Robyn Schuline has been a staff member at Illinois State University since 2004. Currently, he is the director of budget and finance for the College of Arts and Sciences. Schuline is an ISU alumnus from the class of ‘93 from the College of Business.
Whenever Schuline walks to Stevenson Hall, he has developed the habit of feeding the squirrels on the ISU campus. Schuline started the habit within the last 10 years here on campus. He shared his story on how that habit came to be.
“I park by the College of Business, and while I was walking across campus, it occurred to me that the squirrels are always looking for stuff,” said Schuline. “I thought to just bring them peanuts in a plastic bag, but then my wife bought a specific bag to bring nuts in that could hold more. So then I started doing my research … Well, you don’t want roasted, you don’t want salted, so I settled on raw nuts.”
Schuline acknowledges how their behaviors have changed.
“They’re bold, really bold. But you can tell which ones are new, they take off, then realize you have something for them,” said Schuline.
Schuline also explained how he has seen the wildlife change around campus over the years, specifically the types of squirrels around campus.
“The squirrels on campus are changing. I’ve come to see a blend of gray and red squirrels on campus.” said Schuline.
This activity has made Schuline memorable. He reminisces on how students and retired staff alike ask him if he still keeps up with the wildlife on campus.
