National Louis University VIEW Fall 2017 by NLUalumni

NLUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Magazine for Alumni and Friends

BOLDLY INTO 2020 AND BEYOND

NATIONAL LOUIS UNIVERSITY | FALL 2017

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE 4

Nivine Megahed, Ph.D. Not just a song, but a symphony

FIRST WORD 5

Lynn Cherkasky-Davis ‘75 Why I Don’t Yet Retire

SCENES FROM NCE

Every Child Deserves a Great Teacher NCE partnering with schools and districts

Dean’s Perspective Celebrating a few of our graduates

Seven Award-Winning NCE Teachers

SCENES FROM CPSA 8

Developing Themselves, Developing Students Professional development for quality teaching

Dean’s Perspective Leaning into new learning opportunities

Alums Share Journey

FEATURES

8 2

National Louis University VIEW | FALL 2017

A Student-Ready College That Puts People First NLU’s new undergraduate college is coming

Online? It’s Virtually the Same Different class experience, same quality

SCENES FROM THE UNIVERSITY 14

Illinois Commencement

A LOOK AT GIVING 15

An NCE Alum’s Legacy of Giving A New Memorial Scholarship for Special Education Teachers

ALUMNI SIGHTINGS 11

The Florida Degree That Almost got Away Alum was excited about earning a new degree, but she nearly missed it

NEWS & NOTES 16

What’s New With NLU Alums?

FINAL GLANCE 19

The 2017 Reach Awards

12 CONTACT website | nl.edu/alumni email | alumni@nl.edu phone | 312.261.3166 facebook.com/nationallouis twitter.com/nlu_alumni instagram.com/nationallouisu

16 National Louis University VIEW | FALL 2017

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

In Spring 2016, Forbes published the article, “Why 2020 is Shaping Up to be a Pivotal Year.” In it, the author states, ”The truth is that innovation is never a single event, but rather the confluence of efforts undertaken by many different people and organizations.”1 The confluence of efforts — one can just imagine the merging and weaving of ideas to address an issue, and building upon thoughts and concepts to create something that others can then merge and build upon. Essentially what the author Greg Satell is telling us is that innovation is not just a song, but a symphony. Without a musician, a songwriter has no one to play his melody, and without an instrument, the musician falls silent. The merging and unique combinations of these various talents is the source of power and inspiration. I believe this idea of a confluence of efforts is truly befitting of NLU. When Elizabeth Harrison founded this institution, she had the vision, but she did not stand alone in creating the first training school for kindergarten teachers. She had colleagues like Maria Kraus-Boelte, Rumah Crouse, and Edna Dean Baker by her side. If it were not for the combined efforts of these visionaries, we would not be going Boldly Into 2020 and Beyond today. I am heartened that we stay true to our roots and continue to innovate, transform, and, as the Gates Foundation dubbed us, be a “positive deviant.” We are not sitting idly by and

letting the changes in higher education occur around us. We are leading those changes and addressing issues related to access and affordability. By adapting curriculum, effecting new models of learning and creating new programs, we are leading higher education to reimagine the way we can serve students. Fittingly, all of our work carries the objective that it can advance lives and adapt as higher education evolves and changes. I urge you to learn more about NLU’s innovation efforts. In this issue you will read about how the National College of Education (NCE) is leveraging partnerships with schools and districts in new ways; and how the College of Professional Studies and Advancement (CPSA) is continually providing new learning opportunities for professionals. Learn about NLU launching a new undergraduate college in 2018 that builds upon the innovative strategies for student success implemented in our Pathways program. I also encourage you to visit our NLU blog at blog.nl.edu. I suspect that once you read about all the work our alumni, faculty and staff are doing that you will see how innovation and positive transformation is as vital and contagious today as it was when we were founded in 1886. So as I look to the future, I am excited and confident that great things are on the horizon, and we will continue to pioneer new approaches to learning and impacting our communities on behalf of our students and all of you.

Best regards to all,

Nivine Megahed, Ph.D., President We invite you to stay engaged between semi-annual issues of this magazine by visiting nl.edu/alumni.

National Louis University VIEW | FALL 2017

Why 2020 is Shaping Up to be a Pivotal Year, by Greg Satell, Forbes, April 29, 2016.

