Dean Olson Announces Retirement

Charles Olson, Assistant Dean for Student Development and Career Services, will retire from the University of Illinois in August 2008 after 36 years with the College of ACES. Plans are being made to celebrate his tenure and contributions to students, alumni and the College in the months ahead. Watch for more information soon to come!

Dean Olson graduated from the University of Illinois in 1968 with a Bachelors in Ag Economics. He then completed a Masters in Student Personnel Administration in 1973 and his PH.D. in Higher Education in 1980. He has administered a $1,100,000 annual scholarship portfolio and directed the Jonathan Baldwin Turner (JBT) Scholarship Program for the past 25 years recognizing 1500+ scholars and cultivating 100 donors since 1996. He created the first College of ACES viewbook and facilitates numerous student groups and committees.

Start uncovering memories to share as we will begin to collect stories and photos soon. Watch your June & July e-alum report for more details!

ACES Alumni Recognized by UIAA

2008 University of Illinois Alumni Association honored ACES Alumni during Graduation weekend:

UIAA Alumni Achievement Award
Doris Kelley Christopher is honored for her success as founder and chair of The Pampered Chef, the premier direct seller of high-quality kitchen tools sold through in-home demonstrations. A leader and active member of the Direct Selling Association and Direct Selling Education Foundation for more than two decades, she has lent her business acumen to numerous boards, including America's Second Harvest, The Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois, and the University of Illinois Foundation. Christopher's many awards and honors include the Association of Corporate Growth's "ACG Chicago 2007 Lifetime Achievement" award and induction into the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans. The author of two books, she has generously supported the Family Resiliency Program in the UI College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, where she received an undergraduate degree in home economics in 1967.

UIAA Distinguished Service Award
Carol Keiser-Long is honored for her tireless service to the University of Illinois; the UI College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences; and the UI Alumni Association. A former vocational education teacher, Keiser-Long established an internship program for women in the College of ACES, which has long recognized her for her achievements and generous support. She has served on the boards of numerous organizations, including the ACES Alumni Association and UI Foundation, and from 1999 to 2001 chaired the Board of Directors of the UI Alumni Association, which has honored her with loyalty and spirit awards and named her an Illini Comeback guest. An agribusiness entrepreneur, Keiser-Long is founder and president of both C-ARC Enterprises, with interests in biofuels, alternative feedstocks and agricultural education, and C-BAR Cattle Co. She earned a bachelor's degree in animal science from the University of Illinois in 1968.

Angie Eckert, ACES Alumni Association President, spoke to both the undergraduate and graduate students during commencement weekend about being active members of the ACES Alumni Association.

More Photos

Brussels Illini Event

Baron Piet Van Waeyenberge hosted a University of Illinois reception for Alumni and Friends of the University on Thursday, May 15 in Brussels.

The students joining alumni during the reception were participants in the International Business Immersion Program (IBIP), which is a course at the University of Illinois that combines a semester-long, on-campus class with a two-week study tour to Belgium, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, and Germany. During the immersion tour participants follow the entire food marketing channel, from field to fork, as they engage directly with European businesses and government and individual entities.

John Deere Alumni Event to be held June 9, 2008

You're invited to join your fellow Illini in the Quad Cities for an evening of camaraderie and college updates on Monday, June 9, at the John Deere Pavilion in Moline.

Anne Marie Boone, student academic program coordinator for the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, will talk about the departments work on bioenergy and the new effort in recruiting and developing alumni relationships. Hosted by ACES Alumni Association District 1 Director Kris Lauritzen '68 of Lanark, and District 3 Director Kenny Eathington '83, LAW '91, of Dunlap.

Register online by June 1, 2008. Deadline extended!

When: Monday, June 9, 2008

Cost: $15/per person

Where: John Deere Pavilion, 1400 River Drive, Moline, IL.

Directions to John Deere Pavilion.

