EIU Homecoming Program 2021

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Homecoming Week

Monday OCTOBER OCTOBER 18TH 18TH Homecoming Kick-Off

11am - 1pm, Library Quad

SCHEDULE OF

EVENTS

Homecoming Kits

All day, Hilltop Nursing Home

Homecoming Royalty Coronation 7pm, Grand Ballroom

Wedneday OCTOBER OCTOBER 20TH 20TH

Tuesday OCTOBER OCTOBER 19TH 19TH Homecoming Family Fun Driving Scavenger Hunt 5pm - 7pm, EIU/Charleston Community

Homecoming Faculty Blue-B-Que! Luncheon

11am - 1pm, Doudna Main Concourse

Homecoming Token Scavenger Hunt

8am - 8pm, EIU Campus

Thursday OCTOBER 21ST

OCTOBER 21ST

Homecoming Cosmic Bowling Mixer

Friday

OCTOBER OCTOBER 22ND 22ND Homecoming Field Day 1pm - 3pm, Library Quad

Homecoming Pep Rally 7pm, McAfee Gym - South

7pm - 9pm, MLK Jr. Union - EIU Bowling Lanes

Saturday OCTOBER 23RD OCTOBER 23RD

Homecoming Rotary Pancake Breakfast 6:30am - 10am, Dirty’s Parking Lot

Homecoming 2.5k Race/Walk 9am, 7th and 6th Streets

Homecoming EIU Alumni 50th Reunion EIU Classes of 1970 & 1971 4:30pm - 6:30pm, MLK Jr. Union - University Ballroom

Homecoming Parade

9:30am, 7th Street and Division Street

Homecoming Football Tailgate

11:30am - 1:30pm, O’Brien Field Parking Lot

Homecoming Football Game - EIU vs. TSU 2:00pm, O’Brien Field Parking Lot

EIU Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner 6pm, MLK Jr. Union - Grand Ballroom

EIU PRESIDENT

GLASSMAN’S

WELCOME

MESSAGE Greetings, students, employees, alumni and friends!

It gives me immeasurable joy to welcome you to Eastern Illinois University, and to our beautiful and charming campus! We are extremely excited you are visiting Charleston (and in many cases, returning to Charleston) to enjoy this year’s Homecoming festivities—they should be quite eventful after having to forego them last year during the pandemic. I am so excited that we can once again gather for this wonderful, fun, and exhilarating annual tradition.

It is my hope that you all have a wonderful experience here at EIU, and that you enjoy all the amazing events and celebrations we have planned for EIU’s 2021 Homecoming Weekend. Please take time to look through the homecoming information available here. You’ll find details about specific Homecoming events EIU has planned, including information about this year’s Homecoming game.

Thank you for joining us, and for helping us to celebrate the great relationships we have with our beloved university and with each other as members of our passionate EIU Family. If you happen to see me on campus this weekend, please feel free to introduce yourself and say hello! And as always, GO PANTHERS!

David Glassman President, Eastern Illinois University

2021 EIU HOMECOMING PARADE

GRAND MARSHALL JOHN D. SCHMITT EIU ALUMNUS CLASS OF ’76 & ‘78

EIU Alumnus John D. Schmitt has been selected to serve as the 2021 EIU Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal. John D. Schmitt graduated from EIU with a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Political Science in 1976 and 1978. His illustrious career has spanned 35 years in the state of Illinois in local government, not-for-profits and higher education. In his previous position John served his beloved alma mater for seven years as EIU Director of Development and Philanthropy in the Chicagoland region. He has been a longstanding member of EIU’s Alumni Association and was a member of EIU’s Alumni Association Board of Directors from 1983-86. John is a founding and charter member of EIU’s Lambda Chi Alpha International Fraternity, where he served as Chairman of the Alumni Advisory Board. He established the John D. Schmitt Scholarship, which is annually awarded to an officer of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity at EIU. For his outstanding service to EIU, John has been recognized as a recipient of the Lambda Chi Alpha International Fraternity Order of Merit for Alumni Service in 1996, the EIU Alumni Service Award in 2004 and the EIU Foundation Outstanding Member Award in 2018. John D. Schmitt has never missed an EIU Homecoming since being an undergraduate EIU student and EIU’s 2021 Homecoming marks the 47th consecutive EIU Homecoming he has attended.

KING CANDIDATES

ANTHONY LEWIS Omega Psi Phi

BRYDEN BROWN Sigma Chi

DYLAN WETTING Phi Kappa Theta

JERIMIAH BOYD-JOHNSON

LUIS PANIAGUA

TERRENCE TRIMUEL

Black Student Union

Alpha Psi Lambda National, Inc.

EIU Student Government

PRINCE CANDIDATES DANIEL CLIVAZ Sigma Chi

HUNTER KIDWELL Sigma Nu

JACK DRUEKE Sigma Phi Epsilon

QUEEN CA ALEXANDRA TINAJERO

ALYSSA BITNER

ARIELLE KINDRED

Alpha Psi Lambda National, Inc.

