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Volume 12 • Number 2• november 2011 Teacher’s Regiment University’s early years. at IllinoisState duringthe The nation’s war tore

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P ages Iss 25-32 ue Publisher Stephanie Epp Bernoteit, Ed.D. ’07 Editor-in-chief FirstWord Susan Marquardt Blystone ’84, M.S. ’03 alumni Editor Each fall semester I call the campus community together Annette States Vaughan ’96, M.S. ’02 for an annual State of the University address. I value this opportunity to share budget Class notes Editor Nancy Neisler updates, progress with facility upgrades, and statistics that confirm our students and our Copy Editors academic programs are stellar by national comparison. Susan Marquardt Blystone ’84, M.S. ’03 Steven Barcus ’06, M.S. ’09 This year, as I prepared my remarks, I was reminded anew of the fact that it is lead Designer indeed a blessing to have in our country Dave Jorgensen, M.S. ’03 the resources for focused study at a uni- Designers Jeff Higgerson ’92 versity. I know from having spoken with Carol Jalowiec ’08 myriad graduates that there is a common Michael Mahle Jon Robinson bond of appreciation for the brief time WEB EDITOR spent at Illinois State. Those years offer Brian Huonker ’92 precious moments to contemplate and PHOTOGRAPHER Lyndsie Schlink ’04 debate ideas and issues that range from PRODUCTION coordinator practical to philosophical. Mary (Mulhall) Cowdery ’80 Our current students are typically writers Kate Arthur so engrossed in the moment they do not Steven Barcus ’06, M.S. ’09 Tom Nugent fully realize that life rarely offers such

EDITORIAL INTERNS an extended window for examination, Renee Changnon reflection, and life-changing growth. As Sean Kelly ’11 Illinois State (USPS 019606) is published quarterly alumni, you know that the family and for members of the Illinois State University Alumni career obligations quickly mount with Association at Alumni Center, 1101 N. Main Street, Normal, Illinois 61790-3100. Periodicals postage paid age, making such focused study difficult if at Normal, Illinois, and at additional mailing offices. not impossible. Magazine editorial offices are located at 1101 North Main Street, Normal, Illinois 61790-3100; telephone The fact Illinois State remains a (309) 438-2586; facsimile (309) 438-8057; e-mail bastion for probing ideas and pushing [email protected]; Website IllinoisState.edu/ alumni. Postmaster: Send address changes to Illinois boundaries of what is feasible across disciplines is a credit not only to our current faculty, State, Illinois State University, Campus Box 8000, Normal, IL 61790-8000. but those before us who had a determination to build a sanctuary for study. You will get a Voluntary subscriptions of $25 per year are greatly glimpse of their commitment in this issue, which includes a look at how our first admin- appreciated. Checks payable to the Illinois State Foundation can be sent to Alumni Relations, istrators, professors, and students struggled to build the University in a nation divided by Campus Box 3100, Normal, IL 61790-3100. the Civil War. Material may be reprinted with prior approval, provided no commercial endorsement is implied There have certainly been other equally significant disruptions over time that re- and credit is given to the author, to Illinois State sulted in roadblocks on the collegiate pathway. One formidable obstacle today is funding, University, and to Illinois State. Website: IllinoisState.edu as families unfortunately struggle to cover escalating costs of a college education. An equal opportunity/affirmative action university Their burden is lightened by those who give back to Illinois State. The University’s encouraging diversity 12-0003. This document is available in alternative formats upon request by Foundation Annual Report, also found in this issue, gives a sense of how lives are im- contacting Alumni Relations at (309) 438-2586. pacted when individuals support Illinois State’s mission and students. Each donor has my gratitude. Their pledge of personal dollars helps protect the privilege of a higher education.

Let us hear from you! Your feedback is appreciated. Send comments or suggestions, Class Notes, Letters to the Editor, How We Met and Legacy stories, as well as Where Are They Now and Reggie Reads submissions to Susan Blystone at [email protected], or mail to 1101 N. Main Street, Normal, IL 61790. Al Bowman President, Illinois State University

Editor’s note: Read President Bowman’s State of the University address online at President.IllinoisState.edu/speeches. A video link can be found on the web page as well. Illinois STATE Volume 12, Number 2, November 2011

FEATURES 8 From the edge of extinction High-tech science and international collaboration were integral to keeping the giant panda found in China from demise. So was world- renowned reproductive biologist David Wildt ’72, who helped lead the effort. He counts the work as a highlight of his career, which has involved efforts to rebuild the population of other exotic creatures.

12 Weathering the war 8 Just four years after the University was founded, the start of the Civil War significantly impacted campus life. The first president, Charles Hovey, 16 prepared students for battle. The contributions of his regiment are remembered as the country marks the 150th anniversary of the struggle within the divided nation.

16 Tearing down autism’s wall Alumna Kari Dunn Buron ’73, M.S. ’80, knows the challenge of reaching autistic children. She has developed a teaching approach that acknowl- edges an autistic child’s challenging behavior stems from a lack of skills. Her work creates hope and opportunity for struggling students. 20 20 Making a case Illinois State students contemplating a legal career have the opportunity to become familiar with the courtroom as members of the Univer- sity’s mock trial team. Alumni who benefitted from the program are crucial to the success of the dedicated students, who shine in national competitions.

12 DEPARTMENTS 25 Giving with a goal 2 University News Individuals who support Illinois 6 Redbird Athletics State with a financial gift have a desire to make an impact. The 34 Alumni Connections Foundation Annual Report, 36 Class notes included in this issue, showcases how private giving empowers individuals. On the cover: The men of the Illinois Thirty-Third Infantry Regiment traded their ISNU books for guns. Photo courtesy of the McLean County Museum of History. UniversityNews

Excelling in engagement effort ISU lauded nationally for active citizenship program

llinois State’s efforts to engage initiative of the Provost’s Office in col- PEP is also integrated into cocur- students in activities that sharpen laboration with Student Affairs. ricular activities through hall meetings skills related to political processes “Illinois State students are encour- with elected officials and debates on and leadership have been lauded, aged to be responsible citizens and leave timely political topics. An internship in asI the University is the sole recipient here with skills that will help them make Washington, D.C., is now offered. of the 2011 New York Times Political meaningful contributions to their com- “The national Program of Excel- Engagement Project (PEP) Program of munities and their country,” President lence Award recognizes Illinois State’s Excellence Award. Al Bowman said. “This award validates leadership in preparing graduates for Part of the American Democracy the hard work of faculty and staff to active citizenship,” said ISU Communi- Project, PEP addresses the problem of incorporate political engagement in the cation Professor Steve Hunt, who is a political disengagement in young people classroom and beyond.” Carnegie PEP Scholar. and advocates a dramatic increase in Beginning as freshmen, approxi- “Illinois State faculty, staff, and stu- university efforts to strengthen student mately 3,500 students annually are dents contribute significantly to the com- interest in politics. exposed to PEP efforts in the curriculum. munity by deeply integrating the Political Illinois State was one of 12 institu- Enrichment opportunities exist across Engagement Project into the curriculum tions selected to participate in PEP, and disciplines. Many new activities, assign- and cocurriculum,” Hunt said. “We are is now considered a model for campuses ments, and discussion topics have been honored to be selected as the inaugural across the country. The project is an developed, including election issues, winner of the prestigious award.” community involvement, and diversity.

2 Illinois State November 2011 Illinois State welcomes strong incoming class While many universities struggle with enrollment declines, Illinois State started the academic year with an increase in new freshmen and transfers. With strong retention numbers as well, the Universi- ty’s on-campus headcount rose to 21,080 this fall. “Given the economy and the stiff student recruitment competition from public and private colleges, I think this year’s numbers are simply remarkable,” President Al Bowman said. “Illinois State University is once again proving to be a first choice for new students.” There is a natural decline in the number of graduating high school seniors in Illinois which, combined with the economy, is creating competition for college-bound students. And yet the quality of the incoming freshman class remains high, with an average ACT score A public-private housing initiative, rendering above, is just one of the major changes discussed in ISU’s long-range facility plan. Construction is ongoing where Cardinal Court once stood. near 24 and a grade point average top- ping 3.3. Diversity within the student body Thomas Metcalf School, and the child- State Farm Companies Foundation. The also improved. Bowman credited Illinois care center. Mennonite College of Nurs- funding over two years supports pro- State’s many outreach programs with ing and the College of Fine Arts are also grams in the six colleges, Athletics, and helping attract talented students from slated for new buildings. campus-wide minority recruitment ini- underrepresented groups. Non-white An addition to the Science Labora- tiatives. students comprise 18.9 percent of the tory Building is endorsed, as well as The Actuarial Science program and incoming freshman class versus 17.8 per- renovation of Edwards, Cook, DeGarmo, the Katie School of Insurance and Finan- cent last year. The largest gains were Williams, Felmley and Hovey halls, Mil- cial Services are two programs target- African American students, with a 25 ner Library, and the John Green build- ed. The University’s Little Village and percent jump from last fall. ing. Renovation of Watterson Towers, Auburn Gresham project, which is part Bone Student Center, and Braden Audi- of the larger Chicago Teacher Educa- Strategic change detailed torium is desired. tion Pipeline project, received support for future of campus Intercollegiate Athletics recommen- to continue preparing teachers for inner- dations include renovation of Hancock city schools. A plan for the University’s physical devel- Stadium, Horton Field House, and the State Farm’s gift also supports the opment has been approved by the Board Karin Bone Athletic Study Center. A new New Innovation for America’s Prom- of Trustees. The Master Plan 2010-2030: softball complex and enhancements to ise project in the Mennonite College of Looking to the Future includes 67 recom- baseball and golf facilities are detailed. Nursing, creating partnerships between mendations developed after extensive The complete report is available the college and local schools. campus and community discussion. online at www.masterplan.ilstu.edu. The Illinois Shakespeare Festival is The plan addresses areas of instruc- enhanced with funding that supports tion, research and academic support; outreach programs that introduce Shake- campus life; administration; Intercolle- State Farm’s investment speare to school children and commu- giate Athletics and recreation; and gen- helps across campus nity members. There is funding for the eral campus improvements. Numerous academic, cultural, and schol- Karin L. Bone Athletics Study Center The recommendations call for new arship programs at Illinois State are ben- for student-athletes, and the Minority facilities for University High School, eficiaries of $1.8 million in support from Achievement Program as well.

November 2011 Illinois State 3 Where are they now? Fifty years ago, in 1961, I joined the ISU Agriculture Department, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. It’s hard to believe that I’ve had an affiliation with the department for half a century. I retired from ISU in December of 1989, but continued to teach part-time for a couple of years and have kept in touch with the changes that have occurred. I did consulting work for Ag World Exports, presenting Dairy Manage- ment Seminars in many countries for several years. My wife, Lila, and I live in Normal and are enjoying our retirement years. We have never considered moving anywhere else for retirement. Our three children graduated from Illinois State and have careers in education and remain in close proximity. Four of our eight grandchildren are now in college. We do a moderate amount of traveling, but also enjoy working on our farm. Hunting, fishing, home projects, and volunteer work keep me active and healthy. Besides what I do with all my spare time (I don’t have any!), the other most frequently asked question is do I miss teaching. I do not miss all the course preparation, paper grading, etc., but I do miss the interaction with students. Many of my fondest memories are working and traveling with students on field trips and judging activities. I am always impressed and pleased to hear about the careers of our graduates. Hope you get a chance to visit the Ag Department and join in the cel- ebration of its 100th Anniversary or stop by our home for a visit. Contact me by email at [email protected]. Agriculture Professor Emeritus Clarence Moore

“We are thrilled to announce this at least $1 million dollars in grants for ments and programs in five divisions, new gift and celebrate the continuing research and other projects. Seventy fac- with a budget of $100 million. commitment of State Farm Companies ulty members have been honored with Simpson received his doctorate in Foundation,” President Al Bowman said. club status since 2009. Membership will experimental psychology from the Uni- He noted that the investment “will pro- surpass the 100 mark with a spring 2012 versity of Kansas. He has served as an vide numerous long-term benefits to induction. acting associate dean, chair of psychol- many diverse areas of the University, and The high quality of research being ogy, and a professor at the University we are grateful for their support.” done and the University’s strong support of Kansas. Prior to his tenure at Kansas, for research across the broad spectrum Simpson was a faculty member at the of scholarship and creative activities has University of Nebraska at Omaha. Research advances as resulted in more funding from top-tier He received the W.T. Kemper Fel- faculty secure millions agencies such as the U.S. Department of lowship for Excellence in Teaching and Nearly $210 million in grants from fed- Education, the National Science Foun- a Senior Administrative Fellow from the eral and state agencies and private orga- dation and the National Institutes of University of Kansas. He served on the nizations has been received by the Uni- Health. Journal of Memory and Language and versity during the past decade. That’s an Memory and Cognition editorial boards, increase of nearly $10 million in external as well as reviewer of numerous grants, grants every decade since the 1980s, with New dean chosen for journals, and programs. annual funding now averaging in excess Arts and Sciences Simpson is a member of the Asso- of $20 million. Gregory Simpson began serving as the ciation for Psychological Science, Psy- Faculty and staff secure the compet- College of Arts and Sciences dean in chonomic Society, and Midwestern Psy- itive funding for external dollars by writ- July. He was interim dean of the College chological Association. He served as an ing grants. The dollars support research, of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the Uni- executive board member for the Council teaching, and service initiatives. versity of Kansas prior to joining Illinois of Graduate Departments of Psychology, Illinois State’s Million Dollar Club State. In that role he oversaw 58 depart- and has presented internationally. recognizes those who have brought in