Time:

• 5:30 p.m. - Registration
• 6:00 p.m. - Hors d'œuvres
• 7:00 p.m. - Program

Registration Deadline Extended for Morton Arboretum Alumni Event

You're invited to join fellow Illini in Lisle for an evening of college updates, tours of the arboretum and visiting with fellow alumni. Visiting Professor Greg Pierceall will give a presentation on the 2+2 program. Tram rides will be available and registration is required to participate.

Hosted by the ACES Alumni Association District 2 Director, Leo Kelly '80 of Palatine.

Register online by June 1, 2008.

When: Thursday, June 5, 2008

Where: The Morton Arboretum Visitor Center, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL.

Cost: $30.00/per person

Time:

• 5:30 p.m. - Tram Tours
• 6:30 p.m. - Sandwich Bar and Cash Bar
• 7:00 p.m. - Program

Southern IL Miners League Baseball Alumni Event

You're invited to join your fellow Illini for a minor league baseball game in Marion. The Southern Illinois Miners will be playing the Gateway Grizzlies from Sauget. Hosted by ACES Alumni Association District 8 Director Ken Hayse '82 of Mt. Vernon, and College of ACES Dean Robert Easter, PhD '76. Enjoy ballpark food while you hear college updates from Dean Easter. Don't miss it. . . It's gonna be fun!

When: Thursday, July 24, 2008

$25 per person

6:00 p.m. Picnic & Program

7:05 p.m. Baseball game

Rent One Park

1000 Miners Drive, Marion IL

Driving Directions:

http://www.southernillinoisminers.com/

Register online at www.acesalumni.uiuc.edu

Registration deadline is Monday, July 14, 2008.

Sims Among Honorees to Cooperative Hall of Fame

Washington, D.C. -- The Cooperative Development Foundation announced that Douglas D. Sims (ACES '68), retired CEO of CoBank, was inducted into the Cooperative Hall of Fame on Wednesday, April 30, at a ceremony at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. A longtime leader in the nationwide Farm Credit System, Sims retired in 2006 as CEO of CoBank and now resides in Keystone, CO.

The Cooperative Hall of Fame, the U.S. cooperative community's highest honor, recognizes those who have made "heroic" contributions to cooperative enterprise. "We are proud to add to the Cooperative Hall of Fame roster a visionary leader like Doug Sims," said Steve Thomas, CDF executive director. Sims is credited with helping the farm credit system survive the downturn in the farm economy in the early 1980s, as well as playing a key role in the farm credit system's subsequent re-organization that included the creation of the National Bank of Cooperatives, known as CoBank, in 1989.

"For nearly four decades, Sims worked tirelessly on behalf of farmers, ranchers, agricultural producers, and cooperates as a leader in the farm credit system. As CEO of CoBank for 12 of those years, he successfully managed CoBank's growth into a premier cooperative institution with the capacity to effectively serve its customers," Thomas said. "Most importantly, Sims believed firmly in helping cooperatives succeed both as businesses and as integral parts of their communities. As part of this effort, he was committed to on-going cooperative education and was an ardent supporter of programs for young leaders."

The Cooperative Hall of Fame was established in 1974 and now has a roster of over 126 distinguished individuals. Information on the Hall of Fame and individual inductees can be found on the Web at www.heroes.coop . The Cooperative Hall of Fame event also represents the single largest fund raising activity of the year for the Cooperative Development Foundation. The Cooperative Development Foundation is a nonprofit charitable organization that promotes community, economic and social development through cooperative enterprise.

Black Alumni Reunion Scheduled

Black Alumni Reunion/Project 500 Commemoration

Celebrate history. Celebrate Illinois.

The reunion will be held November 6–9, 2008.

This is an event not to be missed. Please check this site for updated information that will be posted as it becomes available.

