IWU Magazine - Summer/Fall 2024

Establishing a Legacy through Scholarship and Student Success

Betty Ritchie-Birrer ’47 established the first Study Abroad Endowed Scholarship at Illinois Wesleyan University in 2012. She loved traveling the world with her husband and knew the value of IWU students expanding their education. Betty’s generosity, vision, and leadership has granted over 65 students the opportunity to study abroad while at IWU. These students have experienced Denmark, Barcelona, Argentina, London, the Philippines, Australia, and more!

Tyler Maple ’22 majored in Biology and Hispanic studies while at IWU and he studied abroad to use Spanish to help underprivileged Hispanic populations in health care. Being the first person in his family to travel outside of the country, his time abroad was life changing and exciting. About his opportunity he notes, “I will forever remember these moments abroad as I move further along in my career in health care. Thank you!”

Betty contributed to student and faculty success at IWU in many other lasting ways. Though she passed away in 2017, her legacy and support lives on through her Endowed Scholarships and the Betty Ritchie-Birrer ’47 and Ivan Birrer Professorship.

Annual and Endowed scholarships enable students to experience educational opportunities that they would not have been able to otherwise. Whether supporting students as they study abroad, conduct research, or simply experience an IWU education, you can help students succeed here at IWU!

For more information about establishing a scholarship, call the Office of Advancement at (309) 556-3091!

18 Discovering Home

As a career university administrator with a long record of success and optimism for the future of liberal arts, Sheahon Zenger has been appointed the 21st president of Illinois Wesleyan University.

22 Broadway Reunion

More than a decade after last performing together at IWU, Bry Parham ’07 and Tony Lopez ’08 are reuniting on Broadway.

26 Alumni Award Winners

For more than two decades, Mark Denzler ’93 has worked across the aisle to promote robust economic policy in the state of Illinois.

ON OUR COVER:

President Sheahon Zenger poses for a portrait in the Bates & Merwin Reading Room on the fourth floor of The Ames Library. The room hosts a collection of award-winning books in honor of IWU’s former president Minor Myers jr.

As I reflect on my first few days at this great university, I would like to share a note that captures my true feelings as a prelude to a personal interview that follows later in this magazine.

Why come to Illinois Wesleyan? When you open an encyclopedia and look under the title “college,” there ought to be a picture of Illinois Wesleyan University. This is a truly classic institution whose whole campus embodies tradition, but what really attracted me to Illinois Wesleyan is our incredible sense of community — the engaged students, the excellent faculty, the committed staff and the pride of our alumni. I have never met an alumni who are as passionately loyal as ours.

It’s because we have a great story to tell — the classic college experience embedded in a true liberal arts education. We owe it to the state of Illinois, the nation and the world to continue to fight for the heart and soul of higher education that lives on at Illinois Wesleyan, socially, politically and demographically, as long as we keep it alive.

I intend to show up for that fight here, because Illinois Wesleyan not only has the answer to higher education’s modern challenges, but it is the answer for so many people. We owe it to the future of this nation and the globe to provide it with professionals who understand the value of the arts, the humanities, music and theater. We want to cultivate a generation of creative thinkers and problem solvers. We want to train accountants and doctors and CEOs who read books, who truly embrace the long-held ideals of cultivating the mind, body and spirit.

"When

you open an encyclopedia and look under

the title ‘college,’ there ought to be a picture of Illinois Wesleyan University."

PRESIDENT SHEAHON ZENGER

It is with this conviction that we will challenge prospective college students across the region, the nation and internationally to join us in our pursuit of a true liberal arts education in one of the great cities of the Midwest. There is no better place than Bloomington, Illinois, to go to college, to raise a family, to get an Italian beef or a gondola or a slice of Tobin’s or Lucca’s pizza, or make some memories at Mugsy’s.

As we build upon the work of those who have gone before us, we must collaborate and build consensus, staying true to the ideals of the liberal arts. The best part is that we get to do it with some of the brightest young minds in America.

It is with gratitude and humility that I take on the position of this University’s president and pledge my devotion to the cause and a neverending work ethic. This is work that begins with listening to students, who have shared with me their embodiment of “yes and;” faculty who seek excellence and joy in the classroom; staff who invest so much in the daily work of maintaining the University; and to the alumni with their incredible sense of pride and tradition.

Let’s accept that challenge together to carry on that tradition.

Sheahon Zenger Illinois Wesleyan University President

IWU MAGAZINE STAFF

EDITOR

Chris Francis ’13

GRAPHICS EDITOR

Nicholas Munafo

CONTRIBUTORS

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Ann Aubry

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Julia Perez

MANAGER OF DIGITAL STRATEGY

Kristen Buhrmann

VIDEOGRAPHER/PHOTOGRAPHER

Adam Day

DIRECTOR OF ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Katie Gonzales

STUDENT WRITER

Emily Schubert ’27

Office of Communications (309) 556-3181

IWU Admissions Office (800) 332-2498 www.iwu.edu Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine iwumag@iwu.edu

Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine (ISSN 1071-7757) is published quarterly by: Illinois Wesleyan University, P.O. Box 2900, Bloomington, Illinois 61702-2900. Periodical postage paid at Bloomington, Illinois, Post Office, and at additional mailing office.

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Inside IWU

FEATURED NEWS, EVENTS AND VIEWS FROM THE IWU CAMPUS

Sheahon Zenger Named 21st President of Illinois Wesleyan University

SheahonJ. Zenger, previously the interim president at the University of New Haven, has been named the 21st president of Illinois Wesleyan University, effective July 1.

Zenger was elected by the IWU Board of Trustees after a national search that drew a broad and enthusiastic set of leaders. He was introduced by board chair Timothy J. Szerlong ’74 at a campus event on April 10, which can be viewed at www.iwu.edu/ announcement. Zenger will succeed President S. Georgia Nugent, who is stepping down after five years at the helm.

"Sheahon’s track record of strategic leadership, relationship building and successful fundraising makes him an ideal leader to guide Illinois Wesleyan as we build on our traditional strengths to innovate and ensure our vitality in the future," Szerlong said.

Zenger has more than 30 years of experience in higher education leadership, including as an assistant to the chancellor at Texas Christian University, plus terms as director of athletics for the University of New Haven, University of Kansas and Illinois State University.

Across his career, he has raised nearly $400 million to support capital projects and strategic initiatives, with demonstrated success in building relationships with private donors.

"I am honored and excited to be joining the Illinois Wesleyan family, and I am humbled to be selected to serve as president of an institution with a rich history and a strong tradition of giving back and doing good," Zenger said. "The mission of this university as a leader in liberal arts education has been and will continue to be life changing for so many.

"I greatly admire this community’s sense of pride, its purpose, and its commitment to making a difference. There is such a compelling story to tell, and I am looking forward to working with Titans near and far to help advance the great work taking place across this close-knit community."

At the University of New Haven, Zenger’s accomplishments included creating new opportunities for collaboration and partnership with city and state governments; launching a new brand campaign aimed at increasing visibility and enrollment for the university; and initiating comprehensive student recruitment efforts, key to securing two of the largest incoming classes in the university’s history in the past two years. He also facilitated implementation of the university’s strategic plan and the launch of eight new degree and certificate

(Above) Sheahon J. Zenger has been named the 21st president of Illinois Wesleyan University, effective July 1.

programs, with active involvement in faculty development initiatives.

Zenger’s strong experience in developing programs to support the welfare, scholarship and future success of student-athletes during each of his terms as athletic director also befits the guiding philosophy of Titan Athletics, where more than 40% of the IWU student body participates in intercollegiate athletics.

His leadership is marked by culture-building: throughout his career in higher education, Zenger has prioritized inclusion and equity, creating or leading diversity programs, and initiating a gender equity review and upgrade while at ISU. At the University of Kansas, he introduced The Kansas Way to orient new staff more effectively to the organization and promote staff development.

"The search committee worked incredibly hard to make sure we found the right president for Illinois Wesleyan at this time," said W. Thomas Lawrence ’80, vice chair of the IWU Board of Trustees and chair of the presidential search committee. "Sheanon’s background in higher education, his passion for the liberal arts, and his love of Bloomington-Normal and Illinois Wesleyan University made our decision incredibly easy."

Zenger earned a bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education and a master’s in journalism and mass communications, both from Kansas State University, and a Ph.D. in educational policy and leadership at the University of Kansas. He and his wife Pam have three adult children.

Illinois Wesleyan retained the services of the international search firm, WittKieffer. In addition to Lawrence, who is Retired Managing Partner, Ernst & Young, the search committee members included several IWU trustees: Rod Adams ’95, principal, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chicago; Herbert A. Getz ’77, president, Aspen Creek Partners Inc., Naperville, Illinois; Colleen Kannaday, president, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, Normal, Illinois; Leah Merrifield ’78, LAM Consulting, St. Louis, Missouri; Laura C. Randolph ’92, plastic surgeon, Bloomington, Illinois; and Robert K. Zimmermann ’71, treasurer of the Board and retired vice president, Energizer Holdings, St. Louis, Missouri.

The committee also included staff representative Michael Thompson, Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness; student representative Raji More, Class of 2026, computer science major from Bloomington; and three members elected by the faculty: Stephanie Davis-Kahl, University Librarian and Copyright Officer; Joanne Diaz, Isaac Funk Endowed Professor of English; and Bryan McCannon ’98, Director of the School of Business and Economics and Robert S. Eckley Endowed Professor of Economics. Sharla Brown-Ajayi, Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, served as Search Advocate.

Survey Finds 99% of 2023 Grads Employed or Continuing Education

Nearly99% of alumni from the class of 2023 were employed or continuing their education within six months of graduating from Illinois Wesleyan University, according to the annual First Destination Survey conducted by IWU’s Hart Career Center.

Based on a 90% response rate, the survey found that 77% of 2023 graduates were employed full-time with an average starting salary of $57,162. While graduates secured jobs in a variety of fields, the top industries were healthcare, K-12 education, performing and fine arts and insurance. Meanwhile, 17% of respondents were enrolled in graduate or professional programs.

Guided by principles from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the First Destination Survey allows the Hart Career Center to track student success and share outcomes with prospective IWU students and families.

“The post-grad success rate speaks to IWU’s rigorous academic programs, robust experiential learning opportunities and comprehensive career development resources all rooted in the liberal arts tradition,” said Kelly Bay, associate director of the Hart Career Center. "Our students graduate with a diverse skill set that expands beyond their major course of study. Their well-rounded curricular and extra-curricular experiences foster the development of essential employability skills that ensure IWU students are competitive in today’s job market."

The survey found 72% of Titans in the class of 2023 prepared for post-graduate careers with at least one internship at Illinois Wesleyan, and 31% of students participated in undergraduate research.

Graduates reported employment in 29 states and the District of Columbia, and in two locations outside of the United States, in Japan and Pakistan. Students in graduate or professional programs reported enrollment in 16 states with two students studying in international locations: England and Canada.

Consistent with the First Destination Survey results, Illinois Wesleyan continues to be recognized nationally for graduate success. According to a 2023 evaluation by Washington Monthly, Illinois Wesleyan is #5 in the nation for contribution to the public good in three broad categories: social mobility, research and promoting public service.

Record-Breaking $2.7 Million Raised During All In for Wesleyan

Arecord-breaking

$2,779,070 was raised by thousands of Titan supporters who gave green to benefit the University during All In for Wesleyan on April 9.

Alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff and friends of Illinois Wesleyan University totaling 3,963 donors showed pride for IWU by passing the dollar record set last year at $2,614,921. Since 2013, All In for Wesleyan has raised over $15.8 million.

“All in for Wesleyan is an inspirational day where Titans of the past and present come together and support Titans of today. Year after year, our donors demonstrate their dedication, affinity, and love of this University by setting a new giving record. It’s both inspirational and motivational to see the entire IWU community come together to give back,” said Val Hawkins ’09, Interim Assistant Vice President for Advancement.

With a theme of “Give Green” to celebrate the school color of the Titans, the annual fundraising campaign reached success through several donation challenges, including an additional $1 million gift from an anonymous donor, unlocked after surpassing the one-day goal of $1.5 million. An hourly challenge made possible by an anonymous alum gave a $5,000 boost each hour to an area or department of the University who received the most gifts. A challenge set by IWU President S. Georgia Nugent unlocked a gift of $30,000 to scholarships for first generation students after 100 donors gave to the First Generation Support Fund.

Proceeds from All In create opportunities for present and future IWU students. These funds support student scholarships, research endeavors, experiential learning initiatives, updated technology infrastructure and athletic programming.

Donors who may have missed out on this year’s All In for Wesleyan can still show their support by visiting www.iwu.edu/giving.

IWU Golden Apple Scholars Improve Illinois Teaching Retention

Ninefuture educators at Illinois Wesleyan University are committing their classroom careers to improving the lives of children in high-need schools as Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois, which is celebrating 30 years as a campus program.

The Golden Apple Scholars Program in Illinois awards scholarship funding to high school seniors and first- and second-year teacher candidates who are committed to teach in Illinois schools-of-need.

Associate Professor and Chair of Educational Studies Leah Nillas is the Illinois Wesleyan liaison for Golden Apple Scholars. She said the current cohort of scholars is the largest number IWU has seen at one time from all grade levels since the program was established on campus in 1994, joining 27 past scholars who completed the program.

“If we can prepare and develop teachers who are committed to teach in high-need schools, then we’re not only serving the needs of students but the community where IWU students live and work,” she said.

