Fall 2021 North Central College Magazine

Fall 2021

A Gallery of Inspiration page 2

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE The beginning of a new academic year always feels like a fresh start. That’s never been more true than it is this year.

I’ve been so energized to see members of the North Central community again—in person—joining the Huddle and Opening Convocation, attending class and relaxing on the grass, chatting in the Boilerhouse and walking the sidewalks. The campus is lively and engaged, with tents positioned throughout for picnics, club meetings and music. It’s a joy to see students, faculty and staff enjoying this beautiful campus again. At last!

Renovation plans for Oesterle Library include a new entry and added windows.

As you’ll see in the coming pages, COVID-19 has changed us … but it hasn’t stopped us. For a glimpse of what this amazing community has accomplished in recent months, be sure to read about how our students’ artwork serves to express their priorities in life—and to find their life’s work (pp 2 - 5). You’re also getting a first look at our exciting new Dr. Myron Wentz Center for Health Sciences and Engineering (p. 10). And I’m pleased to share updates on new additions to our leadership team (p. 16).

I’m sure many of you will share my excitement at the unfolding plans for an

extensive renovation of Oesterle Library.

Its future as a “learning commons” will represent the current best practices in college library design and functionality.

Some exterior masonry work is already underway, while the bulk of the project will begin in December.

Though the pandemic isn’t over, we’re all looking forward to getting back on track this year. I’m grateful for the trust, patience and support you continue to grant us. I know that everyone—both the on-campus community and you, our alumni and friends—remains united in our commitment to inspire our students, boost their confidence, and help them find their direction in life as they work to make a positive difference in the world.

North Central College and its students are on a path to thrive. We’re continuing to build to a brilliant future, thanks to each of you. Thank you!

Troy D. Hammond, Ph.D. President

Check out the online edition of the North Central College magazine by accessing it on Issuu.

Go to northcentralcollege.edu/magazine or download the Issuu app and then search for North Central College. The magazine content is fully searchable and back issues will be added in the future.

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A Gallery of Inspiration

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Faculty Mentoring: Building confidence, cultivating leaders, realizing dreams

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Daniel Persinger ’21: “I have more to give”

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Service-Learning Rooted in Goodwill

CONTENTS 16

Campus News

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Sports News

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Alumni News

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Alumni Updates

ABOUT THE COVER Photo credit: M Lindsay Photography The complex mixed media art of graphic design major Molly Haupt ’21 pays tribute to her heritage and family. See p. 2.

Fall 2021

Editorial Director

Laura Zahn Pohl Graphic Design

Mary Bass M ’21 Brooke Belair Katie McGraw ’22 Allyson Randa ’22 Contributing Writers/Production

Valla Coffman ’02 Aguilar Jeremy Borling ’02 Kimberly Egan ’22 Lauren Ford Jacob Imm Kara Kots ’18 Katie McNeela ’14 Kelly Murphy Nick Osterloo ’19 / M ’21 Mary Reynolds Clark Teuscher Vice President for Communication and Strategic Initiatives; Special Assistant to the President

Jim Godo ’93 Assistant Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Adrian Aldrich ’02 Please direct all correspondence to:

Editorial Director North Central College 30 N. Brainard Street Naperville, IL 60540 email: omc@noctrl.edu phone: 630-637-5300 or 1-800-611-1861 Visit us online at

All photography taken for this issue followed a set of COVID-19 protocols that ensured everyone’s safety during the photography sessions.

northcentralcollege.edu northcentralcardinals.com northcentralcollege.edu/ brilliantfuture

A Gallery of Inspiration As North Central College’s studio art and graphic design majors embark on their creative journeys, they embrace the opportunity to explore their personal histories and find their inspiration.

The academic work featured on these pages represents a range of artists’ stories—revealing connections to family, searches for identity and reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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At the same time, they’re developing professional portfolios to launch careers in graphic design and other artistic pursuits. The works of three students—Molly Haupt ’21, Vincent Mayer ’22 and Allison Janis ’21—are now part of the College’s permanent collection.

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Molly Haupt

The fiber art of graphic design major Molly Haupt ’21 represents her Chinese heritage as well as her American upbringing and family roots. “I was adopted from China by my American family when I was five months old,” she said.

“I truly believe that adoption is a really special experience.”

The project Haupt exhibited in “Odyssey,” the senior art show, represented her pride in her dual cultures. She explained that embroidery was an artistic skill passed on to her by her great-grandmother. “I think of her every time I work on embroidery pieces.” Without a pattern or guide, Haupt stitched images of a tea pot and fan to incorporate her Chinese heritage,

The secluded environment of remote learning during a pandemic inspired Allison Janis ’21 to reflect on her family’s past adventures. For her senior exhibit, she decided to travel virtually to places she loved, using the perfect medium for travel art: postcards.

using a soft color palette and materials to give the fiber pieces a sentimental feel. She made the round-shaped ceramic embellishments in the College’s pottery studio.

In her Graphic Design III course, Haupt co-edited a 60-page children’s book about a Chinese dumpling who traveled the world and befriended other foods from other countries.

Haupt enjoys working in a variety of artistic media and has found a market for her print art through the online platform Etsy. She landed full-time work after graduation as an interactive designer at For You Design, a digital marketing agency in Downers Grove, Ill. “Taking Web Design with professor Hale Ekinci was challenging, but that was the start of my interest in UX/UI (user experience and user interface) design.

Now I spend most of my time designing apps and websites, and I love it!”

“I’ve always loved the outdoors and for our family vacations we usually went somewhere we could hike, swim, or do something outside,” said Janis, a graphic design major. “So I wanted to create something based on the National Parks. I love the outdoors so much, and with it being so difficult to travel and actually experience these sites in person, I thought an illustration could be the next best thing.”

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Daniela Sormova Daniela Sormova ’22 channels her creativity toward her goal of becoming a professional designer, even if that meant producing her art remotely last year from her home country of the Czech Republic.

Her assignment for the course Graphic Design II was to fashion a package for an existing product that wasn’t a simple box. The opportunity to be creative around her family inspired a unique packaging design for a unique product: honey candy.

“This is a particular piece I am extremely proud of because I got to work on it with my dad,” said Sormova, a graphic design major. “The entire concept was my idea and my design but he helped with the math so all the hexagons fit within the building of the box.”

The finished piece will go into her portfolio and represents her ambitious career aspirations. “I put everything I have into every single project because it could potentially be the project that helps me land my dream position at a top tier design agency.”

jacob ray Family gatherings inspired the work of Jacob Ray ’21, a studio art major. “I grew up in a large family and once a week we’d come together to have family dinner,” he said.

“Family plays such an important role while an individual is growing up and that influences who they become.”

The family’s weekly gatherings included more than a dozen around the table—grandparents, an aunt, an uncle, cousins and his parents and three siblings.

Ray honored this family tradition by creating dinnerware for his senior exhibit in “Odyssey.” He used threedimensional modeling for a mug, bowl and plate. Next, he printed the models on a three-dimensional printer to create the physical forms that became plaster molds for casting the pieces out of clay.

Ray plans to open his own ceramics studio and store in California to sell his functional pottery.

Graphic design major Allyson Randa ’22 is still trying to decide what her future holds and what her dream will be.

Fittingly, she focused her talent on creating a graphic piece that responds to the question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Randa said, “I’ve never had a definitive answer and I still don’t have a dream job in mind. But I know I just want to be happy. This piece reflects that goal by visually and textually representing what I want to be in life: happy, thriving, and successful.”

Allyson Randa

Vincent Mayer ’22 is traveling the path of inspired artist and social activist/ entrepreneur to build a community of emotional support. He designed a line of clothing branded Cola that expresses his optimistic approach to life and his commitment to achieving his dreams— and those of others.

Vincent Mayer “Cola is an acronym for Collection of Lost Ambitions,” said Mayer, a graphic design major. “It depicts the idea of not giving up on the things you love. A lot of times people play it safe and take a route in life that seems less risky than doing what they genuinely love.

“I’ve always struggled with self-doubt, so I created this optimistic-toned clothing brand to motivate myself and represent a good message. Cola Brand serves as a reminder of the importance of our passions and personal goals, something that is often overlooked in the hustle and bustle lives we live.”

Kacie Warren ’21 has worked in ceramics for nine years and has developed an identity in her work that combines fun, interesting and unique designs with functionality. “I love to work with ceramics because I can share it with others who can use it for years while also enjoying the shapes and designs,” she said.

She draws her inspiration from the natural world, like human and animal forms, coral, and sea creatures. “I’m inspired by morphing things together to create something new and original—such as coral and mushrooms, or humans and trees.”

Warren won a scholarship at a local studio, ClaySpace, in Lisle, Ill., where she will take a course in Hand Building to develop and expand her knowledge.

“Professor Christine Rabenold brought this scholarship to my attention and I was thrilled to submit an application—and win!”

Using digital technology, Mayer first designed clothing that “I thought would be cool for my friends and I to wear.” As he did, the brand’s identity evolved and now buyers who identify with the message become part of the Cola Community—a place of support and motivation toward life goals.

He recently launched a separate campaign on Instagram (@cola.brand) for his clothing line and donated the proceeds to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Visit www.colabrand.supply to view more of Mayer’s work and to purchase his designs.

Warren sells her pottery and other art locally and has launched her own brand on social media platforms called EnjoybyKacie. After completing her student teaching assignment at Eichelberger Elementary School in Plainfield, Ill., Warren will graduate in December with majors in studio art and K-12 art education.

Kacie Warren

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FACULTY MENTORING Building confidence Cultivating leaders Realizing dreams

If you research a definition for the word “mentor,” you won’t find one that comes close to capturing the inspired mentoring of students by North Central College professors—like Marco V. Martinez, associate professor of mathematics.

