We are sad to say that Tanner Springer passed away in Downs, Illinois, July 14, 2021 at the age of 37. Tanner studied computer science and played baseball at Illinois Wesleyan. He worked as a software developer at State Farm for 13 years before transitioning to a job as a software engineer for Enterprise Holdings. He shared his love of sports with his family — especially his sons — cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Bears and Chicago Blackhawks. Tanner also shared his love of sports with the many athletes he mentored as a youth sports coach. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and time with his loyal dogs. But most of all, he enjoyed being a father and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife, three sons, two siblings, grandfather and many extended family members and friends. You can read more in his obituary here.

Emeritus Associate Professor of Economics Robert (Bob) Leekley passed away on Tuesday, Jan.1. Prof. Leekley started teaching at Illinois Wesleyan in 1974, and from his first year to his 44th, his commitment to IWU and our students remained unchanged. His positive impact on generations of students and colleagues will not be forgotten. Read an obituary. A service will be held in the IWU Evelyn Chapel from 11-12 on Wednesday, January 9th.

Illinois Wesleyan is 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.

We are sorry to announce that Damon Banks ’06 passed away on February 20, 2018. You can view his obituary here.

Illinois Wesleyan is saddened to pass along the news of Beth (Janick) Seman’s passing on November 21, 2015.

A link to her obituary can be found here.