Dennis “Denny” Steele ’67 passed away in Bloomington, IL on October 18, 2023 at the age of 78. He is survived by his wife, sister, two children, and two grandchildren.
Read the full obituary here.
Denny Steele ’67
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William Powers ’64
During the 1959-60 school year at IWU, bass-baritone, William Powers ’64 was given the opportunity to sing the title role in the Music School’s spring production of Gaetano Donizetti’s comic opera, DON PASQUALE. It was his first ever appearance in a full opera and he was just 18-years-old.
Now, (130 operas later around the world) on Saturday evening, August 12th at 7:00 pm at the First Methodist Church of LaGrange, Powers will join the Salt Creek Chamber Orchestra and cast for a concert version of DON PASQUALE (in Italian with subtitles), once again in the title role — 63 years since singing it for the very first time! Click here to learn more about the performance! Congratulations William!
Dave Kindred ’63
| Dave Kindred ’63 has a new memoir, My Home Team: A Sportswriter’s Life and the Redemptive Power of Small-Town Girls Basketball, that will be published September 12. This memoir is about how journalism led Dave around the world, and how life brought him back to Illinois. You can read more about this new memoir here. Congratulations Dave! |
James Sutorius ’67
James Sutorius ’67 recently staged a one-man performance of his original play My Life with Will on May 1-2 at the North Coast Repertory Theatre. You can read more about this play here. Congratulations James!
Dave Kindred ’63
Dave Kindred ’63 was inducted into the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame on March 31st, along with four other journalists for his outstanding work as a sportswriter.
In addition to this honor, Dave reflected on his amazing career and all of his experiences in the Louisville Courier Journal. You can read more here. Congratulations Dave!
John (Jack) Waddell ’63
Operatic bass singer Jack Waddell ’63 will perform in “John W. Jones – Journey to Freedom” at Illinois State University’s Capen Auditorium at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25. You can read more here.
David Wixon ’64
David Wixon ’64 is beginning his 41st year as a church and residential glass artist and builder with his custom stained glass studio. Formerly operating nationwide out of suburban Chicago, Dave is now located in Peoria, Arizona. Before semi-retiring to Arizona, Dave was the drummer in the Mad Monks Traditional Jazz Band for 40 years. The band traveled widely throughout the Midwest and Florida and was known for introducing New Orleans funeral parade songs into Sunday church services. Prior to starting his stained glass studio he taught business courses at several colleges including Wheaton College, DePaul University and Louisiana State University where he completed a PhD program in Marketing. More information about David Wixon & Associates can be found here. Congratulations!
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.
Richard Jenkins ’69
Richard Jenkins ’69 was nominated for a Golden Globe award in the category of best supporting actor in a series for his performance in “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.” Read the full list of nominations here.
Dave Petrick ’67
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.