4 Illinois State November 2011 University strengthens other parts of Illinois, and from other community’s economy states and nations around the world,” Beck said. The University, its employees and students directly contribute more than $600 Mail million to the McLean County econo- Campus sustainability work To the Editor, my. That spending returns more than $10 recognized in college guide I came to ISNU from a small Oklahoma col- million in tax revenues to the area. Efforts to be environmentally responsi- lege. I had classes on the second floor and “Bloomington-Normal and McLean ble and increase sustainability efforts on it was a special comfort for me to enter Old County benefit greatly from the money campus have resulted in Illinois State’s Main (“Artifacts & Memories,” May 2011). It students spend here. When we broke inclusion in The Princeton Review’s Guide was the only spot on campus that felt like the down the numbers, we found that every to 311 Green Colleges: 2011 Edition. Oklahoma schools where my youth had been dollar a student spends here puts an The guide profiles colleges and spent. It was obvious that the building was additional 48 cents back into our local universities that demonstrate a notable about to outlive its usefulness, but it was sad economy,” said Stevenson Center for commitment to sustainability in their for me to see it go. Community and Economic Development academic offerings, campus infrastruc- Another good memory was going to the Director Frank Beck. ture, activities, and career preparation. basement to check out books—a wonder- He and James Payne, former ISU Illinois State’s energy conservation ful experience for me, who had never heard economics professor, completed an and alternative transportation initia- of textbooks being furnished to students. I economic impact study that took into tives, recycling program, and wellness worked in the cafeteria and the snack bar, and consideration the off-campus spending and environmental programming are I remember that there were strict guidelines by freshmen and sophomores who live highlighted in the guide. The Univer- about how many hours one could work while sity’s Center for Renewable Energy and carrying a certain amount of credit hours. its interdisciplinary renewable energy My third treasured memory of Old Main major are also prominently mentioned. was the large bulletin board on the wall to the The Princeton Review chose 311 left of the main entrance. Notes of all kinds schools based on a survey it conducted were left there. It gave a feeling of the “personal- in 2010 of hundreds of colleges across ness” of the place. the U.S. and Canada. The guide can be I have always recognized the critical impact downloaded at www.princetonreview. the years spent at ISNU had on my entire life. I com/green-guide.aspx. became the very first teacher in Oklahoma with a special education degree. Thanks for the memories! Schoolhouse on campus preserved as museum JimAnn Oliver ’54 Now a century old, the one-room school- To the Editor, house located on west campus is still I always enjoyed my time spent at Illinois State in residence halls. Local spending by maintained by the University. The Lura Normal University. I had excellent teachers upperclassman and graduate students, Eyestone School Museum was painted who were very helpful to me, and I also enjoyed including rent and groceries, was also and winterized during the summer. the extra-curricular activities provided for the noted. The historic relic was built in 1899 students. They measured spending by stu- as one of the first of nearly 300 one-room As I continued my education and teach- dents who enroll from hometowns out- schoolhouses in McLean County. It was ing experiences, I more fully realized what a side of McLean County. In fiscal year brought to campus in 1964 and renamed wonderful opportunity I was given during my 2010, university spending helped return for an ISU alumnus and retired teacher. years at ISNU. At age 97, I am so happy that I $10 million in property tax revenue and Illinois State’s Alumni Association can continue to be active in alumni activities. $1.8 million in sales tax revenue to the raised the $10,000 to move and rehabili- President Al Bowman and many of the staff local economy. tate the school, which is furnished with members have been so kind to me. Thank you. “This is an important contributor to wooden desks, chalk slates, and a coal the economic health of McLean County Roy O. Schilling ’35, ’40 stove. because the money those students are spending is coming into our area from

November 2011 Illinois State 5 RedbirdAthletics

Redbird captures national championship Javelin toss best of 2011 season

ophomore Tim Glover joined fied for the Outdoor Championships for didn’t feel anything special. “Once it an elite group of Illinois State the second straight season. Head track landed, I knew it was really far out there. student-athletes earlier this and field coach Elvis Forde credits Glov- I didn’t think it was as far as the mark year when he won the NCAA er’s continued success to his determina- read, but once I saw the mark, it was a DivisionS I Outdoor Track & Field Cham- tion and strong will. great feeling,” Glover said. pionship in the javelin. He took the event “Tim believed that he was going to He is the sixth ISU athlete to win a in June with a mark of 263-06 at Drake be successful and win the national cham- national title, and captured the seventh Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa. pionship. When you believe something title all-time for the Redbirds. He joins The throw earned Glover All-Amer- as much as Tim did, there is no reason it former student Tom Smith and ISU Ath- ica honors, and set school and Missouri can’t be done,” Forde said. letics Percy Hall of Famer Christian Goy Valley Conference (MVC) records. His “He put his mind to it, worked hard ’03, M.B.A. ’06, as the only three ISU was the farthest collegiate throw in the and accomplished his goal. Not many track and field student-athletes to win nation during the 2011 season. people come in to the championships and NCAA national championships. Smith “They had me predicted to finish leave a champion. Everyone is extremely was a back-to-back outdoor champion in fifth,” Glover said. “So to come in to happy for him, and the support that he the high jump during the 1987 and 1988 the championship and prove everyone got from the crowd and his parents was season, while Goy was the indoor mile wrong was an awesome feeling.” great. It was a truly amazing experience.” champion in 2002. The Normal native is a two-time As for the first throw that clinched MVC champion in the javelin. He quali- the national championships, Glover

6 Illinois State November 2011 Football team makes Special Olympics connection

Defensive linemen drive through oppos- youngsters ages two through seven with ing offensive protection and take out intellectual disabilities to sports in hopes whoever has the football. ISU’s Colton of encouraging eventual Special Olym- Underwood excels in the job. The 6-foot- pics training and competition. 4, 245-pound sophomore was deadly on “It is amazing to see the effort the field last season, finishing with 16 Wyatt and everyone else put in, and the Arch Madness tourney tackles, including two sacks. adversity they are able to overcome,” is around the corner And yet when 3-foot-2, 50-pound said Underwood, who is one of several Start planning your trip to the St. Louis area dur- Wyatt Whitlow encountered Under- Illinois State football players who fre- ing the first two weekends of March to wood at a Special Olympics Young Ath- quently volunteer for Special Olympics. support both Redbird basketball teams. letes event last spring, the 7-year-old “It’s fun watching all of them compete as The 2012 State Farm Missouri Valley Confer- wasn’t intimidated. Whitlow smiled as hard as they do, despite the disabilities ence men’s basketball tournament is March 1-4. he mounted the lineman. Underwood they have.” The Millennium in downtown St. Louis will be the couldn’t help but smile back. Redbird football players have helped team hotel. The following weekend, March 8-11, Area Director of Special Olympics with numerous events, such as a dis- the women’s basketball team plays at Family Illinois Heartland/Area 6 Jill Speer ’07, trict basketball tournament, spring and Arena in St. Charles, Missouri. The Redbirds will M.S. ‘09, observed as Underwood accom- summer games, and the Law Enforce- be at the Sheraton Lakeside Chalet in Westport, Missouri. panied Whitlow through several stations ment Torch Run Polar Plunge fundraiser. Visit GoRedbirds.com for more information designed to help develop motor skills Beyond interacting with Special Olym- on either event, or call (309) 438-8000. and hand-eye coordination. pics athletes, they move equipment, Young Athletes hosts such events to supervise basketball courts, distribute Hall of Fame 2011 inductees fulfill its mission, which is to introduce lunches, and serve as security staff. honored Homecoming weekend Illinois State Athletics welcomed five former student-athletes into the ISU Athletics Percy Family Hall of Fame during Homecoming, while honoring a family with the prestigious Stretch Miller Award. The 2011 inductees included Stacia Beste- Klasen ’01, M.S. ’03, an eight-time Missouri Valley Conference champion in cross country/ track and field; football athlete Tony Jones ’95, who was one of 32 national finalists for the 1991 Walter Payton Award; Michael McKenny ’86, a starting point guard for three-straight NCAA Tournament teams; basketball athlete Derrick Sanders ’87, a two-time All-Missouri Valley Conference selection; and soccer athlete Annie Wayland ’04, who holds the school and Valley record for career goals and career points. The Shirley Lockett Family received the Stretch Miller Award for their commitment to ISU Athletics. Mike and Shirley, who passed away in 2010 of pancreatic cancer, and their Don’t miss the teams in action children – Rachael, Adam and Kelsey – have Visit GoRedbirds.com for a complete schedule of all fall competition. been fixtures at Redbird Arena athletic events for Download the Tag reader by texting TAG to 71857. close to decade in multiple volunteer roles.

November 2011 Illinois State 7 8 Illinois State November 2011 Bear hug A scientist’s saga of saving

the giant panda species by Tom Nugent

During his 30-year career as a reproductive biologist who specializes in rescuing threatened animal species from demise, David E. Wildt ’72 has used his high-tech scientific skills to help save such exotic creatures as the Florida panther and the black-footed ferret of the American Great Plains. But Wildt’s greatest challenge—and the biggest thrill of his extraordinary life as a globe- trotting scientist—took place in the mountains of Southwestern China, where he worked with Chinese colleagues to bring the world’s last few remaining giant pandas back from the edge of extinction.

It was a moment that world- But the ISU animal sciences major renowned reproductive biologist Wildt found the enthusiasm waned quickly will never forget. The date was Decem- after the Americans discovered to their ber 10, 1996, and the place was a chilly dismay that only one of the Chinese room located in the heart of Southwest- scientists in the room spoke English. ern China’s Sichuan Province. “Unfortunately, nobody on the “I remember walking into this American research team spoke Chinese,” conference center in Chengdu City and Wildt remembered, “which meant com- finding more than 50 Chinese scientists munication between the two groups was gathered there,” the 62-year-old biol- extremely slow and halting, with lots ogy researcher said when recalling his of uncertainty and frustration on both startling introduction to the threatened sides. Looking back, it’s a wonder that world of the giant panda. we were able to communicate at all—to “I was visiting Chengdu with several say nothing about designing and then other American scientists under the um- gradually implementing a major re- brella of the world famous Conservation search effort to learn as much as possible Breeding Specialist Group of the Interna- about this unique species.” tional Union for Conservation of Nature. In spite of the roadblocks, Wildt We had been invited to brainstorm why and his colleagues and their Chinese giant pandas were not thriving in breed- counterparts were able to pull off one of ing centers and why the species contin- the greatest achievements in the history ued to struggle,” Wildt said. of animal species preservation. They “The conference room was already turned around a declining population full of excited and enthusiastic Chinese and made it one of the most successful Artificial insemination methods developed in David Wildt’s lab researchers,” Wildt recalled, “and at first captive breeding success stories for any resulted in the birth of Tai Shan at the glance, the scene looked very promising. endangered species ever. Smithsonian’s National Zoo in 2005. We were all very eager to begin what we This was accomplished over five knew would be a marathon quest to keep years by Wildt and his wife, behavioral these magnificent animals from disap- biologist Susie Ellis, who co-led an pearing forever.”

November 2011 Illinois State 9 Wildt at the Smithsonian’s Cheetah Tai Shan, just months after Science Facility, where the cheetah birth, is now entering the population has increased from two to breeding program in China. nearly 20 in less than two years.

American research team using high-tech tion period is up to 160 days, meaning Chandlerville, (current population: 553), methods to determine the health and re- a wild female can produce young only he grew up on the land. He was feeding productive ability of more than 60 giant once every other year. At best she may cattle and hogs and helping to harvest pandas scattered at Chinese breeding raise five to eight cubs in her lifetime. fall corn by the age of 7. centers and zoos. According to the determined “We were a John Deere family, for The lessons learned, combined with Wildt—today with the Smithsonian sure,” he remembered with a smile of sharing modern methods on artificial Conservation Biology Institute of the nostalgia, “and my brother and I were insemination plus a remarkable persis- National Zoological Park—the strategy deep into the FFA (Future Farmers of tence, have resulted in panda numbers that saved the pandas was based on two America) while taking our cows and pigs increasing from only about 100 animals key components. to competitions sponsored by the local in 1999 to more than 300 today. “For starters, we had to figure out 4-H Club. The captive population is now how to internationally transport and “Farming was at the center of our ‘self-sustaining’ and will likely soon then use the many state-of-the-art tools lives. My grandfather, Bud Wildt, actually become the main resource for reintro- that are now available in the biomedical died while sitting on his old John Deere ducing giant pandas to the wild. This is sciences, first to learn about the species’ ‘A’ one afternoon. That tractor now sits important because most experts estimate basic biology and then to help those pan- in my own barn here in the Shenandoah that only about 2,000 wild pandas still das that either were unhealthy or unable Valley of Virginia,” Wildt said. inhabit the mountainous bamboo forests to reproduce. “I loved everything having to do of China. Their numbers are thought to “And we also had to find ways to with farm animals. By the time I got be dwindling each year as a result of lost bring together these experts (veterinar- to ISU in the fall of 1968, I knew that and fragmented habitats. ians, reproductive biologists, behavior- animal science within the Department of What Wildt and his colleagues ists, nutritionists, geneticists, animal Agriculture was where I wanted to be.” managed to accomplish was nothing husbandmen) from the two different After moving into room 1049 of short of miraculous, according to biology cultures, getting them to work together Manchester Hall, Wildt started tak- experts, many of whom point out that as an effective team,” Wildt said. ing classes in animal husbandry and coaxing the giant panda to reproduce is “In many ways, the administra- agriculture, along with a slew of sci- one of the most formidable challenges in tive aspects of this kind of international ence courses in chemistry, biology, and the world of reproductive biology. collaboration are even tougher than physiology. Within a couple of semes- Wildt agrees that saving the pandas the science—and we really struggled at ters he was “extremely fortunate” to be was “an extremely difficult and time- times to put all the pieces of the jigsaw studying under mentors who inspired consuming task, especially when you puzzle together. But you know working him throughout his career: ISU agricul- realize that we had to coordinate the together over the anesthetized body of a ture professors Clarence Moore, James efforts and the research findings of giant panda, one of the most beloved ani- Thompson, and Al Culver. scientists from two countries with such mals on the planet, really brings people “Those guys were legends in animal diverse cultures and scientific experi- together. Now some of our best and science, and it wasn’t long before I got ences. But that was only part of the story dearest friends are these Chinese col- turned on by the way they really cared because we were also up against the fact leagues who have contributed so much about their students and the animals that female pandas are only fertile for to panda conservation.” they were studying,” Wildt said. “That two or three days out of the entire year.” The work is more than Wildt could was an exciting time for me, and my eyes Females may give birth to two cubs, have envisioned given his humble start. were opening up to a lot of new things.” but usually only one survives. The gesta- Born and raised on an Illinois farm near He received his bachelor’s in 1972 and went on to earn a Ph.D. in animal

