A message from IWU’s Office of Alumni Relations:

The IWU Alumni Association Nominating Committee needs your help compiling a list of alumni candidates for the Alumni Award categories below.

The Distinguished Alumnus/na Award
This award is presented annually to an alumnus/na who has made a distinguished contribution to society, has achieved professional distinction, or has demonstrated civic leadership.

The Robert M. Montgomery Outstanding Young Alumnus/na Award
Named for a 1968 alumnus and former IWU Alumni Director, this award recognizes young alumni for outstanding professional achievement, civic leadership, or both. Nominees for this award should have graduated less than 15 years ago.

The Loyalty Award
This award recognizes alumni who have benefited Illinois Wesleyan either through service to the University, strong financial support, or both.

Nominations are due by March 5, 2015 and can be made by contacting the Alumni Relations Office at 1-888-498-2586. Awards winners are announced at Homecoming. Any forms submitted after this date will be considered for Homecoming of the following year.

IWU is pleased to announce Adriane Powell has been selected as Director of Alumni Relations. Adriane has been an “adopted Titan” since 2010, and has lived in the Bloomington-Normal community for over 30 years. Adriane says, “I love meeting IWU alumni wherever they live, work, and play!” Adriane has experience working with a diverse group of IWU alumni and is looking forward to continuing to connect with Titans all over the world

It was great to see so many alumni and their families at IWU’s 2014 Homecoming celebration. Even the statue of esteem past President Minor Myers joined in the fun – having been dressed in an IWU themed t-shirt!  Plan now to visit campus again next year for Homecoming 2015.

From Adriane Powell, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations

Thank you for reading and contributing to your class newsletter.  I hope you enjoy receiving news about your classmates.  Be sure to let us know when you have news to share!

Homecoming is October 17-19.  This is your 20th anniversary year! 

Our theme this year is Off the Charts. We’re celebrating the 150^th Anniversary of the School of Music with many music themed events.  Join us Friday night for the Green Carpet Gala Concert & Reception at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts. On Saturday morning, the Titan Pep Band Alumni Reunion will take place on the Quad while you enjoy the free Pancake & Sausage Breakfast. Saturday night, join us in the Young Main Lounge for Club Tommy. Check the brochure orwww.titanpride.org for more details. Please register soon!

I look forward to seeing you at Homecoming or another alumni event very soon!

Ah, the Wesleyana. That IWU record of hair styles, clothing trends, and young adults posing for the camera.  Do you still have your copies of the Wesleyana?  The Ames Library has archived many years of the Wesleyana online for alumni, students and others to enjoy. Here’s just one of hundreds of pictures available to view from our years at IWU.

Bloomington-Normal (BloNo) took the 38th spot in the recently released

Top 50 Best College Towns in America list published by at Best College Reviews. The site ranks cities and towns with colleges based on their evaluation of livability, student-to-resident ratio. cultural offerings, school presence, and large employers.

Best College Reviews describes BloNo as, “home to Illinois Wesleyan University and Illinois State University. Through Illinois State University, a number of cultural offerings, sports events, and businesses catering to student nightlife are present. Large employers like State Farm Insurance, Mitsubishi, and Country Financial, coupled with a low cost of living make Bloomington a great location for young college town seekers.”

Hot off the presses from IWU’s University Advancement Office:

More than 5,000 alumni showed their support by making a gift to IWU in fiscal year 2014! And for the second year straight, Illinois Wesleyan alumni have grown our alumni giving percentage. We are now at 23%! THANK YOU for doing your part to keep IWU strong.

Mark your calendars NOW for IWU’s annual homecoming festivities on Oct. 17-19, 2014!  This weekend is sure to be off the charts and a good time for all! More details to come!

After 26 years at IWU, Ann Harding retired in June 2014. Harding held the title of Director of Alumni Relations at her retirement. However, most 1994 grads will remember her tireless service to students as Internship Coordinator and as Assistant Director of the Career Center during our time at IWU. Read the official IWU release regarding Ann’s retirement. She will be missed!