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FORECASTTHE MAGAZINE OF THE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY | 2018

Illinois State University FORECAST 1

DEAN’S MESSAGE

CONTENTSThe magazine of the College of Applied Science and Technology

2018 · published annually

Dean · Todd McLodaEditor · Kara SnyderContributing writers · Haley Francke,

John Moody, Kara Snyder, andJamie Wood

Copy editor · Kevin BersettDesigner · Evan Walles

Illinois State UniversityCollege of Applied Science and

TechnologyCampus Box 5000Normal, IL 61790-5000

CAST.IllinoisState.edu

FORECAST 1 DEAN’S MESSAGE

2 DONOR SPOTLIGHT

4 LEARNING BEYOND NORMAL

12 PROGRAMMING HOPE

14 #CASTYOURFUTURE

16 GRANTING MORE THAN JUST WISHES

19 FAST CAST FACTS

20 CAST REDBIRDS RISING

I am pleased to share the 2018 edition of ForeCAST magazine, brought to you by the College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST) at Illinois State University. I have been in the role of college dean for one year, and I am proud to let you know that CAST

is in great shape. Our enrollment is about level with last year, which is an admirable accomplishment for all our faculty and staff, who contribute to enrollment man-agement. We must strive for well-enrolled programs while not detracting from the personal attention that our students expect and that is a hallmark of our distinctive-ness. We have added a number of faculty to our existing programs to help us maintain optimal student-to-faculty ratios. We currently have the largest and most diverse faculty in the history of CAST, and we are conducting 15 searches for new faculty members to join us in the fall.

I am also excited to share the news that our newest major, cybersecurity, has exceeded our initial enrollment projections and is flourishing. We continue to upgrade our facilities and equipment for the new program to ensure our students have the tools necessary to become experts in data and network security.

We are exploring the addition of more programs to the college that will play to our strengths and allow us to grow our enrollment. Under consideration are graduate degrees in public health, computer science, and child life. Each program will meet workforce needs and comple-ment our existing programs.

We are also considering the possible addition of a Bachelor of Science in engineering. In this case, we will need to secure additional space on or near campus for the necessary laboratories that would support student in-struction and faculty research. You may be thinking that there are already engineering programs offered at uni-versities throughout Illinois. While that is certainly true, the workforce need for engineers is not currently met by existing programs. According to the State of Illinois Occu-pational Employment Projections, the anticipated growth in several engineering areas is approximately 8 percent

over the next several years. Perhaps equally important is the feedback from our

industry partners who wish to hire our graduates. They will be instrumental in helping us shape the curriculum to be forward-thinking, student-centered, and applied, while not duplicating the efforts of existing engineering programs in the state. Thus far, we have visited successful engineering programs in other states to understand the requirements for an accredited engineering program and to learn of particular challenges we may face as we move forward. We have also requested and received a compre-hensive feasibility study to assist with planning.

CAST is also involved with strategic planning to shape the direction of the college through 2023. We have collected data from a large number of college stake-holders and the strategic planning task force has been outstanding at helping me analyze the data and opinions of those who have contributed to the process and will permit us to consider the current and future needs of stu-dents, faculty, and staff while ensuring the intrinsic and extrinsic value of a CAST degree continues to increase.

Finally, we are pleased to share with you that we are making steady progress on our fundraising goals for the comprehensive campaign, Redbirds Rising: The Cam-paign for Illinois State. Our college fundraising goal is $14 million in support of several areas: student scholarships; faculty professional development; facilities enhance-ments; and support for our initiative Learning Beyond Normal, which is targeted to students engaged in com-petitions away from campus, national conferences, and professional practice opportunities throughout the U.S. Thanks to our generous donors, we have raised over $9 million to date. We appreciate every single gift and we are putting the donations to immediate use for our students and faculty.

I sincerely hope you enjoy reading this latest issue of the ForeCAST, and please stay in touch. We love to hear stories from our alumni! Stop by next time you are on campus, or send your updates to [email protected]. Visit us when you can; think of us often; and go, you Redbirds!

Sincerely,

Todd McLoda, Ph.D, ATCDean, College of Applied Science and Technology

http://CAST.IllinoisState.edu

Illinois State University FORECAST 32 FORECAST College of Applied Science and Technology

DIANE RYONW ithout scholarships—15 of them to be exact—Diane

Ryon '69, M.S. '70, would not have been able to attend Illinois State University and earn bachelor’s

degrees in physical education and French and a master’s degree in health, physical education, and recreation. Today the alumna, owner of DJR Tax Service in Bloom-ington, is donating $400,000 to help support transfer students in the kinesiology and recreation program.

CHOOSING ILLINOIS STATE Ryon grew up in Riverdale, one of five children, and attended Thornton Town-ship High School. At the urging of her high school physical education teacher and college guidance counselor, a mar-ried couple who were Illinois State alum-ni, Ryon chose to study at Illinois State. They were also pivotal in her applying for the scholarships.

She knew she wanted to be a teacher and selected her courses of study a unique way. “I figured if most people get a degree in one major, I’m not wasting these scholarships, I’ll get two. I literally pulled them out of a hat—French and physical education.”

