Redbird Proud Award Recipients

2023

Michael Condupa ’11

Throughout his undergraduate years, Mike's commitment to excellence was evident as he balanced academics in human resource management with a front desk attendant role in the residence halls which led to his experience as an resident assistant for two years.

Mike's involvement on campus extended beyond his residence hall duties. He served as a student leader for Alternative Spring Break and earned recognition as a Caterpillar Leadership Fellow through the College of Business Organizational Leadership Institute. Additionally, he was an active member of ISU-SHRM and Phi Kappa Psi.

Mike resides in Pittsburgh with his wife, Tiffany, and their four-year-old daughter, Callie. Professionally, he has spent the last 11 years at Thermo Fisher Scientific where he is currently the director of human resources.

Khamille De Lara ’15

Khamille graduated with a double major in international business and finance. During her time at ISU, she served as a student leader in organizations such as International Business Club, and Students Today, Leaders Forever. She also worked as a resident assistant.

The past eight years of her career has seen her in progressive financial leadership roles to where she is now the director of finance for FreightCar America. Beyond her professional achievements, Khamille serves on the board of directors for a nonprofit organization, Midwest Institute for Sexuality and Gender Diversity, displaying her contributed dedication and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Sierra Dockery ’12

Sierra is a highly accomplished individual, graduating from Illinois State with a degree in special education, specializing in low vision and blindness. She furthered her education at Governor's State University, earning degrees in education leadership and an MBA in entrepreneurship and management.

As a serial entrepreneur, she runs two successful organizations, House of Light and Growth and Prosperity Consulting. Her unique blend of expertise in special education and business management allows her to make a positive impact in both fields.

Kaitlin Koenig ’17

Since her time at ISU, Kaitlin has completed two master's degree with the most recent being in 2022 from Concordia University - Chicago in principal preparation.

She recently ended her fifth year of teaching at Palombi Middle School where she has taught science, social studies, graphic design, STEM and robotics. Kaitlin has been a building leader, head of numerous committees, a Leader In Me facilitator for the district and an avid participant in the development of afterschool clubs, sports and opportunities for students, staff and community members. Currently, she is the dean of students at Palombi Middle School, where she continues to make a positive impact in the district.

Michael Rubio ’19

While at Illinois State, Michael served in Student Government Association, with a memorable experience as student body president, and was very active in the Greek community.

Mike went on to work for The Walt Disney Company where he quickly advanced in advertising and marketing sales for the company's TV, film, streaming, and digital portfolio. He is currently an associate account executive working on major brand partnerships and sports/entertainment integrations. Mike also serves as the president of the Sigma Nu Fraternity Alumni Board and is an advisor to the ISU chapter.

2022

Jenna Goldsmith '08, '10 M.A.

Jenna Goldsmith, Ph.D. is a two-time graduate of ISU (BA '08; MA '10). While at ISU, she was active in ISU PRIDE, FLAME, and Sigma Tau Delta (the English Honors Society). Sheis a Lecturer in the English Department at Rockford University in Rockford, IL. She is the author of four chapbooks of poetry, most recently TITLE NINE, which was published by Press 254, the teaching press of ISU.

Richard Greenfield '17

Richard graduated Cum Laude from Illinois State University in December 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Most recently, Richard earned his Master’s in Public Administration degree from Governors State University. Richard currently works for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago as Director of Community and External Affairs for Commissioner Kimberly du Buclet. Richard is the Recording Secretary for the Illinois State University Black Colleagues Association and is the Legislative Affairs Chairperson for the Illinois Committee on Black Concerns in Higher Education.

Brian Loiacono '18

Brian is a Compensation Analyst at CF Industries. He graduated from the College of Business in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Management. He is currently working towards obtaining an MBA from the University of Illinois. Brian was very involved in student organizations while on campus and now serves on the College of Business MQM Advisory Council. He resides in Buffalo Grove, IL with his fiancé Annika and puppy Trilli.

Nikita Richards '06, M.A. '15

Recently recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives and Congressional Record for her leadership and accomplishments, Nikita Richards is a proud Navy veteran, appointed member of Governor J.B. Pritzker's transition team and the Illinois Council on Women and Girls, Vice Chair of Planned Parenthood of Illinois Board of Directors and Illinois State University Alumni Association Board of Directors. Richards received both her Master of Arts in communication ’15 and Bachelor of Arts in politics & government ’06 from Illinois State University.

