Location: Chicago
David Klobucar
If it were not for a fine arts credit needed to graduate high school, David Klobucar, BJ ’77, probably would be a doctor today. He had a passion for math and science and enjoyed everything from chemistry experiments to dissecting animals in biology class. During his junior year at Oak Park High School in Kansas … Continued
Len Ziehm
What do you do? Retired from the Chicago Sun-Times in June 2010 after 41 years in the sports department, I’ve stepped up my freelance writing and am coordinating my writing projects through the website, lenziehmongolf.com. In retirement. I’ve continued to do some writing for the Sun-Times. I’m also doing a weekly golf column for the Daily … Continued
Patrick Rollens
What do you do? I’m a community producer for TribLocal.com, the Chicago Tribune’s hyperlocal news site. I manage six suburban towns, helping publish stories from Tribune staffers and recruit citizen contributors who are interested in sharing news from their towns. Social media is a big part of my week, as is aggregating stories from around … Continued
Gayly Gardner Opem
Gayly Gardner Opem, BJ ’70, recently retired from her position as executive vice president of marketing at the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) Abroad, a study-abroad program provider. During Opem’s five-year stay at IES, she helped double the organization’s revenues and the number of study-abroad participants. She built an impressive portfolio of … Continued
Richard Liefer
Learning the Nuts and Bolts Fresh off a 140-acre family farm in Red Bud, Ill., Richard Liefer arrived at Mizzou on a wave of baby boomers in 1964. Freshman enrollment soared, and campus dorms were so full, he was crowded into a two-person room with two other roommates. Mizzou was bigger and busier than his … Continued
Keith Ecker
What do you do? I am a professional freelance writer, essayist and comedian. I write editorial and marketing copy for a variety of clients, from international corporations to regional magazines. I also produce and host the popular Chicago-based reading series Essay Fiesta. Each month we invite a cross-section of artists to share true, first-person narratives. … Continued
Walt Denny
What career steps did you take before opening your own ad agency? I started as a copywriter for Western Auto Supply at their home office in Kansas City. I worked there for three years before going to a mid-size agency, Barkley & Evergreen, also in Kansas City. There, I worked as a copywriter and worked … Continued
Lisa Bertagnoli
What do you do? I am a full-time freelance writer, living and working in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood. I currently write lifestyle features and cover nonprofits for Crain’s Chicago Business as well as contribute to AARP Bulletin, CreditCards.com, and write for a number of custom publishers. I also wrote a book, Scarlett Rules: When Life Gives … Continued