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Dr. Aondover Tarhule wearing hat in front of Hovey Hall
Dr. Aondover Tarhule is the 21st president of Illinois State University.

Volume 25 • Number 2 • Spring 2024

Dr. Aondover Tarhule in front of Hovey Hall

Man of many hats: Illinois State University president newest title for Dr. Aondover Tarhule

Dr. Aondover Tarhule is a highly regarded professor and academic administrator, a prolific researcher and scholar, a husband and a father. Now he’s Illinois State University’s 21st president.

Dr. Theoneste “Theo” Nzaramyimana, M.S. ’17 in greenhouse

Growing hope: Alum cultivates purpose from life marred by tragedy

From the darkest depths of death and despair, Dr. Theoneste “Theo” Nzaramyimana, M.S. ’17, discovered life in a garden.

Jennifer Rudnicke posed, sitting in a restaurant, Mr. Beef on Orleans

Bullish on The Bear: Casting director brings Chicago to life in award-winning series

Jennifer Rudnicke ’90 earned a Primetime Emmy Award for her casting work on acclaimed dramedy The Bear.

model of normal theater

Studentification is Normal

Students enrolled in a class last fall studied a phenomenon to which they and all Illinois State University students before them have contributed.

Dr. Erol Sozen with coffee-roasting equipment in the Food Laboratory in Turner Hall.

Dr. Drink: Assistant Professor Erol Sozen pours passion for beverages into classes

Assistant Professor Erol Sozen inspires Department of Family and Consumer Sciences students, imparting his passion for food and beverage.

Dr. Aondover Tarhule standing in front of brick wall with part of Illinois State seal visible

FirstWord: Spring 2024

I write to you today with a new title but the same mission to serve Illinois State University to the best of my abilities.

President Aondover Tarhule, seated, answers questions from the media

University News briefs: New president confident, optimistic about future

Newly appointed President Aondover Tarhule is focused on positioning Illinois State University to “succeed, thrive, and be resilient” despite nationwide challenges facing higher education.

headshot of Sandi Zielinski

Where are they now?: Sandi Zielinski ’67, M.F.A. ’81

A passion for theatre keeps Sandi Zielinski ’67, M.F.A. ’81, young at heart, and that passion was born at Illinois State University.

Aneel Gillan standing in the esports arena

Former Redbird races to launch VR sports app

Redbird track and field alum Aneel Gillan won the Startup Showcase after developing a virtual reality sports app.

Raleigh DeRose speaking into a microphone at a press event

Athletics briefs: DeRose hired to lead Redbird soccer

Former Brown University associate head coach Raleigh DeRose was hired by Interim Director of Athletics Jeri Beggs as the new head coach of the Redbird soccer program.

softball player fielding a ground ball

Redbird trivia: Spring 2024

Try your luck at our spring 2024 edition of Redbird trivia.

Laura Benton sitting on the step of a taildragger, a type of aircraft

Where are they now?: Laura (Doornbos) Benton ’06

Laura (Doornbos) Benton takes flight as president of Ladies Love Taildraggers, a worldwide organization of women who fly conventional landing gear aircraft known as taildraggers.

wide shot of Watterson dining facility from 1969

Then and Now: Campus dining

Illinois State University educates nearly 21,000 students. It feeds many of them, too.

headshot of Toby Atkinson

Pause for Applause: Spring 2024

Join us in applauding these accomplished Illinois State University alumni.

Officer Mike Gardner helps place Pawficcer Sage in her duty vest

A Day in the Life: Pawfficer Sage a pawsitive presence on campus

Pawfficer Sage has served as a Illinois State University Police Department’s community outreach dog since 2019, putting an extra-friendly face—and a wet nose—on the department.

Thomas Grites wearing a stuit standing in an academic building

Yes man: Distinguished Alumni Award recipient’s decorated career the result of opportunities seized

Illinois State University celebrated the lives and careers of eight alumni at the annual Alumni Association Awards on April 19.

collage of phone screen, mouse, ear buds and keyboard, surrounded by Illinois State apparel

Alumni Association offers virtual engagement

The Illinois State University Alumni Association strives to provide lifelong learning and career development opportunities with programs that are easily accessed no matter a Redbird’s location. 

two individuals holding signs reading "Redbird proud," "SGA senator alum" and "student government association's 100th anniversary" pose in front of a backdrop at student government anniversary event

Class notes: Spring 2024

Keep up with what fellow alumni are doing in our class notes for the spring 2024 alumni magazine issue.

Moulton hall and flowers

In memory: Spring 2024

In memory of Illinois State University alumni, faculty, and staff who have passed away.

two people dressed in graduation gowns and caps on the Quad

Redbird Legacy: Being classmates brought mother and daughter closer together

The experience of being classmates at Illinois State University only strengthened the bond between mother and daughter, Edna Milanga ’21, MBA ’23, and Benedicte Kazigwa ’23.

person in nursing scrubs posed in front of a hospital

Thanks to you: Passion for care, scholarship propel alum into new career

Eric Teoro discovered his passion and scholarship assistance helped him pursue a new career path.