BlackburnU P D A T E

SUMMER 2016

Dear Friends,

Being a native of Illinois, I came to Blackburn knowing that the state is not exactly a model for good government. Despite this earned reputation, we have set a new low as we have been without a budget for a full year.

We are fortunate to be a private institution, as public universities and social services are facing dire choices on a daily basis due to the lack of any state support. Blackburn is not immune, however, as 52% of our students rely on the Monetary Assistance Program (MAP Grant) from the state.

There has been only partial funding for this program, which means our students have faced a sudden gap in their financial aid of up to almost $5,000 per student. The MAP Grant program is need-based, so this gap affects students with little or no other means of financial support to pay their bill. In short, the state budget crisis has put over half of Blackburn students’ ability to afford college at risk.

Our Board of Trustees elected at their February meeting to hold our students harmless. Not only do we not want to risk half of our enrollment, it is and always has been part of Blackburn’s mission to serve low-income and first-generation college students. We live up to this mission by ensuring these students are not forced out of college by a state budget battle far beyond their control.

This situation has two key lessons for all of us:

First, our ability to cover (hopefully temporarily) MAP Grant costs for the 2015-16 and 2016-17 school years would not be possible without our alumni and donors. We have raised more than $22 million in commitments through the Creating Opportunity! campaign announced last Homecoming. Without these gifts, we would not have had the money necessary ($1.3 million per year) to bridge this gap for our students. On their behalf, thank you!

Second, the continued divestment of the state in higher education will continue to leave bright, but needy, students unable to afford college. It is now more important than ever that Blackburn serve these students. The future of our state and our nation depends on it.

I’m proud to be a part of an institution doing such important work.

Thank you for your support.

John Comerford, Ph.D. President John Comerford is President of Blackburn College. To reach John, email john.comerford@blackburn.edu.

A View From

McKinley House

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ALSO FEATURED

EDITORIAL STAFF

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

PETER T. OSWALD

MARKETING AND PUBLICRELATIONS ASSISTANT

KYLE HARRINGTON ’10

COPY WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS

KARA ALDRIDGE-FOLGER ’19DANIELLE ANDERSON ’17

PATRICK BENEDICT ’17NOAH DAUM ’18ALEXIS DICK ’18

HEATHER PILGRIM ’18KELSIE SMITH ’18

DESIGNERSNOAH DAUM ’18ALEXIS DICK ’18

PRESIDENT’S CABINETDR. JOHN COMERFORD

PRESIDENT

HEIDI HEINZ V.P. AND DEAN OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

DR. JOHN MCCLUSKYPROVOST

STEVE MORRISV.P. OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

PETER T. OSWALDDIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

SHERYL RAYV.P. OF INSTITUTIONAL

ADVANCEMENT

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT STAFF

SARAH KOPLINSKI ’95DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

MARY MCMURRAY ’94INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

COORDINATOR

NATE RUSH ’73SENIOR DIRECTOR OF

DEVELOPMENT

SARAH RYSELL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

DR. MARK ZOBELDIRECTOR OF ANNUAL GIVING

8 THE BLACKBURN DIFFERENCE

A SPECIAL BLACKBURN FRIENDSHIPNEW TRUSTEES

REMEMBERING DR. JAKE

BEAVER TALES

HOMECOMING 2016COMMENCEMENT 2016

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BlackburnU P D A T E

FACULTY KUDOS

CELEBRATING OUR DONORS

ON THE TOWN

ALUMNI NEWS

THE WIRE IN THE CLASSROOM12

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There is comfort in just thinking the word, “home”. Whether you live in a small town, big city, or somewhere in between, your home is your sanctuary. Home is where your heart is no matter the size, construction, or location. Over the years, your home may change in many different ways.

Do you remember leaving home to come to Blackburn? For some, the beginning of that journey was filled with fear, anticipation, or even possibly the joy of starting a new venture in life. No matter what, whether you lived on campus or off, during the course of the next several semesters, Blackburn College became your home.

Over the years, you have shared your Blackburn home with many. This year is no different. In the fall, we will to welcome many more students into the Blackburn family. The campus will become their home too. They will create their own special memories, entwined with the rich history of the students who have come before them, students like you! The stories of your time here are kept alive; they are passed along, and shared with the next group of students who come behind you to become the next Blackburn alumnus.

Together—alumni, current students, faculty and staff—we are family and we continue to create opportunities for students to learn, work, and earn at Blackburn.

The Creating Opportunity! campaign has given us a chance to reach out and reconnect with our alumni family. To date, over 2,100 members of our Blackburn family have provided more than $22.1 million in gifts towards our $25 million goal! Your gifts have, and will, continue to provide much needed scholarships and campus improvements. Blackburn remains committed to helping students with the greatest potential to succeed academically, but who lack the funding to get here. The strength of Blackburn remains the committed alumni, who are in turn, providing support to the students who come after them. Just as alumni before you had done.

This fall, be sure to watch your mailbox for an invitation to the Athletic Hall of Fame Award dinner to be held in conjunction with the grand opening of the fitness facility.

Do you have a love for fitness? Want to make an impact for students, faculty and staff? Gifts are still needed to help with the renovation of the pool area into a state of the art fitness facility. Put your name in lights (or at least on a plaque!)! Naming opportunities are still available for the fitness facility, ranging from $5,000 to $3,000,000 Please give me a call for further details.

Come on home!

Please join us for Homecoming, the weekend of September 30 through October 2, 2016. This year’s theme, “Meet Me at the Den”, will celebrate the grand reopening of “The Den” as the Claire Jaenke Alumni Center at C.H.C. Anderson Hall.

Many of you will remember this space as your gathering place on campus. We are proud to say that it will be that once again. We have a wonderful interior floor plan that preserves the best of the lounge spaces and fireplace that you remember. It was your hangout on campus as students, and now it can be your hangout as alumni. We encourage you to stop by and interact with students, faculty, and staff in this newly enhanced space. Whether you left Blackburn five years ago, or 50 years ago, Blackburn is still your home and your family, and we look forward to welcoming you back. See you in September!

Sheryl Ray, CFRE, is Vice President for Institutional Advancement. To contact, Sheryl,

email sheryl.ray@blackburn.edu

Coming Home

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Back in Texas we had to be careful about using the term “liberal arts.” All too frequently it was confused with liberal politics—and thus was viewed by many as an abomination. As you know from your association with Blackburn, of course, the Liberal Arts has nothing to do with political alignment, but rather learning critical thinking skills that will serve students their entire careers rather than simply preparing students for their first job or two. Blackburn’s new General Education Curriculum, approved this spring, makes that connection much more tangible to students, prospective students, and their families.

What, you may ask, is the Gen Ed? These are the education components which all students must take to receive a Blackburn degree. The Gen Ed works alongside the major, the minor, and electives to round out the degree. As a liberal arts college, students will still be required to take courses across the disciplinary domains: Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, Mathematics, and Natural Sciences.

The innovation in our new curriculum is that each Gen Ed course, in addition to the disciplinary content, will also focus on key life skills that were selected by Blackburn faculty to maximize student success in their first year, through their major, and throughout their life. These skills include qualitative and quantitative analytical thinking, critical expression, media and information literacy, critical reading, philosophical and religious literacy, problem solving, emotional intelligence, diversity and multiculturalism, vocation, and physical education. Within each Gen Ed course students will be asked to apply one of these skills through focused study of the discipline.

By helping students focus and recognize the critical skills addressed within their General Education courses, students will more easily recognize the value of these courses. Just as importantly, specifying these skills will help prospective students and their families recognize the value of a Blackburn education.

The approval of this curriculum is the culmination of a great deal of work by Blackburn faculty, staff, and even some students. Several task forces explored different aspects of the curriculum, and weekly discussions with faculty and staff ensured that everyone had an opportunity to contribute with ideas, concerns, and solutions. Indeed, this year’s work was built upon a strong foundation of work developed over the past two years. Thus, one beauty of the new Gen Ed is that, as student needs change over the years, it will be relatively easy to adapt the curriculum to keep up: simply add or replace skills as necessary.

During the next academic year, faculty will modify existing classes and develop new classes to address the new curriculum. While students entering Blackburn in fall 2017 will reap the full benefit, starting this fall classes will begin to focus attention on these critical life skills. After all, it’s all about the students.

John McClusky, Ph.D., is Provost of Blackburn College. To contact John, email john.mcclusky@blackburn.edu

The New Gen Ed

Communications professor Dr. Natasha Casey’s paper “Converging Identities: Irishness and Whiteness in US Popular Culture” was presented at the American Conference for Irish Studies. This national conference was held at the University of Notre Dame in April.

Spencer Brayton, head librarian, and Dr. Natasha Casey, communications, had their session proposal,

“The Case for Alliance: Critical Media and Information Literacy,” accepted by the Information Literacy Summit at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, IL.

Dr. Ren Draya, English, presented a talk on “Music in The Tempest” at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and served as panel moderator for the OSF production of Much Ado About Nothing. She also presented a talk on “Music in Shakespeare” for the Blackburn College Transnational Colloquium.

Dr. Christina Langwell-McCurley, marketing and business management, will present “How

do we get students to look past the here and now?” at the International Organizational

Teaching Conference at the University of Winchester (UK), July 2016. 

Craig Newsom, art, had his work presented at a number of international video screenings,

including the Print Screen Festival, Mediateque Holon, Holon, Israel; One Minute Film and Video Festival, Stadtmuseum Schlössli, Aarau, Switzerland; Salonvideo,

MAGMA Art Space, Sfântu Gheorghe, Romania; Smartfone Flick Fest, Sydney, Australia; Mobgraphia Mobile Film Festival, São Paulo, Brazil; Cinema at Citygarden, Citygarden, St. Louis, MO. He was also involved with a remote co‐presentation of a paper regarding collaborative efforts between the Blackburn USA and Blackburn UK art departments at Nordic Summer University Study Circle 7 Winter Symposium at the Latvian Academy of Culture in Riga, Latvia.

Dr. Tyson Thomas, business and economics, has had a paper accepted for publication entitled “Product Quality Effects of International Airline Alliances, Antitrust Immunity and Domestic Mergers” in the Review of Network Economics. This paper is coauthored with Dr. Philip G. Gayle.

