Fall 2023 North Central College Magazine

Fall 2023

THE INAUGURATION OF

President Anita Jones Thomas

IN EVERY ISSUE 04

College News

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Mission Moments

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Reflection

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Soaring Cardinal

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Athletics

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Class Notes

ON THE COVER

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The view in Wentz Concert Hall on Nov. 11, 2023, as Dr. Anita Thomas is installed as president of North Central College. Student musicians look on from the choral balcony and pictured on stage (left to right) are Rev. Eric Doolittle, chaplain of the College; Dr. Herman White Jr., trustee and inauguration committee co-chair; and Holly Humphrey ’79, MD, board chair.

FEATURE STORIES 10

Dr. Anita Jones Thomas: Installed as the 11th President of North Central College Two days of celebration culminated in the installation of Dr. Anita Thomas as the College’s new president.

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From One Generation to the Next Two Cardinals have memories of their mother being a student at North Central as she juggled parenthood and college coursework.

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Providing Gifts of Tools and Time: Alumni Rally Around Center for Financial Literacy Students benefit from the experience and generosity of alumni who know the value of learning financial proficiency.

Dr. Thomas, you have already brought light to our campus — walking the spine with us, visiting our classes, opening your office to us, cheering us on in our pursuits, and even living among us.”

PAIGE KOZIAL ’24 President, Student Governing Association Participating in the investiture ceremony November 11, 2023

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READ ON YOUR DEVICE You can find this issue of the North Central College magazine, plus back issues, on the College website (below) or by downloading the Issuu app and searching for “North Central College.”

northcentralcollege.edu/ magazine Visit us online at northcentralcollege.edu northcentralcardinals.com

Editorial Director Kim MacGregor Graphic Design Mary Bass M ’21 Steve Evanson Evanson Design Contributing Writers/ Production Jeremy Borling ’02 Hannah Brauer Jacob Imm Nancy Jensen Kara Kots ’18 / M ’23 Nick Osterloo ’19 / M ’21 Mary Reynolds Clark Teuscher

Vice President for Communication and Strategic Initiatives; Special Assistant to the President Jim Godo ’93 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: oic@noctrl.edu

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Since the start of my presidency in July, I have been welcomed with open arms into this proud community of Cardinals. Thank you for that warm welcome.”

Dear Cardinal Community, Over the past several months, there have been many “firsts” — and this is yet another: my first President’s Message in the North Central College magazine. I want to start with thank you. Since the start of my presidency in July, I have been welcomed with open arms into this proud community of Cardinals. Thank you for that warm welcome.

My first days on campus have been filled with a lot of laughter, listening and learning. My initial observations could fill this magazine, so I’ll share just a few. I’ve been impressed by the high quality of learning and engagement in our classrooms and labs. I’ve been inspired by the skill and dedication of our student-athletes. I’ve been moved by our passionate and talented artists and musicians. I’ve been humbled by the care and generosity of our alumni and supporters. Above all, I’ve enjoyed getting to know our students — learning about their hopes, expectations and, yes, even their concerns for the future.

In November, we hosted a twoday Presidential Inauguration on campus. It was an important opportunity to celebrate the College’s rich history, to ground ourselves in our foundation as a “moral lighthouse,” and to connect to our faith and spiritual traditions.

Established in 1861 during the Civil War, Plainfield College (as the College was known then) opened its doors wider than many other institutions at that time by welcoming both male and female students.

“Opening doors wider” emerged as a theme for the Inauguration because it’s why we are here, and it’s what we must continue to do to live out our mission as a diverse community of learners. In the pages that follow, you’ll read about several members of the Cardinal community who are helping us do just that.

In that same spirit, you should know that my door is always open to you. Please stop by next time you’re on campus or look for me (and my dog, Lizzie) walking the spine.

Anita Thomas, Ph.D. President and Professor of Psychology

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WHAT’S ON THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

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We asked Dr. Thomas to share the meaning behind some of the items she keeps close at hand while in her office in Old Main.

1. MY FAMILY, MY FOUNDATION In 2017, my family and I went on a cruise to the Bahamas — my twins, my sister and her son, and our mom and dad. We had so much fun. It was soon after my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary, and this turned out to be the last family photo taken before my father passed away in 2022. So, it’s a sentimental memory. It’s a wonderful way to keep my dad close and a reminder of our family values, particularly about the importance of education.

2. STAYING BALANCED I keep a speaker on my desk because I usually have music playing throughout the day. Based on my mood, I may listen to jazz, gospel, classical, or pop/rock. Music has been so significant in my life. Growing up, I played the flute and piccolo in the orchestra at the performing arts high school I attended. I also played classical piano. To this day, the joy of music keeps me balanced.

3. JOURNALING My journal goes with me everywhere, all day long. It’s where I record thoughts, feelings, ideas, and more. Reflection and contemplative practices are important to me, and I’ve kept a journal since I was a girl. It’s always a joy to have a new journal.

I was thrilled to receive this red North Central one after coming to the College.

4. APPRECIATING ART This paperweight was a gift. It depicts the beautiful grounds of Newfields in Indianapolis, a city where I lived for some time. I always enjoyed visiting the Newfields art galleries, gardens, and other attractions. Like music, art is central in my life. Since moving to Naperville, I’ve been exploring opportunities to take in art locally. A great day to me is a day spent strolling an art fair, speaking with artists, and appreciating their creations.

5. MY LEADERSHIP STYLE Some time ago, I went through a structured process of understanding the dominant traits that affect how I work and lead. It was very powerful. These blocks remind me that I’m mostly green, which means I’m people-oriented and interpersonal relationships are key in my decision-making. I’m also yellow, which is about being optimistic and someone who tries to inspire hope. The red and blue blocks are turned sideways because they are less dominant for me. People with those dominant traits complement how I work. As a leader, understanding the differences in how people work is powerful in optimizing how a team can work together to solve challenges and make decisions.

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COLLEGE NEWS

AC C R E D I TAT I O N

Engineering Programs Earn Accreditation

G R A D U AT E P R O G R A M S

Master’s in Nursing Program Launches Four tracks offer advanced education and specialization In the fall 2023 semester, the College’s School of Education and Health Sciences welcomed its first class of students in the new Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program. The MSN program is offered in four tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Executive Leader, and Nurse Educator. The program also offers a post-graduate Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) certificate for registered nurses who have a master’s degree and are looking to further specialize in the field.

The MSN program arrives at a critical time amid a national nursing shortage.

It offers an innovative, interprofessional approach to fostering the next generation of healthcare leaders who embrace diversity, promote health equity, and improve population health outcomes.

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“We are committed to helping shape the future of healthcare through a studentbased approach to nursing education focused on preparing graduates to be competent and compassionate leaders who work as part of a broader healthcare team,” said Dr. Georgine Maisch, director of advanced nurse specialty programs and associate professor of nursing.

Maisch added that a tuition discount is available for North Central alumni and their family members.

The MSN program adds to the College’s growing suite of graduate-level health science programs, which includes Master of Occupational Therapy, Occupational Therapy Doctorate, Master of Physician Assistant Studies, Master of Athletic Training, and Doctor of Physical Therapy.

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The College’s undergraduate engineering programs — in computer, electrical and mechanical engineering — have received accreditation from ABET, the preeminent accrediting body in the U.S. for college and university STEM disciplines. ABET’s “stamp of approval” assures that programs meet global standards designed to prepare students for successful careers in their fields, particularly relating to innovative practices, emerging technologies, and public welfare and safety needs.

“North Central College is a one-stop-shop if you want to be an engineer in Chicago’s western suburbs,” said Dr. Frank Harwath, director of the College’s engineering program. “Our graduates are already working at a number of the biggest companies in the area, and the feedback we receive from employers is overwhelmingly positive, thanks to the knowledge, skills and handson experience that students gain through our programs.”

COLLEGE NEWS G OV E R N A N C E

New Trustees Join Board Former board chair becomes life trustee At its October 2023 meeting, the North Central College Board of Trustees welcomed new members to its ranks: Dr. Kathy L. Guthrie ’98 is a professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Florida State University (FSU). A resident of Tampa, Fla., Guthrie also serves as director of FSU’s Leadership Learning Research Center, and she was recently named as an affiliate researcher with the Center for the Arts, Business, and Culture at the Stockholm School of Economics.

Kris Hartner originally joined the board in 2017 as the Chair of the Board of Trustee Associates (BTA). He will remain a trustee now that his term with the BTA has concluded.

A longtime Naperville resident and active member of the community, Hartner is founder and owner of Naperville Running Company. He also serves as a member of the Downtown Naperville Alliance. He is a 1989 graduate of St. Olaf College.

Dr. Kathy L. Guthrie ’98

Gerald McCadd ’92 will take over as chair of the BTA. He is the owner of G. McCadd Insurance and Financial Services, Inc. – a State Farm Agency.

Residing in Bolingbrook, Ill., he is a former DuPage Township Trustee and former president of the Bolingbrook Area Chamber of Commerce.

Kris Hartner After serving as board chair from 2018 – 2022, James A. McDermet M ’92 transitioned from being an active board member to a life trustee.

