Alumni Magazine Summer 2009 Summer Number 1 • • Volume 10

Illinois State alumni magazine Summer 2009 Summer Number 1 • • Volume 10

Joseph Reynolds ’03 and Kelli Pribel ’09 have people across the country on the run with the Great Urban Race.

Run the raceSee at PaGe 19. Homecoming! illinois state alumni magazine Volume 9, Number 4, Spring 2009

Editorial advisory GroUP Pete Guither; Amy Humphreys; Brian Huonker ’92; Joy Hutchcraft; Lynn Kennell; Katy Killian ’92; Todd Kober ’97, M.S. ’99; Claire Lieberman; Marilee (Zielinski) Rapp ’63; Jim Thompson ’80, M.S. ’89; Toni Tucker; Lori Woeste, M.S. ’97, Ed.D. ’04

PUblishEr, Stephanie Epp, Ed.D. ’07 Editor-in-chiEf, Susan Marquardt Blystone ’84, M.S. ’03 alUmni Editor, Annette States Levitt ’96, M.S. ’02

class notEs Editor, Leisa Barbour, M.S. ’06 coPy Editors, Susan Marquardt Blystone ’84, M.S. ’03; Steven Barcus ’06 lEad dEsiGnEr, Dave Jorgensen, M.S. ’03 dEsiGnErs, Michael Mahle, Jeff Higgerson ’92, Jon Robinson PhotoGraPhEr, Lyndsie Schlink ’04 The First ProdUction coordinator, Mary (Mulhall) Cowdery ’80 writErs, Kate Arthur, Elaine Graybill, Tom Nugent, Beth Whisman Word Illinois State (USPS 019606) is published quarterly for members of the Illinois State University Alumni Association at Bone Student Center 146, may is always a time of celebration on campus, 100 North University Street, Normal, Illinois 61790-3100. Periodicals as another class reaches the goal of graduation. Illinois State’s annual postage paid at Normal, Illinois, and at additional mailing offices. spring commencement ceremony is marked by tradition that goes beyond Magazine editorial offices are located at 1101 North Main Street, Normal, academic pomp and circumstance. It is a time when generations gather to Illinois 61790-3100; telephone (309) 438-2586; facsimile (309) 438-8057; e-mail [email protected]; Web site www.IllinoisState.edu/alumni. proudly applaud a major accomplishment in the life of a loved one. Postmaster: Send address changes to Illinois State, Illinois State University, Amidst this joy is always a bit of angst and uncertainty, as our students Campus Box 8000, Normal, IL 61790-8000. transition from the campus to the workplace. Anxious moments are inevi- Voluntary subscriptions of $25 per year to help defray the mounting expenses associated with publishing Illinois State are greatly appreciated. table at the start of any career. This year’s graduating class, however, has Checks payable to the Illinois State Foundation can be sent to Alumni the additional stress of pursuing professional dreams at a time when the Relations, Campus Box 3100, Normal, IL 61790-3100. Call Alumni Relations at (309) 438-2586 with any questions. nation’s economy is faltering. Material may be reprinted with prior approval, provided no commercial And yet I know from conversations with members of the Class of 2009 endorsement is implied and credit is given to the author, to Illinois State that our newest alums are going forward with a spirit of optimism and University, and to Illinois State. determination despite discouraging headlines. They are ready to face the Web site: www.IllinoisState.edu An equal opportunity/affirmative action university encouraging diversity challenges of a recession, eager to become part of the solution by working 09-0015 and leading in their respective fields. alUmni association board of dirEctors We have a student body that sets a high standard for academic perfor- dan Kelley ’70, President mance, as demonstrated in the statistic that only one in four applicants is Greg ayers ’90 Jeff charnogorsky ’85 now accepted to the University. Those chosen complete rigorous degrees, bob freitag ’84 as our programs in education, business, science, fine arts, nursing, and Jerry Kerber ’74 Emily miller Kimmey ’99, m.s. ’01 applied sciences have earned national distinction and international praise. tom lamont ’69 Such excellence separates the University from our state and regional lynda lane ’66 larry little ’69 counterparts. It means Illinois State faculty and staff go beyond the neces- mary ann louderback ’74, m.s. ’80, Ph.d. ’84 sary fundamental curriculum to instill in students confidence and courage ashley mayor ’08 lois (rademacher) mills ’62, m.s. ’69 needed to not just survive but thrive, no matter how uncertain the future. Kathy coyle murdoch ’86 Alumni are another reason I am assured our newest graduates will suc- bob navarro ’91, m.s. ’93, Ph.d. ’02 marilee (Zielinski) rapp ’63 ceed. I applaud and appreciate the myriad graduates who, once established Kaci rollings ’94 in their professions, are willing to stand as mentors. They provide invalu- don shafer ’76 terrence sykes ’93 able internships, networking avenues, and employment opportunities to Gary tiffany ’74 our students and young alums. martin vanags ’84 Janessa williams ’89 The University helps graduates and prospective employers find each mike willis ’82 other through the Career Center (www.careercenter.ilstu.edu) and online Jerry wright ’62 linda yap ’74 outreach, such as an Illinois State page on LinkedIn (www.alumni.ilstu. betty Kinser ’73, m.s. ’75, Board of Trustees Alumni Liaison edu/linkedin). Take advantage of these resources to find or fill a position. alUmni rElations Confidence in your alma mater is never more apparent than when you stephanie Epp, Ed.d. ’07, Executive Director Gina bianchi, m.s. ’99, Senior Assistant Director hire an Illinois State graduate. Alumni who are willing and able to extend Kim chickering, Assistant Director such a helping hand teach our newest graduates one of their most impor- Kelly howell, Associate Director annette states levitt ’96, m.s. ’02, Senior Assistant Director tant collegiate lessons: the Redbird bond reaches far beyond campus, and Jamie (Kelly) sennett ’99, Senior Assistant Director continues long after commencement.

Al Bowman President, Illinois State University The business of racing Interested in Redbird nostalgia with a twist? Joseph Reynolds ’03 has the challenge for you during Homecoming 2009. As the Great Urban Race creator and owner of Red Frog Events, Reynolds has a dozen clues that will send you across campus and around the community. For you, it’s fun. For him, it’s a successful business. Cover: Chicago was the city Reynolds chose for the first race.

16 Contents

2 UniversiT y news

8 e mpowering preparaT ion Illinois State students find multiple opportunities to gain a competitive advantage. For Jamie Siegel and Kim Richfield, the chance to intern at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center was life changing, both personally and professionally. They also made history, as never before have two students from the same campus been chosen for the elite internship.

12 From C ampU s T o C ombaT 20 As an undergraduate active in the Reserved Officers’ Training Corps and the Big Red Marching Machine, Col. Yvette Nonte ’83 had no idea how her campus activities would influence her career. After serving as director of intelligence in Iraq, Nonte is now a key player in the federal government’s intelligence community.

20 a T ime oF T ransiT ion Title IX mandated opportunities for female athletes, but it took individual effort on college campuses to open doors. Jill 12 Hutchison, M.S. ’69, and Linda Herman, M.S. ’72, Ed.D. ’83, rose to the challenge as Illinois State implemented significant change. Their leadership was characterized by patience, an ability to compromise, and a vision for the future. 8 24 alU mni serviC es

27 H omeC oming C alendar

30 C lass noT es Universitynews

the University’s skyline is changing, as construction continues to the west of central campus.

Alumni who return to Illinois State for Homecoming this fall will find some major changes to the west side of the Quad, where the Student Fitness and Kinesiology and Recreation Building is taking shape. Located where Dunn-Barton and Walker residence halls once stood, the new building” will fill an entire city block before reaching across University Street to connect with McCormick Hall by an elevated walkway. The new facility will stand three stories, and provide 170,000 ‘‘ square feet when it is completed in the fall of 2010. Estimated to cost $50 million, it is the largest capital project in the University’s history. Approximately $30 million of the project budget is derived from student fees, and the remainder covered by the Univer- sity’s general resources. With basketball courts, an indoor track, a racquetball court, aerobic spaces, and a climbing wall, the building will be appreciated by students as a significant upgrade from the much smaller recreation center currently located off campus. The center will also include classrooms, laboratories, and office space for the School of Kinesiology, which has been functioning out of McCormick and Horton Fieldhouse for years. Work during the spring included major demolition at McCormick. The pool addition on the west side of the building was razed, the debris cleared, and the pool filled in. The main building also began to take shape by summer, with three exterior walls in place. The fourth wall was purposefully delayed because it will consist of primarily glass, and will consequently be the final wall

WEB EXTRA erected. The building plans and renderings of the finished facility are available at www.facilitiesplan- Construction progress can ning.ilstu.edu/update. be observed by going online Just across the street from the Student Fitness and Kinesiology Recreation Building is another project to www.rec.ilstu.edu, and viewing images from a live drawing the attention of the campus community. The St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Newman Center is Web cam. undergoing a major renovation to update the structure that has stood since the 1960s. While not associ- For an overview of the ated with the University, Newman Center has served as a place of worship for Illinois State students for newman Center’s history and ongoing outreach, go more than 50 years. to www.Illinoisstate.edu/ A new 300-seat chapel is under construction, along with recreational, library, classroom, and office alumni-magazine. space. A more traditional church facade will also be added to the existing building located on Main Street and just south of Avanti’s. The project is expected to be completed later this year.

2 IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 CollEgE of BUsinEss pRogRAm “Janet Krejci’s experience in obtain- “I can think of no one who has pro- Among BEsT in WoRld ing highly competitive national awards is vided more important leadership to this The human resource program in Illinois a tribute to her exceptional energy, lead- University over the past 10 years than State’s Department of Management and ership, and scholarly abilities”, Provost Steve Bragg,” President Al Bowman said. Quantitative Methods (MQM) has been Sheri Noren Everts said. “Her passion for Bragg became interim vice president recognized as one of just 37 tradition- nursing education and leadership devel- and then vice president of the division al undergraduate programs across the opment for nurses at all levels, as well after serving as the director of Planning, globe to meet the demanding curriculum as her commitment to diversity, posi- Policy Studies and Information Systems. and educational standards set forth by tion the college well in these important Prior to that he the Society for Human Resource Manage- endeavors.” served the Illi- ment (SHRM). nois Board of “Certification by SHRM is a sig- Daily ViDette sUpplEmEnT Higher Educa- nificant accomplishment for our HR pro- Wins nATionAl AWARd tion in Planning and Analytical gram, and for the Department of Manage- The staff of Illinois State’s student news- Studies. ment and Quantitative Methods,” MQM paper, the Daily Vidette, produces a back- During his Chairperson Jim Jawahar said. to-school supplement each year. The Sur- tenure Bragg “Being among a select group of vival Guide created in August of 2008 guided Finance schools recognized for effectively cover- did more than inform new and returning and Planning ing the HR body of knowledge reinforces students. It also captured national atten- through several Vice President emeritus the value of our program in a power- tion. years of budget steve Bragg ful way,” Jawahar said. He credits the The College Newspaper Business cuts, mid-year rescissions, hiring freezes, achievement to the dedication of the HR and Advertising Managers, Inc., chose and a seven-year stretch without a state faculty members, former MQM Chair the guide as Best of Show at a spring con- capital spending plan. John Lust, and Assistant Professor of vention. The professional organization’s Bragg established financing prec- Management Joseph Goodman. membership includes students and advis- edents in acquiring and developing the SHRM is the world’s largest profes- ers working with business and advertis- new Alumni Center in partnership with sional association devoted to human ing departments in college and university the Illinois State University Foundation, resource management. The society cre- newspapers across the United States. and working with private developers in ated an initiative to define HR education Ad sales manager Michelle Flanigan, financing the new Student Fitness and standards within university business a junior from Paxton; ad production Kinesiology and Recreation Building. schools. The standards serve as a means manager Jamie Blass, a senior from Sugar During his tenure a Campus Master to assist program development, and clar- Grove; and their staffs were responsible Plan was completed, several new facili- ify general competencies HR students at for the national award-winning supple- ties opened, remodeling projects were the undergraduate and graduate levels ment. Rick Jones is general manager at tackled, and steps taken to save millions should master. the Vidette. Amy Gorczowski, a junior in energy expenses. from Cary, is the editor-in-chief. Bragg also worked to streamline mEnnoniTE CollEgE WElComEs The newspaper’s classified section Human Resources and Information Sys- nEW dEAn To CAmpUs won second place nationally for best tems processes, which led to the imple- section, as well as a third-place award Janet Krejci joined Illinois State in August mentation of a four-year tuition guaran- for classified promotion for its seniors’ as dean of Mennonite College of Nursing. tee plan prior to the passage of Illinois’ page last spring. Artist Anna Negrusz, She replaces interim dean Sara Camp- Truth-In-Tuition laws. bell, who is a professor in the college. a senior from Glen Ellyn, was the clas- Krejci earned her Ph.D. at the Uni- sified designer. Staff also captured a national third place for best newspaper UnivERsiTy TRAins infoRmATion versity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Her AssURAnCE spECiAlisTs research and teaching focuses on nursing promotion. leadership development, nurse retention, Illinois State has been chosen as a Center workforce diversity, and enhancement of finAnCE viCE pREsidEnT of Academic Excellence in Information acute and long-term nursing care. finishEs yEARs of sERviCE Assurance Education for academic years 2009-2014. The designation is based on She served as associate dean for Steve Bragg retired from his role as vice the depth and quality of teaching and undergraduate programs at Marquette president for Finance and Planning in research in the School of Information University College of Nursing from 2004 the spring. University Advancement Vice Technology, and across the University. until 2007, when she accepted an Ameri- President Dianne Ashby has oversight of The National Security Agency and can Council on Education (ACE) Lead- the division while a national search is the Department of Homeland Security ership Fellowship. She was named a underway for the University’s next chief sponsors the centers, which prepare pro- Robert Wood Johnson Nurse Executive financial officer. Fellow in 2008. fessionals with information assurance

IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 3 Universitynews “This designation shows that Illi- through the Department of Defense nois State is part of an exclusive group of Information Assurance Scholarship Pro- expertise in various disciplines to man- universities uniquely positioned to teach gram, and the Federal Cyber Service age and secure information systems in a topic that is increasingly important,” Scholarship for Service Program. public and private sectors. said Douglas Twitchell, who serves as Universities chosen as a center must director of Illinois State’s center. fEdERAl fUnding AdvAnCEs treat information assurance as a multi- Illinois State will serve as a regional REsEARCh pRojECTs ACRoss CAmpUs disciplinary science, collaborate with center of information assurance exper- Illinois State has received more than other educational institutions, encourage tise, providing programs aimed at retain- $500,000 in federal funding for proj- faculty and student research on the sub- ing current federal and state information ects that will enable rural communities ject, and practice information assurance technology personnel. Students attend- to reduce water pollution and generate principles in its everyday operations. ing these designated schools are eligible renewable energy, help Illinois business- to apply for scholarships and grants es expand into overseas markets, and create a business incubator to promote Central Illinois economic development. The University’s Livestock and gunn helps students celebrate Urban Waste research team has received efforts to go green $475,000 in federal funding for a project to improve the water quality for the Vil- Fashion expert and Project Runway cohost Tim Gunn came to campus lage of Lexington, while exploring ways in the spring as a College of Applied Science and Technology guest. He to generate alternative energy on a local was a keynote speaker during a week of college events that focused on level. Team members are developing a sustainable urbanism, getting kids into nature, and agriculture’s role test plot for growing a variety of grasses in a green economy. and plants, called a biomass, that will act Gunn was a special guest at the as a filter to improve overall water qual- college’s Apparel Merchandising and ity. Faculty are also investigating ways to Design Association Green Chic Fash- produce energy by converting biomass ion Show. The program featured the into ethanol, and combining it with local work of 28 students, who designed livestock manure in a methane digester. clothing using only organic or recycled Another $100,000 in federal fund- materials, including bedspreads. ing has been received to expand the The work drew praise from Gunn, Export Project, which helps small and who deemed the student work incred- mid-sized companies in Illinois expand ible. their operations into overseas markets. Approximately 1,400 from cam- Teams of students and faculty members pus and the community attended the work with companies to identify, evalu- event and listened to Gunn tell how ate, and actively develop international he rose from an insecure child with a business opportunities. Teams prepare stutter to become an icon in the world realistic export plans, act as consultants, of fashion. Fashion icon tim Gunn inspired design and prepare targeted marketing studies He got his start as chair of the students during a campus visit. for specific countries. Department of Fashion Design at Par- An additional $95,000 will allow sons The New School for Design in New York, where he transformed for the creation of a business incubator the curriculum. Under his direction the program became the best in facility to help with local economic devel- the nation and a leading program internationally. opment efforts. The project involves the Beyond serving as cohost of the reality television show that gives City of Bloomington, Town of Normal, designers a chance to compete in the industry, Gunn is now chief cre- and the Economic Development Council ative officer at Liz Claiborne Inc. He stars in his own show titled Tim of the Bloomington-Normal Area. Gunn’s Guide to Style. He is also the author of Tim Gunn: A Guide to “Funding for these projects repre- Quality, Taste, and Style. sents a validation of Illinois State’s growing and positive reputation in Washing- ton, D.C.,” said Rodney Custer, associate vice president for Research, Graduate and International Studies.