The purpose of the Black Alumni Reunion is to stimulate the interest of all black alumni of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, so that further educational, professional, and social interests of black alumni can be addressed individually and collectively by:

• Developing a wider acquaintance and fellowship among the members of the Black Alumni Reunion
• Providing a clearing house for the presentation of problems pertaining to education and requests for services to the mutual benefit of the black alumni
• Creating a networking opportunity, both socially and professionally, for black alumni
• Establishing an informational base through which specific communication regarding campus diversity programming and activities can be disseminated to constituents
• Encouraging a unified continuing regard among black alumni for the total scope of opportunities offered at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Promoting and nurturing academic excellence among all stakeholders
• Enabling black alumni to identify with current black students and prospective black students and provide ongoing support to these students and the university
• Promoting a positive environment that reflects and enhances the values of a global, multicultural and ethnic society

Seeking New International Alumni Board Member

The new position of international alumni board member has been added to the College of ACES Alumni Association board of directors. With the College of ACES striving to be locally relevant and globally preeminent, the alumni association would like to fill the spot with an alum living internationally to serve in this role and provide feedback as well as help connect with our international alumni.

Nominee must:

• Have received a degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.
• Be a member of the University of Illinois Alumni Association and reside internationally. Hold a one term minimum (two years) with an option of two terms (four years).
• Nominee must be willing to engage with ACES Alumni Association Board of Directors through technology or in written communication.
• Be willing to return to campus at least once a year with the Alumni Association providing up to $2,000 per year/per term to assist with travel expenses.

For further information and a complete role description, please contact Tina Veal, director of alumni relations at vealt@uiuc.edu or view application online. Applicant's nomination letter, resume, and two letters of reference are due to the ACES Alumni Association by Friday, August 1, 2008, in order to be considered.

"Grand" Addition to Alice Campbell Alumni Center

A much more melodious ambiance will likely permeate the Alice Campbell Alumni Center in the future thanks to the addition of a Steinway & Sons grand piano in the Hindsley Great Room. We look forward to hosting more musical events with this professional-quality instrument, and would like to thank R. Eden Martin '62 LAS, Bob Campbell '54 BUS, Jill Knappenberger '50 ACES and Dan Perrino '48 FAA, MS '49 FAA, for their generous support of this project.

Welcome New Members

Life Memberships

Robert E. Adams
Natalie B. Bosecker
Kirk Builta
D. Gregory Close
Rita M. Curl-Langager
James R. Fellers
James F. Gastel
Sara J. Joyce
Terri S. Lewin
Teresa M. Mrocka
Carolyn R. Oliver
Bethany Lynn Six
Tina M. Veal
Sally A. Wilson

Annual Memberships

Dina A. Adams
Gary E. Alex
Gail M. Bartlett
Dilpreet S. Bajwa
Sreekala G. Bajwa
Anne M. Barger
Robert L. Betzelberger
Keith L. Birnbaum
Meredith R. Blumthal
Timothy J. Boone
Robert K. Brenton
Amanda R. Brown
Larry D. Carius
Daniel R. Christl
Ryan E. Craig
Richard E. Crawford
Jean A. Goeddel Davison
Lois G. Davisson
Darren F. Dohme
Roberta L. Early
Carl K. Edwards III
Kristofer R. Ehler
Daniel L. Engeljohn
Margaret J. Fredricks
Ryan R. Frieders
Noreen A. Gant
Melanie C. Germaine
Kipp C. Goll
Dennis J. Graden
Morgan A. Gwillim
Fred L. Haegele
Travis B. Hagen
Angela L. Harper
Robert A. Harper
Steven E. Hauter
Diane B. Hawley
Lawrence F. Hermann
Ann G. Hoefle
Eric E. Kahle
Loretta Long Kahle
Steven T. Kalesperis
Fern Glazer King
Elizabeth A. Koets
Thomas L. Kreher
Richard A. Kurz
Darl J. Leman
Kimberly Lombardozzi
Richard M. Lowe
Caleb G. May
Kimberly L. May
Harry G. Markos
Shawn McLane
Suzanne F. Mesetz
Steven S. Milner
James M. Mitchell
Delbert D. Mundt
Michelle R. Myers
Carl J. Neubauer
Jeanifer L. Olichwier
Alan G. Otterbacher Sr.
Terry A. Pease
Michelle L. Pride
Matthew J. Ritter
Louis F. Rogers
Steven J. Rohrback
John M. Ruebush
J. Neil Rutger
Eric L. Ruth
Beth Sances
Kristina A. Schuler
Edward R. Schumann
Bruce G. Searle
O. P. Sharma
Rita L. Sharma
Mark A. Shepherd
Alan J. Sheppard
Jo Ellen Shield
Alan L. Shontz
John W. Shriver
Jason D. Smith
Wayne K. Smith
Subramanian S. Sriram
James D. Sullivan
Jay E. Tharp
Robert L. Thieme
Jacqueline M. Tinsley-Gallimore
Jason A. Vallar
Lori A. Vanover
Christopher J. Varias
Howard W. Varney
Caroline J. Whitton
Bill R. Wills
Kristin Kathryn Wojcik
Felicia V. Wragg
Stephen C. Wood
Jean A. Wopat
Michael C. Yaneck
Ronald D. Yeast

