Homecoming 2021 Highlights
ALUMNI AWARDS
A Homecoming tradition, McKendree University celebrated several accomplished alumni at an awards
dinner on Oct. 23 at the Hett. Chosen by the Alumni Association Board, the 2021 winners
have made their mark in their professions and at their alma mater.
Peter Akers Award
The Alumni Association’s highest honor recognizes remarkable professional success, outstanding service, and unparalleled loyalty to McKendree University.
Derwood “Woody” Derickson ’60
Woody earned a degree in physical education from McKendree, and he played both baseball and basketball during his playing days
at the University. In 2015, he was inducted into the Bearcats Sports Hall of Fame.
A native of Mascoutah, Ill., he began his career as an agent with State Farm in O’Fallon,
Ill. in 1965, providing loyal service until his retirement in 2018. Among his many
impressive accolades as a State Farm agent, Woody made the President’s Club for being
one of the top 50 agents nationwide. In the O’Fallon community, Woody remained an
active member of the Rotary Club and the Lions Club. He also served on the O’Fallon
community library board and numerous committees, including the O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber
of Commerce and more.
Throughout the years, Woody has remained a loyal fan as a member of the William McKendree
Society, the McKendree Bearcat Booster Club, and a Friend of the Hett. He served as
a member of the McKendree University Board of Trustees for 16 years and was the 1999
recipient of the McKendree University Loyal Service Award.
Woody and his wife, Gail, have been married for 61 years. Together, they have two
children, Teri Fleshren and Todd Derickson; and three grandchildren, Erin Fleshren, Kristin Fleshren, and Drew Derickson. His son, Todd, is a 1987 McKendree graduate,
and his granddaughter, Erin, is a 2018 McKendree graduate who currently serves on
the McKendree University Alumni Board of Directors.
Loyal Service Award
Recipients have shown distinguished, loyal service to the Alumni Association, its principles and purposes, and their commitment has enhanced the University’s goals and mission.
Shirley Baugh ’78
Shirley graduated from McKendree with a degree in business administration. As a student, she was active in Alpha Omega and Student Government.
Originally from Shiloh, Ill., Shirley started at McKendree as a payroll specialist
in 1997, moving through the different positions of the office with role models who
supported her as she worked on her master’s degree in human resources from Webster
University. She would eventually work her way into the role of director of human resources
in 2005, until her retirement in February 2021.
As a staff member, Shirley organized groups of alumni from the 70s in a variety of
activities, including homecoming events, reunions and summer visits to campus. Many
alumni contacted her through her office when their children were considering college
choices, and she helped coordinate campus visits. She was also as an advisor to the
Alpha Omega sorority and served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. During
the awards ceremony, she was bestowed with the designation of Emeritus Staff in recognition
of her loyalty, dedication and extraordinary service to the University.
A resident of O’Fallon, Ill., Shirley is a member of the William McKendree Society
and Christ Church in Fairview Heights, and is a former school board member for Grant
School District 110 from 1993-2013. Shirley has two sons and daughters-in-law, Kyle
and Lyndsey Jacob and Keith ‘07 and Julianne (Harris) Jacob ’07, along with five grandchildren, Berkeley, Baylor, Layker, Libby, and Kolby Jacob.
Rising Stars
These graduates of the past decade have made significant achievements in their professions or chosen fields and have been highly involved with the University or their communities.
Reginald “Reggie” Cloyd ’12
Reggie earned a degree in political science with a criminal justice emphasis. A native of Danville, Ill., he was the captain
and scholarathlete on McKendree’s football team, participated in multiple volunteering
activities and mentored several underclassmen in academics.
After graduation, Reggie went on to earn his law degree from the University of Illinois
College of Law in 2015, graduating with honors. Since then, he has worked as a commercial
litigation associate at Tressler LLP in Chicago, Clark Hill PLC in Chicago and, most
recently, Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP in Indianapolis. In 2019, he was named an Illinois
Rising Star by Super Lawyers and also served as the keynote speaker for the 54th Annual
Lincoln-Douglass-King Banquet.
He maintains the philanthropic spirit he learned while at McKendree by spending 30
hours a year volunteering in Chicago and also working on at least five pro-bono matters
annually.
