HOMECOMING Highlights
After celebrating Homecoming virtually last year during the pandemic, Bearcats from near and far were reunited on campus during this year’s Homecoming Weekend from October 22 to 24. On this beautiful fall weekend, alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends of the University enjoyed a row of local food trucks, the much-loved parade, Bearcat football and, of course, plenty of time laughing, sharing stories and basking in one another’s presence.
ALUMNI AWARDS
A Homecoming tradition, McKendree University celebrated several accomplished alumni at an awards dinner on Oct. 23 at the Hett.
Peter Akers Award
Derwood “Woody” Derickson ’60 Woody earned a degree in physical education from McKendree, and he played both baseball and basketball during his playing days at the University. In 2015, he was inducted into the Bearcats Sports Hall of Fame. A native of Mascoutah, Ill., he began his career as an agent with State Farm in O’Fallon, Ill. in 1965, providing loyal service until his retirement in 2018. Among his many impressive accolades as a State Farm agent, Woody made the President’s Club for being one of the top 50 agents nationwide. In the O’Fallon community, Woody remained an active member of the Rotary Club and the Lions Club. He also served on the O’Fallon community library board and numerous committees, including the O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce and more. Throughout the years, Woody has remained a loyal fan as a member of the William McKendree Society, the McKendree Bearcat Booster Club, and a Friend of the Hett. He served as a member of the McKendree University Board of Trustees for 16 years and was the 1999 recipient of the McKendree University Loyal Service Award. Woody and his wife, Gail, have been married for 61 years. Together, they have two children, Teri Fleshren and Todd Derickson; and three grandchildren, Erin Fleshren, Kristin Fleshren, and Drew Derickson. His son, Todd, is a 1987 McKendree graduate, and his granddaughter, Erin, is a 2018 McKendree graduate who currently serves on the McKendree University Alumni Board of Directors. The Alumni Association’s highest honor recognizes remarkable professional success, outstanding service, and unparalleled loyalty to McKendree University.
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