Gerald McCadd ’92

LEADERSHIP

New VP of Enrollment Joins Senior Leadership After a national search, Dr. Agnieszka “Aggie” Hanni was named the College’s vice president for enrollment management and marketing. Her official start date was June 1, 2023. As a member of the senior leadership team, Hanni is responsible for student recruitment and admission, as well as financial aid and enrollment marketing.

Prior to North Central, Hanni was associate vice chancellor for enrollment management at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. She also served as assistant director of enrollment at National Louis University.

A first-generation college student, Hanni immigrated to the U.S. at age 17.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Elmhurst University. At National Louis, she earned a master’s degree in psychology, a Ph.D. in community psychology, and an Ed.S. in higher education leadership.

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COLLEGE NEWS

NEW GRANT

NEH Award for HealthHumanities Minor A grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has helped the College lay the groundwork for a new undergraduate health and humanities minor.

Dr. Shaheen Moosa, associate professor of philosophy and assistant dean for interdisciplinary programs and initiatives, is spearheading the initiative along with Dr. Jennifer Smith, professor of English and chair of the department of English; Dr. Kristin PaloncyPatel ’04, program director and assistant professor of health science; and Dr. Mary Groll, MD, chair of the department of medical sciences.

“This grant will help us achieve our goal of connecting the humanities to matters of medicine and human health, which has proven to be effective in preparing future healthcare professionals to be more empathetic and to avoid burnout,” said Moosa.

PA R T N E R S H I P

Cultures of Character The School of Graduate and Professional Studies has partnered with Inside Out Club DuPage to expand the College’s Cultures of Character initiative into area elementary and middle schools. The Naperville-based nonprofit aims to help children develop and practice traits such as empathy, acceptance, perseverance and kindness.

Through the partnership, the College will help embed character virtues into the foundational ethos of school culture. North Central faculty have consulted on Inside Out Club’s kindergarten through fifth-grade curriculum, which has included mapping lessons back to statewide Social Emotional Learning and Common Core standards.

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Photo credit: Fermilab

RESEARCH

Faculty and Students Collaborate on Breakthrough Fermilab Research North Central was among 33 institutions from seven different countries to contribute to the latest findings from Fermilab’s long-running Muon g-2 experiment. The project is focused on measuring a property of a subatomic particle called a muon (pronounced “meew-on”).

Dr. Paul Bloom, associate professor of physics, is one of 200 scientists from across the world who are working on the project. The team’s increasingly precise measurements of the muon’s “magnetic moment” have revealed an anomaly that raises fundamental questions about how the universe works.

“We don’t know what we don’t know, but by measuring the anomaly with greater precision, we can compare it to the predictions of the Standard Model, which account for all the particles and forces we know about,” said Bloom. “If

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they disagree, then something really interesting is going on.”

Over the years, Bloom has invited several students to participate in the experiment.

Their work has included quality control and assurance testing. They have also collaborated to design and build a device to measure the magnetic field inside the tracking system.

“Involving our physics majors in this kind of research is why I do it,” Bloom said.

“It’s not possible to understand science without doing actual science. It’s through the process of discovery and failure that we see how science actually works.”

Physics major Andrew Garcia ’24 said, “It’s a really cool experience to be part of a big project like this, and to be able to have my own small part in it. It takes all these little parts to make a big project come together.”

INSPIRE Celebrating the women who encourage, support and impact our lives.

During her inaugural address after being installed as North Central College’s 11th president, Dr. Anita Thomas launched INSPIRE, a new initiative to celebrate the women who encourage, support and impact us. President Thomas made the first gift in honor of a special mentor in her life — and she invited the Cardinal community to follow her lead.

Gifts to INSPIRE will support the greatest, most immediate needs of North Central students while on their journey to becoming curious, engaged, ethical and purposeful citizens and leaders.

Who has inspired you?

Make a donation to honor a woman who has made a difference in your life.

3 WAYS TO GIVE: Scan the QR code Visit northcentralcollege.edu/INSPIRE Call 630-637-5217 Maria Caselli ’01 / M ’08 Director of the North Central College Fund

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MISSION MOMENTS Everywhere you looked on campus this past semester, you could see the North Central College mission in action:

We are a diverse community of learners dedicated to preparing students to be curious, engaged, ethical, and purposeful citizens and leaders in local, national and global contexts.

Clockwise from above: Dozens of organizations and clubs participated at the annual Student Involvement Fair on Jefferson Lawn in September.

The Study Abroad Fair in October was a chance for students to explore opportunities to experience life in cultures beyond our national boundaries.

Cadets Joshua Dorr ’23, Bailey Miller ’26 and Anthony Cole ’26 were each awarded the Army ROTC Scholarship from the U.S. Department of Defense, covering full tuition and fees.

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MISSION MOMENTS

Counterclockwise from above: Emmanuel Boadi Agyekum ’26 (right) at the Fall Student Research Poster Session, sharing his learnings from participating in faculty-mentored research during the summer.

Women’s tennis closed out the fall season by winning their fourth straight conference title outright. Abigail Penados ’26 (pictured) was named CCIW Student-Athlete of the Year.

Representatives from 55 companies and organizations met with students during the Job and Internship Fair on campus in September.

New this year, the North End Block Party gave students a chance to meet departments and offices located on the north end of campus. Shown is the Student Success Team.

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Dr. Anita Jones Thomas Installed as the 11th President of North Central College

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The Inauguration of

Dr. Anita Jones Thomas

From our founding, the College opened its doors wide to educate men and women for service, to help prepare graduates for connection to others, to move for what is right, and for the importance of social justice.”

PRESIDENT THOMAS

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S

urrounded by music, in the company of family and friends, and embraced by a welcoming Cardinal community, Dr. Anita Jones Thomas was installed as president of North Central College on Nov. 11, 2023, in the College’s Wentz Concert Hall.

Top: Voices of Praise, North Central’s student-led gospel choir, sang “Revelations 19:1”

by Stephen Hurd as Dr. Thomas looked on. They were followed by the Chamber Singers, who performed “I Should Be Glad”

by Susan LaBarr.

Bottom: Dr. Kathy Birkett, trustee and inauguration committee co-chair, welcomed guests.

Students, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, community members, and friends of the College attended the historic celebration. Thomas is the College’s 11th president since its founding in 1861, and she is the first woman and first person of color to serve in the role.

In their welcome remarks, trustees Dr. Kathy Birkett and Dr. Herman White Jr. noted that it was both Veterans Day for the nation and Founders Day for the College. On Nov. 11, in 1861, the institution opened its doors for the first day of classes.

Board Chair Holly Humphrey ’79, MD, formally presided over the installation of President Thomas. Humphrey noted what distinguished Thomas during the presidential search process: “Her accomplishments as a psychologist, scholar, and as a respected college leader at multiple institutions have prepared her well for this position as our College president.”

She later added, “Dr. Thomas, your credentials and experience, together with your character and demeanor, are the ingredients that make you the right person at this time in our 162-year history to lead North Central College forward.

I invite all of us to bolster Dr. Thomas and North

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Central College with our own disposition and demeanor, our service and our prayers.”

During the ceremony, Thomas pledged to guard and guide the institution by accepting the “Symbols of the College,” including the charter presented by North Central faculty and staff representatives; the symbols of lux veritas — light and truth — presented by representatives from the student body; and the chain of office presented by Humphrey.

“I am so grateful to accept the symbols of office and to stand here as your leader,” Thomas said in her inaugural address. “Since its founding, North Central College opened its doors wide to educate both men and women for service, to move for what is right, and for the importance of social justice. Given that history, it is fitting and appropriate that the College has selected a woman of color to lead.”

Speaking directly to students, Thomas added: “This institution is you, and this institution is for you. My doors are always open. I want to hear from you and learn with you. My leadership will only be as strong as we are when we live out our mission together — to be a diverse community of learners.”

The ceremony included performances by student musicians, reading selections and prayers. It concluded with a benediction and singing of North Central’s Alma Mater.

The Inauguration of

Dr. Anita Jones Thomas 1

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Two days of special events brought members of the Cardinal community and guests together to dialogue, worship and celebrate the past while sharing hope for the next chapter of the College’s history.

Friday, November 10 President’s Roundtable on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Panelists discussed “How do you open doors wider to foster a culture of excellence?” during an event at Meiley-Swallow Hall.

PrezFest A student-organized, familyfriendly event with live music, karaoke, raffles, food trucks, and a roller skating rink.

Saturday, November 11 Inauguration Worship Service

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Led by Eric Doolittle, chaplain of the College, with guest preacher Bishop Michael E. Dantley, attendees sang together, prayed together, and offered their blessings over the new president at Koten Chapel.

1. Representing faculty and staff during the installation were Staff Council co-chairs Nicole Musni, director of counseling, Dyson Wellness Center; Shelly Galasso ’05, executive director, Office of Sponsored Research and Programs; and Interim Faculty Speaker Dr. Matthew Pons, Marie and Bernice Gantzert Professor in the Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Investiture During the investiture ceremony, Dr. Thomas was formally installed as the 11th president of North Central College. The event was streamed live and can be viewed in its entirety online.

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2. Representing students during the installation were Mario Jayes ’23, graduate assistant in the Office of Student Involvement, and Paige Kozial ’24, president of the Student Governing Association.

3. Dr. Thomas giving her inaugural address.

northcentralcollege.edu/ inauguration/recap

Turn the page to see photos from all inauguration events.

