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Volume 12 • Number 4 • Spring 2012
Model Pierre Woods knows how to rock the runway
Too cool for school. That’s the look clients like Ralph Lauren want when Pierre Woods ’04 steps in front of the camera.
Paralysis can’t crush alum’s spirit or mission
Greg Gardner ’91 came to campus as a state wrestling champ, mentally and physically psyched for the grueling schedule of an NCAA student-athlete. Equally determined to gain his teaching credentials, he was ready to tackle classes in DeGarmo Hall. Greg lived his dream of wrestling well at Illinois State, rising to a national ranking two
Unforgettable memory: Commencement remains capstone moment
Every May the campus community comes together at commencement to recognize the hard work, dedication, and achievement of another graduating class. While the reason for celebration has remained the same over time, the ceremony itself has changed as the University has evolved. The class of 1860. In the early years, the ceremony wasn’t full of
Underground radio star broadcasts Occupy movement
At the tender age of 28, the endlessly energetic Allison Margaret Kilkenny is a news media star in the Big Apple.
Q&A: Answers from an economist
Remember the first half of 2008? The stock market was healthy, unemployment low, and inflation under control. Then, seemingly in the blink of an eye, the financial world fell into chaos. Within a few months, Wall Street investment banks were on the brink of collapse. Their struggles spilled into the commercial banking sector, impacting banks
Sean Hayes gives students his Hollywood story
While his classmates left the Illinois State campus with the generic plan to get a job, Sean Hayes was much more specific in stating his aspirations. Beyond efforts to take care of his mother and be nicer to people in general, Hayes departed the College of Fine Arts aiming to become a household name within
Professor teams with students to research cancer
Biology students at Illinois State not only envision a world without cancer, they are involved in research to reach that goal. Under the direction of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Assistant Professor Erik Larson, they are examining a common protein in a search for the causes of cancer.Students at all levels—from undergraduate to doctoral studies—contribute to
Where are they now? Bill Linneman
After 40 years of teaching, I was in such a rut that after retiring in 1997, I continued to go to the library, do research, and check out books. I taught classes at Illinois State’s Academy for Seniors, lectured at the University’s Mornings with the Professors program, and spoke about American humor on the luncheon
Mail to the Editor: May 2012
Mail to the Illinois State magazine editor for May 2012: NURSING PROGRAM Great timing and great issue (February 2012). As we’ve recently begun the official college tour circuit with our daughter, who is in pursuit of a high-quality nursing program, it was great to read the update on ISU’s Mennonite College of Nursing. The new
First and only director of women’s Athletics honored
Former Illinois State Director of Athletics for women Laurie Mabry was recognized in January during a Redbird women’s basketball game against Creighton. A banner honoring Mabry’s 25 years of service to Illinois State was unfurled prior to the game. The recognition of Mabry and her successes kicked off a year-long celebration of Redbird women’s athletics
Watch headquarters established for fans
Alumni and fans of Illinois State Athletics looking for a place to watch the Redbirds with other ISU fans now have an opportunity, thanks to the Illinois State Comcast SportsNet Chicago Watch Headquarters. Redbird Athletics has identified 10 locations as watch headquarters for the Redbirds, and are looking to add more.
Hancock Stadium vital to local economy
Illinois State’s Hancock Stadium has a $4.1 million annual impact on the local economy, according to a faculty analysis.
