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Volume 19 • Number 4 • Spring 2019
The Q-and-A with Aimee Miller-Ott: Are cellphones disconnecting us?
In this Q&A, Illinois State University Professor Aimee Miller-Ott talks about her study examining phone usage between helicopter parents and college students, the weird impasse we find ourselves in when a companion is on their phone, and how texting can lead to miscommunication, especially between couples and friends.
Seeing it all: Marine scientist leaves ocean to focus on family
On a walk one day, Jamie Baldwin Fergus’ graduate school advisor asked her if it all ended tomorrow, would she be happy?
Mennonite Milestone: Nursing college celebrates centennial
Mennonite College of Nursing marks its centennial year having achieved a level of excellence and energy that belies the struggle behind its founding.
Alum’s action plan
Andrew Purnell is known as the man who can solve all kinds of problems—from his major in mathematics to addressing local discrimination as an undergraduate, followed by establishing as an alumnus a group that has empowered Illinois State black students for 35 years.
Business alumna breaks barriers
Tricia (Thomas) Griffith’s accomplishments as chief executive officer of The Progressive Corporation are so impressive that she is the first woman named Fortune Magazine’s Businessperson of the Year.
Illinois State garners 11 honors with ‘Great Colleges to Work For’
The 2018 “Great Colleges to Work For” designation from the Chronicle of Higher Education recognizes institutions that have created exceptional work environments. The University earned the distinction for the fourth year in a row.
Two students are chosen as Fulbright scholars
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program award was given to Illinois State students Kylie Ashton Maurer and Sydney Velez for the 2018-2019 academic year.
Approval advances for new business education degree
Business teacher education preparation at Illinois State will advance through a new academic program that has received approval from the University’s Board of Trustees.
Where are they now? Gary Klass
During his 34 years as a faculty member in the Department of Politics and Government, Gary Klass made an impact both on ISU’s campus and across the community.
Rising to the challenge
When Mike Essington ’81 transferred to Illinois State in 1979, he was interested in a new major called computer science. Since personal computers weren’t around, students created and stored data on paper punch cards.
Five receive 2019 Alumni Awards
The Alumni Association will recognize five individuals and their outstanding achievements and contributions.
Alumni get career support from Career Center
Whether a new graduate, an alum making a career change or one seeking to hire a Redbird, alumni seeking career assistance don’t have to go far, as their alma mater is ready to help!
Nominate alumni king and queen for Homecoming 2019 royalty
Illinois State will celebrate its many traditions October 21-27 during Homecoming 2019: Come One. Come All.
Alumni meeting set
Alumni are invited to the Alumni Association annual meeting at 9:30 a.m. on June 22 in the Alumni Center.
Tech support: Alumna creates fund to help women enter IT profession
Alumna creates fund to help women enter IT profession.
Pause for applause
We applaud these Illinois State alumni featured in the March 2019 issue.
How we met: Jim Brinkmeyer and Joyce Cunningham
Joyce Cunningham recalls one very cold night on campus in 1969. A storm had dumped nearly eight inches of snow. She left Milner Library and headed for coffee at The Cage before trudging a mile home.
Redbird legacy: Duewer family is 5 for 5
Valerie (Quevillon) Duewer ’84 arrived at Illinois State wondering if she would enjoy attending with her older brother, Pat ’83. Decades later, she is grateful they were on campus together.
Nurse credits Mennonite College of Nursing (MCN) for career
Ruth (Baughman) Oesch ’61 credits her rewarding nursing career to the preparation she received as a student of Mennonite College of Nursing (MCN). She holds equal appreciation for the donor who provided the scholarship funds she needed to pursue her passion.
