In the News

2013

Hillsboro Honors Distinguished Alumni via The Journal News (05-20-2013)
Two brothers, one a strategic consultant and the other a nuclear engineer, and retired Hillsboro High School teacher, Roger Reeves '70 who instructed them both, have been named this year's Distinguished Alumni by the Hillsboro Education Foundation.

Stephens selected to join University as provost, vice president for Academic Affairs via Alfred University (05-16-2013)
W. Richard Stephens Jr., who is currently provost at Catawba College in Salisbury, NC, will join the administrative team at Alfred University as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, effective July 1.

New city police officer via TSM Tri-state Media (05-14-2013)
Mt. Carmel Police Chief John Lockhart recently introduced the city’s newest police officer, Trendon Amuzie '13, to the City Council. Amuzie is the first African-American to wear a badge in Mt. Carmel history.

First Babtist's Crossroads Café Brings Seniors Together for Food and Fun via bostonglobe.com (03-18-2013)
The First Baptist Church in Jamaica Plain has been through many challenges in its history. But church members have come together to offer Jamaica Plain senior citizens a sense of community every Saturday at 12:30 with the Crossroads Café. Geoffrey Whitlock '05, contributes as chef and has seen the program flourish. More than a meal, the gathering demonstrates community at its best.

Raiders Add Quarterback via Racinesportszone.com (02-25-2013)
The Racine Raiders aren’t taking any chances when it comes to the quarterback position. With team MVP Craig McClelland in Texas playing for the St. Angelo Bandits of the five-team Lone Star Football League, the Raiders signed former Greenville College quarterback Dom Kegel '10 for the 2013 season, the team announced on its website.

Children With Special Needs Gather to Play Basketball via WLFI.com (01-14-2013)
In his off hours from his work at Purdue University, GC alumnus Tom Brown '79 coaches LaFayette's Foundation basketball team, comprised of special needs children of all ages. The team holds practices every Sunday inside the St. James Church gymnasium, where they learn how to pass, dribble and shoot.

2012

The fundamentals: Former Highland baseball standout wants to teach young players the game via Belleville News Democrat (11-19-2012)
Jeremiah Knackstedt '07, a former standout Highland High School and Greenville College catcher and infielder went on to play professionally for a year in the Frontier League for the River City Rascals in O’Fallon, Mo., where he was also a coach. He then took a year off to focus his future on student teaching. But after that, he came back to baseball. Earlier this month, the 28-year-old opened his own baseball and softball instructional clinic, Back-2-Back Baseball and Softball Training Inc., located at 3596 George St., near Interstate 70 and Illinois 40 in Highland.

Dr. Phil Siefken selected as Rural Physician of Excellence via Greenville Regional Hospital (11-19-2012)
Greenville Regional Hospital physician Dr. Phil Siefken, of Greenville Medical Associates, has been selected by the Illinois Rural Health Association (IRHA) as one of five Rural Physician of Excellence honorees.Phil Siefken, M.D., of Greenville is the son of retired Greenville College professors Dr. Hugh and Marie Siefken. Dr. Siefken, a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, began seeing patients at Greenville Medical Associates in the summer of 2006.

Wildcats Turn to Simmons in 2012-13 via eMissourian.com (11-17-2012)
A new era starts this season with the Union boys basketball Wildcats. Christopher Simmons '09 takes over as the team’s head coach and inherits a team which went 11-15 overall and 2-5 in the Four Rivers Conference last season. Simmons is in his first season as a head coach after serving as an assistant at Greenville College in Greenville, Ill., for the past two seasons. A graduate of Sedalia Sacred Heart, Simmons played at Greenville before transitioning to a coaching role.

RAC Mix featured as a Rolling Stone Daily Download via Rolling Stone (11-14-2012)
Youngblood Hawke's "We Come Running (RAC Mix)," a track re-mixed by Andre Anjos '09, was featured by Rolling Stone as the Daily Download.

RAC To Release CHAPTER ONE, 11/6 & To Start Tour,11/8 via TalkTunesworld.com (11-01-2012)
Andre Anjos '09 launched RAC while still a student at Greenville College in Illinois and quickly became one of the most exciting and in demand remixers around with Phoenix, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Kings of Leon all asking for the RAC treatment. RAC CHAPTER ONE celebrates the first part of his career and compiles some of the classic remixes.

