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Illinois State Magazine University Marketing and Communications

5-1-2013 Illinois State Magazine, May 2013 Issue University Marketing and Communications

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This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the University Marketing and Communications at ISU ReD: Research and eData. It has been accepted for inclusion in Illinois State Magazine by an authorized administrator of ISU ReD: Research and eData. For more information, please contact [email protected]. May mag COVER.indd 1 Volume 13 • Number 4 • MAY 2013 served Gladly he served Gladly he for AlBo is abittersweet decision president, retirement After adecadeas for AlBo is abittersweet decision president, retirement After adecadeas wman. wman.

3/19/13 5:35PM Editor-in-chief Susan Marquardt Blystone ’84, M.S. ’03

alumni Editor Gina Bianchi, M.S. ’99

Copy Editor Kevin Bersett FirstWord lead Designers Dave Jorgensen, M.S. ’03 A reason, a season, or a lifetime. Michael Mahle I’m certain many of you are familiar with the words of the poem that examines how Designers Jeff Higgerson ’92 people and places come into our lives and hold meaning for varying purposes and Carol Jalowiec ’08 periods of time. Jon Robinson Sean Thornton ’00 I’ve reflected on this sentiment quite a bit since announcing in December my re- WEB EDITORS tirement from the presidency. The words most definitely ring true when applied to my Ryan Denham Brian Huonker ’92 experience at Illinois State. PHOTOGRAPHER I came to the University in 1978 with a Lyndsie Schlink ’04 specific purpose. In the final stages of complet- PRODUCTION coordinator Mary (Mulhall) Cowdery ’80 ing my doctorate in speech and hearing science, writers I was eager to start my faculty career. ISU gave S teven Barcus ’06, M.S. ’09 Kevin Bersett me the opportunity to pursue my passion as Ryan Denham a teacher and scholar in a field that I still find

Illinois State (USPS 019606) is published quarterly fascinating. for members of the Illinois State University Alumni With family ties in Colorado and a love for Association at Alumni Center, 1101 N. Main Street, Normal, Illinois 61790-3100. Periodicals postage paid the mountains, I frankly did not envision Illinois at Normal, Illinois, and at additional mailing offices. State would become my permanent professional Magazine editorial offices are located at 1101 North Main Street, Normal, Illinois 61790-3100; telephone home. And yet before long, my reason turned (309) 438-2586; facsimile (309) 438-8057; email [email protected]; Website IllinoisState.edu/ into an extended season. alumni. Postmaster: Send address changes to Illinois I became the personification of ISU’s mot- State, Illinois State University, Campus Box 8000, Normal, IL 61790-8000. to, as I truly did gladly learn and teach. To this Material may be reprinted with prior approval, day I find nothing more rewarding than working provided no commercial endorsement is implied and credit is given to the author, to Illinois State with students in the classroom as they question, University, and to Illinois State. explore and ultimately build a foundation in their areas of interest. Website: IllinoisState.edu Although I was not seeking a shift into leadership, I accepted the role of departmen- An equal opportunity/affirmative action university encouraging diversity 13-0008. This document is tal chair when asked. The challenge was so fulfilling and rewarding, I easily migrated available in alternative formats upon request by contacting Alumni Relations at (309) 438-2586. to the realm of administrative work. And yet, never did I envision those duties would

Alumni association board of directors prepare me for the future responsibilities of serving as the provost and eventually the Greg Ayers ’90, Bob Navarro ’91, M.S. ’93, University’s president for a decade. President Ph.D. ’02 Jeff Charnogorsky ’85 Tim Pantaleone ’07 While growing professionally at Illinois State, I also gained so much personally. Bob Freitag ’84 Scott Preston ’10 Beyond the friendships and partnerships of colleagues across campus and the commu- Jennifer Groezinger ’02 Marilee (Zielinski) Rapp ’62 nity, I found the love of my life. Linda and I married and welcomed into our lives two Michele Pfeilschifter Kaci Rollings ’94 Guadalupe ’01 Don Shafer ’76 beautiful daughters, Laura and Natalie. Dave Horstein ’08 Terrence Sykes ’93 The story as written is not what I had remotely scripted when I settled into my Julie Jones ’90 Gary Tiffany ’74 Dan Kelley ’70 Martin Vanags ’84 faculty position 35 years ago. I look back on the decades that have passed and am over- Jerry Kerber ’74 Janessa Williams ’89 whelmed with gratitude for the friendship, counsel and inspiration received by all who Emily Miller Kimmey ’99, Mike Willis ’82 M.S. ’01 share my love and respect for Illinois State. Jerry Wright ’62, M.S. ’66 Lynda Lane ’66 Linda Yap ’74, ’81 As I leave the presidency, know that my commitment to the University and its Lois (Rademacher) Mills Betty Kinser ’73, M.S. ’75, ’62, M.S. ’69 people is profound. I will continue to be a proud Redbird and maintain close ties to Board of Trustees Kathy Coyle Murdoch ’86 Alumni Liaison Illinois State for many years to come. For although I came to campus with a reason, Let us hear from you! Your feedback is appreciated. I enjoyed such a blessed season at the University that I am now gratefully bound to Send comments or suggestions, Class Notes, Letters to the Editor, How We Met and Legacy stories, as well as Illinois State for my lifetime. Where Are They Now and Reggie Reads submissions to Susan Blystone at [email protected], or mail to Campus Box 3420, Normal, IL 61790.

Al Bowman President, Illinois State University

IFC_May2013.indd 2 3/19/13 5:23 PM Volume 13, Number 4, May 2013

FEATURES 8 A menu of memories For decades taste buds have been satisfied and friendships solidified at Avanti’s. The famous Gondola sandwich and loaves of bread have made dining on a student budget a pleasant experience for 40 years. The eatery is as much a part of ISU life today as when the doors first opened in 1971.

12 The days before Darryl Craig Robinson ’94 made his campus friends laugh. They encouraged him to try stand-up comedy, which led to a Hollywood career that rocketed with his portrayal of Darryl Philbin on The Office. The series has ended, yet Robinson’s 8 star shines bright. He takes the lead role in a 20 movie set to release this month. 16 16 Winds of change As the nation turns to wind energy as an alterna- tive fuel source, the renewable energy industry increasingly looks to Illinois State for leadership. The University’s Center for Renewable Energy and an interdisciplinary renewable energy aca- demic program have faculty and students playing a key role in shaping wind developments and public policy nationally.

20 Time of transition In the six months since announcing his retire- ment from the presidency, Al Bowman has contemplated the challenges and rewards of serving as Illinois State’s leader. He leaves Hovey Hall with a sense of gratitude, contentment and confidence that the positive momentum of the past decade will continue well into the future.

DEPARTMENTS 2 University News 6 Redbird Athletics 12 26 Alumni Awards ONLINE BONUS FEATURES at IllinoisState.edu/Magazine 28 Alumni Connections Willing worker Lynda Lane ’66 has dedicated decades of service to the Alumni Association. 30 Class notes Shattering expectations Early glass program graduate Jack Schmidt, M.S. ’73, is a pioneering artist. On the cover: Al Bowman, at commencement, has energized ISU with his enthusiastic leadership.

TOC 001_May2013.indd 1 3/28/13 7:43 AM UniversityNews

Kyle Waznis, center, participated in commencement a semester early, thanks to the intervention of Jess Ray and Penelope Long. Their action allowed Jim Pruett, inset, to see his son graduate. Pruett passed away in March. An unusual graduation gift Professor’s intervention guarantees family celebrates milestone

raduation day came early Waznis shared his situation with Penelo- was able to make it through the whole for senior Kyle Waznis, who pe Long, a School of Communication fac- December ceremony. The best part of the completed his degree this ulty member and director of advisement. day was when Waznis joined his parents spring but participated in Long reached out to University after the event. GDecember’s commencement ceremony Registrar Jess Ray ’91, M.S. ’95, to see His dad, who could no longer speak to ensure his father could witness the if Waznis could walk in the December full sentences, told him: “I’m so proud of milestone. commencement so that his dad could you.” The cancer had already robbed the Waznis’ father, Jim Pruett, learned be there. Ray said yes. The decision family of so many memories of shared in October that he had an aggressive was especially meaningful to Waznis, life events that would never happen. tumor the size of a tennis ball in his as it was his dad who insisted he earn a “I thought I’d lose graduation too,” brain. Pruett was given only few months degree. Waznis said. “But they gave me one more to live. Waznis quickly did the math and “If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be weekend.” came to an awful realization: His father here,” Waznis said. “In the grand scheme,” said Ray, “we wouldn’t live long enough to see him While his father’s mental state had didn’t do anything out of the ordinary.” walk at commencement. declined since the diagnosis, Pruett That sorrow was quickly erased as faculty and staff partnered on Waznis’ The rest of the story behalf. Their intervention started when Read more about Kyle’s special commencement moment on STATEside at IllinoisState.edu/STATEside, including how the University helped meet his family’s financial needs. 2 Illinois State May 2013

13-0008 Magazine U-NEWS.indd 2 3/28/13 10:17 AM Federal grant funding will prepare specialists Special Education Professor Maribeth Lartz has been awarded a $1.1 mil- lion grant from the U.S. Department of Education for a project that provides advanced preparation to education pro- fessionals who serve infants and toddlers with hearing loss. Funding continues through 2018 for the project that is an extension of work Lartz and project coordinator Tra- cy Meehan began in 2006. Their work addresses the critical shortage of those qualified to provide early intervention services to young children and their fam- ilies. The project focuses on high-need and underserved areas across the state, including Chicago and rural areas. “Many areas of Illinois have fami- lies waiting for early intervention ser- Illinois State partners with the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. Caroline Banda’s son, Gabriel, vices because there are no providers in works with a speech pathologist at the school as he adjusts to bilateral cochlear implants. their area,” Lartz said. Providers include speech language pathologists, audiolo- roles for the department and is involved The University has taken an incre- gists and teachers of the deaf, who will in national and international scholarly mental approach to restricting smok- complete a five-course program and societies, lecturing around the world. ing. President Thomas Wallace banned supervised home-based and clinic-based smoking in and near campus buildings practice. Classes will be held at ISU and in 1993. One exception was residential in Chicago. Policy change limits housing. A ban there did not come until outdoor smoking areas 2001, which was prior to a statewide English faculty named The University has a new policy that mandate. Distinguished Professor bans smoking in outdoor high-traffic areas, such as the Quad. The change English Professor Roberta Trites has Hispanic graduation rates took effect with the start of the spring among best in nation been named a Distinguished Professor, semester and as a result of a 2011 student which is ISU’s highest faculty honor. referendum. The University is one of the top 25 public Trites came to ISU in 1991 and has Students favored the further smok- institutions in the nation—and the only since built an international reputation in ing restrictions, which prohibit smok- public university in Illinois—lauded by the world of adolescent literature. She ing in Milner Library Plaza, the State the Education Trust for gains in Hispanic has authored several books, including Farm Hall of Business Courtyard, the student graduation rates. Waking Sleeping Beauty: Feminist Voices DeGarmo Hall forecourt, Schroeder Hall The nonprofit released last fall a in Children’s Novels and Disturbing the Plaza, and the College Avenue pedestrian report that lists Illinois State at 19th in Universe: Power and Repression in Ado- bridge. the nation for public universities making lescent Literature. She is credited with The Student Government Asso- gains in graduation rates for Hispanic reinventing the field of children’s litera- ciation proposed the changes, which students, while keeping graduation rates ture studies with her work. were approved by the Academic Senate. for other students steady or improving. Beyond outstanding scholarship, Among the concerns addressed by the The University also placed 19th for clos- Trites is dedicated to developing under- new restrictions are that students with ing the graduation gap between Hispanic graduate and graduate students. She has lung illnesses can be adversely affected students and fellow students. received several teaching awards for her by secondhand smoke and that students “This report is a reflection of our work while at ISU, including recogni- shouldn’t have to deal with smoke on the efforts to create an inclusive environ- tion as Outstanding University Teacher. way to class. It was also a move to keep ment at Illinois State, and our goal to She has accepted various administrative the campus clean.

May 2013 Illinois State 3

13-0008 Magazine U-NEWS.indd 3 3/20/13 5:32 PM Where are they now? Professor Emerita of Art Naomi Towner has faced many difficulties since her days teaching the fiber arts, but she has come out smiling. In 2011 Towner contracted an infection that doctors said would take her leg. After surgeries and time recovering in a rehabilitation center, she made an amazing recovery. She is now travelling the long road to healing, starting with the very basics of learning to walk again. Towner has made the best of a tough situation. After her initial diagnosis, she sent notice she would have to drop her involvement in the local Neighbor- hood Watch to take care of a medical situation. The response was remarkable with people she had only had contact with through emails sending her their well wishes, offers of rides and homemade lasagnas. “I’m amazed how people are so generous and kind,” she remarked. Uncontrollable change is one of the most challenging things in life, but when faced with such difficulty Towner is firm in her encouragement. “I’ve been through a lot and done it all and I realized that the only thing I can control is my attitude,” she said. “You get bad days, but never let it get you too down.” Though she can no longer continue with her weaving, she has found a creative outlet in intricate needlepoint. “I just do what I can,” Towner said “I won’t do substandard work either, like the singer who has lost his voice.” Her advice for anyone faced with a seemingly insurmountable situation is “don’t give up,” a mantra that keeps her standing today. Towner can be reached at [email protected].

enroll and retain high-achieving, diverse offering partial tuition waivers for up to face three rounds on Web security, logfile and motivated students,” Provost Sheri five Syrian undergraduate students who analysis, and cryptography. He placed Everts said. may wish to apply to the University. third out of 61 to advance to the finals. “Through our participation in this The championship rounds involved program, we continue to show our sup- 25 challenges in Web exploitation, cryp- Campus joins effort port of Illinois State’s advancing global tography, log file analysis, and other to assist Syrians education efforts in the midst of emer- fields—tricky tasks that were left unsolved Illinois State is one of 33 colleges, uni- gency situations and crisis,” Assistant from three preliminary rounds of NCL versities and organizations across the Provost Rita Bailey said. “By joining oth- competition. globe offering academic support to Syr- er institutional partners in this initiative, Spehn, who helped start Illinois ian students and scholars threatened by we are part of a global action that will State’s Information Security Club and that nation’s unrest. The help is through have local impact and a local action that serves as its president, will graduate in the Institute of International Education can have global impact. We are very hap- December. He already has a job offer (IIE), which has committed more than py to be able to support these students in from Discover as a result of work done $1.3 million in emergency assistance. their time of need.” during two summers. He was the first The IIE Syria Consortium for High- security intern to ever join the financial er Education in Crisis has been formed service’s team. as a partnership between IIE, the Syrian Senior IT cyber whiz economic and social development orga- captures national title nization Jusoor, and the Illinois Institute Chris Spehn, a senior information sys- Two faculty honored of Technology. Members are based in the tems major from Freeburg, won the 2012 as University Professors United States, Canada, France, Hungary, National Cyber League (NCL) Champi- Sociology and Anthropology Chair Fred Mexico and the United Kingdom. onship. Spehn defeated 23 other final- Smith and English Professor Tim Hunt Scholarships for Syrian students ists from around the nation in the cyber have been named a University Profes- have been pledged by members, who security competition last winter. sor, which is a rank that honors faculty will serve as host campuses for profes- Spehn was initially one of 264 par- members who are nationally recognized sors and senior scholars. Illinois State is ticipants in the Midwest conference to scholars and teachers.

