| Note: The
following "bio" is written by Jill Krumwiede DeAtley
and shares with other alumni how she and her husband Steve used
the training received at Buckley-Loda High to build successful
careers. When
teacher Jim Biggs called Steve DeAtley in the summer of 1981 and
asked if he would be interested in working at Stevens Printing
in Paxton for his coop work experience, Steve agreed even though
he knew nothing about printing. That decision has led to a
25+ year career in the printing and graphics industry where he
has worked in all aspects including production, sales, customer
service, and management. In 2003, he achieved his dream of
owning his own business when he purchased a sign business, Signs
Now, in South Elgin, Illinois. Since that time, the
business has expanded its customer base, moved to a new
facility, and acquired new equipment.
Steve DeAtley and Jill Krumwiede
dated in high school and got married while Jill was a student at
the University of Illinois. After Jill graduated from the
U. of I. in 1987, they moved to the Washington, DC, area where
Jill worked at the American Home Economics Association, and
Steve worked for a commercial printer. In 1989, Jill
accepted a position with the Accrediting Council for Independent
Colleges and Schools which began her career in higher education.
After ten years with ACICS, she worked as the National Director
of Student Relations for a group of IT schools before accepting
an opportunity in 2001 with her current employer, Career
Education Corporation in Hoffman Estates (which also brought the
family back to Illinois). Now CEC's Vice President of
Regulatory Review, she ensures that CEC's 80+ colleges and
universities comply with state, accreditation, and federal
regulations.
The impact of cooperative education
is evidenced by Steve's career path, and he appreciates the
efforts of Jim Biggs to provide him with a positive experience.
Since B-L was such a small school, he believes that the
opportunity to be involved in a wide variety of activities
helped him along with the experience of working for his dad (who
ran the gas station in Loda for many years). Representing
B-L at the National FBLA Convention in the Economics competition
is a highlight of his high school career.
Jill credits her involvement in many
activities, most notably her year as a FHA-HERO state officer
and the support of Connie Ross, as a significant influence on
her professional career. She also believes that the
challenges provided by English teacher Vicki Broerman Good
helped her develop into a strong writer, which has been an
important skill.
Steve and Jill live in Sleepy Hollow,
Illinois, with their children Kyle (12) and Holly (9).
Steve has served as a youth baseball coach for many years and is
active in the Sleepy Hollow Service Club. Jill is a member
of the Dundee Middle School Improvement Team and is a volunteer
at Sleepy Hollow Elementary School. She has also recently
been named to the Governing Board for The Cooking and
Hospitality Institute of Chicago.
The PBL Education Foundation sincerely appreciates
Steve and Jill's support
for their alma mater and also thanks them for sharing information
for the Alumni Spotlight page.
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