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Illinois State Magazine University Marketing and Communications

8-1-2015 Illinois State Magazine, August 2015 Issue University Marketing and Communications

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This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the University Marketing and Communications at ISU ReD: Research and eData. It has been accepted for inclusion in Illinois State Magazine by an authorized administrator of ISU ReD: Research and eData. For more information, please contact [email protected]. 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. “A trip like this could be a good first Bank. All are impacted by struggles that live in Israel, and people from all sides step.” began with Israel’s creation in 1948.

2 Illinois State August 2015 Chemical study advances with NIH grant funding The National Institutes of Health has awarded Biological Sciences Profes- sor Rachel Bowden and post-doctoral researcher Ryan Paitz a $425,000 grant to study the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) and its effects on turtles. The study will ultimately give researchers a bet- ter understanding of BPA’s impact on humans. BPA is a chemical commonly found in water bottles and other plastics. Bowden and Paitz are studying the effects it has on the metabolism of estrogen and embryo development in turtles. They hypothesize that the chemical is interfer- ing with the normal metabolism of estro- gen in developing organisms. Bowden was awarded a University Research Initiative Award and an Out- standing Teaching Initiative Award in 2007. She was named an Outstanding College Researcher in 2012 and recog- nized in 2013 as an Outstanding Univer- Biology Professor Rachel Bowden travels to Banner Marsh State Fish Wildlife Area near Peoria to find turtles for her study. sity Researcher. This is the first grant co-written by Paitz and the fifth that Bowden has County Chamber of Commerce. He has of Janet Krejci and Pat Vickerman as received. She is now a member of the also served as president of the Peoria- vice presidents. Both had served in an University’s Million Dollar Club for Bloomington McDonald’s Co-op and vice interim role. receiving more than $1 million in grants. chair of the Ronald McDonald House Krejci is vice president for Aca- Charities Board in Springfield. demic Affairs and provost. She replaces This is the first term for Louderback, Sheri Noren Everts, who is chancellor of Duo named by governor who co-owns Liberty Outdoor Advertis- Appalachian State University. Vickerman to serve as ISU trustees ing/Liberty Self-Storage in Crystal Lake. is vice president of University Advance- She has been active in ISU’s Alumni Asso- ment (UA). He replaces Erin Minné, who Prominent Central Illinois businessman ciation for more than 20 years, including leads development at DePaul University. Robert Dobski and former state educa- as president. She is in ISU’s College of Krejci became Mennonite College of tion leader Mary Ann Louderback ’74, Education Hall of Fame. Nursing dean in 2009. With a Ph.D. from M.S. ’80, Ph.D. ’84, have joined the Uni- Louderback started her career the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, versity’s Board of Trustees. Their six- teaching fifth grade. She was the execu- she previously served as faculty and as an year appointments were made by Gov. tive assistant for education under Gov. administrator at Marquette University. Bruce Rauner. Jim Edgar and also served in the gover- There she won the all-university teach- Dobski, of Bloomington, is co-owner nor’s Office of Planning. She served on ing excellence award and became associ- of 10 McDonald’s franchises. He returns the Illinois Educational Labor Relations ate dean of the College of Nursing. for his second term, having served from Board and as commissioner of the Illi- The Health Resources and Services 2008 to 2013. He and his wife, Julie, are nois Student Assistance Commission. Administration in the U.S. Department of long-time supporters of Illinois State and Health and Human Services has awarded the Bloomington-Normal community. Krejci almost $1 million in grants for He has been active with The Ameri- VP for Advancement, diversity and advanced-practice research can Red Cross of the Heartland, the Academic Affairs named in nursing. Her work has been published Bloomington-Normal Economic Devel- in the Journal of Nursing Education and opment Council, the W.D. Boyce Council Two campus leadership positions were the Journal of Nursing Administration. Boy Scouts of America and the McLean filled in the spring with the appointment

August 2015 Illinois State 3 Where are they now? Floyd Hoelting’s team-oriented attitude has brought him success from Oklahoma to Illinois and back to his home state of Texas. His career path included four years in the Air Force after high school. He completed his doctorate degree in student personnel at Oklahoma State, with the plan of working in student affairs. Hoelting was a hall coordinator and assistant director of housing at Okla- homa State University. He gained more experience in housing and food services at Western Illinois University before joining Illinois State in 1977. He served as ISU’s director of Housing and Food Services until retiring in 1995. There were challenges, including a five-day blackout at Watterson Towers that required finding temporary housing for residents. A recycling program was launched, diversity emphasized, and improvements made in student food and living standards during his years on campus. “Everything I accomplished was with the team, on the team and by the team,” Hoelting said. “Whatever I contributed, I got back 100-fold.” His ISU legacy was hard work and a genuine caring for others. He exhibits the same as executive director of housing and food at the University of Texas at Austin. “When I had the chance to come back to my home state, I had to take Floyd Hoelting with Bevo, the mascot of University of Texas at Austin it,” Hoelting said. “It has been a good move for me, and it allowed some quality people at ISU to move up into key roles.” He and his wife, JoEllen, enjoy living in the Texas Hill Country. Hoelting stays connected with his ISU staff by sending weekly emails, a quote of the day to 150 of his former staff, and visiting campus as often as possible. “I loved the atmosphere at Illinois State,” Hoelting recalled. “The sense of community I felt there has never been equaled anywhere I have been.” Hoelting enjoys traveling and staying fit, with plans to continue yearly Grand Canyon hikes as well as tackling the Appalachian Trail and Machu Picchu. He can be reached by email at [email protected].

Vickerman joined ISU in 2013 as national and international recognition the Outstanding University Researcher UA’s senior associate vice president, for researching accounting-related cor- Award in 2010. A stellar teacher and overseeing planned giving and compre- porate social responsibility, especially mentor, many of his students advance to hensive campaign planning. A master’s corporate social and environmental the best medical and graduate schools in graduate of the University of Iowa, he accounting. With more than 50 articles the nation. has more than 20 years experience in in academic research journals, he is one higher education fundraising. of the most cited authors in his field. He worked as a planned giving spe- Patten has taught a wide variety of Corporate partnerships cialist in the University of Iowa’s first $1 accounting courses and the Foundation enrich College of Business billion campaign. Vickerman was cam- of Inquiry class. He has received nine IBM and Best Buy Corporate will team paign director for Iowa State University’s awards for outstanding teaching from with the College of Business to provide $867 million fundraising effort and led a the Accounting Department, College of students real-world experience during $163 million initiative while vice presi- Business and student associations. the fall semester. They will gain under- dent at Bradley University. Gatto began at ISU in 2000 and standing in marketing scenarios, digital has since received grant funds totaling analytics, Web software use, and critical more than $4 million from sources such thinking skills not typically addressed in Two faculty are selected as the National Science Foundation and introductory marketing classes. as University Professors the American Heart Association. He has Students will explore how to solve The title of University Professor has published in some of the top journals in problems in a new world of marketing by been awarded to Accounting Professor the field and is a permanent panel mem- working with IBM’s multi-million dol- Dennis Patten and Biophysics Professor ber on a prestigious National Institutes lar Websphere software that is used to Craig Gatto. study section. create and manage business websites. Patten joined the Accounting Gatto received the University They will focus on how to increase value Department in 1985. He has achieved Research Initiative Award in 2001 and to the website, create customer loyalty

4 Illinois State August 2015 programs and use the website to speak national pass rate went from 83 percent to consumers. They will also learn how to 82, while the state of Illinois rate to close the sale following “basket aban- dropped from 85 percent to 84. donment,” which is when the customer The college’s graduates have sur- Mail places items in their cart online but does passed the state and national averages for not complete a purchase. the NCLEX-RN for more than 10 years, To the Editor, With more than 8,000 marketing as reported by the Illinois Department of I am very impressed with the Student Sustain- brands currently using IBM software, the Financial and Professional Regulation in ability Committee and its projects, especially training will give students an edge as job the governor’s office. the solar-powered table (February 2015). As applicants. They will receive a certificate “MCN graduates continue to dem- an environmental educator, I am always excited from IBM showing completion of intro- onstrate mastery on the licensure exami- by the ways Illinois State is lowering its carbon duction to the software. nation,” said Interim Dean H. Catherine footprint and making sustainability visible. For Best Buy, students will complete Miller. “Even with our increase in enroll- Good job! a case study encompassing the concept ment, MCN’s pass rate again exceeds Carol Peterson ’75 of consumer engagement and show- the state and national averages. We have rooming, which is allowing consumers to dedicated faculty who work extremely To the Editor, play with technology on display and then hard to prepare our students to be suc- I thoroughly enjoyed “Shattering the Stereo- buy it elsewhere. cessful.” type” (February 2015). I was one of those Students will complete and present home economics students who learned to solutions to help the company resolve cook, clean and live in the Rambo House, show-rooming problems. The case study Policy change eliminates graduating to plentiful jobs teaching in Illinois. will help students and market the Uni- all tobacco from campus As a result of my excellent education, I taught versity as a whole. Whenever Best Buy In compliance with the Illinois Smoke- in Illinois public schools for 11 years, and then shares the information, it will be dis- Free Campus Act and other applicable worked for the University of Illinois Extension played on an ISU branded site. state laws, Illinois State has eliminated teaching family life programs for an additional smoking and the use of tobacco products 13 years. on university grounds. The change took A few of my ISU home economics memo- Nursing graduates excel place July 1. ries include the white uniform, white tennis on licensure examination Smoking and tobacco is prohibited shoes, a hairnet and our “bible”—The Betty Graduates of the Mennonite College of on all campus property, including build- Crocker Cookbook (still use mine)—that were Nursing (MCN) achieved a 94 percent ings, grounds, parking lots and vehicles required for all foods classes with Professor pass rate on the national nursing licen- owned or operated by a state-supported Blossom Johnson. We were required to wear sure examination (NCLEX-RN) for 2014, institution of higher education. Use is dresses to all home economics classes at Turn- even in the face of increasingly stringent allowed only in privately-owned vehi- er Hall, despite the harsh winter weather. standards. cles when traveling through campus or While living in the dormitories, we had to ISU nursing alums continue to parked in an unenclosed lot on campus. wear a dress to dinner in the cafeteria. The exceed state and national averages, both “The establishment of a smoke- and dorms I lived in were totally all girls. We had to of which dropped from last year. The tobacco-free environment promotes the sign in and out if we were going to be away and health and well-being of Illinois State were granted only so many “late hours.” students, faculty, staff and visitors,” said The skills I learned at ISU have been used Environmental Health and Safety Office all of my life for work, family or community. Director J.C. Crabill. Now such an education is in Family Consumer A communication campaign about Sciences, with a goal to empower graduates to the policy was launched, and the Uni- cover many global issues such as culinary arts, versity’s Health Promotion and Well- nutrition/dietetics, apparel/interior design and ness Office offered smoking-cessation still the family. resources. Cheers for ISU and its positive progression! Proud to be an alum!

Mary Elizabeth (Green) Evans ’68

Work in a simulation lab is a key part of training MCN students.

August 2015 Illinois State 5 RedbirdAthletics

Beyond competition Redbird athletes earn national honors as stellar students

cademics have always been at school had multiple student-athletes on Soccer forward Tejada finished a the forefront of Illinois State the first team. biological sciences degree with a 3.41 Athletics—a fact reaffirmed A redshirt junior infielder/catch- GPA. She was named to the National when three Redbirds were er, DeJong was an All-MVC First-Team Soccer Coaches Association of America namedA First Team Academic All-Amer- selection for the second year. He had Scholar All-America First Team. Tejada icans following the 2014-2015 academic team-leading totals of 70 hits, 15 doubles, led the Redbirds to a record 16 wins and year. 14 home runs and 48 RBIs. He also led the NCAA Tournament second round. Baseball teammates Paul DeJong ’15 in slugging percentage and total bases. She broke MVC records during the sea- and Jacob Hendren joined Rachel Tejada He completed an undergraduate degree son, finishing her career with 74 goals, ’15 from the soccer team in receiving the in biochemistry/pre-medicine with a 42 assists and 190 points. Tejada ranked accolade for excelling in the classroom. 3.76 GPA. third in the nation in goals and points. “Having three First-Team Academic Hendren is a junior studying math- She was MVC Player of the Year and All-Americans in a single year is incred- ematics/pre-medicine with a 3.83 GPA. All-MVC First Team for the fourth-con- ible for any NCAA Division I institution. MVC Newcomer of the Year, he posted a secutive season. We are in the education business, and 10-2 pitching record, tying ISU’s single- Editor’s note: An additional student this helps drive that point home,” said season record for wins. He pitched 106 received the honor as the magazine was on Director of Athletics Larry Lyons ’86. innings during the spring, breaking the press. See GoRedbirds.com for that story. DeJong and Hendren earned Capi- school record. Hendren also led the Red- tal One Academic All-America honors birds with a 2.80 ERA, 99 strikeouts and and were first-team selections. No other three complete games.

