class notes Robert “Bob” Kisken ’62 has donated over 100 photos of buildings that were once bordellos to the Lincoln County Museum in North Platte, Neb. The photos were taken by Bob in Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming and Colorado. David “Dave” Rydell ’63, chairman of the Bergstrom Inc. Charitable Foundation, was named the Rockford, Ill., Chamber of Commerce’s 2016 Citizen of the Year. Recipients are chosen for their contributions to the progress and welfare of the community. Dave and his father, Elvin, established the foundation about 40 years ago. It provides money for nonprofits that help people in need, health systems, higher-learning institutions and civic groups. The foundation also sponsors the “Bergstrom Stateline Quiz Bowl,” in which 33 high schools compete in the northern Illinois region. Sue Schneider Runnerstrom ’65 and Ann Sullivan McGlone ’65 had a reunion of their own in Charleston, S.C. Neither Sue nor Ann could attend the celebration in October 2015 for the class of 1965’s 50th reunion. However, due to a trip that Ann and her husband, Jim, took to the Charleston/Savannah area, Ann was able to reconnect with Sue and her husband, Mike. The two picked up right where they left off over 30 years ago. Michael “Mike” Mastroianni ’74/’85 announced his retirement as president of Rock Valley College effective January 20, 2017. During his time at Rock Valley, Mike secured partnerships with Northern Illinois University, St. Anthony College of Nursing, and also expanded the college’s aviation maintenance program. Several RU alumni gathered in summer 2015 to celebrate the birthday of Juan Lepe ’88. Pictured: (back, l–r) Elizabeth Tourlentes Johnston ’88, Beth Lemon ’87, Iain D. Johnston ’87, John McCluskey ’88, Julio Del Real ’91, Juan Lepe ’88, Doug Dilman, Pete Glon (former RU coach), Larry Kast ’89, (front, l–r) Louis Matheus ’85, Carlos Cuiriz ’88, and Jose Pacheo. Debra Novy ’85 will be the new principal at Marian Central High School in Woodstock, Ill. Mark Adamany ’90 was hired to create a piece of artwork at a pretty unusual place, the 2015 Rockford Business Expo held at Giovanni’s in September. The work is on display at the Rockford Public Library on the third floor and will eventually be touring the city so that many people can see it. Wester Wuori ’92 joined Chartwell Agency in Rockford as Vice President in October 2015. Chartwell is an integrated communications agency serving a wide variety of clients and industries. Wester previously served as Director of Marketing & Public Relations at Rockford Health System for
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more than 15 years. He holds a B.A. in English from Rockford University and an M.A. in Communication from Northern Illinois University. Michele Lind ’96 has been promoted to vice president, wealth advisor & investment officer. She has been with Alpine Trust & Investment Group since 2009 and has spent more than two decades in the financial planning and investment industry. She graduated from Rockford University with a B.S. in Economics/Finance. Michele attained her Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation in 2005 and earned her Social Security Claiming Strategies (CSSCS) designation in 2015. She volunteers her time on the Finance Committee for Womanspace of Rockford. Scott Dimke ’97/’12 has been name assistant vice principal at Lincoln Middle School, Rockford, Ill. Scott will start the role in the 2016–2017 school year. Brian Zimmerman ’99 MAT was named Hononegah High School’s head football coach. Brian was the interim coach during the 2015–2016 season. He has taught at the high school, located in Rockton, Ill., since 1994 and is currently the science department coordinator. David Bogner ’00 will serve as vice president and trust officer at Stillman Bank, Rockford, Ill. office. He will lead the bank’s trust and asset management department. Kristina Strohfeldt Whitmore ’01 BSN, RN, was this year’s winner of the Transformational Leadership Nurse of the Year Award at Centregra Health Systems, McHenry County, Ill. As the Assistant Director of Nursing at the Centegra Hip & Knee Replacement Center and Rehabilitation Unit, Kristina is a shining example of leadership within the organization. She promotes nursing and elevates her team while expecting the best from every colleague. Kristi Harreld ’01 was featured in an article for the Chicago Reader, November 26, 2015. The article follows her years as a tutor and the wonderful stories, and excuses, heard over her 10 years in this profession. Robin Keene ’02 was selected to be an official at the IHSA Girls State Volleyball Tournament in Bloomington, Ill. Robin has been officiating high school for 14 years. She is also employed by the Oregon School District. Randy Baker ’03 MBA has expanded his restaurant business to include a multi-concept food truck to be named, “The Commissary.” The truck will travel to special events and be available for weddings and small businesses in Rockford, Ill. Laura Wanke ’03/’09 was one of five Golden Apple award recipients in Winnebago and Boone counties in Illinois. The Golden Apple Foundation is a volunteer-driven organization that celebrates, inspires and supports educational excellence in the community.