Kappa Delta

Sigma Sigma Sigma

JAZLYN ROBINSON

MEREDITH MILLESON

MIKAYLA SANFORD

Stevenson Hall

Delta Zeta

Black Student Union

ANDIDATES CHLOE MEITZ

EMMA CURTIN

JACQUELINE WILLIAMS

Delta Delta Delta

Alpha Gamma Delta

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc./ EIU Student Government

REAGAN HILL

SYDNEY DOMINGUEZ

TYKAYLA CROCKETT

Alpha Phi

Alpha Sigma Tau

NAACP

PRINCESS C ALANA MCNEELY

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.

DESTINEY SMTIH

Lawson Hall

EVE BLANCH

Alpha Gamma Delta

ANDIDATES

HALEIGH BORGER

HALEY HSU

HANNAH NOBLE

Alpha Phi

Kappa Delta

Sigma Sigma Sigma

JAEDAH FRANKS

JAMIE JAVORKUTI

KENNEDY MARKHAM

Black Student Union

Delta Zeta

Aplha Sigma Tau

FACULTY

FACULTY/STAFF

LORD &

LADY

NATHAN WEHR

EIU Director, Fraternity and Sorority Programs

AMANDA HARVEY EIU Department of Public Health

LIL’

PRINCE &

STELLA REIFSTECK

Lil’ Princess

Stella is 4 1/2 years old and attends North Ward Elementary School in Tuscola. She loves coloring and reading books, gymnastics and dance, playing dress up, being with her friends at school, and playing with her siblings. She can be found most times playing with sidewalk chalk, dolls, puzzles, and drawing or coloring. If Stella could have one superpower it would be flying so she can visit friends and rescue people.

PRINCESS BEAU HARVEY Lil’ Prince

Beau Harvey is 5 years old and attends Mark Twain Elementary School in Charleston. He enjoys playing golf, soccer, playing with superhero’s, playing with his baby brother. If Beau could have a superpower, it would be to help take coronavirus away!

LETTER

FROM THE

STUDENT BODY

PRESIDENT Panthers, I am elated to officially welcome you to my favorite time of the year, HOMECOMING! I love seeing all the Panthers rocking their blue throughout the campus and Charleston community. I want to send a warm welcome to the students and alumni! Now is the time to celebrate and show our Panther pride - let’s paint the town blue! Rallying for a cause or rallying for a sporting event let's show EIU's pride. As we celebrate, just know that you are all creating memories and engraving our mark in EIU’s history.

I want to personally thank every one of you for the character and life that you bring to EIU’s campus. With this being my last Homecoming as a student here at EIU, I am determined to make this the best homecoming yet! Covid has dampened a lot of spirits, so I want to take this time to revamp and spread your school pride!

The Student Life Office, the Homecoming Committees and University Board have been working tirelessly to make this week spectacular. I applaud them for all their hard work and diligence.

I thoroughly look forward to meeting with as many students, faculty, staff, administration, and alumni this week and learning about who you are and your EIU experiences. You make EIU what it is, and I love it. This homecoming theme is so fitting, “Close or Apart Panther At Heart”, whether you are close or far let's celebrate this homecoming with tremendous enthusiasm! Let's create those memories and show everyone that we are PANTHERS!

Jacqueline Williams 2021 - 2022 President Body Student

CHARLESTON

MAYOR’S LETTER Friends, Parents, & Alums: It is my pleasure to welcome you to my hometown, Charleston-home of Eastern Illinois University. We hope you enjoy the many Homecoming festivities available to you this weekend.

Since 1895, EIU has been a part of Charleston, which makes our City a unique blend of rural and cultural activities, sporting events, beautiful and historic architecture and great people.

Many of Charleston's inhabitants came here as students, faculty or related family and have ended up spending a lifetime here.

Having a university with an enrollment totaling nearly one third of the City's population provides an air of youthfulness that extends throughout our community. Additionally, the employees and staff of EIU play a significant role in our local economy.

If you are here to visit a student, we hope you will find the experience warm, inviting, and full of memories. In addition, those of you returning as Alums, re- living those golden college days gone by- already know that once you become a part of Charleston, Charleston becomes a part of your life forever.

We are proud of our community, thanks for being here and we hope you have a safe and enjoyable visit. Be sure to return soon.

Dr. Brandon T. Combs Mayor, City of Charleston

HOMECOMING COORDINATOR’S

WELCOME MESSAGE Welcome EIU Students, Faculty, Staff, and Alumni to Eastern Illinois University Homecoming Week 2021! On behalf of the EIU community we are excited to present “Close or Apart Panthers at Heart! Homecoming 2021” scheduled to take place October 18th- October 23rd. This year’s Homecoming celebrations will showcase school pride, competitions, giveaways, and campus traditions. Our goal for this year is to help students close the social gap that coronavirus has put on us.