6 Illinois State August 2015 Men’s basketball team adds experienced coach

As an assistant coach at Virginia Com- In his three VCU seasons, Ballard monwealth University (VCU), Jerry Bal- aided in a 79-28 overall record. The lard aided in three consecutive trips to Rams earned five all-conference acco- The Big Dance. He will now help Illinois lades during his time there. He worked State continue its upward trajectory as closely with shooting guard Troy Dan- an assistant men’s basketball coach. iels, who went on to set a single-season From Hancock to Arrowhead “I’m ecstatic to be joining the Red- 3-point school record. Daniels plays for Hard work and success on the football field as bird family,” Ballard said. “Following the the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets. Tulsa had a Redbird resulted in a chance of a lifetime for Illinois State program from afar, I have nine all-conference honorees in each of James O’Shaughnessy ’14, who was chosen by seen the excitement that is building here Ballard’s final four seasons there. the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2015 NFL Draft. and cannot wait to be a part of it all.” As a student-athlete at Colgate, He was a three-year starter for the Redbirds Ballard has been an NCAA Division Ballard won academic honors and was at tight end and one of the best pass-catchers I assistant 11 seasons, including at Tulsa deemed the team’s best defensive play- in school history. In his four-year career, O’Shaughnessy caught 67 passes for 1,170 and Mercer. He began his college coach- er during his senior season. A Georgia, yards. ing career at his alma mater, Colgate, native, he holds a bachelor’s in English ISU has had a player drafted three con- where Ballard was a four-year member and a minor in religion. He and his wife, secutive seasons. Shelby Harris was selected of the basketball program. Khatera, have a son, Khalif Jamal. by the Oakland Raiders in 2014, with Nate Palmer chosen by the Green Bay Packers in 2013. O’Shaughnessy is the first ISU tight end Seasoned coach set to lead soccer program to be drafted. As the new head coach for soccer, Eric As one of the nation’s top assis- Golz brings to Illinois State 12 years of tant coaches, Golz put together three Non-conference games set coaching experience. He replaces Drew consecutive top-25 recruiting classes at The men’s basketball non-conference schedule Roff, who accepted a coaching position Maryland. He helped the team to two will include four 2015 NCAA Tournament at Purdue University. ACC Tournament appearances, includ- teams and at least two NIT qualifiers. Among Golz was a head and assistant coach ing a conference championship berth in the top competitors for Dan Muller’s players for the state and regional Olympic Devel- 2012, as well as one NCAA Tournament will be UAB, Morehead State, South Dakota opment Program. He has served as the appearance. Golz coached five All-ACC State, Houston Baptist and Murray State. ISU will also face former Redbird assistant coach head coach for the Iowa Rush, a semi- student-athletes during his Maryland and basketball player Dana Ford ’06 with his professional franchise in the Women’s tenure. Tennessee State squad. Premier Soccer League. “I am very humbled, honored and Another Redbird will be on the sidelines He was most recently at the Uni- privileged to have been named the next when ISU opens the season against Steve versity of Maryland, where he was an head women’s soccer coach at Illinois Fisher ’67 and his San Diego State team. Other assistant women’s coach. Golz worked State University,” said Golz, who is a challenges will be against Maryland and Final with the team’s defense, which in 2014 native of Ohio and holds a degree in Four qualifier Kentucky. gave up the fewest goals for the program finance. He was a standout goalkeeper at The full schedule and ticket information in the last seven years. Grove City College and was an All-Presi- are available at GoRedbirds.com or by calling dents Athletic Conference selection. (309) 438-8000.

Football, volleyball and soccer teams ended the 2014 season with a 31-1 MVC combined record and conference championship wins. Football and volleyball tickets are now on sale. Admission is free to all soccer games.

August 2015 Illinois State 7 A season of sorrow The campus community and residents of Bloom- tor Larry Lyons ’86. Others aboard were Pub II ington-Normal came together during the spring co-owner Terry Stralow ’74, age 64; Sprint ac- semester to mourn the loss of seven men killed in a count manager Andy Butler ’96, age 40; investment plane accident on April 7. officer Jason Jones, M.S. ’93, age 45; former ISU Among those tragically taken were two student and Eureka Locker Co. owner Scott Bittner, members of Illinois State’s Athletics department: 42; and pilot Thomas Hileman, 51. Deputy Director for External “Every school has these guys: donors, fans Operations Aaron Leetch, 37; and supporters who are always there when and Torrey Ward, 36, needed. They were great men and good commu- associate head coach for nity partners,” Lyons said. “There is no play in the men’s basketball. playbook for times like these.” They were returning President Larry Dietz summarized the reac- from the NCAA men’s Final tion of all in a message to campus, saying “words Four game in Indianapolis cannot fully express the grief that is felt in the aboard a twin-engine Cessna wake of such a tragedy. We move between shock when the crash occurred and profound sadness.” during attempts to land in Sorrow was evident throughout the commu- TORREY WARD AARON LEETCH Associate Men’s Basketball Coach Deputy Director of Athletics heavy fog. The plane was nity, including at Pub II. Flowers surrounded the found in a soybean field near business that has been a favorite campus gathering Bloomington’s Central Illinois Regional Airport. spot for decades. Tears were shed and comfort- The accident drew national attention, and the cause ing hugs shared during a service at Redbird Arena remains under investigation by federal authorities. held days prior to individual funerals planned by There were no survivors among the men the families. More flowers, personal expressions described as “Redbird guys” by Athletics Direc-

8 Illinois State August 2015 Grief was evident across campus following the loss of seven men in a plane crash. The men’s basketball team sat front and center during a service at Redbird Arena the day after the tragedy, opposite page. Flowers were placed at Pub II, bottom left, at a memorial inside Redbird Arena and in front of the Doug Collins ’73 and Will Robinson statue on campus. Team chaplain John Rayford and Athletics Director Larry Lyons, center, spoke at the service that was a time for hugs and tears.

of sympathy and ISU gear were left at a memorial Players expressed their gratitude for his role in created on the arena concourse. their lives as a mentor and father figure. Dietz, Lyons and ISU team chaplain John “Torrey Ward was a big part of the success tak- Rayford spoke at the somber service that com- ing place with our men’s basketball program,” Ly- forted student-athletes and the campus as a whole. ons said. “He had a big personality, was a talented Hundreds attended to honor Leetch and Ward as coach and recruiter, and our fans loved him.” exemplary individuals who were also exceptional A former college athlete, Ward played basket- in their professional roles. ball at the University of Alabama at Birmingham “Aaron Leetch was a shining star in this while completing a degree in criminal justice business. He had a gift in dealing with people and sciences. He played professionally in the Chinese building relationships,” Lyons said. “Our external Basketball Association for the Shanghai Sharks. units were making incredible progress under his His coaching experience prior to ISU was leadership.” gained at Jacksonville State and the University A graduate of Tennessee Temple, Leetch com- of Mississippi. Ward joined Illinois State in 2012. pleted a master’s at Baylor University. He started The team achieved a 58-44 record during his three in athletics fundraising at that school and went on Redbird seasons, including three wins over Top-25 to Arkansas State prior to initially joining ISU in programs. His recruiting prowess helped create the 2005. team that scored victories against opponents from For six years he was a member of Illinois State’s the Big Ten, Big East and Southeastern Conference. Athletics executive team with direct supervision of He is survived by his mother; fiancé Johnene; department staff in areas of development, market- and three children, Tamia, Torrey and Audrey. ing, corporate sponsorships and ticket operations. Among memorial funds chosen by the families Fundraising totals increased 143 percent under his is Illinois State Athletics. Gifts can be made at leadership, with equally impressive growth in aver- GoRedbirds.com. Support will empower Athletics age attendance. to carry on with the work that was a passion for Leetch left in 2011 to serve as the director of those lost. athletics at Whitworth University in Washington, “As we move forward, we enter a new chapter returning to ISU in 2013. His duties expanded to in Redbird Athletics—one without seven incredible include supervision of communications and video men who made ISU a much better place. There is production for the Redbirds, as well as administra- no way to replace their personalities or their con- tive leadership for men’s and women’s golf and tributions to ISU Athletics,” Lyons said. baseball. “This new chapter provides a special opportu- He is survived by his parents; his wife, Lind- nity to pick up where we were before this tragedy say; and their daughters, Avery and Emmersen. and continue to be at our best. It’s what our friends Ward was remembered as far more than a would want. It’s what we owe this community.” coach to members of the men’s basketball team.

August 2015 Illinois State 9 What it means to be

BY STEVEN BARCUS at ISU Fraternities and sororities have played a role on college cam- puses since their inception as debate and literary societies in 1776. Originally founded so students could discuss topics of the day outside of the classroom, the organizations are now commonplace worldwide and enrich the college experience by providing academic, community, and social opportunities.

Having been accepted on campus four said Art Munin, who has that very title at ISU. decades ago, Illinois State’s Greek life is in its “They tend to paint both in a stereotypical infancy compared to many other universities, action, not reflective of the lived experience but it is rapidly growing. More than 32 Greek- of fraternity and sorority life.” letter organizations have an established pres- Munin, who has more than 15 years of ence. The number continues to increase over experience in student affairs, sees fraterni- time, as more diverse interests surface with ties and sororities as providing ISU students the changing study body. with strong on-campus leadership and civic While many Illinois State fraternities and engagement opportunities. He notes that sororities are social in nature, day-to-day life such experiences can provide life skills, give in the houses is far from Hollywood depic- experience in mediation, and create a sense tions in movies such as National Lampoon’s of belonging. Animal House and Van Wilder. ISU’s organiza- “Students are looking for community, tions instead provide students opportunities Munin said. “We know that a sense of com- to support the organization’s selected charity, munity and sense of identity are very strong mature as leaders, enhance their studies, serve predictors of how successful students will be the community, and have fun. in college. Students are creating new families. “Hollywood has not done any favors to They’re creating new networks that are going fraternities and sororities, just as Hollywood to support them throughout their academic has not done any favors to deans of students,” career and beyond.”

10 Illinois State August 2015 FRATERNITY/SORORITY LIFE 101 If you’re not already familiar with Greek life, don’t worry. Here are some of the basics you need to understand fraternities and sororities at Illinois State. What it means to be FRATERNITY/ SORORITY LIFE 2,500 A value-based organization FRATERNITY/SORORITY built on common principles among members that are MEMBERSHIP constituted through rituals Membership is expected to reach 3,000 by 2016. and bonds that last a lifetime. Growth is due to the number of groups increas- ing, which creates options that are a better fit for more students.

32 FRATERNITY GREEK ORGANIZATIONS AND SORORITY AT ISU LIFE OFFICE The number is expected to reach 35 to 40 University supported office that provides guidance by December. It is not uncommon for the with academic achievement, leadership development, total to change due to new chapters joining community service, and membership recruitment. the community and others departing.

GOVERNING GRADUATE CHAPTER Members of NPHC and MGC organizations can continue COUNCILS to have close ties of brotherhood and sisterhood after graduation by joining graduate chapters. Located across OVERSEE GREEK LIFE the nation, they are a way to continue with philanthropy, ON CAMPUS service, and fellowship.

1 2 3 4 IFC cpc nphc MGC

Interfraternity College Panhellenic National Pan-Hellenic Multicultural Greek Council Council Council Council Traditional historic Traditional historic Traditionally African-American Seven traditionally cultural- fraternities with houses sororities with houses fraternities and sororities based organizations

largest largest largest NPHC largest MGC fraternity sorority organization organization DELTA CHI ZETA TAU ALPHA ALPHA PHI ALPHA ALPHA PSI LAMBDA 159 170 18 25 MEMBERS MEMBERS MEMBERS MEMBERS

August 2015 Illinois State 11 STUDENT LEADER PROFILES Meet some of the students who guide fraternity and sorority life at Illinois State.

ALEXANDRA DI DOMENICO

COLLEGE PANHELLENIC COUNCIL (CPC) PRESIDENT A leader in high school, Di Domenico put a high priority on finding not only lead- ership opportunities, but also a group of like-minded friends with similar values. In her sorority, she found a sisterhood where she could focus on philanthropy, community service, and leadership—all while forging bonds she will carry for the rest of her life. “Being a Greek, you gain so much from your college experience. I benefit from the close community, sisterhood/brotherhood, strong focus on academics and philanthropy, and of course leadership. Without Greek life, I would have not been able to meet as many wonderful people who have impacted my life more than they ever know.”

LULU SOLORZANO

MULTICULTURAL GREEK COUNCIL (MGC) PRESIDENT Solorzano was one of the founders of her sorority. She worked to bring it to campus because she and her peers identified with the sorority’s values. During her time on MGC, she has collaborated with other organizations to promote shared values. Solorzano is certain Greek life has a profound impact. “A lot of MGC organizations are pretty small. With having organizations rang- ing from five to a max of 25, there are a bunch of roles that can be taken such as president, vice president, academic chair, business chair, risk management chair. There are so many positions that nobody in the organization can get away with just attending chapter. Everyone is responsible for something. Everyone has a position. Everyone will be utilizing skills that they’re best at or if not, discovering new skills. It’s a good way to start utilizing your skills and really putting yourself out there to see what your limits are and what you can do.”

NICK BIRLINGMAIR

INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL (IFC) VICE PRESIDENT Birlingmair knew that assuming leadership roles as president of his fraternity and IFC’s vice president of programming would require shouldering a great deal of responsibility. The experience has helped him hone his leadership, time manage- ment, delegation skills; and communicate with his constituents and peers. “Being in a fraternity and sorority is so much more than the stereotype of ‘paying for your friends.’ It teaches lifelong values that you carry with you every single day. It teaches you that people come from all sorts of backgrounds and you learn how to understand and respect those not like you. It gets you more involved with those around campus as well. If I hadn’t joined a fraternity, I wouldn’t know a fraction of the people I do now. Greek life also gives you a chance to give back to the community through philanthropy and community service work."

