MacNews Spring/Summer 2015

MacNews SPRING/SUMMER 2015

VOLUME 35, NUMBER 2

Dr. Mark J. Tierno MacMurray College’s 16th President

THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF MACMURRAY COLLEGE

IN THIS ISSUE

1 A Letter from the Chairman 2 MacMurray’s 16th President 6 Across Campus 9 MacMurray’s New Majors 2 10 Commencement 14 The Maggie 16 Building Relationships A Leader on & off the Court14 18 20 Berst ... Off the Scene 25 Recent Gatherings 26 Alumni Notes 18 Dr. Mark J. Tierno

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Celebrating 100 years

Alumni Spotlight - Alice Post ‘53 Clayton Whitlock ‘15

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Alumni Spotlight - David Berst ‘68

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The Alumni Magazine of MacMurray College On the Cover

MacNews Staff

MacMurray College’s 16th president, Mark J. Tierno. Photo by Steve/ Warmowski Photography.

Editor: Ted Roth Graphic Designer: Marcy Jones ‘14 Contributors: Joanne Ford John Honnen Rikki Langan ‘11 Spencer Pratt ‘14 Sharon Seymour

Printed by Production Press, Jacksonville, IL

MacNews is published three times a year by the Office of Public Relations and is mailed free of charge to MacMurray alumni and friends of the College.

Correspondence Possible story ideas and Alumni Notes are welcome and should be sent to: MacMurray College Office of Alumni Services 447 East College Avenue Jacksonville, IL 62650 alumni@mac.edu

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN MacMurray College Board of Trustees

Dear alumni and friends,

focus only on major course requirements, MacMurray’s online program also requires our students to complete our traditional general education, liberal arts foundation courses. We feel that this sets our program apart from others, in that, in today’s diverse and demanding workplace, employers are looking not only for employees who have strong content knowledge in their areas of expertise, but also people who can think critically and have solid communication skills.

With the initial success of the online program, faculty will continue to enhance our existing online offerings while, at the same time, focus on developing additional market-driven programs. For more information and updates about MacOnline, visit www.mac.edu/academics.

This fall will mark the one-year anniversary of MacOnline.

Acknowledging the trends in higher education that show that the traditional student pool is declining, MacMurray launched MacOnline last fall with the goal of meeting the needs of non-traditional students who tend to be older working adults in need of a more flexible and accessible learning experience. Initially, Mac is offering online degrees in business administration, criminal justice and for registered nurses, an RN to BSN program.

To date, interest has been strong, and feedback has been very positive. For the first session last fall, Mac enrolled 21 fulltime online students. During the course of the academic year, interest has grown and for session six this spring, Mac enrolled 37 full-time students. Currently, MacOnline is only offered to degree-seeking students, and, while our online program has been marketed nationally, to date a majority of our students are from Illinois.

Although our online students do not have the benefit of the MacMurray campus With warm regards, experience, they do have the benefit of our traditional curriculum and our experienced faculty, with half of the classes currently being taught by full-time faculty. Further, Mac’s online program is unique, in that, Charles O’Connell ’69 unlike many online degree programs, which Chairman, Board of Trustees

Mr. John Blythe ‘74 Ms. Lisa Sappenfield Boyer Mr. Robert Clary ‘80 Mr. Jeff Davidsmeyer ‘85 Ms. Kay Laub Davidsmeyer ‘75 Mr. Ernie Downey Mr. David Ekin ‘77 Mr. John Eyth Rev. Beth Gallegly Fender ‘91 Dr. Judith Dozier Hackman ‘63 Mr. Bill Hembree ‘81 Mr. Bob Hill ‘76 Dr. James Hinchen Mr. Ray Jast ‘69 Bishop Jonathan Keaton Mr. Brent Kizer ‘77 Mr. John Nicolay ‘90 Mr. Charles O’Connell ‘69 Ms. Katie Richardson Petrikin ‘77 Ms. Cathy Horn Randall ‘69 Mr. Jim Rayburn ‘71 Dr. Michael Royer ‘91 Mr. Mark Sanders ‘82 Mr. David Searby Jr. ‘96 Mr. Jeff Stauffer ‘89 Dr. Mark J. Tierno Ms. Debbie Trueblood ‘99 Dr. Amy Martin Waschull ‘95 Ms. Sandy Watson ‘72

Lifetime Trustees Ms. Josephine Krussell Bennington ‘58 Ms. Nancy Carson Berst ’69 Dr. Frank Bixby Dr. Chet Bone Ms. Louise Krussell Bone ‘56 Dr. Dolores Buchler ‘57 Dr. Allen Croessmann ‘68 Dr. Howard Curtis ‘65 Rev. Dr. Howard Daughenbaugh Ms. Millie Deal Ms. Pat Doyle-Grace ‘66 Ms. Lois Ingels Freeman ‘49 Mr. Bob Freesen Ms. Marva Green Ms. Betty Overbey Hamm ‘47 Mr. David Hart ‘69 Mr. Howard Haynie Dr. Jim Henderson Dr. Bob Kellogg ‘68 Ms. Joan Carlson Long ‘58 Ms. Carole Lyon McKinney ‘66 Mr. Tim Mlsna ‘69 Mr. Russ Patton ‘66 Dr. Bill Springer Ms. Peggy Smith Sudbrink ‘49 Dr. Ray Thompson ‘61 Ms. Kathryn Thomson Mr. John Austin Van Hook ‘64 Mr. Dick Ware

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H

istory matters for Mark Tierno. Yes, it is his academic discipline, but a reverence for history is a factor in his decisions today.

MacMurray’s rich past was one of many reasons he wanted to be the 16th president of MacMurray College, to help assure that a college with antebellum roots will prosper and thrive in the 21st century.

“There’s a sense of place here,” he said at a welcoming reception on campus in June. “When you walk on this campus, you realize that you’re in a place where people have been walking since 1846, where education has been occurring. Independent, American education has been occurring here on this hallowed ground. To become part of that legacy is quite flattering.”

Meeting MacMurray’s alumni is going to be one of his highest and most enjoyable priorities. “I’m really looking forward to getting to know the alumni and listening to their stories and seeing how the stories that they tell about their years here can connect to the College’s future,” he said. “Independent colleges rely on their alumni to be representatives of the college, to work with current students and with new alumni,” he continued. “That is a national community, so it requires that I get out on the road and see what they have to say about MacMurray.”

Tierno comes from serving 15 years as president of Cazenovia College in New York, an institution with a similar history and, when he arrived, similar challenges.

“

“It’s a time when smaller colleges have to work even harder to succeed,” he said. “I’ve done that elsewhere.

I think that all the elements are here to do that in the MacMurray community.”

During his tenure at Cazenovia, his efforts resulted in significant improvements in campus facilities. His administration addressed 25 years of deferred maintenance at Cazenovia, expanded instructional technologies to

include every classroom

and meeting space, and

completed construction

of two new buildings and

renovations to create a

new student center and an

improved main dining hall.

The College’s fundraising arm

was restructured under his

leadership, helping to yield

a five-fold increase in annual

donations, including the

first seven-figure foundation

gifts in the College’s history.

The improvements were

noticed outside campus: US News moved Cazenovia into the first tier of the best baccalaureate colleges in the North.

In the important area of enrollment, Cazenovia saw the number of students applying to the College triple while he was there. Cazenovia’s enrollment grew by a third, and the retention rates of both first-year students and the student population as a whole more than doubled.

In addition to increasing the numbers of students,

When you walk on this campus, you realize that you’re in a place where people have been walking since 1846, where education has been occurring ... here on this hallowed ground.

To become part of that legacy is quite flattering.

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“

Photo Steve/Warmowski Photography

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Tierno wants to increase the percentage of students living on campus. “Students who want to attend a residential college generally want the entire collegiate experience,” he told WLDS, a Jacksonville, IL, news radio station, when his appointment was first announced in May. “Athletics teams, whether you’re participating in them or rooting for them, are very much a part of the environment.”

There are many other areas to the student-life mix.

In addition to creating better facilities for students at Cazenovia, his tenure also saw the number of student organizations grow from 11 to 68, and the College established student and faculty study-abroad opportunities in the United Kingdom, Ireland and France. His leadership added degrees in communications, biology, environmental biology, international studies and secondary education to the College offerings.

