Click on the link below to view the PDF of the book from the 85th Reunion

85th Book

Bobbi Toepper will be working for Morton Buildings as a Project Engineer Associate in Morton, IL.

Christy Allen will be working as an Associate Territory Manager for Corteva Agriscience in Kansas City covering Kansas and Missouri.

Hannah Miller will be Teaching 5th grade at Prairie Central Upper Elementary in Forrest, IL.

Harley Carlson will be teaching Agriculture at Central Community High School in Breese, IL.

Jalyne Herren will be pursuing her Master’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Child Life at Illinois State University.

Jillian Monier will be working in Redwood Falls, MN as a Production Associate for Bayer CropScience

Kara Brokamp will be working for BSNF Railway as a track engineer.

Lauren Southwood will working in an underfunded school planning after school program, mentoring etc. in Denver Colorado for a year before heading to Law School.

Katie Zelechowski will be an Associate at Illinois Farm Bureau in Bloomington, IL.

Meghan Clodfelter will be moving to Florida to work for Walt Disney World as a Front Desk Cast Member through their College Program.

Rachel Recker will be a District Sales Manager Trainee for Bayer CropSciences.

Sammi Bessler will be working for Charles River Laboratories as a Farm Technician in Roanoke, IL.

Hello, my name is Diane (Meyer) Nottmeyer. I was a member of the fall 1975 pledge class of 4-H House and graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education (Mathematics & Accounting). I presently serve as the Secretary on the 4-H House Alumni Board. My duties include keeping accurate records of all meetings and organizing the New Member Luncheon and the Senior Brunch. I’ve learned so much in the past year about the inner workings of 4-H House and I have enjoyed serving with fellow alumni on the Alum Board.
I grew up on a dairy and grain farm near Addieville, Illinois. As a young adult I was very active in 4-H and attended various events at Champaign involving 4-H. It was during that time, that I decided I wanted to attend the University of Illinois. My freshman year I lived in a dorm and was unaware that 4-H House existed. On a weekend bus trip to Bloomington to visit friends at ISU, I sat next to a young lady who lived at 4-H House. She told me all about the House and invited me to supper. I loved it instantly and interviewed and moved in my Sophomore year. I served as Treasurer while living at the House. It was a wonderful welcoming place to live and I made many lifelong friends there.
I met my husband, Duane, at the University of Illinois. He was enrolled in Civil Engineering and serving in the USAF reserves at that time. My brother, David, was serving in the same unit at Scott Air Force Base and introduced us. I occasionally caught a ride home with Duane when he attended monthly training meetings. We became good friends and the rest is history. We’ve been married 44 years and have 2 children and 6 grandchildren. Our daughter, Jessica Greten, and her family live near us in Nashville, IL. Our son, Dan Nottmeyer, and his family live in St. Charles, MO. Our greatest joy comes from spending time with all of them. This past summer we took a family road trip to South Dakota and Wyoming.
I taught high school mathematics for 30+ years and retired from Mt. Vernon Twp. High School where I taught Trigonometry, Calculus and Advanced Algebra. I received my Master Degree from SIU-Carbondale in 1990 in Curriculum Instruction. I presently substitute teach at Nashville Community High School. I also do alterations, mainly for prom dresses and bridesmaid dresses (still putting those 4-H skills to use!). I’ve served as President and Vice President of the Washington County Hospital Board and President of our Church Council. My husband recently retired from the Automotive industry. He currently works part time doing Carpentry work and is active in the local Lions Club. In our retirement, we enjoy attending our grandchildren’s sporting and school events and traveling with our friends and family.
I have so many fond memories of 4-H House and I’m happy to share that my niece, Callie McClay, is one of the new members of the Class of 2022 now living at 4-H House. I look forward to seeing many of you at the 85th Reunion this summer!

Anne F. Hathaway
Anne has a lifetime of experience and has built a record of success from the grassroots all the way to the very highest levels of American politics and government. From crucial state and local races to issue campaigns and grassroots initiatives to congressional and presidential politics, Anne brings to every task she faces a unique knowledge of the latest advances in modern technology and voter persuasion techniques, coupled with an unrivaled array of personal and professional contacts from coast-to-coast.

Currently President of Hathaway Strategies, an innovative grassroots public affairs consulting firm, Anne continues to work at both the state and national level providing government affairs, grassroots strategy and management and public relations support to state and national organizations, issue campaigns and Fortune 100 companies.

Most notably, Anne served as Chief of Staff of the Republican National Committee from 2007-2009 where she was responsible for directing the day-to-day operations of the committee. In the midst of an extremely challenging political environment, Anne exceeded all expectations and helped the RNC raise over $400 million ─ more money than at any time in history. She directed $100 million of that to state parties to support the 2008 Victory effort and more than $20 million to support U.S. House and Senate races around the country. Also, under her guidance, the RNC developed and perfected new voter outreach techniques and groundbreaking voter identification programs in addition to expanding a cutting-edge communications department that developed innovative new initiatives for Internet and electronic messaging.

