Western Magazine | Summer 2025

W ESTER N

Summer 2025 Vol. 75

Managing Editor

Drew Donahoo MS `11

Magazine Designer

Justin Derry `16

Contributing Writers

Rachel Balinao `25

Drew Donahoo MS `11

Taylor Holan `25

Alisha Barnett Looney MA `13

Bill Murdock `93

Sarah Ritter `12 MS `17

Aaron Viner `14

Assistant Vice President, Alumni Relations

Amy Spelman MS `98

Interim Executive Director, Advancement & Alumni Relations

and Interim Executive Officer of the WIU Foundation

Amy Crosby MA `11 MS `17

WIU Alumni Council President Eldon Brown `96

Western Illinois University

President

Kristi Mindrup MS `00

Have tips, questions, comments, or story ideas for the Western Magazine? Email magazine@wiu. edu. To send us your news or class notes, see pg. 39.

FIND ROCKY!

Western's antic-filled mascot is hiding somewhere in this issue—can you spot him? Find his hiding place on a later page, then email us at magazine@wiu.edu with the page number. You’ll be entered into a drawing to win a Leatherneck-themed prize!

Cover photo by Sarah Ritter `12, MS `17

What commonalities exist between students who attended Western Illinois University decades apart? As WIU and the world evolve, what remains the same for Leathernecks of all ages?

Our new department, Neck to Neck, aims to answer those questions.

In each issue, we’ll pair together one current student with one WIU graduate for a candid conversation about their shared interests, their Leatherneck experiences and the moments that shaped them into who they are today.

Dear Alumni & Friends,

Leatherneck greetings! I’m thrilled to welcome you to the latest edition of the alumni magazine. As Western Illinois University celebrates its 125th year as an institution, you’ll notice the pages of this issue feature examples of Leatherneck commitment, connection and pride.

As you noticed on the cover of the magazine, one of our very own has taken the reins as WIU’s 13th president. Kristi Mindrup MS `00 has been a Leatherneck since 1997 and recently moved into the presidency. I’m excited for you to read more about her.

We’re deepening the connections between students and alumni through our new feature, Neck to Neck, where we pair a student and an alumnus together for a conversation. As you read on, you’ll also meet a family with three generations of Leatherneck blood, a couple who met on Hanson Field 67 years ago, a group of students who are finding success because of your generosity and more great stories. I truly hope you enjoy this issue.

To all of you who are reading this, thank you. Whether you were here just this past year as a member of the 2025 graduating class, or 70 or 80 years ago, thank you for keeping the faith in WIU.

Thank you for your unwavering support, for trusting us, for sending us your children. Thank you for giving us your time, talent and treasures. Thank you for sharing our good news and embracing us during our toughest hours. It hasn’t always been the easiest time for WIU throughout our 125 years, but we’re marching on and we’re glad you’re marching with us.

It has been my pleasure to stand with you and by you for the last 30 years.

All the best,

Amy E. Spelman `98 Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations

WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY NAMED AN OPPORTUNITY UNIVERSITY BY THE CARNEGIE CLASSIFICATION

WIU has been designated as an Opportunity College and University by Carnegie Classification®. The classification recognizes WIU as an institution that can serve as a model for studying how campuses can foster student success.

The "Opportunity Colleges and Universities" designation is part of a newly developed Student Access and Earnings Classification published in April by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education.

“Our new classification underscores WIU's focus on fostering student potential,” said Vice President for Student Success Justin Schuch. “As an Opportunity University, WIU stands out from our peers. When looking at undergraduate student earnings 8 years post-graduation compared to similar populations, WIU is the top public institution in Illinois for individual earnings. This means, compared to peers in the job market, a degree from WIU helps ensure future financial success.”

This new classification examines the extent to which institutions foster opportunities for student success by measuring whether institutions are enrolling students reflective of the communities they serve and how the earnings of those students compare to peers in their area.

In 2025, 479 institutions were identified as Opportunity Colleges and Universities, which is about 16% of all U.S. colleges and universities that are in the Student Access and Earnings Classification.

"Social mobility has long been a part of our DNA at Western," said WIU President Kristi Mindrup MS `00. "Our University vision is to be the leader in educational quality, opportunity and affordability. Our recognition by the Carnegie Foundation is a reflection of our commitment to our vision"

Western Illinois University has also been recognized for their ability to increase graduates' socioeconomic status by the Wall Street Journal and U.S. News and World Report. In addition to being recognized as an Opportunity College and University, earlier this year WIU was recognized as a Research College and University by the American Council on Education. More information on the new research designation can be found at go.wiu.edu/ResearchClassification.

University News

WIU FOUNDATION LAUNCHES

SHERMAN CIRCLE, 655 INAUGURAL MEMBERS RECOGNIZED

In Fall 2024, the WIU Foundation launched a new recognition program, the Sherman Circle, celebrating the generosity and impact of donors who provide support of $1,000 annually.

The Sherman Circle honors Lawrence Y. Sherman, Sherman Hall's namesake. Sherman served as a legislative representative from Macomb and was instrumental in passing the bill by the Illinois General Assembly on April 24, 1899, to establish Western Illinois Normal School.

Sherman Circle donors receive an exclusive lapel pin and invitations to Sherman Circle socials throughout the

TAKE YOUR SEAT

Ready to leave your legacy in the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts?

This is your opportunity to name a seat in the Great Hall, the 875-seat proscenium theatre space and main facility in the new center.

Your customized seat plaque will forever connect you to this iconic venue and serve as a lasting testament to your support of the arts at WIU. Seats can be named for yourself or in the name of someone you wish to honor or memorialize.

academic year and retain recognition through sustaining $1,000 in annual support.

The design of the Sherman Circle logo, featured on the lapel pin Sherman Circle donors receive when they first reach recognition status, draws inspiration from the front windows of WIU's iconic Sherman Hall.

When this new recognition program launched in September of 2024, 655 inaugural members from 38 different states were welcomed

into the Circle in recognition of their philanthropy during the 2024 calendar year. For additional details about the Sherman Circle, visit wiu.edu/shermancircle or call (309) 298-1861.

NEW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE MINOR PROGRAM

WIU is introducing a new minor in Applied Artificial Intelligence, beginning in the Fall 2025 semester at the Macomb campus.

Students will be able to take an introductory computer science course with programming and follow it with a variety of courses to increase exposure and background in Artificial Intelligence.

"We are excited about offering this new Applied Artificial Intelligence minor as

it provides students an opportunity to learn about a rapidly growing technology they are likely to encounter in the workforce," Dennis DeVolder `83 MS `89, director of the WIU School of Computer Sciences, said. "Students entering their career paths with this skill set will have an advantage over those who do not have these skills."

To learn more about WIU's Computer Science program, visit wiu.edu/computerscience or call (309) 298-1452.

Seats are available for $250 each.

Visit: go.wiu.edu/takeyourseat or contact Patrick Downing, Director of Development for the College of Fine Arts and Communication, at (309) 762-3999, Ext. 62782 or pg-downing@wiu.edu.

University News

WIU AND ILLINOIS STATE POLICE CREATE PARTNERSHIP FOR EDUCATIONAL CREDIT

WIU and the Illinois State Police (ISP) have established a partnership that will allow ISP troopers to earn 12 educational credits towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA).

"The most important tools of our Illinois State Police officers are not their badges, or guns, or handcuffs, but their hearts, minds and souls," said ISP Director Brendan Kelly. "Partnering with these academic institutions strengthens their minds, their careers and their ability to protect the people of Illinois."

Western Illinois University is the top ranked law enforcement program in the state of Illinois and is a top five national program that places graduates in law enforcement across the entire United States.

"WIU is a nationally recognized leader in the delivery of Public Safety educational programs. As such, Western is well positioned to enhance the educational levels of the Illinois State Police workforce with a streamlined path for the completion of a degree," WIU President Kristi Mindrup MS `00 said.

WIU RECEIVES TREMENDOUS SUPPORT THROUGH 2025 WESTERN CHALLENGE

WIU's supporting community showed its generosity in a big way for the 2025 Western Challenge Day of Giving on April 24.

WIU saw 1,036 donors from across the Leatherneck community come together to raise $409,337. This year's event was bolstered by more than $160,000 in match and challenge gifts, made possible through the generosity of dedicated alumni, friends and supporters, continuing to set a high philanthropic bar for the Leatherneck community.

More than $50,000 of the funds raised during the Western Challenge are laying the foundation to move key campus projects forward. These funds are providing important start-up support for upgrades to the music practice rooms in Browne Hall, improvements to the Student Organization Center in the University Union and the construction of the new Finance and Commodities Trading Lab in Stipes Hall, among other initiatives designed to enrich the student experience.

"The incredible participation we saw this year shows the strength of the Leatherneck community," Tim Hallinan `95, director of annual giving, said. "Every gift made during the Western Challenge reflects confidence in our students and the future of Western Illinois University. Together, we are creating real opportunities and making a lasting impact."

Honoring William "Billy" Clow

On April 17, 2025, the WIU family lost a champion of the arts, a passionate educational leader and a cherished friend. William T. "Billy" Clow, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC), passed away at the age of 63 after a private three-year battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Clow began his career at Western in 2012 as the dean of COFAC. In 2018, he was named interim provost, and he returned to his role as dean in 2022.

During his time at WIU, Clow poured himself into ensuring a new Center for Performing Arts would be built on campus. The upcoming completion of the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts (GCPA) was to be the apex of Clow’s career.

In his final days, Clow had expressed to his closest friends and family his wish that any donations honoring his

memory would be contributed to the GCPA. In keeping with Clow’s wishes, all memorial contributions will support future GCPA programming.

All contributions will be directed to name a space in the GCPA in Clow's memory.

Memorial contributions may be sent to: WIU Foundation & Development, 303 Sherman Hall, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL, 61455 or visit wiu.edu/honorbilly or call (309) 298-1861.

LEATHERNECK HERITAGE:

THREE GENERATIONS OF EDUCATORS

By Sarah Ritter `12 MS `17

For McKenna Churchill-Spangler `24, attending Western Illinois University wasn’t just a choice—it was a continuation of a proud family legacy. Following in the footsteps of her mother, Spring McDaniel-Churchill, and her great-grandmother, Phyllis Palmer-McDaniel, McKenna represents the third generation of McDanielChurchill women to earn their teaching degrees from WIU.

The tradition began in 1947 when Palmer-McDaniel started coursework toward her teaching certificate from the Western Illinois Teachers College, as the institution transitioned to Western Illinois State College.

Although Palmer-McDaniel was a private person who seldom spoke of her college days, she kept WIU close to her heart, often returning for campus and community events.

“Gram would set up at the Ag Mech Show with her appliquéd sweatshirts, and we’d drive through campus whenever we visited Macomb,” remembers McDaniel-Churchill.

McDaniel-Churchill, the second generation in this educational lineage, earned her Bachelor of Science in Education with an emphasis in Special Education in the 90s.

“I chose Western because it felt like home,” she reflected. “It was familiar, and I didn’t want to be so far away that I couldn’t get back if I needed to.”

For McDaniel-Churchill, WIU offered both comfort and opportunity, fostering lifelong friendships and impactful learning experiences. During her time on campus, McDaniel-Churchill built her own memories and routines.

“Every morning before class, I’d grab a coffee and chocolate donut in the cafeteria and chat with Ginger, the cashier. Then I’d head upstairs and call my grandparents. My phone bill was sky-high the first month, so after that, Gram had me let the phone ring once so she could call me back,” McDanielChurchill said.

Today, McDaniel-Churchill is a seasoned special education teacher in Canton Union School District #66, crediting WIU for providing a strong foundation for her career. “I’m not sure any college can fully prepare you for teaching,” said, “but I left with a good base to build on.”

The family legacy culminated most recently with Churchill-Spangler, who earned her Bachelor of Music in Choral Music Education in May 2024. From a young age, Churchill-Spangler knew WIU was the right choice.

“I was always visiting WIU and Macomb with my parents,” she shared.

“When it was time to choose a college, Western was the obvious choice. I’d seen the quality of music educators who came out of WIU’s School of Music—I knew I wanted to be part of that.”

Churchill-Spangler embraced every opportunity at WIU, participating in organizations like the National Association for Music Education, American Choral Directors Association and Mu Phi Epsilon music fraternity. She performed in ensembles including treble choir, percussion ensemble and the flagship University Singers.

“Western provided me with a top-notch education in music that prepared me for my first year as a middle school choir director,” Churchill-Spangler said.

Now the choir director at Keokuk Middle School, Churchill-Spangler lives in Warsaw, IL, with her husband, Kyle Spangler. Both she and McDanielChurchill have simple but powerful advice for future generations: “Choose a college that feels like home. And get involved—the connections you make will help you long after graduation.”

Through three generations, the McDaniel-Churchill-Spangler family’s story stands as a testament to the enduring impact of Western Illinois University, where education, community and tradition come together to shape lives.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

HONORS SIX LEATHERNECKS

By Drew Donahoo MS `11

Each year, the Western Illinois University Alumni Association recognizes alumni and friends of WIU for their professional accomplishments and their service to WIU. In 2024, the WIU Alumni Association honored six outstanding individuals across four categories. Each recipient embodies the Leatherneck spirit. Meet the 2024 Alumni Award Recipients.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed on a WIU alumnus/alumna. This award is given to alumni who have reached the pinnacle of their career and have brought credit to themselves and WIU through distinguished accomplishments in their business or professional life; in community affairs at local, state or national affairs levels; and in support of the advancement and continued excellence of WIU.

Scott Clarke `81

Clarke is retired from the state of Illinois' Division of Banking. He worked in the division for 35 years, the last 20 of which he served as assistant director. He is a longtime volunteer for the American Red Cross and currently serves as the American Red Cross liaison to Illinois State Government agencies. Through his philanthropic support of WIU, Clarke has endowed the Scott D. Clarke Excellence in Leadership Scholarship and currently serves on the WIU Alumni Council.

Steve McCann `78

McCann was an assurance partner with RSM US LLP until his retirement in 2017, serving a variety of closely held and family-owned businesses. He remained employed with the firm on a part-time basis as a senior advisor in the Business & Transition Advisory Services line of business until June 2024. McCann has a decades-long history of serving the Quad Cities region on numerous non-profit boards, including stints as the chair of Gilda's Club and the John Deere Classic. He was involved in the development of the WIU-Quad Cities campus through his leadership on the Renew Moline Board of Directors. He currently serves on the WIU Foundation Board, where he is a member of both the executive and investment committees.

HONORARY ALUMNI AWARD

The Honorary Alumni Award is presented to an individual who is not a WIU graduate but who has provided exceptional service to the WIU community.

Larry Balsamo `24

Balsamo served as professor and chair of WIU’s Department of History before his retirement in 2007, after 40 years at WIU. He has served on the WIU Foundation Board for nearly 30 years and is a longtime member and former board member of the Performing Arts Society (PAS). Since the inception of PAS, he and his wife, Charlene Callison, have contributed their time and energy to the work of PAS, improving access to the arts for area schoolchildren and enhancing the arts at WIU and the Macomb community.

ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The Alumni Achievement Award is presented to alumni who have made outstanding contributions in one or more of the following ways: exceptional accomplishment in their chosen field; in local, state or national affairs; and in support of the advancement and continued excellence of WIU.