Dr. Mark J. Tierno Selected accomplishments MacMurray College’s 16th president as of July 1, 2015.

President of Cazenovia College in New York, 2000-15.

Executive officer/campus dean and a professor of history at the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan, 1996-2000.

Academic dean (chief academic officer) and a professor of history and education at Kendall College in Evanston, IL, 1994-96.

Led the departments of education at Elmira College in Elmira, NY, and at Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, IL. He also served as a professor of education at both colleges and as a lecturer at the University of Pittsburgh.

Visiting lecturer at the University of Zagreb, Croatia, and a visiting scholar at the University of Cambridge, England. He began his teaching career as a middle school teacher.

Photo Steve/Warmowski Photography

“Considering all we accomplished during my presidency at Cazenovia, the expansion of student learning opportunities, both on and off campus, are among those of which I am most proud,” Tierno said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues at MacMurray to enhance curricular and co-curricular options for our students.”

Tierno is married to Cynthia Pratt Tierno. They are the proud parents of three grown children and grandparents of one grandchild in their blended family. The Tiernos are looking forward to returning to the Midwest, where he has spent two decades of his career. “I enjoy the Midwest; I enjoy Midwestern people. I enjoy their way of life. I decided a while ago that I wanted to get back to the Midwest. And here I am.”

Tierno’s charge from the Board of Trustees is to accentuate the efforts already underway that are working well and boost the areas where the College might be lagging.“ Every college needs to be getting better every day, or it’s getting worse,” Tierno told WLDS. “The idea is to accelerate the development of MacMurray College.”

While he gets his bearings at MacMurray and listens to the MacMurray community before moving forward, he is certain that MacMurray has a compelling story to tell, and the College will tell that story loud and clear.

“We’re going to get people to remember the greatness of MacMurray,” Tierno said. “MacMurray is a college with a great past that deserves a bright future, and we’re all going to work together to make that happen.”

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Bachelor’s degree cum laude in social science from Adelphi University in Garden City, NY. Master’s and Ph.D. in history from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. His master’s studies focused on American urban history and his doctoral research investigated the impact of industrialization and urbanization upon American families, in general, and upon adolescent family members in particular.

Author of more than a dozen scholarly articles and book chapters.

Two terms as a member of the Committee on Student Aid Policy of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.

Founding member, vice chair and chair of the Presidents Council of the North Eastern Athletic Conference.

Member of the NCAA Division III Presidents and Chancellors Advisory Council.

Member of the Board of Directors for WCNY Public Television and Classic FM Radio in Central New York State.

Founding board member of the Cazenovia Area Community Development Association.

Thank you!

Because of you, we raised

$176,770.

Make a gift today by visiting our secure giving link on mac.edu or by calling the Office of Institutional Advancement at 217-479-7024.

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CAMPUS

ACROSS

Mobile-friendly help

MacMurray College Social Work Program, with sponsorship from the local Prairieland United Way, created a new website for West Central Illinois that details the help provided by the area’s social service agencies.

The website, wci-resources.com, includes more than 20 local agencies that provide social and health care services, such as early childhood care and employment services, to people in the region.

The website provides information about how to contact agencies, the types of services provided, and eligibility information.

MacMurray Social Work students conducted research and outreach to the agencies, as well as developed the website.

Healthy living for seniors

Eighteen MacMurray Nursing students presented information specifically tailored for people 50 and older and caregivers at a health fair in April. The event was sponsored by the Jacksonville Area Senior Center.

The Nursing Program students discussed with seniors, family members and other interested members of the public a variety of health-related issues and had useful information to help keep older adults safe and healthy on such topics as stroke awareness, home safety and mental health.

The health fair was intended to give seniors and their caregivers the information they need to remain vibrant as the seniors age.

Local philanthropist endows scholarships MacMurray College received a seven-figure gift from the estate of Howard P. Million to establish the Howard and Vera Million Scholarship Fund. The scholarships go to students in the Jacksonville area and several rural counties that adjoin Jacksonville.

To qualify for consideration as a MacMurray College Howard and Vera Million Scholar, students must be accepted to MacMurray College and earn their high school diploma with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.

Once a student is awarded the Million Scholarship, the scholar must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 at MacMurray, and will be eligible for renewal for a period of up to four years. The Million Fund will support scholarships to help

Deaf culture in the spotlight The MacMurray College American Sign Language (ASL) Club held a week of events in March to highlight the Deaf culture and experience, and to make connections with the Jacksonville and Springfield communities.

The events included an ASL crash course and a silent day on the MacMurray campus (except in class). There was also a game night that attracted a large number of Illinois School for the Deaf students and faculty, and a talent show and silent dinner, which also drew people from the community.

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defray the costs of tuition and textbooks for students entering MacMurray as traditional freshmen.

“Over the coming years, this supremely generous gift from Mr. Million will help untold high school students and their families from our area to be able to attend MacMurray,” said former President Colleen Hester at the time of the announcement of the bequest.

Howard Million, formerly of Roodhouse, IL, died at the age of 102 on Oct. 10, 2014. Million was a farmer in Greene, Scott and Morgan counties and was the founder and president of the Roodhouse Savings & Loan Association. His estate made similar gifts to other colleges in the area.

FACULTY & STAFF

CAMPUS IT professional presents at conference Kent Palmer, database administrator at MacMurray College, presented a report on the work of a computer science assessment team at a conference this spring for the Association for Computing Machinery’s Special Interest Group on Computer Science Education.

Palmer reported on the work of the CS2013 Assessment Council, a group of computer science faculty, including Palmer, which has

been developing an exam to assess a college or university’s computer science curriculum. The exam, which is in the testing phase, evaluates how well schools are teaching computer science under guidelines issued in 2013 by the Association for Computing Machinery and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

A Jacksonville, IL, native, Palmer was a MacMurray College computer science faculty member 1999-2003, who returned to the College’s Office of Information Technology in 2014. He is the son of Richard Palmer, of Jacksonville, emeritus professor of philosophy and religion at MacMurray.

Bolinger honored for teaching John Bolinger, assistant professor of criminal justice at MacMurray College, was awarded the 2014 United Methodist Excellence in Teaching Award, selected by a vote of the faculty and students of the College.

Each year, the College selects the faculty member who demonstrates excellence in teaching; civility and concern for students and colleagues; commitment to value-centered education; and service to

students, to the institution and to the community.

Bolinger, who began teaching at MacMurray in 2008, has an extensive career in both law enforcement and higher education. A Springfield [IL] Police Department officer who retired after 25 years with the force, he worked as a detective on the Major Offender Unit and in Fire/Arson/ Bombing/Investigation. After his retirement, he served four years as an intelligence analyst for the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Holes in emergency preparation Bruce Liebe, assistant professor of Homeland Security and chair of the Division of Criminal Justice and Homeland Security at MacMurray College, had three articles published in a national journal.

The articles were published in recent months in The Tactical Edge, a peerreviewed publication of the National Tactical Officer’s Association and serves as the journal of the law enforcement special operations

community.

The articles dealt with a variety of timely subjects: shortcomings in agency preparation for dealing with critical incidents and the allegations of police militarization in recent years.

In addition, he has been appointed to serve on the Homeland Security Workplace Violence Task Force for the Illinois Chiefs of Police Association. The purpose of the task force is to develop instructional and emergency response templates for Illinois police chiefs.

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ATHLETICS

NEWS

Three Highlander coaches each take top awards

Three MacMurray coaches won the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s (SLIAC) 2015 Coach of the Year awards this past year in recognition of the strong improvement of their respective teams.

Head softball coach Lexy Determan was named Coach of the Year for softball, and head basketball coach Todd Creal and head baseball coach Justin Fuhler shared the award in their respective sports.

The MacMurray softball team had a complete turnaround season under the direction of second-year Coach Determan, reversing last year’s record of 6-12 in the SLIAC to 12-6 this season. That earned the Highlanders a spot in the SLIAC conference tournament, the first time since 1999.

Determan is the second MacMurray softball head coach to be named Coach of the Year; Sondi Creglow won the honor in 1991 and in 1993.

Coach Creal has built MacMurray’s basketball program into a perennial power in the SLIAC, and this team rose to a new level, capturing a co-share of the SLIAC regular season title, the first in eight years.