10 Illinois State November 2011 science and physiology at Michigan ferret has made a major comeback as a State. Wildt spent the next few years result of captive breeding. Wildt’s opera- working at Baylor College of Medicine tion has produced more than 600 black- in Houston. He had his first opportunity footed ferrets, including more than 140 to work at a zoo—the nearby Houston by artificial insemination, with some of Zoo—where he became fascinated with these now reintroduced onto the plains research opportunities with wildlife. of the American West. Wildt works at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, a 3,200-acre site in Virginia. In 1979, Wildt began working as a Describing his career, the tireless biomedical researcher at the National researcher/administrator points out that Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Mary- he’s been very fortunate as a scientist. willing to commit major resources to land, but spent many weekends doing “My real passion, going all the way back saving species, and I couldn’t be prouder small research projects at the Smith- to Illinois State, has been studying the to be a part of that. sonian’s National Zoo in Washington. basic biology of animals, especially how “When I reflect on the opportunity A job opened there in 1983. Since then they differ from one another. I was given to work on protecting an he has gained international recognition “When I think about my job today, I iconic species like the giant panda, I just for developing one of the world’s most realize that I’m one of the luckiest guys say ‘Wow!’ As a guy who’s always loved effective research programs in repro- I know,” says the affable and down-to- working with animals, it’s been one heck ductive physiology and species survival, earth scientist. “The Smithsonian is of a ride.” including modern technologies that a great American treasure which has Photos courtesy of Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute can be used to protect environmentally a strong commitment to biodiversity of the National Zoological Park. threatened species. conservation. That means they’ve been Wildt authored the now-classic work on species survival, Giant Pandas: Biology, Veterinary Medicine and Man- agement. He has also published more than 290 scientific journal articles in his Don’t be fooled specialty, along with 40 book chapters. by the giant panda’s look The knowledge shared comes from having spent more than 25 years running At first glance, they seem lovably cute. reproductive biology-research programs Outfitted by Mother Nature with jet-black at the National Zoo and now its Smith- eye patches and tons of fluffy-white fur, the sonian Conservation Biology Institute giant pandas are the unchallenged superstars (SCBI). of the zoo world. Today Wildt directs the Institute’s You wouldn’t want to mess with one, however. Center for Species Survival, which is located at the main SCBI facility near That’s because your typical adult male giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) Front Royal, Virginia. This 3,200-acre stands five or six feet tall, weighs about 250 pounds, and owns a set of brutally operation supports regional ecological powerful teeth designed to crunch through the leathery stalks of bamboo on studies, as well as research and breeding which these legendary forest creatures usually feed. for almost 30 endangered species. “Pandas are quite cute, of course, and most zoo-goers love to watch them,” Besides supervising a group of 25 said the National Zoo’s Dave Wildt. “But it’s important to remember that they’re scientists, post-doctoral researchers, still bears. They’re extremely powerful animals, and can be dangerous if they feel and grad students, Wildt also directs they’re being threatened by humans.” another 20 staff who are curators and Although they once roamed across large swaths of Asia, the endangered pan- keepers of SCBI’s rare animals, ranging from scimitar-horned oryx to clouded da population is these days restricted to a few mountain ranges in Central and leopards and Asian cranes. Western China. Most bear experts believe there are no more than about 2,000 Along with saving the giant pandas, giant pandas now living in the wild, with another 300 or so inhabiting zoos and Wildt’s team has been credited with breeding centers in China and elsewhere around the world. helping to protect many other threat- Like most bears, the typical panda enjoys a healthy appetite and can easily ened species, including the cheetah, the put away 40 to 50 pounds of fresh bamboo during a typical day of mountain Florida panther, and the black-footed foraging. Pandas in the wild generally live into their early twenties, but a few of ferret. Once believed to be extinct, the the zoo-kept bears have been known to reach the ripe old age of 35.

November 2011 Illinois State 11 From Books to Battle Charles hovey put Illinois state in the civil war annals

Illinois State Normal University (ISNU) was caught up in national politics soon after the school was established in 1857. Students and faculty alike talked of John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry, the Lincoln-Douglas debates, and the election of Illinois’ favored son as president. Soon after Abraham Lincoln took office, campus conversation turned to South Carolina’s secession, the occupation of federal forts, and Minute Men organizations springing up. Many pondered how long it would be before the Normal men would begin military drills.

12 Illinois State November 2011 In April of 1861 Fort Sumter was attacked, prompting Lincoln to summon 75,000 volunteers willing to serve three months. Among locals who answered the call were five ISNU men: Joseph Howell, an 1860 graduate and teacher in the University’s Model School; and students Henry Prevost, Charles Clark, Hiram Johnson, and Justin Spaulding. The Bloomington company was promptly assembled for training in Springfield. ISNU President Charles Hovey was troubled about the war’s impact upon the Normal School, as well as his own role. He did not want to see the semester dis- rupted, as the need for teachers was critical. But the young ISNU President Charles Hovey , was troubled about the war s impact upon the Normal School, as well as his own role. men of the University were restless. They missed their peers and wondered if they were shirking their duty by remaining on campus. They talked of nothing else. Hovey counseled against immediate enlist- ment. He proposed that the men instead prepare for the day they might be called to battle, pledging he would go with them. He hired a drillmaster and created a practice field. Soon there were daily drills of the men who became known as the Normal Rifles. A few had guns, but most carried only crafted imita- tion weapons sawed and whittled from cast-off wood.

November 2011 Illinois State 13 The women on campus lined up be- common freedom,” Crist said in a speech Lincoln, who consequently commis- side the “parade ground” and watched. recorded by historians. sioned Hovey as a colonel. Authorized to They created a banner for the Rifles, As the 1861 school term ended, the form a regiment, Hovey called back the which student Sophie Crist presented Rifles disbanded and their silken banner Rifles and began recruiting for what was with emotion. was folded away. Hovey promised to established as the Schoolmaster’s Regi- “We cannot say, ‘go forth to danger,’ reassemble the men if necessary. He and ment. He became one of only two college and it may be to death, but if go you ISNU founder Jesse Fell then traveled presidents to lead a Western regiment. must, take with you this banner, which to meet with Lincoln, who had received James Garfield of Hiram College, who is to all the nation the emblem of our Congressional authorization to accept became the nation’s 20th president, The University”s young men were restless, battling feelings that studying meant shirking their duty.

the services of 500,000 more volunteers. commanded the Forty-Second Ohio Hovey and Fell arrived in Washing- Regiment. ton, D.C., as citizens headed to watch By September more than 900 men a confrontation between Union and were a part of Hovey’s Illinois Thirty- Confederate troops. Visi- Third Infantry Regiment, which trained tors mingled among the in Missouri. There were 46 ISNU stu- troops, making the scene dents, including 20 who had drilled with a great military picnic. the Rifles. Other members had grown They did not realize impatient and already enlisted. they were about to The Schoolmaster’s Regiment orga- witness the Battle nized at Camp Butler in Springfield and of Bull Run. soon moved to Pilot Knob near Ironton, By afternoon, Missouri, for serious training. The men the Union troops saw their first engagement at Frederick- were in retreat. town, Missouri. Dead and dying At Bayou Cache, a wounded Hovey soldiers were left rallied his men against a strong Confed- everywhere, as pan- erate contingent until reinforcement icked onlookers ran for arrived. He was promoted to Brigadier safety back in Washing- General for his distinguished conduct ton. Hovey went to the under fire. battlefield, while Fell Back on campus the regiment’s helped the wounded. practice field grew over with weeds. The event con- Students walked across the stubble ex- vinced Hovey to changing the latest news from the front. petition They shared letters and copies of The Picket, a little paper from the headquarters of the Thirty-Third. The regiment remained on the move, seeing action in Arkansas and

14 Illinois State November 2011

When the war ended, Illinois State emerged ready to begin a new chapter. The University”s reputation for patriotism...became a point of pride.

Louisiana swamps, Missouri, the Vicks- The loss was just one struggle the triotism, which was evident with the burg campaign, Champion’s Hill, rail- campus faced during the traumatic creation of the Schoolmaster’s Regiment road guard duty, Fort Esperanza Texas, Civil War years. Men joined the military 150 years ago, became a point of pride. and Spanish Fort Alabama. The work and women took the minimum courses Enrollments increased as the campus ended when the regiment was disbanded required to qualify for a position in flourished to become one of the most on December 7, 1865. schools desperate for teachers. As a notable teacher colleges in the nation. Altogether 80 faculty members, 94 result, 506 students enrolled prior to the Editor’s note: Information for this piece was compiled ISNU students, and 15 more from the 1861 winter term but only 52 remained to by Jerry Abner ’75, M.S. ’92, from Grandest of Model School served in the Schoolmas- graduate. State expenditures were ques- Enterprises Illinois State University 1875-1957, by Helen ter’s Regiment or other Illinois regi- tioned and teacher training scrutinized. E. Marshall; Educating Illinois: Illinois State University, ments. A total of 10 died, with Howell The school’s existence was strenuously 1857-2007, by John B. Freed; and McLean County Museum of History, Archive Collections, which the University’s first casualty. His death defended by President Richard Edwards. supplied the photo on the opposite page. occurred just a few months after he had When the war ended, Illinois State returned on furlough to campus, where emerged ready to begin a new chapter. he was greeted as a conquering hero. The University’s reputation for pa-

A view of history unfolding Learn more about Illinois State during the war years at IllinoisState.edu/magazine. Watch videos of 1860 to 1862 and 1862 to 1866. Download the Tag reader by texting TAG to 71857.

November 2011 Illinois State 15 16 Illinois State November 2011 For a year her job gave her stomach aches. Standing in front of high school juvenile delinquents from gritty neighborhoods put Kari Dunn Buron in knots. The physical education teacher was only 21 and it was her first teaching experience.

November 2011 Illinois State 17 or a year her job gave her stom- social and communication skills. ach aches. Standing in front of Their struggle has been Fhigh school juvenile delinquents eased because of the teaching from gritty neighborhoods put Kari breakthroughs achieved by Buron, Dunn Buron in knots. The physical whose work with autism started education teacher was only 21 and it was with one 4-year-old student in her her first teaching experience. Minnesota public school system. “I was not that much older than Soon she had a dozen students from they were and they were a lot more 12 districts. They were nonverbal, street savvy. It was hard to know how aggressive, and had severe behavioral to be an authority figure,” she said. Five challenges. Staff turnover was huge. Kari Dunn Buron years later when the school closed, “It was just a very difficult job has pieced together she had learned that children are “still because you had to think on your feet a better plan for teaching autistic vulnerable and learning, and certainly all the time,” she said. “We were com- children. could be influenced by a teacher who pletely lost.” cared.” Autism teachers relied on each certificate for Hamline University in St. Buron ’73, M.S. ’80, cared so much other for support as programs popped Paul, Minnesota, one of the first certi- that when the job ended, she returned up across the country. Schools had time- fication programs in the country. ASD to Illinois State for a master’s in special out rooms—the equivalent of “boxes” certificates are now offered at seven education. She then headed to Min- that reminded Buron of Minnesota fish Minnesota universities, and the state is nesota to develop one of the state’s first houses. Aggressive students sat there developing a licensure program. autism programs. with the door closed. Although autism awareness has It was the 1980s and autism was a She knew it wasn’t changing behav- grown tremendously in the past three new label. Today the Centers for Disease ior, but still used the room herself when decades, there are still few answers as Control and Prevention reports that one a boy threw a piece of equipment at her. to what causes the disorder. Magnetic in 110 children fall somewhere along the As she felt the blood on her forehead, resonance imaging has brought insights, autism spectrum. Since 2002 there has she told a staff member to “put him in as researchers can look at the brain prior been a 57 percent increase in prevalence the box.” to autopsy. This increased understand- of the physical condition that is linked It wasn’t long before she heard the ing of ASD accounts in part for the to abnormal biology and chemistry in child asking, “Kari, Kari, why am I in increase in cases, Buron said, noting that the brain. Individuals with autism lack here?” She could hear him crying. “I just Asperger Syndrome was identified in the the ability to develop started crying myself. I knew he was in mid-1990s and added to the spectrum. there because I didn’t know what else “Professionals in the field of autism to do,” she said. “That really started my got better and better at identifying journey toward finding a better way.” autism,” she said. “Not only did we add Buron’s search led to a method individuals who were diagnosed with called “gentle teaching,” which recog- Asperger Syndrome, we also added a nizes an autistic child’s challenging be- number of kids in between who had havior stems from a lack of skills rather been diagnosed with other disabilities.” than a deliberate act. She convinced her Asperger’s is a social learning dis- Tips for parents school district to find alternative ap- ability. Someone with Asperger’s might and teachers proaches. The use of time- not be able to hold a job or establish out rooms ended and the long-term relationships because of an When observing challenging behavior, Kari boxes were removed. inability to do simple tasks, like getting Dunn Buron suggests you stop and ask these The small group yourself up in the morning or conversing

questions: of autism teachers socially. she worked with 1. What is the child doing that you She and colleague Mitzi Curtis ’77 grew into a statewide wish wasn’t happening? started teaching social skills using a organization, the Min- visual 5-point scale to explain social and 2. What would you rather the student do? nesota Autism Network, emotional concepts. Buron considers 3. What skills does the child need to do and became a model for other Curtis a gifted teacher and was thrilled it that way? states. In 2001, Buron developed an to learn she is also an Illinois State alum. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) 4. How can you teach that?

