By Crystal Person-Tillman

Joshua Daniel Phillips ’02 had no idea his life’s work would turn out to be raising awareness for sexual violence.

As a state champion wrestler at University High School, he was used to balancing a tough academic schedule with a sport and other activities.

“U-High gave us an opportunity to be creative, grow, and try new things,” he said. “I loved the freedom and the trust the teachers gave us. These are unique characteristics of U-High. The people who graduate from there do amazing things. It gave me the courage to try new things and get involved.”

After graduation, he attended Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. It did not take him long to become involved, joining a peer advocacy group that operated a 24-hour rape coun-seling line.

“At first, I didn’t know this issue was so prevalent,” he said. “But after hearing so many people’s stories, I couldn’t help but stay involved.”

And he did, for three years as an undergraduate and two years as a graduate student. Each fall he would go through 60 hours of training and talk about sexual violence with students, organizations, and colleges as far away as Boston.

After graduating in 2006 with bachelor’s degrees in broadcasting and the cinematic arts and world religion, he took a year off and volunteered with Mission Year in Camden, New Jersey, working in home-less shelters and after school programs. He returned to Central Michigan and began his master’s in communication, continuing his work with the peer advocacy group.

He never really made the decision to dedicate his life to the issue of sexual violence, it just hap-pened as he became more passionate

about the cause. After presenta-tions, students would come up to him and share their stories.

“There was no way I could walk away,” he said.

As he was finishing his master’s, he had to figure out his next step.

“Sexual violence is not just a college issue; it’s a social issue. It is an issue that affects lots of people, and people don’t seem to know about it.”

He had heard about four men who walked from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness of sexual violence in 2001. That gave him and his peers an idea.

“We wanted to raise as much awareness as possible. We thought a great way to be visible would be to walk the East Coast. During the walk, people would ask us what

we were doing, and that would generate conversations. On my way out of college, I knew this was the last opportunity to do something big.”

They estimated the trip from Miami to Boston would take approximately 100 days. They started on their 1,800-mile journey in May 2008 and crossed into Boston in July.

“We met a lot of survivors and heard a lot of stories,” he said. “Out of the 85 days, we only pitched our tent five times. On most nights people either took us in or paid for a hotel room.”

When they reached Connecticut, they were invited to stay with Sen. Chris Dodd and his family. The senator made pancakes for them and gave them a free night’s stay at a Boston hotel, complete with massages and fine dining.

After completing the walk and his mas-ter’s degree, a semester later, Phillips found himself unemployed for six months. He decided to write about the stories he had heard, never imagining he would end up with a book but that is what happened.

The message he hopes readers take away is that you do not have to walk the East Coast to make a difference, just look around your community.

“I don’t think what we did was heroic, and I’m not comfortable with that assess-ment,” he said. “What we did was not extraordinary. Somebody else’s way could be to donate to a women’s shelter.”

The book, 1,800 Miles: Striving to End Sexual Violence One Step at a Time, is available at www.joshuadanielphil-lips.com for $16. A portion of the proceeds go to a women’s

Alumni Newsletter

For alumni and friends of

University High School,

College of Education,

Illinois State University

Vol. 15 No. 1 Spring 2010

U-High student dedicates himself to ending sexual violence

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University High School

Alumni AssociationIllinois State University Campus Box 7100 Normal, IL 61790-7100 Phone: (309) 438-8346 Web site: www.uHigh.ilstu.edu E-mail: uHighAlumni@ilstu.edu

Board membersPresidentHerb Todd ’82

President electJenn Riddle Carrel ’02

Past president Mark Messman ’83

SecretaryDianne Deavers Siverly ’81

MarketingSarah Coffer ’81Karen Szabados Mlincsek ’82

Alumni relations coordinatorsBarbara Lichty Blunk ’53

Awards Committee cochairsChris Gramm ’89Catherine Benson McDonald ’95

Database coordinatorYvonne Maxey Hougham ’46

Homecoming cochairsBecky Roderick Ehredt ’73Matt Hartman ’82Libby Etherton McGuire ’89Jill Kagy Tucci ’96

HistorianMarc Feaster ’75

Newsletter editorKathy Coyle Murdoch ’81

Web site coordinatorBob Fitzgerald ’92

PioneerThe

Alumni Newsletter

Volume 15 Number 1, Spring 2010

Published semiannuallyIllinois State UniversityUniversity High SchoolCampus Box 7100Normal, IL 61790-7100

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In many ways, life begins with your fresh-man year in high school. That’s what I told my Pioneer freshman the other day. We were talking about opportunities—those that we have and those that we lose. I was trying to convince him that his years in high school will be among the most important of his life. Life begins when you become a freshman.

Academically, your accomplishments prior to high school are not considered for college admissions. But every non-A you receive in high school shrinks the pool of colleges willing to accept you. In high school, you have the opportunity to catch up and even excel in subjects where you had previously fallen short. You move from rote memorization to developing problem solving skills that will be used throughout your life.

Physically, there is only so much children can do to excel in sports prior to puberty because their bodies limit them. While they can develop good habits and gain experi-ence, their physical changes require that they relearn the skills. High school evens the playing field between kids with little experience and the “stars” from the pee wee leagues.

Emotionally, during high school you move from a child’s world of absolutes to one filled with many shades of gray. High school provides the environment where you begin to shape the attitudes and priori-ties you will have your entire adult life. Of

course you will continue to mature and grow, but the older you get the more diffi-cult it is to change those habits—especially the psychological ones! Developing good habits in high school will serve you well in college and beyond.

Attending U-High is an amazing oppor-tunity. The excellent faculty and robust student body make it a wonderful place to “begin life.” While I hope those years are not the best years of my son’s life, I do hope that they are among the most impor-tant!