DETERMINATION AND DEDICATION Ryon worked hard in and outside of the classroom, holding three jobs and taking courses over the summer while renting a room in the home of the secretary for the health, physical education, recreation, and dance pro-gram. “When I graduated with two bachelor’s degrees, I had also completed three quarters of my master’s from taking course overloads. My professors were wonderful, absolutely wonderful.”

During her freshman year, Ryon said she was cau-tioned that student teaching in two subjects might not be possible. Determined and full of optimism, she was confident it would all work out.

After completing her application for 10 hours of student teaching at a high school, she received a phone call over the summer telling her about a need for a stu-dent teacher in both of her areas of study at two different high schools. Just as she had anticipated, she was able to student teach in both subjects.

She graduated with a master’s in 1970. Between scholarships and working three jobs, she had no student loans and owed her parents just $67.50.

“Diane shared her own story with me about the chal-lenges she faced when paying for her college education. This gift will ease the financial challenge for countless transfer students who desire a degree in physical educa-tion teacher education, therapeutic recreation, or a relat-ed degree from the School of Kinesiology and Recreation. I am so very grateful for her investment in the mission of the College of Applied Science and Technology,” said CAST Dean Todd McLoda.

EDUCATION LEADS TO FULFILLING, VARIED CAREER After graduation, Ryon had two job offers to teach: one at Thornton Township High School and one in Blooming-ton-Normal. She ultimately decided to remain in Bloom-ington-Normal. After eight years of teaching physical education and overseeing several student sports and ac-tivities, the advancement opportunities she desired were not available. Ryon opted to leave teaching, a field she loved, and gained administrative management experience at the YWCA.

After her time working in social service, she began work in the financial planning and tax field. In 1982 she founded DJR Tax Service, a firm offering financial plan-ning, investment assistance, and tax preparation. She has also been teaching adult education classes since 1980.

HELPING OTHERS GET AN EDUCATIONRyon and her husband, Roger, have a long history and passion for supporting education. They’ve donated to several Illinois State scholarships, have helped send more than 40 Bloomington High School students to community college, have provided scholarships to student employ-ees of DJR Tax Service, have supported scholarships for students at an Indiana high school, and have donated to scholarships at Roger’s college alma mater.

Over the years, the couple has taken pride in help-ing students who may not have otherwise had access to higher education. “I don’t want someone to miss out on higher education because of financial constraints or because someone told them they shouldn’t go to school,” Diane said.

CREATING A NEW LEGACY As a financial planner for the past 35 years, Ryon has spo-ken with several transfer students whose parents want them to seek her financial advice before moving on to a four-year college. Applying for scholarships is one of the first things she discusses with them.

Her goal in creating the scholarship fund is to make more dollars available to transfer students to help ease some of their financial strain. “They shouldn’t have to work three jobs or have to spread a bachelor’s degree out over 18 years to be able to afford an education.”

THE DIANE RYON TRANSFER STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP FUND The scholarship fund will benefit transfer students

in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation in order to make the college transition process more manageable. Ryon has developed these scholarships to be renewable annually for recipients who continue to meet the scholar-ship requirements.

“Diane’s investment in prospective transfer students to the School of Kinesiology and Recreation is a genuine demonstration of paying it forward. Over the years, Diane has demonstrated her support of students through her financial contributions that make it a little easier to pay for college. With this new investment, that support will live on in perpetuity,” said McLoda.

ADVICE FOR OTHERSWhen asked what advice she might give to alumni con-sidering creating or contributing to a scholarship, Ryon suggested considering what helped them get where they are today and to speak with a development officer at the University who can help them explore their options. “If you want to do something good that is going to last, set up a scholarship. It’s going to live past you while helping people for a long time.”

DIANE RYONBy Jamie Wood

"IF YOU WANT TO DO SOMETHING GOOD THAT IS GOING TO

LAST, SET UP A SCHOLARSHIP."

This $400,000 gift for scholarships is part of the University’s $150 million comprehensive campaign, Redbirds Rising: The Campaign for Illinois State. This is the most ambitious campaign in the University’s 160-year history. Redbirds Rising supports scholarship, leadership, and innovation. More than 40,000 donors have contributed over $108 million in outright gifts and commitments to enhance and make possible the Illinois State experience.

Those interested in supporting the campaign can visit RedbirdsRising.IllinoisState.edu for additional information.

Diane Ryon at Illinois State in 1969

2 FORECAST College of Applied Science and Technology

http://RedbirdsRising.IllinoisState.edu


Students in the College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST) understand, perhaps better than any other group on campus, the importance of making the most of educational opportunities outside the classroom.

By John Moody

LearningLearning


CAST INTERNSHIPS IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

The CAST Washington, D.C., internship program is well-suit-ed for high-achieving students. Interesting opportunities abound in federal offices in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Internships generally run during the summer.

Here are some of the places

you might find a Redbird working as a Washington, D.C., intern: the White House, National Archives, State Department, Homeland Security, National Institutes of Health, Department of Justice, Department of Transportation, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Health and Human Ser-vices, Food and Drug Administra-tion, and Securities and Exchange Commission.

