Alumni
General Information • Application • Current Members
Alumni Council
Made up of 24 alumni appointed to three-year terms and the president of the Student Alumni Association, this board meets four times a year. Members represent the interests of alumni and serve as liaisons to 25 University areas. The council assists in the recruitment of students, selects Alumni Award recipients, and was instrumental in establishing the Student Alumni Association.
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Letter from Incoming President Molly B. Holmes
Dear Members of the ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app Illinois University Alumni Community,
I’m Molly B. Holmes (she/her) and proud double alum ’01 ’04. It is an honor to be your next Alumni Council President. After serving on the council since 2020, and as secretary for the last two years, serving in this role is an exciting opportunity at critical time for ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app.
When I became a member of this council, I was motivated to do so because of the impact my years at ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app had on my life and career. From the academic and practical experiences, to being involved as a student leader, to attending Leatherneck (and Westerwind!) athletic events, to the friendships and connections that came from succeeding and being challenged in and outside of the classroom, I felt motivated to give back. Further, I wanted to contribute this energy as an alum for future students and future alumni. One of my goals as president is to support the council and all alumni in becoming the best ambassadors for ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app as it is, and where it can go in the years ahead.
ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app has had challenges, is tackling the impact of challenges, and continues to be challenged by a variety of forces. As alumni, we have strength in our voices and in how we can make a positive and supportive impact on what the future of ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app will be. I hope that members of our Alumni community will consider engaging with the council—joining us at the many upcoming Alumni events, including Homecoming, consider assisting with recruitment events, and consider seeing yourself as a future member of this council.Ìý
My fellow 140,000 alumni—thank you for this opportunity to serve, and I look forward to working with the council and for you in support of this wonderful institution. Go ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app!
Marching on for ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app,
Molly B. Holmes `01 `04
President, ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app Alumni Council
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Interested in joining the Alumni Council?
The ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app Alumni Association is looking for dedicated leaders of all ages, ethnicity, gender, geographic location, career fields, etc. to serve on the ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app Alumni Council. The Alumni Council strives to include a broad range of members that accurately reflects our student body and alumni community. Applicants are evaluated based on a number of factors, including engagement since graduating (e.g. attendance, giving back to ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app financially, referring students, returning to campus to speak to classes, offering career mentorship, etc.) and general Leatherneck Pride. If you or someone you know is an active alumnus that would be a good candidate, please fill out ourÌýonline application form. The deadline is April 1.
2025-2026 Alumni Council Meetings
- Friday, October 17
- Saturday, January 17, 2026
2025 - 2026 Council Members
- Roy Albiani 1984 - Valencia, CA
- Eldon Brown 1996 - Past President - Vancouver, WA
- Scott Clarke 1981 - Springfield, IL
- Kevin Froehlich 2005 - Naperville, IL
- Phil Giles 1984 - Pinehurst, NC
- Darryl Hollimon 1983, 1993 - Country Club Hills, IL
- Molly Holmes 2001, 2004 - President - Huntley, IL
- Conrad "Connie" Kowal 1974 - Libertyville, IL
- Leslie T. Jefferson 1981,1995 - Macomb, IL
- Gary Johnson 1984 - Mount Pleasant, SC
- Shelvis Lewis 1986 - Austin, TX
- Monte Lowderman 1990 - Macomb, IL
- Emily Manley 2017 Jefferson City, MO
- Jose Marroquin 2008 - Berwyn, IL
- Christopher Mortimer 2010 - Alexandria, VA
- Denver Murphy 2010 - USAF Academy, CO
- Steve Nelson 1970 - Moline, IL
- Maggie O'Brien 2012 - Alton, IL
- Charleston Owensby 2017 - Chicago, IL
- Carla Murray Presnell 1993, 1998 - Canton, IL
- Byron Williams 1986 - Homewood, IL
- Wayne Whipps 1977 - Cedar Falls, IA
- Justin Wilson 2012 - Westfield, NJ
- Mike Woodrum 2009 - Macomb, IL
Alumni Council Featured Member
Gary Johnson 1984
Degree: Bachelor of Scienc degree in Law Enforcement Administration with dual minors in Security Administration and Sociology from ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app in 1984. Designated as Certified Protection Professional (CPP) by American Society for Industrial Security.
Business Information: Retired after 40 successful years in Corporate Security, leading Asset Protection Programs for brands like The Guitar Center, The Vitamin Shoppe, Barnes & Noble and Osco Drug, Inc. In 2024, was inducted into the National Retail Federation’s Ring of Honor. Now, I do some consulting and advisory board work.
Advice for Freshmen: Get involved on campus and don't be afaid to step outside your comfort zone. The connections you make and experiences you have at ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app will shape your future in ways you can't imagine. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn, whether in the classroom, through student organizations or just experiencing everyting ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app and Macomb offers.
Favorite ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app Memory: Of course being a resident in Lincoln Hall and the lifelong friendships formed through those years. And, in 1980, experiencing Van Halen and the Marshall Tucker Band in ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app Hall was memorable.
Family Information/Special Interests and Hobbies: Enjoying retirement in Charleston, SC. Married to my wife, Theresa, for 40 years (who also attended ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app). We have two sons who are successful in their careers. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, sporting events, and staying active. I remain engaged with ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app Illinois University and serve as an Advisory Council member for the Law Enforcement & Justice Administration program.
Connect with the Alumni Association: