Illinois College Alumni Quarterly July 2013

July 2013

179th COMMENCEMENTWeekend Celebration

ILLINOIS COLLEGE

Class of 2013 GIVES BACK to alma mater

Spotlight onYATES FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMgraduates

Illinois College Quarterly2

Upcoming Events

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17 Illinois State Fair Tent Party for Alumni, Parents and Friends, 5 to 8 p.m., Director’s Lawn, Illinois State Fairgrounds. Live music by “The Debbie Ross Band”

MONDAY, AUGUST 26 Opening Celebration, 4 p.m., Rammelkamp Chapel

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 Inauguration of the 14th President of Illinois College, Barbara A. Farley, Ph.D., details to be announced

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11 Alumni Wine and Cheese Reception, 6 to 8 p.m., Alumni House

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 Homecoming activities including Alumni Reunions for the classes of 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003 and 2008. Live music under the Homecoming Celebration Tent by “South of 80” featuring Ryan See ’94. Visit www.ic.edu/accommodations for hotel information.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2 Family Day activities will include athletic events, games and more. Call the Center for Student Involvement at 217.245.3094 for more information.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Founders’ Circle Dinner and Alumni Association Awards Ceremony, 6 p.m., Hamilton’s 110 North East

FRIDAY, MAY 9 Golden Club Alumni Mixer with members of the Classes of 1939, 1944, 1949, 1954, 1959 and 1964 as special guests. Osage Orange Festival, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Illinois College Walkway

SATURDAY, MAY 10 50th Reunion Luncheon for Class of 1964, 12 noon. 2nd Annual All-Society Pre-Love Feast Social,

3 to 5 p.m., Illinois College Walkway. Literary Society Love Feasts

SUNDAY, MAY 11 Baccalaureate Service, 10:30 a.m., Rammelkamp Chapel. 180th Commencement Exercise, 3 p.m., Historic Upper Quadrangle

EDITORKristin Van Aken Jamison ’99 | [email protected] of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations

CONTRIBUTING EDITORSMaryEllen Roy | [email protected] of Marketing and Communication

Bryan Leonard | [email protected] Director of Marketing and Communication

Todd Spann | [email protected] Writer

Matt Wing ’05 | [email protected] Director of Sports Information

COMMUNICATION ASSOCIATEJudy Sager | [email protected]

DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATESusie Engelbrecht | [email protected]

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Steven Varble

CONTRIBUTORSJohn Casey Katie Grant Robyn Maher Melissa Lamb Pantier ’84Gigi Galloway Patterson ’92 Tom RosterMarcia K. Short ’86

Change of address: Clip the mailing label from the back cover

and send it, with changes, to: Office of Alumni, Illinois College,

1101 West College Avenue, Jacksonville, Illinois 62650; or fax

to 217.245.3081; or email to [email protected].

Illinois College continues to enhance its commitment to

preserve the natural environment. The Quarterly is printed on

paper that is 25 percent post-consumer product using

soy-based ink.

THE ILLINOIS COLLEGE MISSION STATEMENT

True to its founding vision in 1829, Illinois College is a

community committed to the highest standards of scholarship

and integrity in the liberal arts. The College develops in its

students qualities of mind and character needed for fulfilling

lives of leadership and service.

JULY 2013 Volume 90, Number 3

OUR APOLOGIESThe author of the “As IC It” column in the April 2013 issue of the Quarterly was John Williamson ’78. Williamson’s name was omitted from the article due to a printing error.

July 2013 1

Table of Contents

[page 16][page 11] [page 14]

Features

16 President Steuer addresses the Class of 2013 at his final Illinois College commencementFormer Illinois College President Axel D. Steuer offered four guideposts to the 205 members of the graduating class during his 10th and final hilltop commencement exercise.

21 Yates Fellowship Program plays essential role with first-generation college students Graduates Carmen Kremitzki ’13, Jake Lord ’13,

Precious Newburn ’13 and Cory Washington ’13 reflect on their four years as Yates Fellows and explain how their experiences in the program have prepared them for life after Illinois College.

Departments 2 From the Chair of the Board

4 Campus News

12 True Scholarship: Faculty Digest

14 True Victories: Athletic Digest

24 True Celebration: Legacy Graduates

26 True Vision: Philanthropy

28 True Moments: Alumni Events, Reunions, Osage Orange Festival

32 True Connections: Class Notes, Marriages, Births, In Memoriam

40 As IC It

ON THE COVER Lakyn Richard ’13 of Chandlerville pauses for a photograph after receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in communication and rhetorical studies on the Historic Upper Quadrangle during Illinois College’s 179th Commencement exercise on May 12, 2013.


From the Chair of the Board

and like the Illinois College Alumni Community Facebook page or follow @ILCollegeAlumni on Twitter. You never know when Illinois College may be planning to travel to your area or have important news to share. We do not want to miss you.

Sustained. Illinois College is sustained through the generous financial support of its community. Approximately one-third of the annual operating budget is provided through annual gifts and the endowment. This year Illinois College experienced a surge of alumni participation in annual giving to the IC Fund through a matching challenge offered by Jim ’66 and Kaye

Bruner. Alumni participation in annual giving has increased to 26 percent, and unrestricted dollars to the College have risen considerably. Similarly, parent and employee giving is becoming a more significant measure of institutional strength. Private foundations evaluate the level of active participation in giving by these constituencies as they consider their own support of Illinois College. All members of our community should be affirmed by the strong endorsement given to an Illinois College education by the Class of 2013 in their having a record number of participants in the senior class gift.

Please note that the alumni participation goal for the 2013-2014 fiscal year has increased to 27 percent, with the ultimate goal of 30 percent by 2015-2016. I ask you to sustain Illinois College through continued annual support and give strong consideration to joining the Julian Monson Sturtevant Society which recognizes those who plan to remember the College through their estate. Sturtevant Society gifts, many of which support the Illinois College endowment, allow you to leave a lasting legacy on the Hilltop.

The last decade has seen Illinois College rise in its national identity as a leading liberal arts college. As the College prepares to inaugurate its 14th president, we need your active involvement to see that Illinois College continues to thrive as we bid adieu to the Steuer years and usher in the Farley era. Please join us.

Sincerely,

Joy French Becker ’67 Chair, Illinois College Board of Trustees

As Illinois College closes the Steuer era and begins a new age with the appointment of President Barbara A. Farley, private support and the active engagement of alumni, parents and friends in the life of the College will be critical to our future success. The higher education marketplace is changing rapidly, and those institutions which will not only survive, but thrive, will be those who successfully leverage the time, talent and treasure of those closest to them.

As we move forward, what will it mean to be an active member of the Illinois College community? I believe the best description of a loyal Illinois College community member is someone engaged, connected and sustained in and by their involvement with the College. The Office of Development and Alumni Relations is committed to facilitating these opportunities and can highlight positive examples from this past year.

Engaged. Illinois College prepares students for fulfilling lives of leadership and service, and this is best evidenced by the success our alumni enjoy upon leaving the Hilltop. We need your engagement in helping us identify and cultivate future students who can benefit from an Illinois College education. Luke Fairless ’05 chose to become engaged by participating in Trustee Scholarship Weekend this past February. Serving as a member of an alumni panel, he spoke to prospective students and their parents about the relationships he built with a caring faculty and how his Illinois College education prepared him for the career he now enjoys.

An alma mater knows her children one by one, but needs your help in adding new members to her family. Become engaged by speaking to young people about your Illinois College experience and partner with our Office of Admission by referring these prospective students to them by calling 866.464.5265 or emailing them at [email protected].

Connected. Active members of the Illinois College community connect regularly with one another. Connect with classmates, faculty and current students at Homecoming, Family Day and Commencement. But do not be limited by these annual campus events. Elisa Stampf Koller ’09 chose to connect by participating in a student-alumni networking event sponsored by a gift from the family of the late Ron Burchett ’56 which featured a keynote address by Greg Baise ’74. Her participation led to a connection which resulted in a job offer for a member of the Illinois College Class of 2013.

Stay connected to receive the most current Illinois College news by updating your email address at [email protected]

July 2013 3

•inaugurationof the f o u r t e e n t h

PresidentBarbara A. Farley, Ph.D.

Illinois College

Saturday, September 21, 2013

installation Ceremony, 2:30 p.m.bruner Fitness and recreation CenterReception to follow hosted by the Illinois College Alumni Association

www.ic.edu/14thpresident

a n n o u n C i n g t h eInauguration

“the world needs private colleges like Illinois College more than ever ... places that cultivate, as our mission so eloquently captures, the qualities of mind and character needed for fulfilling lives of leadership and service that are essential to success in the 21st Century.” Barbara a. farley, Ph.d.


Campus News

CAMPUSnews [April 2013 - June 2013]

Illinois College recognized academic achievement during the third annual Celebration of Excellence on Friday, April 26. The daylong celebration allowed students and faculty to take part in activities that commend academic excellence, a hallmark of the College since its founding in 1829.

The Honors Convocation, the ceremonial portion of the day’s activities, was held in Rammelkamp Chapel. Elizabeth Tobin, dean of the college, offered remarks on the subject of excellence, after which five major awards for academic excellence, service and teaching were awarded to Illinois College students and faculty. The Student Marshals for the 2013-2014 academic year were named, graduates slated for induction into Phi Beta Kappa were recognized, and the Julian Monson Sturtevant Campus Leadership Award winners were announced. The Harry Joy Dunbaugh Distinguished Professor Award and the Don P. Filson Faculty Award for Vision for the Future were also presented.

Clay Nordsiek ’14 of Arenzville and Josephine Oshiafi ’14 of Lagos, Nigeria, were chosen as Student Marshals for the 2013-2014 academic year. The marshals who were chosen based on demonstrated academic excellence and campus leadership will lead academic processionals held on campus throughout the year. This designation is considered one of the highest honors a member of the incoming senior class can receive.

Phi Beta Kappa is the nation’s oldest and most distinguished honor society. One of only 11 colleges in the state to offer membership into this distinguished society, the Illinois College Epsilon chapter was founded by

Charles Rammelkamp in 1931. Those inducted into Phi Beta Kappa include Jenna Bresnahan ’13 of New Berlin, Timothy Denney ’13 of Jacksonville, Erika Fouts ’13 of Girard, Whitney Hedden ’13 of Galesburg, Andrea Klinedinst ’13 of Canton, Alyson Knapik ’13 of Decatur, Nathan Manhanke ’13 of St. Louis, Amanda Moore ’13 of Decatur, Briana Peper ’13 of Illiopolis, Megan Rabe ’13 of Ursa, Laura Reynolds ’13 of Pleasant Plains, Nyamochir Tserenlkhagva ’13 of Chicago and Joshua Walters ’13 of St. Charles, Mo. As a junior last year, Cassie Jarvis ’13 of Washington was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa which is seldom accomplished. The inductees are typically seniors.

