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Volume 24 • Number 2 • Spring 2023
Child’s play: Dr. Sarah Gerson ’06 investigates the science behind children’s social and emotional learning
Illinois State alum and developmental psychologist uses dolls to investigate children’s learning.
Unlocking language: Illinois State’s Deaf education program ensures access to education
Teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing are in high demand, and Illinois State University is the only university in Illinois that still has a teacher of Deaf education program, which offers licensure for pre-kindergarten through age 21.
Forging a path: An international business program in Panama is expanding Illinois State’s footprint
When Zaché Alvarado ’22 was in high school in Panama, she dreamed of studying business at an American university.
Fresh perspective: Ash Ebikhumi gives a voice to current students through his service to Illinois State’s Board of Trustees
One of the newest members of Illinois State’s Board of Trustees is junior political science major Ash Ebikhumi, the latest in a long line of students to serve on the University’s governing body.
FirstWord: Spring 2023
In February, I was honored to be appointed as Illinois State University’s interim president.
Board of Trustees names Dr. Aondover Tarhule as interim president
The Board of Trustees of Illinois State University announced Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Aondover Tarhule has been named interim president.
Keyser named founding dean for College of Engineering
An important milestone in the development of Illinois State University’s College of Engineering has been reached with the appointment of a founding dean.
Alums’ $1 million gift establishes the Stephen and Sharon Hagge Innovation Institute
In appreciation for their alma mater and to foster innovation on campus, Steve ’73 and Sharon Hagge ’73 have given a $1 million gift during Redbirds Rising: The Campaign for Illinois State.
Illinois State earns value rankings
Illinois State University was among the schools recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Value Schools” and Washington Monthly’s “2022 Best Bang for the Buck Rankings: Midwest.”
Illinois State receives $780,000 grant as part of nationwide network to enhance inclusion, equity in STEM disciplines
Illinois State University is part of a nationwide group of institutions working to make STEM education more inclusive and equitable.
Dr. Martin Engelke awarded $1.6 million NIH grant for cell physiology studies
Illinois State University’s Dr. Martin Engelke has received a $1.6 million Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award from the National Institutes of Health to advance studies on a cellular level.
Dr. Andy Morgan named assistant vice president, dean of students
Dr. Andy Morgan has been named the new assistant vice president and dean of students at Illinois State University.
Design Streak Studio 40th anniversary exhibit a ‘sensory experience’
An exhibit and a series of lectures will help celebrate Design Streak Studio’s 40th anniversary from October 27–December 18, 2022, at the University Galleries.
Dr. Kathryn Sampeck awarded British Academy Global Professorship
Dr. Kathryn Sampeck is the first from Illinois State University to receive the nearly $1 million award from the British Academy. She will lead a team recentering the study of chocolate with an Indigenous Mezoamerican perspective.
Illinois State University recognized for student voting
Illinois State University has been recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge as a 2022 ALL IN Most Engaged Campuses for College Student Voting.
Athletics, CEFCU agree to arena naming rights
Illinois State and CEFCU entered a naming rights and sponsorship agreement valued at approximately $3.1 million over 10 years.
Nominations sought for Homecoming 2023 royalty
The Alumni Association is seeking nominations for the 2023 Homecoming alumni royalty and Reggie’s royalty.
Alumni Association meeting set
Alumni are invited to the Alumni Association’s annual meeting on June 24 at 10:45 a.m., in the Old Main Room at the Bone Student Center.
Where are they now?: Dianne Feasley
A help-wanted ad in The Pantagraph led to a 28-year career at Illinois State University for Dianne Feasley.
A memorable win: Redbird basketball ‘awakens echoes’ of Horton Field House
The Illinois State men’s basketball team celebrated their return to Horton Field House with a 77-71 win.
Fischer retires, Kramos takes over as head softball coach
Longtime Illinois State University softball assistant coach Tina Kramos was named head coach upon the retirement of longtime coach Melinda Fischer ’72, M.S. ’75.
Boswell announced as member of 2023 Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame class
Illinois State women’s basketball legend Cathy Boswell ’83 was selected as one of five women to be inducted as the 24th Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame induction class.
Tejada selected for 2023 MVC Hall of Fame class
Former Illinois State soccer star Rachel Tejada ’15 was selected as one of six inductees into the Missouri Valley Conference Hall of Fame class of 2023.
Vandenburgh named FCS Defensive Player of the Year, All-American
Redbird football’s Zeke Vandenburgh ’20 earned the 2022 Stats Perform Buck Buchanan Award as the top FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) defensive player January 7 at the FCS National Awards Banquet in Frisco, Texas.
Where are they now?: Jaci McCormack
Illinois State women’s basketball alum Jaci McCormack ’05 is the CEO and co-founder of Rise Above, a Seattle-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering Native American youth to lead healthy lives.
Redbird trivia: Spring 2023
Try your luck at our spring 2023 edition of Redbird trivia.
Then and Now: Spring 2023
Illinois State’s Bowling and Billiards Center has long been a hub for Redbird recreation, and a 2022 renovation will allow it to serve the next generation of students.
Pause for Applause: Spring 2023
Join us in applauding these accomplished Illinois State University alumni.
A Day in the Life: Sustainability in action at Share Shop, Fix it Friday
Illinois State’s Office of Sustainability is home to the Share Shop, a resource-sharing store where students and community members can find everything from clothing to housewares to school supplies.
Eight receive 2023 Alumni Awards
The Alumni Association recognizes eight individuals and their outstanding achievements and contributions.
Redbird alum brings stage to the classroom
Karen L. Erickson ’70, M.S. ’77, enjoys a career that combines passions for theatre and education.
Redbird Legacy: ROTC runs in the O’Neil-Lehmann family
Christian ’14 and Katie (O’Neil) Lehmann ’15 met in ROTC, just as Katie’s parents, Tim ’84 and Jeannene (Cooper) O’Neil ’84, had years earlier.
Class notes: Spring 2023
Keep up with what fellow alumni are doing in our class notes for the spring 2023 alumni magazine issue.
In memory: Spring 2023
In memory of Illinois State University alumni, faculty, and staff who have passed away.
Thanks to you: Das grateful for Dr. Gary Weede Scholarship
First-generation college student Radharani Das knew attending college would not be easy. With hard work, determination, and the generosity of Illinois State University donors, Das has made that dream a reality.