FIRST WORD

WHY I DON’T YET RETIRE

The following is an excerpt from the acceptance speech of Lynn Cherkasky-Davis ‘75 at the Reach Awards Gala held at the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower on June 6, 2017. Cherkasky-Davis has received national recognition for her work as a teacher-leader and was honored with an NLU Reach Award for her commitment to the profession of teaching.

“…I am often asked why I don’t yet retire. The short answer is that there is more work to be done, and I have so much more to do. The longer answer is that I’ve spent my professional life holding high standards and expectations, helping students and teachers think deliberately and carefully, using truth, rigorous reasoning, creativity, and knowledge to advance learning. To have all this violated daily by the political leaders at the helm of my country is an affront to education — so that is why I don’t retire. I must continue to educate, empower, support, influence, develop and restore generations of teachers and teacher-leaders so that they will continue to educate, empower, support, influence, develop and restore generations of students. Finally, to address my colleague’s question of what I would want inscribed on my headstone when that time comes. I hope my family, friends and those teachers and students I have taught, led, developed and mentored will tell you that what they will inscribe is: Lynn CherkaskyDavis made a difference. Thank you to National Louis University (NLU), the trustees, faculty and staff, families, friends and tonight’s guests for understanding and perpetuating the importance of this university. What it stands for, what it has meant, and what it will do in the years ahead. Thank you so much for this award, and to NLU for enabling me to reach.”

You can view Lynn Cherkasky-Davis’ full acceptance speech at nl.edu/NotRetired

National Louis University VIEW | FALL 2017

EVERY CHILD

DESERVES

A GREAT TEACHER NCE partners with schools and districts, supporting success for all students

Since its inception, the National College of Education (NCE) at National Louis University (NLU) has prepared and supported educators in close partnership with schools and districts. NLU graduates can be found in virtually every capacity and school setting across Chicagoland and beyond. Education partnerships are central to the success of the National College of Education and its graduate and undergraduate students. It’s the work done in tandem with teachers and educators in affiliated schools and districts that ensures NCE programs are relevant, rigorous and current.

»» NCE places student teachers in hundreds of area schools every year, using those experiences to help inform program innovation.

»» Faculty conduct research on how learning works and how teachers can be better prepared, working to bridge the gap between research and practice.

»» NCE leadership programs prepare future principals and superintendents, many of whom serve in high-needs schools.

Andrea Beaty ‘09 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching Golden Apple Foundation of Chicago

Janice Conboy ‘04 Teacher of the Year Award Downers Grove Grade School District 58

In this issue, we’re highlighting seven graduates of the National College of Education (NCE) who have been recognized for their work as leaders in their fields. These individuals include early career teachers who have excelled in their first years in the classroom, to career educators and leaders.

DEAN’S PERSPECTIVE >> NCEDean@nl.edu

National Louis University VIEW | FALL 2017

What these individuals have in common is a notable commitment to student success — and accomplishment that embodies the belief that all children can succeed. As educators, our obligation is to make sure every child can learn to the best of their potential, and that we provide the environment and support to make that teaching and learning possible.

SCENES FROM NCE »» NCE works with education leaders to analyze the future of their teaching force, customizing programs that address gaps in expertise and provide professional development. “Building partnerships means working closely with leadership in schools and districts to support their human capital needs, and supporting educators who are learning and growing — with our shared goal that all students will learn from great educators and great teachers,” explained Harry Ross, Ph.D., director of partnerships and community engagement. This year alone, NCE has expanded its partnerships with priority districts in the Chicago area — Chicago Public Schools, Township High School District 214, based in Arlington Heights, Ill., and Elgin Area School District

U46, centered in Elgin, Ill. Initiatives include offerings to increase the ranks of English as a Second Language (ESL) and special education qualified teachers, new programs to prepare early childhood educators, refining residency programs for new teachers in urban settings, and developing a joint program with Golden Apple. “NCE is home to a long tradition of innovating to make sure that educators are ready for, and excel in, today’s classrooms,” explained NCE Dean Robert D. Muller, Ed.D. “For us, gaining practical experience isn’t an afterthought — it is a design principle. And working closely with our colleagues in the pre-K through 12th grade education system to develop and support educators across their careers to support student success is what our partnership work is all about.”

