is the marketing es. She resides in Bloomington. 00s are the parents of two children and programs manager with Ply Gem Sharon (Foss) Grosshauser ’00 is an reside in Santa Rosa, California. Raymond Russell ’89 has retired as Windows. He and his wife, Angie, editor at DeVry University. She and superintendent of CUSD 709. He reside in Wake Forest, North Mariah Dale-Anderson ’04 is a spe- her husband, David, are the par- and his wife, Nanette, reside in Carolina. cial services manager with Illinois ents of a daughter. Sierra Skye was Morton. Farm Bureau. She and her hus- Thomas Hunter Sr. ’94 is director of born in July of 2013. They reside in band, Greg, reside in Clinton. community relations with David- Winfield. son County Sheriff’s Office in Brianne (Swiech) Jones ’04 is a grad- Dave Maiden ’00 is the corporate 90s Tennessee. He began his career in uate student in nursing anesthesia investigator for CDW in Chicago. William McKinley ’90 completed a the sheriff’s office as an offender at Southern Illinois University- He and his wife, Cheryl, are the master’s of divinity at Fuller Theo- treatment counselor. He is also an Edwardsville. She and her hus- parents of three children. They logical Seminary. He anticipates associate minister at Saint James band, Chris, reside in Glen Carbon. reside in Grayslake. serving as an ordained minister in Missionary Baptist Church. He is the Lutheran faith. He resides in an active community volunteer and Pittsburg, California. resides in Nashville, Tennessee. Theresa Ferguson ’92 was selected Gretchen Peters ’95 has completed from runners across the country to an M.B.A. at The Kellogg Graduate participate in a national running School of Business at Northwest- program in 2013. She worked with ern University. She is vice presi- a former Olympic trial marathoner dent of ecommerce at Catamaran, and together they ran a marathon Inc. She and her husband, Andy last fall. She and her husband, John Stump, reside in Naperville. ’92, are the parents of six daugh- Christopher Zervic ’95 is an attorney ters and reside in Wheaton. with U.S. Citizenship and Immi- Ingrid (Dowell) Peelle ’92 retired gration Services in the Department from teaching and is now a physi- of Homeland Security in Essex, cal therapist. She directed “Evil Vermont. He is the father of three Dead: The Musical” at a local the- children. He and his wife reside in ater last fall. She and her husband, Norwich, New York. Brian, are parents and reside in Marselus Martin ’97 teaches seventh Peoria. grade language arts and coaches the Amy Bleich ’93 is a licensing sales eighth grade girls’ volleyball team specialist with American Academy at Spring Forest Middle School. He Roaming Redbirds of Pediatrics. She resides in Elk resides in Houston, Texas. When planning a trek to Ireland last year, a group of graduates and Grove. Jerry Myers ’97 is associate profes- friends of the University made sure to include in the suitcase a symbol Steven DePasquale ’93 has been sor of music at St. Louis Commu- of their Illinois State pride. The travelers took a moment while in the named Kankakee Community nity College at Meramec, where fishing village of Kinsale to Spread the Red. Members of the group College’s John M. Fulton Distin- he serves as the director of choral include, from left, Rob ’73 and Marta (Fidler) Eynatten ’78 of Blooming- guished Alumnus. He is a history activities and coordinator of music. ton; Tina Kohn of Normal; Gina Bianchi, M.S. ‘09, of Normal; ISU retiree professor at the college and resides He and his wife, Laura, are the Mike O’Grady and his wife, Connie, both of Hudson. in Manteno. parents of two children. Leanna

February 2014 Illinois State 33 Redbird Legacy Last May, Anna Riederer became the third generation in her family to graduate from Illinois State, where she pursued a bachelor of science in medical lab sciences. While she chose to attend the school because the University had the program she was looking for, she also knew that her mother and grandmother were proud to have another Redbird in the family. Anna’s mother, Diana (Schutt) Riederer ’73, graduated from ISU with a degree in elementary education. Her grandmother, Maxine Schutt ’49, who held a degree in kinesiology from ISU, experienced the most joy watching Anna walk across the stage. “My grandma was a very proud alum. She watched all the basketball games and cheered for her Redbirds,” Anna said. The family unfor- tunately lost Maxine in August, which made it even more meaningful to Anna that she was able to attend the commencement ceremony. “I was very excited for my mother and grandmother to see how campus and school have changed. After the ceremony, my mom and Maxine Schutt, forefront, and her daughter Diana Riederer at commencement in I took my grandma around, and she told us how much it had changed Redbird Arena last May. since 1949,” Anna explained. Diana added, “Mom was surprised by how many things had changed but also by how things hadn’t. There were 1,500 students total when she attended ISU, and now that’s the size of just one school here. She had some wonderful memories of ISU. She always told me, ‘I didn’t have a choice but to go to ISU. I was the first in the family to go to college, but I’m not going to be the last.’”

