Northeastern Illinois University
neiu.edu
Letter from the President This year’s President’s Report, covering 2020 and 2021, in some ways is like no other. Yet, in important ways, it continues to mirror and build upon our mission, vision, values and goals. Beginning in March 2020, our world changed—NEIU changed. COVID-19 transformed each of us in different ways. At Northeastern, we pivoted to remote learning, worked from home, assembled a COVID-19 Task Force and listened to the local and national news each evening to learn more about the pandemic. We asked questions like: How long will the lockdown last? When will there be a cure or a vaccine? How will our students, faculty and staff fare during this time? When will we get “back to normal?” We had far more questions than the world had answers.
How did we respond to the pandemic? We got creative. We worked from our bedrooms, our kitchen tables, sometimes with kids, cats and dogs competing for our attention. During Zoom calls, I met family members as they tried to “sneak” past the cameras! As the pandemic progressed, some Zoomed with appealing sunny backgrounds—but we all, at times, did not feel we were in a sunny place. As we grappled with the early, unstable days of the pandemic, in summer 2020, we were faced with even more painful questions after the murder of George Floyd. While there were many, many others before him, his death was an intensified catalyst for social change. We know violence against Black people and people of color is a constant in American history, but could we ever have envisioned the social injustice of 2020? I was proud to see much of the nation, and in fact much of the world, champion social justice and respond with renewed vigor to anti-racist movements, including Black Lives Matter. Many faculty, staff, students and alumni responded to social injustice by renewing their commitment to fight against racism, bigotry and hatred. On campus, we took a critical step and hired an Executive Director for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. And, after two years, NEIU completed our Climate Study, a substantial project that outlines five specific areas for future direction. We also worked collectively to create a more equitable NEIU in various ways. When asked to contribute $50,000 for our new George Floyd Social Justice Scholarship, the campus community surpassed that amount. Our faculty and staff engaged and challenged our students to understand that they too can make a difference. We did not forget our own—our students who struggled. NEIU provided food, emergency shelter, utilized our Student Emergency Fund and expanded our services for mental health support. Beginning in Fall 2021, eligible first-time, full-time students did not have to pay tuition or mandatory fees with the NEIU For You scholarship. And, NEIU currently is reaching out to provide tuition and housing waivers to support up to 15 Afghan refugees who want to begin or continue their education. I am so proud of the creative ways we have worked together to respond to world events in positive ways. My gratitude knows no bounds! As you read the pages of this year’s President’s Report, we share our accomplishments over the past turbulent two years. In spite of all the challenges we’ve faced, the emotional, mental and physical toll we’ve endured, NEIU adapted and persevered. We will continue to do so to the best of our abilities. As a University community, we, including our trustees and alumni, must continue to work together and to support one another as new opportunities and challenges arise. It continues to be my honor to serve Northeastern Illinois University’s students, faculty, staff and alumni as president. Marian Wright Edelman reminds us, “Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.” At Northeastern we strive every day to do just that— and I know working together, we will achieve that reality! Very best wishes,
Gloria J. Gibson, Ph.D. President, Northeastern Illinois University
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NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Table of Contents University Leadership |3 Meet the leadership of NEIU.
President's Feature |4
An interview with President Gloria J. Gibson.
University Highlights |6 See what's new with our academic offerings, faculty and staff appointments and more.
George Floyd Scholarship |14 NEIU awards first George Floyd Social Justice scholarships.
A Year in Review |16 How NEIU responded and adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Past is Present |20 The Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs celebrates 10 years.
Reshaping the Dream |22 How the NEIU community is supporting DACA and undocumented students.
NEIU Foundation |26 Meet the NEIU Foundation Board.
Giving Societies and Donors |28 A list of our generous alumni and friends who have donated in fiscal years 2020 and 2021.
Celebrating Alumni |34 A recap of the 2020 and 2021 Golden Galas and Alumni Awards. Editors: J. Matt Byerly and Mary Kroeck Designer: Lauren Jordan Photographer: Todd Crawford Features Writer: Mary Kroeck Contributors: Liesl Downey, Mike Hines, and Mary Kroeck Copy Editors: Anna Cannova and Vesna Misoska
University Leadership Established by the State of Illinois, the Board of Trustees has the authority and responsibility to operate, manage, control and maintain Northeastern Illinois University.
Jim Palos
Sherry Eagle
Johnathan Stein
Chair
Vice Chair
Secretary, M.A. '08
Marvin Garcia
Ann Kalayil
M.A. '08
B.A. '82
Carlos Azcoitia
Charles Serrano
Javonti Mordican Student Trustee
President’s Cabinet Together with President Gibson, the Cabinet oversees the implementation of the University’s Strategic Plan by promoting leadership in specific operational areas. Organized to promote the University’s mission, individually and collectively they support student learning, teaching and research; optimize and secure financial resources; and engage the broader community. Gloria J. Gibson, President Dennis Rome, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Terry C. Mena, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Manish Kumar, Vice President for Finance and Administration Liesl V. Downey, Vice President for Institutional Advancement Suleyma Perez, Senior Executive Director for Government Relations Shireen Roshanravan, Executive Director for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion G.A. Finch, General Counsel Mike Wenz, Executive Director for University Budgets Dan Weber, Interim Vice President for Enrollment Services J. Matt Byerly, Interim Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Front row, left to right: Manish Kumar, Suleyma Perez, Gloria Gibson, Terry Mena, Liesl Downey Back row: G.A. Finch, Mike Wenz, Shireen Roshanravan, Dan Weber, J. Matt Byerly, Dennis Rome Not pictured: Kimberly Buster-Williams, Vice President for Enrollment Management
NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
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QA &
with President Gloria J. Gibson
Q A
WHAT WERE THE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 AT NORTHEASTERN?
The effects of COVID-19 are significant, but they have not stopped our students from advancing, succeeding and graduating. Almost overnight, virtually everything changed. Instruction moved online or to remote learning. Most of our services moved online. Buildings closed. Our May 2020 Commencement celebration—my favorite event—was postponed; December 2020 Commencement was virtual. It was tough, but the Northeastern community pushed through to finish. Employees and alumni rallied to raise money for our Student Emergency Fund, which provided assistance to students to pay their bills after they lost their jobs or their parents were laid off. The pandemic has been an incredible challenge, but I am very proud of how Northeastern responded and thrived. We are also grateful for the federal funding that assisted our students and the campus. We were able to upgrade our technology and our faculty engaged in professional activities during summers 2020 and 2021 to better understand how to meet the pedagogical challenges we faced. Northeastern also increased counseling services by expanding teletherapy and hiring additional staff.
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NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
In short, the negative effects of COVD-19 on the campus community were countered with compassion, creativity and renewed commitment. At the same time, we have learned and grown as a university as a result of the changes we implemented.
hardship. They will enter the workforce and graduate programs with a richer understanding of online and digital learning, and with new skills. And, they will remember faculty and staff at Northeastern who helped them through this crisis.
Q
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WHAT DO YOU THINK THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ARE ON STUDENTS?
A
The pandemic has been a traumatic event, particularly among hard-hit Black and Brown communities. COVID-19 underscored health disparities and economic inequity. Students and their family members lost jobs. Some students tragically lost family members and friends. In terms of academics, some students encountered online learning for the first time—a big departure from the traditional brickand-mortar classroom experience. Undoubtedly, there are substantial short- and long-term effects on our students. However, what I have seen as a powerful force among our students is resilience. They will not let the pandemic stop them from achieving their academic and career goals. It is an honor to work to empower our students, especially when they are so ready to do the heavy lifting. Long term, this crisis will reinforce for students what they are capable of achieving under
IN MARCH 2021, YOU ANNOUNCED NORTHEASTERN WOULD RETURN TO IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION IN AUGUST. HOW WOULD YOU CHARACTERIZE THE FALL 2021 ACADEMIC SEMESTER?
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I am proud to say that the fall semester has gone very well. I credit our students, faculty and staff for a safe and successful return to campus. The majority of our classes have been face-to-face, although we are still offering other modalities. Our campus ventilation and air quality were tested and met or exceeded Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standards. Northeastern carefully prepared and adopted an interim COVID-19 return-to-campus policy to provide guidance to the campus community. The COVID-19 Task Force, which was formed at the beginning of the pandemic, regularly meets to address the University’s ongoing commitment to the health and safety of the campus. Northeastern put safety first for our return to campus. We required students, faculty and
“However, what I have seen as a powerful force among our students is resilience. They will not let the pandemic stop them from achieving their academic and career goals. It is an honor to work to empower our students, especially when they are so ready to do the heavy lifting. ” staff either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or agree to mandatory weekly COVID-19 testing. In addition, we continue to offer free SHIELD COVID-19 testing and vaccinations. We have worked as a team to make the return to campus successful.
Q
HOW WERE ENROLLMENT NUMBERS THIS FALL? WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THE FUTURE?
A
Enrollments were down across the country, which adversely impacted regional universities like Northeastern. We understand that because of COVID-19 and related financial uncertainties, many students decided to wait to enroll until Fall 2022. Faculty, staff and students are working with the administration to positively impact future enrollments in light of these challenges. It is a campus-wide effort to welcome new and returning students to Northeastern. We are taking several steps to improve enrollment for Fall 2022. First, thanks to federal funding, we have upgraded our technology infrastructure and purchased a new Customer Relations Management (CRM) system. Currently, the target for full implementation is the end of January 2022. Second, we have hired our new Vice President for Enrollment Management. Kimberly Buster-Williams will start in this important role in early January 2022. Third, we are expanding our marketing initiatives and filling vacant positions. Finally, the University’s new tuition incentive, NEIU For You, will provide a four-year tuition top-off scholarship for all eligible first-time, full-time students. This wonderful financial incentive will help students by directly alleviating financial concerns. We are so pleased to offer this financial commitment. While enrollment is a top priority for NEIU, student success and retention remain equally critical to the University. Northeastern is increasing its student success initiatives by adding new Living Learning Communities (LLCs) and developing a comprehensive strategic recruitment and retention management plan.
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REALIZING THAT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE CAMPUS HAVE BEEN A CONSTANT PRIORITY, WHAT MAJOR ACTIVITIES HAVE TAKEN PLACE SINCE RETURNING TO CAMPUS?
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Due to safety concerns, Northeastern has strictly limited major on-campus activities until it is safe to resume them. As we prepare for gatherings in the future, the University is busy with strategic planning for the future. On June 15, 2021, the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) released a new strategic plan, “A Thriving Illinois: Higher Education Paths to Equity, Sustainability, and Growth.” IBHE’s
new plan highlights a reality familiar to many of us here at Northeastern: first, that not all Illinois residents have the same opportunities to thrive, and second, that significant gaps exist that disproportionately leave behind Black, Latinx/a/o, adult and rural learners, among others. In an effort to support IBHE’s strategic plan of equity, sustainability, and growth, and to emphasize Northeastern’s dedication to recruitment and retention, I have worked with members of the University Executive Team to develop several strategic priorities for Fiscal Year 2022. The focus is on three main areas: equity, sustainability and growth. Equity centers on our efforts for recruitment and retention. We need to advance outreach and recruitment to reinforce Northeastern as a diverse, inclusive “university of choice” for Latinx/a/o, African American and other students from underserved backgrounds. We will also develop and advance best practices for academic and social support structures that enhance student success and retention. Sustainability will focus on our fundraising efforts. In doing so, we can increase affordability of and access to a Northeastern education; leveraging public and private philanthropy, partnerships and shared fiscal responsibility. When we talk about growth, we’re specifically discussing what it takes to increase placement of Northeastern graduates in high-demand positions to diversify the workforce and address historical inequities. We will also grow by expanding education initiatives, and career education, creating inclusive talent development, being open to innovation and creating job opportunities. These priorities align with IBHE’s strategic plan, as well as the University’s mission to provide access to, and academic success for, our students. The Fiscal Year 2022 priorities will be measured through a series of key performance indicators (KPI) that will be added to Northeastern’s KPI Progress Report. Other initiatives are in progress that align with the Fiscal Year 2022 priorities. First, Northeastern celebrated the results of Northeastern’s Campus Climate Study. I am proud of the Campus Climate Study leadership and the campus for this major accomplishment. The study addressed several areas of improvement. Second, Northeastern is in the process of applying for the Seal of Excelencia. The Seal of Excelencia credential was created in October 2018 by Excelencia in Education, a national nonprofit organization advocating on behalf of Latinx/a/o postsecondary educational attainment. Excelencia in Education awards
the Seal to institutions that demonstrate intentionality in serving Latinx/a/o students in a university-wide scan aligning data, practices, and leadership. Northeastern plans to submit its final application for the Seal of Excelencia in June 2022. This will provide a specialty designation to Northeastern, which is already a Minority-Serving Institution because it is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution. Third, Northeastern recently hired its inaugural Executive Director for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Dr. Shireen Roshanravan is directing University efforts to work across the campus, with all constituency groups, to build a shared institutional understanding of what we specifically mean by our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. The result will be the development of a strategic plan with action items and deliverables that will positively impact Northeastern.
Q A
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AS YOU REFLECT BACK ON 2020 AND 2021?
I must reiterate how proud I am of our students, faculty and staff and their persistence during these difficult years. I want to thank everyone for all of their tremendous dedication and hard work. Most important, Northeastern’s strong commitment to academic excellence and sound educational practices will never waver. Our faculty and staff are keenly focused on creating and maintaining a studentcentered learning environment. I am also very proud of our NEIU For You tuition incentive that we offered this academic year. When we offered NEIU For You to the freshman class of 2021, we knew many students needed financial support to pursue postsecondary education. Along with the NEIU For You incentive, we offered no-cost housing for three LLCs dedicated to enhancing the student experience and empowering students to attend school full-time. Our goal is to add two additional LLCs next year. As a university dedicated to serving those who are commonly underserved, we have a responsibility to ensure every student who wants a college degree has the opportunity to earn one. Finally, I am proud of all our students who completed the Fall 2021 semester and, of course, all of our graduates. With appropriate safety measures in place, Northeastern’s August and December 2021 Commencements were held in-person and we welcomed new alumni to the ranks! I wish them the very best for the future. Parts of this interview originally appeared in an August 2020 edition of N’DIGO and have been edited or modified for this publication. NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
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University Highlights U.S. News & World Report rankings Northeastern Illinois University graduates its students with the least amount of student debt among Midwest regional universities, according to the 2022 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s annual “Best Colleges” publication. This marks the eighth year in a row that Northeastern has earned the No. 1 spot for students who graduate with the least amount of debt among Midwest regional universities.
Northeastern also ranked in three other categories among Midwest regional universities:
3
rd
(tied), ethnic diversity
8
th
(tied), economic diversity
28
th
#1
social mobility
Dual enrollment In Fall 2019, Northeastern began a partnership with Ridgewood High School in Norridge, Illinois, to offer its students a dual enrollment program. As part of this program, students receive both high school and college credit as well as observation hours that can be applied to their teacher education program, should they continue to become certified educators. Northeastern offered dual enrollment programs at eight other high schools, including three Chicago Public High Schools. Dual enrollment expanded to a total of 10 Chicago area high schools for the 2020-2021 school year.
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation grants accreditation to Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) has granted Northeastern Illinois University’s Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education (GCOE) accreditation at the initial-licensure level and advanced-level. Both accreditations are effective from Spring 2020 through Spring 2026. The Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education was previously accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, which has now merged with another accreditation body and changed its name to CAEP. The GCOE is the University’s oldest academic unit. Its pioneering emphasis on urban education has become increasingly important, winning many awards for best practices in global diversity.
Confronting Climate Change, Transforming Cultures: Spring 2020 The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) offered more than 60 courses during the Spring 2020 semester that in some way addressed the issue of climate change. "Confronting Climate Change, Transforming Cultures," a faculty-driven initiative, spanned disciplines from the arts to the natural sciences and included 70% of departments in the College of Arts and Sciences through course offerings.
College of Business and Management becomes College of Business and Technology Northeastern Illinois University’s College of Business and Management (COBM) changed its name to the College of Business and Technology (CBT) effective June 11, 2021. The name change reflects the Computer Science Department’s move from the College of Arts and Sciences to the COBM in December 2020. CBT prepares students for successful careers in business and is accredited by AACSB International. Aside from Computer Science, CBT offers the Bachelor of Science degrees with majors in Accounting, Finance, General Business Administration, Management, and Marketing as well as the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree and the Master of Science in Accounting (M.S.A.) degree. Minors are also available for undergraduates in Accounting, Finance, International Business, Management, and Marketing.
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NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
TRIO Student Support Services The U.S. Department of Education awarded three grants to Northeastern’s TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO SSS), a program that provides individualized academic and social assistance to students from their freshman year through graduation. The grants were awarded for TRIO’s Regular (Achieve), Disability (Access) and Teacher Preparation programs, and each will have an annual distribution of $261,888 through 2025, totaling $3.9 million. Northeastern is the only university in the state to be awarded more than two TRIO grants.
CASA: Creating Access to STEM for All The U.S. Department of Education awarded Northeastern a five-year, $3 million Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program grant that will help the University increase the number of students who complete STEM majors. The grant was used to establish CASA: Creating Access to STEM for All, a program that began its efforts in October 2020. This is the third Title V grant awarded to Northeastern since 2016.