A school is designated by Golden Apple as a schoolof-need by meeting one of the following two criteria as reported by the State Board of Education: having a student enrollment of 30% or more from families with low income, or if the combined percentage of its students who approached, met or exceeded state learning standards is less than or equal to 60%.

According to Golden Apple, there are currently more than 3,400 schools-of-need in Illinois.

“The retention of teachers is very low in those high need schools,” said Nillas. “When children experience a high turnover of teachers, it can be disruptive to their education.”

That’s where Golden Apple Scholars step in to provide stability and support.

Students in the program participate in four-year residential summer institutes, are mentored by Golden Apple teachers and benefit from networks of support throughout their professional teaching career. The future educators learn how to leverage community resources and secure grants to equip their classrooms. An example of a resource for Bloomington-Normal educators is the Beyond the Books Educational Foundation, said Nillas, where teachers can apply for grants for innovative classroom projects or engaging resources for the entire school. Golden Apple Scholars then agree to

(Above) Students celebrate the success of All In for Wesleyan with Tommy Titan.

INSIDE IWU

teach for five years in a school-of-need in Illinois within seven years of obtaining an undergraduate degree and acquiring an Illinois Initial Teaching Certificate.

Illinois Wesleyan Golden Apple Scholars named in 2023-24 are Natalie Anderson ’24, Maya Black ’24, Eileen Conklin ’26, Brandon Chavez-Jimenez ’24, Marissa Hagler ’25, Emma McGrath ’25, Samantha Perez ’25, Jasmine Reyes ’25 and Sawyer White ’26. Jasmine Reyes, of Chicago, is studying elementary education with a math minor. She hopes to teach middle school math for Chicago Public Schools while attending graduate school to study administration and eventually become a principal. Reyes has had the opportunity to student teach at schools in Bloomington and Heyworth.

“I have been exposed to many different opportunities and experiences that have genuinely inspired me to become an exceptional teacher. In my field placements through school, I feel much more prepared and I can go into my classroom with confidence in myself as a teacher,” she said. “I know that I have been chosen to be a leader and change-maker within education.”

As a Latina in the field of STEM, Reyes said she hopes to foster a supportive classroom environment that rejects stereotypes and stigmas.

“There is a shortage of STEM teachers, especially in those schools of need. Students aren’t given the resources to succeed and are in desperate need of teachers that care for their future. Therefore, I want to take on that role and make a difference,” said Reyes. “I hope to inspire not only more students of color, but also women, to pursue a STEM career. I want to empower other students to pursue their STEM careers with a heart of perseverance as my teachers did for me.”

Participants of the Golden Apple Scholars Program at IWU presented information to campus about their work in area schools at a Schools of Need event in March.

Students chose to establish a registered student

organization for Golden Apple Scholars this school year, with Reyes serving as co-president alongside Marissa Hagler of Bloomington. The RSO earned an award at the 2024 Do Well & Do Good Involvement Awards for educational program of the year through a Schools of Need event hosted in March, which was presented by Golden Apple Foundation Director of Undergraduate Scholar Support Services Jordan K. Lanfair. The event served as an opportunity to inform the campus community about the history of high-need schools and how Golden Apple Scholars can help fill the need across the country.

Hagler plans to remain in Bloomington-Normal to teach after graduation, where she hopes to create a “safe place for students to learn and make mistakes.” She has completed student teaching at schools in Bloomington-Normal and Chicago’s south suburbs.

“I have learned new classroom management skills, how to implement diversity into the curriculum and I’ve made amazing new friends and connections through this program. They take care of us and do their best to make us feel like we are doing something better for education in Illinois,” she said.

In the last 10 years, Nillas said she has been pleasantly surprised to see an increase in educational studies alumni returning to the Bloomington-Normal area to teach, as scholars often choose to work in their hometown. Now, teacher education alumni from Illinois Wesleyan are planted at many schools throughout the Twin Cities, working as coaches, teachers, cooperating teachers and principals — and Nillas said these alumni are mentoring the next generation of teachers.

“We’re seeing a positive transformation in the schools and districts where these alumni are teaching. They choose to continue to collaborate and become leaders in their districts,” said Nillas. “Navigating the liberal arts experience equips them to do well and do good in their communities as classroom teachers.”

(Left) Participants of the Golden Apple Scholars Program at IWU presented information to campus about their work in area schools at a Schools of Need event in March.

Titans Stood as Sole Undergrad Presenters at National Science Symposium

Agroup of Illinois Wesleyan University students traveled to the University of California-Riverside in April for the National Science to Policy Symposium, where two of the Titans were the only undergraduate students selected to present research.

Victoria Ballesteros-Gonzales ’25, Joelle McMillan ’25 and Valeria Suarez ’26 attended the conference hosted by the National Science Policy Network (NSPN), which was themed “Local to Global Innovation: Science and Technology Policy for a Prosperous Future.” Founded and led by early-career scientists, NSPN serves as an association of civically engaged individuals and local chapters committed to strengthening the role of science in society.

Projects submitted by McMillan and Suarez were accepted by the organization and they each presented personal research.

“Being the only undergraduate students presenting at the National Science Policy Symposium says a lot about IWU; how tight-knit our network is and also how prepared we are at such an early stage of our college careers,” said Suarez.

“We were there with PhD students from prestigious universities like Johns Hopkins, Emory and even Columbia University. It didn’t take long to realize that as part of the IWU community, we belong in the same space as those students.”

Suarez, who is studying political science and international studies, presented on environmental damages caused by unregulated and illegal mining in her home country of Venezuela, and how more sustainable mining alternatives could be used.

“These practices have been aggravated by the country’s political and humanitarian crises, leading to the massive exploitation of natural resources,” she said. “My goal was to create awareness on how negligence from local authorities toward open-pit mining has caused destruction and has attracted violent criminal groups, further jeopardizing the safety and wellbeing of indigenous communities.”

Suarez, one of the youngest students in attendance, received the “best flash talk” award for her presentation.

McMillan, a physics major, presented her work from a research internship during the summer of 2023 at

(Above) Joelle McMillan ’25, Victoria Ballesteros-Gonzales ’25 and Valeria Suarez ’26 with keynote speaker Frances Colón, second from right, who is the Deputy Science and Technology Adviser to the U.S. Secretary of State.

the Institute for Sustainable Energy Policies in Tokyo, Japan. Her study compared utility-scale agrivoltaic systems (or using land for solar energy production and agriculture) and offshore wind farms in Japan, focusing on their environmental impact and energy production.

She said research has found offshore wind farms are less environmentally detrimental than solar collection fields, and that wind farms could meet at least 80% of Japan’s current energy demand.

“My research supports Japan’s current shift toward offshore wind farms as a primary renewable energy source, allowing the nation to preserve scarce land resources while advancing its clean energy goals,” said McMillan.

McMillan said she enjoyed attending educational panels regarding clean energy, where she learned about policies informed by science that are driving California’s push for more electric vehicles and other clean energy technology. The networking she experienced will come in handy as she works as an offshore development intern at one of the nation’s leading renewable energy developers this summer.

Ballesteros-Gonzalez, who is studying political science and environmental studies, said it was inspiring to see her peers presenting along with other students with higher levels of education.

“The conference gave me a deeper understanding of how our academic work can influence real-world issues, reinforcing my commitment to making a positive impact through science and policy,” she said.

The three attendees spoke highly of the keynote address given by Frances Colón, Deputy Science and Technology Adviser to the U.S. Secretary of State, who encouraged young women in attendance to make the most of their achievements and set examples for future generations. The students appreciated the opportunity to network with like-minded scholars from across the nation.

“The fact that we were in a very selective group of people interested in advocacy and the power of education to change our society personally made me feel empowered by how fruitful my time has been at IWU and I look forward to seeing what’s next,” said Suarez.

Beyond presentations, the Illinois Wesleyan students were able to interact with experts in environmental science, public health and economics, with all attendees working toward common goals in policy making.

“These interactions underscored the interconnectedness of various scientific disciplines and how collaborative efforts can lead to comprehensive solutions to complex problems. This insight has been particularly inspiring and is something we are eager to share and foster within our campus community,” said Ballesteros-Gonzalez.

The Titans have established a registered student organization at IWU called the Science to Policy Network, which is affiliated with the national group. The RSO leaders hope to raise awareness across campus about the importance of science in policy-making.

“Our club empowers and educates members by offering resources from the National Science to Policy Network, facilitating professional development opportunities for students. Founded by students who identified a national disparity in the translation of science into policy, our primary goal is to address this gap at the local level,” said McMillan.

Next semester, the group plans to partner with similar RSOs to host events and bring speakers to campus. Any student is welcome to join, and can contact Joelle, Victoria or Valeria to learn more.

Hagler ’25 Joins Leading Female Entrepreneurs at Harvard Conference

Through an exclusive invitation, Marissa Hagler ’25 traveled to Harvard University in April to participate in the inaugural Female Founder’s Circle.

Hosted by the student organization Harvard Women in Entrepreneurship, Hagler was among 25 female college students from the Northeast and Midwest invited to attend. The conference was tailored to students interested in growing their business ventures or becoming leaders in the field. Attendees participated in skill building and networking through interactive workshops and discussions with women in national business leadership roles.

“I am so grateful for this opportunity and to have met some incredibly strong, independent, and powerful women,” said Hagler. “I learned what it was like to be a woman in business, the hardships, as well as the rewards.”

Hagler, an elementary education major, is the founder of a business and podcast focused on raising mental health awareness called Hurdling Through Hard Times. She has earned funding through IWU’s Titan New Venture Challenge and her podcast was ranked in the top 10 mental health podcasts of Illinois in April 2024.

The conference informed the entrepreneurs about the importance of confidence in the workplace, how to deal with investors and techniques for improving marketing and advertising. Hagler also participated in a pitch competition where she received valuable feedback on her business operations from the visiting CEOs. Meeting keynote speaker Cindy Gallop — who has more than 30 years of experience in brand-building, marketing and advertising — was a highlight of the trip, said Hagler.

“Realizing that I am doing the work to be at the same level as these incredible women was a milestone I never knew I would hit. Representing IWU at a national level was a dream I had no idea would come true. Spreading my message, my love for my school and my love for business has only grown since this experience,” she said.

(Above) Marissa Hagler ’25 was invited to visit Harvard University in April to share her experience as a female business founder.

Drici Named 2025 Kemp Award Winner INSIDE

Professor of Mathematics Zahia Drici was awarded the highest teaching honor at Illinois Wesleyan University on April 17 as the 2025 recipient of the Kemp Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence.

(Above) Professor of Theatre Arts Curtis Trout, the 2024 Kemp Award recipient, stands with Professor of Mathematics Zahia Drici after she was named the 2025 award recipient.

The recipient is selected by a committee of faculty and is based on nominations from colleagues. Supported by the Kemp Foundation, the award recognizes teaching spirit, passion, scholarship and service.

A member of IWU’s faculty since 1995, Drici is also chair of the Mathematics Department and was Associate Dean of Curriculum from 2009-2013. She has served on numerous University committees, task forces and work groups. Her work has been published in mathematics journals and presented at conferences around the globe.

“What an honor it is to receive this award,” said Drici. “Working with students on a daily basis and following their progress over the years has been such a rewarding experience. I am delighted and humbled to have my name added to the long list of distinguished colleagues who received this honor before me.”

To build suspense before the 2025 recipient was announced, Interim Provost and Dean of Faculty Abbie Kerr gave hints of Drici’s contributions to the academic community at IWU, describing the math professor as someone who creates a lively, collaborative experience in the classroom while instilling confidence through innovative pedagogy.

“A colleague said it is rare to find her in the hall after class without students walking with her, discussing the revelations of the day,” said Kerr.

An alum submitted a letter of support for Drici’s nomination, stating that “she had a lot of patience in explaining difficult concepts to students and I feel that she genuinely wanted students to succeed.”

Another letter of support from an alumna said, “Dr. Drici set an incredible example for me and other women in mathematics at IWU, always encouraging and pushing us to be our best.”

Drici earned a doctorate in applied mathematics and a doctorate in electrical engineering, both from the Florida Institute of Technology. Her research interests include ordinary differential equations and dynamical

systems, difference and functional equations, integral equations and electromagnetic theory and its applications.

Professor of Theatre Arts Curtis Trout, the 2024 Kemp Award recipient, was recognized by Toni Jenkins, daughter of emeritus Illinois Wesleyan trustee Parker Kemp, on behalf of the Kemp family and Kemp Foundation.

In his address “Life by Design,” Trout spoke to the value of handicraft and how he is constantly planning and creating a project in his mind, even in his dreams. He shed light on the careful process of completing a successful stage design, showing copies of scene sketches, set models, shots of productions on stage and drafting for set arrangements.

“Theatre is a profession that aspires to hide 100% of the work necessary to achieve it from the audience,” said Trout.

Trout recalled a colleague complimenting him on the beauty of a past set design for a School of Theatre Arts production. “I said, 'That’s not my design work, that’s my teaching that you’re seeing,’” said Trout.

Trout’s teaching history also includes voice instruction at the junior high and high school level, a skill he showcased by singing two songs by Aaron Copland and Moses Hogan during his presentation.

As a faculty member at Illinois Wesleyan since 1990, Trout teaches scene design and serves as co-head of the Theatre Design and Technology Program. He has accomplished more than 110 designs in scenery, lighting, costumes and sound for the University and more than 30 designs for professional venues since his appointment. Trout said his proudest achievement is that IWU design and technical graduates move fluidly into internship and staff positions with professional organizations such as Disney, the Santa Fe Opera, Williamstown Theatre Festival, The Berkshire Theatre Festival and The Glimmerglass Opera.