Samantah (Allen) Loyet ’04 is the cre- Kristen Massey ’06 is the alumnae Nick Kempski ’07 is an English/ Andrea Bertagna ’08 is a physical ative director of Solar Site Design. services and programming coor- AVID teacher at West Chicago education and health teacher at She and her husband, Jason, reside dinator for Pi Beta Phi Fraternity. High School. He and his wife, Jewel Middle School in North in Mount Juliet, Tennessee. She resides in St. Louis, Missouri. Katie, reside in Aurora. Aurora School District 129. She resides in Carol Stream. Sue Rovens ’04 is a stacks mainte- Joe Meersman ’06 is a business Kathleen Maki ’07 is a corporate and nance manager at Illinois State’s teacher at Boylan Catholic High group sales manager with Broad- Gabrielle Blossom ’08 is an environ- Milner Library. She has authored School. He resides in Rockford. way Across America. She and her mental engineer with Evonik Gold- a book titled In a Corner, Darkly. A husband, Chris Spendlove, reside schmidt. She resides in Peoria. Sandra (Albrecht) Stiegemeier ’06 is a second book was released last fall. in Seattle, Washington. mathematics teacher at Ball-Cha- Lauren (Farraher) Christopher ’08 is She resides in Normal. tham CUSD 5. She and her hus- Brett Nielsen ’07 completed a doc- a senior lab analyst and lab safety Melissa Zimmerman ’04 is a project band, Drew, reside in Springfield. torate of chiropractic from Palmer coordinator at Caterpillar. She manager with Walgreens. She College of Chiropractic. He prac- and her husband, Luke, reside in Nicole Taft ’06 has published a resides in Gurnee. tices in Bettendorf, Iowa. He and San Jose. fantasy romance titled Blood for his wife, Kim, are the parents of one Courtney Flanigan ’05 is a coordina- Wolves, and is writing the second Rachel (Heuss) Clark ’08 is a special child and reside in Le Claire, Iowa. tor with Enterprise Fleet Manage- in the series. She resides in Blue education preschool teacher with ment. She resides in St. Louis, Springs, Missouri. Jill North ’07 is the associate pro- Mattoon Community School Dis- Missouri. gram manager for Google Maps trict 2. She resides in Mattoon. Tracy (Warner) Wehrle ’06 is the with Street View. She resides in Jeffrey Kuznekoff ’05 is an assistant professional practicum coordina- Elise (Brass) Cochran ’08 is a special Pacifica, California. professor of communication at tor in the Department of Criminal education teacher at Lockport Miami University-Middletown. He Justice Sciences at Illinois State Mieczyslaw Swiatkowski ’07 is a Township High School. She and resides in Miamisburg, Ohio. University. She and her husband, senior tax accountant with Shepard her partner, Danielle, reside in Mason, reside in Toluca. Schwartz and Harris. He and his Diamond. Megan (Coit) Sischo ’05 is a personal wife, Allison, reside in Orland Park. fitness instructor at Elgin High Justin Dassie ’07 is a post-doctoral Caitlin (Farrell) Cotton ’08 is a public School. She and her husband, Joel, research fellow at the University Patrick Allen ’08 is the athletic health educator and data manager reside in Montgomery. of Iowa. He resides in Coralville, director and physical education with the Illinois Department of Iowa. teacher at Wallace Grade School. Public Health Office of Women’s Tara (Dunsing) Thompson ’05 is a He resides in Ottawa. Health. She and her husband, Dan- branch manager at PNC Bank. She Douglas Hughes ’07 is a financial iel, reside in Bloomington. and her husband, Jeff, reside in advisor with Hughes and Hughes Cheryl Berezan ’08 is a medical Lake Zurich. Financial Advisors, Inc. He resides laboratory scientist with Swedish Thomas Cranmer ’08 is a social stud- in Wilmington. Edmonds Hospital. She resides in ies teacher and head coach of the Everett, Washington.

34 Illinois State February 2014 Why you should read

DO THE MATH 17,648 + 2,276 undergraduates grad students 190,000 + 3,300 alumni faculty and staff

on in between for the last miles 1,000 150 20 years acres buildings of sidewalks 157 and every 1 has a story to tell

IllinoisState.edu/STATEside The daily blog from the staff of Illinois State magazine

