Caroline Leighton ’09 graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in May 2022, receiving a Master of Education degree in Curriculum & Instruction, focusing on Mathematics, Science, & Engineering Education and earning Phi Kappa Phi honors in the process. Caroline continues teaching mathematics at Urbana High School, where she began her teaching career upon graduation from IWU and has served in various leadership roles over the years.
Carissa Nemmers ’09 and Maurits Olsson welcomed their new baby girl, Etta Ann, into the world on April 6th, 2022.
Margaret Kane ’09 and Patrick LaClair welcomed Juniper Mae LaClair-Kane to the world on July 3, 2022. Congratulations to them!
Jessica Block ’09 married Brian Ervin in Chicago, IL, on March 12, 2022. Alumnae Ann Erickson ’08 and Katie Greenock ’06 were members of the wedding party. Congratulations!
In the past two years we’ve witnessed the Titan community come together in new ways to share stories, expertise, and friendship. However, we have long awaited the chance to welcome you back to campus for a true Illinois Wesleyan Homecoming! We look forward to sharing a meal, a drink, and a story with all of you in person, September 23-25, 2022.
Click here for a full schedule of events and to register.
Kristin (Siegfried) Ballenger ’09 is a maker and restorer of violins, violas, and cellos. She has recently had instruments in the Celebrating Women Luthiers Exhibit in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Burlington, Vermont. In November, she will have three instruments featured at the Anaheim 2022 Competition and Convention of the Violin Society of America. As well as her new making, she does fine instrument restoration for Reuning and Son Violins in Boston.
Morris ’75 and Linda (Brown) ’76 Tammen are using their retirement years to launch a new business with two of their children, Katrina Tammen Reber ’05 and Evan Tammen ’09. Artesia Brewing, located on their farm outside of Thawville, Illinois, opened its doors last fall and features varieties of hard cider, mead, and beer made with the fruits and honey from their farm.
“Two of our bestselling beers are named after a special IWU memory that my husband and I share,” Linda recently said. “I am sure I have told customers the story at least 50 times since we opened last fall. It always gets such a great reaction.”
Learn more here.
Thure Ross ’09 and Laura Ross ’09 had a baby girl, Allison Shirley Ross, on February 21, 2022. Congrats on the Tiny Titan!
Aimee Rieger ’09 and Jeremy St. John welcomed their daughter Mara Lorraine St. John on November 2, 2021. Congrats on the Tiny Titan!
Carissa Nemmers ’09 married Maurits Olsson in an intimate ceremony on August 4, 2020 in White Salmon, Washington. They celebrated with family, friends and fellow IWU alumni on June 26, 2021 in Dubuque, Iowa. Congratulations!