Also recognized at the ceremony were retiring faculty: Associate Professor of English Wes Chapman, Associate Professor of Educational Studies and Writing Program Director Pennie Gray, George C. and Ella Beach Lewis Endowed Professor of Biology Given Harper, Davis U. Merwin Endowed Professor of History Gordon Horwitz, Professor of History Bob Schultz, Professor of Theatre Arts Nancy Loitz, Assistant Professor of Physical Education Dennis Martel, Professor of Business Administration Bill Walsh, Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities Scott Ferguson and Professor of Music Bill West. Coordinator of Nursing Interventions Laboratory Arleta deDianous and Ben and Susan Rhodes Endowed Professor in Peace and Social Justice and Professor of Physical Education Chris Schumacher were also acknowledged for their retirements last summer.

Illinois Wesleyan’s CSC Academic All-America Total Reaches 160

With the addition of 10 College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA) Academic All-America selections in the 2023-24 academic year, Illinois Wesleyan extends to 160 total honorees. Earning the distinction were Ethan Lowder ’24, Lauren Wong ’24, Ethan Hart ’24, Bobby Beaubien ’24, Emma Thorman ’24, Lexi Onsrud ’24, Lauren Huber ’25, Annalese Chudy ’25, Quinn Clifford ’25, and Griffin Pohl ’25. Additionally, Onsrud was recognized as the Women’s At-Large Academic All-American of the Year. IWU’s 10 honorees are the most the Green and White has received in a single academic year, eclipsing 2020-21 where the Titans garnered eight Academic All-America honorees.

Track & Field Tallies Seven All-American Accolades

The Titans saw four student-athletes achieve Second Team All-American status at the 2024 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships as Adriana Crabtree ’26, Evan Lowder ’26, Imani Ogunribido ’27, and Adam Beasley ’27 earned the honor after finishing in the top 16 in their respective events. Lowder and Ogunribido returned to the national stage in the outdoor season where they both climbed the podium as First Team All-Americans. Lowder clocked a 47.25-second run in the men’s 400-meter to place fourth and Ogunribido’s personal-best leap of 12.36-meters in the women’s triple jump earned her a sixth-place finish. Carlyssa King ’25 made her nationals debut in the women’s hammer throw where she finished 16th to become a Second Team All-American. After their standout performances at the CCIW Outdoor Championships where the men’s team finished third and the women’s team fifth, Lowder was recognized as the CCIW Male Track Student-Athlete of the Meet while Beasley and Ogunribido were voted the CCIW First-Year Student-Athletes of the Meet.

Men’s Golf Ties for Eighth at NCAA Championship

The Titans claimed their 12th straight CCIW Championships as Bobby Beaubien ’24 won the individual title en route to CCIW Men’s Golfer of the Year honors. Veteran Head Coach Jim Ott ’91 was named the CCIW’s Coach of the Year, while Juney Bai ’26 and Quinn Clifford ’25 shared the CCIW’s Elite 26 Award. IWU swept the top-five spots at the league championship as Michael Spitzer ’26 placed second, Griffin Pohl ’25 third, Juney Bai ’26 fourth, and Quinn

Clifford ’25 fifth. At the NCAA Division III Championship, Pohl and Spitzer secured All-American distinctions. Pohl tied for third, posting the lowest single round and 72-hole totals at an NCAA Championship in program history. Spitzer earned a share of eighth. Beaubien, Spitzer, Pohl, Bai, and Clifford each secured All-CCIW and PING All-Region recognition.

Women’s Golf Shatters Record in Storied Season

Illinois Wesleyan’s women’s golf program swept the CCIW specialty awards as Emma Thorman ’24 was recognized as the CCIW’s Women’s Golfer of the Year

Men’s Golf 2024

Quinn Clifford ’25

Carlyssa King ’25

Imani Ogunribido ’27

Bobby Beaubien ’24

and Lexi Onsrud ’24 repeated as the CCIW Elite 26 Award recipient. Emily Gastrau ’27 was tabbed the CCIW Freshman of the Year, while Patrick Freeman garnered CCIW Coach of the Year status. Thorman, Onsrud, and Macy Ludwig ’25 reeled in WGCA All-Region honors for the second straight season. IWU placed tied for sixth at the NCAA Division III Championship, posting the lowest 72-hole team score in program history, while Thorman tied for third individually. Thorman’s finish was the best by a Titan in program history, while she also recorded the best 72-hole total in program laurels. Thor-

man, Onsrud, Ludwig, Jacque O’Neill ’25, and Jadyn Spinks ’25 combined to set the program’s 18-, 36-, 54-, and 72-hole team scoring records throughout the season. Thorman’s top-10 finish at the national tournament garnered her All-American honors, while Craig Onsrud was voted the Golf Pride WGCA Division III Assistant Coach of the Year for the second time in his career.

Softball Sweeps CCIW Regular Season & Tournament

The Titans posted a 31-12 overall record in 2024, winning the CCIW regular season and tournament championships. IWU made its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2022. A storied season saw Ava Khoury ’25 and Casey Wissmiller ’26 earn Rawlings Gold Gloves from the NFCA, the first student-athletes to do so in program history. Wissmiller was one of five Titans named to the NFCA All-Region teams, with Hailey Milgazo ’27 garnering First Team status. Bailey Turner ’24, the CCIW Defensive Player of Year, was a Second Team All-Region selection alongside Gianna Certa ’26, while Wissmiller and Jen Kuhn ’25 received Third Team accolades. All five, along with Khoury and Anna Beckman ’26, received First Team All-CCIW honors with IWU also being voted the CCIW Coaching Staff of the Year.

Men’s Lacrosse Continues CCIW Dominance

The IWU men’s lacrosse team capped off its 2024 season in the second round of the NCAA Tournament and boasted a 14-4 record on the year. Illinois Wesleyan turned in its sixth straight undefeated league schedule (5-0) to claim the CCIW Regular Season title on its way to its sixth CCIW Tournament Championship where the Titans defeated Elmhurst University in a narrow 12-11 victory. IWU saw eight student-athletes earn All-CCIW honors as Michael Campagna ’24, Gage Black ’24, Trystan Seeley ’24, Colin Tervo ’25, and Sam Skelt-

Softball 2024

Lexi Onsrud ’24

Ava Khoury ’25

Gianna Certa ’26

Emma Thorman ’24

Casey Wissmiller ’26

Ethan Hart ’24

Men’s Lacrosse 2024

on ’25 were named to the first team while Ethan Hart ’24, Sam Weinberg ’25, and Noah Dretzka ’26 earned second team accolades. Campagna was named the league’s Defensive Student-Athlete of the Year before he and Black garnered USILA All-America Honorable Mention recognition. Showing his prowess both on the field and in the classroom, Hart received the CCIW Elite 26 Award, presented to the student-athlete with the highest grade point average competing in the conference championship game.

Maldonado Rewrites Women’s Lacrosse Record Books

The Titans saw the 2024 season highlighted by three student-athletes earning All-CCIW honors, as Britney Maldonado ’24 and Sarah Riepe ’26 earned first team accolades while Devon Hanson ’26 was listed on the Second Team. Maldonado recorded one of the best seasons in program history as she helped guide IWU to a 9-8 overall record with a 4-2 mark in CCIW action to garner a share of second place. Maldonado led the nation with an average of 4.53 assists per game while her 77 assists tied for the most in Division III, both of which shattered the program’s single-season assist record. Maldonado also posted 124 points, an average of 7.29 per game, both ranking fourth across the nation, and broke the program’s single-season records. She was a four-time CCIW Offensive Player of the Week honoree, was named the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association Co-Offensive Player of the Week once, and represented IWU and the CCIW at the IWLCA Senior All-Star Game. Hanson also rewrote the record book, as her 50 caused turnovers are a new single-season high for the Titans.

Huber Reels in National Awards

Lauren Huber ’25 became the sixth College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA) Academic All-America honoree in program history as she was

named to the Second Team, April 16. A WBCA All-America Honorable Mention awardee, she also earned First Team All-College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin status for the third straight season, D3hoops.com First Team All-Region, and was recognized as a finalist for the Jostens Trophy. Huber was the team leader in both scoring and rebounding with 15.6 points per game and 8.1 boards per contest. She finished the season shooting 51.2 percent from the floor, 45.5 percent from three-point range, and 78.8 percent from the free throw line.

Dennis Martel Retires, Hands Reins Over to Michael Kellar

After finishing 23-16 and 12-8 in conference play, the Illinois Wesleyan baseball team saw six members receive All-CCIW honors. Cole Shamhart ’26 and Justin Gadomski ’25 both garnered first team accolades while Tyler Woltman ’25, Louis Perona ’24, John Philip Ferraro ’27, and Will Davidsmeier ’26 received second team honors. Additionally, four Titans were named College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honorees as Perona, Davidsmeier, Jacob Cyrus ’24 and Tommy Willard ’26 earned the distinction. Coach Dennis Martel concluded his final season as

Gage Black ’25

Michael Eastman ’24

Michael Campagna ’24

Lauren Huber ’25

head baseball coach with an overall record of 914-616-3. Michael Kellar, who has served as the Titans pitching coach for the last six seasons, was officially appointed the next IWU baseball head coach, June 1.

Men’s Volleyball Sees Eastman Garner AllCCIW Status

In its fourth year as a varsity sport, the men’s volleyball team finished with a record of 11-14 overall and a 2-8 mark in CCIW action. The program saw its first AllCCIW selection as Michael Eastman ’24 earned second team honors. He became the first player in program history to eclipse the 1,000 career points mark, while Vince DiCosola ’25 became the first player to record 1,000 career assists. The team celebrated its first-ever senior class, honoring nine seniors, with Eastman, Bradley Benson ’24, Blake McGlashan-Bryant ’24, KJ Johnson ’24, Adam Blackmore ’24, Julian Perez ’24, and Alec Mucha ’24 all being members of the inaugural team in 2021.

Turnbull Repeats as All-CCIW Pick for Men’s Tennis

After posting an overall record of 9-10 with a 2-5 mark in CCIW action, the Illinois Wesleyan men’s tennis team saw Ian Turnbull ’26 earn Second Team All-CCIW honors for the second straight season, while Chase Tomecki ’27 was the recipient of IWU’s CCIW RESPECT award. During the course of the 2023-24 season, Turnbull was twice named CCIW Player of the Week, earning the honor Feb. 20 and April 2. The Titans qualified for the CCIW Tournament, bowing out in the quarterfinals. Zeke Cross ’25, Griffin Hammond ’26, and Ben Vigneri ’26 were all named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team.

Women’s Tennis Posts Best Season in a Decade

IWU’s women’s tennis team posted the most wins in a season since 2012-13, concluding the 2023-24 season with an overall record of 7-11 and made its first appearance in the CCIW Tournament since 2021. The Titans played host to the conference tournament with the six teams playing at Evergreen Racquet Club. Amber Ehrlich ’27 earned Second Team All-CCIW honors after a strong freshman campaign, becoming the first Titan to receive the award since 2017. She recorded a 5-4 record at No. 1 singles in conference play and was the first Titan to be named CCIW Women’s Tennis Player of the Week since 2016.

Kate Christian ’26 was IWU’s CCIW RESPECT award recipient and represented IWU on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team.

Sarah Riepe ’26

Cole Shamhart ’26

Britney Maldonado ’24

Justin Gadomski ’25

Michael Kellar

Griffin Pohl '25

Dennis Martel

Authors and the Arts INSIDE IWU

Books

Andrew Rex ‘77 is the author of the 4th edition of Finn's Thermal Physics published by CRC Press. Finn’s is a staple textbook originally written in the 1990s by C.B.P. Finn for advanced undergraduate courses. This new edition covers discoveries related to superconductivity, magnetism, Bose-Einstein condensation, climate change and the physics of information. Andrew is a professor of physics at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington.

Kris Condon ‘84 is the author of Fragments of Flossmoor: A Series of Essays on the Interesting, Curious, and Unique in Our Village. The process of writing the essays began when the Foundation for the Preservation of Flossmoor (Ill.) History asked Kris to document the story of Private James Vincent Mitchell, Jr., the Flossmoor resident who was taken prisoner in the Second World War. From there, Kris began writing about other interesting figures from the community’s history. Proceeds from the book’s sales are donated to Flossmoor’s Veterans’ Wall of Honor project, for which Kris is the secretary-treasurer.

Dave Moravec ‘84 is the author of the novel Echoes Across the Tracks Expecting a routine flight to O’Hare, main character Charlie finds himself instead drawn into a 20-hour adventure aboard a high-speed train covering a 944-mile journey. Along the way, he encounters unlikely characters that hop on and off at 18 historic train stations. These magical stops lead to newfound friendships and lessons, prompting reflection on our own life experiences and choices.

Betsy Phillips ‘96 is the author of Dynamite Nashville: Unmasking the FBI, the KKK, and the Bombers Beyond Their Control published by Third Man Books. The book covers an era of racist and antisemitic terrorism that afflicted Nashville, Tennessee, in the ‘50s and ‘60s. Betsy argues that, at the same time as Nashville produced civil rights icons like John Lewis, it was a hotbed of experimentation in terrorist tactics that used the ambivalence and apathy of local and federal law enforcement to escape prosecution. Betsy is a journalist with Nashville Scene magazine.

Cathy Gilbert ‘05 is the author of the poetry anthology My Limbs a Cradle, My Whisper a Song published by Finishing Line Press. Cathy’s poetry grapples with and explores the beginning and end of life as she cares for both her young children and her mother dying from dementia. She contemplates the reversal and upheaval of transitioning from child to parent and back again. Cathy is a professor of English at Heartland Community College, and her poetry has previously been published in Hobart, decomP, and Peoria Magazine.