Marketing Initiatives
Northeastern earned a five-year U.S. Rehabilitation Services Administration Long Term Training Grant totaling $975,175 that will support students in the Department of Counselor Education’s Rehabilitation Counseling graduate program. This is the fourth time Northeastern has received this grant. Students who earn the grant have all tuition and fees covered in addition to a yearly stipend to help cover the cost of textbooks. For every year students receive a grant, they are required to complete two years of service with approved State-Federal Vocational Rehabilitation programs, which include the Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services and Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
In 2019, Northeastern Illinois University took part in a marketing research initiative to help the University better understand its audience and personality. The result has been a more intentional approach to reimaging Northeastern’s brand that focuses on five messages that collectively define and differentiate Northeastern Illinois University from its peers: Persist. Overcome. Empower. Collaborate. Create. These messages helped the Division of Marketing and Communications strategically roll out two major projects.
Prison + Neighborhood Arts/Education Project
Break Barriers
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has awarded an $873,000 grant to the Prison + Neighborhood Arts/Education Project (PNAP). The Northeastern Illinois University Foundation will serve as the fiscal sponsor for the grant, which will be distributed over the next two years. PNAP offers more than 13 college-level courses a year, reaching approximately 120 people at Stateville Correctional Center. For the past 10 years, PNAP has collaborated with artists and scholars, as well as other universities and nonprofit organizations, including the University of Chicago and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. This award will also support formerly incarcerated students at Northeastern through stipends for books, learning materials and more. Other Northeastern students have previously been involved in the program as interns or supported PNAP’s events and programming.
Break Barriers launched as a comprehensive marketing campaign in Fall 2020. The campaign centers on Northeastern Illinois University being an institution of higher learning that allows students to overcome any obstacle through a supportive, holistic approach to education. Exterior marketing advertising initiatives, including a comprehensive billboard and public transit campaign, centered our alumni throughout the Chicago area. This initiative will continue to grow and be incorporated into more aspects of University communications in a similar way to its predecessor, Learn in the City. Lead in the World.
Rehabilitation Counseling
Truth Telling Project The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation awarded a $750,000 capacity building grant to the Truth Telling Project (TTP). The Northeastern Illinois University Foundation will serve as the fiscal sponsor for the grant, which will be distributed over the next two years. The TTP implements and sustains grassroots communitycentered truth-telling processes to amplify voices about structural violence. The grant will support additional staffing and programmatic support for their ongoing work across the country, including the Truth Telling Podcast, Anti-Police Violence policy education, enhancement of TTP’s “It’s Time to Listen” educational resources and a national event on reparations.
NEIyou Climate Study
Reintroducing Goldie! After a comprehensive analysis of peer institutions, creating over 25 unique versions of our beloved golden eagle mascot and soliciting feedback from the Northeastern community, Northeastern is excited to present the new Goldie illustration through Northeastern's online bookstore.
As part of its efforts to embrace a culture of inclusion, Northeastern Illinois University conducted a campus climate and culture assessment to evaluate its living, learning and working environment throughout the 2020 academic year. An outside consultant, Rankin & Associates Consulting, which has conducted more than 200 similar studies at other institutions across the nation, was chosen to assist in facilitating this process. The findings from this survey will help NEIU to create and maintain a healthy, inclusive environment for all.
Living Learning Communities Northeastern Illinois University’s Living Learning Communities (LLCs) introduce and integrate academic and social learning through faculty and staff involvement to provide a more holistic educational experience. Students in LLCs live together in the same area of The Nest, our on-campus residence hall, and share experiences that reinforce their academic focus and/or theme of their LLC. Students who are accepted into an LLC receive a housing scholarship. Northeastern currently offers three LLCs: Social Justice Leadership Program, Future Teachers, and Discover Yourself @ NEIU.
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University Highlights Luis Gutiérrez Congressional Archive Former U.S. Rep. Luis Gutiérrez ('76, B.A. English; '18 honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters) donated his Congressional archives to Northeastern in 2018. The archives, which contain 41 linear feet of documents, awards, letters and other ephemera, were originally meant to be accessed in person only. However, with the onset of COVID-19, the library staff wanted to ensure the public had digital access to the archives as well. Northeastern was awarded a $5,000 grant from the Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board Historical Records Program to digitize the archives, which became available to the public in summer 2021. “One of my primary concerns during the shutdown was the accessibility of our materials,” former Northeastern Archivist Hanna Ahn said. “I was also worried about how long this pandemic would last. In addition, I had received several questions concerning the availability of the Gutiérrez papers from interested researchers. So, I tried to find a solution that addressed those questions and concerns, and in my mind, digitizing the highly anticipated congressional collection would be a way forward for the University Archives during this time of crisis.”
Japanese American Redress Collection The Commission on the Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians hearings took place on Northeastern’s Main Campus Sept. 22-23, 1981. The video footage of the hearings was thought to be lost. The University Archives discovered 62 tapes related to the hearings scattered among 230 boxes of materials that were donated to the University Archives from Media Services in Spring 2018. In collaboration with Flash Cuts, a California-based production company, the University Archives was able to digitize all of the testimonies from the hearings, and Flash Cuts was able to use one of the testimonies in their five-part PBS documentary series, “Asian Americans,” which premiered nationally in May 2020. The digitized footage is now part of Northeastern’s Japanese American Redress Collection. In September 2021, Northeastern hosted a virtual Japanese American Redress Conference, “With Liberty and Justice for All: Racism, Redress and Reparations” to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the hearings on the Main Campus. Alice Murata, Northeastern Professor Emerita of Counselor of Education and author of the book “Japanese Americans in Chicago,” coordinated the conference. Murata was born in Los Angeles and was forced to live at Poston Internment Camp in Arizona as a very young child. “Because of the testimonies Japanese Americans gave during the Redress hearings, we were able to receive an apology and reparations for being placed in concentration camps during World War II,” Murata said. “The goal of this conference is to remember that victory and focus on remedying prevailing injustices. We want participants to understand the actions they can take to create a kinder, better, more just world.”
Sheltering in Place In Spring 2020, Northeastern began accepting submissions for its student-focused COVID-19 archives, “Sheltering in Place: NEIU Archives COVID-19 Documentation Project.” The goal of the archives is to reflect how the pandemic impacted Northeastern students’ lives and how students have responded to this unprecedented time. Northeastern students are encouraged to submit original digital works of writing, photography, voice memos, video recordings, songs and other digital media to the archives. This can include footage of car parades to celebrate students’ graduations in a socially distanced way, journal entries and copies of daily schedules students may have made during quarantine, and other works of art that express how students coped. Northeastern’s Dean of Libraries Steven Harris started thinking about the idea for the archives after learning about the Alumni Association’s COVID-19 Alumni Leaders project. “Part of the mission of the University Archives is to be a record of the history of the University,” Harris said. “We should be recording and preserving these materials because people will come to us years later to ask, ‘What’s the documentation about this history? What do you have about Northeastern’s response to this?’” Submissions are ongoing.
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NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
M.P . H. ST U
D EN T
V IN O S M N A K EE PS CHICAGO
Northeastern began offering a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) in Fall 2019. One of its students in the initial cohort was Colleen LammelHarmon.
them and be an example of how to use the parks safely.
Lammel-Harmon came to Northeastern with nearly two decades of experience in the Chicago Park District and is now serving as the senior project manager of health and wellness.
“After hosting various interns from Northeastern and meeting with Dr. Jennifer Banas, this M.P.H. was a brand new program and they seemed really welcoming to working with people who are already in their career who want to take it to the next step,” Lammel-Harmon said. “I will say it’s extremely challenging, but it’s very broad with different aspects of public health, which is really why I wanted my master’s degree, to take my education to the next level and use it in government with the Chicago Park District looking at parks as public health hubs.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Chicago’s 570 parks were closed. As stay-at-home orders were lifted, the Chicago Park District was faced with a challenge: how to reopen safely, especially along the lakefront. “People were very anxious to get out and exercise,” Lammel-Harmon said. “Different groups, like the Chicago Area Running Association and others, were coming to us asking if there was anything they could do to safely use the lakefront.” As they considered options, Lammel-Harmon and her team took a few tips from the Seattle Park District and created Chicago’s Social Distance Ambassadors program. “It was really a peer way to safely open parks, ensure people are staying 6 feet apart, wearing face coverings and making sure everyone has proper hand sanitation especially given that, at the time we launched this, most of the field houses were closed to the public, so there wasn’t a way for people to wash their hands.” Lammel-Harmon said. Since June 2020, the Chicago Park District has had Social Distance Ambassadors along the lakefront trail and the response has been positive. The program utilizes its lifeguards and other personnel who would otherwise be working in field houses that are currently closed to reach out to patrons to promote, educate
Through her work with the Chicago Park District, Lammel-Harmon often hired interns from Northeastern’s undergraduate Community Health program.
Banas, professor and M.P.H. program coordinator, said the M.P.H. degree and certificate programs at Northeastern were intentionally designed to ensure students have a meaningful experience, especially for students who are already professionals practicing in the public health field, like Lammel-Harmon. “Colleen has hosted a number of undergraduate students as interns from the Health Science and Physical Education bachelor’s of Community Health,” Banas said. “A component of that program is a 200-hour field experience. Colleen has always welcomed the opportunity to be a site supervisor for an intern, which is not always easy because you have to ensure they have a meaningful experience and gain practical experience.” When Banas read about Lammel-Harmon's work with the Social Ambassadors in publications such as the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Magazine, she was really impressed. “She’s inquisitive,” Banas said of LammelHarmon. “She likes to learn. She’s also fearless.
G
When I heard about what she was doing, that she was out and about, encouraging and educating people about wearing a mask I thought, ‘Gosh, she’s got a lot of guts!’ I don’t know if I could do that. It speaks perfectly to the kind of person Colleen is. When she feels that something is important she’s not afraid to share her ideas with others and educate them in a way so that they don’t feel judged about it. It’s done with care and concern. That light touch makes Colleen a great public health professional. She’s able to take perspective and put herself in someone else’s shoes and frame her message from that point of view.” Dr. James Ball, chair of the Department of Health Sciences and Physical Education, is also not surprised by Lammel-Harmon’s work, especially now. “Colleen is one of the hardest working students in the M.P.H. program,” Ball said. “She works endlessly to make sure her assignments are done correctly. She is always taking what she is learning in the M.P.H. program and trying to understand how to transfer it to her job with the park district. Colleen is an exceptional student and we are lucky to have her in the first cohort of the M.P.H. program.” Lammel-Harmon said learning about biostatistics and epidemiology have been especially useful to her in regard to writing grants and understanding health disparities among Chicagoans. “Being able to take program data and being able to turn it into a story, really epidemiology, or what you can implement in a program to change a health disparity is really important,” Lammel-Harmon said. “Chicago is up there as one of the largest cities and we have a lot of health disparities in Chicago. There’s no better time than now to look at these health issues because we’re seeing these health disparities impact COVID cases. We can see it’s a public health issue.”
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University Highlights
Northeastern project interprets literature through the lens of COVID-19 When the COVID-19 pandemic began changing everyday life at Northeastern Illinois University, Associate Professor of English Ryan Poll looked to literature to see what authors who lived through other pandemics might have to say to help people get through this one.
When everything shut down, I started thinking that this disease is changing everything,” Poll said. “So, I turned to literature, just kind of looking for wisdom. Then I had the thought that it would be great if more people could look at literature through the prism of pandemics.” Poll has been a staff writer for the online popular culture magazine PopMatters for two years and has been actively working with graduate students to get their work published on the site. In taking his desire to open up the world of publishing to more students and the opportunity to look at literature’s lessons about pandemics, Poll pitched the idea of Reading Pandemics, a curated series by Northeastern English students, alumni and faculty to the publication. PopMatters agreed to let Poll curate the series, and in total 13 articles were published. “Diversity is the best teacher,” Poll said. “With Northeastern Illinois University being one of the most diverse public institutions of higher learning in the Midwest, I feel the wide range of experiences students have and the intersectional complexity they could bring to a project like this is exactly what we need right now.” English Department faculty members helped Poll edit student submissions and make them ready for publication. Everyone involved in the series participated because of a desire to learn and share knowledge, to “be each other’s teachers,” as Poll said.
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NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
and how today’s world feels reflective of the fictional one in Miller’s story. “Although ‘Blackfish City’ is set in the future after global climate changes have flooded most of the Earth, the societal conflicts in the remaining city of Qaanaaq resemble economic and public health issues we see presently,” Palm said. “When I was reading the novel, it was impossible to ignore the echoes between the book and our present world, especially the similar manner through which corporations and governments rationalize pandemic response.” Palm discovered this text in a course offered through the College of Arts and Sciences Confronting Climate Change, Transforming Cultures themed semester.
“When I was reading the novel, it was impossible to ignore the echoes between the book and our present world, especially the similar manner through which corporations and governments rationalize pandemic response.” —Megan Palm, M.A. English, Literature concentration, ’20
Stephany Perez (current student, Secondary Education Teacher Licensure Program), is also a part of the Reading Pandemics series.
“Most people don’t have time to read a bunch of books on pandemics, but these articles can make dissecting the lessons in some of those books more accessible to a wide audience,” Poll said. “In academia we’re shooting ourselves in the foot if we treat it as an enclosed institution. We have to learn to write for a wider public.” This opportunity gave Northeastern English students and alumni the chance to do just that. PopMatters has a global readership and is known as the largest site bridging academic and popular writing with a mission to “educate as well as entertain.” Megan Palm, (M.A. English, Literature concentration, ’20), wrote “Pandemics and Trumpian Echoes in Miller’s ‘Blackfish City.’” In the article, Palm explores this 2018 dystopian novel by Sam J. Miller
Perez’s article, “Taking a Page About Community and Responsibility from Albert Camus’ ‘The Plague,’” examines Camus’ 1947 novel about a fictional plague in Oran, Algeria. She was struck by the parallels between the novel and the present day COVID-19 situation. Perez started taking classes at Northeastern in Spring 2020 and her PopMatters submission is her first publication. “I think the feeling of dread that we all had and the wanting to be done with this stayat-home stuff is totally human,” Perez said. “It’s so human that Camus wrote about it 50+ years ago. We’re in a type of situation where you have to care about more than just yourself and you can’t put your individual needs over the community’s safety. The book is a reminder of that. We’re all feeling anxieties, but for our own good it’s best to think about our collective destiny.”
Poll hopes to continue working with students to publish work through PopMatters, especially if he’s able to teach English 411: Cultural Studies again. When he taught the course in 2019, seven graduate students in the class were published in PopMatters. Poll is also starting to work on publication opportunities for more undergraduate students who are interested in writing about popular culture. “I learned much from the process and I look forward to doing a similar project in the future,” Poll said. “I learn from my students all the time because they have knowledge of things that aren’t even on my radar. It’s one of the things that makes Northeastern such a special place.”
Faculty Recognition and Awards Brommel Research Award Professor of English Chielozona Eze was honored with Northeastern’s 2020 Bernard J. Brommel Distinguished Research Professor award. In April 2021, Professor of Political Science Sangmin Bae was honored with Northeastern’s 2021 Bernard J. Brommel Distinguished Research Professor award. The late Bernard J. Brommel, Professor Emeritus, established the award to be given annually to the tenured or tenure-track member of the Northeastern faculty who best demonstrates excellence in research and scholarship.
Northeastern’s Board of Trustees awards tenure to faculty members 2020 Recipients
2021 Recipients
• Elyse Bolterstein, Biology • Andrew Brake, Social Work • Nadja Insel, Earth Science • Ting Liu, Geography and Environmental Studies • Michelle Oh, Library • Isidore Udoh, Health Sciences and Physical Education • Julia Valley, Health Sciences and Physical Education
• Jorge Cantú, Biology • Sung Doo Kim, Management and Marketing • Anne Le, Accounting, Business Law and Finance • Kimberly Maljak, Health Sciences and Physical Education • Hector Morales Jr., Teacher Education • Ulugbek Nurmukhamedov, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages • Ryan Poll, English • Brian Vivona, Literacy, Leadership and Development • Xiwei Wang, Computer Science
Reynolds Teaching Award In October 2019, Northeastern selected Associate Professor of Mathematics Sarah Cordell as the 2019 recipient of the Audrey Reynolds Distinguished Teaching Award. In May 2021, Northeastern selected Professor of Accounting Alireza “Reza” Dorestani as the 2021 recipient of the Audrey Reynolds Distinguished Teaching Award. Professor Emerita of Linguistics Audrey Reynolds established the award to be given annually to a tenured member of the Northeastern faculty who best demonstrates distinguished teaching. NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
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University Highlights
New Appointments Katrina Bell-Jordan
Dean of College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Katrina Bell-Jordan was appointed dean of Northeastern Illinois University’s College of Arts and Sciences in March 2020. Bell-Jordan came to Northeastern Illinois University as an assistant professor in 1997, joining the Department of Communication, Media and Theatre. She later served as chair from 2007 to 2014 before joining the College of Arts and Sciences as associate dean in 2015. Bell-Jordan has served as interim dean of the college since July 2017. In her 24 years at NEIU, Bell-Jordan has served in leadership roles on various advisory, curriculum and hiring committees, including the Higher Learning Commission Team for NEIU’s 2017 accreditation visit, the NEIU Baccalaureate Goals Working Group, and NEIU’s first Writing Intensive Faculty Advisory Committee as co-chair. She also co-led the two-year NEIU Economic Inequality Initiative, a partnership between the College of Arts and Sciences and the Division of Student Affairs. Bell-Jordan earned a Ph.D. in Rhetorical Studies and Media Studies and an M.A. in Rhetorical Studies at the Ohio University School of Interpersonal Communication, and a B.S.J. in News Editorial Journalism at the Ohio University E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.
