NOVEMBER 2017 NOVEMBER • NUMBER 3 • VOLUME 18

A century ago Patriotism rose across campus when the U.S. entered WWI in 1917. A roster of all from ISU who served is part of a collection that documents the Redbird response to the Great War.

RedbirdsRising.IllinoisState.edu See pages 8–19. 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 The public launch of Redbirds Rising: Michael Mahle The Campaign for Illinois State was celebrated in September. Much of this Illinois State DESIGNERS Jeff Higgerson ’92 issue is devoted to sharing the excitement and opportunity surrounding the historic $150 Sean Thornton ’00 Evan Walles ’06 million fundraising initiative that will continue through June 2020. The goal is $65 million Carol (Jalowiec) Watson ’08 greater than the last successful campaign completed in 2005. WEB EDITOR You have no doubt noticed during the previous decade that Illinois State is on the Kevin Bersett, M.S. ’17 rise. Some successes include a consistent ranking as one of the nation’s best public uni- PHOTOGRAPHER Lyndsie Schlink ’04 versities, a graduation rate that is among the top 10 percent in the U.S., and recognition PRODUCTION COORDINATOR for providing the best education for the money. Tracy Widergren ’03, M.S. ’15 These are but a few examples of excellence that WRITERS Kate Arthur provide evidence the University is resilient as it con- John Moody tinues to fulfill the mission of educating high-achieving Illinois State (USPS 019606) is published four times motivated students who seek an individualized experi- annually for donors and members of the Illinois State University Alumni Association at Alumni Center, ence. The work is accomplished through the support of 1101 N. Main Street, Normal, Illinois 61790-3100. loyal Redbird alumni and friends, whose gifts are instru- Periodicals postage paid at Normal, Illinois, and at additional mailing offices. mental to the University’s programs and people. Magazine editorial offices are located at 1101 N. Because Illinois State is strong and stable, now is Main Street, Normal, Illinois 61790-3100; telephone (309) 438-2586; facsimile (309) 438-8057; email the time to advance the University to a higher level. To [email protected]; Website IllinoisState.edu/ Magazine. Postmaster: Send address changes to do so provides an even stronger foundation that ensures Illinois State, Illinois State University, Campus Box ISU’s people and programs thrive in the years ahead. 8000, Normal, IL 61790-8000. Material may be reprinted with prior approval, How can this be accomplished? This question has provided no commercial endorsement is implied been asked of ISU’s leadership, from the vice presiden- and credit is given to the author, to Illinois State University, and to Illinois State. tial level to each college dean. The resounding answer is Website: IllinoisState.edu to advance three objectives: scholarship, leadership and innovation. Each is consequently Illinois State University, as an equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer, complies with all a pillar for Redbirds Rising. applicable federal and state laws regarding affirmative Scholarship includes financial support for faculty and students. Leadership focuses action, nondiscrimination, and anti-harassment. Illinois State University is committed to a policy on programming and experiential learning. Innovation reflects the ongoing need for of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creative workspaces and technology that prepares graduates for the rapidly changing sex, national origin, sexual orientation, order of protection, gender identity and expression, ancestry, workforce. age, marital status, disability, genetic information, With the public launch of Redbirds Rising this fall, the campus emerges from the unfavorable military discharge, or status as a veteran in employment, educational programs and campaign’s quiet phase, during which more than $106 million has been achieved. An activities, or admissions. Inquiries or complaints may be addressed by contacting the director of the additional $44 million will complete the $150 million initiative. Office of Equal Opportunity and Access by email at I am asking for Redbirds across the state, nation, and world to join in support of [email protected], by calling (309) 438-3383, by mailing to the office at Illinois State Redbirds Rising: The Campaign for Illinois State. I urge you to tell your Illinois State University, Campus Box 1280, Normal, IL 61790. story to others, sharing how your life has been changed by your Redbird experience. 18-3504. This document is available in alternative formats upon request by contacting Alumni Relations Share the news of the campaign with alumni and friends in your network. Inspire others at (309) 438-2586. to give through your own philanthropy. ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Redbirds, it is our time to rise to the challenge. You will be hearing more about the Michele Guadalupe ’01 Tim Pantaleone ’07 President Scott Preston ’10 campaign and receive frequent updates in the months ahead. Please visit the campaign Kathryn Bohn ’74, M.S. ’80 Stacy Ramsey ’92, M.S. ’94 website at RedbirdsRising.IllinoisState.edu to learn more and get involved in this historic Lisa Castleman ’96 Doug Reeves ’69 Tyler Clark ’09 Kaci Rollings ’94 initiative. Fellicia Foster ’08 Steve Smith ’89, M.S. ’93 Ryan Gilbert ’03 Alice Spann ’78 Dave Horstein ’08 Jennifer Wiebel ’02 Magnolia Im ’96, M.S. ’01 Ron Whitton ’80 Jerry Kerber ’74 Mike Willis ’82 Daniel Lopez, Ph.D. ’02 Jerry Wright ’62 Larry H. Dietz, Ph. D. Joe McGuire ’77 Linda Yap ’74, ’81 Danny Mielneczek ’11 Julie Jones ’90, President, Illinois State University Kathy Coyle Murdoch ’86 Board of Trustees Bob Navarro ’91, M.S. ’93, Alumni Liaison Ph.D. ’02 Volume 18, Number 3, November 2017

FEATURES 8 Soaring higher History is being made as the University under- takes the largest fundraising initiative to date. Redbirds Rising: The Campaign for Illinois State has a goal of $150 million to elevate scholar- ship, leadership and innovation. A total of $106 million was raised during the quiet phase of the campaign, which ends in 2020.

20 Proudly they served The University’s response to World War I was documented by librarian Ange. V. Milner. She gathered information on who served from campus, including the 14 who died. The conflict sparked U.S. patriotism, as revealed in Milner’s collection. Among the items she preserved are 8 posters urging Americans to support the military effort.

26 Dwindling demographic 20 Maintaining enrollment is increasingly difficult as the number of high school graduates drops. Add to that the fact nearly half of all Illinois students go out of state for a degree, and it’s no wonder Director of Admissions Jeff Mavros, M.S. ’06, is asking alumni to help encourage students to consider ISU.

28 Undeterred Jean Deeds ’64 left her job to hike the Appa- lachian Trail’s 2,200 miles at age 51. With 300 miles to go, she broke a leg and headed home. A 28 year later, she reached the trail’s end. The expe- rience sparked her mission to empower women by guiding them on hikes around the world.

DEPARTMENTS 2 University News 6 Redbird Athletics 32 #Redbird Proud 34 Class Notes

On the cover: The image is taken from one of many 26 posters in the University’s WWI collection, which can be Let us hear from you! Your feedback is appreciated. Send comments or suggestions, accessed online or by scheduling a visit to Milner Library. 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

Those included in the groundbreaking ceremony were, from left, Trustee Bob Dobski, President Larry Dietz, Trustee Mary Ann Louderback, Vice President Levester Johnson, Student President Beau Grzanich and Student Trustee Zach Schaab. Construction zone Renovation work begins at Bone Student Center

ince its construction in 1973, the “The revitalization will transform A welcome center with a presenta- Bone Student Center has been the Bone Student Center into an enticing tion room and Quad view will be on the the campus gathering place. doorway to campus,” Legett said. “New third floor. Admissions will use the space Work to rejuvenate the cen- entrances will provide a more welcoming when meeting with students and families terS began with a groundbreaking cer- environment. An exciting interior design interested in the University. emony in September, which marked the will add more natural light and open Phase two will include relocating start of the $33 million project. Financ- seating.” Services will also be improved the catering kitchen and renovating the ing will come primarily from reserve for the 5,000 who visit the center dai- space to accommodate the Dean of Stu- funds, according to Bill Legett, director ly. The building hosts more than 4,000 dents offices; the Student Involvement of Event Management, Dining and Hos- events annually. Center; and Event Management, Dining pitality. Facelifts are planned for the north and Hospitality administrative offices. “We’re proud that no tax money and west entrances during the first The last phase will involve creating a will be used for the project and students phase. Portable walls will be added to food court. will not see an increase in fees to fund the Brown Ballroom. An addition with a There will be six dining venues in the it,” Legett said. The building will remain two-story atrium will be constructed to center, including a Starbucks. A full-scale open during construction. Completion is house the Barnes and Noble Bookstore. convenience store offering fresh food dai- expected by 2020. ly will also be added to the building.

2 Illinois State November 2017 $1 million campaign gift helps struggling students Give Something Back is partnering with the University to help students facing significant challenges that go beyond financial need. The nonprofit organiza- tion has contributed $1 million to the Redbirds Rising campaign, with the money designated for scholarships. As many as 50 students annually who have struggled with a parent in prison or come through the foster care system will receive the scholarship. It covers tuition, as well as room and board, for an academic year. The gift bolsters ISU’s First Star Academy, which provides programs that prepare foster care children for college. The academy’s director, Deneca Avant, said the funding will help Illinois State “better serve and support students from this unique underrepresented popula- tion who are less likely to have access to family support.” Give Something Back was estab- lished by Robert Carr to help students Corrie (Carr) Nichols ’92 presented President Larry Dietz a $1 million donation at the kickoff for Redbirds Rising: eligible for the Pell Grant attend col- The Campaign for Illinois State. lege. His daughter, Corrie Nichols ’92, presented the gift at the Redbirds Rising students graduate debt free because of Service program center kickoff event in September. “I loved my the University’s investment in scholar- bolsters civic outreach time at Illinois State,” Carr said, adding ship and grant programs, and the gen- Civic engagement is a key part of the that she is pleased to know “others will erosity of our alumni and other donors,” Redbird experience, and a core value receive a great education from my alma President Larry Dietz said. in the University’s mission statement. mater.” He added that ISU is “in the top 10 To make involvement easier for all on percent of graduate rates in the nation, campus, President Larry Dietz called for and on average our students earn $10,000 a plan to centralize outreach opportuni- ISU stays at the top of more per year than other college gradu- ties. three national rankings ates within 10 years of enrolling.” As a result, the Center for Communi- U.S. News & World Report declared The University has received high marks ty Engagement and Service Learning was ISU remains within the top 100 of the in three annual external reviews that established during the summer. Several best public universities in the country conclude ISU is a great place to be programs offered under Student Affairs with a ranking of 83. The University employed, is one of the best schools in have been transferred to the center. gained praise for enrollment of fewer the U.S. and provides the best value for “The center’s purpose is to develop than 20 students in 32 percent of classes the cost. in the members of the campus communi- and a graduation rate that passes nation- Washington Monthly college rank- ty—primarily students—an appreciation, al averages. ings puts Illinois State among the Best understanding, and application of the The Chronicle of Higher Education Bang for the Buck schools in the Mid- principles of civic engagement as defined named Illinois State as a Great College to west. The judgment is based on charging by the University,” said Interim Director Work For for the third consecutive year. a fair price, helping students graduate, Jan Paterson. Dietz said the designation shows that the and providing a marketable degree. Programs offered include Alterna- University is a “welcoming, caring and “Illinois State University continues tive Breaks and days of organized local supportive community.” to provide an excellent education at an volunteering. The center’s objective is affordable cost. At least one-third of our to connect departments, students and

November 2017 Illinois State 3 Where are they now? Professor Emeritus James Kirchner spent more than 30 years helping establish Illinois State’s geology program. Kirchner began his career as an exploration geologist for an oil company, working in Libya and Nigeria. He returned to the classroom in the mid-1960s to pursue his doctorate. “I wanted more autonomy in my science, so I decided to go back to school.” ISU hired Kirchner in 1969 to help start the University’s new geology major. He was instrumental in developing several courses and the graduate program in geohydrology. He also created the program’s first field camp in 1974. This summer capstone experience still offers students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills by investigating geologic areas. “Field geology was my forte. I just loved doing that,” Kirchner said. “The camp is a tremendously clarifying course. You just tie everything together.” In later years, he worked as curator for the ISU Museum’s geology collec- tion and set up the program’s mineral display in the Felmley Hall of Science. His research focused on igneous rocks in the Black Hills of South Dakota. “I feel good about being on the ground floor of the geology program,” Kirchner said. “The thing I’m most proud of is working with the students. I think I had a good effect on their professional abilities and sometimes on their personal Professor Emeritus James Kirchner lives.” Kirchner retired from Illinois State in 2002. He and his wife, Kathleen (Bake) ’76, split their time between Tawas City, Michigan—a small town on the shore of Lake Huron—and their winter home in Florida. In retirement Kirchner has pursued his passions for sailing and outdoor photography. He has also served on the Alabaster Township Planning Commission and Iosco County Habitat for Humanity’s board of directors. He is a member of a local United Fund drive board and volunteers with a Coat for Kids program. Kirchner can be reached at [email protected].

faculty to outreach projects. It will coor- in the U.S.,” said IBA Executive Director grant will advance their research. Only dinate ongoing learning experiences in Olcay Akman. five projects from a pool of nearly 400 class and the community, while creating He describes the field as a revo- national scholars received the funding. new opportunities for civic engagement. lutionary way to approach science. It The goal of work in the ILP is to has been used to predict the spread distinguish how the subatomic particles of disease, help farmers make efficient of electrons and positrons emerge in a State board approves ISU use of pesticides, and understand how vacuum. Grobe and Su are developing a as site for biomath center pathogens travel. better means of visualizing the process, Biology, math and computer science are which in the past has required labs as merging at the University with creation large as stadiums. of the Center for Collaborative Studies Physics faculty duo’s work They are hopeful their research in Mathematical Biology: Intercollegiate leads to top U.S. ranking into understanding energy conversion Biomathematics Alliance (IBA). The Research Corporation for Science and creating light with more spectacular The Illinois Board of Higher Edu- Advancement named ISU’s Rainer Grobe properties will have technological impli- cation approved the center that advanc- and Q. Charles Su two of the nation’s top cations in other fields, such as advances es biomathematics, which is an emerg- physics scholars by awarding them the in imaging. ing scientific field that helps scientists Singular Exceptional Endeavor of Dis- make biological predictions based on covery (SEED) grant. computations. Both distinguished professors New director leads BRMM “The establishment of the center of physics, Grobe and Su created the Polly Middleton has been named direc- at Illinois State is a testament to the Intense Laser Physics (ILP) Theory Unit. tor of the Big Red Marching Machine. University’s position as a powerhouse Their work explores how a focused laser She is completing her first season leading in the biomathematics field, especially reveals the moment when energy trans- the band of more than 200 students who forms into mass. The $50,000 SEED exemplify Redbird pride and spirit.