Articles, Essays and Papers

Lynne (Shaw) Sekarski ‘85 is a co-author of “Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia Diagnosis: A Case Report” published in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing. This paper studies the symptoms and treatment of a 13-year-old patient, highlighting the prevalence of failing to diagnose hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), a rare congenital cardiovascular condition, in minors. Lynne is a registered nurse and researcher at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and has previously received the Heroes in Action Award from the March of Dimes for her HHT research.

All submitted content received by May 22, 2024. The submitted content deadline for the Winter 2024/2025 issue of IWU Magazine is October 19, 2024. Submissions may be edited, directed to other communications and/or preserved in IWU archives.

Music and Performances

Jeremy Coffman ‘02 and the musical in which he is currently serving as stage manager, Black Legends, have been renewed for a third season at Théâtre Bobino in Paris. The show is a high-energy musical revue tracing African-American history through songs from the last century. Jeremy has been a member of the theater company since February 2023.

Brittany Ambler ‘15 is returning to Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan, Illinois, to play Sue Ellen in Honky Tonk Angels and to choreograph the production. The theater was founded in 1957 by Guy S. Little, Jr. and has hosted performers including Mickey Rooney, Alan Alda and Leonard Nimoy.

Ayethaw Tun ‘15, Eric Novak ‘15, Braden Poole ‘16, Ryan Donlin ‘17 and Robby Kuntz ‘18, who together form the rock band Red Scarves, released their 3rd album in April 2024 called "Nice Try". It features nine tracks that navigate themes of failure, freedom and doing your best. The album showcases the band’s growth from their early folk days into an eclectic rock quartet that draws from a collaboration of multiple vocalists and songwriters.

ArtRenee McGinnis ‘84 had her painting collection, Flora & Firmament, featured at the Zg Gallery in Chicago. Her paintings explore humanity’s tension with the rapidly depleted natural world. The collection depicts vibrant biosystems of plant life among landscapes and machines created by fossil fuels made of ancient flora itself.

Professor of Computer Science Mark Liffiton.

New graduates and their family, friends and faculty gathered on May 5, 2024.

The class of '24 prepares for their commencement ceremony.

In contrast to the previous year, this year's ceremony was held outdoors on the Kemp Commencement Plaza.

Class of 2024

Left to right: Baxter Konstans '24, Landon Keller '24 and Aidan Herbert '24.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2024!

Some students celebrated by decorating their commencement

caps.

Left to right: Henry Cartaya '24, Molly Clemente '24, Ryan Domalewski '24, Olivia Finkelstein '24.

Tyler Green '24

The Illinois Wesleyan Wind Ensemble played for the ceremony.

DISCOVERING HOME

Story by CHRIS FRANCIS

As a career university administrator with a long record of success and optimism for the future of liberal arts, Sheahon Zenger has been appointed the 21st president of Illinois Wesleyan University.

On July 1, 2024, Sheahon

Zenger, or Dr. Z as many call him, succeeded S. Georgia Nugent as the 21st president of Illinois Wesleyan University.

In a speech delivered by Zenger after his announcement as president-elect, he described the experience of joining IWU’s administration as “coming home.” He reflected this sentiment, and an entire career of insight into higher education, in an interview with the Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine.

“This is the type of university I should have gone to but didn’t have the opportunity to,” he said while marveling at the circular Bates & Merwin Reading Room on the fourth floor of The Ames Library.

“I jokingly tell people I was being recruited to attend Washington University in Saint Louis,” Zenger said of his high school self, growing up in

Hays, Kansas. “I knew that, academically, I could go anywhere… But after my brother passed away when I was a senior in high school, my parents said, ‘you know, if you don’t know where to go, you could stay here for a year,’” where his parents were professors at Fort Hays State University. Zenger began his college career at Fort Hays that year.

“I feel like I’ve spent the last 40 years trying to get to Illinois Wesleyan. And finally I’m here.”

“Sheahon’s track record of strategic leadership, relationship building and successful fundraising makes him an ideal leader to guide Illinois Wesleyan as we build on our traditional strengths to innovate and ensure our vitality in the future,” said Timothy Szerlong ’74, chair of the IWU Board of Trustees, in the

announcement of Zenger’s appointment.

"The search committee worked incredibly hard to make sure we found the right president for Illinois Wesleyan at this time," said W. Thomas Lawrence ’80, vice chair of the IWU Board of Trustees and chair of the presidential search committee. “Sheahon’s background in higher education, his passion for the liberal arts, and his love of Bloomington-Normal and Illinois Wesleyan University made our decision incredibly easy.”

Zenger has more than 30 years of experience in higher education leadership. He first came to Bloomington-Normal as Illinois State University’s director of athletics in 2005 before taking a similar position at the University of Kansas, where he previously received his doctorate in educational policy and leadership. He comes to IWU after serving for

(Opposite page) Zenger

DISCOVERING HOME

two years as interim president of the University of New Haven in West Haven, Connecticut, where he was also executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Across his career, he has raised nearly $400 million to support capital projects and strategic initiatives, with demonstrated success in building relationships with private donors. And, throughout his career in higher education, Zenger has prioritized inclusion and equity. He has created or led multiple diversity programs, and he initiated a gender equity review while at ISU.

At the University of New Haven, Zenger created new opportunities for collaboration and partnership with city and state governments, launched a new brand campaign aimed at increasing visibility and enrollment for the university and initiated comprehensive student recruitment efforts. His efforts contributed to two of the largest incoming classes in the university’s history in the past two years. He also collaborated on the launch of eight

new degree and certificate programs, with active involvement in faculty development initiatives.

While his career has been in university administration, Zenger relishes the world of academia itself, as well as opportunities to teach using his degrees in English, journalism and education.

“When I give a guest lecture, I get pulled into all kinds of classrooms, whether it be business, sports management, English, journalism,” Zenger said. “I became a bit of what my parents wanted for me, to be something of a pragmatist and universalist in my studies — a jack of all trades — which has worked well for me. Though I ended up rebelling against them a bit, like kids do.”

“I was honored to be the only other person that Ray Hiner (professor of history at the University of Kansas) would let behind his podium,” Zenger said. Zenger studied closely with Hiner as a graduate student given that, as a 19th century

(Above) Sheahon Zenger is a son of Kansas who spent much of his career in Bloomington-Normal with Illinois State University.

is the 21st president of Illinois Wesleyan University.

(Above) Zenger greets Quinn Gifford ’25 while talking to students about their campus activities and post-graduation ambitions.

DISCOVERING HOME

American history buff and scholar of education, Zenger was especially interested in Hiner’s field of study: the history of children and youth in America. “It’s something I’ve been drawn to learn and understand from the Puritan age to the baby boom.”

Turning toward pragmatism, the intersection of historical inquiry and the challenges of preparing a new generation for life and career ignites Zenger’s interest.

“We have to understand what each generation has thought of higher education and what it means to have a career,” he said. “It’s our job to communicate that, if you’ll come here and pursue the liberal arts’ concept of mind, body and spirit and

cultivate them the way they should be cultivated, then you will get the right job. It’s our job and my job, first and foremost, to tell that story.”

Zenger is brimming with ideas about the future of higher education and what IWU’s legacy can become, but he is intentionally and modestly reserved about speaking his opinions.

“This is something I believe fundamentally with every leadership role I’ve taken since 2005: Until I sit down with my team, faculty, staff, students and alumni to listen to them, it would be arrogant of me, and I’ll repeat, it is arrogant to say, ‘“We’re going to do this, this and this,’ when I don’t yet know what I

don’t know,” he said. “I don’t have all the answers. I have, I believe, a common mission with the institution, and an excitement about being here. But wherever we go will be a team effort built on collaboration.”

At the center of that collaboration is the IWU faculty.

“To me, my role here is to help the faculty,” he said. “I want them to be able to find the joy that they’ve always had, and hopefully never lost, for their field of study. And I’d like for them not to have to worry about the revenue stream. The job of the administration is to assist the faculty so that they can be who they are in the classroom, so we can attract the student base that we need to fulfill

(Above) Zenger was previously interim university president at the University of New Haven in West Haven, Connecticut. Joining Illinois Wesleyan represents his return to the Midwest.

“I feel like I’ve spent the last 40 years trying to get to Illinois Wesleyan. And finally I’m here.”

the mission of the university. My goal is to provide students at Illinois Wesleyan with the best college experience possible.”

If there is a guiding lesson Zenger has learned in his career and wishes to bring to his presidency, it is that of a kind and driven Midwestern work ethic.

“Each of my mentors brought different things to the table,” he said. “Bill Snyder, the football coach at Kansas State; Al Bowman, president of Illinois State; Victor Boschini, the chancellor at Texas Christian University; Bernadette Gray-Little, the 17th chancellor at the University of Kansas; and Del Shankel, the 15th chancellor at the University of Kansas. I hate to leave anyone out, but with each mentor there are things you want to emulate and things you want to do differently. From all of them, I take the work ethic of being kind and being generous in making a team effort.”

Zenger realizes that his career gives an impression of him as living in and coming from the world of athletics. He obviously loves sports, but “I’ve always been a better student than athlete,” he said.

“I was a kid that would read, then go outside and shoot baskets, then go back in and read some more,” Zenger said. “My mom would take me to the library about once every other week, the public library or the university library, and she would always get frustrated because I would check out eight to 10 books all on the same topic. One month it might be Native

PRESIDENT SHEAHON ZENGER

Americans. Next month it might be a sport. A lot of it had to do with history and historical fiction. That has always been my favorite. I go through reams of material like that.”

To Zenger, there is no tension in loving academia and sports. In talking about both, Zenger arrives at similar lessons in the heart of both history and athletics, and in the North American West and Midwest.

“One book that I recommend to everyone is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, a gentleman who comes from the Toltec nation. It shares the Toltecs’ four tenets: be impeccable with your word, don’t take things personally, don’t make assumptions, and just work hard at what you do. What I like to add is to also be humble, because out of humility comes gratitude and quiet confidence.”

“That’s what being on a team

is about,” he adds. “It’s not about me, it’s not about you, it’s about us. Illinois Wesleyan always needs to come first. If it doesn’t, then we need to reevaluate our priorities.”

While Zenger appreciated his time on the East Coast with the University of New Haven, his heart has always been in the Midwest. “I longed to be back with my people,” he said of returning to Bloomington-Normal.

That longing includes a desire to be among the people, buildings and atmosphere that make Illinois Wesleyan what he calls a classic example of what a liberal arts college should be, and that make him think about the “what ifs” of both the past and future.

While at ISU, Zenger admired IWU. “I would at times stop by campus to go for a walk on the quad and just sit and rest,” he said. “I found it so satisfying that there are places like this that I wasn’t able to find as an undergraduate.”

Now, as president of the University, he has found that home.

(Above)

Zenger has long admired IWU’s legacy of elite liberal arts education in Illinois.

More than a decade after last performing together at IWU, Bry Parham ’07 and Tony Lopez ’08 are reuniting on Broadway.

WhenTony Lopez ’08 first came to IWU, he was scared of Bry Parham ’07

“I had been watching you slay, get every lead role and work outside of school. You were the one working professionally in big things with big names who had been on Broadway.” Tony said to Bry in a joint interview for this article. “I had been admiring you, and I was intimidated by you!”

Bry rolled her eyes with playfully exasperated skepticism. If Tony had felt overshadowed by Bry’s talent and success at the University, he didn’t show it, and Bry was equally impressed with him. “I appreciated underclassmen, but I was obsessed

with Tony because he was so good,” she said.

As their mutual admiration suggests, the two of them were among the most talented theater students of their generation at IWU.

When Bry took the stage, “you paid attention. You just knew it was going to be good.” said Associate Professor and Director of the School of Theatre Arts Jean Kerr. “She was a very strong and inventive mover, which is critical in creating a character with distinct physicality.”

“I was given an amazing treat from Bryonha when she learned how fabulous the acoustics were in the lobby bathroom” in the McPherson

BROADWAY REUNION

Story by CHRIS FRANCIS

theater, said Kelly Ullom, IWU’s retired theatre operations specialist. “She would go in there to do a little rehearsing and would sing ‘like no one was watching.’”

“Tony was always ready to ask the next question and find out more about whatever was being explored,” Kerr said. “He was always seeking alternate approaches, how else can this character tell their story?”

Kerr remembered a particularly creative moment during one of the first complete-set rehearsals of 2007’s Scrooge “We were about to take a 10-minute break when Tony ran onto the stage saying, ‘Hey, Tom (Quinn, associate professor of theatre arts) and Jean — we have an idea for the end of the act. Can we show you?’ He ran off and, seconds later, we see him apparently fly across the set upstage of the street scene building cutouts. He had spied a rolling A-frame ladder and got his friends to push him across the stage as Father Christmas took him by the hand to fly across London! Genius!”

As rising stars at Illinois Wesleyan, Bry and Tony only performed

(Left) Tony embraces his career as an actor with a disability, having been encouraged to pursue his talent and passion by IWU faculty. (Right) Bry’s star quickly ascended in Broadway musical theater after graduating from IWU.

together twice at the McPherson Hall Theatre, first in a 2005 production of Urinetown and second in Alison’s House in 2007. Now in 2024, their careers are converging again to perform together in Broadway’s Our Town.

