HEATHER JONASSON BERGSTEDT ’05
Trade Claims Supervisor at McCain Foods USA and mother to three girls.

A four-year starting volleyball player,
Heather Jonasson Bergstedt ’05 was twice named All-Midwest Conference, including first team honors in her senior season. In her final season, she was also named a College Sports Information Directors of America Academic All-American. She ranks as one of the top volleyball talents in Illinois College history, having become one of just five players to reach 1,000 career kills.

“The experience of being a student-athlete at Illinois College shaped a big part of who I am and how I conduct myself in my daily life. Being a student-athlete taught me how to balance multiple priorities, and it increased my sense of independence and responsibility.

These traits set me up for success in the professional world, as there are always many projects and tasks that need to be completed, and I am better equipped to handle those situations without hesitation or feeling overwhelmed. Most importantly, being part of the volleyball team at IC taught me the importance of teamwork and the value each individual brings to a group. I was able to meet so many people and learn from them about both our similarities and our differences, while working together to achieve common goals. This type of community and togetherness is something that cannot be replaced and has had a long-lasting, positive influence on my life.”

DR. JAMES L. GREEN ’61 H’11
Retired surgeon and medical advisor for Illinois College athletics

The 1961 Phi Beta Kappa graduate lettered in track. A sports medicine pioneer in the area, Green was a team

physician for many years at Illinois College, MacMurray College and Jacksonville High School.

He is credited with raising the need for preventative medical care as an integral part of many high school and college athletic programs, and he was honored by the Illinois High School Association in 1988 for his work with administrators, coaches and athletes.

“I came to Illinois College wanting to continue my track career. At that time, in 1957, there was no track at the College, nor a fulltime track coach. I worked out alone at the Jacksonville High School track without coaching, being self-motivated and self-disciplined. For all four years at IC, I won the athletic academic award for track.

After going to medical school, military service and surgical residency, I continued my interest in sports by practicing sports medicine. Because Illinois College helped me get into medical school, I have felt an obligation to give back to the college financially and with my volunteer time. I still see athletes occasionally in the training room for injuries, with COVID-19 restrictions, but this is the first time in 48 years that I have not been on the sidelines at football games, looking after college and high school athletes. I have also continued exercising all my life, which has kept me healthy and physically fit.”

KATHY ROBERTS ROHRER ’91
Physical education teacher at Brown County Elementary in Mt. Sterling and high school golf coach.

A three-time Midwest Conference champion and two-time national qualifier in the discus, Kathy Roberts Rohrer ’91 set a Illinois College record in the discus in 1989, a mark that still stands 30 years later. She won conference discus titles in 1988, 1989 and 1990 and qualified for the NCAA Division III Championship in 1988 and 1989. At the 1989 national championship, she finished 10th in the event. The 1990 winner of the Doris B. Hopper Award, she was also a four-year letter winner for the Lady Blues in women’s basketball.

“At Illinois College, I was fortunate to be a two-sport athlete, playing basketball and track. I had wonderful teammates and people who surrounded me helping to guide me in what to do and what not to do as a person, teacher and coach. Great memories and great mentors — they know who they are! I believe it helped to make me into the person I am today. I’m forever grateful.

I was blessed from an early age to want to be a teacher and looked up to Nancy McSherry Logsdon ’72. I have taught physical education for 30 years, and I love watching the kids grow and be successful.”