As alumni, we owe so much to our experiences at U-High. We have the oppor-tunity to give back to this great institution with three simple gifts: time, talent and treasure.

If you have treasure, please consider financial support—like participating in the Stroud Seat Campaign to help renovate Stroud Auditorium. It is a great way to give back and memorialize your time at U-High.

But there are no greater gifts than shar-ing your time and talent. Consider join-ing an Alumni committee or helping out at next year’s Homecoming celebration. There are so many opportunities to get involved—just contact the U-High Alumni Board and we will do the rest!

Gladly say that you’re from U-High.Uphold her through the years.

With Pioneer Pride, Herb Todd ’82

President’s letter

2011 Summer Mediterranean TourU-High Alumni are invited to join the Lab School communities on the seventh visit to Europe since 1998. The 10-day, all inclusive trip is orchestrated by Education Tours. For information about the itinerary, visit www.eftours.com/ eLiterature/DBD/G/IAB.pdf. The program fee includes:• Round-trip airfare• Seven overnight stays in hotels with

private bathrooms; plus one night ferry accommodations (three nights cabin accommodations with extension)

• European breakfast and dinner daily (three meals daily during cruise exten-sion)

• Full-time EF tour director

• Six sightseeing tours led by licensed local guides: Vatican City, Rome, Capri, Pompeii, Delphi, and Athens

• Two walking tours: Rome and Athens• Eight visits to special attractions:

Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Colosseum, Capri island cruise, Roman ruins at Pompeii Delphi site, Delphi Museum, and Acropolis

Optional: Florence and Greek EveningWith extension: All of the above plus a three-day Greek island cruise with optional excursions offered by the cruise line

Please contact U-High Faculty Associate Jim Kelly at (309) 438-8450 or jmkellyuhs@yahoo.com if you are interested in more information regarding this adventure.

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The Legacy Society for the Illinois State University Laboratory Schools provides recognition and appreciation for those persons who have 1.) established a planned gift in support of the Laboratory Schools, University High School, and/or Thomas Metcalf School or 2.) reach a level of $10,000 or more in cumulative giving, in support of the Laboratory Schools, University High School, and/or Thomas Metcalf School. Membership is for life.

All donors (individuals, couples, fami-lies, corporations, etc.) recognized through The Legacy Society may have their names permanently displayed on plaques placed in prominent locations at both University High School and Thomas Metcalf School. Charter Members of The Legacy Society—the first 100—are noted as such on the plaques. Donors preferring to be listed as anonymous may request such designation.

The following is the list of Charter Members as of December 31, 2009:

AnonymousErik and Audra AndersonBarbara and Robert BlunkDavid L. BrownKellie and Michael Clapper

George and Anna Farnsworth, Jr.Ruth FreybergerThomas R. and Mary HansonIBM International FoundationWilliam and Joan Legge FamilyHorace D. LongbrakeThomas and Meredith LovelassDallas and Janice MathileBetty Lichty MayesJohn and Betty McKnightMetcalf School PTOJames W. MillerJohn and Robbie Hartman MuirAudrey and Joe NaffzigerNicholas and Anjuli NayakTed NichelsonJoel ObermanNorris and Elizabeth PorterEdward M. PowellSakura-KaiJames and Joan Sears SlonekerState Farm Companies FoundationState Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance CompanyNeil and Joan StyczynskiRuth StroudKent and Sue TaulbeeMildred G. Templeton

Teresa (Lucie) and Lyle ThompsonMarilyn and Donald TurnerU-High Booster Club, 2005-2006Bjarne R. Ullsvik John WilliamsJohn L. Wroan, III(Names in bold have been added since

the last issue.)We encourage those of you who are

interested in The Legacy Society to dis-cuss with us possible areas of designation. Membership in the society is perma-nent, and is acknowledged by both the Laboratory Schools and Illinois State University. Even though donors make their contribution to the Illinois State University Foundation, they may rest assured that 100 percent of their donation will be des-ignated for Thomas Metcalf School and/or University High School, as individually desired.

For more information about The Legacy Society, please contact Gail A. Lamb, director of development, (309) 438-2903, galamb@ilstu.edu, or ask your attorney or financial planner to contact Lamb at Campus Box 3060, Alumni Center, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, 61790.

The Legacy Society for the Illinois State University Laboratory Schools

As an expression of my commitment to U-High, I would like to donate at the following level:

f Gold (gifts of $1,000 or more)

f Green (gifts of $500 to $999)

f Pioneer (gifts of $300 to $499)

f Supporting (gifts of $100 to $299)

f Contributing (gifts up to $100)

Please make checks payable to the Illinois State University Foundation and mail to

University High SchoolCampus Box 7100Normal, IL 61790-7100

Special giving opportunities for alumni and friendsThe University laboratory schools, U-High and Metcalf, are grateful to alumni and friends of U-High who make donations to support and enhance the educational experiences for our students. All gifts are welcome. Please use this form if you would like to make a donation at this time. Several priorities are listed. If you prefer, please specify your own amount.

$1,000____ $500____ $300____ $100____ Amount of your choice_____

Please designate my gift tof U-High Alumni Associationf U-High science laboratories f U-High library renovationf U-High Applied Technology Center

f U-High Stroud Auditoriumf U-High athletics facilitiesf U-High small auditoriumsf Lab school classroom technology

f Metcalf Zimmerman Library renovation�f Metcalf Applied Technology Center�f Metcalf Hayden Auditoriumf Other_______________________

Gladly say you’re from U-High. Uphold her through the years!

