Winter 2009-10

Millikin Quarterly WINTER 2009-10

LIFTING UP Alumni making a difference where they live ... and beyond Millikin Quarterly Vol. XXV, No. 4 Winter 2009-10 Produced by the Millikin University Ofﬁ ce of Alumni and Development. E-mail comments to: [email protected]

Millikin Quarterly (ISSN 8750- 7706) (USPS 0735-570) is published four times yearly; once during each of the ﬁ rst, second, third and fourth quarters by Mil- likin University, 1184 West Main Street, Decatur, Illinois 62522- 2084. Periodicals postage paid at Decatur, Illinois.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Millikin Quarterly, Millikin University, 1184 West Main Street, Decatur, IL 62522-2084. Telephone: 217-424-6383, or call toll-free to 1-877-JMU-ALUM.

Millikin Quarterly magazine has been recognized with national APEX awards of excellence for four years in a row and is the recipient of a 2008 bronze award from the Council for the Support and Advancement of Education, District V. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the magazine.

ON THIS PAGE: A student approaches ADM-Scovill Hall on a snowy day last January. pgs 1-17 - web.indd 1 12/18/2009 3:32:46 PM BEING A MILLIKIN ALUMNUS BENEFITS YOU DID YOU KNOW YOU ARE ENROLLED AS A FREE MEMBER OF THE MILLIKIN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF 12 ACADEMIC CREDITS AT THE UNIVERSITY? PRESENT YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD FOR THESE BENEFITS: • Free admission to regular season home games for men’s and women’s basketball, football and volleyball (no fees for other sporting events) • 10 percent discount on two tickets for any MU Fine Arts event booked through the Kirkland Fine Arts Center box ofﬁ ce in person or by phone (217-424-6318). (Does not apply to season tickets, previously purchased tickets or co-produced events) • Free gift from the Millikin Bookstore; no purchase necessary • 10 percent discount on private voice/ instrument lessons for alumni and imme- diate family through the School of Music Preparatory Department • 10 percent discount on all food and bev- erages purchased at Common Grounds Coffeehouse on campus • 10% discount on annual membership fees to the Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) at Millikin (excludes daily admission fee) • Free use of MacIntosh Pool in Griswold Physical Education Center during open swim (M-F, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) when lifeguards are present. • 10% discount at Lock, Stock and Barrel restaurant near campus for food items on nights of home athletic contests (excludes Homecoming) • Access to Staley Library and check out privileges (must show ID with current address to obtain library card and must be renewed annually) • Free use of MU computer labs on a time-limited, need basis through special arrangements with the information technology ofﬁ ce • Tuition-free auditing of classes on a space-available basis; administrative fee of $50 applies for each semester • Complimentary career and employment assistance in the Career Center

OTHER BENEFITS • Ofﬁ cial transcripts available through MU Online (millikin.edu/registrar); $5 each. Transcript service also available by mail through registrar’s ofﬁ ce. • Complimentary issues of this magazine • Free access to the online alumni e-mail directory, “Milli-Link XP” • Complimentary alumni e-mail account.

Need a membership card? E-mail the alumni ofﬁ ce at [email protected] or call toll 2 free to 1-877-568-2586. Winter 2009-10 Millikin Quarterly At left: Gorin Hall

pgs 1-17 - web.indd 2 12/18/2009 3:32:57 PM The end of this year is a special time Roll of Donors section is not avail- of refl ection for me. For all of us, the able online.) It’s also where you’ll fi nd holidays bring remembrances of the profi les of several other outstanding signifi cant events of the past year and students who have made the most of Ithankfulness for those that added mean- what Millikin offers them, as well as the ing and value to our lives. However, names of several thousand individuals, this year has brought an added layer of businesses and organizations who have thoughtfulness for me, as I prepare to helped make our students’ education enter my last year as president of this possible. To me, it is the true glory of great university. the cycle of higher education at Millikin; And make no mistake about that how those who recognize the benefi t – this is a great university. Too often, of the Millikin experiences fi nd ways to we in the Millikin community tend to “pay it forward” with gifts of their time, underestimate the magnitude of what talents and treasures – ensuring that we do here – and how well we do it. We the life-changing experiences offered to are modest about our accomplishments, previous students are further enhanced even humble; but the upshot of these for current and future generations of efforts is that lives are forever changed. Millikin students. Each year, young men and women For example, two of our most enter our doors seeking to fi nd out recognizable young alumni swept who they are and what they want to quietly into town this fall to share their President’s be, and Millikin is uniquely prepared to knowledge and insights to groups of help them answer that question. Only at eager young students who hope to fol- Perspective Millikin, do our students fi nd an environ- low in their talented footsteps. The two ment where they can perfect their skills shunned the media attention they could Douglas Zemke ’66, Millikin President and prepare for lives of meaning and have obtained while here, even though value through the power of performing theirs is a profession full of stars who currence. Over the course of the year, their learning. It is a distinctive attribute demand it. Instead, their focus was on dozens of alumni have come back to the of our curriculum that you’ll see, not just the students who seek to emulate them university to share their expertise with in the fi ne arts programs, but through- and the professors who helped get students, including Nicole Tester, also out the university in all majors and all them where they are today. ’99, who received the Young Alumnus fi elds of study – for example, in business One was Sierra Boggess ’04, who Award during this fall’s Homecoming majors who create and manage thriving most recently starred in Disney’s “The in recognition of her groundbreaking businesses while still Millikin students. Little Mermaid” on Broadway and was research in spinal cord rehabilitation. Student Seth Goodman of Lincoln, handpicked by Andrew Lloyd Webber Such gifts of time and talents, as Ill., exemplifi es those who have found to star in the sequel to his acclaimed well as fi nancial support, are a Millikin their niche by performing what they “Phantom of the Opera.” The new pro- cycle of giving that we see year after have learned while they are still stu- duction, “Love Never Dies,” is scheduled year, from generation to generation. dents. The business management major to open in London next spring and on As I unwrap other Millikin memories of earned his real estate license last sum- Broadway next fall. Boggess and an as- 2009 one by one, I am once again over- mer between his junior and senior years sociate from the Disney production held whelmed by the skill, generosity and and went on to close more than $2.5 master classes and conducted mock dedication of our students, alumni, par- million in real estate sales in his fi rst audition tryouts for a simulated national ents, volunteers, and faculty and staff year. He hopes to one day open his own production tour. who serve this university so faithfully real estate offi ce, and in a thank-you The other was Annie Wersch- and so well. Their deep commitment to letter to his Millikin scholarship spon- ing ’99, whom you may know as this university will be among my fondest sor, he says, ”I know that the skills and agent Renee Walker on FOX-TV’s “24.” remembrances as the year draws to a knowledge I am learning here at Millikin Wersching led a “Career Connections” close. ● as well as the personal interactions I session for eager-to-learn students dur- experience daily will contribute greatly ing Homecoming weekend while on a “It is a Millikin cycle of to my future success in the fi eld of real short break from her fi lming schedule. estate and life in general.” Turn to page Both actresses shared the gift of their giving that we see year 51 in this issue to learn more about Seth knowledge and refl ected on how their after year, from in our annual Honor Roll of Donors sec- Millikin experiences have prepared them generation to generation.” tion. (Please note: To ensure the privacy well for the careers they now pursue. of our alumni and donors, the Honor Their visits are not a unique oc-

Winter 2009-10 Millikin Quarterly 3

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Monroe named to three-year term on Illinois council Radio station wins national award Dr. Dan Monroe, John C. Griswold Distin- Millikin’s student-run radio station, outreach program produced by Mil- guished Professor of History and a Millikin WJMU, was recently honored with a likin students. It caters to children ages professor since 2006, has been appointed national student production award at 3-7 and emphasizes the importance of the College Broadcasters Inc. (CBI) music in education. Characters on “The to the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Coun- National Student Media Conference in Playground” guide the music along cil for a three-year term. Austin, Texas. with moral lessons and storytelling. The The council is part of the Illinois His- WJMU’s feature program, “The show debuted in spring 2009 and plays toric Preservation Agency (IHPA), which Playground,” was named a national from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday mornings. operates more than 60 historic sites and fi nalist in the “Best Feature” category This is not the fi rst time WJMU has memorials, and manages all state and and beat entries from Columbia College been recognized with a national award. federal historic preservation and incen- and Ithaca College to receive fi rst place. In April 2009, WJMU won fi rst place tive programs in Illinois. The agency also The conference received more than in the comedy and drama category of administers the Abraham Lincoln Presiden- 420 entries in 23 categories that were the Broadcast Education Association’s tial Library and Museum, the state’s chief judged by advisers and industry profes- National Festival of Media Arts Awards historical and genealogical research facility sionals around the country. in Las Vegas for the station’s re-creation and home to the state’s world-renowned “It’s a privilege for our station to of H.G. Wells’ famed radio broadcast, be recognized in “The War of the Worlds.” Abraham Lincoln collection. such a fashion,” WJMU was founded in 1971 to “It’s a great honor to represent Millikin’s says Professor provide students with a place to reach history department on the council,” Monroe Matthew Tucker, audiences through music, news reports says. “As a lifelong resident of Illinois, it’s a WJMU general and sports coverage while learning the privilege to work with the IHPA to preserve manager. “The technical and performance aspects of and promote Illinois’ historical treasures.” students worked radio. Today, nearly 50 students com- Monroe specializes in American history very hard to prise the WJMU staff. The music format and has given frequent talks on Lincoln produce a high for the station is generally alternative, throughout the Midwest. He is author quality program. with specialty shows including Spanish of “The Republican Vision of John Tyler” To receive such language programming, jazz and an (2003) and “At Home with Illinois’ Gover- accolades from a R & B/hip hop night. nors: A Social History of the Illinois Execu- national organization like CBI is a great For more information on WJMU, honor for any college radio station.” visit www.millikin.edu/academics/cas/ tive Mansion” (2002). He is co-author of “The Playground” is a community communication/wjmu. “Shapers of the Great Debate on the Civil War: A Biographical Dictionary” (2005). He received the Heiligenstein Award for Teach- Miller receives national honor ing Excellence and was a fellow at the Dr. Dan Miller, associate professor and outreach events, including the popular Virginia Historical Society and Lincoln Legal chair of mathematics, was named 2008- Public Observation Nights (PON), Papers. Monroe is currently working on his 09 outstanding chapter adviser by the which provides stargazing opportuni- fourth book, a study of everyday life in the National Society of Physics Students. ties to community members under the Out of more than 700 chapters, direction of faculty and student astrono- antebellum U.S. ● Miller is only one of 18 advisers to mers. SPS has hosted these events on receive this award. Students nominate Millikin’s campus and in more exotic MU donates more than their SPS advisers, and winners are locations, including City of Rocks State four tons of food determined by the national organization. Park, New Mexico; Baker, Nevada; and Millikin students and employees contrib- Miller joined Millikin’s faculty in Aguas Calientes, Peru. The chapter has uted 4,791 pounds of food to the 8th 1997, and teaches courses in introducto- also hosted PONs for charity, raising Annual Community Food Drive this fall, ry mathematics and advanced geometry. over $10,000 for Race for the Cure, surpassing last year’s total of 4,414 pounds Bobby Arn, a senior mathematics Homeward Bound and St. Jude’s Chil- of food products. Natalie Bernard and major and past president of SPS, says dren’s Research Hospital. Marilyn Davis of the president’s offi ce Miller’s award comes as no surprise to In the upcoming months, the Soci- Millikin’s SPS members. “This award ety of Physics Students will select one served as co-chairs for the drive. ● is a testament to Dr. Miller’s leadership, of the 18 Outstanding Chapter Advisors support and encouragement,” Arn says. as a top winner to celebrate at the winter Miller has served as adviser to Mil- meeting of the American Association of likin’s chapter since 1997. The orga- Physics Teachers. nization holds numerous educational