As this year’s Homecoming Coordinator, I am honored to witness the EIU school pride that will be displayed throughout campus this year!

Throughout the week of Homecoming, we have 20 scheduled events and activities for students, faculty/staff, community members and alumni to enjoy. We are bringing back some of our Homecoming traditions - the crowning of EIU Royalty, Rush Hour Kick-off, Golf Cart Trivia, Family Fun Night, Bowling Night, F/S Blue-B-Que, Pep Rally, Class Reunions, Distinguished Alums Dinner, Pancake Breakfast, 2.5k Race/Walk, Parade, and the Football Tailgate/Game! We also have a brand-new event - a token scavenger hunt - we hope everyone enjoys it.

EIU Alumni: I am honored to welcome you back to campus! We hope you have the best time back and that all those great memories you made here come flooding back during EIU’s 2021 Homecoming! To our Faculty and Staff: I want to express our love and appreciation for all that you do for our fellow students in and out of the classroom. To current EIU students: I hope you enjoy everything we have worked so hard to offer you this week. With Covid-19 we know that it has been very difficult for you to get involved and experience what EIU has to offer at its full capacity. It is our hope that this week you will remember how great our campus can truly be! I would also like to thank the Charleston community for the endless support that you show our campus. We thank you for helping us “Paint the Town Blue” and showing the communities pride for EIU! Lastly, I want to give a huge shout-out to the 2021 Steering Committee, without you guys this would not be possible. You have been a pleasure to work with. I appreciate all the hard work and dedication you have put into make EIU Homecoming 2021 possible. Thank you everyone for your support and Happy Homecoming!!!

Once a Panther always a Panther!

Sincerely, Ashley Richards

UB HOMECOMING

COMMITTEE ASHLEY RICHARDSON Homecoming Coordinator

AMELIA GONZALEZ

AMARI HURN

AMBER BRADFIELD

Campus/Community Relations

Activities/Kick-Off

Marketing

AMBERLY MCDONNELL

KEALA RAY

TAUNDREA KERBY

Coronation/Elections

Parade

Secretary

2021 EIU HOMECOMING

STAFF ADVISORS Ceci Brinker Laurel Fuqua Tarve’a Durant Becca Dellinger Shawn Hammers Gabby Hiller Justin Richards

LETTER FROM

VICE PRESIDENT

FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS

Since starting at EIU in July 2020, I have been waiting with much anticipation for an in-person Homecoming. I am so excited for all the firsts my first Royalty Coronation, Blue B-Que, Pep Rally, Parade, Tent City, and a game day victory!

This year’s theme of Close or Apart, Panthers at Heart, EIU Homecoming 2021, is timely as we continue to safely navigate the pandemic. I hope each of you will take advantage of the many engagement opportunities to connect with friends, colleagues, and alumni, and to create new memories. See you on the parade route!

Anne Flaherty Vice President for Student Affairs

LETTER FROM EIU HEAD FOOTBALL COACH

ADAM CUSHING

Dear EIU Football Fans, On behalf of the Eastern Illinois football team it is my pleasure to welcome you to O’Brien Field for today’s homecoming game against Tennessee State.

The players and coaches on this year’s football team take a great deal of pride in representing Eastern Illinois University. It is our hope that as an Eastern Illinois alumnus, parent, student or fan you can take pride in the young men who represent this football team and the way they carry themselves both on and off the field.

While attending today’s game we ask that you cheer loudly for our young men to help make O’Brien Field the toughest place for opponents to play in the Ohio Valley Conference.

We look forward to providing you with an exciting brand of football and encourage you to return for our final home game on November 20 against Murray State.

Let’s make O’Brien Field the place to be on Saturdays in the fall.

Adam Cushing EIU Head Football Coach

GOOD LUCK COACH CUSHING AND EIU FOOTBALL PANTHERS!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23RD

EIU VS. TSU O’BRIEN FIELD, 2PM

congratulations, 2020 AND

2021

alumni EIU DISTINGUISHED

AWARD

WINNERS

LETTER FROM THE

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

PRESIDENT Dear Fellow Alumni, On behalf of the EIU Alumni Association, let me say how enthusiastic we are to have you and your guests back with us on campus! Homecoming is a time to return to Eastern and remember the joys of days gone by. Not only is it about the friends you made while you were a student, it is also about remembering the professors you had, revisiting your favorite places, and sharing everything you know and love about EIU with current students!

The students have been working very hard to provide us with an exciting schedule and we appreciate all they have done. Saturday morning’s parade will feature floats, bands, candy-throwing students, and this year’s Alumni Award recipients.

