CLASS NOTES

1944 A Red Cross blood drive on campus supported the Allied effort during World War II.

1960 Victor E. Bluejay atop an 1890s bicycle won first place in the annual Homecoming Parade float contest.

1969 Boxing legend and social activist Muhammad Ali spoke on campus and met with students in January 1969.

1960s & 1970s

Jim Leamon ’63 retired in October 2020 after 54 years of full-time active ministry with the United Church of Christ. Leamon and his wife, Carol Lillard ’63, have been married for 57 years and have three children, four grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter who was born in May 2020.

Sandra (Cone) Ludwig ’63 recently published a memoir and two novels. The memoir, Don’t Drink the Water! A Story about God’s Saving Grace, details her experiences teaching English in Colombia after graduating. Her first novel, Home at Last, is a Christian romance, and the second, Count Your Blessings, features a Christian social worker. She’s currently working on a third novel, All God’s Children.

Alexander Rassogianis ’69 is receiving positive reviews for his book Clouds Over the Aegean (Outskirts Press), which was published in June 2020. A thriller set on the Greek island of Naxos, the book combines mystery, murder and international intrigue. “Fans of the sunshine noir genre will undoubtedly enjoy the descriptions of Greece, while the characters endeavor to unravel the mystery,” Eleni Sakellis wrote in The National Herald.

Douglas Warne ’69 recently purchased the largest and most profitable winemaking store in greater Toronto. Warne says he’s enjoying the fruits of his labor.

Marilyn (Hinchley) Nielsen ’70 is auditing classes at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. She is studying piano and has completed courses in the history of rock ’n’ roll, music appreciation, music theory and the history of jazz.

Roseann (Hotz) Woodka ’70 published her first book in July 2020. Precious Moments with Dick and Jane (Mariana Publishing) is a children’s book that tells the true story of Woodka’s two rescue puppies and their journey to becoming therapy dogs. Woodka is a licensed psychologist, and Dick and Jane serve as her co-therapists.

Fred Gretsch ’71, H ’16, and his wife, Dinah Gretsch, celebrated their grandson, Zach, who earned a doctor of physical therapy degree in May 2020. Zach follows in the footsteps of his grandfather, president of the Gretsch Company, who received an honorary doctor of music degree from Elmhurst.

Charles Grippo ’72 wrote a play, A Wife’s Tale, that was published by Smith Plays. He plans to license the script for worldwide productions. Grippo is an entertainment lawyer, theater and film producer, playwright, and author. His books The Stage Producer’s Business and Legal Guide and Business and Legal Forms for Theater (Allworth Press publishing) are both in their second editions and are used as definitive texts on theater law for non-lawyers. Currently, he is working on producing a livestreamed series of shows with actor and playwright Hershey Felder.

CLASS NOTES

Caring for Others—Personally and Professionally

For Terry Gerardi Batura ’94, appearing in Edward-Elmhurst Health’s “Here, It’s Personal” marketing campaign represents truth in advertising. Batura, nursing supervisor at Elmhurst Hospital, not only cares for a range of patients but also tends to the special needs of her sons: Sean, 10, has autism, and Ryan, 17, has Down syndrome and autism. “It’s a true honor to be a caregiver at home and at work,” says Batura, who is known for her personal touch with patients. “There is nothing else I would rather be doing.” She says her time in the nursing program and athletics at the University gave her the tools to reach her goals. “The nursing program was very challenging, and the instructors pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of doing,” Batura says. “Elmhurst set me up for success.”

1980s & 1990s

John Downing ’84 recently earned a Ph.D. in postsecondary and adult education. Downing teaches at the University of Dubuque and says he’s found his true calling working in higher education. He also says it’s never too late to accomplish your dreams, no matter your age.

Paul Wedemann ’84 received the 2020 Thomas Lay Burroughs Award for Outstanding School Board President from the Illinois State Board of Education. President of the school board at Fenton Community High School in Bensenville, Ill., Wedemann was recognized for his extraordinary leadership.

Kathleen O’Leary Havelka ’87 was recently appointed vice president of research and development for ANGUS Chemical Company. An innovator who finds solutions to support growth, Havelka has eight patents and multiple publications to her name. Julie Bruns ’94 recently published Peace, Possibilities and Perspective: 8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career (Ignite Press, January 2021), a practical guide to becoming more peaceful and joyous in work and in life. On its first day on the market, the book became a No. 1 bestseller on Amazon.

