Titans in the News
The Pantagraph
Dec. 12, 2024
Jeff Lynch '96 will move into the role of executive vice president of retail business at Growmark, overseeing the company's eight retail divisions.
News UK
Dec. 11, 2024
Associate Professor of Psychology Amanda Vicary spoke about the phenomenon of people feeling attracted towards criminals, specifically in the case of Luigi Mangione. Vicary gave similar insights in an interview with Newsweek.
MSN
Dec. 11, 2024
Professor of Political Science Greg Shaw explained that the mix of private and public governance in the U.S. health care system is distinctive by being from the only developed economy that does not guarantee health care as a right.
The Dead Pixels Society
Dec. 3, 2024
Stephanie Hayes '03 was appointed executive director of School Photographers of America.
College Sports Communicators
Dec. 3, 2024
Illinois Wesleyan assistant directors of athletic communications Taiah Gallisath and Meredith Mahoney were honored as members of the College Sports Communicators’ 30 Under 30 Class of 2024.
The Pantagraph
Dec. 3, 2024
Several Titans were involved in production of this year's Holiday Spectacular show, including Andy Kreiss '86, Nancy Steele Brokaw '71, Emeritus Assistant Professor of Voice Bob Mangialardi, Cindy Myers '80, Marketing Coordinator Emily Houston; and Digital and Graphic Designer Cailin Hall.
WGLT Radio
Dec. 1, 2024
Illinois Wesleyan Men’s Basketball Coach Ron Rose '88 officiated his son's wedding on Nov. 24 at Evelyn Chapel.
Filmfare.com
Nov. 23, 2024
Lisa Mishra '15 reflects on her journey leading to an acting role in comedy drama series "Call Me Bae" and the release of her debut album "Sorry I'm Late."
WGLT Radio
Nov. 22, 2024
One of Illinois Wesleyan's founding theatre professors John Ficca is remembered by alumni as tough but encouraging. He passed away on Nov. 20 at age 95.
WGLT Radio
Nov. 20, 2024
Heartland Community College hosted an event honoring veterans, including Art Leach '42 who served in World War II after graduating from IWU.
The Pantagraph
Nov. 16, 2024
IWU students joined the Stay Another Day 5K race in Normal on Saturday, Nov. 16, to raise money for suicide prevention and awareness.
WGN TV
Nov. 15, 2024
Landis Wiedner '06 was featured on Chicago's WGN Morning Show to discuss her podcast "What the EF," which serves as a supportive resource for people with epilepsy.
WGLT Radio
Nov. 14, 2024
Retiring football coach Norm Eash '75 reflected on his time at IWU while preparing for the final game of his career on Saturday, Nov. 16. Also reported by The Pantagraph and WMBD TV.
Broadway World
Nov. 12, 2024
Ryan Domalewski '24 will star as Charlie Brown during the Jan. 15-26, 2025, musical presentation of "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" at Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan, New Jersey.
The Pantagraph
Nov. 11, 2024
After 38 years coaching football at his alma mater, Norm Eash '75 is retiring from his IWU post. Also reported by WGLT Radio and WEEK TV.
WEEK TV
Nov. 6, 2024
Political Science Professor Tari Renner joined other experts to discuss voter turnout in the Presidential election.
WGLT Radio
Nov. 1, 2024
Illinois Wesleyan and Chestnut Health Systems in Bloomington are receiving federal funding to improve mental health and substance use disorder programs.
NPR Illinois
Oct. 31, 2024
Emeritus Assistant Professor of Voice and former Director of Opera Theatre Robert R. Mangialardi will perform in an upcoming Illinois Symphony Orchestra concert titled "Paris Impressions" in Springfield.
Canvas Rebel Magazine
Oct. 31, 2024
Professional animal photographer Larry Johnson '73 talks about his photography journey and inspiration.
Farm Week Now
Oct. 29, 2024
Professor of Political Science Tari Renner gives advice on maintaining relationships and productive communication when people disagree on politics.
WGLT Radio
Oct. 24, 2024
Cheryl Eash '76, wife of IWU football coach Norm Eash '75, shared a glimpse into the life of the "first ladies" of Bloomington-Normal's college football scene.
