The Magazine for McKendree Summer 2012 by McKendree University

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The Magazine for

c M Kendree SUMMER 2012

The Purple Issue: Commencement Locust Hills Bleed Purple

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PRESIDENT’Smessage

Dear Friends, You might recall that the last issue of the Magazine for McKendree was devoted to a celebration of “2,“ and we shared with you a number of stories about students with double majors and the number of twins we have in our student body. I concluded that issue’s message with the following sentence, “Look for more to come about twos in the next issue….” I am pleased to introduce you to Eloise and Quinn (pictured, left). My oldest son Jeff, his wife Katy, and big sister Savannah welcomed twins to their family on March 1, 2012. Given the topic of our last magazine, I just couldn’t resist introducing them to you! The notion of sharing a bit about my family with you is also fitting as we publish this issue of the Magazine for McKendree, in which we talk about one of the greatest legacies at McKendree and one of the most often used words to describe the McKendree experience: “family.” This “Purple” edition features a story entitled “Bleed Purple” and chronicles the legacy of four McKendree families who have had a deep and abiding relationship with the University, some for many generations. As I reflect on the things that have endured in my life, words like pride, commitment and dedication come to mind and all of them describe the feelings I have, and know you share, about McKendree. We often celebrate the many changes that occur at the University—you will read about a recent example in this edition, as we share with you the news that we have purchased Locust Hills Golf Course in Lebanon—but some of the best things about McKendree are the things that endure. The pride we feel when Commencement unfolds on the front lawn. The sense of family that students have talked about as a hallmark of the McKendree experience throughout our history. The deep and abiding affection shown for the University, as evidenced by Ruby Deppe, an alumna who gave a transformational gift after attending for only one year, but who never forgot the profound influence McKendree had on her life. These stories speak volumes about who we are and what we value at McKendree. I hope you read this issue with pride as we share with you the latest news and accomplishments. I also hope you feel a sense of dedication and commitment to the legacy that we all share as members of the McKendree family.

Sincerely,

Jim Dennis President

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Commencement

Golf Course

Bleed Purple

FEATURES THIS ISSUE Magazine Contributors

IN THIS ISSUE

Editorial content, writing and production: Lisa Brandon, Director of Media Relations Krysti Connelly, Executive Director for University Communications and Marketing Victoria Dowling, Senior Vice President Whitney Fraier, Director of Alumni Relations Sherry Hall, Graphic Designer

• On Campus 2 • Bearcat Athletics 29 • Class Notes 32 • Alumni News

40 Published twice a year, The Magazine for McKendree connects alumni and friends to the McKendree University community. Please send address changes to:

FPO

By printing this magazine on 10% post consumer waste recycled paper, the following resources were saved: 15 mature trees 405 lbs of solid waste 1384 lbs of greenhouse gases 5 million BTU’s 6664 gallons of water

McKendree University Office of Development, Alumni and Parent Relations 701 College Road Lebanon, IL 62254 Keeping in touch is easy. Call 1-800-BEARCAT, ext. 6826, or send e-mail updates to alumni@mckendree.edu.

Writing/Photography: Scott Billhartz ’85 Eric Buck Scott Cummings Michael Embrich Michele Erschen FINAO Photography Julie Guenther ’14 Maegan Hafley ’13 Matt Kauffmann Photography Josh Monken Photography Angie Grossman Roewe ’98 Lyndsie Schlink Photography Theresa Schmidt ’10 Michelle Meehan Schrader Kevin Thoele Photography Ed Vernon James Visser Photography Austin Vuichard ’14 Rick Windham Photography

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ONcampus News Briefs Alumnus Estate Bestowed $1.7 Million Gift to McKendree

Dr. Spencer, of wearing a green beanie, and commuting from Mascoutah.

Ruby (Meyer) Deppe ’39 grew up in Granite City, Ill., and transferred to Mascoutah High School in her senior year during the Great Depression. Her family opened a new business in town. That spring, the superintendent, Mr. Garvin, spoke to her about a scholarship to McKendree. Prior to that she believed there was no opportunity for her to take any course work after high school.

During her entire career, she taught kindergarten to second grade. She loved working with young children. She taught in Mascoutah, Ill., for eight years, Belleville, Ill., for another eight years, Hawaii for five years, and then returned to Granite City, Ill. It is at that point she met and married her husband, the late Robert F. Deppe, who worked in insurance his entire career. She and her husband enjoyed traveling and Ruby really enjoyed visiting Hawaii. Ruby and Robert settled in Chesterfield, Mo.

She and five McKendree students commuted from Mascoutah to McKendree. She took classes for one year before transferring to SIU-Carbondale. Although she was only at McKendree for her freshman year, she had very fond memories of her science courses with

Board of Trustees Welcomes Carstens and Turner Barbara (Klingelhoefer) Carstens ’86, has spent her entire career in the banking field. Since 1998 she has worked for Bank of O’Fallon, where she is a vice president and loan officer, managing the loan department and new accounts departments. She is active with numerous groups including the Rotary Club of O’Fallon, National Foundation for Ectodermal

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Because of her experiences at McKendree, she decided to be a teacher.

Until 2 years ago, Ruby continued to make visits to the campus, even if just to be driven around the new buildings. She

Dysplasia, John Sheehan Volleyball Scholarship Foundation, and she is also very active in her church, St. Paul United Church of Christ, in Waterloo Ill. She enjoys playing golf, bike riding, gardening and spending time with her husband, Jack and stepdaughter, Kaitlyn. A native of Mascoutah, Ill., she earned a business administration degree from McKendree. As a Bearcat, Barb was an outside hitter on the volleyball team, helping lead it to a fifth place finish at the 1985 NAIA National Tournament. She is also a member of the McKendree Sport Hall of Fame. Mark Turner has served as the chief executive officer of Memorial Hospital in Belleville, Ill., since 2006. He came to the Metro-East from North Carolina, where he was the vice president of operations at a similar-sized community

continued to carefully read each issue of the McKendree magazine until her death on Sept. 18, 2011 at the age of 95. As part of her estate, Ruby left McKendree a $1.7 million gift to be used to support the objectives in the Campaign. “Ruby Deppe was a wonderful alumna. She cared deeply for the children that she nurtured throughout her career. She was a devoted wife and a dear friend of McKendree University. Her gift will serve as a legacy of her love for educating young people by providing resources that will allow McKendree students opportunities to realize their potential. We are indeed grateful for the example she set for our community throughout her life, and for her generosity shared through her gift with the next generation of McKendree students,” noted Dr. James Dennis.

hospital for 10 years. At Memorial, he oversaw the construction of a $25 million orthopedic and neurosciences building, completed in December 2011. He now provides leadership for the construction of a new 94-bed, $118 million satellite hospital in Shiloh, Ill. that will expand the hospital’s reach. Mark and his wife Mary Ann reside in Swansea, Ill. Their son, Nick, is married to Allison, who was the annual fund director at McKendree from January 2008 until December 2009.

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Grahams Recognized as ‘Friends of the University’ on Founders’ Day O’Fallon Mayor Gary Graham and his wife, Lucia K.S. Graham, a University trustee, accepted the Friends of the University Award, which honors nonalumni for exemplary service. It was presented during the 184th anniversary

observance of Founders’ Day on Feb. 21 at the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts.

National Ad Awards for the Website, Hett Promo Pieces

“Gary and Lucia Graham have been friends of McKendree University for more than 15 years,” noted Dr. James Dennis, president. “Their impact has been felt as citizen leaders in the MetroEast, as volunteers and as philanthropists.”

The University’s website and the publicity for its “McKendree Presents” performing arts series received major awards in the country’s largest education advertising competition.

The Grahams are long-time members of the William McKendree Society and as strong supporters of the arts, were instrumental in the building of the Hett. Gary has led the City of O’Fallon, Ill., as mayor since 1997. He is the president of LUCO, Inc., a river barge company. Lucia has been a lifelong dedicated educator of students from the elementary grades through college. She has served on the Board of Trustees since 1996 and is currently vice chair of the Committee on Trustees.

Sons of the American Revolution Dedication The Lewis & Clark Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Worley family dedicated a monument honoring the heritage and wisdom of our

founding fathers near Bothwell Chapel on May 18. Dr. Donald Worley ’51 founded the chapter in 1976 and his son, Kent ’85, is a current member of the chapter.

Compatriot Rick Morris (Lt. Col. USAF ret.) and Lewis & Clark SAR president introduced the keynote speaker Lt. General Kathleen Gainey, deputy commander of U.S. TRANSCOM at Scott Air Force Base.

The 27th annual Education Advertising Awards competition, sponsored by the Higher Education Marketing Report, drew over 2,900 entries from more than 1,000 schools in all 50 states and several foreign countries. Promotional materials for the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts’ 2011-2012 season, designed by The Birne Group of St. Louis, earned a Gold Award in the total public relations campaign category. McKendree was one of 201 institutions to receive the Gold Award. A Bronze Award went to its website, mckendree.edu, which was redesigned last year by the St. Louis firm VividSites. McKendree’s “Make Your Mark” image ad campaign, created in-house, received merit recognition. The judging panel included higher education marketers, advertising creative directors, marketing and advertising professionals and the editorial board of the Higher Education Marketing Report.

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ONcampus News Briefs Nathan White, assistant professor of computer science, encouraged Albert Cooper ’13, Dustin Page ’13 and Michael Cox ’13 to be creative while meeting the contest requirements and deadlines.

Students’ Android App Wins $3K in National Competition Computer science students Michael Cox ’13, Dustin Page ’13 and Albert Cooper ’13 knew little about stock trading and nothing about developing mobile phone applications when they entered a financial services contest last fall. They learned fast. The “Open Source Bogey” Android web and phone app they created was a national finalist and $3,000 winner in online broker-dealer TradeKing’s $100,000 API (Application Programming Interfaces) Campus Challenge. It enables investors to look up quotes, trade stocks and “tweet” their quotes on Twitter. “The contest rules were pretty simple: ‘Use the TradeKing system to create something new for our customers,’”

Student Project Captures National Competition Austin Vuichard ’14, Erika Schutzenhofer ’14, Jessica Muckensturm ’13 and Danni Warren ’13 knew little about illegal trafficking on fishing boats when they began to research it for their business ethics class. Their findings, however, captured the

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explained Nathan White, assistant professor of computer science, who also received a $1,000 Professor’s Award. “I enjoyed seeing the students work through a very unstructured problem.” “We faced hard deadlines and had to meet specific requirements while making use of the creative freedom we were given,” Michael said. The team (one of three McKendree groups that competed in a field of 29) demonstrated its app during a live web broadcast in February. Other top finalists were students from Loyola University Maryland; Villanova University; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; and the University of Nebraska (Lincoln).

first annual Student Ethics Competition hosted by the International Assembly of Collegiate Business Education in April. “The issue is a lot bigger than we originally thought,” Austin said. “Over nine million people are being trafficked. For every registered vessel in the water there are nine or 10 unregistered that can go uninspected and their catches can go unreported.”

Former Student Investors Win Big A hypothetical stock portfolio put together by an investments class over two years ago grew by over 62 percent, outperforming all others to win the $10,000 top prize in the St. Louis Area Collegiate Investment Contest. In 2009, they were assigned a hypothetical $1 million to invest equally in 50 stocks, which were held for 28 months. At the contest’s conclusion on Mar. 31, their investments had grown to $1,627,587. (During roughly the same time period, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by about 26 percent.) The student investors were Adam Alls ’10, Jason Bohnenstiehl ’10, Jordan Coffey ’10, Mark Daniels ’10, Matthew Davis ’10, Omoniyi Erinolu ’10, Kayla Gelarden ’10, Jessica Giri ’11, Daniel Gonzalez ’10, Tyler Holdener ’10, Matthew Hutton ’10, Brent Kalmer ’10, Jeremy Kloss ’10, Nolan Martz ’10, Tiffany Medder ’11, Braden Posey ’10 and Nicholas Smothers ’11. Another group of McKendree students won the contest in 2010.

The students had to explain an ethical issue from a legal, financial, marketing, management and economic point of view. As they learned more they shared it with others by creating facebook.com/ saynotoslavefishing, which has been viewed by thousands and “liked” by nearly 200 viewers in 20 countries.

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A group of students, faculty and staff members traveled to Springfield, Ill., on Apr. 25 to meet with State Sen. Kyle McCarter, and Representatives Scott Penny ’78, Eddie Jackson and Paul Evans at the Capitol. Joining forces with college students from other private institutions, they urged legislators to continue the Monetary Award Program (MAP) funding and to support Governor Quinn’s proposed budget for MAP grants.

More Speech and Debate National Champs! McKendree students talked their way into two individual national championships in speech and debate in March.

