The McKendrean - Summer 2025 | McKendree University Magazine

Technology is changing rapidly. See how we are keeping up on Pg. 5.

20YEARSOFTHEHETT

Read about McKendree’s beloved performing arts venue on pg. 8.

Summer 2025 Edition

McKendree shines brightly when it’s filled with laughter, learning, camaraderie, and a little bit of sunshine. Each corner of campus shone as little Easter egg hunters searched joyfully for secret springtime finds, alumni took time to reminisce with one another on the front lawn, and staff members enjoyed delicious food, plenty of laughs, and one another’s presence.

Easter Egg Hunt

On Saturday, April 12, McKendree University hosted its first-annual Easter Egg Hunt on the front lawn—and what a beautiful morning it was! Over 400 alumni, families, and friends gathered on campus to celebrate the season, hunt for 1,828 colorful eggs, and enjoy time together in the spring sunshine.

The Easter Bunny made a special appearance, joined by our beloved mascot, Bogey, spreading smiles and cheer to Bearcats of all ages. We’re already looking forward to making this a new McKendree tradition!

Pajama Party with Goodnight Moon & Runaway Bunny

The Hett was filled with laughter, joy, and cozy vibes as families gathered for a special pajama party on April 29. Little showgoers dressed in their favorite jammies and settled in for a magical evening as Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny came to life on stage. The one-hour show was the perfect length for younger audiences, creating a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere where parents joyfully followed their little ones through the aisles.

The Hett truly is the ideal spot for a family outing: convenient, comfortable, and welcoming, offering a memorable experience for all ages. As we celebrate the 20th season of the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, we hope to see more alumni families come to visit for a show this year!

Notes

Editorial content, writing and production:

Tina Napper ’08 | Lead Writer

Matt Seniour, M.A.Ed. ’22 | Senior Manager of Creative Services

Photography/Writing:

Maxwell Bennett

Scott Billhartz ’85

Jasmine Gage ’25

Nadia Ghahkenshah

Patrick Knapinski

Brandi (Branka) Kordelewski ’13

Lori Kuper ’20

Holly (Weathers) Sallee ’13

Pictured: Sunnie and Robbie Sallee, daughtersofHolly ’13 and Derek Sallee ’13.

Pictured: Elle Renschen, daughter of Katie (Eilers) ’09 and Brandon Renschen. One of our Easter basket winners!

Pictured: Calvin Wertman, assistant vice president of student affairs, cooks up some tasty burgers and dogs at the staff picnic.

Dear Campus Community, Alumni and Friends of McKendree,

As we approach McKendree University’s bicentennial in 2028, I am filled with pride and gratitude for all we have accomplished together. For nearly two centuries, this institution has remained steadfast in its commitment to providing a high-quality educational experience to outstanding students, empowering them to positively impact their communities and the world around them.

McKendree’s legacy of excellence continues to thrive with many exciting changes and additions on the horizon. We continue to see a remarkable growth in our enrollment with our bicentennial class breaking school records for the largest ever incoming class last fall. Our unique and diverse programs, including our Paraprofessional+ Pathway program and Master of Arts in Teaching program, are equipping our students to confidently solve problems they encounter in today’s world. Our knowledgeable faculty are taking important steps to better incorporate current technology, including AI, in the classroom as they guide students in how to use it successfully and ethically. In addition, the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts is celebrating its 20th season this academic year with plenty of memorable acts, both old and new, coming to the stage.

As you can see, there’s so much for us to be proud of; however, while we’ve made significant strides with updates to several buildings to our campus, the work is far from complete. As part of our ongoing commitment to providing the best possible learning environment for success, we will continue to enhance the classrooms, athletic facilities, and living spaces on campus to further build a thriving campus community steeped in excellence. These investments will ensure that McKendree remains a respected leader in higher education and a place in which current and future Bearcats can flourish.

As we celebrate our successes and look toward the future, I want to express my deepest thanks for your continued support. The work we are doing today and the momentum we are building for the future would not be possible without your generosity. It is through your efforts and the efforts of many that I remain proud to be a Bearcat!

Daniel C. Dobbins ’81 President | McKendree University

“Institutions that embrace this technology thoughtfully and ethically will be far better positioned to serve diverse learners, foster innovation, and remain relevant in an evolving global landscape. My intention is to lead by example, both in the classroom and through scholarship.”

– Dr. Tim Ros Chair, School of Business on the implementation of AI in the classroom

Students moving into their residence halls 20 years ago needed a few essentials: their room keys, bedding, notebooks and textbooks, a computer, and… an ethernet cord? That’s right – if you wanted to access the World Wide Web, you needed to connect your computer with the ethernet cord to make the magic happen! Otherwise, you could visit PAC, Holman Library, or the computer labs in Clark Hall to help you with your homework.

Now? Students can access Wi-Fi from all corners of campus: in Ames Dining Hall while you share memes with your friends, in your own dorm room as you put the final touches on your term paper, and even in the front lawn as you lie in a hammock and read (but want to know what on earth Walt Whitman’s even talking about!). The days of needing that ethernet cord are long gone. McKendree has made incredible strides throughout the years in improving the student experience, including technology in and outside the classroom.

TheModernMcKendreeClassroom

If you were to rewind the clock and head over to class, you’d probably be in for an in-person lecture from one of your many caring, knowledgeable professors. Maybe they would bring out a projector with notes, or perhaps they were ahead of the curve and put together a PowerPoint presentation to project on the whiteboard. And of course, there would be plenty of paper involved with lots of handwritten notetaking, printed readings and assignments, and textbooks that were carried in and out of the classroom.

While McKendree jumped ahead of the curve early on by using Blackboard in the classroom and offering blended courses, now the educational landscape looks even more different.

“Nearly every discipline has access to outstanding online resources tailored to their specific field,” said. Dr. Tami Eggleston, provost at McKendree. “Our psychology instructors can use high-quality video clips that showcase classic research studies. In political science, faculty often incorporate large data sets related to global politics, available through various online platforms. Business instructors frequently use simulations that model business management scenarios and the stock market. Technology plays a key role in keeping course content fresh, relevant, and engaging.”

For Dr. Sara (Trask) Frank ’05, associate professor of communications, the teaching landscape looks different compared to when she was a student at McKendree.

“I remember being taught how to research online, but I still visited the library and used the card catalog,” she said. “Even with the online opportunities, I still printed everything off; I didn’t make the leap of being able to do all my work on the computer. This seems very different to today’s students where most of the coursework is done on a computer, including notes, readings, assignments, and textbooks. In addition, the tools that are available for students to work together and collaborate are mind-boggling, including Brightspace. They can work together from anywhere at any time, allowing an ease to group participation. That is something I never experienced as a student.”

These advancements were at the forefront of the university’s mind each time a space on campus was improved.

“Compared to 20 years ago, there’s more smart technology in the classroom, and everyone has greater Internet access,” said Daryl Hancock, vice president for operations at McKendree. “Each time we renovate a classroom, space, or building on campus, we look for where we can make impactful improvements. You can see this in Holman Library and soon, Voigt Science Hall, which will feature allnew technology-rich classrooms and laboratories.”

Additionally, McKendree made great technological strides with the HEERF fundings it received. This is especially important since each resident student on average brings seven Wi-Fi enabled devices with them to campus.

“We brought in a 10-gig fiber to the campus and made significant improvements at the West apartments with Wi-Fi, which is now a much better experience for students,” Daryl explained.

Of course, McKendree’s online offerings have also expanded tremendously, especially in the School of Education and the School of Business. The university’s graduate education programs, for example, are intentionally designed as blended or hybrid models, often featuring synchronous distance learning in which students join live virtual sessions at scheduled times. In addition, students can now earn their nursing degrees fully online.

“Technology continues to shape education in powerful ways, but it also reminds us that thoughtful implementation is just as important as innovation,” Tami said.

TheITDepartment:McKendree’s SilentSentinels

Success in the classroom often goes beyond our amazing faculty, who painstakingly plan each lesson – especially when technology is involved. When systems are running smoothly and the campus community is empowered to work efficiently, you can thank the IT department in the lower level of PAC, who quietly supports learning, teaching, and operations without interruption.

“We know we’re doing our job well if there is a low ticket volume for recurring issues, we receive positive feedback from our users, and problems are detected and resolved quickly and before they impact the campus,” said Christine Tweedy, chief information officer and director of information technology at McKendree.

Before Bearcats set foot in the classroom to learn, the members of IT start each day with system checks to ensure all major services,

including the network, servers, Brightspace, reports, and email, are fully operational. After holding a daily IT Operations meeting in which they collaborate on daily issues or project tasks, the team shifts their focus to supporting learning, solving problems, training users, and protecting the university from cyber threats.

