The McKendrean - Winter 2025 | McKendree University Magazine

Winter 2025 Edition

Outside & Inside Cover: McKendree’s Bicentennial Class Arrives

This past August, McKendree welcomed the Class of 2028, which is not only the university’s bicentennial class, but also its largest incoming class in institutional history. The diverse student body hails from 35 states and 29 other countries. Additionally, 50 percent have chosen McKendree as their home thanks to the university’s Clear Path initiative.

Read more about Clear Path and how McKendree is making a name for itself on page 5!

A McKendree first-year has a flurry of activity to look forward to during their first week on campus. Move-In and Convocation, as well as opportunities to bond at ‘Play Fair’ and ‘Into theStreets’arejustafewmemorablemoments that make the McKendree experience unique.

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

Dr. Brian Frederking ’90

Nadia Ghahkenshah

Patrick Knapinski

Brandi (Branka) Kordelewski ’13

Lori Kuper ’20

Holly (Weathers) Sallee ’13

Dear Campus Community, Alumni and Friends of McKendree,

McKendree has been long known as an institution of higher learning that champions providing a high-quality educational experience to outstanding students. I am pleased to inform you that we are not only moving forward in our cause but that we are also gaining momentum in shaping our university into an institution that positively affects lives each day. This momentum can be seen in all corners of campus as McKendree continues to experience remarkable growth and the Bearcat community shares in the joy of pursuing knowledge, creating - and maintaining – an unmatched culture of excellence.

For the third year in a row, McKendree has enjoyed continued enrollment success; we saw our total enrollment grow 16 percent to 2,415 students online and on-campus. Additionally, this year we welcomed 535 new undergraduate students to campus, and we saw our on-campus enrollment grow to 1,361 students. This class – our bicentennial class – is the university’s largest ever in our 196year history, hailing from 35 states and 29 countries. We’ve seen McKendree become even more of a household name as 50 percent of these new students have chosen to become Bearcats thanks to our Clear Path initiative, which has proven to be a key factor for our enduring enrollment success.

In the spirit of continued learning, McKendree also held its inaugural Lifelong Learning Day this fall. On this day, classes were canceled as students were encouraged to attend various panels held by knowledgeable members of the McKendree community.

Throughout the day, Bearcats learned about a wide range of topics from staff, faculty, alumni, and their own peers. A keynote featuring four successful alumni whose career paths took them in unexpected directions returned to campus to give students advice, wisdom, and encouragement, and to show them how their alma mater prepared them to handle every obstacle and opportunity along the way. This special day shows our commitment and passion to provide a highquality educational experience to our students both in and outside of the classroom.

As the campus continues to experience important improvements to several of its buildings including The Lair, we await the conclusion of Voigt Science Hall’s renovations in January 2026. So far, the renovations look impressive, and I am eager to see the project through to its completion. Thanks to the generous donors from our FORWARD campaign, the updates and additions that this building is receiving will more easily allow our knowledgeable faculty to teach, engage with, and mold our students into the future leaders and thinkers our world needs. It’s because of our hardworking faculty and staff – and people like you – that today and always, I remain proud to be a Bearcat!

Daniel C. Dobbins ’81 President | McKendree University

FromBest-KeptSecrettoHouseholdName

Maybe you’ve heard it when you took your first tour of McKendree, while you were a student, or once you became an alum. You’ve seen alumni or their parents grin wistfully when someone brings up the university in conversation, and they say something akin to,

“Oh, yeah, McKendree is Illinois’ best-kept secret.”

Or maybe you’ve experienced something that pangs Bearcats’ hearts. Someone asks where you went to school, and after you proudly mention your alma mater, they quizzically reply, “McKendree? Never heard of it.”

Our beloved university might have once been known as a precious jewel furtively hidden in the cornfields of southern Illinois, a treasure only the worthiest of students can discover and claim. But this notion is finally changing. Thanks to the tireless endeavors of the university’s dedicated faculty and staff, McKendree is turning heads and garnering the attention of prospective students, government officials, and more.

IlluminatingthePathForward

When prospective students begin looking for a college to attend, they often keep a few key factors in mind: distance, programs they wish to enroll in, and, perhaps most importantly, money. Oftentimes, when they hear the words “private university,” they immediately see more dollar signs and dismiss the opportunity, believing they can’t afford it. McKendree, however, makes attending a private university much more attainable for Bearcats in their own backyard, thanks to an innovative initiative: Clear Path.

Clear Path was launched in the spring of 2021 with a specific mission: to provide price transparency for local students considering McKendree University. The initiative started with an impressive local reach that covered 34 counties in southern Illinois. It has since expanded to include an additional 29 counties, spanning 235 high schools and 18 community colleges. That means even prospective students as far north as Champaign, Ill., have the chance to experience life as a Bearcat for less.

According to Chris Hall, vice president for admission and financial aid, fewer than 30 percent of the university’s incoming class hailed from local communities prior to 2021. Now, thanks to Clear Path, more than 40 percent of incoming students come from these neighboring counties, and applications and admissions continue to increase each year.

“We continue to be excited about Clear Path and the opportunity it provides to make a McKendree education possible,” Chris said.

As an admission counselor who primarily visits eastern Illinois counties for McKendree, Caitlyn Freece has been noticing the shift from McKendree’s classification as a secret to becoming more recognized when she talks to students and their families. She also loves seeing their faces light up when they realize that their dreams of going to college are much more attainable than they thought, thanks to Clear Path. She attributes this change to the team effort and family atmosphere that personnel at McKendree bring.

“When students hear about what McKendree has to offer them, we also highly encourage them to come visit,” she said. “The student then comes to visit and gets the warmest welcome from faculty, staff, and coaches. Then, they go on a tour with incredible current students who love McKendree and emphasize the support they have on campus. This makes the prospective student and family feel heard. When students feel seen in who they are and what they want to accomplish, and parents see that light in their children – it truly goes far.”

For first-year Sara Preston, an elementary education major from Smithton, Ill., Clear Path significantly helped her with her decision to attend McKendree. She was initially planning on attending her local community college and transferring to a bigger school. This, however, was before McKendree came into the picture.

“I have always wanted to go to McKendree, but I thought that money would end up getting in the way. I am so happy that there are scholarships like Clear Path that can help me achieve my dreams,” she said.

An active member of the university’s Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, Sara also chose McKendree not only because it was a mere 35 minutes away from her family and friends but also because she felt wanted.

“I felt like McKendree wanted me to be here and they wanted to help me with my dreams,” she said. “I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. I know that I will get an amazing education at McKendree to fully prepare me for my future.”

CallingAllNations

McKendree’s reach goes beyond state borders into international waters as well. Over the years, the university has welcomed more and more students from all corners of the globe, partially in thanks to partnerships they’ve established in far-flung regions, which have been instrumental in connecting the university to future Bearcats. These students have also found out all about McKendree and what it means to live life as a Bearcat through social media, athletics programs, or good old online college searches.

So, what makes these strangers from strange lands choose McKendree? According to Maddy Kuper ’22, an admission counselor who serves as the primary point of contact for international students interested in attending McKendree, many of them are drawn to the university because of the small class sizes, which provide them with personalized attention from professors and staff.

“This level of individual focus can be a significant factor in their decision to choose McKendree over larger universities,” Maddy said. “Additionally, McKendree’s focus on fostering a supportive, student-centered environment is highly appealing to international students. Along with the small class sizes, personal connections with faculty and staff play a key role in their decision.”

TheDivisionofNursingTakesWing toSouthernIllinois

McKendree’s Division of Nursing is also making moves to support the underserved communities in southern Illinois. The division was recently granted a $980,000 federal grant from Congressionally Directed Spending, which Senator Dick Durbin secured as part of the 2024 fiscal year’s Consolidated Appropriations Act.

Called Building a Rural Nurse Educator Workforce through Academic-Practice Partnership, the grant’s goal is to address the nursing education shortage in these communities by ensuring that an adequate number of nurse educators are strategically placed within the academic and healthcare practice arena.

