Illinois Wesleyan Associates invite local business and professional leaders to an annual luncheon, featuring special guest speakers.

Notables
Over the years, speakers have included Sir Edward Heath, former British Prime Minister; Steve Bornstein, then-CEO of the ESPN television network; David Gergen, former Chief Editor for US News & World Report and a former White House staffer; Jack Sikma '77, retired professional basketball player; B. Charles Ames '50, Vice Chairman of Clayton, Dubilier & Rice and author of numerous books on management; Edward B. Rust, Jr. '72, Chairman of the Board and CEO of State Farm Insurance Companies; and Joe Buck, radio and television announcer for the St. Louis Cardinals since 1991.

2005 Luncheon
Most recently, Tom Cross '80 addressed the Associates at the 2005 luncheon.  Tom is a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, and in January of 2003 he became the House Republican Leader, a position to which he was elected by his colleagues.  He currently practices law with the firm of Mahoney, Silverman and Cross in Joliet, Illinois, and his legislative concerns include medical malpractice reform, crime, families, seniors, agriculture, and government accountability.  For his legislative efforts over the years, Tom has received recognition from a wide spectrum of state and local groups, including the Illinois Healthcare Association, the Illinois State's Attorney's Association, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, the Illinois Drug Enforcement Officers Association, as well as the Illinois Chapter of the AARP.

Contact Lora Wey at lwey@iwu.edu to learn more about joining the Illinois Wesleyan Associates.