The RECORD Impact Report Summer 2023

GU helps me be the person I want to be!

Life-changing. That’s how brothers Paul and Dewayne Garrett see GU’s semester-long Experience First course. They and their classmates gained hands-on experience working with businesses and organizations to solve real-world challenges. Paul earned a new perspective on the music industry, while Dewayne learned about campus emergency response systems. Paul and Dewayne agree the supportive environment of working with peers from other cultures, languages, majors, and skills builds empathy and respect for one another.

Everyone here wants to see you not just do better, but do good.

Students involved in Experience First projects

REFLECT: Transformation

Reflection changed me from a student to a life-long learner. Reflection transformed me from chasing the wind to chasing Jesus Christ. Reflection on my teaching moved me from a place of ego - conveying knowledge - to fellow sojourners imparting wisdom. Reflection on my leadership as President warrants a deeper level of service to all campus stakeholders, including you, who hold this institution so dear. Ultimately, reflection leads us closer to the source of all Truth!

As a student, my professors walked alongside me during difficult times; they challenged me to think about what’s possible and to think outside of myself to serve others. My most memorable campus moments were “in the trenches” with faculty and staff who deeply cared about my journey of faith and learning. I remember traveling to Chicago with the theology faculty to explore world religions and reflecting on the experience for the remainder of the semester. I recall the first time Coach Patton handed me the keys to the team van and said I was responsible for safely returning half of the women’s track team to the meet. I will never forget Dona Olga Estevez helping me navigate the subway in Mexico City. I always learned the subject matter but also about life and what’s truly important. I gained a new perspective on my career aspirations as my talents became more about my vocation and calling to serve others.

Throughout these pages, you’ll see GU offers our students that same depth of educational experience - or, dare I say, that same level of life transformation.

With deep gratitude,

Suzanne Davis President

Mentorship Experience: The Gift that Keeps on Giving

For Natty Hepburn-Beaty ’19, GU’s signature Experience First semester is the gift that keeps on giving. When she was a student, it gave her skills and connections in the music industry. When she was a young professional, those connections led to a job that leveraged her newly minted MBA. Three years later, the job gave her the opportunity to mentor a new flight of Experience First students in the music business.

Natty works with the Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF), overseeing its scholarship program for musicians and coordinating its live-stream broadcast of concerts on Facebook. The students under her charge developed and improved the Fund’s website by making it more user-friendly and captivating.

The work challenged GU senior Dana DeFreezer to do all she could to succeed: “Doing this project helped me be a better group member . . . We [each] had to do our part to make the whole project work.”

22 Sales and Sales Management students sold

107 bags of coffee.

$1688

Raised to support GU scholarships through coffee sales.

REFLECT

Hospitality

Serving up character through customer service

This was no “dine-and-dash” experience for Introduction to Marketing students, but rather time to “dine-and-discern.” Their assignment required that they eat out and examine how the “4Ps” of marketing—product, price, place, and promotion—influenced the dining experience. Students tasted more than just good hibachi or delicious enchiladas. They saw how excellent character and outstanding service contributed to a savory customer experience.

The students had already followed social media posts for their chosen restaurants and examined the eateries’ websites. The real test came with personal visits: Did the restaurants deliver on their food and service?

Professor Jane Bell helps her students connect effective marketing practices with exemplary character and service. Identifying excellence is the first step to practicing it.

Donor-funded opportunities like these invite business and marketing students to connect learning to action.

• “Battle to Be Better,” a ticket-selling roleplay competition to develop best-practice skills.

• Sales luncheon hosted by the Greenville Chamber at the Smart Center.

• Mock negotiations problem-solve legal solutions to avoid a ‘company’s’ eviction by landlord.

Angel Galvin ’26 sees great value in using the “4Ps” to create space for hospitality and loyalty: “Even if the food is just okay, great customer service means customers are more likely to come back.”

REFLECT

Wonder

Choir tour connects head and heart through music

“The sound was awe-inspiring. I felt so grateful to be a part of making it.”

Jill Carr ‘23 will never forget her once-in-a-lifetime spring break to Great Britain with the Greenville University Choir. The 24-member ensemble performed in local churches across Ireland and England and learned about John Wesley at the same time.