Creal previously won Coach of the Year in 2010.

Coach Fuhler’s award highlighted a much-improved MacMurray squad in 2015.

Fuhler guided MacMurray to a 17-win season, finishing in third place in the SLIAC East Division with a 9-13 conference record. This is Fuhler’s first Coach of the Year award and the first time a Highlander baseball coach has won the award since Tom Lenz in 1997.

DETERMAN

CREAL

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FUHLER

MacMurray College will launch two new bachelor’s degree programs: marketing and data analytics. Both majors are multi-disciplinary in scope, with applications for business, government agencies and non-profits.

“The new majors offer strong professional preparation in areas that are of high interest among college-bound high school students,” said Provost James Maxwell, who also serves as vice president for Academic Affairs and Student Life. “According to our analysis of trends, businesses in Illinois and across the nation are expected to be seeking graduates in these fields.”

Approval to begin offering the new programs came from the Higher Learning Commission in May. New students can enroll in the fall and courses specific to the majors will begin in January 2016.

“These disciplines fit well into our lineup of majors that prepare our students for careers in high-demand professions,” said Dr. Maxwell. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer these two majors this fall.”

Data Analytics: MacMurray will be one of only a handful of Illinois colleges and one of the few in the nation that offers this degree at the undergraduate level. The field of study brings together business, psychology, computer science, and statistics, and teaches students techniques

to analyze the large databases that have been collected electronically.

Marketing: The MacMurray Marketing Program brings together a variety of communications and business knowledge. Students will take courses in traditional marketing areas such as public relations and advertising, as well as such business areas as accounting, economics and business law.

In addition, students will gain hands-on experience in surveying and research methods, consumer behavior, social media marketing, sales and promotion, and will develop a personal marketing portfolio.

“We expect the students in these programs will have a wide selection of career and job prospects when they graduate,” said Provost Maxwell.

The addition of these two majors is part of what has been a continuing process, started last summer and led by Provost Maxwell, to address the needs of Illinois students and employers by examining the interest among prospective students of a variety of majors that lead to growing professions. The College continues to consider adding majors that fit those criteria and are a good fit for our faculty’s expertise and the programs already offered at MacMurray.

S AV E T H E DAT E Inauguration of MacMurray College’s 16th President Dr. Mark J. Tierno September 18 & 19, 2015 9

commencement | 2015

2015

Commencement Intermittent rain didn’t faze the Highlanders, as MacMurray College’s 164th Commencement week honored more than 100 students for their accomplishments.

The festivities kicked off in mid-week with the annual Senior Picnic, when the senior class planted a magnolia tree in honor of the class and to celebrate the Maggie’s 100th birthday.

More festivities are planned for Homecoming 2015 to celebrate the birthday of MacMurray’s iconic magnolia tree outside the Putnam/Springer Center.

The Social Work and Nursing pinnings ushered in Commencement weekend. At the second, junior nursing major Alexa Boyer was presented with the Nightingale Award, for 10

which she was nominated by her classmates and selected by the Nursing faculty.

In between the two pinnings, the Senior Reception honored the Class of 2015’s best and brightest, including Nathan Doyle ’11, of Concord, IL, who received the Darrell ’72 and Suzanne Merrill ’74 Holmquist Award for Excellence in Secondary Education Studies, presented by the Holmquists at the ceremony.

Doyle was back on campus last year pursuing postbachelor’s studies. Kaitlyn Gotthardt ’15, a social work major from St. Peters, MO, received the Swigart Memorial Volunteerism Award from the MacMurray Alumni Board Association, presented by board

member Carlleen Bell ’08.

Commencement Day began with the Baccalaureate church service, whose centerpiece was the sermon, “In Your Time and in Your Space,

by God’s Grace You Can Make a Difference,” by the Rev. Sylvester Weatherall, conference superintendent of the Spoon River District of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference of the United Methodist Church.

After a festive repast in McClelland Dining Hall, the main event took place at Annie Merner Chapel, begun by the traditional procession led by a bagpiper. R.J. Stewart, the President Joseph R. Harker Professor of Philosophy and Religion, was presented with the Dewey E. Wilkins Award for Excellence in

Teaching, the College’s highest teaching honor. She was previously awarded the Wilkins award in 1995 and joins a select group of four other professors who have twice been selected by students and faculty. No one has won three times in the 30 years of the award.

Deborah Rosenkrantz ’72 Curtis, provost, chief learning officer at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, MO, received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters and addressed the graduates about the value of a college degree and the transformational effect of an education, especially one like MacMurray’s, that honors the liberal arts tradition.

Thomas S. Ricketts, chairman of the Chicago

Cubs, was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Business, and presented an entertaining and thought-provoking Commencement address, “Baseball, Philosophy, and Life,” recounting words of wisdom from that great catcher, manager and “philosopher,” Yogi Berra.

While light rain fell on the after party on the Annie Merner lawn, the graduates, faculty and their families were undeterred. They hugged, took pictures, and, for nearly an hour, celebrated MacMurray’s new group of alumni, the Class of 2015.

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commencement | 2015

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True Mac Families Katie Potter ’15 (top, left) and her mother, Cathy Humphries ’85 Potter (top, right) in nursing, were the beginning of a new tradition this year at the Nursing Program’s Pinning Ceremony in Annie Merner Chapel on Friday, May 8.

Cathy Potter asked if she could pin her daughter on the stage where she

had been pinned 30 years before. Other graduates with mothers who are nurses also wanted their mothers to pin them, and a new tradition was born.

The Potters were the first mother-daughter MacMurray graduates to take part.

“It was very emotional for me being back,” said Cathy Potter, director of

Care Coordination at SIU HealthCare in Springfield, IL. “Nostagic,” she said. “I am very proud that Katie

graduated from a program that prepared me so well for my profession.”

The extended SchneltenPresley family, based in Greene County, IL, has seen seven members graduate or attend MacMurray. Brother and sister John Bernard Schnelten ’15 (below, left) in nursing, and Jessica Ridings Schnelten ’15 Ross (below, right) in nursing, through

the RN to BSN program at MacOnline, are pictured at Commencement flanking Katie Lynn Fearneyhough ’08 Tobin (below, center left), in social work, who is Schnelten’s girlfriend and a Phi Nu sister of Laura Ruth Schnelten ’10 Radliff (below, center right) in

special education, who is Schnelten and Ross’ sister. Other members of the extended family who graduated from MacMurray are: cousins Casey Coultas ’15 in nursing through MacOnline and Devin Dahl ’06 in criminal justice, and aunts Crystal Presley ’08

Deverger in social work and Lori Presley ’08 McEvers in nursing. A fourth Schnelten sibling, Carrie Schnelten, received her special education endorsement at MacMurray.

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100 C E L E B R AT I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S

MacMurray College has a long list of traditions that helped shape the institution into what it is today. From the tradition of May Day, during the allwomen’s era, to the senior serenades that once were a popular end-of-theyear event to the current torchlight parade that kicks off Homecoming festivities, traditions give richness and community to the lives of students and create memories that last a lifetime.

This year, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the planting of the Maggie tree, the College celebrated a tradition that not only helped to create memories but also helped to beautify MacMurray’s beloved campus.

On April 27, 1915, the entire graduating class (at that time, all women) gathered in front of Main Hall and planted their class gift, a magnolia tree. Each young woman

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added a shovel of dirt, and together they dubbed the tree “Maggie.” This event was part of Tree Day, a tradition practiced since the early 1880s, which featured a ceremonial burning of examination papers. The ashes were then placed in a hole alongside a new tree. This tradition was upheld until the early 1960s.

The Maggie was, by far, the best known of these gifted trees. For several years, Maggie’s birthday was honored, but that custom has long since ended. Although Main Hall no longer stands, Maggie herself remains in front of the Putnam/Springer Center near the corner of Clay and State streets. She gives us a reminder of her presence every spring with a colorful display of pink and white blossoms, accompanied by the inviting scent of magnolia.

This year, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the planting of the Maggie tree, the College celebrated a tradition that not only helped to create memories but also helped to beautify MacMurray’s beloved campus. The class of 2015 was honored to plant a new magnolia tree at the Senior Picnic on May 6.