2000s

James M. Magrini ’00 recently published Politics of the Soul in the Alcibiades (Peter Lang Press, 2021). He is also contributing a chapter to the forthcoming text, Heidegger and the Holy (Rowman & Littlefield, 2021).

Rev. Jason Churchill ’03 received the 2020 Peacemaker Among Us Award from Delaware Pacem in Terris, a Wilmington-based organization focused on peace and justice. He was recognized for his peace initiatives in food and social justice, and for his service as chair of Pacem’s board of directors. Rafe Posey ’04 shares that his debut novel, The Stars We Share, was released in May 2021 (Pamela Dorman Books). Set during World War II, the novel is about the cost of war, the secrets we keep, and an English couple who are continually tested by distance, sacrifice and ambition. Posey’s creative work has previously appeared in Poydras Review, Empty Sink, The Light Ekphrastic, Urbanite and others.

D. Scott Tharp ’05 recently published Doing Social Justice Education: A Practitioner’s Guide for Workshops and Structured Conversations (Stylus Publishing, 2020), a comprehensive introduction to planning and designing social justice experiences.

Karen Hurula ’07 has been appointed director of the Wheaton College Counseling Center in Wheaton, Ill. The first woman to hold this position, Hurula earned her doctorate in clinical psychology in 2012.

Heather Forster Jensen ’08 celebrated her five-year work anniversary at Indian Prairie Public Library in September 2020. She was recently promoted to programming and outreach services specialist.

Laura Simantirakis ’08 and her sister Susan DiLillo ’14 recently started Captured In A Click, a clothing line featuring customized apparel for kids and themed party items.

Jennifer (Myers) Hatzold ’09 and her husband, Drew Hatzold ’08, welcomed their fourth child, Dean James, on Aug. 27,

2020. Their other children, Logan, Blake and Morgan, are excited to have him.

Mike LaFleur ’10 was named offensive coordinator for the New York Jets in January 2021 after spending the past three seasons as the passing game coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers.

Hannah Thompson ’12 is the new program director for the Anabaptist Disabilities Network (ADN) in Elkhart, Ind. In her new role, Thompson will be responsible for creating ADN’s newsletter, building community, and strengthening the network. Thompson is also a motivational speaker and an advocate for individuals who have disabilities.

Rev. Allyson Vertigan ’12 was recently ordained by the United Church of Christ and works at Rush University Medical Center as a chaplain. In 2011, after Elmhurst added a question about sexual orientation to its admission application, Vertigan told the Chicago Tribune that she was proud of her college. “I think this is a great step contextually, within the nation,” said Vertigan, who identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Adam Hansen ’13 and Alissa Brunet ’14 were married in October 2020 at an outdoor ceremony in Cantigny Park.

Katelyn Ditzler ’16 and Sean Elfstrom ’16 were married in September 2020.

Mary Moore ’18 and Tristan Heffner ’19 got engaged in December 2020. The couple lives in Colorado Springs, Colo., with their two dogs and four cats.

Mentor and Industry Leader

Alison Hitzker MBA ’10 received Elmhurst’s 2020 Distinguished Graduate Alumni Award. A director and service line coordinator for global marketing research company Ipsos, Hitzker supports Elmhurst students and alumni in many ways, including serving as a mentor, visiting classrooms to discuss careers in marketing, and connecting students with shadowing and internship opportunities at Ipsos. In nominating Hitzker for the award, assistant professor Sherry Smoak wrote that Hitzker is dedicated to helping students reach their potential. “I know I can always count on her to aid us in any way to help support students and their learning,” Smoak wrote.

Chicago Radio Legend Signs Off

After 52 award-winning, pioneering years at WBBM NewsRadio 780, Leonard “Len” Walter ’62 delivered his farewell business report on Jan. 22, 2021. Walter’s retirement ends an illustrious run at WBBM. He made history as the first journalist to broadcast regularly from what is now known as the Chicago Stock Exchange. He’s won countless awards for excellence, including the Edward R. Murrow Award for International Investigative Reporting and the Best Radio Reporter award by the Illinois and Michigan Associated Press. “We will miss his authoritative voice, his business acumen and his love of radio reporting,” said Ron Gleason, brand manager of WBBM Newsradio.

Alumnus Makes a Name for Himself

Longtime Elmhurst University donor Dr. John Sallstrom’s name is now literally synonymous with academic excellence at Georgia College in Milledgeville, Ga. On Oct. 13, 2020, Sallstrom ’61, a professor of religion and philosophy who founded the college’s honors program in 1970, became the namesake of the John E. Sallstrom Honors College. Dr. Ken Saladin, Georgia College professor emeritus, called Sallstrom a visionary. “He conceived of the idea that we should have an honors program even when we were a small, local college,” Saladin said, according to the college’s website. Sallstrom earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Elmhurst University and has been a dependable donor since 1986. He is an active member of the President’s Circle, which recognizes leaders who give $1,000 or more annually.

