Alumni Magazine Volume 7, Number 2, Fall 2006
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V O L UME 7 • NUMBER 2 • F ALL 2006 Eri w the MetroZoo, Miami J imm hi c ch is also home isalso to ch S y t e Jr p . hens ’79. is af a v orite at orite Illinois State Illinois State alumni magazine Illinois State alumni magazine Volume 7, Number 2, Fall 2006 EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Deb Gentry, Ed.D. ’90; Joy Hutchcraft; Lynn Kennell; Steven Klay ’81, M.S.’83; Todd Kober ’97, M.S. ’99; Jim Moon; Marilee (Zielinski) Rapp ’63; Jim Thompson ’80, M.S. ’89; Toni Tucker; Shari Zeck PUBLISHER, Stephanie Epp EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, Susan Marquardt Blystone ’84, M.S. ’03 ALUMNI EDITOR, Annette States Levitt ’96, M.S. ’02 DIRECTOR, University Marketing and Communications, Bob Aaron CLASS NOTES EDITOR, Leisa Barbour, M.S. ’06 COPY EDITORS, Bob Aaron, Susan Marquardt Blystone ’84, M.S. ’03, Elaine Graybill LEAD DESIGNER, Dave Jorgensen, M.S. ’03 The First DESIGNERS, Laura DiMascio, Teresa Henry, Michael Mahle PHOTOGRAPHER, Jon Muzzarelli Word PRODUCTION ASSISTANT, Ingrid Johnson PRODUCTION COORDINATOR, Mary (Mulhall) Cowdery ’80 WRITERS, Bob Aaron, Kate Arthur, Tom Nugent November is the one time Illinois State (USPS 019606) is published quarterly for members of the Illinois State University Alumni Association at Bone Student Center 146, each year when Americans fall into a holiday season that is typically 100 North University Street, Normal, Illinois 61790-3100. Periodicals marked by an attitude of gratitude. Relatives gather around a feast, postage paid at Normal, Illinois, and at additional mailing offices. reuniting and reflecting with family members. Gifts are exchanged and gen- Magazine editorial offices are located at Bone Student Center 146, erosity abounds, as individuals look for ways to help those less fortunate. 100 North University Street, Normal, Illinois 61790-3100; telephone (309) 438-2586; facsimile (309) 438-8057; e-mail [email protected]; As you pause to ponder your blessings during the weeks ahead, I ask Web site www.IllinoisState.edu/alumni. Postmaster: Send address that you take a moment to consider your alma mater. Ask yourself how changes to Illinois State, Illinois State University, Campus Box 8000, Normal, IL 61790-8000. many of the items you note as reasons to be grateful have a direct link to Voluntary subscriptions of $25 per year to help defray the mounting Illinois State. expenses associated with publishing Illinois State are greatly appreciated. Career accomplishments will no doubt rank high for many on such Checks payable to the Illinois State Foundation can be sent to Alumni Relations, Campus Box 3100, Normal, IL 61790-3100. Call Alumni a list. While contemplating your professional journey, think back to your Relations at (309) 438-2586 with any questions. collegiate days. Remember that time in your 20s when dreams of that first Material may be reprinted with prior approval, provided no commercial endorsement is implied and credit is given to the author, to Illinois State job weren’t yet a reality? Hindsight affords the opportunity to realize how University, and to Illinois State. the academic challenges encountered at Illinois State all those years ago Web site: www.IllinoisState.edu created the foundation needed to build the career you now value. An equal opportunity/affirmative action university encouraging diversity I’ve yet to meet a graduate who doesn’t have memories of one class ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS that was pivotal in cementing a career decision. I delight in hearing alum- Don Shafer ’76, President Greg Ayers ’90 ni recount how specific professors made a real difference by making a sub- Derek Beckman ’97 ject engaging. Others recall a caring faculty member who offered meaning- Richard Clemmons ’72 Linda Meints Cooper, M.S.N. ’99 ful words of encouragement that sparked a determination to move forward Bob Freitag ’84 in a chosen field. Bill Johnston ’43 Dan Kelley ’70 Spend a few minutes remembering those individuals who looked into Ann Kenyeri ’93 the future and helped you set a course for life after Illinois State. Add to Emily Miller Kimmey ’99, M.S. ’01 Tom Lamont ’69 your list of blessings the names of professors from within the University Lynda Lane ’66 who invested more than expected classroom time to become your mentor Mary Ann Louderback ’74, M.S. ’80, Ph.D. ’84 Rob McLear ’06 and friend. Lois (Rademacher) Mills ’62, M.S. ’69 Before you put the pen down, I urge you to write a note of thanks. Kathy Coyle Murdoch ’86 Bob Navarro ’91, M.S. ’93, Ph.D. ’02 Don’t let time and distance keep you from reconnecting with key Marilee (Zielinski) Rapp ’63 people from your collegiate days. Visit the University’s Web page at Joe Rives, M.S. ’90, Ph.D. ’94 Gary Schnurrpusch ’69 www.IllinoisState.edu and use the people finder link to search for individ- Kristen