Mt. Carmel High School Hall of Fame Honors 17 via The Daily Republican Register (10-05-2012)
Dr. Gene Kamp '53 and Dr. Connie (Smith '64) Wardell were among 17 alumni from Mt. Carmel High School recently inducted into its Hall of Fame. A special 20-page supplement to The Daily Republican Register included biographical sketches of Kamp and Wardell. The 2012 event brings the Hall of Fame to 99 members since the first inductions in 1982. Kamp's and Wardell's names will appear on a Hall of Fame plaque displayed in the high school's main lobby.

The Cram 14 Poets Have Been Chosen via ChicagoPoetry.com (09-26-2012)
Two poems from Mariah Phillips '12 earned her a spot as a runner-up in the Poetry Cram 14: Journal of Modern Poetry competition. The poems will be published in Poetry Cram 14 to be released at a Chicago "poetry party" at the Viaduct Theater, 3111 Western Ave., on Wednesday, October 24, from 7 to 10 PM.

Burrowss Debut Album: Review and Full Preview Stream via RFT: Riverfront Times (09-19-2012)
Emily Keefauver '11 and Matt Stuttler '11 began playing together in the small but musically fertile community at Greenville College in Illinois. The pair moved to St. Louis and began playing as the Kerouacs a few years ago but chose a more phonetic spelling for their next Beat Generation band name. (Is the extra "s" in Burrowss for "William S."? We may never know.) For Don't Take It Slow, Burrowss tries on a host of rock & roll styles without settling on a single sound, which makes the record sound alternately adventurous and bipolar.

Phu Nguyen Publishes in Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters via The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters (09-18-2012)
Phu Nguyen '10, has published a letter entitled, "Solvated First-Principles Excited-State Charge-Transfer Dynamics with Time-Dependent Polarizable Continuum Model and Solvent Dielectric Relaxation."

More Faculty Changes at Kaskaskia College as Students Return to Class via WJBD Radio (08-16-2012)
Erin Landers '99 has been hired as the Kaskaskia College's new Associate Professor of Teacher Education. Landers previously served as an instructor in the teacher educational program at Greenville College.

DeMoulin Joins WCGS as Interim Principal via Wheaton Christian Grammar School (07-25-2012)
Mark DeMoulin '79 has been appointed interim principal of Wheaton Christian Grammar School for the upcoming school year. This assignment comes following his retirement from public education. DeMoulin served more than 30 years in various capacities, including teacher (both elementary and junior high), assistant principal, and principal.

Honored: Gin Recognized for Global Sport Contributions via Gordon College (07-05-2012)
She might teach recreation and leisure studies, but Professor Valerie Gin '82 takes her work seriously. As a result, colleagues from across the country honored her last month for her international contributions to the field. During the Christian Society for Kinesiology and Leisure Studies (CSKLS) conference held June 7-9 at Indiana Wesleyan University, Gin, also chair of Gordon’s Recreation and Leisure Studies department, received The Glen Van Andel Distinguished Service Award.

Stewards of God’s Property via Light & Life Communications (06-28-2012)
Professor of Communication Cary Holman '71 grew up on a small farm in the Midwest, where he learned from his father, a tenant farmer, what it means to be a good steward. "For the Christian," Holman says, "Everything belongs to the Lord — not just the earth’s natural resources, but also our time, talents and treasure. To maximize the return for the Owner, we need to plan."

Stewardship is Way of Life for Couple via Light & Life Communications (06-28-2012)
Stewardship has remained a priority for Pearson and Jeannine Miller since their wedding 54 years ago. Jeannine graduated from Greenville College in 1957, and her husband, Pearson, served on Greenville College's Board of Trustees. During their marriage ceremony, G.H. Boley — Jeannine’s father, a Free Methodist pastor and Wabash Conference superintendent — advised the couple to follow Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Pearson said, “From day one with our lives together, this is how we have lived,”

Larry Kramer Joins Herring Realty Team via The Clay County Advocate-Press (06-24-2012)
Larry Kramer '63 has joined the Herring and Associates Realty team, serving Clay County, Illinois. Kramer's background in banking includes over 25 years as bank president. He also currently serves as director of the Southeastern Illinois Economic Development Authority.