Perry Harlow, a graduate student in agriculture education and leadership, is a veteran of two Washington summer internships. In 2016 he interned at the National Association for Agricultural Edu-cators, and in 2017 he interned for U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth.

“Outside-the-classroom learning is one of the best ways to take the knowledge that is learned in the classroom and apply it to

real-life situations,” Harlow said.And he’s a true believer; over-

all, Harlow has participated in a total of four internships during his time as an Illinois State student.

“In my opinion, the best skills students obtain from participating in an internship are the network-ing possibilities,” Harlow said. “These new connections can help students with guidance and advice and help with finding a job in the future.”

And, Harlow added, you never know when some of the people you meet might become a friend or even a mentor.

Harlow’s internships in the nation’s capital have allowed him to make a lot of connections on Capitol Hill, and when he interned this past summer, he reconnected with people he’d met previously. His favorite part of the program is meeting new people and learning about their personal backgrounds and career goals.

“These networking opportu-

nities are going to be vital when I move back to D.C. in June,” he said of his plans after graduation.

TECHNOLOGY PRO-FESSOR, STUDENTS PARTNER WITH RR DONNELLEY

A new joint effort by Illinois State Technology Professor Borinara Park and RR Donnelley, a Fortune 500 communications company, has created an exciting internship opportunity. It’s part of a larger plan that involves promotion of active exchanges between the Department of Technology’s new graduate program, quality man-agement and analytics (QMA),—created by Park—and several of RR Donnelley’s business units.

The most recent intern-ship experience at RR Donnel-ley involved research with the company’s logistics branch. Such internships allow for students to make practical use of techniques learned at Illinois State in the QMA program.

“It’s an outreach program to exchange expertise, experience, and information between the program and industry partners,” Park said.

Park, whose area of expertise is in QMA, said he had previous-ly worked with managers at RR Donnelley Logistics and made a

recommendation for the business unit to engage the QMA students in their internal projects where an-alytics skill sets would be needed.

“I had a working relationship with them (RR Donnelley), and they wanted to promote the rela-tionship with ISU, and they liked what the QMA program offers,” Park said. “They said they wanted some help in their process im-

provement projects. I said we have graduate students who are very capable of helping such projects.”

Park said two students, Pooja Jain and Ruchi Shivhare, applied what they learned in the program to projects they were assigned at RR Donnelley Analytics.

“They worked on a couple of projects where they would have to improve the existing processes by finding operational bottlenecks and redesigning the ineffective system,” Park said. “They did a

I llinois State University offers endless paths to learning, including of course, the traditional classroom setting. However, out-of-the-classroom experiences

like internships and opportunities to travel are what truly challenge students to get educated beyond normal and Normal. The double meaning here is apt since these opportunities literally go the extra mile and take students off campus, out of town, and even out of the country.

Opportunities such as these are essential to developing and growing leaders far beyond our town limits. After all, isn’t that the whole point of a university education? Thus the emphasis on teaching and learning beyond Normal.

Adventurous Redbirds have a number of exciting options that will require that they pack up their bags and hit the road. It’s a chance to earn college cred-it and learn about the world while letting new friends in distant corners know what Illinois State is all about. Let’s go!

Perry Harlow in Washington, D.C.

Pooja Jain and Ruchi Shivhare at RR Donnelley

Outside-the-classroom learning is one of the best ways to take the knowledge that is learned in the classroom and apply it to real-life situations


great job finding solutions, and they made an even greater pre-sentation to company executives, including the CIO (chief informa-tion officer). This is a multibillion dollar company, so it was great to see the students have that level of success.”

Park said he wants to use the program as an ongoing outreach effort that brings students to com-panies, so that students can apply what they learn in class to the real world. The benefits to such an arrangement are multifaceted, he said.

“For example, through the interactions during the projects, I learned about the business challenges the students faced, and I was able to update the curric-ulum and the teaching/research agenda accordingly,” he said. “So, it’s a holistic approach on how the program can be part of the bigger community for all the parties involved. It benefitted every par-ticipant related to the program—students, industry, and faculty.”

And, it helps students get jobs. In fact, those first two interns are now employed at RR Donnelley in the same unit where they worked.

“The QMA program has great potential and is up and coming,” Park said. “There’s a high demand for it in the industry, and we are trying to connect with industry partners, students, and faculty as much as we can.”

The goal of QMA is to help organizations increase their per-formance and meet demanding customer expectations by creating high quality processes by leverag-ing the power of analytics.

STUDY ABOARD A KNR CARIBBEAN CRUISE

You might say that kinesiology and recreation (KNR) students get priority check-in if they choose to learn about the cruise industry up close by taking a class that incor-porates a faculty-led Caribbean cruise.

Professor Rachel Smith has taught the course in the past, which takes place over winter break. While KNR majors do get preference, the program is open to any major.

“I think I have four business majors in the next class,” Smith said.

This introduction to the cruise ship industry offers an insider’s look at this interesting career choice and a chance to take part in what’s known as “Study Aboard.”

It’s a great chance to learn while studying and meeting people from all over the world. Study Aboard is akin to taking a traveling workshop on the road, but in this case the road is actually the high seas.