4 IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 illinois sTATE ChosEn foR three-year term. Appointments cannot visiT ThE UnivERsiTy WEB siTE hEmingWAy EXhiBiT exceed 12 years total. To sTAy ConnECTEd A photographic exhibit depicting the life Alumni with active membership sta- If you’re a distant alum—either in geog- of Nobel Prize winner Ernest Hemingway tus in the Alumni Association are eligible raphy or in the amount of time elapsed is on display at Milner Library through to vote at the annual meeting. This status since your last campus visit—you may feel September. Titled Picturing Hemingway: requires that a gift to the University has that this magazine is your only real source A Writer in His Time, the exhibit has trav- been made through the Illinois State for an Illinois State connection. You can eled internationally. University Foundation in the current or also stay informed about university hap- The exhibit’s photographs depict a preceding fiscal year. penings, events, and services with regular timeline of Hemingway’s life in a narra- For more information contact Alum- visits to www.IllinoisState.edu/alumni. tive format. It was created by the Nation- ni Relations at (309) 438-2586 or (800) al Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institute, 366-4478 or e-mail Alumni Relations in Washington, D.C., in collaboration Executive Director Stephanie Epp, Ed.D. with the Ernest Hemingway Foundation ’07 at [email protected]. of Oak Park. Hemingway is one of the nation’s AlUmni CAn ACCEss most famous novelists, a short-story CAmpUs nEWslETTER onlinE writer, essayist, and journalist. Among The Illinois State University Report is his more popular works are A Farewell to a newsletter printed weekly through- Arms, which was made into a movie. He out the academic year to provide news died in 1961. updates to the campus community and The exhibit is free and open to the retirees. Beginning in August, Report will public, as is a keynote address by Susan join the digital age and be published Beegel at 6:30 p.m. on September 3. exclusively online. Her presentation is titled “Hemingway’s Alumni who have an e-mail address Personal Farewell to Arms.” For more registered with the University may sign information contact literature librarian up to receive the electronic publication, The Alumni, Donor, and Friends Jean MacDonald at (309) 438-3516 or by which will be sent out each Tuesday. Get Web site allows you to read news items e-mail at [email protected]. on the Report distribution list by contact- of specific interest to alumni, see photos ing Kathy Beal in Media Relations at from events or activities soon after they [email protected]. occur, look up old friends, and access The online version of Report will a wide variety of services available to differ from the printed format. There will alums. You can also keep your contact Alumni be one or two lead story abstracts in the information current so that you can be e-mail, with Web links provided to the found by other alumni. AnnUAl AlUmni AssoCiATion full stories. While some events will be Learn about special programs and mEETing AnnoUnCEd detailed, others will only be mentioned. activities by checking the events calen- All alumni are invited to attend the Readers will be sent directly to the Uni- dar regularly. For your convenience, the Alumni Association annual meeting at 9 versity calendar for more information. Alumni Web site provides quick links to a.m. on September 19 at the Alumni Cen- This change in Report helps Illinois a number of the most commonly needed ter. Agenda items include the election State in its sustainability efforts by sav- services from other parts of the Universi- of members to the association’s board ing the paper, ink, and energy required ty, as well as to academic units that have of directors and board officers. Action to create the printed piece. The Univer- a Web page specifically for alumni. items include a proposed revision to the sity joined 32 colleges and universities Illinois State University Alumni Asso- across the state in efforts to conserve REAdERship sURvEy pRovidEs ciation Constitution to amend language when President Al Bowman signed the AlUmni mAgAzinE fEEdBACk relating to term limits. Illinois Sustainable University Compact Alumni will now have the opportunity to The proposed amendment states three years ago. The compact represents critique Illinois State following the deliv- that individuals appointed to unexpired a pledge to improve how the campus ery of the magazine each quarter. A print- terms will no longer have that partial interacts with the environment and to ed survey with a prepaid return envelope term of service counted in the total years promote ecology, encourage respect for will be sent out to readers chosen ran- of board service allowed under the con- life on earth, and highlight the growing domly. Others will have the opportunity stitution’s term limit provision. If the concern for over-pollution of soil, air, to provide feedback by going online to revision is approved, a board member’s and water. www.IllinoisState.edu/alumni-magazine. length of service will begin when he or she is elected for the first time to a full,

IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 5 Universitynews Marzolf, who is deceased, served as director for 25 years. His contributions Readers will be asked to rate the were acknowledged in the 1970s with features in each issue, identify which the naming of the center in his honor, sections they most enjoy, judge the maga- however, an official ceremony was not zine’s overall quality, and share what held until last fall. they would like to see changed in the A plaque was placed in the lobby publication. of the center located in Fairchild Hall. “Alumni feedback will be of tremen- The center continues to offer individual dous help to the magazine staff, as we and group assessment and treatment, work to make certain the publication as well as parent education. The work meets the needs and interests of our Retired economics Professors John Chizmar, left, and is supported by donations to the cen- graduates,” said Alumni Relations Execu- anthony ostrosky ter’s endowment. Gifts can be made tive Director Stephanie Epp, Ed.D. ’07. vice president for Business and Finance. by contacting Executive Director of Epp is also publisher of the maga- He retired in 2002. Development Joy Hutchcraft at (309) zine, which was converted to a full-color Ostrosky earned his Ph.D. from the 438-8041 or by e-mail at jdhutch@ magazine 10 years ago. It is sent to all University of Pittsburgh, and came to Illi- IllinoisState.edu. Donations can be made alumni quarterly at no charge, and is nois State in 1973. He taught economic online at www.IllinoisState.edu/giving. now available electronically as well as undergraduate and graduate students, in print. Readers who prefer to read the as well as M.B.A. program students. pRofEssoR’s gifT EXpAnds milnER publication online should contact Alumni He received Illinois State’s Outstand- liBRARy mUsiC CollECTion Relations Director Annette States Levitt ing Teaching Award, an Alumni Associa- Thanks to a retired professor with an ear ’96, M.S. ’02, at [email protected] tion Distinguished Teaching Award, the for Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven, Milner to be removed from the magazine’s mail- Freshman Honor Society Favorite Profes- Library patrons will soon have access to ing list. sor Award, and the Outstanding M.B.A. a greatly expanded collection of musical Faculty Award. Ostrosky directed study recordings. abroad programs and taught overseas. The Professor Emeritus Sol Shul- Retired in 2004, he continues to teach at man Collection consists of approximate- least one semester per year. ly 2,600 CDs that Shulman donated from Development Additional information about the his personal collection. The gift includes scholarship fund and faculty award may unique collections sCholARship honoRs TWo be obtained from Director of Develop- of klezmer and Rus- RETiREd EConomiCs fACUlTy ment Mary Rundus by e-mailing merun- sian military music, [email protected] or calling (309) 438-7725. The Department of Economics has estab- as well as classical Gifts can also be made online at www. lished the Dr. John Chizmar and Dr. music with a strong IllinoisState.edu/giving. Anthony Ostrosky Endowed Scholarship emphasis on con- Fund, and the Scholarship of Teaching certos and opera. and Learning Award. EndoWmEnT sUppoRTs The collection The fund honors emeritus professors psyChologiCAl sERviCEs CEnTER is made more valu- John Chizmar and Anthony Ostrosky. It An endowment has been established to able because it con- will be used to provide a scholarship support the Stanley S. Marzolf Center tains many com- for undergraduate economics students, for the Psychological Assessment and parative recordings as well as financial support for an out- Chemistry Professor Treatment Center of Children and Ado- of different orches- standing faculty member in the field of emeritus sol shulman lescents. The fund will allow the center tras and artists per- economics education. to continue a legacy of service that goes forming individual Chizmar earned his doctorate from back decades. works. It will serve as a valuable resource Boston College. He joined Illinois State’s Marzolf developed a psychological for music faculty and students. faculty in 1971, and received the Univer- counseling service in the 1940s as a fac- “Professor Shulman’s donation sity’s Outstanding Teaching Award in ulty member in the Department of Psy- increases our CD collection by 33 per- 1988. He also captured the Henry H. Vil- chology. He mentored graduate students, cent, replacing many performances we lard Research Award, which is a national who worked in area schools to fulfill only had on LP, and adding wonderful research award that recognizes outstand- practicum requirements. The students new recordings by world renown art- ing contributions in economic education provided diagnostic and counseling ser- ists,” Milner’s Music, Theatre, and Media research. Chizmar served as an assistant vices to children and adolescents, and Librarian Christine Kubiak said. “This is dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, also served the mental health needs of an amazing collection for all our music acting associate provost, and as associate university students. students, whether they are studying

6 IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 performance, composition, conducting, TWo moRE REdBiRds AdvAnCE To dEdiCATions hEld foR sofTBAll, music therapy, or just performing in a pRofEssionAl fooTBAll lEAgUE BAsEBAll sTAdiUms campus musical ensemble.” Former Illinois State football players The Illinois State Athletics Department Shulman came to Illinois State in Walter Mendenhall and Tom Nelson held a naming dedication for the Marian 1969 to serve as Department of Chemis- each signed free agent contracts after Kneer Softball Stadium in the spring. try chair. After retiring in 1992 he served the completion of the 2009 NFL Draft. Kneer joined University President Al on the University’s Foundation Board of Mendenhall inked with the Philadel- Bowman and Athletics Director Sheahon Directors. He also played a critical role as phia Eagles, and Nelson signed with the Zenger for the festivities. a consultant in the design and construc- Cincinnati Bengals. Both participated in Kneer ’49, M.S. ’57, pioneered the tion of Illinois State’s Science Laboratory their respective team’s rookie camp. inclusion of women’s sports into the Building. They join three other former Red- Illinois High School Association in 1970. birds in the NFL. Boomer Grigsby ’07 has signed with the Houston Texans. Laurént Robinson ’07 is with the St. Athletics Louis Rams, while Aveion Cason plays for the Detroit Lions. In addition former Redbird Jonathan St-Pierre ’07 signed WomEn’s BAskETBAll sTAR a three-year contract with the Saskatch- fiRsT REdBiRd in WnBA ewan Roughriders of the Canadian Foot- As a star point guard, Kristi Cirone ’09 ball League (CFL) in the spring. became one of the most beloved play- St-Pierre joins Kye Stewart ’08 on ers in Illinois State history. She lifted the Roughrider roster, and will be the the Redbird women’s basketball to new fifth Redbird to play in the CFL. The oth- Marian Kneer ’49, M.s. ’57, far right, spoke at the dedica- heights, and finished her career as pos- tion of the softball stadium named in her honor. others ers include Kevin Glenn and Cameron who participated in the program included, from left, soft- sibly the greatest all-around player in Siskowic ’07, both with the Hamilton ball Coach Melinda Fischer ’72, M.s. ’75; athletics Director program history. Tiger-Cats. Brandon Joyce plays for the sheahon Zenger; President al Bowman; and linda Bowman. Cirone’s success caught the atten- Toronto Argonauts. tion of the WNBA. She was invited by That was two years before the pass- the Connecticut Sun to compete as a free WomEn’s golf TEAm REpEATs ing of Title IX, which mandated more agent in training camp last spring. She ConfEREnCE TiTlE Win opportunity for female athletes. A retired earned a spot on the roster as guard, educator who resides in Plainfield, Kneer The Illinois State women’s golf team becoming the first player from Illinois remains supportive of the University. She completed its second consecutive run to State to make the league. donated $250,000 to Athletics in 2008. the State Farm Missouri Valley Confer- The opportunity came not long after Another dedication also took place in ence (MVC) Championship at Lake Pan- Cirone ended her Illinois State career at the spring. The new Illinois State Baseball orama National Resort in the spring. The the semifinals of the Women’s National Stadium was officially celebrated by Bow- Redbirds posted a final team score of 921 Invitation Tournament. man, Zenger, Board of Trustee Chair Judge for the team’s 10th conference title. The Redbirds had their deepest post- Michael McCuskey ’70, L.L.D. ’03, and Junior Stacey Miller led the Red- season run ever in the tournament. That State Representative Jay Hoffman ’83. success came after the team captured birds with a nine-over-par, three-round their first outright conference regular- score of 225, and won the individual season title in 20 years. title. Miller is the first Redbird to win A Chicago native, Cirone graduated medalist honors at the championship as the all-time leader in scoring, assists, since 2006. Junior Marisa Milligan fin- letters and three-point field goals. A three-time ished the tournament in third place, with Missouri Valley Conference Player of the a 54-hole score of 227. Letters on issues discussed in Illinois Year, Cirone received a pair of All-Amer- Head coach Darby Sligh, who was State or relating to university news or ican honors for the second-consecutive named the MVC Coach of the Year for policies are welcome. All letters should year. the second consecutive year, was proud be limited to 250 words or less and Cirone will long be remembered of the team’s accomplishments. are subject to editing. Send e-mail to by fans, who will see her jersey hang- “We stuck to our game plan through [email protected]; fax to (309) ing from the rafters in Redbird Are- very difficult and windy conditions, and 438-8411; or mail to Illinois State, it paid off for us,” Sligh said. “I am ecstat- na. Athletics Director Sheahon Zenger Illinois State University, Campus Box ic for Stacey. She pulled through for us in announced that Cirone’s No. 10 jersey 3420, Normal, IL 61790-3420. will be retired. the end, as did Marisa with birdies down the stretch.”

IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 7 Competitive advantage Johns Hopkins internship prepares two stellar students

By JoAnnA PELLETIER ’09

ince admitting its first class in 1857, Illi- “Johns Hopkins is committed to excellence nois State’s mission has been to prepare in patient care, teaching, and research,” Brylske S graduates for their chosen field by blend- said. She noted that the program challenges stu- ing a curriculum with practical experience. A dents to take theory they have learned and “apply semester of student teaching was the main source it to real-life settings.” of workplace exposure for decades, as the Univer- The core of Illinois State’s child life program— sity focused on teacher training. knowledge of family and child development theo- As degree options expanded, so did the need ries and practical experience—increased Siegel’s for students to gain real–world training in diverse and Richfield’s appeal as applicants. fields. From campus experiences to international “The key component is to be able to integrate opportunities, faculty and staff across disciplines the book knowledge, and use those concepts to have worked to place students in professional make an assessment, develop goals, and achieve environments where textbook theories and class- those goals,” JHCC Child Life Training Coordina- room lectures come to life. tor Erin Munn said. He praised Siegel and Rich- For Jamie Siegel and Kim Richfield, the field, saying they were “among the best prepared capstone experience came through a child life interns we have seen.” internship with Johns Hopkins Children’s Center “I would consider them both very strong (JHCC) in Baltimore, Maryland. The two Illinois with being able to make meaningful assessments State graduate students were the only ones chosen so they can help children and families adjust to, from a competitive national pool of applicants for and cope with, the healthcare experience,” Munn the spring semester. said. “An internship there is highly sought after,” The JHCC program, which has three, 15–week said Department of Family and Consumer Sci- rotations per year, allows students to explore mul-

this was the first time Johns Hopkins Children’s Center chose two students from the same university.

ences Assistant Professor Julie Maschoff. JHCC tiple areas within the field. Each internship period Child Life Department Director Patrice Brylske is divided into two, seven–week rotations in an noted this was the first time that the department area of the intern’s choosing. Students observe chose two students from the same university to certified child life specialists in their practice, and participate in their program. work under their supervision. As one of the oldest programs in the country, “Part of our internship involved developing Johns Hopkins Child Life Department has served our own style of applying child life theories to as a model for other hospitals. Its association with practice,” Siegel explained. She and Richfield were Johns Hopkins Hospital makes it one of the most also required to spend one week observing at prestigious internships in the competitive field of other hospitals to learn how programs differ. child life.

8 IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 Jamie Siegel, left, and Kim Richfield gained a competitive advantage by completing an internship at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center during the spring semester. The two graduate students put theory to practice as they helped children cope with illness. Siegel has a bach- interventions that help children cope with stress elor’s degree in family and anxiety related to hospitalization. and consumer com- The inpatient oncology unit was Siegel’s sec- munications from the ond rotation. There she learned how to initiate University of Wis- a deeper rapport with families, and build upon consin–Madison. She the interventions she used in her first rotation. learned about child “The outpatient setting was a faster pace and life through a family more scheduled than the inpatient unit. In this friend. “After work- setting a patient can be in from one day to several ing in the communi- months,” she said, which allows time to build a cations field I real- deeper rapport. ized I was missing… Siegel provided families in both units with the rewarding experi- emotional support. As a result she gained a deeper ences and feelings I understanding of how a parent’s or family mem- had with my previous ber’s anxiety can influence a child’s stress levels. volunteer activities with kids,” Siegel said. “Some children might be used to a household She explored the child life field and was where there is high stress. Depending on the cir- “immediately drawn to the dynamic, creative, cumstances, different interventions are applied to and therapeutic elements of the profession.” Sie- help support families throughout a hospitaliza- gel chose Illinois State’s program because of the tion,” she said. “Helping the parents often helps thought–provoking coursework, and the opportu- the children.” nity to gain practical experience through a gradu- Working in the pediatric oncology unit was a ate assistantship. test of Siegel’s emotional strength. She found that “It’s been a great experience, and I think that being brave, supportive, and thinking positive faculty have a lot to do with that,” Siegel said. She thoughts is the key to getting through. “It’s chal- noted that the family and child development theo- lenging at times,” she said. “My thought is that ries taught at Illinois State served as a foundation these people need my help more than ever.” for her first two rotations. Richfield, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Siegel started at Johns Hopkins in the pre- psychology from the University of Wisconsin–La surgical unit, where she helped ready patients Crosse, learned about child life during a senior for upcoming procedures through psychological capstone class. “I thought it sounded interesting, preparation, medical play, and other therapeutic so I went home, found the Child Life Council Web site, and fell in love with it from there. I really like the psychosocial, emotional part of it.”

