Class Notes

Below are Class Notes for this issue. To see all Class Notes, click here.

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Class Notes are not published as part of the Fall 2019 Impact Report. Please check our next issue for updated Class Notes.  

Updates

Class Notes for Winter 2024

The annual Impact Report does not include class notes in the print and digital versions of the Quarterly. 

1930s

Sympathy

Francis Doan '24

Illinois College extends its sympathy to the survivors of Parker Lincoln Doan, son of Francis Doan on March 13, 2018. 

Updates

Robert F. Sibert ’36, Ron Tendick H’05

The Jacksonville Public Schools Foundation honored the late Robert F. Sibert and Ron Tendick (who received an honorary bachelor’s degree from IC in 2005), posthumously with a Jacksonville High School Distinguished Alumni Award as part of Jacksonville School District 117’s Sesquicentennial Celebration. Sibert died in 1998, and Tendick died in 2016.

In Memoriam

Dr. Ernst C. “Chet” Bone '36

(Sigma Pi) March 15, 2017

Mary Lonergan English ’38

(Gamma Delta), March 11, 2019

Joyce James Andrilenas '38

(Chi Beta) February 25, 2017

Rosemary Roberts Hollingshead Aldrich '39

(Sigma Phi Epsilon), May 20, 2000

1940s

In Memoriam

Doris Broehl Hopper '41

(Gamma Delta) March 26, 2017

Lt. Col. Ralph C. Williams '41,

February 20, 2015

Elizabeth Herndon Hudson Boba ’41,

December 21, 2020 (Sigma Phi Epsilon).

Robert Britz ’42,

December 11, 2021 (Gamma Nu).

Earl Floreth '42,

 October 15, 2019. 

Dr. Helen Waichekauckas Baker ’42,

November 22, 2020 (Gamma Delta).

Marjorie E. Krone ’42

(Chi Beta), May 20, 2018. Member of the Julian Monson Sturtevant Society.

Warren Musch ’43,

July 27, 2022 (Phi Alpha). MM

Robbins D. “Bob” Allen '43

(Gamma Nu), September 22, 2017

Barbara Leeper Goebel ’43,

December 30, 2020 (Sigma Phi Epsilon). 

Paul Findley '43,

 August 9, 2019

Gwendolyn Costley Floreth ’43.

April 18, 2021 (Sigma Phi Epsilon). 

Don Eldon Coates ’43

(Gamma Nu), December 23, 2018. The family has suggested memorial gifts be made to Illinois College.

J. Lee Westrate '44

(Phi Alpha) October 22, 2022

Dr. William H. Justi '44

(Gamma Nu) March 30, 2016

Gene F. Smedley '44

(Sigma Pi), August 9, 2017

Robert “Bob” Turpin '44,

December 26, 2012

Morley Piper ’45,

May 12, 2022.

Fred R. Bailey '45,

February 27, 2017

Henry C. Bruck '45,

December 2006

Corliss Cobb Kerr '45

(Gamma Delta) July 25, 2017

Mary Williams Hubbard '46,

August 25, 2019. 

Marjorie Sitka Schmutzler ’46,

November 20, 2020 (Gamma Delta).

Bernice Hines Shepherd ’47,

August 25, 2020 (Sigma Phi Epsilon).

Robert A. Wickwire ' 47

(Sigma Pi) January 24, 2017

Joe W. Cannon '47

(Gamma Nu), June 16, 2017

David S. Murphy '47

(Sigma Pi) February 26, 2018

Richard R. “Dick” Hunter '47,

July 7, 2017

Majorie Colwell Weber '48

(Gamma Delta) December 13, 2022

Harry Schnirring ’48,

November 9, 2021 (Phi Alpha).

Marian Rees Russell '48

(Gamma Delta) February 13, 2023

Ray Montgomery ’48

March 26, 2022 (Sigma Pi).

Josephine Gerdes Cannon '48

(Gamma Delta) December 13, 2022

Dr. Carmelo J. “Joseph” Giangreco '48

(Sigma Pi) February 2, 2017

Wayne Henly ’49

November 30, 2018

Virginia Stewart Beerup '49,

September 17, 2017

William L. DeFrates '49

(Phi Alpha), October 7, 2017

Paul Rust ’49

February 8, 2022 (Phi Alpha).

Philip Francis Snow, Sr. '49,

 March 8, 2018

R. Patricia Howell Allen '49

September 6, 2020 (Sigma Phi Epsilon). 
 

Charles M. “Charlie” Bellatti '49

(Sigma Pi), June 30, 2017

James Cheatham '49

(Gamma Nu) January 2, 2017

Barbara Mielke Gregory ’49,

December 15, 2020 (Gamma Delta).

Elizabeth “Bettie” Rust Doolin '49

(Gamma Delta), June 1, 2017

Updates

Warren Musch ’43

celebrated his 100th birthday on October 25, 2021. He is a WWll flight veteran. Warren is a very special American treasure who honorably served his country, then led a full civilian life of family, business and further public service.

Ray ’48 and Alia Sewell Montgomery ’49

celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary on June 15, 2020.
 

Paul ‘49 and Lois Smith Rust ‘50

celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary on July 24, 2020.  
 

Sympathy

Dr. J. Lee Westrate ’44,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife Judy Westrate on December 14, 2020.
 

John Kurtock ’47,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife, Doris Kurtock, on Oct 10,  2021, and to her daughters, Julie Kurtock ’74, Debra Kurtock Haynes ’76 and Janice Kurtock Chiaradonna ’78, and son-in-law, Gary Haynes ’74.

Martha Behr Miller ’48, 

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her husband, William Miller, on January 11, 2021, and to her daughter Hilda Miller Radcliffe ’77 and son-in-law Jeff Radcliffe ’77.

Josephine Gerdes Cannon '48

Illinois College extends is sympathies to Josephine Gerdes Cannon on the death of her sister, Eula Gerdes Stierholz ’56, on March 8, 2018.

Dorothy Weaver Murphy '49

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Dorothy Weaver Murphy on the death of her husband, David Murphy ’47, on February 26, 2018.

Keith Stocker '49,

December 15, 2019. 

1950s

In Memoriam

Joseph R. Hill '50,

January 20, 2017

Allen P. Crosby '50,

August 2, 2016

Robert L. Duncan '50

October 26, 2018 

Samuel C. Spink ’50

(IC Sports Hall of Fame) (Sigma Pi) November 25, 2018. Funded Memorial Membership. 

Richard A. Johnson '50

(Gamma Nu), June 2, 2017

Lucille “Lucy” Parlier Ewer '50

(Gamma Delta) December 15, 2016

Virginia Stine Coultas '50

(Sigma Phi Epsilon), July 26, 2017

Donald G. Longer '50,

April 1, 2017

Elaine Athey Spizzo ’50,

April 2, 2022 (Chi Beta).

Robert R. Lusk  '50

(Phi Alpha), October 18, 2016

Margaret Chapin Gill '50

(Chi Beta) March 29, 2023

Marian Armstrong Otto ’50,

July 2, 2020. 

Helen Lewis Archer ’50,

June 10, 2021 (Gamma Delta).

Robert Homann ’50,

December 21, 2021 (Sigma Pi).

James Lentz ’50,

July 26, 2021 (Gamma Nu).

Ward L. Koehler '50

(Phi Alpha) March 22, 2018 

Elbert E. Beasley '50,

March 13, 2017

Harry E. Wegehoft ’50,

July 31, 2020 (Gamma Nu).

Marian Hills ’51,

March 3, 2022 (Gamma Delta).

Rev. Ronald T. Allin '51

(Phi Alpha) January 20, 2018 

Leonard Kaufman '51,

October 22, 2019. 

Jack L. Rieke ’51,

November 20, 2020 (Phi Alpha).

Janet Ryrholm Metzler ’51,

January 3, 2021 (Sigma Phi Epsilon).

Marjorie Casey '51,

December 21, 2016

Jerry Murphy ’51,

September 2, 2022.

Rev. Walter B. Martin '51,

April 12, 2017

Margaret Foreman Cohn '51

(Gamma Delta) December 1, 2016

Don Polzin ’51,

September 14, 2022 (Phi Alpha). SS

Mary Funk Miller '51

(Sigma Phi Epsilon), April 2016

William L. Zellman '51,

January 13, 2017

Harold Cooney '51,

November 18, 2019. 

Carol Fisk Stauffacher ’51,

May 11, 2020 (Gamma Delta).

Scott E. Long ’51.

March 4, 2021. 

Wayne Ford ’51,

December 2, 2021.

Ralph Steinbarth ’52,

June 25, 2021 (Gamma Nu).

Alice Penewitt Henry ’52,

November 21, 2021 (Sigma Phi Epsilon).

Patricia Marilyn Shaffner Williamson ’52,

Gamma Delta, February 21, 2020. 

Ed Lawless ’53,

December 6, 2021.

Hal F. Olson ’52,

January 31, 2020.

Gert Jacobsohn ’52, 

February 14, 2021 (Gamma Nu).

Prof. George W. “Bill” Horton Jr. '52,

September 27, 2017

Paul A. Lasley '52,

January 26, 2017

Stanley Kolc '52,

May 29, 2019

Dewey Gronau '52

(Phi Alpha) December 27, 2022

Elizabeth Shewmaker Fischbeck '52,

Gamma Delta, May 9, 2020. 

John Marsh ’52,

July 12, 2020.

Jodie Keiser Falkenburg '53

(Chi Beta) December 24, 2022

John Walton Hackett '53

October 10, 2018 

Joan Hamilton Foldeak ’53

(Chi Beta), May 5, 2018

Alice Everette Compton ’53,

December 10, 2021.

Joan Harber Roberts ’53,

April 28, 2022 (Chi Beta).
    

George P. Aderton '53

(Gamma Nu) August 10, 2017

Donald J. Hunt '53,

(Sigma Pi) December 25, 2015

Joan Hamilton '53,

May 5, 2018

Fred Gemoules ’54,

June 13, 2022.

Bernice Hardin Simmermaker '54,

December 20, 2022

Roberta Flynn McNeely '54

(Chi Beta) May 20, 2022

John E. Brasel '54,

June 20, 2017

Stephen P. Radasevich ’54

September 19, 2018

Marilyn Horn Black ’54,

March 23, 2022 (Chi Beta).

Charlotte Bennett McDowell '55

(Sigma Phi Epsilon) December 20, 2017

Bruce Samoore ’55,

July 27, 2022.

Dovie Sooy Sittler ’55,

March 26, 2022 (Gamma Delta).

John "Jack" Bostic '55,

Illinois College Society member, January 12, 2020. 

Ann Hammond Callahan '55

(Chi Beta) October 30, 2022

Lowell A. Sibert '55 

(Gamma Nu), April 15, 2017

Jimmy Frame ’55,

October 26, 2021.

Shirley Thrasher Blair ’55,

December 1, 2021.

Emily Dunstan Martin ’55,

September 6, 2021 (Chi Beta).

Joan Swanson Henry ’56,

February 3, 2021 (Gamma Delta).

Harold “Hal” G. Taylor '56,

March 5, 2017

William Brace ’56,

June 14, 2020 (Sigma Pi).

Cyril H. Heselton '56

(Gamma Nu) January 12, 2018 

Thomas A. Koontz '56

(Gamma Nu), November 14, 2017

Eula M. Gerdes Stierholz '56

(Gamma Delta) March 11, 2018

John W. Schmidt '56

(Phi Alpha), July 31, 2017

Jerry Warren Ramsey '56

July 15, 2018 

Joy Alamar-Pulvers ’56,

January 25, 2022 (Chi Beta).

Joanne Huffman Ramsey ’56,

December 23, 2020 (Chi Beta).

Robert H. “Bob” Winstead '56,

November 11, 2019. 

George Monto '57

(Sigma Pi), December 17, 2019. 

Lori Baumgartner ’57,

August 28, 2020 (Gamma Delta).

Lester “Joe” Harrell ’57,

December 29, 2020.

Conrad Damsgaard ’57

was a dedicated, active alumnus who had a vision for raising the profile of the institution. He and his late wife, Patricia Carlson Damsgaard ’53, remained active supporters of the College throughout their lives. Over the years, Conrad Damsgaard served on the Board of Trustees and as president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. In 1987, he was honored with a distinguished service award “for his devotion to Illinois College as evidenced by thoughtful alumni involvement.” The Damsgaards’ philanthropy made them members of the Julian Monson Sturtevant Society and the Illinois College Society.

As a student, Damsgaard was elected student body president and was an active member and leader in Phi Alpha. He was also a member of Alpha Phi Omega, economics club, the Hilltoppers dramatic organization, student forum, social committee and intersociety board. 
He was first sergeant of the Army Reserve unit on campus and served in the Army from 1954 to 1956. He started his career in sales with Shell Oil Company and went on to have a long career in sales and marketing management at Shell, Swank Motion Pictures and Psychological Associates. 

The Damsgaards had three daughters, Susan Damsgaard-Brand ’81, Kristine Damsgaard and Beth Damsgaard Rodriguez. Susan and their granddaughter, Rachel Brand ’18, carried on the family’s legacy as IC alumni. He was 88 when he died March 23, 2022.
 

James D. “Jim” Bonds '57,

May 7, 2017

Edward Harrell ’57,

April 3, 2022.

John Wilkey '57,

December 6, 2022

Robert Ridgway ’57,

April 1, 2021.

Ronald Wallace ’58,

February 21, 2022 (Illinois College Trustee Emeritus).

Diana Dawdy Chesley '58,

June 22, 2019

Parker L. Kious '58,

March 31, 2017

Kenneth Burger ’58,

May 2, 2020 (Phi Alpha).

Nancy Orr Maulding '58

(Gamma Delta) July 17, 2015

Robert Engebrecht ’58, 

July 14, 2021 (Sigma Pi).

Zoe Kilver Staats '58

(Sigma Phi Epsilon), October 14, 2017

Nancy Cole Vial '58,

December 20, 2016

Richard “Dick” Troxell ’58,

February 17, 2022 (Alpha Phi Omega).

Sally Ann Parker Craig Ewoldt '58

August 13, 2018

Joseph Millard ’59,

October 31, 2021.

Gary Turpin '59,

August 14, 2019

James Donald “Don” Pruitt '59

February 2, 2018 

Frances Gunn Stencel

October 22, 2018 

Hughie L. “Hugh” Canaday '59,

November 5, 2016

Shirley Brooks ’59,

wife of former athletic director and coach Joe Brooks, November 28, 2020.

Clyde E. Smith '59,

April 23, 2017

John “Jay” Michalak '59,

(Alpha Phi Omega) July 26, 2015

Robert Hembrough ’59,

May 11, 2022.

Sympathy

George Fischbeck '50

Illinois College extends its sympathy to George Fischbeck on the death of his wife Elizabeth Shewmaker Fischbeck '52 on May 9, 2020. 

George Fischbeck '50

Illinois College extends its sympathy to George Fischbeck on the death of his wife Elizabeth Shewmaker Fischbeck '52 on May 9, 2020. 

Robert G. Gregory ’50,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife, Barbara Mielke Gregory ’49, on December 15, 2020, and to her daughter Rebecca Gregory Ruby ’74.

 

Bob Lukeman ’51,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife, Jodie Lukeman, on Oct. 2, 2022.

Judge Richard Mills ’51,

trustee emeritus, Illinois College extends its sympathy to him on the death of his wife, Rachel Mills, on October 29, 2020.

Judge Richard Mills ’51

Trustee Emeritus, Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife, Rachel Mills, on Oct. 29, 2020. Also in our thoughts are brother-in-law James Mills ’56, nephews Greg Mills ’77 and Doug Mills ’79 and niece Ann Marie Mills ’85

Delmar Seitz '52

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Delmar Seitz on the death of his wife Jean Seitz on July 20, 2019.

Jacquelyn Prickett Rieke ’52,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her husband, Jack L. Rieke ’51, on November 20, 2020.

Edward Horton '53

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Edward Horton on the death of his brother, Professor Bill Horton, on September 27, 2017.

Bob Merris '53

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Bob Merris '53 on the loss of his wife Mary Merris, who was also sister-in-law to Bill Merris ’56, on September 30, 2018. 

John Baumgartner ’55,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife, Lori Baumgartner ’57, on August 28, 2020, and to her sons, Thomas Baumgartner ’82 and David Baumgartner ’88

Gary Curtis '57

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Gary Curtis on the death of his wife, Betty Curtis, on April 4, 2017.

Herb Sherman ’58,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his sister, Evelyn Feffer, on Dec. 13, 2020. 

Carl Clayton '59

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Carl Clayton on the death of his wife, Mary Elizabeth Clayton, on October 1, 2017.

Virginia Groustra Forsaith '50,

September 19, 2019. 

Updates

Hon. Richard H. Mills ’51

retired as United States District Judge on Sept 1, 2022, after 56 years of service. Mills is an Illinois College trustee emeritus.

Bob Falkenburg ’53

and Jodie Keiser Falkenburg celebrated their 71st anniversary.

Jack Schmitt '59

joined with friends, family, and managers of the Jack Schmitt Chevrolet Family of Dealerships to celebrate a donation to the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Unit at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, Illinois, that allowed the hospital to purchase a rehab vehicle. 
 

1960s

Updates

Rick Vuylsteke ’66

joined the faculty at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies as a professor Jan. 3 after serving as president of the East-West Center in Honolulu for five years.

James Alexander '69

completed a 200 mile race across the state of Minnesota in fifteen consecutive days of racing. He has completed a marathon in all 50 states.

Dick Orendorff ’61

retired on Aug. 15, 2022.

John Stanger ’61

is the nostalgia columnist for the Oak Park Wednesday Journal.

Dale Bellovich ’62

and his wife, Lisa-Marie, moved from San Diego, California, to the Charleston, South Carolina, area in May of 2021. They are living on Johns Island, South Carolina.

Bill Hitt '63

traveled to Kenya on a two-week trip with Judah Lion Ministries. 
 

Bill Hitt '63

 is pastor at Pathway Church for a revival group in the School of Supernatural Ministry in Redding, California.

Bill Hitt ’63

led the Judah Lion Ministry team on a trip in October to Sparta, Wisconsin, to preach and pray to Acres of Hope retreat ministry, near the Wisconsin Dells. God performed many healings and miracles.

Robert Berry ’64

recently published "David Prince Pioneer Surgeon." The text includes a chapter on the Illinois College medical departments.

Preston Newell ’65

recently won first, second and third place in the professional digital arts category at the 2021 Colorado State Fair.

Bill '65 and Becky Edelbrock Hitt '65

have relocated to The Woodlands, Texas. 
 

Mary Ann Pollitt ’66

has been busy running three dogs in various dog sports since she retired in 2006.

Joy French Becker ’67 H’15

was honored by the Jacksonville Public Schools Foundation with a Jacksonville High School Distinguished Alumni Award as part of Jacksonville School District 117’s Sesquicentennial Celebration. She was awarded an honorary doctor of humane letters from IC in 2015 and is an emeriti trustee who served the Illinois College Board of Trustees for 23 years, recently completing a successful 10-year term as board chair.

Alicia Parrott Claypool '68

Alicia Parrott Claypool was the recipient of the Cristine Wilson Medal for Equality and Justice at the Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in August. The Iowa Department of Human Rights and the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women recognized Alicia for founding and directing The Interfaith Alliance of Iowa and serving as the Iowa Civil Rights Commission Chair. She pushed for advancement in Iowa civil right laws that prohibited the discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community.

Ed Stanfield ’68

donated a quartz to the chemistry department that is currently on display on the second floor of Parker. The cluster was either found or purchased by his grandparents, Frank and Bettie Theroux of Florence, Alabama, during the 1920s or 1930s in one of the western states while on a rock collecting trip. 

Richard Hildner ’68

ran the 100-mile Tunnel Hill in Vienna, Illinois, on November 9-10, in 29 hours, 25 minutes. At 72 years old, he was the oldest, but not the last finisher in the race.

James Alexander ’69

completed 105 road races in 2019 in 36 different states, 33 of those races were half marathons. His goal is to complete a half marathon in all 50 states.

James Alexander ’69

completed 11 half marathon races in 11 days, from June 1-11, in 11 states. Each half marathon was 13.1 miles and he ran 144.1 miles in total during that time. Next, Jim plans on doing a race in all lower 48 states and so far has raced in 38 states.

Nancy Sheinbaum ’69

was elected to the position of president of the Board of Directors for the Easter Cross Association, a local non-profit organization.

James Alexander ’69

James Alexander completed a religious pilgrimage to Israel and Jerusalem in February to visit several holy sites and said the highlight was being able to visit the Holy Tomb where Jesus’ body laid before resurrection.

Jim Alexander '69

Jim Alexander completed his 101st marathon when he ran the Little Rock Marathon in March 2018. He also participated in the Frostbite Short Course Series of races in St. Louis over the winter in which he placed second in his age group.

 

James Alexander '69

earned a medal in the men’s 5k and 10k runs during the Illinois Senior Olympics held in Springfield, Illinois. He will advance to the 2019 National Senior Games to be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

James Alexander '69

 completed a 200 mile race across the state of Minnesota in 15 consecutive days of racing. He has now completed a marathon in each of the 50 states.

Sympathy

Eleanor Schreiber Strey ’60.

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her husband, Carol Strey, on July 5, 2020. 

Carolyn Davidson Broadhead ’61,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her brother Earl Lynn Davidson ’62 on October 31, 2020.

Karen Havlin ’62

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her husband, Donald Havlin, on Jan. 29, 2020.

Kenneth R. DeFrates ’63,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife, Anna Daveronas DeFrates ’69, on January 26, 2021.

Gail Fuller Olson ’63,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her husband, Robert G. Olson ’62, on November 1, 2020.

Bob Downer ’64,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his daughter Susan Downer ’88 on June 10, 2021. Also in our thoughts are her siblings Beth Downer Lewis ’86 and Bob Downer ’90, and her uncle Jim Downer ’66.

