Young Alumni Council Directory

Rachel Shaffer '17

Colin Bonnett ‘19

Marissa Alcala ‘20

she/her
Oak Forest, IL.
Graduate Student and Intern at Riveredge Hospital
IWU Major: Psychology
IWU Activities: Alpha Phi Omega, Bent on Success, Circle K, Colleges Against Cancer, Fraternity and Sorority Programming Board, Kappa Delta, Psychology Department Diversity Advisory Committee, Senior Class Committee, Autism Social Group, Research Experience with Faculty, Admission Office Intern, IWU Mental Health Immersion Semester, Titan Ambassador, Teaching Assistant
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? I joined the Young Alumni Council because I wanted to help make an impact at IWU. I want to be an ambassador for current students about to be alumni and for alumni to reconnect to IWU.
What advice do you have for other young alumni? Reach out to alumni. Engaging with other Titans can help with networking and is a great way to learn more about life after college.

Clay Anderson ‘23

he/him
Los Angeles, CA.
Financial Sponsors Group Analyst at J.P. Morgan
IWU Major: Finance
IWU Activities: Men’s Soccer, Investment Banking Scholars Club, Investments and Trading Club, Theta Chi, Interfraternal Council, Golf Club
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? I wanted to be able to offer my time and resources to students the same way alumni have done for me.
What advice do you have for other young alumni? Internships and leadership roles are great ways to gain unique experiences that stand out on a student’s resume.

John (J.D.) Barrett ‘23

he/him
Chicago, IL.
Community Development Management Analyst for Village of Tinley Park, IL.
IWU Major: Business Administration
IWU Activities: Cross Country, Track & Field, Student Senate
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? I joined the Young Alumni Council to give back to a community that has given me so much. I hope to be a source of wisdom and growth, contributing in any way I can.
What advice do you have for other young alumni? IWU has a robust network of individuals who are eager to see you succeed. Make sure you're tapping into those networks!

Mishwa Bhavsar ‘23

she/her
St. Louis, MO.
Software Engineer at Mastercard
IWU Major: Computer Science
IWU Activities: Student Senate, Associate for Computing Machinery, NSLS, Senior Class Committee, TSO
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? IWU has provided me with incredible opportunities and experience and without alums that wouldn't have been possible. Therefore, I want to give back to IWU students by being part of the Council.
What advice do you have for other young alumni? The strong alumni network of IWU is a big support system for new graduates, who are trying to find their way through the transition between college and working full-time. Therefore, I would like to continue that and make connections.

Amanda Bonavida ‘22

she/her
Ventura, CA.
Planner for Ventura County
IWU Major: Environmental Studies
IWU Activities: AGD, Sierra Student Coalition
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? I joined the Young Alumni Council to be a helping hand in the uncertainty that is life post-graduation. Being an out of state student, it was difficult to make connections to alumni outside of Illinois. I would like to become one that young alumni can rely on for guidance and advice, even if they aspire to move outside of Illinois.
What advice do you have for other young alumni? Don't put so much pressure on yourself to figure things out right out of college. Lining up a job straight after graduation is not a reflection of the hard work and dedication you put in the past four years. Some good things take time and patience, especially in this job climate.

Davida Boron ‘20

she/her
Chicago, IL.
Domestic Violence Caseload Officer for Cook County Probation Department
IWU Major: Psychology
IWU Activities: Track & Field, BSU, SALSA, Club Volleyball, Women of Color, Student Senate, MALANA, Pre-O
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? I joined YAC to continue to help those students on campus in need. I knew how hard it was for me on campus and when I met alumni that I could connect to, it made the campus a little better for me. I want to show the students what a successful Student of Color from IWU looks like now. 
What advice do you have for other young alumni? Think about the positive change you can bring to your campus. Understand your experience so that you can make it better for the next.

Paige Buschman '17

Bloomington, IL
Associate Director of the Center for Civic Engagement at Illinois State University
IWU Major: Sociology
IWU Activities: President of IWU Pride Alliance 2013-2017, IWU SafeZone Committee Chairperson, Mentor for Illinois Wesleyan University Engaging Diversity Pre-Orientation, Illinois Wesleyan All University Judiciary Committee, Illinois Wesleyan Intercultural Fluency Committee, Council of Inclusion and Awareness
Why advice do you have for other young alumni? Be the alum you would have liked to or could have benefitted from connecting with and being mentored by when *you* were a student.