His definition: “Relentless encouragement of mentees to dream big and realize that nothing can stop them from achieving their goals.”

Martinez’s definition helps explain why he was honored as the recipient of the College’s 2021 Distinguished Mentoring Award for faculty. He has challenged students from non-majority groups and first-generation families to take control of their college experience so they don’t become passive bystanders in their educations and careers.

Other faculty members, like Jennifer Shah, assistant professor of education, use mentoring to create more inclusive learning environments. And Carly Drake, assistant professor of marketing, is continuing North Central’s tradition of meaningful and impactful faculty mentoring for student-athletes.

The value of mentoring at North Central is reflected in the College’s branding, which highlights the role of faculty in developing students’ competencies, confidence and character—and in supporting their pursuit of goals beyond what they thought possible.

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Above: Jennifer Shah, assistant professor of education, (left) builds relationships outside the classroom with students like Lili Melvin ’22 (middle) and Julia De Guzman ’23 (right).

Left: Marco Martinez, associate professor of mathematics, (middle) celebrates before the 2021 Commencement ceremony with former students (from left to right) Teaghan Van Hoesen ’21, Samantha Sowa ’21, Jessica Wycha ’21 and Katie Legorreta ’21.

The College’s annual service awards celebration provides an opportunity to highlight such efforts. “Honoring our faculty for their mentoring is part of a wider strategic effort to build an engaging academic environment that supports every single student,” said Abiódún “G-P” Gòkè-Pariolá, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “We recognize the invaluable role that faculty mentors play in students’ persistence, academic achievement and future success.”

One of Martinez’s key goals is to encourage first-gen and female students so they feel confident that they can succeed in a career field like actuarial science.

He has built a supportive community in his classroom, where upperclass students help mentor first-years.

“I want ALL students—first-gen, female, Latinx—to feel that they belong and have the confidence to succeed,” said Martinez, himself the beneficiary of mentoring earlier in his career and at North Central.

Felipe Valladares ’21, now an actuarial consultant at Travelers Insurance, spoke about the role that Martinez played in ensuring career readiness, like preparing Valladares to work in a corporation.

“He played a crucial role in the start of my professional career. Through his mentorship, Dr. Martinez pushed me to grow both professionally and personally.”

Added Samantha Sowa ’21, a first-gen college student who is now an actuarial specialist for Northwestern Mutual: “Dr. Martinez was key to my success in the (actuarial science) program and profession.

Without him, I wouldn’t be where I am today: working at my dream company and (the recipient of the) 2021 Outstanding Major in Actuarial Science award.”

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MENTORING IN “THIRD SPACES” Valuable mentoring also happens in “third spaces,” which are the less formal interactions that occur in the places and events between the classroom and a students’ personal space. A proponent of “third spaces” is Jennifer Shah, assistant professor of education, who has integrated her mentorship experiences into her scholarship.

“I have plenty of opportunities for mentorship within my day-to-day job, but the mentoring that I value most is the mentoring that occurs in the third space,” she explained. “Instead of constantly wishing that I had a mentor that looked like me, I have decided to be the mentor that looks like me.”

As a faculty sponsor for a student-led group called Project LEAD (Leaders in Education Advocating for Diversity), Shah especially enjoys the mentoring that happens in one-on-one conversations outside formal events. “When a mentee comes to me with a specific problem or goal, I try to listen and be the mentor … they need,” she said. “My goal is to help my mentee transform into whomever they would like to be.”

“I think empathy and compassion are so important for mentoring. When we understand where students are coming from, that helps us collaborate rather than dictate.”

CARLY DRAKE, assistant professor of marketing

Elementary education majors Julia De Guzman ’23 and Kelly Guagenti ’23 are members of LEAD and both say they have benefited from conversations about inequality in education. “During Project LEAD, Dr. Shah is a mentor by sharing her stories as a teacher and helping us learn how to make our own classrooms inclusive and welcoming spaces for students to grow,” said Guagenti.

education. “Dr. Shah saw that interview and immediately incorporated it into a lesson plan. She told me how proud of me she was, and (invited) me to talk with her about that experience. After that, I knew even more that I want to be a teacher like Dr. Shah someday.”

Shah supported Lili Melvin ’22 as she experienced difficulties this past year with racist behaviors related to COVID-19.

“I was interviewed on ABC News about a racist sign in my town, and it was a very emotional time for me,” said Melvin, who’s majoring in Chinese and secondary

As faculty mentor for the women’s track and field team, Carly Drake, assistant professor of marketing, has developed new perspectives on mentoring. “More and more, I am moving toward doing things with, rather than for, students because I have seen first-hand that

ENLIGHTENED MENTORING FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES

Athletic mentoring by Carly Drake, (left) assistant professor of marketing, includes research on body image with Allison Grady ’22 (right).

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students are capable of so much when we simply lead, support and provide access to resources,” Drake said.

Most of North Central’s 27 varsity athletic teams have one or more faculty mentors who provide support in ways that are meaningful to the student-athletes’ wellbeing and overall experience.

In April, Drake hosted a forum about body positivity over Zoom for women athletes.

It attracted 34 participants, including two guest dieticians and multiple mentors from on and off campus. Five studentathletes helped organize the event and led breakout sessions.

“Sportswomen are extremely capable, driven and busy,” said Drake. “From conversations with them I have come to understand that they rarely get a chance to be vulnerable in an ‘official’ capacity, so I decided to help create such opportunities.” Her mentees also helped her create an Instagram account for sportswomen, focused on body-related topics: @thebodycollective_ncc.

“I think empathy and compassion are so important for mentoring. When we understand where students are coming from, that helps us collaborate rather than dictate,” Drake said.

Allison Grady ’22, captain of the women’s track and field team and an aspiring clinical psychologist, values Drake’s mentoring on many levels. “In addition to working alongside her through the Body Collective, I had the opportunity to complete research with her and two other phenomenal student sportswomen this summer,” Grady said. “Our research focused on the representations of sportswomen on social media, and my specific area was how social media impacted body image and eating disorder symptoms.

“Dr. Drake has taught me that I can excel in academia while also prioritizing my mental health. She hasn’t just allowed me to improve my academic skill sets; she has also truly helped me grow as a person, and continue my mental health recovery. I’m so grateful for her mentorship.”

More wisdom on mentoring NEIL NICHOLSON associate professor of mathematics “My mentorship is grounded in some shared interest: athletics, research, goal-setting, finding life’s adventures.

Those conversations turn into deep dialogue, and over time, meaningful mentorship.

“A quality that results in great mentorship is the ability to get students to discover answers for themselves. Every question has a multitude of possible answers … and ultimately, it is about making a meaningful, long-term impact on the students’ lives, which means they have to discover what’s best for them.”

MARILYN SKARBEK assistant professor of exercise science “I think it is important to give as much individual attention to the student as possible and I try to have as many individual meetings with them as possible. It’s a time investment but it pays off! Every student has their own story. Learn their story and remember it—so you can present appropriate growth opportunities and support them in the ways they need.”

JULIE CARBALLO director of first-generation initiatives, veteran & military-affiliated student services “A very important part of the Cardinal First program is the connection mentoring provides between the 40 percent of students who identify as first-generation (defined as neither parent having completed a four-year degree) and our faculty and staff. Our students benefit from getting to know faculty outside of the classroom and hearing their stories of struggle and resilience along their journey to a college degree. There are so many ways that our faculty mentor students, and each interaction connects students with information, opportunities, resources and experiences they might not know about.”

DID YOU KNOW?

The origin of the word “mentor” comes from Homer’s epic poem, “The Odyssey.” King Odysseus trusts his old friend Mentor with his estate while he goes off to fight in the Trojan War. Scholars agree that Mentor was also to assume the role of a mentor to Odysseus’ son and heir, Telemachus.

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READY FOR ACTION

A thoughtful design and inviting finishes—along with state-of-the-art technologies—make the new Dr. Myron Wentz Center for Health Sciences & Engineering an exciting addition to campus.

Here’s a peek inside at some impressive features:

A handheld Clarius Ultrasound device (pictured, top left) connects via Bluetooth to personal cell phones and iPads and increases timely access to critical health care. Only a few medical schools across the country use this technology, placing North Central at the forefront of health science education.

The Skills Lab with three Anatomage tables will serve as a hub for students preparing for a master of science in physician assistant studies (the program has applied to the accrediting organization ARC-PA for AccreditationProvisional) and future doctor of physical therapy candidates. The tables (pictured, middle left), serve as virtual cadavers and allow students to perform traditional dissections using the virtual images of four patients.

Simulation rooms include a hospital room (pictured, bottom left), a simulated labor and delivery room (pictured, above right), a trauma room and a patient exam room. Instructors can observe students from behind one-way mirrors and use computer controls to alter the condition and response of the “patients,” which are high-fidelity mannequins.

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The master of occupational therapy lab (pictured, right) has been open for use since spring 2021. The lab features simulation spaces, including a kitchen, laundry room, bedroom and bathroom, so students can get hands-on experience learning how to work on daily living activities with their clients.

This fall, engineering students are assisting with the set-up of the Manufacturing Processes Lab on the lower level of the building (pictured, above). When complete, they will have access to high-precision lasers that can cut metal and non-metals; a 3D printer with a 4-foot by 8-foot build surface; two computerized numerical control (CNC) milling machines; a CNC lathe; and a 3-ton bridge crane.

The lobby (pictured, above) and other lounge spaces were designed to encourage collaboration and communication. The building is already serving occupational therapy students and will be dedicated in early October.