4 Winter 2009-10 Millikin Quarterly

pgs 1-17 - web.indd 4 12/18/2009 3:33:04 PM CAMPUS NEWS Retired professor, local company honored In September, Millikin honored a profes- Following that, he served as director of paigns, and renovations to Albert Taylor sor emeritus and a local business with planned giving in the university devel- Theatre. James Millikin Awards in recognition of opment division for a brief period. He Black & Company, a wholesaler their service and support of the university. was named the University Distinguished of industrial supplies, will celebrate 90 The awards recognize non-alumni friends Faculty Lecturer in 1984 and was awarded years in business in 2010, all of it family- and are conferred by the Millikin board of the Teaching Excellence and Campus owned. The company has been a generous trustees. Leadership Award in 1992. fi nancial supporter of Millikin, in addition For more than 25 Marshall is author of the college ac- to providing gifts-in-kind of needed mate- years, David Marshall counting textbook, “Accounting: What the rials and supplies for university mainte- taught accounting, fi nance, Numbers Mean,” now in its eighth edition nance and improvements, and also athletic management informa- and widely used at colleges and universi- gear. The company also established a Mil- tion systems and business ties across the country. likin scholarship that is given each year policy at the university. He and his wife, Susan, established to one or more deserving transfer students He held several positions an endowed scholarship in their name that from Richland Community College, with during his tenure, serving as chair of the has assisted many deserving students in preference given to African-American accounting department, director of fi nan- the Tabor School of Business. They have students. Black & Company is owned cial affairs and vice president for busi- been generous fi nancial supporters of the by 2007 Alumnus of the Year Jeff Black, a ness affairs. He retired from teaching as Millikin Fund, the “New Horizons” and 1975 Millikin graduate and trustee emeri- professor emeritus of accounting in 1992. “Advancing the Vision” capital cam- tus of the Millikin board of trustees. ●

This study really rocks Most Americans can sing the chorus proved pivotal. “It was an amazing mix to at least one of his songs. Some of professors, journalists, photogra- know him simply as “The Boss.” phers and even a few other librarians Whether you love his music or not, like myself,” she says. “It may also be it’s clear that Bruce Springsteen has one of the only academic symposiums had a tremendous impact on Ameri- to attract fans.” can music. With so many new musicians fl ood- He’s also had a big impact on ing the industry, how is Springsteen’s Denise Green, a research and instruc- infl uence still so far-reaching? “I think tion librarian at Staley Library. The his long career, his fans’ devotion and Springsteen fan was “just blown the fact that he is so charismatic really away” at a 1979 concert by the keep it going,” says Green. “Many art- musician and, as a result, today fi nds ists from his generation either passed herself a scholar of Springsteen’s in- away or stopped producing music, fl uence on society. This fall, she even relying on greatest hits tours, but he presented at a Bruce Springsteen hasn’t stopped recording.” Symposium held near the musician’s The Boss also continues to dominate old stomping grounds in New Jersey. the music world because of the gut- The symposium provided an outlet wrenching themes of his songs, she for other scholars, professors and says. For example, “Born in the U.S.A” historians to present original research tells the story of a Vietnam veteran about Springsteen on topics ranging who comes back from the war only to from the “Springsteen and Social Con- discover he can’t fi nd work, has lost his sciousness Panel” to “Springsteen’s friends and has no support system left. Political Development.” “Many people were drawn to that song Green’s own presentation was a because of the controversy surround- compilation of studies about Spring- ing it,” Green says. steen, including discussions of his “The lyrics send a different message most popular songs and his infl uence than the upbeat tune.” on American popular culture. Green says she will continue work “It’s interesting to me how my on her Springsteen compilation, a proj- experience that night in 1979 has ect she eventually hopes to turn into a become the focus of so much scholar- website. “I’d like it to be an interactive ship today,” she says. project, where people can add their Green’s experience at a previous own notes and ideas and connect with Springsteen symposium in 2005 also each other.” ● by Carol Colby ’08

pgs 1-17 - web.indd 5 12/18/2009 3:33:06 PM BIG BLUE SPORTS Alumni coaches reach state championships Three former Big Blue football players, now each head football coaches, spent the weekend after Thanksgiving leading their respec- Photo by Kevin Krows Photography Photo by Kevin tive high school football teams in IHSA state championship games: • Chris Andriano ’74, coached his Montini Catholic High School Broncos of Lombard, Ill., to a fi rst place state championship fi nish for Class 5A. It was the school’s second state championship in football. • Mark Coglianese ’85 coached Recent graduate Allison May was recognized with the 2009 Lindsay Medallion at a his Providence Catholic High Big Blue football game in late October. Above, from left: Bob Smith ’62, Allison May, School Celtics of New Lenox, Millikin President Doug Zemke ’66, and Lucy Lindsay Smith ’67. Lucy Smith is the Ill., to a second-place fi nish in daughter of the medallion’s namesakes, the late F. Merrill and “Sis” Lindsay. She Class 6A. Coach “Cogs” has and her husband, Bob, help present the award each year. been coaching at the school for 22 years. • Josh Jostes ’97 coached his 2009 graduate recognized Maroa-Forsyth High School Trojans to a second-place fi nish with Lindsay Medallion in Class 2A. Jostes previously Spring graduate Allison May estab- May also is one of the top 10 shot put coached his team to the 2A lished two new school records during throwers in school history. state championship in 2006.0 ● her time as a Millikin athlete, and now “Many athletes become intimi- joins an enduring Millikin legacy. In dated or overwhelmed during their fi rst October, May was presented with the experience among national competition, England digs up honors Lindsay Medallion in honor of her but Allison did a great job of staying re- Sophomore vol- outstanding performance on the Big laxed and focused,” says Laura Pierce, leyball player Blue women’s track and fi eld team. The current women’s track and fi eld coach, Kelsy England Medallion is named in honor of the late who watched her compete at the nation- of Highland, Ill., F. Merrill Lindsay, trustee emeritus, and als last spring. continues to re- his late wife, “Sis” Lindsay. It has been “Allison is a dedicated, passionate ceive post season presented annually to an outstanding young woman who knows how to work honors. Recently, Millikin student-athlete since 1998. hard to achieve her goals. Whether she For two consecutive years, May decides to pursue a career in coach- the American Vol- was named most valuable fi eld athlete ing, athletic training or something else leyball Coaches Association (AVCA) of the year. During her Big Blue career, entirely, I know she will be a great suc- recognized England with All-America she had set new school records and then cess.” Honorable Mention honors following broke those same records before gradu- May, who completed her degree in being named to the 2009 AVCA All- ating. She fi nished her student-athlete athletic training, was active in various Region Team for the Midwest Region career besting the Millikin indoor track student organizations, including Black in NCAA Division III. record she had previously set in the Student Union and Multicultural Voices England, an outside hitter, had weight throw with a toss of 54-5.50 last of Praise. She served on the executive 478 kills and 487 digs this season March. Two months later, she bested the boards of Multicultural Student Council for the Big Blue. She also had 49 university outdoor track record she had and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and service aces. previously set with a throw of 159-2.00 also worked part-time for the university England was previously named in the hammer toss. services department. May holds one conference title May is completing a master’s to the 2009 CCIW All-Conference and fi ve all-conference titles, including degree in human performance and sport Volleyball First Team and selected fi rst in the weight throw at the CCIW sciences at Tennessee State University, to the 2009 All-CCIW Tournament championships. For the NCAA Division where she serves as assistant coach/ Team. ● III 2008-09 season, she ranked in the throwers coach for the women’s track top 25 nationally in the hammer throw. and fi eld team as a graduate assistant. ● 6 Winter 2009-10 Millikin Quarterly

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Memorable items relating to the Big Blue Annie, get your gun ready In a whirlwind visit worthy of FBI agent Renee Walker, the character she por- trays on FOX-TV’s series “24,” actress Annie Wersching ’99 fl ew in for Home- coming weekend in October to re-con- The legacy continues: Our apologies nect with her former to the Nail family; their alumni legacy classmates and photo was inadvertently left out of a four- professors. During page section of legacy photos in the fall her visit, Wersching issue. Above, May 2009 Millikin graduate shared insights of the Kimberly Nail with her brother, current acting business with student Andrew Nail, class of 2012, and her mother, Cindy Nobbe Nail, class of 1981. current theatre students during one of several Homecoming MILLIKIN QUARTERLY “Career Connections” BY THE NUMBERS presentations made by alumni working in various careers. Wersching will reprise » 2 » 0 her co-starring role in season eight of “24,” which premieres Jan. 17. At right, The number of full- The cost of an Wersching and President Doug Zemke ’66 during her visit to campus. time staff members annual subscription for who put together alumni, parents and Millikin Quarterly friends of the university Celebrating 100 birthdays? Let us know! This issue we congratulate magazine, along with a plethora of » 218 Mrs. Victor Dawald, the widow of the late Dr. Victor Dawald, who cel- other communica- The total number ebrated her 100th birthday Dec. 5. The Dawalds came to Millikin from tion projects. They of magazine pages Beloit, Wis., and Dr. Dawald was a member of the faculty of Millikin’s de- are grateful to published this year partment of education from 1950-66, also serving as department chair. the very talented student interns, » 25 volunteer writers, The number of years proofreaders and this magazine has been staff members in published – 2009 is offi ces throughout our silver anniversary campus who offer » 2 their time and The number of talents to help the managing editors the magazine thrive. magazine has had in » 1 its 25-year history The number of » 50+ thesauruses in the The average number Quarterly offi ces; of M & Ms and other used to locate forms of chocolate interesting words consumed daily by the like “plethora” Getting blue with Mr. B.B. magazine’s current » 25,000 managing editor as Mr. B.B., short for “Mr. Big Bronze Man on Campus,” never says no to photos. The life- The number of each publishing dead- line approaches sized statue, eternally reading his book, “Man’s Search for Meaning,” is located just alumni, friends, donors and commu- » 4 north of Shilling Hall. So shoot away and e-mail your high resolution photos (300 dpi nity leaders who are The number of or higher) to [email protected] or mail your actual photographs to Millikin on the mailing list consecutive years for this magazine Quarterly magazine, 1184 West Main Street, Decatur, IL 62522. We’ll try to print at the magazine has been least one in each issue, space permitting. The above photo was taken at Homecom- recognized with a ing ’06 and shows, from left: Megan Marcacci ’03, Katie Harp Anderson ’03 and Katie national APEX award for communication Raffaelli ’03. excellence ●

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Sun shines on student‘s success Senior wins grant for residence hall solar panel system

