The McKendrean - Winter 2024 | McKendree University Magazine

ENGAGING our BEARCATS See how McKendree is engaging students on campus and beyond!

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Maria’s McKendree Senior Maria Vitoria Salomao shares her unique experience as a Bearcat with open arms.

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On the Cover: International students from around the world proudly carry their homelands’ flags as they make their way down the front lawn for McKendree’s 2023 Convocation ceremony on Aug. 16. Read about the Class of 2027 on pg. 16!

What’s Inside 5

Feature | Strategic Plan Update

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Feature | Maria’s McKendree

16 One McKendree 20 Bearcats Unleashed 23 Class Notes 26 Alumni News A Most Groovy Homecoming Relive the highlights of McKendree’s That 70s Homecoming & see who our Alumni Award winners were starting on pg. 12!

Our Contributors Editorial content, writing and production: Matt Seniour, M.A.Ed. ’22 | Senior Manager of Creative Services Tina (Napper) Tebbe ’08 | Director of Institutional Communications

Photography/Writing: Maxwell Bennett Scott Billhartz ’85 Nadia Ghahkenshah Lori Kuper ’20 Holly Sallee ’13 Kaleigh Sauerwein ’15 Published twice a year, The McKendrean connects alumni and friends to the McKendree University community.

Please send address changes to:

Honoring Our Academic All-Stars: On Aug. 25, McKendree celebrated the leaders of tomorrow with an Academic All-Star breakfast in the 1828 Café. Summa cum laude sophomores, juniors, and seniors were recognized for their academic accomplishments and encouraged to stay diligent, focused, and sharp throughout the semester. These students also received a complimentary breakfast item from President Daniel C. Dobbins ’81.

Office of Development, Alumni and Parent Relations 701 College Road Lebanon, IL 62254 Keep in touch!

Call 1-800-BEARCAT, ext. 6826, or send e-mail updates to alumni@mckendree.edu.

Dear Campus Community, Alumni and Friends of McKendree, There has been so much to celebrate at McKendree lately. For the past two years, our institution has seen the direct results of our Clear Path initiative with increased enrollment across the board. This fall we welcomed the second largest class in school history – a class that has already demonstrated its academic prowess and potential with 30 percent of our new students receiving honors scholarships. Our continued success can be attributed to various factors, especially our Clear Path initiative, which began in the fall of 2021. I’m pleased to report that we have now expanded this initiative to include a total of 63 counties in Illinois, which will show even more Bearcats in our own backyard how a McKendree education is affordable.

McKendree has also taken important steps in helping to solve the teacher shortage that is still present in Illinois with an all-new offering: the Paraprofessional+ Pathway program. This program is fully online and is perfect for paraprofessionals such as teacher’s aides and assistants to become licensed teachers at the elementary level in only two years. I am proud to say that this program has already made a positive impact on our students and the communities in which they serve.

McKendree’s School of Education has also formed a partnership with O’Fallon School District 90 through a program called TEACHD90, which offers the opportunity for selected staff members to obtain their teaching license through our Paraprofessional+ Pathway program while remaining employed in the district.

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Furthermore, we are helping to fill in the educational gaps in Illinois by providing a Master of Arts in Teaching degree, which allows paraprofessionals who hold a bachelor’s degree to receive their initial licensure in elementary, middle school, and secondary education. To date, we have enrolled 71 teacher’s aides in these programs.

As our institution continues to see impressive growth and prepares for exciting improvements, McKendree stands ready to welcome future generations of Bearcats with optimism and pride, thanks to the tireless work of our faculty and staff. I am constantly inspired by their dedication in educating, encouraging, and connecting with our students, both in and outside of the classroom. You can see all the many ways our alma mater continues to shine and engage with our students and community throughout this edition of The McKendrean.

Today and always, through the efforts and support of many, I remain proud to be a Bearcat!

Daniel C. Dobbins ’81 President | McKendree University

U.N.I.T.E.D. strategic plan update

Learning Lessons

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Feature by Tina (Napper) Tebbe ’08

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Seeing the Forest

Because of the Trees

While several science experiments take place within Voigt Science Hall’s classrooms, Dr. Michele Schutzenhofer, professor of biology, elected to take her ecology class outside to collect real-world data for their fall litter and nitrogen cycling lab this semester. The project gave students a better look at how the common practice of leaf-raking may export important nutrients, including nitrogen and phosphorus, that onsite turf grass, trees, and other flora need for growth and maintenance.

Students built leaf traps and placed them under the towering trees of the front lawn to collect leaves and other autumnal debris over the course of a few weeks. Once most of the leaves had fallen, the students retrieved their traps and, after two days, analyzed their findings and recorded their data in their lab notebooks, including the geographic location, site, date and time, trap number, and the identity of all the trees overhanging the traps. They then estimated how much nitrogen would be lost from areas on campus if the leaves were raked and removed and also calculated the economic costs of replacing any lost nitrogen with a chemical fertilizer to maintain normal growth.

This project allowed students to collect actual data from campus, a place they are familiar with, and collect it in a way that is standardized at long-term research sites across the country, which allows for a comparison between their data and that from 20 different eco-climatic domains. Furthermore, it challenged students to build on what they learned in the classroom about nutrient cycling and decomposition at a very conceptual level and then apply that knowledge to consider how common cultural practices, such as raking, can potentially have ecological consequences.

“I am hopeful we can build more traps and expand our collection into local deciduous forest tracks as well,” Mickey said. “Over time, we can build records for our local campus ecosystems to explore the role of leaf litter in decomposition and nitrogen cycling.”

Students like Emily Kettering, a senior majoring in biology with a pre-professional minor, also seemed to reach a deeper understanding of the experiment.

“When we first started the lab, we got a handout explaining the importance of leaf litter and how the nutrients can help other organisms gain the nutrients they need. I did not initially understand how many nutrients are found in leaf litter, but this lab helped me understand the nutrient cycling that occurs from leaf decomposition,” Emily said. “I enjoyed weighing the leaves out by species and calculating the amount of nutrients found in our samples. It helped me understand not only nitrogen cycling but also the economic costs of using chemical fertilizer to replace the nutrients that leaf litter contains.”

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Learning to Teach

Teaching to Learn Several majors at McKendree offer the opportunity to gain vital experience in the field before they graduate. The School of Education is no exception; in fact, future educators begin their observations long before their senior year, when they take a semester to student-teach in an area school district. McKendree has taken this a step further to help solve the teacher shortage that is still present in Illinois by rolling out the all-new Paraprofessional+ Pathway Program. This fully online offering allows paraprofessionals – that is, teacher’s aides and assistants – to become licensed teachers at the elementary level in only two years, and a special education endorsement option is also offered.

Several paraprofessionals enrolled in this new program are already making positive changes to the local schools in which they work. One such paraprofessional and current student is Tommy Hagen, who is presently serving in Breese School District No. 12 as a classroom aid for fifth through eighth grade.

Tommy has more than 20 years of experience working with children and adults with disabilities in various settings and aims to help them learn and grow as important members of society. She has already seen the value of this new program and has been able to apply what she’s learned as a paraprofessional to help her achieve her goals.

“McKendree’s Paraprofessional+ Pathway program works well for potential teacher candidates as it allows them to continue to work and apply the information they are learning in real time. In addition, the online class allows students to work at their own pace week by week,” Tommy said. “My classes have given me ways that I can contribute to making a safe, inviting learning experience for my students by being mindful about classroom arrangement, rules, and expectations. I would wholeheartedly recommend this program to paraprofessionals who are interested in furthering their education and taking that next step in becoming a teacher.”

TEACHD90 is designed to provide our current support staff the opportunity to obtain a teaching degree with the goal of creating a pipeline of future classroom teachers.

McKendree has also been the first university in Illinois to receive the Gateway Apprenticeship Grant through the Illinois Department of Labor to support the Paraprofessional+ Pathway program. Through this registered apprenticeship program, students may continue working full-time as paraprofessionals while doing their online coursework and practicing skills in the field.

On a more local level, McKendree’s School of Education recently partnered with O’Fallon School District 90 through a program called TEACHD90, which offers the opportunity for selected staff members to obtain their teaching license through the new Paraprofessional+ Pathway Program while remaining employed in the district. These employees continue to support students full-time in their school while completing the two-year program, and District 90 is in turn supporting these paraprofessionals as they advance their skills and become licensed educators.

