Topic: Alumni

Exercise science grad helping people help themselves

Picture of Tina Serocke

Tina Serocke ’08 chose to study exercise science because she enjoyed learning about the human body. However, earning her bachelor’s degree was only the start of what has become a satisfying career as an occupational therapist.

Diving right into a cool career

When Mike Pedersen ’05 graduated with a degree in recreation and park administration, he doubted that he would ever use some of the skills he learned such as writing bids, designing recreation facilities, or creating websites.

From WGLT late night host to NPR producer

man with headphones in radio studio

School of Communication alumnus Danny Hajek ‘11 went from a rookie late-night jazz announcer on WGLT, the NPR station at Illinois State, to producing for NPR in Culver City, California.

Redbird legacy: Five sisters forge decades-long bond with ISU

The Hynd sisters include, from left, Mary Schrock ’82, Eileen Saksa ’84, Patricia Scott ’86, Karen Fitzgerald ’88, and Janet Gibson ’91. Seated is Patricia’s son, Alex, beginning his sophomore year. Not included are Cliff Schrock ’81 and Christopher Saksa ’16.

Mary (Hynd) Schrock ’82 grew up in Moline with five sisters. Four of them followed her to Illinois State, creating a strong family legacy that deepened further when two of their children also chose to attend the University. Accepted at two Iowa universities, Mary ultimately decided to study in Illinois. ISU rose to the top,