4 Illinois State November 2017 Middleton is from Normal, and her create a STEM model to train future and four grandparents are Illinois State grad- current teachers. uates. She previously worked with bands Park has conducted STEM work- at Virginia Tech and Arkansas State. She shops in Thailand; served as a curricu- Mail and Director of Bands Anthony Marinel- lum consultant to the United Nations lo have strong goals to move the march- Educational, Scientific, and Cultural To the Editor, ing band forward, while maintaining the Organization (UNESCO); and led a study About the excellent “Days of May” issue (May program’s powerful community created abroad program to South Korea for 10 2017): You quote at length about George Pruitt, over the decades. years. He helped establish in Cambodia a first president of the Black Student Union. nonprofit to provide vocational training George is one of the most distinguished uni- to high school graduates. versity presidents in America, and one of the Professor plans STEM study longest serving—35 years. He is often asked to as Fulbright in Cambodia serve on important national and international College of Education Associate Professor Diverse nursing pool councils. Do-Yong Park has been awarded a Ful- goal of federal grant Thanks again for this first-rate piece. bright to strengthen science, technology, The U.S. Department of Health and James Fisher ’56, M.S. ’57 engineering, and mathematics (STEM) Human Services has awarded Mennonite education practices in Cambodia. College of Nursing $2 million to sup- To the Editor, Park will collaborate with faculty port developing diversity in the nursing In the alumni magazine was a very nice article and doctoral students at the Royal Uni- workforce. Only 25 grants were awarded about Judith Boyer, a former ISU staff member versity of Phnom Penh in the spring. He nationally. for more than 30 years (“Meet me at the ‘Bird,” will teach methods courses and complete The college will receive $500,000 Aug. 2017). I attended Carl Sandburg High STEM education research. annually for four years. The funds will School. Judith Boyer was one of my fine teach- be used to recruit and retain students ers from high school. I am glad to have had her from underrepresented groups to the for class. Sorry that she is gone, but happy to nursing profession, including racial and see she is being remembered at ISU. Once a ethnic minorities. Students will receive Redbird, always a Redbird! leadership development as part of their ISU experience. Jerry Zinn ’68, M.S. ’69 “This grant will support students with the training and development To the Editor, needed to become outstanding nursing It is so encouraging as an alumna to read leaders,” Dean Judy Neubrander said. the First Word (August 2017) and hear that “In these challenging economic times, despite the financial crisis that Illinois is in, the this grant will help the college continue impact is limited at ISU due to excellent man- its mission of developing exceptionally agement. well-prepared nurses.” I remember being very impressed with the Neubrander added that the fact the administration back in 2009-2010 when the grant was highly competitive with so few same financial issues threatened MAP grants awarded “recognizes Mennonite’s ongo- and funding more generally. I’m happy to sup- ing excellence.” port ISU knowing that responsible decisions are being made to continue the legacy of excel- lence. Associate Professor Do-Yong Park Dietz contract extended Thank you to President Dietz and the The University’s Board of Trustees has administration for their strategic planning, The teaching of STEM courses in approved a contract to reappoint Larry financial management, and commitment to Cambodia began within the past few Dietz as Illinois State’s president. He providing outstanding education, even when years. Because there is no systemic will remain in the office until June 30, faced with great challenges. It makes me even approach to teaching the subjects, Park’s 2020. This is the second three-year con- more proud to be a Redbird. research will help teaching institutions tract for Dietz, who became president in Alana McGinty ’10 March 2014.

November 2017 Illinois State 5 RedbirdAthletics

From Redbird to Cardinal Baseball alumnus a hit in first major league season

he talent Paul DeJong ’15 plan was to complete a medical degree. coach Bo Durkac. His words of wisdom displayed on ISU’s base- He was in ISU’s Honors Program and still anchor DeJong. ball field was discovered by graduated cum laude. “Coach Durkac always said to get a sports fans nationally during The Cardinals drafted DeJong in good pitch to hit. That’s the number one thisT year’s Major League Baseball season. 2015 and assigned him to the minor rule of hitting,” DeJong said. “That stuck DeJong joined the St. Louis Cardinals in leagues. He maximized the opportunity with me, and it’s still what I think about May as an infielder, hitting a home run in when given a chance in the big league. when I’m in the box or before I go up to his first at-bat in the big leagues. He played 107 games at shortstop and the plate.” Key to preparing for that moment second base, ending the season with 25 Durkac credits DeJong’s success to was DeJong’s decision to join the Red- home runs and 65 runs batted in. the time he put in working in the weight birds in 2011. A recruited walk-on, he DeJong was named National League room, hitting in the batting cages and was instrumental in the team’s 2013 Rookie of the Month for July on his 24th taking the field to practice. MVC championship. One of the best hit- birthday. His rookie season is compared “He was someone who might not ters in the Midwest, DeJong was drafted to former Cardinal’s great Albert Pujol’s have had the most impressive physical as a junior in 2014, but chose to stay at first season. tools when compared to others,” Durkac ISU and complete a biochemistry degree. DeJong credits his MLB success to said, “but he was able to shape himself Before his baseball career took off, his his days at Illinois State under head into a big league level baseball player through hard work.”

6 Illinois State November 2017 New coach leads volleyball team forward

Leah Johnson took the reigns of Illinois time and single-season digs. She earned State’s volleyball team during the sum- a bachelor’s and master’s degree at the mer, becoming the seventh head coach university. in the program’s history. She replaced Her coaching career began in 2007 Boomer Grigsby ’07 Melissa Myers, who resigned after nine and includes work at Texas Pan Ameri- years in the position. can, Missouri State and Notre Dame. She “It is an honor to call myself a Red- comes to ISU from Southern Illinois Uni- Former football standout bird,” Johnson said. “It is undoubtedly versity-Edwardsville, where she served nominee for hall of fame the rich traditions and history of success as head coach the past six seasons. John- One of the most celebrated players in Football that attracted me to Illinois State.” son led the Cougars to 22 victories last Championship Subdivision (FCS) history while Johnson played volleyball at Mis- fall, which is the most in the program’s at ISU, Boomer Grigsby ’07 is now among 173 souri State University, and was part of a history since joining Division I play. She past collegiate players nominated for the 2018 conference championship squad in 2003. was named the 2016 Ohio Valley Confer- College Football Hall of Fame. She ranks as the school’s leader in all- ence Coach of the Year. The nomination places Grigsby in a presti- gious group of the greatest to have ever played college football nationally. Inductees will be announced January 8. He already has numer- Be a part of Illinois State’s home court advantage ous honors, including induction into Athletics’s Percy Family Hall of Fame and Missouri Valley Men’s and women’s basketball tickets are on sale now. Football Conference (MFVC) All-Select NFL Team. Visit GoRedbirds.com/Tickets or call (309) 438-8000. As a Redbird, Grigsby led the league in total and solo tackles. He was a three-time First- Team All-American, and was named MFVC Defensive Player of the Year three seasons. Grigsby played with the Kansas City Chiefs ISU Hall of Fame 2017 inductees honored for three years and then the Miami Dolphins before ending his NFL career with an injury Five alums were inducted into the ISU Darrell Smith ’03 was a four-year while with the Houston Texans in 2009. Athletics Percy Family Hall of Fame and letter winner at No. 1 for singles/doubles the inaugural Institutional Great Award competition in tennis and top-five in Doug Collins back with Bulls presented at Homecoming. career singles wins. A member of the Legendary Redbird basketball player Doug The 2017 inductees include Kara U.S. Professional Tennis Association, he Collins ’73 is actively involved in the NBA (Nelson) Wiesemeyer, ’10, MBA ’12, a is now a coach. again with his new position as senior advisor softball All-American twice named Mis- Kim (Sucher) Becker ’78, M.S. ’01, of basketball operations for the Chicago Bulls. souri Valley Conference (MVC) Player of played volleyball, softball and basketball. He coached the team for three seasons in the the Year. Now teaching, the three-sport standout 1980s. All-American Aisha (Praught) Leer helped ISU capture state and regional Collins played eight seasons in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers before an injury ’12 broke records on the cross country championships. ended his career. In addition to coaching the and track and field. Now a professional Steve Fisher ’67, M.S. ’68, was hon- Bulls, he led the Detroit Pistons, Washington runner, she competed in the 2016 Olym- ored for his collegiate career accom- Wizards and the 76ers. He also enjoyed a suc- pics for her father’s native country of plishments with the Institutional Great cessful broadcast career as a basketball analyst. Jamaica. Award. A former ISU basketball player, He remains one of the most respected figures Professional golfer Samantha Rich- he excelled as head men’s basketball in all of basketball. dale ’06 recorded 10 collegiate wins coach at the University of Michigan and while on the golf team. She won the MVC San Diego State. individual championship three times and was an All-American. November 2017 Illinois State 7 8 Illinois State November 2017 SOARING HIGHER

REDBIRDS RISING CAMPAIGN PROMISES TO LIFT ISU

llinois State began with a vision. A ISU has launched Redbirds Rising: The few people dreamed of what could Ibe. Just as Illinois State’s founders Campaign for Illinois State. The campaign— did 160 years ago, today’s Redbirds are pursuing a new vision. which began in July 2013 and will continue ISU has launched Redbirds Rising: The Campaign for Illinois State. The through June 2020—has a $150 million campaign—which began in July 2013 and will continue through June 2020— goal. This is the University’s most ambitious has a $150 million goal. The campaign launches at a time campaign in its history. of strength and momentum for ISU. Enrollments are strong, students are help elevate ISU to even greater heights, those who will enroll in the future—will talented, faculty and staff are dedicated as noted by President Larry Dietz. benefit from a unique and exceptional and committed to excellence, programs “This $150 million campaign is educational experience,” Dietz said. are being strengthened and new initia- the most ambitious in the University’s There are many statistics that pro- tives are being launched. history. It will provide the resources vide evidence of Illinois State’s excel- The success of Redbirds Rising will to ensure that today’s Redbirds—and lence as it impacts the state, nation and

November 2017 Illinois State 99 $150 M $106 M Fundraising initiative Progress into began July 2013 November 2017

AREAS OF INVESTMENT

STUDENT FACULTY FACILITY PROGRAM SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT

REDBIRDS RISING TIMELINE AND PROGRESS

We Are Here Campaign Goal ($106M progress into ($150M) November 2017) Quiet Phase Public Phase

July 2013 September 2017 June 2020 Campaign Begins Campaign Kickoff Campaign Ends 10 Illinois State November 2017 world. Among them is the U.S. News & World Report ranking able it to have a faculty of teacher-scholars who will provide that places ISU in the top 100 public universities in the na- the kind of education that students seek when they come tion. In addition, Illinois State remains in the top 10 percent to ISU. They must also advance knowledge and creativity nationally for freshman retention and maintains a graduation through their scholarly work—often in conjunction with rate that exceeds the average of U.S. colleges and universities. their students. “Our rich history has positioned us well to continue a One reason Illinois State is so special is the University’s path to excellence despite unprecedented funding challeng- commitment to keep students as the absolute focal point. es. Illinois State has become a top choice of today’s students The campus is committed to helping all Redbirds develop as demonstrated by three consecutive years of record-setting the leadership and professional skills needed to achieve their enrollment,” Dietz said. While many institutions faced de- goals and impact their part of the world.

The primary campaign objectives are to help raise the level of scholarship, leadership and innovation at ISU. clining enrollment this fall, ISU welcomed 20,784 students. ISU prepares tomorrow’s leaders by providing students “Our focus on learning and scholarship through a per- with high-quality programming that offers opportunities sonalized, student-centered approach steeped in experiential for them to learn and practice their skills from the day they learning opportunities has proven successful,” Dietz said. It arrive on campus. To enhance leadership development, is because of the University’s strength and stability that this Redbirds Rising is pursuing funding for career development, time was chosen to advance Illinois State to an even greater study abroad, experiential learning opportunities, and other level through Redbirds Rising. programs that foster leadership skills. “While we have much to celebrate, there is more that In today’s highly competitive world, it is imperative to we can do—and should. We have high standards and aspira- make sure Illinois State has a campus environment that is tions for what we can yet achieve at Illinois State,” Dietz centered on innovation. Whether that is through the tech- said. “To accomplish our vision, we need the philanthropic nology used in learning spaces, academic programs offered, partnership of alumni and friends.” or in the application of theory into real-world practice, the Private support will bolster the ISU experience for University must acquire resources to foster an innovative students in significant ways. Funds raised through Redbirds mindset and entrepreneurial spirit throughout campus. Rising will impact the entire campus, from each academic By investing substantially in scholarship, leadership and area to Athletics and WGLT to the Division of Student Affairs innovation, Illinois State will build on its past while acting and Milner Library. for the future. Redbirds Rising is about calling individuals to The primary campaign objectives are to help raise the be change agents to participate in a campaign that will turn level of scholarship, leadership and innovation at ISU. aspirations and blueprints into accomplishments. Both student and faculty support are essential to having a “Only with the philanthropic partnership of our alumni first-rate scholarly enterprise. At the core of this is scholarship and friends can Illinois State continue to thrive,” Dietz said. support for students. Having philanthropic resources that al- “Together the community of benefactors will make certain low talented students to pursue their dreams of becoming Red- that the University soars to even greater heights through birds without financial need standing in the way is essential. Redbirds Rising.” The University also needs to develop resources that en-

November 2017 Illinois State 11 SCHOLARSHIP Ivan Korkes is the first in his family to pursue a degree. “ISU was a big decision because my family could not cover the costs,” he said. “Receiving scholarship assistance allows me to study abroad, which is a requirement of my major. Without it, I could not pursue the career path I love. I’m forever thankful.”

Ivan Korkes, Senior International Business and Human Resources

LEADERSHIP Students seeking leadership and civic engagement opportunities find what they are looking for at Illinois State. “I was really interested in service before I came to the University, and furthering my leadership skills. That’s why I joined ISULeads,” Christine Gesell said. “It has impacted my life. I’ve grown so much as a person and as a professional.”

Christine Gesell, Junior Graphic Communications and Business

INNOVATION Mennonite College of Nursing appeals to students like Hannah Murdock because of its innovative Simulation Laboratory that mirrors hospital settings. “I chose nursing because I am inspired to help people. I chose Illinois State because its nursing program is prestigious,” she said. “Now I am taking care of critically ill premature infants.”

Hannah Murdock ’17 Registered Nurse, Carle Foundation Hospital

12 Illinois State November 2017 CAMPAIGN CHAIRS

Ken ’73 and Deborah Jim ’74 and Carole Dan ’70 and Pam Kelley (Hypke) Glover ’73 (Czerniak) Mounier ’75

CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEERS

Brent Alsman Mark Hauptman Frances Owen Bob Augustine Ed Hines Kevin Petschow Kathy Augustine Judy Hines Keith Powell Thomas Barger Matt Johanson Joseph Rives Jim Bennett Sue Johanson Cinda Roth Leslie Bertagnolli Wonsook Kim Michael Schermer Hank Campbell Thomas Clement Stan Shingles Frank Chiodo Emily Kimmey Connie Fako Shoemake Clyde Coombs Betty Kinser Kelley Smith Jacalyn Ferree Donna Koch Steve Smith John Freese Jim Koch Sharon Tarvin Marilyn Freese Vickie Lannie Thomas Tegtmeyer Gary Gemberling John Lawrence Heidi Voorhees Al Goldfarb Tamara Lemke Robert Walling Beverly Grimes Rick Lewis Susan Lee Walling Sandra Groves Joanne Maitland Jeanne Wroan Paul Harmon Edward Manley John Wroan Sandra Harmon Dave Martin

November 2017 Illinois State 13 Rise to the Challenge

Illinois State launched Redbirds Rising: The Campaign for Illinois State at the September kickoff in Redbird Arena. Students performed and shared their Redbird experiences. Alumni Jane Lynch ’82, LH.D. ’17, and Sean Hayes LH.D. ’13, participated via holograms. The finale was the announcement of a $1 million gift toward the campaign goal (see page 3).