Support the University's Mission through Illinois Connection

Illinois Connection is a grassroots advocacy initiative that encourages support of the university's mission and promotes a greater understanding of the impact the university has on the state, nation, and world. Consider joining this vital network and becoming an "Ambassador" so your voice can be heard by elected officials and community leaders. Help tell the Illinois story. To learn more visit the Illinios Connection website.

Tassel Turn a Success

Despite the blowing wind and rain, over 400 people braved the elements to attend the college's annual Tassel Turn event. The lunch is held between morning and afternoon commencement ceremonies to enable our graduates time to be with fellow graduates, families, and faculty and staff of the College of ACES as they celebrate their successes and say their goodbyes. Congratulations to the outstanding class of 2008!

First Thursday Club - June 5

First Thursday Breakfast Club June 5
Join ACES alumni for networking the First Thursday of EVERY MONTH from 7 to 8:30 a.m. in the Orange & Blue Room, first floor of 200 S. Wacker, SW corner of Wacker & Adams. Arrive when you can, have a cup of coffee, stay as long as you want. Contact Kim Morton at 312-575-7805 or e-mail at kamorton@illinois.edu for more information.

Please note: First Thursday Club will NOT be held on July 3 due to the 4th of July Holiday.

Illini 4000 on the Go!

College of ACES student Rachel Burke, an resource ecology student from Palatine, has joined the team of Illini 4000! Rachel and fellow team members started their more than 4,000 mile summer trek from New York City to San Diego to raise money for cancer research.

While riding across the country, the Illini 4000 Bike America Team interviews cancer patients and survivors from all walks of life. The purpose of this project is to illustrate cancer's influence on American life and how individuals respond to cancer according to their religious beliefs, location, and socioeconomic status.

For more information about the cause, visit their website or make a donation.

We wish these students safe travels across the United States and best wishes in raising the awareness about cancer.

ACES Alumni Association Grants Outstanding Seniors Gift Memberships

Congratulations to the following Outstanding Seniors who were recognized at the Student Awards Banquet on Sunday, April 20, 2008. The ACES Alumni Association awarded these members with memberships to the University of Illinois Alumni Association for their outstanding contributions to their departments and student clubs. If you would like to sponsor a gift membership, donate online.

Lifetime Memberships

• Warren K. Wessels Achievement Award – David Allspach, Mt. Pulaski
• Student Advancement Committee, Karena C. Elliott Loyalty Award – Bruce Frank, Athens

Annual Memberships

Warren K. Wessels Finalists

• Jessica Anderson, Chapin
• Andrew Bowman, Oneida
• Thomas Maske, Mt. Pulaski
• Kinsey Park, Rochester

Agricultural and Consumer Economics

• Agricultural and Consumer Economics Club, Outstanding Senior – Ali Walk, Neoga
• Agricultural and Consumer Economics, CJ Elliot Award – David Allspach, Mt. Pulaski (received lifetime award)

