Illinois State APRIL 2019 • NUMBER 4 NUMBER • 19 VOLUME Disconnected The dark side of our addiction to cell phone usage? Strained relationships. RedbirdsRising.IllinoisState.edu EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Susan Marquardt Blystone ’84, M.S. ’03 ALUMNI EDITOR Rachel Kobus ’09, M.S. ’11 LEAD DESIGNERS FirstWord Dave Jorgensen, M.S. ’03 Michael Mahle The end of the academic year is just weeks away. DESIGNERS Preparations are nearing completion for May commencement ceremonies celebrating Jeff Higgerson ’92 Sean Thornton ’00, M.S. ’17 the accomplishments of all in the Class of 2019, who will be welcomed to the ranks of Evan Walles ’06 Redbird alumni. Carol (Jalowiec) Watson ’08 Graduation remains an exceptional moment at Illinois State, as the commitment to WEB EDITOR Kevin Bersett, MBA ’17 acknowledge each student on stage by name continues. I am delighted when asked to PHOTOGRAPHER be included in photographs of students and their families, as it gives me an opportunity Lyndsie Schlink ’04 to learn more about the sacrifices, determination, and PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Tracy Widergren ’03, M.S. ’15 motivation that are required of every individual who WRITERS earns a degree. Kate Arthur Kevin Bersett, MBA ’17 Another thought that comes to my mind as I par- ticipate in each college’s commencement is that once Illinois State (USPS 019606) is published four times annually for donors and members of the Illinois State again, Illinois State has delivered on its promise to pro- University Alumni Association at Alumni Center, 1101 N. Main Street, Normal, Illinois 61790-3100. vide a quality education to the next generation. I see in Periodicals postage paid at Normal, Illinois, and at each graduate potential that has been sharpened during additional mailing offices. their Redbird experience. Magazine editorial offices are located at 1101 N. Main Street, Normal, Illinois 61790-3100; telephone It is a given that the University will have a gradu- (309) 438-2586; facsimile (309) 438-8057; email [email protected]; Website IllinoisState.edu/ ating class each year. The expectation means that it is Magazine. Postmaster: Send address changes to consequently rare for individuals to pause and contem- Illinois State, Illinois State University, Campus Box 8000, Normal, IL 61790-8000. plate the teamwork required for Illinois State to honor Material may be reprinted with prior approval, its legacy by continuing to gladly learn and teach. provided no commercial endorsement is implied and credit is given to the author, to Illinois State Keeping the University at its national level of excellence is a significant undertaking. University, and to Illinois State. Illinois State remains strong and stable through the efforts of every administrator, faculty Website: IllinoisState.edu Illinois State University, as an equal opportunity/ member, and staff employee. affirmative action employer, complies with all Our success is also contingent upon all who invest financially in Illinois State, applicable federal and state laws regarding affirmative action, nondiscrimination, and anti-harassment. including those whose gifts have resulted in $137 million raised toward the $150 million Illinois State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not Redbirds Rising campaign goal. discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, order of Private dollars are essential because Illinois State receives the lowest state ap- protection, gender identity and expression, ancestry, propriation per full-time equivalent student of all 12 public universities in Illinois. This age, marital status, disability, genetic information, unfavorable military discharge, or status as a is despite the fact ISU’s enrollment is the third largest in the state, with students from veteran in employment, educational programs and activities, or admissions. Inquiries or complaints across Illinois accounting for 97 percent of the University’s enrollment. may be addressed by contacting the director of the I share these numbers with the hope that as the season for graduations approaches, Office of Equal Opportunity and Access by email at [email protected], by calling (309) you will be reminded that your alma mater is an institution in which you can and should 438-3383, or by mailing to the office at Illinois State University, Campus Box 1280, Normal, IL 61790. be proud for its commitment to excellence—despite inevitable obstacles such as limited 19-8996. This document is available in alternative state funding. formats upon request by contacting Alumni Engagement at (309) 438-2586. Know that I am forever grateful to all who partner with the University to ensure our educational endeavors continue in stellar fashion. By supporting Illinois State, you ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS show confidence in not only the institution but the students whose Redbird experience Doug Reeves ’69 Danny Mielneczek ’11 President Susan Nelson-Brown ’78 