Class Notes

Below are Class Notes for this issue. To see all Class Notes, click here.

1940s

In Memoriam

Robbins D. “Bob” Allen '43

(Gamma Nu), September 22, 2017

Gene F. Smedley '44

(Sigma Pi), August 9, 2017

Robert “Bob” Turpin '44,

December 26, 2012

Henry C. Bruck '45,

December 2006

Corliss Cobb Kerr '45

(Gamma Delta) July 25, 2017

Richard R. “Dick” Hunter '47,

July 7, 2017

Virginia Stewart Beerup '49,

September 17, 2017

William L. DeFrates '49

(Phi Alpha), October 7, 2017

1950s

In Memoriam

Virginia Stine Coultas '50

(Sigma Phi Epsilon), July 26, 2017

Robert R. Lusk  '50

(Phi Alpha), October 18, 2016

Rev. Walter B. Martin '51,

April 12, 2017

Mary Funk Miller '51

(Sigma Phi Epsilon), April 2016

Prof. George W. “Bill” Horton Jr. '52,

September 27, 2017

George P. Aderton '53

(Gamma Nu) August 10, 2017

Charlotte Bennett McDowell '55

(Sigma Phi Epsilon) December 20, 2017

John W. Schmidt '56

(Phi Alpha), July 31, 2017

Thomas A. Koontz '56

(Gamma Nu), November 14, 2017

Zoe Kilver Staats '58

(Sigma Phi Epsilon), October 14, 2017

Sympathy

Carl Clayton '59

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Carl Clayton on the death of his wife, Mary Elizabeth Clayton, on October 1, 2017.

1960s

In Memoriam

Michael P. Townsend '61,

August 18, 2017

James F. “Jim” Harry '63

(Gamma Nu), December 18, 2017

William C. Baker '64

(Phi Alpha), August 16, 2017

Paul J. Puckel '68,

August 14, 2017

Judy Smith Rains '68

(Sigma Phi Epsilon), March 18, 2016

Robert M. “Mike” Herter '69

(Gamma Nu), September 29, 2017

Sympathy

Janice Morrison Spikes '68

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Janice Morrison Spikes on the death of her husband, William Frank Spikes, on November 8, 2017.

Updates

Alicia Parrott Claypool '68

Alicia Parrott Claypool was the recipient of the Cristine Wilson Medal for Equality and Justice at the Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in August. The Iowa Department of Human Rights and the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women recognized Alicia for founding and directing The Interfaith Alliance of Iowa and serving as the Iowa Civil Rights Commission Chair. She pushed for advancement in Iowa civil right laws that prohibited the discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community.

1970s

In Memoriam

Albert W. Scott III '70

(Pi Pi Rho), October 1, 2017

Robin C. Manker '71,

October 31, 2017

Denise Laughary Hoon '72,

October 15, 2017

Randal A. Peebles '78,

July 1, 2017

Sympathy

John Power

Illinois College extends its sympathy to John Power on the death of his wife, Judith Fay, on December 25, 2017.

Updates

Jim Dunn '77

Jim Dunn has been named the editor and general manager of the Bureau County Republican in Princeton, Ill. Jim began his journalism career as a reporter and photographer nearly 40 years ago at this same newspaper.

Suzanne Stone Hembrough '78

Suzanne Stone Hembrough is teaching Elementary Methods of Science Teaching as an adjunct professor at St. Louis University, and continues to teach Elementary and Secondary Methods of Science Teaching in the same capacity at Lindenwood University. Suzanne’s career in education spans 38 years.

1980s

Updates

Dennis Weger '84

Dennis Weger is the chief operating officer for the Bank of Bluffs in Bluffs, Ill.

Rob Lazarus '85

Rob Lazarus is an assistant vice president accountable for compliance with registered investment advisor and Employment Retirement Income Security Act laws and rules at Horace Mann Educators in Springfield, Ill.

Eric Sheffield '85

Eric Sheffield is the chair of Western Illinois University’s Department of Educational Studies in Macomb, Ill.