“It’s a unique classroom ar-rangement,” Smith said.

In the fall, students take classes that explore such topics as the anatomy of a cruise ship, the growth of cruising as a tourism industry and cruise operations

(hiring, waste management, and communications). They also study the ports of call, including local food, customs, excursions, and impact on tourism.

“Over break, we hit the ship and experience behind-the-scenes tours and interactions with cruise crew, officers, and other guests,” Smith said. “My role is that of an educator and facilitator.”

In the classroom, Smith said she leads discussions to ensure understanding of all topics. And, then onboard ship, she facili-tates meetings with the crew and coordinates tours of ship and port operations. Students learn about commercial recreation, tourism, hospitality, and business—all while getting some hands-on experience in the cruise line industry.

Here’s a list of ports for an upcoming cruise: Belize, Hondu-ras, and Mexico. Not so bad for a winter learning environment!

“Students have an opportunity to see several countries in a short amount of time,” Smith said. “And, the ship typically has guests and crew from many countries, and there is a cruise culture in itself.

The veil is lifted, and we discover the logistics of cruise ship opera-tions.”

Smith said the experience is “amazingly fun.” Students expe-rience the shows, food, culture, and fun of a cruise ship, including

fireworks, water slides, ziplines, karaoke, and the spa. That doesn’t include the ports, where students can experience swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, horseback riding, national parks, and so much more.

“It is all about experiential learning,” Smith said. “We take what we read in our book and hear about in class, and we go see and do.”

CROATIA

In May 2018, Department of Criminal Justice Sciences (CJS) students will have the opportu-nity to study in Croatia. This will mark the ninth time CJS Profes-sor Dawn Beichner will teach the course, which undergraduate and graduate students can take for three to six semester hours of credit. Students are based in Dubrovnik, a Croatian city on the Adriatic Sea, for the entirety of their stay; it’s a place “rich in his-tory and culture,” Beichner said.

A course will be taught on victimology, victim assistance, and criminal justice at Inter University Centre in Dubrovnik.

“We explore the dilemmas that confront victims of crime worldwide and learn the best practices in victim assistance from scholars and service providers from around the world,” Beichner said.

The course is taught in English, but there are students and faculty participating from universities around the world. In 2017 participants came from 30 different countries. Students will receive a certificate of completion

for taking the course. There’s fun to be had outside

of the classroom as students take part in cultural activities and make excursions around the region, including to the Adriatic Coast, Dalmatian Islands, and Split, Cro-atia. There will also be trips to the neighboring countries of Bosnia and Montenegro.

“Although we have an intensive and comprehensive academic program, we also have many opportunities for cultural tourism,” Beichner said. “Students develop a network of international colleagues and friends with whom they will stay connected long after they return home to ISU.”

Libri’ Crowder is a graduate student majoring in criminal jus-tice sciences. She called her study abroad experience last year in Cro-atia “a life-changing experience that should be required of every student.”

Crowder liked detouring from the traditional classroom and learning in a “hands-on way.” She appreciated the experience of being forced to step outside of her comfort zone. She also liked the different foods, social norms, and cultural differences.

As an African-American in Croatia, she said she was “consid-ered a celebrity because of my skin tone and hair texture,” an expe-rience she called a culture shock that taught her “to love the skin I am in.”

She said the experience helped her see how different cultures and races look at certain individuals.

“I learned that not everyone in your life will have the same norms

or beliefs as you,” Crowder said. “If everyone was exactly the same, the world would be a pretty boring place.”

The greater lesson for her, she said, was that she learned to be “more accepting and take more risks.”

She also enjoyed a lot of fun activities, including kayaking, hik-ing, undersea snorkeling, boating, and jet skiing, to name a few. This was a trip that she would definite-ly recommend to other students.

“The Croatia experience was a wonderful experience that I would do again without thinking twice,” she said.

Romil Patel is a senior, major-ing in criminal justice sciences. He liked that the classroom in Croatia was filled with people from far-away places.

“I liked meeting people from around the world,” Patel said. “And, not just in class, but when you go out. You would talk to peo-ple and learn a lot about each oth-er and about different cultures.”

Patel said that this exposure to other cultures created greater

It’s a great chance to learn while studying and meeting people from all over the world.

Criminal Justice Sciences (CJS) students Darian Saal (top) and Tony Crudup in Croatia.


Born in Seoul, South Korea, and raised in Los Angeles, Roy Choi is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and later worked at the internationally acclaimed Le Bernardin. In 2010, Food & Wine named him Best New Chef. His cookbook/memoir, L.A. Son, was a New York Times Best-Seller in 2013. He was also included in the 2016 TIME 100 Most Influential People in the World list. And in 2017, LocoL received the first ever Los Angeles Times Restaurant of the Year award. Roy lives in Los Angeles where he is the co-owner, co-founder, and chef of Kogi BBQ, Chego!, A-Frame, Commissary, POT, and LocoL.

Prairie Room, Bone Student Center Tuesday, April 17 7 p.m.

Week 2018and

K E Y N O T E L E C T U R E

#ISUSciTech

CAST.IllinoisState.edu

Roy Choi

For more information on additional Science and Technology Week events, please visit

understanding. “It gave me more opportu-

nity to gain perspective,” he said. “You learn why people do certain things. Otherwise, it’s easy to mis-judge them.”

