Category Archives: Staff

Evelyn Chapel to House John Wesley Letter

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Illinois Wesleyan University’s Evelyn Chapel (1301 N. Park St., Bloomington) will soon welcome the addition of a valuable and unique artifact: a letter written by John Wesley, founder of the Methodist church and the man for whom the University is named.

The letter, dated Aug. 15, 1766, came to the University by way of a donation from the Rev. and Mrs. Ron and Doris Bogart of Bloomington. Bogart, a member of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference and Methodist Church, has previously exhibited Wesleyana relics on the IWU campus. Over the summer, Bogart contacted University Librarian Karen Schmidt to offer the University the final piece of his personal collection of John Wesley items.

“He felt that it would be well placed here, with our historic connection to the Methodist church, and that we would value and care for it,” said Schmidt. “The letter is remarkably well preserved, and reading it gives you a glimpse into a different time and way of communicating.”

Addressed to a Mrs. Elizabeth Woodhouse on its accompanying envelope, the Wesley letter encourages its recipient in her Christian endeavors and expresses an opinion of the itinerant minister John Standring. This particular letter has not been found in former publications of John Wesley material.

The letter will be displayed in the Chapel along with a portrait of Wesley as a direct connection to the Methodist beginnings of Illinois Wesleyan.

Turner Appointed Director of Academic Advising

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Effective September 2, 2008 Daniel Turner will be the Director of Academic Advising at Illinois Wesleyan University.

Turner, currently the associate director of the Academic Advising Center at Northern Illinois University (NIU) in DeKalb, will report to Illinois Wesleyan’s Associate Provost for Academic Services Roger Schnaitter. While serving as a member of the Academic Affairs Division, Turner’s responsibilities will be to further the quality and coordination of the University’s existing academic advising programs and implement new advising services, in addition to creating an Academic Advising Center. In fulfilling his duties, Turner will work collaboratively with a University advisory group. He will manage the Center’s day-to-day operations, coordinate the University’s existing faculty advising programs and be available to students for drop in academic advising.

As director, Turner will also assist with Illinois Wesleyan’s student retention efforts, participate in the assessment of academic advising, and coordinate academic advising with the Office of Student Affairs, the Study Abroad Office and the Hart Career Center.

Shimizu Appointed Director of International Office

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Stacey Shimizu, who has served as interim director of the International Office at Illinois Wesleyan since the fall of 2006, has been named the office’s director.

IWU Provost and Dean of the Faculty Beth Cunningham announced Shimizu’s appointment, which will be effective immediately.

“Stacey has considerable experience in international study abroad, including serving as assistant to the director of the London Program during the fall of 2003,” said Cunningham. “As acting director, Stacey has completed a review of the IWU London Program, helped administer the implementation of our home-school tuition policy, expanded a program for faculty to receive supplemental funding to review study abroad locations during their international travel, and, as part of the International student Admissions Committee, worked to bring a record 36 new international students to IWU this fall.”

In 1996, Shimizu graduated magna cum laude from Boston University with a bachelor’s degree in English literature. In 1991, she earned a master’s degree in comparative literature from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, where she also received an A.B.D. in the same field of study in 1993. Shimizu has taught in the departments of English at Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, Penn., Gettysburg College and Dickinson College, Penn.

Bradley New Director of Fraternity, Sorority Life and Orientation Services

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Blake Bradley, coordinator of Greek life and student organizations at Arkansas Tech University, has been chosen as the new director of fraternity and sorority life and orientation services at Illinois Wesleyan University. Bradley, who will begin his duties on July 15, succeeds Danielle Kuglin, who has served as director since 2006.

As director of fraternity and sorority life, Bradley will manage the 13 fraternal organizations on campus and serve as primary advisor to the Panhellenic Association, Interfraternity Council, and the Greek honorary organization Order of Omega. Bradley will also be responsible for the coordination of orientation programs for new students and parents through the Office of Orientation Services.