Melody A. Betts MFA `09

Betts recently wrapped up her run as Aunt Em/Evilene in the 2024 Broadway revival of "The Wiz." Betts played the two roles when the production launched its pre-Broadway tour in September 2023 through the end of the Broadway run in August 2024. Betts has previously served on the WIU Alumni Council and is the founder and former president of the Dumela Alumni Council, which aims to bridge gaps in inclusivity, creating safe spaces for students of color in WIU's Department of Theatre and Dance.

Steve Hensley `83 MBA `90

Hensley started his career at Federal-Mogul, now NTN-Bower, in Macomb in 1984 as an accountant. In 1998, Hensley left NTN-Bower and spent a decade as an Edward Jones financial advisor. He returned to NTN-Bower in 2009 as the corporate controller until he was promoted to vice president of Administration and secretary of the Board of Directors for NTN-Bower. In 2023, he was promoted to vice president, chief financial officer and chief administration officer, the position he held until his retirement in October 2024. He has given his time to serve on the WIU Athletics Leatherneck Club Advisory Board and philanthropically supports several other areas of campus.

TOWN & GOWN AWARD

The Town & Gown Award is presented to an individual who may or may not be a WIU graduate and has provided exceptional service in continuing the partnership between WIU and the Macomb community.

Jock Hedblade `83

Hedblade has served as executive director of the Macomb Convention and Visitors Bureau since 2017. After a successful 35-year career as a producer, writer, director and actor in the Chicago area, earning four Emmy Awards and serving as a producer on such shows as “The Steve Harvey Show” and “The Rosie Show,” he returned to Macomb to lead the Macomb Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. He is the mastermind behind Macombopoly, the world’s largest Monopoly-style board of its kind, on the Macomb square.

To read full biographies of the 2024 honorees, visit wiu.edu/alumni/recognition.

Hallowed Ground:

Couple returns to meeting spot after 67 years

By Aaron Viner `14

"This just feels right," Udell Meyers `61 MS `62 said in September 2024, pointing to the southwest side of Hanson Field.

Looking out over Hanson Field, Udell and his wife, Janet `60, were immediately transported back to one of the most important nights of their lives.

On September 24, 1957, Udell saw Janet performing as a member of the WIU marching band during a football game and knew she was someone he needed to meet.

"I was a freshman and she was a sophomore and I thought, ‘Will I have a chance?'" Udell said. "I wanted to be cool and we were introduced. A few of us went to the A&W and eventually I asked her if she would go to the ball with me. She said yes."

Exactly two years after meeting, Udell asked for Janet's hand in marriage. It was the beginning of a love story that has lasted 67 years and counting.

After both graduated, Udell went on to join the Marines. He remembers receiving letters from legendary WIU football coach Ray " Rock" Hanson, who was instrumental in bringing the Leatherneck name to the University.

"If you joined the Marine Corps, he kept in touch with you and encouraged you," Udell said.

The pair, now retired, live in Clarksville, TN. As they made their return to Macomb in September, the clouds parted to welcome them back.

"It rained on us the entire trip up from Tennessee, but now everything is clear. There's azure blue skies here,” Udell said.

“Our romance, our courtship, it was all here on this campus. It's hallowed ground, in a sense, to us.”

Coming back to WIU and revisiting these memories nearly seven decades later, the Meyers offered some advice for current Leathernecks.

"You have an opportunity to create precious memories like we had," Udell said. "Don't look back on your days and think you did this or that wrong. We all have those, but these experiences are going to be in your treasure chest forever. We remember our faculty, fellow students, where we met and everything from our time here.

"Whatever you do here will be with you the rest of your lives, so make it a precious memory.”

The couple couldn't help but be emotional while visiting campus and reflected on all the good they saw around the WIU and the surrounding community.

"Just coming back to this spot, seeing everything that's been done, it just restores my confidence and faith," Udell said. "It's a real testament to this school. It's about quality and having quality people.”

By Drew Donahoo MS `11

On a dreary morning in early 2025, two men met for the first time at a conference table on the 43rd story of a downtown Chicago skyscraper. As the clouds filled the windows with a blanket of white, the two chatted about their time as WIU students, their experiences as fraternity men and their interests in law careers.

Joseph Zaylik graduated in May with a degree in business analytics and a minor in pre-law. He is the recipient of the Dan and Laura Webb Pre-Law Scholarship, the Ernest J. Codilis, Jr.

Pre-Law Scholarship and the Keith Webb Memorial Scholarship. In April 2025, Zaylik was named the recipient of the William E. Brattain Award, the most prestigious student leadership honor awarded at WIU. He is weighing law school options for Fall 2025.

Dan Webb attended WIU in the 1960s before pursuing his Juris Doctorate at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. He received the WIU Alumni Achievement Award in 1984, the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1992 and an Honorary Doctorate in 2007. Webb

served as Special Counsel in the IranContra affair. A highly sought after and successful trial lawyer, he is currently a partner and co-executive chairman at Winston & Strawn LLP. Throughout his career, Webb has represented Bill Gates, the New York Stock Exchange, General Electric, Philip Morris, Verizon and Boeing, among many others. In 2017, he represented Beef Products, Inc. obtaining over $177 million, the largest ever settlement in the United States for a media defamation case.

Turn the page to read their conversation.

Dan Webb, Winston & Strawn LLP

JZ: First, thank you so much for taking the time to meet me today and for the pre-law scholarships you have established. They have been incredibly helpful for me.

DW: Absolutely. It's my pleasure. Tell me a little about yourself.

JZ: I’m from the south suburbs of Chicago, about an hour straight south from here in Steger. I went to a small private high school and had a graduating class of 21.

DW: And had you already decided to be a lawyer when you were still in high school?

JZ: I knew I had an interest in helping people and making a difference in the community. By the end of my freshman year, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer. I got involved in mock trial, student government and a fraternity, and my time in all of those solidified that this is what I want to do.

I greatly enjoyed mock trial and learned so much from that program. I was the student body vice president for the 2023-24 school year and just finished up my term as president of my fraternity last semester. All of those helped solidify that I wanted to help people by being a lawyer. How did you decide to attend WIU?

DW: I grew up in a small town, Bushnell, IL. I was very smart and I was very uncontrollable. One day, the guidance counselor, a woman named Josephine Johnson `55 MS Ed `58, called me into her office because of a fairly major disciplinary behavior pattern that I had gotten involved in. She basically said, “Look, you’ve got to straighten out your life. I watched you last quarter in debate class. You were hell on wheels. You knew what you were doing. The gap between your brain and your mouth is short. Why don’t you think about becoming a trial lawyer?”

This woman could have been from Mars as far as I was concerned. She bought me three biographies about great trial lawyers with her own money and told me to read them and said I could do what they did. I thought she was out of her mind. In any event, I actually read

the books and I thought “Wow, that is kind of me. I like being out there, arguing with people; I like debating.”

So in any event, I made up my mind in high school I wanted to be a trial lawyer. I wanted to be like Clarence Darrow or Louis Nizer. At the time, WIU had a 3+1 partnership with University of Illinois where you start law school after three years of undergrad and finish both degrees at the same time. So I started at WIU. At the end of my junior year, U of I announced they were ending the program. I was devastated.

JZ: What did you do?

DW: I didn’t go back to WIU when the semester started. I started sending out my resume to law schools and got an interview at Loyola in Chicago. I took the train, had never been to Chicago in my life and I didn’t have any money, so I had to walk to Loyola. I met with the dean and as he’s looking at my transcript, he turns to me and says “I’m so sorry. You don't have an undergraduate degree. I misread your transcript. WIU is on the quarter system.”

I said “Sorry is not enough for me” and I gave the best closing argument of my life. I talked my way into law school that day.

So Joseph, the moral of that story is there are going to be opportunities and breaks that come along and you need to take advantage of them. This wonderful woman, Dr. Johnson, gave me the biggest break she could and that led me to a break from Loyola and that led to me sitting here in this chair today.

JZ: That’s an incredible story.

DW: Now, what about you? What do you think your goals are for your first job after law school?

JZ: Honestly, I just want to be a sponge. What attracted me the most to law is the continual learning. New things are constantly happening; you’re the first person on the phone battling issues; and things are different every day. So I want to learn as much information as possible. I’ve had a couple of mentors at Western who have helped me a lot, so I have a couple of people I can go to for advice. I just want to be the best that I can be. What did you do during your time at WIU to help you prepare for law school?

DW: I did two main things at Western, I worked my butt off studying and I was a resident assistant in Lincoln Hall. I got to meet so many people and I loved the diversity of the campus. I had never been to a big city, Macomb was big for me at the time, but I met so many students from Chicago and other places. I enjoyed just mingling with people who were new and different from me. It just opened my eyes to what a great and wonderful world it is. We didn’t have anything like mock trial back then. Tell me about that experience.

JZ: Absolutely. Mock trial has given me a lot of cool connections. My freshman year, I didn’t meet anyone who had the same major as me. But with mock trial, I had the opportunity to meet people who were also pre-law and had the same goal of going to law school. So that immediately felt like a community.

DW: That’s phenomenal. And you said you’re in a fraternity. I was in Delta Sigma Phi. Fraternity life gives you the opportunity to meet a lot of people. Do you find that to be fulfilling?

JZ: Yes sir. I’m in Pi Kappa Phi. That’s really where everything started. Members of the fraternity vouched for me to get onto the Student Government Association cabinet and encouraged me to get involved in a couple of other student organizations. Some of the men were very involved and they encouraged me to get more involved on campus because they saw that I had a lot of leadership potential.

I have one last question for you. What is your favorite trial you’ve been a part of?

DW: That’s a hard one. I’d probably have to say the trial that put me on the map, Operation Greylord. I was two years out of law school and in my second year in the U.S. attorney’s office. We indicted 23 police officers, from the commander on down, for organized crime and corruption. The trial went on for four months with lots of media attention. It was a huge victory for a young kid like me and it definitely put me on the map.

JZ: Dan, thank you so much for chatting with me today. This has been amazing.

DW: Thank you, Joe. You have a really bright future ahead of you. If you’re back in the area this summer, let’s get lunch.

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

WHAT I KNOW NOW

Bill Murdock `93 graduated from WIU with a bachelor’s degree in Accountancy, passed the CPA exam the following year and earned his MBA from the Keller School of Management in 2010. His career journey took many turns before landing in his current position as president and chief executive officer of McDonough District Hospital (MDH) in Macomb. Bill and his wife, Angela `91, returned to Macomb in 2019, when he was hired as the vice president and chief financial officer at MDH. One of their children Ben graduated from WIU in 2023.

Murdock’s primary professional career has been in healthcare finance for 30 years, serving in hospital capacities as controller, vice president of finance, chief financial officer and now as CEO. His experiences range from small rural critical access hospitals to large tertiary hospitals and inner-city hospitals in Chicago and the Midwest. He was named president and CEO of McDonough District Hospital in May 2024.

Now, he reflects on some of the lessons he has learned in his more than 30-year career.

OVERCOME, ADAPT AND MOVE ON

Never miss an opportunity to learn from your mistakes. Be bold and brave, and take risks along your journey. Don’t be afraid to fail, as there is no better professor than disaster as long as you keep improving.

BE PASSIONATE

Love what you do, and others will see it and recognize it. If you can’t find passion in your work life, then make a change. Don’t chase success, money or titles, rather let your passion drive success and the money will follow. Life goes by so quickly and long periods of unhappiness are regrettable.

ENTITLEMENTS

Leave your entitlement stigma at the door. Nothing erodes loyalty, trust and morale in an organization more than the expectation to prove superiority.

ASPIRE TO SOMETHING

We are built to walk uphill and the path to success is steep. Disengage from your emotional affairs with your screen time. This is a distraction from what deserves your attention. Waiting does not make you stronger; action makes you stronger.

"Never miss an opportunity to learn from your mistakes. Be bold and brave, and take risks along your journey."

BE DIFFERENT

Stay interesting and understand the qualities that make you different. Nobody is going to remember you if you act, behave, talk and dress like everyone else. Say no to comfort! Cherish making memorable moments with family, friends and colleagues—they will be some of your fondest memories in life’s journey.

LEAVE A LEGACY

Guard your energy and give back to your community, schools, elderly and less fortunate. Volunteer and serve on boards for organizations and events to make a difference. Others are watching to see how you respond to challenges and hopefully see you as a trusted and reliable source.

SMILE

How do you want to be remembered? Don’t be the daily curmudgeon, but rather smile, engage and make someone’s day outstanding. It’s ok to be the first person to start a conversation.

OBSERVATIONS AND MISSTEPS ALONG THE WAY:

I have been fortunate to work with many great leaders and, conversely, some not so great. The qualities of a great leader I try to emulate include: build trust, be personable, have high energy, navigate politics, be collaborative, make sacrifices and do not be afraid to work beside others.

Networking with others is priceless for success. Never, ever burn relationships. Colleagues and peers will always remember how you treated them and how you left an organization. Create opportunities both in and out of work to build relationships.

There are always two sides to a story and the truth lies somewhere in the middle— listen first and talk last.

Don’t drive on the left side of the road unless you are passing or in Ireland.

Work on your well-being. Find the best way to deal with life’s challenges. Love the daily effort to disengage, recharge and communicate with others.

STUDENTS WIN

By Drew Donahoo MS `11

Last fall, Leatherneck Nation rallied behind Western Illinois University's live mascot, Col. Rock IV "Ray", in the inaugural "Goodest Boy in Illinois" competition. Created by WIU Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations Amy Spelman MS `98 and Northern Illinois

Liberty Davis

Senior Canton, IL Science Education

"The Founders Scholarship has helped me tremendously. Because of life events, I was worried that I would have to postpone and unenroll from college until I could afford it. When I found out I received the scholarship, I was more than ecstatic. This meant that I could continue my education journey here at WIU. I am a first generation college student and plan to teach science in a small town middle school."

IN MASCOT COMPETITION

University Foundation Executive Director of Operations and Alumni Relations Reggie Bustinza pictured left, the initiative aimed to raise funds for scholarship support and engage both schools' alumni bases in advance of the Aug. 31 WIU vs. NIU football game.

Using the funds raised during the competition, and in honor of WIU’s

Rigil Gentoleo

Senior Beach Park, IL

Political Science

"The Founders Scholarship has helped me support my educational needs in my final semester here in WIU. I chose to attend WIU because of the class sizes and to have the ability to develop my communication and soft skills. I have grown exponentially in my time here and am grateful to have received the support of the Founders Scholarship for my final semester. After graduation, I have a job lined up as a corrections officer in the Lake County, IL, Sheriff's Office"

125th anniversary, the WIU Foundation established the Founders Scholarship Fund. This fund awards $1,899 in scholarship support to each student recipient, a nod to the institution’s founding year.

After the fierce two-week fundraising challenge, the WIU Foundation reported an impressive $20,431 raised from 577

Hudson Hanks

Senior Carthage, IL Geology

individual donors, a 365% higher turnout in number of donors compared to the competition. Impressively, support poured in nationwide and even from as far away as Canada and Australia.

For Spring 2025, an inaugural class of 10 Founders Scholars was selected. Read on to meet five of them.

Tamara McBeath

Senior Macomb, IL General Studies

"I live with and work for my grandparents, who own a farm. WIU is close enough that I can commute to school and continue to assist on the farm. Majoring in Geology meant I needed six credits from a summer field camp, which can run about $5,000. The Founders Scholarship has let me save more during the year than I would otherwise be able to. After graduating, I plan to continue working on my family farm and eventually go into a geoscience master’s program."

"The Founders Scholarship has softened the burden so I can focus on my studies and other endeavors. It has persuaded me to stay motivated and to have continuous confidence in striving for academic and professional development opportunities. After graduating, I want to pursue a career in management and use my knowledge, both theoretical and practical, gained at WIU. I will forever appreciate the generosity of those who invest in an individual’s potential, future and goals."

