Illinois School for the Deaf Alumni Association

Judy (Sylvester) Wallin, ('74) passed away

She passed away on December 9, 2011.

Robert Pagels passed away

He passed away on November 28th, 2011.

Campus News, 12-20

Bob Dramin ('88) talked about what's going on ISD campus. 

This video talks about:

- Gallaudet Provost - Stephen Weiner
- ISD Alumni Day
- Clerc Classic in Indiana SD
- CSSD tournament in Ohio SD

ISDAA Cookbook on sale now!

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We are selling the ISDAA cookbook for $3.00 plus shipping cost. It has 280 pages. Perfect gift for your family, friends, birthday, wedding, baby shower, bridal shower, graduation, anniversary or any gift occasion. If you are interesting to buy one, please contact us by ISDAAnews@yahoo.com and type 'cookbook' in the email subject. 

A Deaf Person with Usher Syndrome ran in Paw Paw Chicago Marathon

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Kelly Monahan ('94) wore a t-shirt with the words “deaf-blind runner” on the back.
My name is Kelly Monahan, and I am from Mokena, Illinois. I am deaf-blind (usher syndrome type 1), a single mother of two amazing sons, have loving pets, and I am a part-time college student. I am a former student at Illinois School for the Deaf in Jacksonville, Illinois from 1989-1994. In 1994, I went to the National Technology Institute for the Deaf in New York majoring in printing. I have no explanation of how I became deaf or contracted Usher Syndrome when I was born. Today, my vision field is limited with blindness in dim/dark areas and night time. My communication methods are American Sign Language and Tactile.

I love running! A few years ago, I started to attend a gym and run on a treadmill. At first, I couldn’t run on a treadmill without my one hand holding on the handle because I have a balance problem. It was difficult at first, then I got used to it everyday. I started to walk and jog outside more and I find myself enjoying that. In May 2009, my first race was in Frankfort, Illinois to support funds for the school district. There were a small number of runners but I ran along with my dad for about four miles. I ran behind my dad, so I can see my dad's back where he was going to avoid bumping into runners. In April 2010, my dad and I ran the Sharmock Shuffle 8K in Chicago downtown along with a large number of runners. It was a big challenging race. I followed my dad all the way to the finish line. During our run, my dad usually got my attention to watch out for a step on the curve of the street. A few times, there were some dark tunnels that we had to run through. I put my hand on my dad’s back to avoid tripping or bumping into runners. It was so important to have someone on my side for my safety while I was not familiar with the area. I have participated in many races lately . So far, in the races, I ran on my own twice and the other races, I ran with dad, siblings and my kids. On July 2, 2011, a mini race was held in Orland Park, Illinois. My eleven and twelve year old sons' first ran with me about 3 miles. It was such a joyful experience running with them. I enjoy the experience of the challenge and enjoy the view of the scenery.

On September 25, 2011, Paw Paw Chicago race 8k run, I ran with my first deaf and A.S.L. friend, Oralia (Guiterrez) Lomanto ('95), and it was her first time experience in the race.  I wore a t-shirt with the words “deaf-blind runner” on the back. I thought it would help runners to recognize that I am deaf-blind runner to avoid bumping into me.  We ran during the heavy rain and it was little slippery.  There was bump on the trail that I didn’t notice, I almost tripped over.  It was exhausting and difficult challenging race. The important thing, we made to the finish line. Reaching the finish line is always the best feeling.
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Kelly Monahan and Oralia Lomanto with Paw Paw.
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Oralia Lomanto and Kelly Monahan
My dream goal is a half marathon or the 26.2 marathon one day but my hope is to find an A.S.L runner who will train and run with me. I have a great faith and belief that I can do anything that is possible through Jesus Christ. Anyone can do it and I can do it!

David Leseberg '67 passed away

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ISD Senior picture (1967)
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David at Darien, Wisc picnic last Aug 20.
We are sad to share the news with you all. David Leseberg, class of 1967, passed away today on September 27, 2011. More information of wake and funeral service will post on here once we hear of confirmation date, time and location.


UPDATED as 09/29 -

Mr. David Leseberg
March 03, 1947 - September 27, 2011

David "Ratfink" W. Leseberg, 64, of Palatine. Beloved father of Lillian (Ed Zahnle) Leseberg and Harland Leseberg. Loving grandpa of Ann, Malee, Taylor, Sage, David and Katen. Cherished and loved by many friends and the Deaf community.

David was a 1967 graduate of the Illinois School for the Deaf, in Jacksonville, IL.

Funeral Information 

Visitation Sunday, October 2, 2011, 3:00-9:00PM at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 185 E. Northwest Hwy., Palatine. Funeral Service Monday, October 3, 2011, 11:00AM at the funeral home. Interment Hillside Cemetery.

View Memorial and Sign Guestbook

First Deaf Person to Receive the Award

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September 26, 2011Kimberly (Senter) Mokris, ('91), received a recognition award for her outstanding performance in casework, advocacy, job development/placement, counseling/guidance and team player. She is the first Deaf state employee to receive the award. Kim works for State of Illinois Department of Human Services-Division of Rehabilitation Services as a Rehabilitation Counselor Senior in south side of Chicago. She began her career with DHS-DRS in 2005. She obtained her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Gallaudet University in 1996, Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Texas Tech University in 2006. She is married to Michael Mokris and resides in Joliet with 3 dogs and 2 cats.

Mark your calender!

Upcoming Events
click below to open the link
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ISD Alumni Retreat - 
Utica, IL
Friday, June 8, 2012 - Saturday, June 9, 2012

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The Tiger Times Newsletter (Vol. 23-2)

Our ISDAA President Melvin Long ('64) would like you to take a sneak peek of the previous The Tiger Times newsletter. Here is the attachment file of the previous The Tiger Times newsletter. If you really enjoy to read it, you can subscribe. The subscription rate for The Tiger Times is $12.00 for single or $17.00 for husband/wife per year. Mail the check along with your address to: Membership Secretary, Susan Weiss at 2010 Vale St., Champaign, IL 61822. Keep The Tiger Times newsletter running!

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Have news to share, make an announcement, obituary, event, vacation, etc.. please send email to ISDAAnews@yahoo.com 

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ISDAA's web site was first founded by Lloyd Ballinger.  Thank you Lloyd!