Students gathered around to hear the story of the Maggie and helped to recreate this long-lost tradition. The students circled a hole outside Rutledge Hall and watched as five of their classmates placed the new magnolia in its new home. Memories were made by the resurrection of an old tradition, memories that will be remembered for a lifetime.

2015 Senior Class Gift

The most recent group of alumni shared a steak dinner on the lawn of Rutledge Hall in their last few days on campus before graduation. The class of 2015 planted a magnolia tree in honor of their class and to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the planting of the Maggie tree in front of the Putnam/Springer Center.

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alumni | spotlight

Alice Post ‘53: Joseph Cleeland’s visit to Charleston, IL, was likely all in a day’s work. The head of the MacMurray College Music Department’s trip to Eastern Illinois University in 1948 was to judge a music competition that resulted in a life-changing scholarship for Alice Post.

She had the opportunity to attend the University of Illinois, but Post chose MacMurray because she liked the idea of going to a women’s college; she flourished at MacMurray.

In the summer of 1952, the summer before she graduated as a public school voice and music major, she moved from the practice rooms in Music Hall to the Julliard School of Music. The next year, after graduation, she returned to Julliard for postgraduate training.

In New York City, Post spent time working in the New York fashion world, schooling young models on the etiquette that had been ingrained in her at MacMurray. “It was funny to think about how these gals thought I was so high class, but in reality, I was a small town girl,” she said. In 1957, she returned to her family home to help care for an ailing father.

There she put her MacMurray degree to work, teaching music at Lewistown [IL] Community High School.

But her alma mater drew her back, and Post again found herself drawing on another experience she gained at MacMurray. As a freshman counselor at Mac, she helped high school students navigate their personal struggles. This work spoke to her, and in 1959, she left for graduate school at Northwestern

Alice Post’s senior portrait in 1953.

Post laughing with 2015 graduates Beanne Pelker (left) and Taylor Sullivan.

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alumni | spotlight

FLASH MEMORY In one of Alice Post’s classes, the music professor was abrupt and curt with the students, and many girls would leave class crying because of the way he acted. Post thought it wasn’t fair for the students to be treated this way, so she decided she’d take action.

She went to the Walgreen’s Drug Store in downtown Jacksonville and purchased a pair of glasses with a fake nose. The next morning, she woke up early, dressed herself in a plaid skirt and an orange blouse, and hid in the restroom near the 8 a.m. class.

Shortly after the class began, she knocked, and when the professor opened the door, Post said “I’m very sorry I’m late, but you see I overslept.”

As she took her seat, the professor leaned over the piano and stared at her. “You know Alice, there is something different about you. … I know what it is. You are wearing glasses.”

The class erupted in laughter and not another girl cried the rest of the term. Post thought that her antics gave the professor an opportunity to show the students that he was a normal person, lightening the mood and putting the class more at ease for the rest of the term.

Building Relationships the Mac Way University to obtain her master’s degree in school counseling. “They automatically accepted me and didn’t ask to see any transcripts, because MacMurray had a great reputation,” Post said.

Now with enhanced tools, Post worked as a girls and orientation counselor at North Chicago Community High School. As a school for children of U.S. Navy personnel, there was a high turnover of students.

Post formed close relationships with the students who were well established in the school, and she used student mentors from that group to help new and incoming students on the right path. This was an uncommon strategy at the time.

For Post, building relationships such as the ones she had at MacMurray with her professors and friends became the template for her work with her high school students. “I felt that it was important to get these students off on the right foot, as my professors helped me,” Post stated.

Post also helped develop a program for students who were not doing well or who were struggling.

She worked to begin new types of classes for the school, what would

Post meeting MacMurray’s new president, Mark Teirno.

Photo Steve/Warmowski Photography

today be considered developmental courses. They allowed students to learn at a speed that was better suited to them. Post recalls, “I later found out that this group of students ended up graduating high school, which had not been the norm previously for students of this caliber.”

A few years down the road, Post moved to Springfield, IL, where she worked for the Illinois Instructional Material Center for 21 years, retiring June, 2001. Before she left, however, she was awarded the Wings of Freedom Award, given by the American Printing House for the Blind.

The award honors those who provide exemplary leadership and service for the education or rehabilitation of the blind, and who have made an impact on the field over a long period of time.

MacMurray had an everlasting effect on Post. She now serves as a member of the Alumni Board, has helped in the Presidential Scholarship Day for prospective students, and is active in the Springfield community.

She cherishes the education she received and the relationships she made at MacMurray. She says they gave her the tools she needed to touch so many lives.

Post teaching the Lewistown High School musical comedy group in 1959.

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A LEADER In January, the Highlanders took home a share of the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletics Conference regular season title in no small part because of the outstanding efforts of Clayton Whitlock.

The achievement was the first time since the 2006-07 season.

The senior from Springfield, IL, had a memorable career at MacMurray, capped by a stellar final season.

A graduate of Calvary Academy in Springfield, Whitlock led the conference in scoring this past season, with 16.9 points per game, including a conference-best average of 18.1 points per game during conference play. He also boasted a conference-high 66.9 shooting percentage from the field, ranking him fourth best in the nation in NCAA Division III men’s basketball.

Whitlock’s accolades on the court drew attention from across the region and the nation: He was named the 2015 St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletics Conference Player of the Year, the second consecutive year a MacMurray athlete has won the award after Brady Slagle’s stellar senior season last year; Central Division Second Team for the National Association of Basketball Coaches; and a top 10 finalist for the Jostens Award, based on both play and academics, and arguably the most prestigious award for a Division III studentathlete.

“I am truly blessed to be chosen as one of 10 finalists in the nation for the Jostens Trophy,” Whitlock said shortly after he found out he’d been selected. “I am grateful to my coaches, my teammates, and my teachers for every opportunity they have provided for me in my four 18

-- on and off the court years at MacMurray. This is not only a tremendous honor for myself, but also to those who have helped me accomplish my goals here at MacMurray.”

The Jostens Trophy is given to one NCAA Division III men’s and one women’s player who excel on the floor, in the classroom and in the community.

A double major in business administration and sport management, Whitlock excels not only on the court, but in the classroom: He has been named to the Dean’s List each of his eight semesters at MacMurray and was MacMurray’s 2014 Lincoln Laureate, a statewide award that goes to one student from each four-year, degree-granting institution of higher education in Illinois.

If those weren’t enough to keep him busy, he was also active in a variety of campus organizations throughout his four years at MacMurray. A Student-Athlete Advisory Committee representative for the past three years, he served as vice president last year and as president this year. He has also served on the MacMurray Campus Activities Board for the past two years. In the spring, he was named a student representative on the Presidential Search Committee, interviewing candidates and helping the group select MacMurray’s 16th president.

In addition, Whitlock has been a Student Ambassador for two years, giving tours and helping make the College look good to prospective students visiting campus. He has been the treasurer of the Student Ambassadors both years.

“Clayton Whitlock deserves to be mentioned in the same sentence with MacMurray Hall of Famers Brad Bryan, Derek Suttles, Matt Neihaus, Larry Krulac and Mike Zimmers, as one of the best post players to ever play here,” said head men’s basketball coach

On the Court Awards 2015

National Association of Basketball Coaches Central District Second Team (1st ever MacMurray nominee) Honorable Mention All-American by DIII News Top 10 finalist for the Jostens Trophy SLIAC Player of the Year

2011-12

Newcomer of the Year

On the Court Stats 2015

16.9 points per game 66.9 shooting percentage 6.3 rebounds per game

Lifetime at MacMurray 1,307 points (7th all-time) 61.4 field goal percentage (1st all-time) 87 blocks (2nd all-time)

Off the Court Awards

MacMurray’s 2014 Lincoln Laureate Dean W. Reiter Memorial Award (exemplifying a high sense of responsibility and leadership among peers)

Todd Creal. “I say that with incredible reverence, as those men had unbelievable and impactful careers,” he said. “Clayton made an immediate impact on our campus from day one. He was not just a great basketball player, but a great student and a caring member of the MacMurray College community. He was and will continue to be a great ambassador for the many great things going on here at MacMurray College.”

Roger Wiliam LaFavre Award for Business MacMurray College Honor Society Sigma Beta Delta Business Honor Society 19

alumni | spotlight

Berst ... off the scene David Berst ‘68, NCAA enforcement chief, retires after 43 years

By Michelle Brutlag Hosick

When former NCAA enforcement investigator Ron Stratten discovered that he would have to testify before the U.S. House of Representatives Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee in 1978, he was terrified.