Seven Award-Winning National College of Education Teachers These are just some of the NCE educators who have recently received recognition for their outstanding teaching. Is someone missing? Contact National Louis University at alumni@nl.edu with all your updates and, of course, your awards.

Stephanie Hortsman ‘17 Teacher of the Year Award Illinois Education Association

William “BJ” Ivey ‘07 Teacher of the Year Sarasota County School District (Florida)

Linda Julian ‘03 Golden Apple Excellence in Education Award Golden Apple Foundation of Rockford

The National College of Education at National Louis University has been providing educators with the preparation and career advancement they need to be game changers. This tradition of innovation that began with the founding of the kindergarten movement more than 130 years ago is now reflected in approaches to teacher preparation that bring the needs of today’s students and schools into the University’s programs. We embrace technology as a tool to advance learning and work to support all our students — certificate, endorsement, M.A.T., M.Ed./Ed.S. and Ed.D. — to achieve their professional goals.

Carrie Ohannes ‘14 Outstanding Beginning Teacher Award Illinois Association of Colleges for Teacher Education

Kathleen Rauth ‘10 Teacher of the Year Award Indianapolis Public Schools

Our faculty balance the practical aspects of work in schools with emerging research and are known for their personalized, high-touch approach to learning, regardless of whether a course is online or face to face. Here, we celebrate a few of our graduates who have been recognized for the superb job they do every day in advancing learning of pre-K through 12th grade students.

Robert D. Muller, Ed.D. Dean of the National College of Education

National Louis University VIEW | FALL 2017

DEVELOPING THEMSELVES, DEVELOPING STUDENTS Professors like Wytress Richardson, Ed.D., are pursuing professional development in order to ensure a high-quality experience for all students

By Nicholas A. Love

Faculty at National Louis University (NLU)

are expert instructors in part because they dedicate their time and energy to learning, just like their students do. Wytress Richardson, Ed.D., associate professor and program chair for NLU’s Applied Behavioral Sciences program, was recently chosen to participate in a selective learning experience through the Leaders in Equitable Evaluation and Diversity (LEEAD) program. LEEAD is one component of the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s strategy to support projects and people “devoted to developing a brighter future for millions of children at risk of poor educational, economic, social and health outcomes.” This is exactly what piqued Richardson’s interest. The program itself, which includes a four-step application process, seeks out historically underrepresented minority scholars in the fields of research and program evaluation. More diversity in scholarship, according to the vision statement of LEEAD, means better science and innovation. Selection means access to a semester of coursework that covers how to navigate challenges related to workplace diversity and inclusion and other topics like networking and securing research contracts. Other learning opportunities include introductions to professional mentors and a six- to nine-month residency program through a partner organization.

National Louis University VIEW | FALL 2017

“The possibility of having access to mentors through the program is exciting. The guidance and support will help me achieve greater productivity, offer a different perspective, and help build my confidence.” WYTRESS RICHARDSON, Ed.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR For Richardson, all this extra time and effort is just one of the ways she helps brighten the future for her students. “Many of our students come from marginalized communities and are seeking upward mobility. Having the opportunity to participate in and create environments that promote diversity, equity and inclusion will influence the life outcomes of our students at NLU.”

SCENES FROM NCE The College of Professional Studies and Advancement (CPSA) continues to lean into new learning opportunities for aspiring professionals. We keep a keen eye on industry trends and career projections, and we’re launching some new programs in very specific industries that are predicted to have growing employment demand:

»» an M.S. and an Ed.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA),

For those looking to pursue management in the human services field, HSM is a powerful resource for developing real-world leadership in nonprofit or for-profit human services organizations. The HSM program at NLU, also launched in Fall 2017, originated with human services entrepreneur Vincent Pettinelli, who approached National Louis looking for a way to make sure those in the human services sector were better prepared for management positions.

