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Volume 33, Number 1, Spring 2024, Office Of Communications, Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine, 2018-present

VOLUME 33 | NUMBER 1 | Spring 2024

ON OUR COVER:

Ryan Jumper '00 has been an associate judge in Madison County, Illinois, since 2018 and was retained in 2023. Four other IWU alumni became judges in 2023, including two federal judges.

16 The Titan Judges IWU's legal minds are shaping the judiciary in the state of Illinois and beyond. Three of these judges share the stories of their careers within criminal and civil justice.

22 The Lawyer and the Punk Dave Rossi '07 started his career as a famous punk rocker. Now he's a lawyer creating the newest recording …

Volume 32, Number 3, Summer/Fall 2023, Office Of Communications, Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine, 2018-present

VOLUME 32 | NUMBER 3 | Summer/Fall 2023

ON OUR COVER:

Brenda Lessen Knoll '89 performs her physical therapy treatment, PIOMI, with 12-hour old premature infant Remi Audeman.

14 Handmade Miracles Brenda Lessen Knoll '89 was completing her doctorate when she developed a groundbreaking new physical therapy. Now it's implemented around the world to help premature infants grow using only caregiver's hands.

18 A Chance to Cure Dr. Ann Stroink '76 winner of the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award, has mastered one of medicine's most demanding fields -- neurosurgery. She has saved lives and trained a new generation of surgeons, for …

Volume 32, Number 1, Spring 2023, Office Of Communications, Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine, 2018-present

VOLUME 32 | NUMBER 1 | Spring 2023

ON OUR COVER:

Tim Pritts ’91, as a senior trauma surgeon and the chief of general surgery at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, helped save the life of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin.

14 Saving Damar After Damar Hamlin, the Buffalo Bills’ 24-year-old safety, suffered sudden cardiac arrest in the middle of a livebroadcast NFL football game, IWU alum Tim Pritts ’91 was in the operating room where Hamlin's life was saved.

18 A Life of Change President Georgia Nugent is traveling the country to meet alums in 2023. She gave …

Volume 32, Number 4, Winter 2023-24, Office Of Communications, Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine, 2018-present

VOLUME 32 | NUMBER 4 | Winter 2023-24

ON OUR COVER:

Bryan McCannon '98 and Amber Kujath '97 have returned to IWU to lead the Schools of Business and Economics and of Nursing and Health Sciences.

14 Pilgrims of Science Scott Collins '02 and Kosha (Baxi) Carstens '02 have dreamed of going to the Galapagos Islands since they were children growing up together in Ottawa, Illinois. This summer, they finally went with Scott's class of high school biology students.

18 Returning Leaders Two IWU alumni, Amber Kujath '97 and Bryan McCannon '98, have returned to campus as experts in their …

Volume 31, Number 2, Summer 2022, Office Of Communications, Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine, 2018-present

VOLUME 31 | NUMBER 2 | Summer 2022

ON OUR COVER: Dr. Nurman Noor ’08 showcased his culinary skills as an eventual runner-up in The Great Australian Bake Off. Photo courtesy of Foxtel Publicity.

14 Baked with Love Dr. Nurman Noor ’08 may be a general practitioner by trade, but a passion for baking earned him a spot in the TV series The Great Australian Bake Off, where he won scores of fans with his likable personality, raw vulnerability and mouth-watering creations.

18 Breaking Through Angela (Tomazin) Hesemann ’09 found herself laid off at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, …

Volume 31, Number 1, Spring 2022, Office Of Communications, Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine, 2018-present

VOLUME 31 | NUMBER 1 | Spring 2022

ON OUR COVER: Signed into law on June 23, 1972, Title IX has prevented sex-based discrimination and provided opportunities for women for the past 50 years. Illinois Wesleyan celebrates the anniversary, specifically through its impact on IWU’s women’s athletics program.

10 Cause for Celebration As Title IX turns 50, the Illinois Wesleyan women’s athletics community reflects on the progress that’s been made and the work that still needs to be done.

18 Made to Fly Propelled by an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to improve life in his home country of Nigeria, …

Volume 31, Number 3, Winter 2022-23, Office Of Communications, Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine, 2018-present

VOLUME 31 | NUMBER 3 | Winter 2022-23

ON OUR COVER: Toni Tortorella ’21 sports the mark from the surgery that cured her cancer as a symbol of health advocacy and the support she received from family, friends, faculty and staff.

14 Guardian Angel When IWU nursing student and community leader Toni Tortorella ’21 was diagnosed with cancer, her family at home and school advocated for her health and her academic success. Now she’s a nurse at the hospital that cured her.