18 Illinois State November 2011 “I always felt that my training was And she’s explored new treatments individuals trapped by autism—many of excellent, particularly my master’s pro- for autism, including canine therapy. whom are very talented and highly edu- gram. It was amazing to meet another Using her yellow lab, Claire, she worked cated individuals failing at life because teacher, a decade later and 800 miles on communication skills with nonver- of a lack of social skills. away, who also seemed uniquely pre- bal children. “I was blown away by the “Those skills are really what’s pared, and then to discover that she was impact Claire had,” she said. “She was a needed at the end of the day. If some- a graduate of ISU,” Buron said. social conduit. She’s incredibly em- body can’t read, we teach reading. If Other teachers started using their powering. I have a lot of faith in canine somebody can’t do math, we teach math. 5-point approach. It was so success- therapy and autism.” But if a person can’t succeed socially, we ful, The Incredible 5-Point Scale was She’s also used yoga in the class- tend to punish,” Buron said. “We need published. That led to a series of 5-point room, working with adaptive poses that to address it like any books, including When My Worries don’t require as much balance. Short other skill. It needs Get Too Big, which teaches relaxation routines twice a day reduced tantrums. to be taught.” strategies; and A 5 is Against the Law!, Buron has found the value of ap- which teaches lessons such as personal plying her teaching tools in her own distance. Social Behavior and Self-Man- life when struggling for balance. She agement, a book for college students that has used the 5-point scale, and finds includes how to deal with roommates her canine companion a great stress Five things you should and dating, is due out in the spring. reliever. She has also completed a textbook “It’s trying to practice what know about autism titled Learners on the Autism Spectrum: I preach,” she said. “I know 1. Autism is the result of how the child’s Preparing Highly Qualified Educators, when to take deep breaths and brain works. and created a magazine for students go for a walk.” with ASD called The Social Times. Such down time is a 2. Autism appears to involve particular Buron is quick to credit Illinois little easier to schedule since she learning strengths, such as visual learning State when reflecting on her profes- recently retired. She remains con- and learning through systems. Parents sional journey, noting that she might nected with four college friends who and teachers can use this information to not have had a 30-year teaching career met in 1969 on the 15th floor of Hewitt create the most functional interventions. in autism if not for an experience while Hall. They met recently in New York to 3. still an ISU student. She was at The Baby celebrate their 60th birthdays. Autism is a disorder of social thinking and Fold, a Normal agency for children with She also enjoys spending August can lead to social anxiety, which can lead emotional and behavioral disorders, in Nova Scotia, Canada. Bear River is a to explosive and challenging behavior and observed a class of young autistic summer home to Buron and her hus- when a child needs to negotiate social children. band. There’s no cell phone coverage interactions. “That was all I had. That was my or Internet. If she wants to 4. understanding of autism but it if weren’t check on the rest of the The school setting is the ultimate social for my practicum, I wouldn’t have even world, she has to walk environment, and children with autism had any idea in my mind of what I was to the village café. are challenged to negotiate that every looking at when I started the autism For a teacher who day without all of the necessary skills. program,” she said. has devoted her life to 5. Bridges need to be built between Buron’s work has long extended far helping others make con- neuroscience and education. As we learn beyond Minnesota. Twenty years ago nections, there’s a bit of irony in she started consulting for the Autism her finding peace by being discon- more about the brain, we will learn more

Society of Trinidad and Tobago. She nected. She does not stay in that about autism and how to teach. also has done international volunteer mode for long, however, as Buron work in Barbados, Tanzania, Ghana, and continues her quest to unlock elsewhere. a world of opportunity for

ISU’s institute helps autistic children Family members and educators looking for information and services to help an autistic child can turn to the Autism Spectrum Institute at Illinois State University. Go to http://autismspectrum.illinoisstate.edu to see the resources available, including an opportunity to participate in a new study. Download the Tag reader by texting TAG to 71857.

November 2011 Illinois State 19 judged by Susan Marquardt Blystone superior

20 Illinois State November 2011 National success removes all doubt about mock trial team experience by Susan Marquardt Blystone The Illinois State mock trial team toils away in the campus shadows with minimal support or recognition, yet shines brightly among its national competitors. The small percentage of individuals who realize the University even has such a team inevitably ask how a school that doesn’t offer a law degree ended up with an award-winning program that has helped prepare lawyers for nearly a quarter of a century. Politics and Government Professor Emeritus Thomas Eimermann doesn’t just know the answer to that question, he is the answer. The team—which has sent at least one group to the national tournament in 11 superior of the past 19 years and captured the national championship in 2003 by beating Gonzaga University—is just one offshoot of the roots Eimermann planted when he joined what was then the Political Science Department in 1970. “When I was hired, I was given responsibility prep course as an alternative to paying approximately for developing a formal pre-law program at ISU,” $1,000 for a commercial prep course. ISU continues he said, recalling there were only two law-related to offer the 12-hour noncredit prep class for $175. courses. “The opportunity to build a program from But the most intense preparation by far comes the ground up played an important part in my deci- through the mock trial team, which has empowered sion to accept the position.” many of Eimermann’s protégés to find their passion Eimermann initially identified existing courses and profession. He learned of the program from a across the University that would benefit undergrad- Drake University Law School mailing. A law professor uates considering a law career. He also expanded there started the intercollegiate competition in 1985. the number and variety of law-related courses Seeing an opportunity to enhance the pre- within the Political Science Department. law experience, Eimermann created the team and He formed and advised the Law Club, which a trial advocacy course. Still mandatory for team mentored students through discussions that ranged members, the class covers the rules governing the from getting the law degree to contemporary legal conduct of trials. The skills involved in preparing controversies. Still in existence, the club arranges and delivering opening statements, as well as direct law school recruiter campus visits and student trips and cross examinations, are also studied. to area law schools. Eimermann recruited Appellate Judge James When paralegals began to receive formal rec- Knecht ’68 to serve as the team’s first attorney ognition from the American Bar Association in the coach. Mick Hall ’89 was on the initial team and mid-1970s, Eimermann seized an opportunity. ISU later went on to serve as an attorney coach, which became one of the first four-year public universities is the role of litigation expert. It involves working in the nation to offer the curriculum. closely with the students on strategy and tactics as “Paralegal was a place for growth and it be- they prepare their case. Eimermann was the educa- came our niche,” he said. “It attracted traditional tor coach responsible for administrative details, students interested in law, but with no desire to be including the team budget and travel logistics. an attorney; and nontraditional students, such as le- “When we participated in our first tournament gal secretaries, who were able to command a higher there were only about 30 schools involved nation- salary with the degree.” ally. Today there are 380 schools with teams in the As the program’s founder and director, Eimer- American Mock Trial Association, including 18 in mann further enriched the curriculum with classes Illinois,” Eimermann said. on civil procedure and appellate practice, tort law, Regional qualifying tournaments are now family law, probate, criminal law, and investiga- the pathway to nationals, with teams partici- tive techniques. He also developed the Uni- pating in several invitationals throughout the versity’s own Law School Admissions Test academic year to hone their performance. It is

Illinois State’s mock trial team thrives on Attorney coaches the efforts of faculty and alumni. The fol- (guide preparation of the case) lowing individuals have volunteered long James Knecht, 1985–1990 hours of service to create the opportunity Judge and alum for students to compete. David Butler, 1990–1991 Judge and alum Educator coaches Tom Brown, 1991–1999 (general manager for the team) Attorney Tom Eimermann, 1985–2007 Mick Hall, 1999–2009 Faculty member emeritus Attorney and alum*^# Tom McClure, 2007–present # Scott Kording, 2009–present

Kudos to the coaches Faculty member, attorney, and alum Attorney and alum*#

* Participated in mock trial as an ISU student. ^ Wrote the case materials used nationally for the 2003-2004 academic year competition. # Received a 2010 Lawyers Who Care award from the Illinois State Bar Association for dedicated work with the mock trial team.

22 Illinois State November 2011 not uncommon for ISU students to go up against Big His mock trial team partner is Scott Kording Hours of preparation 10 schools, universities with law programs, and the ’02, a Bloomington trial lawyer with his own private are required of team members and coaches, Ivy League. Illinois State began hosting its own major practice who has worked with the team the past seen practicing at the invitational in 2002, and continues the event each fall. four years and is now the attorney coach. He was an McLean County Law and Eimermann praises the dedication of alumni assistant under Hall, who with Eimermann coached Justice Center. At left are and staff for maintaining the tradition, as well as ex- Kording as an undergraduate on the team. Jesse Guth, Anastasia Sotiropoulos, Joe Blanche, tending the team’s successful record. ISU now has “Mock trial at Illinois State was a game and coach Tom McClure one of the leading programs in the Midwest, with changer for me. I knew then that I wanted to be in the role of judge. both squads advancing to nationals again last year. a trial lawyer” said Kording, who met his wife, Coach Scott Kording, While he is still engaged and supportive, Melanie (Bertilson) ’02, on his first day of speech above center, works with Eimermann retired from Illinois State in 2002. He class as a freshman. Katie Campbell and ended his term as educator coach in 2007, handing Kording came to the University as a Presi- Bill Calbow on witness over the reins to a dual alum he advised, Thomas dential Scholar. Active in student government, he examination techniques. McClure ’76, M.S. ’01. served as both vice president and president of the An assistant professor in Politics and Govern- student body and was also a Bone Scholar. During ment as well as the director of Legal Studies, Mc- his senior year, Kording took top All American Hon- Clure was a practicing civil and criminal litigator for ors at the national mock trial tournament. more than 20 years prior to joining Illinois State as an adjunct faculty member in 2003. A modified version of the Federal Rules of Evidence applies. The student attorneys must make and defend evidentiary objec- tions in the same way they are handled in Assistant coaches A look at the logistics actual trials. In intercollegiate mock trial competition, students Students playing witnesses are required Doug Kotlarczyk, 2000–2002 are given copies of court documents and witness to respond to the attorneys’ questions as Alum*^ statements from a hypothetical case. Each year the real witnesses would, and to make it as Barry Tolkin, 2004–2008 cases alternate between civil and criminal matters. difficult as possible for the lawyers on the Alum* This year’s competition is based on a criminal case opposing team. against a young man accused of murder and driv- There are always more witnesses Scott Kording, 2006–2009 ing under the influence following an auto accident available than can be called, so team mem- # Attorney and alum* in which his friend died. bers must choose carefully who to include based on their strategy for the case. This Mick Hall, 2009–2011 Materials for the case total 100-plus pages that fact alone makes each competition its # include a summation, victim statements, police Attorney and alum*^ own unique experience for students. reports, witness affidavits, and other raw material Scoring is based on a team’s overall Adam Ghrist, 2010–2011 teams use to develop a strategy. Alum* Each team participates in two trials in which performance. Individuals are judged as well, with honors given to the top four they play the roles of prosecutors, defense lawyers, lawyers and four witnesses in each and witnesses. Those in the lawyer role must pres- competitive round. ent opening statements and closing arguments, as well as direct and cross examinations.

November 2011 Illinois State 23 His own experience creates an appreciation Close to 300 students have benefited from for the effort of the 16 team members, who invest as mock trial since its start. Beyond gaining a realistic much time as student-athletes. Kording estimates sense of the American legal system and specifically they devote 20 to 30 hours a week to practices, with a litigation attorney’s work, they have gained enor- nine full weekends lost to competition mous confidence as they honed analytical skills, throughout the academic year. As a oral communication skills, and an ability to think coach, Kording’s prep time, teaching, on their feet. Team members also establish lifelong and travel equates to a part-time job. friendships and build an invaluable network of The case material is received mentors who write letters of recommendation, give in August, which is when the work career advice, and become life coaches. begins. There are always more wit- Kording still considers Eimermann a mentor. nesses available than can be used, so McClure refers to him as “the hub,” noting Eimer- who will be called to testify varies mann taught all of the key players involved with the depending on each team’s strategy. mock trial team since its start. And he continues Preparation requires being ready for to influence students, as he and McClure are now any of the characters to introduce any coauthoring a textbook. of the evidence. Eimermann’s legacy also lives on at Illinois Politics and Government “Students have their eyes opened as they learn State through an Attorney Advisory Board that he Professor Emeritus to think quickly based on not only the witnesses helped create, as well as the Thomas Eimermann Thomas Eimermann is the but the reactions and rulings of the judge,” Kording Pre-Law Advisement Center. He and his wife, Kath- architect of Illinois State’s pre-law program, including said, noting team members write their own opening leen, established the Thomas Eimermann Scholar- the mock trial team. or closing statements and determine what to say in ship to assist a politics and government student court. “It is incredible prep for law school, as we committed to mock trial competition. give them a good foundation.” “I came with a vision for courses that would be He and McClure focus on strengthening each good for students to test if they liked law or not and student, not just taking competitions. “Although that would help them jump ahead when they got to we certainly like to win, that is not our focus,” law school,” Eimermann said. “It gives me a great McClure said. “We want our students to become deal of personal satisfaction to see all that has been successful litigators armed with skills they can use accomplished over the last 40 years.” after they graduate.” mock trial team crippled by achilles' heel Illinois State’s mock trial team has what it takes to soar. The students and his wife created to help a mock trial student. Now he is hopeful that are dedicated and talented, consistently making it to the national level. alumni will respond to an ongoing fundraising effort started by the Attor- Alumni are involved and supportive, with more than 70 serving on an At- neys Advisory Board, which is working to create an established source of torneys Advisory Board. Faculty are equally committed to continuing the funding that will carry the team far into the future. team’s winning legacy that truly is remarkable, considering the monetary The board started the Pre-Law Endowed Program Fund in March support has always been minimal. with a goal of raising $500,000. Beyond funding the pre-law program, As the team’s educator coach, Thomas McClure is responsible for donor support will cover mock trial operating expenses and allow for juggling the tight budget that consists of approximately $10,000 annu- growth with such things as high school mock trial workshops, which in ally. The funding comes out of a $25,000 pre-law program budget and is turn will bolster efforts to recruit stellar students. paltry compared to the backing ISU’s competitors enjoy. Loyola’s team, Director of Development Mary Crawford is working to secure $5,000 for example, typically has a $30,000 account. gifts to be made over five years as one way to reach the goal. Several “Travel is our biggest problem. To stay competitive, we have got to graduates of the program have already teamed up to make such a pledge. go to tournaments,” McClure said. “Teams that are not willing to go to To learn more about the endowed fund or the Thomas Eimermann multiple tournaments are not going to do well.” Scholarship, contact Crawford at (309) 438-7725 or [email protected]. Competitions are held across the country. ISU’s team stretches its Donations may also be made online at Advancement.ilstu.edu/support. dollars by skipping overnights whenever possible, which means hours spent on the road instead of resting or preparing. McClure praises the Department of Politics and Government for its More evidence of excellence Learn more about the mock trial team’s impressive record and stalwart support. He is grateful for the scholarship Thomas Eimermann history at pol.illinoisstate.edu/current/mock_trial/mocktrial.shtml. Download the Tag reader by texting TAG to 71857.

24 Illinois State November 2011 Every Gift Matters

Annual Report 2010-2011 Thank you With the season for giving thanks quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to express gratitude to those who have supported the University during the past year. Whether earmarked for a research project, a specific academic program, or a scholarship fund, all gift dollars ultimately impact a student’s life. The Foundation Annual Report is in- serted into Illinois State each November as one way to share just a small sample of how every gift has an impact. Take a moment to realize how grateful recipients are when doors of opportunity open because of another’s generosity. You too can help lift a financial burden and fuel a dream. Use the envelope enclosed in this issue to send a gift, or go online to IllinoisState.edu/giving. Visit Advancement.IllinoisState.edu for a complete list of donors. Each is a valued Illinois State partner whose commitment to the University is truly appreciated.