He was interested in learning about other criminal justice sys-tems while he was there.

“We learned about things that we could implement in the United States,” he said. “Maybe other sys-tems are doing something better that we could implement into our criminal justice system.”

And, while he thought the classroom part of the experience was fun, he especially enjoyed being near the sea and its crystal clear waters. He also went on mountain hikes and did some cliff jumping.

His favorite part came at the end of the program when each person had the challenge of pre-senting a problem that could be considered for later research.

He thought the overall experi-ence was “definitely worth it” and would definitely recommend it to others, he said.

“You’re doing something, re-ally thinking,” Patel said. “And not just sitting in a classroom.”

HEALTH SCIENCES HEADS TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

In 2018 students will be able to participate in a study abroad course in the Dominican Repub-lic that will take place the week of spring break. This course will provide a global context for par-ticipating students and will be led by Jackie Lanier from the Depart-ment of Health Sciences.

It is a course designed for

all students, but it is specifically tailored for students in applied science programs who would like their academic experience to in-clude traveling to another country but whose plan of study does not allow for a full semester abroad.

“Studying abroad gives stu-dents the opportunity to expe-rience a different country with new perspectives, customs, and activities,” Lanier said. “It provides a transformative experience that allows them to develop into global citizens and see a different part of the world.”

The course is offered over four to six weeks during the spring semester, with the travel portion of the class taking place during

spring break. Students receive pre-paratory and follow-up instruction online before and after travel takes place. Actual instruction occurs during the study abroad portion of the class. It’s a pretty good deal for students since they earn three hours of credit while paying for only two.

“Public health and community health are grounded in service, service to others and to commu-nity,” Lanier said. “Within these disciplines it is important to gain a better understanding and appreci-ation of people and the communi-ties in which they live, work, and play.

“What could be a better way to gain this understanding than to immerse oneself in a community, even if it is just for a short time?”

Lanier said students have the opportunity to work “side by side with locals” and learn about their challenges while helping them “build lasting solutions to help empower the community.”

And, it’s not all work, Lanier added.

“It will be a fun and enriching learning experience, but at the same time we’ll give back by work-ing with the community,” she said.

Studying abroad provides a transformative experience that allows students to develop into global citizens and see a different part of the world.

http://CAST.IllinoisState.edu


ELAHE JAVADI impacts Red-birds every day in her role as an assistant professor in the School of Information Technology. But what many don’t know is that she also makes a difference in the lives of underprivileged children in her hometown of Hamedan, Iran, 6,569 miles away from Normal.

Since starting at Illinois State University in 2012, Javadi has re-turned to Iran for three summers. She began exploring opportunities to make a difference in the sum-mer of 2014. After learning that it might be difficult to partner with a charity or government institution, she took matters into her own hands. With card games, a few Raspberry Pi computers, and two laptops of her own, Javadi began teaching computer programming at an orphanage in Hamedan.

During each programming session, she begins by describ-ing the scenario to the students: “For example, there might be a

creature on the screen and the students need to make it walk, and then have it change directions if it hits the walls or any side of the screen,” said Javadi. She helps the students hear the story and under-stand it as they turn it into tangible steps that they can then turn into code for the computer program. “Putting the steps into code is the same thing as saying something in another language,” she said.

Javadi works with a team of volunteers, including a psychol-

ogist and university professor, as well as various student helpers. “This is a big project, and I could not do it alone!”

The students taking computer programming at the orphanage range in age from 6 to 14, which,

according to Javadi, “is a big age range, and they all have different abilities.” She sees some of the same children on her return trips from summer to summer, as there are few adoptions of children of that age range.

In Iran, computer program-ming is typically not taught in the public schools until high school, so Javadi’s students are receiving a rare learning opportunity. “These kids have the brainpower; they just don’t have the opportunity to

grow. They are smart kids,” she said.

Javadi’s coding lessons go far beyond the computer screen. “Re-search has shown that the steps we talk about in computer pro-gramming help students develop computational thinking skills that can be used in all areas of life,” she said. “Students learn to analyze a situation and think about the steps they will take to solve the problem. The skills they are learning on the computer can translate to prob-lem-solving at home or at school. I want to give them hope, give them a tool for success, and give them something fun to think about when they might have feelings of rejection or loneliness.

“I have a passion for children that have little hope or little love in their lives. Even if the children in the orphanage do not become programmers, the skills they learn will help them make better deci-sions in life. That is my greatest hope!”

HopeProgramming

By Kara Snyder

Javadi’s coding lessons go far beyond the computer screen.

Elahe Javadi working with students in her hometown of Hamedan, Iran.



“In our area of exercise sci-ence we are made up of a number of subdisciplines in sport, exercise, and health. We focus on anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, sport, and exercise psy-chology. We prepare our students for careers and professions in allied health, and in the sport and fitness industry.”

Assistant Professor Scott Pierce (exercise science)

“A typical day for MSC students comes down to two different paths. The first path is where students are receiving a financial incentive from the military science program and the second is simply a traditional student taking a MSC course. As a cadet progresses through our program they will obtain more leadership roles and responsibilities.”