4 Illinois State May 2013

13-0008 Magazine U-NEWS.indd 4 3/20/13 5:32 PM Smith joined ISU in 2008 and has tors and the University Club, an unoffi- maintained a prolific research and teach- cial social network of former employees. ing career while serving as an administra- The family has asked that memori- tor. He has distinguished himself in his als be made to ISU’s Student Enrichment Mail field of paleoanthropology and training Fund or Redbird Athletics. Make a con- the next generation of anthropologists. tribution online at IllinoisState.edu/giv- To the Editor, He is internationally recognized for ing, call (309) 438-8041, or send an email Back to the future? When I attended Illinois his work with Neandertals and the broad to [email protected]. State, smoking was not allowed anywhere on issue of modern human origins. His work campus, a holdover from Jesse Fell’s rules. But has appeared in three of the world’s lead- this did not stop dedicated smokers from going ing science journals as well as popular Math research results across the street to the old Pilgrim during class media outlets. will impact standards breaks. Everyone I know quit smoking eventu- Hunt came to ISU in 2003. A scholar ISU and University of Denver faculty are ally, which might explain why so many of us of American literature, he has received working to better understand how chil- are still around. numerous national awards and praise in dren learn spatial measurement concepts Pat (Johnson) Evelsizer ’54 more than one sub-disciplinary area. His in mathematics and science. The work creative and critical works are lauded for will be used to further develop national To the Editor, changing the thought and practice of his standards for mathematics education Back to the past! When I arrived in August discipline. and improve professional development of 1955, Illinois State Normal University did He is also praised by students as a work with teachers. not allow smoking by any student. If you stellar teacher who combines his wit, The National Science Foundation were caught smoking, you could be expelled intelligence, passion for his subject and has awarded just more than $1 million from school. Also, if you were caught drink- genuine concern for students to make to support the first two years of the four- ing, regardless of your age, you could also be classes pertinent to life. year project. ISU Mathematics Professor expelled—even if you were married, a veteran Jeff Barrett is the lead researcher. He from WWII or Korean conflict with children is also associate director of the Univer- and was discovered drinking at Lake Blooming- Campus mourns loss of sity’s Center for Mathematics, Science Student Affairs leader ton. Most teachers would not allow a student and Technology. to chew gum in class. I came to college from a Jude Boyer, M.A. ’68, died of a heart The research will enhance knowl- small Central Illinois high school and thought I attack in December of 2012 at the age of edge of students’ mathematics learning was grown up, but not according to ISNU rules. 74. She is remembered as an administra- trajectories, including the steps children Ed Linder ’62 tor who spent 32 take to learn mathematics concepts such years working at as measuring area or volume. The infor- To the Editor, the University on mation will help refine the Common behalf of students. Core State Standards for Mathematics, I had the honor of being selected as a Bone Boyer served a set of recently released national stan- Scholar. I was a biology and French double as the associate dards for mathematics instruction and major. Dr. and Mrs. Bone were present at the vice president of assessment. awards ceremony. He greeted and congratu- Student Affairs for A major part of the research involves lated me in well-accented French. Years later the majority of her examining how junior high students I was introduced to Chip Bone and shared the ISU career, which learn mathematics concepts that prepare vignette with him, remaking on his father’s began after she them for high school coursework. Junior command of the language. To my surprise, Chip had worked as a high school chemistry high school teachers and students in laughed and related that Dr. Bone, upon learn- teacher in the Chicago suburbs. Peoria and Denver participating in the ing of my selection, learned just enough French She joined ISU in 1968 and retired project will be followed for three years. to facilitiate our chat during the ceremony. One in 2000. During her career she improved “We’re hoping to get a kid’s eye of a kind indeed! This remains among my most commencement, facilitating the change view of mathematics concepts,” Barrett treasured memories of my ISU days. to college ceremonies with individual said. “We want to better understand the Wallace Anderson ’83 student recognition and implementing different thought processes and learning the addition of the December event. patterns that kids have. That will help us Boyer maintained ties to campus make research-based recommendations during her retirement, serving on the on ways to better teach those mathemat- Annuitants Association Board of Direc- ics concepts.”

May 2013 Illinois State 5

13-0008 Magazine U-NEWS.indd 5 3/28/13 10:17 AM RedbirdAthletics

Nike signs contract to support graduate Aisha Praught enters world of professional runners

ormer Illinois State distance finishing as the top-collegiate student- track and field coach Elvis Forde said. runner Aisha Praught ’12 has athlete in the 3,000-meter steeplechase “She had aspirations to continue run- signed a professional con- at the prestigious Mt. SAC Relays. ning, and she found herself a place where tract with Nike while pursu- She was instrumental in the wom- she can take advantage of it. I believe she ingF a post-collegiate career running for en’s cross country team winning its first can make it.” the Oregon Track Club (OTC) Elite in Missouri Valley Conference title in 2011. ISU head cross country coach Jeff Eugene, Oregon. The All-American ended her ISU career Bovee agrees. “After so many years of hard work, at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Track & Field “Aisha has the potential to run at it is an amazing feeling to know that I Team Trials, finishing 16th in the stee- the national level and even make a world have some sort of guarantee for the next plechase with a time of 9:55.78. team,” Bovee said. “With the improve- couple years,” said Praught, who is the Praught proved herself last sum- ments she made over her last year at first Illinois State track and field student- mer before a deal was completed. She Illinois State and starting to figure out athlete to turn professional since long competed in the European Flanders Cup, racing and training tactics, the sky is the jumper JaRod Tobler in 2008. then ran the Morton Mile at the 2012 limit for her.” Praught’s career began shortly after Morton Pre Games in Dublin, Ireland. Praught realizes the opportunities ending a senior campaign that included Praught turned in a lifetime-best perfor- that are ahead of her, saying “I am liter- a NCAA Division I Runner-up perfor- mance of 4:35.96, finishing eighth. ally living the dream.” mance in the mile (4:39.85), as well as “This deal shows how hard Praught has worked the last four years,” ISU head

6 Illinois State May 2013

Athletics May 2013_jh.indd 2 3/20/13 5:46 PM Top Athletics fundraiser loses battle against cancer

The Athletics program lost its most A commercial underwriter at State Cameras provide view of devoted volunteer and fundraiser ear- Farm Insurance Companies for 42 years, progress at Hancock Stadium lier this year. Jack “Jumbo” Currin ’71 of Currin coached at the grade school and The public can now watch construction at Han- cock Stadium with two live Webcams. Visitors Bloomington died of pancreatic cancer in high school level. He mentored ISU stu- can view construction online at GoRedbirds.com/ January, leaving a legacy as the all-time dent-athletes and advanced Athletics by hancockrenovation. Links to two Webcams are leading volunteer fundraiser in program helping to launch the Spread the Red located on the top, right-hand corner of the page. history. marketing campaign in 2007. One camera at Hancock Stadium has the Currin served on the Weisbecker He is survived by his wife, Christine, ability for users to control the angle. Instructions Scholarship Fund Advisory Board for two daughters and five grandchildren. on how to move the camera are located at the more than 15 years and was a season- The family appreciates memorials made bottom of the navigation bar on the left-hand side ticket holder to Redbird athletic events to the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund. To of the page. A second camera at Bone Student for more than 25 years. He was the 2012 make a donation go online to http://weis- Center is a larger, static live shot. recipient of the Joseph F. Warner Golden beckerfund.com, email lelyons@Illinois- The renovations to Hancock will provide a new Redbird Award, which is the highest State.edu or call (309) 438-5626. front door to the University. The facility will climb to seven stories on the east side, with exten- honor ISU Athletics bestows on a non- sive brick and glass. New amenities will include athlete. bleacher-back seating on the entire new east-side grandstand and a spacious concourse. Premium seating options, including more than 500 chair-back club seats, a 5,500-square-foot indoor club accessible to club-seat holders, and Looking for something seven suites will be added to the stadium. A state-of-the-art press level above the indoor club and an entirely new concession area more than a t-shirt? and restroom facilities are being added, as well as a new ticket office. The work is expected to be complete in the Die-hard Redbird fans are always eager for a unique way to show school fall of this year. Hancock has not undergone reno- spirit. Now your Illinois State collection doesn’t have to stop with vations since it opened in the 1960s. sweatshirts and hats. Take a look at these unique products, and visit Alumni.IllinoisState.edu for more information. lllinois State hosting MVC baseball championship For the first time in program history, Illinois State will host the 2013 State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Baseball Championship. The event will run from May 21-25 at Duffy Bass Field. Illinois State was awarded the championship on a bid basis. Play will occur on the field dedi- cated in 2009 to honor legendary ISU baseball coach Duffy Bass. He guided the 1969 Redbirds to the College Division national championship. Baseball fans will have the opportunity to watch four tournament games each day, with the championship scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 25. Tickets are available online at GoRed- birds.com or by calling (309) 438-8000.

May 2013 Illinois State 7

Athletics May 2013_jh.indd 3 3/20/13 5:46 PM ike so many Illinois State alums, Susan Nelson-Brown ’78 got hooked on Avanti’s soon after moving into her Lresidence hall, Dunn-Barton, right across Main Street. Every Sunday night—back when dining centers were closed runs his own locations in Peoria. The Gondola has always been that evening—the campus radio station (then WILN) played oldies their menu all-star. The bread recipe came from the Peoria during an hour-long Let the Good Times Roll segment. Students restaurant that Albert bought, though he’s tweaked it over the who called in and correctly named the band, song, and when the years. Guido’s business stuck with the original. tune came out won free Avanti’s. “Theirs is a little sweeter than ours,” said Rich Zeller, Brown got her entire floor to play, collectively winning Guido’s son, who now owns and operates the Bloomington- enough food to last the whole week. They figured out the Normal locations with his brother, Marcus. deejays eventually repeated the songs, and some weeks the The second generation of Zeller brothers started off as floor would win every song. busboys for Guido. Rich and Marcus became managers in the “Avanti’s is just such a fond memory for everybody who 1980s, then managing partners in 1995, making their father went to ISU,” said Nelson-Brown, an accounting graduate proud to hand off the business to family before he died in 2002. living in Dallas. “I have lived in other parts of the country, and It’s a true family business. Guido’s brother, Leo, joined the I’ve never found anything like it.” Normal operation in 1976 and was an integral part of the business. As Illinois State’s Alumni Association marks 150 years,

“ Avanti’s has the best sandwiches in America. I could eat a Gondola every day of my life. When I’m back visiting my wonderful friends in the Twin Cities, Avanti’s is always on the top of my list! Continued success. You have always treated me fi rst class. Thanks!” – Doug Collins ’73, Redbird basketball great

few memories resonate quite like Avanti’s. The Italian res- Now retired, Leo continues to look after Avanti’s interior and taurant’s 42-year history is deeply intertwined with Illinois exterior plants and flowers. And Guido’s wife, Anna, helped get State’s, winning over generations of new students with its the business off the ground and even pitched in from a home deliciously sweet bread and pizza, then sending them off into office after the couple’s fourth child was born. Both she and the world wistfully wondering if you can mail a Gondola to Leo continue to volunteer to serve food at local charity events Texas. (Turns out you can, sort of. More on that later.) Avanti’s sponsors. Illinois State students, faculty, staff and alumni have Rich said he first realized the iconic status Avanti’s had been a large contributor to the Normal restaurant’s success, achieved when he went to high school and heard how reverently especially early on. And that’s on top of the steady supply of people spoke about his dad’s life’s work. student employees who today make up about one-third of Avanti’s workforce. The second-generation family business traces its history back to Swiss immigrants Guido and Albert Zeller, who in the early 1960s delivered food to restaurants and pizzerias for an Illinois cheese-making company called Avanti Foods, based in Walnut. (Avanti Foods still exists today—its signature item is Gino’s Pizza—but is not affiliated with Avanti’s.) By 1966 and with some business experience under his belt, Albert bought a restaurant for sale near Bradley University in Peoria, renaming it Avanti’s, which is Italian for “forward” or “advance.” Five years later the Zellers teamed up to open the Normal location, again adjacent to a college campus. It’s never moved Avanti’s shares long history from Main Street, but it has grown. The original 56-seat Avanti’s dining room more than doubled in size by 1991, and a second with Illinois State alumni location on Bloomington’s east side opened four years ago. Guido Zeller, opposite page, was the heart and soul of Avanti’s until his death Guido took sole ownership in 1973 from Albert, who still in 2002. The original Avanti’s Normal location near campus, above, opened in 1971 and is thriving under Zeller’s sons.

May 2013 Illinois State 9

Avantis_ISU mag-May 2013.indd 3 3/28/13 12:07 PM “I thought, ‘Wow, that’s cool,’” he said. “That’s when it hit me that everybody knows about Avanti’s.” The family’s ISU ties go deeper than just Gondolas. They’re basketball season-ticket holders, and the Zellers’ sisters, Maria History (Ditchen) ’96 and Judy (Mulcahey) ’92, are alumnae. They also Tast Tast support ISU and Athletics financially, making a large contribution A quick look back at how Avanti’s to the Redbird Arena completion project in 2004 and continuing became a Twin City food icon: with annual gifts, including food for Redbird teams. The Zellers have been selling food at Redbird Arena and 1971 Hancock Stadium for years, and Avanti’s also helps out in the Guido and Albert Zeller opened Avanti’s on Main community, including the Normal-based Special Olympics Street for dinner service only, with a 56-seat dining Illinois. Their busiest day of the year is the State of Illinois room. Marching Band Championship each fall, when families from 1980 all over the state descend on campus for a weekend visit. Lunch service began, fueled in part by an ISU “We’re engaged, and that’s fun,” said Martha Blankenship customer base. ’82, a former part-time student employee who now works in the restaurant’s business office. “It’s not just business. It’s Mid-1980s relationships.” Guido’s sons, Marcus and Rich, became part of Those relationships, especially with student employees Avanti’s management team. who have unique class schedules and social lives, have been im- 1989 portant to Avanti’s from the very beginning, starting with Guido. Catering services began as demand increased. Lunch “That’s one thing he took pride in, taking good care of his delivery also started. employees, rewarding them, treating them well, having a lot 1991 of part-time students,” Rich said. “He’d make it convenient for Another remodel of Main Street location boosted them to work their way through school.” seating to 135, doubling building square footage. One of those carrying that legacy today is Bloomington- Normal native Courtney Markey ’11, who has worked at 2002 Avanti’s for seven years, starting in carry-out and later as Guido passed away, one year after turning over a dining room supervisor at the east-side location. control of day-to-day operations. Now back at Illinois State to get her master’s degree in 2006 the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences’ nutrition Started off-site kiosk concession sales at Redbird and dietetics program, Markey works as a server to pay for her Arena and U.S. Cellular Coliseum. living expenses. She appreciates that Avanti’s managers are experts when it comes to accommodating student schedules. 2009 Opened second location on Bloomington’s east side The leadership skills she picked up as a supervisor herself near Central Illinois Regional Airport. will someday help her pursue a career as a registered dietician at a hospital or school district. And she hasn’t gotten sick of 2011 Avanti’s food, even after seven years, using the free $6 daily Celebrated 40th anniversary. food allowance to chew through the big menu. “Being a poor college student, it’s not always easy to get to the grocery store,” Markey said. As campus has changed, so has Avanti’s relationship with ISU. Back in 1980, when Avanti’s first opened for lunch, Illinois State students, faculty and staff were a big part

“ After work, I’d take the leftover bread with me back to Walker Hall. Everybody was always awake late when I got back. They wanted my bread.” – Dan Rutherford ’78, former Avanti’s cook and manager, now Illinois state treasurer

10 Illinois State May 2013

Avantis_ISU mag-May 2013.indd 4 3/21/13 4:01 PM of the clientele. Back then Avanti’s also had a bustling late- Spread the night business, fueled by foot traffic from nearby Main Street watering holes like White Horse Inn. Avanti’s stayed open to 1 a.m. until the late 1990s. And being located just steps away from several now-closed residence halls— Walker, Dunn-Barton, Atkin-Colby, and Hamilton-Whitten— certainly didn’t hurt business, Rich said. Enter for yourBreadBread chance to win an exclusive Avanti’s “We’d lock up, and you’d have them knocking on the side Illinois State prize package: doors, looking to order,” Marcus said. • 5 loaves of famous Avanti’s bread, shipped directly As many alums can attest, Sunday nights were Avanti’s to you night. A delivery driver with a carful of food would head over to Watterson Towers every 20 minutes, Marcus recalled. Illinois • $20 Avanti’s gift card State Treasurer Dan Rutherford ’78 cooked a lot of that food. • Avanti’s hat, sweatshirt, and T-shirt Rutherford got the job two weeks into his freshman year through Guido, who once delivered cheese to Rutherford’s • Alumni Association water bottle and other parents’ pizza place in Pontiac. Rutherford had “tomato paste Redbird goodies in my veins,” as he puts it. He worked at Avanti’s for five years Sign up by June 21 for your chance to win at to help put himself through college debt free. Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/Avantis, where you can share your favorite Avanti’s memories. Ten prize- “ Avanti’s is the fi rst place you eat when package winners will be chosen at random. you arrive and the last thing you eat after graduation before moving on.” – Donna (Heyer) Goodall ’79 (via Facebook)

