Amaris Pettie
Dave Jorgensen
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.
Laura manages the design staff and oversees the design of all UMC print projects. She also designs her share of publications—primarily those under the umbrella of Enrollment Management and Academic Services. Laura received a B.F.A. in graphic design from the University of Illinois and has worked at Illinois State University for, let's just say, a long time.
Laura and her husband are fairly new "empty nesters" since their son, an Illinois State alum, is working on the East Coast, and their daughter is attending the University of Illinois. Laura loves to travel, cook, garden, decorate, renovate and contemplate. Someday ("Just what am I waiting for?") she wants to learn yoga, be a Red Cross volunteer, and help build a Habitat for Humanity home.
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!
Dave has worked as a graphic designer with UMC since March 1995. His design projects include the Illinois State alumni magazine, department newsletters, posters, brochures, booklets, and all sorts of other goodies targeted to various audiences including alumni, potential students and their parents, campus community, and general public. He also directs photo shoots for various projects on and off campus.
Dave's hobbies and interests include photography, family, woodworking, and the ongoing quest to simplify things that appear to be complex. He's also a hunter—that is, his continual search for free time rarely yields any. Dave hopes to someday write at least two books: a children’s book with his own original art and the Great American Novel. He often seems to possess the gift (or curse) to find the humor in the simple things, which can at times, put him into the doghouse. Dave's a strong believer in the concept that if kids and animals like you, you can’t be half bad. Regarding his own personal character, ask his two sons and/or two dogs: he has bribed them with cash and food, respectively, so they’ll likely adhere to the script.
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.