English choral tradition

highlights:

Bristol’s “New Room”

York Minster Cathedral in York

City of Bath

Cliff College in Chatsworth

Wesleys’ London featuring: Westminster

Abbey

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Central Methodist Hall

Aldersgate

Charles Wesley’s home

Susanna Wesley’s grave

Exploring music and her theological heritage expanded Jill’s faith and her understanding of Greenville University’s roots. On reflection, she treasures the insights about worship, trusting God, and fellowship with believers that the experience gave her.

For Jill, historical and musical spaces like the Chapter House of York Minster Cathedral were central to those reflections. “It was incredible and humbling to experience the craftsmanship of nearly millennia combined with our musical training as an act of worship to God.”

Middle Photo: Chemistry and Digital Media students share their collaborative poster project at the Common Day of Learning.

Bottom Photo: Students in their Experiential Learning team gather to discuss their semester-long project at the Common Day of Learning.

Top Photo: Students in the Entrepreneurship class prepare their product for customers on Scott Field.

REFLECT

Connection

Experiential Learning coach breaks down barriers to build up learners

Josh Crutchfield believes relationships are critical to experiential learning. This year Josh led a group of freshmen through the introductory experiential learning class. Students gathered weekly to develop skills for college success and personal character, engage in campus life, and serve the local community. What could be an isolating and intimidating transition into college life turned into an environment where students could be safe and brave.

Josh encouraged students to build relationships with one another. He invited his group to sit together at The Wednesday Experience service. Their uncertainty about going alone disappeared. They now had one another.

Josh’s students came to his class ready to listen, learn, and serve. The trust Josh fostered in his group energized their learning. They worked together, honing their communication, collaboration, and self-awareness skills.

Experience First Partners

2022-23

City of Greenville Tourism

First Generation – East St. Louis

Kauffman Furniture (Simply Amish)

Marcoot Jersey Creamery

Team i-9 Sports

Hillsboro Economic Development

CarePortal

SonRose Games

Music Performance Trust Fund

Hope Ignited

Curran Contracting

Almira House

Live Like Lincoln Foundation

Bond County Health Department

“When the walls broke down, we could focus on what we were there to do – learn, serve, and support one another.”

–Josh Crutchfield, Experience First Coach

REFLECT Advocacy

LEAD Ambassadors Leap Into Legislative Advocacy

“Those who tell stories rule the world,” goes a Hopi Indian proverb. Students participating in GU’s Project LEAD (Leaders in Education Advocating for Diversity) discovered just that. The group met monthly to address critical issues in diversity and education and understand how their personal stories can contribute to policy. They joined fellow student ambassadors from across the state at two summits, along with educators and legislators, to advocate for the Racism Free Schools Act. In the process, they learned how a bill becomes a law.

Shared with legislators, the students’ stories have the potential to influence educational policies affecting recruiting and scholarships, developing culturally responsive teaching practices, and taking collective action toward social justice issues.

Experiencing advocacy gave GU ambassador Ashley Smith ’24 a touchstone for future action. “have become more empathetic . . . I am prepared for all the good I want to do in the world.”

22,500+ Hours of student teaching experience

THIS YEAR

200 hours of teaching experience each education major receives before student teaching

30 future teachers earned certification in character education

Derrick Ferguson ’23, experienced in teamwork, research, critical listening and analysis, and working with youh.

REFLECT

Bravery Students Exercise their “Serve”

Most folks call GU’s annual sports extravaganza for area residents with disabilities “Adapted Sports Olympics.” The 75 students who helped produce it this spring might just as well call it “Others First Day.” As athletes exercised their skills bowling, throwing frisbees, high jumping, racing, and throwing a basketball, the students exercised their abilities to serve others with enthusiasm and grace.

Students majoring in physical education, exercise science, sport management, and all levels of teacher education served as coaches, event facilitators, and cheerleaders. Along the way, their faith and love for others gained strength. At day’s end the event’s organizer, Professor of Kinesiology and Sport George Barber, reflected on the transformative experience: “Students who attend start the day thinking they will help persons with disabilities, however . . . they are the ones who are blessed.”