»» an M.S. in Human Services Management (HSM), and »» a Computer Information Systems (CIS) degree program. ABA degrees will meet demand for credentialed behavior analysts who work with individuals diagnosed with autism and special needs. Demand for DEAN’S PERSPECTIVE >> CPSADeansOffice@nl.edu behavior analysts more than doubled between 2012 and 2014, according to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. I am excited to share that our inaugural class began in Fall 2017 under a wonderful program director, Jennifer Klapatch Totsch, Ph.D.

Thanks to a U.S. Department of Education grant, CPSA faculty have begun creating a new undergraduate program in CIS at NLU, covering a broad range of skills in computers and technology. The program will officially launch in the Fall of 2018.

Judah Viola, Ph.D. Dean of the College of Professional Studies and Advancement

ALUMS SHARE JOURNEY Earlier this year, College of Professional Studies and Advancement alumni stopped by the Chicago campus to share their journey through college and how they made it to the positions they have now. Visit nl.edu/nlupreparedthem to read more.

“I love my program. I feel like the work we do in this program and work we will do as a result, is not just for me and my family — but to the community at large.” —TERRI POPE ‘15

“It’s like being on a diet. If you cheat, you’re cheating yourself. But if you get your degree, you’re rewarding yourself.” —SHERICKA ARMSTRONG ‘16 National Louis University VIEW | FALL 2017

SCENES FROM THE UNIVERSITY

A STUDENT-READY COLLEGE THAT PUTS PEOPLE FIRST New undergrad college expands crucial, formative access By Nicholas A. Love

National Louis University (NLU) is

preparing to reconfigure and expand in order to make more room for undergraduate students. Aarti Dhupelia, VP of Strategic Initiatives at National Louis University, is leading the charge into a new undergraduate college that will be defined by NLU’s signature four-year undergraduate experience. Inspiration for this new move came in part from the Pathways at NLU program. Many of the strategies built out into this program have been effective in helping nontraditional and vulnerable students succeed in the classroom. These students are staying in class and persisting year over year at rates higher than local and national benchmarks for this demographic of student. The core concept for this new undergraduate college is a shift in focus from enrolling college-ready students to ensuring programs are student-ready, opening the door for even more nontraditional undergraduate students. “Get students to and across the finish line… as opposed to just letting them drop out,” explained Dhupelia.

For Dhupelia, this isn’t just a moral issue. It’s an issue of practicality. In her experience, a student-ready college provides the kind of support that means students will actually enjoy their time in college. “It feels great to be great at something,” she argued. “Students will show up if they are enjoying themselves. Students will show up if they feel supported and if they feel connected.” These future undergraduate students are going to have a better shot at crossing the finish line to complete their degree and have some fun while getting there. In the process, they’re building the kinds of relationships that can last much longer than their four years at NLU. “People are going to drive your learning. They’re going to help you find your path. They’re going to support you along your path. They’re going to become your friends — students are building lifelong friendships here — they’re going to serve as role models. And they’re going to help to empower students to be successful on their own, over time,” said Dhupelia.

Student-ready means doing some things differently than you might remember when you were in school. The new undergraduate college will include interactive instruction in the classroom instead of large-forum lectures, online coursework that’s more engaging (and more affordable) than stacks of textbooks, advising and coaching that targets a student’s personal, academic and career goals, and a little extra support for any student who isn’t quite hitting the mark in class. “I think it’s the right thing to do. I think for each of us as individual human beings, and for NLU as an institution, and for all of us as a society — I think it’s the right thing to do,” asserted Dhupelia about the move to a student-ready college. “I believe that education is the single-greatest driver of success in one’s life, and it is the greatest lever for social and economic mobility. I think everybody deserves access to a high-quality education, and I think higher education today is closed off to far too many students.”