10 IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 Richfield applied to many different programs Richfield was also responsible for helping the across the country. She became convinced that certified child life specialists prepare children psy- Illinois State would give her the strongest advan- chologically for medical procedures and bandage tage. “When it came down to it, Illinois State changes. The effort involved anything from engag- is specifically a child life program,” Richfield ing the children in medical play to showing them explained. “not a lot of other places can provide books about what they might experience based on you with that experience.” the five senses. Like Siegel, Richfield supported families dur- “one of the things we can do is give the child ing both of her rotations. She spent her first weeks a cloth doll so they can create a buddy with the in the Harriet Lane Clinic, which offers healthcare same condition they have,” she said. “We always services, treatment for acute conditions, and psy- tell the kids that there are two guidelines in this chological support for families insured through hospital: first, there are no surprises, and second, Medicaid. we will always tell you the truth.” She spent much of her time in the waiting The specialists encouraged the children to be room or the play area, where she talked to chil- honest about their condition so that their emo- dren, built a rapport with the families, and asked tional needs could be addressed. “The overarch- questions to assess which families needed the most attention. “A lot of times I’d follow up with them in the exam rooms, and if there was anything that came up that they were stressed about, I tried to help them through that,” she said. She used her knowledge of child and family development theories as a foundation for the assessments she made about the families she met in the clinic. “I got a lot of the child development theories when I was in undergrad,” said Richfield. “It wasn’t until ISU that I got the family theories.” Richfield has grown in her ability to analyze family dynamics as a result of her internship. “Some parents were very involved,” she said, noting they would bring things for their children to do and ask them questions while they were waiting. “other families were in greater need of assis- ing goal of child life is to reduce the stress and Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Maryland offers tance. I often modeled appropriate interactions in anxiety of children when they’re in the hospital, an internship that is one of hopes that parents would pick up on ways that clinic, or any kind of healthcare environment,” the most prestigious in the they could support their children in the future.” Richfield said. field of child life. siegel and Richfield were well pre- Her second rotation in the medical surgical Both she and Siegel are now even more pared for the experience school age and burn unit was a lesson in time empowered to do exactly that as they enter the from their Illinois state management, family intervention, and learning work place. They have grown exponentially in courses, and beat out a her own unique approach to providing children their journey to become child life specialists by pool of national applicants. with the appropriate interventions. “In this area, blending their Illinois State studies with the Johns the procedures were a lot more invasive and Hopkins internship experience. Each has gained stressful,” Richfield said. a competitive advantage and a genuine enthusi- “It definitely was a different pace,” she said, asm as they realize the difference they can and noting she would typically see a child only once will make in the lives of young patients and their and worked with minimal information. It was families. important to make an impression on the families “It’s definitely a rewarding profession. I see a and perform her interventions in a short amount lot of smiles,” Siegel said. “I am constantly in awe of time. of the resilience and magic I see in the children.”

IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 11 Securing the nation

Alumna plays pivotal role BY BOB AARON in military intelligence Nonte’s mission: Director of Intelligence. Her mantra: “Knowledge for Battle.” Samarra, Iraq. February 22, 2006. 6:55 a.m. Eager to start working for Petraeus, Nonte’s Twin bombs rocked the Askariya shrine, one first few months in Iraq were grueling but reward- of Shia Islam’s holiest sites. The mosque with its ing. Often referred to as “Phoenix 2,” she made it trademark golden dome, located 65 miles from through her assignment by relying on a personal Baghdad, was shattered by the explosion. Political philosophy developed at Illinois State: learn, lead, tensions between Shiite and Sunni Muslims grew and make a difference. after the attack, fueled by retaliatory strikes that Learning her desert environment was fraught claimed the lives of about 165 people. with challenges, including leading a team of joint Blame for the Askariya tragedy was pointed service military professionals. She worked to at al-Qaeda in Iraq, a terrorist group associated make a difference for America’s coalition partners with Osama bin Laden, who was made infamous and Iraqi’s citizens. Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey, with the 9/11 attacks on the United States. Many who assumed command from Petraeus, talked to viewed the Samarra blast as a ploy to trigger civil Nonte about the chances of civil war in Iraq. Then war in Iraq. came the Samarra bombing. The Iraqi landscape For Col. Yvette Nonte ’83, a Peoria native changed, and not for the better. and the first female commander of the Reserve “It was a time of real violence,” Nonte said. Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Redbird Cadet “Trouble had been percolating between the vari- Corps, the Askariya attack was a key event in ous religious factions, but now we were intro- her notorious Army career. Nearly seven months duced to a demonstration of deep-seated cultural earlier, Nonte found herself being choppered into hatred, the depth of which we as Americans rarely Iraq under cover of darkness at the request of Lt. see or can truly understand.” Gen. David H. Petraeus, then commander of the The Golden Dome bombing accelerated an Multi-National Security and Transition Command unprecedented level of violence that would con- in Iraq. tinue through what Nonte characterized as “the Wearing full-body armor, she arrived before tremendously successful implementation of the dawn to link up with members of her new team. ‘surge of forces’ nearly two years later.” Baghdad’s They endured a five-day journey to Phoenix Base, constant turmoil caused soldiers like Nonte to be near the Iraqi Defense Ministry. Affectionately ever vigilant. dubbed “Sticky-ville,” it was rumored to have been “Constantly you had to be totally aware of a training academy for toppled Iraqi strongman where you were,” she explained, “constantly scan- Saddam Hussein’s anointed inner circle. It served ning and focusing on your surroundings. You had as a command and control base for the Multi- to be situationally aware.” National Security and Transition Command when There were lighter moments during her tour Nonte arrived. as well, including when she was approached by a young Army captain in a mess hall. He smiled and

12 IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 Photo by Jeffrey MacMillan

Illinois State SUMMER / 2009 13 introduced himself as a fellow Illinois State alum. Nonte’s extensive Army career has taken her “I’m Captain David Peterson, and I graduated to Korea twice, where she was deputy director of in 1995. Surprise! I’m your assistant operations counterintelligence for the 2nd Infantry Division, officer.” and later operations officer for the 532nd battal- It was comforting to have someone from ion in Seoul. home on her team, Nonte said. Another of her But first she was an Illinois State student. She colleagues in Iraq was the then Lt. Col. Craig proudly recalls her collegiate years, explaining that DeDecker ’85, who served as an Army contract- the University is “part of a very close loving coming officer for the commander of Multi-National munity” that holds “very fond memories” for her. Forces, Iraq. Active in band since fifth grade, Nonte was “The informal Redbird network kept us a musician at Illinois Valley Central High School going,” Nonte said. “Craig and I would reach in Chillicothe. She was lured to Illinois State on across boundaries to share information, equip- the recommendation of her music instructor, ment, or grab a quick cup of ‘Joe’ whenever we Richard Sparks. She enrolled with two childhood made it to each other’s area of operations.” girlfriends. The Iraq tour was just one deployment for “I have very good memories of my time here Nonte. A 26-year Army veteran, she calls her coming into the music program,” Nonte said career choice “absolutely the best decision I ever during a visit to campus earlier this year. She par- made. Had I not joined the Army, my life wouldn’t ticularly recalls one time when she was involved have been as good.” in a production of George Frideric Handel’s “Hal-

Campus ROTC program launched Nonte’s career

Army Col. Yvette Nonte’s military career began at Illinois State University, where she was battalion commander of the Redbird ROTC unit in 1982-1983. WEB EXTRA The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is part of the Find out more about the University’s RotC program by going online to www.rotc.ilstu.edu. Graduates curriculum on many campuses nationwide. It teaches stu- will find special links, including one to submit an dents leadership, motivation, and how to conduct military update and photos. these are being sought as RotC works to build an alumni network. operations. It also provides a gateway into the military after graduation. Among Army ROTC alumni are Colin Powell, former U.S. “They were paying me to learn,” secretary of state and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; she added. “I really, really liked it.” George Marshall, Army chief of staff during World War II; and Nonte now resides in Silver Samuel Walton, founder of Wal-Mart. Spring, Maryland. She is married to retired Army Col. Kent Nonte’s father, who died when she was a high-school David Burstein. He is president of Sektor Solutions, a human senior, had been an Army officer. “I reflected on that,” she resources consulting firm based in Washington, D.C. said, recalling her ROTC days at Illinois State. Money was A past participant in the famed Marine Corps Marathon, another motivation Nonte had for joining the ROTC. She Nonte made history at Illinois State in February when she was worked a couple of jobs while an Illinois State student, but one of seven graduates chosen as the first inductees into the finances were tight. College of Applied Science and Technology’s (CAST) Hall of As a member of the University’s ROTC detachment, Nonte Fame. She was chosen for her stellar professional accomplish- spent six to eight weeks in summer training at Fort Knox, ments and service. Kentucky. “Physically, I had to toughen up. It was very hot, “I was completely stunned,” she said, when she received and very hard. It was very challenging physically, and we news of the award. “I couldn’t believe it. What an honor to be learned new skills every day—from road marching, to guns, selected to the CAST Hall of Fame.” to navigation, to how to use a radio.

14 IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 lelujah Chorus” from the The Messiah, a lengthy oratorio sung in Latin. “We did it for Christmas, after finals,” she recalled. “We sang in the freezing cold.” After it nonte was among the first alums inducted into the was all over she and a friend ordered a large pizza. College of applied science They ate the whole thing and got sick. “It is a great and technology’s Hall of memory,” she quipped. Fame. among those who honored nonte at the Nonte performed with the Big Red Marching induction ceremony were Machine for four years, playing the euphonium. Military science Chair lt. “It was a great experience,” she said. A half-time Col. Raymond Hart, left, and dean of the college, performance at a Green Bay Packers’ football Jeff Wood. game is particularly memorable. She credits her success in the military to her band experience. Other members of the community include “Almost all the leadership skills I learned the Central Intelligence Agency, National Security about movement involving large groups came from Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Depart- the experiences I had with marching bands in high ment of Homeland Security, and the intelligence school, and at Illinois State,” she said. “Some of the organizations of the military services. military skills I learned with the marching bands Nonte was drawn to intelligence work by the were how to manage big organizations and how to problem-solving aspects of the job. She found train, synchronize, and perfect things.” collecting information and analyzing it to be “fas- She continued her education in the Army. cinating,” especially when the work can help to Nonte spent one year in school to become an intel- better the nation and be helpful to policy makers. ligence officer. She earned two master’s degrees from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and the Defense Intelligence College, where she The ultimate goal is to give the United studied strategic intelligence. States a comparative advantage in The training prepared her well for her current post as the assistant director of intelligence for the managing national security. Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), which is the military’s top leadership. Her responsibilities include provid- “Our intelligence work is a global responsi- ing briefings, papers, and analysis for the Director bility. It’s focused on defense of the nation,” said of Intelligence, JCS; Adm. Mike Mullen, JCS chair- Nonte, who is passionate about the work at both a man; Defense Secretary Robert Gates; members of professional and personal level. She worked in the the Defense Department; and Congress. Army section of the Pentagon that was severely Nonte’s position is part of the Defense Intel- damaged on September 11, 2001. ligence Agency. The agency is part of the fed- “Twenty-two of my colleagues that I had just eral government’s intelligence community, which left were killed that day,” she said, “and I aided in encompasses a grouping of 16 military and civil- recovery operations. I keep that in mind.” ian agencies that provide the nation with its That terrible day was so shocking it took first line of defense. Its mission is to provide her breath away. It also initially was confusing. timely and objective military intelligence to war “Local, state, and national authorities—civilian fighters, defense planners, and national security and military—were all trying to help,” she said. policy makers. The ultimate goal is to give the But everyone within the overlapping jurisdictions United States a comparative advantage in manag- pulled together and that was comforting. ing national security. Several days after the 9/11 attacks, soldiers “There is much more coordination among from her battalion left stones from the corridor intelligence agencies now as a result of the war on near her old Pentagon office hanging on the door terrorism,” Nonte explained. “Everyday the whole to her new office—a poignant reminder of the great intelligence community talks to each other, and loss suffered by the nation she continues to gladly passes along information. This is positive fallout serve. from 9/11.”

IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 15 Fun on the run Business alum’s inspired idea results in Great Urban Race

by SuSan Marquardt blyStone

oseph reynolds ’03 has amassed in his 29 years more amazing adventures than most people experience J in a lifetime. He’s traveled off the beaten path in 40 countries, exploring the world using income generated from a house painting company he started while at Illinois State. the sale of that business gave reynolds the opportunity to blaze yet another trail—this one as an entrepreneur who is energizing communities across the country with an event called the Great urban race (www.greaturbanrace.com). “I was watching on television The Amazing Race, which was my original inspiration. I thought I could take that concept, which so many people love, and offer it on a local level,” reynolds said. that lightbulb moment occurred in May of 2007. Within a few days reynolds had content ready for a Web site, which was activated in July of that same year. With Chicago as his home, he chose that city for the first race just weeks later. enough people showed up that he planned seven more races in seven cities around the country through the fall of 2007.

16 IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 “It went well enough that I felt I could do it as a full-time job,” reynolds said. He subsequently sold the company he’d launched his junior year, College best Painting, and opted to put his money, time, and energy into the Great urban race (Gur). His instincts were good, as there was so much interest he offered 20 events last year and has 21 scheduled for 2009, including a race that will be held on campus this fall as part of Home- coming (see sidebar). as president of the group. “I learned so much, and there’s rarely a dull moment in the office of Red Frog events, It’s the first time reynolds has organized a met so many wonderful people. I don’t discount which is based in Chicago. Joe campus race, which he intends to continue offer- the fact that my time at ISu was important, and Reynolds ’03, above, and Kelli Pribel ’09 use a map of the nation ing as an offshoot from Gur. He has so many accounts for part of who I am today.” to keep track of Great Urban Race other ideas for activities that he has created a His collegiate experience was enriched fur- events that are scheduled across company called red Frog events. ther by his painting business, which he started the country. “I got the name from a moment I spent sit- with just a few friends working over summers. Opposite page: ask any past Great ting on red Frog beach in Panama,” reynolds they painted the exterior of houses in blooming- Urban Race participants about their adventure chasing down said, recalling one of many exotic international ton-normal. after graduating he expanded the answers to a dozen clues, and they locations he explored after graduating from the business to include interior painting, with upscale will tell you one thing is certain: You will have happy memories at College of business. He enrolled as a transfer stu- Chicago homeowners as his targeted customers. the end of the day. dent and graduated with an entrepreneur/small Most of the work was still done during summer business degree. months, which gave him time to escape. “I’ve just always been interested in business,” “For three years I traveled for several said reynolds, who proved his natural ability in months each winter. I have seen many corners the field while still an elementary school student. of the world,” reynolds said. a Moroccan camel upset that there was no community-wide tournament for his fifth-grade basketball team, reynolds Reynolds proved his natural decided to create one himself. “My parents supported me, especially when business ability while a student I needed a ride to the grocery store for the concession stand items,” reynolds said. the at Illinois state. event was such a success that he donated $500 to the parks and recreation department in his trek in the Sahara desert left him wanting more hometown of Maple Park. years later as a college diverse cultural experiences, which he obtained student reynolds remained focused on a future by roaming from europe and africa to Central in business. He made his way to Illinois State as and South america. a sophomore, eager to hone his skills. one of his most memorable moments “I had a wonderful experience, and am occurred while he was taking intensive Spanish thrilled I chose to go there. What made my expe- classes in Guatemala, which borders el Salvador. rience great was being part of the business frater- “I had no definitive plans, and decided I wanted nity, delta Sigma Pi,” said reynolds, who served to see el Salvador in the best way possible,”

IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 17 “I wake up every morning, and I am the same time. teams then scatter to solve those clues in any order. thrilled to go to work. It’s just a pure Some clues require a moderate physical challenge, while others are purely a mental exercise. love for what I do.” teams can use electronic devices to help complete the challenges or phone a friend, but nobody is reynolds said. “So I bought a bike from a local allowed to use anything other than their feet or vendor, took a bus to the border, and biked until public transportation to complete the course that I got to the other border.” encompasses six miles or less. While many envy such opportunities to the team that finishes with the best time and explore new places, few ever attempt the inter- has all the clues solved correctly wins the race, national treks reynolds has enjoyed. that’s one which ends at the five-hour mark. the first two reason his Great urban race idea became an teams receive a cash prize. the top 25 qualify immediate success. reynolds found a way to bring for an annual national race, where the winner a one-day adventure to neighborhoods across the receives $10,000. country at a price that is affordable, and with such there are also prizes for best costume. “We a mix of competition and comedy that the most had ninjas doing flips in Phoenix,” reynolds intense athletes have as much fun as families. said. He was even more impressed by the boston advertised as “part adventure, part scavenger team that competed in a full donkey suit on a hot hunt,” the race is open to all ages. Participants reg- summer day. ister as teams of two for as low as $45 per person. “It’s just a unique and fun experience that the race starts with teams receiving 12 clues at you really can’t describe,” reynolds said. He makes the point by noting participants range from