Ross Myers ’65

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife Mary Myers on June 18, 2020.

Gary Duffield ’65,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife of 52 years, Peggy Duffield, on Jan. 13, 2020.

Dale A. Schaefer ’65,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife, Carole Ostermeier Schaefer ’65, on February 23, 2020.

Philip D. Shelton ’65, 

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife, Diane Berthoux Shelton ’63, on January 6, 2020, and on the death of his brother, Lewis “Steve” Shelton ’69, on March 1, 2019.

Johanna Meyer Horton '67

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Johanna Meyer Horton on the death of her husband, Professor Bill Horton, on September 27, 2017.

Ann Fusselman Showalter ’67,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her husband, Thomas Showalter, on July 6, 2021.

Janice Morrison Spikes '68

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Janice Morrison Spikes on the death of her husband, William Frank Spikes, on November 8, 2017.

Patricia Asuncion ’68,

Illinois College extends its sympathy to her on the death of her husband, George Phillips, on September 10, 2020, from complications from Parkinson's Disease and PD Dementia. He retired as an IT analyst after 30 years at the University of Miami, Florida but was also a fine musician at the same time.

George Peknik ’68,

Illinois College extends its sympathy to him on the death of his wife, Sabina Stein Peknik ’68, on July 31, 2020.

Drew Clark ’68, Tony Clark ’72, Martha Clark ’78 and Molly Clark Daniel ’78,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of their mother, Roberta Wheelan Clark ’68, on November 11, 2020.

Carol Pillsbury ’69,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her sister, Cheryl Pillsbury ’69, on November 18, 2020.

Marilyn Day Mack ’69,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her husband, Christopher Mack, on Feb. 7, 2021.

Lora Pond Murgatroyd ’69

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Lora Pond Murgatroyd on the death of her cousin Valerie Blane ’70 on December 28, 2018. Blane was a loyal member of Chi Beta literary society and a former president for the group.

In Memoriam

Ronald Kilgus '60

(Phi Alpha), July 24, 2019.

Laurence Larson ’60,

September 30, 2021 (Phi Alpha).

Charles McPike '60

July 6, 2019

Myron Jackson ’60,

February 1, 2022.

Judy White Symons ’60,

November 12, 2021.

Donald B. Martin '60

February 8, 2018

Eleanor Harrison Stephens

February 17, 2018 

Leonard H. Pivnick '60

March 8, 2018

Elizabeth Ohm '60

April 30, 2020. 

Willard Haas '60,

March 21, 2022

Edwin P. Earle '60,

December 3, 2015

Bill Zobus ’60, 

June 5, 2021 (Alpha Phi Omega).

David Kagy '60

(Phi Alpha) July 16, 2021

Bill Jacob ’61,

April 28, 2022 (Sigma Pi).

Dorothy Ivermeyer '61

(Gamma Delta) February 9, 2023

Donald Mantle ’61,

August 16, 2021.

James Roger Cory '61,

Alpha Phi Omega, November 5, 2019. 

Hilma Ivey Mortell ’61,

April 1, 2021.

Joceleyn Kaligis '61,

May 10, 2019

Michael P. Townsend '61,

August 18, 2017

Bernadine Drake '61,

June 18, 2019

James “Roger” Cory '61

(Alpha Phi Omega), November 5, 2019. 

Ronald Ladley ’61,

January 15, 2022 (Phi Alpha).

Henry Kransz ’61,

January 20, 2021 (Alpha Phi Omega).

Thomas M. Ring '61,

January 8, 2017

Wayne A. Schapper '62,

(Phi Alpha) February 5, 2017

Marty Braeske '62

 October 19, 2019. 

Earl Lynn Davidson ’62,

October 31, 2020.

Donna Moore Stewart ’62,

August 25, 2022 (Sigma Phi Epsilon).

Ervin Wittman ’62,

September 23, 2020 (Sigma Pi).

Larry Holcomb ’62,

May 20, 2020.

Dana MacKay ’62

(Sigma Pi), December 23, 2018

Charles Ankrom '62,

 September 7, 2019. 

Robert G. Olson ’62,

November 1, 2020 (Phi Alpha Omega).

Warren Sokolis ’62,

October 29, 2021 (Phi Alpha).

Jerry L. Adams '62,

December 4, 2016

Kent Thomas ’63,

September 13, 2021 (Gamma Nu).

Leland Culp ’63,

October 25, 2020 (Phi Alpha).

Olonda Phelps Bateman '63

(Gamma Delta) September 28, 2022

Ann Reed Kaser '63,

 October 22, 2019. 

Carol Wilson '63

(Phi Beta Kappa) December 14, 2022

David Moore ’63,

May 1, 2022.

Randall Schulz '63

(Phi Alpha) February 20, 2023

Howard “Pop” Lee Johnson '63,

August 25, 2019. 

Ken DeFrates ’63,

May 26, 2022.

Robert “Bob” Harrell,

December 29, 2019. 

John Richard “Dick” Cully ’63,

July 23, 2020.

Ann B. Puzzello ’63

(Chi Beta), February 14, 2019

James F. “Jim” Harry '63

(Gamma Nu), December 18, 2017

Donald Propeck '63,

March 7, 2019

Judith Carlson Winship '63,

July 7, 2019

Diane Berthoux Shelton ’63,

January 6, 2020 (Sigma Phi Epsilon).

Larry B. Stowers '63

(Phi Alpha) June 17, 2017

Gioacchino “Jack” Madonia '64,

 June 27, 2019

Jean Barnett Neff '64

(Gamma Delta) March 16, 2017

Ron Short ’64,

September 26, 2021 (Phi Alpha).

Dana Lou Furry ’64,

May 20, 2020 (Sigma Phi Epsilon).

Gerald Brockhouse ’64,

March 2, 2022 (Gamma Nu).

Richard Veith ’64,

December 14, 2021 (Sigma Pi).

Tom Francis '64,

October 18, 2022

Betty Miles Ryan '64,

September 9, 2019. 

William Ross ’64,

July 23, 2022.

John “Jack” Cooper

August 15, 2018 

Richard Veith ’64,

December 14, 2021 (Sigma Pi).

Mary Margaret Davison ’64

(Chi Beta), November 23, 2018

William C. Baker '64

(Phi Alpha), August 16, 2017

Patricia Coe '64,

February 10, 2019

Martin J. “Marty” Buker '65

December 5, 2015

Mary Jo Releford Zumstein ’65,

December 15, 2020 (Gamma Delta).

Sandra Schickedanz Hockensmith '65,

July 15, 2019

Sharon Baker Symons '65

(Chi Beta) November 14, 2016

Gail Kempton ’65,

March 2022 (Gamma Delta). MM

Sarah Martin Neely '65

(Gamma Delta) October 30, 2022

Carole Ostermeier Schaefer '65,

Sigma Phi Epsilon, February 23, 2020. 

Tony Manuele '65

(Sigma Pi) August 2, 2022

James Burke '65,

January 9, 2023

Carole Ostermeier Schaefer ’65,

February 23, 2020 (Sigma Phi).

Dixie Ann Smith Thomas '66

(Gamma Delta) January 15, 2023

Damon L. Runyon ’66

January 19, 2019

David Middendorf '66

August 23, 2018

William Hood '66,

December 25, 2022

Dianne Negus Berry '66

September 15, 2018 

James Malerich '66,

February 27, 2023

Margaret Marshall Berry '66,

July 26, 2018

Jonathan “Jono” Hildner '66

Illinois College Society, Gamma Nu, May 8, 2020. 

Lee Yunkers '66

(Phi Alpha) January 14, 2017

Joseph McFadden '66,

 July 26,2019

Linda Crabtree Wightman '66

Sigma Phi Epsilon, January 15, 2020. 

Donald Gullquist '66

(Sigma Pi), January 8, 2020. 

Larry Fortado ’66,

November 9, 2021 (Phi Alpha).

Peter Casper ’66

March 10, 2019

Richard Robertson ’67,

September 8, 2021.

Paul Huddleston ’67,

June 20, 2022.

Margaret Wells Becker ’67,

August 20, 2021.

Mary Jane Halpin Kerns ’67,

March 2 , 2022.

Jim Reilly ’67,

a top debate team member and student journalist during his time at IC, went on to have a successful decades-long career in public service, leaving his mark on Chicago and on Illinois state government. Reilly was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of both Illinois College and the University of Chicago Law School. On the Hilltop, he became editor of The Rambler as a sophomore and was elected Student Forum President, in addition to being an active member and leader in Phi Alpha, Pi Kappa Delta forensic fraternity, Hilltopper drama group, IC’s Young Republicans chapter and being named in “Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges.” He was also on one of the most successful debate teams in College history. As a first-year, he was on a two-man team with John Betonte ’64 that, at a tournament, defeated debaters from Harvard University twice and won seven out of eight rounds against some of the largest universities in the country.

After graduating from the University of Chicago Law School in 1972, Reilly practiced law in Jacksonville and served as city attorney for three years. He was first elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1976 and went on to run three more times, serving in a number of important committee roles and sponsoring the Illinois Human Rights Act and Emergency Medical Services Act, among other legislative accomplishments. Reilly stepped down from his House duties in 1983 to serve as general counsel to Gov. James R. Thompson. Within a year, he became Thompson’s chief of staff and eventually, in 1987, was tapped to be Thompson’s deputy governor. He returned to Springfield in 1993 to serve as Gov. Jim Edgar’s chief of staff.

Outside of his career in state government, Reilly led multiple important Chicago organizations through expansions and challenges in the 1990s and 2000s. He served as chief executive of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, which oversees McCormick Place and Navy Pier, and later became a trustee of the organization and a life trustee on Navy Pier’s Board of Directors; led the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau; was chairman of Chicago’s Regional Transportation Authority; and served as chairman of the Illinois Capital Development Board.

Reilly was involved in numerous civic and community organizations and had many philanthropic interests throughout his life, including his continued support for Illinois College and organizations serving the Jacksonville community. He was the first recipient of the College’s Young Alumnus Award in 1981 and was awarded a Distinguished Service Citation in 1987, and served as president-elect and president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Reilly is survived by his wife of 30 years, M. Veronica Lynch. He was 77 when he died April 4, 2022.

Susan Spengler Flinn ’67,

March 16, 2021 (Gamma Delta). 

John “Bucky” Sullivan ’67,

May 7, 2021.

Barbara Lasley-ing '67,

March 12, 2023

Connie Folkenroth Endres '67

July 2, 2016

Warren Merriman ’67,

June 28, 2020.

Silas Knudsen '67

(Phi Alpha), September 3, 2019. 

Eugene Aragona ’67,

January 26, 2022.

Dwight Collins ’67,

August 5, 2022 (Alpha Phi Omega).

Judy Smith Rains '68

(Sigma Phi Epsilon), March 18, 2016

Larry P. Smith ’68,

January 23, 2020.

Paula Touhy Sargent-King '68

(Gamma Delta) September 12, 2016

Roberta Wheelan Clark ’68,

November 11, 2020.

William Kinnett ’68,

October 5, 2021.

Garth Cripe ’68,

October 4, 2021.

Mitsuyo Ohsuga ’68,

April 2021.

C. Wayne Peck '68

April 21, 2020. 

David Forsythe ’68,

May 17, 2021.

Sabina Stein Peknik ’68,

July 31, 2020 (Gamma Delta).

Paul J. Puckel '68,

August 14, 2017

Robert M. “Mike” Herter '69

(Gamma Nu), September 29, 2017

John Carpenter '69

(Alpha Phi Omega) , January 16, 2020. 

Bill Templin ’69,

June 12, 2021.

Woodrow “Woody” Wilson Cheesman '69,

Phi Alpha, March 18, 2020. 

Lewis “Steve” Shelton ’69,

March 1, 2019 (Gamma Nu).

Anna Daveronas DeFrates ’69,

January 26, 2021. 

John Woods ’69,

June 12, 2021 (Phi Alpha).

William “Bill” Metz ’69,

October 1, 2020 (Phi Alpha).

Cheryl Pillsbury ’69,

November 18, 2020 (Gamma Delta). 

Kathleen Cline Pettyjohn ’69,

December 18, 2021.

Terry Allen '69,

March 7, 2023

David W. Bartels '69,

July 3, 2015

Louis Giordano '69

May 3, 2020. 

Gloria Cummings Vandaveer '62

 (Chi Beta), November 17, 2019. 

Roger Woods '68

(Phi Alpha), September 24, 2019, incomplete funded memorial membership. 

John Klump '68

(Gamma Nu), August 26, 2019. 

Marriages

Dr. Delinda Chapman ’69

and Marco Molder on August 20, 2020.

1970s

Updates

Reg Ankrom '71

 was named the recipient of the Illinois State Historical Society annual awards with the honor of Superior Achievement for his scholarly book, “Stephen A. Douglas: The Political Apprenticeship, 1883-1843.” 

Dianne Pruitt Potter ’77

retired after 36 years as human resources manager for Parkview Health in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Jim Proffitt ’70

published his novel.

Dale Wolf ’70

attended the 75th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy in 2019. His trip followed the path of the Allies through Europe all the way to Munich and Eagles Nest. He and wife Deborah honored to be selected as Grand Marshals of the Christmas Parade in Charleston this year.

Jim Proffitt '70

Jim Proffitt retired from Illinois College as assistant professor of business administration after 16 years of service to his alma mater.

Greg and Nona Bickel Neff ’71

celebrated their 50th anniversary on Aug. 1, 2021.

Reg Ankrom '71

will have a three-volume biography about Stephen A. Douglas, who got his start in politics in Jacksonville, published in May. The work covers the politician’s greatest achievements between 1844 -1850.

Reg Ankrom ’71

has published the second of a three-volume biography about 19th century U.S. Sen. Stephen A. Douglas, “Stephen A. Douglas, Western Man.” The book is part of what Lincoln historian Douglas Egerton called the “definitive life of Douglas.” IC’s Sigma Pi literary society made Douglas an honorary member in January 1858.

Terry Penza ’71

recently retired.

Dave Craske '71

sold his real estate appraisal company in Lawrenceville, Illinois, and went into semi-retirement. He continues to appraise and sponsor his son-in-law who is learning the business.

Robert Lapp ’72

retired on February 1, 2020, from Intermountain Healthcare.

Frank Bridgewater ’72

retired as vice president and editor of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. He was editor of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin until 2010, when it acquired the larger Honolulu Advertiser and the papers were merged. Before Honolulu, he received a master’s degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and worked in New York at The Wall Street Journal as night news editor and then The New York Times as assistant financial editor.

Robert Lapp ’72

retired from surgical nursing in February of 2021.

Ronald and Barbara Ater Surratt ’72

celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 7, 2022. Ron passed away in November 2022. 

H.O. Brownback ’72

was elected chairman of the board for West Central Bank (WCB), its holding company and its subsidiaries. Brownback was vice chair and corporate secretary, and served on the WCB board and that of its predecessor organization, since 1985. Brownback is vice president emeritus at Southwestern Illinois College and the retired long-time chairman of the Cass Cass County Board.

Dave Miller '72

Dave Miller has retired from IBM after 25 years as a user research consultant.

Martha Bryan Schmitt ’73

retired in May 2021 from her position as academic coordinator for the Slane College of Communication and Fine Arts at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. Martha was subsequently granted emerita status by Bradley University for her distinguished years of service. Martha was also the recipient of Bradley University's 2020-2021 Staff Excellence Award for her "significant contributions to the Bradley University community."

A. Lowrie Simms-Erickson Kuhn ’73

and husband, Lance, have retired and moved to Saugatuck, Michigan.
 

Keith Bradbury '73

was named the 2020 Circle of Excellence Award winner by the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Nancy Hull ’73

went back to teaching after being retired for 10 years when her district reopened for in-person learning in October of 2020. They needed a long-term substitute and it was a small class and shortened day. She truly enjoyed her six months of fourth grade. The kids were so happy to be out of the house and back with friends, even with social distancing and masks.

Keith Bradbury ’73

has been named to the Lincoln Land Community College Foundation Board of Directors.

Jean Guilmartin ’73

retired from Raytheon Company at the end of 2021 after spending 20 years there.

Jim Spizzo ’74

was recently awarded first place and a cash prize in the architecture category in the 2021 juried exhibit sponsored by the Midwest Center for Photography in Wichita, Kansas, for his photo “Infinity: The Way Out.” Jim has also received honorable mentions by juries for his photography in the annual Minimalist Photography Awards, as well as in other exhibits at the Midwest Center for Photography. In the past few years, Jim’s photos have been selected by juries for inclusion in a dozen exhibits in Chicago; Wichita; Scottsdale, Arizona; and online. He was invited to do a show at the Pharmacy Gallery in Springfield as a guest artist in September.

Charles Rammelkamp '74

Charles Rammelkamp has written and published a book about alumnus William Jennings Bryan 1881 titled, “American Zeitgeist.” Framed by fictional Illinois College professor Jefferson Lynn’s lecture on The Progressive Era, the book is a collection of dramatic monologues illustrating the life and career of “The Great Commoner.”

Carolyn Hield Dunoon '74

has moved to Elgin, Illinois, and is teaching Upper School French at Elgin Academy.

Dan Weinberger ’74,

his deli located in Grapevine, Texas, was named best Deli in Texas by Smart News. This is the third time Weinberger’s Deli has been named best in Texas, once by Eat This Not That and MSN. 

Jim Spizzo '74

Jim Spizzo is pursuing his life-long interest in photography since retiring from the practice of law after 35 years. His photographs have been included in several juried art exhibits to date.  He most recently had a photograph included in a mixed media exhibit that opened at the University Club of Chicago on March 12.

 

Jim Spizzo ’74

is honored to report that his photo, “Superstition Saloon Tableau,” has been selected by the jury for inclusion in the upcoming Americana Photography Exhibition, sponsored by the Midwest Center for Photography in Wichita, Kansas. He shot the photo in Tortilla Flat, Arizona.

Jim Spizzo ’74

had an exhibit opening at the Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space in Springfield on Sept. 9, 2022.

Brian McKenna ’74

recently published his second book. Sunbury Press published "Cops Under Fire!" which is a compilation of 12 stories of real police shootings and the lessons we can learn from them. Brian's website is www.authorbrianmckenna.com.

Bill Maxey ’75

serves as president of the Springfield Noon Lions Club. He was presented with a proclamation by Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder at the 100th Anniversary Celebration declaring October 19 as Springfield Noon Lions Day.

Janet Williams Chipman ’75

has received First National Bank of Arenzville’s Blue Diamond Community Service Award for 2021 for her volunteer work in the community and her dedication to education. 

Mark Janus ’75

, the plaintiff in a landmark decision by the Supreme Court in 2018 which ruled that non-union members do not have to pay fees to cover activities like collective bargaining, was honored for his “remarkable demonstration of courage” with the 2019 Whittaker Chambers Award by the National Review Institute at the 2019 Ideas Summit in March.

Susan Slocum Pecaro ’76

was promoted to supervisory trial counsel and assistant director of the Securities & Exchange Commission's Division of Enforcement in February 2021.

Larry Moore '76

Larry Moore retired from Anna-Jonesboro Motor Company in Anna, Ill., after more than 26 years.

Dale Mueller ’76

has retired from UPS and is now residing at the Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake of the Ozarks in Osage Beach, Missouri. 

Heather Harlan ’76

began a new position as a health educator with Columbia/Boone County Health Department focusing on adult mental health and opioid response.

Carole Ornellas Finchum '76

Carole Ornellas Finchum retired from the Illinois Secretary of State’s Department of Business Services after almost 40 years of employment.

Gregory Lister ’76

is currently working on the Phi Alpha 175th reunion.

Susan Teckenbrock Dolce ’76

graduated from Texas Christian University in December 2018 with a master’s degree in liberal arts. She has been employed at TCU for 9 years presently holding the position of director of degree certification for the College of Science and Engineering.

Dan Foth ’77

was promoted to director of the Certified Public Manager Program and local government specialist at University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Jim Dunn '77

Jim Dunn has been named the editor and general manager of the Bureau County Republican in Princeton, Ill. Jim began his journalism career as a reporter and photographer nearly 40 years ago at this same newspaper.

David Alan Taylor '77

David Alan Taylor recently retired from Aris Radiology in Nashville, Tenn.

Bob Moore ’78

is retiring as CEO of Gateway Regional Medical Center in Granite City, Illinois. During his 42-year healthcare career, he has also served at hospitals in Florida, Missouri and Pennsylvania.

Mark Travous '78

Mark Travous is an IT manager for Munger Farms in Delano, Calif.

Bob Moore '78

has been named the new chief executive officer of Cottage Hospital in Galesburg, Illinois.

Daniel Sullivan ’78

now has 18 grandchildren with the birth of Maryrose in November. He is a member of the Sports Hall of Fame at Illinois College and has served on the Hall of Fame committee for the past 15 years.

Gary Elliott ’78

will retire as president and CEO of Superior Choice Credit Union later this year. He has more than 40 years of experience in the financial services industry and has been with Superior Choice Credit Union for 15.

Suzanne Stone Hembrough ’78

retired from 41 years of teaching science kindergarten through graduate school.

Jesse Sullivan

was a Republican candidate in the gubernatorial primary election. Jesse is the son of IC Sports Hall of Famer, Dan Sullivan ’78 and brother of K.C. Sullivan ’05 and Janelle Sullivan Zinselmeier ’08.

Jay Eckhouse '78

Jay Eckhouse retired from Illinois College as head baseball coach after 18 years of service to his alma mater.

Bob Moore ’78

was named chief executive officer of Gateway Regional Medical Center located in Granite City in June. He has more than 30 years’ experience as a healthcare executive and previously served as CEO of Galesburg Cottage Hospital & Clinics.