Ben, a junior political science major from Kansas City, Mo., was named the Al Johnson Top Speaker for his overall performance. He earned 177.5 speaker points of a possible 180—the second highest total in the tournament’s 19-year history. Ben attributed his success to “knowing your audience” and the tremendous amount of preparation that he and his teammates do. McKendree debaters competed against 165 two-person teams from 56 institutions, including the Universities of Oregon, Texas, Notre Dame and the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Ben Reid ’13 was the top speaker of 330 competitors at the National Parliamentary Debate Association (NPDA) Championship at Western Washington University.

Lance Allen ’13 excelled in extemporaneous speaking, his favorite event, at Pi Kappa Delta’s National Comprehensive Tournament in Overland Park, Ks. Pi Kappa Delta is the national speech and debate honor society. With a final speech that focused on instability in Syria, the junior international relations major from

Peoria prevailed over 125 other competitors from 69 colleges and universities including Oregon State, Purdue, Truman State, Texas A&M and Ohio. “I am incredibly proud of their performance. All of the students work extremely hard to prepare for nationals and their success is well-earned,” said Joe Blasdel ’00, coach of the speech and debate team.

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ONcampus News Briefs Serving Others is Their Nature Courtney Motl ’13 was one of 162 inspirational college students from 32 states chosen for recognition as a 2012 Newman Civic Fellow. The psychology major from Glen Carbon, Ill., co-coordinates the University’s service program at the Family Living Center, a women and children’s shelter in East St. Louis. She is an officer of the Alpha Phi Omega national service fraternity chapter; president of Campus Ministries; and office coordinator for the Center for Public Service.

The award is named for Dr. Frank Newman, a founder of Campus Compact, a national coalition of almost 1,200 college and university presidents committed to educating students for civic and social responsibility.

Courtney spent three spring breaks on mission trips to Virginia, Chicago and this year, Costa Rica. In addition to her mission work, her studies, and a part-time job in the Madison County Circuit Clerk’s office, she also volunteers with the Breakfast Ministry and Urban Fishing service groups, and is a New Student Orientation peer mentor, student ambassador and math tutor. “Courtney is successfully blending academics and co-curricular activities into a well-rounded educational experience,” said Dr. James Dennis, president. “She has the intellect, motivation, leadership skills and commitment to be successful. She is already a proven leader.” 6

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Jim Burns and Kelsey Rittenhouse ’12 (above) received the University’s 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award. Kelsey volunteered hundreds of hours through the Center for Public Service and coordinated the “Into the Streets” community service program for two years. She helped children with craft projects each week at the Franklin Neighborhood Association in Belleville, Ill., and organized collection drives for the Lebanon Food Bank. “Kelsey is one of the most effective leaders I’ve ever worked with. She leads by enthusiasm, passion and example,” said Dr. Lyn Huxford, sociology professor. “I have witnessed in her service a sense of humility and a great respect for people. And she makes it fun.”

The O’Fallon, Ill., resident graduated with a degree in management and now hopes to work in non-profit fundraising and continue her ties with the University. Jim, a HVAC technician, helps others in numerous ways, especially students who are very far from home. Those who nominated him noted that “he tries to make everyone feel like they belong at McKendree. He is always going out of his way to help others, quick to befriend students who need help or advice, buying food for them when they are short on cash, and helping foreign students get a computer or clothes.” The Ramsey, Ill., resident has been employed on campus by Sodexo for ten years.

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Global Community Week Brings ‘A Vision of Peace’ to Campus “A vision of peace” was the focus throughout the Interfaith Council’s Global Community Week, Mar. 24 to 30, with activities, guest speakers and programs highlighting the diversity of people, faith and cultures.

Following an Interfaith chapel service, religious studies majors Jared Winters ’12 read a Hindu prayer as Chris Whitaker ’13 and Rebecca Schutzenhofer ’15 displayed the “Peace Quilt,” crafted from squares decorated by students. Symbolizing the University’s commitment to create a more peaceful future, it now hangs in the new residence halls.

A “Race for Peace” drew over 650 participants as part of the annual “Ramble into Spring” run-walk on Mar. 24 that launched the week’s events. Runners signed a pledge at the start-finish line and received headbands that read, “Take the first step towards peace.”

The Metro East Interfaith Partnership hosted “A Taste of Faith” on the quad, offering samples of hummus, couscous and rice pudding while explaining their significance to Eid Al-Fitr, the Islamic celebration that marks the end of Ramadan.

The Theatre Department’s production of “The Trial of God,” by Nobel Laureate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, included an audience discussion after each performance. Earlier in the week, a Literature and Faith Panel spoke at the Chapel on the importance of being engaged in the pursuit of peace.

Student volunteers led Lebanon Elementary School children in crafts, games, puppetry and giant puzzles designed to teach cooperation and cultural diversity, as the gym became a “Gateway to Peace Museum” for a day.

Father Bob Flannery, of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Carbondale, Ill., helped dedicate a new “Peace Pole” inscribed with inspirational messages in many languages. It stands east of Bothwell Chapel to encourage solitude and reflection.

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ONcampus Honors Day Dr. Martha McDonald isn’t one to seek the spotlight but when she was announced as the 2012 Exemplary Teacher Award winner on Honors Day, she took center stage. The associate professor of nursing received the annual honor given by the United Methodist Church Board of Higher Education. It recognizes excellence in teaching, concern for students and colleagues, a commitment to valuescentered education, service to students beyond the classroom and to one’s students, institution, community or local church. McDonald coordinates McKendree’s nursing programs in Southern Illinois. “She is revered as an expert among her colleagues,” said Dr. Christine Bahr, provost and dean. “Students appreciate her dedication, concern, sense of humor in the classroom, and ability to make complex information more easily understood.” Outstanding students from all divisions and three faculty awardees each had their moment to shine during the Honors Convocation on Apr. 20 at the Hett. All were selected by full-time faculty members based on four components of the University’s mission: responsible citizenship, engagement, academic excellence and lifelong learning.

Dr. Christine Bahr congratulates Martha McDonald on her 2012 Exemplary Teacher Award.

Kelsey Rittenhouse ’12, Emily Cimarolli ’12, and Ryan Vincent ’12 were named Active Collegians Engaged in Service (ACES) Awards by the University’s Center for Public Service. The service-minded seniors each volunteered more than 400 hours to their communities, churches, schools and organizations.

Nigel Darvell accepts one of the two Associate Faculty Awards for Excellence in Teaching presented on Honors Day. The full-time counselor teaches stress management and substance abuse counseling to undergraduates. Not pictured is Dr. Hazel Loucks, a former Illinois Deputy Governor of Education and Workforce, who has taught many graduate level education courses.

Dr. Brian Frederking ’90, professor of political science and chair of the Division of Social Sciences, delivered the keynote address, “Games, Conversations and Metaphors.” Students from the Louisville and Radcliff, Ky., campuses were honored during the Honor Society Induction Ceremony at the Paroquet Springs Conference Center in Shepherdsville, Ky., on Apr. 15. Fortythree outstanding students were inducted into Phi Kappa Phi, Sigma Beta Delta or the Nursing Honor Society. 8

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Phi Kappa Phi inductees at the Kentucky Honor Society Induction Ceremony.

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HOW CAN WE TOP LAST SEASON?

Online Ad to come

WE GOT IT COVERED. Tickets go on sale September 6, 2012. Buy Online at www.theHett.com or Call 618.537.6863 or 1.800.BEARCAT, ext. 6863

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Retirees Reflect on their Careers

r. Murella Bosse, Dr. Bill Haskins, Dr. Martha Eggers and Linda Gordon leave behind a remarkable legacy— a collective 114 years of hard work, commitment, dedication and influence. We asked them to reflect on their McKendree careers, share some parting thoughts and tell us what they look forward to in retirement. Dr. Murella Bosse, professor of psychology, joined the faculty in 1973. It is no exaggeration to say she has influenced every student on campus for years, as she led the development of the University 101 course. I am proudest of our people and students, more specifically: • The growth of the psychology program from one professor and 12 majors to four professors, 10 adjuncts and 115-plus majors. • The admission of psychology students to graduate schools (and every spring the list of these students posted on my office door, an idea I discovered at Technos Institute in Tokyo). • The development of what is now known as University 101 (with the help of a lot of really creative and sharing professors). • The development of the internship program (with the encouragement of my mentor and the former academic dean, Dr. Emerial Owen). I’m also pretty happy about the congratulatory line of faculty at the end of the commencement ceremony. (I got that idea from my son’s commencement at Knox College and Dr. Folk helped me to implement it.)

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Linda Gordon, Dr. Bill Haskins, Dr. Martha Eggers, and Dr. Murella Bosse at their farewell reception on Apr. 23. I will miss the classroom interaction with students, and the creativity involved in designing new courses. Retirement will allow time for oil painting, hugging my grandsons more, Stephen Ministries, working out in the gym, and auditing courses in art, economics and calculus. And traveling— to see Paris and its art, to Hilton Head Island to visit my new grandson, and to an island in Canada for a week with my family at my oldest son’s cabin. I love islands. My advice? Time really goes fast. Start cleaning out your office now. Dr. Bill Haskins, professor of speech communication, taught at the university level for 43 years, the last 27 at McKendree. Some of my proudest moments include receiving the United Methodist Exemplary Teaching Award and the Grandy Faculty Award. They highlight

what I love to do—teach my student scholars! There are few joys that match the feeling of knowing when they not only “get” what I am discussing, but are able to apply the information to benefit their lives, and those they touch. I am proud and humbled by the scholarly endeavors that I have been encouraged to pursue, including more than 50 publications, presentations, a book and monographs. They have helped me be a better teacher and have exposed my students to current thinking in the field of communication. As scholars, our professional obligation is to seek knowledge by exploring topics that contribute to development of our profession and our students. I hope that in some small way this was met. Finally, I had the rare opportunity to be both Associate Dean and Academic Dean, privileged to work with a variety of staff personnel, teachers and students throughout the McKendree community.

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There were many challenging times, but we always seemed to pull together to make this institution a little better each day. I will miss the camaraderie with faculty, staff and students. I hope to maintain some of those ties by attending events or by visiting campus now and then to share a cup of coffee and a laugh with friends.

taught because I personally selected their cooperating teachers and supervised them during student teaching. Our efforts focused on our students, to better prepare them for their teaching profession.

Dr. Martha Eggers, assistant professor of education, was one of only four Education Department members when she began teaching at McKendree in 1984. In 28 years she has been part of the program’s amazing growth.

I am most proud of the excellent reputation our School of Education has among area K-12 school administrators and teachers, thanks to the dedication of our EDU faculty over the years and the excellence of our EDU graduates. I am so proud of the professional educators many of our students (now teacher candidates) have become, whether they are excellent, caring classroom teachers or school administrators. I am especially proud of those that persevered to overcome obstacles as they continued their schooling; juggled family, part-time jobs or athletic responsibilities; met our high standards or set and met their own high standards; and grew into mature, highly effective educators. As a former mathematics educator, I have special pride in my contributions to help prepare new mathematics educators for all grade levels.

My career at McKendree has been rewarding and inspiring. Through it all I’ve been blessed with several colleagues who have become lifelong friends and with many students who are now friends.

I will miss the camaraderie with my EDU colleagues and others throughout the campus who have always respected and supported me and who work so hard in support of the students.

I have many special memories. In the early days I worked very closely with a colleague who was highly revered by the faculty, administrators and students. Measuring up to her quality was a huge challenge. Fortunately, she mentored me, patiently answered my questions, modeled academic advising, freely offered advice and encouragement, listened to my experiences, and guided me in many ways. Our program was growing very quickly in my early years, and we were teaching, advising and placing students for field experiences and student teaching. I still remember where many of our students

I now look forward to a different balance and priorities: less time doing reports and more time better preparing for the teaching I will continue to do; less time doing committee work and more time with family and friends; and less time doing assessments in Live Text and more time not feeling guilty about spending time doing what I want to do in my personal life.

During retirement, my wife Linda and I hope to return to China. I may teach at one of the universities and tour parts of China and other Asian countries. We also want to do more fun stuff with our family: travel, play tennis, take dance lessons and just do silly stuff together! I thank my family for helping me to stay focused on what truly matters in life: love, respect, and kindness for each other.

