EC Homecoming Royalty

Greetings!

February is the “Love” month. What do you love? I love many things: family, friends, music, …but one thing I am truly passionate about is the Rocky Mountains!!! I had the awesome, unexpected opportunity to go to Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) this month while attending a family wedding. The road trip was LONG…14 hours….. but so well worth it. You can imagine that even the closest of family members might get a bit edgy after that long in the family van together. But the minute we entered RMNP all the road weary tension faded away. You see, RMNP is a very special place for the Schwanke family. It is the place we bonded as a family through many wonderfully exhilarating--yet challenging hikes, evening campfires and awe-inspiring moments we shared experiencing “God’s Country” at the top of Trail Ridge Road.
Where is your special place? What makes it so? Is it the beauty of the place, the people or the special memories made there? Is it the feeling of accomplishment that remains with you long after conquering a hard fought challenge there? I believe “Special Places” are a combination of all of the above.
Well, as you might imagine, RMNP isn’t the only special place for the Schwanke Family. Eureka College is the other. It is the place that started a long history of memories for our family and continues to do so everyday. I hope Eureka holds that special place in your heart and continues to do so as you reconnect as alumni. That is my wish for you today: that you will get a similar joy from your connection with your alma mater. If only Eureka were in the Rocky Mountains!!!!

Shellie Schwanke

Director of Alumni Relations - Class of '87

Dr. Logsdon’s Studs Terkel Project Spotlight

Dr. Loren Logsdon, Professor Emeritus of English, has captured the spirit of Eureka College history in a special project he fondly calls the "Studs Terkel Project." The project is a collection of alumni memories and stories which weave a rich tapestry of the Eureka College experience during the '40s, '50s and '60s.

The book of these stories is available in the online EC Bookstore >

Sam Harrod, '62

How did I decide to go to Eureka College? I never thought about it. I always knew I would, so I did. It was never discussed. My grandfather graduated from Eureka, my father, myself and both of my sons. My brother Dan and probably thirty or forty other relatives graduated from EC. Not only my grandfather but also my grandmother graduated from here. That’s where they met. They had my father and three daughters, and they all graduated from Eureka. My mother had earned her RN before she came to Eureka College; she came here to complete her education...

Read the rest of Sam Harrod's Story >

Nancy Stevenson Harrod, '61

My stories about Eureka? Well I really liked Prof Rinker. I had him for eight hours of geology. And what stuck in my mind is that we went into the final and I studied like crazy for it, and it was strawberry shortcake; there was no written final. And it was such a wonderful treat. I loved Dr. Crowe.. When I came, I hadn't had any religion classes, so I had to take the required one, and I loved having that. I will not tell you who I didn't particularly like because that's not worth mentioning. I had an individual class with Dr. Raymond Miller, and it was on the bright child—the gifted child—for one hour credit...

Class Notes

We are always looking for news about what you are up to in your in your life these days.

Help us all stay in touch and stay connected by providing info as to what's new. Where are you now? New job? Recently married? New baby? Fun story? Send it to us! We'd love to hear!

February Class Notes >

Submit your own >

After Dark at the Art Institute of Chicago

The Eureka College Alumni Office and alumni host, Monica Batista ’96 and Brent Borchelt ’96 invite you to enjoy the cultural offerings of the Art Institute Modern Wing!

Friday, March 8, 9pm-12am
Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago
Cost: $20 for Eureka College Alumni and Friends

Explore the museum late night with After Dark in the Modern Wing. Check out special tours of They Seek a City: Chicago and the Art of Migration, 1910–1950, then rock out to DJs and performances by acclaimed theatrical ensemble Collaboraction. Complimentary appetizers with cash bar. After Dark—see the Art Institute in a new light.For more information contact the alumni office at 877-892-7823 or at alumni@eureka.edu.

March Madness Alumni Gathering

March 8, 5-6:30 p.m.
Four Points by Sheraton
500 Hamilton Boulevard, Peoria, IL

Whether you are attending the IHSA State Basketball Tournament, getting off work, or just in the Peoria, don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy some refreshments and catch up with fellow Eureka College Alumni, friends and family on March 8 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Four Points by Sheraton in downtown Peoria! This fun event is sponsored by the Alumni and Development Office and will include visits from Head Men’s Basketball Coach Chip Wilde, former Coach Dave Darnall, and some of this year’s team.