Because of this grant, the tuition cost for 60 students who have been enrolled in McKendree’s Master of Nursing nurse educator program has been paid, allowing them to attain their education without worrying about the cost. These students will then serve the 45 counties located in the south and south-central regions of Illinois with their newfound knowledge, making a significant impact on these communities in preparation of the next generation of the nursing workforce.

“The Division of Nursing is excited about the opportunity to embark on this journey with our students and practice partners,” said Dr. Kendra Taylor ’06, MSN ’14, DNP ’21, assistant professor of nursing and director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and chair of the Division of Nursing.

TeachingIsn’tfortheFaintofHeart

Even nontraditional students looking for a change in their careers can find success at McKendree. The School of Education in particular has been having incredible success lately in attracting nontraditional students and giving them the tools they need to become fully licensed teachers in just a few short semesters. While the university’s Paraprofessional+ Pathway program has continued to shine (enrollment increased by 28 percent this past fall), McKendree’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program is also making waves.

The program, which is now completely online, is the quickest, most cost-effective, and most efficient in the southern Illinois region, allowing students to attain their master’s degree in teaching in only four or five semesters. The MAT program gives students the opportunity to specialize in elementary, middle school, secondary, K-12, or special education, no matter where they’re located.

Emily Bonebrake, a current student in the MAT program, has lived in several states throughout the past five years. The Frankfort, Ill., native earned a bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology and management from Utah State University in 2022; however, after working for the U.S. Forest Service for two years, she decided she wanted to change her career path to education. After finding McKendree’s MAT program online, she felt that the program, along with its short timeline and reasonable price, fit the bill for her.

“After comparing several schools and chatting with their admissions counselors, it was clear that online MAT students are supported by McKendree staff, which was another key value for my starting an online program,” Emily said. “I was nervous about going back to school, especially in an online environment, but McKendree has proven to be the best decision for myself personally and professionally.”

Emily currently works as a task force substitute teacher at Joliet Central High School and is working toward a master’s degree in teaching secondary education for biology. She recently completed her field observations, which involved her observing her cooperating teacher in the classroom for more than 70 hours. In the spring, she will be student-teaching at the school in which she works with the guidance of her cooperating teacher. McKendree’s courses, especially the experiences in the field, have proven to be invaluable to Emily and her future students.

“These are experiences that pure classwork can’t offer, and I’m so grateful that McKendree requires a field observation portion because it has greatly increased my professionalism,” she said. “Each class has presented different material that has challenged and expanded my thinking about the education field, which has led me to think deeper about how I can personalize the learning experience for each of my students. This will help me keep my students invested in learning and preparing them to become successful contributors to society when they graduate high school.”

Emily has also formed personal relationships with several of her professors and knows that she can reach out to them at any stage in her career.

“Teaching is not a career for the faint of heart, and I have learned that it is key to have experienced educators to reach out to when in need of support,” she said.

“McKendree has proven to be the best decision for myself personally and professionally.”

For current MAT student Antonio Allon, enrolling in the one-year MAT program at McKendree will help him graduate from a permanent substitute teacher at Oak Park and River Forest High School to a fully licensed teacher in Illinois. The Cicero, Ill., native heard about McKendree’s MAT program through the Board of Education and jumped aboard when he heard that it would only take him one year to complete.

“I see that what I am learning will be useful for my future students and classrooms, and I can use these skills to have a better impact on them,” Antonio said. “I want to show that I care for them and teach them to the best of my ability.”

Antonio will be returning to the school he called home as a first-year, Morton Freshman Center in Cicero, Ill., to student-teach in the spring. He believes that his time spent in McKendree’s MAT program will help him become better prepared to teach, to learn from his mistakes, and shape him into a better teacher and person in general. His professors in the program help him discover new things to learn in and outside of the classroom.

“The instructors are awesome people, and you will learn a lot from them!” he said.

TheFutureisPurpleandWhite

Transitioning from a wide-eyed student to a confident professional can definitely pose a challenge, even for the most prepared graduate. In today’s competitive world, even the most polished resumes and congenial interviews aren’t a guarantee you’ll be chosen. However, several local workplaces and organizations, including the personnel at Scott Air Force Base, keep their eyes out specifically for McKendree graduates.

According to Lance Davidson, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) HR specialist in the Talent Acquisition and Retention Division at Scott Air Force Base, Bearcats have many of the skills and abilities they’re looking for, regardless of their major. In fact, the base has recruited McKendree graduates to fill in several positions, including finance, accounting, traffic management, human resources, and IT.

“We know they are well-educated, have well-written resumes, are well-prepared for interviews, are mostly tech savvy, and respectful,” Lance said. “We know we are getting the highest quality candidate when we hire a McKendree graduate or intern.”

“I see that what I am learning will be useful for my future students and classrooms, and I can use these skills to have a better impact on them.”

Mr. McKendree

Remembering Mike Gauble ’66

The day that someone extraordinary comes into your life is probably an ordinary day. In fact, you might not think much about how this person will change your life when you first meet. It isn’t until weeks, months, years, or even a lifetime later that you realize just how much of an impact they’ve had. Many McKendreans have attested to this notion when asked about the late Mike Gauble ’66. His presence, passion, service, and unwavering support of McKendree and its students were unmatched. His level of care created massive waves of positive change that still cast ripples throughout decades of McKendree’s history – which the university might not have had the honor of experiencing if he didn’t choose to transfer halfway through his college career.

Feature by: Tina Napper ’08

Flame, Meet Match: Laying the Groundwork for Continued Commitment

Born Sept. 20, 1942 in Peoria, Ill., Mike graduated from Girard High School in 1960. His high school sweetheart and soon-to-be wife, Kay (Snyder) Gauble ’66, also attended the same high school, graduating in 1961. They married on Christmas Eve of 1961 in Girard.

Mike began attending the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana but found that he wasn’t a fan of big schools. He transferred to McKendree in the fall of 1964 with his wife and, like many other Bearcats, fell in love with the university. He and Kay first lived off-campus in a mobile home in Lebanon until Christmastime in 1964 when they were asked to be the dorm directors of Clark Hall, an assignment they eagerly accepted until they graduated and left in the summer of 1966.

“Mike enjoyed the smaller atmosphere of McKendree and getting to know others,” Kay said.

While at McKendree, Mike made many friends, including Dave Philip ’70 and his wife Mary (Reinhardt) Philip ’66. Dave was eventually responsible for recruiting Mike for McKendree’s Alumni Board in 1980, something that he described as “the start of a wonderful continuing relationship with Mike and Kay at McKendree.”

Mary also remembers meeting the Gaubles during her first year on campus with them.

“They were good role models, and everyone enjoyed being around them,” she said.

Mike was an active student on campus; in fact, he and fellow classmate Terry McKean ’66 were responsible for forming the Campus Activities Board (CAB) and even bringing Count Bassie to perform at McKendree. Mike also supported several sports, including women’s basketball.

“When Coach Harry Statham ’60 first came to campus in the summer of ’66 while we were still here, Mike met him and happily made signs for his office,” Kay said. “It was just the sort of thing he did.”

Creating a Long-Lasting Domino Effect Through Service

After graduating from McKendree and also receiving his master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University in 1967, Mike began his career at McDonnell Douglas, serving from 1967 to 1990. He later worked for Lockheed Martin and GE Aerospace from 1991 until his retirement in 2004.

While Mike had many hobbies (among them model trains, car racing, and the Chicago Cubs), his two biggest passions were his nieces and nephews, and McKendree. With his McKendree-purple cane in hand and the plethora of pins adorning his stole and cap, Mike could be spotted frequently on campus for nearly 50 years. After Dave and fellow Bearcat Jim Forrler ’65 convinced him to join the Alumni Board, Mike couldn’t be kept away from campus.

