Class notes:
Accomplishments and Achievements by Fellow Salukis
Jensen cast as Glinda in 'Wicked'
ZOE JENSEN ’17 has been cast in the beloved role of Glinda for the North American national tour of Wicked, which began in May at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City.
A 2017 graduate of SIU’s College of Arts and Media with a degree in Musical Theater, Zoe Jensen is a Filipino‑American actor whose dynamic Broadway resume includes standout roles such as Katherine Howard in Six, Paige in The Heart of Rock and Roll, an understudy in Dear Evan Hansen, and Eliza in the national tour of Hamilton.
A native of Rockford, Illinois, Jensen first experienced Wicked when she was just 11, and it ignited her passion for performance. “Watching Wicked completely changed my life,” she recalls, a moment that fueled her dream to become an actor. Now, she has the opportunity to recreate that magic for audiences across the country.
Jensen also makes history as the first Asian woman nationwide to portray Glinda on this tour, showing how representation continues to broaden on Broadway.
The tour’s upcoming Midwest stops are especially meaningful to Zoe. She will be performing in Madison, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, and Peoria—bringing her talents back near home.
Both Saluki finalists earn 2025 Golden Apple Awards
Karen Engelmann '15 of Cobden Jr/Sr High School and Matthew Erbach '14 of South Elgin High School both earned 2025 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching by The Golden Apple Foundation.
The Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching honor outstanding teachers for having lasting, positive effects on students’ lives and school communities. Teacher finalists demonstrate—in their teaching and results—a significant, positive impact on their students’ growth and learning.
Engelmann was recognized for her commitment to cultural awareness, student leadership, and career readiness. In her Family and Consumer Sciences classes, students explore global cuisines and share student-crafted recipes with the school community to potentially add to the cafeteria menu.
She also founded the Future Teachers program, mentoring students toward careers in education and helping address the regional teacher shortage—a mission closely aligned with the Golden Apple Foundation’s goals.
Erbach, who teaches precision manufacturing in the Elgin Area School District U‑46, was surprised with the award in a ceremony on May 7. He also received the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence and an ISBE Award of Meritorious Service.
Recognized for leading a nationally unique precision manufacturing program, featuring industry-grade CNC machines, Matthew empowers his students with cutting-edge technical skills. He highlights their impactful work, including manufacturing aluminum prosthetic components for Latin America, and helping many students transition directly into apprenticeships and careers after high school.
Walker named Colorado High School Principal of the Year
TERITA WALKER ‘01, principal of East High School in Denver, has been named the 2025 Colorado High School Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Now in her fourth year leading East, Walker has guided the school through challenging times while fostering academic progress and a strong sense of community.
Known for her relationship-centered leadership and constant presence at student events—from athletics to the arts—Walker emphasizes team leadership and listening as the foundation of her success. “Nothing we’ve done to rebuild after difficult moments was done by one person—and definitely not me alone,” she shared.
With a background in counseling, Walker prioritizes student voice and equity in her approach. She’s inspired by student activism, including East’s Students Demand Action group and others involved in advocacy. Colleagues describe her as a resilient, empathetic leader and a model for collaborative leadership, particularly in times of crisis.
Walker was honored alongside other awardees at the CASE awards ceremony in April. She currently serves as a member of the SIU Alumni Association National Board of Directors.
Shelley among Top 50 Women Leaders in Marketing
STEPHANIE SHELLEY ‘94 was recently honored by Women We Admire as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Marketing for 2025. She currently serves as Vice President of Marketing for Core Lab Diagnostics at Roche, where she leads a team of 35 marketers focused on helping healthcare laboratories streamline operations and deliver timely, high-quality diagnostics.
With over 20 years of leadership experience in the diagnostics and pharmaceutical sectors across North America, Stephanie has contributed to major advances in diabetes, cardiac, infectious disease, and neurology care. She is recognized for her authentic leadership style, strategic thinking, and commitment to inclusive, purpose-driven cultures.
In 2024, she was also named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Indianapolis. Beyond her professional role, Stephanie is dedicated to service and advocacy, having served in leadership positions on four different boards, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Integrating Women Leaders Foundation.
