If you live in the Midwest, you know the past few weeks have not been great summer weather. Last night, the Chicago area saw some of the worst thunderstorms in lightning in more than 20 years. However, that did not dampen the spirits of the University Relations staff, who rode out the storm at The View, a nearby golf course pub.

Despite the stormy weather, I had invited my University Relations staff members from the Offices of Admissions, Communications, and Development/Alumni Relations to join me for an end-of-summer party after hours. At about 3:30 pm, tornado warnings were sounded in the Downers Grove area and staff members initially went to the basements of campus buildings to take shelter. Once the initial storm passed, however, we headed off to The View at the River Bend Golf Course in Lisle. About 15 MWU staffers--and several guest bloggers--enjoyed a casual get-together and chance to unwind after a hard day at work.


Photo: Jessica Moore (Communications), La'Mont Vaughn (Admissions), Kelly Lewis (Admissions), and Abena Patton (Communications) out on the deck under the ominous skies.

Colorful martinis, pitchers of sangria, and cold soda were enjoyed as we talked about the latest happenings on campus and swamped stories about children, spouses, pets, and summer vacations. We toasted our DG Admissions Director Mike Laken and his wife Tara on the birth of their newest daughter, Aubrey. We also toasted our own DG Development/Alumni Relations Director Kevin Burns on his candidacy in the IL 14th district congressional race.


Photo: Abena Patton (Communications), Barb Wysocki (Development/Alumni), Kelly Lewis (Admissions), me, and Wendy Kulpinski (Admissions) enjoy The View.

A second round of storms hit the area toward the end of the party, with heavy rain and more lightning. Fortunately, we were safe and sound inside and in the company of friends. When the worst of the weather passed, however, we set out to see who had power and who had flooded basements. By the time I made it back to the city, my power was out and several trees were down in my neighborhood, but fortunately nothing was damaged and the rest of the night was dark, but quiet.


Photo: Dana Fay and her adorable son and life-of-the-party, Noah.


I am very proud to represent the wonderful staff members in the Division of University Relations. If you are a prospective student or applicant, an alumnus, or a member of the media or local community, you will probably encounter this great team during your interactions with MWU. I hope you find that we represent the University well...and have fun doing it.