Homecoming & Events

Homecoming & Family Weekend

October 4-5, 2024

Registration is for Homecoming 2024 is coming soon! This event promises to be a grand celebration of the Judson community. We look forward to recognizing the accomplishments of our alumni as well as the following Alumni anniversary years: 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019. 

Homecoming & Family Weekend 2024 Schedule

Friday, October 4 Events

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM  —Herrick Chapel and livestream

Speaker: Robb Davidson ’08

Musicians:

  • Huntley Brown ’88 & the Judson University Choir

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11:15 AM – 12:30 PM — Betty Lindner Commons, Dining Hall 

$10.15 Alumni Rate

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12:00 PM – 2:00 PM–HWAC 217

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM — Various Locations on Campus

  • RISE Alumni Panel- Alumni Room, University Center
  • Draewell Gallery- Harm A. Weber Academic Center
  • Open House at Jeanette Hsieh’s home (1328 Wauchope Dr.)

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3:00 PM – 4:00 PM — Thompson Hall, Thulin Auditorium 

Hear the State of the University from Judson University President, Dr. Gene Crume, and have the opportunity to ask questions. Anniversary classes will meet afterwards to connect with one another.

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4:00 PM – 5:00 PM — Thompson Hall, Thulin-115-116-Lobby  (In-Person event)

Join us as we recognize the following Graduation years and invite them to mingle with their peers!

  • 1969– 55 year Anniversary
  • 1974– 50 year Anniversary
  • 1979– 45 year Anniversary
  • 1984– 40 year Anniversary
  • 1989– 35 year Anniversary
  • 1994– 30 year Anniversary
  • 1999– 25 year Anniversary
  • 2004– 20 year Anniversary
  • 2009– 15 year Anniversary
  • 2014– 10 year Anniversary
  • 2019– 5 year Anniversary

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Saturday, October 5 Events

8:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Join the Judson Women’s Cross Country team for a campus 5k and one mile walk!

  • Registration starts at 8:00 AM
  • Race starts at 9:00 AM

Register online here!

Registration is $15.00 per person

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM — Alumni Room, University Center

Join us for coffee, donuts, a  virtual campus tour and good fellowship with other JU alumni!

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9:00 AM – 11:00 AM– Lindner Fitness Center, Dawson Field, Hoffer Field, Softball Field

  • Men’s Soccer Alumni Game (please note different time: 8:00 am-10:00 am)
  • Women’s Soccer Alumni Game
  • Softball Alumni Game & Homerun Derby
  • Men’s Volleyball Alumni Game (please note different time: 10:00 am-12:00 pm)

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11:30 AM – 1:30 PM –  Lindner Tower, Reed Room  * Must Register and Pay in Advance through Eventbrite- $30

  • Josh Edwards ’12
  • 1998-1999 Women’s Basketball Team
    • Sheryl Bianchin (Jedd) ’02
    • Samantha Collins ’00
    • Dawn Gomilla (Waldron) ’99
    • Krista Heartwell ’02
    • Heather Johnson (Kusch) ’00
    • Meghan Johnson (McCarty) ’01
    • Leah Mills (Sertich) ’02
    • Rachael Patterson (Damschroder) ’02
    • Shawna Sipes (Jensen) ’02
    • Jodie Sutton (Baker) ’02
    • Meghan Watson (Dunn) ’00

View online (presentations will begin at 12:00) at: www.facebook.com/JudsonU/ (Live) or www.youtube.com/user/JudsonBlueCrew (Post Event)

11:30 AM – 1:30 PM –  Lindner Tower, Back Lawn  

Join Judson’s RISE Students, Alumni, RISE Advisors, and families for fun, food, and fellowship together!

Road to Independent Living, Spiritual Formation, and Employment

The RISE Program is Judson’s 2-year certificate program  providing students with intellectual disabilities the college life experience in a Christian community and build upon strengths for independent living and customized employment.

If you plan to attend this event, please RSVP to Alyssa Mitchell at [email protected] with the number of people attending as well as any food restrictions by Friday, September 27.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM-  Betty Lindner Commons, Dining Hall

$10.15 Alumni Rate

Register Now

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM-  Dawson Field

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM-  Lindner Fitness Center

4:00 PM-5:00 PM — Streamwood High School, Football Stadium (701 W Schaumburg Rd)
Pre-Register online – Price $20 per person (limited quantity available)
Enjoy dinner and fellowship with the Judson Community prior to the game!