The Julian M. Sturtevant Campus Leadership and Service Award calls attention to a select group of students who demonstrate active campus service and leadership throughout their college careers. Those honored were Ross Barker ’13 of Freeport, Alexander Benziger ’13 of Chicago,

Third annual Celebration of Excellence awards academic achievement

July 2013 5

Anna Booher ’13 of Springfield, Joseph Gaines ’13 of Moberly, Mo., Brendan Kimble ’13 of Jerseyville, Carmen Kremitzki ’13 of Springfield, Amanda Moore ’13 of Decatur and Hannah Simms ’13 of Decatur.

Laura Corey, assistant professor of biology, was presented the Harry Joy Dunbaugh Distinguished Professor Award during the convocation. This prize is considered the greatest honor bestowed upon an Illinois College faculty member. A student committee, with oversight from the dean of the college, selects the recipient each academic year.

The Don P. Filson Faculty Award for Vision for the Future was awarded to Jennifer Barker-Devine, assistant professor of history. This honor is awarded to the faculty member who sees beyond the scope of the status quo to further develop or implement a vision which can move the College forward. This faculty award was established by Illinois College graduate Darlene Nelson ’70 in memory of her husband’s vision which was for Illinois College to have a computer science department.

The Celebration of Excellence featured more than 40 students presenting recent research efforts during presentations and poster sessions in various locations on campus. Presentation and poster subjects covered all areas of the liberal arts curriculum.

The Ron Burchett ’58 Alumni Networking event, held for the first time in conjunction with the Celebration of Excellence, featured a standing-room-only keynote address by alumnus Greg Baise ’74 in Kirby Learning Center’s lecture hall. A reception in the Alumni House followed which provided current Illinois College students the opportunity to meet and network with a number of alumni representing various fields of study.

The Illinois College Department of Music Honors Recital was performed in Rammelkamp Chapel, and a dessert reception concluded the Celebration of Excellence activities later that evening. The reception was a final opportunity to recognize various academic departmental honors.

Phi Beta Kappa inductees

Julian M. Sturtevant Campus Leadership and Service Award recipients

Filson and Barker-Devine Corey


Multiple generations of graduates pay visit to campusMembers of the Morris family recently visited the Hilltop as part of an annual family trip. Pictured on the steps of the David A. Smith House are Betty Brim Morris ’46 (front right) and her daughters (back row, from left), Amy Morris VanVleet ’86, Wendy Morris Hawickhorst ’77, Jenny Morris Beal ’73 and Carol Morris Blackfelner ’70. Illinois College former Assistant Dean of Students, Registrar and Assistant Professor of Speech Communications Doris Broehl Hopper ’41 (front left) joined the women for a tour of the campus. These alumnae represent the second and third generations of Illinois College students in their family.

Illinois College’s Gillett House officially linked to Underground RailroadIllinois College and the Morgan County Underground Railroad Committee were proud to announce that the Gillett House at 1005 Grove Street in Jacksonville has attained the prestigious National Park Service certification as a “National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom” site. The formal ceremony on May 10 was held with dignitaries from the City of Jacksonville, Illinois College, the Underground Railroad Committee and the National Park Service to celebrate this important honor.

The 175-year-old residence, gifted to Illinois College when Stephen Tillery ’72 and Katherine Thompson Tillery ’74 purchased the house in 2004, proved to have convincing documentation of its use in assisting runaway slaves in their flight to freedom. In the citation the NPS states that they found that the Gillett House “makes a significant contribution to the understanding of the Underground Railroad in American history” and meets all the “requirements for inclusion as a site.”

Underground Railroad Committee member Loreli Steuer explained, “This was our third attempt to achieve this sought-after classification; fortunately, this time we found enough additional evidence to satisfy the strict standards of the judges.”

The determining factor, Steuer said, was a shed or “shanty,” as it was called, that was built by Bezaleel Gillett at the same time he completed building the house. Documentation shows that it was used more than once to shelter freedom-seeking slaves as they made their way north to Canada.

Gillett House now joins two more Jacksonville sites, Beecher Hall at Illinois College and the Congregational Church (UCC) on College Avenue, as being certified by the National Park Service. This gives Jacksonville the distinction of having the most “Network to Freedom” sites of any community in Illinois and Illinois College the recognition of having two National Park Service Underground Railroad sites located within its campus area.

July 2013 7

Beard elected by peers to Board of TrusteesA third-generation business owner has been chosen by fellow alumni to a five-year term on the College’s chief governing body beginning this fall.

Gerry Beard ’78 of Arenzville graduated from Illinois College with a degree in economics and business administration. While attending Illinois College, he was a member of the football and basketball teams. Beard is current president of Beard Implement Company which has locations in Ashland, Arenzville, Pittsfield and Barry. He is primarily

involved in equipment sales, human resources and overall management of the business. He has two sons, Jeremy ’02 and Jerod, and resides in Arenzville with his wife, Mary Ann.

The newly elected Alumni Association Board of Directors will serve five-year terms on the board and include President-elect Lori Petermeyer Smith ’88 of Jacksonville; and directors Laurie Black ’84 of Macomb, DeVone Eurales ’05 of Galesburg, Stephen Hopper ’71 of Macomb, Laura Armstrong Marks ’80 of Jacksonville and Elizabeth Airsman May ’91 of Jacksonville.

Smith is national sales and marketing director at Bound to Stay Bound Inc.; Black is NCAA academic eligibility coordinator and director of commencement at Western Illinois University; Eurales is associate director of admission at Knox College; Hopper is a retired president and CEO of McDonough District Hospital; Marks is senior vice president of retail banking and marketing at Jacksonville Savings Bank; and May is owner and operator of Airsman-Hires Funeral Homes Inc.

Grants support Asian studies and the environmentThe Henry Luce Foundation and the Japan Foundation, New York, together, have awarded nearly $90,000 in grant funding to Illinois College in support of its work on Asian studies and the environment, a collaboration with Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan.

Former Illinois College President Axel Steuer said, “We are very grateful to the Henry Luce Foundation and to the Japan Foundation, New York, for supporting this initiative, and for their support of our strong partnership with Ritsumeikan University. Through this initiative our faculty in Japanese studies, in environmental biology, and in other science disciplines will conduct important interdisciplinary work and establish scientific connections with Ritsumeikan University scientists. Our current and future students will also benefit from a deeper understanding of Japan and of the natural environment.”

Elizabeth Tobin, dean of the college, described the multi-year program. “The grant ideas for this program came from a group of creative faculty. We started with a study group of science faculty who learned more about Japanese culture and language.”

Tobin continued, “I am thrilled that the $50,000 grant from the Henry Luce Foundation, through its Luce Initiative on Asian Studies and the Environment, allows faculty members to visit Japan this summer and to meet with Japanese scientists at Ritsumeikan University. Biology professor Laura Corey, environmental studies professor Kevin Klein, chemistry professor Clayton Spencer, Japanese studies professor Reiko Itoh, education instructor Jaime Klein and intercultural exchange program director Rebecca Spencer have already

Beard

Black Eurales

Marks

Hopper

SmithMay


Sturtevant painting gifted to Illinois CollegeIllinois College Alumni Trustee Ellen Rammelkamp Miller ’73 (left) presents the “Sturtevant Painting” by artist Dorothy Frank, wife of the Department of English Chair Charles E. Frank, author of Pioneer’s Progress: Illinois College 1829-1979. The painting is a gift from Charles Rammelkamp ’74 to Illinois College in memory of his mother, Mabel Tippitt Rammelkamp ’41. Charles W. Frank (right), son of the late Dorothy and Charles E. Frank, represents the Frank Family.

explored research opportunities about the environment for Illinois College students at Ritsumeikan.”

The next step in the project is a multidisciplinary faculty-student seminar focused on Japan and environmental concerns during the 2013-2014 academic year. The Symposium on Science, Sustainability and Teaching in February 2014 concludes the seminar. Ritsumeikan University science faculty members will join in this symposium which will include formal academic presentations and informal discussions of science, sustainability and teaching. These aspects of the project also are funded by the Henry Luce Foundation grant.

According to Steuer, the Japan Foundation, New York, has awarded $38,500 to support the principal costs of a “Views of Japan” BreakAway trip to Japan in summer 2014. Illinois College professors Reiko Itoh and Laura Corey will lead a dozen students to Japan for three weeks. In Japan they will visit science labs and attend lectures on environmental issues and sustainability.

Steuer said, “This important initiative builds further collaborations between Illinois College and Ritsumeikan University, and enhances our students’ understanding of Japan, the environment and issues of sustainability that our nation shares with Japan.”

Along with Illinois College, Bryn Mawr College in Bryn Mawr, Pa., Earlham College in Richmond, Ind., Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pa., University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Wash., and Whittier College in Whittier, Calif., were also awarded $50,000 exploration grants by the Henry Luce Foundation.

Alumna joins Illinois College development office

Illinois College has hired Gigi Galloway Patterson ’92 to serve as annual giving and alumni relations coordinator. The Illinois College graduate is charged with supporting the Office of Development and Alumni Relations in everyday activities pertaining to annual giving, stewardship and alumni event planning.

Patterson comes to Illinois College after serving 12 years as the executive

director of The Nursery School in Jacksonville. She graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and theatre, emphasizing public address.

“I am happy to welcome Gigi back home to the hilltop community,” stated Phil Hood, vice president of development and alumni relations. “She is a wonderful addition to an already strong staff dedicated to maintaining the health of the College’s annual fund and alumni programming.”

Active as an alumna, Patterson is Gamma Delta Literary Society Advisory Board president and a former Illinois College Alumni Association director. Her community involvement includes major volunteerism roles with Prairieland United Way, Jacksonville Art Association and Passavant Area Hospital.

Patterson

July 2013 9

Vice president of development and alumni relations announces move to Lake ForestIllinois College President Barbara A. Farley recently announced to the Illinois College community that Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Philip Hood has accepted a similar role at Lake Forest College. Hood, a Jacksonville native, has been at the College since 2011.

“This move is a wonderful opportunity for me and my family,” said Hood. “I am proud of the accomplishments during my tenure and that of the highly effective team in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations. President Farley inherits a great group of professionals. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Hilltop.”

President Farley noted, “Phil Hood has made a lasting contribution to Illinois College through his dedicated efforts to raise funds that support the mission of IC, and to advance the work of the Office of Development and Alumni Relations. While I had looked forward to working with Phil, I wish him the best of luck in his new position.”

Hood’s final day at Illinois College was July 5. President Farley will appoint an interim leader who will serve until a new vice president is named.