12 Illinois State August 2015 GREEK HISTORY: FROM FOES TO FRIENDS While fraternities and sororities are welcome on campus today, the original official stance was that such organizations were unneeded and unwanted. By the 1960s, this perspective was relaxed.

1942 1968 1969 ISU issued its first formal statement against the formation ISU was vehemently against the formation of fraternities A more neutral stance was adopted. The 1969–1970 of fraternities/sororities after a group of African-American and sororities. The 1968–1969 course catalog stated: course catalog stated: “Acting upon the Student Senate women—unaware of the unwritten “understanding” “Since the founding of Illinois State University, social recommendation, the University Council concurred that regarding the formation of fraternities and sororities—ap- fraternities and sororities, even of a local nature, have not the University adopt a policy of neutrality toward social plied for and received a charter from Sigma Beta Kappa. been a part of student life. The University maintains that, fraternities and sororities. Consequently, hereafter the without these organizations, it can better achieve its main University will neither oppose nor encourage its students purpose and that students can participate more effectively to join or form such social fraternities or sororities as may in the life of the whole University.” be established in the town of Normal.” This cold statement was removed by the 1971–1972 catalog and organizations were formally listed.

1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s

1969 1971 1972 1973 1986

ΤΚΕ δΣΦ ΦβΣ • ΑΦΑ ΑΔπ Σλβ Tau Kappa Epsilon Delta Sigma Phi Phi Beta Sigma Alpha Delta Pi Sigma Lambda founded as the first chartered and re- and Alpha Phi chartered and Beta chartered Greek-lettered organi- mains the oldest IFC Alpha chartered remains the old- and remains the zation on campus and remain the est sorority oldest MGC. The oldest NPHC Gamma chapter δΣθ (men) ΑΓΡ • δχ Delta Sigma Theta is the third-ever Alpha Gamma Rho and chartered and chapter of Sigma Delta Chi chartered remains the oldest Lambda Beta. and remain the oldest NPHC (women) fraternities

August 2015 Illinois State 13 A PLACE TO CALL HOME Big houses adorned with Greek letters are more than places to sleep. Within these walls, lifelong bonds are made and networks are established that affect students on personal and professional levels. • Most Panhellenic sorority SERVICE AND PHILANTHROPY houses are owned by alumni Community service and philanthropy are a priority of every chapter on campus. The or a house corporation of the effort members pour into raising funds and improving the community makes a real impact. national office. One-third of fraternity houses at Illinois State are owned in the same manner.

• Not all organizations own their NATIONAL house. Some rent houses from CHARITIES local property managers.

• Delta Chi has the most Each fraternity/sorority supports a national charity, which can students living in a house— be a huge selection point for prospective members. Some charities approximately 50. include the Ronald McDonald House, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Children’s Miracle Network, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. • Phi Psi has the fewest students living in a house— approximately 10.

• Every IFC fraternity will be housed for the first time this fall. • Cost to live in a house each $ , , semester varies, but is typically 100 843 23 173 between $1,500 and $2,000. CHARITY DOLLARS SERVICE HOURS Room, meals, dues, cleaning and RAISED THIS YEAR COMPLETED THIS YEAR maintenance fees are included in the total. • Occupants of Greek houses are CHI OMEGA’S MARCH MADNESS primarily sophomores. annually sells out Braden Auditorium—a venue that holds • IFC and CPC organizations hold more than 3,000—and raises more than $30,000 for the an average of three to four regis- tered parties per semester. They MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION are only required to register parties if alcohol will be served.

14 Illinois State August 2015 MAKING THE GRADES Academics are a significant part of the fraternity/sorority experience. Being attached to a community of peers drives students to learn and achieve more.

Average required GPA to join a fraternity/ ISU’s fraternal community was recognized sorority organization is 2.5. The average in the spring semester by Gamma Sigma of ISU’s undergraduate degree-seeking Alpha honor society for GPA Honor Roll students in fraternities/sororities for fall at the Association of Fraternal Leadership 2014 was 3.01. Average overall university and Values. The honor recognizes above GPA for undergraduate degree-seeking average undergraduate GPA. students in fall 2014 was 2.98.

TELL YOUR STORY Editor’s note: Special thinks to Alex Snowden, M.S. ’09; and Yesenia Garcia, Fraternity and Did fraternity/sorority life change you? Did you serve as Sorority Life; Lindsay Vahl ’06, M.S. ’09, a leader? Engage in philanthropy? Did you meet lifelong Alumni Relations; Kelly Wystarczyk ’08, M.S. friends or a significant other through chapter activities? ’10, Planning, Research, and Policy Analysis; Share your story at Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/Greek. and April Anderson, Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield Illinois State staff will pick favorites to be shared in a Archives, for contributions to this feature. future STATEside post.

August 2015 Illinois State 15 Members of the Big Red Marching Machine are among the ships through events unlike what their classmates experience. University’s best ambassadors, instilling pride and sparking Incoming students especially appreciate representing ISU in collegiate memories every time they take up their instru- such a unique way. ments. Those who cheer at half-time shows and applaud as The transition from high school marching! band to the Big the band parades through campus during Homecoming rarely Red Marching Machine was unforgettable for Ethan Peebles. realize the work required by each member. Highlights from his freshman year were captured by ISU’s Students start perfecting the music and learning their photographer, Lyndsie Schlink ’04. Her images from last Au- steps during long, hot days of summer band camp. The result gust through the band’s final performance in January reveal is far more than a polished performance. They gain friend- both mundane and exceptional moments in Peebles’ rookie Redbird season.

16 Illinois State August 2015 Ethan knew ISU’s band camp would be intense. Music for the 11-minute program was distributed day one, and had to be memorized. The routine was perfected on a parking lot near Tri-Towers. Uniforms and formal portraits were taken on an oppressive August day. “The uniforms are definitely hot, but we look sharp,” Ethan said. “That’s what is important.” Ethan was one of nearly 250 in the band. Much of the work is initially done as sectionals, making the bond between those with the same instrument that much stronger. “We had a lot of fun,” he said, as evidenced in the sectional photo. “We were also extremely loud.” Dinner breaks were an opportunity to enjoy air conditioning. Practice continued six hours a week all semester for one credit hour. Ethan loved the music for the program, “The Grammy Winners,” which included songs by Bruno Mars and Coldplay.

August 2015 Illinois State 17 Homecoming was so cold band members wore coats. The trumpets had saliva freezing in the instrument’s bell. “That never happened to me before,” said Ethan, who marched with his mother. Gwen (Conlin) ’91 played flute for the parade. “There was so much school spirit as we marched.” He played in the University Band and Pep Band as well. Away from band, Ethan is usually found in the College of Business, as his major is accounting. Among his best friends are fellow band mem- bers Jack McGrath, above left, and Nathan Yurgin.

18 Illinois State August 2015 Band members had two exceptional road trips last season. Ethan and fellow trumpeter Seth Rieker, above left, shared a laugh on the road to Indianapolis for the Bands of America Music for All Grand Nationals. Pre-performance warm-ups include “breathing gym,” which Ethan confirms strengthens the lungs to get maximum sound. The trip included a night in a high school gym. Taking the field at Lucas Stadium was exhilirating. The band followed the football team to the FCS National Championship in Texas and marched in Toyota Stadium. “Everybody was hyped up for that game and we played really well,” Ethan said, noting there were no complaints about having marched from August to January. He is now rested and ready to do it again as a seasoned sophomore.

August 2015 Illinois State 19 20 Illinois State August 2015 Working to be ready for BeyondBeyond any time of trouble

by Susan Marquardt 9-1-19-1-1 Blystone Cost, quality and safety. For most families, college choice comes down to these three areas of concern. Even after deciding which academic program fits best and a budget to cover expenses is in place, worry about protection for a son or daughter settling into the campus community inevitably continues. Eric Hodges understands the emotion and knows how to curb such anxiety: build a culture of preparedness. That’s exactly what he has helped accomplish at Illinois State in his role as emergency manager through Environmental Health and Safety (EHS). “We need for everybody in the University community to feel they are prepared to respond to an emergency. The goal is to be ‘all-hazards’ prepared,” said Hodges, explain- ing the term means being ready for incidents whether caused by human action, created through nature or connected to technology. Despite frequent headlines that convey the trauma of violent shootings, Hodges assures that is the least likely emergency scenario for the campus. “Weather damage is the most frequent,” he said, “and one of the more emerging threats is cyber crime.” Knowing the possibilities are broad and beyond prediction, Hodges purposefully narrows his focus to issues of mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery—with the emphasis on preparedness. The key is to have a trained team in place to execute a plan. At Illinois State, the blueprint has evolved over several years to now include nearly 100 people with diverse expertise and experience from across the University. Long before Hodges assumed his role in 2013, others within EHS were addressing emergency management issues. The work began in 1997 under Steve Eddington. A retired Marine, he had the foresight to start planning before federal mandates or intense national exposure revealed the need for heightened campus security. Assistant Director Don Kunde ’93, who was EHS staff at that time as well, remembers the first Incident Management Plan was primarily a notice to units that would be called upon in an emergency and contact information for needed responders. While the work was done in partnership with the University Police Department, there were no drills. “We had a pager tree that became a phone tree. That was our initial emergency alert system,” Kunde recalled, noting the entire effort has been a progression over many years. Headway continued under current EHS Director J.C. Crabill, who succeeded Ed- dington in 2005. With a degree in safety and work experience in nuclear power plants, Crabill was pleased to see an initial plan in place.

August 2015 Illinois State 21 Eric Hodges

“I had a great respect for what had The work complements knowledge been done. One of my top concerns was Hodges gained by completing a master’s that it still wasn’t what it needed to be,” in emergency and disaster management Crabill said. He knew the next step was through the American Public University to add breadth, detail and training. on creating a crisis communication group System. He is one of fewer than 1,500 Campus leadership realized the need to handle emergency messaging. globally to have gained certification to intensify the work as well, especially “We have a real sense of respon- through the International Association of following the Virginia Tech attack in sibility to communicate the truth and Emergency Managers. 2007 and a shooting at Northern Illinois provide direction to replace rumor” that Hodges has volunteered in numer- University in 2008. Both events height- is inevitable as an emergency unfolds, ous community, county and state emer- ened awareness of campus vulnerability. said Killian, who is a dual ISU communi- gency roles for years, handling every- Former EHS Safety Officer Dan cation graduate. thing from administrative tasks to rescue Hite joined Crabill and Kunde as the Beyond assembling campus experts work. Summoned to help at the national planning advanced. They tackled ques- to craft messages for the University’s level following Superstorm Sandy and tions of what teams were needed, who Web site as an event unfolds, ideas Hurricane Katrina, he draws on years should be on them, how to implement spread to include a call center for man- of preparation to fulfill his charge of the various teams, where team members aging parent inquiries. How to handle assessing and maturing the University’s would gather and how the campus can social media and inevitable news cover- emergency management plan. best partner with external agencies. The age became their own areas of concern. “I have been in some of the biggest trio worked closely with local emer- The University’s Media Relations staff disasters in the country and have not gency response officials to participate in became involved and a social media felt overwhelmed. Span of control is the drills within the community before initi- team was created. crucial key,” Hodges said, explaining the ating ones specific to campus, including As duties spread and more staff need to have manpower that grows as an a Laboratory School intruder scenario. were included, it became clear to Crabill, incident expands. A more sophisticated campus emer- Kunde and Hite that orchestrating He consequently has put in place at gency alert system using cell phones and campus emergency preparedness was ISU an incident management team that landlines for notification was in place beyond the scope of their part-time ef- consists of three response levels. The through the police department by 2009. forts. A full-time position was created first level includes Hodges’ position, ISU Mock exercises were completed, includ- and filled by Hodges, who transitioned police, an EHS representative and the ing an active shooter drill at Dunn-Barton from his campus information technology Office of Media Relations. The second and Walker residence halls before their position in Enterprise Systems Support level adds an additional person from demolition. Such training always exposed to his current role. EHS, a Campus Communication Team areas where more planning was needed. While Hodges holds an under- member, and leadership representatives One issue that quickly emerged was graduate degree in computer science, from the Office of the Provost, Student the question of how to manage the flow emergency management is his passion. Affairs, and Finance and Planning. of communications. Katy (Young) Killian His volunteer involvement—from the “Level three means we bring in any- ’92, M.S. ’14, started tackling that challenge Illinois Terrorism Task Force to the body needed,” Hodges said, noting the in mid-2000. It came to Killian through Illinois Incident Management Team toughest part of his job is often deciding her position overseeing marketing and and the McLean County Emergency when to activate and at what level. The communication for Student Affairs as an Management Agency—totals more than a police department is always responsible assistant to the vice president. She focused thousand hours annually. for actually sending out alerts, which

22 Illinois State August 2015 Emergency Operations Center: ISU’s INTELLIGENCE HUB

ISU’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is among the first of its kind at state universities in Illinois. The fact it is “hot” makes it especially unique. The term means the dedicated space is fully equipped with no setup needed.