It was the late 1970s, and Congress was very interested in the NCAA’s enforcement program after complaints from several schools on NCAA probation about investigative tactics and excessive penalties.

“I got called before Congress for a case I had done, a highly-publicized matter.

They identified me and brought me up there,” Stratten said. “It was Dave Berst who said, ‘Stratten, don’t worry about it. You are on the right side of this and we got you.’ It was so comforting at that time.”

David Berst addresses the first meeting of the NCAA Division I Council. Ushering in the division’s new structure was his final goal at the NCAA. 20

JUSTIN TAFOYA/ NCAA PHOTOS

(Article courtesy of NCAA Champion Magazine, Spring 2015, Volume 8, issue 2)

alumni | spotlight

Stratten, who went on to become the NCAA’s vice-president for leadership development, said Berst was a reassuring boss whose high expectations inspired him to be better. But that experience with Berst’s quiet support is not isolated.

While conference commissioners and NCAA presidents may hold more name recognition in the public today, Berst developed into a honest and reliable behind-the-scenes leader as Division I’s vice president, capable of navigating the political pressure points of a steadily evolving division while working through numerous scandals, reorganizations, an explosion in popularity and visibility and all the entanglements that came with it.

But that era is seeing its sunset: Berst will retire from the NCAA in July after 43 years serving the Association in enforcement and Division I governance. And the staggering number of people he’s hired, promoted, worked alongside or simply encouraged over the years believe he’s earned it. They’ve now ascended to equally impressive heights: multiple Division I conference commissioners and successful college athletics administrators are listed among his former protégés. They all point to Berst as their career’s North Star.

“David was our leader. He was the guy who crunched our words and made us think more clearly and write more clearly,” said Stratten, who served with Berst when he worked in the NCAA’s enforcement division as Berst worked his way up from investigator to leading the department. “He was a quiet leader, thoughtful. He was serious. We had a very serious job and he was very conscientious about that job and wanted to get it right, and he put that on the rest of us. This wasn’t just a casual job.”

For Berst, his management style is straightforward: He prepares the people who work for him to do his job.

“I wanted to make them better than me,” he said. “I wanted the people who worked with me to grow to believe they were prepared to sit in my seat, or any other seat to their liking.”

David Berst began his career at MacMurray as assistant admissions director (photo at left, with glasses) and later became head baseball coach (below, center).

“

”

I wanted the people who worked with me to grow to believe they were prepared to sit in my seat or any other seat to their liking.

David Berst ‘68

Berst, the eldest of Samuel D. and Opal Berst’s five children, grew up in Carbondale, Illinois. His dad was a railway postal clerk on the Illinois Central Railroad between Carbondale and Chicago for more than 30 years.

His mom raised their three boys and two girls at home for two decades before becoming the business and office manager at the local high school for another 20 years.

Berst grew up playing all kinds of sports, but he had the most affection for basketball and the most talent for baseball. He attended MacMurray College on a financial need scholarship and became a member of the college’s athletics Hall of Fame.

He’ll tell you he owes most of his success to his experiences playing

basketball at MacMurray – from the lessons it taught him to the doors it opened for him. It introduced him to the NCAA and a network of people, through the mentorship of his college coach and mentor, Bill Wall, throughout the National Association of Basketball Coaches and through experiences recruiting high school athletics and college prospects.

After graduating from MacMurray with a degree in economics, the school kept Berst on as an assistant admissions director and an assistant basketball coach. He later became the head baseball coach and gave up the admissions work. He was a passionate coach, but not exactly a winner. He finished with only one winning season in three (a conference championship),

21

alumni | spotlight with a career 35-44 record. But he believes it nurtured his method of attacking problems and his poise under pressure.

Then a high-profile college athletics scandal involving extra benefits to basketball players and encouragement from his mentor piqued his interest in joining the NCAA’s fledgling enforcement division. When he came to Kansas City in 1972, he was one of only 19 NCAA administrators and about a dozen support staff working on two floors of a downtown office building.

He was nervous.

“I didn’t know anyone, and I’d never done what they’d hired me to do,” he said. “But my advantage was that I think like a coach. And I’m naturally curious.”

Within a couple years, MacMurray tried to lure him

“

”

Photo NCAA Champion Magazine

Every day I’m trying to figure out how to do something a little bit better and measuring successes in little bitty steps. That’s mostly enough for me.

David Berst ‘68

back with a tempting offer to be director of admissions.

Berst considered the proposal, but decided he was too engrossed in his work with the NCAA. He hated leaving projects undone.

“That seemed to be a continuing story for me,” Berst said. “Every time I had the inclination to leave, there were too many things that hadn’t been completed. All of a sudden, it’s 43 years later. That’s a good run for anyone.”

As one of the first true enforcement staffers, Berst seeded the department’s investigative ranks with people of diverse backgrounds: Coaches, federal investigators, athletics administrators, attorneys and soon women in key investigative and eligibility services roles. He instilled in his recruits a commitment to gathering facts rather than proving theories. His enforcement department often spent as much time trying to prove what it believed to be false as it did gathering evidence to support what it thought really happened.

“We spent a lot of time trying to tear down each other’s (cases),” Berst said. “The whole idea was to talk to each other about the shortcomings of the case.”

That priority still stands out to those who worked with Berst at the time, who remember his fairness and integrity as second-to-none.

“He taught us to be analytical and to look at both sides,” said Tom Yeager, commissioner of the Colonial Athletic Association, who worked in enforcement as Berst rose from his peer to his supervisor in the 1970s and 1980s.

“He told us not to reach on things.”

Over the years, Berst was involved with some momentous enforcement cases. Many remember him for delivering the death penalty to Southern Methodist University. He was also the principal investigator in multiple cases that resulted in court cases against the Association.

And there was the Congressional investigation of the enforcement department, for which Stratten testified, which 22 Berst remembers as a tough time for the enforcement staff

as it watched politicians and the public take unfair and very personal shots at their work.

Berst led the staff through that period with another innovative approach to enforcement. He fashioned a program that had investigators focus on prospects regarded as the top 50 to 100 in football and men’s basketball. The investigators built relationships with those young athletes once they committed to a college and probed them on their recruitment by all schools.

The visible and successful effort of rebuilding a reservoir of information, coined by a Kansas City writer as Operation Intercept, got the enforcement staff recognized for their positive work after a period of heavy scrutiny from outside college sports.

“In many respects, we redoubled our own review of the program and policies as we were building our credibility as a group, trying to help provide a service for the schools who were trying to do it correctly,” Berst said. “You’ll always have critics. But the people we respected thought we were giving it a good shot. They knew this work was worthwhile and important.”

Enforcement taught him that most people in college sports are good people – by his estimation, only 10 percent of people are really trying to cut corners or cheat in some way. And NCAA members knew he felt that way. Because he operated with that manner of integrity and earned trust and respect throughout the Division I membership, he was able to pull off a career transition that many people would have struggled to execute.

When the NCAA announced its plans to move its national office from Kansas City to Indianapolis, the person heading up Division I at that time decided not to make the move. Berst, then chief enforcement officer, got the job. Robin Harris, the Ivy League’s executive director, remembers the conference commissioners playing an instrumental role in making that transition happen.

“He really reinvented himself from being the face of

alumni | spotlight David Berst with his college coach and mentor Bill Wall (photo at left, with glasses). Berst’s family joins him as he receives the Clifford Wells Appreciation Award for contributions to basketball (below, right).

NCAA enforcement (to the Division I governance chief),” Harris said. “The membership put him forward as a good candidate for that job. He had their utmost confidence that he was going to help them and tell them the truth, his opinion. … He has a really good sense of the membership at all levels and a good sense of people. He also is very straightforward and will tell you what he thinks. He is objective. He’s not influenced by anyone’s agenda. He’s going to say what he thinks is right.”

Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner Beth DeBauche, who served as director of Division I under Berst for nearly eight years in the early 2000s, said he is the only person who could have pulled off the transition so seamlessly, mainly because of his approach to enforcement work.