Living Word Names Director of Music Ministries via STLtoday.com (06-18-2012)
Dan Denner '08 was named director of music ministries at Living Word Church in Wildwood. He has been involved in music ministry for more than 10 years. Dan previously served churches in Peoria, Illinois, and Kansas City, Missouri.

Dr. W. Richard Stephens Selected for National Leadership Program via Catawba College (06-13-2012)
Catawba College is pleased to announce that Dr. W. Richard Stephens, Jr. '77, provost, is one of 20 senior college administrators selected by the Council of Independent Colleges to participate in a year-long Presidential Vocation and Institutional Mission program for prospective college and university presidents. The seminar-based program is designed to help individuals with the potential to serve as college and university presidents to understand better the fit between their personal and professional goals and the missions of institutions that they might lead in the future.

Kendall and Katrina Mathews Brought Recognition to Salvation Army in Columbia via Columbia Missourian (06-08-2012)
In their four years of ministry and service through the Salvation Army to the Columbia and Jefferson City communities, Kendall ’85 and Katrina Mathews have put the organization back on the map, getting the message out about the worship services and other programs. The couple hopes to make a similar impact as they move into their next assignment as administrators of the Salvation Army’s all-male rehabilitation center in the Forest Park area.

Tennis Coach of the Year: John Strahl via San Antonio Express News (06-08-2012)
John Strahl '83 coached the tennis team at Winston Churchill High School to a strong showing in the state championships this year. Churchill has been one of the area's top tennis programs since Strahl took over in 1988, and his 24th season was one of his biggest.

Photoside Cafe Set To Rock Grove via Quad City Times (06-07-2012)
Now working on their second album, band members of Photoside Café recall playing together in the first semester of their freshman year at Greenville College. “We basically just started jamming,” said Naph Marshall. “We didn’t really have an end in mind, but ended up being a lot more structured than we thought we were going to become. We’ve been playing since then.” In a changing industry, Marshall and crew are trying to figure out what listeners want.

Ryan Mifflin on the Problem of "Heard of" But Not "Heard" via Riverfront Times (05-29-2012)
Turn a radio to 89.5 FM Thursdays from 8 p.m. to 10, and you'll hear the voice of Ryan Mifflin '99, DJing Dirty Roots Radio -- a show that compiles select rock & roll tracks that Mifflin chooses for their obscurity. Otis Ryan Productions is an amalgamation of weekly Dirty Roots playlists, esoteric musings on Mifflin's favorite music, life, album and concert reviews, and interviews.

The Spirit Of Rock And Soul: Numbers 581 to 590 via Cross Rhythms (05-24-2012)
Tony Cummings, music editor for Cross Rhythms website, included Sarah Jahn ’95 in the site’s chronicle of the greatest 1001 recordings made by Christian artists. Jahn’s 1997 rendition of “Paradox” on the album Sparkle, can be found on page 42 of the list.

McCollum to Retire via http://effinghamdailynews.com (05-15-2012)
"I was at the right place at the right time," said Effingham High School principal Mike McCollum '79, reflecting on the beginning of his long-time role as principal. McCollum is retiring June 30, after 33 years in education. While circumstances initially necessitated his move from classroom teacher to high school principal, he came to love the job.

Settling the Score via http://www.cherwell.org (05-12-2012)
Christy Edwall '08 writes for Cherwell, the independent student newspaper of Oxford University. Three thousand copies of each issue are distributed around Oxford's colleges, the Oxford Union and local cafes. The May 12, 2012 issue includes Christy's reflections on an interview with Dario Marianelli, composer of period film scores such as Pride & Prejudice (2005), Atonement (2007), and Jane Eyre (2011).

