Alumni Association Board of Directors
Officers
Derrick L. Tillman-Kelly ‘09
Columbus, OHChief of Staff in The College of Engineering at The Ohio State University
IWU Major: Biology (Minor in Cognitive Science)
IWU Activities: Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Student Senate, Black Student Union, CHOICE (Peer Health Educators)
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? IWU needs your engagement. I would encourage you to stay connected and offer insights into your current life station - you undoubtedly have something to offer the University, generally, and its students, specifically. And, the University likely has resources that can be of help to you.
Why are you an active alum? I wanted to be an active partner in helping to build a better University.
AABD Position: President
Megan Howe ‘05
Chicago, ILManaging Director of Revenue at Tier 1 Financial
IWU Major: Business Administration
IWU Activities: Volleyball, Economic Society, Sigma Kappa
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? I've learned that being out of my comfort zone is exactly the place to be. Be fearless, ask when you don't know the answer (we're all figuring life out at different stages!), listen genuinely and intently to everyone you encounter, and learn a skill set that is totally wild.
Why are you an active alum? Illinois Wesleyan in its entirety supported me when I needed it the most throughout my time on campus, which fills me with gratitude to this day. Being a part of the AABD has been my opportunity to give back to the University that gave me so much.
AABD Position: President Elect, Nominating Committee Chair
Desiree Quizon-Colquitt ‘89
Normal, ILSenior Manager of Global External Supply at Pfizer
IWU Major: Biology
IWU Activities: Titan Band, Concert Band, Student Senate, Circle K
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? Reconnect with IWU! Attend a regional event, Homecoming, or Titan Talk. Volunteer to be on a committee or affinity group. Talk to a class. Hire a student. There are so many opportunities to have fun, network, and get involved.
Why are you an active alum? The cost of college can be overwhelming and daunting to prospective students. Making IWU attractive and affordable to talented and diverse students was a driving force for me to join the Wesleyan Fund Committee. Through the generosity of the Titan community, many students are given the opportunity to receive an excellent liberal arts education.
AABD Position: Vice President of Engagement for Committees, Awards Committee Chair
Paige Buschman ‘17
Washburn, ILGraduate Program and EDI Coordinator at Illinois State University
IWU Major: Sociology
IWU Activities: President of IWU Pride Alliance 2013-2017, IWU SafeZone Committee Chairperson, Mentor for Illinois Wesleyan University Engaging Diversity Pre-Orientation, Illinois Wesleyan All University Judiciary Committee, Illinois Wesleyan Intercultural Fluency Committee, Council of Inclusion and Awareness
Why are you an active alum? This institution liberated me intellectually and I owe so much of who I am to this place. I also know that students need role models and support so I stay engaged for me and for them.
AABD Position: Vice President of Engagement for Affinity Groups
Dave Darling ‘79
Tinley Park, ILRetired Partner/Shareholder from Stone & Johnson, Chtd. Attorneys at Law
IWU Major: Political Science (Minor in Spanish)
IWU Activities: Cross Country and Track (Letterwinner), Intramural Basketball
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? Stay connected and stay involved. Give back to our beloved Alma Mater with your time, talent, and monetary support.
Why are you an active alum? I love Illinois Wesleyan and all it has provided for me. I want to give back and ensure those going forward have the same love and connection to the University as I have.
AABD Position: Secretary, Governance Committee Chair
Leadership
Jazmyne Kellogg '16
Director of the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
IWU Major: Sociology
IWU Activities: Black Student Union, Sisters Actively Visualizing Vitality Through Intellect (SAVVI), Multicultural Educator (ORL), Student Senate (Financial Advisory Board), Council for Inclusion and Awareness
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? If you have the time, please get involved! The board and current students can benefit from your brilliance! Let's continue engaging as an IWU family!
Why are you an active alum? To give back what was given to me! To be a representation of what is possible for current students.
Mandy Leifheit '96
Account Executive for Microsoft Advertising
IWU Major: Business
IWU Activities: Alpha Gamma Delta
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? If you move to a new city, connect with the alumni group. It's a great way to meet people!