Charley Phebus '79

is chief financial officer at FCC Behavioral Health in Kennett, Missouri, which has completed its second successful year as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic provider. The CCBHC initiative has been co-authored by Senator Roy Blunt, who visited the FCC offices in February 2019.

Doug Dorsey ’79,

project manager, recently celebrated 20 years of service at Hanson Professional Services Inc.

Dr. Jay R. Anders ’79

was awarded a Power Press Award in November 2022 for the monthly podcast he hosts, Tell Me Where IT Hurts. His show was recognized in the category of Discovery, which recognizes journalistic work that “spotlights innovation or new insights in health care.”

In Memoriam

Albert W. Scott III '70

(Pi Pi Rho), October 1, 2017

Lois Cruse Adkins '70,

June 28, 2017

Dave Croxton ’70,

September 14, 2021 (Sigma Pi).

Valerie Blane ’70

(Chi Beta), December 28, 2018. Julian Monson Sturtevant Society, Funded Memorial Membership

Lloyd Robertson ’70,

October 15, 2021.

Kevin P. Hunter '70

January 27, 2018

Paul E. Ford '70,

December 12, 2016

David G. Marshall '71

(Pi Pi Rho) January 15, 2018

R. Steven “Rudy” Graves '71

March 3, 2018 

Ken Bradbury '71

November 18, 2018 

Robin C. Manker '71,

October 31, 2017

Kenneth Michael “Mike” Koerner '71

August 13, 2018 

Cynthia Allen Basile ’71,

January 26, 2021. 

William Hess ’71,

July 1, 2019.

Benjamin Boyd Donath '71

May 29, 2018 

Robert Meek '71,

June 13, 2019

George Douglas Foster ’71,

September 10, 2020.

Darrel Balmer ’71,

October 11, 2020.

Thomas M. “Tom” Burrus

(Gamma Nu) October 28, 2017

Hugh McIntire ’72,

January 24, 2022.

Richard Woods ’72,

May 14, 2021 (Alpha Phi Omega).

Karen Barton Bucklew ’72,

February 2, 2021.

Donald W. Schilling '72

January 18, 2018

Beverly Baumann Thomas '72

December 12, 2017

Denise Laughary Hoon '72,

October 15, 2017

Ronald Surratt '72,

November 19, 2023

Bob Shay ’72,

January 4, 2022.

Darryl Mayhew ’73,

September 27, 2021 (Phi Alpha).

Carolyn Hubbard Houck ’73,

December 13, 2021.

John R. Power '73

October 9, 2018 

Bruce Bernardi ’74,

July 16, 2022.

Frederick Zarf III ’74,

September 26, 2022 (Pi Pi Rho).

Patricia Givens ’74,

December 22, 2021 (Chi Beta).

Joyce Ann Billiot Borne ’74,

January 28, 2022.

William Schowengerdt ’74,

September 26, 2021 (Sigma Pi).

Bruce Penstone '74,

December 28, 2022

Maxine Sheiden Whittaker '74

(Phi Beta Kappa) October 9, 2022

Marilyn Haynes Mann ’74,

June 12, 2020. 

Nancy Utter Bradbury '75

Illinois College Society, Chi Beta, May 7, 2020. Nancy attended Brown County High School, Illinois College, and Sangamon State University, which awarded her a bachelor’s degree in accounting and auditing. She enjoyed a distinguished career in finance, accounting, auditing, and information technology. She married Keith Bradbury ’73 in 1973 in her birthplace of Mt. Sterling and he survives. Along with her husband, she was a loyal supporter of Illinois College throughout her life. In November 2019, the Bradbury family established a scholarship in support of a student pursuing a career in education as a tribute to Ken Bradbury ’71 H’98, Nancy’s late brother-in-law.

Warren Baker ’75,

August 3, 2020 (Phi Alpha).

Joseph “Mark” Tomlovich ’76,

August 4, 2021.

Loren C. Lemmon '76

March 8, 2018

Evelyn “Lyn” Bradney Pickel ’76,

March 6, 2021. 

William “Bill” Sullivan '76,

April 30, 2019

John G. Langdon ’76,

December 19, 2020.

Kevin L. Stafford ’76,

December 18, 2020.

Gregory Lister ’76,

March 8, 2022 (Phi Alpha).

Steven Huston ’77

November 1, 2018

Debra Garlisch Phebus ’77,

July 10, 2021 (Alpha Kappa Phi).

Carol Harding Moore '77

Sigma Phi Epsilon, January 28, 2020. 

Les Switzer ’77,

June 27, 2021.

Kevin Brodie ’78,

January 6, 2022.

Paul Yagow ’78,

June 4, 2020 (Gamma Nu).

Jim “Wally” Waltrip ’78,

August 4, 2021.

Randal A. Peebles '78,

July 1, 2017

John M. Williamson ’78, 

Trustee of Illinois College, May 13, 2021 (Pi Pi Rho).

Diane Moore Tenhouse ’78,

December 2, 2020 (Gamma Delta).

Jimm Bates ’79,

March 16, 2022.

Madelyn McDade ’79,

May 4, 2022 (Chi Beta).

Lynda Stewart Trimpe '79

(Sigma Phi Epsilon) January 20, 2018 

Marriages

Dave Croxton '70 and Sandy Croxton,

 December 05, 2019. 

Sympathy

Marcy Bramley Burrus '71

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Marcy Bramley Burrus on the death of her husband, Tom Burrus ’71, on October 28, 2017.

Randy Akers ’71,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife, Mary Alice Akers, on Jan. 17.

Jeffrey Scull ’72,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his father, Enoch “Nick” Scull Jr., on July 19, 2021. Enoch was a decorated World War II veteran who received the Order of Merit medal from the ambassador of Luxembourg in June. Gov. J.B. Pritzker declared June 11 Nick Scull Recognition Day in the state of Illinois for his service at the Battle of the Bulge during WWII.    

Barbara Ater Surratt ’72 and Julie Surratt Wilkinson ’05,

Illinois College extends its sympathy to on the death of Ronald Surratt ’72 on Nov. 19, 2022. Ronald was Barbara’s husband of 50 years and Julie’s father. 

Dan Brooks ’72 and Vickie Ware Brooks ’72,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of their mother and mother-in-law, Shirley Brooks ’59, wife of former athletic director and coach Joe Brooks, on November 28, 2020.

Mary Tierney Hengels '72

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Mary Tierney Hengels on the death of her husband, William Hengels, on November 27, 2016.

John Power

Illinois College extends its sympathy to John Power on the death of his wife, Judith Fay, on December 25, 2017.

Keith Bradbury ’73,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his father, Elmer Bradbury, on April 17.

Keith Bradbury '73,

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Keith Bradbury on the death of his wife, Nancy Utter Bradbury ’75, on May 7, 2020. 

Marilyn Long Mayberry ’74,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her father, Scott E. Long ’51, on March 4, 2021, and to his grandson, Adam Mayberry ’10.

Paula Johnson Lemmon '74

 Illinois College extends its sympathies to Paula Johnson Lemmon on the death of her husband, Loren Lemmon ’76, on March 8, 2018. 

Ed Johnson ’74,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife, Connie Johnson, on Oct. 17, 2020.

Jim Spizzo ’74 and Joanne Spatz,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of Joanne’s mother, Mary Gerry Spatz, on Dec. 18, 2022.

Naomi Stuart Duvendack ’75,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her daughter, Laura, on July 25, 2021. Laura leaves behind IC alumni sister Holly Duvendack Saxer ‘06, aunt Becky Stuart Keithley ’76 and cousin Naomi Watkins Neal ’04.

Jeff Williamson ’75,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the loss of his mother, Patricia Marilyn Shaffner Williamson ’52 on February 21, 2020.

Rix Robinson ’75,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife, Frances "Fran" Robinson, on Oct. 14, 2021. Fran and Rix were married for 38 years.

Joan Tholen Lunsmann '75

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Joan Tholen Lunsmann on the death of her husband, Les Lunsmann, on January 24, 2018.

Jeff Williamson ’75,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his brother John M. Williamson ’78, Trustee of Illinois College, on May 13, 2021. Also in our thoughts are his cousins David Robson ’83 and Glen Robson ’84, and his niece Kristin Williamson Bruce ’98.

Heather Harlan '76

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Heather Harlan on the death of her son Micah Harlan Bacus on February 25, 2019.

Bob Trimpe '76

Illinois College extends its sympathies to Bob Trimpe on the death of his wife, Lynda Stewart Trimpe ’79, on January 20, 2018.

Deborah Steirholz Heinrich '77

Illinois College extends is sympathies to Deborah Steirholz Heinrich on the death of her mother, Eula Gerdes Stierholz ’56, on March 8, 2018.

Janice Kurtock Chiaradonna '78

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Janice Kurtock Chiaradonna on the death of her husband, Cesare Chiaradonna, on February 1, 2017.

John Williamson '78,

Illinois College extends its sympathy to him on the loss of his mother, Patricia Marilyn Shaffner Williamson on February 21, 2020. 

Gerry Beard ’78 and Robert Beard ’81,

Illinois College extends its sympathy to them and to Jeremy Beard ’02 on the death of their mother and grandmother, Maxine Beard, on June 12, 2020, and father and grandfather, Gerald Beard, on October 7, 2020.

Debra Baker Wellman ’78

and Ray Wellman ’78. IIllinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her father, Roy Baker, on January 17, 2021.

Robert '78 and Sandee Skoglund Zirchelbach ’79

are pastors at First Presbyterian Church in Adair, Iowa, and Bob also serves as business manager for Mt. Olive Lutheran School in Des Moines, Iowa.
 

Suzanne Stone Hembrough '78

Suzanne Stone Hembrough is teaching Elementary Methods of Science Teaching as an adjunct professor at St. Louis University, and continues to teach Elementary and Secondary Methods of Science Teaching in the same capacity at Lindenwood University. Suzanne’s career in education spans 38 years.

1980s

In Memoriam

Vickie Cox Prill '80,

January 16, 2023

John “Brad” Ivers ’81,

November 2, 2020.

Mike Taylor ’81,

October 15, 2021 (Phi Alpha).

W. Jon Henson ’81,

March 25, 2022.

Brad Young ’82

(Pi Pi Rho), January 19, 2019

Sara Johnson '82,

June 16, 2019

Gregory Michael Tobin '82,

July 2, 2019

Tracy Wallbaum Orr ’84,

September 13, 2020.

Corrina Kurth-Baker ’84,

May 18, 2020 (Alpha Kappa Phi).

Franklin M. Phillips

September 2, 2018 

Kathleen Fitzgerald Kocourek '84,

February 27, 2020. 

Samuel W. Taylor Sr. '85

Pi Pi Rho, February 11, 2020. 

Theresa Norton Greco ’85,

September 16, 2022 (Gamma Delta).

Eric Knowski ’86,

March 14, 2022.

Rebecca Carnow Jones '86,

 August 14, 2019. 

Sherrie Ross '87,

April 10, 2019

Susan Downer ’88,

June 10, 2021 (Gamma Delta).

Thomas Jones '88,

 December 10, 2019. 

Richard Penington ’89,

January 26, 2022.

Sympathy

John Stafford ’80,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his brother, Kevin L. Stafford ’76, on December 18, 2020.

Martin Schnake ’80 and Marcie Schnake ’92,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of their mother, Marjorie Schnake, on Dec. 23, 2021. 

Ken Miller '80

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Ken Miller on the death of his mother Martha Jane Mercer Miller on April 19, 2019.

Kevn E. Schultz ’80,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his mother, Lois Schultz, on January 27, 2021, as well as to her daughter-in-law, Rita Mueller Schultz ’80 and grandchildren: Mark N. Schultz ’09 and Andrea Schultz Price ’12. 

Dan Langan ’81

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Dan Langan on the death of his mother, Jeane Langan, on February 10. She was also the mother-in-law of Valerie Velinski Langa ’83, the aunt of Tiffany Carl Flowers ’97 and grandmother of Mitchell Neally ’09.

Dan Langan '81

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Dan Langan on the death of his father Tom Langan on August 23, 2019. He was also the father-in-law of Valerie Velinski Langan ’83, the uncle of Tiffany Carl Flowers ’97 and grandfather of Mitchell Neally ’09.

Winston Rogers III ’82,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his mother, Bobbie Rogers.

Beth Horton Hilleke '83

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Beth Horton Hilleke on the death of her father, Professor Bill Horton, on September 27, 2017.

David Robson ’83,

 Illinois College extends its sympathy on the loss of his aunt Patricia Marilyn Shaffner Williamson ’52 on February 21, 2020.
 

Todd Reid ’84 and Amy Reid Turrell ’88,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of their father, Larry Reid, on Dec. 17, 2021, and to his daughter-in-law, Amy Hildebrand Reid ’86.

Glen Robson ’84,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the loss of his aunt Patricia Marilyn Shaffner Williamson ’52 on February 21, 2020.
 

Jane Nish McCaffery '85

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Jane Nish McCaffery on the death of her husband, Edward McCaffery, on September 24, 2017.

Melanie Berg ’86.

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her mother, Jean Berg Simhauser, on January 25, 2021. 

Mike Bauersachs ’86,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his mother, Linda Bauersachs on Dec. 15, 2021, and to her daughter-in-law, Lisa Lonson Bauersachs ’85.

Fr. Geoff Horton '86  

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Fr. Geoff Horton on the death of his father, Professor Bill Horton, on September 27, 2017.

David C. Zink ’86

Illinois College extends its sympathy to David C. Zink on the death of his father, Oscar Charles Zink Jr., on November 20, 2018.

Kathy Blough Taylor '86,

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Kathy Blough Taylor on the death of her husband Samuel W. Taylor Sr. '85

Lori J. Schisler '87

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Lori J. Schisler on the death of her mother Helen M. Wise on April 15, 2019.

Tom Zobus ’88 and Rick Zobus ’92,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of their father Bill Zobus ’60 on June 5, 2021.

Geoffrey Pruitt '88

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Geoffrey Pruitt on the death of his father, Don Pruitt ’59, on February 2, 2018.

Dr. Sarah Horton '89

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Dr. Sarah Horton on the death of her father, Professor Bill Horton, on September 27, 2017.

Updates

Ann Bishop Prather '80

Ann Bishop Prather was appointed a Passavant Area Hospital Foundation trustee for the hospital in Jacksonville, Ill. 

Kate Windhorst Woods '80

Kate Windhorst Woods is a home educating administrator for Lakeland Church in Gurnee, Ill.

Ken Miller '80

was inducted into the Illinois Softball Coaches Association Umpire Hall of Fame in February.

Ann Burford Merchlewitz ’80

was elected vice chairman for the Board of Directors of the First National Bank of Northfield, a charter bank of Merchants Financial Group located in Minnesota.

Kay Rasmussen Wettlaufer ’81

retired from a 35-year teaching career at the end of May. She most recently worked as a special education teacher at Slater School District in Slater, Missouri.

Seena Larkins-Friend ’81

retired at the end of January 2022.

Jim Spradlin ’82

was honored with the Robert B. Engel Farmer Co-op Manager of the Year award from the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. This award recognizes excellence in the management and leadership of farmer cooperatives. 

John Jackson '82

John Jackson was inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame on April 7 in Champaign, Ill. The former Plainfield High School-Central Campus head football coach is a 34-year veteran educator and coach. He is currently serving as an assistant coach at Naperville North High School in Naperville, Ill.

 

Dan Carie ’82

has been named principal of Routt Catholic High School in Jacksonville, Illinois.

Jeff Alderman ’82

has announced that he will retire as athletic director at Alton High School effective June 30. He has served AHS in the role for seven years.

Jeff Alderman '82

Jeff Alderman was awarded the Ray Eliot Award by the Illinois High School Association and the Coaches Hall of Fame. The prestigious honor is reserved for individuals who have shown exemplary efforts to the sport of football through longevity and have earned the utmost respect from the people around them. President Ronald Reagan was recognized with the award named for “Mr. Illini” in 1981.

Peter Simoncelli '82

Peter Simoncelli was appointed general manager at The Ritz-Carlton in Chicago, Ill.

Jim Spradlin ’82

retired as GROWMARK’s chief executive officer in 2022 .

Wendy Good Henry ’83

was named the 2020 PRIDE Award recipient during BKD CPAs & Advisors annual leadership conference. The PRIDE Award recognizes individuals who emulate the BKD PRIDE values of passion, respect, integrity, discipline and excellence. Wendy was St. Louis managing partner and retired June 2021.

Janice Sigrist '83

Janice Sigrist is the superintendent of kindergartens with Vanke, Shanghai DTD Education in Shanghai, China. She is also the founder of Bright Start Academy and an educational consultant with Little Adam technologies. J.C. Wise is the assistant golf coach at Knox College in Galesburg, Ill.

 

Dena Henry Leinberger ’83

retired in May 2018 after 34 years of teaching.

Cheri Callahan Bustos '83

Cheri Callahan Bustos was a keynote speaker during commencement ceremonies at Southern Illinois University Carbondale on May 13. Cheri’s father, the late Gene Callahan ’55, was a past member of the SIU Board of Trustees who received a distinguished service award posthumously.

Justin Grady '83

Justin Grady received a 2017 Jefferson Award for Public Service for his work with the Mattoon Township Park District and volunteerism with the Mattoon Arts Council and many other community groups in Mattoon, Ill.

Dennis Litteken '83

Dennis Litteken was inducted into the Illinois Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame on April 2 in Champaign, Ill. The former Breese Mater Dei head coach is currently the school’s principaland assistant coach.

Cheri Callahan Bustos '83

won re-election in Illinois 17th Congressional District. 

Sue Randol ’84

retired from teaching special education for 35 years in Plainfield District #202 and moved back to her hometown of Canton in June 2019.

Brad Cushman ’84

retired in April after overseeing the art department and gallery at University of Arkansas, Little Rock.

Laurie Black '84

retired from the Registrar’s Office at Western Illinois University in June 2019 after 32 years of service.

David Beno '84

was named CEO of Xeno Biosciences. He has 35 years of experience in business and as a scientific expert. He previously worked at Abbott Laboratories in drug discovery and development. 

Rodney Norris '84

Rodney Norris is the new principal at Midwest Central Primary School in Manito, Ill. Previously, he served as high school assistant principal and athletic director for Midwest Central.

Robert Cox '84

Congratulations to Robert Cox whose son was married on June 7, 2019.

Dennis Weger '84

Dennis Weger is the chief operating officer for the Bank of Bluffs in Bluffs, Ill.

Dan Layzell '85

was appointed vice president, chief operating and chief financial officer/treasurer of Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, in October 2020. 

David Fischer '85

was among those honored as CFO of the Year for 2018 by St. Louis Business Journal.
 

Eric Sheffield '85

Eric Sheffield is the chair of Western Illinois University’s Department of Educational Studies in Macomb, Ill.

 Mike Mann '85

is a budget and legislative analyst for the Joint Budget Committee of the Colorado General Assembly in Denver, Colorado. Rick Meidel recently retired from ExxonMobil and joined Crowley Fuels as vice president and general manager, responsible for the performance and day-to-day operations of their Alaska division in Anchorage, Alaska. 

Dan Layzell '85

Dan Layzell has been named interim president and chief executive officer of the Louisiana State University Foundation. He will continue to serve as LSU’s vice president for finance and administration/chief financial officer during his interim role at the foundation.

Dan Layzell ’85

has been named vice chancellor of finance and operations at Appalachian State University.

Thomas Samuels ’85

retired Aug. 12, 2022. 

Rob Lazarus '85

Rob Lazarus is an assistant vice president accountable for compliance with registered investment advisor and Employment Retirement Income Security Act laws and rules at Horace Mann Educators in Springfield, Ill.

Andy ’86 and Lori Petermeyer Smith ’88

were recognized with Prairieland United Way’s Helen Baldwin Distinguished Service Award.

Paula Eschelbach Rawlings '86

Paula Eschelbach Rawlings completed the Florida Xtreme Triathlon, which was three triathlons over the course of three days beginning at the Gulf of Mexico and ending at the Atlantic Ocean.

Bethany Kershaw '86

retired as the captain of Jacksonville Fire Department in June 2018 after working for the city since 1990. 
 

Gina Gillmore Wolter ’86

recently joined the Kyle Killebrew Sales Team at The Real Estate Group, Inc. Springfield, Illinois.

Dr. William Schlosser '84

Dr. William Schlosser is an adjunct professor on the Oral-Medical Connection at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, Ill. He is also on the Sangamon County Medical Society Community Health Committee, a local committee for the Illinois State Dental Society 2018 II Mission of Mercy.

 

Marcia Short '86

Marcia Short retired from Illinois College as executive director of development and alumni relations after 31 years of service to her alma mater.

Kerry Grubb Cox '86

Kerry Grubb Cox was named a 2017 Superintendent of Distinction by her colleagues in the Two Rivers Region of the Illinois Association of School Administrators. Kerry has been an educator for 30 years, the last four as superintendent in Carrollton, Ill.

Kathleen Blough Taylor '86

was promoted to vice president, accounting operations at RLI Insurance Company.

Marcia Short ’86

started a new job as the executive assistant and office manager for the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln.

Andy Smith '86

will be installed as president of the Kiwanis Club in Jacksonville in October 2019.

Lori Schisler ’87

retired January 1, 2020, more than 32 years working for the State of Illinois. She worked for the Department of Healthcare and Family Services in Springfield for 31 years, serving 26 years in the budget office.

Steve Schaller '87

Steve Schaller was inducted in the Waterloo High School Legacy Society in September. Waterloo (Illinois) High School annually recognizes individuals who honor the legacy of WHS by their service or accomplishments. A nationally recognized speaker on consumer lending and regulatory compliance matters, Stephen is deputy general counsel of Springleaf Financial Services in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Dave Jacobs ’87

received the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame distinguished Ray Eliot Award for his service to high school football in the state on June 19, 2021.

