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Volume 25 • Number 2 • Spring 2024
Man of many hats: Illinois State University president newest title for Dr. Aondover Tarhule
Dr. Aondover Tarhule is a highly regarded professor and academic administrator, a prolific researcher and scholar, a husband and a father. Now he’s Illinois State University’s 21st president.
Growing hope: Alum cultivates purpose from life marred by tragedy
From the darkest depths of death and despair, Dr. Theoneste “Theo” Nzaramyimana, M.S. ’17, discovered life in a garden.
Bullish on The Bear: Casting director brings Chicago to life in award-winning series
Jennifer Rudnicke ’90 earned a Primetime Emmy Award for her casting work on acclaimed dramedy The Bear.
Studentification is Normal
Students enrolled in a class last fall studied a phenomenon to which they and all Illinois State University students before them have contributed.
Dr. Drink: Assistant Professor Erol Sozen pours passion for beverages into classes
Assistant Professor Erol Sozen inspires Department of Family and Consumer Sciences students, imparting his passion for food and beverage.
FirstWord: Spring 2024
I write to you today with a new title but the same mission to serve Illinois State University to the best of my abilities.
University News briefs: New president confident, optimistic about future
Newly appointed President Aondover Tarhule is focused on positioning Illinois State University to “succeed, thrive, and be resilient” despite nationwide challenges facing higher education.
Where are they now?: Sandi Zielinski ’67, M.F.A. ’81
A passion for theatre keeps Sandi Zielinski ’67, M.F.A. ’81, young at heart, and that passion was born at Illinois State University.
Former Redbird races to launch VR sports app
Redbird track and field alum Aneel Gillan won the Startup Showcase after developing a virtual reality sports app.
Athletics briefs: DeRose hired to lead Redbird soccer
Former Brown University associate head coach Raleigh DeRose was hired by Interim Director of Athletics Jeri Beggs as the new head coach of the Redbird soccer program.
Redbird trivia: Spring 2024
Try your luck at our spring 2024 edition of Redbird trivia.
Where are they now?: Laura (Doornbos) Benton ’06
Laura (Doornbos) Benton takes flight as president of Ladies Love Taildraggers, a worldwide organization of women who fly conventional landing gear aircraft known as taildraggers.
Then and Now: Campus dining
Illinois State University educates nearly 21,000 students. It feeds many of them, too.
Pause for Applause: Spring 2024
Join us in applauding these accomplished Illinois State University alumni.
A Day in the Life: Pawfficer Sage a pawsitive presence on campus
Pawfficer Sage has served as a Illinois State University Police Department’s community outreach dog since 2019, putting an extra-friendly face—and a wet nose—on the department.
Yes man: Distinguished Alumni Award recipient’s decorated career the result of opportunities seized
Illinois State University celebrated the lives and careers of eight alumni at the annual Alumni Association Awards on April 19.
Alumni Association offers virtual engagement
The Illinois State University Alumni Association strives to provide lifelong learning and career development opportunities with programs that are easily accessed no matter a Redbird’s location.
Class notes: Spring 2024
Keep up with what fellow alumni are doing in our class notes for the spring 2024 alumni magazine issue.
In memory: Spring 2024
In memory of Illinois State University alumni, faculty, and staff who have passed away.
Redbird Legacy: Being classmates brought mother and daughter closer together
The experience of being classmates at Illinois State University only strengthened the bond between mother and daughter, Edna Milanga ’21, MBA ’23, and Benedicte Kazigwa ’23.
Thanks to you: Passion for care, scholarship propel alum into new career
Eric Teoro discovered his passion and scholarship assistance helped him pursue a new career path.