Brunk honored with Governor’s Volunteer Service Award

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and the Serve Illinois Commission recognized Katie Brunk ’10, Illinois College AmeriCorps VISTA, with the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award at the Executive Mansion in Springfield on April 18.

The Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards focus on economic opportunity, education, environmental conservation,

disaster preparedness and response, and health and veterans affairs. Brunk was a recipient of the National Service Award in the West Central region as an AmeriCorp member. Illinois College Professor Kelly Dagan nominated Brunk for her work

Hood

with the Sonya Project, a reading buddy program at low-income elementary schools in Jacksonville.

“Katie combines both passion and an intellectual approach in her commitment to civic engagement,” Dagan said. “She is also able to think about the big picture while simultaneously engaging in attention to details when overseeing a project. These characteristics are not easy to come by, and she has been a huge asset to our office.”

As an AmeriCorps VISTA with Illinois Campus Compact, Brunk coordinates the Sonya Project and works with first-generation college students at Illinois College.

“I am honored to receive this award. As essential as the work that I do as an AmeriCorps VISTA is, none of the excellent volunteer programs I coordinate would be possible without the hard work of our student volunteers and our community partners,” Brunk said. “By sharing information about my projects, the award has provided me with an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of the important work we do in the Leadership Program, highlight the need for volunteerism and encourage others to get involved.”

The Serve Illinois Commission is a 40-member, bipartisan board appointed by the governor, with programs administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services. Its mission is to improve Illinois communities by enhancing volunteerism and instilling an ethic of service throughout the state. IC

The Illinois College Alumni Association established the Legacy Scholarship in 2011 to encourage and support those children of alumni to enroll and continue their education at Illinois College so as to build the family legacy on the Hilltop.

The third recipient of the Legacy Scholarship is Brant Bess ’17. Brant is the son of Danny Bess ’76 and Nanette Montgomery Bess ’78, and the brother of Kristen Bess ’11. Other family members who attended Illinois College include grandparents Raymond ’48 and Alia Sewell Montgomery ’49, uncle Bill Montgomery ’86 and late aunt Julie Montgomery Canady ’82.

Legacy Scholarship recipient

Brunk

Bess

10 Illinois College Quarterly

The inaugural All-Society Pre-Love Feast Social provided a place for nearly 180 literary society alumni, actives and family members to celebrate the successes of the academic year. The event also served as a locale for friends and family to meet before attending each society’s traditional Love Feast later that evening. Held the Saturday afternoon of Commencement Weekend on the Illinois College Walkway, the event included the announcement of the Dean of Student’s annual awards, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, entertainment by Sigma Pi alumnus Wes Prather ’02 of “Chasing the Turn” and a cash bar.

All-Society Pre-Love Feast Social

Chi Beta Sigma Pi

Sigma Phi Epsilon Gamma Delta

PratherPre- Love Feast Social

July 2013 11

Literary Societies

Theron Baldwin Service Award Sigma Phi Epsilon

Martin Hahn Critic’s Award Samir Adrissi ’14, Sigma Pi

Gertrude Hahn Vice President’s Award Taylor Triplo ’14, Sigma Phi Epsilon

Love Cup Sigma Phi Epsilon

Dean’s Cup for Literary Excellence Sigma Pi

Emory Whipple Award Matthew Runkel ’13, Phi Alpha (Fall 2012)Samir Adrissi ’14, Sigma Pi (Spring 2013)

GPA Awards Sigma Pi and Chi Beta (Fall 2012)

Phi Alpha and Sigma Phi Epsilon (Spring 2013)

Literary Society Awards

Gamma Delta

Gamma Nu

Phi Alpha

Pi Pi Rho


True Scholarship

FACULTYdigest

The faculty of Illinois College continues to build on the foundation of a combination of theory and practice in the classroom. A great example of this is the Master of Arts in Education program at Illinois College.

Several Master of Arts in Education program professors were asked to imagine talking to a room full of teachers who do not have their master’s degrees but enjoy teaching and love the classroom. What would you share about the program that may encourage enrollment in Illinois College’s M.A.Ed. program?

Elizabeth Rellinger Zettler enthusiastically began the discussion, “These are exactly the types of teachers we want to attract to our program. Our program is for the teachers who love what they are doing. I assume that most of them are already doing an amazing job with their students, but our program will give them exposure to new research which can help enhance what they are already doing; help them identify new resources and methods of advocating for their students; provide them with time to develop new assignments and lesson plans; give them a space to share their expertise and frustrations with other highly motivated and gifted educators; and obtain a higher degree so that their voice will be better heard by administrators and other educators.”

Faculty member Rob Sweatman ’91 added, “The professors in the M.A.Ed. program come from an array of departments, so they all approach the field of education from their unique disciplinary perspectives about which they are passionate. All of the courses focus on various aspects of teaching and student learning, and very practical classroom applications of the latest instructional theories.”

Why teach?

In response to the question, “Why teach?”, faculty member John Fritsche answers, “I teach because I love to learn, and this is one of the quickest ways of finding out what I don’t know, and makes me alert to new possibilities that I can bring to the classroom. Actually, I have learned the most about teaching

from my students in the graduate classes. I have learned that the sound of my voice in the classroom is not necessarily an indication that more learning is taking place than when the voices of all students come together in dialogue on a confusing and difficult issue. I also love the material I teach and encourage students to find a voice and a way of being in the world that changes it for the common good of children. I also teach because it is a job which puts me in a place in society where competing ideas are encouraged.”

From the inside looking out

Illinois College began offering the M.A.Ed. graduate program during the 2011 fall semester and is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Students from that first cohort in 2011 will finish classes in December and will graduate next spring during Illinois College’s 180th Commencement.

“I am thrilled to be part of the first cohort to graduate from the master’s program,” Valerie Love Graham ’10 M’13, a Central A&M Middle School teacher in Assumption said. “I feel that I am part of something that can positively influence the education system. It is quite an honor. I will apply the knowledge I have gained from the graduate program into my teaching practice to better my students’ learning.”

Illinois College faculty lead and inspire

July 2013 13

Graham is one of 13 students from the first cohort and is eager to graduate and put her new degree to work. Most of these graduate students are already teachers at schools from the area at places like Franklin High School, Winchester Elementary School, Pittsfield High School and schools in Jacksonville School District 117.

“Graduate level work is different than undergraduate, explains current graduate student Mallory Thuente Bendorf ’07 M’14. “It requires higher level thinking and more independent and intrinsic motivation. We are asked to lead text-based seminars and organize information that we ourselves are learning to present to our peers. The readings are challenging as well, often bringing us out of the comfort zone of our certification. As a pre-kindergarten teacher, I am being asked to learn and understand about the development of older students. I think this is a very important part of being a better teacher as it requires me to think outside my strengths as an educator and grow in new ways. I am learning about myself and about how to broaden my perspective of education as a whole.”

“The graduate program is inspiring and rewarding.” Bendorf continues, “Just like the IC undergraduate program, you get a well-rounded education from many different professors rather than a very focused and specialized degree from a handful of education professors. With this liberal arts method we get a variety of teaching approaches as well which keeps the classes interesting and challenging. It is also unique that we are learning alongside peers that teach a variety of subjects and age levels. In our cohort alone we have pre-kindergarten through high school teachers. This adds a different complexity to our discussions and allows us to learn about other perspectives of education that we may not be faced with, but are still very important. Finally, unique to the program is

the cohort style grouping of students. We are able to move together as a group and have more open discussions and conversations because we know our classmates well.”

Opportunities and expectations

“With a particular focus on integrative, experiential and reflective approaches to learning, the master’s degree in education will add a depth of understanding to the broader liberal arts education that students received in their bachelor’s degree studies,” explained faculty member Todd Oberg. “The program’s primary focus is on the cognitive, social and emotional aspects of teaching, learning and assessment, and is intended for individuals who teach in pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade schools.”

“The program will facilitate professional growth to engage students by shaping their educational experiences, promoting teacher growth through effective learning,” concluded Oberg. “Each classroom experience is designed to build collaboration with peers and engage educators in critical dialogues.” IC

The Illinois College Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) program is designed to accommodate the professional development needs of in-service teachers. This degree will provide educators with advanced knowledge of research, theory and practice in the field of teaching and learning. In addition, the coursework will prepare teachers to assume leadership roles in mentoring, curriculum and instruction, and staff development; and is helpful for those working to obtain their National Board Certification. Earning a master’s degree in education at Illinois College will add a depth of understanding to the broader liberal arts education received in studies leading to a bachelor’s degree.

The M.A.Ed. is a two and one-half year, 32 credit-hour, on-campus degree program consisting of 29 credits from seven, four-credit-hour core courses and a one-credit action research capstone experience. The remaining three credits may be earned in a variety of ways. In most cases, candidates select elective courses from a large variety of courses designed specifically for the program. As an option, candidates may take elective courses to prepare them to obtain National Board Certification following completion of the degree. Up to four graduate credits taken prior to the start of the program may be transferred into the program as electives.

The program is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Visit www.ic.edu/masters or call 217.245.3030 for more detailed enrollment and course information.

I want a master’s degree in education because I want to stay in the field of education. As an

early childhood educator, I want to grow with my understanding of how to be a more effective and educated teacher … I want to continue to learn and grow as both a teacher and a student … a master’s degree was the next logical step.

– Mallory Thuente Bendorf ’07 M’14


Norville goes out on topMissy Norville ’13 finished her collegiate track and field career in style, winning three more national titles at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships May 23-25 in La Crosse, Wis. The three national titles, which tied the Division III all-time record for the most at a single outdoor national meet, brought Norville’s career count to nine national titles. She is the only Illinois College student-athlete to win multiple national titles.

“It feels great,” Norville said after capturing her final two titles on May 25. “It’s what I wanted.”

Norville finished her career as not only the most decorated student-athlete in Illinois College history, but one of the most decorated NCAA student-athletes of all time. In addition to her nine titles, Norville has won 24 Midwest Conference titles, earned All-American status 19 times and set a pair of NCAA Division III records.

Norville played a key role in helping the Illinois College women’s indoor track and field team to a second-place finish at the 2013 NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships May 8-9 in Naperville, scoring 30 of her team’s 32 points at the meet. The second-place team finish is the best in Illinois College history in any team sport.

Norville won the long jump and triple jump at both this year’s indoor and outdoor national meets. She won the 60-meter hurdles at the national indoor meet and the 100-meter hurdles at the national outdoor meet. She was dominant at the national outdoor meet, winning the long jump (20 feet, 5 inches) by nearly half a foot, the triple jump (41 feet, 11 ¼ inches) by more than a foot and the 100-meter hurdles (13.93 seconds) by more than three tenths of a second.