Dr. Laura Wiedlocher, political

science, and Spencer Brayton, head librarian, presented their paper “Integrating Peer Research Service into Research Analysis in the Social Sciences” at the 2016 American Political Science

Association’s Teaching and Learning Conference in Portland, OR.

Dr. Timothy Wilson, Spanish, represented Blackburn at the International Association for the Study of Popular Music. He presented a paper about Latin American pop music to an audience of scholars in Havana, Cuba. He will also publish a chapter in the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Latin American History entitled “Rock Nacional in Argentina during the Dictatorship.”

Dr. Elizabeth Zobel, performing arts chair, made a quilt that was accepted into a juried quilt show,

“Fly Me to the Moon: An Art Quilt Challenge.” The exhibit celebrates the 50th anniversary of

man’s first walk on the moon and will travel to venues around the country through 2019.

Naomi Crummey, English & Communications chair, had an essay entitled “Bird, Bear, Humans” published in the Winter Solstice 2015 issue of Kudzu House magazine.

Faculty Kudos

Dr. Natasha Casey

Spencer Brayton

Dr. Ren Draya

Dr. Christina McCurley

Craig Newsom

Dr. Tyson Thomas

Dr. Laura Wiedlocher

Dr. Timothy Wilson

Dr. Elizabeth Zobel

Dr. Naomi Crummey

Blackburn faculty members work hard year-round to expand their expertise to continually better serve students and further deepen their knowledge, helping the College excel as an institution in the process. This is just a glimpse at all that Blackburn faculty do in quest of excellence. Kudos, faculty!

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President John Comerford has been named to the newly created Higher Education Commission of the Future of the Workforce.

The commission was created under the auspices of House Joint Resolution 52, passed by the General Assembly in the spring 2015. The commission features broad-based expertise in business, economic development, and higher education in order to review efforts for improved alignment of post-secondary educational programming with regional workforce needs.

“It is an honor to be appointed to this commission and I am proud to have a role in future workforce development,” Comerford said. “I am excited to be part of an effort that may bring additional opportunities, partnerships and collaboration for more meaningful experiential learning in Illinois. The development of Illinois’ work force is critical to our future as a state. I think it is especially important that the state’s plans include an important role for the broad and adaptable education that the liberal arts provides.”

The commission was formed to analyze workforce needs and educational degree production in each economic development region of the state; identify partnerships to develop certificate and degree programs to address regional workforce needs; examine existing partnerships among higher education sectors

to increase degree completion, and explore opportunities to expand collaboration throughout the educational pipeline to address workforce demands; develop strategies for alternative models for degree/credential production such as online learning and competency-based credits; investigate incentives for working adults and those with substantial college credit but no degree to return to college; and explore strategies and practices in other states to incentivize certificate and degree completion.

John Comerford Named to IBHE Commission

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Natasha Anthony ’17 Receives MLK AwardOn January 18, Natasha Anthony ’17 received the Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Award at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation. A criminal justice major with minors in psychology and sociology, Anthony is a student well-known on campus for her friendly nature and go-getter attitude. After graduation, Anthony hopes to become a juvenile probation officer and someday a criminologist.

Anthony was nominated for the award by her Work Program supervisor, Emily Bahr, Director of Student Activities and New Student Orientation. “I was nervous. I didn’t think I’d get it,” said Anthony of receiving the award. She is very honored and grateful to have been nominated and selected to receive the award. “When you are told you display characteristics of a world leader like Martin Luther King it is such an incredible feeling,” she explained.

Anthony hopes to make a difference in the world, even in small ways. “My goal every day is to make someone smile, or maybe even laugh a little, because you never know what someone else could be going through,” she said.

Written by Kara Aldridge-Folger ’19 as part of the Blackburn College Work Program

Natasha Anthony ’17

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The Blackburn

DR. COMERFORD OPENS UP ABOUT BLACKBURN

Difference

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It seems the news is filled with stories of hardship at colleges. Public universities are having their state budgets cut (or, in Illinois, being forced to survive for nearly a year without any state support). Small private colleges are often highlighted for their special plight, and several have closed their doors in recent years. Sojourner-Douglass College (Baltimore), Marian Court College (near Boston), Lexington College (Chicago), and Mid-Continent University (Kentucky) are among those that will live on only in memory.

I am questioned frequently about Blackburn’s health and future. These are fair questions as people know that small colleges face real and potentially insurmountable problems:

• Declining Population – the Midwest will continue to shed population for at least another decade

• Declining Government Support – both the federal Pell Grant and Illinois MAP Grant have failed to keep pace with the rising cost of education

• Increasing Discounting – most colleges are “discounting” their tuition at a higher and higher rate, thus lowering their revenue per student

• Increasing Demand for Amenities – most colleges are engaged in an expensive “amenities war” as they build apartment-style residence halls, climbing walls, and Starbucks to attract students

• Increasing Costs – supporting ever-fancier campuses and other uncontrollable costs like employee health insurance is a growing challenge

• Increasing Competition – it seems that every college

is spending more on marketing to keep pace and is worried about competition from on-line and other convenience-based programs

• Increasing Concern for Prestige – most colleges measure themselves by rankings and other measures of prestige, which are driven by attracting an ever-shrinking pool of talented students through increased discounting and campus amenities

These problems are real, growing, and may be insurmountable for some colleges. Even those with large endowments are drawing on them in unsustainable ways as their operating revenue cannot support their expenditures.

Compounding the problem, most colleges are driving up their costs as they add campus amenities at the same time they are driving down their revenue through heavy tuition discounting—as high as 70% on some campuses.

Blackburn College faces some of the same concerns, but I find more cause for optimism than pessimism. At the heart of our optimism is the fact that Blackburn is pursuing a different course than other institutions. As other colleges scramble for students with the highest test scores and GPAs in order to maintain their rankings and prestige, Blackburn has doubled-down on its mission to serve first-generation and low-income students. We have been doing this as a work college for over 100 years, and with a new program (the Affordable Access Award) providing free tuition to the neediest students, we have seen significant enrollment increases.

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This is not only good for our mission, but it matches the demographics of our Midwestern location. The only areas of population growth will be in traditionally underserved populations – low-income, students of color, etc. By focusing on this population, we are avoiding the “red ocean” where many college “sharks” are fighting over a declining number of students and instead swimming in the “blue ocean” as one of just a few colleges dedicated to serving a growing population of students with financial need.

We also see no softening of demand from these students for the residential experience we offer. “On-line” may be exciting to some populations, but traditional-age students still see the value in a campus experience.

In order to serve this population, we must keep our costs low. So, Blackburn is also avoiding the trap of expensive campus amenities. You will certainly see campus improvements (conversion of the pool into a fitness center, reopening the Den, renovating the library into a learning commons), but these improvements are meant to enhance the student experience and thus improve recruitment and retention. Adding fancy facilities just to “keep up with the Joneses” is not a path forward for Blackburn.

Of course, our Work Program is also a key driver of keeping operating costs low. We can afford to educate a low-income

student with Pell and MAP Grants because the remaining gap is largely filled by the student’s own work.

And while the road ahead for Blackburn will certainly have a few bumps, there are signs that our strategy is working:• Applications have increased by 100% since 2013• New student classes have increased from 160 in fall of

2013 to 220 in fall of 2015, and we expect 240 or more this fall

• 10% total enrollment growth (from 541 to 595) in three years, with another increase expected this fall

• Our revenue from students has increased $1.3 million (15%) in three years as we have grown

• The placement rate of our graduates in full-time employment or graduate school has increased to 99% (based on a 98% survey response rate)

• The College’s total assets have grown every year for the past five years, and unrestricted assets (flexible reserve funds) have grown from $1.5 million to $4.4 million

• The Creating Opportunity! campaign has raised more than $22 million, a record for Blackburn that tells me our alumni and friends believe we are doing the right thing by supporting students with financial need

In sum, there are certainly worries ahead for Blackburn and most other colleges. But, Blackburn has always been different. Our unique model and ability to serve a growing population of students with need has become our greatest strength. We will be stronger, and the wider community we serve will be stronger, as the result of our dedication to our mission.

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Steve Morris, new Vice President for Administration and Finance, is excited to be a part of the Blackburn team. Since he began work in February, he has been warmly welcomed by faculty, staff, and students, and is enthusiastic to further continue the journey with Blackburn College.

After earning an M.B.A. from Eastern Kentucky University, Morris spent many years in the hospitality industry where he managed a number of hotels, including those that featured full service restaurants, conference centers, and museums.

Before coming to Blackburn, Morris worked in a variety of capacities at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, KY. He joined the staff of that institution in 2003 as Executive Director or Business Services. In 2006 he was named Vice President for Business Services and Budget officer, where he established the current university budget program, reducing the budget by $3.5 million in its first year. While overseeing a budget of $51 million, Morris also designed and implemented four employee benefit plans, began a student health insurance program, opened a health clinic on campus, and developed a series of successful risk management safety awareness programs for employees.

Morris first heard about Blackburn from a colleague who felt that Morris would be well suited to a role at the College due to its stellar reputation and unique concept. His expertise in executive leadership, financial services, business operations, human resources and budgeting made him a perfect candidate for the position.

During his initial research on the College, Morris learned about the unique Work Program, an aspect of the institution that greatly impressed him. Morris had a basic idea about student labor due to his experience in higher education, but he never heard of anything quite like the Work Program. “Because of the Work Program, this College inspires high level participation,”

said Morris. He also noticed that the community is involved with the College and the overall structure of the college is great to him. “The communication here is outstanding as well,” Morris said. “You don’t get communication like this at other universities.”

Morris instantly noticed all the many strengths at Blackburn College, such as the strong communication between departments. Morris explained that one of the most profound strengths, however, at the College is the exceptional job Blackburn does of developing students academically and professionally, resulting in students graduating with better chances of success than other students from other institutions. “It takes a very unique student to manage both the work program and academics,” said Morris. “Blackburn students are so better prepared when they graduate.”

In his first year, Morris hopes focus on getting to know the faculty, staff, and students, and develop good working relationships centered on trust. “I always grew up on this idea that we should serve others and I hope I can do that,” he explained. Morris is working to learn what students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends think needs to be done for the College to continue serving all associated to the best of its ability. “I feel like if I keep asking people what they need done the rest will fall in line,” said Morris.