At the same time, Anne served as the RNC’s primary liaison to The White House and the presidential campaign, as well as to the 2008 Republican National Convention, which she helped plan and execute.

Following her RNC tenure, Anne returned to Indiana to launch Hathaway Strategies. In 2010, she ran the company while simultaneously managing the victorious U.S. Senate primary campaign of former and current Senator Dan Coats. She was also a key consultant on grassroots campaign techniques for American Crossroads and Crossroads GPS in its successful launch year.

In 2012, she was again called upon to serve on the national stage as Program Director of the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida. She was the top liaison between the Mitt Romney for President campaign and convention officials and oversaw every aspect of the convention’s program and planning. That year she also served as Co-Chair of the Platform Committee for the Indiana Republican Party which was tasked with developing the state party’s platform through a series of public forums and meetings across the state.

Anne previously served as the CEO of Data Trust, a national voter file project that has a comprehensive list exchange agreement with Republican National Committee.

A native of Galva, Illinois, and a graduate of the University of Illinois, College of Agriculture, Anne’s talent, skill and initiative have been recognized since she began her career working on Congressional races in her home state. In 1985, she relocated to Washington, D.C., to work in the Office of Public Liaison at the U.S. Department of the Treasury and then joined the Bush/Quayle Presidential campaign as scheduler for Marilyn Tucker Quayle after the 1988 Republican National Convention.

She served as Transition Director for Mrs. Quayle and went on to serve Vice President Dan Quayle at The White House as Assistant to the Vice President and Director of Scheduling and Public Liaison. In this role, she helped implement the strategic short-term and long-term goals of the Bush Administration. When their time in office ended, Anne continued to serve Vice President Quayle by organizing his national book tours, his political action committee and his national fundraising network as Executive Director of his political action committee, Campaign America.

During the 2000 election cycle, she was the Executive Director of the Indiana House Republican Campaign Committee where she played a leadership role in recruiting and electing candidates to the Indiana House of Representatives. After that election, Anne’s abilities and leadership were again called into service at the national level, and from 2001-2006 Anne was the Regional Political Director for the Great Lakes Region at the RNC where she worked with state parties and candidates in the crucial states of Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, West Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia and played key roles in numerous victories, including many where Republicans had never before been successful.

Anne’s passion for training and recruiting women to run for office led her to become executive director of the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series, a woman’s political leadership program, in 2011. She also has served on the Board of Directors and as a faculty member for the Women’s Campaign School at Yale University and is the Indiana State Director for Maggie’s List, a group organized to support fiscally conservative female candidates running for the U.S. Congress and help develop women who may run for federal office in future elections.

In 2016, Anne received the Indianapolis Trailblazer Award from the National Association of Women Business Owners. Prior to that, she was named a Women of Influence in 2015 by the Indianapolis Business Journal. She was also a recipient of the 2013 Torchbearer Award, presented by the Indiana Commission for Women, for her leadership as a woman in the political arena. In 2009, Anne received the Nancy A. Maloley Outstanding Public Servant Award presented by the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series and in 2007 was the recipient of the Iron Jaw Angel Award presented by the National Excellence in Public Service Series.

She currently serves as the Chairman of the the Board of the Julian Center, as Treasurer of Hoosiers for Quality Education PAC, as the President of the Board for the 4-H House Alumni Board at her alma mater and is a member of the National Association of Women Business Owners Indianapolis Chapter Board of Directors. She is a member of the Indiana and Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce Boards of Directors.

Hello! My name is Michelle (Uken) Mitchell. I was a member of the ’94 pledge class of 4-H House and graduated from the U of I with a degree in Elementary Education. Currently, I am on the Alum Board and serving on the Property Committee. I have learned a lot from being on this committee and really appreciate their hard work. A big thank you to all of the alums who donate their time, talents, and/or money in making 4-House a special place for young women at the University of Illinois!

I grew up on a farm near St. Joseph, Illinois and I also enjoyed working on my grandparents’ dairy farm, as well as showing dairy cattle. My sister, Tammy (Uken) Kimmel was in the ‘87 pledge class. As her younger sister, it was always so fun to visit her at the house and get to know her house sisters. I always wished that Little Sister Weekend was every weekend! While living at 4-H House, I served as Vice-President, Social Chair, and Assistant Secretary, along with other committees. I always loved participating in all of the intramural sports with my house sisters!

Currently, I am a first grade teacher in Mahomet-Seymour School District. I have been teaching for 20 years and I absolutely LOVE it! Each day, I get to watch my students’ enthusiasm for learning and their growth as readers! As Dr. Seuss would say, “Today was good. Today was FUN. Tomorrow is another one!”   

I am married to Cory, who also graduated from the U of I and lived at AGR. We have 3 children: Madison (19), Natalie (16), and Hayden (13). We live in Mahomet, Illinois. Many times, you will find our family playing a sport or watching a sport. Most importantly, we will always be cheering on the ILLINI and the CUBS!