JAZZ FAN AND LONGTIME FRIEND

Longtime University trustee John “Jack” Gibbon Cashman died Jan. 16, 2021. He was 89. An Army veteran, Cashman earned his Juris Doctor at the University of Texas, then began his career in the law department at Sears Roebuck and Company in Dallas. His career with Sears ended in 1990 in Chicago. During his time in the Chicago area, Cashman was a dedicated supporter of the University’s jazz program, particularly the Jazz Band. In 1980, he and his wife, Peggy, co-chaired Elmhurst’s first Summer Extravaganza, an annual event now known as June Jazz. “Over the years I’ve greatly valued Jack’s advice and insights, as well as his eagerness to keep building connections between the University and the community,” said Elmhurst University President Troy D. VanAken. “He loved Elmhurst and was always in our corner.”

AWARD-WINNING BROADCASTER

Former trustee William Campbell, an award-winning broadcaster and producer at WLS-Ch. 7, passed away on March 17, 2021, at the age of 70. An Elmhurst trustee from 2001 to 2010, Campbell began his career at WLS-Ch. 7 as director of editorials in 1978. Over his 32year career with the station, he also served as community services director and host of Chicagoing, a public-affairs show that won several Emmy Awards. He retired from the station in 2010 to start a consulting business.

A LIFE OF MEDICINE AND SERVICE

Dr. Donald Armin Nagel ’50, H ’75, who led a life of public service, died May 24, 2020, at the age of 91. Nagel graduated from the University with a degree in sociology but spent his career in academic medicine in California. He was chief of orthopedics at Stanford Medical School for 13 years, then continued there as professor and emeritus professor. In his 45-year career, Nagel estimated he performed more than 6,000 surgeries and made about 90,000 patient contacts. He also changed lives as a public servant. A volunteer with the Public Health Service and other organizations, Nagel gave his time and talents to diverse cultures around the world.

Mary (Petroplus) Radloff ’47 Jan. 14, 2021, Aurora, N.Y.

Sibylle (Gerstenberg) Ehrlich ’48 Oct. 28, 2020, Baltimore, Md.

Frances (Wentzel) Headings ’48 Jan. 1, 2021, Fort Wayne, Ind. Rev. Paul Krebill ’49 Feb. 19, 2021, Bozeman, Mont.

Rev. John Schroeder ’49 Dec. 3, 2020, Evansville, Ind.

Gwendolyn (Geyer) Tveter ’49 Sept. 22, 2020, Walworth, Wis. Warren Erickson ’50 Dec. 16, 2020, Leesburg, Fla. Dorothy Halverson ’50 Dec. 2, 2020, Waupaca, Wis. June (Adler) Eaton ’51 Feb. 22, 2021, Villa Park, Ill.

Lois (Tagtmeier) Long ’51 Nov. 30, 2020, Huntley, Ill. Dorothea (Glauert) Engelsdorfer ’52 April 7, 2021, Belleville, Ill. James Doyle ’53 Oct. 16, 2020, New Richmond, Wis.

Dr. John Wickman ’53 Jan. 22, 2021, Abilene, Kan.

Dawn (Emde) Baker ’54 Nov. 4, 2020, Oak Brook, Ill.

Jerome Belza ’54 Oct. 7, 2020, Louisville, Ky. Judith Niemann ’54 Nov. 28, 2020, Groton, Conn.

Rev. Glen Halbe ’55 Dec. 17, 2020, Racine, Wis.

Rev. Richard Zulauf ’55 Oct. 16, 2020, Leesburg, Fla. Ann (Kioseff) Masson ’56 Dec. 11, 2020, Pullman, Wash.

Rev. Roland Bizer ’58 Feb. 21, 2021, Naperville, Ill. Dr. Robert Behmer ’59 Feb. 20, 2021, Winnebago, Ill. Rev. Dr. Arthur Ellersieck ’60 Feb. 11, 2021, Sun City, Ariz. Sandi Pinio ’61 Nov. 18, 2020, Pinole, Calif.

Nila (Awe) Bronson ’62 March 5, 2021, Severna Park, Md.

Henry Holzkamper ’62 Nov. 14, 2020, Bonita Springs, Fla. Kenneth Karnstedt ’62 Oct. 30, 2020, Elmhurst, Ill.

