2025 Inductees
As Redbirds and former student leaders, our inductees share some common experiences, a passion for making a difference, and a commitment to excellence. They exemplify the values of the Division of Student Affairs and Illinois State University, not only in their professional careers and community involvement, but while they were Illinois State students. During their return to the Illinois State campus, each inductee is paired with a student host, which provides an opportunity to connect with current students and learn more about today's Redbird experience.
Margaret Morton Tripp
Margaret Tripp, a 1974 graduate of Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a 1976 Master of Science in counselor education, was deeply engaged in student leadership during her time at Illinois State. She served as president of Atkin-Colby Hall and policy review chair for the Association of Residence Halls, and spent three years on the Student Code Enforcement and Review Board. Tripp also played a key role in establishing the Anna Keaton Scholarship. Additionally, she was a member of the National Residence Hall Honorary and worked as a graduate hall manager in Watterson Towers.
Professionally, Tripp continued her dedication to student success and leadership. She served as president of the Mid-Atlantic Association of College and University Housing Officers (MACUHO) and received both the Outstanding Service and Distinguished Service Awards. At West Chester University (WCU), she was recognized with the Athletic Hall of Fame Award and the Alumni Recognition Award. Tripp played a key role in securing the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification for WCU and was inducted as a Legacy of Leadership honoree.
As director of the Office of Service Learning and Volunteer Programs, Tripp coordinated student volunteer efforts and developed experiential education opportunities. She received the “Key to the Borough” from the mayor of West Chester for her contributions to the community. In 2021, Tripp was named one of WCU’s 150 most influential women, and in 2009, she was honored with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award for Civility. Her career, marked by mentorship, community engagement, and advocacy for student well-being, has left a lasting impact.
Philip Tripp
Philip Tripp, a 1975 graduate of Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in English and history and a 1977 Master of Science in counselor education, was a first-generation college student and an active leader during his time at the University. He served as president of Walker Hall, vice president of the Association of Residence Halls, and liaison to the Campus Recreation Office. He also held leadership roles in the National Residence Hall Honorary and the Task Force for Innovative Residence Hall Research, while working as a resident assistant, graduate programming assistant, and residence hall manager.
Tripp’s career in higher education and student affairs included mentoring students at Frostburg State College (now University) and West Chester University (WCU), where he received the Advisor of the Year award three times for his work with the Penn Tau Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He also served on the board of directors for the Laundromat Library League, promoting literacy in community spaces. His numerous accolades include the Mid-Atlantic Employees in Education Leadership Award, the WCU Alumni Recognition Award, and the WCU Legacy of Leadership Award. He also established a scholarship fund for student teachers through the Delaware Valley Education Consortium.
Tripp was a key figure in the creation of a professional development fund that now provides $100,000 annually to staff across fourteen Pennsylvania State System Schools. His leadership in the Career Development office at WCU also led to the coordination of one of the country’s largest educator job fairs, annually benefiting over 3,000 teacher candidates and several hundred school districts. Tripp’s legacy in student affairs is defined by his dedication to mentorship, leadership, and community engagement.
Murrieal Orendorff
Murrieal Orendorff, a 1976 graduate of Illinois State University with a degree in communications, has built a distinguished career dedicated to mentorship, leadership, and inclusion. She began her career at Illinois State in 1981, working in the Office of Admissions and later transitioning to Student Affairs in 1983. Throughout her tenure, Orendorff focused on creating leadership opportunities for all students, especially minorities, and played a key role in enhancing student involvement across campus.
Orendorff was involved in campus life as a reporter for WGLT-FM and TV-10 News, an assistant to the Dean of Students, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. She served on numerous committees and championed a memorable sorority Founders Day event, hosting journalist Ethel L. Payne, known as the First Lady of the Black Press. As an administrator in the departments of Admissions and Student Affairs she received an award from the ISUBCA (Black Colleagues Association) led by Provost Charles Morris for her work to increase the impact of African American administrators on the success of African American students matriculating in Illinois-funded universities. These experiences shaped her career and passion for engaging and empowering students to develop leadership skills and social responsibility through student organizations.
