Achievements

 

Andrew Goodwin, ‘21, a former Eureka College football player, was recently hired as the Head Varsity Football Coach for the United Red Storm football program at United High School in Monmouth, IL.

 

Jennifer (Burton) Thompson, ‘06, recently published a self-transformation book titled If We’re Being Honest: Silencing the Lies We Tell Ourselves to Live a Life We Love. Jennifer says, “The book explores common lies we often tell ourselves and provides insights on how to break free from these limiting beliefs. My intention is to inspire women everywhere to embrace their true selves, overcome challenges, and live a life that aligns with their passions and values.” For more information visit: https://www.ifwerebeinghonestbook.com/

 

Tracy Ahrens, ’92 is a children’s book author and illustrator publishing her fifth book titled Bonnie No-Gloom. “The bright and cheerful illustrations are sure to delight, as Bonnie's positive attitude puts a smile on your own face!”- Peggy Frezon, author of books about animals and the people who love them. For more information visit: Tracy Ahrens Amazon page

 

In addition, Tracy has earned 12 awards in the Illinois Woman’s Press Association (IWPA) 2024 IWPA Mate E. Palmer Professional Communications Contest. Winning works included poems and photographs. All works were published online or in print during 2023. One of her poems titled Pathways of the Prints and one of her photographs titled Fireworks earned First Place. Those works now advance to the National Federation of Press Women’s Professional Communications Contest in June.
 

Grace Dearhamer ’24 was recently awarded a named Merit Scholarship for the Disciples Divinity House of the University of Chicago. The Disciples Divinity House is sponsored by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), with which Eureka College shares a denominational connection. Grace will pursue a dual-Master's program in Divinity and Social Work at the University of Chicago, beginning in the Fall of 2024.  Currently, she is completing a double major in philosophy/religion and sociology/psychology, as well as a minor in criminal justice, at Eureka College. 

 

Mark Darnall, ‘09 completed his first year as Head Basketball Coach at Jessup University (Rocklin, CA) with an 18-12 record and a trip to the National NAIA tournament. Jessup joins NCAA Division 2 in 2024-25 season. It was 30 years ago that the Eureka College Men’s Basketball team won the NAIA National Championship under the coaching leadership of Mark’s legendary uncle, Dave Darnall.

 

Kevin Hicks, ’89 has joined the Board of Directors for WTVP, public media for Central Illinois. For board member biographies visit: WTVP

 

Calvin Washington, '87 has a daughter who is tearing up the basketball court. Caitlin Washington plays for the Neuqua Valley High School Varsity team in Naperville, IL. She is a graduating senior with an offer to play Division 1 basketball at Jacksonville University. For more information visit: NCTV17

 

Sam Durley, ‘13, former Eureka College quarterback and Offensive Coordinator for the 2023 season, has been named the new East Peoria Head Football Coach. For more information visit: PJStar

 

Harriett Steinbach, ‘02 has been named Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at ISU. For more information visit: ISU News

 

Hollyann (Sajko) Powell, ‘12, recently took a new role as Data Steward at BOK Financial and is working on an MBA and a Masters in Data Analytics. She married Stephen Powell on October 15, 2023. The couple live in Kansas City. Hollyann’s co-maids of honor were her Delta Zeta sisters, Lindsey (Welsh) Pierz, ‘12 and Heather (Atkinson) Rod, ‘11.

 

Candy (Anderson) King, ’06 married Greg King on October 29, 2022. Many Eureka College alumni were in attendance. Pictured L to R - Siji Moore '06, Greg King (groom), Darrell and Cathleen Crouch (former EC football coach), Candy (Anderson) King '06, Cara (Willey) Tweedy '08, Jaci (Cross) Manning '06, Shaun Manning '07, Carrie (Anderson) Lutz '06. 

 

 

Candy (Anderson) King, ’06 and her sister Carrie (Anderson) Lutz ’06 ran into some EC alumni while at 1905 Brewing. Tom (‘90) and Jackie Dooley (‘89) are fellow alumni and co-owners of the brewery.

 

 

IN MEMORIAM

 

Dr. George Hearne, former President of Eureka College, 1984-2003

Before his call to the presidency, Dr. Hearne served in a variety of administrative positions at Eureka College since starting in 1960.  A Florida native, Dr. Hearne attended Bethany College in West Virginia and earned a Master of Divinity degree from Yale. Serving briefly as a pastor in The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), he soon moved into administration at the college. Peoria Magazine published an interview with Dr. Hearne in January 1995 in honor of Eureka’s 140^th Anniversary. Dr. George Hearne passed away October 23, 2023.