The student body president was the first to sell Gondolas to raise money for his student organization, something fra- ternities and sororities continue today. One of Rutherford’s favorite memories? When his friends in the dorms would order a large pizza, he’d send it over uncut, just to mess with them. “They were college kids,” Rutherford said. “They knew how to tear it apart.” Illinois State deliveries have slowed in recent years, in part because Campus Dining has made such dramatic im- provements to on-campus dining centers, Rich said. “You go in there now, it’s like a restaurant.” At the same time, the restaurant has seen deliveries pick up in another area—the rest of the country. Nelson-Brown, the alumna living in Dallas, is a leader of the Dallas/Ft. Worth Area Alumni Network. One day members were reminiscing about Avanti’s. Nelson-Brown called the Normal store and found out they do ship bread loaves, just not the meat. They’ve now had three Gondola parties in the past second location, which opened in 2009 on the fast-growing two years, drawing more than 35 people who gobble up (or east side. And just last year, Avanti’s paired up with Alamo II take home) about 60 feet of Avanti’s bread. (See a photo of the to sell sandwiches and salads in the campus store. group on page 35). Few restaurants survive more than four decades, much “It’s sweet, it’s soft, it really makes your sandwich, gives less thrive like Avanti’s. The secret to their success, Rich said, it such an unusual flavor,” Nelson-Brown said. “We’re so is the value provided and the quality customer service that excited to have that little piece of Avanti’s and ISU down here surrounds it. He and Marcus are consequently not surprised in Dallas.” when Illinois State alumni from the 1970s and 1980s come Just as their father saw potential for growth when he back to Normal and fill out comment cards that reflect a opened for lunch, his sons also have their eyes on the future. consistent compliment: In 2000, seeing flat sales and no way to squeeze more out of “Glad to see you haven’t changed.” the Normal store, discussion began on expanding into the

May 2013 Illinois State 11

Avantis_ISU mag-May 2013.indd 5 3/29/13 8:32 AM Craig_Robinson2.indd 2 3/20/13 12:08 PM Campus By Tom Nugent Comedian

all very sad and very embarrassing. At for Outstanding Comedy Series and a Craig Robinson ’94 his funeral, they couldn’t get him into Television Critic’s Association Award for the casket. They put his right foot in. . . .” Outstanding Achievement in Comedy. O ce star got his Hollywood This is vintage stand-up for the While The O ce comes to an end start while at ISU 41-year-old TV and movie comic from this spring, Robinson’s career continues the Windy City, who bangs away on the to soar. He is building on success gained keyboard while fi ring o one-liners. He while a regular on the hit show, during drones on until suddenly he’s on his feet, which time he appeared in several suc- Perched behind the gleaming keyboard walking o stage to roaring applause as cessful Hollywood comedies including of his Roland JV-30 electronic piano, the he laments: “I can see you’re not gonna Knocked Up in 2007, Pineapple Express in high-flying stand-up comedian and Hol- be serious about this!” 2008 and Shrek Forever After in 2010. lywood comic actor Craig Robinson ’94 is about to bring the entire house down. He does it setting up an opening joke with his signature deadpan glare. Really, I think comedy chose me. “Before I begin,” says the Chicago- born comic before a huge Def Comedy Jam studio audience, “how many people Welcome to the wild comic world Robinson’s jet-powered showbiz out there have seen [fellow-comedian] of television and Silver Screen actor career continued climbing in 2010 with Chris Rock’s HBO special? Give me a Craig Phillip Robinson—the ISU music the release of Hot Tub Time Machine, a hand-clap if you saw it.” major who discovered his natural gift for madcap futuristic spoof that featured The New York City comedy-club- comedy while “cracking one-liners and Hollywood standouts Rob Corddry and bers respond with loud, exuberant ap- imitating Richard Nixon” for his pals on John Cusack. He is now set to star in the plause. Robinson glares back at them, his campus. lead role of the movie Peeples, which will features frozen into a glowering mask. He went on to TV stardom as the be released in May. For the audience, it’s like gazing into the glum-looking, a ectless Darryl Philbin Cast as Wade Walker—a hapless, stone face of thousand-year-old Easter on the smash-hit comedy series The whacked-out children’s entertainer Island Statue. O ce. It was 2005 when he joined the whose rollercoaster romance sets a new “Okay,” Robinson said in a lifeless wildly popular sitcom as the poker-faced standard for hilarious hijinks—the Lions’ monotone. “There goes that material.” warehouse manager at Dunder-Mi in, a Gate feature fi lm seems likely to boost His fans roar while he remains Pennsylvania paper supply company. Robinson into the comic stratosphere. stone-faced, hunching gloomily over the NBC’s highest-rated scripted series, “I think it’s pretty clear by now that keyboard. He’s waiting. As the laughter The O ce was created as a parody of Craig has arrived as a fi lm star,” his agent subsides, he continues a monologue that modern American o ce life that delved Nicole Chabot at Re:group Entertain- includes an Entertainment News bul- into the lives of the workers. The popu- ment said while rhapsodizing about letin: “Did you hear that the man who lar show earned numerous prestigious the “amazing comedic vibes” Robinson wrote ‘The Hokey Pokey’ died? It was television honors, including an Emmy generates in Peeples.

May 2013 Illinois State 13

Craig_Robinson2.indd 3 3/28/13 11:46 AM Craig Robinson remains true to his roots as a stand-up comedian, still performing on stages across the country. He displayed his talent at the keyboard during an evening at Central Michigan University.

Photo by Jeffery Smith

I’d have one of the Photo by Jeffery Smith pigs put on his gym shoes and run away For me, trying to get before the house blew down! For me, trying to get laughs laughs is about as is about as natural as breathing or eating He took their advice. His fi rst few or sleeping.” comic forays went well, yet he wasn’t natural as breathing Robinson brought his quick wit fully convinced that he had the talent for to the ISU campus in the early 1990s. a showbiz career. In a burst of unexpect- or eating or sleeping. The son of a Chicago attorney, his ed prudence, he settled down and earned mother taught music for many years in a master’s degree in music education city schools—which he said probably at St. Xavier University, then wound up accounts for his talent as a singer and teaching music several years at Chicago’s “He’s got a huge natural talent for keyboard artist. Horace Greeley High School. comedy, which became evident during After deciding to major in music, he But the stand-up comedy bug had his seven years on The O ce. It’s no soon discovered that his gift for one- bitten him deeply while at ISU. By the surprise to people in the industry that liners was the key to instant popularity. late 1990s, he was wandering the country he’s about to star in his own vehicle. I When taking time from his classes and and appearing frequently during open- think he’s going to be around for a long, appearances with ISU’s Interdenomina- mike sessions at clubs in New York, Chi- long time.” tional Youth Choir, Robinson dropped cago, Los Angeles and elsewhere. When Ask Robinson to account for his by high-octane, Chicago-area comedy he won several regional competitions for remarkable gift as a comedian and he’ll clubs, including the famed Second City comedians, he wound up as a guest on respond in typical, low-key fashion. “Re- venue and Chicago Improv. Comedy Central and such popular TV ally, I think comedy chose me,” he often “At fi rst, I didn’t really believe I shows as Real Time with Bill Maher and tells interviewers. “From as far back as could get up there and make people Jimmy Kimmel Live. I can remember, I’ve always been able to laugh,” he remembered with a gleam of A series of small parts on TV sit- make people laugh. nostalgia. “But several of my buddies on coms followed, including Friends, and in “Really, I always had this urge to be campus were telling me: ‘You’ve been low-profi le comedy fi lms. Then came his silly that I couldn’t control, know what cracking me up for months. Why don’t major breakthrough as a regular on the I mean? Even as a child, when I told you take that stu on stage and see if you increasingly popular sitcom with super- the story about ‘The Three Little Pigs,’ can make it with a live audience?’” star Steve Carell.

14 Illinois State May 2013

Craig_Robinson2.indd 4 3/20/13 12:09 PM The show’s conclusion will not But if asked to speculate about his “What I really want,” he’ll say derail Robinson, who is still armed with future in showbiz, Robinson will answer without a trace of a smile, “is to become his trademark deadpan demeanor. With in typical joking fashion while revealing the next Secretary of the Department of his knack for playing snap-crackle-and- he dreams of the chance to become a GDB: Get Down and Boogie!” pop melodies on the keyboard while member of Barack Obama’s cabinet. delivering his low-key monologues, he seems destined to become a household entertainment brand. It’s pretty clear by now that Craig has arrived as a film star.

Courtesy of MGM Media Licensing

While known by many fans for his role in The Office, Robinson is a regular on the movie screen as well. This scene is taken from Hot Tub Time Machine, which released in 2010.

Movie appearances Television The work of ISU alum Craig Robinson extends far beyond his role on the popular series The Office, as evidenced by these incomplete listings of movies and television appearances. highlights Eastbound & Down Escape from Planet Earth 2013 ...... Curb Your Enthusiasm (with ISU alum Jane Lynch ’82) 2013 ...... Arrested Development This Is the End 2013 Friends Peeples ...... 2010 The Bernie Mac Show Shrek Forever After ...... 2010 Hot Tub Time Machine ...... Night at the Museum: 2009 Battle of the Smithsonian ...... 2009 Fanboys ...... 2008 Pineapple Express ...... 2007 Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story May 2013 Illinois State 15

Craig_Robinson2.indd 5 3/20/13 12:09 PM FUELING Wind REVOLUTION

16 Illinois State May 2013

Wind_ISU mag-May 2013.indd 2 3/27/13 11:37 AM hen U.S. Sen. Mark Udall stood in the Senate chamber Wlast summer to argue for an extension of a key wind farm tax credit, he turned to Illinois State research to FUELING prove his point. “Just this month, Illinois State Uni- versity released a report that estimates that Illinois’ 23 largest wind farms will contribute roughly $5.8 billion to local economies over the lifetimes of these projects,” the Colorado Democrat said. Illinois State graduate students the Jared Hayden ’12 and Sarah Noll ’12 Wind already knew that. They helped crunch the numbers in the economic impact report that Udall cited, “which was cool,” Noll said. “We knew it was us.” REVOLUTION Illinois is a major player in the by Ryan Denham American wind energy industry, ranking fourth among U.S. states in overall installed wind capacity, and No. 1 overall in 2011 with 404 new turbines installed. At the center of the state’s vibrant wind energy industry is Illinois State, whose students, researchers and alumni are shaping wind developments and related public policy issues around the country. The University’s wind wisdom is fueled by the Center for Renewable Energy, which debuted in 2008 with initial funding from the U.S. Depart- ment of Energy. The center anchors the University’s renewable energy major and is home to the Illinois Wind Work- ing Group, comprised of 200 key wind industry stakeholders. The center traces its history to a group of faculty members who, more than a decade ago, dreamed of putting a wind turbine on the University Farm north of campus. That never happened because they decided to aim higher, focusing instead on building an interdis- ciplinary renewable energy curriculum and outreach program.

May 2013 Illinois State 17

Wind_ISU mag-May 2013.indd 3 3/27/13 11:37 AM Initial work on the turbine project Casey Robertson ’10 got a job with helped the Center for Renewable Energy I wanted American Wind Energy Management gain a foothold in the industry, as did Corp., a small wind developer based in Illinois State’s physical location, said to make Springfi eld, after graduating with her David Loomis, director of the center. renewable energy degree. Robertson’s McLean County and neighboring counties, concentration at Illinois State was in as it turns out, carry average wind speeds an impact public policy and economics, with one and other features that make them of her standout classes involving round- prime locations for installing turbines. with my table discussions about important court Today there are more than 100 stu- cases in energy regulation and related dents enrolled in the renewable energy policymaking issues. major and 74 graduates, including Hayden career on But the major didn’t lock her into and Noll, who are now pursuing their one career path over another. For her master’s degrees. A grant from the Illinois the world capstone class, for example, she laid Clean Energy Community Foundation out a small solar installation project for also helped fi nish a state-of-the-art around me. a home. The work involved looking at renewable energy lab in Turner Hall, where to install the panels, which ones featuring a wind tunnel and a trailer- to choose, how to fi nd grants to buy mounted remote wind sensor Sonic work with farmers, landowners, neighbors, them, and estimating the possible Detection and Ranging (SODAR) device, and county board members. return on investment. among other tools. “That job in part requires you to Robertson said her young career Illinois State’s renewable energy have a lot of facets. You don’t have to in wind is exciting, in part because the program is unique because it’s truly in- be an expert in any one facet,” Loomis industry is evolving so quickly. And terdisciplinary, Loomis said. The center’s said. “The interdisciplinary approach she’s fulfi lling her primary motivation faculty leadership is a diverse bunch, with prepares our students better than just for choosing renewable energy—doing expertise ranging from economics and giving them part of the picture.” something that will benefi t society as agriculture to technology. It’s a perfect Whether it’s the altruistic lure of a whole. Indeed, Illinois’ 42 wind farm mix for new graduates whose fi rst job clean energy or the desire to work in an projects collectively produce enough out of college may be wind farm project exciting, developing fi eld, students are clean energy to avoid production of 4.7 development, requiring them to adroitly drawn to the major for different reasons. million tons of carbon dioxide each year.

Sarah Noll ’12, Jared Hayden ’12 and Center for Renewable Energy Director David Loomis

18 Illinois State May 2013

Wind_ISU mag-May 2013.indd 4 3/27/13 12:11 PM “I wanted to make an impact with home. After two years at the University my career on the world around me,” of Illinois, he transferred to Illinois State Robertson said. for the renewable energy program. Also making an impact is the Il- “It’s an up-and-coming, exciting linois Wind Working Group (IWWG), fi eld,” Hayden said. which is led by Loomis and professors The Twin Groves turbines produce David Kennell from the Department of about 400 megawatts annually—enough Technology and Randy Winter from the to power more than 130,000 typical Department of Agriculture. Assistant American households for a whole year. professor Jin Jo from the Department of A key member of the team that developed Technology is also an associate director Twin Groves was Bob Crowell, who got at the Center for Renewable Energy. The his M.B.A. at Illinois State in 1995. IWWG hosts statewide conferences for Crowell’s early career was spent in industry leaders and smaller events for more traditional forms of energy, fi rst niche audiences, such as one targeted at on the natural gas side of Illinois Power, Crowell county board members focused on sit- then for a sister company involved in likes being in on ing, zoning and taxing issues. coal-fi red and other types of power the ground fl oor in Illinois State’s wind research provides generation. After being exposed to business. In fact, he’s the industry with a much needed resource, wind energy back in 1998 through a been the 13th person hired namely unbiased information. That’s small wind farm project in Costa Rica, at three different companies, where graduates Hayden and Noll come Crowell was recruited in 2001 to join including Zilkha. He was No. in with their work on the economic a small company called Zilkha Renew- 13 at his current company, impact document. able Energy, where he put together the Brooklyn-based OwnEnergy, They were tasked with updating the company’s pipeline of wind projects which partners with landowners 2011 report for 2012, meaning they had throughout the Midwest and Great to develop renewable energy to crunch the numbers for the six new Lakes regions. projects. wind farms that came online. They used “It was a fl aky part of the industry As OwnEnergy’s chief the Jobs and Economic Development development offi cer, he’s leading back then. It was anything but main- Impacts (JEDI) model, plotting out on a projects around the U.S. Last year stream,” Crowell said. “A lot of people spreadsheet how much money was spent was a challenging one for the wind thought I was kind of nuts. But I liked on the different turbine components, industry, Crowell said. There was the culture. I liked the idea of being where that money was spent, how many uncertainty over the production back at a small company.” jobs that spending created directly and tax credit that Sen. Udall and oth- Crowell and his colleagues at indirectly, and so on. ers were backing, leading to stalled Zilkha—later renamed Horizon Wind The tricky part is that some compa- projects and even layoffs. It wasn’t Energy and now EDP Renewables—spent nies on the wind energy manufacturing until Congress reached a last-minute supply chain aren’t exactly eager to turn four years developing Twin Groves deal on the so-called “fi scal cliff” over their proprietary fi nancial data to before the fi rst phase was approved and that the wind production tax credit Illinois State’s researchers. built. Big, tall wind turbines tend to draw was extended, only then through the “The companies, to stay competitive, a lot of attention and often controversy. end of 2013. don’t want to reveal their exact costs,” “You make the circuit, talking to the Robertson also acknowledged Noll said. movers and shakers in the local commu- the impact of the stalled tax credit last Such obstacles did not discourage her nities—whether it’s Bloomington-Nor- year, yet she remains optimistic about or Hayden, who grew up about 40 miles mal, Arrowsmith, Saybrook. You go to the future. east of Normal in the town of Fisher. He the Lions Club, the churches,” Crowell “I only see it going up,” she said could see McLean County’s 240-turbine said. “You do that so no one thinks it’s of the industry as a whole, “because Twin Groves wind farms from his family’s being snuck in under the wire.” the fuel for wind energy is free.”

