Meet the PAC Members

Paige Buschman ‘17

Washburn, IL
Graduate Program Coordinator at Illinois State University 
IWU Major: Sociology 
IWU Activities: President of IWU Pride Alliance 2013-2017; IWU SafeZone Committee Chairperson; Mentor, Illinois Wesleyan University Engaging Diversity Pre-Orientation; Illinois Wesleyan All University Judiciary Committee Member; Illinois Wesleyan Intercultural Fluency Committee Member; Council of Inclusion and Awareness Member.
Why are you an active alum? I felt very grateful for the support that the Pride Alumni Community offered me as a student both personally and in conjunction with my role as President of Pride while on campus. Jim Richter, among other pride leaders, was a role model to me and allowed me to connect with and remain connected with my LGBTQ+ and Titan identities and community. I wanted to help give back to and grow that legacy and to otherwise support an institution that fostered my intellectual liberation. 
PAC Position: Co-Chair

Jim Richter ‘93

Marquette, MI
Pathologist 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.
PAC Position: Co-Chair

Dirk Behrends ‘87

Oakland Park, FL
Vice President of Association Solutions for Togetherwork’s Association Division
IWU Major: English
IWU Activities: Sigma Chi Fraternity, Cross Country, Track and Field 
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? “Do well, but do good!” To quote a great man and leader. Our beloved Alma Mater is in need of your “hands” to make for lighter work and greater successes at IWU. Find something at IWU whereby you can give your time, your talent and/or your treasure, and you will leave it better than when you found it! 

Debra R. Burt-Frazier ‘75

Dayton, OH
Assistant 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!

Hannah Dhue ‘15

Los Angeles, CA
Senior Manager of Distribution Operations at The Walt Disney Company 
IWU Major: English Writing and Theatre Arts
IWU Activities: Pride Alliance, Sigma Tau Delta, Phoenix Theater, Relay for Life, National Society for Leadership and Success, Phi Beta Kappa
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? Stay connected to your network and get involved to support your community!
Why are you an active alum? I’m passionate about supporting the LGBTQ+ community and my Alma Mater. 

Jordan Kuhns ‘13

Normal, IL
Portfolio Manager at Climate, LLC
IWU Major: Business Administration
IWU Activities: Sigma Pi Fraternity, Fraternity and Sorority Programming Board 
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? Stay engaged and connected, even in the smallest of ways. It can pay off personally or professionally, and continues to foster that IWU sense of community in your life.
Why are you an active alum? I wanted to give a little bit of my time to the University and its LGBTQIA+ community while also helping keep alumni connected and engaged with IWU moving forward. 

Ed Pacchetti ‘91

New York City, NY
Director 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!

Derrick L. Tillman-Kelly ‘09

Columbus, OH
Chief 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.