Jim Hoss ’80 and Karen Iggins ’79 met in 1977. Having mutual friends, they spent much of their time together. One activity they both enjoyed? Foosball. While Jim heavily negotiated to get Karen on his team, it was two years before he asked for a formal date.
He invited Karen to his ISU hockey banquet, which fell on her birthday. Jim captured an award and then won points with Karen by having the crowd sing to her. The evening was such a hit that they continued dating and their relationship blossomed.
There were challenges as Karen graduated first, which created a year apart. They managed to not only persevere but grow stronger. On May 22, 1982, they made their commitment official by exchanging vows.
The two welcomed to the family a son, Adam, and daughter, Alison. Both chose Illinois State and, like their parents, they each found their true love on campus. Adam ’08 married Natalie (Sanchez) ’07 in November of 2012. They reside in Elk Grove Village. Alison ’13, met her current boyfriend Derek Pleva ’12 at ISU as well. They have been dating for nearly four years, with him in Lockport and her now in Homer Glen, where her parents also live.
Karen and Jim were so pleased with the choice each of their children made to attend ISU, which enabled them to spend time with their children attending functions like Family Weekend and Redbird basketball games.
All of the couples gathered for a photo on campus during Alison’s December graduation. “We will miss the University dearly, but are all connected to it forever,” Alison said. “Love is truly in the air at ISU.”