WGLT Radio
Oct. 23, 2024
Alan Beaman '95, who was exonerated after serving 12 years in prison for a wrongful murder conviction, shared his experiences and his work to prevent what happened to him from happening to anyone else.
WGLT Radio
Oct. 22, 2024
Toastmasters is celebrating 100 years as a public speaking association back to its founding by Ralph Smedley, who graduated from IWU in 1903.
The Pantagraph
Oct. 20, 2024
President Sheahon Zenger shared his enthusiasm after his first 100 days in the role at Illinois Wesleyan.
The Pantagraph
Oct. 7, 2024
Marissa Hagler '25 discussed how she turned her mental health journey into a successful podcast and brand.
The Pantagraph
Oct. 5, 2024
Illinois Wesleyan students and alumni shared their campus experiences and fondness for the University during Homecoming celebrations.
The Pantagraph
Oct. 3, 2024
Director of Student Involvement Tyler Manning and Director of Alumni Engagement Olivia Ruff '19 gave a preview of what to expect during IWU's Homecoming and Family Weekend Oct. 4-6.
WGLT Radio
Oct. 2, 2024
IWU President Sheahon Zenger spoke of the challenges and joys in the world of higher education during his first semester on campus.
WGLT Radio
Sept. 25, 2024
The IWU School of Theatre kicked off the 2024-25 season with a performance of Paul Slade Smith's political Satire "The Outsider," directed by Melanie Keller '97. Also covered by The Pantagraph.
KLAS-TV (Las Vegas)
Sept. 20, 2024
School of Music alumni Sam Villano ’20 and Arianna Villano ’22 are co-founders of Doorstep Music Lessons, Nevada’s largest in-home music school, which recently reached 200 active students and was featured on "What's Cool at School?"
WGLT Radio
Sept. 18, 2024
Illinois Wesleyan partnered with Destihl Brewery in Normal to launch a custom beer named "IWU Brew," pronounced "i-woo brew." The drink will debut for Titan fans during homecoming celebrations. Additional coverage by The Pantagraph.
WBEZ Radio (Chicago)
Sept. 17, 2024
Lavon Robinson '09 shares his experience as a high school counselor in Chicago, and how the changes to FAFSA last year created a stressful environment for students pursuing higher education.
The Pantagraph
Sept. 13, 2024
Enrollment numbers at IWU are the second highest in a decade, thanks in part to a pilot program for the direct admission initiative for local high school students.
WEEK TV
Sept. 13, 2024
Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Kasey Evans '12 spoke of the University's efforts to keep local students in the community through a new direct admissions program. Additional coverage by WMBD TV and WJBC Radio.
Deadline News (Scotland)
Sept. 11, 2024
Scott Zeller '82 will visit Scotland to help the country improve its emergency behavioral health system by opening EmPATH units — a therapeutic setting for psychiatric patient care in emergency rooms created by Zeller.
KXAN TV (Texas)
Sept. 5, 2024
Debra Stroud '90 will step into the president and CEO roles of Wataburger in 2025.
HoopDirt
Sept. 5, 2024
Michelle Gardner-Bilek '13 was named the new head women's basketball coach for University of Chicago.
WGLT Radio
Sept. 3, 2024
Political Science Professor Greg Shaw offered media literacy tips ahead of the November presidential election.
The Saline Courier (Ark.)
Aug. 23, 2024
Zachary Silver '18, a canine cognition specialist at Occidental College, explained how researchers are working to determine if dogs feel emotions like shame or jealousy.
WMBD TV
Aug. 22, 2024
New students joined the tradition of chalking their goals for college and beyond on the sidewalk around Aspiration Fountain during Turning Titan.
The Pantagraph
Aug. 21, 2024
Incoming students and their families said they were relieved to receive help and support during the move-in process when they arrived on campus last week.
The Pantagraph
Aug. 19, 2024
Updated plans for The Petrick Idea Center, featuring a 15,000 square foot space adjoining the Ames School of Art & Design, were shared by director of the center, John Quarton. Also reported by WGLT.
WMBD TV
Aug. 18, 2024
Niall Mulcahy '15 said he fell in love with the community after attending IWU, and chose to stay and serve as head coach of the Bloomington High School football team.
The Pantagraph
Aug. 18, 2024
Former President S. Georgia Nugent shared her top five favorite local restaurants before bidding farewell to the community last month.