“TEACHD90 is designed to provide our current support staff the opportunity to obtain a teaching degree with the goal of creating a pipeline of future classroom teachers,” said Carrie Hruby, superintendent of O’Fallon Consolidated Community School District 90. “We are proud of our support staff’s commitment and ambition, and we look forward to supporting their achievement. As we face the challenges of a national teacher shortage, this type of innovative partnership with McKendree is a true win-win.”

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Feeding Bearcats’

Hearts and Souls After a long day of learning, many students unwind with their friends in their dorm rooms and grab dinner together at Ames Dining Hall. On Monday nights, scores of students flock to the Joseph House next door to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lebanon, Ill. “We see an average of 70 to 80 students each week,” said Deborah Kuth, pastoral associate at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

It’s not just local students making the journey a few streets away for some food and fellowship; Bearcats from all over the world take part in this weekly ritual. Walk into the home and you will regularly find Illinois students from O’Fallon, Mt. Vernon, and Carbondale; other American students from Tennessee, Colorado, and Washington State; and international students from Spain, Brazil, and Ghana, Africa.

These Bearcats, who also come from all sorts of different religious backgrounds, congregate under one roof together for what first-year Jeremiah Barrett calls “radical hospitality.”

“We get to talk to a lot of people, and it’s a peaceful and soothing experience,” he added.

For those hailing from far-flung countries like first-year Christopher Ofosuhene, the connection with others is what keeps him coming back.

“I may be a million miles away from home, but I feel so connected with everyone when I’m here,” he said.

Homesickness is also something that many students contend with, whether they’re half a world away or even a few towns away from home. However, they often find comfort within these warm walls just a block away from campus.

“I feel at home here, and all the professors and staff talk to you like a normal person. It’s one of the reasons why I chose to attend McKendree; it feels like a family,” said sophomore Julianna Kilroy.

These students often participate in sports and extracurricular activities on campus, including band and choir, the all-new commuters group called McKendree Commuter Student Association, a young adult ministry called Come to the Table, the newly-started improv team, and more.

Deeper inside the home on an eastern wall hangs a large world map adorned with several small sticky notes. These bright pops of color represent each student who attends the Joseph House nights and point to the places they call home. Colors are scattered throughout the world from the United States, Canada, and Mexico to the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Serbia, to Japan and Australia.

“We see students from all walks of life here,” said The Reverend Beverly Wilkes-Null, university chaplain and director of church relations at McKendree University. “The Joseph House nights engage wrestlers with tennis players, athletes with non-athletes, and connect people who otherwise would have never met.”

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Feature by Tina (Napper) Tebbe ’08

MARIA POSES WITH A SOPHOMORE FROM BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL. THEY ARE HOLDING A TRAY OF BRIGADEIRO, A TRADITIONAL BRAZILIAN DESSERT.

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International relations major. Tennis star. SGA President.

Meet Maria and see her take on McKendree.

Taking that first step in attending a college of your choice can feel both exciting and daunting, even for a local student. As an international student, however, the experience often involves a speeding rollercoaster of emotions – the thrill and challenge of gaining an education in an all-new country coupled with overwhelming homesickness. It takes a lot of courage and heart to step outside of the borders one calls home, which is just what senior Maria Vitoria Salomao has done.

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An international relations major from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Maria knew that she wanted to attend college in the United States.

A few important must-haves were included on her college wish list: strong academic programs, a good tennis team, close proximity to a major city, and plenty of international students on campus.

For Maria, McKendree fit the bill.

“I heard about McKendree from some Brazilian students I knew on campus here and a recruiting agency. I became a new Maria here!” she said.

To stave off homesickness, Maria has brought several pictures of her family and friends to campus, along with any letters they may send her. She also takes time every day to talk to her family, which includes her dad (her hero), her mom (who is the very best), and her older brother (who works in another state in Brazil) and her little sister (who is playing tennis at a university in Pennsylvania).

She often shares stories with them about what’s happening at McKendree.

“They feel comfortable knowing that I’m here,” she said.

Homesickness didn’t stick around long for Maria, however. The people around her – fellow students, faculty, and staff at all levels – have welcomed her from the start.

“McKendree became my second home because every time I felt homesick, people on campus made me feel better,” she said. “The people around me showed me that I’m not alone and that they’re here for not just me but also each other.

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“McKendree is a warm environment; people are very receptive if you take advantage of what campus has to offer. This is especially true for international students – there are always people offering support and trying to make them feel at home.”

This feeling isn’t exclusive to Maria; international students throughout the world who call McKendree home have also experienced the university’s enduring hospitality. There are plenty of events organized on campus throughout the year that help make students from other countries feel at home, including many put on by the Student Government Association (SGA) – an organization of which Maria is the president.

One such event was the International Meal Day in Ames Dining Hall on Oct. 25, which gave international students the opportunity to share their culture and food with the campus community.

“It was a wonderful shared experience. I got the chance to cook with my friends from Brazil and get together with other international students,” Maria said. “Experiences like this are why SGA puts on as many events as possible – to offer support for international students.”

“It’s about doing your best and treating everyone the same.

You need to trust the process and be present every day. There is always an opportunity waiting for you!”

This hospitality and support also extends to Maria’s athletic life as a Bearcat. She often sees several members of the campus community come out to cheer on the women’s tennis team and other athletic teams.

“It feels really good when the president, faculty, and staff come to my games to support my team and me,” she said.

Maria herself is the epitome of McKendree culture: dedicated, involved, and welcoming. She is not only the president of SGA and a member of the women’s tennis team, but she is also a resident assistant for New Residence Hall West (second floor) and works for both the mailroom and the office of Development, Alumni, and Parent Relations. She is also the McKendree Vice Chair of the Illinois Board of Higher Education and hopes to contribute in improving mental health issues on campus. Should you meet Maria on any given day on campus, she will often be the first to greet you with a smile, a “How are you?” and open arms.

“This is the life I wanted to have in college – to be involved, get outside of my comfort zone, and experience different things. I want to make a difference,” Maria said.

Indeed, Maria has made her mark on McKendree and created special memories that she will always carry with her. Playing and traveling together with her team for tennis matches stands out as a core memory from her time at McKendree, along with giving a speech welcoming and encouraging new Bearcats during convocation this fall.

“When I see that my efforts are making a difference on campus, I feel good about it,” Maria remarked. “I also love the people here. It’s one of the gifts that college gives you – the people.”

After graduation, Maria plans on applying to graduate school and finding a summer job or internship in America. She will be playing her fifth year of tennis as well. Following grad school, she plans on participating in an optional practical training (OPT) and then seeing where life takes her. Along the way, she will carry all the lessons that McKendree has taught her: strong leadership, great teamwork, a thirst for lifelong learning, and caring about the human side of people.

“It’s about doing your best and treating everyone the same. You need to trust the process and be present every day. There is always an opportunity waiting for you!” Maria said.

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2023 Peter Akers Award

Dan Lett ’91 Dan earned a degree in business administration and was involved in the Pi Lambda Tau fraternity and the soccer team at McKendree. After graduating, he went on to earn his law degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1994 and an executive master’s degree in international business from Saint Louis University in 2004.

A resident of St. Louis, Mo., Dan has been the executive vice president for corporate development and general counsel at Bunzl Distribution since 1998. He has also served as the Board of Governors’ president at the Missouri Athletic Club and has been an essential member of the Board of Trustees at McKendree University since 1999. A member of the William McKendree Society, Dan has served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, having been its president from 1999 to 2003. He was also inducted into McKendree’s Academy of Excellence in 2010 and received its Loyal Service Award in 2003.

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Recently, Dan was honored during McKendree’s commencement with a Doctor of Humane Letters honorary degree for his service, insight, leadership, philanthropic support, and commitment to his alma mater as its outgoing Board of Trustees chairman.

