DECATUR, Ill. – For Audrey Soetermans, was always part of the story – but not in the way she expected. 

A second-generation Big Blue student from Rockford, Ill., Soetermans grew up hearing about ̽������ from her mother, Valerie Soetermans, a Class of 1988 graduate, who studied Musical Theatre. Still, Audrey wasn’t sure she wanted to follow the same path. 

That changed the moment she stepped on campus. 

“When I toured ̽������, I already felt at home,” Soetermans said. “I loved that it had this small, close-knit feel. I wanted a place where I could connect with my professors and not just be a number.” 

Now a senior Commercial Music major, Soetermans has carved out a path uniquely her own — one defined by exploration, artistic growth and a deep commitment to storytelling through music. 

Soetermans’ passion for music began in middle school, where songwriting became both a creative outlet and a calling. 

“I became a very serious songwriter,” she said. “I realized I had to do something with music — I couldn’t not do this.” 

Songwriting allowed her to express thoughts and emotions she struggled to communicate otherwise, shaping the foundation of her artistic voice. 

She arrived at ̽������ as a with a primary focus on viola, but quickly found her interests evolving. She transitioned into and Voice, while continuing to expand her skills across multiple instruments — including violin, electric violin, drums, and piano. 

“I wanted to have as many different skill sets as possible,” she said. “So that whatever people need me for, I can do it.” 

Today, her work blends pop, alternative, and classical influences, reflecting a wide-ranging and evolving creative identity.  

Composition has become one of the most defining aspects of Soetermans’ journey at ̽������. Through the ̽������ Composers Collective, she found a creative community that pushed her to grow both independently and collaboratively. 

“I’ve really identified more and more as a composer,” she said. 

Her work has already reached an international audience. Two of her compositions were selected for broadcast on Radiophrenia in Glasgow, Scotland, including an original piece inspired by her travels in Europe. 

She continues to explore a range of styles, from contemporary songwriting to formal vocal and instrumental works, often drawing inspiration from literature and personal experiences. 

Some of Soetermans’ most meaningful growth came from opportunities she didn’t initially expect — including joining ̽������’s University Choir. 

“Being in choir changed my life,” she said. “Singing in European cathedrals and making music with people from all over the world — there’s nothing like it.” 

Those experiences included traveling to France and Belgium, fulfilling a lifelong dream of visiting Paris while performing in historic spaces.  

She also found a deep connection to ̽������ traditions, such as Vespers. 

“It impacts not just ̽������, but the whole Decatur community,” she said. “Being part of something that meaningful is really special.” 

Through ensembles like OneVoice, she further expanded her musical range, discovering a passion for vocal jazz and collaborative performance. 

Soetermans’ experience reflects ̽������’s Performance Learning philosophy through hands-on work in the music industry. 

As studio secretary for ̽������’s student-run recording studio, Millitrax Studios, she helps manage operations, coordinate sessions and lead communications. 

“You learn responsibility, teamwork, and how to bring creative ideas to life,” she said. 

She has participated in numerous recording sessions, often working late into the night with fellow students to complete projects. 

“It’s exhausting, but it’s also really fulfilling,” she said. “You’re part of something bigger than yourself.” 

She has also held leadership roles in the ̽������ Music Business Club, helping organize events and support fellow student artists. 

Scholarships played a critical role in making Soetermans’ ̽������ experience possible. 

“When I received the Merit and Fine Arts scholarships, it truly changed my life,” she said. “It opened a doorway that I wasn’t sure would be opened.” 

Those opportunities allowed her to pursue experiences such as international travel and attending the Welcome to 1979 Producer Summit in Nashville — an experience that helped shape her future goals. 

“It solidified my dream of building a career in Nashville,” she said. 

She also credits the James ̽������ Honors Program with expanding her creativity and perspective, influencing her academic and artistic work. 

As graduation approaches, Soetermans is preparing a deeply personal capstone project — an .” 

“The oldest song on the EP goes back to my senior year of high school,” she said. “It’s really a culmination of everything I’ve created over time.” 

Set for release on April 17, the EP will be available on streaming platforms and accompanied by original visual artwork created by Soetermans for each track. 

The project will culminate in a live release performance that brings together music, storytelling, and visual art into one immersive experience. 