Why are you an active alum? I moved to Seattle and one of the first things I did was find the IWU alumni group. I met great people and attended fun events. I became the chair of the Seattle alumni group five years ago. I was happy to help connect Seattle area alums to support IWU, gather together, and give back. Over the years we have been able to give back together by volunteering at Seattle Children's Hospital and Food Lifeline.
Shannon O'Rourke Kasali
Rockford, MIAdult Services Librarian at Kent District Library
IWU Major: Political Science and International Studies
IWU Activities: Class Vice President, Student Senate Executive Board, Residential Life Staff (I-House RA), Ambassador Club, Alpha Phi Omega, Study Abroad (Switzerland)
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? "Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good." Minor Myers Jr.
Why are you an active alum? I wanted to both network with other IWU women alumni and support students.
AABD Position: Council for Women Chair
Ed Pacchetti ‘91
New York City, NYDirector of Customer Analytics with U.S. Department of Education
IWU Major: Psychology
IWU Activities: Student Senate, Acacia
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? Get involved and support IWU. Help provide the same opportunities you had to somebody else!
AABD Position: Alumni Academic Resource Council Chair
Jim Richter ‘93
Marquette, MIPathologist at Roche Diagnostics
IWU Major: Natural Science
IWU Activities: Theta Chi, Catholic Newman Organization (CNO), Chapel Choir, Gays & Lesbians of Wesleyan (GLOW)
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? Be engaged in whatever way best suits you: offer an internship, be a guest speaker/field expert for a course, support student scholarships or come back for Homecoming to celebrate a milestone reunion or just because.
Why are you an active alum? I have been a member of the Pride Alumni Community (PAC) and the AABD for the last decade. I enjoy engaging with other Titans, students and staff to help support students, encourage diversity at Wesleyan, and connect with people who also have a special place in their heart for IWU.
AABD Position: Wesleyan Fund Chair
Rachel Shaffer '17
Phoenix, AZDirector of Membership Retention and Values for Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity
IWU Major: Political Science and International Studies
IWU Activities: Sigma Kappa Sorority, Titan Orientation Leaders, Titan Ambassadors, Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? You'll never regret reaching out to an old friend.
Why are you an active alum? Representing graduates of the last decade makes me hopeful for the future of Illinois Wesleyan and optimistic for all that will come after me.
AABD Position: Young Alumni Council Chair
Amy Tenhouse ‘97
Arlington, VAVice President of Federal Affairs at Molina Healthcare
IWU Major: Political Science and History
IWU Activities: Volleyball, Student Senate
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? It is important to stay connected, collaborate, and network with other alumni. Getting involved with Illinois Wesleyan in some capacity -- through an affinity group or committee – is a great way to do that!
Why are you an active alum? I want Illinois Wesleyan to continue to have the best and brightest students in attendance. Alums are great ambassadors for the University, and we need to utilize our time and talents to show potential students the great alumni network they will have at their disposal when they graduate from IWU.
AABD Position: Alumni Admissions Advisory Committee Chair
Stella Wang '17
Chicago, IL.Assistant Director of Academic Programs in the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago
IWU Major: Sociology
IWU Activities: First Generation, Chinese Culture and Communications Club, International Society
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? Treasure our memories and connections and hold tight to the IWU peeps!
Why are you an active alum? I want to help build an inclusive higher education experience for diverse populations, and more specifically, to help the international alumni feel connected, energized, and motivated by our common IWU connection and community.
AABD Position: International Alumni Network Chair
Aaron Harris Woodstein '15
Chicago, IL.AV Supervisor at Northlight Theatre
IWU Major: BFA Theatre Design and Technology
IWU Activities: Acacia Fraternity, Multifaith Ambassador, Silence Interrupted Co-Founder, Pride Alliance, HvZ
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? Find ways to incorporate your passions into your life. Work/life balance is so important.
Why are you an active alum? I wanted to give back to the University and the overall Pride Alumni Community. Through my involvement on campus, I met my husband, found a fulfilling career, and helped build myself into the person I am today.