Orendorff founded OneCareerCoach LLC, a career management consulting firm. As a career management strategist, public speaker and career development coach, she has guided and mentored executives and aspiring leaders to navigate career options; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and creating inclusive business strategies for corporate, nonprofit, and government agencies. She shares her expertise through leadership roles with the Executive Advisory Council for the Chicago Chapter of the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources. Orendorff formerly served in leadership roles with Millennia Consulting LLC and the Chicago Community Trust’s Government Assistance Program.
Her work extends beyond professional success. As a charter member of the Bloomington-Normal Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Orendorff was a key contributor for the American Diabetes Association of Richmond Virginia, and in 2024 she was publicly acknowledged in WOMEN WHO INVEST IN WOMEN, and she is a recipient of the 2016 and projected 2025 Who’s Who Award.
With over five decades of experience, Orendorff remains a respected leader and mentor, leaving a lasting legacy at Illinois State and in the community. Her commitment to public service, mentorship, and leadership continues to inspire.
J. Michael Durnil
Dr. Michael Durnil is a 1983 graduate of Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences and a 1984 graduate with a Master of Science in educational administration. With over 30 years of experience in higher education, philanthropy, and social justice, he has held leadership roles in student affairs and academia, including campus president/CEO of Roosevelt University’s Schaumburg campus. Durnil is a Fellow of the American Council on Education and has been actively involved in numerous national and international higher education leadership organizations. His contributions have been recognized by the city of Chicago, state of Illinois, and the 110th Congress of the United States.
At Illinois State, Durnil was a leader in campus life, serving as a member of the Association of Residence Halls, resident assistant, Preview guide, Preview coordinator, graduate assistant, and residence hall coordinator, and served as chair of the 1983 Illinois Residence Hall Association Conference. He also co-authored the original protocols for Illinois’ higher education response to HIV/AIDS, a landmark contribution to public health on college campuses.
As executive director of the National Spelling Bee, he expanded the organization’s outreach, and as interim president/SVP of GLAAD, he advanced LGBTQIA+ anti-defamation efforts. He also established a national network of 50 alternative high schools for “at-promise” students through the Simon Youth Foundation, helping over 20,000 students graduate and awarding more than $17 million in scholarships.
Now a retained executive search consultant, Durnil volunteers for community service and social impact, continuing his advocacy for marginalized communities, education, and social justice.
Lindsay Vahl Dean
Lindsay Vahl Dean is a two-time graduate of Illinois State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology and exercise science in 2006 and a Master of Science in college student personnel administration in 2009. She currently serves as the assistant vice president of Alumni Engagement and executive director of the Northwestern Alumni Association. In this role, she oversees a team dedicated to supporting over 260,000 alumni globally, leads strategic initiatives, and serves as an ex-officio member of the Association’s board of directors.
Vahl Dean’s journey at Illinois State began in 2002 through the First Look (now Redbird Ready) program, and she quickly became an active leader among and advocate for underrepresented students. Her roles included serving as an Admissions ambassador, mentoring for MASAI, and holding leadership positions within the Lambda Epsilon Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. and the Illinois State University Chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. She helped establish Profound Pioneers Entertainment Group. Additionally, she was involved in the Big Red Marching Machine, TRIO/SSS, and the Exercise Science Club.
Vahl Dean has made profound and enduring contributions to alumni engagement and student affairs, leaving a lasting impact through her innovative initiatives and dedicated service. She created the Latinx Alumni Network, expanded engagement and scholarship opportunities for the Black Colleagues Association, and was among the first participants in the Student Affairs Group of Elders, which prepares young professionals of color for leadership roles. Vahl Dean has actively participated in a wide range of student affairs committees and programs. She was instrumental in reigniting the Association of Black Academic Employees (ABAE), and launching the grassroots Umoja: Black Graduation Celebration in 2013, continuing to serve on its committee.
Outside of her work at Northwestern, Lindsay serves as the Venture Fund chair for the CASE V District and co-chaired the 2024 District V/VI Conference. Her career achievements have been recognized with several awards, including the 2011 Emerging Leader Award, the 2018 Redbird Proud Young Alumni Award, and the 2023 Illinois State University Civil Service Distinguished Service Award. Vahl Dean’s dedication to leadership, service, and advocacy in higher education, with a focus on inclusive communities, is commendable.