Last May, Lauren (Hansen) Brancato ’97 received the esteemed Count Basie Award for Best Musical Direction for her school’s production of “The Hello Girls”. Teaching at Trinity Hall High School (an all girls catholic high school) has helped Lauren carry on the theological traditions she valued at IWU and give these amazing young women the opportunity to take on Broadway level material. Lauren found this amazing both as an educator and as a woman empowering women. The story of the show is a true testament to what women can do when they work together! They were the first school in the US to do the show! They also won best musical, best direction, best costume design and best student choreographer. Congrats Lauren!

Deon Hornsby, who co-chairs the Diversity and Inclusion Team at Private Risk Management Association (PRMA), was recognized during the association’s summit in Texas last month and PRMA’s DEI scholarship was renamed in his honor. Congratulations Deon!

Victor Anderson ’97 is now the Director of Bands at West Aurora High School, West Aurora School District #129, Aurora Illinois. Congratulations Victor!

Sara (Russell) Rodriguez ’97 was in attendance at the inauguration of Vickie Folse ’86 as the first female president of Ripon College. She spoke about Folse at the inauguration. “As a fellow nurse and graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University myself, I believe a strong background in nursing provides a unique perspective that allows us to look at problems and find solutions in ways that others might not be able to see,” Rodriguez said. “And you are an asset to any team and a strong leader.” You can read more here.

Gregg Bush ’97 is running for the fifth ward seat for the city council of Columbia, Missouri. Read the Columbia Missourian article here.

Newly elected Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin Sara Rodriguez ’97 credits her experience at Illinois Wesleyan in helping develop her public speaking and writing skills. You can read more here.

Corey Schieler ’97 was chosen as the Chicago Bears Fan of the Year in November 2022 and was sent to Super Bowl 57 in Phoenix, AZ, courtesy of the Chicago Bears and the NFL. Corey was recognized for his volunteer work as a Wish Granter for the Illinois chapter of the Make-A-Wish® foundation, where he has helped grant over 30 wishes. In 2021, Corey was named the Wish Granter of the Year by the Illinois chapter of Make-A-Wish. Congratulations Corey!

Amber S. Kujath ’97 has been selected as the new director of Illinois Wesleyan University’s School of Nursing, effective Jan. 3, 2023. Read the full article here.

Sara Rodriguez ’97 was elected Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin. You can read more here.