Kamau Rashid
Founding Director of the Ed.D. in Urban Education Dr. Kamau Rashid was appointed Founding Director of the Ed.D. in Urban Education beginning Fall 2021. Rashid came to Northeastern Illinois University from National Louis University, where he served as an associate professor of Educational Foundations and Inquiry. He brings extensive experience in doctoral education including doctoral program design and revision and doctoral student advising and supervision. Rashid earned his master’s degree in Inner City Studies at Northeastern’s Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies and is an often sought-after lecturer on African and African American studies. He received both a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and his Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
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NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Manish Kumar
Vice President for Finance and Administration Manish Kumar was named Northeastern’s new Vice President for Finance and Administration and began serving in this role on Jan. 27, 2020. Prior to Northeastern, Kumar was the Chief Financial Officer for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-CAS (UNC). He also managed funds for UNC-A&S Foundations. The two budgets at UNC totaled more than $1.6 billion combined. Kumar also oversaw all financial and budgetary matters, including operations and compliance along with the support of new program development through forecasts, budgets and accreditation compliance. He was the Associate Dean for Finance and Administration at Rutgers Business School-Newark and New Brunswick. From 2011 to 2015 he served as Director of Strategic Initiatives for University of Idaho-CAA. Kumar is working toward a Ph.D. in Supply Chain Management at the University of Greenwich (London, U.K.) and is currently in A.B.D. status. He holds an M.B.A. from Northeastern University (Boston). His bachelor’s degree was completed in electrical engineering.
Terry Mena
Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students Dr. Terry Mena was named Northeastern’s new Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students and began serving in this role on Feb. 22, 2021. Mena came to Northeastern from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, where he served as Associate Vice President and Dean of Students since 2015. At Lamar, Mena was the principal investigator for a $500,000 grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Education Emergency Assistance to Institutions of Higher Education program and oversaw the student union’s $28 million construction of a new, innovative, sustainable facility to promote faculty, staff and student engagement and interaction as the living room of the campus community. Mena is a native of Miami who was a first-generation college student. He earned a Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Higher Education Leadership from Florida Atlantic University, a master’s degree in Student Personnel Administration from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University. In January 2021, Mena was awarded the AVP/Senior-Level Student Affairs Professional Award from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.
Shireen Roshanravan
Executive Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Dr. Shireen Roshanravan was named Northeastern’s first Executive Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and began serving in this role on July 12, 2021. Roshanravan came to Northeastern from Kansas State University where she served as a professor of American Ethnic and Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies, faculty advisor to multicultural and feminist student organizations, and co-chair of the Arts and Sciences College Committee on Diversity. In each of these roles, Roshanravan focused her leadership on programmatic and policy transformations that enabled greater equity and inclusivity for all members of the campus community. She earned her doctorate from the State University of New York at Binghamton in the interdisciplinary program of Philosophy, Interpretation and Culture. She is a Chicago native, co-editor of several books and special journal issues on the praxis of deep coalitionbuilding at the intersection of multiple difference.
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Northeastern awards first George Floyd Social Justice Scholarships K
aleb Bakari Autman keeps a clear crate overflowing with books in the corner of his bedroom.
“Studying the work is just as important to me as going out in the street with a bullhorn and protesting,” said Autman, who attended Westinghouse College Prep. “In an average week I’m spending anywhere from five to 10 hours a week just in books, reading, and that’s not enough. It’s something I take very seriously. I must know what my ancestors have written down before I can go out in these streets and fight because a lot of the time—most of the time—we are demanding the same things. So being literate in the work as much as possible is deeply important to me. It’s like the idea of Sankofa; you have to reach back into the past and bring it to the present to know where you want to go. I must know what my ancestors did, so being fluent in the history and literature is deeply important to me.” Autman was one of the first recipients of the George Floyd Social Justice Scholarship that was created in response to Floyd’s death and the deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and numerous Black Americans who were tragically and senselessly killed. Their deaths sparked mass protests throughout the country and around the world last summer—in the midst of a global pandemic—as demonstrators called out systematic racism, inequality and injustice, and urged communities to put forth intentional programs geared toward a greater focus on social justice. “Social justice, at its core, is love in public. Mariame Kaba says something to that extent,” said Autman. “I also see social justice as thinking about how I can do the most with what I have for the masses in my community.” Northeastern’s George Floyd Social Justice Scholarship is a resource for its students—the majority of whom are people of color—who are dedicated to pursuing leadership roles in the multifaceted, intersectional work of social justice. Through contributions to the NEIU Foundation, the University has built an endowed scholarship exceeding an initial
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NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
fundraising goal of $50,000. In the first year of the George Floyd Social Justice Scholarship, the University awarded $5,000 each to three outstanding students: Autman, Timothy Jefferson and Donovan McKinley. While all three students are now connected by this scholarship, they have their own unique views of social justice and have taken different paths to promote equality in their communities. Jefferson came to Northeastern from DRW College Prep. In addition to earning the George Floyd Social Justice Scholarship, he also earned Northeastern’s Social Justice Leadership Housing Award, which provides one year of free housing in The Nest on-campus apartments for students who participate in a series of leadership workshops centered on social justice. “I was honestly a little hesitant to apply for the George Floyd Scholarship, mostly because of self-doubt,” Jefferson said. “The talks I’ve had with my mom about it made me reflect on my life and the impact I’ve had on people, along with the impact the world has had on me. It made me realize I had to see things through another perspective. It’s important that this scholarship exists at NEIU because it gives students like me the ability to fully cultivate and bloom in this scary world as it is. It can truly make the difference between seeing roses or thorns.” For nearly a decade, Jefferson has been involved with Kidz Express, an organization on Chicago’s West Side that serves underprivileged youth through education, mentorship and job opportunities. “Kidz Express has kept me and my friends out of the streets and away from the violence in the neighborhood through team-building activities, trips, et cetera,” Jefferson said. “The impact the program has had on me is astronomical. I can safely say without the program, I would either be in the streets like some of my family members or possibly another victim of gun violence in my neighborhood. This is also the same case for many of the other children in the program, because its main purpose is to serve the youth of the South Austin area, one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago.” Jefferson added that the scholarship is helping to ease the financial burden that would otherwise have impacted his educational success. Likewise, the housing scholarship has given him some peace of mind, feeling that he is in a space on campus that is less dangerous and
“
“It’s important that this scholarship exists at NEIU because it gives students like me the ability to fully cultivate and bloom in this scary world as it is. It can truly make the difference between seeing roses or thorns.”—Timothy Jefferson
provides him with more opportunities than he would otherwise have in his neighborhood. Through his education, Jefferson hopes to make a positive impact on his community by uplifting voices and providing more meaningful opportunities to others.
at NEIU because it’s a way for us to recognize folks doing amazing work in their academic and professional lives. It’s building a bridge toward mentorship and understanding that we’re going to have a great impact on the community post-college.”
“To me, social justice is one of the core values that keeps society together,” Jefferson said. “Social justice allows for those without a voice to be heard, and it’s the bulldozer that knocks down the pillars of injustice and discrimination. It’s imperative because, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’”
The George Floyd Social Justice Scholarship builds upon Northeastern’s long-established history of activism and empowerment of the next generation of conscientious organizers, educators, social workers, scholars, business leaders and elected officials.
McKinley, who is pursuing his master’s degree in Family Counseling, came to Northeastern from California. “I was drawn to NEIU because I wanted to attend a university that was affordable and provided a supportive space for students,” said McKinley, who was born and raised in San Diego. “In my grad school interview, I was impressed with how much dedication and passion the professors showed to the students.” McKinley is a participant in the American Association of Marriage & Family Therapists Minority Fellowship Program. This competitive fellowship is awarded to students who are committed to research about—and service to—racial and ethnic minority and underserved populations. “I’m a first-generation, Black-Mexican, gay man with a stutter,” McKinley said. “When I was younger—and still to this day—these different aspects of me have been weaponized by people who don’t care to understand me. I’ve learned that all of that is OK, because I know and understand that these are my ‘superpowers,’ my driving force toward excellence and freedom. For me, earning this scholarship is me being celebrated for all of who I am and having an understanding that my life and educational experiences have the potential to impact those that have not yet understood their own power.” McKinley wants to use his education to give back to Black, Brown and LGBTQ+ communities. “I applied for the scholarship because I believe my Black queer life matters, like I know the Black life of George Floyd mattered to his friends, family and community,” McKinely said. “I reflected upon all the aspirations and goals he had for himself that we’ll never know about. I know I wouldn’t be able to be where I’m at without the support of my communities. Our resilience and ability to not only imagine but also pursue our dreams when at times the world wants us to fail is so beautiful to witness and be a part of. I feel like the scholarship is important to have
DFI Fellows
This State of Illinois Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois (DFI) program is designed to increase the number of minority, full-time, tenure-track faculty and staff who work in the state’s public and private colleges and universities. 2020-2021: • Paula Andrea Sanchez Garcia, M.S. '21 Chemistry • Karen Guadarrama, M.A. '21 Educational Leadership: Higher Education • April Walker-Starr (B.A. ’15 Social Work), M.S.W. '21 Social Work 2021-2022: • Latonya Burris, Social Work • Paola Martinez, Counselor Education • Diego Tapia, Music • Stacie Ovalle, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages • Taylor Winfield, Political Science
Northeastern President Gloria J. Gibson, like many, was deeply saddened by the deaths of Floyd, Taylor, Arbery and others last summer. “There is not a day that goes by that I do not worry about my sons and my brother living as Black men in America and the potential danger that could befall them because of the color of their skin,” Gibson wrote in June 2020. “So I speak from both perspectives, the professional and the personal, when I say that I am deeply grieved by the death of George Floyd—deeply grieved.” Gibson continued, “Our ‘new normal’ must be a full and sustained commitment to justice and equality. This is one step toward that larger goal, and it starts with me, it starts with you, and it will be implemented through all of us, working together. As we support the educational promise of our aspiring socially conscious leaders, we acknowledge their talents and potential to change the world.” Autman served for seven months as the National Communications Associate for March for Our Lives, a national nonprofit founded after the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. He has notes on index cards spread across his desk, reminders of lessons he’s learned and things he’s still curious to research. “The deaths of Michael Brown and Trayvon Martin showed me that in this country, at any point, my body could be taken,” Autman said. “Trayvon Martin was my Emmett Till. I remember taking my mom’s laptop, which barely worked but it was what we had, and listening to the George Zimmerman phone call. I didn’t know where I wanted to go, but in that moment I felt like I needed to be running toward something. It awakened in me, at a young age, that I needed to fight to run toward Freedom Land. Social justice says we have a hand in the world we inherit. I live in the legacy of George Floyd, and if I didn’t push toward change at Northeastern and beyond, I wouldn’t be doing the work of my ancestors, or actually uplifting George Floyd’s name and his contributions to this world. I have a responsibility to speak truth to power and educate and be educated about this work.”
Lincoln Laureate awardees
Every fall semester, the Lincoln Academy of Illinois honors one graduating senior from each university in the state who demonstrates leadership and service contributions on campus and beyond, academic success and extracurricular achievements. 2019 Lincoln Academy Student Laureate: • Miriam Varela, B.A. '20 Physical Education (K-12) 2020 Lincoln Academy Student Laureate: • Obsmara Ulloa, B.S. '21 Computer Science
NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
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Responding to COVID-19:
A Year in Review COVID-19 disrupted daily life around the world and Northeastern Illinois University was no exception.
There is no part of the University that has not been impacted by the novel coronavirus. Shifting to remote instruction and work to curb the spread of COVID-19 was a significant adjustment for students, faculty and staff. Yet, when the pandemic began to hit in full force, Northeastern did what it does best—it stepped up to help not only our students continue to thrive, but also to support medical and essential workers in a variety of ways. Here’s a look at the impact COVID-19 and 2020’s summer of social justice had on Northeastern and the ways our community came together and continues to achieve great successes during unprecedented times.
20 20 April
March The University created a COVID-19 Task Force to address the rapidly changing situation of the novel coronavirus and provide the University community the most up-to-date information on the NEIU website and through virtual University forums. Northeastern was able to donate 5,500 sets of gloves that would normally be used on campus to help alleviate the personal protective equipment shortage in Chicago.
As COVID-19 continued to spread, Northeastern designated the Student Emergency Fund to assist students who have suffered a financial setback due to the pandemic, and Student Counseling Services began offering teletherapy appointments to students in need of counseling.
The Northeastern community used the Art Department’s 3D printers to create more than 140 face shields for area medical personnel. Northeastern removed the requirement for standardized test scores as a factor for admission beginning Fall 2020. The Student Food Pantry altered operations to allow students to order food online and pick up items in a campus parking lot.
The Alumni Association began hosting drive-thru food drives to support the Student Pantry. Northeastern’s Office of Enrollment Services began offering virtual visits and recruitment sessions, offering prospective students the opportunity to meet with recruitment and financial aid advisors and academic counselors throughout the pandemic. The Alumni Association launched the NEIU Alumni Leaders Response website as a way for graduates to share the work they’d been doing during the pandemic. Read more online at neiu.edu/alumnileaders
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NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
2020 May
June
May Commencement was postponed. The University celebrated graduates by participating in #Graduation2020: Facebook and Instagram Celebrate the Class of 2020 on May 15.
In the wake of George Floyd’s death and in solidarity with protests sparked throughout the country and across the world, Northeastern established the George Floyd Social Justice Scholarships to educate the next generation of diverse leaders to address systemic racism, inequality and injustice in its many forms.
NEIU Libraries University Archives began accepting student submissions for “Sheltering in Place: NEIU Archives COVID-19 Documentation Project.”
Northeastern launched the Social Justice Leadership Housing Award for incoming freshmen and transfer students who positively impact their university, career and communities. Students participating in the program are given one year’s free housing in The Nest.
Northeastern reopened the Student Union to host 20 socially distanced study spaces by reservation. This provided students with computer workstations, access to Wi-Fi, and a copier/scanner/printer for a two-hour time block.
“Providing free housing to eligible students while giving them the tools to make a difference in the world is a win-win situation. It’s also an innovative approach to how we recruit and prepare tomorrow’s leaders.” - Gloria J. Gibson, President
July
August
September
NEIU Libraries launched a Grab & Go service at the Ronald Williams Library to allow students, faculty and staff the ability to request and pick up physical materials from the library, limited I-Share and interlibrary loan partners. Grab & Go services were expanded to the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies in Fall 2020 and El Centro in 2021.
Study spaces were opened at the Ronald Williams library in addition to the Student Union.
Northeastern increased its graduate student enrollment by more than 10 percent. Graduate enrollment jumped from 1,723 students in Fall 2019 to 1,899 in Fall 2020. Northeastern also recorded the best fall-to-fall retention of first-time, full-time freshmen in a decade, according to the official Fall 2020 enrollment numbers.
NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
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2020 December
October The Illinois Board of Higher Education awarded Northeastern a $456,286 grant to help target equity in its recruitment and retention efforts. This federal CARES Act funding was one of nine Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund competitive grants totaling $3 million that IBHE awarded to public and private/non-profit institutions of higher education. Northeastern’s grant will support the establishment of a One-Stop Student Services Success Center and the implementation of best practices for mitigating barriers to initial and ongoing enrollment.
President Gloria J. Gibson delivered Northeastern’s first virtual State of the University address. Northeastern’s Center for Teaching and Learning organized a series of virtual workshops for faculty throughout the Fall 2020 term to provide opportunities for professional development.
Northeastern honored the May, August and December 2020 graduates with a series of virtual Commencement ceremonies, providing a fun, innovative and safe platform to celebrate the achievements of our graduates.
Northeastern’s Student Center for Science Engagement hosted its 12th annual symposium virtually for the first time. Its 2021 symposium was also held virtually on Oct. 1.
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January
February
Northeastern joined the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), a collection of more than 2,100 colleges and universities committed to expanding students’ access to educational opportunities by providing more efficient, consistent and effective regulation of online learning programs.
The Student Food Pantry partnered with the Greater Chicago Food Depository to offer fresh fruits and vegetables in addition to canned and other non-perishable items. Students continue to be able to order food through an online system and schedule socially distanced pick-ups. Undocumented Student Resources hosted a series of financial planning workshops for undocumented students and their familes throughout the Spring 2021 term.
NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
March Northeastern’s Genocide and Human Rights in Africa and the Diaspora (GHRAD) Center hosted its seventh annual conference virtually. It featured international scholars, artists and activists.
On March 11, President Gibson announced Northeastern would return to on-campus learning and work for Fall 2021, following local and federal guidelines. Student Health Services partnered with SHIELD Illinois to provide free COVID-19 testing on the Main Campus for the University community and the general public.
2021 April
May
June
Study spaces opened at El Centro.
Commencement ceremonies for Spring 2021 graduates were held virtually.
Northeastern became an official participant of the White House COVID-19 College Vaccination Challenge to ensure the campus community has access to reliable information about COVID-19, testing and vaccinations.
After a year’s hiatus, Northeastern hosted its 28th Student Research and Creative Activities Symposium as a virtual conference.
NEIU For You, a new initiative to cover the cost of tuition and fees for up to 12 credit hours for firsttime, full time freshman, and up to three credit hours for first-time undergraduate transfer students was launched.
In partnership with Heartland Health Centers, more than 10,000 COVID-19 vaccinations were administered to NEIU students, staff, faculty and the surrounding community.
