Feb 212023
 

David Goss ’70 recently published a book From Spectacle-Making Trade to Scholarly Profession. You can find more information about the book here.

From Spectacle-Making Trade to Scholarly Profession takes a look at the long span of optometry history, with a primary focus on the United States, examining its path from spectacle making to its current status as a profession with strong academic standing integrated into today’s healthcare system. Along with an overview of the history of optometry from the invention of spectacles to recent years, the book considers the maturation of the optometric examination from simple trial and error of spectacles to today’s comprehensive eye and vision examination; the history of optometric education from the brief instructional programs offered in the late nineteenth century to the challenging academic programs of the present; and the increasing sophistication of optometric publications. Optometrists and other readers will gain an appreciation for the struggles, advancements, and contributions of optometry.

Aug 312022
 

In the past two years we’ve witnessed the Titan community come together in new ways to share stories, expertise, and friendship. However, we have long awaited the chance to welcome you back to campus for a true Illinois Wesleyan Homecoming! We look forward to sharing a meal, a drink, and a story with all of you in person, September 23-25, 2022.

Click here for a full schedule of events and to register.

May 242022
 

Dr. Timmothy Holt ’70 of Chicago died May 1, 2022. He was 73. Timm was a physician, entrepreneur, novelist, poet, playwright, activist, globetrotter, deacon and father. He majored in sociology at Illinois Wesleyan, and went on to earn a master’s degree at Roosevelt University and a doctorate at Loyola University School of Medicine. As a physician of geriatric medicine, Timm developed a new philosophy for care, and he supported many families through their loved ones’ final days. After retiring from practice, Timm explored creative and spiritual interests. He wrote and published a novel, a book of poetry, and he authored multiple plays performed at the Marigny Theatre in New Orleans. He most recently celebrated ordination into the Sacred Order of Deacons in the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago; he served as a deacon at Saint Martin’s Episcopal Church in Chicago. Timm was a proud father who shared his love of genealogy, theatre, travel and adventure with his children. He is survived by his friend and mother of his children Nancy (Heisterberg) Lewis ’70, two children, including Jennifer Holt ’97, and many extended family members. You can read more here.

Apr 072022
 

George McClure ’70 of Normal, passed away on Friday, March 4, 2022, at Mason City Area Nursing Home. He was born on March 5, 1948, in Dyersburg, TN, to Stephen and Laura (Steele) McClure. He is survived by seven siblings: Mary Skoog, Joe McClure, Stephanie Hayes, Julie Strohmeier, Robin McClure, Patricia Nelms and John McClure. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Paul. George was a 1966 graduate of Trinity High School in Bloomington, and received his bachelor’s degree from Illinois Wesleyan University in English Literature. He owned and operated George L. McClure & Sons Gladiolus in Havana with his brothers. He was an avid reader and enjoyed golfing.

Mar 312022
 

Nancy (Waterman) Price ’70 of Coos Bay, Oregon, died March 12, 2022. She was 73. Nancy studied art at Illinois Wesleyan, and she later earned a master’s degree in art history from Penn State University. After college, Nancy taught art history and served as a research assistant at Cleveland State University. Nancy met her future husband at Penn State, and they relocated to Coos Bay after marrying. Nancy worked for the Coos History Museum, The Coquille Valley Sentinel and Harvest Book Shop before beginning a long career with Coos Bay Public Library, where she worked her way up from library assistant to database administrator. Nancy was a longtime volunteer and past president of the Oregon Coast Music Association. She also volunteered for the Coos County Animal Shelter and Coos History Museum & Maritime Collection. She enjoyed music, travel, literature, history, art, feeding birds in her yard, and her beloved rescue cats. She is survived by her husband, and several nieces and nephews. You can read more about her here.

Mar 292022
 

Mario Mancinelli of Bloomington, Illinois, died March 15, 2022. He was 99. Mario served as a faculty member in Illinois Wesleyan’s School of Music for 35 years. He was hired in 1948 to teach strings and chamber music, and conduct the student orchestra. He retired in 1983 with emeritus status. Mario attended Ohio State University, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He was also a faculty member at Brevard Music Center for 25 years. He was a member of the American String Teachers Association, American Federation of Musicians, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and an honorary member of Phi Kappa Phi. Mario was an accomplished violinist and played regularly in Central Illinois orchestras. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, playing and listening to classical music, playing cards, and watching the Indianapolis 500, World Series and the Olympics. He was a longtime member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington-Normal. He is survived by two children and a granddaughter. 

Mar 232022
 

Evelyn Wantland died Feb. 4, 2022, in Urbana, Illinois. She was 104. Evelyn served as a professor of mathematics at Illinois Wesleyan from 1964-76 and maintained emeritus status. Evelyn attended Hollins College, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and earned a doctorate in mathematics. In addition to Illinois Wesleyan, she taught at Ferrum Junior College, Kansas State University and the University of Mississippi. Evelyn enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, playing bridge and Scrabble, and taking long walks in Meadowbrook Park in Urbana. She was a member of Urbana’s First United Methodist Church. She is survived by her daughter, two grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.