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Volume 15 • Number 4 • Spring 2015
Coach Spack’s plan and patience elevate Redbird football
Arriving at Illinois State in 2009, Brock Spack has transformed the Redbird program into a championship subdivision power that came tantalizingly close to its first national championship earlier this year in Frisco, Texas.
Alum on a mission to change the future of fast food
In the nation’s battle against obesity, fast food carries the title of public enemy No. 1. A former McDonald’s executive, Mike Donahue ’80 is challenging that reality with LYFE Kitchen.
Alumni magazine’s Then and Now Quiz results
Illinois State readers were asked in the November 2014 issue to answer the same set of questions about their time on campus. The response was overwhelming, allowing for a snapshot of specific eras.
Talent beyond teaching: Campus jobs outside the classroom
Tell someone you work at the University and the same question is consistently asked: Do you teach? About 1,400 do at Illinois State, but many others are needed away from the classroom in jobs that are often unusual.
Inside Look: Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield Archives
The Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield Archives, housed in a large warehouse a few miles from campus, holds a trove of historical artifacts that paint a vivid portrait of the University since its founding.
Tackling 45 years of teaching
This year Wib Leonard will celebrate his 45th year of teaching at ISU. He sat down to talk about his time at the University–from the changing face of campus, to why the fall still gives him a few butterflies.
Where are they now: Virginia Owen
While an undergraduate studying mathematics and economics at Illinois State, Virginia Owen ’62 never envisioned she would return as faculty and make the University her home for more than three decades.
Mail to the Editor: May 2015
Mail to the Illinois State magazine editor for May 2015.
Redbird community mourns loss of baseball’s Dave Bergman
Former baseball All-American and 1980 Percy Family Illinois State Athletics Hall of Fame honoree Dave Bergman ’78 died in February at the age of 61.
A season of sorrow
The campus community and residents of Bloomington-Normal came together during the spring semester to mourn the loss of seven men killed in a plane accident on April 7.
Football season unites alumni cheering across the country
Don’t know of watch parties in your area? Contact Alumni Relations to see what is available now so you’re ready for the upcoming season.
Alumni Association annual meeting set for June 20
Alumni are invited to the Alumni Association annual meeting at 9:30 a.m. on June 20 in the Alumni Center.
Alum chases dream all the way to Gatorade research hub
Illinois State alum Ryan Nuccio continues to chase his passion (sports nutrition) as a research and development scientist at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute.
Redbird Brittany Smith becomes world leader in shot put
Already the holder of Illinois State track and field records, Brittany Smith ’12 became the world leader in shot put earlier this year.
ISU alum goes from county board to Congress
A career in public service that started while an Illinois State political science major continues for Adam Kinzinger ’00.
Alum becomes nationally recognized Civil War reenactor
Trevor Steinbach didn’t lose his passion for history after completing his major in the subject and speech communications in 1975.
Alumna to represent Illinois at Mrs. United States competition
Toby (Ford) Atkinson ’05 is a wife, mom and working professional. As Mrs. Illinois, she is also the proud representative of other women who juggle multiple roles.
How we met: Sarah Frakes and Daniel Chavez
The odds of Sarah Frakes ’10 meeting Daniel Chavez ’07 were not great.
Redbird legacy: ‘Our home is definitely an ISU house’
Jackie (Lacke) Froelich transferred to campus in 1986, never envisioning how many Redbirds would eventually fill her family’s tree.
Thanks to you: Focused on ISU’s people and programs
Illinois State alumnus Gene Jontry pays attention to details. His meticulous form at the free throw line sealed a 94 percent free throw average, a Redbird record that still stands.
