Jerry is the trademark licensing director for the University. He provides institutional identity management and serves as the executive director for all university promotional and recruitment video productions, often with a major hand in conceiving, writing, producing, and editing shows.
Jerry likes to spend most of his free time at a piece of property he owns in western McLean County ("my adult sandbox") where he can grow things, cut things down, clear areas, burn at will, camp, fish, hike, and enjoy the company of good friends.
Otherwise, he's still busy trying to raise two boys—one out of college and the other a senior in college. "Believe me, the struggle is not over yet!"
Susan serves as editor-in-chief of the Illinois State alumni magazine, working with staff in UMC and Alumni Relations on all aspects of the quarterly publication. She also writes extensively for the magazine and other publications within the department.
After completing an undergraduate degree at Illinois State in communication, Susan worked for eight years as a newspaper reporter. She left her position as higher education reporter at The Pantagraph in 1992 to become the first public relations officer and marketing director for Heartland Community College. In 1995 she joined UMC, and since then has completed a master's in English Studies.
When not in the office Susan enjoys spending time with her daughter, an elementary student who swims competitively, and husband, the features editor at The Pantagraph. Beyond working with children's programs at her church, Susan is actively involved in Project Angel Tree and serves as a regional coordinator for the national outreach ministry.
Jeff Higgerson knows the meaning of the phrase "under pressure." Jeff handles many rush jobs for multiple departments throughout the University. He also designs a variety of materials ranging from banners to newsletters. "Really, anything you can imagine with ink on it," as Jeff puts it.
Outside of work, Jeff enjoys playing the guitar with his friends and would like to eventually rejoin the band scene. For now, he busies himself with his soon-to-be stepson's activities and spending time with his fiance.
Dave Jorgensen has been with University Marketing and Communications since 1995 and is responsible for promotional pieces for internal and external audiences. Aside from his work designing for print, Dave also helps guide the photography used in his pieces by serving as a director at photo shoots. "There are 100 ways to take any one picture," Dave said. By directing, he is able to get the exact shot he wants.
Outside of University Marketing and Communications, Dave is highly involved with his sons' activities. He is busy as his kids participate in everything from swimming to Tae Kwon Do. He also enjoys car-pooling to work from his home in Clinton and claims that even if he were a millionaire, he would continue to go green to reduce wasted esources.
When he finds some time to himself, which is a rare occasion, Dave can be found nursing his favorite addiction—his iPod. He especially enjoys filling it with podcasts and ebooks. He is also a photography enthusiast, and enoys capturing moments in nature, family events, and the shenanigans of the family pets.
Mike, a graphic designer, has worked for UMC since 2002. His work includes posters for the School of the Theatre and the School of Music, and numerous projects for the College of Education and WGLT. He is also a contributing designer for the alumni magazine.
Mike graduated from Bradley University with a bachelor's degree in graphic design and worked in the Peoria design community before joining Illinois State. He commutes daily from Morton, where he lives with his wife Jennifer and their German Shepherd, Samson. He has a love for film that includes everything from silents to slashers, and on the weekends enjoys gardening and finalizing his plans for world domination as his alter ego, Professor Pandemonium.
Amaris makes sure everything in our office runs smoothly. As our staff clerk, she performs daily clerical and reception tasks such as receiving calls, relaying messages, filing, scheduling appointments and travel arrangements for all staff, and preparing reports. She orders office supplies, keys, photocopies, and opens and sorts mail. Besides assisting the associate director of publications, the design staff, and our photographer, Amaris works with the student clerical assistants and prepares/assigns projects. Whew!