Army ROTC Recruiting Operations Officer David Sanford (military science)

“Animal science has three sequences: management, pre-vet, and traditional animal science. We contin-uously embrace application and because of that, stu-dents who are in the animal sequences are able to gain knowledge in the class-room and then practical experience in our labs and at the University Farm.”

Assistant Professor Justin Rickard (animal science)

“Our curriculum prepares students to face the most pressing national and international crime issues. Through technology such as crime mapping, as well as empirically driven research in policing, corrections, and court ser-vices, we give students the opportunity to take those classroom and lab experi-ences into the real-world arena. This balanced approach to theory and practice makes our stu-dents better prepared to adapt to the ever-changing challenges faced by crim-inal justice professionals today.”

Professor Cara Rabe-Hemp (criminal justice sciences)

“What really makes our recreation management graduates special is their senior internship, which consists of 480 hours at an offsite location. Graduates of the recreation manage-ment program can obtain careers anywhere from working in state parks, to national parks, working for their local park and recre-ation department, working with sports and athletics, event planning, or tourism.”

Instructional Assistant Professor Olivia Butts (recreation management)

“Our information systems major focuses on the use of computer technology and information management methods to solve business problems. An information systems graduate has the skills that are valuable to employers from a wide range of sectors, which includes virtually every organization or business in various industries and even government entities and nonprofit organizations.”

Assistant Professor Yousra Javed (information systems)

“Our students take not only agriculture business courses in their area of interest like management, sales, marketing, or finance, but they also take technical agriculture science courses such as animal science, agronomy, or horticulture. In addition to the curricu-lum within their agribusi-ness major, students take classes within the College of Business.”

Assistant Professor Maria Boerngen (agribusiness)

“Our interior design pro-gram is unique because, like many CIDA (Counsel for Interior Design Accredita-tion) accredited programs, it is rigorous. Although, unlike many CIDA accred-ited programs, here in our department we focus on the hands-on approach for each one of our students to ensure that they are competent, well-supported, and that they understand all the elements and princi-ples of interior design to be fantastic practitioners.”

Assistant Professor Taneshia West-Albert (family and consumer sciences)

‹ …

+ FOLLOWIn the fall, the college launched an Instagram campaign titled #CASTYourFuture

with a goal to feature each of the college’s majors, highlighting what makes

them unique. This series allows any #FutureRedbird a place to receive detailed

information on their major of choice directly from a professor. Here are some

highlights of the campaign so far:

#CASTYourFuture

isuscitech

6departments

2schools

4,600+students

Follow along on the college’s Instagram page (@ISUSciTech) to stay up to date with the #CASTYourFuture series!


D aphne (Blader) Lingsweiler, M.S. ’14, is passionate and dedicated to helping others. With a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from John

Carroll University and a master’s degree in child life from Illinois State University’s Department of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS), she’s always known there is something special about working with children.

“I’ve been interested in being a child life special-ist (CLS) since I was an adolescent,” she explained. “I knew I wanted to work with kids and that I’ve always been interested in child life beyond the hospital.”

From substitute teaching to working as a full-time nanny to her years of volunteer experience with chil-dren, Blader was already a seasoned child life profes-sional before enrolling at Illinois State.

Today, as a medical outreach coordinator, and pre-viously as a wish coordinator with the Make-A-Wish

Foundation of Wisconsin, Blader, also a certified child life specialist (CCLS), has been honored to connect her experience, knowledge, and passion to enrich the lives of children with life threatening medical conditions. As a native of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, a suburb of Milwaukee, Blader was thrilled to have her career come full circle by returning home.

It was through her first Midwest Child Life Con-ference, which she attended while in graduate school, where she met a representative from Make-A-Wish Missouri. The connection she made with that individu-al propelled her into an internship with Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, which she completed while working on her master’s degree. Blader credits Keri Edwards, a faculty member in FCS, for encouraging her to attend that conference. It changed her life.

“Keri always encouraged me to attend conferences,

JUST WISHESGranting more than

By Haley Francke

“It’s the opportunities where you put yourself out there and take advantage of the moment that can lead to so much more.”

to put forth my skills in prac-tical settings, and to visit sites at hospitals throughout Central Illinois,” Blader said. “It’s the opportunities where you put yourself out there and take advantage of the moment that can lead to so much more.”

As the initial contact that a family has with the Make-A-Wish Wisconsin organization, Blader is responsible for eval-uating the referral, typically submitted by a medical profes-sional, parent, family friend, or even some-times by the child. Once reviewed, she makes the first call to that referral source to discuss medical qual-ifications and answer any questions that the family may have.

While Make-A-Wish is a nationally recognized organization, Blader spends a great deal of time on marketing efforts in order to connect and inform medical professionals, educators, support networks, and families on the program with the goal that every child can be granted their one true wish. From the first initial call, to granting the child’s wish, and staying in contact with the referral sources, Blader is there every step of the way to ensure the success of the wish process.

“As a team, we granted 400 wishes this past fiscal year, and without our entire dedicated and passionate staff that wouldn’t have been possible,” Blader said. “We have the dream team who comes to work every day to grant wishes for others.”