Morris is continually impressed by the College and the students, faculty and staff who keep things moving. “I am really pleased with the team I have inherited and with the fact that the students here are truly the core of the institution’s success.The future is very bright,” he said.

Written by Kara Aldridge-Folger ’19 as part of the Blackburn College Work Program

Welcome, Steve Morris

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It was an idea born over cocktails.

Years of rising withdrawal rates and falling grades in the College’s first-year writing program had caused concern for professors of English, Drs. Naomi Crummey and Karen Dillon.

Despite trying a number of different texts to improve student response, the question of how to engage students through course material and help develop critical thinking and writing skills still remained.

“We were asking those kinds of questions about the first-year writing sequence as a whole,” said Crummey. One evening, at a cocktail hour at McKinley House hosted by President Mim Pride, Crummey and Dillon had their “ah-ha” moment.

Both fans of HBO’s groundbreaking show The Wire, the pair sensed that using the series to challenge first-year students with its often difficult themes would be a new and interesting way to engage students. Not only is the success of this shift clear in grade improvement, it also paved the way for Crummey and Dillon to publish a collection of essays entitled The Wire in the College Classroom: Pedagogical Approaches in the Humanities.

Set in Baltimore in the early 2000s, The Wire details the relationship of Baltimore institutions with local law enforcement, with each season following a different establishment. Running from 2002 to 2008, the show was a masterpiece of theatrical realism, depicting the gritty struggle of urban life impacted by poverty, drugs, gang violence, racism, classism, and police corruption.

“It was kind of a constellation of things that came together,” said Crummey of the decision to frame The Wire for use in an academic setting. “It was Karen’s first semester and she was coming in new with fresh eyes and fresh ideas, and I was coming off of five or six years of first-year writing, trying different texts, and never really being happy with student response.”

Both Crummey and Dillon expressed the importance of first-year writing programs using a strong core text that provides ample opportunities for analysis and argumentation. The Wire does just that—supplies a provocative and thought-provoking narrative that forces students to step outside of their comfort zones and raises questions that can be accessed from many different perspectives.

The first Wire section of first-year writing was taught in spring 2012. A required course for all freshmen, Crummey and Dillon had hopes that student interest and engagement would increase and that the raw and emotional narrative would give students from often homogenous communities a new lens by which to view the world. “In first-year writing in particular these are issues we talk about anyway—race, class, gender, assumptions,” said Dillon. “Those are hard subjects for students to read about in academic essays that they don’t care about, so we thought that this is a better way of introducing all these topics that we are already discussing in a more palatable, yet ironically not palatable way.”

Connecting First Year Writing Students with the Wider World

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The Wire:

Dr. Karen Dillon and Dr. Naomi Crummey

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Connecting First Year Writing Students with the Wider World

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Broaching these topics by using a strong visual tool did cause concern for Crummey and Dillon. “One of our chief concerns was that it would end up confirming a lot of their worst stereotypes and ideas instead of exploding them,” said Crummey. The pair begins the semester with a very honest disclaimer about course material rife with language, violence, and often hard-to-swallow images and ideas. “We do a lot of prep work reminding them that these issues of poverty and crime are in their own back yards, they just look different. They aren’t far removed,” said Dillon.

They chose to use the fourth season, which details the lives of four middle school boys as they navigate an urban landscape of gangs, violence and drugs. Chosen initially because it was their favorite season, Crummey and Dillon realized that these young men, despite differences in race and situation, were easy to relate to for students. “We learned that those boys are super easy to attach to,” said Crummey. “This season takes a step back and asks, ‘How do people become the adults that they are?’ It really attaches you to this cast of really sympathetic young men, and I think it humanizes and challenges these stereotypes that students recognize from mass media.”

According to Dillon, today’s students consume media very differently than earlier generations and don’t watch as much television. Thanks to the popularity of recent shows like Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones, using The Wire was an easy shift. “This is a similar story that has a complex way of characterization and plot—it’s about institutions and power. It’s an easy sell to get them to watch. I think it makes them think about things like race, class, and gender in different ways than they have before.”

All first-year writing sections have used The Wire for the past five years, and the student response has been overwhelmingly positive. Crummey and Dillon have found that there are always a few students each semester who don’t like the show—some think it’s boring and others can’t articulate why. Crummey believes that that’s often because the show doesn’t have a satisfying narrative arc. “They want it to begin with a problem and end with a solution,” agreed Dillon. On the opposite end of the spectrum, some students end up “binge watching” The Wire in their free time with friends.

Crummey and Dillon have found that education and criminal justice majors seem to connect most deeply with the show, while science and business majors may find that connection more difficult to make. As a whole, though, many students struggle to accept what Dillon calls the “depressing reality that The Wire presents,” and both find that students sometimes actively resist that reality in class.

“They cling to the idea of free will and the American dream and meritocracy,” Crummey said. “But they’re funny because on one hand, they’re sort of cynical and their life circumstances have taught them that that’s not true, but for themselves, and their own futures and hopes and dreams, they’re clinging fast to the idea that it’s true.”

It was after two years of using The Wire for first-year writing that Crummey and Dillon realized it was time to develop a resource for course instruction. With the support of the College, the pair attended three conferences where they were panel presenters. “We had great audience participation and people wanted to talk about it when we were done. That’s when we realized there’s a big audience here and a book,” Dillon said.

The next step for the pair was to find other essays focused on the instruction of the show. “We knew there wasn’t enough there to do a monograph because we didn’t have enough material and data,” said Dillon. “You can’t have an entire book that’s focused on pedagogy based on one person’s experience.” They knew The Wire had been taught at other institutions and so they put out a call for essays. The response was excellent.

Crummey and Dillon received about 25 submissions, and from there chose the 12 that would become The Wire in the College Classroom: Pedagogical Approaches in the Humanities. They were also struck that there were very few instructors using The Wire with first-year students—submissions were generally based on the instruction of upperclassmen. Most importantly, the pair wanted to write a book that was a strong, usable resource for instruction. “We wanted to write a book that we would use, not an esoteric, pompous book full of academes theorizing, because that’s not that useful in the classroom,” said Dillon. Once the essays were chosen, Crummey and Dillon focused on being diligent editors, meeting deadlines, and completing their

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own submissions to The Wire in the College Classroom. After all the abstracts were received, they created a prospectus that they sent to various publishers who published series in pedagogy. “We wanted a resource for people who wanted to teach The Wire and basically saw it as a way for teachers to share ideas,” said Crummey.

After a year and a half of planning, writing, and editing, The Wire in the College Classroom was published by McFarland on March 18, 2015.

The success of The Wire for first-year writing is clear. Since Crummey and Dillon introduced it to the curriculum, course completion has stayed 10% above pre-Wire rates. Some semesters the success rate has been as high as 20%. This success continued even after the elimination of a developmental writing course. “This basically means we had a wider variety of skill levels in every section and the numbers still went up,” said Dillon.

Although the subject matter is difficult,

student persistence through the duration of the course has improved, showing that students are much more interested and dedicated to success. “It contributes to better improvement of writing because they’re engaged,” said Crummey. “Even though we’re asking more complex questions, they’re still managing because they’re interested, so they’re willing to put in the work.”

Dillon directly related this success not only to the change in course content, but to the College investing money into the first-year writing program, including the hiring of another full-time faculty member dedicated to the subject. “It’s a specific discipline that takes a lot of passion, enthusiasm, and experience,” she said. “This is what happens when you have this many people dedicated to helping students through the challenges of first-year writing. Our full time energy made a huge difference.”

The Wire in the College Classroom: Pedagogical Approaches in the Humanities is available for purchase on amazon.com.

Senior Jared Jones was just named the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Male Scholar Athlete of the Year for the 2015-16 school year. Jones, from Mitchell, IN, has excelled in the classroom while also being a four-year member of the baseball team. Jones has also been the Work Program athletic department manager for the past three years.

“Jared is a student-athlete who comes along very rarely in regards to his work ethic, time management and people skills,” said Blackburn Head Baseball Coach Mike Neal. “He

will most certainly be very successful in the future.” Jones is majoring in sports administration and will be attending graduate school at Belmont University in Nashville, TN next year.

“Jared has demonstrated all that is great with Division III athletics–excellence and dedication in the classroom, on the baseball field and within the community. Jared is a true ambassador for the Division, Blackburn College and the Conference,” said SLIAC Commissioner Angie Morenz.

During his summers, Jones has continued work developing his skills and career aspirations— playing baseball, working in the athletic department at Indiana University, and attending a

sports career symposium with the NCAA to prepare for a career in college athletics.

Jones is the first male athlete from Blackburn College to win this award from the conference. “This is a tremendous honor and accomplishment for Jared. He is an outstanding scholar-athlete and a highly respected student leader at Blackburn. The Blackburn College Community is very proud of Jared’s selection as SLIAC Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year,” said Blackburn College Athletic Director John Malin.

Jared Jones Named the SLIAC Male Scholar Athlete of the Year

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UPCOMING EVENTS ON CAMPUSThursday-Saturday, July 7, 8, 9

Summer Orientation

Saturday, July 23Summer Orientation

Saturday, August 20New Students Arrive on Campus

Wednesday, August 24Classes Begin / All College

Convocation

Wednesday, September 21College and Community

Luncheon

Friday- Sunday, September 30, October 1, 2

Homecoming 2016

Friday-Wednesday, October 14-19 Fall Break

Wednesday, October 26

College and Community Luncheon

Sunday, October 30Alpha Chi Induction Ceremony

Friday, November 4Science Wall of Honor Induction

Ceremony

Friday, November 11Veteran’s Day Convocation

Wednesday, November 16College and Community

Luncheon

Tuesday-Monday, November 22-28

Thanksgiving Break

Blackburn Gives HopeStaying true to its dedication to support first generation and low income students, Blackburn College has teamed up with photojournalist Linda Solomon and her Pictures of Hope organization to form the Hope Scholarship.

Created by Solomon, Pictures of Hope is a nonprofit organization, whose mission is to change the lives of homeless children by providing them a digital camera and asking them to photograph their hopes and dreams, allowing them to realize that their dreams matter and are achievable. “When you show children that you care about what they dream for in life, perhaps a child who never felt he or she had self-worth, now will,” said Solomon.