For more information contact the alumni office at 877-892-7823 or at alumni@eureka.edu.

Spring is coming and so is Alumni Weekend!

Alumni Weekend is April 12-14 and the schedule holds something for everyone! Mark your calendars and look for the schedule in your mailbox in the coming weeks. Highlights include: 50 Year Reunion Celebration of the Class of 1963, Chorale Reunion Luncheon and the 2nd Annual Run with Reagan 5K Race & 1 Mile Walk and our annual Alumni Celebration Dinner featuring a delicious dinner buffet, the 2013 Alumni Award presentations and the musical stylings of Kevin Hart Jazz that will set your feet a’tapping!

Alumni Award Recipients to be celebrated

Congratulations to our 2013 Alumni Award Recipients selected and approved by the Alumni Board and Board of Trustees late last week! They are:

Honorary Alumni Bill Davis and Don Litwiller

Alumni Board President's Award for Service Carl Hirsch '51

Award of Merit Dr. Jim Hengst '75

Alumni Achievement Award Bradley Smith '88

Outstanding Young Alumnus Kouri Marshall '05

These individuals will be honored on April 13 at the alumni celebration dinner held during alumni weekend activities. Congratulations to these great representatives of Eureka College!

Calling All Chorale Alumni!

Time to dig out your old photo albums and warm up your vocal chords! The Eureka College Chorale and the Alumni Office are teaming up to host a special Chorale reunion luncheon during Alumni Weekend on April 13 from 11:30 to 1:30 in the Terrill Rooms. We are looking for your pictures from concerts, tours, rehearsals, recitals for a video walk down memory lane. Please send your digital images (jpeg preferred) to alumni@eureka.edu by March 31.

RSVP to the luncheon is needed by March 31 as well. The cost is $15 per person but thanks to a generous sponsorship from Alumni Board member Stephanie Mullens Hampton ‘96 at The Digital Stores, it is free to the first 20 alumni that RSVP. The luncheon is free for current Chorale members.

Run with Reagan

The Alumni Office and TKE fraternity present “Run With Reagan” an exciting and healthy way to kick off the Saturday morning of Alumni Weekend!

Proceeds from this event will go directly to the Reagan Society as well as the Alzheimer’s Association. Last year's race was a success and thanks to our generous sponsors, we look forward to the race growing this year. Sponsors are Mangold Ford as the lead sponsor, Advocate Eureka Hospital, Goodfield State Bank, and Sodexo.

The 1 mile walk will begin at 7:40 a.m. and the 5K race will begin at 8 a.m. Cost is $25 and includes race entry, t-shirt, and post-race pancake breakfast. Check in at the Alumni Tent, Corner of Burgess Street and Reagan Drive. New this year: electronic shoe chip timing and online registration! Sign up today!

Spend St. Patrick's Day 2014 in Ireland with Eureka College Alumni and Friends!

The Eureka College Alumni Office, host Shellie Schwanke ’87 and Collette Vacations are partnering to offer alumni a “learning on location” opportunity for alumni and friends to experience together. Make plans now to explore Ireland on “The Shades of Ireland Tour,” slated for March 9-19, 2014. HIGHLIGHTS include Dublin, Irish Evening, Kilkenny, Waterford Crystal, Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry, Killarney, Farm Visit, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Castle Stay.

For more information contact the alumni office at 877-892-7823 or at alumni@eureka.edu.

Calling All Cub Fans

Have we got a deal for you!

Are the Winter Blues starting to set in? Well, its time to start making some plans for Spring. How about joining alumni and friends for a Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field cheering on the Chicago Cubs? Details are below:

Thursday, May 2, 2013
1:20 game vs. SD Padres.
Terrace Reserved Seating

The price per ticket is $15 and a portion of each ticket will be donated back to EC.

Contact Lou Ann Stambaugh Hayes '88 at lastambaugh1@yahoo.com to secure your seats. Tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis...don't delay! This block of tickets sell out every year!