“I love being a part of NLU. It’s another place where I can actually be myself and just shine.” —Emontra Jordan, 2017 student

National Louis University VIEW | FALL 2017

“A lot of times when you’re young you feel there’s no way you can do things, and a lot of things seem impossible... there’s people who work here, who are here and want to be here to see all those impossibles become achievements.” —Katherine Samayoa, 2017 student

“Thanks to the students, faculty, and staff of National for letting me be me.” —Catherine Hickey, 1977 student

“...I have met many new people. I have also gained learning, planning, organizational and leadership skills. I feel more people should take advantage of the activities provided by NLU and get involved.” —Susan Tabern, 1993 student

“I just liked everything about [National].” —Doris Harpham, 1940 student

“No matter what, National Louis is going to prepare you for success. ...I was never really sure coming out of high school exactly what I wanted to do. Now, finishing up my first year — my freshman year — of college, I know exactly what I want to be.” —Alexis Madrigal, 2017 student

National Louis University VIEW | FALL 2017

ONLINE? IT’S VIRTUALLY THE SAME Students are benefitting from (and loving) online classes By Nicholas A. Love

Online learning is booming, with 5.8 million U.S. students enrolled in at least some online courses, according to a 2015 study conducted by the Babson Survey Research Group. National Louis University is no exception. “The College of Professional Studies and Advancement (CPSA) is very mature in its understanding of, and offering of, online courses,” said Bettyjo H. Bouchey, Ed.D., associate dean of academic operations and faculty development with CPSA at National Louis University, “At the same time, we have emphasized the practice of online teaching and have made great strides in online instruction over the last year.” She went on to explain that CPSA has “significant online offerings,” with 13 programs fully online and more moving online this fall and then in winter of 2018. So which is better — traditional face-to-face classes or online classes? Bouchey says both: “In the sector of higher education, we would all say that quality is the same.” But it’s only when done right, she clarified. If colleges or universities are thoughtless in how they add online options, things can go awry for both the students and faculty. At National Louis, courses are being developed along

National Louis University VIEW | FALL 2017

the standards of Quality Matters™, a nonprofit quality assurance organization for online learning. NLU online courses now generally follow a standardized schedule for submitting online assignments that provides students with predictability and structure to plan ahead. CPSA has also implemented professional development that supports teaching practice and management for online instructors. Reporting similar quality between online and face-to-face classes is not the same thing as saying online courses have no unique advantages. Online classes have the same advantage that streaming services have over cable TV: flexibility. “For students,” Bouchey said, “online courses offer them the opportunity to choose when they interact with their courses and complete their work.” At NLU, there’s always room to innovate. So you can expect more in the future from faculty and online classes at the University. “In the fall we hope to rollout electronic communities of practice around our 10 Principles of Online Teaching where faculty can submit examples, reflect on current and new practices and collaborate to leverage all of our great expertise en masse,” said Bouchey.

SCENES FROM THE UNIVERSITY

5.8M

higher education students in the U.S. were enrolled in at least some online courses in fall 2014.

71.4%

of leaders at U.S. academic institutions of higher learning rated online education as the same or superior to face-to-face instruction.

2015 Online Report Card - Tracking Online Education in the U.S., conducted by the Babson Survey Research Group

“I can reach these professors. They feel like they’re right there in the room with me because they’re accessible.” —GABRIELLE AGUILAR ‘17, on the level of accessibility she had with her online professors.

“Once I got into it and started doing it, it was really good. You just have to dedicate the time to doing it.”

“I basically had the whole college on my laptop.” —KAREN HARKOVICH ‘16, on the wealth of resources and support available while taking classes online.

—STEVEN LUSK ‘17, on how his experience with online classes far exceeded his initial expectations.

National Louis University VIEW | FALL 2017

A faculty member congratulates a graduate with a hug at National Louis Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commencement ceremony on June 24, 2017.

ILLINOIS COMMENCEMENT JUNE 24, 2017 Graduation means new faces among the ranks of the National Louis University alumni community. Visit nl.edu/2017grads to see all the smiles.

National Louis University VIEW | FALL 2017

A view of commencement from the stage of the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago, Ill.

A LOOK AT GIVING

AN NCE ALUM’S LEGACY OF GIVING The Greenblatt Memorial Scholarship for special education teachers By Nicholas A. Love