powered by /IllinoisStateUniversity @IllinoisStateU /IllinoisStateU the Radiological Society of North School District 210. He resides in America. She and her husband, New Lenox. Jay, were married in June of 2013. Gordon McKavanagh ’08 is complet- They reside in Joliet. ing a master’s degree in American Shanell Jones ’08 is a registered and European history. He is a high dietitian at DMH Wellness Cen- school social sciences teacher with ter. She and her husband, Dustin, Beardstown School District 15. He reside in Bloomington. resides in Rushville. Kim (Behrens) Kaufman ’08 is a news Amanda McLaughlin ’08 is a student anchor and reporter at WMBD ministry assistant at Wheaton 31. She and her husband, Andrew, Bible Church. She resides in West reside in Normal. Chicago. Jayme Kirchner ’08, M.A. ’10, is a Deanne (St. John) Meyer ’08 is the tour consultant at Celestial Voyag- secretary to the business manager ers, Inc. She plans and organizes for Hannibal Public Schools. She leisure and academic tours. She and her husband, Benjamin, reside Growing gathering resides in Astoria, New York. in Hannibal, Missouri. What started more than two decades ago as an annual luncheon for a Cari (Flynn) Labok ’08 is a preschool Heidi Nees ’08 is a visiting assistant few ladies from the Class of 1960 drew more than 20 graduates in 2013, teacher at Kindercare Learning professor at Miami University. She pictured above. The group now meets in the Bone Student Center on Center. She and her husband, Ron, resides in Piqua, Ohio. the first day of events scheduled by the University for the Half Century reside in Highland, Indiana. Club celebration. Alums from the class are invited to attend this year’s Nick Nottoli ’08 is an account super- Andrew Lawrence ’08 informal gathering on May 2. Call Alumni Relations at (800) 366-4478 is a physics visor with Grisko. He resides in or (309) 438-2586 for more information. teacher at Central Catholic High Chicago. School. He and his wife, Kathryn, Molly Ostman ’08 teaches in Ruther- reside in Normal. ford County Schools and resides in Robert Luciano ’08 teaches fourth Murfreesboro, Tennessee. boys’ soccer team at Joliet Catholic Angela Glowacki ’08 is a medical grade in School District 58. He Academy. He resides in Plainfield. technologist at St. James Hospital. Jill Paluch ’08 is an intervention resides in Downers Grove. She resides in Burbank. teacher and gifted and talented Michael Enneking ’08 is a teacher Julia Macholl ’08 is a theatre teacher representative in Denver Public with Rockford Public School Dis- Jessica Grunstad ’08 is a special and director at North Shore Schools. She resides in Denver, trict 205. He resides in Rockford. education facilitator and resource Country Day School in Winnetka. Colorado. teacher at Butler School District Sarah (Wesley) Feltes ’08 is a kinder- She is an active actor in the Chi- 53. She resides in Naperville. Brittany Parsons ’08 is a marketing garten teacher in Franklin Park. cago community and resides in category management analyst with She and her husband, Adam ’09, are Sarah (Humphrey) Haske ’08 is a Morton Grove. Rust-Oleum. She resides in Round the parents of a daughter. Sophia math and biology teacher at Zion- Lindsey (Kling) Zum Mallen ’08 is Lake Beach. was born in June of 2013. They Benton Township High School. a registered nurse at Advocate reside in Oswego. She and her husband, Jordan, JoAnn Percel ’08 is a retired prin- BroMenn Medical Center. She reside in Beach Park. cipal who works as a consultant Jeremy Flowers ’08 is an educator and her husband, Robert, reside in for Chicago Public Schools. She with Bradley-Bourbonnais Com- Haley (Hatfield) Havenga ’08 is a Fairbury. and her husband, Stanley, reside in munity High School District. He business teacher at Grant Com- Kyle Matas ’08 is a quoting engi- Chicago. resides in Bradley. munity High School. She and her neer with Manchester Tank and husband, A.J., reside in Round Jeffrey Riley ’08 is a business educa- Brian Fonte ’08 is project manager Equipment. He and his wife, Sarah, Lake Beach. tion teacher at Joliet Township at F.E. Moran. He resides in Hick- reside in Quincy. High School District 204. He and ory Hills. Leslie Hohenstein ’08 is self- Kristina Mazzaferro ’08 is an English his wife, Brittani (Warning) ’11, reside employed with his business, Alice (Riddle) Froemling ’08 is a teacher at Naperville North High in Joliet. Dr. Leslie L. Hohenstein Educa- high school English teacher at St. School. She and her husband, Har- tional Consulting and Resources. Kim (Crouse) Scrima ’08 is a meet- Charles CUSD 303. She and her old Menger III, were married in He and his wife, Cathy, reside in ing planner for American Express husband, Todd ’08, were married June of 2013. They reside in Aurora. Springfield. meetings and events. She and in June of 2013. Both are Vidette Kevin McCleish ’08 teaches in her husband, Joe ’07, were mar- alums. He is a Web communica- Eileen Huellen ’08 completed a Lincoln-Way Community High ried in September of 2012. They tions graduate assistant at North master’s degree in curriculum Central College. They reside in and instruction and English as a Aurora. Second Language at Concordia University. She teaches fifth grade Katie Gibbs ’08 teaches language at East Aurora School District 131 arts in grades six through eight and resides in Batavia. in Springfield District 186. She resides in Springfield. Amanda (Dennin) Johnson ’08 is a senior communications manager at