Jeremiah ’24, Exercise Science

How would Jesus respond? Drake Rutledge ’26 answered that question as a student volunteer at Adaptive Sports Olympics. As a Special Education major, Drake found his faith strengthened, “I loved it. Seeing the smiles and how enthusiastic they were. It’s a gift to be able to engage with athletes of different ages and abilities.”

“I saw them give their best effort. They took the competition seriously in the different events.”

Keegan ’25 Early Childhood Development

“I’ve been looking forward to it. There were some people here that were in my observation practicum and we knew each other. It was great to have that connection.”

Nate ’23, Sports Management

“Kids have fun but can be very competitive. I love how they challenge themselves.”

Kellen ’26 Exercise Science

“It’s so rewarding. I’ve worked with students with disabilities since high school, but I’ve enjoyed meeting people of all ages today. We laughed, smiled, and really enjoyed one another.”

“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me brave in the attempt.” -- Special Olympics Athlete motto

Community Changing Lives from Generation to Generation

REFLECT 526

Paris Grimmett took away more than a degree when he left GU in 2016. He also took away principles in strong character and a heart to serve. Every day, those principles guide his work as a middle-school teacher and co-founder of First Generation, a nonprofit based in East Saint Louis, Illinois. First Generation educates, empowers, and advocates for youth living in that under-resourced and underserved community. As a student at GU, Paris embraced rich learning experiences that shaped him as a servant leader— opportunities in the music industry, collaborations with his peers, and studies abroad in Honduras. “[These] gave me a glimpse of what it would be like to navigate the real world as a business professional,” he says.

Now, as Paris partners with GU students through GU’s Experience First program, character development takes center stage. Pablo Valverde, a senior business and marketing major, helped Paris organize a fundraiser to benefit the youth First Generation serves. Says Pablo, “It reminded me that I can do more to give back and serve wherever I am.”

Students participated in Experiential Learning classes and collaborations this year

REFLECT Generosity

Worshiping with “The Least of These”

GU’s worship band Pursuit has added a most unlikely venue to its ministry schedule—monthly worship with inmates at the minimum-security state prison in neighboring Vandalia.

Jesus called prisoners “the least of these.” Visiting them, he said, was like visiting Him. Daniel Garzaro, a member of Pursuit since 2019, counts the experience among his favorites. “As we worship with inmates, we see God’s grace and mercy. We see the power of the gospel in those moments.”

The prison has very little musical equipment, mostly garage sale acquisitions. Inspired to enrich worship for the prisoners, Professor Paul Sunderland led the students to raise $600 and purchase an acoustic/electric guitar, a cajon (a Brazilian box drum), and various guitar accessories. Sunderland and the students presented the equipment to the men this spring, telling them it was theirs to keep.

THIS YEAR

9 students from Music Arts Seminar attended the Calvin Worship Symposium in Grand Rapids, Michigan - to learn about various liturgy approaches, and plenty of international diversity.

11 students journeyed to the Holy Land with alumni, professors, and others.

11 senior ministry interns served in California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan in the summer of 2022.

The Pursuit Band members pictured with the instruments and equipment.

REFLECT

Respect Immersing Students in Art and Science: Criminal Justice Does It All

After watching the critically acclaimed play “To Kill a Mockingbird” at the Fabulous Fox Theater in St. Louis, Missouri, students from the Community Relations Criminal Justice class returned with a new awareness of the history of the criminal justice system in the United States.

“We can see the echoing effects of this system today,” said Tawny Rodriguez ’23 of the harrowing scenes that portrayed

racial discrimination. The theater experience helped her empathize with the characters and “see what they saw and feel what they were feeling.”

Tawny’s desire to work with juveniles in the system drew her to the youth in the play— Scout, Jem, and Dill—who narrated the story. She said, “I saw these events from the kids’ perspective, and they are as involved and affected as much as [the] adults.”

Students from the Community Relations outside the Fabulous Fox Theater.

Criminal Justice Students Opportunities Expand through Experiential Learning

When Kate Fryer ‘26 visited the Greenville Police Department and the Bond County Sheriff’s Department with her Introduction to Criminal Justice class, she was impressed with how the officers worked to raise the standards of their departments. Their efforts to improve the science of evidence collection, add body cameras, practice de-escalation, and engage in dialogue build trust with the community.