We've Got A Snapshot of That:

Check out some new pictures from the winter time!

~ Alumni Leadership Connections Conference >

~ Founders’ Day >

~ Reagan Day Dinner >

Tenth anniversary of invasion of Iraq is topic of Eureka College presentation

Iraqi journalist Haider Hamza will present “Iraq 10 Years Later: Good Intentions vs. Brutal Realities” in the Cerf Center at Eureka College at 7:30 p.m. March 19. Learn more >

Sustainability is focus of Eureka College science lecture

Sustainability will be the topic of the 59th annual William Thomas Jackson Lecture in Science at 7:30 p.m. March 27 in the Cerf Center. See more>

Click for EC's Theatre Events

Check out Student News >

-----

Check Out Faculty News >

Advance Tickets Available to Alumni for Sandra Day O'Connor Visit

The Host Committee for the Eureka College visit of United States Supreme Court Justice (Ret.) Sandra Day O'Connor invites the Alumni of Eureka College to attend a special Convocation honoring her on the afternoon of April 9. The convocation will be at 2 p.m. at Reagan Center on campus. Please email or call the college indicating the number of tickets to the Convocation you are requesting. The tickets to the Convocation are complimentary. The Host Committee is pleased to invite alumni to reserve tickets before the become available to the public on March 11. To reserve your tickets, please call the development office at 877-892-7823 or email reagansociety@eureka.edu. A reception for alumni and host committee guests will take place in the Burgoo in Cerf Center immediately following the Convocation until 4 p.m. Please indicate if you will be attending the reception when you contact the Development Office for tickets.

That evening, Justice O'Connor will also be named the fifth Honorary Reagan Fellow at a dinner on the evening of April 9th at Eureka College. The dinner is sponsored by the Ronald W. Reagan Society of Eureka College. For questions about membership in the Ronald W. Reagan Society or sponsorship of the event, contact John Morris, Director of the Ronald W. Reagan Society, 309-467-6477 or jmorris@eureka.edu.

Justice O'Connor was nominated by President Ronald Reagan in 1981 and made history as the first female nominated to the Supreme Court. This will be her first visit to the alma mater of the President who appointed her and we are very pleased she will be sharing lessons about leadership with our college community.

Athletic Headlines

Mark Lessen Named SLIAC Player of the Year

Ahrends, Andrews Claim Indoor Victories at Illinois College

Women's Basketball to Host "Pink Day" Saturday

Caty Eeten Repeats as SLIAC Player of the Week

See all Red Devil News here >

Upcoming Events

March 8 – After Dark at the Art Institute of Chicago

March 8 – March Madness Gathering at Four Points Sheraton in Peoria

April 9 - Honorary Reagan Fellow Award Dinner honoring Sandra Day O'Connor

April 12-14 - Alumni Weekend

April 13 - Run With Reagan 5K and 1 Mile Walk

May 11 - Commencement

June 29 - Tailgate Event: Cleveland Indians vs. Chicago White Sox at Chicago

July 20 - Tailgate Event: Miami Marlins vs. Milwaukee Brewers at Milwaukee

August 23 - Eureka College Night at Peoria Chiefs

October 4&5 -Homecoming

October 11-13 -- Rocktober in Vegas, Las Vegas, NV

Please contact the Alumni Development Office for more information on these events
at 877-892-7823 or email at alumni@eureka.edu.

For Reservations >

Graduation Pathway

The Alumni Board has created a brick pathway on which graduates proceed to the Rinker Open Air Theatre on Commencement Day. You can purchase a brick and have it engraved with your name or organization, that of a loved one, or to commemorate the memory of a special person. Your support will help develop and support many programs at Eureka College.

Click here to get your piece of EC history! >

Make a Monthly Gift to Eureka College

Want to support your alma mater, but find it difficult to write the check? Make a monthly credit card gift! It is a great way to support EC throughout the year without feeling the financial impact of your gift all at once. Email or call toll-free
877-892-7823 to find out more about monthly giving.

Gifts from loyal alums to the Annual Fund help provide scholarships and financial aid to our students.
Thank you for your support!