William Ray Van Plew ’66

William Ray Van Plew ’66 passed away on December 6 at the age of 78. While at Illinois Wesleyan, William earned his bachelor’s degree in art (printmaking specialty) and was a member of TKE. One of William’s original prints was chosen and featured in a gallery show in Washington, D.C., while was he still in college.

You can read his full obituary here.

Dave Petrick ’67

Photo by Tana Smithsakol ’17.

Dave Petrick ’67 passed away on December 2, 2022 after a long and fierce battle with lung cancer. Throughout his life, Dave shared his time, talent, and treasure with Illinois Wesleyan University, most recently with the planning and development of The Petrick IDEA Center. As a lifelong entrepreneur himself, Dave was passionate about sharing the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship with future Titans. Once built, The Petrick IDEA Center will serve as the epicenter of IWU innovation, as well as a lasting legacy to Dave’s creativity and generosity. He will be greatly missed by the campus community and by all who knew him. 

Robert (Bob) Hendrick ’67

Robert (Bob) Hendrick ’67 retired in 2020 after working fifty-four years as an insurance salesman and part-time Spanish teacher. Bob now spends his time giving back, using his “personal ministry” with Jesus to provide hot stew, books, and clothes to those in need. He often procures clothing from items that people leave behind at local dry cleaners.

Homecoming & Family Weekend 2022

In the past two years we’ve witnessed the Titan community come together in new ways to share stories, expertise, and friendship. However, we have long awaited the chance to welcome you back to campus for a true Illinois Wesleyan Homecoming! We look forward to sharing a meal, a drink, and a story with all of you in person, September 23-25, 2022.

Click here for a full schedule of events and to register.

Paul Grady ’62

Paul Grady ’62 died May 15, 2022, in Peoria, Arizona. He was 81. Paul lived in Mt. Prospect, Illinois, and spent his career as a high school math teacher and basketball coach in Illinois School District No. 214. In those roles, he mentored many students to best prepare them to achieve their potential. He is survived by his wife, Cherris (DeWolf) Grady ’64, two children, including Bill Grady ’94, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. You can read his full obituary here.

Jill (Wyatt) Dew ’68

The Office of Alumni Engagement would like to thank Jill (Wyatt) Dew ’68, Class Newsletter editor for the 1960s, for all of her hard work and dedication to IWU over the years. Jill is officially retiring from her role as editor, but she will remain an invaluable member of the Illinois Wesleyan family.

“I really have enjoyed all of my years of working with the staff at IWU… It has kept IWU close to my heart. I almost feel like I still know all the members of the class of 1968. I can see them as college students as we walk across the campus.”

Thank you for everything, Jill!