Ronald Waldschmidt ’62 Jan. 14, 2021, Glen Ellyn, Ill. Richard Brandau ’65 Feb. 2, 2021, Powahatan, Va.

James Gargano ’68 Jan. 14, 2021, Elk Grove Village, Ill. Harold Warp ’68 Dec. 25, 2020, Wood Dale, Ill.

Joyce Brown ’69 Feb. 6, 2021, Glen Ellyn, Ill. Richard Johnson ’70 Dec. 10, 2020, Hendersonville, N.C.

Michael Marsico ’70 Dec. 15, 2020, Gainesville, Ga.

Robert Rutkas ’70 Jan. 1, 2021, Yorkville, Ill.

Susan (Hajny) Smith-Brooks ’70 Feb. 8, 2021, Somers, N.Y.

George Phillip ’71 Oct. 18, 2020, Green Lake, Wis.

Thomas Good ’73 Dec. 31, 2020, Georgetown, Texas William Hanks ’73 Dec. 5, 2020, Algonquin, Ill. Louis Anasinis ’74 Feb. 24, 2021, Maywood, Ill. Olive (Johnson) Merrick ’74 Dec. 23, 2020, Wheaton, Ill.

Michele (Clary) Larson ’76 Dec. 22, 2020, Romeoville, Ill.

Joyce (Haynes) Melbinger ’76 Oct. 10, 2020, Duncansville, Pa.

Christine Smith ’78 March 1, 2021, Elmhurst, Ill.

Salvatore LiVolsi ’79 Feb. 25, 2021, Harvard, Ill.

William Hawkins ’82 Oct. 25, 2020, Cottage Grove, Wis. Francis McQuade ’82 Dec. 21, 2020, Saint Charles, Ill.

Joyce (Coryell) Weinbrenner ’83 Dec. 8, 2020, Mundelein, Ill.

Susan (Clark) Jensen ’84 Jan. 13, 2021, Lilburn, Ga.

Norma Rogers ’84 Dec. 18, 2020, Roanoke, Ill.

Susan (Sibley) Cumpata ’88 Oct. 11, 2020, Elgin, Ill. George Duychak ’93 Dec. 2, 2020, Menomonie, Wis.

David Eustice ’93 March 24, 2021, Durham, N.C.

James Maher ’94 March 28, 2021, Joliet, Ill.

Christine (Consalvo) Perry ’94 March 25, 2021, Addison, Ill.

K. Elizabeth (Liz) Orrico ’00 Jan. 4, 2021, Plainfield, Ill. Thomas O. Myers Jr., former owner and president of Thomas O. Myers Real Estate in Elmhurst, died on April 1, 2021, at age 96. Myers was a dedicated donor and friend to the University. In 2002 he and his wife, Shirley, were awarded the Founders Medal in recognition of their “lifetimes of building, directing and accomplishing.” Parents of Paul Myers ’96, Tom and Shirley Myers established an endowed scholarship fund at the University for the ongoing benefit of students.

A UNIVERSITY PHILANTHROPIST

A supporter of the University for more than 40 years,

Jean “Jeanie” (O’Donnell) Koplin died Oct. 6, 2020, at the age of 97. She and her husband, Alfred, a University trustee, together have made at least 50 significant gifts to Elmhurst. To honor that generosity, the University has renamed Circle Hall to Jean Koplin Memorial Hall. In 1966, she and her husband launched Hinsdale Management Corp., a real estate and property management company that has built more than 300 homes and apartments, office buildings and shopping centers in Chicago’s western suburbs. Koplin helped drive the business to greater heights with her architecture and design knowledge, which she obtained while reading books at the Chicago Public Library. She loved to travel the world, having logged trips to Russia, China and Cuba with her husband in the 1970s.

AN ADVENTUROUS ENTREPRENEUR

Henry A. Holzkamper ’63, known for his entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic support for the University, died Nov. 14, 2020. He was 81. After graduating with a bachelor’s in business administration, Holzkamper joined the Navy, then became a teacher upon his return to civilian life. He pursued a career in real estate until the 1980s, when an unfavorable market caused him to shift gears. He bought a boat and started a charter business in the Virgin Islands. When his boat and business were destroyed by Hurricane Marilyn in 1995, he moved to Florida and rekindled his real estate career. “I believe in giving tenants not a place to live but a home,” he told the Naples Daily News in 2019. Throughout his professional life, Holzkamper regularly supported the University’s Annual Fund.