“Even when we lived in New Jersey, Mike never missed a board meeting for the 14 years we were there,” Kay remarked. “He loved going to Ames to eat with the students and find out what they liked and didn’t like at McKendree because he wanted to make a difference. He also enjoyed visiting the Louisville campus for graduations every single year and would oftentimes represent the president when he attended them.”

Mike served on the Board of Trustees for 45 years, stepping down in May 2024 and receiving the designation of Trustee Emeritus at commencement. He also sat on the Student Affairs committee for most of his tenure, which is when President Daniel C. Dobbins ’81 first met the Bearcat enthusiast as a student.

“Mike was a staunch supporter of our students and an extraordinary leader,” President Dobbins said. “As a young alum, it was Mike who invited Mickey (Macaluso) Dobbins ’81 and me to join the Alumni Board. Even then, before I truly understood the depth of his commitment to serve McKendree, I was struck by his passion for and love of McKendree.”

A Vociferous Supporter for Bearcats

Mike was the ultimate McKendree fan and a lover of its many sports. He enjoyed attending as many games as possible, especially basketball games, something that McKendree men’s basketball coach George Suggs, MBA ’20 always appreciated.

“Mike had seen me at my best and my worst, but he was there every single game,” said George. “He had a routine and wanted to greet the officials with a big smile at half court each time. I knew I could count on having one more guy on the court for the team and me when Mike was there. Now, when I talk with my players about having love for the team and the community, I think of Mike as a perfect example; he was someone who had a love for something greater than himself.”

It’s no secret that one of Mike’s favorite things to support on campus was The Hettenhausen Center for the Arts. He and Kay continuously made an effort to show up to as many of the events as possible, often sponsoring musical acts and talented artists.

“He was a huge supporter of the Hett and a staple in the lobby, and we are honored to be a part of what he loved,” said Michelle (Radke) Magnussen, director of the Hett. “We always made sure there was a spot available in the parking lot for his Corvette. I got to know his distinctive laugh and that twinkle in his eyes when he knew he was going to say something to make you laugh or push your buttons.”

Another well-known trait that Mike had was his voice. He made sure to give his opinion often, especially if it meant that current and future students would benefit from it.

“Mike was always going to make certain that he voiced his opinion, and he always had one. While this could sometimes be challenging, there was never any doubt that Mike was speaking from his heart and had McKendree’s best interests in mind,” said President Dobbins.

Mike also frequently expressed joy over both big and small accomplishments of McKendree and its students and programs. His unyielding and lifelong commitment to serve and support McKendree also inspired him to carry his alma mater in his heart – and wear that heart on his sleeve – no matter where he went.

“If someone brought up what any given college was doing, Mike always talked about McKendree and what was happening here,” Kay said.

A True McKendrean to the End

Mike passed away at his home in Chesterfield, Mo., on Aug. 16, 2024. Tragically, his brother, Lance Gauble ’68, died shortly after on Aug. 21. Along with Kay, Mike is survived by several beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins, all of whom he loved dearly. A celebration of life was held at the Hett on Nov. 2, with several McKendreans paying tribute to someone who, as many recalled, “bled purple.”

“Mike was engaged with campus and showed many of us what it meant to be a good servant of this institution,” President Dobbins said during the celebration. “He and Kay as a couple won the Loyal Service award in 1989 and the Peter Akers award in 2004. This goes to show that a person on their own can do wonderful things, but together as a couple they can do so much more.”

Kevin Whitworth, one of Mike’s nephews, also took to the podium to paint a picture of what his uncle was like.

“McKendree was an integral part of who he was, and he wanted to make it the best it could possibly be,” Kevin said. “People won’t remember your titles, degrees, or accolades, but they’ll remember if you were there – and he was, always. Let’s do a better job of being there for one another.”

After the formal celebration, countless members of the Bearcat community wandered out to the Hett lobby for a reception as The Animals’ “House of the Rising Sun,” a song that Mike held close to his heart, played. They gathered together and scooted close to one another at tables bedecked in purple and white, sharing happy memories and funny stories of Mike.

“Mike was always there, putting McKendree first,” President Dobbins said. “He and Kay have lived the expression of giving of their time, talent, and treasure in support of our mission. The fact that he did that for nearly 50 years is truly remarkable. It represents a standard of behavior that Mickey, I, and all of us aspire to.”

Bearcats of all ages came out to this year’s Homecoming and Family Weekend on the weekend of Oct. 11-13 to meet up and revel in their Purple Era. As the sun peaked over the Hett Saturday morning, eager runners raced in the Ready For It 5K and Kids’ Dash. Throughout the day, music reverberated throughout campus as alumni and their friends and family tailgated, made friendship bracelets, and clambered in close to take unforgettable photos at the photo booth. Leemon Field was flooded with purple as our Bearcats took on the Southwest Baptist University Bearcats and came away victorious with a 37-14 win.

Alumni Awards

Peter Akers Award

Kent Marty ’80 of Edwardsville, Ill., earned his degree in business administration with a marketing emphasis from McKendree and a master’s degree in business administration from Lindenwood University. A member of the men’s baseball team, Kent served as an admissions counselor at McKendree after graduating. He recently retired from a 41-year-long career in the business world, which began at the Electronics and Space Division of Emerson Electric Company and continued to the Emerson Government and Defense Group, ESCO Technologies, LLC, Aclara Technologies, and Hubbell Utility Systems.

Rising Stars

Lauren Carro ’15, ’21

Lauren earned her bachelor’s degree in sport management and marketing from McKendree and was a member of the women’s tennis team, a campus tour guide, a member of the Tri Sigma sorority, a contributor to the McKendree magazine, and more. The New Palestine, Ind., resident currently serves as the director of guest experience for Pacers Sports and Entertainment in Indianapolis and previously served in several managerial positions for the St. Louis Blues. She also serves McKendree as an adjunct professor in sport marketing.

Loyal Service Award

George Obernagel III ’78 of Waterloo, Ill., graduated with a degree in business and accounting, participating in business and fraternity organizations as a Bearcat. After completing graduate trust school at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., he became a businessman and entrepreneur. He owns Obernagel Farms & Real Estate, The Republic Times newspaper in Waterloo, and several real estate ventures, microbreweries, and other businesses. He continues to serve McKendree as a chairman for the Board of Trustees.

Madison Dauch

’17

Madison earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from McKendree. As a Bearcat, she was crowned homecoming queen and was a member of the women’s lacrosse team and Sigma Sigma Sigma. A resident of Sparks, Nev., she serves as the technical program manager for Tesla, where she previously served as the associate production manager and production supervisor.

Rob Watkins ’17, MBA ’20

Rob earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from McKendree. He was a member of the men’s volleyball team, the president of the Student Government Association, a New Student Orientation leader and resident assistant, and was the founding president of the National Society of Leadership and Success. The Austin, Texas resident currently serves as the senior manager of CX operations and enablement for Ontic and previously served as a graduate intern to McKendree University’s president.

Sheree A. Davis ’10

Sheree graduated from McKendree with a bachelor’s degree in sociology – criminal justice, served on the Campus Activities Board, participated in the Black Student Organization, and was a member of McKendree’s cheerleading team. The Belleville, Ill., resident earned both her master’s degree in sociology – criminal justice and her juris doctor degree from Saint Louis University. An associate attorney at Sandifer and Associates Attorneys at Law, LLC, Sheree has garnered extensive experience as an associate attorney and practices law in Illinois and Missouri.

Major General John J. Bartrum ’90

A resident of Arlington, Va., John earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from McKendree and earned several other degrees, including a master’s degree in business administration from SIUE and a juris doctor degree from George Mason University School of Law. He is the mobilization assistant to the surgeon general of the Air Force and Space Force and is also the CEO of Brightstar Innovations Group, LLC. Last year, John spoke at McKendree as part of the annual Wayne E. Lanter Lecture Series, sharing his expertise in federal government policy, problem solving, executive leadership, and more.