August
September
Northeastern reopened all of its locations for inperson classes.
SHIELD Illinois COVID-19 testing expanded to CCICS and will expand to El Centro in October 2021.
The University instituted a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for students and employees on campus. The NEIU Vaccine Incentive Program (VIP) was launched to help motivate students and employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The program rewards students and employees with a food voucher and keychain for completing COVID-19 vaccination attestation forms and gives the University community a chance to win raffle prizes such as tuition scholarships and gift cards.
Northeastern partnered with Jewel-Osco Pharmacy to host a COVID-19 vaccination pop-up clinic at The Nest. Pop-up clinics were hosted during the Fall 2021 term and expanded to offer influenza vaccinations as well. After nearly 18 months without public performances, Northeastern’s Stage Center Theatre reopened, following the latest COVID-19 guidelines.
Northeastern announced that Juneteenth will become an official University holiday beginning in the 2021-22 academic year. On June 19, 1865, Gordon Granger, a Union general, arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed Black slaves that the Civil War ended nearly two years prior and they were free.
In an effort to to continue its commitment to education for all, Northeastern announced it will provide up to 15 tuition and fee waivers and a housing scholarship for qualified Afghan refugees who settle in Chicago or nearby areas. “Northeastern Illinois University is proud of its legacy as a lighthouse of hope and possibility for those historically excluded from the pursuit of higher education,” President Gloria J. Gibson said. “This legacy calls us to declare solidarity with all refugees displaced from their homes. Given that it was a Black Haitian, Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, who founded the city of Chicago, it is especially important to make explicit our sense of shared responsibility to create pathways of possibility for all refugees from Afghanistan to Haiti and beyond, and we welcome them to NEIU.”
As this issue goes to print, all Northeastern Illinois University locations are open and following the latest COVID-19 protocols established by Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and the City of Chicago. The University has an interim COVID-19 Policy and plan that incorporates a layered approach of health and safety measures to protect the NEIU community. NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
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The past is present at the Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs
T
he Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs was founded in 2011. Long before there was a Center in her honor, Dra. Angelina Pedroso, affectionately called “Doctora,” was a faculty member who inspired students, staff and fellow faculty members alike.
Her legacy lives on in the work of her Center and the people she inspired, including Dr. Dureen I. Wheeler, who was named Director of the Pedroso Center in Fall 2019. “When I first came to Northeastern, Doctora was one of the first female faculty members of color I met outside of my department,” Wheeler said. “Our offices were housed on the same floor. She thought I was a student and I was loving that she complimented me like that. I said, ‘No, I’m a new professor in the College of Education.’ She said, ‘Oh Professora! Love it! Love it!’ She welcomed me into her office, spent at least 30 minutes talking to me and she was so warm. After that, I would check in with her once a week to see how she was doing. I was really sad and it really hurt my heart when she passed away.” Dra. Pedroso died on Oct. 7, 2020, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 90 years old. Between Dra. Pedroso, who was also a Professor Emerita of World Languages and Cultures, and founding Associate Vice President of the Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs, former Dean of Academic Development and Professor Emerita of Teacher Education Murrell J. Higgins Duster, Wheeler feels the importance of her role and deeply connects with the Center’s mission. “I feel like I’ve got big shoes to fill in this position and I’m trying to do everything I can to continue the work of these remarkable women,” Wheeler said. “Dra. Pedroso was there for every student. She was a pillar of the community and she fought hard for students. She took you in, met you where you were and was accessible to you, whether you were in her program of study or not. She was there for you and would try to help in any way she could.” Wheeler, who originally came to Northeastern as a faculty member in 2006, said all of her personal experiences have helped shape her into who she is and the work she does. “As a first-generation college student I take that with me wherever I go, whether I’m a faculty member or in Student Affairs,” Wheeler said. “Because of my past experiences as a faculty and staff member, I’m able to understand the holistic vision of what I think higher education should be, how Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and the various services and communities need to work together to promote our students toward graduation. In my mind, it’s not just about getting them in the door; it’s about ensuring we have what we need so students can be successful at our particular institution and beyond.”
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NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
As the University began remote operations in March 2020, Wheeler and her team needed to move quickly to ensure the needs of students could still be met in a virtual environment. Wheeler credits her team of Assistant Director Valentina Gamboa-Turner and former Assistant Directors Dear Aunaetitrakul and Tim Mays—with stepping up, learning new technology and finding creative ways to continue to work with students off campus. Moving programming to virtual platforms presented the team with difficulties and successes. One of the biggest challenges was the team worked non-stop to meet the needs of students 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “If a student calls me, I don’t care if it’s 10 o’clock at night, if they need me I feel a responsibility to try to respond,” Wheeler said. “They could be calling me about COVID-19. They could be calling me because they had a death in the family. Whatever the reason, we just have to be there.” However, virtual programming also provided the Pedroso Center with an opportunity to grow its audience. “Even though it can be exhausting to be on Zoom so much, more people have attended programming virtually than when we were in the offices,” Wheeler said. “This has occurred for a number of reasons. In some cases, we’ve been able to host entire classes for programs if our topics matched their field of study. We also have a lot of busy adult learners at Northeastern. Now that so many people are working remotely, it’s given them the opportunity to join us without worrying about being late for work or having to rush home to take care of their families. So, my attitude has been when you get lemons, you make lemonade or lemon meringue pie, depending on what you fancy!” Wheeler’s biggest joy emulates Dra. Pedroso’s spirit, as she says
she feels most accomplished when she’s been able to assist someone else in achieving their goals. “When I can help a student solve a problem and that’s one less thing they have to worry about, that’s my biggest joy,” Wheeler said. “In 2020, I was able to advocate for a student and help them craft an email which in part led to them getting into the McNair program. Sometimes, just being able to be there and listen makes all the difference. Around Christmas, one of my student mentees was about to mark the anniversary of her father’s death and she just needed somebody to talk to. For me, if I can have a win for a student or a win for my team, then that’s what makes me happy.” The Pedroso Center marked its 10-year anniversary in Fall 2021. Wheeler hopes to honor the lives and legacies of Dra. Pedroso and Duster, who is currently working with Wheeler to compile a history of the Center. Wheeler is always encouraging people to get involved in the Center’s programming with ideas of how to best serve under-resourced University populations. “If you’re the kind of person that has a social justice lens, a restorative justice lens or are a transformational leader, then we want your assistance because those are the types of things we’re trying to do at the Pedroso Center,” Wheeler said. “The Pedroso Center is a lot of people’s ‘brave space,’ where they feel they can open up, have real conversations, be heard and have life-changing experiences. If you feel like you don’t belong anywhere else, you belong with us at the Pedroso Center and we will always welcome you.”
“The Pedroso Center is a lot of people’s ‘brave space,’ where they feel they can open up, have real conversations, be heard and have life-changing experiences. If you feel like you don’t belong anywhere else, you belong with us at the Pedroso Center and we will always welcome you.” -Dr. Dureen I. Wheeler
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Reshaping the Dream Each year, Northeastern Illinois University generally enrolls upwards of 200 undocumented students. Itzel Linares is one of those students. “If you have a diploma, you have more chances,” Linares said. “Northeastern is super friendly to undocumented students, which is one of the reasons I transfered.” Linares came to Northeastern after taking general education courses at the City Colleges of Chicago. Though the commute from the Little Village neighborhood to the Main Campus can take well over an hour, Linares believes it’s worth it. “I’m changing the American dream,” Linares said. “To me, the American dream is making my parents proud and embracing the diversity the United States has to offer. What better place to experience that diversity than NEIU? As a first-generation college student, I am the one paving the pathway for my sister and future family. I recognize I’m fortunate to be here.” Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the University stepped up in a number of ways for undocumented students. In 2020, nearly $10,000 was raised to assist students in funding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewals, which cost $495 and have to be renewed every two years. Northeastern’s Admissions Office created an online affidavit for undocumented students to ensure Illinios students are charged in-state versus out of state tution. Career Development hosted its first DACAmented and undocumented student resource fair to educate students about resources so they know how to apply their major even if they cannot be traditionally employed, especially if they don’t have DACA. Additionally, some students didn’t have the technology they needed to study remotely, namely a laptop and Wi-Fi. This prompted the University community to come together not just for undocumented students, but for all NEIU students who needed that support.
“Showing up for undocumented and DACAmented students consistently and with foresight is evidence of the University's commitment to inclusive excellence," Executive Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Shireen Roshanravan said. "These students bring invaluable perspectives on how to build a more equitable and inclusive university and a more just world for all. By doing right by these students, NEIU does right by all of us.” These efforts seem to be making a difference. The retention rate of Northeastern’s DACA and undocumented students from Fall 2019 to Spring 2020 was higher compared to the average student population. The six-year graduation rate for these students is also higher than that of Northeastern’s average student population. “Even though, across the board in higher education, students are not attending college in higher numbers during the pandemic, our undocumented students still have that ambition and desire to go to college and are coming to Northeastern,” former Director of Undocumented Student Resources Luvia Moreno said. “I think that the grit, resilience and persistence of our undocumented students, along with providing them with more access to scholarships, mental health support, a general accpetance of undocumented students on campus and presenting them with resources that are available to them, is helping our retention and graduation rates of undocumented students.” Linares, who hopes to graduate in Spring 2023 with a degree in Spanish and minor in Korean, hopes to be able to continue her/their education, is considering attending graduate school to major in Linguistics, and would like to eventually work as an interpreter for the United Nations. “I know that, because I’m undocumented, getting a job after graduting from NEIU will be challenging,” Linares said. “It’s a big worry. I like interpreting because I’ve always done it at home with my family, but I really enjoy being a bridge for people who don’t understand each other. Right now though, I’m getting to really enjoy making connections with students, faculty and staff and I see those connections are going to last me a lifetime. I find that beautiful.”
“To me, the American dream is making my parents proud and embracing the diversity the United States has to offer. What better place to experience that diversity than NEIU? As a first-generation college student, I am the one paving the pathway for my sister and future family. I recognize I’m fortunate to be here.” -Itzel Linares
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NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
The NEIU Foundation has several funds for undocumented students to receive support for their education. If you would like to contribute to any of these funds, please visit neiu.edu/undocumentedstudentaid Support Undocumented Students The Student Emergency Fund assists students who had budgeted for the semester but are now dealing with unexpected circumstances such as loss of wages or off-campus jobs due to business shutdown; costs to pivot to remote learning; traveling home unexpectedly; and other, unanticipated expenses due to interruptions caused by COVID-19. Your contribution via this platform will be designated for the benefit of undocumented students. The Undocumented Student Fund is an annually supported resource that enables Northeastern to better serve our undocumented students through programming, emergency support, travel assistance, and creating a pool of allies aware of the issues facing these students. The Aspire Scholarship is an endowed scholarship specifically for undocumented students. Contributions to the endowment increase the earning power of the scholarship, and allows more financial support for students every year. The Daniel Lopez Jr. Undocumented Student Fund is an endowed scholarship established by the former Vice President for Student Affairs at Northeastern Illinois University. The fund provides monetary assistance to an undocumented student enrolled at NEIU, including help to cover costs of books, and other necessary expenses while meeting the criteria defined in the fund agreement. The Jesus Guadalupe Foundation Endowment is an endowed scholarship to provide financial assistance to undocumented students to offset expenses of tuition, books, and/or fees. The applicant should be an undergraduate or graduate student in good academic standing. Preference shall be given when possible to students of Mexican origin who do not have documents proving their stay in the United States. The Teen Immigrant Scholarship supports NEIU students who migrated to the United States between the ages of 13 and 17, known as the "1.25 generation." This scholarship was inspired by Dr. Daysi Diaz-Strong, NEIU Alumna, and her research into the unique needs of these students who, despite the challenge in navigating an unfamiliar school system, complete their high school education here in the U.S. and enter into college life. Students will receive funding toward their tuition.
NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
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Stay 6 ft Apart
Facilities Workers Keep Northeastern Safe Northeastern’s Facilities workers—custodians, trades workers, grounds, and stationary engineers— have been working throughout the pandemic to ensure Northeastern’s buildings are safe for those who visit.
Though many students, faculty and staff worked remotely from Spring 2020 through the end of Summer 2021, some students and employees have been continuously on campus. As such, Facilities workers have been on campus providing the cleaning and maintenance services the University needs. “It is important for us to acknowledge the continued and dedicated hard work of Facilities Management staff, as well as University Technology Services and the University Police Department, all of whom remained on campus to provide in-person services during this pandemic,” Vice President of Finance and Administration Manish Kumar said. Facilities Management staff have been following their normal protocols for cleaning spaces at the Main Campus and the Carruthers Center. In addition to regular cleaning, these spaces are also being disinfected using an electrostatic fogger, which provides an electrical charge to disinfectants, allowing them to wrap conductive surfaces with an effective and even coverage. High-touch surfaces like handrails, door handles and light switches are receiving increased attention, and the University is in close contact with contractors at the Child Care Center and El Centro that are scheduled to disinfect these locations daily. One of the biggest initiatives that Facilities Management has undertaken during the past year has been improving all of its heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems by adding MERV 13 filters, as recommended by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). They also have maximized outside airflow while continuing to control temperatures within University standards. Additionally, Trades has also installed plexiglass and signage where necessary and Grounds has moved the furniture to allow for social distancing. “By working together, our employees ensured that campus remained operational, fully functional and ready for students, faculty and other staff members to return to campus in Fall 2021,” Kumar said. “These efforts were a tremendous undertaking and only achieved through the collaboration and dedication of all departments.”
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NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
remembering professor emeritus conrad worrill Dr. Conrad Walter Worrill, who taught at Northeastern Illinois University for more than 40 years and whose activism has been at the forefront of social and racial justice, African-centered education, African liberation and self-determination for people of African descent, died on June 3, 2020, after battling several major illnesses. He was 78 years old. “Dr. Conrad Worrill was a giant on the front lines of the fight for the humanity of and justice for Black people,” Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies (CCICS) Director and Interim Dean of the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education Dr. Andrea Evans said. “His impact and his reach extended to places around the world, but it was his work in Chicago, at the Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, where he helped to educate and transform the lives of countless students and community members with his words and by his deeds. At this moment in time, as the world grapples with the issues of racial injustice, Dr. Worrill’s life and his work loom large as a blueprint for the fight for social and racial equality. He leaves a significant and meaningful legacy at NEIU, at the Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies where he spent his 40 year career, in Chicago and beyond.” Worrill’s research and writings have advanced causes in educational restructuring, human rights, reparations, and political and economic empowerment for the Black community for more than half a century. He retired from Northeastern in 2016 and was then named Professor Emeritus. During his retirement, Worrill continued to advocate for an indoor track facility to be built on the South Side of Chicago. After 35 years, Worrill, who was an athlete in his youth and comes from a family of track runners, saw the Gately Park Indoor Track and Field Facility come into fruition. Worrill is survived by his wife, Arlina Worrill, and his daughters, Femi Skanes, Sobenna Worrill, Michelle Worrill and Kimberley Aisha King.
Read more about Dr. Conrad Worrill at neiu.edu/worrill
Employee Excellence Awards Northeastern Illinois University established an excellence award program to acknowledge, honor and award employees. Nominations were submitted by co-workers, faculty or self-nominations. Once submitted, all nominations were reviewed by the Employee Excellence Award Committee, which chose the awardees based on their contribution to student success; demonstration of overall excellence in work performance; deliverance of consistent and quality service; creative problem solving and initiatives; and commitment to fostering growth through leadership and teamwork. 2020 Administrative & Professional/Civil Service Annual Employee Excellence Award recipients: • John Cahill, Administrative and Professional, Learning Support Center • Kip Conwell, Civil Service, Biology • Billie Kersh, Administrative and Professional, Teacher Quality Education • Asia Momim, Civil Service, Health Services
2021 Administrative & Professional/Civil Service Annual Employee Excellence Awards recipients: • Jennifer Lasko, Civil Service, Health Services • Niroshi Meegoda, Civil Service, Chemistry • Maria Lamadrid-Quevedo, Administrative and Professional, El Centro • Mildred Crespo, Administrative and Professional, El Centro
NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
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NEIU Foundation I first want to wish you and your loved ones health and happiness. In the past two fiscal years that perhaps few would have anticipated, it is heartening to know that the Northeastern Illinois University community rose to the occasion to support NEIU’s students through a time of crisis. In mid-March 2020, nearly all fundraising efforts pivoted focus to the Student Emergency Fund. To date, the Foundation has distributed more than $175,000 in grants to 580 students.
Leader Fund, the General Scholarship Fund, and in support of the groundbreaking NEIU for You initiative. Flexible support for scholarships and emergency needs remains a high priority in this current fiscal year.
Our diversified and conservative investment portfolio weathered the market fluctuations of FY2020 quite well, such that we were able to preserve and increase the drawdown for scholarships. In FY2021, the year ended with a remarkable increase in endowment market value, to $17.4M from $13.7M thanks to donor contributions and overall market return. Our commitment is to ensure consistent and lasting intergenerational support for the University through prudent fiduciary oversight of Foundation assets.
Moving forward in an environment in which the only certainty is, in fact, ongoing uncertainty, the Foundation continues forward with conviction of purpose to expand our work and contribute to the prosperity of this exceptional University. On behalf of my fellow Foundation Board members, thank you for your continued investment in the students, faculty, and staff of Northeastern Illinois University.
