Jerrilyn McGregory ’75 has a new book out titled One Grand Noise: Boxing Day in the Anglicized Caribbean World, which undertakes the first comprehensive study of how Boxing Day is celebrated across the Caribbean. You can check it out here!
Steve O’Neal ’75 recently retired as a full professor from Southwestern Oklahoma State University after a 31 year career in the Department of Biological Sciences. Steve taught courses in general biology, botany, environmental biology and aquatic ecology. His research centered on the ecology of algae in both freshwater and marine ecosystems. He published thirteen research papers in seven scholarly journals. At SWOSU, he mentored numerous undergraduate research students who presented their research at a wide range of scientific meetings. Steve plans to continue to pursue some of his research interests and maintain his long association with the Blue Thumb volunteer program in Oklahoma that monitors water quality in streams.
Dr. Ceasar Douglas Jr. ’75 passed away June 30th, 2021 after complications from heart disease. He passed away with loved ones by his side. He leaves to mourn; his wife of 28 years Gigi Douglas. Five children Ceasar Douglas III (Caitlin), Shanoa Douglas Praay (Matthew), Nigel Douglas, Anna Sepulveda (Carlos) and Chad Snider (Jeremy). Sister Yolonda Douglas, brother Oliver Evans, fifteen grandchildren. Also, a host of nieces, nephews, family, friends, and colleagues who will truly miss him.
At this time the Family would like to open an invitation to “Celebrate” the truly remarkable life of Dr. Ceasar Douglas Jr. in a memorial service. We know he has touched so many and it will be nice to share stories/pictures with those who loved him.
Service: 10:30am on August 21st, 2021
Good Shepherd Catholic Church
4665 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32309.
Ceasar Douglas ’75 died June 30, 2021. He was 67. Caesar majored in biology at Illinois Wesleyan, where he stood out in the classroom and on the football field. After his time at IWU, he spent time with the National Football League’s San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears, and played a season in the Canadian Football League. Upon leaving football, he worked in the private sector. He eventually decided to continue his education and earned a master’s degree at Grand Valley State University and a doctorate at the University of Mississippi. Caesar returned to Grand Valley State and taught for four years. He later joined the faculty at Florida State University, where he was a dedicated professor and chair of the business department who encouraged and mentored countless students. Caesar served on Illinois Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees for many years. He was also active as a member of IWU’s Minority Alumni Network. He is survived by his wife, five children, 15 grandchildren, two siblings, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. More information can be found here.
Marilyn Wankel ’72, of Blandinsville, Illinois passed away on Friday, March 19, 2021. Marilyn is survived by her husband Tim Schroll; two children, Joshua Taylor (Ashly) and Megan Taylor Krueger (Tim). Four grandsons, Sam Taylor and Max, Will and Camden Krueger. Stepdaughter Becky Flowers (Molly), one brother Mark Wankel (Anita), her three nephews and their families. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree from IWU and Master’s Degree from Olivet Nazarene University, she taught in the Schuyler County School District for over 30 years. You can view her full obituary here.
Ann Musselman ’79 of Bloomington, Illinois, died July 9, 2021. She was 64. Ann studied music education at Illinois Wesleyan, where she was active in choir and Sigma Alpha Iota. She later shared her voice with her church choir, the chorus of the Houston Opera, and as a music teacher in the Deer Park (Texas) school district. She is survived by a brother, and many nieces and nephews. You can view her obituary here.
Summertime, and the living is easy. Kids are jumping and the temperature is high! Shots in arms and we are losing the face masks. So hush, IWU Titans, don’t you cry-yi! Thanks to Gershwin we have an anthem, alumni. I, for one, am so glad and grateful for some pandemic relief. I hope that you and yours are venturing out to visit family and friends. Eating out and taking in a baseball game or two. Please, continue to be cautious, especially when travelling. Take all of the necessary precautions, and remember to be kind. There seems to be, if you watch the news, a dearth of compassion and human decency, nowadays. Now is a time when we need it the most. I know that I can count on you, you green and white gladiators. Thank you!
Gary Johnson ’75 recently penned a memoir detailing his legal career, Luck is a Talent: The True Story of a Trial Lawyer’s Experience Defending an Innocent Man Charged with Murder. You can order it here.
Share your story with classmates in the Illinois Wesleyan Class of 1971’s 50th Reunion Memory Book. Submissions must be made here by August 31, 2021.