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Volume 23 • Number 3 • Fall 2022
By the numbers: Data drives national economist’s advocacy
As the first Black woman to serve as the U.S. Department of Labor’s chief economist, alumna Janelle Jones found a national stage in her push for equity.
Going for gold: Ties between Illinois State, Special Olympics remain strong
Illinois State University has been home to Illinois Special Olympics since 1977.
Deep thoughts: Renowned Redbird scholar Dr. Paul Garris studies the brain and helps students expand theirs
An Illinois State faculty member since 1995, Garris has investigated the role of dopamine in the brain for nearly three decades, specifically as it relates to Parkinson’s disease and drugs of abuse.
Redbird Esports is here: Nationally recognized program continues growth with new facility
In a few short years, Illinois State has built a powerhouse esports program that has made the University a destination for a massive national and international population of prospective students who may have never known about the school otherwise.
FirstWord: Fall 2022
As I embark on my second year as Illinois State University president, I can’t help but consider all that has changed and all we have accomplished together over the past year.
Mennonite Lab Building addition to facilitate MCN growth
Expansion of Illinois State University’s Nursing Simulation Center will provide much-needed space and allow the Mennonite College of Nursing (MCN) to enroll more students at a time when demand for nurses is high.
Illinois State welcomes largest freshman class in 35 years
Illinois State University welcomed 3,983 freshmen, the largest class in 35 years, to its student body for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Anthony Byrd appointed to Board of Trustees
Governor JB Pritzker’s office announced that Anthony Byrd ’99 of Swansea, Illinois, has been appointed to the Board of Trustees of Illinois State University.
University releases first-ever Sustainability Strategic Plan
The first-ever Sustainability Strategic Plan provides a roadmap for sustainability goals and commitments in the coming years.
Godwyll named College of Education dean
Illinois State University Provost Aondover Tarhule has announced the appointment of Francis Ebenezer Godwyll as dean of the College of Education, effective June 1.
Illinois State’s Mennonite College of Nursing expands to Springfield
A partnership between Memorial Health and Illinois State University’s Mennonite College of Nursing is addressing the critical need for more nurses.
Newly acquired 15th century manuscript on display in Milner Library’s special collections
Browse the newest acquisition in Milner Library’s special collections—Tabula super libros de civitate Dei [roughly translated as a Guide to the City of God], a companion manuscript to Augustine of Hippo’s City of God.
Nominations sought for Alumni Awards
Each year the Illinois State University Alumni Association recognizes individuals who personify the University’s tradition as an environment for excellence.
Illinois State podcast, Redbird Buzz, launches with first guest President Terri Goss Kinzy
Illinois State University officially launches the Redbird Buzz podcast with its first guest, President Terri Goss Kinzy.
American Bar Association spotlights ISU Expungement Clinic
The ABA Standing Committee on Paralegals recognized paralegal education programs that are teaching the next generation of paralegals the importance of pro bono work as well as how they can help provide access to justice.
Hope Chicago agreement to provide debt-free education for CPS students
Illinois State University announced an agreement with Hope Chicago, opening the door for Chicago Public School students and their parents to pursue debt-free higher education.
Where are they now? Dr. Larry Long
This edition of “Where are they now?” features retired Executive Director of Illinois State’s School of Communication Dr. Larry Long.
Women’s basketball alumna aims to keep Redbirds on upward trajectory as assistant coach
Katrina “Tri” Beck ’19, M.S. ’21, has returned to Illinois State women’s basketball team as an assistant coach.
Redbirds three-peat as MVC All-Sports Champions
For the third-consecutive year, Illinois State won the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) All-Sports Championship.
Santos ’21 nominated for NCAA Woman of the Year
Former Illinois State soccer star Ashley Santos ’21 has been nominated for the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year award by the Missouri Valley Conference.
Kinzy, Brennan serving conference committee leadership roles
Illinois State University President Terri Goss Kinzy is serving as the 2022–2023 chair of the Missouri Valley Football Conference Presidents Council, and Illinois State Director of Athletics Kyle Brennan is serving as the 2022–2023 Missouri Valley Conference chair for the Directors of Athletics.
Redbird Athletics rolls out VISUALIZE program
Illinois State Athletics has launched VISUALIZE, the department’s comprehensive program for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) designed to provide education, professional development, and community engagement to all
Percy Family Hall of Fame class honored
Members of the 2022 Illinois State Athletics Percy Family Hall of Fame class were officially inducted in October during Homecoming weekend.
Redbird trivia: Fall 2022
Try your luck at our fall 2022 edition of Redbird trivia.
Where are they now? Tim Glover
Illinois State track and field alumnus Tim Glover ’14 made his first appearance on the world stage, throwing the javelin this past July at historic Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, for the 2022 World Athletics Championship.
Then and now: Fall 2022
Campus technology has come a long way since students enrolled in typewriting courses in 1955 at Cook Hall.
Pause for applause: Fall 2022
Join us in applauding these accomplished Illinois State University alumni.
A Day in the Life: Many hands make light work during Move-In Week
Every August, new and returning students flood back to campus the week before fall semester classes begin. They are greeted by a large crew of faculty, staff, and students who volunteer to help these Redbirds move into university housing.
Meet the 2022 Homecoming alumni royalty
A reunion on the Quad turned into 51 years of companionship, family, and love for this year’s Homecoming alumni royalty, John ’69 and Marilyn (Mueller) Freese ’70.
Class notes: Fall 2022
Keep up with what fellow alumni are doing in our class notes for the fall 2022 alumni magazine issue.
Redbird Legacy: Muehling triplets thriving 25 years after graduation
It’s been 25 years since the Muehling triplets graduated from Illinois State University. All three have gone on to successful careers, thanks in part to the years they spent on campus.
In memory: Fall 2022
In memory of Illinois State University alumni, faculty, and staff who have passed away.
Thanks to you: Nalefskis support geology students
Steve ’83 and Lori (Walenga) Nalefski ’84 have established an endowed scholarship for declared geology majors.