A resident of Fishers, Ind., Reggie is married to his wife Maya and loves traveling
the world. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his dog, fishing and playing
softball.
Dr. Michael A. Lampe ’14
Michael graduated with a degree in biology. During his time as a student, he played as a defensemen for the men’s ice hockey
team for four years, was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and achieved the
Tyson Undergraduate Research Fellowship. He went on to earn a doctorate of osteopathic
medicine at A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in
Kirksville, Mo. in 2019, and is currently working on his general surgery residency
from Metro Health University of Michigan Health in Wyoming, Mich.
A resident of Grand Rapids, Mich., Michael currently serves as a clinical associate
professor in the Department of Osteopathic Surgical Specialties and as a surgical
clinical skills lab instructor at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic
Medicine in Lansing, Mich. His passion lies in trauma and acute care surgery. Currently,
he is involved in the development of an enhanced recovery protocol for patients who
undergo a laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis.
When he is out of the operating room, Michael enjoys spending time with his girlfriend,
Shelby, and their Dutch shepherd, Whisper, as well as golfing, boating and spending
time outdoors.
Dr. Kaitlyn Kollmann ’12
Kaitlyn earned a degree in biology and was a member of the women’s volleyball team,
Sigma Zeta and the study abroad program. Formerly from Collinsville, Ill., she was
selected as the McKendree Tyson Undergraduate Research Fellow.
Following graduation, Kaitlyn completed her medical schooling at Southern Illinois
University School of Medicine in Springfield, Ill., where she received honors in her
internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery and psychiatry clerkships. The Chicago resident
then completed a year of research in pediatric dermatology at Northwestern University
in Chicago and also completed her dermatology residency training at Kansas University
in Kansas City, Kan., in July 2021, where she was selected to serve as chief resident
during her final year. After finishing her residency training, she completed her medical
internship at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, Ill.
Kaitlyn is currently a full-time dermatologist at Advanced Skin and Mohs Surgery Clinic
in Chicago, where her personal interests include medical, surgical and pediatric dermatology.
She treats patients of all ages and skin types. In her spare time, she enjoys fitness,
traveling and reading.
Academy of Excellence
Inductees have made exceptional contributions to the honor and prestige of the University through their achievements, leadership and character, and have demonstrated the values of a liberal arts education in their professions or chosen fields.
Adam Kee ’04 | Humanities
Adam Kee graduated with a degree in theatre and music/vocal performance. He was involved
in theatre productions, choir and vocal groups, marching band, and acted as president
of Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society. A native of Johnston City, Ill.,
Adam earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in acting from New School University in New
York City in 2007, receiving additional acting training from Old Vic Theatre in London
and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.
The Astoria, N.Y. resident currently works as an actor, voiceover artist and teaching
artist. He has performed in several productions as an actor and vocalist for Off-Broadway
in New York City, Regional Theatre, Summer Stock Theatres and more. A five-time nominee
for the New Hampshire Professional Theatre Award, Adam recently acted in the role
of Thomas in The Garden Left Behind, an awardwinning independent film in which he
also served as the voice and dialect coach and trainer.
Jackie Shubert Knolhoff ’02 | Language, Literature & Communication
Jackie graduated with a degree in speech communication with an emphasis in public
relations. A native of Okawville, Ill., she played on the women’s basketball team
for four years, was a resident advisor for two years, was a member of Lambda Pi Eta
and worked in the University Communications and Marketing department for three years.
Additionally, she was an NAIA Scholar Athlete for the 2001-2002 school year.
Jackie obtained her master’s degree in communication management from Webster University
in 2005. She began working in financial services in 2002 and is currently a communications
advisor for Wells Fargo Advisors. A long-time supporter of the United Way of Greater
St. Louis and member of the Women’s Leadership Society, Jackie is a strong supporter
of the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition, where she volunteers in creating awareness
in St. Louis’ most vulnerable youth.
Rebekah (Shryock) McGarrity ’90 | Education
Rebekah holds a degree in English and secondary education with a minor in history. A native of Millstadt, Ill., she
played volleyball for four years on the Bearcat varsity team and was a member of Phi
Kappa Delta. She helped establish Sigma Tau Delta and Phi Alpha Theta, honor societies
for English and history, respectively.