18 A Love Letter to IWU After a summer of storytelling about what makes Illinois Wesleyan a unique …

Volume 30, Issue 2, Summer/Fall 2021, Office Of Communications, Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine, 2018-present

INSIDE THIS ISSUE VOLUME 30 | NUMBER 2 | SUMMER/FALL 2021

ON OUR COVER: Burke Nihill ’00, president and CEO of the National Football League’s Tennessee Titans, sits for a photo at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.

12 Titan Among Titans Burke Nihill ’00 is the president and CEO of the National Football League’s Tennessee Titans, where he and his family are all part of the team.

16 Keeping Our Community Safe Through her many campus roles, Vickie (Noltkamper) Folse ’86 helped the Illinois Wesleyan community safely navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

20 Reimagining Radio Illinois Wesleyan’s storied campus radio station, …

Volume 30, Issue 1, Spring 2021, Office Of Communications, Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine, 2018-present

INSIDE THIS ISSUE VOLUME 30 | NUMBER 1 | Spring 2021

ON OUR COVER: Dr. Judith Eckerle ’98, director of the University of Minnesota’s Adoption Medicine Clinic, poses at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital.

16 Angel in Adoption Guided by her own adoption experience, Dr. Judith Eckerle ’98 serves as director of the University of Minnesota’s Adoption Medicine Clinic.

22 Up for an Adventure The tallest mountain in North America beckoned Andrew Baldock ’99 to Alaska and set in motion a quest to climb the world’s highest peaks.

26 Cookies for a Cause A love of …

Volume 30, Number 3, Winter 2021-22, Office Of Communications, Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine, 2018-present

VOLUME 30 | NUMBER 3 | WINTER 2021-22

ON OUR COVER: Bill Damaschke ’85 meets with media after accepting the Tony Award for Best Musical at the 74th annual Tony Awards on Sept. 26, 2021. Photo courtesy of Cindy Ord.

14 Bringing Broadway Back A lifetime of experiences prepared Bill Damaschke ’85 to serve as producer of a Tony Award-winning musical that echoes real life as Broadway bounces back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

18 Taking Off A series of rejections didn’t stop Torri “T.J.” Newman ’06 from writing a story that has become a New York Times bestseller and landed …

Volume 29, Issue 2, Summer/Fall 2020, Office Of Communications, Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine, 2018-present

INSIDE THIS ISSUE VOLUME 29 | NUMBER 2 | SUMMER/FALL 2020

ON OUR COVER: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced Illinois Wesleyan to adapt in unforeseen ways amidst the global health crisis. Digital illustration by Ethan Lubin.

11 Long Way Home When the novel coronavirus outbreak presented travel challenges for Illinois Wesleyan students abroad, the IWU community came together to help students return home quickly and safely.

16 Waging War on COVID-19 Dr. Gregory A. Poland ’77 has spent decades studying infectious diseases and developing vaccines, and is a leading voice during the current health crisis.

20 Leading on the Front …

Volume 29, Issue 1, Spring 2020, Office Of Communications, Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine, 2018-present

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E VOLUME 29 | NUMBER 1 | SPRING 2020

ON OUR COVER: Marc Talluto ’94 speaks with guests at an open house at Wesleyan Manor, a student-run Airbnb benefiting Illinois Wesleyan’s Design, Technology and Entrepreneurship program.

16 Manor of Learning. Illinois Wesleyan Entrepreneur in Residence Marc Talluto ’94 provides students with experiential learning opportunities through internships that benefit IWU’s Design, Technology and Entrepreneurship program.

20 Training the Mind. A personal loss inspired Chad McGehee ’03 to broaden his horizons and led to his discovery of meditation. …

Volume 29, Issue 3, Winter 2020-21, Office Of Communications, Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine, 2018-present

INSIDE THIS ISSUE VOLUME 29 | NUMBER 3 | WINTER 2020-21

ON OUR COVER: Students like sophomore theatre arts major Nyja White ’23 are grappling with world events and their impact on Illinois Wesleyan’s campus and community. Portrait photo by Nick Helten. Graphic design by Ethan Lubin and Nick Helten.

12 Community Conversation Recent events in our country have required us to look introspectively at what we are doing to be the people and the community we want to be. We asked the IWU community questions that many Americans are grappling with at this critical point in our history.

16 …

Volume 28, Issue 2, Summer/Fall 2019, Office Of Communications, Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine, 2018-present

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E V O L U M E 2 8 | N U M B E R 2 | SUMMER/FALL 2019

ON OUR COVER: Jack Sikma ,77, who played 14 seasons in the National Basketball Association with the Seattle SuperSonics and Milwaukee Bucks, will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in September 2019. Photo courtesy of the NBA.