Blackburn President John Comerford learned about Pictures of Hope after a segment appeared on a talk show segment. He immediately contacted Solomon, knowing that a relationship between the program and the College could bring the opportunity of education to countless children. “It struck me that she was working with promising young people who would face significant financial challenges that could prevent them from

going to college,” said Comerford of Solomon. “She was working with the same population we seek to serve.” The Hope Scholarship will offer free tuition, room

and board to eligible students who took part in Pictures of Hope. Students must meet all regular admission criteria.

This spring, four students were awarded the Hope Scholarship. Currently active in 13 U.S. cities, Solomon hopes to begin

a Chicago-based program. Comerford hopes to combine this effort with the Give Something Back Foundation, a Chicago-area organization that seeks to provide

mentors and scholarships that help Pell Grant-eligible students go to college and graduate in four years debt free.

In April, Comerford and Solomon traveled to Tuscan, AZ, where they surprised the first Hope Scholarship recipient, Leiliani Martinez, by presenting her a full scholarship to Blackburn upon her graduation. “Her picture is about believing in herself,” said Comerford of Martinez. ”It’s that kind of student, the one who has that motivation, who can be successful in college if someone just gives them a chance.” Since April, Comerford has presented three more students with the Hope Scholarship. One recipient from Michigan has already taken advantage of the scholarship and is enrolled to begin

her studies at Blackburn in the fall.

For more information on Pictures of Hope, visit www.lindasolomonphotography.com.

Dr. John Comerford and Leiliani Martinez smile for a photo after the scholarship presentation

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Jennifer Shelby, Steinway Grand Piano, Clegg Chapel

Of Jennifer Shelby, trustee, President Comerford said: “You’ve heard the phrase ‘the people who’ve drank the Kool-Aid.’ Jen Shelby didn’t even go to Blackburn, and yet she believes more in this institution, and has given more of herself, and of her time, and her talents to this place than most people I know.”

A vocal proponent of Blackburn’s mission since she joined the Board in 2009, Shelby gifted a Steinway Model O grand piano for Clegg Chapel, allowing the College to claim the distinction as an All-Steinway school, joining an elite rank of institutions dedicated to excellence in music. “To get to use that piano means so much,” said music major, Patterson Friese. “We’re using some of the best equipment available to us. When family and friends come to the end of semester recitals and get to see the progress we’re making, we get to see the looks on their faces when their eyes widen and they say ‘oh wow!’ Those moments are the best. So thank you so much for helping to provide those moments for us.”

Shelby’s gift was made in memory of her great grandfather, Robert Eisner who was a Vaudeville pianist who entertained his audience of grandchildren. “He was quite the showman,” Shelby remembered. “I think he would have liked the thought.”

Dr. John and Mrs. Paula Lapp, Student Work Area, Mahan

Trustee Dr. John Lapp and his wife Paula were honored for their contribution to the building of the Mahan Wing’s Student Work Area. Coined by students as “the fishbowl,” the large, glass-enclosed room that also houses the science faculty offices has become a gathering place for science students and faculty to study, work, and learn together. Dr. James Bray, biology department chair, said of the gift, “It is an example of what people are willing to give back to the College.”

Biology major Kayla Liebman ’16 spoke of the importance of the work area for students. “This is where we study, this is where we get to hang out, this is where we’re a family,” she said. “The main message is thank you, because the fish bowl is wonderful. It’s our home.”

Celebrating Our DonorsOn Friday, February 19, some of Blackburn’s recent donors were honored at a dinner and plaque ceremony attended by trustees, faculty, staff and friends for their contributions and dedication to the excellence of the College. Although only a small sampling of the dedicated individuals who give so much to the institution, heartfelt comments by President Comerford and students can resonate with all who give their time, treasure and talents to further the College’s mission.

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Dr. John Comerford and Dr. John Lapp

Dr. Elizabeth Zobel, Jennifer Shelby, trustee, and Patterson Friese ’17

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Paul ’92 and Claire Delano, Work Program Office, Dedicated to Roger Fenton and Pete Slavish

“There’s nothing more at the heart of Blackburn College than our Work Program,” said President Comerford. “It’s the thing that makes us distinct, it’s the thing that makes us special, that makes us better than most every other institution in the country. It is in thing that changes the life of every student who is involved in it.” Trustee Paul Delano ’92 was one of those students whose life and future was changed by participation in the Work Program, leading to Delano’s formal dedication of the Work Office to Work Program advisors Pete Slavish (1974-1996) and Roger Fenton (1985-2013).

“When I decided to come to Blackburn as a prospective student, I came because of the Work Program,” said Delano. Fortunate enough to work with both Slavish and Fenton, Delano remembered that although the two had different styles of mentorship, the relationships were no less formative. “Pete was quiet, but always had a question to lead you in the right direction. Roger was not to quiet, but also would ask the right question to lead you in the right direction,” he remembered. “I’m very grateful for that.”

Roger Fenton, who retired in 2013 was in attendance. Sadly, Pete Slavish passed away in 1996, but his wife, Cynda Slavish Ziedler and children, Jake and Mikaela, were in attendance. Jake Slavish spoke warmly of his father’s dedication to the College. “He just loved this place,” he said. “It wasn’t about time—it was about duties, it was about responsibilities that he wanted done.” Although Slavish’s role changed throughout the years, he worked as both Work Program Advisor and art professor, his dedication never wavered. “My father’s dedicated purpose was this college,” said Slavish. “I hope that future students will understand the pillars that my father stood for: selflessness, sacrifice, and service.”

Two New Ways To GiveBlackburn students are sometimes in need of financial assistance. Scholarships, state and federal grants can help fund their education, but students can find themselves in need of support for different reasons. In conjunction with the Office of Advancement and the Office of Student Life, the College is now offering two new opportunities to help support students: The Basic Bins and the Benevolent Beaver Fund.

The Basic Bins Students don’t always have the financial means to purchase items that they need daily. Located in the Office of Student Life, the Basic Bins is a closet stocked with necessities, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razors, hair products, deodorant and more. Students in need of these items can visit the Basic Bins, or with the help of an advocate, obtain items that they need for daily use.

The Benevolent Beaver Fund Life doesn’t always go as planned, and Blackburn students sometimes find themselves in need of emergency funds. The Benevolent Beaver Fund is a collection of monies donated by generous alumni and friends of the College. This is not a

loan fund—it is a fund intended for students with a financial emergency. Whether it be train or plane ticket home after a death in the family, needing steel-toed boots in order to work their campus job, or a prescription filled in case of illness, the Benevolent Beaver Fund many be available. Students can access

funds from $50 to $1,000.

Students interested in accessing this fund must complete an application and submit a short explanation of why the fund is needed, which will be reviewed and approved by the Director of Financial Aid and the Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs. Each application will be reviewed to determine the applicant’s eligibility for funds. All recipients of funds must be in good academic, work, and social standing.

You can help support Blackburn students by donating to one or both of these funds. Every dollar spent can make

a direct impact on the life of a student. For more information about the Basic Bins or the Benevolent Beaver Fund contact Sheryl Ray, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, at sheryl.ray@blackburn.edu or 217-854-5509.

The Slavish Family, Roger Fenton, and Paul Delano ’92

Heidi Heinz, V.P. and Dean of Students poses with the Basic Bins

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COMMENCEMENT 2016

Dr. John Comerford presents Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs with an Honorary Doctorate

Michael Stephenson ’16, Abigail Sutton ’16, Pierre Tamakloe ’16

The moving of the tassels

Alumni Board President George Malo ’66 presents Jared Jones ’16 the Outstanding Graduate Award

On a beautiful Saturday, May 7, 2016, 95 Blackburn students earned their Bachelor of Arts at the 147th commencement ceremony. Commencement speaker, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs earned an Honorary Doctorate of Human Letters before giving the commencement address.

Dr. Naomi Crummey, Chair of English & Communications earned the Outstanding Faculty Award. Jared Jones ’16 received the Outstanding Graduate Award. Senior Seminar Symposium prizes, for best senior seminar project, were awarded to: Marcella Polera ’16, first place; Courtney Egner ’16, second place; Sarah Burchett, third place. During Friday’s Baccalaureate, Rev. Dr. Stephen Wilson ’79 gave the Baccalaureate Sermon, “Whispers Beyond Time”.

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Carly Oldridge ’16, Shandra Pearson ’16, Marcella Polera ’16, Elizabeth Quick ’16

Henry Hicks ’16 receives his diploma

Dr. Mark Armstrong, College Marshal, leads the commencement procession

Roommates Ben Hoover ’16 and Alex Greff ’16 embrace

Graduates listen to the Commencement Address

Shane Nalezyty ’16, Danae Smith ’16

Dr. John McClusky presents Dr. Naomi Crummey with the Outstanding Teacher and Campus Leader Award

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Mike Boer ’70

Mike Boer graduated from Blackburn College in 1970 with a B.S. in Economics and Sociology and continued with Graduate Studies at Northern Illinois University.

He recently retired from the Springfield Branch of the Warren Boynton State Bank where he served as President. Boer also has an extensive career as Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. While here, he was responsible for management of staff and development and delivery of services and programs of the chamber, including economic development, legislative affairs, workshops and seminars, member recruitment and retention, communications, and special projects, including various public-private ventures.

Boer has been affiliated with numerous organizations throughout the years. He has served as the President of the Illinois Development Council and Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.

Boer resides in Springfield Illinois with his wife, Ann.

“I am honored to be a trustee for Blackburn College,” Boer said. “The quality of the people and the dedication of the board is very impressive to me. There are a few reasons that I’m glad I have this honor—working with President Comerford, the staff, and the campus community. The College is very important

to me, I met my wife at this college, and it was where I developed my strong work ethic. I want to be a trustee for this campus to payback all that it has done for me. I want to do whatever I can to ensure that the tuition is still very affordable for every young person. Every man and woman deserves to get the education they want.”

