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Volume 14 • Number 4 • Spring 2014
Costa Rican jungle becomes living classroom for biology students
For 10 days over the Thanksgiving break, 12 students in the School of Biological Sciences came eyeball-to-eyeball with tropical monkeys, snakes, and ants in one of the liveliest places in the world.
Rogue producer: Alum creates original theater in the land of TV
Illinois State alum John Flynn has achieved a theatrical goal that critics and theatergoers alike would have said was impossible a decade ago. He has created and sustained a theatrical enterprise heavily devoted to launching new works.
Former Peace Corps volunteers speak on panel March 25
Students and alumni from Illinois State’s Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development who recently served with the Peace Corps will speak at noon Wednesday, March 25, in the Prairie Room of the Bone Student Center.
Breaking a bully’s grip
As the largest preparer of Illinois teachers, Illinois State University faculty, staff, and students are taking a stand against bullying through research, curricula, and programming.
Larry Dietz named Illinois State’s 19th president
The Board of Trustees of Illinois State University has appointed Larry Dietz, vice president for Student Affairs, as the University’s 19th president.
Where are they now: Dixie Mills
Dixie Mills came to Illinois State in 1980 and never left! She happily joined a thriving business school nearing AACSB accreditation as I completed her Ph.D. in finance at the University of Cincinnati. It was the right decision.
Mail to the Editor: May 2014
Mail to the Illinois State magazine editor for May 2014.
Illinois State alum Mike Zimmer named Vikings head coach
Illinois State alum Mike Zimmer was named the new head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, his first top job in the NFL after more than 20 years of coaching.
Red Alert wins 2014 Naismith MVC Student Section of the Year
For the second consecutive year, Illinois State’s Red Alert was named the Missouri Valley Conference 2014 Naismith Student Section of the Year, as announced by The Collegiate Licensing Co. (CLC) and Atlanta Tipoff Club earlier this month.
Couple honored with Golden Redbird Award
Darrell ’64 and Karen Kehl of Hudson were named the recipients of the 2014 Joseph F. Warner Golden Redbird Award.
Distinguished Alumni Award: Carl Kasten
Carl Kasten’s involvement at ISU has included leadership roles with the Alumni Association Board of Directors and serving as a founder and member of ISU’s Attorneys Advisory Council.
Alumni Achievement Award: Jack Hartung
Chipotle was a privately held company with fewer than 200 restaurants when ISU alumnus Jack Hartung became chief financial officer in 2002.
Outstanding Young Alumni Award: Jessica Rau
Jessica Rau is cofounder and field liaison officer for McDonald’s Young Professionals Network. She sits on ISU’s College of Business Marketing Advisory Board.
Senator John W. Maitland Jr. Commitment to Education Award: Willie Brown
Willie Brown began his career at State Farm in 1971 before completing a business administration degree. He worked there until 2009, retiring as senior executive vice president.
E. Burton Mercier Alumni Service Award: Kathleen Hogan
Kathleen Hogan served Mennonite College of Nursing for 30 years. Under her direction, the college became the first single-purpose, upper-division bachelor of science nursing program in the country accredited by the National League for Nursing.
ISU looking for alumni who played club sports
There are 30 sport clubs, all established and run by students through Campus Recreation. Some have been in existence since the 1960s and 1970s.
Nominations sought for 2014 Homecoming royalty
The Alumni Association Homecoming committee is seeking nominations for the 2014 Homecoming court alumni king and queen, and the prince and princess.
Capture your Redbird pride when traveling
From tropical beaches to famous landmarks or maybe even a family reunion, Redbirds are gearing up to roam during the upcoming summer months. Don’t forget to take along your ISU red!
At 19, student set to become Illinois State’s youngest graduate
Isaiah Roberts, a marketing sales major at Illinois State who plans to go to law school, will make history when he walks at December commencement at 7,055 days old. He will be the youngest grad on record.
Education alum named Hawaii’s 2014 State Teacher of the Year
Elementary education major Matthew Lawrence ’00 is Hawaii’s 2014 State Teacher of the Year, and an automatic contender for the National Teacher of the Year honor this spring.
Criminal justice grad gets White House honor
As the homeland security program manager for the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, dual criminal justice sciences graduate Michelle (Hillman) Hanneken is dedicated to helping communities prepare for disaster.
Math alum honored for health care advocacy, philanthropy
John Boyer is chairman of the MAXIMUS Foundation and MAXIMUS Federal Services, which is a leading operator of government health and human services programs in five countries, including the U.S.
Alum’s trade show firm lands top rankings
Kevin Fett co-founded Evo Exhibits in 2009 with a vision for helping trade show exhibitors market their products by offering displays and services to fit any need.
How we met: Jim Hoss and Karen Iggins
Jim Hoss ’80 and Karen Iggins ’79 met in 1977. Having mutual friends, they spent much of their time together. One activity they both enjoyed? Foosball.
Redbird legacy: The Taylor sisters
Growing up in the small Illinois community of Bartlett, the Taylor sisters wanted a warm campus where they could easily transition to college life. All three found that and so much more at ISU.
Backing the ‘Birds: Couple’s steady support crosses three decades
Chuck and Gwen Yurieci were surprised to learn that they have financially supported Illinois State University for 31 consecutive years, making them among the most loyal of Redbird donors.