In response to the national call for social justice and racial equity, in summer 2020, President Gibson announced the establishment of the George Floyd Social Justice Scholarship. The scholarship quickly exceeded its initial $50,000 goal and is now awarded to outstanding students with a demonstrated commitment to social justice. Donor support has also made a world of difference in the Foundation’s
Stay safe.
John F. Roskopf President NEIU Foundation Board
NEIU Foundation Board Fiscal Year 2020-2021
Emeriti Board Members
John F. Roskopf
Lawrence P. Frank
Kenn Ashley
Mark Van Ausdal
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Corporate Secretary
Olga Camargo
Jaime di Paulo
Gregg Friedman
Sara Galvan Orozco
Jagannath Bobji
Rodrigo Garcia
Student Member
Northeastern Illinois University Foundation Board members who serve for three consecutive terms (nine years total) are eligible for Emeriti Board Member status. This designation honors and recognizes the commitment of those members who served with loyalty and distinction, who provided leadership and direction, and who fulfilled a commitment to service that advanced the Foundation’s mission to support Northeastern Illinois University. Charles Berg* Theodore Biedron Jack Butler Andrea Davey Robert L. Donahue* Neal Fenwick Randy Franklin Robert D. Gecht Thomas R. Gramins William Hetzel*
Hilton Leibow* John Gingell William O. Maki Joseph Monastero Amalia Monterroso Thomas F. Power Jr. Richard K. Rogers* Jerome M. Sachs* Ralph Collins Walter
(*Denotes posthumous members)
Sharon K. Hahs
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Margaret Laurino
Marcellus H. Moore, Jr.
NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
J. Todd Phillips
Salme Harju Steinberg
Giving Societies
The NEIU Foundation is grateful for the generosity of alumni and friends who provided financial support during Fiscal Year 2020 and Fiscal Year 2021.
2020-2021 Cumulative Giving Recognition The President’s Circle is cumulative-based and measures total giving. Members receive invitations to exclusive events. In addition, members qualify for the University’s highest recognition awarded to benefactors of the institution: The Wentworth Prize. This prize is given by the NEIU Foundation and recognizes the significant investment made by donors in support of the University’s Mission.
Gold
Silver
Bronze
$1,000,000 +
$500,000 -$999,999
$100,000 - $499,999
• Dr. Bernard J. Brommel *
• Anonymous
• Ms. Sasha L. Gerritson and Mr. Eugene P. Jarvis
• The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
• Anonymous (2) • The Chicago Community Trust • First USA Bank, N.A. • Dr. Lawrence P. Frank • Lloyd A. Fry Foundation • Greater Milwaukee Foundation - Donald P. Timm Fund • President Emerita Sharon Hahs and Dr. Billy Hahs • Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County • The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc. • Mr. James Kaszubowski* • Estate of Mary Krebs Smyth
• Mr. Daniel L. Goodwin • JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
* Indicates deceased
• Dr. Jacqueline Krump • Mrs. Shirley Leibow* and Mr. Hilton Leibow* • Ms. Leslie W. MacDonald • Dr. Calixto J. Masó • Alice K. Murata, Ph.D. • Mr. Thomas F. Power Jr. and Mrs. Loretta Power • Revada Foundation of the Logan Family • Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Rocci • Dr. Charles W. Shabica and Mrs. Susan Shabica • President Emerita Salme Harju Steinberg and Dr. Michael Steinberg • United Student Aid Funds, Inc. • University of Chicago
2020 Annual Giving Recognition (July 1, 2019-June 30, 2020) The Wentworth Society builds upon the University’s history as an important educational institution within the city of Chicago. It is named for Daniel Sanborn Wentworth, founding superintendent of the Cook County Normal School, and the dates associated with it reflect significant milestones in Northeastern’s history. Membership in this society is based on annual giving, and members receive unique benefits including exclusive invitations to events to learn about the University’s new initiatives.
1867
Founded as Cook County Normal School in Blue Island
$50,000 + • Anonymous • Julius N. Frankel Foundation
1949
• Ms. Sasha L. Gerritson and Mr. Eugene P. Jarvis • Alice K. Murata, Ph.D.
• Revada Foundation of the Logan Family
Named Chicago Teachers College North
$25,000 - $49,999 • Ms. Lauran Bromley and Ms. Myrna Bromley • Community Partners
1967
• Field Foundation of Illinois LLC • Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County
• Estate of Mary Krebs Smyth • Dr. Jacqueline Krump
Named Northeastern Illinois State College
$10,000 - $24,999 • Anonymous • Dr. A. Michael Drachler and Mrs. Nancy Drachler • Ehrlich Family Trust • Ms. Susan T. Forgue • Dr. Lawrence P. Frank • Mr. Leonard Goodman • Mr. Daniel L. Goodwin
1971
• Greater Milwaukee Foundation - Donald P. Timm Fund • The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc. • Dr. Patricia A. Justice • Ms. Lilly Fallah Lawrence • National Center for Women & Information Technology • PayPal • Poetry Foundation
• Ms. Linda Sienkiewicz • Southern Illinois University Foundation • President Emerita Salme Harju Steinberg and Dr. Michael Steinberg • Waukegan Community Unit School District #60
Granted Status as a University
$5,000 - $9,999 • AARP Foundation • After School Matters, Inc. • Anonymous • Art Institute of Chicago • Mr. Jagannath Bobji • Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, LLC • Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta • Crossroads Fund
• Facebook Campaigns • President Gloria J. Gibson • Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement • Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund • Dr. Nancy A. Matthews and Dr. Lisa Frohmann • Mrs. Lois G. Melvoin • Mr. Javad Naghavi • Dr. Audrey L. Reynolds
• Ms. Sheila L. Rotman • Santa Fe Community Foundation • Ms. Christine Schmidt • The Schmitt Family Charitable Foundation • Mr. Daniel D. Toscano and Mrs. Tresa Toscano • Mr. Mark R. Van Ausdal and Mrs. Cheryl Van Ausdal • The Family of Arnold and Adele Weil • Ms. Jane Zera NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
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2020-2021 Founders Society The Founders Society recognizes donors who notify the University that they have included Northeastern in their estate plans. We are grateful to all who choose to leave legacy gifts. • Anonymous (2)
• Rory Donnelly * • Ms. Debra L. Foyo
• Mr. Richard C. Lindberg and Ms. Denise K. Lindberg
• Ms. Melba Rodriguez and Dr. Angela M. Salas
• Dr. Jennifer R. Banas • Dr. Harold E. Berlinger *
• Estate of Ronald Lee Fritz
• Dr. Victoria Lott and Mr. Ernest Lott
• Mrs. Marta Masó Sayeed and Mr. Hassan Sayeed
• Mr. Richard M. Berlinger
• Mr. John P. Goldman
• Ms. Leslie W. MacDonald
• Ms. Judith Schust
• Mr. Lawrence Bernstein
• Mrs. Marilyn L. Gregory
• Dr. Elyse J. Mach
• Ms. Linda S. Sienkiewicz
• Mr. Stewart E. Brekke
• Mr. Peter S. Groepper
• Dr. Blase E. Masini
• Dr. Edward F. Stuart
• Dr. Bernard J. Brommel *
• Dr. Maurice G. Guysenir
• Estate of Marion Molyneaux
• Ms. Edith A. Taylor *
• Mr. Blair Brommel
• Mr. Joseph Hardy *
• Ms. Debra J. Niemann
• Mr. Donald P. Timm *
• Mr. and Mrs. Bradley J. Brommel
• Estate of Kay W. Hilton
• Mr. Dirk Tussing
• Mr. Brent Brommel
• Ms. Barbara A. Joabson
• Dr. Charles R. Pastors and Mrs. Debbie M. Pastors
• Mr. Brian Brommel
• Ms. Donna Terry Katz
• Ms. Michaela A. Brommel
• Mr. Martin J. Kral
• David P. Dewar, Ph.D.
• Estate of Mary Krebs Smyth
• Ms. Sheila L. Rotman
• June M. Verbillion, Ed.D. *
• Mr. and Mrs. William D. Pollakov
• Ms. Barbara D. Waller
• Dr. Carl J. Ratner
• Mr. George C. Williams
• Dr. Audrey Reynolds • Ms. Ana I. Rodriguez
Fiscal Year 2020 Leader Society
The Leader Society is Northeastern’s foundational society and is based on annual giving. The name reflects the University’s mission of “preparing a diverse community of students for leadership and service.” Visionary
($2,500 - $4,999) ACCO Brands USA LLC Amalgamated Charitable Foundation Mr. Emanuel Cruz DePaul University Mr. Mike M. Dizon and Mrs. Nikki Dizon Mr. Michael Downey and Ms. Liesl Downey Mrs. Fern and Dr. Sanford Finkel President Emerita Sharon Hahs and Dr. Billy Hahs Michael and Mona Hines William L. Howenstine and Alice V. Howenstine Illinois Humanities Ms. Donna Terry Katz Ms. Jean A. Kelchauser Korean American Language & Literature Association Jo Lum Ms. Leslie W. MacDonald Dr. Blase E. Masini Julian Grace Foundation Mr. and Mrs. William D. Pollakov Richard C. and Margaret V. Romano Charitable Trust Mr. John F. Roskopf
✏
Champion
($1,000 - $2,499) Dr. Tony Adams and Dr. Gerardo Moreno Dr. Anita K. Ambardar American Campus Communities OP LP Anonymous Mr. Kenn Ashley and Mrs. Lyn Ashley Dr. Saba Ayman-Nolley Mr. Dean Badolato Mr. Alan Becker and Mrs. Mary J. Becker Believe in Students, Inc. Dr. Katrina E. Bell-Jordan Mr. Terrence Black James and Margaret Blair Mr. Erik R. Blomstedt Ms. Anita G. Brandes Brazile and Associates, LLC Bridgeport Volunteer Center Dr. Howard J. Bultinck Mr. John L. Butler Campus Compact
Center for Economic Research and Social Change Mrs. Joyce T. Chen Chimera Loft LLC The Claremont Colleges Dr. R. Shayne Cofer Ms. Lisa A. Domkowski KT Duffy Dr. Ghobad Fakhimi Dr. Don J. Fanslow Mr. Neal Fenwick and Mrs. Christina Dann-Fenwick Ms. Evelyn M. Figueroa Frances E. Streit Foundation Mr. Marvin Garcia Mr. Rodrigo Garcia Dr. Francisco Gaytán and Ms. Deborah Birch-Gaytán Ms. Donna L. Goering Dr. Phyllis K. Goldblatt Mr. Chuck Good and Mr. Grant Peterson Mr. Thomas R. Gramins and Mrs. Mary Gramins Dr. Jon B. Hageman and Ms. Susan Bax Mr. John Hjalmarson Dr. Sandra A. Hunt Dr. Phyllis A. Hurt Illinois Tool Works Inc. Mr. David Kamper and Mrs. Amelia Mechla Ms. Mary T. Keating Ms. Jane H. Kenas-Heller Dr. Hoa T. Khuong Charlene R. Kornoski-DuVall and James DuVall Ms. Susan S. Langan The Honorable Margaret Laurino Ms. Huong T. T. Le Dr. Daniel López Jr. and Mr. Gregory J. Beirise Maine Community Foundation Ms. Kathleen A. Martin Ms. Cynthia Mason Mr. Brian McGowan Mrs. Ann McNabb and Mr. Daryl McNabb Dr. and Mrs. Michael Z. Meer Ms. Diana Mehrabian Dr. Kennith Miller and Mrs. Brenda L Miller Ms. Maria P. Morgan Mr. and Mrs. Brandon and Jessica Mueller National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture Ms. Debra J. Niemann Mr. Billy Ocasio Dr. T.Y. Okosun Ms. Lydia C. Omori
Mr. Jim Palos Mr. Jorge D. Perez Dr. Suleyma Perez and Dr. Santos Rivera Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Lenore Pettinger Mr. and Mrs. J. Todd Phillips Ms. Kris M. Pierre Mr. Thomas F. Power Jr. and Mrs. Loretta Power Dr. Dennis M. Rome Mr. and Mrs. Douglas G. Rosskamm Mrs. Marta Masó Sayeed and Mr. Hassan Sayeed Mr. Robert W. Schaack Dr. Charles W. Shabica and Mrs. Susan Shabica Ms. Victoria M. Skala Dr. Jennifer Slate Mr. and Mrs. Hank H. Slingerland Nancy Ashley Spencer Dr. Charles R. Steinwedel and Dr. Francesca C. Morgan Dr. Peter W. Stonebraker Szkola Glowna Handlowa Nazwa Mrs. Damaris Tapia and Mr. Santiago E. Tapia Tellabs Foundation Mr. Thomas W. Vogelsang Mr. Joel Weisman and Mrs. Analee Weisman
✏
Achiever
($500 - $999) Dr. Paulo H. Acioli AFSCME Local 2806/Mid-South FCRC Alpha Psi Lambda Rho Chapter A American Psychological Association Dr. Jacqueline R. Anderson Anonymous Aspira, Inc. of Illinois Mr. Tom P. Benson Dr. Sandra D. Beyda-Lorie Ms. Jan Bigalke Mr. William Blomquist Ms. Barbara A. Botz Mr. John B. Butler and Mrs. Coralie C. Butler Mrs. Olga Camargo-Alvarez and Mr. Jaime Alvarez Mr. Jay Case and Mrs. Karen Case Classic Kids Photography Mr. Danny Crawford and Mrs. Claudia Crawford Mrs. Mimi Crespo and Dr. John Erickson Ms. Margie Criner Dr. Essam Elshafie Evans Family Philanthropy
Ms. Cherie Formacion Dr. John V. Fraire FUSEDChicago Mrs. Carolyn Gardner * and Mr. John Gardner Ms. Robyn R. Gilliom Mrs. Sally S. Gotaas Mr. Joseph Grant Mr. Steven R. Harris Dr. Robert A. Heitzinger Arnold and Kathleen Henning Mr. John Hilburger Ms. Paula Hild Prof. Donald L. Hoffman Mrs. Carrie A. Horton Mrs. Cheryl Hylton and Mr. Jeffrey Hylton Illinois Latino Council on Higher Education Dr. Brooke Johnson Mr. Mahyar Kavoosi Dr. and Mrs. M. Khodadad Dr. Jules M. Lerner Dr. Maria E. Luna-Duarte Mr. Tom Lyon Dr. Elyse J. Mach Mr. Conrad May and Mrs. Mary May Ms. Leone M. McDermott Mr. Mark P. McKernin Mr. Bryan K. Moore and Ms. Carla D. Boddy Ms. Rita M. Moore Mr. and Mrs. James P. Morgan Mr. Michael and Mrs. Elizabeth Mulhern Mr. Jose Angel Navejas Dr. Emmanuel Nyadroh and Mrs. Solace Nyadroh Mrs. Dorothy J. Oakley Ms. Erica M. Ordinario Dr. Alice M. Pennamon Mr. John D. Pirog and Ms. Carol A. Pirog Ms. Natalie Brouwer Potts Ms. Carrie D. Reffitt Ms. Louise K. Reighard Ms. Elizabeth Reinke Mr. John H. Roberts Mr. Anthony Rodriguez Dr. Elizabeth M. Rodriguez Mr. Eric Rojas and Mrs. Jillian Rojas Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Ross Ms. Henrietta T. Saunders Mr. Victor A. Sciborski Mrs. Barbara G. Sholle Ms. Fatima Siddiqua Dr. Sudha Srinivas Dr. Richard Swanson and Mrs. Patricia Swanson
✏
✏ Class Gift Donors are typically graduating seniors who make a parting gift to the Class Gift Scholarship, which began in 1996 and now one of Northeastern's largest scholarship funds * Indicates deceased 28
NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Mr. and Mrs. Taheri Mr. Howard Teich and Mrs. Vernell Crosby Teich Ms. Sharon K. Todd Mr. Joseph Torres Ms. Luvia M. Valentin Mr. Larry A. Vigon Mr. Karl T. Voigt Ms. Lisa C. Wallis Whole Foods Market Mr. and Mrs. Terrence J. and Mary Winkler Zhonggang Zeng, Ph.D.