After graduation, Soetermans plans to attend graduate school to continue studying music, with interests in composition, commercial music, and music business. 

“I’ve always thrived in an academic environment,” she said. “I want to keep learning and growing.” 

Her long-term goals include building a career in Nashville while balancing multiple roles as a performer, composer, and educator. 

“I’d love to do a little bit of everything,” she said. 

Being a legacy student has added a meaningful dimension to her ̽������ experience. 

“I take a lot of pride in that connection,” she said. 

As she prepares to graduate, she looks forward to returning to campus alongside her mother as fellow alumni — continuing a shared story that began decades earlier. 

And while her time at ̽������ is coming to a close, the impact it has had is just beginning. In finding her voice, Audrey Soetermans hasn’t just followed a legacy.  

She’s created one of her own. 

DECATUR, Ill. — marked a historic milestone on April 10, 2026, as faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners gathered to celebrate the inauguration of as the University’s 17th President. 

The day’s events — highlighted by a morning brunch and a formal inauguration ceremony — reflected both ̽������’s deep-rooted traditions and its forward-looking vision during its 125th anniversary year.

A Morning of Community and Celebration

The day began with the Inauguration Brunch in the University Commons, where members of the ̽������ community and regional partners came together in a spirit of fellowship and celebration. The event featured live performances from student musicians, including the Student Jazz Combo, showcasing ̽������’s commitment to Performance Learning and the arts.

In welcoming guests, Assistant Vice President of Development and Strategic Engagement Alyse Knust noted the strong sense of momentum surrounding the University and President Pribbenow’s early impact in building relationships across campus and throughout Decatur.

Speakers representing staff, alumni, and community partners highlighted Pribbenow’s leadership approach and his emphasis on connection, visibility, and collaboration. Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe emphasized the importance of ̽������’s leadership within the region and the President's role as both an institutional and community leader.

In his remarks, Pribbenow reflected on gratitude and the collective impact of the ̽������ community, noting that the work taking place on campus extends far beyond classrooms and degrees. 

“What happens on this campus isn’t just about classes or degrees or outcomes. It’s about lives. Real lives, unfolding in real time,” he said. 

Pribbenow also pointed to the significance of the University’s 125th anniversary, encouraging attendees to reflect on ̽������’s history while embracing its future. 

“Milestones like this encourage us to pause and to reflect on where we’ve been,” he said, “but they also invite us to celebrate what continues to make ̽������ special today,” he said. 

He concluded by reinforcing the institution’s shared mission, noting that “̽������ belongs to all of us,” and expressing excitement for what lies ahead as the University enters its next chapter.

A Historic Ceremony

The Inauguration Ceremony took place later that afternoon at Kirkland Fine Arts Center, bringing together campus and community voices to celebrate the formal installation of ̽������’s new leader.

The ceremony opened with a processional led by the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and included the presentation of international flags, symbolizing ̽������’s global community.

Interim Provost Dr. Nancy Curtin welcomed attendees, describing the inauguration as “a moment of renewal — a chance to reflect on the legacy that brought us here and to look ahead with optimism, purpose, and shared ambition.”

Speakers representing faculty, students, and community partners offered reflections on Pribbenow’s leadership and the importance of collaboration in advancing ̽������’s mission. Faculty speaker Dr. Michael Hartsock emphasized the relational nature of leadership within a university setting, while Student Representative to the Board of Trustees Kyler Griggs highlighted Pribbenow’s accessibility and his positive impact on the student experience.

Community leaders from Richland Community College and Decatur Public Schools underscored the importance of partnerships in addressing the evolving needs of students and the region, reinforcing ̽������’s role as a key educational and economic driver in Central Illinois.

The central moment of the ceremony came during the formal investiture, led by , who officially installed Pribbenow as President and presented him with the Presidential Medallion.

In his inaugural address, titled “̽������ Forward: Forever Blue,” Pribbenow reflected on his first months at the University and the responsibility of leading an institution with a strong legacy and promising future.

“The opportunity to steward this great University is truly a blessing,” Pribbenow said. “I am grateful to the Trustees and the ̽������ community for entrusting me with this role with a deep sense of humility and responsibility.”

He spoke about the defining characteristics of the ̽������ experience, beginning with the central role of relationships.

