Canvas Rebel published an article about Larry Johnson as talks about his photography journey and inspiration. You can read the article here. Congratulations Larry!
Larry Johnson ’73
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Norm Eash ’75
Norm Eash is retiring from Illinois Wesleyan University, where he served for 38 years as the Titan Football coach and made history for being the winningest coach in Illinois Wesleyan History! You can also view this news on our sports newsletter here. Congratulations Norm and thank you for all of your hard work.
Daniel Walls ’76
Daniel Walls recently retired from Marist School, where he served as Associate Director of College Counseling for ten years. Prior to his time at Marist, Dan worked in college admissions for 35 years at Illinois Wesleyan, Northwestern and Dean of Admission at Emory University for 28 years. Congratulations Dan and all the best!
Michael Kumbalek ’77
Michael D. Kumbalek ’77 passed away April 29th, 2024. He was born Oct 14,1955 in Madison, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Robert.
He leaves behind his wife, Christa; 3 sisters, Cheryl Kumbalek-Nordmark Illinois Wesleyan ’76, Caryl Kumbalek-McCone, & Susan Kumbalek-Brabeck. He also leaves behind a son, Matt Kumbalek & 7 nieces and nephews.
Mike was a member of the Acacia House & had fond memories of working with Dr. Hess in the chemistry lab. Mike had his master’s degree in chemical engineering and worked in the rubber industry. His current job was with Bolder Industries. Their products manufactured with Mike’s compounds can be found on Mars, the moon, submersibles, nuclear reactors, Formula race cars, and other racing venues.
Mike was always laughing and joking with everyone. He always took the time to stop and thank Veterans for their service. He will be greatly missed. His star shines brightly upon us all.
Tom Diller ’78
Tom Diller ’78 has been appointed as the President of AdventHealth Provider Network, a 6,000 physician clinical integration network serving 450,000 people in central Florida. He continues as the VP and Chief Medical Officer of AdventHealth’s Population Health Services Organization. Tom practiced internal and emergency medicine and has served in several high-level physician executive positions for health systems with an emphasis on population health and health system quality and safety. Congratulations Tom!
Wayne Messmer ’72
Wayne Messmer ’72, long-time voice of the National Anthem for the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Wolves Hockey, was selected to perform the National Anthem for the National Telecast of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race on Sunday, July 7th. Congratulations Wayne!
Debbie Burt-Frazier ’75
Dr. Debbie R. Burt-Frazier, EdD ’75 was made Chief Faculty Marshal at Central State University, an HBCU in Wilberforce, Ohio. Her duties entail coordinating faculty marshals to lead all faculty during convocations, baccalaureate, and commencement ceremonies. Congratulations Debbie!
Dennis Bubert ’76
Dennis Bubert ’76, (BME), recently performed a recital at the International Trombone Festival in which he premiered four solo works written for him. Dennis has been the bass trombonist of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra since 1981, during which time he has also been a regular guest musician of a number of major American orchestras, most recently the Chicago Symphony. In addition to his 45-year orchestral career, he has simultaneously maintained a second career as a teacher, and was the trombone professor at four universities, including the University of Texas at Arlington and the University of North Texas. His students currently hold positions in the United States as well as three other continents. Congratulations Dennis!
Kevin Potts ’73
Kevin Potts ’73, 72, passed away surrounded by family on Monday, May 20, 2024.
Kevin was born on June 4, 1951, in Decatur, IL, a son to Bob and Louise Potts. He married Ruth Ann Miller on October 18, 1986.
Kevin received his Bachelor’s degree in Business from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1973. He was an avid Illinois Wesleyan basketball fan where he was commonly known as “The Green Man” and a devout member of Vale Church and follower of Christ. Among spending time with family, Kevin loved to travel and made it to all 50 states and had the privilege of visiting the holy land. He also enjoyed theater, reading, and sharing Harry Potter adventures with his daughter and granddaughter.
Survivors include his wife, Ruth Ann Potts of Towanda, IL; his daughter, Stephanie (Matt) Greenlee of New Braunfels, TX; his brother, Dan Potts of Kettering, OH; his sister-in-law, Linda Potts of Tulsa, OK; his brother, Tim Potts of Bloomington, IL; and his sister, Karen (Russ) Conger of Boise, ID. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Piper Greenlee, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Terry Potts; and sister-in-law, Karen E. Potts. Click here to read Kevin’s full obituary. 
Andrew Rex ’77
Andrew Rex ’77 is a professor of physics at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. His primary research interest is in the foundations of the second law of thermodynamics. He has published research articles and, jointly with Harvey Leff, two comprehensive monographs on the subject of Maxwell’s demon (1990, 2003).
Recently, Andrew published his new book called “Finn’s Thermal Physics”. This fully updated and expanded new edition continues to provide the most readable, concise, and easy-to-follow introduction to thermal physics. While maintaining the style of the original work, the book now covers statistical mechanics and incorporates worked examples systematically throughout the text. It also covers more problems, and incorporates some essential updates, such as discussions on superconductivity, magnetism, Bose-Einstein condensation, and climate change.
You can read more about the book here. Congratulations, Andrew!