Kate said the tour gave her “a greater respect for the field and how my morals, choice of words, and even my tone of voice can affect my relationship with others in the community.”

On-site Tours and Training around the Region

• Illinois State Police Training Academy (Springfield, IL) - Students visit the driving track, shooting range, and canine facilities.

• Marion County Drug Court (Salem, IL) - Students observe cases processed and engage with staff.

• Vandalia Correctional Center-Illinois Department of Corrections (Vandalia, IL) - Students talk with facility staff.

• St. Louis County Training Academy – Students use virtual simulator for introductory use of force training.

• Environmental design projects – Students perform and present their analysis of real-world spaces for crime prevention.

REFLECT

Ingenuity

Stepping it up: Senior Engineering students turn a set-back into a solution

When their senior project plans fell through at the end of last year, Alison Klaus ’23, Pedro Azevedo ’23, and Hanru Wu ’23 pivoted to fleshing out and building a prototype for a product focused on increasing mobility and accessibility to patients with foot and leg injuries.

Adversity calls for creativity, so the students scouted out Snyder Hall for anything that might work. Their “random junk” formed a device attached to a walker that helps people with leg injuries navigate stairs.They tested and improved their design, ending up with a viable consumer model.

They hope their device will improve mobility for users. Because it’s inexpensive, they see the potential for global appeal. Alison pointed out, “This is a morale booster for older people and people worldwide who don’t have accommodations for disabilities.”

$92.5K 7 14

donor-driven Catalyst & Foundation for the Sciences funds fuel hands on learning in the sciences

Projects engaged

Students Collaborating in Summer Science projects in 2022 and 2023

REFLECT Adaptability Students Flex Their Problem-solving Skills to Serve

“This project has shown me that service is not just for the sake of recognition,” said Kyle Sunderland ’23, whose Experience First semester took him well out of the public spotlight. He and ten other students partnered with Christian ministry Hope Ignited in Guinea, Africa, to ensure safe well water for families. The students’ efforts initially focused on using GU’s lab resources to test water samples sent to them. They later shifted their focus to create printed materials that educate the people of Guinea on the importance of basic health practices like washing hands and wearing shoes.

Students realized that meaningful service nearby or around the globe requires adaptability, like understanding differences in values, language, and culture.

Kyle says, “Serving others means sometimes acknowledging our own ignorance and giving up time, energy, and preconceptions to not only help others with something that they need, but also to learn about them as a people and a culture and recognize the growth that happens in yourself when you truly put others before yourself.”

Students present the Hope Ignited Water Project at the Common Day of Learning.

REFLECT Empathy

Oh, what a story!

Nothing lingers quite like a riveting story. The personal account former drug dealer and racketeer Dar Bryant shared with students in Introduction to Social Work stayed with them weeks after class ended. Bryant recounted his transformation from life as a “one-man crime wave” to his current role as director of the Dream Center in Alton, Illinois, where he now helps adults and juveniles re-enter society after incarceration.

His story brought home the realities of addiction, recovery, incarceration, and reentry to sophomore Savana Powell-Goodman ‘24, who still marvels at the critical role a pastor’s faithful attention played in Bryant’s tale: “Dar’s story has me thinking about how people need to feel loved. They want to be seen and heard and shown that someone cares about them.” The experience gave her a vision for the kind of social worker she wants to be—one who exhibits “care and faithfulness.”

Experiential learning funds support speakers like Dar Bryant. Future social workers like Savana benefit from their personal experiences and professional insights on a wide range of topics, including child welfare, mental health, criminal justice, addiction, and recovery.

THIS YEAR

400 Hours of practicums for Social Work majors in a variety of agencies

30 students participated in the Psychology Service Learning Lab

23 students attended St. Louis University for The Richey Lecture in social psychology, Psi Chi Lecture, and Senior Research Symposium presentations.

We miss YOU! Come back to GU for Panther 5K, Parade, Athletic Events/Alumni Games, Class Reunions/Special Affinity Reunions, Honors Banquet, and so much more! It’s time to come home to GU!