The Pantagraph
Aug. 17, 2024
Bryce Hess '25 contributed to the renewal of the Barbers with Books program through the West Bloomington Revitalization Project.
Los Angeles Times
Aug. 9, 2024
Author TJ Newman '06 recently published her third novel "Worst Case Scenario," which comes after her first two novels led to bidding wars between Hollywood filmmakers. Newman was also featured for her latest release in Esquire and USA Today.
The Pantagraph
Aug. 9, 2024
Members of the Grandview Chamber Music Society in Bloomington, including Steve Vogel '68, meet weekly to share an enthusiasm for string music.
WGLT Radio
Aug. 9, 2024
Marissa Hagler '25 spoke of her experience producing a successful mental health podcast "Hurdling Through Hard Times."
Delaware Live
Aug. 7, 2024
Steve Tague '81 was named producing artistic director of the Resident Ensemble Players at the University of Delaware and chair of the theatre and dance department.
WMBD TV
Aug. 5, 2024
Director of Financial Aid Scott Seibring '85 added to the conversation about how universities are ready for students despite delays with FAFSA.
FOX 4 - Florida
July 25, 2024
Associate Professor of Business Amanda Vicary, whose research specialty is social psychology, explains the psychology behind people being attracted to convicted murderers.
Wiscasett Newspaper - Maine
July 25, 2024
Ruth Monsell '68 will give a talk about a biography she authored, “Frances Perkins: Champion of American Workers.” Under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Perkins was the first female cabinet member and Secretary of Labor for 12 years.
WGLT Radio
July 24, 2024
Young participants in Illinois Wesleyan's Chamber Music Festival experienced movement workshops to learn the art of miming music.
WMBD TV
July 23, 2024
Professor of Political Science Tari Renner spoke on recent developments in the presidential race as the Democratic National Convention in Chicago approaches.
WEEK TV
July 22, 2024
Bryce Hess '25 and Tre’von Moore '25 collaborated with Bloomington Normal Barber College and the West Bloomington Revitalization Project to restructure and reintroduce the Barbers with Books program.
Boston 10 TV
July 19, 2024
Daniel George '12, a software engineer formerly with Microsoft, was interviewed while traveling during the global Crowdstrike IT outage on July 19.
WJBC Radio
July 12, 2024
IWU Board of Trustees Member and Illinois Manufacturing Association President/CEO Mark Denzler '93 said Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler and Dodge, plans to reopen a shuttered plant in Illinois after receiving federal funding to build electric vehicles.
WGN Chicago
June 25, 2024
Head of Community Affairs at Amazon Chicago Sarah Glavin '01 spoke about career paths and education support offered through Amazon.
Jacksonville Journal-Courier
June 22, 2024
Morgan Pirkle '21 graduated in May alongside her best friend Hannah Jackson with juris doctorate degrees from the University of Missouri School of Law in Columbia, Missouri.
The Pantagraph
June 18, 2024
Illinois Wesleyan is offering three new majors this fall in criminology, supply chain management and communication, and one new certificate in dance. Also reported by WGLT Radio, WJBC Radio and WEEK TV.
WCIA TV
June 12, 2024
The Monticello Railway Museum, which partly owes its establishment to a group of Illinois Wesleyan students with a passion for the railroad in the 1960s, remains a major attraction in Piatt County.
WAND TV
May 31, 2024
Olivia Lett '12 was named the head women's basketball coach for University of Illinois Springfield. As a student athlete, she helped lead the IWU women's basketball team to the 2012 NCAA Division III National Championship.
WMBD TV
May 29, 2024
Digital Scholarship Librarian Abby Mann appeared as a contestant on Jeopardy for two episodes last month, using her knowledge of the fine arts and humanities to win the first round. Also reported by WEEK TV and WGLT Radio.
WGLT Radio
May 21, 2024
Itzel Mendoza '24 and Samantha Wilcox '24 were involved in IWU's Women in Politics as students and were recently featured on
a podcast episode of Democracy Now, exploring the role women play in politics in the
U.S.
New York Post
May 12, 2024
Visiting Instructor in the School of Music Scott Whitman took part in a prank that went viral at Richwoods High School in Peoria, where the senior class hired him to follow the principal around the school for an hour while playing the bagpipes. Also reported by WMBD TV, WEEK TV, USA Today, Fox News and The Peoria Journal Star.