She’s one-for-one in writing successful grants; no small feat Foundation approved her request. The following spring, facil- for an undergraduate student. ity services supervised the panel’s installation while Jurkie- “I’m not sure I know many faculty who won a grant on wicz studied abroad in Australia. Sthe fi rst try,” says Dr. George Bennett, associate professor of “Prior to this grant, I had absolutely zero experience in chemistry. “In my experience, it’s rare for a student to be so writing proposals, so this was a completely new learning expe- heavily involved in the writing of a grant proposal. I defi nitely rience for me,” she says. think it’s a feather in her cap.” Though the panel was installed for educational purposes, In 2008, Carrie Jurkiewicz, now a senior biology, pre- it still meets about 13 percent of New Hall 2’s monthly energy medicine major, began writing a grant proposal for $10,000 to needs, helping save about $125 annually. The annual savings the Illinois Clean Energy Foundation to fund installation of a will go towards maintenance and operation costs of the solar small, educational solar panel system on campus. She won the panel system. grant, and last spring a one-kilowatt solar panel system was Members of the Environmental Affairs Council, a student- installed on the roof of New Hall 2, a Millikin residence hall. run organization, and facility services staff, are responsible for “To successfully win a grant, one has to persuade a fund- maintaining the system, while a web-based data monitoring ing agency that the project’s completion is in the interests of system called “Fat Spaniel” oversees how much power it pro- the agency, not just the interests of the applicant,” Bennett duces. Jurkiewicz began collecting data in the spring and will says. “Carrie’s success speaks highly of her ability to clearly use it to create a sustainability plan to help determine whether and concisely make a compelling argument.” solar panels are a good source of green energy for Central Il- A John and Ula Leighty Science Scholarship recipient linois and specifi cally Decatur. (see sidebar) and a James Millikin Scholar, Jurkiewicz came Part of the grant agreement includes incorporating sus- up with her idea to fulfi ll her research requirements for the tainable education into classes offered at the university, so Par- scholarship as well as Millikin’s honors program. She also saw rish and Roslyn O’Conner, biology instructor and laboratory an opportunity to explore a research topic that interested her: manager, will use the panels to teach students about sustain- environmental sustainability. able energy, data collecting techniques and research skills. “Earth is the only place humans and all other living crea- “The entire grant writing process turned out to be much tures have to call home,” Jurkiewicz says. “There is so much more complex than I expected,” Jurkiewicz says. “But, it was intricate and extraordinary diversity of landscape, plants, well worth it in the end.” ● by Kate Eagler ’11 animals and environment on Earth, and what gives me passion for sustainability is my desire to see this beauty continue into Learn more about Jurkiewicz and some other the future.” Millikin students who excel on page 55 in the She found the grant opportunity through the Illinois Clean Honor Roll of Donors section of this issue Energy Foundation, an agency that has previously awarded (not available online). grants to Millikin. “Carrie was trying to fi nd something that we could The John and Ula Leighty Science Scholarship implement on a relatively small scale and use for educational was established by the late Dr. John Leighty ’31 and his purposes in order to show that it works and accomplishes our late wife, Ula Davis Leighty ’33, in 1992. The program goals,” Bennett says. “When such projects are successful, they often lead to similar projects on a larger scale.” offers incoming Millikin students planning to major in Jurkiewicz agrees: “I thought this was a good, additional a science fi eld the opportunity to complete an under- avenue for Millikin in terms of moving towards green energy.” graduate research project. Incoming students who Working alongside John Mickler, director of Millikin’s qualify for the program are reviewed by a faculty com- physical plant operations, as well as her faculty adviser, Dr. mittee, and each year, the committee recommends six Judy Parrish, associate professor and chair of Millikin’s biol- freshmen to receive an annual scholarship, including a ogy department, Jurkiewicz researched and consulted multiple stipend to complete summer research between the stu- solar panel vendors and obtained cost estimates and proposals. dent’s sophomore and junior years. For more informa- With Bennett’s help, Jurkiewicz fi nished the grant in tion, visit www.millikin.edu/academics/sap/. September 2008. A mere month later, the Illinois Clean Energy

8 Winter 2009-10 Millikin Quarterly

pgs 1-17 - web.indd 8 12/18/2009 3:33:13 PM FEATURE

Leadership theories abound these days. participate over the course of three As documented in books and presented semesters. The fi rst semester focuses on in workshops and courses for adult pro- self-awareness of leadership strengths Lfessionals, the attribute of “leadership” and weaknesses, and the development is something all of us want to possess of an individualized plan to improve and use to better our careers, our per- leadership skills. In the second semes- sonal lives and the world around us. ter, students implement their plan to de- While it’s tough to defi ne, most of velop and practice leadership. The third us know leadership when we see it. We semester focuses on teaching students also recognize that leadership comes in how to refl ect on what they’ve done. many styles. Some leaders are highly Was their leadership successful? How visible and motivating. Others work can they characterize and document the more quietly, getting things done that value they added? What’s next? others cannot seem to accomplish, serv- Throughout the program, men- ing as role models in the process. tors work with the students through While acknowledging the inherent the implementation of their leadership imprecision of the topic, Interim College development plans. Students select of Professional Studies Dean Jim Dahl additional Millikin courses that help believes that college students can – and them with specifi c leadership skills. should – learn how to lead. To promote They also assume leadership roles, with this intentional leadership education, the goal of practicing and developing Dahl and senior colleagues from across certain aspects of leadership. the university established the Tabor J.B. Spillane, a junior fi nance ma- Leadership Academy in spring 2009. jor from Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, is midway Launched with seed funding from Janet through the second semester of the Learning Weinrich Paterson ’79, who is involved Tabor Leadership Academy. in leadership education as dean of “By assessing my leadership skills to Lead students at Illinois State University, the and working through a development Tabor Leadership Academy is currently plan, I’m learning how to lead more Tabor Leadership Academy serving its fi rst cohort of 21 undergradu- effectively,” he says. “My big ‘aha’ is focuses on intentional ates from majors across the university. that I’ve come to realize why it’s a good leadership for students Although it is housed in the Tabor idea to establish an organizational struc- School of Business, the Leadership ture. It’s just the best way to work with Academy is grounded in a multidis- other people and to deploy their unique by Anne-Marie Proske Berk ’88 ciplinary approach. This approach is talents. That’s something I really hadn’t exemplifi ed by the faculty members understood before.” and administrators that developed and Brand characterizes the program as teach the program, including Associate “a good example of Millikin’s mission The Millikin Leadership Academy Professor of Communication Jeff Brand, to combine theory and practice. The stu- • Helps students development Dean of Student Development Renardo dents will learn about leadership in the their leadership styles and Hall and Associate Professor of English classroom and practice what they learn potential to lead Michael O’Connor, along with Dahl. in campus leadership positions. They “In the Tabor Leadership Acad- will graduate ready to be real leaders in • Is open to all majors emy, we give students a model to use in the real world.” developing their leadership,” Dahl said. Students complete the Tabor • Any freshman, sophomore, “We fi nd that many of our Leadership Leadership Academy program with one or fi rst-semester junior may Academy students are already engaged course credit and a certifi cate to docu- apply; honors students are in leadership roles while at Millikin, and ment their achievement. They also leave especially encouraged to that’s fantastic. However, we believe with a completed leadership portfolio apply that effective leadership is a process, and a personalized statement of core not a position. The best leaders not leadership values. • The fi rst group of 21 only participate in leadership roles, but “Our goal is to create a culture of Leadership Academy also continue learning about different leadership across campus,” Dahl said. students will complete the styles of leadership. They’re purposeful; “When alumni come back to us and tell three-semester program in they’re always working on developing us how their experience in the Leader- May 2010; new cohorts will their unique leadership qualities.” ship Academy continues to help them, begin each spring. Leadership Academy students then we’ll know it has been a success.” 9

pgs 1-17 - web.indd 9 12/18/2009 3:33:13 PM ALUMNI FEATURE

This bird sure can ﬂ y Martell stages “coo” with award-winning animated short ﬁ lm.

First Prize, Best Short – Montreal World Film Festival Audience Choice Award and Best of the Fest Showcase – DC Shorts First Prize, Best Animation and Best of the Fest Showcase – Rhode Island International Film Festival …and the list goes on and on!

The awards keep fl ocking in for “Pigeon: Martell realized he didn’t have the ex- as student manager of Millitrax, Millikin’s Impossible,” an animated short fi lm writ- perience (or the chickenfeed!) to break recording studio, provided a valuable ten, produced and directed by fl edgling into the fi lm industry in New York City or foundation for the video production skills animator Lucas Martell ’03. Los Angeles. So he fl ew the coop after he honed in Austin. Martell’s six-minute epic tells the graduation, leaving for Austin, Texas, “I was lucky to receive a lot of story of a rookie secret agent’s fi ght to and an unpaid internship at 501 Post, mentoring from [assistant professor and save the world from nuclear disaster a boutique editorial shop specializing in Millitrax manager] Ronnie Dean while I after a hungry pigeon gets trapped inside post-production work for commercials was working in Millikin’s studio,” Martell a government-issue briefcase. and fi lms. says. “He really helped me learn about Nearly 100 artists and musicians – Doing odd jobs during the day to audio production. And if you know audio many with ties to Millikin – volunteered make ends meet, Martell worked the well, it’s just another step to learn video their efforts during the fi lm’s incuba- late shift at his internship, eventually because so many of the technical com- tion. Here’s how the project got off the working on the renowned fi lm, “Sin ponents overlap.” ground: City,” an animated adaptation of the After completing his internship, After serving as a cofounder of FAM popular comic book series. Martell was hired by 501 Post and (Film Association of Millikin) as a student, Martell believes his two-year tenure served as an assistant colorist, working mainly on commercials. But in the back of his mind lurked a lifelong desire to learn 3D animation. “I’ve always been interested in animation,” he says. “I did some fl ip books as a kid and since I was working in video production, I decided that I wanted to do a little test to see what I could do with animation. The original idea was to make a clip about a guy who gets at- tacked by a box.” But with the help of a talented group of friends, Martell hatched a better idea. “We decided to amp it

10 Winter 2009-10 Millikin Quarterly

pgs 1-17 - web.indd 10 12/18/2009 3:33:14 PM up — we turned the main character into a spy whose briefcase goes awry,” he says. And because of recent advances in hardware and software, the animation was completed without the benefi t of pricey fi lm studio equipment – a feat that would have been impossible a few years ago. “If we had been trying to make this fi lm in the ’90s, it would have been pretty diffi cult to get it all to work without more complex equipment,” Mar- tell says. “Although we did have to write some special tools to help customize the software, every bit of animation was done on a regular desktop As the story line and animation reviews at fi lm festivals and special computer.” process began to come together, Martell showings around the globe. In early He estimates that 10,000 man knew he needed a soaring musical score December, the fi lm had gone viral, with hours were required to complete the to enhance his picture’s visual appeal. nearly 2 million hits on YouTube.com. project – the equivalent of one person That’s why he called on former Millikin It’s the type of success that has working 40 hours a week from 2004 to classmate Christopher Reyman ’03. Now Martell looking to feather his nest by 2009. an adjunct professor of music at Millikin, developing his award-winning short “The animation software is expen- Reyman played with Martell in various into a feature-length fi lm. Who knows? sive, but in the grand scheme of things, musical groups while at Millikin. Reyman Perhaps “Pigeon Impossible” will be that’s such a minor part of it,” says has also composed musical scores for fl ying into a theater near you one day. • Martell. “Probably 80 to 90 percent of jazz ensembles and orchestras. by Margaret Friend a budget for an animated fi lm is for the “Chris wrote the music for the labor that goes into it – it just takes so main title theme and end credits,” says Wondering what all the fl ap’s many people to get it on the screen.” Martell. “We had Millikin’s Jazz Band about? Watch the six-minute But because everyone involved in record the theme because we wanted a “Pigeon: Impossible” online at Martell’s project worked as an unpaid big-band, jazzy feel. It was recorded at www.pigeonimpossible.com. volunteer, he was able to produce the the Millitrax studio, with Chris’s father, short at a fraction of the cost typically Randy Reyman (director of jazz activities incurred in such an effort. Amazingly, at Millikin), directing the band.” just $10,000 brought the fi lm from Finally, boasting studio-quality concept to completion. Work really took computer graphics and a musical score fl ight in 2006, after Martell left his job at to rival any feature-length fi lm, Martell’s 501 Post to become a freelance anima- hatchling was ready to leave the nest. tor and visual effects artist. Nearly fi ve years in the making, “Pi- “Once I went freelance, I was able geon: Impossible” premiered last June to work on the fi lm whenever I wasn’t at the Palm Springs Shorts Fest, where busy on another job,” says Martell. “If it was promptly voted one of the festival I was working on a job, I’d try to do an favorites. And that was just the begin- hour or two on the fi lm each night, just ning. Rookie spy Walter and the hungry to keep it active in my mind.” pigeon continue to win awards and rave Lucas Martell ’03

Winter 2009-10 Millikin Quarterly 11

pgs 1-17 - web.indd 11 12/18/2009 3:33:15 PM COVER STORY

Ï Lifting up A few stories of Millikin alumni who have found purpose in making a difference.

It only takes a moment. A chance meeting, a school project or a study trip abroad can lead to a lifelong desire to ﬁ nd purpose in lifting up lives. In other cases, individuals ﬁ nd their passion to make a difference by watching the examples set by their parents, teachers and other caring individuals. In just a single moment, people can change from living for themselves to living for others. However they get there, the result is the same: Lives are forever changed for the better. On the next few pages, we’re featuring some Millikin alumni who are making a positive difference in our world by lifting up the lives of others in three uniquely different ways. The stories of these individuals are just a tiny fraction of the Millikin stories that could be told on this subject, and we hope to make this a recurring theme for future features in this magazine. Know of other stories to be told about making a difference? Send your ideas to [email protected] or call toll-free to 1-877-JMU-ALUM.