“He’s truly been a leader,” DeBauche said. “He’s someone who served as the vice president of enforcement, a job which people are intimidated by and suspect of. And he was such a trusted ally and confidant that he provided a sense of stability in Division I, a sense of confidence within the membership. … David’s reputation was such that his integrity was beyond reproach. He’d been so fair in dealing with people through the process that they trusted his judgment and valued the person he was.”

He found the shift to policy work fascinating. The job gave him a chance to wake up every day and try to figure out how to improve the inner workings of college sports on a broader scale. He could be creative, albeit at a slow pace.

His background in enforcement became an asset in the new job. He never approached the old job as an adversary.

Instead, the curiosity and interest in complex, potentially unsolvable problems that drove Berst in his previous role benefitted his new position.

“Every day I’m trying to figure out how to do something a little bit better and measuring successes in little bitty steps,” he said. “That’s mostly enough for me.”

His embrace of patient progress showed in the last two years, when Berst became a key player in a substantial success. Popular opinion predicted a Division I breakup, with the Atlantic Coast, Big Ten, Big 12, Pacific-12 and Southeastern conferences leaving the NCAA entirely.

Instead of that scenario, Berst helped the membership create a redesigned Division I governance structure that was implemented at the 2015 NCAA Convention. The structure is built on the foundational belief that fairness is more important than treating everyone exactly the same.

That shift in thinking paved the way for the division to move forward as a whole. Autonomy in some areas for the division’s five highest-resourced conferences made sense; but the division would still govern itself as a whole on the majority of core issues.

A huge project was completed. Division I was saved, whole and intact. For, Berst, it was time to step away.

“I’m very pleased, and truly, one of the reasons why I’m ready to step away is that I think I had a hand in helping everybody get to the first autonomy convention,” Berst said. “It should develop in a manner that’s more integrated into other NCAA Convention meetings and be transparent

in addressing issues that confront them first, but also help lead the broader division. I think there’s some freedom for the five conferences to create their own agendas and to move forward. At the same time there’s plenty to do on a division-wide level working with the Council process as well. I think all of that is extremely important.”

He saw it all coming together. But Berst didn’t see himself in the picture anymore.

But even after 43 years of intimate involvement, it’s easy for Berst to step away now because, truthfully, he was never a big sports fan. He enjoyed participating more than spectating. You’re much more likely to find him watching a play or attending the symphony than at a sporting event of any kind. He’s always been able to compartmentalize his life like that, never taking his work home with him.

“I can put this away,” he said. “I didn’t talk about my work at home or away from the office. I took calls and did work, but I didn’t treat (my job) as a reason for intimacy socially … I believe I shouldn’t take advantage of the things I learned under circumstances that were confidential in nature and when others were often in a compromised position.”

Photo NCAA Champion Magazine

Berst’s ability to balance work and his home life, and to really focus on his family (he counts his mother and his wife, Nancy, among his mentors), was remarkable to coworker Kevin Lennon, vice president for Academic and Membership Affairs.

“Just to see the deep affection all of his family members have for each other, how much they really enjoy each other, that’s really an accomplishment,” Lennon said.

Berst plans to make family a priority in retirement, though he doesn’t promise to step away from thinking about unsolvable problems.

He has big hopes for college sports. He wants to see the numbers of student-athletes continue to grow, and their experiences continue to be meaningful and worthwhile.

And he holds big dreams for the NCAA, too. In a time when the Association again is beset with legal issues and renewed interest from the federal government, Berst is optimistic.

“What’s unique about the NCAA is that it’s like an amoeba,” he said. “It finds a way to adjust itself to complete its tasks. … Ultimately, I think the NCAA is here to serve its membership and it will be able to adjust to the world around it as necessary to get that accomplished.”

The Association and its members will adjust to their new world, just as they will to life without Berst’s steady, unflappable hand guiding its most high-profile division.

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Kaitlyn S. Lehmann ’16 RESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR

When she visited the first time, Kaitlyn Lehmann knew right away that she wanted to go to MacMurray College.

“When I walked onto campus, there wasn’t any doubt in my mind,” she said. “I think it was the nursing lab.”

Now a senior nursing student, Kaitlyn was one of the College’s first two Residential Scholars. The merit award is for those students who are expected to make the largest contributions to the College, both academically and as campus leaders. Kaitlyn serves as a Student Ambassador in the Office of Admissions, welcoming prospective students and helping with tours and answering their questions about college. She also is a member of the MacMurray Honor Society – the only junior inducted this year for having the highest grade-point average in the junior class. And, if that weren’t enough, Kaitlyn also volunteers at a rural ambulance service near her hometown of Girard, IL, and works there for honorary stipends during the summer.

Facilities make a difference to prospective students like Kaitlyn, and your support will help MacMurray continue to attract campus leaders like her.

Your gifts matter. Make a donation today.

Visit mac.edu and click on the red “Give Back” button at top right.

For more information, click on the “Alumni & Giving” link or call the Office of Institutional Advancement at (217) 479-7024.

Your gifts matter. Make a donation today.

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RECEgN athT erings SPRINGFIELD GATHERING

More than 30 alumni and friends attended a gathering in Springfield, IL, at the Engrained Brewing Company on March 25.

Guests enjoyed heavy appetizers and beverages while reminiscing about their days at MacMurray College.

ALUMNI/ALUMNAE BASKETBALL GAMES

On Jan. 24, nearly 30 men and women returned to their alma mater to play basketball once again on their home court.

The alumnae took the court against the junior varsity team and then supported the current Highlanders in their game against Principia College.

The current men’s basketball team was then supported by their predecessors as the Highlanders defeated Principia. To conclude the day of basketball, the alumni took the court in a friendly competition. After the games, alumni and friends gathered at Lonzerottis Italian Restaurant in Jacksonville, IL, for dinner and fellowship.

ARIZONA GATHERING

On Feb. 26, 10 alumni and friends gathered at the home of host and College Trustee Sandy Watson ’72 in Peoria, AZ. Guests enjoyed a laid-back atmosphere and shared their stories and experiences of their time at MacMurray.

We look forward to seeing you at a future MacMurray College event!

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Alumni Notes

1

2

3

4

5 6

Down the Aisle 1 TERESA VENTON ’06 married

Jason Suwyn on July 25, 2015.

They live in Saranac, MI.

2 KRISTINA POORE ’11 and DANIEL ROUTH ’13 were married on May 17, 2014, at Annie Merner Chapel. Mac alumni who were part of their wedding include ALYSSA POTTER ’10 SCHAFER of St. Louis, MO, KRYSTAL JONES ’10 JOHNSON of Murrayville, IL, CHAD ALLEN ’14 of Sunbright, TN, BRIAN CLAY ’12 of Gaithersburg, MD, QUENTIN COLEMAN ’13 of Vallejo, CA, and DILLON LASCELLES ’14 of Ipava, IL. The Rouths live in Peoria, IL, where Kristina works as an RN at Methodist Hospital and Dan is a physical therapy graduate student at Bradley University.

Dan serves as a member of the Alumni Association Board.

Future Highlanders 3 DUSTY ’05 and BETSY BARNES

’04 VAN BROCKLIN of Jacksonville, IL, welcomed their second child, William, on Feb. 24, 26

2015. He is pictured being held by his sister, Ruth.

4 RACHEL FRASCH ’05 , of

Carpentersville, IL, writes, “Lisa Loris and I were married on Oct. 4, 2014. We are very excited to announce the birth of our daughter, Ricki Christine Frasch. She was born on Nov. 5, 2014.”

5 JILLIAN STALEY ’05 MANSFIELD

7

News Notes 1950s 8 SALLY CAMPBELL ‘58 HANSON

of Bennington, NE, NANCY JACKSON ‘58 SCHMIDT of Ottawa, IL, and MARJORIE STAHMER ‘58 LYON of Oak Park, IL, took a trip together to Cambodia and Vietnam in September 2014. They are pictured in front of Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia.

and her husband, Tim, of Dennison, IA, welcomed Scarlett Paige on Oct. 20, 2014. Jillian says, “We can’t 1960s wait to introduce her to MacMurray and ROBERT GRIDER ’62, of Rushville, IL, Phi Nu!” writes, “Betty Lou passed away Oct. 25, 2013, after a nine-year battle with 6 JOEL ’05 and ALYSSA MCGEE cancer.” ’05 UPTON welcomed daughter CORDELL STRUG ’68 of McHenry, IL, Eela Kathryn on Nov. 7, 2014. The published a meditation on Christian couple has two other children, Jaren pacifism and patriotism, titled “The Patrick (5) and Harper June (2). Joel Other Cheek: gospel, empire and is employed as a senior officer at the memory in one Christian’s journey.”