“From the very beginning, this has been a place where people matter. Where students are not just names in a gradebook, but individuals with gifts, aspirations, and limitless potential,” Pribbenow said. 

Pribbenow also emphasized ̽������’s connection to the Decatur community, underscoring the University’s close ties to the region it serves. 

“We are Decatur’s University, and Decatur is our home,” he said. “When we thrive, our community is strengthened. And when our community thrives, we are strengthened.”

Throughout his address, Pribbenow returned to the theme of balancing tradition with innovation, highlighting how that balance has shaped ̽������’s history and will guide its future.

“It is tradition and transformation, not tradition or transformation,” he said. “The story of ̽������ University is, in many ways, the story of how these two forces have existed together in exquisite tension across generations to shape something that is lasting and meaningful.”

He outlined key priorities for the University moving forward, including enhancing student readiness, expanding access to new and diverse student populations, aligning academic programs with workforce needs, and strengthening partnerships across the region.

Pribbenow concluded by challenging the ̽������ community to embrace the opportunities ahead, asking, “What does this moment require of us to move ̽������ Forward?” and encouraging a collective commitment to shaping the University’s next chapter.

As ̽������ enters its 125th year, the inauguration of President Pribbenow marks both a celebration of the University’s legacy and a commitment to its future. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and student-centered learning, Pribbenow’s leadership signals a new chapter for ̽������ University — one grounded in tradition and driven by transformation.

DECATUR, Ill. – Even though he grew up in Decatur, Oakley Tate ’26 never expected he’d end up at . He imagined himself at a big university — until a campus tour changed everything. After meeting with a Finance professor who emphasized how ̽������ faculty truly know their students and care about their success, Oakley realized this was exactly the environment he needed. Four years later, he says choosing ̽������ became one of the most meaningful decisions of his life.

“He told me that (at ̽������), we learn people’s names. We care if they’re showing up to class. We care how they’re performing. That really resonated with me,” Oakley said. “That was something I think I really needed — people who notice you, who care about you.”

Now a double major in and , Oakley is planning on graduating next spring. His academic focus shifted early on, thanks to an influential cost accounting course taught by Accounting Instructor Nicole Allen, whose teaching style sparked a passion for the subject. He’ll begin a full-time role in Assurance with after graduation, following a successful summer internship with the firm.

Learning by Doing

model has shaped important parts of Oakley’s ̽������ experience. As a Managing Partner for , he led accounting operations and collaborated on client projects, including website development for local nonprofits and a new online portfolio platform supporting ̽������ art students.

He also applied his growing skill set as a bookkeeper for the College of Fine Arts and, through the tax clinic, helped community members file their taxes and resolve complex tax return issues. These hands-on experiences strengthened his technical knowledge while building communication and professional skills he knows will serve him well as a CPA.

One of his most unique opportunities came through an Honors course on the Geopolitics of Technology, where Oakley and classmates spent the semester researching global best practices in technology education and cybersecurity. Their work culminated in a virtual presentation to Belize's Minister of Technology and other international officials. 

“It pushed me to think differently,” Oakley said. “It wasn’t in my major, but it broadened how I see the world.”

A True Cheer Family

While academics and professional experiences shaped Oakley’s career path, cheerleading shaped his heart. Oakley joined the ̽������ Cheer team as a first-year student after discovering the sport in high school, and it quickly became the center of his ̽������ experience.

“Cheerleading might be my favorite thing about ̽������, hands down,” he shared. “It’s a built-in support system. I don’t think I would have enjoyed college nearly as much without the cheer team.”

As a co-captain, Oakley has helped guide the team both on and off the field. He describes the cheer program as a family — one that gave him confidence, belonging, and friendships that feel like siblings away from home. The team’s culture, he says, is defined by encouragement, accountability, and shared goals.

Competing at Nationals in Daytona Beach, Fla, has been a highlight of his journey. The intensity of performing a two-and-a-half-minute routine on an elevated stage, with only two chances to get it right, has forged his resilience and trust. 

“The adrenaline, the trust you put in your teammates, the energy of the crowd — there’s nothing like it,” he said.

Even during his final year — when he stepped back from sideline cheer to focus on academics — he continues training for ̽������’s national competition team and remains committed to strengthening the program for future generations. 