That ﬁ rst visit to Tumaini University in Iringa, Tanzania, January 2004. Kathy Gardner Thomforde ’78, with the university’s Dean of Business and Economics George Mpelumbe (on left) and Provost Nicholas Bangu.

12 Winter 2009-10 Millikin Quarterly

pgs 1-17 - web.indd 12 12/18/2009 3:33:17 PM Women and children from the village of Madihani, Tanzania A leap of faith A non-traveler takes a trip that changes ships later, “Tanzania and its people especially gratifying for me to see my her life – and the lives of others. have touched my heart and won’t let me students fall in love with Tanzania the go,” she says. way I had the year before and to see All the St. Olaf faculty received the “I quickly fell in love with Tumaini them come away wrestling with how to same e-mail, but Kathy Gardner Thom- and its students,” Thomforde says. “It’s help people who are poor and vulner- forde ’78, then a marketing professor at unbelievably inspiring to see the cour- able and live at the margin.” the Northfi eld (Minn.) college, was sure age and discipline of the students and Two of her students were so taken it was meant just for her. Tumaini Uni- the sacrifi ces they’re willing to make with the country and the people that versity in Iringa, Tanzania, was looking to get an education. Plus, it’s extremely they have returned to Tanzania, one to for mass media and marketing experts eye-opening to be in a situation where volunteer in an orphanage and an- to come to their campus in east Africa you’re the only person of your race other for a summer mission trip. “I’ve to serve as visiting lecturers for two walking through a city.” Once back on been fortunate to remain in touch with weeks. When Thomforde read the e- campus, Thomforde couldn’t shake the several of my students who continue to mail, her heart told her she’d be going. idea that her St. Olaf students would explore ways to make a difference in “My friends and family thought benefi t from fi rsthand experience as Tanzania,” Thomforde says. “Certainly, I was crazy,” she says. “I had very well, so she set out to make that happen. it’s gratifying to know that they were limited travel experience, and I didn’t In January 2005, she returned to moved enough by their fi rst experience know anyone in Tanzania. But I had a Tumaini for a month-long study with to seek out another. There’s nothing like profound sense of being called, and I 14 St. Olaf students, as well as her then immersing yourself in another culture knew I needed to respond to that. So 15-year-old son, Jim. “We examined a to help you develop an empathy for the I took a huge leap of faith, fl ying into variety of cultural, social and economic plight of other people.” Dar es Salaam by myself and trusting factors that explain why the practice of Thomforde was hoping she’d have that I’d be picked up by a driver for the commerce is so different in Tanzania another immersion opportunity herself, eight-hour trip to Tumaini.” as compared to the United States,” she but in 2006 she moved to Pennsylvania That leap of faith has developed says. “My students lived in the dorms with her husband, Chris, who had been into an unlikely love affair with a coun- with Tumaini students. They learned named president of Moravian College try she knew little about before that fi rst Swahili, and we took many trips to visit in Bethlehem, Penn., and she thought short visit in 2004. Five years, two more local businesses. It was a great learn- another trip to Tanzania would likely visits and many burgeoning relation- ing experience for them, and it was continued next page

Winter 2009-10 Millikin Quarterly 13

pgs 1-17 - web.indd 13 12/18/2009 3:33:18 PM When she’s not thinking about them, she’s talking about them – getting the word out to others about the country, its people, and their needs.

have to wait until retirement. Little are in a very vulnerable position in Tan- But Pastor Edith provided wise counsel, did she know that Tanzania has one of zanian society. Even in their own house- telling me that there is great value in just the world’s largest concentrations of holds, they don’t have a strong voice. being present with the villagers, showing Moravians, a 500-year-old Christian de- AIDS has ravaged families, and because them we care and doing what we can. nomination that founded her husband’s of the patriarchal system, they are pow- Yes, they need clean water, education, college in 1742. “It was truly seren- erless to stop it,” she explains. “And electricity and infrastructure improve- dipitous,” Thomforde says. “We have women can have an especially diffi cult ment, but it’s also important that the hu- students from Tanzania in the Moravian time if they become educated. If they man connections are made and that they Theological Seminary. Two physicians enter law or business or education, there know they’re not forgotten.” who live across the street from us have aren’t many jobs in the villages, so they For Thomforde, forgetting about retired and dedicated their energies to have to go to the urban areas to work, the people of Tanzania is very unlikely. the prevention and treatment of AIDS which creates tension from those in When she’s not thinking about them, in Tanzania. And the church Chris and their villages who say ‘You’re not one she’s talking about them – getting the I joined has a partner congregation in of us anymore.’ Women who pursue a word out to others about the country, – where else? – Tanzania.” So when profession must make some very dif- its people and their needs. Recently, her the Thomfordes’ pastor, Edith Roberts, fi cult personal choices because they are efforts in contacting international aid was looking for someone to accompany not following a traditional path.” agencies resulted in Heifer International her to visit the congregation in Madi- The Thomfordes are helping make sending a team to Madihani to assess the hani, Tanzania, Thomforde knew it was those choices a easier for two Tanzanian the villagers’ needs and determine areas something more than coincidence. women. When they married in 2005, of potential assistance. She also speaks Her September 2009 visit to the they requested their wedding guests to to service organizations and charitable village of Madihani was far different make donations to Tumaini in lieu of groups about how they can help. from her previous two trips, however. gifts. As a result, two women students at “Americans seem to know so little “We were sheltered in many ways when the university received scholarships to about Africa in general,” she says. “So we visited the university,” Thomforde complete their seminary studies. many people on that continent are says. “As part of an intellectual com- But they’re not the only Tanzanians struggling desperately to survive. But munity, they had more resources, more feeling Thomfordes’ infl uence from I’ve found that as people become aware conveniences and more Western infl u- afar. Patrick Ngumba is a theology of the circumstances of the Tanzanian ence than the typical population. But in student at Tumaini who also happens to people, they want to help. Many choose the village, there is no electricity and be from Madihani. “We communicate to offer fi nancial support through their no running water. It’s very isolated; the by e-mail almost daily,” she says. “He churches, through microfi nance orga- next village is seven kilometers by foot. talks about his family, his village and nizations or groups like Heifer Interna- You get a much clearer picture of the his plans for the future. The Tanzanian tional, or by supporting a child. Others diffi culty of daily life for the Tanzanian people place great value on relationship take a leap of faith and visit the country people. Taking care of basic needs, building and personal connections.” to see for themselves how people live on caring for children and maintaining a According to Thomforde, the a daily basis. We need both approaches, shelter consume the whole day. And people are also extremely patient – a but I will say that for those who actually because most of the men in this village quality she admitted she lacked at go to Tanzania, the experience is life of 850 have died of AIDS, women carry times during her last visit to Tanzania. changing. Despite their circumstances, much of the burden alone.” “When you see the conditions, your fi rst the people are incredibly hospitable and The circumstances of the women of instinct as a Westerner is to immediately gracious and faithful and inspiring and Tanzania, both in the village and at the move into problem-solving mode,” humbling to be around. For me, it was an university, made a lasting impression on she says. “There’s so much to be done experience that grabbed me and won’t let Thomforde and her students. “Women that you want to get busy fi xing things. me go.” ● by Cathy Good Lockman ’79

14 Winter 2009-10 Millikin Quarterly

pgs 1-17 - web.indd 14 12/18/2009 3:33:20 PM An appetite for service

Pasta Alley offers an avenue Jeremy Maupin, ’95, co-owner developmentally disabled adults. to independence for the of Pasta Alley, has a two-fold goal to “We offer a full array of vocational developmentally disabled. “supply a good product and meaningful and social classroom opportunities for work opportunities” for the develop- people who have aged out of special Can linguine lead to life skills? Can mentally disabled. education programs,” Jeremy Maupin fettuccine feed the soul? Maupin and his wife, Jennifer says. “We work to integrate our clients At Pasta Alley, they can. Rauch Maupin, also ’95, purchased Pas- into the community.” This Decatur-based company ta Alley in 2008 as a natural outgrowth Pasta Alley became another avenue produces an array of preservative-free of their existing businesses serving the to achieve that integration by providing pastas featuring savory herb blends, developmentally disabled community. job opportunities for their clients. The such as rosemary-champagne and Through their J & J Maupin Group work at Pasta Alley could easily be bro- lemon pepper, as well as dipping oils, Homes, established in September 2005, ken down into distinct steps – making pasta sauces, and bread and soup mixes. the couple owns three small licensed the product and bagging, labeling and However, the best products are not intermediate care facilities in Central packaging it – to match different skill found on the shelves of Pasta Alley, but Illinois. The Maupins also own A Step levels of employees. exist in the feelings of satisfaction and Forward, a day training site designed About 17 developmentally disabled self-worth of those who work there. to foster growth and independence for continued next page

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pgs 1-17 - web.indd 15 12/18/2009 3:33:22 PM individuals are currently employed at “Our clients work hard, and they’re many are still friends today. I love that Pasta Alley, while another 15 work at very appreciative of their jobs,” Maupin about Millikin.” a variety of local businesses through A says. “The amount of their paycheck Millikin even serves as a model for Step Forward. doesn’t matter to them. They are happy how Maupin manages his businesses. One young woman, Melissa, tack- with any amount because they feel they “That’s how we run our corporation – les labeling pasta packages with a smile, are contributing.” small and personalized, based on the a job she describes as “really fun.” Maupin’s own desire to contribute knowledge we gained at Millikin.” Another labeler, Pete, proudly uses his took root early in life. Beyond the satisfaction gained from earnings to take his family to Pizza Hut “I had fond relationships with two a life of service, Maupin says owning for dinner. of my uncles who were developmental- and managing three businesses with a The work is both meaningful and ly disabled,” he says. “I always hoped $4 million annual budget satisfi es his practical for clients like Melissa and there’d be opportunities to give back entrepreneurial spirit. “I look the boss in Pete. “They feel they are contributing to others with similar disabilities. It’s the mirror, and I go home feeling great while they’re also learning job skills meaningful to me – and to them.” every day.” and how to be responsible,” Maupin Human services is a passion for Together, Maupin enterprises says. “They want to be independent; both Maupins. Jeremy and Jennifer met employ approximately 70 individuals, they want to be treated equally.” as Millikin sophomores and married in including Millikin alumna Kristi Cook 1997. Today, they live in White Heath, Nottelmann ’89, who serves as adminis- Ill., with their three children: Mia, 8; trator for all three operations. Jonah, 7; and Leo, 4. Jennifer serves on Currently, Pasta Alley products can the Pasta Alley board of directors and is be found online and at farmers’ markets currently pursuing a master’s degree in in Central Illinois, as well as at specialty social work at the University of Illinois, shops such as Haines & Essick and with the goal of becoming a family Mari-Mann Herb Co. in Decatur. Maupin counselor. next plans to target wholesale markets “We’re in it together,” says Jeremy and grocery stores, and offer the product Maupin of his partner in life and in as a fundraiser for churches and schools. service. “We have a vested interest in Growth, however, comes second to this fi nancially and philosophically. stability. “Our ultimate goal is to break Our businesses allow us to contribute to even – anything more than that is great,” society while building a future for our he says. “We strive for a product and family.” a business model that builds stability. Maupin credits Millikin for giving We don’t make widgets; we deal with him opportunities that today allow him people’s lives.” ● by Celeste Huttes ’88 to create opportunities for others. It was Millikin’s size that fi rst at- For more information, visit tracted Maupin to the university, where www.pastaalley.net. Note: If you know of he earned a human services degree. possible employment opportunities for “It was small; it was a family,” he qualifi ed developmentally disabled work- says. “I really got to know my profes- ers in the Decatur area, call Maupin at sors and the administrative staff – and 217-422-6361. Top right: Owner Jeremy Maupin ’95 and some of the clients who work at Pasta Alley. Directly above: Maupin with pasta.

