Our Directors

Passion for Illinois. Respect for People. 
Responsibility to Our Mission. 

 

The Suburban Illini Club is led by volunteers who share a strong connection to the University of Illinois and a commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for alumni, fans, friends, families, students, and supporters. 

 

Our directors bring professional experience, community relationships, creativity, and individual perspectives to the club. Each Board member volunteers while balancing a career, family, community involvement, and other responsibilities. We respect those commitments while recognizing that effective volunteer leadership also requires clear communication, dependable follow-through, and shared accountability. 

 

 

Our Leadership Approach 

The Board establishes the club’s priorities, safeguards its nonprofit mission, supports its volunteers, and ensures that responsibilities are clearly assigned. 

We believe successful volunteer leadership means: 

 

  • Defining the desired outcome before assigning the work 

  • Giving each initiative one accountable leader 

  • Establishing clear responsibilities and reasonable expectations 

  • Providing volunteers with the information, resources, and authority needed to succeed 

  • Communicating promptly when circumstances or commitments change 

  • Supporting one another without quietly transferring responsibility 

  • Recognizing volunteers for meaningful and completed contributions 

  • Making decisions that strengthen the club and serve the broader Illini community 

Board of Directors 

 

Officers 

 

Michael Engelhardt 

President 

Curt Stowers 

Secretary 

 

Directors 

Jeff Coffland 

Director 

Cheryl Lentz 

Director 

Dee Molinaire 

Director 

Joe Molinaire 

Director 

Kevin Newstead 

Director 

Ben Schweers 

Director 

Mike Waldbusser 

Director 

Steve Woods 

Director 

 

Help Shape What Comes Next 

 

The Board welcomes members who want to contribute their professional experience, relationships, ideas, and time to the future of the Suburban Illini Club. 

Leadership opportunities may include event development, scholarships, membership, communications, sponsorships, professional networking, community service, financial stewardship, and Board or committee service.

 

Interested in becoming more involved? Contact us to explore our Board and volunteer opportunities.