Roscoe (Ross) Fraser ’78

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Roscoe (Ross) Fraser ’78 a larger-than-life presence in the Chicago communications, non-profit and theater arenas for more than four decades, passed away on Jan. 1. He liked to say he found his people when he arrived at Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) in 1974 as a theater major. Ross had a memorable role in Truman Capote’s Among the Paths to Eden and directed his senior show, the Steven Tesich play The Carpenters. But at IWU, he is best remembered as a genuine force of nature on the social scene. Ross seemed to know everyone and everyone knew Ross. The dramatic training helped Ross later in life, but all the skills for getting on in this world were forged at Illinois Wesleyan. You can read the full obituary here.

Nancy (Steele) Brokaw ’71

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The Pantagraph Holiday Spectacular brought another year of cheer to Bloomington-Normal during performances on Dec. 3-4. The production was written by Nancy Steele Brokaw ’71, directed by former faculty member Lori Adams, and featured performances by Marketing Director Andy Kreiss ’86 and Assistant Professor of Music Bob Mangialardi. Read the full Pantagraph article here.

Richard McCoy ’74

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Richard McCoy ’74 and his wife Laurie McCoy were recently featured in a My Journal Courier article about their experience in Jacksonville theater. They have been involved for over four decades, and could be considered the “first family” of local theater. Read the full article here.

Bruce Parrish ’74

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Community Players Theatre is celebrating 100 years on stage. Bruce Parrish ’74, president of the board for Community Players Theatre, recalls how participating in theatre at IWU helped pave the way for his involvement with the local group. You can read more here.

Tom Patterson ’75

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Tom Patterson ’75 wrote an article that was published by the Journal of Louisiana Historical Association  (Louisiana History, Summer 2022, Vol. LXIII, No. 3, page 321). The article, called “Mastering the Senate Maze: Mr. Long Goes to Washington,” describes the first four months in office of Senator Huey P. Long, Jr.. Tom is also writing a book about Senator Long, expected to be published in 2024.

Dr. Debra R. Burt-Frazier, Ed.D ’75

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Dr. Debra R. Burt-Frazier, Ed.D. ’75 was recently elevated to the tenure teaching track at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. The position is a full-time three year contract teaching freshman academic writing and English literature classes in the College of Humanities. Currently, Debra is in her sixth year at the Historically Black College/University (HBCU). Congratulations, Debra!