After the parade, we extend an invitation to visit the Alumni Tent City tailgate area to visit with old friends and former professors before the kick-off against Tennessee State. This Homecoming, the EIU Alumni Association is also excited to honor a special 50th reunion group – the class of 1970 and 1971 for their Golden Anniversary.

While you’re here, I also encourage you to tour the campus and view first-hand all of the exciting changes that have been taking place. Depending on when you last visited, you may see some pleasant surprises that have been added to campus over the past few years. You may also find it exciting to see Charleston painted blue for Homecoming!

Once again, thank you so much for joining us this weekend! Best of wishes for an enjoyable Homecoming Weekend and have a safe journey home.

Go Panthers!

Chris Swing ’03, ‘04 President, EIU Alumni Association

2021

ALUMNI AWARD Outstanding Young Alumna/us Awards

REGINALD THEDFORD JR. Class of 2015 Reginald Thedford Jr. joined Stand Up America, an organization focused on increasing voter participation in the United States, as their deputy political director in 2020. Prior to this he served as vice president of content with Politiscope, an innovative technology company formed to provide unbiased political information to its users, where he was responsible for shaping political content for dissemination. A 2018 law school graduate from the University of Wisconsin, Reginald was also the CEO and founder of Law & Advocacy for Racial Justice in Madison, served as a legal intern for the Southern Center for Human Rights in Atlanta and volunteered as a law clerk for Community Justice, Inc. A current New York City resident, he was very active as a student while at EIU, including serving as student body president.

Outstanding Young Alumna/us Awards

SAMANTHA SAUER

Class of 2011, 2013

Samantha Sauer ‘11, ‘13 is the curator of the Paul Findley Congressional Office Museum, the archivist for the Khalaf Al Habtoor Archives, and an assistant professor of history at Illinois College. She serves as the first professional in institutional history to direct both the Archives and Museum, and also teaches courses as part of the public history program. Her background includes serving as a museum educator for the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock, AR, where she planned and implemented programs and connected the museum’s natural and cultural history collections to hands-on STEM exhibits. Since graduating Eastern, Sauer’s interdisciplinary work and research have been recognized for innovation and best practices by organizations including the Illinois Association of Museums, the Interfaith Youth Core, and the American Alliance of Museums.

While at EIU, she studied history, film, and historical administration.

RECIPIENTS Distinguished Educator Award

TODD J. VILARDO Class of 1991, 1996, 2000 W ith service in all three Coles County school communities as a teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent, Todd J. Vilardo is currently responsible for leading Charleston CUSD #1 as its superintendent of schools. Proud EIU Panther and Charleston resident since 1986, his wife and both children also attended EIU. Influenced by the positive experiences he enjoyed while an EIU student, Todd continues to give back to EIU’s extended school community through serving others. His contributions include board membership for Coles Together, Coles County ClassE, Coles County CASA, Easter n Illinois Area of Special Education, EIU College of Education and Professional Studies Advisory, Business Solutions Center at EIU Advisory, Lambda Chi Alpha Alumni Advisory, and the Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce. He is a past membership chair for the Illinois Principals Association, has served in officer roles for Lambda Chi Alpha and the Charleston Masonic Lodge, and is currently the vice president for the Charleston Rotary Club.

Louis V. Hencken Alumni Service Award

KRUPAL SWAMI

Class of 1995

An active supporter of EIU, Krupal Swami has served the university in a variety of ways since ear ning her degrees in business education and administrative infor mation systems. Having held numerous leadership positions on the School of Business Advisory Board, she has been a member of the group since 2014 and instrumental in several initiatives of benefit to EIU students. In addition to supporting the university from a philanthropic perspective, she has also utilized her influence in the technology industry to facilitate connections supporting the university’s programs, students and faculty. The Bloomington resident for merly served as a director in State Far ms’ systems department before recently founding her own company, Team SWAMI, to provide technology consulting services.

She is also active in a number of other organizations, including serving on the Leadership Illinois and Carle Center for Philanthropy boards.

2021

ALUMNI AWARD Distinguished Alumnus Awards

JEFF RICE Class of 1986 Jeff Rice currently serves as chief financial officer for ABBM/Align Risk Solutions, a Nashville-based group utilizing their experience in law, insurance and accounting to assist clients with risk management needs. A certified public accountant with more than 30 years of experience in senior management positions, he has worked in a broad range of industries, including two startup tech companies, and was a Colonel in the U.S. Air Force/Illinois Air National Guard where he served 39 years until his retirement in 2020. During his military career, he deployed several times assisting the citizens of Illinois and our nation during natural disasters including floods and hurricanes. Jeff also served overseas during three wartime deployments – Operations Northern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. He spent most of his career with the 183d W ing in Springfield and has led at all levels of command including Joint Force Headquarters, W ing, Group and Squadron.

A member of Delta Chi fraternity, he began his accounting career with KPMG.