Counting her blessings via Alton Telegraph (05-11-2012)
Riverbend Head Start and Family Services is all about families, accountant Aggie Collman said. After graduating from high school, Aggie Collman was hired full time. She continued working and raising her daughter and enrolled at Lewis and Clark Community College. She earned an associate of science degree, taking finance, business and accounting classes as electives, and later, a bachelor of arts degree from Greenville College in 2003. Her goal was to pursue a career in finance at Riverbend Head Start, and she achieved it.

HHS Graduates Join Greenville College Hall Of Fame via The Journal News (05-10-2012)
Three Hillsboro High School graduates were among those who joined the Greenville College Hall of Fame on Saturday, April 21, for their efforts as part of the men's track team in 2001, 2002 and 2003. Those teams were coached by HHS graduate Brian Patton, and assisted by alum Mike Harwood. HHS graduate Shane Cress ’02, now of Litchfield, was an athlete on that team. Shawn Andrews, now of Hillsboro, was also an assistant coach for the Panthers during that span.

May 4 Podcast: JT Daly of Paper Route via Relevant Magazine (05-04-2012)
Hear the full interview with JT Daly of Paper Route, and watch Paper Route's performance of "Better Life" at the Relevant Studio.

With State Lagging, District Chasing Private Grants via The Telegraph (04-19-2012)
The board of the Carrollton School District announced the employment of Brad Stewart '11 as a high school business teacher for the 2012-13 school year.

Union Fills Basketball Coaching Positions via eMissourian.com (04-18-2012)
Christopher Simmons ’09 was selected to lead the boys basketball program at Union High School. “Coach Simmons comes to us with the highest recommendations from his former coaches and colleagues not only as a quality coach, but as a person of high moral character,” said Union Athletic director Chris Arand. “During our interview process, Christopher rose to the top as the person we believe that is the best person for the job.”

Beth Bombara '06 Featured on KMOV in Chevy Music Showcase St. Louis via Chevy Music Showcase St. Louis (04-13-2012)
St. Louis singer/songwriter Beth Bombara '06 was featured on KMOV in a mini-documentary by the Chevy Music Showcase St. Louis. Bombara is one of twelve local artists who were selected by the Chevy Music Showcase. The series highlights local talent and the city's diverse live concert venues.

Letter: A Pro and a Gentleman via The State-Journal Register (04-06-2012)
Tom Johnson '77 is retiring after 32 years teaching physical education in the Ball-Chatham School District and earning the respect and admiration of players, family, fans and supporters as well as soccer officials.

Bock stepping down as Alton fire chief via The Telegraph (03-28-2012)
Gregory Bock, Alton fire chief, will retire in April, culminating a 23-year career with the Alton Fire Department. Bock, a 2009 Greenville College graduate from the organizational leadership program, will become associate director of safety programs at Lewis and Clark Community College's Corporate and Community Learning Division.

One-person play to bring women of the Bible to life via Akron Beacon Journal (03-23-2012)
Actress Vondria Bergen '85 will present a one–woman show that brings to life women from the Bible on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Johnson Center for Worship and the Fine Arts on the campus of Malone University. Bergen, who earned her graduate degree in fine art at the University of Illinois, currently directs and teaches acting at Greenville College in Greenville, Ill. She has also played major roles with Saltworks Theatre Company, the Pittsburgh New Works Festival, Kentucky Shakespeare Festival and the Illinois Repertory Theatre.

U.S. education system might not need to catch up with the rest of the world via The News Tribune (03-23-2012)
Frank Kline '77, dean at Pacific Lutheran University’s School of Education & Movement Studies, reports on a talk delivered by Dr. Yong Zhao, presidential chair and associate dean for global education at the University of Oregon, at Pacific Lutheran University on his book, “Catching Up or Leading Way: American Education in the Age of Globalization.” Zhao challenges the often uncontested view of American public education as a broken system on the precipice of disaster.

Carollton High gets new principal via The Telegraph (03-23-2012)
The Carrollton School Board has appointed Leslee Frazier as the new principal of Carrollton High School. Frazier earned her bachelor of arts degree in education from Cornerstone University and her master’s degree in administration from McKendree University. She also holds a second master’s degree in education from Greenville College.

