Meet the Executive Board
2022-2023
Rose Proctor
President
Major: Communications
Why did you join Illinithon?
Because every child deserves the chance to have a happy childhood
What's your favorite/best dance move?
Disco Dance Move
If you were a dessert what would you and why?
Key Lime Pie because it is not your average dessert, but awesome!
Linnea O'Brien
Financial Vice President
Major: Supply chain management
Why did you join Illinithon?
So more kids get to celebrate their birthdays with their loved ones and to involve myself in something I’m incredibly passionate about
What's your favorite/best dance move?
Kick line 🕺
If you were a dessert what would you be and why?
Reese’s eggs- the superior candy and dessert
Olivia Levitas
External Vice President
Major: Marketing
Why did you join Illinithon?
I heard about IlliniThon from one of my sorority sisters and knew I had to join because it was such a great cause. This is my third year with IlliniThon and there is not greater joy than getting to help our miracle kiddos and families live happy and healthy lives.
What's your favorite/best dance move?
I love a good partner spin and dip 💃🏻🕺
If you were a dessert what would you be and why?
A chocolate chip cookie cause I’m always dependable and plus I love chocolate 🍪
Lexi Huffman
Membership Vice President
Major: MCB
Why did you join Illinithon?
To help put a smile on as many little kids’ faces as possible in the face of their struggles since I am lucky enough to be healthy
What's your favorite/best dance move?
Jumping around in a circle
If you were a dessert what would you be and why?
Molten lava cake, harder cake in the outside with a gooey inside, my passions are what keep me going on the inside
Mikayla Jones
Internal Vice President
Major: Human Development and Family Studies
Why did you join Illinithon?
I thought it was so cool that the U of I had an organization devoted to raising money for kids’ health. Ever since I found out about it at Quad Day my freshman year, I’ve been hooked - how awesome is it that we get a chance to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, a part of something that is changing kids’ lives!
What's your favorite/best dance move?
I’m a sucker for any kind of line dance
If you were a dessert what would you be and why?
Cheesecake - always a crowd pleaser
Eric Mzyk
Assistant Director of Finance
Major: Finance and Management
Why did you join Illinithon?
I joined to ease the worry of the family and the kiddos in need. As a kid I was simply living life to the fullest day by day and I believe every child needs to experience this by being able to play and experience a childhood with minimal worries.
What's your favorite/best dance move?
The train dance!
If you were a dessert what would you be and why?
I would be a Kinder Egg with a toy inside because I have a pretty professional, hard exterior but a playful, childlike interior.
Jennifer Bingham
Director of Special Events
Major: HDFS, psych
Why did you join Illinithon?
So that children can remain children while facing adult challenges.
What's your favorite/best dance move?
Moon walk
If you were a dessert what would you be and why?
Creme Brulee because sometimes you have to break through my shell to get to the good stuff
Sydney Collins
Director of Creative Development
Major: Graphic Design and Photography
Why did you join Illinithon?
I joined illinithon to be part of an amazing community and to help kids that deserve to have a bright future!
What's your favorite/best dance move?
Hokey pokey
If you were a dessert what would you be and why?
I would be cookie dough ice cream because Im basic but also fun and most people like it
Michael Kraft
Director of Alumni Relations
Major: MCB Honors & Chemistry, minor in Business
Why did you join Illinithon?I joined because kids need our help. Children deserve growing up and have a chance at a beautiful life. It is our duty to do what we can to give them a normal childhood!!
What's your favorite/best dance move?
Love disco fever
If you were a dessert what would you be and why?
Red velvet cake is the best because you get a bit of creamy cheese and cake all at the same time!! It’s also super sweet :)
Tommy Marousek
Director of Family Relations
Major: MCB and Psych
Why did you join Illinithon?
I joined because I'm passionate about helping the kids and giving them the opportunity they deserve to live their lives
What's your favorite/best dance move?
Any move done by Albert Brennaman
If you were a dessert what would you be and why?
I'd be an ice cream cake because it's the best of both worlds, and who doesn't like ice cream and/or cake
Tori Lee
Director of Fundraising
Why did you join Illinithon?
I joined Illinithon to not only get involved within my campus, but also to be able to make a difference in the lives of children and families!
What's your favorite/best dance move?
The worm
If you were a dessert what would you be and why?
I would be a brownie because I’m a fan favorite
Leah Hoefert
Director of HR/FR
Major: Dietetics
Why did you join Illinithon?