Norville and the Illinois College women’s outdoor track and field team took sixth place in the team standings at the outdoor national meet. Megan Stringer ’13 took third place in the heptathlon at the outdoor meet while Brittney Burgess ’14 took ninth in the javelin.

“It’s kind of bittersweet,” Illinois College Head Women’s Track and Field Coach Rachel Smith Rohn ’07 said after the outdoor meet. “I’m so proud of these girls. Missy and Megan left their mark on this program, and I’m looking forward to having Brittney back next year.”

Westling named head women’s basketball coachLora Westling was named head women’s basketball coach at Illinois College, Director of Athletics Gale Vaughn ’78 announced on April 26. Westling had most recently served as an assistant women’s basketball coach at Truman State University.

“I’m delighted that Illinois College, the Office of Intercollegiate Athletics and our women’s basketball team were all in a position to attract a coaching candidate as talented, dedicated, competitive and enthusiastic as Lora Westling,” Vaughn said.

Westling started work at the college on May 6. “I am absolutely thrilled to be the head women’s basketball coach at Illinois College,” she said. “I feel honored and humbled to lead the Lady Blues basketball program into the future.”

Westling, a native of Casper, Wyo., was a standout women’s basketball player at Washburn University where she helped win a Division II national championship in 2005. An all-region and two-time all-conference selection, Westling finished her playing

True Victories

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career as Washburn’s all-time leader in three-point field goals made (144) and games played (132). She also earned all-conference status as a member of Washburn’s women’s soccer team and was named the team’s most valuable player her senior year. Westling was named Washburn’s Senior Athlete of the Year in 2006. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Washburn in 2005 and an MBA from Washburn in 2007.

Westling got her start in coaching as a graduate assistant at Washburn in 2006, where she coached both women’s basketball and women’s soccer. She later coached at the University of Missouri-St. Louis and Truman State. Westling intends to continue her success at Illinois College as she takes over a team that posted an overall record of 7-16 and a Midwest Conference mark of 5-13 in 2012-2013.

“I have no intention of wasting any time in my mission to develop the competitive culture of Lady Blues basketball. The plan is to make past, current and future players more proud of their program than ever before,” Westling said. “We will be dedicated to winning championships, excelling in the classroom and serving the Jacksonville community. I am unbelievably excited to get started.”

NotesThe Illinois College softball team posted a 20-win season

this spring as Paige Cullison ’14, Brittany Fanella ’15,

Courtney Kwasnitza ’15 and Amanda Price ’16 earned

all-conference honors. The Lady Blues posted a perfect

5-0 record at the Midwest Conference Classic April 12-14,

beating all five competitors from the Midwest Conference’s

North Division. The team’s final games of the season, a

doubleheader against Cornell College, were broadcast on

television by Mediacom. Before the game, Cory Joergens ’12

and Megan Jagodzinski ’13 became engaged following

an on-field proposal. Joergens proposed to Jagodzinski

following Senior Day festivities. � The Illinois College

baseball team finished 2013 with an overall record of 13-

19. Brothers David Pardo ’13 and Matthew

Pardo ’14 earned all-conference status. Nate Jones ’13

threw a no-hitter against Grinnell College on April 14. � Chandler Polyte ’14, Ofuma Eze-Echesi ’14, Missy

Norville and Brittney Burgess ’15 won conference titles

at the Midwest Conference Outdoor Track and Field

Championships May 10-11 in Beloit, Wis. Polyte won

the pole vault, Eze-Echesi won the 400-meter run, and

Burgess won the javelin throw. Norville won the long jump,

triple jump, 100-meter hurdles and 200-meter dash,

en route to earning honors as both an Outstanding Track

Performer of the meet and Outstanding Field Performer of

the meet. Stringer, Eze-Echesi, Missy Norville and Tamar

Norville ’16 led Illinois College’s 4x100-meter relay team to

another first-place finish. Other Illinois College

student-athletes earning all-conference honors by finishing

in the top three in their respective events were Freeman

Fulwiley ’16, Brendan Kimble ’14 and Brian Johnson ’14. � The Illinois College men’s golf team took sixth place at

the Midwest Conference Championships at Aldeen Golf

Club in Rockford May 2-4. Christian Walker ’14 scored the

team’s top individual finish, taking a share of 17th place. � The Illinois College men’s tennis team took 10th place

at the Midwest Conference Championships April 26-28 in

Madison, Wis. The Blueboys earned the Sportsmanship

Award at the MWC Championships. � Macalester College

will join the Midwest Conference as an affiliate football

member beginning in July 2014.

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Feature

16 Illinois College Quarterly

President Steuer addresses the Class of 2013 at his final Illinois College commencement

Illinois College President Axel D. Steuer addressed the Class of 2013 in his 10th and final hilltop commencement, offering four guideposts to help lead the 205 graduating students as they leave the Hilltop.

“Think of me today as a scout who has traveled quite a few years in front of you,” he said. “I have been over the road that lies ahead to wherever your careers may take you. And here, in short, are the guideposts I offer:

“1. Never compromise integrity and you will have a life worth living; 2. Persist in following your dreams and your dreams have a good chance of being fulfilled; 3. Commit yourself firmly to justice and the world will be better because of you;

President Steuer addresses the Class of 2013 at his final Illinois College commencement

and 4. Serve the needs of others, and your life as well as theirs will be enriched.”

A total of 32 graduates received Bachelor of Arts degrees while 173 were awarded Bachelor of Science degrees during the 179th commencement exercise at 3 p.m. on the College’s Historic Upper Quadrangle. Ryan Blesse ’13 of Jacksonville, Cassie Jarvis ’13 of Washington and Megan Rabe ’13 of Ursa were recognized as the class valedictorians.

Axel and Loreli Steuer were honored with Doctor of Humane Letters degrees along with Trustee Emeritus John Porter ’68, Trustee Emeritus Eugene Wells ’63 and Lee Westrate ’44. An honorary Bachelor of Arts degree was bestowed upon Illinois College Board of Trustee Barrett Callaghan.

17July 2013

(continued page 19)


Steuer came to Illinois College as president on June 1, 2003. Prior to that, he was president of Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota and a faculty member and administrator at Occidental College in California. As first lady of Illinois College, Loreli devoted much of her time to preserving and enhancing the College’s beautiful campus, while also spreading the word of its remarkable historical connections with Abraham Lincoln and the Underground Railroad.

As a Charter Trustee, Porter has been a committed and highly effective advocate for campus accessibility and for campus diversity. He has been an articulate champion for the welfare of the students of Illinois College and for social justice in the world at large. A Vietnam era military veteran, Porter was serving as a lead flight mechanic when the airplane he was responsible for crashed on a mountain-top in Iran during a blinding snowstorm. After more than a year in military hospitals recovering from his injuries, Porter enrolled at Illinois College where he served as Student Body president.

In 1968, Wells received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy. He then completed his specialty degree in orthodontics from Howard University in 1972 and served as an associate professor of orthodontics for a year. Wells decided to relocate to Houston, Texas, in search of a new opportunity. It is there that he opened his own private practice specializing in orthodontics. Wells presently serves on the Board of Trustees of Illinois College.

Westrate is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Illinois College. He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in political science from the University of Chicago before taking his first teaching position at the University of Nebraska, Omaha. His professional life consisted of dual careers in higher education and public service, as well as 40 years of active duty and reserve service in the United States Air Force.

Callaghan is general manager and senior vice president of CCC Information Services, Inc. CCC, based in Chicago, is the nation’s leading provider of advanced software, workflow tools and enabling technologies to the automotive claims and collision repair industries. Callaghan was elected as a Charter Trustee in May 2011.

A special ceremony took place before commencement that officially renamed the Illinois College Walkway that adjoins the College’s upper and lower quads to the Steuer Walkway. Graduating seniors, parents, friends and Illinois College family members honored the Steuers for their dedication and service to the college community. IC

19July 2013


A message from the president of the Alumni Association While serving as president-elect of the Alumni Association, I chaired the Special Projects Committee that was asked to consider revisions to the bylaws of the Illinois College Alumni Association. Namely, the Alumni Board of Directors thought it would be an improvement to lengthen the terms of both the secretary and treasurer positions from one year to two, so as to maintain continuity through the transition of one Alumni Board president to another. In addition, our committee discussed and proposed the idea of establishing a Finance Committee to aid in governance of Alumni Association finances.

At its February winter meeting, the Alumni Board of Directors unanimously approved the following revisions to the Alumni Association Constitution for consideration by the entire membership of the Association. Please contact me through the Office of Development and Alumni Relations by October 11, 2013, at 1101 West College Avenue, Jacksonville, Illinois, 62650 or 217.245.3046 if you are opposed to the proposed changes in the constitution as listed below:

MOVED: The constitution of the Illinois College Alumni Association be amended to read as follows:

ARTICLE V.

Section 5. The secretary shall hold office for two years or until their successor is elected and inducted into office. The secretary’s term shall commence on alternate years from that of the president. Should the secretary’s office become vacant, a replacement shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term but shall be eligible to serve additional full terms. (Remainder of the section remains unchanged.)

The 2012-2014 president will appoint a secretary for a three-year term initially in order to implement this amendment.

Section 6. The treasurer shall hold office for two years or until their successor is elected and inducted into office. The treasurer’s term shall commence on the alternate years from that of the president. Should the treasurer’s office become vacant, a replacement shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term but shall be eligible to serve additional full terms.

The 2012-2014 president will appoint a treasurer for a three-year term initially in order to implement this amendment.

ARTICLE VI.

Section 1. The standing committees of the association shall be the Executive Committee, Nominations Committee, Citations Committee, Young Alumnus Citation Committee, Ambassador Awards Committee, Friend of the College Committee, Special Projects Committee and Finance Committee.

Section 9. The Finance Committee shall consist of the treasurer, three (3) members of the Alumni Board each serving sequential three-year terms and the controller of the College as an unelected ex-officio member. In the event of a resignation, a replacement shall be appointed to fulfill the remainder of the vacant term. The committee shall be responsible for but not limited to:

• Development of annual Alumni Association budgets;• Review of expenses incurred;• Approval of the treasurer’s report;• Recommendations regarding the investment of the Association’s funds;• Recommendations regarding the terms of indebtedness anticipated by the Association.

Initially, the three members shall be appointed to terms of one year, two years and three years to start the sequential terms.

Section 10. The Director of Alumni Relations is an ex-officio member of the Citation, Young Alumnus Citation and Ambassador Awards Committees.

