magazine logo
Volume 22 • Number 3 • Fall 2021
Word and deed: Diplomat and Distinguished Alum Donald McHenry shines on world stage
Illinois State University Distinguished Alum Donald McHenry ’57 never worked for the president who said “Speak softly but carry a big stick.”
Doug Collins: The man behind the court at Redbird Arena
The court at Redbird Arena may not bear Doug Collins’ name without a fateful decision to stay on for his senior year at Illinois State University.
Welcomed without worry: Transfer students embraced at ISU
Something very subtle and successful has happened in the Office of Admissions. Staff have implemented academic policies, created a system of partnerships, and established an outreach plan so effective that enrollment has shifted. Today one in three students attending ISU is a transfer.
Solving complex crimes: Cybersecurity grads fight global threat
Illinois State University’s cybersecurity program is preparing the next generation of specialists to fight cybercrime.
From Theatre of Ted to Ted Lasso: ISU alum Brendan Hunt stars in hit TV show
Illinois State University alum Brendan Hunt co-created and co-stars in the hit show Ted Lasso.
First Word: Fall 2021
Assessments are endless in higher education. From final exams to accreditation visits that validate academic programs, there is always an assessment and review of performance underway. So how do we measure success at Illinois State?
Multicultural Center opening bolsters campus community, student belonging
A campus Multicultural Center will open this summer, providing a supportive environment for students while furthering the University’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Illinois State shows strong enrollment, growth in freshmen and transfers
Illinois State University welcomed 3,374 freshmen to its student body for the 2021-2022 academic year. Total enrollment stands at 20,233.
Prasun, Sedbrook named 2021 Researchers to Know
Dr. Marilyn Prasun and Dr. John Sedbrook have been named 2021 Researchers to Know by the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition.
Dr. Aslihan Spaulding part of national team awarded $10 million USDA grant
Dr. Aslihan D. Spaulding is part of a national team awarded a $10 million USDA grant to promote alternative systems for agriculture.
University Sales Center Alliance names Dr. Ajay Samant Outstanding Dean
The University Sales Center Alliance announces that Dr. Ajay Samant, Dean of the College of Business at Illinois State University, has been named as the Outstanding Dean for 2021.
Where are they now? Dr. Gary Weede
Academia was not the first career choice for Dr. Gary Weede, who envisioned being an Air Force pilot.
Dr. Jan-Ulrik Dahl awarded NIH grant to study resistant bacteria
Dr. Jan-Ulrik Dahl was awarded a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to uncover the secrets of an insidious bacteria.
Campus mourns loss of past administrator
Dr. Neal Gamsky, former dean of students and vice president of Student Affairs, died July 31 at age 90.
Illinois State University receives national Voter Friendly Campus designation
Illinois State University is being recognized nationally as one of over 231 institutions in the country designated as a Voter Friendly Campus by the national, nonpartisan organizations the Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project and Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.
Career Services’ innovative platform brings students and alumni together
New engagement tool connects students with alumni for career mentoring.
Nominations sought for alumni awards
ISU’s Alumni Association annually recognizes individuals who personify the University’s tradition as an environment for excellence.
ISU community comes together to remember Jelani Day
Family and friends of Jelani Day, along with hundreds of members of the Illinois State University community, gathered the evening of October 7 at Redbird Arena to honor his memory.
ISU alumna Amanda Sartoris breaks barriers coaching in Major League Baseball
Amanda Sartoris was hired by the Miami Marlins as an assistant strength and conditioning coach in mid-May, becoming just the second full-time performance coach in Major League Baseball’s 152 years.
Where are they now? Chris Voelz ’70
A four-sport athlete at Illinois State, physical education major Chris Voelz ’70 serves as the executive director of the Collegiate Women in Sports Award.
Baseball All-American takes national spotlight
Second-year freshman Ryan Cermak was named Freshman All-American by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper.
Beloved running coach mourned by Athletics
Hall of Fame cross country/track and field coach John Coughlan died on June 17 at the age of 80.
Six alums chosen for Hall of Fame
Five former student-athletes and a longtime broadcaster were inducted into the 2021 Illinois State Athletics Percy Family Hall of Fame during Homecoming, including Stafford Davis ’05. An offensive lineman, he was a two-time All-American and four-time All-Missouri Valley Football Conference selection.
Redbird trivia: Fall 2021
James Robinson, a record-setting running back for the Redbirds from 2016-2019, took the NFL by storm his rookie season with the Jacksonville Jaguars and compiled 1,414 yards from scrimmage.
Redbirds integral in Title IX passage
Athletics has ample reason to celebrate the upcoming 50th anniversary of Title IX’s passage, as the transformational law was implemented through the efforts of four pioneering ISU women.
Then and Now: Student Health Services
Students who needed medical care from the late 1920s through 1946 headed to the office of Dr. Rachel Merrill Cooper, who was the University’s first physician.
Pause for applause: Fall 2021
Pause to applaud these high-achieving Illinois State alumni.
New RSOs focus on inclusion, empowerment, and community
With over 400 registered student organizations (RSOs) on campus, Illinois State offers students a multitude of opportunities to explore their interests, develop new hobbies, and build a community. As new Redbirds with their own unique passions enroll every year, that number only continues to grow.
Reflections of centennial Homecoming celebration
Alumni and friends of Illinois State were eager to participate in Homecoming on campus this year after the annual event was virtual this past spring because of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Redbird legacy: Family’s 110-year connection to ISU spans four generations
Dr. Mary Ryder, M.A. ’81, has a unique ISU bond. Her family’s 110-year connection spans four generations.
Alumni leaders selected as Homecoming Royalty
Their involvement, support, and love for the University make it fitting that Lynda Lane ’66 and Carl Kasten ’66 were crowned during the milestone year of ISU’s centennial Homecoming.
Class Notes: Fall 2021
Keep up with what fellow alumni are doing by reading our class notes for the fall 2021 alumni magazine issue.
In memory: Fall 2021
In memory of Illinois State University alumni, faculty, and staff who have passed away.
Thanks to you: David DeMarini
David DeMarini ’72, M.S. ’74, Ph.D. ’80, enjoyed a 36-year career as a genetic toxicologist for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