George Preckwinkle

George Preckwinkle earned his B.B.A from Southern Methodist University in 1978, and J.D. from Southern Methodist University in 1981. He is an elected member of the Sangamon County Board, representing District 25. He is the president of Bishop Hardware & Supply,

Inc, the owners and operators of 12 Ace Hardware stores in central Illinois. Preckwinkle is former president and current active member of the Abraham Lincoln Boy Scouts Council Board. He is also on the Sangamon County Board as the Chair of the Finance Committee, member of the Jail and OEM/911 Committees, Elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Springfield, IL, and a board member of Local First Springfield.

Preckwinkle and his wife Lynda live in Springfield, IL.

Preckwinkle said: “Benjamin Franklin said, ‘Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.’ Many colleges can do just that, but Blackburn takes the rewards of education to a much higher level by helping their students

be successful with the student-run Work Program. Students are not just involved, but engaged with Blackburn. They are learning, and building work skills, learning teamwork, creating great résumés that will help them immediately upon graduation. Blackburn and its Work Program create success. I’m very impressed by the recent graduating class and their success in obtaining jobs and continuing their higher education. It is another example of Blackburn success, and another reason I am humbled and proud to be a trustee at Blackburn. I am truly enjoying my greater involvement with the College.”

Mary Beth Stephens

Mary Beth Stephens graduated from Kenyon College with a B.A. in Physics in 1986 and from Washington University in St. Louis, in 1998, with a B.S. in Engineering and Public Policy through Kenyon’s 3-2 engineering program. Stephens worked for the Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety in their Low Level Waste Management group, and later for Hanson Professional Services in their Environmental group where she conducted Environmental Site Assessments and provided Storm Water Discharge Permitting services.

Stephens has been coaching the Springfield High School boys swim team for the past eight years, serving as Head Coach for the past six years. She is currently consulting as an independent College Admissions Counselor, having received her certificate in College Admissions Counseling from UCLA. Stephens and her husband, Harvey, have two children.

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Mike Boer ’70

George Preckwinkle

Mary Beth Stephens

Welcoming Our New Trustees“I am really enjoying being a trustee and I think it helps that I’m an intense believer in small colleges because the students are educated as a whole,” Stephens said. “Blackburn College offers a lot of opportunities for those who might not otherwise get an education. The outreach is amazingly wider. Being intimately involved with the College gives me a deeper understanding of everything Blackburn has to offer.”

Paul Tepikian ’77

Paul Tepikian graduated with a B.A. in Sociology from Blackburn in 1977. During his senior year, he was a member of the Work Committee as the Student Manager of New Construction just as work on the Dawes Addition was starting. Following graduation Paul joined the Blackburn College staff as New Construction Coordinator and held several different positions in the following eight years, ultimately teamed with Pete Slavish, as Staff Advisor to the Work Program.

In 1985, Tepikian left Blackburn to attend Washington University in St Louis. He received his M.B.A (with a concentration in Finance and Operations/Production) in 1987, and was hired by Exxon Company USA in their Controller’s Organization headquartered in Houston TX. Tepikian worked at ExxonMobil from 1987 till his retirement in 2012, working

in the Controllers organization in various accounting and audit positions before moving to the Fuels Marketing Department in the early ’90s.

Tepikian and his wife Elizabeth have been married for more than 30 years and have two daughters, Emily, who gradated Pratt Institute in Brooklyn in 2012, and Chantrea, who graduated from High School in June, 2015.

“I consider myself most fortunate to have been asked to serve on Blackburn’s Board of Trustees,” Tepikian said. “The 12 years I spent at the College, both as student and then staff member, provided an amazingly rich learning experience, which I treasure dearly. To be able to continue that relationship in this new role is truly an honor.”

Written by Kara Aldridge-Folger ’19 as part of the Blackburn College Work Program

In June 2015, Dr. Hazel Loucks was named chairwoman of the Blackburn College Board of Trustees. A six-year veteran of the Board, Loucks has been continuing the efforts of previous chair-people, ensuring that Blackburn continues to excel as an institution of higher learning. “Being a trustee is a great learning experience,” she said. “There are so much to know about from the finances, academics, sports, and even the music from being a trustee,” she said. “A trustee has to be well informed in order to make good choices.”

Although Blackburn College has many strengths, Loucks believes that the dedication for the education of its students and the Work Program are the two greatest. “The staff shows a strong commitment for the education of young persons and the Work Program,” said Loucks.

Although a long-time member of the Board, being chairwoman has its challenges and Loucks feels she has a great team behind her. “I am excited for the new trustees most of all,” she explained. “They are all excited to start working as new trustees and things are starting to look up since we have such a dedicated board.” Not only is Loucks excited to start working with the new

trustees, she has many tasks she hopes to accomplish, including facility and technology improvements on campus. “I feel really good about all the changes that will be made,” she said of the planned improvements across campus.

Loucks is a private education consultant and workshop presenter across the state and nationally with expertise in mentoring and leadership training. She has authored educational materials on teacher induction, parent involvement, assessment, workforce education, and integrating students with disabilities in the classroom.

Loucks formerly served as Deputy Governor under Illinois Governor Jim Edger. She has also served as a school improvement specialist in the Virgin Islands, and was a professor at SIU Carbondale. She earned a Ph.D. in education administration from Saint Louis University and a Master of Arts in personnel in higher education from The Ohio State University. She has honorary doctorates from Quincy University and St. Francis University.

Written by Kara Aldridge-Folger ’19 as part of the Blackburn College Work Program

Hazel Loucks, New Board Chair

Paul Tepikian ’77

Dr. Hazel Loucks

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For 27 years, Blackburn College Professor of English, Dr. Ren Draya has put countless hours of work into her career and into student lives. For decades, students have reaped the rewards of her wisdom as she tirelessly educated classes in literature’s greatest classics.

Born and raised in New York, Draya always wanted to be a teacher. After earning her bachelors in English with a minor in education from Tufts University, she began working as a seventh grade language arts teacher in Maryland. Draya returned to New York where she taught high school English.

After becoming a mother, Draya began working as an editor for correspondence courses for the University of Colorado’s continuing education branch. This work taught Draya the finer points of curriculum development, and she began work on a master’s degree in English. With the advice of her graduate advisor, Draya continued her education and began pursuing her Ph.D., where she studied under J.H. Crouch, founder of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, and worked as his assistant director. In 1977, Draya earned her doctorate in dramatic literature and began teaching at the University of Colorado and Metropolitan State College, located in Denver, as a literature professor.

Draya eventually moved back to New York and taught nine years at Baruch College and Borough of Manhattan Community College. During this time, she wrote plays and obtained the Creative Arts Award and fellowship from New York state for her play, The Mothers. Leafing through the Chronicles of Higher Education one day, Draya saw an advertisement for an English professor position at Blackburn College, with expertise in Shakespeare. She was offered the position, and flew to Carlinville to begin yet another journey in her life.

Draya has spent so many years at Blackburn because she simply loves teaching and building life-long relationships with her students. She has the pleasure of continuing these relationships far beyond the college years, and of seeing her students achieve major life milestones, like doctorates of their own, marriage, and children. “I love the day-to-day satisfaction of teaching,” she said. “I like creating courses, dragging students to see live theater, I like everything about teaching.”

While teaching at Blackburn, Draya has made many valuable memories, including establishing the Blackburn British Study Abroad Program, and three years ago hosting the first Graham Symposium. She has also witnessed some first-rate stage performances over the years, including student-directed Antigone and Cabaret.

Draya hopes that her students will remember her for her everlasting enthusiasm, and her love of instilling knowledge to lead to a happy and successful lives.

Written by Kara Aldridge-Folger ’19 as part of the Blackburn College Work Program

Faculty Spotlight:

Dr. Ren Draya

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ON THE TOWNThe Blackburn College Department of Performing Arts in partnership with the College Activities Board and the Arts and Issues Committee put on a spring musical of Leonard Bernstein’s On the Town. The musical was performed four times from April 14 through April 17 in Bothwell Auditorium.

The cast of On the Town consisted mostly of Blackburn students and alums, but also included community members. This musical was directed by Dr. Kate Roark, with Dr. Elizabeth Zobel taking the role of Musical Director. Sophomore pre-med major Ajay Minton both choreographed and performed in the musical while other students also worked as backstage crew.

Midway through production, one performer had an ankle injury. However, the show must go on, thus performances continued. The cast and crew put a substantial deal of great work both in front of and behind the curtain making the spring musical of On the Town a success.

Written by Noah Daum ’18 as part of the Blackburn College Work Program

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One word that is synonymous with the Blackburn College mission is “work.” It is no wonder that Blackburn is equipped with a department called Career Services that sets out to ensure that each and every student is provided with the tools and guidance need for gainful employment in the world outside the college.

The mastermind behind this department is the ever dedicated Director of Career Services and Experiential Learning, Suzanne Krupica. Since coming to Blackburn in 2011, Krupica has strived to improve student’s chances find their career path as soon as possible can after college. Career Services has a myriad of tools and services for both current and former Blackburn students. From assistance with selecting a major and hunting down an internship to perfecting resumes and helping graduates understand the job market, Career Services does it all.

Among the many tools offered by Career Services, Krupica puts specific emphasis on the indepth information packet created for every major offered at Blackburn. These packets provide important advice and data on the types of careers geared toward specific majors. Career Services also helps organize frequent seminars on the use of the technologies used in workplaces as well as building resumes and preparing for interviews.

Krupica also teaches two courses at the College that prepare students for life after college, including hunting down the job that is right for them. Career Services also has a small staff of student workers who are dedicated to helping their fellow students prepare for a career outside of Blackburn by gathering data on graduated students regarding job placement rates and difficulty finding jobs.

The one obstacle that Career Services has been facing is the lack of student and alumni awareness that the department exists and what sort of services it provides. Efforts have been made to create new promotional documents so more students can benefit from this wonderful department. Several online resources are also posted in the Career Services section on the Blackburn website.

If you are an alumni who is struggling with finding a job or career path that is right for you Career Services is happy to help. If you have any interest in the assistance that Career Services can provide please do not hesitate to contact Suzanne Krupica at suzanne.krupica@blackburn.edu or call (217) 854-5761.

Written by Patrick Benedict ’17 as part of the Blackburn College Work Program

Career Services Offers Tools for the Future

In April, the College announced John Malin ’81 as the new Director of Athletics and Recreation. Malin has a long history at the College, working in the Office of Admissions for the past 35 years.