26 Illinois State November 2011 A family of Redbird fans By Kate Arthur Sometimes the money comes from their tax refund, other times it’s from his work bonus. Finding a little extra in a young family’s budget isn’t easy, but Amy and Randy Roser have supported Redbird Athletics for more than a decade. The alums met on a blind date at an Illinois State-Bradley University basketball game. “It’s just something we make happen,” said Randy Roser ’86. “We were doing it even before we had kids. I like what the University stands for.” Randy was a first-generation college student who lost his father at a young age. Financial aid helped with the tuition bills while he worked his way through college. Amy (Mersinger) ’95, M.S. ’02, was also a first-generation college student. Her father didn’t graduate from high school, but believed so strongly in education that he put all six children through college. The Rosers are loyal supporters of Athletics. So loyal that Amy couldn’t break herself away from a game even when her contractions started with their first child, Paige, 3. “I kept asking if she wanted to leave and she said she wanted to watch the end of the game,” Randy said. Their second child, Miranda, 1, also arrived after a game. Her parents were back in their seats a week later. The couple donate to the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund, which rewards a Redbird student athlete who has a commitment to academics and competition. “It’s good to teach our kids the value of giving, education and loyalty,” Amy said. “Our commitment to the University demonstrates that. We’re so lucky to be a part of Illinois State. It’s a university that cares so much about its students.” As associate director for Illinois State’s University College, she sees students struggling financially. Some even have trouble finding a few dollars to print documents for class. “Every gift makes such a difference,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be a huge amount to name a building. It can be enough to buy a student a textbook. It may not seem like a Weisbecker lot, but it means a lot to the students.” Scholarship Fund This fund was established in 1990 Pictured in photo: Redbird Katie Broadway and is named for Milt Weisbecker, and Paige Roser Illinois State Athletics director from 1966 to 1974. More than 1153 Redbird Athletics donors support the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund annually.

November 2011 Illinois State 27 A desire to make a difference By Kate Arthur Not many high-schoolers know what they want to do with their life. Ronnell Robinzine ’09 was different. Even before he was old enough to drive, he wanted to be a lawyer. “I saw lawyers as leaders making a difference in society, and I wanted to make a difference,” he said. Illinois State was one of two colleges he considered for an undergraduate degree in finance. What made his decision was the State Farm Hall of Business, how he felt when he walked the campus, and scholarships. Three years in a row he received the Illinois State University’s Black Colleagues Association Judge Russell DeBow Scholarship based on his grades, campus involvement, and leadership. “The scholarships not only helped me finance my education, but allowed me to focus more on my studies,” he said. “Having that financial aid enriched my overall campus experience, academically, socially, and professionally by allowing me to get involved in campus organizations and in the community.” Robinzine was active in the Mentoring Scholarship, Academics, and Achieve- ment Initiative, a mentoring program for freshmen. He became a residence hall advisor and was active in student government, the Student Involvement Center, and College of Business organizations. After an internship in investments at State Farm Insurance Companies, he decided to blend his love of finance and law by pursuing a career in corporate law. He graduated magna cum laude and was accepted into his first choice for law school, the University of Florida College of Law in Gainesville, where he’s a third-year student. He’s continued to make headlines there, Illinois State University’s earning scholarships for academics and Black Colleagues leadership. Association “I’ll have loans when I get out, but schol- Illinois State University’s Black arships helped reduce them,” he said. “Law Colleagues Association awards three school is really challenging me academical- scholarships: the Judge Russell ly, and I look forward to the opportunities DeBow Scholarship, the President’s that I will have after graduating. I enjoyed Office Book Scholarship, and the my experience at ISU. It gave me a great Vice President for Student Affairs foundation.” Book Scholarship. Gloria Campbell- White ’58 and John Jordon (photo above, left), and Julie (Fuery) ’90 and Tracy Jones support this fund through planned gifts, along with many additional annual donors.

28 Illinois State November 2011 November 2011 Illinois State 29 Going the extra mile By Steven Barcus Not many people would drive four hours every day for three years to pursue a dream. That is what Jenni McCool, Ph.D. ’09, did when she chose Illinois State for her doctorate. Moving to campus wasn’t an option for McCool, who didn’t want to uproot her two toddlers and husband from their home in Macomb. But she wouldn’t let the 111 miles stop her. Armed with audio books, music, NPR, and a hunger for learning, she prepared herself. “I was going to have to spend four hours a day in the car, 20 hours a week teaching, and also do all of my coursework. At first I wasn’t sure how I’d be able to do it all,” she said. But the August before her first semester she received a letter saying she’d won the O’Daffer Fellowship. “When I got the letter, we celebrated. It was a big deal for the whole family. That was a huge burden off our shoulders. The O’Daffer Fellowship allowed me to focus on my studies, and made sure I had some income to support my family.” McCool continued a tradition established by past recipients by working with an accelerated student at Metcalf. This was a natural fit for the seasoned educator who had taught high school while working on her master’s. After years of teaching, McCool wanted to touch the lives of even more students. “I thought I could impact more students in the long run if I could impact their teachers. So I decided to get my Ph.D. so I could work with future teachers.” McCool is an assistant professor in the Mathematics Department at the University of Wisconsin at Lacrosse. She researches how students learn and puts that research into the hands of teachers. When she looks back at what she had to do to reach her goal, she has no regrets. About the O’Daffer “I wouldn’t change anything. Fellowship The whole program was awe- The O’Daffer Fellowship was some. I am very thankful for the established in 2003 by Phares and experience I had at Illinois State. Harriet O’Daffer. Phares ’55, M.S. It was totally worth the four-hour ’57, is a retired mathematics fac- car ride.” ulty member, and Harriet (Gove) ’55, M.S. ’57, is a homemaker. They have three children. The fellowship is awarded to a student enrolled in the Ph.D. Mathematics Education Program and has been awarded 11 times.

30 Illinois State November 2011 A lasting impression By Sean Kelly Garrett Anderson ’10 is the first in his family to graduate from a four-year college. This puts him one step closer to a career helping fellow veterans. More importantly, his graduation left a lasting impression on his 4-year-old daughter. “She was at my graduation and she thought it was the greatest thing in the world,” he said. “She’ll always have a memory of me walking across the stage, getting my diploma, and seeing her dad out there. I think that was a really exciting time for her. Maybe in the future she’ll want to do that too.” Anderson joined the U.S. Army as a way to help pay for school. After serving his country, he planned on getting a degree and becoming a police officer. Get- ting a degree was something his father, a blue-collar painter, always encouraged. “He never wanted me to work as hard as he had his whole life,” Anderson said. After serving eight years, he lost his right arm while fighting in Iraq. His injury made a career in law enforcement difficult, so he shifted his focus to helping other veterans. A job with the Department of Veterans Affairs became the new destination, with a degree in criminal justice from Illinois State the first stop. If hitting the books wasn’t enough, helping his wife raise two daughters while taking care of a typical homeowner’s bills was. When he received the Disability Concerns Educational Scholarship, it relieved the financial pressure so he could concentrate on what was important: his family and his classes. “There was less stress on life for me,” he said. “I put more focus on school, and that allowed me to graduate on time.” Disability Concerns made certain tasks, such as asking teachers for help, more comfortable for him. That’s just another reason he advocates for Illinois State. “When people are thinking about college, I recommend ISU. If they have challenges or disabilities I say, ‘Listen, get over to Disability Concerns and they’ll take care of you.’” Disability Concerns Educational Enhancement Scholarship Recipients are clients of Disability Concerns, enrolled in good standing, and demonstrate financial need. Five scholarships are awarded each year through a fund established by donors who wish to keep their names confidential.

November 2011 Illinois State 31 Energy source Lauren Knapp ’11 earned her degree in renewable energy, a program that receives significant support from corporate donors. She dreams of running her own nonprofit, teaching women in impoverished nations how to use solar-powered water purification systems. Read her story at IllinoisState.edu/magazine.

Donor dollars at work

The purpose of the Illinois fy11 Contribution Summary State University Foundation Alumni: 22% Funds raised in FY2011 totaled more than $13.5 is to assist in developing Faculty/Staff/ million. This is an increase of $1.27 million from Annuitants: 6% and increasing educational FY2010, and represents more than a 10 percent Parents: 1% opportunities and the facilities growth in funds raised during the past year. Friends: 9% of Illinois State University; and Of the total invested by donors, cash and new Donor advised to receive, hold, and administer funds: 1% commitments were up 7.2 percent. Given the Corporations and current fundraising climate, it is significant to gifts with the primary objec- foundations: 25% note the number of alumni who supported the tive of serving the education Matching gifts: 4% University in FY2011 increased by nearly 100 to purposes of the University. Gifts-in-kind: 8% total 9,183 graduates. Estates: 24% Each and every gift to the University is appreciated. In order to make wise use of our resources and be Foundation expenditures Long-term investments market value environmentally friendly, our Honor fy11 Roll of donors is now located on the 100 mil Departments and University Advancement website, programs: $4,225,461 Scholarships and 80 mil Advancement.IllinoisState.edu. awards: $2,525,397 If your name appears in the online Other: $2,600,168 60 mil listing and you do not wish for it Capital projects: $19,231,386 $1,261,936 to appear there, please accept our Foundation operations: $17,005,328 $12,216,440 apologies and contact Kathy $1,016,112 40 mil $16,032,442

Alexander, director of Steward- $12,775,264 20 mil ship, at (309) 438-5711 or $69,194,754 [email protected]. $56,807,661 $57,022,126 $46,243,315 $59,521,293 0 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 Endowed Nonendowed

100000000

80000000

60000000 This document is available in alternative formats upon request by contacting Donor and Information Services at (309) 438-5711.

An equal opportunity/affirmative action university encouraging diversity University Marketing and Communications 12-0021 printed on recycled paper 40000000 $19,231,386 $12,216,440 $17,005,328 $16,032,442 20000000 $12,775,264 $57,022,126 $59,521,293 $56,807,661 $69,194,754 0 $46,243,315 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 Endowed Nonendowed November 2011 Illinois State 33 AlumniConnections

Chicago office extends reach of campus Convenience key to downtown location

lumni and students from the The space is perfect for business or social faculty,” said Kelly Howell, director of Windy City do not have far to gatherings. Alumni Relations for the greater Chicago go for a campus connection, There is also a private office avail- area. “Whether it is providing space for as the University continues able for use by drop-in visitors. Traveling alumni volunteer groups to meet, pro- toA maintain a Chicago office in the down- alumni especially appreciate this conve- spective students to visit, or faculty to town area. nience, as the suite is a peaceful location share educational sessions—we always Opened in 1990 through the Illinois with computer resources needed to stay have something going on, and would love State University Foundation, the office at in touch with work or home. to have more visitors.” 150 North Michigan Avenue was estab- A fine art gallery is also housed The office is open from 8 a.m.-4:30 lished to serve the high concentration of within the office space. Through a part- p.m., Monday through Friday. Full-time Chicago Redbirds. It remains a valuable nership with the ISU Fine Arts Galleries, staff are on hand to assist guests during resource that is instrumental in recruit- a variety of striking pieces are on loan for their visit. To hold a meeting or a social ing students and appreciated by alumni display. Each work is created by alumni event at the Chicago office, contact networks. or Illinois State faculty. The pieces are Jackie Marshall, office manager, at (312) Located in the heart of downtown on loan to the Illinois State University 251-3500 or (866) 366-4478. She can Chicago, the sophisticated office is an Foundation. Images of the display are answer questions of availability. Addi- ideal meeting place where faculty, staff, available on the office website. tional information can be found online alumni, and students regularly gather. “We are very happy to offer this at ChicagoOffice.IllinoisState.edu. resource to our alumni, students, and

34 Illinois State November 2011 Alumni Association directors elected Replacement diplomas easy to obtain There is new membership within the Three at-large executive commit- There’s something special about displaying Alumni Association following a board of tee members confirmed were Terrence your degree in a professional or personal directors campus meeting in September. Sykes ’93, of Elwood; Kaci Rollings ’94, of setting. The University Registrar can help Tim Pantaleone ’07 of Bloomington Ottawa; and Bob Freitag ’84, of Carlock. alumni showcase their ISU pride by replac- was elected to his first, three-year term. Matt Miglin ’10, of Loves Park, will serve ing lost or damaged diplomas. He is a finance supervisor at State Farm another one-year term as the Student To obtain a replacement diploma or Insurance Companies. While on campus Alumni Council representative. diploma cover, download the request form he was a manager for the softball team Established in 1863, the Alumni at www.registrar.ilstu.edu/graduation/ and entertained as Reggie Redbird. Pan- Association is a volunteer, nonprofit diploma.shtml or write taleone has remained a strong supporter group that serves more than 180,000 a letter of request to of Illinois State since his graduation. alumni, the University, and its students. Illinois State University, Evaluation Services, The board also elected officers, All graduates are automatic members Campus Box 2202, with Janessa Williams ’89, of Normal, of the Alumni Association. Alumni who Normal, IL, 61790- chosen as president. Greg Ayers ’90, of have made a gift to the Illinois State Uni- 2202. Diplomas can be Kalamazoo, is vice president/president- versity Foundation in the current or pre- replaced at a cost of $12, elect; and Jerry Kerber ’74, of Normal, is ceding year have active membership sta- and a diploma cover can be replaced for $4. secretary/treasurer. tus and are eligible to serve on the board. Please provide the quantity of diplomas or diploma covers desired, as well as the current name, name to be printed Keep in touch during extended vacations on the diploma, University Identification Number or date of birth, date of gradua- Are you headed to a warmer climate for required. If you travel to a different tion, mailing address, email address, and winter? Make certain you receive this destination each year, please contact phone number. Your signature is required magazine and other important Illinois Alumni Relations each time you tempo- to release your diploma. State mailings while away from your rarily relocate. Due to the danger of identity theft, home address. Your name, telephone number, persons who wish to change their first, Simply send your seasonal address email address, seasonal address, and the middle, or last name on their diploma must to Alumni Relations, along with the start and end dates for the time of your provide a copy of their marriage license, dates for the change of address. Doing relocation are needed. The information a court order, or a dissolution decree so also guarantees that you’ll receive can be submitted by email to alumni@ certifying their name change. Please send information about alumni events in the IllinoisState.edu. Mail should be sent a copy of one of these documents with area you are visiting. If you annually to Illinois State University, Migrating your request. Payment can be made by credit card by travel to the same location during the Redbirds, Campus Box 3100, Normal, IL completing the box on the request form, or same time period, just one notice is 61790-3100. by check or money order payable to Illinois State University.