McKendree couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day to welcome alumni back to their college pad for the weekend. With clear skies bedecked with a billow of beautiful bubbles from a bubble bus, Bearcats from all over played bags, cooked out, enjoyed tasty selections from a fleet of food trucks, boogied down to some tunes, and sported groovy threads all day long. Fans booked it to Leemon Field to watch the football team claim victory over the Missouri S&T Miners. For the first time ever, campus tours were given so Bearcats could get the lowdown on all the latest happenings on campus, and speech and debate alumni reunited to celebrate Coach Joe Blasdel’s 20th anniversary. Totally groovy, Bearcats!

2023 Loyal Service Award

Jim Forrler ’65 Jim graduated from McKendree with a bachelor’s degree in English. He was the editor of The McKendree Review, the president of the Student Education Association, and a member of Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society, Student Government, and the men’s tennis team. He went on to earn his Master of Secondary Education degree from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville.

A resident of Belleville, Ill., Jim was an English and reading teacher for Mascoutah Junior High, Belleville School District #118, West Junior High School, and Central Junior High School. He was also drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968, serving for two years. Additionally, he has coached track and soccer and won Coach of the Year in 1992 and Teacher of the Year in 1993. Jim has served McKendree in several capacities, including being a member, vice president, and president of the Alumni Association Board and serving as a member of the Board of Directors. He is a member of the Bearcat Booster Club, the William McKendree Society, and a retired assistant tennis coach. He also volunteers his time for McKendree’s men’s and women’s tennis teams regularly.

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Academy of Excellence Courtney Logan, Esq. ‘08

Humanities

Courtney graduated with two degrees, communications and philosophy, at McKendree. He was a student ambassador and was involved in Black Student Organization, the debate team, and Model United Nations.

He later earned his law degree from Saint Louis University’s School of Law in 2012. A resident of Swansea, Ill., Courtney is the general counsel and vice president of government relations at Blue Line & Associates in Chattanooga, Tenn. He was previously the city manager and chief operating officer for the City of East Saint Louis.

Courtney has also served as an adjunct professor of law for Saint Louis University’s School of Law since 2012 and coaches a high school debate team through Kappa Alpha Psi’s Guide Right Program. He is also a past recipient of McKendree’s Rising Star award and McKendree’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award.

Elizabeth (Hise) Brennan ’04

Language, Literature & Communication

Elizabeth graduated with a degree in English, was the co-editor for The McKendree Review, and was a member of Kappa Sigma Tau, the color guard, the marching band, and The Montage. She went on to earn a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Fontbonne University in 2015. A resident of St. Louis, Mo., Elizabeth currently serves as the director of communications at Greater St. Louis, Inc. She was previously the director of communications and marketing for Fontbonne University, the channel and public relations manager for Hughes in St. Louis, and the editor of Taste Magazine. She was recently named to Focus St. Louis’ Women in Leadership cohort. Elizabeth has also served as the managing chair for Art in the Park and is a member and previous faculty advisor for Omicron Delta Kappa.

Andrew Johnson ’99, M.A.Ed. ’09

Education

Andrew graduated with a bachelor’s degree in K-12 physical education and health and spent three years on the McKendree men’s baseball team and two years as a resident assistant. He later returned to earn his master’s degree in educational leadership and administration in 2009 and went on to earn his superintendent certification from Eastern Illinois University in 2014. A resident of Effingham, Ill., Andrew is the superintendent at Effingham School District #40. He has previously served as the superintendent at Jasper County School District #1 in Newton, Ill., and as the district athletic director and high school assistant principal at Teutopolis High School. Andrew was also a teacher, coach, and athletic director at Marissa Jr./Sr. High School District #40.

He has been a member of the Jasper County Rotary Club for six years.

Scott Brennan ’96 Scott graduated with a degree in mathematics and was a member of the McKendree men’s basketball team. He held a career record of 105-32 between 1992 and 1996, along with two national tournament appearances and ranking third in the nation in three-point percentages in 1995. He won the All-American Scholar Athlete award in 1996 and was also the president of the Phi Rho Chi fraternity. A resident of Plainfield, Ill., Scott became partner at Sikich, a top technology firm in Chicago. He then opened the Sikich St. Louis office in 2005 and became a Microsoft Inner Circle Member. Scott is also a board member for the Microsoft Partner Advisory Board, the president of the Microsoft Directions Partner Conference, and is on the leadership committee for Microsoft Directions EMEA. Math, Science & Technology

Robert “Bob” Karnes ’66

Arela Williams ’18

Bob graduated with a degree in physical education and played baseball and basketball for the Bearcats for three years, receiving varsity letters in each. He later earned a master’s degree from Murray State University in 1970.

A resident of Du Quoin, Ill., Bob recorded a 136-59 record as the head football coach at Du Quoin High School from 1968-1987.

Arela graduated with a degree in exercise science and sport performance. As a student, she was a member of the women’s volleyball team and earned AVCA All-American honors twice and AVCA All-Midwest Region honors three times. She was named the 2015 GLVC Player of the Year and the GLVC Fall Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2015 and 2016.

She is also the Bearcats’ all-time program leader in kills at 1,887.

She later earned a master’s in strength and conditioning at the University of East London in 2019.

He had 17 winning seasons and qualified for IHSA quarterfinals four times. He was named to the Du Quoin District No. 300 Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016, the Southern Illinois Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2002, and the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1988.

Additionally, Bob was named the Illinois Coaches Association Football Coach of the Year 3A from 19861987 and from 1987-1988.

Sports Hall of Fame

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The San Diego, Calif., native is an enrollment advisor at Pearson and co-founded Sharp Training Performance in London. She was able to mentor other Black female youth athletes on a one-on-one basis, and held a group wellbeing mentorship for athletes online during the pandemic.

Rising Stars

Scott Armistead ’16

Lauren Cook ’16

Madelaine Zinser ’17

Scott earned a degree in athletic training, volunteered for Stray Rescue of St. Louis, and was a member of the Iota Tau Alpha athletic training honor society and the men’s soccer team. He later obtained a master’s degree in exercise wellness and sport performance from Arizona State University in 2020.

Lauren graduated with degrees in English literature and sociology emphasizing in criminal justice. At McKendree, she was a student ambassador, a resident assistant, and a phonathon caller. She was also a member of Campus Activities Board, the Literary Interest Society, New Student Orientation, the McKendree Gospel Choir, Black Student Organization, First Generation Student Success, the Advanced Leaders Program, and the Senior Class Gift Committee. Lauren volunteered at the Christian Activity Center through the Lyn Huxford Center for Community Service and was a member of Sigma Tau Delta, Pi Gamma Mu, and Alpha Kappa Delta honor societies.

Madelaine graduated with a degree in computational science and was the president of the Association for Computing Machinery, a STEM tutor, and a member of the competitive dance team. She also belonged to Upsilon Pi Epsilon, Phi Kappa Phi, and Sigma Zeta honor societies. She later earned her master’s degree in computational science from Johns Hopkins University. While there, she received the best presentation award for her paper titled “Impact of Similarity Ratings on Human Judgement” at the International Conference on Semantics-Enabled Recommender Systems and Applications.

A resident of Cincinnati, Ohio, Scott is currently the assistant athletic trainer for FC Cincinnati, a major league soccer team. He also serves as a consultant for various professional soccer players and former athletes around the world on programming and rehabilitation plans. He coaches for local goalkeeping clinics and camps run by FC Cincinnati’s director of goalkeeping and also coaches individual high school players from around the greater Cincinnati area. Scott continues to serve McKendree by being a preceptor for students in the athletic training program and also as a guest lecturer for the athletic training curriculum.

A resident of Maplewood, Minn., Lauren is the senior internal auditor with The Bank of Elk River in Elk River, Minn. In addition, she serves as a robotics coach for the Minnesota Stem Partnership and is involved with the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc.

A resident of Vienna, Va., Madelaine is the lead scientist for Booz Allen Hamilton’s AI research and development group. She researches artificial intelligence, large language models, and big data solutions. Madelaine also volunteers and fosters at Wolf Trap Animal Rescue in northern Virginia.

Darren “Dee” Wynn ’17 Dee graduated with a degree in psychology from McKendree and later earned a master’s degree in positive psychology from Life University in 2019. As a Bearcat, Dee was a member of the men’s wrestling team and was a four-time All-American and threetime NCAA finalist. He was the 2016 NCAA Division II 141-pound national champion and recorded an overall record of 158-40. He is also second in school history in falls (41) and seventh in win percentage (.798).