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5:00 PM – 7:30 PM – Streamwood High School- 701 W Schaumburg Rd, Streamwood, IL 60107

Tickets:

  •  Adults- $10.00
  • JU Alumni & non- Judson Students- $7.00
  • JU Students, Faculty, and Staff- FREE

Watch online at: judsoneagles.com/youtube

Pregame:

  •  Alumni/Student National Anthem (Alumni interested in singing with members of the JU Choir can email Warren Anderson at [email protected] for more information)
  • Color Guard – recognition of military

Halftime:         

  • Recognition of Alumni & Family Weekend
  • Hall of Fame & Alumni Award Winners
  • Homecoming Court

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Congratulations to our 2024 Distinguished Alumni

Robb Davidson graduated from Judson University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Communications. Prior to graduating, Robb began his own photography business, Robb Davidson Photography in 2007. Regarded as “the people photographer” Robb has impacted the lives of countless people through his work, capturing the moments that matter at special events, weddings, celebrations, and creating lifelong memories through his visual imagery. Robb is very passionate and creative with his work using a combination of contemporary, photojournalism, natural, and vintage styles. From family portraits, to headshots, corporate marketing, and more, he works to capture each moment uniquely and creatively with a sense of fun and passion. In 2020, Robb furthered his impact by co-founding Axiom Media Group, which helps organizations connect with their audience by taking their message and bringing it to life through top-notch video, photography, design, and social media management. In 2024, Axiom Media was named the Best Advertising Agency in Wheaton, IL for 2024 by the Quality Business Awards.

Brock graduated from Judson College in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Communications. Today, Brock is a game developer, designer, and entrepreneur. He believes that video games are the preeminent art form of this century, and that the world is a better place when we play together. His work focuses on creating games that go beyond entertainment and spark connections between people.

Brock’s body of work ranges from the serious to the silly. In the past 14 years, he has shipped over 25 titles on nine platforms, including the BAFTA award-winning game That Dragon Cancer. He serves as the lead developer at the Salvation Poem, the co-founder and creative director of the independent studio PxlPug, and the board president for the Christian Game Developers Conference. He also explores the intersection of faith and game development through his blog and podcast at FaithForms.

Before entering games, he co-founded the design firm Paper Tower with fellow Judson alum Brenden Jones ‘04 and served as its creative director for over a decade. Brock resides in Iowa with his wife, Vanessa (whom he met at Judson), and their six kids.

Chief Laura King graduated from Judson University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. Her commitment to lifelong learning is evident in her accomplishment of earning a Master of Arts degree in

Psychology and a Doctor of Philosophy from Capella University in Minneapolis. She has sought out advanced training and professional development opportunities, graduating from both Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command and the prestigious 265th Session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.

Chief King has served as chief of police for the McHenry County, Illinois, Conservation District for five years now.

With an exceptional career spanning decades, Chief King has made invaluable contributions to the field of criminal justice. Chief King’s journey in law enforcement began in 1996 when she joined the ranks of the McHenry Police Department (MPD) as a patrol officer. Chief King’s dedication to excellence and her expertise in narcotics investigations led her to serve as an inspector with the esteemed North Central Narcotics Task Force. Here she played a pivotal role in conducting overt and covert operations, working collaboratively with federal, state, and local agencies. In 2003, Chief King took the role of detective, specializing in a wide range of areas, including asset forfeiture, financial crimes, sexual assault, crimes against children, crimes against the elderly, forensic interviewing, and evidence processing and handling. Here she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to seeking justice for victims and upholding the law.

As an adjunct instructor in the criminal justice and psychology programs at McHenry County College in Woodstock, Illinois, she imparts her wisdom and expertise to the next generation of criminal justice professionals. She has also served as an adjunct instructor at Judson University and Columbia College, Missouri, sharing her vast knowledge and passion for the field. As an author, Chief King’s publications in Police Chief have provided valuable insights and perspectives on law enforcement practices. She has also been a distinguished presenter, captivating audiences with her expertise in Building Resiliency and Emotional Control Into Police Operations.

Todd Oelerich graduated from Judson University in 2014, with a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership degree. Prior to attending Judson, Todd received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and International Business at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, and began his career in electronic components. Todd has held several roles in sales, management, and leadership for companies in manufacturing capacitors, circuit protection, and relays. Throughout his professional journey, Todd has led companies to reach record sales growth, building strong relationships with customers, and transforming sales practices.

Today, Todd serves as the Director of Sales and Business Development at Quantic Electronics. Todd joined the Judson Alumni Board in 2017, where his contributions were instrumental in helping professionalize the board and enhance the many ways they serve alumni. In his years of service from 2017-2023, Todd offered exceptional leadership as Alumni Board Chair for four years, developed a “Thank-a-Thon” program for alumni donors, and established the Oelerich Senior Scholarship at Judson University, which is awarded to one female and one male Judson University senior who best exemplified the following during their freshman through the junior academic year for Leadership, Academics, Service, Extra-curricular, Social, and Innovation. In May of 2024, he joined the Judson Board of Trustees where he currently serves on the Trusteeship Committee. Todd is happily married to his wife, Jeanne, and has an adult daughter, Anna.