AABD Position: Pride Alumni Community Co-Chair
Members-at-Large
Al Black ‘79
Washington, ILRetired From AT&T
IWU Major: Business Administration
IWU Activities: Dodds Hall President, Interhall Council, Pre-Weekend Committee Chair for Homecoming ‘78
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? Volunteer! It is a great way to make new friends and affect positive change for others as well as yourself. It does not take as much time as you might think and can be very rewarding and fun, too! Organizations are always looking for volunteers, so it’s important that you choose one (or more!) you have a passion for helping. For example, my primary volunteer organizations are Illinois Wesleyan University, Heart of Illinois United Way, and Washington Helps Its People (WHIP) food pantry.
AABD Position: Member-at-Large
Debra R. Burt-Frazier ‘75
Dayton, OHAssistant Professor of English at Central State University
IWU Major: English and Journalism
IWU Activities: Argus Editor, Resident Assistant, Speech Club, Intramural Basketball (Pfeiffer Hall), Liturgical Dancer, WESN, BSU, Experimental Theater, Pep Squad
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? Remember your IWU days, and the impact that it had on you. Then pledge to support that continuation of a quality education for other students. Support Illinois Wesleyan – Go Titans!
AABD Position: Member-at-Large
Alan Leahigh ‘67
Geneva, ILRetired from the Cord Blood Association
IWU Major: Journalism and Political Science
IWU Activities: President of Acacia Fraternity
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? Keep in touch with your college friends.
Why are you an active alum? I benefited greatly from my undergraduate years at IWU. Participating on the Alumni Association Board of Directors provides an opportunity to give back.
AABD Position: Member-at-Large
Beth Messina ‘81
Buffalo Grove, ILRegistered Nurse at Northwest Community Healthcare
IWU Major: Nursing
IWU Activities: Tennis, Alpha Tau Delta, Green Medallions
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? Stay involved! Reconnecting with IWU alumni and faculty can be so refreshing!
Why are you an active alum? I especially enjoy encouraging prospective students to consider attending IWU’s School of Nursing, knowing I was well prepared for a fulfilling nursing career and knowing Wesleyan’s nursing program is well regarded in the nursing profession.
AABD Position: Member-at-Large
Brittany Powell ‘10
Chicago, ILPretrial Court Liaison Supervisor with Cook County Adult Probation
IWU Major: Sociology
IWU Activities: Student Senate, Black Student Union, SAVVY, Track and Field
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? Be active, be vocal, be involved.
Why are you an active alum? IWU helped shape me during my formative years. I want to be a resource for the University as it once was for me.
AABD Position: Member-at-Large
Taylor Robinson ‘21
St. Louis, MORegistered Nurse at Barnes Jewish Hospital
IWU Major: Nursing
IWU Activities: Student Senate, Financial Advisor Board, IWU Cheerleading, Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, Interfraternity Council, Turning Titan, Posse Foundation
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? Be the alumni resource you wish you had as a student!
Why are you an active alum? I want to help unite the young alumni community with the current students. It can be so helpful to have guidance from individuals who were just in your shoes and can give you the most relevant advice.
AABD Position: Member-at-Large
Kate Roessler '13
Louisville, KYDirector of Planning and Assessment at the University of Louisville
IWU Major: Psychology and Business
IWU Activities: Kappa Kappa Gamma, Panhellenic Council, Fraternity & Sorority Programming Board, Student Senate
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? Stay connected! You never know what an IWU alum can do for you, or what you can do for fellow alumni!
Why are you an active alum? IWU has given me so much, and I love having the opportunity to give back.
AABD Position: Member-at-Large
Kira Anne West ‘86
Vienna, VACriminal Defense Attorney in Washington, D.C.
IWU Major: Social Science
IWU Activities: Collegiate Choir, Kappa Delta
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? Stay involved. It's so fun to be with fellow Titans.
Why are you an active alum? I want to stay involved.
AABD Position: Member-at-Large
....
More News & Events