Alumnus celebrates 40 years with Stellantis
CHRIS MICHA ‘83 recently marked his 40th anniversary at Stellantis (formerly Chrysler), where he has spent his career improving both vehicle diagnostics and customer satisfaction. His work has focused on enhancing vehicle serviceability through advanced scan tool diagnostics, module-level troubleshooting, and refining SAE/ISO diagnostic standards.
Over the years, Micha has collaborated closely with design teams across electrical, diagnostic, and ECU hardware/software disciplines to evolve vehicle network architecture, resulting in faster, more insightful CAN Bus communications and diagnostic capabilities. Today, he’s at the forefront of leveraging UConnect remote diagnostics, aiming to revolutionize how vehicle issues are detected and resolved without even touching the car.
His career includes 10 years in service (OBD II, diagnostics, validation), four years in dealer technical training, and 26 years in customer experience and quality, making him a key figure in Stellantis' efforts to redefine automotive diagnostics and customer support.
Additional Class Note Submissions
ROBERT SWENSON ’65, a former Metropolis, Illinois resident and faculty member of SIU’s School of Architecture, has published a new book, “From the Center of America: Steamboats and Shipyards Along the Lower Ohio River,” with SIU Press. The book was released in the spring.
ROGER BADESCH ’74, retired WGN Radio new anchor, joined TV celebrities Rich Koz (Svengoolie), Bill Leff (MeTV), Trace Beaulieu (Mystery Science Theater 3000), and other radio/television personalities at the 55th anniversary celebration performance of the Chicago-based nostalgia radio program, “Those Were the Days,” hosted by Steve Darnell. The April performance was held in the Belushi Performance Hall of the McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
TODD HILLMAN ’94, MPA ’97 has been appointed vice president of franchise development at Always Best Care Senior Services. Hillman is a leader in development and marketing, with more than 22 years of experience as a franchisee, regional developer, and franchisor development leader. He has worked with franchise brands in the service, health and wellness, and QSR industries. Brands include Massage Envy, Hammer and Nails Grooming Salon, Wow Wow Lemonade, and Central Bark Doggy Daycare. While at these growing and emerging brands he developed and oversaw double digit franchisee growth. Prior to being a franchisee and franchisor member, Hillman worked in account management and staffing for Boeing, City Management in Elmhurst, Illinois, and the SIU Alumni Association in Chapter Development and Corporate Relations. Hillman will lead the brand’s aggressive national growth strategy into new territories nationwide.
BARRY ENGELHARDT ’02, MBA ’12, HR Director at Store Supply Warehouse, has been named one of the St. Louis Business Journal’s 2025 HR Awards honorees, recognized for his innovative leadership in human resources.
Drawing on lessons from his 20-year combat veteran background, Barry has transformed his organization’s HR strategies. He spearheaded a region-based wage analysis, introduced a pay-for-performance system, and revamped performance management to identify and develop emerging leaders. His leadership helped boost 401(k) participation by over 25% and reduce employee turnover by a third since the pandemic. Under his guidance, Store Supply Warehouse has earned multiple Best Workplace accolades.
Embracing the cutting edge of HR tech, Barry integrates HR analytics and generative AI into his workflows—using AI to translate survey feedback, craft communications, and surface insights in a style consistent with company values. His approach saves time, uncovers blind spots, and scales strategic initiatives.
In addition to his HR role, Barry serves as the President-Elect of SHRM Greater St. Louis.
LEVI K. JAMES ’19 was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest in June at the historic Cathedral of St. Peter in Belleville, Illinois. He graduated from SIU with a Bachelor of Science in architectural studies.
Fr. James’s vocational journey led him through Kenrick‑Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, where he served as a deacon before his recent ordination. Son of David and Ann James of St. Mary Parish in Mount Carmel, he felt an early calling to the priesthood—a path deeply rooted in faith and intentional service.
His first pastoral assignment will be Associate Parochial Vicar of four parishes in southeastern Illinois: St. Joseph (Olney); St. Joseph (Stringtown); Holy Cross (Wendelin); and St. Lawrence (Lawrenceville). Fr. James will assist in sacramental ministry, community engagement, and spiritual formation.