“Cheer shaped who I am here,” he said. “It gave me purpose and people I can count on every single day.”

Oakley’s leadership, academic excellence, and campus involvement earned him the Scovill Prize, ̽������’s highest student honor. He first learned about the award during his first year and immediately set it as a long-term goal.

“It motivated me to keep my grades up, be a good teammate, and get involved,” he said. “I wanted to be someone who contributed to this campus.”

Looking back, Oakley says ̽������ exceeded every expectation he had. He encourages future students to embrace the opportunities the University offers:

“̽������ is full of opportunities, but they’re only as good as your willingness to say ‘Yes.’ A lot of what I’ve done came from just being willing to try something new.”

DECATUR, Ill. – For senior and pre-med student David Navarra, ̽������ has become more than a college campus – it’s a close-knit community that feels like home. 

Originally born in the Congo and raised in Champaign, Ill., David knew he wanted to stay close to his younger siblings while also pursuing his dream of becoming a doctor. ̽������’s combination of academic rigor, athletic opportunities, and supportive culture made it the perfect fit.

When David first arrived on campus, Athletics was at the center of his ̽������ experience, as he competed on both the Football and Wrestling teams. After two years of balancing both sports, he decided to focus on Wrestling, where he felt he could excel and grow while still dedicating himself to his pre-med studies. Competing at 184 pounds, David credits Director of Wrestling Ryan Birt and his teammates for creating an environment that feels like family.

“Our coach makes sure the culture is about more than just wrestling,” David said. “It’s about being there for each other, working hard, and learning to push through challenges. That mindset is something I carry into everything I do.”

David also appreciates which will soon also be the home of . Birt will lead the new program and will begin competition in the fall of 2026. 

“We have one of the best wrestling facilities in Division III, and it shows how much our coaches and the University care about us, and it motivates us to work harder,” David said. 

Though his path to medicine wasn’t always clear, conversations with his grandfather – a doctor – inspired David to pursue a career in healthcare. He is currently preparing for the MCAT and has his sights set on medical school after graduation, as he considers anesthesiology or psychiatry as possible specialties.

“I’ve always known I wanted to help people,” he explained. “Studying Biology here at ̽������ has given me opportunities like research with faculty and hands-on experiences that will prepare me for medical school.”

Beyond Athletics and academics, David is deeply involved in campus leadership. He serves as a Student Experience Ambassador, a Big Blue Ambassador, and a member of the Council of Student Ambassadors (COSA). He’s also helped mentor peers through tutoring, and one of his favorite roles is helping first-year students adjust to college life. 

“Being an Ambassador is about more than giving directions or answering questions – it’s about connecting,” he said. “Sometimes that means joking around, playing music, or just making new students feel like they belong.”

Through his strong academic performance, David was recently awarded the Associates Scholarship, which he says has lifted a huge weight from his shoulders. 

“It took a big load off financially and gave me more freedom to focus on opportunities like a biology study-abroad course in Florida,” he said. “Scholarships like this make a real difference for students like me.”

Thinking of what he values most about ̽������, David doesn’t hesitate: it’s the people.

“My favorite thing about ̽������ is the community,” he said. “Because it’s a smaller school, it’s easy to build friendships and connections. I don’t think I could have made it this far without the friends and teammates who support me.”

As he prepares for graduation and his next step toward medical school, David knows he’s on the right track. 

“Even when I doubt myself, I think about where I started and where I am now,” he said. “I know the younger me would be proud.”

Dr. Monroe to serve two-year term as President of ISHS

, associate professor of history and chair of the at ̽������ University, has been elected president of the Illinois State Historical Society (ISHS). Dr. Monroe will serve a two-year term as president of the ISHS.

The was founded in 1899 to support the Illinois State Historical Library and to encourage research and writing on subjects of Illinois history. For more than a century the ISHS has fostered awareness, understanding, research, preservation and recognition of history in Illinois. The Society is a not-for-profit organization which depends solely on membership dues, gifts, bequests and foundation grants to support, preserve and disseminate the story of Illinois and its people.

"My first professional presentation occurred in 1990 at an Illinois State Historical Society conference. Many of my faculty mentors as a graduate student were Society members, and one is a former president," said Monroe.

"It is therefore a great privilege and honor to serve as the Society president and to have the opportunity to give back to an organization that has been so nurturing to me."