Dave Jacobs ’87

Dave Jacobs was inducted into the High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame during the Illinois Football Coaches Clinic in Champaign, Illinois, in March.

Chris Skinner ’88

retired from Jersey Unit #100 after 34 years of teaching and 33 years of coaching.

Chris Skinner ’88

is coaching football and working for Jacksonville High School, alongside IC alumnus Mark Grounds ’91. He was previously retired.

Teresa Wallbaum ’88

has been appointed as an administrative law judge for the Drug Enforcement Administration in Arlington, Virginia. 

Kim Still '88

Kim Still retired from the Illinois Department of Corrections in Jacksonville, Ill., after 27 years of service.

Kevin Petty ’89

joined Aeris LLC as CEO. 

Jennifer DeGroot Wieties ’89

has accepted a position as an account tech with the Department of Corrections.

Leslie Smith DeFrates ’89

is the new executive director for the Jacksonville Public Schools Foundation.  

Chris Bichsel '89

Chris Bichsel was recently promoted to the rank of captain for the Quincy Fire Department in Quincy, Ill.

Marriages

Norman Hairston and Roxanna Marie Norfleet '81,

January 14, 2017. Norman retired Sergeant First Class from the U. S. Army.

Timothy Treiber and Caryl Weigle '86, December 17, 2017.

Caryl is the officer manager at Midwest Motors in Eureka, Mo.

Randy Hostetler and Rae Ellen Hopkins-Hostetler ’89,

 April 8, 2017. Rae Ellen is retired and Randy is a petroleum analyst for Hopkins-Hostetler for Citgo Petroleum. They reside in Crest Hill, Illinois.

1990s

Updates

Erika Rasch Hunt ’96

started a new position as project director at Regional Office of Education 17.

Vance Martin ’96

is currently the master of Mahomet Masonic Lodge in Mahomet. Each year the organization awards scholarships to local students and the master usually has the privilege of handing them out. This year’s recipient at Mahomet Seymour High School was Haylie Orton, who plans to attend IC in the fall. Vance felt honored as an alumnus to be part of helping a future IC student start on her own pathway.

Christopher Passmore '90

Christopher Passmore has been elected to the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements. The NCRP was chartered by Congress in 1964 to serve as a nonprofit organization that represents a national resource on topics related to radiation protection and radiation quantities, units and measurements.

Jeffery Hopkins '90

Jeffery Hopkins was elected alderman of Ward 1 in Jacksonville, Ill., this spring.

David Pohlman '90

David Pohlman was promoted to logistics manager at Reynolds Consumer Products in Jacksonville, Ill.

Luiz Guimaraes ’90

began a new leadership role at ERM as Global Co-Lead of Corporate Sustainability and Climate Change services.

Luiz Guimarães '90

Luiz Guimarães is a regional client market leader – chemical sector for North America at Environmental Resources Management in Chicago, Ill.

Luiz Guimarães '90

Luiz Guimarães is a senior partner of North American Operations for the Midwest Business Unit of Environmental Resources Management in Rolling Meadows, Ill.

Carrie McCrary Ward '91

is the executive director of the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

Luiz Guimarães ’91

took on the role of regional director of services and innovation at ERM. 

Selena Elledge ’91

was promoted to director at Sikich LLP in Springfield. 

Tim Green '91

Tim Green is the new president of Burrus Brothers and Associated Growers. He previously served as vice president of Burrus Brothers and as part-owner of Burrus Seed Farms Inc.  He has more than 26 years of experience developing sales teams and overseeing account and territory management in the seed industry.

Dr. Carol Kilver '91

Dr. Carol Kilver received one of four international Outstanding Research Awards during the January 2017 Thinking Collaborative Leadership Symposium held in Littleton, Colo. Carol was recognized for her research examining the experiences of preservice teaching during student teaching placement. She completed her doctoral work in education at Western Illinois University in December 2016.

Kris Williams Houser ’91

received the industry-respected Certification in Fund Raising Management (CFRM) designation through the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IUPUI University.

Kris Williams Houser ’91

was promoted to executive director of Development and Alumni Relations at SIU School of Medicine. In this role, she also serves on the executive team at the SIU Foundation-Carbondale. 

Carrie McCrary Ward ’91

was named by Gov. J.B. Pritzker to the Illinois Forensic Science Commission. Ward is the chief executive officer of the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, where she works with legislators at the state and federal level to improve the policies and resources available to survivors of sexual assault.

Classes of 1991 and 1992

Members of the Gamma Delta Literary Society reunited at Tuscan Hills Winery in Effingham, Illinois. They have been college sisters and great friends for 35 years and counting. Pictured left to right are: Teresa Fonke Haake ’91, Gigi Galloway Patterson ’92, Melissa Eversgerd Kuhl ’92, Heather Krell Stephens ’91, Vickie Hemann Kraatz ’91, Kelly Morrow Lavender ’91, and Shannon Gauen Heisler ’92.

Kathy Petitte Novak ’91

is acting as associate dean for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Illinois-Springfield through August 2021. She became a professor of journalism and media in August 2020.

Debra McCormick Drake ’92

 was recently promoted to Chief Financial Officer-Marketing at Anglo American. 

Debbie Rollins '92

Debbie Rollins contributed historical information about her family and the history of the Greenfield Public Library for the recently published book, “Greene County, Illinois: History and Families.”

Mike Fletcher '92

was promoted to vice president of infrastructure and engineering at State Farm in December. He has worked for the company for nearly 29 years. 

Melanie Ferricks Capps ’92 and Julie Minch Dailey ’93

created the Daisy T-Shirt Project that raised $3,680 for frontline workers dealing with COVID-19 at HSHS St. John's Hospital and Memorial Medical Center. 

Travis Cox '93

Travis Cox has been appointed the treasurer for Cass County in Virginia, Ill., by the Cass County Board. He has worked in the treasurer’s office since 1995.

Tony Stivers '93

 was recently promoted to subject matter expert for New York Appeals and Grievances with UnitedHealth Group.

Julie Minch-Dailey '93

Julie Minch-Dailey is a payroll analyst for the Illinois Teacher’s Retirement System in Springfield, Ill. Her artwork is featured at Keefner’s Restaurant in Springfield.

Jennifer Heaton Buhlig '93

Jennifer Heaton Buhlig was named president of the board of directors for Senior Services of Central Illinois. Jennifer continues in her position of director of sales and marketing for Springfield Supportive Living.

Amy Wilson '93

Amy Wilson, director of the office of inclusion for the National Collegiate Athletic Association, was among the five finalists for the 2017 President’s Award. The impact Amy has made in two years at the NCAA national office earned the respect of her colleagues and admiration of her nominators, placing her among the top five finalists for the coveted award.

Young Brockhouse ’94

was named vice president of professional development for Illinois Realtors. He oversees professional development programs for the statewide association’s more than 50,000 members.

Gail Noll ’94

was sworn in to an at-large Circuit Judge in an agreement with a Seventh Judicial Circuit by Illinois Supreme Court Justice Rita B. Garman on January 7, which allows her to hear cases in Sangamon, Morgan, Scott, Greene, Macoupin and Jersey counties.

Rachel Ruppel Weber ’94

is proud that her daughter Liddy Weber ’23 is continuing the IC tradition. Liddy is a first-year student who plans to major in elementary education.

Gail Noll '94

won re-election for Circuit Court Judge for the 7th Judicial Circuit. 

Gail Noll '94

has moved to a new position as financial litigation and bankruptcy program specialist staying with the Illinois Department of Justice. The move comes as her husband, John Milhiser, begins his new role as U.S. attorney for the Central District of Justice. 
 

Nancy Gowin Sullivan ’94

is the new database administrator for university advancement at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Jeff Pigott ’94

now works at Microsoft as a senior cloud solutions architect. He previously spent 27 years working at Karmak, Inc. and recently earned the certification as a Azure Solutions Architect Expert.

Anne Credi Sumpter '95

Anne Credi Sumpter is a strategic business partner for the Center for Creative leadership in Greensboro, N.C.

Lara Drummond White ’95

works for realtruck.com as a category merchandiser.

Heather Dahl Brooks ’95

recently celebrated her 20th wedding anniversary with James ‘JR’ Brooks. The couple has two daughters, and they own a business together.

Bill Stephens '95

Bill Stephens works in the legal department at Stewart Title Insurance Company as a legal assistant in Addison, Ill.

Bill Stephens ’96

was hired in August of 2019 to work for the Liberty Mutual legal department’s Miami office. He still resides in Illinois.

Dr. Chris Becker '96

Dr. Chris Becker graduated in May with his Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Chris conducted a mixed-methods study of teacher perceptions of learning communities at Highland High School in Highland, Ill., where he is the associate principal.

Roman Petra ’96

was elected to the partnership of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP., effective on Jan. 1, 2020. He concentrates his legal practice on commercial real estate transactions, representing developers and funds. He is based in Orlando, Florida.

Dalitso Sulamoyo '96

Dalitso Sulamoyo has been named chief executive officer of the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission in Urbana, Ill. Previously, Dalitso was the president and CEO of the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies.

Dalitso Sulamoyo ’96,

Champaign County Regional Planning Commission chief executive officer, has been elected as new chair of the National Community Action Partnership (NCAP), the largest anti-poverty network in the country. The partnership is a national, nonprofit membership organization that provides technical assistance, training and other resources to over 1,000 community action agencies around the country like the regional planning commission, as well as nonprofit and public groups funded by the Community Services Block Grant.

Alice Grady '96

Alice Grady is currently in her 20th year of employment on the Spirit of Peoria and her 10th year as captain of the riverboat.

Paul Johnes '96

Paul Johnes is the new baseball coach for Father McGivney Catholic High School in Glen Carbon, Ill.

Bill Cunningham ’96

retired from the US Army after 24 years of service and now resides in O’Fallon, Illinois. He is employed at the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency in St. Louis, Missouri. 

Jim Lale '96

Jim Lale is a secondary education teacher at Bloom Township School District 206 in Chicago Heights, Ill., where he also serves as assistant football coach. He is a trustee on the District 206 Education Foundation and is a member of the district’s finance committee.

 

Amy Hull Logsdon '96

Amy Hull Logsdon was appointed president of the National Bank of Petersburg by the Board of Directors of NBP Financial Services. She joined the bank located in Petersburg, Ill., in 1996 and most recently served as vice president of bank operations and cashier.

 

Erin Shoemaker FitzPatrick '96

Erin Shoemaker FitzPatrick is an assistant professor in the Department of Special Education and Child Development at University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Dr. Chris Becker '97

Dr. Chris Becker has been named the next principal of Highland High School in Highland, Ill. Currently the assistant principal at Highland, Chris will begin in his new role at the conclusion of the academic year.

Adam Mefford '97

Adam Mefford was appointed police chief for the city of Jacksonville, Ill.

Carrie Jo Henry Donnan '97

Carrie Jo Henry Donnan surpassed a career milestone of 300 victories in her 15th year of coaching high school volleyball. Carrie Jo has been the head volleyball coach at PORTA Petersburg/A.C. Central for five years, following 10 years at A.C. Central prior to the merger.

Tom Betsinger '97

accepted a position as the director of recreation in June 2019 for the Oswegoland Park District in Oswego, Illinois. He was also appointed in May 2019 to serve a two year term on the village board in Montgomery, Illinois.

Jeremy Wright ’97

 is senior auditor at BJC Healthcare in St. Louis, Missouri.

Jeremy Wright '97

Jeremy Wright is a senior internal auditor at Movement Mortgage in Indian Land, S.C.

Eric Mandell '97

Eric Mandell is creating a video game along the lines of “CSI” and designing the curriculum around it for a physics class he teaches, thanks to a National Science Foundation grant intended to introduce new ways of thinking about STEM pedagogy. Eric teaches in the department of physics and astronomy at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio.

Sarah Wyatt Kirkpatrick ’98

started a new job as the director of the learning resource center and campus engagement for the SIUE East St. Louis Higher Education Campus.

Darin Gehrke '98

Darin Gehrke is executive vice president and community president of Town and Country Bank in Jacksonville, Ill.

Marie Wimsett ’98

published her first children's book, "Herbert the Edgy Hedgie," with co-author Tara Elmore. 

Jennifer Sunley ’98

recently celebrated 15 years of service at Hanson Professional Services Inc., where she is currently the natural resources discipline manager. She joined the firm in 2006.

Julie Bodam Macartney '98

Julie Bodam Macartney was promoted to director of business operations and strategy at CARE USA in Atlanta, Ga. In her new role, Julie will drive strategic operational alignment across organizational functions and teams in support of optimizing performance of country and regional teams.

Kathy Thomas '98

received a master’s degree in human service with a concentration in child and family from the University of Illinois Springfield and she was promoted to assistant regional manager for the Springfield and St. Clair Regional Office for Division of Specialized Care for Children in May 2019.

Darin Gehrke ’98

became senior vice-president of market lead ventral and southern Illinois for SomerCor.

Kristin Van Aken Jamison '99

Kristin Van Aken Jamison is co-owner of Jamison’s Future Swings in Jacksonville, Ill. The baseball and softball academy provides education for youth learning the foundations of baseball and softball, as well as further instruction for those playing competitively in high school and college.

 

Jenny Carrell ’99

has been promoted to the role of strategic market director of regional and government accounts at Johnson & Johnson.

Lisa Seaway ’99

obtained a new certification for Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) from American Heart Association.

Charlie White '99

Charlie White is senior vice president at Illinois Business Financial Services in Springfield, Ill.

Sarah Buck ’99

recently earned a Faculty Excellence Service Award from Chicago State University. To be considered for the award, faculty must demonstrate service at various levels at the university, as well as off-campus.

Kevin Hough ’99 

was elected to chair of the board of directors for the Chicago Center for Urban Life and Culture, an organization in Chicago that has provided student teaching and internship opportunities to Illinois College students for many years.

Kristin Van Aken Jamison ’99

began a new position in January as vice president of marketing and communications for the Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation.

Gray Noll ’99

won re-election for Morgan County State's Attorney. 

Brian Bruce '99

Brian Bruce is a captain for Emirates airline based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Tim Keefe '99

Tim Keefe is the new principal at Charleston Middle School in Charleston, Ill. Tim was formerly the assistant principal at Charleston High School.

Jim Slaid '99

Jim Slaid began a new position as principal of Korea International School’s Middle School in Seoul, South Korea, in August.

Kelly Brockhouse ’99

was named the head girls’ softball coach at Jacksonville High School.

Births

Duane and Billie Jo Dirks Brunk '90

recently adopted Kurtus, 7, and Lily, 4. They join big sisters Abby, 19, and Aimee, 18.

Garry and Kirsten Sittler '94,

a son, Nathaniel Edwin, April 4, 2017. 

Neil and Gabriela Werries '97,

a son, Henry, November 4, 2016.

Sympathy

Lynne Garrison Force ’90,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her husband, Delbert Force, on Dec. 31,  2021. 

Kristin Nurss Johnstone ’90,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her father, Jim Nurss, on April 30.

Julie Henry '90

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Julie Henry on the death of her mother Ferol Henry on February 3, 2019.

Lori Burrus Greene '91

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Lori Burrus Greene on the death of her father, Tom Burrus ’71, on October 28, 2017.

Melissa Martin Medford '91

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Melissa Martin Medford on the death of her father, Donald Martin, on February 8, 2018.

Lisa Lucassen Pierce ’91

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her husband, Ronald A. Pierce, and her father, Robert W. Lucassen, in March 2021. 

Melvin Peters ’92, Karl Peters ’94 and Donald Peters ’95,

Illinois College extends its sympathy to them and to Kathleen Peters Cross ’81 on the death of their sister and cousin, Nancy Peters Flach ’95, on June 24, 2020.

Theodore T.C. Rammelkamp ’97.

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his mother, Trudi Rammelkamp, on April 13, 2021. 

Kristin Williamson Bruce ’98,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the loss of her grandmother Patricia Marilyn Shaffner Williamson ’52 on February 21, 2020.

Tony DelGiorno ’99

and Nichol Eyman DelGiorno ’99. Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of Tony's father, Joseph DelGiorno, on January 28, 2021.

Christine Reid Lansaw ’99,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her father, Dr. James Reid, on Jan. 10, 2022, and to his son-in-law, Jeremy Lansaw ’99.

In Memoriam

Joan Hicks ’92,

October 3, 2020.

Christofer Jon “Chris” '92,

November 15, 2017

Jody Benedict ’92,

May 12, 2022 (Chi Beta).

Ryan Fernandes '93

February 17, 2022

Jenny Stremlau Geirnaeirt ’93,

June 12, 2020 (Gamma Delta).

Scott A. Hall ’93,

August 5, 2020. 

Anne Murray Hullet ’93

March 27, 2021. 

Anita Northcraft Moran '93

March 13, 2018

Kelley Davis Liljegren '93,

March 2, 2017

Christopher Welch '94,

July 3, 2019

Jason Kertz '94,

January 6, 2023

Allie Hodlmair Colt '94,

May 6, 2017

Nancy Peters Flach ’95

June 24, 2020. 

Lisa Brogdon Bloome '98,

March 26, 2017

Kristopher Reed ’98

March 4, 2019

Jered A. Riechmann '98

August 8, 2018

Rhiannon Norris-Robinson ’99,

March 2, 2022 (Gamma Delta).

Marriages

Amy Pearson Huston ’92

and Jay Carriger on August 8, 2020, in Franklin, Illinois. 

Sarah Huff Wayne ’95

and Robert Miller on July 28, 2020, in Missouri.

Deanna Still Wise '96 and Todd Wise,

October 18, 2019

Bill Stephens '96

and Amy Kim on September 18, 2020.

T.C. Rammelkamp III '97 and Emily Grace Deegan,

January 14, 2019.

Lisa Fay Seaway ’99

and Daniel Seaway on June 10, 2021.

Jeremy Flynn and Jessica Doak Flynn ’99,

September 22, 2018, in Monument, Colorado. Pictured with Jerry Flynn ’70, Luana Meinders Flynn ’71 and Grant Flynn ’22. The couple resides in Springfield, Illinois, where Jeremy serves as chief of staff for the Illinois Department of Agriculture and Jessica is the associate director of residential life at Illinois College.

Dani Morgan Heeter '98

Dani Morgan Heeter is an instructor in outreach at Miami Valley Career Technology Center in Englewood, Ohio. Dani provides outreach within the adult education Aspire program to community partners.

Dellann Stutsman '99

was promoted to the rank of Captain on the Auburn Fire and Rescue Department. 
 

2000s

Updates

Adam Edlen '00

Adam Edlen is a broker representative – global marine practice for Marsh in St. Louis, Mo.

Christina Cook ’00

started a new position as development database manager at Mary Institute and St. Louis County Day School.

Missy Olinger Block '00

Missy Olinger Block was recently promoted to manager of the Management, Research and Analysis Unit at the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Office of the Inspector General.

 

Bill Piper ’00

earned his Doctor of Public Administration degree from the University of Illinois-Springfield in July 2019. He is a revenue auditor for the Illinois Department of Revenue.

Tim Laffey ’00

performed stand-up comedy in Jacksonville in September in a show produced by Belly Laffs Comedy. He was joined by comedians from the region including St. Louis, Chicago, Springfield and Peoria. 

Angie Kuebrich Noble '00

Angie Kuebrich Noble was a top ten finalist for the Illinois State Board of Education’s 2018 Illinois Teacher of the Year competition. Angie is a third-grade teacher at Jerseyville East Elementary School in Jerseyville, Ill.

 

Christina Cook '00

Christina Cook is a database administrator for the Missouri History Museum in St. Louis, Mo.

Christina Cook ’00

is now director of philanthropy with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in St. Louis, Missouri. 
 

Evan Wilson ’01

has been promoted to associate vice president of enrollment management at Illinois College.

Dan Wright ’01

was appointed to the Illinois Forensic Science Commission by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

Nicholas Cray '01

Nicholas Cray is vice president of marketing for AmeriCu Credit Union in Rome, N.Y.

Tim Chipman '01

Tim Chipman was named Assistant Principal of the Year by the Illinois Principals Association. He is currently in his third year as assistant principal at Jacksonville High School in Jacksonville, Ill.

Amanda Williams '01

Amanda Williams is a litigation attorney defending corporate clients at Clayborne, Sabo & Wagner LLP in Belleville, Ill.

Dan Wright '01

Dan Wright was named first assistant state’s attorney in Sangamon County, Ill.

Evan Wilson ’01

was named a 2021 Molly K. Arnold President’s Service Recognition Award winner by the Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC). This award recognizes members with more than five years’ service who have provided strong and consistent leadership to IACAC.

Dan Wright ’01,

Sangamon County State’s Attorney, was named to the Supreme Court Committee on Jury Instruction in Criminal Cases.

Christy Heaton '01

Christy Heaton recently earned a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of New Orleans. Her dissertation examined the lived experiences of transgender college students at institutions in the south. Christy is the director of first-year experiences at the University of Colorado in Denver, Colo.

Dan Wright '01

won a four-year term as Sangamon County State’s Attorney. 

Dan Wright ’01

was appointed Sangamon County State’s Attorney on October 30, 2018, and will run for election in November 2020.

Tim Tyrrell '01

Tim Tyrrell is the director of software engineering for Mediavine. He works remotely from his home office in Louisville, Colo.

Amanda Shoemaker ’01

has served as the director of alumni relations and continuing education at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry since 2018.

Juletta Trokey Ellis '01

will be principal of Litchfield High School following this school year. She is currently the principal of Pana Junior High School. 

Jennifer Travis Quast ’01

has been promoted to director of brand marketing for kid’s portfolio (Pebbles & Honeycomb) at Post Consumer Brands.

Amanda Williams ’01

is practicing immigration law at the award-winning non-profit Legal Services of Eastern Missouri. She previously spent a decade working in government law in St. Louis.

Tammy Lonergan Sowder ’02

was promoted to vice president of administration at Milner Media, where she oversees radio stations WVLI, WFAV, WIVR and WYUR.

