The Heights

Welcome to the third issue of The Heights, our alumnae on-line newsletter.  In this issue you'll find more information about the great adventures and events in the lives of our fellow sisters.  If you'd like to include information about an upcoming event in your life, please feel free to email us at axupsilon@gmail.com

We'd like to report that Upsilon currently has 56 active sisters that belong to our chapter!  Looking to increase membership this winter through Formal Recruitment, we'd like your help during the week of January 25, 2009!  Alums can help set up food, work the coat check room, clean-up after parties and ensure that all the nitty gritty details go smoothly during this stressful week for our actives! If you are interested in more information about this opportunity, please contact Chapter Advisor Sarah Miller at millerlastof8@yahoo.com.

• Mu Xi Mu would like to congratulate Celene (McDonald) Watkins on her recent addition to her family.  Daughter Elise Nicole was born on October 10, 2008 and joined big brother Luke, 6, and sister Maria, 4.  Celene currently lives in Grand Rapids, MI with her family.

•  Paula (Prehn) Williams and husband Lyn will soon be welcoming an addition to their family in 2009.

• Marjory (Clements) Rudiak welcomed a double bundle of joy on August 15, 2008.  Elspeth and Oliver were welcomed by big brother Luke, 3.

(Marjory Rudiak)

• Casey Turnipseed '05 is currently working for the Illinois Valley YMCA as the Health and Wellness Director.  Casey received her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science in 2005 from Millikin. In addition to her professional achievements, Casey has been particpating in bodybuilding competitions and was recently named the Women's Lightweight Bodybuilding Division 3rd place winner in 2008. Her athleticism led her to participate in the Chicago Marathon in 2005, 2006, 2007 and has been a medal recipient each year. Leisurely, Casey participates in competitions with her Quarter Horse Mare named Snazzy and her Paint Horse Gelding named Wyatt. Casey was named the 2008 Novice-Amateur Division Champion for the state of Illinois in the Illinois Paint Horse Association. Congrats Casey!

(Casey Turnipseed)

• Theresa Wike '05 recently became engaged to fiance, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Alum, Chris Black '05 on August 13, 2008. Additionally, the couple will be participating in their first ever Christie Clinic half maration in Champaign, IL and will be working with Team in Training and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Chris will be a participant in the race and Theresa will be mentoring 20 runners from the Central Illinois area.  She plans on including a lyre on her jersey. Way to PACE Theresa!

(Theresa Wike and fiance Chris Black)

• Julia Rush '05 recently started a new job at Momentum Worldwide as an Interactive Art Director in St. Louis, MO.  She recently purchased a house and is currently working on remodeling it.  Julia has also started her own company that stemmed from freelance work she has conducted in the past.  Her company is named Paper2Pixel.

• Kelly O'Connor '08 participated in the White Coat Ceremony at Midwestern University in recognition of her participation in the school's Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program.

• Elizabeth Sheridan '05 and fiance, Sigma Alpha Epsilon alum, Chris Arno '05 are currently planning a March 28, 2009 wedding. Congrats Elizabeth!

It is with great sadness that we bid our fellow Upsilon sister, Linda Thomas '60, goodbye. Linda, formerly of Decatur, passed away at her home in Fountain Valley, CA on September 1, 2008. Linda was born on September 19, 1939 and married Roger Thomas in 1961. Upon graduation from Millikin University, she was very active in the alumnae group for Alpha Chi Omega, in chapters in Kentucky and California. Linda was also a key force behind the establishment of the Epsilon Psi chapter of Alpha Chi Omega at the University of California at Irvine.

Surviving Linda is her husband; son, Jon; and daughters Karen and Laura; and brother Richard Stivers of Normal. A memorial service was held in her honor on September 20th in Mt. Pulaski.