Dr. Ann Stroink ’76 Named 2016 Rock Doc

Dr. Ann Stroink ’76, a neurosurgeon with Central Illinois Neuro Health Sciences in Bloomington, will be among three doctors presented 2016 Rock Doc Awards by the Illinois CancerCare Foundation.

The 7th annual CUREageous event will be 6 to 11 p.m. Nov. 11 at Par-a-Dice Hotel in East Peoria.

Rock Doc Awards are presented to Central Illinois doctors who exhibit outstanding patient care and support research. Tickets are $125. Call 309-243-3437 for tickets.

Annual August Picnic of the Network

the NetworkThe annual early August picnic of the Network (Minority Alumni Network) celebrated this year’s Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) students and SEP alumni in addition to welcoming incoming students to IWU. Eugenie and David Darling ’79 hosted more than 100 alumni, students, faculty, staff and parents. Inez Kitty White ’16 (left) photographs her son Malachi being held by SEP alumna Kamaya Thompson ’12. Myia Thompson ’11 is at far right.

Michael Chivell ’76 Elected Chairman

Michael Chivell ’76 was elected chairman of the law firm, Armstrong Teasdale. He was previously a managing partner.

Chivell served as managing partner since 2007. He joined the firm in 1983 as an associate and in 1990 was elected partner. As chairman, Chivell focuses on client relations, strategic planning, community relations, and lateral recruitment.

Armstrong Teasdale is a law firm with offices across the United States and in China.

Bob Grimes ’78 Retires as NCHS Softball Coach

573b955a0cb6e.imageBob Grimes is retiring at season’s end after fifteen highly successful years as Normal Community High School’s head coach. His record through Monday stands at 420-109-1 with one state championship (2007 Class AA), one state runner-up finish (2002 Class AA), nine Big 12 Conference championships, nine regional titles, three sectional crowns, and three state tournament appearances.

For additional information, you can go to a Pantagraph article.

Myra Travin ’79 Published

Myra Travin ’79 is now a post-futurist and woman entrepreneur. She has recently been published in two major U.S. newspapers and appeared at SXSWedu as well as conferences in the area of technology and learning. This year, she developed an algorithm called INSense AI and launched a new startup company. She pitched it at FundAmerica last month — one of her startup tech products. She was the only woman who pitched an idea.

Her book, School of You: Stop the Overload, Become a Guerrilla Learner and Change Your Life teaches you how to personalize your own learning, to discover your potential, and to exceed expectations. For more about her book or to purchase it, go to Amazon.

My Turn: Why Artificial Intelligence should freak you out is an article about why we should worry about Artificial Intelligence. It was published in the Arizona Republic. Click on the title if you want to read the article.

Saying goodbye to the future is an article Myra which appeared as an opinion article in the Austin American Statement. The article discussed how technology has short-circuited many of the paths to effective learning.

Myra  wanted to share her email address in the class newsletter so that her classmates could chat with her about her work or anything else. Her email is myratravin48@gmail.com.

Diane M. Ehmke-Badgley ’76 Passes Away

ins033136-1_20160407.jpgxDiane Ehmke Badgley, age 61, of Broad Ripple, Indiana, passed away on April 6, 2016. She is survived by her husband of 24 years, Brent Badgley whom she deeply cherished. Diane, an artist and lover of all things creative, leaves behind an indelible imprint on the lives of family and friends. 

A private family Celebration of Life event occurred on Saturday, April 9th. Messages of condolence can be made at www.flannerbuchanan.com. Memorial contributions can be made in her name to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.

Published in the The Indianapolis Star on Apr. 10, 2016

Phill Wilson ’77 Still Leader in the Fight Against AIDS


Phill-wilson-suit-001For Phill Wilson—long-term HIV-survivor and founder of the highly-regarded Black AIDS Institute featured in the CNN docu-series, “The Eighties” celebrated his miraculous 60
th birthday on April 23—the poem, “Where will you be when they come?” holds profound meaning:

“Citizens, good citizens all
parade into voting booths and in self-righteous sanctity
X away our right to life,”
Pat Parker

The Black AIDS Institute held a fundraiser in celebration of Phill Wilson’s 60th birthday on Saturday, April 23. There was a surprise celebrity guests and a roast at the event.  When asked what he wanted for his birthday, Wilson said:

“I want to raise a lot of money for the Black AIDS Institute.  I would like for all of my friends, family, and anyone who I’ve ever touched in anyway over the last 60 years to help the Black AIDS Institute finally end the AIDS epidemic in our community.”

Go to Phillwilson60.com to see photos of Wilson through the decades and learn more.

For more about Phill you can go to  The Pride.

Congratulations, Phill.