Scott Stewart ’02

had his final day as executive director of the Millennium Park Foundation. He is going to the Dallas, Texas, area to serve as the executive director of Frisco Hall Park Foundation at the Communities Foundation of Texas.

Tony Evans '02

Tony Evans is a chemist and forensic examiner for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Quantico, Va.

Elizabeth Jenkins Morgan '02

is a licensed clinical social worker working as a psychotherapist in private practice in Normal, Illinois.

Ike Howe '02

Ike Howe has been named an associate with Benton & Associates Inc. He serves as project engineer/project manager at the firm located in Jacksonville, Ill.

Dr. Scott Stewart '02

Dr. Scott Stewart was awarded the prestigious Professional Citation by the American Public Gardens Association at their annual conference in Hamilton, Ontario. This award recognizes a member who has excelled in one or more disciplines associated with public horticulture. As executive director of the Millennium Park Foundation, Scott directs the state-of-the-art collection of art, architecture and landscape design in Millennium Park.

John Allison ’02

has been named the new football coach at Sacred Heart-Griffin in Springfield.

Ryan Alwood '02

Ryan Alwood was honored as one of Milwaukee Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in February. He is a senior vice president at PNC Bank and resides in Milwaukee, Wis.

Burel Goodin ’02

was selected as a recipient for the 2020 Provost’s Awards for Faculty Excellence at the University of Alabama at Birmington where he is an associate professor in the Department of Psychology. 

Burel Goodin ’02,

professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Psychology, is part of a group that has been awarded $21 million from the National Institute of Health HEAL (Helping to End Addiction Long-term) Initiative to establish a new national center aimed at disseminating accurate information about the opioid crisis to the public.

Josh Evans '02

Josh Evans was recently promoted to chief executive officer of the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities.

Mark Dochterman '02

was selected as a 2018-19 President’s Executive Leadership Program Fellow, a professional development program meant to strengthen leadership among the three universities that comprise the University of Illinois System. Dochterman was among a limited number of individuals chosen for the program from a competitive pool of 60 nominations. He is visiting assistant vice chancellor for student engagement for the University of Illinois Springfield.
 

Lindley Hanley '02

was a recipient of the JPMorgan Chase National Achiever Award as a top producer in private banking and wealth management. She was previously honored with the award four times while working in Laguna Beach, California. 

Lindley Hanley ’02

received her fifth National Achiever Award in Wealth Management at JPMorgan Chase for being in the top 5% of producers in private banking across the company.

Kelly Payne ’02

Kelly Payne was promoted to associate professor of English at Olney Central College in Olney, Illinois.

Mark Dochterman '02

Mark Dochterman is the visiting assistant vice chancellor for student engagement at University of Illinois Springfield.

Angela Ryckman Schubert '03

Angela Ryckman Schubert received a promotion to Master of Science in Clinical Counseling Program Director for Central Methodist University in Fayette, Mo.

Christopher Morgan '03

is the director of technology at Illinois State University’s Mennonite College of Nursing.

Dr. John Hulsen '03

Dr. John Hulsen completed his residency in plastic surgery at Ohio State University in June. He began his fellowship in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery at Harvard Medical School in July.

Shane Owsley '03

Shane Owsley has been appointed principal at Gillespie High School in Gillespie, Ill. He was formerly the dean of students and head football coach at North Mac High School.

Natalie Blake Prince '03

Natalie Blake Prince is an agricultural program specialist in the conservation and environmental programs division at U.S.D.A. Farm Service Agency in Springfield, Ill.

 Benjamin Prince '03

received the 69th Annual Arthur S. Flemming Air Force-Level Award. He was recognized in the basic science category for his research in next-generation electronic propulsion systems. The Flemming award honors outstanding federal employers who have made a significant and extraordinary contribution to the federal government. 

Danielle Doerfler ’04

was promoted to director of athletics at Fontbonne University.

Lisa Schrock Magliari '04

is a third grade teacher at Hawthorne Elementary School in Keokuk, Iowa. 
 

Tony Shiffman '04

Tony Shiffman is the new varsity football coach at Fort Madison High School in Fort Madison, Iowa.

Susan Leonard Emelander ’04

was recently hired as a high school special education teacher in Knoxville, Illinois.

Michael Bendorf '04

Michael Bendorf has been promoted to the position of associate director of enrollment technology at Illinois College.

Greg Butterfield '04

Greg Butterfield was recognized by Mother’s Against Drunk Driving as a MADD Hero at a ceremony in Springfield, Ill., last September. Awarded to the top 25 law enforcement officers throughout Illinois, this is the fifth time the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office deputy has received the award that recognizes efforts to eliminate drunken driving and help to fight drugged driving, efforts in victim support and efforts to prevent underage drinking.

Steven Snyder ’04

had a second book published, "Woke, Banned, Censored & Canceled." It's a compilation of research, news stories, articles and commentary on the "war on everything" in culture.

Adam Dean ’04

Adam Dean was promoted to superintendent of Triopia School district starting July 1, 2019. 

Jenny Brown Krell ’04

Jenny Brown Krell was promoted to vice president of Hickory Point Bank. She will oversee the training and development of the banking staff for all Hickory Point Bank locations throughout Central Illinois. She will also continue to oversee the daily operations of the Springfield, Illinois branch located at the corner of Wabash and Koke Mill Road.

Samantha Bentley Renaud '04

started a new job with Summit Agriculture Group in March 2019.

Samantha Bentley Renaud ’04

has accepted a position as an ag loan administrator with Green Belt Bank & Trust in Iowa Falls, Iowa.

Steven Snyder ’04

had his feature length documentary and sequel mockumentary, “The Giant Steel Wall” and “The Giant Steel Wall 2: The Sequel” approved to launch on Amazon Prime. He also just signed a literary agreement with a literary manager in Hollywood to get his first feature length screenplay made into a movie.

Lindsay Hymes Williams '04

is the Controller, North America General Accounting and Close at Archer Daniels Midland.

Samantha Bentley '04

Samantha Bentley is an independent sales support team leader and underwriter for Diversified Crop Insurance Services in Jacksonville, Ill.

Michael T. Bendorf ’04

was promoted to director of divisional technology and operations for the division of external relations at Illinois College. 

Mandi Scott Chukin '04

Mandi Scott Chukin is a buyer for Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville, Ill.

Steven Snyder ’04

 had his first comedy book, “How to be a Miserable Failure: The Complete Guide for Destroying Your Life,” published in December 2020 . 

Dylan Dudley ’05

has been named the new head basketball coach at Alton High School.

Julie Surratt Wilkinson ’05

 joined the leadership team at the Will County Center for Economic Development as the vice president of investor relations.

Blake Stadel ’05

received the Silver Dome Award for Personality of the Year for medium-sized markets from the Illinois Broadcasters Association. Blake hosts the "DBR Morning Show with DJ Blake" for WDBR-FM in Springfield.

Christopher Miller '05

is vice president of sales and marketing at the ATB Technologies in Chesterfield, Missouri. Courtney Traub is a merchandise planner at ModCloth.

Jessica Ballenger '05

Jessica Ballenger works for Safeco as their quality assurance manager in Seattle, Wash.

Luke ’05 and Allison McCombs Worrell ’06,

 owners of Worrell Land Services, recently celebrated the 25th Anniversary of their business. 

Ben Tobin ’05

was awarded Best Attorney and his law office, Pratt & Tobin P.C., won the Best Law Office category at the “Best of the Best” event hosted by the two newspapers that serve the Metro East side of St. Louis.

Lawrence Spasojevich '05

Lawrence Spasojevich is assistant general counsel in New York City’s Office of Labor Relations in New York, N.Y.

Teresa Smith ’05

was appointed by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker in August to serve on the Civil Service Commission. She is currently executive director of human resources at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.

Rebecca Vortman ’05

was promoted to associate department head for the Department of Population Health Nursing Science at University of Illinois Chicago.

Rebecca Vortman '05

Rebecca Vortman has been promoted as the manager of perioperative education at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, Ill. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in nursing administration through the University of Illinois at Chicago. She plans to graduate this December.

Dr. Rebecca Vortman ’05

was elected to serve on the AORN Board.

Christopher Miller ’05

was recently named one of the “100 St. Louisans to Know to Succeed in Business” by Small Business Monthly. He also joined the board of directors at University City Children's Center.

Dr. Rebecca Vortman ’05

was the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement in Perioperative Education Award. 

Matt Marcum '05

Matt Marcum is an environmental loan project manager with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Amy Parnell Hozian '05

Amy Parnell Hozian earned a doctorate in business administration with a specialization in management information systems from North Central University in May 2017. She is a senior systems analyst with Memorial Health System in Springfield, Ill.

 

Kate Russell '05

Kate Russell has been promoted to senior production assistant, wholesale property at Ironshore Insurance Services LLC in St. Louis, Mo.

Reg Gabriel ’06

Reg Gabriel is president of the recently purchased Central Illinois Coatings in Decatur, Illinois.

Tiffaney Rains '06

Tiffaney Rains is the new Quincy High School head volleyball coach. A behavioral health therapist with Quincy Medical Group, she served as assistant volleyball coach at QHS from 2009 to 2013.

 

Jared Lively '06

Jared Lively is a business development analyst for Archer Daniels Midland in Minneapolis, Minn.

Maggie Henry York ’06

launched a new interior design website at margaretofyork.com. The site features York’s design portfolio from her several years working professionally in the field and a blog. Visitors can also shop a collection of her favorite pieces.

Tara Davis-Augspurger ’06

Tara Davis-Augspurger teaches Spanish at Illinois State University and completed her Ph.D. coursework in higher education administration in December 2018.

Alicia Allen Maloy '06

Alicia Allen Maloy is an infrastructure analyst for the Public Utility Commission of Texas in Austin, Texas.

Cara Pratt-Fleming ’06

was named partner at Young Law Partners, P.C., a family law firm in Springfield.

Sami Martin ’06

is an administrative assistant and case manager at the Law Firm of Tamara Roff, an education services law firm in New York City.

Karen Trusley '06

is an office medical specialist in the Psychology Clinic at Western Illinois University. 
 

Daniel Sauerwein '06

Daniel Sauerwein is a reference specialist in the North Dakota State Archives in Bismarck, N.D.

Sarah Franklin ’06

is exhibitions and collections manager at Elmhurst Art Museum.

Marissa Giuffre ’06

earned her Master of Arts in Education from McKendree University in December 2018. She is currently employed as an elementary physical education teacher at C.A. Henning Elementary School in Troy.

Julia Legate ’06

earned a Doctorate of Educational Leadership in May 2022. Her dissertation was titled, “Pre-K and Kindergarten Teachers Perceptions of Kindergarten Readiness.”

Donathan Brown '06

Donathan Brown is director of faculty diversity and development at Ithaca College’s School of Humanities and Sciences in Ithaca, N.Y.

Leah Borrowman Wombacher '06

Leah Borrowman Wombacher is a seed service advisor supporting the Stone Seed brand at Monsanto in St. Louis, Mo.

Casey Grant ’06

has served as campus minister for The Crossing Monmouth church since October 2019.

Casey Grant ’06

was ordained into full-time ministry on July 11, 2021. He has served as the campus pastor for The Crossing in Monmouth since September of 2018. 

Dr. Ashley Kort Morhardt '06

Dr. Ashley Kort Morhardt is a postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Neuroscience at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. She uses an array of techniques to investigate the function and evolution of craniofacial anatomy in dinosaurs and their extant relatives. Ashley earned a Master of Science degree in biology from Western Illinois University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in ecology and evolutionary biology from Ohio University.

Ashley Kort Morhardt ’06

is working as an assistant professor of anatomy at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Frank Arnolts III ’06

has been hired as principal of Tri-Valley High School in Downs.

Lucas Williams '06

has been elected as the mayor of Mt. Zion, Illinois.

Daniel Morhardt ’06

is a social studies teacher for the Excel Center through MERS Goodwill.

Casey Grant '06

is campus minister at The Crossing Monmouth, where he has served since  September of 2018 when the location opened. He previously worked in banking before transitioning to a successful ministry career 10 years ago

Danielle Doerfler '06

is the associate athletic director at Fontbonne University in St. Louis, Missouri, as of June 2019.

Lisa Orr-Taylor ’06

is vice president at family business Perma-Bound Books in South Jacksonville. She has been married since 2009 and has four children.

Kayla Bateman Arnolts '06

is office manager for the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation.

Joseph Calmese '07

was named CEO of ADDMAN Engineering earlier this month. Based in St. Louis, the company supports manufactured products and manufacturing services. Joseph graduated Illinois College with honors in physics and was awarded the George W. Horton, Sr. Prize in Physics.

 

Peter Jennings '07

Peter Jennings is the new offensive coordinator for Rhodes College football in Memphis, Tenn.

Matt Vilicana '07

accepted a new position as a federal on-scene coordinator for the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

John and Rachel Smith Rohn '07

John and Rachel Smith Rohn purchased the former Northridge Hills Golf Course in Jacksonville, Ill., in March. The renovated course and clubhouse re-opened this spring as K’s Creek Golf Club and Wine Bar.

 

 

Britta Thornton '07

Britta Thornton is a solo attorney providing low bono and legalistic representation to low-income clients in the areas of family law, landlord-tenant and housing law, municipal defense and small claims appeals. She is also an adjunct professor of English at Ranken Technical College in St. Louis, Mo.

Brandon Reed '07

was promoted to partner-elect at Crowe LLP: Accounting, Consulting, & Technology.

Chris Rourke '07

 is a commercial lines underwriter for Auto-Owners Insurance in Montgomery, Alabama. 

Cindy Arnold ’07

started a new teaching position at Lincoln Community High School. She is also currently working toward her Certified Lay Speaker License in the United Methodist Church and often speaks as a guest speaker in churches in central Illinois. 

Joshua Sorrells ’07

has been named principal of Triopia High School beginning July 1, 2019.

Chris Rourke '07

Chris Rourke has joined Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. as an insurance advisor in Springfield, Ill. The company, which has offices in 130 countries, acquired Nicoud Insurance Services in March.

Joe Rheinecker ’07

was appointed chief financial officer of Great Rivers Bank. 

Sarah Keller ’07

started a new position as a senior staff accountant at Caterpillar.

Lacey Howe Remington '07

Lacey Howe Remington received a master’s degree in educational leadership from Western Illinois University in Macomb.

Joe Rheinecker III ’07

recently got a new job at Great Rivers Bank as the Controller.

Eduard Faith ’07

was promoted to strategy director at Sparks & Honey.

Stephanie Smith Warren '07

Stephanie Smith Warren is teaching fourth grade at Carrollton CUSD #1 in Carrollton, Ill.

Mallory Thuente Bendorf '07

Mallory Thuente Bendorf offered a 10-week art and sensory class for young children and their parents this spring titled “Miss Mallory’s Art and Sensory Class.” The class, which was based in Jacksonville, Ill., allowed children to explore and discover various materials.

Peter Jennings ’07

is now the head football coach at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Sarah Brewster '07

Sarah Brewster is a database and communications manager for Austin Waldorf School in Austin, Texas.

Jennifer Phebus '07

moved to a new role at Illinois College as the office manager for the Office of Information Technology. 

Dr. Julia Ossler '08

Dr. Julia Ossler is an assistant professor of science at Lincoln College in Lincoln, Ill.

Andy Tinsley ’08

recently became the chief of security for City Water, Light & Power. He served the Springfield Police Dept for seven years.

Luke Scroggins '08

Luke Scroggins is a staff accountant for Zumbahlen, Eyth, Surratt, Foote & Flynn Ltd. in Jacksonville, Ill.

Jared McDaniel ’08

pictured with his wife Ashley and family, has worked at the Department of Corrections for 4 years in February.

Luke Scroggins-Zellers ’08

joined Family Service Center as the director of finance in August 2022.

Katie Lewis '08

Katie Lewis is the store manager for Famous Footwear in Jacksonville, Ill.

Abby Matson McCarty ’08

was promoted to accounting manager at ADM.

Joshua Slaughterback ’08

started as an account manager with Electric Power Engineers.

Lynnaun Johnson '09

successfully defended his Ph.D. at the Chicago Botanic Garden in May. The committee commented on the quality and significance of his research findings, a majority of which was conducted on Ghost Orchids in the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge.

Elisa Stampf '09

graduated from University of Indiana Kelly Online Business School in May.

Lauren Dwyer '09

Lauren Dwyer is a sales and marketing assistant at Bound to Stay Bound Books in Jacksonville, Ill. Sarah Hicks earned a master’s degree in sociology from Lindenwood University this May.

 

Andrea Leefers '09

 is a guidance counselor at Carrollton High School in Carrollton, Illinois. 
 

Ryne Fiorito '09

Ryne Fiorito was named Young Engineer of the Year by the Capital Chapter of the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers. Ryne is a civil engineer at Hanson Professional Services Inc. in Springfield, Ill.

Justin Stewart '09

Justin Stewart is a client relationship manager for Market Track LLC in Chicago, Ill.

Wes Joseph '09

Wes Joseph is an associate insurance broker at AmWINS Group in Chicago, Ill.

Aaron Taft '09

Aaron Taft is a commercial manager for Archer Daniels Midland in Quincy, Ill.

Laura Masko Worsell '09

Laura Masko Worsell earned a Master of Advanced Study degree in American media and popular culture from Arizona State University.

In Memoriam

Nicholas B. Soer '00,

February 27, 2017

Michael Barbier ’00,

March 30, 2020 (Phi Alpha).

Adrienne “Ada” Dickerson Range ’03,

May 10, 2022.

Cory Miggins ’03

January 6, 2019

Michael T. Airsman '04,

February 11, 2017

Mary Ascoli-Keck '06,

May 15, 2017

Grant Estes '07,

August 15, 2019

Births

Michelle Ownbey '00,

publisher at Illinois Times and Springfield Business Journal, a son, Dayne on September 29, 2018.

Kevin and Rebecca Hess Leahr '01

 a son, Jacob Andrew, October 3, 2016.

Anthony and Melissa Evans ’02,

 a daughter, Elowen Pearl, January 17, 2019.

Rick Beiermann and Shannon Bonjean '02,

a son, Landen Patrick, November 12, 2017. 

Curt and Pam Gillis Steiner '02,

a son, Drake William, on December 31, 2017. He joins big brothers Clayton, 4, and Rhett, 2. 

David and Elizabeth Sturm ’03

David and Elizabeth Sturm, finalized the adoption of daughter, Magnolia Sturm, January 10, 2019. Magnolia was welcomed by two big sisters.

Patty Sullivan Babbitt ’04

and Craig Babbitt welcomed a daughter, Charlotte Grace, on March 16, 2022. 

Jeremy ’04 and Sarah Strack Briggs ’06,

a daughter, Harper Eleanor, December 11, 2019.

Dan and Kristen Shekleton Zachwieja '04,

a daughter, Grace Elizabeth, February 21, 2017. 

Derek Ward and Jamie Huber Ward ’04,

a son, Taggart James, November 26, 2018.

Michael '04 and Mallory Thuente Bendorf ’07,

a son, Leo James, September 9, 2017. He joins big brothers Jude, 5, and Silas, 2.

’05 Matthew and Stacey Clinton Coryell ’04,

a son, Roman Gaston, June 9, 2017. He joins big sister Geneva, 2. 

Lawrence and Adriana Spasojevich '05,

a son, Maximilian Danger, January 3, 2016.

Jacob and Elizabeth Postlewait Warford '05,

a daughter, Ruby Louise, May 4, 2017. She joins big brother Henry, 3. 

Brian and Tonya Hoots-Sherwin '05,

 a daughter, Evelyn Briar, March 2018. 

Ashley Kuhlmann '05,

a son, Jaxson H. Kuhlmann, on March 3, 2020.

Graham and Angie Gazdziak '05,

 a son, Lucas Daniel, July 1, 2016. He joins big sister Hannah Grace, 6. 

Matt '05 and Kris McDonald Marcum ’06,

a son, Ethan Reesor, July 11, 2016. 

Ryan and Amy Eyler Knox '06,

a daughter, Scarlett Ann, November 6, 2016. She joins big sister Ava Doris, 3.

Tara Davis Augspurger ’06

and her husband, Casey, welcomed a son, Knox Joseph Augspurger. He was born July 15, 2021, and was welcomed by big brother Huxley (3).

Casey and Tara Davis Augspurger ’06,

a son, Huxley Davis, October 1, 2018.

David Bird and Joy Heafner '06,

a daughter, June Heafner Bird, May 21, 2019. 

Chris and Meghan Sifnotis '05,

a son, Alexander Cole, June 7, 2017. He joins big sister, Georgia Joy, 3.

Daniel and Ashley Kort Morhardt '06,

a son, Jonas Jonathan, October 30, 2018. 

Joseph and Laura Weber Rheinecker '07,

a son, Jordan Freddy, July 5, 2017. He joins big brother Jackson, 2. 

Ryan and Julie Dombek Pulliam '07

a son, Henry Ryan, September 27, 2016.

Joe ’07 and Laura Weber Rheinecker ’07,

their third child, a daughter, Samantha Jo, on January 9, 2020.              

Jessica Brown Galvan ’08

and her husband, Adam, welcomed a daughter, Sloane Penelope Galvan, on Jan. 8, 2022.

Chris and Megan Newell Maurer ’08

welcomed their first child, Charlotte Anne Maurer, on November 21, 2020.

Sarah Steinhorst Manicke ’08

and her husband, Matthew, welcomed a son, Matthew John Manicke Jr., on Aug. 29, 2021.

Benjamin and Clarissa Edge Richardson ’09,

a daughter, Josephine Marie, November 15, 2017. She joins big sister Hazelynn, 2.

Chris and Jennifer Murray Haschemeyer '08,

a daughter, Adelia Elizabeth, September 17, 2016. 