Agricultural and Biological Engineering

• Outstanding TSM Senior Award – Brad Nobbe. Waterloo
• American Society of Agricultural & Biological Engineers, Bateman Congeniality Award - Brad Nobbe

Animal Sciences

Paul E. and Rose A. Woodson Awards:

• Daniel Clark, Oblong
• Joseph Esch, Lambertville NJ
• Thomas Maske, Mt. Pulaski
• Katie Stoll, Elgin

Crop Sciences

• American Society of Agronomy National Student Recognition, Outstanding Senior - Nathan Karplus, Bloomington
• Crop Sciences, Robert B. Troutman Student Leadership Award –
  Sydney Jarrett, Peoria, & Jonathan Lower, Lanark
• Crop Sciences, Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award – Geoff Bean

Food Science and Human Nutrition, Outstanding Senior in:

• Dietetics – Elizabeth Toeflin
• Food Industry and Business – Joe Kreger, Naperville
• Food Science – Pauline Ie, Jakarta Utara, & Leslie Selcke, Crystal Lake
• Hospitality Management – Ashley Sanderson, Olney
• Human Nutrition – Allyson West
• Undergraduate Leadership Award – Chelsea Wood, Mahomet
• Undergraduate Research Award – Jennifer Barnes, Joliet

Human & Community Development, Outstanding Senior in:

• Agricultural & Environmental Communications – Natalie Coers, Emden
• Illini ACT (Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow) Activator Award - Anna Marie Ziegler, La Harpe & Rachel Baum, Clinton
• Agricultural Education and Leadership – Rachel Baum & Anna Marie Ziegler
• Human Development and Family Studies – Samantha Ricento & Betsy Rodriguez, Chicago

Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

• Outstanding Senior in Horticulture – Blake Meentenmeyer
• Outstanding Senior in Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences – Caitlyn McCoy

Seeking Young Alumni Award Nominations

Each year the College of ACES Alumni Association honors up to three outstanding graduates of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement, or through outstanding leadership or service, have significantly enhanced or improved the lives of others. The 2008 award recipients will be honored during the ACES College Connection on Friday, November 14, before Salute to Agriculture Day.

Nominees must have received a bachelor, master, or doctorate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. The nominee must be under the age of 40 on January 1, 2008. The nominee should be able to attend the Salute to Agriculture Day weekend activities on November 14-15, 2008.

Read more about nominations. Nominations are due to the ACES Alumni Association by Friday, August 1, 2008.

View a list of previous Outstanding Young Alumni Award winners.

Seeking Family Spirit Award Nominations

The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Family Spirit Award recognizes those family members who have demonstrated their support of the college as alumni and/or current students. Selection will be based on, but not limited to, a display of sincere dedication to the College of ACES and significant connections to the college and university. This year's award recipients will be honored during the ACES College Connection activities Friday, November 14, 2008, before Saturday's Salute to Agriculture Day tent party.

Nominations are due by Friday, August 1, 2008. Nominations may be made online.

View past Family Spirit Award winners.

Dean Easter's E-Note

Read this month's e-note from Dean Easter "Food at the Forefront"

5th Annual Illini Dairy Judging Team Golf Fundraiser

When: June 13, 2008

Where: U of I Blue Golf Course, Savoy

Time: 12:30 p.m.

Sponsored By: Dairy Judging Team

Registration Due Friday, June 6, 2008

Alumni of the University of Illinois Dairy Judging Team and the Illini Dairy Club, along with dairy industry members, are invited to participate in the fifth annual Illini Dairy Classic golf outing June 13 at the U of I Blue Course in Savoy at 12:30 p.m.

Hole sponsorships are $250 and all sponsorships and contributions are tax deductible. Registration for a team of four is $300 and individuals pay $80. The fee includes 18 holes of golf, a golf cart, a light lunch, and evening barbeque. A barbeque will follow the golf event at 4:30 p.m. In case of rain, the barbeque will be at 2:00 p.m. The barbeque-only fee is $20.