Construction of the facility freed up space in the Wentz Science Center, which has been converted into new lab space for the master of athletic training program (pictured, above). The new lab mimics an athletic training clinic, including open space and equipment for conducting rehabilitation; cabinets for medical sundry items for wound care and clinical testing; and space to store bracing, casting, and splinting equipment. Students are able to perform patient simulations in a oneon-one format, and the same space allows students to study in small groups and to perform skills assessments. The tables at the front of the room convert from hard tops for lecture and testing to treatment tables with soft tops.

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DANIEL PERSINGER ’21:

I have something to give

“As I’ve dealt with muscular dystrophy, I always think ‘how can I fit into the world and be a light to someone else?’”

DANIEL PERSINGER ’21

As a child, Daniel Persinger ’21 was very confident about his future. After watching reruns of the show “Emergency,” enjoying a birthday party at a fire station, and, later, participating in Boy Scout experiences with the Rockford (Ill.) Fire Department, he knew he was destined to become a firefighter.

Then his plan was derailed by his health. “I was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy on July 5, 2012,” he explained. “The doctor said, ‘You can’t be a firefighter’ and that squashed my dreams.”

Persinger knew in his heart that “I have something to give.” As he searched for a new career path, he learned about the chaplains who serve fire departments.

“My plans exploded from there,” he said.

“I had grown up in the United Methodist Church and wanted to find a way to help people.”

Six years ago Persinger began shadowing a fire chaplain in Machesney Park, Ill., near his hometown of Rockford. He witnessed

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how first responders must handle a variety of emergency calls. “Being present with (first responders) is the most important thing,” he explained. “If people know you, they’ll feel comfortable talking to you when the need arises.”

Persinger then became a “volunteer” chaplain for the Rockford, New Milford and Blackhawk fire departments. Chaplains must apply for their positions, which require 24/7 availability for a small stipend. “You have to know the culture … and reassure [firefighters] that it’s okay to not be okay and to take time off if necessary. Their mentality is that 'I’ll be just fine.’”

Along the way he also gained experience as a volunteer chaplain at Mercyhealth Hospital in Rockford up until the start of pandemic. There, he completed a course called Clinical Pastoral Education. “I loved it,” he added.

After Persinger finished an associate of arts degree from Rock Valley College, he wanted to earn a four-year degree and

Death and Dying becomes timely topic during pandemic Teaching the Religious Studies course Death and Dying in spring 2020 provided students with an “unusual experience,” said Perry Hamalis, Cecilia Schneller Mueller Professor of Religion. As the course unfolded, the topic of the COVID-19 pandemic was not on the syllabus. “As the semester progressed, we used our discussions to help students process the pandemic and their grief as we tried to make sense of it all,” he said.

The ever-popular course was taught over many decades by Rev. Dr. Howard Mueller ’58, Dr. C. Toenniges Professor of Religious Studies Emeritus. Its offering returned after the transition to semesters in fall 2019 and Hamalis had time in his schedule.

As the course began, the first conversations considered the untimely death of former NBA All-Star Kobe Bryant and the ethics of photojournalists covering the tragedy. Later, a local funeral director visited and the class also tackled topics like suicide and the endof-life medical decisions. In March 2020, students began to meet remotely when the campus closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In all of Hamalis’ courses in 2020-2021, the pandemic meant that grief was a constant theme for discussion because

major in religious studies. On his visit to North Central College, he met Perry Hamalis, professor of religious studies, and immediately found a mentor and friend. “I took a class from him every semester,” added Persinger. “My favorite was Death and Dying. I’ve witnessed death (in my chaplain role) and it’s vital to talk about it.” He wrote his senior capstone paper on suicide.

As a North Central student, Persinger was active with campus ministry

so many students were grieving the loss of something in their lives. “They might have lost a loved one, were missing an athletic season, campus life, dances— there were so many things they missed,” Hamalis said.

Perry Hamalis, Cecilia Schneller Mueller Professor of Religion

The students in Death and Dying addressed their emotions by “talking in small groups on topics most people don’t have the opportunity to talk about,” Hamalis said. “Some had more experiences and perspectives on death than others—like Daniel in his chaplain role and another student who was a military veteran.”

One assignment had students writing letters to someone they wanted to reconnect and/or reconcile with. “I didn’t ask them to share the letter but I did have them write a paper reflecting on how writing the letter affected them,” Hamalis said. “Several students had major breakthroughs in their lives as a result.

It's such a privilege to establish trust and shepherd students through this process.”

Death and Dying will be offered every two years (spring 2022) but going forward, the 2020 version will always be memorable for Hamalis and his students.

“I consider it an honor to teach a course that was so loved by alumni of Howard."

Reading List Here are some of the readings and a video that Hamalis assigned his students in Death and Dying: • “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom • “The Death of Ivan Ilych” by Leo Tolstoy • “Being Mortal” (video) with Atul Gawande

through Focus and helped build a new organization, NCC Dream. The group encourages students who have a disability to gather and support each other and helps students, faculty and staff better understand the disability community.

Now Persinger is determining his future career, perhaps as a counselor or a funeral home director. “As I’ve dealt with MD, I always think ‘how can I fit into the world and be a light to someone else?’”

Photo opposite page, left: A visit to a “Chicago Fire” set with Jay Booras ’20 and (right) on duty at one of three fire departments he serves.

Pictured right: Focus worship services were part of Persinger’s campus experience.

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Service-learning rooted in goodwill Getting at the “root” of a client’s interests and needs—that’s the goal of occupational therapy, according to Kelly Frystak, assistant professor of occupational therapy at North Central College. And that was clearly the goal for a service-learning project designed to help a young woman garden independently at her home.

Wheaton resident Jenny Kray couldn’t interact with her ground-level garden and was relying on her father for most of the work. So North Central’s occupational therapy students designed and built a raised garden for her.

Members of North Central’s Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA), who are working toward their master’s degrees in occupational therapy, designed and built a raised, accessible garden for Wheaton, Ill., resident Jenny Kray. Her physical limitations didn’t allow her to garden independently in her own backyard. “I like having fresh herbs because I love to cook,” Kray explained.

“Pasta, frittatas, chili–all types of foods.”

In 2015, Kray was about to graduate while working toward a master’s in occupational therapy from St. Ambrose University when she experienced a brain hemorrhage. She went through two years of extensive therapy, eventually

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Jenny Kray, pictured (left) with her dad Jim, continues to rebuild her life skills and independence after a life-threatening brain bleed.

Members of the Student Occupational Therapy Association worked at her home for two days to build the structure and fill it with dirt.

becoming independent and moving into her own home. A Daily Herald article about Kray caught the attention of Beverly Menninger, North Central assistant professor of occupational therapy. Menninger contacted Kray about becoming involved in the College’s MOT program, and now Kray frequently speaks in Frystak’s Neuro Dysfunction Intervention class.

“With her ground-level garden, Jenny could look at it but she couldn’t interact with it,” said Frystak. “Her dad was doing a lot of the work.” So Frystak asked SOTA members to plan and build a raised garden for her.

Much of the planning took place through virtual meetings over the past year. The adapted raised garden bed had to be thoughtfully designed by the students to reach the proper height. The goal was to allow Kray to safely stand and enter the garden to reach her plantings—including tomatoes, broccoli and peppers. A raised herb garden for the deck of the house was also part of the plan. A Day of Giving campaign helped pay for the lumber and the dirt was donated by Landworks.

In early June, the SOTA students spent two days assembling the structure and finishing the project.

“As future occupational therapists, this project helped us learn how to make something adaptable for Jenny,” said Nikki Novak ’20/M ’22, president of SOTA. “The goal of helping her become more independent in gardening was challenging but rewarding.”

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NEWLY STRUCTURED COLLEGE LEADERSHIP TEAM FOCUSES ON LONG-TERM SUCCESS

The retirement and departure of three vice presidents in the past 12 months presented an opportunity to update and shift responsibilities among the College’s executive leadership team. The individuals who serve on the President’s Cabinet help guide North Central’s strategic direction, and identify and oversee major plans, initiatives and policies that affect the broader institution.

“Without exception, the people who make up the College’s Cabinet are selfless, student-focused and committed to the long-term success of North Central College,” said President Troy Hammond.

“At a time when we were going to welcome new members to the executive leadership team, it was an opportunity to reshape their roles and use their talents to (the) fullest.”

Recent additions to the President’s Cabinet include: Rebecca Gordon, assistant vice president for equity, diversity and inclusion, was appointed to the new role of chief diversity officer. Gordon has been a leading partner on a number of important DEI initiatives on campus.

“Without exception, the people who make up the College’s Cabinet are selfless, studentfocused and committed to the long-term success of North Central College.”

TROY HAMMOND, PRESIDENT

Jessica Brown joined North Central College in August as vice president for student affairs and athletics, the latter a new area of oversight for the position. Most recently Brown was dean of student services, engagement and leadership at Eureka College and her experience includes extensive work in athletic administration and coaching.

Christine Bell is interim vice president for enrollment management and marketing, and brings interim leadership experience from 18 institutions of higher learning. The marketing and digital staff members who were previously part of Institutional Advancement will join Bell’s team in navigating the fiercely competitive recruitment landscape.

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Jim Godo ’93 has been promoted to vice president for communication and strategic initiatives and special assistant to the president. He will oversee the communications and sports information teams while leading a variety of institution-wide strategic initiatives.

In addition, Adrian Aldrich ’02 has been promoted to assistant vice president for institutional advancement, overseeing the alumni and development areas of the College and serving as the College’s primary fundraising officer. He will report directly to Hammond and will also join the President’s Council, which consists of the Cabinet, academic deans and several other key campus administrators.

Estate gift builds in support for Shimer Great new things are in store for the Shimer Great Books School as it reaps the benefits of a $4 million gift from the estate of William J. Davis.

