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!

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!

Here is David with one of his stained glass windows!

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. 

Linda (Wilson) Stephens ’68

Linda (Wilson) Stephens ’68 has been acting on stage for 50 years. She’s been awarded for her work in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, and DC. She’s appeared on Broadway and off, in dozens of regional theatres across the country. She’s worked with and been praised by Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, and Stephen Sondheim. Linda is now living in Milwaukee after living in numerous cities across the country and has published a book, There is no Backstage: An Actor’s Life. This book is a memoir of her five decades in theatre and showcases all the lessons and memories she’s had throughout her journey since her debut. Read more here.