After leaving IWU, Bry quickly lived up to everyone’s expectations

and her own potential. After two years of regional performances, she went to an open call audition in Washington, D.C. for a production of Ragtime, and she was confident. “I knew I booked it in the room,” she remembers, and she was right. Six months later, the show was transferred to Broadway itself.

“Once they know who you are, you get a million auditions, because

(Opposite page) Tony Lopez ’08 starred in IWU’s 2005 production of Urinetown alongside Bry Parham ’07. Now both will soon perform together again in Broadway’s Our Town. (Above) Bry starred in the 2017 production of Prince of Broadway, a musical showcasing the career of three-time Tony winning director and producer Harold Prince.

BROADWAY REUNION

the casting directors see how you work and know where you can fit in,” Bry explained. She quickly became a known Broadway vocalist performing in musicals like Prince of Broadway and After Midnight with Dulé Hill (The West Wing, Psych). Practically every high-profile performing arts venue in New York City has heard Bry’s voice, including the 92nd St. Y, New York City Center, the Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. Tony had a similarly promising start. After graduating, he joined a national tour of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, after which he moved to New York City. “Things didn’t go up from there,” he said. “I was a bald 23-year-old with a prosthetic leg. There wasn’t really a

market for me, especially in 2010.”

After his first attempt at what he considered a full career in acting, “I decided to give it a break for a little while.” He found work doing commercials and other parts, including his recurring role as Bruce on the Netflix comedy series Survival of the Thickest, while working as a marketing consultant. In fact, Ullom recently got another treat when she “was shopping in Target and, on the wall in the health and beauty section, there was a man’s face covered in shaving cream. I was certain that I knew that face,” and she learned she was right when Tony confirmed one of his latest advertising gigs.

He had never left the stage, though. For 13 years he kept playing

roles in small productions in New York City, all of which Bry and their other IWU friends who had made it to the city would attend. Although none of the individual roles made for a “break” in Tony’s stage career, what mattered is that every production came with a casting director and a call for auditions.

“The job is auditioning,” Bry said. When you’re an actor in a given market, each audition isn’t just for the part you’re trying for, but for every part you try for in the future. “You have to perfect your audition so that people understand how you work, and then 15 years later you can be an ‘overnight’ success.”

This is the process that got Bry and Tony cast in the same play, not

(Below) Bry played the role of Susan Lee, the White House communications director in the Broadway political

comedy Dave in 2018.

quite overnight, but in less than a week.

“Well, Jim Carnahan loves you,” Tony said to Bry in our interview.

“He loves me,” Bry confirmed, playfully flipping back her hair and batting her eyelashes.

Carnahan is a career casting director in Hollywood, television and Broadway, nominated for an Emmy for his casting work on the FOX TV comedy Glee and winning dozens of other awards. Bry had been cast by him for years, while Tony had only been professionally introduced to Carnahan once when he auditioned for the part of Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter musical. When Bry and Tony learned that he would be the casting director for the upcoming Broadway production of Our Town, both sensed it was a chance for another breakthrough.

In Bry’s case, it would be a chance to expand from musical theater into classical drama. For Tony, it would be his Broadway debut.

On the Monday of that week in spring 2024, Tony saw Bry post on social media that she was auditioning for her first Broadway play. “I was like, ‘Is it Our Town?’” Tony asked, confirming that she was auditioning with Carnahan the day before he was scheduled. On Tuesday, Tony auditioned, and by Wednesday he was offered the part.

“I thought, ‘Well, Tony already knows, so I’m probably not going to get it,’” Bry said, until she was offered her part on Friday. Neither had been asked to come in for a callback.

“That’s unheard of,” Tony said. “There are basically only celebrities playing the lead roles, and then the other actors are very established New York actors. Bry and I are understudying the biggest roles in the

As the two talked about performing this play together with giddy passion, Bry made an obvious prediction: “It’s going to be like college again."

show.” Bry is understudying Katie Holmes (Batman Begins, The Giver) playing Mrs. Webb, and Tony is understudying Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory) playing the character of the stage manager. “To do that without a callback is so crazy.”

“Did you ever think that we would be on Broadway together?” Tony asked Bry in amazement. “And it all happened in days.”

Our Town being Tony’s Broadway debut carries special meaning for him; it’s one of his favorite plays and the most personally meaningful one he has performed in before.

“I always thought that, if I could play the stage manager, that would be the pinnacle of my career, and I’m about to do it on Broadway,” he said.

As for Bry, “It totally passed me by, so when I got the part, I was like, ‘Well, I guess I gotta read this play,’ and, oof, it’s dark.’” Tony and Bry’s husband, New York playwright David Goldsmith, were ready to prime her appreciation of the classic.

“It’s such beautiful medicine for our time,” Tony said. “It’s about how our time on this earth is so, so brief, and we waste it. I’m a naturally anxious person, and it’s about how we waste our time on anxieties

and fears and tiny little things that keep us from loving people like we should. And then it all goes away. It critically, but gently, pulls apart the constraints that keep us really small and scared and disconnected.”

“My husband is tearing up just hearing you say that,” Bry said.

“The critique is concentrated into the character of the choir director. Everyone’s talking about his ‘troubles’ saying ‘some people just aren’t made for small town life,’” Tony said. “As a gay person with a disability who grew up in a small town, I really relate to that character.” But Thornton Wilder, the playwright, places a similar critique in a straight young woman who dies while delivering her child..

“Why is Wilder giving that to those two characters? Because they don’t fit in,” Tony said. “It’s not just the gay guy; it’s the straight girl who’s too smart and sensitive. There are a lot of sad, profound critiques in there that are full of love.”

As the two talked about performing this play together with giddy passion, Bry made an obvious prediction: “It’s going to be like college again.”

The Broadway production of Our Town begins on Sept. 17 at the Barrymore Theatre.

For more than two decades, Mark Denzler ’93 has worked across the aisle to promote robust economic policy in the state of Illinois.

Mark Denzler ’93 wanted to get out of Decatur, Illinois, to become a doctor. Now he’s driving the length and breadth of the state representing Illinois’ manufacturing sector.

Mark first came to IWU as a pre-med student studying alongside Tim Pritts ’91, the student who would go on to save NFL player Damar Hamlin’s life in a Cincinnati surgery ward. In fact, the two graduated from the same high school, and Tim recruited Mark into the Theta Chi fraternity. But Mark soon found that law was calling to him as a profession. He briefly considered becoming a lawyer before deciding he would rather have a part in the

Mark Denzler ’93 Distinguished Alumni Award

creation of policy at its roots.

He was influenced by Assistant Professor George Kieh, who came to IWU in the 90s after a career as a Liberian dissident politician, and during his international peace advocacy with former President Jimmy Carter. After traveling to Nigeria with George, as Mark calls him, and a group of international studies students, Mark became determined to enter the world of politics.

“I just followed my passions and interests,” Mark said, which he had no reservations about pursuing at IWU. “I even took an acting class,” which Mark credits with honing the public speaking skills that would be useful for his career.

ALUMNI AWARD WINNERS

Story by CHRIS FRANCIS

Mark

with CEO Janice Christiansen, the first female Chair in IMA history. J.C. Schultz is the only female-owned American flag manufacturer.

His political career began at IWU, where he was senior class president. For his commencement speech, he credited Illinois Wesleyan for allowing him to pursue his passions and for living up to what he was seeking in a small, liberal arts university with a tight-knit community. He recalls using the Cheers theme song to make his point.

After graduation, Mark worked as a staffer for Illinois Republicans, focusing on the behind-the-scenes work of researching and drafting policy. He served as the House Republican liaison to Governor Jim Edgar’s Eikenberry Commission on school funding.

Mark has never been far from Springfield. He even played cards with former President Barack Obama while Obama was still a U.S. senator. The Illinois Manufacturers Association (IMA) hosted a regular Wednesday night poker game with senate Democrats where Mark would place bets with the future president.

His rising prominence as a policy expert brought him to the IMA, the nation’s first state manufacturing association and one of the largest, as its assistant director of government affairs in 1999 before taking on a similar role at State Farm Insurance in 2003. He returned to fill executive roles at the IMA in 2006.

The IMA was named by the American Society of Association Executives as one of “100 Associations Saving the World” and received the inaugural Cosma Leadership Award as Best State Manufacturing Trade Association in the U.S. in 2022.

Since 2018, Mark has led the IMA as its president and CEO. He has received numerous accolades including being named by Crain’s Chicago Business as One of the Most Powerful Business Leaders in Chicago. He has been appointed by three different Illinois governors to boards that require state senate confirmation, and he was an initial appointee by former Secretary of State Jesse White to his ethics board.

He has also used his IWU degree in international studies as Illinois governors invited him to join overseas trade summits to the UK, Germany, Poland, Japan and Mexico.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mark was an integral part of the state’s economic planning. Governor J. B. Pritzker selected him to lead the Essential Task Force and former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot asked him to lead efforts to rehabilitate manufacturing, utilities and construction in the state.

When considering his career, Mark is certain he has achieved the kinds of goals he set out for when he initially wanted to be a doctor or lawyer. “My job changes every day”, Mark said, “and it’s always gratifying because I get to see the fruits of our success as companies and jobs are built in Illinois.”

He credits IWU with giving him at least two lifelong habits that have led to his success: “Lifelong friendships and lifelong learning. Wesleyan taught me how to build unique relationships and how to use strategic thinking,” Mark said, with both skills together forming the backbone of effective governance.

Also essential to good governance, Mark believes, is encouraging dialogue. “I really believe universities need to be champions of free

(Above) Mark has been the president & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) since 2019.

(Opposite page) Pictured with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Mark has been a part of Illinois politics since graduating from IWU. He has been appointed to boards and committees by both Republicans and Democrats in the governor’s office.

speech and spaces of discussion and thought,” he said.

Mark has given back to IWU enormously. His generosity began with his volunteer work as his class’s agent, organizing class reunions. Since then he endowed a scholarship for girls entering STEM fields and most recently has been named to the IWU Board of Trustees in 2023. He also serves and has served on many boards including as chair of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois, former board member at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and former Springfield Public Library board chair and foundation chair.

Most important for Mark, though, is the relationships he has maintained since college. He remains connected with many classmates, including Scott Bilyeu ’93, Brian Gegel ’94, Karin Churchey ’93, Dean Jukovich ’93, Chris Bisaillon ’93, and his Theta Chi brothers.

(Above)

Denzler ’93 visits J.C. Schultz Enterprises in Batavia, Illinois,

WhenBabawande Afolabi ’10

was looking for a school to attend for his bachelor’s degree, he first knew that he wanted to study abroad. His love of travel, and especially flying, drew him to discover new cultures and appreciate their similarities with his own. As the founder and CEO of Green Africa airline, he is making the same opportunity more accessible in West Africa.

Illinois Wesleyan University first got Babwande’s attention on account of its colors, which matched those of the flag of his home country, Nigeria. This foreshadowed Babawande’s sense of belonging in Bloomington-Normal. IWU’s generous scholarship made the dream of a liberal art education possible for Babawande.

“There wasn’t any culture shock for me when I came to Central Illinois,” Babawande said of stepping off the plane and into the United States for the first time in 2006. “Where I’m from, in Southwest Nigeria, it’s very similar to Bloomington… I really felt the culture shock when I went to New York.”

Babawande studied business

Babawande Afolabi ’10 Outstanding Young Alumni Award

administration at IWU where he discovered his interest in the complex problem solving and relationship building of finance. He was both the founder of Bloomington’s local chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants and IWU’s first international student to become Student Senate president.

The impression of his education at IWU was deep. Babawande can seemingly name every professor he took a class with and credit them with some aspect of his growth.

“Professors like Elisabeta Pana, Greg Shaw, James Simeone, Jerry Olson, Michael Seeborg and Frank Boyd were instrumental. My Gateway class with Professor Lynn DeVore was a formative start to my IWU experience. Let’s see, who else?” he paused before continuing. “I really soaked it all in. It was amazing. Even outside of the classroom I had phenomenal support, especially from President Dick Wilson, Dean Kathy Cavins-Tull and Warren Kistner. I also had fond memories at my primary work-study job at Saga with Mama Rose, Rima and Saga Dave, among others.”

In New York City, Babawande interned with Morgan Stanley in the middle of the 2008 financial crisis. He was hired by the firm in 2010.

Just before heading east, “I remember sitting in Ames reading about the collapse of Lehman Brothers, so I felt some nerves about that,” he said. But the pressure of the experience solidified his interest in banking as a profession. “I had to learn things very quickly, which I

think gave me a strong professional foundation.”

Today, Babawande has used the professional credentials he developed in New York, and later London, to return to his home country where he is filling a gap in the market of the quickly developing nation.

“In London I did a lot of research into low-cost airlines, companies like Indigo, Azul, Volaris, Southwest and JetBlue. These were revolutionary carriers in that they brought air travel to a much bigger pool of customers,” he said. “Nigeria has a population of more than 200 million with a growing middle class. So the domestic market has an enormous growth potential in the near future.”

In order to take his research interest further, Babawande spent some time with American Airlines in Dallas during his MBA program. The journey culminated in Babawande and his team launching Green Africa in 2021, when the new value carrier operated its first commercial flight.

“I love the experience of flying,” he said. “It’s an amazing experience that shows how incredible we are as human beings and how tiny we are in the grand scheme at the same time. It’s something that I would love everyone to be able to have. IWU’s challenge from former President Minor Myers Jr. to ‘Do well and do good’ has always resonated with me.”

“There’s a baseline of intellectual curiosity that everyone has,” he said. “Success is about finding a place where someone says ‘I really believe in you and am going to give you an opportunity to shine.’”

