Former Faculty

Bob Augustine continues to serve as Dean of the Graduate School while his wife Kathy teaches mathematics at Charleston Middle School. Dr. A. was delighted that CDS Alum Gregg Altobella was appointed to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Financial Planning Board, providing a new opportunity to work with Gregg! Dr. A. also extends congratulations to CDS Alum Christy Strole, his very first GA at EIU, who was a 2008 recipient of the Outstanding Graduate Alumni Award. Dr. A. also was honored to meet Margaret Xenakis, the daughter of CDS Alum Drew Xenakis, who will be an EIU freshman this fall. Dr. A. expresses thanks to former students who continue to email him with updates, who stop by during visits to the EIU campus, and who forward pictures of the kids. He invites all to keep in contact and come back to visit! Dr. A's three sons are all pursuing their own lives. Son Matt is completing the final year of his Ph.D. in English at Washington University in St. Louis. Son Mark is a Production Director for Connoisseur Media in Bloomington, IL. Son David is a sophomore at Illinois State University.

Betty Dodson and husband John celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2004. They traveled a great deal in 2003 and continue to enjoy time with their children and grandchildren.

Mary Anne Hanner continues to serve as Dean of the College of Sciences at EIU. During the past year, she launched a new initiative, WiSM or Women in Sciences and Mathematics and assisted Dean Obia with the M3S, Minority Mentoring in Sciences and Mathematics. Dean Hanner has enjoyed working with faculty and students and seeing these programs meet their objectives for recruitment and retention in the sciences and math. She continues to serve on the Council for Academic Accreditation (CAA) and has had the opportunities to meet many program directors across the country. Mary Anne's family continues to grow. Daughter Emily is expecting her second child in October. This new addition will join the three "grandgirls," Ainsley (almost 7), Anna (3), and Elinor (3). Trips to the Chicago area to visit Emily and David and their families are always on the Hanner calendar!

Richard Jacques is living in Flagstaff, AZ and working as a part time clinical supervisor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Northern Arizona University. He is thoroughly enjoying being retired but is happy to have contact with students again engaging in his first love, teaching. On the social side, Dr. Jacques has a special someone. Her name is Carol. So all in all, life is good. Dr. Jacques would love to hear from his former students. You can email him at: rjaxone@yahoo.com

Mary Beth Kluge continues to travel with occasional trips to California and South Carolina. In the fall of 2006, Mary Beth received a grant from the Lily Endowment and traveled overseas with a group of pastors as part of an immersion program to Scotland and France.

Jill Nilsen misses her days in CDS but continues to work as Vice President of External Relations in Old Main. Her job responsibilities require that she spends lots of hours in airports and on planes. She enjoys sharing the great things happening at EIU with alumni and university friends from coast to coast. In addition, she advocates for EIU with both state and federal legislators. Dr. Nilsen is active in the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education and the Higher Education Legislative Coalition. Outside of work, she volunteers her time with her church and the local hospital where she is a member of the board of directors. She and her husband, Hank, are proud to announce the delivery of their first college graduate! Chris finished his undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois in May. Jeff will begin his junior year there in the fall. Most of you remember them as little kids on the training tapes! Best wishes to all!

Nancy Weiler and husband Bill live in The Villages, Florida. They are proud grandparents to their son Kirk's son born January of 2005. They seem to be thoroughly enjoying their retirement and are busy with many activities. Nancy regularly golfs, organizes workshops in beading and jewelry making, and continues to knit and spin. Bill keeps busy by golfing and fishing. Daughter Michelle spent much time in London with her job and Kirk and Sha are busy with the new baby.