36 Illinois State February 2014 met while working at WZND and teachers in Haiti. She resides in Jenna Goldsmith ’10 is an English Lindsay (Tuegel) Mertes ’10 is a social reside in Naperville. South Wilmington. doctoral student at the University studies teacher at Boylan Catholic of Kentucky, where she is also an High School. She and her husband, Lauren Seghi ’08 is an English as Katherine (Rockwell) Kelly ’09 is a instructor. She resides in Lexing- Bryce, reside in Palatine. a Second Language teacher at fifth grade teacher at University ton, Kentucky. Plainfield South High School. She Schools. She and her husband, Phil- Bradley Redding ’10 is a claims sup- resides in Geneva. lip, reside in Loveland, Colorado. Katelyn (Hollis) Green ’10 is manager port supervisor with State Farm of The Sun Room. She and her hus- Insurance Companies. He resides Marcea Seible ’08 is an assistant Matthew Koster ’09 is a social stud- band, Roger, reside in Mason City. in Austin, Texas. professor of developmental writing ies department head and teacher, in Hawkeye Community College. as well as student council sponsor, Brian Hawkins ’10 is a liability claims Kira Shelton ’10 is a human resource She and her husband, Ken Pfiffner, at South Pekin Grade School. He representative with Enterprise officer with Illinois State Univer- reside in Waterloo, Iowa. resides in Pekin. Holdings. He resides in Chicago. sity. She resides in Bloomington. Bailey Slechta ’08 is a student rela- Tim Martch ’09 is a smoke stack tions assistant with American technician with ARI Environmen- Dental Hygienists Association. She tal. He resides in Homewood. resides in Lombard. Candice Peterson-Esquivel ’09 is an Nathan Stock ’08 is an executive associate recruiter with Applied health program coordinator at Systems. She resides in Park Forest. Metro Health Hospital. He and his Cary Ruklic ’09 is the director of wife, Allison, reside in Grandville, bands and chair of the music Michigan. department at Lincoln-Way West Marissa Tiburtini ’08 teaches fifth High School. He and his wife, grade at Bower Elementary School. Christina, reside in Lockport. She resides in Wheaton. Andres Rupnick ’09 is a technology Amanda (Madden) Toomey ’08 is a teacher at Lake Park High School middle school core teacher with and resides in East Dundee. CCSD 21 in Wheeling. She resides Sarah (Siefker) Walk ’09 is the Farm in Schaumburg. Bureau manager for Cumberland Winning the test of time Taylor (Nix) Victor ’08 is a case man- County. She and her husband, Six ladies who settled into Hamilton/Whitten in 1967 formed such a ager with AccuQuote. She and her Tyler, reside in Neoga. strong friendship that they remain connected four decades after finish- husband, David ’08, were married Cyrus Winnett ’09 is a legislative ing their degrees. All graduates of 1971, the women have met annually in October of 2013. He is an orches- and public policy analyst with tra teacher with District 300. They since leaving campus. They include their spouses in their reunion events, the Illinois Association of Reha- reside in Elk Grove Village. and had their children join in as well through the years. The group bilitation Facilities. He resides in includes, front row, from left, Julie (Keller) Stranz, Charleston; Sheryll Debbie (Novotney) Wietfeldt ’08 is a Springfield. (Renken) Rockway, Grayslake; and Marilyn (Kula) Tournier, Cary. Back registered nurse working with Dr. Christine (Cooney) Yee ’09 is a row, from left: Diana (Strotheide) Osterwisch, Highland; Alice (Allen) Kent Taulbee. She and her husband, teacher at Bright Horizons/Takeda Woll, Omaha, Nebraska; and Sandra Holstine, Dover, Ohio. Marty, are the parents of a daughter Center for Child Development. and reside in Bloomington. She and her husband, David ’09, Allyson (Gordon) Willits ’08 is a reg- were married in July of 2013. He is Benjamin Kotenerg ’10 is an instruc- Nichole (Meisenheimer) Stratton ’10 istered dietitian with UnityPoint a financial analyst for ADP. They tional designer at the National is the social media and community Health. She and her husband, reside in Schaumburg. Association of Tax Professionals in outreach coordinator at Memorial Jason, reside in Bettendorf, Iowa. Appleton. He resides in Oshkosh, Hospital. She and her husband, Brent Ziegler ’08 is a social studies Wisconsin. Michael ’13, were married in Octo- teacher and athletic director in the 10s ber of 2013. He is a math teacher Brad Kurtzweil ’10 is a Village of Lamoille CUSD 303. He resides in at Columbia Middle School. They Nicholas Bonarek ’10 is a GIS Techni- Bolingbrook police officer. He and Cherry. reside in Freeburg. cian at Integrys Business Support. his wife, Kaitlyn (Harrison) ’11, were Heather Bunting ’09 is a compliance He resides in Chicago. married in August of 2013. She is Mackenzie (Rayburn) Frizzell ’11 is a officer associate with The Options Wesley Burris ’10 is a division safety an elementary school special edu- law student at Southern Illinois Clearing Corporation. She resides specialist with Ameren Illinois. He cation resource teacher in Whea- University. She and her husband, in Chicago. resides in Maryville. ton. They met through Encounter Paulie, reside in Carbondale. at ISU and reside in Naperville. Ashley Cobert ’09 is a public rela- Alison Carlson ’10 is a shift manager Daren Johnson ’11 is a print productions account executive with at Noodles & Company in Peoria, Jamie (Hazekamp) Kutzke ’10 is a tion manager with NPN360. He Primum Marketing Communica- where she resides. financial analyst with AFNI, Inc. resides in Buffalo Grove. tions. She resides in Wauwatosa, She and her husband, Kory, reside Christina (Lindsey) Drauden ’10 is a Ryan Lindberg ’11 is a chemistry Wisconsin. in Normal. seventh and eighth grade math teacher and the wrestling and Jenny Dinelli ’09 is a speech lan- teacher with Mansfield Indepen- Rodney McCalister ’10 is a UPS football coach at Niles North High guage pathologist who trains dent School District. She resides in supervisor. He resides in Lockport. School. He resides in Waukegan. Mansfield, Texas.

