Stephen D. Stoddard ’50

stevestoddardStephen “Steve” Davidson Stoddard, 88, died May 24, 2013. World War II veteran, “Battle of the Bulge”soldier, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Infantry Badge recipient, devoted husband and father, Ceramic Engineer Extraordinaire, Justice of the Peace, Los Alamos County Commissioner, three term New Mexico State Senator, Patriot, Statesman, Los Alamos Living Treasure, a friend to all, a connoisseur of fine scotch and a good cigar. Another member of the “Greatest Generation” has left our midst.

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Bill Forsyth ’86: Former Chief Illiniwek Sharing Opinions Based on Lifetime Experience

bill forsyth chiefBill Forsyth, a Gamma Zeta alumnus graduated in 1986, served as Chief Illiniwek from 1984 to 1986. The Chief was banished from the university’s sporting events six years ago. He encourages you to read this article (http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/05/07/wisch-return-of-chief-illiniwek-proposed-and-ignored/) which discusses a “common sense compromise” put forth by the Council of Chiefs. If you agree, he suggests that you:

1. Forward it to any and all Illini you know, and;
2. Email the Chancellor (pmwise@illinois.edu) and the Board of Trustees (UIBOT@illinois.edu) voicing support for this “common-sense compromise.”

As the return of the Chief being brought up and ignored, a recent interview with Forsyth was conducted to reveal some of his personal experience serving as the Chief as well as his view on this particular issue. Click here to read the story.Continue reading

Ed Ptacek ’51 on How Being a Leader in ATO Builds Confidence

Ed Ptacek 2013Ed spent many years in the Information Technology industry. His work involved marketing/sales, as well as executive management and consulting. He lives in Solana Beach, CA with his wife Claudette. He has a son in Seattle, and a daughter nearby in Southern California, along with three grandsons ages 5, 11, and 23.

What were some of the best times at Gamma Zeta in the 1950’s?
I especially remember the Gamma Zeta Homecoming Decorations, the Spring Carnivals, which we staged with different Sororities, and many IM Sports. You played whatever contests you could. Some of us would even play water polo, ping pong or horseshoes — anything for those points! Of course, I have to mention the fellowship we enjoyed at Bidwell’s (no longer around) and Kam’s. There was no drinking in the House in those days , which led to our fair share of 35 cent quarts at these upscale establishments.Continue reading

Gerry Kostelny ’72: Successful Real Estate Developer and ATO Team Leader

kostelnyGerry Kostelny: Successful Real Estate Developer and ATO Team Leader

Gerry Kostelny (Gamma Zeta ’72) has been involved in the commercial real estate business throughout his career. He is the founder and CEO of InSite Real Estate, a national owner, developer, and operator of commercial investment real estate.

Tell us about your family.
I have been married to my wife, Carolyn, who plays an active role in our company, for 20 years and have 5 children: Katie – Iowa ’03, a real estate lawyer for our company; Dan – Illinois Gamma Zeta ’05, a member of our company’s industrial property team; Carrie – Illinois Gamma Phi Beta ’07, a lawyer for the Intercontinental Exchange; Tom – Illinois Delta Tau Delta ’12, a member of our company’s retail property team; and Elizabeth – a high school sophomore at Benet Academy.Continue reading

Jack Klues ’74: A Leading Media Executive and Committed ATO

jack kluesWhat direction has your career taken since your Gamma Zeta days?
I have worked in the advertising agency business since graduation from the University of Illinois in 1977. I was first hired by Leo Burnett as a Client Service account trainee starting in the Media Department. I never left Leo and Media operations even though my career did require several changes of business cards over the last 35 years. I stayed in Media rather than becoming an Account Executive. About 15 years ago, I led the “spin off” of the Leo Burnett Media Department to a global Media Agency called Starcom. Two years later, I was asked to also oversee and integrate a rival agency brand named Mediavest. Today, SMG is the largest Media agency in US and the world. After being acquired by the French based holding company, Publicis Groupe, I took on additional responsibilities in managing all of its Media and Digital agency businesses which we call Vivaki (a combination of SMG, Continue reading