As a faculty member, I tried to base decisions on what I thought was in the best interest of, and most fair to, the faculty as a whole. As an instructor, I tried

to base decisions on what I thought would benefit my students in the long term, even if it resulted in extra work or less convenience for me. As education generally, and education programs specifically, have more accountability requirements, I hope faculty and administrators never lose sight of our primary purpose: educating students to be the best people and professionals they can be. We are here for the students! Linda Gordon, a faculty secretary for 20 years, calmed the nerves of many a stressed out professor from her first office in Clark Hall, later in Piper Academic Center, and eventually in Carnegie, where she remained a cheerful presence for the past 10.5 years. My time at McKendree has never been dull. With such a wide variety of tasks, I never got bored. I’ve done everything from making paper dolls with faculty pictures as the “dolls,” to helping organize international trips for students and faculty. I’ve put together different manuals for tasks that have been assigned to me, such as Technos, faculty searches and publishers’ information. I feel like the next person to sit behind this desk will find these items helpful in day to day tasks. I would like to be remembered as someone that was easy to work with and willing to do what was requested. I will miss the weekly lunches with my co-workers and the new challenges that kept me busy. In retirement, I look forward to working in the yard more, reading and traveling. I’ve often mentioned that when I retire, I’m going to write a book entitled “From Behind the Desk.” I can’t give any preview to what that will entail. You will have to wait to buy the book. Possibly I could order desk copies for the faculty? Old habits are hard to break.

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ONcampus Commencement Congratulations, Class of 2012 Who: The Class of 2012, representing 31 states and nine countries, was the largest in McKendree’s history.

What: The 172nd commencement exercises. A total of 932 degrees— 581 master’s, 340 bachelor’s and 11 associate’s—were conferred on those who completed their degree requirements in August and December 2011, and May 2012.

When and where: Two ceremonies on Saturday, May 12 on the Lebanon, Ill., campus front lawn and one on Saturday, June 9 at Highview Baptist Church East Campus in Louisville, Ky.

Highest honors: 188 graduated with honors—37 summa cum laude, 83 magna cum laude and 68 cum laude.

Proud parents: On Mothers’ Day weekend, 3 moms crossed the stage with their children: Dede Haselton ’12 and Jennifer Poindexter ’12; Martha Ribes ’12 and Melissa Poelker ’12; and Janice Janek ’12 and Jacob Janek ’12

For more photos from Commencement, click “Photos” on footer of web site. teaching, she has conducted extensive research in sport psychology and uses her expertise to help Bearcat athletes prepare mentally for competition. She has led numerous initiatives, developed faculty workshops, coordinated assessment and accreditation efforts, promoted the use of instructional technology, mentored student research theses, advised student organizations and chaired search committees.

A Second Grandy Award for Dr. Eggleston Dr. Tami Eggleston told herself she would try not to choke up when some of her former students received their diplomas. However, when she was announced the winner of the 2012 William Norman 12

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Grandy Faculty Award for the second time in her McKendree career, the tears came early and unexpectedly. The associate dean and professor of psychology is one of McKendree’s most enthusiastic supporters. She joined the faculty in 1996 and won her first Grandy Award three years later. In addition to

“Students clamor to take her courses regardless of the day or time they are offered or the subject matter involved,” said Maria Page, ’89, MAED ’06 Alumni Association president, as she presented the award. “All know that she is passionate about students, about teaching and learning, and about McKendree University. In fact, one would be hard pressed to find another faculty or staff member who displays as much school spirit, or wears as much purple, as Dr. Eggleston.”

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Sounds of the day: Bagpipes; “Pomp and Circumstance,” national anthem sung by Grace Fisher ’13, cameras clicking

Significant stats: “This afternoon you place yourself in the upper 2% of anyone on this planet.”—Dr. Joseph Cipfl, dean of the graduate school, to those receiving master’s degrees—over 36% of the Class of 2012

English Major Takes Home Top Student Award Since 1992, McKendree University has partnered with the Tanaka Ikueikai Educational Trust of Japan to honor students who have made a significant contribution to the campus community and have resolved to improve international relations. Elizabeth Gershon ’12, of Scott Air Force Base, Ill., received the annual Technos International College Prize, chosen by the faculty for her outstanding academic achievement and commitment to multi-cultural understanding. A non-

Colorfully decorated: Kamuela Loudest ovations: Last

Brito ’12, wore leis brought by his family from Hawaii

undergraduate Bogey D. Bearcat; Brad Gebben ’12; and Maria Billhartz ’12 (for whom someone sounded an air horn)

Parting advice: “We have prepared

Encouraging news: An estimated 97% of McKendree’s 2012 graduates will be employed or in graduate school within 6 months. traditional student and mother of two, Liz graduated with a perfect 4.0 grade point average, double majoring in English and religion. She helped lead the campus Interfaith organization and plan its Global Community Week activities, edited the “Montage” literary magazine, tutored in the Writing Center and volunteered in the community. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi honor society and served as president of the Sigma Tau Delta international English honor society chapter. Liz plans to pursue a Ph.D. and hopes to teach about the intersection of religion and literature. In addition, Nana Sakamoto received the 2012 McKendree University International Certificate during a ceremony at Technos International College on April 11, 2012.

you to do well but now you must also ‘do good.’ Reach out, help others, make a difference in our world, do the right thing.”—President James Dennis

Louisville Nurse Named Spirit Award Winner Amanda Glass ’12, of Shepherdsville, Ky., received the “Spirit of McKendree Award” given for academic excellence and community concern. Glass earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the Louisville campus.

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Commencement

“The kingdom of God is within Senior Class Gift Committee members presented a giant check for $2,012 to Dr. Dennis at the farewell service at the Hett. you,” Rev. Chris Komorech ’07, director of youth ministries at Maryville First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Mo., reminded students during the farewell service at the Hett. “Life is messy, risky and dangerous sometimes. But if you let God work inside of you, you can do amazing things.”

Soccer teammates Joe Sagar ’12 and Richard Henderson ’12 sported the stoles of their native countries, Great Britain and Scotland.

It’s an honor to carry the academic banners, called gonfalons. Janice Albers, MSN ’12 carried in the University gonfalon at the Graduate ceremony. 14

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On the eve of commencement, hundreds gathered outside for a celebratory meal served by faculty, staff and trustees.

Before the ceremony, new graduates receive a lapel pin with the McK logo from the Alumni Association.

“You’ve won national awards in debate and athletics, presented major research papers, lobbied at the State Capitol, endured construction and renovation projects, and witnessed major growth during your time here,” Dr. Dennis told the undergraduates.

Colors lining the detached hood worn by master’s degree recipients differ; brown for the School of Business; light blue for Education; white for Professional Counseling; and gold for Nursing.

Mace bearer Jessica Tieman ’13 carries the University’s symbol of power and authority, during the Undergraduate ceremony.

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Graduate Transforms Obstacles Into Success by Maegan Hafley ’13

final year on the team, Reggie had high expectations for himself. The football team needed him and while he desired to play again, he was nervous about yet another injury and “didn’t want to get hurt again.” The longing to play football outweighed the concerns about a possible injury, and he was back in the game. During the first quarter of the first game of the season, Reggie was on the field trying to work off a tackle when he injured his knee. For three years in a row, he was unable to finish the season. “It was a tough time,” he said. “I was questioning God and couldn’t understand why everything was going bad in my life.” He soon underwent two knee surgeries which progressed into a “gruesome rehab.” At this point, Reggie “felt like a failure in school and in [his] personal life.” He was supposed to stay home for the rest of the

“ Reginald “Reggie” Cloyd ’12, of Danville, Ill., is a true success story. He started his college career with his main focus on football, however after sustaining three season-ending injuries he learned more about himself. After many early mornings of studying that led to even longer days, he gained a new outlook on life and his future: “Don’t ever give up.” Reggie transferred to McKendree as a sophomore with a foot injury and missed the first two football games of the season. He started in the third game, only to rebreak his foot. Unfortunately, his injury was so great he was out the rest of the season. The next year, as a junior, he starred in seven games, during which he tore multiple ligaments in his elbow; he did not finish the season. His third and

Even when it didn’t look like it, God blessed me. He used the adversity in my life for my advantage. God’s plan was perfect for me.

”

semester, but he was not about to give up. He wanted to come back and play and “prove that if you want something bad enough, it is possible.” The one thing that helped keep him feeling positive was his coaches, teammates, and peers at McKendree: “Everyone at McKendree was lifting up my spirits.”

test. His daily schedule was filled from 3 a.m. to 9 p.m. He would wake up at 3 a.m. to study until 6 a.m., work out, go to his two jobs, which were required to pay for school, attend his evening class, go back home to study some more, only to wake up and do it all over again. As much as Reggie studied every day for the LSAT exam, he had the lowest score in his class. He continued to push himself until one day something clicked. With every practice test he took, his score climbed higher until eventually he had the highest score out of all his peers. Reggie applied to 13 law schools and 12 sent him acceptance letters. Out of those 12, three schools offered him full scholarships. He decided on the University of Illinois Law School and will be starting in the fall of 2012. He knows it will be a challenge, but “McKendree has prepared [him] to do well.” Looking back, he reflects on his trials: “Even when it didn’t look like it, God blessed me. He used the adversity in my life for my advantage. God’s plan was perfect for me.” Reggie wants to continue sharing his story with others and to be an example of how to succeed.

Determined to continue, the double major in political science and criminal justice decided he was going to apply for law school. That summer, he signed up for a class to help prepare him for the LSAT

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TAKEfive Jill M. Weil, Assistant Director of Information Technology scary because the years are going by quicker now than they did before. In how many campus buildings have you worked? The first was Carnegie, the old boys’ dorm. There were actually students living up on the third floor, a married couple. From there I went to the lobby of Clark Hall for three months. Then the computer system arrived on campus and I went to the basement of Pearsons. From there I went to the basement of Clark; that was my favorite place. Now I’m in the basement of Piper Academic Center. I said they couldn’t find anyplace lower for me to go, but they continue to find a lower spot.

ill M. Weil is McKendree’s institutional memory, an increasingly rare kind of employee who remains at one workplace for an entire career. Amid the cubicles, servers and hardware of information technology, this self-described “basement dweller’s” colorful office displays her purple pride. How long have you been a McKendree staff member? Since August 1972, 40 years. Harry Statham (men’s basketball coach) and Myron Reese (chemistry professor) have been here longer, since 1966 and 1968. They’re the only two left on my “hit list.” I’ve had a “hit list” in my office for a long time. It’s pretty faded. There were 10 or 12 people on it. As they would leave, I would highlight them off. I tell people, “I came to work at McKendree and forgot to leave.” I graduated (from Lebanon High School) in 1972. My mother told me I could have the summer off but then I had to get a job. I walked to work. I remember hitting 10 years so I could get four weeks of vacation. That was the goal. It’s actually kind of

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there when they made their first trip to nationals. When tore they it down, Coach Statham and I stood out there and watched it and cried. The place has changed a lot since I was a kid. There used to be a street that ran through campus. I grew up on Merrill Street. My dad built houses, so I was all over Lebanon. Why the fondness for purple? Even your stapler is purple. Lebanon is purple. I was a purple Eagle, a purple Greyhound, then purple McKendree. I just like the color. I’d spray my hair purple for football games. It’s very sticky.

Q&A

How your McKendree career begin?

There were no computers when I started. I was the secretary to the director of institutional research, a position funded under a grant. My boss became the vice president for finance and planning. Then we got computers and the programmers arrived in November of ’77. Shortly thereafter I moved down there. Training was hands-on. The disk plates were huge. I do IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) state and federal reporting of enrollment statistics, which are mandatory for the Department of Education. Since I started, it has stayed with me. The paper files in my office go back to 1972. We kept track of student data on 5 x 8 blue index cards. What has been the most dramatic change? You mean what broke my heart? When they tore down Bearcat Gym. I spent a lot of time in there. It had atmosphere. I worked the door for men’s basketball and women’s basketball, some wrestling matches, volleyball. Men’s basketball was

And the purple blazer that hangs in your office?

It was my father’s. Years ago he’d take school athletic teams to events. He’d drive the school buses once in a while and he had this purple blazer. He’d wear it to a couple basketball games in Bearcat Gym. The last time I remember him wearing it was the year the basketball team went to nationals. I took it. It didn’t fit him anymore. I used to wear it on Fridays. If I get cold, I wear it. You drive an antique tractor in local parades. Do you live on a farm?

No, I live on an acre north of Trenton with my animals—goats, chickens, a duck, cats and dogs. I’ve been driving antique tractors in parades since the late ’70s. A friend of mine thought it would be a good thing if I learned how to drive a tractor. I drive a 1930 Wallace. It’s fun. What does the “M” stand for? I’m very funny about that middle initial, I always use that. It stands for Marie.

