June 7, 2021
News for and about the Illinois Wesleyan community
Published biweekly during the summer
Campus News
Two grants from the Ralla Klepak Foundation for Education in the Performing Arts will support School of Music community outreach programs, including an expansion of IWU’s preparatory programs for local youth, and the creation of a program that engages individuals with disabilities in music exploration.
Josh Yount ’95 has been named to the Illinois Wesleyan University Board of Trustees. Additionally, 11 current Board members were re-elected for three-year terms, and Board officers and committee chairs have been re-elected for the 2021-22 academic year.
Titan Athletics
Senior Kendall Sosa (women's basketball) and junior Matthew Leritz (men's basketball) were both named to the Academic All-American First Team by the College Sports Information Directors of America.

 

IWU's all-time Academic All-American list now sits at 135, which is tied for 25th across NCAA Division I, II, and III.
Titans In The News
College Magazine
Illinois Wesleyan was named among the top 10 schools with superior Esports programs, also praised in a tweet.
The Pantagraph
Environmental Studies major Steven Burkett '23 is working to improve the local ecology as an intern at the ParkLands Foundation's Sweeney Woods preserve.
Face 2 Face Africa
Babawande Afolabi ’10 is the founder of airline startup Green Africa Airways, set to begin operations this month.
NCAA.com
Justin Park ’21 was one of three student-athletes who shared their stories as part of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
WGLT Radio
Assistant Professor of Accounting and Finance Jamie Peters offered insight into NFTs and the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
The Bradley Scout
Colleen Daugherty Halberg ’86 is the director of donor engagement and major gifts for EP!C, a nonprofit supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
WGLT Radio
Former U.S. national women’s soccer team player Keri Sanchez was named Illinois Wesleyan’s head women’s soccer coach.
The Pantagraph
Retired Chief Judge of the 11th Judicial Circuit Beth Robb ’78 was among those selected to lead panels to propose redistricted maps for the McLean County Board. The panels also include Karla Bailey-Smith ’90 and Illinois Wesleyan Professor of Political Science Greg Shaw.
Zippia
Associate Professor of Business Administration Fred Hoyt offered expert insight on how the pandemic has changed the job market.
The Pantagraph
Abby Reel '04, owner of the Barn III in Goodfield, was featured in a story about the resurgence of wedding events as COVID restrictions ease.
The Pantagraph
Illinois Wesleyan is hosting its first Youth Esports and Leadership Camp this summer, and the Language School for Kids is returning after being virtual last year due to the pandemic.
The Pantagraph
Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center of McLean County at Illinois Wesleyan University Karen Bussone wrote about financing small-business ideas.
Upcoming
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. Please note that Homecoming Weekend is also ISU's Family Weekend. We recommend planning your stay and booking your hotel early (hotel blocks close around August 30)!
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

 

  • Patrick Moore ’94 was promoted by the Green Bay Packers to assistant director of college scouting.
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." 

 

In recent highlights, Michael Chivell ’76 was named chairman emeritus of St. Louis law firm Armstrong Teasdale on June 1, 2021. Read more.
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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