Judith Greenblatt’s dedication to teaching was part of her daily routine. Judge Joel Greenblatt saw the commitment firsthand — fondly recalling his late wife discussing teaching experiences at the evening dinner table. He remarked how she would stay there after the meal, finishing her lesson plans. This is why Judge Greenblatt established the Judith Greenblatt Memorial Scholarship in his wife’s honor. Judith Greenblatt, who passed away in 2013, came to the profession of teaching later in life after raising her children. A 1980s graduate of the National College of Education’s Wilmette campus, she received an M.Ed. in Educational Therapy and worked in special education. Providing education for students with special needs was Judith Greenblatt’s area of expertise, but it was also her

life’s passion. “She was an incredible teacher, so devoted to her students. Especially those with special needs,” explained Judge Greenblatt. The Judith Greenblatt Memorial Scholarship will support students who are following in Judith Greenblatt’s footsteps by pursuing a degree in special education. “I wanted to create something in her honor and her memory that would live on long after I’m gone and would honor students who have financial need, good grades and have a calling to go into special education,” said Judge Greenblatt. Judge Greenblatt knew his late wife as a giver. This scholarship is his way of honoring that character of giving. “The purpose behind the scholarship is to give something back to where she got her degree. It’s a way to pay it forward,” he said.

National Louis University VIEW | FALL 2017

ALUMNI SIGHTINGS Nancy Martinez ’11, Ed.S. in Administration and Supervision and ’14 Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, is a direct beneficiary of National Louis University’s (NLU) continued expansion in Florida. She was among the first graduates to receive an Ed.D. through NLU’s Florida Regional Center in Tampa. But it almost didn’t happen. A new principal at the school where she was conducting research interviews with teachers locked Martinez out from finishing her study. Frustratingly, she was already over a year into her doctoral program. It seemed as if she was back to square one. Determined to finish despite this major setback, Martinez reached out to her cohort and her professors with the news. “A couple of principals in my class opened their schools for me to come in. That, for me, was a surprise I will never forget — that level of caring,” she recalled.

“The day I had to defend my dissertation was, to me, the most important day of my educational career. I remember waiting to be called back in the room after my presentation, feeling anxious and very nervous. I will never forget the emotions I felt when I was asked to return to the room and my dissertation chair presented me to the panel as ‘Dr. Nancy Martinez.’ I began to cry and realized that I had finally done it!”

THE FLORIDA DEGREE THAT ALMOST GOT AWAY Nancy Martinez ‘11 was excited about receiving NLU’s new Ed.D. in Florida... ...until it almost didn’t happen. By Nicholas A. Love

But it wasn’t just her fellow students who got her through. She received an outpouring of support from faculty members. “It was key, really, the level of commitment from my professors. They really care,” she said. “These people are true heroes.”

Nancy Martinez ‘11 spoke at National Louis University’s Florida Commencement Ceremony on June 12, 2015.

After overcoming her hurdles, Martinez completed and received her doctoral degree. She was even selected as NLU’s 2015 Florida commencement speaker. But what sticks with her most is the moment she defended a dissertation that almost didn’t happen:

National Louis University VIEW | FALL 2017

Martinez is currently a literacy coach with Orange County Public Schools in Florida and specializes in curriculum and government compliance for English as a second language education.

She still gets little reminders of her most important day. Sometimes it’s the occasional alert notifications when her dissertation is referenced in other academic research. More often, it’s the professional esteem she feels when working with her colleagues. “It’s another level of respect — when you speak, people really value your opinion. It really gives a weight to your work,” she explained.

Nancy Martinez ‘11 stopped to take a photo at the National Louis Chicago campus.

NEWS & NOTES 1970s Toni L. Freeman ‘78, B.A in Education, is the new executive vice president of community engagement for the Arts & Science Council, a nonprofit supporting the cultural community of Mecklenburg County, N.C.

1980s Delores Holmes ‘84, M.Ed. in Educational Generalist, was honored at an event celebrating her upcoming retirement from the City Council of Evanston, Ill. Tom Shafranski ‘85, M.Ed. in Educational Generalist, received a National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Citation, a highly regarded award in high school athletics. Carole Levine ‘86, M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education, wrote an opinion piece in the Nonprofit Quarterly regarding a U.S. Supreme Court decision that allowed the state of Missouri to provide a grant to Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbia for upgrading its playground. Angelia Millender ‘87, M.S. in Management and Development of Human Resources, is the new president of Century College in White Bear Lake, Minn. Janet L. Gallimore ‘89, M.S. in Management and Development of Human Resources, received the 2017 Grande Dame Award for cultural leadership at the Sun Valley Film Festival Grande Dame Brunch and Women’s Leadership Celebration in Ketchum, Idaho.

the Society for Human Resource Management. Tanika Island Childress ‘97, B.A. in Elementary Education, is the new CEO of the University of Chicago Charter School, a four-campus school operated by the University of Chicago Urban Education Institute. Michael Ferguson ‘98, B.S. in Management, is one of three newly appointed aldermen for West Chicago, Ill.

