Join us in applauding these accomplished Illinois State University alumni.
Pause for Applause: Spring 2024
Unit: Advancement
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