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Awards Committee membersRoger Aiken ’69Dana Greskowiac Alvarez ’98Diane Davis Black ’79Bruce Brown ’68Angie Kath Coughlin ’84 Chris Gramm ’89, ChairBetty Saylor Holmes ’47John Kim ’97Gail Lamb, consultantCatherine Benson McDonald ’95, chairAudrey Brust Naffziger ’45Pam Gannaway Naffziger ’73Nels Pedersen ’02Thomas Reed ’91Milton Rudsinski ’56Derek Sieg ’85Richard Sieg ’59T.J. Turner ’03

Board consultantsSuperintendent, Laboratory SchoolsRobert Dean

Principal, University High SchoolJeff Hill

Director of DevelopmentGail Lamb

Attention Facebook usersJoin the group “We are One: U-High Pioneers” The UHSAA uses this link to send messages on Facebook.

Locate an old friend through the U-High Web siteAccess the e-mail address list in the alumni section of the U-High Web site. Go to www.uHigh.ilstu.edu and click on the alumni section. Within the alumni pages is a section to look up a classmate’s e-mail address. Leave your e-mail address with us by using the built-in instant messenger. Maybe someone’s looking to contact you!

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Opportunities for alumni to serve

• President elect

• Newsletter editor

• Alumni relations coordinator

• Homecoming committee members

If you are interested in serving your alma mater, please contact any board member or e-mail us at uHighAlumni@ilstu.edu.

2010 Reunions

Class of 1946Luncheon at Jim’s SteakhouseNoon on the second Wednesday of the month

Class of 1947Breakfast at CJ’s Restaurant, Bloomington9 a.m. every fourth Tuesday Contact: Clint Short at (309) 661-1585 or Clarise Jefferson at clarita02@verizon.net

Class of 195357-year reunionOctober 8, 2010Contact: Barbara Leichty Blunk (309) 452-2414 or blblunk@ilstu.edu

Class of 195555-year reunionOctober 8–9, 2010Contact: Lowell and Eleanor White Antenen (815) 577-7341 (summer), (352) 242-5191 (winter), or ejalda@aol.com

Class of 196050-year reunionOctober 8–9, 2010Contact: Lynne Johnson Fazzini (309) 663-0476 or lfazzini@live.com

Class of 196545-year reunionJuly 9, 10, and 11, 2010Contact: Janet Monninger Bremner (309) 359-8135 or jibremner@msn.com

Class of 1970The Class of 1970 is conducting an e-mail survey to determine if there’s enough interest to warrant a reunion in 2010. E-mail Jeff Fritzen at jfritzen@bopi.com as soon as possible to voice your opinion. Also, include complete contact information for yourself and any classmates with whom you remain in touch.

Class of 1980 30-year reunionSummer 2010Contact: Dave Sutherland suther@indra.com

Class of 200010-year reunionContacts: Kyle Jackson (312) 618-4351 or kyle@jacksonevents.net Meghan Turnis (713) 797-0145

ISSCS Annual ReunionSeptember 10, 11, and 12, 2010Luncheon on Saturday at ISSCSContact: Jackie Freed Neal (309) 662-0095

2011 Reunions

Class of 196150-year reunionSeptember 30, 2011Contact: Judy Wright Bartolone (309) 828-7876 or judy.bartolone@gmail.com

Class of 197140-year reunionContact: Cindy Chiodo Kelly (309) 663-4796

Class of 198130-year reunionContacts: Dianne Deavers Siverly (309) 661-0182 or dsiverly@ashink.com Sarah Coffer (309) 452-6073 or misszoni01@yahoo.com

Future homecoming datesOctober 8, 2010September 30, 2011October 5, 2012September 27, 2013

Uphold her through the years

If you don’t see your class reunion listed, then challenge yourself to be the one who gets it started! It’s a rewarding task that can be relatively simple, and the payback is immense!

Please contact the UHSAA board at uHighAlumni@ilstu.edu and the Alumni relations coordinators will assist you in obtaining a listing of contact information and will provide a checklist for developing a successful event.

We are currently looking for representatives from the following milestone classes: 1951, 1956, 1961, 1966, 1976, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, and 2006.

U-High class reunions

Selected U-High students participated in a pilot during the fall 2009 semester using net tablets as part of our research regard-ing the possibility of a net tablet program next school year. We looked forward to reading the observations of our students as they experienced first-hand the benefits and challenges of working with new tech-nology. The students used the computers for 30 days, while recording their observa-tions of functionality, durability, and ease of security. The student observations can be found in the Technology section at www.uHigh.ilstu.edu under the link “evaluating net books.”

Art faculty associ-ate Mike Henning received an Award of Recognition in the Classroom Teacher category of the 2009 Those Who Excel education awards program.

Seniors Kathryn Hill and Ian Ostaszewski were selected as Commended Students in the 2010 National Merit Scholarship Program because of their exceptional aca-demic promise demonstrated by their out-standing performance on the qualifying test for the Scholarship Program.

Boys Golf earned their seventh straight State championship in a tie with Wheaton Academy. Junior Logan Stauffer became U-High’s second state golf medalist.

Music students Ryan Cavallo and Mikhayla Price-Hutcherson were recipients of Pratt Music Foundation scholarships and were invited to the White House to participate in a celebration of classical music.

Girls Volleyball, after winning Regionals and Sectionals, finished eighth in the state, one win short of the State Final Four at Redbird Arena.

Girls Golf finished only one stroke away from the winning trophy in the Class AA State Tournament. The Lady Pioneers, who posted a 331-329-660, finished fourth as a team in the tournament and were led by Lauren English, who finished eighth overall.

English teacher Kathy Clesson was awarded the Illinois High School Teacher of Excellence award at the National Council of Teachers of English Convention in November.

