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Volume 13 • Number 4 • Spring 2013
Bowman retires with a legacy of exceptional leadership
As Al Bowman prepares to depart from the Illinois State presidency, he too has a significant footnote that will forever serve as an indicator of his decade at the University’s helm: There is universal lament for his departure.
Avanti’s shares long history with Illinois State alumni
As Illinois State’s Alumni Association marks 150 years, few memories resonate quite like Avanti’s. The Italian restaurant’s 42-year history is deeply intertwined with Illinois State University.
Office star Craig Robinson got Hollywood start at ISU
Welcome to the wild comic world of television and Silver Screen actor Craig Phillip Robinson—the ISU music major who discovered his natural gift for comedy.
Illinois State helps fuel the wind energy revolution
At the center of the state’s vibrant wind energy industry is Illinois State, whose students, researchers and alumni are shaping wind developments and related public policy issues around the country.
Illinois State steps up to bring dying father to graduation
Graduation day came early for senior Kyle Waznis, who completed his degree this spring but participated in December’s commencement ceremony to ensure his father could witness the milestone.
Where are they now? Naomi Towner
Professor Emerita of Art Naomi Towner has faced many difficulties since her days teaching the fiber arts, but she has come out smiling.
Mail to the Editor: May 2013
Mail to the Illinois State magazine editor for May 2013: SMOKING RULES To the Editor, Back to the future? When I attended Illinois State, smoking was not allowed anywhere on campus, a holdover from Jesse Fell’s rules. But this did not stop dedicated smokers from going across the street to the old Pilgrim during class breaks. Everyone
Nike signs contract to support former Redbird runner
Former Illinois State distance runner Aisha Praught has signed a professional contract with Nike while pursuing a post-collegiate career running for the Oregon Track Club Elite in Eugene, Oregon.
Top Athletics fundraiser Jumbo Currin loses cancer fight
The Athletics program lost its most devoted volunteer and fundraiser earlier this year.
Website tracks Hancock Stadium renovation project
You can follow along online as construction continues on the Hancock Stadium renovation project.
Illinois State to host 2013 MVC Baseball Championship
For the first time in program history, Illinois State will host the 2013 State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Baseball Championship, May 21-25, at Duffy Bass Field.
Alumni Association award winners to be honored at Founders Day
Six Illinois State University alums will receive awards for outstanding accomplishments at the Alumni Association Awards Recognition Dinner Thursday, February 21.
Bone Student Center, Braden celebrate 40 fabulous years
It has been four decades since the Bone Student Center/Braden Auditorium (BSC/BA) doors opened. The milestone will be marked on campus this year with activities for former student employees.
Founders Day launched Alumni Association’s 150th celebration
The annual Founders Day activities had special meaning for alumni this year, as the February event marked the start of a yearlong celebration of the Alumni Association’s 150th anniversary. Two alums recognized at the convocation as honorary degree recipients were actor Sean Hayes, above, and educator J. Michael Adams ’69, as well as other award winners.
Alumni Association’s history online, displayed
As part of the Alumni Association’s sesquicentennial celebration, University Archivist April Anderson has created opportunities to learn more about the association’s rich history.
Alumni Association annual meeting set for June 29
Alumni are invited to attend the Alumni Association annual meeting at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 29, in the Alumni Center.
MBA alum plays key role in Normal turbine project
The Siemens Corporation energy engineer was part of the team making vast sustainability improvements to the campus of Heartland Community College, including the addition of a wind turbine.
College degree gives drag-racing alum a boost
Not many Illinois State alumni become professional drag racers. And not a lot of drag racers are college grads. T.J. Zizzo, a 1997 alum, is a rare breed.
Success with Seattle Sutton
The popular Seattle Sutton Healthy Eating program was launched with the help of nutrition and dietetics graduate Kathleen Corcoran Tuntland.
Business alum works in scouting for NBA’s Pacers
An internship with the Indiana Pacers resulted in a career for small business management alum Vance Catlin, a 2002 grad.
Alum Steve Smith among top US association executives
Steve R. Smith captured the national spotlight when chosen in 2012 as one of only six individuals in the country to be named a top U.S. association CEO.
How we met: Yvette Fish and Rich Evans
Yvette Fish was a junior transfer student driving down North Street with a friend who pulled over and called to Rich Evans. Rich got in the car with Yvette and the rest, as they say, is history.
Redbird legacy: Blended family with deep Redbird roots
Decades later, after each had lost their partner to cancer, they married to create a blended family with deep Redbird roots.
Join with student leaders and STATE Your Passion
Andy Manno and Aaron Von Qualen know what it means to pursue their dreams as Illinois State students. Will you join with the students of Illinois State and take action to STATE Your Passion today?