Matthew Rillie '15

Matthew graduated from Illinois State University in 2015. He has since earned a master’s degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management. As a Redbird, he was heavily involved on campus including president for ISU Pride advocating for LGBTQA+ students, serving as lead coordinator for Leaders of Social Change, and working for the Student Involvement Center and Braden Auditorium. Matthew’s career is now at Columbia College Chicago working in Diversity and Inclusion.

2021

Breana Brown '17

Breana was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, by her grandmothers Debra Brown and Silvella Douglas. Breana graduated from Illinois State University in May 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Studies. Breana currently works for YouthBuild McLean County as the AmeriCorps coordinator. She also serves as an advisory board member for UtmostU.

Raychel McBride '07

Raychel is a human resources business partner at Edward Jones, CEO of Corporate KIN diversity strategies, and podcast host of Freedom and Champagne. She is a 2007 Illinois State University graduate with a bachelor's in business education. She received a master's in human resource management from Argosy University Chicago.

She is also is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., serves on several nonprofit boards, and is a graduate of Leadership Illinois. She resides in Columbia, Missouri, with her husband, Rich.

Jack Micetich '12

Jack is a proud alumnus of the College of Education. While on campus, he was incredibly involved, predominantly with the University Program Board.

He is now employed at Coal City Unit District #1, where he teaches and serves as their theatre department director. He has been nominated for several Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards, and this past fall he received Illinois Theatre Association’s Excellence Award for Secondary School Theatre.

Kara Snyder '09, M.S. '12

Kara found her passion for a career in higher education during her time working for Campus Recreation, first as a group fitness instructor and recreation assistant, and then during her marketing graduate assistantship.

She currently serves as the assistant dean of marketing, communications, and constituent relations for the College of Applied Science and Technology at Illinois State University. She has held leadership roles for Leadership McLean County and the Association for Women in Communications and is a graduate of Leadership Illinois.

Ed Unruh '11

Ed is an expert hematology/oncology nurse with extensive experience in providing compassionate and holistic care.

During his time at Illinois State, he was a vital driver of Alternative Break’s growth and expansion from a spring break service organization to a year-round, international service group. Ed planned ISU’s first international service trip to Cusco, Peru, to work with orphans in a community center and has continued his passion for civic engagement by volunteering for the Lymphoma Research Foundation and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

2020

Bill Dwoinen '04

Bill was employed as a student receptionist in the Office of Student Life for three years and saw the Dean of Students Office in its early formation. As an employee in a student-facing office that also included Parent and Family Services, he learned the importance of having mentors and finding a vocation where you feel fulfilled. He is currently employed by Slack, where he is Large Enterprise Sales working with some of the biggest companies in the world. He is a regular speaker for career day at high schools in the Chicago suburbs, as well as speaking engagements on Illinois State’s campus. In the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bill hosted a virtual workshop with Career Services for both students and alumni looking to gain a competitive edge in a challenging job market. When he is not in front of a group presenting or watching the Chicago Cubs play baseball, he is running or mentoring other runners. As a member of the Lurie Children’s Hospital and Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation Chicago Marathon Team, he has raised funds to help kids across Chicago access world-class healthcare. What makes him proud to be a Redbird is how Illinois State prepared him for the path he followed, with both his career and having an impact on the community.

Abe Lopez-Bowen '12

Abe is an entrepreneur and creator and brings joyful energy with him wherever he goes. This is reflected in his extensive history at Illinois State: he was University Program Board President, a Residence Hall Assistant, ISU Leads participant, Preview Guide, Co-Chair for Students Today Leaders Forever and the 2011 Homecoming King. After moving to California in 2015, Abe created Lightward Photography, a brand whose work was published in a national wedding photography journal and brought Abe invitations for work across the country and abroad. In 2020, while living in Colorado, Abe created Lightward Empowerment, an empowerment coaching business through which Abe helps his clients bring their dreams into a living, breathing, tangible reality. And since 2016, Abe has served as a Commitment Mentor with the Clinton Global Initiative University, mentoring an international student cohort as they bring practical innovation to some of our world’s most pressing issues. From the service trips and leadership retreats at ISU, to his ongoing connection to ISU alumni and staff, to the wide set of positive, genuine connections he maintains around the world, Abe inspires others to live a life of meaning by living such a life himself. He is proud to see ISU strive for this itself, in every area, and is grateful for the opportunities being a Redbird gave him to discover his own identity and potential.