Nursing and Health Professions

It isn’t unusual for a unique place like McKendree to touch the lives of its students and later call them back home to serve as a faculty or staff member. Many whose fate is inextricably threaded to the university often do so for decades, making a positive impact on current and future Bearcats. One of these alumni is Dr. Brian Frederking ’90, professor of political science. After attending Syracuse University, Brian chose to serve McKendree starting in 1998. A resident of Okawville, Ill., Brian is not only the author of several books and articles in prestigious journals, but he is also the winner of McKendree’s Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award, the United Methodist Exemplary Teacher of the Year Award, and the William Norman Grandy Faculty Award, which he received last spring.

What’s your favorite part of the school year?

The first day. We go over the big ideas of the class, and I explain the signature assignment – a simulation, debates, class presentations, etc. Then we get organized, with the students choosing what they want to do. I can always tell on the first day whether a class will go well.

What’s the best part about being an alum teaching at McKendree?

It provides some historical perspective in discussions with faculty colleagues and students. My career has given me a sense of pride that I have played a small role in the improvement of an institution that I have loved my entire adult life.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time as a student at McKendree?

An honors course taught by Dr. John Greenfield and Dr. Phil Neale on Greek literature and philosophy – I met my future wife. This past August was our 34th wedding anniversary.

What was your favorite class as a student, and what is your favorite class to teach as a professor?

Anything taught by Dr. David Ahola was my favorite class. I changed majors just so I could take more of his classes. My favorite class to teach is Political Theory. It is the only class where I do not have to constantly update notes because the world keeps changing. It provides the students (and me) with frameworks to help us understand that changing world.

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

I loved McKendree as a student, and I knew I wanted to teach at a small liberal arts college. When I was on the job market, there were 500 of us going after 50 jobs. When I got the job at my alma mater, I took it as a sign that this is where I was meant to be. I can’t imagine doing anything else.

When did you know you wanted to be a teacher?

Graduate school at Syracuse University. The vast majority of students in the program were international students. I learned quickly that they see the world differently than Americans do. That has greatly influenced my teaching – students need to understand that the world is messy and complicated, and there are multiple valid ways to see the world.

What are you most excited about for the future?

I am currently obsessed with the upcoming bicentennial. This is a great opportunity to share the history and the mission of the university, to recognize the achievements of our students, and to celebrate how our alumni have contributed to the public good.

What would students or alumni be surprised to know about you?

Sports are a big part of my life. I played basketball and baseball, and my two sons played college basketball. I have coached three different sports, everything from t-ball to high school junior varsity volleyball. Sports are a great way for kids to learn life lessons, stay healthy, and get away from their phones.

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room, what would it be and why?

“Love Shack” by the B-52s. When I was in Japan this past summer, we did karaoke, and my duet with another professor on that song was the hit of the night. So, that song reminds me of the fantastic Japan trip.

What are you reading right now for fun?

I have an odd definition of fun, but I read biographies. Just finished ones on Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt, and I’m currently working on Churchill.

In the dying autumnal light of late October, scores of curious playgoers made their way into the Hett as the wind sang through the trees. As they entered the auditorium and awaited the start of the student play, Night of the Living Dead Live!, clips and trailers of old horror films graced the projector screen. Meanwhile, the students, who had spent an hour helping each other get ready, waited in three dressing rooms, awaiting their call.

Finally, the lights dimmed, and darkness engulfed the audience as technical director Doug Magnussen advised them to “be seated – if you can – during the performance.”

The play, which was a comedic retelling of the classic 1968 horror film, Night of the Living Dead, was nothing short of complex, and the entire theater production team made it look effortless. The brains behind the operation, Michelle (Radke) Magnussen, director of the Hett, knew she wanted to do something Halloween-related for the play since the dates fell near the end of October, and this one fit the bill.

“I’m a fan of horror movies and had seen a different version of Night of the Living Dead, so I went hunting for scripts for a stage version,” she said. “I liked the idea of multiple endings showing what might have happened if the characters had done things differently. The fact that this script leaned into the campy nature of how we see the original and that each ending got progressively sillier really sold me on the show.”

The set, which Doug designed, included a ramshackle farmhouse complete with a porch, boarded-up windows, and a cellar. Additionally, a macabre burn pile adorned with caution tape and a miniature graveyard extended into the audience. This set was one of the biggest challenges the team faced. Not only did they try to travel seamlessly between several locations (and time itself), but they also had little time to build everything.

“Getting it built onstage was a challenge since we had a performance that needed a clear stage three days before our first technical rehearsal,” Michelle said. “Doug and our crew did a great job of getting everything built in time.”

The team’s resourcefulness shone throughout the play, from their thoughtful usage of fake blood on the zombies’ arms and faces to the boards that were constantly tacked up by the survivors and knocked off again by the ravenous zombies.

“Figuring out how the boards come off and go back up every night was tricky. We actually used Velcro for most of the boards and painted over them to help them blend in with the scenery,” Doug said. “I had to tell the zombie actors, ‘When you hit it, don’t go slow – hit them hard!’”

While much of the attention was placed on the survivors trying to find a way to survive, you couldn’t help noticing the zombie actors, who peppered the Hett stage, shambling to and fro, testing the farmhouse for weak spots, and intermittently reaching through the boarded-up windows in hopes of securing a snack.

“Playing a zombie was a lot of fun, but it was also a lot of work,” said junior and zombie actor Elana Melzer. “I had to attend rehearsals like everyone else and memorize the staging. The hardest part was the fighting scenes. We had to practice the scenes to make sure it looked real and ensure that no one got hurt. By the end of the play, I felt like an expert in stage combat.”

The visuals and sound effects interwove with the play seamlessly. Footage from the movie helped paint pictures of outdoor action scenes, including a harried getaway as the zombies gave chase. What differed from the actual script was the decision Michelle made in recording scenes with students who initially were “living” characters but later became zombies during the play.

“I wanted to do it that way for three reasons: first, it let us use the screen that was already in place for more of the show. Second, it let us show on the big screen what the characters in the house were supposed to be viewing on their small TV screen, which I thought was a nice effect. Third, all of those actors, with the exception of the chief, were doubled as zombies. By recording those scenes, we were able to have them made up as zombies from the beginning of the show,” she said.

Integral Leader of New Education Programs Named Emerson Award Winner

She’s efficient and thoughtful, organized and communicative, and a pivotal part in the launch of McKendree’s Paraprofessional+ Pathway program and MAT program. We’re talking about none other than Dr. Katie Alford, assistant professor of education –and she’s this year’s winner of the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award!

Katie has been serving McKendree since 2019 and is McKendree’s director of teacher education. She currently helps oversee more than 400 education students in the field and coordinates these efforts with more than 60 supervisors. The Troy, Ill., resident’s passion for teaching is known to all, and her students have sung praises about her knowledge, creativity, authenticity, level of care, and the high expectations she sets for them throughout the semester.

Destiny Johnson Named 2024 Student Laureate

An independent go-getter with a superior level of competence. A valuable member of McKendree’s 2023 GLVC champion women’s soccer team. That’s right, we’re talking about Destiny Johnson, a senior from Maryville, Ill., who was named this year’s recipient of the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award and Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.

A member of McKendree’s Honors Program, Destiny is a chemistry and mathematics major and is also the winner of the competitive American Chemical Society Outstanding Junior Chemistry Award in 2023 and the GLVC Brother James Gaffney Distinguished Scholar Award in 2022. According to Dr. Vincent Dunlap, associate professor of chemistry, Destiny can be found in the lab during the summer, over the winter, and during spring breaks to work on her research.

THE LAIR sports a NEW LOOK

The Lair has served as an important crux to countless Bearcats over the years: a hangout for late-night karaoke and movie marathons, a haven for commuters to study as TVs quietly drone, a harbor for hungry students to partake in cheeseburgers and onion rings while sharing a laugh or a long conversation. This beloved student center recently received restorations that have made it into an even more accommodating space, inviting Bearcats of all ages and abilities to stop and stay awhile.