16 Winter 2009-10 Millikin Quarterly

pgs 1-17 - web.indd 16 12/18/2009 3:33:26 PM A passion for service and compassion

A 2002 alum becomes single It seems only natural that Meyrick full-time job and foster parenting, Mey- foster parent at age 24. would open her home and her heart to rick still fi nds time to volunteer. children, since most of her work life – “I’m still involved in Kids Church When Megan Meyrick ’02 began her both volunteer and professional – has and try to help out with sidewalk Sunday service learning assignment as a fresh- been devoted to them. School,” she says. man, she discovered a passion for service In addition to volunteering with Now in its 10th year serving the OKO that would forever change her life and DOVE while at Millikin, Meyrick neighborhood, Kids Church ministers to the lives of many young people. also helped establish King’s Kids, an anywhere from 60 to 100 children each While volunteering at a domestic after-school program serving Decatur’s week. “In the winter, we meet in the old violence shelter sponsored by DOVE inner-city Old King’s Orchard (OKO) Blessingdale’s Thrift Store,” Meyrick Inc., Meyrick met a mother with four neighborhood. And in her junior year, says. “In the summer, we meet outdoors. little girls. For months, she kept in she spent seven months in the Domini- It’s a little one-hour church service, and contact with the family, even inviting can Republic teaching English to grade we sing songs, play games and do object the girls to participate in Kids Church school students and working in two lessons.” – an inner-city ministry that conducts a orphanages. Although Meyrick’s work and family weekly “sidewalk Sunday School.” “Even though I took four years of schedules no longer allow her to help with Then Meyrick learned that the girls’ Spanish in high school, working in the the King’s Kids after-school program, she mother was scheduled to be admitted to Dominican Republic is where I really remains active with the OKO Tumblers, a an inpatient rehabilitation program for learned to speak conversational Span- tumbling team she helped create. Ranging substance abuse. However, she had no ish,” she says. That knowledge would from age 5 up to high schoolers, the OKO one to watch her children for the 28 days serve her well in her professional life. Tumblers have performed in several states of her treatment. Right after graduation, Meyrick in addition to performing locally, includ- “She asked if I would keep her went to work as a substitute teacher for ing during half-time at Millikin basketball kids,” Meyrick remembers. “So the girls the Decatur School District. When a job games. stayed with me, but their mom didn’t became available to serve as a bilingual The group even attracted the atten- complete the program and went to jail.” home educator with the district’s Persh- tion of a man who knows a little bit about In order to keep the girls with her ing Early Learning Center, Meyrick tumbling – Illinois Secretary of State, and provide stability for their young jumped at the chance. Working in their Jesse White, who founded the Jesse White lives, Meyrick took the necessary steps Early Beginnings program, she made Tumblers in 1959 as a juvenile delinquen- to become a licensed foster parent in home visits and conducted play groups cy prevention program for Chicago youth. 2004. She was single and 24. for children up to age 3. “A few years ago, Jesse White saw “The girls were with me for two “My case list was 95 percent Span- our kids perform,” Meyrick says. “He and a half years,” Meyrick says, “then ish-speaking,” Meyrick says. “I worked must have been impressed because he they moved to Chicago to live with on developmental activities with the donated mats, uniforms, tumbling shoes their aunt.” kids in that program for six years.” and a mini-trampoline.” Since then, Meyrick has cared for However, due to the fi nancial and Membership in the group fl uctuates, several children in her fi ve years as a time commitments of foster parenting but typically 12-20 children are actively foster parent, and she currently has four and her pending adoptions, Meyrick involved. Meyrick schedules their practice living in her home. decided to look for a permanent, full- time to coincide with the OKO open gym “I have two girls, who are sisters: time position. Last summer, she began hours on Sunday – another activity that one is 7 and the other is 14,” she says. working as an adult case manager and she volunteers to supervise. “And I’m also in the process of adopting translator at Community Health Im- “I’m involved in a little bit of every- a 3-year-old boy and his 19-month-old provement Center (CHIC). thing, and that’s the way I like it,” she sister.” But even with the demands of a says. ● by Margaret Friend

Winter 2009-10 Millikin Quarterly 17

pgs 1-17 - web.indd 17 12/18/2009 3:33:31 PM Homecoming 2009 class reunion photos

Black Alumni Ã Among the black alumni and their guests who attended Homecoming 2009 festivities: Row 1: Barbara J. Kenney ’72, DeeDee Halbert (wife of Michael Halbert ’79), Jennifer Friday ’77, Barbara Currin Parker ’74, Andrea L. Jones ’05, Traccye Starling Love ’05 and Erica Melton McAdoo ’05. Row 2: Dana Miller (sister of Fred Miller), Barbara Ndosi (sister of Richard C. Banton ’75), Michael Halbert ’79, John W. Lewis ’69 and Gwen Miller (wife of Fred Miller ’73). Row 3: Fred Miller ’73 and Ollie Mack ’71. Row 4: Jaron Moulton ’03 and Richard C. Banton ’75. Row 5: Dan Parker ’73 and Sanchez Burnside ’71.

Class of 1994 Á Among the members of the class of 1994 and their guests who attended Homecoming 2009 festivities: Row 1: Angie Goodwin Locascio, Elena Locascio (age 4, daughter of Angie Goodwin Locascio), Laura Sullivan Ferguson ’92 (wife of David Ferguson), Xavier, 2, and Ella, 9, Ferguson (son and daughter of David and Laura Sullivan Ferguson), Lucy, 7, Rachel, 1½, and Molly, 4, Besser (daughters of Kevin and Amy Neuen- dorf Besser), Amy Neuendorf Besser. Row 2: Chad Sloan, David Ferguson, Kevin Besser (husband of Amy Neu- endorf Besser) and Jacki Clark. Row 3: Damon Van, Amy Hagen, Derek Stanton (husband of Lisa Doerfert Stanton) and Lisa Doerfert Stanton. Class of 1954 Ã Among the members of the class of 1954 and their guests who attended Homecoming 2009 festivities: Row 1: Janet “Bunny” Keeler Williams ’53 (wife of Joe Williams), Nancy Weilepp Rigsbey, Patcie Wieland, Bonnie Schall Jacobs, Marjorie Parker Devore, Sally Burks Krigbaum, Ellen DeGroot Whitrock, Shirley Pattengill Hamilton and Pat Miles Chambliss. Row 2: Joe Williams, Joy Watkins Minasian, Sara Dingman Kileen ’55 (wife of Bob Kileen), Shá Kelley (wife of Harry “Bud” Kelley), Harry “Bud” Kelley, Joey Mueller (wife of Charles Mueller), Ron Devore (husband of Marjorie Parker Devore), Clint Whitrock ’55 (husband of Ellen DeGroot Whitrock) and Larry Hamilton ’57 (husband of Shirley Pattengill Hamilton). Row 3: Marty Robinson Grohne, Bob Kileen, Pat Talbert Smith, Sid Smith (also ’54 and husband of Pat Talbert Smith), Charles “Bud” Mueller, Martha Kopp Sefton ’56 (wife of Bob Sefton), Zeal Zimmerman Brock ’56 (wife of Don “Bud” Brock), Carol Churukian (wife of George Churukian) Donna Riechman Fitzgerald and Ross Chambliss (husband of Pat Miles Chambliss). Row 4: Orie Ballion, Bob Sefton, Don “Bud” Brock, George Churukian and Jim Fitzgerald ’53 (husband of Donna Riechman Fitzgerald).

Class of 1939 Â Among the members of the class of 1939 and their guests who attended Homecoming 2009 festivities: Row 1: Carol Manock Tullis ’69 (daughter of Caroline Walker Manock), Caroline Walker Manock and Hoyt Kerr.

Photos by D.R. Roberts and Associates. To order prints online, visit www.drroberts.com. Class of 1949 Á Among the members of the class of 1949 and their guests who attended Homecoming 2009 festivities: Row 1: Barbara Walker (wife of Walter Walker), Joy Bilhartz (friend of Jim Curry), Verl Meixner ’50 (wife of John Meixner) and Dick Ferry, professor emeritus of education. Row 2: Jack Allen, dean emeritus of admission, Walter Walker, Jim Curry, John Meixner and Jack Bolen. The Golden Class of 1959 Á Among the members of the class of 1959 and their guests who attended Homecoming 2009 festivities: Row 1: Theresa Winfrey Greenwood, Angela Davis Grace, Lynn Pirtle Partington, Maddy Weber Wright ’62 (wife of Bill Wright), Gayanne Newman Petty, Phyllis Morris Lotchin, Lyn Gallion Houston, Ann Geddes Haab, Joni Coe (wife of Lou Coe), Nancy Nottelmann Koger ’61 (wife of Joe Koger), Babs Zimmer Hazelrigg and Joel McClelland Anderson. Row 2: Patricia Rains Maloney, Barb Colburn Link, Addy Redifer Ford, Bill Wright, Don L. Petty ’57 (husband of Gayanne Newman Petty), Barb Witzeman McCoy ’60 (wife of Jack McCoy), Joe Weaver, Barbara Cannon Weaver (also ’59 and wife of Joe Weaver), Larry Haab (also ’59 and husband of Ann Ged- des Haab), Lou Coe, Joe Koger, Rick Hazelrigg (also ’59 and husband of Babs Zimmer Hazelrigg) and Ruth Wieland Meyer. Row 3: Carol Bardelmeier Ferry, Janet Cox Vandegriff, Judy Littleton Slade ’60 (wife of Bill Slade), Laura Barnes (wife of Larry Barnes), John “Jack” Benton, Nancy Smith Quigle, Jack McCoy, John McClarey, Duncan MacGregor, Barb Martin (wife of Wayne Martin) and John Meyer (husband of Ruth Wie- land Meyer). Row 4: Mary Werries Gendry ’62 (wife of Dave Gendry), Sandy Taylor (wife of Jeff Taylor), Bill Slade, Larry Barnes, Geri Jolley (wife of Jim Jolley), Dale Scott, Gene King, Judy Tucker Dunlap Cain and Clara Henson Peters. Row 5: Charles Greenwood (husband of Theresa Winfrey Greenwood), Dale Brown ’61, Dave Gendry, Jeff Taylor, Bill Abene, Jim Jolley, Roger Lotchin ’57 (husband of Phyllis Morris Lotchin), Jim Kettelkamp, Merle Chapman, Wayne Martin, Bob Cain (husband of Judy Tucker Dunlap Cain) and Larry Peters ’57 (husband of Clara Henson Peters).

Class of 1964 Á Among the members of the class of 1964 and their guests who attended Homecoming 2009 festivities: Row 1: Barb Boyer Byrkit, Betty Cordes Chapman, Jean Gerber Bowen, Sue Munsie Stupp, Linda Cassell Davis, Garry Davis ’62 (husband of Linda Cassell Davis). Row 2: John Humphrey, Bob Byrkit ’63 (husband of Barb Boyer Byrkit), Larry Chapman ’63 (husband of Betty Cordes Chapman), Gary Bowen (also ’64 and husband of Jean Gerber Bowen), Rick Stupp (also ’64 and husband of Sue Munsie Stupp), Gary Brooks and Merton Ferguson. Class of 1969 Á Among the members of the class of 1969 and their guests who attended Homecoming 2009 festivities: Row 1: Larry Janes (husband of Barbara Hughes Janes), Barbara Hughes Janes, Mary Ann Chomiak Corum, Janet Carnall ’70 (wife of George Carnall), George Car- nall. Row 2: Dave Bruining, John Lewis, Curt Older, Bill Corum ’66 (husband of Mary Ann Chomiak Corum) and Dave Duez.

Class of 1974 Â Among the members of the class of 1974 and their guests who attended Homecoming 2009 festivities: Row 1: Kathy Smetts Fueger, Jan Hill Bucheit, Barbara Banton Ndosi (sister of Richard C. Banton ’75), Richard C. Banton ’75, Nancy Soukup Peterson, Patrice Weller Hunt, Janet Rodeffer Martin. Row 2: Jan Hurd Kelsheimer, Gayle Hehmeyer Peterson, Bonny Vernon Berger, Regina Love Durfee, Cyndy Whiteman Ruszkowski, Rich Peterson (husband of Nancy Soukup Peterson), Kathy Campbell Stevenson and Linda Anderson Edmiston. Row 3: Warren Jesek, Thomas Peterson (husband of Gayle Hehmeyer Peterson), Carol Attig McConnell, Debbie Moore Olsen, Barbara Currin Parker and Richard Martin ’73 (husband of Janet Rodeffer Martin). Row 4: Clark Ranney, Leonard Jenkins, Chris Olsen (also ’74 and husband of Debbie Moore Olsen), Dan Parker ’73 (husband of Barbara Currin Parker) and Ken Davis. Class of 1979 Á Among the members of the class of 1979 and their guests who attended Homecoming 2009 festivities: Row 1: DeeDee Wagner Halbert (wife of Michael Halbert), Jacalyn Crowe Osborne and Susan Latta Allison ’80 (wife of Mark Allison). Row 2: Tony Beckett, Michael Halbert, Mark Allison and Mike Briggs. Row 3: Marlin Hartman, Russell Veldenz and Michael Walsh.