14 Illinois State November 2017 Visit RedbirdsRising.IllinoisState.edu /ISUGiving

November 2017 Illinois State 15 campaign priorities within each college

redbirds rising is an college of applied science initiative for Illinois State to elevate the level and technology of scholarship, leadership and innovation A campaign goal of $14 million propels forward a across campus. The fundraising goal of $150 teaching model that em- phasizes hands-on learn- million was derived based on the specific ing in the college, which offers majors that include needs and priorities within the University’s agriculture, computer sci- ence, engineering technol- ogy, construction manage- six colleges—as well as Athletics, the Division ment and athletic training. Students will have the of Student Affairs, Milner Library, and WGLT. technology to tackle grow- ing societal issues, such as Given the University’s commitment to cybersecurity and sustain- able energy sources with campaign funds. students, it is not surprising that an emphasis “Within the college, dynamic programs and people focus on translating classroom learning into real-world situations,” on raising scholarship dollars is a key Dean Todd McLoda said. “Instruction with an emphasis on application allows college graduates to transfer theoretical and objective within each area. Increased funding practical knowledge from the classroom to their profession.” to recruit and retain faculty is another goal all To support the College of Arts and Sciences, contact Katelyn Jacobs at (309) 438-3134 or email of the colleges have established. [email protected].

16 Illinois State November 2017 campaign priorities within each college

college of college of arts and sciences business The humanities, the social A total of $28 million is the sciences, and the natural goal for the college, where sciences and mathemat- students are prepared to ics fall within the college, provide ethical leadership which seeks $20 million. in business. They are chal- The support will help the lenged to develop an innova- college prepare students to tive mindset, entrepreneurial enter a global society evolv- approach, and ethical and ing so quickly that tomor- creative solutions to complex row’s jobs may not even problems while leveraging exist today. technology for organizational “An arts and sciences education encourages students to success. think about the possibilities, building a foundation that they “Nurturing a fundamen- need to change lives, starting with their own,” Dean Greg tal trait of ethical leadership Simpson said. “Faculty seek new ways to challenge, inspire drives the teaching and learning within the college, where and guide students, preparing them to leave as informed, students are our most treasured asset,” Dean Ajay Samant well-educated, engaged citizens.” said. “In today’s fast-paced world of business, we want to do more to ensure our students’ professional success.” To support the College of Arts and Sciences, contact Stephanie Sellers at (309) 438-7725 or To support the College of Business, email [email protected]. contact Liz Adams at (309) 438-2903 or email [email protected].

Rise to the Challenge RedbirdsRising.IllinoisState.edu /ISUGiving

NovemberNovember 2017 2017 Illinois Illinois State State 17 17 college of said. “The arts empower students to problem-solve, enrich education communities, and engage as active citizens.” The college is working to raise $14.25 million to continue the To support the College of Fine Arts, contact mission of training teachers as both educators and agents of Mark Wunder at (309) 438-5725 or email change. The college is recog- [email protected]. nized nationally for prepar- ing teachers and administra- mennonite college of tors in all aspects of learning and teaching. nursing “The college’s mission MCN’s goal of $7.5 million is is to mold educators who essential in providing innova- are globally-minded, socially tive teaching—which is key and culturally competent, ca- to having greater impact in pable of integrating technol- the field—and addressing the ogy to enhance learning, and national shortage of nursing proficient in outcome-driven professionals. instruction,” Dean Perry “The important work Schoon said. of the college is contingent on adequate funding to keep To support the College of Education, contact pace with the changing health Lauren Dodge at (309) 438-2297 or email care climate,” Dean Judy [email protected]. Neubrander said. “Through the campaign, the college will college of be able to offset the cost of preparing nurses to meet society’s health care needs with care and compassion, while increasing fine arts leadership in the health care field.” The college’s campaign goal is $12.5 million, which will To support Mennonite College of Nursing, contact strengthen the cultivation of Jennifer Sedbrook at (309) 438-7178 or email innovation and expression. [email protected]. Both are hallmarks of the col- lege, whose graduates impact the culture and quality of life. athletics “Students expand and Intercollegiate Athletics has share their inherent abilities a $34 million goal. Athletics with a liberal arts education connects students, alumni, emphasizing critical think- donors and friends as a ing and practice. Awareness proud Redbird community. sparks action as students The University’s 19 teams apply their talent in opportu- have a legacy of excellence nities that reach people at every life stage,” Dean Jean Miller with winning records, stellar

18 Illinois State November 2017 classroom performance and continual community service. learn and how they use the “It takes more than the raw talent of individual student- library,” Interim Dean Shari athletes to achieve such a record of accomplishment,” Athlet- Zeck said. “Maintaining Mil- ics Director Larry Lyons said. “Top-notch training facilities ner’s vitality—and its service and academic support are among the ingredients essential to to the entire university com- peak performance.” munity—requires significant upgrades and investments To support Athletics, contact Matt Lyons at in staff expertise and 21st (309) 438-3264 or email [email protected]. century tools.”

To support Milner Library, division of contact Lora Wey at student affairs (309) 438-2592 or email [email protected]. The campaign goal for Student Affairs is $2 mil- lion. Donor support will wglt public radio advance the division’s work of enriching the Redbird The University’s public radio experience. station, WGLT, is also partici- “Student Affairs prom- pating in the campaign. A ser- ises to create an engaging, vice of Illinois State, WGLT inclusive and active campus provides national news from environment that prepares NPR and unbiased, in-depth a pipeline of leaders—one local news from a team of student at a time—to improve communities, industry and the award-winning journalists. world,” Vice President Levester Johnson said. “In a complex “Independent journal- society where the future is unknown yet limitless, communi- ism has never been more ties and industry are looking for college graduates who can important. News outlets in Illinois and across the nation are ethically navigate uncertainty and multifaceted issues.” struggling in the face of dwindling budgets and shrinking staff,” General Manager R.C. McBride ’99 said. “WGLT’s aging To support the Division of Student Affairs, equipment and an inadequate facility hinder the mission to contact Erin Thomas at (309) 438-2170 or email provide a deeper understanding of diverse issues, people and [email protected]. cultures.”

More details can be found at WGLT.org. To support milner library WGLT, contact Melissa Libert ’00 at (309) 438-2257 or email [email protected]. A goal of $500,000 has been set for Milner Library, ISU’s resource center with a rich heritage and bright future. The library is at the heart and soul of academic endeavors. Milner is working hard to meet the challenges of changing teaching The $150 million also includes $14.5 million designated to bolster programs and and learning styles in the 21st century. scholarships that benefit the entire campus community. Because of such a broad “Technologies have dramatically changed how students reach, these funds are not tied to a college or unit.

NovemberNovember 2017 2017 Illinois Illinois State State 19 19

by John Moody Campus ties to WWI preserved, celebrated

he mood at Illinois State this fall as students had a prescient sense of the historical importance complete the academic routine of another of World War I. As the University’s first librarian, semester is far more serene than what the she felt a duty to preserve for posterity the involve- TUniversity community experienced a cen- ment of the campus in the global conflict. tury ago. In 1917, the nation had been drawn into Others at the University partnered with her World War I. For many students and faculty, that in the effort. President David Felmley appointed meant an interruption in learning and teaching as faculty to a War Service Committee. Members duty called. documented active duty service men, who were Just as the campus rallied during the Civil students, staff, faculty, or alumni of either the War with creation of the Schoolmaster’s Regiment, University or its Laboratory School—University patriotism rose at the University and across High School. Illinois when the United States joined forces Milner built the roster using a broad defini- with the Allied countries to defeat the European tion of service. She included not only those with a Central Powers. military role but also individuals who contributed The Office of the Adjutant General shows that as nurses and volunteers with relief agencies such 351,153 men from the state joined the armed forces. as the Red Cross, YMCA or Salvation Army. Of that number, 5,000 lost their lives fighting for She asked individuals to complete a survey international freedom. Fourteen of those men were that detailed their experiences, including branch affiliated with the University. They are forever of service, where they had served and dates of time honored on a bronze tablet placed near Fell Hall spent at each location. Milner verified each respon- that includes each man’s name and the phrase dent’s connection to Illinois State and documented “For our tomorrow, they gave their today.” from their completed form if they were drafted or The impact on campus was significant, as enlisted, if they had been wounded, and any medals revealed through the efforts of Ange. V. Milner, for received for their service. whom Illinois State’s Milner Library is named. She

November 2017 Illinois State 21 The roster, which contains biographical details of each person, grew to include records of 806 indi- viduals. There are 685 remaining today. It has been deemed by the Illinois State Historical Library as one of the most complete in the state. “She was saving this for the future,” Angela Bonnell said of ISU’s WWI collection. Bonnell is the University’s government documents librarian. “She wanted the University to have this.” Milner’s commitment to preserving WWI materials tied to ISU and the nation as a whole re- sulted in a historical treasure trove that expanded far beyond a list of individuals. She maintained correspondence with many of the people she con- tacted, writing approximately 600 personal letters during the war years to those serving. The connections to home and Illinois State came through clearly in the letters she received in return, with frequent mentions of friends, faculty, and even The Vidette. The letters also gave an inti- mate sense of what the men were experiencing. John Feek enlisted in the Army in January of 1918. In November of that year, he wrote Milner from “somewhere on the Atlantic.” He confessed feeling “quite unnerved as we left the U.S., for to me it was the embarking of a great adventure.”

22 Illinois State November 2017 Milner was ahead of her game with visual “culture, as we would call it. She was trying to teach with images.

“All are anxious for the voyage to be over and” the destination reached. No one knows just where it is to be, but why wonder. All will be new and strange and enveloped by a cover of uncertainty,” Feek shared. “I wish I could write more of the events, before and after leaving, but it would be most unwise to do so. However, I shall have many, many tales to tell when it is all over.” Milner’s records show that Feek served in France through 1919. He died from tuberculosis in 1923 at the age of 32. There are newspaper clip- pings about Feek in ISU’s collection, as Milner gathered articles from papers at the local and national level. She also preserved 108 posters accumulated from the federal government, the Red Cross and other agencies. The posters indicate to Bonnell that Milner recognized the value in collecting a breadth of WWI information.

November 2017 Illinois State 23 “Milner was ahead of her game with visual culture, as we would call it,” Bonnell said, refer- ring to the posters. “She was trying to teach with images. Plus, think about the publications of the day—there were no photos.” Beyond gathering data and preserving war memorabilia, Milner engaged others in support- ing the troops. She spearheaded a campaign to collect magazines and books to be sent to soldiers overseas. She asked for magazines but insisted they be recent. Regarding books, she requested “good love stories, stories of adventure, detective stories.” Milner included one last caveat in her plea: “And don’t forget I need them right away!” Individuals also donated their time. University faculty and students joined local youth in Old Main to make more than 15,000 scarves and bandages for use in the war. The campus community knit- ted socks, conserved fuel and food, and tended gardens. These acts of patriotism were requested of all Americans by President Woodrow Wilson, and Milner worked to help the University respond. “She wanted to inspire on the home front,” Bonnell said. “She wanted people here to plant Vic- tory Gardens, to conserve coal, and to give money to the war effort.” Milner’s probate records after her death in 1928 showed that she practiced what she preached. She had purchased a $50 Victory Liberty Loan, also called a Liberty war bond. By today’s adjusted value, it would be akin to putting $850 to the cause. Milner’s duty to her profession in recording the war, her sense of patriotism, and a desire to teach others has come to fruition during this WWI centennial year. Bonnell has displayed the level of ISU’s involvement by drawing on Milner’s collection. Bonnell created an exhibit titled Answering the Call: ISNU’s Librarian and the Great War to

John Walker Duff Thomas Eaton David Lutz Elbert Perry Richard Ritter

Agne. Milner was exhaustive in documenting the WWI military and community service of ISNU students and alumni. Photos of the five men are a sample of records Milner preserved. The survey she sent, above, shows the response from John Feek. Imagery throughout the article is from the library’s WWI collection.

24 Illinois State November 2017 mark on campus the war’s 100th anniversary. The exhibition featured 20 vintage war posters that were put on display for the first time in almost a century. The iconic U.S. posters were designed to inspire citizens to get involved in helping the allies win the war. They would have been on display in the library and across campus during the war years. A second exhibit, Propaganda on all Fronts: United States and International Posters, 1917–1945, featured more than 40 posters and related materi- als from World War I, the 1936 Berlin Olympics, and World War II. The items revealed how govern- ments around the world tried to influence public opinion. ISU’s collection continues to grow with dona- tions in more recent years. The University has obtained two WWI uniforms housed in the Depart- ment of Family and Consumer Sciences’ Lois Jett Historic Costume Collection. One is a jacket and pants in an equestrian style. The other is an Army uniform worn by Lind- say Newton Connally, who served in Europe in 1917. He was the grandfather of Alan Lacy, an ISU pro- fessor now serving as an associate vice president in the Provost Office. The uniform includes a jacket, pants, cardigan, cap, and belt with a brass buckle. These artifacts are especially appreciated by ISU Registrar Jess Ray ’91, M.S. ’95, and Jeanne Hamacher ’82. Both serve on the Illinois World War One Centennial Committee. In planning events for the anniversary year, they have found many campus connections. Like Milner before them, Ray and Ham- acher are proud to commemorate the bravery and 2nd Lt. Robert G. Buzzard, center, ISNU class of 1914, served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War I. Buzzard later became Eastern Illinois sacrifice of all who answered the call in defending University’s second president, serving from 1933-1956. global freedom. The fact there is evidence to show hundreds of Redbirds rallied for the cause is yet another point of pride for Illinois State University.

The Answering the Call exhibition can be accessed online at library.illinoisstate.edu/unique-collections or in person at Milner Library. Contact Angela Bonnell at [email protected]. ISU’s Dr. JoAnn Rayfield Archives is always looking to expand the University’s historical collections. If you are a graduate and would like to discuss donating war memorabilia to the archives, email [email protected].