The following U-High seniors were named 2010–2011 Illinois State Scholars for their outstanding academic achieve-ment: Miriam Ball, Kathryn Biddle, Paige Blankenship, Shannon Bogue, Bailey Bottorff, Haley Cook, Chelsey Coombs, David Cooper, Candice Cuppini, Rachel Dauenbaugh, Michael Eack, Jessica Everingham, Kyle Graden, Thomas Guttschow, Kathryn Hill, Tyler Hines, Claire Jones, Jade Kestian, Benjamin Kiesewetter, Taylor Kingston, Sarah Klass, Kelsey Maffett, Christopher Michels, Ian Ostaszewski, Rose Phipps, Gowtami Rajendran, Rebecca Remmes, Blake Reno, Cole Rosenbaum, Bradley Saunders, Peter Schiller, Celia Schimelpfenig, Andrea Schweers, Ian Standard, William Ward, and Kelsey Wilson.

Physical education faculty associate and coach Lester Hampton was selected as the Boys Class AA Cross Country Coach of the Year for the 2009 season by the South Division of the Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Association for the sec-ond consecutive year.

Assistant princi-pal Steve Wilder was selected as Superintendent of the Knoxville Community Unit School District #202 and will assume the position July 1, 2010. We truly appreciate the

dedication and enthusiasm that Wilder has brought to U-High over the past four years and wish him best of luck in his new posi-tion. A search for his replacement began in January.

Boys Cross Country placed second in the State Cross Country meet, becoming the first school to also land a trophy in Class AA.

Band director and faculty associate Jason Landes led the Marching Pioneers in the Big Bay Balloon Parade in San Diego in late December. The band also was a part of a mass band at the Pacific

Life Holiday Bowl during the Southern California trip.

In the halls of U-High...

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After graduation Brian Benjey ’89 joined the Navy. Once finished with basic training in November 1989, he was sent to New London Naval Submarine Base in Groton, Connecticut. On the first day of his basic submarine school, Benjey met his class instructor, Senior Chief Petty Officer Dale Gray ’65. Gray noticed that Benjey was from Illinois and asked about his home-town. Benjey replied, “Normal.” Gray teased him and accused him of attend-ing another twin city high school. Benjey proudly stated that he’s a U-High Pioneer. A big smile came over the salty naval chief, and Gray announced that he, too, is a U-High Pioneer.

For the next six weeks, Gray instructed Benjey and the other classmates. Gray states that he showed no partially; yet Benjey remembers it a bit differently and says that his instructor demanded more from him since he was from U-High. Nonetheless, both sailors agree that the result was a positive one because Benjey’s class under Gray’s instruction was awarded

the Best of the BESS (Basic Enlisted Submarine School), which is given the class with the highest academic and military scores. Gray states he was quite honored by that award and still has the ribbon that he received.

Two years ago, Benjey spotted Gray at the annual University High School Homecoming activities at Horton Fieldhouse. Gray was quite surprised when Benjey tapped him on the shoulder and asked, “How’s it going, Chief?” After 19 years, the two reminisced about their days in the service and their chance meeting in Connecticut.

Gray graduated from U-High in three years and joined the Navy just out of high school. He served 26 years in the Navy and after retirement from military service he returned to Central Illinois and currently resides in Lincoln with his wife. They have seven children, 27 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Gray works for a man-ufacturer of electrical boxes and is looking forward to retiring from his civilian job. He still attends reunions with friends from the Illinois Soldier’s and Sailor’s Children’s School.

Benjey spent three years in the Navy in advanced electronic submarine sonar and currently lives in Normal with his wife and two children. He owns his own insur-ance agency and also works with Statewide Publishing. Benjey has served as president of the U-High Alumni Association.

Both men state that they are proud to be U-High graduates, and they happily share a link beyond U-High. It’s a small, small world Pioneers!

It’s a small Pioneer world

The Dirk Smid Memorial Scholarship at University High School was established in 2009 to honor Dirk Smid, math faculty asso-ciate and football coach for 18 years. Smid passed away in 2008. The purpose of the award is to remember and reflect upon Smid’s outstanding leadership qualities and his strong connections with students and colleagues. The personal strength that Smid demonstrat-ed in the face of adversity will forever serve

as an inspiration for the U-High community.

This scholarship was created by the Duffin’ for Dirk Committee which was formed in the spring of 2008 by a group of area football coaches who were friends with Smid and got to know

him during his high school football coaching career. Those committee members are Kurt Olson, Mike Goodwin, Darren Hess, Todd Miller, Brian Knutson, Chuck Gault, John McIntyre, Mike Sondgeroth, Jon Kilgore, Josh Roop, Eldon Triezenberg, Tim Green, Hal Chiodo, and Terry McCombs. The first award was presented in the spring of 2009.

Candidates for the scholarship must be graduating senior students at University High School, who have demonstrated increased performance in mathematics. The candidate should be a recipient of an athletic varsity letter. Each candidate should demonstrate the following personal characteristics that are reflective of Smid’s character:• high integrity • service to University High School• teamwork• individual excellence–does the best they can

in what they are doing• optimistic and enthusiastic life outlook• spirit of generosity and kindness

Candidates will be nominated by the Mathematics Department, and selected by the Dirk Smid Memorial Scholarship Committee, which is composed of a representative from the U-High athletic department, a representa-tive from the U-High mathematics depart-ment, and a representative from the Duffin’ for Dirk Committee. The scholarship is pre-sented annually at the senior awards program by a Duffin’ for Dirk Committee representa-tive.

Scholarship created in memory of Dirk Smid

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A Moment in HistorySeptember 30, 1934 (75 years ago) A new student newspaper, The Clarionnette, came off the press Saturday at University High School. The four-page paper covers school news, and will come out every other Wednesday. The editor-in-chief is Alice Blum ’35.

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The Lucie Critical Thinking Award was originally established at University High School in 1996 by Teresa Lucie-Thompson, for the purpose of supporting graduating seniors who exemplify critical thinking skills. At that time, the qualifications for the award, as desired by Lucie-Thompson, were outlined generally in a memo from the student counselor to the faculty who would be involved in the selection process. In 2009, Lucie-Thompson agreed that it

would be appropriate to establish an official administrative agreement for this award.