“You turn on the lights and you are ready to go,” said Eric Hodges, who made creating the EOC a now come across by text, landline, email, emergency to a fire from a tailgater’s top priority when hired as the campus emergency and on visual campus signage. grill. The result is a familiarity with manager in 2013. Hodges has created a grid that the room and a working bond between details who is involved and to what de- members. gree for specific emergencies that range Hodges also orchestrates large- from a lost person to storm warnings, a scale training events, with the most hazardous material incident, unexpected recent completed in March. The decom- loss of a building, and of course an act missioned south campus residence halls of violence. There are three individuals were the scene of an active shooter trained for each position to account for exercise that involved more than 200 times when a person is unavailable and community and university personnel. to have replacements should an incident Students volunteered to serve as mock extend into long hours or even days. victims in the exercise, which Hodges Once activated, team members described as a unique opportunity to When activated, the incident management team gather at the campus Emergency Op- prepare for a situation that hopefully gathers in the EOC. Every need is covered in the erations Center (see sidebar), which never occurs. 1,200-square-foot center—from a plastic tub with Hodges designed so all involved have the “The value of a drill is muscle cell phone and laptop chargers to blue tubes that cover fluorescent lights for a calming effect. same real-time intelligence to make de- memory,” he said, which is crucial be- cisions. Those who can’t physically enter cause nearly all included on the incident A video wall can display 22 feeds ranging from the room use the web-based software management team are ISU employees cable news channels to campus security cameras Virtual Emergency Operations Center who complete full-time duties across and live video conferences. There are 16 work stations plus a dedicated space for a social media (Veoci) to participate. campus in roles unrelated to emergency team, a 911 dispatch station for police, and a row Briefings set objectives and make planning. of two-way radios. Communication between the clear areas of responsibility. When a “We rely on a group of volunteers University, county public safety officials and most problem is identified, it is assigned to who are highly dedicated to take this on state agencies is feasible. the appropriate group and solutions are outside their normal job responsibilities. “The University should be proud of seeing the need brainstormed. They are then shared at They make themselves available at all and taking the lead in having a dedicated facility,” the next briefing, along with updates as hours of the day and night,” Killian said. said Illinois Emergency Management Agency to what else needs to be resolved. Their reward comes in knowing they are Regional Coordinator Dan Smith. “This allows the University to bring together all its decision makers “We don’t do anything tactical part of an extensive safety shield for the and be more effective in times of disaster.” in the Emergency Operations Center campus community that sets ISU apart (EOC). It’s only strategic,” Hodges said, from many peer institutions. A partnership with Department of Geography- adding that his role is to stay a few steps “We have a maturity in our re- Geology Associate Professor John Kostelnick allows for computerized maps that provide layers ahead of the group by anticipating the sponse team that is as strong as it can of information about campus buildings. Daniel next area of action. be, and we will continue to mature. Our Moore ’14 spent months storing data that provides He has confidence in this team institution is in a great spot but the work floor plans for every building, along with details approach because training is regularly must go on, in part because our student such as parking spaces and utilities. scheduled. The level-one group meets in population continually turns over,” said The center was built from knowledge Hodges the EOC during football games, concerts, Hodges, who acknowledges without gained while responding to emergencies across the commencement and Homecoming. Ev- complaint that his job is never done. country. Help in designing and equipping the space ery call for aid is tracked, from a health came from Environmental Health and Safety staff, Facilities, and the Office of Academic Technologies.

August 2015 Illinois State 23 by Kevin Bersett

Alum tackles role as head NFL football coach

orty years have passed, but ex-Redbird football coaching gig, making him the first Redbird to become a player Phil Meyer can still conjure an emblematic head coach in the NFL. Fmemory of his former roommate and teammate Zimmer immediately turned a Vikings defense that Mike Zimmer ’79 from their time at Illinois State. had placed last in points allowed the previous season into “He had a neck brace, and he was out by our apart- one of the league’s better defensive teams. ment, in our back lot, punting the football,” said Meyer ’79, “I think the biggest thing is getting the players on the M.S. ’80, who is now the director of football operations at same page, making sure they are held accountable and that Southern Illinois University. “He was so determined to do you’re clear about the things you are asking them to do,” something even if he couldn’t play. He’d punt that thing Zimmer said. “Try to figure out what the players can do and go get it, just back and forth. So I remember him being and then ask them to do it as opposed to the things they very determined.” can’t do.” Zimmer had just suffered what turned out to be a ca- The Vikings finished with a 7-9 record, a respectable reer-ending neck injury. Not long after he began a coaching result considering the team had to deal with the nearly career that has now spanned five decades, more than 5,000 season-long absence of star running back Adrian Peterson miles over eight stops, and a range of high-level coaching due to his implication in a child abuse case. jobs from small-college assistant to NFL head coach. “There were some obstacles we had to overcome,” “I actually did not know what I was going to do,” said Zimmer said. “We had a coach suspended for a couple of Zimmer, a physical education major who wasn’t sure he games. We lost our running back for quite a while. We had would even go into coaching after his injury. “I always to play in a different stadium because they are building a wanted to stick around sports. Like most athletes, you new stadium here. We did some good things, just not good think you are always going to play. I think the time when enough.” I was at Illinois State I kind of started thinking about Zimmer knew he was facing a challenge from the start coaching.” despite the team starting the season with a 34-6 win over He reached the coaching summit last year when he the St. Louis Rams. “I didn’t think it was going to be easy, was named head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. The because I’ve been in this business for a long time. Even Vikings gave the 59-year-old Peoria native his first head the year we won the Super Bowl was one of the hardest

24 Illinois State August 2015 August 2015 Illinois State 25 of Fame football and wrestling coach at second in scoring defense. There was Lockport High School, the elder Zimmer speculation that he would become Dal- had a good relationship with the Redbird las’ head coach, but the Cowboys hired coaches. Wade Phillips instead. Injuries derailed Zimmer early in “There were a lot of rumors. But his playing career. He broke the thumb you know, you never really know,” Zim- on his throwing hand during spring mer said. “Everywhere I was I tried to practice of his sophomore year and was do the best job I could. I kind of let other moved to linebacker—a position he had things fall into place.” never played. The experiment didn’t last Zimmer landed in Cincinnati in long. Zimmer injured his neck in spring 2008. Once again he transformed a practice and again early the following weak defense into a perennial top 10 season, ending his playing days. Doctors unit. Zimmer also became something of at Mayo Clinic used some of his hip bone a star on the HBO series Hard Knocks, to fuse his vertebrae. which followed the Bengals during the Redbird assistant football coach Ted preseason and caught Zimmer’s some- Schmitz encouraged Zimmer to become times obscenity-laced exchanges with a student assistant. He accepted the his players. offer and spent the next two seasons as “Those are just some outbursts that a defensive coach under Schmitz. The typically I have with players. I think that Mike Zimmer’s passion for football goes back years. He was a quarterback for the Redbirds. friendship is one of many that remain gets overblown a little bit,” said Zimmer, from his days at Illinois State. who is optimistic about the upcoming “You meet a lot of great people in season. The team is filled with good coaching years I have ever had,” he said, college, people I still stay in touch with, recalling the 1995–1996 Dallas Cowboys’ guys I played football with,” Zimmer championship run. He coached defen- said. “There is just a special connec- sive backs for the team at the time. tion when you go to school somewhere: “I understand it’s a week-to-week We’re all Redbirds.” proposition,” Zimmer said. His hardest After graduation, Zimmer was hired adjustment has been dealing with the as a part-time coach at the University of media. “You have to do it every single Missouri. He hitched on with longtime day as a head coach,” he said. college coach Mike Price, who chose “Really football-wise, it’s not a big Zimmer as his defensive coordinator at change. I’m more concerned with how Weber State in Utah and later at Wash- we can improve the facilities. You’re ington State. focused more on one side of the ball as a In 1994 Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator. Now you’re focused on ev- backs coach Dave Campo recruited ery position and how you can get better Zimmer to be the nickel back coach for as a football team that way.” Zimmer’s second year as a head NFL coach starts the Cowboys. Their third Super Bowl in with a regular-season game against San Francisco Zimmer’s preparation for the chal- four seasons a year later was with a team on September 14. lenge has come through a remarkable featuring future Hall of Famers Troy journey. The onetime college quar- Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, young players led by emerging quarter- terback made his name as a defensive and Charles Haley. back Teddy Bridgewater. guru. He persevered through a 35-year “We had great players,” Zimmer Zimmer’s former Redbird coach apprenticeship as an assistant coach and said. “They always believed they were shares the optimism. dealt with a huge blow in 2009 when his going to win. It was a lot of fun and a “I think he did a great job last year,” wife, Vikki, died unexpectedly of natural lot pressure because you had to win.” Schmitz said. “He didn’t have the defen- causes at the age of 50. Zimmer spent 13 seasons in Dallas under sive studs. He didn’t have the running A three-sport athlete in high four head coaches and the omnipresent back he wanted. He’ll do a great job this school—baseball, football, and wres- and flamboyant owner Jerry Jones. year.” tling—Zimmer was a good enough As defensive coordinator in 2003, Statistics provided in this story came quarterback to be recruited by several Zimmer helped the Cowboys lead the from pro-footballreference.com. NFL pho- universities. He chose Illinois State league in fewest yards allowed and finish tos courtesy of Minnesota Vikings. based partly on his father, Bill. A Hall

26 Illinois State August 2015 Join us on October 24 for ISU’s biggest event of the year.

Tailgate/Football game

Parade

5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk

Download the official Illinois State University App for free from the App Store or Google Play Store #BackTheBirds and use the Homecoming Guide for schedules, maps, and more. Homecoming.IllinoisState.edu

August 2015 Illinois State 27 RedbirdProud

Loud and Proud Campus Victory Bell a tradition for five decades

ne of Illinois State’s oldest it’s lasted 50 years.” Witte took on the “It was very loud. You could hear Athletics traditions is the project with ISU students Jim Tischler it throughout the stadium,” Witte said. Victory Bell, a traveling icon ’65 and Eric Oliver, whose dad owned the “That’s really why we built the bell.” that leads the football team house with the garage. It was called Bone’s Victory Bell Oonto the field before kickoff and is rung The bell, which came from an old back then, in honor of then-President after each touchdown and victory. Navy ship, hangs from a metal frame Robert Bone. David DiPaolo ’65 was cho- So where did it come from? A garage fabricated by Tischler and attached to sen in a schoolwide election to be the just a few blocks west of today’s Tri- an old wagon. A Redbird cheerleader first official ringer of Bone’s Victory Bell Towers. helped get the wagon from Carlock. It in fall 1964. It’s there former student body presi- needed to have its wheels rebuilt before “As a sports enthusiast, I saw this as dent Chuck Witte ’71 and some buddies the 250-pound bell could be hung. an excellent opportunity to help encour- spent weeks in 1964 building the Vic- The bell debuted during the fall age more school spirit on campus,” tory Bell. They were leaders at the time 1964 football season. Up until then, the DiPaolo said. He rang it at Homecom- of Redbird Rooters, a group of student Redbird Rooters were a “card section.” ing and during a celebration welcoming super-fans looking to make some noise. Students gave out different cards to fans Bone home after a six-week trip to Egypt. “We spent the whole summer work- so they could collectively spell out words Today the Victory Bell is operated ing on it in that garage,” said Witte, now and designs as a section. The bell made a by various student groups throughout a retired circuit judge. “It’s amazing that much bigger impression. the season. It remains a mainstay in the annual Homecoming parade.

28 Illinois State August 2015 Alumni News

Redbirds scattered far across the country With an alumni base of more than 200,000, it’s not surprising that gradu- ates have settled in just about every state of the nation. It’s also not hard to under- stand why Illinois has the largest num- ber of Redbirds, with more than 125,000 still living within the state. But did you know that California has 4,126 graduates compared to the 4,001 living in Florida? On the other end of the spectrum, there are only 56 in Rhode Island, 58 in West Virginia and 62 in North Dakota. A map of where Redbirds have settled is now available online at Illi- noisState.edu/Magazine. Visit the site to learn how many fellow graduates are in your part of the country. Get to know fellow Redbirds in your area by joining a regional network. Go to Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/Networks for information about local groups. Find out how you can start one by call- ing (800) 366-4478 or email Alumni@ IllinoisState.edu. Directors chosen for Alumni Association There is new leadership within the Alumni Association following the annual meeting in June. Magnolia Im ’96, M.S. ’01, was elect- ed to a three-year term on the board of directors. She is a sponsored project program coordinator for Illinois State University. She resides in Saint Charles. The board also elected officers. Kaci Rollings ’94 is president. Tim Pantal- eone ’07 is vice president/president- elect. Michele Guadalupe ’01 is secre- From the archives tary; with Bob Navarro ’91, M.S. ’93, PhD. A collection of theatre professionals and interns come together at Ewing Manor to stage the Illinois Shakespeare Festival every summer. Founded in 1978 by former College of Fine Arts faculty ’02, as past president. member Cal Pritner, the festival’s impact on theatre and theatre education has been lauded in For more information on the Illinois media and scholarly journals from Chicago to New York and Shakespeare’s home country, England. State Alumni Association and how to get The stage and costumes have changed markedly from the first year, top, when Twelfth Night was involved, visit Alumni: IllinoisState.edu/ performed compared to last year’s performance of Elizabeth Rex. Association.

