Nanette Montgomery Bess ’78

Major: Speech and Drama
Current role: President of Alumni Association

Tell us about your career and what you do now. 
Currently, I am a part-time speech language pathologist working in many areas, including private practice and public schools. I provide speech and language services for preschoolers, school age children and adults. 

Where was your favorite local hang out in Jacksonville when you attended IC?
I loved going to Big Boy’s  for a Slim Jim sandwich and slice of strawberry pie. And the walk-up Dairy Queen was always a favorite spot for a treat. Also ate at Taco Gringo and always got their burrito. 

What was the highlight of your time at IC?
So many highlights! As a theatre major, the hours spent in Jones Hall working on scenery, digging costumes out of our storage, or cleaning up the make-up room were some of the best times. Also always looked forward to the time spent in Smith House preparing for Sig Phip meetings or other society events. I’ll never forget walking up to Pixley fourth and hearing someone shout “we need a fourth.” We played pinochle every chance we got. We had games going in the hallways, in each other’s rooms, and in the main lobby. Our Pixley fourth gang has stayed in touch all these years, and though we’ve lost a few of our friends, we continue to make memories.  

How did IC help prepare you for your career?

Professor Richmond Ford was teaching a required class of phonetics to us one semester. As we were mostly theatre majors, he noted that understanding  how to apply phonetic pronunciations to a foreign accent would increase our accuracy and credibility in performances. I asked him how else we might use phonetics in our futures. And he explained the field of speech/language pathology. I was intrigued. He and I began to look into this field as a future career path, and I was hooked! He helped me contact universities, and I applied to Western Illinois University’s speech pathology program my junior year. I have been a speech pathologist now for over 40 years. Another IC theater major, Mary Jamison Wrobel ’76 ended up attending WIU as well and also became a speech pathologist. 

What motivated you to serve on the IC Alumni Association Board?

My folks, Raymond ’48 and Alia Sewell Montgomery ’49 always encouraged my siblings and I to give back. Dad and I served soon after my graduation on a Class Agent committee, sending letters to contact our classmates. Dad and mom also served in a parent group while I was at IC.   My family and I often went back for Homecoming and other campus events. IC was and is our home. So when I was invited to be on the ballot for the Alumni Association, I automatically said ‘yes.’ I hoped I could serve our alumni well, but as a result, I learned so much about the operation of the many facets of IC. I have truly enjoyed being part of the Alumni Board and learning how vital alumni involvement is to the future of IC. 

What advice would you offer alumni who want to get involved?  

Just say ‘yes’ today to some form of involvement. Call the Alumni House or email someone you know on campus. Ask to be on the ballot for the Alumni Board. Get involved with one of the fundraising groups, such as the Illinois College Varsity Club or make a contribution to support your favorite area of campus. Come back to campus and visit during events or any time. Come see the newly renovated Crispin Hall. Attend some of the many sporting events or one of the excellent fine arts performances on campus. Your involvement is always valued. Your questions are always welcomed. Your observations are always important. So join the many alums who have made a difference in the future of Illinois College.
 

Kevin Lister ’81

Major: Business Administration and Economics
Current role: President Elect of the IC Alumni Association Board

Tell us about your career and what you do now.
I happily retired after spending the last 30 years of my career in nonprofit management with an emphasis in Development. I now spend my time volunteering for organizations I am passionate about like Illinois College, Jackson County Board, Carbondale Kiwanis. I am working toward becoming a golf legend.

Where was your favorite local hang out in Jacksonville when you attended IC?
Don’s and SAB dances in the 4-H building at the Fairgrounds.

What was the highlight of your time at IC?
The tagline at IC in the 70s and early 80s was: “What sets us apart are the people we bring together.” That was true then, and is still true today. Everyone I met from professors, staff and fellow students helped me become the person I am today. I am thankful I met each and every one of them.

How did IC prepare you for your career?
I learned when it is time to work, work hard. When it is time to play, play hard. Learning to play hard made me a lot more fun to be around.

What motivated you to serve on the IC Alumni Association Board?
I spent decades helping two higher education institutions grow. They invested a lot of time and money teaching and training me. I raised them a lot of money. Once I retired, I wanted to use these skills to help my alma mater.

What advice would you offer alumni who want to get involved?  
Raise your hand and say I want to help. Trust me, once you do that, IC will find something for you to do. If you don’t want to serve on the Board, that’s fine. You can help identify students who would do well at IC. If you’re not connected to young people, that’s okay too. Maybe your company or organization can provide an internship or possible position for a graduating senior? There is  a lot each of us can do.

To learn more about joining the Alumni Association Board of Directors, contact Katlyn Puclik-Baker at katlyn.puclikbaker@ic.edu.