Alumni Association Build career connections with your sponsors insurance program fellow Redbirds. Become a member of the Alumni Association group on The Alumni Association has been a long-

time partner with the American Insurance

Administrators, a USI Affinity Company, which provides opportunities for alumni to acquire health, life, and travel insurance. A wide variety of insurance plans are offered, Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/linkedin all with the goal of bringing peace of mind through quality products and excellent customer service. For additional information on the products available for you and costs, call (800) 922-1245 or visit the insurance link at Advancement.IllinoisState.edu/services. Stay in the know Keep connected with monthly updates, event invitations, and campus news. Visit IllinoisState.edu/alumni and sign up for the Illinois State news eNewsletter. Download the Tag reader by texting TAG to 71857. November 2011 Illinois State 35 ClassNotes

Professor provides a welcomed push Early involvement made possible

he power of partnering with ed certification training and served as the student and faculty relationship to faculty was made clear to Rude’s supervisor. form a friendship. “I never had Judith as Amy Rude ’07, M.S. ’11. While “I was eager to put my training into a professor and really only talked to her finishing her master’s degree practice,” Rude said, noting she expected once about my practicum placement,” inT social work this past spring, Rude’s it would be a couple years before she Rude said. “I wasn’t worried about going participation in a relief effort with the could obtain her license and be involved because she was genuinely caring the American Red Cross was made possible as a disaster mental health volunteer. She first time I met her.” through intervention from her academic assisted at various shelters with other Together the two comforted a department. professionals as well. strong-knit community dealing with Rude was able to help flood victims “One really nice thing about the Red great loss. Many moments impacted because of Judith Sevel, School of Social Cross is that although she was working Rude, especially interacting and connect- Work director of field education. Sevel, primarily with me, because all of us were ing with children. above left with Rude, is a Red Cross men- licensed she had the chance to work with Since graduating, Rude continues tal health disaster volunteer who headed other people too, giving her many more to work hard and is eager to continue to Mississippi and Tennessee with Rude. opportunities to interact with volunteers helping others. “I am very grateful to the Typically mental health workers and people who were directly affected by School of Social Work for giving me the must have their graduate degree and the flooding,” Sevel said. opportunity to serve people affected by license, meaning students are unable to During the trip she and Rude were disaster,” she said. participate. Sevel arranged for expedit- given the opportunity to move beyond

36 Illinois State November 2011 Communication Association’s 30s Presidential Citation for Outstand- Roy O. Schilling ’35, ’40, is a retired ing Service to the Association educator who worked as both a award, as well as the Iowa Com- Pause for applause teacher and principal. He is a life munication Association’s Citation member of the Illinois Congress of Award for Service to the Associa- Innovative sound tion. He resides in Decorah, Iowa. PTA, the Decatur Area and Illinois Travel is a passion for Michael Szymczak ’06. Retired Teachers Associations, and Mort Castle ’68 is an author who Music is equally important, which explains why the National Education Associa- has been nomiated for the Bram Szymczak started the company OrigAudio with a tion. Schilling remains active in Stoker award seven times. He is friend. They developed portable audio products, his church and community. He has coeditor of the book Live Forever: including a fold-and-play speaker set powered off received many honors, including An Anthology of All New Stories in an iPod, and a unit that turns common objects— induction into the Illinois State Honor of Ray Bradbury. It is tenta- such as a cup—into a speaker. The products were cited by Time in the College of Education Hall of Fame. tively set for launch in 2012 at the “Top 50 Best Inventions of 2009.” With sales in more than 500 stores He enjoys traveling across the San Diego Comic Con. He resides across 25 countries and on QVC, Szymczak successfully pitched his country and internationally. His in Crete. wife, Rachel, is deceased. He has an company during an ABC’s Shark Tank episode earlier this year, win- adult son and resides in Decatur. James H. Cherry ’68, M.S. ’69, Ed.D. ning the financial support of a major investor. ’75, served as chair and associate professor of educational leadership Soldiers’ advocate at University of Illinois-Spring- 40s John R. Davis ’78 is director of legislative pro- field. He joined the school in 1993 grams for the Fleet Reserve Association, which Lawrence T. Cargnino ’41 retired in when it was Sangamon State Uni- represents enlisted members of the U.S. Navy, 1984 as a professor of aeronautics versity. He retired from the school and astronautics at Purdue Univer- in 2002. He was honored this year Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. The association sity, where he taught for 39 years. by the College of Education and protects the pay and benefits of service members He has coauthored two books in Human Services with the hanging and their families. Davis appeared before the Sen- his field. He will celebrate his 99th of his portrait in the Wall of Fame ate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense this birthday in December. He and in Brookens Library. He and his past summer to voice concern about adequate funding of the military his wife, Frances, reside in West wife, Nancy, reside in Springfield. health care system. He supports active duty/reservist pay increases on Lafayette, Indiana. par with civilian pay increases, a seamless transition for disabled veter- Carolyn (Lauing) Finzer ’69 is a self- ans transferring to Veterans Affairs healthcare systems, and retroactive employed artist, teacher, storytell- early retirement benefits for reservists frequently mobilized since 9/11. er, and award-winning gardener. 50s She and her husband, Melvern, are Kenneth Myler ’58, M.S. ’66, taught the parents of two adult children. Airing without erring business classes at Tonica Commu- Their first grandchild, Bering School of Communication alumna Jamie Reed ’07 nity High School for 32 years. He Iskander-Royal Read, was born in has been behind a microphone since her days at completed another four years when February of 2010. Finzer resides in ISU’s student radio station, WZND. There three the school consolidated as LaSalle- Naperville. years, she took on the roles of music director and Peru Township High School before F. Gale Meseke ’69 retired as prin- general manager. Now Reed is the award-winning, retiring. He resides in Peru. cipal of Washington Elementary on-air talent for Bloomington’s WBNQ. The Illinois School within Vandalia Commu- Broadcaster’s Association named her the first place recipient of the 2011 nity Unit School District #203. He Silver Dome Award for Best Medium Market Radio Personality. The 60s also worked as an instructor with award is the most prestigious broadcast performance award in Illinois, William Bohren, M.S. ’65, is the head Illinois Virtual High School and with entries judged by out-of-state broadcasters. It’s the second Silver football coach at LaBrae High Illinois Virtual School, but has Dome Award for Reed, who captured her first while at WZND. School in Leavitts, Ohio. He has retired from both. He has been been inducted into the Ohio High listed in Who’s Who Among Ameri- Jumping ahead can Educators, Who’s Who Among School Football Coaches Hall of Inspired by The Amazing Race, Joe Reynolds ’03 American History Teachers, and Fame. He resides in Cortland, Ohio. decided in 2007 to energize communities across Who’s Who Among Young Profes- Alan Lerstrom ’67, M.S. ’72, the country with an event called The Great Urban has sionals. He and his wife, Helen, Race. Teams of two loved completing clues and retired from Luther College as a enjoy traveling and working for racing to the finish line. Success was so immedi- professor of communication stud- social and environmental justice. ies. He joined the faculty in 1988 They reside in Shobonier. ate that Reynolds created a company in Chicago and is the recipient of the National called Red Frog Events. Soon there was a muddy obstacle course called Warrior Dash and a sand adventure known as Beach Palooza for fun- seekers. Expect even more from Reynolds and Red Frog Events, as the company recently won the 2011 U.S. Chamber of Commerce DREAM Reggie Reads BIG Small Business of the Year Award. Check out a column dedicated to book reviews of work by alums at IllinoisState.edu/magazine. Click on Reggie Reads. Download the Tag reader by texting TAG to 71857.

November 2011 Illinois State 37 How we met While attending Illinois State, Amanda Thomason ’05 and Mike Williams ’04, M.S. 07, never expected they would live next door to their future spouse. Amanda met Mike when her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, paired up for an exchange with the fraternity next door, Alpha Gamma Rho. They began dating and soon their social groups mixed. She was an English education major, while Mike studied public relations. He also completed a master’s in sports management. “Since we were literally separated by a driveway, a lot of the girls from her house were always at our place. It was a big group of friends,” Mike said. After graduating, the two were in a long distance relationship for nearly four years. While Mike finished his master’s degree, Amanda started her teaching career at Sandwich High School. Mike then worked at Indiana State University while Amanda taught at Herscher High School. They spent hours on the phone. “More or less, we were apart for four years after almost a year of living literally two seconds from each other,” Mike said. “I think it was those conversations throughout those years of being apart that really made us realize there’s something here and it’s kind of special.” Everything changed after Mike received a job offer from ISU Athletics. “The first week I got back, I went and bought the ring,” said Mike, who is the associate Athletics communications director. Amanda continues to teach at Herscher. They reside in Pontiac. “When we were planning our wedding, I knew ISU had to be a huge part of our wedding,” Amanda said. “Our engagement pictures were on the football field and on the Quad in ISU jerseys.” The two married in June of 2010 at Normal’s Uptown Marriott in a ceremony that celebrated both their love and the University that shaped their past and future. They entered their reception with Reggie Redbird as the ISU fight song played. “Without ISU, we probably never would’ve met,” Mike said. “We wouldn’t have the opportunity we have now.”

sible for a program to reduce the She now enjoys traveling interna- three adult children and reside in 70s jail population. He resides in San tionally and spending time with Applegate, Oregon. Antonio, Texas. her children and grandchildren. Patricia Taylor Fuller ’71 retired from Lou Ann Hayford ’75 has retired She resides in Moro. school counseling this past sum- Ronald Christensen ’73, M.S. ’78, from COUNTRY Insurance. She mer. She taught 6th grade in Creve retired as a senior engineering Glen “Ed” Moulton ’73 completed a has authored her first novel, About Coeur and worked for Fulton specialist. He is a graduate of the doctorate in 1982. He taught for Time Already, which captured an County Gifted Cooperative before Dale Carnegie effective speaking seven years, was a graduate instruc- honorable mention in the 2010 Los becomming a school counselor in and human relation course, as tor at Purdue University for three Angeles Book Festival mystery cat- 1991. She also worked in addictions well as the Factory Mutual’s Large years, and a high school building egory. She resides in Normal. for Illinois Institute for Addiction Loss Investigator’s Class. He is a administrator for another two. He Aflreda (Feith) Keller ’75 has retired Recovery at Proctor Hospital and professional member of the Society also served as supervisor of instruc- as a juvenile probation officer for North Central Behavioral Health of Fire Protection Engineers. He tion for 24 years before retiring the Cook County Circuit Court. Systems. Fuller holds a master’s resides in Streator. in 2009 from Calvert County She still fondly remembers her degree from Bradley University. Public Schools in Maryland. He Lenora Maxwell Fisher ’73 completed four years as an Illinois State She resides in Canton. served as president of Maryland two master’s degrees at Southern cheerleader, and serving as the Science Supervisors Association Timothy Johnson ’72 has retired as a Illinois University-Edwardsville squad’s captain for two years. She and chaired the Governor’s Com- judge in Bexar County government and has taught dance, physical has two adult children and resides mission on Hazardous Substances. in Texas. He was the founding education, and reading in Illinois in Park Forest. Moulton started CHESPAX, an director of Bexar County’s Judicial public schools since 1973. She environmental experience for Brian F. McCleish ’77 retired in 2010 Support Services. In that capac- spent 25 years at South Roxana students, and teaches chemistry at after teaching career and technical ity he was deeply involved in the Elementary School, retiring this Rogue Community College. He has education for 33 years. He was at Bexar County Re-Entry Council. year. Fisher also coached two pom authored several books, including Bloom Trail High School in Chi- He served for the commissioner squads and was a judge with the The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Biolo- cago Heights for 18 years, and with as a chief ambassador to various Illinois Drill Team Association and gy. He and his wife, Kimberly, have Lincoln-Way Central High School judicial courts and was respon- Team Dance Illinois for 20 years.