Video: Renewable energy lab Take a video tour of Illinois State’s renewable energy lab and read the full report that Jared Hayden and Sarah Noll worked on at IllinoisState.edu/Magazine.

May 2013 Illinois State 19

Wind_ISU mag-May 2013.indd 5 3/27/13 12:06 PM 13-0008 Bowman Feature.indd 20 3/19/13 5:15 PM Bowman retires with a legacy of exceptional leadership

By Susan Marquardt Blystone

o often administrators leave office with an asterisk at the end of their

accomplishment list. The notation typically adds Sto the history books details of a crisis mishandled, poor judgment that sparked a scandal or disdain from those who endured the leader’s direct orders. As Al Bowman prepares to depart from the Illinois State presidency, he too has a significant footnote that will forever serve as an indicator of his decade at the University’s helm: There is universal lament for his departure.

13-0008 Bowman Feature.indd 21 3/19/13 5:16 PM ’m the only one happy with my news,” Bowman “Isaid, referring to the announcement of his retirement. Immediately after sharing his decision in De- in my specialty and do my research. I love teach- cember of last year, Bowman heard from constitu- ing and the balance between teaching and research ents across the campus, community and country here at ISU,” Bowman said. “I never planned to be who voiced their shock and dismay. an administrator.” Gratitude has been the third emotion con- His journey to the presidency began unexpect- sistently expressed to Bowman, who became the edly when his department chair retired and two in 17th president on March 1, 2004, after serving one the faculty ranks vied for the position. Bowman was year in the o ce as interim. He remains at the not interested in the post, which made him a perfect Within a few days of Al Bowman announcing his helm while a national search for his replacement candidate to step in and unite the divided team. retirement, the campus continues. “It was very di cult to heal that department,” community came together Stating a need to embrace a less stressful and Bowman said while refl ecting on the assignment on the Quad in a surprise he was given in 1994. “But for me personally, it rally to show appreciation demanding pace for the good of his long-range for his leadership as Illinois health, Bowman o ered assurances that he is not was the best experience of my life. I had assumed State’s president the past abandoning the University he has served for 35 administrative work was boring, mundane and decade, previous page. years in faculty and administrative roles. routine. I found it fascinating and especially loved “Illinois State has been the center of my life. the problem solving activity that was central to the I will continue to be a proud Redbird and hope to job. I was hooked.” make Illinois State University an important part He led the department for eight years while of my life for years to come,” Bowman said in his teaching and serving as director of the Down o cial announcement. He will teach each semester Syndrome Speech-Language Clinic. Sta scholarly and hold an o ce in the Department of Communi- productivity doubled, the master’s program rose in cation Sciences and Disorders. prestige to its current ranking as No. 1 in Illinois, It was there he started his ISU career in 1978 as and accreditation by the Council on Academic a faculty member in what was then the Department Accreditation of the American Speech-Language of Speech Pathology and Audiology. He arrived Hearing Association was awarded. having completed a bachelor’s in speech pathology “I was ready to be department chair the rest of at Augustana College, a master’s in speech-language my life,” Bowman said. The fact he was content to pathology from Eastern Illinois University, and remain in that position explains why those closest while completing a doctorate at the University of to him use the phrase “reluctant administrator” to Illinois in speech and hearing science. describe Bowman’s journey to the presidency. The classroom was his intended destination. The transition was truly scripted by others at “My plan was to earn tenure and teach classes the University, who continued to seek his help in

22 Illinois State May 2013

13-0008 Bowman Feature.indd 22 3/19/13 5:17 PM or that remains constant. His warmth is felt by students and legislators alike. “I modeled my presidency on Bob Bone’s approach to the o ce,” Bowman said, referencing ISU’s beloved leader from the 1950s. “I liked the fact that he immersed himself in campus life and was very outgoing. I wanted to be an engaged president who used a common sense approach.” The blueprint served Bowman so well that many on campus readily and regularly compare the two presiden- cies. The parallels were cemented when students gathered on the Quad just days after Bowman announced his resigna- tion. They surprised Bowman with a se- fi lling key positions. It was President Vic- years, Illinois State was ranked as one cretly planned expression of thanks that tor Boschini who opened Hovey Hall’s of the top 100 public universities in the included his wife, Linda; ISU cheerlead- doors to Bowman, asking him to serve in nation for quality and value by Kiplinger’s ers; Reggie Redbird; members of the Big 2002 as interim provost upon the depar- Personal Finance magazine. Red Marching Machine; and hundreds of ture of Al Goldfarb. In that role Bowman Several historic highs were students, faculty and sta who cheered managed a $3.9 million rescission in achieved, including a freshman ACT for their beloved leader. Academic A airs through targeted bud- score average of 24.3 and a freshman-to- “That was without a doubt one get actions that preserved the quality and sophomore retention rate of 85 percent. of the best moments and memories integrity of academic programs. An Alumni Center was opened, class- of my presidency,” Bowman said. Oth- When Boschini resigned the presi- room buildings were renovated and six ers include completion of the Univer- dency a year later, Bowman’s dedicated residence halls remodeled. A $50 million sity’s fi rst comprehensive campaign, service and reputation as a skilled man- student fi tness center was constructed, Redefi ning “normal,” and Illinois State’s ager resulted in yet another request for as well as a 900-bed student apartment advancement during a dreadful eco- him to take on an interim role. complex that became ISU’s fi rst-ever nomic environment. “That was my lottery win,” Bowman public/private venture. “It is so satisfying that we made said, expressing gratitude that he was “at The most signifi cant change was the incredible progress despite the fact that the right place at the right time” to step most di cult to achieve: Bowman man- state support for higher education has in as president. “The change underway aged to increase the level of pride for the declined. There have also been major was historic. The chance to be a part of it University within the campus commu- demographic shifts in the population was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.” nity and constituents, as well as the value of prospective students,” Bowman said. The o ce became his follow- alumni place on their degree. “And yet this has been one of our best ing a national search. Those who have “There is a sense of pride associated decades.” “Illinois State has been the center of my life.”

The same cannot be said for the ma- observed Bowman in the 10 years since with where ISU is today and a recognition jority of universities in Illinois. What sets concur that he truly was the right man that we have separated ourselves from Illinois State apart? Bowman answers for the job. the competition,” Bowman said. Campus with praise for the expertise of his lead- ISU has been transformed into a constituents have noticed the elevated ership team that he relied on for candid fi rst-choice public university under Bow- esteem of Redbirds and attribute it in part assessments. man’s leadership. For seven consecutive to Bowman’s sincere and caring demean-

More about Bowman’s departure Take a moment to read President Bowman’s retirement announcement that was shared with the campus community last December. It is available online at IllinoisState.edu/Magazine. You’ll also find a video clip of the memorable moment when individuals secretly rallied on the Quad to express their appreciation to ISU’s beloved president.

May 2013 Illinois State 23

13-0008 Bowman Feature.indd 23 3/19/13 5:18 PM “I spent a lot of time listening. I believe it ferent from most universities when we decided it is crucial to have a person or two who can tell would be a mistake to be all things to all people,” you the truth, no matter how painful it is. I sent Bowman said, admitting he was cautious. the message that I was looking for the right “I said no to a lot of ideas, such as the creation answer, not necessarily agreement with my of low-enrollment doctoral programs that are Anyone participating in own ideas.” extremely expensive. I made certain we focused on Illinois State events grew accustomed to President Bowman also has sincere appreciation for what we could do well and what we could a ord. Bowman’s infectious faculty and sta who are dedicated to the suc- Where we thought we could expand, we built new smile. The joy he felt in cess of students. He expresses pride in a stellar programs with existing resources.” leading the University was apparent in every student body; and applauds alumni and friends An example he gives is the introduction of a occasion and especially who invest their time, talent and resources into renewable energy program, which is a unique major events that celebrated the University’s programs and people. He also with high interest among incoming students. It was students, including a Quad event at the points to ISU’s strategic plan as a pivotal part implemented with minimal cost given the infra- semester’s start, below. of the University’s success. structure within the College of Applied Science and Technology. Another example of how Educating Illinois guided Bowman’s decisions is his strong stance against increasing class size or shifting the burden of teaching to graduate students instead of fac- ulty members. Doing so would reduce the overall expense ledger but would also lower the academic experience, which Bowman deemed too high a cost. “We have faculty who compete in the national arena in their fi eld, but who also value their teaching and interaction with students. That’s what makes us unique. That’s what has created a campus climate that people are talking about across the state,” Bow- man said. He knows the banter from having invested “I still love this job. If I could hours at the state capital, where he enjoyed work- ing as Illinois State’s advocate. Bowman never tired of explaining the University’s endeavors, excellence slow down a little and stay as and needs. He equally delighted in meeting with po- tential donors, eagerly sharing with them opportuni- president, I’d do it forever.” ties to support ISU’s people and programs. Even the most di cult part of the job—balanc- “In my opinion, the turning point for ing the needs and expectations of myriad stake- Illinois State came with Educating Illinois. The conversations initiated in the 1990s that resulted in the document addressed what Honor a legacy kind of institution we wanted to be,” Bowman Many have asked what they can do to explained. express appreciation to the Bowmans. “Once we decided our primary focus They have identified two areas close would be undergraduate excellence without retreating from a commitment to research and to their heart: ISU’s Eckelmann-Taylor graduate programs, our future was solid and Speech and Hearing Clinic, and the our progress inevitable.” Bowman Fellows Program. Consider The living document assured decisions honoring their years of service by made across campus bolstered the University’s making a gift to either, or give to the core values, which include the pursuit of learn- area of campus that matches your ing and scholarship, individualized attention, passion. Go to IllinoisState.edu/Giving, diversity, integrity and civic engagement. call (800) 366-4478, or mail to Illinois “We took an approach that is very dif- State University Foundation, Campus Box 8000, Normal, IL 61790.

24 Illinois State May 2013

13-0008 Bowman Feature.indd 24 3/19/13 5:19 PM holders who have an attachment to the University—became a labor of love for Bowman, who readily acknowledges he had hoped to stay in o ce another four years. “I wanted to see the new facility for the College of Fine Arts completed and an addition to Milner Library fi nished,” Bowman said, admitting his retirement decision was made with di culty. “I still love this job. If I could slow down a little and stay as president, I’d do it forever,” Bowman said, but the demand of 80-hour weeks that fuse his personal First lady proudly and professional life take a toll. Having just turned 60 and with the University on partnered with the president solid ground, he and his family deemed The job sounds horrendous: Commit to a weekly schedule where a 12-hour day is considered the time for transition had come. a relief, and your home is the venue for hundreds of guests invited to events year-round. While aware that many on campus If not entertaining, plan to be attending a lecture, athletic event or fundraiser. Understand are concerned the momentum will slow there is significant travel involved and a constant smile is required. And know that all work when he departs, Bowman is confi dent is secondary to your full-time employment, not to mention your responsibilities as a spouse Illinois State will continue on a strong and parent. Such is the expectation for Illinois State’s first lady, a position held with passion, purpose projectory. and grace for the past decade by Linda (Althoff) Bowman ’81, M.S. ’83. And he is pleased he will remain on “It’s been a blessing, not a burden,” she said of partnering with her husband, Al, to campus to watch and cheer the progress represent the University. “It is definitely work, but very pleasurable work. I love this job.” that is yet to come. The fact he has no Linda’s ability to find joy in completing endless commitments stems from her unique desire to relocate in retirement, declin- understanding of Al’s strengths and an appreciation for his work on behalf of the University, ing numerous job opportunities during which brought them together. They married in 1985 and a year later, Linda joined the staff of what is now the Department the past decade, fulfi lls one of the fi rst of Communication Sciences and Disorders. An expert in stuttering and speech disorders, promises he made as president. Linda teaches the same course that Al taught when he began his career at Illinois State. She “I said all along I wanted to close also serves as director of ISU’s Eckelmann-Taylor Speech and Hearing Clinic. out my career at Illinois State. The deci- “We went from the husband-wife relationship to professional colleagues,” Linda said. sion to stay is easy. What an incredible His career path first impacted her significantly when he became chair. She consequently had to report to an administrator in a different department. Linda didn’t mind, however, as she opportunity to be part of the Univer- appreciated Al’s ability to build a team and motivate others. sity’s transformation. The professional “His greatest insight is discernment and the ability to hire good people,” she said. “He satisfaction I obtained from that is why I is also able to identify the core of a problem and avoid distractions in finding effective stayed,” Bowman said. “What a historic solutions.” Ultimately, she ties his success to the fact that “Al cares so deeply” about Illinois and treasured opportunity.” State University. Linda shares a strong affection for her alma mater, which is why she enthusiastically moved the family into the University residence and embraced the staggering demands that came with a full calendar. At the time, the Bowman’s oldest daughter, Laura, was 13. Their youngest, Natalie, was only 9. “We involved the kids as much as we could,” Linda said, noting the challenge of parenting during those active childhood years while serving as first lady. The approach explains in part how the Bowmans have become so immersed in the University life. “ISU is inexplicably aligned with every aspect of my life,” Linda said, noting the University has been responsible for her degree, career, marriage, and daughters’ education. Both children are graduates of University High School, with Laura an ISU alum as well. “It is my past, present and future,” Linda said of ISU, expressing no qualms about what is still to come when Al leaves the office and her work as first lady ends. “I have a very strong faith and no fear about what is happening now.” She also has no regrets for the investment that has been made during her years of partnering with the president to advance Illinois State. “I have had the opportunity to teach in a field I love at a place I love with the people I love while working for the man I love,” Linda said. “How could I ever consider that a burden?”

May 2013 Illinois State 25

13-0008 Bowman Feature.indd 25 3/28/13 11:07 AM AlumniAwards The Illinois State University Alumni Association honored six award recipients during Founders Day celebrations on February 21. For video comments from this year’s award recipients, visit Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/Awards.

