Jim Dorsey completed his 17th “Escape from the Rock”, a 1.5 mile swim from Alcatraz to San Francisco in August. He repeated his first place finish in his age group (70-74). He and wife Wendy then went to Spain to complete the last 200 miles or so of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela across northern Spain. They had started the hike last year but had to suspend the trip when Wendy developed a stress fracture from hiking. Jim retired from IHS Market 2 years ago and is happily retired living in Massachusetts.

Durrie retired as a publisher of Tribune CT dailies (Stamford Advocate/Greenwich Time) just as the industry started its downward slide. He enjoyed success with the papers twice being named as New England Newspaper of the Year. He and wife Robbie then decompressed with a trip around the world. They eventually relocated back in Colorado where they both lead hikes for the Colorado Mountain Club. Durrie writes ‘I feed my hopeless newspaper addiction by serving on the board of the Colorado Independent, an online nonprofit publication staffed by former columnists and writers from the Denver Post.’ Durrie is also celebrating his 17th year on the board of a foundation that helps needy LA Times employees and retirees as well as the working poor of Los Angeles. This enables Durrie to visit two children in Santa Barbara and their older daughter in Laguna Beach. As a loyal IWU alum Durrie also served as a member of the Board of Trustees for IWU for 5 years.

Durrie also shared one of his fond memories at IWU…the Commons Cafeteria where Captain Crunch was served for dinner when they ran out of food. Does anyone else remember that night? As I recall Captain Crunch was served as chow mien noodles. Feel free to post any special memories you might have of the Commons back in the 60’s!

Ruth Klecka Schroeter ’69, Westchester, IL retired after a 40 year career in public, private and Christian education in Illinois. After teaching 2nd grade for 2 years in Naperville, Ruth attended the University of Illinois, Urbana, where she received a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education in 1973. She then worked as a reading specialist in Oak Park for 7 years. Following six years at home as a Mom, Ruth pursued part time work as a substitute teacher, preschool aide, World Book sales person and Church School Superintendent at Berkeley-Hillside Presbyterian Church. Most recently Ruth has served as a tutor for 22 years at West Suburban Educational Association in Hinsdale. Ruth’s retirement plans include becoming a certified Master Gardener, traveling with husband Fred and visiting Vermont to see her baby granddaughter. Congratulations, Ruth!

Howard McNier ’69 retired from the California State University College of Business faculty. He is carrying on, at least a little bit, the tradition of Dr Beadles. He has now dedicated his life to aiding the less fortunate.

As a member of the Board of Directors of the Living Water Center in Bangkok, Thailand (funded by Mary’s Meals, a CNN Top Ten Hero), Howard helps educate, house, etc. migrant, trafficked children from across South East Asia.

This is wonderful news, Howard! We wish you good luck in the future!

To read more about Mary’s Meals click here 

And to learn more about the Living Water Center, click here.

Tom Gramkow ’70, Jim Tosh ’69 and Bill Pfeiffer ’69 (from left to right) display composites from their campus years as Phi Gamma Delta members. Celebrating its sesquicentennial during Homecoming weekend, the Illinois Wesleyan Fiji chapter was chartered Dec. 4, 1866, and is now the third oldest continuously functioning chapter of Phi Gamma Delta in the world. (Photo by Lori Ann Cook-Neisler)

Emmy-winning actor Richard Jenkins ’69 discussed his role as a CIA veteran with trust issues in the new Epix spy drama, Berlin Station.  He was also interviewed by Assignment X.

Please click on the following to view interviews

http://www.providencejournal.com/entertainmentlife/20161013/ri-actor-richard-jenkins-plays-it-cool-in-berlin-station

https://www.assignmentx.com/2016/berlin-station-richard-jenkins-on-new-epix-series-exclusive-interview/

Denny Matthews ’66 was honored as Illinois Wesleyan’s Distinguished Alumnus during Homecoming in October.  He also reunited with members of the undefeated 1965 Titan football team.  Denny has been the radio voice of the Kansas City Royals for 48 years!   Please click on the attached link for more information. http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/columnists/kindred/kindred-great-ride-rolls-toward-for%20matthews/article_5d05a091-358d-5365-89b7-82994d853b8b.html