February 2014 Illinois State 37 Stacy Robillard ’11 is a child life spe- Michael Crosse ’12 is an applied Fieldhouse, which is a corporate Kathleen Malloy ’12 is a junior high cialist with Lee Memorial Health technology instructor at William event planning company. She teacher at St. Agnes School. She System. She resides in Fort Myers, Fremd High School. He resides in resides in Chicago. resides in Chicago. Florida. Naperville. Maria Concetta Gomez ’12 is RTI Katie Meersman ’12 teaches second Colin Rogers ’11 is a research assis- Delia Daly ’12 is a registered nurse support staff at Thomas Metcalf grade in the public schools of tant with Monsanto Company. He at Rush University Medical Center. Elementary School, which is one of Rockford, where she resides. resides in Omaha, Nebraska. She resides in Naperville. two ISU Laboratory Schools. She Matthew Mitchell ’12 is a special resides in Normal. Allyson Ryband ’11 teaches bilingual Adisn Dankha ’12 works in IT tech- education aide with Bryan Middle early learning at Fulton Elemen- nical support at Walgreens corpo- Julie Gordon ’12 is a physical educa- School. He resides in Naperville. tary School in Tinley Park, where rate offices. He has been chosen tion teacher at Rupley Elementary Lee Murray ’12 is an actuarial analyst she resides. to participate in the company’s School. She speaks in both English with Mercer. She resides in Louis- sustainability division. He resides and Spanish while teaching. She Mrittika Sengupta, Ph.D. ’11, is an ville, Kentucky. in Skokie. resides in Western Springs. assistant professor at UTU. She Sara Neumann ’12 is a clinical audi- and her husband, Chitrakalpa Sen, Victoria Davis ’12 teaches English at Marissa Gracia ’12 is a Two Riv- ologist at Hearts for Hearing. She reside in India. Kaneland High School. She resides ers Headstart KEYS teacher. She is active in research and coau- in Geneva. resides in Carpentersville. Ryan Tripicchio ’11 is a high school thored an article on hearing aids history and technology teacher Annelise (Krolczyk) Demkowicz ’12 is Caitlin Hanselmann ’12 is a freelance for Volta Voices magazine. She is with the West Grand School Dis- a high school French teacher with stylist with Evoke Productions. coauthoring a textbook chapter on trict. He resides in Kremmling, East Aurora School District 131. She resides in Sleepy Hollow. pediatric hearing aids. She resides Colorado. She and her husband, Ryan, reside in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Jessica (Bunnell) Hartman ’12 is a in Hoffman Estates. Adriana Aguilar ’12 is a special teaching assistant at Epiphany Maggie O’Malley ’12 is a nurse prac- education teacher with Commu- Benjamin Dickinson ’12 is a medical Catholic School. She and her hus- titioner with Swedish American. nity High School District 218. She laboratory scientist at Memorial band, Rudy, reside in Bloomington. She resides in Byron. resides in Villa Park. Medical Center. He resides in Danielle Hunt ’12 is a special educa- Kevin Pajor ’12 is a social studies Springfield. Mary Bahl ’12 is a registered nurse at tion teacher with Kirby School teacher at Sandwich Commu- OSF Saint Francis Medical Center. Sarah Dolan ’12 is the assistant District. She resides in Joliet. nity High School. He resides in She resides in Metamora. director of residential and student Oswego. Mallory Jones ’12 is a registered life at Lincoln College. She and her Kathryn Bergschneider ’12 is a nurse in the intensive care unit at Ara Peterson ’12 is a surgical clinical husband, Skylar, reside in Normal. speech-language pathologist with Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, registered nurse reviewer focused Springfield Public School District Joe Drover ’12 is an eighth grade where she resides. on quality improvement at Advo- 186. She resides in Williamsville. social studies teacher with CUSD cate BroMenn Medical Center. She Rebecca Kijek ’12 is a social sciences 200. He resides in Westmont. and her husband, Steve, reside in Katrina Best ’12 is a teaching assis- teacher at Jane Addams High Normal. tant at Northern Illinois Univer- Danielle Dybas ’12 is the director School. She resides in Lockport. sity. She resides in DeKalb. for “The Morning Show” and the Joshua Pfeuffer ’12 is a jewelry Megan (Sage) Kimmel ’12 is a bilin- weekend news at WCIA 3 News. consultant at Bremer Jewelry. He Christina Bissey ’12 is an agriculture gual speech language pathologist She resides in Champaign. resides in Normal. teacher and FFA advisor at Oran- with Staffing Options and Solu- geville Jr./Sr. High School. She Christina Elder ’12 is a music teacher tions. She and her husband, Jon, Sarah Pfluger ’12 teaches math and resides in Orangeville. in Litchfield Park Elementary reside in Libertyville. science at Hiawatha High School. School District. She resides in She resides in Rockford. Trisha Blood ’12 is a mathematics Caitlyn Kopec ’12 is a grade school Goodyear, Arizona. instructor at Illinois Valley Com- science teacher at Pawnee School Lisa Piehl ’12 is a registered nurse munity College. She resides in Kaile Erickson ’12 teaches in the District. She resides in Springfield. with Marianjoy Rehabilitation Ottawa. Pekin Public School District. She Hospital. She resides in Lisle. Ryan Kotecki ’12 is a software engi- resides in Dunlap. Renee Changnon ’12 is a guerilla neer at Discover Financial Ser- Amy Pierce ’12 is a contract mer- marketing specialist with Jimmy Kyle Freeman ’12 is the assistant vices. He resides in Gurnee. chandise assistant with Sears John’s Corporation. She resides in superintendent for curriculum and Holdings Corporation. She resides Katherine Kram ’12 is an elementary Champaign. instruction with Mascoutah CUSD in Aurora. physical education teacher with 19. He and his wife, Amy, reside in Jon Coluzzi ’12 is a personal trainer Joliet District 86. She resides in Michelle Pierson ’12 is a first assis- Belleville. at X-Sport Fitness. He resides in Countryside. tant manager in women’s shoes at Naperville. Jamie Gatto ’12 is a registered nurse Nordstrom’s Old Orchard store. Matt Kubsch ’12 is a commercial at Rockford Memorial Hospital. She resides in Westmont. Rachel Craigmile ’12 is completing loss control representative with She resides in Naperville. a doctorate in chemistry at the COUNTRY Financial. He resides Melissa Pinter ’12 is a teacher of the University of Texas at Austin and Jonathan Gauerke ’12 is chief operat- in Normal. hearing impaired in the Quincy working to improve the teaching officer at ADDWC in Eureka. Public School system. She resides Amanda Lutes ’12 is an account ing assistant training across the He and his wife, Maegan, reside in in Peru. executive and marketing consul- department. She and her husband, Bartonville. tant with LaSalle County Broad- Susan Randle ’12 is an admissions Aaron, reside in Austin, Texas. Diamando Giba ’12 is an assistant casting. She resides in Magnolia. specialist II at Illinois State Uni- operations manager at Windy City