Omar Medina `25

Lindenhurst, IL Law Enforcement & Justice Administration

"The Founders Scholarship has helped me focus more on school rather than financial stress. It has allowed me to dedicate more time to my classes, participate in clubs and stay on track toward my goals at WIU. As a first-generation student to two hard-working Mexican parents, I am extremely grateful for the opportunities given to me. I appreciate everything WIU has to offer to make me a better student. After WIU, I hope to become a local police officer and, in the future, a federal agent."

home to Western.

"Philanthropic gifts are more important to our program than ever before," said Director of Athletics Paul A. Bubb.

"These long-term commitments from donors help us to plan better, as we can count on those gifts to advance and enhance our Athletics program."

While Leatherneck Legends is focused on philanthropy, members will enjoy unique stewardship opportunities focused on deeper, more meaningful engagement with WIU Athletics. These opportunities include exclusive events, unique team experiences, priority season ticket and post-season ticket purchases, preferred athletic event parking, Hall of Fame room and Touchdown Terrace hospitality access and more.

and Spelman are supporting men’s basketball through their commitment to Leatherneck Legends.

& Virginia Diehl

Cathy Early received the WIU Honorary Alumni Award in 1997, and she was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003 for her involvement and investment in WIU Athletics and the Macomb community. She is a retired

Virginia Diehl is professor emeritus of Psychology at WIU. Early and Diehl are supporting volleyball, women’s basketball, women’s golf and women’s soccer through their commitment to Leatherneck Legends.

Marshall Ervin

Marshall Ervin is a long-time supporter of Leatherneck Athletics, having been a donor for more than 20 years. He is the former director of the Russell Athletic Company.

Ervin’s commitment to Leatherneck Legends supports the Leatherneck Club general fund, which benefits a variety of athletics initiatives.

Garry Johnson & Margie Twaddle Johnson

W. Garry Johnson, vice president emeritus for Student Services, received the WIU Honorary Alumni Award in 2015. He retired from WIU in 2011.

His wife, Margie, is a Macomb native and is retired from Citizens Bank. The couple is supporting men’s and women’s basketball, football, softball and the Leatherneck Club general fund.

Arsenio Mims '11

Arsenio Mims graduated from WIU in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. During his time at WIU, he played on the men’s basketball team, participated in the Student Government Association and was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi. He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri–Columbia School of Law in 2014 and has been working at Dowd Bennet LLP in the Greater St. Louis area since 2017.

Mims is a member of the WIU Foundation Board. His commitment to Leatherneck Legends supports men’s basketball.

Paul Reuschel '69

Paul Reuschel was a two-sport athlete for the Leathernecks, competing on the men’s basketball and baseball teams. Reuschel was inducted into the WIU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1983 and still sits at third in the WIU record book for strikeouts. His record of 100 strikeouts in a season was set in 1968 and broken for the first time in 2012.

Following his career at WIU, Reuschel was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 1968, making his official MLB debut in 1975. He pitched for the Cubs until 1978, then pitched for Cleveland until 1979. Reuschel’s commitment to Leatherneck Legends directly supports baseball and men’s basketball.

Curt '82 MBA '83 & Sue westen

Curt Westen competed as an offensive lineman on the football team while at WIU. He received All-Conference, AllAmerican and Academic All-American honors in the 1981 and 1982 seasons. His father was legendary coach and WIU Athletics Hall of Famer, Brodie Westen. Curt went on to be inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010. Three of Curt’s brothers, Rich, Rob and Tony, graduated from WIU and brothers Rich and Joe also played on the football team.

In addition to her husband’s WIU connections, Sue Westen’s father and two brothers also graduated from WIU. Sue’s oldest brother, Jay Heubner, and Curt were football team teammates. Together, Curt and Sue own the Westen Group, a real estate holding company in Denver, CO. Curt and Sue have supported WIU Athletics for more than thirty years and are supporting football through their commitment to Leatherneck Legends.

Read more about the Westen family legacy on page 28.

wayne whipps '77

During his time as a student at WIU, Wayne Whipps worked in the Sports Information office, helping to man the press box. He was also a member of Alpha Gamma Rho on campus, as well as the Livestock Judging Team. Whipps spent most of his career in sales and marketing in agriculture before retiring in 2020. He is a member of the WIU Alumni Council. Whipps is supporting football, men’s basketball, and volleyball through his commitment to Legends.

HO M EGRO W N LEADERSHIP

By Alisha Barnett Looney MA `13

Western Illinois University’s 13th president has deep roots in higher education and in WIU itself. From an early age, President Kristi Mindrup MS `00 embraced education as a core value in life, leading her on a journey that began with a childhood visit to WIU and evolved into a lifelong passion for academia and student success.

Growing up, education was never a question; it was a given. Inspired by her grandparents and an aunt who is a WIU alum, Mindrup charted her path to education early. Her grandfather, a firm believer in the power of learning, often shared with her, “There is nothing better than a college campus.” That belief became a guiding principle.

Her first visit to WIU was particularly memorable. At the age of 12, she accompanied her grandfather to a mayor’s luncheon in Macomb, where she had the opportunity to meet thenWIU President Ralph Waggoner. The experience left a lasting impression, solidifying her early connection to the University and planting the seed for her future in higher education.

Although that early encounter sparked Mindrup’s interest in higher education, her academic journey initially took her elsewhere.

Mindrup ultimately chose to attend another university and felt instantly at home on a college campus. She thrived in the university culture, embracing both academic and social experiences. Planning course schedules, helping to guide her peers through academic decisions and fostering strong connections with faculty all came naturally to her. Even then, she recognized the power of the university experience in shaping lives, a perspective she carries with her into her presidency today.

After completing her undergraduate degree, she pursued a second bachelor’s degree in secondary education. However, she encountered an unexpected challenge when she graduated; a teacher surplus made finding a job difficult. While working

various part-time jobs, she came across an advertisement for a clerk position at WIU’s Quad Cities campus. She applied, took the civil service test and officially became part of the WIU family on Sept. 15, 1997.

Her first role at WIU included answering phones, moving AV carts between classrooms and securing the building at night. It was the perfect introduction to the WIU community.

“That position taught me so much about interacting with students on the front line, assisting faculty and understanding the day-to-day operations of a university,” Mindrup recalled.

Over the next 27 years, Mindrup rose through the ranks at WIU, taking increasingly complex leadership roles. A faculty mentor encouraged Mindrup to pursue a master’s degree in instructional design at WIU, which broadened her understanding of learning processes and user experiences. This academic journey led to her decision to earn a Ph.D., significantly expanding her perspective on higher education and leadership. Her journey included serving as assistant to the director of the Quad Cities Center, director of Instructional and Administrative Services and multiple leadership roles overseeing academic affairs, planning and operations. In 2020, she was named the interim administrator in charge of the Quad Cities campus.

A defining moment in her career came with the development of Western’s Quad Cities Riverfront Campus, which was completed in 2014.

“How often do you get to build a campus from the ground up?” Mindrup reflected.

Working alongside faculty, staff and students to design everything from building layouts to furniture selections, she saw firsthand the power of collaboration and the impact of inclusive

decision-making. Her experience working between the Macomb and Quad Cities campuses gave her a comprehensive understanding of the University’s needs and potential.

In 2022, Mindrup was named vice president of the Quad Cities campus, a role that introduced her to new challenges, including legislative advocacy, city partnerships and external relations. Her leadership helped reshape the perception of the Quad Cities campus as a hub for innovation, opportunity and regional impact.

In early Spring 2024, a WIU trustee asked her a pivotal question: “Have you ever thought about being president?”

Though she had considered it in the abstract, she never expected to be asked to pursue it. Just a few months later, she stepped into the role as interim president and, on Dec. 6, 2024, the WIU Board of Trustees named Mindrup the 13th president.

Reflecting on the moment, Mindrup laughed, “This wasn’t on my bingo card but the opportunity to lead a University I have grown with and deeply care about was an opportunity to serve during an important moment of change for WIU and higher education.”

For Mindrup, leadership is rooted in empathy, collaboration and respect for every voice of Western Illinois University. She has consistently emphasized the importance of building a thriving, inclusive environment where all members of the campus community feel valued and empowered to contribute.

Mindrup’s vision calls on the WIU community to move forward together, with positivity and purpose.

“We must promote a campus culture that embraces kindness, collegiality, and authenticity,” Mindrup said during her first remarks as interim president.

“When we center ourselves around shared purpose and genuine care for one another, we create a space where people can thrive–both personally and professionally.”

Walking through the second floor hallway of Sherman Hall, lined with portraits of past presidents, Mindrup acknowledged the significance of her role as the University’s first woman leader. She is also the first WIU alumna to hold the presidency, a milestone that underscores her deep and personal connection to Western.

“Seeing 12 pictures of men and then realizing I would be the next face up there—it hit me,” she said. “It’s about opening doors and showing what’s possible.”

Mindrup understands the importance of representation and the impact her presidency can have on students, faculty and aspiring professionals.

Mindrup’s vision for WIU focuses on innovation, accessibility and student success. She aims to align the University’s academic programs with regional workforce needs while emphasizing social mobility and student support. She is committed to financial stabilization, expanding interdisciplinary programs and strengthening Western’s role as a regional leader in education, healthcare, STEM and workforce development.

As a regional public university, WIU plays a crucial role in rural community growth and economic development. She envisions Western continuing to build strong partnerships with businesses, legislators and industry leaders to create new opportunities for students and the broader community.

“WIU’s greatest strengths lie in its people, the dedicated faculty, staff and students who work hard to

create a supportive and welcoming environment,” Mindrup said. “Once students are here, they feel at home.”

She also noted WIU’s culture of resilience, tradition of excellence and commitment to accessibility as key factors in its success.

“The Leatherneck spirit, our toughness and pride, powers us through challenges and helps us build a bright future,” Mindrup said.

Mindrup is excited to strengthen alumni involvement, and she recognizes the vital role they play in WIU’s success. From mentorship and internships to philanthropy and advocacy, she sees alumni as crucial partners in shaping WIU’s future. She previously worked with Alumni Council President Eldon Brown `96 to explore ways to better connect alumni expertise with University initiatives. That work will continue with incoming president Molly Holmes `01 MS`04.

That deep sense of connection and pride among alumni is something

Leadership with Purpose

Reflecting on her 28 years at WIU, Mindrup emphasizes three core leadership lessons:

1. Relationships are the foundation of success. Collaboration strengthens the University and creates new opportunities for students.

2. Ego-free leadership is essential. True leadership requires setting aside personal ambitions, listening to others, and building priorities based on the needs of students and colleagues.

3. Agility is key. Higher education is constantly evolving, and WIU must remain adaptable to meet the changing needs of students while staying true to its mission.

TH 1:30pm wiu.edu/inauguration

strong leadership, but also a return to WIU’s roots.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to have one of our own leading WIU into its next chapter,” Alumnus Steven McCann `78 said. “I’ve known President Mindrup for many years and I know she is going to do great things in this role. Having a president who understands our history, our values and our potential is crucial right now. I can’t wait to see what’s ahead for WIU.”

“Our alumni remember the strength of WIU when they were here, and they want to help us create an even stronger future,” Mindrup said.

Her impact on students is already being felt across campus.

Makena Martin, a 2025 Psychology graduate and outgoing president of the Student Government Association (SGA), echoed that sentiment. “Dr. Mindrup has been such a welcoming and supportive presence throughout my time in SGA. She always has an open ear and truly listens when I bring

committed she is to making real change for students, and working with her has been one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience.”

James Bierman, a senior Agriculture major and newly elected Board of Trustees student trustee, also praised Mindrup’s leadership.

it with incredible resilience and unwavering grace. Every challenge that’s come her way, she’s faced head on with a smile. Every decision I’ve seen her make has been focused on improving Western and enriching the student experience. She’s not only an outstanding leader and president, but also the kind of Leatherneck alumna we’re proud to have representing us.”

As Mindrup prepares for her inauguration, she shares a message with WIU’s students, faculty and staff: “The future is bright. WIU has always risen to meet challenges with strength, and we will continue to do so while creating new opportunities for our students and community.”

And if she could give advice to her younger self, sitting in a WIU classroom years ago?

“Leap and the net will appear.”

For the 13th president of Western Illinois University, that belief has come full circle.

WHAT’S IN MY BACKPACK: Lauryn Glossett

Every Leatherneck is unique, much like the contents of their backpack. Get to know a current student through what she carries with her on a daily basis.

Name: Lauryn Glossett

Year: Senior

Major: Health Services Management

Hometown: Joliet, IL

First

A NEW ERA:

LEATHERNECK ATHLETICS MOVES

TO THE OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE

By Rachel Balinao `25

On July 1, 2023, Western Illinois University and Leatherneck Athletics began a two-year transition into the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), marking a historic shift after 38 years in the Missouri Valley Football Conference and the Summit League. The majority of teams moved to the OVC prior to the 2023-24 season. Men’s Soccer and Football joined the OVC for the 2024-25 season. This change unified all 17 of WIU’s NCAA Division I sports under one conference for the first time.

The move signaled a new era for Leatherneck Athletics, coinciding with Athletic Director Paul Bubb’s first year at the helm.

“The move represents a new start and a new era for Leatherneck Athletics, bringing back old rivalries while introducing us to new competition within our geographic footprint,” Bubb said.

The OVC is home to in-state rivals Eastern Illinois University (EIU) and Southern Illinois University-

Edwardsville (SIUE). The Leathernecks and EIU share a storied athletic history, highlighted by the “Railsplitter” competition.

The Old Railsplitter Ax, first introduced in 1977, was originally awarded to the winner of WIU and EIU men’s basketball matchups. Though the tradition faded over the years, it was revived in 2016.

WIU wasted no time making an impact in its first year in the OVC. Six teams secured top-five finishes in conference standings:

• Women’s Outdoor Track & Field – 3rd

• Women’s Indoor Track & Field – 3rd

• Men’s Basketball – 4th

• Men’s Indoor Track & Field – 5th

• Women’s Golf – 5th

• Men’s Outdoor Track & Field – 5th

WIU’s success in the OVC has carried into the 2024-25 academic year, with several standout achievements so far:

• Sophomore guard Raegan McCowan became the fastest player in WIU women’s basketball history to score 1,000 career points

• Senior volleyball outside hitter Keyana Cruse broke the school record for kills in a single season

• Junior pole vaulter Emma Ponx has broken the program record for women’s indoor pole vault three times this season

• Senior guard Marko Maletic set a new men’s basketball program record for three-pointers in a single season with 87

• Senior guard Sean Smith became the first men’s basketball player in OVC history to record back-to-back triple-doubles

• Freshman Richardlyne Francois was named OVC Freshman of the Year for women’s tennis

Additionally, seven student-athletes across five sports earned All-Conference honors during the 2023-24 academic year. Several athletes also received individual awards for standout performances in OVC championships:

• Aliyah Adams `24 – OVC Female Athlete of the Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field Championships

• Drew Cisse `24 – OVC Defensive Player of the Year (Men’s Basketball)

• Raegan McCowan – OVC Freshman of the Year (Women’s Basketball)

• Logan Lommel `22 MA `24 – Named one of six OVC Scholar-Athletes of the Year (Men’s Cross Country/Track & Field)

• Adding to WIU’s success, then-sophomore pole vaulter Arnie Grunert qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, OR, where he finished 17th overall with a jump of 17 feet 1.5 inches. His performance earned him All-American Honorable Mention honors.