For Blader, the magic and excitement that she experiences being a part of the Make-A-Wish Wiscon-sin team is an honor. There is a piece of each wish that she keeps in her heart, although one in particular does stand out and that is a little boy named Benny. Benny’s wish was fulfilled exactly how he asked and brought

together many people who never anticipated being a part of a wish grant-ing process.

“Benny’s wish for a tree house resulted in a family-like bond between the con-tractor and Benny’s family,” Blader said. “The family had

never seen their child smile so big like he did when his tree house was revealed.”

Blader is thrilled to be working for Make-A-Wish Wisconsin and incorporating her role as a CCLS, with her

knowledge and education to best serve as a medi-cal outreach coordina-tor. The Make-A-Wish foundation operates

with a mission to grant wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. Blader’s ca-reer is not just about granting a wish, it’s being a part of something much bigger than oneself. It’s fostering happiness and joy; it’s giving hope where hope may be faded; and it’s inspiring others to keep fighting. What Blader does is really about changing lives.

Looking back on her education, Blader recalls how the Illinois State child care program, the faculty, and her fellow master’s students prepared her for success.

Daphne (Blader) Lingsweiler, M.S. ’14, (on the far right in the

two photos above) works on various projects in her role as a

medical outreach coordinator for the Make-A-Wish Founda-

tion of Wisconsin.



CASTFACTSFAST

funded grants in 2016-2017 for faculty and student research

2114

47,000alumni

over six departments and

two schools housed in nine buildings on campus, plus the University

Farm at Lexington and the Horticulture Center in Normal

Home to over 40 active registered student

organizations

Offers approximately 13 international study abroad opportunities for

students annually

Includes Gamma Phi Circus, the oldest collegiate circus

in the U.S.

30 areas of study at the undergraduate level

22 areas of study at the graduate level

Different accrediting bodies

Nationally accredited programs

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“My fondest memories of furthering my educa-tion while at ISU was learning through my courses, experiencing real life scenarios at local hospitals, and furthering my knowledge while spending time with my classmates,” Blader said. “My graduate degree wouldn’t have been complete without the ‘purple blob’ (the affectionate nickname of our child life group that completed our master’s together). Together we laughed, helped one another, and achieved our goals, no matter what life threw our way.”

Whether it was study sessions, class sessions, or simply fun sessions, the ”purple blob” was there and always cared.

“No matter how many articles you read and stud-ies that you analyze, it’s the people that you surround yourself with that bring it all together,” Blader said.

Blader credits her wonderful experience at Illi-nois State to the professors and mentors that helped her along the way. Keri Edwards, Carol Weisheit, FCS Associate Professor Bill Anderson, and Interim Vice President and Provost Jan Murphy, who is also an FCS professor, have all been instrumental in Blader’s personal and professional successes. These individu-als have provided Blader with the opportunities and

encourage-ment to put forward her skills in prac-tical settings both in and outside of

the classroom and the confidence to build relation-ships with professionals already in the field.

“In my second year, Carol (Weisheit) allowed me the opportunity to grow as a graduate assistant and provide genuine ways to assist the ISU Child Care Center beyond interacting with the children,” Blader explained. “I still utilize those skills in my everyday work.”

Blader is thankful for the tireless work that An-derson and Murphy have done to develop courses and curriculum that encourages students to think critically and stretch their perspectives.

Blader is a great example of the College of Applied Science and Technology’s motto, “where theory meets practice.” Thinking back on her time at Illinois State, Blader recalled the vast amount of times she was able to put her classroom knowledge into practice at local hospitals, conferences, and at various practicum sites in Central Illinois. The combination of knowledge gained in the classroom, spending a year as president

of the Child Life Club, serving on the CAST Council, and experience working in the Illinois State Child Care Center equipped Blader with the platform of skills to excel in her professional career.

Blader wants current Redbirds to be confident, focused, and prepared for what-ever life may throw at them. “Be thankful for your past, enjoy the present, and plan for the future with room to change direction. Don’t compare yourself to others,” she said. “Ev-erything happens for a reason, so appreciate everyone that you encounter even if it’s just for a brief moment.”

“No matter how many articles you read and studies that you analyze, it’s the people that you surround yourself with that bring all of it together.”


P hilanthropy is a powerful form of leadership. Individuals who invest their financial resources in Red-

birds Rising: The Campaign for Illinois State are making a statement of faith in future generations, while casting a vote of confidence in Illinois State’s mission and core values. At a time when programs are being add-ed, enrollment across the college is booming, and successes abound, this is an opportunity to be a part of building a culture of philanthropy and to set the tone moving forward. The College of Applied Science and Technology is lucky to have three such leaders in the campaign:

HANK CAMPBELLP R O F E S S O R E M E R I T U S , D E PA R T M E N T O F T E C H N O L O G Y

Q: What prompted you to make/consider a gift commit-ment?

A: I, along with my wife, Mary Campbell, have been longtime contributors to Illi-nois State University. We have

both enjoyed amazing and rewarding careers here at the university. It’s a great experience to help educate and mentor talented students to enter into their pro-fessional career roles as ISU graduates.

