Illinois State Magazine August 2018
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VOLUME 19 • NUMBER 1 • AUGUST 2018 Illinois State allodds Against brain trauma. brain and learns despiteextensive Sharplives Tristen Redbird RedbirdsRising.IllinoisState.edu EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Susan Marquardt Blystone ’84, M.S. ’03 ALUMNI EDITOR Rachel Kobus ’09, M.S. ’11 FirstWord LEAD DESIGNERS Dave Jorgensen, M.S. ’03 At first glance, it may seem that selection of a Michael Mahle collegiate home is primarily dependent on a student’s chosen field of study. As those DESIGNERS Jeff Higgerson ’92 students who are entering Illinois State for their first semester this fall realize from Sean Thornton ’00, M.S. ’17 Evan Walles ’06 having completed their own search, there is much more to be considered when selecting WEB EDITOR where to pursue a degree. Kevin Bersett, MBA ’17 This is true because not unlike individuals, universities have unique traits that set PHOTOGRAPHER them apart from other institutions of higher learning. It is often these distinct attributes Lyndsie Schlink ’04 PRODUCTION COORDINATOR and traditions that are weighted heavily by prospective students. Tracy Widergren ’03, M.S. ’15 Graduates of Illinois State, for example, can attest WRITERS to the fact that ISU is set apart because of the outstand- Kate Arthur John Moody ing individualized attention given to students despite an enrollment that exceeds 20,000. This fundamental Illinois State (USPS 019606) is published four times annually for donors and members of the Illinois State approach to teaching and learning always amazes in- University Alumni Association at Alumni Center, 1101 N. Main Street, Normal, Illinois 61790-3100. coming students and family members, while remaining Periodicals postage paid at Normal, Illinois, and at a point of both pride and gratitude for alumni. additional mailing offices. I would like to share what I consider another Magazine editorial offices are located at 1101 N. Main Street, Normal, Illinois 61790-3100; telephone significant difference at Illinois State, which is the (309) 438-2586; facsimile (309) 438-8057; email [email protected]; Website IllinoisState.edu/ perspective taken at the University with regard to Magazine. Postmaster: Send address changes to strategic planning. Too often the task of setting goals far Illinois State, Illinois State University, Campus Box 8000, Normal, IL 61790-8000. into the future becomes an obligatory exercise, with the Material may be reprinted with prior approval, efforts shelved until the next mandated update. provided no commercial endorsement is implied and credit is given to the author, to Illinois State At Illinois State, strategic planning results in a University, and to Illinois State. working blueprint that guides decisions made with regard to everything from curricu- Website: IllinoisState.edu Illinois State University, as an equal opportunity/ lum changes and facility upgrades to student enrichment experiences and recruitment affirmative action employer, complies with all efforts. Accountability is key to progress, with attention given to the pursuit and comple- applicable federal and state laws regarding affirmative action, nondiscrimination, and anti-harassment. tion of each objective through specific action. Illinois State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not Educating Illinois has been the University’s comprehensive plan since 2000, with discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, order of updates made regularly. The most recent plan was approved by the Board of Trustees on protection, gender identity and expression, ancestry, May 11, 2018, putting into place Educate • Connect • Elevate: Illinois State —The Strategic age, marital status, disability, genetic information, unfavorable military discharge, or status as a Plan for Illinois’ First Public University 2018-2023. veteran in employment, educational programs and activities, or admissions. Inquiries or complaints This revised plan positions the University to take bold steps forward, while remain- may be addressed by contacting the director of the ing true to our history and identity. Highlights include four strategic directions that Office of Equal Opportunity and Access by email at [email protected], by calling (309) involve enhancing ISU’s strength and stability, fostering innovation, nurturing diversity 438-3383, or by mailing to the office at Illinois State University, Campus Box 1280, Normal, IL 61790. and inclusion, and enriching engagement. 