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4 - 6. Staff, faculty and students celebrating with Dr. Thomas at the reception following the ceremony.

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Dr. Stephen Maynard Caliendo, dean of North Central’s College of Arts and Sciences, moderated the President’s Roundtable on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).

You are, I am, the sum of every aspect of what makes us unique — a uniqueness that shapes experience perhaps over our entire lives. And when we fail to give one’s full identity a seat at the table for critical dialogue and participation, we fail humanity.”

DR. GENEACE WILLIAMS

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager City of Naperville

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Panelists included (top) De’Jah Phillips ’23, graduate assistant in the Office of Multicultural Affairs, and (bottom) Dr. OiYan Poon, co-director of the College Admissions Futures CoLaborative.

The Inauguration of

Dr. Anita Jones Thomas

After the worship service on Saturday morning, family, friends and members of the Cardinal community formed a Circle of Blessing to offer prayers and affirmation over President Thomas.

Bishop Hee-Soo Jung of the United Methodist Church Wisconsin Conference led the blessing.

The bishop is also a College trustee.

This worship service is the start, and these words are part of the blessings and prayers and ways that we are surrounding Dr. Thomas today.”

REV. ERIC DOOLITTLE

Longtime friends of President Thomas took part in the service.

Top, left: Rev. D’ana Downing, assistant university chaplain, Northwestern University.

Left: Bishop Michael E. Dantley, senior pastor of Christ Emmanuel Christian Fellowship in Cincinnati.

Chaplain of the College

On Friday evening, PrezFest (photos left and right) offered opportunities for students and other members of the North Central community to celebrate and have fun.

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From One Generation to the Next A mother’s persistence inspires both her children

North Central’s campus was already a familiar place to Evelyn Escobedo ’23 when she transferred from a community college in 2021 to complete her undergraduate degree. Evelyn’s mother, Guadalupe, graduated from North Central in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She became the first in her family to finish college, and she earned the achievement while juggling parenthood.

“I have no idea how I did it,” Guadalupe recalled. “I had my kids young and decided to go back to school, first to earn my GED, then to pursue a college degree. My husband was working two jobs, and it took a lot of effort.”

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Evelyn and her younger brother, César, have memories of doing their homework on the steps of Goldspohn Hall while waiting for Guadalupe to finish class.

Their mother’s example inspired both to attend North Central. They knew she found support on campus, particularly through Teach First — the College's initial first-generation program, which was for education majors only. (In 2015, North Central launched Cardinal First, modeled after Teach First, which now provides programming for all first-generation students at the College.)

“My mom definitely paved the road for me,” Evelyn said. “Had she not attended North Central, I wouldn’t have either. It was because of the personal connection I had with the school, campus and professors.”

I went to North Central knowing what it could mean to my family. It’s really changed our lives.”

GUADALUPE ESCOBEDO ’14

César agreed with his sister. He is in his second year at North Central, majoring in marketing and minoring in Spanish. “I have so much appreciation for my mom,” he said. “She took a big risk for the entire family to go back to school and study what she wanted. She really motivated me to take advantage of the position that I’m in today, because I know there are so many kids who would do anything to be where I am.”

After graduating in May, Evelyn began working as a client success coordinator at Lisinski Law in Naperville. She plans to attend law school in the future.

At North Central, Evelyn majored in organizational communication and minored in Spanish. An important aspect of her time as a Cardinal was studying abroad in Granada, Spain during her spring semester in 2022.

“It was one of those big moments,” she said. “I went to North Central knowing what it could mean to my family. It’s really changed our lives.”

It was during Evelyn’s graduation that Guadalupe was able to pause and reflect on how far they had all come together.

Today Guadalupe holds a master’s degree and works as a curriculum coordinator in the multilingual services department at a local school district.

Top, left to right: César, Guadalupe and Evelyn Escobedo in front of Goldspohn Hall, where early North Central memories were made.

Above: Evelyn at Commencement in May 2023.

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PROVIDING GIFTS OF TOOLS AND TIME

Alumni rally around Center for Financial Literacy North Central’s Center for Financial Literacy (CFL) equips students from majors across the College, both in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship and outside of it, with the knowledge, life skills and confidence to talk about and manage money while they are in college and beyond. It’s a cause that several alumni have rallied around by sharing their expertise and providing gifts of time and donations that make a tangible difference in students’ lives.

Everyone’s path to financial literacy is unique, and the personal nature of the CFL program makes it possible for alumni to think creatively and give of themselves as they help students become proficient in understanding loans and other debt, investing, insurance, and retirement planning.

Dr. Ryan Decker ’07, assistant professor of economics and finance, directs the CFL and is grateful to have alumni involved. “I am ecstatic to have alumni interested in the Center for Financial Literacy — the fact that they reached out to me shows us that there is a need for this,” Decker said. “We survive thanks to people who believe in our mission. We are proud to report

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that we are 100 percent financed through donors and grants. With more we can do more, but we are happy with the extensive reach we currently have.”

THE GIFT OF ACCESS AND INFORMATION As founder and managing partner of Insight Financial Partners LLC, Michael K. Smith ’96 knows the value of the lessons students gain through financial literacy. He was inspired to give back to the College by contributing an institutional membership to Barron’s Investing in Education, giving students access to news, articles and experts to help them gain industry knowledge and

We survive thanks to people that believe in our mission. We are proud to report that we are 100 percent financed through donors and grants.”

DR. RYAN DECKER ’07 Assistant Professor of Economics and Finance; Director of the Center for Financial Literacy

apply what they learn in their classes.

Two students also receive scholarships for being Investing in Education coambassadors.

Smith liked the idea of a gift of information as a means of connecting with students. “I've always been a passionate believer in continuous education, and that certainly holds true for our practice as well. We constantly look to improve ourselves. We're in a business where you have to keep learning new things in order to remain competitive … and to ultimately deliver the kind of value you want to deliver to your client relationships.”

GIFTS OF SCHOLARSHIPS AND EXPERTISE A few years ago, Bill Norris ‘96 contacted the College to see how he could get more involved. He is the team executive and managing director for the Boston office of CIBC Private Wealth.

“Dr. Decker asked me to come present on various investment and retirement savings topics,” Norris said. His support has since grown to include an annual scholarship for students.

“Young people today are not given the necessary tools at an early age to build basic financial skills that are so important throughout their entire life,” he said. “The more students the Center can attract the more impactful it will be, not just at NCC

but in the broader community and later in life as students graduate.”

GIFTS OF FREE BOOKS Alumni working with the CFL get the chance to pass on what they have learned in an impactful way. When Del Kenter ’59 attended North Central College, he earned his way through school by working during summers as a carpenter, and he used books to build the foundation of a successful career as an entrepreneur.

Kentner makes his impact by ensuring students have access to practical texts.

Since 2018, he’s funded copies of “How to Talk About Money” by Jonathan Clemente and “I Will Teach You to Be Rich” by Ramit Sethi for every student in Decker’s personal finance class, which is a course that supplements the work of the CFL. “I hope the students will learn there may not be free lunches, but there are free books once in a while,” Kentner said.

“Perhaps they will learn that somebody out there values the concept of learning about financial matters.”

GIFTS OF KNOWLEDGE AND NETWORKING Dan Ryan ’74 is a retired pension fund administrator. By tackling the subject of saving for retirement, he gives back to the College in a way that is faithful to his experience. For example, he has encouraged education majors to participate in whatever public employee

retirement plan options are available to them when they are working. A believer in the power of networking, he also provides funds that enable groups of students to have dinner with successful financial professionals to discuss career paths and preparation.

THE UNEXPECTED GIFT Smith spoke with CFL participants in April 2023, and like many alumni he was surprised by the impact it left on him.

“There were things that I learned from that first hour together that I would take with me going forward,” he said. “One of their questions was, ‘How do I establish and develop my own business?’ It was a great entrepreneurial-spirited question.

I loved it and would love to share that question with students on an ongoing basis; make sure that they know that, too, is an option. You may decide that you don't want to look for a job, you want to create your first job or a job at some point in the future.”

Just as important as the guidance and practical information, Decker said alumni provide an example that helps students visualize their own success and grow in self-belief. “It’s empowering to hear success stories from alumni who went through the same college experience and lived, or live, in the same area as our students.”

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REFLECTION

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Ann Victoria Dolinko is a professor in the Shimer Great Books School at North Central. She brings her insights as a philosopher to the wide range of courses she teaches, including Philosophy of Race and Gender and Western Political Tradition. She enjoys the diverse perspectives that her students and colleagues bring to her research and teaching at North Central, and she is thrilled that the Shimer school has found a beautiful new building on campus to call home.

JOURNEYS

Figuring It Out Together The process of learning is exhilarating

By Dr. Ann Dolinko, Professor in the Shimer Great Books School In 1996, after years studying, writing my dissertation, and completing my doctorate in philosophy, I felt like an expert in my field. I was excited to begin my first full-time academic job as a professor at Shimer College. I didn’t know yet that I was about to get a lesson in academic humility.

students and I found our way — and it was thrilling. I taught at least five authors I had never read before, including Max Weber, Carol Gilligan, B.F. Skinner, and W.E.B. DuBois. Since then, I have taught those books and scores of others that were once new to me but which I now welcome as old friends.

