Keep up with what fellow alumni are doing in our class notes for the spring 2024 alumni magazine issue.
Class notes: Spring 2024
Unit: Alumni Engagement
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.
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.
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.
Half Century Club keynote speaker Mike Matejka shares life of impact
Mike Matejka ’74 came to Illinois State University as a transfer student in the early 70s and now over five decades later he became a Golden Redbird and one of the most notable members of the Bloomington-Normal community. He is known for his work as a community leader and Bloomington City Council member. And this year he will be a keynote speaker at the Half Century Club reunion.