Following graduation, Rebekah began her career as an English teacher at Belleville
East High School and also served as a volleyball coach. She helped establish the St.
Louis University dual college credit program for the school district, serving as its
first coordinator. Since then, thousands of students have received college credit.
In 1999, Rebekah earned her Master of Arts degree in English from Southern Illinois
University in Edwardsville, Ill., later achieving her National Board certification.
Matt Scaglione ’01 | Mathematics, Science & Technology
Matt graduated with a degree in biology. A native of Du Quoin, Ill., Matt played football
for McKendree for four years, was a resident advisor for two years and was the treasurer
for Sigma Zeta. After graduation, he earned his doctorate in biochemistry of medicine
from Saint Louis University in 2007.
Matt has served as an assistant professor at Medical College of Wisconsin and Duke
University. He has published dozens of articles in scientific journals and has a few
patents, including one for SRCP1-based therapy for Huntington’s and related diseases.
Matt has participated in science outreach programs, including the SMART team, a program
that teaches high school students about the structure and function of proteins. In
the past, he participated in interviewing students for McKendree’s presidential scholarship.
Sports Hall of Fame
Inductees are athletes, former coaches, alumni coaches or sports professionals who, through leadership and character, have made exceptional contributions to the honor and prestige of McKendree in the field of athletics.
Darron Randle ’92 | Men’s Basketball
Darron graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. He was a four-year starter at point guard for the men’s basketball team and two-year
team captain. He ranks 20th on the Bearcat all-time scoring list with 1,553 career
points, and is also 10th in free-throws made with 387.
Darron was named to the District 20 All-Freshman team in 1989, and ranked in the top
20 in scoring (16.3 average) as a sophomore in 1990. He helped lead the Bearcats to
a 91-44 overall record in four seasons.
Off the court, Darron mentors, tutors and provides life coaching for at-risk youth
in the inner city. In 2002, he founded – and currently leads – Urban Alliances of
Metropolitan Chicago, a nonprofit social service agency for inner city families. He
has served as Executive Director for 10 years.
Darron has two children, Chastity Spencer and Darron Randle Jr.
Scott Cummings | Sports Information Director
Scott served as McKendree’s Sports Information Director (SID) from 1999 to 2020 and
was also the voice of Bearcat Athletics. He passed away on December 3, 2020, following
an 18-month battle with cancer. His wife, Paula, and children, Hailey Edison and Ryan
Cummings, were in attendance to receive the award in his honor.
For more than 20 years, Scott was the ultimate servant, often spending 70-80 hours
per week strictly focusing on promoting Bearcat studentathletes. He was a mentor to
many and a friend to all. Scott had a “cando” attitude, willingness and a desire to
put others first.
He received countless awards throughout his career, including the Clarence “Ike” Pearson
Award in 2005, the highest honor that can be given to an SID at the National Association
of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) level, and was recognized in 2020 with the College
Sports Information Directors of America 25-Year Award for his long-time commitment
and service to the athletic communications profession. Following his passing, the
American Midwest Conference changed the name of the conference’s annual SID of the
Year award in honor of Scott and named him to its 2022 Hall of Fame Induction Class.
He was also recently selected for induction into the 2021-22 NAIA Hall of Fame.
Melissa Ringhausen | Women’s Basketball Coach
Melissa served as McKendree’s women’s basketball coach for 18 seasons from 1997 to 2015, and spent the final 11 years of her career
in administration from 2010 to 2020.
Over her 18 seasons leading the Bearcats, Melissa guided McKendree to 316 victories
and is the program’s all-time leader in wins. She coached the Bearcats to 11 20-win
seasons, including a school-record 26 victories during the 2004-2005 campaign. Under
Melissa’s leadership, McKendree reached the NAIA Division I National Championship
nine times.
In the classroom, Melissa’s teams were recognized among the NAIA’s top 25 academic
teams on six different occasions by the WBCA. McKendree also enjoyed a 100 percent
graduation rate among those who completed their four years within the program.