A native of Champaign, Ill., Dee is the men’s and women’s wrestling assistant coach for Lindenwood University. He also served as the assistant men’s and women’s wrestling coach at Indian Hills Community College in Iowa and provided free wrestling and life coaching for the youth in the surrounding area. In just two seasons at the college, he helped lead the Warriors to two women’s wrestling national titles.

Led by Head Coach Jim Boehne, this team held a school record of 55-10 and an American Midwest Conference record of 18-2. They were the AMC champions during the regular season and were named the top seed in the NAIA Region V tournament. The team earned three NAIA All-Americans and nine first-team All-Conference selections, finishing the season ranked No. 13 in NAIA rankings. They set the school record for home runs in a season at 93, which stood for 20 years.

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Say Hello to the Second-Largest Class in McKendree History!

An infectious joy could be felt in the air as more than 500 students from the class of 2027 arrived on campus, moved into their all-new rooms, and signed the matricula on Aug. 16. NSO students and volunteers waited eagerly as cars pulled up to the side of the New Residence Halls, chanting, “We’ve got a car! We’ve got a car!” each time a parent drove up to drop off their Bearcat at their new home.

Smiles, peals of laughter, and an overwhelmingly positive energy permeated the campus, especially as new students lined up in front of Stevenson House for convocation – their very first formal event they would experience at McKendree. International flags danced in the wind and students from around the country proudly held their state’s signs as they processed to the front lawn, the bagpipers leading the way.

“Remember this day and how it started. You come to McKendree with a family already, the one you’ve known throughout your life, and today you formally join a new family – the McKendree family,” said Daniel C. Dobbins ’81, president of McKendree University.

On Aug. 18, McKendree also held a Transfer Student Orientation in the beautifully-renovated second floor of Holman Library. Incoming transfer students were welcomed warmly by the president, faculty, and staff as they received packets and signed the matricula.

The president also relayed his story as a student transferring to McKendree and how it took him down a path he never dreamed imaginable.

“Ask yourself – what’s your McKendree experience going to be? What will you do with this opportunity? Don’t underestimate the magnitude of the opportunity that you have here at McKendree, and set your sights high,” he said.

Making Music Together Dr. Shelly Lemons’ Intro to Public History class invited the campus community to a special pop-up museum called “Music on the Fly!” on Sept. 19.

Students, faculty, and staff took time out of their day to stop by the tent on the Quad to engage with students, learn about musical artifacts that were on display, play instruments, and even get a small token from the museum’s “gift shop.” This special group project also helped Shelly celebrate her birthday.“Some things just bring us all together. We believe music is one of those magical things,” Shelly said.

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Purple is Going Green!

If you pop into Ames or the 1828 Café, you might now notice students and other members of the McKendree community carrying green boxes full of food. If so, you’re witnessing one of the university’s latest green initiatives in action – our bento boxes!

These handy boxes arrived on the scene this fall and replaced the Styrofoam containers that appeared during the COVID-19 pandemic when carryout became available in Ames Dining Hall. The previous containers remained after the pandemic partially because it helped transition students to being able to eat in-person again and partially because they were able to take advantage of enjoying a meal when time didn’t allow for them to eat in Ames or the 1828 Café.

Unfortunately, that resulted in more Styrofoam heading to the dumpsters. Of course, McKendree took quick steps to find a remedy with these green bento boxes!

The process is easy: students with a meal plan and interested faculty and staff are issued a special token, which they turn in at Ames or 1828 Café to receive a bento box. They then return the box to the collection machine in either place at their convenience, and they receive their token once more in return.

“Having a carryout option on campus improved student satisfaction and helped them use their individual meal plans more,” said Chandler Morley, director of dining services at McKendree University. “We decided to invest fully with the bento boxes and the collection machines and issued all students living in the residence halls, West, and the Hunter Street apartments a token and token holder. The staff at Ames and 1828 wash the containers twice daily, and the process repeats itself.”

Food for Thought 7,000 disposable containers were saved from going to the landfill during the fall semester.

This free program is already beginning to pay for itself. Not only has there been a reduction in trash in the residence halls, but the bento boxes have also saved 7,000 disposable containers from going to the landfill during the fall semester alone!

McKendree Unveils Updated Fitness Center After plenty of hard work over the summer, members of the McKendree University community held a grand reopening of the fitness center on Sept. 8. The building, which is situated next to the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, has undergone a complete transformation, thanks to the generous contributions from McKendree’s FORWARD campaign donors.

Significant improvements were made to the fitness center, including new paint, new flooring, and an expansion of the building. Upgraded, state-of-the-art workout equipment was added to the fitness center, along with new televisions in the workout area.

The training room also saw improvements, including new cabinetry, flooring, and equipment. Taping tables were also added, and the rehabilitation room received updated flooring as well.

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Dedicated and Inspiring Music Education Major Brad Eston is This Year’s Student Laureate A highly devoted student. A beacon of inspiration to his peers. A natural leader who fosters others. A joy to be around. Someone whose contagious personality can be felt by all those around him. These are just a few descriptors that McKendree’s faculty have used to describe this year’s Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois, Brad Eston.

A senior from Quincy, Ill., Brad is majoring in music education (instrumental emphasis) and plans to become a band director. His goal as a soon-to-be teacher is to give his future students a way to express themselves and also educate them about musicians who are people of color. He has performed with the concert band, wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, McKendree Spirit Band, concert choir, and chamber choir on campus, and he can often be found practicing his euphonium – even on weekends and breaks. His dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed by his peers; in fact, they elected him to serve as president of the McKendree chapter of the National Association for Music Education. He was also chosen as the most outstanding brass musician at McKendree’s annual honors recital in 2020 and 2021.

Brad is equally dedicated and involved outside of the classroom (and rehearsal spaces). He has served as a resident assistant, a New Student Orientation leader, a student ambassador, and an assistant for the McKendree junior high band camp. He has also served as a brass technician for the Collinsville High School marching band and has worked with bands at Edwardsville High School and Coolidge Junior High School. His students have called him compassionate, inspiring, and a real role model for young musicians.

“Brad will be one of the finest music educators McKendree has placed into the field,” said Dr. Jennifer Moder-Bell, associate professor of music education at McKendree University. “He is extremely driven and passionate about music education, and we are all very proud of his growth, dedication, and hard work.” Congratulations, Brad!

Excellence is a Science with This Year’s Emerson Award Winner!

Dr. Angie LaMora, an associate professor of biology at McKendree, is this year’s recipient of the 2023 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award – and for good reason.

She is known throughout campus not only as a passionate educator but also as an efficient, tactful leader and liaison between faculty and administration as they navigate the path toward a renewal of Voigt Science Hall.

A native of Osage Beach, Mo., Angie has served McKendree since 2014 and has been the chairperson of the Division of Science and Mathematics since 2020. She regularly teaches anatomy and physiology, principles of cellular and molecular biology, biology of development, and neurobiology classes. While these courses might sound intimidating, many of her students have commented on how Angie easily explains complex content, regularly employs a variety of learning options, and promotes lively conversation regarding all things biology. Her classes are energetic, informal, and are filled to the brim with effective teaching strategies, which include extensive videos and plenty of time to practice with – and challenge – her students.

Angie’s instructional approach has led to a collaboration with Cognella Publishing in which she is building a bank of critical thinking worksheets for anatomy and physiology faculty across the United States. The guide, called “Thinking Your Way through Anatomy and Physiology,” consists of a series of questions that move sequentially through topics in anatomy and physiology, and the instructor guide illustrates a step-by-step approach to solve these problems with a classroom of students. She plans on completing this book next fall.

“Learning is easy when you’re curious,” Angie said. “By playing with questions and riddles in the classroom, I aim to help students find their curiosity so they are ready to receive and apply new information.”

Congratulations, Angie!

18

Throughout the years, McKendree’s faculty and staff members make their own unique mark on the university and the community, shaping students’ lives and helping them on the path to success. Dr. Joni Bastian, vice president for student affairs and one of the university’s most beloved staff members, has been serving the campus community and making plenty of positive changes for 34 years.

