As IWU celebrates Titans Around the World at Homecoming this weekend, we will also honor our alumni who served worldwide as veterans and first-responders, including Captain Ryan A. Beaupre ’95. We will remember Ryan and all veterans and first-responders who have given their lives in the service of others and our country. Presenting the colors will be American Legion Color Guard Post 635 Normal and Post 56 from Bloomington. The ceremony will take place this Saturday, October 14^th at 12:45 p.m., prior to the Homecoming Football game at Tucci Stadium and will include the National Anthem sung by Wayne Messmer ’72. Classmates and friends can view the ceremony on streaming video live at https://portal.stretchinter net.com/iwu/

There are less than 2 weeks until Homecoming 2017! While counting down the days until we are all back on campus, let’s reminisce about the time we spent at IWU. I remember browsing the old bookstore in its own little nook on campus.  I also remember walking to the football field on Saturdays to cheer the Titans on to victory. Would anyone like to share their favorite IWU memories? Comment below.
If you are still deciding on which events you want to attend during Homecoming, the International RSO Fair is highly recommended. It will be on Saturday (10/14) at the Hansen Student Center, Center Court from 11 am – 1 pm. Come learn more about our multicultural registered student organizations and enjoy activities and musical performances. A light lunch will be provided, so please register either online or by phone by 10/8! You can visit the Homecoming Facebook page or the International RSO Fair Facebook event for more information.

For a minimum donation of $25 by July 31, 2017, you can receive a pair of fun Titan socks.  Who doesn’t want a pair of funky Titan socks??   We would love for you to share your photo wearing the socks on our Facebook page, “IWU Class of 1992 25th Reunion”.   Click below to get your spirit socks:)

https://securelb.imodules.com/s/653/index.aspx?sid=653&gid=1&pgid=2084&cid=3525

Change is in the air! The previous article for David Wilken is already old. In with the new, David is now the Program Coordinator for MusicWorks Asheville, an El Sistema-inspired music program. Congratulations on all of your accomplishments: past, present and future!

Classmate David Wilken shares his love of music.  At Western Carolina University, he is an instructor of music.  He also finds time to be the music director and lead trombonist of the Asheville Jazz Orchestra. And there is more!  Over the recent 4th of July holiday, the Land of the Sky Symphonic Band under David’s leadership, performed for the festivities. Read about the history of the symphonic band in this article:  http://www.blackmountainnews.com/story/entertainment/music/2017/06/28/red-white-brass-land-sky-symphonic-band/103260196/

Best wishes in the future, David, with your music career.

Congratulations to Dr. Laura Randolph!  She recently received a nomination for the YWCA McLean County Woman of Distinction award.  This award is given to women for their contributions to fields related to Business; Creative Arts and Entertainment; Education; STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math); Social Services; Volunteer Service and Young Professional.  Here is a link to the article:

http://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/women-nominated-for-women-of-distinction/article_24b4956b-2835-5406-bd2d-070f9d6910a0.html

Thank you, Dr. Randolph, for creating Titan pride.

You never know when you might happen upon an IWU connection.  When classmate Krista (Webber) Borbely ’92 (middle) enrolled in the Leading Age Illinois Leadership Academy, she discovered two IWU alumna had also signed up: Hannah (Detig) Meyers ’10 (left) and Andrea (Peirce) Luke ’06 (right). Meyers said, “We had never met before this program and it was so fun to share with fellow Titans.”

The yearlong leadership program is designed for professionals in the aging services field.

Krista (Webber) Borbely was also awarded the Rising Star Award for Management
Staff from LeadingAge Illinois!

After 19 years as a successful Senior Center Manager with FedEx Office and Print Center at multiple locations in the Chicago area, classmate Chuck Lambert decided to return to school. In December 2016, Chuck graduated as salutatorian from Chamberlain College of Nursing-Chicago campus with a BS in nursing. He successfully passed his Illinois state licensing boards for nursing to receive the RN license and in March started working as a staff nurse. Chuck can be found in the hematology/oncology department with Northwestern Medicine at Prentice Women’s Hospital. Best wishes in your new endeavors, Chuck!