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Fore! Sight: Golf Course Purchase Doubles Lebanon Campus Acreage

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arely does a University have an opportunity to double

its size overnight but McKendree has done just that. The purchase of Locust Hills Golf Course increased the Lebanon, Ill., campus property from 125 acres to 236. The 18-hole course—built in 1933 and one of Illinois’s oldest— lies a few blocks from campus. One of its fairways is adjacent to the McKendree West student apartment complex on College Road. “This major investment provides us with long-term flexibility for future development,” said Dr. James Dennis, president. The Board of Trustees made the investment as part of its overall strategic plan for the university. No tuition dollars, scholarship dollars or operating support dollars were used for the $1.4 million acquisition. The historic announcement was made at the William McKendree Society dinner on Apr. 21. “Owning the golf course allows us to offer our students a variety of educational opportunities in the future,” said Dr. James Dennis, president. “Locust Hills has natural water features that our biology department could potentially use as an outdoor laboratory to study aquatic organisms and plant habitats,” Dennis said. “Our sport management majors could learn about golf course and recreational facilities management. It’s exciting to imagine the possibilities.” In recent years the University bought several houses and vacant land in the campus vicinity to accommodate its growth and expanded services. “The acquisition of a singular large tract of land is a more prudent investment for long-term development and it enables the expansion of our campus at some point in the future,” Dennis noted. The course will be known as Locust Hills Golf Course at McKendree University. “Our immediate plans are to operate it as a public golf course and to make any necessary improvements or enhancements as we are able,” Dennis said. The University hired Sally Collins as the new general manager and director of golf. She brings over 30 years of experience in the golf industry as a Ladies Professional Golf Association Class A Teaching and Club Professional and director of golf at a 12,000 acre golf community with her to Locust Hills. The University will continue to employ the majority of the current Locust Hills staff, he added, noting that the golf course and clubhouse could create job opportunities for students in the future.

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We Bleed Purple

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Sadie Delashmit ’14 and the Reverend Dr. Don Lowe ’48

When asked their favorite thing about McKendree University, students and alumni frequently focus on the feeling of family. At McKendree it is a special sense of community and mutual investment in student success that unifies alumni, students, faculty, and staff in the McKendree “family.” Yet for some students, McKendree is part of their family’s DNA. The following legacy stories represent four McKendree families who truly “bleed purple.”

Rooted in Tradition by Whitney Fraier All families have traditions, things that have been passed down from generation to generation. To say the Lowe family is rooted in tradition is an understatement. Four generations of the Lowes have attended McKendree and their commitment to the Methodist faith and our institution is still thriving today. On Feb. 20, 1828, John Lowe and younger brother George were among the original 105 stockholders who pledged $10 and $20 respectively to incorporate the Lebanon Seminary, which would later become McKendree College. George Lowe was among the signers of the original articles of organization and was elected as one of the original eight trustees. John paid $5 in tuition costs for the first session of Lebanon Seminary, and since then at least 20 of his descendants have continued their support by attending McKendree. John’s eldest grandson, James Henry Lowe ’1862, was the first family member to graduate from McKendree College and,

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according to family records, all nine of his brothers and sisters were also enrolled during and after the Civil War. James’ mother, Martha Phillips, was the sister of David Whittenburg Phillips who was president of McKendree from 1879–1883. John’s greatgrandson, the Reverend Cecil “C.C.” Lowe ’40, carried on the family tradition in the 20th century, followed by five of his seven children. Sadie Delashmit ’14, of Bloomington, Ill., is the latest member of the Lowe family to walk through the front gates of McKendree. When looking at universities in 2010, Sadie never thought she’d end up at her grandfather’s alma mater. But one visit made her reconsider. “I came to campus and fell in love with the school and the community,” Sadie recalls. Sadie’s love of McKendree was passed down to her from her grandfather, the Reverend Dr. Don Lowe ’48. “I’ve always heard my grandpa talk about his days at McKendree and how important it was to him,” she said. “I am so happy that all of these years he has been ‘preaching’ to me about McKendree, and that I decided to listen. This opportunity has opened many doors for me.”

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John Lowe Family Dr. James H. Lowe ’1862 Sarah E. Lowe Nancy E. (Lowe) Alvis Lucy M. (Lowe) Ober Adolphus G. Lowe Albert A. Lowe Addie (Lowe) Seibert George Frederick Lowe Frank D. Lowe Charles “Edwin” Lowe Samuel Eli Doolen Rev. Cecil “C.C.” Lowe ’40

Carroll C. Lowe ’42 Rev. Dr. Donald Lowe ’48 Rev. Roy Katayama ’50 Dorris M. (Lowe) Young ’51 Kenneth Young ’51 Richard “Dick” Packard ’52 Clara I. (Lowe) Packard ’53 Dorothy M. (Lowe) Katayama Charles Garrett ’65 Kevin D. Wilkins ’07 Sadie Delashmit ’14

Share your McKendree family legacy! Did your parents attend McKendree? Your grandparents? Do all of your aunts and uncles or siblings call McKendree their alma mater? Send us your family’s legacy connections and we’ll share your story—and photos— on The Magazine for McKendree Online.

E-mail alumni@mckendree.edu with LEGACY as the subject of your email. Tell us what McKendree has meant to your family. Please include your name, class year and contact information (not for publication) with the following information: The names, majors and class years of your MCK family members. Don’t forget to include their relationship to you. If you are interested in learning more about how you can give back to McKendree or establish an endowed scholarship, please visit us online at www.mckendree.edu/giving. The family honored Agnes and Cecil Lowe with an endowed scholarship in their name.

Preaching comes naturally to Don. He comes from a long family line of Methodist ministers and was a former district superintendent of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. He also served on the McKendree Board of Trustees for over 30 years and received an honorary doctorate in 1970. While a religion student at McKendree, Don was extremely involved on campus, serving as president of the student body, Student Christian Association, and Philo; editor of the McKendree Review; and a member of the Ex-G.I. Club, Sigma Tau Delta, Student Faculty Council, basketball squad and track team. Sadie’s grandfather instilled in her the importance of continuing her education and how instrumental McKendree has been in her family history. Sadie’s Methodist heritage and commitment to helping others has led her to major in education. Her goal is to teach in the toughest school districts in the nation. “I want to work at a school with disadvantaged students,” said Sadie. “I am not afraid to be in a struggling school district. I am up for a challenge and excited to one day be able to make a difference in my students’ lives.”

To help your family grow your legacy, visit the Admission Office web page.

Out of the classroom, Sadie is involved with Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow; the Center for Public Service; and the women’s soccer team. The Lowe family connection to McKendree has played such an important role in the family’s history that in 2005 a special endowed scholarship was established by the family and named in honor of Sadie’s great-grandparents—The Cecil C. and Agnes C. Lowe Scholarship. Cecil and Agnes encouraged their children to pursue their education and were dedicated to their family, the ministry, and their community. The scholarship is given to a student who is pursuing a second career in the ministry, is a member of Kinmundy United Methodist Church, or is a resident of Marion County, Ill. And so, a new generation of McKendree students continues to benefit from the legacy and journey of one family.

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Siblings Make Their ‘Marks’ Megan Mark ’11, MBA ’13 and Joe Mark, MBA ’12

ove over, Marx brothers: There are new Marks making history now with siblings Joe Mark, MBA ’12 and Megan Mark ’11, MBA ’13, of Collinsville, Ill., blazing the trail at McKendree University and Nestle Purina. Megan, a 2011 business marketing graduate, and older brother Joe were both part of McKendree’s MBA program this past year. “My brother and I are about eight years apart, so being at the same school was a new experience for us,” she said. “Having a class together was a little strange at first, but it was great to be able to work on a project together. We often discussed classes and teachers, swapped books, etc.” In February, Megan joined her brother at Nestle Purina as a order revenue management associate. Joe currently serves as the finance manager for the Customer Development Group. “Sometimes walking into work is just surreal,” Megan said. I remember my first time visiting Purina when I was in high school and Joe was showing me around. I told him, ‘This is where I want to work when I grow up!’ He simply said, ‘Keep on working hard and you can.’ I’ve always looked up to my brother and I am proud to follow in his footsteps.”

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by Theresa Schmidt ’10

Working at Nestle Purina, Megan and Joe’s footsteps are often accompanied by a set of paw prints. “I love pets,” said Joe. “There’s an emotional side to the pets that you don’t get [with other product lines]. As an employee, you can bring your dog to work. Right outside my office there’s a little dog park that they have on campus. It’s really cool.” In addition to the opportunity to work alongside her fourlegged companion “Finn” (pictured above), Purina offers a respect for lifelong learning that is similar to McKendree’s, Megan explains. “At McKendree, the idea of lifelong learning is instilled in students. I came into the company with an eagerness to learn and a ‘sponge’ mentality of absorbing every bit of information possible. McKendree always taught me that learning didn’t end at graduation and Purina completely embraces the same philosophy.” The siblings also share a passion for service. Megan was instrumental in the founding of the University’s first national sorority, Sigma Sigma Sigma, and currently volunteers with Young Variety of St. Louis. Joe, a 2011 St. Louis Business Journal 30 Under 30 award recipient, is on the board of Young Variety of St. Louis and is the alumni board president for the Illinois Nu chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon.

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When John Schomaker ’80 was still enrolled in high school, his big sister Barb headed off to college. She didn’t go far— just a 20-minute drive from their New Baden, Ill., home. Most nights, she joined her family around the table for dinner. “McKendree was a commuter school for all of us back then,” explained John, who now serves on the University’s alumni board of directors. “Barb went there. So I went there. I never did consider going anywhere else.”

toward a bachelor’s degree in English. Both plan to pursue teaching careers. “Let’s see, that’s ten family members who went there,” the accountant said, doing the math. “Obviously, we were impressed with the school. When I was a kid, going to McKendree held down some costs. It was more economical living at home.” But the education he received was invaluable.

The family tradition continued. “It worked out so well for Barb (’78) and me that our younger sister, Monica (’84), also attended McKendree,” John said proudly. “And that’s not the half of it. Barb’s husband, Tom Wolfslau, graduated from McKendree in ’76. Both of their kids, Jamie (’06, MAED ‘13) and Justin (’07), wound up going there. And Monica’s husband, Mike Hellmann (’84), and their son, Matthew (’08, MBA ‘13), went there, too.” A certified public accountant with Rice, Sullivan and Co., Ltd., in Swansea, Ill., John displays his McKendree business administration diploma on the wall behind his desk. The accountant’s son, Christopher Schomaker ’12, graduated with a degree in education from McKendree in December. And his daughter, Sarah Schomaker ’13, currently is working

“I was the first generation of my family to attend college,” said John. “My parents didn’t go to college so they didn’t have any experience in how to go about selecting colleges. McKendree was known for its teaching program—it still is—and the accounting program was very strong. I know going to school there was the right move for me.” “When I started at McKendree, it was a small, hometown campus,” he recalled fondly. “The gym was in a Quonset hut.” Though the campus has grown, it’s commitment to students has not wavered. “They still teach students one-on-one,” said John. I know firsthand from my kid’s experiences, if you have questions, the teachers are available for consultations.”

A Family Affair by Michelle Meehan Schrader

Sarah Schomaker ’13, John Schomaker ’80, Nancy Schomaker, and Christopher Schomaker ’12

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Keeping It All In The Family by Angela (Grossmann) Roewe ’98

Janet (Klein) Butler ’81, Kendall Butler ’16, and Vince Butler ’81

For Janet (Klein) Butler ’81 and her husband, Vince ’81, life together wouldn’t be what it is today had it not been for McKendree. Not only did the University shape these alums’ minds, but their hearts as well, and now the Bearcat tradition will live on through their children. Vince and Janet met on campus. After graduation, they settled into their careers, married, and began their life together in O’Fallon, Ill. Decades later as their eldest daughter Kendall began her search for higher learning, she didn’t look too far to make a solid decision. Her parents’ utmost respect for McKendree and the close distance to her childhood home made it an easy decision because, after all, there’s no place like home. Kendall, a 2012 graduate of O’Fallon Township High School (OTHS) in O’Fallon, Ill., will move on campus this August and begin her collegiate golf career on a scholarship just as her father did during his days on campus.

“I always had good teachers and many of them impacted my life,” she said. “I want to do the same thing, and McKendree has an excellent education program and connections to local schools, which will help me after I graduate.” Janet and Vince couldn’t be happier that she is following in their footsteps. “Having her less than ten minutes away on campus is also a bonus,” said Janet, who majored in business administration. “She can come home whenever she wishes to get away, or bring her University friends home for the night. We love knowing we will be close enough to see her matches and watch her continue to grow. We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful University in our own backyard. I secretly wish I were the one going back, especially now with all the new and exciting things happening there. So much has changed at McKendree since Vince and I attended there.”

Kendall received high ranks in the classroom and on the golf course in high school, earning Honors Society and National Spanish Honors Society recognition, as well as First Team AllConference, All-Academic Conference, and All-Area golf recognition. She also holds the OTHS record for lowest round of golf.

Vince is proud of his oldest daughter and secretly hopes his youngest daughter Blair, 16, also comes to love the campus as much as the rest of the family does before her high school career comes to a close.