November 2017 Illinois State 25 alums needed in search for students BY SUSAN MARQUARDT BLYSTONE

Recruiting the next incoming class is a never- As the Director of Admissions, Mavros ending job for the staff in Admissions. Jeff knows that student tuition and fees are a sig- Mavros, M.S. ’06, can attest to the workload, nificant portion of ISU’s overall budget. The as well as the apprehension each fall semester total enrolled has an impact across campus, until enrollment figures are announced on the from the number of faculty and class sessions 10th day of classes. needed to meeting housing and dining needs. Numbers for this academic year High school graduate trends in Illinois remain strong, with an enrollment of 20,784 students. Nearly one-fourth are from traditionally underrepresented 150K groups, with 3,352 incoming freshmen. Mavros is grateful for the campus-wide teamwork he credits for this healthy 140K enrollment, especially given universities and colleges across the state are seeing enrollments drop. 130K He is also, however, growing con- cerned as to how Illinois State will over- come increasing challenges to attract 120K students in the near future. Even the fact ISU remains a top choice for students 2031 2017 2015 2021 2016 2019 2018 2023 2027 2025 2022 2026 2029 2028 2024 2030 and has set consecutive record-breaking 2020 freshman enrollments in recent years The pool of high school graduates is shrinking. In Illinois, there has been predominantly a decline in does not lessen the reason for worry the total number of graduates annually since the 2011-2012 academic year. The Western Interstate about the obstacles ahead. Commission for Higher Education projects the number will drop to 124,600 students by 2031. “We are looking at a confluence of issues,” Mavros said, including a “demographic trough” as the pool of who exit the state to pursue a higher Mavros knows that prospective stu- eligible incoming freshmen shrinks. He education degree.” dents who consider ISU are impressed Ongoing financial struggles within with the opportunities to blend academ- Illinois are not a help in trying to reverse ic growth with civic engagement. Those Of all Illinois high school that trend. who make the effort to visit campus are The state has repeatedly made more likely to attend. graduates, 45% leave national headlines for its financial woes, The key is to capture the attention including lawmakers’ inability to ap- of a high school graduate who is being the state for college. prove a state budget the past two fiscal pursued by schools across the country. years. For Mavros, one of the best ways to do Mavros understands families are that is by rallying alumni to share their cited research done by Western Inter- consequently leery about their stu- Redbird story. state Commission for Higher Education, dent beginning a degree program at a “We have to get on the radar of pro- which predicts stagnation in the number university reliant on some state funding. spective students. That is the biggest is- of school graduates between 2014 and He acknowledges that the cost to study sue, finding a way for students to at least 2023. at Illinois State is a serious investment, Overall growth is not expected “and even our in-state tuition rate can until 2024, with the outlook for the be relatively expensive for students from Alumni can help Midwest equally concerning. The com- other parts of the country.” mission projects a regional drop from One option to attract more students recruit by sharing about 762,000 graduates in 2013 to ap- is to lower academic standards, which their Redbird story. proximately 669,000 by 2030. The pool is not under consideration at ISU. This shrinks further for ISU given the fact year’s incoming freshman students had that nearly half of Illinois high school an overall 3.4 on a 4.0 GPA scale and an graduates leave the state for college, average ACT score near 24. give Illinois State consideration. Word according to the Illinois Board of Higher The best way to offset these nega- of mouth is huge,” Mavros said, asking Education. tives is to leverage Illinois State’s best alumni to share about their Redbird “There is a crisis in confidence in assets, including its commitment to in- experience. He has no doubt that doing Illinois, a crisis of faith,” Mavros said. dividualized attention—something that so will bring students to ISU, and keep “Illinois is at the top of the list nationally is tough to find at any other university of the University strong. for the number of high school graduates comparable size.

November 2017 Illinois State 27 HEALING SOLES ALUMNA TOUCHES HEARTS HIKING AMERICA’S TRAIL

ot a single thing about the Appalachian Trail appealed to her. Jean (Lindner) NDeeds ’64 had never hiked or camped. She spent 20 years in an Indianapolis suburb as a stay-at-home mom, moving into a career at the end of her marriage. She volunteered, played bridge and had wine nights with friends.

But every day in her Indianapolis community became too much like the day before. Deeds knew she didn’t want to live the rest of her life that way. She knew what was next after reading about a woman who hiked the Appalachian Trail’s nearly 2,200 miles through 14 states. “It all sounded horrible to me,” she said, recalling her reaction in 1993. “Why would anyone want to sleep on the ground, carry 40 pounds, be out there in the rain and sometimes the snow and the heat and the bugs, and walk 2,000 miles in the mountains?” A week later, she was committed to it. Hiking the trail just felt like something she was meant to do, even though she’d have to endure 100-degree heat, drenching rains and high winds to make it to the verti- cal rock slabs at the end. Her two sons didn’t think it sounded at all like their mother. She was 51 at the time, 115 pounds and stood 5 feet 5 inches. Deeds’ mother refused to talk about it for months.

by Kate Arthur E

28 Illinois State November 2017 One triumphant moment for Jean Deeds while on the Appalachian Trail was hiking to the top of McAfee Knob in Virginia.

November 2017 Illinois State 29 Three months into the hike, her Indiana bridge club friends drove out to celebrate the half-way mark with her. At five months, she was 1,800 miles along and one of her sons, Greg, hiked with her a few days. They were above the tree line hikers came to her aid. “Trail magic” in Maine when she slipped on a wet is what they call it, when someone or rock, heard a pop, and knew she was in something shows up at just the right trouble. Twenty-six hours later, she was time. Hikers choose nicknames, and she in an emergency room with a broken leg. became “Indiana Jean.” With 300 miles of trail left, Deeds One of the first lessons Deeds learned was headed home. While healing, she was to stay in the present. “I remember wrote a book titled There Are Mountains Jean Deeds hiked the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail for a while I was worried about the White alone. She wrote a book about it and started leading to Climb, made speeches, and decided women on hiking adventures all over the world. Mountains in New Hampshire because I she was going to finish the trail. have a fear of heights,” she said. “But then “The broken leg opened up so many I realized, ‘Why should I worry about New But Deeds was not deterred. She doors,” she can say 23 years later. “I Hampshire when I’m in Virginia?’” read library books, joined the YMCA don’t believe in coincidences anymore.” Every two weeks, she took a day off. to train, and met with thru-hikers. The A year after the fall, she was back The ascents and descents were hard on term refers to those who have hiked the on the trail. This time, everything was her back and legs. She popped Ibuprofen entire trail. She trekked through her different. Peace replaced fear. A film around the clock, and she cried a lot. neighborhood at night, her backpack crew joined her. They had to ask her to Sleeping on hard ground in 30-degree filled with encyclopedias. She walked slow down as she began running to the temps with mice scurrying over her, football stadium bleachers, practiced trail’s end, the summit of Mt. Katahdin, filtering drinking water, hanging food lighting a camping stove in her garage, in September 1995. from trees to avoid bear attacks, and hik- and camped one night on a state wilder- ing 10-hour days was draining. But she ness trail. It scared her to death. stayed on the trail “because at 51, I knew She resigned from her job at the the pain wouldn’t last.” Indianapolis Children’s Museum, rented Deeds also knew she could always her house, and packed supplies for say she didn’t want to go any further or friends to mail along the way. The night learn more. “On the trail, that’s when before she left, she asked herself again if you go home,” she said. “I think in life, she’d lost her mind. that’s when you die.” Flooding from tornadoes made it After two months, her body adapted unsafe to drive to the trailhead at the and she started enjoying the hike. She left top of Springer Mountain in Georgia, the trail for supplies in small towns, some- so she hiked up the seven muddy miles times staying in hostel rooms shared with to reach the start. Panic soon set in. several hikers. The food was better than The backpack was much heavier than the Pop-Tarts she carried for breakfast and at home. She was cold and wet, with no boiled pasta eaten at night to consume the idea where she’d sleep for the next six needed 4,000 to 6,000 calories a day. months. She reminded herself of her ex- What really sustained her were let- pectations. “I knew it would be difficult, ters received along the way from more and maybe the worst experience of my than 400 friends and strangers. She life. When it was, that was OK.” also felt the unexpected presence of her She hiked solo. This was her jour- father, who died when she was 5. ney alone. But within a few days, she “It would never have occurred to realized the importance of others who me that the hike would have had any- crossed her path. A hiking physician di- thing to do with him,” she said. “But I felt agnosed her swollen eyes as an allergy to his constant presence, and I have never her down sleeping bag. On the sixth day, felt that before or since. He was with me she was short of breath and dizzy. Two every step of the way. That became a very spiritual part of the journey.” 30 Illinois State November 2017 Deeds returned home, but not to her Deeds recognizes how her adven- old life. She started leading women on “I knew it would tures empowered her as well, especially six-day hikes on the Appalachian Trail, as she has battled cancer in recent years and then found herself guiding them be difficult, and to live beyond her prognosis. on adventures all over the world, from “Cancer has broadened my life in Europe to Africa. She summited Mt. Kili- maybe the worst another way. You don’t look five years manjaro twice—at age 55 and 60—and led down the road. You say, ‘Today I’m going a group to 15,000 feet on Mt. Everest. experience of my to do this. I feel badly today; I’m going to Those experiences made her realize feel better tomorrow.’” why she was called to leave suburbia for life. When it was, Every morning starts with a work- the trail. She was supposed to inspire out. Twice a week she helps incarcerated women through their journeys, teaching that was OK.” men study for their GED. And she hikes them to trust their instincts, know their her neighborhood. Last year she led a strength and heal. Some of the women Now 75, Deeds is still introduced group of women on a hike in England, became thru-hikers. Others earned de- as the woman who hiked the trail. It’s a which she said was her last. grees, asked for a raise, or ran marathons. legacy she did not envision, but readily But in the next breath she said Among the women touched by embraces. there’s one more possibility, The Greater Deeds is Janet Gorrell of Franklin, Indi- “I never sought being in a role Patagonian Trail. Stretching from Chile ana. She describes Deeds as the perfect where I would be inspiring to other to Argentina, the trek offers views of gla- guide who was soft-spoken and peaceful, people. It’s being the messenger,” she ciers and granite towers. It’s a destination yet displayed a wicked sense of humor. said. “I feel so strongly that when you’re often referred to as the end of the earth. Gorrell appreciates that she learned ready to hear it, the message appears. I “I may go to Patagonia,” Deeds said, from Deeds how to dance in the rain, just happened to be at a place at a time with such a mix of confidence and adven- sleep with mice, cut a mango and twirl when I was an inspiration to someone ture that the listener has no doubt she will. an umbrella. else, and I’m so very grateful for that.”

GRADUATES AGE 55 AND OLDER ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE REDBIRD PRIME ALUMNI NETWORK. LEARN MORE AT ALUMNI.ILLINOISSTATE.EDU/PRIME.

TRAIL TRIVIA FINISH MOUNT KATAHDIN, MAINE The Appalachian Trail is a footpath that stretches about 2,200 miles across 14 states, from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mt. Katahdin in Maine. Benton MacKaye had the idea MAINE for the trail in 1921, seeing it as a utopian refuge from urban life. It was completed in 1937. VT Approximately 2,500 attempt the entire trail annually, but only about one in four complete the journey. It takes five to six months and an estimated 5 million steps NH NEW YORK to cover the distance. More than 2 million do at least one-day hikes each year. MA The tallest peak is in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and stands 6,643 feet. CT

Because of the constant ascents and descents, hikers who complete the miles finish PENNSYLVANIA NJ with a total elevation gain equal to reaching Mount Everest’s peak 16 times. The first person to travel the entire trail was World War II veteran Earl MD Shaffer. He decided in 1948 that the hike would be a good way to walk W. VIRGINIA the Army out of his system. VIRGINIA Emma Gatewood is the first woman to attempt the trail alone. At age 67 and with 11 children, she set out in 1955. She became the first person to hike the trail three times, with her last N. CAROLINA adventure at age 75. Her journey is chronicled in the START New York Times bestseller Grandma Gatewood’s Walk. SPRINGER MOUNTAIN, GEORGIA

Sources: History.com, Washingtonpost.com GEORGIA November 2017 Illinois State 31 RedbirdProud

Calling all teachers Spread Redbird pride in your classroom with ISU pack!

SU is the largest preparer of also become mentors, empowering stu- a seed of interest. Getting prospective teachers in Illinois. More than dents to advance in the classroom as they students to consider the University is the one in seven public school teach- gain skills for life. first step toward enrollment. ers in the state is a graduate. Red- Because of the close connection Teachers who want to show their birdsI are reaching thousands of students ISU’s education graduates have with stu- Redbird pride can receive a classroom each year, from kindergarten through dents and families across the state, they pack from the University. It includes, as high school. are in a unique position to share their shown above, an ISU banner, pencils and Students gain an excellent educa- Redbird experience. Mavros is confident a temporary Reggie Redbird tattoo for tion from teachers trained at Illinois that by doing so, alumni educators can each student. State. They learned during their col- help Illinois State recruit. “We’re also asking teachers to wear legiate years to embrace diversity, work ISU will face increasing enrollment ISU attire on Fridays, which is the day with integrity, and teach with technology challenges due to a shrinking demo- the campus community wears red to now common in classrooms. graphic of high school students, the show Redbird pride,” said Mavros, who “Teachers make a difference like state’s financial issues, and the fact near- is offering an Illinois State T-shirt to the few others,” said Director of Admissions ly half of Illinois high school graduates first 500 teachers who ask for the kit. Jeff Mavros, M.S. ’06, who knows the choose to study in other states. Go to https://forms.IllinoisState.edu/ influence they have in opening for stu- Mavros realizes teachers have the forms/classroom. Requests will be ful- dents the world of learning. Teachers opportunity to make students aware of filled starting in January. what Illinois State can offer, which plants

32 Illinois State November 2017 Alumni News

Proud Redbird couple Homecoming royalty Mike and Nancy (Johnson) Monken, this year’s Homecoming alumni king and queen, met at ISU. Nancy ’62 studied English. An hon- or’s resident, she was heavily involved with the class advisory board and the women’s club. She taught English for many years, retiring as a college coun- selor in Illinois District 210. Mike ’61, M.S. ’66, studied physi- cal education as an undergraduate. He earned a master’s in health, physical education and recreation. On the ISU football team four years, he was captain as a senior. He taught shop, physical education, health, and driver’s educa- tion for more than 30 years. He excelled in coaching high school football, and has been inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame. Both are very involved on ISU’s Half Century Club committee and stay busy with family activities. They have three children and many grandchildren they visit often. Class celebrations planned for April Graduates from the Class of 1968 will celebrate their 50th class reunion on April 27 and 28 during the annual Half Century Club event. A variety of activities will take place across campus, including luncheons, tours and information sessions. The Class of 1968 will be inducted into the Half Century Club on Friday evening. Members of the classes of 1963, 1958, 1953, 1948 and 1943 who will be From the archives celebrating their 55th, 60th, 65th, 70th ISU’s football program has changed markedly over time. Efforts to start a team began in 1902, and 75th reunions will be honored as however, the hope was dashed when there were not enough talented players to build a squad. The well. Any alumnus or friend of the Uni- first team, above, formed during the 1903-1904 academic year. Today’s players total 93 and are versity is invited to attend the weekend led by Brock Spack, now in his ninth year as head coach. Redbird fans are faithful to fill Hancock activities. For additional information, Stadium and cheer the team on through another winning season. contact Alumni Relations at (309) 438- 2586.