Throughout his career, Dr. Monroe has been actively involved in celebrating Illinois' rich history. In January 2017, he was appointed chair of the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council for the 2017-2019 term. Before his appointment as chair, he previously served on the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Board for a three-year term, including one year as chair.

In February 2018, Dr. Monroe was elected to the Board of Directors of the Abraham Lincoln Association (ALA), and is currently serving a three-year term. The Association observes each anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, to preserve and make more readily accessible the landmarks associated with his life, and to actively encourage, promote and aid the collection and dissemination of authentic information regarding all phases of his life and career.

Dr. Monroe received a Ph.D. in History from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1998 where he worked with Robert W. Johannsen. Dr. Monroe was the John C. Griswold Distinguished Professor of History at ̽������ from 2008-2010. He currently serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Illinois History and is the author of three books: "The Republican Vision of John Tyler" (2003), "At Home with Illinois' Governors: A Social History of the Illinois Executive Mansion" (2002) and "Shapers of the Great Debate on the Civil War: A Biographical Dictionary" (2005), with co-author Dr. Bruce Tap.

Dr. Monroe received the Heiligenstein Award for Teaching Excellence and was a fellow at the Virginia Historical Society and Lincoln Legal Papers. He has been a faculty member of ̽������'s History Department since 2006.

Monroe to serve three-year term on Abraham Lincoln Association Board

Dr. Dan Monroe, associate professor and chair of the at ̽������ University, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the (ALA). Dr. Monroe was officially named to the board on Feb. 11, 2018, and will serve a three-year term.

The purpose of the Abraham Lincoln Association is to observe each anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, to preserve and make more readily accessible the landmarks associated with his life, and to actively encourage, promote and aid the collection and dissemination of authentic information regarding all phases of his life and career.

"I was delighted to join the ALA Board," Dr. Monroe said. "It's a storied organization with a rich history of supporting scholarship on Lincoln. And as a historian of antebellum American politics and culture, and a native Illinoisan, it is an honor to serve."

Dr. Monroe has been actively involved in Lincoln scholarship throughout his career and served as a visiting fellow for a year at the Lincoln Legal Papers Project early in his career.

"Board members organize the annual celebration of Lincoln's birth in Springfield (Ill.) and work to preserve Lincoln's legacy as well as support scholarly work on our most distinguished president," Dr. Monroe said. "To join the board is an honor and a privilege."

The Abraham Lincoln Association was organized in 1908 to spearhead the national celebration of Lincoln's 100th birthday. Today the Association continues this tradition by bringing in distinguished speakers to commemorate Lincoln's birthday, and presents an afternoon Symposium featuring leading Lincoln scholars. 

The Association also publishes the "Journal of the Abraham Lincoln Association," and "For the People: A Newsletter of the Abraham Lincoln Association."

Dr. Monroe is also currently serving as chair of the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council for the 2017-2019 term. The Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council is the body that votes on new National Register Properties in Illinois.

"As a board member, I hope to champion scholarship on Lincoln and intend to serve on committees devoted to that noble pursuit," Dr. Monroe noted.

Dr. Monroe received a Ph.D. in History from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1998 where he worked with Robert W. Johannsen. Dr. Monroe was the John C. Griswold Distinguished Professor of History at ̽������ from 2008-2010. He currently serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Illinois History and is the author of three books, and a number of articles and reviews. Dr. Monroe is currently completing Robert W. Johannsen's biography of James K. Polk.

DECATUR, Ill. – When Carissa Guerrier first arrived at , basketball was a defining part of her identity. Recruited as a student-athlete from Grayslake, Ill., she came to campus ready to compete and with a feeling that ̽������ felt like a special place from the moment she stepped onto campus.

That sense of belonging would carry her through a pivotal transition, shape her academic path, and prepare her for a future career in physical therapy.

“I remember visiting campus and telling my family, ‘This feels like home,’” Guerrier said. “I knew I could be happy here, even if basketball wasn’t a part of my future.”

After her first year at ̽������, a long-term injury brought Guerrier’s basketball career to an end. Instead of seeing the change as a loss, she viewed it as an opportunity to explore everything else ̽������ had to offer.