Distinguished Alumni Award Senator John W. James M. Gentile, M.S. ’70, Ph.D. ’74 Maitland Jr., Commitment President, Research Corporation for Science Advancement to Education Award Tucson, Arizona Dan Brady ames Gentile spent two years in post-doctoral studies in the Representative, Illinois General Assembly Department of Human Genetics at the Yale School of Medicine Bloomington after completing two graduate degrees at Illinois State. For nearly Dan Brady studied politics and business 30 years, he held an endowed chair in biology and served as the at St. Ambrose, graduating with a bach- elor’s degree. He is a partner in the funeral Jdean for the natural sciences at Hope Col- home firm Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memo- lege in Holland, Michigan. rial Home in Bloomington, where he works He acquired his current position in as a funeral director. He is also a dedicated January of 2005. In addition to leading the public servant and staunch supporter of Research Corporation, he holds adjunct the University. professorships at the University of Arizona Brady has served as an Illinois legis- lator for 12 years. He was named to the in the Department of Chemistry and at House Republican Leadership team in Hope College in the Department of Biology. 2003 as Republican Caucus Chair. In 2008 Gentile’s research programs focus on he was named Assistant Minority Leader. plant-activation of environmental carcino- Prior to serving at the Statehouse, Brady gens and the connection between inflam- was elected twice as McLean County Coro- mation and cancer. His results have been ner in the 1990s. published in more than 100 articles, book Brady’s legislative efforts have focused chapters and book reviews. He has also primarily on issues tied to insurance, high- er education, law enforcement and emer- authored special reports in scientific research and higher education. Gentile gency medical services. He championed currently writes opinions on science and science education for the Huffing- legislation to help local law enforcement ton Post and several magazines. agencies better respond to calls involving He has received numerous national and international awards, includ- individuals with special needs. ing the Alexander Hollaender Research Excellence Award from the Envi- Currently serving on many boards, ronmental Mutagen Society and the Cancer Research Medallion from the Brady has received numerous accolades for National Cancer Institute in Japan. He was named Humanitarian of the his legislative work and recognition for his efforts to strengthen communities. Among Year by the Educational Enrichment Foundation in 2012. He is a member the latter are a Friend of Agriculture Award of numerous boards, including the University of Arizona College of Science, received from the Illinois Farm Bureau two the Biosphere2, the Arizona Cancer Institute and the CuresNow Foundation years, the Champion of Free Enterprise (Los Angeles). honor from the Illinois Chamber of Com- Gentile’s involvement with ISU remains strong. Aside from speaking merce, and the Legislative Hero Award engagements on campus, he was awarded the Alumni Achievement Award in from the Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs. 1995. He was inducted into the University’s College of Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame in February of 2008, along with his wife, Glenda (Hill) ’73.

Nominations sought for alumni awards Do you know an alumnus who deserves to be recognized? To make a nomination for the 2014 alumni awards, visit Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/Awards.

26 Illinois State May 2013

13-0008 Alumni Awards spread.indd 26 3/20/13 5:55 PM Dan Brady Michael G. Matejka and Kari Sandhaas David E. Wildt Adam Kinzinger

E. Burton Mercier Alumni Achievement Outstanding Young Alumni Service Award Award Alumni Award Michael G. Matejka, ’74 David E. Wildt, ’72 Adam Kinzinger ’00 Director of Governmental Affairs, Senior Scientist and Head, Center for Species Sur- Representative, U.S. Congress Great Plains Laborers District Council vival, Smithsonian’s Conservation Biology Institute Channahon Bloomington Front Royal, Virginia As an Illinois State politics and government Kari Sandhaas ’81, ’83 Since studying animal sciences at Illinois sophomore, Adam Kinzinger challenged an Senior agency training designer, COUNTRY Financial State, David Wildt has built a career as a incumbent for the McLean County board in Bloomington reproductive biologist who specializes in 1998 and won, becoming one of the young- Michael Matejka and his wife, Kari Sand- the study and rescue of endangered species. est board members in the county’s history. haas, met at ISU. He studied history and Among his most significant accomplish- After leaving the board in 2003, Kinz- philosophy, while she completed degrees in ments have been his partnerships with inger enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Com- art and art teacher education. Chinese colleagues to bring the giant panda missioned as a Second Lieutenant, he Now with the Laborers International back from the edge of extinction. earned his pilot wings and currently serves Union, Matejka works to improve employ- Wildt completed a master’s and doc- as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force Reserves with ment conditions. He edits The Grand Prairie torate at Michigan State University. He the rank of Major. Union News and has authored two books. A conducted research at Baylor College of During his military service, he earned past 18-year member of the Bloomington Medicine and the National Institutes of the Air Medal six times while serving in City Council, Matejka serves on numerous Health before working at the Conservation Operation Enduring Freedom and Opera- local boards. Biology Institute, a part of the Smithson- tion Iraqi Freedom. Sandhaas designs leadership training at ian’s National Zoological Park. He also received the National Guard’s COUNTRY Financial and is the 2012 recipi- He manages the endangered animal Valley Forge Cross for Heroism and was ent of the company’s Community Service collection at the Institute’s 3,200-acre wild- selected as the Southeastern Wisconsin Award. She previously served as creative life facility in Front Royal, Virginia, while American Red Cross Hero of the Year for director for an international education leading a team that studies diverse spe- saving the life of a young woman. nonprofit and a consulting firm, where she cies—from coral to elephants. While his Elected to the House of Representa- pioneered early Web-based training pro- research is centered on reproduction, he tives in 2010, Kinzinger is on the Energy grams. Coauthor of two books, she serves partners across disciplines in basic and and Commerce Committee and was named as Ecology Action Center board president, applied research to discover and imple- to the House Majority Transition Team just Autism Society of McLean County (ASMC) ment better ways to create and manage days after he was elected. One of the young- vice president, and Multicultural Leader- sustainable populations of rare species. est members of Congress, he is in the “40 ship Program marketing cochair. His cutting-edge work in reproduc- under 40 Rising Stars in American Politics” She and Matejka have a daughter, tive biology and species survival is shared listing by TIME magazine. Loretta A. Santejka ’07, with Asperger’s in more than 300 peer-reviewed publica- Syndrome. They helped start ASMC tions and 56 book chapters that span more employment awareness programs, such as than 50 vertebrate species. His advice and Diversity’s Missing Piece, to open employ- expertise is sought throughout the United ment opportunities for adults with autism. States and the world.

May 2013 Illinois State 27

13-0008 Alumni Awards spread.indd 27 3/20/13 5:55 PM AlumniConnections

Celebrating 40 fabulous years Bone Student Center marks milestone anniversary

t has been four decades since been “the outstanding work of the many forward to sharing today’s Bone with old the Bone Student Center/Braden student employees, who significantly friends,” she said. Auditorium (BSC/BA) doors outnumbered full-time staff,” said retired A planning committee is develop- opened. The milestone will be BSC/BA Director Christ Schwelle. ing anniversary events that will appeal markedI on campus this year with activi- “We relied on them a great deal, to current students, faculty and staff , as ties for former student employees. and they came through. Student volun- well as alumni and community members. Construction of the student center teers on various boards and committees Details will be released during the sum- began in 1970, and the facility opened in provided advice on policies, procedures mer months. 1973. In 1982, the building was renamed and finances and played an active role To receive notification of upcoming after two former presidents and their in scheduling and hosting events for stu- events, update your contact information wives: Robert and Karin Bone and Sam- dents,” said Schwelle, who was director on the Alumni Association Website or uel and Beth Braden. The Brown Ball- from 1978 to 1999. join the Friends of the Bone Student room was named after Francis and Helen Current Director Michelle Paul is Center Facebook page at www.facebook. Brown in 2005. hopeful many alums tied to the facility com/groups/FriendsoftheBSC. Contact Forty years after its completion, will return during the year-long anniver- Mary Thedens Weber at mathede@ Bone Student Center remains a vital part sary celebration. “We are so excited to IllinoisState.edu or (309) 438-7097 with of campus. The key to its success has celebrate our 40-year history and look questions or comments.

28 Illinois State May 2013

13-0008 Alumni spread.indd 28 3/16/13 12:39 PM Founders Day launched 150th celebration

The annual Founders Day activities had J. Michael Adams ’69. See page 26 to special meaning for alumni this year, as read of other alumni honored. the February event marked the start of a Enjoy photos of Founders Day, yearlong celebration of the Alumni Asso- including the annual bell ringing cer- ciation’s 150th anniversary. emony, the Alumni Association luncheon Two alums recognized at the con- and the alumni award dinner online at vocation as honorary degree recipients IllinoisState.edu/Magazine. were actor Sean Hayes and educator

Association’s history online, displayed

As part of the Alumni Association’s ses- 1975 to 1994; and the Graduate Record, quicentennial celebration, University which was published from 1975 to 1993. Archivist April Anderson has created Individuals visiting campus will Alumni invited to opportunities to learn more about the find displays in Milner Library depict- Shakespeare event association’s rich history. ing the association’s influence and his- The Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield Archives tory. These exhibits will focus on impor- The annual Alumni Night at the Illinois Shakespeare Festival is July 20. Seat- now offers a keyword searchable data- tant moments in campus life, such as ing will be reserved for alumni and their base with access to all of the University’s commencement and Homecoming cel- guests, who will enjoy The Comedy of Errors. collection. Records and manuscripts can ebrations. A social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. and be reviewed online at Library.Illinois Efforts to expand the collection are a buffet dinner will be served at 6:30. State.edu/unique-collections/archives. ongoing. Individuals who have items of Participants will have a backstage tour. The The same site takes users to the historical interest that they would like show begins at 8 p.m. digitized yearbook collection. Scroll or to donate should contact Anderson at Performance tickets range from $25 search through pages of The Index from [email protected] or by calling (309) to $35, depending on seating preference. 1892 to 1971; the New Student Record from 438-5525. Tickets for the dinner only are available for $20. Call Alumni Relations at (309) 438- 2586 to reserve tickets, or reserve them Nominations sought for Homecoming royalty online at Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/Shake- speare. Registration deadline is July 1. Nominations for the 2013 alumni Home- royalty, or by contacting Juliana Duncan coming king and queen are being sought. at [email protected]. Nomina- Alumni Association Alumni who have celebrated their tions are due by July 1. annual meeting set 50th class reunion, have a strong ISU The alumni king and queen will be Alumni are invited to attend the Alumni connection, and are able to attend the crowned at a luncheon on October 4 and Association annual meeting at 9 a.m. on events are eligible. Applications are avail- reign over events throughout Home- Saturday, June 29, in the Alumni Center. able at IllinoisStateHomecoming.com/ coming weekend with student royalty. Agenda items include the election of Alumni Association Board of Directors members and officers. Changes to the as- sociation’s constitution will be discussed. Alumni with active membership status in the Alumni Association are eligible to vote at the meeting. To be active, alumni must have made a gift through the Illinois State University Foundation in the current or preceding fiscal year. .. For more information, contact Alumni Relations at (309) 438-2586 or (800) 366-4478, email [email protected], or go to IllinoisState.edu/Alumni. IllinoisStateHomecoming.com

May 2013 Illinois State 29

13-0008 Alumni spread.indd 29 3/16/13 12:38 PM ClassNotes

Creating money out of thin air Engineering alum plays key role in turbine project

esley Walker, M.B.A. This will result in a savings of “It was really enjoyable to enter ’12, made his mark on $380,000 a year, which is guaranteed the program together,” Walker said. “We the Normal landscape because an agreement with Siemens never had an opportunity to see each in a big way this year. binds the company to supplement any other in that scenario before. It was TheW Siemens Corporation energy engi- shortfall for the next 17 years. interesting to get to know each other as neer was part of the team making vast The savings will pay for the cost of students. It was actually really fun.” sustainability improvements to the cam- the $5.2 million project. Of that total, The knowledge gained from the pus of Heartland Community College, $1.5 million was received in grants from graduate program has been useful to including the addition of a wind turbine. the U.S. Department of Energy and Walker, especially in his new role over- Heartland is believed to be the first the Illinois Clean Energy Community seeing Siemens’ engineering group for community college in the state to have Foundation. the Midwest. a commercial-grade turbine. The school A sustainability project of this mag- “I have a lot more managerial helped form the Illinois Community Col- nitude is nothing new for Walker, who responsibilities for the region from lege Sustainability Network. has spearheaded efforts with the Kanka- North Dakota, down to Missouri and to The turbine is expected to generate kee Housing Authority, City of Rockford Wisconsin,” Walker said, “which was my approximately 53 percent of the energy and Chicago park districts. goal of beginning the program.” needed to run the community college While working on the project, Walk- campus located in north Normal. er and his wife, Erika, M.B.A. ’12, began ISU’s M.B.A. program.

30 Illinois State May 2013

13-0008 Class Notes.indd 30 3/29/13 9:04 AM appraisal. He and his wife, Patricia, 50s reside in Naperville. Arcelia (Hari) Watson ’50 is retired Kenneth M. Jandes ’66 is the associ- Pause for applause after 54 years as a public school ate dean, director of operations, teacher in Illinois. She resides in and past chair of the Department Savoy. of Educational Leadership at In the fast lane Robert Webb ’50 has retired from American College of Education. T.J. Zizzo ’97 is a rare breed—and not just the presidency at Lake Land Com- Jandes hosts and moderates the because he enjoys going from zero to 330 munity College. He is a member Web show Hot Topics for Educa- miles per hour in four seconds. The profes- of the Eastern Illinois University tional Leaders. His biography has sional drag racer studied integrated manu- Board of Trustees. He and his wife, been in Who’s Who in America facturing systems as an undergrad. His ISU Lourdine, reside in Mattoon. consecutively since 1997. He and experience has given him a huge advantage his wife, RoseMary, have two chil- George Yard ’59 is a University in a business that requires the ability to dren and five grandchildren. The of Missouri-St. Louis College of schmooze, sell products and mingle with couple resides in Downers Grove. Education professor emeritus. fans. “Going to ISU made me well-rounded enough to be able to deal He coauthored the book Teaching Theresa Ripley ’66 is retired and with corporate America,” he said. His Zizzo Racing team, with PEAK Children Who Struggle with Mathe- publishing ebooks. She resides in Motor Oil as its title sponsor, competed in 10 NHRA Top Fuel Series matics, which was selected in 2012 Eugene, Oregon. events in 2012. Read more at IllinoisState.edu/STATEside. by King Saud University of Saudi John C. Schwanke, M.S. ’69, is a dis- Arabia to be translated into Arabic. tinguished alumnus at Moorhead Success with Seattle Sutton He and his wife, Carole, reside in State. He served as vice president The popular Seattle Sutton Healthy Eating program was Houston, Texas. for Feller Scenery Studios, where launched with the help of nutrition and dietetics gradu- he supervised and negotiated con- ate Kathleen Corcoran Tuntland ’76. She partnered with tracts for more than 800 produc- Sutton in 1985 to co-found the business that prepares 60s tions. He has retired as director of and delivers healthy meals. Tuntland patented the diet, Anthony F. Kardis ’61, M.S. ’62, was business development from Pro- oversaw construction of a 30,000-square-foot facility, honored by the American Chemi- duction Resource Group. He has a and became chief operations officer. She was instrumental in transform- cal Society for 50 years of service. daughter and resides in Danbury, ing a vision into a multi-million dollar business. From the start of her A chemistry teacher, he taught Connecticut. career at a health resort to managing a Pizza Hut, Tuntland practiced her high school classes for 37 years love for food preparation and service. She followed her passion despite a and summers at University of battle against cancer, which ended with her death in 2012. Missouri-St. Louis. Now retired, 70s he is a genealogy enthusiast. He Michael Krueger ’70 is a retired Picking the players coauthored the Missouri Science teacher. He and his wife, Linda, An internship with the Indiana Pacers resulted in a Olympiad Coach’s Workbook. He reside in Carol Stream. resides in Creve Coeur, Missouri. career for small business management alum Vance Frank Puleo ’70 has retired after 15 Catlin ’02. After interning his senior year, he joined Nancy (Julien) Kopp ’61 is a writer years in the banking industry and the NBA organization in 2004 as the Indiana Fever’s of creative nonfiction, personal 24 years in federal service. He was video coordinator. He became the Pacers assistant essays, children fiction and a blog section chief with the FDIC and an video coordinator before serving the past five years as head video coor- of writing tips. She has been pub- immigration service officer with dinator. Promoted again in 2012, Catlin now holds the title of director of lished in anthologies, magazines, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigra- pro personnel/scout. Catlin does advanced scouting and is responsible newspapers, and ezines, including tion Services within the Depart- for watching every NBA player not on the Pacers’ roster, including those 13 Chicken Soup for the Soul books. ment of Homeland Security. He in the NBADL. The move takes him one to step closer to his goal of She resides in Manhattan, Kansas. and his wife, Bobbie, have three becoming a general manager. Ray L. Brownfield ’65 is the sole children and five grandchildren. owner of Land Pro LLC and a The couple resides in Tampa, A select exec real estate broker at john greene Florida. Steve R. Smith ’89, M.S. ’93, captured the national spot- Land Company, both in Oswego. Tom Szott ’70, M.S. ’76, has retired light when chosen in 2012 as one of only six individuals He received the 2012 D. Howard after 24 years with Danville Area in the country to be named a top U.S. association CEO. Doane Award from the American Community College, where he The recognition came through CEO Update, a news Society of Farm Managers and directed adult education. He pre- source for nonprofit executives. Smith studied public Rural Appraisers. The award is for viously worked as an elementary relations and communication at ISU. He is now the executive director outstanding contribution to the education teacher and principal. field of agriculture, with emphasis He and his wife, Jennifer, reside in and CEO of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. on farm management and rural Danville. Headquartered in Elk Grove Village, the professional organization for physicians specializing in hospice and palliative medicine is dedicated to improving the care of patients with life-threatening or serious condi- Reggie Reads tions through advancement of hospice and palliative medicine. Check out a column dedicated to book reviews of work by alums at IllinoisState.edu/Magazine. Click on Reggie Reads.