Nick Castellanos ‘15

he/him
Chicago, IL.
Working Actor and Account Manager at Cristaux International
IWU Major: Acting
IWU Activities: Quickies Sketch, Jm7* Improv Troupe
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? I wanted to connect and meet other alumni as I continue to grow in my career. I loved my time at IWU - I found my artistic voice, met my future wife, and built so many incredible friendships. I want to make sure there is space for others to do that in the future.
What advice do you have for other young alumni? Lean on your people and don’t be afraid to reach out. Wesleyan has a ton of great resources!

Jamie (Kreppein) Chien ‘18

she/her
Chicago, IL.
Film/Events Producer for RM. 19 Productions
IWU Major: Theater and English-Writing
IWU Activities: School of Theater Arts - Quickies, Masquers
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? Connect with the larger alum community and assist with mentorship opportunities for recent grads and current students.

Cameron (McKee) Contreras ‘17

she/her
Boston, MA.
Design Research Lead at CannonDesign and Doctoral Student at Harvard University
IWU Major: Psychology and Environmental Studies
IWU Activities: NAMI on Campus, Dance Team, Alpha Kappa Psi, Alpha Phi Omega, Cohesion Dance Company, Student Sierra Club, IWU Dog Labs
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? The experiences afforded by IWU significantly influenced my personal and professional development paths. I want to help current and future students in the same way that IWU helped me.
What advice do you have for other young alumni? Never underestimate the impact of your surroundings. At IWU, I was able to immerse myself in a variety of surroundings that provided rich opportunities to grow. Now I’m dedicated to studying the impact our surroundings have on us and ways to harness these phenomena to improve the lives of others.

Jessica Hart ‘23

she/her
Barrington Hills, IL.
ICU Registered Nurse at Northwest Community Hospital
IWU Major: Nursing
IWU Activities: ORL Resident Assistant, IDEA Center Student Worker, Sodexo Student Worker
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? To build new connections and be a support for current IWU students and recent graduates.
What advice do you have for other young alumni? Step out of your comfort zone and see what opportunities come from it. Never give up and continue to strive to be the best version of yourself every day.

Mackenzie (Marquis) Hoekstra ‘18

Bloomington, IL.
Registered Nurse with OSF Healthcare
IWU Major: Nursing
IWU Activities: Softball, Student Nurses Association, Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? IWU has given me so much so I wanted to give back!
What advice do you have for other young alumni? Keep in touch with others! You never know when you will come across another fellow alum!

Matt Hohmann ‘14

Chicago, IL.
Director, Production Services at Production Resource Group (PRG)
IWU Major: Theater Design and Technology
IWU Activities: Sigma Pi, Theatre
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? I joined the Young Alumni Council to stay involved in happenings related to the University, to network, and to give back.
What advice do you have for other young alumni? Take advantage of the professional network of other Illinois Wesleyan alumni. Meeting other alums at events may lead to your next job, sale, or new group of friends.

Raven Hughes ‘21

she/her
Urbana, IL.
Insurance Underwriter at State Farm
IWU Major: Accounting
IWU Activities: Basketball, BSU, CAB
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? I wish I did more during my time at IWU and I feel like my involvement was cut short due to COVID. It's a blessing to have this opportunity because I am able to share my love for IWU and help the current students connect and engage through different opportunities. 
What advice do you have for other young alumni? Get involved in as many things as you can. College goes by faster than you would expect.

Jackson Joyce ‘23

he/him
Chicago, IL.
Offensive Line Coach at Concordia University Chicago
IWU Major: History
IWU Activities: Tau Kappa Epsilon, Football, SAAC
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? I want to give back to the University who made me who I am today.
What advice do you have for other young alumni? Enjoy your life when you can, you will be working for a long time, so make time for friends and family.

Amanda King ‘15

she/her
Los Angeles, CA.
Senior Associate, Programs at TRC
IWU Major: Environmental Studies
IWU Activities: Alpha Gamma Delta, Cheerleading, IWU Peace Garden
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? I have enjoyed being on the Council since its inception and am excited at the opportunity to continue connecting with fellow alums and sharing with current students what a Wesleyan education can offer.
What advice do you have for other young alumni? Follow your curiosities, take the leaps of faith, and trust yourself along the way.