Students benefit as business expands with Homecoming race the fact Illinois state is the place Joseph Reynolds ’03 will launch “It’s not always what you know, but who you know,” Pribel the collegiate version of his Great Urban Race is just one indica- said, expressing her appreciation for the opportunity to meet tion of the respect he has for his alma mater. Reynolds through the College of Business fraternity. He had another is his commitment to work with students, who he already graduated when she arrived in 2005 to begin her degree turned to for help when his business began to expand quickly. in marketing and organizational leadership. like Reynolds, she Reynolds survived his second year by too was an officer of the fraternity. relying heavily on five students chosen as an intern Pribel helped pick from Illinois state’s Delta sigma Pi. venues, wrote clues, marketed the “I went back to my old business races, and worked at some of the fraternity,” Reynolds said, knowing he events. she is only the third, full-time would find capable, dependable staff person hired by Reynolds. Her job from within the membership. From now is to oversee the campus races, 40 resumes he chose Rees Mason ’08, beginning with the Illinois state event Zec Jagmin ’09, loren leeberg ’09, on Homecoming weekend. Matt sesslar ’09, and Kelli Pribel ’09 to Reynolds has relied on Illinois state students to help him build his business, the event will go beyond campus beginning with Pribel as one of his first interns. His most recent interns complete a paid internship. include stephanie Mezzano, a junior management major; and alex Yount, to points in Bloomington-normal. the five worked for a semester who is completing a master’s degree in kinesiology and recreation. Coming up with clues and locations is in 2008, handling everything from mailings and social network- a challenge for Pribel, who is determined to make the race nostal- ing Web sites to answering inquiries, accounting for boxes of gic for alums without being too obvious. receipts, and setting up an inflatable that serves as the finish line she has the advantage of being familiar with her location, on race day. travel was a significant perk of the internship, which which is not typically the case. Races are created from the Red Frog turned into full-time employment for Pribel. events office in lincoln Park, with the Internet used to develop

18 IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 serious athletes in training to relatives seeking a bonding moment. “We have a lot of people who show up with no intent of even finishing. they just want to go out and have some fun with friends,” reynolds said. the fun is so contagious that reynolds credits word-of-mouth for much of the race’s success, with the recession a factor as well. “We might be one of those few businesses benefiting from the economy, as people who would have gone on vacation will instead look for something fun to do locally,” said reynolds, who is having as good a time as the race participants. “I wake up every morning, and I am thrilled to get to work. It’s just a pure love for what I do. I can’t imagine a different job,” reynolds said. “It’s growing so fast that it’s just been a fun and wild ride. It’s now way beyond what I ever thought would happen.” Illinois State is supposed to be the first step when Reynolds will typically include a physical challenge in each Great the rapid success has kept reynolds busy as launching a business. Urban Race. He and his staff he adds events coast to coast. It’s been so hectic “I have a clear idea of where everything is demonstrate one used in the past, which required teams to master he has not yet taken the time to write a formal going,” he assured, “but I know my professors tandem land skis. business plan, which he knows from his days at would not be happy.”

clues and Google earth to plot checkpoints. Race staff and volun- there will be some kind of small-dollar activity included teers arrive a few days in advance to go through the course, mak- in the Homecoming race as well to raise money for the Illinois ing certain the clues make sense and the distance is manageable. state University student Foundation service award scholarship. additional advance work involves finding a local charity to the fund is being created as a result of the event, with Reynolds incorporate into the race, as Reynolds makes every event a fund- giving a portion of all entry fees to the scholarship. raising opportunity for some community entity. earlier this year Just what participants will be asked to do is something in austin, for example, GUR worked with the Mary lee Founda- Pribel won’t divulge. there are sample clues from past races on tion, which serves children and adults with special needs. as part the race Web site, which gives a good idea of what to expect. of the race, each team had to collect and deliver to the founda- But ask for details about the Homecoming event, and Pribel tion four canned food items. approximately 50 special needs will consistently give the same response: “I can definitely keep residents greeted the racers, who contributed about 900 cans to a secret!” Mary lee’s newly expanded food pantry.

The Great Urban Race at Homecoming 10 a.m., October 16 | Starts at Alumni Center; ends on the Quad Prizes: $300 and free entry to the new orleans national championship for first place, $150 and free championship entry for second place, free championship entry for third place, best costume, funniest pictures, and top family team.

Registration: Go to www.greaturbanrace.com to register. Cost is $45 per person through september 21, with the fee then increasing to $55 per person until october 15, and $70 per person on race day. there is a $1,000 cash prize to the group that signs up the most teams. the IsU student Foundation service award scholarship will be established with a percentage of the registration funds received.

IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 19 Seasons of change

20 IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 Seasons of change

Two alums led campus Title IX transition

By BETH WHISMAN

Phebe Scott and Laurie Mabry were two early someone and monitor their heart Redbird leaders who advocated for women in rate while they’re active. We hooked athletics and education long before Title IX was electrodes onto two players, and enacted. Their fight for equality was carried for- we played five-on-five basketball,” ward at Illinois State by Jill Hutchison, M.S. ’69; Hutchison said. and Linda Herman, M.S. ’72, Ed.D. ’83. Both were “These two student-athletes integral to advancing opportunities for female maintained 180 beats a minute for athletes before the groundbreaking law was truly easily 10 to 12 minutes at a time,” enforced on college campuses. Hutchison said, noting that it was Enacted in 1972, Title IX mandates equal believed that a heart rate exceeding opportunities for women and men in academics 180 beats a minute was stressful. and athletics at any institution receiving public One of the athletes tested was Illinois funds. Hutchison can attest that the law resulted State’s head softball coach Melinda in a time of transition that was tough. Fischer ’72, M.S. ’75. “Cultural change is slow. It’s much slower “Melinda went up to around than you ever want it to be. And that’s what Title 210, and she wasn’t even on the Female athletes from years IX was—a cultural change, not just for athletics. floor,” Hutchison said. “Her electrode came off, ago, above and opposite page, and at halftime I went down to fix it. She heard were pioneers who put to rest Females…crossing the gender barrier, that was the theory that women cannot huge,” Hutchison said. the buzzer go off upstairs, meaning the second be competitive. She experienced the shift from the perspective half was starting, and she wasn’t up there on the of a student-athlete to an administrator. Hutchi- court. Her heart rate just started racing!” son’s Illinois State legacy spans four decades, as Hutchison’s study helped convince the Wom- she went from graduate assistant to Hall of Fame en’s Rules Committee that a female athlete could coach. literally stand the stress of competition. It was one Inspired by her coach, Elivira “Tiny” Vid- of many pivotal moments for Hutchison, who was ano ’42, Hutchison played high school ball in named Illinois State’s head women’s basketball Albuquerque, New Mexico. She graduated from coach in 1970. the University of New Mexico, then taught and That was two years before Title IX became coached at a junior high school before enrolling law. The rules wouldn’t be set for several years, at Illinois State. As a graduate student she helped and the law faced immediate legal challenges. disprove the long-held theory that women’s hearts But in 1972 Illinois State proved to be a leader in were too weak to play full-court basketball. women’s athletics once again, as the University “I had gotten interested in telemetry, which organized the nation’s first collegiate basketball is an instrument where you hook electrodes onto championship for women.

IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 21 The opportunity to direct the tournament appearances, and three NCAA Tournaments. She opened the door for Hutchison’s career within the was a Rawlings Missouri Valley Conference Coach Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Wom- of the year in 1985, 1988, and 1996. Most impor- en (AIAW). She helped establish the regions and tant to Hutchison, every single senior on those the qualifying process for the tournament. “Sur- teams graduated. prisingly,” she said, “the regions that we set up in She has been inducted into the National 1971-1972 are almost identical to the regions we Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, and a banner play in the NCAA now.” honoring her career hangs from Redbird Arena’s Hutchison left campus to earn her doctorate rafters. A resident of Normal, Hutchison is a at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. sports broadcaster. She offers analysis on WJBC When she returned, Title IX had officially arrived during Illinois State women’s basketball games, on campus, challenging the traditional funding and on Missouri Valley Conference Television. equation for sports. President Emeritus David Hutchison was not alone in moving the cam- Strand weathered the storm. pus forward under Title IX. Herman played an “He was the executive officer. He was the man equally significant role in the University’s history, who got caught in the middle, and distributed as she served as associate director and senior money for both programs. It was never equitable, women’s administrator in Athletics from 1982 to Jill Hutchison, M.s. ’69 but he was trying to do the best he could do with- 2002. out dismantling the men’s program,” Hutchison “I had the double title because the NCAA recalled. “This was before Title IX was being fully required a women’s administrator to basically enforced.” insure that every institution had someone respon- When the men’s and women’s programs sible for the oversight of gender equity,” she said. merged in 1981, the women’s basketball team The biggest challenges were always about moved from McCormick Gym to Horton Field finding equitable resources. House. Hutchison quickly realized there were “It was really about convincing and influ- even more challenges ahead. encing people to do the right thing for the right “The facility manager hated the fact that reason,” she said. “you’d women were there taking away the men’s court like to think some things time,” she said. “I would bring brownies to the would happen because field house guys just to thank them for the little they should, but you things they begrudgingly did for us. They were need legislation and just as engrained in the system as anybody. you rules to guarantee the can’t blame them.” opportunities continue The younger workers eventually became big to exist.” supporters. She recalls fieldhouse workers gave Herman grew up her a chair embroidered with the season’s record in Valparaiso, Indiana, when the 1989 team won the conference, and where her father coached her and her brother on “ It was really about convincing and influencing a county baseball team. linda Herman, M.s. ’72, ed.D. ’83 people to do the right thing for the right reason.” The team’s arrival at a city baseball tournament delivered Herman’s first went on to the second round of the NCAA tourna- brush with discrimination in sports. ment. That was just one of many spectacular sea- “My dad was great. He treated me just like my sons for Hutchison, who is the all-time winningest brother. But when we advanced to the city tourna- Redbird basketball coach for both the men’s and ment, girls couldn’t play,” Herman said. “We just women’s programs. Throughout 28 seasons she accepted it, but deep down inside of me I thought compiled a 461-323 record. something wasn’t right. All the time we were grow- Hutchison’s teams earned five Gateway Con- ing up, it stuck in my head.” ference titles, seven AIAW state championships, One of the only ways Herman could pursue two AIAW national tournaments, seven WNIT a career in coaching was to teach. She graduated

22 IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 from Indiana State University, and spent three the final outcome,” Herman said. She recalled that years as a high school coach in Frankfort, Indiana. the hardest part “was when we dropped junior “I was hired to coach synchronized swimming, varsity teams for both men’s and women’s sports, but I went on to start the first state high school and decided to no longer sponsor sports like bad- tennis championship in Indiana. It was all about minton, field hockey, wrestling, and men’s swim- finding new opportunities for the kids.” ming. you get through it by making a decision She earned her master’s degree from Illinois that’s right for the institution. Those decisions State, and became a teacher and coach at Oak were in the best interest of the long term viability Park River Forest High School. She returned to of Illinois State.” the University two years later. “That’s when I Herman retired in 2002, but she returned decided to go into full-time coaching,” she said. “I to Athletics in 2004 to serve as interim director WEB EXTRA eventually accepted the head volleyball coaching for the fourth time in her career. She’s among a a reporter with Bloomington radio position in 1975.” minority of women who have been at the helm of a station WJBC, Beth Whisman spoke with Jill Hutchison and linda Herman Herman’s coaching success resulted in two Division I program. Today females make up only for a special report that aired during team appearances in the AIAW national tourna- about nine percent of that group. Illinois state’s sesquicentennial. ment. She finished her coaching career with a In 2003 Herman was inducted into the Amer- Go to www.Illinoisstate.edu/ alumni-magazine to download 267-112 record, spent seven years on the NCAA ican Volleyball Coaches Association’s inaugural an audio file of the interviews. Volleyball Committee, and two on the NCAA Soft- Hall of Fame class. The school’s annual scholar- ball Committee. athlete award is named after the Redbird pioneer, “I coached some wonderful kids, but in my who resides in Normal. head I knew there was more. So I earned my doc- She and Hutchison remain avid Illinois State torate at ISU while I coached. It took me seven fans, and maintain their interest in helping wom- years,” she said. en advance against all obstacles. They know that In 1982 Herman became the University’s Title IX was a huge step forward. Despite constant senior associate director of Athletics. “I got out legal challenges, Hutchison has full confidence of coaching sooner than I planned, but I didn’t the law will prevail, creating even more opportu- know when that kind of opportunity would come nities in all realms for women in the future. around again.” “It’s not just in sports. It’s in elementary There was an obvious lack of unity within the school books that show women being doctors department among men and women at the time. and lawyers and architects, instead of limiting us Editor’s note: This is The school was going through painful but neces- to being nurses and secretaries,” Hutchison said. the second of a two-part sary transitions under Title IX. “It’s much more widespread than sports.” series about Illinois “That’s where I learned that leadership was State’s influence in open- a big factor. The process was just as important as ing the playing field for women. The first part appeared in the May issue of Illinois State. Alumni Services

Horticulture Center grows as place for research, learning, and fun

Just three years ago, it looked like a field of sunflowers. now the University’s Horticulture Center in normal is taking shape as a botanical garden. What used to be 12 acres of rolling farmland has become a native prairie with themed gardens, fragrant viburnums, and a grove of native trees. Jessica Chambers ’93, the center’s first director, wished the gardens had been there when she was a horticulture student. agriculture students research, design, plant, and care for the gardens, which share a fence with the Weibring Golf Club. Visitors are welcome anytime, but should especially stop by for the annual autumnal Fes- tival on october 3. Just pull into the gravel driveway, wander through the gardens, maybe have lunch at a picnic bench, or sit on the hill and watch birds fly to the feeder at sunset. You can’t miss the children’s garden, where kids wade through a pool of chocolate mulch, pick a strawberry, or lean over to smell the basil. there’s also a vegetable garden, an herb garden, and a weed garden. “I love the idea of a weed garden,” Chambers said. “It’s important to look at things in a different light.” the gardens help people connect, or reconnect with nature. each year themes are added.

quick reference a graduate student designed a conifer garden, featuring rare cone-bearing plants. and there are plans for a “literary” garden.

ResoURCe: the center not only serves students as a living classroom, but is appreciated by the com- Illinois State Horticulture Center munity. last fall 27 families planted a tree to honor someone as part of the community’s Children

CooRDInatoR: and elder Forest project. the indigenous trees deepen the bond between generations. Jessica Chambers ’93 a wind turbine and pergola with solar array panels are also on site. students majoring in

Web sIte: renewable energy study and collect data on the system, which provides enough electricity to www.HorticultureCenter.ilstu.edu power half of a small household.

pHone: support is crucial to the center’s continued growth. as funding becomes available, there (309) 438-3496 are plans to add a leeD-certified building that would identify the Department of agriculture as a leader in sustainable site development. Hopes for the future also include a greenhouse, conservatory, outdoor amphitheatre, field research plots, nursery demonstration plots, and more gardens. Community volunteers help plant and maintain the gardens. there’s no right or wrong way of doing things, Chambers tells them, no straight rows required. the youngest volunteer is 4 years old. on a summer’s evening it looks like a garden of long ago, with three generations bend- ing and stooping, all working together, occasionally stopping to watch a monarch land or catch a glimpse of the sinking sun.

