Alumni Profiles
Richard Condrey
Hometown: Glen Carbon, IL
Graduation Information
Bachelors: 1959 University of Illinois, General Agriculture
Masters: 1967 Indiana State University, Education
SpEd: 1988 Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Supervision and Administration
Work Information
Company: Retired, Alton School District
Years Worked: 1962-1994
- U.S. Army 1959-1961
- Swift and Co. 1961-62
- Hardinville School District 1962-1965
- Robinson School District 1965-1968
- Alton School District 1968-1994
How did you obtain your job?
Networking, application, interviews.
What do you enjoy most about your position?
I am now retired from education, but the one thing i enjoyed most was the positive influence I exhibited toward young children. IN the process i met a large number of great teachers and administrators. Most of these people were at the local level, but contacts with those at the state and national levels were very beneficial.
What advice can you provide current students seeking a career in this field?
Prepare yourself to the best of your abilities. Develop an attitude for life long learning. Periodically evaluate the progress in your career.
Achievements
- Illinois State Board of Education Award of Merit, ACUD #11 Extra Mile Award, Superintendent Award
- Prairie State Games Volunteer of the Year 2002, inducted into Hall of Fame 2003
- Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame 1997
College of ACES
What was your favorite ACES class and why?
I was very lucky because I still remember four classes that I really liked. The professors were experts in their field, presented the material in an interesting way, provided a syllabus at the beginning of the semester and also stated what we were to be responsible for learning.
How do you feel the College of ACES prepared you for your future?
A variety of subject material and hands on projects in my field of interest.
What advice would you give current students while a student in the College of ACES?
- Network with as many people that you can
- Volunteer as much as your schedule allows
- Maintain a high grade point
- Become very skilled in your field
- Stay current in technology usage
- Participate in an internship
University of Illinois
Why did you choose to come to the University of Illinois and College of ACES?
I wanted a degree in agriculture. I was influenced by my father and high school AG teacher.
What is your favorite memory on campus?
Aside from attending class, I remember the long walk from where I lived to the Stock Pavilion (in the winter it was brutal).
What activities were you involved in on campus?
Charter member of Hoof 'n' Horn and Block and Bridle intramural basketball and ROTC