Paula Eschelbach Rawlings '86

Paula Eschelbach Rawlings completed the Florida Xtreme Triathlon, which was three triathlons over the course of three days beginning at the Gulf of Mexico and ending at the Atlantic Ocean.

Steve Schaller '87

Steve Schaller was inducted in the Waterloo High School Legacy Society in September. Waterloo (Illinois) High School annually recognizes individuals who honor the legacy of WHS by their service or accomplishments. A nationally recognized speaker on consumer lending and regulatory compliance matters, Stephen is deputy general counsel of Springleaf Financial Services in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Sympathy

Jane Nish McCaffery '85

Illinois College extends its sympathy to Jane Nish McCaffery on the death of her husband, Edward McCaffery, on September 24, 2017.

1990s

Updates

Luiz Guimarães '90

Luiz Guimarães is a regional client market leader – chemical sector for North America at Environmental Resources Management in Chicago, Ill.

Jennifer Heaton Buhlig '93

Jennifer Heaton Buhlig was named president of the board of directors for Senior Services of Central Illinois. Jennifer continues in her position of director of sales and marketing for Springfield Supportive Living.

Amy Wilson '93

Amy Wilson, director of the office of inclusion for the National Collegiate Athletic Association, was among the five finalists for the 2017 President’s Award. The impact Amy has made in two years at the NCAA national office earned the respect of her colleagues and admiration of her nominators, placing her among the top five finalists for the coveted award.

Erin Shoemaker FitzPatrick '96

Erin Shoemaker FitzPatrick is an assistant professor in the Department of Special Education and Child Development at University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Jeremy Wright '97

Jeremy Wright is a senior internal auditor at Movement Mortgage in Indian Land, S.C.

Dr. Chris Becker '97

Dr. Chris Becker has been named the next principal of Highland High School in Highland, Ill. Currently the assistant principal at Highland, Chris will begin in his new role at the conclusion of the academic year.

Carrie Jo Henry Donnan '97

Carrie Jo Henry Donnan surpassed a career milestone of 300 victories in her 15th year of coaching high school volleyball. Carrie Jo has been the head volleyball coach at PORTA Petersburg/A.C. Central for five years, following 10 years at A.C. Central prior to the merger.

In Memoriam

Christofer Jon “Chris” '92,

November 15, 2017

Births

Garry and Kirsten Sittler '94,

a son, Nathaniel Edwin, April 4, 2017. 

Dani Morgan Heeter '98

Dani Morgan Heeter is an instructor in outreach at Miami Valley Career Technology Center in Englewood, Ohio. Dani provides outreach within the adult education Aspire program to community partners.

2000s

Updates

Christina Cook '00

Christina Cook is a database administrator for the Missouri History Museum in St. Louis, Mo.

Christy Heaton '01

Christy Heaton recently earned a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of New Orleans. Her dissertation examined the lived experiences of transgender college students at institutions in the south. Christy is the director of first-year experiences at the University of Colorado in Denver, Colo.

Tim Tyrrell '01

Tim Tyrrell is the director of software engineering for Mediavine. He works remotely from his home office in Louisville, Colo.

Mark Dochterman '02

Mark Dochterman is the visiting assistant vice chancellor for student engagement at University of Illinois Springfield.

Angela Ryckman Schubert '03

Angela Ryckman Schubert received a promotion to Master of Science in Clinical Counseling Program Director for Central Methodist University in Fayette, Mo.

Greg Butterfield '04

Greg Butterfield was recognized by Mother’s Against Drunk Driving as a MADD Hero at a ceremony in Springfield, Ill., last September. Awarded to the top 25 law enforcement officers throughout Illinois, this is the fifth time the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office deputy has received the award that recognizes efforts to eliminate drunken driving and help to fight drugged driving, efforts in victim support and efforts to prevent underage drinking.

Michael Bendorf '04

Michael Bendorf has been promoted to the position of associate director of enrollment technology at Illinois College.