Even though Coe Gardner ’60 spent every spare moment she had studying as a pre-med student at IWU, she took a break to join Greg Gardner ’60 on the campus tennis courts when he asked her while both dined at The Grill restaurant on campus. Now the couple are an indispensable staple of IWU’s Southwest alumni network.

As soon as Greg and Coe moved out to Scottsdale in the mid 1980s, they joined Vic & Flo Armstrong ’43 to build one of the strongest IWU regional alumni chapters. In addition to spending years on the Arizona Regional Team, Greg & Coe have hosted numerous events in their home for more than 30 years.

“We hosted connection events in our house every Saturday night until the events got too large,” Coe said.

They have hosted short term classes, the IWU Jazz Band when they played in Arizona for a University event, and they have annually hosted a small, private cocktail party in their home for more than 25 years.

For both, the connection to IWU faculty is deep with Professor Oliver Luerssen having been an influential figure.

Greg and Coe Gardner Loyalty Award

“He started his teaching career during World War Two, but he was always a model businessman,” Greg said. “I took my first accounting class with him,” but, on account of Luerssen’s seemingly countless small businesses, the couple were also employed by him after graduation.

“He was in real estate, he sold airplane tires, he kept bees…” Greg recalled, while Coe went into business with Luerssen’s wife Lois trading antiques.

Greg and Coe were also campus

Hall of Famer Jack Sikma ’77.

Even while Greg taught at IWU, he continued his CPA business on the side. In the mid 1980s, Greg was able to buy a local cable company along with two others, and they immediately saw the opportunity to expand their cable service to small, rural towns surrounding Bloomington-Normal. This astute business decision paid great dividends, resulting in the cable company dominating the cable business throughout Central Illinois.

With the success of this venture,

“We hosted connection events in our house every Saturday night until the events got too large.”

Greek life members, with Coe joining Kappa Kappa Gamma and Greg being a Fiji.

After earning his MBA from Bradley University, Greg passed his CPA test and started his career working for an accounting firm in Bloomington. Eventually, Greg joined the accounting faculty at Illinois Wesleyan, where he taught until the mid 1980s. In addition to his teaching duties, Greg was also the faculty athletics representative as a CCIW delegate. It was a fitting position, given that Greg was an accounting professor for Basketball

Greg decided to retire from his teaching position at IWU, and Greg and Coe moved to Arizona in 1986. Greg immediately started his own CPA firm, from which he is now retired in Scottsdale, Arizona, where they sit on a local library board and are very involved in their church. Greg and Coe are also the inaugural tournament sponsors for the recently created Jack Sikma Hall of Fame Invitational basketball game, and they make it a point to return to Bloomington for IWU’s Homecoming often.

COE GARDNER ’60

Alumni Update

NEWS, WORKS AND CELEBRATIONS OF IWU ALUMNI & FRIENDS

Faculty, Staff and Friends

Abby Mann, digital scholarship librarian at The Ames Library, competed in and won the May 28, 2024 episode of Jeopardy! winning $5,200. The Ames Library hosted a watch party for the university to view the episode in Beckman Auditorium.

Scott Whitman, visiting instructor with the School of Music, participated in a bagpipe prank at Richwoods High School in Peoria, Illinois, that made national news in USA Today and other outlets with a viral video. He was hired by a group of Richwoods seniors to follow the principal around for an hour playing classic songs on a set of bagpipes

1962

James Kidder recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of Kidder Music, the music store and service shop he opened in Peoria in 1974. James studied music education at IWU where he spent countless hours in Presser Hall. He was initially a band director in Lacon, Illinois, before entering the business side of music. He created his own business when he bought the school service division of the company for which he was a salesman.

1970

Ray Berger became regional vice president of SCORE, a non-profit mentoring program that partners with the Small Business Administration which Ray has volunteered with for the last 11 years. His responsibility has expanded to include both the Midwest and Northwest districts assisting 1200 volunteers in 32 chapters among nine districts. He also recently moved to Central West End of Saint Louis for his husband’s new position as chief philanthropy officer of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra.

1978

Beth Robb was recently featured in a WGLT article titled "(Retired Chief Circuit Court) Judge Beth Robb helped humanize the courts". The article details her career, beginning as a public defender helping juveniles in the criminal justice system. She also began her career as one of one of five female attorneys in Bloom-

ington-Normal. As a judge, she focused on domestic violence and led the first Family Violence Coordinating Council in the local circuit.

1985

Steve Johnson is retiring after 20 years as principal of Highland Elementary School in Elgin, Illinois. He began his career in Elgin School District U-46 in 1991 as a social worker. Now he is ready to join his wife in retirement to travel or do whatever else they find interesting.

1986

Craig Altman earned his MBA with specializations in digital marketing and entrepreneurship and strategic innovation in December 2023 from the GIES College of Business at the University of Illinois. He has subsequently accepted a course assistant position for the Spring 2024 term for the masters level Strategic Innovation class. Since 2005, Craig has been the president of Tradition Software, a national provider of construction lien software and services to the U.S. construction industry.

1988

Peter Rose retired from Pfizer after 32 years with the company. During his career, Peter was recognized for his scientific contributions by the American Chemical Society (ACS) with the

Technical Achievements in Organic Chemistry award. In 2021, Peter was a member of the scientific team that received the ACS Heroes in Chemistry award for the design and development of LOBRENA, a treatment designed to inhibit the most common tumor mutations that drive resistance to current medications and to address metastases in the brain. Now residing in Rhode Island, Peter and his wife Carol plan to enjoy their new home near the beach, spend time with their two sons and friends, take up nature photography around the shore while Peter continues to perform music as a bass trombonist with various music groups in southern New England.

1990

Cheryl Delk-Le Good co-coordinated a Certified Trade Mission with the Department of Commerce to Mexico and Colombia. In her role as Executive Director of EnglishUSA, she led a delegation of 24 university, college and private English language program administrators from 18 states to Merida, Mexico City, Medellin, Barranquilla and Bogota. EnglishUSA and its member programs promote English language study in the U.S.

1994

Justin Ahrens has joined O’N Creative as their new chief creative officer after 24 years as

Jeopardy watch party for Abby Mann in the Beckman Auditorium

Jim Kidder ’62

Justin Ahrens ’94

Peter Rose ’88

Ray Berger ’70

the founder of strategic brand agency Rule29. At Rule29, Justin led the agency to national and international recognition and achieved certification as a B Corporation. O’N Creative specializes in strategy, brand marketing, AI Integration and working with companies in healthcare, education and non-profit sectors.

1996

Erica (Whitten) Emmett launched FYR Consulting in 2023 after a 25-year career in veterinary medicine that included nursing, sales and talent acquisition and development. FYR focuses on maximizing company culture and productivity and minimizing turnover. Erica received her master’s degree in organizational leadership from Gonzaga University in 2022 and became a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach to help individuals and organizations improve their teamwork, communication, engagement and overall wellbeing.

2000

Michael Sorich was promoted to named partner at Cavanagh Law Group, now Cavanagh Sorich Law Group. Michael joined the firm in 2016 after working 13 years at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office. While there, he tried more than 50 cases and served as the youngest supervisor ever in the Civil Division.

Since joining Cavanagh Law Group in 2016, Michael has obtained more than $100 million in verdicts and settlements for clients.

Jewell (Littles) Walton was featured in an article in Multi-Housing News about equitable solutions in affordable housing. The interview-style article seeks Jewell’s expertise in public-private partnerships in Chicago housing, having worked in both public and commercial positions in the industry after discovering a passion for urban planning at IWU.

2001

Elizabeth Olson recently opened an online yoga school, Spontaneous Yoga. Elizabeth teaches yoga, mindfulness and meditation for the treatment of chronic pain, illness, injury and trauma. They also lecture on yoga research, anatomy and physiology for yoga teacher training programs nationally. Elizabeth also teaches yoga for Cornell Wellness and practices chiropractic treatment in Ithaca, New York.

2004

Matthew Harman recently obtained a new credential as a Licensed Clinical Professional

Michael Tipsord ’81 retired as CEO of State Farm Insurance. He joined the company in 1988 as an assistant tax counsel and rose to fill several executive positions at State Farm before becoming CEO, including assistant treasurer, vice president, senior vice president and CFO and COO. He became the CEO of State Farm in 2015, succeeding fellow IWU alumnus Edward B. Rust, Jr. ’72. Michael is also a trustee for the Brookings Institution and a member of the dean’s advisory board for the University of Illinois College of Law, where he received his law degree. He served on the IWU Board of Trustees Audit and Business Affairs committees.

Michael’s role is being filled by Jon Farney, who in turn has been replaced by Mark Schwamberger ’91, State Farm’s new senior vice president, treasurer and CFO — a position once held by Michael. Mark began at State Farm in 2008 as assistant vice president of accounting, rising to vice president and controller in 2012.

Counselor (LCPC) in the State of Illinois. He provides individual and family therapy at a community mental health center and at a private practice, both in the Chicagoland area.

2005

Sam Stahnke was recently inducted into the REjournals Midwest Commercial Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes real estate industry leaders who have helped shape the commercial development landscape of their cities and beyond. During his career at ARCO, where he is vice president, Sam has been involved in bringing nearly 18 million square feet of space to the Kansas City region and major markets across the U.S. for high-profile commercial clients.

2006

Tricia Seifert was named the Dean of the College of Education, Health and Human Development for Montana State University. Tricia earned her doctorate in student affairs administration from the University of Iowa, and she is a researcher and advocate of game-based learning.

2007

Ryan Misek was named vice president of medical affairs for Franciscan Health Crown Point hospital in Crown Point, Indiana. Ryan began his career as an emergency room physician before entering academia at Midwestern University in 2015 and medical administration in 2023.

2008

Susan Abraham was named a Newcomb doctoral dissertation fellow with the Institute for Citizens and Scholars. The Newcomb fellowship awards $31,000 to

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your news to IWU Magazine, P.O. Box 2900, Bloomington, IL 61702, iwumag@iwu.edu, or via our website, at iwu.edu/magazine. Or scan the QR code to be featured in the next issue!

Jewell Walton ’00

Michael Sorich ’00

Ryan Misek ’07

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NEWS

My Fellow Titans,

Since my last writing, Illinois Wesleyan has had much to celebrate! Whether you focus on how our most successful All In for Wesleyan ever raised nearly $2.8M from nearly 4,000 Titans and Friends of IWU, or the fact that we had the most beautiful spring day to celebrate the IWU Class of 2024 commencement and welcome them as the newest cohort of Titan Alumni, or that we have welcomed Sheahon J. Zenger as our 21st president, it is true that it’s a great day to be an Illinois Wesleyan alum.

Over the years, I have found Illinois Wesleyan’s people to be my favorite thing about the University. With all of the celebrations of the spring, this summer brings lots of transitions in familiar faces. While things will be different without President S. Georgia Nugent, interim Provost Abbie Kerr, or even longtime biology professor R. Given Harper (one of my favorites in the classroom), among others, Wesleyan is still blessed with some stellar folks. We will keep the traditions of IWU alive while making space for new ones as we welcome new students, faculty and staff soon enough.

I’m hoping this note will make you think of a favorite person, place or memory from your time at Illinois Wesleyan. And with that think about coming home… because what better time is there to connect with some old favs and meet some future ones than this year’s Homecoming and Family Weekend? I’m really excited to return to IWU for the weekend of October 4-6 to connect with many of you, celebrate our newestAlumni Award winners and spend time with the Titans of today! Will I see you there?

In Titan Pride,

Derrick L. Tillman-Kelly, PhD ’09

President, Alumni Association Board of Directors

Meet Your 2023- 2025 Alumni Association Board of Directors

Officers

Derrick Tillman-Kelly ’09, President

Meg Howe ’05, President Elect

Desiree Quizon-Colquitt ’89, Vice President of Committees

Paige Buschman ’17, Vice President of Affinity Groups

Dave Darling ’79, Secretary

Leadership

Al Black ’79, Regional Chapters Co-Chair

Alison (Braksick) Mullikin '10

Regional Chapters Co-Chair

Jazmyne Kellogg ’16, Alumni of Color Collective Chair

Taylor Williams ’18, Council for IWU Women Chair

Ed Pacchetti ’91, Alumni Academic Resource Council Chair

Jim Richter ’93, Wesleyan Fund Chair

Rachel Shaffer ’17, Young Alumni Council Chair

Amy Tenhouse ’97, Alumni Admissions Advisory Committee Chair

Stella Wang ’17, International Alumni Network Chair

Aaron Harris Woodstein ’15, Pride Alumni Community Chair

At-Large

Debbie Burt-Frazier ’75

Alan Leahigh ’67

Mandy Leifheit ’96

Beth Messina ’81

Brittany Powell ’10

Taylor Robinson ’21

Kate Roessler ’13

Kira (Larson) West ’86

Save the Date for Homecoming and Family Weekend 2024

Join us for Illinois Wesleyan University’s Homecoming and Family Weekend, Friday, October 4 to Sunday, October 6, 2024! We are so excited to welcome all our alumni, parents, family and friends back to campus!

Our second annual 1850 Market will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the Eckley Quad. Our vendor application is now open! Local businesses, small shops and makers of handmade pieces, art, food and more are encouraged to apply!

Visit www.iwu.edu/homecoming to sign up for a vendor booth, see a schedule of events or find a hotel room.