“I had played basketball for 12 years, and my body was worn down,” she said. “I could either keep playing in pain or step back, take care of myself, and see what else life had to offer as a student.”

That decision opened the door to a deeply involved campus experience academically, professionally, and personally.

Guerrier entered ̽������ knowing she wanted to pursue a career in physical therapy. After beginning as a Biology major, she transitioned into the program with a pre-professional focus in , which was a transformative change.

“Exercise Science gave me exactly what I was looking for: hands-on learning,” she said. “We’re rarely just sitting in a classroom. Every day we’re doing something active, something practical.”

Through ̽������’s Performance Learning opportunities, Guerrier conducted undergraduate research examining how different activity levels affect lactate buildup in athletes, working under faculty mentorship and gaining experience in study design, data collection, and statistical analysis. 

She also benefited from the Exercise Science program’s built-in certifications, including personal training, strength and conditioning, and CPR.

“That combination of coursework and certifications makes you feel incredibly prepared,” she said. “You’re graduating with real credentials and real experience.”

Guerrier’s preparation extended beyond campus. She works as a Physical Therapy Technician at Decatur Orthopedic Center, where she assists patients directly and works alongside licensed physical therapists who serve as mentors.

“I got that job because my professors forwarded the opportunity to me,” she said. “That support has been huge. I already feel confident and prepared stepping into the field.”

She is also completing a full-time internship at Apex Network Physical Therapy in Mount Zion, Ill., during her final semester, immersing herself in a local physical therapy clinic as she prepares for graduate school.

Outside the classroom, Guerrier embraced campus leadership and service. She serves as a Strength and Conditioning Intern in the Rathje Athletic Center, Secretary of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Vice President of the Latin American Student Association, President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, a Wellness Peer Advocate and a Big Blue Ambassador. 

Through these roles, she helped organize voter transportation initiatives, community service projects like holiday giving trees, campus wellness programming, and cultural celebrations such as La Fiesta.

“My goal has always been to help people feel connected,” Guerrier said. “College can feel isolating sometimes, so creating spaces where people want to show up and feel welcome really matters to me.”

Her leadership and academic excellence were recognized through faculty awards, scholarship support, and an invitation to speak with donors and ̽������ leadership at the annual Associates Dinner, an experience that was empowering for her. 

As Guerrier prepares for spring graduation and her next move to Saint Louis University to pursue her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, she reflects on how much her ̽������ experience exceeded expectations.

“If I could talk to my freshman self, I’d say, ‘You don’t even know what you’re capable of. I’ve done so much more than I ever imagined,” she said. “This University has given me so much. I absolutely see myself coming back, staying connected, and giving back when I can.”

DECATUR, Ill. – For Emily West, Decatur has always been home – and so has .

Born and raised in Decatur, Emily grew up attending performances at the Kirkland Fine Arts Center, cheering at Big Blue games, and watching her brother, Evan West ’14, play baseball for ̽������. With a father, Tom West, who also graduated from ̽������ in the Class of 1979, she feels that the University was always in the background of her childhood. However, when it came time to advance her career, Emily saw ̽������ in a whole new light. 

“I wanted to find a program that would not only strengthen my skills in finance and economics but also challenge me to grow in areas outside of accounting,” Emily said. “ was exactly what I needed. It gave me the practical knowledge, but also the soft skills and connections that have shaped me as a leader.” 

After earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Accounting from Bradley University, Emily returned to Decatur to begin her career at ADM. Over the years, her roles have taken her from more basic accounting to international audit assignments across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, and even Turkey. 

Today, she works in ADM’s Financial Planning and Analysis group for one of its nutrition businesses, managing something a bit closer to home: Bush’s Baked Beans.  

“If you’ve eaten a can of Bush’s Baked Beans, there’s a good chance I’ve had my hands on the accounting side of it,” Emily joked. 

Known at work as the “numbers person,” Emily enrolled in ̽������’s Evening MBA program to broaden her expertise. What she found was more than classroom learning. 

Through group projects, cohort collaboration, and real-world problem-solving, Emily developed her leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. One of the highlights of Emily’s Evening MBA journey was the , a culminating experience that brought classroom concepts to life. For Emily, the trip was more than just travel – it was about applying what she and her cohort had learned over 18 months in a high-stakes, real-world environment. 