Bianca Gerardi Pietro '14

Bianca’s campus involvement began with the Student Wellness Ambassador Team (at her time it started as Peer Education). With SWAT she enjoyed teaching students about community health, which led to her working the front desk in the Health Promotion and Wellness office. Housing was another avenue in which she learned valuable leadership skills. As a Resident Assistant she learned to communicate with several different individuals, collaborate on inclusive events, provide a safe and positive community, and guide students on their path towards and through college. These lessons she has taken with her in her current role as a Special Education Case Manager and Teacher. As an avid supporter of fine arts, she was a part of the Unlimited Dance Team, which performed multiple times throughout the year at campus and community events, as well as hosted their own events, including “Dance with the Faculty and Staff Stars,” to benefit the Baby Fold. She also sang as part of Aeolian Singers, was a contestant in ISU Idol and sang the national anthem at Illinois State basketball games. As an alumna, Bianca has performed, music directed, and choreographed more than ten professional musical theatre productions on the Seacoast. She is also currently a private vocal teacher andthe Youth Education Coordinator at a community theatre. She has Music Directed and Choreographed over ten youth and teen productions. The Boston area Redbirds have benefitted from her initiative since she first started the Greater Boston Area Alumni Network in 2015. What makes her proud to be a Redbird is how ISU instilled in her the desire to learn and fully embrace the motto, “Gladly We Learn and Teach.”

Jessica Garber Schaefer '14

Jessica's passion for civic engagement began at Illinois State, where she was proud to serve as the 2012 Homecoming Queen. For all of her undergraduate years, she worked in the former Leadership & Service Unit of the Dean of Students Office, where she planned community service opportunities and leadership events for Illinois State students. Jessica volunteered alongside her peers at each event she helped to organize, from Trick-or-Treat for Change to sorting inventory at local food pantries. She completed the ISULeads Certificate Program, was selected for the Leaders of Social Change DC trip and completed two Students Today Leaders Forever (STLF) spring break service trips. As a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, Jessica served as Chapter President, and in 2013, she served as the Vice President of Scholarship on the Panhellenic Council Executive Board. While at Illinois State, Jessica created a public awareness campaign, Actual Sorority Move (ASM), to work toward eliminating stigmas surrounding the Greek community while mitigating values incongruence within its own members. Establishing this campaign led Jessica to receive the Billy Quigley Leader in Action Award from the ISU Alumni Association in 2013. Additionally, Jessica was a member of and ambassador for the Honors Program, and she also heard disciplinary cases as a member of the University Hearing Panel. As a result of her breadth of academic and extracurricular achievement, Jessica was recognized as a Robert G. Bone Scholar in 2014. Through her student affairs involvement, Jessica learned how to serve the needs of a community and organize the support necessary to foster change—both important skillsets needed in her current role as a Legislative Assistant in the United States Senate. Having graduated with her Master of Public Policy from Georgetown University, Jessica is looking forward to continuing her career in public service. What makes her proud to be a Redbird is seeing how her Illinois State peers and mentors have changed and continue to change the world every day through their work, words, and actions.

Quanisha Kumi-Darfour '06

Quanisha has been a longstanding advocate of student development and social justice at Illinois State University. Mama or Auntie Quans, as many of the students affectionately call her, has mentored several young adults, by providing support that nurtures their academic and personal development. Her initial involvement with the Division of Student Affairs began with her service in student organizations such as the ISU chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and with Profound Pioneers Entertainment Group (PPEG). In 2003, she was selected as a Resident Assistant for Wright Hall and through this leadership position as an RA, Quanisha began cultivating her authentic style of relationship and community building while also motivating students to live with no regrets and be who they are called to be. During the spring 2004 semester, she became a member of the Theta Delta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated where she held several leadership positions within the chapter and served as President of Illinois State University’s chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). Quanisha earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in2006 and returned to campus in fall 2010 to complete practicum requirements with University Housing Services for her master’s degree in Higher Education Administration for Student Affairs. During the 2010-2011 academic year, she was selected as a member of the advisory team for the Theta Delta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and in this role she was able to give back to the chapter that taught her what it meant to truly be a servant leader. Quanisha pours her heart into everything she does and especially into those with whom she crosses paths with. She believes in equity, access, uplifting others and the concept of Sankofa. She is a dynamic leader, friend and mentor. Through professional growth in different roles within University Housing Services, membership on the Umoja Steering Committee for the Black Celebration, laying the groundwork for supporting students as the first Coordinator of Case Management in the Dean of Students Office, leading the reinvigoration of the Association of Black Academic Employees (ABAE) and through her current role as the Associate Director of Student Relations- Career Services, Quanisha is thankful for her experiences and for the trust given to develop and care for students and colleagues at Illinois State. She is proud to be a Redbird because of the relationships developed and the consistent cycle of learning and unlearning that has taken place with every interaction between students, staff, and faculty since stepping foot on Illinois State’s campus in 2001.