• Sophomore Payton Brown was named OVC Player of the Year for softball

• WIU women’s basketball earned a postseason bid, hosted the first round of the WNIT and advanced to the second round

WIU’s transition to the OVC has strengthened the Leatherneck student-athlete experience and set the stage for continued success, competitively and academically.

“Under the strategic plan we unveiled in Spring 2023, Many Teams; One Goal: Student Success, we have seen many accomplishments as we set the course for the future of Leatherneck Athletics as an NCAA Division I institution,” Bubb said.

To stay up to date as the Leathernecks make their mark in each sport and each season, follow along at goleathernecks.com.

westen endowment Turns 10

Rachel Balinao `25

In 1971, a WIU Football legacy began in Macomb that has lasted more than half a century. That was the year Coach Brodie Westen, along with his wife, Jane, moved from Champaign, IL, to begin his Leatherneck coaching career.

Westen’s journey to Macomb started in Marquette, MI, and included stints in the U.S. Navy, serving on the U.S.S. Juneau during the Korean War, two stops coaching at the University of Illinois, and four years coaching at Rockford West High School.

The Westens moved to Macomb in 1971, where Brodie became head coach in 1974. In 1975, Westen was voted Illinois Coach of the Year, after leading the Leathernecks to a 12-7-1 record over two the previous two seasons. Westen was inducted into the Rockford Sports Hall of Fame in 1964 and the WIU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1992.

The Westens spent four decades in Macomb, raising their family and remaining involved in the WIU community. Leatherneck blood runs deep in the Westen family. Brodie and Jane raised seven children, five of whom attended WIU. Three of their sons, Curt `82 MBA `83, Rich `91 and Joe went on to play on Hanson Field during their time as Leathernecks.

During his time on the team, Curt played with Jay Heubner `82. Curt went on to marry Jay’s sister, Sue. Sue and Jay’s brother, Lee `84, and their parents also all attended WIU.

The summer after Brodie became the WIU head coach, a future athletic administrator attended the Brodie Westen Football Camp.

"Coach Westen's impact on me, as a high school football player, was significant. When I had the opportunity to attend the Brodie Westen Football Camp in the summer of 1974, it resulted in making

A DECADE OF IMPACT

me a better quarterback but also opened my eyes up to being a better person,” WIU Director of Athletics Paul Bubb said. “Coach Westen and his staff talked and practiced being competitive, but also focused on sportsmanship.”

Brodie Westen was known as a coach who had close connections to his players, many of whom he stayed in contact with over the years. The branches of his coaching tree reach far and wide, with Westen having coached a number of successful athletes and businessmen.

One of those Westen-era football alumni, Steve Nelson `77, was inspired to create an endowment at WIU to cement the Westen family’s legacy with Leatherneck Athletics forever to honor and to thank the man who provided the direction and opportunity that served as the basis for a successful career and life after football.

“The journey to establish this scholarship began in 1973, when I was recruited to WIU,” Nelson said. “Coach Brodie played an integral role not only in coaching me on the field but also in guiding me off the field. His mentorship extended beyond Athletics; Coach Brodie introduced me to influential alumni within the business sector, which greatly impacted my academic and professional trajectory.”

Nelson, along with other leadership donors including former players John Passananti `75, Charlie Carey `75 and Mike Drymiller `73 MS `77, endowed the fund in 2014. At its creation, the Westen Endowment Fund was the first private scholarship endowment fund specifically for WIU Athletics. Since the establishment of the fund, multiple other players and Westen family members have contributed to the endowment.

“Coach Brodie always credited his days as a graduate assistant as instrumental to his coaching career and his life. In

fact, he and Jane met, got married, and started our family while he was a football graduate assistant at the University of Illinois,” Curt said. “The Westen family is proud and honored to support the endowment to aid graduate assistants beginning their careers as Brodie once did.”

Since its inception a decade ago, the Coach Brodie and Jane Westen Graduate Assistant Endowment has funded 15 graduate assistant coaches for the Leatherneck football program, providing each with invaluable experience working with an NCAA Division I football program.

“We all hope that the GA endowment gives a young coach the opportunity to achieve a great coaching career and wonderful life just as Coach Brodie and Jane did,” Nelson said.

This endowment provides a full-circle moment for WIU Athletics and for Bubb.

“The Brodie Westen Football Camp, much like the endowment that is now in place, gave a young student-athlete the opportunity to grow in his sport but also the ability to appreciate the life lessons we learn each day through the game teamwork, developing leadership skills, determination to finish and finish strong, and building relationships that will last a lifetime. These graduate assistantships allow people the opportunity to both teach and experience these same qualities,” Bubb said.

Left: Coach Westen

Right: Steve Nelson

where are they now?

Holden Boyle 2017-18; Director of Football Operations at Illinois State University

Jamaal Richardson 2019-20; Asst. Coach of Cornerbacks at Vanderbilt University

DeShawn Haney 2021-22; Tight Ends Coach at Texas Southern University

Sophia Tedesco 2023-25; Director of Football Operations at Western Illinois University

Here is where some of our Westen Graduate Assistant alumni and current recipients are making an impact now:

Justin Fitzpatrick 2019-20; Creative Director for Football at the University of Miami

Michael Gould 2020-21; Defensive Run Game Coord./Recruiting Coord./Linebackers Coach at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise

Adam Curry 2021-23; Assistant Director of Football Operations at the University of Miami

Anthony Brocato 2024-25; Special Teams Graduate Assistant at Western Illinois University

Boyle photograph courtesy of Dennis Banks, Illinois State University Athletics. Brocato and Tedesco photographs courtesy of WIU Photography Design & Production. Curry and Fitzpatrick photographs courtesy of University of Miami Athletics. Gould photograph courtesy of UVA Wise Athletics. Haney photograph courtesy of Texas Southern Athletics. Richardson photograph courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics.

Class Notes

1960s

Dave Allen `68, Bourbonnais, is retired.

1970s

Dan Isaacson `71, Thousand Oaks, CA, was inducted into the Nat’l Fitness Hall of Fame.

Cynthia Gauss `72, Rockville, MD, is a retired physician/hospitalist.

Janice Pontifex Gates `73 MBA `92, Macomb, is a retired senior instructor from WIU.

William Green `73, Highwood, is a retired special education teacher.

Allan Simms `74, Dubuque, IA, is a retired Lutheran minister.

Jan Stuhl Smiekel `74, River Forest, is a retired teacher.

James Thorpe `74, Pearland, TX, is a retired attorney.

Percy Williams Jr. `74, Oak Lawn, is a tutor for the Institute for Positive Living.

Walter Champion Jr. MA `75, Houston, TX, is a law prof. for Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern Univ., adjunct prof. at S. TX College of Law Houston and the author of 13 books.

Michael Craig `75, E. Peoria, is retired from the E. Peoria Police Dept.

Dan Eilts `75, Ottawa, was inducted into the Ottawa Township High School Hall of Fame and the IL High School Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame

Kenneth Walczak `75, Granville, OH, is retired.

Philip Berg `77, Indianapolis, IN, is a driver for Hertz Car Rental Co.

Deb Dickinson `77, Dixon, is retired from the State of IL DHS.

Joe Gulvas `77, Highland, IN, is retired from Matteson IL School Dist. #162.

Richard Marten `77, Woodridge, is retired.

Nan Pangrazio Ochs `77, Plainfield, is a self-employed educational consultant.

Lawrence Ruff `77, Palatine, is retired from Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd.

Doug Wakeley `77, Palatine, earned his real estate managing broker license in MA Commonwealth, works for Guiker, Inc. out of Montreal, Canada, and runs the Chicago office of record.

Charles Bruner `78, Cleveland, TN, is retired from US Navy and from Logistics Management Institute in Tysons, VA.

Jody Kovachevich `78, MS `81, St. Louis, MO, is a sr. bus. analyst for Washington Univ.

Patrick Lambert `78, Melbourne, FL, is a client relationship mgr. for Data Flow Systems.

Nancy Cardea `79, Elmhurst, is dir. of compliance for Word on Fire Catholic Ministries.

Kurt Heideman `79, Lynchburg, VA, is a retired manager of analysis from Georgia Pacific Corp. after 38 yrs.

Karen Fanella Onorato `79, Naperville, is a retired 2nd grade teacher for Center Cass District #66.

Curtis Pulliam `79, New Hartford, NY, is a distinguished prof. of chemistry for Utica Univ.

Maria Charcut Rector `79, Galena, is a special ed teacher for Waukegan Public Schools.

Michael Streb MS `79, Stilwell, KS, is an acct. exec. for Appian.

Bradley Veile `79, Fairfield, WA, is a retired teacher and coach from Plummer/ Worley School Dist. in ID.

1980s

Richard Anderson `80 BGS `15, Geneva, is the dir. of enterprise program management office for Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund.

Donna Duncan Bieschke `80, Crystal Lake, is retired from McHenry Co. College.

Robert Ferra `80, Las Vegas, NV, is the pres. of Battle Born Capital LLC.

Mark Greenhill `80, Winnetka, is the owner of Smalley Steel Ring Co.

Cheryl Tidd Johnson `80, Golden Valley, MN, is a sr. analyst for CTC Technology & Energy.

James Bryon Kirwan `80, Seymour, is retired from the USDA/Nat’l Resources Conservation Service.

Roger McKnight `80 MBA `83, Chesterfield, MO, is retired from Amazon.

Diane Boehs Ryals `80, Chapin, is retired from Univ. of Illinois Extension.

Jack Krol `81, Palos Park, is the reg. sales mgr. for Smith System.

Becky Reitzel `81, Winter Park, FL, is a retired teacher after 41 yrs.

Richard Ryals `81, Chapin, is a retired computer security administrator for DXC.

Ralph Grasser `82, Palm Springs, CA, is a retired corp. exec./U.S. Army Capt.

Jean Heyduck `82, Chaska, MN, is retired.

Barbara Lieb Hinrichs `82, Freeburg, is retired.

Linda Johnson Meyer `82 MS `90, Erie, CO, is a retired pastor.

Hinata Haga `83, Tokyo, Japan, is pres. of Haga Library Inc.

Sandy Harte `83, Palatine, is the project coord. for MSM Solutions, Inc.

Paul Mathias `83, Rio Hondo, TX, is self-employed.

Holly Magie Phillips `83, O’Fallon, MO, is retired.

David Stewart `83, Davenport, IA, is retired.

Gary Blickhan `84, Quincy, is retired from GatesAir.

Lori Torgerson Chesser `84, Des Moines, IA, was elected president of Dentons Davis Brown PC.

Peggy Griffin Falater `84, Fort Worth, TX, is retired.

Greg Fox `84, McHenry, is a security professional for McHenry High School District #156.

Phil Giles `84, Pinehurst, NC, is a chief growth officer for Skyward Specialty Insurance.

Christopher Mikulec `84, Naperville, is a territory sales mgr. for Denso Products & Services.

Roseann Sobey Rydell `84, Oro Valley, AZ, is retired from Alaska Airlines.

John Spankroy `84, Lake in the Hills, is a director for Optum Rx.

Sandy Johnson Vangundy `84, Elgin, is the dir. of recreation for Bloomingdale Park Dist.

John Kelley `85, Gallatin, TN, is a retired police officer from the Danville, IL Police Dept.

Tim Temples `85, Longview, WA, is a transportation analyst for Weyerhaeuser.

L. Mark Anderson `86, Norwalk, IA, is a retired disability examiner from the State of IA after 36 yrs.

Mark Crompton `86, Naperville, is the CEO for Gladiator Innovations LLC in Melbourne, FL.

Lisa Stanks Duffy `86, Rochester, is retired from the State of IL.

Daniel Nardini `86, Chadwick, was inducted into the Who’s Who in American biography reference book and has published a total of 12 books.

Wayne Krabbe `87, Sabina, OH, is a field marketing rep. for AgriaSompo.

Gyo Yano `87, Okinawa, Japan, works in the cultural properties div. for Uruma City Board of Ed.

Catherine Smith Jostes `88 MS `22, S. Elgin, retired from the State of IL.

Reginald Thomas `88, Belleville, is a prof. and head of jazz studies at NIU in DeKalb.

James Darlington `89, Lacon, is a retired senior software engineer from Caterpillar.

Angela Kay Gibbs `89, Roseville, owns a private counseling & consulting practice.

Loretta Becker Solfisburg `89, Elburn, is a retired elementary teacher from East Aurora School Dist. #131 after 30 yrs.

Kelly Keener Weiss `89, O’Fallon, MO, is an accountant for Krey Distributing in St. Peter’s.

Dana Weiss Worrell-Jumper `89, Vinton, IA, is a reverend for First Christian Church.

1990s

Jay Adkisson `90, Tulsa, OK, is a retired partner from RSM US LLP.

Mary Nystrom Brockman MS `90, Ft. Madison, IA, is retired from Southeastern Community College.

Tom Cimbalista `90, Lockport, works at Weather Tech in security.

Carole Steffensmeier Grayson `90, Oceanside, CA, is a deputy center dir. for Social Security Administration.

Jeffrey Lorber MS `90, Springfield, is a retired Vice Chancellor for Advancement from U of IL & sr. VP for the U of IL Foundation.

Julian Parrott MA `90, Urbana, is a retired sr. asst. VP from U of IL and published a 2nd novel, Of Love and Honour.

Patricia Dwyer Arthurs `91, Lindenhurst, is an IT governance mgr. for the OCC.

Mike Bredar `91, Burlington, IA, is VP for Frank Millard & Co., Inc.

Neil Shannon `91, Naperville, is a sr. training specialist at CO Tech Univ.

Randy Endean `92, S. Elgin, is the chief of police for the Village of Maple Park.

Kelly Guerrero `92, Springfield, is a public service admin. for the State of IL.

Michael Neys `92, Naples, FL, is a business systems analyst sr. principal at Arthrex.

Paul Brown `93, Brookhaven, GA, is the special agent in charge for FBI Atlanta.

Eboni Zamani-Gallaher ’93 MS `97, Export, PA, is the dean of education for the Univ. of Pittsburgh.

Richard Glover `93, Chillicothe, is the mgr. of security & public safety for OSF.

Corie Kinzer-Sego `93 MS `96, Green Valley, is a reg. contract analyst for the DCFS.

Glenda Millhouse `93, Montgomery, is a sr. client service consultant at Metlife in Aurora.

Cassandra Nutt Moulton `93, Bonita Springs, FL, is a life coach for Lee Co. Acceleration Academies.

Rian Sanders `93, The Villages, FL, is the head of sales Americas for HPE.

Angela Woodley Scholl `93, Ottumwa, IA, is the assoc. principal for Ottumwa High School.

Glenn Taylor `93, Denver, CO, is a project manager for ComcastNBCU.

Joe Ullrich `93, Rockford, is the president for Fibro, Inc.

Michael Arnhart `94, High Ridge, MO, is the acting fire chief for the City of Columbia Fire Dept.

Don Frichtl `94, Rockford, is a retired master deputy sheriff from Charleston County Sheriffs Office.

Mark Hutchinson `94, Ft. Wayne, IN, is VP and treasurer for F&M Bank.

Shannon McGrath Jordan `94, Henderson, NV, VP for the Las Vegas Raiders.

Matt Montgomery `94, Chatham, awarded the International Certified Crop Adviser of the Year.

CJ Nedic `94, Raleigh, NC, is the bus. operations leader for Merative.

Matt Seman `94, Sherman, is an executive VP Lending for United Community Bank.