Distinguished Alumnus Awards

TONY ROMO

Class of 2003

One of the most decorated student-athletes in school history and the first EIU football player to have his number retired, Tony Romo was a record-setting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys for 14 years before retiring from the sport following the 2016 season. A four-time Pro Bowl selection, his records for the Cowboys include passing yards, passing touchdowns, most games with 300 passing yards and games with three-plus touchdown passes. He also led his team to six playoff appearances while his 97.1 passer rating remains the fourth-highest all-time among retired quarterbacks. Tony has enjoyed significant success as a color commentator for CBS Sports, as well, including teaming with Jim Nantz to call Super Bowls in 2019 and 2021. Since beginning his career in the broadcast booth in 2017, he has received numerous accolades for his work, including multiple Emmy nominations and being named Media Person of the Year by Sports Illustrated.

RECIPIENTS Distinguished Alumnus Awards

CHERYL FRAKER Class of 1985, 1986 Cheri Fraker is an inter nationally-recognized speech pathologist who leads the pediatric feeding team at the Center for Selective Eating and Pediatric Feeding Disorders at Memorial Medical Center and also a member of the SIU School of Medicine-Koke Mill Medical Center Pediatric Swallowing Clinic in Springfield. Her innovative translations of research to evidence-based clinical practice have substantially altered professional practice in the field of speech language pathology and feeding and swallowing therapy. She has also provided therapy services for Jasper County schools, Sangamon Area Special Education District and St. John’s Children’s Hospital. A sought-after expert in her field, she developed the techniques of pre-chaining and food chaining therapy and she has presented her treatment approach at numerous medical conferences including the UCLA MCH Nutrition Leadership Conference; the World Congress of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition: and The American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine. Cheri is a cancer survivor and has recently expanded her approach to treat eating and swallowing disorders seen in adult cancer patients. Her contributions to the field have led to better assessment and treatment approaches addressing swallowing disorders, nutritional deficiencies and underlying health issues experienced by children and adults around the world.

Distinguished Alumnus Awards

DALE MORRISSEY Class of 1976, 1977 Dale Morrissey dedicated his career to improving the lives of children and adults with developmental delays/disabilities, mental health issues and physical disabilities enabling them to live rich and meaningful lives. He retired from Developmental Services Center (DSC) in January 2021 after 41 years of service and was the chief executive officer for 33 years. DSC employs 200 staff and has a $13 million operating budget. Under his leadership the organization grew from serving 300 people annually to more than 1,100 and he was regularly recognized by employees, the community, families, and those he served as a tireless and humble leader. In 2003 - 2004, Dale developed and implemented a plan for the creation of a developmental disabilities board in Champaign County. The voters overwhelmingly approved the plan resulting in increased funding of $4.5 million annually and expanded services to more than 800 individuals/families. He also served on the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities board of directors for 25 years and was chair in 2018 - 2019.

2020

ALUMNI AWARD

RECIPIENTS Outstanding Young Alumna/us Awards

KRAIG KOCH

Class of 2008

Kraig Koch ’08 is a planning director for the St. Louis-based creative and technology agency HLK. As the strategic lead on key agency accounts, including Ameren Illinois and Bayer Traits and Systems, Koch works closely with his clients and creative counterparts to build brand experiences with the potential to change behavior and shape belief. HLK, whose diverse client base spans more than 20 industries, was recently named a 2020 Top Workplace by the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Previously, Koch spent eight years with Leo Burnett Chicago. Hired as a community manager in 2012, he was promoted twice in two years and eventually rose to the position of global account director. In 2017, he transitioned to Burnett’s strategy department, working as a global strategy director on iconic brands like Samsung and Kellogg’s. Koch believes the communication and critical thinking skills he honed as an Class of 2011, impact 2013 so SAMANTHA SAUER undergraduate have been crucial to him making such a significant quickly and he often returns to campus to share this conviction with current students as a regular speaker at the annual English Studies Conference. Koch currently resides with his wife and daughter in Webster Groves, MO.

Outstanding Young Alumna/us Awards

LAUREN URBAN-ADEWOLE Class of 2013 L a u re n U r b a n - A d e w o l e ’ 1 3 i s t h e c h i e f o p e r a t i n g o ff i c e r a t Yo u t e c h & Associates, a full-service marketing and advertising agency based in N a p e r v i l l e w i t h o ff i c e s a l s o l o c a t e d i n D a l l a s a n d S c o t t s d a l e . L a u re n s t a r t e d h e r j o u r n e y w i t h Yo u t e c h i n J u n e o f 2 0 1 3 a s a g r a p h i c d e s i g n e r, j u s t a y e a r a f t e r t h e $ 2 0 m i l l i o n c o m p a n y w a s f o u n d e d . S h e s w i f t l y ro s e t o d i re c t o r o f w e b a n d g r a p h i c s , t h e n c re a t i v e d i re c t o r, b e f o re l a n d i n g h e r c u r re n t ro l e a s C O O . W i t h a re p u t a t i o n a s a f e a r l e s s a n d p ro f e s s i o n a l l e a d e r, s h e o v e r s e e s m a r k e t i n g , p ro j e c t m a n a g e m e n t , b a c k - e n d d e v e l o p m e n t a n d c re a t i v e t e a m s f o r a c o m p a n y w h o s e m o s t w e l l - k n o w n clients include MillerCoors, Chik-fil-A and 3M. The company ranked 5 2 2 n d i n I n c . m a g a z i n e ’s f a s t e s t g ro w i n g c o m p a n i e s i n t h e c o u n t r y i n 2017, while ranking 60th among Illinois companies on the 2019 list.