Since its grand reopening on September 21, the Lair has continued to draw students to various events and activities. Often, Bearcats will hang out here to watch their fellow peers compete with other athletic teams on TV, challenge one another to a round of pool or ping-pong (which are quite popular!), or hold small study groups or collaborate on projects together during the facility’s quiet hours.

According to Craig Robertson, director of Campus Activities at McKendree, the feedback has been quite positive.

“It has been great talking to former students from various generations who rave about the new look and opportunities for students to be engaged,” he said. “Hearing conversations about how the space looked when they attended McKendree, different events they may have attended, and other memories really paint a picture of not only The Lair’s history, but also McKendree’s history as a whole.”

Made possible by the generous contributors of McKendree’s FORWARD campaign, The Lair’s significant improvements include new solar panels on the roof, a new HVAC system, revitalized flooring, new lighting, and repainted walls. The outside looks a little different as well; students can access The Lair by using either the stairs or a new ramp. Push open one of the doors, and you’ll see new, modular furniture peppering the space, along with several small and large flatscreen televisions, round tables, a few hightop tables, and more. The northern wall, once shrouded in shadows, is adorned with a modern mosaic of purple, goldenrod, gray, and black.

In fact, the interior is one of Craig’s favorite new upgrades to The Lair. “The lighting, paint, and furniture give a modern feel to the space and really brighten things from its prior look,” he said. “We still have a number of indoor and outdoor additions planned that I am looking forward to.”

If you’re planning on being on campus anytime soon, be sure to pop by The Lair to see all the latest updates. While it may look different, you can rest assured that the space still serves as a comfortable space for students to laugh with one another, try their hand at winning Survival Bingo, or belt out their favorite songs when the mic’s cued up.

YOUR LOVE STORY WITH MCKENDREE

Celebrate One McKendree Giving Day this February 19th - 20th. Share what makes McKendree special to you during 1828 minutes of giving: your passion, your purpose, or even your lifelong partner—McKendree has played a role in countless love stories that last a lifetime!

JOIN THE MCKENDREE MOVEMENT

This isn’t just a giving day—it’s a celebration of the connections that shape our community. Reflect on your journey, revisit the moments that inspired your path, and contribute to the legacy that keeps McKendree thriving. Together, let’s honor the stories that make McKendree the heart of so many lives.

YOUR SUPPORT WARMS OUR HEARTS

Make a gift of $40 or more, and receive a pair of McKendree-branded winter gloves as a token of our appreciation - you’ll be keeping hands and hearts warm on One McKendree Giving Day! Questions? Contact us at 618.537.6824 or annual_fund@mckendree.edu.

LEARNING NEVER STOPS at MCKENDREE

The soggy autumnal day couldn’t dampen Bearcats’ spirits as McKendree hosted its inaugural Lifelong Learning Exploration Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5. This day was inspired by President Daniel C. Dobbins ’81, who highlighted the importance of a relevant and impactful education during his inauguration in 2020. It was specifically designed to empower students to make their mark in their future careers, their communities, and the world. In lieu of classes, students were encouraged to attend these various sessions led by faculty, staff, and alumni to learn about topics that might not be normally taught in a typical classroom.

Bearcats with an unquenchable thirst for learning attended unique panels that whetted their appetite. As soon as students entered the Marion K. Piper Academic Center, they were greeted enthusiastically and given passports for their learning journey, which they got stamped at the end of each session they chose to attend. The dreamy tones of boomwhackers resounded off the walls as members of the Bearcat community spoke passionately about a wide range of topics, including avoiding burnout, networking tips,

mentorship, social media strategies for one’s careers, what students can do with their degrees, how to be positive and productive, and much more. An alumni keynote panel capped off the event. With Dr. Sara (Trask) Frank ’05 as the emcee, four alumni, Reggie Duncan ’12, Nicholas Powell ’03, Lindsay Hansard ’15, and Derek Sallee ’13, MBA ‘16, returned to campus and shared their journeys, the unexpected turns they experienced, and how McKendree prepared them along the way. Each of them ended up in career fields that were different than what they expected when they graduated and gave students in the audience plenty of sage advice about seizing the opportunities before them, finding work that feels meaningful, staying curious about the world around them, getting out of their comfort zones, and believing in themselves.

“Your biggest obstacle to success is probably going to be yourself,” Reggie remarked during his keynote speech.

Following the keynote, students ventured into the Hett lobby where they presented their passports and received Lifelong Learning t-shirts and customized purple luggage tags.

Men’s Soccer Team Makes Program History in National Semifinals

This season, the men’s soccer team pulled out some fancy footwork to not only make it into the NCAA Division II National Semifinals but also set multiple program marks over the 2024 campaign.

Men’s soccer coach Scott Gyllenborg, who has coached the Bearcats since 2017, has seen so much good in this team, which boasted several young players. The team started out with daunting challenges – 6 straight road games – which can be tough for any team to navigate. The Bearcats shrugged it off and won each game, and they eventually would go on to claim 15 total victories this year, tying the program’s DII mark in 2019.

Perhaps the most challenging game, aside from their final foes in the tournament, was the first game in tournament play against tenthseeded Fort Hays State University, a foe they haven’t faced since 2018. For Coach Gyllenborg, that winning goal from junior forward Chris Moore against the Tigers was one of his favorite memories of the season.

After their victory against Fort Hays, the Bearcats shut out Findlay with two goals and headed off to the final four after defeating Saginaw Valley State. The team then set out for Matthews, N.C. to face off against Lynn University and, after a tough battle, suffered their first true loss of the season. Regardless, the Bearcats wrapped up a historic season, which marked their first-ever national semifinal appearance of the DII era.

Coach Gyllenborg attributes the team’s great success to their defense skills and how they handle themselves as a group.

“We are one of the best defensive teams in the country,” he said. “I think we also have a really good group of leaders among our older players. This has really helped the group in having a singular mindset and working toward the same goals. Finally, the team’s willingness to keep wanting to improve throughout their season, I feel, is their true secret for success this year.”

The Bearcats screamed past their goals and came home with a multitude of postseason award nods, along with major award selections. Sophomore goalkeeper Christian Herluf was named the GLVC’s Goalkeeper of the Year while graduate defender Matteo Schubert earned the league’s Defensive Player of the Year title. Additionally, senior midfielder Philipp Schmidt added First Team honors from the conference, region, and was tabbed as a United Soccer Coaches AllAmerican and Scholar All-American.

“I’m so proud of how far this team has come,” Coach Gyllenborg said. “It’s a great feeling to have made it so far into the finals, but I’m mostly

Scoring Top-Shelf Goals: Senior Ashley Hayley Named Rhodes Scholarship Finalist

Senior Ashley Hayley was destined for great things from an early age. Born to the first registered woman hockey player in Newfoundland and Labrador and a previous AAA hockey player (not to mention being the greatgranddaughter of the first registered fisherwoman in the province), Ashley had some enormous shoes to fill not only as the eldest child but also as the only girl in her Canadian household. She decided to hang up her ballet shoes and joined a minor hockey league at the age of four, and she hasn’t looked back since.

When the pandemic halted the world, Ashley was forced off the ice and chose to give up her dream of playing college hockey. However, the head coach of the McKendree women’s hockey team, Derek Pallardy, reached out to her the day after she graduated from high school and, instead of attending Dalhousie University, Ashley chose to take a chance on McKendree.

“I am so thankful to have made this leap of faith,” Ashley said.

While Ashley currently plays defense for the McKendree University women’s hockey team, she’s also growing in another passion of hers as a student: biology. Her love of biology began in high school thanks to an outstanding teacher, Dr. Pontieri, whose passion inspired many of her students. Along with being a member of the university’s Honors Program and Phi Eta Sigma honor society, Ashley is now a biology major with a pre-med minor, and she aims to become an embryologist.