Thank you,

Mae Marie Noll ’96

Feature

Illinois College embraces its historical role of providing accessible higher education to a student body diverse in terms of life experiences, family income, high school preparation and cultural background. First-generation college students – those whose parents did not receive a bachelor’s degree – have always been the foundation of the Illinois College student community. First-generation college students in the 2012-2013 academic year comprised nearly half of the Illinois College student body.

While first-generation college students often possess a broad array of talents and skills, and may be highly motivated to succeed, research indicates that extra support and resources will increase their likelihood to thrive academically and graduate in four years.

Yates Fellowship Program Playing an essential role with first-generation college students

21July 2013

First row (l to r): Kaitlyn Murphy, Precious Newburn, Alishia Jacks and Jessica Johnson. Second row: Cory Washington, Jake Lord, Gabrielle Eischen, Stacy Stevens and Jessica Dunkirk. Third row: Eric Lymberopoulos, Ross Barker and Carmen Kremitzki. Back row: Isaac Grapperhaus, Joshua Williams and Devin Frailey.


Carmen Kremitzki ’13

I have always been a high achieving student, but the Yates Fellowship Program gave me resources that I continued to use throughout my time at Illinois College. During my first year, the Yates Program helped me through study tables, activities and community relationships. During my sophomore and junior years, I was able to continue the relationships I had formed through the program, help in the Center for Academic Excellence and also build new relationships through the TRiO program. In my senior year I was able to help first-year students by becoming their Yates Teaching Fellow. I helped them with their studies and served as a mentor and role model and a connection to other students on campus.

The Yates Program played an important role in my success and well-being while at IC, especially through the relationships I was able to form. The experience that affected me the most comes from my Yates Fellowship writing class. Professor Nick Capo, on one of the first days of the program, asked us to write on a piece of paper “I will finish,” and underneath those words sign and date it. That memory still moves me because he was saying, “Yes, the Yates Program will give you resources, relationships and funds, if that is what you want, but you must be accountable to you. Finish for yourself, as a strong first-generation student who is motivated to succeed in college and in life.” I still hold myself accountable to succeed in what I set out to do, with no excuses.

I advise younger Yates Fellows to utilize every single resource available, whether it is professors, friends, a department on campus, a scholarship, etc., to make sure that their career as a college student is successful, and it is everything they desire. I cannot express how many departments and people on campus helped me – as much as they could, whenever I asked them – because I had utilized resources and built relationships from the beginning.

I graduated with a history major and a political science minor. I will be attending Illinois State University in the fall, where I will enter a master’s program in college student personnel administration. I also have an assistantship in the ISU office that helps low-income, first-generation, minority, disabled and academic probation students.

According to Dean of the College Elizabeth Tobin, “Illinois College strives to provide all students with the academic supports they need to be successful. Our Center for Academic Excellence provides a wide variety of services for all students, and has implemented targeted programming for first-generation college students and other at-risk groups including the Yates Fellowship Program and the TRiO Student Support Services program.”

The Yates Fellowship Program offers first-generation college students the opportunity to participate in a yearlong learning community that begins with a summer bridge program prior to the start of the academic year. A two-week intensive introduction to college math and writing, college study habits and college advice, it is a crash course in the hard work required for success. The program helps students gain familiarity with college vocabulary, patterns of behavior and traditions that other peers might learn from their parents.

According to Andrew Jones, director of the Center for Academic Excellence, “The Yates Fellowship Program has been remarkably successful in building a foundation for the success of first-generation college students at Illinois College. The team of faculty, staff and students that works with the Yates Program is highly committed to the mission of the program and is really invested in the success of the Yates Fellows. We build connections with the students that last throughout their time at Illinois College and beyond graduation.”

Named after the College’s first graduate, Richard Yates, the Civil War Governor of Illinois, the program began in 2008 when the Council of Independent Colleges selected Illinois College to receive a two-year, $100,000 Walmart College Success Award grant. The College has sustained the Yates Fellowship Program with institutional funding, private donations and a federal TRiO Student Support Services grant.

Yates Fellows are also enrolled in the TRiO Student Support Services program which provides a suite of supportive services for low-income students, first-generation students and students who have a diagnosed and documented disability. The TRiO program continues to support and guide students throughout their Illinois College undergraduate career.

The Illinois College graduating class of 2013 included 15 Yates Fellows who participated in the second cohort of the Yates Fellowship program in 2009-2010. We caught up with four of those graduating seniors to explain how the Yates Fellowship Program played a part in their success at Illinois College.

July 2013 23

Jake Lord ’13

When I was a senior at Lutheran High School in Springfield, I wasn’t sure I wanted to go to college. I decided to attend Illinois College and was accepted into the Yates Program, and the program really helped me understand that the road from freshman to senior year in college can be a long and difficult one. The Yates Program, and all of the faculty directors and professors, reassured me that all of the tools are there, all of the resources are there, but persistence is ultimately what gets you from point A as a freshman to point B when you walk across the stage. I also understand that college is easier for some than it is for others, and with me being a first-generation college student, I didn’t have a whole lot of guidance in terms of what I would experience while I was in college.

When I came to Illinois College, I wanted to major in accounting, but I changed my mind after my first year and decided to major in computer science and minor in accounting. I am very happy that I had the courage to change my mind. The Yates Program helped me achieve my academic and career goals. I earned my degree and in June, I started a job with Caterpillar where I will be on a database team at the Parts Distribution and Logistics Center in Morton.

I served as a Yates Teaching Fellow for the classes of Yates Fellows that entered in 2010, 2011 and 2012 which was a great experience for me. I always advise younger Fellows to be persistent and to be open to the possibility that plans can change.

Precious Newburn ’13

When I came to Illinois College, it was a different world from what I was used to in Chicago. I felt lucky to be selected for participation in the Yates Fellowship Program where I was able to get to know several professors, advisors and staff members before other first-year students arrived on campus. Those two weeks allowed me to establish lasting friendships and become familiar with the campus.

Yates helped me make the transition from high school to college. I was very nervous about that, but Andrew Jones, director of the Center for Academic Excellence, Professor Kelly Dagan and everyone else in Yates supported me during the transition. In my first semester, if I had not been part of the Yates Program, I would not have made it through. There were study tables, workshops and team work. Jones and other faculty

members checked in on me and helped me access the resources I needed.

In making the transition from high school to college, and in making the transition from college to career, the Yates Program accompanied me. Years ago I said, “If Yates was not my yesterday, Illinois College would not be my today and a bachelors degree would not be my tomorrow.” I will always be grateful for the Yates Program. I earned a degree in communication and rhetorical studies with a minor in sociology. I manage my own business as a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant which I plan to grow.

Cory Washington ’13

I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Yates Fellowship Program. The Yates Fellowship Program helps to prepare students for college life. The transition from high school to college can be tough and being a first-generation college student adds on another barrier.

I used concepts learned in the program throughout my four years at Illinois College in academics as well as in extracurricular activities. I learned about time management in the Yates Fellowship Program. Andrew Jones taught us skills that can apply in many different aspects in life. Prior to starting college, I had no sense of time management, but after the Yates Program concluded, I felt more prepared for college because I could now successfully manage my time. I was able to accomplish my coursework and participate in many

organizations and extracurricular activities. In the Yates program I also learned to utilize critical thinking skills, and from that point I was able to strengthen those skills.

The Yates Fellowship Program played an essential role in my whole college experience, from my first day on campus in August 2009, to Commencement Day 2013 when I walked across the stage to receive my diploma. I earned a degree in communication and rhetorical studies, and psychology. I will work at the Illinois Student Assistance Commission in its corps program where I will assist and educate families about the college experience in order to encourage more students to go to college. I will advise other first-generation students to never give up on their dreams of achieving a college degree. IC


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1 Amanda Moore ’13 with cousins James Blakeley ’98 and Martha Vest Blakeley ’99 2 Brett Leischner ’13 and Lindsey Raridon Leischner ’13 with

great-aunt Carol Leischner Pearson ’63 3 Cassie Edwards ’13 with parents Mike Edwards ’78 and Barb Jackson Edwards ’80, and sister Kaitlen Edwards ’10

4 Clinton Everetts ’13 with parents Lisa Rich Everetts ’87 and Bruce Everetts ’85 5 Colby Higgins ’13 with father Bruce Higgins ’84 and aunt Sharma Higgins ’86

6 Dylan DeFauw ’13 with brother Jake DeFauw ’12 7 Kathleen Love ’13 and fiancé Brett Lurkins ’13 with Kathleen’s sister, Valerie Love Graham ’10,

brother-in-law Nate Graham ’08 and cousin Emily Langheim ’15 8 Jonathon Kirkham ’13 with grandfather William Cooper ’54 9 Lisa Miller ’13 with sister Kristin

Miller ’11 10 Mary Dahlem ’13 with sister Emily Dahlem Wright ’01 and brother-in-law Dan Wright ’01 11 Matt Nall ’13 with sister Mallory Nall Kessler ’10

12 Precious Newburn ’13 with sister Annette Black ’11 13 Rachyl Huddleston ’13 with stepfather Phil Pohlman ’86 14 Steven Nolte ’13 with cousins Alex

Johnson ’16, Kayla Nolte Bonebrake ’07, Jennifer Chumley Kafer ’99 and father Cliff Nolte ’78 15 Wesley Graham ’13 with sister-in-law Valerie Love Graham ’10,

brothers Nate Graham ’08 and Nick Graham ’10, and father Ron Graham ’79

Legacy Graduates


Alumnus creates a lasting legacy for the College

Giving back … that is what motivated Mark Frech ’73, his wife, Jane, and son Jake to endow the Frech Family Scholarship with a gift of $25,000. The scholarship was initiated in 1999 with memorial gifts for his mother, Corinne Frech, who was a dorm mother on the Hilltop from 1977 to 1991. Corinne’s grandson, Mark Grounds ’91, is also an alumnus.

“Illinois College has played an important role in my life and in my family’s lives. I am happy to be at a point where I can give back and make a difference in the future of the College and its students,” stated Frech. “My parents made many sacrifices so my sister and I were able to attend college. I am pleased to recognize them and our family with this endowed scholarship. I talked with my mother before her passing about establishing a family scholarship, and I am proud to complete the final phase of permanently funding this gift.”

The first recipient of the scholarship will be selected in the fall of 2014, with preference given to a student from Greene County. A graduate of Carrollton High School, Frech wants to see others from his hometown have the same opportunities he had. “My years as a student and an admissions employee at Illinois College greatly impacted my future. I have had many wonderful opportunities in my life, and many of them are connected to Illinois College. I want to see that continue and for others to have similar experiences. Many of my lifelong friends are IC graduates. We have remained in close contact throughout the years.”