Federal Bureau of Prisons, and Alyssa is a district manager for Ross Dress for Former wrestlers (seated) KEN 9 KOZELKA ’70, of Brookfield, Less. They reside in Nashville, IL. IL, RON OTTO ’69, of Kenosha, WI, HEATH CHOATE ’13 and his wife, (standing) RAY JAST ’69, of Verona, 7 Abigail, welcomed Adrianna Lynn WI, and GARY HENNING ’69, on Oct. 28, 2014. The Choates live in of Rockford, IL, lunched together Belleville, IL.

Alumni Notes

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10

9

this past March at a Rockford, IL, restaurant. Ray Jast writes “While enjoying good food, drink, and comaraderie, we discussed what can be done to get wrestling reinstated at MacMurray.”

Swigart Fund beautifies campus Thanks in part to gifts from generous contributors to the Frances ‘Betsey’ Brooke Swigart Memorial Fund for Campus Improvements, Rutledge Hall received a much needed landscaping overhaul. The project, recommended by the Alumni Association Board, was ready in time for Commencement.

The Fund, named after Frances ‘Betsey’ Brooke ‘66 Swigart, a long-time member of the Alumni Association Board, was created in her memory after she passed away during her term as president of the Alumni Association.

If you would like to contribute to the Betsey Swigart fund to support projects such as this, you can do so by calling the Institutional Advancement office at 217-479-7024 or contributing online at mac.edu.

1970s HERB KASUBE ’71, of Peoria, IL, writes, “In October 2014, I received the Francis C. Mergen Memorial Award for Public Service. This was given to me by Bradley University.

Here is the citation: “Dr. Kasube joined the faculty in 1978. He earned a Ph.D. in mathematics at the University of Montana, a master’s degree from the University of Illinois, and a bachelor of arts at MacMurray College. He has served on the Board of Governors of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) as well as chair of its Illinois Section (ISMAA). He was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award from the ISMAA and the Certificate of Meritorious Service from the MAA. He also served on the board of directors of the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the MacMurray College Alumni Association Board, the Peoria High School Association of Parents and Teachers board, the Peoria Girls Sports League, and Glen Oak Christian Church. He has served on the board of the South-West Kiwanis Club since 2011 and is the advisor of the Kiwanis-affiliated Bradley Circle K Club on campus.”

MARY LINDER ’71 NEWMAN, of Jamul, CA, writes, “I have recently retired and moved to San Diego County. I love the sun, sea, and the joys of retirement!”

DARREL HOLMQUIST ’72, of New Lenox, IL, was honored as volunteer of the year at Sunny Hill Nursing Home of Will County, IL. His level of compassion, commitment and generous nature were cited as reasons he was presented with the Schuth

11 de Gracio Award for 2014. Some of Darrell’s current volunteer experiences include Peace Lutheran Church, Meals on Wheels, Will County Forest Preserve, and weather statistician for CoCoRaHS.

10 BILL ’73 and LINDA SEACAT

’72 CONLEY, of Naperville, IL, have hosted a tapas party for the last several years. Pictured left to right are BILL and LINDA, ED ’74 and KAREN DUNN ’74 CASPERS, of Chicago, IL; DON ’74 and JESSE MACALPINE ’74 VICHA, of Glen Ellyn, IL; and GIL ’74 and ANN FREIBURG ’73 OPFERMAN, of Cantrall, IL.

1980s LINDA HILGENBRINCK ’81, of Lake Dallas, TX, was awarded the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award by Texas Woman’s University and the Texas Woman’s University Former Students Association. Linda is an adapted physical education (APE) specialist in the Special Education Services Department of the Denton Independent School District and is responsible for the assessment of students with disabilities, designing or modifying programs to meet specific student needs, and providing direct APE services to students with disabilities in a variety of settings.

NANCY LEWIS ’85, of Jacksonville, IL, completed her master’s in education and graduated May 17, 2015, from Illinois College. She has been an educator at the Illinois School for the Deaf since 1989. Her presentation of her capstone project, “High-Stakes Testing and Student Achievement at Residential Schools for the Deaf at the Cost of Deaf Culture,” was attended 27

Alumni Notes by her former Mac professor Kathryn Silvis Surbeck.

JOHN YOUNG ’89, of Lemont, IL, has been named the 2014-15 Illinois Athletic Directors Association (IADA) Class 3A/4A Athletic Director of the Year for the IADA’s Division 3. One of seven Class 3A/4A division winners, John is now a finalist to be the 2014-15 Class 3A/4A IADA Athletic Director of the Year. John is director of athletics and activities at Lemont High School.

1990s 11 BRIAN DICKERSON ’93,

practice group manager of Roetzel’s White Collar Litigation and Corporate Compliance Group, has been named a 2015 Ohio Super Lawyer in the field of Criminal Defense: White Collar by Ohio Super Lawyers magazine. Brian lives in Naples, FL. JEFFERY ADKINS ’96, of Springfield, IL, completed the doctorate of nursing program through Wilkes University in May 2015.

TRACY PETTITT ’97 SHARP, of St. Louis, MO, was hooded and

graduated with her doctorate of education in teacher leadership from Maryville University in May 2015. A former high school English teacher, Tracy is currently serving as a district facilitator of professional learning for the Kirkwood School District in St. Louis.

2000s KELLI RUPPEL ’11, of Chandlerville, IL, graduated from St. Louis University Dec. 12, 2014, with a master’s of medical science in physician assistant studies.

STACEY DAVIS ’13, of Springfield, IL, writes, “On March 20, 2015, I was promoted to the Director of Nursing position at The Hope Institute. I truly believe that my faith in God, all of my hard work/dedication, and my education at MacMurray have contributed to my success.”

CHRISTOPHER PHILLIPS ’14, of Jacksonville, IL, was honored on April 21, 2015, with the Outstanding Beginning New Teacher Award. This award is presented by the Illinois Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. Chris teaches at the Virginia [IL] School District.

Alumni author visits with students Fred Venturini, ‘02 in English Literature, talked to a group of more than 20 students in April at the Henry Pfeiffer Library about his published novel, The Heart Does Not Grow Back, the difficulties of becoming a professional writer, writing in general, and he told stories about his time at MacMurray.

Venturini is at work on his second novel, and Marc Forster, director of World War Z and Quantum of Solace, is attached to produce and direct an adaptation of The Heart Does Not Grow Back.

Venturini, who read on campus in November with fellow 2002 grad Justin Hamm, also has had several short stories appear in literary journals, and his novel was favorably reviewed in The New York Times.

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In Memoriam “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”

Matthew 5:4

REVEREND DR. JONATHAN DIXON, former MacMurray College professor, Riverton, IL, March 18, 2015.

LARRY CALHOUN, former MacMurray College professor, Jacksonville, IL, March 29, 2015.

ELEANOR LAIRD HANSON ’34, Chandler, AZ, July 2, 2013.

MARGARET ARNOLD DESHON ’35, Bettendorf, IA, December 9, 2013.

NORA LAUE HESTER ’35, Newport Beach, CA, November 1, 2014.

ELIZABETH MOORE NELSON ’35, Saxonburg, PA, January 9, 2015.

FREDERICA SCHMITT WHITING ’37, Evanston, IL, December 22, 2014.

SYLVIANNE FEI-AI-LI CHUN ’38, Honolulu, HI, August 25, 2014.

HOPE OSBORNE DALLMAN ’39, Chelan, WA, November 12, 2014 ELAINE BOST FROEHLY ’39, Houston, TX, August 11, 2013.

MILDRED BYERS MCKEAN ’39, Springfield, IL, November 25, 2014.

ANN FISKE BASSE ’40, Detroit, MI, February 4, 2014.

RUTH HILBISH CHADDERDON ’40, Sun City, AZ, 2014.

DORIS “DODIE” JOHNSTON KETNER ’40, Rockford, IL, May 14, 2013.

KATHERINE KELLOGG MILLARD ’40, Springfield, IL, December 26, 2014.