Blake and Kayla West Born ’08,

a daughter, Presley Dale, joins brother Brooks, on April 19, 2020. 

Blake and Kaylin West Born '08,

a son, Brooks Leon, November 27, 2017.

Stephen and Claire Brakel Packer '08,

a son, August James, March 9, 2018. He joins big brother George, 2.

Andy '08 and Ashley Tinsley, a daughter,

Kobe M. December 12, 2019.

Paul and Leah Reuschel Hamilton,

a son, Felix Powell, October 24, 2017.

Cody '09 and Ashley Miller Lawson ’11,

a son, Nolan James, November 21, 2016. He joins big sister Caroline, 2. 

Cameron and Shilo Sullivan McCreery '09,

a daughter, Emerson Rose, November 27, 2017.

Jon and Angela Rice Valuck, a son, Logan Charles '09,

January 27, 2018. He joins big brothers, Camden, 5, and Landon, 5. 

Tyler and Stephanie Zarse Deien '09,

a daughter, Emma Grace, January 8, 2020. 

Sympathy

John Zumstein ’01,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his mother, Mary Jo Releford Zumstein ’65, on December 15, 2020.

Megan Langdon McGuire ’02,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her father, John G. Langdon ’76, on December 19, 2020, and to his brother, Greg Langdon ’80.

Josh Ryder ’03,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his mother, Peggy Ryder, on Sept. 16, 2021.

Jordan Tenhouse ’06,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his mother, Diane Moore Tenhouse ’78, on December 2, 2020.

Joe Calmese ’07,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his mother Susan Calmese on Nov. 17, 2022. The Susan L. Calmese Memorial Scholarship Fund has been created in her honor. 

Megan Trimpe Whitaker '07

Illinois College extends its sympathies to Megan Trimpe Whitaker on the death of her mother, Lynda Stewart Trimpe ’79, on January 20, 2018.

Justin Waltrip ’07,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his father, James “Jimmy” Waltrip ’78 on Aug. 4, 2021.

Chris Rourke ’07

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Chris Rourke on the death of his grandmother Lenore Rourke on February 23.

Ryan S. Bradney ’07,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his great uncle, Lester “Joe” Harrell ’57, on December 29, 2020.

Cory Foster ’07,

Illinois College extends its sympathy to him on the death of his father, George Douglas Foster ’71, on September 10, 2020.

Lisa Orr Taylor ’08 and Beth Orr ’08,

Illinois College extends its sympathy to them on the death of their mother, Tracy Wallbaum Orr ’83, on September 13, 2020.

Marriages

Adam Wenger and Kaitlyn Crohan '02,

July 8, 2017. Adam is an exercise specialist with ATI Physical Therapy in Dallas, Texas.

Shannon Bonjean Beiermann ’02 and Rick Beiermann,

February 2, 2020. 

Glenn Fernetti ’02

and Jamie Boudewyn, July 23, 2022.

Tammy Lonergan Sowder '02 and Andy Sowder,

April 11, 2019.

Chris Sadowski and Heather Sprinz '03,

 November 3, 2018.

Jason Paproth and Darcy Knutson '03,

February 10, 2018. Jason is a teacher for Kenosha Unified School District, and Darcy is an initial assessment worker for Racine County Human Services. They live in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Patty Sullivan Babbitt ’04

and Craig Babbitt on April 10, 2021.

Ryan Renaud and Samantha Bentley Renaud ’04

Ryan Renaud and Samantha Bentley Renaud, November 16, 2018.

DeVone Eurales ’05

and Lauren Eurales on October 24, 2020.

Shawn Artis and Jennifer Banks '06,

October 15, 2016. Jennifer is an associate veterinarian at Lincoln Land Animal Clinic in Jacksonville, Ill. 

Oscar Young '06 and Emily Vandevender ’07,

February 18, 2017. Oscar is an independent insurance professional in the Chicago, Ill., area. Emily is a catering manager at Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago, Ill. 

Dave Bird and Joy Heafner '06,

June 2, 2018. Dave works for Hasbro and Joy recently earned her Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut in Human Development and Family Studies. They reside in Danielson, Connecticut. 

Sarah Franklin Cox ’06

and Josh Cox at Morton Arboretum in Lisle on March 27, 2021.

Jeremy Fite and Allison Hansen '07,

April 28, 2017. Jeremy is a forensic toxicologist at the Great Lakes Naval Base and Allison is a quality analyst for Avalign: German Specialty Instruments in Schaumburg, Ill.

Chris Rourke '07 and Kassie Barry

July 7, 2017. Chris is an insurance advisor for Arthur J. Gallagher in Springfield, Ill.

Jake Weller and Emily Griesbeck '08,

 June 24, 2017. Jake is a fellow at the Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center in Indianapolis, Ind. He is an orthopedic surgeon at Campbell Clinic in Memphis, Tenn.

Ravinder Shankesi and Alicia Schofield '08,

October 14, 2017. Alicia is the public information specialist for the Division of Internal Medicine in the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, Wash.

Matthew Manicke and Sarah Steinhorst '08,

September 1, 2018. Matthew is self employed as a CPA and Sarah is employed by Accenture. 

Jeff Durbin '09 and Tamara Kerkemeyer ’10,

September 2, 2017. Jeff is an F-16 pilot in the Minnesota National Guard in Duluth, Minn.

Anthony Lozzi and Amber Berman '09,

August 26, 2017. Amber is currently self employed as a digital marketing consultant.

Adam Magliari '03

is principal of Keokuk High School in Keokuk, Iowa. 
 

Jamie Huber-Ward '04

Jamie Huber-Ward has accepted a position as the associate director of extension services for the National Center for Women and Information Technology.

2010s

Marriages

Alessandra Capparelli ’15 and Jacob McNamara ’16

on September 19, 2020.

Damien Oliver and Lydia Martin '10,

October 15, 2016. Lydia is a buyer for Howdens Joinery in Howden, South Yorkshire, England.

Vanessa Schrader Monica and Shaun Monica '10,

March 16, 2019. Vanessa is human resources director at MERS Goodwill. Shaun is the owner of Monica Brothers Property Management.

James Sadler '10 and Eric Klotz,

November 11, 2019

Katie Edwards ’10

and Mark Hoffman on August 22, 2020, in Quincy, Illinois. 

Cody Vipond and Jessica Verdick '10,

November 5, 2016. Jessica is a universal banker for First Trust and Savings Bank in Geneseo, Ill.

Brianne Gerecke Sealock and Matthew Sealock '10,

married on June 23, 2018

Megan Bettis ’10

and Jared Kirkhart, October 9, 2021.

Rebecca Gerecke ’10

and Alan Grant Wilson, Jr., Nov. 13, 2021.

Amber Armstrong Kleckler ’11 and David Kleckler ’10,

August 4, 2018, in Littleton, Colorado. Amber is a pediatric ICU nurse at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, Illinois

William Murphy ’10 and Cheyanne Jockisch Murphy ’19,

June 18, 2022.

David Heneisen and Danielle McLaughlin '10,

October 15, 2016. David is a client solutions executive for AT&T small business solutions in Champaign, Ill.

Jimmy White and Jerika Long '11,

March 31, 2017. Jerika is a first grade teacher in Jacksonville, Ill. 

Caitlin McLaughlin ’11

and Arend Hinrichs on August 8, 2020.

Tressman Goode and April Harman '11,

October 22, 2016. April is a child and adolescent outpatient therapist at Locust Street Resource Center in Carlinville, Ill.

Jennifer Yeoward-Dobson '11 and Lucas Dobson,

June 15, 2019

Joshua Kirchgesner and Brittney Meyer '11,

August 13, 2016. Joshua is a mortgage production supervisor with Navy Federal Credit Union in Arlington, Texas.

Dr. Clare Zimmerman ’11

and Brian Atlas May 24, 2020.

Timothy Lo and Kristine Plocher '11,

October 28, 2017. Kristine is an associate director of prospect management at the University of Chicago.

Nana Yaw Baffour Gyimah Antwi and Afua Adobea Addo Nyarko '11,

 January 6, 2018. Afua is employed at Ghana National Gas Company and resides in Tema, Ghana.

John Wardein and Raquel Puckett '11,

August 5, 2017. Raquel works for Hunter Engineering Company as a human resource specialist in Bridgeton, Mo.

John McCormick and Annamarie Goldstein '12,

October 28, 2017. John is an environmental inspector for St. Louis County and Annamarie is a first-year resident of internal medicine at Des Peres Hospital in St. Louis, Mo.

Devin Vaughn '12 and Madalyn Allen ’14,

August 11, 2018. Devin is a lawyer, and Madalyn is a speech language pathologist. The couple resides just outside of Jacksonville.

Zach Murray and Kelly Bloemer Murray ’12,

August 25, 2018. Zach is a feed delivery driver for The Equity and Kelly works at Dieterich Bank. They reside in Casey, Illinois, and are pictured with Kelly’s five-year-old son, Alex.

Dan DeWerff and Lisa Pratt '12,

July 14, 2018. Dan is a teacher and Lisa is a school counselor for Nokomis school district. They reside in Nokomis, Illinois.

Brady Kepler and Lanie Cooper '12,

December 31, 2016. Brady works for Midwest Underground Technology Inc. as a field services manager in Champaign, Ill. Lanie is the executive assistant for projects and programs at the Illinois Public Health Association in Springfield, Ill.

Brandon Hott '12 and Kelsea Battefeld ’15

October 22, 2016. Brandon is employed by the Pawnee School District and Kelsea is pursuing a master’s degree in community counseling at University of Illinois Springfield.

Erin Rutledge ’12

and James Clark, December 11, 2021.

Matt Korte '12 and Kortney Sargent ’10,

November 5, 2016. Kortney works in administration at OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center in Alton, Ill. Matt works for Cott Beverages Inc. as a regional supply planner in Maryland Heights, Mo.

Joe Craven and Alyssa Gerhardt '12,

May 21, 2017. Alyssa is a doctoral candidate at Baylor University in Waco and Joe is an attorney at Carlson Law Firm in Killeen, Texas.

Joshua Kuehn and Krysta Garrott '13,

October 14, 2017. Joshua is a lead walk-in technician at Darwin Chambers in St. Louis, Mo., and Krysta is an assistant buyer at Totall Metal Recycling in Granite City.

Matthew Gwaltney '13 and Cara Carter ’12,

June 25, 2017. Matthew is a pharmacy technician. Cara is a co-occurring therapist for adolescents at Rimrock Foundation in Billings, Mo.

Jose Lama and Nicole Rush '13,

July 1, 2016. Nicole is a senior material handling associate for General Dynamic Mission Systems in Scottsdale, Ariz.

James Miller and Lakyn Richard '13,

November 10, 2018. Lakyn is assistant director of admission and systems coordinator at Illinois College. James is an operator at Brandt Consolidated, Inc. They reside in Franklin, Illinois.

Dani Hillis ’13

and Rudy Porter '14, September 28, 2019. 

Aaron Gyrion and Megan Stringer '13,

December 15, 2018. Megan finished her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis in 2018 and is an account executive for Spectrum Scientific Communications. Aaron is a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150

Kody Stricklin and Melissa Mennenga '14,

November 19, 2016. Melissa is a district sales manager for Dot Foods in Chesterfield, Mo.

Austin Feigl and Paige Meyer '14,

October 17, 2015. Paige is a registered behavior technician for Alternative Behavior Strategies in Oceantown, Calif.

Gage Harding '14 and Kinzie Verhines ’16,

August 5, 2017.

Taylor Molandro Koksie ’14

married Eric Koksie in Chicago on September 4, 2021.

Brandon Kuchar and Cori Garthaus '14,

June 17, 2017. Cori is a behavior technician at The Autism Clinic at the Hope Institute for Children and Families in Springfield, Ill. 

Colt Gerdes '14 and Emily Langheim ’15,

October 1, 2016. Colt is a patrolman for the South Jacksonville Police Department, and Emily is the office assistant for the Office of Residential Life at Illinois College.

Dillon Clark '15 and Elizabeth Kelley ’16,

July 8, 2017. Dillon is a compliance officer for the Litchfield National Bank in Litchfield, Ill., and Elizabeth is a kindergarten teacher at Greenville Elementary School in Greenville, Ill. 

Napoleon Karnley ’15

and Adenike Adeleke, May 17, 2021.

Dmytro Zaytsev and Morgan Rush Zaytseva '15,

June 10, 2017. Morgan is studying for a Master of Science in accountancy degree at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Mich.

Matthew Martin and Amanda Greenwood '15,

July 30, 2016. Amanda teaches first grade at Our Saviour School in Jacksonville, Ill.

Bou Melton and Emily Little '15,

June 3, 2017. Emily is employed with Jacksonville School District 117 in Jacksonville, Ill. 

Calla Kaufmann ’15

and Aaron Merriman on August 22, 2020, in Jacksonville, Illinois. 

Justin Mably ’16 and Amy King ’17

on October 2, 2020.

Becca Weil Fraedrich ’16

and Austin Fraedrich, Sept. 10, 2022.

Wade Mathis '16 and Lydia Reither ’15,

March 4, 2017. Wade is the head golf coach at MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Ill., and Lydia is an occupational therapist for Select Rehabilitation’s Heritage Health practicing at locations in Beardstown and Mt. Sterling, Ill.

Jill Friedrich Haley '16 and Levi Haley ’15,

 pictured with son, Hugh Robert Michael, January 4, 2020.

Zachary Thomson and Morgan Heinz '16,

June 10, 2017. Zach is a treasury accountant at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, Ill.

Leilani Pecher ’17

and Michael Reyes, April 15, 2022.

Nick Smith '18 and Kaitlyn Smith,

 June 1, 2019. 

Andi McCombs ’19 and Dillon Hallemann ’20

on June 12, 2021.

Allison Hewitt Pilarte '19 and Alec Pilarte,

July 20, 2019. 

Allison Hewitt Pilarte and Alec Pilarte '19,

July 20, 2019. Allison is a commercial order customer service representative at BUNN and Alec is a loan document specialist at Wells Fargo. They reside in Springfield, Illinois.

Chris Moore ’19 and Markie Mulchay ’20,

July 2021.

Births

Constantine ’10 and Taylor McDermott Leontios ’11

welcomed their third child, Thomas Constantine, on October 30, 2020, joining sisters Helani, age 3, and Alexandra, age 2.

Reid and Heather Miller Thompson,

a son, Abe Henry, September 6, 2016.

Zach and Becca Wittmann '10,

twins, Jude Arthur and Bennett Richard, June 20, 2017. They join big sister, Layla Gretchen, 2. 

Shaun Monica and Vanessa Schrader Monica ’10,

a son, Cash Michael, July 8, 2020.

Tasha Mohn '10,

a son, Greyson Levi Cox, October 6, 2018 

Justin and Mary Gazdziak Purcell '10,

a girl, Ruth Mae, May 2, 2016. 

Marc and Mallory Nall Kessler '10,

a son, Vincent Ezekiel, November 27, 2017. He joins big brother, Will, 4.

Adam and Samantha Chapman '10,

 a daughter, Nora Ann, February 24, 2017. 

Caleb and Heather Bentley Seifert '10,

a daughter, Alexa McKinley, October 26, 2017. She joins big brother Aiden, 4, and big sister Adalyn, 2. 

Tony and Jessica Lucca '10,

a son, Vincenzo Michael, October 7, 2016

Ryan and Emily Crook Richeson '10,

a son, Lincoln Duane, July 25, 2017. 

Hernan and Christian Rodriguez Cortes '11,

 a daughter, Abigail Iliana, December 2, 2019. 

Kristine Plocher Lo '11

and Timothy Lo welcomed twin boys, Henry and Oliver, in December 2020.

Mathilda Edge Velazquez '11

and Rolando Velazquez welcomed their first child, Rosa Marie, on February 9, 2021.

Amber Kleckler ’11

and her husband, David, welcomed a daughter, Sawyer Faye, on January 4, 2022.

Brady and Lanie Cooper Kepler '12

a son, Kase Michael, March 22, 2018. 

Mouna Soumahoro ’12

welcomed a son, Liam, in June 2021.

Brady and Lanie Cooper Kepler ’12

welcomed their second child, Kirby Jo, on September 29, 2020.

Dan and Lisa Pratt DeWerff '12,

a son, Sutter, June 6, 2019.

Carmen Kremitzki Umberger ’13

and Ryan Umberger welcomed a son, Atticus Michael, on Jan. 5, 2023.

Rudy ’14 and Dani Hillis Porter ’13

welcomed a son, August, on Sept. 27, 2022. 

Dan ’14 and Allie ’16 Little Lewis

welcomed a son, Oliver Fitzgerald, on January 13, 2021.

Kyle '14 and Chloe Neisler Lucca '14

welcomed their first child, Joseph Steven, on March 20, 2021.
 

Darrel Colley and Renee Price '15,

 a daughter, Natalie Renee, April 4, 2017. 

Napoleon Karney ’15

and Adenike Adeleke welcomed a son on Dec. 23, 2021. 

Levi ’15 and Jill Friedrich Haley ’16,

a daughter, Harper Rae, January 20, 2020.

Darrel and Renee Price Colley '15,

a son, Owen Carter, June 19, 2019.

Wade ’16 and Lydia Reither Mathis ’15

welcomed a daughter, Vera Rose, in October 2022. Vera joins twin brothers, Andrew and Noah.

Darrel and Renee Price Colley '15,

a son, Owen Carter, June 19, 2019. 

Tyler and Lauren Gaudette Boston '15,

 a son, Bennett Tyler, September 12, 2019. 

Bou and Emily Little Melton '15,

a son, Benjamin Edward, January 7, 2020. 

Wade '16 and Lydia Reither Mathis ’15,

twin boys, Andrew James and Noah Bradley, December 14, 2019.

Sawyer Harrison ’17

and wife, Kailynn, welcomed a son, Aspen Beau, on April 16, 2020.

Abby Wolter-Cathers ’16

and husband, Dakota Cathers, welcomed twin boys, Finn and Odin, on May 26, 2021. They are the grandchildren of Gina Gillmore-Wolter ’86 of Springfield and Dr. Scott Wolter ’85 of Alton.

Updates

Alex Spalding ’10

joined Presbyterian Medical Services as a licensed professional clinical counselor in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Daniel Hackett ’10

has been promoted to district director for community and specialty pharmacy at AmerisourceBergen.

Bill Murphy '10

Bill Murphy is teaching eighth grade social studies at Old Quarry Middle School in Lemont, Ill.

Joseph Calmese '10

Joseph Calmese is vice president at Mark Andy Inc. in St. Louis, Mo. 

JJ Sadler '10

received the Joseph M. Dagnese Memorial Award for Excellence in Service to the Libraries at Purdue University.

Rebecca Gerecke ’10

married Alan Grant Wilson, Jr. on November 13, 2021, in Barry, Illinois. She works as a Certified Child Life Specialist at MercyOne Children’s Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.

Andrew Perkins '10

Andrew Perkins is deputy chief of staff for legislative affairs in the State of Illinois Governor’s Office of Management and Budget.

Denise Pachlhofer Klemm '10

Denise Pachlhofer Klemm is a behavioral health consultant for Memorial Physicians Services in Springfield, Ill. Denise became a licensed clinical social worker in December.

Taylor Baucom '10

was recently named head of visual content at The Players' Tribune. She has been with the company for nearly six years and was previously deputy visual director. 

J.J. Sadler '10

J.J. Sadler is the associate director of the Office of the Undergraduate Research at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.

Megan Kruse '10

Megan Kruse is the new principal at PORTA Jr. High School in Petersburg, Ill.

Ashley Johns '10

Ashley Johns earned a master’s degree in global sustainability from Webster University in St. Louis, Mo. She is currently an administrative assistant for the University of Missouri – St. Louis. 

 

Dr. James Geiselman '10

completed postdoctoral training to receive his diploma from the American Clinical Board of Nutrition. He is currently an assistant professor of allied health at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. 

David Kleckler ’10

started with Alpha Controls on January 2, 2019.

Kaitlin Salisbury ’10

joined the board of education for the city of Chicago as assistant general counsel in the federal litigation unit.

Kaitlin Salisbury '10

Kaitlin Salisbury is a third-year law student at Loyola University Chicago. She is a law clerk at Daley and Georges in Chicago.

Emily Richeson ’10

was promoted to quality and environmental systems specialist for U.S. Paint in June 2019.

Jared Thoele '10  

Jared Thoele was named Young Engineer of the Year by the Capital Chapter of the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers in February. Jared recognized with the award based on his engineering achievements; professional and technical society activities; civic, humanitarian and social activities; and continuing professional competence. He is a structural engineer at Hanson Professional Services Inc.’s Springfield, Ill., headquarters.

 

Daniel Hackett '10

Daniel Hackett began a new position as demand analyst at H.D. Smith in Springfield, Ill.

Kelli Pintar Bockius ’10

recently became a clinical case specialist in the occupational medicine department at Quincy Medical Group. She is pictured with her husband of six years, Chris Bockius ’11, and their two daughters.

Megan Bettis Kirkhart ’10

started a new position as a career development coordinator at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in January.

Kate VonDeBur '10

Kate VonDeBur earned a juris doctorate from Valparaiso University in May 2017. She began working at the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office as an assistant state’s attorney in October 2017.

 

Luke McQuillan '10

Luke McQuillan voiced a character and sang in an episode of Cartoon Network’s “The Amazing World of Gumball” in January. 

Julie Harding Dargatz '10

Julie Harding Dargatz is Sensi project lead at Emerson Climate Technologies in St. Louis, Mo.

Amanda Savage Stewart '10

Amanda Savage Stewart is a human resources personnel assistant III for DynCorp International LLC in Melbourne, Fla.

Eric Hiatt ’11

has been elected to be the 91st president of the Illinois Jaycees.

Jeremy Hommowun ’11

passed the Certified Technology Specialist exam with AVIXA.