Golf wasn’t always a priority for Kendall. Despite her father’s love and experience with the game, she didn’t develop an appreciation for the sport until an OTHS coach asked her to give it a shot during her sophomore year.

“It would be great to see both of our children walk with their McKendree degrees as Janet and I did,” said Vince, a longtime McKendree volunteer and basketball season ticket holder. “We used to take Kendall in her pumpkin seat to all the home McKendree basketball games, and Blair, too. We all grew up there really, and that is what I call a family tradition.”

“I realized I did enjoy it, and I was pretty good at it,” Kendall said, “and things just went from there.”

Kendall, who can’t wait to get into the swing of things at McKendree, plans to major in secondary education and minor in Spanish.

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Legacy Photos Cheered on by family at the 172nd Commencement ceremony, many of this year’s graduates participated in a tradition that has extended for multiple generations.

Left: The Reverend Dr. Miley Palmer ’58 and grandaughter, Maggie O’Connor ’12 Center: Sisters, Amanda Klaus ’07, Melissa Klaus ’12, and Barbie (Klaus) Weis ’06

Online

Legacy Stories Check out the online version of The Magazine for McKendree to read more legacy stories.

Right: Bill Powell ’52 and grandson, Nick Schwalb ’12

They Bleed People Too: Meet the Board of Trustees Board of Trustees members demonstrated their leadership, support and “purple pride” at their annual spring meeting in May.

Front row: Gary Wilson, Don Metzger, Phil Schwab ’70, Dan Dobbins ’81, John Bailey ’76, Dan Lett ’91, Barb (Klingelhoefer) Carstens ’86; Second row: Jim Poneta, Mike Marchal, Ed Weston, Valerie Thaxton ’76, Lucia Graham, Nick Tropiano ’69, Carl Draper ’60, Ed McGlynn ’69; Back row: Paul Funkhouser ’70, Allen Cassens, Mark Turner, Tom Holloway, Mike Gauble ’66, George Obernagel ’78, Miley Palmer ’58, Dale Cruse ’55, Jim Dennis; Not Pictured: Jamie Auffenberg, Georgia Costello ’77, Bob Edwards ’57, Jeff Lanter ’85, Carl Lee, Jackie Leemon ’85, Gregory Palmer, Ralph Totten ’53, and Sylvester Weatherall ’88

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Why Do Bearcat Fans Wear Purple?

by Dr. Tami Eggleston If you watch or attend a football game, a baseball game or other sporting event you surely notice that many fans dress alike. The “sea of red” at St. Louis Cardinals’ games, the large yellow “cheeseheads” of the Green Bay Packers, and the purple pride of McKendree Bearcat supporters exemplify what social and sport psychologists call fan behavior. A non-sports fan may find it difficult to understand the seemingly odd, sometimes bizarre behavior of some fans—painting letters on their bare chests or cheering their team on in icy cold weather, for example. Let’s take a look at some social psychological and sport psychology theories to make sense of the underlying reasons many of us want to connect with our favorite teams. At McKendree University, this means wearing purple! The most basic reasoning behind fan behavior can be found in psychology professor Abraham Maslow’s classic hierarchy of needs. This theory postulates that all human beings are driven to behave in ways to meet certain needs. The lower, more basic physiological needs of food, water and safety must be met to continue moving up the hierarchy. (Not much of this relates to fan behavior unless you count hungry fans buying food and drinks at the concession stand.) At the next level is a very important human need: social interaction or belonging. Maslow and other psychologists believe that we have a true need to fit in. When we dress alike in our school or team colors, we feel an immediate sense of belonging. Closely related is a social psychology theory of the “in group/out group.” It suggests that we have a strong desire to be part of a group; the one we belong to is our “in group.” People subscribe many positive traits to their “in group.” On our campus, T-shirts 26

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that read “We Are ALL Bearcats” help to promote inclusion and acceptance. Moving up the hierarchy after social and belonging needs are met, next comes self-esteem or how we feel about ourselves overall. Sport psychologists have found that for many of us, identifying with sports teams boosts our self-esteem. It’s no surprise that research shows winning teams sell more apparel than losing ones. On days after a big victory, more fans wear their team’s colors than on days after a loss. You’ll hear them say things like, “We won!” I regularly tell people, “We won the women’s bowling NAIA nationals last year!” As if I were out there throwing strikes! Although I don’t bowl on the team, I want to be part of its success so I wear purple and it does increase my self-esteem when the Bearcats win. A related theory is called “basking in reflected glory.” This suggests that we like to surround ourselves and affiliate with winners in the hope that some of this positive energy will rub off. The flip side is that some of us can get pretty depressed and sad when our team loses. The next time you put on McKendree purple, consider whether you are doing so to fit in, to increase your self-esteem, or maybe you just like the color. GO BEARCATS! Dr. Tami Eggleston, Professor of Psychology and Associate Dean, is a registered sport psychology consultant with the U.S. Olympic Committee. In addition to the McKendree Bearcats, she roots for the St. Louis Cardinals, the Green Bay Packers, and a variety of NASCAR and drag racers (including her husband, Mike).

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Perspectives on Purple In ancient Greece, Bogey the Bearcat might have been called porphyrous. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word “purple” is derived from the Greek porphyra or porphyrous, a seldom used adjective describing “someone that has a purple color.” McKendree’s official color appears on everything from logos, athletic jerseys and diploma covers to T-shirts, street banners and rubber wristbands. In the fight song, we promise to “honor the purple and white.” Mention purple to art professor David Ottinger and “two paintings come to mind instantly: John Singer Sargent’s portrait of “Lady Agnew,” most likely the most lovely painting of a women dressed in purple ever painted, and Renoir’s ‘Purple Landscape’.” A scientist offers another perspective. “Purple color opens our eyes to the colors of the world at the high energy end of the visible spectrum,” explains Dr. Feza Ozturk, professor of chemistry. “Our eyes are blind to most wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum. We can only see the wavelengths of light between 0.7 micrometer (lowest energy) and 0.4 micrometer (highest energy) where the purple wavelength is located. After purple, the unseen world of ultraviolet starts.” In an English class, “purple prose” describes writing that is flowery, overly descriptive or self-indulgent. “It was a dark and stormy night,” the most infamous example, was first penned by Edward Bulwer-Lytton, a 19th century English nobleman and novelist. (He also gave us “the “almighty dollar” and “the pen is mightier than the sword.”) An annual contest named for him rewards fiction writers for creative use of extravagant, over-thetop language. “When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple, with a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me,” wrote English authorjournalist Jenny Joseph in 1961. The opening lines of her poem “Warning” celebrates aging with a carefree attitude and later inspired the Red Hat Society for ladies 50 and older.

Purple reminds Dr. Darryn Diuguid, assistant professor of education, of… Danitra Brown. “My Children’s Literature class reads the award-winning book Meet Danitra Brown, by poet Nikki Grimes,” he says. “In the poem, ‘Purple’ she writes, ‘Danitra is most splendiferous girl in town,’ and ‘if you see a girl in purple, it must be Danitra Brown.’ It makes me think she would fit in perfectly at McKendree.” “At many competitions, a blue ribbon designates a first place winner but a purple ribbon designates a champion—the winner chosen from all of the first place winners,” points out Dr. Brenda Doll, assistant professor and director of teacher education. “Many of life’s great lessons can be learned on the playing field,” notes Dr. Deanne Riess, associate professor of health and physical education, drawing a comparison to the battlefield. “In athletics and sport one might say there are moments of bravery and courage displayed at many different levels.” The Purple Heart, awarded for being wounded in combat or given posthumously to one’s next of kin, is a symbol of bravery and courage. It is the U.S. military’s oldest medal; the original cloth Purple Heart ribbon was given by General George Washington to only three soldiers during the American Revolution. “Historically, purple wampum was the most valued and valuable wampum among northeastern Native Americans,” says Dr. Pat Folk, Deneen Memorial Professor of History. They wove the tubular beads made from mollusk shells into belts and exchanged them as currency with the colonists. The distinctive purple edge on the shell of the quahog clam Mercinaria mercinaria remains highly prized for ornamental and ceremonial use. The Minoans—a Bronze Age civilization on the island of Crete—and later the Phoenicians, were the first to develop a purple dye, drop by drop from mollusks found along the eastern Mediterranean shore near Tyre. Rare and difficult to obtain, “Tyrian purple” became associated with wealth and royalty. The Magazine for

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Purple and Proud

Top Five Things Every Bearcat Tailgater Needs Here is a list of must haves which are guaranteed to make your tailgate spectacular.

Chair & Table. The folding chair, preferably one emblazoned with the McK logo, is a bare minimum for the tailgater. Every tailgater needs a comfy place to sit down behind his or her vehicle in order to participate in the festivities. Another item that lays the foundation of a good tailgate is at least one high quality folding table to hold all the pre-game food.

Pop-up Tent. Not every tailgater has one of these, but everyone should. A portable, pop-up tent or canopy can provide shade and protection in all types of weather.

Cooking Equipment. Few prepare food ahead of time. Instead, the majority grill, smoke, or fry foods on site. A tailgate would not be complete without hamburgers and hot dogs straight off the grill or French fries from the deep fryer.

Students show their purple pride as part of a special group of fans who sit in a reserved section of the stands known as the “Purple Pit.”

Cooler. When you have drinks before the big game they should be cold. It only makes sense that the bigger the cooler, the better.

Fan Gear. It is important to consider “what to wear.” As a true Bearcat fan, you need to be completely clad in purple and white. Beads, jerseys, foam fingers, hats, face paint... whatever it takes. Check out the bookstore’s newest fan gear at www.mckendreebooks.net.

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Alums Toby (Johnston) Brown ’78, husband, Clyde ’76, and daughter Jenny (Brown) Palmer ’04, are loyal Bearcat football tailgaters.

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BEARCATathletics

Show Your Bearcat Spirit ORDER YOUR OFFICIAL McKENDREE ATHLETICS GEAR

McKendree Bearcat Makes Team USA by Scott Cummings Adam “A.J.” Johnson ’15 earned a spot on Team USA, thanks to a third-place finish at the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Team USA Trials back in January. In addition to making the Team USA roster, A.J. also qualified to be a member of the Junior Team USA. The Junior squad is open to individuals 20 or younger. A.J. is one of 20 members on both Team USA and Junior Team USA. He joined several notables on Team USA who have made their mark in the professional ranks, including reigning United States Bowling Congress Queens champion Diandra Asbaty, reigning Professional Bowlers Association Player of the Year Sean Rash, and PBA Triple Crown winner Chris Barnes. “This has been my dream and goal since I was a little kid,” he said. “To have it

happen is surreal—it’s really left me speechless. All the time and energy I have put into bowling and practice seems to have paid off. This has been incredible and I’m looking forward to representing my country. Having the letters USA on my back anywhere I go is the greatest feeling you could have in this sport.” The sophomore sport management major from Oswego, Ill., began training with Team USA—for both the men’s squad and the Junior team—in May at the International Training and Research Center (ITRC) in Arlington, Tx.

Height: 6' 1'' Throws: Right

McKendree sports fans can now order gear online to support their favorite Bearcat teams. Thanks to a partnership with McKendree athletics, Curt Smith Sporting Goods, Under Armour and Required Team Gear, fans can select from a variety of sportspecific apparel to wear for the coming sports seasons. Order your McKendree athletics gear today at www.mckbearcats.com

GET YOUR TICKETS TO MCKENDREE ATHLETIC EVENTS TODAY! Purchase individual game tickets or season parking passes atwww.mckbearcats.com

FOLLOW THE BEARCATS ONLINE Want to hear audio of McKendree athletic contests? Tune in to listen to live audio play-by-play of Football, Men’s and Women’s Soccer and Men’s and Women’s Basketball games on the Bearcat Sports Network at www.mckbearcats/listenlive.

Age Started Bowling: 4 Memorable Bowling Moment: A.J. set two Illinois state high school records with four 300s in three weeks and an 857 series. He has seven career 300 games and three career 800 series.

All McKendree football games will also air live on the flagship station for Bearcat football in Southern Illinois WIBV-FM (102.1). Can’t attend the game? Check out www.mckbearcats.com for availability of live stats for home contests.

