#GivingTuesday is a global day dedicated to giving back. On Tuesday, December 1, 2015, groups and individuals around the world are coming together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.

As you consider giving this holiday season, please consider giving the gift of bright futures to current Titans. Your gift supports all the things that make an IWU experience unforgettable and unique! Gifts can be made online atwww.iwu.edu/give or by calling 309-556-3091.

Thanks for keeping Illinois Wesleyan in mind this holiday season. Go Titans!

Mary (Heaton) Carrick ’93 starred as “Elle” in Opera Omaha’s production of the Francis Poulenc operatic monologue, The Human Voice (La Voix Humaine), presented during National Opera Week, held October 24 – November 2, 2015.  The one-act tour de force was taken to a rustic cabin, a club, and a classroom during Opera Omaha’s week-long series of events with performances held in collaboration with Fontenelle Forest; House of Loom, an eclectic venue on Omaha’s club scene; and the University of Nebraska Omaha School of Music. Discussion with renowned director James de Blasis, music director J. Gawf and Carrick followed the performances, which drew broad and diverse audiences ranging from opera aficionados and novices to college students and young professionals.

Jim Richter has renewed his commitment to serve Illinois Wesleyan by serving as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.  This is his fourth year serving on the board.  Thank you and congratulations, Jim.  An article can be found at the following link:

https://www.iwu.edu/news/2015/alumni-association-names-new-directors.html

Jason Chambers worked at the IWU Intership Fair on 9-28-15. He represented and recruited current students for the McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office. Great to see our alumni back helping out current students.

Dr. Christopher Udovich ’93 was named vice president and chief medical officer of Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox. An article about his new position can be found at the following link.  Congratulations!

http://www.newlenoxpatriot.com/silver-cross-hospital-names-new-chief-medical-officer

Todd French ’93 owner and Evan Lowery ’08, vice president of StringWorks, recently opened the company’s new facility in Geneva, Illinois. They have a new showroom to showcase their violins, violas, cellos, and accessories.  A story recently appeared in the Kane County Chronicle and can be found at the following link.

http://www.kcchronicle.com/2015/09/11/stringworks-store-opening-in-geneva/af6boi2/

Congratulations to Todd and Evan!

On a side note, my daughter Kaylee is the proud new owner of a hard to find Lime Green Fiberglass cello case from StringWorks, and she loves it!

Elizabeth Laidlaw has a starring role in the film “Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party” scheduled to  premiere sometime during the Chicago International Film Festival, Oct 15-29.  Here is a link to the story in the Chicago Tribune.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/movies/ct-elizabeth-laidlaw-actress-profile-20150903-column.html

THANK YOU to all of our fiscal year 2015 donors! Illinois Wesleyan University‘s alumni participation rate has increased for the third year in a row thanks to the generosity of donors like you! Your support helps to ensure IWU is stronger and more affordable for current and future generations of Titans. You’ve done well, and you’ve done good! Go Titans!

Former Illinois Wesleyan football player Jeff Fisher ’93 has been hired as a tight ends coach at Washington University in St. Louis. He spent the past three seasons as head coach at NAIA school Lindenwood University-Belleville.  Jeff resides in St. Louis with his wife Meg, and their two children, Nicholas and Elizabeth.

Below are links to articles with more information on his new position.
http://www.bnd.com/sports/college/article30093339.html

http://bearsports.wustl.edu/sports/fball/2015-16/releases/20150805fndqzo

Congratulations, Jeff!

Todd French ’93 was among the guests of a recent Titan wedding.  Elizabeth (Stith) Lowery ’08 was married to Evan Lowery ’08 in Naperville, Illinois on July 11, 2015.  Many IWU alumni were in attendance and a special appearance was made by Tommy Titan!

Attendees included (from the left): Randy Krepel ’08, Lindsey (Miller) Marks ’08 and Christopher Marks ’08, Vanessa Dremonas ’08, Amanda LaMonica-Weier ’08, Sara (Longtin) Davis ’08 and Donovan Davis ’07, Herb Stith ’76, Jack Herrmann ’74, Kerry Sindewald ’08, Kimberly (Stabosz) Zimmerman ’09, Ronni Tansey ’10, Todd French ’93, Laura Bales ’08, Rich Patenaude ’08, Lindsay (Perala-Dewey) Schlemmer ’09, and Sarah Campbell ’07.