For a course called Society, Culture and Personality, the first text I needed to teach was an anthropology text titled “Patterns of Culture.” I had never studied anthropology and had no idea who the author, Ruth Benedict, was. In 1996, “googling” her name wasn’t an option.

So, I got the text and started to read.

As I stepped into that first class, I was unnerved. Wasn’t I supposed to be the expert? It was disorienting.

Disorientation occurred again when Shimer College became a part of North Central College in 2017. First, I had no idea where Naperville was. At least by then I could simply look it up on Google! Also, I had spent 20 years teaching classes with no more than 12 students in the room, and the only majors were humanities, social science, natural science and integrative studies. At North Central, my classes would have as many as 35 students — and not everyone would be passionate about reading. Again, I had to trust the process: We would figure it out together.

The liberal arts teach us that we can explore meaning together. They teach us that not knowing is not dangerous.

Indeed, through that first semester, the

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Once more, it has been thrilling. As the Shimer Great Books School thrives at North Central, I can bring a diverse group of students around the Shimer octagon table, with North Central chairs, to orient ourselves to new ideas and new possibilities. An exercise science major brought her perspective rooted in embodiment to our discussion on Ruth Benedict. While discussing Karl Marx and Adam Smith, a finance major found how to apply our texts to what he was learning in his major and by working in the North Central Coffee Lab. There are many examples.

The major thing I have taken from my life as a philosopher is that the process of learning is exhilarating. It’s becoming something different, orienting myself to the world in new and delightfully unexpected ways. This requires risk, trust and vulnerability to the unknown. But being disoriented can be the beginning of intellectual inspiration.

SOARING CARDINALS E XC E LLE N C E

Aiming High North Central’s 2023-24 Lincoln Laureate is also the Alumni Board Scholarship Recipient Erica L. Johnson ’24 is a high jumper on North Central’s track and field team. She is also a high achiever in the classroom and beyond, taking advantage of many opportunities to get involved and gain valuable experience during her time on campus.

A senior from New Lenox, Ill., Johnson is North Central’s 2023 Lincoln Laureate.

The Laureate award program honors one student from each of Illinois’ four-year, degree-granting undergraduate institutions who embodies “leadership and service in the pursuit of the betterment of humanity and … overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities.”

Johnson is also the 2023 recipient of the Reverend Dr. Howard Mueller Alumni Board Student Involvement Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to a student who exhibits leadership abilities through their involvement on campus and a commitment to “Cardinal Pride” in the classroom and the community. The scholarship honors Rev. Dr. Howard Mueller ’58 for his lasting positive impact on the North Central community as a student, faculty member, alumnus and friend.

Johnson chose North Central as much for the academics as for the chance to be a student-athlete. She is in the College Scholars Program, balancing rigor in the classroom with year-round training for competition in both indoor and outdoor track and field.

Like many first-year students, she began her college journey uncertain about a major. The first industrial/organizational

psychology course she took sparked her interest. She made up her mind during her sophomore year, when Dr. Karl Kelley, professor of psychology and Harold and Eva White Distinguished Professor in the Liberal Arts, invited her to collaborate on a research project. She decided to major in human resource management while pursuing minors in industrial/ organizational psychology and ethical leadership. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school.

Kelley has been an important mentor.

He pointed Johnson to an internship opportunity, served as the advisor for her senior thesis, and nominated her for the Lincoln Laureate.

“You can tell the faculty and staff here truly care about you — not just in the classroom, but also outside. They ask about your life and want to be able to provide opportunities for you to grow and succeed,” Johnson said.

A first-generation college student, Johnson is active with North Central’s Cardinal First program. She also has served as an orientation staff leader, first-year mentor, and a Career Center advisor, among other leadership roles.

“North Central has so many existing student organizations — and opportunities to create your own around something you’re passionate about,” she said. “I feel so supported in this community. I’ve never doubted there would be someone here to help me succeed and learn.”

You can tell the faculty and staff here truly care about you — not just in the classroom, but also outside. They ask about your life and provide opportunities for you to grow and succeed.”

ERICA L. JOHNSON ’24

Johnson (second from left) shown here with Rev. Dr. Howard Mueller ’58 (center) and family members.

Far left: Sam Fitch ’17, alumni board scholarship chair.

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MEN’S VOLLEYBALL

A Historic Season Built on Culture and Community Last April, two days after a thrilling national semi-final win, the men’s volleyball team was playing in the NCAA Division III National Championship match — the program’s firstever appearance in the national title game. Suddenly, the lights went out.

While officials addressed the issue, an entertaining handstand competition and dance battle broke out on the court between the Cardinals and their opponents. After the lights came back on, Stevens Institute of Technology defeated North Central 3-1, ending the Cardinals’ 17-game winning streak and their historic 25-4 season. But the technical snafu had unexpectedly illuminated key ingredients to the 2023 team’s success: fun, appreciation and community.

“Every day we want the team to be in the present and enjoy every moment,” said North Central head coach Kyle Exline. “We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, so we need to continue to love what we are doing and surround ourselves with people who will help us grow.”

with the champion earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. In 2022, North Central earned its first-ever spot in the national tournament with an at-large selection.

further than North Central — and no team had more fans in the stands. In the semifinals, the Cardinals swept No. 1-ranked Vassar College to advance to the title match.

“Our team was able to be successful after just a couple of seasons because the program was held to a very high standard,” said volleyball alumnus Michael Trunzo ’20.

“The early morning workouts, competitive practices, offseason training, and film room sessions were all normal to us. We knew we had the talent to compete at a high level, so we constantly pushed each other as the coaches pushed us to get better every day.”

Exline said, “Having our alumni present in Maryland helped our guys stay focused and made it feel like another match in Gregory Arena.”

SUCCESS FROM THE START That outlook is part of the culture Exline has built since the program launched in 2016, becoming North Central’s 23rd varsity sport. At the time, 61 Division III institutions sponsored men’s volleyball.

The sport has since grown rapidly, with 114 teams competing during the 2023 season.

ALUMNI LAID THE FOUNDATION Many volleyball alumni stay closely connected to the program. “Having the chance to start the collegiate program was a big reason why I chose North Central,” said Jacob Zemba ’19. “North Central gave me the opportunity to play my first year out of high school. It’s not every day you get to start a brand-new program and have the chance to put a team on the map in its first four years.”

The Cardinals quickly found success as they won the 2018 Midwest Collegiate Volleyball League with a perfect 9-0 conference record. By 2020, enough CCIW schools sponsored men’s volleyball to create an official conference tournament,

Zemba was one of those who turned out to support the 2023 squad throughout the season, which included North Central hosting the CCIW and NCAA Regional Tournaments. For the Final Four, which was held in Maryland, no team traveled

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The supportive tone had been set earlier in January, when the Cardinals hosted an alumni match to kick off the 2023 season.

“The match was intended to have our alumni come back to campus, meet the newcomers, mingle with their former teammates that are still on the current roster, and play a competitive match,” Exline said. “Afterwards, we hosted a reception in downtown Naperville for the alumni, family and friends to gather and share stories.”

The interaction had impact, solidifying the sense that each squad and athlete is part of something bigger. Jared Moser ’23, who set four new program records in the 2023 season and was named CCIW Offensive Student-Athlete of the Year, said, “Every player from our program’s inaugural year has given his part to creating the legacy that is our program now. Coach Exline built the legacy from the ground up and has continued to run and lead one of the best programs in the country.”

2023 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees On Oct. 7, the 18th North Central Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place as part of the College’s Homecoming festivities. For the first time, team inductees were selected, in addition to individual and special inductees. Congratulations to the newest honorees!

INDIVIDUAL INDUCTEES

TEAM INDUCTEES

SPECIAL INDUCTEES Jim Miller ’86 North Central College senior director of athletics

Sean Delaney ’92 Baseball

Aaron Fanthorpe ’10 Football

1958 Men’s Swimming NAIA national champions

David Jones ’94 Men’s Track & Field

Gabe Youel ’11 Men’s Wrestling

Kyle Brady ’10 Men’s Cross Country/ Track & Field

Vlasta Mangia ’15 Scherer Softball

1975 Men’s Cross Country NCAA Division III national champions

Gina Fisher ’16/M ’18 Kmiec Women’s Lacrosse

1976 Men’s Cross Country NCAA Division III national champions 1983 Women’s Basketball NCAA Division III national champions

Dr. Harold R. Wilde (H) ’15 9th president of North Central College

Go online to read about the accomplishments of this year’s inductees.

KEEP UP WITH YOUR CARDINALS! Visit northcentralcardinals.com for the most up-to-date stories.

Relationships Over Trophies Al Carius chronicles his philosophy about athletics and life In his retirement, Al Carius H ’16 has penned the book that so many, for so long encouraged him to write.

Part personal memoir and part history of the North Central College cross country and track and field programs, “Run for Fun and Personal Bests — A Recipe for LongTerm Growth and Success” traces how Carius developed the philosophy behind two of the most enduringly successful programs in collegiate athletics, while building a culture that has impacted generations of Cardinals.

Carius arrived at North Central in 1966.