24 IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 What’s your Passion? www.IllinoisState.edu/stateyourpassion

An alumni perspective

As a new student on the Illinois State University cam- provided the spark, but we pus many years ago, I had no idea how important the also follow and support other University and its activities would become in my life. Illinois State Athletics pro- I was focused on settling into a new lifestyle, attending grams. We cheer for Redbird classes, and participating in a social life far different men and women in basketball, than anything previously experienced. While many of volleyball, football, softball, those things came with challenges, there were opportu- baseball, and other sporting nities to develop meaningful personal relationships and activities. It is just as reward- participate in activities that developed great pride in ing now as it was in 1967. the University. While athletics has been One of those activities was attending athletic the glue that has kept us connected to campus, the events—most specifically football and basketball games. positive growth and expansion of programs at the Uni- I am certain that I participated initially because of the versity has kept both Dave and me committed to sup- social opportunity, but it became a passion when the porting Illinois State. As we are both graduates of the basketball team advanced in the NCAA Davison II tour- College of Business, we take great pride in the quality nament. While many students followed the team out of of the programs and the graduates who are making a state, those of us with less time and money available positive impact on our country and world. We also take cheered from our dorm rooms as we listened great pride in a family legacy of Illinois State University to scores. graduates, beginning with Dave’s parents and grandpar- My husband, Dave, and I followed the University ents, and continuing with our daughter, Marissa. Let men’s basketball accomplishments from those NCAA the legacy continue. Division II days, and in early 1980 we became proud members of the Redbird Club. We have been season Mary Ann (Wessland) Webb ’78 ticket holders since that time. Men’s basketball

IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 25 AlumniEvents Illinois state University alumni association

AUGUST Here‘s a sampling of alumni events on campus and across the country. For the most up-to-date event information or to register online, 12 Alumni Travel to Alaska Contact: Campus Office please visit www.IllinoisState.edu/alumni/events. Detailed Travel the scenic Inside Passage aboard information for all university events is available on the University the luxurious Seven Seas Mariner on this seven-day cruise from Vancouver, British Calendar at www.calendar.ilstu.edu. Columbia, to Seward, Alaska. Encounter the people, culture, and natural environment of Alaska with an intimacy not pos- the Redbird Club are cohosting a pregame The gala will recognize partnerships forged sible on larger ships. Go to www.Alumni. tailgate. Kick-off is at 6 p.m. Don’t miss this between Illinois State alumni and friends ilstu.edu/travel for additional details and to great opportunity to help Spread the Red! and members of the Bloomington-Normal make your reservations. For more information go online to www. community. Hors d’oeuvres and a din- Alumni.ilstu.edu/football. 14 ISU Night with the Peoria Chiefs ner will be served. There will be a brief program, followed by performances by Contact: Campus Office 19 Alumni Association Board of Tom Marko and Sally Weisenburg and the Join Illinois State friends and alumni for a Directors annual meeting Famous Sidemen. Cost is $50 per person, family friendly evening at a Peoria Chiefs’ Contact: Campus Office and reservations are required by September game. Pregame event and game tickets are The annual meeting of the board of direc- 18. Call (309) 438-3204 or go online to available online at www.Alumni.ilstu.edu/ tors will be held at 9 a.m. in the Alumni www.Alumni.ilstu.edu/gala. chiefs. Center. For more information, contact Alumni Relations Executive Director Stepha- 15 Redbird Fan Fair nie Epp at [email protected]. NOVEMBER Contact: Redbird Athletics 19 CommUniversity at Redbird football You won’t want to miss the kick-off to Illi- 7 Student Alumni Council/Peoria Contact: Redbird Athletics nois State football with this special evening Alumni Network tailgate that begins at 5 p.m. There will be live Another exciting season of football begins Contact: Campus Office music, food, and family entertainment pre- with several community partners participat- Join members of the Student Alumni ceding the football fall scrimmage. Admis- ing in CommUniversity prior to the Illinois Council and Peoria Alumni Network for sion is free. More information is available State football game against Austin Peay. a pregame football tailgate during Fam- online at GoRedbirds.com. Tailgating in the Redbird Tent Zone begins ily Weekend. Illinois State will take on at 4:30 p.m., with the game kick-off at 6:30 Western Illinois. Tailgating begins at 10:30 p.m. Tailgating rules and ticket information a.m., with kick-off at 1 p.m. Guests are are available online at GoRedbirds.com. SEPTEMBER asked to bring a favorite side dish, snack, or beverage to share. The main course will 2 Agriculture Alumni Farm Progress be provided. Show breakfast OCTOBER Contact: Department of Agriculture 12-18 Homecoming The Department of Agriculture and Col- Contact: Campus Office lege of Applied Science and Technology will cohost an alumni breakfast at the Mark your calendar for this fun-filled Farm Progress Show. The nation’s leading weekend that includes activities for outdoor farm show, this event features everyone. Several celebrations are planned state-of-the art information and technology this year. See pages 27–29 for additional available for today’s agricultural producers, details and highlights. Go online to as well as vendor exhibits. A Department IllinoisState.edu and click on the of Agriculture update will be given at the Homecoming logo for the most current Contact Us event, which starts at 9 a.m. on the show information on scheduled activities. To register by phone or for more information, grounds. Space is limited to 300. Go online please call the office indicated for each specific to www.Agriculture.ilstu.edu for registra- 17 Uptown and Gown Gala event. tion information. Contact: Campus Office Join President and Mrs. Al Bowman for campUs offIce 12 Illinois State vs. Illinois Football an evening of camaraderie, dancing, and (309) 438-3204 or toll free (800) 366-4478 game and tailgate celebration at the Uptown and Gown Gala. Contact: Campus Office This black-tie optional event will begin at chIcago offIce (312) 251-3500 or toll free (866) 366-4478 Cheer on the Redbirds as they take on the 6:30 p.m. at the Marriott Hotel and Confer- ence Center opening in Uptown Normal. University of Illinois at Memorial Stadium redbIrd athletIcs in Champaign. The Alumni Association and (309) 438-3803

26 IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 “ Rock the Red” as Illinois State University celebrates its 89th Homecoming. Join the celebration by attending activities that include a mix of campus traditions and new events. Complete details, up-to-date information on all activities, and online registration are at IllinoisState.edu. Click on the Homecoming logo.

Alumni Networks and Reunions Mennonite Nurses Alumni Organization Apparel Homecoming is the perfect opportunity to The Mennonite Nurses Alumni Organization Get in the spirit and order your reconnect with your Illinois State friends. will be hosting a tailgate in Redbird Tent Homecoming 2009 apparel now. Go Plan your own reunion by using our online Zone at 11 a.m. Go to IllinoisState.edu/ to http://ilstu.bncollege.com for more guide at www.Alumni.ilstu.edu/reunion. A nursing for more information, e-mail Amy information. Items are also available at the sampling of what some of our networks have Irving at [email protected], or call her at Barnes and Noble College Bookstore on scheduled is as follows: (309) 438-7418. campus.

Alumni Band Illinois State University Hey Big Red Marching Machine alums! Be Black Colleagues Association a part of all the Alumni Band Homecoming The ISUBCA has a full weekend of activities activities. Visit www.Alumni.ilstu.edu/band planned, including a dance party and for more information. scholarship brunch. Go to www.Alumni.ilstu. edu/isubca for more information.

Alumni Ribbons Campus Involvement Ambassadors will be recognizing alumni who served in Registered Student Organizations while at Illinois State. Pick up a ribbon in the Bone Student Center, and explore displays of current student organizations. Visit the Homecoming Web Need a room? site for more information. Go to IllinoisState.edu for a listing of local Find a Friend hotels offering room blocks for Homecoming. Make the most of the weekend by getting a Parking and Transportation group together. If you need help reconnecting Visit the Homecoming Web site for a with old friends, use the Find a Friend map and information regarding shuttles, locator service online at www.Alumni.ilstu. alternative transportation ideas to get to edu/friend. campus, and parking information.

IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 27 cut out this card for special discounts and savings

Unable to make it back to campus for the Homecoming celebration? Here’s what you can do to “Rock the Red!” • Dress in your Illinois State spirit wear for work on Friday, October 16. • Use the special Homecoming desktop wallpapers for Redbird Walk your personal computer. Find them at www.Alumni. Homecoming is the perfect opportunity to stroll the ilstu.edu/wallpaper. streets of Uptown Normal and Downtown Bloomington. • Listen to the football game online on All-Access via You’ll see exciting changes to both business GoRedbirds.com. districts. Your free Redbird Walk card entitles you • Become a fan of our Homecoming page on Facebook to discounts and specials at a variety of locations and watch for video and photo uploads. Find them at in Normal and Bloomington during Homecoming www.Alumni.ilstu.edu/facebookhomecoming. week. Cards will be available during Homecoming week on campus. For more information go to • Visit the Homecoming Web site to check out www.Alumni.ilstu.edu/redbirdwalk. opportunities to interact with the special event. Schedule highlights

Friday, October 16 Torchlight Parade Prism Concert 6 p.m. 8 p.m. The Great Urban Race Quad Center for the Performing Arts 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Join a Redbird tradition led by the Big Red A large cross section of talented faculty and Alumni Center for start Marching Machine and torchbearers in this students in solo, chamber, and large ensemble See pages 16–19 for information. march to Redbird Hoopfest and the Pep Rally works perform. Call (309) 438-8833 for events. tickets. Alumni Day Luncheon Noon Hoopfest Saturday, October 17 Bone Student Center Brown Ballroom 7 p.m. The Alumni Day Luncheon will feature the Horton Fieldhouse Town and Gown 5K Run crowning of the alumni king and queen, Hoopfest is an exciting and fun-filled event 7 a.m. Alumni Day guest recognition, and a keynote with 3-point contests, a slam-dunk contest, Schroeder Plaza address. Tickets are $15 per person. intra-squad scrimmages, and several other Homecoming Saturday begins with a run Preregistration is required. surprises. Admission is free. through the campus and Uptown Normal. The first 250 preregistered runners will receive a College of Business Early Career Pep Rally, Live Music, Town and Gown 5K Run T-shirt. Visit www. Achievement Award Events Bonfire, and Fireworks Alumni.ilstu.edu/5k for more details. 2:30 p.m. 8:15 p.m. College of Business Building North of Redbird Arena Homecoming Parade Caterpillar Auditorium Support your Redbirds as they “rock” the 9:30 a.m. Students, faculty, staff, external partners, and crowd to prepare for Saturday’s football game. Corner of College Avenue and University Street alumni are invited to a networking reception Warm up by the annual Homecoming bonfire Whether you’re a spectator admiring from the where recipients of the 2009-2010 Early Career with free hot chocolate. street or riding on a float, you won’t want to Achievement Awards will be recognized. miss this. Walking, mobile, and float entry forms can be found online. Be sure to visit the online map for parking, transportation, and parade viewing options.

28 IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 Redbird Tent Zone the left-hand toolbar. Enter ‘ALUM09’ as the Sunday, October 19 11 a.m. promotional code. Select the desired amount Plan your own tailgate with friends and family of tickets and complete your transaction. Twin City Tours members underneath a tent in the green Tickets will be mailed approximately two 10:30 a.m. – Noon grass. Check out the Redbird Tent Zone! Visit weeks before the game, or may be picked up Alumni Center GoRedbirds.com for pricing, order form, and at Hancock Stadium. For special requests or Take a fact-filled bus tour of Bloomington- more information. seating accommodations, or to order tickets Normal to see all the great changes occurring over the phone, call (309) 438-8000. around campus and in the area. Preregistration Spread the Red Tailgate Tent is required and seating is limited. Uptown and Gown Gala 11 a.m. Redbird Tent Zone 6:30 p.m. Women’s Soccer vs. Evansville The Spread the Red Tailgate Tent is the perfect Uptown Normal Marriott Hotel 1 p.m. and Conference Center place for alumni and friends to catch up! There Adelaide Street Field Celebrate Homecoming in style at the new will be music and refreshments, including free Please visit GoRedbirds.com for more Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. Join mini-gondola snacks and a cash bar. information. President and Mrs. Al Bowman and your Illinois State football fellow Redbirds for cocktails, a fabulous vs. Indiana State dinner, and special entertainment hosted 2 p.m. by WGLT. Tickets for this black-tie optional Hancock Stadium occasion are limited. Illinois State Athletics is offering a special alumni rate of $13 per ticket for advance a purchase of reserved seating on the west side night you’ll of Hancock Stadium. Tickets are available never August 17. The discounted rate runs through forget 5 p.m., October 2. Order tickets online at

GoRedbirds.com. Choose ‘TICKETS’ from ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY UPTOWN AND GOWN the top menu. Select ‘PROMOTIONS’ from Your’e invited 09 GAL A IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 29 ClassNotes

Alumnus continues service after long road of recovery

maj. robert J. tobin ’79 has journeyed from college student to soldier to survivor. during his undergraduate days at Illinois state, tobin majored in anthropology and geology. he continued his education, obtaining a master’s in geology at the University of Kansas, followed by a doctorate in paleontology at the University of nebraska. tobin left academia to build a career in the military. he joined the army more than 18 years ago. as an enlisted man, he was a paratrooper before becoming a commissioned officer. he has served in that commissioned capacity for more than 15 years, working half of that time in a tank unit. he served as a staff officer when he was deployed to Iraq during the spring of 2007. Working with multi-national forces, his assignment involved planning the recruiting, training, and equipping of new brigades of the Iraqi army. “I spent about 75 percent of my time coordinating in baghdad, and the remainder at an Iraqi forward operating base in diyala prov- ince,” tobin said. on June 15, 2007, tobin’s life changed dramatically. “I was wounded by an enemy rocket that detonated 11 meters from me,” tobin said. “I spent most of 2008 recovering from surgery, and doing physical therapy.” despite the grueling recovery, he considers himself fortunate. “I was lucky. It could have been much worse,” tobin said. “I don’t run as fast anymore, and I wear hearing aids now. but I have all of my limbs, and am not disfigured.” his recovery allowed tobin to begin working again as a technical writer. having now returned to his home in nebraska, tobin is teaching as an army reserve instructor in the army command and general staff college. that college plays an essential role in the army’s leader development program, shaping the next generation to support the army’s operational needs and requirements. tobin finds it rewarding to help prepare those who will be called upon to perform the most difficult of duties as they serve the nation. With no plans to retire from the reserves until 2015, tobin will have ample opportunity to not only instruct but inspire countless soldiers.

30 IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 40s The Future of Religion in American Share your good news Politics. He resides in Virginia R. Vincent Johnson ’43 is a retired Beach, Virginia. developmental chemist who Paula (Bergagna) Nezki ’63, M.S. ’68, Alumni are encouraged to share news on job changes, worked for Abbott Laboratories. He is a professor of office information promotions, special honors, retirements, marriages, and his wife, Ann, enjoy time with systems at West Shore Commu- their 14 grandchildren. They reside births, and adoptions. Information will be published nity College in Michigan. She was in Waukegan. in the earliest possible issue, based on the order awarded the Michigan Business Education Associate Post-Secondary information is received and as space permits. Infor- 50s Teacher of the Year Award in 2008. mation submitted more than one year following the Patricia H. Caliendo ’59 was an She resides in Manistee, Michigan. event will not be published. Engagements and preg- adapted physical education instruc- Robert I. Cardiff ’64 retired from nancies will not be published. teaching after 29 years at Highland tor for 14 years. She worked eight There are three easy ways to submit your Park High School. He and his wife, years as a fitness and mobility information: 1) Go online to www.alumni.ilstu.edu, instructor at Coastline Community Diana, reside on a farm in Galva, College in Costa Mesa, California, and have a summer home in Hay- select “Redbird Connections,” and click on “class where she was named adjunct ward, Wisconsin. notes.” Information submitted using this metod will instructor of the year in 2001. She James C. Griner ’64, M.S. ’72, is the also be posted online; 2) E-mail your news to sjblyst@ CEO of Griner Enterprises. He and works as a part-time instructor at IllinoisState.edu or [email protected]; or 3) Central Oregon Community Col- his wife, Jean, are the parents of lege. She resides in Bend, Oregon. two sons and two grandchildren. Mail your news to Class Notes, Illinois State Univer- F. Leon Rodgers ’59, M.S. ’63, is the They reside in Hoopeston. sity, Alumni Relations, Campus Box 3100, Normal, retired superintendent of Mahomet- Bill O’Neill ’64 has been inducted IL 61790-3100. Please include your graduation year, into the Missouri State University Seymour Schools. He is on the Illi- major, maiden name when applicable, and daytime Athletics Hall of Fame. He served as nois Association of Retired Teach- phone number for verification purposes. ers Board of Directors. He and his assistant football coach and associ- wife, Judith (Rodgers) ’61, reside in ate Athletics director at Missouri For additional information, contact Alumni Goreville. State for nearly four decades before Relations at (309) 438-2586 or (800) 366-4478, or by retiring in 2008. His wife, Ina e-mail at [email protected]. (Ellertson) ’69, is a retired teacher. 60s They reside in reside in Springfield, Charles W. Dunn ’62 is past presi- Missouri. Judiciary. The 15-member court selected as Voice of Democracy Richard A. Manahan ’65, M.S. ’71, dent of Illinois State’s Student Sen- investigates, hears, and determines Teacher of the Year for the State Ed.D. ’75, ate, and chaired the committee to is the vice president charges regarding the discipline or of Illinois. She and her husband, change the University’s name from for University Advancement and removal of Tennessee judges. He Henry, reside in Wenona. Illinois State Normal University. A president/CEO of the Foundation and his wife, Lois, reside in John- Starr L. (Bridge) Hull, M.S. ’68, E.d.D past recipient of the Distinguished at East Tennessee State University. son City, Tennessee. ’86, retired in 2006 from her posi- He is also a professor of accoun- Alumnus Award, he is dean of the Robert N. Moore ’66, M.S. ’67, is a tion at Bradley University as a cer- tancy and of educational leadership School of Government at Regent professor of English at the Univer- tification officer, and coordinator and policy analysis. He has been University. He has authored his sity of Arizona at Monticello. He of clinical and field experience. She chosen to serve on the Court of the 16th book on American politics, has published six books of poetry has retired from the board of the under the name Red Hawk. He Illinois Association of Colleges for was also a Hodden Fellow in the Teacher Education after a decade Humanities at Princeton University. of membership. She served as trea- He and his wife, Chandrika, reside surer, vice president, and president. in Monticello, Arizona. Hull received the Constituent Lead- Jerry Vitton ’66 received a lifetime ership Award from the University achievement award from Geneva of Illinois Alumni Association in School District in recognition of his 2005. She resides in Sewickley, nearly 40 years with the district. Pennsylvania. He has taught science and helped Michael “Mick” P. Martin ’68 worked coach several sports. He and his as an educator for 35 years. He wife, Janice (Scott) ’66, reside in served as a teacher, coach, coun- North Aurora. They have two chil- selor, and dean in Illinois, Arizona, dren and three grandchildren. Colorado, and Bay Area of Cali- T. Daniel Heagstedt ’67 owns and fornia before retiring as a dean of operates T. Daniel Productions students. He and his wife, Terry with his wife, Laurie J. Willets ’70, Martin, reside in Prescott, Arizona. a student luncheon sponsored in the spring by the IsU financial management association M.A. ’72. They are internationally Brenda K. (Bryer) Benepe ’69, M.S. student organization and the Illinois state alumni in finance networking group connected acclaimed mime theatre artists and ’00, works part-time as the activity students with finance alumni. panelists at the elmhurst event addressed finance career performers with long careers creat- assistant at Imboden Creek Gar- issues, and talked about job search strategies in the current difficult job market. speakers ing to, and working with, classical dens, which is an assisted care facil- included, from left, financial planner paul gantzert; broker charles sherburne ’97; execu- music with orchestras and chamber ity in Decatur. She presents chalk tive recruiter david Umlauf; commercial property lender michael o’Keefe ’97; portfolio ensembles. They reside in Chicago. talk programs in the community. manager larry lonis; and bank compliance officer michelle rojo ’90. lonis serves on the Beverly (Barke) Hart ’68, M.S. ’73, is She and her husband, John, reside IsU finance advisory board and has worked with IsU finance interns, as have gantzert and the assistant principal at Flanagan in Blue Mound. Umlauf. School District 4. She has been

IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 31 AlumniNews

of working as a band director at the junior high and high school levels. He now teaches leadership classes, Donald F. Jeanes ’69 performed with and operational risk assessment the U.S. Navy Band before teaching and risk management for the U.S. band in Fairfax County. He taught Coast Guard. He resides in New all grade levels, and led the high Bern, North Carolina. school band for 26 years. He has Lynn (Nagel) Rehberger ’70 has received two National Band Associ- been inducted into the Highland ation Citations of Excellence. Now Illinois Area Schools Alumni Asso- retired, he competes nationally on ciation Hall of Fame for her public the golf course. He holds a Golf- service. She has served as head week/Titleist national ranking of instructor of the Highland Commu- 12th among senior amateur golfers. nity Pool swim program, and man- He is the father of two daughters aged the synchronized swim team and two granddaughters. He and and shows for nearly 10 years. For his wife, Sharon, reside in Fairfax, the past 25 years she has been an Virginia. active member in the Highland Joe Kotarba ’69 is chair of the Soci- Historical Society, a member and the connection between current students and alumni remains strong in the school of ology Department at the University president of the Junior Women’s communication. graduates of the school welcomed the chance to meet with students of Houston. He is the recipient of Club, served on the Library board, earlier this year at a luncheon sponsored by the public relations student society of the George Herbert Mead Award, and was chair of the city’s Planning america. Illinois state’s chapter has 83 active members. students who attended the event Commission. She was a member of which is the lifetime achievement at the University’s chicago office appreciated the opportunity to network with alums in the Athletic Booster Club for many award presented annually by the profession. the Society for the Study of Sym- years. She and her husband, James, bolic Interaction. He is an author reside in Highland. researching the areas of health and Stewart L. Adams ’71, M.A. ’74, Ed.D coaching at Millikin University. on Aging. He is director of the illness, and the sociology of culture. ’03, is the student teacher supervi- He is now cross country coach Professional Training Institute for He and his wife, Polly, reside in Bel- sor at Aurora University. He was at Decatur MacArthur, and track the Alzheimer’s Association in laire, Texas. appointed by Illinois Governors coach at Mt. Zion high schools. Chicago. He resides there with his Elaine (Bottcher) Mortensen ’69 has Jim Thompson and Jim Edgar to Over the past 30 years he has had wife, Nancy. retired after serving 12 years as a serve as teacher representative on more than 100 state finalists in William Snavely ’73 taught for family and consumer science teach- the Illinois Advisory Council on the two sports combined, and he 30 years at Miami University in er and Family, Career, Commu- the Education of Students with Dis- coached nine NCAA All-Americans Ohio. He is now the director of the nity Leaders (FCCLA) of America abilities. He served as the vice chair at Millikin. When not coaching he School of Communication at San advisor at Dwight Township High for three years, and as chair for officiates at the high school, col- Diego State University. He resides School. Her teaching career has two. He currently serves on Con- legiate, and national levels. He and in San Diego, California. spanned two decades, during which gressman Phil Hare’s Education his wife, Diana (Palmer) ’71, reside Bill Harazin ’74 is a principal in the she has had six FCCLA students Advisory Committee. He resides in in Decatur. law firm of William D. Harazin, win first place at State Leadership Rock Island. Nancy J. Mactague ’72, M.A. ’96, is PLLC, and an adjunct associate Conference and advance to national Barbara Jennings ’71 has completed the librarian at Aurora University. professor in the School of Textiles competition. She and her husband, a doctorate in education and super- She resides in Lombard. at North Carolina State Univer- Alan ’69, reside in Dwight. vision at the University of Toledo. F. Marcia (Foster) Carlier ’73 has sity. He received the 2009 John Robert Toothaker ’69, M.S. ’72, She resides in Ralston, Wyoming. retired after teaching at Mahomet- J. Dortch International Service is a licensed real estate broker in Barbara (Noble) McKeever ’71 has Seymour junior high for 30 years. Award from the International Illinois and Indiana. He is a charter retired after seven years as the She also taught three years at War- Law and Practice Section of the member of the Indiana Commercial Spanish teacher and Spanish Club rensberg-Latham high school. Car- North Carolina Bar Association. Board of Realtors, and is serving as sponsor at Dwight Township High lier received the Educator’s Award The award recognizes lawyers chair of the Realtors Commercial School. She has taught elementary, for Outstanding Contribution and who have served as a role model Alliance of the National Associa- junior high, and college students Dedication. She and her husband, for international law attorneys, tion of Realtors. He is chair of Real during her career. She and her Daniel, reside in Urbana. demonstrated the highest level of Estate Management Corporation, husband, Milton, M.S. ’86, reside Wendel Hunigan, M.S. ’73, retired ethical standards, and shown pro- AMO, and CB Richard Ellis Brad- in Odell. from Carl Sandburg College as a fessional competence. He and his ley, AMO. Toothaker has been Victoria L. Pelton ’71, M.S. 79, teach- sociology professor. He has been wife, Becky, reside in Wilmington, chosen by the Institute of Real es sixth grade at Dirksen Junior inducted into the college’s Wall North Carolina. Estate Management to serve as the High School in Joliet. She has been of Honor. Hunigan is a recipient Diane (McClay) Hickey ’74 teaches organization’s representative on the recognized by the Joliet Region of the ICCTA Faculty of the Year at the Suburban Christian School Open Standards Consortium for Chamber of Commerce and Indus- Award, and the Burlington North- in Indianapolis, Indiana. She has Real Estate Board of Directors. He try as an outstanding educator. She ern Faculty Achievement Award for two adult children. She resides in and his wife, Vicki, reside in South resides in Joliet. teaching excellence. He has served Greenwood, Indiana. Bend, Indiana. Angelo Rinchiuso ’71 has been as president of the African Ameri- Margaret “Peggy” Jones ’74 has inducted into the Illinois Track can Support Group in Galesburg. retired as principal of Sebastian He and his wife, Elvria, reside in River High School in Florida. Prior 70s and Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame. A former Illinois State Galesburg. to accepting that position in 1999, Thomas Blount ’70, M.M.E.’72, is cross country and track athlete, he Daniel R. Kuhn ’73 received the she opened a middle school and retired from teaching after 36 years coached both sports at the high 2009 Mental Health and Aging served as an assistant principal at school level for 22 years before Award from the American Society the junior high level. She and her

32 IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 husband, Elliott, reside in Vero Lynn (Zipfel) Venhaus ’76 is a free- Beach, Florida. lance correspondent, columnist, Rita McLaughlin Moore ’74 is the and entertainment reviewer. She has Pause for applause librarian at the Roman Catholic an online blog on movies, and is High School in Philadelphia, Penn- active in local theater productions. sylvania. She and her husband, She resides in Belleville. Lens on Lincoln Pursuing justice Michael, reside in Media, Pennsyl- Ben Walters ’76 is the vice presi- Dave Wiegers ’73 of Gurnee is a A former U.S. attorney who vania. dent of 1st Farm Credit Service. He Civil War history buff who has helped convict John Gotti, Patrick Linda Rosenbaum ’74, M.S. ’85, has has been named the Outstanding traveled more than 20,000 miles Cotter ’78 is now a partner on retired from Dwight Grade School Agribusiness Person by the McLean to photograph the White Collar Crime Defense after teaching for 35 years. She County Chamber of Commerce. He Abraham Lincoln Group of Barnes & Thornburg taught fourth and second grades. resides in Bloomington. statues. For three LLP’s Chicago She has coauthored several articles Darryl One ’77, M.M. ’79, is the con- years he’s crossed office. A political on cooperative learning for Arithme- ductor of the Victoria Symphony the nation and science major tic Teacher magazine. She has been Orchestra in Texas. He and his flown to Hawaii who went on to nominated for Who’s Who of Ameri- wife, Debra (St. Pierre) ’83, reside in to photograph earn a law degree, can Women, Who’s Who in American Modesto, California. more than 200 Cotter served as a Education, and Who’s Who Among Suzanne Russi ’77 is a QA Team statues. His consultant to the America’s Teachers. She resides in Lead for Reed Elsevier in Maryland adventure will be United Nations Dwight. Heights, Missouri. She resides in shared in a forth- Special Rappor- Marvin Carlton ’75, M.M. ’77, is a Saint Peters, Missouri. coming book with teur investigating music teacher for Hamilton County Lynne L. Helmholz ’78, M.S. ’83, is a a working title allegations of war Unit 10 in McLeansboro. He was claims examiner for Chubb Insur- of A Life Worth crimes in the former Yugoslavia. listed in Who’s Who Among Amer- ance. She taught for 10 years before Remembering: The Monumental He has been appointed by the ica’s Teachers in 2000, 2005, and entering the insurance field, and is Legacy of Abraham Lincoln. His International Tribunal on the 2007. He conducted the Centralia now a fully licensed adjuster. She photos are part of a traveling former Yugoslavia to its Panel Philharmonic Orchestra for four has one son, and resides in Scotts- exhibit that opened this year in of Appointed Counsel. He has years. Carlton composed Trio for dale, Arizona. Washington, D.C. A New York taught law at various universi- oboe, English horn, and bassoon. Byron Wilkins ’79 is the owner of City station also used his work ties, including in Ireland, and is The work was premiered at the TR-1 Studios, which is a multimedia on a Google map to promote the a frequent media commentator International Double Reed Society consulting company. He worked for bicentennial film, Looking for on white-collar crime. Convention in Utah in 2008. He 30 years in video production. He Lincoln. also composed Gloria for chorus, now is the artist of the comic strip Leaping ahead woodwind quintet, and piano. He titled 1977 the Comic. Read online Documented success Marideth Wanat ’04 has gone resides in McLeansboro. around the world, it can be found at Retired Allstate Insurance Assis- from Illinois State’s Dance The- Phil Fox ’75 has retired from Down- www.1977thecomic.com. Wilkins tant Vice President Sharon Ross- atre to the list of “25 to Watch” ers Grove South High School, where and his son reside in Montgomery. mark ’78 never aspired to be the in 2009, as compiled by Dance he worked as a physical education executive producer and creative Magazine. After completing a teacher. He also coached baseball 80s director of an award-winning Spanish major, Wanat launched and football. The Illinois High documentary, her career with Giordano Jazz Angela Beck, M.S. ’80, has been a School Baseball Coaches Associa- and yet her Dance Chicago’s Giordano II winning basketball coach at the tion named him Man of the Year work has company. She held a perform- high school, college, and profes- in 2007. He was inducted into the garnered an ing apprentice position with sional levels. She is the girls’ bas- IHSBCA Baseball Hall of Fame in Emmy. Ross- Inaside Chicago Dance before ketball coach at Clear Lake High 2008. He and his wife, Penny, reside mark part- becoming a founding company School in Houston, Texas. The team in Downers Grove. nered with member and rehearsal director captured its first regional tourna- Bill Skridulis ’75, M.S. ’81, has retired her father, of LehrerDance in Buffalo, New ment championship in 16 years this after teaching art at Dwight Town- David, to create a segment in A York. Described year. She has also excelled as a real ship High School for 34 years. He Distant Shore, African Americans as athletic and estate professional. She resides in also coached wrestling, football, of D-Day, which was shown on “a bit of a dare- Austin, Texas. and soccer for the Streator com- the History Channel. The pro- devil,” Wanat Phillip Nevels ’80, M.A. ’82, is a munity. He has been a class spon- gram was also recognized by the is praised for teacher with McLean County Unit sor, coached Scholastic Bowl, and National Academy of Television blending jazz 5 Schools. He was named Regional produced a yearbook for 29 years. Arts & Sciences Academy. Ross- and modern Junior High School Boys Basket- He and his wife, Sally Robertson ’74, mark made multiple trips with dance moves. ball Coach of the Year in 1998 M.S. ’79, reside in Streator. her father to the D-Day beaches She will per- and 2003. He is a recipient of the Dianna (Smoot) Kirk ’76 has been in France, searched archival form the lead National Board for Professional named associate superintendent for photos, and conducted nunerous this fall in Teaching Standards recipient, and Danville District 118. Kirk started interviews that formed the heart the rock opera An a McKnight Black Doctoral Fellow- in the district in 1984, serving as of the documentary. American Siddhartha: The Way ship. He and his wife, Susan, reside the vocational occupational techni- Within. cal education center job training in Bloomington. partnership coordinator. She later Gregg McElroy ’82, M.S. ’84, is a served as principal and director of senior trust officer with Heartland the center. She and her husband, Bank and Trust Company. He has Kevin ’76, reside in Catlin. been a trust and investment professional for more than 20 years. His

IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 33 AlumniNews

An Illinois State legacy

the lambdin and Zindel families have been connected to Illinois state for 120 years. hallie may (Johnston) lambdin, an 1889 graduate, was the first generation to attend. her daughter, alice (lambdin) Zindel ’26, followed in her mother’s footsteps. both completed the two-year teaching program offered at that time. alice married and had six children. two of her daughters—elizabeth (Zindel) teichman ’52, and evelyn (Zindel) schmitz ’62—also attended the University. evelyn was a business education major. she works for the Ymca and resides with her husband robert schmitz in Wichita, Kansas. elizabeth majored in business education as well. “IsU was my campus of preference, partly because my mother had gone there, but also because it was accessible,” elizabeth said. “I really liked IsU because it was a small and friendly campus.” elizabeth taught until she married herbert teichman. they reside in southwest michigan, near eau claire, where her family owns and operates tree-mendos fruit farm. they were featured in the october 2008 edition of Martha Stewart Living magazine. ralph and richard, brothers to evelyn and elizabeth, further extend the family’s campus ties. ralph chose alumna mary (elder) Zindel ’51 to members of the Zindel family include, front row, from left, debbie (Zindel) be his bride. she studied home economics, and taught the subject to Wisdom ’89, evelyn (Zindel) schmitz ’62, elizabeth (Zindel) teichman ’52, mary (elder) Zindel ’51, and carol (Zindel) reed ’78. Back row, from high school students. left, are larry reed ’66, Jacob Zindel ’08, Kevin Zindel ’86, and carissa their daughter, carol (Zindel) reed ’78, also attended. she majored Zindel, who is a senior. in accounting, and is a cpa working as an auditor for macon county. she resides in forsyth with her husband, larry ’66, who graduated from the University with an industrial arts degree. he is now retired from the decatur public schools. the legacy continued with richard Zindel, brother to ralph, elizabeth, and evelyn. he and his wife, carol, sent two children to IsU. siblings Kevin Zindel ’86 and debbie (Zindel) Wisdom ’89 are both graduates. Kevin, of chicago, earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology. he is a project manager with a material transportation company that sells pneumatic tube systems for hospitals. debbie graduated with a degree in finance, and spent 12 years in insurance claims. she resides in peoria with her husband, mike, and son, drew. the latest Zindel generation includes first cousins, Jacob Zindel ’08, and current student carissa Zindel. Jacob is mary’s grand- son, and son of Ken and susan Zindel. an elementary education major, he is currently substituting for decatur public schools. carissa, daughter of carl and debbie Zindel, will graduate in 2010. While carissa and Jacob have the most recent ties, other family members remain strongly connected as well with memories and visits. elizabeth returned to campus for her 50th class reunion in 2002. “so much has changed obviously,” she said, “but the stinko-gingko tree is still there! It smelled horrible when I was a student, and it still smells now!”