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BEARCATathletics Chuck Brueggemann ’88 Heads Bearcat Athletics by Scott Cummings Charles “Chuck” Brueggemann ’88 has returned to his alma mater as the new athletic director. “McKendree has always had a special place in my heart,” said Chuck. “I love this institution and understand the role competition can play in a young person’s life.” Chuck comes to McKendree after spending the last two years as the senior vice president for business development at Jim’s Formal Wear in Trenton, Ill., preceded by 25 years as an officer with the Illinois State Police (ISP). He was the first deputy director with the ISP, the second highest-ranking state police officer in Illinois prior to his retirement in 2010. He managed a workforce of nearly 3,500 officers and civilian personnel, plus overseeing all aspects of the law enforcement agency. Chuck has also served as the varsity softball coach at nearby Wesclin High School. Along with his coaching duties, he was able to raise funds for improvements at the Warriors’ home facility at Trenton City Park.

sports information director, as well as the student athletic trainer and emergency medical technician. “We are extremely pleased to have Chuck join the McKendree family as our Director of Intercollegiate Athletics,” said Dr. James Dennis. “His credentials are impressive and I believe our athletics department, and the University as a whole, will benefit from his diverse background. Chuck has proven his abilities not only from a leadership standpoint, but in the areas of planning, marketing and fundraising.” “Being an alum of McKendree, Chuck has a love for the institution and a genuine desire to lend his skills to his alma mater,” added Dennis.

During his undergraduate days at McKendree, Chuck served as the student

Chuck is coming aboard at a key point in McKendree athletics history, as the Bearcats conclude the second year of a two-year candidacy period in transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II membership. Accepted by the Great Lakes Valley Conference in the fall of 2010, the Bearcats will begin play in the 16-member league this fall. “This is an exciting time for McKendree University, and I am thrilled to be a part of what is sure to be a successful transition into NCAA Division II and the Great Lakes Valley Conference. During my tenure the focus will always be on the student-athlete, the teams and the University.” Chuck and his wife, Susan, reside in Trenton, Ill. They have two daughters, Beth and Alicia.

BEARCAT FOOTBALL SCHEDULE 9/1

Bearcats vs. Tiffin University, Tiffin, Ohio at 1:30 p.m. ET 9/8 Henderson State University vs. Bearcats, Leemon Field at 1:30 p.m. 9/15 Missouri University of Science and Technology vs. Bearcats, Leemon Field at 6 p.m.

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9/22 Bearcats vs. University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Ind. at 6 p.m. ET 9/29 Bearcats vs. Kentucky Wesleyan College, Owensboro, Ky. at 6 p.m. 10/6 William Jewell College vs. Bearcats, Leemon Field at 1:30 p.m.

10/13 Bearcats vs. Quincy University, Quincy, Ill. at 1 p.m. 10/20 Bearcats vs. Urbana University, Urbana, Ohio at Noon ET 11/3 Central State University vs. Bearcats, Leemon Field at 1:30 p.m. 11/10 Saint Joseph’s College vs. Bearcats, Leemon Field at 1:30 p.m.

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Lisa Orlet, Head Coach, Volleyball Lisa was the assistant volleyball coach and interim head coach at Washington University in St. Louis in 2011. She has also served as the strength and conditioning coach and assistant coach at Saint Louis University, head volleyball coach at Althoff Catholic High School, and head volleyball coach at Incarnate Word Academy of St. Louis. She is currently a USA Olympic High Performance Coach at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. On the court, Lisa won four state titles during her high school career at Incarnate Word. She continued her playing career at the University of Kansas, where she was an Academic All-America honoree in 1989 and a member of the Big 8 AllTournament team in 1990. Donny Sheehan, Head Coach, Men’s Soccer

New Coaches Lead Lacrosse, Volleyball and Men’s Soccer With a new year upon us and many new faces around the coaching table, this is an exciting time for the McKendree athletics department. Two veteran multi-sport coaches, Tim Strange and Evelyn Bean, have stepped aside from leading men’s soccer and volleyball to focus on just one sport and three new head coaches have been hired to lead the Bearcat lacrosse, men’s soccer and volleyball squads.

Brittany Poist, Head Coach, Women’s Lacrosse Brittany was the director of lacrosse at Champions Field House in Rockville, Md. She is a member of the United States Senior National Lacrosse Team and had a standout defender career for the University of Maryland Terrapins, which included a 2009 national semifinal run and 2010 national championship. Brittany began her collegiate playing career at the University of Louisville, where she led the nation with 56 caused turnovers and received All-Rookie team honors from WomensLacrosse.com for the Cardinals.

Donny joined the Bearcats in 2002 as the assistant men’s and women’s soccer coach. He worked primarily with the goalkeepers, and also served as the head coach of the men’s reserve soccer team. During his tenure overseeing the goalkeepers, the men’s and women’s teams posted overall goals-against averages of 1.19 and 0.88, respectively. Donny was previously an assistant coach at Gibault High School in Waterloo, Ill., and has been a coach in Major League Soccer summer camps. In the summer of 2006, he was coach of the Scott Gallagher under-23 national champions. For the past six years, Donny has worked with Elite FT in Glen Carbon, Ill., giving personal soccer lessons and training. On the field, he was the goalkeeper at Eastern Illinois University, Belleville Area College and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. In college, he spent time overseas training with Wimbledon FC of the English Premier League.

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CLASSnotes 50’s Rev. Dr. Miley Palmer ’58 was honored with a 2012 Distinguished Alumnus award at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary’s commencement in Evanston, Ill., on May 11. This year also marked the 50th anniversary of his graduation from the institution.

60’s Harry Statham ’61 was named to the NAIA 75th anniversary All-Star team in March 2012. Ruth Ann (Hanes) Hamilton ’67, and husband John ’68, completed a 406-mile bike ride down the Natchez Trace Parkway riding from Nashville, Tenn., to Jackson, Miss., from March 11-18. During the ride, a fundraiser for The Fuller Center for Housing, the Hamiltons were housed in small United Methodist churches. The couple resides in Springfield, Ill.

70’s Wilmar (Losch) Bergmann ’70 received another bachelor’s degree in social work from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kan., and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Ks.. She is employed as a social worker at Via Christi Village, a nursing home located in Pittsburg, Kan. Larry Baldwin ’74 returned as head men’s basketball coach at Cairo High School in Cairo, Ill. He was also the head coach from 1994 to 2007.

Shop the Bookstore! Show off your Bearcat spirit with official McK apparel, gifts and more. Check out our store on the Lebanon campus or visit us online at www.mckendreebooks.net.

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Jim Shaw ’75 is the vice president of the Department of Defense cyber and information assurance programs at Camber Corporation in Birmingham, Ala.

Rev. Sylvester Weatherall ’88 was recently named Spoon River District Superintendent in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference.

Carl Gregorich ’76 was ordained as a permanent deacon at St. Joan of Arc in the Diocese of Joliet on Aug. 27, 2011. Bill James ’76 is the vice president of the air force business unit at SRA International in Fair Lakes, Va. Scott Penny ’78 was appointed as the 113th district state representative in the Illinois General Assembly in November 2011.

80’s Cathy (Wojtowicz) Karrick ’83 was inducted into the Kaskaskia College (KC) Athletic Hall of Fame in February 2012. Cathy served as head women’s volleyball coach from 1988 to 1994, compiling a record of 131-92. She received a Tachakara Victory Club Award in 1992 for 100 career victories. Cathy is employed at Kaskaskia College in Centralia, Ill., as director of public information and coordinator of the KC Sports Association. She also supports and creates many special functions and programs that benefit the college and students to include the “Adopt an Athlete” program. Under Cathy’s leadership, the 1990 volleyball team was also inducted into the KC Hall of Fame in 2012 and McKendree graduates Dana (Holtgrave) Obermeier ’00 and Patti (Rudolphi) Heard ’93 were members of that team. Lisa Jones Guilliams ’84 is pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church in Granite City, Ill. She graduated with a master of divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Ky., and was ordained as an elder in June 2011 at the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference in Peoria, Ill. This summer she completed her 9th year as pastor at Trinity.

90’s Dr. Brian Frederking ’90 was initiated into McKendree’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter on April 20. Casey Lobring ’95 is a patent attorney at Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, LLP in San Diego, Calif. Dr. Adam Peck ’95 published “Overloaded with information, students need critical thinking” in the University World News, an online publication based in London. He and his wife Michele ( Jackson) Peck ’99 founded APEX Educational Programs, a consulting firm to help create culture change within higher education institutions. They reside in Nacogdoches, Texas. Scott Brennan ’96 is a partner with Sikich LLP. He oversees the technology office in St. Louis, Mo. Wendy LaBenne ’97 was one of eight individuals selected for the National Career Development Association’s Leadership Academy for her work as a career counselor at Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Mo. She also recently published an article entitled “Networking for Introverts: Tips and Techniques for Career Counselors” featured in the National Career Development Association’s web magazine, Career Convergence. Shawn Wilson ’97, MBA ’12 was initiated into McKendree’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter on April 20. Shawn is the team leader for material handling at Ford Motor Company in Louisville, Ky.

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Lori (Rehmet) Moore ’98 is an award-winning author and recently released her new book entitled Hannah the Hedgehog Goes to Heaven, which is a child’s flip book helping kids’ deal with pet death. She resides in Louisville, Ky. Curt Zurliene ’98 is a vice president and loan officer of Farm Credit Services of Illinois. Anthony Arnold ’99 is the principal of Avery School in Webster Groves, Mo. He was named the 2012 Exemplary New Principal by the St. Louis Suburban School District of the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals.

00’s Joe Blasdel ’00 received the first annual Dr. Gina Lane Award from the Sisters and Allies Against Inequality in Debate (SAAID) in April 2012. He was also elected as vice-president of the National Parliamentary Debate Association Board of Trustees. Joe is an instructor of political science and coach of the McKendree debate team.

John A. Vereb ’02, ’07 is a nurse manager for the emergency department at Norton Hospital in Louisville, Ky. Glen Kinder IV ’02 was promoted to procurement analyst for acquisition system with the USDA Forest Service in Washington, D.C. Glen has been with the Forest Service since 2003 working in several different positions.He lives in Eddyville, Ky. Kelly Meyer ’02 is the associate coordinator of the writing center at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Neb., and is completing her Ph.D. program in composition and rhetoric. Last fall, she participated on a panel at the Midwest Modern Language Association conference in St. Louis, Mo. Lori (Colley) Fassler ’03, MSN ’12 was honored as an outstanding graduate student by the School of Nursing & Health Professions at the annual McKendree Honor’s Day on April 20. Lori is a nurse at Alton Memorial Hospital in Alton, Ill. Jeanine Horner ’03 and Dustin Hess were married on Dec. 27, 2010 on a cruise in the Caribbean. The couple resides in Peoria, Ill.

Jana (Fischer) Brady ’00 is a partner with the firm Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen in Rockford, Ill. Heather (Heenan) Cugini ’01 finished medical school in 2006 and did her residency in OB/GYN in New Jersey. She now resides in Jackson, Mo., where she works for a private practice. She is married to Dr. Greg Cugini and has two children, Anthony and Mia.

Pictured from l. to r.: Becky (Gehling) Kolb ’02; Kelly Meyer ’02; Dr. John Greenfield; Dr. Brenda Boudreau; and Emily Kelly ’14.

Staying Connected Has Never Been So Easy! With all of our official online networks, staying in touch with your friends and classmates after graduation and connecting with McKendree alumni has never been so easy! Sign-up for one of our online networks today! New McKendree App—Thanks to student Dusty Page, who recently created a iPhone/iPad app as part of his senior project, this easy accessible app is now available for free. We encourage all Apple users to download the app today by visiting www.itunes.apple.com! Facebook—Become a fan of the Bogey D. Bearcat alumni group on the most popular online networking site in the world. Stay connected, catch up with classmates, and see what is happening on campus. Linkedin—For our professionals (or new graduates) we encourage you to connect with other McKendree alumni on Linkedin. Discover business opportunities, search for great jobs, make inside connections that can help you land jobs, and get introduced to fellow alumni through this networking site.

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CLASSnotes Tommy Kupferer, Jr. ’03 has been offered early admission into medical school at the University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pikeville, Ky. Matt Laur ’03 was one of 60 players named to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics 75th anniversary All-Star basketball team in March 2012. He played at McKendree from 2000 to 2003 and is currently the assistant coach at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, Ill. Emily Woods ’04 is a chiropractic physician and new patient coordinator at South County Pain Institute in St. Louis, Mo. Nicholas French ’05 was promoted to area coordinator for the Special School District of St. Louis County. He supervises the special education staff and develops programming for students with disabilities at five schools in the Hazelwood School District in Hazelwood, Mo. Ashley Green ’05 is a corporate recruiter with Cass Information Systems, Inc., an international logistics and expense management company, in Bridgeton, Mo. Crosby Grimmer ’05, MAED ’12 was honored as an outstanding graduate student by the School of Education at the annual McKendree Honors Day on April 20. She is a third grade teacher at St. Jacob Elementary School in St. Jacob, Ill.

What’s New With You? Have you moved recently? Have you had a career or family change? Do you need to just update your email address? We want to hear from you. Email your new contact information to alumni@mckendree.edu.

