Raymond Berger ’70, recently expanded his responsibility as the Regional Vice President for SCORE (non-profit partner of the SBA) to now include both Midwest districts and Northwest districts. Raymond also recently moved to Saint Louis as his husband is now Chief Philanthropy Officer of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. Congratulations Raymond!

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.

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.

Robert Donalson died Dec. 22, 2021. He was 87. Bob was a professor in Illinois Wesleyan’s School of Music for 30 years; he retired in 1994 with emeritus status. Bob felt the call to become an educator while serving in the U.S. Army in a mobile army surgical hospital during the Korean War. He obtained a master’s degree at San Jose State University and a doctorate at the University of Colorado Boulder. He began his teaching career at Pepperdine University before landing at IWU. Bob loved beauty in all its forms — nature, art and poetry among them — but music was his emotional home. He was active in religious life and often shared his gift of music in the church. Bob was always learning and educated himself on subjects ranging from theology and philosophy, to computer science and financial investing, to home repair and carpentry. He enjoyed traveling, sports, his cats and, most of all, his family. He is survived by his wife, five children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Bob’s Celebration of Life will be held on February 12 at 1 p.m. CST and will be live-streamed at christlutheranchurchffg.org.

Retired federal prosecutor Sam Perroni ’70 is the author of a new book examining the death of actress Natalie Wood. Read more about the book here.