The Lucie Critical Thinking Award rewards and inspires students at University High School. Recipients are chosen based on their critical thinking abilities rather than their grade point average or extra-curricular activities. Specifically, the Lucie Critical Thinking Award recognizes those students who exhibit critical-perhaps unconventional or counter-intuitive-think-ing and the ability to offer innovative solu-tions to problems posed in and out of the classroom. Each nominee should be a senior student who will enroll in a college or uni-versity in the fall semester following gradu-ation from University High School. (Note: If the selected student does not enroll in college by September following his/her graduation, the award will be returned to the fund or an alternate will be selected by school administration from the previously

submitted nominations.) The nominees should also demonstrate a spirit of inquiry and a desire for knowledge, and should distinguish themselves with the following characteristics:

• courage to challenge conventional assumptions

• a spirit of critical receptiveness that entertains alternative possibilities

• a willingness to propose unique or unexpected solutions to problems

Students are nominated only by U-High faculty associates. In their nomination, fac-ulty associates are asked to answer, “How has this nominee demonstrated a spirit of inquiry and critical thinking in your class-room?”

Lucie-Thompson earned her bachelor’s degree in English and business in 1978 and a master’s degree in education in 1987, both from Illinois State University. She began her career as a faculty associate and English department chairperson at University High School. In 2001, she earned her certifica-tion in New Product Development from the University of Michigan’s Executive Education program.

Following her teaching service at U-High, Lucie-Thompson served in a variety of marketing and public relations positions at State Farm Insurance, the last of which was directing the company’s cus-tomer segment marketing division. An early adopter of nontraditional marketing, Lucie-Thompson has been a pioneer in segmented marketing, receiving national recognition as an innovative marketer. From this position at State Farm, Lucie-Thompson became the vice president of marketing for Safeco Insurance in Seattle. In August of 2008, she became Purdue University’s vice president for marketing and media. As the university’s chief marketing officer, Lucie-Thompson is responsible for strategic marketing, brand strategy, university relations, and crisis communications. She oversees the com-munication of news and information about Purdue to both internal and external audi-ences across all media. She is responsible for the Purdue Web site and develops and

maintains community partnerships. The marketing and media areas include the University News Service, Purdue Marketing Communications, University Periodicals, Community Relations, and Broadcast Services.

Lucie-Thompson is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago, American Marketing Association, and Marketing Communications Executives International. She also is a co-founder and board mem-ber of the Marketing to Moms coalition, a resource for marketing professionals, and a frequent speaker at national marketing and industry events as an expert on marketing to women and branding.

Much appreciation is extended to Teri and Lyle Thompson for creating this endowment and for continuing to support graduating seniors who demonstrate the qualities involved in being critical thinkers. U-High is grateful for your continued loy-alty and commitment to support the educa-tion of these graduates as they further their learning at institutions of higher education.

New agreement established for the Lucie Critical Thinking Award Endowment

Seeking U-High legacy familiesFrequently, alums of U-High will mention that not only are they alums, but that they come from a family of alumni! We are planning to dedicate a short article sharing a little bit of family information in each upcoming issue of The Pioneer to recognize our legacy families. By definition, legacy families are those that have at least three generations of graduates from University High School. If you fall into this category, forward your contact information to Renee Carrigan at the Laboratory Schools Superintendent’s Office at (309) 438-8542 or uHighalumni@ilstu.edu. Indicate alumni names and graduation years of your three generations. Thank you in advance for your participation.

The 2009 Alumni Association Awards were presented on October 9, 2009 during Homecoming. Complete biographies can be found online at www.uHigh.ilstu.edu/alumni.

Distinguished Alumni Award

Dr. Karen J. Deighan—Class of 1978Dr. Karen J. Deighan ’78 is the 2009 recipient of the Distinguished Alumni

Award based on her practice and teaching in her chosen field of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Following her graduation from U-High, Deighan earned her bach-elor of science degree in biology

and psychology from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Four years later, she was awarded her Doctor of medicine at the

University of Illinois, College of Medicine–Chicago.

After eight years in private practice, Deigham moved to her current position as assistant professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Loyola University Medical Center. While at Loyola, she has been active in the Physician Mentor Program for medical students and the Hospital Quality Assurance Program. Deighan has also done medical mission work in Cuzco, Peru.

For her talents, success, and contribu-tions, Deighan joins the select group of University High School Distinguished Alumni. Congratulations Dr. Deighan.

Pioneer Hall of Fame Award

Ogonna Nnamani—Class of 2001Ogonna Nnamani ’01 is being presented with the Pioneer Hall of Fame Award due to her significant contributions in the fields of education, leadership, and athletics. She has held herself to high standards and has met those goals in the classroom and on the court.

While at U-High, Nnamani was a four-year member of the Student Senate and was Student Body President as a senior. She graduated as valedictorian of her class, a member of National Honor Society and

a member of the Mu Alpha Theta Math Society.

Nnamani was a stand-out volleyball player at Stanford University, where she graduated with her bachelor of arts degree in human biology.