19-5989 . This document is available in alternative Educate • Connect • Elevate emerged after extensive consultation with campus formats upon request by contacting Alumni Engagement at (309) 438-2586. groups, community representatives and partners. It is written broadly to provide guidance versus constraint so that every aspect of ISU will continue to flourish into ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS the future. There are also 47 specific action items identified. I encourage you to read Doug Reeves ’69 Danny Mielneczek ’11 President Susan Nelson-Brown ’78 the document at StrategicPlan.IllinoisState.edu. As you do, I have no doubt you will be Walter Brandon Jr. ’82, Tim Pantaleone ’07 M.S. ’85 encouraged and impressed that Illinois State remains committed to its mission, vision, Scott Preston ’10 Kathryn Bohn ’74, M.S. ’80 Stacy Ramsey ’92, M.S. ’94 and values, while ensuring and expanding its unique traits that set it apart from other Lisa Castleman ’96 Marsha Reeves ’78, ’03 institutions of higher learning. Tyler Clark ’09 Kaci Rollings ’94 Fellicia Foster ’08 Steve Smith ’89, M.S. ’93 Elizabeth Garcia ’91 Alice Spann ’78 Ryan Gilbert ’03 Leah Walton ’88, M.S. ’92 Michele Guadalupe ’01 Ron Whitton ’80 Dave Horstein ’08 Julie Jones ’90, Jerry Kerber ’74 Board of Trustees Larry H. Dietz, Ph. D. Daniel Lopez, Ph.D. ’02 Alumni Liaison Joe McGuire ’77 President, Illinois State University Volume 19, Number 1, August 2018 FEATURES 8 Doctor’s orders ISU alumna Dr. Sarah Hallberg goes against com- mon thinking when telling patients managing Type 2 diabetes to reduce carbohydrates and take in more fat. Hallberg’s research and work with weight-loss patients convinces her the right diet eliminates blood sugar issues in Type 2 diabetes before it advances and insulin is prescribed. 12 Toughest test For sophomore Tristen Sharp, the challenges of com- pleting a degree go far beyond finishing class projects and taking exams. Her collegiate experience—and life in general—is more complicated because two accidents within 20 months caused irreparable brain damage. She inspires as she challenges everyone to realize their 18 decisions change lives. 18 ISU’s individualized attention Michael Thomas ’85 knows the University’s pledge 8 to meet each student’s need despite an enrollment of more than 20,000 is a promise fulfilled. A faculty mentor challenged him to complete his degree and reach his potential. Now an executive with Toyota Engineering Manufacturing of America, Thomas is helping other students soar. 22 Baffled by bitcoins? As the popularity of cryptocurrencies increases, so does confusion. Each media mention of bitcoins—the first cryptocurrency created—raises questions about buying, using, and mining this alternative to typical 22 dollars. Information Technology Professor Glen Sagers shares the basics about cryptocurrencies. DEPARTMENTS 2 University News 6 Redbird Athletics 26 Homecoming 28 #Redbird Proud 30 Class Notes On the cover: One of Tristen Sharp’s struggles is that few understand how a brain injury alters daily life, as there Let us hear from you! Your feedback is appreciated. Send comments or suggestions,12 are no visible signs of trauma. Class Notes, Letters to the Editor, How We Met and Legacy stories, as well as Where Are They Now and Reggie Reads submissions to Susan Blystone at [email protected], or mail to Campus Box 3420, Normal, IL 61790. UniversityNews Educate • Connect • Elevate Campus moving forward with new strategic plan ince the introduction of Educating The approved plan evolved over nurture diversity and inclusion, and Illinois in 2000, the University has months of consultation with campus enrich engagement. Soperated under the umbrella of a stakeholders. A committee of faculty and “Educate • Connect • Elevate will strategic plan that serves as a guide when staff representing all areas of campus led serve as a guide for divisions, units, and all financial and academic decisions are the work, which involved seeking input offices in planning and resource allo- made. As of July 1, the blueprint for going through surveys and open forums. cation decisions,” said President Lar- forward has been updated and renamed. The document strengthens ISU’s ry Dietz. He praised the new strategic Educate • Connect • Elevate: Illinois core values by adding respect and col- plan for its clear “desire to build on State—The Strategic Plan for Illinois’ First laboration to the existing list of lead- the strengths and successes of Educating Public University 2018-2023 articulates ership and scholarship, individualized Illinois, and to emphasize Illinois State’s the University’s mission to serve citizens attention, civic engagement, and integ- broad educational reach.” of Illinois and beyond. rity. Whereas Educating Illinois included Thirteen objectives with 47 spe- ISU’s vision to remain a national diversity, the new plan expands the value cific actions have been identified in the leader offering premiere undergraduate to diversity and inclusion. plan, which can