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 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 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, 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 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.
We are sad to report that Ed Matushek ’75 passed away on May 28, 2021 at age 67. He was a beloved husband of 40 years to Alisa nee Bombassi and a devoted father to Eddie and Matt Matushek.
Gary Johnson ’75 recently penned a memoir detailing his legal career, Luck is a Talent: The True Story of a Trial Lawyer’s Experience Defending an Innocent Man Charged with Murder. You can order it here.
Michael Chivell ’76 was named chairman emeritus of St. Louis law firm Armstrong Teasdale on June 1, 2021. Michael joined Armstrong Teasdale in 1983 as an associate and spent the following 23 years practicing corporate law. Michael served as managing partner from 2007 until he was elected chairman in 2016. As chairman, he focused on client relations, strategic planning, community relations and lateral recruitment.
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Financial Advisor Carol Brandt ’78 was recently named to the 2021 Forbes “America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors” list. Carol lives in Chicago and received her MBA from DePaul University and a bachelor’s degree from Illinois Wesleyan University. She is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill and Certified Financial Planner with 36 years’ experience providing personalized wealth management strategies to high-net-worth families. She has also been recognized as a Barron’s Top 100 Women Financial Advisors and Financial Times Top 400 Financial Advisors. Congratulations!
Paul E. Pedersen ’73, M.D., was elected trustee-at-large of the Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS) during its 2021 annual meeting, which was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He has been a member of ISMS since 1980 and served as its president from 2019-2020. Dr. Pedersen will serve as trustee-at-large through April 2022.