Class of 1984 Â Among the members of the class of 1984 and their guests who attended Homecoming 2009 festivities: Row 1: Carol Mechtoldt Smith, Lynne Remack Casey, Julie Saum Gedgaud and Sherry Ashcraft. Row 2: G. Scott Sober, Sarah Jacobs, Cyndy Parker and Julie Blomberg Steele ’87 (wife of Steven Steele). Row 3: Steve McFarland, Charles Miller, Terry Schumacher and Steven Steele. Class of 1989 Ã Among the members of the class of 1989 and their guests who attended Homecoming 2009 festivities: Row 1: Amy Alfeo (wife of Scott Alfeo) Ryan Alfeo (age 6, son of Scott and Amy Alfeo), Lisa Jacobazzi Sbragia, Janet Koleson Hubbard, Taylor Snelson (age 12, daughter of Tim and Michelle Bostic Snelson) Natalie Mauck McDowell, Natalie Brown Mat- teson, Gail Frost Waltz, Joetta Krepps Benjamin ’91 (wife of Jeff Benjamin) and Carrie Benjamin (age 9, daughter of Jeff and Joetta Krepps Benjamin). Row 2: Natalie Alfeo (age 10, daughter of Scott and Amy Alfeo), Julie Rosene Racana, Karen Jones Osgood, Michelle Bostic Snelson, Beth Brown Bettis, Donna Nolen Truax, Denise Williams Cofﬁ n, Bill Bearder and Jeff Benjamin. Row 3: Michael Racana (husband of Julie Rosene Racana), James Osgood (husband of Karen Jones Osgood), Trent Snelson (age 15, son of Tim and Michelle Bostic Snelson), Timothy Stout, Dan Johnston, Scott Brinkmeier and William Roth. Row 4: Scott Alfeo, Paul Sbragia, Tim Snelson (husband of Michelle Bostic Snelson), Robert Schaefer, Brad Truax (husband of Donna Nolen Truax), Ron Kurza, Jeff Bottorff and Allerton Shawn Freeman. Class of 1944 Á

Among the members of the class of 1944 and their guests who attended Homecoming 2009 festivities: Row 1: Shirley Freidinger Lowman.

Class of 2004 Ã Among the members of the class of 2004 and their guests who attended Homecoming 2009 festivities: Row 1: Derek Stephens, Micah McClelland, Adam Krebs, Mike Brix, Arian Rios, Jason Spang, Brett Linn, Patrick Smith, Karen Kuchar, Nancy Kuchar, Soraya Santoyo and Kristy Marlett. Row 2: Andy Patterson, Chrissy Smedberg Patterson (also ’04 and wife of Andy Pat- terson), Cara Gatchel, Chrissy Hulse Ault, Dave Sowers, Jenna Cope Wiemelt, Liz Jinkins, Rachel Foszcz and Paul Scherschel. Row 3: Kim Henon Wickline ’07 (wife of Ian Wickline), Lisa McReynolds Stewart, Alison Burns Mendenhall, Julie Forehand, Beth Doshan, Matt Briggs, Kira Bulva Scherschel (also ’04 and wife of Paul Scherschel) and Kaytee Wilson. Row 4: Ian Wickline, Jean Geisheker, Russ Wilson, T.J. Johnson, Jennifer Toney, Tommy Corley, Joe Wiemelt (also ’04 and husband of Jenna Cope Wiemelt), Lindsay Senalik, R.J. Meyer, Chris Cherry and Alan Hott. Row 5: Gordon Stewart (also ’04 and husband of Lisa McReynolds Stewart), Blayne Mathis, David Estes, Eric Stechmesser, Joshua Payton, Chip Ault (also ’04 and husband of Chrissy Hulse Ault), Jeff Grifﬁ n, Matt Kveton, Caleb Garvey and Rosemarie Breske Garvey (also ’04 and wife of Caleb Garvey). Class of 1999 Ã Among the members of the class of 1999 and their guests who attended Homecoming 2009 festivities: Row 1: Kristin Ebers Wolter, Emily Ruemmler Lepper, Denise Heckman Holtzscher, Divina Scholz Sullens, Kylie Sullens (age 9 months, daughter of Harold and Divina Scholz Sullens), Bryce Phillips (age 2, daughter of Katherine Davis Phillips), Katherine Davis Phillips, Riley Sink (age 2, daughter of Chris and Jean Heyen Sink), Jean Heyen Sink ’00 (wife of Chris Sink), Elizabeth Bernard Kubal and Debbie Hauck Hahn. Row 2: Sarah Behl Crim, Sarah Glass, Jamie Rolves McDowell, Lucas Sullens (age 3, son of Harold and Divina Scholz Sullens), Harold Sullens (also ’99 and husband of Divina Scholz Sullens), Chris Sink, Laura Kucharik, Nicole Tester and Kristin Trpezanovich Crim. Row 3: Eileen Clancy, Tricia Bechman, Ericka Goodman, Annie Wersching, Amanda Johnson Butterick, Lisa Koch Jaberg, Jane Dunker Attaway and Tobi Lowrance. Row 4: Benjamin Hickok ’00, Matthew West, Ryan Lawrence, Brandon Zale, Ritter Hanz, Jason Butterick ’98 (husband of Amanda Johnson Butterick), Peter Jaberg, John Attaway ’00 (husband of Jane Dunker Attaway) and Jeff Thompson. Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Alumni and Current Members Ä Among the SAE brothers who attended Homecoming 2009 festivities: Row 1: Andrew Nail ’12, Matt Melcher ’10, Andrew White ’11, Ryan Marino ’10, Greg Woods ’11, Garrett Derman ’12, Brian Parrish ’10 and Matt Taylor ’12. Row 2: Dan Calantoni ’12, Kyle Anderson ’12, Chad Bell ’11, Ian Callahan ’12, Matthew Sullivan ’10, Joshua Dimmick ’12, Steven Sieger ’10, Gregor King ’10, Steven Skinner ’12 and Nicholas Ertsgaard ’11. Row 3: Matt Tobiasz ’08, Dawid Lachowicz ’08, Brian Puchalski ’09, Ken Harm ’52, Jack McCoy ’59, Joe Wills ’50, Chuck Norman ’51, Bob Munsie ’50, Bob Murray ’50, and John Donze ’07. Row 4: Andrew Novak ’07, Steve Smedberg ’08, Chris Olsen ’74, Leonard Jenkins ’74, Nick McNamara ’07, Rob McNamara ’09, Dave Bruining ’69, David Duez ’69, Charles Miller ’84 and David Krolikowski ’11. Row 5: Chris Jones ’09, Scott Brinkmeier ’89, Steve Mathias ’67, Ken Lebeck ’68, Brett Niebur ’75, Jim Overholt ’66, Tony Beckett ’79, Clark Ranney ’74 and G. Scott Sober ’84. Row 6: Lonnie Small ’11, Bill Ryan ’09, Jeff Hall ’08, Craig McCormick ’10, Jannic Nielssen ’12, Steve Bryson ’89, Jonathon Sharp ’10 and Andrew Jarvinen ’05. 1971: During “The Supreme Court for the Layman” course, a bench of mock Supreme Court justices renders a decision.

Take a look back at photos from some classic winter term courses. Winter term, which lasted from 1971 until 1983, was a four-week January term between semesters created in response to a perceived need for more liberal education and to solve issues with the academic calen- 1976: “Creative Stitchery: dar. A range of courses was offered, exploring topics from ballroom dancing to the math- Embroidery as a Fine Art.” ematics of games and gambling, and even provided off-campus study opportunities, such as a popular history course, “The Caribbean: A Sailing-Study Tour,” that included a week of sailing through the British Virgin Islands. Today, students have a similar mid-year option known as immersion courses. Have a winter term memory? Share it with us! Send your stories to Millikin Quarterly, 1184 W. Main, Decatur, IL 62522. Blast from the Past

1971: Students in a “Theatre on Tour” course practiced and performed a production before live audiences on a 10-day tour.

1971: Students in “Aquatic Programs” study at Griswold Physical Education Center pool.

28 Winter 2009-10 Millikin Quarterly ALUMNI PROFILE

Fighting for life A 1971 alum and Athletic Hall of Fame athlete shares his ﬁ ght for life against grim odds.

As a student athlete during his Millikin days, John Lograsso But whatever the cause, the results were indisputable– ’71 (pictured above during his freshman year) knows about the Lograsso’s lungs were irreparably damaged due to scarring importance of physical fitness and an active lifestyle. But an of the air sacs. Instead of being soft and elastic, his air sacs A had become stiff, thick and less flexible. The former coach, unexpected medical emergency last summer gave the former basketball star and member of MU’s Athletic Hall of Fame a who until recently had played golf as often as six days a week, new appreciation for the health and vigor he’d enjoyed most now found unassisted breathing impossible. The damage had of his life. progressed beyond the point of repair, and a lung transplant During a three-month odyssey, Lograsso journeyed from was now his only option. But even that glimmer of hope was the vitality of his active lifestyle to a day-to-day existence in almost denied him. hospital critical care wards, dependent upon oxygen therapy After a stint in the intensive care unit at Decatur Memo- for every breath. Lograsso and his doctors may never know rial Hospital, Lograsso, with the help and research of his wife, what caused the sudden onset of his illness. Ann, was transported to the University of Chicago Medical “I’d never had breathing problems at all,” says Lograsso, Center, where he spent two weeks and two days and was who had undergone two previous heart surgeries, including diagnosed with two more viruses, including RSV (respiratory a quadruple bypass in 2008. “But in November 2008, I was syncytial virus – the major cause of lower respiratory tract diagnosed with sleep apnea and started using a CPAP (con- infections in infants and children). During that time, doctors tinuous positive airway pressure) mask at night.” prepared him for a lung transplant; however, because of his In early May 2009, Lograsso awoke with Bell’s palsy – deteriorating condition, the hospital ultimately refused to put paralysis of a facial nerve that left him temporarily unable to him on the transplant list. control the muscles on one side of his face. Two days after At that point, Ann stepped in again and under the sugges- seeing his doctor for that condition, Lograsso was hospitalized tion of the hospital coordinator, began researching options for with an unanticipated complication. hospitals with lung transplant programs. After reviewing a list “A lung specialist at the hospital found pneumonia in my of lung transplant centers in the Midwest, she had his medical left lung,” says Lograsso, “but he also said the X-rays didn’t records sent to three hospitals for evaluation. Finally, physi- look quite right, so he ordered a biopsy. Two days later, they cians at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Ill., diagnosed idiopathic interstitial lung disease and told me there agreed to evaluate him for a possible transplant. was nothing they could do.” continued on page 31 Although “idiopathic” indicates Lograsso’s lung disease was of unknown origin, his doctors now believe his bout with “A lung specialist at the hospital found pneumonia in Bell’s palsy may have been a prelude to his lung problems. my left lung, but he also said the x-rays didn’t look Since many experts believe Bell’s palsy may result from a quite right, so he ordered a biopsy. Two days later, virus and Lograsso also had pneumonia, a virus may have they diagnosed idiopathic interstitial lung disease and played a role in his illness. told me there was nothing they could do.”

Winter 2009-10 Millikin Quarterly 29 CLASS NOTES

Submission policy Show your We welcome your latest news! Millikin Quarterly publishes four issues yearly: spring, summer, fall and winter. To pride. Support submit your news for a speciﬁ c issue, please make sure we receive it by the deadlines below. The editor reserves the arts the right to edit for space, style and clarity.

