Illinois State Magazine, August 2015 Issue University Marketing and Communications

Illinois State University ISU ReD: Research and eData Illinois State Magazine University Marketing and Communications 8-1-2015 Illinois State Magazine, August 2015 Issue University Marketing and Communications Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/ism Recommended Citation University Marketing and Communications, "Illinois State Magazine, August 2015 Issue" (2015). Illinois State Magazine. 27. https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/ism/27 This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the University Marketing and Communications at ISU ReD: Research and eData. It has been accepted for inclusion in Illinois State Magazine by an authorized administrator of ISU ReD: Research and eData. For more information, please contact [email protected]. AUGUST 2015 AUGUST • NUMBER 1 • VOLUME 16 High note Sweat. Repetition. Fatigue and fantastic memories. Just another day in the Big Red Marching Machine. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Susan Marquardt Blystone ’84, M.S. ’03 ALUMNI EDITOR Rachel Kobus ’09, M.S. ’11 COPY EDITOR Kevin Bersett LEAD DESIGNERS FirstWord Dave Jorgensen, M.S. ’03 Michael Mahle An anonymous author has captured the essence DESIGNERS of relationships by explaining that they exist for a reason, a season or a lifetime. As the Jeff Higgerson ’92 Sean Thornton ’00 campus prepares for the start of a new semester, I am reminded of how this succinct Carol (Jalowiec) Watson ’08 statement also defines the collegiate experience. WEB EDITOR Ryan Denham I have no doubt that students new to the Illinois State campus this fall are focused PHOTOGRAPHER on their reason for enrolling. They applied and arrived determined to pursue their Lyndsie Schlink ’04 passion. A college degree is the next step in their life journey. It is essential for fulfilling PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Tracy Widergren ’03 goals that are both personal and professional. With WRITERS class schedule and books in hand, they are ready Steven Barcus ’06, M.S. ’09 to build their foundation in a given field. They are Kevin Bersett EDITORIAL INTERN Redbirds seeking knowledge, skills, credentials and Bridget Anders experiences that accompany a degree. Illinois State (USPS 019606) is published quarterly Academic work at Illinois State is rigorous and for members of the Illinois State University Alumni for most traditional students, requires a minimum Association at Alumni Center, 1101 N. Main Street, Normal, Illinois 61790-3100. Periodicals postage paid of four years. College life consequently extends to at Normal, Illinois, and at additional mailing offices. become a season in life that is like no other. The Magazine editorial offices are located at 1101 N. Main Street, Normal, Illinois 61790-3100; telephone Redbird experience represents a time dedicated to (309) 438-2586; facsimile (309) 438-8057; email partnering with peers, faculty and staff in exploration [email protected]; Website IllinoisState.edu/ Magazine. Postmaster: Send address changes to and conversation that define learning. Every alumnus Illinois State, Illinois State University, Campus Box 8000, Normal, IL 61790-8000. can testify that unique opportunities to explore, grow Material may be reprinted with prior approval, and mature as an individual and intellectually will provided no commercial endorsement is implied and credit is given to the author, to Illinois State never again be so readily within reach. University, and to Illinois State. The season is also memorable because it provides so much more than foundational Website: IllinoisState.edu textbook lessons. Illinois State has a diverse population that is civic minded. Our stu- An equal opportunity/affirmative action university encouraging diversity 16-0001. This document is dents are expected to learn leadership skills and engage in critical thinking to solve prob- available in alternative formats upon request by contacting Alumni Relations at (309) 438-2586. lems. They are challenged and prepared to be the change needed in our complex world. As a faculty member and administrator, I can affirm that there is no greater joy than ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS watching students move beyond focusing on the reason for being at the University and Kaci Rollings ’94 Joe McGuire ’77 President Kathy Coyle Murdoch ’86 begin to revel in the season that will never be replicated. This transition is what makes Kathryn Bohn ’74, M.S. ’80 Bob Navarro ’91, M.S. ’93, for memories that never fade. Lisa Castleman ’96 Ph.D. ’02 Jeff Charnogorsky ’85 Tim Pantaleone ’07 On a daily basis, I hear from individuals who recognize that their success stems Bob Freitag ’84 Scott Preston ’10 from the investment of a faculty member who became a mentor. From a partnership in Ryan Gilbert ’03 Doug Reeves ’69 research projects to the bond of roommates, there is no