He retired in 2020 after 54 years as the head men’s cross country coach, leading the Cardinals to 19 NCAA Division III team national championships (national record, all divisions) and 16 national runner-up finishes. He was also head coach of the

men’s track and field program for 44 years, guiding the Cardinals to seven more national team titles on the track. Carius was inducted into the North Central Athletics Hall of Fame in 2004.

David Hartmann ’77 helped Carius write the book. He was part of the team that won the program’s first national cross country title in 1975. Hartmann understood that his former coach didn’t want to write a book about trophies, championships or training methods.

As Carius said, “My philosophy was always about running first for self-satisfaction and personal development, and any success we had was a byproduct of that. I wanted to document where that philosophy came from — the experiences I had early in life, the development of my spiritual belief, and most of all, the

Support the New Al Carius-Frank Gramarosso Endowed Scholarship

relationships that were formed along the way. The book is a way to reach out and say ‘thank you’ to the thousands of athletes and to everyone who helped make this program special.”

“Run for Fun and Personal Bests — A Recipe for Long-Term Growth and Success” is available for purchase at the North Central College Campus Store and through online retailers.

4 WAYS TO SUPPORT THE SCHOLARSHIP:

In honor of two iconic coaches who together built three of the most successful athletic programs in the country — while also mentoring thousands of students — the Al Carius and Frank Gramarosso Endowed Scholarship has been established by alumni and friends of the College.

The award will provide need-based financial assistance to returning undergraduate and eligible graduate students pursuing careers in primary, secondary, or higher education, or in the fields of coaching or health and wellness. Recipients must demonstrate financial need as determined by the College’s Office of Financial Aid.

Scan the QR code Visit northcentralcollege.edu/ al-grammy-scholarship Call 630-637-5205 Email loshea@noctrl.edu Lane O’Shea, Leadership and Principal Gift Officer

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2023 Alumni Awards At a dinner and ceremony during Homecoming Weekend, North Central honored seven remarkable alumni for their achievements and impact in their careers and communities.

All are examples of Cardinals who embody the College’s mission by being curious, engaged, ethical, and purposeful citizens and leaders in local, national and global contexts.

In receiving their awards, each recipient reflected on how being a Cardinal shaped their lives — from what they learned in the classroom to the relationships they forged and the memories they made.

Here are some of the heartfelt words shared that evening by the honorees.

2023 OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARDS PABLO ARAYA ’83

NeANGELA MARSHALL ’04 DIXON

U.S. Navy Veteran and Retired FBI Special Agent President of Squad 8-B Solutions, Inc.

Program Officer, Criminal Justice Team John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Board Commissioner, Rockford (Illinois) Housing Authority

I’ve got to give North Central credit for … shaping me into who I became after graduation. I found that in the Navy, I was able to comfortably communicate up and down the chain of command with disparate officers and enlisted sailors. In the FBI, I was able to empathize with criminals and gain their trust while conducting interviews and cultivating sources.

During my assignments in India, London, Mexico and Santiago, I was able to engage with ambassadors and foreign ministers as comfortably as I did with criminals and spies. Why is that? Because of the various viewpoints and ideas (that) a liberal arts education affords an individual.”

I found North Central by accident. I met a recruiter in my hometown, and halfway through the tour, I realized that the place I thought I was visiting? This wasn’t that.

I got here and it completely changed my life. I thought I was just supposed to come here and be the best student I could be, get a job, and that would be that. I didn’t know that people would pour into me emotionally and spiritually and form relationships that would last forever, and that it would really shape what I would do and how I would feel about what I do when I left college.

It’s ironic that the place that I found by accident is the place where I found my purpose.”

Above, left to right: NeAngela Marshall ’04 Dixon, Nadia Ruth Kanhai ’89, Peter Sipla ’07, James Lenz ’53, Dr. Maureen Ryan ’83, and Pablo Araya ’83; not pictured: Jayne Baron Sherman S ’68.

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JAMES LENZ ’53 Retired Teacher and Principal U.S. Department of Defense Dependents Schools Former President of the North Central College 50-Year Club Former Member of the College’s Alumni Association

When I was drafted, I was sent to Japan, and I noticed that the military has schools overseas. I visited them and I thought, ‘Wow, this is a free ticket around the world.’ So, I came back to the United States, and I joined the Department of Defense Dependents Schools. My first trip was to Japan and I loved it. From there I went to Libya, and I enjoyed that, too. And then I went to Wiesbaden, and I really enjoyed that. I taught for 32 years, and we retired in Chicago because I wanted to be near North Central.”

DR. MAUREEN RYAN ’83 Retired Senior Director of Antibody Discovery, Seagen, Inc. North Central College Trustee

When I arrived at North Central, I was hungry to learn, but I didn’t have a sense of direction. I found my footing at North Central. With my advisor, I put together a game plan and then I promptly disrupted it. Disruption sounds bad but, for me, it was excellent. The seeds that were planted here really pointed me toward, and put me on my journey to, having a very satisfying career in drug development and making cancer therapies. I’m grateful for that, and I credit North Central with not only igniting that passion, but also fostering the transformation of me as a student.”

2023 WALL OF WITNESS HONOREE NADIA RUTH KANHAI ’89 Church and Community Volunteer Leader

‘This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.’

This light is my call, and we all have a call — a life purpose, mission, ministry. North Central helped me discover my call. I am grateful to those I met at North Central who recognized and helped ignite my light. My light burns steady, even when it flickers.

Though uniquely mine, it’s the legacy, the trace embers of those who’ve gone before in their faithful and loving quest for justice.”

ALUMNI RECOGNITION AWARD PETER SIPLA ’07 Movie, Television and Stage Actor

This community increased my community of friends by scores. It’s given me a strong character ... a career I’m passionate about, and an unyielding pursuit of my goals. The care and craft I put into my work is simply an extension of the care and support I received from my community. It’s an expression of my spirit and an extension of yours.”

JAYNE BARON SHERMAN S ’68 Award-winning Film, Television and Theater Producer

Many schools with great aspirations — small schools like Shimer — have gone by the wayside in the last half-century, but Shimer has managed to survive. And now I think it’s found its forever home in North Central, a great fit with a wonderful location. When I was at Shimer, it was unlike any other program, and it prepared me for my life moving forward — first in business, later as a producer, hopefully of theatre and film that matters.”

» The Outstanding Alumni Awards are given to alumni of North Central or Shimer College who are at least 15 years past graduation, and who have achieved professional success as well as exemplary service to their communities and to North Central. » The Alumni Recognition Award is presented to an alumnus/a within 15 years of graduation who has shown potential for great success in their career, community service or support to North Central. » The Wall of Witness honoree is an alumnus/a of the College or Evangelical Theological Seminary who has lived a commitment to principled leadership, justice and service, thereby embodying the College’s mission and heritage.

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Recognized as a rising local leader who is solving issues in our communities, Amanda Zahorak ’17 is a passionate voice for affordable housing access.

Zahorak is currently the senior advocacy and communications manager for Habitat for Humanity DuPage and South Suburbs.

It’s a role she could not have imagined when she began as a music education major at North Central — before making a key discovery about herself.

What experiences at North Central inspired you?

I took a marketing class with Dr. Donnavieve Smith, associate professor of marketing. She was so wonderful that I changed my major from music education to marketing.

Dr. Smith encouraged me to enter an American Marketing Association contest, and I took a couple more of her classes.

I minored in writing and music, so I was sort of able to build my own degree, and I stayed involved with music — singing in the choir all four years and founding the a cappella group One Note Stand. I discovered that I enjoyed helping musicians find their voice by encouraging them to be their own person. I began to see that I have always been purpose driven. So, when I graduated, I told Dr. Smith that I wanted to eventually pursue an advanced degree and work

in the nonprofit space. Initially, I worked in advertising. Then, during the pandemic, I needed a reset. I applied and went back to school. Last May, I earned a master’s in public policy and public administration degree (MPPA) from Northwestern University.

What do you do today?

I work at the intersection of communication and public policy. At Habitat for Humanity, we focus on affordable home ownership, affordable home repair, and neighborhood reinvestment. We’re also a leader in the fight for housing justice. My role includes being state coordinator for Habitat on the Hill. I work at the federal level to make the case for affordable housing in Illinois. For example, last spring I traveled to Washington, D.C., and met with U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (D-Ill.), U.S. Rep. Delia Catalina Ramirez (D-Ill.) and staff for Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).

Recently, I also had the honor of being invited to the inaugural cohort for The Change Collective. Launched by President Obama, it’s a new, national leadership network for rising local leaders who are passionate about solving issues in their communities and combating social isolation, political polarization and civic disengagement.

percent of their income on rent alone. In Naperville specifically, that number is 38 percent. That’s a lot of people who are rent-burdened and struggling to pay for necessities against the backdrop of a large community where the majority of residents own their homes.

I talk about increasing understanding of what affordable housing means. It’s about restoring someone’s basic needs. I often work with people who come out of public housing – hard workers, mostly mothers, who are looking to do right by their children and get their family to a place of success.

I encourage everyone to consider housing issues and housing equity to be a top priority because it affects every facet of life and every outcome for a family.

Any advice for today’s students?

When you’re in college, it can be hard not knowing what’s next. But nothing is permanent, especially when you realize there’s so much life in front of you. My dad sacrificed to get me through school. He taught me a lot about just getting it done.

