The latest issue of Illinois State magazine is now hitting alumni mailboxes around the country.

New Illinois State President Timothy J. Flanagan makes his first appearance in the magazine—and on its cover—through an in-depth interview with chief editor Susan Marquardt Blystone.

There are plenty of other great stories in the August issue too. Here are a few places to start:

THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS

There is undeniable glamour and glory for those who live the life of a professional athlete. Turns out there is plenty to be excited about for those who work behind the scenes as well. Many Redbirds are crucial to the business of keeping professional teams afloat and their venues operating smoothly.

INSIDE EWING MANOR

There is a mystique and majesty to university property that sits on a Bloomington intersection a few miles from campus. Most grads remember Ewing Manor but know little about the home’s rich history. Descendants of the Ewings are partnering with the University to return original furniture to the manor, which welcomes visitors. The story also features a full photo gallery showing Ewing’s inner beauty.

Carl Thacker in his shop

Carl Thacker, who runs Illinois State’s instrument repair shop.

INSIDE LOOK: REPAIR SHOP

Check out a narrated photo gallery that takes you inside Illinois State’s instrument repair shop and introduces you to the veteran technician who runs it, Carl Thacker. His work involves finding the remedy for perplexing problems that include everything from broken keys and stuck valves to bent metal.

EQUIPPED TO TEACH

Middle and high school students in science classrooms this fall will be influenced by alumnus Larry Flinn III ’77. He is a silent partner to science teachers in school districts across the country, providing supplies and equipment for safe experiments. He creates those too through the company that started in a home basement.

AVANTI’S WINNERS

There were nearly 600 entries for the Spread the Bread prize package offered by Avanti’s and Alumni Relations in the May issue of Illinois State. We’re sharing the winners’ names, plus one of the photos they sent in once their delicious prize package arrived.

Ryan Denham can be reached at rmdenha@IllinoisState.edu.