In September 2020, Chuck Kennedy ’76 was awarded the Bronze Medal for Technical Merit from the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) for his significant technical contributions in the field of undersea warfare.
Chuck Kennedy ’76
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Ted Struck ’71
50 years ago (1971): Illinois Wesleyan’s Teddy Struck held off a late charge from Knox’s Jim Haptonstahl in the final 150 yards to win the grueling three-mile run in 15:26.5, tying the school record. The victory was just icing on the cake as IWU romped over the field in the triangular meet with MacMurray and Illinois College.
– From Pages Past compiled by Jeff Findley from Pantagraph files
Carolyn (McCaughey) Hodge ’78
Carolyn (McCaughey) Hodge ’78 of Naples, Florida, died April 19, 2021. She was 64.
She was a member of Kappa Delta at Illinois Wesleyan. Carolyn was a dedicated teacher for 40 years, impacting the lives of thousands of children and mentoring new generations of educators. She finished her teaching career at Pelican Marsh Elementary in Naples, where she had many friends. Carolyn loved to travel to places all over the country, including Wrigley Field, and as far away as the Greek islands. At home, she enjoyed trips to the library, quiet afternoons reading, and time in her pool or on the water, where she often made her famous margaritas for boat trips or watching sunsets on the beach. But she was happiest when surrounded by family and friends, and relished her role as a mother. She is survived by her husband, two daughters, including Marissa Holloway ’07, sister and mother, Clarene (Makinson) McCaughey ’50.
You can read the full obituary here.
Steve Watts ’71
On November 19, 2020 Steve Watts was awarded the Thomas B. Herring Community Service Award by the Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce for “volunteer activities exemplifying the true meaning of service to others and a willingness to do so without recognition and publicity”. Watts retired from the practice of law in 2018. He currently serves as chairman of the Knox County Mental Health (708) Board.
Frankie Faison ’71
Frankie Faison ’71 was recently featured in an article in The Daily Press, which can be found here, discussing his distinguished, decades-long career in theater, film and television.
Cheryl Portwood-Peden Emery ’74
Cheryl L. Portwood-Peden Emery ’74 gave a Titan Career Chat: Experiences in the Spanish Caribbean. Presented virtually, the power-point photo slide presentation helped students learn how Cheryl’s cultural immersion experiences during her IWU Study Travel Seminar to Puerto Rico inspired her. Cheryl earned her B.A. from IWU in Spanish leading to a rewarding and satisfying teaching career in Spanish; Spanish Bi-lingual/E.S.L., and Special Education that has spanned 38 years. Cheryl retired from teaching in the Chicago Public Schools in 2012.
Glenn Neumann ’72
Glenn Neumann ’72 passed away on September 29, 2020 in Louisville, Colorado.
David McCord ’75
David McCord ’75 is retiring in May. After six years practicing law, he was a professor at Drake University Law School for thirty-six years. He plans to enjoy life with his wife Laura (‘75), their three children, and their grandson. He plans to do volunteer work with his church and other nonprofits.
Carol (Payne) Brinkley ’75
Carol (Payne) Brinkley ’75 of Williamsburg, Virginia, died Feb. 4, 2021. She was 67. Carol studied English and French at Illinois Wesleyan. She spent the following years living in Germany, where she worked as a health spa attendant in Bad Feilnbach and as an au pair in Wolfratshausen, a suburb of Munich. After returning to the U.S., she took graduate classes at The New School in New York City and worked at the United Nations. She later worked in a variety of roles with Trailways Bus Company and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. In 1988, she took a recreational sketching class, where she met her future husband. Carol worked briefly as an independent franchise holder for Caring Transitions, Inc., an estate management company for seniors, for the Peninsula Agency on Aging, and later worked part-time at the Williamsburg Antique Mall. She was a longtime corporate member and director of the Williamsburg Scottish Festival and was honored by the St. Andrew’s Society of Williamsburg with its “Scot of the Year” Award in 2005. She was always active in church life, singing in the choir and serving on many committees and groups. Carol was widely known and loved by many for her uniform kindness and thoughtful concern for others, her ready smile and approachability. She is survived by her husband, a sister, and many extended family members.
You can read the full obituary here.
Dr. Debbie Burt-Frazier ’75
Debbie wished to give the following message:
Hey There, COVID Weary Titans!
It has been an entire year since our world as we knew it came to an end, figuratively. I am certain that the past twelve months have been the longest year of your life. Honestly, I thank God that I am still standing, and battling onward. In true Titan fashion, I know that I am not alone. Recently, I learned of one fellow alumna, Carol Payne Brinkley’s passing. I do not know the circumstances of her death, but she and I are the same age, 67. My collective condolences go out to her family and friends.
This week, two weeks after my second Covid Pfizer vaccine shot, I am now fully protected against this pandemic nightmare, Covid 19. If you haven’t I encourage you to also get vaccinated. If “Herd Immunity” is to occur, recent estimates suggest 70 to 90 percent of the population is necessary. Right now, about 29% of all adults, in this country, have received at least one injection. Think about it. What can I do to improve our current situation, with the new, more contagious variants appearing? Get vaccinated. Our hope does lie in our Creator but we must do our part to demonstrate that hopefulness.
Remember, Titans, April 8th is “All In for Wesleyan” Day to show your support for your Alma Mater. Give what you can, all is appreciated. I am always so moved by the handwritten notes which I receive from a current IWU student, thanking me for my contribution. Gratitude, the most powerful energy in the universe. Take care, Titans and Stay well! Until the next time, much love.
Yours,
Debbie