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Author Archives: classnews
Paul Pedersen ’73
Dr. Paul Pedersen ’73, Chief Medical Officer at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington, received the inaugural St. Joseph the Worker Award at the 28th OSF HealthCare Foundation Crystal Ball. The award recognizes adherence to the ideals of hard work, commitment, and caring for others, and to the advancement of medical care within the community. Pederson attended the ball with his wife, Ginni (Hestrom) Pedersen ’72 (pictured below with President Eric and Elizabeth Jensen).
Russ Hagen ’71
Russ Hagen ’71, longtime CEO of Chestnut Healthcare, has announced he is retiring from the Chestnut Healthcare system. You can read about it here.
William Tweedell ’76
We are saddened to announce the passing of William “Bill” Tweedell ’76. Bill passed away on May 4, 2017 of congestive heart failure. Bill worked in accounting, most recently as Controller at Grand Products in Des Plaines, IL. He is survived by his wife (Cynthia Benn, class of 1976) and two grown children, Rebecca and Matthew (wife Karina).
Pamela Page ’79
Patty Johanson ’79
Patty Johanson ’79 was featured in the Herald-Whig Newspaper where she talks about her journey of becoming the first female to serve as the lead pastor for her church. You can read about it here.
Thomas Cunington ’77
A fellow alum Thomas Cunnington ’77, Associate Judge, has announced his intention to seek election.
You can read more about Thomas here.
Good luck, Thomas!
Homecoming 2017: Back to College Classes – Wayne Messmer ’72
Wayne Messmer ’72 shared his story of being a blue-collar kid on the Chicago South Side, transformed into an Illinois Wesleyan alumni success as a professional speaker, singer, broadcaster, author and actor. He shared his story of sudden, unexpected change which nearly cost him his life and his voice. Through that experience, Wayne learned what it takes to come out on the other side of change and trauma to help others do the same and realize the true spirit of a Champion. His presentation, entitled “From Wesleyan to the World Series”, may be viewed below.
Wayne Messmer – From Wesleyan to the World Series from IWU Video on Vimeo.