During college, I worked at the bookstore and in a restaurant. I freelanced. I struggled at times. There were a lot of frustrating moments. But if you stay determined and have patience, you will figure it out.

What do you tell lawmakers and other leaders?

I tell them we have a lot of work to do.

In DuPage County, nearly 44 percent of residents are spending more than 30

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Questions and responses were edited for clarity and space.

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2

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ALUMNI SNAPSHOTS 1. Stacey J. Huser ’94 & Nicholas Franchi ’23 2. Mark Florence ’97 3. Ben Youel ’09 4. Lucia Spina ’97 5. Daryn W. Harrell ’12

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6. Brian Failing ’14 & Jackie Niemeyer ’14 7. Matthew Shanower ’13

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CL ASS NOTES (Note: “S” before class year indicates Shimer alumni. “M” before class year indicates a master’s degree.)

1943

1962

1967

ROBERT RUSSELL turned 100 years old on April 7, 2023. He attended North Central after graduating from Austin High School in Chicago at the age of 16. From 1943-45, he was a combat navigator in the U.S. Air Force. In 1948, he earned a law degree from Northwestern University. He spent 25 years as an attorney, a general solicitor and chief trial lawyer for Northwestern Railroad before retiring as senior vice president in the executive department.

He was a member of Phi Alpha Delta, the American Bar Association, the Illinois Bar Association, the Society of Trial Lawyers, the Chicago Bar Association, the Law Club and the Conference Board. He served his community as a local school board member, a trustee of the Barrington Presbyterian Church, a deacon of South Church of Mt. Prospect (Ill.), and as a member of the Cook County Hospital Administration. Russell was honored by North Central as a 1993 Outstanding Alumni Award recipient.

BILL MELSHEIMER was a featured speaker at the 2023 Lake County (Ill.) Regional Office of Education’s Summer Conference featuring best practices in teaching, learning and leading. He presented the topic “Leadership Coaching: Taking Your Performance to the Next Level.”

NANCY ZEUMER KRANPITZ competed in the U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS) Spring National Championships in Irvine, Calif., in the 75-79 age group. She placed second in the 50-yard breaststroke, third in the 200-yard breaststroke and fifth in the 50-yard freestyle, setting new Wisconsin state records in each race. She also placed third in the 50-yard butterfly and third in the 100-yard individual medley. It was her 20th USMS national spring championship meet.

1964 PAUL RAMSEY received the McMullan Award for Scholarship and Stewardship in Islamic Rugs and Textiles in honor of his expertise in international cultural textiles and rugs. In 2022, Ramsey curated an exhibit at the Denver Art Museum, which included items from his private collection, some dating back centuries.

During a special event, Ramsey gave 15 North Central alumni and friends a personal tour of the exhibit.

1972 TIM ESSIG was a part of the coaching staff behind Huntley (Ill.) High School winning the IHSA 3A Girls Track and Field State Championship last May. Essig has been an assistant coach for the past 15 years. He coaches pole vaulters, hurdlers and sprinters.

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1990

1995

1998

DAWN PLEAS, vice president for special projects and planning at Southwestern College in Kansas, was inducted into the Kansas Black Educators Hall of Fame, a project started by the nonprofit Art that Touches Your Heart. Pleas earned her doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania.

CHRIS TOINTON was selected as the next president of Arbor Day Carbon, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Arbor Day Foundation that accelerates reforestation by vetting, funding and selling carbon credits.

JOE DENNIS was honored as Undergraduate Advisor of the Year for his work as associate professor and chair of the Department of Mass Communications at Piedmont University in Demorest, Ga.

1996

2002

JOEL JOHNSON was appointed dean of admission at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He brings more than 20 years of experience in college admissions and recruitment to the role. He will manage and direct Drake’s Office of Admission, which is responsible for enrolling the University’s nearly 3,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students.

REBECCA BEATTIE NEGRETTI accepted a position as emergency and critical care director of nursing at Bellevue Veterinary Emergency and Specialty in Bellevue, Wash.

1992 MATTHEW MAHER, who works as a quality review associate for New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation, debuted his musical project “The Forest and the Falcon” in a double release with the album “Emergence of Emerald Lady.” The cover art was created by alumnus ARMANDO SANDERS ’95. Maher played varsity soccer under former coach Jim Kulawiak, and a song on the release pays homage to “Coach K.” Two other songs pay tribute to alumnus STAN MIETUS ’92.

RACHEL LOUISE SYNDER was interviewed on NPR about her memoir “Women We Buried, Women We Burned,” which released last May. Snyder is an English professor at American University.

FRED VANDERWERF was appointed assistant to the bishop at the Minnesota Conference of the United Methodist Church. He will also serve a second appointment as the In Mission Together coordinator for Ukraine for the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church.

1994 STACEY J. HUSER, a U.S. Air Force Brigadier General, spoke at the Chicago Joint ROTC Military Ball in May. Hosted by Air Force ROTC Detachment 195 and two local Army ROTC battalions, Huser spoke about mentorship and development in young military officers. She is the special assistant to the 20th Air Force Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command, Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. While in town, Huser visited North Central and reconnected with two of her former professors: Dr. Karl Kelley and Dr. Mary Jean Lynch.

1997 MARK “FLO” FLORENCE, physical education teacher and head athletic trainer at Naperville Central High School, received the Karen Hovorka Humanitarian Award from the Illinois Athletic Trainers Association. Heidi Matthews, professor of kinesiology emerita and retired dean of the School of Education and Health Sciences, attended the ceremony.

KATHY JOHNSEN SCHRENK, writing as Kathy Bailey, co-wrote a novel titled “Bridezilla” that is available as a Kindle eBook. She says: “Think Barbie meets The Incredible Hulk. It’s got science, feminism, laughs, and at least one vehicular explosion.”

LUCIA SPINA starred as Rose in the production of “Gypsy” at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, Ill., in October. While Spina was in town, she visited North Central and provided a guest workshop for students in the “Business of Theatre” class taught by Jeremy Ohringer, assistant professor of theatre. Spina’s Broadway credits include “Into the Woods,” “South Pacific” and “Les Misérables.”

2004 MICHAEL ANTHONY NORWOOD JR. retired from playing international football with Team USA Football International at the age of 43 after playing since 2008. He now serves as the team’s director of player personnel and team chaplain. Norwood retired internationally after Team USA played the Costa Rican national team.

He then retired in the U.S. at a recruitment game in Nashville in front of family and friends from all over the world. Norwood was also inducted into the USA Football International Hall of Fame in Nashville.

2007 SANDRA MARCHETTI went on a book tour across the Midwest to promote her second full-length collection of poetry, “Aisle 228,” which was published by Stephen F. Austin State University Press. It includes poems about the Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series run, Marchetti going to games with her father, and listening to baseball on the radio. During the book tour, Marchetti was a guest on Marquee Sports Network and Iowa Cubs radio.

KEITH MUTANE M ’10 earned a doctor in education degree from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Ill., and was named principal at St. Damian School in Oak Forest, Ill.

SOCCER ALUM OLIVIA HURT ’23—NOW A GRAPHIC DESIGNER FOR U.S. SOCCER Weeks after graduating from North Central with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, Olivia Hurt landed her dream job: graphic design coordinator at the U.S. Soccer Federation. USSF governs American soccer at both the professional and amateur levels, including the men’s and women’s national teams.

Hurt played soccer at North Central, twice earning Academic All-Conference Honors. She draws on her knowledge of the sport as she creates graphics for games as they’re happening. The Federation then shares those graphics out on its social media channels, which are seen and shared by millions.

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“I’ve been a fan of U.S. soccer and the players my whole life, so being able to create graphics for them has been a dream,” she said. “I got to work games during the Women’s World Cup, and being a player myself, it was super fun.”

Hurt credits faculty with teaching her the skills needed to be a successful designer. She also gained real-world experience as a sports information student-worker, creating graphics for Cardinal athletics teams. She said: “That jumpstarted my career and gave me a cohesive portfolio to show prospective employers, which ultimately helped me land my job.”

MARIA WYNNE ’77 HONORED WITH TWO AWARDS

2008

2015

LAURA BOTTEN released her debut novel, “A Recipe from Rome,” in September. She was inspired to write the book after a trip to Italy.

The book chronicles the main character’s search to find her mother’s secret pasta sauce ingredient while roaming the Eternal City. The book is available via major online book retailers.

MAXINE LANGE began her second year at Escuela Americana in San Salvador, El Salvador, after teaching in the Chicago area for five years. She teaches and founded a band program at the school. She says: “I have been able to … help grow and foster the love of music in students. Bringing band and music to the school has been so fulfilling and I plan on staying here for many more years.”

LISA WENNERBERG began as senior manager of recruitment and alumni marketing at Bain & Company, a management consulting firm.

She serves as a communications partner to support messaging to prospective and former Bain professionals to ensure they understand the firm’s impact.

2009 BEN YOUEL was a speaker at the recent Association of Dental Support Organization’s National Leadership Conference.

2012 DARYN W. HARRELL performed in the ensemble in the production of “Gypsy” at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, Ill. She also performed in Marriott Theatre’s production of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” as Shirelle and Janelle Woods. Harrell’s other theatrical credits include “Gypsy” at Porchlight Music Theatre in Chicago; “The Play That Goes Wrong” at Broadway Playhouse in Chicago; and Second City Chicago – “She The People, Sing Out!” She has also appeared on television in “Utopia” (Amazon) and “Empire” (Fox).