34 IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 wife, Lori (Erickson) ’84, is an art Angela (Saraceno) Benton ’89, M.S. director at CS&A in Bloomington. ’93, is a claims examiner with They reside in Normal. Broadspire. She and her partner, Marina Scott ’82 has been named Laurie Benton, are the parents of principal of Libertyville High a daughter. Lily Grace was born in School, and is also an adjunct pro- August of 2008. fessor in the Loyola University, Chi- Michele Brown ’89 completed a cago School of Education. She has master’s degree at Governors State served as a principal and associate University, and secondary certifica- superintendent. She received the tion at the University of Illinois at Illinois State Board of Education’s Urbana-Champaign. She is princi- Those Who Excel education award pal of Churchville Middle School in 2007. She and her husband, in Elmhurst Community Unit David, reside in Palatine. School District 205. She previously Jami Simon, M.S. ’82, and partner served as an assistant principal at Kevin Kolack performed her two- Waubonsie Valley High School. She person comedy revue, Two for the taught math at the middle school Show, at Shawnee Playhouse in and high school levels for 10 years Pennsylvania. Jamie was named before becoming an administrator. more than three decades have passed since five women met while students at Illinois the public address announcer for She resides in North Aurora. state. they lived together off campus in the home of marie bright on franklin avenue, New York City’s girls high school Daniel J. Safarcyk ’89 is a safety and which led them to choose the knickname “the bright house babes.” the women still basketball quarterfinal games, and compliance manager with Veolia connect to discuss memories that range from moments at the cage and meeting has worked on two episodes of Sat- Transportation in Fort Collins, boyfriends at milner library to streakers and the 1969 campus War moratorium peace urday Night Live. Colorado, where he resides. rally. a recent reunion was held in Venice, florida. the friends are, from left, betsy (rajski) Donsia Strong Hill ’83 was inducted cole ’75, brenda (locher) moore ’73, Katie (Yackley) asleson ’72, Janet sparks ’72, and into Illinois State’s first class of 90s the College of Applied Science Joyce (serola) poindexter, who attended from 1967 to 1971. Todd Hohn ’90 is vice president of and Technology Hall of Fame. She the strategic resources group with became the first African American positions with PepsiCo Sales and Bill Van Meer ’88, M.S. ’97, has been PureSafety. He previously worked woman to join the Milwaukee- Frito Lay prior to her current posi- named superintendent for the for 18 years with CNA Insurance based law firm, Godfrey and Kahn, tion. She is a board member for Alma Center-Humbird-Merrillan and Aetna Insurance with loss where she is a shareholder in the the Center for Human Resource School District. He has served as control and related software. He Business Practice Group. She and Management with the University of a middle school principal, and an designed and implemented CNA’s her husband, Rick, reside in Onei- Illinois, and the Center for Effective assistant principal at the elemen- safety training program. He has da, Wisconsin. Organizations with the University tary and high school levels. He completed the executive develop- Renee McPherson ’83 was recog- of Southern California. She resides has served on the Association of ment program at Northwestern nized by the Joliet Region Chamber in McKinney, Texas. Wisconsin School Administrators University’s Kellogg School of Man- of Commerce and Industry as an Greg Higgerson ’85 is vice president Board of Directors. He and his wife, agement. He and his wife, Nanci outstanding educator. She teaches of development for Second Harvest Tina (Hesch) ’89, reside in Monroe, (Gannon) ’90, reside in Belvidere. third grade at Farragut Elementary Food Bank of Central Florida. He Wisconsin. They are the parents Jerry A. McBurney ’90 works for the School. She and her husband, was chosen as Central Florida’s of a son. Peoria Pirates in corporate sales Roger, reside in Minooka. They Outstanding Fundraising Profes- Keith Beatty ’89 completed a mas- and sponsorships. He previously have two children. sional for 2008 by the local chapter ter’s degree in human computer worked as the general manager Kevin H. Payne ’84 is a reporter/ of the Association of Fundraising interaction at Indiana University. of the IHL’s Bloomington Prairie anchor for WTAD in Quincy and Professionals. He and his wife, He resides in Carmel, Indiana. WKAN in Kankakee. He was in the Ann, reside in Ocoee, Florida. ensemble and chorus, and held Stephen Press ’86, M.M. ’89, has multiple roles in the production of been promoted to associate profes- Abe: The Musical that was staged sor and received tenure at Illinois Support your magazine as part of the Lincoln Bicentennial Wesleyan University, where he is celebration with the Muddy River on the School of Music faculty. He the cost of publishing and mailing Illinois Opera Company in Quincy, where resides in Lincoln. he resides. Trey Short III ’86 is the assistant State, the alumni magazine, continues Greg Slome ’84 is the chief financial provost and chief technology offi- to increase. Your tax-deductible gift of officer of Sparton Corporation. He cer at Illinois Wesleyan University. previously worked as the direc- He and his wife, Terri, reside in $25 helps defray mounting costs during tor of treasury and international Bloomington. finance for U.S. Robotics Corpo- Gregg Brown ’88 is a New Age folk increasingly difficult budget times. rock artist. He has released an ration. He is a certified public contributions are appreciated and may accountant. He resides in Chicago. album titled Another Time, Another Kim (Chrestman) Warmbier Being. He resides in Bloomington. be sent to alumni relations, campus box ’84 is senior vice president of Kevin Kennel ’88 is a registered human resources at RadioShack nurse who has been named super- 3100, normal, Illinois, 61790-3100. You visor of OSF St. James Medical Corporation. She is responsible can also make your gift of support to the for RadioShack’s overall policy Center’s emergency department. and strategy related to human His and his wife, Lori (McGowan) magazine online at www.alumni.ilstu.edu/magazinegift. resources. She held administrative ’88, reside in Normal.

IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 35 Thunder and UIF’s Bloomington and creative direct mail design. His and operation for DTE Energy. He School, and is now principal of the Extreme. He has also served as wife Laureen (Dorris) ’87, M.S. ’91, served as the commissioner of the school’s Almond Campus. He and sales manager of the Miami Dol- is as an assistant director of mar- Illinois Commerce Commission, his wife, Alyssa (Lux) ’93, reside in phins, worked with the San Diego keting at Heartland Bank and Trust which is the state’s public utility Gurnee. They are the parents of Chargers, and was the chairman of Company. They have two sons, and commission, and as former Illinois four children. the National Football League ticket reside in Bloomington. Gov. Jim Edgar’s assistant for busi- Christopher Rice ’94 has been sales committee. He was COO for Terry Harvill ’91, M.S. ’92, is vice ness and economic development. named principal of East Park Ele- the AHL’s Utah Grizzlies, and was president of energy policy with He and his wife, Shannon, reside in mentary School in Danville. He had part of a management group that ITC Holdings Corp. He previously Novi, Michigan. served at the school as the assistant launched an Arena Football League served as vice president of the Michael T. Juneman ’91 is the head principal. He has taught middle in Salt Lake City, Utah. He resides energy policy for Constellation of U.S. Options Exchanges at school science and language arts in Bloomington. Energy Resources Inc., where he Citadel Derivatives Group LLC. for more than a decade. He also Brian Phipps ’90 is the vice presi- was responsible for the develop- He is a member of the Securities served as dean at North Ridge dent and creative director at Pro- ment and implementation of Traders Association, the Securities Middle School. Rice and his wife, gressive Impressions International. Constellation’s federal and state Traders Association of Chicago, Shelly, reside in Catlin. They have He won an international ECHO government regulatory policies and the Securities Industry and two sons. award in 2008 from the Direct in North America. He was also Financial Markets Association. Jeffrey Risch ’94 received his law Marketing Association for a unique the director of regulatory policy He has been named to the board degree from the University of Tulsa of directors of the International College of Law. He has joined the Securities Exchange. He and his law firm of SmithAmundsen LLC wife, Christine (Carollo) ’90, reside as a partner. He is part of the firm’s in Elmhurst. Labor and Employment Practice Support Troy Piper ’92 is head coach of the Group, concentrating on represent- girls’ basketball team at Rochester ing employers in all aspects of our troops High School. He has been with employment and traditional labor the school for 12 years as a physi- law. He and his wife, Jennifer, thank you to the individuals listed below cal education teacher, and on the reside in St. Charles. for their service in support of operation coaching staffs for the football and Jenny Hahn Schnipper ’95 and her enduring freedom and operation Iraqi girls basketball teams. He and his husband, Lanny, are the parents of wife, Nicole (Irwin) ’92, M.S. ’05, a daughter. Audrey Erin was born freedom. names will be published as reside in Rochester. in August of 2008. They reside in they are received. submit information to Beth Tokowitz ’92, 93, is a physical Crest Hill. susan blystone at sjblyst@Illinoisstate. education teacher at Independence Jane Thomas ’95 is a registered High School. She also coaches both nurse at Loyola University Medi- edu or by mail at Illinois state girls and boys swimming and div- cal Center. She received a nursing University, campus box 3420, normal, ing teams. She resides in Gilbert, excellence award from Loyola Uni- Il 61790. Arizona. versity Health System for her work C.L. Cummings ’94 is the senior vice as a patient advocate. She resides in capt. elizabeth adams ’04 president at Tompkins State Bank. Brookfield. U.s. army He and his wife, Karene, reside in Meredith L. (Steffen) Culp ’96 is Knoxville. They are the parents of a project analyst with Ernst and capt. bart daly ’04 three children. Young LLP. She and her husband, U.s. army Gary K. Gross ’94 is a shipping David, were married in August of coordinator for Plastic Suppliers in 2008. They reside in Carrollton, sgt. matthew erickson, current student Chicago Heights. His wife Sharyn Texas. Illinois air national guard, afghanistan (Kurowski) ’92, M.S. ’94, is a unit Justin Fuller ’96 has completed a director at the Illinois Department master’s in geography at New Mex- spc. raymond l. haldorson Jr. ’04 of Human Services. They are the ico State University in Las Cruces. U.s. army parents of two children. Their son, He is a geography instructor and Cameron Andrew, was born in chair of the Geography Department maj. ralph e. layman, m.d., ’97 September of 2008. They reside in at Central New Mexico Community U.s. army Bourbonnais. College. He teaches biology part- Randy D. Niederer ’94 has been time as well. He and his wife, Jen- capt. matt moser ’04 named director of marketing with nette, reside in Albuquerque, New U.s. army Unico Inc. He previously worked Mexico. as a marketing manager at Therma- Timothy Kilrea ’96, Ed.D. ’98, is the capt. alex payne ’04 dyne, where he managed products, superintendent of Lyons Township U.s. army pricing, promotions, and distribu- High School. He has more than tion for the U.S., Canada, and Latin 20 years experience in education, staff sgt. timothy st. clair, m.s. ’06 America. He resides in St. Louis, having served as a teacher, dean of U.s. army Missouri. students, principal, and assistant Robert Parrott ’94 completed a mas- superintendent. He previously ter’s degree in educational admin- worked for 15 years as a history istration from Northern Illinois teacher, social science depart- University. He has been a special ment chair, coordinator of deans/ education instructor and admin- director of student activities, and istrator at Warren Township High associate principal for curriculum

36 IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 and instruction. He resides in Frankfort. Mark Crabtree, M.S. ’97, worked as a clinical athletic trainer with How we met— AtheltiCo, a rehabilitation, fitness, and performance company in the Illinois State University connections Chicago area after interning with the Texas Rangers. He is now the When anna boyce ’90 met Jimmy o’berto ’89 she had no idea that Jimmy would later put her director of the Explosion Sports Performance Program. He and his name in lights. wife, Deborah, reside in Boling- the two were introduced by mutual friends at a party in a backyard on south fell. much to brook. Kelly (Reichensperger) Hecksel ’97 anna’s disappointment, Jimmy didn’t ask her out, so she decided to take matters into her own completed a master’s in literacy studies from Western Michigan hands. University. She and her husband, “I stalked him for weeks,” she admitted laughing. “It’s not as bad as it sounds. I got his Eric, are the parents of four children. Their daughter, Lindsey schedule from his roommate, and just happened to be in the same Marie, was born in February of 2009. They reside in Coopersville, building at the same time. It sounds crazy but it worked, and it’s our Michigan. big joke now.” Candace N. (Elledge) Pond ’97 is a corporate accountant of general three weeks later Jimmy finally asked anna on a date. they shared ledger and fixed assets for the a meal and conversation at bennigan’s on september 17, 1986—anna’s NAES Corporation. She and her husband, Adam, are parents of a birthday—and continued dating all through college. daughter. Ruby Elocin was born in October of 2008. They reside in Jimmy managed a local pizzeria during his time at Illinois state, Issaquah, Washington. as well as later. anna was a resident assistant on campus for two years Megan (Poulos) Dixson ’98 is a team coordinator with HCR Manorcare before landing a waitressing position at a local landmark, avanti’s. in Brookfield, Wisconsin. She and her husband, David, reside in their hospitality experience while at the University would eventually Waukesha, Wisconsin. come full circle, and lead them to their current business venture. Benjamin Drane ’98 is a commercial Jimmy ’89 and anna underwriting auditor for Lincoln (boyce) o’berto ’90 have the two were married on June 1, 1991. anna worked for coopers General Insurance in Elk Grove. He added two sons to their lybrand as an accountant before moving on to abbot laboratories, resides in Naperville. family—christopher, 14, Bryan Erickson ’98 teaches indus- and corey, 11—during their where she stayed for 11 years. Jimmy had a position with e.J brach trial technology classes at Seneca 18 years of marriage. High School. He has been named before joining g.e rail car, where he worked until 1997. that was the head golf coach at the school, year he left the world of corporate business. where he has served as an assistant golf coach and assistant varsity It was also in 1997 that Jimmy decided to open up his own business, Jimmy’s pizzeria. after baseball coach since 2001. He and his wife, Jamie ’97, reside in Coal the first year Jimmy opened another unit, and another one 12 months later when he decided City. to franchise his business. In doing so he was forced to change the name, because Jimmy’s piz- Grant A. Gallinger ’98 works in sales with Badger Fluid System Tech- zeria was already trademarked. anna came up with Jimano’s, a combination of their first and nologies in Brookfield, Wisconsin. His wife, Amy J. (Struble) ’99, is a last names. Jimmy approved and told anna, “now that your name is in lights, you have to work teacher with West Bend School harder.” District. They reside in Fox Point, Wisconsin. It was then that anna quit her job at abbot laboratories to become the franchise sales Stacey (Craine) Kopiczko ’98 taught director of Jimano’s pizzeria. the couple now has 13 units total, including a recently opened special education for 10 years and is now a stay-at-home mom. She and Jimano’s in bakersfield, california. “follow your passion,” is what Jimmy advises. “It allows your her husband, Tim, are the parents of a daughter. Kate Ann was born in work to be enjoyable and successful.” December of 2008. They reside in thanks to Illinois state and anna’s determination to get Jimmy to ask her out, the couple Lisle. Michelle DelosSantos, M.S. ’99, is a has been happily married for 18 years. With two boys, christopher, 14, and corey, 11, as well as certified athletic trainer and co-owner of Twin Peak Performance, a per- a successful business, both are grateful for their redbird connection. sonal and corporate fitness training company. She resides in Saginaw, Michigan.

IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 37 Brian Weidner ’01 is the director Dedication to the schools of LaSalle of bands at McHenry High School. County, and a teacher of the month His wife, Rebecca (Dueber) ’00, is a award from a local radio station. teacher with CCSD 15 in Palatine. She and her husband, Mark, reside They are the parents of twins. in Ottawa. Natalie and Noah were born in Lindsey M. (Beckman) Kauffman ’04 February of 2009. They reside in is a staff accountant for Caterpillar Wauconda. Inc. She and her husband, Keith, Jennifer D. (Curto) Barker ’02 is the were married in October of 2008. MDS/CP coordinator and charge They reside in Peoria. nurse of the Extended Care Unit Melissa M. (Miller) Mogler ’04 is a at Graham Hospital. She and her teacher in the East Peoria area. She husband, Jason, were married in and her husband, Wesley, reside in October of 2008. Their son, Ash- East Peoria. ton Gage, was born in February of April (Williams) Murray ’04 is a 2008. They reside in Pekin. paralegal with Johnson, Blumberg Jennifer Kabbes Fuente ’02, M.S. ’05, and Associates, LLC, in Chicago. is the assistant volleyball coach at She resides in Park Forest. two sisters, who just happen to both be redbirds, did more than enjoy a vacation in All Saint’s Episcopal High School Katherine O’Shea ’04 is a preschool europe earlier this year. they helped spread the red! mary (marsh) strle ’84, left, and in Fort Worth, Texas. She resides teacher with North Palos School theresa (marsh) gaffney ’76, both of bloomington, took an Illinois state banner along for there with her husband, Justin. District 117 in Palos Hills. She their photos. they showed their university pride while posing near the famous bridge in Mindy Walton Koechling ’02 is an resides in Crestwood. london. early intervention service coordina- Michelle Roehrig ’04 is an absence, tor with Child and Family Connec- health, and productivity consul- tions of DuPage. She and her hus- tant working with Zurich Services Larie Godinez ’99 is superintendent 00s band, Ben, are the parents of a son. Corporation. She is a loss control of Dubuque Community SchoolD- Kathleen (Leahy) Allen ’00 and her Noah Taylor was born in October representative specializing in istrict. She and her husband, Vic, husband, Lucas, were married in of 2008. They reside in Winfield. worker’s compensation. She resides reside in Dubuque, December of 2008. They reside in Mary J. (Edwards) Meehan ’03 in Wheaton. Kyle Harrison ’99 is a real estate East Peoria. teaches fifth grade in Harmony- Julienne (Epplin) Shamhart ’04 is professional and member of the Todd Andrlik ’00 completed an Emge District 175 in Belleville. She completing an M.B.A. at Eastern city council in Champaign, where M.B.A. at Roosevelt University. He is completing a master’s degree Illinois University. She is a financial he resides. is vice president of marketing and in administration at Lindenwood advisor with Raymond James at Ernie Hendrickson ’99 is a singer public relations with Leopardo. He University. She was named Who’s Midland States Bank in Effingham, and songwriter, and was a member and his wife, Hilary (Holloway) ’01, Who Among Teachers in 2008. She where she resides. of The Seed Band while at Illinois reside in Oswego. and her husband, Robert, reside in Valerie Sherman ’04 completed a State. He is now a solo artist who Philip J. Jourdan, M.S. ’00, is the New Athens. juris doctor from DePaul University has released an album titled Walk- assistant principal of Wando High Scott J. Rosen ’03 is a special educa- College of Law. She is a member of ing With Angels. He resides in School in Mt. Pleasant, South Caro- tion teacher in St. Louis County. He the Law Review editorial board. She Chicago. lina, where he resides. and his wife, Ann, are the parents resides in Palatine. John Hinton IV ’99 completed a mas- Eric Krell, M.M. ’00, is the director of two daughters. They reside in St. Christopher Stroisch ’04 is the ter’s degree in educational leader- of orchestras at Cholla High Mag- Louis, Missouri. director of communications for the ship at Western Illinois University. net School and Hohokam Middle Meredith Anderson ’04 is employed Outdoor Advertising Association He has taught at the elementary School in Arizona. He and his wife, with Midland Elementary School in of Illinois. He is a writer for the and middle school levels, and has Elia, are the parents of a daughter. Lacon, where she resides. Springfield Business Journal, and coached wrestling and football. They reside in Tucson, Arizona. Shawn Beitz ’04 is a soybean seed owns a writing and public relations He is now the assistant principal Teresa Begley Stetler ’00 and her production specialist. He is part company. He resides in Springfield. at Central School in Kewanee. He husband, Michael, are the parents of the sales team with AgVenture Jamie Boeckmann ’05 is the market- resides in Cambridge. of a daughter. Kiera Rachel was WSC, and is responsible for territo- ing coordinator for Apex Physical Jamie L. Powers ’99 is founder and born in December of 2008. They ry in Southern Illinois. He resides Therapy. Her role includes mar- owner of PowerToolz, which is an reside in McHenry. in Harrisburg. keting in St. Louis and Southern at-home visitation and therapy Angela Niedermeier Bradt ’01 and Jennifer (Hutchinson) Frobish ’04 is Illinois, providing support to eight organization that works with her husband, Jeremy, are the par- a coordinator of student programs Apex clinics. She resides in Breese. families challenged by autism, ents of two daughters. Jaclyn Grace for the Honors Program at Illinois Kyle Zaleski ’06 left substitute teach- attention deficit, cerebral palsy, and was born in March of 2009. They State. She and her husband, Steven, ing at Mundelein High School to developmental issues. She resides reside in Rock City. reside in Bloomington. join the Sioux Falls Canaries as in Naperville. Jacob Strader ’01 is one of the lead- Andrew Hellermann ’04 is a project a pitcher. The team is part of the John Tovar ’99 is a fight choreogra- ing business development profes- engineer with Pepper Construc- American Association of Indepen- pher who helps stage productions sionals in the healthcare industry. tion Company in Barrington. He dent Professional Baseball. He and across the country. He also teaches Now with Data Dimensions, he and his wife, Maggie, reside in his wife, Lynette, reside in South stage combat at Elgin Community previously worked at The Sentinel Naperville. Dakota. College and the College of DuPage. Group as director of national busi- Christi (Franzen) Hellman ’04 Sam Alex ’07 is a morning radio He resides in Saint Charles. ness development. He and his wife, teaches fifth grade at Waltham host at WBWB-FM in Bloomington, Meredith (Marzullo) ’00, reside in Elementary School in Utica. She Indiana. He resides in Chicago. Grayslake. has received the Educator’s Award Lisa Hardiek ’07 is an emergency for Outstanding Contribution and medical technician for Superior