Monique Sondag graduated from Judson University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. Today, Monique is a marketing and publicity executive with over 18 years of expertise in shaping and executing brand strategies, predominantly in entertainment and publishing, driving brand awareness, media coverage, new business development, and revenue growth. With a keen focus on client relations and brand elevation, Monique has spearheaded numerous successful communications and PR campaigns, securing notable media coverage across platforms such as Good Morning America, The Today Show, NPR, The Kelly Clarkson Show, The View, MSNBC, Christianity Today, Guideposts, Relevant Magazine, and more. Her leadership roles, including as Vice President & Communications Director, have seen her orchestrate high-profile events and premieres, contributing to significant box office successes and book releases. Monique’s knack for reading the room and her ability to devise innovative solutions drive her work. Rooted in Texas but hailing from Illinois, her work is flavored with a unique blend of Southern approachability and Midwest practicality. Beyond her professional endeavors, Monique finds joy in water coloring and decluttering spaces with her organizing prowess.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2024 Alumnus of the YEar

 

Tom McCoy graduated from Judson College in 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, where he also developed a passion for history and music studies. Tom is a seasoned financial advisor with M&E Catalyst Group, whose career began on July 8, 1982.

Tom’s commitment to excellence is evident in his long-standing membership with the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), where he has been a Life and Qualifying Member for 31 years. He currently serves as a Global Council Member of Program General Arrangements for MDRT and has held various leadership positions within the organization. His involvement with the MDRT Foundation is particularly noteworthy; he has served as a Past Trustee, Inner Circle Member, and Excalibur Knight. Additionally, he successfully secured an MDRT grant that funded the construction of eight homes in the Philippines through Habitat for Humanity after Typhoon Yolanda, showcasing his commitment to global humanitarian efforts.

His numerous leadership roles exemplify Tom’s dedication to community service, and include: past President of Big Brothers and Big Sisters, past President of Marshalltown Area United Way, past Co-Chair of Fundraising for Marshalltown Area United Way, past District Chair of Boy Scouts Prairie Winds, past President of Rotary Club of Marshalltown, current Assistant District Governor of Rotary District 6000, current board member of The Outreach Program, and current board member of the Judson Alumni Association.

He is also a multiple Paul Harris Recipient, reflecting his significant contributions to Rotary International and community service. Furthermore, Tom is actively involved with the West Lafayette Fire Department in Ohio as an honorary member. Tom co-chaired the “Vest for the Best” initiative, which raised $140,000 in just nine months to provide ceramic vests and helmets for First Responders and Law Enforcement in Marshall County, Iowa. Additionally, Tom and his wife are actively involved with the Shop with a Cop initiative in Marshalltown.

Tom resides in Marshalltown, Iowa, with his wife Jade, who is currently a graduate student in the Master of Arts in Ministry and Leadership program at Judson University. Jade serves as the Children’s Ministry Director at Journey Church Marshalltown. Together, they are active members of the church, contributing to its mission and community outreach efforts.

Tom has four children: Ashley, Wesley (married to Katelyn), Shannon (married to Zach), and Sarah (married to Jacob). They are also proud grandparents to seven grandchildren: Sophia, Lucas, Lydia, Matthew, Lily, Cooper, and Lucy. They share their home with three dogs: Kona, Cooper, and Maxx.

Tom’s extensive career, global philanthropic efforts, and strong family ties reflect his commitment to both his profession and making a positive impact on communities worldwide.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2024 HAll of Fame Inductees

 

Josh Edwards ’12 has left a lasting legacy at Judson University with outstanding achievements on the basketball court. A native of Mapleton, Illinois, and a graduate of Illini Bluffs High School, Edwards earned four All-Conference selections and is a prominent figure in Judson’s record books. He leads several statistical categories, including single-season free throw percentage (90.7%), career 3-pointers made (304), and career 3-pointers attempted (766). Additionally, Edwards ranks 8th all-time in career points, with 1,577 points to his name. He played a pivotal role in leading the Eagles to the CCAC regular season conference championship during the 2008-2009 season.

The 1998-1999 Women’s Basketball Team is one of the most celebrated teams in the university’s history. Under the leadership of Head Coach Tory Gum, this outstanding team made a historic run to the NAIA Division 2 National Tournament Elite Eight, finishing the season with an impressive 25-9 record. That season, the Eagles won the CCAC regular season conference championship. The Elite Eight appearance remains the deepest tournament run in program history. With five team members already in the Hall of Fame, it is fitting to recognize the entire team on the 25th anniversary of their remarkable season.

The 1998-1999 Women’s Basketball Team members include:

  • Sheryl Bianchin (Jedd) ’02
  • Samantha Collins ’00
  • Dawn Gomilla (Waldron) ’99
  • Krista Heartwell ’02
  • Heather Johnson (Kusch) ’00
  • Meghan Johnson (McCarty) ’01
  • Leah Mills (Sertich) ’02
  • Rachael Patterson (Damschroder) ’02
  • Shawna Sipes (Jensen) ’02
  • Jodie Sutton (Baker) ’02
  • Meghan Watson (Dunn) ’00

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Campus Commons at night

Upcoming eventS at Judson university

Alumni Stories

I recently got to plant a church in Columbus, Ohio, and much of that DNA was formed in my senior seminar project as my ministry degree capstone. It is really cool to see a dream and idea become tangible fruit five years later. It just shows that what students are doing and learning at Judson will have not only lifelong impact, but eternal impact.”
Trey Gilmore ’15Christian Ministry Major
Alumni Portrait of Trey Gilmore