A Mount Carol, Ill., businessperson, Davis made clear in his will that the funds were to be used to support Shimer. “In keeping with the College’s system for processing this kind of gift, we asked the faculty to guide us in deciding how to use the funds,” explained Adrian Aldrich ’02, assistant vice president for institutional advancement. Reflecting that faculty input, the College decided to use the gift to create a staff position dedicated to coordinating Shimer recruitment and programmatic leadership; to provide faculty and scholarship support; and to increase marketing resources.

The funds will also enable Shimer Great Books School to move into a centrally located space at the corner of Benton Avenue and Loomis Street, across from the Harold and Eva White Activities Center. The duplex, which was acquired by the College earlier this year, will also

house staff offices for the College’s graduate programs—a move that will free up space in Rall House for additional offices for health sciences faculty and staff members.

gift. It’s a big material vote of confidence in the dogged but realistic optimism that has sustained Shimer for many decades.”

“We’re grateful to William Davis for his generosity, and we’re thrilled for the opportunity to invest further in the future and growth of Shimer Great Books School.”

ADRIAN ALDRICH ’02, ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT “We have a long history of surviving against the odds, and not just through our own efforts but crucially with the support of enlightened generosity from alumni and friends like William J. Davis,” said Stuart Patterson, associate professor and chair of the Shimer Great Books School. “I know that the Shimer faculty and alumni alike also take spiritual sustenance from the

“We’re grateful to William Davis for his generosity, and we’re thrilled for the opportunity to invest further in the future and growth of Shimer Great Books School,” added Aldrich. "This is a shining example of the huge impact an estate gift can have on the College.”

For information about making an estate gift, please contact Adrian Aldrich at amaldrich@noctrl.edu or 630-637-5201.

Teagle grant encourages underserved students to explore the humanities North Central College has received a $25,000 planning grant from the Teagle Foundation to help the College create the Civic Humanities Project (CHP), a bold initiative designed to increase exposure to the humanities, enhance college readiness, and cultivate service to the community for an increasingly diverse body of students.

Stuart Patterson, associate professor and chair of the Shimer Great Books School at North Central College, was at the forefront of securing the grant for the College. The CHP will bring rising high school seniors—called Freedom Scholars— from at-risk Chicagoland school districts to North Central’s campus for instruction beginning in June 2022. The project will entail three phases: a three-week series

of seminars during the summer, which the students will take while staying on campus; mentoring sessions the following fall to help the students learn best practices for being a succesful college student; and service projects the students will design themselves.

The Freedom Scholars will experience engaging college-level humanities teaching and discussion and meet current North Central students, who are participating in planning for the CHP and will also be key to its implementation.

Two Shimer Great Books School students, Claire Mikulcik ’23 and Alexandra Huston ’22, are helping plan the syllabus for the summer seminars along with a panel of College faculty.

“(North Central) students from all majors will be able to serve as teaching assistants and residential counselors during the summer program, as mentors on college applications during the fall and as assistants to the Freedom Scholars as they devise and implement their civic engagement project in the spring semesters,” said Patterson. “The project brings students to campus who can speak from experience about deeply inequitable aspects of American society, while it also aims to encourage them to conceive ways to mitigate those inequities.”

The planning process for the CHP includes preparing an application for a follow-up grant from the Teagle Foundation. That $350,000 implementation grant would allow the College to operate the project for three years.

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A conversation on LGBTQIA+ issues Here we highlight the outstanding work by our faculty to help North Central students examine key issues for the LGBTQIA+ community. Carly Drake, assistant professor of marketing, and Suzanne Chod, professor of political science and coordinator of gender and sexuality studies, share their expertise.

Q:

How can marketers properly reach out to consumers from the LGBTQIA+ community in today's climate?

Carly Drake: Marketing is impactful because it is all around us, all the time.

Marketing that clashes with, threatens, or diminishes our identities, including those related to gender and sexuality, can be devastating. Subtle cues about gender and sexuality are present even in mundane advertising. For example, we often see advertisements with straight couples or even gay couples, but how might marketers represent bisexuality in advertising? Making these kinds of representations feel like a normal part of our cultural landscape could be really powerful.

Marketers can learn a lot from talking to LGBTQIA+ consumers. Empathy goes a long way in any conversation, as does amplifying voices that are typically marginalized. Ask people how they are doing and what they need and listen to the answers. Recognize that if you are coming from a position of power, you cannot know this issue better than those who experience it every day.

Q:

What is rainbow washing and how can it be identified? Why is it problematic?

Drake: Rainbow washing is when firms appear to be celebrating pride or promoting LGBTQIA+ rights without doing anything to change the structural forces, such as discriminatory policies, that keep LGBTQIA+ individuals marginalized socially, politically and economically.

On a social level, rainbow washing gives the appearance of social progress without anyone having to do the work of

enacting that social progress, like political organizing or ensuring the equitable distribution of resources. For consumers, rainbow washing can be misleading. We think we are supporting or promoting socially progressive companies, or even donating to their causes, but our involvement with them will have little measurable impact on the causes we care about.

Q:

What is your strategy for engaging students in discussions of gender identity and sexuality?

Suzanne Chod: As a political scientist and coordinator of the College’s gender and sexuality studies program, my job is to open up dialogues about the institutional and societal inequities, especially in an intersectional way.

This can be challenging, especially in the current political climate. Speaking from the U.S. context, I center the discussion on the 14th Amendment that provides equal protection under the law. More specifically, it prohibits states from making or enforcing any law that discriminates against citizens.

Living as one’s true, authentic self is living as a full citizen; and full citizenship is afforded to all in the 14th Amendment.

This approach asks students to think about personhood and how the Constitution, laws, and Court rulings have addressed it. It helps them see how they might have privileges that make it easier for them to move through the public sphere in ways others cannot.

Drake: My strategy in discussing these topics with students is to weave them into everyday learning. It isn’t enough to have one week out of a 16-week

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class be devoted to talking about social issues, because these issues permeate every aspect of our very social jobs as marketers.

I want marketing to make people feel included, and there is no place in my classroom for discrimination or hate. I am completely steadfast and unapologetic in setting this tone, which means my students know they can be vulnerable in their learning. They can ask big questions and share their experiences. When we realize that we are all trying to be better together, the classroom becomes less about getting and giving grades and more about helping each other.

Q:

Why is it vital for students to think and talk about gender and sexuality?

Drake: The world is changing every day, and it’s becoming less feasible to be insulated from conversations about gender and sexuality. This is a good thing.

Being a part of these conversations will make us better learners, but also better family members, friends, and colleagues.

When we see the changing world as an opportunity, rather than a threat, that can make all the difference.

Chod: None of us is immune to the effects of white supremacy and systemic racism, sexism, and homophobia. Whether you benefit from them, or are oppressed by them, these discussions are paramount in understanding our own experiences in the context of others’. Examining ourselves is an integral part of the College experience, and we cannot examine ourselves and our identities without being pushed to see outside our bubbles.

NEW MAJOR IN NUTRITION READIES GRADS FOR GROWING PROFESSION Experiential opportunities will be a hallmark of the new bachelor of science degree in nutrition science, which was added to the College’s health science offerings this fall. The program is designed so students are highly competitive for internships, graduate school and the job market, while at the same time giving them a wealth of practical knowledge. The program is a didactic program in dietetics, which prepares students for dietetic internships and to sit for the registered dietitian nutritionist exam.

“We’re very excited to bring a nutrition science undergraduate degree to North Central as part of our strategic plan to

grow the College’s health professional degree programs,” said Marci J. Swede, dean of the School of Education and Health Sciences.

Directing the new program is Kim Milano, visiting assistant professor of health sciences. She and other faculty designed the program to take full advantage of various campus programs and facilities.

Students will experience how nutrition can be applied in a variety of settings while preparing to be successful registered dietitians or to excel in other entry level nutrition-related jobs.

As early as their first year, students will benefit from hands-on experiences

across campus, including with Chartwells, which is the College’s on-campus dining service; the community garden; Dyson Wellness Center; and Cardinal Fit, which provides students, staff and faculty with fitness assessments and counseling from exercise science students under the supervision of program faculty. Many of these experiences would not typically be available to students until they entered a graduate-level program.

For more information on North Central College’s degree in nutrition science, visit: northcentralcollege.edu/program/ nutrition-science.

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT Jeffrey Jankowski, professor of chemistry, was honored as the first recipient of the Horizons by Gold Eagle “Agile Innovator Award” presented

by Gold Eagle Company. Jankowski was recognized for his commitment, innovative mindset and leadership as the official liaison with Horizons by Gold Eagle: a product innovation lab and incubator founded in 2018 by Gold Eagle Company and housed at North Central College. The unique partnership is dedicated to involving North Central College staff and students in helping identify, develop, and commercialize new products.

“Dr. Jankowski displayed a willingness to proactively take on unique challenges, learn from trial and experimentation, and keep moving the team forward with one purpose: To solve consumer problems,” said Gold Eagle CEO Marc Blackman.

Rebecca Stafford, associate professor of English, was one of 24 artists who

were recipients of a $15,000 award from the Illinois Art Council Agency (IACA) in recognition of their outstanding work and commitment within the arts.

The Artist Fellowship Awards program provides funding in eight artistic disciplines and Stafford received her fellowship in the poetry category.

Gerald Thalmann, associate professor of accounting, was honored by the Illinois CPA Society with a 2021 Outstanding Educator Award which celebrates educators who have made significant contributions to the education of accounting students through their leadership, teaching excellence, and active involvement in the accounting profession. Thalmann was cited for his commitment as an advisor to Enactus and director of North Central’s Coffee Lab. “Thalmann’s innovative approach to teaching accounting and ethical business practices includes utilizing the Coffee Lab to provide students

a hands-on learning medium with immersive case studies and real-life accounting and socially responsible business experiences,” according to the award citation.