Weekend Events

• GU Choir Concert

• Prayer with the President – Gratitude through the decades

• Homecoming Parade

• Street Fair Food Trucks

• Panther 5K / Children’s Fun Run

• Panther sports

• Homecoming Honors Banquet

REGISTER HERE

For a complete schedule and registration information, visit greenville.edu/homecoming

Special Reunion Events

• Alumni Class Reunions (’73, ’83, ’98, ’13, ’19-’23, Wilson T. Hogue Society)

• Student Body presidents, Men of Agora, Ladies of Elpinice, Orange Beret, Pursuit Worship Teams, Agape Committee, Factory Theatre participants, Dance Team

ALUMNI NEWS

1970s

1 Author and editor of seven books on Abraham Lincoln, Gordon Leidner ’77 released his new book, Abraham Lincoln and the Bible: A Complete Compendium (Southern Illinois University, 2023). The book explores how scripture affected Lincoln personally, professionally, and politically. Leidner is a board member of the Abraham Lincoln Institute and a past president of the Lincoln Group of D.C.

Following retirement, Robert Harvester ’78 and wife Karen moved to El Dorado, Kansas, to enjoy family and travel.

’73 REUNION YEAR October 19-21, 2023

1980s

2 A member of the Ohio High School Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame,

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Christian Marsh ’80, won the 500th game of his career this season. Chris recently retired from coaching after 43 years, the last 30 at North Olmsted High School, where he won state championships in 1996 and 1999.

3 Pam Coleman ’83 was named chief innovation officer at the Association of Official Analytical Collaboration (AOAC) International. Pam worked 28 years in executive leadership at Mérieux NutriSciences (formerly Silliker, Inc.) and was an active member of AOAC for 25 years prior to accepting this position.

Coach Samuel Tinsley ’87 recently led the Northwest-Lena High School men’s basketball team to its first state title, beating Lincoln Prep. Tinsley is in his first year as coach at Northwest-Lena High School.

’83 REUNION YEAR October 19-21, 2023

1990s

Michael Bond ’91 was appointed to Midwestern University’s Board of Trustees. Dr. Bond is currently the chief medical officer at Faith Presbyterian Hospice in Dallas, Texas. He also serves on the SMART Experience Institutes Board at Greenville University.

Edith “Edie” (Calamari ’92) Flores is pursuing her doctorate in STEM education at the University of Southern Mississippi. A science teacher for 21 years, Edie teaches at Gulfport High School in Gulfport, Mississippi. She also serves as a worship leader at Resurrection Life Ministry in Picayune, Mississippi. 6413 Kome Dr, Diamondhead, MS, 39525. edith.flores@gulfportschools. org.

Leslie (Buckta ’94) Niswonger and son Dylon ’20 founded Chains

Break, Inc., a faith-based non-profit that provides scholarships to fund tattoo removal for human trafficking survivors, persons exiting gangs, and others with tattoos that significantly stand in their way of personal freedom. www.chainsbreak.org.

Greenville, Illinois City Council member Ivan Estevez ’98 recently returned to his native Dominican Republic to participate in a political and economic forum with 65 other Dominican Republic citizens who hold office in the United States. Estevez teaches Spanish at Greenville High School and coaches GU’s women’s softball team.

’98 REUNION YEAR October 19-21, 2023

2000s

4 Mary “Bess” (Evaul ’00) Lewis joined the Cornell Agricultural

Workforce Development team as a management development specialist. She teaches supervisory and leadership skills to Spanishspeaking team leaders, supervisors, and managers.

Ben Wayman ’02 and Kent Dunnington published the April 2023 article “Gratitude Changes our Desires” in Christianity Today. Wayman is department chair in GU’s Bastian School of Theology, Philosophy, and Ministry. Dunnington is professor of philosophy at Biola University in Los Angeles, California, and former professor at Greenville University.

5 Brenda Walker McCain ’05 retired as a trustee at Lewis and Clark Community College after 24 years of service. She is the CEO of the Madison County Urban League and serves on various other boards including the Madison/Bond County Workforce Investment Board, Madison County Emergency Food & Shelter Board, Riverbend Headstart and Family Services Board, WellSpring Resource Center Board, and Madison County Community Development Advisory Board.

6 Christy Edwall ’08 recently published a book, History Keeps Me Awake at Night (Granta Publications, 2023). Her short fiction has appeared in magazines, including Granta, The Stinging Fly, and The Southern Review.