Church holds language classes, Bible study for Chinese residents via Herald-Review.com (03-02-2012)
Led by senior pastor Gerald Coates '82, Moundford Free Methodist Church in Decatur, IL, reaches out to local Chinese Christians. The church offers Chinese language courses, Bible studies and Sunday school classes in Mandarin, and live translation of services and sermons through electronic headsets.

Marengo honors retiring Weinhandl via Northwest Herald (02-27-2012)
After playing five sports as a Greenville College athlete, Becky (Trueblood '74) Weinhandl enjoyed a 37-year career in education and athletics. In May, Weinhandl will retire from her position as Athletic Director at Marengo Community High School.

Orin Scandrett '52 Receives 2012 Spirit of Aging Award via Aging Services of Minnesota (02-23-2012)
On Wednesday, February 8, Orin Scandrett of Minneapolis received the 2012 Spirit of Aging Award from Aging Services of Minnesota. The Spirit of Aging Award celebrates individuals who exemplify positive and active lifestyles, breaking down stereotypes about aging and older adults. Scandrett has been a leader and inspiration to those around him throughout his life. A long and varied list of accomplishments paint the picture of a man who is defining what it means to age in grand fashion.

Pastor Jay Wilde '11 joined Wesley Community Church via The Daily Observer (02-18-2012)
Jay Wilde '11, a Lake Preston, South Dakota native, relocated to Pembroke, Ontario, about a month ago to take a job as the youth pastor and head up the music ministry at Wesley Community Church. After graduating from Greenville College in Greenville, Illinois with a bachelor of arts degree with an emphasis on a pastoral ministry and minor in music, he began searching for jobs throughout the Wesleyan denomination. After trying a few churches closer to home, he didn’t find the right fit so he asked God for some direction.

Couple loves each other and the Smokies via WBIR (02-14-2012)
Dave and Peggy (Lewis) Colgan '64 met at Greenville College. They honeymooned in the Smoky Mountains in 1962. They've returned at least once a year ever since. PBS chose the Colgan family to be profiled for a new series, 'Getting Away Together,' based on their long history of family getaways to the Smokies.

Vanessa Vassar '93 receives donated kidney via The Telegraph (02-14-2012)
Vanessa Vassar '93 didn't receive a heart for Valentine's Day, she received a kidney from a living donor. Vassar was diagnosed with a rare disease called amyloidosis, which was attacking her kidneys. She holds a master's degree in psychology/counseling and works as a child care consultant with Life Links Inc., a nonprofit that works in providing health care to those in need. Vassar hopes her story will raise awareness of the importance of living organ donors.

Joe Emmerich '99, President of John Boos & Co., Interviewed by KSDK via KSDK (02-08-2012)
Joe Emmerich '99 serves as president of John Boos & Co., a leading manufacturer of butcher block and stainless steel gourmet and foodservice products. KSDK's Heidi Glaus stops in Effingham, IL on her way to the Super Bowl to interview Emmerich during her tour of the John Boos production facility.

Transportation expert ready to move the masses during DNC via WCNC Charlotte News (02-07-2012)
Brian Wickersham '94, director of transportation for the Democratic National Convention, has moved the crowds at Super Bowls, the Olympics and three Democratic conventions. Now he is ready to move 35,000 people through the streets of Charlotte, NC. The Democratic National Convention will take place the week of September 3, 2012.

Gary Pierson '95 Named to "40 under 40 All Stars" List by St. Louis Business Journal via St. Louis Business Journal (02-01-2012)
Gary Pierson '95 was named to the St. Louis Business Journal's "40 Under 40" list for his success in advertising and entertainment law and legal work on behalf of local artists. The award honors 40 area leaders, chosen from more than 450 nominees, under the age of 40 for their accomplishments as business and community leaders. Pierson was recognized for his success in a diverse practice that spans traditional intellectual property, advertising and entertainment law. Leader of the Advertising & Marketing practice group, Pierson counsels agencies, retailers, manufacturers and other marketers on claim substantiation, testimonials sweepstakes, e-commerce and social media promotions.

Bob Briner: Roaring Lamb via Light & Life Magazine (01-24-2012)
Thirteen years ago abdominal cancer cut short the earthly life of Bob Briner ’56, an innovator in tennis and television, but his example and words continue to inspire Christians to be culture shapers.