What’s your favorite part of the school year?

I enjoy the second day of New Student Orientation when my staff and I welcome the entire first-year class in our “Bearcat Way – Student Expectations” session. The students listen intently as I tell them they must add water to the mac ‘n’ cheese, so they don’t burn our residence halls down!

What makes McKendree special to you?

Definitely the people! I have worked with so many talented faculty, staff, and students during my tenure. I have been blessed to always have a resilient, hardworking, and fun staff working together in Student Affairs.

Why have you chosen to serve McKendree for 34 years?

I wanted to work where I could make a difference in students’ lives; I have always felt that I could do that at McKendree. Plus, I always enjoyed coming to work! Over the years, students hung out in the offices in Student Affairs.

Students shared so many funny stories that often made me laugh so hard that the classes on the third floor of Clark Hall could hear me laughing!

How did your McKendree journey begin?

My McKendree journey started in 1972 when my family moved from Belleville, Ill., to Lebanon. As a kid, I spent many hours on McKendree’s campus watching the graduation ceremonies on the front lawn, playing tennis on the courts, or practicing my tumbling on Hypes Field.

I was taught that if I worked hard and volunteered to take on projects, good things would happen in my career. It surely did. Soon after I started at McKendree, I was promoted to the assistant director of admissions. I worked with the late business professor Dr. Frank Spreng, speech professor Dr. Bill Haskins, and computer science professor Dr. Gary O’Connor and started a McKendree at Night degree program, of which I became the director.

Next, I became the director of Career Services within the Student Affairs department. It was such a delight when students shared that they received THE internship, job offer, or graduate school acceptance. My journey continued with accepting the assistant vice president and director of retention position.

When I finished my Ph.D. in 2010, I moved into the vice president for student affairs, dean of students, and Title IX coordinator position that I hold today.

I have also been the cheer coach, dance team coach, University 101 instructor, and a research methods co-instructor in our graduate program.

Recently, I was invited to present with McKendree’s legal counsel, Husch Blackwell, at the Education Law Association Conference. This was definitely a career highlight for me.

What are your hopes for the future?

To live a happy and healthy retirement with my husband, Mike, and our three dogs, Jet, Winston, and Millie.

Joni Bastian Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students

What would Bearcats be surprised to know about you?

I always have to have one of my three trains around the Christmas tree. I have two Lionel and one American Flyer train sets.

How do you like to share your Bearcat pride?

Many years ago, I started Purple Fridays on campus. Guess what my favorite color is? I enjoy sporting a campus organization or athletic tee on casual Fridays.

Favorite thing to order from Ames?

The salad bar and cheeseburgers are my favorites!

What are you reading right now?

Fortune and Glory by Janet Evanovich.

19

BEARCAT ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS Anna Stiffler: Keeping Her Eyes on the Prize Senior Anna Stiffler remembers watching soccer since she was a young child, especially because of her brothers. She would always go to their games before she could play any of her own and cheered them on. Now that she’s a forward on the McKendree women’s soccer team, her family often inspires her to do her best on the field.

“I always put forth my best effort to reach our end goal because of my family and teammates.”

A native of O’Fallon, Mo., Anna is well-accomplished on the field. She’s been named Freshman of the Year and the GLVC Offensive Player of the Year, has been named All-Midwest first team by USC and D2CCA, was unanimously named first team all-GLVC, and much more. To boot, she recently broke the record for most goals at McKendree with 42, breaking Sydnee Carroll’s mark of 38. You can often find her listening to her favorite songs before she heads out to tear up the turf with her teammates.

Before arriving at McKendree, Anna was a part of the 2019 Missouri State Championship at St. Dominic High School where she was named First Team All-State and First Team All-Region. So, why did she choose to continue her soccer career as a Bearcat?

“I chose McKendree because of the family atmosphere and the intense soccer program,” she said.

While her time as a McKendree soccer player is coming to a close, Anna will always cherish the fond memories she’s made on the team, including traveling for their games, eating and sharing team dinners, and enjoying long bus rides with her teammates.

Football Knocks off Nationally-Ranked University of Indianapolis for First Time, Falls Just Short in the America’s Crossroads Bowl Playing in the post season for the first time in the program’s Division II era, the Bearcats came up just short against the Ashland University Eagles in the America’s Crossroad’s Bowl by a score of 23-20.

No. 4-Seed Men’s Soccer Notches First NCAA Tournament Win McKendree’s men’s soccer team made program history with its first-ever NCAA Tournament victory, defeating No. 5-seed Southern Nazarene 1-0 with a late overtime score. The Bearcats clinched their first appearance in the Sweet Sixteen with this victory.

Women’s Soccer Claims GLVC Tournament Title, Clinches Seventh Straight NCAA Bid No.2-Seed McKendree University women’s soccer captured its fourth Great Lakes Valley Conference tournament title, beating No. 4-Seed Lewis University, 1-0, at Corwin Clatt Stadium in regular time. This win earned McKendree the automatic qualifier bid to the NCAA Division II women’s soccer national tournament.

Moore, Guerin Qualify for 2024 Olympic Team Trials at 57kg Through Senior Nationals First-year Shelby Moore and senior Cameron Guerin both placed at 57kg to clinch a spot in the team qualifier, allowing them to compete in the 2024 Olympic team trials at Penn State this coming April.

Men’s Golf Claims Three-Peat at Bearcat Dual Gender The men’s golf team won their home tournament three years in a row, defending their home course and winning the tournament for the third consecutive year.

Women’s Golf Makes History, Brings Home Flyer Intercollegiate Title For the first time in program history, the Bearcat women’s golf team has won two tournaments in the same season, wrapping up the title in the Flyer Intercollegiate Tournament hosted by the Lewis University Flyers at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club.

20

McKendree Basketball Lives Up to the Hoopla By: Tina (Napper) Tebbe ‘08 Take a walk through McKendree’s idyllic campus on any given day, and you’re bound to run into students, faculty, and staff walking calmly with a smile on their faces. You may hear hushed conversations, quick call-outs to friends across the Quad, or a friendly, “How are you?” as they make their way to and from class. But when it’s game day, the purple is out, the Bearcats get loud, and the fans are ready to show off their school spirit. Those same students who earlier filled the halls of PAC, Carnegie, Voigt, and the Hett with quiet murmurs are now on their feet in MPCC, jumping, cheering, and high-fiving each other every time McKendree scores.

Come out for any basketball game on campus, and you’re in for a treat. The smell of popcorn permeates the air and greets you as soon as you walk in. Staff and students immediately welcome and guide you as the sounds of dribbling and squeaking shoes echo throughout the building. Enter the gym from either the north or south doorway, and you’ll find students cheering on their friends, faculty and staff supporting their students, family members watching their child with pride, and members of the Lebanon community enjoying the game.

Climb the stairs and settle on the bleachers as the afternoon sun beams gently through the pennants hanging over the window. The men’s and women’s teams both command attention from the crowd, and rightfully so; they’re swift and strategic on the offense and are fierce defenders. Each pass often leaves you waiting with bated breath, wondering when the ball will find its way into the basket as the Bearcats charge down the court. A hush settles over the crowd during every free throw. Whether the teams shoot for two, score a sweet three-pointer, or slam-dunk the ball into the net, a cacophony of wild cheers thunders throughout the gym as the cheerleaders shake their shimmery royal purple and black pompoms.

It’s easy to see why most people choose to watch the game instead of their smartphones.

Stick around for halftime to watch the McKendree Spirit Band and the Color Guard shine. Pep band songs including David Bowie’s “Under Pressure” and AC/DC’s “Back in Black” rumble through the building as the bass rattles the stands and the floorboards beneath your feet.

Cheerleaders and the dance team take to the floor to dazzle the crowd with their performances. President Dobbins, who makes his rounds to greet guests, students, and other community members, looks on and applauds as the band finishes each song. Keep an eye out to the west just beyond the gym, and you’ll notice the Carl Draper room – known for its famous McKendree hospitality – filling up with special guests, who enjoy delicious hot wings, cookies, cold refreshments, and each other’s company.

