Homecoming Highlights

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.

Chosen by the Alumni Association Board, the 2021 winners have made their mark in their professions and at their alma mater.

Loyal Service Award Shirley Baugh ’78

Shirley graduated from McKendree with a degree in business administration. As a student, she was active in Alpha Omega and Student Government.

Originally from Shiloh, Ill., Shirley started at McKendree as a payroll specialist in 1997, moving through the different positions of the office with role models who supported her as she worked on her master’s degree in human resources from Webster University. She would eventually work her way into the role of director of human resources in 2005, until her retirement in February 2021.

As a staff member, Shirley organized groups of alumni from the 70s in a variety of activities, including homecoming events, reunions and summer visits to campus. Many alumni contacted her through her office when their children were considering college choices, and she helped coordinate campus visits. She was also as an advisor to the Alpha Omega sorority and served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. During the awards ceremony, she was bestowed with the designation of Emeritus Staff in recognition of her loyalty, dedication and extraordinary service to the University.

A resident of O’Fallon, Ill., Shirley is a member of the William McKendree Society and Christ Church in Fairview Heights, and is a former school board member for Grant School District 110 from 1993-2013. Shirley has two sons and daughters-in-law, Kyle and Lyndsey Jacob and Keith ‘07 and Julianne (Harris) Jacob ’07, along with five grandchildren, Berkeley, Baylor, Layker, Libby, and Kolby Jacob.

Reginald “Reggie” Cloyd ’12

Reggie earned a degree in political science with a criminal justice emphasis. A native of Danville, Ill., he was the captain and scholarathlete on McKendree’s football team, participated in multiple volunteering activities and mentored several underclassmen in academics.

After graduation, Reggie went on to earn his law degree from the University of Illinois College of Law in 2015, graduating with honors. Since then, he has worked as a commercial litigation associate at Tressler LLP in Chicago, Clark Hill PLC in Chicago and, most recently, Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP in Indianapolis. In 2019, he was named an Illinois Rising Star by Super Lawyers and also served as the keynote speaker for the 54th Annual Lincoln-Douglass-King Banquet.

He maintains the philanthropic spirit he learned while at McKendree by spending 30 hours a year volunteering in Chicago and also working on at least five pro-bono matters annually.

A resident of Fishers, Ind., Reggie is married to his wife Maya and loves traveling the world. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his dog, fishing and playing softball.

Dr. Michael A. Lampe ’14

Michael graduated with a degree in biology. During his time as a student, he played as a defensemen for the men’s ice hockey team for four years, was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and achieved the Tyson Undergraduate Research Fellowship. He went on to earn a doctorate of osteopathic medicine at A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Mo. in 2019, and is currently working on his general surgery residency from Metro Health University of Michigan Health in Wyoming, Mich.

A resident of Grand Rapids, Mich., Michael currently serves as a clinical associate professor in the Department of Osteopathic Surgical Specialties and as a surgical clinical skills lab instructor at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Lansing, Mich. His passion lies in trauma and acute care surgery. Currently, he is involved in the development of an enhanced recovery protocol for patients who undergo a laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis.

When he is out of the operating room, Michael enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, Shelby, and their Dutch shepherd, Whisper, as well as golfing, boating and spending time outdoors.

Dr. Kaitlyn Kollmann ’12

Kaitlyn earned a degree in biology and was a member of the women’s volleyball team, Sigma Zeta and the study abroad program. Formerly from Collinsville, Ill., she was selected as the McKendree Tyson Undergraduate Research Fellow.

Following graduation, Kaitlyn completed her medical schooling at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, Ill., where she received honors in her internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery and psychiatry clerkships. The Chicago resident then completed a year of research in pediatric dermatology at Northwestern University in Chicago and also completed her dermatology residency training at Kansas University in Kansas City, Kan., in July 2021, where she was selected to serve as chief resident during her final year. After finishing her residency training, she completed her medical internship at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, Ill.

Kaitlyn is currently a full-time dermatologist at Advanced Skin and Mohs Surgery Clinic in Chicago, where her personal interests include medical, surgical and pediatric dermatology. She treats patients of all ages and skin types. In her spare time, she enjoys fitness, traveling and reading.

Adam Kee ’04 | Humanities

Adam Kee graduated with a degree in theatre and music/vocal performance. He was involved in theatre productions, choir and vocal groups, marching band, and acted as president of Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society. A native of Johnston City, Ill., Adam earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in acting from New School University in New York City in 2007, receiving additional acting training from Old Vic Theatre in London and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.

The Astoria, N.Y. resident currently works as an actor, voiceover artist and teaching artist. He has performed in several productions as an actor and vocalist for Off-Broadway in New York City, Regional Theatre, Summer Stock Theatres and more. A five-time nominee for the New Hampshire Professional Theatre Award, Adam recently acted in the role of Thomas in The Garden Left Behind, an awardwinning independent film in which he also served as the voice and dialect coach and trainer.