Christine and her crew know that success during the university’s busiest times, especially the beginning of each semester, is crucial for students and faculty to have a great start to the year. This was especially true on the first day of fall semester classes in 2022.

“On that day, our Single Sign-On provider experienced an outage, which impacted many schools all over the nation. There was no clear resolution timeline for the outage,” Christine said. “Our team worked together so quickly to adjust the method of logging into various systems to keep operations functional and allow students to gain access to Brightspace. It’s during those moments that the team’s dedication, problem solving, and calm demeanor under pressure really shine.”

Throughout the years, IT has had the job of not only providing our Bearcats with the technological support that they need, but also adjusting and adapting to new technology, which has been evolving dramatically over the past few decades.

“Twenty years ago, we were focused on getting computers into classrooms and offering basic connectivity. Today, students expect seamless wireless access, Cloud services, hybrid learning options, and mobile-friendly systems,” Christine added.

This ability to adapt and pivot, even in the most unprecedented times, helped Bearcats near and far remain in the virtual classroom – and learn successfully – when the COVID-19 pandemic occurred in 2020.

“Our transition from Blackboard to Brightspace in January 2020 played a pivotal role. The timing aligned closely with our shift to work-from-home shortly thereafter, and Brightspace provided a more intuitive, reliable platform for digital learning during a critical period,” Christine said. “We’ve also leveraged the lessons learned during the pandemic and remote work period to expand

our approach to online instruction. What began as an emergency solution has now become a standard option. Faculty are able to shift to remote operations when in-person instruction isn’t possible, providing greater flexibility for both instructors and students.”

Throughout the years, IT has helped make the student experience more personalized, efficient, and flexible, supported by modern tools and infrastructure that make learning possible anywhere. A few important updates and initiatives helped make this happen, particularly the campus-wide infrastructure upgrade, the replacement of the legacy firewall with a next-generation firewall solution, among others. Looking forward, Christine and her team are focused on further integrating technology into the learning experience, whether through AI-powered tools, expanded digital accessibility, or advanced data analytics to support student success. They also intend to invest in cybersecurity and modernizing infrastructure.

“Ultimately, our goal is to make technology an invisible but powerful force that supports McKendree’s mission and community,” Christine said.

AIintheClassroom:ASupplement,Not SubstituteforCriticalThinking

It’s no secret that AI is becoming increasingly more prevalent in nearly every industry, including higher education. For Dr. Tim Ros, assistant professor of business, MBA program director, and chair of the School of Business, it’s all about figuring out how to implement it wisely in the classroom. While he has allowed his students to use AI tools only to help them with brainstorming and coming up with ideas, he plans on fully integrating AI as both a pedagogical and practical tool in one of his upcoming core MBA courses, Corporate Strategy and Leadership.

“This course, which I am redesigning, will introduce students to AI applications across multiple dimensions of strategic leadership and corporate decision-making,” Tim said. “Students will engage AI for research synthesis, environmental scanning, SWOT analysis,

and scenario planning. They’ll also use AI tools to create data visualizations, develop persuasive presentations, and build dynamic pitch decks.”

These tools include ChatGPT for content generation and ideation, Claude.ai for more complex strategic analysis prompts, Perplexity.ai for research support, Microsoft Designer and Canva to help enhance design, Gamma.ap and Beautiful.ai for slide design and storytelling, and Microsoft Copilot and Google Workspace to enhance productivity and collaborative learning.

“This AI-integrated course reflects both the demands of the modern business environment and our commitment to ensuring that students are not just competent users of AI, but strategic thinkers capable of leveraging these tools ethically and effectively in leadership roles,” Tim explained.

Tim, who has a deep passion for AI and its transformative potential, has been researching and contributing articles regarding AI to academic journals for the past few years. His research closely aligns with his broader interest in faculty development and digital fluency in higher education.

“By equipping scholars with both the tools and critical frameworks to use AI responsibly, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable publishing environment, one where technological innovation supports, rather than undermines, scholarly rigor,” he said.

Tim’s approach to how he teaches his courses has shifted significantly because of AI. He knows that students no longer approach information from a source of scarcity – the answers and explanations can be attained within seconds at their fingertips. Instead of lectures and barring AI from the classroom, Tim is showing his students how to use these new tools ethically and wisely.

“AI has challenged me to reconsider how we assess student learning outcomes in authentic and future-focused ways,” Tim said. “The question is no longer ‘Do students know the answer?’ but rather, ‘Can they ask the right questions, synthesize insights, and make informed, ethical decisions using the tools available to them?’ To that end, I’ve begun integrating more experiential and case-based assignments that require students to use AI platforms as supplements to their thinking, not substitutes for it.”

Since he’s made this change, Tim has seen a noticeable increase in student engagement when AI-supported experiential learning is introduced and encouraged. They see themselves more as emerging professionals who must navigate complex tools and data-rich environments and feel more confident in applying what they’ve learned beyond the classroom.

“Helping students use AI ethically is one of the most important responsibilities we face in higher education today. They must be guided not only in how to use these tools but also how to use them responsibly,” Tim added. “This means creating a learning environment where ethical engagement with technology is integrated into instruction, assessment, and reflection, where students are empowered to be responsible stewards of the tools shaping their future.”

MEET YOU AT THE HETT

Imagine McKendree without the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts. Instead of the towering structure standing loftily on the east side of campus, a soccer field – Hypes Field – stretched out below. Band rehearsals and concerts were held in either Upper Deneen or the Melvin Price Convocation Center, and the university’s choirs and cantori sang their hearts out in the unused Pearsons Hall long before it became our beloved 1828 Café.

Theater students practiced and put on plays in the Eisenmayer Auditorium, and small ensembles, some speakers, and various portions of New Student Orientation took place in Bothwell Chapel. Picture tapping your toes to up-and-coming artists in The Lair or Ames Dining Hall, and listening to auspicious guest speakers like Sally Ride speak to a rapt audience at the MPCC (yes, that actually happened!). What a blessing the Hett has been to our university.

Ever since it was erected in 2006, the Hett has served as the official home for McKendree’s band, choir, and theater students. Instead of clambering up the stairs of Upper Deneen, fishing out a music stand, and tucking your instrument case away somewhere to the side, students now unlock their instruments from their own designated lockers, find their seats easily, and rehearse in a spacious, soundproof band room. Dress rehearsals for concerts and plays are more streamlined – did you forget your valve oil? It’s just down the hall, not halfway across campus. Need to put your makeup on before breaking a leg for the big play on stage? Use one of the three dressing rooms to gussy up and get ready.

Truly, McKendree’s transformation to a university – one that is known for having Southern Illinois’ premier, state-of-the-art venue for the arts – was made complete, thanks to the genesis of the Hett. As we celebrate the Hett’s 20th season, we reflect on how far we’ve come, give thanks for what we have now, and set our sights on what awaits us ahead.

BREAKING GROUND ON A DREAM COME TRUE

In 2002, thanks to the generosity of our faculty and staff, McKendree launched the Heritage, Heart & Hope campaign, which was largely responsible for seeing that students would finally have an appropriate setting to showcase their artistic accomplishments. The dream was a state-of-the-art facility that featured a theater at the heart of the building, a backstage area with the latest lighting and sound equipment, rehearsal spaces for students and ensembles, and faculty offices. The hope was that it would become a living testimony to the importance –and appreciation – of the arts at McKendree and to the accomplishments of its many talented students.

Thanks to many generous donors and widespread support from the community, this dream would come true. But one donor couple stands out from the many: Fern and Russel Hettenhausen.

They weren’t alumni of the university. They couldn’t read music, even though Fern was deft in playing piano by ear. In fact, Russ was a real estate developer, and Fern worked closely in the business as well. However, they loved music, and they frequently traveled to McKendree to enjoy concerts, recitals, and more on campus, especially in Bothwell Chapel and Pearsons Hall. They dreamed of McKendree one day having its very own performing arts center on campus so that more people could enjoy such wonderful performances.

After Russ passed away in 1999, Fern wanted to memorialize her husband somehow. She ultimately decided to make and fulfill her pledge of $5 million to help with the construction of this beautiful building.

“Although not a performer in life, Russ was applauded by many for his gracious wit, his clear sense of right and wrong, and his abiding belief that one must share one’s blessings with others,” Fern said when ground was broken for the Hett in November 2004. “I’m sure it is with Russel’s approval that I carry on that tradition and lend our support to a facility that will serve to hone the talents of generations of students of the performing arts. It is my hope that those who study here, perform here, and attend here will take with them the sense that one’s blessings, like the arts, are gifts to be shared.”

