Authors' Bios
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Andrew J. Jowers, licensed and ordained Minister, currently serves as Pastor of Greater Heights Worship Center and president for the Unity in Community Alliance (both in Galesburg). Rev. Jowers is a graduate of Illinois Central College with two Associate in Applied Science degrees and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management from the University of Illinois at Springfield. Rev. Jowers has worked the past 36+ years in the Construction and Mining Equipment Industry as a Detailer, Design Engineer and Design Checker for several Central Illinois companies. He retired from Geometric Engineering in Peoria in May 2020 due to the economic down resulting from COVID-19. He previously held a five-year certificate as a vocational instructor for mechanical drawing from the State of Illinois and taught at Peoria Manual High School. He has also worked as an adjunct faculty member for two community colleges: Illinois Central College, East Peoria campus and Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg. Rev. Jowers has a strong commitment to giving back to his community and has worked with youth across Central Illinois for over 40 years. He is a past Education Chairperson for the Peoria Branch NAACP where he coordinated the Back-To-School/Stay-In-School mentoring program. Rev. Jowers has also volunteered and served on several boards in Peoria and Galesburg. He is a father of six children, grandfather of seventeen and great-grandfather of four. He enjoys bowling, roller skating and architecture.
Peter Schwartzman, Professor of Environmental Studies, has taught at Knox College since 1998. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences (University of Virginia); a M.S. in Science and Studies (Virginia Tech); and, a B.S. in Physics with minor in Philosophy (Harvey Mudd College). He currently is the Mayor of Galesburg (IL), since May 2021 (and served as a City Councilor in Galesburg from 2011-2021, Ward 5). He has co-founded two locally-focused non-profits (Knox Prairie Community Kitchen and Growing Together, Inc.) and has served as a board member on many others (including, Galesburg Athletic Youth Club, Galesburg Farmers' Market Association, Illinois Stewardship Alliance, and Western Illinois Nature Group). On his free time, he writes a blog (onehuman.org) and is an aficionado of Scrabble.
Bruce Weik, retired Family Therapist, worked at Bridgeway for 25 years. He holds a M.S. degree in Family Therapy from the University of Wisconsin and additionally studied theology at Bethany Theological Seminary and Eden Theological Seminary. He was on the Knox County Board from 1992-2002 and has served on numerous boards, including St. Mary's Square, and Carver Center. He contributed a column, Leave It to Peever, for 16 years. He has worked on various community organizing ventures for 25 years, including this current one. He spends his free time gardening and writing.