38 Illinois State November 2011 in New Lenox for 15. He resides in in education began in Illinois and firm. He will serve as a specialist Tinley Park. 80s took her to the National Techni- in corporate reputation, issues cal Institute for the Deaf in New and crisis management, and public Mike Profilet ’78 is a cashier and Marcia Riegel Jackson ’80 worked York. Her interest is in the non- affairs. He previously served as a clerk at Kroger in Bloomington. for 31 years as a school librarian in traditional pedagogical approach senior vice president in the Chi- He has worked at the store for 22 Illinois and Missouri before retir- that focuses on the benefits to cago office of Porter Novelli. He years. He resides in Normal. ing this year. She and her husband, Claude “Sandy,” reside in Floris- students of incidental and informal resides in St. Charles. Kurt Seelbach ’78 joined Armed learning. She is the recipient of sant, Missouri. Doug Metcalfe ’89 has more than 20 Forces Insurance in 2008 and has the 2011 International Alumnae of Dennis Norman ’80 completed his years of broadcasting, marketing, been promoted to president and Delta Epsilon Sorority Fellowship M.B.A. at Pepperdine University. sales, and management experience. CEO. He and his wife, Brenda, Award. She resides in West Henri- He is a CPA with more than 23 He has been named executive vice reside in Edwardsville. etta, New York. years experience. He is chief finan- president of marketing for Atcore Margaret C. (Skandera) Adkins ’79, cial officer with Keenan, Hopkins, Maurice L. Allen ’83 completed a Systems. The company is a leader ’80, teaches fifth grade at Dubois Schmidt & Stowell Contractors, Inc. master’s degree in telecommunica- in business software solutions. He Elementary School. She became a He oversees the banking and invest- tions at DePaul University. He is resides in Loganville, Georgia. National Board Certified Teacher an account manager with AT&T ment relationships for the company, Kirk R. Salmela, D.A. ’89, has been and Illinois Master Teacher dur- global services. His wife, Jody which is in Tampa, Florida. named principal of Buchanan ing the 2010-2011 school year. Her (Remack), attended Illinois State. Susan O’Neal ’81 is a self-employed Middle School in Wray, Colorado. husband, Richard ’79, is a data man- She has been promoted to channel attorney. She was recently featured He is an avid skier and occasion- ager with the administrative office manager with ACE Hardware Cor- in the Lawyers Give Back section ally teaches evening history classes of the Illinois courts. They reside poration. They reside in Lombard. at the college level. He and his in Springfield. of the July ABA Journal, which is the magazine of the American Frank Bush ’84, M.S. ’88, M.S. ’07, wife, Debbie, reside in Fort Collins, Susan Hubble Burchell ’79 retired Bar Association. She traveled to teaches art at Henry-Senachwine Colorado. from the University of Southern Honduras on a mission trip with High School in Henry. He was Mississippi as associate dean of Food for the Poor in April of 2011. named the Illinois Art Education the College of Health. During her She has begun a project to build a Association Early Art Educator 90s career at the university, she served village of 25 homes in rural Hon- for 2011. The honor recognizes Steven E. Potsic ’91 has joined the as interim director of the School duras. She resides in Decatur. educators who have been teach- B&D Equity Property Tax Group of HP&R. She and her husband, ing five years or less. He resides in Mindy J. Hopper ’82, M.S. ’85, com- as a vice president in the firm’s Charles, reside in Hattiesburg, Bloomington. Mississippi. pleted a doctorate at the University downtown Chicago office. He has of Rochester. Her teaching career Katy Antoine ’87 completed an more than 16 years of professional M.B.A. at DePaul University. A experience in national property tax credit analyst for BP Products consulting, valuation, compliance, North America, she is the recipi- and software development. He is a ent of the 2011 CBA Designation certified member of the Institute of Excellence Award from the for Professionals in Taxation. He National Association of Credit resides in Libertyville. Management. She is a member Roger Nalewajka ’92 is a project of the the association’s Midwest manager at State Farm Insurance board of directors, as well as many Companies. He and his wife, Julia, civic and professional organiza- were married in December of 2010. tions. She resides in Glen Ellyn. They reside in Bloomington. Robert J. Paterkiewicz ’88 has com- John J. Desjarlais, M.A. ’95, teaches pleted an M.B.A. at Lake Forest journalism and English at Graduate School of Management. Kishawukee College. He previ- He is the executive director for ously worked as a producer with Selected Independent Funeral Wisconsin Public Radio. A mem- Homes. He serves as the chief ber of the Academy of American staff executive of this interna- Poets and Mystery Writers of Pi Beta Cooperative reunion tional trade association, represent- America, he is listed in Who’s Eleven ISU students came together in the spring of 1967 to create the ing independent funeral service Who in Entertainment and Who’s Pi Beta Cooperative. Many in the group have stayed in contact since, since 2007. He and his wife, Cindy, Who Among America’s Teachers. connecting regularly for reunions. Their most recent event was held in reside in Downers Grove. He is the author of two mystery the spring of 2010 in Savannah, Georgia. Those who attended include, Charlie Simpson ’88 is a communi- novels. His first, Bleeder, was pub- from left, Kathy (Weissenbach) Phillips ’69, Waterloo; Sue (Kennedy) cations executive who has been lished in 2009. The sequel, Viper, Mestjian ’69, Bonita Springs, Florida; Judy (Zaruba) Mikes ’69, Phoenix, named the corporate/financial was released earlier this year. He Arizona; Gerry (Whalen) Pointer ’69, Alton; Judy (Uhles) Collins ’69, managing director of Burson- resides in Byron. Wood River; Pat (Hutson) Keipper ’70, Surprise, Arizona; Pat (Ander- Marstellar in Chicago. The com- Kara Prusko ’95 is the principal of son) Horn ’70, Littleton, Colorado; Marilyn (Murray) Werremeyer ’69, pany is a leading global public Dwight D. Eisenhower Junior Valrico, Florida; and Rosie (Faber) Terry ’70, Buffalo Grove. relations and communications

November 2011 Illinois State 39 Redbird legacy When Estella Hensley ’34, ’71, attended Illinois State in the 1930s, she never predicted a legacy in the making. She earned a teaching certificate with her mother’s persuasion and began her career in a Central Illinois country school. For nearly 10 years she taught first through eighth grades, and did so much more. “In the country schools, you were the janitor,” Estella said. “If you had hot lunch, you did the cooking. You did everything.” Estella, now of Normal, returned to Illinois State to earn a bachelor’s in education. She continued teaching for 30 more years after having her only daughter, Karen (Billingsley) Schulz ’68, M.S. ’80. An Illinois State legacy began in the 1930s for one Redbird family. Graduates include, front Karen, who lives in Bloomington with her hus- row from left, Teri (Billingsley) Spratt and Estella Hensley; back row from left, Ron Spratt, Karen band, Bill, followed in her mother’s footsteps. She (Billingsley) Schulz, Becki (Billingsley) Wahls, and Rick Wahls. received dual ISU education degrees and then taught in the same school district as her mother. Karen’s two daughters also attended Illinois State. Teri (Billingsley) Spratt ’89 is an elementary school teacher. She married fellow graduate Ron Spratt ’87. They reside in Chanhassen, Min- nesota. Becki (Billingsley) Wahls ’93, M.S. ’95, is a speech pathologist working in schools. She too chose an alum as a spouse, Richard Wahls ’89. They reside in Lewis Center, Ohio. Family gatherings include reminiscing about ISU. The bond is especially tight for the women, who share a love of teaching. “It has been wonderful to share experiences from my teaching career with my mother and grandmother,” Teri said. “They have given good advice and have been very supportive.” All the members of this extended Redbird family appreciate the huge role Illinois State has played in their lives. “A lot can be attributed back to the education” at ISU, Karen said, reflecting on fulfilling family careers spread across three generations.

High School within Schaumburg Lori M. Robeau ’97 is the assistant released in 2010. He and his wife, consultant, and developed a nurs- School District 54. She resides in director of Connecticut Art Con- Lande, are the parents of three ery for a nonprofit organization. Huntley. nection, an organization that children. They reside in Gurnee. She has been chosen as an Illinois produces exhibits around the state Early Childhood Fellow for 2011- Sara Roberts ’95 earned a juris doc- Benjamin P. Johnson ’99 is the aca- of Connecticut. She is also the 2013 and will work with Positive torate from the Chicago Kent Law demic technology coordinator executive director of the Vernon Parenting DuPage during that School and has been in practice for for the global energy manage- Community Arts Center in Vernon, time. She resides in Evanston. a decade. She is a senior associate ment program within the busi- Connecticut. An independent cura- in the family law firm of Matthew ness school at the University of Matthew P. Kellam ’00 earned a juris tor, she coproduced and curated Kaplan & Associates. She was Colorado in Denver. He oversees a doctorate at The John Marshall this summer Nature Nourishes, admitted to the Bar of the Supreme hybrid online/in-person master’s Law School, won the National Moot a multimedia group exhibition Court of the United States in a cer- program for employees in the Court Championship, and passed of 22 national artists at ArtSpace emony held at the Supreme Court energy field. He previously spent the Illinois Bar all in 2010. He was Hartford. She resides in Vernon, in June of this year. She resides in 10 years working in academic tech- on the dean’s list for three years Connecticut. Mundelein. nology at the University of Illinois and served as a judicial extern for Traci D. Nixon ’98 completed a mas- in Urbana. He and his wife, Amy, the Honorable John W. Darrah Robert J. Wallace ’95, ’02, works for ter’s of public administration from reside in Denver, Colorado. in the U.S. District Court for the Rantoul City Schools. He is the the Illinois Institute of Technol- Northern District of Illinois while principal of Eastlawn Primary and ogy. She works with individuals at John Marshall. He is a labor and the bilingual director for Rantoul who have autism in her job as a employment attorney at Laner, City Schools. His wife, Gwendolyn 00s vocational coordinator with Easter Muchin, Dombrow, Becker, Levin (Willoughby) ’02, is a math instruc- Artishia Hunter ’00 completed a Seals of Metropolitan Chicago. She & Tominberg, Ltd., which repre- tor at Parkland College. She is also master’s degree in early child- is the mother of two daughters and sents management in labor and the director of the American Dia- hood administration at National- resides in Griffith, Indiana. employment law. He and his wife, betes Association summer camp at Louis University. She has taught Alison, reside in La Grange. Allerton Park in Monticello, and Flo Falayi ’99 is an author who has elementary and preschool students the leader in home sales for Thir- released his first book, titled Get in Evanston and Bloomington, Zachary A. Callen ’01, M.S. ’03, is an tyOne. The parents of three chil- Off Your Duff. The inspirational worked as a head start education assistant professor of political sci- dren, they reside in Monticello. book shares life stories and was ence at Allegheny College. His dis-

40 Illinois State November 2011 sertation, The Seams of the State: responsibilities include the growth Jake Wager ’05 is a teacher in the Merident Grain. He also works at Infrastructure and Intergovern- of CdTe and HgCdTe by molecular public schools at Des Moines, First State Insurance. They reside mental Relations in American State beam epitaxy. He resides in Alex- Iowa. He and his wife, Stefanie, in Mendota. Building, won the American Politi- andria, Virginia. were married in March of 2011. Chloe Riley ’06 is completing a cal Science Association’s William They reside in Grimes, Iowa. Robbie Q. Telfer ’03, M.A. ’06, is a master’s degree in journalism at Anderson Award for Best Doctoral slam poet who is cofounder and Rachel R. (Smith) Caracci ’06 is the Columbia College in Chicago. The Dissertation in Federalism, Inter- cocurator of The Encyclopedia coordinator of transfer and inter- recipient of the Follett Scholar- governmental Relations, State, or Show, which is a live variety show national initiatives in Admissions at ship Award from the college, she Local Politics. His wife, Shawna featuring local and touring artists Illinois State University. She works completed an internship this past Kelly Cook ’01, M.S. ’04, graduated who speak on subjects taken ran- to recruit transfer and international summer at Kurtis Productions. She from the University of Illinois in domly from the encyclopedia. He students to the University. She and works at Café 28 and resides in Chicago pharmacy school. She is a created the show in 2008. Since her husband, Joe ’06, were married Chicago. pharmacist with Vantage Health- then it has become one of the in July of 2011. He is a network care. They reside in Meadville, Michael E. Stevens ’06 is a field most talked about reading series engineer at COUNTRY Financial. Pennsylvania. claims representative with Farm- in Chicago, receiving an Orgie They reside in Bloomington. ers Insurance Group. His wife, Brooke L. (Barnes) Highline ’01 is a Theatre Award in 2010. Telfer was Amanda C. (Hanson) Crumrine ’06 Jodi L. (Gura) ’07, is a financial cost marketing manager and loan offi- cited this summer in a Newcity is the life enrichment coordina- analyst with Provisur Technology. cer assistant at Wintrust Mortgage. Lit article, “Lit 50: Who Really tor at Bickford Senior Living. She They are the parents of two chil- Her husband, Michael R. Highline Books in Chicago 2011.” He is and her husband, David, reside in dren. Their daughter, Emilee Noel, ’99, is president/owner of MRH also head organizer of the Louder Quincy. was born in February of 2010. Communications, a low-voltage Than a Bomb teen poetry festival They reside in New Lenox. service for security systems, stereo, and director of performances for Rachel (Eaton) Ehlers ’06 is a busi- and home audio distribution. They Young Chicago Authors. ness educator with Ferguson-Flo- Lucas L. Wenthe ’06 completed his are the parents of two sons. Logan rissant School District. She and her juris doctorate at Southern Illinois Anne E. Darr ’04 is a victim special- David was born in June of 2011. husband, Jared ’06, were married in University in Carbondale. He is an ist with the Federal Bureau of They reside in Palatine. September of 2011. He is employed intellectual property associate at Investigation. She received the at Fleet Feet. They reside in St. Armstrong Teasdale LLP, where Kathleen M. Hopper ’02, M.S. ’06, Director’s Award from the United Peters, Missouri. he focuses on patent law related to received her doctorate from the States Attorney’s Office for Best the mechanical and electrical arts. University of Missouri. She is an Performance by a Litigative Team Lacey (Mattioda) Full ’06 is a case- He works closely with inventors assistant professor in the School in 2010 and was nominated for worker with Youth Service Bureau and marketing teams during all of Communication at Illinois State Federal Employee of the Year, in Ottawa. Her husband, Tyler phases of new product design and University. She resides in Bloom- State of Alaska, in 2009. She ’07, is a seed sales associate with ington. resides in Westminster, Colorado. Andrew B. Whitehead ’02 obtained Alaina (Filkin) Pantoja ’04, M.B.A. an M.B.A. and his juris doctorate ’06, is the assistant director of at Saint Louis University. He is the executive M.B.A. programs licensed to practice law in Mis- at Duke University. Her husband, souri, and has joined Armstrong Joseph ’04, M.B.A. ’06, is a financial Teasdale’s intellectual property services professional with Treloar practice group. As he is registered & Heisel. They reside in Durham, to practice before the U.S. Patent North Carolina. and Trademark Office, his main Mike Yordy ’04 is the owner of Mike focus is on the preparation and Yordy Excavating, Inc. He is a part prosecution of U.S. and interna- owner of Mike Yordy and Sons, tional patent applications in the Inc., which is crop production mechanical and electrical arts. He farming. He and his wife, Holly, resides in St. Louis, Missouri. reside in Morton. Nicole M. (Abate) Albanese ’03 is a Michelle M. Daly ’05 completed a wedding manager at Illinois Beach master’s degree at Concordia Uni- Resort in Zion. She and her hus- versity in school leadership and band, Matthew, were married in a doctorate in education at Olivet December of 2010. They reside in Nazarene University. Round Lake. Megan E. Prentice ’05, M.B.A. ’07, is Craig M. Lennon ’03 completed a an employment consultant at Illi- Troop support from overseas doctorate in physics at the Uni- nois State University. She and her U.S. Army Capt. Adam Bolliger ’08, an economics graduate, is a proud versity of Illinois at Chicago. He husband, Chad, are the parents of is a physicist with the U.S. Army, alumnus who shows his ISU spirit while on active duty in Kuwait. He is a daughter. Meredith Grace was working as the night vision and stationed at Camp Arifjan with fellow officer, Capt. Rebecca Scrimo. She born in May of 2011. They reside in electronic sensors directorate. His helped Bolliger display an ISU flag on a Black Hawk UH-60. Bloomington.