While at EIU she was involved with both Student Government and U n i v e r s i t y B o a rd a s a g r a p h i c d e s i g n e r. S h e re c e i v e d h e r M B A i n 2 0 1 9 .

Distinguished Educator Award

ERIC COMBS

Class of 2005, 2018

Eric Combs ’05, ’18, a middle school band teacher at Richland County Middle School in Olney, was named the 2020 Illinois Teacher of the Year by the Illinois State Board of Education. Combs, who believes every student should have the opportunity to lear n how to play an instrument, started a program that loans instruments to students at no cost to them. He has also developed a new system of differentiated and individualized music instruction in which every student in the band program can progress at his or her own pace. The founder of banddirectorsshare.com, a free website that allows band directors to share materials, videos and short presentations in their area of expertise, he also maintains several Facebooks groups with thousands of followers for his fellow music educators. Combs also assisted in helping the Illinois State Board of Education draft guidelines for all school districts as they retur ned to on-site instruction after Covid-19 closures. Combs and his family live in Clay City.

2020

ALUMNI AWARD

RECIPIENTS Louis V. Hencken Alumni Service Award

MIKE FINKLE

Class of 1962

M i k e F i n k l e ’ 6 2 w a s a s w e l l - re s p e c t e d a s o n e c a n b e i n h i s f i e l d a s a f i n a n c i a l a d v i s o r. B u t h i s s e r v i c e t o o t h e r s , i n c l u d i n g h i s b e l o v e d E I U , i s what set him apart. Finkle, who passed away unexpectedly in February a n d i s b e i n g h o n o re d p o s t h u m o u s l y, m a d e i t h i s l i f e ’s g o a l t o u s e h i s s u c c e s s t o g i v e b a c k . A f t e r a h i g h l y s u c c e s s f u l 4 7 - y e a r c a re e r a s a f i n a n c i a l a d v i s o r, h e re t i re d f ro m R a y m o n d J a m e s & A s s o c i a t e s i n 2 0 1 4 a f t e r b e i n g c i t e d a s o n e o f t h e n a t i o n ' s t o p f i n a n c i a l a d v i s o r s b y t h re e s e p a r a t e f i n a n c i a l t r a d e p u b l i c a t i o n s d u r i n g h i s c a re e r. H e w a s n a m e d a D i s t i n g u i s h e d A l u m n u s b y E I U ’s S c h o o l o f B u s i n e s s a n d l a t e r s e r v e d t w o t e r m s o n t h e B u s i n e s s S c h o o l ’s a d v i s o r y b o a rd . H e s e r v e d s i x y e a r s o n t h e E I U F o u n d a t i o n b o a rd o f d i re c t o r s , s e r v i n g a s P re s i d e n t f ro m 2 0 1 6 - 1 7 .

F i n k l e w a s re c o g n i z e d b y t h e E I U F o u n d a t i o n w i t h t h e B u r n h a m a n d N a n c y N e a l P h i l a n t h ro p y Aw a rd i n 2 0 1 8 . H i s s c h o l a r s h i p , t h e H . M i c h a e l F i n k l e F i n a n c e E n d o w m e n t , i s a w a rd e d e a c h y e a r t o a n u n d e rg r a d u a t e s t u d e n t i n m a r k e t i n g o r f i n a n c e . F o r m e r l y a re s i d e n t o f D a n v i l l e a n d M a rc o I s l a n d , a l o n g w i t h h i s w i f e h e w a s a l s o v e r y a c t i v e i n t h e c o m m u n i t y, s e r v i n g o n b o a rd s and in leadership ro l e s for n u m e ro u s o rg a n i z a t i o n s .

Distinguished Alumnus Awards

RANDY BAILEY

Class of 1978

Randy Bailey ’78 is the founder and chair man of First Health Advisory, a healthcare advisory fir m which has been recognized as a national leader in connected asset risk management services. The fir m serves federal and commercial healthcare entities by developing and providing technology solutions to suit the ever-changing needs of their clients. Active in the infor mation technology industry throughout his career, he also served as chair man, president and CEO of FreeLinc and was a founding board member of SpinGo, where he held the role of president, as well. A sought-after public speaker, he has remained actively engaged with EIU as an alumnus, addressing the university’s graduates as a commencement speaker, spending time in the classroom as an on-campus lecturer during Entrepreneurship Week and serving on the Lumpkin College of Business and Technology Dean’s Task Force. Bailey has participated as a member and leader of numerous volunteer and community-based organizations and was selected to participate in the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. The Phoenix resident and his family have also hosted numerous alumni gatherings in their home.