Student scholarships affect the lives of many students and make it possible for Illinois College to attract and enroll talented

True Vision

HILLTOPphilanthropystudents, regardless of their financial circumstances. The total scholarship aid awarded for academic year 2012-2013 was $11,466,204. A portion of these scholarship dollars is made possible by the more than 180 named endowed scholarships at the College that have been established over the years through outright gifts or through estate and planned gifts.

“We are grateful to the Frech family for funding this scholarship to help make it possible for future students to attend Illinois College,” said Illinois College President Barbara A. Farley. “With 99 percent of our students receiving financial assistance, there is always a need for more scholarship funds.” The minimum amount to endow a scholarship is $25,000.

Frech hopes his actions will inspire others to consider similar gifts to the College. Creating an endowed scholarship fund leaves a permanent, positive legacy that will help educate our students.

“I plan to continue adding to the Frech Family Scholarship, and I hope others will consider establishing their own endowed scholarship so future generations will be able to benefit from the great educational and career opportunities that Illinois College offers,” concluded Frech.

Parents Council increasing scope on the HilltopMembers of the Illinois College Parents Council are working to assist the College in ways beyond welcoming and moving new students onto the Hilltop at the beginning of each new academic year.

Directed by Dean of Students Malinda Carlson, the Parents Council meets three times a year to discuss topics concerning

Mark, Jane and Jake Frech

Barclay family

July 2013 27

Philanthropy

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their students’ Illinois College experiences. The concept of fundraising on behalf of the College is a new venture this group of dedicated parents has decided to explore. As a result, parent giving has risen dramatically. A total of 254 parents gave $16,700 this fiscal year – a 10 percent increase from the 2011-2012 fiscal year.

Peter Barclay, the father of Clare Barclay ’14, is leading the effort to ask fellow parents for their support of Illinois College. He penned a letter this spring explaining why donations to the IC Fund – Illinois College’s unrestricted annual fund – are crucial in addressing the College’s most pressing needs

Class of 2013 attains extraordinary record

which include funding increases for campus technology, student scholarships and travel opportunities, to name a few.

The Parents Council will host an event at the beginning of the coming academic year to welcome new parents to the group. All parents of new Illinois College students are invited to the social on Friday, August 23, at the Alumni House immediately following the new student welcome in Rammelkamp Chapel scheduled for 4 p.m. Along with the Parents Council members, staff from the Offices of Development and Alumni Relations, and Student Life will be eager to welcome parents to the Illinois College family.

The Class of 2013 surpassed all other graduating classes in the history of Illinois College when 96 students donated to the senior class gift campaign, an impressive 46.3 percent of the class.

Establishing a senior class gift has been a longstanding tradition at Illinois College. This year’s graduating seniors took a new approach to their senior giving campaign. Instead of focusing on one physical item to be purchased for the campus, each student was asked to give to the IC Fund – the College’s unrestricted annual fund – and given the opportunity to direct their gift to benefit a specific academic department, office, athletic team or campus organization.

Managed by senior class president Corey Wilson ’13 and Student Alumni Association member Megan Jagodzinski ’13, this year’s senior class was able to contribute an entire alumni participation point to the 2012-2013 IC Fund campaign, thereby helping the Office of Development and Alumni Relations realize their goal of 26 percent overall alumni participation.

Taking their cue from the seniors, the Class of 2014 has accepted the challenge and is working on plans to model their philanthropic efforts after this year’s graduating class.


True Moments

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1 May 11, Class of 1963 50th Reunion, Hamilton’s 110

North East – Seated (l to r): Diane Mikota Huckstadt ’63, Carol

Leischner Pearson ’63, Marianne Williams Stowers ’63, Lois

Propeck, Dixie Dawdy and Susan Hammerman. Standing: Don

Huckstadt, Homer Rieken ’63, Carol Bycroft Rieken ’63, John

Pearson, Larry Stowers ’63, Don Propeck ’63, Marlin Dawdy ’63,

Charlotte Mock, Ken Mock ’63 and Joe Hammerman ’63.

2 May 10, Golden Club Class Reunions and Alumni

Mixer, Alumni House – Conrad Damsgaard ’57, Pat Carlson

Damsgaard ’53, George Aderton ’53, Janice Aderton, Warren

Musch ’43, Betty Fisherkeller Pine ’53, Ed Lawless ’53 and

Virginia Lawless 3 Lori Petermeyer Smith ’88, Art Neal ’83

and Marcia Short ’86 4 Betty Fisherkeller Pine ’53 and Odell

Fellhauer ’65 5 Carol Leischner Pearson ’63, Diane Mikota

Huckstadt ’63 and Don Huckstadt 6 Julie Bodam

Macartney ’98 and Lee Westrate ’44 7 Susan Hammerman

and Carol Bycroft Rieken ’63 8 Larry Stowers ’63

9 Roger Ezard ’58 and Diana Dawdy Chesley ’58

July 2013 29

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May 10, Osage Orange Festival, Illinois College Walkway – 1 Heather Loy ’91 and Oliver Loy 2 “The Harmans” bluegrass band 3 Trey Bourn

4 Joana Torres ’14, Elisabet Lozano-Pina, Miriam Quezada ’15 and Rocio Buzo ’15 5 Kelly Rehr ’13 and Kevin Scarriot 6 Cora and Annaliese Oldenburg

7 Frank Williams, Tony Studer, Yvonne Williams and Erin Studer

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True Moments

May 7, Senior Wine and Cheese Reception, Alumni House – 1 Seniors gather at the Alumni House 2 Aaron Gyrion ’13, Megan Stringer ’13, Kayla Birdsell ’13

and Andrea Kestner ’13 3 Precious Newburn ’13, Tracey Ankoma-Bempong ’13, Ryan Blesse ’13, Katie Bernardi ’14, Lakyn Richard ’13, Cory Washington ’13, Carly

Holmes ’13, Krysta Garrott ’13 and Anastasia Zimmer ’13 April 27, Alumni Baseball and Softball Weekend/Varsity Club Event, Baseball Field – 4 Charlie Bellatti ’49,

Bob Pearson ’71, Heidi Bruce ’12, Deb Beal and Kent Elwood 5 April 28, Alumni Baseball and Softball Weekend, Kamp Softball Field – Members of the Gene

Farmer ’58 family gather prior to the ceremony to dedicate stadium seats in his memory. 6 Lynn Farmer ’92, Carrie Jo Henry Donnan ’97, Jessica Foote ’09,

Chelsea Boente ’11, Sydni Szafranski ’11, Amy Wilson ’93, Rachel Von Behrens Farmer ’92, Denise Reiniesch-Heyen ’02 and Kristina Schenk Meinecke ’99

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Like Illinois College Alumni Community on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, @ILCollegeAlumni, to learn about alumni events, view event photos and stay connected with your alma mater!

April 26, Ron Burchett ’56 Alumni Networking Event, Kirby

Learning Center – 1 Keynote address speaker Greg Baise ’74

2 Levi Haley ’15 and Lance Range ’96 3 Kayla

Montgomery ’08 4 April 6, Berea College Presidential

Inauguration, Berea, Ky. – Ninth President of Berea College

Lyle Roelofs and Illinois College delegate Diane Rudy

Lewandowski ’59 5 March 24, “All the King’s Women,”

Jacksonville Theatre Guild, Jacksonville – First row (l to r):

Mary Sager Mullgardt ’69, Shawn Schofield Smith ’89 and

Marilyn Mullgardt Webster ’97. Back row: Visiting Professor

of Physics Caroline Sturgeon, Katie Phelps Nyberg ’01,

IC TheatreWorks costumer Laurabeth Allyn, Visiting Assistant

Professor of Theatre Kate Muchmore and Kim Shafer ’02.

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Class Notes

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Harry Wegehoft on the death of his wife, Doris Wegehoft, on February 2, 2013.

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Margaret Marshall Barry on the death of her husband, Tom Barry, on December 5, 2012. � Bob Rittenhouse recently had a book published, Nori: The Story of a deaf Honduran orphan and the goodness of God, about the true story of his daughter who was adopted from an orphanage in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The book will be the feature publication at the Southern Baptist Deaf Convention this summer.

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Ed Stanfield on the death of his wife, Malinda Stanfield, on October 16, 2012.

Julie Moss Herrera has successfully launched her book, Old China through the Eyes of a Storyteller: an Anthology of Chinese Folktales and the Stories Behind Them.

Carol Morris Blackfelner has been named chairman of the board of the Health and Wellness

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Clinic in Canton for the third consecutive year.

Randy Akers hosted a grant writing seminar this spring for the South Carolina Humanities Council. Randy is finishing his 25th year as executive director of the Humanities Council in Columbia, S.C.

Kevin Brodie was recently inducted into the Illinois School for the Deaf Hall of Fame as a faculty member. Kevin taught and coached at ISD for 31 years before retiring in 2009.

Mary Heck Dalton is an adjunct instructor in natural sciences at Joliet Junior College in Joliet. � George Hamilton was named 2012 Boss of the Year by the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce. � Ken Miller was recently inducted into the 2013 Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Joe Chapa has been named the director of operational analysis and simulation at Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems and was awarded IDS’ 2012 Innovation Excellence Award. � Curtis Coonrod received his Ph.D. in education from Capella University in December 2012. He is

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Illinois College alumna Alicia Parrott Claypool ’68 received the 2013 Eychaner Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award on June 7, 2013, during the Matthew Shepard Scholarship Awards Dinner in Des Moines, Iowa.

A nonprofit entrepreneur, Claypool has founded or co-founded three nonprofit organizations: the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, Iowa Safe Schools and Iowa Immigration Education Coalition. She is currently engaged in creating the Latina Leadership Initiative of Greater Des Moines, an innovative leadership development program for young Latinas, ages 20 to 30.

Also of note, she has been honored with the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Faith and Freedom Award (2006), recognized as a Woman of Influence by the Des Moines Business Record (2007), received the Illinois College Distinguished Service Award

(2007) and honored as a Woman of Achievement by the YWCA and Bankers Trust (2009).

Professionally, Claypool was an educator, housing and health planner, and administrative services manager for Polk County Social Services. She has actively served on numerous community boards and commissions in her children’s schools, church, political and civic organizations for 35 years. She is married to alumnus David Claypool ’68.

The Eychaner Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting tolerance and nondiscrimination.

Lifetime of promoting tolerance and nondiscrimination

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currently working as vice provost for student affairs and dean of students at University of Missouri-St. Louis. � Kent Siltman was recently elected to his fourth term on the Bureau Valley School Board. Kent also continues to serve as president of the Citizens First State Bank of Walnut.

Kelly Neese Siltman received a master’s degree in administration from American College of Education. She is currently in her 13th year at Prophetstown High School teaching public speaking, psychology and personal fitness.