Jeremy Smith `94, Nolensville, TN, is the COO for Amplifi.

Duane Bloemker `95, Oxford, IN, is the distribution center implementation mgr. for Bayer Crop Science.

Salinda Black Branson ’95 MBA `97, Ipava, is the asst. dean of student services for Spoon River College.

JP Dries `95, Sycamore, is the VP of operations for Allied Universal in Chicago.

Heidi Roberts Elliott `95, State College, PA, is an applications developer for Pennsylvania State Univ.

Danielle Lessner Hendrickson `95, Roscoe, is a sr. recruiter for United Airlines in Chicago.

Brett Henson `95, Elizabethtown, KY, is a pediatric dentist for Modern Kids Dentistry.

Bob Millington `95, Seattle, WA, is the VP for Fisher Investments.

Kean Woo `95, Klang, Selangor, is retired.

Genita Wesley Brooks `96, Chicago, is an admin. coord. for Neuberger Berman.

Paul Ferguson `96, Rock Island, is a historian for US Army Joint Munitions Command.

Ellen Jacobs Green `96 MS-ED `01, Labelle, FL, is the asst. principal for Lee Co. School Dist.

Sherri Hitchcock `96, MS `06, `11, Macomb, is the VP/CFO at McDonough District Hospital.

Peter Lonsway `96, Pelham, NH, is the deputy superintendent at Nat’l Park Service Lowell NHP.

Kim Simoni `96, Chicago, is the sr. mgr. of exhibits & events operations for A. Fassano & Co.

Tom Viscioni `96, E. Moline, is retired.

Tracey Burrus `97, Madison, WI, is a retired asst. fire chief personnel from the City of Madison Fire Dept.

Joe Creed `97, Irving, TX, was named the CEO of Caterpillar, Inc.

Scott Dochterman `97, N. Liberty, IA, is a sports writer for The Athletic and was named a co-winner of the FWAA Steve Ellis Nat’l Beat Writer of the year.

Melanie Wilson Foster `97, Dolton, is a courtroom deputy for U.S. District Court NDIL.

Carrie Crouse Fowler `97, Macomb, is a self-employed farmer.

Pilar Gallardo `97, Bethalto, is an activity dir. for Villa Rose Senior Living Community.

David Young `97, Quincy, is the information systems mgr. for The Knapheide Manufacturing Co.

Edward Brown `98, Jonesboro, is the chief of police for Mounds Police Dept.

Patrick Joesphs `98, Chicago, is a sgt. for Chicago Police Dept.

Lainie Steelman `98, Alton, is a claims specialist for Social Security Admin.

Jill Klein Ayres MS `99, Orange, CA, is the director of athletic training & sports medicine for Newport Orthopedic Institute.

Katie Baer Glover `99, Chillicothe, is a CPS for State of IL.

Sue Peterson `99 MA `04, Canton, is a retired social services dir.

2000s

Alicia Robinson Hansen `00, Oswego, is an early childhood instructional coach for Yorkville School Dist. #115.

Katharine Morris Dickerson `01, Peoria, is a communications consultant for Caterpillar Inc.

Linda Hooten `01 MA `08, Peoria, is the police chief of Huntley Police Dept.

Four WIU LEJA alumni attended the 291st session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA, from July-September, 2024.

From left: Deputy Chief Jason Norton `01, Darien PD; Deputy Chief Brett Kaczorowski MA `17, Elmhurst PD; Deputy Chief Dave Smysor `03, Urbana PD; Chief Jeff Bladel `10, Davenport, IA PD.

Class Notes

Ronee LaRoche Baracani `02 MS `04, Loveland, CO, is the director of toxicology, Lilly Oncology, at Eli Lilly and Company.

Christopher Demitropoulos `02, Gilberts, is the sr. dist. sales mgr. for American Honda Motor Co.

Shauna Allen Freeman `02, Chicago, is a laborer custodian for the USPS.

Nichole Westerlund Hancock `02, Lutz, FL, is the VP for John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital/ John Hopkins Health System.

Carrie Haber Lemons `02, Rushville, is a 7th & 8th grade sp. ed teacher for SchuylerIndustry School Dist. #5.

Peter Spizzirri `02, Bolingbrook, is the dir. of security for the Chicago Bears.

Jason Tanamor `02, Rock Island, is an author and published a 2nd novel, The Legend of Sensei Tsinelas.

Keith Anzelmo `03, Volo, is a teacher for Lake Zurich CUSD #95.

Marissa Hollenback `03, Las Vegas, NV, and her band, Marissa and The Hollenbacks won Las Vegas’s Reader’s Choice Best Band in 2023.

Chrissy Hansen Pearl `03, St. Charles, is the diector of Ecommerce for Sweetwater Sound.

Amber Thiele `03, Greenbelt, MD, is an archives specialist for Nat’l Archives & Records Admin.

Jacob Willis `03, Liberty Hill, TX, is a system analyst for the TX Dept. of Transportation.

Adrienne Flannery Daley `04, Tampa, FL, is a latent print specialist for Tampa Police Dept.

William Duffey `04, Hickory, NC, is retired from Catawba Valley Comm. College.

Brett Ellis `04, St. Louis, MO, is the fire chief for the City of Webster Groves.

Gary Farlow `04, Ridgeville, SC, has released his new book, Porches, Puddin’ & Persimmons.

Eric Frey `04, Waxhaw, NC, is a live event director for ESPN.

Jennifer O’Hern MBA `04, Woodhull, is the dir. of finance for the City of Galesburg.

Angela Van Briesen Perrot `04, Loves Park, is a teacher for Rockford Public Schools #205.

Scott Weber `04, Chagrin Falls, OH, is the COO/ co-founder of FermaBlend Technologies.

Lyron Graves ’05, Pittsburgh, PA, is the dir. of talent, diversity, & HR solutions for Univ. of Pittsburgh.

Matt Lesh `05, Lancaster, CA, is a project mgr. for Northrop Grumman Corp.

David Nelson `05, Bartlesville, OK, is the reg. mgr. for Arvest Wealth Mgt.

Meagan Vogel ’05, Ft. Madison, IA, is a compliance mgr. for Great River Health.

Jay Westenee MA ’05, Chicago, is the chief of staff for the City of Chicago in the Civilian Office of Police Accountability.

Steven Alexander Bailey `06, Junction City, OR, is the student engagement coord. for The Ford Family Foundation.

Jennifer Schahl Ballard `06, Woodhull, is a cytogenetic & molecular diagnostics tech. for OSF.

Ralph Lowers ’06, Ottawa, is the owner of Accucount Vending.

Michael Urbaniak `06, Belgium, WI, is a quality engineer for The Vollrath Company.

Amber Barclay Beard `07, Morning Sun, IA, is a JH/HS family & consumer science teacher for Winfield Mt. Union Jr./Sr. High School.

Susan Bentley `07, Macomb, is an SSCT for IL. Dept. of Human Services.

Steven Brown `07, Minneapolis, MN, is the pres. for Iron Machine Tool.

William Greenleaf `07, Auburndale, FL is a driver for UPS.

Shelley Hanson `07, Elmwood Park, is a school wide sub/teaching asst. for Itasca School District #10.

Molly Colgan McIntyre `07, Peoria, is an RN for OSF Healthcare. Vishwanthi Busannnagari MS `08, McKinney, TX, is a principal engineer for Adaptive Resources Inc.

Stephen Butt `08, Elgin, is a logistics coord. for Induction Innovations.

David Halstead `08, Bourbonnais, is the maintenance mgr. for Daifuku Intralogistics America Corp.

Amber Houston `08, Moline, is TDM operations sr. associate for RSM.

Parvez Mohammed MS `08, Morrisville, NC, is a sr. consultant for CGI Technologies & Solutions Inc.

Clare Entrup Olberz `08, Louisville, KY, is a postpartum doula at Bluegrass Doulas.

Dorian Riley `08, Galesburg, is the owner of 360 Party Zone LLC.

Cynthia Schroeder `08, Bolingbrook, is a value-based strategy mgr. at Rush Health, is an adjunct prof. for Governors State Univ.

Philip Seeber `08, Fontana, WI, is a radiology mgr. in critical access hospitals for MercyHealth WI & IL.

Krista Skien `08 MS `11, Bushnell, is the dir. of the Carthage campus for Carl Sandburg College.

Mallory Swanson Tolley `08 MS-ED `14, E. Galesburg, was recognized as the W. Central Reg. Teacher of the Year by the IL State Board of Education’s Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year program.

Bethany Worrell `08, University City, MO, is the dir. of vocal studies & asst. professor of voice for University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Kendra Bierbom `09, Princeton, is a sergeant for Princeton Police Dept.

Torey Colburn `09, Mendota, is a mid-west conservation agronomist at American Farmland Trust.

Michelle Milstead Howe `09 MS `11, Lewistown, is the alumni coord. for Spoon River College.

Justin Kappmeyer `09, Homer Glen, is a police officer for City of Downers Grove.

Dale Korinek `09, Springfield, is an asst. prof. of clinical psychiatry for SIU School of Medicine.

Tyler Reaska `09, Wentzville, MO, is the CEO for Thomas Coffee.

Emily Jacob-Rudesill `09, Tremont, received the Rotary Foundation District Service Award.

2010s

Siarah Flanagan `10 MS `12, Mundelein, is the lead instructional systems designer at Vertex Solutions, LLC.

Cory Lowman `10, Camp Point, is a software engineer II at Dot Foods in Mt. Sterling.

Bradley Malone `10, Decatur, is the dir. of health & safety at Topflight Grain Coop.

Samantha Saffold Okikiade `10, Glen Ellyn, is the program coord. for Eden Career Institute.

Ian Clark `11 PB-CER `15, Lafayette, IN, is a sr. academic advisor and instructor for Purdue Univ.

Elizabeth Clay `11, Freeport, is a family nurse practitioner for OSF St. Anthony in Rockford.

Tim Harwood `11, Punta Gorda, FL, is a territory manager for Miter Brands.

Meaghan Lee Hirkala `11, Ladd, is the bus. mgr. for Macon Construction.

Rachel Davidson Marfell `11, Divernon, is a realtor for The Real Estate Group.

Ashley Dunham Michalski `11, Plainfield, is the reg. marketing mgr. for Panduit.

Oghenero Omu Scharfenberg `11 MS `12, Little Rock, AR, is a sr. engineer for L’Oreal.

Robert Shepard PB-CER `11, MA `11, Lincoln, NE, helped write “Atlas of Iowa.”

Erikan Washington `11, Georgetown, TX, is a claims risk mgr. for Ebay.

Michael Alvarez `12, St. Louis, MO, is a U.S. probation officer.

Elizabeth Henley Clausing `12 MA `17 PB-CERT `17, Aurora, is a sgt. for the IL State Police.

Aaron Frye `12, Milwaukee, WI, is the dir. of photography for WDJT CBS 58.

Steven Fuller `12, Orion, is the IT project mgr. for Davenport Comm. School Dist. Kelsey Wolfe Head `12, Oregon, is the learning commons library coord. for Sauk Valley Comm. College and received a master’s in library & information science at U of I.

Matthew Lutz `12, Bastrop, TX, is the dir. for PKC Bastrop Accelerate Taekwondo and retired from the U.S. Navy.

Maggie O’Brien `12, Alton, is the chief exec. officer for Alton Mental Health Ctr.

Katherine Roskamp-Ellerbrock `12, Quincy, is the exec. dir. of the Quincy Museum.

Tyler Sharpe `12, Normal, is a sr. designer for Method.

Whitney Anderson `13, McCausland, IA, is a maintenance office specialist for Constellation.

Steven Bellavia `13, Huntley, is a distribution specialist for McMaster-Carr Supply Co.

Justin Burke `13, Sublette, is a grain merchandiser for FS Grain.

Natalie Walker Sharpe `13, Normal, is a self-employed wedding photographer.

Brian Turner `13, Chicago, is a warehouse associate for Target.

Alaina Digiogio Macaulay `14 MS `16, Windsor, CT, is asst. vice provost for inclusive excellence and leadership for Tufts Univ.

Brittany Marietta Shelly `14, Bettendorf, IA, is a sr. internal auditor for QCR Holdings, Inc.

John Steinacher `14, Jacksonville, is the ABI team leader for Zoetis in Whitehall.

Kirin Lipford Windford `14, Rockford, is a procurement specialist for Constellation.

Leah Raycraft Mooney ’15, Normal, is a pharmacist for Walmart Pharmacy.

Nikki Parker `15, Ipava, is an intervention specialist for Imagine Learning.

Chelsea Day Wilson `15, Springfield, is a program coordinator for Illinois Board of Higher Education.

Chase Di Bella `16, Dixon, is founder/pres. for Di Bella Vita Financial Services.

Jaymie Meredith `16, Chicago, is a clinical therapist at Advocate Children’s Hospital.

Kirsten Belisle Michael `16 MA `17, Cody, WY, is the visitor engagement mgr. for Buffalo Bill Ctr. of the West.

Greg Proue `16, Lake Geneva, WI, is a sr. tech. lead for Meduit.

Justin Derry `16 Macomb, is the asst. dir. of creative services & branding at WIU and is the owner/creative dir. of LEGENDERRY.

Robert Barlow `17, Chicago, is a managed property specialist for Delta Gamma Fraternity.

Amber Clark `17, Warsaw, is a head chef for Memorial Hospital.

Kelsey Fischer Dakin `17, Macomb, is a probation officer for McDonough Co. Court Services.

Blake Heinz `17, Washington, is an exercise physiologist for OSF St. Francis.

Levi Huls `17, Athens, WI, is the dir. of transportation for Kolbe Windows & Doors

Jordan Petersen `17, Galesburg, is the adult probation officer for Knox Co. Court Services.

Heather Simmons Winters ’17, Warsaw, is the plant controller for Silgan Containers.

John Winters `18, Fairview Heights, is the fire chief for Fairview Caseyville Township Fire Protection Dist.

Sidney Bottino `19, Boston, MA, is an exec. asst. for Nonantum Capital Partners.

Marco Espinosa `19, Ventura, CA, is the co-owner and project coord. for CPR Construction.

Courtney Dalton Milks `19, Ft. Madison, IA, is an EMT for Adams Co. Ambulance in Quincy, IL, and is also a police officer for West Point Police Dept. in West Point, IA.

Benjamin Misplon `19, St. Louis, MO, is a medical tech. for SSM Health.

Lindsey Schafer `19, Mendon, is a physical therapist for McDonough District Hospital and received a doctorate in physical therapy from South College.

2020s

Laura Flatt `20, S. Roxana, is an investigator for The Gori Law Firm in Edwardsville.

Casey Hendrickson `20, Burlington, IA, is an emergency management coord. for OSF Healthcare.

Nashuba Hudson `20, Chicago, was the first elected Black woman to lead a prestigious global legal journal.

Brandon Mabrey `20, North Aurora, is a sr. victim specialist for Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Morgan Miller `20 MUS-MM `23, Naples, FL, is the dir. of bands for Golden Gate High School.

Brianna Parada `20, Pawnee, is a claims specialist for the government.

Grace May Rohder `20, Channahon, is a 1st grade teacher for Minooka CCUSD #201.

Christian Almanza `21, Chicago, is a security site manager for Allied Universal Security Services.

Cheyenne Beach `21, Peru, is a soil conservationist with NRCS.

Maggie McCoy `21, Hutchinson, KS, is a school psychologist at Reno Co. Ed. Coop.