November 2017 Illinois State 33 ClassNotes

Calling the shots Alumna prepares for career as NBA/WNBA referee

love for the game of basket- They learn all aspects of officiating, female players from 32 countries and ball combined with a gradu- from proper mechanics and position- territories. ate degree in exercise physi- ing to making accurate calls. Knowledge Reynolds is also becoming more ology resulted in an amazing about the NBA operation is gained with a comfortable using technology, which Acareer opportunity for Kelsey Reynolds, rotation through corporate departments, increasingly impacts a referee’s job. NBA M.S. ’16. including the analytics area where games games are filmed from nine different She was one of eight chosen from are reviewed for call accuracy. angles. Coverage is connected to the NBA an applicant pool of more than 500 to The bulk of Reynolds’ time has been Replay Center in Secaucus, New Jersey. train as a National Basketball Association spent officiating games for men’s and “Whenever referees are looking at a referee. Reynolds has spent the months women’s leagues. She refereed a wom- monitor during a game, they are talking since graduation in the NBA’s Referee en’s collegiate Division III basketball to the folks in New Jersey to make a final Development Program. conference in the New York/New Jersey ruling on the play,” Reynolds said. Participants commit to three years region, where she currently lives. She welcomes the added tool as a of training that prepares them to offici- She also officiated at Basketball way to get the calls right. “All players ate in the NBA’s minor league basketball Without Borders camps during the NBA want is accuracy,” Reynolds said. She organization before moving up to the All-Star weekend in February. The camp has the same desire as she prepares for NBA and WNBA. drew the top 67 high school male and her dream job by learning to call plays correctly.

34 Illinois State November 2017 David Rine ’63 is professor emeritus 1950s in engineering at George Mason James Wiltz ’56 taught at Dixon University. He became involved in High School from 1960 to 1993. His East African missions, where he Pause for applause dedication in teaching and direct- helped develop schools. He met ing musicals 33 years has been his wife, Carolynne (Kennedy) ’67, at End of an era ISU. They reside in Olathe, Kansas. recognized with the school’s nam- After serving as president of Thomas Edison State ing of the James A. Wiltz Audito- D. Leigh Henson ’64, M.S. ’69, D.A. University for 35 years, George Pruitt ’68, M.S. rium. He also wrote the school’s ’82, is retired from the English fac- ’70, LH.D. ’94, will retire from the office this year. fight song. Two of the four Wiltz ulty at Southwest Missouri State He is one of the longest-sitting collegiate presi- children are graduates, Anne ’85 University. A prolific author on dents in the country. Pruitt became a national and Michael ’87. Wiltz and his wife, Abraham Lincoln, he published higher education leader at Towson, which serves Sharon, reside in Dixon. Inventing Lincoln: Approaches to only adult students. He helped make degree com- Daniel Aquino ’57 is retired from the His Rhetoric. He resides in Spring- pletion feasible for working adults and active military service members. University of Hawaii, where he field, Missouri. Pruitt served five Secretaries of Education under three presidents. He is was director of Hoomana School. Janet (Schwab) Chobar ’66 is retired remembered on ISU’s campus for his leadership as the first president He and his wife, Charlene, reside from Morningside College, where of the Black Student Association and foundational work on ISUs’ High in Eagle Point, Oregon. she was the licensure officer in the Potential Student Program. John “Jack” Murphy ’57, M.S. ’66, graduate education department. taught and coached varsity bas- She and her husband, David, have Broadway accolades ketball teams for boys and girls been married 51 years. They reside Laurie Metcalf ’76 added another honor to her in Central Illinois schools for in Sioux City, Iowa. acting resume this year by capturing a Tony 60 years. He has been inducted Wes Faris ’66, M.S. ’73, has been a Award for best Broadway performance as a lead- into the Illinois Basketball Hall teacher and coach for nearly 50 ing actress in a play. She was cast as Nora in A of Fame, Bloomington-Normal years. He and his wife, Linda, met Doll’s House, Part 2. It was the fourth Tony nomi- Officials Association Hall of Fame at ISU and celebrated their 50th nation for Metcalf, a theatre and dance graduate and halls at Taylorville and Pontiac wedding anniversary in August. known for her role as Jackie in Roseanne. Metcalf high schools. He is a past Pontiac They are the parents of five adult helped create Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago and has fond ISU memo- Citizen of the Year recipient. He daughters and reside in Ottawa. and his wife, JoEllen, reside in ries. “I don’t know if ISU helped me become what I am,” she said, “but I Scott Rezabek ’66, M.S. ’67, Bloomington. is retired know that if I hadn’t gone there, I wouldn’t be what I am today.” from the Ford Motor Company. He Doris (Garvie) Schertz ’59 is retired resides in Heber Springs, Arkansas. Messaging millennials from teaching English and serving Geraldine (Taylor) Peeples ’67 as resource development advance- is Born in Chicago to parents of Senegalese and ment project manager at College retired as a specialist with human Gambian descent, Binta Diallo ’14 embraces both of DuPage. She has completed 10 and community development her American and African roots. She uses her marathons, winning her age group through the University of Illinois time and talents to help others, from working as in each. She and her husband, Extension. She and her husband, a volunteer with humanitarian organizations to David ’59, have six children and 15 George, reside in Savoy. supporting anti-bullying campaigns and creating grandchildren. The couple resides Bob Court ’68 retired as academic Internal Archives. The online platform empowers in Lombard. dean from Northwest High School millennials of color to celebrate their cultural identities. Diallo’s mes- in Washington. He taught, coached sages of motivation encourage everyone to stay true to themselves and and was a school administrator for keep moving forward. “Life will be filled with updates and revisions,” she 1960s 50 years in various high schools writes. “No great story was published after the first draft. Respect your surrounding Seattle. He was a story and your struggles.” Don Metz ’60 is retired after 34 member of the 1967 Redbird foot- years with the K-mart Corpora- ball championship team. He resides tion. He and his wife, Sharon, have Global praise in Issaquah, Washington. been married 56 years. They have Theatre major Jonathan Browning ’93 has cap- three adult children and six grand- Roger Ellis ’68 is retired from River tured the spotlight by appearing in dozens of children. The couple resides in Valley Financial Bank, where he national commercials, from pitching Progressive Northville, Michigan. worked as a commercial credit with Flo to promoting Home Depot. He has analyst. He and his wife, Marsha, Fred Koerner ’62 is retired as presi- appeared on award-winning television shows, reside in Floyds Knobs, Indiana. dent of Koerner Consulting Inc. including How I Met Your Mother and The Office. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Diana (Corley) Schnapp ’68, M.S. ’70, Browning writes one-act plays presented in Los Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. is the executive director of the Angeles, and also teaches improvisation at Sec- International Listening Associa- ond City Hollywood and American Musical and Dramatic Academy. His Dale Prest ’62 worked 35 years as a tion. She retired from teaching at greatest acclaim comes as a writer and director of short films created teacher and librarian for Elmhurst colleges and universities in Illinois, through his company, Screaming Frog Productions. Browning’s comedic School District 205. He and his Maryland and Kansas. She and her wife, Donna, reside in Lombard. short films have been screened in more than 400 international film husband, Frank, reside in Overland festivals and have captured 28 international awards. Park, Kansas.

November 2017 Illinois State 35 How we met Tina (Fabley) ’79 and Mark Chase ’78 took a trip to Oahu, Hawaii, this year to mark their 40th wedding anniversary and to celebrate a romance that began on Illinois State’s campus. The Chases tied the knot on August 13, 1977, the summer before his senior and her junior year. He majored in business administration and minored in economics, and she was an elementary education student. They met during Tina’s freshman year. Two of her roommates were dating a pair of Mark’s housemates in Watterson Towers. Mark remembers being attracted to the cute blonde he passed on the Quad. “I had a head of hair that I don’t have anymore,” he said. “We just clicked.” They bonded over Redbird sports. The couple was in Horton Field House the day the Redbirds upset top 5-ranked UNLV, and traveled to Indiana State to watch ISU play Larry Bird’s Sycamores. Date nights often consisted of a movie at Capen Auditorium followed by dinner at Avanti’s. “It was a cheap date,” Mark said. “The whole thing was like five bucks.” In 1976 Mark proposed to Tina on the Quad after a Redbird football game. They held an impromptu engagement party that night in Watterson Towers. The couple returned to campus last summer to catch up with some col- lege friends. “We have fond memories of ISU,” Tina said. Mark retired in 2016 after 38 years with State Farm Insurance Company. He worked in Illinois, Oregon, Illinois again and finally in California, where the couple now resides. Tina served in public and private elementary schools dur- ing her career. “As the travelling spouse, I always taught,” she said. They have three children—Nicholas, Scott, and Stacy—and five grand- children, with another one on the way this fall.

Lorraine (Fisher) DeWitte ’69 is Stephen Post ’71, M.S. ’73, retired Robert Bond ’73 is retired after 45 Contemporary Art. He resides in retired from Scientific-Atlanta/ after 20 years of teaching and 25 years working as a research and Novato, California. Cisco Systems. She celebrated her years in sales management with exploration geologist, and a soft- Daniel Rozak ’73 completed a juris 70th birthday observing the total Brach’s Candy Company, Collec- ware and systems network engi- doctorate at Loyola University solar eclipse. She and her hus- tor’s Art, and Sprint Telecommu- neer. He resides in Castle Rock, School of Law. He has retired as band, Joseph, reside in Buckhead, nications. He and his wife, Susan, Colorado. Chief Felony Circuit Judge for the Georgia. reside in Leesburg, Florida. Paul Burton ’73 completed a juris 12th Judicial Circuit in Illinois. He Claire Ricewasser ’69 is the associ- John Erickson ’72 retired after 44 doctorate at Southern Illinois spent nearly 22 years on the bench ate director of communications at years in the insurance industry, University-Carbondale. He is an and more than 40 years in the legal Al-Anon Family Group Headquar- with the last 11 as an account spe- attorney and judge pro tem in King profession. He and his wife, Debo- ters Inc., where she has worked cialist II at Aon Corporation. He County District Court in Wash- rah, reside in Custer Park. 30 years. She resides in Virginia resides in Des Plaines. ington. He and his wife, Kathleen, Lawrence Metcalf ’74, retired from Beach, Virginia. reside in Issaquah, Washington. Nancy Mactague ’72, M.A. ’96, is the Coca-Cola company after 30 retired from Aurora University, David Crumbaugh ’73 has retired years. He is the volunteer direc- where she was a research librarian. after practicing law 41 years. He tor of outreach for Sunspot Solar, 1970s She resides in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. and his wife, Mary Jo, reside in a nonprofit education outreach Chicago. program offering elementary and Helen (Moser) Petersen ’70 is the Genalee (Waters) Tevebaugh ’72 middle school students free solar marketing director for the Carmel is retired after teaching middle William Otton, ED.D. ’73, is retired astronomy events. He and his wife, Racquet Club. She and her hus- school language arts for 35 years. as executive director of the Art Rhea, reside in Columbia, South band, James, reside in Indianapo- She also sponsored the National Museum of South Texas, where he Carolina. lis, Indiana. Junior High Honor Society and worked 14 years. He served as vice Mary (Thompson) Schaeffer ’70 is coached the speech club. She and president of the founding board Steve Preis ’74, M.S. ’83, is the prin- retired from her work as a learning her husband, Michael, reside in for Verge Center for the Arts, and cipal of Desert Meadows School. disability specialist. She and her Saint Joseph. is now vice president of the board He received the 2017 CASE Out- husband, Terry, reside in Ventura. of directors for Marin Museum of standing Leadership Award from