Anne Groggel, assistant professor of sociology, was awarded a competitive fellowship from the American Sociological Association’s Fund for the Advancement of the Discipline (FAD). She received $4,726 for her research “Mediated Communication and Perceptions of Sexual Consent.”

This study evaluates implicit meanings of sexual consent between college students, as conveyed through mediated communication such as Snapchat conversations that use emojis—which sheds light into the dynamics of sexual consent on college campuses. FAD awards scholars with “seed money” for innovative research that has the potential for challenging the discipline, stimulating new lines of research and creating new networks of scientific collaboration.

Fall 2021 northcentralcollege.edu/magazine 1 9

AWARD-WINING PLAYWRIGHT: “I WAS MEANT TO BE A WRITER” After revisions, Vestal completed the application with the help of Laura Lodewyck, assistant professor of theatre.

In March, Vestal learned they had won first prize, along with its $2,500 award. “It was such a great feeling to be recognized and praised for something I am so passionate about. It really reinforced what I believed about myself: that I was meant to be a writer.”

Gelaine Vestal ’21 won the 2021 Judith Barlow prize earlier this year for their original one-act play, “The Shop.” The award is sponsored by History Matters, a national coalition of theater professionals that promotes the study and production of women playwrights and their plays.

Inspired by Sophie Treadwell’s “Machinal,” studied in a North Central literature course, Vestal penned “The Shop” during summer 2020. “Since we were all in quarantine, I had a lot of time to make it the best it could be,” they said.

“I believe that writing, especially playwriting, can be a tool for creating positive representation and acceptance of the queer community—this is what’s at the heart of my writing. My hope is that I can make a difference in the world for my community through writing.”

Vestal plans to begin working toward an MFA in playwriting and in the meantime,

“My hope is that I can make a difference in the world for my community through writing.”

GELAINE VESTAL ’21 Vestal began writing fiction as a child and continued as a North Central student; their short story “The Same” was published in North Central student publication 30 North. Vestal branched into theater and their original two-act play “What Happened Here” was produced by the theatre department. Themes surrounding LGBTQIA+ representation are common in Vestal’s work.

they’re working remotely as an editor and brand ambassador for Minerva Rising Press, a publishing company focused on women writers. “Although I do not know exactly where the future will take me,” they said, “I plan to always keep writing as part of my life.”

North Central forensics team makes history at national competitions North Central College forensics, a campus program since the College opened in 1861, competed virtually for the first time during the 2020-2021 season. The Cardinals entered four different national competitions to conclude their season.

"We worked incredibly hard under the difficult constraints of online competition, but that didn’t slow down our students,” said John Stanley, associate professor of communication and director of forensics.

The College had nine students compete at the Pi Kappa Delta National Comprehensive Tournament held March 18-21.

Jessica Wycha ’21 won a national championship (first place out of 125 students) in extemporaneous speaking and took second place in interviewing (out of 129 students). Diego Mateo ’23 took second place in prose interpretation (out of 77).

The team also took part in the fourth annual National Speech Championship on March 19-21. North Central placed ninth and Wycha again won a national championship. Only in remote competition can one student win two national titles in the same event on the same day at two different national tournaments.

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At the American Forensic Association National Speech Tournament on April 3-5, Wycha was chosen as an All-American for her success in forensics, outstanding academic performance and remarkable service.

Finally, the team competed at the 50th National Forensic Association national tournament on April 16-19 and placed ninth in President’s Division II. Notably, the team welcomed five students who had never competed in forensics prior to coming to North Central: Kaitlyn Colvin ’22, Luke Kwiatkowski ’23, Gaby Medrano ’23, Sarah Runchey ’22 and Angel Tovar ’23.

COMMENCEMENT X 4 North Central College celebrated the graduates of 2020 and 2021 with not one, not two, not three but FOUR commencement ceremonies, carefully conducted to follow all COVID-19 protocols. Held May 8 and 9, 2021, at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium, students and faculty were organized into the School of Business and Entrepreneurship; Health Sciences and Education; the College of Arts and Sciences—arts majors and Shimer Great Books School; and the College of Arts and Sciences—science majors. For a summary of the day, watch clips of the four student speakers on the North Central College YouTube Channel at youtube.come/ NorthCentralCollegeNaperville.

Fall 2021 northcentralcollege.edu/magazine 2 1

CoSIDA recognizes four student-athletes North Central College had four studentathletes earn College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) NCAA Division III Academic All-America honors last spring in recognition of continued adherence to the highest standards of excellence in academics as well as athletics. Nominees must carry a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.30.

Cardinals earning this distinction last spring were Jake Beesley ’22 and Ben Wong ’22 from the football program, Luke Lamm ’22 from the baseball program and Gabe Pommier ’22 from the men’s cross country and track and field programs.

CARDINAL WRESTLERS EXCEL ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE Continuing to take the women’s wrestling world by storm, Yelena Makoyed ’23 took home the gold medal in June at the United World Wrestling Cadet & Junior Pan American Championships in Oaxtepec, Mexico, dominating the competition by pinning all three of her opponents in the 76kg bracket.

The College’s first national champion in women’s wrestling, Makoyed qualified to represent Team USA in the Pan-Am Championships after finishing runner-up at the USA Wrestling Junior World Team Trials in May. In the first two seasons of the women’s wrestling program at North Central, Makoyed is a two-time All-American,

two-time National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Scholar All-American, 2021 national champion, Junior National Team member and Pan-Am Championship Gold Medal winner.

In addition, in September both Makoyed and Amanda Martinez ’21 qualified for USA Wrestling’s World Team Trials in Lincoln, Neb., as they each earned the No. 3 seed in their respective weight classes. To qualify for the World Trials, both wrestlers finished in the top eight at the Olympic Trials in April. Martinez, now the graduate assistant women’s wrestling coach at North Central, competed in the 55kg division while Makoyed wrestled in the 72kg weight class.

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MEN’S SOCCER SHOOTS TO 13TH IN NATIONAL RANKING After an undefeated start to their season, the North Central College men’s soccer team appeared in the d3soccer.com rankings for the first time in program history. The Cardinals were ranked 13th in the nation following the week three installment of the poll, released on September 21. The team’s nine-game winning streak at the time was the longest since 1987.

Head coach Enzo Fuschino won his 150th career game following the Cardinals 2-0 victory over Aurora University on September 26. Since joining the coaching staff on February 19, 2019, he has put together a 21-5-4 record at North Central.

A neuroscience major, Wong is an Academic All-American for the second straight season.

Wong earned First Team All-College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) selection in 2019 and is a three-time Academic All-CCIW honoree.

A double major in finance and accounting, Beesley earned First Team All-CCIW and All-North Region honors as well

as a First Team All-America selection by the Associated Press. A three-time Academic All-Conference pick, Beesley was a CCIW Jack Swartz Academic AllConference selection in 2019.

An accounting major, Lamm is a three-time Academic All-CCIW selection and was North Central’s Spring 2021 Jack Swartz Award recipient. Lamm was also named CCIW Pitcher of the Year and was selected First Team All-CCIW.

Pommier, an environmental studies major, won the 66th individual national championship in the men’s track and field program in the 1,500-meter run. His time ranks second in North Central's history and is fifthfastest in the history of the national championship meet.

North Central student-athletes have received a total of 42 CoSIDA Academic All-America awards, 15 of which have been achieved in the last five years.

TRIATHLETE CONTINUES TO EARN NCAA RECOGNITION

CARDINAL FOOTBALL CLAIMS LITTLE BRASS BELL AND NO. 1 RANKING

WOMEN’S TENNIS DUO BREAKS PROGRAM RECORD FOR CAREER WINS

Triathlon student-athlete Naomi Hill ’21 has been selected as one of 30 finalists for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award, which honors the academic achievements, athletics excellence, community service and leadership of graduating female college athletes from all three divisions. Hill graduated with a degree in psychology and behavioral neuroscience in May.

The Cardinals turned in a gritty, stubborn defensive effort to win their CCIW opener over Wheaton College, 20-7, on September 18. The victory gave North Central possession of the Little Brass Bell, the traveling trophy between the two rivals, for the first time since 2016. Following the win at Wheaton, the Cardinals were rewarded with their first-ever regularseason national No. 1 ranking in the D3football.com Top 25 Poll. For the latest results and news about the football program and all 27 North Central athletic teams, visit northcentralcardinals.com or download the North Central College Athletics app.

Hannah Hougland ’22 and Alaina Kanthaphixay ’22 of the women's tennis team broke the program record for career wins in doubles play. Since they began playing together during the 2018-2019 season, the duo is 54-19 all-time as partners. As of September 21, they have started 6-0 at the No. 1 doubles position while leading the Cardinals to a 7-0 overall record.

Hill is the first Cardinal to advance to the final stage, which recognizes 10 student-athletes from each division.

Hill was also selected as one of 42 fall student-athletes from the fall 2020 season to receive an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship.

Fall 2021 northcentralcollege.edu/magazine 2 3

Meet Jim Owczarski ’02, who earlier this year took over as beat reporter covering the National Basketball Association’s Milwaukee Bucks for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

A North Central College journalism major, Owczarski is no stranger to covering high-profile sporting events. This year was especially exciting but also challenging with COVID-19 restrictions in place.

The Bucks won the NBA championship in your first year on their beat. Have you ever experienced anything like that?

I’ve been a bit fortunate since becoming a full-time beat writer in 2015 at The Cincinnati Enquirer. I’ve covered a Major League Baseball All-Star Game, the Cincinnati Bengals’ best season in nearly 30 years, a Packers NFC Championship run and now this. You can find great stories everywhere, but let’s be honest– when the teams are successful then everyone is happy, the readership is engaged, the fan base expands and everybody wins.

