Earl Kirk ’71

Earl Kirk ’71 of Aurora, Illinois, and Evansville, Indiana, died Nov. 27, 2019. He was 70. Earl studied French at Illinois Wesleyan University and went on to earn graduate and ABD degrees at Indiana University. He was employed as an instructor at Southwestern College (1978-79), an instructor and administrator at Baker University (1978-2003), and as the director of study abroad an Harlaxton College coordinator at the University of Evansville (2003-15). Earl was a world traveler, fluent in several languages, and had a love of people, history and cultures. He was an inspirational educator, administrator and mentor who encouraged students to achieve their goals in education, studying and traveling abroad. He is survived by three siblings, a special aunt and uncle, and several nieces, nephews and other family members, colleagues and friends.

Richard Smith ‘79

Richard Smith ‘79 is featured in the Summer/Fall issue of the IWU magazine
for his publication of Understanding National Wealth: The Triumph of the Most Successful Political Economy in History, a book providing a summary of where the United States stands financially. Understanding National Wealth is available at Barnes & Noble, on Amazon, and at go.richoutlook.com

Congratulations, Richard!

Kathleen Murray ’79

Kathleen Murray ’79 was renewed for another term as president of Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, in December 2019. Her presidency to date has been marked by the development and implementation of five strategic priorities and the construction of two campus buildings.

James Messmore ’78

Congratulations to James Messmore ’78, who recently celebrated 25 years of service at Hanson Professional Services Inc.. James joined the company in 1995 and works at the Chicago regional office. He develops and implements programs to achieve profitable growth, oversees staff, and develops and maintains relationships with clients for the infrastructure market. He has been involved in a variety of transportation-related projects, including serving as principal-in-charge for the widening and reconstruction of a 22-miles section of Interstate 90 in Boone, Kane, and McHenry Counties.

Bill Lambrecht ’72

Bill Lambrecht ’72 Named the inaugural visiting professional at the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism in January 2020. He will assist with science and environmental investigative projects, taking advantage of expertise across the UMD campus, as part of the new role. He will work with Howard fellows in the master’s program to produce at least one investigative project during the spring and summer of 2020. 

“We are in this together!”

Hey there, Titans!
I hope that you are holding up well, during this unprecedented time. I ,like many of you are working from home, online! The challenges of this endeavor are many. I am teaching and completing my classes at two universities, online. In solitude, and under the stressful statistics from all over the world. I don’t know about you, but being separated from family and friends is the worst aspect. Let us try to strengthen one another.Please, feel free to send anything that you would like to post to your IWU alumni family. Today’s catchphrase is “We are in this together!” Indeed, we are. Stay safe and take care, fellow TITANS.
Be Encouraged and Be Blessed!
Dr. Debbie R. Burt-Frazier, EdD