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Volume 16 • Number 2 • Fall 2015
The controversy behind Illinois State’s evolving motto
To this day, when some alums see the new “Gladly we learn and teach” motto on Illinois State’s seal it’s enough to reopen a long-closed debate.
From soldiers to students: How ISU supports veterans
Illinois State’s ongoing commitment to service men and women is not surprising to those who know the University’s history. The tradition of military support goes back to the 1800s.
Alum volunteers time, talent to create comfort in a crisis
These apartments belong to women escaping abusive relationships, teens aging out of foster care, the poor, the addicted. Their stories don’t matter to Karen (Brown) Murley ’61, but their lives do.
Our record fundraising year: Soaring to new heights
With the bolstering of donor dollars, Illinois State University’s pledge to preserve the personalized and comprehensive educational experience Illinois State provides is firmly in place.
Everything counts: Scholarship honors math-lover’s legacy
This year’s Pi Day had extra significance at Illinois State, not just because the year allowed the day to be celebrated to its fourth decimal place (3/14/15), but because it marked the awarding of the first two Lee Ann Murray Everything Counts Scholarships.
Inside look: Illinois State’s Nursing Simulation Lab
Since opening in 2011, the University’s Nursing Simulation Laboratory (NSL) has ensured all Mennonite College of Nursing students learn fundamental clinical skills in a realistic environment.
‘Transformational’ project set to reshape Bone Student Center
Illinois State is moving ahead with plans for a $32.9 million renovation of the Bone Student Center, a project that will create an inviting “front door” for visitors and add new dining and hangout spaces for students.
Where are they now: Joyce Morton Kief
Joyce Morton Kief began her teaching career in ISU’s women’s Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (HPERD) department in 1966 after completing a master’s at Colorado State.
Mail to the Editor: November 2015
Mail to the Illinois State magazine editor for November 2015.
Redbird Athletics unveils Redbird Remembrance
The Illinois State Athletics Department revealed Redbird Remembrance in a private ceremony September 11. The memorial is now open to the public.
2015 Hall Of Fame Class announced
The 2015 Illinois State Athletics Percy Family Hall of Fame class was officially announced Monday, July 6.
Faithful Redbird fans receive highest honor
In recognition of their support of the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund for many years, Phares and Harriet (Gove) O’Daffer have been named the recipients of the 2015 Joseph F. Warner Golden Redbird Award.
Alumni share multitude of happy memories from Greek life
Alumni active in fraternities or sororities reached out in response to the August issue of Illinois State (“What it means to be Greek at ISU”). In addition to stories of treasured memories and lifelong friendships, members shared information that corrects the timeline of Greek life on campus. Tau Kappa Epsilon was not the only fraternity
Loyal Redbird couple Homecoming royalty
Parker and Sharon (Morton) Lawlis of Normal, this year’s Homecoming alumni king and queen, are the epitome of what it means to be Redbird proud.
Email forwarding service provided to recent grads
Are you a recent Illinois State graduate? Are you aware that your university email account is discontinued six months after your graduation date? If you are approaching this cutoff point, there is no need to worry.
ISU agriculture alum scores with Blackhawks corn maze
A family farm turned agritourism destination co-owned by Illinois State alum Ryan Richardson ’03 just unveiled a massive corn maze intricately designed to honor the Stanley Cup-winning Blackhawks.
Alum brings Broadway back to Cuba
With more than 30 years working on Broadway, Thom Schilling ’79 was ready for a new adventure. He found it by working this year to create the first fully produced Broadway musical in Cuba in close to five decades.
Alum earns Kennedy Center award for college theater work
Acting alumna Gretchen Wingerter ’92 received the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Gold Medallion for her contributions to teaching and producing college theater.
How we met: Rich Eckert and Ashley Kuhlmann
Rich Eckert never imagined that accepting a position at Illinois State would lead him to the love of his life.
Redbird legacy: Brothers follow in father’s ISU footsteps
Terry Roderick ’66 had the opportunity to attend Illinois State at the same time as his brothers. Their journey to the University began when their father enrolled in the 1920s.
Thanks to you: Giving creates bigger stage for theatre major
Theatre major Samuel Rosenfeld knows what a difference donors can make in the life of a college student. His ISU experience has been enriched because of generosity from the Friends of the Arts.
