Kevin Adair Hineline ’88 has recently returned to Illinois Wesleyan as an educator in the Physics Department. Congratulations Kevin!
Linda Sterling Gray ’80
Linda Sterling Gray ’80
December 21, 1957 – October 16, 2024
Linda Sterling passed away peacefully in her home in Grapeview, WA on October 16th after a fourteen year battle with cancer. Linda graduated from Oak Lawn Community High School before enrolling at Illinois Wesleyan University, receiving her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Drama in 1980. In 1979, Linda won the Regional Irene Ryan Acting Award and competed for the Nationals at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. After graduation, Linda moved to NYC and then Chicago, Il performing with Blind Parrot Productions. She is survived by her brothers Les and Bob Sterling, first husband Douglas Heinlein and their children Nicholas and Daniel Heinlein, and her life partner husband Ron and their blended family; Lara and Scott Osborn, Joshua and Nicole Gray, Eloise and David Barshes and Nona’s seven grandchildren.
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Eric Gardner
Eric Gardner is the Chair of the English Department at Saginaw Valley State University and he has recently elected to membership in the American Antiquarian Society, a national research library and community of learners dedicated to discovering and sharing a deeper understanding of the American past. Congratulations Eric!
Arnold J. “AJ Rossi ’80
Arnold J. Rossi ’80, passed away peacefully at his home in Brownsburg, IN, on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at the age of 66, surrounded by the love of his family. AJ was born in Chicago Heights, on October 4, 1958, the son of Arnold and Elsie (nee Nardoni) Rossi. He was a graduate of Crete-Monee High School and furthered his education at Illinois Wesleyan University (1976-1980). AJ retired from his career as a Loan Officer after 43 years. He was actively involved in Knights of Columbus, Caesars Seven Stars, and he is a TKE Alum. Spending time with family was a priority for AJ, and he found immense joy in hosting gatherings and parties, bringing everyone together.
AJ is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Missy Rossi; his mother, Elsie Rossi; children, Nicholas (Katelyn) Rossi, Allie (Sam) Jones, Maria Rossi, and Lucia (Grant) Ozanich; grandchildren, Carter, Nicholas, Adam, Emma, Gabriella; and his brother, Joseph (Eileen) Rossi.
He is preceded by his father, Arnold P. Rossi; and brother, Raymond Rossi.
Leonidas A. Johnson ’81
Dr. Leonidas Johnson ’81 published a new chapter of his book on September 11, 2024. The book is titled “A Particular Visual Enlightenment: A Refraction of Science, Religion, and Health on Wellness and Fullness of Life”. You can read more about the book here. Congratulations Leonidas!
Patrick Seaton ’87
Patrick Seaton ’87 recently published his first book in May 2024, titled A Crocodile Brain Can Make or Break Your Sale: The Process and Science for Guiding Organizations to Buy from You. If you are looking for a way to Turn Your Transactional Sales Process into Problem-Solving Process, then this book is for you! This book dives into a decade’s worth of battle-tested experience, where theory meets practice. It’s not just about a process-it’s about the people and culture steering your sales ship to victory. Embrace the revelation that sales is both a science and a process, fostering a purpose-driven team and cultivating a customer-centric culture. Ready to unleash your sales superpowers with the insights of the crocodile brain? Your playbook awaits in A Crocodile Brain Can Make or Break Your Sale.
Available on Amazon, Apple Books, and Barnes & Noble. Congratulations Patrick!
Demetria Kalodimos ’81
Demetria Kalodimos ’81 and Betsy Phillips ’96 recently recorded a podcast episode together about Betsy’s new book, Dynamite Nashville: Unmasking the FBI, the KKK, and the Bombers Beyond their Control. In this episode, they dive into Betsy’s journey of researching three Civil Rights-era bombings in Nashville: Hattie Cotton school in September 1957; the Jewish Community Center in March 1958; and the home of attorney and councilmember Z. Alexander Looby in April 1960. You can listen to the podcast episode here, or read more about Betsy’s new book here. Congratulations!
John Kauerauf ’83
John Kauerauf ’83 was recently named the new Legal Counsel for UMC Council of Bishops. You can read more about this here. Congratulations John!
DeAnn (Ash) Worth ‘84
DeAnn (Ash) Worth ‘84 will retire July 31, 2024 after 38 years with State Farm Insurance in Bloomington, IL. She worked for the first 20 years as an Occupational Health Nurse and then moved to Life Insurance Claims Examiner for the rest of her career. Previously, DeAnn worked in OB and Pediatrics for Brokaw Hospital. She states that her passion for nursing lead her to work is short term missions all over the world in the Philippines, China, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, and Mexico, as well as multiple areas of the USA. DeAnn will be moving to Florida to be near her youngest son’s family. Congratulations DeAnn!
Steve Johnson ’85
Steve Johnson ’85 recently retired after 20 years as the Principal at Highland Elementary School in Elgin. He began his career in Elgin School District U-46 in 1991 as a School Social Worker. He is ready to join his wife in retirement (34 years as a teacher) and travel or to do whatever else they find interesting! Congratulations Steve!