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Volume 24 • Number 3 • Summer 2023
What’s it like to be Reggie Redbird?: Reggie’s former “helpers” take us under their wing
Being Illinois State University’s No. 1 fan is a lot of work. Luckily, Reggie Redbird has some help.
Gladly helping and healing: how an alum is reconfiguring the future of women’s health care
Dr. Taiwo Durowade ’09 is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist who has shaped her practice into one with a singular focus: preventive health.
Money growing on trees: Illinois State professor’s research unwraps the complicated history of chocolate
Illinois State professor Dr. Kathryn Sampeck’s research focuses on a sweet subject with a not-so-sweet history.
The man behind the curtain: Greg Cameron ’80 has served the Chicago arts scene for nearly 40 years
Greg Cameron ’80 is the president and chief executive officer of the Joffrey, an internationally renowned, Chicago-based ballet company and dance education organization.
FirstWord: Summer 2023
During my time at Illinois State University, I have observed many examples of Illinois State University’s excellence in our classrooms, research or creative scholarship, and civic engagement.
Curtain call: Jane Lynch ’82 returns to Illinois State to direct Lost in Yonkers
For three weeks this spring, Jane Lynch ’82—as a guest artist in residence—directed a staged reading of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Lost in Yonkers, a comedic drama written by Neil Simon.
Governor appoints new members to the Board of Trustees of Illinois State University
Governor JB Pritzker’s office announced that Dr. Lia Merminga and Scott Jenkins have been appointed to the Board of Trustees of Illinois State University. Their terms extend to January 15, 2029.
Chad McEvoy named College of Applied Science and Technology dean
Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Ani Yazedjian has announced that Dr. Chad McEvoy has been named the dean of Illinois State University’s College of Applied Science and Technology, effective July 1.
Dr. Todd McLoda named interim dean of College of Education
Acting Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Ani Yazedjian has named Todd McLoda as interim dean of the College of Education at Illinois State University. He will begin this two-year appointment on July 1.
Illinois State University receives national Voter Friendly Campus designation
Illinois State University is being recognized nationally as one of over 231 institutions in the country designated as a Voter Friendly Campus by the national, nonpartisan organizations the Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project and Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.
OSF HealthCare, Illinois State launch initiative to transform health care
The Connected Communities Initiative (CCI) program, a partnership between Illinois State University and OSF HealthCare, will foster research, innovation, and economic development across Illinois.
Birds Give Back 2023 breaks single-day individual gifts record
In its fifth year, Birds Give Back shattered previous single-day giving records. Preliminary numbers show that Redbirds came together to raise $1,031,225 from 4,439 gifts. The previous record for individual gifts was 3,184, which was set during Birds Give Back’s third year.
Illinois State receives $800,000 IBHE grant to support teacher education
Illinois State University was awarded a grant of more than $800,000 by the Illinois Board of Higher Education to support the ongoing education of early childhood teachers.
Inaugural philanthropy awards presented at Gratitude Gala
On March 25 at its inaugural Gratitude Gala for donors in the 1857 Society, Illinois State University presented three awards to recognize donors’ outstanding philanthropic achievement.
Alumni Association directors chosen
There is new leadership within the Alumni Association following the annual meeting held virtually in June
Milestone anniversaries celebrated at Homecoming
Graduates from the Class of 1973 will celebrate their 50th class reunion October 13-14 during the annual Half Century Club event held during Homecoming weekend.
Legacy families recognized
Anyone whose sibling, parent, or grandparent attended ISU is in a legacy family.
Where are they now?: Willard and Anita Bohn
Retired faculty members Willard and Anita Bohn live in the San Francisco Bay Area now, but fond memories of their time at Illinois State live on.
Robinson leads Redbirds to MVC title, scores WNBA draft selection
Women’s basketball alum Paige Robinson became the first Illinois State women’s basketball player to be selected in the WNBA Draft
Dr. Jeri Beggs named interim athletics director
Illinois State University Interim President Aondover Tarhule has named Dr. Jeri Beggs to serve as interim athletics director, effective May 1, 2023.
Illinois State wins fourth straight MVC All-Sports Trophy
Illinois State University claimed its fourth consecutive Missouri Valley Conference All-Sports Championship at the conclusion of the 2022-23 campaign.
IHSA Football State Finals return to Hancock
Illinois State University and the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau will host the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Football State Finals at Hancock Stadium from 2023 to 2027.
Gymnastics wins MIC championship
The 2023 Midwest Independent Conference Championship came down to the final routine of the night to decide which team would be taking home the trophy.
Women’s track and field wins MVC indoor and outdoor titles
For the fifth straight season and 10th time in program history, the Illinois State women’s track and field team won the Missouri Valley Conference Outdoor Championship.
Men’s golf runs away with MVC title
The Illinois State men’s golf team ran away with the 2023 Missouri Valley Conference Championship, the program’s sixth conference title and first since 2007.
Women’s tennis earns regular-season MVC championship
The Illinois State women’s tennis team completed an undefeated conference schedule and clinched the Missouri Valley Conference regular-season title.
Redbird trivia: Summer 2023
Try your luck at our summer 2023 edition of Redbird trivia.
Where are they now?: Keenan Wimbley
Illinois State football alum Dr. Keenan Wimbley ’11, M.S. ’14, Ph.D. ’23, earned a Doctor of Philosophy from the Department of Educational Administration and Foundations this spring.
Then and Now: Summer 2023
The history of band at Illinois State University can be traced back more than 100 years.
Pause for Applause: Summer 2023
Join us in applauding these accomplished Illinois State University alumni.
A Day in the Life: Business Week offers students growth opportunities
Business Week provides Illinois State University students professional development and networking opportunities that prepare them for successful careers.
From Protest to President documents alum’s journey
Dr. George Pruitt ’68, M.S. ’70, LHD ’94, has authored a book highlighting his half century working in higher education.
Redbird Legacy: Hockey reminds family of Redbird pride
An experience with the Redbird Hockey Club reminded the entire Cope family of their Redbird pride.
Class notes: Summer 2023
Keep up with what fellow alumni are doing in our class notes for the summer 2023 alumni magazine issue.
In memory: Summer 2023
In memory of Illinois State University alumni, faculty, and staff who have passed away.
Thanks to you: Passion for singing inspires WKCFA Transformation Project gift
Dr. Ed and Judy Hines’ passion for singing inspired their gift to the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts Transformation Project.