38 IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 Support Your Passion

Make a difference through an IRA charitable rollover, which allows you to make nontaxable gifts to Illinois State University from an Individual Retirement Account. Consider this: • Income generated by an IRA is not taxable when a gift rollover is made. • You’re eligible if you’re at least 70 ½ years old at the time of the transfer from the IRA. • The IRA rollover needs to be an outright gift, contributed to the ISU Foundation. • Rollovers must be made by dec. 31, 2009. • Although gifts from other retirement plans, such as a 401(k) or 403(b) do not qualify, you may be able to roll assets from a qualified retirement plan into an IIra account, then make the charitable rollover gift from the IraI account.

find out more by contacting the development office at (309) 438-8184, or visit www.Advancement.ilstu.edu.

Ambulance Company in Elmhurst. high school, as well as adapted liv- Sarah Leoni ’08 teaches special Megan Serpette ’08 is a senior She also works at the College of ing adults. She teaches Braille. She education with Tilton Elementary clerk/administrative assistant with Dupage as an assistant to a student resides in Waimanalo, Hawaii. School in Rochelle, where she Komatsu America Corporation in who has cerebral palsy. She resides Brian Holman ’08 is a mathematics works with children from grades Peoria. She resides in Morton. in Westmont. teacher at Newark High School, and three through five. She resides in Ashley N. Shear ’08 is a math David McCoy ’07 is the softball is in charge of the school’s baseball DeKalb. teacher at Sterling High School. coach at Taylorville High School, program. He resides in Seneca. Kathryn Levine ’08 is a registered She resides in Fulton. which is his alma mater. He resides Jennifer Klicka ’08 is a critical care nurse with Advocate Good Shep- Andrea Shifflet ’08 is a communica- in Taylorville. registered nurse with Children’s herd Hospital. She resides in Deer tions specialist at Carl Sandburg Megan Patterson ’07 is an earth sci- Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwau- Park. College in Galesburg, where she ence teacher at Naperville Central kee. She resides in Brookfield, Lisa Lindner ’08 is a data analyst resides. High School. She received the Arlo Wisconsin. who does physician peer review Nadejda Sledneva, M.S. ’08, is a due Schilling First Year Teacher Award. Eric Knee ’08 is a senior informa- with Central DuPage Hospital in diligence manager at Trace Inter- She resides in New Lenox. tion technology associate with Winfield. She resides in Bartlett. national in Annapolis, Maryland, Brian Davey ’08 is a field engineer Discover Financial Services LLC in Mallory (Russell) Lindstrom ’08 where she resides. with Barnhart Inc., in San Diego, Riverwoods. His wife, Amy (Stark- teaches early childhood education Jenna Smith ’08 is a family and California. He works with job site weather) ’08, teaches fifth grade at Midland Elementary in Lacon. consumer science teacher with safety issues and design coordina- with Arlington Heights District 25. She resides there with her husband, Indian Prairie School District tion. He resides in San Francisco, They reside in Arlington Heights. Adam. 204 in Naperville. She resides in California. Michael A. Krallitsch ’08 is a dairy Beth Liston ’08 works with auto Lockport. Cooper J. Thomas Garland ’08 is a associate with Meijer Inc. in claims payments at State Farm Eric Smolen ’08 is a substitute personal trainer with performance McHenry. He resides in Crystal Insurance Companies in Blooming- teacher with Saint Gregory Episco- exercise specialist certification. A Lake. ton, where she resides. pal School in Chicago. He resides member of the National Association April (Archer) Leitshuh ’08 works Meta Machulis ’08 is a reporter, in Mount Prospect. of Sports Medicine, he is a strength as an ELS department head and typesetter, copy editor, and photog- Regina Stoerger ’08 is an indepen- and conditioning coach for Dion an assistant softball coach with rapher with The Paper in Dwight, dent sales director with Mary Kay Riccardo’s Victory Martial Arts Jefferson Parish Public Schools in where she resides. Cosmetics in Tuscola, where she Academy. He resides in Oak Park. Kenner, Louisiana. Her husband, Lauren Madsen ’08 is a marketing resides. Elyse Heinrich ’08 is a Vision Itiner- Michael ’07, teaches science at Jef- coordinator for National Brands Alexis (Gasser) Stoller ’08 is an Eng- ant teacher working with Hawaiian ferson Parish Public Schools in with John B. Sanfilippo and Son lish teacher with Gateway Woods students from preschool through Avondale, Louisiana. They reside in Inc. in Elgin. She resides in West- School in Leo, Indiana. She and New Orleans, Louisiana. ern Springs.

IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 39 erpillar Inc. in Decatur, where he Shirley M. (Forrest) Stewart ’41; Joan (Kelm) Gaza ’64; 3/09 her husband, Jonathan, reside in resides. 2/09 Van Wert, Ohio. Alice D. (Brant) Siebenthal ’66, M.S. Michael P. Wille ’08 is pursuing a Justin Stuva ’08 is an energy advisor Jane M. (Thorsen) Carson ’42; 3/09 90; 4/09 master’s degree in public policy at with Corn Belt Energy. He resides Noreen (Yocom) Cusey ’42, ’58; Ronald N. Satz ’67; 3/06 Georgetown University. He resides in Auburn. 2/09 in Washington, D.C. John J. Domikaitis ’68; 1/09 Steven D. Swanson ’08 works with Marco Zabaneh ’08 is a franchisee Jeannette A. Nelson ’42; 5/03 Burbank School District 111. He Meryl E. Rogers ’68; 5/07 in training with H&R Block in resides in Burbank. Genevieve M. Enders ’43; 3/09 June E. Schultz, M.S. ’68; 4/09 Quincy, where he resides. Kyle J. Talleur ’08 became a certi- Evelyn J. Brashear ’44; 9/08 Brian Zimmerman ’08 is a physical Helen Lind Quane ’69; 4/09 fied public accountant in 2008. He therapy student at Midwestern Uni- Phyllis (Oko) Rouse ’44; 4/09 works as a staff accountant with 70s versity. He resides in Palatine. Alice M. Rabenort ’45; 4/09 BKD, LLP. He resides in Decatur. Deborah J. (Springer) Baker ’71; Ti’Akka R. Johnson ’09 is an opera- Lucas Taylor ’08 teaches physical Virginia (Brenkemann) Zook ’45; 2/09 tions NCOIC with the U.S. Army. education at Miami Shores Presby- 4/09 She resides in Richton Park. James M. O’Rourke, M.S. ’71; 3/09 terian Church School. He resides in Jean Linn ’46; 4/97 Miami, Florida. Terry L. Beranek ’72; 4/09 Emma N. Walker ’46; 11/08 Benjamin Tonner ’08 is a teacher In memory Janet Boeh, M.A. ’72; 3/09 with Community School District 9 Zola R. Buford ’47, M.S. ’49; 11/08 Faculty/Staff Ronald J. Jones ’72; 4/09 in Watseka, where he resides. Dean J. Martin ’47; 4/09 Kathleen M. (Finnegan) Sullivan Bridget Tucker ’08 is a special Arthur I. Corry, Facilities Manage- Donald L. Adkins ’48; 4/09 ’73, M.M.E. ’82; 2/09 events assistant with Little Com- ment; 3/09 pany of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Benjamin S. Cottone ’49, M.S. ’56; Gary L. McAllister ’74; 7/04 Barbara C. Hall, Kinesiology and 3/09 Park. She resides in Oak Lawn. Marianne T. (Moore) Stauffer ’75; Recreation; 11/08 Daniel Vasquez, M.S. ’08, is an ath- Joseph V. Naffziger ’49, M.S. ’50; 2/09 letic trainer with Sport and Spine Henry M. Kidder, Facilities Manage- 3/09 Judy R. (Smith) Diamond ’76; 3/09 ment; 4/09 Therapy of Marin in Novato, Cali- Ruth Slomer ’49; 12/08 Penelope (Wargo) Schwitters ’76; fornia, where he resides. Zoe C. (Shinneman) Kirk, Health Dorothy L. (Arnette) Stoutenbor- 3/09 Martin Vega ’08 is a superintendent Services; 2/09 ough ’49; 3/09 with Land and Lakes Company in David R. “Coach” Himes ’77, M.S. Ann E. Nolte, Health Sciences; 3/09 Park Ridge. He resides in Rockdale. 50s ’87; 2/09 Rachel A. Walker ’08 is a desktop Helen E. (West) Conroy Payne, Lorraine Probst ’50; 8/08 Ann (Deli) Miller ’77; 3/09 technician, graphic designer, and Computer Services; 2/09 Richard C. Wolf Jr. ’79; 4/09 sports photographer with StarNet George Petrossian, Foreign Lan- Louis E. Glaser ’51; 4/09 Digital Publishing in Bloomington, guages; 2/09 Betty Joan (Verhines) Lang ’51; 80s where she resides. 4/09 Walter H. Smith Sr., Physical Plant; Jack B. Nicholson, D.A. ’80; 3/09 Jason M. Wallace ’08 ran as the 3/09 Dale L. Lang ’51; 3/09 third-party candidate for U.S. Con- Harold F. Piccinelli ’85, M.S. ’87; gress in the Illinois 11th Congres- John R. Samlin ’51, M.S. ’55, Ph.D. 3/09 ’67; 12/96 sional District in the November Alumni 90s 2008 election. He resides in Green- Grady R. Ward ’51; 3/09 Joy L. Brown ’95; 4/09 20s ley, Colorado. Anna C. Gottschalk ’52; 2/09 Linda Wastyn ’08 is an associate Ida T. (Wabel) Harris ’25; 2/09 Jason C. Wegman ’97; 3/09 Velma Hirstein ’52; 3/09 vice president for advancement Pauline (Whipple) Taylor ’29; 3/09 00s with St. Ambrose University. She Howard Chester Saar ’54, M.S. ’61; Jessica A. (Erlandson) Lafser ’00; and her husband, Ronald, reside in 30s 2/09 2/09 Davenport, Iowa. Doris LaMaster Mandeville ’31, ’33; Martin F. Berklan ’55; 9/01 Danielle Weaver ’08 is an orthope- Jessica M. McCarthy-Schwinden- 10/08 Phyllis J. Biggs ’56; 2/09 dic aid/athletic trainer with CIOS/ hammer ’02; 2/09 Erma V. (Thornton) Fredrickson Audrey P. (Hager) Michel ’57; 3/09 NORC in Bloomington, where she ’33; 3/09 Diana (Jackson) Holderfield ’03; resides. Ronald C. Miller ’57, M.S. ’58; 2/09 4/09 Jordan (Macy) Weber ’08 is a gradu- Hildegarde (Walty) Holtz ’35, ’37; 2/09 Doris E. Nusbaum ’57, M.S. ’65; Camille Kalombo, M.A. ’04; 2/09 ate teaching assistant with the 3/09 School of Kinesiology and Recre- Laura M. Stephenson ’35; 6/97 Janie (Hamm) Houston ’05; 2/09 Duane A. “Moose” Woltzen ’57, ation at Illinois State. Her husband, Eva Weinreich ’35; 4/08 Matthew ’07, is a credit analyst M.S. ’59; 3/09 Winifred E. (Parker) Maxwell ’37; with State Farm Insurance Compa- Harley G. Brayfield ’58; 2/09 3/09 nies. They reside in Bloomington. Walter A. Schultz ’59; 3/09 Teresa A. (Cadreau) West ’08 teaches Mary A. (Dodds) Bale ’38; 4/09 Franklin E. Tonkinson ’59; 3/08 sixth grade with Unit 5 School Dis- Ann (Miller) Bock ’39, ’82; 3/09 trict in Normal, where she resides. 60s 40s Mark Whitaker ’08 is an analyst Ronald K. Payne ’61; 3/09 with Northern Trust in Chicago, Kathryn M. (Fuller) Laskowski ’40; where he resides. 3/09 Linda S. Harvey Securda ’61; 4/09 Patrick M. White ’08 is an opera- William L. Preno ’40; 4/09 Charles W. Burton ’62; 2/09 tions section manager with Cat-

40 IllInoIs state SUMMER / 2009 Scholarship benefits students passionate about teaching

When Brandi Speerly found out that she was the this fall as a senior. She will start by working with recipient of the Kelly (Clint and Sue) Endowed her students in grades three to five, which is her Elementary Education Scholarship, she imme- favorite age. diately called her parents with the good news. “It’s really great because I’ll get to experience Speerly had transferred to Illinois State from Illi- several different levels of education,” Speerly said. nois Valley Community College, and sought any “You get to be in the classroom at the beginning additional support she could find. of the year, and see how the classrooms are set up, She was a natural pick for the scholarship and the challenges the teachers face at the begin- created by Clint Kelly ’36, who established the ning of the year.” fund in memory of his wife, Sue (Cooke) ’35. She Outside of the classroom Speerly is involved taught grades three to five prior to her death in in the campus ministry Encounter. She is a board 1999. He decided to honor Sue by helping Illinois member on the Council for Exceptional Children, State students intending to teach grades one to which is a volunteer organization that assists five, and majoring in elementary education. children with special needs. She also works as a Kelly, who resides in Florida, was a teacher nanny, and assists individuals with disabilities and later a principal. He has become an avid writ- through MarcFirst. The experiences are helping er in retirement, authoring more than 40 books. prepare her for that dream job as an elementary Romance for Life, which focuses on his relation- school teacher. ship with Sue and their devotion to education, will be released nationally this fall. Speerly mirrors the dedication and love for teaching that the Kellys More than one life can be changed when you demonstrated in their combined total of 64 years provide financial support that enables a stu- in the classroom. dent to complete an education and pursue “When I substituted for teacher’s aides while professional dreams. Make a difference today I went to community college, I did a lot of work in by contributing to a scholarship. Contact fourth and fifth grade. I like that age group. They Executive Director of Development Joy are old enough to do things on their own, but still Hutchcraft at (309) 438-8041 or by e-mail rely on their teachers. I clicked really well with at [email protected] to find out what you students that age,” said Speerly, who will begin can do. Donations can be made online at the Professional Development School program www.alumni.ilstu.edu/giving. Advancement and Administrative Services Campus Box 8000 Normal, IL 61790-8000

The Last Look

A new view Alums returning this fall will find significant change in the business community just east of campus. Uptown Normal has been renovated and expanded to include a Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, which now stands near Watterson Towers. The center will be celebrated at an Uptown and Gown Gala during Homecoming weekend. See page 26 for details, or go to www.Alumni.ilstu.edu/gala to register.