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Nathan Mason ’05 is the head men’s soccer coach at William Woods University in Fulton, Mo. Janie Tompson ’05 is a family nurse practitioner at Weber Medical Clinic in Olney, Ill. Keri Dix ’06, MAED ’12 was initiated into McKendree’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter on April 20. Sheldon Matthews ’06 was honored as the 2012 Missouri Air National Guard’s Outstanding First Sergeant of the Year. He joined in 2000 after serving nine years as an active duty Air Force member. He serves with the 239th Combat Communications Squadron, headquartered at the 131st Bomb Wing Air National Guard Base at Lambert—St. Louis International Airport, where he is the squadron first sergeant. He is also a full-time systems engineer at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Mitchell McLaurin ’06, MBA ’12 was initiated into McKendree’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter on April 20. Lisa Stejskal, MAED ’06 was named 2011 Physical Therapist Assistant of the Year by the Illinois Physical Therapy Association. Lisa is a senior adjunct instructor at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, Ill. Allison MacDonald ’07 and Kevan Ross were married on Oct. 15, 2011 in Sarasota, Fla. Allison is a finance and compliance associate at Employee Family Protection, Inc. The couple resides in New Britain, Conn.

Kelly Beiermann ’08 and Grant Evans were married on May 12, 2012 in Trenton, Ill. Kelly is employed as channel marketing specialist at Legrand Cablofil in Mascoutah, Ill. Erin Conner ’08 graduated from Saint Louis University School of Law in May 2011. She passed the July 2011 Illinois Bar Examination and works as an assistant public defender in St. Clair County.

Ashley Garland ’08 and Justin Simpson were married on Sept. 24, 2011 in Belleville, Ill. Ashley is a mental health case manager for Behavioral Health Alternatives in Wood River, Ill., and will begin her master’s degree in professional counseling this fall. The couple resides in Belleville, Ill. Jessica Menner ’08 and Shawn Oertwig ’07 were married on May 29, 2010 at Hidden Lake Winery in Aviston, Ill. Jessica is a research technician at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Mo. Shawn is a junior commercial loan officer at Heartland Bank in Clayton, Mo. The couple resides in Arnold, Mo. Stephen Kissel ’09 graduated with a master’s degree in U.S. history from Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Mo., and is pursuing his doctoral degree. He also works at the Lighthouse for the Blind, where he is involved with enhancing accessibility for several St. Louis attractions. Alicia Oller ’09, MBA ’12 was initiated into McKendree’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter on April 20.

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Do you have a new Bearcat in your family? Naureen (Stack) Frierdich ’05, and husband Steve ’04, announce the birth of Avery Grace on Dec. 24, 2011. She joins big brother Chanse.

Send an announcement and photo of your little Bearcat and he/she may be printed in a future edition of The Magazine for McKendree. Please send high-resolution digital images to alumni@mckendree.edu. Jacqueline (Wiegert) Klotz ’01, and husband Anthony, announce the birth of Jackson Anthony on Oct. 28, 2011.

Kent Zimmerman ’83, and wife Stephanie, announce the births of Zachary Wyatt and Zoey Anne on Aug. 2, 2011. Jessica (Waldron) Gianino ’02, and husband Nick ’03, announce the birth of Sienna Capri on Feb. 27, 2012. She was welcomed by her big brother Dante.

Stephanie (Burke) Emge ’99, and husband Ed ’00, announce the birth of Jonah Robert on Dec. 6, 2011. He joins big brother Noah and big sister Grace.

Holley (Gain) Sierra ’08 welcomed her third son to the family. Mateo Galen was born on Dec. 6, 2011 and joins brothers Keagan (5) and Kael (2).

Amber (Raymond) Hopkins ’04, and husband Michael ’05, recently welcomed their first child, Harper Rae. Patrick Knaus ’10, and wife Brie ’12, announce the birth of Amelie Claire on March 1, 2012.

w w w. M c Ke n d re e . e d u / a l u m n i Or find us with your mobile device! Download a QR scanner on your smartphone to scan the QR code to the right and check out our new Alumni webpage!

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CLASSnotes Donald Petterson ’09, MBA ’11 is an assistant basketball coach at Breese Central High School in Breese, Ill. Petterson helped coach the boy’s basketball team to their first Class 2A State Championship in March 2012. Dana (Maedge) Suhre ’09 was promoted to senior recruitment specialist at Nestle Purina in St. Louis, Mo.

Magdalina Valentin-Howard ’09, MBA ’12 was initiated into McKendree’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter on April 20. Rebecca (Lindstrom) Wohltman ’09 graduated from Saint Louis University School of Law in May.

10’s Scott Best ’10 graduated in November from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Tx. He completed an intensive eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

In Memoriam

Rev. John W. Cummins ’59, 10/17/11

Richard “Dick” Townsend ’49, 3/8/12

Deceased alumni and friends through June 30, 2012

Larry W. Grigsby ’00, 11/1/11

John P. Rainbolt ’67, 3/25/12

Curtis A. Fisher ’89, 11/9/11

Jay A. Knapp, 3/26/12

Richard Recard ’43, 7/23/10

Robert L. Henke ’78, 11/11/11

Virginia (Scott) Russell ’44, 3/27/12

Sharon Schott ’02, 7/27/10

Robert J. Worms ’01, 11/11/11

Harold G. Belsheim II, 4/9/12

Sylvia J. (Spencer) Schmidt ’63, 7/28/10

Rev. Frank C. Pierce, 12/27/11

Betty (Ford) Elliott ’48, 4/10/12

Rayetta (Cantrell) Beyer ’59, 1/3/12

Theodore “Ted” Cox ’52, 4/26/12

Bernice K. Funk ’80, 1/9/12

Mary C. (Donovan) Walsh ’84, 4/28/12

James M. Bozeman ’80, 9/14/10 LaVern J. Sayer ’56, 10/5/10 Col. William H. Holland ’76, 11/4/10 Carolyn Sue (Carey) Chestney ’86, 11/6/10 Wm. David Essner ’83, 1/22/11 Lucille Lenhardt ’59, 2/23/11 Rev. Ronald D. Driggers ’50, 3/1/11 Paul Stevenson ’75, 4/21/11 Amelia (Lippert) Wolf ’58, 5/28/11 Helen (Handel) Whitson ’38, 5/31/11 Tami L. (Boushard) Brawley ’81, 7/2/11 Robert A. English ’59, 7/15/11 Marion R. (Kwiatkowski) Dawe ’94, 10/2/11

Mike Tucker ’09 was promoted to vice president of operations with U.S. Voice & Data in Louisville, Ky.

Katherine M. (Hollis) Stevenson ’94, 1/12/12 James M. Comer, 1/17/2012

Joseph J. Lett, 5/20/12

Mary (Buckaloo) Heck ’71, 1/19/12

Delmar Sample ’52, 5/20/12

Betty Ann Ryan ’67, 1/19/12

Van R. Smith, 5/24/12

John R. Powley ’82, 2/1/12

Edward S. Bott, 5/30/12

Roland S. Cain ’55, 2/2/12

Catherine A. (Gilkison) Heater ’36, 6/11/12

Doris M. (Miller) Fary ’42, 2/6/12 Norma Gene (Winterrowd) Hinson ’46, 2/11/12 Bernice R. Hogan, 2/14/12 Gary E. O’Connor, 2/17/12 Doris Ann (Phillips) Brown ’49, 2/20/12

Dallas L. Davis ’77, 10/3/11

Esther (Dewhirst) Saucerman ’62, 2/26/12

Helen L. Gault ’72, 10/16/11

Randall “Randy” Ratay ’88, 3/5/12

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Donald W. Barton Sr., 5/11/12

Joycelyn C. Duncan ’59, 6/15/12 Ray B. Porter ’53, 6/28/12 Mary E. (Adams) Bernreuter ’29, 6/30/12 When reporting deaths, please provide as much information as possible, especially date, location, graduation year and McKendree connected survivors. Whenever possible, please provide a printed obituary.

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Catherine Elliott, MAED ’10 was promoted to assistant principal at Alton High School in Alton, Ill.

Kaylie (Kisner) Goff ’10 is co-assistant director of nursing at Wabash Christian Retirement Center in Carmi, Ill.

Carol (Pumphrey) Evaul, MAPC ’10 recently finished writing Adopting Mustangs, a book about her personal experience of adopting mustangs from the Bureau of Land Management. She and her husband have rescued three mustangs and this book tells about their behavior and her experience with them as written with a Christian perspective. Carol teaches at Kaskaskia College in Centralia, Ill.. She is also a volunteer chaplain for the Jefferson County Jail (for Hispanic women inmates) and the local hospice program in her community.

Renee Ryterski ’10, MAED ’12 is a mathematics teacher and girl’s golf and track coach at Centralia High School in Centralia, Ill.

Leslee Frazier ’10 is principal of Carrollton High School in Carrollton, Ill. She resides in Jerseyville, Ill.

Harold G. Belsheim, II passed away peacefully at his home in O’Fallon, Ill., on Monday, April 9, 2012. He served on the McKendree University Board of Trustees since 2008. Though his tenure on the Board of Trustees was relatively short, Harold’s impact on the University has been profound. The primary developer of the McKendree West apartments, the flagship in McKendree housing for more than 13 years, Harold understood the need for the development of University housing that was attractive and welcoming. The McKendree West apartments filled an immediate need for housing and have continued to serve the University well. He was also a key member of the Board’s Resource Development Committee, and provided council to many of the University’s fundraising initiatives. A prominent attorney, he was able to provide the University expert advice and council on a variety of matters,

Mary (Britton) Thiede ’10 worked as the summer lighting supervisor at the Santa Fe Opera in Santa Fe, N.M.. In March, she was the assistant lighting designer for Broadway Designer David Lander in New Jersey. In January, she worked on lighting design in London. Kyle Hintz ’11 starred in an indie film entitled Welcome to Shirley. A screening of the film was shown at McKendree University on Feb. 24.

including real estate holdings and campus master planning and development. Harold was a partner in the law firm of Belsheim & Bruckert, L.L.C. in O’Fallon, Ill. He earned his Juris Doctor from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, Mo. He practiced law in Missouri and Southwestern Illinois for more than 30 years and was a member of the Illinois Bar Association, Missouri Bar Association, St. Clair County and St. Louis Metropolitan Bar Associations, Illinois Municipal League, the Illinois Tax Increment Association, and the Southwestern Illinois Council of Mayors. Harold was a former alderman for the City of O’Fallon and vice chair of the St. Clair County GOP. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Ann Belsheim; daughters, Catherine Belsheim and Julie (Clayton) Buchner; sons, Ryan Holland and Chad (Marcie) Holland; and granddaughters, Brooke, Peyton, and Lillian.

Edward S. Bott, Sr. passed away on Wednesday, May 30, 2012. He was a member of the McKendree University Board of Trustees from 1969-1991, serving as chairman from 1975-1981. Ed was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. He served in the field of military intelligence with the 20th Bomber Command of the United States Army Air Corps, participating in campaigns in China, India and Japan, was decorated with five Bronze Stars, and was instrumental in the communication of reconnaissance photos before and after atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. After the war he graduated from Duke University with a degree in business administration. Ed’s career included serving as vice president of the family business, Corn Belt Laboratories in East St. Louis, Ill., an investment banker with Newhard Cook, vice president of Bankers Trust, and president of Mark Twain Bank in Belleville, Ill. He devoted his spare time to the community. Ed was a past president of the Board of Education of Signal Hill School District #181, Board of Directors of Memorial Hospital and Board of Belleville Economic Progress. He was also a former member of the United Way of Greater St. Louis Board of Directors, St. Louis Chapter of the American Red Cross Board of Directors, Signal Hill United Methodist Church and St. Clair Country Club. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Bott; daughters, Margaret “Peggy” Evans and Karen (Dan) Strobo; son, Edward “Ed” (Lucy) Bott, Jr.; nine grandchildren; and seven greatgrandchildren.

The Magazine for

Mc. Kendree

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CLASSnotes We Want You! Looking for a fun way to get involved with your alma mater and connect with fellow McK graduates? The Office of Alumni Relations is looking for enthusiastic and dedicated alumni volunteers to assist in a variety of ways. We are currently seeking members to join the Homecoming & Reunion Committee, Young Alumni Committee and Sports Hall of Fame Committee. Alumni volunteers are also needed throughout the year to assist with a number of alumni, student and campus events. If you are interested in becoming more involved with your Alumni Association, email alumni@mckendree.edu.