Tracey Miller EDD `21, Woodridge, is the dir. of assessment & instruction at Lincoln-Way Comm. High School Dist. #120.

Jacob Mundy `21, Silvis, published his first novel “Profound Light: Overcoming Childhood and Adolescent Trauma.”

Deonte Rush `21, Chicago, is a police officer for the Chicago Police Department.

Pedro Blanco`22, Chicago, is a project engineer for Leopardo Construction.

Jeremy Brannan `22, Lewistown, is the probation officer for Fulton Co. Probation.

Ethan Chase `22, S. Elgin, is a police officer for Elgin Police Dept.

Derek Johnson `22, La Grange, is a real estate paralegal for Paul Hastings LLP.

Keonna Lauts `22, Rockford, is an administrative assistant for Rock Valley College.

Curtis Pointer III `22, Edwardsville, is a comm. dir. for SIUE.

Amanda Wandachowicz `22, Palos Heights, is a chemist for Ecolab.

Darren Jordan `23, Macomb, is a communications operator for Homeland Security.

Yosiel Montes `23, Chicago, is a paralegal for Lessmeister & Samad PLLC.

CallaBria Putrino MBA `23, Macomb, is the director of public transportation for the City of Macomb.

Dustin Robertson `23, Milan, is an operations specialist with Department of Defense.

Cole Vande Voorde `23, Geneseo, is a police officer for the Camanche Police Dept.

Craig Downing `24, Hamilton, is an admin. office coord. for Sevita/REM Iowa Community Services.

Ian Hutchison `24, Morrison, is a social studies teacher for Beardstown High School.

Patrick Pendergast MA `24, Plainfield, is a police officer for the Woodridge Police Dept.

Kyle Ruark `24, Marengo, is a police officer for the City of Marengo.

Eli Sadler MA `24, Troy, OH, is an asst. registrar for the Philadelphia Museum of

Class Notes

Marriages

David Block `20 and Kelsha Leinaala Kauhane, Jan. 2, 2025.

Emilee Dechant `18 and Clint Ratkovich `20, June 29, 2024.

Blake Lowderman `19 and Caley Rumler `20, Nov. 16, 2024.

Jonathan “JC” Miller `23 MS `24 and Kloe Norris `24, Sept. 28, 2024.

Births & Adoptions

Nicole Chmielewski Aguilar `15 and Jacob, Nora Irene Aguilar, May 1, 2024

Victoria Powers Almlie `11 and Kevin `09, James Matthew Almlie, Aug. 25, 2024

Kathryn Post Boll `15 and Kyle `15, Brody David, June 20, 2024

Evan Crum `08 and Christina Voltaire-Crum, Josephine Parker Crum, Apr. 14, 2024

Matt Fischer `12 MS `15 and Kelsie, Callan Fischer, Jan. 6, 2025

Ashley Wetherill Haines `19 and Cody, Callie Haines, Oct. 24, 2023

Blake Heinz `17 and Leah, Noah Timothy Heinz, May 12, 2024

Robert J. Hodges II `08 and Channing,

Campbell A. Hodges, Apr. 29, 2024

Natasha Presswood Kraushaar `04 and David `03, Joseph Arthur, Dec. 21, 2023

Denver Murphy `10, Logan Murphy, Dec. 17, 2024

Katlyn Talbot Pardieck `18 and Conner `18, Beckett S. Pardieck, Feb. 10, 2024

Taylor Johnson Reece `19 and Daymon, Hestin Reece, Dec. 5, 2024

Amy Lejsner Simpson `18 and Scott `16, Grace Simpson, Nov. 11, 2024

Rachel Slama `14 and Brian McClellan `06 `07, Mila Rae McClellan, Aug. 19, 2024

Ashley Clark Swingel `15 and Jay, Camden James, Aug. 30, 2023

Madelyn Anderson Thompson `20 and Kyle, Oaklynn Thompson, Mar. 21, 2024

Justin Wilson `12, Carter Wilson, Nov. 23, 2024

Emily Manley Feiner `17 and Adam `16, Lukas John Feiner, Aug. 8, 2024

Nick Tripoli `12 and Christine Presbitero `12, Nov. 2, 2024. More than 30 WIU alumni were in attendance.

In Memory

1946 Roberta J. Johnson Gambrel, Nov. 28, 2020

1946 Lucy J. "Jean" Randall Burchfield Lambert, Apr. 17, 2021

1949 Rosemary Riva Blazier, Nov. 2, 2024

1949 Henry M. "Hank" D'Agostino, Sept. 1, 2024

1949 Marilyn A. Hunter Moon MS-ED `58, Dec. 31, 2024

1949 Bev J. Moore, Apr. 27, 2024

1950 Patricia J. Swanson Carlson, July 30, 2024

1950 Barbara J. "Jo" Hull Flack, Apr. 25, 2024

1951 Martha Sheley Brough, July 7, 2023

1951 Patricia Smith, Mar. 16, 2024

1952 John P. Anderson, Feb. 24, 2025

1952 Betty L. Lamond Pitts, Nov. 27, 2024

1952 Pat Weatherington, June 1, 2024

1953 Colleen Baxter Smith, Sept. 2021

1954 Gene P. Clayton, Dec. 12, 2016

1954 Jeannette L. Patterson Clendenny, Apr. 6, 2025

1954 Donald L. Clute MS-ED `68, May 22, 2023

1954 Donnie L. Crawford MSE `55, Mar. 28, 2025

1954 Helen F. Young Dunn, Apr. 23, 2024

1954 Richard H. Ingram, Apr. 13, 2025

1954 Dale L. Logsdon, Nov.14, 2024

1954 David A. Paisley MS-ED `57, Apr. 28, 2024

1955 Richard M. Frowein MS-ED `69, Nov. 11, 2024

1955 Donald R. Johnson MS-ED `64, July 7, 2024

1955 Chester H. Neff, Aug. 10, 2024

1955 James M. Peek, June 19, 2024

1955 Henry R. "Hank" Sale, Nov. 19, 2024

1955 Janice E. Kelley Stracke, Mar. 27, 2024

1956 Roselyn J. Himmel Chown, Jan. 26, 2025

1956 Patricia A. "Pat" Kuczynski Larimore, Feb. 25, 2025

1957 Robert E. Brown MS-ED `58, Jan. 31, 2024

1957 Joel D. "Joe" Collier MS-ED, May 6, 2024

1957 Rose K. Kapovich Conti, Jan. 1, 2024

1957 Robert J. DeVries MS-ED `62, Mar. 22, 2025

1957 Donald H. McRoberts, July 11, 2024

1957 Mary J. Cannole Napoli, Sept. 12, 2024

1957 Donald L. Palmer, Feb. 15, 2025

1957 William R. "Bill" Seals MS-ED `60, April 9, 2022

1957 Carroll D. Wilson MS-ED `60, Apr. 21, 2025

1957 Lee D. Viehweg MS-ED `59, August 3, 2024

1958 Glen D. Anderson, Feb. 10, 2025

1958 Barbara A. Magnuson Boehm, June 16, 2024

1958 Betty A. Robertson Cramm, May 29, 2024

1958 Wallace E. Dean, Mar. 24, 2024

1958 Lloyd R. Holmes, Sept. 15, 2024

1958 Sandra S. "Sue" Fordyce Larson, Feb. 23, 2024

1958 Jack E. Minor, May 26, 2021

1958 Shirley A. Wollbrink Paul, June 16, 2024

1958 Garth E. Saager, May 10, 2024

1958 Phil G. Shannabarger MS-ED `59, Feb. 27, 2024

1958 Merlin J. Tobias, Feb. 10, 2025

1958 George F. Welch, Apr. 22, 2023

1959 Rodney D. Bricker, May 27, 2024

1959 Eugene R. "Gene" Burton, Mar. 30, 2024

1959 Patricia J. Stafford Chamberlin MS-ED, May 11, 2024

1959 Dayton H. "Hal" Devore MS-ED `66, Feb. 12, 2024

1959 James F. "Jim" MacDonald MS-ED `60, June 26, 2024

1959 Ronald F. Murphy, Mar. 9, 2025

1959 Janet K. Latimer Harris Ott, Feb. 12, 2024

1959 Charles A. "Chuck" Powers, Nov. 17, 2023

1959 Donald E. Reeser, June 27, 2018

1959 Marcia M. Teeter Roberts MS-ED `81, Apr. 20, 2024

1959 Bonnie J. Wiley, July 15, 2024

1960 Ed F. Appel, July 24, 2024

1960 Ray G. Cunningham, June 25, 2024

1960 Bradley E. Gale, Oct. 7, 2023

1960 Catherine J. "Kaye" Torrance Hancock, June 9, 2023

1960 Eleanor "Ellie" Ericson Hanning MS-ED`67, Mar. 14, 2024

1960 Delano "Dee" Kruzan, Nov. 27, 2024

1960 Danny M. Reed, Aug. 23, 2024

1960 Clark A. Stevens CAS `66, Aug. 1, 2024

1960 Floyd W. Toland, Nov. 29, 2024

1960 Marilyn J. Miller Whyte, Mar. 10, 2024

1961 Patricia W. Beadles Bangert, Feb. 11, 2024

1961 Daniel H. Dittmer, May 1, 2024

1961 Patrick T. McGinnis MS-ED `63, Feb. 25, 2025

1961 John H. "Jack" Nichol MS `62, Mar. 15, 2024

1961 Victor Rick, June 14, 2024

1961 Doreen A. Lamere Sartor, Dec. 27, 2024

1961 Thomas E. Skill, Mar. 13, 2024

1961 Eugene A. Suarez, Aug. 1, 2024

1962 John F. Brokaw, May 15, 2024

1962 Sara Jo Brown Guy, Apr. 12, 2024

1962 Opal L. Beaty Maple, Mar. 22, 2025

1962 Robert E. Moody MS-ED, Oct. 12, 2024

1962 Vern N. Shelton, Dec. 30, 2024

1962 Richard A. "Dick" Thompson, Feb. 2, 2024

1962 Jay R. Vest MS-ED, Apr. 30, 2024

1963 Mary F. Freburg Clark, June 5, 2024

1963 Carolyn L. Winkler Gibson, May 5, 2024

1963 Benjamin L. Hohulin, Sept. 27, 2024

1963 Charles V. Jones, Mar. 3, 2025

1963 Barry H. Keeling, Jan. 21, 2025

1963 Deanna D. Swartzbaugh Murphy, Sept. 26, 2024

1963 Larry E. Parks, Feb. 1, 2024

1963 Paul R. Pescetto, Oct. 11, 2024

1963 Joyce A. Wetzel Reed, Nov. 18, 2022

1963 Charles M. Roma, May 15, 2024

1964 Donald R. Anliker, Nov. 16, 2024

1964 Marion A. Barr, May 29, 2024

1964 David A. Casteel, Jan. 20, 2025

1964 Patrick A. Grady ED-SP `73, Feb. 7, 2025

WIU students automatically become members of the Alumni Association the day they graduate! All graduates are entitled the many benefits and services, including:

• A free subscription to the Western Magazine

• A free subscription to RockeNews, a monthly eNewsletter from the WIU Alumni Association

• Exclusive access to the online alumni directory

• Networking opportunities with other alumni at more than 40 events hosted by the Alumni Association around the world each year

• Use of WIU’s Leslie F. Malpass Library

• Access to benefits provided by WIU’s Center for Career Preparation and Employer Engagement

• The opportunity to purchase membership to the Donald S. Spencer Student Recreation Center

• Alumni class rings, diploma frames and WIU Illinois license plates

• Disability, dental and travel insurance opportunities

View a full list of benefits with a full details and links, scan or visit wiu.edu/alumni/benefits.php.

