Dr. Greg Poland ’77, who studies the immunogenetics of vaccine response at the Mayo Clinic, provided expert perspective on the future of COVID-19. Read the article here.
Greg Poland ’77
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Thomas Cunnington ’77
Kankakee County Circuit Judge Thomas W. Cunnington has been selected to serve the 21st Judicial Circuit, which includes Kankakee and Iroquois counties, as its next chief judge starting Jan. 1, 2022.
Tom Richards ’78
Tom Richards ’78 is the author of Dolphin Song, a sweeping tale that follows the journey of an Irish-American family caught up in a storm of tragedy. The book is an extension of a screenplay Tom wrote with collaborator Liam O’Neill, who died in May 2020 of COVID-19. Liam had encouraged Tom to adapt the screenplay as a book to help secure production finance, which Tom eventually completed, even after his friend’s death. A story of romance, Irish legend and magic, Dolphin Song is available on Amazon.
Read more or purchase Dolphin Song at https://www.tomrichards.ie/
Tom would also like to thank Dr John Ficca, a teacher and director. Tom says he was “The man who encouraged me through hard work to learn to write.”
Carlina Tapia-Ruano ’77
Carlina Tapia-Ruano ’77 was selected to be on the screening committee for the appointment of a Federal District Court Judge in one of the Illinois districts. Read the full press release here.
Scott McMurray ’76
Scott McMurray ’76 of Waukesha, Wisconsin, died Aug. 20, 2021. He was 67. After earning a bachelor’s degree in religion at Illinois Wesleyan, he went on to earn a master’s degree in divinity at Asbury Theological Seminary and a doctorate in ministry at McCormick Theological Seminary. Scott served as a United Methodist clergyman for 40 years, serving various congregations throughout Illinois and Wisconsin. He was an avid bicyclist and world traveler. He will be remembered for his devotion to his congregations and faithfulness to God. He is survived by two children, two grandchildren, his father and brother. You can read the whole obituary here.
Jerrilyn (Robinson) McGregory ’75
Jerrilyn McGregory ’75 has a new book out titled One Grand Noise: Boxing Day in the Anglicized Caribbean World, which undertakes the first comprehensive study of how Boxing Day is celebrated across the Caribbean. You can check it out here!
Steve O’Neal ’75
Steve O’Neal ’75 recently retired as a full professor from Southwestern Oklahoma State University after a 31 year career in the Department of Biological Sciences. Steve taught courses in general biology, botany, environmental biology and aquatic ecology. His research centered on the ecology of algae in both freshwater and marine ecosystems. He published thirteen research papers in seven scholarly journals. At SWOSU, he mentored numerous undergraduate research students who presented their research at a wide range of scientific meetings. Steve plans to continue to pursue some of his research interests and maintain his long association with the Blue Thumb volunteer program in Oklahoma that monitors water quality in streams.
Ceasar Douglas ’75
Ceasar Douglas ’75 died June 30, 2021. He was 67. Caesar majored in biology at Illinois Wesleyan, where he stood out in the classroom and on the football field. After his time at IWU, he spent time with the National Football League’s San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears, and played a season in the Canadian Football League. Upon leaving football, he worked in the private sector. He eventually decided to continue his education and earned a master’s degree at Grand Valley State University and a doctorate at the University of Mississippi. Caesar returned to Grand Valley State and taught for four years. He later joined the faculty at Florida State University, where he was a dedicated professor and chair of the business department who encouraged and mentored countless students. Caesar served on Illinois Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees for many years. He was also active as a member of IWU’s Minority Alumni Network. He is survived by his wife, five children, 15 grandchildren, two siblings, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. More information can be found here.
Marilyn Wankel ’72
Marilyn Wankel ’72, of Blandinsville, Illinois passed away on Friday, March 19, 2021. Marilyn is survived by her husband Tim Schroll; two children, Joshua Taylor (Ashly) and Megan Taylor Krueger (Tim). Four grandsons, Sam Taylor and Max, Will and Camden Krueger. Stepdaughter Becky Flowers (Molly), one brother Mark Wankel (Anita), her three nephews and their families. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree from IWU and Master’s Degree from Olivet Nazarene University, she taught in the Schuyler County School District for over 30 years. You can view her full obituary here.
Ann Musselman ’79
Ann Musselman ’79 of Bloomington, Illinois, died July 9, 2021. She was 64. Ann studied music education at Illinois Wesleyan, where she was active in choir and Sigma Alpha Iota. She later shared her voice with her church choir, the chorus of the Houston Opera, and as a music teacher in the Deer Park (Texas) school district. She is survived by a brother, and many nieces and nephews. You can view her obituary here.