Between classes and volleyball, Nnamani made time to be a Stanford Student Council member, Student Athlete Liaison to the Board of Trustees, Stanford Student Panel Member, and an Advisory Board Member of the Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative. Since graduating from Stanford, Nnamani has been very active playing in the Puerto Rican, Swiss, and Turkish pro-

U-High Alumni Association Awards nomination form

Distinguished Alum: A graduate with exceptional achievements and who has made significant contributions to his or her profession, community, state, or nation

Pioneer Hall of Fame: A graduate with significant accomplishments within his or her career, civic duties, cultural involvement, or chari-table organizations

Alumni Service: A graduate who has made significant contributions to the school or to the U-High Alumni Association

Friends of U-High: Non graduates who have made significant contributions to University High School

NomINEE’S NAmE mAIdEN NAmE (IF dIFFErENt)

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BrIEF dESCrIptIoN oF WHy tHIS AlUm/FrIENd IS BEINg NomINAtEd

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All nominees will be contacted to fill out a more detailed form to aid the awards committee in the selection process. All nominations with completed forms are retained and re-evaluated yearly. If you would like to update your file, please send new information to the address below or e-mail uHighAlumni@ilstu.edu.

Return to University High School, University High School Alumni Association, Awards Chairperson, Campus Box 7100, Normal, IL 61790-7100

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2009 Homecoming Alumni Association Award Recipients

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fessional volleyball leagues. Nnamani is a two-time member of the U.S. Olympic Volleyball Team; 2008 silver medal win-ner. She expects to compete in the 2012 Olympics in London and then move on to medical school.

Congratulations to Ogonna Nnamani on her 2009 induction into the University High School Pioneer Hall of Fame.

Pioneer Posthumous Recognition Award

Charlotte FitzHenry Robling— Class of 1934Charlotte FitzHenry Robling ’34 was honored with the Pioneer Posthumous Recognition Award due to her break-through work in journalism. While securing her bachelor’s degree at Illinois Wesleyan University, Robling was awarded the pres-tigious Nieman Fellowship in Journalism from Harvard University. She was the first woman to receive the fellowship.

She began working at The Pantagraph as a reporter and photographer. She was later promoted to assistant city editor. From there, Robling became a reporter and then night editor for the Associated Press in Chicago. She later served as director of information services at New Trier Township High School (Winnetka) and taught jour-nalism classes at Drake University.

Congratulations to the family of Charlotte FitzHenry Robling on her 2009 University High School Pioneer Posthumous Recognition Award.

2009 Friend of U-High

Terry DawsonTerry Dawson is a great friend of U-High. His involvement began when his daughters, Samantha and Jenny, were students and

he volunteered countless hours to the Theatre and Music Departments.

“Daddy D,” as he is known to the students, comes to the school after his

“real job” almost every day. He does what he was hired for and so much more. He assists with non-theatre events going on in Stroud such as music concerts and class night. He volunteers to chaperone theatre trips and lock-ins, takes students to the-atre workshops, and constantly represents University High School with class and pride.

In acknowledgment of his selfless efforts, University High School thanks Terry Dawson and congratulates him for receiving the 2009 Friend of U-High Award.

FitzHenry robling’s grandchildren, Jack robling and Suzanna robling griest; her daughter, Julia robling griest; and nominators Bill miller and martha Behr-miller

(left to right): University High School principal Jeff Hill, Julia robling griest, Karen deigham, terry dawson, ogonna Nnamani, and laboratory Schools Superintendent robert dean.

Support our troopsThank you to all of our University High School alumni who are bravely serving in the armed services during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Julian Hoover ’58 and his wife, Claire. The Hoover’s currently reside in Solana Beach, California.

Charles W. Dunn ’58 recently released his 17th book, The Enduring Reagan.

Arnold Jochums ’64 has been an Arkansas Assistant Attorney General since 1980. While the majority of his service has been in the Agencies Division of the Civil Department, he has also represented the Governor’s Office, Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission, Office of State Procurement, Arkansas Department of Correction, State Building Authority, Tobacco Control, Arkansas Real Estate Commission, Fire Protection Licensing Board, State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors, Board of Examiners in Counseling, and Motor Vehicle Commission. He resides in Little Rock, Arkansas with his wife, Sharon.

Bruce Koppenhoefer ’67 received the Arc of Alabama Volunteer of the Year Award at the 53rd Annual State Conference Awards Dinner, held Friday, September 11, 2009.

Mark Murphy ’70 is the controller of Aramco Services Company and its subsid-iaries. Aramco Services Company conducts North American operations for its parent company, Saudi Aramco, the national oil company of Saudi Arabia. Murphy and his wife, Denise, have lived in Houston since 1982. They have three children: Brian, Sarah Jean, and Kelly.

After 11 years with the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), Dave Gannaway ’71 has announced that he will be retiring in June 2010. Gannaway was instrumental in making bass fishing an IHSA-sanctioned competition and is proud to see a sport that encourages all students to participate. He also promoted the growth of the State Farm Holiday Classic basketball tournament. He has been a teacher, coach, and administer in Central Illinois for the last 23 years. He taught at U-High from 1981–1994 and served as the U-High athletic director for the last nine years of that span.

U-High alumni recently celebrated a mile-stone birthday in Mexico. Sisters Beth McKee Raube ’81, Lynn McKee Trayer ’73, and Marcia McKee Peters ’77. Sisters Leslie Lundy ’77 and Missy Lundy Cremer ’76.

Do you watch the new dramatic series, The Good Wife? Perhaps you may have noticed that then redheaded prison guard frisking star Julianna Marguiles looked familiar. Juliet Pritner ’81 was in the epi-sode “Conjugal” that debuted this fall. Go to www.CBS.com and watch it!

U.S. Army Reserve Capt. Lara Brown ’87 has been activated and mobilized to Fort Dix, New Jersey in preparation for deploy-ment to serve in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Brown is a member of the 418th Civil Affairs Battalion in Belton, Missouri and serves as a preventa-tive medicine officer and team leader with eight year military service. She received her bachelor’s degree in 1990 from Illinois State University and earned a master’s degree in 1993 from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Natalie Bartusek Bonetti ’90 has been awarded a bronze star for her work as 332nd Expeditionary Force Support Squadron commander at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. She is stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana with her husband, Lieutenant Colonel Peter Bonetti. Bartusek Bonetti was stationed at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, during the terror attacks, and spent a year in Iraq.

