The University’s popular full-time spring internship program in accounting has passed a milestone of 175 student participants since its inception in 2006.

When interns join a firm full time, they are able to hit the ground running, said Herb Guarascio ’77, a tax partner at Deloitte, a Big 4 firm, where the highest number of IWU students have worked since the full-time accounting internship program began. Interns at Deloitte are actively engaged as team members on all projects.

Read about it here.

Pictured is Karl Bruhn and noted composer Helen Kemp to his left.

After 40 years of teaching, mostly at Edison Middle School in Wheaton, IL, I have finally “hung up the chalk.” I miss the kids but not the other “stuff.” I continue to play the organ and direct choirs–like I have done since my HS years. Presently I am the organist and music director at St. John’s Lutheran Church in downtown Lombard, IL. I have been there for eight years now. Also, I am the IL state chairman of the AGO (American Guild of Organists). I oversee all the various IL chapters–all the way from Rockford to Cairo. This spring I have started giving piano lessons to local kids in Batavia where I live. Also, I am in training for giving tours for the Chicago Architectural Foundation–combining history and architecture–two of my favorite topics. In about two weeks (c. March 21) we are expecting our first grandchild, who will be born in St. Paul, MN where our son and daughter-in-law live. We are very excited about this. I still keep up with Dr. Gehrenbeck, my old organ teacher from IWU days. We frequently see him and his wife (Helen) when visiting MN. Life is good, and I still greatly appreciate my IWU years. –Karl Bruhn

David and his wife, Isabel, retired to Sedona Arizona at the end of 2010. He retired from the financial counseling firm GW&Wade of Wellesley, Massachusetts. He had spent early 30 years in Boston. He earned his law degree from Boston University in 1979 and a Masters Degree in Professional Accounting in 1981. After positions in Tax and Investment Consulting, David joined GW&Wade in 1992 and became a partner of the firm in 1999. In 2005 David moved to California to open a new office for his company. In retirement in Sedona David has thrown himself into nonprofit activities. He is President of the Arts Center Board, a member of the Sedona Public Library Board and the chair of the local Imagination Library book program for preschoolers. David has two children, Danielle and Michael.

David Wilkins is retiring from Dow and appointed  to a new role at SNC-Lavalin.

Read about it here

Congratulations, David!

Here’s Ross Fraser re-united with Marjorie Ocho Kouns (Art Major, ’79)

in New York City on Feb.23, 2014.

Still serving on Walworth Village Board. Recently became semi-retired, but help manage our family business full-time for 6 months a year. The Dari Co., Hebron, Ill., serving burgers, veggie platters, Vienna dogs, cheese fries, soft-serve ice cream creations, etc., in warm weather, just 10 miles south of Lake Geneva, Wis. Facebook site is “The Dari Rules.”

Check it out or stop by!

Stephanie Faracy has appeared in dozens of well-known TV shows over the years,

from “The Love Boat” to “Modern Family.”

Congratulations on your achievements!

Rick Drexler is part of The Jazz Professors, an ensemble of UCF music department faculty members. They have collaborated an interesting way to help their students gain real-life experience. Music business classes in the Jazz Studies Program at the University of Central Florida used to involve imaginary scenarios of touring and recording projects. Now students are producing, marketing and distributing jazz albums that have earned national radio airplay under the school’s Flying Horse Records label.

Congratulations, Rick!

Claudia Brogan is enjoying serving on IWU’s Women’s Council. The purpose of this group is to provide information, encouragement and support for IWU students as they prepare for establishing themselves and career opportunities. She’ll be heading to campus for the March 1st, 2014 Women’s Council Summit, and looks forward each year to this chance to meet with current students and hear their ideas and questions. As a 1977 IWU graduate, Claudia continues to find uses all the time for her studies in theater, English and education. Examples come up all the time! Sending the best to my fellow class members!

Tech Data Corporation has named Charles V. Dannewitz ’77 senior vice president and chief financial officer, the Americas.