WGLT Radio
May 10, 2024
Through a collection of poetry, Cathy Gilbert '05 shares her experience becoming a mother to twins while caring for her own dying mother.
The Auburn Citizen - New York
May 7, 2024
Co-founder of Cayuga Climate Action Dominic Gambaiani '19 recently convinced the city council of Auburn, New York, to pass a resolution supporting deconstruction and reuse of building materials rather than sending demolition waste to a landfill.
WMBD TV
May 6, 2024
IWU's head baseball coach Dennis Martel reflects on nearly 40 years of coaching. Martel is retiring at the end of the season.
The Pantagraph
May 5, 2024
New Titan graduates and their families reminisced about their time at Illinois Wesleyan during the 2024 commencement ceremony on Sunday.
WGLT Radio
May 2, 2024
The cast of "Treble Trouble" with Prairie Fire Theatre is made up of IWU music and theatre students, with a script written by Nancy Steele Brokaw '71. The group performs the children's opera at more than 40 schools in Central Illinois.
The News-Gazette
April 28, 2024
Alexis Dorsey '22 won the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon women’s race in Champaign on April 27.
GreatNews.Life - Indiana
April 25
Ryan Misek '07 was named vice president of medical affairs for Franciscan Health Crown Point hospital in Crown Point, Indiana, on April 1.
WMBD TV
April 23
Illinois Wesleyan received two grants from The Illinois Prairie Community Foundation, benefitting the 2024 Illinois Chamber Music Festival and Camp at IWU and the 50th Annual Illinois Wesleyan Jazz Festival in 2025.
WGLT Radio
April 18, 2024
For A Better Tomorrow partnered with IWU to host the first STEAM Olympics on campus April 19-20.
WMBD TV
April 16, 2024
Illinois Wesleyan University raised more than $2.7 million during the All In campaign, breaking fundraising totals for the second year in a row. Also reported by WGLT Radio, The Pantagraph and WJBC Radio.
WGLT Radio
April 10, 2024
Sheahon J. Zenger was introduced as the next president at Illinois Wesleyan University during an all-campus event on April 10. Also reported by The Pantagraph, WEEK TV, WMBD TV, WJBC Radio.
The Pantagraph
April 10, 2024
The production and performance of the School of Theatre Arts "The Scarlet Pimpernel" was described as a swashbuckling action-adventure musical that highlights the talent at IWU.
Time Magazine
April 5, 2024
Professor of History Michael B. Young discusses the controversial 1625 death of King James I, featured in the new Starz historical series "Mary & George."
The Pantagraph
April 4, 2024
The annual fundraising campaign All In for Wesleyan will take place Tuesday, April 9, at IWU with a theme of "Give Green."
The Pantagraph
March 31, 2024
President S. Georgia Nugent was highlighted in a story honoring local trailblazers in honor of Women's History Month.
Elle Magazine
March 19, 2024
Ongoing research by Department Chair and Associate Professor of Psychology Amanda Vicary was featured in an article about women's interest in true crime stories.
WGLT Radio
March 15, 2024
Retired Chief Circuit Judge Beth Robb '78 was featured for Women's History Month regarding her contributions to the law landscape of Bloomington-Normal and beyond.
Daily Helmsman - Tennessee
March 14, 2024
Pianist Awadagin Pratt, who delivered the 2012 IWU Commencement address and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree, spoke about his passion for promoting equality.
The Pantagraph
March 7, 2024
For A Better Tomorrow and Illinois Wesleyan University have announced a partnership to bring the first STEAM Olympics to McLean County in April.
Multi-Housing News
March 1, 2024
To honor Women's History Month, Vice President of Public Partnerships for Evergreen Real Estate Group Jewell Walton '00 was featured for her efforts to create equitable solutions in affordable housing.
The Pantagraph
Feb. 24, 2024
Nearly 80 IWU student athletes participated in the Polar Plunge at Miller Park Lake in Bloomington for Special Olympics Illinois.
Smile Politely - Champaign-Urbana
Feb. 22, 2024
Director of Jazz Reginald Lewis discusses his musical journey from performer to professor.