To see first-hand the impact I can personally make to give a kiddo the best, happiest life possible!
What's your favorite/best dance move?
go to: walking down the stairs
If you were a dessert what would you be and why?
Ooey gooey butter cake because it’s a st. louis staple and leaves everyone happy after having it!
Olivia Boundy
Director of Marathon Relations
Major: Molecular and Cell Biology
Why did you join Illinithon?
I joined Illinithon to help the kids at St. John and be a second family to them. It is great to be apart of something bigger than myself and do it alongside other individuals at the school that have the same passion!
What's your favorite/best dance move?
The whip
If you were a dessert what would you be and why?
Tiramisu because it has many layers and I feel I possess many different characteristics!
Megan McCormick
Director of Member Engagement
Major: Special Education
Why did you join Illinithon?
Because I wanted to be able to make positive changes in the children of St. John’s lives and work year round with other people who are passionate about helping others!
What's your favorite/best dance move?
The Dougie
If you were a dessert what would you be and why?
I would be a popsicle because I thrive in the summer
Cadence Brenham
Director of Operations
Major: Integrative Biology major & Spanish minor
Why did you join Illinithon?
I’m from Springfield, so I have always been familiar with the amazing things that St. John’s does for their young patients. I also believe that every kid deserves to be healthy and happy!
What's your favorite/best dance move?
Cartwheel
If you were a dessert what would you be and why?
Coffee flavored ice cream because I’m always on the run and drinking a coffee, I also love summer!
Jacey Mertel
Director of Recruitment
Major: Supply Chain Management and Information Systems
Why did you join Illinithon?
I joined illinithon because after participating in the big event as a general member I realized I wanted to do so much more for the organization that supports an amazing cause!
What's your favorite/best dance move?
The Sprinkler
Matthew Reji
Director of Stewardship
Major: MCB
Why did you join Illinithon?
I joined to make a difference in the lives of the kiddos and their families. I was part of the recruitment committee last year and seeing the kids being happy at the Big Event was a great memorable moment for me.
What's your favorite/best dance move?
Carlton
If you were a dessert what would you be and why?
Vanilla Ice cream as it's simple and rich in flavor
Abby Madonia
Morale Co-Director
Major: Accounting with a legal studies minor
Why did you join Illinithon?
I’m from Slringfield and have seen first hand all the wonderful work St. John’s does and wanted to give back!
What's your favorite/best dance move?
Jazz Square
If you were a desert what would you be and why?
Ice cream- it’s my all time favorite I have it every day
Jacob Andino
Morale Co-Director
Major: Communication major and Public Relations minor
Why did you join Illinithon?
To have a fun way to give back to the community.
What's your favorite/best dance move?
Jazz hands
If you were a dessert what would you be and why?
Cake pop
Abby Madonia
Morale Co-Director
Major: Accounting with a legal studies minor
Why did you join Illinithon?
I’m from Slringfield and have seen first hand all the wonderful work St. John’s does and wanted to give back!
What's your favorite/best dance move?
Jazz Square
If you were a desert what would you be and why?
Ice cream- it’s my all time favorite I have it every day
Leah Daly
Director of Public Realtions
Major: Special Education with minor in social work
Why did you join Illinithon?
I joined IlliniThon because I want to give back to my community and make a positive impact on the people around me! This club is such a rewarding experience and meeting the kids is something so special! There is truly nothing like it :)
What's your favorite/best dance move?
Cotton eyed joe
If you were a dessert what would you be and why?
Ice cream because I think I’m pretty chill and it’s my favorite!
Lily Dalbey
Co-Director of Operations
Major: Interdisciplinary Health Sciences
Why did you join Illinithon?
Every child should be given the best childhood possible. My best friend growing up battled cancer and is such an inspiration to me. I am happy to say she is doing very well!!!!!
What's your favorite/best dance move?
A spin!
If you were a desert what would you be and why?
Chocolate chip cookies!
Kaitlyn Collazo
Assistant Director of Fundraising
Major: Community Health
Why did you join Illinithon?
To help the kids!
What's your favorite/best dance move?
Dougie
If you were a dessert what would you be and why?
Cupcake
Cole Bower
Director of Finance
Major: Marketing and Information Systems
Why did you join Illinithon?
I participated in dance marathon in high school, and wanted to continue to make a difference while I was in college
What's your favorite/best dance move?
Sprinkler
If you were a dessert what would you be and why?
I am a hot fudge sundae, mostly because it’s my favorite dessert