Since that inspiring message, construction took off as 70-foot-tall beams of steel scraped the sky up until November 2006, when the largest building ever constructed on campus was finally completed.

BRINGING THE IMPOSSIBLE TO LIFE

For the past two decades, the Hett has given a home to students passionate about the arts, and its stage has seen countless high-quality performances and inspiring speakers. The very first student play to take place at the Hett in 2007, Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, saw a simple set that was easy to change. Countless favorites have graced the stage, including wildlife conservationist and educator Jack Hanna, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Grammy Award-winning soprano Christine Brewer ’76, Neil Berg, Pilobolus Dance, the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America, and several others.

However, the Hett’s limitations have been regularly pushed from the very beginning. Each passing season seemed more exciting than the last: 2021’s Homecoming show, illusionist REZA, required a real helicopter to be built on stage for his show; and McKendree theatre productions pushed the boundaries by featuring a flying 880-pound brick wall and an entire show with a live camera crew on stage with multiple projectors.

“The Hett was conceived as a concert venue for strings, piano, choirs, and concert bands – not much thought was given to the technical requirements for the types of acts we would start to bring in,” said Doug Magnussen, technical director at the Hett.

Pictured to the Right: Perhaps the show that really pushed the Hett to its absolute limits was Ethereal Visions, a unique, multisensory immersive experience that featured local artist Gary Karasek as he created a monumental painting in real time as the Belleville Philharmonic filled the venue with music. The magic extended beyond the stage as an array of bells – dubbed “Bell”ville – was strung up with shimmering silver streamers, with even more works of art displayed throughout the lobby.

FINDING THE PERFECT BALANCE EACH SEASON

One can’t really talk about the Hett without mentioning its seasonal shows, which take a great deal of care and attention to detail to put together each year. Director of the Hett, Michelle (Radke) Magnussen, hunts for the perfect shows to bring to the Hett every season, often attending the Midwest Arts Xpo in the fall (a conference that led to the Hett bringing in 7 Bridges: The Ultimate Eagles Experience and the brilliant trio of Take3 last season!). At this four-day-long conference, she goes through professional development sessions, meets with agents, and pops her head into rooms that showcase rotating acts every day from the evening all the way till midnight. Back at the Hett, Michelle fields a lot of emails and phone calls from artists and agents about their acts and tour schedules.

“The season is like a giant puzzle, putting together a variety of quality events and making them work with our schedule, the artists’ schedules, our budget, and technical requirements. It’s stressful, but it’s also fun,” Michelle commented.

The balancing act goes beyond trying to make shows work for both the visiting artists and the Hett itself. Michelle also keeps her audience in mind, concocting a season that’s equal parts returning favorites and equal parts new, exhilarating experiences.

“Part of the challenge is balancing the familiar things our audience already knows they like with new acts that I think they might enjoy,” she said. “I look for ways to make our current audience members happy while always looking for ways to reach people who have never been here.”

The Hett hasn’t just changed the face of McKendree over the years; it has also left an indelible mark on the surrounding community. It’s a must-see when every McKendree student ambassador takes curious visitors on tours around campus. It’s the venue that brings in elementary, middle, and high school students to view important Arts Education programs, sometimes even acting as these students’ first-ever exposure to the arts. It’s a beacon for Bearcats – past, present, and future – that shines brightly in this corner of the map.

“Our theatre is gorgeous, and every prospective arts student I’ve ever talked to has been excited to perform or work here,” Michelle said.

The work at the Hett is far from done, however. As McKendree continues building its reputation with performers and growing its role as an arts and culture leader in the Metro East, the passionate crew at the Hett is hoping to form more partnerships with local civic and community groups.

“While I love having people discover us for the first time, I’d love for the Hett to become a household name in the area,” Michelle explained.

No matter what the next 20 years may bring, the Hett is sure to continue shaping the lives of all who enter its doors, whether they’re visiting for the first time, seeing their very first show on stage, expressing themselves as students through music and theatre, or becoming future music educators, thanks to caring people who love the arts like Fern did.

A Night to Remember A Future to Celebrate

Scan this QR code to learn more about the William McKendree Society, or how to get involved!

Scan this QR code to view our photo album from the evening’s events!

The newly reimagined William McKendree Society Spring Celebration brought together a powerful mix of past, present, and future McKendree supporters for an evening filled with gratitude, celebration, and Bearcat pride. Held on Friday, May 2, inside the Melvin Price Convocation Center due to inclement weather, the event honored members of the William McKendree Society for their generous annual support of the university.

This annual celebration is held exclusively for members of the William McKendree Society, McKendree’s most loyal and generous donors who help shape the student experience through leadership-level giving. Their commitment ensures that current and future Bearcats continue to thrive.

Adding a meaningful new dimension to this year’s celebration, graduating seniors from the Class of 2025 were invited as special guests after making their Senior Class Gift, their very first gift back to the university. These students joined the celebration as proud soon-to-be alumni, standing side by side with those who have supported McKendree for decades. Though from different generations, their shared pride in and commitment to the university was evident throughout the evening.

The event featured remarks from emcee Matthew Olmsted ‘01, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees, a heartfelt toast to the Class of 2025 from senior Brianne Burke ’25, and exciting updates from President Daniel C. Dobbins ’81 on what lies ahead for McKendree and its students. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner by Russo’s Catering, sweet treats from Covered ‘N’ Chocolate, and a lively performance by All Mixed Up, which kept the gym energized all evening long.

A highlight of the night was the formal induction of 27 new members into the William McKendree Society, each recognized for their generosity and belief in McKendree’s mission.

A Look Back at Founders Week 2025

As February unfolded, McKendree University celebrated its 197th birthday in a truly special way: through a week of heartfelt giving, inspiring connections, and shared memories that reflect the university’s enduring legacy. Founders Week 2025 was a tribute to the passion, community, and spirit that have defined McKendree throughout its rich history.

This year’s theme, “Your McKendree Love Story,” embraced the season of love with a celebration of the connections, passions, and relationships that have blossomed at McKendree. Whether it's love for a subject, a purpose, or a lifelong partner, McKendree has been the backdrop for countless memorable stories. Founders Week was designed to bring those stories to life while shining a spotlight on the generosity that has helped shape McKendree into the institution it is today.

A Month of McKendree Love Stories

The celebrations began in February, when the “McKendree Love Stories” campaign took over social media, flooding platforms with stories from alumni, students, faculty, and staff. Each post shared a unique love story, celebrating the university’s ability to foster deep connections. From relationships that began on campus to life-changing experiences, the #McKendreeLoveStories campaign became a heartwarming prelude to the week-long festivities.

The Week of Giving: Founders Week 2025

Founders Week at McKendree is not only a time to celebrate the university’s history, but also to reflect on the importance of philanthropy in shaping its future. Each day during Founders Week was dedicated to a different aspect of giving, ensuring that the entire McKendree community could participate in meaningful ways.

This year’s event raised more than $526,000, breaking last year’s record of $458,000. These funds were directed toward 15 essential programs, supporting the university’s mission and empowering its students. It was a day of giving that truly showcased the heart of McKendree: a community that comes together to ensure the future of the university.

Stephen Kull, McKendree’s vice president for institutional advancement, expressed his excitement about the success of the event: “This is my favorite time of the year. I continue to be motivated and encouraged by the generosity of our donors. In particular, I was excited about the senior class gifts we secured this year. We had more senior class gifts than ever before, which is a wonderful way for our students to leave a legacy of their own.” The success of One McKendree Giving Day was a testament to the power of community, with the university’s Board of Trustees and Alumni Board playing a key role in this year’s achievements, leading the charge with 100 percent participation.

February 17th: Together, We Learn

The week kicked off with an educational focus to engage students in the value of giving back.

February 18th: Together, We Sweeten the Day

A sweet tradition continued on Tuesday as McKendree hosted the annual “Dollars for Donuts” event in Piper Academic Center. For a donation of $1, participants received a donut and learned about the areas that McKendree could benefit from philanthropy.

February 19th: Together, We Give

The highlight of Founders Week arrived with the One McKendree Giving Day, a 1828-minutelong fundraising event that started at noon and ended at 6:28 p.m. on February 20.

February 20th: Together, We Sing

On McKendree’s official birthday, the entire campus gathered in Ames Dining Hall to celebrate the university with cake and song. President Dobbins addressed the crowd with a few words of gratitude, and the celebration continued with a festive lunch complete with Mary Jane’s famous birthday cake.