Those interested in more information or registering for the event should contact Gene McCoy at 217-840-0157 or e-mail gcmccoy@uiuc.edu or HiDee Ekstrom at 217-333-4397 or e-mail hekstrom@uiuc.edu.

Please see flyer for more information and the registration form.

Support the ACES Alumni Association Endowment Fund

The ACES Alumni Association has launched a campaign to create an endowment fund that will help us sustain our existing programs and activities as well as provide funds that give us opportunities to create and grow new points of connection for you and other alumni. We need your help to continue the tradition of making lifelong connections with all alumni who graduated from the College of ACES in the past as well as future graduates!

If you wish to make a gift, contact us at 217-333-7744 or you may donate online. Thank you for your support!

Graduation Statistics for Undergraduates

On May 11, 640 College of ACES undergraduates celebrated the completion of their course of studies to become the Class of 2008. These are the number of graduates broken down by department and major:

Agricultural and Biological Engineering - Total: 30

• Major: Technical Systems Management - 30

Agricultural and Consumer Economics - Total: 197

• Major: Agribusiness, Farm, and Fincancial Management - 70
• Major: Agricultural and Consumer Economics - 84
• Major: Consumer and Textile Marketing - 14
• Major: International, Resource and Consumer Economics - 29

Animal Sciences - Total: 119

• Major: Animal Sciences - 119

Crop Sciences - Total: 31

• Major: Crop Sciences - 31

Food Science and Human Nutrition - Total: 117

• Major: Food Science and Human Nutrition - 117

Human and Community Development - Total: 71

• Major: Ag and Environmental Communications and Education - 14
• Major: Human Development and Family Studies - 57

Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences - Total: 75

• Major: Horticulture - 22
• Major: Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences - 53

Congratulations to the Class of 2008!

Poultry Farm Recognized

According to Rural Builder Magazine, Energy Panel Structures (EPS), who helped manufacture the buildings and answer questions to build a state-of-the-art poultry facility at the University of Illinois, received the SIPA Livestock Building of the Year Award at the Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) annual meeting held in New Orleans in March.

New FREE E-mail Forwarding for Alumni

Chancellor Richard Herman recently announced that our online networking community, Always Illinois, now features e-mail forwarding. All members of the Always Illinois community can customize an @alumni.illinois.edu address, providing long-term consistency and connectivity. It's also a great way to network with family, friends, and colleagues.

If you haven't already, the alumni association urges you to sign up for Always Illinois online.

Our exciting networking community is a free benefit to all Illinois alumni, students, faculty, and staff. Always Illinois offers all the basic functions of a social network with added levels of security and privacy. To join and strengthen your ties to our great Illinois family, visit www.alwaysillinois.org.

**Always Illinois and e-mail forwarding are free services provided by the University of Illinois Alumni Association and the Office of the Chancellor.

Printers Row Book Fair - June 7-8, 2008

Sponsor/Host: University of Illinois Alumni Association, University of Illinois Press, Illini Union Bookstore, and Dalkey Archive Press
The Alumni Association is collaborating with the University of Illinois Library, University of Illinois Press, the Illini Union Bookstore, and Dalkey Archive Press at the Printers Row Book Fair June 7-8 in Chicago. These four publishing-related units will be together under one tent to display and sell recent books, host author signings, and promote university unity.

The Printers Row Book Fair was founded in 1985 by the Near South Planning Board to attract visitors to the Printers Row neighborhood. By 2002, it had grown to five city blocks (on Dearborn, from Congress to Polk), attracting more than 190 booksellers from across the country displaying new, used, and antiquarian books and featuring seven stages with more than 90 free literary programs. It is considered the largest free outdoor literary event in the Midwest, drawing more than 100,000 book lovers to the two-day showcase.

Dates: Saturday & Sunday, June 7-8, 2008
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Printers Row neighborhood (Dearborn and Polk), Chicago
Contact: Lynn Chaney, 217-333-3597 or email: lmchaney@illinois.edu
URL:www.chicagotribune.com/about/custom/events/printersrow
Fee: Free