November 2011 Illinois State 41 development. He is active in his Tobin ’08, were married in May of community and has been honored 2010. They reside in Deerfield. with a “30 Under 30” award from the St. Louis Business Journal. Erin Goldenstein ’07 is a teacher 10s working with Teach for America, Laura M. Darr ’10 is an interior an organization committed to pro- design assistant with Kristin Petro viding educational opportunities for Interiors. She previously worked at all students. Her husband, Jacob ’10, The Tile Shop, where she won an is a human resource assistant with internal design competition. She the Veteran’s Affairs Hospital. They resides in Lisle. reside in Greenfield, Wisconsin. Nick Mikula ’07 is a member of the Improv Comedy group Octavarius, Our troops which was named Best Sketch/ Maj. Kwame Curtis, U.S. Air Force, Improv Troupe in the Chicago ’00, M.S. ’02, is the deputy director Reader’s “Best of Chicago 2011” Alums support baseball standout of Educational & Developmental poll. The group is comprised Intervention Services. He was entirely of Illinois State gradu- An Illinois State connection was made at a minor league baseball game named 2010 Air Force Audiologist ates and was the runner-up for this past summer. ISU baseball standout Ryan Court now plays for the of the Year. He and his wife, Chris- the award in 2010. Mikula also Osprey in Montana, which is associated with the Arizona Diamond- tine “Jayne,” are stationed in Italy. received the Best Local Actor backs. Court started 159 consecutive games while a Redbird from 2008 award in the poll, which named to 2011. He was named to the 2011 All-MVC First Team. Watching him Nothing Special Productions as the play were Jim Koch ’64, who is an ISU honorary doctorate recipient, In memory Best Off-Loop Theatre Company. Distinguished Alumni Award winner, and president emeritus of Old It was founded by ISU students in Dominion University. He and his wife, Donna (Stickling) ’66, M.S. ’69, 2005. Mikula resides in Palatine. Faculty/Staff wore their ISU attire to get Court’s attention, which resulted in a photo Paul W. Anderson, Building Ross Richards ’07 is a manager in of the three. Maintenance; 6/11 the annual giving department of the University of Illinois Founda- Timothy A. Bell, Food Services; tion. He resides in Champaign. Matthew Blecha ’09 is an officer busy helping the community, she 7/11 with the Illinois State University freelances for a local paper and Betty J. Bond ’81, Milner Library; Julie Ross ’07 is the payroll manager Police Department. He and his reviews restaurants and con- 7/11 with ELM Locating & Utility Ser- wife, Kelly (Seymour) ’09, were mar- certs. In July of 2011 she moved vices in Peoria. George J. Brabb, Management ried in May of 2011. She is a leasing to the Marshall Islands through and Quantitative Methods; 5/11 Mary Yurgil ’07 completed an agent with Apartment Mart. They WorldTeach to serve as an English Ralph M. Dunbar, Facilities M.B.A. in marketing from Bene- reside in Bloomington. teacher on a remote atoll. Management; 5/11 dictine University. She is a busi- Ryan Fitzpatrick ’09 is the XL crystal Kristen (Smith) Velázquez ’09 is a ness marketing specialist with William E. Gibson, Food Services; growth production manager with special education teacher at Adlai Hyatt Hotels Corporation and is 5/11 Rubicon Technology. The company E. Stevenson High School in Lin- an active member of the American Richard E. Hulet, Student Affairs; grows monocrystalline sapphire colnshire. She and her husband, Marketing Association. She resides 3/11 in multiple sizes and orientations. in Chicago. He developed a highly efficient Michael Dorsam ’08 is the school United States Postal Service technique to deliver the highest Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation librarian and director of media quality substrates and windows 1. Publication Title 2. Publication Number 3. Filing Date services at Bradley-Bourbonnais for the appropriate market in the Illinois State 01 _ 9606 9/6/11 4. Issue Frequency 5. Number of Issues Published Annually 6. Annual Subscription Price Community High School. He size of 83 kg and 200 kg boules. He Quarterly 4 0 joined the school in 2009 as an 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication (Not printer) (Street, city, county, state, and ZIP+4) Contact Person resides in Des Plaines. Annette Vaughan Alumni Relations, Campus Box 3100 English teacher. He resides in Telephone Kerianne Johnstin Guth ’09 complet- Normal, McLean Co., IL 61790-3100 (309) 438-2586 Bourbonnais. 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher (Not printer) ed a master’s of social work at the Alumni Relations, Campus Box 3100 Lance Golliday ’08 is employed with University of Pennsylvania’s School Normal, McLean Co., IL 61790-3100 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor (Do not leave blank) Brandt Professional Ag. He and his of Social Policy & Practice. She and Publisher (Name and complete mailing address) wife, Katie (Trainor) ’08, were mar- Chad ’08, her husband, were mar- Stephanie Epp Bernoteit, Campus Box 3100, Normal, McLean Co., IL 61790-3100 ried in November of 2010. She is a ried in July of 2011. They reside in Editor (Name and complete mailing address) nanny. They reside in Normal. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Susan Marquardt Blystone, Campus Box 3420, Normal, McLean Co., IL 61790-3420 Adam Price ’08 is a graphic designer Liz Reich ’09 is finishing her second Managing Editor (Name and complete mailing address) with Compliance Signs, which year of AmeriCorps service in Susan Marquardt Blystone, Campus Box 3420, Normal, McLean Co., IL 61790-3420 10. Owner (Do not leave blank. If the publication is owned by a corporation, give the name and address of the corporation immediately followed by the made the Inc. 5000’s in 2010. He central Oregon, where she teaches names and addresses of all stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, give the names and addresses of the individual owners. If owned by a partnership or other unincorporated firm, give its name and address as well as those of resides in Chadwick. sex education. When she is not each individual owner. If the publication is published by a nonprofit organization, give its name and address.) Full Name Complete Mailing Address Illinois State University Campus Box 1000, Normal, IL 61790-1000

42 Illinois State November 2011

11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities. If none, check box None Full Name Complete Mailing Address

12. Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates) (Check one) The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months Has Changed During Preceding 12 Months (Publisher must submit explanation of change with this statement)

PS Form 3526, October 1999 (See Instructions on Reverse) Beverly A. Jenkins, Building Ralph A. Wantland ’36, ’49; 12/05 50s Quang Le ’75; 1/07 Services; 7/11 Ida M. (Stahl) Warner ’36; 7/11 Donna L. (Begalka) Siegmund ’50; Deborah A. Naiditch ’75; 2/10 Tricia Widner Johnson, Family Sadie N. (Noren) Castagno ’37, ’43; 5/11 Scott P. Ericson ’77; 6/11 and Consumer Sciences; 6/11 5/11 Jacquelin F. (Rudat) Fader ’51; 5/11 Dan L. Kaiser ’77; 7/04 Dennis R. Mays, Theatre and Jean McNichols ’37; 9/10 Anthony Saville ’51; 6/11 Veronica (Ely) Lucas ’77; 6/11 Physical Plant; 8/11 Mabel A. (Johnson) McKay ’38, Ralph E. Graber ’52; 1/05 Barbara A. (Rainbow) Marine, M.S. C. Edward McGowan, Facilities ’40; 6/11 ’77; 6/11 Management; 6/11 Robert Moske ’52, M.S. ’54; 11/10 Eunice A. “Eunie” McMullen ’38; John E. Gallagher ’53; 8/08 Edward J. McInerney ’77; 6/10 Edwin C. Peasley, Physical Plant; 7/11 5/11 Patsy Rose (Dege) Hoshiko ’53; Charles Szafranski ’77; 7/11 Gerald Cohernour ’39, ’50; 8/00 Harold I. Stiles, Facilities 7/11 Susan (Hook) Johnson ’78; 6/11 Management; 7/11 George E. Heidbrink ’54; 7/11 Sharon A. (McCoy) Bullard ’79, 40s Darwin R. Stubblefield, Facilities Kenneth J. Jessen ’54, M.S. ’66; M.S. ’87; 5/11 Management; 7/11 Phyllis M. Johnson ’40, ’61; 6/08 4/11 Napoleon “Nap” C. DuFault, Ph.D. Dorothy (Robinson) Wells, Helen M. (Foley) Roberts ’40; Frank E. Purdy ’54, M.S. ’56; 8/10 ’79; 6/11 Food Services; 7/11 7/11 Edward F. Heiken Sr., M.S. ’56; 6/11 Sherrilyn Rae “Sherry” Merrick Otto ’79; 7/11 Bette J. (Weber) Gibbs ’41; 7/11 George J. Patka ’56; 4/11 20s Dorothy Schemske ’41; 7/11 Richard G. Rowe, M.S. ’57; 2/02 80s Bernice G. (Allen) Hirstein ’29; Helen J. (Carey) Dunn ’42; 6/11 Quentin H. Uptegrove ’57; 7/05 8/11 Ellen M. (McKee) McKittrick ’42; William F. Rees ’59; 6/11 Thomas B. Yopst ’80, M.B.A. ’82; 7/11 7/11 30s Lorene T. (Themer) Schlie ’43; 60s Myron C. Covington ’81; 11/10 5/11 Violet M. Twist Krause, M.S. ’81; Ruth E. Cox ’31; 6/91 Erma M. Liddle Borchers ’48; 5/11 Patricia A. (Killian) Harris ’60; 5/11 8/11 Dorothea P. (Koch) Barth ’33; 8/11 James R. Cretcher ’48; 10/10 Elmer Young ’61; 9/09 Alan C. Brent ’84; 7/11 Hermine A. Grandt ’33; 7/11 Edwin Carey ’49; 12/10 Genevera C. (Pragman) Johnson Dawn K. Edwards ’86; 7/06 Pauline L. Bottom ’36; 12/10 ’63, M.S. ’64; 7/11 Robert D. Krapf ’49; 5/11 Shari A. Farber ’86; 6/10 Ruth A. Hilst ’36; 2/08 Robert W. Thome ’63; 5/11 Helen P. Smith ’49; 2/05 Andre McGowan ’86; 11/94 Mildred (Hoff ) Meador ’36; 6/11 Helene Mazur Alper ’64; 9/10 Paige A. Rieger ’86; 7/11 William R. Martens ’64; 7/11 Maria A. (Macro) Marquardt ’87; Barbara E. (Johnson) Kepner ’65; 6/11 5/11 Bernadine (Meeker) Etter ’88; 7/11 Helen J. Hunter ’66; 3/11 Barbara J. (Bryan) Howard ’89; Thurlow Meyer ’66, M.S. ’69; 3/10 8/10 Patricia J. (Heiser) Amdor ’67; 5/11 Illinois STATE Dwyn E. Harris, ’67, M.S. ’73; 6/11 90s Donna J. Rial ’67; 9/10 Richard M. Manzella, M.A. ’90; Three easy ways to submit your information 6/11 70s 1) Go online to www.Alumni.ilstu.edu/news and click on “class Chris Rehor-Federico ’90; 6/11 Paul E. Bucek ’70, M.S. ’73; 3/11 notes.” Information submitted using this method will also be James E. Adams ’92; 7/09 Helen M. Long, M.A. ’70; 7/07 posted online. Frank Barath ’92; 11/07 Craig R. Chaddon ’71; 10/10 Barbara J. (Roth) Rohde, M.S. ’93; 2) Email your news to [email protected]. Candance S. Cook ’71; 5/10 7/11 3) Mail your news to Class Notes, Illinois State University, Deborah J. (Gesell) Rothermel Leslie A. Holmes ’94; 7/11 ’72; 6/11 Anton F. “Tony” Weber ’94; 6/11 Alumni Relations, Campus Box 3100, Normal, IL 61790-3100. Patricia S. (Rutan) Schackmann Aaron Monk ’95; 6/11 Please include your graduation year, major, maiden name ’72; 12/10 when applicable, and daytime phone number for verification Linda K. (Rohlfs) Currier ’73; 6/11 00s purposes. News releases and information from published news Orville H. Schroer, M.A. ’73; 4/10 Karen D. Harness ’00; 5/11 clippings may also be used. Engagements and pregnancies will Robert L. Stone ’73; 7/06 Joy R. Wellman ’02; 6/11 not be published. Barbara A. (Ames) VonBehren, David M. Hunt ’05; 5/11 M.S. ’74; 5/11 For additional information, contact Alumni Relations at (309) 438- Delores Brown ’75, M.S. ’78; 7/11 2586 or (800) 366-4478, or by email at [email protected]. Donald R. Kutemeier ’75; 6/11

November 2011 Illinois State 43 SupportSupport ourour teams,teams, SupportSupport ourour faculty,faculty, SupportSupport ourour universityuniversity

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Return to: Illinois State University, Alumni Relations Campus Box 3100, Normal, IL 61790-3100 Facsimile: (309) 438-2858 • Email: [email protected]

44 Illinois State November 2011 Thanks to you

Nicholas Christensen arrived as a freshman with more than 30 AP credits, technically making him a sophomore. Beyond his stellar academic record, he prepared for college with leadership experiences as an Eagle Scout, a National Honor Society member, and athlete. His resume now also includes selection as an ISU Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship recipient. “I was very happy and very surprised to hear I had been awarded it,” Nicholas said. “I figured there were a lot more deserving people than me, so it was a big surprise.” Nicholas’ parents were also pleased, but not as surprised because they know how hard their son worked through high school. His father, Scott Chris- tensen, M.S. ’95, was an accounting student at Illinois State. It was his experience, combined with the encouragement of high school teachers and friends, that led Nicholas to choose Illinois State. “ISU was the best deal out of all of the universities I visited. Teachers and upperclassmen also told me how great it was,” Nicholas said. “I was also impressed with the IT program. It seemed like the best one to me, and I visited six or seven different schools.” Nicholas is majoring in computer science, and will take advantage of the University’s rich social opportunities. He’s already considering the IT and Physics Clubs, and hopes to get involved at the New- man Center near campus.

You can make a difference by providing financial support to students. Make a contribution online at IllinoisState.edu/giving, call (309) 438-8041, or send an email to [email protected]. Donor and Information Services Campus Box 8000 Normal, IL 61790-8000

A-maze-ing Redbird The Agriculture Department’s 100th anniversary year was uniquely celebrated at Homecoming with creation of a farmland maze at the Rader Family Farms in Normal. Sons Adam ’99 and Arin ’04 are both ag alumni. Cut within corn and bean fields, the maze included a farmer with a plow and ‘100 years of ag’ spelled out. For more Homecoming highlights, go to IllinoisStateHomecoming.com.