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Redbirds respond: Learning, teaching, leading, and serving in the midst of a pandemic

Volume 21 • Number 1 • Summer 2020

Setback to comeback: Message of perseverance defines Class of 2020

It would have been poetic for Tristen Sharp to go from not knowing if she’d ever be able to put one foot in front of the other again to walking across the stage at Redbird Arena.

Crisis response: How the campus community managed COVID-19

Collaboration is one of Illinois State’s core values. Never before has it been more apparent or vital than with the planning required to continue the University’s learning and teaching in the midst of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Essential employees working to keep operations on campus moving forward

A snapshot of some of the essential workers at Illinois State who are still on campus working and maintaining the social distancing guidelines.

On the virus front lines: Alums caring for most vulnerable

For months, the nation has been bombarded with details of how the coronavirus (COVID-19) has brought heartache to families as loved ones perished.

President Dietz’s message on the Minneapolis tragedy (5/30/20)

We are all experiencing a time in our nation in which the fight against a health pandemic has been supplanted by a crisis of human behavior, with racist acts of violence so vile and so systematic as to test our limits of comprehension.

Research focuses on industrial hemp growth

Rebecca Dywer is Illinois State’s first agronomy graduate student to study industrial hemp production.

Where are they now? Dr. Ed Hines

Dr. Ed Hines believes that Illinois State provided an outstanding work environment.

Remembering Steve Adams

The Division of Student Affairs, along with the entire Illinois State University community, is mourning the loss of Steve Adams, who will be remembered as an impactful leader, trusted mentor, caring friend, and exceptional Redbird.

Department GPA record topped in spring

Student-athletes set a semester departmental grade-point average (GPA) record of 3.61 during the spring, topping the previous mark of 3.31.

Redbird Hall of Famer Joe Galvin '80 during his playing days.

Basketball alumnus creates scholarship

Joe Galvin ’80 left his mark at ISU by scoring more than 1,000 points and setting a school record of 132 career blocks while a member of the men’s basketball team.

Redbird softball player Mack Leonard is up to bat during a game.

Valley award recognizes student volunteer efforts

Softball’s Mack Leonard is one of 10 student-athletes named as a State Farm MVC Good Neighbor Award recipient for the spring of 2020.

Work continues across venues

Illinois State’s goal is to have the best-kept facilities in the Missouri Valley Conference, which requires hard work.

A dog wears a black and red Illinois State Redbirds bandana around his neck.

Rallying Redbirds: Explore options to display your campus pride

While we’re always proud to be a Redbird, Friday is the one day each week we make sure to show off our loyalty to the world.

Alumni Association directors chosen

There is new leadership within the Alumni Association following the annual meeting held virtually in June

Half Century Club reunion postponed

The 2020 Half Century Club reunion set for October 23 has been postponed until October 15, 2021.

Journalism alums share experiences covering civil unrest in Minnesota

Ray Richardson ’77 and Jeff Wagner ’09 have told different angles of the ever-evolving story that started with the killing of George Floyd. Wagner has delivered breaking news throughout the last two-and-a-half weeks, even going on Facebook Live during his off days. Richardson has covered the aftermath, noting how many news cameras from around the world he saw at Floyd’s memorial service.