Distinguished Alumnus Awards

MELISSA CONYEARS-ERVIN Class of 1997 Melissa Conyears-Ervin ’97 is the current treasurer for the City of Chicago and a former state representative for the 10th District of Illinois. A finance graduate and proud member and past president of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority at EIU, Conyears-Ervin has more than 15 years of experience in the insurance industry as a manager for Allstate and CS Insurance Strategies. Elected treasurer in April 2019 for a term of four years, her responsibilities include managing and growing an $8 billion portfolio made up of a variety of securities and bonds, while one of her primary goals is to help increase development in underserved neighborhoods in Chicago. Always civic-minded, Conyears-Ervin also serves as a mentor for high school girls, youth superintendent at her church and has co-chaired numerous community events. She also remains connected to her alma mater, where she served as commencement speaker for the fall 2019 ceremonies.

Conyears-Ervin resides in Garfield Park with her husband and daughter.

2020

ALUMNI AWARD

RECIPIENTS Distinguished Alumnus Awards

STEVE FERGUSON

Class of 1990

S t e v e F e rg u s o n ’ 9 0 h a s e x p e r i e n c e d t re m e n d o u s p ro f e s s i o n a l a n d g l o b a l l e a d e r s h i p s u c c e s s d u r i n g h i s 3 0 - y e a r c a re e r w i t h C a t e r p i l l a r, t h e w o r l d ’s l e a d i n g m a n u f a c t u re r o f c o n s t r u c t i o n e q u i p m e n t , d i e s e l a n d n a t u r a l g a s engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives.

B e g i n n i n g a s a n e n t r y - l e v e l a c c o u n t a n t , h e h a s p ro g re s s e d t h ro u g h t h e r a n k s o f t h e c o m p a n y, c u r re n t l y s e r v i n g a s v i c e p re s i d e n t o f t h e I n d u s t r i a l P o w e r S y s t e m s D i v i s i o n , w h e re h e h a s w o r l d w i d e re s p o n s i b i l i t i e s f o r designing, manufacturing, marketing and sales of industrial Cat® and P e r k i n s e n g i n e s a n d C a t e r p i l l a r D e f e n s e p ro d u c t s . P re v i o u s l y, h e w a s t h e general manager of Advanced Component Manufacturing and has also s e r v e d a s c h i e f f i n a n c i a l o ff i c e r f o r t h e C o n s t r u c t i o n I n d u s t r i e s s e g m e n t b a s e d i n S i n g a p o re . F e rg u s o n a l s o s e r v e s a s e x e c u t i v e s p o n s o r f o r t h e C a t e r p i l l a r L a t i n o C o n n e c t i o n e m p l o y e e re s o u rc e g ro u p . F e rg u s o n supports EIU both financially and with his time, having been a member of t h e A c c o u n t i n g A d v i s o r y B o a rd . H e w a s p re v i o u s l y h o n o re d a s a n outstanding alumnus by the highly exclusive Beta Gamma Sigma i n t e r n a t i o n a l b u s i n e s s h o n o r s o c i e t y. I n a d d i t i o n t o h i s b a c h e l o r ’s d e g re e i n b u s i n e s s f ro m E I U , t h e S a n A n t o n i o - a re a re s i d e n t i s a l s o a g r a d u a t e o f t h e N o r t h w e s t e r n U n i v e r s i t y A d v a n c e d E x e c u t i v e D e v e l o p m e n t p ro g r a m .

