This year, we are going to try something new and provide an opportunity for ‘decades chat’ at the conclusion of our business agenda. We will use Zoom’s breakout rooms for some brief sharing and reminiscing with one another! If you have questions about the ‘decades chats,’ please contact Tammy (Twenhafel) Oertel at 618-541-8495 or at stewardship@4hhousealumni.org.
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Hello! I’m Tammy (Twenhafel) Oertel, 1994 U of I graduate with a BS in Speech and Hearing Science and member of the 4-H House pledge class of ’95. It’s an honor and a privilege to serve on the Alum Board. I appreciate everything that 4-H House afforded me during my time on campus, and now that my children are themselves entering the college years, giving back to my home-away-from-home in this capacity is an exciting and welcomed prospect.
I grew up in southern Illinois (shout out to the CC, aka Clinton County) on a dairy and grain farm. I attended Kaskaskia Jr. College for one year, then transferred as a sophomore. Though my career path was not in agriculture, and I loved the broad experiences and diversity I experienced at U of I, my heart was never far from my roots. This made 4-H House the perfect place for me to live and grow. It makes me smile when I hear someone call me T-Squared, because that nickname transports me right back to life at 805 W. Ohio.
Upon leaving C-U, I completed graduate school at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and married Jason (U of I and AGR alum). We live on the family farm near Brighton, IL. Our son, Tyson, is currently a freshman studying ag business at Western Illinois University. Our daughter, Shelby, is in her senior year at Southwestern High School and busy exploring her post-secondary options. I’m employed as a speech-language pathologist for Southwestern CUSD 9, home of the Piasa Birds…A legend of local folklore and, while not a very attractive creature, one of the most unique school mascots you’ll encounter. I’m not exaggerating; Google it and you’ll see what I mean. I’m also involved with our church’s outreach programs for the local area, including the Pack-a-Sack initiative, which provides food for students in need over weekends and holiday breaks during the school year.
On the recreational side, I enjoy my role as a fan of the Cardinals, Blues and (of course) the FIGHTING ILLINI. It also doesn’t take much convincing to get me to attend a concert- Recent favorites include Garth Brooks, The Indigo Girls, John Mayer, and Cher (You seriously haven’t lived until you’ve sang “If I Could Turn Back Time” at the top of your lungs, wrapped in black feather boas with your 4-H House Sisters, in a packed arena 20-plus years after college).
My three years at 4-H House set the course for my life, and my relationships from that time have been steadfast through the most intense of joys and deepest of sorrows along with everything in between; I know they’ll continue to be a constant in the beautiful chaos that is life. My main goal as a member of the Alum Board is to ensure that young women experience the unique sisterhood that only 4-H House can offer. One of my favorite quotes is from Ken Blanchard: “None of us is as smart as all of us.” Working together makes us all better, and our cooperative sorority exemplifies that. In a huge sea of Orange and Blue, the Emerald has been a beacon of strength and success for 85 years. With our cornerstone tradition of working together, we can help carry 4-H House well beyond ourselves to the children of the future. I-L-L- and Sisterly Love!
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Hello! My name is Gay Greenwood Kirkton, and I was a member of the pledge class of the fall of 1975 and a graduate of the May class of 1979. I majored in speech and English education and spent most of my career teaching at Dekalb High School in Auburn, Indiana, north of Fort Wayne. I attended the 85th anniversary weekend this past summer and was so impressed with all that the alumni board has accomplished! I only hope I can keep up with them as I begin my tenure!
I grew up in Chatham, Illinois, and I always hoped to attend the U of I because my father graduated from there. I heard many stories of his experiences in his classes and living at Illi- Dell. We spent a few weekends every year visiting with his Illi- Dell buddy Bill Gossett and his wife Nancy, who lived at 4-H House. When I knew I was accepted to U of I, I did indeed interview and was thrilled to get the call asking me to pledge! I live a fuller life professionally and socially because I lived at 4-H House.
I have been retired for 4 years after teaching high school English and speech and serving as a literacy coach for a total of 36 years. I earned a master’s degree in Communication from Purdue and then lived mostly in northeastern Indiana, but in the early 90’s my family lived in Roseville, Illinois, where my husband taught and coached. I taught at Yorkwood Jr. Sr. High and was excited to learn a pledge sister, Deb Mueller, lived in the district with her family. I was privileged to teach both her son and her daughter, and I remember discussing with Krystal, now Krystal Campbell Jungmann, about how she should set a goal to live at 4-H House. Now we share alumni status!
I met my husband Rick in my first year of teaching at Fountain Central High School in Veedersburg, Indiana, but he is also from Illinois, having grown up on a farm near Gridley. We have a daughter Katie who is a graphic designer and the creative manager for the Indiana Society of CPAs in Indianapolis. Our son is one step closer to his dream of farming, having just purchased 20 acres near Shakamak State Park in southern Indiana. He also works as a diesel mechanic for Casey’s, servicing the delivery trucks and refrigerated trailers in Terre Haute.
Because I live in Indiana, I have often explained how the University of Illinois is really the BEST university and that there is nothing better than 4-H House sisterhood. I have tried to convince Indiana students to major in ag at U of I instead of Purdue so they could live at 4-H House. I have introduced my best Indiana girlfriend to Kathy Linker Lafrenz, and I think she finally understands just how special 4-H House sisters are. I love attending 4-H House reunions like the one this past summer because when I reconnect with a sister, we immediately pick up where we left off as if no time has passed.