February 21st: Together, We Are McKendree Students, faculty, and staff wore their purple gear for #PurpleFriday, and a group photo was taken to capture the spirit of the day. The campus community also participated in a thank-you postcard station in PAC, where attendees could write notes to express their gratitude to donors that gave through the week.

by Jasmine Gage ’25

During the last week of college, I had so many emotions running through my brain. Of course, I was very excited to be the first in my family to graduate from college. As I began taking down my posters and tapestries, I started to feel a bit sad knowing I would be leaving all of my friends, professors, and the community that grew on me over the years. Some of them graduated with me, others were my roommates, but I’ll miss them all. I loved each and every class I’ve had with my professors and will always cherish the laughs we shared.

The night before commencement I couldn’t even sleep. I spent most of the day taking professional photos, responding to congratulatory texts, and sending out invitations. I was so excited to wake up, put on my cap and gown, and walk across the stage. My mother literally had to force me to go to sleep and I still woke up

On commencement day, my family was playing music, and everyone was helping me get ready. My dogs were barking and clinging to me everywhere I went in the house. I took a long look in the mirror and smiled. I did it – I actually graduated from college. Heading over to McKendree, I started to have butterflies as I saw some of my friends and hurried over to hug them for the last time. We all took photos, shared last-minute jokes, and talked about what we planned to do after. As we walked into the ceremony, I felt overjoyed to have the chance to experience this in its entirety.

Being able to walk across the stage was a very happy moment for me. To be able to hear my family cheer me on, my little siblings having the chance to see me walk, and to hug my professors again… I wish I could relive the day. The biggest surprise for me was my partner surprising me. Since we are long-distance, I thought he wouldn’t be able to make it, but I turned around and spotted him in the distance, and all I could do was cry. He told me how he drove over 10 hours in order to see me walk and that he didn’t want to miss the chance to be there.

The day after, my partner stayed for the weekend, and we decided to go to the zoo and have fun in St. Louis with my family. I spent the day eating funnel cake and looking at cute polar bears and the baby elephants. It was nice to have a chance to relax and soak in the fact that I graduated.

In June, I was accepted as a Fellow for the Gyo Obata Fellowship for the summer to work with non-profit arts organizations in order to promote diverse creative experiences in a field people don’t talk about much. I’m very excited to start this program and gain new experiences from this next chapter in my life. After the program, I plan to take a gap year in order to focus on building a stable life for myself, possibly working for the organization that I’ve been assigned. I cannot wait to start and learn new things from the program.

Zane Phillips Wins Technos International Prize

Zane Phillips ’25, an international relations major from Chambersburg, Ill., was surprised during the undergraduate commencement ceremony with the 2025 Technos International Prize. At McKendree, Zane was a member of the Honors Program and the men’s wrestling team. He also served as the secretary general for the university’s Model United Nations program for three years, was a research assistant for Dr. Brian Frederking ’90, and was inducted into the Phi Eta Sigma, Pi Gamma Mu, and Pi Sigma Alpha honor societies. Before the end of his final semester, Zane was also named McKendree’s outstanding student in the study of international relations.

Zane’s honors don’t stop there. This spring, he was selected to participate in the highly competitive, yearlong paid fellowship as an English language teaching assistant at Technos International College this fall in Tokyo, Japan, an opportunity given to only two students each year. Hats off to you, Zane!

This One’s for the History Books!

Dr. Lauren Thompson, associate professor of history, was honored with this year’s William Norman Grandy Faculty Award. She accepted this award among wild cheers from faculty, staff, and students alike at the undergraduate ceremony on May 9.

Affectionately known as “LT” on campus, Dr. Thompson is known for caring greatly for her students. She serves as a cocoordinator for McKendree’s University 101 program and as a member of the College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Evaluation Committee. A published author with another book in the works, she is also the co-advisor of the university’s Black Student Organization and a faculty advisor for Phi Eta Sigma and Phi Alpha Theta honor societies.

“Thank you to my students, my colleagues, faculty, and staff for this monumental award,” Dr. Thompson said.

“It means the world to me. I put my heart and soul into seeing that my students enjoy their time here.” Way to go, LT!

Dr. Lauren Thompson: A Beacon for All Students

Exemplary teachers do more than craft the perfect lesson plan and teach their material. They exude a commitment to their students, the university, and the community. This year’s winner of the United Methodist Exemplary Teacher of the Year Award is a vital part of the McKendree community and a first-rate instructor: Dr. Lauren Thompson!

Since she began teaching at McKendree in 2017, this associate professor of history has served as an excellent role model for our students. She awakens them to new perspectives on American history and shows them that what they learned in high school was only one way of viewing the world. Empathetic, enthusiastic, and honest, Dr. Thompson is a beacon for every student, especially those from underrepresented groups. Congratulations, LT!

Hardworking Technical Director Earns Well-Deserved Recognition

Doug Magnussen, the Hett’s long-time technical director, was recently awarded this year’s President’s Award for Professional Excellence. Doug began working at McKendree in 2006 and is known for his outstanding leadership, unwavering dedication, and the many contributions he has made to the McKendree campus community.

From expertly managing every production on the Hett stage to supporting the university’s students, staff, and visiting artists, he is the quiet force behind the curtain who makes the magic on the Hett stage possible.

Bravo, Doug!

Farewell and Thank You!

President Dobbins recognized two outgoing board members during commencement: Tom Holloway and Jamie Auffenberg, Jr. Tom, who was unable to attend the ceremony, joined the board in 1992 while Jamie joined in 1997. Both outgoing board members were awarded trustee emeritus status for their dedication and service to the university.

Doug & Michelle Magnussen

How did you two meet?

Michelle: We met before McKendree – in college. I was a sophomore, and a cute freshman tricked me into going out with him!

How did your McKendree journey begin?

Michelle: I had a friend teaching here in theater part-time in the spring of 2000. She mentioned that McKendree was looking for an adjunct to teach theater. We were living in U City at the time, and we had no idea McKendree existed. I applied and started in fall 2000, teaching two classes and directing a show. Doug started building sets a little after.

Doug: Our friend’s husband, whom we performed together with in a theater company in St. Louis, built sets at McKendree, and I would help him build things.

Why have you chosen to serve McKendree for all these years?

Doug: Our degrees were in acting, and I realized as an actor that I didn’t want to move to a big city. I had a goal of starting our own theatre company, and when that fell apart, I had a backup dream of being a technical director at a small liberal arts college. I was a theatrical contractor before I came here, but I got tired of living in hotels. To get handed the reins to this place in 2006 was like being handed the keys to a Porsche. We got creative right away and went beyond what people thought this building could do.

Michelle: Doug and I went to a small college for our undergraduate and a big university for our graduate degrees, but classes of 200 don’t do it for me. I like knowing my students’ names, what they do, and a little bit about them. Stepping onto McKendree’s campus for the first time felt like coming home.

Doug: One of the proudest moments was when Daryl (Hancock) turned to Michelle to tap her as role of director. I get to see the people who are important in my life get elevated and recognized for what they do!

Do you have a favorite type of show you like to put on at the Hett?

Michelle: I love shows that tackle things from an unexpected angle, and I love sarcastic, snarky humor!

Doug: We like to challenge people. We like shows that impact people; they go home and talk about it, whether they’re happy, upset, mad, or surprised. They appeal to me because they deal with real-life situations. Set-wise, I like finding wild things about the set design and asking, “How will I pull this off?” The script doesn’t tell you!

Do you have a favorite memory or show?

Michelle: Our 50th show, “She Kills Monsters,” was a blast – and a bit terrifying. It talks about family, acceptance, love, and telling people you love them before you can’t anymore. It worked out better than I imagined.

“The Play That Goes Wrong” was great, too, and “The Laramie Project” is very meaningful to me as well.

Doug: “The Dead Guy” was very challenging to pull off – that set was one of the ultimate challenges, especially in designing that door. It had to be opened and slammed throughout the show until the end when someone turned the handle and the whole door fell apart in their hands!

What’s it like working in the same building as your spouse?

Michelle: We’ve been working and doing theater together in some capacity for almost 40 years – school, grad school, our theatre company, and other places along the way. It’s great because we know how the other will react to things, but the worst part is we aren’t great at leaving work at work!

Doug: We’re both very passionate about theater and the performing arts. It takes very little for us to start talking about a show or a cool thing we saw or shows we’d want to do. We also know how to disagree healthily; when we’re working on something we’ll have spirited discussions because we’re sometimes passionate about different things.

What would our readers be surprised to know about you?

Doug: Everyone knows we’re from Wisconsin and we’re Packers fans. We tend to be very open with each other.

Michelle: But I don’t think they would know that we had our own theater company for five years in St. Louis!

Doug: That company, Creation Theatre Group, had actually moved from Louisville. Our friends from grad school and we had produced shows at the Kentucky Center for the Arts for two years and then moved to St. Louis to produce shows at various venues.

