Esther Franco-Payne ’96

Esther Franco-Payne ’96 was appointed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to the Adult Use Cannabis Health Advisory Committee. Esther is the executive director of the Cabrini Green Legal Aid and previously served as the deputy director of the Illinois Justice Project.

Chris Simich

25 years ago (1996): Chris Simich hoisted the Illinois Wesleyan basketball team on his broad shoulders and carried the Titans to an electrifying 73-67 victory over Hanover College in a Midwest Region game of the NCAA Division III Tournament. Simich scored 11 of his 25 points in the final 5:55 of the game.

Faizal Chaudhury ’96

Faizal Chaudhury joined the advisory board of the Council on American-Islamic Relations Philadelphia Chapter. The CAIR is the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in the nation. Faizal is the vice president of customer centricity with Sallie Mae, where he is responsible for leading the organization-wide initiative to improve customer experience, loyalty, and advocacy. In addition to his service at CAIR-Philadelphia, Faizal serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Islamic Society of Delaware and the Delaware Interfaith Power and Light.

Kim (Norton) Bankston ’96

Kim (Norton) Bankston ’96 was one of five finalists in the “Best Primary Care Provider” category in The Pantagraph’s “Best of Reader’s Choice Awards.” Kim is a family nurse practitioner at Bloomington (Ill.) Primary Care. Congratulations!

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.