Steve Washburn:
CLASS OF 1980
St. Teresa High SchoolClass of 1980
Decatur, IL
St. James Catholic SchoolClass of 1976
Decatur, IL
Steve's Story
Hello everyone,
Blesings to anyone who knew me and who reads this short story.
After graduating, I attended Millikin w/B.S. Didn't do too much immediately after graduating, other than work at the Holiday Inn and spend time with friends (and driving my old 1979 Trans Am around town). I wanted to stay in Decatur (I still think Decatur is a nice place to live) and there were not too many opportunties in those days...maybe not too many today, I suppose. Then in 1986, I was promoted to the Director of Personnel job at the hotel and remained in that role until I found a new opporunity in Indianapolis. I've been living in Indianapolis since October of 1988. I met my wife Kathy in 1989 and began dating right away (she is an Indianapolis native) and we were married in 1991. She is from Indy, but has an Illinois connection as she is a Northwestern grad. In a few months, we willl be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary. We have two wonderful children, who are both in HS in Indianapolis. (I know everyone says their own kids are wonderful...but you'll have to believe me that they are). We had a tough time in the 90s as one of my children was diagnosed with Leukemia, a blood-related cancer. She endured 2.5 years of chemo and, needless to say, those were tough times, but she is doing great and is a true cancer survivor.
I also graduated from Butler University in Indianapolis (received my MBA there). Go Butler Bulldogs! (they played Duke in the NCAA Championship game earlier this year)...pretty good for a small school Lots of spirit, like St. T! - plus St. T fans have to love the Butler mascot! I've been working in the pharmaceutical industry (Eli Lilly, Lilly USA). Have been a variety of roles w/the company and currently work on a osteoporosis program that is designed to help patients. I also teach at Purdue's IUPUI extension in Indianapolis part-time. My wife in healthcare treating patients (brain injury unit of a the Rehabilitiation Hospital of Indianapolis).
I wish I could tell you that I've made millions (sorry Tom Brown for not sticking with the rental housing and antique business w/you...we probably could have made millions) or that I'm a retired rock star (Rob Bronovik decided to join the USMC vs. getting our band off the ground) or that I've discovered some cure, or that I'm the Cardinal of Chicago, but I've accomplished most everything that I set out to accomplish - go to school, get married and have a family and try my best to be a good Christian.
Hobbies include:
Riding my bike to downtown Indianapolis and back to my residence. Art: Pen and Ink and Painting (acrylic). I used to love sailing at the Decatur Yacht Club when I was growing up...haven't taken up that hobby here though (need a better lake in Indy). Travel (the picture of me that one of my children must have taken from a restaurant in Paris - one where Hemingway would frequent).
I also go to an occasional concert and still like listening to the old groups I used to listen to in High School (The Jam, The Clash, Elvis Costello, The B-52s, The Pretenders - well they came out the summer we graduated). I also like lis...Expand for more
tening to Hank Williams (Senior) - Gospel Hymns. I actually like a lot of the Protestant hymns (so heartfelt and upbeat).
Shortly after High School, I got into reading my Bible, but in the mid-eighties got away from it, but have been back to spending time in God's word since the early 90s. I also enjoy attending Church Services. I try to read the Bible each day (ideally in the morning and in the evening) and I encourage others to do the same. I do believe a person needs to put the Lord first, which is what is commanded in the Bible.
St. Teresa:
I have a lot of fond memories from St. Teresa and I liked everyone in my class. I don't have any regrets about not getting more involved - I remember Dom Riccordino saying that we'd regret it someday if we didn't get so involved with football, etc. and I always felt that he was a good person. I don't have any regrets about all of that. I never went to the parties even though iI would get invited, since I didn't think people should drink underage - way too dangerous and can lead to too much trouble (I believed it then and believe it now), but thanks to the Lord, I don't believe anyone from our class was seriously injured. WIth all of that said, I do think deep down inside, all of the St. T kids were pretty good kids. I've had the opporunity to meet a lot of you on the streets or at the 20 year reunion and have always enjoyed talking to you all. Also, I sometimes think of graduation and Carol Mulligan singing (May You Stay) "Forever Young" (the old Joan Baez/Bob Dylan song).... I can honestly say, I think I've stayed forever young in spirit.
St. James:
I want to say a special word to my friends from St. James. I don't know about you all, but I tend to think of St. James from time to time and all of my school mates (weren't those some colorful characters - Sister Therese and all?), Kreckles on Wood Street, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts (Thanks to Tony Jestes' parents who were always so involved). Chris Graham, if you read this, I think about you a lot since we were such good friends in the early to mid 70s. I remember walking over to your house, sometimes w/Larry Beckwith, on Friday's. And, of course Tom Brown, who has been a lifelong dear friend. There are others I think about a lot too, so don't be offended if you aren't mentioned.
That is about it. If I think of anything else, I'll add it. I still get to Decatur periodically. Like I said earlier, it is a pretty good town. I remember making fun of it all the time while living there, but there is something to be said about that old factory town.. the pretty lake, and the beauty of the flat prairies that surround the city. I know that I've said a lot in hear about my beliefs. A person can still be faithful and be a fun person to be around - I enjoy my friends and family very much. I think back on my life a lot and chances are if you knew me and are reading this, I've thought of you from time to time. No one's life is without trials and tribulations, but I have to say that I feel that I've been blessed in my life.
May the Grace and Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all!!!
Steve
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