Michelle: Oh, also, Doug loves to bake!

Doug: Yeah, I recently got into it. Mostly sweets and breads, and a lot of cookie recipes that have been handed down through the family. But not sourdough; I don’t have that kind of patience. I absolutely love to cook as well.

McKendree has been blessed to have so many outstanding faculty and staff members making a positive difference in our Bearcats’ lives. Often, these people stay for decades and tend to exude the very essence of McKendree: excellence in their craft, unwavering dedication to the university and its students, and a deep sense of caring for others. In this edition of The McKendrean, we’re taking 5 minutes to chat with Doug and Michelle (Radke) Magnussen, the powerhouse duo who, along with Julia Hunt ’16, make the magic happen at the Hett.

I t’s quite a feat to remain at a place you love and make an exceptional difference in the lives of others for as long as the World Wide Web – and The Simpsons – made their first appearance (that would be 1989, for those who might not know). Dr. Joni Bastian, vice president for student affairs and one of the most beloved staff members at McKendree University, has done just that. Now, she’s embarking on a new journey: retirement.

Joni has served in many roles here; first, she began as an admission counselor and was promoted to assistant director of admissions shortly after. She was also the director of the McKendree at Night degree program, the director of Career Services, the assistant dean of students, assistant vice president and director of retention, and, finally, her current position, which she’s held since 2010. It’s safe to say that, while wearing so many different (purple) hats, Joni has touched countless lives as, what Provost Dr. Tami Eggleston calls her, “the most loyal university Bearcat.”

You might not remember the precise moment you met someone who appeared in your life and completely changed it for the better. That’s the case for many alumni when they think of Joni. What they remember is how she made them feel: seen, heard, valued, and always ready to listen with a warm smile.

“She listened to my concerns, helped me through uncertain situations, and played jokes alongside us,” Rebecca Wohltman ’09 said. “She made my college experience a lot of fun, and I also knew she was watching out for me. In a lot of ways, she was, and still is, my mom away from home.”

For international students like Jeremy Alexander ’09, Joni was literally their home away from home. A native of Montego Bay, Jamaica, Jeremy was paired with Joni, who was his host mom during his time at McKendree, and she always looked out for him, encouraged him, and helped him feel at home, like she does for all Bearcats.

Alumni can agree on one thing: Joni’s warmth, dedication, and genuine care for everyone – especially students – has shaped McKendree into the place that it is today.

“Joni has taught me through her servant leadership that you can continue to be warm and welcoming as a leader and make time for others, even when your plate is overflowing,” Jennifer said.

In Rebecca’s eyes, she also adds that Joni is one of a kind and is one of those people whom you meet in life and forge a decades-long relationship with.

“You can have fun in what you do, and investing in people can and will change their lives. I am thankful that Joni invested in me and helped make McKendree a home away from home for me and so many other Bearcats. Her investment has enabled so many students to grow, thrive, and make their mark on the world in ways they never envisioned,” Rebecca said.

“When I was starting to express an interest in student affairs, Joni helped guide me through the process,” Jeremy said. “Like her, I’ve done all my career in one institution – for me, it’s Eastern Illinois University as the senior associate director of residence life. She’s always been someone I could always reach out to. I could always just pop into Clark Hall and catch up with her, and she’d always be interested in what was going on in my life.”

Sometimes all you need is one person who wholeheartedly believes in you to help you make a leap of faith. Alumna Jennifer Vincent ’12 remembers Joni being there for her during her senior year at McKendree, which ultimately changed her life.

“I was afraid to go out into the corporate workforce and was contemplating being a graduate assistant at McKendree instead. Joni encouraged me to take the job I was offered as a software engineer at The Boeing Company, ensuring that McKendree would always welcome me back with open arms if I were inclined to find a job at the university later,” Jennifer said. “I took her advice and took the job. That decision changed my life.”

Joni isn’t just a kindhearted leader who treats everyone she meets as her equal; she also has accomplished so much to make McKendree itself thrive. She is the reason so many initiatives began, including the addition of competitive dance and cheer teams, Winter Guard, Color Guard, the student development and leadership department, the Dr. Lyn Huxford Center for Community Service, a Student Advising and Success Center, and dozens more.

Perhaps her proudest moment, aside from completing her master’s and doctorate degrees while working full-time, was when the Student Affairs department was chosen as a “Most Promising Places to Work Top 30” by the College Student Educators International in 2014.

“I stayed at McKendree for more than three decades because I loved my jobs and the people, but mostly, I wanted to make a difference in college students’ lives,” Joni said. “Not many people can say that they looked forward to going to work almost every day for 30+ years!”

Joni imagines she will miss a lot about McKendree in her retirement, especially seeing her staff on a daily basis and watching scared new first-year students blossom into confident graduates with jobs.

“Working with students has certainly kept me feeling young all of these years, and they have taught me so much!” Joni added. “I learned to stop and take a moment to greet someone, because you never know if you will have that opportunity to do so again. I have shed many tears from laughing and crying with our students.”

While Joni plans on using her skills working in an area grade school, working on stained glass projects again, traveling more with her husband, and spending plenty of time with her three fur babies (Winston, Jet, and Millie), don’t worry, Bearcats – you’re sure to see her on campus again.

“I hope to attend more campus athletic and Hett events!” Joni said.

BSO President, Director of Campus Activities Honored with MLK Jr. Humanitarian Award

On Feb. 6, senior Zariah Valentine and Craig Robertson were named this year’s recipients of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award for demonstrating care and compassion, understanding and tolerance for all people, and humanitarian principles and ideals.

A sociology major from Monroe, La., Zariah is the president of McKendree’s Black Student Organization (BSO) and is the captain of the women’s equipped powerlifting team. She volunteers with several organizations to help in the community both at McKendree and in her hometown; in fact, last Christmas, she volunteered at her church to build children’s beds. She plans to start a non-profit organization that helps children in need after graduating.

“I am truly humbled and honored to receive this incredible award,” Zariah said. “This award will be a reminder that you can do anything you can set your mind to.”

A native of Carlyle, Ill., and resident of Fairview Heights, Ill., Craig began his McKendree career as a resident director of Baker Hall, football coach, and intramural coordinator in 1996. He has served as the university’s director of campus activities and New Student Orientation leader since 2002. Craig isn’t just well-known and wellloved at McKendree; he’s also known in his community as a volunteer coach for boys’ and girls’ baseball teams in O’Fallon and volunteers at the soup kitchen in Granite City, Ill.

“You’ll be a part of something bigger than yourself after you graduate, so it’s important that you’re able to use your voice to help yourselves move forward in life,” Craig addressed the students after receiving the award.

“This One’s for

Women’s Water Polo Makes Waves in the Wake of Tragedy

This season has been one for the books for our women’s water polo team. These student-athletes smashed university program records, earned countless accolades, won the Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) title for the very first time, and made their first-ever appearance at the NCAA Championship Tournament. However, they had to tread an unimaginably difficult path before the season even began with the passing of their beloved head coach, died 10 days away from the start of the season.

Colleen was a trailblazer in her field and one of our students’ greatest cheerleaders, serving as the head men’s and women’s water polo coach. She showed herself to be a natural-born leader with a heart of gold, a coach that led with tough love but who had the utmost confidence in her Bearcats. She always dreamed of the team making the NCAA tournament, but while she never saw that dream become a reality, her team rallied together, supported one another through their grief, and made history through their smiles and tears.

The Bearcats intrepidly navigated through unchartered water as they geared up to face off against the best teams in the nation in every division, but their culture, built on hard work, discipline, and determination, helped them rise above. With Alex Figueras stepping in to lead the team as head coach, the team went 21-8 and won their conference championship for the first time.

The team clinched the 1-seed in the east region of the tournament. They started the WWPA Championships exhibition by defeating the University of California, Merced Bobcats, moved on to blaze the Fresno Pacific University Sunbirds in the semifinals, and finally made history by claiming their first-ever WWPA title over the Biola Eagles. This historic win earned them a slot in the NCAA tournament. While they ultimately fell to Wagner College in the opening round of the National Collegiate Water Polo Championships, their season was one for the history books – and something that we should all be proud of. Other teams might have been playing for a title or a trophy, but our Bearcats were playing for a coach who cared for them unconditionally.

“Nothing really changed in my mind in terms of what we wanted to do. We just kind of had a little extra push,” Coach Figueras said in an interview with KMOV. “At the end of the day, pretty much all of the credit for this goes to Colleen.”

Our women’s water polo team has so much to be proud of as they navigated their way through tragedy and persevered to reach such great heights, all in the name of their beloved former head coach.