He has always had a healthy connection with the athletics department, assisting with the recruitment of potential student-athletes. In 2013, Malin took on the role of head coach for the Blackburn Men’s Golf Team. In 2015, after the departure of the previous athletic director, Malin was chosen as Interim Director of Athletics and Recreation Malin accepted the opportunity with great determination. In April, he accepted a permanent position.

The athletics department has had several projects in the works for some time, but Malin’s top priority is building stability within the department. “I want to put together a tactical plan to determine what our immediate needs for the department are and how we might execute the completion of these ideas,” said Malin. One project that should soon be completed is the transformation of the old swimming pool area of the Dawes building into a functional work-out room. Malin hopes to also create a plan for more long-term goals, such as getting donors for the enhancement and expansion of their facilities.

Malin is excited to undertake this new role, saying “it will be fun contributing to the College in a new way.” Despite the rigors and responsibilities of his new position, Malin will continue his duties as golf coach.

Written by Patrick Benedict ’17 as part of the Blackburn College Work Program

John Malin ’81 Named Director of Athletics and Recreation

John Malin ’81

Suzanne Krupica

In May, we welcomed the Blackburn Class of 2016 into our larger family of alumni. Congratulations to the members of this class; and judging from those who walked across the platform to receive their degree, our graduates continue to be a strength of Blackburn. As I watched the many celebrations that graduation day, I could not help but think of another yearly event where we enjoy time celebrating, and reminiscing, with our classmates and friends—yes, homecoming.

Homecoming 2016 is set to be filled with many activities, celebrations, and memories. After our Alumni Association luncheon on the Saturday of homecoming, the long awaited dedication of the renovated “den” as the Claire Jaenke Alumni Center of C.H.C Anderson Center will take place. The theme of homecoming, “Meet Me at the Den”, will not only showcase the new Alumni Center, but will bring back cherished memories for many as they tour their affectionate den. The Center includes the office of the Coordinator of Alumni Relations, thanks to a gift by the Alumni Association through the Board of Directors. We also hope classes will do the same through class gifts earmarked for the Center or other designations. So, come to homecoming on the weekend of September 30 through October 2, 2016 to visit with friends and fellow alumni. You will see how the campus has changed, but still holds our memories of the good times we had while at Blackburn.

While at homecoming, you may wish to put together a team of miniature golfers for the first annual Alumni Association Bar Stool Open. This type of event has been very popular around the state and participants will have the opportunity to test their indoor golfing skills while enjoying

food and friends throughout Saturday afternoon as they travel between nine local Carlinville bars and restaurants. Not only will it be a great time to interact with fellow alumni, but you will help your Alumni Association raise money for various activities. Look for more information in your homecoming material and at homecoming registration.

I hope you will be able to attend this year’s homecoming, but if not, please keep the College in mind with your support by attending other College functions, either on campus or in your local area. And, don’t forget, your gifts to the College are also appreciated.

George Malo ’66President, Alumni Association

To contact George, email george.malo@blackburn.edu

A Word from the Alumni Board

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1930sMary Edna (Moore) Powell ’35 celebrated her 100th birthday on January 19, 2016. The church she is affiliated with hosted a birthday celebration in her honor. More than 150 people were in attendance including family from out of state. Development Officer Sarah Rysell visited her to present a 100th birthday proclamation and wish her a happy birthday on behalf of the College.

While at Blackburn, Mary Ed majored in home economics and worked as a secretary for Ms. Atteberry and Dean Beech as part of the Work Program. Mary Ed was required to work in the kitchen on Sundays with other students who had secretary jobs. She displays her apron in front of Stoddard Hall where she resided for two years on campus. Mary Ed lives in Marion, IL, in the same home she and her husband purchased in 1959. Mary Ed shared this advice for students and alumni:

“Trust in God and ask for his guidance. Take advantage of the opportunities the school gives you.”

1950sLou Liay ’54 and Corinne (Cosaro) Pezzati ’51AA recently reconnected while Lou was in Florida. Lou shared that, “She sings in choir at Catholic church in Sarasota...I have friends who also sing in the choir and when they met...they asked her

what college she went to and when she said Blackburn they immediately asked if she knows me. We had a good visit.”

1960sDave Horn ’65, who now lives in Raleigh, NC, has written an autobiography available from Hawthorne Publishing in June, 2016. The 150 page paperback is titled God’s Fingerprints: Dusting for the Divine in the Life of a Christian Scientist Journalist. If interested, visit hawthornepub.com or contact Dave at horncs@gmail.com. The memoir includes fond recollections of the years he lived in Butler Hall.

Brothers Dr. Clarence “Pete” Hughes ’58 and Dr. John Hughes ’61 stopped by campus to shoot around with men’s basketball coach, Steve Kollar, and assistant coach, Zack Jadzak on May 4, 2016 and reminisced about their fondest memories in Dawes Gymnasium. As strong supporters of the men’s and women’s basketball teams, the brothers can often be seen sitting in the stands cheering on the Beavers. “This has been such a special day for me and John and it will be a day we will never forget,” said Pete Hughes, who is Blackburn’s all-time leading scorer with 2,047 career points. John scored his first career points off an assist from his older

brother Pete as a freshman. John enjoyed walking around campus and sharing memories of his time on campus with development officer, Sarah Rysell.

1970sWalt Harrington ’72 published his tenth book, Artful Journalism: Essays in the Craft and Magic of True Storytelling in 2015. After four decades as a journalist and professor of journalism, Walt and wife, Keran (Elliott) ’72 retired in May. Keran worked as Head of Acquisitions at the Urbana Free Library. In retirement, Walt and Keran will split time between

ALUMNI NEWS

Mary Edna (Moore) Powell, 1933

Lou Liay ’54 and Corinne (Cosaro) Pezzati ’51AA

Mary Edna (Moore) Powell receives her 100th birthday proclamation

Pete Hughes ’58 shoots around in Dawes Gym

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Kentucky and Urbana, IL. Artful Journalism: Essays in the Craft and Magic of True Storytelling is available for purchase on Amazon.

1980sChris Horn ’84 has immigrated to Medellín, Colombia. He’d like to thank Blackburn Professors Dr. Melba Buxbaum (retired) and Dr. Sid Rawlins (R.I.P.) for introducing him to the beauty of español, and the sublime, terrible, beauty of Latin America. Anyone from Blackburn visiting “The City of Eternal Spring”is welcome to write: chriserichorn@gmail.com

1990sDeacon Sean Caveny ’92 was awarded his M.A. in Pastoral Theology from Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in Indiana on May 14, 2016. He is currently assigned to Holy Family Catholic Church in Litchfield, IL and resides in Gillespie, IL.

Historical researcher Tom Emery ’93, a frequent contributor to newspapers statewide, recently won the Certificate of Excellence from the Illinois State Historical Society for his ongoing newspaper articles on Illinois history. It is the ninth career award from the ISHS for Emery, who has previously earned honors for some of his book titles, newspaper columns, and speaking programs. His latest award was for his contribution to newspapers around Illinois on various state and local historical subjects. Emery submitted a small sample of 55 articles from seventeen different papers as part of the entry. The award citation stated that “Emery writes clearly, intelligently, and passionately about unsung people and places in the Prairie State, making connections and links that might otherwise be lost without the context he provides. Emery makes Illinois history today’s news for many of our citizens, and for that we owe him our thanks.” The award was announced at the ISHS Annual Awards Banquet at the Old State Capitol in Springfield on April 23.

Ellen Ross Tobler ’93 and her family have a unique way of deciding where to vacation! Ellen, her husband and two sons love to camp at national parks. Each year they pick a quarter from a

bag that has one for each state; whichever state quarter they pick determines which national parks they’ll visit that year. 2014 took them exploring in Michigan, while 2015 found them in Denali National Park in Alaska, and in 2016 the Tobler family heads to Rhode Island.

The Tobler’s passion for our national parks led Ellen to submit an entry to the National Park Foundation’s Centennial Project contest. Out of thousands of entries nationwide, Ellen’s earned them a slot in the top 50! Ellen said “We did get some National Park swag but the BEST gift of all is that we have these wonderfully unique and protected places where we can learn and grow and experience our country.” You can see Ellen’s winning entry at www.findyourpark.com/winner

Courtney Murphy ’98 and his family were on campus this winter researching Blackburn history. His daughter, Isabella, choose the College for her history fair project. Isabella’s project was selected to go to state!

The Tobler Family at Yellowstone

Isabella Murphy on campus.Right: Her state-bound history project

Tom Emery ’93

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ALUMNI NEWS

Dale Boyer ’79 and Paula Johnson ’81, two former classmates, teamed up in association with the publication of Boyer’s novel, The Dandelion Cloud, which was just published by CreateSpace (available through amazon.com). Johnson created an author’s website for the book, helped design the cover, and shepherded the book through the publication process.

The Dandelion Cloud is Boyer’s debut novel. An examination of love and friendship, and a nuanced examination of the sometimes gray areas that can exist between the two, The Dandelion Cloud is written in poetic, lyrical prose. It tells the story of three friends, and describes what happens to that friendship when one of

the three becomes aware of a developing attraction towards another member of the group. Using the image of the dandelion, and pondering the nature of love, the book›s protagonist speculates: “He wondered, though, how many of those lucky few [lovers] had ever had to puzzle over whether what they felt was weed or flower? How many of them could have told him where love crossed the line of friendship, changing over, like the dandelion, from its sunny yellow innocence into the grey of sex?”  At another point in the novel, the main character, Justin, wonders: “Aren’t love and friendship just root and flower of the same plant?”

Two Blackburn College Alums Unite

2000sStacy (SanSoucie) Swingler ’00 was recently recognized by the Granite City School Board for her efforts in overseeing the English Language Learners (ELL) Program.

2010sLexi Bilbruck ’14 was selected as the 2016 Outstanding Beginning Teacher by the Illinois Association of College Teacher Educators. Lexi currently teaches seventh grade math at Carlinville Middle School. Lexi was honored at a luncheon hosted by the education department on May 3.

