Each year the Illinois State University Alumni Association Legacy Brunch brings families together, like the Meyers, to celebrate their longstanding generational support to the University and acknowledge their significant contributions to the Redbird community. For the Meyer family, Illinois State is more than just an alma mater—it’s a foundational part of their lives and legacy. Laura (Cluskey) Meyer ’89 and Tod Meyer ‘94 first crossed paths in 1997 after being introduced by Laura’s sister, Mary. The connection between them was immediate, leading them to get married in 2000.
Tod, a technology manager at State Farm Insurance, and Laura, a dedicated stay-at-home mom, have seen two of their children excel at Illinois State, and expect their third to do just as well. Claire Meyer, a 2023 marketing graduate, works at Dell Technologies. Parker Meyer, a senior majoring in finance and risk management and insurance, manages his own business, Meyer’s Lawn Care LLC. Blake Meyer, a freshman majoring in biochemistry and civic engagement, is on the path to a career in orthodontics.
Their deep connection to Illinois State isn’t just about academics—it’s about the enduring bonds and opportunities the University fosters. For Laura, the decision to attend Illinois State was driven by its strong business program, which led her to Delta Sigma Pi, a professional business fraternity. Through this organization, Laura formed lifelong friendships and developed skills that would propel her into a successful career in the insurance industry. “Being involved in Delta Sigma Pi was a highlight of my college experience,” Laura recalled. “It gave me the chance to network and build skills that were crucial for my career.”
Meanwhile, Tod was pursuing a career in education. He obtained both his undergraduate and graduate degrees at ISU, where his passion for teaching flourished. Working as a resident assistant (RA) at Watterson Towers and Whitten Hall, Tod honed his skills in communication and conflict resolution, which later proved invaluable in his teaching career as well in his current position in leadership at State Farm. “Being an RA was one of the most beneficial experiences in preparing me for my career as a teacher,” Tod shared. “It taught me how to manage diverse groups of people and handle complex situations.”
For Tod, being part of a legacy family at Illinois State is deeply meaningful. “Seeing my children follow in my footsteps to the University where I completed my studies—and have supported for the past 34 years—has been a true blessing for my wife and me,” he said. “Living in Bloomington-Normal, with our kids so close, makes it even more special. As we give them the space to grow, it’s wonderful to be invited to university events with them and to have their friends over for dinner and game night. Being involved in their university experience is a precious gift that allows us to see them more often.”
Laura reflected on the personal significance of the family’s Illinois State legacy: “Being a part of the Illinois State University legacy means becoming a part of a community that is dedicated to educational excellence, innovation, and service. It means contributing to a proud tradition of academic achievement and community engagement. Being part of the ISU legacy means carrying forward the University’s mission and values, and leaving a lasting, positive mark on its future.”
The Meyer legacy was embraced wholeheartedly by their eldest child, Claire. Claire had always known that attending Illinois State was more than choosing an academic institution—her family valued traditions and being a part of the community. A high achiever from the start, she graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s in marketing with sequences in both advanced marketing analytics and professional sales and a minor in organizational leadership. Her time at Illinois State was marked by academic excellence and active involvement in campus organizations. Claire’s leadership role as president of Beta Gamma Sigma, a business honor society, and dedication to the marketing department as a collegiate sales competitor set her apart, while her work experiences, both on-campus as an office assistant for the president’s office, and at a local jewelry store, provided practical skills that would benefit her career. “It involved a great amount of time management and internal drive,” Claire reflected. “These experiences prepared me well for my career at Dell Technologies.” Claire credited her marketing professors and the diverse curriculum for sparking her interest in professional sales and advanced marketing analytics.
Following in his sister’s footsteps, Parker Meyer pursued a dual major in finance and risk management and insurance, inspired by his fascination with financial markets and risk management. As a senior at Illinois State, Parker successfully managed his own business, Meyer’s Lawn Care LLC, balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with his academic pursuits. “Running my business has taught me how to manage my time efficiently,” Parker explained. “My education at ISU has given me the tools to succeed in both areas.”
Parker’s involvement in the Business Week team, where he focused on accessibility and inclusivity, was a transformative experience. Organizing events that emphasized digital and physical accessibility opened his eyes to the different challenges people face and inspired him to make a positive impact. “Helping put on a digital and physically accessible event with the Business Week team in the College of Business at ISU taught me the different struggles others can be going through and how to help.” For Parker, the most exciting part of attending Illinois State is an opportunity to reinforce their family bond, especially since they attend Homecoming and various other events throughout the year.
The youngest Meyer, Blake, is embarking on his own Illinois State journey, majoring in biochemistry with a minor in civic engagement. Influenced by his high school chemistry teacher and personal experiences as a patient and patient ambassador at Shriners Hospital for Children, Blake is determined to combine his passion for science with community service. “Being a legacy family at ISU means that we are a family of dedication and commitment. I pride myself on staying until the job is done. This is exactly what my parents and family have instilled in me,” Blake says. Being an incoming freshman and living in the area for all his life means he had many experiences around Illinois State. The most memorable one was attending the Redbird basketball games that his dad would always take him to. Holding those memories close to heart, Blake is excited to start building his own life at Illinois State. Speaking of long-term goals, Blake aspires to pursue a doctorate in dental medicine and establish his orthodontic practice. “My goal is to graduate with honors and continue to make a difference,” Blake says. “The opportunities at ISU, along with the legacy of my family, motivate me every day.”
Legacy families are invited to attend Legacy Brunch 2024, where they can celebrate their Redbird heritage and deepen their connection to the University.