Get Involved

Through engagement efforts, alumni can make a great impact on the IWU family whether it be by leading alumni groups, sharing experiences with future students, mentoring current students, or giving to your Alma Mater. There are so many ways to make a difference. Wherever and whenever you have time and talent to share, there is a way for you to contribute. See all the ways to engage at www.iwu.edu/alumni/engage/volunteer.html

Join an Affinity Group or Committee

• Alumni of Color Collective

• Council for IWU Women

• International Alumni Network

• Pride Alumni Community

• Wesleyan Fund Committee

• Young Alumni Council

Join a Regional Alumni Chapter

• Atlanta, Georgia

• Champaign, Illinois

• Chicago, Illinois

• Dallas, Texas

• Denver, Colorado

• Los Angeles, California

• McLean County, Illinois

• Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota

• New York City, New York

• Phoenix, Arizona

• Peoria, Illinois

• Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina

• San Francisco, California

• Seattle, Washington

• Springfield, Illinois

• St. Louis, Missouri

• Washington, D.C.

From the Stacks: Illinois Wesleyan University’s Community Book Club

From the Stacks is Illinois Wesleyan University’s community book club highlighting alumni authors who have made a significant impact on the world of writing. This quarterly webinar series invites readers to engage with IWU writers in fiction, history, sports and more, all from the comfort of their own homes. Join us for in-depth discussions and live Q&A sessions that take you inside your favorite stories.

Visit www.iwu.edu/book-club to learn more.

Upcoming Books

Empty Theatre: A Novel by Jac Jemc ’05 Tuesday, September 20, 2024 | 7:00 PM CST

The Butchering Art: Joseph Lister’s Quest to Transform the Grisly World of Victorian Medicine by Lindsey Fitzharris ’04 Wednesday, October 16, 2024 | 12:00 PM CST

Whether you’ve been gone for 10 years or 50, Illinois Wesleyan University will always be your home. Join us as we celebrate the classes of 1974, 1984, 1999, 2004 and 2014 at this year’s Homecoming & Family Weekend. Find out more at www.iwu.edu/reunion

Young Alumni Council

The Young Alumni Council (YAC) is composed of graduates from the past decade, working together to enrich the lives of current students and recent graduates through programming, social and professional networking, volunteering and philanthropy. These opportunities assist young alumni in their transition from a collegian at Illinois Wesleyan and lay the foundation for a relationship with their Alma Mater that lasts a lifetime. A group led by young alumni for young alumni. For more information visit www.iwu.edu/alumni/engage

ALUMNI UPDATE

doctoral candidates in the humanities and social sciences who are addressing ethical and religious topics and issues. Susan’s related project is titled Narrating Faith Across the Straits: Morisco Manuals of Faith in Tunis and the Early Modern Mediterranean.

Thomas Traynor became head of engineering at Equatic, a company that designs and operates plants that simultaneously remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and produce hydrogen fuel via electrolyzed seawater. Thomas studied chemistry at IWU and spent 14 years at the chemical engineering company Honeywell UOP where his career began in sustainable energy. At Honeywell, he was responsible for commercializing the process that produced the first renewable jet fuel used on a passenger flight.

2009

Zac Birch graduated from Northern Illinois University with a

Tiny Titans

doctorate of education in higher education administration. His dissertation research focused on the Generation Z college students’ conceptualizations of and engagement with leadership opportunities on campuses. As he completed the dissertation work, he took a job with the University of Illinois-Chicago as the director of residence life.

2013

Drew Bogen was promoted to the rank of captain in the United States Marine Corps. Drew, who was originally stations in Southern California, earned his commission as an officer in 2020. He is now stationed in Okinawa, Japan, serving as an information operational support planner for the Third Marine Expeditionary Force. At IWU, he studied music and played the trumpet in nearly every instrumental ensemble.

2017

Trevor Seibring was promoted to vice president of commercial

Vicki (Beata) Ward ’08 and Brian

Lydia Mae Ward, born recently

Melanie (Essayans) Boyajian ’09 and Arlen Benjamin, born March 1, 2024

Mary (Edwards) Nowak ’12 and Nick August Edwards Nowak, born June 14, 2023

Kelly (Cook) Samson ’12 and Michael

Piper Elizabeth Samson, born Feb.13, 2021.

Michaela Alice Samson, born Nov. 5, 2023

lending for Heartland Bank’s Bloomington market. Trevor, who has over seven years of experience in the banking industry, has worked in credit analysis for two years and lending for five years

2019

Dominic Gambaiani recently gave a talk and wrote an article published in Life in the Fingerlakes about sustainable deconstruction efforts in upstate New York that was highlighted by the Ithaca groups CR0WD and NYSAR3. On May 2, they successfully got their first piece of legislation passed through city council — a deconstruction resolution that is non-binding and advocates for materials reuse instead of landfilling. Dominic is the co-founder of Cayuga Climate Action, which has made progress advocating for sustainable deconstruction as Upstate NY landfills approach closure.

2020

Andrew Johnson was a semifi-

nalist in the AGO National Young Artists Competition in Organ Performance (NYACOP). Andrew was a music major at IWU studying the organ with University Organist Susan Klotzbach and voice and choral conducting with professor of music J. Scott Ferguson. He is currently pursuing a DMA degree in organ performance and literature at the Eastman School of Music, and he is assistant organist at Christ Church in Rochester, New York.

Sam Villano and Arianna Perroots ’22 were recently recognized by the Las Vegas (Nev.) City Council for their music school’s "dedication to bringing the art of music directly to the doorstep of students." Doorstep Music Lessons received a plaque signed by the mayor and the city council. Their most recent recital was attended by nearly 200 people with more than 30 students earning their Doorstep Music Lessons Performance Certificate.

2021

Jonathan Panton received a Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law on May 12, 2024. Also, starting in August, he will begin working for Immigration and Customs Enforcement where he will litigate removal cases in Reston, Virginia. Jonathan credits his trial class with Professor Rob Kearney and Business Law I and II with Associate Professor David Marvin as being invaluable in preparing him for law school.

Lindsay Starr ’12 and Michael

Calvin Starr Lichtenheld, born April 21, 2023

Christina ’13 and Kelly Hoblin-Lamorena ’14

Emma Rae Hoblin-Lamorena, born Jan. 26, 2024

Scott ’13 and Cory (Grapenthien) Bedtke ’13

Nora Fay Bedtke, born June 30, 2023

Alyssa (Henzel) Lindquist ’16 and JJ Lindquist ’18

Isaac Jeremiah and Eli James Lindquist, born June 23, 2023

Dominic Gambaiani ’19

Drew Bogen ’13

Thomas Traynor ’08

HART CAREER CENTER HAPPENINGS

Illinois Wesleyan’s Hart Career Center is constantly engaging with alumni and connecting them with current students in fun and enriching ways. Do you want to assist students to ensure their career success? Does your organization have internships or employment opportunities for Titans? Contact the Career Center staff at ccenter@iwu.edu or (309) 556-3095

Careers in Books - February 20, 2024

Todd Stocke ’93

Careers in Politics, Government & Law - February 22, 2024

Mark Denzler ’93, Danielle Kays ’01 Molly Lamb ’03, Pam Reece - friend of IWU

Internship & Job Fair - March 6, 2024

Stefanie Stocke ’93, Shawn Perrone ’00, Kay Birkner ’06, Tim Irvin ’06 Aneesh Sehgal ’15, Mike Plecki ’18, Clayton Miller ’21, Molly Morrissey ’23, Abby Nytko ’23, Josie Schmidt ’23

Interview Workshop - Careers in Advertising - March 25, 2024

Joni Williams ’82

Cultivating Excellence Luncheon - March 27, 2024

Melissa Beaver ’93, Deon Hornsby ’97, Bianca Cotton ’11, Uchenna Nwaizu ’11, Melissa Ramirez ’14, Veronica Torres Luna ’19

Law School LSAT Workshop - April 3, 2024

Rebecca Ray ’01

Trip to Visit Financial Firms - Chicago, IL - April 12, 2024

Bill Takahashi ’96, Rich Berthold ’04

Mike Musselman ’04, Sarah Hunter ’08, Alex Garvey ’14, Mike Heaton ’14 Andrew Javorka ’16, Skylar Le Vine ’20, Ryan Bull ’22, Maggie Mascari ’23, Klaudia Wyszynski ’23

Pre-Health Programming

Kevin Brennan ’03, D. Stosh Eichenauer ’09

Career Immersion Excursion - Trip to Visit Advertising, Marketing, and Sports Companies in Chicago, IL - March 10 - 13, 2024

Chris Bisiallon ’93, Robin Glassford ’95, Erin Gallagher ’96, Cindi Perrine ’98, Laura Warren ’98, David Rasho ’01, Clint Sabin ’01, Chad Maxwell ’02

Katie Coleman ’04, Samantha Dietz ’05, Joan Cinquegrani ’06, Amanda ReCupido ’07, Andrew Herrington-Gilmore ’09, Dave Buesing ’10, Alessandra Ladd ’10, Michele Park ’10, Nicole Millazo ’11, Will Jenkins ’12, Michael Kocourek ’13, Anna Rossi ’13, Lisa Skaff ’13, Alex (Bechtel) Johnson ’14, Olivia Kief ’17, Brad Blalock ’19, Vi Kakares ’20, Cora Wilkinson ’21, Rick Smith ’22, Rachel White ’22, Molly Morrissey ’23

Titan Celebrations

IWU Magazine considers for publication photos of IWU people at celebrations and reunions of alumni. Please send your Titan Celebration photos to IWU Magazine, at iwu.edu/magazine, via email at iwumag@iwu.edu, or by mail at P.O. Box 2900, Bloomington, IL 61702. All featured content received by May 22, 2024

(Right) Nicole Savitt ’90 married Tom Sparrow on June 16, 2023 at the Chicago Courthouse. The couple now live in Morton, Illinois.

(Left) Professor Tom Lutze, while visiting China to present at multiple conferences and universities, joined a reunion dinner with several alumni. Left to right: Tengfei (Adam) Guo ’10, Siming Peng ’16; Yanfei Lu ’17; Professor of History Tom Lutze; former Professor of Computer Science Victor Yu; and Tie Sun ’17.

2022

Alexis Dorsey won the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon women’s race in Champaign, Illinois, on April 27. Alexis was on the track and field team at IWU and had run in two marathons and nine half marathons previously. She trained for four months for the Champaign race.

Alejandro Mancera ’15 and Nunzia Martino ’16 recently got married with many alumni joining the celebration. Back row (left to right): Casey Williams ’16, Kyla Thomas ’16, David Podrazik ’15, Mike Roy ’14, and Derek England ’15. Front row (left to right): Rainie Tezak ’16, Nunzia, Alejandro, Miles Podrazik ’16, Krystal England ’15, and Kimberly Mensah ’16

Hannah Johnson was nominated for the Innovation Award, part of the Emerald Awards from the Central Illinois Communication Association. Hannah is the executive director of Illinois Art Station.

2024

Albert Sterner won the National Society of Arts and Letters’ best musical theater in Illinois award, followed by a national win in the same category with a $15,000 prize. Albert credits Acting the Song with Associate Professor Scott Susong, voice lessons with Adjunct Instructor Nole Jones and acting classes with Adjunct Instructor Chris Connelly and Associate Professor Tom Quinn for his achievements.

Jonathan Panton ’21

Albert Sterner ’24

In Memory

Faculty, Staff and Friends

Ben Vrana died Feb. 19, 2024. He was 84. Originally from a farm between Prague and Malmo, Nebraska, Ben attended Nebraska Wesleyan University. He was also a member of the Nebraska National Guard. Ben earned his advanced degrees in German literature and modern European history from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. At IWU he taught German, Spanish and English, and he spent a year in Luebeck, Germany, as a Fulbright Exchange Teacher. Ben is survived by his wife, two children and a grandchild.

George Walden died March 30, 2024. He was 81. George was a staple feature of Titan games and Bloomington-Normal college athletics in general, working as IWU’s ticket manager for 29 years and Illinois State University’s for 32 years. He was also commissioner of the Airport Authority at Bloomington Regional Airport, president of the Normal Chapter of the Optimist Club (where he was twice Optimist of the Year) and he spent 20 years as Normal’s assistant public works director and retired as housing inspector. George is survived by a child and four grandchildren.

Craig Chojnacki died May 29, 2024. He was 71. Craig trained at Washburne Culinary & Hospitality Institute and served as an executive chef at Illinois Wesleyan for many years where he was known fondly as "Chef Craig" by students. He enjoyed attending games at Sox Park, spending time with loved ones and cooking. Craig is survived by two children.

Sandra Lindberg died May 11, 2024. She was 67. Sandra earned her MFA in theater as a Shakespearean. She taught and inspired theater students at IWU until her retirement in 2011. She also loved gardening at her Bloomington home. Sandra is survived by her husband and child.

Alumni

Ginny (Parry) Capasso ’49 died Feb. 8, 2024. She was 96. A lifelong resident of Chenoa, Illinois, Ginny met her husband, John Capasso ’46, at IWU. The couple returned to Ginny’s hometown to join her father’s family business, C. W. Parry & Son Grain Company. Ginny studied vocal performance at IWU and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity. She considered a highlight of her college experience to be her performance as Marguerite in a production of Faust, which was the first opera in Bloomington-Normal cast with entirely local talent. Ginny is survived by three children, two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Eleanor (Halligan) Cox ’50 died Feb. 22, 2024. She was 97. Eleanor, originally from Peoria, Illinois, attended both Northwestern University and IWU, where she graduated with a degree in education. She was a devoted farmer’s wife who enjoyed dancing, crafting, cooking and baking. She was also an active community member, joining the Washington (Ill.) PTA, Women of the Moose, VFW Ladies Auxiliary and Friends of Rock Creek Lake. Eleanor is survived by two children, a grandchild and a great grandchild.