Dr. Barbara O’Donnell, representing IACTE; Lexi Bilbruck ’14; and, Dr. Kelly Chaney, former Chair of the Education Department

Stacy (SanSoucie) Swingler ’00, with husband Eric ’99, and daughters Alaina (8) and Addison (5)

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IN MEMORIAM

1949

1948

1950

1946

1944

1942

1931

1927

1937

1938

Marian (Burns) Daley 1/5/2014Frederick Brunken 5/8/2015

Robert Smeby 2/18/2015

Jean (Crump) Carr1/18/2016

Agnes (White) Richey 12/20/2015June (Herring) Griffith2/7/2016

Paul Noland12/31/2015David Bone3/20/2016Mary (McReynolds) Zotos 4/1/2016

Russell C. Scherer7/9/2011 Betty A (Unger) Blue3/1/2015

Alice (Allen) Prentiss12/30/2015

Muriel (Huntley) Zimmerman 3/6/1998

Rose Alice (Fox) Hanson 12/15/2015

Martha (Schroeder) Benson10/28/2013

1952Carl W Fritsch12/7/2014 Eldon Whiteside12/26/2014Arthur Eldridge12/23/2015Burk Dehority2/9/2016

1960

1964

1963

1977

1973

1969

1965

1992

2010

20001959

1957

Karen (Farwell) Roess 6/25/2015

Shelby Warner3/16/2016

Charles Dennis Hendrix3/27/2016

Daniel C Wolfe10/3/2015

Elaine (Oller) Link 4/11/2016

John Cokinos9/24/2012

Martin A. Smith4/25/2016

Christopher Kassak1/24/2016

Heather (Black) Zacek 1/21/2016

Sarah (Patterson) Arnett5/21/2016

Glen Ford5/9/2015 William Leritz1/4/2016

Phyllis (Hart) Cashman 1/16/2014Norma J (Peecher) Newman 1/6/2015

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Remembering Dr. Victor “Jake” Miller

February 28, 1947 – January 10, 2016

Dr. Victor “Jake” Alan Miller of Carlinville, IL passed away Sunday, January 10, 2016. He was born February 28, 1947, the third child of Victor Clayton and Mary Carol Taylor. Dr. Jake, as he was known to scores of students, married Carol Roberts in 1974 and had one daughter, Mary Carol Miller. They later divorced in 1978. He met Linda Maxwell in 1979 and they were married on March 21, 1980.

Dr. Jake graduated from Sherrard High School in 1965 and entered the US Army on July 19, 1966. He was honorably discharged on July 1, 1969. Victor attended Carl Sandburg College and received an Associate’s Degree in 1983. He then attended Knox College and graduated in 1985 with college honors and honors in Psychology. He and his wife then moved to Lubbock, TX where Dr. Jake attended graduate school working toward his Ph.D. in psychology. In August of 1989, he accepted a position as a professor of psychology at Blackburn

College. While teaching there, he finished work on his doctorate and received his Ph.D. in the spring of 1992.

Dr. Jake was a fixture of the psychology department for 25 years, and was often seen on campus after his retirement in 2014. After his passing there was an outpouring of condolences from former students.

Blackburn College held a Celebration of Life honoring Dr. Victor “Jake” Miller on January 23, 2016, in Clegg Chapel. Remarks were made by former provost, Dr. Jeff Aper ’78, professor emeritus, Dr. Greg Meyer, and other friends and colleagues. Nate Rush ’73 and Chuck Sutphen ’95 performed “Ripple” by the Grateful Dead.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include: his wife, Linda Joyce Miller; daughter, Mary Carol Howard of Galesburg, IL; step-daughter, Jeri Lynn

(Monte) Waughtel of Cuba, IL; brother, Craig (Nancy) Miller of Rock Island, IL; sister, Pam Miller of Rock Island, IL; 4 grandchildren, Clayton (Jeanie) Waughtel, Matt (Amanda) Waughtel, Rayen and Bracyn Howard; 6 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The PlaceLet me introduce you to a unique and special place, Blackburn College. Located in the heart of central Illinois forty minutes from the state capital; Blackburn it is a very small liberal arts college. It nestles among rural farm land and small towns. It is unique and special because it has a work-study program. Every student works, studies, and plays as they are trapped together on this little campus.

Now, today, they are not literally trapped. Many students have their cars, I-phones, I-pads, and the internet to escape the doldrums of a small campus. But up through the nineteen sixties Blackburn students had none of those conveniences.

What makes it special is that here in this “sheltered” place strong, literally lifelong friendships are seeded, grown, and bloom until death. Now, you say, this does not sound any different from any other school setting or isolated place which garners the opportunity for friendship. Yes, I agree, but this place led to a very special and unique friendship.

The FriendsI want you to meet two individuals, Marianne Walusek and Barb Niemann. Both attended, worked, studied, and graduated from Blackburn College. Marianne, Barb, and I, were baptized into the tradition of Blackburn in September, 1958, for Marianne and me, and Barb in 1959 after she transferred in to Blackburn after a year at Southern Illinois University.

At that time the three of us were members of an enrollment of around 292 to 300 students counting town students. It was a small but, for that time, a very diverse population of students from urban, suburban, rural, other states, other countries, and though small, racially mixed. Each and every one of us forced to work, study, mix, and enjoy one another.

What’s so different you ask? The Blackburn environment is different. At a large school one could either acquire many friends, none, or get lost in the numerous activities of a large campus. At Blackburn you might do the same except you are almost forced to interact with others and very little campus activities from which to choose.

The IndividualMarianne or Mar, as she was known by her friends, came from a “blue collar” family in the Marquette Park area of Chicago. Counting her there were five siblings in the family four girls and one boy. She was the second child and the oldest of the girls.

By the time she arrived at Blackburn in 1958, she was a rather large girl. In elementary school she was usually the tallest girl in the class. Mar was what you called a “big-boned” person; she was not fat but you wouldn’t want to get her mad. She was close to six feet in height, pretty well proportioned, and left handed.

Barb came from a farm family in Tinley Park, IL, outside of Joliet, however, by the time she came to Blackburn her family had moved

to Mokena, IL, a few miles closer to Joliet where her father owned the town grain elevator.

Counting Barb there were six siblings in the family two girls and four boys. Barb was the second child and the oldest girl. Barb was about five feet eight inches and weighed about a hundred and twenty pounds. She came to Blackburn in 1959 because she spent her first year at Southern Illinois University; she was athletic, wore glasses, and was right handed. Both of them were sort of quiet at first until you got to know them, then they were very friendly and both had a good sense of humor, Barb having a more dry sense. Those characteristics allowed them to become good friends.

A Special Blackburn Friendship

To read the full story visit www.blackburn.edu/samonte-memories

College is a place where students learn, grow, and prepare to enter the adult world. It is also a time of new experiences and new friendships. Rich Samonte ’62 beautifully remembers a Blackburn friendship that blossomed into a life-long friendship between

his late wife, Barbara (Niemann) Samonte ’62 and Marianne Walusek ’62.

by Rich Samonte ’62

Alumni Mentors Guide Students

On Saturday, February 20, Blackburn College student newspaper, The ’Burnian, took home two awards at the 2016 Illinois College Press Association Conference. The oldest college newspaper in Illinois, The ’Burnian staff earned an honorable mention in sports page design for non-daily papers under 5,000. Sophomore Jess Willard, of Poplar Grove, was awarded second place for sports news stories for non-dailies under 5,000. In the past two years, The ’Burnian has won seven awards from the Illinois College Press Association.

The trip to Chicago for the conference and award luncheon was made possible by funds provided by Blackburn’s Office of the Provost and a generous donation from Mark Hinueber ’73 and current member of the Blackburn College Board of Trustees.

Members of the Blackburn College ’Burnian staff at dinner durning the award ceremony. Pictured l-r: Jess Willard ’18 (Poplar Grove), Miranda Critchfield ’17 (Grafton), Jordyn Smith ’17 (Hillsboro), Sarah Collman ’16 (New Douglas), Brendan Riley Lersch ’16 (Harbor Creek, PA) Bryan Bethel ’16 (East Alton), Noah Daum ’18. (Carrollton)

Blackburn College Earns Two Awards at 2016 Illinois College Press Association Conference

Blackburn touts an impressive job and graduate school placement rate. In recent years, the percentage of graduates employed or accepted to continuing education programs within six months of graduation has been as high as 99%. Some of this success can be attributed to the hard work of Suzanne Krupica, Director of Career Services and Experiential Learning, and the knowledge learned in her career services courses.

One of these courses, in particular, takes hands-on step to ensure juniors and seniors are prepared for the job search and interview processes. Careers 401, Career Entry Seminar, works to pair enrolled students with alumni to provide mentorship and networking opportunities to students.

“I wanted students to have a leg up in the job search and I was thinking about why students are reluctant to build their network,” said Krupica of why she decided to include this alumni mentorship aspect to the course.

During the course of the semester, Krupica works to build students’ interview skills, polish their resumes, and teach them how

to act in professional settings, including holding a formal “etiquette dinner”. Each student is partnered with an alumnus, generally by the professional field in which the student has interest. Students must then contact the alumnus by phone, write a networking letter, and send their resume and cover letter prior to their conversation.

Students are expected to have a 20 minute conversation with their alumni mentor. After the interview, the alumnus submits an evaluation to Krupica, who reviews and discusses the outcome and experience with the student. “I’m so grateful to the alums,” she said. “It’s a confidence booster. The

one-on-one conversations are very beneficial because I can focus on each student’s needs.”

This mentorship helps students understand the value of networking and get accustomed to meeting and speaking with strangers. Krupica also believes this program is a resume builder for alumni, who are able to include mentorship at their alma mater on their own resume.

After their alumni mentorship experience, 401 students then take on the task of acting as mentors to underclassmen enrolled in Career and Life Planning. Similarly to the alumni mentorship, this form of peer mentoring can range from casual to professional. Krupica also finds that retention among Career and Life Planning students has improved because 401 students can often assist in solving problems which may have caused an underclassman to withdraw from the College. “401 students really take ownership of this student-mentor program,” Krupica said.

To discuss becoming an alumni mentor, please contact Suzanna Krupica at 217-854-5761 or suzanne.krupica@blackburn.edu

The ’Burnian staff

David Conour ’99, alumni board, presents Katerina Emmons ’16 with a gift at commencement.

