Profiles of Elmira College Alumni

Children’s book illustrator Jody Wheeler ’74 has worked on a variety of books,ranging from nonfiction titles for middle readers, such as more than a half-dozen weather-related titles in the Wild Weather series written by Lorraine Jean Hopping, to fiction titles for young readers such as Nate the Great. Jody ’74 has also teamed up with author Rosemary Wells to produce a series of books for preschoolers, with Jody ’74 providing the interior artwork. School Library Journal critic Anne Knickerbocker said of Jody’s artwork in Read Me a Story, “Each page sports a bright, color illustration that will aid beginning readers in decoding the text.”

Jody ’74 developed a greater than average interest in children’s books at an early age, having been influenced and encouraged by her great aunt Opal Wheeler, a prolific writer of books for young readers in the 1950s. After being trained as a fine artist and art educator, she moved to Manhattan and eventually turned to the field of publishing. She worked as a design assistant-secretary at the Dial Press in the juvenile books division for two years before establishing her own freelance illustration business. Since then she has enjoyed working on a variety of projects ranging from picture books to educational texts and magazines, greeting cards to coloring books.

What are some of your fondest memories of your days at Elmira College?
Wow … so many memories. My first is walking around campus my first day and a professor addressing me by my name. This professor apparently memorized the freshman roster by photo and greeted us when he saw us! It made me feel like I was at home in this new place. As most in my class will recall, I remember learning the Japanese Tea Ceremony with Dr. Kobayashi; being inspired by Dr. Pritchard’s art history lectures, which was a window on the world beyond; choosing a secret “little buddy”; and, as painting students, having our own painting studios ... a luxury at the time we had no idea was so rare.

When you reflect on your college days now, what are some thoughts that come to mind?
The college years seem like a wonderful luxury of learning to me now. It would be great to go back and accumulate even more knowledge. What a gift it was to be sent to Elmira College by my parents.

Did you take advantage of Elmira College’s Term III opportunities? If so, how did that experience affect you?
I loved my Term III experiences. Term III is why I chose Elmira College since I wanted to learn everything in college - quite a high standard for any institution to achieve. I saw college as a chance to explore everything! One Term III, I took Wilderness Education class, which served me well for many years, and, for another I explored watercolor, and I love the medium to this day.

Were there any people or professors that had a significant impact on you?
In my painting professor, Steve March, I found a good example of an artist balancing art, career, and family. That balance was inspiring and I am lucky to have a friendship with him and his family today.

Have you done any traveling since EC?
I have had the opportunity to travel throughout the U.S., as well as to places in Europe and Thailand. The flexibility of a freelance career allows time for such adventures. I live in a couple of different places since my medium of watercolor is so portable, and I’ve also loved house-sitting for people in other places in the country. I can set up my work anywhere that Fed Ex can find me!

What advice would you give students about preparing for graduate school or careers?
I would say, never give up, because you will be turned away many times, perhaps, from the exact thing you’d like to do. The experiences along the way, the contacts and friends you make, are all part of the story and may be with you longer than you know!