2000s Shawna Cooper-Gibson ‘01, M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, is the new assistant provost for academic student services at Loyola University of Chicago. Eboney Lofton ‘01, M.Ed. in Educational Psychology/Human Learning and Development, ‘03 Ed.S. in School Psychology, ‘10 Ed.D. in Educational Psychology/School Psychology and ‘15 Ed.D. in Educational Psychology/Human Learning and Development, is the new senior director of special services for Oak Park Elementary School District 97 in Oak Park, Ill. Marcia Schwengels 01, M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, is the new principal of Milton West Elementary School in Milton, Wis. Julia Gawron ‘02, M.S.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction, was featured in an interview by The Doings Western Springs for her 23 years at Lyons Township High School in La Grange, Ill.

1990s Dwight Perry ‘91, M.S. in Adult and Continuing Education, is the new dean of faculty at North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago. Jill M. Gildea ‘92, M.Ed. in Language and Literacy and ‘05 Ed.S. in Administration and Supervision, is the new superintendent of Greenwich Public Schools in Greenwich, Conn. Paul Golisch ‘92, M.Ed. in Technology in Education, was featured as a speaker at SCC Tech Talks 2017, an event highlighting the intersection of technology and learning at Scottsdale Community College in Scottsdale, Ariz. Karen Boran ‘94, M.Ad.Ed. in Adult Developmental Studies, is the new principal at Madison West High School in Madison, Wis. Jean B. Bingham ‘96, B.A. in Applied Behavioral Sciences and ‘00 M.A.T. in Elementary Education, is the new general president of the Relief Society, the main women’s organization within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joseph LaPorta ‘96, M.S. in Management, published a new book, “Focus Beats Brilliance: Success Principles for Start-Up and TurnAround Business Leaders.” Dan Oest ‘96, Ed.S. in Administration and Supervision, was named a superintendent of distinction by the Illinois Association of School Administrators. Donna Eagle ‘97, M.S. in Human Resource Management and Development, received the Debra Didawick Human Resources Professional of the Year Award from the Winchester, Va., affiliate of

Toni L. Freeman ‘78, B.A. in Education

Freeman is the new executive vice president of community engagement for the Arts & Science Council in Mecklenburg County, N.C. Lucy Gray ‘02, M.Ed. in Technology in Education, was named to a list of 20 global technology in education influencers by The Edvocate, an education policy organization. Jeannine L. Scherenberg ’02, B.S. in Management and ‘05 MBA, is the new provost and vice president of academic affairs at Saint Monica University, a private Catholic university operating in Cameroon, the U.K. and the U.S. Brett Wyss ‘03, M.Ed. in Science Education, is the new president and CEO of Integrity Bank and Integrity Trust Co. in Colorado Springs, Colo.

National Louis University VIEW | FALL 2017

>> What’s new with you? Send an email to alumni@nl.edu and share your news.

Janice Conboy ‘04, M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, received the 2017 Teacher of the Year award from Downers Grove Grade School District 58 in Downers Grove, Ill.

of the Year by the Sarasota County School District in Fla. Lisa Dellacqua ‘08, M.A.T. in Secondary Education, is the new principal at Western Avenue Elementary School in Flossmoor, Ill.

Sarah Steele ‘04, M.A.T. in Secondary Education, received the 2017 Outstanding American History Teacher award from the Ohio State Daughters of the American Revolution.

John Wawczak ‘08, M.A.T. in Elementary, is the new principal at Covington Elementary School in Oak Lawn, Ill.

Fred Hunter ‘05, M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision, is the new principal of Parker Junior High School in Flossmoor, Ill.

Chris Rozanski ‘09, M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision, is the new principal of Boylan Catholic High School in Rockford, Ill.