As a journalist you need to be objective, but how can you avoid getting swept up in all the excitement of having a front-row seat to a major championship event?

This is an interesting question because THIS year, it was very easy to be dispassionate and disconnected because quite literally, we were. The Bucks were the only NBA team (that didn’t let) their local media into the arena to cover games. There were no fans in the arenas until the spring.

So while, yes, the playoffs and the finals run had full capacity–we still couldn’t get into the locker room. I never actually “met” anyone this year. You do FEEL the electricity of the wins and losses from the crowds in the playoffs and we were fortunate enough to have in-person press conferences in the Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals. But there was still a manufactured distance. So it was definitely fun, but no doubt it wasn’t the same as covering a championship team in a normal year.

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What’s your favorite part of the job?

The favorite part is always the storytelling. Always has been, always will be. Within that, I really enjoy the writing process—taking chances (shout out to all my editors who let me) and pushing myself to be better than the last time I wrote.

Journalists and journalism sometimes get a bad rap.

How do you counter that and ensure that you are able to get what you need from key players and personnel?

It’s about who you are as a person. Yes, you hear a lot about “the media” but in reality that’s a broad catch—all for what isn’t actually journalism. Still, you do have to combat that and the only way to do that is to be authentic and honest, always.

It doesn’t matter if an athlete is super famous or not—they will find out quickly what you’re about by the way you interact with them, and also with their teammates, staff, coaches, etc. And of course by how and what you write.

PULITZER PRIZE WINNER: 2008, 2010, 2011

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NBA FINALS GAME 6: BUCKS 105, SUNS 98

CHAMPIONS! BUCKS IN 6!

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The drought is over as Milwaukee Bucks win their first NBA title in 50 years

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Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo dunks over Suns forward Frank Kaminsky during the fourth quarter of Game 6 . MIKE DE SISTI/MILWAUK Giannis Antetokounmpo holds his NBA Finals MVP trophy as Khris Middleton holds the Larry O’Brien NBA championship trophy after the Bucks’ victory.

Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo dunks over Suns forward Frank Kaminsky during the fourth quarter of Game 6 . MIKE DE SISTI/MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL

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-'write a book'BECOMES A CALL TO ACTION

AUTHOR’S BUCKET LIST ITEM

JEANNE JONES M ’03 wants readers of her first-person book “Mixed” to gain a better understanding of race-based biases and the challenges encountered by children who are part of a biracial family—especially during times of political upheaval. “Positive change comes when we seek to understand through the lenses of others,” she said. “I want to encourage readers to engage in tough but necessary conversations.”

Jones found inspiration to write the book “Mixed” after coping with misguided perceptions regarding her children and her husband, Keith. Her twin daughters’ appearances—one with blue eyes and lighter hair, the other appearing Hispanic—resulted in questions about identity at a young age. “In cases like ours where one parent is black and the other is white, neither parent can understand what it’s like being (part of) two races.”

Her book also includes stories of her family’s experiences with race-based biases. In 2018, Jones’ son Quincy was a student at the University of Nebraska when a video threatening racial violence began circulating the campus.

It was produced by a white supremacist classmate who’d been at the Unite the Right rally in Charlottsville, Va. “The students’ pleas (including Quincy’s) to have the student expelled were ignored,” said Jones. “Quincy was at a loss for words … but I could clearly hear his frustration, rage and confusion with the administration’s decision to not expel the student.”

Keith Jones has also experienced a wide disparity in treatment—from those who revere his football career to those who suspect him to be a “robber” while taking a walk in his own neighborhood. “My husband has reinforced that I should not shy away from or apologize for covering difficult topics,” said Jones.

The Jones family is composed of the twins; Jones’s son Quincy from a previous marriage, who is of mixed race; and her husband’s son Kaydon, who is Black. Jones began writing in 2016, when “as a family we had already begun to grow increasingly aware of the disturbing trends in which racist words and actions were starting to be downplayed and normalized,” she said.

“That one-liner on my bucket list— ’write a book’—became a call to action.”

She adds that not everyone will have the same experiences. “Our society should not be able to define what it means to be mixed race. That right is reserved for each individual to determine for themselves,” Jones said.

“Positive change comes when we seek to understand through the lenses of others.”

Jones earned her master’s degree while working for Ameritech Cellular, which offered full tuition reimbursement. “I remember walking through North Central’s beautiful campus and having an introductory conversation with [professor emeritus] Richard Guzman. I knew right away that a master of arts in liberal studies was the program for me. It was not an easy road; I was living in Wheeling, working in Elgin, and commuting to Naperville to complete my classes.”

Her liberal studies perspective has served her well over the years. “The more you learn, the more you learn how much you still have to learn,” Jones said. “My journey as the wife of a Black man, and the mother of Black and mixed-race children, is literally, every day, teaching me something new.”

For more information: themixedbook.com 2 6 NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE northcentralcollege.edu

@themixedbook

@themixedbook

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ALUMNI SNAPSHOTS

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1. David Thompson ’99 2. Shannon Byrne Cunningham ’97 3. Wonhee Anne Joh ’88 4. Bill Wylie-Kellermann ’71 5. Kajanda Love ’12 6. Dr. Michael G. Earing ’93

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7. Kathy Schrenk ’97 8. Brady Dickerson ’20 9. Katie Krupica ’17 10. Evan Hansen ’17 11. Stephanie Zobac ’10 12. Esther Benjamin ’90 13. Colin Young ’00 14. Rachel Viola Tucker ’18

Fall 2021 northcentralcollege.edu/magazine 2 7

CL ASSNOTES 1967 NANCY KRANPITZ was featured in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Women in Athletics video series on March 25. Watch her video at youtube.com/ watch?v=NIez9nIwSl0.

LAURIE SPIEGEL S ’67 was quoted in The New York Times in April about a new documentary she is featured in called “Sisters with Transistors: Electronic Music’s Unsung Heroines.” Spiegel was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in the same class as U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Jane Fonda in 2019. One of her recordings is on a gold record aboard the Voyager spacecraft, which recently passed into deep space well beyond our solar system. The article is available to read at nytimes.com/2021/04/21/arts/music/ sisters-with-transistors-women-synths. html.

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1992

WILLIAM BRODNE has taken on a new role as senior vice president, senior credit officer wealth management at Bank of the West/BNP Paribas after spending the last 18 years at BMO Harris Bank. In this new position, Brodne will provide oversight of all credit risk activities for the organization’s wealth management operations throughout the United States.

DAVID ELLIOT is an adjunct instructor of mathematics teaching precalculus at North Central. Elliot also works as a math teacher at Glenbard East High School in Lombard, Ill.

1988 WONHEE ANNE JOH has been named director of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary’s doctor of philosophy program. Joh, professor of theology and culture, has served on numerous committees at Garrett-Evangelical and was most recently the director of the Center for Asian/Asian American Ministries.

RAYMOND PANKUCH has accepted the position of chief data officer for ChenMed, LLC. ChenMed is a physician-led, multi-state organization that provides healthcare to seniors in underserved communities.

1971

1990

BILL WYLIE-KELLERMANN has published his seventh book, “Celebrant’s Flame: Daniel Berrigan in Memory and Reflection.”

It is available from Cascade Books at wipfandstock.com/9781666701890/ celebrants-flame/.

ESTHER BENJAMIN was honored at the 30th Annual One To World Fulbright Awards Dinner, held virtually on May 25, for her efforts to further international education and global cooperation. One To World is a New York City-based organization, designated by the U.S. Department of State, that engages Americans with current Fulbright Scholars studying in the United States to form lasting relationships. The organization works closely with World Education Services, where Benjamin currently serves as CEO and executive director. Her role ensures that international students and professors find success in their new communities. Benjamin serves on the North Central College Board of Trustees.

1973 DANIEL “BLADE” THOMAS is employed by Kennedy Contractors of West Palm Beach, Fla., as a project superintendent overseeing multiple projects throughout Florida and the East Coast.

1993 DR. MICHAEL G. EARING has been named the new section chief of pediatric cardiology at the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital.

VALARIE JOHNSON is co-host of “Interludes,” a podcast discussing music, sports, comedy, politics and social injustice, among other topics. Several alumni have been featured guests, including ARNISE ROBINSON ’95. The podcast is available at interludespodcast.libsyn.com/.

1995 MICHAEL WAMBLE co-hosts the “Interludes” podcast with fellow alumni VALARIE JOHNSON ’93.

1997 SHANNON BYRNE CUNNINGHAM was named 2021 Texas Middle School Principal of the Year by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals.

ANGEL JAIN is a co-founder of Hudson West Folk Festival, a day-long acoustic music festival established in Jersey City, N.J., in 2017.

Information on this event can be found at hudsonwestfest.org. Jain is a senior knowyour-customer analyst at RBC Capital Markets.

A GREAT SCHOLARSHIP GETS EVEN BETTER David and JoAnn Stuart, both members of the class of 1959, have increased the value of their scholarship for first generation students, which they created in 2020. Student recipients now receive $5,000 (formerly $1,250), renewable annually, to help cover the cost of tuition, room and board and books. First preference goes to Cardinal First participants. “We know it can be hard to pay for college,” said the couple. “We want to help first gen students in a significant and meaningful way.”

2 8 NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE northcentralcollege.edu

KATHY SCHRENK’S latest book, “Katy Trail: A Guided Tour Through History” was released May 15 at reedypress.com/shop/katy-trail-aguided-tour-through-history/.

1998 KATHY GUY GUTHRIE released her book “Engaging in the Leadership Process: Identity, Capacity, and Efficacy for College Students” on March 1 as part of the Contemporary Perspectives on Leadership Learning series from Information Age Publishing. The book is available from Amazon at amazon.com/ Engaging-Leadership-Process-ContemporaryPerspectives/dp/1648024653.