August 2015 Illinois State 29 ClassNotes

A flock of Redbirds Middle school is teaching home to sixteen graduates

ight as well call it DeGar- Saskowski ’12, a middle-level education Zehr was trained as a social studies mo Hall North. grad who teaches 7th grade literacy. She teacher before going back to get his mas- At Marlowe Middle shares a pod with six other teachers, half ter’s degree and become an administra- School in Lake in the from ISU. tor. As principal, he’s putting into prac- MHills, northwest of Chicago, 16 Illinois Saskowski participated in the Pro- tice the communication skills he learned State alumni are on staff. They share fessional Development School program— during his graduate work. more than just campus stories. All have a yearlong experience that replaces tra- Seventh-grade literacy teacher an uncommon level of preparedness—an ditional student teaching. “That full year Suzanne Bell ’07 majored in political expertise they put into practice daily of teaching experience before I actually science and journalism, serving as editor with 1,422 students. went into a classroom really made a big in chief of the Vidette. She loves swap- “There’s definitely a special kind of difference,” she said. “I think it also gave ping ISU stories with the other Marlowe pride, without a doubt, with ISU’s repu- me the edge on other student teachers Redbirds. She’s also engaged to Marlowe tation and being founded as a teachers’ who only had a semester of experience.” 6th-grade social studies teacher Ryan college,” said Principal Adam Zehr ’00, Michelle (Althoff ) Kenefick ’98 is Starnes ’06. M.S. ’09. Marlowe’s technology integration spe- “I’ve got an ISU sticker on my white Marlowe’s 16 Redbirds, including cialist. She credits Illinois State for life- board. Whenever we can talk about col- Zehr, are in all grade levels and many changing experiences, such as student lege, we’re always pumping up ISU and different subjects. Among them is Sarah teaching in England and peer-counseling how great it is,” Bell said. “I’m definitely work she did as a student. an alum who loves ISU.”

30 Illinois State August 2015 David Dueringer ’65 is director of 50s development, alumni and advocacy Robert Fletcher ’52 retired after for the College of Agriculture and teaching biology for 38 years. He Life Sciences at the University Pause for applause has traveled to Japan and South of Arizona. He and his wife, Jill, Korea, where he spent 16 months reside in Scottsdale, Arizona. Head of the class with the Korean Military Advi- Carole (Sampson) Shook ’65 is Paul Solarz, M.S. ’02, has enormous passion sory Group at the Korean Army president of North Lake IEA-NEA for teaching and skills to match. His work with Headquarters. He also served one Retired Teachers and a member fifth-grade students at Westgate Elementary year at Fort Lee in Virginia. He of Round Lake Area School CUSH School in Arlington Heights has gained inter- is a reader of biology textbooks, 116 Education Foundation. She has national attention. Solarz was nominated as library volunteer, and has served as retired from teaching. She and her a Top 50 finalist for the 2015 Global Teacher an election judge. He and his wife, husband, James, reside in Round Prize. The honor is compared to the Nobel who reside in Belleville, have two Lake. Prize of teaching and comes with a $1 million daughters who are ISU graduates. Mike Houston ’67 has completed his award. While he did not take the title, his inclusion as a finalist is tes- Helen (Alkofer) Dickerson ’58 is pres- third term as mayor of Springfield. timony to his innovative teaching. Beyond having students Skype with ident and owner of Cygnus Corpo- His career was in banking, retiring their peers around the world, they enjoy two hours each week to pursue ration. She has worked as a docent as chairman emeritus from Town their own learning interest. for the Smithsonian American Art and Country Bank in Springfield. Museum for 36 years. She teaches He resides there with his wife, Governor’s choice children and adults to read art and Carolyn. stays active playing tennis. She is A public service career continues for Rocco widowed and resides in Potomac, Richard Neyens, M.S. ’68, Ph.D. ’74, is Claps ’83, who was reappointed as director of Maryland. the registrar at St. John Vianney the Illinois Department of Human Rights. Gov. Theological Seminary in Colorado. Bruce Rauner’s decision makes Claps the lon- A former bank director and col- gest-serving director in the agency’s history. 60s lege professor, he has served as He is also the first openly gay agency director the Archdiocese of Denver in his in Illinois. Claps has held the position since C. Jean Aberle ’64 is a retired educa- current role more than 15 years. 2003, working with legislators to expand the tor. She resides in Forsyth. He and his wife, Jennie, have eight Illinois Human Rights Act and the scope of Mary (Meyer) Fetzer ’64 retired as children and reside in Parker, human and civil rights laws in Illinois—including Illinois’ first statewide Colorado. government resources librarian law to protect the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. He and deputy associate university Donna (Hornbeak) Rogers-Beard ’68 oversees nearly 150 employees with a budget of more than $14 million. librarian for Research and Instruc- retired after teaching social studies tional Services from Rutgers-The at Clayton High School in Missouri Beyond description State University. She resides in for 22 years. She and her husband, Terry Adkins, M.A. ’77, can’t be categorized Randolph, New Jersey. Derex, reside in St. Louis, Mis- as he blended art and music to reach interna- Alice (Killian) Wells ’64 souri. is executive tional acclaim. Known as a conceptual artist director of AZ ASCD, a nonprofit Lloyd Simonson, M.S. ’68, Ph.D. ’74, who blurred genres, Adkins was a professor providing professional develop- has been appointed a trustee on of fine arts at the University of Pennsylvania ment for educators. She has served the Village Board of Spring Grove. School of Design at the time of his death last as an elementary school principal Tom Lamont ’69 has been appointed year. His work is on display through Novem- and curriculum coordinator, and by President Barack Obama to ber at the 2015 Venice Biennale, which is one worked nearly 20 years in the the Future of the Army Commis- of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions. The Smithsonian, educational publishing industry. sion, which was established by Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art and Tate Modern Museum in She received the Arizona YWCA Congress to examine the future London also hold his unique pieces. Metropolitan Phoenix 2015 Trib- mission and structure of active- ute to Leadership Award in public duty Army, National Guard and service. She resides in Phoenix, Making a splash Army Reserves. He retired from Arizona. his position as assistant secretary Jim Voss ’64 didn’t leave the pool after serv- Cynthia (May) Bickhaus ’65 com- of the Army and now serves as a ing as co-captain of ISU’s 1964 swim team. pleted a master’s in library science defense consultant. He resides in He served 33 years as a boys high school and worked 34 years as a school Springfield. swim coach and PE teacher. The pool at librarian in Illinois and Texas. She Washington High School in Cedar Rapids, is retiring from Billy Ryan High Iowa, is named in his honor. There 25 years, School. She and her husband, 70s his teams took 15 state and three national Charles, reside in Denton, Texas. championships. Voss won the most state team titles in the history of all Connie (Twardowski) Temple ’70 is Iowa sports and was state coach of the year eight times. National Coach David DiPaolo ’65 has retired from a flight attendant with American of the Year in 1994, he coached three Olympians and is in a state and the Corona-Norco Unified School Airlines. She resides in Lynn national coaches swimming Hall of Fame. District. He and his wife, Kristine, Center. reside in Corona, California.

August 2015 Illinois State 31 How we met Amy Mills ’05 and Travis Pons ’06 met in Watterson Towers in 2001. Travis, a soon-to-be Redbird at the time, was visiting a friend. Amy was catching up with her dormmates. She and Travis bonded as friends instantly. During their time at Illinois State, they enjoyed playing games on the Quad and gathering frequently at Pub II. Amy completed her degree in English prior to Travis finishing his major in safety. The two stayed in touch following graduation, yet neither one imagined the amazing journey they would share long after leaving campus. The turning point for their relationship came when they recon- nected at the wedding of fellow ISU alum Heath Beagle ’03. “We knew that the people we were with at the wedding weren’t the right people for us,” Travis said. “It took us a little while to figure it out, but we are really glad we did.” He and Amy officially started dating long distance in 2012, with her in New York and Travis in Arizona. From then on they were inseparable despite the miles. The two married in Bloomingdale on November 1, 2014. Amy works at Discover Financial Service as a part of the digital marketing communi- Redbird friends celebrated with Amy and Travis Pons at their wedding last fall. cations team. Travis is a safety manager at Central Steel and Wire. They still enjoy supporting Redbird Athletics and visiting the campus, where their chance encounter led to a romance 11 years later. Not surprisingly, Illinois State still holds a special place in their hearts. “For us it means everything that we can share the ISU experience, because it is much more than just a school,” Amy said. “It’s how everything started for us. If ISU wasn’t in the picture, we never would have known each other.”

Patrick Callahan ’71, M.S. ’73, is a col- working with MidAmerica Boston or given. She previously received Wisconsin and Minnesota. She and lege supervisor at Monmouth Col- Terrier Rescue. They reside in the bureau’s Census Award of her husband, Mitch ’76, reside in lege. He is the elected board presi- Colorado Springs, Colorado. Excellence. She and her husband, Shorewood, Minnesota. dent of the Knoxville CUSD 202 William, reside in Bethalto. Lyle Bandy ’73 retired after 41 years Steven Verhulst, M.S. ’76, completed Board of Education, and is serving in the Clay County Florida school Pam (Koschalke) Frontzak ’75, M.S. a doctorate at Southern Illinois his second term. He and his wife, system. He and his wife, Vickie, ’78, retired after teaching special University-Carbondale. He is a Valerie, reside in Knoxville. reside in St. Simons Island, Geor- education 40 years. She worked professor and the director of sta- Alicia (Salazar) Maier ’71 has retired gia. in Chicago’s inner city and an tistics and research information from teaching in Naperville School inpatient psychiatric unit. She has at SIU’s School of Medicine. He Christine (Otterstrom) Barrow ’73 District 203. She resides in Naper- served as an adjunct at Loyola and received the school’s Outstand- retired after working 25 years as ville. taught at Niles North High School ing Scholar Award this year. He an elementary school counselor. in Skokie. She resides in Deerfield. resides in Springfield. Doug Otto ’71, M.S. ’74, Ed.D. ’78, She is widowed and resides in retired from public school admin- Peoria. Kirk Novakow ’75 is a former publi- Dennis Sulzer ’77 retired after 37 istration after 40 years of service, cations editor at State Farm Insur- years in occupational safety and Sally Campbell ’73 retired from including 31 years as a superinten- ance Companies and a retired sales health. The last 20 years were Fulton County School District 3 dent. He is a professor at the Uni- consultant. He has also worked spent as loss control director for after 35 years of teaching. She is versity of North Texas in Denton. as a freelance NFL photographer. the San Diego County Schools Risk the national education director for He and his wife, Bobbi, reside in He and his wife, Cindy, reside in Management Joint Powers Author- Band for Today, a music education Plano, Texas. Danvers. ity. He and his wife, Becky, have outsourcing company. She resides two grandchildren and reside in Kate Charles ’72 is an acclaimed near Orlando, Florida. Jurate Kuras Harris ’76, Ed.D. ’13, is Chula Vista, California. the assistant director of English mystery novelist who writes under Charles Geigner ’73, M.S. ’86, Ph.D. the name Carol Chase. Her latest Language for Academic Purposes John Hohulin ’78 is chief of staff ’01, enjoys retirement by portray- book, False Tongues, was released in the International Programs for Mahindra GenZe, a start-up ing Santa Claus. He and his wife, in the spring. She is a past chair- Office at University of St. Francis developing alternative transporta- Judith, reside in Bloomington. man of the Crime Writers’ Associa- in Joliet. She and her husband, tion options designed primarily for tion and the Barbara Pym Society. Pamela (Sutter) Collman ’75 is a Douglas ’83, reside in Homer Glen. North American urban settings. senior field representative for the She resides in England. Elizabeth (McNamee) Potter ’76, M.S. He and his wife, Margo, reside in U. S. Department of Commerce Mountain View, California. Leatha (Reynolds) Pierce ’72 is retired ’80, retired as principal of Hopkins Bureau of the Census. She received from teaching elementary stu- Schools. She worked 37 years as a Paul Tutt ’78 is vice president of the agency’s Bronze Medal Award dents. She and her husband, Jerry, special educator, classroom teach- product management and business this year, which is the highest hon- enjoy volunteering, traveling and er and administrator in Illinois, development with Devro, work-