“Due to life-long personal health concerns, and supporting family members through medical crises, I always knew that I was destined for the medical field,” Ashley said. “Medical issues faced by women are overlooked and disregarded as most conditions present themselves differently in girls and women. Being an embryologist would allow me to advocate for the health and well-being of women through their pregnancies, and unborn children.”

Ashley recently applied for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship in the hopes of studying embryology at the University of Oxford. The scholarship is known for its daunting application process, and only very few students are chosen each year. In order to be considered, Ashley needed to submit a personal statement, a resume, an academic statement of study, a presidential endorsement letter, and six references. The committee held multiple virtual seminars to make the process less intimidating. From the hundreds upon hundreds of students who applied, Ashley wound up being named a finalist in the selection.

“Given the intensity of the application process, completing a Rhodes Scholarship application is an achievement in itself. Making it to the finalist stage is extraordinary!” said Dr. Martha Patterson, professor of English and coordinator of prestigious fellowships and scholarships at McKendree.

The Rhodes Scholarship is considered to be the world’s most distinguished international scholarship. It is a fully-funded, full-time, postgraduate award that allows talented young people the chance to study at the University of Oxford for two or more years. Throughout university history, McKendree has only had two Rhodes Scholars: Newton Ensign in 1905 and Cyrus Stokes Gentry in 1915.

Ashley feels that students shouldn’t be afraid to shoot their shot and apply for the Rhodes Scholarship.

“By no means did I expect to be selected as a finalist for such a prestigious award, but I was so honored to have been given the opportunity to be selected,” she said. “Don’t be intimidated, apply early, and give your professors plenty of time to complete their reference letters.”

A Bearcat in the Bullpen

It isn’t every day that students get to interact with the people they admire. Many of us are lucky if we have even the slightest claim to fame. For sophomore Zach Horsens, a sports management major from O’Fallon, Ill., he’s gotten to live out a dream he’s held since he was 6: working with the St. Louis Cardinals.

“I am a huge sports fan and a lifelong Cardinals fan; I never thought I would get to be a part of the day-to-day operations, including being on the field for games!” he said.

Zach started out working on the grounds crew at Busch Stadium at the start of the 2023-2024 season. Around June, however, his boss mentioned that the team was looking for a batboy and encouraged him to apply for the job. After the application and a long interview process, Zach began his internship as a batboy for the Redbirds in July.

Perhaps you’re wondering what being a batboy for a baseball team really means. It’s more than just making sure batters are well-equipped on the field. Zach’s days as a batboy often include making sure everything is ready before each game. This includes stocking coolers with water and sports drinks for the dugout, placing bubble gum and sunflower seeds in their designated containers, wiping down the players’ helmets and racking them for the games, and stocking up the coolers with snacks for the pitchers. Once the prep work is done, he assists the players with whatever they might need, such as grabbing them a new pair of batting gloves.

As the stadium fills with baseball fans, Zach puts on his uniform and heads out under the bright lights of the field with the players.

“The game is the best part of this job because I am right there on the field with the players. I almost feel as if I’m playing in the game!” he commented.

Although each game day has been a gift for Zach, some of his favorite experiences include being on the field for a Nolan Arenado walk-off grand slam, watching closing pitcher Ryan Helsley enter the game to “Hells Bells,” having personal conversations and sharing laughs with just about everyone on the team, and making a one-handed snag on a foul ball and getting a personal shoutout and instant replay on TV.

“They truly are just normal people like you and me but are often overshadowed by the hype and fame of being a professional athlete,” he said.

As a sports lover, Zach hopes to work for a professional team one day.

“Many full-time clubhouse staff within the organization began their careers as batboys and worked their way up,” he said. “I am really hoping it will be the same for me!”

For Bearcats hoping to get to where Zach is today, his biggest piece of advice is to be personable and take advantage of any opportunities you can.

“Go into any work you do with a positive mindset and a willingness to not only work hard but help others,” he said. “You never know what person or opportunity could help you down the road, so treat every job like it’s a stepping stone to the future.”

Join Bogey’s Kids Club!

Got a future Bearcat that loves sports, fun, and being part of a community in your family? Then join Bogey’s Kids Club!

Bogey’s Kids Club is the ultimate fan experience for young Bearcats up to age 13. It isn’t just a membership – it’s also a chance for your child to connect with our student-athletes, meet other future Bearcats, and create unforgettable memories!

Membership comes with tons of free perks, including:

• Free Admission to all regular season home events

• 1 Free Concession item at every regular season home event

• Exclusive Bogey T-Shirt, drawstring bag, and membership card

• A Birthday Card from Bogey

• 1 Free Dessert from Chick-Fil-A in Belleville, Ill.

• And much more!

Not only that, but your future Bearcat can meet and get autographs from the athletes, be part of the high-five lines, take locker room tours, and enjoy more exciting activities!

For more information, please email Brandi Kordelewski, Associate Director of Alumni & Constituent Engagement, at: blkordelewski@mckendree.edu or call (618) 537-6813.

Alumni

Dear McKendree Alumni and Friends,

I am thrilled to share with you my excitement and gratitude as I step into my new role as the Associate Director of Alumni & Constituent Engagement at McKendree University. As a proud alumna of the Class of 2013, this opportunity feels like a full-circle moment.

McKendree is where I earned my degree, met my husband, Andrew Kordelewski ’15, and built lifelong friendships. Now, as parents to our daughter, Chloe, we look forward to including her in McKendree traditions.

As a former student-athlete on the women’s bowling team, I learned the importance of dedication, teamwork, and perseverance. These values continue to guide me as I work to strengthen connections within our alumni community, ensuring that McKendree remains a vital part of your story.

Looking ahead to our bicentennial in 2028, I’m excited to celebrate McKendree’s remarkable history and promising future. This milestone represents not only 200 years of academic excellence but also the countless lives shaped by our university. As we approach this historic event, I encourage you to reflect on your own McKendree journey and the role it has played in your life. Together, we can honor the past while building a bright future for the generations to come!

Brandi (Branka) Kordelewski ’13

Associate Director of Alumni & Constituent Engagement

1978

George Obernagel is the World of Corn Award recipient from the Illinois Corn Growers Association and was honored at the ICGA annual meeting in Bloomington, Ill. He is the Chairman of the McKendree University Board of Trustees and recipient of the 2024 Loyal Service Award given by the McKendree University Alumni Association.

1994

Dr. Julie Haake is the 2024 Stan Schaeffer Education Community Leadership Award recipient through Collinsville Community Collaboration. She is currently the principal at Twin Echo Elementary in Collinsville, Ill., and a National PTA Fellow with the Center for Family Engagement.

2001

Brandon Voss is the president of the McKendree University Alumni Association Board of Directors as of June 8, 2024. He is the vice president and senior financial advisor for The Gray Group of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Swansea, Ill.

2003

Master Sgt. Calvin Dye, Jr. was featured on the Fox 2 News St. Louis morning show sharing his insights about the Statewide Anti-Violence Enforcement Team. He is the information officer for the Illinois State Police and a member of the McKendree University Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Thomas William Kupferer, Jr. is pursuing his Ph.D. in biomedical and health informatics at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio.

2004

Susan Harbaugh was featured on Fox 2 News St. Louis on the “In Your Neighborhood” segment representing Red Bud, Ill., as the current mayor. She is also the vice president of the McKendree University Alumni Association Board of Directors as of June 8, 2024.

2005

Amy Suydam passed the Illinois Nursing Home Administrator Exam in July 2024 and is now a licensed nursing home administrator at BRIA in Mascoutah, Ill.

2006

Brittany Dobill collaborated with Lebanon Seibert Electric in Lebanon, Ill., for her advertising and promotions class to help boost their marketing efforts while students got firsthand experience working in the field. She also was part of the panel speaking on fostering student creativity in marketing education at the Marketing Management Association Fall Conference in Santa Fe, N. M. in September 2024. She is an assistant professor of marketing at McKendree University.