Class Notes

1964 Patricia A. Blickenstaff Huston, Mar. 11, 2024

1964 Wayne E. Jenkins, Sept. 30, 2024

1964 Richard A. Kerr, Nov. 1, 2024

1964 Lyle D. Kreps, Feb. 13, 2025

1964 Rollin L. Swanson, Mar. 31, 2024

1965 Charles W. Gebhardt, Apr. 15, 2024

1965 Beverly J. Bagwell Huff, Feb. 21, 2021

1965 Stanley F. Leach, Feb. 19, 2025

1965 Wilma J. Overbey Lund MS-ED `79, Sept. 3, 2024

1965 Ronald H. Sather, July 12, 2024

1965 Linda K. Loughe Sheldon, Jan. 24, 2025

1965 Treva T. Toland Walker, Jan. 4, 2025

1966 Charles A. "Chuck" Beadles, Apr. 21, 2024

1966 Carol A. Hartzell Buckwalter, Aug. 16, 2023

1966 Joseph J. "Jukes" Comincioli, Jan. 23, 2024

1966 Lawrence Eyler, Apr. 18, 2024

1966 Marcia J. Morgan Hamilton, Sept. 6, 2024

1966 George H. Huseman MA `87, ED-SP `91, MA `03, May 15, 2024

1966 Clyde G. Johnson, Streator, July 30, 2024

1966 William E. Looke MA `71, Jan. 6, 2022

1966 Neil S. McCauley, Mar. 4, 2024

1966 Karl R. Moore MA `68, Oct. 28, 2024

1966 Joan F. Sorensen, June 17, 2024

1966 Roger G. "Gary" Spandenberg, Sept. 3, 2024

1966 Robert W. Stansfield, Feb. 14, 2024

1966 Robert B. Wiewel, Feb. 25, 2024

1966 James R. "Jim" Wise, Mar. 21, 2025

1967 Raymond "Lynn" Bradley MA `70, Jan. 30, 2025

1967 Patricia J. McCune Campbell, Dec. 31, 2024

1967 Nancy J. Hopkins Christensen, Oct. 14, 2023

1967 David K. Dudley, Oct. 2, 2024

1967 Robert R. Heier MS-ED `70, Oct. 21, 2023

1967 E. Charles Hopper, Dec. 29, 2024

1967 Sheryl L. Gustafson, July 10, 2024

1967 Paul E. Jones, Mar. 3, 2024

1967 Barbara J. Groeltz Kinneer, Sept. 24, 2023

1967 Marvin A. "Pete" Klusman, Feb. 2, 2025

1967 Brenda L. Gray McNamara, Mar. 15, 2025

1967 Penelope H. "Penny" Heitzig Meyer MS-ED `75, May 19, 2024

1967 Robert E. "Bob" Olson, Apr. 8, 2025

1967 Philip M. Scaccia, Aug. 30, 2023

1967 Marie M. Cikanek Trankina, Aug. 26, 2022

1968 George I. Beckman MS-ED `71, Dec. 31, 2024

1968 Joseph Clement, June 30, 2024

1968 John H. Craig, Jan. 12, 2024

1968 Glenn W. Dancey, June 14, 2024

1968 Robert L. Davenport, May 17, 2024

1968 Karen S. Sundberg Finn MS-ED, May 1, 2024

1968 J. Maxine Settles Hilton, July 26, 2024

1968 Stanley H. "Stan" Kaiser ME-ED `72, Feb. 13, 2025

1968 William C. Landon, May 25, 2024

1968 Norman B. Lovelace, Jan. 21, 2025

1968 Doris E. Meyer McMullen, Jan. 28, 2025

1968 J. Robert "Bob" Palmer, Feb. 12, 2025

1968 Karen K. Zoller Reitz, Aug. 4, 2024

1968 Elizabeth A. Thompson Ringoen MS-ED `90, June 29, 2024

1968 Wylie W. Robinson, Mar. 18, 2024

1968 Robert C. Schmitt, Jan. 29, 2025

1968 Larry R. Svob, Nov. 3, 2024

1968 Lyon S. Trainor, Apr. 17, 2023

1968 Thomas L. Van Daele, Aug. 1, 2024

1969 Dennis L. Boyd MA ED-SP `90, Feb. 6, 2024

1969 Kevin J. Burke Jr., Mar. 9, 2022

1969 Norman W. Chappell, Sept. 2019

1969 Alice Rogers Cote, Sept. 21, 2024

1969 Dan Kermit W. Fox, Apr. 20, 2024

1969 Mary A. Schwegel Gillett, Jan. 7, 2025

1969 Thomas O. Graff MS `70, Mar. 25, 2025

1969 Gayla D. Worrel Holmes, Dec. 12, 2024

1969 Alan M. James, Oct. 31, 2024

1969 Elizabeth K. Walters McElfresh, July 20, 2024

1969 Melanie J. Fischer Moehling, Feb. 22, 2024

1969 Carol L. Wilcox Philips, June 26, 2024

1969 Larry S. Schroeder, Feb. 1, 2025

1969 Robert P. Sellers, Feb. 20, 2025

1969 Rebbeca L. "Becky" Smith Hart, Mar. 23, 2025

1969 Wanda G. Johnson Vogler, Sept. 12, 2023

1969 Robert W. Worman, Mar. 10, 2025

1970 Paula F. Boardman, Oct. 14, 2021

1970 Larry W. Bushmaker, Oct. 8, 2020

1970 Charles M. Combites, July 17, 2024

1970 Katherine M. Sallee Dolle, May 1, 2023

1970 Dennis A. Heitz, Aug. 13, 2024

1970 William A. Irvine MBA `71, Dec. 10, 2021

1970 Patricia I. Jones MS `81, Feb. 11, 2025

1970 Barbara A Halsey Lawler, Oct. 4, 2024

1970 George P. Longmeyer, Oct. 9, 2024

1970 Elizabeth J. "Liz" Wessels Lott, July 20, 2024

1970 David A. Marshall, Mar. 10, 2025

1970 Charles A. Ramer, Dec. 7, 2024

1970 Roger J. Ranieri, Apr. 12, 2023

1970 Mary E. Hightower Slater MS-ED`78, Sept. 14, 2024

1970 Thomas C. Tomlinson MA `72, July 4, 2023

1970 Daniel J. Treptow, Apr. 26, 2024

1970 John T. VanHook, Jr., Nov. 10, 2023

1970 Teresa A. "Trudy" Yeast Wayland, Feb. 27, 2024

1970 Alan R. Wolski, Jan. 9, 2024

1970 Gregory M. Worsley, Sept. 14, 2024

1971 Robert M. Anderson, Mar. 15, 2025

1971 Roy L. Balbort, Oct. 29, 2024

1971 Cassandra L. "Sandy" Bordenkircher, Dec. 26, 2024

1971 Clifford P. Coussens, Apr. 14, 2024

1971 Jack B. Etters, Feb. 2, 2025

1971 Constance E. "Connie" Glaser, Jan. 23, 2025

1971 Edwin H. Griffith, June 28, 2023

1971 Nancy L. Johnson Gustafson MS-ED, Oct. 5, 2024

1971 Richard M. Hadfield ED-SP, Apr. 1, 2024

1971 Marilyn A. Hoover Kuppler MS-ED `71, July 26, 2024

1971 Mark A. Vanne Mastrogiovanni, Mar. 20, 2025

1971 Michael E. Minnaert, Apr. 14, 2024

1971 Eleanor L. Unzner Nelson, Mar. 26, 2025

1971 Daniel F. Reedy, Feb. 17, 2021

1971 Donald W. Schiff, Dec. 8, 2024

1971 Marilyn J. Schroeder Sorrill, July 12, 2024

1971 Joyce A. Tikalsky, Oct. 30, 2024

1972 Janice K. "Jan" Braun MS-ED `90, Oct. 12, 2024

1972 Warren L. Brown, Sept. 1, 2023

1972 Roger L. Burch MS-ED, Jan. 23, 2024

1972 Gene A. Rowe Cervantes ME-ED `00, Feb. 14, 2025

1972 Marie A. Hoffman MS, Mar. 16, 2024

1972 David W. Hollis, Jan. 9, 2025

1972 Charles G. "Chuck" Johnson MS-ED `79, Oct. 23, 2024

1972 Samuel R. McMullen, Mar. 23, 2025

1972 James A. "Jim" Menne, Nov. 6, 2023

1972 Daniel J. Mille, Feb. 20, 2024

1972 Phil J. Passerini, Feb. 2, 2024

1972 Michelle M. Robeck Redfern, Mar. 5, 2023

1972 Martha J. "Marty" Selby MS `75, Oct. 12, 2024

1972 Gregory D. Shallenberger, June 24, 2024

1972 Joesph L. Steepleton, Jan. 17, 2024

1972 Marsha D. Joos Steinhauser, Jan. 11, 2025

1972 Greg J. Stenzel MS, Sept. 19, 2023

1972 Suzanne A. Ruetenik Stipek, Sept. 15, 2024

1972 Edward E. Winkler MFA, June 28, 2024

1973 Richard A. "Rick" Ahlgren, Oct. 19, 2024

1973 Hansel H. Belt, July 27, 2016

1973 David A. Bierser, Nov. 6, 2024

1973 David O. Bills MS-ED `80, Mar. 5, 2025

1973 Pamela L. Brooks, Apr. 8, 2023

1973 Peter B. Collette, Dec. 23, 2024

1973 Marsha L. Ideus Cooper, Feb. 6, 2025

1973 John E. Frieden, May 21, 2024

1973 Marcalene M. "Marcy" Nelson Hennenfent, Feb. 13, 2025

1973 Deborah S. "Debbie" Wawak Hubbard, Oct. 6, 2024

1973 Donald J. Jakubek, Sept. 17, 2024

1973 Gail L. Boyle Meehan, Feb. 10, 2025

1973 Richard W. Ogorek, Nov. 17, 2025

1973 Robert K. "Bob" Scott, Feb. 10, 2025

1973 Janice A. Barrow Sisson, Apr. 8, 2024

1973 Ellen I. Tudor, Mar. 16, 2020

1973 Dean E. Whiteman, May 30, 2024

1973 Richard L. Wilson, Nov. 18, 2024

1974 Michael E. Andre, Mar. 19, 2024

1974 Bryce M. Carey, Dec. 16, 2024

1974 Dean E. Chiz, July 13, 2022

1974 Gary W. Connor, Mar. 21, 2023

1974 Lawrence "Larry" Diemer MS-ED `94, Feb. 12, 2025

1974 James E. Fagan, July 29, 2022

1974 Suzanne M. Chiappe Haag, Mar. 19, 2025

1974 Dennis L. Hubbard, July 21, 2023

1974 Roger A. Lawson MA `84, Aug. 27, 2024

1974 John W. Miller, Sept. 7, 2024

1974 Lawrence A. Moellers, Jan. 17, 2025

1974 Neva A. Mooney, May 14, 2024

1974 Theresa A. "Terri" Howe Moses, Apr. 8, 2024

1974 Jerry M. Pisani, June 23, 2024

1974 Franklin J. Plewa Jr., Mar. 22, 2024

1974 Susan L. Tolvstad Stiles, May 15, 2024

1974 Richard C. Vining, Dec. 26, 2024

1975 Daniel J. Ahmann, Mar. 24, 2024

1975 Nancy A. McNary Anthony, Jan. 19, 2025

1975 Vernon O. Balda ED-SP, May 11, 2023

1975 Joe Bishop, Jan. 28, 2025

1975 Harold L. Boyd MS `76, Nov. 26, 2024

1975 James M. Broadfoot, Mar. 28, 2025

1975 Judy K. Carlson, Mar. 8, 2024

1975 Mary J. Brantley Carter, Apr. 16, 2024

1975 Robin B. Mells Casler-Smith, Dec. 25, 2023

1975 Joan F. Chinal MS-ED, July 4, 2024

1975 Richard A. Eriksen, Sept. 14, 2024

1975 Patrick T. Frasco MBA `76, Sept. 16, 2024

1975 Ned O. Graham, Nov. 7, 2024

1975 Nanci J. Messer Lorenz, Sept. 8, 2024

1975 Terry G. Moore, July 6, 2024

1975 Patricia A. "Trish" Oelrich, Aug. 22, 2024

1975 Emeka O. Ofobike MBA, Feb. 24, 2024

1975 Richard Quinn, May 31, 2024

1975 John T. Rice MS-ED, Oct. 15, 2024

1975 Donald J. Ruesch, Jan. 23, 2022

1975 Paul V. Savignano MS-ED, Apr. 26, 2021

1975 Paul M. Sowers, Apr. 27, 2025

1975 Charlene Thurber Widmaier, Mar. 17, 2024

1976 Jeffrey L. "Jeff" Baldwin, Aug. 1, 2024

1976 William M. Beile, Oct. 25, 2024

THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEATHERNECKS

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• 50 States, One Rate: All U.S. students pay the same tuition rate!

• Cost Guarantee: WIU’s competitive tuition rates remain at a fixed rate for four years

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• Uplifting Community: WIU’s personalized attention and resources help your student thrive

Scan or go to go.wiu.edu/recommend to share their contact info with our Undergraduate Admissions team.

