Alumnus Featured On History Channel Series
MARCUS CAPONE ’00,
a former Saluki quarterback and ex-Navy SEAL, has been featured as an instructor on a new History Channel series, “The Selection: Special Operations Experiment.” The show, which debuted in December, is a reality series which places 30 individuals with no military background through the rigors of training reserved for elite forces. Filming for the series took place over the course of three weeks in Santa Clarita, California, Capone’s native state. Exercises trainees experienced included tear-gas tests, simulated interrogation, and psychological warfare. Clips from the series are currently viewable on the History Channel’s website history.com. Capone is currently a security consultant with TRG – Trusted Risk Advisors for Leaders, Families, and Businesses based near the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas. He spent 13 years in the military after graduating SIU with a degree in commercial recreation, ultimately joining the counterterrorism force formerly known as SEAL Team Six. He was deployed on seven occasions with the team. While at SIU, Capone was a quarterback for the football team under Coach Jan Quarless.
to Illinois school districts, as well as enforcing state and federal regulations. He previously served on a state charter school task force. In 2009, Hitt was part of a pilot program designed to give private school choice to students in innercity Chicago.
vice president for development and director of development. Martin has played key roles in efforts that have raised more than $300 million. His new role includes responsibilities of advancement for the foundation, as well as alumni engagement, and in community and governmental relations.
VICTOR MARTIN ’02, ’05 recently was appointed
JAMEY DUNN ’08 recently
vice president for university advancement at Cal State Bakersfield. He had served in an interim role since February 2016. Previous roles at the CSUB Foundation include associate
was appointed deputy director of communications for Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza. In her new role, Dunn will be part of the comptroller’s communications
and outreach team. Mendoza was elected to office in November. Dunn was the interim editor of Illinois Issues, where she had been an intern and staff member beginning in 2009. The Mattoon, Illinois, native earned her bachelor’s degree in communications at SIU and later received a master’s in public affairs reporting from University of Illinois Springfield.
JENNIFER HAMMER J.D. ’08 has been appointed director of the Illinois Department of Insurance. Hammer, who was deputy chief of staff for policy for Gov. Bruce Rauner, has extensive knowledge and experience in health care law and policy. Before joining Rauner’s administration, Hammer was executive director of the Healthcare Council, and vice president and legal counsel for government affairs with the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. She also worked as an attorney for Giffin, Winning, Cohen & Bodewes P.C., specializing in insurance defense law, health care law and business law, as well as advising clients on legislation such as the Affordable Care Act.
student achievement and global understanding. In the summer of 2016, Benjamin studied emerging models in conservation and education, as well as spiritual connections to nature in Thailand.
DAVID BLAIR ’13 recently was sworn in as a member of President Donald Trump’s administration. Blair was named a confidential assistant in the office of the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. The Eldorado, Illinois, native previously served in various roles for the Leadership Institute in Arlington, Virginia, an organization dedicated to training conservative activists, leaders and students. Blair also served as national director of Youth For Trump in New York during the 2016 presidential campaign. If you would like a Class Note to be considered for publication, please contact the SIU Alumni Association at 618/453-2408 or by email at alumni@siu.edu, and use the subject line: “Class Note.” Alumni listed in maroon are SIU Alumni Association members.
2010s
WILLIAM BENJAMIN ’12
recently participated in Miami University’s Earth Expeditions global field course in Thailand. Earth Expeditions is a program devoted to community-based learning in ecological communities,
47