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Volume 11 • Number 4 • Spring 2011
Glee bruiser Jane Lynch got started at Illinois State
Welcome to the hilariously entertaining world of “Glee” star Jane Lynch—the former Illinois State School of Theatre undergrad.
Gem of a Gym: Fitness Center enriches collegiate experience
Dawn Sanner, M.S. ’87, understands how campus recreation programs impact a college student’s life. There’s the obvious health benefit, as well as social and networking aspects. But involvement in Illinois State’s program did even more for Sanner—creating leadership opportunities that resulted in a career-changing epiphany.
Artifacts and memories: Piecing together Old Main history
Jessica Griffin sits in what looks like a closet in Schroeder Hall, steadily sifting through a cardboard box filled with pieces of broken glass bottles. The work is typical for Griffin on a Friday afternoon. An archaeology master’s student, she has teamed with archaeology professor Jim Skibo and cultural anthropology professor Gina Hunter on a
Beyond bricks and mortar
The facts and figures recorded in the University’s archives about Old Main give a good sense of the building’s grandeur, but they can’t convey the emotion tied to such a significant campus landmark. For that it takes personal experience and memories, such as those still cherished by Eugene A. Hunter.
Beginning with Old Main
Old Main was torn down in 1958. Shortly after the University was established in 1857, plans for construction began on property located in what was then Bloomington. The site was chosen for its proximity to the crossing of the Illinois Central and the Chicago and Alton railroads.
ISU’s theatre program prepared Steppenwolf founders
What is now lauded as the nation’s premier ensemble theater had humble beginnings with two Illinois State alums. Terry Kinney ’76 and Jeff Perry ’78 partnered with Gary Sinise to create Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company in the mid-1970s. They did so out of a resolve to continue developing as actors, never anticipating they would ultimately
Lincoln legacy lives on at Milner
In a 1930 letter, President Herbert Hoover referred to the qualities of Abraham Lincoln’s leadership as “touchstones of democracy and of practical government.” In more recent correspondence, President Barack Obama called Lincoln the president “whose moral compass pointed firm and true.” The personally signed letters on White House stationery extolling America’s 16th president are part
Where are they now? George Tuttle
I decided to become a teacher because when I was a senior at Pekin Community High School, I received a tuition-free scholarship to enter the teaching profession. Communication Professor Emeritus George Tuttle and wife, Joann. I chose to attend Illinois State Normal University upon the recommendation of several of my teachers at Pekin high school.
Mail to the Editor: May 2011
Letters to the Illinois State editor for May 2011: DINING MEMORIES To the Editor, As I read the alumni memories (“Dining Haul,” February 2011), I was immediately brought back in time to one of my fondest memories—1967 at Hamilton Hall and 1968-1970 at Hewitt Hall when I worked in the dorm cafeterias as everything from
Recruits ready for Redbird football
The spring semester is a busy time for the Redbird football program. From National Signing Day in February to practices in March and the annual Red-White spring game in April, the coaches and team members have been working hard for the upcoming season. The schedule is set, with six home games slated. The action begins
Honor given to family of faithful supporters
It’s hard to find anyone more loyal to Redbird Athletics than Parker Kemp and his family members, who have been actively involved with the University’s program for nearly three decades. For more than 27 years, the Kemps have been faithful in cheering on student-athletes at numerous ISU athletics events. Three children—Tony Jenkins, Rene Shafer, and
Illinois State coach chosen for national hall of fame
Head softball coach Melinda Fischer ’72, M.S. ’75, has been inducted into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Hall of Fame. This is the second association award for Fischer, who was the first recipient of the NFCA Distinguished Service Award in 2002. Fischer is in her 26th season at the helm of the ISU softball
Two golf classics set for summer months
Two annual golf events are slated at Illinois State. Plan now for the Redbird Golf Classic, which will be held Friday, June 10, at the Weibring Golf Club at Illinois State University. Reservation forms can be printed online at GoRedbirds.com. The Kilborn Classic returns August 24-25, with proceeds benefiting the men’s and women’s golf programs
Summer time and Shakespeare
The annual Alumni Night at the Illinois Shakespeare Festival has been scheduled for Friday, July 29. The theatre will be reserved for alumni and their guests, who will enjoy a performance of Romeo and Juliet. One of the most well-known of Shakespeare’s works, Romeo and Juliet focuses on the story of two young and reckless
Geology alum out to stop dangerous invasion
The Asian carp is destroying the Midwest rivers’ ecosystem, threatening the Great Lakes, sparking lawsuits between governmental agencies, and injuring fishermen by knocking them out of boats. Geology alum Bill Bolen ’80 is working to tackle the species. After graduating, Bolen worked as an oil exploration geologist in Texas before moving to Chicago and beginning
Pause for applause: Spring 2011
SATIRIC SWEETS After completing his business degree, Jordan Zweigoron ’87 headed to a Silicon Valley career that ended with his decision to reinvent the corner doughnut shop. In 2009 he opened Psycho Donuts in the San Francisco Bay area. “We’re the world’s most unusual donut shop, with lines out the door and international media attention,”
How we met: Emily Kabbes and Josh Kauten
When Emily Kabbes ’06 met Josh Kauten ’06 walking to class one day from Wright Hall, she didn’t know he would share her passion and steal her heart. Emily was an elementary education major, while Josh was in the exercise science and fitness program. Although they had no classes in common, they eventually did an