Builder
($100 - $499) Ms. Joan F. Abrams Accenture Dr. Rachel Adeodu Mr. Paul Aeschleman Dr. Jaafar Afshar Ms. Ashley K. Agron Mr. Ratib A. Al-Ali Ms. Leslie Alter Mr. Mohammad Amini Ms. Marsha K. Amraen Mr. Peter L. Andersen Charles A. Anderson, D.M.A. Mr. Kent Anderson Mr. William R. Anderson Ms. Lorene F. Andrewnovitz Anonymous (3) Mr. Frank J. Anselmo Jr. Mr. Eddie Arabu Ms. Gail A. Archibald Mr. William C. Ayers Mr. Rama Ayman Dr. Iraj Ayman Mr. Farshid Azarafrooz Dr. Carlos M. Azcoitia Mr. Arthur Baden and Mrs. Laura Baden Mr. Mohsen Bahmani-Oskooee and Ms. Negar Hamidpour-Oskooee Dr. Jennifer R. Banas Mr. K. Banayan Mr. Scott W. Barnett Dr. Timothy P. Barnett Ms. Mary E. Barrett Mrs. Ina L. Bassler Ms. Mary A. Perry Bates Dr. Jeanne C. Baxter Mrs. Kathleen A. Bearden Mr. Douglas Beardsley Mr. Jeffrey Beckman and Ms. Helene Pearlman Beckman Dr. and Mrs. John A. Beckwith Dr. Michael D. Bedell Mr. Kirk S. Bennett Mr. Donald P. Bergsrud Mrs. Leslie D. Berman Dr. Rebecca Berman Dr. Sharon Bethea Dr. Anthony J. Bilotti Mrs. Dorina Bizhga Ms. Jennifer R. Blair Mr. Joel Bleifuss Mr. John Bliss Ms. Marla M. Bolin Ms. Emily A. Booms Ms. Jessica Bouboulis Dr. Georgia L. Bozeday Ms. Mary F. Brennan Dr. Richard Hart Brewer and Dr. Mary Ann Schwartz Mr. James Broderick Ms. Kathleen A. Brown Ms. Sherry L. Brown Ms. Valerie R. Brown Mr. Michael D. Bruce Ms. Lynn C. Bryan Dr. Marcia Buell Ms. Gabriela Buitron Vera Mr. Kyle E. Burke Rachel Burton Mr. Brian S. Buscher Dr. Vicki F. Byard Mr. Osvaldo Caballero Ms. Anna Cannova and Mr. Cary Cannova Ms. Ramona Casares Mrs. Mary Jane Cascino Ms. Susan R. Casey Ms. Margaret E. Casey Dr. John P. Casey Ms. Maria Casimiro Ms. Katherine Catron Ms. Mary Ellen E. Channon Charities Aid Foundation of America
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Dr. Amina Chaudhri Ms. Nanci Chesek Chevy Chase Country Club Chicago Opera Theater Mr. Robert J. Cisek* Ms. Christina M. Cogswell Mrs. Julie A. Cohen Mrs. Diana Cole Dr. Barbara A. Cook Ms. Chaelecia Y. Cooper Mr. Kevin C. Cooper Ms. Joanetta Copeland Mr. Thomas A. Corfman Mrs. Lynette Correa-Velez Mr. Aaron Cortes Mr. Todd L. Crawford Prof. Daniel Creely and Mrs. Kathleen Creely Mr. David Criner Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop Dr. Julio Cruz Mr. Van P. Cushing Mr. Mancer J. Cyr Mrs. Sylvia Daniels and Mr. Thurston Daniels III Mr. Michael Dao and Dr. Bich-Dao Nguyen Prof. Lesa Davis Mr. Denis DeCamp and Mrs. Dianne DeCamp Mr. Shyam M. Dedaniya Mr. Christopher Deger Ms. Sonya Dekhtyar Ms. Diba Derakhshan Mrs. Diane DiMaso and Mr. Nick DiMaso Ms. Diane R. Doll Ms. Jane Dominowski Dr. Timothy J. Duggan Mr. Lotte Dula Prof. Stephen Dundis and Mrs. Jo Ann Dundis Mr. Stephen J. Dunnett Mr. Travis E. DuPriest GFF Foundation Golf Tech Dr. Sherry Eagle Ms. Nancy L. Easton Dr. Lincoln L. Eaton Ms. Liz Edwards Mr. Ralph Egan Ekbatan 19 Productions LLC Ensemble Español Ms. Jaleh Esmaili Mrs. Marjorie Ettlinger and Mr. Richard Ettlinger Dr. Andrea E. Evans Ms. Claire E. Falk Ms. Ruth Fallenbaum Mr. Mateo M. Farzaneh Burt Ferrini Mr. Adan Figueroa Ms. Jacqueline R. Fitzgerald
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Mr. Timothy E. Fleming Mr. Edward J. J. Flynn Mrs. Patricia H. Flynn Ms. Cherie Formacion Mrs. Rachel E. Fowler Fox Lake Country Club Randy Franklin and Associates Lt. Col. Leslie Fraze and Lt. Col. Kenneth Fraze Mr. Robert E. Freeman Jr. Robert Frey Dr. Nancy A. Friedman Dr. Laurie S. Fuller Ms. Barbara Fumo and Mr. Donald Fumo Mr. Steven J. Gag and Ms. Laura J. Gang Mr. Paul E. Gagliardi Dr. Aneta E. Galary Mrs. Mary L. Gall Ms. Emily M. Gallagher Mr. Gerald Garbis and Mrs. Toula Garbis Ms. Emily M. Garcia Dr. Maria Teresa Garreton Dr. Suzanne Gaskins Dr. Gerald R. Gems Mr. Stanley J. Getch Walt and Nan Giblin Mr. Thomas Ginsburg Dr. Ron L. Glick Ms. Stacey Goguen Ms. Amanda E. Goldblatt Mr. Lewis D. Goldstein Dr. Christina Gomez and Mr. Gerald Doyle Mr. Kerald V. Gonzales Ms. Elizabeth R. Gordon Mrs. Catherine Gorzynski and Mr. Robert Gorzynski Mr. Robert S. Grabemann Mr. Gary A. Green Mr Brian Greenwood Mr. Jon C. Grettie Ms. Mary A. Griesinger Ms. Demetrice D. Griffin Miss Gerardine Griffin Ms. Nancy Griffin Ms. Diane C. Grigg Ms. Kim Grigsby Mr. Charles Grode Mr. Anthony W. Gruba Ms. Lynn H. Gullickson Spencer Mr. Raymond Gunn and Mrs. Rose Gunn Mr. Robert Haas* Ms. Susan S. Haery Dr. Jill M. and Dr. Richard W. Hallett Mr. Kevin Hamilton Mr. Mark S. Hammersmith Dr. Karen E. Hand Mr. Max D. Hansen
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Dr. Jarice K. Hanson Ms. Jane Hassinger Jane S. Hawley, Ph.D. Mrs. Amalea Hendricksen and Mr. Daniel Hendricksen Ms. Noreen A. Hernandez Dra. Neida Hernandez Prof. Joseph E. Hibdon Jr. Mrs. Libby Hill and Mr. Winfred Hill Ms. Marcia Hilliard and Andre Gloeckner Mrs. Karen K. Hiyama Mrs. Cynthia Ho and Mr. Joseph Ho Dr. Durward Hofler and Mrs. Carol Hofler Mr. Michael Holland and Ms. Mary Holland Ms. Kimberly Hong Dr. Aaron Horne Mrs. Patricia Horne Dr. A.H. Hosseinian and Mrs. S. Hosseinian Mr. Paul M. Hughes Dr. Raymond Hylton Ms. Elizabeth Iehl Illinois Higher Education Art Association Ms. Sharon Irish Dr. Rockni Jalili Mr. Todd M. Janousek Mr. Heshimu H. Jaramogi* Ms. Charlene R. Jefferson-Johnson Mr. Daniel Jimenez and Mrs. Margie Jimenez The Joffrey Ballet Mr. Eric M. Johnson Mr. Andrew L. Johnson Mayor Craig B. Johnson Ms. Marge A. Johnsson Bennett Johnston Mr. Jerold Jones and Mrs. Susan Jones Ms. Emma Jordan-Simpson Ms. Jennifer Juarez Mr. Richard H. Jung Dr. Nabil Kahouadji Dr. Ann P. Kalayil Kale Realty Mrs. Cheryl Kaplan and Mr. Allen Kaplan Mr. Ahmad M. Kashani Mr. Barry N. Katz Ms. Charlotte E. Keer Mr. John A. Kelly Jr. Prof. Spencer Kelly Dr. Jane Kenner Ms. Theresa Kern Mahmoud Khalili, Ph.D. Ms. Julie H. Kim Ms. Marian E. Kinsella Mr. Nawat Kitiworawat Dr. Carla Knorowski Ms. Gillian B. Kohler Ms. Ahoo Kosari
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NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
29
Ms. Helmut Mueller Mr. Jose Muños Mrs. Beth A. Murphy Ms. Helen Murray and Mr. Henry Dwyer Mr. John M. Murray MVS, LLC My Chicago Golf Ms. Kimberly S. Myers Mr. Luis Narvaez Mr. Michael Nash and Mrs. Kathleen Nash Mr. Felix D. Nater NEIU Community and Professional Education (CAPE) Program Ms. Alison E. Nelson Mr. James T. Nguyen Dr. Job E. Ngwe Ms. Laura L. Nichols Mr. Arthur J. Niwinski Dr. Wamucii Njogu and Mr. Richard Morgan The Northbrook Symphony Ms. Carol M. Novak Mr. Michael J. Nowicki Dr. Jeanine Ntihirageza Mr. John A. Nuebling Dr. Kara B. Nuss Mrs. Nora C. O’Mahoney Mrs. Donna Oberhardt and Mr. William Oberhardt Mr. Daniel C. Ojeda Dr. Joel Olfelt Ms. Araceli Onate Mr. Michael A. Orona Mr. Abdiel Ortega Mr. Fausto Ortiz Mr. Luis O. Ortiz Dr. Kristen L. Over Dr. Christopher S. Owen Panic Brewing, LLC Ms. Yolaluis Perez-Padgett and Mr. Timothy J. Padgett Ms. Barbara C. Parikh Dr. Cheryl J. Park Reverend Won K. Park Parson Partners Mrs. Heather Patay and Mr. Edward Patay Ms. Uma Patel Mr. Hasmukh J. Patel Ms. Kimberley J. Pavlock Mr. Jerome Michael Pendergast and Ms. Kathleen Ann Craine Dr. Shayne D. Pepper Mrs. Linda R. Peters Ms. Cathy A. Petersen Ms. Constance K. Pettinger Mr. Mohan Phatak Mrs. Brittany A. Pines Dr. Ryan H. Poll Ms. Freddy A. Porps Mr. David Potash Ms. Rignesha H. Prajapati Mr. Donald L. Price Ms. Eleanor C. Prince Mr. Gary & Linda Pulford and Mrs. Linda Pulford Dr. Isaura B. Pulido Ms. Jaq A. Quanbeck Ms. Madeline M. Rabb Mr. Thomas Q. Radigan Ms. Therese M. Radke Ewa Radwanska, M.D. Ms. Phyllis J. Raine Mrs. Sharon S. Rakowski Mr. Leonard G. Ramirez Ms. Analicia Ramos Ms. Asma S. Raouf Mr. Howard I. Rattner Ms. Melissa Reardon Henry and Mr. Brendan Henry Dr. Janet Reed and Mr. Thomas Reed Ms. Virginia R. Reed Mr. Gregory Franklin F. Rehner Reverend Linda L. Reichstadter Mr. Gilberto Remigio Jr. Mr. James Rendel Mr. Edwin Reyes Dr. Lynne Reynolds Dr. Parto Rezai and Mrs. Merikh Rowshan Mrs. Bonnie E. Rhodes Dr. Margaret Richek-Goldberg and Mr. Perry Goldberg Ms. Nancy Rickett Mr. Henry Cappy Ricks Ms. Patricia A. Riley Mr. Dan I. Rippeteau Mr. Edward F. Ritthamel Jr. Ms. Angelica Rivera Dr. Richard J. Robertson Mr. Edward A. Robinson Mr. Hans H. Roderich Ms Veronica Rodriguez
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KPMG Foundation Mr. Martin J. Kral Dr. Effie P. Kritikos Mr. Clarence Krygsheld and Mrs. Faye Krygsheld Ms. Beth Kucera-Allison Ms. Kimberly R. Kuhns Ms. Beverly Kuzman Ms. Rebeca R. Lamadrid-Quevedo Mrs. Susan E. Landwer Larry Asimow Landscaping Mr. Jerome Lattyak and Mrs. Dorothea Lattyak Dr. David E. Leaman and Dr. Marva E. Williams Ms. Janice Lee Jins Lee Mr. Lyon Leifer and Mrs. Paula Leifer Dr. Jian Li Ms. Sharon G. Lieberman Ms. Janice E. Linn Mrs. Colette Linnihan Mr. Brandon E. Lipman Mr. Michael Lippitz Ms. Flora M. Llacuna James and Sally Lockwood Mr. Steven E. Lotz Dr. James Lucas and Dr. Martha Thompson Mr. Roberto Lugo Jr. Mr. Marlon Lyles Ms. Christina L. Madda Mr. Anthony M. Mallerdino Dr. Maximo Marin and Ms. Ana Marin Ms. Felicia Masas Ms. Carmen Masó Ms. Lily A. Maso and Mr. Frank Blinkal
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Ms. Marta E. Masó Mr. Scott T. Mayle Mr. Kevin M. McCaffrey Ms. Kathleen McDonald Mr. James P. McDunn Ms. Cheryl A. McFarlin Mr. Kevin McGirr Ms. Mary Catherine McGovern Mr. Matthew McIntee Mr. Thomas McLaughlin Ms. Alice Medenwald Mr. David W. Merrill Ms. Andrea Michaels Ms. Margaret M. Michalski Mr. Mark S. Michelini Sophia Mihic Ms. Iris J. Millán Ms. Christie L. Miller Dr. Denana Miodragovic Ms. Betty N. Mishkin Mr. David Mitchell Dr. Patricia D. Mizerka Mr. Hassan A. Moghadam Mr. Mario Monrroy Prof. Cynthia Moran and Eric Scholl Ms. Renee G. Morelli Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Morgan Mr. Jeffrey and Mrs. Laura Morgan Ms. Deborah Morris Ms. Marybeth Morris Jo Mortland Mr. Robert W. Morton Ms. D. Lynne Mueller
NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
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Ms. Tricia Rosado Mrs. Roberta C. Rosenfeld Rosh Management, Inc. Mr. Lawrence R. Roth Mrs. Terri Rothstein Prof. Edie Rubinowitz Ms. Jane Ruda Dr. Linda M. Rueckert Mr. Gerardo Ruiz Mrs. Irma M. Ruiz Ms. Melva Ryan Faramarz Salimi M.D. Ms. Kimberly M. Sanborn Ms. Diana Sanchez Mrs. Audrey I. Sanderson Ms Lynne R. Sandman Ms. Sandra M. Sansone Brennan Dr. Esther Santana Ms. Maria L. Santiago The Honorable Milly Santiago Mrs. Victoria Santiago Ms. Maria Santillan Mr. Sergio Santillan Dr. Timothy H. Scherman Dr. Zachary S. Schiffman Mr. Richard Schillo Ms. Kathryn Schmidt Mr. G. N. Schori Ms. Rosalie M. Schultz Ms. Mary-Lou Sciame-Carta Dr. Nahid Shafiei and Mrs. Shams Shafiei Ms Shikha Sharma Ms. Barb S. Shepard Dr. Allen Shub and Mrs. Susan Shub Mrs. Eleanor Shunas and Mr. William Shunas Ms. Karen Silton Prof. Suresh Singh Dr. Paul Sipiera and Mrs. Diane Sipiera Six Flags Great America Dr. Katherine A. Smith Society for Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic Psychology Ms. Maryam Sohhani Mrs. Joginder Sood Ms. Aspasia Soura-Adamopoulos Mr. Stephen R. Spencer Dr. Wendy M. Stack Ms. Patrice Stearley Ms. Karen Stelling Farina Dr. Michael J. Stern Mr. John Stevenson Mr. Terrance A. Stevenson Dr. Felicia P. Stewart Ms. Carla C. Stewart-Edelston Prof. Emina A. Stojkovic Mr. Michael Strohmayer and Mrs. Elizabeth Strohmayer Mr. Christopher R. Sulla Ms. Christine L. Swanson Mr. Alan E. Szafraniec Dr. Marcelo Sztainberg and Mrs. Marcela Sztainberg Target Mr. Fredric Tarnow and Mrs. Beverly Tarnow Dr. Cris E. Toffolo and Dr. Charles Amjad-Ali Ms. Mary R. Traynor Malloy Ms. Julianne Trubac Henington Mr. Kenneth Tsunoda Mr. Richard Tupper Mr. Nikolay T. Tzanov Mrs. Susan G. Uribe Mr. Christian V. van Buskirk Ms. Miriam Varela Ms. Paola E. Vargas Ms. Ana Vargas Dr. William H. Vasilakis Mr. Luis A. Vazquez Ms. Mary Verne Mr. Edward C. VerVers II Ms. Elizabeth Villarreal Ms. Susan S. Wallen Mr. Zhiwei Wang Ms. Sandra L. Watson-Smith Mrs. Janet Weeks and Mr. Norman Weeks Mr. Brant C. Weidner Jane Weintraub Prof. Michael G. Wenz Ms. Laura J. West Dr. Durene I. Wheeler Sarator Whitehead Mrs. Lynn Winikates Mr. Jeffrey D. Wyse and Ms. Sheila Wyse Ms. Jing Xie Mr. Shencheng Xu Ms. Pamela M. Zawila Mr. Fuad Ziai and Mrs. Mahin Ziai Ms. Kim M. Zinman Mrs. Jenny C. Zuluaga
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2021 Annual Giving Recognition (July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021) The Wentworth Society builds upon the University’s history as an important educational institution within the City of Chicago. It is named for Daniel Sanborn Wentworth, founding superintendent of the Cook County Normal School, and the dates associated with it reflect significant milestones in Northeastern’s history. Membership in this society is based on annual giving, and members receive unique benefits including exclusive invitations to events to learn about the University’s new initiatives.