“Our cohort worked directly with a German company that wanted to expand into the U.S. market,” she said. “Each group was assigned a strategic area to research, and my team focused on identifying potential risks of entering the American business landscape.” 

From assessing regulatory challenges and consumer trends to preparing a risk mitigation plan, Emily and her peers collaborated to present recommendations directly to the company’s leadership, including its president and board members. 

“It was such a unique opportunity,” Emily said. “We weren’t just doing a classroom exercise – we were advising a real company on decisions that could shape its future. It made everything we learned in the program feel so relevant and valuable.” 

The trip to Germany also offered cultural experiences and professional networking opportunities that broadened Emily’s global perspective. The international capstone was the perfect way to bring the program full circle.  

“It was eye-opening to see how business practices vary across countries, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of global markets,” Emily said. “It combined the academic rigor, the teamwork with our cohort, and the confidence to step into unfamiliar situations – all skills I’ll continue to use throughout my career. It was such a rewarding way to wrap up the program.” 

Emily also believes in using her professional skills for the good of others. She serves as a trustee for the Decatur Public Library Board, where she helps oversee finances and operations, and as a member of the Junior Welfare Association, which provides clothing vouchers for local children. 

“To me, it’s not just about your everyday work,” she explained. “It’s about how you can use your skills to give back to the community.” 

Emily also credits ̽������’s signature Performance Learning model for preparing her to mentor the next generation. She recently supervised a ̽������ intern at ADM, providing him with hands-on professional experience while applying the leadership skills she gained in the MBA program. 

“Performance Learning isn’t just something you hear about -- it’s real. I saw it firsthand with my intern, and it was rewarding to play a part in helping him grow,” Emily said. 

Looking back, Emily describes the 18-month MBA journey as “a lot of work, but worth every minute.” The relationships she built with her cohort continue even after graduation, and the skills she gained have expanded her impact both professionally and personally. 

“My advice for anyone considering the program is don’t hesitate and jump right in. You’ll never regret it,” she said. “The support you’ll find from your professors, classmates, and program leaders is unmatched. There’s no time like now.” 

DECATUR, Ill. – officially dedicated the new with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, during the University’s 2025 Homecoming celebration. The ribbon-cutting ceremony drew alumni, donors, trustees, and community leaders to campus for a moment of pride and remembrance.

The $12.3 million, 17,655-square-foot facility serves as a centerpiece of Big Blue Athletics, providing new locker rooms, a training room, a weight room, offices, and multipurpose meeting space for student-athletes. 

Speaking at the ceremony were President Dean Pribbenow, Vice President for Athletics and Community Engagement Lori Kerans ’85, Head Football Coach Billy Riebock, student-athlete Maddie Maragni, David Rathje’s daughter Kelly Brandon, lead donor Jim Perryman ’83, and Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce President Mirinda Rothrock ’04.

“Today is so much more than bricks and mortar,” Pribbenow said. “This building is the promise of a vibrant future built on a foundation of vision, generosity, and a shared belief in the power of athletics to shape character, build community, and strengthen the ̽������ experience for generations to come. 

Pribbenow emphasized the lasting impact of the new facility and added that the Rathje Center is not only a resource for Athletics, but also a signal to prospective students. He concluded by expressing gratitude to the Rathje family and the Perryman family. 

“Nearly 40% of our students are athletes, and this facility demonstrates ̽������’s commitment to their success. It will enhance recruitment and retention, allow us to host CCIW and NCAA championships, and serve as a gathering place where friendships, mentorships, and the Big Blue spirit will thrive,” Pribbenow said. “David and Debbie Rathje, along with Jim Perryman and his family, have given us more than a building – they have given us the gift of opportunity, pride, and community. Their legacy will live on in the lives of every student who trains, learns, and grows here.”

The Rathje Athletic Center is named in honor of David J. Rathje ’58, a ̽������ alumnus, philanthropist, and Decatur business leader who passed away in June 2025, and his wife, Debra C. Rathje. The Rathje family’s gift, along with significant support from Jim Perryman ’83 and the Perryman family, made the facility possible. 

Kelly Rathje Brandon, daughter of , reflected on her father’s legacy at Friday’s ceremony. 

“It was my dad’s hope that this contribution would encourage a commitment to a healthy lifestyle and instill a value of community to all who step through these doors,” she said. “Athletics was a big part of his life, and this building continues that spirit.”