Ashley Huffmon ’11 is currently teaching abroad at Kanglung Primary School in Trashigang, Bhutan. Annie (Weder) Kustermann ’11 is a dealer channel representative with Syngenta. Megan Mark ’11 is the order revenue management associate at Nestle Purina PetCare in St. Louis, Mo. Ryan Meyer ’11 is an assistant basketball coach at Breese Central High School in Breese, Ill. Meyer helped coach the boy’s basketball team to their first Class 2A State Championship in March 2012. Lenae Milam ’11, MBA ’13 was initiated into McKendree’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter on April 20. She is a staff accountant at Gray Hunter Stenn, LLP in Marion, Ill.

Bearcat volleyball coach Lisa Orlet and student athletes Mary McKee ’14 (left) and Maureen Nesbit ’14 (right) greet players.

Class of 2012 Graduates Erin Bault ’12 works at Caterpillar in Peoria, Ill. Reggie Cloyd ’12 has been accepted into the University of Illinois Law School in Champaign, Ill. Timothy Day ’12 has been accepted into the health promotion master’s program at Mississippi State University. Lauren Eveland ’12 has been accepted into the biology master’s program at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Kaitlyn Kollmann ’12 has been accepted into medical school at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill.

(left to right) Mike Meyer, Paul Kettwich ’73, Brant Harper ’73 and Harold Howie ’74 enjoy the day.

Dan Spickard ’86 chips out of the bunker.

he Inaugural McKendree Bearcats Golf Tournament on Friday, June 22 benefitted the Department of Athletics and its 21 men’s and women’s varsity sports, as the McKendree Bearcats prepare to compete in NCAA Division II. After breakfast, golfers enjoyed a leisurely day on the links at St. Clair Country Club in Belleville, Ill.

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Jordan Fark ’09 transports Gary and Lucia Graham and Rich and Carol Lunan to the driving range.

Barb Constance, Kathie Renner, and Carol Stirnaman celebrate on the green.

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The Ma gazine for

McKend ree WINTER 2012

Kacey Panyik ’12 has been accepted into the nurse-midwife/practitioner program at Frontier Nursing University in Hyden, Ky. Alison Poehler ’12 works for the department of energy at Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, N.M. Kathleen Sellens ’12 has been accepted into the chemistry master’s program at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Ks. Scott Welzbacher ’12 works at Scottrade in St. Louis, Mo. Ryan Vincent ’12 is a software developer at Pioneer Hi-Bred, Inc. in Johnston, Iowa.

Seeing Double?

The Ma ga zin e fo r

Mc Ke nd re

W IN TER

Do you have a spouse or housemate who’s also a McKendree graduate or employee? McK x 2

20 12

2 cK Home Ho If so, there’s a good x comin me 2 g 201 co 1 mi chance you’re seeing ng 20 11 more than one magazine in your mailbox. Help us become include the full “greener” by eliminating duplicate name and address of copies of The Magazine for the person in your household McKendree. to whom The Magazine for McKendree should be delivered. Simply send an e-mail to You can also submit this information alumni@mckendree.edu with “seeing by calling (618) 537-6813. double” in the subject line and

Submit your Class Note McKendree likes to boast about its Bearcats and now is your chance to share your good news with us! Let classmates, faculty and staff know what you have been up to since your days at McKendree. Share with us your professional accomplishments, such as job changes, promotions and awards, or personal milestones, such as advanced degrees earned, marriages or births. Please note the information that is published in The Magazine for McKendree may be subject to the availability of space and editing. Due to the high volume of class notes received and the long lead time required for typesetting, design, and printing, submissions may not be printed in the issue immediately following their receipt. All photos should be saved in a .tif or .jpg format and have a resolution of 300 dpi. .jpg photos should be at least 800KB or larger in size; .tif photos should be at least 3MB or larger in size. You may submit your class note by emailing your name, class year, and any relevant information to alumni@mckendree.edu; by filling out the form at www.mckendree.edu/classnotes; or by mailing the form below to the McKendree University Office of Alumni Relations, 701 College Road, Lebanon, IL 62254.

Name: ________________________________________________ E-mail:_________________________________________________ Employer: ___________________________________________ Job Title:_________________________________________________ Day Phone: ____________________________________ Evening Phone:_________________________________________________ Home Address: ________________________________________________________________ City: __________________________________ State:__________ Zip: __________________

Campus/Year: ________________

Any news to share (education advancements, career changes, marriages, births, awards, etc.)? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Check here if you are interested in learning about volunteer opportunities at McKendree University.

The Magazine for

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ALUMNInews profile

Sandra (Meyer) Richter ’83 “There is nothing like a big huge geranium at your front door,” says Sandy, who grows them by the hundreds. start gardening until we had our first house and I still had small children. As a kid, I always enjoyed working in the yard, always wanted to cut the grass.”

by Lisa Brandon Sandra (Meyer) Richter ’83 says the success of Sandy’s Back Porch, her Belleville, Ill., greenhouse and retail garden center, is rooted in the business education she received at McKendree. “I worked as a bookkeeper-accountant the whole time I was going to school,” says the former commuter student. “I totally loved it there. I liked the small classes and the campus was absolutely gorgeous.” Early in her career Sandy was a financial analyst for Venture stores and later supervised accounting for a St. Louis printing company. After her first child was born, she took part-time accounting jobs closer to home. She and her husband Kevin, a Belleville attorney, have four children: Kyle, 24, a Department of Defense employee in Afghanistan; Chad, 24, a law school student; Kim, 22, a recent college graduate; and Bryce, 16, an Althoff High School senior. Once the kids reached school age, Sandy was ready to get her hands dirty. “I needed to get back into work full-time but I really wanted to do something different. I didn’t 40

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A part-time job at a local garden center provided hands-on experience. “I had to figure out that it is a hot job, a cold job, a wet job—it’s a very difficult job to do. People come in here on a beautiful day, it’s 72 degrees and they say, “Oh, I’d love to work here.’ There are a lot of crummy days to go with those beautiful days! It’s really hard, heavy, stinky work. But I just knew that I wanted to do that.” Eighteen months later, Sandy was ready to buy a garden center of her own. Her uncle, a greenhouse owner in Nashville, Ill., knew a Belleville tree nurseryman who might be willing to sell his business. “When I walked in and saw this beautiful building with all the windows, I knew this was it,” she recalls. Her offer was accepted and in November 2004, she incorporated as Sandy’s Back Porch, anticipating a spring 2005 opening. “People told me, ‘There’s no way you’ll be ready.’ But I thought, ‘Watch me.’ I just knew in my heart it was going to work.” There were setbacks. The seedlings, or “plugs,” she ordered arrived well before the first greenhouse was set up. For a week in February, over 15,000 of them sat on trays, shelves and in windows, waiting to be planted. “I thought they were going to die. I must have had 25 people here—friends, family, relatives, everyone I could pull in to help me. It took a whole week to get everything planted. It was amazing.

Everything just gelled. I kept saying it was meant to be.” Sandy’s Back Porch opened that spring. Today, Sandy and 14 staff members run the retail store and two heated greenhouses. “We sell 20,000 annuals, 2,000 perennials and 500 hanging baskets that we grow ourselves,” she says proudly. “Next year we will grow our own veggies.” She has no formal horticultural training. Her yard and a deck full of container gardens are the test area for new products and plant varieties. To realize her dream, Sandy says it took “gridiron determination,” a supportive family, optimism, hard work and education. “There would have been no way I could have done this had I not had a business and accounting background. This business is like farming; it’s all seasonal.” A typical workday is spent placing orders, assisting customers and planning advertising. “Marketing was my least favorite class in school,” she admits. “I’m a debits and credits kind of girl. On my days off, I go to nurseries in St. Louis to watch what they’re doing.” Observing that most of her customers are ladies, bright pink became her signature color. “I never wore it before this. But I wanted people to know this is a girls’ place, so we wear pink shirts.” The pink Jeep in the parking lot was her kids’ idea. “My son said, ‘You need a fun car,’ and my daughter said, ‘You should paint it pink.’” She reaches customers through an enewsletter, website, radio ads, social media, free workshops, and community and school group presentations. “We want people to be successful in their gardens. I don’t think it’s a ‘green thumb.’ Just have to enjoy it and devote time to it.”

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CALENDARhighlights THE MOST CURRENT MCKENDREE NEWS AND/OR EVENTS CAN BE FOUND AT MCKENDREE.EDU. ALUMNI EVENTS • • •

Men’s and Women’s Soccer Alumni Games – Saturday, Aug. 18, Leemon Field Alumni Meeting – Saturday, Nov. 3 Homecoming & Alumni Weekend – Oct. 5-7

BEARCAT ATHLETICS The Bearcat athletic teams kick off their fall and winter seasons on Thursday, Aug. 30 with men’s soccer vs. Madonna University on Leemon Field. Other home openers include: • Women’s Soccer vs. Missouri Baptist University – Monday, Sept. 3, Leemon Field • Football vs. Henderson State University – Saturday, Sept. 8, Leemon Field • Volleyball vs. University of Indianapolis – Friday, Sept. 21, MPCC • Women’s Basketball vs. Missouri Science & Technology – Tuesday, Nov. 13, MPCC • Men’s Basketball vs. Lincoln University – Wednesday, Nov. 21, MPCC For more schedule details and other athletic news, visit www.mckbearcats.com.

FALL CHRISTIAN YOUTH DAY Fall Christian Youth Day will be held on Saturday, Sept. 8. Area youth groups are invited to join us for the football game vs. Henderson State at 1:30 p.m., followed by a dinner, campus mini-tour and Christian concert featuring 33Miles. The concert is open to the public for $10. To make reservations contact bharrison@mckendree.edu.

117TH REGIMENT 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION In honor of the 150th anniversary of the muster-in of the 117th Illinois Volunteer Regiment, aka “The McKendree Regiment,” several activities will be held in September 2012, including a 117th Regiment National Call to Service Project. Alumni, students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in one of the campus facilitated projects or an individual service project during the month of September. A more detailed listing of service opportunities, events and a special 117th Regiment online memorial is located at www.mckendree.edu/military.

MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY All current military and veterans are invited to join us for the fourth annual Military Appreciation football game vs. Missouri Science and Technology on Saturday, Sept. 15 at 6 p.m.

PREVIEW DAYS Prospective students and their families are invited to tour campus and hear presentations on academics, co-curricular activities, financial aid, and residential life. The Admission Office will host three Preview Days during the fall semester: • Saturday, Sept. 15 • Monday, Oct. 8 • Saturday, Nov. 10 Learn more at www.mckendree.edu/admission.

HARVEST CHALLENGE

THE HETTENHAUSEN CENTER FOR THE ARTS

McKendree’s road races offers fun, fitness and a chance to challenge yourself, train or compete. Up next is the fourth annual “Harvest Challenge” on Saturday, Sept. 8 with two distance options: a 5K (3.1 miles) run-walk or halfmarathon (13.1 miles). Register online at www.mckendree.edu/raceday.

The Hett will kick off its 2012-2013 season with “The Ethicist” Randy Cohen on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012. For a schedule of speaking engagements, musical performances, theatre productions and films check out www.theHett.com. In addition, the Visual and Performing Arts Division will host student art shows, concerts and theatre productions in the Hett. More information is available at www.mckendree.edu/music.

FALL FAMILY WEEKEND Students and families are invited to attend the annual Fall Family Weekend on Nov. 2 and 3, 2012. Check out www.mckendree.edu/ffw for details.

MCK SCHOLARSHIP EVENT Volunteer to participate in the annual scholarship weekend on Jan. 26 and 27, 2013. More information will be available on the alumni website in early January.

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McKENDREE HOMECOMING & ALUMNI

REUNION WEEKEND OCTOBER 5-7, 2012 Homecoming is a time to celebrate traditions! From Bearcat Football (McK vs. William Jewell College) to the Homecoming Parade, the weekend is packed to stir up Bearcat pride. Whether you come back every year, or you are making a special trip to celebrate your reunion, you won’t want to miss Homecoming 2012! Join fellow classmates and DOXPV IRU D PHPRUDEOH ZHHNHQG ¿OOHG ZLWK IULHQGV ROG DQG QHZ Here’s a few of the weekend’s exciting events: Friday, October 5th Class of 1962 Golden Anniversary Reunion All Reunion Reception & 25th Anniversary Class of 1987 Reunion McKendree Mix & Mingle Steve Lippia: Simply Sinatra Concert Saturday, October 6th Education Alumni Breakfast & Reunion Homecoming Barbeque & Family Fun Area Alumni Awards Dinner McKendree Midnight Soiree Sunday, October 7th Choir Alumni Gathering Chapel Service Bearcat Brunch

Steve Lippia

Visit www.mckendree.edu/homecoming for the most up-to-date Homecoming information. Check out the complete schedule of events, travel information, sporting events and much more! Don’t miss out; Register Online TODAY!