Distinguished Alumnus Awards

JUDY ETHELL

Class of 1982

Judy Ethell ’82 founded J Ethell Consulting and serves as an operating c o n s u l t a n t f o r p r i v a t e l y o w n e d , m i d d l e m a r k e t c o m p a n i e s . S h e p re v i o u s l y h e l d ro l e s a s c h i e f f i n a n c i a l o ff i c e r a n d c h i e f a c c o u n t i n g o ff i c e r f o r BearingPoint Inc., a $3.5 billion global management consulting and t e c h n o l o g y c o m p a n y, a n d p a r t n e r a t P r i c e w a t e r h o u s e C o o p e r s , L L P, w h e re s h e m a n a g e d g l o b a l t a x re l a t i o n s h i p s f o r s e v e r a l F o r t u n e 5 0 0 companies. An active supporter of EIU with service on the Capital C a m p a i g n S t e e r i n g C o m m i t t e e , a s A c c o u n t a n c y A d v i s o r y B o a rd t re a s u re r a n d p re s i d e n t o f t h e E I U F o u n d a t i o n b o a rd o f d i re c t o r s , s h e w a s re c o g n i z e d i n 2 0 0 5 a s t h e E I U F o u n d a t i o n ’s O u t s t a n d i n g Vo l u n t e e r a n d i s a p a s t re c i p i e n t o f t h e A l u m n i A s s o c i a t i o n ’s L o u i s V. H e n c k e n A l u m n i S e r v i c e Aw a rd . H i g h l y c o m p e t i t i v e a s a n e q u e s t r i a n , E t h e l l h a s b e e n a w a rd e d g o l d , s i l v e r a n d b ro n z e m e d a l s b y t h e U . S . D re s s a g e F e d e r a t i o n a n d t h e U . S . E q u e s t r i a n F e d e r a t i o n , w h i c h a re t h e h i g h e s t a w a rd s a v a i l a b l e t o a m a t e u r r i d e r s . R e m a i n i n g a c t i v e w i t h t h e A l p h a P h i s o ro r i t y s i n c e g r a d u a t i n g , a s w e l l , s h e a n d h e r h u s b a n d l i v e i n t h e S t . L o u i s a re a .

Distinguished Alumnus Awards

CAM SIMPSON

Class of 2006

Melissa Conyears-Ervin ’97 is the current treasurer for the City of Chicago and a former state representative for the 10th District of Illinois. A finance graduate and proud member and past president of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority at EIU, Conyears-Ervin has more than 15 years of experience in the insurance industry as a manager for Allstate and CS Insurance Strategies. Elected treasurer in April 2019 for a term of four years, her responsibilities include managing and growing an $8 billion portfolio made up of a variety of securities and bonds, while one of her primary goals is to help increase development in underserved neighborhoods in Chicago. Always civic-minded, Conyears-Ervin also serves as a mentor for high school girls, youth superintendent at her church and has co-chaired numerous community events. She also remains connected to her alma mater, where she served as commencement speaker for the fall 2019 ceremonies.

Conyears-Ervin resides in Garfield Park with her husband and daughter.

UNIVERSITY

BOARD ! y a d oj in to

UB CONCERTS UB SPOTLIGHT UB MARKETING/PR UB PRODUCTIONS

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Special Thanks to UB for ALL of your support throughout the 2021 EIU Homecoming Week!

Quality Screen Printing, Embroidery, and Advertising Specialties • 1 to 12 Color Screen Printing • T-Shirts, Polos, Sweatshirts, Jackets • Totes, Pens, Mugs, Huggies • Quick Turn Times • Web Stores • Billboard Shirt Printing • Complete Design Services • 1-2-3-4 Color Offset Printing

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Doudna Fine Arts Center EXPERIENCE DOUDNA Rolston String Quartet Friday, October 29 Bette Davis Ain't For Sissies Thursday, November 18 Holiday Fest!

Thursday, December 2 - 6

62nd Jazz Festival Opening Concert featuring Bob Sheppard Friday, February 4 Talisk Thursday, February 17 The Visitor Saturday, February 26 Little Women: The Broadway Musical Thursday, March 3 - 6 The Reminders Thursday, March 10 Las Cafeteras Thursday, April 7 Spring Fest!

Friday, April 22 - 24

SPECIAL THANKS! City of Charleston Tourism & Charleston Businesses

Special Thanks To

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EIU Civil Service Council

SPECIAL THANKS! EIU Administration EIU President David Glassman Dr. Jay Gatrell - Provost/VPAA Dr. Anne Flaherty - VPSA Dr. Ken Wetstein - VPUA

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SPECIAL T

2021 EIU Homecoming

Ashley Richardson Kaela Ray Taundrea Kerby Amberlin McDonnell Amber Bradfield Amelia Gonzalez Mari Hurn

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g Steering Committee

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ON BEHALF OF THE EIU STUDENT BODY We would like to welcome everybody to EIU Homecoming 2021!

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NION STAFF Libby Warner-Boyer

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ONTINUED SUPPORT OF L YOU DO FOR THE EIU COMMUNITY!

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Family owned for over 40 years!

BREAKFAST ALL DAY! BEST BURGERS IN TOWN!

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EIU Maintanence,Support Services, and Operations Personnel

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Ceci Brinker Laurel Fuqua Shawn Hammers Becca Dellinger Tarve’a Durant Gabby Hiller Justin Richards

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CONGRATULATIONS!

2021 EIU HOMECOMING ROYALTY KING - JERIMIAH BOYD-JOHNSON QUEEN - JAQUELINE WILLIAMS KING - HUNTER KIDWELL QUEEN - JAEDA FRANKS LORD - NATHAN WEHR LADY - AMANDA HARVEY LIL' PRINCE - BEAU HARVEY LIL' PRINCESS - STELLA REIFSTECK