Going to a basketball game – or any game – at McKendree is always a win. It’s getting caught up in the moment as you and your classmates roar when the Bearcats score. It’s slinging your arm over your best friend’s shoulder, smiles wide, as you share a bag of popcorn. It’s singing and clapping along with the fight song as the band belts out the beat. It’s the spirit of McKendree on full display. All we need is you!

Please consider supporting McKendree Athletics Today!

mckendree.edu/giving/boosterclub 21

FAN // ZONE Tune in to listen to live audio play-by-play on the GLVC Sports network at www.glvcsn.com/mckendree Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Check out McKBearcats.com for upcoming schedules, team news, and to purchase tickets.

Visit shopmckendree.com to buy official athletics gear!

McKendree Women’s Golf is in the Zone!

The women’s golf team has been notching some serious wins this season. For the first time, the team won back-to-back tournaments, including the Kansas City Cup and Flyer Intercollegiate Tournament. Two first-year students, Waritsara Rungrojanaluk and Chiara Bortolotti, won three individual titles total, and the team’s leader, senior Martina Hicks, earned four top-eight finishes, including second place behind Waritsara. The team concluded their season by finishing in the top five teams at the Bill Crabtree Invitational at The Pearl Club in Owensboro, Ky. Ask Head Coach Mikal Guffey and he’ll tell you it’s been a great season. “I’m proud of all of our student-athletes’ involvement, their desire to improve, and their unselfish support for each other this season,” he said.

The team, which has been competing at the NCAA Division II level since 2012, has been under Mikal’s coaching since spring 2016 when he was named interim head coach. He became head coach starting in the 2016-2017 season. He feels that the students’ support of one another is what has helped propel them forward to greater success this season.

“Our upperclassmen unselfishly supported and welcomed our first-year class, and this season has been unbelievably positive,” he said.

The camaraderie has helped pave the way for the team’s first-years’ success, especially for Waritsara, who scored a 68 with an eagle on her final hole to win her second event this fall at the team’s home event – in front of Athletic Director Anthony Francis and the team, no less.

“That was a very special moment,” Mikal beamed.

Mikal is very proud of his team’s accomplishments and hopes that they will achieve their goal next season: to earn a top-4 conference result and regionally qualify for the NCAA tournament.

We hope they will, too! Congratulations and best of luck next season, Lady Bearcats!

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Alumni 1990

Tom O’Connor was recognized for 30 years as a member of the Divide Fire Protection District in Divide, Colo.

From the Editor Dear alumni, friends, and readers,

1992

Dr. Brian Frederking published Renegotiating the Liberal Order: Evidence from the UN Security Council.

He is currently in his 25th year of teaching at McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill. Adam Koishor is the vice president of strategic growth at Dort Financial Credit Union in Flint, Mich.

1995

Clayton Thornhill is the vice president, human resources strategic business partner at Mercy in St. Louis, Mo.

1996

Michael Lester is the lead financial analyst of consumer sales and distribution at AT&T in Dallas, Texas.

1999

TJ Schaefer is the chief financial officer at Arcadia Biosciences in Los Angeles, Calif.

2000

David Forbes is in his 24th year of teaching mathematics. He is currently in his 16th year at Robinson High School in Robinson, Ill., and is the head of the mathematics department.

Thank you for taking the time to read this magazine and peruse its pages. I hope you’ve enjoyed what you’ve seen in this edition and that it has reminded you of the good times you had as a student. Even before McKendree became a university, this institution has always been one to reach out and show its students that it cared and was interested in giving them the best education possible. My professors continuously challenged us inside (and outside) the classroom with thought-provoking discussions.

The campus community came together to give students a break and a space to unwind with late-night pancake dinners during Stress Fest. My bandmates and I learned from our director and each other how to better our communication skills and be aware of one another through marching band drills – and we cheered our hearts out in the stands for the Bearcats as they took on their opponents.

McKendree has also shown its students from near and far that they aren’t alone and that they matter, both then and now. Every day as a staff member, I see the campus community reaching out to its students in both big and small ways. An international food festival is held and the students who have recreated their homeland’s beloved dishes proudly share their heritage with others. Kind professors enthusiastically answer an inquisitive student’s questions, whether during class time, out on the Quad, or during office hours. Counseling is given; prayers are shared. Even something as simple as a smile and a wholehearted, “Hi, how are you?” from others is often enough to help a student feel less homesick.

Think back to the time when you were a student. In what ways did McKendree make you feel engaged and heard? How did the university make you feel like your thoughts and achievements mattered? How were you and your classmates celebrated in ordinary and extraordinary ways? Email us at magazine@mckendree.edu and your answers might be featured in the next edition of The McKendrean.

I look forward to hearing from you soon and hope you will continue enjoying future editions of The McKendrean!

Tina (Napper) Tebbe ’08 Director of Institutional Communications

Tell us your Story!

Magazine@McKendree.edu

23

Jen (Franz) Stratton is the editor for the Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott in Austin, Texas.

2001

Travis Ford, Sr. (pictured right) is the assistant superintendent of human resources at the Riverview Gardens School District.

2002

Jackie (Shubert) Knolhoff is the vice president and senior lead communications advisor at Wells Fargo in St. Louis, Mo. Sean Lashley is the senior vice president and senior partner at FleishmanHillard in St. Louis, Mo. Kelly Meyer earned a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration at Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Wash.

2003

Illinois State Police Master Sergeant Calvin “Buddy” Dye, Jr. was recognized for exemplary leadership and dedication as a member of the Statewide Anti-Violence Enforcement (S.A.V.E.) South Team on October 12, 2023.

2012

Michelle (Voegele) Powell is a risk manager at Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland, Fla.

2013

Zach Schroeder is the director of pricing, mechanical, and metal framing in North America for Atkore in Chicago, Ill.

What fuels our Bearcats ?

Imagine this: you’re about to head into a four-hour-long meeting, and you forgot to bring provisions with you. Fortunately, 1828 Café is ready to fill your needs with an assortment of goodies! Which popular snack or beverage would you take with you to keep you sharp and motivated? We had an appetite to discover which of 1828’s most popular items are fueling the Bearcats on campus. Grab a plate, and see what’s good at 1828!

Jessica Tieman is the senior digital preservation librarian at the U.S. Government Publishing Office in Washington, D.C.

2014

Sharnay Bradford is the supervisory examiner of consumer affairs at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis in St. Louis, Mo.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap Raking in nearly half of the votes, this is the undisputed champ of all lunches!

Lifesavers when you’re on the go.

Sarah DeBruyckere is the associate director of performance marketing at New Engen, Inc. in Seattle, Wash.

A.J. Johnson is a gold medalist in men’s singles at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile in November 2023.

Mary McKee earned a doctorate degree in healthcare administration and management from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Ariz.

1828 Bento Box Comes equipped with a wrap of your choice, an assortment of fruit & veggies + a sweet snack to fuel your mind!

Katelyn (Miller) Powell is the marketing manager at Contegra Construction Co. in Edwardsville, Ill.

2004

Susan Harbaugh was re-elected as the mayor of Red Bud, Ill.

2008

2015

Ashlyn Beasley is the communications and event officer at the Bank of Springfield in Springfield, Ill.

Erin (Coble) Barr and Samantha (Quick) Gripp, both 2008 graduates, started a podcast called Fun at Work. The duo brings current events and employment topics to light while highlighting issues employees and employers regularly face.

Sean Boehnke is the lead unity engineer at LAN Party Technologies in Mt. Vernon, Ill.

Erin Conner is a Criminal Defense Top 100 Trial Lawyer in the State of Illinois by the National Trial Lawyers. She is an attorney with Kuehn, Beasley & Young, P.C. in Belleville, Ill.

Brett Rooney is the senior logistics account manager at WorldWide Logistics in Ubandale, Iowa.

2011

Andy Wolff is the chief operating officer of Wax & Timber in Dieterich, Ill.

My’Kel McIntosh, along with her fiancé, opened Videira Wine Shop & Bar in Midtown St. Louis, Mo. in September 2023.

Brett Sauerwein is the assistant softball coach at McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill. Kaleigh (Admire) Sauerwein is the annual philanthropy and alumni engagement specialist at McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill. Caitlin Schlueter is the senior marketing coordinator at LMN Architects in Seattle, Wash.