Donathan Brown '06

Donathan Brown is director of faculty diversity and development at Ithaca College’s School of Humanities and Sciences in Ithaca, N.Y.

Lacey Howe Remington '07

Lacey Howe Remington received a master’s degree in educational leadership from Western Illinois University in Macomb.

Stephanie Smith Warren '07

Stephanie Smith Warren is teaching fourth grade at Carrollton CUSD #1 in Carrollton, Ill.

Marriages

Adam Wenger and Kaitlyn Crohan '02,

July 8, 2017. Adam is an exercise specialist with ATI Physical Therapy in Dallas, Texas.

Jeremy Fite and Allison Hansen '07,

April 28, 2017. Jeremy is a forensic toxicologist at the Great Lakes Naval Base and Allison is a quality analyst for Avalign: German Specialty Instruments in Schaumburg, Ill.

Jake Weller and Emily Griesbeck '08,

 June 24, 2017. Jake is a fellow at the Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center in Indianapolis, Ind. He is an orthopedic surgeon at Campbell Clinic in Memphis, Tenn.

Jeff Durbin '09 and Tamara Kerkemeyer ’10,

September 2, 2017. Jeff is an F-16 pilot in the Minnesota National Guard in Duluth, Minn.

Jamie Huber-Ward '04

Jamie Huber-Ward has accepted a position as the associate director of extension services for the National Center for Women and Information Technology.

Births

Michael '04 and Mallory Thuente Bendorf ’07,

a son, Leo James, September 9, 2017. He joins big brothers Jude, 5, and Silas, 2.

’05 Matthew and Stacey Clinton Coryell ’04,

a son, Roman Gaston, June 9, 2017. He joins big sister Geneva, 2. 

Jacob and Elizabeth Postlewait Warford '05,

a daughter, Ruby Louise, May 4, 2017. She joins big brother Henry, 3. 

Joseph and Laura Weber Rheinecker '07,

a son, Jordan Freddy, July 5, 2017. He joins big brother Jackson, 2. 

Benjamin and Clarissa Edge Richardson ’09,

a daughter, Josephine Marie, November 15, 2017. She joins big sister Hazelynn, 2.

Paul and Leah Reuschel Hamilton,

a son, Felix Powell, October 24, 2017.

Cameron and Shilo Sullivan McCreery '09,

a daughter, Emerson Rose, November 27, 2017.

2010s

Updates

J.J. Sadler '10

J.J. Sadler is the associate director of the Office of the Undergraduate Research at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.

Julie Harding Dargatz '10

Julie Harding Dargatz is Sensi project lead at Emerson Climate Technologies in St. Louis, Mo.

Bill Murphy '10

Bill Murphy is teaching eighth grade social studies at Old Quarry Middle School in Lemont, Ill.

Andrew Perkins '10

Andrew Perkins is deputy chief of staff for legislative affairs in the State of Illinois Governor’s Office of Management and Budget.

Amber Furness '11

Amber Furness is a land protection specialist for Tax Credit Connection in Longmont, Colo. 

Eric Hiatt '11

Eric Hiatt is a resource and policy analyst in the Office of Planning and Budget at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. 

Christopher Waters '11

Christopher Waters is a field chemist for Heritage Environmental Services in Wood River, Ill.

Clare Zimmerman '11

Clare Zimmerman has accepted a pediatrics fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. Clare will begin her fellowship focusing on pediatric hemotology and oncology in July.

Carmen Kremitzki '13

Carmen Kremitzki is assistant director of the Smith Career Center at Bradley University in Peoria, Ill. She primarily works as a career advisor for students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Ross Barker '13

Ross Barker is the branch manager for Insight FS in Brodhead, Wis.

Megan Jagodzinski-Joergens '13

Megan Jagodzinski-Joergens received a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville, Ind. Megan is an outpatient mental health therapist for the Lawrence County Health Department-Behavior Health in Lawrenceville, Ind., and is studying to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. 

