Welcome to the newest Tiny Titan, Antonia Priess, born May 22, 2021 to David Priess ‘93 and Renée Priess.
Mark Gibson ’93
Mark Gibson ’93 of Madison, Wisconsin, died June 4, 2021. He was 49. Mark majored in chemistry at Illinois Wesleyan and later attended graduate school at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He worked as a software engineer for Forte Research Systems (now Advarra, Inc.) for more than 15 years. His hobbies included playing the piano and classical guitar, learning and speaking foreign languages, ballroom dancing, and participating in charity runs. A devoted husband and father, his family was his priority. He is survived by his wife, two children and a sister. More information can be found here.
Niki (Handlin) Burkey ’93
Niki Burkey ’93 graduated from Aurora University on May 1, 2021 with her doctorate of Leadership in Educational Administration. Niki is the principal of Lincoln Prairie Elementary School in Community Unit School District 300, Algonquin IL.
Jason Chambers, Circuit Judge
Jason Chambers was sworn in as a Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, covering Ford, Livingston, Logan, McLean and Woodford Counties. He was elected circuit-wide on November 3, 2020 in the circuit covering a portion of Central Illinois. He is currently presiding over cases in McLean County. Before being elected to a full term, he had been appointed to fill a vacancy on the bench by a unanimous order of the Illinois Supreme Court beginning in August of 2018. Prior to that, he was twice elected to the position of State’s Attorney for McLean County.
All in for Wesleyan– April 8, 2021
Remembering Tony Kelley ’93
Remembering classmate Tony Kelley who passed away last summer.
Anthony Kelley ’93 of Ames Iowa, died July 11, 2020. He was 49. Tony studied risk management and financial services at Illinois Wesleyan. He went on to a career in banking and finance, most recently serving as the vice president in charge of compliance for Varo Money. Tony enjoyed going to the gym, running, and golfing. He was an avid sports fan and loved the Iowa Hawkeyes. He is survived by his two children, his parents, two siblings, grandmother, and several nieces and nephews.
Michael Howard ’93
Michael Howard ’93 was featured in the Sheridan Road Magazine, here, for serving the community on the frontlines of the oncoming pandemic. Congrats!
TAG Day 2021
Monday, February 8 is Thank-A-Giver Day at Illinois Wesleyan and we’re eager to celebrate generous Titans!
Thank-A-Giver (TAG) Day is the symbolic point during the academic year — about 70% of the way through — when tuition dollars are exhausted and Illinois Wesleyan relies on donor generosity to continue providing a world-class education and rewarding collegiate experiences.
Each and every year, every gift matters. Contributions benefit students and faculty, enhance academic excellence, and strengthen the IWU community.
Thank you to all who give back to move IWU forward.
Julie Brown-Haapapuro ‘93
Julie Brown-Haapapuro ‘93 has served as the head of Human Resources for PBS Distribution, in Arlington, Virginia, since 2018. She previously served in a variety of human resources roles, most recently at MicroStrategy and Freddie Mac. She also serves as President of JBH Consulting, Inc., a human resources consulting service she founded in 2010.
Shaye Mandle ‘93
Shaye Mandle ‘93 took part in a panel discussion on the technological and economic renaissance taking place in Rochester, Minnesota, hosted by Finance and Commerce. Shaye has served as president and CEO of the Medical Alley Association since May 2014, overseeing a period of dramatic growth and transformation for the association.