The time to give back is now via Kansas City Star (01-20-2012)
Sarah Wittman '09 is one of 13 contributors to the Faith Walk column of the Kansas City Star. Sarah graduated with a degree in Contemporary Christian Music and Speech Communication.

The "Journey" of Jars of Clay via Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (01-18-2012)
Eighteen years ago Dan Haseltine, Stephen Mason, Charlie Lowell and Matt Odmark formed the band Jars of Clay at Greenville College. From sharing a pay phone to becoming Christian men together to the surprise honor of introducing Rev. Billy Graham at his last Crusade, the four Jars of Clay members open up about life as one of the longest-tenured Christian bands.

Meredith (McDaniels '04) Heater Hired as Fontbonne's Women's Volleyball Head Coach via Griffins Volleyball (01-03-2012)
Meredith (McDaniels '04) Heater, former Greenville College player, assistant coach & recruiting coordinator, has been hired by Fontbonne University as the Head Women's Volleyball Coach.

2011

The McFarlanes’ Marvelous, Messy, Missional Life via Light & Life Magazine (12-20-2011)
Scott McFarlane '93 and his wife, Karen, share about their family's practical efforts to live counter-cultural, missional lives.

Jim Catanzaro Sheds Interim Tag and Remains Foresters' Head Coach via Lake Forest College (12-20-2011)
Lake Forest College Director of Athletics Jackie Slaats announced Tuesday that Jim Catanzaro has officially been named the Foresters' head football coach. Catanzaro had been the program's interim head coach since April of 2009.

Dr. Rod Eccles ’82 Celebrates 25 Years of Family Dentistry Practice via Hendricks County Flyer (10-25-2011)
Dr. Rod Eccles ’82 and his staff celebrate the 25th year of his practice in Plainfield. Eccles has been a member of the community for many years. Indianapolis Magazine has named him one of the top dentists in the Indianapolis area for 2010 and 2011.

Called to Set Captives Free via Light & Life Magazine (10-21-2011)
Ginger Coakley '03 was featured by Light & Life Magazine for her work with the anti-slavery organization Not for Sale.

Slow via Radiolab (10-18-2011)
Andy Mills '07 received the Best New Artist Award in the 2011 Third Coast/Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Competition for his short documentary, entitled Kohn. A key feature of the piece is the song "Grey Room" by Damien Rice, which was performed by Kohn and Hudson Branch, a band comprising several former GC students: Matt Boll, Nate Henricks, Enoch Kim and others. NPR's Radiolab featured Andy's award-winning documentary.

Ursula (Hibbert ’91) Olender Appointed Director of the Career Center and Associate Dean of Students at Amherst College via Amherst College Campus Buzz (09-13-2011)
Ursula (Hibbert ’91) Olender is the new director of the Career Center and associate dean of students at Amherst College. Ursula previously served as director of career services at Colgate University. One of her goals at Amherst is to expand the exposure of students to a variety of career paths and provide opportunities for them to interact with potential employers, internship sponsors, and alumni colleagues.

Bryan Blankenship ’89 Elected as Lay Delegate to the Free Methodist World Conference via Asbury Theological Seminary News (07-17-2011)
Bryan Blankenship ’89, vice president for finance and administration at Asbury Theological Seminary, was selected by the Free Methodist Church USA to serve as one of its three lay delegates to the Free Methodist World Conference (FMWC) in Bujumbura, Burundi, Africa in August 2011.

Remix by André Anjos '08 Featured in Honda's Super Bowl Ad via Greenville College (02-22-2011)
A remix by André Anjos '08, founder of the Remix Artist Collective, was used in Honda's Super Bowl ad.

St. Louis Pioneers via KSDK (02-15-2011)
LaPhonso Ellis Jr. '10 of the St. Louis Pioneers is featured on KSDK's Show Me St. Louis.

St. Louis Pioneers give players another chance at pro ball via St. Louis Today (01-21-2011)
LaPhonso Ellis Jr. '10 goes pro with the St. Louis Pioneers.