Bob Ladd ‘19

he/him
St. Louis, MO.
Client Benefit Manager at Alight Solutions
IWU Major: Psychology and Economics
IWU Activities: Music, Intervarsity, Student Senate, ORL
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? To be connected and help connect others.
What advice do you have for other young alumni? The resources available to us through the University don’t stop at graduation. It’s a great idea to stay connected.

Skylar Le Vine ‘20

Chicago, IL.
Commercial Banking Relationship Manager at Fifth Third Bank
IWU Major: Finance
IWU Activities: Theta Chi, Golf Team
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? To connect with other young alumni and give back to IWU in any way possible.
What advice do you have for other young alumni? Use the fantastic IWU alumni to their advantage!

Johanna “Josie” Linman ‘15

she/her
Manteno, IL.
Director of Operations & Next Generation Owner of Linman Family McDonald’s Franchise
IWU Major: Interdisciplinary Educational Studies
IWU Activities: Tennis Team, Sigma Kappa, Alpha Phi Omega, Order of the Omega, Panhellenic Council, Pride Alliance, Tommy the Titan Mascot
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? I was flattered someone referred to me as young, but mainly I joined to make a positive impact on the IWU community I feel so grateful to have been a part of throughout college.
What advice do you have for other young alumni? Keep in touch with your IWU friends and professors because those relationships last beyond your graduation date!

Chaunta Love-Crosby ‘16

she/her
Houston, TX.
Mental Health Therapist at BES Group & Associates, The Innermind
IWU Major: Psychology 
IWU Activities: Autism Social Group, BSU, SEP
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? I joined in order to provide support, encouragement, and to give back to students that may be struggling to see what their future holds. I especially joined to connect with other Students of Color because it can be a challenge imagining what the other side of IWU holds, but when you can see it then it is that much closer.
What advice do you have for other young alumni? Stay connected, network, take every opportunity to stay connected with your faculty, staff, and peers.

Michael Mannix ‘18

Chicago, IL.
Vice President, Healthcare Practice at Marsh McLennan
IWU Major: Financial Services
IWU Activities: Global Business Brigades, Mortar Board National Honor Society, Baseball
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? IWU has had an immensely positive impact on my life and I wanted to stay engaged with the University and help give back as an alumni.
What advice do you have for other young alumni? I would encourage young alumni to remain involved with the University after they graduate. IWU presents many opportunities to remain engaged with other alumni and current students, which can allow you to further your bond with classmates and strengthen the University as a whole

Marina (Johnson) Moore ‘17

she/her
Moline, IL.
Auditor for the U.S. Army
IWU Major: Accounting
IWU Activities: Kappa Delta, Tennis
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? IWU has given me so much and I want to give back as much as I can.
What advice do you have for other young alumni? The path that you’re traveling on has been paved with many kindnesses along the way. As often as you’re able to, return that kindness to others. Be it a smile, a kind word, or a donation, it is good to give back as often as you’re able to.

Brian Jeffrey Nelms ‘16

Arlington Heights, IL.
Co-Owner of Fitness Team, Inc.
IWU Major: Economics and Business Management
IWU Activities: Men’s Basketball, Men’s Tennis, FCA
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? I joined to help give back to the University alongside other alumni.
What advice do you have for other young alumni? My advice would be to work hard, be curious, and above all, be a great person.

Faith Patton ‘22

she/her
Bloomington, IL.
Care Center Specialist at State Farm
IWU Major: History and Creative Writing
IWU Activities: Kappa Delta
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? I worked at the Alumni Engagement Office as a student worker all four years at Wesleyan and I saw all the amazing opportunities they provided for the alumni community. Now I'm excited to keep connected as a young alumni myself!
What advice do you have for other young alumni? Don't be afraid to be active in the IWU community after graduation. Go to a baseball game or attend homecoming or see a theater production at Presser Hall!

Melissa Ramirez-Osorio ‘14

she/her/ella
Bloomington, IL.
Academic Advisor, Recruiter, and Student Success Coach at Illinois State University
IWU Major: Psychology
IWU Activities: SALSA
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? I would love to give back and be a connection for current and prospective Latina students.
What advice do you have for other young alumni? For my Black and Latina women, don't make yourself small! Your culture and knowledge are your biggest resource, use it to elevate your time at IWU!