My daughter, Madison, is currently a sophomore at the U of I and living at 4-H House. One of the hardest things about being a parent, is letting your child leave for college. However, knowing that she is in the BEST place on campus and in a special sisterhood that will last a lifetime, makes it much much easier! I have really enjoyed getting to know her house sisters. They are truly amazing young ladies! As I visit with the girls, it is very clear that our 4-H House sisterhood has not changed. These girls are destined to have life long friendships and many special memories, just as we did! (Maybe some of you will remember “Snap! Snap!” after reading that last sentence… And yes, they still do snaps!!  🙂

It is absolutely heartwarming to witness that 4-H House continues to be a special HOME away from home! I am privileged to be a part of it as an alum and as a mom!

Hello. I am Pat Nelson, pledge class of fall 1976/graduating class of 1980. It feels like yesterday, but when I see those years on paper, wow! It is my honor to be serving on the 4-H House Alumni Board.  As the marketing/recruitment officer, I support the House Interviewing Chair with disseminating information, recruiting, and selecting prospective members. As privacy concerns increase and information shared through the university decreases, we rely strongly on our alum base to link young ladies in your communities with the opportunity of living cooperatively at 4-H House. I will make one more shameless plug. If you know any high school young lady that would make a great addition to 4-H House, please email the interviewing chair at [email protected].

For me, there was really only one university choice and it led me straight to 4-H House. Perhaps my family brainwashed me into attending the University of Illinois as a majority of my family were U of I graduates. One of those, my aunt, had also previously lived at 4-H House. Naturally, 4-H House seemed like a perfect fit for me. With two interviewing weekends and nearly twice as many girls applying as spots available, I was a nervous wreck! I was beyond ecstatic that Sunday night when Deb Mueller called to extend the invitation to pledge. The decision to live at the house has been a blessing to me ever since. Within the first week that my class moved in, I had sisters for a lifetime. The list of relatives that are alumni has continued to grow to include two nieces and my daughter. 4-H House remains a home away from home where I can enter and, even though all the faces have changed, the love is still readily shared.

The BS degree I received at the University of Illinois through the College of Ag was in Human Resources and Family Studies Education. I taught for 35 years at the junior high and then senior high school level at Galesburg and the ROWVA school districts. Dedicated to developing leadership skills in youth, I served for 25 years as the adviser for the nationally recognized ROWVA FCCLA Chapter, focusing on service learning activities to help young people see how limitless their skills really are. (Just passing on what my house sisters taught me way back when!)

Now retired, I still live on the farm outside of Altona, Illinois with my husband of 38 years. In fact, a couple of house sisters introduced us! We have raised three children and have two grandchildren. Although I still enjoy time in the classroom as a substitute teacher, I fill my time volunteering as the church mission quilting chair, co-leader of an after school Christian youth program for 4-6 grade students with house sister Nancy Erickson, evaluating FCCLA and 4-H projects, and various other community organizations and activities.

I am anxious to see many of you this summer at the 85th 4-H House Reunion. Please make plans with your pledge class to gather for a wonderful time to share memories, catch-up, and strengthen our sisterhood.  

Member of 4-H House  and lived in the house for 4 years (fall 1976 – spring 1980)

4-H House president, House Manager and several other house offices and committees

BS in Home Economics Education, May 1980, University of IL

MS in Education, July 1993, Western IL University

Employment

Current:

Volunteer/Auxiliary Manager at Hammond-Henry Hospital, Geneseo, IL.   April 2003 – present

Coordinate efforts of 230 adult volunteers and 58 teen volunteers in rural community hospital.

In my “spare” time, I am also self-employed doing clothing alterations for a Four Seasons/GWK Enterprises and for individuals.

Previous:

University of IL Extension, 4-H Youth Development, in Whiteside County, Rock Island County, Extension Educator- Youth-at-Risk/Prevention

Iowa State University Extension, 4-H Youth Development, in Scott and Muscatine Counties

Volunteer Involvement

First Congregational Church, Geneseo – member, secretary of Church Council, past Church Council chair and trustee, and current choir member.

Served on the local board of the Geneseo International Thanksgiving Fellowship Program (GITFP).  It is a non-profit group that hosts international visitors with short-term home stays.  Visitors are guests of the US State Department or students from Chicago area colleges.  Our family has hosted international visitors several times in the past 14 years.

My husband, Bruce West, also graduated from U of IL and AGR alum.  We are fortunate that our daughter, Callie, chose to live at 4-H House for 4 years when she attended U of I.  She graduated May 2012.   Our son, Paul, graduated from U of IL in 2014.  He married a 4-H House alum, Amanda Rosendale (graduated 2014).  I also had two sisters that lived at 4-H House – Audrey Hepner Becker (graduated 1984) and Darcy Hepner (graduated 1986).