14 Heading to the Hall The standard bearer for Illinois Wesleyan basketball, Jack Sikma ’77 will be immortalized as an inductee into the Naismith Memorial …

Volume 28, Issue 1, Spring 2019, Office Of Communications, Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine, 2018-present

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E V O L U M E 2 8 | N U M B E R 1 | S P R I N G 2 0 1 9

ON OUR COVER: Veteran journalist Chris Fusco ’94 oversees the Chicago Sun-Times newsroom as its editor-in-chief. Portrait photo by Jason Reblando. Digital illustration by Gary Schwartz.
14 The Future of the Front Page Chris Fusco ’94 leads the Chicago Sun-Times as it delivers news and content in an ever-changing media landscape.
18 Bringing Back The Barn Driven by …

Volume 28, Issue 3, Winter 2019-2020, Office Of Communications, Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine, 2018-present

VOLUME 28 | NUMBER 3 | Winter 2019-2020

ON OUR COVER: Georgia Nugent, who joined Illinois Wesleyan as interim president in August 2019, was named the 20th president of the University on Nov. 14, 2019. Photo by Nick Helten.

12 A Bright Future for IWU. A tireless advocate for higher education with vast experience at elite liberal arts institutions, Georgia Nugent was named Illinois Wesleyan’s 20th president in November 2019.

16 Life of Crime. Associate Professor Amanda Vicary, who brings true crime into her psychology courses at Illinois Wesleyan, has become a highly sought-after expert in the crime community.

20 …

Volume 27, Issue 2, Summer/Fall 2018, Office Of Communications, Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine, 2018-present

INSIDE THIS ISSUE
VOLUME 27 | NUMBER 2 | SUMMER / FALL 2018

ON OUR COVER: Lindsey Fitzharris ’04 has achieved celebrity historian status with her award-winning debut novel The Butchering Art: Joseph Lister’s Quest to Transform the Grisly World of Victorian Medicine, a popular YouTube series and an active social media presence.
14 Resurrecting History Lindsey Fitzharris ’04 delivers medical history to a wide audience by utilizing mediums both old and new.
22 Posse Power Supporting one another has been key to the success of Illinois Wesleyan’s first class of Posse Scholars.
25 An Ocean of Opportunity Research …

Volume 27, Issue 1, Spring 2018, Office Of Communications, Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine, 2018-present

INSIDE THIS ISSUE
V O LU M E 2 7 | N U M B E R 1 | S P R I N G 2 0 1 8

ON OUR COVER: Richard ’69 and Sharon Jenkins ’69 walk the red carpet at the 90th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 4, 2018. Richard Jenkins was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Shape of Water, which won Best Picture.
14 The Shape of Success Much has changed since, but Richard ’69 and Sharon Jenkins ’69 are the same people who …

Volume 27, Issue 3, Winter 2018-19, Office Of Communications, Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine, 2018-present

INSIDE THIS ISSUE
VOLUME 27 | NUMBER 3 | WINTER 2018-19

ON OUR COVER: A breakthrough moment inspired Lisa Mishra ’15 to put her career on hold and pursue a future in the music industry. Portrait photo by Jason Reblando. Digital illustration by Gary Schwartz.
14 Homecoming 2018 Illinois Wesleyan celebrated 100 years of Homecoming at “A Century of Celebration,” with many alumni and friends returning to campus for the annual tradition Oct. 5-7, 2018.
16 Leap of Faith Music has always been a way of life for Lisa Mishra ’15, but a breakthrough moment launched a new career for …

Poem For The Inauguration: The Spirit Line, Joanne Diaz, Michael Theune

Inauguration of Eric R. Jensen

The text of this poem is available for viewing below and may be downloaded above. A photo of Drs. Diaz and Theune is also available here.

Inauguration Program, Illinois Wesleyan University

Inauguration of Eric R. Jensen

The program is available for viewing below and may be downloaded above. A diagram of the platform seating arrangements and photograph of the Platform Party are also linked here. The platform party was comprised of:

George A. Vinyard ’71 Chair, Board of Trustees
Jean M. Baird ’80 Secretary, Board of Trustees and Chair of Presidential Search Committee
Eric R. Jensen President of the University
Lane Bennett ’18 President of Student Senate
R. Kent Cook Professor of Music and Co-Chair of the Inaugural Steering Committee
Joanne Diaz Associate Professor of English
Linda French Professor of Physics
Jonathan D. Green Provost and …

