“I feel that the ISU Honors Program has really enhanced my overall experience at ISU. It has made my college experience more challenging and (at the same time) rewarding.” - Alex
Advice: Be involved in volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and internships. They really help you build skills and experience that will help you later on.
Stacy L. Kelley, '03
Majors: Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, Chemistry and Economics
(Pre-Medical Concentration)
Current Residence: Champaign, Illinois
Graduate Student, PhD, Biochemistry
National Institutes of Health CMB Training Grant recipient
Advice: Live in Honors House! Some of your life-long best friends will be your roommates and neighbors. Personally, take some time to realize your dreams and do something unexpected. It's not all about preparing for your next career step.
Barbara Lea, '00
Major: Special Education
Current Residence: Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in Hays, Montana
Job Description: I'm teaching 2nd grade at a Catholic school here in Hays. I live amongst the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine tribes of Montana. I'm able to do this through the Jesuit Volunteer Corps: Northwest.
Connie Lusietto, '05
BS/MPA program in Accounting
Decatur, Illinois
I began working at Archer Daniels Midland in Decatur as a staff accountant right after graduation. I am still with Archer Daniels Midland and work as an accountant in the Oilseeds Crush Division. I am very active outside of work as well. I am currently President of the Sangamon Valley Chapter of IMA and am the Treasurer of the local Cub Scout troop 131.
Denise M. Fries, ’98, MS ‘05
Major: Early Childhood Education
Minor: Spanish
Bloomington, Illinois
Spanish Teacher at Metcalf Lab School at Illinois State.
Active volunteer at McLean County Museum of History, Knights of Columbus Auxiliary, Relay for Life team member, Mother of 3 beautiful girls. In 9th year at Metcalf, 19th year teaching.
Advice: Enjoy your time on campus and be responsible!
Brett Hilkemann, ‘04
Major: Finance
Geneva, Illinois
National Sales Manager for Con-Tech Lighting
Advice: Get involved with something you are truly interested in ASAP. As an honors student, if you work a little bit, you will find you make your own luck!
John Heldmann, ‘00
Major: Mathematics Education
Joliet, Illinois
Math Teacher at Dowers Grove North High School
Advice: Work hard, and take advantage of all the Honors Program has to offer (academically & socially)!
Laurie Hayes, ’87, MA ‘98
Major: Public Relations/French (BA), English (MA)
Bloomington, Illinois
Professional writer at State Farm, creative writer for fun, two children
Advice: Complete an internship before graduating.
Matthew J. Hardy, ‘03
Major: Marketing
Normal, Illinois
Auto underwriter at State Farm Insurance.
Advice: Determine what it is that you enjoy doing or learning about, and differentiate yourself from others desiring to be in that field by setting clear, specific goals and focusing your energy on accomplishing them. Put yourself in a position to be successful and don’t lose track of your priorities.
Ken Douros, ‘90
Major: Psychology
Minor: Economics
South Barrington, Illinois
Advice: Intern! Apply everything you learn & get professional experience as soon as you can.
