Judy, Paula, and Jill enjoy a moment under one of the sculptures on loan to IWU.

September 3 found  Judy Freundt Zawacke, Paula Bloomquist Wayland, and Jill Wyatt Dew traveling down I-55 from the Chicago area.  They attended the President’s Convocation; enjoyed lunch with IWU President Dick Wilson and Brando Skyhorse, author of The Madonnas of Echo Park; and then spent some time touring IWU’s beautiful campus!  All three agreed that attending the President’s Convocation at Presser Hall was a great experience.  Singing Alma Wesleyan at the end of the program brought back many special memories.

Steve Nestler retired from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical School Education last year. This fall he will being volunteering in Grand Teton National Park. He will be a member of the Wildlife Brigade, a group that assists with wildlife jams, patrols camping and picnic areas for unsecured food, and provides wildlife safety information to visitors.

Sharon opened her own gallery in Miami Beach in 2001.  That year she was awarded the Best in Show prize at Art Fest, Ft Lauderdale, Florida.  Sharon was the first prize winner at the 2004 DeMontfort New Artist Competition.  She is represented in the USA by the Baxter Galleries.  You can read more about Sharon and her work at this site:

http://www.saatchiart.com/hisaye

and

www.sharonyamamoto.com

Bob Berg received the John Rakolta Jr Leadership in Race Relations Award at New Detroit’s 16th annual “Closing the Gap” awards event.  Berg was honored for his courageous servant leadership role in race relations and public affairs during critical moments in Detroit’s history.

http://www.newdetroit.org/cms/

Dan H Brintlinger ’67 recently was recognized by the Illinois Funeral Directors’ Association for over 40 years of continuous funeral directing in Decatur, Illinois.  The family-owned funeral home has now been serving central Illinois for 131 years!  Congratulations, Dan!

North Central College President Troy Hammond recognized John Thorne ’69 with the Harold and Eva White First Citizen of the College Award at the 2014 Commencement ceremony.

The Harold and Eva White First Citizen of the College Award honors a North Central faculty, staff or student who exemplifies the best of North Central College.  Thorne has served as head football coach since 2002 and is North Central’s all-time leader in football coaching victories and winning percentage with a 110-28 overall and 70-14 conference record, and has tied the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin record of consecutive conference football championships with eight.

Hammond said, “[John] leads…he inspires…he encourages…he builds loyalty and character, and encourages Christian service.  He sets priorities that place academic achievement and life success above athletic success.  And every fall, he shapes a collection of young men of all abilities and backgrounds into a continuing success story.”

Congratulations, John.

For more information please access this link:  http://northcentralcollege.edu/news/distinguished-members-north-central-community-are-honored-commencement