MARGARET CHAPMAN SATTIZAHN ’40, Clinton, IA, April 4, 2014.

DOROTHY JAHYNE “DJ” WILSON EDWARDS ’41, Santa Rosa, CA, December 27, 2014.

CLARA MOORE HAMMITT ’41, Farmer City, IL, November 10, 2014.

MARY HELEN BOURDETTE MCLEOD ’42, Cando, ND, October 19, 2014.

BETTY SILHANEK STENBOM ’42, Burbank, CA, January 31, 2013.

EMMA-LEE “MIME” WALLS TATUM ’42, Jackson, MS, 2014.

VELMA MEADORS EVANS ’43, Springfield, IL, January 26, 2014.

ELIZABETH KNIGHT HOPPER ’43, Orinda, CA, November 15, 2011.

MARJORY MERRILL SPRADLING ’43, Kalamazoo, MI, February 12, 2015.

VIRGINIA “JINNY” SPREEN FARRAN ’44, Jacksonville, IL March 19, 2015.

NATALIE NICKELL MCDERMOTT ’44, Milwaukee, WI, January 8, 2015.

ANNABELLE HEAD THOMPSON ’44, Columbus, OH, December 24, 2013.

SHIRLEY LEWIS BROWN ’45, Concord, MA, April 9, 2015.

MARTHA FRENCH CARMICHAEL ’45, Kingsport, TN, October 26, 2013.

JEANNE KERSTEN STEIN ’45, Los Alamos, NM, February 18, 2015.

JEAN MUTH STEVENS ’45, Waterloo, IA, June 27, 2013.

GERTRUDE TURNER WILLIAMS ’45, Newton, IL, December 13, 2014.

MARJORIE DANFORTH GROSS ’46, Yankton, SD, February 13, 2015.

HELEN GOODPASTURE HESS ’46, Jacksonville, IL, April 18, 2015.

DORIS MEIER NUSBAUM ’46, Lake Worth, FL, January 25, 2014.

MARGUERITE GRIFFITH TABBERT ’46, Elgin, IL, April 23, 2014.

DAWN BISHOP TROUP ’46, Indian Hills, CO, March 15, 2014.

EDITH MINICH BLOODWORTH ’47, Ellenton, FL, November 13, 2014.

JEANNE BERQUIST BOSTON ’47, Monroe, WI, April 10, 2015.

SHIRLEY VERSTEGEN GEELAN ’47, Buffalo, MN, December 29, 2014.

MARTHA TSUKIYAMA GIOVANELLI ’47, Kensington, MD, April 26, 2015.

SARAH HAIN SAUER ’47, Noblesville, IN, February 11, 2015.

RUTH BOWERS SPRENGER ’47, Milwaukee, WI, February 11, 2014.

MILDRED KNOX HOFFMAN ’48, Sheridan, WY, April 22, 2013.

MARGARET FLYNN MORAN ’48, Hyannis, MA, March 9, 2015.

JOYCE BAILAR STEIN ’48, Manitowoc, WI, April 1, 2013.

MARJORIE DILLE ’49, Pekin, IL, February 20, 2015.

ELEANOR ADAMS DUNBAR ’49, Rockford, IL, August 24, 2014.

AUDREY RUBENSTEIN MANNE ’49, Miami Beach, FL, April 18, 2015.

VIRGINIA BULL MASON ’49, Charlotte, NC, February 4, 2013.

SUZANNE SCHMIDT MULLER ’49, Bettendorf, IA, November 11, 2014.

MARY LESSEL WOODBURN ’49, Iowa City, IA, February 11, 2015.

MARJORIE ENGQUIST BURRIS ’51, Lebanon, IN, January 29, 2015.

MARJORIE WARNER CORNWALL ’51, Johnston, IA, February 6, 2015.

VIRGINIA INGRAM HAMMETT ’51, Mount Airy, MD, 2014.

MARILYN KASISHKE HANSON ’51, Clarkston, MI, March 14, 2013.

LOIS HARRER JAMISON ’51, Willingboro, NJ, January 6, 2014.

DOLORES KAY SIMONSEN ’51, Des Moines, IA, January 4, 2015.

ELVIRA METZDORF TRIMBOLI ’51, Mishawaka, IN, October 20, 2014.

BETTY BREYDING ’52, Forest Hills, NY, February 7, 2015.

MAJEL SUMMERS DRAKE ’52, Wheaton, IL, May 12, 2013.

JOAN BRIGGS REBMAN ’52, Carmel, IL, March 9, 2015.

LAURA FRITZ FISHER ’54, Doylestown, PA, April 17, 2013.

BEVERLY CARR MARTIN ’54, Butler, IN, December 23, 2014.

MARILYN LACY WILLIAMS ’54, Springfield, IL, October 9, 2014.

BERENICE MERKEL BARTON ’55, Boerne, TX, January 6, 2015.

JACQUELENE LANDERS WOODWARD ’55, Abbeville, SC, November 22, 2014.

NANCY DAHLQUIST MCCRILLIS ’56, Joplin, MO, July 24, 2014.

ANNA HESSE FUCHS ’57, Westport, CT, March 8, 2015.

CAROL GLAESER SCHOENGART ’57, Dundee, IL, August 3, 2014.

JOANNE “PEP” PEPPARD COOKE ’58, East Peoria, IL, February 15, 2015.

NAMIKO KOMINAMI ’58, San Francisco, CA, May 5, 2015.

MARIAN COREY LIVEZEY ’58, Garland, TX, November 18, 2014.

UNA MANUEL PATTON ’59, St. Charles, IL, November 4, 2014.

MARY “POLLY” DAWSON SERPAN ’59, Bethesda, MD, December 5, 2014.

MARILYN MANLOVE ’60, Port Orchard, WA, December 18, 2014.

DONNA WOLFF SMITH ’60, Lake Orion, MI, February 8, 2015.

DORIS BREITENFELD ’61, Colorado Springs, CO, September 1, 2014.

ROSS MANNING ’61, Roodhouse, IL, February 10, 2014.

THOMAS O’CONNOR ’61, Huntley, IL, May 4, 2014.

LYNDA MEMERING HALLGREN ’62, Warrington, PA, February 21, 2015.

JOSEPHINE HENDRICKS HAAG ’63, Leesburg, VA, July 21, 2014.

ELIZABETH DARRAGH BEHRENS ’64, June 4, 2014.

GEORGE CARLIN ’64, Joliet, IL, October 15, 2014.

RICHARD CASSADY ’64, Effingham, IL, 2013.

LADONA WATERS SPENCER ’65, Philadelphia, PA, March 29, 2014.

STEVEN IRWIN ’66, Quincy, IL, March 11, 2015.

TIMOTHY WYLDER ’66, Clinton, IL, December 25, 2014.

FREDERICK KLINE ’67, Sparrow’s Point, MD, 2013.

LANNY MURRELL ’67, Miami, FL, 2013.

MICHAEL PRATT ’67, Abbottstown, PA, October 2, 2014.

ROBERT HORTON ’68, North Truro, MA, August 13, 2013.

ALAN BEDROSIAN ’69, Waukegan, IL, December 29, 2014.

LAURIE BAKKEN FLANNERY ’69, Ellerbe, NC, June 2, 2014.

RODNEY GILLEAD ’69, Oakland, CA, 2013.

BARBARA GREIM ’70, Rock Island, IL, April 5, 2015.

THOMAS WATSON ’70, Buffalo Grove, IL, April 29, 2014.

ALBERT JUNGERS ’71, Cooperstown, NY, May 27, 2013.

RUSSELL SOLUB ’71, Grayslake, IL, September 9, 2014.

JERRY WHITE ’72, Dallas, TX, December 12, 2014.

DEBRA CASTILLO DOBIAS ’74, Fort Wayne, IN, February 16, 2015.

JANACE DOELMAN STOUT ’76, Urbandale, IA, December 10, 2014.

JEANE ELSEY DIBBLE ’79, Freeburg, IL, March 2, 2015.

PAULA HARVEY MCPHERSON ’83, Jerome, IL, February 24, 2015.

GARY BARNETT ’85, Houston, TX, March 24, 2013.

Want to learn more about a classmate who has passed? The Office of Institutional Advancement often has more information. Call 217-479-7024 or email alumni@mac.edu to learn more.

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