2010s

Erik Reed ’15 has volunteered with the Centralia Community Benevolent Association’s food pantry in Centralia, Illinois, since January 2022.

7 Nicholas Morrow ’17 returned to Greenville University for a Legacy Weekend in his honor. He Morrow’s work in the NFL includes playing for the Oakland Raiders and Chicago Bears, where he led the team in tackles. He recently signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. During Legacy Weekend, Morrow received a key to the City of Greenville and saw his number 20 jersey retired.

’13 REUNION YEAR October 19-21, 2023

2020s

8 Ariel Magee ’21 is pursuing an advanced degree in pharmacology and toxicology at the Pharmacology & Neuroscience Co-Op PhD program at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She is a veteran of science research at GU, where she studied glioma tumors, a cancer with low survival rates.

New group aims to connect even more alums.

Fifteen Alumni Council members were installed in March 2023. New members will be added until membership reaches about 120. As a subset of the Alumni Board, the council will serve as “boots on the ground” representing their geographic area. Council members have the opportunity to engage fellow alumni through events and activities and introduce prospective students to the University.

Members of the first class of the new council are: Bill Brinson ’90, Kelli Burdsall ’11, Jim Catanzaro ’00, Nicole Crites ’08, Kara Edwards ’99, Tim Finley ’92, Michael Gonzalez ’20, Lachelle Gordon ’99, Natty Hepburn ’19, Ruth Kinnersley ’82, Jaime Quesada ’22, Kenzie Schwab ’21, Amanda Shaw ’14, Alex Soto ’97, Jana Spencer ’74, Kathy Taylor ’89, and Heather Wiebel ’96.

For more information about GU’s Alumni Board or Alumni Council, contact GU’s alumni office at 618-664-7119.

IN MEMORY

Evelyn (Vincent ’42) Dickerson Conant, age 101, of Alhambra, IL, died on December 11, 2022.

Missionary, educator, writer, and artist Elda Bowen ’46, age 97, of Escondido, California, died November 8, 2022. She and her husband founded the Free Methodist Theological Seminary in Brazil.

Former teacher and pastor’s wife, Joyce (VanValin ’53) Jones, age 88, of Rochester, New York, died on February 12, 2023. She faithfully served the church as a musician and educator.

Former educator Ruthella (Hawkins ’47) Easterling, age 92, of Marysville, Washington, died February 10, 2020.

Patricia (Hendrix ’47) Mathewson, age 96, of Pana, Illinois, died February 9, 2023. A homemaker and accomplished golfer, she enjoyed reading and playing bridge.

Retired schoolteacher Doris (Reynolds ’48) Schrock, age 94, of Lexington, Indiana, died November 27, 2020. She spoke and wrote for women’s organizations of the Mennonite Church.

Clarence Campbell ’49, age 98, of Logansport, Indiana, died February 15, 2023. A WWII veteran, he taught for 38 years and coached basketball and baseball.

Patricia (Reynold ’49) Shoemaker, age 94, of Dixon, Illinois, died November 16, 2021. The former librarian enjoyed reading and spending time with family.

Homer Jackson ’50, age 96, of Spring Arbor, Michigan, died May 30, 2020. The U.S. Air Force veteran served at Spring Arbor University as coach, athletic director, dean of students, and director of admissions.

Retired teacher and principal Calvin Rice ’50, age 92, of Lenexa, Kansas, died December 31, 2022.

Sarah (Adams ’50) Riemenschneider, age 89, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, died October 20, 2020.

Retired missionary and educator Marjorie (Crask ’51) Trenbeath, age 97, of Peoria, Arizona, died October 22, 2022. She and her husband served for 36 years with World Gospel Mission.

Rev. Robert Hollis ’51, age 87, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, died November 19, 2019.

Former teacher and principal Kenneth Dickinson ’52, age 90, of Spring Arbor, Michigan, died April 26, 2020. He served as director of elementary teacher education at Spring Arbor University from 1970 until 1986.

Longtime teacher and community leader, James Staff ’52, age 93, of Vandalia, Illinois, died January 31, 2023. He also served as superintendent of schools and regional superintendent.