Scott Filipiak ’94 and Sarah Bray Ehrmantraut ’92 recently moved to Orem, Utah with their children McKenna, Alex, and Antonio. Bray Ehrmantraut was pro-moted to advertising director at the Daily Herald in Provo, and Filipiak now works full-time as a freelance designer and run-ning his own design company, Taylor Thomas Design.

Rachel Flotkoetter Wozniak ’97 and her husband, Scott, recently celebrated the birth of their third daughter, Emberlynn Noelle, on August 24th, 2009. Their other daugh-ters are Abigail (4 years) and Lily (2 years). Flotkoetter Wozniak is an adjunct profes-sor of religious studies at Atlanta Christian College in Atlanta. They reside in Newman, Georgia.

Alumni thru the decades

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Lynda Ken ’00 recently received her doctorate of medicine with distinction in service from the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She received her undergraduate degree from John Hopkins University in 2004. She will continue her training as a pediatric resident at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

After receiving his associate’s degree from Heartland Community, David Shoot ’02 joined the Army National Guard. Private First Class Shoot recently graduated from basic combat training at Fort Sill, which is located in Lawton, Oklahoma.

Nji Nnamani ’03 has been named the track director of Operations for The University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon. She has experience in athletic administra-tion at the University of San Francisco and Stanford University as well as the private sector. She graduated from Stanford in 2007 with a degree in political science. In 2008, she earned her master’s degree from Stanford in sociology with a concentration in organizations.

Erin Wahlheim ’04 has joined Teach for America which is the national corps of recent college graduates who commit to teach for two years in urban and rural pub-lic schools and become lifelong advocates for education equity. She graduated from Lake Forest College in 2008.

Kelley Burke ’05 married Wesley Graves on January 16, 2010.

Jonathan Ken ’05 graduated from Washington University, in St. Louis, with a bachelor of arts in philosophy-neuroscience-psychology and minor in biology from the College of Arts and Sciences.

After graduating from Indiana University, Anna Schilawski ’05 is working for Victoria Secret in Manhattan. She travels the country as a public-relations specialist, visiting newspaper and magazine editors to encourage stories on the cosmetics that her company is promoting.

Katie Doyle ’07 has been inducted into the Gamma Omega chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, the National Communication Association Honor Society “in recognition of high standards of scholarship and dedicated commitment to professional and public ser-vice.” Doyle is currently a junior at Illinois College majoring in English literature and communications, with a secondary educa-tion teaching certification.

Mary Wilkinson ’08 has completed basic combat training and advanced individual training graduating as a military police officer from Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. PFC Wilkinson was posted to Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, joining the 164th Military Police Company.

Hana Ayle ’09 has been awarded the $5,000 Billy Brockman Memorial Scholarship. She is attending Illinois State University and plans to pursue a career in special education.

Andre Aung ’09 received a merit schol-arship from Northwestern University through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

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Memorials

Jim Agner ’52Jack Bell ’53Florence Berner Garrett ’39Raymond Coombs ’60Eleanor Davis ’50David Harwood ’69Cynthia Hicklin Wolin ’69Joanne Fissel Randall ’49David Keltner ’41Kathleen Knowles Pitzer ’39Oleta Lanigan Dimmick ’46Alan Mc Vicar ’53Anthony Parker ’80Colleen Roach White ’69John Scott ’66Ralph Scott ’63Phyllis Sedgwick Flowers ’55Wesley Stephens ’38Larry Tabor ’60David Thomson ’65Don Vandegraft ’61

Archival yearbooks neededWould anyone be willing to donate copies of The Clarion yearbooks for the following years?

1968, 1970, 1982It has come the attention of the UHS

Alumni Association that these years are now missing from our collection here at U-High. Please help us preserve a part of our history.

We will happily accept yearbooks from any other year as well. We receive many requests for yearbooks from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.

There are a limited number of Clarion yearbooks available for purchase for $10 each.

To donate or purchase yearbooks, please contact the UHS Alumni Association at uHighAlumni@ilstu.edu or contact Barbara Lichty Blunk ’53, alumni relations coor-dinator, at (309) 452-2414 or blblunk@ilstu.edu. Donations can also be left at the school library in care of Mark Feaster ’75.

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The renovation of Stroud Auditorium has begun! Although the auditorium is not available during the current academic year, we are anticipating it being updated and ‘new’ again beginning in January of 2011. All of us at U-High are excited to be able to realize the positive changes that will be available with a state-of-the-art facility for our students, faculty, and the community, once again. Thank you to so many of you who have already participated in our seat campaign. In just a four year period, your gifts have resulted in commitments of more than $190,500. More than 375 seats have been purchased, and each of those seats will have a designated nameplate when the renovation is completed. There will be approximately 725 new seats in the audi-torium, and the seat campaign continues with the goal of having a designated name-plate on every seat! Some of you who have already purchased nameplate(s) may wish to do so again, and hopefully many of you who have not yet done so will participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

For $500 per seat, alumni, parents, and friends may designate a seat plaque. The seat nameplate will include two lines. The first line may be selected as: In Memory Of…or In Honor Of…or Donated By….and the second line would indicate the

chosen name or names or group, etc. If you work for a matching gift company, then your gift of $250, matched to make $500, will allow you one seat nameplate, or more, depending on the amount of your gift. For those who prefer, you may make a pledge and pay the $500 or more over a two-year period. Or, your gift may be charged to your credit card. A few of our Legacy Society members who have made docu-mented planned gifts, and designated the amount to benefit Stroud Auditorium, are able to select nameplates for the amount of that gift. It is our hope that every seat in the auditorium will have a designated nameplate by the time the renovation is complete. Thus, now is the time to become involved!

