Redbird Buzz

Painter and muralist Liz Flores '12 joins Redbird Buzz to talk about taking the leap into making a passion into a profession and how she used her business degree to become a successful artist. Flores shares how she had to think outside the box to find her own artistic style, how she balances her painting integrity while working with well-known brands like Lululemon and the Chicago Bulls, and where she has recently gained inspiration for her upcoming work.

Tiara M. Tucker ’04, M.S. ’09, joins Redbird Buzz to share how embracing a passion can lead to many trails of success as she balances a full-time corporate career while managing her own PR boutique and non-profit dedicated to empowering professional women.

Jeff Mavros, M.S. ’06, executive director of Admissions, joins Redbird Buzz to discuss Illinois State University’s historic incoming class for fall 2022. It’s the University’s largest freshman class in 35 years and its most diverse freshman class in ISU history. The class consists of one in three students who had a high school 4.0 GPA, more than 200 new students from McLean County, and more than 2,500 incoming students actively involved in community service.

Keith Habersberger '09 is known for his hilarious YouTube videos, viral comedy songs, and all-around funny internet persona. But most don't know that Habersberger got his start in improv and comedy at Illinois State. Join Redbird Buzz for a conversation full of laughs and stories about Habersberger's rise to internet stardom with the Try Guys and his newest venture on tour with comedy band Lewberger, set to take the stage at Braden Auditorium September 9.

Dr. Aondover Tarhule, vice president for Academic Affairs and provost, joins Redbird Buzz to discuss Illinois State University’s new College of Engineering. He describes why the University is starting an engineering program, how the program will be unique, and what the next steps are in the program development process. For more information about the new College of Engineering, visit IllinoisState.edu/College-Engineering.

Sam Alex ’07, nationally-syndicated country radio personality, host of The Sam Alex Show, and founder of Camp Broadcast, joins Redbird Buzz. Alex got his start in radio on the Illinois State University campus as a WZND staffer and public address announcer for Redbird women's soccer, and he has soared to career heights including interviewing stars on the red carpet at the Oscars.

Entrepreneur Abe Lopez-Bowen ’12 joins Redbird Buzz to discuss his experiences as a student at Illinois State and his career path after graduation. Lopez-Bowen talks about his human-focused, heart-forward approach to management and business, how former Illinois State president Dr. Larry Dietz advised him during a crucial moment of self-reflection, and how his experience as a student shaped his approach to his personal and professional life.

Gold Glove-winning Redbird center fielder Ryan Cermak and Illinois State head baseball coach Steve Holm join Redbird Buzz to discuss Cermak's stellar 2022 season and the upcoming Major League Baseball (MLB) draft. Some scouts predict Cermak to be drafted in the first five rounds which would place him among the highest MLB draft picks in Redbird history.

Chris Voelz ’70, executive director of the Collegiate Women Sports Awards, joins Redbird Buzz to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Title IX and to share her experiences as a physical education major, four-sport Redbird student-athlete, and women’s athletics pioneer. Voelz is a trailblazer in the world of college athletics and has dedicated her career to advancing opportunities for women athletes.

Jim Bennett ’87, Illinois Department for Human Rights director, joins Redbird Buzz to talk about the meaningful moments and mentors at Illinois State who shaped his path to becoming an activist, a voice for civil rights, a storyteller, and a trailblazer. Bennett shares memories from his time as a student, describes the path his career has taken him on and his role in the fight for marriage equality, and he discusses how he's found support from Redbirds over the years.