24

Parfait Strawberry, blueberry, Oreo, or M&M. They’re not only delicious but also easy to transport across campus!

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618.537.6863

theHett.com

Purple Friday Visits The Purple Friday program recognizes businesses and organizations that employ or include McKendree alumni. The Alumni Association recognizes these alumni in our community by bringing a little bit of McKendree to their workplace. If you’d like to schedule a Purple Friday gathering for your organization, please email alumni@mckendree.edu.

2016

Danielle Amann-Stewart earned a master’s degree in business administration from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va. Lauren Apetz is a media relations specialist at Brown & Brown Insurance in Daytona Beach, Fla. Shawn Bibee is the head women’s bowling coach at McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill. Matthew DeLuka is the director of customer success at Ampcus Cyber, Inc. in the greater St. Louis, Mo. area.

A.

B.

A. The Alumni Association visits Abstrakt Marketing in St. Louis, Mo., as part of the Purple Friday Program.

Abstrakt employees who are McKendree grads include (pictured left to right): Kaleigh (Admire) Sauerwein ’15, annual philanthropy and alumni engagement specialist; Jason Whitlock ’18, Kana Garcia ’20, Alyssa Morris ’21, Kraig Gielow ’20, and Holly (Weathers) Sallee ’13, director of annual philanthropy and alumni engagement.

2017

Madison Dauch is an associate production manager at Tesla in Sparks, Nev. Lauren Reeves is an operations specialist at World Wide Technology in St. Louis, Mo.

B. The Alumni Association visits FCB Banks Administration Office in Collinsville, Ill., as part of the Purple Friday Program. Pictured from left to right are: Alissa Fuhrmann, philanthropic engagement officer; Kayla Hasamear ’14, Becky Terrell ’01, Richard Grumley ’78, Deanna Dashley ’06, Jackey Kunz ’03, and Kaleigh (Admire) Sauerwein ’15, annual philanthropy and alumni engagement specialist.

2018

Alumni Board

Macci (Rueter) Johnson is the outreach coordinator at Community Support Systems in Teutopolis, Ill.

The McKendree University Alumni Association Board of Directors met for their last meeting of 2023 on Dec. 9 in Holman Library. The alumni board is comprised of alumni whose class years span several decades, and they support the Alumni Association year-round. This group exists to support McKendree alumni, enrich lives, and foster strong connections with the university. The group is actively seeking out new alumni to join the board! If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Holly Sallee, director of annual philanthropy and alumni engagement, at hesallee@mckendree.edu or (618) 537-6824.

Susan Chapman is the director of member engagement at the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois in Glen Carbon, Ill.

2019

Matthew Bachman is a data analyst at the National Football League in New York, N.Y. Caitlin Roche is a director of operations at Full Stadium Marketing in Mt. Carmel, Ill. Jason Whitlock is a partner account manager at Abstrakt Marketing Group in St. Louis, Mo. Karyn (Sahs) Wilson earned her master’s degree in counselor education/school counseling and guidance services from New York University in New York, N.Y. She is the director of the student success and advising center at McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill.

2020

Breanna Clemmer is a gold medalist in women’s doubles and a bronze medalist in women’s singles at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile in November 2023.

2021

Abigail Kishimoto is a kindergarten teacher at Kimberley Elementary School in Redlands, Calif. (front row – left to right): Tashia (Williams) Billups ’92, alumni engagement co-chair; Lauren Reeves ’17; Cheryl Heard ’78; Constance Rockingham ’75; Connie (Holzinger) Elmore ’86, student engagement committee chair; Ali (Willoughby) Jeffers ’10, M.A.Ed. ’14. (Back row, left to right): Dana Barnard ’00, secretary; Vannessa Curtis ’01, ’07; Ryan Furniss ’00, president; Jim Forrler ’65; Clay Thornill ’95, personal and professional development committee chair; Dave Philip ’70; Bob Hardy ’76; Dennis Korte ’70; Alan Thomas ’80; Anthony Moore ’20, ’21, alumni engagement co-chair; John Zweck ’04; and Brandon Voss ’01, vice president. Not pictured: Kaylee Darnall ’18; Calvin “Buddy” Dye ’03, social justice and equity committee chair; Susan (Buss) Harbaugh ’04; Bryce Hogan ’71; Michelle (Voegele) Powell ’12; and Martha (Miller) Roy ’67.

Check us out on Instagram!

New year, new way to keep up with the Alumni Association.

Follow us on Instagram for more personal alumni stories, campus news, event information, and more!

Jordan Kraljev is a software engineer at Wells Fargo in St. Louis, Mo. Charles McNeal is a post-secondary sales consultant at ScholarPath in St. Louis, Mo. Alyssa Morris is a partner account manager at Abstrakt Marketing Group in St. Louis, Mo.

2022

Daniel Duggan is a recruiter at Medix Staffing Solutions in Chicago, Ill.

25

For Jim Pehle ’82, working at McKendree is a dream come true. He officially joined the McKendree family as a Bogey Bus driver in August 2023 and transports students around campus three times a week, which, for Jim, is “just perfect.”

“The other drivers have been great, and so has Danny Sewell ’08. I look forward to seeing the riders every day,” Jim beamed.

Before becoming a Bearcat, Jim spent some time serving our nation in the Air Force and met his wife, Brenda (Maine) Pehle ’79, who was a student at McKendree at the time. She later worked in the alumni office after graduation, which presented Jim with the opportunity to finish his last two years of college and obtain a business administration in marketing degree at McKendree. Fast-forward 41 years later and Jim is back on campus helping students get to their classes, practices, and meet-ups through the Bogey Bus. “I love interacting with the students,” Jim said. “I like to engage with people and learn where they’re from, what their favorite activities are, and get a general idea of what’s happening on campus. Being able to communicate with people from literally all over the world and talking to them about sports and their activities has been a real pleasure. I’m meeting some great young people, and this has been another opportunity for me to wear purple and be involved!”

McKendree has certainly changed since Jim was a student, and he enjoys sharing his college experiences with current Bearcats. “Students today have a hard time picturing our campus without the Piper Academic Building, the new dorms, Leemon Field, the Hett, and the Melvin Price Convocation Center. They don’t realize how modern and how wonderful things have become. McKendree has always been a great campus and still is,” Jim remarked.

One thing that hasn’t changed since Jim’s time as a Bearcat: the friendliness and kindness of others on campus. “The attitudes and friendliness of these young people have been extraordinary! I wasn’t expecting them to be so warm!” he remarked. Another thing students might not know: Jim used to work as McKendree’s sports information director as a student in 1982 with Harry Statham ’60 and some of McKendree’s past legends!

“I also like to play KDHX 88.1 on the Bogey Bus all the time,” Jim said.

“They play a lot of Brazilian music, international music, blues, and more.

I always ask the students if it’s too loud, but so far, so good!”

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A.

Peter Zobel ’13 and Celina Merhi were married on April 23, 2023.

B.

Holly Koester ’15 and Pierce Borah ’16 were married on November 25, 2023.

C.

Katelyn Miller ’15 and Cody Powell were married on December 1, 2023.

D.

Chelsea Evans ’16 and Kasey Hull were married in July 2023.

E.

Riley Smith ’16 and Megan Szczepanski were married on June 17, 2023.

F.

Mariah Harrison ’17 and Cameron James ’17 were married on March 25, 2023.

G.

Zach Loehr ’17 and Kari Westbrook were married on April 29, 2023.

A.

B.

C.

D.

F.

E.

G.

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A.

Amanda Wasson ’07 and husband Rick welcomed son Mavrick Nevid on March 11, 2023.

B.

Becky (Lindstrom) Wohltman ’09, husband Josh, and big sister Linden welcomed Luca Joshua on September 2, 2023.

C.

Stacie (Banjavcic) Pickens ’10, husband Timothy ’13, and big brother Trenton welcomed twin sons Alister Mark and Garrett Alvin in November 2022.

G. Chloe (Smith) Farmer ’15 and husband Dillon ’15 welcomed daughter Safiya Rain on February 8, 2023 and officially adopted her on November 9, 2023.

H. Cassie (Merlock) Kreke ’15 and husband Matt welcomed daughter Brooklyn in January 2023.

I.