36 Illinois State November 2017 the Arizona Council for Exception- husband, Charles, reside in Hat- Deborah (Ford) Van Hoorn ’81, M.S. Paula, participate in long-term al Children. He and his wife, Patty, tiesburg, Mississippi. ’85, Ph.D. ’96, is an adjunct instruc- church mission work. They served reside in Phoenix, Arizona. tor at Illinois Wesleyan University. two years in Fiji and are now with Wayne Musick ’79, M.S. ’81, is the She and her husband, Charles, a mission in Hawaii. Jane (Gautier) Daun ’75 retired after resources director for the account- reside in Congerville. serving 27 years as the bookstore ing firm Webster Rogers LLP. He Troy Hickey ’83 retired as princi- manager at Feather River Commu- and his wife, Rebekah, reside in Denise Vezza-Maggiore ’81 is an pal of Robinson High School. He nity College. She and her husband, Florence, South Carolina. award-winning artist and art received the 2016 Herman Graves David, have one adult daughter instructor. She is a member of Award from the Illinois Principals Michael Pisarcik ’79 works for CIT- and a grandson. The couple resides the Left Hand Artist Group and Association. He resides in Rob- GO Petroleum Corporation as a in Georgetown, Texas. the Boulder Arts Association. She inson. senior account manager for hydro- works as a freelance graphic and Jeffery Jones ’75 is the special assis- carbon solvents sales. He oversees Gary O’Brien ’83 is the director of web designer at Schwartz Artz tant for enrollment management the Western U.S., Canada and communications for Columbus Creative Solution, while maintain- and diversity recruitment at Kutz- Mexico. He and his wife, Paula, Arenas Sports and Entertain- ing her own studio. She and her town University. He has served reside in Naperville. ment at Ohio State University. He husband, Francesco, reside in as director of admissions at East resides in Columbus, Ohio. Kim (McDonough) Zinman ’79 retired Niwot, Colorado. Stroudsburg University. He has after 33 years in education. She Jami Simon, M.S. ’83, plays the also been a collegiate basketball Libby (Jacobson) Wolkoff ’81, M.S. ’91, was principal of Kilmer Elemen- recurring roles of Pinky in the coach, including at KU. He and his retired as a reading specialist in tary School in Buffalo Grove for 19 HBO show High Maintenance and wife, Maria, reside in Macungie, Waukegan Public School District years. She resides in Park Ridge. Sideways Jane in Riding the D with Pennsylvania. 60 after 35 years of teaching. She Dr. Seeds. She has a role in the film has two adult sons and lives in Theodore Waltmire ’75 received the Accommodations, set for release Highland Park. first annual Inspire Award from 1980s this year. She resides in New York, MarianJoy Rehabilitation Hospital Jill Albentosa-Brown ’82, M.A. ’86, New York. Janie Eichhorst-Smith ’80 is a sales in Wheaton. The honor recognizes completed a master’s at Duke and marketing representative with Robin (Moons) Solomon ’83 is the his courage and effort to recover Divinity School. She is a pastor Fastline Media Group. She and her dean’s assistant for Indian Prairie from a stroke in 2009. He has since of congregational care and older husband, Brian, reside in Carlock. School District 204. She and her written a musical about his stroke adults at West Market Street Unit- husband, Steve, reside in Naper- survival titled The Mighty Ted: An Meg Goodman, M.S. ’80, is a man- ed Methodist Church. She and her ville. Unexpected Journey. It has been aging director of Jacobs and husband, Vince, reside in Greens- performed in Chicago. He resides Clevenger, a marketing agency in boro, North Carolina. Diane (Jacobs) Thorp, M.S. ’83, is a licensed clinician and owner of in Oak Brook Terrace. Chicago. She and her wife, Juli Robert Decker, Ed.D. ’83, is profes- Swartzlander, reside in Winfield. DMT Psychotherapy. She special- Brian Brown ’76 is retired from sor emeritus at the University of izes in complex trauma and mar- teaching and a writing position for Willis Kern ’80 retired from WGLT Northern Iowa. He and his wife, the Arizona Republic. He resides in as news director. He worked at Phoenix, Arizona. ISU’s NPR station 24 years and Deborah (Scheri) Lamberti ’76, M.S. in broadcasting 42 years. He was ’07, is retired from Bloomington named the Best Downstate Radio School District 87, where she was a Reporter by the Associated Press special education teacher. She and four times. He and his wife, Stacy, her husband, William, reside in reside in Bloomington. Bloomington. Catherine (Valack) Smith ’80 retired John Richards ’76 works in purchas- after 36 years with Burr Ridge ing and customer service with Chi- CCSD 180. She worked as a teach- cago Electric Sales Inc. He resides er, reading interventionist, cur- in Forest Park. riculum director and elementary principal. She resides in Darien. Douglas Sund ’76 retired as a foren- Gregory Anderson ’81 sic chemist with the Michigan is execu- State Police. He and his wife, Peg- tive vice president for finance gy, reside in Livonia, Michigan. and operations at the University of North Texas Health Science Karl Swager ’78 is a software devel- Center. He resides in Fort Worth, Connected beyond campus oper with October Three. He and Texas. his wife, Karen, reside in Gaines- What started as a friendship between four young undergraduates turned Kateri Kline-Johnson, M.F.A. ’81, is a ville, Georgia. into a bond that remains strong yet today. All education majors, the stage combat director. She and her ladies spent hours in DeGarmo Hall before each graduated in 1988. Susan (Hubble) Burchell ’79 retired husband, David, reside in Grand The group plans a gathering several times each year, including a return from the University of Southern Rapids, Michigan. Mississippi as an associate pro- to campus for Homecoming. They are, from left, Julie (Beck) Savage of Stephen Ryan ’81 fessor and associate dean of the is chief financial Ashland, Joanne (Blasko) Smudde of Springfield, Kim Hahnenkamp of College of Health. She and her officer for LW Consulting Inc. He Taylorville, and Lisa (Seavers) Mack of Dunlap. resides in Nazareth, Pennsylvania.

November 2017 Illinois State 37 Redbird legacy With her mother a dual graduate of Illinois State and employed at the Univer- sity, Katharine Woollen ’17 knew what to expect when she decided to attend ISU. She was so certain of her decision to be a Redbird that Katharine did not apply to any other university. “Since my mother attended Illinois State, I knew that the University of- fered quality programs and had excellent faculty,” Katharine said. “I took those into consideration. My decision to attend ISU was based on the quality of the anthropology program and the attention that faculty give to students.” Susan Woollen, M.S. ’06, Ph.D. ’15, was excited and relieved to learn her daughter was accepted to Illinois State. “I was very proud of Katharine because I knew that ISU would be a good fit for her,” Susan said. She works in the De- partment of Criminal Justice Sciences as the director of undergraduate studies and enrollment management. An educational administration and foundations graduate, Susan credits her professors for teaching her to become a more thoughtful and critical citizen by engaging with the world. She was confident her daughter’s educational experience would be as profound. Katharine’s decision was made in her junior year of high school after visit- ing with Fred Smith, who was then chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. She completed her undergraduate in anthropology as an Honors Program student who studied in England and conducted research on remains from Schroeder Mounds. She graduated with honors in May and remains at ISU to pursue a master’s in anthropology. “Katharine shares what she learns in the classroom with me, and I’ve learned so much from her,” Susan said. “She is a more concerned and in- formed citizen and a promising young scholar as a result of her ISU education.” The two also share in their Redbird pride. Katharine remembers attend- Katharine ’17, left, and Susan Woollen, M.S. ’06, Ph.D. ’15, are one of ing with her mother ISU Homecoming events when still a child. Now the two many Redbird legacy families that share a connection to Illinois State. partner to decorate floats for the parade. It is just one more way they appreciate and celebrate their Illinois State legacy.

riage counseling. She and her hus- Donald Banks ’85 is a senior solution Dawn Gaspardo ’87 teaches com- Police Department. He and his band, Michael, reside in Cayucos, architect with Hewlett Packard puter classes from kindergarten wife, Beth, reside in Wheaton. California. Enterprise. He resides in Las through eighth grade in Flanagan/ Carla (Weaver) Fanning, M.S. ’88, is Vegas, Nevada. Cornell Unit 74. She enjoys travel Paula (Dejmek) Woods ’83 is a chair of social sciences and a pro- and resides in Long Point. regulator with the Department of Jeffrey Jones ’85 is associate dean fessor of psychology at Grayson Treasury. She authored Banking for human resources at the Uni- Jeffrey Klepec ’87 served 28 years College. She resides in Sherman, Modern America. She and her hus- versity of Southern California’s with the Bloomington Police Texas. band reside in Frankfort. Dornslife College of Letters, Arts Department. He is a lieutenant Elaine (Norem) Artman ’89, M.S. ’92, and Sciences. He and his husband, with the ISU Police Department. Andrea (Evans) Jensen ’84 is a recep- has enjoyed a 42-year career in Steve Johnson, reside in Los Ange- He and his wife, Kimberly (Cain) ’89, tionist at World Relief Seattle. She higher education, serving as sup- les, California. have five children and reside in worked as a computer program- port staff, faculty, chair, and dean Bloomington. mer for 10 years, then in China Lynn (Wright) Nuzzo ’85 is the direc- in California and Georgia. She is as a missionary. While there she tor of children’s ministry at First Kim Stewart ’87 is the payroll coor- retired from Mercer University, worked for International Academy Presbyterian Church of Wheaton. dinator for the City of Blooming- where she was a professor of post- and Hope International School. She resides in Warrenville. ton. She has published four online graduate education leadership She and her husband, Paul, reside books titled Political Suicide, programs. She resides in Waleska, Tim Wood ’85 is president of Twood in SeaTac, Washington. Scared to Hope, The Chosen One, Georgia. and Associates. He resides in Lisle. and The Summer Winds. She has Suzann (Cordes) Spada ’84 retired Martha Rearden ’89 is an employee Betsy (Van Heel) Adamowski ’86 one daughter and resides in LeRoy. from the State of Illinois Depart- benefits account executive with is the executive library director ment of Revenue after more than Steve Ewoldt ’88 retired as deputy Wells Fargo Insurance Services. at Wheaton Public Library. She 31 years. She and her husband, chief of the Glendale Heights She resides in Urbana. and her husband, Gary, reside in Tom, reside in Springfield. Geneva.

38 Illinois State November 2017 Virginia McMath ’92 completed a Cynthia Osgood ’94 is a finance sor. He was a visiting professor 1990s doctorate in education at Trevecca manager with Rolls-Royce North at ISU for one year. He authored Lisa Matz-Schletz ’90, M.S. ’96, is a Nazarene University. She works America. She resides in Hayward, the book Write Well Right Now. special education teacher in Will there as a student success advisor California. He and his wife, Marcia, reside in and resides in La Vergne, Tennes- Murray, Kentucky. County School District 92. She and Eric Swanson ’94 is an assistant see. her husband, Thomas, reside in membership director with Peace Erica Smolinski ’98 completed a New Lenox. Michelle Simmons ’92 teaches fifth Action. He and his wife, Katherine, doctorate in educational leader- Melissa (Sperling) Wasko ’90 is a grade special education students. reside in Washington, D.C. ship at Lewis University. She is a She completed this year the Edu- middle school assistant principal mental health therapist for the Christine (Schwartz) Winger ’94 is a cation Policy Fellowship Program in Illinois School District 204. She Grundy County Health Depart- Republican member of the Illinois offered by the Georgia Partnership resides in Naperville. ment and also a private practice House of Representatives for the for Excellence in Education. She agency. She and her husband, state’s 45th district. She and her Whit Chaiyabhat ’99 is staff vice resides in Georgia. Matt, reside in Morris. husband, Mark, are parents to a president and global crisis man- Kevin Larson ’91 is a lead senior Bob Bogner ’93 is the CEO of daughter and reside in Wood Dale. ager at FM Global, an international Railone USA Corporation. He property risk insurance company. application analyst at Navistar Inc. Kristen Janowski ’95 is a special resides in Bettendorf, Iowa. He has worked in safety and secu- He and his wife, Stacy, reside in education supervisor in Oak Lawn- rity leadership roles for the FBI Hinckley. Bob Kiser ’93 toured with Broadway Hometown School District 123. She and Washington National Cathe- James Summers ’91, M.S. ’93, is chair musicals before founding Bob and her husband, Jason, have three dral. He and his wife, Amanda, of the Department of Obstetrics Kiser Coaching. He is the associate children and reside in Chicago. reside in East Greenwich, Rhode and Gynecology at North Colorado director of the Graham Clinical Juan Ordonez ’95 is the vice presi- Island. Performance Center in the Depart- Medical Center. He is also clinical dent of procurement and logistics ment of Medical Education at the John Hanson ’99 is a teacher and safety consultant for the American for Masering. He lost a leg due to University of Illinois-Chicago. department chair of business College of Obstetrics and Gynecol- complications from a car accident He authored the book, Create the education at Neuqua Valley High ogy. He and his wife, Traci, have as a teen. He competes in golf Life of Your Dreams. He resides in School. He resides in Romeoville. six children and reside in John- tournaments for amputees and is Chicago. stown, Colorado. working toward competing in the Kristine (Rangel) Resler ’99 is vice Christina (Ruscheinski) Twardosz ’91 Robin (Herwig) Fisher ’94 is a deaf Paralympics in 2020. He and his president of strategy and initiatives is principal of Centennial Elemen- and hard-of-hearing program wife, Monica, have homes in his manager at Bank of America. She tary in Dade City, Florida. She is coordinator and teacher with West native country of Colombia and is part of the bank’s LGBT Pride working to turn around the fail- Aurora School District 129. She Pembroke Pines, Florida. Chicago leadership team. She is and her husband, David, have a also vice president and finance ing school. She and her husband, Rich Baumstein ’96 is the vice daughter. Grace is a freshman at chair of the board of education in Michael, reside in Zephyrhills, president of operations at Applied ISU. The couple resides in North District 228. She and her husband, Florida. Acoustics International. He resides Aurora. Matthew, have four children and in New Lenox. reside in Tinley Park. Jennifer (Butler) Menzles ’96 is a Deborah (Nickels) Smith, M.S. ’99, is financial planning assistant with an executive sales specialist with Lincoln Financial Advisors. She AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals. She and her husband, Paul, reside in and her husband, Chris, reside in Roselle. Normal. Jake Pschirrer ’96 is a dentist who owns Pschirrer Family Dentistry. He and his wife, Cara, have two 2000s children and reside in Charleston. Michael Campea ’00 is the associate Rachel Rone ’97 is a senior invest- director of media engagement for ment associate with RBC Wealth the Alzheimer’s Association. He Management. She and her hus- and his wife, Meghan, reside in band, Robert, reside in Chicago. Chicago. Robert Brunke ’98 is a network engi- Laine (Martin) Cipolla ’00, MBA ’03, neer at Illinois State. He and his is self-employed in ATM portfolio wife, Joleen, reside in Morton. management. She and her hus- From mentor to colleague Jenny (Foster) Klouse ’98 is an area band, Chris, reside in Sugar Land, Texas. John Sedbrook, an associate professor of genetics in ISU’s School of Bio- ministry director for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. She and logical Sciences, was in Egypt earlier this year at the invitation of a former Julie (LaGesse) Mitchell ’00 is a reg- her husband, Eric, reside in Santa graduate student. Noha Khalifa, Ph.D. ’07, studied plant molecular genet- istered nurse with Riverside Medi- Rosa, California. ics in Sedbrook’s lab while at Illinois State. She is now a faculty member in cal Center. She and her husband the botany department’s genetics unit at Ain Shams University in Cairo. William Koenecke, M.S. ’98, is retired reside in Bourbonnais. Sedbrook presented guest lectures at the university. from Murray State University, Euna Paik, M.S. ’00, is a speech lan- where he was an education profes- guage pathologist with the New