32 Illinois State August 2015 ing in the company’s division in at Cook County Health and Hos- Leticia (Carranza) Montesdeoca ’84 is He and his wife, Susan, reside in Columbia, South Carolina. pitals System. A national expert in a registered nurse working at St. Charlestown, Indiana. community medicine and mater- Joseph Medical Center in Bloom- Patrick Flanigan ’79 has been elected Tom Krehbiel ’86 is a CPA and certi- nal/child health, he was a founding ington. She and her husband, Jose, to serve as 156th District Judge in fied information systems auditor. faculty member of Northwestern reside in Normal. San Patricio County in Texas. He He is the partner-in-charge of CPA University’s McGaw Medical Cen- previously served as judge of the Mark Thorndyke ’84 is a manag- services for the firm Sikich LLP. ter family medicine residency pro- San Patricio County Court at Law ing director with Merrill Lynch gram. He resides in Chicago. Ricardo Meza ’86 completed his and completed four terms as 36th Wealth Management. He has been juris doctorate at John Marshall district attorney. He and his wife, Robert Korensky II ’83 received his named to Barron’s Magazine 2015 Law School and then served as Rebecca, reside in Portland, Texas. MBA from Keller Graduate School “America’s Top 1,200 Advisors: Illinois Executive Inspector Gen- of Management. He owns and State-by-State” list. He has also Michael Koulos ’79 retired after eral. He is an officer and member operates a residential real estate been named to Barron’s “Top 1,200 teaching special education for 30 of the government interaction and appraisal company. He and his Financial Advisors” for the seventh years. Most of his career was spent white collar crime and corporate wife, Shirley, have two sons and consecutive year. He is a member at West Chicago Community High compliance practices in the law reside in Rochester, New York. of ISU’s College of Business advi- School District 94. He and his wife, firm of Greensfelder, Hemker and sory board and resides in Chicago. Elli, are parents to two children Susan Stark ’83 retired after 25 years Gale, PC. He is in the firm’s Chi- and reside in Naperville. as a department category planning Jeff Bergman ’85 is president of E3 cago office. analyst with national accounts at Building Solutions. He and his Michael Raucci ’86 has been with the Hallmark Cards. She was a key wife, Patrice, reside in Arlington Hoffman Estates Police Depart- account executive most of her Heights. 80s ment for 27 years and has been career, calling on major national Randy Cooper ’80 is a partner and and regional retail change divi- president of the Property and sional offices. She resides in Flem- Casualty Division of the Williams ing Island, Florida. Manny Insurance Group. He and his wife, Jean, reside in Rockford. Madoka (Dawson) Watabe-Belzel, M.S. ’83, is a professor of food sci- Cheryl (Underwood) Young-Pelton ence and nutrition at California ’80 is a tenured assistant profes- Polytechnic State University at sor of special education in the San Luis Obispo. She has worked Department of Educational Theory at several universities, including and Practice at Montana State Waseda University in Tokyo. She University-Billings. She resides in and her husband, John, reside in Absarokee, Montana. Paso Roblex, California. Maria DeLanghe ’81 is an agent with Lea Anne (Wild) Frost ’84 completed State Farm Insurance Companies. a doctorate in educational leader- She resides in Dripping Springs, ship at Roosevelt University. She Texas. is the executive director at the Dawn (Muldowney) Neylon ’81 is a ECHO Cooperative in South Hol- certified prevention specialist with land. She resides in Oak Park. Redbirds proudly serve 360 Youth Services. She and her James Gottemoller ’84 is a banker Serving in the Illinois National Guard far from home was made easier husband, Jim, reside in Naperville. at North Shore Bank in Milwau- for three men who discovered they are all ISU alums. Mike Maroon William Atkins ’82 is owner of Atkins kee. He is also CFO of My First ’94, Herb Stevens ’93 and Jason Wentworth ’08 are pilots who were Research. He and his wife, Delores Playhouse, a home business he assigned to a nine-month mission in Africa during 2014. Their work Eagleson, reside in Pekin. runs with his wife, Julie. The busi- involved transporting supplies and VIPs. All three returned to the U.S. ness sells playhouses and teepees. Peter Brust ’82 is senior director of earlier this year. Stevens, left, and Wentworth are pictured with their They reside in Menomonee Falls, fleet security for Holland America plane in Djibouti, Africa. The banner will be put to good use in the Ste- Wisconsin. Group. He and his wife, Sandy vens’ home, as daughter Hannah begins her own Redbird journey this (Goodwin) ’82, reside in Seattle, Kenneth Harris ’84 is chair of the fall. An incoming freshman, she will study marketing. Washington. justice and public policy program and the director of the organiza- Phil Lackman ’82 is the CEO of Inde- tional leadership and administra- pendent Insurance Agents of Illi- tion master’s degree for Concordia Dorothy (Wells) Dwyer ’85 is a flight promoted to lieutenant. He and his nois. Membership includes 1,200 University School of Business attendant with United Airlines. wife, Laura, are the parents of two insurance agencies and 13,000 Administration. He is also a lieu- She and her husband, Keith, reside children and reside in Huntley. licensed independent agents. He tenant with the City of Milwaukee in Crystal Lake. and his wife, Mary Kay, reside in Kathy (Taylor) Remsburg, M.S. ’86, is Police Department. He authored Springfield. Kristi Schaller ’85, M.S. ’87, is a senior a full professor and undergraduate an article in the 2015 edition of lecturer at the University of Geor- director of athletic training educa- Mark Loafman ’82 is a physician the Encyclopedia of Diversity and gia. She resides in Athens, Georgia. tion at Franklin College. She is the appointed chair of the Family and Social Justice. He resides in Mil- recipient of the NATA Athletic Ray Wallace, D.A. ’85, is chancellor Community Medicine Department waukee, Wisconsin. Trainer Service Award and the of Indiana University-Southeast.

August 2015 Illinois State 33 Redbird legacy Nancy (Daley) Myatt ’58 lived on a Central Illinois farm while in high school. She finished at the top of her class with dreams of teaching, but lacked the dollars to pursue a degree. Her future changed with notification of a scholarship to attend Illinois State. Chosen by an area legislator for the award, she eagerly prepared to teach English and speech. She worked for faculty and at The Cage to help cover costs. “I didn’t think I would go to college, so I really enjoyed ISU,” said Nancy, who was offered a job following a student teaching assignment in Peoria. She taught high school two years before marrying Jack and starting their family of three: Michael, Michelle and Maureen. Michelle (Myatt) McClain ’83 chose Illinois State as well, enrolling as a biology major. An athlete in high school, she was such a talented walk-on to the track team that she lettered in the sport until a leg injury made it impossible to continue competing. Now a physical therapist at Decatur Memorial Hospital, Michelle lives in Findlay with her husband, Rod. Their daughter, Amanda, continues the family legacy this fall as a freshman. Valedictorian of her Okaw Valley high school class, she is still contemplating her major. Amanda will attend on a track scholarship. Although several colleges expressed interest, her decision to attend ISU was made easier by the strong family connection. She also was impressed by Athletics’ facilities, the coaches and her teammates. Nancy and Michelle are pleased with Amanda’s decision. Not only will they be close enough to cheer her on, but she further cements ties to their alma mater. “It is so nice to have the common ground of the same school,” said Nancy, who is now retired along with Jack. They reside in Decatur and look forward to frequent campus visits. “I am very interested in getting back to campus,” Nancy said. “I’ll enjoy the chance to mosey around and see all that has changed.”

Clifford and Paula Dietz Award of Living Springs Riverdale Min- cago. He is a risk executive for the dock Counseling. She and her hus- for Faculty Excellence. She is a istry Center within the Reformed global markets operation. He and band, Peter, reside in Peoria. member of the Indiana Athletic Church in America. She resides in his wife, Evenin, reside in Darien. Janet Zaidenberg-Schrum ’90 retired Trainers’ Hall of Fame. She and Homewood. Robert Zmudka ’89 is vice president from Tucson Electric Power. He her husband, Cole, reside in Frank- Jamie (Storms) Janosz, M.S. ’88, and group executive of North formerly worked as a financial lin, Indiana. is content strategy manager at American Sales and Marketing analyst. He resides in St. Louis, JeanMarie Sullivan ’86 is a general Moody Bible Institute. She and her for GATX Corporation, oversee- Missouri. education instructor at Remington husband, Milt, reside in Ormond ing $950 million of lease revenue. Laurent Boilly, MBA ’91, is vice presi- College in North Houston. She Beach, Florida. He is an advisory board member dent of international sales at E.S. resides in The Woodlands, Texas. of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Debra Entwistle ’89 is a case man- Kluft. He resides in the greater Los and Beyond Sports Foundation in Elizabeth (Walden) Beasley ’87 com- ager with Cigna Healthcare. She Angeles area of California. Chicago. He co-chaired the Pro pleted a doctorate in administra- resides in Phoenix, Arizona. Football Hall of Fame Salute to Jim Evoy ’91 is owner of The Age- tive leadership at Walden Univer- Shawn Knowles ’89 is vice president Greatness event in Chicago this less Treasure Estate Sale Company, sity. She is an adjunct professor and director of risk engineering for year. He resides in Winnetka. which is rated top 50 in the nation. at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Mitsui Sumitomo Marine Manage- He and his wife, Mary Kay, reside University Worldwide and a school ment. He has homes in Scottsdale, in Crown Point, Indiana. counselor at St. Mary’s County Arizona, and Lebanon, New Jersey. Public Schools. She and her hus- 90s Terry Harvill ’91, M.S. ’92, Ph.D. ’07, is band, Richard, reside in Solomons, John Lee ’89 is the director of Jeanna (Park) Fearon ’90, M.S. ’92, vice president of international and Maryland. safety/health with Grain and Feed M.S. ’02, is an art therapist at Min- merchant development for ITC Associates. He received the 2015 Wanzette (Sisney) Bilbrew, M.S. ’87, is Governor’s Award for Contribu- the first woman of color to gradu- tions in Health and Safety. The ate from Western Theological honor goes to one person annually. Seminary’s distance learning pro- He resides in Chatham. gram. She completed a master’s of divinity and is a doctoral student at Scott Sunyog ’89 is senior vice presi- Northern Baptist Theological Sem- dent of Global Markets Operations inary. She is the senior site pastor for Bank America based in Chi-

34 Illinois State August 2015 Holdings Corporation. He drives and his wife, Cordelia, reside in Aid Society. She resides in Arling- Yolanda Grandberry-Pugh ’99 is an the company’s growth and expan- Paxton. ton Heights. English teacher at Rock Island sion nationally and globally. He School District. She and her hus- Jennifer (McAloon) Lasater ’93 is vice Laura (Gniatczyk) Byars, M.S. ’95, is and his wife, Shannon, reside in band, Tracy, reside in Rock Island. president of employer and career vice president of human perfor- Novi, Michigan. services for Kaplan University. She mance for Blue Cross Blue Shield Dasha (Jones) Kelly ’91 is a writer is a member of the board of direc- of Michigan. Her team was ranked and spoken-word artist. She tors of The National Association fifth in the nation this year by 00s authored the novel Almost of Colleges and Employers. She Training Magazine for comprehen- Jason “Jay” Anderson ’00 is the man- Crimson, which was named by and her husband, Brian, reside in sive learning, development offer- ager of the marketing department BuzzFeed as one of the most antic- Aurora. ings and impact. She resides in for Boston Scientific. He and his ipated books of 2015. She resides Sterling Heights, Michigan. Todd Swan ’93 is an entrepreneur wife, Jamie, reside in Shrewsbury, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. working with SwanLifeStyle. He John Desjarlais, M.A. ’95, is an Eng- Massachusetts. Tracy (Barnes) Marshall ’91 is a child resides in Panama City Beach, lish instructor at Kishwaukee Col- Michael Buczynski ’00 opened Art of welfare advance specialist with the Florida. lege. He has written a third mys- Health Chiropractic in Nashville, Illinois Department of Children tery novel titled Specter. He and Clifford Kinder ’94 has taught high Tennessee, where he resides. and Family Services. She resides in his wife, Virginia, reside in Byron. school geography in Texas and Jennifer Cherry ’00 is category Chicago. served as an assistant principal at Jenn (Tiritilli) Kupres ’95 is the management-manager of cosmet- Ed Casimiro ’92 completed a mas- two high schools in the state. He is North American director of talent ics with L’Oreal USA. She resides ter’s in instructional leadership the principal of La Grange Middle acquisition at the Getinge Group, in Bedminster, New Jersey. from the University of Illinois at School in La Grange, Texas. He a global leader in medical technol- Anthony Fitpold Sr. ’00 is a key Chicago. He is a middle school resides there with his wife, Robin. ogy and equipment. She resides in account coordinator with Kyodo teacher at Walsh School in the Buffalo Grove. Todd Larson ’94 is vice president of Yushi USA, Inc. He resides in Chicago Public Schools. He resides operations for Henningsen Cold Matthew Lanter ’95 owns ASAP Elgin. in Chicago. Storage Company. He resides in Development Group. He resides in Robert Hudak ’00 works for Ameri- Deane Geiken ’92 manages the Portland, Oregon. Swansea. safe Insurance. He and his wife, student radio station WPCD at David McGrath ’94 is a manager Steven Erickson ’96 is the corporate Teresa, reside in Normal. Parkland College. He previously at Wright College. He resides in controller for Beltone Electronics. worked for 20 years as director of Patrick Martin ’00, M.S. ’03, Ph.D. ’12, Chicago. He and his wife, Lauren, are par- the Illinois Radio Reading Service is superintendent of schools for ents to three children. The family at the University of Illinois. He Marcelle Selvaggio ’94 is a lead Gardendale City School. He and resides in McHenry. teacher at Children’s Home and his wife, Taren, reside in Home- Mark Smith ’96 is self-employed as wood, Alabama. a financial advisor and insurance Holly (Young) Pinter ’00 is a market- agent. He and his wife, Melissa, are ing specialist and graphic designer parents of two girls and reside in with St. Margaret’s Health. She Friendswood, Texas. resides in Peru. Leslie Moe-Kaiser, Ph.D. ’97, retired Nicholas Wennerstrom ’00 complet- from State Farm Insurance Com- ed a master’s degree through Uni- panies. She worked in enterprise versity of Phoenix and is a regional philanthropy, managing relation- manager for Kelly Services. He is a ships with national Asian-Pacific reserve deputy sheriff for the Lake American organizations. She County Sheriff’s Office. He and his managed a multi-million dollar wife, Natalie, are parents of a son portfolio supporting educational, and reside in Libertyville. advocacy and leadership programs. She and her husband, Greg, reside Christine (Sands) Hjorth ’01 complet- in Peoria. ed a master’s in educational lead- ership from Concordia University. William Cooper ’98 is senior vice She is a middle school language president of Pennington and Com- Statehouse honors arts and social studies teacher in pany. He and his wife, Marsha, Wauconda. Her husband, Josh ’02, Last season’s success on the football field was recognized at the Illinois reside in Lawrence, Kansas. capitol in the spring. House Resolution 106 congratulates the Redbirds is a special education teacher and on winning their first conference title in 15 years and making it to the Eric Marsaglia ’98 is a principal with football coach at Stevenson High NCAA Division I Football Championship game. The Redbirds defeated Northern Insurance Service, LTD. School in Lincolnshire, winning seven nationally ranked opponents and set 16 school records. Pictured He resides in Plainfield. the 2014 8A IHSA State Champi- are, from left, Mike Williams ’04, M.S. ’07, Athletics’ media information; Lisa (Cobb) Baker ’99, M.S. ’02, is a onship. They have two children Rep. Elgie Sims ’93; Athletics Director Larry Lyons ’86; head coach Brock communication skills instructor at and reside in the Chicago suburbs. Spack; House Leader Jim Durkin ’84; Rep. Dan Brady; Rep. Keith Som- Waukesha County Technical Col- Michael Ellsworth ’02 is vice presi- mer; and Rep. Jay Hoffman ’83. lege. She resides in Wauwatosa, dent of branch operations with the Wisconsin. ISU Credit Union. His wife, Jaime

