Homecoming has come and gone, and Thanksgiving just sprinted by. As I write this it is Giving Tuesday, a day devoted to giving either time or money to those in need. It is also a good time to think about tax time. What is the best way to give and save a few bucks early next year? Give a donation to the school that provided us with the skills to be successful, Illinois Wesleyan University. Have a great holiday season.
After Black Friday and Cyber Monday is #GivingTuesday, a global initiative to celebrate generosity and give back during the holiday season. Join the movement and help make bright futures possible for current Titans with a gift at www.iwu.edu/give today!
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, longtime CEO of Chestnut Healthcare, has announced he is retiring from the Chestnut Healthcare system. You can read about it here.
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.
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!
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.
You can register now here
A few noteworthy events:
You can see the full schedule of Homecoming 2017 events here
Spotted in the crowd at the Cubs-Cardinals baseball game were: Ann Harding, retired Director of Alumni Relations; Dave Darling ’79; and Wayne Messmer ’72, IWU Distinguished Alum 2017. Wayne will be honored during Homecoming Weekend (and Wayne’s 45th Class Reunion).
