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, 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 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!
Richard A. Overby ’74, 71, passed away Friday, June 9, 2023 at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois. Richard was born to Walter and Leta (Fleenor) Overby on April 1, 1952 in Sandwich, IL. In 1970, he graduated from Shabbona High School and from Illinois Wesleyan in 1974. On March 24, 1984, he married Marilyn Meier at the First Presbyterian Church in Rochelle. Richard enjoyed gardening, traveling, reading and spending time with his grandchildren.
Richard is survived by his wife of 39 years, Marilyn; two daughters: Liz (Chad Sarver) Overby and Katie (Steven) Peterson; four grandchildren: Lexi Sarver, Logan, Allie and Carly Peterson; and siblings: Phyllis Jones, Anita Rogers and Brian (Shinobu) Overby.
You can read more about Richard here.
James “Jim” Mark Kenyon ’74 , aged 71, peacefully entered the presence of his Lord and Savior Monday, January 8, 2024, at his residence in Wayland, Michigan. Jim’s deepest love was his family, cherishing every moment spent together. He exhibited a servant’s heart, taking humble pride in helping others. To Jim, there were no strangers—everyone he encountered became a friend.
You can read the full obituary here
Jim sitting next to a seat at Horenberger Baseball Field that his family gifted to him a few years ago
Kathleen M. Murray ’79 was selected as the new president of Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Murray previously served as the first female president of Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, and before then, she served for seven years at Macalester College, including a three-month stint as acting president in 2013. Read the full Star Tribune article here.