Alumni Updates
1978 Alums
Maddie (Singler) Kelly, 1978
Connection to Campus Recreation:
Worked and played Campus Rec all 4 years. Loved every minute!
Favorite Campus Rec Memory:
There are so many it's hard to pick one! I loved working at IMPE and still have dreams that I'm still working there. I hate to wake up!! One of my fondest memories is of winning the all campus co-rec softball championship. Although I was pre title 9 in grammar school and high school, Campus Rec allowed us to play all the sports. My favorites were volleyball and flag football. IMPE's indoor pool is my all time favorite workout facility and I try and get my laps in every time I'm back on campus. (Can't wait until it
opens again). I'm sad to see the tennis courts go because that was another great memory for me. Play an hour of tennis and then cool off in the outdoor pool. Life was grand, and Campus Rec was probably the best part of my college experience!!
What's New with You:
I stayed in my field and have now been the director of the Oak Lawn Park District for 12 years. My daughter graduated in RST two years ago and my son is going into senior year in Kinies. We're all loyal Illini and are devastated by the Chief!!!
Joyce (Bartczak) Waskelo, 1978
Connection to Campus Recreation:
Employee
Favorite Campus Rec Memory:
Worked as a “guard” at the Ice Rink for a few years and played intramural racquetball.
1974 Alums
Cynthia Watson Veronda, 1974
Connection to Campus Recreation:
Student Employee
Favorite Campus Rec Memory:
I was thrilled to see the article about Tony Clements, who has earned his retirement. Thirty-three years ago, I had the privilege of working under Tony’s guidance at IMPE. His smile was infectious, as was his energy. What he doesn’t know is the importance of IMPE in my life ...
While working at IMPE, behind the court reservation desk, a handsome young man came in to seek a refund for money lost in the pop machine. He recognized my name and face, as “someone he should know”. We met, and as the saying goes, “The rest is history”! Bill Veronda (Business ‘73) and I (LAS ’74) have been married for 28 years! To think that it all started over a lost quarter at IMPE! As parents of three, we are hoping that our youngest chooses the U of I to further her education.
1969 Alums
Alan Chapman, 1969
Connection to Campus Recreation:
Sophomore IM Manager 1966-67, Junior IM Manager 1967-68, Senior IM Manager 1968-69
Active participant in many IM activities 1965-69
Employee (basketball official and equipment room) 1966-68
Favorite Campus Rec Memory:
I have great memories of road trips to other Big 10 facilities during the planning stages of the IMPE Building. The facility was constructed after I graduated. IM basketball in Huff Gym, soccer out on Lincoln and Kirby, 16" softball at First and Kirby, volleyball in the Men's Old Gym, and tennis on the Huff Gym courts were all very important parts of my Illini experience. The IM office was always a great place to gather, with friendly people all interested in developing, administering and maintaining a great IM program for the entire University community.
What's New with You:
I returned to my hometown, Normal, IL, after graduation and served as an educator in the Unit 5 schools for thirty-five years. My wife and I are now both retired educators, enjoying our adult children and our grandchildren. Our daughter and younger son both graduated from the University of Illinois, and all of us remain loyal Illini fans.
1958 Alums
Daniel A. Damon, 1958
Connection to Campus Recreation:
IM Manager