Carolyn (Kent) Winterroth ’50 died March 3, 2024. She was 96. Carolyn was a Bloomington townie who met her husband, John Winterroth ’50, at IWU. Although she finished her undergraduate degree at the University of Colorado, she returned to Bloomington-Normal to earn her advanced degree from Illinois State University. She spent her career in the lumber industry, being on the board of

Janet McNew died March 26, 2024. From 1993 to 2003 she served as a professor of English as well as IWU’s provost and dean of faculty. After the death of President Minor Myers Jr. in 2003, Janet became the University’s acting president — the first woman to fill the role of president at IWU — until the appointment of President Richard Wilson in 2004. Always both an academic and administrator, her career began at the University of Virginia where she taught English courses and was an administrative fellow in the office of President John Casteen. From 1979 to 1993, she was professor of English at St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minn., and chaired the Joint St. John’s University/College of Saint Benedict Department of English. At St. John’s she also directed the British Studies Program in London and the Irish Studies Program in Galway and led the Freshman Colloquium Program. Janet ended her career as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at The University of Tampa from 2006-2013.

She received several awards and honors during her career, including a National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Seminar Fellowship. In her memory, the Gardner Faculty Scholars program at Illinois Wesleyan has been renamed the Gardner-McNew Faculty Scholars program.

West Side Lumber and serving as president of Kent Lumber. She was also on the board of the Booker T. Washington Home and the Downtown Normal Business Association. She was also a lover of reading and art. Carolyn is survived by two children, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Joe Ensenberger ’51 died Feb. 11, 2024. He was 96. Joe grew up in Bloomington where, at 17 years old, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1945. He was stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, during the end of the Second World War. After his time in the military, he studied business administration and commercial art at IWU, which prepared him to enter the family business in furniture sales, G.A. Ensenberger & Sons. In 1977, he sold his stake in the company to move to New Mexico with his wife of 73 years. Joe is survived by his wife, three children, eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Art Runyon ’51 died March 3, 2024. He was 96. Originally from Rock Island, Illinois, Art served in the U.S. Navy at the end of the Second World War before returning to earn degrees from IWU and the Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. He became a Methodist pastor serving several churches in Central Illinois and administered 40 church camps. He was also a longtime Rotary Club member and loved to golf. Art is survived by five children, 28 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

Robert Hildebrand ’52 died May 4, 2024. He was 93. An Illinois High School Basketball Hall of Famer, Robert played ball for IWU under coach Jack Horenberger. After graduating, he played professionally for a few years for the Denver Bankers until he was recruited by General Electric for their advanced management development program. His career moved to RR Donnelley where he was responsible for the expansion of plants throughout the world. He remained a fan of college sports, being a supporter of Illinois and Northwestern basketball. Robert is survived by a child, four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Kathy (Bienfang) Rankin ’52 died March 6, 2024. She was 93. Originally from the Northeast, Kathy came to IWU to study violin performance before going to William Paterson University for her master’s degree in elementary education. She became a music teacher in Pequannock Township, New Jersey, and a performing violinist. She was one of the founding members, and the advertising director, of the Frederick Symphony Orchestra with whom she played for over 35 years. Kathy is survived by two children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Sarah Butler ’53 died Oct. 13, 2023. She was 91. A Bloomington townie, Sarah was a member of the Phi Beta Phi sorority at IWU. She was a lifelong learner who taught her children and grandchildren to do the same. She was especially interested in history, art and travel. Sarah is survived by five children, nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Suzanne (Livingston) Coventry ’55 died March 16, 2024. She was 90. Suzanne studied elementary education at Illinois Wesleyan University. She was a longtime teacher at Woodmore School in Eureka, Illinois, and was a volunteer at organizations throughout the Peoria area. She was also an avid knitter. Suzanne is survived by three children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Mary (Goodpasture) Quigg ’55 died March 28, 2024. She was 90. After graduating from IWU, Mary went into the family business, Wade and Dowland Office Equipment. She became an active member in her local Methodist churches where she was a Sunday school teacher, a choir member and delivered food to infirm church members. She loved traveling, especially to England, where she also lived for a time. Mary is survived by five children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

David McCannon ’56 died March 29, 2024. He was 93. Before enrolling at IWU, David enlisted in the U.S. Marines and served as a radio signalman during the Korean War. He received a bachelor’s degree in physics and electrical engineering and also attended Illinois Technical Institute. His career took him back to Asia as he worked at oil refineries in Southeast Asia and Japan for the Standard Vacuum Oil Company. David is survived by three children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Dick Snyder ’57 died Feb. 22, 2024. He was 88. Dick grew up an only child in Northern Illinois who developed a love for Studebakers. Throughout his life he restored six vintage Studebakers, all of which earned awards at car shows with one winning best of show. He studied music under professor John Noonan before enlisting with the Fifth Army Band as a percussionist. He continued studying music at the Army-Navy School of Music. After his music career, he moved back to his hometown to start his own HVAC company, but he was always playing in bands throughout his life. Dick is survived by his wife, five children and 15 grandchildren.

Neal Berlin ’58 died March 19, 2024. He was 87. Originally from Des Plaines and Palatine, Illinois, Neal was always interested in public service. He studied public administration at IWU and the University of Michigan, but was drafted to serve in the Korean War soon after graduation. When he returned to the U.S., he was hired as assistant city manager in Pueblo, Colorado, and went on to serve as city manager in towns and cities across the country including Highland, Illinois; Hanover, New Hampshire; and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Neal is survived by his wife and child.

Sandra (Kemper) Crumley ’58 died February 22, 2024. She was 87. Sandra studied music education at IWU and became a music teacher in Abingdon and Morton, Illinois, before retiring to raise her family. With her children grown up, she returned to teaching as a private instructor. She volunteered as a pianist, organist and choir member at Grace Church in Morton. Sandra is survived by her child.

Nancy (Cain) Mohns ’59 died April 19, 2024. She was 86. Nancy met her husband, Robert Mohns ’57 at IWU, to whom she was married for more than 60 years. Nancy was a talented musician and avid church volunteer where she kept weekly bulletins, church records and served on several committees with Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Rockton, Illinois. For her career, she worked in the insurance industry with Gary Bach, Weller, and McEachran Insurance Agencies. Nancy is survived by two children and two grandchildren.

Carol (Sweasy) Schultz ’65 died Jan 19, 2024. She was 80. Carol was a lover of nature, family and friends who enjoyed hosting at Schroon Lake in Upstate New York. She was also a dedicated grandmother who went to every school concert and sporting event to cheer her grandchildren on. Carol is survived by her husband, Ted Schultz ’63, two children and two grandchildren.

Joni (McBride) Karandjeff ’69 died March 13, 2024. Joni was a Central Illinois native who met her husband of 54 years, Drew Karandjeff ’69, at IWU. She became dedicated to improving the community of St. Louis, Missouri, where she became a leader in multiple volunteer organizations. In particular, she was a Vice President of the St. Louis Junior League and a Drue Webster Award recipient and was chairperson of the Greater St. Louis Book Fair where she volunteered for 30 years. She also loved music and cheering her grandchildren on at athletic events. Joni is survived by her husband, child and four grandchildren.

Martha Reich ’66 died June 1, 2024. She was 80. A daughter of Quincy, Illinois, Martha studied nursing at IWU and was a member of the Alpha Tau Delta nursing sorority. She went on to receive a master’s degree in social work from the University of Tennessee. She was a nurse and family therapist at the Knox County (Tenn.) Health Department and the Overlook Mental Health Center — the largest

ALUMNI UPDATE

mental health center in the state. She also went into private practice and worked in animal rescue as well. Martha is survived by her husband.

Gene Barkley ’68 died March 3, 2024. He was 77. Gene was president of his high school class and kept his class together through the years by organizing reunions. After graduating from IWU, he earned a master’s in divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary. He served as a Methodist pastor in Ridge Farm and Indianola, Illinois, until he started maintaining the family farm in 1976, after which he became a full-time farmer, though he regularly served as an officiant at weddings, funerals and other ceremonies. Gene is survived by his wife, two children and four grandchildren.

Steve Philbrook ’68 died March 13, 2024. He was 77. Steve was a dedicated student athlete playing football, basketball, baseball and golf. For his career, he served with the Illinois Department of Transportation for over 30 years. He remained an outdoorsman and athlete throughout his life, splitting his free time between hunting and golfing, and he was known for being a great storyteller. Steve is survived by his wife, two children and four grandchildren.

Paul Summers ’68 died May 13, 2024. He was 78. Originally from Peoria, Paul didn’t remain in Central Illinois to begin his 36-year career at State Farm Insurance but instead went to the company’s Maryland office. Paul was a sports fan following professional baseball, football and golf, and he cheered on his granddaughter at her many sporting events. He would annually travel to Ft. Myers, Florida, to watch Spring Training. Paul is survived by his wife, child and grandchild.

Becca Lynn (Szerlong) Kuehl ’71 died Feb. 26, 2024. She was 74. Born in Galesburg, Illinois, Becca studied elementary education at IWU, where she also joined the Sigma Kappa sorority. She went on to become a teacher in the Glen Ellyn (Ill.) School District, where she met her husband. Her marriage brought her into her husband’s business, DK Transportation Corporation. The couple built their Appalachian dream home on a mountainside in North Carolina. Becca’s family began an IWU legacy with her brother Tim Szerlong ’74 and nephew Todd Szerlong ’14 both attending. Becca is survived by her husband.

Kevin Potts ’73 died May 30, 2024. He was 72. Kevin studied business at IWU where he was such a fan of Titan athletics that he was known as “The Green Man” on campus. In his life, he was a devout member of Vale Church in Bloomington. He also loved reading to his granddaughter and traveled to all 50 states. Internationally, he traveled to Israel to visit holy sites. Kevin is survived by his wife, child and grandchild.

Gail (Hoss) Smith ’74 died March 11, 2024. She was 71. Born in Chicago, Gail was raised in Central Illinois and studied nursing at IWU. She went on to earn a master’s in social work from the University of Houston. Gail loved quilting and made more than 60 in her lifetime, both for the multiple international awards she won for her quilts and for her family of seven children. Gail is survived by her husband, children and six grandchildren.

Jeff Luhring ’77 died Feb. 6, 2024. He was 68. Jeff studied physical education at IWU before going on to study at Palmer College of Chiropractic, pursuing his life-long passion of physical fitness. For his career, he co-owned multiple Nautilus Fitness Clubs and chiropractic clinics. He created his own practice in Peoria as well. He was a fan of both football and pickleball. Jeff is survived by his wife, five children and 14 grandchildren.

Tye Elliott ’86 died May 14, 2024. He was 59. Coming from Peoria, Tye was an exceptional athlete who loved baseball and played for every institution he joined. He was also a rising leader in the field of finance in the Midwest, rising to become executive vice president with Acrisure, the 6th largest insurance brokerage business in the world. Tye is survived by his wife and two children.

Pamela (Elam) Saal ’88 died April 9, 2024. She was 70. Pamela was a national honors student in East Peoria, Illinois, before studying nursing at the Methodist School of Nursing. During her career she continued her nursing education at IWU. She spent 45 years in the field of nursing within the Midwest, working at the Methodist Medical Center, Pekin Memorial Hospital and OSF St. Francis Medical Center. She became a care administrator at Rosewood Care Center and St. Francis Woods assisted living community in Peoria. She eventually retired as a nurse with Caterpillar in Peoria where she was the first nurse to be promoted to management. She also enjoyed cooking, reading and crafting. Pamela is survived by her husband.

Jason Richards ’96 died April 29, 2024. He was 49. Jason, the “bearded mountain of a man,” loved football. He played for both Lafayette HS and Illinois Wesleyan and became the permanent 8th grade coach for Jr. Falcon Football where he coached his sons and daughter. He was known for his mentorship through coaching football and wrestling, and many of his athletes considered him their favorite coach. Jason is survived by his wife and four children.

Lauren Martin ’13 died May 31, 2024. She was 32. Lauren was a student at Heartland Community College, IWU — where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma — and Southern New Hampshire University. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a foster parent of multiple children who advocated for children with special needs. She is survived by her child.

YOUR SUPPORT ENABLES STUDENT SUCCESS

Our donors make a significant impact throughout the IWU campus, and we are eternally grateful for their support. IWU students conduct and present research, lead the community, perform in musicals, plays, and concerts, and compete in athletic tournaments because of donors’ investments in their success. By renewing your support this fiscal year, you continue to enable success and opportunities for future Titans.

Here are ways to support:

• Matching Gifts: Over 26 million individuals work for a matching gift company. Submit your IWU gift receipt to your employer for a match and double (or even triple) your impact!

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• Named Scholarships: Annual named scholarships are established with a gift of $2,500 or more. Endowed scholarships are established with a pledge commitment of $50,000. Donors can name a scholarship after themselves or a loved one, and they have the opportunity to meet the scholarship recipients each fall during Homecoming.

• Planned Giving: With gift planning, you can provide long-lasting support for Illinois Wesleyan University while enjoying financial benefits for yourself. Bequests, IRA rollovers, Donor Advised Funds, and Qualified Charitable Distributions are a few examples of planned gifts.

Scan the QR code or visit iwu.mobi/give to renew your support today! For more information about other ways to give visit iwu.edu/giving or call the Office of Advancement at (309) 556-3091.

P.O. Box 2900, Bloomington, IL 61702-2900

Summer Sheen

The Memorial Center’s Joslin Atrium shines in the hot summer sun over the Eckley Quadrangle.