Mike Mann is now the assistant vice president of budgeting and finance at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. � Dawn Golden Powell is the administrator of Heritage Woods of Sterling. The assisted living community was recently selected as one of the Top 20 assisted living communities in Illinois by Assisted Living Today.

Kerry Grubb Cox has been selected as the new superintendent for the Carrollton School District. Kerry began her new position on July 1.

Christy Trutter Ganson is the new director of parks and recreation for the Metamora Park District in Metamora.

Andrew Miller was granted tenure and promoted to associate professor of political science at Wilkes University in Wilkes Barre, Pa. � Lori Large Oldenettel was honored by Jacksonville Main Street as the recipient of the Kristan Becker Hoffman Volunteer of the Year award. Lori is the coordinator of community engagement at Illinois College.

Robert Bonjean III was appointed Morgan County State’s Attorney after serving as assistant since 2004.

Deea Garner Meek was recently honored by Jacksonville Main Street with the Jacksonville Main Street Business of the Year award at the 2013 annual meeting. Deea owns Eclectic Art Gallery with her husband, Sean Meek ’98. Her in-laws, Bob ’71 and Katrina Franz Meek ’72, assist in the operation of the gallery.

Jenny Faith Carrell is now the senior cardiovascular sales specialist at Janssen, a pharmaceutical company of Johnson & Johnson. � Danielle Stoll Heeter is working as the ESOL coordinator at Miami Valley Career Technology Center in Dayton, Ohio.

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Jennifer Fitzgerald graduated from DePaul University Kellstadt Graduate School of Business with a master’s degree in financial analysis. Jennifer is currently a vice president with Bank of America in San Diego, Calif. � Amanda Shoemaker has been appointed to serve on the Illinois Lincoln Excellence in Public Service Series Board of Governors.

Jessica Castlebury Long is the patient engagement expert at Jardogs LLC in Springfield. � Elizabeth Jenkins Morgan is a State of Illinois licensed clinical social worker credentialed through the National Association of Social Workers. She currently serves as the senior in-home counselor and self-neglect therapist at PATH Crisis Center in Bloomington. She also performs private practice psychotherapy and supervision. � Kimberly

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Emily Welch Boles ’03, computer assisted instruction specialist with the University of Illinois Springfield Center for Online Learning Research and Service (COLRS), was honored with the 10th annual Chancellor’s Academic Professional Excellence Award (CAPE) on April 17, 2013.

Boles’ nominator describes her as “a highly skilled and valued member” of the COLRS team. She has become a trusted advisor to online instructors and regularly teaches workshops on best practices and trends in online learning and educational technology.

“Her mastery of both the technologies used in online learning and the pedagogy that makes classes great is unsurpassed,” said her nominator. “Emily has designed and created a number of external online learning grant projects for COLRS including projects with the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Department on Aging.”

The CAPE Award recognizes U of I academic professionals for their efforts in three general categories: work projects, professional development and affiliations, and contributions to their units.

Alumna wins award from University of Illinois Springfield

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Class Notes

Greer Spoerke is the operations brand manager at AbbVie pharmaceutical company in Gurnee.

Dan Hohl is the new government affairs director for American Institute of Architects Illinois in Springfield. � Chris Miller is now a sales manager at MB Consulting Group in St. Louis. � Rebecca Vortman earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Benedictine University at Springfield in December 2012. She is currently working on her Master of Science degree in nursing from Benedictine.

Danielle Venegonia Crawford is currently completing her residency in podiatry at the Veterans

Sami Martin ’06 has authored a new book, Becoming the Butterfly: New Life, New Hope, New Joy. The book was released last December and chronicles Martin’s own experiences following pastoral abuse and how she was able to cope with the trauma through her faith in God.

“My inspiration comes from my own story of survival and the wonderful help I received while a student at Illinois College, thanks to Caryn Riswold, Beth Capo, Lisa Udel and Judy Tonry,” Martin says.

After attending Union Theological Seminary in New York City, Martin knew she wanted to share her story with others. “One in four women have been hurt by abuse, and many of those are victims-survivors of pastoral abuse which is not talked about a lot.”

Martin is currently a reporter living in New York City and says she is happier now than ever before. When not writing, Martin works at the Valley Stream Presbyterian Church in Valley Stream, Long Island. She is also on the ordination track for the Presbyterian Church and has worked extensively in youth ministry.

Visit www.samikmartin.com to read Martin’s blog or order her book.

Alumna shares inspirational story of overcoming abuse

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Hospital in Miami, Fla. � Oche Ejiga is co-owner of iBlend Services in Nigeria.� Katie Graner Gregory is the new executive director of the Central Prairie Chapter of the Red Cross in Jacksonville. � Brittany Jackson Henry is the new executive director of the Jacksonville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. � Kris McDonald was named Clinical Research Coordinator of the Year at the 2013 meeting of the Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic Trials Network. She is currently a clinical trial coordinator for the bone marrow transplant program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Kris received a Master of Arts degree in environmental studies from University of Illinois Springfield in 2008. � Helen White is a legal compliance officer for OSF Hospital Systems at St. Francis Hospital in Peoria.

Alicia Cacciatori Logsdon graduated from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in May with a Master of Education degree, emphasizing curriculum, technology and educational reform.

Angela Siebers Ehrgott is a physical therapist at Heritage Health in Streator. � Zach Hopkins completed his Master of Divinity studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Boston, Mass., and is serving as pastor of Edgington Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Taylor Ridge.

Andrew Perkins graduated from University of Illinois Springfield with an MBA in 2012 and is currently working with the Illinois State Senate Republicans as an appropriations analyst.

Annanda Barclay was part of a group of 70 Presbyterians who took part in the annual session of the Commission on the Status of Women held in New York. She played a vital role for the United Nations as it forms an approach to help eliminate and prevent all forms of violence against women and girls. � Eric Hiatt graduated from University of Illinois Springfield with a master’s degree in public administration on May 11.

Samer Anabtawi is employed at the Palestinian Embassy in Washington, D.C., as the new media affairs officer. � Mackenzie Oak Hopkins is pursuing a Master of Science in physician assistant studies degree at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. � John Zimmerman is attending law school at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

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Ryan Tanner ’02 joined an elite group Sunday, June 9, when his production company, Square 1 Theatrics, co-producer of Broadway’s “Pippin,” won the coveted Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical at the 67th Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

To say that the Broadway revival has been a hit is simply an understatement. Since the show opened on Thursday, April 25, at the Music Box Theater in New York City, “Pippin” has already outsold all previous performances at the theater, selling over $2,000 in tickets a minute.

But the question everyone seems to want to know is, how does a political science major from Illinois College end up winning a Tony Award, Broadway’s highest honor?

Tanner as a young child discovered he had a love for the theater but was, in his words, “scared to death of performing,” but while volunteering to assist local theater productions, he “fell in love with each of the layers involved with theater and the amount of work by all involved to bring stories from paper to stage.”

Fast forward 10 years.

After graduating from Illinois College, Tanner moved to Tulsa, Okla., in 2004 where he co-manages a healthcare marketing firm, IQ Surgical, with his partner, Jay Krottinger. In 2011 Tanner and Krottinger, who is a classically trained actor, were asked to raise money and co-produce the off-Broadway sensation, “Flipside: The Patti Page Story.” The show required they raise $150,000 for the regional production which toured Oklahoma and led a successful limited engagement in New York City.

While in New York scouting a location for the show, Tanner and Krottinger met with an entertainment attorney who was so moved by their story, their love of theater and their success in attracting investors that he suggested they meet with the lead producers of the show, “Pippin,” which at the time was in the early stages of development.

After their initial meeting and a fast and furious period of fundraising, Tanner and Krottinger (Square 1 Theatrics) signed on as co-producers of the show helping raise over 9 million dollars in capital to launch the production.

“Pippin,” which was nominated for 10 awards, took home four Tonys, including Best Revival of a Musical, Best Direction of a Musical for Diane Paulus, Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical for Andrea Martin and Best Performance by a Lead Actress in a Musical for Patina Miller.

Engaged with his alma mater, Tanner visited campus last spring to serve as a guest lecturer in Dr. Kevin Klein’s entrepreneurship class and speak at an event held by the student organization S.A.G.E. In addition, he purchased and handed out books to students at Lincoln Elementary School with Dr. Karen Dean as a part of the Leadership Program’s Sonja Project.

From the Hilltop to Broadway

Tanner (right) with partner

Krottinger and “Pippin” star Miller

Tanner and Dean passing out books for the Leadership Program’s Sonja project


Marriages

Blaine and Dani Morgan Heeter, February 8, 2013. Dani is the English for Speakers of Other Languages Coordinator at Miami Valley Career Technology Center in Dayton, Ohio.

Curt and Pam Gillis Steiner, November 10, 2012. Pam is a reading specialist for grades kindergarten through second at Seneca Grade School in Seneca. [4]

Justin and Kristen Snowden Cassens, July 14, 2012. Kristen is a fifth-grade teacher at Liberty Elementary School in Liberty. [1]

Joseph and Danielle Venegonia Crawford, September 22, 2012. Danielle is currently completing her residency in podiatry at the Veteran’s Hospital in Miami, Fla. [2]

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Zach and Mackenzie Oak Hopkins ’12, December 29, 2012. Zach serves as pastor of Edgington Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Taylor Ridge, and Mackenzie is a student in the physician assistant program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. [5] � John and Abby Barton Rheinecker ’05, February 14, 2013. John is a pricing analyst with Knapheide Manufacturing, and Abby is an accounting analyst with Archer Daniels Midland in Quincy. [6]

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Births

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T.J. and Denise Corbin Schlouski, a daughter, Olivia Kay, April 4, 2012. [11]

Brian and Chantel Berberet Long ’97 adopted a son, Kelan Jeanphy. Kelan was born on July 13, 2009, and was adopted from the Democratic Republic of Congo in November 2012. He joins sisters Jaden, 10 and Falyn, 7. [5]

Joey and Bridget Heitz Burshears, a daughter, Elizabeth “Ellie” Kate, June 18, 2012. She joins sisters Madeline, 5 and Emma, 3. [2] � Joey and Abby Crawford Dion ’05, a son, John Crawford, October 17, 2012. He joins brother Jaxon, 6 and sister Lucie, 4. [6] � Rev. Talman and Sarah Allgaier Wagenmaker, a son, Silas Otto, January 28, 2013. Silas joins brother Jonathan, 6 and sisters Dorothy, 5 and Callie, 3. [10] � Drew and Ruth Peterson White, a daughter, Helen Louise, March 17, 2013. She joins brother Ray William, 2.