2007

Michael Strobbe retired from playing professional basketball in Mexico in 2017 and now works for Boeing in Madison, Ala.

2008

Bryan Lewis Deutschmann is the store director at Millstadt IGA in Millstadt, Ill.

Allison Ganschinietz is a senior analyst with Supervision Learning in the Supervision, Regulation and Credit (SRC) division at The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Mo.

Ashley (Garland) Simpson is the assistant executive director of CASA of Southwestern Illinois.

2009

Andres Marquez and Laura Winkeler volunteered to speak to Dr. Jean (Scheller) Sampson ’83’s MBA global organizations class at McKendree this past October. Andres is the area vice president in corporate accounts F&B for Ecolab in Gulf Breeze, Fla. Laura is a national partner manager – World Wide Technology for Hitachi Vantara in St. Louis, Mo.

2010

Ali (Willoughby) Jeffers is the secretary of the McKendree University Alumni Association Board of Directors as of June 8, 2024. She is a contract specialist for DISA/DITCO at Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

Tanner Wolk volunteered to speak to Dr. Jean (Scheller) Sampson ’83’s Business 450 and Management 204 classes at McKendree this past October. He is the sales and hiring leader in southern Illinois for Federated Insurance.

2012

Jason Rejfek is the head football coach at McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill.

2013

Stephanie (Scibona) Freivogel is a legal assistant at Donovan Rose Nester, P.C. in Belleville, Ill.

Alumni NEWS

Alum’s Ideas and Research Will Help Gig Workers Enjoy Better Working Conditions

In his teenage years, Zak Kilhoffer ’13 wanted to become a politician. He wanted to understand why a genocide was taking place in Darfur and why no one was doing anything about it. His passion for politics guided his footsteps in choosing to major in international relations at McKendree.

Zak garnered plenty of vital information from his professors and also learned how to think and speak like a debater from Joe Blasdel, director of speech and debate, who was Zak’s next-door neighbor and debate coach.

“I feel like every international relations class I took taught me something super valuable,” he said. “Dr. Frederking’s Feminism in International Relations was just excellent, and Dr. Ann Collins’s classes were huge for learning about the nuts and bolts of governments, along with some weighty topics.”

Now hired as an AI governance manager in a tech company in Vienna, Austria, Zak recently has finished researching for the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) in Brussels and authored or co-authored several policy research pieces that informed the creation of the EU Platform Work Directive. This new legislation will allow those who perform on-demand work through an app or website, such as DoorDash or Uber, to enjoy better working conditions.

According to Zak, the two big issues with gig work include the lack of employment status and the use of AI to intermediate, delegate tasks to workers, tell workers what to do, decide what to pay them, and more.

“These companies and others like them love to displace risk and expenses to the little guys. That’s the real goal of not employing the drivers – saving the big companies money while offloading risk,” Zak said. “Gig workers in the EU will now have some rights. For example, they won’t be able to be ‘robo-fired’ by AI systems. By default, they will be employees of the platform they work for, and the platform can provide evidence to show if the workers have independence that legally warrants an independent contract or self-employed status.”

The law is now in effect, and every EU country must ensure that they have national laws in place to support this no later than December 2026.

“I want gig work companies to follow the law and be transparent, rather than figure any way possible to skirt the law and harm vulnerable people in the labor market,” Zak said.

Brandi (Branka) Kordelewski is the associate director of alumni and constituent engagement at McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill.

Christine (Gill) Polansky is the marketing operations director at Slagle Financial in Collinsville, Ill.

Courtney (Harris) Stone ’13 and Brad Stone welcomed twins, daughter Charlotte Susan Stone and son Harrison Robert Stone, on April 6, 2024.

2014

Jonathon Becker is the director of golf at Effingham Country Club in Effingham, Ill.

Clinton Happe is the vice president and property and casualty risk consultant for USI Insurance Services.

Dillon Polansky is a gas supply executive at Ameren Illinois in Collinsville, Ill.

Brett Sauerwein is the head softball coach at State College of Florida in Bradenton, Fla.

Kaleigh (Admire) Sauerwein is a certified math teacher at Pace Center for Girls in Bradenton, Fla.

Christopher Willhite is the vice presidenttrader at Citi in Denver, Colo.

2015

Bryce Colvin earned a first-place finish in the four-man relay at the Firefighter’s Combat League Midwest Regionals in June, securing an invitation to nationals. He is a firefighter in Peoria, Ill.

Andrew Kordelewski is the director of franchise and clinic operations at ApexNetwork Physical Therapy in Highland, Ill.

Alex Noble is the inventory and account manager at The DeLong Company in Joliet, Ill.

2016

Sheila Marie Johnson is the November 2024 Sisters’ Journey Inc. Calendar Woman. She also recently published A Survivor’s Lens: Metastatic Breast Cancer Survivor’s Focus on Faith and God’s Word

Megan (Jackson) Schmidt is an executive assistant at United Way of South Central Illinois.

Tony Viviano is the associate director of development for the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.

Taylor Zerbe is the associate athletics director for NCAA Compliance and senior woman administrator at Maryville University in St. Louis, Mo.

2018

Rachel Ford is a member of the McKendree University Alumni Association Board of Directors as of Dec. 14, 2024. She is a labor and employment attorney for Thompson Coburn LLP in St. Louis, Mo.

Dr. PJ Thompson is the 2024 Louis V. Hencken Alumni Service Award recipient by the Eastern Illinois University Alumni Association.

2019

Taylor Bailey is a community public health educator for the Northeast Region of Arkansas at the Arkansas Department of Health.

Susan Chapman is a member of the McKendree University Alumni Association Board of Directors as of Sept. 14, 2024. She is the director of member engagement for the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois.

Happy #PurpleFriday from our Bearcats at Belleville East High School in Belleville, Ill.! We visited them on their first week back at school on Aug. 16, 2024.

Pictured are: Michael Harrison ’07, M.A.Ed.’10, Catherine Bess ’02, Kelli (Reese) Scaiefe ’02, Brittany (Herzog) Rayburn ’02, Kirsten (Ratermann) Wilde ’14, and Zach Halterman ’19

The McKendree University Alumni Association hosted a #PurpleFriday at Aviston Elementary School in Aviston, Ill. on Sept. 13, 2024. It’s great seeing our Bearcats team up after graduation!

Pictured are: Shelly Albers ’02, Tim Klein ’01, M.A.Ed. ’16, Hunter Tucker ’23, Hannah Schmitz ’23, Tammy Kuper ’14, Lisa Kauling ’09, M.A.Ed. ’13, and Katie (Fullerton) Timmermann ’11.

Men’s and Women’s Soccer Alumni Gathering

On Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, McKendree men’s and women’s soccer alumni returned to campus to gather and cheer on the Bearcats in their games against Illinois Springfield. Both programs capped off the night with thrilling victories! It was a heartwarming reunion as former teammates and coaches reconnected, sharing memories, and catching up on each other’s lives. The alumni were also given a tour of the newly revealed locker room, showcasing the program’s growth and commitment to excellence. Thank you to everyone who attended!

Holiday Parade

The McKendree University Alumni Association brought the holiday spirit to the Mascoutah Lighted Christmas Parade in Mascoutah, Ill. on Friday, Dec. 6. Team members connected with the local community and saw many familiar Bearcat alumni in the crowds. The festive atmosphere was enhanced by the presence of Bogey, our beloved mascot, who made a special appearance to the delight of the parade-goers.

2024 Wrestling Alumni Reunite

The men’s wrestling program, along with men’s wrestling alumni, hosted the annual Alumni Dual, Tailgate/Bags tournament, and social on Oct. 19. Thanks to all who came out and to all alumni who have given back to support the men’s wrestling program! Hope to see you again next year!

Lauren (Pate) Russo is the head women’s bowling coach at Maryville University and professional bowler with Brunswick Bowling. This past June, she won the PWBA Southern Indiana Open. This is Lauren’s first PWBA title.

