In the News

2012

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.

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.

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.