Judy Huff Wins Starkey Award for Service to University

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Judy Huff, the senior office coordinator for Illinois Wesleyan University’s Center for Natural Sciences, has been named the 2008 winner of the University’s Max. L. Starkey Service Award at the 17th annual recognition banquet at Bloomington’s Double Tree Hotel on Wednesday, March 26.

Huff, who has been with Illinois Wesleyan since 1990, helps to support five departments on campus and more than 50 faculty members. She was recognized for tireless dedication and strong work ethic, and is considered a vital resource to both students and faculty members.

The Starkey Award, established in 2001, is presented to a member of the administrative, technical, support, security or physical plant staffs nominated by his or her peers for extraordinary service. The award is named in honor of the late Max Starkey, a 1957 Illinois Wesleyan graduate who was University comptroller from 1957 to 1996.

The banquet recognized members of the IWU community for their work throughout the year and included a special tribute to employees who celebrated milestone anniversaries in five-year increments.

Tips for Dealing with Stress During Finals Week

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — As finals week descends upon Illinois Wesleyan University, students may find themselves struggling with stress. IWU Staff Counselor Bob Rogers offers students some tips on getting through the week.

Set goals and reward yourself:

With projects coming due and multiple tests looming, students can easily lose sight of what is important, said Rogers, who works with the University’s Counseling and Consultation Services. “The best thing a student can do is to plan and organize,” he said, noting students should think about the “the Ps”: prioritize, plan and protect. “Students need to identify what their top priorities are, understand how much each project or test is worth, and make sure they understand what needs to be studied or done,” said Rogers. Creating a plan of attack when it comes to finals can help. “Decide the best time to focus on each topic, and then stick to it and protect that plan,” he said.

When students do meet goals in their plan, Rogers advises them to reward themselves. “If you’ve set a goal of studying for two hours, or finishing typing several pages, then reward yourself,” said Rogers. “Just make sure the goal precedes the reward. Goals should be realistic and achievable and can often give people a much-needed sense of direction.”

Take care of yourself:

It sounds like an easy idea, but during finals week, health is an early casualty, said Rogers. “Sleep is usually one of the first things students sacrifice, which makes studying tougher because it is difficult to function or retain information on limited sleep,” he said.

Though finals week may make the sales of Red Bull rise over the nation, Rogers advises students to watch what they eat and drink. “When students get stressed out, they may find themselves drinking a lot of caffeine to stay awake and study, or skipping meals and then eating a greasy snack late at night,” he said. “Students may think this helps in the short term, but although caffeine and carbs give a quick boost, it is followed by a big crash, which means students will not be feeling their best when they wake up the next morning. Take care of your body – eat well, sleep enough and exercise to burn off excess stress and energy”.

Give yourself space:

When it comes to studying, Rogers suggests a quiet space where students can focus. “Think about where you are studying. Will there be distractions like phone calls or friends stopping by? Or would you be better off in a quiet nook of the library?” he asked.

Cramming for finals may be a time-honored tradition for college students, but Rogers said it may actually cost students valuable study time. “Students who try to cram in a semester’s worth of knowledge in five hours will probably find they have only been able to truly focus for an hour and a half,” said Rogers. “The rest of the time will have been wasted.” Instead, he suggests an hour of studying with short breaks in between. “Give your mind time to process everything, and give your body time to relax,” he said, even if it is just a quick trip for a healthy snack.

Face reality:

One of the toughest things for students to see during finals week is the big picture. “Students are not going to be successful if they exaggerate the situation. You can’t do well if you look at a test and say, ‘If I fail this test, I will not get into graduate school.’ That’s too much pressure for anyone,” said Rogers, who said if students have done well in a class throughout the semester, they will most likely do well on the final. “Worrying and panicking is not helpful, and will only hinder students in their overall goals. Practicing techniques that help you relax is also very important.”

The best defense against panic during finals week is to locate a middle ground. “The key is finding a balance of work, rest and play,” said Rogers. “Try to be happy with a less than perfect performance from yourself. All you can do is your best.”