Brendan Kimble '13

Brendan Kimble is a manufacturing/process engineer at Brady in the Buffalo/Niagra area of New York.

Spencer Campbell '14

Spencer Campbell is an associate district sales manager at Dot Foods in Chesterfield, Mo.

Allie Little Lewis '14

Allie Little Lewis is a training and communication coordinator for H. D. Smith in Springfield, Ill.

Josephine Oshiafi '14

Josephine Oshiafi is a law clerk at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP in New York, N.Y.

Zac Schopp '15

Zac Schopp is an operations manager for Motion Industries in Bloomington, Ill.

Brooke Kuchefski '16

Brooke Kuchefski is an office assistant for United Way of Danville Area in Danville, Ill.

Brianna Pohlman '16

Brianna Pohlman is an intermediate biologist at Monsanto in St. Louis, Mo. She was also accepted at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she will pursue a Master of Science degree in agronomy with a focus in crop physiology and production, and minor in entomology.

Abigail Bruner '16

Abigail Bruner is enrolled in the doctor of physical therapy program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in St. Augustine, Fla.

Renata Gray '16

Renata Gray is the shift lead at Walgreens in Oak Lawn, Ill.

Brianna Klein '16

Brianna Klein is a senior business analyst for H.D. Smith in Springfield, Ill.

Mesfin Lenth '17

Mesfin Lenth is a budget analyst for the State of Illinois Governor’s Office of Management and Budget in Springfield, Ill.

Kayla Matthews '17

Kayla Matthews is a management assistant for Enterprise Holdings at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

Lauren Mense '17

Lauren Mense is an account executive for football and baseball at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Lauren will focus on season ticket sales, renewals and group sales.

Ashley Murphy '17

Ashley Murphy is a benefits solutions expert for Aflac in Seattle, Wash.

Samuel Welbourne '17

Samuel Welbourne is a supply chain analyst for Dot Foods in Mt. Sterling, Ill.

Births

Marc and Mallory Nall Kessler '10,

a son, Vincent Ezekiel, November 27, 2017. He joins big brother, Will, 4.

Tony and Jessica Lucca '10,

a son, Vincenzo Michael, October 7, 2016

Marriages

Timothy Lo and Kristine Plocher '11,

October 28, 2017. Kristine is an associate director of prospect management at the University of Chicago.

John Wardein and Raquel Puckett '11,

August 5, 2017. Raquel works for Hunter Engineering Company as a human resource specialist in Bridgeton, Mo.

Joe Craven and Alyssa Gerhardt '12,

May 21, 2017. Alyssa is a doctoral candidate at Baylor University in Waco and Joe is an attorney at Carlson Law Firm in Killeen, Texas.

John McCormick and Annamarie Goldstein '12,

October 28, 2017. John is an environmental inspector for St. Louis County and Annamarie is a first-year resident of internal medicine at Des Peres Hospital in St. Louis, Mo.

Joshua Kuehn and Krysta Garrott '13,

October 14, 2017. Joshua is a lead walk-in technician at Darwin Chambers in St. Louis, Mo., and Krysta is an assistant buyer at Totall Metal Recycling in Granite City.

Gage Harding '14 and Kinzie Verhines ’16,

August 5, 2017.

Dmytro Zaytsev and Morgan Rush Zaytseva '15,

June 10, 2017. Morgan is studying for a Master of Science in accountancy degree at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Mich.

Wade Mathis '16 and Lydia Reither ’15,

March 4, 2017. Wade is the head golf coach at MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Ill., and Lydia is an occupational therapist for Select Rehabilitation’s Heritage Health practicing at locations in Beardstown and Mt. Sterling, Ill.

Zachary Thomson and Morgan Heinz '16,

June 10, 2017. Zach is a treasury accountant at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, Ill.

Friends of the College

In Memoriam

Judith S. Faye,

December 25, 2017

Dr. Jim Kerbaugh,

February 9, 2018