Illinois State University ISU ReD: Research and eData Illinois State Magazine University Marketing and Communications 5-1-2013 Illinois State Magazine, May 2013 Issue University Marketing and Communications Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/ism Recommended Citation University Marketing and Communications, "Illinois State Magazine, May 2013 Issue" (2013). Illinois State Magazine. 18. https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/ism/18 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]. GladlyGladly hehe servedserved After a decade as president, retirement is a bittersweet decision AY 2013 AY for Al Bowman. M • NUMBER 4 • VOLUME 13 May mag COVER.indd 1 3/19/13 5:35 PM 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.