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It’s been three years since Miriam Pride stepped down from her two-decade long presidency on July 1, 2013. In her first years of retirement, Pride hasn’t slowed down much, keeping a full schedule of work and volunteer opportunities.

After leaving Blackburn, Pride spent much time donating a lot of her personal items, as well as sorting through her late mother’s belongings. When her sister, Margie, fell ill, Pride spent the last half of 2013 caring for her through her illness.

In April of 2014, Pride was hired as the Interim Director of the Pine Mountain Settlement School in Pine Mountain, Kentucky. The position was extremely demanding and required her to live on campus. Pride worked with Pine Mountain Settlement until May of 2015. “I tell people that I initially flunked retirement,” said Pride.

In the past year, Pride has finally settled into retirement and life in Berea. She is an active member of the Union Church, which boasts a strong commitment to social justice, something that is close to Pride’s heart. She also serves on the Berea Human Rights Commission and is a member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization, a woman’s origination focused on women’s education. Pride has also worked with a group interested in Age-Friendly communities and she has been trained to serve on the Foster Care Review Board for two counties. In her free time,

when she has any, she enjoys meditation with friends, yoga, or water aerobics.

Pride admitted that her 15 months with Pine Mountain were indeed not even close to being called retirement. “I am determined to have a much less busy schedule,” she said. “I enjoy having time to reflect and the flexibility to step out of my schedule when there is a special visitor or a beautiful moment to savor.” Pride is all about relaxation and wants to enjoy her retirement as much as she can.

Although keeping busy and enjoying life, Pride still feels a strong connection to Blackburn. “I miss my good colleagues of many years and the regular contact with young people. I also miss seeing Blackburn alumni and friends with whom I built relationships over the years,” she said. She is proud to see Blackburn continuing the tradition of providing affordable and accessible education to all through the implementation of the Affordable Access Award. “I believe this success will strengthen Blackburn for many years to come,” she added.

Pride welcomes visitors passing through Berea. Although her schedule may be busy, she is always prepared to stop for a moment and enjoy her surroundings.

Written by Kara Aldridge-Folger ’19 as part of the Blackburn College Work Program

Miriam Pride: After Blackburn

Do you want to be updated about upcoming events at Blackburn? Join the

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This email blast will keep you up-to-date with events, athletics, convocations, and more! Sign up today by visiting www.blackburn.edu/community-connection

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Meet Me at

the Den

Blackburn CollegeHomecoming

September 30 - October 12016

Homecoming Schedule of EventsFriday, September 30

Saturday, October 1

Sunday, October 2

10:00 AM Athletics Golf Outing Carlinville County Club 1:00 PM Open Registration Demuzio Campus Center 5:00 PM Mural Unveiling & Cocktail Reception Bothwell, Lobby 6:00 PM Blackburn Society Dinner Woodson A & B By Invitation Only 7:30 PM Blackburn’s Got Talent Bothwell Auditorium

9:00 AM Nifty Fifties Breakfast Mahan, Snyder Atrium By Invitation Only 1:45 AM Alumni Choir Rehearsal Hudson, Clegg Chapel11:00 AM Ecumenical Worship Service Hudson, Clegg Chapel12:00 PM Heritage Society Luncheon McKinley House By Invitation Only

7:30 AM Beaverthon Dawes Patio 8:30 AM Breakfast With Barney Demuzio Campus Center RSVP Required 8:30 AM Open Registration Demuzio Campus Center 8:30 AM Campus Shuttle Opens Campus-wide 9:00 AM Reunion Class Photos Bothwell Lobby 9:00 AM Lumpkin Open House Lumpkin Learning Commons 9:00 AM Campus Guided Tour Demuzio Campus Center12:00 PM Alumni Choir Rehearsal Bothwell, Room 132 10:00 AM Alumni College I Olin Lecture Hall Dr. Laura Weidlocher: Everything You Need to Know to Survive the Apocalypse 2016 Presidential Election10:00 AM Class Reunion Photos Bothwell, Lobby12:00 PM Alumni Luncheon & Meeting Jaenke Center Patio RSVP Required 1:30 PM Jaenke Alumni Center Dedication Jaenke Center Interior 1:00 PM Women’s Soccer Soccer Fields 2:00 PM Barney’s Bar Stool Open Off Campus 2:00 PM Women’s Volleyball Dawes Gymnasium 2:30 PM Alumni College II Bothwell Auditorium Dr. Carter Aikin, Vocation at Blackburn: Educating for Happiness 3:00 PM Men’s Soccer Soccer Fields 5:00 PM Athletics Hall of Fame Dinner Mahan, Snyder Atrium RSVP Required 6:00 PM Relax at the Refuge Refuge Coffee House

Look for a registration form in the mail in July!

Paying the Ultimate PriceBeaver Tales:Written by Tom Emery ’93

The Other Side of the Tale...On December 7, 1941, Blackburn alumnus Truman Landon was heading for the Philippines as commander of the 38th Squadron when he arrived from at Hickam Field during the Japanese attack. The flight of 12 B-17s had originated from Hamilton Field, a fourteen-hour trip, and was nearing the end of its fuel load as it approached Oahu at 8 a.m. local time and saw the rising smoke from Pearl Harbor. Despite being completely unprepared for the bombardment, Landon calmly engineered the safe landing of his flight amid intense anti-aircraft fire. Landon received the Silver Star “for gallantry in action, conspicuous bravery and coolness in handling of his airplane and in leading his echelon.” It was one of many decorations for Landon during his

career, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster, and Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters.

For his part at Pearl Harbor, Landon is said to have later remarked, “Hell of a way to fly into war! Unarmed and out of fuel!”

Landon later held key commands in both the South Pacific during World War II as well as in Europe during the Cold War crisis, eventually earning the rank of general. He was briefly depicted in the 1970 movie Tora! Tora! Tora!, a docudrama on the surprise attack at Pearl Harbor. He is considered one of the distinguished Air Force generals of the 20th century.

Some 20 Blackburn College students and graduates were killed in World War II, paying the ultimate price in service around the world in all branches of the military. Those left behind on the campus not only mourned the lost, but also contemplated their service to their country.

Word of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 was heard across America within hours. At Blackburn, the first news was received in Butler Hall around 1:30 on that Sunday afternoon, some 97 minutes after

the initial bombing. The Blackburnian reported that students “made a scramble for the radios” for more details.

The paper added that “some confusion” followed before “a parade started in which some members of the band led the way to Stoddard Hall,” where female students were “singing Christmas carols.” As the “news spread like wildfire and caused a great deal of excitement,” some of the male students “shot off firecrackers and blank shells” after walking back to Butler.

One of their own was already lost. At Pearl Harbor, Marine Private First Class Philip Patrick Tobin, a member of the Blackburn

Class of 1940, was killed aboard the USS Pennsylvania. In the days that followed, Blackburn President William M. Hudson and some faculty members received Christmas cards from Tobin, postmarked “Pearl Harbor.”

As the initial shock of the attack wore off, the war became, in the words of The Blackburnian, “the chief topic of discussion on the campus.” Many Blackburn men wanted to join the Army or Navy Air Corps, and world events became a distraction for study and daily life.

The Blackburnian wrote that “the present situation has affected nearly all of the students in one way or another. Radios are on more now than at any previous time this year. Whenever a news broadcast is on, students flock to the rooms to hear the latest developments. On the first floor of Butler, up to the minute bulletins were posted to give those that were in class all of the latest news.”

Eventually, many of Blackburn’s finest students and recent alumni enlisted, and some never came home. Among them were Robert Sweeney ’39, a Marine second lieutenant, who was killed while leading a two-gun battalion at Guadalcanal on Aug. 8, 1942. Navy Lt. Charles Hewitt (ex 1935) lost his life in a “failed catapult” from his aircraft carrier on April 22, 1944.Army Sgt. Smith Sommer (ex 1935) graduated from Lena High School in northwestern Illinois and taught school after leaving Blackburn. He was killed in

action at the Anzio beachhead on May 28, 1944.

Two Blackburn graduates from Greenville, Virgil Radcliffe ’41and John Ferguson ’40 were lost in Army Air Corps plane crashes. Army Sgt. Arthur Dippold of Edwardsville ’40 was killed in action in Germany on March 10, 1945, while Army Capt. Jerry Holland ’37 of Eau Claire, WI was killed “somewhere in the Pacific area” on Oct. 25, 1944.

Others were lost in service stateside, including John Zahnle ’36, killed in a plane crash in Glencoe, Il. on Oct. 16, 1945, and Army Sgt. Tunis Craig ’33, who lost his life in a glider crash in Texas on April 19, 1944. Of the 20 casualties from Blackburn, one was a College staffer, “field representative” Edward H. Edwards.

The names of the College men and graduates who gave their lives were printed in the Nov. 24, 1945 edition of The Blackburnian, under the headline “Blackburn’s Gold Star List.” For a school of Blackburn’s small enrollment, the 20 casualties were certainly a great loss, undoubtedly felt by all other classmates in that era. Their memory remains an indelible part of the history of the College.

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700 College AvenueCarlinville, IL 62626 www.blackburn.edu 1-800-233-3550

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

PARENTS: If this issue of the UPDATE is addressed to a student who no longer maintains a permanent address at this residence, please notify the Alumni Office of their new address.

Blackburn College Alumni News Summer 2016

President George Malo ’66

Vice President Autumn Buus-Warren ’04

Treasurer Catherine Narup ’79

Secretary Donna Golomb ’66

Liaison to the Board of Trustees George Malo ’66

Members:Brian Clevenger ’96

Jim Connor ’83David Conour ’99

Aubrey Cunningham ’07Jalee Fifer-Goozen ’02

Jeff Fleshman ’99Susan Glintborg ’66Matt Harrington ’07

Brandi Harris-Hillard ’09Daniel Hough ’04Mark Mueller ’00Katilyn Porter ’12Josef Robey ’70

Sarah Robinson ’84Rich Samonte ’62Katie Serrano ’10

Michael Trudeau ’97Jeanne Walsh ’77

Student Representatives:Noah Daum ’18

Makayla Grove ’18Keragan White ’17

Blackburn College Alumni Board

C O L L E G E

“Blackburn College stands for

something different; and the great thing is, we’ve been doing

this for 100 years...”

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