Sam Rose ‘18

Chicago, IL.
President of Rose Insurance Group
IWU Major: Business Administration
IWU Activities: Sigma Chi, Football (Freshman Year)
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? Realized that I have gotten out of contact with the people I liked and cared about for so long. Figured this would be a good way to help build the community in Chicago again.
What advice do you have for other young alumni? Make jokes and take risks. Life is more fun that way.

Katie Rothas ‘14

she/her
Green Island, NY.
Dental Director at Whitney M. Young Health
IWU Major: Hispanic Studies
IWU Activities: Kappa Delta, Track & Field, Student Ambassador, Help@Ames Student Manager & Performer in Faculty Choreographed Dance Concert
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? I joined the IWU Alumni Council because I wanted to remain connected to Illinois Wesleyan in a meaningful way beyond simply donating money back to the institution. I wanted to be able to connect with alumni and recent students and bring them together in new and innovative ways.
What advice do you have for other young alumni? As a recent graduate it's never too early to give, but you don't have to always give financially. You can "pay-it-forward" to current and future Titans by volunteering to write letters to admitted students, hosting students for summer or semester-long internships, and serving on a virtual or in-person career panel. Connecting with fellow alumni, current, and future Titans is always a rewarding experience and you can find ways to do so no matter what time zone life takes you.

Oscar Schmidt ‘20

he/him
Bloomington, IL.
Research Chemist at Archer Daniels Midland
IWU Major: Biology
IWU Activities: Men's Swimming & Diving, Student Athletic Advisory Committee, Sierra Student Coalition, Turning Titan
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? I want to help other recent and soon-to-be graduates adjust to post-academic life.
What advice do you have for other young alumni? Don't be afraid to say yes to an opportunity even if it seems like something you haven't prepared yourself for.

Jack Sampson ‘19

he/him
Chicago, IL.
Associate, Investments Controlling at RWE Clean Energy
IWU Major: Accounting and Finance
IWU Activities: Men’s Lacrosse, Accounting Society, Titan Orientation Leader, Alpha Phi Omega Service Group
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? I enjoyed being a Titan Orientation Leader (TOL) during my time at IWU and I figured this would be a good way to continue providing support to the IWU community.
What advice do you have for other young alumni? Stay active in the IWU community and try to maintain the relationships you built while in school. 

Zachary Taylor ‘15

he/him
Wheaton, IL.
Director of Bands at Naperville North High School
IWU Major: Music Education
IWU Activities: Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, Orchestra, Titan Band, Jazz Ensemble
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? I joined because I want to help graduating seniors transition into continued education at an institution that I believe in.
What advice do you have for other young alumni? Try to be involved and stay in touch with friends.

Daniel Truesdale ‘15

Chicago, IL.
Associate Director of Enrollment Management at the University of Chicago
IWU Major: Economics and Political Science
IWU Activities: Baseball
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? I truly want to give back to IWU, since I enjoyed all four years at IWU. Also, working within higher education I am in a unique situation to provide guidance for continued studies and/or work within the "real" world.
What advice do you have for other young alumni? It is okay if your journey after IWU is not linear, mine wasn't. Be ready to try different adventures, fail at some, but then grow and succeed in others. Also, always remember to have fun along the way!

Katie Vogler ‘22

she/her
Hudson, IL.
Education Coordinator at Ecology Action Center
IWU Major: Biology
IWU Activities: Track & Field, Biology Club, Study Abroad (Denmark), Lead Residential Community Advisor
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? I want to make IWU a more sustainable and enjoyable place for current and incoming students.
What advice do you have for other young alumni? Just because you graduated doesn't mean that there is no longer a home at IWU. Stay connected and strive to make other's experiences as good or better than your own.

Becca Wagner ‘21

she/her
Normal, IL.
Director of Sports at Bloomington-Normal YMCA
IWU Major: Elementary Education
IWU Activities: Softball, Student Education Association
Why did you join the Young Alumni Council? The ability to give back to the University that gave me so much.
What advice do you have for other young alumni? It is okay to completely change your career path for something that brings you more joy!