2019

Aaron Von Qualen '12, M.S. '14

Von Qualen’s leadership experiences within the Division of Student Affairs are astounding. As an undergraduate student, he held two positions which are considered among the most elite student roles on campus, Student Trustee from July 2012 to July 2014 and Vice President of the student body from April 2011 to April 2012. Aaron also completed the ISULeads program and served as a member of the Campus Dining Services Advisory Council, University Hearing Panel and the Student Health Advisory Board. As a graduate student, Aaron worked in the Community Rights and Responsibilities Office and managed several disciplinary cases. He also completed a Practicum through the Dean of Students Office with Franklin College in Lugano, Switzerland. During both his undergraduate and graduate career at Illinois State, Aaron was committed to using his leadership skills, knowledge and passion to help make the programs and practices at Illinois State student-centered. Currently, Aaron works as a financial advisor with Edward Jones.

Brandon Thornton '11, M.S. '16

For Thornton, the Association of Residence Halls, Student Government, Alternative Breaks, ISU Show Choir, and the Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Asexual College conference played a key role in molding him into the animated teacher he is today. An educator at Bloomington High School, and current doctoral student, Brandon shared that his teaching philosophy is "I teach students - not math.” When he's not educating students in the classroom, Brandon is working to cultivate a diverse and inclusive space for students he advises on the speech team and Anime Club. With a classroom decked out in Redbird images from his time on campus and while rocking his Redbird red Tom shoes, there's probably no doubt in any of the students or staff's minds at BHS that Brandon is #RedbirdProud. Using the images of campus and his student life experiences around the classroom, Brandon often discusses college options with his students where he encourages them to choose a school that will challenge them beyond the classroom. Brandon is currently a Student Affairs Alumni Ambassador, working to promote and advance the goals of Student Affairs' alumni engagement and development work. He has served in this role since the group's creation in 2017.

Alana McGinty '10

Throughout McGinty’s years as an undergraduate, she immersed herself in various Student Affairs leadership and service opportunities. She served as a trip leader three times for Alternative Spring Break and participated in the inaugural international Alternative Break trip to Peru. She held positional roles in many pockets of campus as well, as the President of Phi Sigma Sigma and an Off-Campus Senator for Student Government Association. Alana stays connected to Illinois State through active participation in Washington, D.C. Alumni Network events. For the last two years Alana has organized a panel and hosted Illinois State students visiting the U.S. Capital on the Civic Engagement Trip at DAI Global, her current place of work. To say she is passionate about global civic engagement is an understatement. She demonstrates her Redbird pride paying it forward and donating to Student Affairs, to ensure future students have access to the same impactful programming throughout their undergraduate experience.

Tyler Clark '09

Clark has experienced tremendous growth in his profession, which he credits to experiential learning through collegiate involvement in Student Government Association and Fraternity and Sorority Life. Tyler served as the Secretary of Governmental Relations in SGA from 2007-2008. In this role, he built and leveraged relationships with local legislators to further strengthen the bond between Illinois State University and the state government. Today, Tyler supports the Willow Creek C.A.R.S. Ministry and provides pro-bono consulting to underrepresented entrepreneurs. He also serves on the Illinois State University Alumni Association Board of Directors, where he actively participates as a member of the RED committee. Tyler understands the value of engaging people who have differing values and beliefs and sees the potential impact that can be realized when bringing them together. Through this approach, Tyler was able to gain unanimous, bipartisan support to establish a new state IT agency. With nearly 10 years in Illinois government, he has helped draft legislation, served as a Senate Liaison for the Governor, and oversaw the operations of the 1,500-person state IT department. When not at work at Serafin & Associates, advising Fortune 100 companies, one would likely find Tyler at a watch party cheering on the Redbirds, or connecting with fellow alumni at regional events.