1999 DAVID THOMPSON has been hired as New York University’s men’s and women’s track and field head coach. Additionally, Thompson will serve as the assistant coach of the cross country teams. As a student, Thompson was an 11-time All-American and a three-time NCAA Division III national champion in track and field.

2000 COLIN YOUNG has been named the head coach of the Augustana College women’s cross country team. As a student, Young helped the Cardinals win four NCAA Division III National Championships in track and cross country.

Individually, Young was the NCAA Division III national champion in the 10,000 meters his senior season.

2001 YULANDER WELLS JR. M ’05 joined Harvard University in May as deputy athletic director for external operations and relations.

2003 SHAUN KEATING joined the University of Wisconsin-Parkside in March to lead admissions, financial aid and university marketing as executive director of enrollment services.

KATIE RUDER has accepted a position as legal operations manager and counsel at Rivian Automotive in Normal, Ill. MICHAEL SUNDBLAD is the new dean of liberal arts, business and IT at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey, Ill. Sundblad is currently conducting dissertation research on equity in higher education.

2004

2012

MIKE ULREICH has been named head football coach at Naperville Central High School.

A standout player in high school at CaryGrove (Ill.), Ulreich played outside linebacker at North Central and had been Naperville Central’s defensive coordinator since 2010.

DOUGLAS J. ENGELMAN earned his Ph.D. in sociology at the University of South Florida in 2020. He is now a visiting assistant professor in sociology and criminology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Engelman is also teaching an online course called Health, Illness and Care for the North Central department of sociology and anthropology in fall 2021.

ELISABETH WEARNE FISHER M ’20 has a new position as firm-wide manager of paralegal communications at Kirkland & Ellis LLP. The position involves development and execution of the paralegal program’s firmwide communications initiatives and strategy, as well as delivery of compelling and cohesive narratives within the program. Fisher received a master of arts in liberal studies degree in writing, editing and publishing from North Central in 2020.

2006 BETSY DESITTER was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army on September 1 and will take command of the Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Va., in June 2022.

2010 STEPHANIE ZOBAC, associate director of advising at North Central, conducted research on the Cardinal First program as part of her dissertation for her doctoral program.

In March, Zobac presented her research titled “I Always Felt Like I Belonged: A Case Study on a First-Generation Focused Student Success Program and Sense of Belonging.” A summary of her research findings is available at northcentralcollege.edu/cardinal-first/ cardinal-first-outcomes. Zobac will graduate with a Ph.D. in educational leadership and higher education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in May 2022.

2011 TAYLOR ENGLAND is a scheduler with Instructional ABA Consultants. England majored in psychology at North Central.

MARGARET NUNNE has been selected as a member of the ninth annual class of the Edgar Fellows Program, an initiative designed by former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar to inspire leadership to address Illinois’ major challenges. Forty individuals are annually selected to become Edgar Fellows and participate in a five-day executive leadership training program in Champaign, Ill. Following learning from leaders in the public arena, they are given continued educational opportunities and join sessions to debrief crucial policy issues. Nunne is a counsel for State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance in Bloomington, Ill.

NICK HICKS was featured on the Millionaire Voices podcast in April. Hicks discussed what it’s like to train professional athletes. You can watch clips from the podcast at youtube.com/ watch?v=YnIjUGkld_Q. KAJANDA LOVE was featured in a profile on the Positively Proviso Magazine website on March 16. Love is an assistant warden with the Illinois Department of Corrections at Logan Correctional Facility.

JESSICA TATAR SCHALK is the site manager at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora, Ill., managing the facility and staff, directing food packaging and providing volunteer experience.

2015 KATHERINE FECHT FRIEDERS M ’20 has accepted a position as an HR business partner at ADP, LLC. Frieders supports clients in strategic human resources initiatives within the ADP Total Source Division.

KEDRYN ORRISON PILGRIM has been named an assistant athletic trainer for the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League.

While at North Central, Orrison Pilgrim earned a degree in both athletic training and psychology, and was a member of the women’s volleyball team for four years as well as a thrower for the women’s track and field team.

2016 MAGGIE SOUTH published her first book, “Images of America: Westmont,” and contributed to the upcoming edition of “DuPage Roots” from the DuPage County Historical Society. South is pursuing a master’s degree in recreation and park administration at Central Michigan University and hopes to complete the program in 2022. In 2020, South was awarded the James Wright Making Memories Award by Westmont Special Events Corporation for commitment to community events and volunteerism.

Fall 2021 northcentralcollege.edu/magazine 2 9

2017

2020

LIZZIE BAUMGARTNER started a full-time position with Audacy, Inc., to produce and curate 17 national alternative rock radio stations. Baumgartner previously worked in promotions at WXRT-FM 93.1 and as an assistant producer at WBBM-AM 780 in Chicago. Baumgartner also accepted a position with Elmhurst University to advise/teach their radio program (WRSE) and completed a master’s degree in journalism from DePaul University.

ISABEL BRADY is attending the University of Pittsburgh’s graduate program in human security.

EVAN HANSEN had planned to portage a canoe along the entire 300-mile length of the Superior Hiking Trail in northern Minnesota beginning on September 1. Due to wildfires he had to adjust his plans and carried his canoe from the South Dakota/Minnesota border to Wisconsin. Hansen used the trip to raise money for the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Southeast Minnesota and to honor the memories of those who have lost their lives to suicide.

KATIE KRUPICA was profiled on the Ball State University blog. Krupica received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from North Central and is working on a doctorate in counseling psychology at Ball State.

2018 JANINE ARRIOLA M ’20 joined the Illinois State Approving Agency staff in the Wheaton, Ill. office. Arriola is an Army veteran and was a veteran’s services specialist at the College of DuPage, where she coordinated student events and assisted in degree auditing.

Arriola earned a bachelor’s degree in sports management and a master’s degree in leadership in higher education at North Central.

RACHEL VIOLA TUCKER earned a master of arts degree in communication from the University of Cincinnati in April. Tucker is attending the University of Connecticut to earn a Ph.D. in communication starting in fall 2021.

2019 JIMMY BRIGHT was promoted to account executive at Blue Chip Marketing Worldwide.

Bright manages an account/client relationship for a national CPG account.

ANN GARRISON CARNELL M ’19 is an international admissions specialist and coordinator in the Center for Global Education at North Central.

NICK OSTERLOO M ’21 has been hired as assistant sports information director at North Central.

ALISON SCHNEIDER received her master of science degree in biomedical sciences from Rosalind Franklin University in 2021.

BRADY DICKERSON completed his first solo flight in the U.S. Air Force at Introductory Flight Training in June. Dickerson piloted a DA-20 Diamond.

TAIAH GALLISATH is pursuing a master of arts degree in sports leadership at North Central.

Gallisath has also been hired as a graduate assistant in North Central’s sport information department after working as a student assistant for two years.

RYAN GRANT is attending the University of Georgia in pursuit of a Ph.D. in industrial and organizational psychology.

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SAMANTHA HASIEWICZ is pursuing a J.D. degree from the University of San Diego School of Law. JOY HERZOG has started a full-time position with Vanguard Logistics Services as a customer service representative. Herzog will communicate with international and domestic carriers to quote and book services.

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MARIA KALANTZIS is attending Bowling Green State University in pursuit of a Ph.D. in clinical psychology.

EMILY QUESADA-GLANZ was accepted into the Ph.D. program in linguistics at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

ROSIE RAE is pursuing a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

ABIGAIL SCHWARZ is attending the University of Arizona in pursuit of a Ph.D. in neuroscience.

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ALEXA ZIMBELMAN is attending the University of Iowa in pursuit of a Ph.D. in neuroscience.

2021 KAITLIN BONNEY is attending Johns Hopkins University in pursuit of a master of science degree in school counseling.

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MATT EAKER has been hired as a graduate assistant at North Central for the men’s lacrosse team. Eaker is pursuing a master’s degree in sports management.

ALEXIS ENDRES will be attending Chicago-Kent College of Law in pursuit of a J.D. degree.

LAUREN KAINRATH has accepted a position as a multi-cultural recruitment coordinator in the office of admission at North Central.

ABIGAIL TREADO has been accepted to serve in the City Year AmeriCorps.

3 0 NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE northcentralcollege.edu

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WEDDINGS

IN MEMORIAM

KATHERINE FECHT ’15 FRIEDERS M ’20 to Kyler Frieders on August 6 at Ashley Farm in Yorkville, Ill. Also in the wedding party were MELISSA CARRICO ’14 MOSHER, KATIE KNOPF ’15, COLLEEN JOHNSTON ’15 LEONG, AMY TEDESCHI ’17 SHIMKUS and ZACH SHIMKUS ’16. 1

RUSSELL D. “RUSS” ANDERSON ’93 in Irving, Texas, on April 5.

ANTHONY NUCCIO ’15 to BRIANA TOBIN ’16 NUCCIO on November 7, 2020, at Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church across the street from the North Central campus in Naperville. 2

MARY LOUISE BRANIGAN ’48 of Phoenix, Ariz., on December 25, 2020. She is survived by her nephew Jack Glessner ’76.

BIRTHS

SHWUYI LEU of Oak Park, Ill., on July 23. Leu served as associate professor of education at North Central College from 2008 to 2013.

She taught in the areas of reading and literacy education. In addition to her academic pursuits, she had a deep interest in botany and was an avid gardener. She was born in Taipei, Taiwan, and worked there in the business sector before coming to the United States and earning her M.A., M.Ed., and Ph.D. in education at the University of Illinois-Champaign. She is survived by her husband, Ralph R. Kazer, three sisters; one brother; three stepchildren; and two step-grandchildren. Memorials may be sent to the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation at Northwestern University.

