After decades of service to Illinois Wesleyan, Ann Harding retired this month as director of Alumni Relations. Read more on IWU’s website.
Author Archives: Sarah (Zeller) Julian
Kate Tombaugh ’07
Streator, Ill., native Kate Tombaugh, who has performed at Carnegie Hall, will be featured in the “Good Old Summertime Series” in her hometown, the Ottawa, Ill., Times reported.
The show takes place June 21. Get all the details in the article, or check out Kate’s website.
Participate in IWU’s Summer Reading Program
Join the new academic tradition known as the Summer Reading Program. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni are reading The Madonnas of Echo Park by Brando Skyhorse.
- If you would like to participate in an alumni-only book discussion group in Bloomington, Chicago, or Washington, D.C., please register or contact your area Alumni Regional President directly.
- RSVP for the campus book discussion group on Friday, Aug. 20, 6-8 p.m.
- On Wednesday, Sept. 3, the author will discuss his book at the President’s Convocation at 11 a.m. at Westbrook Auditorium in IWU’s Presser Hall.
Bryonha Marie Parham ’07
Bryonha Marie Parham is currently in the hit Broadway show “After Midnight.” The show stars Dule Hill and a revolving female star — currently that star is Patti LaBelle. Upcoming stars include Gladys Knight and Natalie Cole.
Ryan Misek ’07
Ryan Misek, an emergency medicine physician, was featured on an episode of TLC’s Untold Stories of the ER this past October. The show depicts real-life trips to the emergency room, reenacting unusual experiences that take place at hospitals around the country. In the episode, Ryan treats a belly dancer who collapsed at a hookah bar — and ended up with a more dangerous diagnosis than the drug overdose medical staff originally suspected. “I really enjoyed being featured on the show. It was great to share some of the work I do every day while also getting to experience being a part of a television production,” Ryan wrote.
The experience was so successful, he’ll be filming another episode this summer. Ryan, who’s currently chief resident at his hospital, continues to work in the Chicago area and has one year left of his emergency medicine residency.
Amanda ReCupido ’07
Amanda ReCupido is publicity manager at Goodman Theatre. Goodman is Chicago’s oldest and largest not-for-profit theatre and a recipient of the Special Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre.
Melissa (Finch) Kummer ’07
Melissa (Finch) Kummer and her husband Jacob welcomed baby Jackson Thomas on May 1. Congratulations on your Tiny Titan!
Melissa works as a school psychologist at Putnam County School District in Jacksonville, Fla.
Nicky Hawthorne ’07
Musical theatre major Nicky Hawthorne (Nicole Schuenke) has been busy lately. Check her out on IMDb for all the details:
- She co-wrote, is a producer on and has a supporting role in “The Tank,” a film that will open in theaters this fall. Her scenes include actors Jack Davenport and Brad Henke.
- This fall, she’ll start shooting for “Hotel 33,” in which she plays a supporting role. The movie hits theaters next spring.
- She has a role in “Moms’ Night Out,” which arrives in theaters on Friday, May 9.
- Her recent national commercial roles include a currently running Applebee’s spot, a December 2013 Petco commercial, and voice-over campaigns for Target, Best Buy and Rosetta Stone.
Melissa (Koeppen) Costello ’07
Melissa (Koeppen) Costello and Patrick Costello welcomed baby Ella Ann Costello on March 28. Congratulations!
Matt Majernik ’07
Matt and Liz Majernik welcomed Gannon Dwight Majernik at 7:37 a.m. on April 28. Congratulations!