I am grateful to be able to give my time to the organization that gave me lifelong friends who have been role models for what a life of fulfillment is all about.
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Hello, my name is Carol Tillman and I lived in 4-H House all 4 years (Fall 1980 – 1984). I served as Secretary and other house offices and committees while in the House. I have been privileged to serve on 4-H House Alum Board and work with the maintenance of the House and the 801 property. As Property Manager, I coordinate with the House Manager on larger projects that are outside of the manager’s schedule. Coordinating with the Parents’ Associations on projects has also been beneficial for the House. I also serve with a great group of Alums, parents and current House girls on the Property Committee. This group investigates projects, researches different approaches and makes recommendations to the Alum Board, then rolls up their sleeves to help complete the projects.
Currently for work, I design landscapes and do some installations. I grew up in Carlinville in Macoupin County on a livestock and grain farm, that I now farm. In my spare time, I work at Hobby Lobby.
I am a 4-H Leader of over 26 years, and have been a Sunday School Teacher, Women’s Coordinator, Christian Education Director at our church. In years past I was Hancock County Pork Women’s Association President and am still a member of Pork Producers. As Altamont Garden Club President, I was responsible for the hanging basket program, the design and maintenance of the city parks and the Fall Festival.
My husband, Randy also graduated from the University and lived at IlliDell . We met in Animal Science 101! Our two daughters- Rachel and Rene’e were fortunate enough to live at 4-H House. Rachel graduated in 2016 and Rene’e in 2018. Our son, Ryan serves in the National Guard and works in landscaping.
4-H House holds a special place in our family’s heart like many other families; I’m thankful to serve during this special time in this special home’s history. It’s is my sincere hope to help the team of current House residents and alums leave the House well situated for the future, so many more can enjoy the lifelong bonds of sisterhood.
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Hi! I’m Deb (Ruckman) Duquaine, and I lived in the House from 1987-1991. I am excited about serving on the Alumni Board and reconnecting with alumni and meeting current 4H House women. After my older sister Karen (Ruckman) Rewerts showed me what the House was about, I wanted to live there. It was even better when I got my 4H House big sis, Pam (Nash) Clodfelter. I lived in 4H House all four years, except for the semester I traveled to Perth, Australia with Joy (Parr) Drach for a study abroad semester. After graduating in ’91 with a Biology degree, I went on to Veterinary School in C-U and graduated in ’95. I went to work in my hometown of Flora at a mixed animal practice. I married a Chicago boy, Paul, and brought him down to farm country. Together we homeschooled our children and eventually sent them to Flora High School. Go Wolves. We have one daughter and three sons. Vivian is currently in her first year at U of I, living at 4H House and studying Animal Science. My twin sons, Max and Sam, and their younger brother, Nolan, are all still in high school. Paul and I enjoy attending their various activities and sporting events, volunteering at our church and playing trivia weekly, while I continue to work part-time at the Flora Veterinary Clinic. Because 4H House is a such a wonderful organization, and it provides broad contacts and unique experiences for each of its many members. I’m very excited to start my term on the Alum board.
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2019 4-H HOUSE DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD
HOLLY SPANGLER
Since 2009 the 4-H House Alumni Association has presented the 4-H House Distinguished Alumni Award to one of our outstanding alumni to recognize contributions she has made to her community, her profession, her sorority and /or her university. Winners of this award are an example and a source of pride for all members of the 4-H House sisterhood.
The 2019 4-H House Distinguished Alumni Award is Holly Spangler.
Holly Spangler has covered Illinois agriculture for more than 20 years, beginning her career with Prairie Farmer before graduating from the University of Illinois with a degree in agricultural communications. As editor of Prairie Farmer magazine, she brings meaningful production agriculture experience to the magazine’s coverage, including a variety of agronomic, financial and issue-oriented stories. She currently serves as editor of Prairie Farmer magazine, and Executive Editor for Farm Progress, managing editorial staff at seven magazines throughout the eastern Corn Belt.
An award-winning writer and photographer, Holly is past president of the American Agricultural Editors Association. She was named Master Writer in 2005; in 2015, she became only the 10th U.S. agricultural journalist to earn the Writer of Merit designation and has received the top writing award for editorial opinion for three consecutive years. In 2011, Holly was one of 10 recipients worldwide to receive the IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders in Ag Journalism award. She currently serves on the Illinois Fairgrounds Foundation, the U of I Agricultural Communications Advisory committee, and is an advisory board member for the U of I College of ACES Research Station at Monmouth. Her work in agricultural media has been recognized by the Illinois Soybean Association, Illinois Corn, Illinois Council on Agricultural Education and MidAmerica Croplife Association.
Holly and her husband, John, farm in western Illinois where they raise corn, soybeans, and beef cattle on 2,300 acres. Their operation includes 125 head of commercial cows in a cow/calf operation. The family farm includes John’s parents, and their three children, Jenna, Nathan and Caroline.
Holly frequently speaks to a variety of groups and organizations, sharing the heart, soul, and science of agriculture. She and her husband are active in state and local farm organizations. They serve with local 4-H and FFA programs, their school district and are active in their church’s youth and music ministries.