Besides making their first-ever appearance at the national championship tournament, the Bearcats earned many impressive honors and accolades. McKendree was voted on by fellow Division II coaches to win the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches (ACWPC)’s major honors, including Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Assistant Coach of the Year. This was also the first time the Bearcats received a major honor from the association.

Senior goalkeeper Sydney Kane earned both the ACWPC Player of the Year, as well as being named First Team All-American. She was known as one of the nation’s best cage guardians throughout the season, finishing off with 340 saves and 34 steals on a 59 percent save percentage and an 8.69 goals-against average.

Coach Figueras was chosen for the ACWPC Coach of the Year after compiling a historic 21-8 season, including a 3-1 mark in conference play. He gave the program its many firsts, which consisted of snagging the WWPA Title and appearing in the NCAA National Collegiate Water Polo Championships. Before nationals, he was named the program’s first-ever WWPA Coach of the Year.

Finally, Colleen was also named as an honorary Coach of the Year by the ACWPC in acknowledgement of her immense contributions to the program since joining in 2016. She led the women’s program to 82 wins and the men’s program to 64 victories for a total of 146 wins across both programs.

Celebrating Net Gains

Nickie

Sanlin

Makes History as Coach of the Year!

What makes a good team shine? It’s not only their hard work and resilience, but also the guidance of a spectacular coach. Fortunately for McKendree’s men’s volleyball team, Coach Nickie Sanlin is that coach. Her efforts were recognized and rewarded this year when she was named the 2025 AVCA National Men’s Collegiate Coach of the Year. To boot, she is also the first-ever woman head coach to receive this award!

“It’s surreal. I have been named Conference Coach of the Year twice, but to be National Coach of the Year is something I never thought was possible,” Nickie said. “That meant to me that my peers and others in the country respect the immense amount of work I have put in over the past 12 years to get to this point. The men’s volleyball community is extremely tight-knit, and I felt the support from not only my friends in the community but from many coaches that I truly admire and respect.”

A native of Fairview Heights and resident of Belleville, Ill., Nickie started her McKendree journey in 2013, when she started the men’s volleyball program. Throughout her time, she’s kept her eye out for young men who have a blue-collar mentality, a chip on their shoulder, and a capacity to do hard work when she’s recruiting future Bearcats.

“They have to respect their fellow humans and have a belief in being a part of something bigger than themselves,” Nickie said. “We are a tight-knit group that understands love doesn’t mean sunshine and rainbows, but tough conversations, leaning into discomfort, and being there for each other, no matter the circumstances.”

This season, the Bearcats broke their program record for most wins in a season with a cumulative record of 20-8, 13-3. They also recently finished second in the Men’s Pan-American Volleyball Cup in Guatemala, representing Team USA. Nickie attributes this outstanding performance to their belief in their motto of “All Team, All the Time” and in the hard work that was taking place in the gym.

“This group is the same group that two years ago was 1-13 in conference,” she said. “We played several five-set matches, and I truly saw our team blossom and get stronger in tense moments. When other teams folded, they loved the pressure, and the work they put in at practice showed itself. They were pushed to their limits and did a great job persevering and coming out on the other side.”

McKendree would go on to enter the Midwest Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) tournament this spring, sweeping Purdue Fort Wayne in three sets. For the first time in program history, they hosted the semifinals and faced off against No. 15 Ohio State. Unfortunately, McKendree fell short of claiming the title and going on to the finals, but their performance was nonetheless astounding, with sophomore setter Nate Flayter being awarded the MIVA All-Tournament Team after his dominating performance in the conference tournament.

“I’m proud of the team’s resolve,” Nickie said. “The mounting pressure to be perfect and have a target on our back when we hit our 12-game winning streak – along with no longer being considered the underdog –was something we have never experienced before. But when times got tough and real conversations and challenges arose, they leaned into it all, and we did our best to find solutions and take ownership where it was needed. I have a great group of young men, and I’m proud of their maturity, commitment, and their communication to get to our first championship.” As for next season, Nickie hopes they can win the conference tournament and make their way to the NCAA tournament.

“It’s a daunting task but one that I know the team is ready to step up to the challenge,” she said. “We say a lot as a team, ‘Be where your feet are,’ and the team did a really good job keeping their eyes on the prize and staying in the present this season. I want the team to continue on the path of hard work and selflessness to earn our next championship.”

BRANDI(BRANKA)KORDELEWSKI’13

Brandi (Branka) Kordelewski was a standout member of the McKendree University women’s bowling team and continues to make her mark in the sport as both a competitor and coach. As a student-athlete, Kordelewski played a pivotal role in McKendree’s success, including being a member of the 2011 NAIA Women’s Bowling Championship team, where she earned the title of Most Valuable Player.

David Warnecke ’78

David Warnecke was a two-sport star for McKendree University, excelling in both baseball and basketball during his collegiate career. A four-year letterman in baseball and a three-year letterman in basketball, Warnecke’s athletic prowess left a lasting legacy at McKendree. In baseball, Warnecke achieved a remarkable career .348 batting average, including a standout junior season where he hit .396.

A.J. Wentland ’17

A.J. Wentland is one of the most accomplished defensive players in McKendree University football history, leaving an indelible mark on the program. A dominant linebacker, Wentland was a two-time NCAA Division II All-American and the 2016 Great Lakes Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Wentland holds the McKendree record for career tackles with 421 and was named GLVC Defensive Player of the Week six times during his career.

LanceRinghausen,MBA’04

Lance Ringhausen served as the Head Athletic Trainer for McKendree University from 1996-2020 and was a consistent contributor to the athletic program during his time. Ringhausen was a key part of the football and men’s basketball program, providing essential support on gamedays and did not miss a game in his 24 seasons with the football team. During his time in Lebanon, Ringhausen supervised athletic training students in the Accredited Athletic Training Program (ATEP).

1985Women’sVolleyballTeam

This outstanding team set a school record (40-7 overall) and advanced to the NAIA Championship quarterfinals for the first time in school history. En route to finishing the season ranked fifth in the rankings, the Bearcats upset the first- and second-ranked teams at the NAIA Championship before losing to the previous year’s national champion.

This February, McKendree honored our accomplished alumni by inducting them into the McKendree Sports Hall of Fame. Take a look at this year’s winners!

Alumni

1960

Harry Statham (left) was inducted into the inaugural class of the Illinois Sports Hall of Fame for basketball in June 2025.

1982

Mike Dunnigan (right) was inducted into the inaugural class of the Illinois Sports Hall of Fame for baseball in June 2025.

1984

The Reverend Dr. Don Wagner is a member of the McKendree University Alumni Association Board of Directors as of March 8, 2025. He is a retired minister after 35 years of service.

Men’s Hockey Alumni Gathering: January 2025

On Friday, January 24, McKendree men’s hockey alumni returned to the rink to cheer on the Bearcats as they took on Illinois State University. It was a great night of reconnecting, reminiscing, and rallying around our team. Thank you to everyone who joined us—we were thrilled to welcome alumni from the 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s back to the ice!

Pictured from left to right: Front Row: Shayne Pluto ’21, Cayden Brilley ’23, Brett Maggio ’18, Chris Noble ’22, Nick Nelson ‘21, Adam Siek ’23, Trevor Wolf ’22, Dmytro Golovko ’20, Christian Blandina ’22, Jacob Scrum ’21, Zach Loehr ’17, Blakely Robinson ’22, and Garrett Poole ’21. Back Row: Noah Scrum ’23, Brad Maggio ’07, former coach Jantzen Eddington ’08, Charlie Donze ’10, Derek Sallee ’13, Derek Hartung ’13, future Bearcat Freddie Mueth, and Dylan Mueth ’15

Celebrating Bearcat Excellence On and Off the Field

Each spring, the McKendree University Sports Hall of Fame Committee gathers to compile nominations, review achievements, and thoughtfully vote on a slate of outstanding individuals to be inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame.

Front Row: Brian Lovelette ’00, Kristin (Hustedde) Von Hatten ’02, Chris Mitchell ’99 (Committee Chair), Brandi (Branka) Kordelewski ’13, Holly (Weathers) Sallee ’13, and Brooke Portz ’00. Back Row: Jeff Thornton ’88, Trevor Brumleve ’17, Aaron Jackstadt ’00, Dennis Korte ’70, and Brad Weathers ’76.

Men’s Basketball Alumni Gathering: January 2025

On Saturday, January 25, we welcomed back McKendree men’s basketball alumni for a special reunion as the Bearcats took on Missouri S&T. It was a great day of reconnecting with former teammates, catching up with coaches, and celebrating the legacy of Bearcat basketball. Thank you to all the alumni who joined us!