November 2017 Illinois State 39 York City Department of Educa- Sarah (Hosken) Scott ’03, M.S. ’09, tion. She resides in Tenafly, New completed a veterinary medicine Jersey. degree at the University of Illinois- Urbana. She is a veterinarian at Frank Provenzano ’00 is manager of Ambassador Animal Hospital in corporate partnerships at Herring Bloomington, where she resides University. He resides in Pingree with her husband, Dylan, and their Grove. daughter. Nicholas Wennerstrom ’00 is head of William Dwoinen ’04 is a director the global contingent workforce at Global Solutions Architects- at Zebra Technologies. He and his CareerBuilder. He resides in wife, Natalie, have two sons and Chicago. reside in Libertyville. Sarah (Baker) Lukach ’04 completed Jason Berry ’01 is owner and cre- a master’s in agribusiness at Kan- ator of 4orm Studio. He resides in sas State University. She is a prin- Chicago. cipal credit officer in the food and Veronica Johnson ’01 is an instruc- Unique Redbird win agribusiness department of Com- tional technology consultant with peer Financial. She and her hus- Four young men who attended Illinois State in the 1960s never imagined DePaul University. She resides in band, George, reside in Streator. they would win the top two spots in a World Euchre Championship Chicago. decades after graduation. They did just that earlier this year in Las Vegas. Neal Molnar ’04, is a sanitarian with Erin (Petric) Ludewig ’01 is a family The first-place winners were Dale Perona ’67, M.S. ’68, left center, and the Kane County Health Depart- and consumer science teacher at Dave Dipaolo ’65, right center. Perona was a member of ISU’s math facul- ment. He and his wife, Tara, reside Elk Grove High School. She and ty, and Dipaolo was the first official Bone Victory Bell ringer. Bill Sneddon in Aurora. her husband, Eric, have two chil- ’67, M.S. ’70, far left, and T.W. Lorig ’64, M.S. ’65, far right, took second Dena (Ches) Schlunz ’04 is assistant dren and reside in Elk Grove. place in the competition. Lorig is also a former ISU math instructor. director of admissions and records Julie Marlatt ’01, M.S. ’06, is dean at Valencia College. She and her of enrollment management at husband, Eric, reside in Orlando, Parkland College. She resides in Florida. Paige (Troelstrup) Dunmore ’03 is Downs. Wich Superior Sandwiches fran- chise. He and his wife, Joanna, a physical therapist assistant at Ericka (Doan) Zetterberg, M.S. ’04, is Tilaine (Gray) Pugh ’01 works in cus- have a daughter and reside in Dyer, Mountain Land Physical Therapy. the special education coordinator tomer service for Blue Cross Blue Indiana. She and her husband, Geoffrey, with Peoria Public Schools District Shield of Florida. She resides in reside in Salt Lake City, Utah. 150 and a speech-language pathol- Leah (Schreiber) Johnson ’02 is a Jacksonville, Florida. ogist with St. John’s Hospital. She lecturer and faculty advisor for Jennifer (Loveall) Fink ’03 is the and her husband, Zac, reside in Kryslaine (Lopes) Radomski ’01 com- the Department of Art and Design director of information and ag Peoria. pleted a doctorate in medical sci- at the University of Wisconsin- literacy coordinator for the Macon ences at the University of Florida. Milwaukee. She completed two County Farm Bureau. She and her Brent Boardman ’05 is a freight She is a staff scientist at the Center master’s degrees at the university husband, Mark, are parents of a analyst for Nestle. He resides in for Neuroscience and Regenerative and received the 2016 Outstand- daughter and reside in Decatur. DeKalb. Medicine at Uniformed Services ing Performance Award from its Stacey Kikendall ’03 is an assistant Amanda Cushing ’05 is the director University. She and her husband, alumni association. She resides in professor of English at Park Uni- of sales at the Marriott in Uptown Dennis, have a daughter and reside Oak Creek, Wisconsin. versity. She resides in Kansas City, Normal. She resides in Normal. in Ijamsville, Maryland. Johnny Reynolds ’02 is the assis- Missouri. Courtney Kronforst ’05 is a registered Park Allison ’02 is vice president of tant registrar of enrollment and Ruthie (Harris) Komprood ’03 is an nurse at Advocate Lutheran Gen- earthmoving and material handling registration services at Georgia auditor with Peak Healthcare Solu- eral Hospital. She resides in Pros- for American State Equipment Co. State University. He and his wife, tions. She and her husband, Alan, pect Heights. He and his wife, Karen, reside in PaKisha (Buchanan) ’02, reside in reside in Orangeville. Catherine (Brown) Petersen ’05, M.A. Chicago. Stockbridge, Georgia. Stephanie Nieland ’03 coordinates ’07, is an English and literature Casey Erickson ’02 is a lieutenant Lisa Brittingham, M.A. ’03, is a visit- tours and group sales for the Phila- instructor at Eastern Iowa Com- and patrol watch commander with ing professor of French at Knox delphia Phillies. She resides in munity College. She and her hus- the Calumet City Police Depart- College in Galesburg. She and her Glenolden, Pennsylvania. band, Andrew, reside in Davenport, ment in Illinois. He owns a Which husband, John, reside in Normal. Iowa. Jenny O’Brien ’03 owns Dreams Dance Academy in St. Charles. She Marcie (Jackson) Stephan ’05 is resides in Elgin. an assistant vice president at Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Dan Sandine ’03 teaches sciences in Insurance. She and her husband, Indian Prairie School District 204. Stephan, reside in Itasca. He and his wife, Bridget, reside in Naperville. Dawn (Hall) Bibb, Ph.D. ’06, is an associate professor at Bellarmine

40 Illinois State November 2017 University in Louisville, Kentucky, Michael Smith ’07, M.S. ’12, teaches Publishers. She and her husband, Michael Kennedy ’09 is a beer guide where she resides. language arts to middle school stu- Charles, reside in Carol Stream. at Good River Beer. He resides in dents in Pinellas County schools Denver, Colorado. Julie (Pakenham) Dannis, M.S. ’06, is Stephanie Alessi-Shepard ’09 is a and works with under-performing the assistant dean of students at registered nurse working in ICU Jamie Maag ’09 is a veterinary oph- students. He resides in St. Peters- the University of Indianapolis in at Silver Cross Hospital. She and thalmology technician and assis- burg, Florida. Indiana, where she resides. her husband, Edward, reside in tant retinal surgeon at Eye Care for Carrie (Burdette) Upjohn ’07 is an Bourbonnais. Animals. She resides in Elburn. Clinton Desmond, M.M. ’06, is an adjunct instructor at Waubonsee associate professor of music at Brad Bytof ’09 is a sales manager Claire Nachowicz-Obuchowski ’09 is Community College. She and her Dakota Wesleyan University. He with Petcurean Pet Nutrition. He a senior environmental health and husband, Chris, are parents of two and his wife, Erin, reside in Mitch- resides in Vista, California. safety specialist with Zebra Tech- daughters and reside in Plainfield. ell, South Dakota. nologies. She is president-elect Jessica Devore ’09 owns Green Marla (Ramos) Youngblood ’07 is of the American Society of Safety Lisa (Johnson) Stith ’06 is a family Acres Real Estate. She is a Homes catering sales manager at Warwick Engineers-Northeast Illinois sec- and consumer science teacher at for Heroes affiliate, donating part Allerton in Chicago. She and her tion. She resides in Elk Grove. Mendota High School. She and her of her commission when a client husband, Scott, reside in Home- husband, Todd, reside in Morris. works as a teacher, in healthcare, Katherine (Taylor) Paullin, M.S. ’09, wood. or in police, fire or military units. is a lecturer at the University of Jillian (Rachford) Theis ’06 teaches Katharine Adler, M.S. ’08, is the She resides in Clinton. Kentucky. She and her husband, second grade in the Brown County coordinator for advocacy services Eric ’07, are parents to a son, Liam. School District. She and her hus- Tony Ensalaco ’09 is a senior strate- and sexual violence prevention at The family resides in Lexington, band, Nathan, reside in Mount gic account analyst for Cvent. His Marquette University. She resides Kentucky. Sterling. wife, Sarah (Smetana) ’11, is a speech in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin. language pathologist for the Reha- Kera (Jacobson) Sanchez ’09 teaches Brett Trimpe ’06, M.S. ’10, is chair Tyler Bain ’08 is park supervisor for bilitation Institute of Chicago. high school Spanish in Round of the Department of Engineering the Town of Normal. He resides in They reside in Lisle. Lakes Area Schools District 116. Technology at Butler Community Bloomington. She is also involved with the College. He is an instructional Audrey (Kimbrell) Escalante, M.S. district’s equity team that serves assistant for NASA’s Community Jill (Prelaske) Connley ’08 teaches ’09, taught five years and is now a students in need of additional College Aerospace Scholar pro- English at Big Foot High School. technical-applications trainer for resources. She and her husband, gram. He and his wife, Emily, She and her husband, Dean, have Luminex, a biotechnology compa- Michael, reside in Lake Zurich. reside in Derby, Kansas. a son and reside in Walworth, ny. She and her husband, Joshua, Wisconsin. reside in Austin, Texas. Annalise Smith ’09 works in treasury Kori (Smith) Brimner, M.S. ’07, teach- management sales for PNC Bank. es eighth grade literature at Mayo Karyn (Fones) Gillespie ’08 is a Michael Hoang, M.S. ’09, is an assis- She resides in Dallas, Texas. Middle School. She and her hus- human relations specialist in labor tant athletic trainer at California band, Adam, reside in Charleston. relations for Rock Island Arse- State-Fullerton. He resides in Tor- nal. She and her husband, Shane, rance, California. Erin (Nolan) Coatney ’07 is a speech reside in Atkinson. language pathologist at North Was- co County School District 21. She Dirk Hewetson ’08 is product imple- and her husband, Nolan, reside in mentation manager with Duck White Salmon, Washington. Creek Technologies. He and his wife, Mina, reside in Seattle, Wash- Craig Goodman ’07, M.S. ’12, is the ington. director of parks and recreation for the City of Hartsville, South David Joy ’08 is the coordinator of Carolina. He resides there with his preventative maintenance at the wife, Megan. University of Tennessee in Knox- ville, where he resides with his Alexandra Gum ’07 is a registered wife, Megan. nurse working in the neonatal intensive care unit at Meriter Christie (Khalid) Lewis ’08, M.S. ’11, is Unity Point Hospital. She resides coordinator of residence life and in Dane, Wisconsin. student relations at Columbia Col- lege. She and her husband, Jamel, Kate (Keller) Mohan ’07 is the direc- reside in Chicago. tor of marketing for Fromm Inter- national. She resides in Chicago. Carly Linden ’08 is a project man- ’Birds for better business ager at Allstate. She resides in Heather Nelson ’07 is a compensa- Jamie Stitt, M.S. ’03, and Eugene Bressler ’81 met through efforts to Palatine. tion analyst with LSC Communica- increase manufacturing jobs in the U.S. Bressler is the vice president tions. She resides in Plainfield. Ty Windy ’08 is a marketing special- of ATC Automation in Cookeville, Tennessee. Stitt is a deputy commis- ist with Centro Inc. He and his sioner with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Jessica Schultz ’07 is a special edu- wife, Tiphanie, reside in North Development. The two are shown during a tour of ATC Automation’s cation teacher for kindergarten Liberty, Iowa. manufacturing site, which is completing an expansion project that through second grade in Commu- brought the two alums together. nity Consolidated District 21. She Amanda (McLaughlin) Woods ’08 resides in Mount Prospect. is a publicist at Tyndale House

November 2017 Illinois State 41 Jennifer (Olson) Tabb ’09 teaches Kentucky University. He resides in manager with LUXE Warehouse School. She and her husband, Sam- fourth grade at Natomas Charter Bowling Green, Kentucky. and resides in Arlington Heights. uel, reside in Schererville, Indiana. School. She and her husband, Jor- Catherine Uphoff ’10, M.S. ’12, is a Luke Strack ’11 is a manufacturing Shane Boyd, M.S. ’13, is an institu- dan, reside in Lincoln, California. financial aid counselor at Boise chemist II at Integrated DNA tional research associate at Lake Amanda (Kancer) Toomey ’09 State University. She resides in Technologies. He resides in North Forest College. He resides in Des teaches seventh grade English at Boise, Idaho. Liberty, Iowa. Plaines. Lincolnshire-Prairie View School Larissa (Antognoli) Ausdenmoore ’11 Samantha (Sherwood) Anderson ’12 is Thomas Flynn ’13 is the band direc- District 103. She and her husband, completed master’s and doctorate a special education teacher with tor at LaVilla School of the Arts. Jim, reside in Lake Zurich. degrees at Loyola University. She is the Dubuque Community School He resides in Jacksonville, Florida. a school psychologist in Highland District. She and her husband, Megan Noonan ’13 is a human Park. She and her husband, Joe, Casey, reside in Dubuque, Iowa. resources analyst with Sidley Aus- 2010s reside in Buffalo Grove. Melissa (Curtin) Banks ’12 is a cre- tin LLP. She resides in Chicago. Tara Adams ’10 is the assistant Amy Cranston ’11 is an academic ative design manager of a market- Rachel Orton ’13 completed a mas- director of alumni programming advisor with Columbia College of ing team at TCS Education System. ter’s in social work at St. Ambrose for the University of Illinois Col- Missouri. She resides in Crystal She and her husband, Kegan, re- University. She is the ICU social lege of Law. She resides in Chi- Lake. side in Chicago. cago. worker at United Hospital System Brittany Hennigan ’11 is a chiropractic Jamie Billups ’12 is an operating in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Timothy Baldwin ’10 is a judicial physician and resides in Chicago room nurse at Barnes Jewish Angie Payton ’13 is a figure skating clerk at the Maricopa County Ridge. Hospital. She resides in Fairview coach. She resides in Pekin. Superior Court. He resides in Peo- Heights. Frank Hurd ’11 graduated from ria, Arizona. Alec Rusche ’13 is a safety director Southern Illinois University- Alex Carlson ’12 is director of the for a company in the citrus busi- Kaileigh (James) Dunn ’10 is a com- Springfield School of Medicine. junior high band for Cary School ness. He resides in Tampa, Florida. mercial real estate agent with He is completing a general surgery District 26. He resides in Poplar Keller Williams Realty. She and internship, followed by a radiology Grove. Ashley Fenner ’14 is the digital mar- her husband, Russell, reside in residency. He and his wife, Jessica, keting manager of the Herald & Kelsi Grubisich ’12 is an admissions Lebanon, Tennessee. reside in Litchfield Park, Arizona. Review. She resides in Decatur. officer at Northern Arizona Uni- Whitney Holsteen ’10 is an educa- Kyle Mattson, Ph.D. ’11, is a tenured versity. She resides in Flagstaff, Taylor Hobson ’14 is a technical tional resource teacher with Chris- associate professor in the school of Arizona. writer for Follett School Solutions tian Academy of Louisville. She communication at the University Inc. She resides in McHenry. Brianna Kuhn ’12 is coordinator of resides in Louisville, Kentucky. of Central Arkansas. He resides in orientation programs at Clemson Morgan (Hiles) Kibler ’14 is a pro- Conway, Arkansas. Amanda Landers ’10 is a corporate University. She resides in Ander- gram assistant in the office of safety leader with Stepan Com- Nathan Rebholz ’11, ’14, is a process son, South Carolina. advancement at The Ohio State pany. She is president-elect of analyst with State Farm Insurance University. She and her husband, Dustin Rothbart ’12 is one of three the American Industrial Hygiene Company. He resides in Bloom- Kurt, reside in Hilliard, Ohio. Association-Chicago section and founders of Blank Theatre Com- ington. Brian Miers ’14 is a probation officer resides in Waynesville. pany, Chicago’s newest non-equity Ashley Ring-Clarke ’11 completed an theatre. He resides in Chicago. with the Rock Island County Court Daniel Liddle ’10 is an assistant MBA at North Park University. She services. He resides in Rock Island. Amy Rourke ’12 is the associate edi- professor of English at Western is a store and style box program tor of the Township Perspective Ben Femminella ’15 is the lead gift with the Township Officials of Illi- processor and development assis- nois. She resides in Chatham. tant for Holy Family Ministries. He resides in Norridge. United States Postal Service Amber Siggins ’12 Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation is an inside sales 1. Publication Title 2. Publication Number 3. Filing Date representative for Colorado Rap- Amanda Fisher, M.S. ’15, is a research Illinois State 01 _ 9606 9/30/17 ids-KSE. She resides in Edgewater, and database analyst with Ameri- 4. Issue Frequency 5. Number of Issues Published Annually 6. Annual Subscription Price Colorado. can Academy of Pediatrics. She Quarterly 4 0 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication (Not printer) (Street, city, county, state, and ZIP+4) Contact Person resides in Des Plaines. Shannon Covey Morgan Smith ’12 is a paralegal with Alumni Relations, Campus Box 3100 Telephone Marissa Huff ’15 Normal, McLean Co., IL 61790-3100 (309) 438-8383 the Kelly Law Offices. She resides is a surgical techni- 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher (Not printer) in Bloomington. cian at Bloomington Eye Institute. Alumni Relations, Campus Box 3100 She resides in Bloomington. Normal, McLean Co., IL 61790-3100 Stephen Terpening ’12 is an occupa- 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor (Do not leave blank) Publisher (Name and complete mailing address) tional safety and health specialist Carmen Kremitzki, M.S. ’15, is an Doris Groves, Campus Box 3100, Normal, McLean Co., IL 61790-3420 with the U.S. Department of Ener- assistant director in the Smith Editor (Name and complete mailing address) gy. He resides in New Lenox. Career Center at Bradley Univer- sity. She resides in Morton. Susan Blystone, Campus Box 3420, Normal, McLean Co., IL 61790-3420 Lauren Varel ’12 is a marketing Managing Editor (Name and complete mailing address) and design specialist with Pernix Michael Meyer ’15 is a business Susan Blystone, Campus Box 3420, Normal, McLean Co., IL 61790-3420 Group Inc. She resides in Chicago. banking representative in the agri- 10. Owner (Do not leave blank. If the publication is owned by a corporation, give the name and address of the corporation immediately followed by the names and addresses of all stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, give the business department at Commerce names and addresses of the individual owners. If owned by a partnership or other unincorporated firm, give its name and address as well as those of Lauryn (Beneturski) Vukas ’12 teaches each individual owner. If the publication is published by a nonprofit organization, give its name and address.) Bank. He and his wife, Chelsie, Full Name Complete Mailing Address chemistry at Lake Central High Illinois State University Campus Box 1000, Normal, IL 61790-1000 reside in Bloomington.