1976 Lloyd J. Blakeman III, Apr. 2, 2022

1976 Roy Chlebek, Jan. 5, 2022

1976 Alan R. Dorsz, Jan. 16, 2025

1976 Monte O. Keller, Oct. 7, 2024

1976 Dale E. Kuhn MS-ED `82, June 19, 2024

1976 Melody K. Hensley, Nov. 18, 2024

1976 Sidney A. Mais, Oct. 15, 2024

1976 Dan L. Martindale, July 14, 2023

1976 Michael J. Reidy, Apr. 21, 2024

1976 John N. Rowan, June 5, 2024

1976 Steve Tornes, Oct. 14, 2023

1976 Matthew G. Zumbo, July 3, 2024

1977 Harry R. Billups ED-SP, June 2, 2024

1977 Nancy A. Gillman Boyle, Mar. 23, 2024

1977 Colleen K. Francis Cunningham, Apr. 20, 2024

1977 Deacon R. "Donnie" Dunbar, Feb. 8, 2025

1977 Robert L. Grisolano ED-SP, July 28, 2023

1977 Dorothy J. Frazelle "Joan" Herget MS-ED, Sept. 8, 2024

1977 Mark P. Hoffman, May 19, 2024

1977 Michael D. Hrivnak, Aug. 13, 2024

1977 Thomas G. Ivey, July 11, 2024

1977 Kenneth H. Jaeke ED-SP, Aug. 6, 2024

1977 Kenneth W. Laurie MA, Mar. 2024

1977 Margaret R. Brickwell Lee, Jan. 28, 2025

1977 Kim C. Liebendorfer, June 4, 2023

1977 Douglas E. Nelson MS-ED `99, Mar. 12, 2024

1977 Mary E. Dixon Peterson, Aug. 28, 2024

1977 Lawrence W. "Larry" Ryner MS-ED `83, Sept. 8, 2024

1977 Dale J. Sandelin, Aug. 11, 2023

1977 William Schramm, Mar. 29, 2025

1977 Reo L. Wilhour, Oct. 13, 2024

1978 Larry R. Bennett, Dec. 30, 2024

1978 Rodney J. Bockenfeld, Feb. 13, 2025

1978 Joan C. Frank Bonnamy, Feb. 24, 2025

1978 Beth A. Pirmann Jaeke MS-ED, Oct. 4, 2024

1978 Harry R. "Bob" Johnson MS `80, Mar. 28, 2024

1978 Janice "Jan" Pelegrino Lolloni, Apr. 21, 2025

1978 Randall D. Meade MA, Apr. 5, 2024

1978 John W. Otteman, July 15, 2024

1978 Gregory T. Palmer, July 28, 2024

1978 Katherine A. "Kay" Hurley Pellack, Apr. 7, 2025

1978 Donita L. Barnes Pfahl, Nov. 11, 2019

1978 Steven W. Ratliff, Aug. 13, 2024

1978 Cynthia D. Stanton Channer Ryder, Sept. 12, 2024

1978 Joyce E. Anderson Schnowske, Sept. 2, 2024

1978 David G. Stanfel, June 9, 2020

1978 David M. Uhlmann, Jan. 27, 2025

1978 Robert M. Williams MA `84, Mar. 7, 2021

1979 Kandyce S. Enright MA `87, Feb. 26, 2024

1979 Kathryn A. Hayman Green MS-ED, Apr. 6, 2024

1979 Thomas A. Malinowski, Feb. 4, 2024

1979 Carol A. Neuschwanger Nelson, May 16, 2024

1979 Nora N. Preston, Feb. 18, 2025

1980 Tomothy R. "Tim" Bartholomew, Feb. 2, 2025

1980 Teresa L. "Terri" Conroy Headley, Apr. 22, 2025

1980 Roger E. Morris, May 11, 2024

1980 Lillian G. Stuebe, Feb. 5, 2023

1981 Julia J. John Aten, Feb. 12, 2024

1981 M. Pauline "Polly" Baker MS, Dec. 16, 2023

1981 Eric C. Bensen, Jan. 29, 2024

1981 Michael M. Gannon, Jan. 21, 2025

1981 Cynthia D. Coultas Hager MA `84, Aug. 21, 2020

1981 Betty J. Leif LaShelle, Oct. 29, 2024

1981 Kenneth L. May MS, Aug. 23, 2024

1981 Jeffrey L. "Jeff" Mills, Aug. 19, 2022

1981 Mollie B. Harrison Pennock MBA `83, Aug. 3, 2024

Class Notes

1981 Keith A. Summerson, Nov. 7, 2020

1982 Steven H. Anderson, May 3, 2024

1982 Lana J. Harper Bryan, Apr. 18, 2025

1982 Robert H. Kaiser ED-SP, Mar. 25, 2024

1982 Jane T. Brieser Lampkin, Mar. 2, 2025

1982 Josephine A. Hacker Lindquist Sybenga MS-ED `82, June 22, 2024

1982 Thomas L. McCarthy, July 19, 2024

1982 Ernest N. Molyneaux III, Feb. 14, 2025

1982 Christoper A. Moncelli, Feb. 2, 2023

1982 Steven E. Roon, Feb. 28, 2025

1983 Walter W. Ahland III MS `86, Oct. 22, 2023

1983 Douglas G. Allen, Dec. 9, 2024

1983 Robert B. Dickson, Aug. 8, 2024

1983 Charles L. Hamit, Feb. 20, 2024

1983 Irene D. McShane Huffman, Mar. 18, 2025

1983 Margaret E. Flynn Mitchell, Apr. 1, 2024

1983 Mark J. Staake, Sept. 24, 2024

1983 Marilyn J. Clark Stankee, Dec. 31, 2024

1984 Dennis O. Eveland, Jan. 24, 2024

1984 Robert W. "Robin" Faull, Jr., Jan. 25, 2024

1984 Robert T. Garcia MS-ED, July 13, 2024

1984 Jules "JR" Nottolini, Jr., Mar. 9, 2021

1984 Carolyn P. Parks, Nov. 14, 2024

1984 Craig A. Roberts, Feb. 15, 2025

1984 Alex Strandgard Jr. MS-ED, Aug. 19, 2024

1984 Donald E. Truitt, JR., Jan. 31, 2025

1985 Karen A. Barton Bucklew, Feb. 2, 2021

1985 Mary K. "Kathy" Thompson Carey MS-ED, May 5, 2024

1985 Barbara J. Pullen Gawthrop, June 7, 2024

1985 William S. "Scot" Johnson, Mar. 12, 2024

1985 Steven M. Sandquist, Mar. 3, 2025

1986 Linda Blickhan, May 30, 2023

1986 Robert A. "Bob" Bortolotti, Feb. 28, 2025

1986 Robert J. Bronson MA `88, Nov. 2, 2024

1986 Rick G. Dornink MS `93, Feb. 17, 2025

1986 Marilyn J. Keim Neilsen MS-ED, Mar. 28, 2024

1986 Jane A. Ramirez Reyes, Jan. 27, 2025

1986 Steven M. Reynolds, Jan. 21, 2025

1986 Teresa A. Peterson Stockler MS `92, Mar. 1, 2024

1987 Donna M. Pruitt Gardner MS-ED, Mar. 20, 2024

1987 Marjorie E. Bachmann Gittings, Jan. 27, 2025

1987 Barbara A. Randall Gray, Feb. 27, 2024

1987 Gary R. Hake MA, Oct. 18, 2024

1987 Paula G. Millman Henderson, Aug. 18, 2024

1987 Frances A. Bradburn Henley MS-ED, May 15, 2024

1987 Douglas J. Kestner, Oct. 16, 2024

1987 Emil A. "Terry" Magel MS, Apr. 26, 2024

1987 Elizabeth A. Phipps Mercer, Oct. 29, 2024

1987 Bonny G. McCullough Sammons MA, May 23, 2024

1987 Maureen H. Holt Savage MS-ED, Apr. 16, 2022

1988 Kenneth R. Darland, Rock Island, July 25, 2024

1988 Barbara E. Dillin, Feb. 25, 2024

1988 Maralyn R. Gress Hepner MS-ED, Sept. 2, 2024

1988 Jerome F. Enright, Mar. 9, 2019

1988 James L. Leath, Mar. 14, 2025

1988 Patrick J. Linton, Dec. 17, 2024

1988 Peter J. Lira, Mar. 3, 2024

1988 Diane L. McGrew, June 9, 2024

1988 Ben L. Mimms, Feb. 25, 2025

1988 Randall L. Pittman MS `01, Feb. 26, 2025

1988 Jon D. Schaab, Jan. 7, 2025

1988 Eric M. Spanton, Dec. 14, 2024

1989 Robert L. Atwater ED-SP, June 2, 2024

1989 William E. Chapman MS-ED, Feb. 2, 2024

1989 Patricia J. Wolters Eckert MA `92, Aug. 15, 2024

1989 Steven W. Julifs, Feb. 28, 2025

1989 James A. Kuzel MA, July 2, 2023

1989 Anna M. Allen Millhouse, Aug. 28, 2024

1989 Joyce A. English Nelson, Apr. 3, 2024

1989 Bruce W. Newman, May 12, 2023

1989 Kathleen A. "Kee Kee" Fearis Pregracke MS `95, Feb. 27, 2024

1989 Anthony "Tony" Sacco, July 3, 2024

1989 William H. "Will" Theehs Jr. MA, Mar. 16, 2025

1990 Celesta E. "Elieen" Harty Lafary, May 19, 2024

1990 Brenda J. McFolley, Feb. 5, 2024

1990 Dwight A. Perry, Nov. 13, 2024

1990 Lawrence M. "Larry" Taylor MS-ED, Mar. 8, 2025

1990 Karen M. Russ Walter MS, Feb. 17, 2024

1990 Leanne M. Wruck, July 26, 2024

1991 Curt M. Abercrombie, Apr. 10, 2024

1991 Janice A. Hudnut Hauser, Feb. 12, 2021

1991 Neal K. Horwedel, Oct. 4, 2023

1991 Gregory B. Murray MA `93, Jan. 20, 2025

1991 Rita K. Whitton Ohland MS-ED, Feb. 21, 2025

1991 Alice C. "Christie" Roth, June 5, 2024

1991 Anthony M. Zilic MS `92, Sept. 25, 2023

1992 Charles E. Davis, Aug. 9, 2021

1992 Stacey G. James, Feb. 26, 2025

1992 Craig M. Kozeliski, Sept. 22, 2022

1992 Kevin A. Loop MM `10, Oct, 4, 2024

1992 Jill K. McFadden MS-ED, June 22, 2024

1992 Susan M. Anderson Musak, Mar. 16, 2025

1992 Jeanne M. Schilling, Mar. 27, 2022

1992 Elizabeth A. "Betsy" Schwager, Dec. 8, 2022

1992 Gerald L. Tresemer, Aug. 10, 2024

1993 Wade P. Bowman MS `00, Nov. 28, 2024

1993 Eric C. Franz, Jan. 21, 2025

1993 Corey R. Gradert, June 17, 2024

1993 Wallace H. Hanley, Jan. 16, 2025

1993 Daniel W. Juhnke, May 29, 2024

1993 Heather M. Platt McMeekan MS `00, Oct. 6, 2024

1993 Mary J. Wombles Smith, July 16, 2024

1994 Cynthia A. "Cindy" Ley Brown, July 16, 2024

1994 Christopher J. Lopresti, Aug. 22, 2024

1995 Leanne M. Ellinor Alhorn MS-ED, May 19, 2024

1995 David L. Baggett, Apr. 9, 2025

1995 Carie J. Sheagren Geertz MS `99, Feb. 2, 2024

1995 Darrin A. Jones, May 9, 2024

1995 Brenda L. Kopp, Aug. 3, 2024

1995 Brian R. Luttrell, Dec. 22, 2022

1995 Robert E. Monson, Nov. 19, 2021

1995 Harley D. Rutledge, July 2, 2017

1995 Bruce G. Smith, Mar. 14, 2025

1996 Kenneth J. Anton, Apr. 13, 2025

1996 Kimberly K. "Kim" Bush, Jan. 31, 2025

1996 Victoria M. Larson, Apr. 25, 2023

1996 Erin E. Fleming MS, May 11, 2024

1996 Holly S. Hepner, May 13, 2024

1996 Peggy J. Welch Mustain, Jan. 8, 2025

1996 Patricia A. "Pat" McLain Nelson, Apr. 18, 2025

1996 Curtis J. Panther, Oct. 25, 2023

1996 Joyce Lebkuecher Potts MA, Aug. 11, 2024

1996 Sarah R. Suwalski, Feb. 25, 2025

1997 John D. Akers, Aug. 1, 2024

1997 Penny L. Barnes, Mar. 5, 2025

1997 Helen V. Bykowsky Christopher MS-ED, Mar. 29, 2024

1997 Kevin S. Feeney, July 11, 2024

1997 Walker S. Roschinsky, Dec. 9, 2024

1997 Carol R. Smith, Dec. 20, 2021

1997 John A. "Tony" Weiss, Sept. 19, 2024

1998 Mary L. Marcus Barris, Mar. 30, 2025

1998 James E. Ford. Sr., June 26, 2024

1998 Christopher L. Norbits, May 6, 2024

1998 Shelly B. Powell, Feb. 4, 2025

1998 Aaron T. Smith, Nov. 21, 2024

1999 Eric M. Almeroth, Aug. 19, 2024

1999 Nancy G. Desulis, Jan. 24, 2025

1999 Douglas P. Fisher MS-ED, May 27, 2024

1999 Joesph P. "Joe" Landis, Mar. 5, 2025

2000 Shirley L. Crahan MA `03, July 25, 2024

2000 Dena M. Welch Diseron, Apr. 16, 2024

2000 Patrick N. Holmes, Sept. 25, 2024

2000 Kelly A. Upton Jameson, July 4, 2024

2000 Brad Koch, June 27, 2023

2000 Chad R. McKinney, Aug. 26, 2024

2000 Teresa L. Simmons, Jan. 2, 2025

2001 Brenda L. Nielsen Kall MS-ED, Feb. 6, 2023

2002 Carol Jokilehto Rhoads MS-ED, Aug. 17, 2024

2002 Matt R. Trostle, Mar. 23, 2025

2002 Nathaniel A. Wainwright, Nov. 6, 2023

2003 Beverly J. Baker MS, Jan. 27, 2025

2003 Brendan C. Morrissey, Sep. 28, 2024

2003 Lisa R. Reed, July 29, 2024

2003 Emily A. Paulin Schilf, Jan. 24, 2024

2003 Amanda S. Schulz MBA `05, WIU associate director of Graduate Studies, Apr. 17, 2025

2003 Wendy M. Davis Stambaugh, Jan. 22, 2025

2004 Rodney A. Blue, July 2, 2024

2004 Lucilla J. McLaren Spillane, Mar. 9, 2024

2004 Debra M. Park Michaels, Sep. 1, 2024

2004 Ericka C. Rollings Sung, Jan. 20, 2025

2005 Janet S. Bond, Dec. 11, 2024

2005 Kimberly A. McHale House, May 25, 2023

2006 Robert J. Fryc, Feb. 16, 2025

2006 Tiffiny S. Sager MS-ED, Aug. 24, 2024

2007 Bryan J. Campbell MA `11, July 16, 2024

2007 Richard M. "Mike" Kemmer MS-ED, June 17, 2024

2008 Todd A. Maynard, Apr. 8, 2025

2008 David J. Sprung MA `10, Feb. 3, 2025

2009 Carina L. "Kiki" Welker Kapraun, Jan. 27, 2025

2009 Chad M. Rowley, July 11, 2024

2010 Lissa Shafer, Mar. 27, 2025

2010 Armosha Sturdivant-Harris, Oct. 30, 2020

2010 Bradley T. Waters, May 29, 2024

2011 Kirsta L. Wilson Anderson, Nov. 8, 2024

2011 Matthew E. Lewerenz, Sept. 2, 2019

2011 Laurie A. Murphy Monical MS-ED, Oct. 7, 2024

2011 Jason W. Ramirez, May 20, 2024

2011 Paul A. Strater, May 25, 2024

2013 Joshua L. Crossen, Jan. 1, 2025

2013 Neil E. Friberg Tunnicliff, Jan. 15, 2019

2013 Jacey L. Sargent, Mar. 17, 2020

2015 LaWanada E. Davis, June 15, 2024

2019 Robert J. McClaughry, Apr. 26, 2024

2019 Felicia A. Selmon, July 22, 2024

Friends of WIU

Bem P. Allen, Mar. 9, 2025

John F. Bagby, May 30, 2024

Edith W. "Luan" Walker Barry, Jan. 14, 2025

Robert K. "Bob" Bay, Dec. 12, 2024

Mildred M. Beans, Sept. 15, 2021

Chad A. Bent, Dec. 27, 2023

John V. Bergen, Dec. 14, 2023

Mark B. Breit, July 2024

Joyce J. Cale, Mar. 25, 2025

Robert L. "Bob" Clift, Oct. 25, 2025

William T. “Billy” Clow, April 17, 2025

John D. Cooke, Oct. 5, 2021

Virginia M. De Moss, Feb. 16, 2025

Larry K. Dickey, Dec. 25, 2024

Harriet J. Beal Ebert, June 26, 2021

Dr. Harold H. Edwards, Jan. 13, 2025

Keith G. Erickson, Jan. 7, 2025

Robert J. Ford, June 7, 2024

Dr. Deanna S. Forney, Oct 21, 2024

William C. Francis, Aug. 11, 2024

June M. Frazer, Sept. 25, 2024

DuWayne D. Furman, Feb. 13, 2024

Frank N. Gebeck, Aug. 19, 2024

Roger H. Gedney, Sept. 28, 2024

Lyle J. Griffeth, Apr. 6, 2010

John C. Griswold, Aug. 23, 2024

Pearce S. Grove, Nov. 14, 2024

Charles R. Hamilton, Aug. 15, 2024

Norma J. Unger Heitz, May 24, 2024

William E. Henderson, July 21, 2024

Thomas P. Hinton, Aug. 18, 2024

John K. Hobbs, July 12, 2024

Edward J. Holzwarth HA `00, July 8, 2024

Virgil K. Howe, May 27, 2024

Mary C. Deraita Hughes, Apr. 30, 2024

Shannon M. Jackson, May 30, 2024

Dr. James H. Jacobsen, Apr. 5, 2025

Linda S. Jobe, Apr. 16, 2024

Robert N. Jones, Jan. 1, 2024

Joy E. Willock Kline, Mar. 9, 2024

Debra A. Webster Klinedinst, July 19, 2024

Jackson M. Kril, June 5, 2023

Gary E. Lafary, Mar. 1, 2024

Joan Loring, May 20, 2024

Charles E. Lotz, Oct. 26, 2024

Hugo A. Magliocco, May 17, 2024

Mary C. Deraita Maher, July 3, 2023

Davie L. McCoy, May 2, 2024

Maurice D. Mixer, Jan. 9, 2025

Leslie E. Morgan, July 12, 2024

Lana J. Myers, Mar. 23, 2024

Martin J. Napoli, Sept. 7, 2024

Marla J. Walker Parker, Oct. 26, 2024

Charles R. Potkay, Oct. 16, 2024

A. Marie Wallis Powell, June 4, 2024

Robert W. Quesal, Jan. 14, 2025

William R. Risley, Aug. 3, 2024

Donald W. Roach, June 11, 2024

Billy "Bun" Robertson, May 10, 2024

Dorthy J. Ross, Sept. 19, 2023

Terry A. Schindel, July 22, 2024

Edwin R. Sorensen, Jan. 15, 2025

Samuel Q. Sparks, Nov. 15, 2020

Valerie J. Lang Sprinkle, Oct. 15, 2024

Gary W. Statlet, Jan. 21, 2025

Ann W. Weber Taylor, June 4, 2024

John T. Traser, Aug. 14, 2024

Donna A. Peck Traser, Dec. 29, 2024

Diana K. Matthews Turner, Apr. 3, 2025

Keith B. Uyeda, July 14, 2024

Kenneth A. Vojtech, May 10, 2024

Phillip W. Weiss, Mar. 1, 2025

Lisa H. Whitney, May 14, 2024

Werner H. Will, Feb. 28, 2025

Katherine A. Worthington, Sept. 12, 2024

Karl E. Yard, Mar. 9, 2025

Patricia M. Miller Zahnle, Feb. 25, 2024

CLASS NOTES CRITERIA

Information received will be published in the next edition if any of the following have occurred in the past 12 months: a job change, promotion, special honor, retirement, marriage (include date), births or adoptions (include date). Information will be listed by year of first degree earned.

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Information submitted to this issue’s Class Notes as of 5/23/2025.

Ceremonial Bell - Photo by PDP Photographer Sarah Ritter

On the morning of September 23, 1902, Ed DeCamp, then a young man and Western’s first janitor, strode purposefully to the front door of what is now called Sherman Hall. In his hand he carried a simple but treasured family heirloom—nothing more than a hand bell which had been used by his mother some years before when she had been a country school teacher. He shook it vigorously, calling into session and into being the first of many generations of students to be taught at the new normal school. He was a proud man, DeCamp was, and for many years he kept that bell, knowing that somehow, and in a small way, he had been part of the history of his times.

- Victor Hicken

“The Purple and the Gold: The Story of Western Illinois University”

The DeCamp family’s bell was passed down through generations. For many years, Lana Myers, DeCamps’s granddaughter, rang the bell annually during Founders Day festivities. In 2023, DeCamp’s great-grandson, Rick Van Etten `75 MA `76 rang the bell on Founders Day. Van Etten gifted the bell to WIU for its permanent collection in June 2024. The bell will continue to ring every year on September 23.