Jessica Pearce ’09

Jessica Pearce ’09 has received the Doctor of Musical Art Degree in Horn Performance and Literature from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign this past December.

During her career, Dr. Pearce has been the principal horn of the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Orchestra, Assistant Principal of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra and guest principal of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra. She has also appeared with regional symphonies in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Iowa.  Before working on her doctorate, she was the horn instructor at the Metropolis School of the Performing Arts in Arlington Heights and at Lake Zurich School District #95.  She is currently adjunct instructor of French horn at both Eastern Illinois University in Charleston and at Illinois Wesleyan University.

Congratulations, Jessica!

Emeritus Associate Professor of Economics Robert (Bob) Leekley

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.