May 24, 2007
Business college recognizes donors
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The society was founded in honor of the first business dean at SIUC. New as well as existing members who advanced to new levels of giving have made major gifts to the college since the last induction, held in 2005.
Contributors receive a bronze, silver or gold medallion that corresponds to their level of giving. Each framed medallion features a sculpted bust of the former dean. The medallions were designed by Tom Gatlin, who received his bachelor's degree in drawing and master of fine arts in sculpture from SIUC. They were cast at the SIUC Foundry by Thomas Peters, a graduate student in art.
Rehn Society members, announced every other year, received their medallions at a black-tie affair at Mary's Restaurant in Herrin.
During the ceremony, Dean J. Dennis Cradit listed improvements to the college made possible by gifts from the new and advancing members, including nine new scholarship funds; an endowed chair, professorship and faculty fellowship; a campaign leadership gift; funding for innovation; and mobile learning.
"Rehn Society members are among a distinguished group of individuals who have demonstrated a genuine commitment to academic excellence," said Cradit. "Their generosity allows us to fulfill our mission of providing an uncompromising delivery of student services and top-notch programs."
Contributors who advanced to a new level were:
• Herb and Barbara Shear advanced to gold distinguished patrons. Herb and Barbara are founding members of the society. Herb, a 1970 SIUC graduate in marketing, is president and CEO of GENCO Distribution System and is active on the board of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Barbara is active on the boards of the Rodef Shalom Temple and the Pittsburgh Symphony Association. They have made the Herb and Barbara Shear Campaign Leadership gift.
• F. Lynn and Susan F. McPheeters advanced to silver distinguished patrons. Lynn, a 1964 SIUC graduate in accounting, is the retired vice president and CFO at Caterpillar, after a distinguished 40-year career. Susan is a community volunteer. Their gifts have helped fund the F. Lynn and Susan F. McPheeters College of Business Leadership Chair Endowment.
• Gordon and Sharon Teel advanced to silver distinguished members. Gordon, a 1966 SIUC graduate in accounting, is the chairman, president and CEO of Georgian Bancorporation Inc. and Georgian Bank. Sharon graduated from SIUC in 1965. She is active with her family and various community and charitable organizations. Their gifts have helped fund the Gordon and Sharon Teel Professor of Finance Endowment.
• Marvin K. and Melanie K. Kaiser advanced to bronze benefactors. Marvin, a 1963 SIUC graduate in accounting, is the retired chief administrative officer of Doe Run Resources Corp. and currently provides consulting services to the natural resources industry. Melanie is a retired sales representative, currently providing interior decorating services as well as antique sales. Their gifts have helped fund the Kaiser Family Scholarship Endowment.
• Kenneth J. and Jacqueline M. Hull advanced to bronze benefactors. Ken, a 1958 SIUC graduate in accounting, is the retired chairman, president and CEO of Follet Corp. Both Ken and Jacqueline are committed to assisting students achieve the highest level of education possible. Their gifts have helped fund the Kenneth J. and Jacqueline M. Hull Illinois CPA Society Accounting Scholarship Endowment.
• George William "Bill" and Barbara Jean Beck advanced to bronze sponsors. Bill, a 1970 SIUC graduate in accounting, is the president and CEO of Beck Bus Transportation. Barbara, a 1971 SIUC graduate in elementary education, is a retired school teacher. Their gifts have helped fund the Bill and Barbara Beck Accounting Scholarship Endowment.
• William A. and Elwanda Fenwick advanced to bronze sponsors. Bill, a 1964 SIUC graduate in marketing, is one of the founding partners of Fenwick & West LLP. Elwanda attended SIUC from 1961 to 1964, and is a leader in her community. Their gifts have helped fund the Center for Innovation and Mobile Learning.
• Lawrence A. Luebbers advanced to bronze sponsors. Larry, a 1980 SIUC graduate in accounting, is a partner of Deloitte Tax LLP. His gifts have helped fund the Lawrence A. Luebbers School of Accountancy Endowment.
Contributors inducted into the society were:
• Gus and Debra Smith were inducted as gold distinguished patrons. Gus, a 1979 SIUC graduate in finance, is the retired regional managing partner of Accenture. Debra is a leader in her community. Their gift established the Gus and Debra Smith Undergraduate Student Advancement Endowment Fund.
• Roger and Sally Tedrick were inducted as bronze sponsors. Roger, a 1970 SIUC graduate in political science, is the owner of Tedrick Insurance Agency, Inc. and is the chair of the SIU Board of Trustees. Sally, a 1973 SIUC graduate in elementary education, is a leader in her community. Their gift established the Roger and Sally Tedrick Saluki Student Investment Fund Scholarship Endowment.
• Frederick and Ellen Chiu were inducted as bronze members. Frederick, a 1972 SIUC graduate in accounting, is executive vice president of Mw Polar. Ellen is a leader in her community. Their gift established the Frederick and Ellen Chiu Scholarship for Chinese Business Students.
• Jeffrey M. and Angela M. Kottkamp were inducted as bronze members. Jeffrey, a 1983 SIUC graduate in accounting, is a partner of Deloitte & Touche LLP. Angela is the "CEO of the Kottkamp household," she said. Their gift helped fund the Deloitte & Touche Faculty Fellowship Endowment.
• Mickey and Diane Levitt were inducted as bronze members. Mickey, a 1961 SIUC graduate in accounting, is the CEO of Consolidated Foam, Inc. Diane is a personal trainer and an aerobics instructor. Their gift established the Mickey and Diane Levitt Business Scholarship Endowment.
• Richard A. and Judy Navarre were inducted as bronze members. Richard, a 1982 SIUC graduate in accounting, is the CFO and executive vice president of corporate development for Peabody Energy Corp. Judy is a leader in her community. Their gift established the Richard A. Navarre College of Business Scholarship Endowment.
• John Myers Renfro was inducted as a bronze member. A 1982 SIUC graduate in management, John is vice president of human resources for the Imaging and Printing Group of Hewlett Packard Co., and previously served as the senior vice president and chief human resources officer of The Walt Disney Co. His gift supported the College of Business Dean's Excellence Fund.
• Joseph Ka Wai was inducted as a bronze member. Joe, a 1969 SIUC graduate in accounting, founded and is now retired from Orbit Semiconductor Inc. His gift helped support the College of Business Dean's Club Fund.
• Greg and Pat White were inducted as bronze members. Greg is the chair of the Department of Management at SIUC. Pat, a 1977 SIUC graduate in animal science, is the assistant director of nursing at the Carbondale Clinic. Their gift established the Greg and Pat White MBA Scholarship Endowment.
Caption: New members – J. Dennis Cradit, dean of SIUC’s College of Business and Administration, poses with Henry J. Rehn Society members: Front row (from left) – Debra Smith, Pat White, Melanie Kaiser, Diane Levitt, Barbara Beck; back row – Gus Smith, Greg White, Marvin Kaiser, Dennis Cradit, Mickey Levitt, Bill Beck, Ken Hull.
Photo provided