Summertime, and the living is easy. Kids are jumping and the temperature is high! Shots in arms and we are losing the face masks. So hush, IWU Titans, don’t you cry-yi!  Thanks to Gershwin we have an anthem, alumni. I, for one, am so glad and grateful for some pandemic relief. I hope that you and yours are venturing out to visit family and friends. Eating out and taking in a baseball game or two. Please, continue to be cautious, especially when travelling. Take all of the necessary precautions, and remember to be kind. There seems to be, if you watch the news, a dearth of compassion and human decency, nowadays. Now is a time when we need it the most. I know that I can count on you, you green and white gladiators.  Thank you!     

Former Chief Judges Elizabeth Robb ’78, Kevin Fitzgerald and John Freese will each lead a panel of eight members to propose new district maps, as the county board must draw new maps every 10 years based on census numbers. The 24 panel members consist of small business owners, farmers, teachers, and administrators from State Farm, Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University.  The three new maps will be available for public view by July 8, and the 24-member advisory committee will conduct a public input meeting afterward. The full county board will vote to adopt a new map at its July 15 meeting.  See entire Pantagraph article here.

Hey Titans!

I never doubted that we would rise to the 2021 All In challenge, and we did! After President Nugent’s video announcement, you glorious Titan Warriors went to work. I am so very proud to announce that we surpassed our million that was matched, and reached $2,539,574.00. We blew our donor goal of 2,500 out of the water with 3,587!

Thank You! Well Done, mighty, mighty, Titan alumni, parents, students and friends. You continue to make a difference, even during a pandemic to deliver on behalf of Illinois Wesleyan University. Thank You! I am ever so proud to be one of your own. Take care and stay safe! Much love.

DRBF

We extend our deepest condolences to fellow alumna, Birda (Buzan) Ferguson ’75. Her husband, Glenn Ferguson (not an IWU grad) died January 19th, just three weeks after their 40th anniversary.  Our thoughts are with Birda and her family.

Ooohh Titans, this world is changing. Our world is changing. I just last week cancelled my accommodations for homecoming this October. It will be my 45^th Class Reunion, 1975! Wow! Now, the plans for the weekend of October 7 – 9^th are for a virtual homecoming, due to the Covid19 pandemic. I hope that you, like me, plan to be in attendance. Stay tuned for more information in the coming months.

Let me say this, first and foremost, my deepest, most sincere condolences go out to my fellow Titans, who have lost a friend, spouse, family, colleague, or a loved one to the coronavirus.  I continue to pray for the safety and well-being of all. This concern extends itself to the many Titans of color, those of us who have had to contend with the racial pandemic that layers itself upon the healthcare crisis, which we all are suffering from. The war on several fronts rages on. We, together, must be strong and continue to press on.

Although, the numbers steadily rise, five million Americans have fallen victim to the coronavirus. Over 160,000 Americans, of all races, genders, ages, and social status have succumbed. If anyone had suggested to me, six months ago, that we would be in Depression Era unemployment, I would not have believed it. Yet, here we are. Be strong, Titans! Keep hope alive! Fight depression and despair. Do not give up! These words, give this Titan comfort. I hope that they give you solace and encouragement, as well.

Last of all, I want to share a few suggestions which I have found peace in practicing. My daughter, my oldest introduced me to meditation (A child shall lead them). Every day twice a day, ten-minutes sessions, helps to soothe, remove stress and anxiety, while giving focus using mindfulness techniques. Beginners may Google “Guided Meditation,” for starters. The old adage, “Every day is a gift, that is why they call it the present,” rings so true during these trying times. So, my Titan friends, embrace this gift of life, daily. If you believe in a higher power, let them hear from you. Wear your masks and practice all safety precautions.

Take care and be well!

DRBF