Issue deadlines Spring issue ...... Feb. 1 Summer issue ...... May 1 Fall issue ...... Aug. 1 Winter issue ...... Oct. 1

How to send us information You may send us your news for Cheering on MU Class Notes through the Internet or athletics is just part by e-mail, fax or regular mail. A form Patrons is provided in this issue to assist you. Cheering on MU athlet- of what the Big Blue Sorry, no telephone submissions. icsClub is justis all part about. of what the Big Blue Club is all Through the Internet, fi ll out the class about.Members receive: College of Fine Arts Society notes form at: www.millikin.edu/ alumni/classnotes y regular newsletters with the The College of Fine Arts Patrons inside scoop. and/or the alumni questionnaire at: As a member, you recieve: Society was created to benefi t old.millikin.edu/alumni/update_ y Millikin student-artists participating yRegular invitations newsletters to special with events the inside info.asp scoop held in conjunction with Big in nearly 20 degree programs. Blue team appearances. Membership dues provide budget Through e-mail, write to: yBig Blue reception at Homecoming support and help create special Your membership benefits [email protected] Yourstudent membership athletics dues in benea varietyfi t projects which might otherwise studentof ways. Some of the special go unfunded, including visiting items the club has provided By fax, fi ll out the form in this issue athletics in a variety of ways, professorships, annual events and including:include: and fax your news to: professional student opportunities. 1-217-424-3755 ynewy wall wall mounted mounted display display cases cases in Mills in Athletic Mills Athletic Hall and Hall Griswold and Griswold P.E. Center. Center Members receive: Or fi ll out the form in this issue and y regular updates about upcoming mail your news to: ynewy infield infi eld tarp tarp for for baseball baseball and programs. softball and softball fields. y advance notice of special ticket Millikin Quarterly y padded logo chairs for offers and invitations to artist 1184 West Main To basketballlearn more, and volleyballvisit www. teams. lectures and receptions. Decatur, IL 62522-2084 y invitations to special events held millikin.edu/alumni/get-y CCIW member-school in conjunction with appearances involved/bbc banners for the gym in Questions? Griswold P.E. Center. by Millikin fi ne arts students and alumni around the country. Call us toll free at y blue and white pennants for y semi-annual issues of the Patrons 1-877-JMU-ALUM (568-2586). Frank M. Lindsay Field Society newsletter, “Spotlight.” and grandstands. For more information, visit To learn more, www.millikin.edu/academics/cfa/ visit www.millikin.edu/ Pages/PatronSociety.aspx. alumni/getinvolved/bbc

30 Winter 2009-10 Millikin Quarterly CLASS NOTES

CORRECTION: In the Blast from the Past photo on page 26 of the fall issue, Marian Jenne Johnson ’59 was misidenti- Are you on our e-mail list? ﬁ ed as being in the photo. Mrs. Johnson provided the photo, but was not pictured. eep up on the latest Millikin news with Out of the Blue, the The seven women in the photo were monthly online alumni and friends newsletter! Send your e-mail Fairview Hall roommates, not Aston Hall address to [email protected] and start getting monthly news- roomies. Mrs. Johnson had intended to be K another one of the Fairview Hall roomies, letters that include upcoming alumni events in addition to news about but did not return for her senior year be- MU - sent directly to you! And don’t forget to let us know if your e-mail cause of marriage. She and her husband, address changes. Roger, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in summer 2008. The staff of Millikin Quarterly apologizes for the error. Can’t wait for the next issue? View current and past issues at www.millikin.edu/alumni/outoftheblue.

Fighting for life continued from page 29 But the odds still seemed stacked against Lograsso. Because of the limited supply of lungs available for transplant, a lung allocation score (LAS) is used to help determine how and when donated organs are offered for transplant. Each candidate’s LAS is based on his or her medical information, severity of illness and the likelihood of a successful transplant — the lower the score, the better. In the U.S., the average LAS at the time of transplant is 43; Lograsso’s score when he arrived at Loyola was 93.7. In most cases, a lung transplant for someone so ill would not be considered. However, Ann’s fierce deter- mination showed the Loyola physicians that her devotion John Lograsso ’71 with his wife, Ann. to his care throughout the transplant and recuperation process would be invaluable. Her support, plus the fact experience, Lograsso is quick to credit his wife and six that Lograsso had maintained his physical fitness and was children with providing the love and support that helped him otherwise strong and healthy before the onset of his lung through his ordeal. disease, convinced his physicians to consider a transplant “A situation like this really makes you grateful for your should an appropriate donor lung become available. family,” he says. “My children visited me often, and my wife Lograsso’s name was added to the transplant list on stayed with me all the time. And if she hadn’t stepped up June 26 and, amazingly, a lung became available early and done the research and gotten me transferred to Loyola, I on July 2. During a nine-hour surgery that day, Lograsso wouldn’t have made it.” received his new lung and another chance at life. The Lograssos also are grateful for the prayers and sup- “My doctors told me I had the highest LAS of anyone port of friends throughout John’s illness and a recent battle in the state to ever receive a lung,” says Lograsso. “They that Ann herself fought against breast cancer. also said if I hadn’t been in such good physical shape “We got through a trying couple of years with the help of before, they never would have attempted it.” our friends and their prayers,” says Lograsso, a senior vice His recovery, although slow, has been steady. Lograsso president at Morgan Stanley in Decatur. “So many friends must take several medications each day to prevent rejec- and people we didn’t even know included us in their prayers. tion of his new lung and has been exercising gradually to And here we are, still alive today, thank God!” ● return his strength. When reflecting on his life-altering by Margaret Friend

Winter 2009-10 Millikin Quarterly 31 CLASS NOTES

That’s news to us! Tying the knot? Expecting the pitter patter of tiny feet? We’d love to help share your news in the Quarterly! While we can’t print news about anticipated weddings or babies, let us know when your plans become a reality by filling out the What’s Happening form in this issue or submit your news online at www.millikin.edu/alumni/classnotes and we will announce it to your classmates.

Don’t forget to send your wedding photos to [email protected].

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something Big Blue!

Amy Baird ’08 and Ryan Peifer ’09, May 30. (See marriage note in full issue.) From left: Ryan Bailey ’08, Chris Douglass ’07, Amy Gagnon ’09, Lindsay Ippel ’08, Jacquie Moutray ’08, Jessica Linn ’08, Laura Appelquist ’08, Ryan Peifer ’09 (groom), Amy Baird Peifer ’08 (bride), David Marlow ’09, Allison Lackey ’09, Mindy Hinds Whitelock ’05, James Whitelock ’05.

Submit your wedding photo to our online wedding album: www.millikin.edu/alumni/weddingdex. Wedding party photos must feature Millikin alumni for eligibility (see above for an example). Don’t forget to include the name and class year of each Millikin alum pictured, and be sure to include the date of your wedding. Submitted wedding photos will be included in our online wedding album and each quarter, one of those recently received will be featured in Millikin Quarterly magazine.

32 Winter 2009-10 Millikin Quarterly ALUMNI NEWS Alumni connect with fall reunions and surprise gatherings

Tri Delts take Chicago. Tri Delta sisters from the class of 1966 met for their annual Surprise! reunion at Millennium Park in Chicago. Pictured from left: Several alumni gathered for a surprise 40th birthday party for Carolyn Camp Schwartz, Joan Foulk Sladek, Dona Webb Bob Fleming ’92 in November, hosted at the home of Brian and Longbons, Nike Smyth Whitcomb McKechnie, Barb Fritch Mary Hackbarth. First row, from left: Anne Jeffrie Fleming ’92, Layman, Karen Rubins Sebok, Jean Haher Buttz. Mary Holloway Hackbarth ’93, Kathy Clausing Wrigley ’92, Trisha Darrah Handmaker ’93, Angie Snellenberger Quinn ’94, Shelly Peters Gallagher ’94. Second row, from left: Ted Hill ’92, Fleming, Don Avila ’92, Brian Hackbarth ’90, Tim Wrigley ’92, Brad Farris ’92, Jeff Nelson ’93, Troy Quinn ’94.

Home sweet home. An Alpha Chi surprise. Zeta Tau Alpha sisters met at the Alumni and Development Several Alpha Chi Omega sisters gathered for a surprise Center, formerly the Zeta house, for a reunion in November. dinner party for Margaret Foran Vaughn ’90 in November, First row, from left: Julia Hudson Nash ’50, Marilyn Winslow hosted by Janet Koleson Hubbard ’89. The meal was cooked Brozio ’51, Joanne Stublefi eld Hott ’53. Second row, from left: by Lisa Williams ’91, who is completing culinary school Cornelia Klinefelter Colonius ’50, Marian Menk Wasson ’48. and has been featured on local television in Chicago for her Third row, from left: Nan Smith Williams ’51, Harriet Pope allergen-free cooking (visit lisacooksallergenfree.com to learn Burgett ’50, Betty Price Brown ’51. Fourth row, from left: more). First row, from left: Vaughn and Hubbard. Second row, Shirley Gilman Bennett ’50, Caroline Adams Williams ’47. from left: Andrea McCarthy Senese ’89, Liz Wallin Craig ’91, Johanna Metzler ’89, Kyla Brown ’92, Williams. Upcoming Event » May 27, 2010 the Mediterranean. voyage concludes at $3,845 per person. For more information, call Mediterranean - Set sail from Venice, with an overnight For more information, the alumni offi ce toll free at Join alumni and Italy, bound for stay in Rome. contact Dave Brandon 1-877-JMU-ALUM (locally, friends for a 12- some of the Mediter- Including round-trip of the alumni and day Crown Prin- ranean’s greatest airfare and cruise development offi ce at dial 217-424-6383) or e-mail cess cruise along destinations. The expenses, costs start 217- 424-6383. [email protected].

Winter 2009-10 Millikin Quarterly 33 Marriages UniversityChoir Tour 2010 Josh Warren ’96 and Suzanne Bell, Aug. 29. Josh is director of client service at Equity Risk Partners. Suzanne is program director and assistant professor of industrial and organizational psychology at DePaul University. They live in Chicago. Becky Langmeyer ’02 and Scott Wald- busser, Sept. 27, 2008. Becky teaches fourth grade at Wm. Hammerschmidt Elementary School. Scott works at Applied Data Process- ing. They live in Barlett, Ill. Jaclyn Coultas ’04 and Colin Kuchy, July 25. Jaclyn is a coordinator for the Upward Bound and Upward Bound math and science programs at Central College. She is also completing a master’s degree in human resource development from the University of Illinois. Colin is head coach for the women’s soccer program at Central College. They live in Pella, Iowa. Amy Baird ’08 and Ryan Peifer ’09, May

Tour stops in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Tennessee and Wisconsin

Illinois Indiana Missouri Wisconsin Thursday, Jan. 7 Sunday, Jan. 17 Central College, 171 Tuesday, Jan. 12* Saturday, Jan. 16* Saturday, Jan. 9* Springfi eld – 7 p.m. Granite City – E. Chicago Ave. Evansville – 7:30 St. Louis – 7 p.m. Mequon – 7 p.m. at Central Baptist 4 p.m. at Limited tickets p.m. at Eastminster at Kirkwood Baptist at Crossroads Church, 501 S. St. Elizabeth available: $10 per Presbyterian Church, Church, 211 North Presbyterian Church, Fourth St.; Catholic Church, person; group rates 5501 Washington Woodlawn Ave.; 6031 W. Chapel 217-523-3639. 2300 Pontoon Rd.; available for 20 or Ave.; 812-476-3355. 314-965-2349. Hill Road; 262-242- 618-876-1708. more. Call Grace Special guest, North 1670. Special guests, Friday, Jan. 8* Sunday, Jan. 17 Church Concert High School Concert Homestead High Moline – 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22* St. Louis – 11 a.m. Series at 630-355- Choir. School Tartan and at Trinity Lutheran Galesburg – 7:30 worship service 1748, ext. 232, Treble Choirs. Church, 1330 13th p.m. at First Lu- at Ladue Chapel or order online at Thursday, Jan. 14* The choir will St.; 309-762-3624. theran Church, 364 Presbyterian Church, concerts@ Indianapolis – 7:30 also participate in Special guest, E. Water St. Tickets 9450 Clayton Rd.; peopleofgrace.org. p.m. at First Baptist worship service on Moline High School required; $12 adults; 314-993-4771 Church of India- Sunday, Jan. 10, at Concert choir. $10 seniors; no Sunday, Jan. 24 napolis, 8600 North 11 a.m. charge for students. Decatur – Tour Tennessee Monday, Jan. 11 College Avenue; For tickets and fi nale concert, 7 Sunday, Jan. 10* Plainfi eld – 317-846-5821. Wednesday, info, call Galesburg p.m. at St. Patrick Appleton – 7 p.m. 7 p.m. at Special Guest: North Jan. 13 Community Chorus, Church, 407 E. at First Congrega- Plainfi eld South Central High School Nashville – 7 p.m. at 309-342-8143. Eldorado St.; tional UCC, 724 E. High School Audito- “Counterpoints.” Covenant Presby- 217-429-5363. South River St.; rium, 7800 W. Caton Saturday, Jan. 23* terian Church, 33 920-733-7393. Farm Rd. Special Naperville – 7:30 Burton Hills Blvd.; guest, Plainfi eld p.m. at Wentz Con- 615-383-2206. South Concert Choir. cert Hall at North

You are invited to meet choir members following their performances.