38 Illinois State February 2014 versity. She and her husband, Paul, Claire (Christiansen) Southard ’12 is Cody Yochum ’12 is an emergency/ reside in Normal. a teacher in the Herscher School trauma nurse practitioner with Our troops District. She and her husband, Mid-America Emergency Physi- Rebecca Rea ’12 teaches fourth Michael Filipek ’08 is a pilot with Brandon, reside in Bourbonnais. cians. He resides in Mattoon. grade at Glen Oaks Elementary. the U.S. Air Force assigned to the She resides in Orland Park. Matthew Spaw ’12 is an associate Daniel Bontz ’13 works in mainte- Illinois Air Guard. He resides in industrial hygienist with ENVI- nance with the park district in Mt. Prospect. Allison Riddell ’12 is a legal assistant RON International Corporation. Dixon, where he resides. with Freedman Anselmo Lindberg, He resides in Chicago. LLC. She resides in Naperville. Lauren Downs ’13 is a credit analyst In memory Stephen Stanger ’12 is an English at Heartland Bank & Trust. She Adam Rodgers ’12 is an elementary teacher in Unit 4. He resides in resides in Normal. music teacher with District U-46. Faculty/Staff Champaign. He resides in Streamwood. Chad Fox ’13 is vice president of Dana W. Bahan, Chemistry; 8/13 Christie Suligoy ’12 is a registered wealth management at Merrill Dustin Rothbart ’12 has been acting Teresa A. (Brown) Barnes, Build- nurse working at Presence St. Lynch. He and his wife, Stacy, with several theatre companies in ing Services; 8/13 Joseph Medical Center. She reside in Westmont. Chicago. He was a 2013 company Martha J. “Marty” Boudeman ’75, resides in Channahon. member for Canterbury Summer Laura Kiel ’13 is a middle school spe- Stevenson Center; 7/13 Shane Svitak ’12 Theatre in Michigan City, Indiana. is a loan representa- cial education teacher. She resides Walter H. Friedhoff, Psychology; He resides in Northbrook. tive II with Lending Solutions, Inc. in Tinley Park. 8/13 He resides in North Aurora. Suzette Rush-Drake ’12 is a nurse Elizabeth Peterson ’13 is a hearing Elizabeth L. Harris, M.S. ’70, Mea- practitioner with Striedinger Med- Kristen Syndram ’12 is a marketing itinerant teacher with the Tazewell/ surement and Evaluations; 10/12 ical Group. She and her husband, coordinator with Hult Marketing. Mason Counties Special Education Sharon A. Hartzell-Smith ’73, Mil- Gregory, reside in Northbrook. She resides in Eureka. Association. She resides in Pekin. ner Library; 8/13 Carrie Schrader ’12 is an elementary Sam Tonner ’12 is a personal trainer Sarah Prokop ’13 is a children’s ser- Reginald D. Henry, Agriculture; 8/13 Suzuki string teacher and the high with The Workout Company. He vices associate with the Naperville Merle R. Howard, Speech Pathol- school orchestra director for the resides in Normal. Public Library. She resides in ogy and Audiology; 7/13 Pekin School District. Naperville. Wanda Turk ’12 works in interven- Jacqualyn J. (Goldsberry) Kephart, Brittaney Schwichtenberg ’12 is a sixth tion services at Albertville Middle Deborah Seale ’13 is an assistant Information Systems; 8/13 grade math and science teacher at School. She resides in Albertville, professor of health informatics and Roger S. Kiper, Building Services; Park Ridge-Niles School District 64. Alabama. information management at Saint 8/13 She resides in Elk Grove Village. Louis University. She resides in St. John Twork ’12 is an assistant Ath- Jane E. (Manthe) Knepler ’60, M.S. Louis, Missouri. Catherine Siefert ’12 is a seventh letics communications director at ’64, Geography; 8/13 grade ELA teacher in Carbondale Illinois State University. He resides Middle School. She resides in Car- in Normal. bondale. Lauren (Jump) VanNatta ’12 is a visit- Jennifer Siefferman ’12 is a design ing instructor at the University lead for Weston Hospitality Solu- of Illinois. She and her husband, tions. She resides in Clarendon Andrew, reside in Effingham. Hills. Amy Vasel ’12 is a music teacher at Samantha Siemiawski ’12 teaches in Dee-Mack Schools. She resides in the Valley View Public Schools. Tremont. Three easy ways to submit your information She resides in Homer Glen. Kelly (Brummel) Webb ’12 is a 1) Go online to Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/ClassNotes and click Justin Smith ’12 is a ComEd distri- speech-language pathologist at on “class notes.” Information submitted using this method will bution dispatcher. He resides in Morton Community Unit School also be posted online. Chicago. District 709. She and her husband, Brad, reside in East Peoria. Michael Smith ’12 is a language arts 2) Email your news to [email protected]. teacher in Gardner Community Meghan Wilson ’12 is a child life 3) Mail your news to Class Notes, Illinois State University, Consolidated School District 72. specialist with Phoenix Children’s He resides in Joliet. Hospital. She resides in Long- Alumni Relations, Campus Box 3100, Normal, IL 61790-3100. meadow, Massachusetts. Lina Smulkaitis ’12 teaches eighth Please include your graduation year, major, maiden name grade math in Crete-Monee Cory Worthey ’12 is an exercise spe- when applicable, and daytime phone number for verification School District U201. She resides cialist in cardiac rehab at Proctor purposes. News releases and information from published news in Westmont. Hospital. He resides in Peoria. clippings may also be used. Engagements and pregnancies will Jamie (Hendrix) Smythe ’12 Jennifer (Williams) Wrigley ’12 is a WIC is not be published. clinical dietitian at Truman Medi- a biology teacher at East Peoria cal Centers. She and her husband, Community High School. She and For additional information, contact Alumni Relations at (309) 438- Daniel, reside in Olathe, Kansas. her husband, Ryan, reside in Pekin. 2586 or (800) 366-4478, or by email at [email protected].

