Here we recognize the achievements of our Illinois State alumni.
Pause for applause
Publication: Class Notes
Redbird legacy: Alumna follows in footsteps of great-grandmother
Laura Simonton is a two-time alum of Illinois State University. She graduated in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in history and then earned another bachelor’s in 2011 in history education.
How we met: Raul Rodriguez and Nicole Davila
So often the reason for choosing a college is a familial one. Raul Rodriguez ’10, already knew Illinois State pretty well because his brother was an alum.
Pause for applause: Christine Mitchell-Endsley
Christine Mitchell-Endsley, Ph.D. ’03, earned the 2016 Illinois School Psychologists Association Ted Smith Practitioner of the Year award.
Pause for applause: Sam Alex
Education major Sam Alex ’07 has felt comfortable behind a microphone since his days as a public address announcer for ISU Athletics.
Pause for applause: Justin Dearborn
Accounting alum Justin Dearborn ’91 took on a new challenge this year as CEO of the Tribune Publishing Company, which owns the Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, and nine other major daily newspapers.
Pause for applause: Julio Cesar Contreras
Each year Education Week profiles innovative school district leaders. Among the 13 chosen in 2016 is ISU College of Education graduate Julio Cesar Contreras ’01, who overcame obstacles to soar in education.
Redbird legacy: Alumna follows in parents’, brother’s ISU footsteps
Megan Geigner doesn’t have to look far to see how her family got connected to Illinois State.
Alumnus plays role for World Series champion Royals
The Chicago White Sox, Milwaukee Brewers and Phoenix Coyotes are just a few of the organizations on the resume of 2015 College of Applied Science and Technology Hall of Fame Inductee Mike Bucek ’82.
How we met: Alexander ‘Lex’ Samaras and Carolyn Jean Brown
Alexander “Lex” Samaras grew up in the Illinois agricultural town of Hoopeston. He transferred to Illinois State Normal University in 1941 with a love for music and a passion for music education.
