Participate in IWU’s Summer Reading Program

brando skyhorse book coverJoin 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.

“Yesterday I performed (for the second time) on the 68th Annual Tony Awards Ceremony at Radio City Music Hall,” Bryonha wrote.
You can read more about Bryonha in this IWU Campus News article.

Bryonha at the show's opening night on Nov. 3, 2013.

Bryonha at the show’s opening night on Nov. 3, 2013.

Bryonha on stage with the jazz trio she performs with in the show.

Bryonha on stage with the jazz trio she performs with in the show.

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.