May 2013 Illinois State 31

13-0008 Class Notes.indd 31 3/15/13 3:12 PM How we met Yvette Fish ’89, M.S. ’00, was a junior transfer student driving down North Street with a friend who pulled over and called to Rich Evans ’90, M.S. ’98. Rich got in the car with Yvette and the rest, as they say, is history. The two dated throughout the rest of their undergrad programs. Both studied in the area of recreation—Yvette specializing in therapeutic recreation and Rich in commercial recreation. They were inseparable, having spent an extended spring break working on a cruise ship together. They married in 1989 following graduation and dedicated the sum- mer of their wedding to working at the Easter Seals Camp during its early days. Yvette was an assistant camp director and Rich worked in main- tenance. The two of them were a part of the process that helped Easter Seals Camp become accessible for the children with physical challenges. After spending some time outside of the University, the two decid- ed they had more learning to do at Illinois State and returned to work on graduate degrees. Yvette’s work was in speech pathology, while Rich studied industrial technology. “We sold our home, moved our two small children, and engaged in ISU’s married student housing life,” Yvette said. Rich has been a computer analyst at State Farm Insurance Companies for eight years. Yvette continues her ISU education, working toward a doctor- ate in special education. She is an instructional assistant professor in the Special Education Department, and has worked at the Laboratory Schools for five years. A licensed speech and language pathologist, she runs a private practice called Inspiration in Speech and Learning. Their son is a recent graduate of University High School. Their daughter, a U-High alum as well, is a student at American University and has studied in Nairobi. “It’s like we just can’t leave,” Yvette joked. “With Rich and I both having our bachelor’s and master’s here, and our children having attended University High, it just seems like home.”

Kathleen Kaye ’71 is the proprietor of Karen (McGinnis) Murphy ’74 is an Training Center in Chicago in risk interventionist, and positive Kaye Communications. She resides executive at Dewitt Savings Bank. 2012. He resides in Oakbrook Ter- life skills teacher. She was a Nor- in Shoreline, Washington. She and her husband, Marvin, race. mal Community High School guid- reside in Clinton. ance counselor at retirement. She Sandra (Brenneman) Oldendorf ’72 is Michael Moos ’76 is the deputy vil- and her husband, Arthur, reside in an Appalachian State University Suzanne (Tendall) Thompson ’74 lage administrator in Sherman, Bloomington. College of Education professor. retired after 38 years as a special where he and his wife, Mary, She coauthored Religious Diversity education teacher for students reside. William Allison ’79 is the global tech- and Children’s Literature, which from preschool through high nology leader for Deloitte Consult- William Owusu ’76 is the owner of supports the teaching of religion in school. She has served on the ing and is a company partner. He Atakora Brothers Unlimited Tex- social studies. She resides in Valle Special Olympics Illinois Board oversees a 25,000-person practice tiles. He and his wife, Fay, reside Crucis, North Carolina. of Directors since 2007 and was with systems integration and advi- in Chicago. named chair in 2012. She and her sory capabilities for large enter- Kathy (Weissenbach) Phillips ’72 is husband are the parents of three Kelly (Zimmer) Parrish ’76 is a prise and public sector clients. He retired from teaching family and children and reside in Seneca. marketing assistant with Active and his wife, Mary, reside in Palm consumer sciences/culinary arts. Release Techniques Corporate Desert, California. She resides in Waterloo. Deborah (Stanifer) Fike ’75 is a Solutions. She resides in Colorado paralegal in the Maricopa County Barbara (Barrett) Daudelin ’79 is Thomas Souhrada, M.S. ’72, has Springs, Colorado. Attorney’s Office. Her children’s employed by the Mundelein retired after teaching and coach- book, My Sweet Lady Dog, was Judy Wood Hollis ’77 retired as Park and Recreation District. She ing for 38 years at Davenport West published in 2012. She is widowed Springfield District 186 high school and her husband, Dave, reside in High School. He and his wife, and resides in Glendale, Arizona. physical education teacher. She Ingleside. Linda, reside in Davenport, Iowa. and her husband, Dave, reside in Richard Shapiro ’75 is a self- Rita (Kennel) Lopienski, M.M. ’79, Mary K. (Kemmer) Schneider ’73 is Petersburg. employed CPA. He resides in Fort is community life director at a substitute teacher in Franklin Lauderdale, Florida. James Mitchell ’78 is CFO for Stric- Plymouth Place Senior Living in Township School District. She and Lan Companies, which is an oil- LaGrange Park and president of her husband, Michael, reside in Theodore V. Waltmire ’75 survived field service firm. He and his wife, arts in Bartlett. She is the founder Indianapolis, Indiana. a stroke. He wrote and performed Margaret, have three children and and director of the Bartlett Inter- a musical about the challenges of Edwin Schupback ’73 is a facilities reside in Lafayette. Louisiana. national Chorus and founder therapy and resuming life after specialist at Denver Seminary. of Bartlett Adult Theatre. She a devastating illness. The Mighty Camille (Edgerton) Taylor ’78, M.S. He and his wife, Leslie, reside in received Willowbrook High Ted: An Unexpected Journey was ’85, retired after 34 years with the Littleton, Colorado. School’s 2012 Distinguished Alum- performed at the Second City Unit 5 school district. She worked as a special education teacher, at- ni Award. She resides in Bartlett.

32 Illinois State May 2013

13-0008 Class Notes.indd 32 3/15/13 3:12 PM Arles (Hendershott) Love ’79 is a her 26th year of teaching music Romance Writers of America chap- enrolled at ISU. Million resides in development director at Milestone, for elementary students. She is an ter in Charleston, South Carolina. Glen Carbon. Inc. She received the Community assistant band director for Ber- She authored the Amazon Kindle Margaret Bogacz ’85 is a retired pro- Service Award from the Rock- ryhill high school. They reside in bestseller Liquid Lies. She resides fessor of mathematics. She resides ford Park District, the Illinois Bixby, Oklahoma. in Savannah, Georgia. in Surprise, Arizona. Association of Park Districts and Mary J. (Lambert) Janssen ’81 has Mary Schallhorn, M.M. ’83, is man- the Illinois Park and Recreation Gary Canaday ’85 is senior vice worked in physical therapy nearly aging director of the Sheboygan Association for developing and president of Huntington Business 30 years. She is the OT/PT super- Symphony Orchestra in Wisconsin. implementing the Rockford Park Bank. He resides in Dublin, Ohio. visor for the Kankakee Special She served on the Illinois Valley District Foundation’s Ambassador Education Cooperative, which Community College music faculty. Bret Conklin ’85 is senior vice program. She also received the provides services to special needs She resides in LaMoille. president and controller with The Rockford Rotary Service Above individuals from age 3 to 22. She Horace Mann Companies. He and Self Award for 32 years of volun- Martin D. Cain ’84 is a designer with resides in Kankakee. his wife, Aimee, reside in Wil- his own business, martincainde- teer service to area nonprofits. She liamsville. resides in Rockford. Roger Daniels ’82 obtained a mas- sign.com, who has been involved ter’s of divinity, a doctorate of in theme park, resort, restaurant Michael Riesbeck ’85 retired from Iqbal Memon, M.B.A. ’79, worked as ministry, and a second master’s and retail projects worldwide. A Chicago Public Schools. He also a data processing manager with in counseling. An ordained min- Christian mentor, he works with taught in Collier County, Florida. Pakistan International Airlines and ister, he is a licensed professional teens to honor his late son, who He is owner of Riesbeck Realty taught business administration at counselor and a certified pastoral was killed in a drug shooting. Cain Inc. He and his wife, Mary, have Fort Lewis College in Colorado. counselor. He is statewide direc- resides in Peoria. five children and reside in North Now retired, he teaches graduate tor of counseling ministries for Port, Florida. business students online at the Belinda Click ’84 is a copy editor at the Arizona Baptist Children’s University of Maryland University. The Pantagraph in Bloomington, James Baran ’86, M.S. ’86, retired Services. His wife, Alice (Tate) ’82, He and his wife, Zahida, reside in where she resides. from the Institute of Food Tech- is a personal trainer and fitness/ nologists in Chicago, where he was Richardson, Texas. Cynthia Harris ’84 works in admin- rehabilitation consultant. They are director of publications produc- istration in Illinois State Athletics. Linda (O’Keefe) Smith ’79 is a cus- the parents of two adult daughters tions. He is a past member of the She resides in Bloomington. tomer service representative with and reside in Tucson, Arizona. board of directors of the Associa- Electrolux. She and her husband, Diane Farley ’82 is an exam man- Patricia (Meltzer) Maree ’84 is a tion Media & Publishing. A skier Craig, reside in Concord, North ager for the U.S. Securities and preschool teacher at Wee Warriors and cyclist, he lives in California Carolina. Exchange Commission. She resides Christian Academy. She resides in and England, while calling Galena in Aurora. Tuscola. his home. 80s Gary Ostrander, M.S. ’82, served Laura (Pudik) Million ’84 is a spe- Pete D’Alessandro ’86 is a political as vice chancellor for research cialist/instructional designer at consultant with PAD Consulting in Susan (Sulaski) Dorn ’80 teaches and graduate education at the Southern Illinois University at Des Moines, Iowa. third grade at Harris Elementary University of Hawaii’s Honolulu Edwardsville. Her daughter is School in the City of St. Charles campus prior to being named vice School District. She received president of research at Florida a 2012 Emerson Excellence in State University. He oversees a Teaching Award for her achieve- staff of 80 and a budget of $29 ments and dedication to the teach- million. His research ranges from ing profession. She resides in St. cancer biology to marine biology, Charles, Missouri. with a focus on understanding the James “Jay” Cardwell ’81 is the CFO worldwide deterioration of coral of S2BN Entertainment. He started reef ecosystems. his career as the original producer Sandra (Edwards) Carl ’83 completed of the internationally acclaimed a master’s in math education at musical Nunsense. He resides in Fresno Pacific University. She Peconic, New York. taught 26 years, served as a math- Mike Essington ’81 is an IT architect ematics instructional consultant with State Farm Insurance Compa- at the county office of education, nies. He and his wife, Karen, reside and has her own educational consultant business called The in Bloomington. Still backing the ’Birds Bridge Virtual Academy. She and John Hilborn ’81 is in his 34th year in her husband, Jeff, reside in Visalia, The ISU basketball game against Creighton on January 2 was an oppor- public education. He is the special California. tunity for a group of former Redbird baseball players to reconnect. From education department chair with left are Jim Sakas ’83 and his son, Steven, of Libertyville; Janzen Lord and Broken Arrow school district and Lois Lavrisa ’83, M.S. ’84, has taught father, Jeff ’83, of Normal; Ed Tolzein ’01 of Libertyville and Neal Cotts ’01 serves as transition/vocational ser- at several universities and was a of Chicago. A 2005 Chicago White Sox World Series Champion, Cotts is vices coordinator. He is an adjunct professional cheerleader for the now with the Texas Rangers. at Northeastern State University. NBA Chicago Bulls. She is vice His wife, Carol (Peterson) ’80, is in president of the Low Country

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13-0008 Class Notes.indd 33 3/15/13 3:12 PM Redbird Legacy Jack Cowgill ’65, M.S. ’78, and Deborah (Kiekow) Johnson ’74, M.S. ’78, found their spouses at Illinois State. Decades later, after each had lost their partner to cancer, they married to create a blended family with deep Redbird roots. Jack came to ISU planning to teach and coach. Debbie also chose Illinois State because of her teaching desire. “It was one of the best schools you could attend,” she said. Jack and his first bride, Sally (Diver) ’65 settled in Gibson City, as did Debbie and David Johnson ’73, M.S. ’78. The couples became friends, with that bond developing into a courtship as Jack and Deb- bie transitioned through a time of grief. They married in 2002, bringing together their five children, all with College of Business ties. The five also share a connection to ISU’s Conferencing Unit, where they worked for a combined total of 17 years. Jack’s son, Todd ’89, is a Pekin Insurance regional claims manager. Jack’s daughter, Kristin Osman ’93, was a marketing manager prior to becoming a full-time mom. Her husband, Daron, is a 1992 grad. Debbie’s oldest son, Greg ’02, is a Traveler’s Insurance regional sales director. Her twin sons, Doug and Brad, were Bone Scholars. Doug ’10 is a Munich Re underwriter. Brad ’11 is completing medical school. “It was their own decision to attend,” Debbie said, explaining neither she nor Jack insisted their children enroll. Now retired after each dedicated more than three decades to teaching, Jack and Debbie remain in Gibson City and stay connected to ISU. They enjoy athletic events and marvel at campus changes. With four grandchildren, there is the possibility their Illinois State legacy will continue. “We will definitely mention ISU when they start thinking about college,” Jack said. “All of us enjoyed it so much. It’s a great place to be.”

Gregory Groves ’86 is the mainte- of Nebraska at Kearney. She and and Los Alamos Technical Associ- Phoenix Alumnae Chapter and the nance manager for School District her husband, Rick Wolf, reside in ates. She and her husband, Tony, Panhellenic Delegate for the Phoe- 47 in Crystal Lake, where he Kearney, Nebraska. are the parents of two children nix Panhellenic Association. She resides. and reside in Albuquerque, New resides in Fountain Hills, Arizona. Jennifer Bloom ’88 is a clinical pro- Mexico. Libby (Mailand) Wilson ’86 is a fessor at the University of South Lisa (Pauley) Grab ’89 is an opera- library assistant with Francis How- Carolina’s Department of Educa- Elizabeth (Crowley) O’Leary ’88 is tions supervisor with the Fed- ell School District. She and her tional Leadership and Policies. She the owner and director of market- eral Aviation Administration. She husband, Randall, reside in Saint is director of the Higher Education ing for O’Signs, Inc. She is also a resides in Portland, Oregon. Peters, Missouri. and Student Affairs (HESA) Pro- freelance video producer and an James Guinnee ’89 is a director gram and the Office of Apprecia- up-cycled artist with (Undercover) Todd Conklin ’87 completed an with Symphony IRI and resides in tive Education. She coauthored her POPULAR. She and her husband, M.B.A. at Kellogg School of Man- White Plains, New York. fourth book, Increasing Persistence: Patrick, reside in Chicago. agement at Northwestern Univer- Research-based Strategies for Col- sity and served more than 21 years Steven Robb ’88 is president of the lege Student Success. She and her in healthcare administrative roles. Solutions Group at LaSalle Solu- husband, Steve Sanderson, reside 90s He is the senior vice president and tions, overseeing product develop- in Gilbert, South Carolina. Keith Crawley ’90 is the business CFO of Exempla Healthcare. He ment, professional services and manager over maintenance, repair and his wife, Felecia, are the par- Diane Graebner ’88 is the senior box operations teams. He joined the and operations for True Value ents of three children and reside in office agent for Blue Man Group at firm in 2004 as vice president and Company. He resides in Glenview. Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Universal Studios in Orlando. She general manager. He resides in resides in Clermont, Florida. Northbrook. Chyriell Drain-Hill ’90 is the director Lisa Kastello ’87, M.S. ’94, completed of school counseling and Title I her doctorate in curriculum lead- Laurie (Shirck) Monfiletto ’88 is vice Linda Trimpe Wisniowski ’88 is a coordinator for Belleville Town- ership at Northern Illinois Univer- president of human resources for member of the Gamma Phi Beta ship High School East. She resides sity. She heads the art education PNM Resources, a publicly traded Sorority and recipient of its Bea- in Shiloh. program and chairs the graduate electric utility in New Mexico and trice Locke Hogan Award, which program in the College of Art Texas. She previously worked in recognizes a member for exempli- Keith Giles ’90 is a firefighter and and Art History at the University human resources at Honeywell fying and promoting Panhellenic paramedic with Village of Oak ideals. She is a member of the Lawn. He resides in Chicago.

