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Volume 18 • Number 4 • Spring 2018
Redbird romance: The story behind ISU’s love bench
Here are the story behind ISU’s love bench and the stories of many alumni who fell in love on campus.
Across continents: Chinese alumni still appreciate ISU’s open door
Nearly two dozen alumni from Taiwan met in President Larry Dietz’s conference room to recount their collegiate days and also presented a check for $100,000 to fund a new scholarship.
Sewing problems: Students offer free clothing repairs to community
An elderly man approached a couple of students sitting in front of a sewing machine in the Coffee Hound and asked what they were doing. Repairing clothes, they told him, and noticing a large rip in his jacket, suggested he get it fixed.
Saving the world: One class project at a time
Two School of Social Work students are helping to save the lives of overdose victims in Peoria through a project they created in class.
Inside Look: Owen Strength and Conditioning Center
On Redbird Arena’s lower level, tucked behind the stands just paces from the hardwood so familiar to basketball fans, sits the Owen Strength and Conditioning Center.
More than 250,000 items added to Circus Collection
A dedicated circus fan has donated more than 250,000 items to Illinois State University’s Circus and Allied Arts Collection at Milner Library.
State higher ed board picks President Bowman as leader
Illinois State University President Emeritus Al Bowman has been named executive director of the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE).
Harding named executive director of Alumni Engagement
Illinois State University announced the appointment of Kris Harding as the new executive director of Alumni Engagement.
Where are they now? Doug Lamb
In 1970 as a young Ph.D. graduate, Doug Lamb’s hope was to have a university faculty position in psychology that also offered the opportunity to do clinical work.
Entrepreneur chosen for 2018 honorary degree
Craig Bouchard ’75, M.S. ’77, received an honorary degree at Founders Day in February.
Mail to the editor: April 2018
Mail to the editor for April 2018
Celebrating excellence: Two Redbirds honored as superior athletes and scholars
Rachel Root ’17 and Wes Ward ’17 were recognized last fall as the top student-athletes at the Reggie’s, the annual Athletics academic excellence awards ceremony sponsored by State Farm Insurance Company.
Valley recognizes three ISU legends
The Missouri Valley Conference is celebrating throughout 2018 the 25th anniversary of women sports in the league and the 45th year of Title IX.
Softball team mourns volunteer coach
Athletics lost longtime volunteer assistant softball coach Bill Dickson ’54, M.S. ’57, last fall at the age of 85. A member of the Athletics Percy Family Hall of Fame, he was an educator, softball player and coach for more than 50 years.
Muller contract extended
Head men’s basketball coach Dan Muller ’98 has agreed to a contract extension that keeps him at Illinois State at least through the 2023–2024 season.
Conference picks Adam to receive courage award
Steve Adams received the 2017 MVC Most Courageous Award, which honors individuals who demonstrate unusual courage when faced with an illness or tragedy. Adams is battling Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
2018 Alumni Awards recipients
Illinois State University’s Alumni Association honored six award recipients at Founders Day celebrations on February 15, as well as during a dinner program. Nominations are now being sought for the 2019 Alumni Awards.
Always a Redbird: Retiring alumni director still ISU’s cheerleader
From her student days to working as the executive director of alumni engagement, Doris (Liefer) Groves ’81 has personified the joy of being a Redbird.
Nominate Homecoming 2018 Royalty
Nominations being sought for the 2018 Homecoming alumni king and queen and prince and princess.
Illinois State publication now three issues annually
The publication schedule for Illinois State has changed.
Illinois State alumna key contributor to Academy Award- and Golden Globe-nominated animated film
Psychology alumna Dena Peterson ’84, M.S. ’88, had critical role in nominated film Loving Vincent.
Pause for applause
Please applaud these alumni accomplishments
How we met: Stefani Rudd and Bryan Concannon
It was because of siblings that Bryan Concannon ’14 and Stefani Rudd ’13 met in 2010.
Redbird legacy: Simios family forges strong ties to College of Business
Logan Simios ’84 and John Rigas ’81 are cousins. A College of Business student when Logan finished high school, John suggested to Logan that he attend Illinois State.
Largest faculty cash gift in ISU history to support international business education
Longtime faculty members Carson and Iris Varner are donating $1 million to the College of Business International Business Institute.
Reggie Reads: April 2018
Illinois State is proud to be able to acknowledge the work of graduates who are successful authors.