A. left to right: President Dan Dobbins ’81; Kyle Elmore ’24; Oliver Stephen ’22; Logan Kohrmann ’20; Tory Pedtke ’19, MBA ’21; Luke Hensler ’23; Clinton Happe ’14; Michael Schaulat ’77; Gary Vandeloo ’78; David Warnecke ’78; David Ruckman ’13; Chuck Renner ’78; B. left to right: Kurt Klein ’79; Andy Kassebaum ’82; David Nottrott ’64; Rick Stein ’56; David Franklin ’17; Dennis Korte ’70; Paul Kettwich ’73; Darron Randle ’92; Michael Jackson ’17; Wendell Johnson ’69; and Lou Hagenbruch ’68.

1988

Chuck Brueggeman is on the 2025 St. Louis Titan list, which recognizes the top 100 CEOs and C-level executives.

1997

Jarrod Brissenden is the manager of the Alton River Dragons baseball team in Alton, Ill.

1999

Jenny Gain Meyer is the mayor of Belleville, Ill. Natalie Jablonski is the trustee for the Village of Swansea in Swansea, Ill. She is the director of project prioritization and standards for Schnuck Markets, Inc.

2002

Christine (Leeper) Bereitschaft is a member of the McKendree University Alumni Association Board of Directors. She is a research coordinator at Washington University School of Medicine.

Women’s Basketball Alumni Gathering: January 2025

On Saturday, January 25, we also welcomed back McKendree women’s basketball alumni for a special reunion as the Bearcats took on Missouri S&T. Thank you to all the alumni who joined us!

Pictured from left to right: Kari (Crnkovich) Crask ‘96, Madison Hart ’20, Madison Jones ’22, Sydney Diekhoff ’21, Jordan Morton ’19, Kelly (Mitchell) Forrler ’06, Haley (Klingelhoefer) Jansen ’10, Katie (Fullerton) Timmermann ’11, Emily (Best) Van Natta ’09, and Brittany Willis ’14.

2003

Brian Ferguson is one of the “Top 100 St. Louisans to know to succeed in business,” recognized by Small Business Monthly.

Melanie Hundsdorfer is a 2025 recipient of special recognition by the Illinois State Board of Education for the 2025 Those Who Excel Awards. She is a classroom teacher at Grant CCSD No. 110 in Fairview Heights, Ill.

2004

Amber (Raymond) Hopkins is the 2025 recipient of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Executive Institute Women in Criminal Justice Blue Line Dedication Award. She is the executive assistant for the Fairview Heights Police Department in Fairview Heights, Ill.

E ver since he was a young boy, Tyler dreamed of becoming a voice actor. In fact, the New Baden, Ill., native often mimicked voices and sounds he would hear in his everyday life (“Thank you, neurodivergence,” he quips.). He didn’t know if his dream could morph into a viable profession until much later when he would come to McKendree and learn all about acting from Doug and Michelle (Radke) Magnussen.

While he chose McKendree because it was close to home and the close-knit feeling he experienced from the music department, the welcoming and exciting feeling he got from meeting Doug and Michelle and wanting to be involved with the theatre department sealed the deal for him.

“Both Doug and Michelle set the standard for dissecting a character and immersing myself in the text of whatever I’m reading so that I can better bring it to life,” Tyler said. “Their teachings of having purpose and knowing my character inside and out allowed me to take even the shortest scripts and create a fullyformed character.”

Graduating with a major in theater and a minor in music, Tyler would go on to live in Orlando, Fla., and professionally puppeteer for Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and BYUtv in a variety of shows, including “Festival of the Lion King,” “9 Years to Neptune,” and “The Muppets Present… Great Moments in History!” He has also worked on an ongoing multi-media show called Bird Call, which was created by his

Tyler Campbell ’13

He has provided a variety of voices for the Bird Call series and has recently had roles at the Disney and Legoland theme parks. While it’s hard to pinpoint a favorite role, one of Tyler’s high points has been working with the Muppets in the Magic Kingdom. To make the magic happen, Tyler places himself in the nuanced world that his client has specifically made. From there, he builds his own version of the world, imagines who he’s talking to, puts himself in that situation, and gives it a whirl.

Ask him to pull out any impression from his arsenal to prove his talent, and you could be greeted with an uncanny rendition of Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, Bill Clinton, and many others. But the voice actors who inspire him the most are his “Mount Rushmore,” which includes Mel Blanc, Rob Paulsen, Tress McNeil, and Charlie Adler.

“Not only are they incredibly versatile in their voices and their acting abilities, but they are also some of the most universally loved people in the business, which makes me want to work with them more than talent alone,” Tyler said.

Perhaps the most challenging part of his career is the freelance aspect of it. As a voice actor, he’s typically alone in his closet booth doing auditions anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, and he will occasionally take classes to interact with other actors and directors. While he is constantly auditioning and putting his name out there, his passion

How he found his voice at McKendree

Let’s go, Blues!

On Thursday, March 20, McKendree alumni gathered for a fun-filled night at the Enterprise Center as the St. Louis Blues took on the Vancouver Canucks. It was an exciting game with the Blues rallying to an overtime victory! Thank you to all our alumni who joined us—we loved spending the night with you!

Supporting Our Bearcats Over Spring Break!

While many students head home for spring break, some remain on campus. Residence Life and the LIGHTHOUSE Committee organized dinners for students while campus dining was closed, securing sponsors for each night to ensure everyone was fed for the evening.

The Alumni Board’s Student Engagement Committee was thrilled to sponsor a Taco Night—because what’s better than good food and great company?

The Career Playbook Conference

The McKendree University Alumni Association and McKendree Career Services partnered to help our students take the next step in their professional journeys by hosting The Career Playbook Conference!

A huge thank-you to our amazing guest speakers!

If you’re an alum and want to get involved on campus, we’d love to connect with you! Shoot us an email at alumni@mckendree.edu.

Natalie Jablonski ’99

The Network Effect: Creating a Chain Reaction of Opportunity

Jenna Cassity ’15

Interview Ready: Building a Strategy for Career Success

Tanner Wolk ’10 (Alumni Board Member):

Dollars and Sense: Tips for Financial Wellness

Special thanks to our volunteers and organizers:

Rachel Ford ’18 – Alumni Board Member

Susan Harbaugh ’04 – Alumni Board Member

Susan Chapman ’19 – Alumni Board Member

Jonas Patterson ’16, ’18

Travis Liebig – Trustee

Erin Barr ’08

Ryan Furniss ’00 – Trustee

Kate Bixby ’19, ’21

George Kriss and his team are the recipients of the Ellucian 2025 Annual Impact Award for Kaskaskia College.

2006

Amy (Maurer) Von Hatten is the nurse manager of ASU, PACU, Endoscopy and Surgical Home at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, Ill.

2007

Krista Basuel is the December 2024 Kahok Educator of the Month for the Collinsville Community Unit School District No. 10 in Illinois.

2008

Julie Jacob was inducted into the Illinois High School Cheerleading Coaches Organization [IHSCCO] Hall of Fame.

Clay Weier is a member of the McKendree University Alumni Association Board of Directors as of March 8, 2025. He is a supervisory deputy U.S. marshal over the enforcement/warrant division for the United States Marshals Service – the Southern District of Illinois.

Lauren Reeves ’17 and husband Michael welcomed daughter Clark Lexington in the fall of 2024.

Logyn (Norris) Beck ’18, ’21 , husband Nick, and big sister welcomed Rowyn Beck on December 12, 2024.

Zachary ’21 and Alynnah [O’Leary] Stenger ’21 welcomed daughter Ainsley Stenger on January 21, 2025.

Kirsten (Ratermann) Wilde ’14, husband Brennan, and big brother Theodore, welcomed Gabriel on March 4, 2025.

Daniel Thorson ’18 and Paige (Salthouse) Thorson ’17, MBA ’18 and big sister Parker, welcomed Josephine Thorson on October 17, 2024.

Trevor Brumleve ’17 and wife Madison, welcomed daughter Avery on May 24, 2025.

Alyssa (Bruggemann) Buske ’21 and Jorden Buske were married October 12, 2024. The wedding party included fellow Bearcat Brandi Bruener ’19.

Rachel Ford ’18 and Nate Gatter were married on April 25, 2025 in St. Louis, Mo.

A.

C.

D.

E.

G.

F.

H.

A.

C.

E.

G.

B.

D.

F.

H.

2010

Larry Russell is the advanced technology executive for I.T. staffing at Zones, LLC.

Andrea (Linder) Seipp is a Belleville VFW Post 1739’s Teacher of the Year for 2025. She is a civics teacher at Belleville East High School in Belleville, Ill.