Tonika Johnson ‘05, M.B.A., was featured by the Chicago Ambassador for her photography projects that highlight life in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago.

2010s

Todd Beadle ’11 and ‘16, M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision, and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

Beadle was recently elected to the school board of the Brown Deer School District, a public school district in Brown Deer, Wis. Diana McCluskey ‘05, M.A.T. in Special Education, is the new assistant superintendent for business operations for La Grange School District 102 in west suburban Cook County, Ill. David Fisher ‘06, M.S. in Management, is the new police chief for North Aurora, Ill. Brian M. King ‘06, M.S. in Management, is the new police chief for Wilmette, Ill. Tara Czerwinski ‘07, M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, is the new associate principal at Milton Middle School.

Nikki Kanzia ‘10, M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision, is the new assistant principal and director of admissions and student life at IC Catholic Prep, a Catholic high school in Elmhurst, Ill. Jason Marin ‘10, M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision, is a new math teacher at Jefferson High School in Jefferson, Wis. Kathleen Rauth ‘10, M.Ed. in Language and Literacy, received the 2018 Indianapolis Public Schools Teacher of the Year Award. Amanda Pelsor ‘11, M.Ed. in Technology in Education, is the new instructional technology coordinator for Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95 in Lake Zurich, Ill. Kaleena Rosenbauer ‘13, M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision, was highlighted by KIPP Houston Public Schools, part of the national network of KIPP charter schools, for her leadership in helping found a new school for kindergarteners and first graders. Kelly Neylon ‘14, Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, in the new principal of Meadowview Elementary School in Woodridge, Ill. Tanya Lange ‘15, Ed.S. in Administration and Supervision, is the new associate principal for Hortonville Elementary School, Hortonville Middle School and Fox West Academy charter school in Hortonville, Wis.

In Memoriam Nancy Higbee Pollock ‘43, B.A. in Elementary Education James S. Brown ‘88, M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction

William “BJ” Ivey ‘07, M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction and ‘10 Ed.S. in Administration and Supervision, was named Teacher

National Louis University VIEW | FALL 2017

Charles Swanson ‘06, M.A.T. in Elementary Education

“Thank you to National Louis and to Nivine, my dear friend. This university has come a long way, and its last seven years have been one of great transformation. And it’s because of Nivine’s leadership that is so.” Dom Belmonte Pioneer Award Winner, 2017

“Being part of that master’s program, it gave me structure in a lot of different ways and it just fueled something in me I didn’t even know I had.”

“The P.A.C.E. program has impacted me and what I do for the community and in the community. ” J.P Watkins ‘99 Reach Award Winner, 2017

Salisia Webber ‘16 Reach Award Winner, 2017

“Thank you to National Louis University... for understanding and perpetuating the importance of this university — what it stands for, what it has meant, and what it will do in the years ahead.” Lynn Cherkasky-Davis ‘75 Reach Award Winner, 2017

FINAL GLANCE | THE 2017 REACH AWARDS INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Carole Wood, Vice President of Institutional Advancement Karen Galea, Director of External Funding and Grant Development

Leslie Villasenor, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement

Danielle LaPointe, Director of Advancement Services

Brittany Yantos, Associate Director of Annual Fund

Sandy Injerd, Institutional Advancement Coordinator National Louis University VIEW Nicholas A. Love | Managing Editor James Richards IV | Staff Photographer

National Louis University VIEW | FALL 2017

NON-PROFIT U.S.POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO.97 WHEELING, IL

Office of Institutional Advancement 122 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60603-6162

REVIEWING OUR LEGACY A GOOD TEACHER IS

TIMELESS At National Louis University (NLU), we’ve had some of the same passionate, dedicated faculty members for many years now. These esteemed professors pictured on the right are just some of the educators in our midst with a long history at NLU. Those photos are from the early 90s!

Gale Stam, Ph.D.

Diane Salmon, Ph.D.

Michael Fontaine, Ph.D.

Catherine A. Honig, Ph.D.

Encouragement and support from caring educators like these has meant so much to so many students and graduates. Thank you to all the National Louis faculty — past and present — who make this university such an exceptional place to receive an education.

Vito Dipinto, Ed.D.