denying the innumerable ways Jennifer Groezinger ’02 Steve Smith ’89, M.S. ’93 Michele Guadalupe ’01 Alice Spann ’78 students are shaped during their years at the University. Dave Horstein ’08 Mike Willis ’82 While I cannot fully explain to our newest Redbird family members the impact Magnolia Im ’96, M.S. ’01 Ron Whitton ’80 Julie Jones ’90 Jerry Wright ’62, M.S. ’66 of the journey they are about to begin, I know they will soon realize the value of their Jerry Kerber ’74 Linda Yap ’74, ’81 Illinois State experience. It is a transformational time that truly extends for a lifetime. Daniel Lopez, Ph.D. ’02 Betty Kinser ’73, M.S. ’75, Ashley Mayor ’08, M.S. ’15 Board of Trustees Alumni Liaison Let us hear from you! Your feedback is appreciated. Send comments or suggestions, Class Notes, Letters to the Editor, How We Met and Legacy stories, as well as Larry Dietz Where Are They Now and Reggie Reads submissions President, Illinois State University to Susan Blystone at [email protected], or mail to Campus Box 3420, Normal, IL 61790. Volume 16, Number 1, August 2015 FEATURES 8 Tears and tributes Two members of the Athletics Department were killed in a private plane crash as the spring semester ended. Five others, including alums and loyal Redbird fans, also lost their lives in the accident that captured national attention and united the campus in grief. 10 Shattering a stereotype ISU has had a Greek presence for 40 years and has more than 32 Greek-letter organizations. Those involved in fraternity or sorority life benefit from service, leadership and friendship. All make the experience special while a student and valuable for a lifetime. 16 Moving to the music 10 Incoming Big Red Marching Machine members begin preparing in August for performances dur- 24 ing the football season and Homecoming. The work is hard but also rewarding and memorable, as revealed in a photo essay of one student’s freshman experience. 20 Creating a shield for safety How do you protect a campus of 20,000 students spread across 490 acres? That question has been pondered at ISU for nearly 20 years. Plans have been refined, a leader hired, teams assembled and drills completed so that the University is 20 Courtesy of Minnesota Vikings ready to respond to any emergency. 24 Ready for his second season Even though permanently sidelined while a Redbird, Mike Zimmer ’79 never lost his love for 16 football. Zimmer’s determination made him the first ISU grad to hold an NFL head coaching job. He has his Minnesota Vikings ready to play ball. DEPARTMENTS 2 University News 8 6 Redbird Athletics What’s trending on 27 Homecoming A 10 impressive stats you didn’t know about ISU 28 #RedbirdProud Reggie Redbird delivers finals week treats to students 30 Class Notes Life inside Watterson Towers, then and now Read those stories and more at IllinoisState.edu/STATEside On the cover: Ethan Peebles prepared to take the field at the Music for All Grand Nationals in Indianapolis last fall. UniversityNews A door to the Middle East Professor hopes to establish Israel, Palestine study option ichael Gizzi is explor- Gizzi also visited the Hand to Hand involved in peace making. It’s important ing an ISU 2016 study Center for Jewish-Arabic Education, the to hear their perspectives, challenges abroad program to Israel Haifa University Peace Studies Program, and the issues they face.” and Palestine. The asso- the World Holocaust Museum and the Gizzi is active with interfaith initia- Mciate professor in criminal justice sci- Peres Center for Peace Studies. He spoke tives and advises the Hillel student orga- ences visited the area spring semester, with a former chief policy advisor for nization. He is a leader of the Friends working on options for students. Israeli President Shimon Peres. Forever program, which pairs Jewish “Israel is a place with more than “Israel and Palestine are approach- and Arab students from Israel together 8,000 years of history, architecture and ing 50 years of conflict and wars, but for a few weeks in Bloomington-Normal. thought,” Gizzi said. “It is the center of there are people who are working hard Now he hopes to bridge campus and the three Abrahamic faiths and the focus of a toward co-existence,” Gizzi said. He Middle East. great deal of work in conflict resolution.” knows ISU students would gain knowl- “It is a complex place where people The journey would be through ISU’s edge and conflict resolution skills from share more in common than they some- peace and conflict resolutions studies interacting with people in the region. times want to admit. It can be a challenge program. Gizzi explored several sites for “We are not just talking Jewish and to get past the noise and be part of a students to visit, from Nazareth to the Palestinian but secular Jews, orthodox quest for a greater understanding,” Gizzi Golan Heights and Ramallah on the West Jews in settlements, Arab citizens who said.

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