Bryan Olofson ’66 of Effingham, Illinois, died March 18, 2019. He was 74. He was know as “Olee” to his family and friends. Bryan played football at Illinois Wesleyan. After graduation, he started his own company, Central Business Forms, Inc. serving banks in Southern Illinois until he retired in 2013. Bryan is survived by his wife, two daughters, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and two sisters.
You can view his obituary here.
Marcia (Allen) Manner ’60 recently returned to campus for the first time since graduating. She received a tour from a current student along with her daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter. She was thrilled to get to see how campus has changed and see her old residence hall where she met the students who work at the same front desk that she used to work at.
She is pictured here with a current IWU student.
Navana Ahrends ’63, a region director for the Illinois Retired Teacher’s Association State Board, will speak at a meeting of the Bureau County Retired Teachers Association on Thursday May 16. Navana was a member of Sigma chapter of Delta Omicron while at IWU and is currently a member of the alumni chapter Zeta Eta. You can read about her speaking engagement here.
You did it, Titans! You were the key to our success. On April 11, 2,205 donors collectively raised $518,316. And thanks to the generosity of our pacesetter challenge donors, our grand total is $776,316 (and still counting!)
This video captures a few successes from #AllInforWesleyan. Check out the social media activity and revisit iwu.edu/all-in to see how your gifts made a difference.
We are saddened to report the passing of Frances Swain Ramos ’62. Frances passed away on March 12, 2019.
She was a captain in the U.S. Army, serving as a registered nurse. Frances enjoyed gardening, crafts and reading. She was a great mother who enjoyed reading to her children, taking them to museums, the park and the beach when they were younger. Frances will be deeply missed by her family and friends. You can read her obituary here.
Check out the All In Happy Hours taking place around the country. Show your Titan pride by spreading the word about All In for Wesleyan to your personal networks via social media, calls, texts, emails, etc.
You’ll have a great time while encouraging others to make an additional gift on All In and share stories about how IWU Unlocked Opportunities for each of us. Visit our webpage for more information and registration.
On April 11, alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, and friends of IWU show your pride and support by being All In for Wesleyan. During this 24-hour giving day, let’s unlock opportunities together – you are key to our success!
Be All In, All Day, make an additional gift at iwu.edu/all-in and spread the word on social media using#AllInforWesleyan. Check out our social media toolkit!
We are saddened to announce the passing of Louise (Bottorff) Toft ’62. Louise passed away on March 12, 2019. You can view Louise’s obituary here.
Thank-A-Giver Day (TAG Day) is on Monday, February 11. This day provides the IWU campus community with the opportunity to thank the donors who support Illinois Wesleyan. IWU celebrates each year in mid-February because it marks the symbolic point during the academic year – about 70% of the way through – when tuition dollars run out and support from alumni and friends, our endowment, and external grants kicks in for the remainder of the year.
Thank you to all donors who help make the IWU experience possible!
If you or someone you know has experienced a fall over the past year or has concerns about falling, you may be interested in the Matter of Balance workshop.
Thursday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Begins February 7, 2019 for eight weeks at Historic St. Patrick Parish Hall 1209 W. Locust St., Bloomington, IL. Call Donna Redding at 829-2191 to register
A Matter of Balance is an evidence-based falls prevention program that helps older adults improve their strength, balance and builds their confidence so they can lead an active life. There are eight, 2-hour sessions featuring group learning, problem solving, and 30 minutes of light exercise. The Program is offered free of charge and is made possible with a federal grant and local support from Community Care Systems, Inc. in Bloomington. Senior Nursing students from Illinois Wesleyan University will be leading the class. Everyone is welcome.