Roland Brumitt ’54, age 90, of Fairview Heights, Illinois, died January 15, 2023. He served on his district’s school board and as city council alderman.

Retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Charles Henninger Jr. ’54, age 93, of Walnut Creek, California, died January 23, 2023. He taught college and high school aviation classes.

Messiah College Dean Emerita Dorothy Gish ’57, age 87, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, died November 7, 2022. The educator served in the United States and around the world.

Former schoolteacher Paulina (Blackford ’60) Bostwick, age 86, of Clarkston, Michigan, died February 6, 2023.

Akira Tomita ’61, age 86, of Kawasaki-shi Kanagawa-ken, Japan, died on October 22, 2022. He retired from New House Industries Company.

Retired school counselor and vocational coordinator John Cammin ’61, age 86, of

Saginaw, Michigan, died October 29, 2022. He taught English in Tianjin, China. Longtime instructor Bill Ingwersen ’63, age 79, of East Peoria, Illinois, died November 13, 2020.

U.S. Navy veteran Frank Tidaback Jr. ’63, age 82, of Pekin, Illinois, died January 3, 2023. He served as a fighter pilot in Vietnam, earning two Purple Hearts and two Silver Stars. He worked in the Central Intelligence Agency, Pan American World Airways, and Boeing. Frank retired as a supervising engineer from Caterpillar, Inc. His post-retirement service included assistant to the secretary of the Navy, special presidential envoy, three-time acting secretary of the Navy, and advisor to the State Department. Friends may designate gifts in Frank’s memory to Greenville University.

Retired teacher Jeanette (Doty ’64) Singleton, age 79, of Granite City, Illinois, died August 28, 2020.

Rev. Robert Blumberg ’67, age 80, of Gilman, Illinois, died December 13, 2022. In retirement, he worked at Gilman Fertilizer and volunteered at the local food pantry.

Lila (Robison ’67) Rhoades, age 75, of Monticello, Illinois, died April 23, 2020. Lila previously worked at the University of Illinois.

Retired teacher and coach Milan Orr ’68, age 77, of Galena, Ohio, died November 22, 2022.

Terry (Sanderson ’68) Routley, age 76, of Round Rock, Texas, died December 7, 2022. She was a project editor at Carlisle Publishing before retiring from American Trust Bank in 2016.

Longtime teacher and church volunteer Clayton Strong ’68, age 77, of Mitchell, South Dakota, died January 10, 2023. He served in Vietnam. His wife, Barbara (McMullen ’67) Strong, survives.

Eugene White ’70, age 74, of Hillsboro, Illinois, died January 24, 2023. He taught school for 25 years and served as a financial advisor.

Roderick Bruce ’72, age 73, of Crystal River, Florida, died December 5, 2020. He served as control room operator for Progress Energy.

Rev. Gary Smith ’72, age 72, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, died January 23, 2023.

Jay Young ’73, age 74, of Greenville, Illinois, died January 11, 2023. He served as a teacher and school administrator and later served on the local school board.

Rod Boyd ’75, age 69, of Mackinaw, Illinois, died February 12, 2023.

Molly (Wells ’81) Miller, age 64, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, died December 27, 2022. An LPN and geriatric psychiatric nurse, she served her church and community.

Michael Smith ’89, age 55, of Jacksonville, Illinois, died January 7, 2023. He served as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent in the Tuscola and Beardstown school districts.

Schoolteacher Cindy Odneal ’92, age 58, of Greenville, Illinois, died November 30, 2022.

Educator and librarian, Robert Clausen ’94, age 88, of Greenville, Illinois, died March 1, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Jane Hopkins, who is librarian emerita at Greenville University.

Brenda (Franklin ’98) Wallace, age 76, of Alton, Illinois, died February 1, 2023. She served as administrative secretary at Lewis and Clark Community College.

Junior high school teacher Bree (Magneson ’11) Denardo, age 40, of Vernon, Illinois, died November 13, 2022.

Former GU trustee Dennis Fenton, age 73, of Spring Hill, Tennessee, died December 9, 2022. Dennis worked with State Farm for more than 40 years. Friends may designate gifts in Dennis’ memory to Greenville University.

These include In Memory submissions received on or before 03/15/2023.

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