May 10, 2021
News for and about the Illinois Wesleyan community
Published biweekly during the summer
Campus News
Celebrating Our Graduates - Highlight Reels
See highlights: Illinois Wesleyan launched the Class of 2021 into the world, and welcomed back the Class of 2020 for an overdue celebration.
The American Institute of Physics lists the Illinois Wesleyan Physics Department as a top producer of graduates with bachelor's degrees in physics among undergraduate-only institutions.
The IWU Pride Alumni Community and School of Theatre Arts will present a Titan Talks Webinar with Tony Award- and Golden Globe-nominated producer Bill Damaschke '85, moderated by Hannah Dhue ’15, TV Mastering Manager at Walt Disney Studios.
Titan Athletics
  • After winning its fourth straight College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Tournament, the Illinois Wesleyan men's lacrosse team will host the first two rounds of the NCAA Division III Tournament.
  • The women's lacrosse team advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament before losing to 10th-ranked Messiah University, finishing the season with an 11-4 overall record.
Titans In The News
The Guardian
Torri “T.J.” Newman ’06 used her experiences as a flight attendant as material for her first novel, which just helped her earn a seven-figure book deal.
Wall Street Journal
Rod Adams ’95, a talent acquisition leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers, offered insight to new graduates as they prepare for their first job searches. Adams is a former recipient of Illinois Wesleyan’s Robert M. Montgomery Young Alumni Award.
WGLT-Radio
A photography exhibit from Karl Smith ’89 on display at the McLean County Arts Center documents his life as a Type 1 diabetic, from diagnosis at age 15 to organ transplant at age 50. Also see coverage from The Pantagraph.
Kenosha (Wis.) News
Nicolette Larsen ’16, an adult medical-surgical nurse at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital in Lake Forest, Illinois, was among those recognized in Kenosha News’ “Salute to Nurses.”
The Pantagraph
Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center of McLean County at Illinois Wesleyan University Karen Bussone wrote about pricing in her monthly guest column.
The Parkersburg (W.V.) News and Sentinel
Gerald Lee ’97, a professor of piano at West Liberty University, will perform at the Gold Derrick Gallery in Sistersville, West Virginia, as part of the ArtsLink’s Concert Series.
Upcoming
Homecoming is October 1-3, 2021! 

We are looking forward to welcoming our alumni, parents, and friends back to campus for an in-person celebration this fall – it is our full intention to once again provide the traditional Homecoming experience. We will follow any COVID-19 protocols recommended at that time by state health authorities and the Centers for Disease Control to ensure the health and safety of our campus community and the greater Bloomington-Normal area.

 

Learn more about Homecoming, reunions, and planning your stay.
Titan Talks Webinar: An Evening with Bill Damaschke '85

Thursday, May 13 | 7 p.m., via Zoom

Tony Award- and Golden Globe-nominated producer Bill Damaschke '85 will discuss his career in entertainment and journey from Illinois Wesleyan to Broadway. This event is presented in partnership with the IWU Pride Alumni Community and IWU School of Theatre Arts – hosted and moderated by Hannah Dhue ’15, TV Mastering Manager at Walt Disney Studios.
Stay Connected – Join a Regional Alumni Chapter

Looking for a way to connect with fellow Titans? Join a Regional Alumni Chapter in your area! Alumni, parents, and friends alike can join these volunteer-led Chapters to find, network, and socialize with other Titans. Learn more and find a Regional Alumni Chapter near you.
Kudos
  • Isaac Funk Endowed Professor of Philosophy Robert Erlewine will participate in a live online event, "Abraham Joshua Heschel: A Prophetic Voice for Our Moment," hosted by Plough Publishing House. Erlewine is the editor of Plough’s new Heschel collection, Thunder in the Soul. He will join Heschel's daughter Susannah and filmmaker Martin Doblmeier for a lively discussion about how Rabbi Heschel’s words speak to our search for racial justice, environmental responsibility, and spiritual renewal today.
Class Newsletter Highlight
Keep up with the latest news and photos from your classmates! When you visit your Class Newsletter, you can subscribe via email by submitting your address under "subscribe to my posts." 

Dr. Paul E. Pedersen ’73 was elected trustee-at-large of the Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS) during its 2021 annual meeting, which was held virtually. He has been a member of ISMS since 1980 and served as its president from 2019-2020.
This newsletter is an electronic publication of Illinois Wesleyan University's Communications Office, edited by Ann Aubry, director of communications, in conjunction with the Office of Alumni Engagement.
 
Visit iwu.edu/alumni to stay updated on the latest alumni news, events, and engagement. 
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