is enriched through your dollars. Your investment is ultimately in our students, who are Walter Brandon Jr. ’82, Tim Pantaleone ’07 consequently able to persevere and cross the commencement stage ready to pursue their M.S. ’84 Scott Preston ’10 Kathryn Bohn ’74, M.S. ’80 Stacy Ramsey ’92, M.S. ’94 passion. Lisa Castleman ’96 Marsha Reeves ’80, ’03 Tyler Clark ’09 Kaci Rollings ’94 Fellicia Foster ’08 Steve Smith ’89, M.S. ’93 Elizabeth Garcia ’91 Alice Spann ’78 Ryan Gilbert ’03 Leah Walton ’88, M.S. ’92 Michele Guadalupe ’01 Ron Whitton ’80 Dave Horstein ’08 Larry H. Dietz, Ph. D. Julie Jones ’90, Jerry Kerber ’74 Board of Trustees President, Illinois State University Daniel Lopez, Ph.D. ’02 Alumni Liaison Joe McGuire ’77 Volume 19, Number 4, April 2019 8 FEATURES 8 Changed perspective Jamie Baldwin Fergus ’05 is a biologist whose research on the vision of crustaceans is on per- manent display at the Smithsonian. Family is her top priority, which is why she has put a hold on her groundbreaking research. 12 Nurturing nurses Mennonite College of Nursing has been a part of ISU since 1999, however, its start goes back to 1919. The legacy of excellence established in the decades since is celebrated during this centennial year. 16 Time to hang up? Most individuals are attached to their mo- bile phone, which is increasingly a source of contention in relationships. Associate Professor Aimee Miller-Ott studied how cell phones strain interactions. She offers advice on how to be more present with people in our daily lives. 20 Bolstering black students Andrew Purnell ’57 understands the challenges many young black people encounter as they work toward a degree. He and members of the Black Colleagues Association have raised nearly $300,000 in scholarships for black ISU students. 24 Path to Progressive Tricia (Thomas) Griffith ’86 went from a claims adjustor trainee at The Progressive Corporation 20 24 to running the firm that is now the nation’s third largest auto insurer. She is Fortune Magazine’s 12 first female Businessperson of the Year. DEPARTMENTS 2 University News 6 Redbird Athletics 26 Alumni Awards 28 #Redbird Proud 30 Class Notes 16 On the cover: An estimated 95 percent of Americans Let us hear from you! Your feedback is appreciated. Send comments or suggestions, own a mobile phone. It’s no wonder School of Commu- Class Notes, Letters to the Editor, How We Met and Legacy stories, as well as Where Are They Now and Reggie Reads submissions to Susan Blystone at [email protected], nication faculty research shows that there is a growing or mail to Campus Box 3420, Normal, IL 61790. problem with relationships, as too much attention is given to interacting through devices. UniversityNews Workplace excellence University remains a stellar place of employment s a premiere undergraduate that have 10,000 or more students. The area of diversity. Efforts to increase institution, it’s not surprising only university from Illinois to be cited, enrollment of underrepresented student Athat Illinois State keeps students ISU is ranked with Baylor, Hofstra, and populations has been a goal in recent as the focal point in all endeavors. The the University of Notre Dame. years, with initiatives underway in vari- result is an exceptional student popula- Selection is based on the results of a ous areas including Admissions and tion that thrives on individualized atten- survey administered to a random sample Financial Aid. In addition, the Univer- tion from administrators, faculty and of faculty and staff. An institutional ques- sity has launched the INTO Illinois State staff who are equally pleased to be a part tionnaire that captures workplace prac- program as a means to attract more inter- of the University. tices and policies is also evaluated. national students. For the fourth consecutive year, ISU Results are tabulated into 12 catego- “To earn the ‘Great Colleges to Work has been recognized by The Chronicle of ries that evaluate satisfaction from col- For’ designation for four consecutive Higher Education in its “Great Colleges laborative governance to job satisfaction, years—with a record 11 categories this to Work For” report. The 2018 study confidence in senior leadership, work/ time—is a testament to the excellence recognizes universities and colleges that life balance, compensation, and job sat- of Illinois State,” President Larry Dietz have created exceptional work environ- isfaction. said. “Each year we have grown in the ments. Illinois State was recognized for number of categories garnering acco- Illinois State is one of 10 universities excellence in 11 of the categories, show- lades, which reflects our continued drive honored in the category of large schools ing a need for improvement in only the to excel in every aspect of education.” 2 Illinois State April 2019 Students open pantry to meet needs on campus Food insecurity—or not knowing from where the next meal is coming—is at the heart of the School Street Food Pantry opened last fall for ISU students.