February 2014 Illinois State 39 Your gift matters to Darius Ardison “It makes me feel good that donors want to support me. I have a lot of people outside of my family in my corner. The scholarships allowed me not to stress too much over the cost of college. I never knew books could be so expensive,” said Ardison, who is a senior financial accounting major. He received two scholarships as a freshman that were renewed annually. “Every dollar given to me is being used to further my education. I really appreciate every amount that I receive.”

To support students like Darius, visit IllinoisState.edu/Giving.

Nancy R. Leben ’91, Health Ser- Robert L. Cramer ’41, M.S. ’52; 8/13 Edward E. Lyon ’58, M.A. ’59; 12/12 Janel S. (Hiland) White ’72; 8/13 vices; 7/13 Margaret (Bach) Bahnfleth ’42; 7/13 Clara B. Prichard ’58; 7/13 Gordon W. “Tad” Foreman ’73; 8/13 Richard F. Miller, Building Ser- Marjorie (Lynds) Geiger ’42; 8/12 Kathleen M. (Nihan) Leonard ’73; vices; 9/13 Eileen E. Hammann ’42, ’59; 2/06 60s 7/13 Virginia (Allin) Moreland ’70, Avis (Moeller) Ramsey ’43; 8/13 Thomas O. Hillesheim ’60; 7/13 Jim Allen ’74; 1/13 Printing Services; 7/13 Marjorie A. Holmes ’45; 8/13 Donald L. Hilscher Sr. ’60, M.S. E. Michael Jones ’74; 6/13 Gordon M. Redding, Psychology; ’64; 1/10 John G. Frazier ’75; 7/13 8/13 Iva Jean (Schmidt) Krug ’45; 5/13 Margaret G. (Dunn) Joyce ’60; 7/13 Laurie J. Sanderson ’75; 8/13 Robert E. Saunders, Food Services; Marion H. Barnett ’46; 7/13 8/13 Donna V. (Racobs) Davis ’48; 8/13 Richard K. Peterson ’60; 6/12 Steven K. Brown ’76; 7/13 Linda Smith, University Center for Reeve Norton ’48; 1/13 Judith A. Judy ’61, M.S. ’68; 8/13 Gary L. Lincoln ’76; 6/13 Learning Assistance; 10/12 M. Maxine “Max” (Crump) Schutt Lawrence W. Ellis ’62; 7/13 Don P. Hinspeter ’77; 8/13 Wilbur R. Venerable, Admissions; ’49; 8/13 Donna (Weiden) Kinczewski ’62; Jeanne M. Petkus ’77; 7/13 7/13 8/13 Kenneth Watson III, M.B.A. ’77; 6/13 50s Wini (Wraye) Goben ’63, M.S. ’70; Lisa (Rudolph) Kacevicius ’78; 7/13 7/13 30s Phillip H. Weber ’50; 8/13 Mark Zinman ’78; 2/13 June C. (Gealow) Nagel ’63; 8/13 Mary Adeline Stevenson Killey ’30, Paul C. Reeves ’51, M.S. ’71; 7/13 Charlotte J. Brucker, M.S. ’79; 7/13 Joseph R. Harding, M.S. ’66; 7/13 ’37; 6/13 JoAnne Paton ’52; 7/13 Jerry A. Smith, M.S. ’79; 4/13 Robert A. Riker ’66, M.S. ’71; 7/13 Dorothy (Ford) Benjamin ’31; 8/13 Patricia A. (Pombier) Patrizi ’52; Rose A. (Kral) Booth ’33; 7/13 2/13 James R. Sharp, M.S. ’66; 8/13 80s Kenneth Gardner ’67; 8/13 Rosamond (Tierney) Gorman ’34; LaRee (Barr) Jacobson ’53; 8/13 Susan K. (Tharp) Morck ’80; 9/13 Nancy L. (Bruun) Fulton ’68; 7/13 6/13 Patricia R. Tobias Xanders ’53; 8/13 Rick Belle ’88; 3/13 Michael J. Legerski ’68, M.S. ’71; Lloyd E. Cunningham ’35; 8/13 Irvin W. Seelye ’54, M.S. ’56; 7/13 Linda M. Curless ’88; 9/13 4/13 Charles F. Hall Jr. ’35; 6/13 Edward Stock ’54; 6/13 Mary S. Annis ’69; 5/12 Crystal M. (Farley) Stoll ’35, ’56, David W. Patton ’56, M.S. ’67; 7/13 90s Wilma J. (Gandy) Douglas ’69, M.S. ’61; 6/13 Elsie M. Sheetz ’56; 12/08 ’76; 8/13 Wilesha F. Clay ’90; 9/13 Cyrus R. Shockey ’39; 8/13 E. Duane Elbert ’57; 8/13 Shirley E. (Roose) Birmingham 70s 00s 40s ’58; 4/13 Sean P. O’Brien ’00; 9/13 Eleanor (Dalton) Newmister ’40, Barbara E. (Harris) Sears Brightup Alan B. Rickey ’71; 7/13 ’43, M.S. ’73; 8/13 ’58; 5/13 Victoria (Nordheimer) Ronna ’72; Jason D. Levan ’07; 8/13 7/13

40 Illinois State February 2014 what you can do for illinois state university

Share your Illinois State story.

Brag about Illinois State to everyone around you.

Wear red on Friday to show your support of Illinois State.

Stay Connected by joining alumni networks and attending events where you reside.

Encourage high school students to visit campus.

Come back to visit campus or speak to a class.

Give back financially, at any level, supporting your campus passions.

Mentor student interns at your place of business.

Tell everyone you are #RedbirdProud Donor and Information Services Campus Box 8000 Normal, IL 61790-8000

Flocking together A group of friends who happen to be Redbird fans gathered to show their spirit as classes ended for the day at Thomas Metcalf Elementary School. The mascot knit beanie is spotted frequently on campus and in the community during the winter months. Order one for yourself at GoRedbird.com, Fanatics.com, or VonMaur.com.