1867
Founded as Cook County Normal School in Blue Island
$50,000 + • Anonymous • Ms. Sasha L. Gerritson and Mr. Eugene P. Jarvis • Estate of Mary Krebs Smyth
1949
• The Lay Family Foundation • The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
• Alice K. Murata, Ph.D. • Revada Foundation of the Logan Family
Named Chicago Teachers College North
$25,000 - $49,999 • Anonymous
1967
• Community Partners
• Impact Assets Inc
Named Northeastern Illinois State College
$10,000 - $24,999 • • • • • •
After School Matters, Inc. Anonymous Dr. Rita M. Brusca-Vega and Mr. Flavio Vega The Chicago Community Trust Chicago Cubs Charities Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
1971
• • • • • •
Credit Union 1 Dr. A. Michael Drachler and Mrs. Nancy Drachler Dr. Lawrence P. Frank Estate of Ronald Lee Fritz Greater Milwaukee Foundation - Donald P. Timm Fund Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement
• • • • •
Illinois Humanities Dr. Jacqueline Krump Poetry Foundation Warren & Shirley Roeske Trust President Emerita Salme Harju Steinberg and Dr. Michael Steinberg
• • • • • • • •
Mr. Thomas F. Power Jr. and Mrs. Loretta Power Dr. Audrey L. Reynolds Mr. Johan Rosenberg Mr. Tony Roshangar and Mrs. Barbara Roshangar Mr. John F. Roskopf SGH Warsaw School of Economics Teach Access The Family of Arnold and Adele Weil
Granted Status as a University
$5,000 - $9,999 • • • • • • • • • •
AARP Foundation Anonymous Art Institute of Chicago Dr. Allison R. Brigham Mr. James B. Carlson Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, LLC The Claremont Colleges Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago Crossroads Fund Crown Family Philanthropies
• • • • • • • • • •
Ehrlich Family Trust Mr. Jeffrey Ehrlich Farzaneh Family Foundation Field Foundation of Illinois LLC President Gloria J. Gibson The Kendeda Fund Korean Education Center Ms. Lilly Fallah Lawrence Ms. Leslie W. MacDonald Mr. Andrew McDonough
Fiscal Year 2021 Leader Society Visionary
($2,500 - $4,999) Dr. John S. Al-Bazi and Mrs. Odette K. Al-Bazi Mrs. Julia A. Anderson Ms. Suzanne Bettman Mr. Jagannath Bobji Ms. Anita G. Brandes Mr. Emanuel Cruz Dr. Daysi X. Diaz-Strong Mr. Michael Downey and Ms. Liesl Downey Enterprise Holdings Foundation Facebook Campaigns President Emerita Sharon Hahs and Dr. Billy Hahs William L. Howenstine and Alice V. Howenstine Ms. Elizabeth M. Kane Ms. Donna Terry Katz Ms. Jean A. Kelchauser The Honorable Margaret Laurino Maine Community Foundation Dr. Blase E. Masini Mrs. Lois G. Melvoin Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago New England Grassroots Environmental Fund
Dr. Wamucii Njogu and Mr. Richard Morgan PayPal Ms. Sheila L. Rotman Dr. Timothy H. Scherman Unity Earth, Inc. University of Pittsburgh Wilmette Golf Club
Champion
($1,000 - $2,499) Abbott Labs Mrs. Celia Jill Althage Mr. Jaime Alvarez Dr. Anita K. Ambardar Mr. Kenn Ashley and Mrs. Lyn Ashley Dr. Saba Ayman-Nolley Dr. Carlos M. Azcoitia Ms Patricia Barnes Mr. Scott W. Barnett Dr. Katrina E. Bell-Jordan Benevity Community Impact Fund Mr. Thomas P. Benson Mr. Theodore J. Birren
James and Margaret Blair Ms. Terry R. Blaszczak Mr. William Blomquist Dr. Howard J. Bultinck Mr. Benjamin M. Burton Mr. Brian S. Buscher Mr. John B. Butler and Mrs. Coralie C. Butler Mr. Donald Robertson Chauncey Jr. Ms. Dunca Dinkha Ms. Lotte L. Dula Dr. Don J. Fanslow Mr. Neal Fenwick and Mrs. Christina Dann-Fenwick Frances E. Streit Foundation Dr. Frank Gaytan and Ms. Deborah Birch-Gaytan Mr. Chuck Good and Mr. Grant Peterson Mr. Roosevelt Gordon Jr. Mr. Thomas Gramins and Mrs. Mary Gramins Mr. John Gregory Dr. Jon B. Hageman and Ms. Susan Bax Prof. Phyllis A. Hurt Mr. Aldo A. Iglehart JPMorgan Chase Foundation Dr. Patricia A. Justice Mr. David Kamper and Mrs. Amelia Mechla
Mr. John Karnuth Ms. Mary T. Keating Charlene R. Kornoski-DuVall and James DuVall Mr. Manish Kumar Mrs. Susan E. Landwer Ms. Huong T. T. Le Loyola University Dr. Elyse J. Mach Ms. Kathleen A. Martin Dr. Nancy A. Matthews and Dr. Lisa Frohmann Ms. Colleen McKiernan Dr. Kennith Miller and Mrs. Brenda L Miller Mr. Marcellus H. Moore Jr. Ms. Luvia Moreno Mr. and Mrs. Brandon and Jessica Mueller Ms. Debra J. Niemann Ms. Patricia M. Obuchowski Mr. Paul Odah Mr. and Mrs. J. Todd Phillips Ms. Carrie D. Reffitt Mr. David D. Robertson Mr. Martin Rodriguez Mr. Eric Rojas and Mrs. Jillian Rojas Dr. Dennis M. Rome Mr. and Mrs. Douglas G. Rosskamm
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NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
31
Mr. Bernard C. Rudnik and Mrs. Karen L. Rudnik Mr. Robert W. Schaack Mr. Victor A. Sciborski Ms. Victoria M. Skala Mr. and Mrs. Hank H. Slingerland Dr. Michael J. Stern Dr. Peter W. Stonebraker Mrs. Damaris Tapia and Mr. Santiago E. Tapia Mrs. Edjuana J. Tatem Mr. Howard Teich and Mrs. Vernell Crosby Teich Dr. Cris E. Toffolo and Dr. Charles Amjad-Ali Urhai Community Services Center Von Steuben Metro. Sci. Center Ms. Peggy A. Wagener
Achiever
($500 - $999) Ms. Terrie G. Albano Dr. Jacqueline R. Anderson Anonymous Mrs. Odette K. Bazi Dr. Sandra D. Beyda-Lorie Ms. Jan Bigalke Gerald L. and Ann C. Bjurman Mr. Terrence Black Ms. Ann A. Botz Mr. John L. Butler Ms. Mary Lou Carta Roger A. Collisson, Ph.D. Mrs. Mimi Crespo and Dr. John Erickson Mr. Van P. Cushing Mrs. Sylvia Daniels and Mr. Thurston Daniels III Ms. Laura L. Dojutrek Ms. Lisa A. Domkowski Mr. Stephen J. Dunnett Everett L. Edwards, II, Ed.D. Mr. Dirk Elmendorf Ms. Ashley L. Elrod Ms. Sarah J. Fabian Dr. Ghobad Fakhimi Ms. Megan Galgano Dr. Richard Hesler and Ms. Kathleen Gianaris Ms. Robyn R. Gilliom Ms. Donna L. Goering Dr. Phyllis K. Goldblatt Ms. Sally S. Gotaas Dr. Jarice K. Hanson Mr. Jaime Z. Harris Prof. Steven R. Harris Mr. Brandon Harrison Dr. Robert A. Heitzinger Ms. Megan Hester Mr. John Hilburger Dr. Essie B. Hill Michael and Mona Hines Dr. Sandra A. Hunt Mrs. Cheryl Hylton and Mr. Jeffrey Hylton Illinois Tool Works Inc. Dr. Brooke Johnson Mr. Leslie Kruse Mr. Chris and Mrs. Kathy Lazar Mr. Shawn J. Lewis Mr. Ronald Lichter and Mrs. Glenda Lee-Lichter Dr. Daniel López, Jr. and Gregory J. Beirise Dr. Maria E. Luna-Duarte Mr. Conrad May and Mrs. Mary May Mr. Jeffrey J. Mazur Mrs. Ann McNabb and Mr. Daryl McNabb Ms. Rita M. Moore Ms. D. Lynne Mueller Dr. Emmanuel Nyadroh and Mrs. Solace Nyadroh The Honorable Billy Ocasio Ms. Lydia C. Omori Mrs. Heather N. Patay Mr. Nick Patterson Dr. Alice M. Pennamon Dr. Shayne D. Pepper Mr. Jorge D. Perez Dr. Suleyma Perez and Dr. Santos Rivera Ms. Mary A. Perry Bates Mr. John D. Pirog and Ms. Carol A. Pirog Ms. Ursula T. Prochwicz Ms. Monica Puig Mr. Kenneth Quintenz Ms. Melissa Reardon Henry and Mr. Brendan Henry Mr. Henry Cappy Ricks Mr. Edward A. Robinson Ms. Elizabeth M. Rodriguez Salesforce.com, Inc. Mr. Yosuke Sato Dr. Barbara M. Scott Mr. Gregory Senese-Evansky Mrs. Barbara G. Sholle Dr. Jennifer Slate
32
Dr. Sudha Srinivas Ms. Allison Stamps Dr. Pinkey A. Stewart Mr. Joseph W. Stock Dr. Richard Swanson and Mrs. Patricia Swanson Dr. Marcelo Sztainberg and Mrs. Marcela Sztainberg Ms. Meghan Taylor Ms. Sharon K. Todd Ms. Mary R. Traynor Malloy US Bank Foundation Mrs. Saralou Victor Mr. Larry A. Vigon Mr. Alex J. Vizzone Mr. Thomas W. Vogelsang Ms. Barbara D. Waller Ms. Lisa C. Wallis Mr. Ralph Collins Walter Mr. and Mrs. Terrence J. and Mary Winkler Dr. Shencheng Xu
Builder
($100 - $499) Mr. Javier Abad Lopez Ms. Patricia Acosta Dr. Tony Adams and Dr. Gerardo Moreno Mr. Paul Aeschleman Ms. Ashley K. Agron Ms. Patricia Aguado Mr. Michael S. Alexander Amazing Edibles Catering Ms. Marsha K. Amraen Ancel Glink Mr. Peter L. Andersen Mr. Kent Anderson Ms. Lorene F. Andrewnovitz Anonymous (2) Mr. Frank J. Anselmo Jr. Ms. Nadia Askar Mr. Rasheed Atolagbe-Aro Ms. Susan E. Auman Dr. Iraj Ayman Mr. Géraud Bablon Mr. Arthur Baden and Mrs. Laura Baden Ms. America Baez Ms. Rachel Bagby Dr. Daniel B. Bailey Ms. Lenore Bajare-Dukes Ms. Victoria L. Banak Dr. Jennifer R. Banas Mr. Eric P. Bangeman Dr. Shelley A. Bannister Dr. Timothy P. Barnett Ms. Mary E. Barrett Ms. Carolyn L. Bartman Ms. Hannah Bartman Mr. David A. Bateman Mr. Charles D. Baygood Mr. Douglas Beardsley Dr. and Mrs. John A. Beckwith Dr. Mike D. Bedell Mr. Brad Bennett Mr. Kirk S. Bennett Ms. Molly Benning Ms. Mary P. Berendt Mr. Donald P. Bergsrud Mr. John Berkowitz Mr. John F. Berninger Mr. Lawrence Bernstein Mr. Dean Betevis Dr. Sharon Bethea Dr. Anthony J. Bilotti Mr. Leverett S. Bishop Mrs. Judith D. Bizar Mrs. Dorina Bizhga Ms. Jennifer R. Blair John Bliss Ms. Dagny Bloland Mr. Erik R. Blomstedt Ms. Judith K. Bock Mr. Philip E. Bohlander Dr. Elyse A. Bolterstein Ms. Emily A. Booms Ms. Sarice Boston Dr. Georgia L. Bozeday Dr. Andrew W. Brake Dr. Richard Hart Brewer and Dr. Mary Ann Schwartz Ms. Lia J. Brilando Mr. James Broderick Dr. Frances Brokaw Mr. Jonas Broner Ms. Katherine K. Brown Ms. Valerie R. Brown Mr. Michael D. Bruce
NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
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Dr. Marcia Buell Mr. Kyle E. Burke Ms. Kelly A. Burzic Mr. John A. Butterfield Dr. Vicki F. Byard Mr. Osvaldo Caballero Mr. Ralph J. Campagna Dr. Ellen S. Cannon and Dr. Arnold M. Herskovic Ms. Piedad Cantu Mrs. Linda C. Carruthers Dr. Shirley J. Caruso Mrs. Mary Jane Cascino Dr. John P. Casey Ms. Merle Caviness Mr. John J. Cerwin Ms. Mary Ellen E. Channon Ms. Rose M. Channon Charities Aid Foundation of America Ms. Maria Chavez Daza Mr. Kevin Chestnut Mr. Bob M. Chikos Ms. Cheryl Chrismon Mr. Robert J. Cisek * Mr. Lorenzo Clemons Dr. Denise L Cloonan Cortez de Andersen Mr. Anje Cluxton Mr. Frank Coberly Dr. R. Shayne Cofer Mrs. Julie A. Cohen Ms. Sharon Comer Blau Mr. Daniel Contreras Dr. Barbara A. Cook Ms. Chaelecia Y. Cooper Mr. Kevin C. Cooper Mrs. Lynette Correa-Velez Mr. Aaron Cortes Mr. Jerome Michael Pendergast and Ms. Kathleen Ann Craine Mr. Todd L. Crawford Prof. Dan Creely and Mrs. Kathleen Creely Dr. Julio Cruz Mr. Audrey Culver Mr. David Cwik Ms. Amy Dalton Ms Katelyn J. Daniels Mr. Michael Dao and Dr. Bich-Dao Nguyen Lesa Davis Mr. Marshall W. Dawson Jr. Dr. Martyn De Bruyn Mrs. Janice De Groot and Mr. John De Groot Mr. Paul De Neui Mr. Bruce A. Dean Ms. Patricia DeAngelis Mr. Denis DeCamp and Mrs. Dianne DeCamp Mr. Christopher Deger Mr. Rene Diaz Mrs. Diane DiMaso and Mr. Nick DiMaso Mr. Nick A. DiMaso DiMeo Schneider & Associates, L.L.C. Mr. Robert DiMeo Mrs. Anna M. Doherty Dominican University Mr. Robert J. Dougherty Ms. Jane Doyle Ms. Susan P. Drinan KT Duffy Dr. Timothy J. Duggan Prof. Stephen Dundis and Mrs. Jo Ann Dundis Mr. Travis E. DuPriest Henry Dwyer Dr. Amanda Dykema-Engblade Dr. Sherry Eagle Dr. Nancy L. Easton Dr. Lincoln L. Eaton Mr. Ralph Egan Mrs. Patricia Elliott Mr. Gary Engblade Mrs. Marjorie Ettlinger and Mr. Richard Ettlinger Dr. Andrea E. Evans Mr. John Faires Mr. Mateo M. Farzaneh Burt Ferrini Dr. Lidia Z. Filus Ms. Jacqueline R. Fitzgerald Ms. Kara Fitzpatrick Mr. Timothy E. Fleming Ms. Cheryl L. Flinn Ms. Sharon A. Flint Mrs. Patricia H. Flynn Mr. Stewart Foley Mr. Scott Foutz Mrs. Rachel E. Fowler Lt. Col. Leslie Fraze and Lt. Col. Kenneth Fraze Mr. Robert E. Freeman Jr. Robert Frey Mr. Gregg A. Friedman Dr. Laurie S. Fuller
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Dr. and Mrs. Charles Funk Mr. Steven J. Gag and Ms. Laura J. Gang Dr. Aneta E. Galary Mrs. Mary L. Gall Ms. Emily M. Gallagher Gina Gamboa Ms. Emily M. Garcia Mr. Thomas J. Garden Ms. Christina Gaytan Ms. Pamela Geddes Dr. Gerald R. Gems Mr. Stanley J. Getch GFF Foundation Walt and Nan Giblin Ms. Pearl Gilson Ms. Hilary Giovale Ms. Katherine A. Gleiss Mr. William E. Glennon and Mrs. Georgiana T. Glennon Ms. Stacey Goguen Prof. Susan Goldin-Meadow Mr. Lewis D. Goldstein Dr. Christina Gomez and Mr. Gerald Doyle Mr. John S. Gomez Mr. Kerald V. Gonzales Ms. Liz Gordon Mrs. Catherine Gorzynski and Mr. Robert Gorzynski Mrs. Beverly A. Grant Mr. Gary A. Green Mr. Jon C. Grettie Ms. Nancy Griffin Ms. Meghan Grimes Dr. Israel M. Gross Mr. John Gross Ms. Rose M. Guccione Ms. Lynn H. Gullickson Spencer Mr. Raymond Gunn and Mrs. Rose Gunn Mrs. Nancy A. Guzauskas Ms. Susan M. Hall Mr. Mark S. Hammersmith Ms. Patricia O. Hanlon Ms. Lakeesha J. Harris Miss Ann B. Hartdegen Mr. Robert Haskel Ms. Jane Hassinger Jane S. Hawley, Ph.D. Ms. Crystal Hayling Pamela A. Hayward, Ph.D. Ms. Robin Heggum Mr. Philip M. Heinz Mrs. Amalea Hendricksen and Mr. Daniel Hendricksen Jeanette Hernandez-Kalin Ms. Noreen A. Hernandez Prof. Joseph E. Hibdon Jr. Mrs. Libby Hill and Mr. Winfred Hill Mrs. Karen K. Hiyama Mrs. Cynthia Ho and Mr. Joseph Ho Dr. Sarah L. Hoagland and Ms. Anne T. Leighton Mr. David Hoel Ms. Karen Hoel Mr. Nikolas O. Hoel Mr. Michael Holland and Mary Holland Ms. Maudine J. Holloway Ms. Kimberly Hong Dr. Aaron Horne Mrs. Carrie A. Horton Mr. Paul M. Hughes Ms. Jana Hunter Louverta Hurt, Ph.D. Ms. Patricia Hurtado Ms. Jennifer Hynds Cecil Hynds-Riddle Mr. Francisco D. Iacobelli Mrs. Roberta K. Jameson Ms. Charlene R. Jefferson-Johnson Ms. Mary Lou L. Jelachich Dr. Dianne Jenett Mr. Daniel Jimenez and Margie Jimenez Dr. Barbara A. Johnson Dr. Dean Johnson Mr. Eric M. Johnson Ms. Constance J. Jones Ms. Emily Jones Mr. Jerold Jones and Mrs. Susan Jones Mr. Pius Z. Joseph Dr. Nabil Kahouadji Dr. Ann P. Kalayil Kale Realty Dr. Michele Kane and Mr. Daniel A. Tichenor Mr. Dennis A. Kass Mr. Barry N. Katz Ms. Elisabeth Keller Mr. Peter Kempfer Ms. Jane H. Kenas-Heller Mr. Patrick Kenning