Terry Grant '11

Terry Grant is the branch and regional manager of Prairie State Bank and Trust in Jacksonville, Ill.

Jennifer Yeoward '11

Jennifer Yeoward is enrolled full-time in the doctorate program in counseling and psychology at the University of Memphis.

Rachel Macon ’11

obtained a new professional certification, SHRM-CP.

Amanda Armstrong ’11

began working as a therapist at SIU School of Medicine in the Department of Development and Behavioral Pediatrics in August 2018. She previously spent five years as a therapist at Memorial Behavioral Health.

Kayla Graven ’11

has been named the new executive director of Downtown Springfield, Inc.

Eric Hiatt ’11

was elected programming vice president of the Illinois Jaycees for 2020.

Rachel Macon ’11

has been promoted to manager at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

Amber Furness '11

Amber Furness is a land protection specialist for Tax Credit Connection in Longmont, Colo. 

Mathilda Edge '11

Mathilda Edge placed third at the Central Region Finals of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions held at the Music Institute of Chicago in Evanston last November. The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music student will perform in the Schwabacher Summer Concert in the title role in Massenet’s “Thaïs” at the Merola Opera Program this summer in San Francisco, Calif.

Amber Armstrong Kleckler ’11

started as a pediatric clinic nurse in November 2019.

Dr. Clare Zimmerman ’11

graduated from pediatric hematology and oncology fellowship from Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis Children’s Hospital with a master’s degree in clinical investigation in June 2021. She started as a pediatric hematologist and oncologist at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in August 2021. 

Kayla Graven ’11

is celebrating four years at Downtown Springfield, Inc.

Eric Hiatt '11

Eric Hiatt is a resource and policy analyst in the Office of Planning and Budget at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. 

Katie O’Brien '11

Katie O’Brien is the school support manager at Easterseals Academy in Rockford, Ill.

Jennifer Yeoward-Dodson ’11

began a year-long internship at Indiana University in July, after which she will earn her Ph.D. in counseling psychology.

Christopher Waters '11

Christopher Waters is a field chemist for Heritage Environmental Services in Wood River, Ill.

Amber Armstrong Kleckler ’11

Amber Armstrong Kleckler is a pediatric ICU nurse at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.

Clare Zimmerman '11

Clare Zimmerman has accepted a pediatrics fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. Clare will begin her fellowship focusing on pediatric hemotology and oncology in July.

Eric Hiatt ’11

was elected national vice president of the JCI USA (U.S. Junior Chamber), and was the 2022 recipient of the Central Illinois Business Magazine Forty Under 40 Award.

John Zimmerman ’12

John Zimmerman is employed by the City of Springfield as corporate counsel and legal advisor to the Springfield Police Department.

Lanie Cooper Kepler ’12, Brady Kepler ’12 and Bailey Cooper ’18

founded the KASE Project. It is a central Illinois non-profit dedicated to supporting the autism community. They installed a playground communication board at Southwind Park in Springfield for children with limited verbal speech to enjoy the park with their peers. 

Darcy Holloway O’Connor '12   

Darcy Holloway O’Connor was recently recognized as 2018 Educator of the Year in the Classroom Teacher category by Illinois Computing Educators. The award is designed to honor ICE members from throughout the state of Illinois who are exemplary educators and leaders at the school or district level, and who have made significant contributions leading to the integration of technology into the educational process. Darcy is a fourth-grade teacher at New Holland-Middletown Elementary School in Middletown, Ill.

 

Dr. Damian Peyton '12

Dr. Damian Peyton graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2017. Damian offers veterinary care for pets at Blue Springs Animal Hospital in Blue Springs, Mo. Bryant Suess is the owner of Sound Solution DJ Entertainment in Byron, Ill.

Djenan (Mouna) Soumahoro ’12

began a Ph.D. program in nuclear engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Jaimie Engle '12

is assistant director of academic advising for biological sciences at DePaul University in Chicago as of May. She hosted a webinar panel discussion in May sponsored by the National Academic Advising Association, entitled “Maximizing our Minimal Time: Perspectives and Successes with Advisor Collaboration.” She was recently asked to serve as Common Reading Chair on the Conference Planning Committee for the 2020 NACADA Region 5 Conference in Milwaukee and selected as a presenter at the 2019 Illinois Academic Advising Association Drive-In Conference.

Djenan Mouna Soumahoro ’12

started a new position as senior performance assurance specialist at Argonne National Laboratory.

Meagan Wright Duncan ’12

has been promoted to associate financial representative at Northwestern Mutual.

Jaimie R. Engle ’12

 was elected president of the Illinois Academic Advising Association and currently works at DePaul University in Chicago as assistant director of academic advising for biological sciences and neuroscience.

Lanie Cooper Kepler ’12

has been named the new IPHA AmeriCorps director.

Jaimie Newby '12

was elected as the 2018-2020 chair of the Small Colleges & Universities Advising Community within the National Academic Advising Association. She also serves as the vice president and webmaster of the Merrill’s Marauders Proud Descendants Association honoring WWII veterans.  

Vivian Obey-Fabiyi ’12

started a new position as people partner at connectRN.

Hayleigh Ray '12

graduated from the University of Florida with her Ph.D. in entomology and nematology. She is currently employed as a teaching assistant at the University of Florida and plans to pursue a professor position

Megan Rabe ’13

is lead developer for the 2020 Census Race and Ethnic Diversity dissemination tool.

Laura Reynolds '13

graduated from University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and is a veterinarian at the Danville Small Animal Clinic in Tilton, Illinois.
 

Megan Jagodzinski-Joergens '13

Megan Jagodzinski-Joergens received a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville, Ind. Megan is an outpatient mental health therapist for the Lawrence County Health Department-Behavior Health in Lawrenceville, Ind., and is studying to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. 

Carmen Kremitzki Umberger ’13

started a new position as associate director, Smith Career Center, career advisor for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Bradley University.

Cory Washington ’13

has accepted the role of assistant director of admission for Saint Louis University School of Law.

Brendan Kimble '13

Brendan Kimble is a manufacturing/process engineer at Brady in the Buffalo/Niagra area of New York.

Cory Washington '13

Cory Washington will complete a master’s degree in college student personnel administration in the summer of 2018 from Illinois State University.

Carmen Kremitzki '13

Carmen Kremitzki is assistant director of the Smith Career Center at Bradley University in Peoria, Ill. She primarily works as a career advisor for students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Ryan Blesse '13

Ryan Blesse is a marketing compliance specialist at COUNTRY Financial in Bloomington, Ill.

Carmen Kremitzki Umberger ’13

won the MWACE Diversity Advancement Founders Award for her advocacy and work for first generation students at Bradley University.

Nicole Rush Lama '13

Nicole Rush Lama is a senior material handling associate for General Dynamics Mission Systems in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Ryan Blesse ’13

wrapped up his professional certificate in Google Project Management.

Lakyn Richard '13

Lakyn Richard is assistant director of admission and systems coordinator in the Illinois College Office of Admission.

Will Barefield ’13

started a new position as dean of enrollment management at City Colleges of Chicago, Kennedy-King College.

Cory Washington '13

Cory Washington is a financial aid specialist at Illinois State University in Normal, Ill.

Willie Barefield '13

Willie Barefield is an admission counselor at DePaul University in Chicago, Ill.

Megan Jagodzinski ’13

recently became a licensed clinical social worker, one of the highest licensure for social workers. She completed three years at the Lawrence County Health Department and one year as a mental health professional at the Illinois Department of Corrections as a mental health professional.

Willie Barefield ’13

started a new position as consulting analyst at Huron.

Ross Barker '13

Ross Barker is an agronomy account manager for Landmark Services Cooperative headquartered in Cottage IC mentors serve as reference for ethical legal practice Grove, Wis. Ross will maintain a territory near Evansville and Juda, Wis., and Warren, Ill., where he will sell, order and deliver seed, fertilizer, crop protection and other services.

Cory Washington ’13

was promoted to instructor at Saint Louis University.

John Kirkham ’13

became a licensed customs broker in January of 2021. He is an import broker with STIHL USA in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Ryan Blesse ’13

started a new position as project manager on the Brand and Content Management Team at Country Financial.

Will Barefield ’13

started a new position as district director of enrollment planning and  external partnerships at City Colleges of Chicago.

Owen Barbknecht '13

is a retail banker at Woodforest National Bank in Jacksonville, Illinois. 

Ross Barker '13

Ross Barker is the branch manager for Insight FS in Brodhead, Wis.

Spencer Campbell '13

Spencer Campbell was promoted to commercial lender with Prairie State Bank & Trust in Champaign, Ill.

Kathryn Stroud ’14

was promoted to senior researcher at Impact Justice.

Audrey Knight ’14

began a new position as IA scientist at Dallas Tissue Research. 

Spencer Campbell '14

Spencer Campbell is a loan officer at FCB Banks in the metro East St. Louis, Ill., area.

Madeline Ericson '14

Madeline Ericson is the director of marketing for Llywelyn’s Pub in St. Louis, Mo.

Taylor Thomas ’14

graduated from Pittsburg State University in May with a master’s degree in human resource development.

Nate Kohler ’14

began a new role as life/health underwriter for State Farm. 

Logan Giesing '14

Logan Giesing works full time as a shift manager at Starbucks while assistant directing a dinner theatre group and performing at Comedy City Sports Improv in Kansas City, Mo.

Derek Ade ’14

has been named the Pana Community Hospital Foundation’s executive director.

Chloe Neisler Lucca ’14

began a new position as director of development at Central Illinois Foodbank.

Elizabeth “Katie” Bernardi '14

is a senior account executive at  VMLY&R Commerce.

Samir Adrissi ’14

has been promoted to Director at Michael Page Chicago. This is his seventh promotion in six years at the company.

Hannah Oak ’14

transitioned into a new role as director of North America after six years with Arrow Electronics. 

Spencer Campbell '14

Spencer Campbell is an associate district sales manager at Dot Foods in Chesterfield, Mo.

Josephine Oshiafi '14

recently completed the Young African Leaders Initiative through the United States Department of State. The program aims to invest in the next generation of African leaders and is sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development,  Mastercard Foundation and Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration.

Elizabeth (Katie) Bernardi ’14

started a new position as account supervisor at Laughlin Constable.

Josephine Oshiafi ’14,

after completing the Nigerian Law School program, has been admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. She has also joined the well-respected and award-winning firm of Banwo & Ighodalo as an associate in the corporate, securities and finance group.

Allie Little Lewis '14

Allie Little Lewis is a training and communication coordinator for H. D. Smith in Springfield, Ill.

Rob Brown '14

has been promoted to director of consumer

Robert Brown ’14

started a new position as director of corporate ticket sales at Pacers Sports & Entertainment.

Nate Kohler ’14

started a new position as agency success manager at Branch insurance.

Brandon Fisher ’14

is the director of basketball operations for UNC Asheville Women's Basketball. 

Chandler X Polyte ’14

started a new position as senior manager for health plan PBM underwriting and pricing strategy at CVS Health.

Josephine Oshiafi '14

Josephine Oshiafi is a law clerk at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP in New York, N.Y.

Elizabeth (Katie) Bernardi ’14

started a new position as manager of account management with Roundel Media, re-imagined by Target. 

Rudolph Porter ’14

graduated from Mitchell Hamline School of Law and was successfully admitted to the Bar of Minnesota.

Taylor Molandro '14

Taylor Molandro is a regional marketing manager for Strategic FUSE in Chicago, Ill.

Drew Comstock ’14

was named girls’ soccer head coach at Jacksonville High School. He was previously assistant coach for the school and played four years of soccer for the Blueboys. 
 

Chandler Polyte ’14

was promoted to financial advisor, PBM underwriting and pricing strategy at CVS Health.

Leslieann Harris ’14

started a new position as first-gen program specialist at Georgia Southern University.

Allen (Miggins) Coultas ’15

was promoted to K-12 college and career manager at Fort Wayne Community Schools.

Brendan Bachman ’15

started a new position as director for FS Agronomy at GROWMARK.

James Dambacher ’15

was appointed the new head football coach at New Berlin.

Ryan Flynn '15

is a board representative for Prairieland United Way that serves Cass, Northern Greene, Scott and Morgan Counties. 

Ryan Flynn ’15

embarked on a journey to hike the Pacific Crest Trail.

Morgan Zytseva ’15

started a new position as staff accountant at National Mortgage Insurance Corporation, also called National MI.

Lauren Elliott ’15

started a new position as a system analyst at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Ryan Flynn '15

Ryan Flynn has been selected a Trinity Fellow at Marquette College in Milwaukee, Wis., where he will major in public service with a specialization in nonprofit administration. The Trinity Fellows Program is a graduate public fellowship program dedicated to developing urban leaders with a commitment to social and economic justice.

Aaron Traum ’15

was promoted to part owner at Brynolf Manufacturing, Inc.

Alessandra Capparelli ’15

accepted an adjunct faculty position at Daytona State College with the School of Nursing (ASN Program).

Sarah Adcock '15

Sarah Adcock is enrolled in the Master of Fine Arts program at the Sam Fox School at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.

Allen Miggins '15

Allen Miggins is a student affairs specialist at Harrison College in Fort Wayne, Ind.

Morgan Zytseva ’15

started a new position as Staff Accountant at National Mortgage Insurance Corporation.

Megan Kuchar '15

Megan Kuchar earned a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in business process management from the University of Illinois Springfield in May 2017. She is a principal consultant with the Illinois State Board of Education in Springfield, Ill.

Renee Price '15

Renee Price is a behavioral health technician at Wexford Health Sources in Springfield, Ill.

Alessandra McNamara ’15

started a new position as outpatient nursing supervisor at Amita Health Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital.

Alessandra Capparelli McNamara ’15

accepted a clinical nurse position at Central Dupage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois, and recently earned her psychiatric and mental health nursing board certification. 

Morgan Zytseva ’15

is now staff auditor at Harrington Group CPAs and is a licensed CPA in Michigan.

Zac Schopp '15

Zac Schopp is an operations manager for Motion Industries in Bloomington, Ill.

Dillon Clark ’15

began a new job at Litchfield National Bank in August and is training to become a loan officer.

Ana K. Flores ’15

started a new position as research analyst at Safer Foundation.

Robert Brown ’15

started a new position as manager for audience acquisition at Forrester.  

Matt Jagodzinski '15

Matt Jagodzinski is the new sports information director for Lyon College in Batesville, Ark.

Renata Gray ’16

started a new position as front end lead at Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Jovanny Nava ’16

started a new position as summer associate at Polsinelli.

Alex Gardner '16

Alex Gardner is currently in his second year of medical school at St. Louis University on the Health Professions Scholarship Program through the United States Army.

Renata Gray '16

Renata Gray is the shift lead at Walgreens in Oak Lawn, Ill.

Brady Huber '16

Brady Huber recently finished playing football for the Reus Imperials in Reus, Spain. After two seasons of playing American football in Europe, Brady is beginning master’s degree coursework at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo., where he has accepted a graduate assistant position.

Abby Campbell ’16 and Evan Stone ’15

are engaged to be wed in March. Both are teachers who also coach for their school district.

Matthew Murphy ’16

is the recipient of the Lawrence E. Schrader & Elfriede Massier Plant Physiology Fellowship at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Frankie Kimmell ’16

is an admission counselor at Illinois College. He began this position in April 2021. He also graduated from Illinois State University with a master’s degree in communications studies where he taught public speaking and interpersonal communication. 

Taylor Coad '16

graduated from Florida Institute of Ultrasound in Pensacola, Florida, and currently works for HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois, as a cardiac sonographer. 
 

Dan Lewis '16

Dan Lewis was hired as field director for Betsy Dirksen Londrigan’s campaign for United States Congress in February. He was also elected president of the Westside Democratic Club, a political organization in Sangamon County, Ill. He still continues working for United States Senator Dick Durbin.

 

Brianna Klein '16

Brianna Klein is a senior business analyst for H.D. Smith in Springfield, Ill.

John Love '16

John Love is enrolled in The Second City Conservatory Program at the renowned improvisation and sketch comedy school in Chicago, Ill. 

Casi Strode ’16

graduated from Methodist College with a Bachelor of Science in nursing and was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society. She will be working in the medical-surgical unit at Piedmont as a registered nurse.

Jordan Washington ’16

started a new position as the development communications coordinator for the Goodman Theatre in downtown Chicago.

Lauren Mense ’16

was promoted to director of ticket sales at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Meeko Reddick ’16

started a new position with DHS as a disability claims adjudicator.

Karina Espinosa ’16

was promoted to senior program analyst at General Dynamics Information Technology.

Jordan Washington '16

Jordan Washington is the traffic editor at SafeSpeed Inc. in Chicago, Ill. She also holds an internship with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra in Park Forest, Ill.

Brooke Kuchefski '16

Brooke Kuchefski is an office assistant for United Way of Danville Area in Danville, Ill.

Matt Murray '16

Matt Murray has been selected as a Clemson University Graduate Fellow at Clemson University. Matt also accepted admission and research assistantships in Clemson’s plant and environmental science doctoral program where he will be researching sorghum genetic diversity.

Alexia Helmer ’16

started a new position as digital assets and content manager at Illinois College.

Dan Lewis ’16

was promoted to director of legislative affairs at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Brianna Klein ’16

Brianna Klein is a pricing and finance analyst at AmerisourceBergen in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.

Brianna Pohlman '16

Brianna Pohlman is an intermediate biologist at Monsanto in St. Louis, Mo. She was also accepted at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she will pursue a Master of Science degree in agronomy with a focus in crop physiology and production, and minor in entomology.

Parker Murray '16

Parker Murray is an environmental health and safety systems specialist at Glanbia Performance Nutrition in Aurora, Ill.

Jordan Washington '16

recently completed a service year as an AmeriCorps VISTA with  Campus Compact Illinois.

Jovanny Nava ’16

began law school at Saint Louis University Law School in St. Louis, Missouri, and plans on focusing on litigation and corporate law.

Gabrielle Esparza ’16

had her first peer-reviewed article published in The Latin Americanist.

Guus Duindam ’16

started a new position as a judicial law clerk at US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Matthew Murphy ’16

is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He was also named the recipient of the Illinois Corn Marketing Growers Fellowship. Finally, his publication, an assessment of two statistical approaches for variance genome-wide association studies in plants, has been selected as Editor's Choice in Heredity.

Matthew Murphy ’16

Matthew Murphy has been accepted to the University of Illinois to earn his Ph.D. in crop science through the J.C. Hackleman Fellowship.

Lindsey Birdsell '16

Lindsey Birdsell recently opened LB Beauty in Jacksonville, Ill. She began her business, which offers full body waxing, facials and makeup, after a year of offering freelance makeup for clients throughout central Illinois.

Jovanny Nava '16

Jovanny Nava has accepted a new position as case manager in the Lakeland, Fla., office of Morgan & Morgan personal injury law firm.

Garrett Barr '16

Garrett Barr is a programmer analyst at Dot Foods in Mt. Sterling, Ill.

Matthew Murphy '16

is earning his Ph.D. at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and was recently awarded the Hackleman Fellowship in the Department of Crop Sciences.

Gabrielle Esparza '16

was promoted to associate editor and communications director of Not Even Past, a digital magazine focused on public history at the University of Texas at Austin. She is currently earning her Ph.D and is a historian of Latin America, with a focus on 20th-century Argentine history.
 

Karina Espinosa ’16

started a new position as contract administrator at General Dynamics Information Technology.

Shafer Soars ’16

started a new position as research chemist at Arkema-ArrMaz.

Austin Dearing ’16

started a new position as vehicle dynamics engineer at Rivian.

Jordan Washington ’16

 recently was offered a VISTA position with Illinois Campus Contract. In February, she began in a new role as communications coordinator.

Sonya Boykin '16

Sonya Boykin is a patient care technician at Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Surgical Stepdown unit in Nashville, Tenn. She has traveled to Haiti, Costa Rica, Viet Nam and Kenya to assist in rare surgeries and volunteer in clinics.

Justine Pfaff '16

Justine Pfaff is a staff accountant in the legal entity purchasing area for Caterpillar in Morton, Ill.

Brody Pogue '16

Brody Pogue was promoted to offensive line coach for the St. Ambrose University football team in Davenport, Iowa. Brody is also pursuing a master’s degree in organizational leadership at St. Ambrose.

Paige Graham Hand '16

recently began a new role as a social services career trainee with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. She is training to become a human services caseworker.

Dan Lewis ’16

started a new position as advisor in the Office of the Director at Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Taylor Coad '16

Taylor Coad is currently living in Pensacola, Fla., pursuing a certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography at the Florida Institute of Ultrasound.

Marlee Jo Bradshaw Schultz '16

Marlee Jo Bradshaw Schultz is an IT recruiting support specialist at Dot Foods in Mt. Sterling, Ill.

Jovanny Nava '16

will begin law school in the fall of 2020 at Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri.

Alexander Gardner ’16

graduated from a rigorous program at St. Louis University School of Medicine. He recently began his four-year residency at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, at Ft. Sam Houston as a Captain in the US Army Medical Corp.

Jovanny Nava ’16

accepted a position with Polsinelli as a 2022 Summer Associate.

Joe Tooley ’16

is now a senior analyst Learning Employee Engagement at the Kraft Heinz Company.

Nathan Zimmerman ’16

started a new position as project manager consultant at Valorem Reply, delivering value to clients and improving skills and expertise in project and product management.

Marissa DeLong '16

Marissa DeLong teaches English at Rosetta Stone Learning Center in Osaka, Japan. She also works as a model at GRAM Model Management in Osaka.

Abigail Bruner '16

Abigail Bruner is enrolled in the doctor of physical therapy program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in St. Augustine, Fla.

Carlie Sides '16

Carlie Sides is a mental health counselor at Cass County Mental Health Association in Beardstown, Ill.