August 2015 Illinois State 35 this summer in Atlanta, Georgia. Andrew Anastasia ’06 has completed She resides in Bellwood. a doctorate and is an assistant pro- fessor of English at Frostburg State Sarah (Zoss) Lewis ’03 is a commer- University. He and his wife, Eve- cial underwriting associate with lyn, are the parents of a daughter. Available in September COUNTRY Financial. She and her Isadora Sempos was born March husband, Doug, are the parents ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY 24, 2015. They reside in Frostburg, of a son. Noah was born in 2014. Maryland. They reside in Morton. Amanda Bylczynski, M.S. ’06, is an Susan Megy, M.A. ’03, is a director of associate professor of history at a Haiti Program called Protect the Edison Community College. She EDBIR People. She resides in Washington, resides in Troy, Ohio. R SCHOLAR D D.C. Jacquelyn Giaimo ’06 is a social Kate (Anderson) Ristau ’03 authored worker II at the University of Illinois State University’s new magazine the young adult novel Shadowgirl. Chicago Medicine. She resides in She and her husband, Bob, reside for research, scholarship, and creative Oak Park. expression. in Tigard, Oregon. Molly Hanley ’06 is an itinerant Dawnyelle “DJ” Brown ’04 is the teacher of the deaf/hard of hearing owner/operator of Skedaddle with Clark County School District. Did you know…? Errands and Services. She and her She resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. • An ISU biologist led an international team of husband, Jarrod, reside in Bloom- researchers who sequenced the genomes of two ington. Erin (Dixson) Levzow ’06 is the direc- tor of digital marketing and social bumblebees? Rebecca Damery ’04 is an ESL media for Wingstop Restaurants, instructor at the University of • College of Business faculty and students are Inc. She and her husband, Brad, Illinois-Springfield. She resides in reside in Plano, Texas. working to provide microinsurance to farmers in Springfield. West Africa? Eric Summers, MBA ’06, is complet- Holly Blando ’05 is the online mar- ing a degree at Chicago-Kent Col- • An Illinois State History professor has a nationally keting coordinator for Vail Resorts. lege of Law. He resides in Peoria. renowned book on the culture wars? She and her husband, Justin That’s just the tip of the iceberg for one of Illinois’ top Saunders, reside in Breckenridge, Melissa (Maxwell) Zimmer ’06 is an research institutions. The University boasts world- Colorado. account director with Jack Morton Worldwide. She and her husband, renowned faculty in the arts, business, education, William Breisch ’05 is the assistant Jeremiah, reside in Darien. nursing, and the sciences. principal at Proviso Math and Sci- ence Academy in Forest Park. He Samantha (Matthews) Kixmiller ’07 is and his wife, Amanda, reside in an early childhood specialist and Find stories about faculty and students Itasca. teacher at the Indiana School for engaged in research and creative expression the Blind and Visually Impaired. Linda Timm Hankemeier, M.S. ’05, is a in Redbird Scholar. Available in September. She and her husband, Craig, reside communication manager at State IllinoisState.edu/RedbirdScholar in Fishers, Indiana. Farm Insurance Companies and a Follow @ISUResearch on Twitter to college communication instructor. Alisha (Barnett) Looney ’07 is a pub- get daily updates on Illinois State’s top She has received the certified com- lic information specialist and edi- munications professional designa- tor at Western Illinois University. #RedbirdScholars. tion. She resides in Normal. She resides in Bushnell. Katie (Sup) Rezac, M.S. ’05, is the Dheeraj Mekala, M.S. ’07, is an appli- assistant director for academic cations development manager with advising at the University of JP Morgan Chase. He and his wife, Nebraska at Omaha. She and her Dipika Kaveti, reside in Columbus, husband, Chris, reside in Omaha, Ohio. Nebraska. (Breclaw) ’02, M.S. ’04, is a speech- of Dayton, Ohio. He is actively William Merchantz ’07, M.S. 10, is language pathologist with Cham- involved in the community and Patrick Ryan ’05, M.S. ’07, is a coun- a manufacturing and machin- paign Unit 4 School District. They resides in Tipp City, Ohio. selor at Marist High School. He ing instructor at Elk Grove High are parents of a son and reside in Felicia Walters ’02 is manager of resides in Chicago. School. He and his wife, Stacy, Downs. reside in Homer Glen. digital, data and analytics with David Sollish, M.S. ’05, is an associ- Jennifer (Stolleis) Moore ’02, M.S. ’06, Accenture. She resides in Atlanta, ate professor of theatre and head Emily Sullivan ’07 worked more than is a business analyst with TEKsys- Georgia. of the bachelor of fine arts musical three years on Capitol Hill as a tems. She resides in Bloomington. RoDina Williams ’02, ’10, completed theatre program at Belhaven Uni- legal counsel intern for the Envi- Samuel Patry ’02 is an attorney at a James A. Ferguson Infectious versity in Jackson, Mississippi. He ronmental Protection Agency. She Dysinger and Patry, LLC. The firm Diseases Fellowship at the Centers and his wife, Kelsey, will relocate is a policy advisor in the govern- is one of the top 25 in the area for Disease Control and Prevention from their home in Forest City, ment relations department of the Iowa.

36 Illinois State August 2015 Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck titled “Theorizing an Apparent of Louisville and Norton Health- Committee at Richland Commu- law firm in Washington, D.C. Feminism in Technical Commu- care. He resides in Louisville, nity College. He and his wife, Kay- nication.” Two awards are given Kentucky. Lynn, reside in Stonington. Vanessa Basil ’08 is a chef for the nationally. She resides in Green- Portland Trailblazers at Rose Gar- Kyle Gatewood ’10 is a senior appli- Amanda Smith, M.S. ’10, holds an IT ville, North Carolina. den Arena. She resides in Portland, cations development specialist at analyst I position in user experi- Oregon. Aaron Koerber ’09 is a regional sales Maritz. He resides in O’Fallon. ence services for Caterpillar, Inc. manager for Cold Jet. He resides She resides in Peoria. Chad Bell ’08 is co-owner and oper- Kaitlin Good ’10 is an occupational in Chicago. ator of Bell Farms, which produces therapist at Barrington Orthopedic Sarah (Bryant) Weller ’10 is an assis- grain and involves a small cow- Amy Krych ’09 is a cyber liability Specialists. She resides in Elm- tant actuary with RGA Reinsur- calf operation. His wife, Brittany and privacy security underwriter hurst. ance. She and her husband, Randy, (Hinds) ’09, is a compliance and with Beazley Group in Chicago. reside in Granite City. Brian Hawkins ’10 is a claims adjust- audit assistant at Bank Orion. They She resides in Oak Park. er with Enterprise Holdings. He Timothy Carter ’11 is a facility man- are the parents of a daughter and Ellen Masessa ’09 is a middle school resides in Denver, Colorado. ager at the Rolling Meadows Park reside in Viola. math teacher in Maywood/Mel- District. He resides in Arlington Michael Hubatch ’10, M.S. ’12, is a Dan Frederking ’08 is completing a rose Park/Broadview School Dis- Heights. production services producer with doctorate in teaching and learning trict 89. She resides in the Chicago Naperville Community Television. Kerry (Nolan) Cozzo ’11 is a K-12 at Illinois State. He is a principal suburbs. He and his wife, Jessica (Cena) ’12, coordinator with Teachers Alli- consultant with the Illinois State Annette (Koch) Parrent ’09 is an ana- were married in July 2015. They ance. She and her husband, Fred, Board of Education. He resides in lyst at Walgreens. She and her hus- reside in Naperville. were married in April 2014. They Springfield. band, Ryan, reside in Hampshire. reside in Lockport. Alexandra (Szomko) Namowicz ’10 is Melody Green, Ph.D. ’08, is dean of Jillian (Ganschow) Sparks ’09 is a facilities coordinator at Livingston Ashley Elenwood ’11 is a claims asso- the Urbana Theological Seminary. costume buying assistant with the International. She and her hus- ciate with Sedgwick. She resides She resides in Urbana. Walt Disney Company. She and her band, Andrew, reside in Palatine. in Joliet. Vincent Lobello ’08 is technical husband, Adam, reside in Kissim- Stefanie Pipis ’10 is a geologist with Curtis (Wyffels) Frazier ’11 is an director at Seton Hill University. mee, Florida. Southwestern Energy. She resides accounting manager with Bleeding He resides in Jeannette, Pennysl- in Spring, Texas. and Clotting Disorders Institute. vania. He and his spouse, David Frazier, Sarah Rehfield ’10 is an account Larissa (Wages) Mcllvain ’08 is 10s reside in Peoria. manager with NBC Sports at NBC associate director of foundation Francisco Arceo ’10 earned a mas- Universal. She resides in Chicago. Brandon Harnack ’11 is a senior pro- relations and events at Heartland ter’s at Clemson University and gram analyst at Kohl’s Department Community College. She and her Nathan Rybolt ’10 is a quality assur- is completing a second master’s Store. He resides in Milwaukee, husband, Nathan, reside in Nor- ance engineer with GSI Group, at Columbia University in data Wisconsin. mal. science. He works in the decision LLC. He is a member of the Engineering Technology Advisory Jordan (Kimmel) Saldanha ’08 has science group for Commonwealth authored A Life Like Mine and A Bank of Australia. He resides in Lifetime of Passion: A Poetry Col- New York, New York. lection. She resides in Hoffman Rebecca (Givens) Atkins ’10 is a rec- Estates. reation facilities supervisor with James Tompkins ’08 is a GIS tech- Batavia Park District. She and her nician with DuPage County. He husband, Brandon, reside in Plano. resides in Wheaton. Amanda (Reese) Baeten ’10 is a Rachel (Walker) Walkaufson ’08 is human resources recruiter for a systems support specialist with Canon Solutions America. She Randstad Technologies and works and her husband, Ryan ’10, were at State Farm Insurance Compa- married in November 2014. He is nies. She and her husband, Clay- a channel field manager for Peer- ton, were married in August 2014. less-AV. They reside, with their cat They reside in Bloomington. Betsy Ross, in Glendale Heights. John Wierzbicki ’08 is a personal Laura Bianchi ’10, M.S. ’13, is a dual- Still making memories trainer at Fitness Formula Clubs language kindergarten teacher It’s been more than four decades since a group of six ladies shared the in Chicago. He resides in Lincoln with Woodstock School District experience of being a student-athlete at Illinois State. They finished their 200. She resides in Crystal Lake. Park. degrees in the 1970s, but the friendship still continues. They gathered Erin Frost, M.A. ’09, Ph.D. ’13, is an Crystal Bricker ’10 is employed at earlier this year in Florida to enjoy the NCAA Women’s Final Four assistant professor at East Carolina Advocate BroMenn Regional Med- tournament. From left are, Joann (Zuzich) Meilner ’70 of Florida, Donna University. She received a 2015 ical Center. She and her husband, Dubbelde ’70 of Illinois, Beth Cooper ’76 of Illinois, Darla Moldenhauer CCCC Outstanding Disserta- Ben, reside in Bloomington. ’72 of Illinois, Connie Bauman ’70 of Massachusetts, and Chris Voelz tion Award in Technical Com- Michael Detmer ’10 is a music thera- ’70 of Idaho. munication for her dissertation pist and lecturer at the University