The Pantagraph
Feb. 22, 2024
Nancy Steele Brokaw '71 reviewed "The Wolves," the latest production from Illinois Wesleyan's School of Theatre Arts, as a tale of team unity and growth.
WGLT Radio
Feb. 18, 2024
Opera performer Jack Waddell '63 spoke on a panel at a Black History Month event at the McLean County Museum of History titled, "A Historical Account of African American Musicians and Safe Spaces in Bloomington."
WGLT Radio
Feb. 16, 2024
Director of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences Amber Kujath '97 explained how IWU's pass rate for nursing students completing the national licensing exam improved by 20% from last year.
The State Journal-Register
Feb. 15, 2024
Preschool teacher Jennifer Ghesquiere Deaner '92 was unanimously approved to fill a vacant spot on the Sangamon County Board.
WGLT Radio
Feb. 14, 2024
The latest production by the IWU School of Theatre Arts, "The Wolves," serves as a coming-of-age story about a group of high school girls who share life experiences at weekly soccer practice.
The Pantagraph
Feb. 11, 2024
Michael Melick '02 is the board president of The Project XV Museum in El Paso, Illinois. The museum, which is still being developed, will tell the story of Illinois' first Black voter David Strother. It will be the state's first voting rights museum.
The Pantagraph
Feb. 10, 2024
The Black Student Union is hosting several events on campus in honor of Black History Month, and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion will host the 6th annual Unity Gala on March 2.
Sports Illustrated
Feb. 6, 2024
Tim Kelly, who began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at IWU in 2008, was named as the new tight ends coach for the New York Giants.
The Pantagraph
Feb. 5, 2024
Brandon Grant '03 was selected to serve as lead pastor at Eastview Christian Church in Normal beginning July 1.
WGLT Radio
Jan. 26, 2024
Lyle Day, who served 20 years as a volunteer assistant softball coach at IWU, passed away on Jan. 18. Head softball coach Tiffany Prager and assistant coach Rachel Shipley recalled his kindness and support.
WEEK TV
Jan. 25, 2024
Mike Mayo '02 and his brother Bob opened Wendy Puff Pizzeria and Pub in Eureka.
WEEK TV
Jan. 25, 2024
Music education major Maia Hawksworth '26 attended the 2024 Illinois Music Education Conference in Peoria. She shared her goals of becoming a choir teacher and theatre music director.
WGLT Radio
Jan. 24, 2024
Barbara Galindo will spend time as a scholar in residence at IWU from Feb 7-10, where she will deliver a community lecture, introduce a documentary film screening and lead a master class. She is currently an American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) Postdoctoral Fellow in Race, Ethnicity and Indigeneity at the Institute for Research in the Humanities at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
WGLT Radio
Jan. 23, 2024
Illinois Wesleyan is among 45 not-for-profit colleges and universities in Illinois receiving state equity funding for infrastructure projects from the Illinois Board of Higher Education. IWU will receive more than $5 million. Also reported by WJBC Radio and WEEK-TV.
The Pantagraph
Jan. 18, 2024
IWU baseball coach Dennis Martel has announced he will retire at the end of the 2024 season after 38 years with Titan athletics.
WEEK-TV
Jan. 15, 2024
Illinois Wesleyan hosted the 34th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Holiday Gospel Festival.
The Pantagraph
Jan. 12, 2024
Illinois Wesleyan Director of Financial Aid Scott Seibring '85 shared how his office is helping families navigate recent changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Also reported by WEEK TV.
WGLT Radio
Jan. 12, 2024
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech from his 1966 visit to Illinois Wesleyan will be played at 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 15 on 89.1 FM WGLT. A transcription of the speech and audio is also available here.
WGLT Radio
Jan. 11, 2024
Director of the IWU jazz program Reginald Lewis performed in a recent series at downtown Bloomington's Jazz UpFront titled Straight Ahead Sundays.
WGLT Radio
Jan. 4, 2024
Illinois Wesleyan is among state employers implementing the Paid Leave for All Workers Act. IWU employees will receive an additional 40 hours of paid time off in addition to regular sick and vacation time through the new law.
The Pantagraph
Jan. 4, 2024
Illinois Wesleyan will host the 34th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Holiday Gospel Festival in Presser Hall at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 15.