Freewill offering will be accepted at most non-ticketed concerts. * Host families needed. Call your area’s For more information, visit www.millikin.edu/alumni/events/Pages/uchoir2010.aspx. church if you are interested in providing overnight housing for two or more choir members. The Millikin Chamber Chorale will also tour Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin in January. For 34the completeWinter 2009-10 schedule, Millikin visit Quarterlywww.millikin.edu/alumni/events/Pages/chamber2010.aspx. ALUMNI FEATURE

A Millikin alumnus will become the top Millikin President Doug Zemke ’66 executive at Caterpillar Inc., the company knows Oberhelman well and says he has announced in October. many outstanding qualities. A Douglas Oberhelman, a 1975 Millikin “There are two things you should graduate, was chosen by the international know about Doug Oberhelman and the company’s board to fill the offices of vice first is that he is one of the nicest people chairman and chief executive officer- you would ever want to meet: polite, elect beginning January 1, 2010, readying thoughtful and a good listener,” he says. him to succeed the current chairman and “And the second thing you learn about Former Millikin chief executive, Jim Owens, who will him is that he is an outstanding business- step down from the CEO slot July 1. man; he is really smart, and he really board chair Oberhelman currently oversees the knows what he is doing.” human services and sustainable develop- Zemke said Oberhelman has done assumes ment functions as well as Caterpillar’s much for Millikin and was key in sup- growing remanufacturing business. He porting the launch of the school’s MBA leadership of also leads the worldwide manufactur- program. “And Doug has continued to ing, marketing and support of industrial come back to Decatur and speak to our Caterpillar and large power systems, industrial gas MBA classes,” he added. “He doesn’t turbines and Progress Rail Services. He make a big deal out of it, but he actually has served as chairman of the board of comes and presents to our classes and he trustees of Millikin and is a director on has done that for several years.” the board of Ameren Corp. and Eli Lilly Oberhelman has held senior manage- and Co. among his other board member- ment positions with Caterpillar that have ships with corporations and charitable taken him across the globe, working organizations. in South America and Japan. He previ- Oberhelman takes over at a critical ously was Caterpillar’s chief financial time, as the company grapples with what officer and was elected a group president it has described as the worst recession and member of Caterpillar’s executive since the 1930s. He joined the company office in 2002 with responsibility for the in 1975 and has held a series of positions company’s Asia Pacific region as well as with increasing responsibility within Cat- overseeing Caterpillar financial products erpillar. In a statement, the company said and strategic support divisions. the new CEO would be elected at a board Caterpillar has expanded dramatically of directors meeting in June 2010, when in recent years, driven by a building Oberhelman will also become a member boom in developing countries and soaring of the board. commodity prices, with more than half its Owens will step down as chairman of revenue coming from overseas in 2008. the board on Oct. 31 to “retire in accor- Its Decatur factory builds the biggest dance with the company’s longstanding mining trucks in the world and the big- mandatory retirement policy. He will be gest motor graders. succeeded as chairman by Oberhelman at Like other companies large and small, that time,” the company said. the recent recession has had a dramatic Oberhelman’s new position will put impact on Caterpillar’s sales. In response, “I am excited about this him at the very top of a global company the company has taken a wide range of new opportunity in my that employs more than 95,000 people steps to reduce production levels to be around the world. Those who know him in line with current demand. This has lifelong career with Cater- describe him as a competitive but polite included workforce reductions around the pillar,” says Oberhelman. and thoughtful man, and a good listener. world as well as a significant reduction in “I look forward to leading He came to Millikin from his native executive compensation and temporary Woodstock, Ill., and was a competitive factory shutdowns. our team as we explore swimmer for the school. He graduated “He was the internal candidate that new business growth for with a degree in economics and finance investors expected to be named,” said this company.” and returned to serve on the board of Sterne Agee analyst Lawrence T. trustees from 1996 to 2005, serving as its De Maria, noting that Oberhelman will chairman from 2000 to 2003. Oberhel- “continue to push ahead globally, to look man was“I named visited the university’s each Alumnus college for incremental growth opportunities out- on myExcerpted list, and adaptedbut Iwith never permission felt of thethe Year insort 2005. of satisfaction Iside of just the developed markets.” • from the Decatur Herald & Review

Fall 2009 Millikin Quarterly 35 Winter 2009-10 Millikin Quarterly 35 35 Winter 2009-10 Millikin Quarterly 35 MY TURN

Figuring out your true stride

By Scott Flora ’78

When I learned recently that fi ve Millikin graduates have been (including your boss, colleagues and customers), but hearing hired by my own employer, Covidien, I wondered – What fi rsthand what they really want and expect from different situ- advice would I give them as they begin their careers during ations and especially from you. And, if you want to take your one of the most volatile business climates in recent memory? communications skills up a notch and become adept at reading What advice would I give to any Millikin graduate entering between the lines, you’ll need to sharpen those listening skills into a world that is transitioning from crisis mode to a “new” even more. normal where uncertainty abounds? How can they take what they learned from their studies at Millikin and use it wisely 3. Don’t be afraid to fail … or succeed. to achieve “professional success, democratic citizenship in a Success and failure go hand in hand in business. The key is to global environment and a personal life of meaning and value,” keep moving in the right direction, correcting the mistakes and as defi ned in our university’s mission statement? building on the successes. I like to think that if I’m going to As it turns out, I have three pieces of advice to offer that stumble and fall, at least I’ll fall forward. have stood the proverbial test of time since I was a student at So, again, continue to be that inspired Millikin student in Millikin. your place of work – embracing innovation, taking the time to listen and absorb, and moving fearlessly forward, sometimes 1. Embrace innovation. with small steps and at other times with leaps and bounds as Time has proven that innovation – not greed – is needed now you fi gure out your true stride. ● to move us forward from a painful recovery to where we can grow again. Innovation not only bears the fruit we need to sus- Scott Flora, class of 1978, is president of Covidien’s largest tain growth; it is a process that heals and nurtures by drawing global business unit – surgical devices. Covidien is a lead- employees together, creating inspiration and excitement and ing global healthcare products company that manufactures, providing a road map to a brighter, more sustainable future. distributes and services a diverse range of industry-leading Be open to new ideas and new ways of doing things – and, product lines in three segments: medical devices, pharma- wherever you go, take that inquisitive, open-minded Millikin ceuticals and medical supplies. With 2008 revenue of near- student inside of you. ly $10 billion, Covidien has more than 41,000 employees worldwide in 59 countries, and its products are sold in over 140 countries. In the last two years, Covidien has hired 2. Take the time to listen and think. fi ve Millikin graduates: Matt Kormelink ’09, sales associate; We have so many gadgets and social networks to keep us con- Kevin Israelson ’09, sales associate; Michael Minton ’08, nected that we end up talking too much – and worse, texting, hernia and complex abdominal wound repair specialist; tweeting and e-mailing – before we think. This can be fatal in Courtney Goodwin ’08, hernia specialist territory develop- business. If you want to succeed, practice the art of listening, ment rep; and Jennifer Peterson ’08, sales associate. because it’s not just about learning from the people around you

“ Be open to new ideas and new ways of doing things – and, wherever you go, take“I thatvisited inquisitive, each college open-minded on my Millikinlist, but student I never inside felt of the you.” sort of satisfaction I felt when I toured Millikin for the first time. The decision was made.”

36 36 WinterFall 2009 2009-10 Millikin Millikin Quarterly Quarterly THE VIEW FROM HERE

Pi Beta Phi

Pi Beta Phi, the ﬁ rst national sorority on campus, was established at the university in March 1912. MU’s Illinois Eta chapter was the seventh Pi Phi chapter established in the U.S. The sorority currently has more than 65 members from nearly every major on campus and involvement in a wide range of clubs and organizations. The members’ current home is the second house in the chapter’s history and is located directly west of Leighty- Tabor Science Center on Fairview Avenue. Among their various philanthropic activities each year, the sorority members commemorate the March 11 birthday of the late children’s author Dr. Suess by reading to area schoolchildren on that day, complete with one member suitably garbed in a “Cat in the Hat” suit.

Did you know... ?

Millikin’s fi rst fall homecoming The Pi Phis were once known Among the individuals who were queen was Pi Beta Phi’s as Delta Theta Psi before the Pi Beta Phi members during their Jessie McKeown in 1937. sorority’s national offi ce college years is former fi rst lady Barbara Bush. changed the name to Pi Beta Phi. 1184 West Main Street Periodicals Postage Decatur, Illinois Paid at Decatur, Illinois 62522-2084 www.millikin.edu

Millikin Quarterly 12 9 29 Vol. XXV, No. 4 Winter 2009-10 COVER STORY Learning to Lead Fighting for life Stories of three alumni A new program helps students A 1971 alum and Athletic Hall Millikin Quarterly is produced by the Offi ce of Alumni and Development. who are lifting up people develop their leadership skills. of Fame athlete shares his fi ght E-mail your comments to: and making a difference. for life despite grim odds. [email protected] 10 Douglas E. Zemke ’66 4 This bird sure can fl y 33 University President Campus News After fi ve years and 10,000 man- Alumni News Peggy Smith Luy ’75 WJMU-FM, the campus radio hours of work, a 2004 alum sets This issue’s section is full Vice President for Alumni and Development station, wins a national award for fl ight on a course toward animation of surprises about alumni Deborah Hale Kirchner its original programming. stardom – all with a little help from connecting with each other. Editor his Millikin friends. Jan Devore 6 35 Director of Alumni Relations Sports 18 Taking Charge Jenell Anderson Hironimus A recent graduate is recognized with 2009 Reunion Photos A 1975 alum will head the Associate Editor the Lindsay Medallion, and some Several groups posed for photos international Caterpillar Inc. Contributors: Kristin Ackmann ’10, alumni coaches take their teams to at this fall’s Homecoming. company beginning next year. Anne-Marie Proske Berk ’88, the state championships. Carol Colby ’08, Lindsey Compton ’12, Kate Eagler ’11, Scott Flora ’88, 28 36 Margaret Friend, Amy Hodges, Celeste 7 Blast from the Past My Turn Huttes ’88, Deb Lehman ’07, Cathy Shades of Blue Embroidery classes? A 1978 alum shares tips on Good Lockman ’79, Bryan Marshall She plays an FBI agent on a top Mock Supreme Court? fi nding your stride in today’s ’85, Todd Rudat, Christina Veglio ’10 TV show, but to her classmates and We fondly remember winter term. job market. Printing: Kingery Printing Company former professors, she’s still Annie.

Ofﬁ cers of the Please note: To ensure and respect 2009-2010 8 the privacy of our alumni, Class Millikin University A shining notion Notes are not included in the online Alumni Association A Millikin student gets an version of Millikin Quarterly Case McGee ’98/MBA ’04 idea and the campus gets a magazine. President little greener as a result. Millikin Quarterly Chris Bullock ’90 President Elect

Jim Schwarz ’74 Vice President Terri Buckley Kuhle ’81 Secretary