The Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts will honor several alumni during the Illinois State University Homecoming Alumni Day Luncheon on Friday, October 25.
School of Art
Bridget Eastman Amarilio ’04, art
Bridget Eastman Amarilio ’04 is the director of donor revenue and strategy at the Art Institute of Chicago (AIC) where she is responsible for achieving AIC’s revenue goals for its membership base and leads the museum’s direct marketing strategy for individual giving. Amarilio has 14 years of experience working in external relations in the nonprofit sector that began with an internship at Illinois State’s University Galleries and led to several roles in the area of development including positions at the Music of Contemporary Art, Chicago and University of Chicago.
Thelma Uranga, ’08, studio arts
Thelma Uranga ’08 is the communications and development manager at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago. An artist and self-described “do-it-yourself” enthusiast, Uranga is also the owner of Rowdy Corazón, an online shop that sells handmade gifts and accessories with a Latinx twist.
School of Music
Susan Bock ’05, M.M. ’06, music therapy
Susan Bock ’05, M.M.’06, is the director of music therapy for Challenge America, a nonprofit organization that provides music therapy retreats for veterans with post-dramatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. A board-certified music therapist for the past 14 years, Bock was the first music therapist for the Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp and helped design the current format of therapeutic music used throughout the United States at over 30 camps each year.
Edward Jones ’56, M.S. ’57, music education
Edward Jones ’56, M.S. ’57, was the Illinois State University assistant conductor of Bands from 1956 to 1957. From 1957 to 1994, Jones taught instrumental and choral music in the Plainfield school system, at all levels. Jones served as the division chairperson for fine arts at Plainfield High School and was coordinator of fine arts for grades K–6.
Following his retirement, Jones was the band director at Chaney Monge School in Crest Hill, and then taught band and general music at St. Mary Immaculate Parish School in Plainfield until 2006. Jones was an active member of several choirs and served numerous times as guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator in both instrumental and choral areas. He served as the state chairman of American School Band Directors Association, president of Illinois Music Educators Association, and treasurer and president of the Mid-America Competing Band Directors Association. For 35 years, Jones served as district chairperson and secretary-treasurer for the Illinois Grade School Music Association, having just retired June 30, 2019. Jones passed away on October 15, 2019. This week we celebrate his long career in music education, honoring him posthumously.
School of Theatre and Dance
Demitri Corbin ’19, acting
Demitri Corbin ’19 is a veteran actor with over 30 years of experience in television and film (Jeffrey, Will and Grace) and on stage (National Tour Angels in America; off-Broadway Caucasion Calk Circle, Betsey Brown, Forbidden City) Corbin founded and directs Peachtree Theater Company in Ojai, California, and teaches the Cardboard Fairytale Theatre Workshop, a comprehensive theater education program for the fourth through sixth grades.