Jackie Shubert Knolhoff ’02 | Language, Literature & Communication

Jackie graduated with a degree in speech communication with an emphasis in public relations. A native of Okawville, Ill., she played on the women’s basketball team for four years, was a resident advisor for two years, was a member of Lambda Pi Eta and worked in the University Communications and Marketing department for three years. Additionally, she was an NAIA Scholar Athlete for the 2001-2002 school year.

Jackie obtained her master’s degree in communication management from Webster University in 2005. She began working in financial services in 2002 and is currently a communications advisor for Wells Fargo Advisors. A long-time supporter of the United Way of Greater St. Louis and member of the Women’s Leadership Society, Jackie is a strong supporter of the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition, where she volunteers in creating awareness in St. Louis’ most vulnerable youth.

Rebekah (Shryock) McGarrity ’90 | Education

Rebekah holds a degree in English and secondary education with a minor in history. A native of Millstadt, Ill., she played volleyball for four years on the Bearcat varsity team and was a member of Phi Kappa Delta. She helped establish Sigma Tau Delta and Phi Alpha Theta, honor societies for English and history, respectively.

Following graduation, Rebekah began her career as an English teacher at Belleville East High School and also served as a volleyball coach. She helped establish the St. Louis University dual college credit program for the school district, serving as its first coordinator. Since then, thousands of students have received college credit. In 1999, Rebekah earned her Master of Arts degree in English from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, Ill., later achieving her National Board certification.

Matt Scaglione ’01 | Mathematics, Science & Technology

Matt graduated with a degree in biology. A native of Du Quoin, Ill., Matt played football for McKendree for four years, was a resident advisor for two years and was the treasurer for Sigma Zeta. After graduation, he earned his doctorate in biochemistry of medicine from Saint Louis University in 2007.

Matt has served as an assistant professor at Medical College of Wisconsin and Duke University. He has published dozens of articles in scientific journals and has a few patents, including one for SRCP1-based therapy for Huntington’s and related diseases.

Matt has participated in science outreach programs, including the SMART team, a program that teaches high school students about the structure and function of proteins. In the past, he participated in interviewing students for McKendree’s presidential scholarship.

Darron Randle ’92 | Men’s Basketball

Darron graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. He was a four-year starter at point guard for the men’s basketball team and two-year team captain. He ranks 20th on the Bearcat all-time scoring list with 1,553 career points, and is also 10th in free-throws made with 387.

Darron was named to the District 20 All-Freshman team in 1989, and ranked in the top 20 in scoring (16.3 average) as a sophomore in 1990. He helped lead the Bearcats to a 9144 overall record in four seasons.

Off the court, Darron mentors, tutors and provides life coaching for at-risk youth in the inner city. In 2002, he founded – and currently leads – Urban Alliances of Metropolitan Chicago, a nonprofit social service agency for inner city families. He has served as Executive Director for 10 years.

Darron has two children, Chastity Spencer and Darron Randle Jr.

Scott Cummings | Sports Information Director

Scott served as McKendree’s Sports Information Director (SID) from 1999 to 2020 and was also the voice of Bearcat Athletics. He passed away on December 3, 2020, following an 18-month battle with cancer. His wife, Paula, and children, Hailey Edison and Ryan Cummings, were in attendance to receive the award in his honor.

For more than 20 years, Scott was the ultimate servant, often spending 70-80 hours per week strictly focusing on promoting Bearcat studentathletes. He was a mentor to many and a friend to all. Scott had a “cando” attitude, willingness and a desire to put others first.

He received countless awards throughout his career, including the Clarence “Ike” Pearson Award in 2005, the highest honor that can be given to an SID at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) level, and was recognized in 2020 with the College Sports Information Directors of America 25-Year Award for his long-time commitment and service to the athletic communications profession. Following his passing, the American Midwest Conference changed the name of the conference’s annual SID of the Year award in honor of Scott and named him to its 2022 Hall of Fame Induction Class. He was also recently selected for induction into the 2021-22 NAIA Hall of Fame.

Melissa Ringhausen | Women’s Basketball Coach

Melissa served as McKendree’s women’s basketball coach for 18 seasons from 1997 to 2015, and spent the final 11 years of her career in administration from 2010 to 2020.

Over her 18 seasons leading the Bearcats, Melissa guided McKendree to 316 victories and is the program’s all-time leader in wins. She coached the Bearcats to 11 20-win seasons, including a school-record 26 victories during the 2004-2005 campaign. Under Melissa’s leadership, McKendree reached the NAIA Division I National Championship nine times.

In the classroom, Melissa’s teams were recognized among the NAIA’s top 25 academic teams on six different occasions by the WBCA. McKendree also enjoyed a 100 percent graduation rate among those who completed their four years within the program.