Alyssa (Patterson) Hoguet ’16, ’20 and husband Brandon welcomed son Grayson in September 2023.

Brandi (Branka) Kordelewski ’13 and husband Andrew ’15 welcomed daughter Chloe Marie on May 7, 2023.

J.

Jerilyn (Kirby) Kroeschel ’15 and husband Trevor welcomed son Lennox Knox on July 6, 2023.

E.

Holly (Weathers) Sallee ’13, husband Derek ’13, and big sister Robbie welcomed daughter Sunnie Ruth on August 12, 2023.

K. Sami (Renth) Von Fahnestock ’15 and husband Max welcomed daughter Colbi in March 2023.

F.

Ryan Weber ’13 and wife Camille welcomed daughter Ashlynn Kay on September 13, 2023.

L.

D.

A.

C.

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Brittany (Moll) Haas ’16 and husband Ryan Haas welcomed daughter Mollie in December 2022.

B.

D.

E.

F.

H.

K.

G.

I.

J.

L.

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4

5

6

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All things ‘E’ In this edition of the McKendrean, we are celebrating the fifth pillar of McKendree’s strategic plan, U.N.I.T.E.D. Need help? Scan the QR code below for the answers!

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11 12

13

Across

Down

5. Students who are unsure of their major choose this: ______ studies.

6. The last name of McKendree’s current provost. She also taught psychology for several years at the university.

7. The Hett’s Arts ______ Series offers daytime performances for young students in order to expose them to the transformational power of the arts.

8. President Voigt and President Baker both share this first name.

9. Originally used as McKendree’s gymnasium, this building on the east corner of campus is home to the mail room and is often used as a rehearsal space.

11. Since 2013 McKendree takes a whole day at the end of April to acknowledge and celebrate students’ academic prowess: Academic ______ Day. 12. This is what Bogey decided to dress up as in this year’s holiday video!

13. This is what visitors to the campus see first when they enter in from the south: the ______ monument.

1. Students in the fitness center can do this more easily thanks to the recent updates made this fall.

2. The fifth pillar in McKendree’s newest strategic plan U.N.I.T.E.D. 3. A low brass instrument that some members of McKendree’s band play; the instrument of choice for this year’s Lincoln Laureate winner Brad Eston.

4. Students pursuing this major learn about business and financial resources: _____ and Finance.

5. Students have the opportunity to join and participate in several organizations and ______ activities at McKendree.

7. Students and faculty and staff come to Ames Dining Hall and the 1828 Café to do this every day.

9. If you’re studying Alfred Lord Tennyson, diagramming sentences, or the nature of language, then you might be majoring in this.

In Memoriam

Deceased alumni and friends through Jan. 5th 2024.

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Edward “Ted” W. Cook ’83, 4/8/23 Gabrielle Rowe, 5/4/23 Patricia (Sourbeck) Osthoff ’89, 6/14/23 Mildred (Creed) Brown ’52, 6/18/23 Shirley A. Almond ’79, 6/22/23 Michael E. Ellis, Sr. ’85, 6/22/23 Floyd C. “Pete” Hensel, 7/30/23 Ramsae Stricker ’72, 8/1/23 Melinda L. Clark ’96, 8/2/23 Martha Lee (Shackelford) Reed ’64, 8/4/23 Timothy C. Stewart ’84, 9/2/23 Roger A. Jensen ’58, 9/3/23 Jennie Lynn (Stein) Totten ’52, 9/8/23 James E. Burnes ’67, 9/19/23

Carol Ann Fritz ’56, 10/1/23 Jacqueline S. (Wilson) Schubert ’90, 10/2/23 Rosemarie Maloney ’69, 10/7/23 Judy I. Baker ’89, 10/9/23 Estelle K. Greenwood, 10/16/23 Alexis Maki ’22, 11/4/23 Fred O. Widicus ’52, 11/7/23 Shelia L. Tinsley ’98, 11/13/23 Lynn S. Tyler ’99, 11/16/23 The Reverend Roscoe Paul Brown ’52, 11/19/23 Robert C. Smith ’69, 12/2/23 Lucille B. Gorsage ’63, 12/7/23 Dorothy M. Youngs, 12/15/23 Robert Lee Schulte ’60, 12/16/23

Major General John Bartrum ’90 Shares Wisdom, Inspires McKendree Community It was a rainy autumn day when Major General John J. Bartrum ’90 set foot on McKendree’s campus, ready for a full day of interacting with the campus community, forging friendships, and imparting invaluable advice. The 1990 alum savored coffee with students and faculty in 1828 Café, spoke with students in Business Ethics and Management & Communication courses in the Marion K. Piper Academic Center, and shared snacks and a meal with MBA students, faculty, staff, and others on campus.

His inspiring messages didn’t stop there. Major General Bartrum then took to the stage to speak as part of the university’s annual Wayne E. Lanter Lecture Series. Flanked by two moderators – Sara (Trask) Frank ’05, associate professor of communication, and Elma Oijens, a sophomore from Sweden and member of McKendree’s soccer team and Honors Program – the general looked out on the audience and relayed messages of strength, integrity, and perseverance during the hour-long program.

If you haven’t heard of Major General Bartrum before, he is a combat veteran, the CEO of Brightstar Innovation Group, LLC, and the mobilization assistant to the surgeon general of the Air Force and Space Force. He is a true visionary and accomplished leader in the world of strategic advising and consulting solutions. With expertise spanning federal government policy, problem solving, government strategic growth, and executive leadership, it’s clear that his insights are priceless and applicable for students, aspiring or established entrepreneurs, and lifelong learners looking for greater self-improvement.

Yet with all of these titles and duties, Major General Bartrum remains humble. His gift of storytelling not only captivated the audience at the Hettenhausen Center of the Arts, but also served as a powerful tool to make very complex topics relatable to everyone. He began by sharing the primary reason why he chose to join the military at the young age of 17 - to eat and have a roof over his head. Now, however, he serves with a greater purpose in mind.

As a member of the Air Force, Major General Bartrum attended McKendree at its Scott Air Force Base location. “McKendree offers small class sizes; you can’t hide in the back. You have to answer questions, and that builds your critical thinking skills. All of this is what contributed to my ability to be successful,” he said.

The major general was able to build upon the solid foundation McKendree provided him as he learned forward-thinking strategy in the military. This allowed him to look at an issue from an array of angles and to “think around the corner.” “When you’re doing a mission, you have to prepare for several possibilities to happen,” he said. “The most important thing is to learn to respond, not react – even when things don’t go right or as you hoped they would.”

Of course, this way of forward-thinking helped Major General Bartrum to not only become an effective communicator but also an exceptional problem solver, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he constantly worked to determine how to help the states who were in the direst situations. “I was asked to deploy 500 nurses; however, we do not have an Amazon warehouse of nurses in the military,” he recalled. “I had to think about what to do when states would run out of resources. When problems arose, I had to ask, ‘What is the root problem?’ From there, I would take a look at the data, validate and analyze it, and begin thinking through not just my first course of action, but also my second and third.”

Throughout the evening, Major General Bartrum gave plenty of accessible and relatable nuggets of wisdom to current Bearcats, no matter where they were in their educational journey:

Everything you do every day has a part in changing something. With integrity, professionalism, and hard work, there’s nothing that you can’t do.

Always seek out new opportunities and challenges. You don’t know what door will open or where it will lead.

Learn to think strategically and critically so that you’re responding to a situation, not reacting to it.

Be willing to take risks and fail fast.

Once you fail, pick yourself up and try again.

Take risks and trust yourself.

If you aren’t leaning over the edge, you’re taking up too much space. Be brave and push yourself outside of your comfort zone.

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BECOME A MCKENDREE HERO TODAY! Text OneMcKendree to 71777 to make a gift online and see the progress of One McKendree Giving Day!

Get ready for One McKendree Giving Day on February 21st - 22nd!

During the founding week of our beloved institution, let’s unite in a collective act of gratitude and celebrate the true heartbeat of McKendree: our heroes. They could be mentors, friends, faculty, or even the unsung heroes working behind the scenes.

QUESTIONS? 618.537.6824 or annual_fund@mckendree.edu