Alex Gardner ’16

will start his residency training in anesthesiology in July 2020 in San Antonio, Texas. He is pictured at IC Homecoming with wife Bianca Savarese Gardner ’16.

Austin Dearing ’16

got engaged in June 2019.

Jacob McNamara '16

graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in December 2020.

Megan Zirkelbach ’17

was promoted to procurement agent II at Boeing.

Shelby Gill ’17

was accepted into the Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science program at Rutgers University.

Samuel Welbourne '17

Samuel Welbourne is a supply chain analyst for Dot Foods in Mt. Sterling, Ill.

Jovanna Chavez '17

Jovanna Chavez is an admission counselor in the Illinois College Office of Admission.

Samuel Welbourne ’17

started a new position as lean leader at Dot Foods.

Brandon Coniglio '17

Brandon Coniglio is a sales associate for Pacific Sunwear in Schaumburg, Ill.

Hope Quarles ’17

was named the interim executive director of the Jacksonville Symphony Society in October. She has been a member of the symphony for six years.

Michael Wells '17

began the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Governors State University in University Park, Illinois. 

Lauren Mense '17

Lauren Mense is a program specialist at the National Association of Attorneys General Training & Research Institute, the training and research arm of the National Association of Attorneys General, in Washington, D.C.

Erica Kemple ’17

is the life enrichment director at Cedarhurst of Springfield.

Scott Pantier '17

Scott Pantier is employed by Illinois College as an arborist and facilities manager at Starhill Forest Arboretum.

Emma Stuhmer ’17

earned a master’s degree in forensic science from Michigan State University and is a forensic chemist with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Mesfin Lenth '17

Mesfin Lenth is a budget analyst for the State of Illinois Governor’s Office of Management and Budget in Springfield, Ill.

Drew Szabados '17

Drew Szabados was sworn in as a police officer with the Springfield Police Department in Springfield, Ill., in April.

Megan Zirkelbach ’17

started at Boeing as a procurement agent in December 2019.

Kayla Matthews '17

Kayla Matthews is a management assistant for Enterprise Holdings at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

Katie Linder '17

earned a Master of Arts degree in sociology from the University of Iowa.

Dalton Kerans ’17

started a new position as the south/central IRAP coordinator.

Heath Bruce ’17

started a new position as assistant director of marketing at University of Illinois Springfield.

Shelby Arthur ’17

graduated with a master’s degree in forensic accounting from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. She is internal auditor at Huntington National Bank in Columbus, Ohio.

Lauren Mense '17

Lauren Mense is an account executive for football and baseball at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Lauren will focus on season ticket sales, renewals and group sales.

Morgan Wachob '17

graduated cum laude from Vincennes University in their physical therapist assistant program and has accepted a job at ATI Physical Therapy in Bloomington, Indiana, and Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana.

Brandon Coniglio '17

started a new position as an actor at Fairytale Entertainment.

Allison Kjellander ’17

started a new position as corporate healthcare attorney at Holland & Hart LLP.

Braedon Sheppard ’17

started a new position as associate video producer at Riot Games.

Ashley Murphy '17

Ashley Murphy is a benefits solutions expert for Aflac in Seattle, Wash.

Grace Graunke '18

started a new position as communications analyst for the Illinois House of Representatives.  

Christian Flores ’18

is studying at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. He will be earning a master of global policy studies, with a specialization in Latin American regional politics as part of the D.C. concentration. He will be taking classes in Austin and then working on a policy apprenticeship with a non-profit or government organization in Washington D.C.

Roger Mies ’18

was announced as the new girls soccer coach at Jacksonville High School in January.

Christian Flores '18

is now a program administrator at Safer Foundation in Chicago. 

Blake Matson ’18

started a new position as missionary with Fellowship of Catholic University Students.

Noah Yantis ’18

started in the role of legislative director for  Representative Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) in January 2021. 

Brant Bess ’18

graduated and received his doctorate in May 2021. Brant got married to Miranda on July 2, 2021. He also started working at Citizens Memorial Hospital in August.

Don Knott '18

is enrolled in a master’s program for music in vocal performance at North Park University Chicago. 

Sean Kisch ’18

began a new position as resident physician at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. 

Amber Blazek ’18

received her Masters from the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign and recently accepted a job at Human Kinetics as a Higher Ed Academic Sales Manager.

Noah Yantis ’18

started a new position as the executive director of the Congressional Western Caucus. He is looking forward to growing the caucus in order to keep advocating for rural and western ways of life.

Izzy Kennedy ’18

is in a master’s program and will start an internship in the fall.

Amber Rak ’18

began a position as a K-12 music teacher for the Western Community School District in Barry, Illinois. She and Jacob August Kaufmann-Jamieson '18 are engaged.

Noah Yantis '18

is legislative assistant for representative Mike Bost handling the Ag Committee and his education portfolio.

Sarah Kline '19

is a music teacher and director of bands for kindergarten through second grade at North Mac Elementary School in Girard, Illinois.

Ka-La Harris ’19

was nominated in November and December to be the Residence Life Professional Staff of the Month at Truman State University.

Allison Hewitt Pilarte '19

started a new position as after school program lead at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois. 
 

Allison Hewitt Pilarte ’19

started a new position as revenue tax specialist trainee at Illinois Department of Revenue.

Chauntel Vance ’19

started a new position as high school counselor at Taylorville High School.

Chauntel Vance ’19

graduated with a master of science degree in counseling from Eastern Illinois University.

Sarah Christian ’19

graduated with a masters degree in public health from the University of Illinois Springfield May 2021. She obtained the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification from the National Health Education Credentialing (NHEC).

Ka-La Harris ’19

started a new position at University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy in St. Louis.

Anjali Patel ’19

successfully defended her master’s thesis on April 1, 2021, and on May 7, 2021, she graduated from Illinois State University’s School of Communication with a master’s degree in communication. She was also selected as the winner of the Outstanding University Graduate Student Teaching Award for Level 1-Master's.

Karina Donayre ’19

started a new position as director of communications at Interfaith Community for Detained Immigrants.

Brett Palmer '19,

a senior math major pursuing licensure to teach secondary mathematics, was awarded a 2018 Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics Scholarship. Nine IC students have been awarded this scholarship since 2005.

Allison Pilarte ’19

was promoted to revenue tax specialist at the Illinois Department of Revenue.

Lauren Estes Roesch ’19

started a new position as business unit manager at Mercy Health Wisconsin and Illinois.

Mikaela Morrison ’19

is an admissions counselor at Illinois College.

Sympathy

Constantine Leontios ’10,

Illinois College extends its sympathy to him and his wife, Taylor McDermott Leontios ’11, on the death of his father, Thomas Leontios, on June 15, 2020. 

Megan Jagodzinski ’13,

Illinois College extends its sympathy to her following the death of her mother Barbara Jagodzinski on January 28, 2020.
 

Rudolph Porter ’14, Sam Porter ’15 and Dani Hillis Porter ’13, 

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of their grandfather and grandfather-in-law, Charles Porter, on April 21, 2021.

Matthew Jagodzinski ’15,

Illinois College extends its sympathy to him following the death of his mother Barbara Jagodzinski on January 28, 2020.
 

John and Raquel Puckett Wardein '11,

 a daughter, Henley Elle, November 29, 2019. She joins her big sister Harlowe. 

Mathilda Edge Velazquez '11 and Rolando Velazquez,

December 28, 2019. 

Niki Clemens Mrkvicka '11

(Alpha Phi Omega), December 22, 2019. 

Brad Regul ’11 and Heidi Bruce-Regul ’12

Brad and Heidi Bruce-Regul ’12, a son, Abraham Alexander, October 3, 2018.

Seth Knolhoff and Brittney Burgess '15,

July 15, 2017. Brittney is a residential instructor at Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine, Fla.

Abigail Bruner '16

graduated from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences with Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She started job at Passavant Area Hospital as a Physical Therapist.
 

Angel McDonald Hollis '16 and Cory Hollis,

December 31, 2019

Kaitlyn Flachs Vander Dussen and Peter Vander Dussen,

 July 27, 2019. 

In Memoriam

Zachary W. Bickett '13,

(Phi Alpha) December 2, 2016

Stephanie Law ’16,

June 3, 2020.

Taylor H. Briggs ’19,

June 25, 2020. 

Faculty & Staff

In Memoriam

Rudolf Zuiderveld,

October 29, 2021.
 

Linda Beth Lonergan,

Linda worked in the dining hall for 18 years. May 9, 2019

Will Lange,

 January 23, 2020. 

William G. Shaffer, Professor Emeritus,

September 14, 2023

Dr. William Cross,

emeritus professor of sociology, died on March 2, 2018. Cross is remembered for positive impact he made on generations of IC students. He served the U.S. Merchant Marines, and graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Valparaiso University, a Master of Arts degree in history from the University of Chicago in 1951, a Master of Divinity degree from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago in 1954 and a Ph.D. in sociology from South Dakota State University in 1971. Cross enjoyed a 33-year tenure at Illinois College, teaching, advising and mentoring countless Illinois College students. He was named the Pixley Professor of Social Science in 1982 and held that title of distinction until his retirement in 2005. A charter member of the Illinois College Society, Cross and his late wife, Ruth, were ardent supporters of Illinois College directing their generous gifts to the IC Fund, improvements to campus facilities and student scholarships. The couple had two sons, Paul Cross ’79, and John Cross ’82, both of whom graduated from Illinois College.

Mark Andrew “Andy” Reynolds,

Andy served the Illinois College Campus Services for 8 years as a custodian. June 27, 2019

Martha Church H'03,

January 27, 2019. Martha Church was a lifelong champion of liberal arts education. She is remembered as an energetic world traveler who brought boundless energy, curiosity and compassion to her many endeavors. Church served as interim president for Illinois College during the 2002-2003 academic year. Beyond her work at IC, she enjoyed a distinguished career, most notably serving as the first female president of Hood College for 20 years, from 1975 to 1995, as chair of the board of trustees from 2006 to 2008, and being named trustee Emerita in 2009. Including Illinois College, ten institutions of higher education awarded her an honorary degree. Church was 88 when she died on Jan. 27, 2019.

Dr. William S. McKinley,

Retired Professor of Mathematics, March 4, 2020. 

Donald Polzin '51 H'80, Professor Emeritus,

September 14, 2022

Tammy Hayes

administrative assistant for IC’s Center for Academic Excellence and TRIO Student Support Services from 2011 to 2017, passed away on February 23. Hayes touched the lives of many students, faculty and staff during her time at Illinois College. Known for her big hair and her even bigger smile, she had a friendly greeting and a word of encouragement for everyone she encountered. Hayes contributed greatly to the welcoming and supportive environment in the Center for Academic Excellence, and she will be missed by many.

Gerald A. “Jerry” Bose,

Jerry was the food service director at Illinois College. July 6, 2019

Bennett Moulder,

January 19, 2020.

Danny Deweese,

April 13, 2022.

Coach Debbie Kilby, October 9, 2022
George W. “Bill” Horton, Jr.

passed away on September 27, 2017. He led a distinguished 33-year career at Illinois College. In 1952, he earned a teaching certificate at the College and later served as Hitchcock Professor of Mathematics, Emeritus. In addition to spending most of his professional career at IC, a number of his family members have attended or taught at the college. His father, George W. Horton Sr., was professor of physics at IC from 1947 to 1962. The Horton family requested that memorial donations be made to the physics prize in his name. All three of Bill and wife Johanna Horton’s children, Beth Horton Hilleke ’83, Geoffrey Horton ’86 and Sarah Horton ’89, are Phi Beta Kappa graduates of Illinois College. His brother, Edward Horton ’53, his late wife, Charlotte Dietz Horton ’53, their daughter, Ann Horton Busenitz ’81, and Bill’s father-in-law, Walter B. Meyer ’35, are all also proud IC graduates.

Patsy J. Nave,

Pat was “mom” to hundreds of students as a resident director at Illinois College for over 30 years. She retired
in 2012. August 27, 2019

Alvin Schmidt, Professor Emeritus, November 28, 2022
Dr. James “Jim” Kerbaugh,

who died on February 9, 2018, made a lasting impact on the Illinois College community in his 30 years as a faculty member in the Department of English. He helped his students develop an appreciation for classical and Renaissance literature, and helped many young poets craft their work. The accomplished poet and author of over 60 poems and several works of fiction will also be remembered for his sense of humor and appreciation for classical music, Italy and Renaissance art.

Conni DeVan Roegge,

August 4, 2020. She taught at Illinois College, Chapin and Concord Elementary Schools and at Triopia High School.

Floyd Sexton, December 31, 2022
Dr. Richard Francis Rogal,

78, passed away surrounded by family on April 27, 2018. Richard attended the University of Hawaii, served in the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1967 and earned his Ph.D. in psychology at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. While in South Dakota, he met his wife of 46 years, Sue Ellen Moriearty. During his 35-year tenure as a professor of psychology, Dr. Rogal taught, advised and mentored countless Illinois College students. He was also a mentor to many faculty colleagues. He served as department chair and as a member of a numerous committees throughout his tenure at Illinois College.The current chair, Dr. Elizabeth Rellinger Zettler, shared that "Richard was truly an amazing man who inspired our students and shaped a strong psychology department."

Larry Fu, Professor Emeritus, March 24, 2023
Patsy Nave.

August 27, 2019. 

William Ray “Bill” Cummings

William Ray “Bill” Cummings served Illinois College with heartfelt enthusiasm as a maintenance technician for more than 22 years. He was working for Illinois College when he passed on January 19, 2019, at the age of 57.

Sympathy

Almut Spalding and Paul Spalding,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of Almut’s mother, Helga Grützner-Könnecke, and to her grandsons, Eckhart Spalding ’07 and Alex Spalding ’10.

Terry Geirnaeirt

(Head Athletic Trainer), Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife, Jenny Stremlau Geirnaeirt ’93, on June 12, 2020.

George “Jack” Mann,

Illinois College extends its sympathy to retired faculty member George “Jack” Mann on the death of his wife Marilyn Haynes Mann ’74 on June 12, 2020, as well as to her sons Mark Mann ’82 and Mike Mann ’85, and to her daughter-in-law Amy Mann ’91

Friends of the College

In Memoriam

Irene Evans, December 28, 2022
Natalee Yeager

September 20, 2017

Judith S. Faye,

December 25, 2017

Anita Rundquist H’97,

April 11, 2022.

Dr. Jim Kerbaugh,

February 9, 2018

Joan Miller Larson,

June 2, 2020.

Liliana Costa H’15,

May 24, 2022.

Dr. William M. “Bill” Cross

March 2, 2018

Helen Henry Glisson
C. Reed Parker
James Lewark, February 11, 2021
George W. Horton, Jr. September 27, 2017

September 27, 2017

Margaret T. Bellatti

Chairperson of Illinois College McGaw Fine Arts Series Board, received 1999 Friend of Illinois College award, 1993 Illinois College McGaw Fine Arts Series Citation, October 10, 2018.

George Blair Clark,

December 19, 2019. 

David Kozelka, March 3, 2022
Dr. James “Jim” Kerbaugh

February 9, 2018

Donald R. Eldred

Dean of Students and professor of English and communication for 45 years, August 4, 2018. 

Lois Ann Ewert

February 16, 2019

Jon D. Ware,

July 31, 2020. 

Read obituary

Illinois College Trustee Emeritus Jon D. Ware died Friday, July 31, following a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was 84. 

Ware was elected to serve on the Illinois College Board of Trustees in 1990 and later received the distinction of trustee emeritus. He was a lifetime member of the Illinois College Society and a longtime champion of fine arts at the College. In 2008, Illinois College conferred the Doctor of Humane Letters degree on Ware in recognition of his philanthropic contributions and outstanding leadership to the College. 

Ware loved helping young athletes grow and was an enthusiastic supporter of Jacksonville-area sports throughout his life. He served as president of the YMCA in Jacksonville and was founder of the Jacksonville Youth Football league. The Ware family also helped position Illinois College as a leader in athletics for the region. In 2007, the College named its new state-of-the-art performance track the Ware Family Track in appreciation of the support given to the project by Jon and his wife June. The track has allowed IC to host many track and field events. 

Ware was a Springfield native who graduated from Eastern Illinois University where he played baseball, ran track and was captain of the football team. He led a successful career as president of Wareco Inc., a family business founded by his father that had service stations across the Midwest. He also served as president of the Illinois Petroleum Marketers Association. 

Ware was preceded in death by June who passed in 2010. The couple married in 1956 and settled in Jacksonville in 1959. They raised two sons, Brad and Todd.

 

Martyl Reinsdorf,

July 26, 2021.
 

Margaret Wallace, August 18, 2022
Douglas Phillips

 March 15, 2018

Lois Iverson Jensen

Illinois College Residential Life staff for 27 years, October 10, 2018.

Isaac Newton “Newt” Mitchell

August 4, 2019

Peggy Ryder,

September 16, 2021.

Jean Harlow-Truesdell, November 8, 2022
Dr. Richard Francis Rogal

April 27, 2018

Mary Lou Scott

Assistant to the president of Illinois College for 32 years, October 13, 2018

James Davidsmeyer

August 8, 2019

Dale Reber Heiniger

January 18, 2019

Tammy M. Hayes

February 23, 2018 

Susann Minnick,

 January 2, 2020, Member of the Julian Monson Sturtevant Society.

2020s

Updates

Monica Pappas ’20

started as a subcontract administrator in the aerospace and defense industry with United Launch Alliance.

Nely Munoz ’20

started a new position as associate functional consultant at Sikich.

Dominic Caldieraro ’20

started a new position as an accountant at Caterpillar.

Rylan Hyneck ’20

is assistant store manager for Sherwin-Williams in Urbana, Illinois. 

Isaiah Smith ’20

has accepted a position with the North Dakota Farmers Union as a legislative specialist.

Grant Flynn '20

is an agronomist and sales person at AgriBio Systems.

Nazar Otunchiev ’20 

started a new position as front-end developer at Ernst & Young Global Consulting Services. 

Madie Budd

 accepted a new role with Sunrise FS as the agronomy marketing assistant and social media coordinator. 

Nely Munoz '20

 is a traffic safety data analyst at the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Katelyn Tabit '21

 is an AGRIntelligence technician at Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC.

Madelyn Budd ’20

started working at BKD.

Tyler Kozaritz ’20

 is an engineer in training (EIT) in civil engineering. 

Adrializ Acevedo ’20

was recently hired as an editorial assistant for GW Publishers in Tinley Park, Illinois.

Anthony Flores ’20

started a new position as TRIO academic coach and student engagement coordinator at Illinois College.

Madelyn Budd ’20

started a new position at FORVIS.

Nick Rentschler ’20

was promoted to Software Engineer II at Mastercard.

Brett Bettis ’21

is the owner of Bolt’s Candy, Cones and Corn, a sweet-tooth-indulgent store in Jacksonville. He opened the store in August.

Katelyn Tabit ’21

started a new position as revenue tax specialist trainee at the Illinois Department of Revenue.

Ryan Kaufmann ’21

started a new position as third golf assistant at Illini Country Club.

Zach Hackert ’21,

a navy veteran, wrote his first book "Destruction: How the Democratic Party & RINOs Almost Destroyed America." It was published by Defiance Press & Publishing and released in December.

Seth Vaughn ’21

started a new position as operations coordinator at Stifel Financial Corp.

Mary Appleton ’21

was accepted to join the Our Girls, Our Future (OGOF) 2023 fellowship program. She will have the opportunity to connect with and empower fellow Black women in STEM.

Grace Yaunches ’21

started a new position as the assistant women’s basketball coach at Millikin University.

Lauryn Thornton ’21

started a new position as the new membership manager at the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.

Maggie Dooley ’21

started a new position as a LTL pricing analyst at TA Services.

Abby Isham ’21

was recognized by the Springfield Fire Department for helping to save a man’s life at Colony West Swim Club Pool, where she was a lifeguard. Abby and two others received the department’s Protecting Our Neighbors awards for their efforts after a man went into full cardiac arrest at the pool.

Cynthia Staake ’21

of Worrell Land Services, LLC, has earned the State Certified General Real Estate Appraiser license, the highest rank of appraisal licensing in the state. The license required two years of extensive education and testing. 

Tim Blackwell ’21

started a new position as admission services specialist at Knox College.

Austin Crawford ’21

started a new position as employer services auditor at the Teacher's Retirement System of the State of Illinois.

Jasaun King ’21

started a new role as a public relations information officer at Orange County Convention Center. 

Joe Mendala ’21,

 a staff member in Illinois College’s IT department, won a MODO 2022 Appademy Award for “Best Student-Driven” App under the category of “Best App for Design and Experience.” The annual competition recognizes universities and colleges for outstanding app development in innovation, design, UX and student engagement.

Grant Flynn ’21

started a new position as loan officer at Pilot Grove Savings Bank.

Dakota Stevens ’21

started a new position as a manager at Anheuser-Busch Inbev. 

Kourtney Pollitt ’22

has accepted a position as a communication specialist for the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus.

Skylar Dees ’22

was promoted to IC Store manager at Illinois College.

Fidel Chilchoa ’22

started a new position as private equity analyst at Mesirow.

Fidel Chilchoa ’22

started a new position as a currency analyst at Mesirow.

Ellie Abell ’22

has accepted a position at Waverly School District as a junior- and senior-high school math teacher.

In Memoriam

Roberto “Robbie” Lopez ’20,

November 29, 2020 (Alpha Phi Omega).

Antione Hines '25,

September 29, 2022

Marriages

Cressie Halberg Volz ’20

and Cory Volz, April 29, 2022.

Dominic Caldieraro ’20

and Kayle Crawford Nov. 20, 2021. 

Births

Dillon ’20 and Andi ’19 McCombs Hallemann

welcomed a daughter, Elsie Lynn Hallemann, on March 26, 2022.

Sympathy

Christian Lopez ’22,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his brother, Roberto “Robbie” Lopez ’20, on November 29, 2020.