42 Illinois State November 2017

11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities. If none, check box None Full Name Complete Mailing Address

12. Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates) (Check one) The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months Has Changed During Preceding 12 Months (Publisher must submit explanation of change with this statement)

PS Form 3526, October 1999 (See Instructions on Reverse) Rebecca (Ruegger) Olson ’15 teaches Corps VISTA. She resides in Jason Binde, M.M. ’05, is a staff Allan L. Utech ’39; 6/17 fourth grade at Forest Glen Honolulu, Hawaii. sergeant with the U.S. Army. He Elementary. She and her husband, resides in Asheville, North Caro- Matthew Karstens ’16 is a risk man- 40s Brandon, reside in Wheaton. lina. agement consultant with Connor Dorothy M. (Martin) Cole ’40, Matthew Rillie ’15 Ashley Koenig ’14 is a social worker and Gallagher OneSource. He is commissioned M.A. ’70; 4/17 with DreamBikes Chicago, a resides in Wheaton. as an ensign in the U.S. Navy. She Cordelia (Warner) Kurtz ’40; 6/17 nonprofit that creates jobs for is a student naval aviator attending Paige McManus ’16 is a talent acqui- underserved youth. He resides in flight school in Pensacola, Florida, Florence L. (Bitting) Sutton Turner sition assistant with The Horton Chicago. where she resides. ’40; 7/17 Group. She resides in New Lenox. Jane (Geske) Amerman ’42; 6/17 Stephen Scott ’15 is a project man- Ashley Rosch ’16 is an associate ager with Miller Construction Shirley E. Robb ’42; 6/17 industrial hygienist with Ramboll Company Inc. He and his husband, In memory Caryl M. (Adair) Hineline ’44; 5/17 Environ. She resides in Chicago. Wesley, reside in Mount Carmel. Norma (Paisley) Rowland ’45; 6/17 Drew Schroeder ’16 is the cofounder Faculty/Staff James Shellie ’15 is a technical Janet (Bishop) Deprin ’48; 4/17 of MarketLeaf Solutions, a digital recruiter for Google. He resides in Claude A. Bell, Industrial Technol- marketing and management firm Myra L. (Barz) Francis ’48; 4/17 Foster City, California. ogy; 1/17 focused on small businesses. He Murray J. Osborn ’48, M.S. ’55; Daniel Suda, M.S. ’15, is the director authored the novel Taking Chances. James P. Browne, WGLT; 5/17 6/17 of affinity programming in alumni He resides in Chicago. Barbara A. (Felmley) Funk, College Esther E. (Eigsti) Sutter ’48; 6/17 relations at the University of North of Fine Arts; 6/17 Kristin Esposito ’17 teaches fifth Doris M. (Yoder) Wortinger ’48; Texas. He and his wife, Catherine, grade in Homewood School Dis- Patrick J. O’Gara, Theatre; 5/17 5/17 reside in Oak Point, Texas. trict 153. She resides in Orland Arnold Wolfe, Communication; Floy J. Ekin ’49; 6/17 Brittney (Henson) Vietti ’15 is an area Park. 1/17 coordinator with Augustana Col- Kelsey Farrell ’17 is a digital content 50s lege. She and her husband, Kyle, strategist for the Boy Scouts of 30s reside in Rock Island. Lynn LaTeer ’50, M.S. ’54; 6/17 America Pathway to Adventure Estella A. (Bowman) Hensley ’34, Jeanne I. (Robbins) Seitz ’50; 5/17 Joshua Bates ’16 is a software devel- Council. She resides in Frankfort. ’71; 5/17 oper with Wintrust Bank. He Virginia M. (Phillips) West ’50; Marc Kurdas ’17 is an estimator for Estella M. (Winkler) Newell ’36, resides in Schaumburg. 5/17 Morgan Harbour Construction. He ’59; 5/17 Joseph Micka ’51; 5/17 Melaina Chromy ’16 is the assistant resides in Darien. C. Evelyn “Evie” (Jones) Barton director of annual giving at Florida Eldon G. Scriven ’51; 7/15 Matthew Weiksner ’17 is a sales ’37; 5/17 Southern College. She resides in manager at Fastenal. He resides in Lakeland, Florida. Marengo. Alex Clayton ’16 works in tour operations for the PGA Tour at its headquarters. He and his wife, Troops Melissa, reside in Jacksonville, Robert Tobin ’77 is retired from the Florida. U.S. Army. He rose from private to Renell Composto, D.N.P. ’16, is the lieutenant colonel. Deployed into birthing center manager for OSF combat in Iraq in 2007, he was Three easy ways to submit your information St. Joseph Medical Center. She wounded and received the Purple 1) Go online to Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/ClassNotes and click and her husband, Frank, reside in Heart. He and his wife, Martha, Bloomington. reside in Lincoln, Nebraska. on “class notes.” Information submitted using this method will Juliet Denckla ’16 is in leadership Samera Eassa ’78 is retired from the also be posted online. development at United Airlines. U.S. Navy. She resides in Wilson- 2) Email your news to [email protected]. She resides in Chicago. ville, Oregon. Bradley Dorng ’16 is a pediatric ICU Herbert Stevens ’93 is a pilot in the 3) Mail your news to Class Notes, Illinois State University, nurse at Mayo Clinic. He resides in Illinois Army National Guard. He Alumni Relations, Campus Box 3100, Normal, IL 61790-3100. Rochester, Minnesota. and his wife, Lynette, reside in Please include your graduation year, major, maiden name Normal. Kai Harney ’16 is a show band musi- when applicable, and daytime phone number for verification cian for Carnival Cruise Lines. He Patrick Hill ’04 is a lieutenant in the purposes. News releases and information from published news resides in Homewood. U.S. Navy. He is a training officer clippings may also be used. Engagements and pregnancies will Savannah Harrington ’16 is a pas- at the Naval School of Music and senger services coordinator with is pursuing a doctorate in strate- not be published. gic leadership at Regent Univer- Thomas P. Gohagan and Co. She For additional information, contact Alumni Relations at (309) 438- resides in Chicago. sity. He and his wife, Jeana, reside in Virginia Beach, Virginia. 2586 or (800) 366-4478, or by email at [email protected]. Nicole Jones ’16 is an active aging program assistant with Ameri-

November 2017 Illinois State 43 RRiseise toto thethe CChallengehallenge ISU’s $150 million campaign will lift the University for decades to come. Such significant private support will impact the entire campus, from high-tech labs essential for applied learning to activities that strengthen students’ leadership skills.

Your help is needed to make sure Redbirds continue to soar. Join the more than 40,000 ISU donors and make a gift using the enclosed envelope, by calling (309) 438-8184, or going online at IllinoisState.edu/Giving. RedbirdsRising.IllinoisState.edu

/ISUGiving

Herbert F. Snook ’52, M.S. ’59; 4/17 Louis J. Smith, M.A. ’67; 5/17 Kathleen A. (Francione) Topolin- 90s ski ’73; 6/17 Wesley D. Bair ’55, M.S. ’60; 5/17 Robert C. Strotheide ’67, M.S. ’73; Christopher T. Ryder ’90; 3/15 5/17 Bryce C. House ’74; 5/17 Edward W. Scaggs ’56; 5/17 Kyle J. Schawel ’94; 6/17 Marilyn K. Wolf ’67; 4/17 Don W. Bockler, M.S. ’75; 5/17 Aaron P. Rasmussen ’57; 8/15 Angela L. (Stevens) Clark ’95; 8/17 Raymond Belcher, M.S. ’68; 2/17 Alan L. Tomaski ’77; 6/17 Russell D. Albert, M.S. ’58; 5/17 Rita M. (Foernssler) Martinez ’95; Edward J. Tully Sr. ’58, M.S. ’61; Paula L. (Romanelli) McCarren Wilma L. Woolard, M.S. ’77; 5/17 6/17 Brown ’68; 6/17 6/17 Kenneth B. Grodjesk, M.S. ’78; 6/17 Mark W. Crabtree, M.S. ’97; 6/17 Lyle W. Smith, M.S. ’68; 7/17 Loretta M. (Warner) Whitaker David C. Kessler ’78; 7/17 Robert D. Day ’98; 7/17 ’58; 4/17 John R. Todt ’68, ’86; 5/17 Reta (Heinzelman) Riley, M.S. ’78; Daniel J. Otto ’98; 7/17 Barbara (Hawbaker) Moore ’59; Elizabeth “Libby” (Streid) Wahls, 5/17 3/17 M.S. ’68; 6/17 Marilyn M. Whitman ’78; 5/17 00s Jerome R. Traughber ’59; 6/17 Judith R. (Whitesell) Feezor ’69; Charles J. Bay III ’79; 5/17 5/17 Andrew J. Schultz ’00; 7/17 Donna J. Schmidt ’79; 5/17 60s Robert J. Kuchefski ’69; 5/17 Mary S. Anderson ’04; 4/17 Sandra L. Clay-Adkins, Ed.D. ’04; JoEllen “Joey” (Hoffman) Scam- Judy (Hoh) Ruffus ’69; 5/17 80s 7/17 bler ’60; 6/17 Gregory Schuett ’69; 6/17 James C. Bagley, M.S. ’80; 7/17 Brigitta Nasimiyu ’05; 3/17 Phyllis J. (Breider) Bruno ’61; 5/17 Michael E. Sigler ’81; 7/17 Sarah J. Alberts ’07, M.S. ’15; 7/17 Donald P. Gore ’62, M.S. ’70; 5/17 70s Constance (Kindrick) Patterson Bryan C. Eisenhower ’07; 8/17 Barbara M. (Budde) Arvan ’63; Donald B. Dowling, M.S. ’70; 6/17 ’82, M.S. ’84, Ph.D. ’99; 7/17 6/17 Charles O. Austin III ’71; 7/17 Alan R. Boaz, MBA ’83; 5/17 Nancy E. (Mann) Hynd ’63; 6/17 10s Ednamae (Riley) Bruce ’71, M.S. Christopher L. Nafziger, M.S. ’85; Andrew “Ace” C. Ehrlichman- Ralph L. Moore ’63; 6/17 ’81; 6/17 6/17 Sabatini ’10; 6/17 Paul R. Schmidt ’63, M.A. ’64; 5/17 Stephen A. Little ’71; 6/17 Scott J. Bell ’86; 5/17 Joseph G. Prigge ’15; 8/17 Judith A. (Beaver) Coogan ’64; 7/17 Lois M. Schertz ’71; 5/17 John Lowe ’86; 4/17 Rachel A. Dean ’17; 9/17 William L. Duffy ’64; 5/17 Sharon M. (Waugh) Gordon ’73, Karen L. Wold, M.S. ’86; 8/17 M.S. ’77; 5/17 Jerry D. Barton Jr. ’66, M.S. ’68; Nadia Franciscono ’88; 5/17 5/17 Peter C. King ’73; 1/17 Ellen M. Vogel ’89; 6/17 Blanch H. (Habada) Hogate ’66; William “Toby” T. Meyers Jr. ’73; Bruce A. Weller ’89; 8/17 12/16 6/17 Joseph A. Wellman, M.S. ’66; 6/17

44 Illinois State November 2017 Student scholarship recipients gather on campus each fall for Thank-A-Donor-Days. The event provides an opportunity for students to write a personal letter of thanks to those who provided their financial support.

Private support for Illinois State ships were awarded, and the University’s endowment totaled more than $21.4 million in fiscal year 2017, which reached more than $112.6 million. ended July 31. It was the third consecutive year of donor President Larry Dietz expressed appreciation for support surpassing $21 million, and the third best fundraising the overall support and increased alumni participation. year on record at the University. “These numbers are a testament to the lifelong Records were set with more than 12,000 graduates impact of receiving an education at Illinois State Uni- contributing. Of that number, nearly 1,500 were first- versity. We are honored that so many of our alumni and time alumni donors. The funds will be used to support friends recognize the value of Illinois State,” Dietz said. scholarships, student life, faculty, research, technology “The generosity and continued support is inspiring. and facilities. We are grateful for the private resources committed to “The giving momentum at Illinois State is encour- advance the ISU experience.” aging,” said University Advancement Vice President Pat Will you make a difference by supporting your passion? Make a contri- Vickerman. “The number of donors and level of private bution to Redbirds Rising: The Campaign for Illinois State by using the support reflects the enthusiasm and confidence our enclosed envelope, going online at IllinoisState.edu/Giving, or calling donors have in our students, faculty and staff. Every gift (800) 366-4478. truly makes a difference, and we appreciate each and every one.” Because of the FY2017 fundraising success, 36 endowed scholarships were created, 2,072 scholar- Advancement Operations Campus Box 8000 Normal, IL 61790-8000

Campaign kickoff There was an evening of celebration in September at the kickoff of Redbirds Rising: The Campaign for Illinois State. More than 400 of the University’s top donors and students—including those who have received scholarships—gathered with ISU’s leadership team in Redbird Arena to launch the $150 million campaign. The total raised to date exceeds $106 million.