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Me Alexander Levering Kern Sameer Khaja Mr. Mateen Khumawala Kiefer Financial Group, Inc. Ms. Julie H. Kim Dr. Mary Kimble Ms. Marian E. Kinsella Ms. Evangelina Kintner Ms. Jewel N. Klein Ms. Doris D. Knox Ms. Gillian B. Kohler Kenneth L. Konopka, Ph.D. Mr. Andrew Korsak Mr. Martin J. Kral Ms. Lisa J. Krause Mr. Maung M. Ku Ms. Kimberly R. Kuhns Ms. Martha C. Kuznicki Ms. Maria R. Lamadrid-Quevedo Ms. Maryellen Langhout Larry Asimow Landscaping Mr. Jerome Lattyak and Mrs. Dorothea Lattyak Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie Ms. Nancy Lawroski Dr. Lynne Layton Learn Scuba Chicago Ms. Janice Lee Mrs. Joyce Lee and Mr. David Lee Mr. Aaron J. Leiva Ms. Valerie Levine Mr. Michael Lichtenstein Ms. Sharon G. Lieberman Ms. Candace Lindsay Ms. Janice E. Linn Mr. Larry D. Linthicum Deborah Lipton Morris Mr Andrew Lobban Mrs. Rebecca Locks Mr. Rodney W. Locks Mr. Juan Lopez Ms. Rosita Lopez Dr. Carleen S. Lorys Dr. James Lucas and Dr. Martha Thompson Prof. Lori Lucas Schuyler and Mr. Bob Schuyler Dr. Tracy J. Luedke Mr. Roberto Lugo Jr L. A. Luongo Mr. George Lutfallah Mrs. Mary Jo A. Lynch Ms. Katrin Machaj The Honorable William O. Maki Susanne V. Maki Mr. Anthony M. Mallerdino Malnati Organization, Inc. Ms. Patricia A. Marino Ms. Catharine M. Markey Ms Mirian Martinez Ms Rachel F. Martiniak Ms. Patricia M. Martorelli Ms. Carmen Maso Ms. Cynthia Mason Mr. Kevin M. McCaffrey Prof. Martha McClintock Ms. Kate McConnell Mr. James P. McDunn Ms. Cheryl A. McFarlin Ms. Mary Catherine McGovern Mr. Tom McGovern Mr. Mark P. McKernin Ms. Troy A. McMillan Mr. Stephen C. McMinn Ms. Nancy E. McVittie Alice Medenwald Dr. Mark Melton
Dr. Terry C. Mena Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Mendelson Mrs. Kathleen A. Menzer Mr. Jason Merel Mr. David W. Merrill Ms. Margaret M. Michalski Mr. Mark S. Michelini Mr. Daniel R. Mielcuch Sophia Mihic Ms. Christie L. Miller Dr. Patrick B. Miller Dr. Denana Miodragovic Ms. Betty N. Mishkin Dr. Patricia D. Mizerka Mr. Victor M. Montanez Mr. Angel E. Monterroso Mr. Bryan K. Moore and Ms. Carla D. Boddy Prof. Cynthia Moran and Eric Scholl Ms. Renee G. Morelli Mr. and Mrs. James P. Morgan Dr. Michelle D. Morrow Jo Mortland Mr. Robert W. Morton Ms. Patricia Mota Dr. Seung-Hwan Mun Mr. John M. Murray Dr. William Nack Mr. Michael Nash and Mrs. Kathleen Nash Mr. Felix D. Nater Dr. Job E. Ngwe Ms. Laura L. Nichols Ms. Alicia Nieves Ms. Ana C. Nieves Ms. Carol M. Novak Mr. Michael J. Nowicki Dr. Jeanine Ntihirageza Mr. Eric Nuebling Ms. Angela C. Nugent Dr. Kara B. Nuss Mrs. Nora C. O’Mahoney Mrs. Donna Oberhardt and Mr. William Oberhardt Ms. Margaret A. Odiko-Pim Joel Olfelt One Planet Peace Forum Mr. Abdiel Ortega Ms. Claudia M. Ortiz Mr. Fausto Ortiz Irma Ortiz Mr. Luis O. Ortiz Dr. Kristen L. Over Ms. Yolaluis Perez-Padgett and Mr. Timothy J. Padgett Mrs. Barbara C. Parikh Dr. Cheryl J. Park Reverend Won K. Park Mr. Christopher T. Parson Mr. Amar Patel Uma Patel Mr. Julius A. Patterson Ms. Kimberley J. Pavlock Mr. Jeffrey Beckman and Ms. Helene Pearlman Beckman Dr. Olivia N. Perlow Mr. James F. Peterka Ms. Cathy A. Petersen Ms. Constance K. Pettinger Mrs. Brittany A. Pines Mr. Spiros Pissios Ms. Patricia Plautz Ms. Natalie Potts Mrs. Shirley S. Pregozen Ms. Perry Prezas Ms. Eleanor C. Prince
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Dr. Isaura B. Pulido Ms. Jaq A. Quanbeck Mr. Christian Racho Mr. Thomas Q. Radigan Ms. Phyllis J. Raine Ms. Sharon S. Rakowski Mr. Xavier Ramirez Ms. Analicia Ramos Ms. Melissa N. Ramos Mr. Chris Rathunde Dr. Carl J. Ratner Ms. Virginia R. Reed Mr. Patrick Reget Ms. Beth Reinke Ms. Kelly Reitz Ms. Amy R. Rempas Mr. James Rendel Mr. Ronald L. Resse Mr. Kyle Reynen Dr. Lynne Reynolds Mrs. Bonnie E. Rhodes Mr. Edwardo Rhodes Dr. Margaret Richek-Goldberg and Mr. Perry Goldberg Dustin Rigsby Ms. Patricia A. Riley Dr. Angelica Rivera Dr. Richard J. Robertson Dra. Judith S. Rocha Mr. Hans H. Roderich Mr. Anthony Rodriguez Mr. Anthony Rodriguez Ms. Lizzie Rodriguez Ms Veronica Rodriguez Dr. Joan L. Rog Mr. Jay S. Rosenberg Mr. Carey L. Rothbardt Prof. Edie Rubinowitz Dr. Linda M. Rueckert Mr. Gerardo Ruiz Dr. David Rutschman and Ms. Marjory Byler Dr. Arnold C. Samuels Ms. Kimberly M. Sanborn Mrs. Audrey I. Sanderson Ms Lynne R. Sandman Esther Santana The Honorable Milly Santiago Ms. Dinah Satinsky Ms. Rachel L. Schaffnit Mr. Robert W. Scheidt Dr. Zachary S. Schiffman Ms. Rosalie Schmitt Ms. Laima M. Schnell Ms. Rosalie M. Schultz Ms. Sheila S. Schultz Mr. Daniel Serna Mr. Massood Seyedin Dr. Charles W. Shabica and Mrs. Susan Shabica Dr. Allen Shub and Mrs. Susan Shub Mrs. Eleanor Shunas and Mr. William Shunas Ms Kelly J. Siau Mr. Daniel Sidorowicz Dame Veva Silva Ms. Barbara E. Silvestri Dr. Paul Sipiera and Mrs. Diane Sipiera Mr. Samah S. Slim Dr. Katy A. Smith Ms. Sandra A. Smith Ms. Susan K. Snowden Dr. June Sochen Sik Son Kenneth Sotak Ms. Tanya K. Southwood
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David Sperling Mrs. Jody A. Stadler Starbucks Coffee Company Mr. Jonathan Stein and Mrs. Benay Stein Dr. Charles R. Steinwedel and Dr. Francesca C. Morgan Sr. Shane Stent Ms. Jane Stephenson Ms. Carla C. Stewart-Edelston Dr. Brett Stockdill Prof. Emina A. Stojkovic Mrs. Marjorie R. Stueckemann Mr. Christopher R. Sulla Mr. Wayne Svoboda and Mrs. Lynn C. Svoboda Ms. Christine L. Swanson Ms. Lina Sweiss Mr. Alan E. Szafraniec Mrs. Nermina Tanovic Mr. Nicholas Taylor Mr. Akkady Tchaba Ivan Temesvari Ms. Mary C. Thill Dr. Stephen Thompson Ms. Patricia Thurmond Mr. John C. Tierney Ms. Jean A. Tippett Mr. Stephen W. Trok Ms. Julianne Trubac-Henington Mrs. Heather Truffer and Mr. Tom Truffer Mr. Richard Tupper Mr. Dirk Tussing Mr. Richard Ufford-Chase Mr. Hector Uriostegui Mr. Alejandro Valdez Mr. Mark R. Van Ausdal and Mrs. Cheryl Van Ausdal Mr. Benjamin Van Loon Ms. Paola E. Vargas Ms. Jessica A. Vasquez Ms. Suyapa M. Velasquez Mrs. Loukia Verhage and Mr. Kent Verhage Ms. Elizabeth Villarreal Mr. Kenneth Voglesonger Mr. Karl T. Voigt Mrs. Halisa Vulic Nekenya Walker Mr. Robert Wallace Mr. Xiwei Wang Ms. Sandra L. Watson-Smith Mrs. Janet Weeks and Mr. Norman Weeks Dr. Gina J. Wells Prof. Michael G. Wenz Ms. Laura J. West Mrs. Marcia L. Whaley Dr. Durene I. Wheeler Mr. Robert Whitehead Ms. Charlom Wilcher Ms. Sherry Williams Mr. Sir M. V. Williams Ms. Teela M. Williams Mr. Shawn K. Woods Mr. Ralph P. Wurster Mr. Ed Yonan Ms. Pamela M. Zawila Zhonggang Zeng, Ph.D. Mr. Sheilfer Zepeda Ms. Jane Zera Ms. Sue Zera Ms. Kim M. Zinman Mr. Thomas Zipprich Mrs. Jenny C. Zuluaga
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✏ Class Gift Donors are typically graduating seniors who make a parting gift to the Class Gift Scholarship, which began in 1996 and now one of Northeastern's largest scholarship funds * Indicates deceased
To see a complete list of the NEIU Foundtion's 2020-2021 donors, please visit neiu.edu/givingsociety NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
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Golden Gala goes virtual
Like most pandemic events, Northeastern’s annual Golden Gala and Alumni Awards ceremony was held virtually in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 ceremony was emceed by 2011 Distinguished Alumnus Award winner and retired WGN-TV anchor Robert Jordan (M.A. '94 Speech). It honored poet, essayist, activist, novelist and scholar Ana Castillo (B.A. ’75 Art) with the Distinguished Alumnus Award, the highest honor Northeastern bestows upon its alumni. Per tradition, Castillo delivered remarks to the graduates during the December 2020 Commencement ceremony. “I am aware that this is an unprecedented time in not only the history of this country, but the history of this world,” she said upon receiving the award. She continued, “It’s important that we all are aware—regardless of our ethnic background, our gender, our lifestyle choices—that we’re all sharing this planet together.” Castillo’s latest publication, “My Book of the Dead,” is a new collection of 40 poems that address the meaning of life, current events and what happens after death. It was published in September 2021 by University of New Mexico Press.
The 2021 ceremony honored Miguel del Valle (B.A. ’74 Secondary EducationSpanish; M.A. ’77 Guidance and Counseling) with the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Del Valle was the first Latino senator in the Illinois General Assembly and first Latino City Clerk of Chicago. “Coming to Northeastern set me on a track that I knew, not only did I want to be on, but I knew I would be on for the rest of my life, and that was the track of being able to be of service to my community,” del Valle said. He continued, “Here we are, 50 years later, and we can look back and really see Northeastern evolve from a school where just a handful of Latino kids attended, at the time, felt unsupported, to the school today, being officially a Hispanic Serving Institution. I’m proud of that. I’m very proud of that.” Del Valle is a graduate of Chicago Public Schools and currently serves as President of the Chicago Board of Education, a post appointed to him by Mayor Lori Lightfoot in 2019. Del Valle delivered remarks to the graduates during the December 2021 Commencement ceremony held in person December 12 at the Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago, Illinois.
2020 Golden Gala awards:
2021 Golden Gala awards:
Alumni Service Award
Alumni Service Award
CHARLES L. GOOD B.A. ’04 Economics and History
Community Leadership Award BERHANE HAILEMICHAEL B.A. ’14 Justice Studies M.A. ’17 Community and Teacher Leaders
Outstanding GOLD Alumni Award
DAVID ROBERTSON B.A. ’16 Nontraditional Degree Programs M.A. ’18 Community and Teacher Leaders
Future Alumni Leader Award MELANIE GLOVER B.A. ’18 Justice Studies Current Graduate Student
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NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
LAURA DOJUTREK STOCK B.A. ’82 Secondary Education, Physical Education
Community Leadership Award JESSIE FUENTES B.A. ’13 Justice Studies M.A. ’18 Community and Teacher Leaders
Outstanding GOLD Alumni Award DR. SAMNIQUEKA HALSEY B.S. ’11 Biology
Future Alumni Leader Award KIMBERLY NU-TALL Current Student, Biology
Resilient Researcher Photo credit: www.jboehmphoto.com © 2021
S
herry Williams (B.A. ’17 University Without Walls) is doing her best to ensure stories of Bronzeville residents aren’t forgotten.
“The Bronzeville Historical Society uses public spaces to tell the history of Bronzeville,” said Williams, who founded the nonprofit organization and is dedicated to chronicling the arrival of African Americans to Chicago during the Great Migration and beyond. Williams made local and national headlines when her organization pushed back against the owners of the Aunt Jemima brand, PepsiCo and Quaker Oats, deciding to rename Aunt Jemima as Pearl Milling Company. “Chicago has the distinction of having three Black women portray Aunt Jemima for Quaker Oats: Nancy Green, Edith Wilson and Lou Blanchard,” Williams said. “Nancy Green is recognized as the ‘original Aunt Jemima.’ She was born enslaved in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, and represented the Aunt Jemima brand from 1893 until her death in 1923. Her contributions to Bronzeville included serving as a missionary and donor to Olivet Baptist Church, which was established by free Blacks in Chicago in 1850. It served as a depot for runaway slaves—freedom seekers—established benevolent funds to bury
community members who could not afford the expenses, and also contributed heavily to establishing Black Baptist colleges.” Williams said PepsiCo and Quaker Oats never responded to the Bronzeville Historical Society, Mt. Sterling Kentucky Historical Society, and others who all requested the companies keep the brand name and images. “The companies should have honored the women who represented the Aunt Jemima brand with, perhaps, biographies and photos of them promoting the brand,” Williams said. “These incredible Black women are responsible for the popularity of this brand, which has earned billions of dollars. Efforts for PepsiCo to invest in Black Communities were announced in 2020. Not one single dollar has reached the families nor Bronzeville Historical Society for their initiatives in Black education.” Williams, who earned a master’s degree in library science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, researched burials of many in Oak Woods Cemetery and located the graves of Civil War era African Americans, many of whom do not have grave markers. “Cemeteries are the most important link to the past,” Williams said. “The effort to honor
Nancy Green with a headstone took more than 12 years. Oak Woods Cemetery has a policy that allows only descendants of those buried to place a headstone. I had to locate the next of kin nearly 100 years after she had died.” Williams raised more than $7,000 to cover the cost of a headstone and the expense of bringing members of Green’s family to Chicago. When COVID-19 prevented travel for the unveiling of the headstone, she took steps to have the unveiling streamed over Zoom for Green’s family members, donors and people who were interested in celebrating Green across the U.S. In the summer of 2021, Williams collaborated with other community members to create a website and exhibit at Chicago’s Woodson Regional Library titled “ReIMAGINE Aunt Jemima.” In June, Williams was honored by the Chicago Cultural Alliance with the MOSIAC Award for Outstanding Community Leader. “I never imagined the support we would receive,” Williams said. “Community members, performers, musicians and poets have begun artistic projects to keep the legacy of Nancy Green and other incredible women who represented the brand on the forefront of recognition.”
“Community members, performers, musicians and poets have begun artistic projects to keep the legacy of Nancy Green and other incredible women who represented the [Aunt Jemima] brand on the forefront of recognition.” —Sherry Williams NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 2020-21 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
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For the eigth year in a row, Northeastern Illinois University graduates its students with the least amount of debt. U.S. News & World Report 2022 rankings.