34 Illinois State May 2013

13-0008 Class Notes.indd 34 3/15/13 3:12 PM Mark Hollis ’90 is the communi- tions he led were published in the Jill (Parcher) Fraser ’94 is a casualty named the Town of Normal 2012 cations director for the Florida 2012 book Leading Culture Change underwriting manager for HCC Citizen of the Year. She and her House Democratic Caucus in the in Global Organizations. He and his Specialty. She resides in Stamford, husband, George, reside in Normal. Florida legislature. He resides in wife, Jacqueline, reside in Wash- Connecticut. Josh Lowe ’97 completed 12 years of Tallahassee, Florida. ington Township, Michigan. Todd Horkey ’94 is a bill collec- service with the Illinois Secretary Janet Zaidenberg-Schrum ’90 is a lead Ron Stern ’91 is the director of sec- tor for Rush Copley Hospital. He of State’s office. He is a business energy settlements analyst with ondary education for Granite City resides in Shorewood. architect with State Farm Insur- Tucson Electric Power Company. School District. He and his wife, Christine R. (Burkhart) Schaeffer ance Companies. He and his wife, He resides in Tucson, Arizona. Elizabeth, reside in Granite City. Megan, have a son. They reside in ’95 completed her M.B.A. and Normal. Brian A. Bernardoni ’91 serves the Brian Baughan ’92 is the owner of achieved Certified Credit Execu- Chicago Association of Realtors Tri County Carpet and Flooring. tive endorsement by the National Steve Masucci ’97 is a senior con- as the senior director of govern- He and his wife, Jennifer Knauer, Association of Credit Management. struction estimator and resides in mental affairs and public policy. reside in Fairbury. She is a financial analyst with BP Riverview, Florida. He is a past national chair of the Products NA, Inc. Her husband, Chad Birckelbaw ’92 is president Allison (Conroy) Meucci ’97 teaches National Association of Realtors John ’96, is an Office Max space and CEO of FairPay Solutions. He fourth grade in School District 47. governmental affairs directors. planning manager. They are the and his wife, Jane, reside in Plano, She and her husband, Jason, reside He has raised more than $1 mil- parents of a child and reside in Texas. in Huntley. lion through the Realtor Political Plainfield. Action Committee. A graduate Jane Chamberlain ’92 is the president Joe Nesbit ’97 is a teacher in Bel- Michael W. “Mickey” Seward ’95 of Chicago’s first FBI Citizens and CEO of YWCA McLean Coun- leville Township High School Dis- is the national director of com- Academy, he was appointed to the ty. She resides in Downs. trict 201. He and his wife, Crystal, munications for the Fellowship of City of Chicago’s Neighborhood reside in Belleville. Brad Bishop ’93 completed an Christian Athletes, which is the Stabilization Program Advisory M.B.A. at Aurora University. He is world’s largest sports ministry. Craig Strohbeck ’97 is the executive Board. He and his wife, Carrie, are vice president of OEM (Original He and his wife, Kristie, reside in director of Pathways to Indepen- the parents of four daughters and Equipment Manufacturer) sales Grain Valley, Missouri. dence. He and his wife, Jenifer, reside in Justice. for Harzell Air Movement. He reside in St. Louis, Missouri. Nathan Frank ’96 is vice president of Bryan Darrow ’91 is a specialist with resides in Greenwood, Indiana. technology infrastructure services Myron Young ’97 is an assistant Metro Paint Supplies. He resides in Amy Bleich ’93 is the higher educa- at Aon. He and his wife, Erika, are buyer for Ameren. He and his wife, Sycamore. tion sales manager for Human the parents of two children and Jackie, reside in St. Louis, Mis- Tim Kuppler ’91 founded The Cul- Kinetics. She resides in Cham- reside in Wheaton. souri. ture Advantage, a culture and paign. Denise (Morgan) James ’96 is the Adam Clark ’98 is the director and performance improvement con- Jai Kaisy ’93 works for the Min- administrative coordinator of general manager of the Asia Pacific sulting organization. He authored nesota Department of Transporta- occupational health services for Region with Medtronic Diabetes. the ebook titled Building a Perfor- tion. He and his wife, Sarah, reside the University of Virginia Health He covers Southeast Asia, Korea, mance Culture: A Guide for Lead- in Rochester, Minnesota. System. She and her husband, Australia and New Zealand for ers. Best practices from organiza- Mike, reside in Palmyra, Virginia. the world’s largest medical device company. He and his wife, Sarah, Laura (Milling) Kowalczyk ’96 is the reside in Thousand Oaks, Califor- coordinator of the Senior Profes- nia and Sydney, Australia. sionals program at Illinois State. She resides in Normal. Jeff MacDonald ’98 is the first vice president and director of market- Leslie (Bernardo) LaForty ’96 com- ing of Marquette Bank. He and his pleted an M.B.A. from Jones Inter- wife, Lori, reside in Lockport. national University while working aboard the Disney Fantasy. She is Patrick Nardi ’98 is the inventor and an advanced sales associate for the global distributor of the Velotak Disney Vacation Club in the Walt bracket. He works for Novartis Disney World Parks and Resorts. Pharmaceuticals and is a mara- She and her husband, Stephen, thoner. He and his wife, Paige, reside in Clermont, Florida. are the parents of two boys. They reside in Cary. William Gillespie ’97 is the commu- A campus craving nications coordinator of the School Anthony Parise ’98 has taught eighth After devouring Avanti’s gondolas frequently during their time at Illinois of Molecular and Cellular Biology grade social studies for 13 years in State, graduates often find themselves still craving the sandwich that at the University of Illinois. He has Community District 300. He and isn’t available outside of Central Illinois. Distance doesn’t deter one authored the novel Keyhole Fac- his wife, Taryn, have a daughter group of alums from satisfying their tastebuds. Susan Nelson-Brown ’78, tory. He and his wife, Crystalline, and reside in Elgin. center of back row, hosts an annual gathering of alums who make their reside in Urbana. Aaron Berger ’99 taught high school own version of the sandwich with the restaurant’s bread, which they Myra R. Gordon, M.S. ’97, is the exec- German for nine years. He now have shipped to Dallas, Texas. utive director of the Illinois Prairie owns Aaron Berger Photography. Community Foundation. She was He and his wife, Debbie, are the

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13-0008 Class Notes.indd 35 3/15/13 3:12 PM parents of three sons and reside in hol and other drug counselor at Franklin, New Jersey. TASC, Inc. She and her husband, Adam, reside in Collinsville. Nicole Britton ’99 is in billing net- work system analysis at Illinois Leatrice Brooks ’02, M.S. ’06, com- Tool Works, Inc. She has a son pleted a doctorate in counseling with Autism. They reside in Oak psychology from Western Michi- Park. gan University. She is a mental health and substance abuse thera- Robyn Jackson ’99 taught theatre pist. She is pursuing full licensure and communications at Western as a psychologist and credentialing State College of Colorado. She is a as a certified advanced alcohol screenwriter. An animated feature and drug counselor. She resides in she cowrote, Magic of Love, is in Kalamazoo, Michigan. pre-production with Shoreline Campus friendships endure over decades Entertainment. She has produced Simon Patry ’02 is an attorney with A graduate class convened in North Hall in August of 1963. Among several short films through her Dysinger & Associates. He and his those in the group were two professors and four students beginning a production company, Hayseed wife, Maureen, are the parents of master’s degree. What evolved among the six was a bond so strong it Entertainment, and has published twins and reside in Dayton, Ohio. has endured 50 years, as the men still gather annually in Galena. Group the novel Gray. She resides in Val- Christine (Gekas) Pellum ’02 is a members include, clockwise from left, retired College of Education Profes- ley Glen, California. fourth grade teacher in Morton sor David Livers of Normal; Ronald Allen ’63, M.S. ’65, of Clarksville, R.C. McBride ’99 is the assistant Grove. Her husband, Jim ’02, is an Tennessee; Larry Williams ’63, M.S. ’64, of Crete; Richard Carlson, M.S. director of University Market- attorney for the state of Illinois. ’64, of Jacksonville, Florida; retired College of Education Professor Ralph ing and Communications and the The two met while students at Meyering of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; and retired Psychology Professor director of trademark and licens- ISU. They are the parents of a son James Johnson, M.S. ’64, of Normal. He continues to teach at ISU and ing at Illinois State University. He and reside in Mt. Prospect. volunteer at the Karin L. Bone Athletic Study Center. and his wife, Christy (Wilson) ’95, Lauren (Strnad) Reynolds ’02 is an reside in Normal. occupational therapist involved in Joel Nobel ’99 is the public policy maternal lifestyle and premature Ben Seiferman ’03 is a senior tant chief counsel at the Illinois manager for Samaritan Ministries infant outcome research at Wash- account manager for Sysco. He Department of Transportation. International. He and his wife, ington University in St. Louis, resides in Hazelwood, Missouri. He and his wife, Natalie, reside in Sarah, reside in Bartonville. School of Medicine. She writes a Chatham. Brian Smith, M.S. ’03, is a senior blog on healthy lifestyle choices. Anthony Oltean ’99 completed a environmental scientist with URS Dan Fitzsimmons ’04 is the senior She and her husband, Matthew, doctorate in social work from the Corporation in St. Louis. He and director of corporate partnerships were married in September of University of Illinois-Chicago. He his wife, Lisa, reside in Belleville. for the NBA Charlotte Bobcats. 2012. They reside in St. Louis, has opened a private psychothera- He resides in Charlotte, North Missouri. Joe Blessman, M.S. ’04, has served py practice, Modern Wellness Inc., Carolina. as a biology teacher, dean, football in Chicago, where he resides. Robert Breit ’03 is a teacher in Oak and wrestling coach and super- Joe Kalis ’04 is the senior support Park School District 97. He resides intendent. He is the high school manager at OpinionLab. He and in Chicago. principal in Brimfield Community his wife, Heather (Faulkner) ’05, own 00s Keri (Herron) DeCock ’03 is a reading Unit School District 309, and will a marketing company. They reside Heather (Henning) DeHart ’00, M.S. specialist at Hampton Elementary assume the superintendent’s role in Wheeling. School. She resides in Silvis. in 2013-2014. He and his wife have ’02, is director of public relations, Sarah (Costin) Keir ’04 is a senior three children. They reside in marketing and communications Erica Ekstrom ’03 completed a mas- registration specialist at CCC Metamora. at De Smet Jesuit High School. ter’s at Governors State University Information Services. She and her She and her husband, Roger, are and American College of Educa- Marisa (Evans) Cameron ’04 com- husband, Chris, were married in the parents of two children. A son, tion. She is executive director of pleted a master’s in school coun- September of 2012. They reside in Barrett Robert, was born in May student services for Valley View seling from Concordia University. Naperville. of 2012. They reside in St. Charles, School District 365U. She resides She is a high school teacher in St. Kara (Olson) Lewis ’04 is the bone Missouri. in Joliet. Charles CUSD #303. She and her marrow transplant case manager husband, Matthew, are the parents Joe DeVary ’00 is an agency man- Melanie (Farrell) Lukacsy ’03 earned with Blue Shield of California. She of a daughter. Aubria was born in ager with COUNTRY Financial. a master’s degree in curriculum and her husband, Ronnie, reside in November of 2011. They reside in He and his wife, Leslie, reside in and instruction and is completing Pollock Pines, California. Rolling Meadows. Kirkwood, Missouri. a second master’s in educational Donna (Jalcovik) Matthews ’04 is a leadership. She is the math and art Dylana (Larson) Carlson ’04 is the Heather (Ernst) Reiseck ’00 is a property specialist with Locton curriculum facilitator for District director of recruitment for Carl Kaplan University adjunct instruc- Companies, LLC. She and her hus- 47 schools in Crystal Lake. She and Sandburg College. She resides in tor. She and her husband, Kevin, band, Kevin, reside in Englewood, her husband, Louis, were married Galesburg. reside in East Alton. Colorado. in October of 2012. They reside in Michelle (Huddleston) Hedger ’01 is a Matthew Dougherty ’04 completed Algonquin. Natalie Mullen ’04 is completing a his juris doctorate at Washington recovery coach and certified alco- doctorate in educational policy and Lee University. He is an assis-