Emmert Shaner ’86 uals you want to contact. The directory includes retirees as well as current Terrence Sykes ’93 Gary Tiffany ’74 faculty members. If the person you hope to reach is not listed, contact Jana Whitman ’90 Alumni Relations for assistance. Janessa Williams ’89 Mike Willis ’82 This year wrap your best gift in an envelope and opt for a stamp Jerry Wright ’62 instead of the traditional bow. The effort required is no more taxing than Carl Kasten ’66, Board of Trustees Alumni Liaison shopping for that perfect present. As a professor myself, I guarantee that ALUMNI RELATIONS the recipient will find the sentiment priceless. Stephanie Epp, Executive Director Walt Cody, Associate Director, Chicago Office Angie Coughlin, Assistant Director Sheila Hawk ’06, Program Coordinator Shanay Huerta ’03, M.S. ’05, Assistant Director Al Bowman Annette States Levitt ’96, M.S. ’02, Assistant Director President, Illinois State University Jamie (Kelly) Sennett ’99, Assistant Director He talks to the animals Some of Eric Stephens’ favorite moments are spent conversing with the creatures he comes across during an average day on his extraordinary job. Stephens ’79 is the director of the nationally renowned Miami MetroZoo, which ranks as one of the top 10 zoos in the country. His ability to turn a collegiate internship into a career is a story as spectacular as the animals he nurtures. Cover: Stephens 8 has worked hard in recent months to restore the health of the gorilla he affectionately calls “J.J.” (Cover and adjacent photo were taken by Ron Magill/Miami MetroZoo.) Contents 13 2 UNIVERSITY NEWS 13 ILLINOIS STATE’S OTHER MISSION With approximately 20,000 students enrolled, it’s easy to envision the University as an institution that serves individuals working toward a degree. But Illinois State’s mission is much 22 more broad, as evidenced by the work of Extended University. The unit that exists to make campus expertise and facilities widely and readily available excels in public service. 18 ONE TOUGH ’BIRD Ryan Crowley ’00 wanted a unique job. He’s found it as a member of the elite U.S. Navy Sea, Air, and Land (SEAL) forces. Overseas on an assignment he can’t discuss, Crowley proudly serves in a military branch so secretive that it is misunder- stood. What he can disclose is how his years with the men’s basketball team helped him through the grueling preparation every SEAL encounters. 22 WHO MAKES THE GARDENS GROW? It’s impossible to come to Illinois State and not admire the work of Darcy Loy. She’s the landscape gardener who has spent more than 20 years creating a carpet of color on the Quad. Responsible for placing approximately 13,000 annuals across 400 acres every year, Loy plants with a specific goal of making the campus appealing to the senses. 26 ALUMNI SERVICES 30 CLASS NOTES UniversityNews $18 million made available to renovate Stevenson and Turner halls Two of the most used classroom buildings on the Illinois State campus will be renovated as a result of significant state funding. Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has set aside $18 million for life safety improvements at Stevenson and Turner halls. Bids will go out in the spring, with work expected to begin next summer. Planning and design work has already been completed at a cost of $4 million, putting the total budget close to $22 million. The money will be used to install a new fire alarm and electrical system in each building, as well as sprinklers.” Upgrades will guarantee Stevenson and Turner are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. ‘‘ “There are clear safety issues that need to be addressed in these buildings,” President Al Bowman said, noting that the outdated fire and electrical systems require constant and costly maintenance. “These improvements will provide a better environment for students and teachers at one of the state’s finest universities,” Blagojevich said. “By address- ing these issues now, we will avoid more costly work in the future.” The University’s administration made the project a top priority with the governor’s office and legislators, pushing the project forward despite delays due to state budget woes. Bowman thanked Blagojevich and the Illinois Gener- al Assembly for the funds needed to bring “two workhorse buildings” up to 21st century standards. Dedicated in 1969, Stevenson was named after Adlai E. Stevenson. He was elected governor of Illinois, twice became the Democratic candidate for President of the United States, and was United States Ambassador to the United Nations. Initially home to the College of Arts and Sciences and the departments of English, Mathematics, and Foreign Languages, the building featured a 200-seat auditorium and one of the most advanced language laboratories in the world. The building still houses the College of Arts and Sciences and several of Stevenson Hall its departments, but has undergone renovation to incorporate computer laboratories.