Alum Kowalczyk embodies civic-mindedness Open a newspaper, listen to the radio or watch television, and you will hear how community involvement and volunteerism are vital for cities and towns to thrive. Laura Kowalczyk ’91, M.S. ’96, embodies the ideal civic-minded and engaged citizen. Kowalczyk, a graduate of Leadership McLean County, was a member of the Association for Women in communication for 11 years, serving in leadership positions and receiving the chapter’s highest honor, the Crystal Award. She also was a member of McLean County Chamber of Commerce Women’s Division for nine years, again immersing herself in leadership roles; a co-chair for The Pantagraph’s United Way campaign and a loaned executive for the McLean County campaign; a member of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, McLean County Affiliate for six years, including serving on the board of directors and as publicity chair; member of the Economic Development Council’s Business Outreach Program for two years; member of the Bloomington-Normal Area Sports Commission for six years; and member of the McLean County Museum of History’s marketing committee for six years, where she served as advisor for marketing interns. Those are just a few of her many community activities. “I enjoy variety and am always up for a challenge,” Kowalczyk said. “I wanted to pursue a number of different interests in some of the many worthy community organizations. I’ve met countless wonderful people and have formed lasting friendships as a result of my involvement.” Kowalczyk, who grew up in Kankakee, came to Illinois State University because it was close to home and because of the great reputation of the elementary education program. Like many, once she saw some of the other options, Kowalczyk changed her major. She decided on a major in public relations due to her enjoyment of working with people, the reputation of the School of Communication and the great faculty. Kowalczyk also minored in business administration. Most of Kowalczyk’s professional career has been marketing-oriented. Her twin cities career started with the role of publications coordinator for the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. She then moved on to marketing coordinator for Heritage Enterprises, marketing research analyst for The Pantagraph, marketing coordinator for STL Technology Partners, and community services coordinator for The Pantagraph. Currently, Kowalczyk is The Pantagraph circulation sales and retention coordinator. “In college, I never dreamed that market research would be an area I would work in for more than six years,” Kowalczyk said. “However, I thoroughly enjoyed my position as a Pantagraph market research analyst. It was detail-oriented and involved working with numbers and survey work, and the job responsibilities were varied and allowed me to further develop my skill sets. I’ve been able to use what I learned from that job in other positions and free-lance work. I also have used the knowledge and skills I gained at Illinois State both in my professional career and in the leadership positions I’ve held in my volunteer and community work.” Married for more than 11 years, Laura met her husband, Jeff Kowalczyk, at Illinois State. Jeff ’90, graduated with a degree in economics and is an investment consultant for Raymond James. They have a daughter, Sarah (41⁄2), and a son Alex (21 months). “My husband and I decided to stay in the area after graduation,” Kowalczyk said. “Bloomington-Normal has so much to offer and is a wonderful place to raise a family. All of the great colleges and universities in the area add to the community’s diversity and experiences, making it one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in Illinois.” The Kowalczyk family has continued their Illinois State involvement. The family attends football, basketball and volleyball games as well as theatre and music events. Jeff works the shot clock and Laura was a crew spotter for women’s basketball. Sarah and Alex enjoy the games and “love Reggie.” Laura was a member of the Homecoming Steering Committee and served as chair of the Mulberry Madness committee. She also volunteered for the IHSA girl’s volleyball and basketball celebrations held at the University. Kowalczyk has enjoyed watching Illinois State make improvements to buildings, campus and programs. “The new College of Business building and Kaufman Football Building are impressive state-of-the-art facilities,” she said. “I am especially excited about the recent success of the football team. Illinois State University is a great school, and one that has much to offer.”