Calls To Leadership, Deon Hornsby, Class Of 1997, Richard F. Wilson, Elly Jones, Class Of 1991, Michael B. Young, Eric Gordon, Lane Bennett, Class Of 2018

Inauguration of Eric R. Jensen

Below is a document containing the combined remarks delivered by the following representatives from across the Illinois Wesleyan community:
From the Board – Deon Hornsby ’97, Board of Trustees
From a Presidential Perspective – Richard F. Wilson, President Emeritus
From Alumni – Elly Jones ’91, President of the Alumni Association
From Faculty – Michael B. Young, Robert W. Harrington Endowed Professor of History
From Staff – Eric Gordon, 2015 Max Starkey Service Award recipient
From Students – Lane Bennett ’18, President of Student Senate

The speakers' photographs and their remarks are also available for download here. A video of …

Benediction, Vaughn Hoffman

Inauguration of Eric R. Jensen

These remarks are available for viewing below and may be downloaded above. A photograph of Rev. Hoffman is also linked here.

Inaugural Address: The Liberal Arts In The 21st Century: Spotlight On Collaborative Engagement, Eric R. Jensen

Inauguration of Eric R. Jensen

The text of this talk is available for viewing below and may be downloaded above. A photograph of President Jensen is also linked here.

Artistic And Scholarly Sessions: Blending The Liberal Arts And Nursing: Creating A Portrait For The 21st Century, Wendy Kooken, Noël Kerr, Morgan Hussey, Class Of 2018, Anissa Ortiz, Class Of 2016

Inauguration of Eric R. Jensen

April 2, 2016; 9–9:30 am

This presentation highlights interdisciplinary collaboration between liberal arts and School of Nursing faculty. An exhibit of William Utermohlen’s paintings, depicting changes as his Alzheimer’s disease progressed, was showcased. Nine discrete on-campus events facilitated exploration of the disease from interdisciplinary perspectives, using the exhibit as a backdrop for rich discussion.

Presenters: Wendy Kooken, Assistant Professor of Nursing
Noël Kerr, Assistant Professor of Nursing Student

Respondents: Morgan Hussey ’18, Nursing major
Anissa Ortiz ’16, Art major

Artistic And Scholarly Sessions: Good, Better, Best: How Arc, State Farm, And Local Non-Profits Empower Students To “Get Stuff Done” In The Community Partnership Program, Bevin Cowie, Class Of 2010, Adam Garcia, Class Of 2016, Brianna Piro, Class Of 2017, Tia Patsavas, Class Of 2016

Inauguration of Eric R. Jensen

April 2, 2016; 9:30–10 am

The Action Research Center and State Farm have partnered with non-profts for the past 10 years to provide a unique and innovative dual internship experience for Illinois Wesleyan students. The Community Partnership Program (CPP) puts students at the intersection of corporations, non-profts, and the community, leading to innovative community development.

Presenters: Bevin Cowie ’10, Action Research Center Coordinator
Adam Garcia ’16, CPP 2015 Intern and State Farm Employee

Student Respondents: Brianna Piro ’17, psychology & sociology double major
Tia Patsavas ’16, English-writing major

The presentation slides are available for viewing below and may be downloaded …

Invocation For President Jensen’S Inauguration, Elyse Nelson Winger

Inauguration of Eric R. Jensen

These remarks are available for viewing below and may be downloaded above. A photograph of University Chaplain Elyse Nelson Winger is also linked here.

Introduction Of The President, George A. Vinyard

Inauguration of Eric R. Jensen

These remarks are available for viewing below and may be downloaded above. A photograph of Dr. Vinyard is also linked here.

Welcome, Jonathan D. Green

Inauguration of Eric R. Jensen

The text of Provost Green's remarks are available for viewing below and may be downloaded above. A photograph of Dr. Green is also linked here.

Artistic And Scholarly Sessions: Can A Multicellular Bacterium Prepare Students For Multiple Career Paths?, Loralyn Cozy, Rachel Ende, Class Of 2016, Megan Smeets, Class Of 2017, Christina Khouri, Class Of 2016

Inauguration of Eric R. Jensen

April 2, 2016; 10–10:30 am

How do I support students pursuing their own unique professional goals using my discipline as a backdrop? This, for me, is the defining question for mentorship at a liberal arts institution. Three students and I will consider how collaboration in one discipline, microbiology, can shape a variety of professional trajectories.

Presenters: Loralyn Cozy, Assistant Professor of Biology
Rachel Ende ’16, Biology major

Student Respondents: Megan Smeets ’17, Biology & Psychology double major
Christina Khouri ’16, Biology & Hispanic Studies double major