Alumni Awards: R. David Edmunds
Distinguished Alumni Award R. David Edmunds, M.A. ’66, L.L.D. ’02 Professor of History, University of Texas at Dallas Richardson, Texas David Edmunds was a Bloomington High School teacher when he began his master’s degree in social sciences education at Illinois State. His thesis, “A History of the Kickapoo Indians in Illinois, 1750–1834,” was just the
Alumni Awards: Amar Kamath
Outstanding Young Alumni Award Amar Kamath, M.B.A ’97 Vice President of Marketing, BioReference Laboratories Sparta, New Jersey Amar Kamath is on the executive team of BioReference Laboratories, which is the third largest publicly held clinical laboratory in the United States. Beyond leading marketing, he is involved in business development, intellectual property management and licensing, and
Alumni Awards: Constance G. Mueller
Alumni Achievement Award Constance G. Mueller, M.S. ’84 Food Service Director Emerita, District 87 Bloomington Connie Mueller holds a master’s in Family and Consumer Sciences, where she taught eight years and served as preceptor for the ISU Dietetics Internship Program. She retired after 16 years as Bloomington District 87’s school nutrition director. A member of
Alumni Awards: Marian E. Kneer
E. Burton Mercier Alumni Award Marian E. Kneer, ’49, M.S. ’57 Professor Emerita, University of Illinois-Chicago Plainfield Marian Kneer has dedicated her life to education and athletics, working as a proponent for physical education in schools for more than 60 years. She worked for the inclusion of females in sports at the national level, actively
Alumni Awards: David T. Wiant
Senator John W. Maitland Jr., Commitment to Education Award David T. Wiant Assistant Vice President Emeritus ISU Administrative Services Normal David Wiant dedicated 36 years to higher education, with 28 years at Illinois State. He established and developed the University’s personnel program. He advanced to assistant vice president of Administrative Services, yet maintained oversight of
Career Center serves as resource for new grads, alumni
While Illinois State students consistently use the Career Center’s employment services, alumni may not be aware resources exist for them as well. Graduates can define and implement career goals or develop a job search strategy through one-on-one career advisement. Guidance is available for writing resumes and cover letters, or preparing for interviews.
Website redesign eases use for alumni
The website of the Alumni Association, Alumni.IllinoisState.edu, has been redesigned to create a more user friendly experience. Visit for access to the latest news from the Alumni Relations office, Athletics, and the campus community. Registration for alumni events is available online, along with links to help alumni find a friend from their time at Illinois
Graduate degree prepared alumna for academic leadership role
Fear of public speaking and a job with a drug store chain wasn’t going to get Kathy Embry ’84, M.S. ’89, where she wanted to go. That’s why she decided to return to Illinois State University for a master’s degree in family and consumer sciences. “When I went to grad school, I couldn’t sit in
Chem grad wins Excellence in High School Teaching Award
High school students entering the chemistry class of Jeff Christopherson ’90, M.S. ’93, see a doorframe decorated with caution tape, which sets the tone for the semester. Christopherson brings humor, storytelling, and enthusiasm to his teaching at Normal Community High School. The combination makes him a stellar teacher, as noted last year. He was awarded
Alumna creates award-winning ceramic art
After a five-year apprenticeship at Genszler Stoneware Designs in Wisconsin, Elisabeth Maurland, M.A. ’89, opened her own pottery studio in Decorah, Iowa. Her ceramic art regularly wins awards at juried art fairs across the country. It is also now a keepsake for European royalty. A native of Oslo, Maurland was asked to create a piece
Back to ‘Dallas’ for alum Carlos Bernard
It’s been more than two decades since the series Dallas ended with the question of who shot J.R. Fans who remember the drama of the Ewing dynasty will be thrilled with the continuation airing this summer with Carlos Bernard ’91 as part of the cast. A marketing graduate, Bernard is an actor who has appeared
Professor receives Glass Art Society award
Long after establishing Illinois State’s glass program, Distinguished Professor of Art Emeritus Joel Myers continues to impact the art world. He has been named the 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient by the Glass Art Society. The honor acknowledges individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the development of the glass arts worldwide. Myers was the
How we met: Cavell Dunkley and Mark Walcott
When a reggae song was played at a Valentine’s Day social, Cavell Dunkley ’02 and Mark Walcott ’02, M.S. ’07, couldn’t resist the urge to dance. Born in Jamaica and raised in Evanston, hearing a Caribbean song in the Midwest was a rare treat for Cavell. The same was true for Mark, a native of
Redbird legacy
Dr. Fred Gletten ’71 came to Illinois State in the 1960s on a football scholarship. A letter-winner and cocaptain of the football team, he enrolled with plans of becoming a teacher. That changed when he met David Brusick, M.S. ’65, Ph.D. ’70. A graduate student at the time, Brusick became a mentor and friend who
It’s all about teamwork
Senior Aisha Praught finished her cross country season with a career-best 5K time of 17:46.6. The team also soared, securing the first women’s ISU MVC cross country championship last season. Praught and her teammates exemplify the partnership needed to excel, on the field and in the classroom. Teamwork is essential when it comes to financial support as well. This year,