August 2015 Illinois State 37 Breck Jones ’11 graduated from Lauren (Walsh) Dominici ’13 is a dual Astrid Gomez ’14 is a family advo- Southern Illinois University School language teacher at Crystal Lake cate at Christopher House. She In memory of Medicine and is completing a Elementary School. She and her resides in Bellwood. Faculty/Staff residency in neurosurgery at SIU husband, John, reside in Crystal Kate Heminway ’14 is serving in in Springfield, where he resides. Lake. Russell D. Gorman; Health, Physi- Costa Rica with the Peace Corps as cal Education and Recreation; 1/15 Lisa Juliano ’11, M.S. ’13, is an assis- Elliott Englander ’13 is studying a community economic develop- Anthony E. Huchel ’73, M.S. ’76; tant director of marketing for Sun law at Valparaiso University and ment volunteer. She will remain in Metcalf School; 9/14 Devil Athletics at Arizona State resides in Valparaiso, Indiana. the country for two years. University. She resides in Tempe, Steven C. Klay ’81, M.S. ’83; Lakeitta Harris ’13 is an education Jennifer (Stewart) Holliday ’14 is an Arizona. Student Affairs; 6/15 outreach specialist with BUILD. industrial hygienist at HSE Solu- Ana M. (Ferrán) Parent ’69, M.A. Lauren (Schander) Morris ’11 teaches She resides in Chicago. tions, Inc. She and her husband, ’70; College of Fine Arts; 4/15 at Limestone Community High Brandon, were married in March Desirae Hunsley ’13 is a professional School and is an assistant cheer- 2015. They reside in Springfield. Myra L. Secoy, Milner Library; staff nurse in hematology, oncol- leading coach at ISU. She and her 2/15 ogy and bone marrow transplant at Kelly Jansen ’14 is a tax associate husband, Zach, reside in Normal. Kyle Sessions, History; 12/14 Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. with BKD, LLP. She resides in Garrett Ryder ’11 is a firefighter She and her husband, Jeff Linden, Decatur. Ellen A. (Youds) Spycher, Curricu- for the City of Decatur, where he reside in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. lum and Instruction; 2/15 Brandon Jeralds ’14 is an industrial resides. Nicholas J. Stearns, Motorcycle Mary Lanigan ’13 is a special educa- hygienist with Liberty Mutual Safety; 3/15 Jacob Timmins ’11 is vice president tion teacher in District 148. She Insurance. He resides in Birming- and property broker with RT Spe- resides in Mokena. ham, Alabama. Robert C. Whitlatch, Theatre; 4/15 cialty. He resides in Dallas, Texas. Mary E. Witham, Bone Student Alexis Oduyale ’13 is a registered Andrew Koopman ’14 is a manage- Center; 3/15 Kevin Anderson-Garrity ’12 is a nurse at Hartgrove Behavioral Sys- ment trainee with Mondi Bags, horticulturist and club grounds tems. She resides in Hanover Park. USA. He resides in West Valley, manager at Sunset Ridge Country Utah. 30s Caitlin Perry ’13 is an office support Club. He and his spouse, Jason specialist with the University of Mike Kroeger ’14 is a licensing spe- Ruth M. (Blacker) Ryder ’38; 4/15 Anderson-Garrity, reside in Ver- Illinois. She and her husband, cialist for the American Society of Erma (Lanterman) Conant ’39, non Hills. Michael Malany, reside in Spring- Composers, Authors and Publish- ’65; 4/15 Richard Falls Jr. ’12 is an instructor at field. ers. He is marketing manager for Royale E. Diveley ’39; 5/15 May I Have This Dance. He resides “Lacrosse Talk” and a marketing Natalie Richardson ’13 is complet- in Chicago. intern for Vanderbilt University ing a master’s in higher education athletics. He resides in Nashville, 40s Taylor Fishburn ’12 is the director of administration at Vanderbilt Uni- Tennessee. student marketing and commu- versity, where she works for the Lilybel Althaus ’40; 2/15 nications at Sacred Heart-Griffin Office of the Provost. She resides Ryan Ritchie ’14 is an associate in Ellen M. (Helm) Hardy ’41; 3/15 High School. She is also on-air tal- in Nashville, Tennessee. transaction services and valuations Edith M. (Clouse) Carlson Deany ent on 99.7 KISS-FM on the week- with PricewaterhouseCoopers. He Matthew Steckling ’13, M.S. ’15, is an ’42; 4/15 ends. She resides in Springfield. resides in Chicago. international consultant for Hiro- Newell L. Kessinger ’42, M.S. ’50; Leigh Gordon ’12 is a senior account shima Toyo Carp. He resides in Mateo Aguirre ’15 is a social media 3/15 executive and youth basketball Hiroshima, Japan. account intern with Radarworks. Ruby L. (Brumm) Ondek ’42; 5/15 coordinator at WNBA Chicago Sky. He resides in Round Lake. Kaitlyn Swift ’13 is an admissions Josephine (Adkins) Skonberg ’42, She resides in Skokie. representative with Chamberlain Sarah Bollinger ’15 is a first-grade ’64; 3/15 James Porter, M.A. ’12, is the Steven- College of Nursing. She resides in dual language teacher. She resides Mary K. (Herrmann) Evans ’43; son Center program coordinator at South Elgin. in Naperville. 4/15 Illinois State. He resides in Bloom- Raven (Smith) Whitley ’13 is assistant Sarah Butler ’15 is a programmer Myrna L. (Slagell) Park ’43; 3/15 ington. director of fraternity and sorority with Discover Financial Services. Beverly Schick ’44; 5/15 Daniel Rice ’12 is the circulation life at North Carolina State. She She resides in Arlington Heights. Marie (Sorensen) Kjolhede ’44; desk supervisor at the Blooming- and her husband, Stephen, reside Kayleigh Legno ’15 is a guerilla 3/15 ton Public Library. He and his in Raleigh, North Carolina. marketing specialist with Jimmy Pagtricia A. Brooks ’45; 5/15 wife, Colleen ’11, reside in Bloom- Michael Yadgir ’13 is a middle school John’s. She resides in Crete. ington. Floyd O. King ’46; 3/15 social studies and language arts Addison Tweedy ’15 has relocated to Glen O. Cooper ’48; 4/15 Christina Stewart ’12 is a math tutor teacher at Granger Middle School Los Angeles to pursue her dream with Wyzant. She is working to in Indian Prairie School District John W. Dempster ’48; 5/15 of learning to surf and working for become a full-time math teacher 204. He resides in Woodridge. Gerald G. Green ’49; 2/15 the Walt Disney Company. in Georgia and plans to pursue a Philip Carter ’14 is the band director Mary A. Kemnitz ’49; 1/15 master’s of education. She resides at Huntley High School in District Melvin H. Kuethe ’49; 4/15 in Duluth, Georgia. 158. He will relocate from Col- Devin Cendejas-Buck ’13 teaches linsville. 50s social studies at Princeville High School. She resides in Dunlap. Richard Adams ’50; 5/15

38 Illinois State August 2015 Wilfred W. Foreman ’50; 1/15 Charles F. Lane ’62, M.S. ’68; 3/15 Gerard R. Drozda ’73; 4/15 Maria “Jojo” Quevedo Strandquist Waunita Geshiwlm ’50; 5/15 Martin L. O’Connor ’62, M.S. ’64; Anthony E. Huchel ’73, M.S. ’76; ’82; 5/15 Paula J. (Laird) Lawson ’50; 4/15 6/1 9/14 Joe Natale ’83; 1/15 Victor J. Rich ’50, M.S. ’55, Ed.D. Sharon (Harms) Sauceda ’62; 12/14 Michael Reisinger ’73; 4/15 Jeanne L. (Dotson) Sutton, M.S. ’68; 3/14 Heaton “Dick” D. Buckley ’63, M.S. Bernadine Spitz ’73; 2/15 ’84; 2/15 Eugene A. Ebert ’51; 3/15 ’65; 2/15 Evelyn M. Steiger ’73; 4/15 David M. Holtz ’85; 3/15 Charles Jerdee ’51, M.S. ’56; 2/15 Marlen “Muggs” McGinnis ’63, Alice J. (Wonders) Abell ’74; 3/15 Leslie Harter ’87; 3/15 M.S. ’67; 4/15 Anne M. Langan ’51; 2/15 Teresa A. Jefford ’75, M.S. ’76; 4/15 Joel Orloff ’87; 3/15 Glen H. Rice, M.S. ’63; 3/15 Verna J. (Drda) Lohmar ’51; 5/15 Stephen W. Rogers ’76; 5/15 William B. Van Meer Jr. ’88, M.S. Paul R. Arahood ’64; 3/15 ’97; 3/15 Barbara (Corn) Ort ’51, M.S. ’68; Wilma R. Haerr ’77; 2/15 John A. Fippinger ’64, M.S. ’68; Judith A. (Reidner) Wineburner 3/15 Gregory W. Haning ’77; 4/15 2/15 ’89; 4/15 George C. Stimeling ’51, M.S. ’56; Joan (Zeller) Orcutt, M.S. ’78; 3/15 5/15 William J. Marco ’65; 4/15 Robin K. Goff ’79, M.S. ’01; 2/15 Mary A. (Elder) Zindel ’51; 5/15 Patricia A. (Orr) Burnham ’66, 90s Ph.D. ’77; 4/15 Margaret E. (Adams) Riley ’79; Willis G. Kersten ’52; 3/15 5/15 Anita L. Mitchell, M.S. ’92; 5/15 Joanne “Pep” E. (Peppard) Cooke, Charles R. “Bob” Rees ’53, M.S. Jeffrey J. Glombicki ’95; 3/15 Ph.D. ’66; 2/15 Carlita M. (Jacobs) Scott ’79; 5/15 ’56; 4/15 Jason L. “Jay” Kjellander ’95; 4/15 Lee A. Johnson ’66; 12/14 Joan C. (Costello) Turnbull ’53; 80s 10/14 Marilyn K. (Lewis) Propst ’66; 3/15 00s Heather K. Stallings ’80, M.S. ’84; Clare (Orlandi) Doglio ’54; 4/15 Alverda E. (Little) Reynolds ’66; 3/15 4/15 Rachel (Severe) Allen ’03; 4/15 Marilyn A. (Doubet) Steiger ’54; Dale C. Woodworth ’80; 5/15 2/15 Linda L. (Parisi) Ruffolo., M.S. ’66; 3/15 James P. Householter ’81; 4/15 10s Clara J. (Kirby) Carroll ’55, M.S. ’66; 2/15 Howard Anderson ’67, M.S. ’74, Stephen McCrotty ’81; 4/15 David A. Benson ’11; 5/15 D.A. ’84; 5/14 George E. Meidel ’55, M.S. ’65; 1/15 Charles M. Pearson ’81; 4/15 Michael Kelley ’12; 5/15 Harold J. Baer ’68, M.S. ’77; 4/15 Virginia L. “Gini” (Merret) Smith Suzanne E. (Brooks) Rodgers ’81; ’55; 4/15 Robert Carpenter ’68, M.S. ’74; 2/15 3/15 Our troops Glenn G. Harris ’56; 1/15 Adriana J. (Frame) Seltzer ’82; Roger Omanson ’68; 4/15 2/15 Col. Karl S. Smith ’54; 2/15 Charles J. Wilson ’56; 3/15 Duane “Duey” E. Buchanan, M.S. Elizabeth (Ashman) Gillette ’58; ’69; 3/15 4/15 Lynda S. (Terven) Finck ’69, M.S. Phyllis J. (Dobbs) McQueen ’58; ’71; 5/15 5/15 Christine J. McQuiston ’69, M.S. Priscilla R. (Kinson) Schlobohm ’75; 12/14 ’58; 5/15 Leslie E. (Romersberger) Thomas, Daniel K. Siders ’58, M.S. ’70; 11/14 M.S. ’69; 2/15 Jann T. Anderson ’59; 4/15 Three easy ways to submit your information Stephen L. Caruso ’59; 4/15 70s Donald R. Erickson ’59; 3/07 1) Go online to Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/ClassNotes and click Charles K. Barrow ’70; 11/14 Constance L. (Boyd) Goode ’59; on “class notes.” Information submitted using this method will 4/15 Roy S. Clark ’70; 5/15 also be posted online. Leon K. Kellar ’59; 3/15 Donna R. (Metzka) Fitzpatrick ’70; 2/15 2) Email your news to [email protected]. John A. Schopp ’59; 3/15 Christine J. McQuiston ’70; 12/14 James R. Tague ’59; 4/15 3) Mail your news to Class Notes, Illinois State University, Kent N. Turner ’70; 2/15 Alumni Relations, Campus Box 3100, Normal, IL 61790-3100. Jeanne L. (Anderson) Alleman 60s Please include your graduation year, major, maiden name ’71; 4/15 when applicable, and daytime phone number for verification James Barker ’60; 3/15 Karen (Griffith) Billman ’71; 2/15 William M. Haycock Jr. ’60; 3/15 David Gilmore ’71; 3/15 purposes. News releases and information from published news Carolyn K. (Moore) Key ’60; 3/15 John H. Kommers ’71; 12/14 clippings may also be used. Engagements and pregnancies will Ronald L. Stagen ’60; 5/15 Keith A. Lauritzen ’71; 3/15 not be published. Sara “Sally” B. (Dishinger) Weber Stan Edmunds ’72; 3/15 ’60; 3/15 For additional information, contact Alumni Relations at (309) 438- Alan L. Propst ’72, M.S. ’77; 4/15 JoAnn F. (Broska) Gross ’62; 5/15 2586 or (800) 366-4478, or by email at [email protected]. Joyce A. (Rohling) Schmidt ’72; Grace Hodges-Dillman, M.S. ’62; 3/15 3/15

August 2015 Illinois State 39 Aston Karner is Forever a Redbird “In my four years at Illinois State, I have been afforded so many incredible opportunities to grow, learn and perform. That is why I gave back $20.15 as a senior. Many opportunities have been offered to me through my music major, including performing at the Music for All Grand National Championship for marching band, supporting the Redbirds at the FCS National Championship game, and professionally recording CDs with world-renowned musicians and composers. I have had four amazing years, and want to help ensure future Redbirds are given the same opportunities. That is why I gave to ISU bands, and why I encourage others to pay it forward.”

Forever Redbirds celebrates seniors, preparing them for alumni status and imparting the importance and impact of private support. Go to IllinoisState.edu/Seniors for more information.

AlumniUpdate Update your information online at Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/myinfo

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Return to: Illinois State University, Donor and Information Services Campus Box 8000, Normal, IL 61790-8000 Facsimile: (309) 438-2294 • Email: [email protected]

40 Illinois State August 2015 what you can do for illinois state university

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Movin’ on in The annual influx of students returning to the residence halls no longer creates the dreaded campus congestion that was the norm years ago. Students are now given an arrival date and time depending on their housing assignment. The work is made easier still with the help of students and staff. More than 400 from the campus community typically lend a hand so that students and families start the academic year with a smile.