Patrick Hanlon ’02

Patrick Hanlon ’02 died Dec. 29, 2021 in Chicago. He was 41. Patrick majored in business administration and was a member of Sigma Chi, as well as Illinois Wesleyan’s baseball and football teams. Patrick was a performer, whether it be on athletic fields or courts, playing musical instruments, singing, acting, dancing, songwriting or cracking jokes; he was truly at his best when entertaining others. His musical talents were on full display as the lead singer and songwriter for the band Patrick ’n Swayze, a popular band in college towns throughout Central Illinois. Patrick was able to connect with people from all walks of life, either on stage or through his career in sales. Patrick was always his happiest while surrounded by those he loved and who loved him back. He is survived by his parents, two brothers, including Sean Hanlon ’00, two sons, his former wife, two nieces and a nephew. See his full obituary here.

Professor Elizabeth (Susie) Balser

We are very sorry to inform you that Professor Elizabeth (Susie) Balser,  faculty member in Biology for more than 20 years, passed away last month following an extended illness. Susie was recognized as an expert on the anatomy of echinoderms. Her passion for invertebrate animals inspired the creation of three new courses at IWU. Both as an instructor and as a research mentor, Susie challenged students to carefully study the natural world and make their own discoveries.