McKendree Spotlight
A Cherished Leader: Honoring the Legacy of Colleen Lischwe
A trailblazer in her field. A beloved coach, mentor, and friend. One of our students’ greatest cheerleaders, who was always there to lend a helping hand. Colleen Lischwe was someone people could depend on, a constant in the campus community whose smile brightened every room she stepped into.
The McKendree University community is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Collen Lischwe on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. To say that she was a beloved and integral part of our campus community is an understatement. We will truly miss this remarkable young woman.
Scoring Top-Shelf Goals: Senior Ashley Hayley Named Rhodes Scholarship Finalist
Senior Ashley Hayley was destined for great things from an early age. Born to the first registered woman hockey player in Newfoundland and Labrador and a previous AAA hockey player (not to mention being the great-granddaughter of the first registered fisherwoman in the province), Ashley had some enormous shoes to fill not only as the eldest child but also as the only girl in her Canadian household. She decided to hang up her ballet shoes and joined a minor hockey league at the age of four, and she hasn’t looked back since.
Meet Dr. Amanda Downard, McKendree's Director of the Paraprofessional+ Program
Have you heard about McKendree’s new Paraprofessional+ Program? This innovative, fully online program allows paraprofessionals who wish to become certified teachers at the elementary level or in special education to obtain their initial licensure in only two years. Leading the charge on this groundbreaking program is Dr. Amanda Downard, a 2012 McKendree alumna.
Navigating the Political Waters: McKendree Sets Students up for Success
Politics have always been interwoven in everyday life, perhaps now more than ever. It’s imperative that we – especially our young people – understand the realm of politics, know how it will impact our lives, and become active participants, whether by casting our votes, signing petitions, or learning law and changing the world one step at a time. McKendree’s political science and international relations degrees, led by passionate and knowledgeable professors, consistently help our students reach their goals, analyze the world around them with a critical and discerning eye, and go on to become trailblazers in their local communities and beyond.
"It Takes All of Us": NSO Prepares to Become Bearcats
The beginning of a new school year is always an exciting time, especially for students entering their first year in college. It’s a mixture of exhilaration and apprehension, a jangle of nerves that keeps them company in the first few days – even weeks – of school.
That's where NSO comes in.
Dr. Genny Beemyn Gives Thought-Provoking Talk about Gender Identity at McKendree
A hushed murmuring permeated the hallways of Piper Academic Center as the McKendree community waited to hear from a special guest. Students, faculty, and staff members alike took the time to hear what Dr. Genny Beemyn, the director of the UMass Amherst Stonewall Center, had to say about the changing nature of gender in the 21st century.
Cool Flex: McKendree's Flexible Seating Room is a True Gift for Campus Community
Visit the bustling halls of the Piper Academic Center on campus and you’ll encounter similar setups of the classrooms within: long tables dotted with black chairs or desks perfectly lined facing Smart Boards at the head of the room. As you wander down the first floor, peer into room number 114 and you’ll see something a little different.
Elizabeth Eubanks: Finding Success through the Paraprofessional+ Pathway Program
When Elizabeth Eubanks was looking for a program to help her become a full-fledged teacher, she hoped she would find something that gave her the opportunity to continue her work as a paraprofessional while she student-taught. Enter the Paraprofessional+ program at McKendree.