2013 MARION GIBNEY-DESMAISON passed her final board exam in prosthetics. Now a certified prosthetist-orthotist, she works at a Veteran Affairs hospital, helping military veterans regain their mobility using artificial limbs and custom bracing.

MATTHEW SHANOWER joined the Vallejo, Calif., fire department.

2014 BRIAN FAILING, executive director of the Aurora Fire Museum, worked as project manager for the DuPage County (Ill.) Historical Society book, “DuPage Roots: Then and Now.” The book is an updated edition of one published in 1985. Failing collaborated with North Central professors Dr. Ann Keating and Dr. William Barnett as well as alumni JOSE GALVAN MORA ’19 and MAGGIE SOUTH ’16 on the book. He and wife Jackie Niemeyer ’14 are proud parents of Grace, 1.

ROBERT CASTILLO completed a marble sculpture that was purchased by the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art in Overland Park, Kan. It is his first museum acquisition. Castillo has only been sculpting for one year.

GWENDOLYN MARSHAL M ’15 was listed as an honoree in Marquis Who’s Who in America for Clinical Social Work.

MEGANN HORSTEAD, news reporter at the Daily Chronicle, a Shaw Local newspaper in DeKalb, Ill., was awarded first place honors for government beat reporting by the Illinois Press Association.

BRETT BUSH, senior software engineer at LogicGate, was a featured expert in a LinkedIn article discussing how artificial intelligence (AI) is affecting developer relations.

ELIZABETH WEINER THOMPSON and her husband, Jason, recently opened Edge Music Academy school in Naperville — a music school that is focused on educational excellence and making music fun. The couple also have a location in Homer Glen, Ill.

2016 NICK PARKER achieved the top certification in financial advising by becoming a Certified Financial Planner. He is a financial advisor for Edward Jones Investment in Itasca, Ill. KELLY VAZQUEZ accepted a tenure-track position as assistant professor of engineering at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill. TROY KELLEHER is a creative director at MACLYN marketing agency, based in Naperville.

He recently worked on a Dunkin’ commercial featuring Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields. Kelleher has also partnered with Avanade, Choose DuPage, Bandai Namco, Wannemaker’s Home and Garden, and other brands.

EDUARDO SANCHEZ is a video producer and reporter with experience in television and digital platforms. In the fall he was nominated in two categories for a New York Emmy Award.

He said: “Working in the media industry for more than eight years, it’s always been a privilege for people to trust me in telling their story.”

MAGGIE SOUTH received a master’s degree in recreation and park administration from Central Michigan University.

2017 COURTNEY CLEMENT MOHR was promoted to principal at Lauterbach & Amen, LLP. She currently oversees and manages both governmental and not-for-profit financial audits.

MARIA WYNNE ’77 was recently honored with two awards for her impact as a board director, corporate executive, and civic leader.

Chicago United, a nonprofit that advances multiracial leadership in corporate governance, named her a 2023 Business Leaders of Color inductee. Also, she was honored by Chicago Sinfonietta, receiving the Legacy Award, which recognizes an individual whose civic leadership has had impact in the community and who supports the arts as essential.

Wynne is the immediate past CEO of Leadership Greater Chicago, a nonprofit that helps develop the city’s business community of civic leaders. She is the former CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Selected as one of Crain’s Chicago Business 2022 Notable Nonprofit Board Leaders, she is also former board president of Goodman Theatre, which she and the Goodman board leadership and senior management team steered through the pandemic. Wynne currently serves as an Independent Director of the Federal Loan Bank of Chicago Board.

A former technology executive leading national sales and marketing organizations at Microsoft and Xerox, Wynne studied art education at North Central and has served on the College’s Board of Trustees. She holds an MBA from Northern Illinois University and continued her education at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, the Harvard Business School, and the Center for Creative Leadership.

Fall 2023 northcentralcollege.edu/magazine 2 9

2018 DAN LABERRY was named the Northwest League Athletic Trainer of the Year for the 2023 Minor League Baseball season. He works as the athletic trainer for the Everett AquaSox in Everett, Wash., an affiliate of Major League Baseball’s Seattle Mariners.

WEDDINGS

VIRI GARCIA ’20 and Terry Cusack on Aug. 19, 2023, at St. Juliana Church in Chicago. 2

CLAIRE HARTMAN M ’22 is a marketing lead specialist at Motorola Solutions. She applied for a Presidential Management Fellowship (PMF) and was selected as a finalist last March. She will have a year to explore PMF opportunities within the federal government.

KERBY KNISS ’15 and Sean McGrath on July 15, 2023, in St. Joseph, Mich. 3

MARCO SOTO, a senior accountant at Porte Brown, completed his certified public accountant (CPA) exam and was officially licensed as a public accountant.

2022 MIKEL L. MAYES was recognized by the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce as a 2023 Four Under Forty Achievement awardee for his work as a project engineer at Bulley & Andrews and president of Mays Music Centre of Excellence, as well as his past work with the Naperville Area Chamber.

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SARAH STEFFEN ’18 MCMAHON and Anthony McMahon on Nov. 5, 2022, in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Bridal party included EMILY LEWIS ’10 and DAWN NOWLIN ’19. 4 KURT MILAN ’20 and JESSICA FLATLAND ’21 MILAN on March 31, 2023, at Blumen Gardens in Sycamore, Ill. Other alumni in attendance included: MADISON TONG ’21, ELISE DEREMER ’21, DANIEL WALLACE ’21, MERRICK RAMZA ’21, ELIJAH MCCARRELL-BRADLEY ’19 and CHRISTOPHER HANSEN ’21. 5 CHRISTINE WESBY ’99 VERENSKI and Rick Verenski on Oct. 2, 2021, at Avenue Christian Church in Clarendon Hills, Ill. 6 NICOLE NOVIELLI ’12 WARD and Matthew Ward on March 3, 2023, in Goodyear, Ariz.

BIRTHS ELIZABETH HALBMAIER ’14 CONRAD and Peter Conrad, a girl, Zoey, on May 1, 2023. 7

2023

ASHLEY LISAK ’09 GRAY and James Gray, a boy, Callum, on July 27, 2022, weighing 9 lbs., 4 oz., and measuring 21 inches. 8

NICHOLAS FRANCHI attended and spoke at the Chicago Joint ROTC Military Ball in May. At the time, he was a North Central U.S. Air Force ROTC Cadet. Upon graduating from North Central, the Plainfield, Ill., native was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Franchi is a contracting officer at the Royal Air Force in Lakenheath, England.

BREANNA FREITAG ’13 HERINK and Joe Herink, a girl, Eloise, on March 27, 2023, weighing 6 lbs., 12 oz., and measuring 19 inches. Eloise was welcomed by her sibling, Ealin, 4.

JETTE-MARI STAMMER is the new assistant director of North Central’s Center for Career and Professional Development. With prior internship and work experience in marketing, she oversees student-facing activities; designs and supervises the Career Peer Advisor professional development program; and provides marketing support.

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JOE CZAJA ’14 and MICHELLE ANKERHOLTZ ’13 CZAJA on Feb. 25, 2023, in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Other alumni in the wedding party included: JACK CZAJA ’16, MICHAEL PROSIA ’14, RYAN VARELA ’15, MEGAN SCHROCK ’13, BRIANNA HOWELL ’12, and LIZ AWOTWI ’12. 1

2020

STEVEN ABALOS began his clinical rotation at Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in Evanston, Ill. Abalos is in his third year of a doctoral program in neuropsychology at The Chicago School.

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LEEA LOPRESTI ’14 HRUSKA and James Hruska III, a boy, Vincent, on June 30, 2023, weighing 9 lbs., 2oz., and measuring 19.5 inches.

Vincent was welcomed by siblings James “Louie” Louis Hruska IV, 6, Anthony Samuel Hruska, 4, and Dominic Michael Hruska, 2.

Alumni relatives include GAETANO LOPRESTI ’11, ROSALIA LOPRESTI ’17 PRANGER and MARIA LOPRESTI ’22. 9 LOGAN LAROCQUE ’15 and KAILEY SCHLOSSER ’15 LAROCQUE, a boy, Hudson, on May 31, 2023, weighing 7 lbs., 9 oz., and measuring 21 inches. Hudson was welcomed by his sibling, Everett, 3. 10

CAREER NEWS? GOT MARRIED? HAD A BABY?

PETER MANN ’14 and RACHEL OBERHEIDE ’15 MANN, a boy, Theo James Mann, on Aug, 9, 2023, weighing 8 lbs., 12 oz., and measuring 21.5 inches.

Alumni relatives include ALEX MANN ’14. 11

Email classnotes@noctrl.edu to share your update!

JULIE SAFLARSKI ’10 PETERSON and Ryan Peterson, a girl, Kaitlyn, on Oct. 18, 2022, weighing 7 lbs., 3 oz., and measuring 20.5 inches.

Kaitlyn was welcomed by sibling Ben, 3. 12

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IN MEMORIAM Our condolences to the families and friends of those we have lost. To notify us of a passing, please email classnotes@noctrl.edu.