Sarah Myers '09

Myers was a student employee in the Health Information Management unit at Student Health Services for four years. Today, she is an entrepreneur, owning and operating her own speech pathology private practice, Way To Grow Pediatric Therapy, in Peoria, Illinois, which provides speech and language therapy in addition to feeding therapy. Sarah works alongside families to help empower them to utilize speech, language, and feeding strategies with their children to facilitate appropriate growth and development. She also provides therapy services as a part of the Illinois Early Intervention System, working with children and families of all backgrounds. Sarah has recently begun expanding the Way To Grow Therapy practice, bringing on an additional speech language pathologist and billing specialist to her team of skilled professionals. Her completion of LeaderShape in the Division of Student Affairs, along with the Alternative Spring Break and Preview Guide experiences she had at Illinois State, prepared her for the entrepreneurial world she currently navigates. Sarah provides the individualized attention Illinois State hopes to perpetuate in its graduates. This is evident in her patients’ comments regarding their work with her. "Sarah is absolutely amazing at what she does. She has extensive knowledge and a gifted ability to use play to assess/treat your child speech skills. Her tool box, suggestions and methods are endless. Her demeanor is professional but so down to Earth and friendly. She is positive, patient and caring with her patients." Committed to her own education, Sarah attends personal growth and business conferences where she inspires others with her love of learning.

2018

Aja Holmes '00, M.S. '02

A two time graduate from Illinois State University, Aja Holmes uses what she learned from her involvement as a student as a higher education professional today. During her time at Illinois State, Holmes was involved with the Black Student Union, University Program Board, LeaderShape, and Student Government Association. After receiving her bachelor's degree in mass communication and her master's degree in college student development at Illinois State, Holmes went on to earn her doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from Iowa State University. Now, Holmes works as the assistant dean of students and director of community living at the University of San Francisco. She has also served as one of the founding members of the Journal of Critical Thought and Praxis as well as on the editorial board of the Journal Committed to Social Change on Race and Ethnicity.

Kevin Parkinson '09

Kevin Parkinson was very involved during his time as a student leader on campus. Parkinson was an active member of the University Program Board, the Student Alumni Council, and also served as a Preview Guide. Parkinson found his passion for service by participating in several trips with alternative Breaks, Leaders of Social Change, and Pay It Forward, while also attending Leadership Revolution and LeaderShape. Currently, Parkinson serves as the principal of Midtown Public Charter School in Jackson, Mississippi. In a previous position with Teach For America's Mississippi region, he recruited and on-boarded more than 500 teachers. He also administered a $1 million, 5-year federal grant to provide after-school enrichment activities to a school in rural Mississippi, and has raised more than $140,000 to take hundreds of students to dozens of cities across the southeast for leadership and service programming.

Scott Preston '10

Before Scott Preston was sworn-in as the youngest councilman in Normal, he was an active student leader on Illinios State's campus. With a commitment to civic engagement, Preston served as a member of student Government Association, American Democracy Project, Delta Chi Fraternity, and was also a Resident Assistant and a Student Involvement Ambassador. Since graduation, Preston was re-elected to his second term as a councilman in Normal in spring 2017. He also served as assistant to the Treasurer of Illinois for four years. In addition to public service, Preston is the president of Tomorrow Enterprises LLC, a real estate development and investment company he founded in 2011. Staying involved in the Illinois State community, Preston currently serves as an alumni ambassador for the Division of Student Affairs, as well as serves on the Alumni Association board of directors' Homecoming committee.

Lindsay Vahl '06, M.S. '09

As a student, Lindsay Vahl was highly involved in various activities which propelled her into a career in higher education. While an undergraduate student, Vahl served as an Admissions Ambassador, MASAI Mentor, was involved in Fraternity and Sorority Life, and participated in Leadership Revolution. After Vahl finished her undergraduate degree, she went on to pursue her master's degree in college personnel administration. As a proud two-time alumna of Illinois State, Vahl seeks to support students in various advisory capacities including LeaderShape and Alternative Breaks. She also serves on the Umoja Committee. Currently, Vahl serves as the director of alumni engagement her at Illinois State University. In this role, she is able to connect and build relationships with alumni and friends throughout the Chicagoland area.

2017

Olivia Butts '14

Olivia Butts developed a passion for working with students as a graduate student in Campus Recreation. After graduation, Butts’ passion guided her to become a professor for the Illinois State Kinesiology and Recreation Department. Her dedication to students goes beyond the classroom, encouraging her students to engage in out of the classroom experiences. She models this behavior through involvement with Black Lives Matters of Bloomington/Normal and serving as a trip advisor for Alterative Breaks.