Q: What excites you about Redbirds Rising?

A: I want to see ISU and CAST become even better, so that graduates can serve our country and other places globally to build improved businesses, schools, and communities while becoming better people

themselves. Redbirds Rising provides the plat-

form and opportunity to ask and engage people who want to see

the mission and purpose of Illinois State University succeed.

Q: Why should others explore making the college or department part of their philanthropic strategy?

A: Current and future students will need to tune their talents toward becoming educated and techni-cally skilled to perform jobs in sectors of society that are markedly different than I knew when I graduated as an undergraduate from Ohio University in 1967— that’s 50 years ago! It’s hard to imagine what their 30-year careers will be like. They must be prepared to change and adapt to our rapidly changing world whether in their work environment, their families, or in their communities.

Q: If you were to give current students a piece of advice, what would it be?

A: Extend yourself to maximize your experiences while at Illinois State, both in and out of the class-room. Participate in a group that will help you grow as a person, and also in one that masters the content of their chosen field of study. Connect with other good students and faculty who enhance the academic experience. Be good at what you do and look for ways to serve the community during your time at ISU.

SANDRA GROVESP R O F E S S O R E M E R I T U S , S C H O O L O F K I N E S I O L O G Y A N D R E C R E AT I O N

Q: What prompted you to make a gift commitment?

MEET THE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEERS

20 FORECAST College of Applied Science and Technology

By Kara Snyder

redbirdsredbirdsredbirdsrisingrisingrising

A: As a new faculty member with a new doctorate, I had limited resources to pursue my teaching and research agenda. I was appreciative of resource opportunities provid-ed by the college and the department for faculty under

the leadership of college Dean Betty Chapman and School of Kinesiology and Recreation Department Chair Marlene Mawson. Their provision of new faculty support helped me proceed successfully through the promotion and tenure process and move to a position in the University (Graduate School) where I could ad-vocate for a larger group (university level) of students and faculty.


A: To know that I am one among many of my faculty colleagues taking the challenge to invest in the future of the University.

Q: What is your favorite memory of your time at Illinois State University?

A: I have many favorite memories, but one was having an endowment established at the time of my retirement in 2007 by university colleagues and former students (Sandra Little Groves Graduate Stu-dent Emergency Fund). This was in recognition of a personal commitment to helping graduate students complete their degree programs despite financial difficulties because of life circumstances.


A: Ask for help when you need it, whether it is aca-demic or outside factors affecting your academic life and performance.

MATT JOHANSON ’89S C H O O L O F I N F O R M AT I O N T E C H N O L O G Y A L U M N U S , C U R R E N T LY S E RV E S A S S E N I O R V I C E P R E S I D E N T AT D I S C O V E R

Q: Why did you decide to take on a leadership role in the campaign?

A: I decided to take on a leadership role in the cam-paign because I was asked. I was once told that people

want to contribute to a good cause when they are

asked, and I’ve found it to be true in myself. Seeing the good work happening at ISU made it easy for me to say “yes.” All it took was a simple invitation!


A: As a first generation college graduate, I love the idea of making quality, public education more acces-sible in Illinois. My Illinois State education gave me an outstanding foundation for a lifetime of personal and professional learning and growth, and I am excited to be able to help future generations capture that same opportunity.

Q: Why should others explore making the college or department part of their philanthropic strategy?

A: I would hope that any Redbird who seriously considers the ambitious challenge that President (Larry) Dietz has laid out to bolster the future of the University and the quality product being produced by the College of Applied Science and Technology would be compelled to give back in some way for the contribution that ISU and CAST made in their lives. This is a great university. This is a great college. This is a worthy cause!


A: When I was 18, a very wise woman looked pur-posefully—almost demandingly—into my eyes and said, “See everything you can see and do everything you can do.” These simple words have created a thirst in me to experience the variety and vastness of the world and its people. So my advice to students today would be the same: While you are at ISU, do every-thing you can do and see everything you can see. Extract every ounce of opportunity available to you at this amazing, diverse university.

As you read the thoughts from our college’s Campaign

Leadership, did you think about that scholarship that meant

you could come or stay at Illinois State University, or maybe

that professor who went the extra mile and helped you see

the bigger picture? Think about how you could be a part of

impacting the future. If you would like to support the College

of Applied Science and Technology in Redbirds Rising: The

Campaign for Illinois State, please contact Katelyn Jacobs at

(309) 438-3134 or [email protected].


College of Applied Science and TechnologyCampus Box 5000Normal, IL 61790-5000

This document is available in alternative formats upon request by calling the College of Applied Science and Technology at (309) 438-7602.

Illinois State University, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding affirmative action, nondiscrimination, and anti-harassment. Illinois State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, order of protection, gender identity and expression, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, unfavorable military discharge, or status as a veteran in employment, educational programs and activities, or admissions. Inquiries or complaints may be addressed by contacting the director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access by email at [email protected], by calling (309) 438-3383, or by mailing to the office at Illinois State University, Campus Box 1280, Normal, IL 61790.

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RISE to the CHALLENGEat Illinois State University by returning the included envelope or visiting Giving.IllinoisState.edu.

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