MARY JEAN WEGNER ’46 SCHLOERB of Chicago on May 18, 2023.

LOWELL BERGER ’48 of Fort Myers, Fla., on Nov. 4, 2023.

DAVID HAEBICH ’48 of Grand Rapids, Mich., on March 18, 2023. Survivors include daughter, Susan Haebich ’75 Fujiu, and son, Scott Haebich ’78.

MARILYN PAUCH ’48 SHAVER of Santa Rosa, Calif., on April 14, 2023.

VIVIAN BERG ’49 MINER of Downers Grove, Ill., on June 20, 2023.

GENEVIEVE SCHEFFNER ’49 SPIEGLER of Fort Myers, Fla., on Sept. 15, 2023.

JARVIS SPRENG ’50 of Grand Rapids, Mich., on May 29, 2023.

JOHN LITTLEWOOD ’53 of Champaign, Ill., on July 19, 2023.

VIOLET PAL ’53 LIVERNASH of Naperville on Sept. 21, 2023.

JOYCE STEGMEIER ’53 of Elmhurst, Ill., on Feb. 16, 2023. Survivors include her sister, Judith Stegmeier ’64 Westin.

DR. JOHN WESTINE ’53 of Gulf Stream, Fla., on May 13, 2023.

LAVONNE SATHER ’54 MOORE of Parkersburg, W.Va., on Sept. 22, 2023. Survivors include her husband, Thomas Moore ’52.

DR. RONALD LIESEMER ’60 of Cleveland on June 4, 2023. Survivors include brother, Richard Liesemer ’63 and sister-in-law, Esther Gibson ’62 Liesemer.

ROSALIE BARGMANN ’61 of Murfreesboro, Tenn., on Aug. 15, 2023.

ELLEN HENRIKSEN ’61 BOBZIN of Plainfield, Ill., on Aug. 17, 2023.

LOIS CHANDLER ’54 STACK of Portland, Maine, on March 23, 2023.

DIANE MCDONALD ’61 KANNEY of Naperville on April 24, 2023.

PATRICIA JEAN SCHNELLER ’54 ST. ANGELO of Tallahassee, Fla., on May 2, 2023.

LINDA GRENNAN ’61 SCHRADER of Naperville on March 25, 2023.

DR. CHANGBOH CHEE ’55 of Lloyd Harbor, N.Y., on Oct. 7, 2023, at the age of 99.

JOHN TURPIN ’61 of Oakland, Calif.

DOROTHEA KOFOED ’55 FORTIER of Albuquerque, N.M., on April 28, 2023.

DR. ROBERT E. NEUMANN ’55 of Savannah, Ga., on Sept. 9, 2023.

MIMI FLICKINGER ’55 ROLLAND of Fort Wayne, Ind., on Aug. 19, 2023.

JAMES H. MARTIN ’57 of Mt. Prospect, Ill., on July 20, 2023.

WILLIAM PRICE ’57 of Brazil, Ind., on May 5, 2023.

SHIRLEY WANDREY ’58 BRADOW of Watertown, Wis., on July 13, 2023.

BARBARA YUCKER ’59 LANG of Vero Beach, Fla., on June 1, 2023.

MARLENE SEAGREN ’59 WORDELMAN of Kasson, Minn., on May 29, 2023.

LARRY HANEY ’60 of Milford, Ind., on Sept. 10, 2023.

CHARLES COFFIN ’62 of Lincolnwood, Ill., on April 25, 2023.

CHARLES KANNEY ’62 of Naperville on March 26, 2023.

ORIENE MORROW ’62 SPRINGSTROH of Aurora, Ill., on May 15, 2023.

JAMES BYRNE ’63 of St. Charles, Ill., on April 1, 2023. Survivors include his wife, Janice Van den Berg ’66 Byrne.

JEAN SCHOELLER ’67 MCFARREN of Lake Milton, Ohio, on April 9, 2023.

ARLENE STAFFELDT ’67 of Farmington, Ill., on May 5, 2023.

MARY LIMBERG ’69 DRECHSLER of Oak Lawn, Ill., on Feb. 12, 2023.

LEIF JENKINSON S ’70 of Kasilof, Alaska, on March 16, 2023.

BRUCE COLTON ’73 of Bozeman, Mont., on Feb. 15, 2023. Survivors include his spouse, Nancy Rickert ’74 Colton, and other relatives including Tom Rickert ’75, Joan Golden ’76 Rickert, Jean ’82 Rickert Shoulberg, John Shoulberg ’82, Don Rickert ’87, and Dave Rickert ’87.

REV. GARY BARBER ’76 of Hubertus, Wis., on March 20, 2023.

RICHARD THORGESEN ’87 of Elburn, Ill., on Aug. 11, 2023.

MARK R. KRUEGER ’89 of Aurora, Ill., on Aug. 8, 2023.

SILVANA PRESTA ’91 of Kenosha, Wis., on March 14, 2023.

JOHN SECKINGER ’63 of Howell, Mich., on June 20, 2023.

ALEJANDRO OROZCO ’94 of Fort Myers, Fla., on April 2, 2023.

RONALD ALTPETER ’65 of Fort Myers, Fla., on May 5, 2023.

NICOLE NICHOLAS ’96 DICKERSON of Aurora, Ill., on April 9, 2023. Survivors include her husband, James Dickerson ’95.

LINDA KEPLER ’65 BYRNE of Naperville on May 24, 2023.

WILLIAM PICHA ’66 of Wheaton, Ill., on April 19, 2023. Survivors include his sister, Sally Billings ’70.

TRICIA DEANY ’98 MCCARTHY of Naperville on March 20, 2023.

RICHARD FLORES ’02 of Springfield, Mo., on June 6, 2023.

Fall 2023 northcentralcollege.edu/magazine 3 1

What’s Coming Up! Alumni Calendar JANUARY - MAY 2024 Men’s Volleyball Alumni Game & Reception January 6 3:00 p.m. Banner Presentation & Alumni Match 5:30 p.m. Alumni & Family Reception Club Mamalu, Naperville, Ill.

Alumni at Chicago Blackhawks vs. Dallas Stars January 13, 7 p.m.

United Center Chicago

Women’s Basketball Alumni Game

Cardinal First Alumni Academy

February 10, 11 a.m.

Gregory Arena, Merner Field House

March 1 Wentz Science Center

Men’s Basketball Alumni Game

First Gen alumni are needed to speak and network with students! To volunteer, contact Julie Carballo, assistant dean of students for first-generation and military-affiliated initiatives: 630-637-5155 or jmcarballo@noctrl.edu.

February 10, 12 p.m.

Gregory Arena, Merner Field House

36th Annual Gospel Extravaganza February 10, 3 p.m.

Wentz Concert Hall

Alumni Board Meeting February 17

Chicago Sinfonietta Salute to Dr. King

9th Annual Day of Giving

January 14, 3 p.m.

Wentz Concert Hall & Fine Arts Center

February 22

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events

February 24, 12-4 p.m.

Frontier Park, Naperville

January 15 Teach-In Annual Prayer Luncheon Community Service Project

Naperville Ale Fest

Softball Spring Break Trip - Florida

Baseball Spring Break Trip - Florida March 9 Alumni Barbecue Port Charlotte, Florida

Honors Day/ Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research April 18

Commencement Weekend May 3-5

March Orlando, Florida

Basketball Alumni Hospitality February 3, 3 p.m.

2:00 p.m., Cardinal Women vs. Elmhurst University 4:15 p.m., Cardinal Men vs.

Elmhurst University Gregory Arena, Merner Field House

Baseball Lead-Off Luncheon February 4 St. Andrews Golf & Country Club West Chicago, Ill.

PRESIDENT THOMAS INAUGURAL TOUR EVENTS Meet President Thomas at an upcoming event near you:

FORT MYERS, FLORIDA — February 20 DALLAS, TEXAS — February 21 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA — April 7 TWIN CITIES, MINNESOTA — May 18 Dates subject to change.

! e t a d e h t e v a S OCTOBER 18-20 #IMPACTNC DURING THE 9TH ANNUAL DAY OF GIVING ON 2/22/2024!

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2024!

HOMECOMING 2023

50-Year Club Banquet

Wrestling Bags Tournament

Oktoberfest Beer & Wine Tasting

Hall of Fame inductees recognized during halftime.

A wa r d

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

Fireworks

northcentralcollege.edu/alumni-award

Deadline to submit for the 2024-2025 academic year:

March 15, 2024

Office of Alumni & Parent Engagement See the Alumni webpage for event information and registration, opportunities to get involved and ways to support this College we love!

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

See the schedule and buy tickets!

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID North Central College

30 N. Brainard Street Naperville, IL 60540

FSC LOGO

TRIATHLON TEAM REPEATS AS CHAMPIONS The North Central triathlon team continued their run of dominance, winning the USA Triathlon Collegiate National Championship on Nov. 11, 2023, in Tempe, Ariz. It was the Cardinals’ second straight national title and their fifth in program history.

Hailey Poe ’25 (above center) won the individual title for a third consecutive season. Teammates Charlotte Kumler ’25 (above left) and Bethany Smeed ’26 (above right) took second and third, respectively, to complete the podium sweep, while Scarlett Schuth ’25 and Taylin Lemke ’25 rounded out the championship roster.

Congratulations, Cardinals!