Kirk Fallon '14

As a graduate student working in Campus Recreation, Kirk Fallon developed his passion for recreation and working with college students. Taking the skills he learned at Illinois State to a new campus, now serving as the Director of the Student Recreation Center at Red Rocks Community College, Fallon has been recognized for his leadership and knowledge. He continues to share his Redbird story with others and inspire a new group of students to follow their passion into a recreation career.

Zach Koutsky '06

As a member of SGA, Student Trustee Zach Koutsky developed a passion for civic engagement at Illinois State, and was fortunate to turn it into a career, developing public policy since his graduation. Currently serving as the Legislative and Political Director for the Local 881 United Food and Commercial Workers, Koutsky worked to pass a landmark paid sick leave law in Chicago and Cook County, helping over 900,000 workers. He also led the labor division of the Just Democracy Coalition, which made Illinois the 9th state to enact Automatic Voter Registration, thus enfranchising over 1 million of our fellow citizens. Koutsky continues to share his Redbird pride in his community and with current students when he visits campus to speak to aspiring public servants.

Katie Pratt '10

As a student leader in the University Program Board, a Preview Guide and participant of LeaderShape Katie Pratt developed skills she now uses to serve the Bloomington/Normal and Illinois State University communities. Pratt strives to create a better community for all, at work and in the local community, by giving her time and talents to a variety of organizations including Green Top Grocery, For a Better Tomorrow, the League of Women Voters, and the Multicultural Leadership Program.

Patrick Ryan '05, M.A. '07

The experiences Patrick Ryan had in numerous student leadership positions prepared him to support high school students in the college selection process as a guidance counselor at Marist High School. Over 230 students from his school have become Redbirds since he started in his position! Just as he did as a Redbird, Ryan goes above and beyond in his career by serving as the President of the faculty association and coaching the cross country team. He is also an active member of his community and serves on his condominium association board.

2016

Adam Hucek '12

Adam found a passion for service through Alternative Breaks and developed management skills as a Resident Assistant. As the Director of Aquatics and Sports Programs for the City of Bloomington, Adam gives back to ISU by conducting mock interviews and providing feedback to students interested in Park Administration. His passion for services continues through supporting the Alternative Breaks scholarship fund and encouraging other alumni to do the same, ensuring every student has the opportunity to go on a trip.

Dr. Kevin Martin '09

Dr. Kevin M. Martin uses the skills and lessons he learned through Student Government Association and UPB, specifically advocating for those who don’t have a seat at the table, to enhance and increase opportunities available to students as an Assistant Principal at Northwest Middle School. Student success drives Kevin. He opened a Saturday Academy for student who need extra time with teachers, tutoring, or a place to study. Kevin also continues to support ISU as an active alumnus.

2015

Jeremy Butler M.S. '12

Jeremy Butler was highly involved within the Division of Student Affairs, specifically Campus Recreation, while earning his Master's degree. He demonstrates his commitment to the values of student affairs through his work as an Illinois State Police Officer, owner of Pagoda Rebirth Martial Arts and Fitness, and providing free self-defense workshops to non-for-profit organizations. Jeremy also shows his commitment to ISU as a staff advisor for the Redbird Gloves Boxing.

Fellicia Foster '08

Fellicia Foster, Assistant Vice President & Human Resources Business Partner, leverages her leadership skills, which she refined as a highly involved student leader, through her work and community organizations. She has transformed several systems and structures at BMO Harris Bank and continues to improve the company's standing. Fellicia chairs BMO Harris Bank's African American League of Professionals, founded the Black Business Employee Resource Group Roundtable, and holds a leadership position in the Chicago Young Alumni Network.

Dr. Hayley Ralph '10

Dr. Hayley Ralph's hands-on research and clinical experience gained through her time as a student working in Student Health Services built a foundation to become a successful Physician. She continues to show her commitment to her community through service and being a leader, which she also demonstrated at Illinois State, in her professional work as she leads career day programs for high school students and junior high students interested in a medical career. Hayley is a 2nd Year Resident Physician in Family & Community Medicine at Saint Louis Family Medicine Residency at Belleville.

Emily Vigneri '07, M.S. '10

Emily Vigneri developed an interest in service and social issues through her undergraduate involvement across campus. She also developed leadership skills that she shares with students through advising co-curricular programs and trips as well as with community organizations. Emily currently serves as the Coordinator of First Year Experience at Illinois State and serves on the Board of Directors for the For a Better Tomorrow organization, the League of Women Voters, and Green Top Grocery.