Gary Hohbein ’98

Gary Hohbein ’98 penned Barney, a story about the philosophy of technology and the arrival of robots in our homes. Uncle John , who lives a hermit-like lifestyle in his log cabin with only his dog Barney, becomes the subjects of a technology experiment one day when a first-generation social robot mysteriously appears in his backyard. His indifference turns philosophical as he realizes its capabilities as not only a replacement for performing daily activities but as a threat to reflective thought and what makes him human. As the experimenters become impatient, John’s reflections turn to rage and a plot for revenge. Barney is available on Amazon.

Laura Warren ’98

Laura Warren ’98 was part of a Sports career panel on March 10, 2021, which gave insight for students interested in working in the sports industry. Our versatile alumni panelists have worked with the Chicago Bulls, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Fire, and more.

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.

Shannon McManimon ’98

Shannon McManimon has two new books. She is co-author (with Zachary A. Casey) of Building Pedagogues: White Practicing Teachers and the Struggle for Antiracist Work in Schools (SUNY Press, 2020) and co-editor of Whiteness at the Table: Antiracism, Racism, and Identity in Education (Rowman & Littlefield, 2018), for which she also co-authored two chapters.

Whiteness at the Table examines whiteness in the lived experiences of young children, family members, students, teachers, and school administrators. It focuses on racism and antiracism within the context of relationships. Its authors argue that we cannot read or understand whiteness as a phenomenon without attending to the everyday complexities and conflicts of white people’s lives. Whiteness at the Table is to persuade white people of their moral and political responsibility to bring whiteness—as an explicit topic, as perhaps the most important problem to be solved at this historical moment—to the table.
Pedagogues details a two-year critical teacher learning seminar called “RaceWork,” facilitated by Zachary A. Casey and Shannon K. McManimon, both white teacher educators, working with eight white K12 teachers committed to advancing antiracism in their classrooms, schools, and communities. Drawing on interviews, field notes, teacher reflections, and classroom observations, Building Pedagogues details the program’s theoretical and pedagogical foundations; a unique tripartite approach to race and racism at personal, local, and structural levels; learnings, strategies, and practical interventions that emerged from the program; and the challenges and resistance these teachers faced.
Congratulations, Shannon, on your work!

Hi everyone!

Hi Class of ’98 friends. Hoping this post finds you and your loved ones healthy and safe. It’s hard to believe we’ve been sheltering-in-place since mid-March. If you’d like to share any updates or news, we’d love to hear from you!

If you’re mainly at home, check out one of the recent Titan Talks that have been taking place weekly. You can find recorded webinars here.

Here is an article of a few alumni who are providing leadership in the COVID-19 global response. Thank you to all!

Take care, everyone, and hope to hear from you soon!

Sarah