Hannah Sugarman ’19 and Troy Pedtke ’19 were married on April 27, 2024. Their wedding party consisted of Daniel Thorson ’19, Dylan Samuel ’19, Dustin Logan ’19, and Logan Kohrmann ’20 as groomsmen, and senior Jenna Sugarman, Mackenzie (Auten) Crehan ’19, Emily Nelson ’20, Madison Hart ’20, and Jordan Jackovich ’19 as bridesmaids.

2020

Anna Bagwell is the Promising New Teacher of Mathematics Award recipient by the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM). She is an eighth-grade math teacher at Mascoutah Middle School in Mascoutah, Ill.

Ryan Paul is the assistant athletic director for marketing and fan engagement at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio.

Kaitlin Whitted ’20 welcomed daughter, Hayden Ann.

2021

Kevin K. Memminger is a program assistant at San Bernardino Valley College and has been instrumental in integrating MAP software and advancing MAP/Credit for Prior Learning. He is collaborating with department chairs and members of campus to enhance program operations and support Vision 2030. He and Viviana will also celebrate the life of their son, Kairee Memminger, who turns two years old in April 2025.

Isabella Strimling passed the California Bar Exam and now works as a trial attorney at Murphy Pearson Bradley & Feeney in San Francisco, Calif.

2023

Alexis Higgs is an operations analyst at Archford Capital Strategies in Clayton, Mo.

Emmanuel Segbedzi is a member of the McKendree University Alumni Association Board of Directors as of Dec. 14, 2024. He is pursuing a master’s degree in divinity from Boston University in Boston, Mass.

2024

Kyle Elmore is a marketing coordinator at Anders CPA’s + Advisors in St. Louis, Mo.

Ryan Haynes is a data analyst and client service associate at Archford Capital Strategies in Clayton, Mo.

Above: The brand-new McKendree University Legal Society held their first gathering during Homecoming Weekend, Oct. 12th. Thanks to all who came out! The event was generously sponsored by Furniss Law Firm. If you’re an alum in law school or currently practicing in the field of law and would like to get involved, please scan the QR code to join the LinkedIn group or e-mail:

alumni@mckendree.edu

McKendree University hosted the first annual Lifelong Learning Exploration Day for our student body on Nov. 5! We had four incredible alumni panelists who returned to campus to share their unique career journeys and insights with our students. Each alum embodies McKendree’s commitment to lifelong learning and success:

Reginald Duncan ’12 | An education leader, Reggie now brings STEM education to underserved communities through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Lindsay Hansard ’15 | From insurance to counseling, Lindsay’s passion for helping others has led her to a rewarding career in private practice.

Nicholas Powell ’03 | Former track athlete turned performance psychology consultant, Nicholas uses his expertise to guide elite athletes worldwide.

Derek Sallee ’13, MBA ’16 | From tour guide to senior director at Anheuser-Busch, Derek’s career path exemplifies how curiosity and perseverance can open doors.

A heartfelt thank you to these alumni for volunteering their time to inspire the next generation of Bearcats! Their insights, grounded in both challenge and triumph, left an indelible mark on everyone in attendance. Interested in volunteering your time in a public speaking capacity? Scan the QR code to fill out an interest form or e-mail alumni@mckendree.edu. We would love to see you back on campus!

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17th

Together, We Learn

Markers will be placed on campus to signify buildings, scholarships and programs that were made possible through the generosity of McKendree donors. Faculty members are encouraged to share a piece of philanthropic McKendree history to kick off Founders Week and educate students on the importance of giving back.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18th

Together, We Sweeten the Day

Students will be encouraged to participate in a “dollars for donuts” campaign in Piper Academic Center where students buy donuts and select an area of support and learn about philanthropy.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19th

Together, We Give

One McKendree Giving Day kicks off at noon and lasts for 1828 minutes, ending on Thursday at 6:28 p.m.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20th

Together, We Sing

The annual singing of Happy Birthday to McKendree and sharing of birthday cake will occur during lunchtime in Ames Dining Hall.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21st

Together, We Are McKendree

The campus community will come together to show their McKendree pride on this Purple Friday. We will be hosting a gathering to take a Purple Friday photo, and hosting thank-you postcard station and a thank-you video station in Piper Academic Center Lounge.

Alumni from the Chicagoland gathered at Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery on Aug. 1 for a Bearcats & Brews Happy Hour.

are (front row, left to right): Abbey (Mewmaw) Yoder, Jessica (Spires) Carreon ’13, Alex Noble ’15, Kendall Sims ’12, Brandi (Branka) Kordelewski ’13 (associate director of alumni & constituent engagement), and Alissa Fuhrmann, and (back row, left to right): Larry Russell ’10, MBA ’21, Adam Johnson ’14, Matt Anastasia ’12, Derrick Curry ’18, and Dan Strubel ’11

Pictured

In Memoriam

Deceased alumni and friends through Jan. 15th, 2025.

Julie A. Morrow ’92 8/7/24

Shirley A. (Johnson) McCune ’79, 8/13/24

Michael F. Gauble ’66 8/16/24

Don Benitone ’49 8/20/24

Lance E. Gauble ’68 8/21/24

James M. Sprengel 9/5/24

Carrie L. (Bivens) Grimmer ’01 9/8/24

Albert L. Vandyke ’64 9/11/24

Kathy M. Solomon 9/16/24

Herbert W. Forcade ’62 9/21/24

Mary L. (Zabel) Saxe ’60 10/2/24

William E. Malina ’58 10/6/24

Diana L. Huelskamp ’03 10/10/24

Ronald D. Literski ’67 10/29/24

Mike Fix ’78 11/1/24

Thomas F. Franzen ’74 11/3/24

Ruth D. (Storey) Gott ’58 11/13/24

Delores J. (Stoddard) Mattox-Shuping ’53 11/28/24

The Reverend Elaine E. Smith 11/28/24

John R. Zweck ’04 12/1/24

Gerald E. Faires ’70 12/3/24

Ruth E. (Wright) Laurie ’73 12/10/24

Mary J. (Swan) Metzger-Harris ’62 12/20/24

Ivan L. Woods ’81 1/4/25

Susan V. (Lutz) Symer ’64 1/14/25

Colleen Lischwe ’18 1/15/25

2025 Spring Celebration

Mark your calendars for Friday, May 2, 2025, as McKendree University hosts the William McKendree Society Spring Celebration. This exclusive event will unite society members and graduating seniors to celebrate the transformative power of philanthropy and recognize the remarkable achievements of our students. Save the date— formal invitations will follow soon!

Are You a Recent Graduate?

Great news! We’re thrilled to introduce new membership levels that make it easier than ever for recent graduates to join the William McKendree Society and contribute to McKendree’s enduring legacy of giving back:

0-5 Years Post-Graduation

$18.28/month ($219.36/year)

5-10 Years Post-Graduation

$42/month ($500/year)

10-15 Years Post-Graduation

$84/month ($1,000/year)

Named after Bishop William McKendree, the first American-born bishop in the Methodist Church and founder of McKendree University, the William McKendree Society honors the loyalty and generosity of supporters whose gifts help provide a distinctive, high-quality education to outstanding students. Society members play a vital role in shaping the university’s future while continuing a proud tradition of philanthropy.

Join the Celebration And Make a Difference.

Become part of this impactful group today. Learn more about the William McKendree Society and join at mckendree.edu/wms

McKendree Buildings

3. First principal of the Lebanon Seminary in 1828.

4. A professor for over 50 years and dean at McKendree. The dorm that was named after him originally served as a home for men only.

5. A military barracks during World War I.

7. William Jennings Bryan spoke here.

8. First called the “Athleteon.”

9. An alum who was both a governor and a U.S. senator.

10. A Methodist bishop.

Grab your purple and get ready. The biggest Bearcat birthday bash is coming up in just three short years!

Keep an eye out for more about McKendree’s bicentennial on our social media, and for more information about how you can celebrate or get involved!