Jim Perryman ’83, former NFL player and a lead donor to the Rathje Center alongside his family, reflected on what the project means to him personally. He also issued a rallying call to alumni and supporters. 

“The Perryman family is proud to be part of this facility. ̽������ shaped me as a player, as a student, and as a person. My coaches and teammates taught me discipline, accountability, and how to work hard for a goal, and those lessons carried me into my professional career and into building our family business. This center will do the same for future generations of Big Blue athletes,” Perryman said. “We have the ball, and let’s not fumble it. Together, we can make ̽������ a championship program again. This facility is just the beginning of what’s possible when alumni, students, and the community come together.”

For students, the Rathje Center represents opportunity, pride, and validation of their hard work. Senior track and field athlete Maddie Maragni, a two-time CCIW Academic All-Conference honoree, spoke at the ceremony about what the building means to her and her peers.

“As an athlete myself, I’ve watched this building come to life from the very start – from seeing the old gym torn down my freshman year to watching the walls rise each season,” Maragni said. “Now, to be in this space is incredible. The new weight room gives us the equipment and space we need to push ourselves further, and the hot and cold tubs and strength coaches mean we’re training smarter, not just harder.”

But for Maragni, the center is about more than facilities. 

“This is a place where sports interact and create a culture full of energy and support. It raises the bar for ̽������ Athletics and shows recruits and current athletes alike that we are valued,” she said. “It’s a tangible reminder that ̽������ and our community believe in us – and that belief motivates us to be our best.”

DECATUR, Ill. – is proud to announce the launch of two new programs – Women’s Flag Football and Women’s Wrestling – that are set to begin in the 2026-27 academic year. With the addition of these two exciting sports, ̽������ continues its commitment to widening access for female student-athletes and fostering growth in emerging sports.

“At ̽������, we are committed to expanding opportunities for our students to grow both academically and athletically. The launch of our Women’s Flag Football and Women’s Wrestling programs is an important step in strengthening our Big Blue Athletics offerings and providing another path for student success,” ̽������ President Dean Pribbenow said. “We are proud to be part of the national momentum behind these emerging sports and excited to see our athletes compete beginning next fall.”

Women’s Flag Football has rapidly grown in popularity nationwide, with organizations such as the NAIA and NFL supporting its expansion at the collegiate level. With more than 200 high schools in Illinois already offering girls flag football teams, ̽������ joins a growing number of universities offering the sport, allowing female athletes to showcase their talents on the field while pursuing academic excellence.

The Big Blue Women’s Flag Football program will be led by , who is currently a Tight Ends Coach and Co-Special Teams Coordinator for the . She will move into this new full-time position and begin team recruitment now, with the first season of competition set for spring 2027. Home games will be played at Frank M. Lindsay Field, giving fans the chance to experience the fast-paced, competitive action of flag football.

Big Blue Head Wrestling Coach Ryan Birt will now lead both the Men’s and Women’s Wrestling programs in a new position as Director of Wrestling.

Birt has led since the program returned in 2015 and has developed it into a CCIW and national powerhouse, as Big Blue wrestlers regularly become All-Americans, including two-time national champion Bradan Birt. The Big Blue finished in second place in the CCIW in 2025 and have won three CCIW championships during Birt’s tenure.

“Women’s Flag Football and Women’s Wrestling are milestone additions for ̽������ Athletics. These programs will offer female athletes a competitive platform in a fast-growing sport, while reinforcing our tradition of excellence and embracing new ideas,” Vice President for Athletics and Community Engagement Lori Kerans said. “We’re eager to recruit talented student-athletes and build programs that will make the ̽������ community proud.”

Women's Wrestling is the newest NCAA championship sport after being named an “NCAA Emerging Sport for Women” in 2020-21. ̽������ joins eight other College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) member schools with Women's Wrestling teams, including Augustana College, Aurora University (Associate member), Carthage College, Elmhurst University, Illinois Wesleyan University, Lakeland University, Milwaukee School of Engineering (Associate Member), North Central College and Lakeland University. The CCIW was the first Division III conference to sponsor Women's Wrestling, beginning in the 2022-23 academic year.

For more information about ̽������ University Athletics, visit .