Michael and Catherine Bliss Wenzel, a son, David Richard, February 19, 2013. [14]

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Paul and Monica Innis Jenchowski ’05, a son, Kevin Lee, January 28, 2013. He joins sister Amber, 3. � Cory and Angela Ryckman Schubert, a daughter, Kennedy Iris, December 26, 2012. She joins sister Marley, 2. [13] � Buford and Jenna Stowers, a son, Brody David, March 26, 2013. He joins brother Cooper, 3. [1]

Derek and Susan Leonard Emelander, a daughter, Isabella Linn, December 27, 2012. She joins brother Evan, 4. [7] � Tony and Rachel Meyer, a daughter, Gweneth Autumn, December 21, 2012. She joins sister Abigayle, 5. [12] � Brandon and Erin Dugan Morrow, a son, Chase Lonnie, April 8, 2013. [3] � Tim and Cara Pulver Niemeyer, a son, Wesley Lawrence, April 17, 2013. [8] � Steven and Courtney Phillips Ryan, a son, Bentin Ray, March 9, 2013. He joins sister Kenadi, 6 and brother Maddix, 4. [9] � Mike and Erica Hoots Smith, a daughter, Paige Elise, April 13, 2013. [4]

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In Memoriam

MM denotes a fully funded memorial membership in a special endowment fund. The alumnus will be listed in perpetuity on the Annual Fund rolls. FM denotes an incomplete funded memorial membership. denotes family has suggested memorial gifts be made to Illinois College.

� Dorothy E. Buchanan, February 6, 2013

Keith D. Mossman (Phi Alpha)June 9, 2011

Evo J. Bernardini (Gamma Nu)November 16, 2012

Donald E. Colclasure February 4, 2013

Bernard A. “Barney” Vilk April 29, 2012

Robert J. Meyer May 3, 2013

William B. “Bill” Ricks May 5, 2013

Barbara Renfro Algert March 18, 2013

Kent A. Grayson (Phi Alpha)April 24, 2013 MM

Frederick G. “Fred” Cody (Gamma Nu)February 24, 2013

Andrea V. “Andrew” Madonia (Gamma Nu)February 26, 2013

Richard K. “Dick” Andersen January 7, 2013

Sandra Jones Haught (Gamma Delta)July 22, 2010

Dale A. Williams January 31, 2013

Homer G. Rieken (Phi Alpha)May 29, 2013 MM *

Robert E. Hammel April 8, 2013

Thomas G. Kennett (Sigma Pi)February 12, 2013

John L. Harshman (Pi Pi Rho)April 20, 2013

Kathryn Coultas Downer February 20, 2013 MM

Daryl L. Winter April 9, 2013

Scott E. Haller April 22, 2013

Michelle A. Salerno (Sigma Phi Epsilon)February 24, 2013

Jon D. Stuber (Gamma Nu)May 4, 2013

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Rieken to be remembered for tireless support of the hilltop campus“Illinois College is like one of my children,” said Homer Rieken ’63. “I owe so much to the school. I met my wife there; we married and lived in the veteran’s housing on campus, and started our family there. IC is part of my family.”

A devoted alumnus of Illinois College, Rieken graduated from Ashland High School in 1957 and served two years in the U.S. Marines

before joining the hilltop community. He graduated from IC with a Bachelor of Science degree in business and then continued his education at University of Illinois Springfield (formerly Sangamon State University), earning a Master of Arts degree in business management in 1975.

Vice president for investments at Wells Fargo Advisors in Springfield, Rieken gained national attention as broker for the Beardstown Ladies Investment Club, a group that inspired people to learn more about the stock market.

Rieken’s decision to become an investment broker was rooted in family tragedy. When he was 12, his family was preparing to move to a new house, and a former World War II pilot, a builder, flew the family over the house for a look. During his mother’s ride, the plane crashed, killing both she and the pilot. Rieken’s father would not spend the insurance money received from the accident, but instead invested it. The $12,000 grew to $40,000 enabling his son to attend Illinois College.

As a student at Illinois College, Rieken was active in Phi Alpha Literary Society and served as president of the Young Republicans. He continued to stay engaged with the College after graduating, serving two terms as a director on the Alumni Association Board and one term as president. Rieken participated as a speaker in Phi Alpha’s Career Day held as a part of its Sesquicentennial Celebration in 1995. He was awarded the Illinois College Distinguished Service Citation in 1997.

Rieken and his wife, Carol Bycroft Rieken ’63 have hosted alumni events, are past chairs of the Illinois College Founders’ Circle giving club, and served as national chairs for the College’s Expectation and Fulfillment Campaign. The couple has supported countless initiatives on campus including establishing an endowed scholarship in memory of his late nephew, naming the Rieken Room in Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center, supporting Ware Family Track and Green Athletic Field projects, helping renovate Whipple Hall, maintaining David A. Smith House and funding campus beautification. The Riekens

were named honorary parade marshals for the Illinois College Homecoming Parade in 2011.

“Carol and I give to Illinois College because we want other people to have the same lifestyle we’ve been able to achieve, thanks to our education,” Rieken once stated.

Rieken is survived by his wife; daughter Kimbra Pennington of Melrose, Fla.; son Keith of Saratoga, Calif.; and grandchildren Isabelle and Sarah Rieken.


As ItIC

It was my first semester at Illinois College. I had made the four-hour trip north to Freeport, the place I called home, for my first Fall Break. I packed my car that Sunday to head back to school and gave my mom a big hug. I pulled up to the stop sign about 20 yards from our driveway. Instead of turning onto the highway, I threw my car in reverse and backed up into the drive. I had decided that I wasn’t going to go back to IC. I was lonely, homesick and lost. However, with a tear in her eye, my dear

mother made me leave because she knew what was best. I struggled through the rest of the semester, made a few friends and rejoiced when it was time to head home for Winter Break.

From then on, time went by quickly. I got involved in a slew of campus organizations and extracurricular activities so I wouldn’t have to worry about being bored, alone or friendless. As a result, I befriended not only students, but faculty, staff and alumni. By the end of my freshman year, I couldn’t wait to go back. I couldn’t wait to be with my teammates on the football and swim teams so we could break records, work hard and enjoy each other’s comradery. I couldn’t wait to go back and promote our music ministry through “Smooth Stones” or to be a part of the residential life team. I couldn’t wait to sing with the choirs, be in another play or perform at Homecoming Follies again. I became engulfed in everything that Illinois College had to offer, and I will forever reap the benefits of doing so.

Much of this amazing college experience must be attributed to the people who made it possible. I first have to recognize my advisor, Dr. Adrienne Hacker-Daniels, along with the entire Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies for their guidance. I can now identify my own communication style, which in turn allows me to identify others’ styles as well, making dialogue and progress more enjoyable and efficient. Due to the department’s steadfast support, I am confident that my communication with others is ethical, as well as progressive toward action. I want to work with people in my career as a direct result of the coursework I performed for this department.

If it were not for the encouragement of Dr. Timothy Kramer, Professor Addie Gramelspacher and the entire Department of Music, I would not be graduating with a music degree. For someone who is so passionate about music, I actually dropped my major for a couple of weeks because I didn’t think I could handle the requirements or the course load. The department, however, recognized my potential and did everything in their power to get me back on board. The success I savor to this day

with the music I write and perform was made possible by the dedication of the music faculty. I am beyond grateful to them for their encouragement and support.

Through my extensive involvement on campus I have built strong working relationships with a few offices, as well. Susie Whittaker Drake ’90, Kelly Pool and Sheila Duesterhaus in the Office of Career Services have been a godsend. Sheila and Susie are constantly sending me emails regarding part-time and full-time positions for which they think I would be interested in applying. The more, the merrier! Susie also supplied me with valuable advice while I was applying for graduate school, whether putting me in contact with the right people at University of Illinois Springfield or helping me register to take the GRE. Kelly helped me secure three internships while I attended IC including positions with Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, First Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville and the Illinois College Office of Admission. And if I ever wanted to come in and chat, the Office of Career Services was my first stop.

The other office that has impacted me significantly is the Office of Admission. I was hired as a student ambassador at the beginning of the second semester of my sophomore year. I’m rarely more comfortable than when I’m working with all of the energetic counselors housed on the first floor of Tanner Hall. Stephanie Chipman, who offered to supervise my communications internship, exponentially enhanced my work experience. Her patience with me as I learned a new admission system and the amount of trust she placed in me to complete important tasks under pressure was beneficial, genuine and something I appreciated greatly.

I also gained two “aunts,” as I like to call them, at IC. Admission staff members Pam Birdsell and Tracy Garde were always willing to listen, offer advice and support me in my extracurricular events. They helped provide the icing on the cake to make IC my perfect home for the past four years.

That is exactly how I view Illinois College – as my home. It will continue to be viewed as such, because home is where the heart is, and a very large portion of my heart is filled with affection, adoration and love for this extraordinary place. So when you see me in the Varsity Club tent at the home football games, or in the chapel for Follies or in the Lincoln parking lot celebrating homecoming, be sure of one thing: I’m not just visiting, I’m coming home.

Home by Ross Barker ’13

IC

The Office of Development and Alumni Relations is proud to report that Illinois College has achieved 26 percent alumni participation, which translates into 2,227 alumni donors. This is a significant increase in donors from last year’s 24 percent alumni participation. Illinois College’s alumni participation rate is important

because it influences national rankings from publications like U.S. News and World Report and affects the amount of grant funding the College receives each year. Ultimately, the number of alumni who give back to the hilltop

community sends a clear message regarding the worth of an Illinois College education.

In addition, we’ve exceeded our monetary goal by almost $200,000, bringing in over $661,000 in donations to the IC Fund – our unrestricted annual fund – from alumni, students, parents and friends.

ThankYou

As a donor, you are considered a leader to the rest of the Illinois College community. As we set our sights on our goals for the 2013-2014 fiscal year, please consider doing one or more of the following:

:: Tell others why you give to Illinois College. Have a conversation with your peers and fellow alumni, talk about your professors and memories of the Hilltop, tell them about how you stay connected to Illinois College and reinvest in your education.

:: Comment on the Illinois College Alumni Community Facebook page with your giving story.

:: Encourage giving on Twitter using @ILCollegeAlumni or #IllinoisCollege in your tweet.

217.245.3046 | www.ic.edu/makeagift

Student marshals Michael Kehart ’64 and Paul Smith ’64 led 85 graduates in the processional of the 129th Illinois College Commencement Exercise on June 3, 1963. Bill Gussner ’63 and Carol Wilson ’63 were recognized for achieving highest honors in the class during the ceremony. The Class of 1963 celebrated their 50th reunion during this year’s Commencement Weekend.

“Keep true to the dreams of your youth.”— Friedrich Von Schiller

1101 West College Avenue Jacksonville, Illinois 62650

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Illinois College Alumni Quarterly July 2013

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