News page

Three Named ‘20 Under 40’ Connected to IWU

BLOOMINGTON, Ill.— One Illinois Wesleyan staff member and two alumni have been named to the Pantagraph’s 20 Under 40, recognizing accomplished and dedicated individuals in the community under 40 years of age.

“It’s really an honor,” said Deborah Halperin, coordinator of the Action Research Center at Illinois Wesleyan University. Halperin, Brian Beam, vice president and art director of Business Builders, and plastic surgeon Chad Tattini appeared in a special section of the Pantagraph on Sept. 19, and will be celebrated with others chosen as 20 Under 40 at the Community Leaders Breakfast on Nov. 8 at the Doubletree Hotel in Bloomington.

An active volunteer, Halperin was the general coordinator for building of a playground for Washington Elementary School in Bloomington, which raised more than $100,000 and took the work of more than 1,000 volunteers.

Halperin’s dedication to community service, however, reaches past the playground. As president of the board for the Day Care Center of McLean County, she helps to ensure quality childcare for underprivileged youth. She also serves on the board of directors of the Founders’ Grove Neighborhood, where she helps with community assessment efforts.

Giving back is a natural to Halperin, whose position at Illinois Wesleyan helps boost local not-for-profit organizations. At IWU’s Action Research Center, she connects students to internships and research projects at local agencies. “It’s great to be able to match students who are filled with energy and promise to groups who need them,” said Halperin, who has worked with social organizations for more than 15 years. “I understand not-for-profits. I can come in and ask about logic models and strategic plans, and it helps get the best fit for the organizations and the students.”

Illinois Wesleyan Is All About Being ‘Green’

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – As late summer rains turn the Illinois Wesleyan campus literally green with thriving foliage, a contingent of students, faculty and staff are hatching plans to turn the campus still more green in the environmentally friendly sense.

Sixteen representatives of the University attended the biennial Greening of the Campus conference at Ball State University in early September, quite possibly the largest delegation of any of the 173 participating institutions. IWU representatives included members of the Sierra Student Coalition, students and staff from the Office of Residential Life (ORL), and a group of faculty and staff who delivered a presentation, “Integrating Sustainability Into Higher Education at Illinois Wesleyan University,” based on a 2006 campus workshop and its outgrowth in curriculum development and sustainability efforts among participants. “Sustainability,” which reaches beyond environmentalism to social justice and economic concerns, is the concept of meeting the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

While at the conference, IWU representatives agreed to join the Focus the Nation project that will culminate on Jan. 31 with symposia held at universities and other venues throughout the country, centered on collaborative discussion about “Global Warming Solutions for America.”

Director of Institutional Research and Planning, Assistant Provost Named at Illinois Wesleyan

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Michael Thompson, director of institutional research at The College of Wooster in Ohio, has been named assistant provost and the director of institutional research and planning at Illinois Wesleyan University.

Thompson succeeds Mona Gardner, the Adlai H. Rust Professor of Insurance and Finance, who will retire from Illinois Wesleyan at the end of July.

Illinois Wesleyan President Richard F. Wilson announced Thompson’s appointment, which is effective August 1, 2007. “We are delighted that Dr. Thompson will bring his expertise to Illinois Wesleyan,” said Wilson. “His knowledge and leadership skills will be strong assets to the university.”

In his role at Illinois Wesleyan, Thompson will report data to the federal and state governments, provide information to college guidebooks and conduct special data-collection and analysis projects for administrators and university committees. He also will work closely with the university Provost Beth Cunningham, the provost’s staff and the faculty on assessment initiatives.

Thompson earned both his master’s degree in sociology in 1997, and his doctorate in higher and adult education in the Department of Leadership in 2000, from The University of Memphis. He earned his bachelor’s degree in social science from Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tenn., in 1995, and his associate’s degrees in communications media and liberal arts in 1993 from St. Clair County Community College in Port Huron, Mich.

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