Dr. Ebony Murrell ’02 gave a talk on March 23rd, “New Roots for Fallowed Ground: Developing Sustainable Perennial Grains Agriculture.” Murrell, a Crop Protection Ecologist at The Land Institute, provided an overview of the research conducted by the Land Institute and global partners on perennial grains systems.
Megan Neely ’02 was named the new Chief of Primary Care Service at Marion VA Health Care System. Read the full Southern Illinoisian Article here.
Lifelong friends Scott Collins ’02 and Kosha (Baxi) Carstens ’02 have stayed in touch since their shared college days. This July 2023, Carstens will be joining Collins’ high school biology class as they take a nine-day trip to do original research and conservation work on the Galápagos Islands. Read the full IWU article here.
L. J. Hachmeister ’02 has created a new book called Instinct, an anthology that features stories from bestselling authors about how animals rescue us in the realm of science fiction/fantasy. The anthology is a prequel to a longer series that involves the life of a nurse on a medical mercy mission in space. The book releases March 7, 2023 and 70% of book sale profits go to rescuing animals via Lifeline Puppy Rescue. To read more about the book, check it out here. Congratulations L.J!
Mark Ordonez ’02 started in September as the Director of Information Systems & Security with Honest Game, a Chicago startup helping to empower student-athletes with a personalized College Athletic Pathway. Congrats, Mark!
Erika (Kamholz) Briesacher ’02 has a new book that is being published with Lexington Books on December 15, 2022. The book is called Festival, Culture, and Identity in Lübeck: Nordic Days, 1920-1960. You can read more about the book here. Congratulations Erika!
In the past two years we’ve witnessed the Titan community come together in new ways to share stories, expertise, and friendship. However, we have long awaited the chance to welcome you back to campus for a true Illinois Wesleyan Homecoming! We look forward to sharing a meal, a drink, and a story with all of you in person, September 23-25, 2022.
Click here for a full schedule of events and to register.

Sarah Jennings ’02 has recently been named to the Board of Trustees at Olivet College. Congratulations Sarah!
Michael Lupo ’02 has announced a campaign for state representative in Illinois’ 55th District. Read the full article here.
Justin Lee ’02 was the 2021 Illinois High School Association nominee for the National Federation of High Schools Outstanding Music Educator Award. Only one educator may be nominated from each state. Congratulations!