36 Illinois State May 2013

13-0008 Class Notes.indd 36 3/15/13 3:12 PM 13-0008 Class Notes.indd 37 3/28/13 11:30 AM at the University of Illinois and is Elizabeth (Forden) Grant ’08 is a qual- an English as a second language ity control analyst II for Tolmar teacher. She resides in Urbana. Incorporated. She and her hus- band, Nick, reside in Fort Collins, Natasha Nunoo-Ponder ’04 works Colorado. at the McLean County Center for Human Services. Her husband, Allison N. Grosz ’08 has completed a Luke ’04, is employed at State Farm juris doctorate from New England Insurance Companies. They are Law in Boston. the parents of a son. Jordan was Melissa Hoebbel ’08 is a communi- born in May of 2012. They reside cations manager with Oral Health in Normal. American. She resides in Chicago. Melissa Soria ’04 is the marketing Gloria Jaramillo ’08 is a bilingual director at Dinizulu Law Group, teacher. She and her husband, Ltd., in Chicago, where she resides. Spreading the Red Dario, reside in Riverview, Florida. Jerad Weiner ’04 is a community Distance hasn’t weakened the ISU connection for a group of graduates Mark Jiron ’08 is an RN in periop- liaison for the city of San Francisco in Arizona. A Phoenix Area Alumni Network Watch Party held in Janu- erative services at Parrish Medical Department of Public Works. He ary created an opportunity for loyal ISU fans to watch the Redbirds face Center. He and his wife, Sandra, resides in San Francisco, California. Southern Illinois University. Hosted by Kyle Kidwell ’11 and Robert Shine reside in Titusville, Florida. Sara Bowman ’05 is an insurance ’91, the event was held at Temple Bar Sports Grill in Scottsdale, Arizona, Sarah (Larkey) Johnson ’08 is a staff and billing hospital scheduler which Shine owns. accountant with Caterpillar. She at Mid Illinois Hematology and and her husband, Greg, reside in Oncology. She resides in Bloom- Peoria. ington. of physical activity at the Univer- Brian Hanson ’07 is a State Farm Zach Just ’08 is a territory man- Abby (Tulin) Eickhoff ’05 worked in sity of Minnesota. She is a lecturer Insurance Agency team member. ager for United Natural Foods. He sales in the Equine industry fol- in the Department of Kinesiology He and his wife, Natalie, reside in resides in Chicago. lowing graduation. She and her and Health Promotion at the Uni- Champaign. versity of Kentucky. She and her Katie Witkowski ’08 is an adminis- husband, Kyle, were married in Matthew Lang ’07 works in pro- husband, Joseph, reside in Lexing- trative assistant with Henderson October of 2012. They reside on curement for Allstate Insurance ton, Kentucky. Productions, a film and TV pro- the Aviano Air Force Base in Italy. Company. He resides in Elk Grove duction office owned and operated Katie Henry ’05 is one of the newest Jeremy Ly ’06 works in business Village by Garry Marshall. She assisted members of the corporate com- outreach and engagement at Joliet William Malott ’07 is a video editor during the production of the mov- munications team at Discover Junior College. He is an elected for State Farm Insurance Compa- ies Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Financial Services. She resides in board member and resides in nies. He and his wife, Clare, reside Eve. She also works as a stage hand Buffalo Grove. Minooka. in Bloomington. at the Falcon Theatre. She resides Julie (Wenzlowski) Pagliuco ’05 Jill (Rafalowski) Baudendistel ’07 is Lindsey (Kronmiller) Nicholson ’07 is in Burbank, California. received her master’s in school an English preparedness instruc- an instructional assistant professor Drew Bendick ’09 works inside sales counseling from Governors State tor at Lindenwood University. She at Illinois State in the School of for Rauckman High Voltage Sales. University. She is a guidance coun- and her husband, Dan, reside in Kinesiology and Recreation. She He resides in Belleville. Swansea. selor at Crete-Monee High School and her husband, Ryan, reside in Barrett Byers ’09 is a senior associ- in Crete. She and her husband, Ryan Boarman ’07 is an American Downs. ate with PricewaterhouseCoopers. John, reside in Romeoville. College of Sports Medicine certi- Jessica (Rupe-Ringering) Roethe ’07 is He and his wife, Lyndsay (Brault) Matt Stewart ’05 is an online sales fied health fitness specialist. He is a special education teacher at East ’09, were married in August of manager for STLtoday.com. He a health educator with Chestnut Alton Wood River High School. 2011. She is an office manager and and his wife, Sheri, reside in St. Health Systems. He and his wife, She and her husband, Michael, legal assistant in the law office of Louis, Missouri. Ann, reside in Normal. reside in South Roxana. Jeff Green. They reside in East Kaelyn (Shule) Bess ’06 Jennie (Richards) Bunger ’07 works is a special Mary (Yurgil) Sojka ’07 is in inter- Peoria. education teacher with Bradley in the manufacturing physiology national communications with Courtney Kerler ’09 is a global Bourbonnais Community High quality lab at Monsanto. Her hus- Hyatt Hotels Corporation. She accounts pricing analyst at WES- School. She and her husband, Joel, band, Brent ’07, works at the family and her husband, Joseph, reside in CO Distribution, Inc. She resides resides in Bourbonnais. dairy farm. They reside in Ashton. Chicago. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Bryan Carper ’06 works in construc- Kathleen Fitzgerald-Ellis ’07 is a stu- Daniel Sperry ’07 is a systems ana- Alexandra Rigo ’09 is a student tion management as a project cost dent support specialist at Black lyst with State Farm Insurance at Chicago Medical School. She engineer. He and his wife, Cath- Hills State University. She and her Companies. He resides in Bloom- resides in West Dundee. erine (Boyd) ’06 husband, Trenton, reside in Rapid , were married in ington. September of 2012. They reside in City, South Dakota. Travis Taylor ’09 is a chiropractor Karly (Crapse) Combest ’08 is the and resides in Springfield. Chicago. Sophie (Malek) Gaziano ’07 is a spe- events and program manager for Lindsay (Klinefelter) Kipp ’06 cial education teacher. She married com- the Champaign County Chamber of in September of 2012. She and her pleted her doctorate in psychology Commerce. She resides in Rantoul. husband reside in Forest Park.

38 Illinois State May 2013

13-0008 Class Notes.indd 38 3/15/13 3:13 PM Katie (Armstrong) Lopez ’11 teaches U.S. Army Infantry Captain Jason 30s 10s U.S. history and regional world Anderson ’08 has traveled all over Virginia D. (Aldrich) Campbell ’30; Rebecca (Givens) Atkins ’10 studies at Normal Community the world. He is stationed at Ft. is the 11/09 guest services representative with High School. She and her husband, Stewart, Georgia. Harriet Lamb ’32; 3/11 Naper Settlement. She resides in Philip, were married in June of U.S. Army Captain Elizabeth Fields ’08 Mary M. (Pearson) Scherer ’33; Oswego. 2012. They reside in Bloomington. resides in Columbus, Georgia. 11/12 Kayla Brooker ’10 handles visuals for Kelly (Reabe) Edge ’12 is a teacher. Rose Sugden ’35; 9/12 Macy’s in Los Angeles, California, She and her husband, Justin ’11, where she resides. were married in July of 2012. They In memory Naomi Shaner Vereecke ’36; 10/12 reside in Woodstock. Berneice E. (Nafziger) Traeger ’37, Laura M. Darr ’10 is a guest relations Faculty/Staff ’45; 12/12 representative with the Frank Sarah Ellis ’12 is a personal banker Fay F. (Hermann) Bowren, Special Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust, with JPMorgan Chase Bank. She Mildred (Shane) Newnam ’38; Education; 11/12 a nonprofit group that restores resides in Lombard. 11/12 Mildred Broughton ’37, Athletics; Frank Lloyd Wright architecture Mackenzi Harmon ’12 is a research Frank B. Oates ’38; 5/08 11/12 and facilitates tours of three of his analyst with State Farm Insurance Elizabeth D. (Sterrenberg) Ringler buildings in the Chicago area. She Companies. She resides in Normal. Clifford M. Caruthers, English; ’38; 10/12 resides in Naperville. 8/12 Meghan Jacobson ’12 is a delivery Jean S. (Shaw) Roggy ’38; 12/12 June Faulk, Printing Services; 6/12 Andrea Davis ’10 is a publisher’s consultant with Cerner Corpora- Margaret L. Perucca ’39, ’46; 9/12 representative for Pearson. She tion. She resides in Kansas City, Larry Kennedy, College of Educa- Mabel (Krusa) Rolf ’39; 12/12 resides in Chicago. tion; 10/12 Missouri. Eunice L. (Schweigert) Rowell ’39, Marlyn C. Lawrentz ’57, Ph.D. ’72, Todd Jones, M.B.A. ’10, is a relation- Derick Kalec ’12 works in loss pre- ’65; 11/12 Educational Administration; 10/12 ship manager on the retirement vention security. He resides in plan service team of Trust Com- Plainfield. Dorothy E. Lee ’59, Sociology, 40s pany of Illinois. He is an adjunct Anthropology and Social Work; professor at Lincoln College and Brett Lawless, M.S. ’12, taught at 10/12 Elizabeth Posegate Gorman ’42; Central Intermediate School, active in the Boys Club of America. Keith McKenna, Dining Services; 9/12 where he coached the eighth grade He and his wife reside in Wheaton. 12/12 Elinor “Short” (Leigh) Martin ’43; girls’ basketball team to a state 10/12 Kristin (Brinkman) Price ’10 is a qual- championship. He is principal at ity monitoring specialist at Silliker. Central Primary School. He and 20s Nettie B. Davenport ’44; 10/12 She and her husband, David, reside Iona Masten Hightower ’44; 10/12 his wife are the parents of two Catherine McCluskey ’26; 9/84 in Mokena. children. They reside in Peoria. Margie A. Tiffany ’44; 12/12 Bradley Redding ’10 is an auto rep- LaDonna Watts ’12 is a recruiter resentative with State Farm Insur- for City Colleges of Chicago. She ance Companies. He resides in resides in Richton Park. New Albany, Ohio. Jennifer (Williams) Wrigley ’12 is biol- Paul Schumacher ’10 authored the ogy and anatomy teacher at East book Little Red Wolf, which was Peoria Community High School. released in 2012. He resides in Bet- She resides in Pekin. tendorf, Iowa. Three easy ways to submit your information Jason Carter ’11 is a settlement ana- lyst with Invenergy. He resides in Our Troops 1) Go online to Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/ClassNotes and click Chicago. U.S. Army Lt. Col. Lisa Harvey ’92 is on “class notes.” Information submitted using this method will Jacob Dirks ’11 is an inventory ana- serving in NATO. She has deployed also be posted online. lyst with Sears Holdings Corpora- three times and served in two com- tion. He resides in Elgin. bat zones. She began her career in 2) Email your news to [email protected]. the Air Defense Artillery commu- Roseanna Dorsey ’11 is a student in 3) Mail your news to Class Notes, Illinois State University, nity shooting PATRIOT missiles the School of Law at Southern Alumni Relations, Campus Box 3100, Normal, IL 61790-3100. Illinois University. She resides in and transitioned to provide human Carterville. resources in the Adjutant Generals Please include your graduation year, major, maiden name Corps. when applicable, and daytime phone number for verification Amy Glueck ’11 is a clinical dietitian U.S. Army Major Terrance Deuel ’98 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. purposes. News releases and information from published news Louis. She resides in Troy. served as a military policeman and clippings may also be used. Engagements and pregnancies will was commissioned as a Military Christina (Hitz) Lisowski ’11 is a Police 2nd Lt. in 1988. He is an not be published. registered nurse working in the assistant professor of military sci- For additional information, contact Alumni Relations at (309) 438- pediatric intensive care unit at ence at the University of Georgia Children’s Hospital of Illinois. She in Athens, where he resides. 2586 or (800) 366-4478, or by email at [email protected]. and her husband, Nicholas, reside in Normal.

May 2013 Illinois State 39

13-0008 Class Notes.indd 39 3/15/13 3:13 PM Support your passion

Some Illinois State students have all they need to succeed: outstanding academic achievement, strong leadership skills, and unending determination that pushes them toward the Commencement stage. Some students will struggle to reach that goal despite their capabilities and aspirations, only because they lack the financial resources.

That’s why the Alumni Association Scholarship exists. Give today and help a student join the ranks of alumni.

Use the enclosed envelope to make a donation or visit IllinoisState.edu and click on Make a Gift.

Marilyn (Cole) Joynt ’45; 10/12 Bernadette (Krolak) Wilder ’58; Terry L. Kronsted ’68; 10/12 Carol A. “Pepper” Martin, M.S. Robert W. Harrington ’47; 11/12 10/12 Jerry Rasmussen ’68; 9/12 ’83; 10/12 P. Bruce “Butch” Boyle ’59; 9/12 Carroll L. Sinclair ’69; 11/12 Walter E. Behm II ’84; 9/12 50s Madeline I. Stine ’59; 10/12 Danny J. Kelley ’85; 11/12 Louise (Clayberg) Yemm ’50; 8/12 70s Kay A. (Young) Seefeld, M.S. ’87; 10/12 Ret. Lt. Commander Iola M. Mom- 60s Richard J. Hooper, M.S. ’70; 10/12 Philip J. Gomez ’88; 11/12 brun ’51; 10/12 Roland G. Schumaker ’60; 12/08 Marion R. Thompson, Ph.D. ’70; Wayne M. Wiemer ’51; 9/12 Marlene M. (Rostetter) Mann ’61; 5/12 Holli L. Foli ’89; 11/12 Frederick E. Kuster ’52; 9/12 10/12 John A. Balber ’71, M.S. ’75; 10/12 Martha J. (Bower) Swann ’52; Gerry O’Dell Brannan Gaedtka ’63, Fred J. Koontz ’74; 10/12 90s M.S. ’66; 10/12 10/12 Evelyn D. White ’74; 10/12 Walter Lakomy ’92; 2/12 Jimmie D. King ’63; 11/12 Donald L. Zinngrabe ’52, M.S. ’62; Gary Hegberg Blomgren ’75, M.S. Ila J. (Puntoni) Minson ’92; 11/12 6/06 James G. “Slugger” Busher ’64, ’81; 11/12 Lois (Williams) Parkin ’92; 11/12 M.S. ’67; 10/12 Beverly A. Johnson ’53; 6/04 Kenneth Klette ’75; 11/12 Eileen T. (Theisen) Schmidt ’92; Judith K. (White) Maxwell ’64; 7/12 John K. Staats ’53, M.S. ’56; 10/12 Sharon R. Shafer ’75; 9/12 11/12 Starlane M. “Star” (Talaga) Myers Rosemarie (Baier) Fogel ’54; 10/12 Carol Tuschhoff, M.S. ’76; 10/12 Jennifer L. Meyer-Ashauer ’94; ’64; 10/12 9/12 Martha A. (Jacobus) Sarantakos Sandra K. (Reinkensmeyer) Janet L. Perne ’64; 10/12 ’55; 12/12 Heibenthal ’77; 10/12 Teresa K. (Greiner) Moore ’95; 1/11 Kenneth L. Scheuermann, M.S. Hettie S. Cain, M.S. ’56; 9/98 Mark A. Rose Sr. ’78; 11/12 Chad D. Wildermuth ’95; 11/12 ’64; 9/12 Joseph L. Rathbun ’56; 10/07 Lee A. Rittenhouse ’79, M.S. ’81; Elizabeth K. (Jamison) Haynes, Arthur J. Bonds ’65; 10/12 Martha A. (Glisson) Blair ’57; 11/12 9/12 M.S. ’98; 11/12 Ruth M. (Hadley) Hollister ’65; Patricia A. (Lind) Pownall ’57; Forrest R. Koenen Jr. ’98; 11/12 11/12 10/12 80s Kirk M. Melton ’98; 10/12 Susan K. (Deboer) Pozdol ’65; Ray A. Adams ’58; 11/12 11/10 Wade Boring ’80; 4/12 Millard “Gabe” Goben ’58, M.S. 00s Linda K. (Gooch) Sprague ’65; Mellany L. (Vick) McDuffa ’80; ’64; 10/12 10/12 9/12 Michelle (Gower) Thomason ’01; Norma M. (Duffany) Podhorn ’58; 11/12 Vicki L. Dechman ’67; 10/12 Marlys J. (Hinz) Smith ’80; 7/12 12/12 Lamont Calloway ’02; 5/12 Mary E. Evans ’67; 5/12 Catherine E. Anderson ’81; 10/12 Patricia J. (Urquhart) Schaller ’58; Arliss L. Andresen, M.S. ’81; 10/12 Chinedu Onyeuku ’06; 11/12 9/12 Francis G. Girard ’67; 10/12 Shawn D. Allen ’08; 10/12 Myron L. Kiesewetter ’67; 11/12 Bay Nguyen Hilborn ’82; 10/12

40 Illinois State May 2013

13-0008 Class Notes.indd 40 3/28/13 11:35 AM STATE your passion

Andy Manno and Aaron Von Qualen ’12 know what it means to pursue their dreams as Illinois State students. A senior completing a degree in political science and English studies, Manno is the Student Government Association president. Von Qualen is serving as the student representative on the Board of Trustees while working toward a master’s degree in college student personnel administration. Both are grateful for the leadership and mentor- ing of President Al Bowman. “He’s done so many great things for this university, and positioned us in a way that no other university is right now,” said Manno, who partnered with Von Qualen to orga- nize a farewell for Bowman. “We felt we needed to give back to him in some way,” Von Qualen said, explaining why the two used social media to invite students, faculty and sta to the Quad days after Bowman’s retirement announcement in December. More than 1,000 attended. The response inspired Manno and Von Qualen to work throughout the spring semester on a plan to further engage students in campus life. Their passion is to increase student pride and spirit, bolstering campus traditions by working with Registered Student Organizations. Together they are demonstrating what it means to STATE Your Passion.

Will you join with the students of Illinois State and take action to STATE Your Passion today? Support the people and programs of your university by making a gift. Use the enclosed envelope, call (800) 366-4478, or give online at IllinoisState.edu/Giving.

Aaron Von Qualen ’12, left, and Andy Manno recognize the impact President Al Bowman has had on the University.

IBC Feb_Manno-Von Qualen.indd 1 3/28/13 11:10 AM Donor and Information Services Campus Box 8000 Normal, IL 61790-8000

Happy ending President Al Bowman and First Lady Linda shared a moment of joy at the surprise rally on the Quad. Now ready to embrace a slower pace, they have no regrets when reflecting on their efforts to advance ISU the past decade—work they affirm was a labor of love.

BC_May2013.indd 1 3/19/13 5:31 PM