Those alumni and friends who have already contributed a gift for the Stroud Renovation for at least $500, and who have not made a designation, will be contacted with the opportunity to designate a name-plate, or several nameplates gift. What a wonderful gift this might be for your grad-uating student. Not only will donors leave a visible legacy through the nameplate, but also your gifts will truly make a difference in the overall renovation by supporting new lighting and sound systems.

For more information about the Stroud Seat Campaign, or to request a giving card please call Gail Lamb, director of develop-ment, at (309) 438-2903, or e-mail her at galamb@ilstu.edu.

Now is your time to be a part of the seat campaign for Stroud Auditorium“Seats That Recognize Our Unforgettable Donors”

University High School was invited by the 100 Black Men (Central Illinois Chapter) to participate in the Second Annual African American History Challenge held on February 20, 2010 at Normal Community West High School. U-High sent two teams. One team was George Seelinger ’11 and Rachel Dauenbaugh ’10 and the other team was Chris Michels ’10 and Karthic Patil ’10. The competition was a Scholastic Bowl style question and answer session dealing with a wide range of topics but focusing on African American history. There were seven teams from area high schools that competed through five morning sessions of 10 ques-

tions each. The points were cumulative and after five rounds the top four teams com-peted in the semifinals. Both U-High teams won their semifinal rounds and thus, the final round consisted of the two U-High teams competing for first and second place. The questions were exceptionally diffi-cult. At the conclusion of the final round Seelinger and Dauenbaugh had the most points. They each won $1,000 and Michels and Patil each won $500 for second place. Seelinger and Dauenbaugh will now repre-sent the Central Illinois Chapter of the 100 Black Men at the National Competition in Florida this June.

U-High students win local annual African American History Challenge

From left to right, Event Coordinator richard Bates, rachel dauenbaugh, george Seelinger, Chris michels, Karthic patil, and 100 Black men of Central Il Chapter president dale Avery

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Class of ’59 Reunion

1.) richard Sieg ’59 and Carol rousey Spring ’592.) Carole gimmestad Johnson ’59 and Vicky Chung ’593.) Judy Vetter douglas ’59, paul douglas, Ann

mecherle, and ray mecherle ’594.) Karen Efford Kunyoshi ’59 and Karen Bunn Ivens ’595.) 1st row: Albert Eckert (class sponser), Vicky Chung,

marcia Hubbard Isch, Judy Vetter douglas, Carole gimmestad Johnson, Nora matson Sutter 2nd row: Karen Efford Kuniyoshi, Carol rousey Spring, Karen Bunn Ivens, yvonne gundy Kunz, Amy Baker Frye. 3rd row: tommy thompson, Stephen Ivens, dan greer, Bill Hammitt, Alec Wade, Jim Evans, richard Sieg, ray mecherle

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Class of ’79 Reunion

More than 50 people from the Class of 1979 gathered for the third weekend in July 2009. A Friday night social kicked off the events, and a dinner was held on Saturday evening.From left to right. 1. lori Ferrell Wall, Susie Hitner Funk 2. todd Armstrong, John Funk ’77 3. dave Burke, Kris Albert Burke 4. lisa plummer, Zonda Smith, Kris Albert Burke, tom Englehorn

From right to left: Back row—Steve Strein, Scott mcCullough, Jimmy Scott, John Bean, Eric Hohenstein, dave Bielfeldt, lisa plummer, John Crew, Fred Knapp, doug deavers, don manzke, paul legge, Carl young, Scott Balls pearce, tom Englehorn; 3rd Row—Joe derosa, lori Ferrell Wall, Steve robinson, ron pocs, Jean pomrenke Arbuckle, misty Bacon Vance, greg Cunningham, Connie Bier deWitte, John Crew, dan Zeller, martha Eckert, Eric Secoy, tom reitan, miles Kilcoin, dave Burke; 2nd row—Steve phillips, Susie Hitner Funk, todd Armstrong, meg moore Burns, Erin mcCarney lunceford, Kris Albert Burke, Jill pierce Campbell, Natalie guichard milbey; Front Row—Shelley Wrice-duvel, Julie Harden, Nikki Huffman, Vickie godfrey

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From left to right. 1.) Karen Szabados mlincsek ’82, mark messman ’83, dianne deavers Siverly ’81, matt Hartman ’82, Shelly livingston ’81 2.) donna geske Jordan ’50, ted Jordan ’49, John Wroan ’45, Jeanne Wroan 3.) Chris Ashley ’08, Kathleen Johnson ’08 4.) taylor olson ’09, Chris michels ’10 5.) dave Ayers ’55, Jody Ayers, Verne Evans ’55 6.)dave gannaway ’71, darrell miller ’71, rick thompson ’71, Eric ruud ’71 7.) lamona Wagner Albertson ’89, rebecca Bryant Joray ’89, rob raycraft ’89, Steve Schultz ’89, latha radhakrishnan ’89, Brian Benjey ’89 8.) Casie golliday ’09, Kimberly probus ’09, merryl Clemons ’09, Kelly Harrell ’09, dillon Sloneker ’09, Katie telling ’09, rachel Johnson ’09, Amanda lawler ’09 9.) Karen Wolter peruba ’84, Amy mcCarney Smith ’84, tom Jacobs ’84, Judy Hubbs ’84, Bill Kauth ’84, Sarah Kaiser lindsey ’84, Angie Kath Coughlin ’84, Kelly Walsh pulliam ’84, tracy Semmler Schuler ’84 10.) Jenn riddle Carrel ’02, Stephen Ivens ’59, Bill Hammitt ’59, tommy thompson ’59 11.) Bob turner ’68, roger donovan ’68, les Armes ’68

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2009 Homecoming Social

University High SchoolCampus Box 7100Normal, IL 61790-7100

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