Tanner Wolk is a member of the McKendree University Alumni Association Board of Directors as of March 8, 2025. He is a district marketing manager for Federated Insurance Company in O’Fallon, Ill.

2011

Donald Murray is the client success manager at CHAMP Titles.

2013

Whitney (Laur) Bishop is the revenue operations director at TEN (Transportation Equipment Network) in Edwardsville, Ill.

Stephanie (Scibona) Freivogel is a legal assistant at Brown & James, P.C in Belleville, Ill.

2014

Clinton Happe is a member of the McKendree University Alumni Association Board of Directors as of March 8, 2025. He is the vice president of property and casualty risk consulting for USI Insurance Services in St. Louis, Mo.

Christopher Willhite is the EVP, Trading & Chief Commercial Officer at Land’s End Energy.

2015

Jenna (Morris) Cassity is a talent management business partner at Anders CPAs + Advisors in St. Louis, Mo.

Caitlin Schlueter is the senior marketing consultant at WSP in Seattle, Wash.

2016

Maria (Foehner) Tannahill is the human resources administration manager, assistant vice president at Carrollton Bank.

2017

Trevor Brumleve is the assistant athletic director for development at McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill.

David Franklin is the head coach for boys’ basketball at Belleville East High School in Belleville, Ill.

2019

Megan (Radae) Walsh is a customer success manager at Rapsodo in St. Louis, Mo.

2020

Kae Edgcomb earned a doctorate degree in occupational therapy from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in May 2025.

2022

Camryn Anderson is the office manager at Trio Foundry in Montgomery, Ill.

Joshua Carlson is the market development specialist at Goodheart-Willcox in Tinley Park, Ill.

Hope Gramly is the head men’s and women’s bowling coach at Trine University in Angola, Ind.

Darrwin Perkins II is the editor-in-chief of volume 19 of the Saint Louis University Journal of Health Law & Policy. His note, “Shifting Regulations, Lasting Disparities: How Title X Rules Changes Undermine Reproductive Justice & Health Equity,” was also awarded Best Student Note for 2024-25.

2024

Davante Carey is an environmental health and safety trainee at Bunge in Channahon, Ill.

Gavin Davidson is an associate at Clifton Larson Allen in St. Louis, Mo.

Lauren Fischer is a police officer at the Fairview Heights Police Department in Fairview Heights, Ill.

Katie Spotanski is a strategic marketing intern at Paradowski Creative in Brentwood, Mo.

2025

Ty Michael is a partner sales intern at Abstrakt Marketing Group in St. Louis, Mo.

Zane Phillips is an English language teaching assistant at Technos International College in Tokyo, Japan.

Blake Wind is a pool manager at Westwood Country Club in Austin, Texas.

Across

Held every fall, McKendree invites influential business leaders and entrepreneurs to share their insight and strategies for success at the Hett as part of the Wayne E. ______ Lecture Series.

When you become a _____ of the Hett, you can enjoy discount tickets, wait listing priority, personally reserved seats and so much more.

Don’t tell your performing friends “good luck” on opening night! Instead, tell them to “break a ______!” It’s part of theater superstition!

This is the office you visit in the Hett to purchase your tickets.

Students from McKendree’s bands, choirs, and theater gather in these designated spaces to do this for an upcoming performance or play; clue begins with an “R.”

With steel beams reaching 70 feet tall, the Hett rises nearly as far into the sky as this historic campus building.

This is the full name of the building: the Russel E. and _______ M. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts.

This campaign was responsible for bringing the Hett into being: The Heritage, ____ & Hope campaign

The band often practices the university’s fight song, called “_______________,” in the Hett’s band room.

Fern has famously said that one’s ______, like the arts, are gifts to be shared.

This singular light can be found on the Hett stage when the theater is closed. It stems from theatrical superstition in which the light believed to either ward off mischievous spirits or keep spirits of productions past content: ______ light.

Need help? No problem! Scan the QR code for an answer key.

This Grammy-award winning opera superstar and McKendree alumna frequently returns to the Hett to perform: Christine _______.

Many of McKendree’s most excellent students are inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Eta Sigma, and Tau Sigma honor societies on this important annual event at the Hett.

The Hett is now celebrating its _____ season, featuring acts like Eternamante, Ryan & Ryan, and Taylor Made Presents: Long Live – The Journey of Taylor Swift.

Performed this past fall on the Hett stage, this student play told the tale of six strangers in a lonely farmhouse, surrounded by brain-eating zombies: Night of the ______ Dead Live!

This is the field on which the Hett was built. It was relocated near the Melvin Price Convocation Center and now acts as the home of the McKendree University baseball team: _____ Field.

The

Pop quiz, Bearcats! Can you solve...

Welcome to the Bearcat Crossword Puzzle #5! In celebration of the Hett’s 20th season, we put together this Hett-themed crossword puzzle. It’s stuffed with some pretty tricky trivia that’s sure to stump even the most seasoned of Hett attendees.

Built on Integrity: Carla Stone ’89, MBA ’13

Carla’s journey to becoming a trailblazing leader in the cybersecurity industry is nothing short of inspiring. With a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business administration and an MBA both from McKendree, Carla has built a career defined by resilience, leadership, and a commitment to empowering others.

A native of Troy, Ill., and current resident of Columbia, Ill., Carla chose McKendree for its closeknit campus community where professors knew her by name and taught her critical thinking skills, resilience, and ethics, which are key in cybersecurity and business. This foundation has guided her career, particularly as the CEO of TechGuard, a company she helped grow from its early days to a leader in the cybersecurity sector. She is also a member of the McKendree University Board of Trustees.

Founded in 2000 and based in O’Fallon, Ill., TechGuard specializes in providing cybersecurity solutions to both government and commercial sectors. Carla joined the company in 2006 as the senior accountant and worked her way up, taking on various roles including VP of Government Solutions before being named CEO. Under her leadership, TechGuard has flourished; in fact, it will be celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Carla’s role as CEO is multi-faceted: setting the strategic direction of the company, overseeing operations, driving business development, and cultivating a company culture that prioritizes innovation and inclusion.

“The tech industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving, but our focus on excellence, integrity, and inclusion has allowed us to stay ahead of the curve,” she said.

As a woman in a male-dominated field, Carla has faced unique challenges, yet she has used these obstacles as motivation to mentor future leaders, particularly women and underrepresented groups in tech.

“Don’t let the obstacles define you. Let your work speak for itself,” she advised aspiring women in cybersecurity. “You belong in this industry – and your voice makes it stronger.”

One of her proudest achievements is having her children, Maxwell and Madison, working alongside her at TechGuard. Maxwell serves as contracts manager, and Madison is the company’s senior accountant.

“It’s incredibly fulfilling to build something alongside my two favorite people,” she said.

In Memoriam

Deceased alumni and friends through June 25, 2025.

The Reverend Ivan C. Horn ’60, 12/26/24

Beryl A. Smith ’91, 1/20/25

The Reverend Gary Scheller ’62, 1/24/25

Robert M. Jacobs, 1/30/25

Marianna (Davis) Romine ’69, 2/5/25

Dr. Stephanie L. Owen ’74, 2/6/25

James E. Dunn, 2/17/25

John F. Schmidt, 2/17/25

Joanne (Moody) Paul ’63, 2/23/25

Shari A. Bennett ’01, 3/5/25

Mary L. (Pummill) Howell ’52, 3/5/25

Jennifer M. (Hall) Johnson ’14, 3/9/25

Larry L. Hopkins ’70, 3/12/25

Elizabeth J. Vogt, 3/14/25

Emmerson W. Munro II ’74, 3/15/25

Shelby J. (Hermeling) Marra ’68, 3/16/25

John L. Peterson ’68, 3/21/25

Michael R. Voellinger ’73, 3/21/25

Loy Dale Cruse ’55, 3/30/25

Stephen Woolery ’77, 3/30/25

Dr. Kara J. (Greenwell) Smith ’97, 3/31/25

Major Gloria D. Jones ’85, 4/1/25

Kim F. Lobring, 4/1/25

Charles E. Lee ’74, 4/2/25

Dr. Thomas L. Darrah, 4/5/25

Don M. Cornell, Jr. ’79, 4/15/25

Kay E. Korte, 5/9/25

Daniel L. Spickard ’86, 5/18/25

Peggy A. (Jackson) Cruse ’61, 5/22/25

Kenneth E. Wildhaber ’58, 5/24/25

Carolyn M. (Parks) Herzon ’93, 6/1/25

Robert B. Purcell ’74, 6/3/25

The Reverend Kenneth L. Dean, 6/10/25

Dee Ann (Dillow) Johnson ’78, 6/25/25