NANCY BERG ’50 of Ann Arbor, Mich., on December 23, 2020.

WILLIAM T. BLYTHE ’66 in Ottawa, Ill., on January 5.

ANTHONY J. FARINA ’56 of Fond du Lac, Wis., on June 2. He is survived by his wife Lois Farina ’58.

RUTH GASTON ’46 of Leaf River, Ill., on June 18.

PAUL E. GILMAN ’50 in Avilla, Ind., on May 28.

CHRIS GALLOWAY M ’14 and Shelley Galloway, a son, Ryne Christopher, on August 27, 2020, weighing 8 lbs., 4 oz., and measuring 20.5 inches.

MARVIN A. GLUCK ’53 of Topanga, Calif., on February 27.

LEEA LOPRESTI ’14 HRUSKA and James Hruska III, a son, Dominic Michael, on May 7, weighing 8 lbs., 2 oz., and measuring 21 inches. He joins brothers James “Louie” IV, 4, and Anthony, 2. He was welcomed by relatives GAETANO LOPRESTI ’11 and ROSALIA LOPRESTI ’17 PRANGER. 3

GORDON HATCH ’45 of Oregon, Ill., on January 1, 2020.

ROBERT HARRIS ’63 of Riverside, Calif., on February 21, 2020. He is survived by his wife Carolyn Lekovish ’59 Harris.

DEBORAH JUZWIAK ’71 in Winfield, Ill., on July 21, 2020.

CHRISTOPHER LUCENTI ’05, a son, Nicolas, on April 19. The family resides in Chicago. 4

MITSURU KADOYAMA ’48 in Hayward, Calif., on February 7, 2020.

LANCE W. SPISAK ’90 on June 6. He is survived by his wife Michelle Barton-Nawa ’92.

KAYLIN RISVOLD M ’19 and John Risvold, a son, Theodore Alan, on May 4, weighing 8 lbs., 7 oz., and measuring 20 inches. 5

CAROLYN LANGFORD ’70 of Port Orchard, Wash., on October 24, 2020.

NANCY THIESFELD ’56 of Encinitas, Calif., on November 1, 2020. She is survived by her husband Nore Thiesfeld ’56.

JESSICA TATAR ’12 SCHALK and TRENT SCHALK ’12, a son, Rory Gabriel, on June 30, weighing 7 lbs., 14 oz., and measuring 20.25 inches. He joins brother Theodore, 22 months. He was welcomed by grandfather JAMES SCHALK ’82 and grandmother SHERRY TATAR ’88. 6 JORDAN SCHERPE-LENCIONI ’15 and CHRISTOPHER LENCIONI ’10, a son, Lucca Allen, on March 19, weighing 7 lbs., 14 oz., and measuring 20.5 inches. 7 LAURA CONSTANTINE ’13 WOLAK and Dan Wolak, a daughter, Grace Marie, on January 30, weighing 6 lbs., 7 oz., and measuring 19 inches. 8

ROLAND J. LEHKER ’48 of Washington, D.C., on May 23.

HELEN C. NAUMANN ’46 of Pleasant Hill, Tenn., on March 28. She is survived by sisters Doris Holm ’45 and Monie Kinney ’49, sons Gary Barrett ’71, Rex Barrett ’73, Scott Barrett ’75 and William Naumann ’74, and daughter Nancy Hanson ’79.

KAY ANN SCHWARTZ ’62 VAN BUSKIRK of Naperville, on May 15. She is survived by her husband Rob Van Buskirk ’62.

IOLYN MIELKE ’60 PLAGENZ of Markesan, Wis., on November 15, 2020.

DAVID E. SMALLWOOD S ’76 of Park Forest, Ill., on June 11.

STAY CONNECTED! Got promoted? Got married? Tell us about it! Send us an email at: classnotes@noctrl.edu

Fall 2021 northcentralcollege.edu/magazine 3 1

WHY YOUR GIFT TO THE

NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE FUND

WILL HELP OUR STUDENTS

“

EXCEED THEIR PERSONAL BEST

Each year since we graduated in 1991, we have donated to the North Central College Fund. Providing funding for scholarships and student organizations helps support the activities that we valued at North Central.”

John ’91 and Tracy Fencl ’91 Harrington

42%

OF THE NCC FUND IS DESIGNATED TO SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID. More than 95 percent of North Central College students rely on financial aid and scholarships.

Alumni Calendar OCTOBER 2021 - MARCH 2022 Cardinal Caravan & Pre-Game Barbecue

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild

November 6 Cardinal Football at Washington University in St. Louis

January 21 7:30 p.m., United Center, Chicago

Softball Alumni Event at Topgolf

January 29 6 p.m., Gregory Arena, Merner Field House 7 p.m. tip-off, Cardinal Basketball vs. Wheaton College

November 7 Topgolf Naperville ISAAC ELKINS ’20 AND BAILEY BEETZ ’20

Holiday Cookie Decorating Kits Early December

CALLING ALL CARDINAL COUPLES AND LOVE BIRDS

Cardinal Couples Event

36th Annual Alumni Indoor Track & Field Meet December 3 5 p.m., Al B. Carius Track, Residence Hall/Recreation Center

Basketball Alumni Hospitality

SAVE THE DATE!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 6 - 9 P.M. AT ELEMENTS DOWNTOWN NAPERVILLE ENJOY FUN ACTIVITIES, MUSIC, RAFFLES AND PRIZES Registration is $75 per couple, which includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, two beverage tickets, and $25 donation to the Rev. Dr. Howard Mueller ’58 Alumni Board scholarship.

Basketball Alumni Hospitality

December 4 6 p.m., Gregory Arena, Merner Field House 7 p.m. tip-off, Cardinal Basketball vs. Carthage College

February 5 6 - 9 p.m., Elements in downtown Naperville

Baseball Lead-Off Banquet February 6 St. Andrews Golf & Country Club

Day of Giving February 24

Baseball Barbecue in Florida March 13 Cardinal Baseball vs. TBD

STAY CONNECTED

For additional event information and to register, contact the Office of Alumni Engagement.

630-637-5200 alumni@noctrl.edu northcentralcollege.edu/alumni

HOSTED BY THE ALUMNI BOARD 3 2 NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE northcentralcollege.edu

@NCAlumni

2.24.2022

ALUMNI BACK IN ACTION

CLASS OF 1971 REUNION LUNCH

FLORIDA BASEBALL ALUMNI BARBECUE

MEET THE ALUMNI BOARD SCHOLARSHIP WINNER! “Since receiving the Rev. Dr. Howard Mueller Alumni Board Student Involvement scholarship, my stress of independently paying for college has been substantially relieved.

Because of this scholarship, I can also make a direct difference on campus by reporting to the Alumni Cassie Miller ’22 Board any suggestions and updates I have regarding the North Central College community.”

To support the scholarship donate today! northcentralcollege.edu/alumni-board ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT

Carli Franks ’05, carlimfranks@gmail.com MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIR

Carla Kolavo ’06 Muir, clkolavo@gmail.com OUTSTANDING ALUMNI & REV. DR. HOWARD MUELLER ’58 ALUMNI BOARD STUDENT INVOLVEMENT SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS COMMITTEE CHAIR

CUBS AT BREWERS 2021

NAPERVILLE SUMMER ALE FEST 2021

Kaitlyn Rossi ’13 Piecuch, kaitlyn.rossi@comcast.net LIAISON CHAIR

Nathan Ronchetti ’08, nronche@gmail.com COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR

Kimberley Cramer ’08 Malinowski, kimberley.cramer@gmail.com SHIMER LIAISON

Robin Ashton S ’71 ALUMNI CLUB CONTACTS AFRICAN AMERICAN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

100 YEARS OF HOMECOMING

William H. Davis ’71, wdavis1803@aol.com

d r a w A

ALUMNI REFERRAL Recommend a future cardinal to receive a $1,000 annual scholarship.

Deadline to submit for the 2022-2023 academic year:

VI S IT

December 1 , 2021

northcentralcollege.edu/alumni-award

CHICAGO ALUMNI CLUB

Kimberley Cramer ’08 Malinowski, kimberley.cramer@gmail.com COLORADO ALUMNI CLUB

Carli Franks ’05, carlimfranks@gmail.com FLORIDA ALUMNI CLUB

Nick Zec ’81, nickzecir@gmail.com GEORGIA ALUMNI CLUB

Jen Dufore M ’09, jendufore@hotmail.com JAPAN ALUMNI CLUB

Jun Okada ’07, jokada77@ezweb.ne.jp Yusuke Ichimura ’08, ichimura@milepost.co.jp TWIN CITIES ALUMNI CLUB

Valerie Smith ’94, mbak.valerie@gmail.com

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID North Central College

30 N. Brainard Street Naperville, IL 60540

SUMMER RESEARCH FOCUSES ON ROBOTICS Engineering students involved with summer research had the opportunity to construct a robotic car. Hector Rico-Aniles, assistant professor of electrical engineering, (pictured, right) led the project, assisting electrical engineering majors William Jandak Jr. ’23 (pictured, left) and Gavin Bauknecht ’23 (not pictured) as they planned, constructed and programmed the car. “The goal was to have a small car for research in robotics areas such as path planning, object avoidance, environment scanning (and) simultaneous localization,” said Rico-Aniles. “That research can be relevant for new technologies like autonomous vehicles.”

Along with using commercial aluminum parts, Rico-Aniles and his students custom-printed parts in the College’s Omron Laboratory and made use of the equipment and workspace in the Molex Laboratory. Both labs were designed to support this type of ambitious project.

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